Loading...
Resolution 1996-32 RESf'-'moN NO.: R.ESOLUTTON APPROVING THE UN= CITY OF YORKVII.LE PARK BOARD PARK AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN WHEREAS, the Mayor and the City Council of THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE after careful consideration deem it to be in the best interest of the City and the Community to approve the Park Board Park and Open Space Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and the City Council of THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVTLLE have carefully considered said Plan and deem it to be acceptable and beneficial to the City: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVTLLE: 1. That the Ciry hereby approves the United City of Yorkville Park Board Paris and Open Space Master Plan dared 1996, and the accompanying Narrative text to be used as :he Par's Board's Park and Open Soac. Master Plan antil further review or modification by the Park Board and City Council. PASSED AND APPROVED hisday of 1996. MAY ATTEST: C Y CLER.1K Law Offices of Daniel J. Kramrr 1107A South Bridge S=t Yorkville, Illinois 60560 630.553.9300 � CITY OF � YORKVILLE, ILLINOIS 1 1 � Y17RI< VILLE 1 1 1 � PARKS 8� RECRE4TtoN 1 1 1 1996 PARK AND OPEN SPACE � MASTER PLAN f r CITY OF YORKVILLE 610 TOWER LANE YORKVILLE, IL 60560 YORKVILLE CITY COUNCIL r Bob Johnson, Mayor Aldermen: Jeff Spang Jerry Lynch Kathy Jones Tom Sowinski Burton Callmer Jeff Baker Jim Stafford Art Prochaska PARK BOARD MEMBERS Sue Swithin, Recreation Director Steve Bridge Dave Dockstader Dave Schmelzle John Bradstreet Julie Bromann PLAN COMMISSION Tom Lindblom, Chairman Larry Langford Sandra Adams Dave Dockstader Jack Magnuson Anne Lucietto Scheffrahn Clarence Holdiman Dale Hornyan-Toftoy Ralph Pfister Michael Crouch John Barber This report has been prepared with imput from residents of the City of Yorkville, the Park Board, the City of Yorkville Plan Commission and City Council, and City Staff members. Adopted by the City of Yorkville City Council on i .�- 1996. Plan Preparation by: THE LANNERT GROUP 311 North Second Street St. Charles, EL 60174 t TABLE OF CONTENTS Chayter Page Number 1. INTRODUCTION I 2. MISSION STATEMENT, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 4 3. DEVELOPMENT TRENDS 12 4. NATURAL FEATURES 19 5. EXISTING FACILITIES 24 6. CITY OF YORKVILLE OPEN SPACE COMPARED TO NATIONAL STANDARDS 30 7. POLICIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS 35 LIST OF FIGURES Fi ure Paee Number 1. PARK AND OPEN SPACE PLANNING FACTORS 18 2. NATURAL FEATURES 23 3. PLANNING AREAS 40 4. FUTURE PARK AND OPEN SPACE LOCATIONS 41 1 1 1 1 l r J 1 J 1 1 t � 1 ' INTRODUCTION 1 ' 1 INTRODUCTION PARK AND OPEN SPACE PLANNING OVERVIEW The responsibility of providing park facilities and recreation programs within the City of Yorkville lies primarily with city staff and elected officials. The five person city Recreation board oversees Yorkville's park facilities and guides park and recreation policy. The Public Works Department maintains the city owned park and recreation facilities and provides the ongoing operational needs. Park facilities most recently have been secured through the application of the present land-cash ordinance during the subdivision review and approval process. Final approval of such park acquisition and development lies with the City Council. Currently, there are no plans for additional park acquisitions beyond the neighborhood and sub-neighborhood parks which are components of approved final plats. Prior to the initiation of this study, due to Yorkville's relative size and slow growth before 1990, the City had not engaged in long range park planning. The process of park and open space planning most recently has been executed through ad hoc project-by-project review. However, as active development continues throughout the Yorkville region, the City recognizes that long range, proactive planning is necessary to ensure that vital open space resources are not lost and that recreation needs of existing and future residents shall be fulfilled. REPORT SUMMARY Subsequent to the approval of the 1994 City of Yorkville Comprehensive Plan update, Yorkville has proceeded with detailed planning and engineering programs to provide specific direction based upon the general Comprehensive Plan policies. This Park and Open Space Master Plan represents the next, more detailed step in guiding the evolution of Yorkville's park and open space system. The purpose of this Master Plan is to: I. Formulate a Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives which shall guide park and open space acquisition and development. II. Analyze land use and development trends within the Yorkville planning area and identify the influence of these patterns on the need and location of additional parks and open space. 2 III. Identify the natural features and geographic factors which influence the location and development of additional parks and open space. parks and open s IV. Inventory existing pa ace facilities within the Yorkville p p planning area. V. Assess deficiencies in the existing park and open space system. VI. Formulate a classification system which provides criteria for park size, location and facility development. VII. Formulate graphic and textual recommendations guiding the location, development and programming of future facilities. 3 1 � 2 � MISSION STATEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 4 MISSION STATEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The fundamental statement of purpose of the City of Yorkville's park and recreation system is expressed in the Mission Statement below. This Mission Statement, crafted as part of the park and recreation planning process, is the point of reference for all decisionmaking, and the basis for the following goals and objectives, and the subsequent policies set forth later in this report. MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of the City of Yorkville's park and recreation system is to enhance community appearance and the physical and social well-being of Yorkville residents by: * providing recreation facilities and programs for residents of all ages. * facilitating cooperation with public and private entities within the community to expand available programs and facilities * providing open space as a foundation of neighborhood development. * promoting the protection of significant natural features/open space areas. * sound fiscal planning and equitable resource allocation. * pursuing excellence in program and facility management. * maintaining and redeveloping facilities as necessary to be responsive to the recreation needs of the community. We shall strive to enhance the image of our community and the quality of life of our residents. 5 I GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Planning Goals and Objectives express in general terms the City's values and statements of intent. Goals and Objectives build upon the Mission Statement to guide the master planning process. More specifically, GOALS are defined as broad value statements and represent the general intent and purpose of the City of Yorkville's park and recreation system. OBJECTIVES are statements which represent the means by which goals can be achieved and are addressed generally in a manner which is quantifiable. 