Morrisville Land Use Plan 2009

5.3 Future Land Use Categories, cont’d 11. PARK/GREENWAY/OPEN SPACE A. Function i. Provide open space and recreation areas to meet the physical and natural resource needs of the Town and its residents. ii. Enhance the Town’s aesthetic appeal within its neighborhoods and along transporta- tion corridors. iii. Reduce strormwater runoff with increased pervious surfaces that allow water infiltra- tion. B. Preferred Uses i. Land uses in the Park/Greenway designation should consist of passive and active recre- ational uses, natural resource protection and conservation, and landscaped buffers. ii. Types of active recreation areas include ball fields, tennis or basketball courts, swim- ming pools, tot lots, golf courses, dog parks, and other areas for recreational sports or games. Types of passive recreation areas include trails (hiking, biking, walking), picnic, camping, or fishing areas. Natural open space is land left in a mostly undeveloped state including forests, meadows, hedgerows, and wetlands. C. General Policies + Development Character i. Park/Greenway/Open Space areas should retain existing vegetation where possible, particularly mature trees and woodlands. Reforestation and revegetation of open ar- eas of the site with native plant materials should be encouraged. ii. Where feasible, currently damaged or degraded landscapes and wildlife habitats should be restored and enhanced creating new natural areas and wetlands on the site. iii. All active recreation open space should be readily accessible to pedestrians, wheel- chairs, strollers, and cyclists by sidewalk, path, trail, and/or bike lane. iv. Site elements should be arranged to protect and enhance special land characteristics, natural features, rare or endangered species areas, historic resources, archeological sites, and other unusual natural or man-made site features.

The open space network should consist of a range of open space types, including large natural areas, passive and active recreational uses, landscaped buffers and small pocket parks are critical components of the open space network.

encouraged discouraged

Integrating parks and open space into the com- munity both provides local active and passive recreational opportunities and can contribute to localized stormwater management. By incorpo- rating design elements, such as open swales and infiltration areas, parks can serve critical environ- mental functions.

Pocket parks act as scaled-down neighborhood parks, but still meet a variety of needs, includ- ing small event space, play areas for children, spaces for relaxing or meeting friends, taking lunch breaks, etc. Pocket parks can be tucked into and scattered throughout the community where they serve nearby residents and busi- nesses.

Curb ramps should be included at all intersections and pedestrian crossings, and be directed towards crosswalks to improve safety and connectivity.

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5 Recommendations