The City of San Diego Parks Master Plan recognizes the critical importance of equitable access to parks and recreational amenities for all community members. Historically, park development in San Diego was shaped by a community-specific approach that contributed to significant inequities in park distribution, amenities and accessibility. To address these disparities, the City adopted the Parks Master Plan in 2021. This foundational document provides a roadmap to ensure that all San Diegans have access to safe, clean, and vibrant park spaces, with a particular focus on areas with the greatest need. 

The Park Needs Index, a key implementation tool of the Parks Master Plan, establishes a baseline understanding of the current distribution of park and recreational amenities throughout the City. To develop the Parks Needs Index, the City Planning Department is completing a systematic evaluation of park metrics - including quantitative and qualitative assessments - to help determine where investments are most needed. Quantitative assessments look at factors such as access to parks within a 10-minute walk, number of recreational amenities such as courts, fields, playgrounds and population density; while qualitative assessments look at factors such as the condition and usability of park amenities, level of community programming, perceived safety and cleanliness, and the cultural relevance of park features. Recreation value points, which focus on the quality of the amenities and services provided rather than merely acreage, are integral to this evaluation, ensuring the City’s park system evolves to meet the diverse needs of its community members.