Garland Parks and Recreation
7.0 - Facility and Land Use Management
NOTE: Standards marked with a star (*) are fundamental standards and are required of all agencies seeking accreditation.
Physical resource planning is a process focusing on physical resources. The planning process conforms to the vision and mission statement of the controlling agency. Natural resources planning stretches across a continuum that has strict preservation at one end and complete modification at the other.
The planning, development and management of physical resources are functions of all park and recreation managers, whether they are in the public, nonprofit, or for-profit sectors. Physical resources include natural undeveloped lands and waters, and developed areas including urban parks, special complexes (such as sports and aquatics), and buildings of various functions (such as fitness centers, community centers and interpretive centers.
Ready access to accurate land and facility records is a basic requirement for program planning and facility management. Floor plans with square foot areas for each program space allow programmers and facility managers to determine how to most efficiently use program spaces. Building plans and specifications are invaluable for facilities management and capital programming because they provide insight into the design, materials, and equipment used in construction. Information from these documents is often used to determine the remaining useful life of building systems. Grants to purchase parkland and construct recreation facilities from such programs as the 1965 Land and Water Conservation Act (LAWCON) and the 1978 Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act (UPARR) place restrictions on use and disposition.
High-performing maintenance operations organizations ensure quality experiences through well-managed spaces and places. Customized systems’ approaches and solutions to operations management satisfy accreditation standards through the development, consistent use, and periodic review of management plans, policies, programs, and procedures as well as inspections and assessment schedules and records.
Standard: The agency shall have established policies and procedures for the acquisition of lands for park, recreation, conservation, and historical-cultural purposes that are backed by legal authority and periodically reviewed. This authority usually originates in state enabling acts, is delegated to local governments, and is implemented through local charters and ordinances.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide policy and procedures for land acquisition, the citation of legal authority to acquire lands, and last review.
Narrative: PARD derives its authority from the City's Home Rule, specifically Articles II and IV, allowing it to secure land for parks, recreation, conservation, and historical-cultural purposes. This vision is detailed further in resources like the Opportunity Map, which identifies existing assets and potential new acquisitions.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
7.1 EOC 1 Home Rule Article II General Powers
7.1 EOC 2 Home Rule Article IV Powers Vested in Council
Standard: The agency shall have established policies and procedures for the development of park and recreation land and facilities that are reviewed periodically.
Policies and procedures should consider market projections, applicable open space and design standards and coordination with overall planning for the jurisdiction.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide land development policies and procedures, with the last review.
Narrative: Guided by the Master Plan, Section 7.5.4 Parkland Acquisition, the department ensures development meets community needs and integrates seamlessly with city planning. The Garland Development Code establishes a regulatory framework, promoting coordinated growth.
The Signage Standards and Graphics Design Manual play a significant role in enhancing the visitor experience by providing clear and informative signage. The department's commitment to efficiency and conservation is further demonstrated through its adherence to strict Irrigation Standards.
The City Technical Standard Manual specifies high-quality infrastructure requirements. Collectively, these policies and guidelines underscore Garland's dedication to creating engaging, sustainable, and well-integrated parks and recreational spaces.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
7.2 EOC 1 Master Plan 7.5.4 Parkland Acquisition
7.2 EOC 2 Garland Development Code
Standard: The agency shall complete an access audit of all existing sites and facilities. Pursuant to the US Department of Justice Title II regulation at 35.105, the agency must evaluate its existing facilities and sites against the most current final and enforceable Standard for Accessible Design.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Submit completed checklists, digital images and site reports as evidence of completion of the access audit.
Narrative: As part of the 2023 Self Evaluation Transition Plan, which updates the City’s original Transition Plan from 1993, PARD conducted access audits that included Audubon, Bradfield, and James Parks to ensure compliance with the latest ADA guidelines. The audits identified areas needing improvement, with detailed reports and photos documenting current conditions and accessibility issues. These findings are used to prioritize future accessibility upgrades.
