5-Year Recreation Master Plan

More than forty-five years ago, the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) held its first meeting. The Commission’s land base at the time consisted of five roadside parks, and undeveloped land in Lyndon Township. One of the Commission’s first tasks was to create a five-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Since that time, the park system has grown to include more than 8,000 acres of land, including over 40 nature preserves and parks. 

Every five years, the Commission updates the Recreation Master Plan to identify priorities and remain eligible for State of Michigan recreation grants. This plan is used as an overall operation and development guide for the county’s parks, preserves and other recreational amenities. In the spring of 2018, staff began the process of updating the plan, starting with a community needs assessment (survey) and other public engagement. After more than a year of thorough development, the Recreation Master Plan was adopted by the Parks Commission at their meeting on October 8, 2019, and the County Board of Commissioners at their meeting November 20.

Community Survey

To ensure the recreation needs of Washtenaw County residents were identified as part of the 5-Year Master Plan update process, WCPARC conducted a recreation survey of county residents in October and November 2018. The survey was administered by ETC Institute, which obtained a representative sampling of nearly 700 County residents.

Click here to view a copy of the completed survey.

Public Engagement

WCPARC held a series of meetings to provide the opportunity for community involvement in the planning process. These meetings highlighted significant initiatives and exciting new projects by the Commission, as well as provided breakout sessions for in-depth discussion.

Click here to view a copy of the staff presentation.

2020-2024 5-Year Recreation Master Plan

1.  Acknowledgements & Table of Contents
2.  Introduction
3.  Community Description
4.  Administrative Structure
5.  Recreation Inventory
6.  Planning & Public Input
7.  Goals & Objectives
8.  Action Program
9.  References

Appendices
A.  Recommended Classification System for Local and Regional Open Spaces and Trails
B.  Local Recreation Opportunities
C.  Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP)
D.  Capital Improvement Projects & Organizational Chart
E.  Suggested Facility Development Standards
F.  2018 Community Needs Assessment
G.  Adoption, Planning & Public Input
H.  SEMCOG Community Profile: Washtenaw County

2020-2024 5-Year Recreation Master Plan (complete)

For more information about master plan development, call 734-971-6337.