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County accepts Parks System Master Plan to guide 10‑year parks investments
Summary
The board received and accepted a countywide Parks System Master Plan prepared by GAI Consultants outlining a ten‑year blueprint for park standards, service radii, equity goals and short/mid/long‑term priorities across 63 county parks.
The Clay County Board of County Commissioners accepted a Parks System Master Plan prepared for the county by GAI Consultants, a 10‑year blueprint designed to standardize park types, close gaps in access and prioritize investments.
Justin Pierce, director of Parks and Recreation, said the effort reviewed 63 county parks and combined a statistically valid mailed survey with an open online survey, six public workshops and focus groups to produce priorities and service‑area standards. Consultant Kristin Caborn described the plan as “a 30,000‑foot look at the park system in Clay County” that provides short‑, mid‑ and long‑term actions, park standards, an implementation prioritization matrix and cost estimates.
The plan sets a level‑of‑service goal for neighborhood parks (close‑to‑home): a three‑mile service radius within the urban service area and five miles in rural areas; community parks are assigned larger radii for destination uses. Five guiding principles anchor recommendations: maintain and modernize existing parks, plan for growth, ensure access for all ages and abilities, preserve and expand canopy/green space, and improve walkability and connectivity (trails and lighting).
Consultants recommended prioritizing upgrades to existing parks, standardizing furniture and fixtures to reduce maintenance complexity, pursuing partnerships (including schools) before acquiring new land, and using county‑owned vacant parcels where feasible to close service gaps. Staff noted some court and court‑lighting projects are funded this fiscal year, and commissioners praised the public‑engagement methods while urging continued outreach.
The board accepted the plan for implementation planning; staff will use the plan’s prioritization matrix and the recommended short/mid/long‑term phasing to inform the FY2026 capital planning and grant pursuits.
