Play Zebulon: Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan Draft
Play Zebulon: Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan Draft
The Town of Zebulon Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a long-range planning document that is meant to help shape the direction, development and delivery of the Town’s parks and recreation facilities. Based on a comprehensive planning approach, this plan considers previous planning documents, department goals, existing conditions, and assessment of needs to provide a framework for recommendations and prioritization strategies.
This Master Plan is a continuation of the diligent planning efforts undertaken by the Town, and seeks to build upon the existing framework and establish a roadmap for the future of Zebulon’s Park System. The foundation for this plan will be driven by the Town’s desire to improve the quality of life for Zebulon residents by providing excellent parks and community facilities and recreation opportunities for a diverse, growing population.
The Process
This project follows a linear process, building upon previous work that begins with an overview of existing parks and facilities, analysis of public needs and priorities, formation of a long range system-wide vision, and lastly, implementation priorities, funding strategies and policy recommendations. In addition to assessing and planning for our park system. This plan also included a program assessment, a staff assessment, and a operational assessment to help the town transition with growth to best serve our community.
Community Involvement
Community involvement in this process is key to the development of an effective Master Plan. This process included a robust community engagement plan and included a variety of opportunities for the community to get involved such as surveys, community meetings, focus groups, stakeholder meetings, and more.
Vision Development
The Play Zebulon Vision was developed using the collected system analyasis and community engagement. This vision was presented to the community using our engagement hub and there was opportunity for feedback.
Implementation
Cost estimates were collected for projects identified during the visioning phase. Consultants worked with staff and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to prioritze projects, identify program and policy changes, and identify partners. This phase of the plan also identifies the funding opportunities. The implementation plan demonstrates the cost of conducting everything identified through the visioning phases and how it could potentially be funded. It is important to note the Town of Zebulon cannot do this alone. We will seek public private partnerships to expand recreation opporutnities in this area. We will also work with some of our regional partners such as Wake County. We will work to maximize funds available with priotity projects that have community support. We will use this plan to guide us in the coming years as we plan for recreation facilities and programs opportunities in our community.