parks, open space, recreation & lakes
GOALS:
Preserve open space corridors in Tyler for wildlife habitat, nature-based recreation, an attractive public realm, and a healthy environment.
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Protect natural corridors along creeks, floodways, utility easements and other appropriate areas for wildlife habitat and nature-based recreation to include a city wide trail system.
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Protect drinking water and other important resources.
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Enhance canals, drainage ways, and road edges and medians to be attractive city amenities.
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Support private and nonprofit open space protection and management strategies such as conservation easements and land trusts.
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Provide street trees on all city roadways.
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Support the new city arborist position.
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Provide a balanced park and open space system that allows for access and enjoyment by all citizens of Tyler.
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Provide opportunities for both passive and active use of parks and recreation areas.
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Work towards providing a park within walking distance of every Tyler residence and expand trail systems to connect these facilities.
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Review all excess City-owned property for potential as part of the park and open space network before disposition by sale or other means.
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Seek creation of parks and recreation facilities in underserved parts of the city
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Explore the potential for an expanded garden center that would enhance the Rose Garden’s role as a regional tourism asset, as well as a local asset.
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Explore potential partnerships with nonprofit or for-profit garden and horticulture groups for creation of a major regional center.
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Provide recreation programs and opportunities for children, youth, adults and senior citizens throughout the city
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Explore collaboration with school and private facilities for shared use of recreation areas and facilities.
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Develop policies and criteria for use of City recreational facilities by private organizations.
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Support regular surveys of park and program users to meet changing needs for recreation services by all segments of the population.
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Protect and preserve Lake Tyler, Lake Tyler East and Bellwood Lake.
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Protect the quality of drinking water while providing opportunities for nature-, and water-based recreation on City-owned land.
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Ensure access to lake facilities and recreation for all citizens.
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Manage development in and around sensitive areas of the lakes in order to minimize adverse effects on drinking water quality and valuable ecosystems.
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Be a good steward of parks and public spaces.
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Maintain all parks and public spaces to the same high standard.
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Provide for meaningful community input on plans for park improvements and new parks.
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Encourage and support creation of park “friends” groups or “adopt a park” groups.
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Encourage and support creation of a Tyler Parks Foundation or similar nonprofit group to work with the City on park and open space issues.
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Promote xeriscaping in landscaped medians and corridor beautification.
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CHAPTER IMPLEMENTATION
