Prosper looks to future of town’s parks, trails system

Breaking it down

The master plan was last updated in 2015 when Prosper had a population of 15,000, said Philip Neeley with Dunaway Associates, the firm hired to create both master plans.

Neeley was also on the team that created the 2015 master plan. Prosper’s recent population growth has made the town “a moving target,” he said.

The town has more than 700 acres of developed and undeveloped park land combined, Baker said.

When compared with nearby cities, Prosper has a lot of land acquired for future parks projects, Neeley said.

“In terms of the land, we've got all the land we pretty much would need, with some exceptions of where there are pocket parks or things like that, which is very encouraging,” Mayor David Bristol said. “Now we need to get the facilities and the programming, all this other stuff in there.”

Prosper currently has 38 Parks and Recreation programs across 11 main groups, which includes youth sports, arts, general fitness and adult athletics, Neeley said.

What they’re saying

Neeley said consultants gathered 1,540 survey responses during the needs assessment and community input phase of compiling the master plan.

Most residents indicated they wanted more trail connections as their top priority, according to a meeting presentation.

Other high priorities included more shade at town playgrounds, additional open space options and a town-owned multipurpose recreation center.

Costing studies for a recreation center were included in the master plan but as a list of potential options, not a set plan as the master plan was for the Parks Department as a whole, Baker said.

The cost to build a recreation center would vary based on the size and amenities, such as whether or not to include aquatics. Prosper does have a bond election tentatively scheduled for November but other town projects will likely take priority, such as any library funding or upcoming infrastructure work, Bristol said.

What comes next

The master plan will be reviewed again and then formally adopted by council at a future meeting. After it is adopted, it will also be sent to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Neeley said.

There will be more opportunities for conversation surrounding the master plan and its findings in the future, council member Marcus Ray said.

“There's a lot to dig in here,” he said.