Big Lake Comprehensive Plan Update
Project Date:2007-2009
Lead: Chris Beck
Client: Big Lake Community Council + Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Location: Big Lake
Project Description
In 2007, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough teamed with Agnew::Beck to update Big Lake’s 1996 Comprehensive Plan. Big Lake’s residents, landowners and other stakeholders were well-represented in this highly participatory comprehensive planning process which included regular meetings of the Big Lake Planning Team, public workshops, and the creation of planning work groups for specific key issues.
These work groups were created partly in response to the challenge of working with a 40-member Planning Team. Smaller work groups resulted in a more focused forum for creating practical, locally driven solutions to specific issues. These groups not only shaped the Comprehensive Plan but continue to work to ensure successful implementation of plan recommendations. One work group evolved into a local nonprofit trails group – Big lake Trails, which produced a detailed map of priority snow-machine trails in the community and surrounding area.
Agnew::Beck created a project webpage used by Big Lake community members to learn about the plan, upcoming meetings and to submit comments. The Planning Team also engaged area youth in planning for the future of their community by surveying elementary, middle and high school students.
Agnew::Beck’s desire to innovate, and tailor plans and products to communities, resulted in a few new methods of comprehensive planning. In order to help folks better understand and visualize the overall concept and concepts of the the Comprehensive Plan, Agnew::Beck designed a user-friendly, graphically based “guidebook” to illustrate the issues, goals and processes of the Comprehensive Plan. Another innovative step in the process included an “experts” session which matched a panel of local experts with the work groups to share local and professional knowledge about issues affecting Big Lake (Lake Shore Restoration, Fire Prevention, Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Transportation Projects). The Big Lake Comprehensive Plan Update was adopted by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly August 4, 2009.
Big Lake Comprehensive Plan
The Big Lake Comprehensive Plan Update was adopted by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly August 4, 2009.
Big Lake Trails Plan
The Big Lake Trails Plan was unanimously adopted by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly. For more information, visit the Big Lake Trails website.
Questions? Contact Shelly Wade at Agnew::Beck, 907.222.5424.
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