Parks and Recreation Department Strategic Priorities and Key Objectives

The 2025 Strategic Priorities and Key Objectives Statement was developed to strategically guide the Parks and Recreation Department in fulfilling the shared community vision and stated mission of the Parks and Recreation Department. 

The purpose of strategic planning is to provide clear direction by establishing high-level goals and measurable objectives for the department to achieve in a calendar year. A strategic plan provides a distinct and unifying direction for staff in guiding day-to-day decisions with a goal of maximizing resources (time, money, staff) while minimizing or eliminating ambiguity and distractions. Strategic planning is also a valuable tool for evaluating progress and a critical step in the department’s capacity and ability to meet the expanding recreation needs of the community.

A. Invest in the Town’s Recreation Amenities 

  1. Capital Projects: Provide multi-purpose, year-round, indoor and outdoor recreation amenities in Mammoth Lakes accessible to all residents and visitors. Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) include: 
    • Mammoth Creek Park West Rehabilitation 
    • Community Bike Park/Pump Track Development 
    • Mammoth Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) Programming Development 
  2. Planned Maintenance: Conduct planned maintenance activities to enhance prioritized parks, fields, facilities and trails. 

B. Deliver High-Quality, Affordable and Sustainable Recreation Programming 

  1. Smart Growth: Expand access, availability and affordability of parks and recreation programs & services. 
    • Affordability - Increase Tony Colasardo Scholarship opportunities for all youth and provide payment plan options for adults. 
    • Access - Expand discounted in-person, limited sale Membership and Play Pass products and maximize access to summer camps and programs.
    • Availability - Further expand availability of products and services for families.
    • Communication Plan - Effectively disseminate bilingual Department-wide information to encourage participation in the Core Program Areas: (1) Department website/DaySmart, (2) Recreation This Week, (3) social media, (4) Brochures, flyers, and print ads.
    • Data collection - Use surveys, etc. to inform park experience and program evaluation.
  2. Core Program Areas: Expand and deliver sustainable Core Program Areas aligned with the demand and resource capacity of the Department: 
    • Youth/Teen Camps and Programs
    • Community Recreation Center (CRC) Programs/Events 
    • Adult Activities
    • Community Events/Activities
    • Facility Operations/Maintenance
  3. Master Plan: Develop a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan that includes updated goals and policies, an analysis of the supply, demand and needs for park and recreation facilities and services within and surrounding the Town of Mammoth Lakes and an action plan with conceptual site plans that articulate a clear vision and “roadmap” for the Town over the next 10 years or longer.

C. Build Capacity to Enhance and Expand Programming 

  1. Partnerships: (1) expand partnerships with local organizations, (2) collaborate with local non-profit youth sporting groups (YSF), (3) hire/contract specialized skilled instructors, and/or (4) contract with recreation entities to provide enhanced services.
  2. Employee Development: Build programming capacity by (1) Developing our workforce, and (2) Professional Development.
  3. Recruitment and Retention: Strategically recruit, retain and recognize our employees.