The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced that the agency has selected Michael Baker Corporation to develop the agency’s first comprehensive master plan in ten years. The five-year master plan will map out the future use of almost 1,000 acres of District-owned and/or managed land. This will include 75 recreation centers, and more than 400 parks as well as a variety of educational, leisure, and recreational programs and activities provided by the department.

The master plan will provide information about the citywide demand for parks, open space, and recreational and enrichment programs, by Ward and neighborhood cluster. In addition, it will define the future planning and development strategies of the department such as program enhancement and park restoration. Michael Baker Corporation will be examining the various divisions within the department to assess strengths and opportunities for improvement in programs, management, and operations. The final master plan will make recommendations for future Parks and Recreation facilities, staffing, and programming.

“Demographic changes, development pressures, population growth, and shifting customer use patterns make it especially important to structure DPR plans so that the agency’s budget programs, and facility investments respond to the city’s evolving needs, said Interim Director Neil Stanley, “we expect this master plan to accomplish that goal.”

DPR and the consulting team will initiate a public outreach process to identify residents’ views regarding current Parks and Recreation facilities, programs and park service levels. In spring 2005, residents will be mailed written surveys and the first public meetings will be conducted to develop the Master Plan. Recent citizen suggestions for new program offerings include better facility design, active and passive recreation space, field and court sports, golf, boating, a nature preserve, greenways, and biking trails.

“The Master Plan will provide a strategic blueprint for the creation of a scenic, ecological and recreational system in the District of Columbia that will benefit local residents and all who visit the District” said Neil O. Albert, Deputy Mayor for Children, Youth, Family and Elders.

The master plan contract requires ongoing consultation and reporting with community participants as well as partners for the project.

For more information about the DPR Master Plan, please go to the DPR Master Plan 2005 website for the latest news and updates.