Parks and Recreational Trails Master Plan Update

The City of Gilroy is initiating an update to its Parks Master Plan and incorporating Recreational Trails into a single, comprehensive Parks and Recreational Trails Master Plan. This document was last adopted in 2005.

Master plans serve as foundational planning documents that guide long-term investment, maintenance, and development of City infrastructure. The updated Plan will function as a first-level implementation tool of the General Plan and help guide future park improvements, recreational amenities, and trail connectivity throughout the community.

The updated Parks and Recreational Trails Master Plan aims to:

  • Assess the condition of existing parks and recreational amenities
  • Identify community needs and priorities for facilities and amenities
  • Establish a vision for future parks and open space
  • Provide high-level prioritization for maintenance, replacement, and new amenities
  • Support future impact fee studies and potential adoption

The Trails component will address local paved bicycle and pedestrian trails, multi-use trails, and pedestrian paths, as well as connections to regional trail networks. Incorporating recreational trails into the Master Plan provides cost savings and improves coordination, particularly as trails often connect directly to parks and open space.

The proposed budget for preparation of the Plan is $310,000, funded from the City’s newly established Capital Infrastructure Reserve Fund. Funds will support professional consulting services and expanded community outreach, while project management will be handled by City staff.

The project is currently in the planning and procurement phase. The City is preparing to finalize and release the Request for Proposals (RFP), review and evaluate consultant submissions, select a preferred consultant team, and bring a contract forward to the City Council for award.

Once a consultant is selected, the City will oversee preparation of the Draft Plan, including robust community outreach and completion of the required environmental review (CEQA). Preparation of the Draft Plan and environmental review is anticipated to take approximately 14–18 months following consultant selection.

The City will continue to provide updates as the project advances. We look forward to working with the Parks and Recreation Commission and community to capture their vision for Parks and Trails in the City of Gilroy.