Page 24 - parks-master-plan

Dublin's expansion has not yet ceased, but has slowed since the early 1990s. Given the recent time period during which the majority of park facilities were constructed, there are no facilities that have been identified for abandonment.

With time, more emphasis will be placed on renovation rather than on new development. In addition to new capital development funds, the City devotes money annually to renovating specific facilities throughout the park system. Changes in user preferences or trends may cause certain park amenities to be phased out and replaced with features that are more reflective of the needs of the day. A more formalized process should be developed to analyze existing parks to ensure the design is meeting the needs of its users. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is one tool that can be used to determine the overall condition and design opportunities of a given park.

Staffing within the Parks and Open Space division is adequate at this time. There is not a formula in place that signifies the need for additional maintenance staff as park land is acquired and new amenities added; however, the community is receptive to budget increases to take care of the parks.

Recreation Services staffing also is adequate at this time; however, due to changing needs, the

division is modifying its organizational structure to maximize staff's proficiency, efficiency and dedication to high quality service delivery.

Both divisions recognize core programs and services as those that are instituted and provided to the community in direct relationship to the City's goals, mission and philosophies. These are to be considered an essential part of the City's menu of services to its citizenry. As part of this Plan, existing City services and services offered by other providers will be analyzed to ensure a proper balance between core and non-core services exists.

The City actively seeks resident input and dedicates considerable effort keeping residents informed of City projects and events. The Web site, newsletters, annual report, semiannual Homeowners Association meetings,

government access TV, and newspaper columns are some methods the City uses for outreach.

As a standard practice, staff meets with Homeowners Associations during the concept phase of capital projects to elicit feedback. Additionally, all public meetings are participatory in nature. Feedback and comments are taken into final planning consideration. One of Council's expectations is that staff demonstrates that due process has been followed on all issues presented to them.