Comprehensive Master Plan

2024-2034
Parks and Recreation– December 7, 2023
April Norris, CPRP, Director of Parks and Recreation
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Project Team
Natalie Smith, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Stacey Wild, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
April Norris, Parks and Recreation Director
Charles Ridlehuber, Former Parks and Recreation Assistant Director
Tayler Dixon, Promotions and Events Coordinator
Samuel B. Miller III, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director
Peyton Voirin, Parks and Recreation Planner
Cameron Clark, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director
 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
• Identify opportunities to maximize resources and areas
of growth over the next 10 years

• Guide the Parks and Recreation Department in decision-

making and prioritizing resources and development

• Obtain grants, state, and federal funding for future

projects

• The previous plan expired in 2020

 THE PLAN PROCESS
• Public Meetings held at Carver • Census Data Analysis
Recreation Center and
Memorial Park Community • Existing resources assessment
Center
• Online Surveys
• Surveys taken at special events

• Internal and External SWOT

analysis

• Stakeholder Meetings
THEMES AND GOALS
 CONNECTIVITY
• Create trails, greenways, and
bikeways that prioritize
connections for all residents to
parks and recreational facilities

• Establish partnerships with

external stakeholders to increase
overall connectivity capacities
 ACCESSIBILITY
• Improve and expand inclusive programming
addressing community needs for those with mental
and physical disabilities

• Prioritize accessibility and inclusivity through park

and facility development and improvements

• Maintain affordability

• Ensure access for a growing population

 SUSTAINABILITY

• Ensure existing resource longevity through

intentional planning

• Prioritize consistency and standards

 INNOVATION

• Support staff development and engagement

• Improve community interaction

• Create an inclusive community

PRIORITIES
PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED FOR THE FUTURE
• Connect facilities through various
multi-modal options (trails,
bikeways, greenways, etc.)
• Identify land for small parks and
greenways (Park Deserts)
• Implement a strategic
programming plan
• Develop a strategic maintenance
plan
• Develop and enhance facilities
based on community needs
• Invest in implementation strategies
for marque parks and facilities
• Conduct a revenue assessment and
implement changes based on the
departmental vision
• Invest in technology updates to allow
for ease of business
• Develop a strategic community
engagement plan
 HIGH LEVEL PRIORITIES
Connect facilities through various multi-modal
options (trails, bikeways, greenways, etc.)
• Benefits:
• Creates access, livability and tourism
• How do we accomplish this?
• Develop a comprehensive trails and
greenways master plan
• Identify sidewalk connectivity
Identify land for small parks and greenways
• Benefits:
• Enhances neighborhoods
• Eliminates park deserts
• Adds property value and protects
community gathering spaces
• How do we accomplish this?
• Identify vacant city-owned parcels
• Intersection of Browns Mill Road, Peoples Street,
and Avonlea Road
• 6 Blackberry Court
• 4127 Bradford Lane
• 371 North Barton
• Utilize the open space ordinance
 HIGH LEVEL PRIORITIES
Develop and enhance facilities based on
community needs
• Benefits:
• Facility longevity and relevance
• Adapt with the community for changing
needs
• How do we accomplish this?
• Develop standards for new and existing
facilities
• Complete ADA improvements
• Community engagement
Invest in implementation strategies for marque
parks and facilities
• Benefits:
• Intentional growth and development
• Ensure sustainability
• How do we accomplish this?
• Develop comprehensive master plans and
feasibility studies
Thank you for your time and
support!
Questions?