City of Richardson
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan
| Location: | Completed: | Project Type: | Partners: |
| Richardson, Texas | February 2023 | City-Wide Parks and Recreation Master Plan | Dunaway National Service Research K Strategies |
For decades, Richardson was known as a bedroom community just north of Dallas. But when people think of Richardson today, they think of a dynamic city known for its excellent commerce and quality of life. Richardson is also one of the most conveniently located communities in the DFW region, with access points in all directions via both major roadways and the DART rail system. The city is home to two unique employment districts; the Telecom Corridor area, and the Innovation Quarter, known as the IQ.
Richardson’s parks system – well loved by the community – includes almost 1,800 acres of park land and green space, with thirty-nine parks providing a diversity of active and passive recreation. Of this, 230 acres have athletic fields to serve youth and adults. Richardson also offers over ninety miles of trails throughout the City. This helps keep citizens connected both recreationally and socially.
As the City has grown, the parks system has grown with it. But now the system is almost completely built-out. This reality makes it critically important for the City to sustain the excellence that its citizens enjoy. This will include updating aging infrastructure, redeveloping and revitalizing parks, activating civic spaces for seasonal enjoyment, and continuing to provide recreational programs for all age groups in Richardson.
To stay proactive in planning for the future, the city of Richardson commissioned a team consisting of Dunaway, National Service Research, K Strategies, and PROS Consulting to work with city leaders, city staff, a Strategic Partners Committee, and Richardson’s Parks and Recreation Commission on updating Richardson’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan.
As a result of this plan, Richardson’s Parks and Recreation Department was guided to implement major initiatives in the coming years to ensure success within their system, including expanding key trail connections, investing in an aquatics facilities master plan, adding more inclusive play features, implementing a holistic signage program, and maintaining high-quality recreation centers and services.