Fisher & Arnold, a local multi-disciplined engineering firm, is consulting in this process. The project will allow the County to make future plans as it relates to acquiring open space and park land.
Because of increased demand to acquire remaining open space and limited financial resources, DeSoto County needs an objective process for evaluating and prioritizing potential open space additions based on how they may benefit the overall greenways and parks system.
DeSoto County, through Fisher & Arnold, will begin a process for evaluating and prioritizing park land and create an acquisition priority list. They will develop a ranking worksheet to aid in the process and then form a comprehensive map of existing and proposed parks. The project also includes a natural resources management component for existing properties. The planning process culminates in a comprehensive green resources plan for the County addressing parks, open spaces, greenways, bikeways, conservation and natural systems, and connections. The plan will serve as a guide for acquiring land or easements for inclusion in the overall park, recreation, open space and greenway plans. Estimated completion date is July 2014.
This is the second in a series of articles profiling the projects selected for funding through the Greenprint subplanning awards. A new profile will be posted each day through mid-November.
