Title
Receive public comment and consider recommendation regarding the proposed 2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.
Summary
City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with Berry Dunn on March 8, 2022 to create an updated Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.
The proposed 2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan provides goals, assessments, standards, recommendations, and strategies for implementation over a ten-year period. Furthermore, the primary objective of the plan is to prioritize community needs and desires through a meaningful and operationalized plan for staff.
Since April 2022, the City of Pflugerville has worked closely with Berry Dunn to lead comprehensive community engagement efforts, seeking input from the community regarding parks and recreation services. Engagement efforts extended far beyond typical master planning engagement efforts generating over 30,000 touch points. The approach was creative and impactful, meeting people where they are at. Input opportunities were multilingual and provided on-site and online input, with a geographically diverse approach.
In addition to the robust community engagement, the proposed 2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan provides an analysis component that includes an inventory of park, facility, aquatics and open space service levels, recreation program needs assessment, benchmarking of resources, budget, operations and staffing assessments, cost recovery study model and park design standards.
Adoption of the 2023 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan shall not commit the City of Pflugerville to specific funding level implementation strategies but shall provide guidance for growth of park and recreation services.
The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider recommendation of approval of the plan on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
Comprehensive Plan:
All master plans that are adopted by the City of Pflugerville are an extension of the Aspire Pflugerville 2040 Comprehensive Plan, as allowed by Chapter 213 of Local Government Code. Staff found the proposed 2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan to align with three guiding principles adopted through the Aspire Pflugerville 2040 Comprehensive Plan:
1. Community Oriented: Provide events, programming and gathering places that serve a diverse population and provide for a family-friendly environment. Pflugerville desires to maintain its community-oriented environment. Many people and families are drawn to Pflugerville because of its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. There are places for residents and all types of families to gather for events, programs, or just to spend time together.
2. Environmentally Sustainable: Protect and preserve the environment, including air quality and water quality for future generations. The community cherishes its natural environment and seeks to preserve it for the future. The parks, nature preserves, creeks, and Lake Pflugerville are community assets that enhance Pflugerville’s quality of life and will need to be managed appropriately to protect them for future generations.
3. Safe and Healthy: People feel safe and secure throughout the community. Pflugerville sees the importance of being active and engaged. The community values its trails, sidewalks, and parks that provide respite from the busy city. The greenspaces help improve the community’s physical and mental health. Pflugerville fosters an environment where residents and visitors can feel comfortable and secure as a foundation for thriving within the community.
History:
The City Council adopted a Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan in 2011. The previously adopted plan was a ten-year plan and expired in 2021.This proposed master plan would replace the plan that is currently adopted.
Staff Recommendation
Staff has worked extensively with the master planning consultant, Berry Dunn, and recommends approval of the proposed 2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.
Drafter
Kelsey Heiden, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation
Attachments
2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space
2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Summary