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Park Master Plans A park master plan document consists of three parts: the Background and Existing Conditions, the General Management Plan, and the Conceptual Development Plan. While the background information serves as the basis for decision making, the General Management Plan and Conceptual Development Plan describe how to best protect park resources, provide quality visitor experiences, manage visitation and visitor use, and serves as a blueprint for future park development. The General Management Plan (GMP) establishes park purpose and classification, describes existing conditions and constraints, details the desired visitor experience and identifies "management zones." General Management Plans are meant to be flexible to accommodate the changing needs of park visitors. Uses are described in general terms, so that as visitor needs change, the uses provided can shift accordingly. The Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) describes the planned park elements, identifies design concerns, and illustrates the general location of the recommended facilities based on the guidance of the GMP. As each park site comes with a unique set of conditions, the master planning process is dynamic, allowing for flexibility as situations and circumstances change, while still remaining true to the process. Depending upon the nature and complexity of the project, all three components may be done concurrently. In other instances, the GMP will be the completion of the first phase with a CDP done as a subsequent phase in the future. In addition to these products, the master planning process may also include environmental studies such as forest or delineation studies, cultural resources reports, natural resource inventory reports, and interpretation plans. Park master plans require review and revisions to ensure that they are current and continue to meet the Park Authority vision and needs of the citizens. All master planned sites benefit from reassessing the overall goals, evaluating the condition of built facilities, and examining the long range vision for the park and its role in the community and the park system. These reviews should occur approximately every 10-15 years as staffing and funding allows, though could happen sooner depending upon the circumstances at a site. There are generally three types of master plans: New Master Plans: Developed for sites which have not been previously master planned as parks. This process will include the preparation of site analysis, a General Management Plan, and a Conceptual Development Plan. A task force may be used to gain more extensive citizen input. Public Use approval from the Planning Commission will also be required, following a public hearing. Public involvement is an important component with several public meetings typically scheduled. Depending upon the project, a citizen task force may be used in lieu of one or more of the public meetings. Master Plan Revisions: The development of a new master plan using the existing approved master plan as a starting point for reviewing the planned or built facilities, park purpose and goals, and community needs. Some existing master plans consist solely of a plan graphic, without accompanying text. In these instances, more extensive site analysis may be required. For a master plan revision with existing text, there may be minimal revisions to the basic site information, if changes have not occurred to the surrounding context and site conditions. Revisions to the GMP may or may not be required. The revised CDP shows deletions, relocations, and/or additions to park facilities. Public meetings are required, and a task force may be used to gain more extensive citizen input. Once approved by the Park Authority Board, the Master Plan Revision replaces the existing master plan. A public use permit is required, either with a public hearing or as a "features shown" item. The process generally takes 12 to 18 months for Park Authority Board approval and approximately 5 or 6 months for public use permit approval. Master Plan Amendments: Consist of revisions to one or two elements of an existing master plan that may increase the use of a facility, add a similar use, or eliminated a facility no longer needed. This should not require changes to the GMP, but may very well revise the CDP.