After a year of public input and stakeholder meetings, the City of Erie has released a draft of its comprehensive Recreation, Parks and Open Space Plan.

The plan, called “Erie Outside — Play, Explore, Belong,” is designed to serve as a roadmap for the next 20 years, guiding improvements to Erie’s parks and open spaces.

The plan focuses on the future of the city’s parks — including facilities, programming, operations, maintenance, and long-term investment.

While the vision stretches two decades into the future, city planners say some improvements could happen sooner, including more shade and seating, upgraded restrooms, drinking water access, and more accessible walking paths.

The plan has already been shaped by community input and stakeholder feedback, but now the City of Erie is asking residents to take another look and share their thoughts through an online survey.

According to the draft, the city has more than 51 parks, and 87% of Erie residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. However, only 53% are within a 10-minute walk of what is considered a “quality park.”

Compared to other cities of similar size, Erie ranks well when it comes to park access and the number of parks available per population. But planners say the city faces challenges when it comes to total acreage, funding and staffing.

Jackie Spry, the City of Erie’s Bureau Chief of Planning & Zoning, says parks are more than just places for recreation. “Not only do they provide a respite from heat, a way just to find a quiet space, but they also improve the neighborhoods, they increase property values, so it’s a tool not only to improve the social aspect and health aspect of our community — but also to revitalize our city.”

City planners describe Erie’s parks as cultural assets created long ago through the foresight of prior city leaders — and say the goal should be to celebrate, embrace and continue investing in those spaces for the future.

The city currently has $4 million set aside through American Rescue Plan funds for park improvements.

Residents can review the draft plan and provide feedback for 30 days through July 21at erie-outside.com.

A final version of the plan is expected to be presented to the Planning Commission and Erie City Council for adoption in late summer.