1 Goals and Objectives have been formulated for the following topics: 1. LAND ACQUISITION 2. PROGRAMMING 3. COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS 4. ADMINISTRATION/ORGANIZATION 5. MAINTENANCE/REDEVELOPMENT The recommendations which shall ultimately be outlined in the Master Plan effectively serve as the policies - those specific measures by which the objectives are achieved. 6 LAND ACQUISITION GOAL: Acquire land for park development to meet existing and future recreation needs of Yorkville residents. OBJECTIVES: 1. Formulate a development approach and a programming strategy for each acquisition. 2. Acquire land suitable for a variety of active recreation activities. 3. Establish a system of neighborhood parks which are focal points of neighborhoods and sited generally no greater than one-half mile from neighborhood residents. 4. Develop and enhance open space corridors along the Fox River, Blackberry Creek, and Rob Roy Creek. 5. Encourage the use of techniques such as conservation easements and land trust purchase to preserve and protect significant natural areas. 6. Strive to achieve an equitable distribution of parks throughout the entire community. 7. Plan for open space acquisitions which allow for an interconnected open space network via greenways, trails, and walkways. 8. Identify and encourage potential acquisitions which maximize the resources provided by the land-cash ordinance. 7 PROGRAMMING GOAL: Provide programs and facilities which most efficiently and effectively fulfill the recreation needs of the greatest number of Yorkville residents. OBJECTIVES: 1. Coordinate programming with park acquisitions, development and redevelopment. 2. Coordinate programming with other public and private entities to maximize the scope and efficiency of recreation opportunities provided to Yorkville residents. 3. Provide appropriate and equitable recreation programs for both sexes and all ages and skill levels. 4. Co-sponsor specialized groups and programs to expand recreational opportunities. 8 COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS GOAL: Establish cooperative relationships with public and private entities to provide the most effective and comprehensive park, open space and recreation system. OBJECTIVES: 1. Establish a relationship with the School District in order to coordinate and share existing and future facility and programming needs and responsibilities. 2. Investigate relationships with the Kendall County Forest Preserve District and private institutions which may offer opportunities to develop shared facilities on Forest Preserve District or private land. 3. Work with the Forest Preserve District to further the opportunity to develop linear greenway systems along the Fox River, Rob Roy Creek, and Blackberry Creek. 4. Seek incorporation of the 1995 City of Yorkville Park and Open Space Master Plan into the plans of the School District, Forest Preserve District, and the Kendall County Comprehensive Plan. 5. Coordinate programs and facilities with private institutions and establishments which can be more effectively and efficiently provide recreation facilities and programs which appropriately expand the scope of community recreation opportunities. 9 ADMINISTRATION/ORGANIZATION GOAL: Plan and utilize human and financial resources efficiently and equitably to facilitate future acquisitions, development, maintenance and operations to optimally meet existing and future recreation and open space of Yorkville residents. OBJECTIVES: 1. Coordinate acquisitions, development and maintenance with available monetary sources. 2. Update the Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan on a yearly basis and update as necessary and appropriate. ' 3. Provide involvement regarding park and open space planning and development at the early stages of the land development process. 4. Review potential state and federal grants and develop a process for obtaining such funding. 5. Promote the role of the Recreation Board and the facilities and activities it oversees within the community, 6. Provide activities which generally are self-sustaining. 7. Provide excellence in professional staff performance and Board leadership. 10 MAINTENANCE/REDEVELOPMENT GOAL: Maintain parks in a safe and aesthetically pleasing manner. Redevelop parks and facilities as appropriate and necessary to respond to existing and future recreation needs. OBJECTIVES: 1. Plan and program facilities which can flexibly and efficiently accommodate a variety of uses and programs as future needs dictate. 2. Review existing park sites to determine changes in facilities and programs which may respond to existing and future recreation needs. 3. Redevelop and reprogram existing parks in accordance with available resources to most efficiently fulfill existing and future facility and programming needs. 4. Implement tree/playground/park adoption programs. 5. Initiate volunteer maintenance programs with service, school, church and neighborhood groups. 11 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 � 3 DEVELOPMENT TRENDS DEVELOPMENT TRENDS POPULATION According to the 1995 U.S. Census Bureau special census, the population of Yorkville is 4,979 persons. This is an increase of 1,144 persons from the 1990 population of 3,925. Table 1 outlines the anticipated population increases from 1990 to 2010 for the City of Yorkville, as well as unincorporated Kendall Township, unincorporated Bristol Township and Kendall County. PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH TABLE 1 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 TOTAL AVERAGE INCREASE ANNUAL 1990-2010 INCREASE 1990-2110 YORKVILLE 3925 4,979 6213 7356 8500 4575 229 KENDALL 1770 1656 1542 1428 1314 -456 -23 TOWNSHIP (UNINCORPORATED) BRISTOL 3320 3375 3429 3484 3529 219 11 TOWNSHIP (UNINCORPORATED) KENDALL COUNTY 39,413 45,046 50,681 56,311 61,945 22,532 1127 SOURCE: Kendall County Administrative Service, "M" Trendline Yorkville Community Unit School District #115 Demographic Analysis, November 1993. Based upon these projections, the City of Yorkville is expected to almost double in population over the next fifteen years. By the year 2010, the population of Yorkville is projected to be 9,554. DEVELOPMENT TRENDS Figure 1 illustrates the existing land use in Yorkville and its environs. Until construction of the Fox Hill subdivision commenced in 1994,the Countryside and Wildrose subdivisions represented the only significant large tract residential developments beyond the immediate city center. With the exception of those two subdivisions, residential growth in Yorkville has generally occurred incrementally as infill 13 i development or extensions from existing "in town" neighborhoods. Some large county lot subdivisions and individual large county lots have also been developed outside Yorkville's corporate limits. The approval of the Fox Hill planned unit development marked the beginning of what appears to be an active period of residential development