PRESERVE
NATURAL SPACES
Protect ecologically sensitive areas through land preservation and environmentally conscious construction and maintenance practices Parks exist for preservation as much, if not even more, as they do for recreation. Protecting ecologically sensitive areas through land preservation and environmentally conscious modeling is one of the most important roles the parks and recreation department has within a community, especially one growing as quickly as Mansfield. Residents have clearly stated their passion for protecting the great outdoors; natural spaces, ponds and nature parks were named in the top five most important park amenities in the first survey. In the phase two survey, the highest rated key theme was “protecting natural spaces,” ranked 4.8 out of 5 in support. Frequent requests include open spaces, less concrete and more nature parks like Oliver Nature Park. It’s not a cheap or easy task; native landscapes are disappearing at an increasing rate as land grows scarce and developers pay top dollar. The true value of preserving our environment is priceless, and the advisory committee appreciates the incredible responsibility the department has to keep Mansfield green today and for our future generations.
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OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES • Identify spaces throughout the city for new parks or open space to preserve natural landscapes • Protect open spaces through land preservation and public space beautification • Increase opportunities for residents to connect with nature • Use sustainable practices in planning, design, construction and operations • Identify environmentally sensitive areas like waterways and wildlife habitats; actively work to encourage conservation and protection • Identify new and existing spaces that can be used as minimally developed nature exploration and appreciation • Ensure that environmental policies align with local, state and industry guidelines • Expand the use of solar power • Develop and implement a natural resources management plan • Establish an annual tree planting program for parks and public spaces
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION 2020 MASTER PLAN