A Parks Master Plan is a dynamic, long-range planning document that establishes a vision, goals, and strategies to guide decisions and improvements for the future.

Since Union City’s last Parks and Recreation Master Plan was adopted in 1999, the city has grown significantly, adding parks and expanding recreational offerings without a matching increase in staffing or a modern planning framework. Today, Union City maintains 35 parks and benefits from over 7,000 acres of open space, all serving a diverse and dynamic population. With little land available for new development, and most growth expected to come through infill and redevelopment, this updated Master Plan will take a fresh, forward-looking approach to improving, expanding, and reimagining the city’s parks and recreational facilities. It will serve as a practical tool to guide investments and decision-making over the next 15 years by addressing challenges like accessibility, aging infrastructure, and limited programming to ensure Union City’s parks remain safe, welcoming, and responsive to community needs.

  • Create a clear plan for the future
    Develop a realistic, easy-to-follow roadmap that will guide decisions and investments in parks and recreation over the next 15 years.

  • Make sure the plan reflects community voices
    Listen to residents throughout the planning process to ensure the final plan represents what people want, need, and value in their parks and programs.

  • Improve what’s in place
    Take care of existing parks and facilities by identifying where updates, repairs, or new features are needed.

  • Ensure parks and programs are welcoming for everyone
    Work to make sure all residents—of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and neighborhoods—can enjoy Union City's parks and recreation opportunities.

  • Promote health and community connection
    Create spaces and programs that encourage physical activity, mental well-being, and opportunities for people to gather and connect.

  • Plan creatively for a built-out city
    Look for new ways to add parks and recreation spaces in areas where there’s little land left, especially in growing neighborhoods and redevelopment areas.

The goals of the project are to:

The Union City Parks and Recreation Master Plan will serve as a long-term guide for future investments in parks, open spaces, recreational facilities, and programming. This comprehensive planning document will help the City make informed decisions that reflect community priorities and respond to current and future needs.

  • An overview of Union City’s park system and its current context

  • An assessment of existing conditions across parks, facilities, and programs

  • A summary of community engagement efforts and what we heard from residents

  • Strategic recommendations to guide City staff, planners, designers, and developers

  • An implementation and funding plan to support future improvements

The final Master Plan will include:

Union City Parks and Recreation Master Plan - Project Schedule

Developing a successful and realistic Master Plan requires a thoughtful, step-by-step process. This includes assessing current conditions, identifying opportunities for enhancement, and engaging with the community to understand local needs and priorities. The planning team will also develop clear strategies, cost estimates, and timelines to help bring improvements to life. Once complete, the final plan will be presented to the City Council for review and adoption.

This process is designed to ensure that Union City's parks and recreation system remains inclusive, well-maintained, and ready to support a vibrant and active community for years to come.

The development of this plan relies on thoughtful input from the community! At various stages throughout the planning process, we’ll offer public engagement opportunities to help create a plan that is right for the Union City community.

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