Residents to give input on future of Wake County’s parks, open spaces – WRAL.com

Wake County Parks Master Plan: A Framework for Sustainable Development

Introduction

Wake County is undertaking a comprehensive update to its Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan, the first in nearly two decades. This strategic document will provide a 10-year roadmap for the management and expansion of the county’s 138,000 acres of open space. The plan’s development is critically aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to balance rapid regional growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Public Consultation and Alignment with SDG 17

In adherence to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which emphasizes inclusive partnerships, county officials are actively seeking public input to shape the master plan. This participatory approach ensures that the plan reflects the priorities of the community it serves. Engagement opportunities include:

• A series of in-person events at local festivals.
• An online portal for public feedback, available through November 23.

Upcoming in-person consultation events will be held at:

• Fall Fun Fest in Rolesville
• STEM School BreakOUT in Cary
• Wendell Market
• BBQ, Blues and Brews in Fuquay-Varina
• Western Wake Farmer’s Market in Morrisville

Strategic Objectives and SDG Integration

The draft master plan outlines several core objectives that directly support key Sustainable Development Goals. Residents are being asked to rank the priority of these goals to guide future efforts.

1. Expanding Recreation Access & Promoting Health: This objective directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by providing infrastructure, such as trails, that encourages physical activity. It also advances SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by working towards universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces.
2. Protecting Natural & Cultural Resources: This goal is central to SDG 15 (Life on Land), which calls for the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. By preserving open spaces, the county also contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action), as parks and forests act as vital carbon sinks. Public concern regarding the preservation of areas like Lake Crabtree Park underscores the community’s commitment to this objective.
3. Protecting People & Places and Investing in the Future: In response to significant population growth and changing land use, this objective aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). It focuses on sustainable planning to ensure that green spaces are protected and integrated into future development, safeguarding community assets for generations to come.

Implementation and Future Outlook

Following the public consultation period, the finalized plan will be reviewed by county parks officials and the Board of Commissioners. The formal adoption of the master plan is scheduled for the spring of next year. This document will be instrumental in guiding future land-use decisions, ensuring that the development of Wake County’s open spaces proceeds in a manner that is environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and conducive to public health.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article connects to this goal by highlighting the role of parks in promoting physical activity and health. One of the draft plan’s priorities is “promoting health,” and a park-goer is quoted saying, “Everybody likes to exercise. So, having lots of trails, I think that’s really important.” This emphasizes the community’s desire for recreational spaces that support healthy lifestyles.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • This goal is central to the article, which discusses the creation of a master plan for Wake County’s 138,000 acres of open space. The plan aims to guide park decisions and expand access to recreational areas for a growing population. This directly relates to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by ensuring access to green and public spaces.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article addresses this goal through the stated priority of “protecting natural & cultural resources” and the public’s concern for “preserving space.” The discussion about the closure of mountain biking trails for development at Lake Crabtree Park and the need to protect open spaces from land use changes underscores the importance of conserving terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity within the county’s development plans.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • The article’s emphasis on “promoting health” and providing trails for exercise directly supports the prevention aspect of this target. Access to green spaces for recreation is a key strategy for encouraging physical activity and improving public health.
2. Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
   • The master plan’s goal to “expand recreation access” for the “millions who visit them each year” aligns perfectly with this target. The county’s effort to gather public input through in-person events and online surveys is a mechanism to ensure the plan is inclusive and reflects the community’s priorities for its public spaces.
3. Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts.
   • The creation of a “new recreation and park master plan” is a direct example of integrating ecosystem values into local planning. The article states the plan will guide decisions for the next decade amid “rapid increase in growth and land use changes,” positioning it as a critical tool for balancing development with the “protecting natural & cultural resources.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 3.4:
   • An implied indicator is the expansion of recreational infrastructure, such as the new biking trails at Umstead State Park. The public’s demand for “lots of trails” suggests that the length and accessibility of trails for hiking and biking could be used as a measure of progress.
2. For Target 11.7:
   • A key indicator mentioned is the total acreage of public open space, which is stated as “Wake County’s 138,000 acres of open space.” The master plan’s success can be measured by its ability to protect and potentially expand this acreage.
   • Another implied indicator is the level of public participation in the planning process. The article details the county’s efforts to collect input through in-person events and online surveys, which measures the inclusivity of the planning process.
3. For Target 15.9:
   • The primary indicator is the formal adoption of the new recreation and park master plan. The article states that “Adoption is set for spring next year,” which will mark the official integration of conservation goals into the county’s ten-year strategic framework.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wral.com