Chapter 7--Open Space, Conservation and Recreation

Open space is one of the essential elements contributing to the high quality of life in the City of Merced. It provides a multitude of functions that are beneficial to the community. Open space provides parks and recreation areas, preserves natural resources, provides an avoidance mechanism for development near hazardous areas, and provides buffers between non-compatible uses.

The Merced SUDP area includes a significant amount of "open space," including areas preserved for permanent open space, parks, water basins, beltway corridors, agriculture, etc. Additional area will be preserved for open space for recreation, wildlife or wetlands habitat conservation, or agricultural use, through the development review process.

The Merced Vision 2015 General Plan recognizes that the urban form of the City of Merced will be shaped through the retention of open space and agricultural lands. The Land Use Plan proposes the preservation of open space by concentrating urban development and channeling future development north and south of the existing City onto lands with lesser overall agricultural value.

The General Plan takes advantage of the open space opportunities afforded by utility rights-of-way, using them as bike and pedestrian trails, landscaped environmental corridors, or parks. Canals and streams are also used as multi-purpose trail ways. Landscape and scenic corridors within the street system (including street trees) provide open space relief and add to the open space character of the Merced community.

The Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation chapter contains policies for open space lands and for conservation of natural and man-made resources within the City’s SUDP, including water, wildlife, soil, and historic/cultural resources. It also contains policies for the development of recreation resources in the community and the use of open space lands for recreation purposes, including expansion of the City’s urban forest and creek side bicycle/trail system.

Other highlights of the Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation Chapter include:

Descriptions of the various types of open space and parks in the Merced area;

An inventory of the City’s biological and wildlife resources, including sensitive species and potential wetlands;

Issues for future study (greenbelts, future park sites, groundwater recharge facilities, etc.); and,

An action plan for implementing the City’s open space goals.

Chapter 7--Open Space, Conservation & Recreation Goal Area OS-1: Open Space for the Preservation of Natural Resources

GOALS

Maintenance of Merced’s Biological Resources

A High-Quality, Expanding Urban Forest

Preservation of Scenic Corridors and Resources

Improvement and Enhancement of Water Quality

POLICIES

OS-1.1 Identify and preserve wildlife habitats which support rare, endangered, or threatened species.

OS-1.2 Preserve and enhance creeks in their natural state throughout the planning area.

OS-1.3 Promote the protection and enhancement of designated scenic routes.

OS-1.4 Improve and expand the City’s urban forest.

OS-1.5 Preserve and enhance water quality.

Goal Area OS-2: Open Space for the Managed Production of Resources

GOAL

Protection of Regional Agricultural Resources

POLICIES

OS-2.1 Protect agricultural areas outside the City’s SUDP from urban impacts.

OS-2.2 Relieve pressures on converting areas containing large concentrations of "prime" agricultural soils to urban uses by providing adequate urban development land within the Merced City SUDP.

Goal Area OS-3: Open Space for Outdoor Recreation

GOALS

High Quality Recreational Open Space

Adequate Public Recreation Facilities

Comprehensive Urban Trail and Bike Path System

POLICIES

OS-3.1 Provide high-quality park and open space facilities to serve the needs of a growing population.

OS-3.2 Maintain and expand the City's Bikeway and Trail System.

OS-3.3 Maintain the City's existing high-quality open space facilities.

OS-3.4 Develop a diverse and integrated system of park facilities throughout Merced.

Goal Area OS-4: Open Space for Public Health & Safety

GOAL

A Safe Environment For Merced’s Citizens

POLICY

OS-4.1 Preserve open space areas which are necessary to maintaining public health and safety.

Goal Area OS-5: Conservation of Resources

GOALS

Conservation of Water Resources

Preservation and Protection of Soil Resources

POLICIES

OS-5.1 Promote water conservation throughout the planning area.

OS-5.2 Protect soil resources from the erosive forces of wind and water.