thereby secure the maximum benefit before land values increase with Louisville ’ s development expansion .
2 . Louisville should move quickly to enact regulations for new development ensuring that all future development contributes to meeting the new population ’ s parks and recreation needs . With a particular focus on new subdivisions in urbanizing areas , these regulations should address issues such as dedication of parkland and open space ; use of impact fees ; use of flexible development controls such as clustering and conservation easements ; and the protection of sensitive environmental resources . ( A discussion of development regulations may be found in Section B2 .)
3 . Louisville should continue to build positive relations with and where possible provide support to other organizations such as Jefferson County Public Schools and nonprofit organizations which can help conserve and enhance the parks , recreation and open space system .
The importance attached to acquisition of parkland is reflected in the inclusion of most of the acquisition cost shown in Table VII . A . 1 as a top priority .
Existing Park Upgrades
The projected costs included a lump sum of $ 20 million for improvements to the park system existing in 1995 . ( This figure did not include the costs which would be incurred in implementing the recommendations of the Master Plan for Louisville Olmsted Parks and Parkways .) Given the level of deferred maintenance which had resulted from years of inadequate operating and maintenance expenditures , the Plan warned that this figure should definitely be viewed as conservative .
The Plan left no doubt that the existing parks and recreation facilities should be maintained in a condition whereby they can be safely and fully enjoyed . Therefore , the cost allowance for upgrading the condition of existing parks was identified as a top priority in table VII . A . 1 .
New Parkland Improvements
The allowance of $ 28 million for new parkland improvements covers general parkland development costs ( e . g ., access roads , parking , paths , landscaping , restrooms , signage , furnishings and lighting ) but not costs for specific recreation facilities which was addressed separately below . The basis for this cost estimate was explained in Appendix B .
In acknowledgement that Louisville ’ s future parkland might be improved to differing levels , the total cost for parkland improvements was broken down to include $ 16.8 million as a first priority cost , with the remaining $ 11.2 million split evenly between the second and third priority cost categories .
Parks and Recreation System Master Plan | VII . IMPLEMENTATION 151