Timeline and Public Input

Public opinion is a very important factor to updating the Parks Master Plan and throughout the process, residents were given the chance to speak their minds about parks in several ways.   Platte County residents stepped up and demonstrated their passion for parks with over 4,000 citizens involved in the Master Plan process both providing and receiving information about the park plan.

Platte County Parks would like to express their gratitude at the number of citizens that came forward to express their opinions on all different types of parks issues, amenities and programs.  Opinions were voiced in a variety of ways including public meeting, surveys and focus groups.

Two public meeting were held with over 130 participating rendering verbal and written opinions.  All public meeting participants were also asked to participate in an on-line survey at each meeting.  Participants at the first meeting rendered ideas for amenities that should be included in the new Master Plan.  At the second public meeting, residents were asked to review and give their opinion on draft of the master plan.  Two separate surveys were also conducted by an independent research firm with over 800 respondents.

In addition to public meetings and surveys, staff members were given the chance to meet one on one with individuals from through focus groups.  These focus group topics varied widely including the business community, dog parks and equestrian enthusiasts, school groups, environmental groups, public safety personnel and historical and cultural programmers.  The focus groups provided an opportunity to learn ideas and preferences for future parks and recreation needs within each subgroup.

Lastly, the Parks Department is grateful for the 12 member citizens team panel that guided staff and consultants throughout the entire process. 

Staff members gained invaluable knowledge through all of these sources and were able to use this information to help shape the future of Platte County Parks through the newly adopted Master Plan update.