{"id":4678,"date":"2013-10-06T13:05:27","date_gmt":"2013-10-06T17:05:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/?p=4678"},"modified":"2015-01-08T18:37:29","modified_gmt":"2015-01-08T23:37:29","slug":"what-people-really-want-a-lot-great-expectations-of-a-regional-parks-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/2013\/10\/06\/what-people-really-want-a-lot-great-expectations-of-a-regional-parks-system\/","title":{"rendered":"What People Really Want From Their Regional Parks System"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p>Since 1966, the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\" target=\"_blank\">Capital Regional District<\/a> (CRD) in British Columbia, Canada (Map 1 below) has developed an outstanding park and trail system, which today is perhaps one of the finest regional park systems in North America [Note 1].\u00a0 Primarily a natural areas system encompassing three biogeoclimatic zones (Map 2), CRD Regional Parks comprises 33 parks covering more than 33,000 acres and three regional trails extending more than 110 kilometres (Map 3). \u00a0CRD Regional Parks recently prepared a new strategic plan (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/planning\/strategicplan.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Regional Parks Strategic Plan 2012-2021<\/a>) which sets the direction for the regional parks and trails system over the next decade. \u00a0The strategic plan defines the long-term \u201cbig picture\u201d framework for our regional parks and trails.\u00a0 As part of the preparation of the strategic plan, Regional Parks undertook <a href=\"http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/documents\/regionalparksstrategicplan.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">extensive public consultation to find out what was important to people about the regional parks system<\/a>.\u00a0 What we found was quite surprising \u2013 people expect the regional parks system to fulfill a wide range of wants and needs, apart from just a place to spend leisure time.<\/p>\n<div>\n<hr align=\"left\" size=\"1\" width=\"33%\" \/>\n<div>\n<p>1 \u2014 Politically, the CRD is comprised of thirteen municipalities and three electoral areas (e.g. non-incorporated areas).\u00a0 The CRD has a population of about 375,000 and an area of about 245,000 hectares.\u00a0 Victoria, the provincial capital, anchors the region\u2019s urban core.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4684\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4684\" style=\"width: 560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4684\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-1-560x420.jpg\" alt=\"Photo 1\" width=\"560\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4684\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Children at play at Witty\u2019s Lagoon Regional Park. Photo: Bev Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4680\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4680\" style=\"width: 584px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4680\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Map-1-630x407.jpg\" alt=\"CRD Administrative Boundaries.\" width=\"584\" height=\"377\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4680\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Map 1. CRD Administrative Boundaries.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4687\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4687\" style=\"width: 584px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4687\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-4-630x410.jpg\" alt=\"Expansive view of the Sea to Sea Regional Park.  Photo: CRD Image Library.\" width=\"584\" height=\"380\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4687\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Expansive view of the Sea to Sea Regional Park. Photo: CRD Image Library.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4681\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4681\" style=\"width: 584px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4681\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Map-2-630x409.jpg\" alt=\"Biogeoclimatic Zones in the CRD\" width=\"584\" height=\"379\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4681\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Map 2. Biogeoclimatic Zones in the CRD<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4686\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4686\" style=\"width: 560px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4686\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-3-560x420.jpg\" alt=\"Nationally endangered Garry Oak Ecosystem at Mill Hill Regional Park.  Photo: CRD Image Library.\" width=\"560\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4686\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nationally endangered Garry Oak Ecosystem at Mill Hill Regional Park. Photo: CRD Image Library.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4682\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4682\" style=\"width: 543px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4682\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Map-3-543x420.jpg\" alt=\"Map 3. Parks and Protected Areas in the CRD.\" width=\"543\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4682\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Map 3. Parks and Protected Areas in the CRD.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4688\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4688\" style=\"width: 584px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4688\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-5-630x391.jpg\" alt=\"Photographing a rough-skinned newt.  Photo by Mary Sanseverino.\" width=\"584\" height=\"362\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4688\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photographing a rough-skinned newt. Photo: Mary Sanseverino.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>What People <i>Really <\/i>Want from Regional Parks <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Citizen involvement in the development of the strategic plan was an essential component of the planning process.\u00a0 To this end, a comprehensive public engagement strategy was developed to provide opportunities for regional residents to contribute their ideas into the preparation of the strategic plan.