2015 Dallas Parks master plan
PROCESS
planning process
park system inventoryCOMMUNITY Input>>
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The 2015 Dallas Parks Master Plan process was designed to focus on community engagement. Dallas residents, community groups, the Dallas Parks Board, and City staff all contributed to the knowledge behind the Plan and its outcomes.
The planning team gathered input from community members through the following activities:
Conducting these activities led to a better understanding of the community's perception of the park system and what they enjoy. Findings and lessons learned from the activities were used to develop the vision, goals, and objectives for the 2015 Dallas Parks Master Plan. This webpage summarizes community input gathered during the planning process. Findings from specific community engagement activities can be seen at the bottom of the page.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Seven themes regarding Dallas's park system emerged from community input:
1. satisfaction
Dallas residents expressed a high level of satisfaction with their park system. There was a sense of pride and satisfaction with
the quality, quantity, and reputation of Dallas's parks.
Among those parks most heavily used were Dallas City Park, Delbert Hunter Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Dallas Aquatic Center, and Rickreall Creek Trail. Those least visited were Walnut Park, Dallas Senior Center, Rotary Park, Central Bark Park, and Gala Park. While overall perceptions of the parks system are positive, many interviewees based that perception solely on Dallas City Park, and were unfamiliar with other parks in the city.
2. variety
Dallas residents prefer parks and a park system with a variety of activities and elements. This may be one of the factors contributing to the popularity of Dallas City Park. Having elements such as play equipment, sports fields, picnic areas, trails and natural areas all in one facility or within close vicinity allows residents to spend more time in the parks.
3. inclusivity
Dallas community members were asked to select populations they believed to be underserved by Dallas’s parks, a question that revealed potential needs related to accessibility, facilities, or programming.
Groups believed to be underserved by Dallas’s parks : 4. natural resources
5. access
Dallas residents value short trips to parks and safe access between and within parks.
When asked how they would like to travel to Dallas’s parks, respondents did not heavily favor a particular mode. Walking and driving - at 37% each - were the preferred modes, with biking at 24%. Most people expressed a desire to walk to parks for trips less than one mile, bike for three mile-long trips, and drive for trips over five miles. When asked how they would prioritize funding for a park system, 18% of funds were dedicated to “improving connectivity.” 6. Stewardship
While interviewees commended the city for sufficiently managing the parks system given the resources available, the most commonly stated concern in the stakeholder interviews was the capacity to maintain the parks. Should additional improvements or acquisitions be made to the park system, city staff would need additional funding and personnel to continue to maintain the parks at their current level.
Stakeholders indicated community members want to volunteer with the parks, but they need (1) to be better informed about volunteer opportunities, (2) be given short, flexible time commitments, and (3) be acknowledged for their efforts. 7. communication
Additionally, the Dallas community values transparency and inclusivity in planning processes and decision making. Certain demographics were cited as not having direct input, particularly the teen population.
How would Dallas residents
Learn more about specific community input activities... |