Agenda Report
Fullerton City Council
MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2025
TO: CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SUBMITTED BY: Daisy Perez, Deputy City Manager
PREPARED BY: CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ, PARKS AND RECREATION MANAGER SUBJECT: PARKS MASTER PLAN PROCESS AND REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES
SUMMARY
The Parks and Recreation Commission directed staff to agendize a discussion on developing a comprehensive Parks Master Plan on July 14, 2025. This report seeks the Commission’s recommendation to the City Council to initiate the process of issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for consultant services to develop a Parks Master Plan.
PROPOSED MOTION
Direct staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for consultant services to develop a Parks Master Plan.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Approve the Proposed Motion
Other options brought by City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Proposed Motion.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
None.
PRIORITY POLICY STATEMENT
This item matches the following Priority Policy Statement:
Infrastructure and City Assets
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to develop and issue an RFP for a Parks Master Plan. The average cost of developing a Parks Master Plan can range from $300,000 to $450,000 and may be funded by Park Dwelling Fees (Fund 39). Future costs would be subject to City Council approval through the contract award process and a budget appropriation would be requested at that time.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The City of Fullerton currently operates and maintains 53 parks, over 28 miles of trails, and a variety of community and recreation facilities. While individual capital improvement projects and park enhancements have been undertaken in recent years, the City does not currently have an updated Parks Master Plan that reflects current community needs, demographic changes, and emerging recreational trends.
The last citywide parks and recreation planning effort was completed in 1977. Since then, population growth, evolving recreational preferences, and changes in funding availability have created a need for a fresh, data-driven planning document.
In 2021, City staff presented to the City Council a Parks and Recreation Master Plan contract to be awarded to RJM Design Group; however, the contract was not approved, and the City did not move forward with the development of a Parks Master Plan at that time.
At its July 14, 2025 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission directed staff to return with an item for discussion on moving forward with the development of a comprehensive Parks Master Plan. This item was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission on September 8, 2025. Following review and discussion, the Commission voted 4-0-1 (Commissioner Kim absent) to recommend that the City Council move forward with the process of developing a Parks Master Plan. Their recommendation reflects broad support for establishing a long-term planning document to guide future investments and priorities in the City’s park system.
The development of a Parks Master Plan represents a significant opportunity for the City of Fullerton to take a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to parks and recreation planning. While the City has made consistent investments in maintaining and upgrading its park system, these projects have been mainly implemented on a case-by-case basis through the Capital Improvement Program, grant-funded initiatives, or in response to immediate needs. Without a unifying planning document, it is increasingly complex to prioritize projects, leverage external funding opportunities, and ensure equitable access to recreational amenities across the community.
Community Growth And Changing Needs
Fullerton has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade, including shifts in age distribution, cultural diversity, and recreational preferences. Families are seeking multipurpose fields and inclusive playgrounds, while older residents are requesting more passive recreation spaces such as walking loops and fitness stations. In addition, emerging trends such as pickleball, dog parks, and environmental sustainability are reshaping how cities design and program their parks. A Master Plan would help Fullerton anticipate these trends and respond proactively rather than reactively.
Equity And Accessibility
Parks and recreation play a critical role in quality of life, but access is not always distributed evenly throughout the community. Some neighborhoods enjoy proximity to parks with a wide range of amenities, while others lack walkable green space. Additionally, the City must continue to address ADA accessibility requirements to ensure that all residents can safely enjoy its facilities. The Master Plan process would incorporate GIS mapping and gap analyses to identify underserved areas, helping guide future investments where they are needed most.
Community Engagement
The planning process itself provides significant value by engaging residents, stakeholders, and user groups in shaping the future of Fullerton’s parks system. By conducting workshops, surveys, and targeted outreach, the City can ensure that all voices, particularly those of youth, seniors, and underrepresented communities, are included in decision-making. This process not only builds trust and transparency but also creates a stronger sense of ownership and stewardship among residents.
Alignment With Broader City Strategic Goals
A Parks Master Plan would align directly with the City’s General Plan and other strategic initiatives, providing consistency across planning efforts. It would also serve as a valuable tool for interdepartmental collaboration, particularly with Public Works, Community Development, and local school districts, ensuring that land use, transportation, and open space planning are coordinated.
Funding And Competitiveness
Many state and federal grant programs, including those offered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the Land and Water Conservation Fund, strongly encourage or require jurisdictions to have an adopted Parks Master Plan to qualify for funding. Without such a plan, the City is at a disadvantage when competing for limited dollars. Having an adopted plan in place increases Fullerton’s competitiveness and strengthens applications by demonstrating community input and strategic prioritization.
Long-Term Benefits
Ultimately, the Parks Master Plan would serve as a “roadmap” for the next 10–15 years, guiding both near-term capital investments and long-term visioning. The plan would establish a framework for budgeting, phasing, and maintenance, helping to maximize limited resources while extending the life of existing assets. By creating a prioritized and costed implementation strategy, the City would be able to respond more effectively to opportunities and challenges as they arise.
Next Steps
If the City Council approves, staff would develop and proceed to release an RFP to solicit consultant services for the preparation of the Parks Master Plan. The results of the RFP would be brought back to the City Council for formal contract award. Once a consultant is selected, the planning process would commence with robust community engagement, staff input, and Commission oversight; culminating in adoption of the Parks Master Plan by the City Council. cc: Interim City Manager Eddie Manfro
Parks Master Plan
October 7, 2025 - Page 2