A well-crafted Parks and Recreation Master Plan tells the story of a city, where they were, where they are, and where they are going.
Help Us Write the Story
The City of Dubuque is planning the future of its Parks and Recreation system over the next 10 years. Your participation is a critical to the success of the Comprehensive Master Plan.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Please utilize the virtual tools below to provide your input.
Project Workshops
Attend an in-person project workshop to learn more about the project and provide input.
April 1, 2025
Multicultural Family Center Drop in anytime between 5pm-8pm
April 3, 2025
Veterans Memorial Park Drop in anytime between 5pm-8pm
Pop-up Events
Connect with us and participate at a pop-up event.
Dubuque Farmer's Market
May 10, 2025 | Upper Main District
Order of the Arrow Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast
May 11, 2025 | Eagle Point Park
Kids to Parks Day
May 17, 2025 | Usha Park
Juneteenth Celebration
June 14, 2025 | Jackson Park
4th of July Ice Cream Social
July 4, 2025 | Ham House
National Night Out
August 5, 2025 | Comiskey Park
Get Connected!
Follow the Dubuque Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook for Updates on Additional Opportunities for Engagement Throughout the Summer
Subscribe to our email list to stay updated as our story unfolds.
Story Telling Process
Chapter 1
Project Introduction
Chapter 2
Needs Assessment
Chapter 3
Technical Assessments
Chapter 4
Implementation Plan
Chapter 5
Comprehensive Master Plan Development
Chapter 6
City Council Adoption
Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan is to offer strategies that provide guidance in order to meet the needs of current and future City of Dubuque residents. Dubuque city government’s mission is to deliver excellent municipal services that support urban living; contribute to an equitable, sustainable city; plan for the community’s future; and facilitate access to critical human services.
To carry out this mission as it relates to Parks and Recreation, the plan will be organized around the following objectives:
Vision
Creating a comprehensive and compelling vision and direction for Parks and Recreation
Quality of Life
Identifying our community’s needs and priorities regarding our City’s facilities, programs, parks, and services
Natural Resources
Addressing land use planning, community needs and desires, environmental management, and resource assessment
Access for All
Gaining understanding of current and desired levels of service and facilities in order to demonstrate more equitable services and opportunities
Maintenance
Identifying, assessing, and prioritizing the deferred maintenance of parks, pools, and facilities
Sustainability
Evaluating operations and maintenance practices and staffing with an aim to generate long-term sustainability and resilience benefits
FAQS
A long-range plan that identifies key initiatives, policies, and implementation strategies to guide Dubuque’s parks and recreation projects and services over the next 10+ years.
The plan will provide a roadmap for the City to prioritize projects and funding allocation, strategically plan, develop and improve parks and recreation programs, and create a vision for the future. Strategic recommendations and short- and long-term goals will be identified in the plan for the Parks & Recreation department to achieve over the next 10+ years.
- The process will kick off in April 2025. There will be surveys, outreach events and multiple opportunities to get involved and help shape Dubuque’s parks and recreation system. Final adoption of the Master Plan is anticipated in early 2026.
- Once adopted, the master plan will guide long-range parks and recreation planning, providing goals and recommendations that may be implemented in the next 10+ years.
- By engaging the public through a comprehensive master planning process, Dubuque will ensure future parks and recreation priorities and goals are citizen-driven and work to meet the evolving demands of our community over the next 10+ years.
- The master plan will outline projects and priorities to improve existing parks and recreation services, amenities, and open spaces and identify unmet community needs.
- On this website, you are able to complete an online survey, comment on interactive maps, and more.
- Attend an upcoming community workshop.
- Connect with us at community events where we’ll be collecting input.
