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INTRODUCTION A park master planning process is a synergism of design concepts and ideas from the designer, the owner and the user. This process is also tempered by the budget. WK Dickson employs a team planning process in developing park master plans. Our mantra has always been PARKS ARE FOR PEOPLE! Public involvement is an important factor in the process. WK Dickson listens to feedback from the client and public, then incorporates that feedback into the master plan. We pride ourselves in providing our clients with park plans that are buildable and sensitive to local needs. Cabarrus County's selection of WK Dickson for master planning 190 +/- acres for a new park allowed us to utilize this planning strategy: by getting residents involved we are able to develop stakeholders for the park. Our planning team is comprised of Tim Lowder, PE, Joel Moulin, RLA and Billy Royal, LEED-AP with a combined 62 years in design, planning and construction of public spaces. WK Dickson's master planning approach is based on a clear understanding of the site, the budget and public interest. Further, our philosophy focuses on the seven interactive systems that must be meaningfully addressed during the planning process. These systems are: - Natural Systems: Vegetation, wetlands, soils, topography, wind/sun, hydrology, and wildlife; - Social /Cultural: Schools, churches, neighborhoods, archeological areas of interest, contextual architecture, and transportation; - Recreational Elements: Recreational wants and needs of the park system, present and future; - Public Involvement: Participation of the Steering Committee and public during the planning and design process; - Budget: Keeping within the financial guidelines, exploring phasing and value engineering options; - Safety and Security: Analyzing risk management strategies for the safety of all park users; and - Management Practices: Regular, frequent communications between the consultant and Parks Department regarding operation and maintenance, scheduling, and permitting. Of these seven interactive systems, the most important is public involvement. Both the Cabarrus County Steering Committee and public input were critical components in the development of this park master plan. WK Dickson utilized input from the Steering Committee and members of Cabarrus County's Parks and Recreation Department beginning at the kick-off meeting and continuing through milestones of deliverable planning park products. Additionally, public inputwas incorporated prior to developmentofthe Final Master Plan. ~ ~ I ~DI~CKS©N community introstructura eonsuuanis G-1 Page 222