Lake County Parks and Rec Launches Next Five-Year Masterplan

Every five years, Lake County Parks and Rec crafts a master plan for the following five years. Given the last Lake County Parks and Rec Master Plan launched in 2021, the master plan of 2026 signals what’s in the works for the parks. Upon completion, the project plan will lay a guide for enhancing both park programming and park infrastructure.

As part of the master plan process, initially the Lake County Parks and Rec team seeks out the opinion of the larger public. They conducted surveying and other data gathering outreach this summer as part of their “Let’s Talk Parks” campaign. 

“Including the residents’ and visitors’ feedback ensures our projects and goals are aligned with the community’s needs and desires,” said Dyan Let, development manager of Lake County Parks and Rec Business and designated community outreach coordinator for “Let’s Talk Parks” campaign.

Everyone who participated in the survey was able to provide their opinion on the parks ahead of the 2026 campaign.

“Participants answered survey questions about desired park programs and amenities, but also crucial questions about park priorities and steps to take when we have budget restrictions,” said Let.

Currently, the team is analyzing the data as part of the second phase of the master plan process.

“The focus we’ve been working on right now is that we as professionals know things need to be improved. It’s about what things make sense and what things we want to do, but we also want to hear and make sure that those are aligned with what the community wants,” said Emily Tristler, communications director for Lake County Parks and Rec. 

The team will begin writing up the plan itself shortly after the new year. While the plan is very much focused on the next five years, it also helps to shape the years following this immediate five-year timeline. In other words, the planning has a domino effect.

“The upcoming master plan will serve as the essential roadmap guiding our Lake County Parks over the next five years and beyond,” said Let. “It will include the department’s current inventory of parks, facilities, and trails alongside a list of projects and goals we hope to accomplish.”

The 2026 Master Plan will also bolster Lake County Parks and Rec’s applications for grant funding. 

“Having a master plan not only guides our planning and budget, but it is also used to secure grant funding, especially from the state level,” Let said.

This joint effort creates a well-rounded purpose and really empowers Lake County Parks and Rec to be proactive.

“In addition to it being a good planning practice, it is a good opportunity to recenter and make sure that our goals are still aligned,” Tristler said. “It is also essential for being able to access certain grants and funding sources that parks’ departments have a five-year master plan in place.”

Between the feedback from the community and the active planning of the Lake County Parks and Rec team, the final 2026 Master Plan will certainly serve as an asset to the parks.