PARKS & RECREATION / EVANSVILLE 5-YEAR PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN
In 2008, the city of Evansville hired Landstory to complete their 2009 –2013 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. Project Manager Doug Decker jumped at the opportunity to return to his old stomping grounds and lead the project. With over 65 parks totaling 2,300 acres, the planning team completed a comprehensive needs assessment / inventory and analysis. Armed with digital cameras, base maps, and rental cars, the team members set out on a two day site reconnaissance mission. Combining the in-depth research, numerous public input sessions, stakeholder meetings and city council reviews, the 5-year master plan was prepared, providing the city with a unique and visionary parks and recreation action plan.
- Key components of the vision plan: additional growth and development of the park system, connectivity and linkages between various parks, neighborhoods, downtown and the Ohio River
- Formation of regional or metropolitan park districts using the Pigeon Creek Greenway system for connectivity
- Recommendations for traffic calming elements to improve visibility and tie regional park elements together