2013-040 Adopting a Parks Master Plan for the City of Paris

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materials and by increasing the amount of natural areas in future parks. Xeriscaping is a form of landscaping that uses native plants and shrubs in order to conserve water for irrigation and eliminate high maintenance materials. As Paris' population and park system continues to grow, it is necessary for the maintenance crews and budget to grow proportionally so that all outdoor public spaces are safe and aesthetically pleasing to all residents and park visitors. Partnerships - Needs The City of Paris needs to partner with both private and public organizations in order to construct some ofthe more expensive projects in the near future and to assist in higher levels of maintenance at existing facilities. With the current economic climate, it is important to work with other organizations to construct, maintain and operate different facilities. Partnerships can provide the city with more realistic park projects and financial decisions and benefit all other entities involved. The city is currently partnering with TxDOT on the Trail De Paris expansion project and has successfully partnered with Paris ISD in receiving a TxDOT Safe Route to School Grant. Paris is in good standings with Texas Parks and Wildlife due to a previous partnership at the Sports Complex and has been awarded a total of three Texas Parks and Wildlife Recreational Trail Grants to extend the Trail de Paris. The City of Paris needs to consider partnerships with other public and private organizations such as Rails to Trails, Kiwanis, local churches, Archers for Christ, Maxey Riflemen Gun Club, Rotary Club, Paris Junior College, public schools and others. Other - Needs Parkland dedication is a local government option requirement that can be applied to subdivision and site development applications mandating the dedication of land for a park and/or the payment of a fee to be used by the governmental entity to acquire land and/or develop park facilities. The City of Paris needs to consider adopting a form of parkland dedication in order to provide additional land and/or cash for park facilities and higher levels of maintenance in the park system. Furthermore, to aid in implementing the existing and proposed trail system components in Paris, inclusion of and dedication of trail elements is recommended, through the development process, as part of the recordation of final plats. C -TE %AS � City of Paris Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan 2013 -2023 Page 32