A proposed 20-year parks and open space plan was preliminarily approved Monday night by the Langley City Council.

Final approval is expected at the council’s next meeting on Dec. 21, at which time it would become a new chapter in the city’s comprehensive land-use plan.

The 36-page proposal was put together over 17 months by the five-member Langley Parks and Open Space Commission. It sets out priorities for creating and obtaining a system of parks and trails throughout the city.

Officials envision open space ringing the city, linked by a public trail system.

Officials are exploring ways to acquire property, including funds raised through grants, impact fees, a property-tax levy, land trades and donations. A prime instrument would be the acquisition of conservation easements.

A key provision of the plan would be for the city to purchase outright as much land as possible.

The city’s goal is to preserve 25 percent of its land as parks and open space.

“This is a very important piece of who we are,” Mayor Paul Samuelson said in complimenting the Parks and Open Space Commission for its work. “It’s long overdue.”