Comprehensive Recreation Plan

park canoeing program

Parks, recreation and open space are important elements in the quality of life for all communities. Not only do parks and open space provide a safe and healthy place to recreate, they also serve to beautify, protect the natural environment and influence the patterns of development in and around the City.

The City of Waupun realizes the importance and benefits its parks and open space system has on the City’s character and quality of life and is committed to providing for the recreational needs of its current and future residents. This plan intends to guide the continual improvement of the City’s park and open space system and to maintain the City’s eligibility for State and Federal park and recreation grants. This plan envisions a connected system of parks, open spaces, and trails throughout the community, related to the city’s natural resources, geography and neighborhoods.

The plan is also intended to be a support document and component of the City of Waupun Comprehensive Land Use Plan. This plan along with the City’s other long-range plans and development-related ordinances, will be used to implement the City’s parks and recreation program.
Specifically the plan provides:
  • Information regarding demographic trends
  • An inventory of existing park and recreational facilities,
  • An analysis of parkland and recreational needs and demands,
  • General policy direction regarding park and open space planning and maintenance,
  • Recommendations for improving existing park facilities,
  • Recommendations for park and open space acquisition and (re)development projects, and
  • Implementation strategies.

This plan identifies conceptual locations and recommendations for different types of parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational facilities. In nearly every case, more detailed planning, engineering, study, budgeting, and discussions will be necessary before decisions are made to actually acquire land or construct recreational facilities.