Parks Planning & Development
The Parks Planning & Development division guides the long-term vision, design, and implementation of parks, greenspaces, trails, and recreation facilities throughout DeKalb County.
Through comprehensive planning, community engagement, and capital project coordination, this team ensures parks and recreation investments are strategic, sustainable, and responsive to community needs.
Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan
The Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan provides a countywide framework for the development, maintenance, and enhancement of parks, programs, and facilities. This 10-year plan establishes priorities for capital improvements, land acquisition, service delivery, and long-range investments to meet the evolving needs of DeKalb County residents.
Key Focus Areas Include:
- Park and facility improvements
- Recreation and program needs
- Equity and access across communities
- Maintenance and operational standards
- Long-term capital planning
Trails & Greenways Planning
Trails and greenways play a critical role in connecting communities, expanding recreation opportunities, and supporting healthy lifestyles. DeKalb County’s trail planning efforts focus on creating a connected network of multi-use trails that link neighborhoods, parks, schools, and activity centers.
Planning efforts support:
- Multi-use trail development
- Connectivity between parks and communities
- Safe access for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation
- Integration with regional trail systems
Park Pride & Community Partnerships
DeKalb County partners with Park Pride and other community organizations to support neighborhood-driven park planning and improvements. These partnerships help engage residents in visioning, design, and stewardship efforts that reflect local priorities and strengthen community ownership of park spaces.
Partnership support includes:
- Community visioning and engagement
- Park master planning assistance
- Grant and funding opportunities
- Support for Friends of the Park groups
Park Site Master Plans
Site-specific master plans provide detailed design concepts and long-term improvement strategies for individual parks across DeKalb County. These plans are developed with public input and guide future enhancements, amenities, and infrastructure investments.
Current Park Site Master Plans Include:
Capital Improvement Projects
Parks Planning & Development coordinates capital improvement projects that support park renovations, new facilities, trail construction, and infrastructure upgrades. Projects are implemented in alignment with adopted master plans and available funding sources, including SPLOST and other capital programs.
Project types include:
- Park and facility renovations
- New park development
- Trail and greenway construction
- Accessibility and safety improvements
Community Meetings & Public Engagement
Community involvement is central to park planning in DeKalb County. Residents are encouraged to participate in public meetings, workshops, and planning sessions related to master plans and capital projects.
Meeting schedules, materials, and opportunities for public comment are posted online as planning efforts progress.