Van Buren Parks Master Plan

Overview

The City of Van Buren, under the guidance of the Parks and Recreation Commission, engaged MAHG Architecture, Inc. to assist in updating the vision and goals for the City’s parks and recreational programs. In 2015, the City adopted a Parks and Recreation Master Plan,  which identified immediate (0–2 years), near-term (3–5 years), and long-term (6–10 years) needs. With many of the short- and mid-range goals now accomplished, the City recognized the need for updated direction to shape the future of its parks system.

This revised Master Plan provides a framework to support the Parks and Recreation Commission in fulfilling the community’s vision for continued development. It builds on the foundation of existing park properties, incorporating analysis, commission feedback, and community input. The plan both evaluates progress since the 2015 plan and outlines strategies to enhance an already successful park system.

Key recommendations include upgrades to nine existing parks and the development of a new Community Center and Aquatics Facility:

• Mayor Gene Bell Park
• Mr. Chad and Betty Ann Colley Wilderness Park
• Field of Dreams Sports Complex
• Lee Creek Park
• Legacy Valley Park
• Mike Meyer Park
• Freedom Park
• Van Zandt Park
• Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park (City Park)