MASTER PLAN PURPOSE

The first Parks Master Plan for Plano was completed in 1972, with periodic updates in the years that followed. A major update to the first master plan was completed in 1986 with a minor update occurring in 2014. A new Parks Master Plan was completed in 2018 and this plan serves as a five-year update. The creators of the 1970’s plan embarked on a journey to propel their park system to the future. Forward-thinking advocates for the preservation and protection of creeks, streams, and greenbelts elevated Plano to one of the greatest parks system in Texas and the parks have long been used as a model for other communities.

In the last 20 years, Plano has seen tremendous growth and changes that will significantly alter the City for the foreseeable future. The continued concentration of corporate headquarters taking shape within the northwest quadrant, development of successful mixed-use centers, extension of DART rail service, redevelopment of areas throughout the City, shifting demographics, and lifestyle changes following the COVID-19 pandemic are all major contributors to this change.

As more residents move to the City, there is a need to provide additional parkland in areas that are now residential. However, as the City approaches build-out, there is limited land available for additional park development. Additionally, many parks have aging infrastructure and amenities that need to be updated to maintain the quality of excellence that Plano leaders and citizens expect.

Parks and recreation must respond to these new realities to ensure that Plano continues to have a high-quality parks system that serves the needs of the community today and in the future. Thus, the purpose of this Master Plan Update is to take an objective look at parks, recreation, trails, and open space in Plano and position the City in such a way that future generations will want to continue to live, work, and play in Plano even as competition in the DFW Metroplex continues to increase.