Urban Regional Planning graduate students in the School of Planning & Public Affairs will partner with the City of Granger to create a Parks and Recreation master plan that provides a comprehensive vision for Granger’s local park system, recreation facilities, natural resources, and other public open spaces. 

Granger is one of the fastest-growing communities in Iowa. As the community continues to grow, one of the City's highest priorities is expanding and modernizing its parks, trails, recreation facilities, and public gathering spaces to support a healthy, active, and connected community while meeting the needs of current and future residents. This master plan will provide a roadmap for future investments that enhance quality of life, improve recreational opportunities, and preserve the community's natural assets.

As part of the planning process, the capstone team will work closely with City officials, Parks and Recreation leaders, residents, and community stakeholders to evaluate existing parks, facilities, programs, and open spaces. The project will include an inventory and assessment of existing facilities, analysis of demographic trends and community needs, evaluation of the supply and demand for parks and recreation amenities, and recommendations for future park improvements, trail connections, recreation programming, and land acquisition. The team will also identify implementation priorities, funding opportunities, and strategies for phased development.

The capstone team will collect community input through interviews, focus groups, public meetings, and resident surveys to ensure the plan reflects the community's priorities and aspirations. The resulting Parks and Recreation Master Plan will provide actionable recommendations that guide future decision-making and investment while creating a more vibrant, accessible, and sustainable park system for Granger.

This project provides students with practical experience in parks and recreation planning, public engagement, community needs assessment, land use planning, and implementation planning.