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8. The experience of other municipalities in the region that have developed systems of parks and trails can inform decisions about the future of Arden Hills' parks and trails. 9. The city's financial support for its parks and trails has been limited. Clear policies are needed to identify how future park and trail developments will be funded. 10. Developing the financial resources necessary to continually develop, improve and maintain Arden Hills parks and trails will require a new level of political will in the city. A clear vision for parks and trails that has the support of the City Council is essential to developing that will. VISION Parks and trails in Arden Hills enhance the health and well-being of citizens, improve the value of citizens'property,and increase the desirability of the city as a place to live or work. The city's parks and trails compose a coherent network that: ■ Provides land-and water-based recreation,as well as convenient and safe access to parks,trails and recreation facilities in the region. • Encourages non-motorized transportation and commuting. • Supports and encourages access to lakes,marshes and wooded areas, and seeks wise management of the city's natural resources. ■ Provides connection between the portions of Arden Hills south of Highway 96 and new development to the north,as well as among other neighborhoods otherwise separated by roads. • Provides important resources to schools,colleges,employers and other organizations in the region. • Strengthens community among citizens. This vision will only be achieved with the leadership of the city council and the support of the community. That leadership and support is critical to generating the financial resources necessary to develop,operate and maintain Arden Hills'parks and trails. Our work on the vision began with a very expansive view of what could be accomplished. More recently,however, we have come to the conclusion that the vision needed to be well focused in order to garner support from the City Council. To that end,we pared back the elements we had discussed earlier to the critical elements needed in a trail network,specifically two north-south trails and two east-west trails that compose the central arteries of the trail system. While significant portions of these arteries exist now,key portions must be completed if the city is to have a basic trail network. Once the arteries are in place,various neighborhood connections (some of which now exist)will provide access to parks,trails, transportation,schools, shopping and other resources from all areas