In October 1996, Gardner Gidley & Associates were employed by the City of Hickory to prepare a comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, updating a plan prepared by this firm in 1979. Most of the goals set forth in the 1979 study have been obtained. As the City and County have grown, new challenges have emerged and new plans must be developed to meet new and growing needs.

Public involvement in the planning process has included four public meetings, regular meetings with the Recreation Commission and numerous meetings with individuals representing a variety of agencies and interests. Regular meetings have also been held with the Department and Planning staffs.

As in 1979, this present study consists of an analysis of park and recreation needs, an inventory and evaluation of existing areas and facilities, and a plan and recommendations for meeting the immediate, intermediate, and long-range needs for programs and facilities for both active and passive recreation. The study recognizes the roles to be played by voluntary agencies, the County, the schools, the City and private suppliers of recreation in meetings these needs.

The plan is concerned with principles as well as with specific recommendations. It is a viable document designed to be adapted as necessary. As needs change, plans must change with them. Thus, this plan should be periodically reviewed in light of ever-changing conditions. The principles and standards herein have been developed in response to specific needs. Using these principles and standards, it is possible to project the needs for additional areas and facilities as the City grows in the future.

The plan is an element of the comprehensive planning process for the City. The comprehensive planning process includes many elements dealing with population trends, economy, land use, zoning, transportation and utilities. Each of these elements, and many more, affect parks and recreation planning.

This report deals with recreation needs in three time frames: immediate, intermediate, and long-range. A specific development program is recommended for each. The report uses local and national recreation preferences and needs to establish space and facility standards for recreation and parks in Hickory.

The quality of recreation sites and their development, the adequacy of space and facilities, and the optimum use of both public and private resources are key recommendations of this report.