Title
Resolution to Adopt the 2016- 2020 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan (Adopted by the CPC on December 6, 2016 - 7 Yeas, 0 Nays)
Memorandum
Approval of this resolution will adopt the 2016-2020 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan as an element of the City Master Plan.
The 2016-2020 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 2011-2015 PROS Plan.
The process used by Parks and Recreation Services and the Parks Advisory Commission was initiated approximately 18 months ago. A steering committee was formed comprised of staff from Parks and Recreation Services as well as Planning and Development Services, representatives from the Parks Advisory Commission (PAC) and the Recreation Advisory Commission, the Downtown Development Authority, and a member of City Council.
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. A public hearing was held at the Park Advisory Commission on November 15, 2016 and at the City Planning Commission on December 6, 2016. 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 November 15, 2016 meeting. The City Planning Commission, at its meeting of December 6, 2016, adopted the 2016-2020 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan and recommended Council adoption of this plan.
Attachments: 11/15/16 Parks Advisory Commission Minutes
12/6/16 Planning Staff Report
Adopted 2016-2020 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan
12/6/16 Planning Commission Minutes
Staff
Prepared by: Amy Kuras, Park Planner and Matt Kowalski, City Planner
Reviewed by: Brett Lenart, Planning Manager
Colin Smith, Parks and Recreation Manager
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City 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 2016-2020 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 on December 31, 2016 and must be renewed by March 31, 2017;
Whereas, An extensive public input process was implemented, including a City-wide email survey, 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 November 15, 2016 and the City Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on December 6, 2016, to gather input regarding the PROS Plan; and
Whereas, The City Planning Commission adopted the 2016-2020 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan on December 6, 2016;
RESOLVED, That City Council adopts the 2016-2020 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan, now on file with the City Clerk, as an element of the City Master Plan.