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Neighborhood Parks Neighborhood Parks are also low compared to national recommendations at approximately 1.5 acres per 1,000 people. This plan recommends that San Marcos invest in community parks to provide 3 acres per 1,000 people at a minimum (see Table 4.2). Greenspace The City of San Marcos currently provides roughly 26 acres of greenspace per 1,000 people (see Table 4.2). The parks department is continually obtaining natural area, and also maintains property along existing portions of San Marcos and Blanco rivers. As the population increases, it will be beneficial to the city to maintain a minimum 5 acres of greenspace per 1,000 people. Greenspace needs are currently met, but often provide key linkages and opportunities for trail connectivity, education and recreation. The City must continue to be vigilant in its acquisition of greenspace so as not to find itself in a deficit in the future. The City of San Marcos utilizes a " Greenspace Selection Criteria" for all newly acquired properties. A copy of this form, in its current state, can be found in Appendix .E Greenbelts A greenbelt is a contiguous corridor of open land. Greenbelts provide trails for interconnected transportation routes between business centers, neighborhoods and active recreation parks — improving tourism opportunities and quality of life residents. They also provide important habitat, wildlife corridors, watershed protection, reduction in flood damage, and improved property values. As opposed to free standing greenspaces, greenbelts cover long, relatively narrow stretches of undeveloped land. Several greenbelts in San Marcos are under development, and investment in their advancement is a priority. In San Marcos, there are two types of greenbelts: those that follow waterways; and those that serve as connective corridors. Together they will create a network of greenbelts which provides hike and bike opportunities to all parts of town and over long distances. Sometimes called a greenway, a greenbelt is characterized by having a high ratio between its edge and its acreage and therefore offers easy access for neighbors and visitors. While most of the core of the city limits has adequate park service, the outlying areas display noticeable deficits. Through the public meetings and community surveys, a strong need was expressed by citizens to provide facilities on both the far west portions of the city as well as on the east side (east of 1 -35). Also noted was the request to provide active recreation on the south - southwest and southeast portions of the ETJ. Generally, this neighborhood park -type will provide a mixture of recreational opportunities, but will not be focused on specifically passive or active facilities. The community desire is for space for gathering, interaction, non - tournament fields and general day -to -day park amenities. 77