The most recent master plan for the Allen parks system was a minor update prepared in 2015 when the community was predominantly in a growth boom.  Today, with a population nearing 105,000, we see that the development and maintenance of parks and recreation is approaching an equilibrium in emphasis. Also in that time, the Parks and Recreation Department has gained national recognition and is currently pursuing national accreditation. 

Further, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TP&WD) requires that a municipality seeking grant dollars have a master plan no less than five (5) years old.  Specifically, the TP&WD's Indoor Recreation Fund is a desirable funding opportunity to couple with other funds identified to support the proposed Exchange Parkway Recreation Center project. To better address the current and future needs of the parks system and continue succeeding in grant awards, staff recommends a full update to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Below is a list of outcomes desired from a master plan update:

1. Create a final guiding document that aligns the department mission with remaining development and redevelopment opportunities and needs
2. Give the City a competitive advantage when seeking grants  and  alternative funding for park, open space and facility development
3. Assess our current maintenance practices
4. Align plan goals with the foundational aims of the national professional association; and
5. Relate parks master planning to the recreational program master planning of the department, and all through a process that includes meaningful public input.

Staff recommends MHS Planning, LLC based on the City of Allen's long and successful relationship with the firm in the preparation of past Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plans, including the 2000 master plan, the 2011 master plan as well as the 2015 master plan update. The success of the Allen-MHS relationship is largely based on the consultant's proven high level of engagement with the Allen citizens and staff in determining the city's needs, and the firm's knowledge of the master plan expectations of various grantors, including those of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The cost of preparing the master plan is:

Funds for the preparation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update were approved in the FY2019 Community Development Corporation budget.

Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with MHS Planning for the preparation of a major update to the Allen Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan in the amount of $105,400.

I make a motion to authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with MHS Planning for the preparation of a major update to the Allen Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan in the amount of $105,400.