CEDAR FALLS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AMENITIES
An essential component of Cedar Falls’ future quality of life will be the continuation of a strong parks and trails system. Cedar Falls should offer neighborhood park ser- vices within a comfortable walking distance of approximately one-quarter to one- half mile for all residents. Cedar Falls’ residential neighborhoods, activity centers, commercial areas, schools, parks and open spaces should be linked by a compre- hensive and continuous greenway system. Greenways include natural areas and greenbelts that provide open space within developed areas, separate incompatible uses, buffer busy roadways and accommodate natural drainage. Adding trails to these greenways can provide important non-motorized linkages between neigh- borhoods, schools, and parks, thus creating a safe pedestrian environment.
The Development Concept map shows an expanded trail network that connects schools, parks, downtown, commercial centers and residential areas. New parks are proposed to accommodate new residential neighborhoods in growth areas. Fig- ure 10.1 shows the proposed park system (The proposed additions are discussed in greater detail in the “Residential Growth Centers” section of chapter 9. Refer to chapter 5 for the existing parks and trails system).
PARK FINANCING
The City Parks and Recreation Department shall identify all available funding sourc- es for facilities, operations and recreational opportunities to supplement traditional funding sources. The City Parks and Recreation Department shall seek available grant funding from local, state and federal agencies and from non-profit foundations.
Cedar Falls should implement a mechanism for park acquisition and ensure reservation of well-located and appropriately sized open spaces. Park acquisition may take place through dedication of appropriate parcels by developers. Some Iowa cities also allow payment of cash in lieu of dedication of land by developers. While the law is clear that a city cannot mandate a payment in lieu of dedication, cities such as Ankeny, Johnson and Iowa City have provisions in their dedication ordinance that allow payment of cash in lieu of dedication, only at the request of the developer. Other cities, such as West Des Moines and Clive, prohibit such dedication. The payment in lieu of dedication approach to park financing requires local processes to track expenditures to the direct benefit of those areas that pay the fee. Cedar Falls park officials should consult with the Cedar Falls city attorney to determine their approach on this issue.
To require dedication of land by developers, Cedar Falls should establish a park land dedication policy for all new developments. This policy should be implemented through the City’s land development ordinances. The obligation for land dedication (or payment in lieu of dedication) are typically a function of:
• Acres in the development • Development density established by the development’s zoning
• Number of people per housing unit in Cedar Falls, differentiating between single and multi-family residences
• The City’s desirable level of service standard for acres of neighborhood parkland per 1,000 residents (based on data presented in chapter 1.5 of this plan)
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