Comprehensive Master Plan 

More than fifty 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 nearly 10,000 acres of land, including more than 40 nature preserves and parks. 

Every five years, the Commission updates its 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. The Commission began the process for the 2025-2029 Comprehensive Master Plan (combined recreation plan and strategic plan) in the summer of 2023. PROS Consulting has been engaged to optimize the planning process. With more than 100 years of combined experience, the Commission is confident in their ability to lead this effort.

Community Engagement

As part of the planning process, the team from PROS will be conducting a series of public engagement opportunities to ensure that the broad interests of the community are considered. The first Public Forum will be held:

Date: December 12, 2023
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor

Please visit our custom master planning website, which will provide on-going project updates and serve as an avenue to crowd-source information. There, you can take a short survey and participate in a mapping activity. Shortly after the new year, the team will be issuing a comprehensive, statistically-valid needs assessment and online public survey. Information will be provided as it becomes available.

Timeline

The planning process began with issuing an RPF for consultants in the summer of 2023. The entire process is expected to take about a year to complete. For updates, visit the master planning website at: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission Master Plan | EngagePros (mysocialpinpoint.com).

For more information, please contact Park Planner, Kira Macyda, at [email protected] or call 734-971-6337.

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)