January 2025 – Parks & Recreation - 46

KYLE
* A funding option that would utilize
funds already allocated for
individual park improvements
After a funding approach was
identified, the proposed $64 million
was spread to match various
parks and master planned projects.
City staff strategically identified
future projects for its growing community
based on community survey
results; the need for an updated
Park, Recreation and Open Space
(PROS) Master Plan; goals from
the city's new strategic plan; and a
variety of major capital projects.
Community Survey Results
According to City of Kyle's most
recent community survey (tinyurl.
com/vrm8ffk4), 55 percent of residents
were satisfied with the quality
of parks and recreational amenities,
which was an increase from
the September 2023 survey. Also
related to parks and recreation, 29
percent of residents were satisfied
with the availability of a variety of
art and cultural events, which was
a slight increase from 27 percent in
2023. In prior surveys, satisfaction
with accessibility to parks; appearance
of parks; and prioritization of
a recreation center, aquatics center
and senior center also were mentioned.
Throughout the years, community
members have expressed
the desire for an indoor facility,
such as a recreation center and a
senior center, to meet the needs of
the growing population.
Updated Park, Recreation
and Open Space Master
Plan
The existing PROS Master Plan
was adopted in 2016 as a 10-year
plan. However, with the rapid
growth of the city, and drawing
close to the 10-year mark, the need
for revisions to the existing plan to
meet the needs of a growing community
and include a clear vision,
goal, and community engagement
were recognized. In alignment
with the city's strategic plan, the
PROS Master Plan can be utilized
to meet beautification, accessibility
and connectivity goals citywide.
In July 2024, Kyle City Council
approved a contract to conduct
the process of formalizing a new
PROS Master Plan to include significant
public engagement. The
new plan will address several areas
that should be addressed as
the community grows and changes,
including
recreational
programming,
operations and maintenance,
and parkland, to name
a few. Kyle's new PROS Master
Plan is estimated to be complete
in spring of 2025.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF KYLE (TEXAS) COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
City of Kyle's New
Strategic Plan
The city's new strategic plan, which
was established in 2024, identified
goals and strategic outcomes for
being a vibrant, fun, safe and welcoming
community. Goals such
as strengthening
leadership and
broadening perspective through enhanced
boards and commissions,
such as the park and recreation
board; establishing and developing
award-winning parks; and creating
a high-quality trail network were
highlighted in the strategic plan.
The park and recreation board
had the opportunity
to provide
feedback on major capital park
projects during the budget process.
The trails committee and community
garden committee were also
extended for another year to provide
increased community member
input. To strengthen departmental
leadership, new positions were created,
and the department experienced
reorganization in efforts to
achieve new goals.
The annual
tree lighting
event was one
of the park
and recreation
department's
" firsts " in the
past five years,
among other
new events.
Major Parks Capital
Projects
City of Kyle Parks and Recreation
Department identified a variety of
projects that will raise the level and
sustainability of new beautification
and service standards in the parks
and trails. Following are highlights
from a few of the new park projects
that will demonstrate how Kyle is
working to meet the needs of its
increasing population, which will
improve how residents recreate and
spend their leisure time in Kyle.
Lake Kensington Nature Park
One of the new park creations is
referred to as Lake Kensington Nature
Park. The undeveloped 105acre
park, located on the east side
of the city, is an example of a ma46
Parks & Recreation |
J ANUAR Y 2 0 2 5 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
http://tinyurl.com/vrm8ffk4
January 2025 – Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2025 – Parks & Recreation