in Yorkville. The residential activity, both recently approved and on the community's immediate horizon, is typically large tract master planned development often consisting of a range of lot sizes and housing types and developed in phases over ' a period of years. These projects are at the periphery of Yorkville rather than extensions of the City's existing traditional grid streets. Table 2 below identifies the three subdivisions in Yorkville which have recently received final plat approval and are presently under construction- Country Hills, Blackberry Creek North and Fox Hill. The corresponding number of approved units is also provided for each development. The phases of Country Hills and Fox Hill which have received preliminary approval but not final plat approval are also noted. As this table indicates, 383 units are either under construction or have been approved. ' Another 305 units have preliminary plan or P.U.D. approval. TABLE 2 SUBDIVISIONS WITH FINAL PLAT APPROVAL/UNDER CONSTRUCTION SUBDIVISION NAME #OF UNITS PER UNIT TYPE TOTAL#OF UNITS Country Hills I 34 duplex 85 51 single family Blackberry Creek North 80 single family 80 Fox Hill 84 townhomes 134 single family 218 TOTAL 383 SUBDIVISIONS WITH PRELIMINARY PLAN APPROVAUP.U.D.APPROVAL SUBDIVISION NAME #OF UNITS PER UNIT TYPE TOTAL#OF UNITS County Hills II 87 single family 87 Fox Hill 98 townhomes 120 single family 218 TOTAL 305 14 Based upon considerations such as existing land use, current zoning, the City's comprehensive land use plan, transportation, utility availability, soil conditions and topography, significant future residential development is likely to occur in seven general areas. These seven areas are illustrated and labeled on Figure 1 as "Future Residential A" through "Future Residential G". The primary means to secure park and open space within these future growth areas is through the land-cash ordinance. Additional developer dedications and conservation easements are other available tools for securing open space within these future residential developments. Projecting the likely occurrence of significant future residential development in these areas is a fundamental step in prioritizing locations which need attention from the Recreation Board. Summary descriptions below of each future residential area outline the general character and the likely earliest general future time when additional significant residential development is likely to occur. FUTURE RESIDENTIAL "A" ' This area contains the City's most extensive new development-Fox Hill. Final plat approval has been given for a total of 218 units. (including 84 townhomes) and construction is actively underway. A total of 218 additional units have received P.U.D. approval and await final platting. The park and open space facilities, including open space preservation of the Rob Roy Creek corridor, have been negotiated under the Fox Hill P.U.D. agreement. The character of the undeveloped, unincorporated i orated areas south of Fox Hill is likely to be single family (12,000 s.f. minimum lot size) and larger lot single family. The comprehensive plan designated this area as a combination of "single family residential" (2.2 - 3.5 units per acre) and "low density residential" (0 - 2.1 units per acre). Likely required future utility extensions could limit, for the near term, the imminent developability of the vacant land within Future Residential "A" beyond the number of units prescribed for Fox Hill. Due to the extent and character of potential future residential growth in this area, development will generate a need for at least one neighborhood park. i FUTURE RESIDENTIAL "B" The eastern portion of this area can be immediately served with utilities. A preliminary plan has been approved for a development of 147 single family units and 32 duplex units (known as Green Briar) along the triangular parcel along the eastern edge of Future Residential "B". Included with this preliminary plan is 6.07 acres of park/detention area of which 3.64 acres is above the twenty-five year storm elevation. The 130 acres on the south side of Fox Road to the north and west of Green Briar ' 15 ' is imminently developable. The comprehensive plan designates this area as "single family residential" (2.2 - 3.5 units per acre). Development of the area south of Green Briar and the 130 acre parcel is contingent upon completion of the trunkline through Green Briar. FUTURE RESIDENTIAL "C" ' This sector of the City has seen recent residential development activity with the initiation of the Country Hills subdivision. Additional residential development is likely in the near future. The comprehensive plan designates the greatest portion of this area either as "low density residential" or ' "single family residential". A small area along the south side of Route 71 is also noted as "medium density residential". Limits to the extent of residential development will be the condition and capacities of current and future sanitary sewer lines, and the extent to which to Facility Planning Area Boundary expands to the west and south. Two noteworthy features within this areas which affect the location, distribution and form of open space are the grove of trees loosely described as Doetchman's Woods, and the Commonwealth Edison easement. Area "C" will likely provide near-future opportunities to assemble park facilities via the land-cash ordinance as residential subdivisions are constructed. FUTURE RESIDENTIAL "D" ' The northern portion of this area is characterized b abundant oversto vegetation and significant P Y �' g g topographical relief. The resultant residential development oriented along Van Emmon Road has been large estate lots serviced by well and septic systems. The comprehensive plan designates the northern portion of Area "D" as "low density residential". The southern half of Area "D" is undeveloped, but noted as "single family resdential" on the comprehensive plan. Significant utility extensions are required to the southern half of Area "D" before development could occur which would require park considerations. Municipally serviced future residential development in Area "D", albeit long-range, would generate a need for a park. FUTURE RESIDENTIAL "E" While the comprehensive plan designates most of this area as "single family residential", large scale residential developments such as Fox Hill and Country Hills are not likely to appear in Area "E" until a new sanitary trunk line is constructed extending east along the north side of the river beyond the existing corporate limits. Opportunities to secure park land through the land-cash ordinance do not appear to be soon available within Area "E". 