4. Community Input

Chapter 4

Community Input

Community Input

The recreational needs for the City of Rockwall have been determined by using a combination of three different planning approaches:

A balanced analysis was developed based on local input through focus group meetings, public town hall meetings, the Parks Board, City Council and City Staff. This analysis will assist in determining the priorities that ultimately reflect the parks, trails and open space needs of the residents of

Rockwall through 2030.

Demand Base: Determined by the local residents via public input meetings and focus group meetings. Standard Base: Determined by both the local and national level of service. Resource Based: Determined by the local region’s natural environment and resources.

The combination of the three approaches allows for the varied recreational opportunities expressed by the citizens of Rockwall to be compared with local and national standards and recognizes the natural resources and amenities within the community.

Supply and demand are important aspects of developing the local needs assessment. The supply consists of the existing parks, trails and natural resources found within the City. The demand in the park system is the public desire which is determined by the stated goals and objectives, local level of service and national standards.

• Introductory Staff Workshop: January 2020 • 3 Public Town Hall Meetings: February 2020 • Staff Focus Group Meetings: June 2020 • Parks Board Input & Update: June 2020 • City Council Input & Update: June 2020

Throughout the public input process, it was imperative to gather information regarding the current park system and the needs and desires of the park system in the future. Below is a bulleted summary of the highlights of the existing park and trail network that is managed by the Parks Department.

Below is a bulleted summary of the needs within the park system provided through feedback from the residents, focus group participants and City Staff:

• Great park system with evenly distributed parks throughout the entire community. • Parks, trails and athletic fields are maintained at a high level and are aesthetically pleasing. • The Parks Department is very responsive to community needs at a local level. • Organized athletics provided by the City are coordinated well and successfully operated.

• Need for the City to continue to enhance the existing park system in addition to new park developments. • Need for trail signage, wayfinding, markings and trail connections. • Need for shaded play spaces and gathering areas. • Need for an additional developed community park. • Need for outdoor fitness equipment in parks. • Need for additional pickleball courts. • Need for additional youth athletic fields. • Need for indoor programmable spaces. • Need for a lager maintenance service yard.