Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
Status Indicator: 
In Progress | 
On Hold | 
Complete/Ongoing
Initiative: 3.31 Update the current Park System Plan to review DPR services and accessibility
Connected, Engaged, & Inclusive Communities
Description
DPR has contracted with The John R. McAdams Company, Inc. (dba McAdams) an experienced, professional team for planning and engagement consulting services to develop a new Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Park System Plan to replace the 2013 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The new Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Park System Plan will guide future programming and development pertaining to parks and recreation for the next ten to fifteen years.
This is an opportunity to assess what areas of the city are currently underserved and should be prioritized as we continue the City’s work to address past inequities, as well as renovation or replacement priorities for our aging infrastructure and the future of green spaces in the heart of downtown, like Durham Central Park. Equitable engagement, completing facility assessments, and a trends and gap analysis of programs and services will provide important data to inform the development of guiding principles for future programming and facilities to meet the needs of our community. This new Comprehensive System Plan will take into consideration these assessments and other data to ensure we have the planning tools necessary to meet the current and future needs of our residents.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
Equitable engagement is important to DPR because it makes sure everyone's needs and preferences are considered. By involving a wide range of community members, including those who are often overlooked, planners can create parks and recreational areas that everyone can enjoy.
This approach helps correct past inequalities and ensures fair access to recreational facilities. DPR hopes to build trust between the City and the community, making residents more willing to participate in planning processes. When everyone has a say, the solutions are more likely to be creative and effective, reflecting the true diversity of the community.
Park System Plan Engagement
Why is it important?
DPR is proud to serve and build better lives through a variety of programs and services, created through best practices, innovation, efficiency, and excellent customer service. This Comprehensive System Plan will represent a commitment to the City, reflected by our fundamental five pillars, along with the mission and values of the Parks and Recreation Department.
The City has an obligation to provide a balanced system of services provided by the Parks and Recreation Department for all residents. This planning effort will recognize current needs in the City, as well as allow the flexibility to incorporate future facilities that will address trends and the needs of residents as the City continues to grow.
What have we been doing?
- Recreation Advisory Commission - McAdams presented and reviewed initial Summary of Findings from data collection through community survey, public engagement events and meetings, benchmark surveys, etc.
- Completed Level of Service Analysis
- Completed Benchmarking Analysis
- Completed Operational Assessment
- Visioning and Action Plan Workshop with staff and planning team
- Focus Group engagement sessions
- Drafted Vision and Guiding Principles
- Drafted recommendations - initial review by Staff
- Final Draft of chapters and initial review by staff of Guiding Principles
What's next?
- McAdams will share recommendations and plan overview with:
- Staff
- City Management
- Recreation Advisory Commission
- Public
- McAdams will revise plan based on stakeholder feedback
- DPR and McAdams will present plan for adoption by City Council.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
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Strategy and Performance Division