North Logan will have public hearing Thursday on parks and trails plan

By Jen Pulham

April 19, 2005 | NORTH LOGAN -- The Planning and Zoning Commission met Thursday night to discuss the parks and trails master plan. North Logan has 100 acres of parks, but they are hoping to increase that to more than 150 acres.

Commission members stressed the need for more open space. Commissioner Keith Christensen said, "As you become more urban you"ll see less of the rural." He continued to say it was important to have both in the community.

A public hearing will be at the city council meeting April 21 to get public input on the proposed parks and trails plan.

North Logan has eight parks in the proposal stage. With these new projects and continued development of existing parks, the proposed cost would be nearly $5 million. However, parks seem to be on the mind of residents. At "Envision Utah," a workshop that took place a few months ago, 100 residents participated in a survey about parks and trails in North Logan.

According to the survey, 72 percent of the participants ranked parks and recreation areas, as well as trails, high in importance.

City secretary Winona Perry explained to commission members the value of building "pocket parks." Pocket parks are smaller parks normally built on lots no larger than five acres. "I think we need more of these," Perry said.

Commissioner Don Huber agreed with Perry. "These neighborhood pocket parks are a very nice element where a mother can take her children." The parks plan currently includes two proposed pocket parks.

City planner Cordell Batt also supported the idea of more parks. "Parks enhance [homeowners"] property," he said. "When a builder finds out a park is going to be built, the value of the lot immediately jumps."

Christensen also brought up the importance of having a trail system. "Off-sidewalk trails are an important complement to return the rural side of North Logan."

NW
MS