Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Consider the Adoption of the 2026-2036 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan as Presented to Guide Park Development, Operation, Maintenance and Capital Investment Priorities and Standards
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting the City of Merced 2026-2036 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan and recognize the Strategic Action Plan as the City's long-term strategic framework for park maintenance, recreation operation, facility management, open space designation, partnerships, funding priorities, and capital investment.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the 2026- 2036 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Modify the action (specify in motion); or,
2. Refer back to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
3. Continue item to a future Council meeting (date and time to be specified in City Council motion).
AUTHORITY
The most recently adopted Master Plan was adopted in 2004 and incorporated in the Merced Vision 2030 General Plan, Chapter 7 which directs the City under Policy OS-3.1, Action 3.1.c to "continue to implement the City's 2004 Parks and Open Space Master Plan and any subsequent updates.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
The City Council set forth a goal in 2023-2024 to develop a new Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan. In 2024 the City Council adopted a resolution to apply for and accept $150,000 in grant funds from Central Valley Opportunity Fund to develop a new Parks, Rec. and Open Space Master Plan (PROS). That grant was awarded and the plan has been in development since that time.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City of Merced's 2026-2036 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan represents the City's first comprehensive update to its parks planning framework since adoption of the 2004 Parks and Open Space Master Plan.
Over the past two decades, Merced has exp...
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