Park Master Plan

The Parks Master Plan is a long-range planning document that evaluates existing park facilities, identifies community needs, and establishes a vision for future park improvements, recreation opportunities, connectivity, and quality-of-life enhancements throughout the city. According to the plan materials, the City completed a comprehensive assessment of current park features and developed recommendations for future investments and upgrades. The plan was created with guidance from the Parks Master Plan Steering Committee and informed by extensive public input, including a citizen survey.

Parks Master Plan Adoption Process

The Parks Master Plan was developed through a collaborative and community-driven process that included:

Parks Master Plan Steering Committee

The City established a Parks Master Plan Steering Committee to provide oversight, guidance, and recommendations throughout the planning process. The committee represented a broad cross-section of the community and included:

• Local elected officials
• Appointed board and commission members
• City staff
• Professional planning and park design consultants
• Community residents
• Youth representatives

This diverse representation ensured that the plan reflected both technical expertise and community priorities while balancing current needs with future growth.

Community Engagement

Public participation was a key component of the planning effort and included:

• Community surveys to gather resident feedback
• Public meetings and presentations
• Stakeholder discussions
• Review of existing park conditions and amenities
• Evaluation of recreation needs and desired future improvements

The resulting recommendations were shaped by both citizen feedback and the Steering Committee’s guidance.

Plan Adoption

Following completion of the assessment, public engagement process, and development of recommendations, the Parks Master Plan was presented to City leadership for review and adoption as the City’s guiding document for future park development, capital improvements, maintenance priorities, and recreational programming.

Major Recommendations and Concept Plan

The concept master plan envisions a multi-use park system that combines recreation, open space, community gathering areas, and trail connectivity. Key proposed improvements include:

Community Gathering & Event Spaces

• Optimist Plaza with a central lawn for outdoor events, farmers markets, and community gatherings. (Current location of Optimist Food Truck Park)
• Music Pavilion and Great Lawn for concerts, festivals, and large community events.
• Additional outdoor market areas and flexible event spaces.
• Multiple rental pavilions for family gatherings, parties, and small events.

Recreation Amenities

• Sports courts for basketball and pickleball.
• Sand volleyball courts.
• A dedicated skate park.
• Open play fields and recreational lawns.
• Enhanced picnic areas with tables, grills, and waste receptacles.

Family & Youth Features

• Inclusive playgrounds designed for children ages 2–12.
• Covered seating areas near playgrounds.
• A Music Forest Sculpture Playground that combines art, nature, and play.
• A Dinosaur Track Signage Area as an educational and interpretive feature.

Nature & Trail Enhancements

• Expanded creek access and creek crossings.
• Meadow plantings and naturalized areas.
• Linear and looped trail systems.
• Improved pedestrian connectivity throughout the park.
• Exercise equipment trail elements.
• Enhanced environmental and interpretive features.

Pet & Specialty Amenities

• A dedicated dog park with seating.
• Improved parking areas.
• Additional gathering and passive recreation spaces.

Overall Vision

The Parks Master Plan establishes a vision that transforms the park system into a regional community destination by:

• Expanding recreation opportunities for all ages.
• Increasing accessibility and inclusivity.
• Creating more community gathering spaces.
• Enhancing trail connectivity and access to natural features.
• Supporting health, wellness, tourism, and economic development.
• Providing a framework for phased park improvements and future capital investment.

This plan serves as the City’s roadmap for future park development and ensures that investments are guided by community priorities identified through the Steering Committee process and citizen engagement efforts.

Implementation

Implementation of the Parks Master Plan will occur in phases over time as funding becomes available and project priorities are identified. The plan serves as a long-term roadmap for park improvements, allowing the City to strategically advance individual projects based on community needs, available resources, and partnership opportunities. To support implementation, the City will actively pursue grant funding from state, federal, and private sources while also considering local funding mechanisms and capital improvement planning. This phased approach provides flexibility to complete projects incrementally, ensuring that park enhancements can move forward responsibly while maximizing outside funding opportunities and minimizing the financial impact on local taxpayers. As grants are awarded and additional funding becomes available, the City will continue working toward the vision established through the Parks Master Plan and the community-driven planning process.