Duluth Parks and Recreation Master Plan Final Report, 2010

Abstract

This plan establishes a blueprint to achieve an economically sustainable park and recreation system. The Guiding Principles and the action plans of this Master Plan set a course to: reduce operating and capital costs, enhance efficiency, improve parks, strengthen partnerships, connect the city with trails, increase access to nature, increase and stabilize funding, create equitable access to healthy recreation, and enhance stewardship. The plan recommends new sources of funding be dedicated to Duluth Parks and Recreation and that those funds be invested in: Park maintenance and stewardship - Duluth is fortunate to have a large and diverse network of park lands. Acquiring park land is often the most difficult and costly part of creating a park and recreation system. With the park land system largely in place, the City and its partners can focus on park improvements, upkeep and stewardship of parks and natural resources. Trail and bikeway connections – Duluth has several of the most important trails and parkways in Minnesota, but needs connections and enhancements to realize the potential of these gems. The Lakewalk, Munger Trail, Superior Hiking Trail and Skyline Parkway are wonderful assets that can form the backbones of a future trail and bikeway network. Trails are the most popular recreation feature and attract tourist and locals alike. Recreation facilities and programs – Convenient and equitable access to recreation facilities and programs is a hallmark of a healthy and vital community. Fully utilizing schools as community places and targeting city investment in people and sustainable recreation facilities will foster community, family and individual health. Realization of this vision will take time, dedication and funding, but it will result in a park, trail and recreation system that will help drive economic growth and enhance quality of life for decades to come.” Not much reference is made about water resources in the master plan files available on the city website; most of the survey pertains to non-water recreational park use.