TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Timothy Stillings, Development Services Director
THROUGH: Mark R. Lauzier, City Manager
DATE: October 2, 2018
Title
ALWAYS DELRAY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE: PRESENTATION OF THE OPEN SPACE, PARKS, AND RECREATION ELEMENT (FORMERLY KNOWN OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION)
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Provide comment and direction regarding the proposed Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element of the Always Delray Comprehensive Plan.
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Background:
The update to the Delray Beach Comprehensive Plan, which has been branded “Always Delray,” began in 2016 with the creation of a Steering Committee, appointed by the City Commission. Community workshops were held to discuss and receive public input on each element. This input was utilized to formulate the draft elements, along with the input of Subject Matter Experts on each topic, which consisted of City Staff, consultants, and community members.
Florida Statutes 163.3177 requires the inclusion of a recreation and open space element that indicates a comprehensive system of public and private sites for recreation, including, but not limited to natural reservations, parks and playgrounds, parkways, beaches and public access to beaches, open spaces, waterways and other recreational facilities.
The City of Delray Beach provides for and maintains a variety of safe and enjoyable recreation opportunities on nearly 500 acres of parkland located within the City. This element is the City of Delray Beach’s plan for providing a high-quality system of open space, parks, and recreational facilities and programs. The preservation of parkland and environmentally sensitive open spaces are critical to meet future, projected demands and respond to recreation trends. The element highlights park safety, accessibility, connectivity, and sustainability practices as integral components of park amenities. The element was renamed to include the term “Parks,” as they are a major asset to the c...
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