The Houston Parks and Recreation Department has begun the process of revising the Parks Master Plan.  Its purpose is to provide a written document to serve as a guide in the future development of park land.  This guide will serve to preserve and enhance the quality of life of Houston’s citizens, to guide the department in the performance of its other duties in a manner that achieves the principles of smart growth, sound planning, and stewardship.

2001 Parks Master Plan
In 1999, The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) commissioned Planning Consultants and Landscape Architects - Vernon G. Henry & Associates, Inc. to develop a parks master plan. It’s 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.

Since its adoption the Parks Master Plan has served as a guide for the department and has played a part in acquisitions like Alabanson Park, Willow Waterhole and Lake Houston Park. Today HPARD manages 38,945 acres of parkland, comprised of 350 parks, 200 greenspaces and over 101 miles of trails and pathways.  

2007 Updated Parks Master Plan Timeline
In the Spring of 2007, 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.  A Public Forums Summary is available in English or Spanish in pdf format.

As the Fall of 2007 begins a second set of meetings has been scheduled from October 1 through October 17 to present the updated master plan to the public for comment.  These meetings are scheduled by Council District.  A Fall Public Forums Meeting Schedule is available in English or Spanish in pdf format. 

When completed this plan will reflect the progress made since 2001 and will serve as a guide for the future. The new plan is expected to be completed and brought before Council for their consideration in 2007.

Send your comments on the 2007 Updated Master Plan via email to parksmasterplan@cityofhouston.net.