York County reviews comprehensive parks-and-recreation master plan; consultants urge feasibility study for Newport Park and more walkability

Consultants from McGill and Associates presented a condensed kickoff of a 300‑plus page Parks & Recreation master plan to the York County Board of Supervisors on March 3, 2026, laying out priorities and an action plan staff can use in future budgets.

Nate Hablou, the McGill consultant who led the presentation, told the board the draft incorporates a statistically valid public survey and extensive community engagement. He said the consultants found "a lot of really great parks in your community" but also opportunities to better serve residents and attract visitors. Hablou recommended a feasibility study for Newport Park to identify whether it can serve both residents and regional tourists while generating revenue to reinvest in the park system.

The presentation highlighted strong public support for parks spending: consultants reported about 2 percent of survey respondents wanted parks funding reduced while roughly 50–53 percent supported increasing it. Hablou said the plan recommends a tiered approach to capital projects so revenue‑generating amenities can be advanced earlier to subsidize less revenue‑productive investments.

Board members asked about data and next steps. Supervisor questions centered on density and where parks are most needed; staff and consultants said the plan relied on the county's 2040 comprehensive plan and included geographic and demographic breakdowns. Hablou said the southern portion of the county, identified as District 5 in the plan, has relatively high population density and limited green space and should be prioritized for additional neighborhood parks and small passive open spaces rather than a single large district park.

The report also emphasized walkability and regional trail connections, including the 757 Trail and the East Coast Greenway. "We think it's important for you to increase your walkability, look down the road towards increasing your trails and greenways," Hablou said, noting that improved trail linkages could boost regional visitation and local quality of life.

Consultants described a range of potential amenities that came up in public input: additional playgrounds, splash pads and aquatic features (noted as longer‑term items), more adventure‑style recreation, additional pickleball courts, and shaded multipurpose paths. Hablou said the plan contains a 30‑page executive summary and an appendix with heat maps and demographic breakdowns to guide site‑specific decisions.

Deputy County Administrator Brian Fuller told the board staff will deliver the final document and the action plan for budget consideration. Hablou and the McGill team said they will remain available to answer follow‑up questions and provide further detail in the appendices.

The board did not vote on the plan at the meeting; the presentation served as a formal kickoff and set of recommended priorities for future budget and site‑specific planning work.