<\/p>\n<p>Opportunities for residents to express their ideas included:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Creation of a regionally representative Citizen Advisory Panel (CAP) to guide development of the strategic plan<\/li>\n<li>Public engagement at community dialogue sessions throughout the region<\/li>\n<li>Engagement with secondary school students at seven area schools<\/li>\n<li>Availability of an on-line and a hard copy response form<\/li>\n<li>Presentations by interest groups<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The public was asked to comment on the following themes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Vision for the regional parks and trails system<\/li>\n<li>Values and benefits of regional parks and trails<\/li>\n<li>Opportunities and challenges for regional parks and trails<\/li>\n<li>Recreational opportunities<\/li>\n<li>Environmental conservation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Secondary students were invited to directly write down their comments on the following themes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Types of recreational activities engaged in\/desired in regional parks<\/li>\n<li>Location of future regional parks<\/li>\n<li>Meaning of regional parks to \u201cme\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Environmental conservation in regional parks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The information received during the consultation process highlighted participants\u2019 strong beliefs and opinions about Regional Parks.\u00a0\u00a0Through an analysis of the data, a number of key themes emerged which clearly indicate the public\u2019s high valuing of, and expectations from, the regional parks system. \u00a0You can see the full public comment report <a href=\"http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/reports\/regionalparkscommitt_\/2010_\/10october_\/20101020agendaitem5r-1\/20101020agendaitem5r.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4689\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4689\" style=\"width: 560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4689\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-6-560x420.jpg\" alt=\"Horseback riding at Island View Beach Regional Park.  Photo CRD Image Library.\" width=\"560\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4689\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Horseback riding at Island View Beach Regional Park. Photo CRD Image Library.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ten of the most salient themes for urban nature conservation are presented below, in no rank order of importance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>(1) Expand the park and trail network; develop more connections, corridors, and linkages.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The public is vitally interested in seeing Regional Parks develop a network of parks and trails that provides connectivity for people, wildlife, and ecosystems.\u00a0 Representative quotes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cMaintain large swathes of area better able to sustain bio-diverse populations, instead of subdividing the parks into little \u2018islands\u2019.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cRegional parks can help interconnect the many smaller patchworks of small parks into something bigger and better.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cParks should become hubs for re-establishing native ecosystems to benefit native flora and fauna.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>(2) Value parks for their ecosystem services and ability to mitigate climate change impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Many people are aware of the value of park lands for the \u201cfree\u201d nature\u2019s services they provide, including reducing the impacts of climate change.\u00a0 Representative quotes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cPeople are worried about climate change, so the time is right to protect natural areas that help counteract the negative impact of humans and human development on the climate.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cParks provide rain water filtration to ground water and act as a sink both regarding water and carbon, unlike cement\/pavement structures. \u201c<\/li>\n<li>\u201cBuild on climate change awareness and community realization that we have to do more; parks and trails are the lungs of our region\u2026.our air and water.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>(3) Maintain biodiversity and ecosystem integrity; understand and monitor what we have, restore landscapes, and address invasive species.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Public concern with the environment came through strongly.\u00a0 The public is very supportive of regional parks\u2019 role in environmental conservation and landscape protection. Representative quotes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cProtect and maintain the biodiversity of our parks in both a natural and environmentally safe manner, and remove invasive species once and for all.\u201c<\/li>\n<li>\u201cIncrease ecosystem restoration projects, education projects, and the development of more conservation corridors.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cUse scientifically sound methods of preserving the plant and animal life in the parks.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><\/b><strong>(4) Acquire more land while it is still available; target beaches, forests, lakes, rivers, and lands in the western part of the regional district; maintain open space within the urban fabric.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The public expressed strong support for continued acquisition of land for parks, particularly in light of continuing development pressures and increasing regional population growth. Representative quotes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cPublic opinion is strong for land acquisition.\u00a0 More parks for reasons of conservation and global warming (more trees = less carbon dioxide).\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cExpand the park system; this is vital with the push for development.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWe should have more parks.\u00a0 Parks can both preserve habitats, old growth trees, sensitive areas, and salmon spawning grounds, and provide more green space for residents to enjoy.\u00a0 It is a win-win for all.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>(5) Ensure that parks and trails are accessible and in close proximity to all regional residents.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The issue of easy accessibility to parks and trails was a predominant concern for many regional residents.\u00a0 Accessibility also involves parks being free of charge.\u00a0 Representative quotes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cI value that the parks are a quiet get-away from city life, yet still so close to home.\u201c<\/li>\n<li>\u201cIt is important that the parks are accessible to everyone in every area.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cParks are great places for everyone to go or use, especially those with limited incomes.