DISSCUSSION
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: May 6, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Vanessa Carder, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Department: Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Subject: Adoption of the San Bernardino Parks Master Plan (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt the Parks Master Plan and adopt Resolution No. 2026-044:
1. Adopting the City of San Bernardino Parks Master Plan as the City’s guiding document for planning, developing, maintaining, and investing in parks, recreation facilities, aquatics amenities, trails, and open space; and
2. Authorizing staff to use the Park Master Plan to guide capital improvement planning, operational strategies, grant applications, and project prioritization.
City Manager's Comments
The City has been working on the Parks Master Plan for the last several years and involved the Parks & Rec Commission and had community engagement. The Plan is before you for approval.
Executive Summary
The Park Master Plan provides a comprehensive blueprint for the improvement and long -term sustainability of the City’s parks and recreation system from 2026 through 2036. The plan incorporates community input, site assessments, aquatics evaluations, GIS based mapping, and a statistically valid community survey. Adoption of the plan establishes- a unified policy direction for future park improvements but does not authorize specific projects, expenditures, or construction at this time.
Background
The City initiated the development of a new Park Master Plan in 2024 to address aging infrastructure, evolving recreational needs, and equitable access to parks and amenities.
The plan was developed using:
Extensive community and stakeholder engagement
A statistically valid survey measuring resident needs and priorities Detailed condition assessments of all parks, facilities, and aquatics assets GIS based analyses of service levels, access, and equity Identification of capital priorities, operational needs, and strategic investments The resulting Park Master Plan is intended to serve as the City’s roadmap for improving park quality, enhancing recreational opportunities, supporting community wellness, and guiding future decision making.
Discussion
Purpose of Action:
The purpose of this action is to formally adopt the 10Year Park Master Plan as the City’s strategic planning document. Adoption does not commit the City to any specific capital project or funding allocation.
Key Components of the Plan:
Systemwide assessment of park and facility conditions, identifying areas in need of repair, modernization, or reinvestment
Comprehensive review of aquatics facilities, including recommendations for long- term sustainability
Levels of service and equity-based analyses to ensure fair distribution of amenities
Identification of priority projects and conceptual park improvements Strategic recommendations related to staffing, maintenance, operations, and funding
“Big Moves” that guide systemwide improvements, including safety enhancements, facility upgrades, operational sustainability, workforce development, and strengthened community engagement
Next Steps - Upon adoption of the Park Master Plan, staff will:
Integrate plan recommendations into the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Pursue grant funding and partnership opportunities aligned with priority projects Return to the City Council with project specific recommendations, cost estimates, and funding requests as needed
Align departmental operations and staffing plans with recommendations in the plan
Policy Alignment: The Park Master Plan supports City goals related to public health, recreation, environmental sustainability, youth development, and neighborhood revitalization.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
This action supports Strategic Target No. 3: Improved Quality of Life, by establishing a clear framework for enhancing access to safe, high-quality parks and recreational amenities.
Fiscal Impact
Adoption of the Park Master Plan has no immediate fiscal impact. Future costs associated with specific projects, capital improvements, or operational changes will be brought to the City Council for consideration on a case-by-case basis.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California adopt the Parks Master Plan and adopt Resolution No. 2026-044:
1. Adopting the City of San Bernardino Parks Master Plan as the City’s guiding document for planning, developing, maintaining, and investing in parks, recreation facilities, aquatics amenities, trails, and open space; and
2. Authorizing staff to use the Park Master Plan to guide capital improvement planning, operational strategies, grant applications, and project prioritization.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Resolution No. 2026-044 Adoption of Parks Master Plan Attachment 2 - Parks Master Plan 2026
Attachment 3 - Parks Master Plan Presentation
Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
January 18, 2023 – The Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-016 approving the award of professional Services Agreement with Next Practice Partners, LLC.
January 21, 2026 – The Mayor and City Council approved Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Next Practice Partners, LLC.
CC: Eric Levitt, City Manager