In its ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility, PARD uses the audit findings to prioritize future upgrades, ensuring recreational spaces are inclusive for all community members. As new facilities are built or existing ones are renovated, PARD adheres to the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS). Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS) conducted recent TAS inspections at Rick Oden Park, Gatewood Pavilion, and Athletic Concession and Restroom buildings, underscoring PARD’s commitment to maintaining compliance with accessibility standards for all new and renovated facilities. These standards also serve as a fundamental basis for staff training.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
7.2.1 EOC 1 2023 Self Evaluation Plan – Table of Contents
Standard: The agency shall have procedures for protecting park and recreation lands and facilities from encroachment. The procedures should include progressive steps to address escalated encroachment issues.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the procedures regarding defense against encroachment.
Narrative: PARD has established an SOP to prevent, identify, and resolve encroachments on park property. This SOP safeguards parklands by addressing unauthorized uses, such as extending private landscaping, dumping waste, or building structures on public land. Regular inspections are conducted by staff during routine maintenance or quarterly checks. Upon identifying an encroachment, PARD documents the issue and works with Code Enforcement to notify the responsible party, providing 30 days to resolve minor issues. Major encroachments are addressed in consultation with the City Attorney. This process ensures long-term protection and proper management of public parklands.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
Standard: The agency shall have established procedures regarding the disposal of park and recreation lands to ensure that public recreational benefits are not diminished through the sale or transfer of parkland.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the procedures for disposal of park and recreation land.
Narrative: PARD has clear and established procedures regarding the disposal of park and recreation lands, ensuring that any sale or transfer of parkland does not diminish public recreational benefits. These procedures comply with relevant Texas Parks & Wildlife Codes and Local Government Codes. The agency carefully evaluates any potential land disposal to maintain the integrity and availability of recreational spaces for the public. Recent examples include the sale of Bunker Hill Park and seeking voter approval for use of a portion of Hollabaugh Park for a new library facility.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
7.4 EOC 1 Texas Parks & Wildlife Code, Title 2
7.4 EOC 2 Texas Parks & Wildlife Code, Title 3
7.4 EOC 3 Local Government Code Chapter 253
7.4 EOC 4 Local Government Code Chapter 272
7.4 EOC 5 Council Resolution Bunker Hill
7.4 EOC 6 Council Resolution HollabaughStandard: The agency shall have established maintenance and operations standards that are reviewed periodically for management of all park and recreation areas and facilities, including specialty facilities such as marinas, ice rinks, golf courses, zoological facilities, equestrian facilities, aquatic or athletic facilities, nature centers, where applicable. Parks, facilities, and other recreational elements should be identified according to the intended use of the area, ranging from heavily used and high developed areas to those that are lightly used and less developed via a park classification or maintenance classification system. Each of these areas should be assigned an appropriate set of maintenance standards including both recommended frequency and acceptable quality.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the maintenance standards for all parks, facilities, and specialty areas, including evidence of park maintenance classification according to the intended use of the area, ranging from heavily used and high developed areas to those that are lightly used and less developed. Provide the most recent review or update.
Narrative: The Park Maintenance standards, included in the Park Maintenance Operations Manual, were last reviewed and updated in November 2024. These standards undergo an annual review conducted by the Parks Director and the Assistant City Manager, with updates made as necessary. The standards define park classifications and clearly outline expectations for appearance standards and maintenance task frequencies, ensuring consistent and high-quality maintenance of all parkland and facilities.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
Standard: There shall be a regular review of legal requirements related to facilities, such as licenses, sanitary regulations, fire laws, and safety measures, and inspections of adherence thereto. Special attention should be given aquatic facilities, childcare facilities, concessions, kitchens, and zoos.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide a matrix showing a representative sample of facilities and the types of regulatory permits, licenses or inspections that are required including copy of last review or update.
