City park department staff told the Parks, Trails and Environment Committee on May 5 that they are launching a comprehensive parks plan intended to set a 10- to 15-year direction for facilities, programs and funding. The department said procurement for the plan consultant is expected this summer and staff anticipate adoption of the plan in late 2026.

Ryan O'Connor and Robin Stein Schneider briefed the committee on how comprehensive plans differ from master plans and on prior outcomes from earlier plans. O'Connor said the department's 2016 comprehensive plan helped increase residents within a 10-minute walk of a park from about 58% to roughly 75% and helped secure more than $20 million in state and federal grants.

"It's the document that identifies the big moves. Where are we trying to go? What are we trying to accomplish?" O'Connor said. He told the committee the new plan will include a financial analysis and look at new operating and capital models, and staff said one goal is to identify models that subsidize traditional recreation with revenue-generating uses to improve long-term financial sustainability.

Councilmembers urged the department to prioritize public safety, maintenance and timely implementation. Councilmember Moreno told staff to focus on lighting and security to ensure parks are safe, and asked for a deeper conversation on alternative revenue models during the budget process. Multiple committee members said they want clear public communications about the plan and its near-term milestones.

Staff described the plan scope to include needs assessment, financial and demographic analysis, and public engagement. They said the plan will be implemented incrementally after adoption and will be used to support grant applications and capital priorities.

No formal vote was taken at the meeting; staff said they will return with procurement and implementation updates.