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Informational update regarding Park Development Planning framework and process
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The City of Madison’s new Planning Framework was developed by staff and adopted by Common Council on August 2, 2022. Under the framework approach, City Planning Division staff are working to create 12 Area Plans over the next 8 to 10 years that will cover the entire City. In general, the planning process will address land use, transportation, housing, parks and open space, stormwater management, economic development, historic and cultural resources, and facilities and utilities. Equitable and inclusive public participation will be key to the success of the process to help ensure that it is accessible to a broad audience, including people who are traditionally underrepresented.
In conjunction with the City-wide Planning Framework process for Area Plans, Parks will be conducting a parallel Parks Division-led process for the neighborhood and mini parks. As a result of this process, Parks staff will produce a Park Development Plan for mini and neighborhood park within the area plan boundaries, which takes a holistic approach to planning park amenities and features for an area to meet the needs of the surrounding community. Parks staff provided an informational presentation and sought input from the Board of Park Commissioners on the proposed process on March 8, 2023, and the first two area Park Development Plans (Northeast and West areas) will be considered for approval and adoption by the Board of Park Commissioners on April 3, 2023. Staff will provide and overview of the process to-date, including lessons learned and next areas of focus.