Planning Your Park
Envision Your Park
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ENVISION YOUR IDEAL PARK
Start with a big picture
Creating an urban park, or enhancing an existing space, is not an easy task. Priorities can change over time, and input from stakeholders can challenge even the best laid plans.
A project should be seen as a multi-generational endeavour, which means that individuals involved in planning and growth are going to change.
Before you start a plan, it can help to have a vision of what you hope your urban recreation space, trail network, green space, or natural conservation area will add to your community.
A broad vision can also help you integrate new projects and identify opportunities as your community changes.
“Little Red River Park strives to be a place where healthy relationships with the land and the community are promoted and nurtured. It is a place where conservation of natural systems and heritage resources are balanced with recreation and cultural amenities, and programming to enhance the quality of life for Prince Albert and District residents, as well as providing a destination for visitors to the city and region.”
From the Little Red River Park Master Plan, May 2020
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“Recreation, parks, and culture amenities and services are essential elements to a complete community. Research has shown that physical activity, access to green and social spaces, and cultural opportunities support the emotional health and well-being of citizens. Recreation, parks and culture programs and services foster community connectedness, inclusion, and resilience.”
From the City of Swift Current Recreation, Parks & Culture Master Plan, January 2021
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Tips for the Vision Process
Bring together experts early in the process when creating a vision for your urban green space projects. At the start, all input is valuable to establish a vision statement for your projects that provides a focal point for your developments. This participatory process can increase community buy-in.
Dream big! Your vision should not be limited by what you can achieve today or tomorrow, or even in the next park masterplan period. It is the biggest picture you can create of what your park and conservation area can contribute to your community and region.
Document your vision process! As your community grows and changes, having a reference point for future visitors and for future project stakeholders about the vision journey and how your urban green spaces have changed can create a legacy roadmap for your vision and future masterplans.
CHECKLIST ITEMS
Develop a vision for your parks and trails. This vision can be based on a master community plan, feedback from your community, input from community associations, or from reviewing existing infrastructure and focusing on the strengths of the park within your community. It’s a good idea to keep the Pillars of Urban Parks in mind as you brainstorm!
Create a document library that includes as much information as possible about the planning journey. This will help future planners and organizers understand the process, and build resources required for ongoing updates.
Battleford River Parkway Lookout