York County Chooses Consultant for Parks and Rec Master Plan
New document will shape future investment in community facilities, programming, and services
York County has officially launched the development of a Comprehensive Master Plan for its Parks and Recreation Division, aimed at shaping the future of recreational services across the county. In a July 17 memorandum to the Board of Supervisors, County Administrator Mark L. Bellamy, Jr. announced that the County had contracted with McGill Associates, a consulting firm with extensive regional experience, to lead the planning effort. Bellamy described the project as a "critical step in shaping the future of parks and recreation services to meet the evolving needs of our growing community."
The plan will serve as a long-term blueprint to guide investment, operations, and community engagement across the County’s parks and recreation system over the next 5 to 20 years. It will include short-, medium-, and long-range strategies, with a structured implementation framework that supports scalable growth, enhanced quality of service, and efficient use of resources.
The planning process will unfold in several phases, beginning with project initiation, discovery, and data collection. This will be followed by a comprehensive analysis of current conditions, including an inventory of existing parks, facilities, and programs; a staffing and budget review; and a needs assessment based on demographic trends, usage patterns, and future demand.
A key component will be a statistically valid survey and robust public engagement effort to ensure the plan reflects community priorities. The full planning process is expected to take approximately six months, with the final Master Plan anticipated in early 2026. Strategic recommendations will cover core areas such as:
Facility improvements and potential new park development
Expansion or refinement of youth and adult programming
Staffing models and operational efficiencies
Budget planning and resource allocation
Economic development impact
Once complete, the Master Plan will provide decision-makers with a cohesive strategy for managing recreation assets, expanding access, and responding to community needs in a proactive and sustainable way. It could also support future capital planning, grant applications, and coordination with other County departments and regional initiatives.
York County’s Parks and Recreation Division currently manages seven parks, two boat landings, a public beach area, and multiple school facilities for community use. Its programming spans recreational leagues, environmental education, summer camps, instructional classes, and wellness programs. The division also operates the Senior Center of York, serving residents age 55 and older.
While McGill Associates was selected to lead the effort through a competitive RFP process, the County will remain closely involved throughout. McGill will work in partnership with Parks and Recreation staff, provide progress updates to the Board of Supervisors, and ultimately deliver a detailed plan that includes goals, strategies, and timelines for implementation.
A Williamsburg Independent contributor produced this post using AI tools and these primary sources:
Message from County Administrator to Board of Supervisors - Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan - July 17, 2025
RFP No. P73694-EY, Development of Comprehensive Master Plan for Parks & Recreation - Accessible through eVA - County of York
Website - McGill Williamsburg Office