How Ridgefield Develops Parks and Trails

First, in order to build a park, the city has to own the land. Typically, this takes the form of purchase of new land with the intention of building a park.

New park and trail land is also dedicated to the City by developers after construction. City code requires developers to set aside at least 25% of the whole site for active and passive recreation, critical areas, and buffers. This requirement is one of the ways that the City is working to protect access to natural spaces for our residents as the population grows, and it is one of the many things that makes, and keeps, Ridgefield unique. It also ensures that these spaces are integrated with the built environment, and therefore easily accessible to residents and provide connections throughout the park and trail system.

Master Planning: Vision for Individual Parks and Trails

Master planning for individual parks and trails in Ridgefield is a critical first phase in the development process.  The master plan for each site includes a detailed vision that incorporates community feedback, environmental considerations, design standards, and long-term planning to ensure that each facility meets the needs of its users while enhancing the city’s overall park and trail system. When developing master plans, the city also considers environmental impact, accessibility, and safety.

A Master Plan process typically includes the following stages:

1. Information Gathering - Site analysis, environmental information, community input, and review of the PROS Plan. 
2. Alternative Development - Develop 2-3 alternative visions that incorporate the needs and priorities identified in step 1. 
3. Feedback Collection - Present the alternatives and collect feedback, typically from City Council, Parks Board, identified stakeholders, and community members.
4. Refine a Single Vision - Apply the feedback from step 3 to the alternatives and develop one single preferred option.
5. Approval of Master Plan - Master Plans must be reviewed and approved by Parks Board and City Council. 

Public Participation

Community engagement plays a significant role during this phase. Ridgefield relies on a variety of methods to gather input from residents, including public workshops, surveys, and stakeholder meetings to understand the desires and priorities of community members and future park/trail users. This may include specific recreational amenities (e.g., playgrounds, sports fields, trails), natural area preservation, and connectivity to other parks or public spaces.

Visit the City's dedicated engagement platform, RidgefieldRoundtable.org, to learn about opportunities for public participation. 

Funding

Before construction of a planned park can begin, the City must identify funding for the construction of the project and for ongoing maintenance and operations. At any given time, there are more desired projects than funding available. The City has to prioritize and focus on projects that best support our community's needs and priorities, as identified in the PROS and Comprehensive Plans. New projects are funded by Park Impact Fees and Grants or Donations. 

An adopted master plan is a critical for applying for grants because it demonstrates the City has a clear vision and plan for how this new asset would serve and benefit the community.

Although funding sources exist for buying and developing land, park maintenance and operations costs are funded through general city dollars. The need to balance competing needs for these general tax dollars places constraints on park maintenance funding, which in turn limits new park development. Ridgefield cannot construct a new park development project without first securing the necessary maintenance funding.

Phasing

Park and trail development can be expensive and complex. Often, new parks are split into smaller phases to make the process more manageable and affordable. With phasing, the city can start with essential elements and add more features as additional funds become available. 

Phasing also allows the city to adapt to changing community needs or funding priorities. Each phase can be planned and adjusted based on lessons learned from earlier stages or shifts in community priorities.

Once a project has a master plan, phases, and is funded, the City can move into the design and construction phases. During this stage, detailed design plans are created, incorporating the city’s engineering and design standards. Ridgefield’s standards for parks, trails, and open spaces are based on best practices for functionality, durability, and accessibility.

Once the design is finalized, construction begins. During this phase, the City coordinates with contractors, engineers, and community stakeholders to ensure that the project stays on schedule and within budget. Ongoing communication with the public is maintained to keep residents informed about construction timelines and potential impacts.