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downtown by providing increased opportunity for mixed-use development.Adding a built-in"customer" base <br /> by promoting new residences in the downtown while designing the public realm to have a strong pedestrian- <br /> orientation will allow a mix of businesses to be viable on a year-round basis. This approach will also make <br /> more-efficient use of existing infrastructure investments,which is essential if those systems are to be affordable <br /> over the long run. <br /> NATURAL FEATURES <br /> Pequot Lakes is a gateway to the Central Lakes Region. Long-time residents, newcomers, and visitors feel <br /> strongly connected to this north-woods landscape. Although population growth and improvements in <br /> transportation have the potential to boost Pequot Lakes' local economy, the City must remain cognizant to <br /> create economic development and expansion to align with natural features. <br /> Clean lakes, mixed forests, and diverse wetlands all contribute to the scenic beauty and character of <br /> Pequot Lakes.These natural features offer residents and visitors a tranquil respite as they provide habitat for <br /> plant and animal species.A deep respect for the natural environment is important to preserving it and future <br /> development that diminishes these resources can adversely affect what makes Pequot Lakes a special and <br /> desirable place. <br /> COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACES AND EVENTS <br /> Community gathering places such as churches and schools are an important part of the cultural fabric. In <br /> addition to providing residents with meeting places, they provide opportunities for citizen involvement in <br /> groups and activities that strengthen the community. <br /> Encouraging public art by students and local civic groups gives young people an opportunity to engage in their <br /> community, enforcing the concept that Pequot Lakes values its youth and takes pride in their education. <br /> Yearly festivals like Bean Hole Days,the 4�'of July Celebration,Chokecherry Festival,Taste of Pequot,Antique <br /> Snowmobile Rendezvous,Cherry Car Show and Bands in the Park provide fun events that celebrate the City's <br /> heritage,bring together people of all age groups,and attract visitors from around the state. <br /> Pequot Lakes also has a tremendous asset with the Trailside Park area, the land between Government Drive <br /> and Front Street,adjacent to the Paul Bunyan Trail.To provide more benefit to the community,the park itself, <br /> which functions more as a central "square" than a traditional park, also needs some definition to make the <br /> space more usable. <br /> OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BALANCED LIFESTYLE <br /> In Pequot Lakes, people have the opportunity to live where they also recreate. The Paul Bunyan Trail, <br /> numerous lakes, and areas of publicly and privately owned land provide residents and visitors with a <br /> variety of active and passive recreational opportunities. The integration of recreation with everyday life <br /> prevails in the City and it is worth preserving, particularly as the population in Pequot Lakes grows and <br /> existing recreational facilities face increased pressure.A growing awareness of health and fitness issues points <br /> to a greater demand for recreational opportunities in Pequot Lakes. <br /> 6 � Fage <br />