CITY OF MERCED
Parks, Recreation,
& Open Space Master Plan
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Play on purpose.
THE CITY OF MERCED PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan
Establish a long- term vision for park development, guiding resource allocation, ensuring effective community engagement, and foster a sense of place.
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Project Partner Organizations
Cultiva Central Valley
Lifeline CDC
Merced Bicycle Coalition
Merced County Association of Relators
Merced County Public Health
Merced Garden Club
Merced Lao Family
Merced Sunrise Rotary
Merced Senior, INC
Merced Youth Soccer League
NAACP Merced County
Youth Leadership Institute (YLI)
Valley Onward
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Your parks,
your voices.
500+
1392
200+
Total Engagements
through Pop Ups and
events
Total Community
Comments Received
Community Open
House Attendees to
vote on priorities
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Plan Pillars= Priorities
Plan Pillars
Infrastructure & Maintenance Community Connection
Safety &
Inclusion
Resources & Stewardship
2026–2030 PROS MASTER PLAN
Infrastructure & Maintenance represents the existing
and future physical environments.
Connected Community represents the importance of
being informed by residents as the Department provides
them with services.
Safety & Inclusion represents providing welcoming,
inclusive, and safe services for all.
Resources & Stewardship represents the importance of
the strategic use of human and financial resources.
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Infrastructure & Maintenance
Represents the existing and future physical environments. # Recommended Actions
1.1 Conduct a comprehensive Park Asset Inventory Report.
1.2 Enhance the existing aging park amenities with modern amenities.
1.3 Develop a comprehensive Maintenance Management Plan.
1.4 Establish a trail maintenance program.
1.5 Design walkable and bike-friendly Trails (offroad) throughout the City for safe and equitable access to parks and facilities.
1.6 Incorporate updated park standards/amenities into future parks based on type (including dog park South of Hwy99)
1.7 Evaluate the feasibility of an indoor multi-generational recreational facility at Merced Regional Sports Complex.
1.8 Position Merced Regional Sports Complex as a revenue-generating regional asset.
1.9 Evaluate and create implementation plans for current and additional recreation facilities including rentable space
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Connected Community
Represents the importance of being informed by residents as the Department provides them with services.
# Recommended Actions
2.1 Enhance internal and external communication about Department activities, events, and services using new technologies such as trail head and playground QR codes
2.2 Consider public-private partnerships to assist in the identification and advancement of new indoor recreation facility opportunities, relocations, and parkland acquisition.
2.3 Evaluate existing partner agreements.
2.4 Strengthen and clarify long-term operational model for youth center facilities to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.
2.5 Strengthen relationships, partnerships, coordinated recreation service planning with community-based organizations.
2.6 Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for recreation program.
2.7 Implement an Adopt-a-Park / Friends-of-the-Park/ Adopt -an - Activity program.
2.8 Focus service provision efforts on enhancing current program offerings and addressing high-need gaps.
2.9 Maintain an understanding of local public health indicators that influence program participation
2.10 Leverage Partnership to increase number of free community events that increase the sense of belonging and quality of life in Merced CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Safety & Inclusion
Represents providing welcoming, inclusive, and safe services for all. # Recommended Actions
3.1 Enhance current and future parks and facilities with sustainable design that encourages safety and create accessibility for users of all ages and abilities.
3.2 Improve safety and security measures as well as perceptions of safety in parks, trails, and open spaces through increased visible presence and coordinated community-based efforts to keep parks active.
3.3 Strengthen partnership with Merced County to address impacts in parks related to unhoused individuals and behavioral health transitions within the City.
3.4 Reduce cultural and language barriers to ensure equitable access to parks and recreation services.
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Resources & Stewardship
Represents the importance of the strategic use of human and financial resources. # Recommended Actions
4.1 Update the Financial Sustainability Strategy (Fee Schedule) on a biannual basis
4.2 Conduct annual cost-of-service analysis updates.
4.3 Evaluate long-term partnership and governance options to ensure the future feasibility of Applegate Park Zoo.
4.4 Establish a long-term Financial Sustainability Strategy for Applegate Park Zoo as a pseudo-enterprise operation.
4.5 Evaluate and update Developer Impact Fee (DIF) practices and policies to ensure adequate, equitable, and financially responsible funding for future parks and recreation facilities.
4.6 Pursue and secure funding to advance the design, construction and maintenance of previously identified by currently unfunded park projects.
4.7 Establish clear standards for the type, quality, and functional characteristics of parkland to be dedicated and accepted by the City of Merced.
4.8 Create position-specific and parks and recreation-centric professional development plans.
4.9 Expand training and enhance the use of the Recreation Management Software System (RMSS).
4.10 Strengthen interdepartmental collaboration to improve operational efficiency and enhance service quality for Merced residents.
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Top 10 Priority
Capital
Improvement
Project list
Intended to focus
grant applications,
community
partnerships, and
other City efforts
on the projects
with the greatest
potential benefit
and community
support.
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Strategic Action Plan(s)
Each Pillar (4) consists of several corresponding actions (33) Of the 33 proposed actions, 15 are identified as high priorities, with the remaining actions positioned for implementation as staffing, funding and partnership opportunities become available.
Many recommendations require limited direct financial investment but will involve meaningful staff time, coordination and policy development.
The Strategic Action Plan is not intended to commit the City to completing every action immediately. Instead, it establishes a shared direction and a framework that can be used during annual budgeting, capital planning, grant development and departmental work-plan preparation. Timelines, responsible teams and specific implementation measures will be refined following Council direction.
CITY OF MERCED, CA | Play on PurposeParks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Next Steps
City Council
Recommend additions, clarifications, and or revisions Set a date for consideration of adoption by City Council