06.03 Comprehensive Plan Update - Laserfiche WebLink

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RECREATION INTENT Provide an inter-connected and highly accessible City-wide recreational system with adequate public and private amenities that offer diverse and high-quality outdoor recreation for all socioeconomic levels. BACKGROUND The City of Pequot Lakes has a mixture of recreation amenities. Outdoor recreation is a primary reason many residents have chosen to reside in this part of the Central Lakes Region. Preserving and enhancing recreational opportunities is a high priority in continuing the current standard of living for residents. Features of Pequot Lakes' outdoor recreational system include lakes and wetlands, trails, public natural areas, playgrounds, and private facilities such as golf courses. Indoor recreation is also available at the school gym, coffee shops, and retail stores. LAKES AND WETLANDS Lakes and wetlands are community assets and provide scenic vistas for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. These bodies of water also benefit Pequot Lakes by providing opportunities for more active recreation.Since development is prohibited in wetland areas,these pieces of land are ideal areas for outdoor recreation such as hunting,winter trails,and bird watching. Within city boundaries, Pequot Lakes has five primarily recreational lakes:Sibley, Mayo, East Twin,West Twin, , and most of Middle Cullen. Lakes are true public open space,and public lake access exists on Sibley, East,and i West Twin Lakes. TRAILS AND SCENIC BYWAYS � Trails are a significant recreation opportunity in Pequot Lakes.The most widely-known existing trail is the Paul I Bunyan State Trail,a paved path that runs from Crow Wing State Park south of Baxter to Bemidji.This trail is a ; significant tourist attraction that brings visitors through the central commercial district of downtown. I The Mayo Lake Nature Preserve,located off Hurtig Road,consists of 64 acres of land graciously donated to the i City.Situated toward the end of Wilderness Road,the State Wildlife Management Area contains over 200 acres. I Both of these areas are available for passive recreation, such as bird watching, walking, hiking, snowshoeing, I cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, which runs along County Highways 11 and 16 in Pequot Lakes, is another ' important recreational asset.In addition to providing a "forested gateway" to the City, the byway preserves � the scenic value of the area for drivers to enjoy,draws tourists to the City, and provides additional walking and biking surFaces.The 54-mile Byway connects with the Paul Bunyan State Trail in Pequot Lakes and Jenkins. This area may be designated as a Bird City area.Birds are an indicator of the health of the environment. i � Comprehensive Plan Update-November 2018 21 � P a g e �