Title
Resolution to Adopt the 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan (Adopted by the CPC on January 4, 2023)
Memorandum
Approval of this resolution will adopt the 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan as an element of the City Comprehensive Plan.
The 2023-2027 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 Comprehensive 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 2016-2020 PROS Plan.
The process to update the plan was initiated approximately twelve months ago. A task force was formed that consisted of staff from Parks and Recreation Services, Systems Planning, Planning and Development, two members of the Parks Advisory Commission (PAC), two members of City Council, and a member of the Equitable Engagement Steering Committee. The committee met five times to provide direction for the planning process.
Work sessions were held online via Microsoft Teams 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 3, 2023 and at the City Planning Commission on January 4, 2023.
PAC recommended amendments to the plan for approval at its January 3, 2023 meeting and City Planning Commission approved the amended plan for approval at its January 4, 2023 meeting.
Attachments: DRAFT 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan
Staff
Prepared by: Hillary Hanzel, Park Planner and Matt Kowalski, City Planner
Reviewed by: Brett Lenart, Planning Manager
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., 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 2023-2027 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, 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 Comprehensive 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 3, 2023, and the City Planning Commission held duly noticed public hearings on January 4, 2023, to gather input regarding the PROS Plan; and
Whereas, The City Planning Commission adopted the 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan on January 4, 2023;
RESOLVED, That City Council adopts the 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan, now on file with the City Clerk, as an element of the City Comprehensive Plan; and
RESOLVED, That the 2016-2020 Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan is repealed.