El Paso approves 10-year plan to improve parks and recreations spaces

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Monday, the City of El Paso approved a 10-year plan to improve local parks.

Community input helped shape the master plan, according to the city. It considered more than 2,500 survey responses, 10 open houses and five focus groups.

The city said the plan has five priorities for the Parks and Recreation system, which includes 291 parks, 23 recreation and sports centers, 10 senior centers and 15 aquatic centers.

The city plans to make parks better by adding more shade, seating, improved playgrounds and places to gather.

It also committed to repairing and updating recreation centers, pools and senior centers.

The city also wants to make parks more accessible with improved sidewalks, walking paths and bike connections between parks and neighborhoods.

The city said it will focus improvements on neighborhoods and facilities that need it the most.

Lastly, the city is planning for long-term care to keep parks clean and well-maintained while considering the ongoing costs of operating facilities.

The city said it knows that without careful planning, expenses for new facilities can add pressure to the city's budget and taxpayers.

"Although the Master Plan provides direction for the next decade, it does not fund individual projects. Future improvements will depend on available resources and funding decisions by City Council," the city said in Monday's announcement.

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan will run through 2026-36.