Thank you to everyone who participated in Round 1 feedback for our Park System Master Plan update! With 969 online survey respondents, over 150 Community Session participants, and other engagement feedback, we have a great starting point for understanding our community's park priorities! Overall, responses reflect a community that cares deeply about its park system, uses it frequently, and wants to see improved maintenance, enhanced amenities, and stronger connectivity in the system.
Key Themes & Trends
- Strong community attachment to parks and open space
- Frequent park use among respondents: 70% visit weekly
- Waterfront Park is the most frequently visited location in the system
- A small group of parks function as the primary recreation hubs: Waterfront, Hidden Lakes, Nancy Boyd, Hidden Valley
- Maintenance and upkeep are the highest priority: Selected by nearly 70% of participants
- Strong interest in trail connectivity and access to nature: Walking/hiking is top park activity
- Family-oriented recreation is central to park use
- Parks are valued social gathering spaces
- Residents value the natural character of Martinez’s open spaces
- Interest in expanding recreation diversity: Splash pads, nature play, dog parks, climbing, bike amenities
- Programming and events are seen as an important way to activate parks and facilities
Based off these initial results, we're about to launch Round 2 of Community Engagement! A new community survey opens May 1st, focused on digging deeper into the community preferences on priorities we heard in Round 1. We will also host a pop-up info booth at the May 3rd Farmers Market, and a community webinar on May 13th to gather more information and feedback.
You can learn more about the upcoming Round 2 community feedback opportunities, as well as see the Round 1 Recap full summary on our website at
www.cityofmartinez.org/parks2026.
