Public Participation for Park Planning

Background

In 2008 the Raleigh City Council directed the Parks and Recreation Department to review the process for park Master Planning. Subsequently a contract was executed with the Natural Resources Leadership Institute (NRLI) of North Carolina State University Extension Service to review and evaluate the park master plan processes the Department was using to gather public input and develop conceptual master plans for parks. The Draft Master Plan Report titled "Involving the Public in Park Planning" was posted to the NRLI NC State University Extension Service project website for public review from December 5, 2008 to December 28, 2008 and was approved by City Council at its January 20, 2009 meeting.

The report recommended the Parks and Recreation Department go a step further and create a public participation policy. Below, are three documents intended to update and streamline the park Master Planning process beyond the report, "Involving the Public in Park Planning".

• Public Participation Guidelines for Park Planning describes best practices, process selection guides, resources, and ends with a glossary of terms. This document is intended to guide staff in the implementation of the Policy for Park Planning.
• Public Participation Policy for Park Planning contains a policy statement and principles, roles and responsibilities, and a glossary of terms.
• Public Participation Manual for Park Planning provides additional details on roles and responsibilities; implementation of Master Plans, System Integration Plans and other planning processes; publicity and public input; and a glossary of terms.

The consultants and staff worked to update and integrate the three documents by incorporating suggestions from both a public and an internal review. These updates were reflected in the January 2012 Draft documents. Next a facilitated public meeting was held on February 29th to present, receive feedback on, and answer any questions from the January 2012 Draft documents. Opportunity for public comment on the documents was provided for two weeks following the meeting.

The information gathered during the public comment period informed the revisions reflected in the April 2012 Draft documents. The program went forward to City Council at its May 1, 2012 meeting where it was sent to the Comprehensive Planning Committee for further discussion. The Committee recommended adoption to the full Council. At its meeting on May 14, 2012 the City Council adopted the program.

Project Schedule