AGENDA REPORT - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND Over the last 10+ years, there has been such significant growth in the demand for recreation services in Pleasanton that it warranted a thorough assessment of facilities and services. In addition, the scope of recreational programming has changed so dramatically it is now defined not so much in terms of specific leisure activities, but in terms of meaningful experiences that contrast with work and school obligations, enhance personal skills and increase an awareness of the larger community. To address this situation, in 2011 the City Council adopted its Annual Work Plan which included the development of a comprehensive, city-wide Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan was to summarize themes, trends, and community priorities, assess available resources, review existing and anticipated demographic conditions, and provide strategies for parks, recreation programs and open space needs. In 2012, the City Council entered into an agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc., to prepare a Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the purpose of providing a realistic and visionary guide for the creative, orderly development and management of parks, recreation facilities and programs for the City, within the context of the General Plan. DISCUSSION Although there are a host of recreation providers within the City, the Master Plan focuses on the role the City plays in the provision of services and facilities, independently as well as in cooperation with other private and non-profit organizations. It specifically focuses on activities that the City can best support within the limitations of its space and resources and emphasize activities which will serve the greatest number residents and community priorities. The Master Plan's findings and recommendations are based on a combination of community input, derived from community workshops and targeted surveys and staff's technical analysis and as such, in many respects, they represent community expectations and observations which may exceed or be different from, those developed as part of national or state recreational organizations. Notwithstanding this, importance has been placed on assuring the Master Plan is consistent with the Pleasanton General Plan 2005 to 2025 and it provides a framework for meeting its vision, goals, policies and programs, specifically those related to the Public Facilities and Community Programs, Conservation and Open Space, Community Character and Energy Elements. Further, this Master Plan has taken into consideration existing advance planning and other planning documents such as the City's Youth Master Plan, Downtown Specific Plan, Pedestrian, Bicycle and Trails Master Plan, Stoneridge Drive Specific Plan Amendment/Staples Ranch, Bernal Property Specific Plan and other related plans. Page 2 of 6