Narrative: PARD follows all Federal, State, and Local legal and regulatory requirements. The Matrix of Legal Requirements identifies parks, recreation and senior centers, aquatics, athletics and administrative buildings, the type of inspection, license or permit and required frequency.
A sample of inspections, license and permits are also provided as Agency Evidence of Compliance.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
7.5.1 EOC 1 Matrix of Legal Requirements
Standard: There shall be a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan to provide periodic, scheduled inspections, assessment and repair, and replacement of infrastructure, systems, and assets. This includes certifying, checking, or testing for optimum operation based on applicable industry standards, local guidelines, city requirements and/or manufacturer's recommendation for maintenance and replacement of parks, with the intent to ensure that park assets are maintained for optimum use and safety and have the ability to reach or extend its full life cycle and expected return on investment.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the preventative maintenance plan and examples of detailed preventative maintenance programs for identified parks, recreation areas and facilities with special attention given to playground equipment, aquatic facilities, pedestrian pathways, building infrastructure and other high impact assets, along with copies of completed, recent inspections and safety checks for a sampling of facilities/areas.
Narrative: The Maintenance Classification and Preventative Maintenance Plan included in the Park Maintenance Operations Manual, is aimed at ensuring the optimal operation and longevity of park infrastructure, systems, and assets. This plan includes scheduled inspections, assessments, repairs, and replacements of critical facilities and equipment.
A sample of inspections including, Aquatics Punch List, Playgrounds Inspection Report, and Athletics Light Check, are provided in the Agency Evidence of Compliance.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:7.5.2 EOC 1 Maintenance Classification and Preventative Maintenance
7.5.2 EOC 2 Aquatics Punch List
Standard: The agency shall have an established fleet management plan comprised of an inventory of all vehicles, rolling stock and other major equipment and inspection and replacement schedules.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the fleet management plan.
Narrative: The Fleet Management Plan offers a comprehensive inventory of all vehicles and equipment managed by PARD, detailing procedures to comply with preventative maintenance standards and schedules. Additionally, it outlines the process for requesting the purchase of a new or replacement vehicle as part of the annual budget cycle.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
Standard: There shall be policies and procedures for the management of and accountability for agency-owned equipment, materials, tools, and supplies, including procedures for purchase and distribution to authorized persons, proper training of appropriate personnel in use of equipment, safe and secure storage of equipment, and maintenance of all equipment in operational readiness and working order. Such property includes supplies, materials, tools, expendable items, vehicles, installed and mobile equipment, and personal wear items used by agency personnel.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide policy and procedures regarding agency-owned equipment and property.
Narrative: PARD ensures the effective management of all equipment, materials, and supplies through clear policies and regular oversight.
PARD conducts regular inventories, as detailed in the Vehicle and Equipment Inventory and Recreation Inventory, to track the condition and location of assets. The Property and Equipment Stewardship Directive governs the custody, care, maintenance, and tracking of city assets, ensuring their proper use and accountability.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
7.7 EOC 1 Vehicle and Equipment Inventory
Standard: The agency shall have on file floor plans, specifications, and/or as-built drawings for major facilities constructed since 1965. These records contain information necessary for efficient programming, quality facility maintenance and effective capital project programming. Projects funded with funds from governmental grant programs such as LAWCON and UPARR place restrictions on use and disposition.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide evidence that plans and specifications for facilities with greater than 10,000 square feet of indoor space constructed since 1965 are on file.
Narrative: Building plans and specifications are maintained by PARD Design and Development staff and are stored in the city’s document retention software, OnBase or Teams.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
Standard: The agency shall have records on file of all lands owned or property leased by or for the agency. Each record shall include ownership, leases, legal description, and easements and covenants that restrict use or disposition. The records shall also include date and manner of acquisition. The manner of acquisition can limit right to use and dispose of parkland, for example acquisitions funded with funds from governmental grant programs such as LAWCON and UPARR place restrictions. Gifts and bequests often contain restrictive covenants that reflect the desires of donors.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide evidence that land records for land acquired since 1965 are on file.
