The City of Middletown recognized the need to reimagine its parks system, not just for recreation, but as a catalyst for community health, environmental stewardship, and economic development. We stepped in to help lead the creation of the 2020–2030 Parks Master Plan, guiding the City through a decade-long vision rooted in equity, sustainability, and connectivity. The purpose was to transform parks into places that inspire, engage, and elevate quality of life for all residents.

KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:

Strategic Planning for All Park Types
We helped the City assess and plan for 33 parks, including mini-parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, nature preserves, and undeveloped sites—totaling 270 developed acres, 48 undeveloped acres, and 4 miles of paved trails.

Aligning Vision with Community Needs
We worked closely with the Parks Division and Park Board to define clear goals, realistic objectives, and actionable strategies—grounded in community input and recreation planning standards.

Designing for Sustainability
We supported the City’s goal to naturalize park spaces, reducing long-term maintenance while enhancing ecological value and creating more immersive nature experiences.

Positioning Parks as Economic Drivers
We helped the City leverage its parks—especially assets like the Great Miami River Trail—as tools for talent attraction and economic development, aligning recreation with broader community growth strategies.

Delivering a 10-Year Roadmap
Our final master plan provides both short- and long-range guidance, ensuring the City has a clear path to invest in, improve, and expand its parks system through 2030.