7. Recreation and Open Space Element

Goal Statement

The Town will require the provision of private recreational facilities and open space to meet the active and passive recreational needs of the residents of the Town.

Objective 7.1: Beach Access

To ensure the public is provided reasonable access to beaches with adequate parking and support facilities, the Town Council shall maintain coordination with the County through active participation in the County’s efforts to develop a countywide recreation system.

Policy 7.1.1: The Town shall require that access to beaches be elevated to protect dune vegetation.

Policy 7.1.2: The Town shall require access to the Indian River Lagoon be consistent with the resource needs of the transitional vegetative communities and submerged habitats.

Policy 7.1.3: All beach and shore access shall be consistent with the requirements of State and Federal permitting agencies.

Objective 7.2: Coordination of Public and Private Resources

The Town’s recreation system will meet demand through the coordination of private and public resources.

Policy 7.2.1: The Town shall continue to cooperate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the maintenance of the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge for wildlife protection and to provide passive recreational opportunities.

Policy 7.2.2: Additional improved access to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge shall be limited to the minimum impact necessary for access to approved passive recreational and conservation uses in order to protect the wildlife populations and natural systems within the refuge.

Policy 7.2.3: All proposed development adjacent to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge will be reviewed for compatibility, impact and long-term effects on the wildlife population and natural systems within the refuge. The Town shall adopt, through land development regulations, performance standards for development within 500 feet of the refuge, that at a minimum address the following:

• Land use compatibility, buffering and landscaping;
• Environmental impact;
• Minimum mitigation criteria; and
• Mosquito control measures.

Policy 7.2.4: The Town supports County and Federal management plans for Jungle Trail. The roadway will be used as an access way, open space corridor and provide passive recreational activities while maintaining its primary historical importance.

Objective 7.3: Level of Service Standards

To ensure that parks and recreational facilities are adequately provided, all future development will be consistent with recreation level-of-service standards adopted in this plan.

Policy 7.3.1: The Town adopts the following recreation level-of-service standards:

Policy 7.3.2: Development orders will not be approved by the Town until adequate recreational facilities, to meet the adopted level-of-service concurrent with new development, are available.

Objective 7.4: Open Space

The Town has adopted land regulations to protect the Town’s existing public open space and defined and identified minimum open space criteria for private developments.

Policy 7.4.1: The wetlands in the Town are designated as open space.

Policy 7.4.2: The land development regulations shall include the definition of open space and requirements for the provision and protection of these areas.

Policy 7.4.3: The Town will incorporate the open space definitions found in this element into its land development regulations.

Policy 7.4.4: Native plant communities within the Town may be maintained as open space to provide passive recreational use.

Policy 7.4.5: Off-road vehicles used for the purpose of recreation, excluding golf carts, shall not be operated within the Town.