If you care about the future of Dallas’ recreational programs and facilities — parks and such — then you will want to pay attention to the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department’s schedule for five upcoming community meetings at which folks have a chance to hear what the city has planned and to offer input.
The meetings are the first phase of the city’s effort to create a “recreation master plan” and update its “overall comprehensive strategy known as the Renaissance Plan,” according to a press release from the city.
The meetings all start at 6 p.m. The schedule is:
• Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Janie C. Turner Recreation Center, 6424 Elam (214-670-8277), and at Campbell Green Recreation Center, 16600 Parkhill Drive (214-670-6314).
• Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Grauwyler Recreation Center, 7780 Harry Hines Blvd. (214-670-6302) and Kiest Recreation Center, 3080 S. Hampton (214-670-1918).
• Thursday, Aug. 7, at Harry Stone Recreation Center, 2403 Millmar (214-670-0949).
Park and reception staff will lead the meetings and community members — individuals and groups — will have a chance to share comments, ask questions about the strategic planning process and hear a summary of the department’s progress toward the Renaissance Plan.
When it is finished, city officials said the master plan will be the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department’s first all-inclusive blueprint specifically addressing changing trends in municipal recreation programs, facilities and leisure opportunities.
The Renaissance Plan was implemented in 2002.
Dallas Parks and Recreation is one of the country’s largest urban park systems. The department cares for almost 24,000 land and water acres that include 379 parks, 100 trail miles, athletic fields and natural areas. It manages and operates 39 recreation centers, six golf courses, six tennis centers, Bahama Beach Waterpark and Fair Park.
