The City of De Pere, Wisconsin

 

Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Overview

Abstract

A Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) is a formal document designed to assist communities in developing parks and open spaces that will satisfy the needs of their citizens. The CORP provides a means of identifying, analyzing, promoting, and responding to changes in society, both present and future. The document is also needed as a prerequisite for participation in outdoor recreation grant programs.

            This document is an update of the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan adopted by the City of De Pere in 2007.

            The report begins by establishing the goals and objectives this plan will produce. It also provides important information about the social and physical characteristics of De Pere. These demographics, when combined with guidelines set by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), provide a basis for determining open space and recreational needs in the city of De Pere. Because NRPA guidelines represent minimum goals for outdoor recreation space and facilities, they cannot be used as definitive evidence that the actual needs for open space and recreation in any particular city are being fully met. To better reflect the city of De Pere, a current needs assessment was conducted based on input from city staff and officials as well as comments received from a survey sent to park users. Based on this information, a list of recommendations has been prepared for carious park facilities throughout De Pere. These recommendations are then integrated into a seven year Capital Improvements Action Plan in which each project is described and given a date for completion. A list of funding programs, both existing and potential, is identified for implementation purposes.

 

            Adoption of this Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan by the City of De Pere and endorsement by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will maintain the city's eligibility to apply for and receive funding from the state and/or federal government for the next five years.

Introduction

Public open space and recreation facilities are both a tremendous asset and an increasingly important investment for municipalities and residents.

            Parks and recreation facilities provide leisure time opportunities for the residents and visitors of a community and contribute to general satisfaction and morale. These areas can also heavily influence the image or perception of that community. And finally, an adequate supply of areas and activities to accommodate the recreational needs of the public has been proven to promote the general health, welfare, and safety of our community and citizens.

            Over the years, the desire for recreation and open space has continued to grow and local communities across the world are finding it necessary to supple more park, open space, and recreational opportunities for their citizens.

            To assure these services are provided in an efficient and effective manner, planning principles should be included as an important element of outdoor recreation and open space programs. This process is typically outlined and explained in a Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP).

Purpose

This document is intended to formally update the existing comprehensive park and recreation plan adopted by the City of De Pere in 2007. The adoption of this plan is required for the City of De Pere to remain eligible for cost sharing aid programs administered through the State of Wisconsin.