Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan was adopted by Town Council on December 13, 2012, with the approval of Ordinance 12-1213. View a copy of the plan (PDF) and find out more about it.

Amendment to Future Trail Plan

A Future Trail Plan map was approved as part of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. The Future Trail Plan map identifies the location of trails planned throughout Northlake. An amendment to the Future Trail Plan map to incorporate existing and planned trails south of SH 114 and to provide better detail on trail locations and regional connectivity was approved by the Town Council on April 24, 2014.

About the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan is the official planning document to guide the development of parks and recreation facilities and preserve open space within the Town of Northlake. The plan includes a needs assessment, future park recommendations, park and trail system standards, and a priority list.

Background of the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan were one of the top implementation priorities of the Town’s 2009 Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan states:

  • "A [Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan] is required in order to know where potential facilities are needed in the future. This allows review of development proposals to take into account these facilities in a timely manner and ensure that opportunities to develop city-wide park and trail systems are not compromised.
  • A [Plan] would also prioritize recommended facilities, identify potential funding sources, provide development standards for future facilities and outline implementation actions needed to achieve the plan’s goals and objectives."

The Plan addresses several of the strategic issues of the Comprehensive Plan and builds off the foundation of the Town’s previous Open Space and Trails Plan adopted as part of the 2002 Strategic Master Plan.

Process for Developing the Master Plan

The Northlake Community Development Corporation (CDC) funded this planning project due to the important community development and quality of life benefits of parks, recreation facilities, and preservation of open spaces. The planning project was kicked off in January 2011 with the development and advertising of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) which culminated in the selection of Dunkin Sims Stoffels, Inc. to perform the study to develop this master plan.

Development of the Plan

An advisory committee and the CDC board members assisted staff and consultants with the development of the plan that was presented to the Town Council for approval. In addition, multiple public hearings were held to gather public input and guide the priorities of the plan. Prior to approval by the Town Council, the public also had the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed plan.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or would like more information on the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, please email Nathan Reddin or call 940-242-5703.