16 ' FUTURE RESIDENTIAL "F" This area is noted on the comprehensive plan primarily as "single family residential", complimented by three smaller nodes of"medium density residential". Near-future residential existing build-out of area "E" is limited somewhat by the available sanitary capacity. Approximately 1000 PE (population equivalent) of capacity remains available for all areas east of Route 47 (including future commercial uses), south of Kennedy Road and north of Route 34, until additional costly trunklines are constructed. The near-term potential residential development would, however, generate park/open space demand. Moreover, if all the available capacity were allocated for residential development, under the City's present land-cash ordinance, as many as + 30 acres could potentially be secured ' through required land contribution. FUTURE RESIDENTIAL "G" With the exception of scattered farmsteads, this areas is void of residential development. The 1 majority of the likely future incorporated residential development within Area "G" is subject to an annexation agreement, executed in 1995, which provides for a potential mix of townhomes and single family detached residential. ' The extent of future residential growth in this area will be defined by (1) the amount of acreage which may be developed as either residential or industrial in accordance with the terms of the aforementioned annexation agreement; and, (2) the future limits of possible Facility Planning Area expansion. Assuming that sanitary sewer lines are provided to future residential areas growth within Area "G" and sanitary sewer plant and trunkline capacity is available, the scenario which would result in the ' fewest number of units would nevertheless generate a need for a neighborhood park. This is based on predicted ultimate population and the pedestrian barriers which would isolate residential development from available neighborhood parks in other neighborhoods. r FUTURE RESIDENTIAL "H" Future Residential Area "H" includes both a portion of the existing Bristol community, and vast undeveloped areas which could potentially convert to residential uses in the future. The most significant obstacle to imminent residential development is sanitary sewer and municipal water service availability. Therefore,the need for parks within this area is not likely in the near future. However, the potential long term residential build-out of this area could, depending upon sanitary system ' capacity, generate the need for one or two neighborhood parks. 17 r� rr r■� �w r� r� ar ri r rr r� �■I rr rr r rr r r■� rr VILLAGE OF YORKVILLE �► PARK AND OPEN SPACE PLAN ING FACTORS JV 4 , 5 � 1 Comm NIOP M / ?, / 'la f .000 pox : + 1 TM L/A1it Rig/DlNT1;4L � t' f� AFN t 2- a. K' 1�lTN>� J?r/�B/DifNT/ill4L. ky Hnta � q� R y F FIGURE 1 LEGEND PRIMARY ARTERIAL PEDESTRIAN BARRIER t 1 d EXISTM LAID USE a SINGLE FAMILY / TWO FAMILY D 3 MULTI—FAMILY PARK / OPEN SPACE 1 ' PUBLIC CD QUASI—PUBLIC t INDUSTRIAL n=' OFFICE ] Lae w COMMERCIAL �" :•.�.�• :�"°^°•°°' VACANT / AGRICULTURE - - 18 i 1 1 � 4 � NATURAL FEATURES 19 NATURAL FEATURES The purpose of this chapter is to generally identify and illustrate significant en waterufloodplains,within etlands, p rp City of Yorkville and its environs. Natural features which include op tat.o and drainage/topography are summarized below. Additionally, the influence and potential vege n, ws the text role in the distribution of future parks and open space is ide of open water, wetlands, 100 year descriptions below, graphically illustrates the general location p floodplains, and overstory vegetation. OPEN WATER Fox River: The Fox River, which bisects the city, is the most quite hydrologic within the Yorkville planning area. While the Fox Rive of the downtown and the older neighborhoods on the River'north icentenn al Park.the only public open space within the City's corporate limits is the rce, no near-term While the Fox River is a significant visual and recreational Fox River horeline properties. opportunities appear to exist for City acquisition of additional Long-range opportunities for additional City parkland may be available either through: * land donation via the land-cash ordinance as vacant property develops on the north side of the river east of the existing corporate limits; or, * negotiations with small riverfront property owners as they may, on a case-by- ' case basis, present development petitions before the City. Blackberry Creek: Figure 2 illustrates the location and extent tof thlackberry Creek or publicly Yorkville planning area. Jaycee Park i Y corridor within the Creek. The opportunity to preserve much of accessible open space facility along Blackberry the Blackberry Creek corridor as open space in some form p and the St to of Illinois holdings Fox River due to the position of the significant P.N.A. Camp along the west and east banks respectively of Bey bn from roughly tt le northern limits of undeveloped portions of the Creek corridor also r the Countryside subdivision private homes along re°lude the opportunity unity to establish an extensive linear path Blackberry Creek likely p throu bout the corridor, opportunities still remain for extensive corridor protection and t e g establishment of public parks along the Creek. 20 Rob Roy Creek: The Rob Roy Creek, which extends through the northwest quadrant of the Yorkville planning area, is not as visually or environmentally significant as either the Fox River or Blackberry Creek. However, the Rob Roy Creek corridor offers the opportunity to develop a virtually unbroken publicly accessible linear greenway as none of the agricultural parcels north of Route 34 have yet developed. Indeed, the only development within the Rob Roy Creek corridor - Fox Hill subdivision - has preserved the Creek corridor as park and open space. 100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN As illustrated on Figure 2, the 100 year floodplain areas within the Yorkville planning area are generally associated with either the Fox River or Blackberry Creek. Due to the channelization of Rob Roy Creek, the floodplain does not extend beyond the Rob Roy Creek banks. As a result of development restrictions within 100 year floodplain areas, intense development along the Fox River and Blackberry Creek has been somewhat limited. Private property issues may restrict pedestrian access along vast sections of the banks of these watercourses. However, as development occurs along parcels which abut the Fox River or Blackberry Creek, the opportunity to associate park/open space area with protected floodplain areas should be reviewed. In addition to or in lieu of public open space along the floodplain areas, visual and/or public access to such areas should also be considered. WETLANDS Wetlands within the Yorkville planning area are both associated with the Fox River and Blackberry Creek and scattered throughout the undeveloped parcels around the City's periphery. Large wetland areas, as well as poor soil conditions, particularly exist in the immediate Bristol vicinity. Wetlands generally require protection and, therefore, become elements of an open space system as development occurs. Parks associated with wetlands offer the opportunity to expand such publicly accessible open space areas. 