1996 - 2001 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION GOALS
Princeton has always treated open space as an integral component of the community, not just
land that is left over or unsuitable for development. The Open Space and Recreation Element
goals provide for a comprehensive system of parks, recreation facilities and open space areas
for the enjoyment of the Princeton community.
I. Preserve twenty-five (25) percent of the community's land area as public open
space, private open space or park land.
A. Preservation of Public and Private Open Space
1. Preserve from development environmentally sensitive lands
such as the Stony Brook, the Ridge and Lake Carnegie that are
characterized by the presence of natural features such as wetlands,
steep slopes, stream corridors, boulder fields, unique ecological areas,
and prime wildlife habitats.
2. Preserve important visual amenities, placing
special emphasis on the preservation of woodlands, vistas, corridors,
agricultural lands and other scenic resources.
3. Preserve and protect open spaces around important historic and
cultural sites.
4. Identify acquisition goals, realizing that acquisition may not be
possible in the immediate future, while development of existing parks
will always be possible.
5. Establish a stable source of funding for acquisition of property,
easements or development rights such as an open space tax.
B. Provide sufficient athletic fields, open playfields, and other active
recreational facilities to meet the needs of the Princeton community.
1. Fulfill presently accepted acquisition goals realizing that
acquisition may not be possible in the future, while maintenance and
development of existing facilities will always be possible.
2. Actively promote the development of parks, open spaces, and
recreational facilities of varying sizes to meet neighborhood needs and
the needs of the community at large.
3. Develop a stable source of funding for acquisition and
development of parks and open space through an open space tax.
II. Actively promote the development of indoor recreation facilities.
A. Develop indoor recreation facilities that can meet the needs of all age
groups.
B. Work with the schools, governing bodies and Recreation
Department to develop indoor recreation facilities.
III. Enhance public access to Princeton's open spaces.
A. Creation of additional path systems
1. Develop a network of greenway systems which connects
existing and proposed open space areas as well as connecting to
adjoining municipal systems.
2. Link existing open space properties wherever possible to form
a continuous greenway system around Princeton and provide
alternative means for transportation.
3. Preserve major stream corridors as greenway connections
between open spaces within and outside of Princeton.
4. Obtain access easements over private lands
augmenting public access to existing and proposed open space areas.
Princeton Regional Planning Board Master Plan Index