$54M in parks projects to bene t Plano community From the cover
Some context
The overview
The consistent improvements are one aspect that has made Plano’s parks nationally acclaimed. Plano’s Parks and Recreation Department earned the gold medal award in October from the National Recreation and Park Association, denoting it as the country’s top department for a city with a popu- lation of 150,001-400,000. The award recognizes departments for excellence in long-range planning and community engagement, among other factors. Plano Mayor John Muns credits the accessibil- ity of community and neighborhood parks as part of the reason Plano’s parks system is thought of so highly. “There are some amazing places around the country with mountains and beaches, and yet, Plano won the Gold Medal Award,” he said. “Acces- sibility is really the main reason we have that reputation as a good parks system. For everyone to have a park nearby is a real accomplishment.” The benefits of a flourishing parks system go beyond quality of life for Plano residents.
There are 39 active projects underway at Plano parks, and Plano Park Planning Manager Renee Jordan said more projects are always waiting in the wings. City o cials increased the parks budget by nearly 6% for this scal year. Jordan added that the city staggers improvement projects based on the age and condition of certain locations. The parks and recreation master plan was updated last July. The plan determines the schedule for renovation projects and lays out areas for potential new parks.
“Our hotels are completely full during the summer because of all
these activities that the Parks and Rec department includes
in their programming.” JOHN MUNS, PLANO MAYOR
Hosting events, such as festivals and sports tournaments, helps to drive tourism in the city. “We usually provide them with a great experi- ence, and a lot of times they’ll come back,” Crim- mins said. Plano’s Director of Economic Development Doug McDonald added that the city’s parks can play a factor in helping to attract companies to the city. “It plays a role in us talking about the quality of life,” he said. “We definitely talk about our No. 1 park system in the state of Texas.”
Parks budget (by scal year)
$34,630,000
2024
$30,330,000
2022
$30,120,000
2020
$28,350,000
2018
$25,690,000
2016
Jack Carter Park
67 community & neighborhood parks
The park features an outdoor pool, a dog park, soccer fields and sand volleyball courts. • Estimated cost: $3.7 million • Status: to be completed this summer • What’s new: The final phase of renovations to Jack Carter Park will include improvements to athletic fields, lighting and irrigation, a new restroom building, extension of the park’s trail network, tree planting, and general site repair.
71.6%
M A U M E L L E D R
11.9% 11.9%
4.6%
INDEPENDENCE PKWY.
0-19
20-24
25-29
30+
N
Years of age
2800 Maumelle Dr., Plano
SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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