Parks, Play and the
Path Ahead
Agenda
Master Plan Process Overview
Park Assessments
Community Engagement
Integrated Findings
Next Steps
Questions
Park Assessments
PARK ASSESSMENTS
Visalia Parks & Recreation Master Plan
System Snapshot
The assessment shows a generally solid system, with primary recreation assets emerging as the clearest reinvestment need. 51 Parks Assessed
75%
Average Overall Score
76%
Generally Solid or Strong
Overall score of 70% or higher
70%+ + generally solid or strong condition
Average Condition Scores by Evaluation Lens
Primary Assets
Fields, courts, playgrounds, paths, plazas, and other core recreation assets 69% avg.
Support Assets
Access, ADA connectivity, benches, restrooms, signage, lighting, parking, and site support 76% avg.
Landscape Conditions
Cleanliness, lighting coverage, passive supervision, planting, shade, and tree quality 76% avg.
Primary recreation assets represent the clearest systemwide reinvestment opportunity.
Strengths
Most Parks Are in Good Overall Condition
Mini Parks Are Strong and Consistent
Support Features and Landscape Conditions Score Well
Strong Parks Exist Across the System
Cleanliness and Tree Quality Are Generally Solid
Opportunities for Improvement
Refresh Fields, Courts, Playgrounds, and Paths
Give Harrell’s Grove and Seven Oaks Focused Attention
Improve Planting and Shade in More Parks
Look Closely at Differences Among Community Parks
Fix Specific Gaps Even When Overall Scores Look Strong
Community
Engagement
Community
Engagement
Opportunities
1 Engagement Reach at a Glance
119,767 reported digital views
2 e-blasts + Instagram/Facebook + paid Meta • 2,961 clicks • 639 social interactions
✓ 420
statistically valid surveys
±1,281 residents represented
⌁ 672
Social Pinpoint contributions
4 activities
☰ 182
Kickoff meetings attendees
Unique people
● 5
field outreach events
survey distribution + tabling +
interactive boards
Website activity mix General Survey 461 • Social Map 147 • Vision Board 35 • Youth Survey 29
Strengths
Clear Alignment Across Staff and Stakeholders
▼
The System Has Strong Community Partners
▼
Parks Support Recreation, Culture, Events, and Identity ▼
Staff Are Focused on Practical Implementation
▼
Multiple Viewpoints represented – Staff, Stakeholders, General Public Opportunities for Improvement
Protect and Reinvest in Existing Parks and Facilities
▼
Plan Operating Costs Before Adding New Assets
▼
Close Park, Trail, Indoor Space, and Athletic Facility Gaps ▼
Align Programs With Participation, Affordability, and Space ▼
Strengthen Funding, Data, and Implementation Capacity
Statistically Valid
Survey
Survey Development – In partnership with the City
of Visalia. Only made available to Visalia
Residents
Methods of Response – Mail/ On-line/ Phone
options were available to residents.
English and Spanish
When: Conducted Spring/Summer 2026
Response Rate: 23% - Total of 420 completed
household surveys. (Goal was 400)
Confidence Level: 95% level of confidence with a
margin of error of +/- 4.8%
Statistically-Valid Survey
DEMOGRAPHICS
Parks, Play and the Path Ahead
ADVOCACY
18 Parks, Play and the Path Ahead
National
Benchmark
Very
Satisfied/Satisfied
63%
PARK VISITATION,
QUALITY AND
BARRIERS
Parks, Play and the Path Ahead
PARK AND
RECREATION
FACILITY
MAINTENANCE
Parks, Play and the Path Ahead
PROGRAM
PARTICIPATION,
QUALITY AND
BARRIERS
Parks, Play and the Path Ahead
PARK AND
AMENITY
PRIORITIES
Parks, Play and the Path Ahead
PROGRAM AND
SERVICE
PRIORITIES
Parks, Play and the Path Ahead
AQUATIC
AMENITY
PRIORITIES
Parks, Play and the Path Ahead
AQUATIC
PROGRAM AND
SERVICE
PRIORITIES
Parks, Play and the Path Ahead
SUPPORT
Parks, Play and the Path Ahead
Key Findings Integration
Integration of Key Findings
VISALIA PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
THEME INTEGRATED FINDING
1 Parks are essential infrastructure ✓ High use and strong value support treating parks as a core city service.
2 Reinvest before expanding ✓ The system is generally solid, but core assets need replacement first.
3 Comfort drives everyday use ✓ Restrooms, shade, water, lighting, and cleanliness shape the park experience.
4 Connections and gaps matter ✓ Access should be planned around trails, travel time, growth, and neighborhood fit.
5 Programs need easier access ✓ Participation depends on awareness, schedules, affordability, and right-sized space.
6 Implementation must be realistic ✓ Capital priorities need operating costs, staffing, lifecycle funding, and data.
Visalia Parks & Recreation Master Plan | Integrated summary Implementation Priorities
VISALIA PARKS MASTER PLAN — IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES
PRIORITY ISSUE(S) RESOLVED
1 Invest in existing basics first ✓ Aging fields, courts, playgrounds, paths, and visible park basics.
2 Clean, safe, comfortable ✓ Restrooms, lighting, shade, water, cleanliness, and upkeep.
3 Connect parks to people ✓ Trail gaps, crossings, park entrances, and neighborhood access.
4 Add high-demand amenities ✓ Indoor walking, aquatics, fitness, play, and everyday- use amenities.
5 Make programs easier to use ✓ Awareness, schedules, registration, affordability, and facility fit.
6 Fund operations with capital ✓ Staffing, lifecycle, operating cost, and replacement planning.
BOTTOM LINE: Focus on safety, comfort, access, upkeep, and realistic delivery.
Visalia Parks & Recreation Master Plan | Implementation priorities Specific Project Findings
PROJECT WHAT THE SURVEY SHOWS PLANNING INTERPRETATION
Trails / Loop Walking Paths 91% support | 37% fund Highest funding support. Connect parks and support everyday use.
Restroom Improvements 88% support | 31% fund High support and high funding. Fix the most visible basic.
Repair + Maintenance 91% support | 31% fund Protect existing assets before expanding the system.
Indoor Walking / Recreation Indoor track #1 amenity priority Strong support for year-round, heat-resilient recreation.
New Aquatic Center 70% support | 21% fund Broad and strong community interest; test location, cost, and operations.
Plaza Park Raceway 42% support | 4% fund Lower funding support. Needs a focused feasibility discussion.
Visalia Parks & Recreation Master Plan Source: Statistically Valid Survey Q20–Q21 Next Steps
Next Steps:
September
–
December
2026
Level of Service
Operational
Assessments
Program/Services
Parks Maintenance
User Fee Analysis
Cost Estimating and Prioritization for Capital
Improvements
Funding and Revenue Strategies
Questions