New interactive map shows shaded areas at Plano parks

The map lists a number of Plano’s parks for residents to choose from and has a sun button to change the map based on the date and time.

The map is still in a testing phase and may not reflect exact real-world conditions, per the release. It will continue to change as more data is collected.

Dig deeper

Plano’s Parks and Recreation Department took inspiration for the new map after a social media comment from a resident requesting a recommendation of the best times to visit parks based on shade, according to the release.

Data for the map comes from the city’s 2023 Urban Forestry tree inventory. The parks department created an Urban Forest Master Plan in 2017 to address the longevity of the city’s trees for the next 25 years.

Tree shade can improve water quality, air quality and the aesthetics of a city, per city documents.

“Plano’s urban forest is a critical community asset, with more than 43,000 inventoried trees forming the core part of the city’s canopy,” Angeles said in an email to Community Impact.

Angeles said the city records tree removals, replacements and new plantings on a weekly basis. Residents are also encouraged to contact the parks department if trees are not accurately reflected in the shade map so that it can be updated.