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4685\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4685\" style=\"width: 584px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4685\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-2-630x420.jpg\" alt=\"The Selkirk Trestle on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail is a popular urban destination. Photo: CRD Image Library\" width=\"584\" height=\"389\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4685\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Selkirk Trestle on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail is a popular urban destination. Photo: CRD Image Library<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><\/b><strong>(6) Keep the parks and trails clean, safe, and well maintained<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Many people commented on how much they value parks being well cared for and maintained, and the importance they place on feeling safe in the parks.\u00a0 Representative quotes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cThe parks are safe for everyone to use. \u00a0They make the community better.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cThe parks are mostly very well maintained.\u00a0 It feels like wilderness and the CRD has lots of parks close to the city where a family can safely enjoy the outdoor life.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cPlease just keep the parks in good condition.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>(7) Recognize that parks and trails are important for exercise, fitness, health, and well-being\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Public comments heavily emphasized the importance of parks for encouraging and supporting healthy, active life-styles, as well as being fun, spiritual, and relaxing places. Representative quotes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cUndisturbed nature, near the city but virtual wilderness, a place where almost everyone can connect with nature and keep physically and mentally fit.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0\u201cThe calming experience and relaxing exercise of walking, hiking, jogging, bird observation, and flora\/fauna appreciation makes living in our area tolerable in an ever frustrating and populating world.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cBeing in a place that\u2019s free of cars, loud industrial noise and commercial advertising is just an overwhelming relief\u2014it feels like you can breathe again.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0\u201cParks bring the natural world to the doorstep of the urban dweller.\u00a0 They provide an indispensable place of peace and beauty, of plants and animals, a place to calm the soul.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>(8) Utilize parks as green space buffers to urban and suburban sprawl<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Respondents strongly support parks and trails serving as buffers to development and regional sprawl. \u00a0Representative quotes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cParks serve as natural green space and a buffer to traffic and the spread of urban sprawl.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cParks are pockets of accessible green space in an increasing urbanized environment.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0\u201cAs Victoria gets more crowded with houses and commercial real estate, parks are going to be our oasis of green space.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cAs we build more and more, I think it is imperative to keep parks so we have places to be in nature and not on cement.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><\/b><strong>(9) Encourage current generations to leave a parks legacy for future generations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A strongly expressed sentiment was a concern that we protect lands now and build a strong park system as a legacy for (and duty to) future generations.\u00a0 Representative quotes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cParks and areas of nature are very important for future generations and the only way we can teach our kids about the environment and what it looked like before mankind came and logged it and built houses.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cParks are valuable for future generations in their naturalness.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWe need to have parks to show our children and grandchildren nature as it used to be\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>(10) Celebrate public support of Regional Parks and its relevance to their lives<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The majority of respondents support the current direction and focus of regional parks in protecting the environment and providing outstanding recreational opportunities.\u00a0 Representative quotes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cThe regional parks provide access to nature, a place to get out of the car, to ride bikes and to walk.\u00a0 They connect urban areas and urban to rural areas.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cI love being surrounded by a greenbelt.\u00a0 I look from my urban condo to the north and west.\u00a0 I can see an almost continuous green line on the horizon made up of parks all the way to Salt Spring Island.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cThe value of regional parks to me is that they provide a beautiful place that no matter how old or young, rich or poor you are, they are available and accessible to you.\u00a0 They also prove a valuable tool for protecting places for future generations to enjoy as well.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It seems clear that public expectations of regional parks and trails is wide-ranging.\u00a0 And with time, these expectations will likely increase, as the stresses of urbanization, population growth, changing demographics, loss of natural areas and biodiversity, and climate change continue to affect the region. \u00a0This presents many challenges for CRD Regional Parks, some of which are explained in more depth below.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4690\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4690\" style=\"width: 560px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4690\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-7-560x420.jpg\" alt=\"Black bears at Sooke Potholes Regional Park during the fall salmon run.  Photo CRD Image Library.\" width=\"560\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4690\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Black bears at Sooke Potholes Regional Park during the fall salmon run. Photo CRD Image Library.