1 ' 21 OVERSTORY VEGETATION Existing overstory vegetation is another influence upon the distribution of parks and open space. This Master Plan encourages the protection of quality existing overstory vegetation, (1) as part of a future City park; (2)if a quality vegetated site is not appropriate for park acquisition, through private open space designation; (3) through the application of conservation easements, or (4) through donation to and/or maintenance by land trusts. Hedgerows, which can provide opportunities for linear greenway linkages, should also be protected where feasible and appropriate. DRAINAGE/TOPOGRAPHY Characteristic of Yorkville's landform south of the Fox River are the numerous swales and small streams which feed into the Fox River. Protection of these swales and small streams which feed into the Fox River is encouraged based upon environmental, ecological and visual considerations. In addition, these streams and swales provide potential greenway linkages among future park and open space facilities. 22 THE E. CFTY OF THE VILLAGE OF YORKVILLE Cot p lilt ■ 111 � i/r,- /;�;� •lip. , �+/ �I��, .� �. .• .elf All, W49 A ���/ �c��'`�"�:■ fit: �� %!�,'" ! IVA �// �''� -... ■ /�`rj� ' �:. r�.� /`iii�, //� on .- Jam// , Ogg LON -MONK jo .. I•► , If all 19010 j f rte• 021A \ . r �, �,�■" FIGURE 2 NATURAL FEATURES LEGEN WETLANDS 100 YR. FLOODPLAIN ' OPEN _ OVERSTORY VEGETATION I- 5 EXISTING FACILITIES 24 INVENTORY OF EXISTING PARK AND OPEN SPACE FACILITIES An initial step in providing a framework for long range planning is an inventory and assessment of existing open space facilities. This Master Plan recognizes that the City of Yorkville is one of a number of public and private entities which own, provide and/or manage lands dedicated primarily to recreation and/or open space protection and management. Therefore, the inventory of existing facilities described in Table 3 on the following pages lists and describes facilities in accordance with the following categories: City Owned Parks and Facilities; School District #115 Facilities; Kendall County Forest Preserves; and Privately Owned Facilities. The second table, Park and Open Space Master Plan Summary of Parks and Facilities, lists eleven major park facilities, the corresponding park locations and the number of such facilities within each park. 25 r TABLE 3 INVENTORY OF EXISTING PARK AND OPEN SPACE FACILITIES WITHIN THE LIMITS OF YORKVILLE'S PLANNING AREA CITY OWNED PARKS AND FACILITIES 1 PARK# NAME DESCRIPTION AREA IN ACRES 1 CITY PARK Gazebo in center with radial sidewalks,picnic tables,benches, 1.0 statue 2 VAN EMMON 1 baseball field 2.0 BASEBALL FIELDS 3 PRAIRIE PARK Playground equipment,picnic tables,detention basin 1.63 4 BICENTENNIAL PARK Scenic river shoreline,playground equipment,5 picnic tables, 2.0 benches,fishing. 5 BEECHER Multi-room facility for meetings,gatherings,recreation 24.0 COMMUNITY programs,includes kitchen facilities. 4 baseball fields(2 formal, CENTER 2 informal),open grass field,playground equipment. 6 JAYCEE PARK Picnic facilities,access to Mill Pond&Blackberry Creek .79 7 COBB PARK Undeveloped .2 8 FOX HILL I Under construction;park part of larger open space area +8.5 including stormwater detention. 9 COUNTRY HILLS PARK Under construction 2.1 10 BLACKBERRY CREEK Under construction .28 NORTH PARK TOTAL 42.50 ACRES SCHOOL DISTRICT#115 FACILITIES PARK# NAME DESCRIPTION 1 AREA IN ACRES 11 YORKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 1 football field with running track,grass practice field,6 14.0 tennis courts,3 baseball fields (High School and Grade School 12 YORKVILLE GRADE Open grass field,playground equipment combined) SCHOOL 13 CIRCLE CENTER SCHOOL 3 baseball fields,3 half-court basketball court,3 swings, 1 jungle gym,large open play field. 20.0 14 BRISTOL SCHOOL 2 baseball fields,hardcourt with basketball goals,play equipment 2.3 TOTAL 36.3 ACRES 1 Total Acres includes open space only. Area covered by buildings and associated parking and driveways,ect. has been excluded. 26 KENDALL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES PARK# NAME DESCRIPTION AREA IN ACRES 15 LYON FOREST PRESERVE Heavily vegetated,extensive flora and fauna,hiking trails, 16.0 benches 16 HARRIS FOREST PRESERVE 8 picnic shelters,wooded and open areas,nature trails, 85.0 sledding hill,fishing in pond,ice-skating on pond,toilets, electricity 17 RT. 47 REST AREA Parking,rest stop at Galena Rd. and Rt. 47 along Rob Roy 6.3 Creek TOTAL 107.3 ACRES PRIVATELY OWNED FACILITIES PARK# NAME DESCRIPTION AREA IN ACRES 18 LYON HISTORICAL FARM Historic farmstead,home of Kendall County Historical 14.0 Society 19 PARKVIEW SCHOOL Open field north of building 1.70 20 LION'S/Y.M.C.A. SWIM 3 Swimming pools,bath house,snack bar,l full court 1.87 CLUB basketball, 1 half court basketball 21 BLACKBERRY OAKS GOLF 18 hole golf course,driving range,clubhouse with bar, 170.0 COURSE full service restaurant,and banquet room. 22 HOOVER OUTDOOR Camp with cabins,campsites,dining hall,indoor 406.0 EDUCATION CENTER swimming pool and education building. Offers aquatics, arts and crafts,activities and nature study. 23 P.N.A. CAMP Private Polish National Alliance Camp 168.6 24 AMERICAN LEGION FIELD 1 formal softball/pony league field with lights 3.5 TOTAL 765.67 ACRES " D:projects/9597/docs/9597011 27 TABLE 4 CITY OF YORKVILLE PARK AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN SUMMARY OF PARK FACILITIES FACILITY LOCATION NUMBER BASEBALL FIELDS Beecher Community Park 5 Van Emmon Baseball Fields 2 Yorkville High School 3 Circle Center School 3 j Bristol School 2 American Legion Field 1 (with lights) TOTAL 13 TENNIS COURTS Yorkville High School 6 SOCCER FIELDS Beecher Community Park 4 PLAY EQUIPMENT Prairie Park Bicentennial Park Beecher Community Center Circle Center School Bristol School Yorkville Grade School BASKETBALL Circle Center 3 half courts Bristol School Lion's/Y.M.C.A. Swim Club 1 half court MULTI-PURPOSE Yorkville High School PLAY FIELDS Yorkville Grade School (unstructured) Circle Center School Beecher Community Center 28 SWIMMING POOLS Lion's/Y.M.C.A. Swim Club Hoover Outdoor Education Center (Boy Scouts of America) HIKING Lyon Forest Preserve Harris Forest Preserve Lyon Historical Farm SLEDDING Harris Forest Preserve ICE SKATING Harris Forest Preserve (on pond) RUNNING TRACK Yorkville High School 29 1 1 1 1 t 6 � CITY OF YORKVILLE OPEN SPACE COMPARED TO L NATIONAL STANDARDS 30 CITY OF YORKVILLE OPEN SPACE COMPARED TO NATIONAL STANDARDS The National Recreation and Park Association(NRPA)produced the report in 1983 entitled National Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines which established a park and open space planning classification system and standards relative to "local developed open space". The NRPA classification P g uidelines resent a three tier system - mini-park, neighborhood park, and community park. The classification systems relates primarily to park facilities serving the recreation demands within a neighborhood or several neighborhoods. These are generally characterized as "active" play areas, although the NRPA does suggest that areas of its community park category may include natural areas more appropriately suited for walking, viewing, sitting and picnicking. The guidelines for mini-parks, neighborhood parks, and community parks, as defined by the NRPA, are as follows: Mini-parks Use: Specialized facilities, within neighborhoods,that serve a concentrated or limited population or specific groups. Service Area: One-quarter mile or less Desirable Size: 1.0 acre Acres per 1000 population: 0.25 to 0.50 acres Neighborhood Parks Use: Park area roughly geographically centered in the neighborhood, developed for more intensive recreational activities such as field games, court games, skating, picnicking, playground areas, etc. May be developed as a school-park facility. 