Title
Resolution to Endorse and Implement “The Green Places: Open Spaces Plan for Coordinated Parkland and Open Space” and Specific Action Items
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to endorse the Open Space plan developed by Washtenaw Metro Alliance and adopt specific action items, outlined in Attachment A.
Leaders from each local unit of government of the Washtenaw Metro Alliance - City of Ann Arbor, City of Ypsilanti, Townships of Ann Arbor, Pittsfield, Scio, Superior, and Ypsilanti, and Washtenaw County - have come together to “protect our quality of life by anticipating issues before they become problems, to enhance our quality of life by identifying opportunities to maintain our sense of place through commitment to leadership and action.”
Leaders from the Washtenaw Metro Alliance (WMA) are taking the residents’ commitment to preserving parks and open space by initiating a Vision for a Coordinated and Connected Parks and Open Space System. The primary objectives of this initiative include:
q Informing residents about the current system of parks, recreation and open spaces;
q Identifying additional recreation and open space opportunities and connections;
q Coordinating open space and recreation programs including land acquisition programs to realize additional opportunities.
On April 5, 2007, The Washtenaw Metro Alliance adopted the "Green Places: Open Spaces - A Plan for Coordinated Parkland and Open Space."
Staff
Prepared by: Ginny Trocchio, The Conservation Fund
Reviewed by: Jayne Miller, Community Services Administrator
Body
Whereas, Elected officials of the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, the townships of Ann Arbor, Pittsfield, Scio, Superior, and Ypsilanti, and Washtenaw County have come together to form the Washtenaw Metro Alliance (WMA), by resolution support of its charter;
Whereas, The purpose of the WMA is to protect the region’s quality of life by anticipating issues before they become problems and to enhance our quality of life by identifying opportunities to maintain our sense of place through commitment to leadership and action;
Whereas, A coordinated approach to open space preservation was identified by the WMA membership as a priority quality of life issue and opportunity for the region;
Whereas, The Green Places: Open Spaces “A Plan for Coordinated Parkland and Open Space” was developed with extensive input from the public, open space partners and local government boards and committees, and WMA members;
Whereas, The plan outlines specific actions needed to increase awareness and support for open space preservation and coordinating open space activities to maximize the region’s quality of life; and
Whereas, The Plan was adopted by the Washtenaw Metro Alliance on April 5, 2007;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and Council endorse the Green Places: Open Spaces “A Plan for Coordinated Parkland and Open Space”;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and Council will take steps to consider incorporation of the document into the City’s Master Plan; and
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and Council will commit to participation and support of the Action Items identified in Attachment A.