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Challenges Facing Regional Parks<br \/>\n<\/strong>(From the Regional Parks Strategic Plan 2012-2021, pages 56-66)<strong><a title=\"\" href=\"#_ftn1\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Managing for Growth:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p>By the year 2038, the regional population is expected to increase from a current level of 375,000 to 475,000, with anticipated continuing growth well beyond 2038.\u00a0 The population structure will also change with marked increases in older age groups.\u00a0 This has profound implications for Regional Parks, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>More visits to regional parks will result in increased demands for facilities and services;<\/li>\n<li>Crowding and pressure for recreational space will create a need for more and more varied places to recreate;<\/li>\n<li>Utilizing the existing land base for development will result in the loss of natural areas, greenspace and biodiversity; and<\/li>\n<li>Existing parks will become more valuable as places that conserve biodiversity and offer people a place to get away from urban and suburban development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4691\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4691\" style=\"width: 560px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4691\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-8-560x420.jpg\" alt=\"Visitors enjoying a summer afternoon at Sooke Potholes Regional Park.  Photo: CRD Image Library.\" width=\"560\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4691\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visitors enjoying a summer afternoon at Sooke Potholes Regional Park. Photo: CRD Image Library.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Maintaining Ecological Integrity:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0\u00a0 Regional Parks represent remnants of the region\u2019s original ecosystems.\u00a0 It is important to ensure that these ecosystems continue to function, evolve and remain viable over the long-term.\u00a0 Ensuring this ecological health is a challenge for Regional Parks:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Most parks are fragments of altered landscapes and do not protect complete ecosystems<\/li>\n<li>Park boundaries have often been determined by administrative rather than ecological considerations<\/li>\n<li>Park environments are subject to impacts from urban, suburban, and rural land uses on surrounding lands<\/li>\n<li>Park ecosystems are subject to impacts from visitors and visitor facilities<\/li>\n<li>Native plant and animal species in regional parks are being altered and displaced by invading non-native species<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4692\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4692\" style=\"width: 584px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4692\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-9-586x420.jpg\" alt=\"Nationally endangered Bluegrey Taildropper (slug).  Photo by Kristiina Ovaska.\" width=\"584\" height=\"418\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4692\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nationally endangered Bluegrey Taildropper (slug). Photo by Kristiina Ovaska.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Connecting with Nature:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p>People visit regional parks to participate in activities such as hiking, walking, horseback riding, cycling, camping, swimming, boating, beachcombing, fishing , nature study, and organized group activities. \u00a0These activities can be enjoyed year-around and they contribute to a healthy lifestyle.\u00a0 However, this high level of use impacts the very things these visitors come to enjoy.\u00a0 Regional Parks is challenged to ensure a sustainable harmony exists between sound land stewardship and outdoor recreation activities.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4693\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4693\" style=\"width: 560px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4693\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-10-560x420.jpg\" alt=\"Hikers on Mt. Wells Regional Park.  Photo by Mary Sanseverino.\" width=\"560\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4693\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hikers on Mt. Wells Regional Park. Photo by Mary Sanseverino.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Funding Existing Demand:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p>Regional Parks is supported primarily through property taxes, with a 2012 operating expenditure budget of $10,014,290.\u00a0 Regional Parks faces significant funding challenges and effective financial management\u00a0 is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system.\u00a0 The organization must sustain the capacity to operate and manage the system in a fiscally responsible manner, while providing stewardship of natural and cultural resources and built infrastructure, and continuing to deliver excellent services to park visitors.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4694\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4694\" style=\"width: 584px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4694\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-11-630x418.jpg\" alt=\"A section of the new E&amp;N Rail Trail in the Capital Regional District.  Photo CRD Image Library.\" width=\"584\" height=\"387\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4694\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A section of the new E&amp;N Rail Trail in the Capital Regional District. Photo CRD Image Library.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Acquiring New Regional Parkland:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p>In 2000, the CRD Board established a ten-year <a href=\"http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/documents\/landacquisitionbulletin2011.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Land Acquisition Fund<\/a> at a rate of $10 per average residential household.\u00a0 The fund generated approximately $1.7 million per year to purchase land for regional parks and trails.\u00a0 In 2010, the Board extended the Land Acquisition Fund for another ten years and increased the fund by $2 per average residential household per year, to a maximum of $20 in 2014 through to 2019.\u00a0 The Fund will generate approximately $3.4 million per year at the $20 rate. In 2010, Regional Parks made significant acquisitions of parkland and the financial commitments for those purchases extends to 2015.\u00a0 As a result, Regional Parks will not have significant funds for further land acquisition until 2016.