PROJECTED LAND NEEDS
The following gross land needs are based on the standards previously outlined. It should be noted that the standards are based generally on population projections. At the present time, Hickory is expected to grow at a rate of approximately 2.5% annually. Future land acquisition should also anticipate annexation patterns. This report recommends standards based on the convenience and location of land in addition to gross land needs.
The greatest population growth is expected to occur in the Northeast quadrant of the City, with growth also anticipated in the Mountain View area.
| Population | ||||
| 1997 32,300 |
2002 35,000 |
2010 41,500 |
2020 48,000 |
|
| Land in Acres | Active | |||
| Need | 161 | 175 | 207.5 | 240 |
| Have | 178.3 | 178.3 | 178.3 | 178.3 |
| Net Needed | <17.3> | <3.3> | +29.2 | +61.7 |
| Passive and Open Space* | ||||
| Need | 161 | 175 | 207.5 | 240 |
| Have | 195.97 | 195.97 | 195.97 | 195.97 |
| Net Needed | <34.47> | <20.97> | +11.53 | +44.03 |
| *Excludes Caldwell County property, but includes 39.97 undeveloped acres. | ||||
In summary, land for both active and passive recreation is adequate until the population reaches + / - 37,000 people, or an increase of about 16%, which is projected to occur in eight to ten years.
As the population continues to grow, additional land will be needed for both active and passive pursuits, and by 2020, with a population estimated at 48,000, these needs will total 62 acres of land for active recreation and 44 acres of land for passive recreation.
Land should be acquired for one District Park of 20 - 30 acres and two or three Neighborhood Parks of 12 - 15 acres each. Each park should have a balance of developed and undeveloped land.
In addition, a 40+ acre parcel should be acquired for passive use. This land would ideally be located on Lake Hickory, but may be on a flood plain.