Parks Master Plan

Parks & Recreation Master Plan - Approved February 2020

At its February 25, 2020, meeting, the Paducah Board of Commissioners approved the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, a document that will help guide decisions about Paducah's parks and amenities over the next 15 years.

Executive Summary - 2020 Parks & Recreation Master Plan >>
Full Document - 2020 Parks & Recreation Master Plan >> [Note:  This is a large document that will take a while to open.]

Development of Updated Parks & Recreation Master Plan

Master Plan Launch:  In October 2018, the Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a professionaSteering Committee Recommendationsl services agreement with Bacon, Farmer, and Workman Engineering & Testing (BFW) for the development of a Parks & Recreation Master Plan.  BFW will develop the plan with the assistance of Peck Flannery Gream Warren, Inc. (PFGW) of Paducah in addition to Brandstetter/Carroll of Lexington, the company that completed the 2002 Master Plan for the Parks Department which was updated in 2007. 

The Master Plan process included the creation of a citizen steering committee and meetings with stakeholder groups, interactive public workshops, surveys, online engagement tools, and public presentations.  The process also involved a review of previous studies and similar parks systems and the analysis of organizational structure, policies, and funding options. 

Parks & Recreation Department Director Mark Thompson said, “When complete, the plan will provide a vision to guide the future growth, development, operations, and programs of the City’s parks and facilities, recreation and event programs, open spaces, and trail system.  Your input is crucial in helping us create a comprehensive parks plan that includes the most desired services for our citizens and community.”   

Preparing Final Documents - Joint Meetings with McCracken County Fiscal Court:  The Paducah Board of Commissioners and the McCracken County Fiscal Court held a joint meeting on December 17, 2019, to hear the latest on the completion of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.  Both elected bodies met in April and June to discuss the plan’s preliminary results.  At the December meeting, Pat Hoagland with Brandstetter/Carroll, Inc. provided a summary of the process and final results.  The 11-month process has included input from a Steering Committee and about 2600 contacts with city and county citizens ranging from mailed surveys to face-to-face input.  Regarding the Steering Committee’s input, the top 10 priorities are   

  1. Improve ADA accessibility at all parks;
  2. Redevelop Stuart Nelson Park;
  3. Build the Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Center;
  4. Improve site security at all parks;
  5. Provide more restroom facilities;
  6. Improve Riverfront Plaza/Schultz Park;
  7. Replace the McCracken County Soccer Complex;
  8. Redevelop Midtown Golf Course as a neighborhood park;
  9. Replace playground components; and
  10. Provide shade at playgrounds.

Hoagland said, “Think of this as the most positive service you provide for your citizens, parks and recreation, which helps people to enjoy their lives, which helps businesses want to come to Paducah-McCracken County.  It helps people stay healthy.  It gives them lifelong skills in sportsmanship, teamwork - all the things that help you in your entire life.”

Parks Master Plan Slide Presentation from December 17, 2019 Meeting >>

Paducah Board of Commissioners and McCracken Fiscal Court Joint Meeting - December 17, 2019

thank you graphicEngagement Events

  • Meetings with Local Interest Groups, March 11-13:  The City of Paducah Parks & Recreation Department is seeking input from local interest groups who would like to add their experience and ideas to the development of the Paducah Parks & Recreation Master Plan.  The professional consultants working to gather community input will be available to meet with local interest groups on the following dates:  Monday, March 11 from 2 until 8 p.m.; Tuesday, March 12 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.; and Wednesday, March 13 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  Call the Paducah Parks & Recreation Department at 270-444-8508 to schedule your group’s appointment. 
  • Open House on January 31, 2019:  An open house was held January 31, 2019, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Robert Cherry Civic Center which allowed the public to provide input in the development of the Paducah Parks & Recreation Master Plan and their thoughts on the future of the City of Paducah’s parks, facilities, recreation programs, community events, trails, and open spaces.  The response was great with 177 people in attendance.

old master plan coverParks Master Plans from 2002 and 2008

In 2001, the City of Paducah contracted with consultant Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. for the development of the 2002 Parks Master Plan, a 206 page document. In 2008, the City contracted to amend the plan, 2008 Parks Master Plan Update.