GOAL 6: INTERESTING & DIVERSE PARKS

Policies

6A. Balance of Programmed and Unprogrammed Spaces

Tracy’s parks should support organized sports as well as plenty of places for informal active recreation, areas for picnicking and walking, as well as flexible, passive use areas conducive to a range of experiences, from gathering with friends, to playing pick-up soccer, to simply taking a walk or being outdoors.

6B. Non-Traditional Elements

While neighborhood and community parks may have a set of “typical” amenities, the City will seek to create a distinct experience at each place, drawing on the character of the site, the desires of the local community, and evolving ideas in park design and programming. Examples may include:

> Recreation facilities for sports like badminton or cricket

> Adventure, educational, and sensory play areas and equipment

> Outdoor classrooms

6C. Downtown Plazas and Community Gathering Spaces

Community members want more gathering places where events, concerts and performances can take place. The City should optimize Front Street Plaza and the Civic Center for community gatherings, and ensure that attractive and diverse new public spaces are created as part of future transit-oriented development in the “Bowtie.” These spaces may feature a greater proportion of hardscaped areas, and a strong connection to sidewalks, linear parkways, outdoor seating, restaurants and cafes, and performance venues.

6D. Nature Park and Preserved Open Spaces

Tracy Nature Park, and open spaces preserved in Tracy Hills and Cordes Ranch, will create new opportunities to experience open, undeveloped landscape and natural processes— experiences that are increasingly sought as Tracy grows. These areas should include trails, interpretive signage, and features to promote environmental education and passive enjoyment.

6E.Gardens

The City’s park system should include demonstration gardens that show how native plants and pollinators can be used to reduce water use and support environmental health. The City will explore partnerships to support gardens, environmental and horticultural education.

6F. Public Art

Public art can add beauty, wonder and meaning to our everyday environment. If the City establishes a requirement or in-lieu fee for public art, developers should incorporate public art into future parks, in coordination with the City. Fees should also be used to bring art into existing public spaces, especially downtown and at community parks.