Aurora released its master plan for the city’s parks, recreation and open spaces and is asking for resident feedback. 

The city has 8,000 acres of open space, 103 developed parks, two reservoirs, three nature centers, five golf courses, six recreation centers and 10 community pools. 

The master plan, “Our Parks, Our Places,” lays out goals and recommendations to improve access to outdoor spaces for Aurorans, and is available for public review on the city’s website – where there is also an option to leave feedback.

Residents can also review and share thoughts on the master plan at the city’s Fall Into Fun festival Saturday. The festival goes from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. 

Parks, recreation and open spaces play a vital role in the health and well-being of the city, according to the plan. Living near a park or open space and having access to recreational programming and amenities benefit both physical and mental wellbeing of people and communities. 

The master plan was designed to make decision-makers as the Parks, Recreation and Open Space system develops and grows. It outlines short, medium and long-term actions guided by established goals.

Its development involved community engagement and analyses of feedback, comparisons to other cities, according to the plan. It outlines six guiding principals:

1. Strengthen connectivity to parks, recreation and open space assets: ensure equitable access and connectivity for all communities.
2. Meet evolving needs of the community: promote inclusive and diverse programming, recreation and amenities. Enhance communication to foster healthy living, community building and opportunities for all.
3. Create opportunities for lifelong education: provide facilities and programs for all ages to promote life-long learning, health and discovery.
4. Serve as stewards to our environment: preserve and enrich Aurora’s natural habitats and ecosystems through the design of sustainable landscapes and educational programs.
5. Provide welcoming and safe spaces: promote safety in parks, recreation centers, open spaces and golf courses. 
6. Proactively invest in the present and future: invest in sustainable growth to continually improve the quality of the existing assets while creating new, welcoming destinations for all.

The plan lays out recommendations, with some labeled as priorities, for achieving these goals. 

Priority recommendations include things like developing a plan to achieve the 10-minute walk standard – a nationwide movement to ensure everyone has safe access to a quality park or open space within a ten-minute walking distance of home – broadening the languages on signage and adding more cultural events. 

All of the recommendations are outlined in detail in the master plan. 

Aurora’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space’s budget for 2023 was $50 million.