2009 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Assets Master Plan
Overview
Leisure services play an important role in the quality of life of a community. They contribute to our health, well being, happiness, social development, economic development and they build strong, caring and inclusive communities. The City of Burlington recognizes these benefits and is committed to providing high quality leisure opportunities in collaboration with many dedicated community organizations, service providers and agencies.
In order to continue to be responsive to evolving community needs, new trends and opportunities, the City undertakes regular strategic reviews of its programs and services and consults with the general public and stakeholder organizations. Accordingly, in the fall of 2008, the City launched a 15 month planning process to develop a comprehensive Master Plan for the City’s parks, recreation and cultural services and facilities. The planning process was staged as follows:
- Phase 1 (Oct 2008 – Feb 2009): Situational Analysis – Analysis of existing park and facility inventory, demographics, trends, community focus groups, on-line public survey, identification of key strategic themes.
- Phase 2 (Mar 2009 – June 2009): Options and Alternatives – Analysis of key strategic and policy issues as identified through the research, including development of alternative strategy options and public consultation.
- Phase 3 (Jul 2009 – Nov 2009): Draft Master Plan Development – Assessment of input, development of draft master plan including policies, strategies and specific recommendations on capital initiatives. Assessment of financial capacity and funding strategies to support strategies and recommendations. Senior Management consultation and 2 Special Council Workshops.
- Phase 4 (Nov 2009 – Dec 2009): Project Finalization – Final modifications to master plan document, and Council approval in December 2009.
The approved Master Plan provides a strategic framework for development and delivery of parks, recreation and cultural service and facilities for the next 20 years. It will be used to guide future City capital budgets and forecasts. The plan is organized in 4 tiers as follows:
- Philosophical Foundation (vision, mission and principles)
- Service Delivery Policies and Strategic Directions
- Service Specific Recommendations (e.g. service standards, capital initiatives and program initiatives)
- Implementation Framework (cost estimates, timing and organizational considerations)
A number of special studies were also undertaken in conjunction with the Master Plan process addressing areas of specific interest to Council. These studies helped to establish strategic directions specifically for the future Alton Multi-Use Community Centre, Mountainside Park and Arena, and Sherwood Forest Park. Further information on these projects can be found in corresponding web pages.
The City would like to thank all individuals who participated in this important planning process. Through the implementation of the Master Plan, the City looks forward to the continued development and improvement of our services for the benefit and enjoyment of Burlington residents. Please feel free to peruse the Master Plan to see what is shaping up in the future. For your convenience, an executive summary is included as part of the document, highlighting key recommendations and strategic directions.
For more information please contact Jim Seferiades, Recreation Planner, Parks and Recreation Department at 905-335-7785 or e-mail at seferiadesj@burlington.ca.
Master Plan Document
- Download PDF file (4.5 MB)
City Reports
- PR 28-08 (CCS May 28/08)
- PR 38-08 (CCS Sept. 15/08)
- PR 14-09 (CCS Mar. 4/09)
- PR 34-09 (CCS May 25/09)
- PR 56-09 (CCS Oct 22/09)
- PR 57-09 (CCS Dec 9/09)
Presentations
- CCS May 25/09 (4.2 MB)
- CCS Oct. 22/09 (2.6 MB)
- CCS Nov. 11/09 (500 KB)