San Rafael, CA – The City of San Rafael is asking the community to share their thoughts and ideas on the future of San Rafael parks and recreation programs and classes. Through the development of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the City is looking at how it can maintain parks, update facilities, increase ways for people to access and connect to parks, and how to strengthen programs, classes, and activities.
Beginning on Wednesday, March 30th, the City invites residents to attend the first of three community meetings to learn more about why a plan is needed, the planning process, and how they can get involved. This will include a Parks and Recreation Questionnaire (available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese) that will be available from March 30th through May 20th. The survey will help the City better understand community values, wants, and needs and provide a way for people to provide input on the City’s existing recreation system.
There’s been significant growth in the demand for recreation services and facilities. More than ever, people look to recreational programming to provide meaningful experiences that contrast with work and school obligations. Classes help to enhance personal skills and individuals gain an awareness of the larger community through classes, programs, and spending time in outdoor settings, especially parks.
In January of this year, the City began working with RHAA Landscape Architects & Planners to begin a highly detailed assessment of City parks, facilities, and recreational programs. While a significant component of the process, public input will be critical to plan successfully for the future.
“This planning process allows us to establish a shared, transparent, and clearly defined vision for the City’s parks and recreation system that is driven by community input,” said Mayor Kate Colin.
The first community meetings will be held at the San Rafael and Albert J. Boro Community Centers. For more details on the meetings and the questionnaire, please visit the Master Plan’s website at www.cityofsanrafael.org/recreation. Paper versions of the survey will also be available at City Hall, City community centers and libraries, and at community events beginning in April, where staff members will be available to answer questions and help the public take the questionnaire. There will also be signs posted at various parks with a QR code that will take people directly to the questionnaire.
“We’re excited to get this planning process underway and look forward to hearing from everyone as we move forward,” said Assistant Library and Recreation Director, Catherine Quffa.
For questions or for more information, please call (415) 485-3333 or email recreation@cityofsanrafael.org.