Narrative: Land deeds are maintained by PARD Design and Development staff and are stored in the city’s document retention software, OnBase.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
Standard: The agency shall have an established policy on environmental sustainability that states the agency position on energy and resource conservation. The policy should address sustainable product purchasing; reduction and handling of waste; wise use and protection of 51 land, air, water, and wildlife; and sustainable design/construction of buildings and facilities.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the agency’s environmental sustainability policy and examples of projects and initiatives that demonstrate the agency’s commitment to implementation. Examples include ecosystem and green infrastructure plans/programs, capital improvements utilizing green/sustainable designs, carbon footprint analysis and reduction goals, internal/external communication, and outreach programs.
Narrative: The City of Garland is committed to environmental sustainability, integrating it into various aspects of our operations and community initiatives.
Envision Garland outlines the city’s long-term vision for sustainable development and resource conservation, guiding all environmental initiatives, including energy conservation, waste management, and sustainable land use. Pages 3-16, 3-17 and A5-7 specifically address PARD. The Urban Tree Canopy Study and Forecast Analysis of Possible Planting Scenarios 2023 provide data-driven strategies for increasing urban greenery and mitigating environmental impacts.
Chapter 25, Parks and Recreation, of the Code of Ordinance establishes the regulatory frameworks that ensure sustainability is central to all agency projects and operations.
PARD has implemented several sustainability programs, including Arbor Day and Duck Creek Clean Up, which showcase our community-driven efforts to enhance green spaces and maintain ecological balance. Programs like the Tree Give-A-Way and Tree Preservation & Mitigation Requirements promote tree planting and protection, directly contributing to carbon offsetting and improved air quality. Additionally, educational, and cleanup efforts such as the Tri-City Cleanup engage the community, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
7.8 EOC 1 Envision Garland Pages 3-16, 3-17 and A5-7
7.8 EOC 2 Urban Tree Canopy Study
7.8 EOC 3 Forecast Analysis of Possible Planting Scenarios 2023
7.8 EOC 4 Chapter 25 Parks and Recreation Code of Ordinance
7.8 EOC 8 Tree Preservation and Mitigation Requirements
7.8 EOC 10 Response to Reviewer Comments
7.8 EOC 11 Flood Damage Prevention
7.8 EOC 12 Holford @ 190 COG GIS Map and Contours
7.8 EOC 13 Pages from Charter & Code of Ordinances
7.8 EOC 14 Pages from COG Technical Standards Manual
7.8 EOC 15 Spring Creek Forest Preserve Master Development Plan
Standard: There shall be natural resource management plans for environmentally unique or sensitive areas such as valuable wetlands, riverbanks and woodlands and there shall be environmental protection procedures, such as for erosion control, conduct of nature studies, wildlife and habitat preservation, and protection of water supply reservoirs and water recharge areas. Even if the agency does not own or control the natural resource, there shall be procedures to encourage and ensure environmental stewardship through volunteer steward programs and/or interpretive education and other learning opportunities. The agency should work with other agencies to meet and promote environmentally sound maintenance and land management standards.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the natural resource management plan(s) and procedures and examples of outreach and education.
Narrative: PARD’s Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP) outlines a comprehensive approach to preserving, protecting, and sustainably managing Garland’s natural resources. This plan provides a structured, science-based framework that guides conservation efforts, public engagement, and interdepartmental collaboration.
The plan’s goals center on ensuring “No Net Loss” of city-owned natural lands and adhering to a “Do No Harm” principle in all land management practices. Key conservation initiatives include expanding Garland’s urban forest through the Urban Forestry Canopy Program, managing invasive species, and actively restoring native habitats. For example, site-specific management plans are developed for natural areas, utilizing Best Management Practices (BMPs) and regular monitoring to promote ecological health and prevent large-scale environmental issues.
