PARKS, ATHLETICS, & OPEN SPACE 4

Introduction

One of the first parks established in Plano was Haggard Park, dedicated in 1928. The quaint park served around 1,500 total residents at the time, but has long since been enveloped by the changes brought on by modernity – surrounded now by mixed-use developments, homes, trendy restaurants, and a light rail station. In 2023, however, one can still look over at the park on a pleasant afternoon and see people enjoying their lunch breaks, kids playing, and people out for a quiet stroll. This is a testament to the longevity and importance of quality parks in cities.

Goals And Purpose

The purpose of this chapter can best be imagined by the passing of a baton between two runners. Now is the time to take an already well-established system of parks, athletics, and open space and carry it forward into the next 100 years. As we have previously stated, the face of Plano is changing. Populations are shifting, new developments are happening, and the next generation of citizens have different wants and needs than their parents and grandparents. This chapter establishes a classification system of parks in Plano, inventories existing parks, assesses needs based on established standards, and outlines system-wide recommendations for neighborhood parks, community parks, open space preserves, athletic complexes, and special area parks in Plano.

First presented in Chapter 3, the overall master plan goals that are relevant to this chapter are to:

GOAL 1: Encourage healthy lifestyles by providing an appropriate mix of open space, facilities and range of activities throughout the city.

GOAL 2: Renovate, repurpose and modernize existing parks so that they offer similar elements across the city but are unique to the surrounding area.

GOAL 3: Provide for park and recreation opportunities that reflect the growing diversity of the city and allow for social interaction.

GOAL 4: Maintain high standards for planning, implementing, maintaining, and operating quality parks, recreation facilities, trails, and athletic fields.

GOAL 8: Utilize environmentally and fiscally sustainable practices for developing and maintaining parks, trails, and facilities.

GOAL 10: Maintain and promote high standards for athletic facilities.

Pertinent Citizen Input

Feedback heard throughout the plan development process related to parks, athletics, and open space included:

• Feedback for the engagement process indicated increasing and preserving open space in Plano as a high priority

• Need for more amenities at parks (e.g. shade, walking trails, fitness stations, etc.)

• Like quality of athletic fields in the city

• Need more practice fields