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
Durham Parks and Recreation (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. This is also an opportunity to consider the renovation or replacement of our 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, along with 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.
On May 5, 2025, City Council adopted the 2025 Durham Parks and Recreation Comprehensive System Plan. Following the adoption of the Plan, this strategic resource will continue to guide departmental operations, inform City leadership, and support City Council decision-making.
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 for flexibility to incorporate future facilities that will address the changing trends and needs of residents as the City continues to grow.
What have we been doing?
The Durham Parks and Recreation Comprehensive System Plan was formally adopted and implementation is underway. The plan establishes guiding principles and priorities that will shape DPR programs, services, and facilities while aligning department initiatives with citywide strategic goals.
Key activities include:
Integrating priority action items from the plan into the DPR Business Plan (FY2026–FY2029).
Updating the FY2026 annual work plan to reflect new priorities.
Assigning team leads and staff responsibilities through SMART goals aligned with the plan.
What's next?
Implementation of the new park system plan will continue through the following activities:
Plan Implementation – Advancing the priorities outlined in the Comprehensive System Plan.
Operational Alignment – Continuing to align DPR work plans, KPIs, and staff goals with plan priorities.
Program and Facility Planning – Using the plan to guide program development, capital planning, and service improvements across the park system.
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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