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4695\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4695\" style=\"width: 560px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4695\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-12-560x420.jpg\" alt=\"Waterfall at Sandcut Beach in the newly acquired Jordan River Regional Park. Photo: CRD Library.\" width=\"560\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4695\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Waterfall at Sandcut Beach in the newly acquired Jordan River Regional Park. Photo: CRD Library.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Integrating Land Use Planning:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p>Regional parks and trails help define the regional landscape, and it is important to manage them in the context of their relationship with the rest of the landscape.\u00a0 However, the regional parks and trails system is only one part of the land use planning in the CRD.\u00a0 It is important to manage land use both inside and outside of regional parks and trails boundaries.\u00a0 This is one reason why Regional Parks must collaborate with others involved in land use planning.\u00a0 This collaboration is also critical in establishing landscape corridors in support of biodiversity.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4696\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4696\" style=\"width: 560px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4696\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-13-560x420.jpg\" alt=\"A rural section of the popular Galloping Goose Regional Trail in autumn.  Photo by Bev Hall.\" width=\"560\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4696\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A rural section of the popular Galloping Goose Regional Trail in autumn. Photo by Bev Hall.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Looking to the Future<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In spite of the many challenges facing Regional Parks, we are very optimistic about the future of the region and the regional parks system.\u00a0 The CRD is fortunate to enjoy high levels of public support for the protection of green and blue space as well as continuing demand for accessible opportunities to connect with the natural world.\u00a0 Regional Parks is committed to providing residents and visitors with a world-class parks system that both protects the environment and provides for outstanding recreational opportunities.\u00a0 This commitment is reflected in the Strategic Plan\u2019s goals for regional parks. (See the Regional Parks Strategic Plan 2012-2021, page 74.<a title=\"\" href=\"#_ftn1\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Goals for Regional Parks<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p>Regional Parks are dedicated to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Protecting the region\u2019s extraordinary biodiversity in perpetuity<\/li>\n<li>Providing for the health, inspiration and education of residents and visitors through human-powered outdoor experiences and activities that foster enjoyment of, and appreciation and respect for the region\u2019s natural environments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4697\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4697\" style=\"width: 584px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4697\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-14-625x420.jpg\" alt=\"Child with dragonfly at one of CRD Regional Parks\u2019 interpretive programs. Photo by Deborah Kerr.\" width=\"584\" height=\"392\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4697\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Child with dragonfly at one of CRD Regional Parks\u2019 interpretive programs. Photo: Deborah Kerr.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Adding to this, one of the most exciting initiatives included in the Strategic Plan is promotion of the idea of managing half of the land and waters in the CRD for the <a href=\"http:\/\/wild10.org\/en\/program\/the-global-foru\/working-coalitions\/wild-cities\" target=\"_blank\">conservation of nature<\/a>.\u00a0 Otherwise known as \u201c<a href=\"http:\/\/natureneedshalf.org\/home\/\" target=\"_blank\">Nature Needs Half<\/a>\u201d,\u00a0this idea is explained in the vision statement as:<a title=\"\" href=\"#_ftn2\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><i>In this century, regional parks and trails will become part of a larger integrated and connected system of natural areas.\u00a0 Subscribing to the idea that \u201cnature needs half\u201d, policies and actions are explored through sustainability planning to significantly enhance the system of natural areas in the region in order to sustain life supporting ecological processes.\u00a0 By conserving at least half of the Capital Region\u2019s land and water base for nature, residents may live and work in harmony with the environment.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4698\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4698\" style=\"width: 584px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4698\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-15-630x420.jpg\" alt=\"View from Babbington Hill, East Sooke Regional Park.  Photo by Mary Sanseverino.\" width=\"584\" height=\"389\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4698\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">View from Babbington Hill, East Sooke Regional Park. Photo: Mary Sanseverino.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Regional Parks is starting to act on this concept by collaborating with CRD Regional Planning to embed Nature Needs Half as a policy direction in the development of the <i>Regional Sustainability Strategy<\/i>. \u00a0This multi-year planning process will result in a comprehensive regional growth management plan that addresses issues such as transportation, population change, settlement patterns, and resource management.\u00a0 Discussions are now taking place to define what \u201cnature\u201d and \u201chalf\u201d mean in the context of the CRD, and how this concept can move from idea to implementation over the next several decades.<\/p>\n<p>In support of this, Regional Parks has included a graphic long-term vision for completing the parks and trails system in the Strategic Plan (Regional Parks Strategic Plan 2012-2021, pages 79-82).\u00a0 \u00a0Realizing this proposed system will take time and require innovation, collaboration, financial resources, public support, and political direction.\u00a0 Map 4 shows the proposed system, with areas in orange identifying areas of acquisition interest for Regional Parks.