On Monday, October 20, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update was unanimously approved by Roanoke City Council. This plan is an update of the 10-year Master Plan completed by the department in 2019, and provides a framework to respond to the evolving needs of our community. Development of the plan took place between October 2023 and July 2025. The department, along with BerryDunn, gathered feedback through community engagement, leadership interviews, and a needs assessment survey; inventory and level of service review; operational, program and maintenance analysis; and a financial review.
Vice Mayor, Terry McGuire shared his thoughts during the City Council Meeting, saying, “I’m really impressed by what we do in our Parks and Rec department and where we are at the 5-year mark. I think we have a lot more to do, but I look forward to that.”
The plan notes numerous goals from 2019 that have been accomplished, including the reconstruction of Washington Park Pool, replacement of 10 outdated playgrounds, completion of Bridge the Gap Project, and Phase 2A of the Tinker Creek Greenway Expansion. Even more projects are well on their way to completion, such as a renovated Eureka Recreation Center, new Wasena Skatepark, and Bennett Springs Trailhead lot reconstruction, among others.
Looking ahead, this five-year Master Plan Update provides a set of goals and objectives to guide the department, including:
GOAL 1: Invest in current infrastructure and address aging facilities.
GOAL 2: Improve and enhance programming and service delivery.
GOAL 3: Continue to improve organizational efficiencies.
GOAL 4: Enhance and diversify funding sources.
View the Master Plan Five Year Update for yourself to see the full goals and objectives for the future of our parks and recreation department!
