2006 plan undergoing update

Construction on new houses, shopping centers and developments is a common sight in Frisco. But for every new brick, concrete, metal and glass structure, the Frisco Parks and Recreation Department works for balance by offering plenty of green space and outdoor recreation options.

The department is updating the city's 2006 Parks Master Plan, and making progress on two new neighborhood parks, additions to community parks and planning for the Northeast Community Park, which includes a new skateboard park.

Parks and Recreation Director Rick Wieland said the public input process has ended for the master plan update. In addition to community meetings, more than 8,000 surveys were mailed to residents, with more filled out online.

"It helps us get an idea of what [the public] would like to see as opposed to what staff thinks that it may be," Wieland said. "Obviously it's not my master plan, it is not my staff's; it is the city's—the community's. It helps give us an idea of where [residents]are in terms of what types of facilities they'd like to see and how their needs are being met today."

Dudley Raymond, Parks and Recreation Department planning and business development manager, said part of the master-planning process includes looking at other cities known for parks and overall quality of life.

Raymond said the public engagement is appreciated, from filling out surveys to attending meetings.

"We really do look at what [the residents] are saying and what it is they are desiring so we can meet their needs," he said.

Through the process, Raymond said the department is starting to see a desire for more greenbelt parks and nature parks, nature centers and more nontraditional fields for sports such as lacrosse and cricket.

The parks master plan committee will continue to meet, and public meetings will be held throughout the plan development process.

Wieland said he expects the process to take another 10–12 months.

Editor's note: This is the first article in a three-part series about Frisco park projects. Next month: Northeast Community Park.