Park Master Plan Purpose
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) is guided in its stewardship of the city's park system by a Parks Master Plan. Over the years, the Parks Master Plan has served as a guide in the development of parks, greenspaces, park facilities, recreational development and programming.
2001 Parks Master Plan
In 1999, The Houston Parks and Recreation Department commissioned Planning Consultants and Landscape Architects - Vernon G. Henry & Associates, Inc. to develop a parks master plan. Its purpose was to “guide the future growth development, and re-development of the City's parks and recreation system.” The Parks and Recreation Master Plan was completed and adopted by Council Motion 2001-1088 on October 3, 2001.
2006 Parks Master Plan Update Begins
In 2006, HPARD contracted with Clark Condon and Associates to develop an updated plan. This master plan update will guide the department in planning decision for parks and recreation programs for the next 5 years.
During the Winter/Spring of 2006-2007, input was requested and gathered from the public via Leadership Interviews - Council Members, Commissioners, Civic Leaders; Focus Groups — Organizations and groups with specific recreation needs; Public Forums — open to the community within each Council District; Telephone Surveys — 1,800 responses (200/Council District).
During the summer of 2007 the data was analyzed and formatted into a new master plan.
In the fall of 2007, a second set of meetings was scheduled to present the updated master plan to the public for comment.
On December 3, 2007, February 11, 2008, and again on March 6, 2008, a draft of the updated Parks Master Plan was presented to the Quality of Life Committee. This plan reflects the progress made since 2001 and the findings compiled as a result of the meetings and input from citizens, user groups, and city officials. The Master Plan was passed by City Council on April 2, 2008.
A copy of the 2007 Parks Master Plan Final is available in pdf format. You may submit your questions or comments on the draft Parks Master Plan via email at parksmasterplan@cityofhouston.net.
