TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution adopting the 2017 Parks Master Plan Update.
SUMMARY
DATE: April 4, 2017
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Brett E. Williams, Executive Director of Community Services
SUBJECT: 2017 Parks Master Plan Update
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Parks and Recreation entered into a professional services contract with Halff Associates, Inc. (Halff Associates) to draft and finalize an update to the Killeen Parks Master Plan in May of 2015. The purpose was to create a document to provide guidance in the overall development and maintenance of park and trail facilities and various recreation amenities and programs. Master Plans are recommended for updates every five years to maintain a competitive edge in grant application processes. Killeen’s Parks Master Plan has not been updated since 2009. Parks and Recreation completed 12 of the 24 projects previously identified to occur from 2009-2015. In addition, Parks and Recreation completed an additional six projects not identified in the plan.
Halff Associates’ efforts to gain public input throughout the planning process included citywide public surveys of adults and youth; several stakeholder meetings with groups such as the City administration, local school district officials, civic clubs, City Council, Planning and Zoning, senior citizens, and volunteer coaches within Parks and Recreation; two public open houses; and a citywide prioritization survey to solicit input from citizens.
Parks and Recreation seeks to gain City Council approval of the Parks Master Plan Update. Residents, City Council, and staff have provided input over the duration of the process. The plan as presented provides a blueprint to address the deficiencies of existing facilities, assessment of future needs, order of magnitude funding amounts, and a timeline for implementation. The plan details reasonably attainable goals for the immediate future, in addition to more ambitious goals for the distant...
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