Help Us Shape Dubuque Parks and Recreation!

The City of Dubuque is planning the future of its Parks and Recreation system over the next 10 years. 

Get Connected!

Subscribe to our email list to stay connected.

FAQS

  • A long-range plan that identifies key initiatives, policies, and implementation strategies to guide Dubuque’s Parks and Recreation Department projects and services over the next 10+ years.
  • The plan will provide a roadmap for the Dubuque to prioritize projects and funding, develop and improve parks and recreation programs, and create a vision for the future. Strategic recommendations and both short-term and long-term goals will be identified in the plan for the Parks and Recreation Department to achieve over the next 10+ years.
  • The Master Plan public input process will take place from Spring 2025 until Spring 2026. Feedback, outreach events and multiple opportunities for involvement to help shape Dubuque’s parks and recreation system will occur.  Final adoption of the master plan is anticipated in late 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.
  • This master plan process will focus on Dubuque parks and recreation as a whole, providing system-wide recommendations for the department’s parks, programs, facilities, services, and maintenance operations.
  • By engaging the public through a master planning process, Dubuque will ensure future parks and recreation priorities and goals are citizen-driven and meet the evolving demands of our community for 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
  • As a nationally accredited parks and recreation agency, Dubuque parks and recreation is required to complete a master plan process every 10 years
  • Complete our online survey, comment on interactive maps, and more. Click on the participation links to contribute
  • Attend an upcoming community workshop or virtual feedback session
  • Connect with us at community events where we’ll be collecting feedback

Purpose

The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan is to offer strategies and operational policies that provide guidance in order to meet the needs of current and future City of Dubuque residents.

The City’s mission is to create remarkable recreation places and experiences that support a healthy, inclusive, and active community. The City aims to deliver exceptional programs and services to enhance the quality of life for all of its residents.

To carry out this mission, the plan will be organized around the following goals:

Vision

Create a comprehensive and compelling vision and direction for Parks and Recreation

Growth

Propose various approaches for accommodating growth while keeping the fiscal picture in balance

Future

Strategically identify gaps and prioritize future improvements and programming for Parks and Recreation

Service

Gain understanding of current and desired levels of service and facilities in order to demonstrate more equitable distribution of service and opportunity

Partnership

Understand potential partnership opportunities and funding options

Sustainability

Evaluate operations and maintenance practices with an aim to generate long-term sustainability and resilience benefits

Process

Project Introduction Overview

Needs Assessment

Technical Assesments

Implementation Plan

Systemwide Master Plan Development

Let's Connect!

What ideas would you like the team to consider for future Dubuque parks and recreation planning?

Community input is a key component to developing a comprehensive parks system plan. Share your input with the team using the form.

For information, please call 480-312-7275.