Hannah Meritt, 5, comes down a slide at Bergfeld Park in May 2021. (Tyler Morning Telegraph File)

Tyler’s City Council has approved a new 10-year plan to improve parks, create more trails and add recreational spaces for the community.

Councilmembers approved the updated Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan for 2025-2035 on Wednesday, setting the stage for new recreational opportunities and the preservation of green spaces.

Along with adopting the plan, the council passed a resolution recommending its implementation.

The plan includes ongoing projects such as Stewart Park, which will serve as the trailhead for Phase 2 of Legacy Trails. Renovations at Winters Park are also underway and are expected to be finished by the end of the fiscal year.

The Parks and Recreation Department updates the Master Plan regularly to reflect residents’ needs, ensure compliance with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requirements and keep information current.

To gather public input, the department conducted a survey from September through December 2024 and held two public meetings to discuss future park priorities. The top requests were for more nature and paved trails, along with accessible playgrounds.

“The feedback from the survey also highlighted the community’s interest in additional athletic fields and pickleball courts,” said Leanne Robinette, Director of Parks and Recreation. “As one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, we anticipate adding pickleball courts once we determine the most suitable locations.”

In September 2024, the parks leadership team assessed the city’s parks and facilities, evaluating the condition of equipment and amenities. They reconvened in January 2025 to update park rankings and identify priority projects. The Parks Board approved the final plan updates on Feb. 24.

Under state requirements, any major changes to the Master Plan must include additional public input and a new council resolution.

“This is a strategic roadmap that ensures our parks and recreation system continues to thrive,” Robinette said.

Tyler boasts 28 parks, two green spaces and 14 walking and biking trails. Over the years since the city has placed a focus on parks improvement, several parks have received renovations from a Community Block Development Grant, including P.T. Cole, Emmett J. Scott and Noble E. Young Park. Other parks that were improved include Gassaway Park and Hillside Park. One received a splash pad addition, while another underwent skate park improvements. Additionally, most underwent complete revamping, resulting in refreshed appearances.

Summer programs at P.T. Cole and Emmett J. Scott Park provide children with breakfast, lunch, and activities, ensuring they have engaging options while their parents work.

Overall, the aim is to create a balanced park and open space system that meets citizens’ recreational needs and enhances the community’s unique character.

There are several standout parks in Tyler. Bergfeld Park earns distinction due to its significant utilization by residents, organizations and visitors. It serves as a centrally located event space within the picturesque Azalea District. This neighborhood park offers amenities such as tennis courts with pickleball striping, an amphitheater and “Splasher,” the Dolphin Fountain splash pad.

Lindsey, Faulkner, and Golden Road Park are favored athletic hubs. They feature soccer, baseball and softball fields alongside disc golf courses.

The recently revamped Pollard Park shines with its eight dedicated pickleball courts, while Fun Forest Park stands out as the city’s sole public pool venue. Noble E. Young Park showcases scenic natural elements and is home to East Texas’ premier bike park. Faulkner Park features a skate park; meanwhile Southside Park is the sole all-accessible park in East Texas, featuring wheelchair ramps, soft and smooth surface turf, accessible swings, and a wheelchair rocker, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

For more information about the city’s parks, visit https://tinyurl.com/parksintylertexas .