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Guiding Principles for Park and Open Space <br />Planning for the Eugene - Springfield Region <br />November 2001 <br />A number of local Plans give direction on the Subject of parks, open Space, and natural resource <br />protection for the metropolitan region. These include the Eugene /5pringfield Metro P lan (1907), <br />Eugene Parks and Recreation Plan (1909), West Eugene Wetland Plan (2000), Willamalane Park, <br />Recreation, and Open Space Plan (1995), Lane County Parks Master Plan (1980), Central Lane <br />Regional Parks Plan (1970), and the Draft Region 2050 Goals and Ob�ectiue5 (June 2001). In <br />addition, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Ilan and Statewide planning goals <br />3,4,5,5, and 15 all pertain to our region's parks and open space. <br />Although each flan gives unique and often Specific direction on the region's park and open space <br />System, several recurring themes can be found throughout most of these Plans. These common <br />themes will be used as guiding principles for the development of a regional parks and open Space <br />vision and include: <br />Variety <br />Provide a variety of open space types (agriculture, forest, natural areas, and developed parks) to <br />serve the diverse needs of the community. <br />Scenic Quality <br />Protect, conserve, and enhance elements of the natural and historic landscape which give the <br />region its uniqueness and sense of place including forested hill5lopes and ridges, river and waterway <br />corridors, agricultural lands, vistas, and unique natural features. <br />Connectivity <br />Provide uninterrupted open Space and recreational corridors or greenway5 that link park and <br />recreational facilities, 5chool5, wildlife habitat, and natural resource areas including connections <br />between urban areas and open Space on the urban fringe. <br />Recreation and Education <br />Provide a variety of regional recreation opportunitieo to meet the diverse needs of residents and <br />visitors in the region and utilize open Space lands in and around the metro area for the <br />interpretation of natural resources historically important cultural resources. <br />Habitat <br />Protect and enhance a variety of habitat types including unique or at -risk plant and wildlife <br />communities. <br />Rivers, Waterways, and Wetlands <br />Protect, conserve, and enhance rivero, waterways, and wetlands and 055063ted flood plains for <br />their habitat, flood protection, water quality, recreation, and Scenic values. <br />Community Buffers <br />Maintain open space between the metro area and nearby Small cities in order to preserve <br />community identity and protect farm and forest values and operations. <br />