New Recreation Master Plan Launched
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The City of St. John’s has released its new Recreation Master Plan, a comprehensive framework designed to proactively manage the current and future provision of recreation facilities, spaces and programs. The recommendations and direction within the Recreation Master Plan will help prioritize investment in recreation infrastructure over the next decade.
"The Recreation Master Plan is a vital tool for creating a vibrant, healthy, and inclusive community,” said Ward 1 Councillor Jill Bruce, lead for Community Services. “By addressing barriers to participation and prioritizing inclusivity, we are ensuring that all residents can benefit from our recreation services."
The plan builds on the successes of the previous Recreation Master Plan (2008-2018) and was developed through research and engagement, including resident surveys, community group surveys, community meetings and various engagement activities. It includes ten strategic recommendations supported by 37 tactical actions and three decision-making frameworks to guide implementation which are summarized below:
- Inclusive Opportunities for All: Address barriers to participation for underrepresented groups (youth, seniors, Indigenous, low-income, New Canadians) by developing culturally relevant programs and ensuring spaces respect Indigenous culture.
- Support Community-led Programs: Strengthen partnerships with volunteer-based groups, provide funding and training to enhance community initiatives, and collaborate with local organizations to increase youth sports participation.
- Equitable Service Delivery: Review policies through an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens, and adopt new practices that reflect community needs in facility allocation and service delivery.
- Geographic Balance in Services: Ensure recreation spaces are accessible in all neighborhoods by utilizing frameworks for new facilities, exploring temporary activations, and planning for future community spaces in underserved areas. This includes planning for a new community recreation space in the Ward 5 area.
- Support Events for Community Benefits: Foster inclusion and a sense of belonging through community events, celebrate diverse cultures, and develop strategies to attract and leverage regional events.
- High-Quality Recreation Spaces: Design multifunctional, accessible facilities that consider climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Maintain long-term service levels through a robust asset management policy.
- Improve Connectivity for Active Transportation: Prioritize open spaces and recreational connectivity in city developments and enhance access to recreational assets through improved transportation infrastructure.
- Integrate New Technologies: Use data collection to understand program utilization, improve decision-making, and develop more efficient systems for booking and managing recreation services.
- Enhance Communication: Use diverse communication channels to inform the public about recreation opportunities, maintain transparency through feedback loops, and implement effective marketing campaigns.
- Build Community Capacity: Support networking and capacity-building for local organizations for ongoing collaboration and feedback on recreation services.
"This plan is not just about facilities; it's about people. Recreation opportunities offer immense benefits, from combatting physical inactivity and chronic health issues to reducing social isolation. Our investment in recreation is an investment in the well-being of our entire community,” added Councillor Bruce.
The City has a strategic direction to be a Connected City where people feel connected, have a sense of belonging and are actively engaged in community life. Developing and delivering programs, services and public spaces that build safe, healthy and vibrant communities is key to advancing this direction.
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