Title
Resolution to Adopt the 2011- 2015 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan (Adopted by the CPC on February 15, 2011 - 8 Yeas, 0 Nays)
Memorandum
Approval of this resolution will adopt the 2011-2015 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan as an element of the City Master Plan.
The 2011-2015 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan (PROS Plan) is a guiding document for the Parks and Recreation system. It provides a vision for the future, an overview of services and programs, an inventory of parkland and amenities, an explanation of the budget and land acquisition process, and the long-term goals of the park system. As an element of the City of Ann Arbor Master Plan, the PROS Plan is considered a vital piece of the larger vision for the City.
The Parks and Recreation Services Unit updates the PROS Plan every five years to retain funding eligibility with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, whose grants have provided millions of dollars for project construction and land acquisition to the Ann Arbor Parks System. This plan replaces the 2006-2011 PROS Plan.
The process to update the plan was initiated approximately twelve months ago. A steering committee was formed that consisted of staff from Parks and Recreation Services, Public Services and Planning Services, two members of the Parks Advisory Commission (PAC), two Recreation Advisory Commission members, one Planning Commission member, one City Council member, and the Director of the Downtown Development Authority. The committee met every month for approximately 5 months to provide direction for the planning process.
Work sessions were held with both PAC and the Planning Commission to receive feedback. Adjoining jurisdictions were duly notified of the planning effort and provided an opportunity to comment on the draft Plan. Public hearings were held at the Park Advisory Commission on January 18, 2011 and at the City Planning Commission on February 8, 2011. Comments were incorporated into the plan from these hearings, as well as those received from the public.
PAC recommended the plan for approval at its February 15, 2011 meeting. The City Planning Commission, at its meeting of February 15, 2011, adopted the 2011-2015 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan and recommended Council adoption of this plan.
Attachments: 2/8/11 Planning Staff Report
2/15/11 Planning Staff Report
Adopted 2011-2015 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan
(February 15, 2011)
Staff
Prepared by: Amy Kuras, Park Planner and Jeff Kahan, City Planner
Reviewed by: Colin Smith, Parks & Recreation Services Manager, Wendy Rampson, Planning Manager and Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City Planning Commission and City Council are authorized by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (P.A. 33 of 2008, as amended), to make and adopt a master plan for the City;
Whereas, The 2011-2015 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan (PROS Plan) will serve as a guide for decisions and recommendations regarding park and recreation facilities and programs in the City and for the implementation of related plans and policies;
Whereas, The Michigan Department of Natural Resources requires that the PROS Plan be updated every 5 years and that the City must provide an updated plan to be eligible to apply for grants.
Whereas, The PROS Plan expired in December, 2010 and must be renewed by April 1, 2011;
Whereas, An extensive public input process was implemented, including a City-wide email survey, focus groups, public meetings, and a steering committee as part of preparing the Plan;
Whereas, Public review of the draft plan was completed including all surrounding municipalities, townships, Washtenaw County, and public utilities as required to incorporate the PROS Plan as part of the City of Ann Arbor Master Plan;
Whereas, A comprehensive list of facility, recreation and park improvement needs was developed to provide the basis for future millage renewals and capital improvements as a result of the public input;
Whereas, The PROS Plan includes maps, appendices, descriptive and other matter contained therein as required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (P.A. 33 of 2008, as amended);
Whereas, The Park Advisory Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on January 18, 2011, and the City Planning Commission held duly noticed public hearings on February 8 and February 15, 2011, to gather input regarding the PROS Plan; and
Whereas, The City Planning Commission adopted the 2011-2015 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan on February 15, 2011;
RESOLVED, That City Council adopts the 2011-2015 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan, now on file with the City Clerk, as an element of the City Master Plan.