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C, a3arru$ Count)' Masttr Par'-1~ and Rtcroar~n plan S~tion Master 5 Plan Proposals and Recommendations In preparing this plan, there was extensive discussion regarding 'doe specific role ~at the Cabarrus County Parks and Recreation Department should take in providing furore hcilities and programs. There were those who felt that the County should provide district, community, and neighborhood parks for both the ~ncorpora~ed and unincorporated communities. Others supported that the County should focus its resources soldy on the development of large district parks, and the municipalities and unincorporated communities develop their own smaller community and neighborhood parks. Both opinions were discussed openly but it was finally realized that zhe Cabarrus County Parks and Recreation Department would not be 5nxncially capable of providing ali of the public recreation hcilities and programs in the county. The Cabarrus County Parks and Recreation Department primary role is to offer a variety of recreational facilities and programs on a countywide basis. In relation to park development, the first priority of the county should be in providing large district parks which include a combination of actNe and passive recreation facilities. Picnic areas, trails, ba]lfle]ds, and court activities are typical facilities. The district parks will sen, e all the citizens of the count)' and will become the primary locations for the Department to operate and provide recreational programs. In addition to developing districts parks, the county should continue assisting municipalities and unincorporated communities in ~he development of local community parks and greenways through their highly successful matching incemive grant program. The county should extend special recreational programs to municipalities without existing parks and recreation departmems. The municipalities would be responsible for providing an adequate facility to conduct the program and assist in subsidizing the cost. Based on recent public demand, the county should initiate a countywide greenway system with acquisition and devdopment responsibilities outside of incorporated areas. The greenway system will help preserve natural corridors and drainageways throughout the county, while also providing users with opportunities for hiking, bicycling: and nature interpretation. The State of North Carolina should offer a variety of recreational facilities and programs on a regional basis. The state should be the provider of regional s~ate parks which include opportunities for camping, fishing, biking, and special hcilities such as zoos and preser,'a~ion of historic sites. Municipalities will need to offer facilities and programs primarily for active recreation such as ballfields, tennis courts, playgrounds, etc. They should be the main provider of communit)' and neighborhood parks, and urban greenways. Cabarrus County Parks and Recreation Department will need to strongly support the recreational needs of the unincorporated communities due to their limited resources. The Count)' must first develop district parks that can be utilized by the rural communities. Secondly, the county will financially assist in developing community and neighborhood facilities for the rural areas through uhe matching incentive grant program. These facilities will need to be developed on publicly owned land and school sites become the best opportunity. The Department should extend recreation programs to the rural communilies at the school sites. W'~,ogerl ' ES-I b'orcm~cr 1991