CITYWIDE RECREATION, PARKS, and OPEN SPACE PLAN
City of Erie’s Comprehensive Vision for Parks and Recreation will serve as a roadmap for the next 20 years. This plan will offer a guide for parks, recreation and open space improvements, programs, and operations and maintenance. The plan recommendations will strive to ensure equitable investment in parks and recreation facilities, programs, and services across Erie, providing all residents with fair access to high-quality spaces and activities.
Join in sharing your ideas for the future of Erie’s parks, recreation and open space system! We welcome your creativity in imagining what types of experiences you would like to see across the park and open space network over the next decade and beyond.
GET INVOLVED
Stay tuned! We will be launching a public survey and kicking off engagement events this summer. Information will be posted to this website throughout the planning process.
Your input is critical to creating a successful parks plan for the future of Erie.
Below is an anticipated schedule for the project and key points of engagement.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE
Work on the plan began in the spring of 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by the spring of 2026.
Spring/Summer 2025
Establish a Foundation Understanding
– Project Kick-off
– Research, Inventory of Existing Conditions, and Analysis
Summer 2025
Create a Shared Vision
– Community values and needs discovery
– Engagement Window #1: Opportunities for public input and engagement online and in-person
Fall 2025
Draft Plan Framework
– Drafting future vision, mission and goals
– Drafting strategies and recommendations
– Engagement Window #2: Opportunities for public input and engagement online and in-person
Winter 2025/Spring 2026
Plan Development
– Prioritization of projects and action plan
– Draft and final plan document
– Engagement Window #3: Opportunity for the public to weigh in on the draft plan document
– Plan adoption
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What parks and recreation facilities do we currently have in the City of Erie?
The City of Erie owns and operates ## [verify number] parks and recreation sites that total approximately ## acres, as well as two public golf courses – Downing Golf Course and Joseph C. Martin Golf Course.
What is a citywide Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan?
It is a long-term vision and community-directed roadmap that informs decision making for parks and open space citywide.
The planning process will start by evaluating the current state of Erie’s parks and recreation facilities, while engaging the community in a dialogue about the amenities they value most. This will also include identifying opportunities for new recreational experiences and addressing barriers that limit access for certain groups. Accessible, well-maintained parks and open spaces are vital to the health and well-being of our City. This plan will be a community-driven initiative, with priorities and recommendations shaped by the insights and feedback gathered throughout this process.
Why do we need a new plan?
The City’s current parks and recreation plan was created in 1993—over thirty years ago. Updating the plan will help Erie build an equitable and financially sustainable system that better serves all residents, now and into the future. It will offer a strategic roadmap for fair investment, enhanced services, and lasting community impact, while building on recent citywide planning efforts to support Erie’s broader goals for transformation, sustainable growth, and equitable revitalization.
What is NOT included in a citywide Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan?
The plan is not a detailed design or proposal for immediate improvements for a specific park, neighborhood or facility. It is also not a method to approve specific City purchases, expenses or increases to the parks budget.
How can I get involved?
There will be several opportunities to have your voice heard and provide feedback on the draft plan. Check this website regularly to see materials and find information about upcoming events. See the Get Involved section to learn more!
CONTACT US
We would love your feedback! If you have additional questions or comments, fill out the comment form below. You can also contact the City of Erie’s Department of Planning & Neighborhood resources by email planningdepartment@erie.pa.us or by phone at (814) 870-1287.