Agenda Item Wording:
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Parks and Recreation Master Plan presentation - Receive a presentation on the Visalia Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment.
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Prepared by: Jason Glick, Parks and Recreation Director 713-4042, jason.glick@visalia.gov
Agenda Date: 09/08/2026
Department Recommendation: Receive the presentation of the Visalia Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment.
Summary:
Over the past several months, PROS Consulting has been working closely with the City of Visalia to compile and analyze information for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment.
The upcoming presentation will provide an overview of the work completed to date, including current park assessments, community engagement efforts, survey findings, and next steps. As part of this comprehensive planning process, the Parks and Recreation Department and PROS Consulting have conducted numerous staff meetings and focus group discussions. City staff have also completed detailed worksheets evaluating key aspects of the department, including current operations, programs, facilities, and services.
PROS Consulting has analyzed this information and will compare Visalia’s current parks and recreation operations with those of comparable agencies across the nation. These benchmarks will help identify the City’s strengths, opportunities, and areas for improvement, while providing valuable insight to help guide the future of parks and recreation services in the community.
Early community input highlighted several important themes regarding the future of parks and recreation in Visalia:
• Parks are an essential community infrastructure and play an important role in providing quality of life, health, and community connection.
• More trails and walking paths are desired to support recreation, active transportation, and everyday wellness.
• Park comfort drives everyday use, including shade, seating, restrooms, lighting, landscaping, and other amenities that make parks welcoming and comfortable.
• Indoor recreation opportunities are a priority, including an indoor fitness center, indoor athletic courts, and an indoor walking track.
• An aquatic center was identified as a desirable community amenity that could support recreation, fitness, swimming, and year-round programming.
• Picnic areas and open spaces remain important for families, gatherings, passive recreation, and community events.
• Wellness and fitness classes are also of interest, providing opportunities for residents of different ages and abilities to stay active and connected.
Several key priorities also emerged from the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining and enhancing existing facilities while also responding to the evolving needs of the community. Key findings include:
• Repair and maintain existing park assets before expanding the overall park system.
• Improve park restrooms to enhance cleanliness, accessibility, safety, and the overall park visitor experience.
• Improve connectivity to parks, making it easier and safer for residents to walk, bike, and access nearby park facilities.
• Make recreation programs easier to access by improving communication, registration, availability, and affordability.
• Add high-demand amenities that reflect the current interests and needs of Visalia residents.
Michael Svetz of PROS Consulting will present the initial findings of the Visalia Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment. His presentation will summarize the information gathered to date, highlight key findings and observations, and outline the next steps in the planning process.
Background Discussion:
The City of Visalia is undertaking the development of a comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment. This foundational document will serve as a strategic roadmap to guide the acquisition, development, maintenance, and programming of parks and recreation facilities in alignment with the City’s General Plan over the next 20 years.
The primary goal of the project is to conduct a system-wide assessment of current recreation facilities and programming, identify priority areas for investment and improvement, and establish a vision for equitable access to high-quality parks, green spaces, and recreational opportunities across all Visalia neighborhoods. The plan will also include a Park Impact Fee Study to evaluate current fees and recommend updates to support future development and long-term sustainability.
Key components of the Master Plan include:
• A comprehensive needs assessment for parks and recreation programs and facilities.
• Identification of optimal locations for future parks.
• Prioritization of improvements to existing park infrastructure and programming.
• A review and recommendation of updates to current park impact fees.
• A strategy for ensuring fair and equitable access to parks and green space throughout the community.
• Development of goals, policies, guidelines, and implementation strategies based on realistic funding scenarios.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment project began following the City’s selection of PROS Consulting in fall 2025. The consulting team officially launched the project during its initial visit to Visalia in February 9-12, 2026, conducting public meetings, focus groups, and departmental interviews to better understand the community’s priorities, needs, and opportunities.
A second phase of community engagement took place from March through mid-summer 2026, providing additional opportunities for residents, stakeholders, and community partners to share their perspectives on parks, recreation facilities, programs, and services. The feedback gathered through these efforts is being incorporated into the system-wide needs assessment, future park and facility recommendations, and prioritized improvement strategies.
The project continues to advance through ongoing assessment, data collection, benchmarking, and community engagement. These efforts will help establish a clear understanding of current conditions and community needs and will ultimately inform the development of the draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Fiscal Impact:. $275,000.00 has been approved by the City Council and is budgeted for this project.
Prior Council Action: 10/06/2025 - Awarded and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with Pros Consulting in the amount of $273,755.00 for Project No. 24-25-61 - Visalia Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to receive the presentation of the Visalia Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 9/8/2026
Attachments: Visalia Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Needs Assessment Presentation.
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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