Upland council approves RHA to create parks and open‑space master plan, staff to guide $11 million in restricted park funds

The Upland City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 10 to contract with RHA Landscape Architects to prepare the city’s first parks and open‑space master plan and to begin using restricted park funds to implement priorities identified by the plan.

Parks and Recreation Manager Jessica Escoto told the council the master plan will be a data‑driven roadmap to guide investments in parks, programs and partnerships, and will direct how to use “over $11,000,000 in restricted park and open space funds.” Escoto described a nine‑month work plan (with a 12‑month not‑to‑exceed buffer) that includes inventories, community workshops in each district, multilingual outreach, youth and senior engagement, and a statistically valid survey.

RHA’s approach, Escoto said, emphasizes community engagement and grant‑seeking capacity. “RHA was chosen for their extensive experience in park and recreation master planning and their methodology that aligns closely with the city of Upland’s mission,” she said.

Council members pressed staff about outreach volume and legal vulnerabilities: one council member cited prior litigation over a Memorial Park plan and asked how the city could minimize future legal exposure. City Attorney said the city prevailed in earlier litigation and that staff will ensure appropriate environmental review and public process when the draft plan is prepared.

Council discussed extra outreach (QR codes at parks, door‑to‑door mailers, attendance at community events) and staff committed to maximizing resident input within the project timeline. The project will be scheduled for review by the Public Works Committee before returning to council for adoption.

The motion to approve the RHA contract and related appropriations passed unanimously; staff will begin the kickoff meeting and public outreach this winter.