06.03 Comprehensive Plan Update - Laserfiche WebLink

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PUBLIC NATURAL AREAS AND PLAYGROUNDS Many large pieces of forested land,wetlands and open space in Pequot Lakes are publicly owned.City,state,and county public land owners create challenges in managing the use of land for recreation purposes. Nevertheless, coordination is necessary in order to provide the most benefits to the community. Public land is an important resource for hunting activities.The Pequot Lakes School District provides athletic fields to be used by students and residents. The City operates several city parks providing recreational opportunities and locations for community events.The City should support the County in their pursuit to lease and improve the DNR-owned fire tower property. Trailside Park is located in the center of the downtown area.Community festivals,such as Bean Hole Days and Bands in the Park,utilize both sections of the park.A large playground is available. Planned improvements to this park include expansion to include Bobber Park, addition of a splash pad, skating rink, a community building, and a flag display. Bobber Park is home to Paul Bunyan's Ox and Paul Bunyan's Chair, as well as the historic Bobber Water Tower. Neighborhood parks are important and provide opportunities for close-to-home recreation. Sibley Lake Park overlooks Sibley Lake.The Sibley Lake Association recently provided the labor to remove the deteriorating steps and revegetate the hillside, along with moving the fishing pier and providing new access steps. A playground was recently donated to be utilized by neighborhood children as well as visitors. Gildner Park and Trailside North Park are neighborhood parks that include playground equipment,picnic tables,and barbeque grills. Pequot Lakes is also home to a Dog Park.The Dog Park is located under the new City Water Tower and is used I by residents and visitors. � Equally important are indoor recreational facilities. The schaol gym complex and Trailside Center are indoor � facilities that can be utilized. � POLICIES , The following policies are proposed to guide future recreational growth and development in Pequot Lakes: I Preserve the integrity of city lakes by limiting development in sensitive shoreland areas.Levels of recreational � use for many activities are high in relation to surrounding areas;two examples are hunting and fishing.Much of I the present and future development in Pequot Lakes is concentrating on lesser value lakeshore where fish and I wildlife habitat values are high;programs are needed to preserve some lakeshore from development. �' Make lakes,wetlands,and public forests more accessible to the public. The lakes and wetlands are scenic spots for recreating residents and tourists.Since development is prohibited on wetlands,they are prime locations � for recreational opportunities such as hunting,birding,or winter trails. I Partner with other public ent�ities owning undeveloped property in Pequot Lakes to create a coordinated � plan for future recreational use.The integration of public land could greatly enhance � Comprehensive Plan Update-November 2018 22 � P a g e