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Comprehensive Plan Recreation and Open Space Element
<br />Greenways Plan, was adopted by the MPO in 2006. That plan identifies a number of off-road
<br />alternatives for non -motorized travel. The highest priority alternative, the Airport/Aviation
<br />Boulevard loop, will provide a safe off-road travel alternative to several facilities, including U.S. 1,
<br />41 st Street, and 43rd Avenue.
<br />In addition, off-road trails in conservation areas and on beaches provide opportunities for hiking,
<br />sight-seeing, wildlife adventure, and water sports. Through the MPO's Greenways Plans, the county
<br />will focus on connecting bike/ped destinations, such as recreational centers, conservation lands,
<br />wildlife sanctuaries, and the beaches in the county, through on -road bikelanes, off-road walkways,
<br />and off-road trails. Through these bike/ped connections, such destinations are expected to gain
<br />popularity. In the future, the county should develop a south county greenway plan. The county also
<br />should implement its north county and central county greenways plans.
<br />Open Space
<br />Since 1998, the amount of publicly owned or publicly controlled open space in Indian River County
<br />has increased by 46% (31,761 acres), from approximately 68,239 acres in 1995 to approximately
<br />100,000 acres in 2005.
<br />Typically, the amount of open space declines as land is developed. Conversely, the need for public
<br />open space becomes even more important as more development occurs. Within the county's Urban
<br />Service Area (USA), open space areas are being lost as development occurs on previously
<br />undeveloped tracts of land.
<br />Not only does open space enhance the aesthetics of an area; it can also define a community's
<br />character. For example, corridor open spaces can enhance the image and character of the County.
<br />The County can also utilize the open spaces of road rights-of-way, drainage district rights-of-way,
<br />and utility rights-of-way as open space corridors.
<br />Equally important is pastoral open space. Often, larger areas of pastoral open space, such as the St.
<br />Johns Marsh and the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, are under public ownership. As
<br />publicly owned lands, these areas will remain undeveloped and serve open space functions in
<br />perpetuity. Privately owned pastoral open space areas, however, are subject to the threat of
<br />development. In recent years, however, the County has obtained an additional 31,761 acres of open
<br />space that is reserved as conservation land.
<br />Unlike corridor and pastoral open spaces, utilitarian open space is land used for productive, usually
<br />monetary purposes. Those areas are subject to development with changing circumstances. One
<br />common example of that is the conversion of agricultural land within the Urban Service Area (USA)
<br />to urban uses. Within development projects, retention ponds, buffer areas, upland set -asides, and
<br />required yard areas serve as open space. Like the publicly owned pastoral areas, these areas can be
<br />expected to remain indefinitely.
<br />Community Development Department Indian River County 41
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