FLOOD06691 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

VII-} 5. Reduced Cost of Open Space and Recrea~: i on. Open space and recrea'" tional areas requi re land. To be most effective, the land should be where the people are; however, this land is also the most costly. Urban major channels and storage ponds, to be most effective, should also be where the people are. Land acquired for major channels, whether artificial or natural, 'is uti lized very infrequently for storm runoff and then only for a short period. Generally, it Is raining when the channels are used for drainage and most people are not out In the open. It is this non- conflicting use as far as the time is concerned which helps to make the use of land for drainage purposes compatible wI th that for I"ecrea- tion. These benefits are included in intangible benefits where appro- priate. Open Space Waterways are prime conveyors of storm runoff water. They are essential features of the major drainage system. The most de- sirable major waterway is one having natural characteristics which Include wide, shallow flow ,,,ith room in the flood plain fringes for temporary storage of storm runoff. Land reserved for major waterways through an urban area are avai 1.. able for open space purposes. Such open spaces contribute to the well-being of the residents of the communi ty. The planning and development of major w'lterways should be coor- dinated with open space objectives. It is believed that the benefits to a community from the acquisition of land for a major drainage system can be measured directly, based upon estimated unit land costs and the determination of land applicable to open space use. Recreation The forms of recreation for urban residents Include more than the usual tennis courts, ball fields, and playgrounds. There has been a shift in recreational objectives from organized type sports to bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, 21nd similar pastimes. A re- vitalized Lena Gulch will provide necessary land and right-of-way for the pursuit of these pastimes, Community benefits can be measured directly in terms of land being made available for these recreational activities.