Equity and community-based system-wide parks and recreation

IMAGINE TOMORROW! CITY OF LAKEWOOD COLORADO ARTS, PARKS, AND RECREATION FOR ALL MASTER PLAN

Imagine Tomorrow! is the City of Lakewood’s guiding framework for the continued provision of high-quality arts, parks, and recreation experiences for the next 10 years. The City has experienced increased rates of infill development at higher densities, a diversifying population, and a shift in demand for the types of opportunities that it provides in a post-pandemic world. The planning process for Imagine Tomorrow! is anchored by an in-depth analysis of existing conditions to identify community needs, including facility and program assessments, a parks walkability analysis, peer-community benchmarking analysis, and an evaluation of market and demographic trends. The plan also includes the City’s first parkland and open space equity analysis that identifies geographic areas in need of parks and recreation investment based on demographic, economic, and social vulnerability factors. The data-driven process was reinforced by a robust community engagement campaign that included a plan advisory committee, in-person and virtual workshops, a statistically valid survey, online questionnaires, and pop-up engagement activities at community events in English and Spanish.

Project Type

Recreation, Open Spaces & Trails

Location

Colorado

Highlights

ArcGIS StoryMap Equity Analysis showcases the “So What?” for the Lakewood community
A bold vision for the Community Resources Department achievable through feasible action steps
A succinct plan is supported by robust analysis
Positions the department for continued success with prioritized recommendations through the lens of public health and equity
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