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4699\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4699\" style=\"width: 584px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4699\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-16-628x420.jpg\" alt=\"Face-painting at a CRD interpretive event.  Photo: CRD Image Library.\" width=\"584\" height=\"390\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4699\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Face-painting at a CRD interpretive event. Photo: CRD Image Library.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4683\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4683\" style=\"width: 543px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Map-4-543x420.jpg\" alt=\"Proposed Regional Parks and Trails System.\" width=\"543\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4683\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Proposed Regional Parks and Trails System.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4700\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4700\" style=\"width: 559px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4700\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-17-559x420.jpg\" alt=\"Baird\u2019s Sandpiper at Island View Beach Regional Park.  Photo by Dave Appleton.\" width=\"559\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4700\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Baird\u2019s Sandpiper at Island View Beach Regional Park. Photo by Dave Appleton.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Conclusion\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It seems clear that Regional Parks are very important to residents of the CRD and very much a part of their everyday lives \u2014 their relevance to the public is high. \u00a0But, as we have seen, this creates numerous challenges in trying to meet these expectations in an era of budgetary constraints, limited capacity, and changing conditions and demands.<\/p>\n<p>Regional Parks has recently developed a comprehensive strategic plan which lays out how we will meet these challenges over the next ten years, and which describes our vision of at least half of the land and water base being managed for nature conservation.\u00a0 With continuing public and political support, we feel confident that we will be able to meet these challenges and continue to offer the public outstanding opportunities to connect with nature close at hand and on demand.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lynn Wilson<br \/>\n<\/strong>Victoria, British Columbia<\/p>\n<p>On <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/\/TNOC\/\/\" target=\"_blank\">The Nature of Cities<\/a><\/p>\n<div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4701\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4701\" style=\"width: 584px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-4701\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Photo-18-630x418.jpg\" alt=\"Enjoying the day at Brooks Point Regional Park.  Photo by Danica Rice.\" width=\"584\" height=\"387\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4701\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Enjoying the day at Brooks Point Regional Park. Photo by Danica Rice.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Further reading<\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Regional Parks Strategic Plan:<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/planning\/strategicplan.htm\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/planning\/strategicplan.htm<br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/documents\/regionalparksstrategicplan.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/documents\/regionalparksstrategicplan.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Salient facts about Regional Parkst: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/preservation\/newparks.htm\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/preservation\/newparks.htm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Information about the strategic planning process: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/planning\/strategicplan.htm\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/planning\/strategicplan.htm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>The public comment report: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/reports\/regionalparkscommitt_\/2010_\/10october_\/20101020agendaitem5r-1\/20101020agendaitem5r.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/reports\/regionalparkscommitt_\/2010_\/10october_\/20101020agendaitem5r-1\/20101020agendaitem5r.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Information about the land acquisition fund: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/documents\/landacquisitionbulletin2011.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.crd.bc.ca\/parks\/documents\/landacquisitionbulletin2011.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>The Wild Cities Project:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/wild10.org\/en\/program\/the-global-foru\/working-coalitions\/wild-cities\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/wild10.org\/en\/program\/the-global-foru\/working-coalitions\/wild-cities<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Nature Needs Half website: <a href=\"http:\/\/natureneedshalf.org\/home\/\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/natureneedshalf.org\/home\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Since 1966, the Capital Regional District (CRD) in British Columbia, Canada (Map 1 below) has developed an outstanding park and trail system, which today is perhaps one of the finest regional park systems in North America [Note 1].\u00a0 Primarily a natural areas system encompassing three biogeoclimatic zones (Map 2), CRD Regional Parks comprises 33 parks [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":4697,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[273,298,297],"tags":[49,23,66,88],"coauthors":[203],"class_list":["post-4678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-essay","category-essay-people-and-communitites","category-essay-science-and-tools","tag-communities","tag-north-america","tag-parks","tag-planning"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4678","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/74"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4678"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4678\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4697"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4678"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4678"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4678"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenatureofcities.com\/TNOC\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=4678"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}