Agenda Item Name:
Title
Parks & Open Space 10 Year Master Plan Presentation
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Presenter:
Kristen Caborn, GAI Consultants
Jason Maurer, Parks & Open Space Director
Description:
Parks & Open Space 10 Year Master Plan Presentation
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
1. Adopt master plan as presented.
2. Provide guidance to staff on the percentage split of infrastructure surtax proceeds dedicated for conservation lands and active parks to fully or partially implement the master plan.
3. Provide guidance to staff on whether or not surtax proceeds can be used for operations and maintenance costs, including staff.
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Prior Board Motions:
Oct. 11, 2022 - By consensus, the Board directed that staff bring with the Parks Master Plan a proposed community engagement plan with details on how the County would get the community involved in the development of the Master Plan.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
The new surtax effective January 1, 2023 should generate approximately $188 million over 10 years for Conservation Lands and Parks and Open Spaces.
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Social and Economic Opportunity
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Background:
The Parks & Open Space Master Plan is the Department's roadmap to implement the voter approved Infrastructure Surtax. The plan was derived from input received via a statistically valid survey; an open survey; four community meetings; and focus groups. Our consultant used census track data to gauge current and future population estimates to determine where future parks would ideally be sited to ensure all Alachua County citizens residing in unincorporated areas are within a six mile drive of a County park.
As the Board directed in October, the plan emphases community engagement to ensure the park facilities/amenities a particular community wants are included and all neighborhood parks include a play area, sports court, open space, small pavilion(s) and picnic tables, and shade trees to achieve th...
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