A proposed 20-year parks and open space plan is expected to be approved by the Langley City Council tonight.

The provision would become a new chapter in the city’s comprehensive land-use plan.

The council meets at 6:30 p.m. at city hall on Second Street.

The 36-page proposal was put together over 17 months by the five-member Langley Parks and Open Space Commission, which toured the sites and conducted public meetings and hearings.

The plan sets out priorities for creating and obtaining a system of parks and trails throughout the city.

Officials envision open space linked by a public trail system. Green belts, made as wide as possible, would connect larger parks and open areas.

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

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 granting of conservation easements.

A key provision of the plan would be for the city to purchase outright as much land as possible to preserve as parks and open space.