(a) Since the initial ordinance was passed April 18, 1977, an increased awareness in business and residential development, and now standard for economic development, includes a growing recognition of the need for: neighborhood and community parks; comprehensive recreational facilities; trail connectivity of parks, schools and recreation facilities; including sufficient open space areas for both passive and active function. This recognition has developed not only because of the important aesthetic reasons involved, but also because of the increased realization that these parks, recreational facilities and open space areas are a vital ingredient in any urban world that is to be considered livable.
(b) If there is to be a quality environment throughout the community, and if likewise there are to be adequate parks and recreational facilities for all citizens and a variety of leisure time opportunities for the entire family, then it is going to be necessary that a City have a comprehensive park system. A comprehensive park system, by setting forth definite principles, policies, practices and priorities, will meet the needs of and serve the citizens by providing recreational outlets and sources of relaxation, and also by improving the visual quality of the urban environment - thus making the community a much more enjoyable and attractive place in which to live. Based upon national standards by The National Parks & Recreation Association (NPRA) governing body, it is hereby found and determined by the City, as established by the Division of Parks & Recreation Master Plan, that the public health, safety and welfare requires that at least ten (10) acres of land for each 1,000 persons residing within the City of Fairborn be devoted to neighborhood and community park, recreational facilities and/or trails; and, the same is hereby established as the parkland standard for all purposes of this section. It is the goal of the City of Fairborn to provide such a comprehensive park system.
(c) A comprehensive park and trail system is a necessary and integral part of any community, and as such it will be found that parks, trails, and open space areas are a key element in and a dominant feature of the social and physical structure of the community. The importance and value of such public improvements as streets and sidewalks, water distribution systems, sanitary sewer systems, storm sewer systems, street lighting, street name and traffic control signs, and other such required public improvements and physical facilities has long been recognized and acknowledged. Community Development Directors and Planners have developed a realization that adequate parks, trails, proper recreational facilities, and sufficient open space areas represent a need as real and important as that for these other required public improvements. Parks, trails, recreational facilities and open space areas are no longer merely desirable. They have in effect become a modern necessity, especially as relates to the continued growth, development and expansion of the City.
(d) Because of this increased awareness of the need for and necessity of parks, trails, recreational facilities and open space areas in the community, the demands upon the City to reserve, acquire, develop, and maintain adequate parks, trails and open space areas are going to increase. This is especially going to be the case in newly developed areas where, because of the massing together of large residential sections, the demand for urban services and recreational areas and facilities is going to be localized.
(e) If these parks, trails and recreational facilities are to be provided, then adequate land must be available. This will certainly require an effective park land acquisition and development program. Obviously, public finances are currently totally inadequate to accomplish this task. Furthermore, in light of the existing fiscal situation in our community, it has been determined that the City must prevent an excessive burden on property taxes, and particularly as relates to existing residents. Consequently, the responsibility for providing these needed parks, trails, recreational facilities and open space areas is going to have to be assumed by those citizens directly benefitting from their use.
(f) The purpose of this chapter is to set forth a workable procedure whereby adequate parks, trails, open space areas and recreational facilities may be mandatorily required in newly developed areas on an equitable and reasonable basis and financed by those directly benefitting from these parks and facilities. Only in this manner and with such requirements will the City be able to assure that parks, open space areas and recreational facilities are provided in newly developed areas, and thus in the process prevent a further widening of the gap between the need for such parks and recreational facilities and their availability.
(g) All land dedications and/or fees-in-lieu of dedication required by this section shall substantially conform to the official City of Fairborn Parks & Recreation Master Plan and other applicable City plans, policies and programs.
(Ord. 19-15. Passed 6-15-15.)