TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
FROM: Beth Powell, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director
DATE: April 2, 2025
SUBJECT: Indian River County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2025-2035
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BACKGROUND
On August 20, 2023, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners approved RFP 2023-042 and awarded PROS Consulting, Inc. an Agreement to develop Indian River County’s first 10-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Plan). The Plan was funded through County Impact Fees in the amount of $148,962.
ANALYSIS
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan serves as a strategic framework to guide the County in addressing the needs of its residents and visitors over the next decade. This document lays the groundwork for achieving service excellence across various divisions within the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Department.
Spanning a 10-year period, the Plan aims to optimize resource use, promote environmental and human resource sustainability, and guide the responsible planning and development of future parks to accommodate a growing population. It also seeks to address the evolving needs of County residents, prioritize the allocation of resources to the most pressing recreational demands, and stimulate economic growth through eco-tourism and sports tourism. Ultimately, the Plan provides a clear and strategic direction for the County’s future.
Throughout the development of the Plan, staff and consultants gathered community input through forums, meetings, and individual phone calls. Key stakeholders were interviewed, and two community surveys were conducted to ensure that public feedback was incorporated into the Plan.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
There are no immediate budget impacts outside of the approved Capital Improvement Element of the Comprehensive Plan updated and approved by the Board on February 25, 2025. Operating impacts will be addressed through normal budget planning efforts.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
23-0884 - 11/26/23 - Informational Report - Parks and Recreation Maser Plan Kickoff Public Meeting September 27, 2023
23-0741 - 8/29/23 - Consent - Agreement, Conservation Lands, Master Plan, Parks, Recreation, RFP/RFQ
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
Indian River County 2008 Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report
A copy of the Indian River County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2025-2035 is available to view in the Board of County Commissioners' Office.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff respectfully requests that the Board approve the Draft Indian River County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2024-2034 and authorize the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Director to approve any minor modifications necessary to finalize the Plan for publication which would address any discovered errors or omissions that do not significantly alter the intent of the Plan.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Indian River County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2025-2035