The Town Board of the Town of Huntington has found that:
A. 
There exists in the Town of Huntington a diversity of natural resources in town-owned or used parks and park preserves, and those managed by other governmental and not-for-profit agencies, which enhance property values, augment a sense of community, afford opportunity for nature study and inspire outdoor recreation.
B. 
The conservation, protection and best management of such park properties is in the interest of the general health and welfare of the public supported by the Comprehensive Plan.
C. 
Providing greater opportunities for controlled use and access therein can perpetuate appreciation of the Town's parkland assemblage.
A. 
Purpose. The Town Board intends to advance recreational trails and use of its park resources by establishing a Huntington Trails Committee to review the Town's park inventory, identify existing trails and recommend new connections and specific trail uses; organize periodic hikes to open the outdoors to Huntington residents; convey trails information to the public; report on the condition of trails as necessary and to assist maintenance thereof; and provide comments to the Town's review boards on applications for land use that have potential to affect existing trails and/or potentially important future interconnections.
[Amended 6-4-2013 by L.L. No. 12-2013]
B. 
Membership. The Huntington Trails Committee shall consist of up to thirteen (13) members, including a Chairman, who shall serve without compensation. The membership shall be appointed by the Town Board and have civic, recreational, environmental, legal, scouting, educational or relevant not-for-profit organizational experience. The first three (3) members appointed shall serve for three (3) years, the second three (3) members appointed shall serve for two (2) years, and the last three (3) members appointed shall serve for one (1) year. Thereafter, each member shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years.
A. 
On recommendation of the Huntington Trails Committee, with input from the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Director of Planning and Environment, the Town Board may designate and develop or cause to be developed trails or pathway systems for specific or multiple purposes in town parkland consistent with the needs and recommendations established in the Huntington Comprehensive Plan to be networked and collectively known as the "Huntington Greenway Trail." Recommendations from other town departments and/or other Town Board-appointed advisory committees may be made to the Huntington Trails Committee for consideration.
[Amended 6-4-2013 by L.L. No. 12-2013]
B. 
The Huntington Trails Committee may request the Director of Parks and Recreation or the Director of Planning and Environment to prevail upon any of the Town's departments, offices, boards and commissions, including but not limited to those of Environmental Waste Management, General Services, Engineering Services and Historic Preservation, to support and assist in planning and development of the Huntington Greenway Trail and/or its component segments. The Land Management Division of the Department of Planning and Environment shall provide staff liaison to the Huntington Trails Committee and will prepare and maintain an Open Space Network Map to include the Huntington Greenway Trail.
C. 
To the fullest extent practicable, the Huntington Greenway Trail shall:
(1) 
Utilize existing trails, rights-of-way, fire lanes, bridle paths and dirt roads and make connections with other trails, including trails marked by outside agencies, thereby minimizing impacts to natural resources and terrain;
(2) 
Be located with direct access to a roadway;
(3) 
Have segments that can be restricted to a non-motorized use or combinations of non-motorized uses, such as hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing, horse-back riding, bicycling, wheelchair or stroller use or on-leash dog walking;
[Amended 6-4-2013 by L.L. No. 12-2013]
(4) 
Highlight and link existing parks and sanctuaries, protected and designated open spaces, school yards and historic sites;
(5) 
Provide for interpretive signage and opportunities to experience the diverse natural and cultural heritage of the Town;
(6) 
Encourage and involve state and local agencies, private organizations and volunteers in the planning, development and maintenance of the trails of the greenway;
(7) 
Have segment management plans prepared for each segment of the trail to assure uniform maintenance and upkeep; and
(8) 
Have connections to pathways that highlight the character and resources of local communities.
D. 
The Director of Parks and Recreation and the Director of Planning and Environment jointly manage park preserves pursuant to § 159-58. Any plan(s) to expand or to develop new trails within such areas shall require written assurance from each departmental director that such use will not compromise the specific classification in which the park preserve was designated prior to implementation by the Town Board.
E. 
A community member or organization may nominate a new trail use to the Huntington Greenway Trails Committee or the Huntington Greenway Trails Committee may nominate a new trail use directly. Prior to designation of a trail in Town parkland for a specified non-motorized recreational purpose, other than hiking, cross country skiing and jogging, the Town Board shall consider a report from the Trails Committee that examines the following factors:
[Added 6-4-2013 by L.L. No. 12-2013]
(1) 
Environmental conditions at the park and existing trail(s);
(2) 
Types and volume of existing trail and park uses;
(3) 
Sufficiency of trail access and parking;
(4) 
Compatibility of proposal with existing park uses;
(5) 
Proximity to neighbors and potential impact thereto;
(6) 
Input from the Directors of Public Safety, General Services, and Parks and Recreation; and
(7) 
Recommendation of the Trails Committee on the proposed use and anticipated enhancements (e.g., signage, gates).