The plan also emphasizes public engagement and partnerships, fostering volunteer opportunities and community involvement. Collaboration with groups like the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest and the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) enhances resource management and expands conservation efforts across the city.
Through these initiatives, PARD ensures that Garland’s natural areas are responsibly managed, enhancing biodiversity and providing ongoing ecological benefits for residents and future generations.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
7.9 EOC 1 Natural Resource Management Plan
7.9 EOC 2 Spring Creek Preserve Volunteer Newsletter
7.9 EOC 3 Spring Creek Preserve Events
Standard: There shall be a recycling and/or zero waste plan for park and recreation facilities and administrative offices that is systematically monitored and periodically reviewed. The p l a n shall also include an educational component for both users and employees. The recycling and/or zero waste plan should include all major products suitable for recycling in the given region with an emphasis on making the recycling process easy and convenient for park and recreation users.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide a description of the recycling and/or zero waste plan for facilities and administrative offices and provide the last review with statistics on the amounts of materials recycled or the percent of total waste recycled for the most recent reporting period.
Narrative: PARD actively promotes recycling within its administrative areas. Recycling containers are provided at all PARD facilities, with weekly collection services. A designated staff member at each location sends a weekly reminder to ensure items are placed in the recycling receptacle for pickup. Additionally, the City of Garland's website offers citizens comprehensive recycling tips and information. In April 2021, a Recycling and Waste Minimization Study was conducted to assess opportunities for further improvements in waste management.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
7.9.1 EOC 2 Recycling Day Reminder
Standard: The agency shall have procedures for the assignment of competent personnel with clearly defined duties for routine maintenance, repairs, and improvement of areas, facilities, and equipment, including responsibility for general cleanliness and overall attractiveness.
Effective maintenance of grounds and facilities requires the selection, training, and supervision of workers in a wide variety of tasks ranging from seasonal laborers to skilled trades. Supervisory staff must be able to focus on maintenance management, such as workload control, as well as supervise the technical details of maintenance work.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide examples of methods used by the agency to assign staff.Narrative: PARD ensures effective maintenance operations through a structured assignment of personnel based on a clear organizational hierarchy. The organizational chart illustrates the chain of command, with Field Supervisors overseeing the daily activities of maintenance crews and ensuring that tasks are completed according to established schedules and quality standards.
Crew Leaders, such as the Irrigation Crew Leader, manage the daily tasks of their teams, ensuring that maintenance activities are carried out efficiently. Irrigation and Maintenance Technicians are responsible for routine repairs and basic upkeep, while Technician II handles more complex technical issues, such as equipment maintenance and specialized repairs.
Parkkeepers are responsible for the overall cleanliness and upkeep of designated park areas, ensuring they remain safe, clean, and aesthetically pleasing for visitors.
Through these defined roles and responsibilities, PARD ensures that all maintenance tasks are efficiently managed, supporting the upkeep and safety of parks and recreational facilities.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
7.10 EOC 3 Irrigation Crew Leader
7.10 EOC 4 Maintenance Technician
Standard: The agency shall have an established depreciation and replacement schedule for all park and recreation capital assets including buildings, facilities, and equipment that have predictable life cycles. Schedules should identify the useful life of each element and the associated costs of replacement. Capital asset depreciation and replacement schedules, including projected costs of replacement, should be reflected in the agency’s financial plan.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the capital asset depreciation and replacement schedule.
Narrative: PARD’s Fixed Asset Schedule includes all park and recreation capital assets with predictable life cycles. This schedule identifies the useful life of each asset and the associated costs, integrating these factors into the capital budget planning process to ensure the sustainability of public assets.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
7.11 EOC 1 Fixed Asset Schedule
7.11 EOC 3 Capital of Expenditures
7.11 EOC 4 Response to Reviewer Comments
7.11 EOC 5 Facility Condition Assessment Report Screenshot