The West Lafayette Parks and Recreation 5-Year Master Plan is a comprehensive roadmap that evaluates our current parks, facilities, operations, and community needs while defining a clear vision for the future. It establishes our baseline, identifies desired improvements, and outlines the construction and program priorities that will most benefit the community. This plan guides how we enhance parks, expand connections to neighborhoods, and develop recreational resources over a five year period.

The 5-Year Master Plan is created through a detailed needs assessment that identifies what the community values most. This process includes evaluating current parks, facilities, and services, and gathering extensive public input through meetings, surveys, and engagement sessions. The community’s priorities—supported by level of service studies and benchmark analysis—form the foundation of the plan’s recommendations. By combining data, analysis, and public feedback, the plan reflects community expectations and guides the Parks and Recreation Department’s future improvements.

The Parks Department uses the 5-Year Master Plan as a roadmap for future improvements. It outlines priority projects, timelines, and potential funding sources, helping guide day-to-day and long-term decisions. Staff review the plan each year to adjust to changing community needs and new opportunities. Because it’s designed to be flexible, the plan can evolve as new funding, partnerships, and donations become available.

The primary objectives of the 5-Year Master Plan are as follows:

• Serve as a planning document to guide the operation of West Lafayette’s parks system.
• Provide the foundation to make accurate budget decisions.
  Serve as a supporting document to secure funding for proposed projects.
• Fulfill requirements for grant applications through various State and Federal programs.
• Identify opportunities to add or expand parks and recreation programs and amenities.
• Elicit the input and support of the citizens of West Lafayette.

The West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Master Plan is updated every five years, as required by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

The most recent update was completed in fall 2022. West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department will begin public input for the 2028 – 2033 5-Year Master Plan in 2026.

Each update includes community feedback sessions before the plan is written and approved, ensuring the final plan reflects public input, safety needs, and available funding for future projects.