31 Service Area: One-quarter to one-half mile radius, to serve a general population of 2,000 to 5,000. Desirable Size: 15 + acres Acres per 1000 population: 1.0 to 2.0 acres Community Parks Use: Communi ty p arks are of diverse nature. They may include areas suited for intense active recreational facilities, such as athletic complexes, large swimming pools, and game fields. This classification also includes those park sites designed to serve more passive needs, such as walking, picnicking, and nature observation. Community parks may incorporate a combination of the above activities depending on community needs and site suitability. Service Area: One to two miles Desirable Size: 25.0 acres or more 1 32 00 Table 3 on page 34 organizes Yorkville's parks generally according to the NRPA guidelines. Notes that due to the limited number and small size of existing facilities, this Master Plan has grouped the Yorkville's equivalent of mini-parks and neighborhood parks together as "Sub- neighborhood/Neighborhood Park". The National Recreation Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines provide both the fundamental classification system and recommended minimum park area allocations based upon population. According to this report, (the)NRPA suggests that a park system, at a minimum, be composed of a'core' system of parklands, with a total of 6.25 to 10.5 acres of developed open space per 1,000." The NRPA breakdown of this recommended developed open space ratio by park type is as follows: mini-park 0.25 acres to 0.5 acres neighborhood park 1.0 acres to 2.0 acres community park 5.0 acres to 8.0 acres TOTAL 6.25 acres to 10.5 acres per 1,000 residents Table 4 provides a comparison of existing City of Yorkville parks to NRPA standards. As this table indicates,the area of existing City-owned sub-neighborhood/neighborhood parks slightly exceeds the NRPA standard. However, the area of existing City-owned community parks is nearly at the NRPA recommended minimum. rThis comparison reinforces the need felt by the Recreation Board to accommodate a demand for facilities typical of community parks. Three conclusions of this Master Plan based upon review of present and future facility and program demand, the inventory of existing facilities, and the comparison provided in Table 4 are that: 1. Adequate sub-neighborhood park and neighborhood park area exists to serve existing residents. (However, Circle Center School is needed to geographically accommodate the neighborhoods immediately south of the river. 2. Based upon existing area available, reprogramming and/or adding facilities to existing sub-neighborhood/neighborhood parks can address the demand for additional neighborhood park facilities. 3. Additional neighborhood parks should be developed as future populations warrant. 4. Additional community park facilities are needed. 5. The current land-cash ordinance donation requirement of 10 acres per 1,000 population is appropriate to adequately address the City of Yorkville's existing and future park and open space needs. 33 TABLE 3 CITY OF YORKVILLE LOCAL DEVELOPED OPEN SPACE SUMMARY EXISTING DEVELOPED PARK AREA PARK CLASSIFICATION Sub-neighborhood/Neighborhood Park • Blackberry Creek North Park 0.28 Ac. • City Park 1.00 Ac. • Country Hills Park 2.10 Ac. • Fox Hill Park 8.50 Ac. • Prairie Park 1.63 Ac. • Cobb Park (undeveloped) --- • Van Emmon Baseball Field 2.00 Ac. 15.51 Ac Community Park • Beecher Community Center 24.00 Ac. • Bicentennial Park 2.00 Ac. • Jaycee Park 0.79 Ac. 26.79 Ac. TOTAL ACRES 42.30 ACRES TABLE 4 CITY OF YORKVILLE LOCAL DEVELOPED ACTIVE OPEN SPACE COMPARED TO NRPA STANDARDS Existing Park Area NRPA Recommended Existing Including School District Park Classification Standard Park Area* Park Area* Active Open Space Sub-Neighborhood/ 1.25 Ac.-2.5 Ac./ 6.22 Ac.- 15.51 Ac. 38.11 Ac. Neighborhood Park 1,000 Population 12.45 Ac. Community Park 5.0 Ac.-8.0 Ac./ 24.90 Ac. - 26.79 Ac. 40.00 Ac. 1,000 Population 39.83 Ac. TOTAL 41.51 Acres 78.11 Acres * Based on Yorkville's population of 4,979 Recommended local developed active open space for the City of Yorkville(population 4,979) based on NRPA guidelines =31.12 acres to 52.28 acres. 34 7 � POLICIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS 35 POLICIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS The following policies and recommendations are grouped below under two headings - facilities strategy and siting strategy. The facilities strategy uses the NRPA guidelines as a basis for the formulation of facility definitions and criteria for Yorkville community parks and neighborhood parks. This is followed by specific recommendations which address facility deficiencies. Lastly, the facilities strategy defines the focus of Yorkville's recreation facilities and programs, and briefly identifies the role of other providers of recreation facilities. The siting strategy consists of recommendations which address future parks and the protection of open space. These recommendations are organized by planning area. Figure 4 graphically illustrates the division of Yorkville and its environs into eleven planning areas. These planning areas have been determined based upon existing land use, development trends identified in Chapter 3, pedestrian barriers, and other geographical edges of existing and future contiguous residential areas. Organizing the siting strategy by planning area ensures an appropriate geographic distribution of parks and provides a systematic delineation of recommendations. The planning area-by-planning area outline of siting recommendations is followed by Figure 5, "Future Park and Open Space Locations", which graphically depicts the location and organization of existing and future parks and open space. i 1 36 PARK AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN FACILITIES STRATEGY COMMUNITY PARKS Community parks by definition provide diverse recreation opportunities including both intense athletic fields and passive activities such as walking, picnicking and nature observation. The National Recreation and Park Association recommends a minimum of 25 acres as the desirable size for community parks. The recommended service radius for community parks is one to two miles. The following facilities are recommended typical elements within a Yorkville community park. 1. Baseball//softball fields (consider lighted fields for future community parks) 2. Basketball courts 3. Tennis courts 4. Formal soccer fields 5. Play equipment 6. Ice skating 7. Trails NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS Neighborhood parks provide areas for recreation at the neighborhood level. The typical service radius for a neighborhood park is 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile. The City of Yorkville has adopted a range of 4 acres to 10 acres as the preferred neighborhood park size. The following facilities are recommended typical elements within a Yorkville neighborhood park. 1. Play Equipment 2. Multi-purpose unstructured play fields 3. Baseball/softball fields (smaller children) 4. Practice soccer fields 5. Basketball (if significant barriers and/or distance prevents access to basketball available at community parks). 