Description
An open space plan can be an element of a comprehensive plan or a stand-alone policy document setting forth a community or region's current and projected needs for parks, wildlife habitat, agriculture, and recreation and identifying where such open space features ought to be spatially located.
Strengths
Can be used to promote smart growth policies by identifying undeveloped areas that ought to remain preserved, protected, or acquired.
Weaknesses
Funding and resources that are needed to acquire or protect open space might be constrained by tight budgets.
Examples
Example 1: Ohio
Natural Areas Establishment and Management
Description: Ohio Balance Growth Program
Example 2: Michigan
Land Use Planning and Growth Management
Description: Land use planning document for the state of Michigan.
Example 3: Wisconsin
Description: The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is done every five years to identify essential and contemporary issues that affect the future of outdoor recreation in Wisconsin.
Example 4: Wisconsin
Description: City of Kewaunee Outdoor Recreation Plan
Example 5: Wisconsin
Description: Provides an overall picture of park and open space needs
Photo Credits: CMAP, WDNR, City of Kewaunee