San Rafael Launches Parks and Recreation Master Plan

SAN RAFAEL, CA — The city of San Rafael is launching its parks and recreation Master Plan process, and its encouraging residents to get involved.

The city on March 30 will hold the first of three community meetings that aim to inform residents about why a plan is needed, the planning process, and how they can get involved.

A Parks and Recreation questionnaire (available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese) will be available from March 30 through May 20.

“Through the development of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the City is looking at how it can maintain parks, update facilities, increase ways for people to access and connect to parks, and how to strengthen programs, classes, and activities,” city officials said in a statement.

The development of a Master Plan comes amid a time of increased demand for recreation services and facilities, city officials said.

“More than ever, people look to recreational programming to provide meaningful experiences that contrast with work and school obligations,” city officials said.

“Classes help to enhance personal skills and individuals gain an awareness of the larger community through classes, programs, and spending time in outdoor settings, especially parks.”

The city in January began working with RHAA Landscape Architects & Planners to begin a highly detailed assessment of city parks, facilities, and recreational programs.

Public input will be critical to plan successfully for the future, city officials said.

“This planning process allows us to establish a shared, transparent, and clearly defined vision for the City’s parks and recreation system that is driven by community input,” San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin said in a statement.

The first community meetings will be held at the San Rafael and Albert J. Boro Community Centers.

Printed versions of the survey will also be available at City Hall, city community centers and libraries, and at community events beginning in April, where staff members will be available to answer questions and help the public take the questionnaire.

There will also be signs posted at various parks with a QR code that will take people directly to the questionnaire.

“We’re excited to get this planning process underway and look forward to hearing from everyone as we move forward,” Assistant Library and Recreation Director Catherine Quffa said.

For questions or for more information, please call (415) 485-3333 or email recreation@cityofsanrafael.org

For more details on the meetings and the questionnaire, visit the Master Plan’s website.