7.2 - Areas and Facilities Development Policies and Procedures | Park District of Oak Park CAPRA Accreditation

Standard: The agency shall have established policies and procedures for the development of park and recreation land and facilities that are reviewed periodically. Policies and procedures should consider market projections, applicable open space and design standards and coordination with overall planning for the jurisdiction.

Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide land development policies and procedures, with the last review.

Informational reference in the Management of Park and Recreation Agencies, (2010), 3rd Ed., Chapter 11 – Physical Resource Planning, pp. 230-236.

Agency Evidence of Compliance:

The development of park and recreation land and facilities are guided by District policies, plans, and procedures. Per the Park District's Park Master Plans Policy¹, all land controlled by the Park District shall serve an intended purpose which provides public benefit. Prior to committing to the development of a previously undeveloped space or redeveloping a park in a way which would significantly change its previous use and purpose, the Board of Commissioners will review and approve a Park Master Plan.

The policy further requires that the Park District will take into consideration recommendations and standards in planning documents along with other available information and community feedback to develop a park master plan. This includes current community plans, the Park District's comprehensive master plan including the Level of Service standards, equity maps, and other demographic projections and recreation trends. These steps are outlined in the Procedures for Park Master Planning Processes².

The policy also dictates that the Park District will undertake a thorough review of each master plan at least as often as every 10 years.

This policy was last reviewed as part of the overall policy manual review which was outlined in a Policy Manual Review Memo³ presented to the Board of Commissioners at the December 4, 2014 Committee of the Whole Meeting. The Memo Regarding Procedures Update⁴ was written regarding the recent update to the procedures.

Documentation:

Agency Self Assessment: MET