TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
SUBJECT:
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Strategic Plan Overview & Master Plan Prioritization
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RECOMMENDATION
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Discuss and provide input on the Strategic Plan Overview and Master Plan prioritization.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On August 15, 2023, City Council, approved and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement to update the existing Parks and Recreation Master Plan and draft the City of Murrieta’s first Trails Master Plan with RJM Design Group, Inc. as follows: $209,570 for the update to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and $269,395 for the Trails Master Plan, and amended the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Capital Improvement Plan Budget (Vote: 5-0).
On April 17, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the final revisions to both the Park and Recreation Master Plan update and the new Trails Master Plan, and recommended adoption by City Council (Vote: 5-0).
On May 14, 2025, the Planning Commission approved the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update and the new Trails Master Plan and found both consistent with the General Plan (Vote: 4-0).
On June 3, 2025, the City Council adopted the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update as the official guiding document for parks and recreation services and approved the final version for implementation (Vote: 5-0).
On June 3, 2025, the City Council adopted the Trails Master Plan as the official guiding document for parks and recreation services and approved the final version for implementation (Vote: 5-0).
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
The City of Murrieta serves a population of approximately 115,000 residents and maintains a robust portfolio of parks, trails, recreation programs, aquatics services, and community events. As the community continues to grow and diversify, the demand for innovative, inclusive, and flexible recreation opportunities is increasing. To provide the Parks and Recreation Commission with an overview of emerging trends in parks, recreation, aquatics, events, and community wellness, and to connect these trends to the City of Murrieta’s ongoing strategic planning efforts, including both the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and the Trails Master Plan. This update is intended to set the stage for the Commission’s subsequent discussion on master plan priorities and long-term investment strategies.
Two major planning documents guide the Community Services Department’s (CSD) long-term vision:
• Parks & Recreation Master Plan (2025) - Establishes community-wide needs, facility standards, and program priorities.
• Trails Master Plan (2025) - Provides a comprehensive assessment of Murrieta’s trail network, identifies connectivity gaps, and outlines recommendations for signage, amenities, maintenance, and new trail development.
OVERLAPPING TRENDS IN PARKS & REC WITH MASTER PLAN KEY STRATEGIES
Current Trends
1. Outdoor Recreation & Trail-Based Activity - National/regional data show sustained growth in:
• Walking, hiking, and running as primary recreation activities.
• Demand for connected, safe, and well-signed trail networks.
• Interest in nature-based experiences, micro-adventures, and local “close-to-home” recreation.
2. Aquatics & Water-Based Recreation - Across California, agencies are seeing:
• Increased demand for learn-to-swim programs, especially for youth safety.
• Expanded interest in lap swimming, water fitness, and therapeutic aquatics for older adults.
• Pressure on agencies to provide year-round aquatic access due to climate and population growth.
3. Community Events & Cultural Programming - Cities are shifting toward:
• Experience-driven events (night markets, themed festivals, wellness events).
• Smaller, neighborhood-scale pop-ups that reduce staffing strain and increase community reach.
• Culturally diverse programming that reflects changing demographics.
4. Recreation Programs & Classes - Key national trends include:
• Growth in youth enrichment, STEM, and creative arts
• Increased demand for adult fitness, especially outdoor and low-impact options
• Rising interest in intergenerational programming
• Continued popularity of adaptive and inclusive recreation
5. Technology, Data, and User Experience - Modern recreation systems increasingly rely on:
• Digital registration platforms
• QR-based trail maps and wayfinding
• Real-time communication tools
• Data-driven program planning
Alignment With Master Plans
1. Outdoor Recreation & Trail-Based Activity
• 52% of residents use trails primarily for walking/hiking, but integrated trails should include bicyclists and equestrian riders as well.
• Community feedback emphasized connectivity, safety, signage, and maintenance as top priorities as well connectivity between trail systems.
• With its blending of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball is still a very popular sport for fitness and socializing.
• Implementing other athletic fields and courts should be considered as well.
2. Aquatics & Water-Based Recreation
• Include additional instructional capacity for popular aquatics programming (e.g., swim lessons).
• Survey whether there is interest in multi-generational aquatic programming beyond open swim.
• Look into partnerships for expanded water access.
• Develop plans for including splash pads and other aquatic expansions.
3. Community Events & Cultural Programming
• Expand cultural celebrations, multi-layer large events with smaller activities.
• Look at inclusive activities for all ages and abilities.
• Leverage parks as “activation spaces” for wellness, arts, and community identity
4. Recreation Programs & Classes
• Expand outdoor fitness and wellness offerings as well as low-impact senior fitness options.
• Integrate trail-based programs (e.g., guided hikes, nature education).
• Strengthen partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local businesses.
• Partner with similar situated organizations to assist with expanding inclusive programming.
• Look to further enhance after-school activities for junior youth and teens.
5. Technology, Data, and User Experience
• Integrate QR-coded trail maps at all trailheads.
• Add interactive park maps that provide a “see before you go” perspective.
• Include GIS-based trail data management for maintenance.
FISCAL IMPACT
This report is informational only. Implementation of master plan recommendations will require future budget considerations, capital planning, and potential grant funding.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Master Plan Key Strategies Prioritization