Elkhart 5-Year Parks Master Plan

As part of a larger project team, JPR contributed to the update and further development of a 5-Year Parks Master Plan that included cultural assets for the City of Elkhart. With a population exceeding 52,000, Elkhart has a rich tradition of diverse year-round park programs. However, to meet the needs of a modern city, the municipality aimed to enhance its 62 park facilities spanning over 411 acres.

The planning process emphasized inclusive public engagement to shape goals, define objectives, and build consensus. The team gathered valuable insights through focus groups, stakeholder meetings, community-wide public meetings, and various surveys. The surveys included a community intercept survey, a statistically valid invitation survey, and an open-link survey. Additionally, a SWOT analysis based on stakeholder input identified key themes.

Input from over 600 individuals through public meetings and surveys facilitated a comprehensive assessment of Elkhart’s park and open space needs. This assessment also encompassed recreation initiatives, community-building strategies, and organizational structure. The analysis also identified potential funding support for ongoing operations, maintenance, and capital improvement projects.

By outlining clear goals, policies, standards, and objectives, the document serves as a framework for the City’s preservation of natural resources and guides enhancements to adapt to evolving urban dynamics while also keeping the Parks Department eligible for state grants and funding.