The Legislature hereby declares that it is necessary for sound and proper urban and metropolitan development, and in the public interest of the people of this State for any county or city to expend or advance public funds for, or to accept by, purchase, gift, grant, bequest, devise, lease or otherwise, the fee or any lesser interest or right in real property to acquire, maintain, improve, protect, limit the future use of or otherwise conserve open spaces and areas within their respective jurisdictions.