Open Space Commission sets follow‑up priorities: regional plan review, master plan procurement and monitoring development overlays

The Open Space Commission heard a staff briefing on priorities for the next year, including participation in regional planning processes, a proposed pilot zoning tool for resource protection, the JW specific plan and a proposed procurement to produce a division‑wide parks, recreation and open space master plan.

Public hearing timeline and regional plan

Robert, Open Space staff, said a public‑hearing draft of the regional plan was expected in mid‑July; commissioners were asked to review that draft so the commission can provide timely comment. “They're expecting to release that public hearing draft on July 18,” Robert said. Staff and several commissioners urged a short turnaround for commission review and recommended placing the regional plan on July and August agendas for discussion ahead of city council hearings.

Code concepts and city hearings

Staff highlighted the broader code and land‑use work: a code concept report is available online and staff recommended commissioners review it before a city council meeting on Aug. 26; a final code recommendation is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 26. Separately, the commission learned the city’s resource protection overlay pilot (a zoning code text amendment intended as a three‑year pilot) completed its first city council read and was scheduled for a second read July 1.

Engagement on trails, resort overlay and JW specific plan

Commissioners discussed proposed mapping of trails in the regional plan and whether conceptual “dotted” trail lines on private property should be more clearly delineated, especially on parcels larger than 400 acres. Staff described conversations about a potential “regional hospitality/resort overlay” that could apply to parcels over 400 acres; commissioners expressed interest in tracking how that proposal would affect trail delineation and access. The JW specific plan and a conditional‑use community meeting for a proposed golf course and amenities were noted as pending items; staff said public meetings and comment opportunities will be announced.

Master plan procurement and funding

Several commissioners and staff said the division needs a formal master plan to unify parks, recreation and open space goals and guide future negotiations with developers. Director‑level staff reported that funds have been carried in the budget and procurement can start in the coming fiscal year; staff described the master plan as a division‑wide document that would incorporate recreation facility needs, open space priorities and neighborhood access.

Trail counters and visitation data

Staff presented trail counter data to illustrate visitation pressure at local sites: the McMillan Mesa footbridge counter registered 52,405 visitors in the referenced period; Picture Canyon and other counters also showed high visitation. Commissioners said visitation trends should inform master‑plan priorities and acquisition decisions.

Funding for acquisitions and grants

Staff reviewed capital and grant activity: the department is pursuing several grants (including invasive‑plant grants and heritage grant work through 2026), beautification grants at Picture Canyon and McMillan Mesa, and has $800,000 allocated in the CIP for acquisitions in a future year (staff noted the timing aligns with grant cycles and property negotiation timelines). Commissioners discussed the need to identify matching funds and potential partnerships for land purchases.

Next steps

Staff will circulate links and meeting notices for upcoming regional plan and code items, place the regional plan and code concept review on future commission agendas, continue to update the commission on the resource protection overlay pilot, and begin procurement work on a master plan. Commissioners also asked staff to provide regular updates on pilot program applicants and outcomes if the overlay proceeds.