37 r REPROGRAMMING EXISTING FACILITIES In order to adequately and efficiently serve the recreation needs of Yorkville residents, the following reprogramming of existing facilities is recommended. A. Beecher Community Park Formulate a Beecher Community Park Master Plan which shall increase the amount and diversity of facilities. Facilities to be provided should include: 1. additional baseball/softball fields 2. basketball (near high school parking) 3. additional parking 4. soccer fields 5. ice skating (either adjacent to play equipment and/or in conjunction with basketball) 6. restrooms/concessions/pavilion B. Van Emmon Field 1. Possible addition of soccer fields LC. Circle Center School 1. Possible addition of baseball/softball field STRATEGY FOR PROVIDING ADDITIONAL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL FIELDS 1. Reprogram Beecher Community Park per master plan. 2. Investigate additional fields at Circle Center School. 3. Acquire and develop new fields on future park sites acquired via the land-cash ordinance through the subdivision process. 4. Work with the school district to provide fields when the new high school is built. 5. Investigate possible lease agreements. 6. Lights at Beecher Community Park. r 38 PRIMARY FOCUS OF THE CITY OF YORKVILLE'S RECREATION FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS (for the next 5 years) 1. Provide an adequate number of youth baseball and softball fields. 2. Administer youth baseball and softball programs. 3. Consider adult softball. 4. Provide formal and informal soccer fields. 5. Expand the Yorkville youth soccer program. 6. Provide outdoor tennis courts and associated programming. 7. Provide existing and expanded indoor and outdoor basketball programs for all ages. 8. Provide aerobic programs. 9. Provide senior activities. RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY OTHERS A. Kendall County Forest Preserve 1. Hiking/nature observation- Lyon Forest Preserve, Lyon Historical Farm, Harris Forest Preserve, Silver Springs State Park. 2. Sledding - Harris Forest Preserve. B. Private 1. Swimming/aquatics 2. Roller hockey 3. Gymnastics 4. Wrestling 5. Exercise equipment/weightlifting 6. Golf 7. Other 39 THE UWW CITY OF THE VOLLAGE OF YORKVILLE PLANNING AREAS •••••••••••••••'�•••••••• •• "AdGN CieI/aPE tAE�6dAEIrM•"•...... '•'_J 0 a �a P 1 f k � O 1 ........... Ali � � o � o I a } 1 O :• •460,'x'•""' 'A•"" •••• •••• •• •• ••�S.Idiifi'r1�4JE'Ldtl�DGrld,.kr'`•: 1 a � 1 J F O i Lam�rt^C�rgp� _ r rr r r► r r ars i t ar � �r �r r r �r r � r THE uNItED CIrY of THE aM' VILLAGE OF YORKVILLE ,�-- FUTURE PARK A OPEN SPACE LOCATIONS .erxr -� LEGEND. PARK AND OPEN SPACE FACILITIES ----- FOX RIVER TRAIL E RIVER /~ `"'"°-4•-, a GRE NWAY CORRIDORS LINEAR OPEN SPACE PARK CONNECTIONS / NATURAL FEATURES PROTECTION SUB-NEIGHBORHOOD PARK MILE RADIUS ' `°-•- ` t2 - 4 ACRES ROB ROY C EEK F °-a �..�°" ` / CORRIDOR r, I - 1 tJ .. � 1 NEIGHBORHOOD PARK BLACKBERRY 1�2 MILE RADIUS \ 'L� t4 - 10 ACRES CREEK i CORRIDOR � COMMUNITY PARK -� +30 ACRES FUTURE OOMMUMTY PARK w 4O �. F xoc-n-AY F ' HIGH rr , �"-- FUTURE L �,.-..f COMMUF9TY PARK ht �� yr,R„1°'y'.• T/`` ` GI�ENBRIAgV r� 'r.. � -..*e•„�r` t j Ir P DOETSCHMAN ViDoDs � X11 ltpol,� � mss. • � \�, �` ,� $ LEGEND EXISTING ADDITIONAL CITY OWNED CITY PARKS ■ UNDEVELOPED PROPERTY CITY PARK VAN EMMON BASEBALL FIELDS 2 COUNTY g FOREST PRESERVES - i PRAIRIE PARK a BICENTENNIAL PARK 4 LYON FOREST PRESERVE g BEECHER CENTER a HARRIS FOREST PRESERVE j t JAYCEE PARK e RT. 47 REST AREA COBS PARK ❑ K _— FOX HILL 1 8 PRIVATE FACILITIES COUNTRY HILLS PARK 9 LYON HISTORICAL FARM L BLACKBERRY CREEK NORTH PARK PARKVIEW SCHOOL SCHOOL DISTRICT 1% BLACKBERRY SWIM CLUB PROPERTY ❑ BLACKBERRY OAKS GOLF COURSE HOOVER OUTDOOR EDUC. CENTER YORKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL r P.N.A. CAMP YORKVILLE GRADE SCHOOL AMERICAN LEGION FfE1<D !Lamert FafOIQ CIRCLE CENTER SCHOOL Sao BRISTOL SCHOOL >,E ...rn a sw,A ~� uass MX sac CREEK R1.l Ta maoe is m-ml FAXI .war w vf® 4l PARK AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN PARK AND OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION AND SITING STRATEGY PLANNING AREA 1 1. Establish the Rob Roy Creek Greenway Corridor • Minimum of 100 feet wide • Pedestrian/bicycle trail along at least one side of Creek • Preserve/protect/acquire the Rob Roy Creek Greenway corridor through easements and/or the application of the land-cash ordinance as residential development occurs. ' 2. Acquire and develop a neighborhood park on the Inland parcel south of Corneils Road. • Acquisition via land-cash ordinance during the residential subdivision process. • Park size and facilities based upon the ultimate population of the Inland property and any other residential areas within the 1/2 mile service radius. • Site the park roughly in the center of the future neighborhood adjacent to or connect to the Rob Roy Creek Greenway Corridor. • Consider facilities in addition to typical neighborhood park facilities which may not be easily accessible to neighborhood residents (i.e. basketball and tennis). 3. Monitor the need for a neighborhood or sub-neighborhood park north of Corneils Road. 4. Encourage the protection of the swale extending northwest from Rob Roy Creek. PLANNING AREA 2 1. Locate neighborhood and subneighborhood parks as illustrated on plan. • Neighborhood park north of Corneils Road, south of Galena Road and east of Route 47. Connect park via paths/greenway system to both Bristol School and Route 47. • Neighborhood park along Blackberry Creek corridor between Galena Road and railroad tracks. • Sub-neighborhood park between Corneils Road and railroad tracks east of Route 47. • Acquire all three parks via land-cash ordinance during the residential subdivision process. 2. Establish the Blackberry Creek Corridor Greenway Corridor. • Establish/preserve/protect the Blackberry Creek Corridor through mechanisms such as drainage and conservation easements. ' 42 PLANNING AREA 3 1 1 Establish a Community Park roughly in center of Kennedy Road-Bristol Ridge Road - Route 34 future residential area. • Acquire via land-cash ordinance during the residential subdivision process. • Overlap the park site across multiple property owners to increase contiguous land contributions. • Consider combining park site with stormwater management to increase park size and amenities. i2. Monitor the need for a neighborhood park east of Bristol Ridge Road. 3. Establish the Blackberry Corridor • Establish/preserve and protect the Blackberry Creek Corridor through mechanisms such as drainage and conservation easements. PLANNING AREA 4 1. Establish a neighborhood park north of Countryside adjacent to the Blackberry Creek ' Corridor. • Acquire via the land-cash ordinance during the residential subdivision process. • Combine high-dry neighborhood park site with the Blackberry Creek Corridor to increase acreage and to provide access to Creek. 