Parks Master Plan

What is a Parks Master Plan?

In 2021, the City of Crestwood began developing its first-ever comprehensive Parks Master Plan. This community-driven plan outlines improvements across the entire Parks and Recreation Department, including parks, facilities, programming, potential capital projects, and more.

The preliminary plan was first presented to the public at the January 17, 2023, Park Board meeting and was officially approved by the Board of Aldermen in May 2023. The plan will serve as a roadmap for park improvements over the next 10–15 years.

Objectives

  • Assess current park conditions
  • Identify needed improvements
  • Explore development scenarios based on community needs and input
  • Evaluate the Community Center and Aquatic Center
  • Enhance biking and hiking connectivity
  • Develop budgets for proposed projects and scenarios
  • Prioritize strategies for funding future park improvements

Master Plan Timeline

This comprehensive document was created through over a year of public engagement, formal surveys, and collaboration among the Park Board, City staff, elected officials, consultants, and community members. Below is a timeline of key steps in the planning process:

  • October 2021 – City issues a Request for Proposals (RFP)
  • November 2021 – Board of Aldermen selects Vireo, a Kansas City-based landscape architecture and planning firm, as the project consultant
  • Spring 2022 – Vireo meets with the Master Plan Steering Committee and focus groups, including City staff and elected officials, to begin project development
  • Spring 2022 – Vireo and the City host open houses, gathering input from hundreds of residents:
    • March 9, 2022 – First open house at the Crestwood Community Center
    • May 14, 2022 – Second open house during the 75th Anniversary Concert and Movie Night
    • May 27, 2022 – Third open house at the Aquatic Center Splashtacular
  • Spring/Summer 2022 – ETC Institute, in partnership with Vireo, distributes community-wide surveys to gather statistically valid feedback
  • Fall/Winter 2022 – Vireo develops the first draft of the Master Plan for review by City staff and elected officials
  • January 17, 2023 – Draft Master Plan presented to the Park Board
  • Spring 2023 – Public comment period and review process
  • May 2023 – Final Parks and Recreation Master Plan approved by the Board of Aldermen