The Future of Our Parks

A VISION SHAPED BY THE COMMUNITY

Listening to the voices of the community was at the forefront of the planning process. Several themes emerged for our parks as we developed the Master Plan Update through our conversations and workshops with the community, including accessibility, maintenance, safety, equity, comfort, variety, and sustainability. These themes form the foundation of the update and are carefully woven into the vision and goals. With regard to our parks, the majority of residents who participated in the surveys and events as well as our stakeholders agreed that Tracy is fortunate to have many beautiful parks. Residents generally live within ¾ of a mile of a park so these green spaces truly shape our daily lives. The overwhelming desire is to maintain and enhance Tracy’s existing parks while continuing to provide a similar level of park access equitably across the city and to all of Tracy’s growing population. Safety is a top concern and the primary barrier to increasing park usage. It is therefore, front and center in our overarching vision for the future. Another priority is ensuring our facilities are comfortable and attractive with amenities such as well-maintained bathrooms and ample shade so that park users can enjoy the facilities.

A VISION THAT PROTECTS NATURAL RESOURCES

Our parks are also home to valuable natural resources. Preserving wildlife habitat, expanding the tree canopy and protecting water quality are just a few of the additional benefits that our parks provide, which enhance the quality of life in Tracy. Caring for and protecting these natural systems for generations of Tracy residents to enjoy is another cornerstone of the Master Plan Update.

A VISION BASED ON RIGOROUS ANALYSIS

To get where we want to go, we needed to take an honest look at where we are today and identify the gaps to map out a strategy to reach our vision. The specific priorities, recommendations, and policies described in this document respond to a comprehensive

analysis of existing conditions. This included a park by park assessment; an inventory of park types, amenities, character, programs, and participation rates; and a close examination of how our parks are distributed across the city and accessed by residents.

A VISION BASED ON THE CITY’S PROFILE & TRENDS

Tracy is growing. Understanding how the population is projected to grow is another critical component of the analysis that informed the Master Plan Update. As described in Chapter 2, a thorough review of both national and local trends in recreation as well as the potential demand across all age segments informed the recommendations outlined by the Update with the intent that Tracy’s parks will continue to offer something special for all residents, young and young at heart.