2. Protect the Blackberry Creek Corridor and provide public access along the Creek north of Countryside. PLANNING AREA 5 1. Establish a neighborhood park as illustrated on future facilities plan. • Acquire via land-cash ordinance during residential subdivision process. • Locate adjacent to the Rob Roy Creek Corridor. • Consider combining park site with stormwater management to increase park size. • Consider facilities in addition to typical neighborhood park facilities which may not be easily accessible to neighborhood residents (i.e. basketball and tennis). 2. Establish Rob Roy Creek Greenway Corridor • Minimum of 100 feet wide. • Pedestrianibicycle trail along at least one side of Creek • Acquisition via both land-cash ordinance contribution and easements. 43 r r PLANNING AREA 6 1. Establish a neighborhood park as illustrated on future facilities plan. • Acquire via land-cash ordinance during the residential subdivision process. • If possible and necessary to achieve appropriate neighborhood park size, overlap the park site across multiple property owners to increase contiguous land contributions. • Connect park via paths and greenways to Fox Hill greenways, Blackberry Creek Corridor, and Eldamain Road Corridor. 2. Encourage an Eldamain Road Corridor which promotes extensive setbacks, landscaping and a bicycle/pedestrian trail. r PLANNING AREA 7 1. Work with the school district to provide ballfields/recreation facilities as the future high school site is developed. 2. Preserve, protect and enhance the Blackberry Creek Corridor. • Establish a bicycle/pedestrian trail on at least one side of the Creek. • Establish a trail head park along Blackberry Creek west of the future high school site. 3. Monitor the status of the P.N.A. Camp. PLANNING AREA 8 1. Establish a neighborhood park as illustrated on the future facilities plan. • Acquire via the land-cash ordinance during the residential subdivision process. • If possible and necessary to achieve appropriate neighborhood park size, overlap the park site across multiple property owners or combine with the existing private open space. PLANNING AREA 9 1. Establish a community park roughly north of the Route 71/Route 126 intersection. • Primary acquisition means via the land-cash ordinance during the residential subdivision process. • Overlap the park site across multiple property owners to increase contiguous land contributions. • Consider combining with stormwater management to increase park size. ' Purchase of additional land may be necessary to provide significant community park size. 44 r' 2. Encourage protection of the Swale extending from the future community park north to the Fox River. 3. Work with the Kendall County Forest Preserve District to provide a trail connection on the south side of the Fox River between Bicentennial Park's future "Riverwalk" and the existing Fox River trail extending toward Yorkville from Oswego. PLANNING AREA 10 1. Establish a neighborhood park as illustrated on future facilities plan. • Acquire via the land-cash ordinance during the residential subdivision process. • If possible and necessary to achieve appropriate neighborhood park size, overlap the park site across multiple property owners. • Provide north and south greenway corridor connections. • Consider facilities in addition to typical neighborhood facilities which may not be readily accessibleto neighborhood residents (i.e. basketball and tennis). 2. Encourage protection of the swale extending north from the likely future Greenbriar Park. 3. Work with the Kendall Coun ty Forest Preserve District to provide a trail on the south side of the Fox River from Bicentennial Park's future "Riverwalk" to Silver Springs State Park. i PLANNING AREA 11 1. Establish a trail along the Commonwealth Edison easement which ultimately will connect to the Fox River Trail. 2. Locate neighborhood and subneighborhood parks as illustrated on the future facilities plan. • Sub-neighborhood park which includes a portion of or connects to Doetschman's woods. • Sub-neighborhood park southeast of Country Hills Subdivision. • Neighborhood park overlapping Doetschman/Davidson parcels. (Note that the general location of this neighborhood park is sited with the understanding that a golf course may be part of future development on the Davidson parcel. Should future residential development plans for this parcel change, the location of this park may be subject to review and slight modification.) • Acquire these parks via land-cash ordinance during the residential subdivision process. 45 GREENWAYS In addition to locating existing and future sub-neighborhood, neighborhood and community parks, Figure 4 on the previous page delineates greenway corridors. The protection and enhancement of greenway corridors promotes environmental well-being, reinforces natural corridors for wildlife migration, and enhances the visual quality of the community. Greenways indicated on Figure 4 must not necessarily eventually consist of publicly owned lands. Where available and consistent with this Master Plan, public land is connected with public land to maximize public benefit, and provide environmental protection. However, private land (golf courses, conservation easements, pedestrian easements, drainage easements, floodplains, and stormwater detention facilities, for example) can provide greenway connections. Where possible and feasible, public access and trails should be provided. When pedestrian connections through "green" open space are not possible, sidewalks should be utilized to facilitate connections between open space areas. The three most prominent greenways indicated on Figure 4 include: Fox River Greenway: The greenways indicated along the Fox River indicated on Figure 4 represents primarily that, as much as possible, the environmentally significant river corridor should be protected. This Master Plan is not formally designating future neighborhood or community parks along the Fox River. However, should future development occur which would provide for an opportunity to preserve river shoreline as publicly accessible open space, this Master Plan endorses examining all available techniques, including city acquisition via the land-cash ordinance. In addition, this Master Plan endorses the implementation of a Fox River Trail on the south side of the river which would extend from Oswego to Silver Springs State Park. Blackberry Creek Greenway: The position of this Master Plan realtive to the reinforcement and enhancement of a Blackberry Creek Greenway corridor is similar to the above position regarding the Fox River Greenway corridor. However, opportunities are available to potentially site neighborhood parks (see planning areas 2 and 4) adjacent to Blackberry Creek. Rob Roy Creek Greenway: This Master Plan advocates the development of the entire Rob Roy Creek Greenway corridor as an unbroken ribbon of pedestrian accessible open space along its entire length through the Yorkville planning area. 46