Happy New Year!
As we enter 2026, we are excited to share with you something that our team has thoughtfully developed over the past year: a strategic plan that will guide the park district’s actions for the next five years, with goals intended to create impact as far as 25 years and beyond.
The strategic planning process included many voices — those of community members from all walks of life, local partner organizations, Summit Metro Parks staff, volunteers and the Board of Park Commissioners all had a chance to provide input before the development of six goals that ultimately will embody the work of Summit Metro Parks.
While we have developed this plan and a new 100-year vision statement for Summit Metro Parks, our mission remains the same: We conserve, sustainably manage and value natural resources for the health and enjoyment of our community, and inspire people to connect with nature through clean and safe parks.
Below, you will find a high-level summary of the six goals of the strategic plan. Each goal has several strategies with measurable metrics to guide our success. We encourage you to explore the full strategic plan, available as a PDF on our website.
Summary of 25- & 5-year goals
Goal 1: Expand Conservation Impact
25-year goal: Collaborate to increase conservation footprint in order to improve biodiversity, protect ecosystem services and preserve cultural heritage.
Five-year goal: Increased support for biodiversity and cultural heritage throughout Summit County is achieved through creating a conservation plan that results in expanded property protection.
Summary of strategies:
- Complete a collaborative, evidence-based conservation plan
- Undertake meaningful land acquisition
- Provide communications and conservation support
Goal 2: Manage Assets & Natural Resources
25-year goal: Responsibly manage amenities and resources to promote excellent park experiences and healthy ecosystems.
Five-year goal 2A: Standards, aligned projects, and effective communications have created long-term operational, cultural, and natural sustainability.
Five-year goal 2B: Targeted investment in and care for existing assets has resulted in sustainable and impactful ongoing maintenance.
Summary of strategies:
- Maintain consistent standards
- Conduct regular master planning
- Share public updates regarding park projects
- Develop maintenance prioritization
- Accomplish green sustainability
Goal 3 Connect People & Nature
25-year goal: Foster nature-based programming and visitation that improves quality of life for all.
Five-year goal: Improved accessibility has led to more participation, new park users, improved health and well-being, and safety and enjoyment for local communities.
Summary of strategies:
- Conduct outreach to diverse audiences
- Address barriers to accessing parks and programs
- Enhance visibility of safety measures
- Nurture and create new community partnerships
Goal 4 Strengthen Community Support
25-year goal: Relationships with the community have been fostered that engage, inform, and inspire the public to increase support for park district priorities.
Five-year goal: Relationships with Summit County residents have been developed, nurtured and strengthened through intentional and inclusive interactions, resulting in increased public support and recognition of the park district’s unique identity.
Summary of strategies:
- Build Metro Parks capacity to engage more residents
- Enhance brand awareness
- Improve diversity and flexibility of communications
Goal 5 Sustain Financial Security
25-year goal: Sustain a diverse and reliable financial strategy to support organizational goals.
Five-year goal: Financial risk is being managed, revenues have increased and been diversified, and a levy has successfully passed.
Summary of strategies:
- Diversify financial strategy
- Successful levy passage
- Ensure successful levy passage
Goal 6 Recruit & Retain Talent
25-year goal: We have invested in a skilled, culturally diverse, cohesive workforce.
Five-year goal: Recruit, engage and retain top talent, build a strong culture, drive employee engagement, and invest in their development paths.
Summary of strategies:
- Recruit talent
- Maintain competitive compensation and benefits
- Continue to improve organizational culture
Again, you can explore the full strategic plan as a PDF on our website.
For more stories like this, check out Green Islands magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks. Summit County residents can sign up to receive the publication at home free of charge.