2024 Durham Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Systems Plan

DPR is excited to be working on the new Durham Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Systems Plan! This plan will recognize current needs and plan for flexibility to incorporate future facilities that will address trends and needs of residents as the city continues to grow. DPR is dedicated to ensuring all residents have opportunities for a balanced system of services. The current City of Durham Parks and Recreation Master Plan, a 10-year plan, was adopted in August 2013. As this plan expires, the city recognizes that much has changed since that time. The City’s population has increased by more than 55,000 in the past 10 years.

The study process will include a park and recreation needs analysis and community assessment. The Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Systems Plan will help Durham Parks and Recreation carry out its goal to develop quality parks and recreational facilities throughout the City of Durham. The future programs, services, events, and facilities will create economic impacts, advance conservation efforts, rejuvenate health and wellness, enhance quality of life, and sustain social equity.

DPR is committed to a strong community engagement process that provides all populations of the city opportunities to provide input.

Opportunities will include:

Staff interviews
Public meetings and workshops
Attendance at PAC meetings
Focus groups
Set ups at parks and other locations around the city
Tabling at local events
Surveys
Social media posts

Public Engagement

During the summer, the team will kick off the plan process with attendance at several events around the city to provide information and gather feedback.

Tell us what you want to see from DPR in the next decade!

Take the survey to tell us what you want included in the 2024 Durham Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Systems Plan.

Email us at DPREngage@durhamnc.gov to submit written feedback or comments, or to receive updates about the Comprehensive Plan.

FAQs

What is the process for developing the Durham Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Systems Plan?

The Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Systems Plan will be developed over approximately 16 months. The consultant team will evaluate the community's needs as well as the City's current inventory to determine what improvements should be made over the next 10 years. This process will have multiple opportunities for engagement with the public and follow the guidance of the City’s Equitable Engagement Blueprint. 

How can I get involved?

Sign up for email updates, attend public meetings and participate online. Email DPREngage@durhamnc.gov to sign up for email updates.

It is not convenient for me to come to a meeting. How can I learn more or tell you what I want?

Our team of consultants, staff and residents will be at events in the community. We will post information on the DPR website, Facebook, Instagram, EngageDurham, and in DPR's eNewsletter. For information about upcoming engagement events, visit our website calendar.

Is this information available in Spanish?