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Garland Parks and Recreation

  • Resource planning is a process focusing on natural and physical resources. The planning process conforms to the vision and mission statement of the controlling agency. Natural resources planning stretches across a continuum that has strict preservation at one end and complete modification at the other. The planning, development and management of physical resources are functions of all park and recreation managers, whether they are in the public, nonprofit, or for-profit sectors. Physical resources include natural undeveloped lands and waters, and developed areas including urban parks, special complexes (such as sports and aquatics), and buildings of various functions (such as fitness centers, community centers and interpretive centers. Ready access to accurate land and facility records is a basic requirement for program planning and facility management. Floor plans with square foot areas for each program space allow programmers and facility managers to determine how to use program spaces most efficiently. Building plans and specifications are invaluable for facilities management and capital programming because they provide insight into the design, materials, and equipment used in construction. Information from these documents is often used to determine the remaining useful life of building systems. Grants to purchase parkland and construct recreation facilities from such programs as the 1965 Land and Water Conservation Act (LAWCON) and the 1978 Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act (UPARR) place restrictions on use and disposition. High-performing maintenance operations organizations ensure quality experiences through well-managed spaces and places. Customized systems’ approaches and solutions to operations management satisfy accreditation standards through the development, consistent use, and periodic review of management plans, policies, programs, and procedures as well as inspections and assessment schedules and records.

  • There shall be a designated position (individual) or team responsible for the agency's facilities and land use functions. This person/team shall provide planning strategy and technical expertise in relation to facilities and land use functions.

     

     

     

    Required Evidence of Compliance

    • Provide a narrative description of the overall facilities and land use management strategy utilized by the agency.

    • Provide the job description and relevant education/experience for the position(s) involved in facilities and land use management efforts on behalf of the agency (municipal/agency staff and/or consultants).

  • Agencies shall have established and implemented park land acquisition and disposal policies and procedures. These strategies for achieving park, recreation, conservation, and historical-cultural goals and purposes shall protect the public's investment in and enjoyment of public properties.

     

     

     

    Required Evidence of Compliance

    • Provide the policy(ies) established that govern procedures followed to acquire or dispose of parkland, including citation of legal authority over final decision making.

    • Provide a narrative describing how the agency acquires lands and facilities in conformance with the Park Master Plan and strategic objectives. The narrative shall include any public engagement opportunity requirements, bidding, etc. that may apply. Provide evidence that the most recent acquisition complied with these policies and procedures, if within the last 10 years.

  • Agencies shall have established and implemented park land development policies and procedures. These strategies for achieving park, recreation, conservation, and historical- cultural goals and purposes shall protect the public's investment in and enjoyment of public facilities.

     

     

     

    Required Evidence of Compliance

    • Provide the policy(ies) established that govern procedures followed to plan and develop parkland, including citation of legal authority over final decision making.

    • Provide a narrative describing how the agency develops lands and facilities in conformance with the Park Master Plan and strategic objectives. The narrative shall include any public engagement opportunity requirements, post-acquisition timing requirements, bidding, etc. that may apply.

    • Provide evidence that the most recent development project complied with these policies and procedures.


  • Agencies shall set specific maintenance standards for parks, facilities, and special areas to ensure maintenance efforts reflect community preferences. Standards shall be used to develop maintenance and inspection schedules.

     

    Required Evidence of Compliance

    • Provide the established maintenance standards and plan for parks, facilities and specialty areas, including

      • evidence of park maintenance classification according to the intended use of the area, ranging from heavily used and high developed areas to those that are lightly used and less developed.

      • aspects of historical/cultural areas shall be addressed, if applicable

    • Provide the most recent review or update of the standards, within the last five (5) years.

    • Provide a narrative addressing implementation of the plan including, if applicable and available, quality assurance measures, reports and/or results.


  • Agencies shall consider employee and patron safety, continuity of operations, and life cycle costs of operating mechanical systems, facilities, and equipment and shall develop written plans outlining procedures, tracking, and decision-making tools it will use to ensure the most efficient and effective use of funding.

     

    Required Evidence of Compliance

    • Provide the preventative maintenance plan and examples of detailed procedures for identified parks, recreation areas and facilities with special attention given to playground equipment, aquatic facilities, pedestrian pathways, building infrastructure and other high impact assets;

    • Provide evidence of completed (i.e. work orders), recent inspections and safety checks for a minimum of 3 separate facilities/areas.

    • Demonstrate how these inspections results are used by the agency in decision-making related to staff assignments, replacement cycles, allocation of resources, and the like.


  • Fleet management planning results in efficient and effective use of taxpayer funding as well as safe operation of equipment by staff. Agencies shall have a plan for maintenance and replacement of vehicles and rolling equipment.

     

    Required Evidence of Compliance

    • Provide fleet management plan.

    • Provide evidence of implementation of the plan, could be inspections, maintenance records kept, etc.

  • Agencies managing parks and open space properties shall have implemented natural resource management plans that protect the environment.

     

     

     

    Required Evidence of Compliance

    • Provide the natural resource management plan(s) and procedures as applicable.

    • Provide examples of outreach and education to the community on practices that protect these natural resources.

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