On June 23, 2004 City Council provided their endorsement for the updated 'Future Directions' Recreation & Parks and Library Services Plans that help guide the provision for leisure facilities and services in both the short and long term.

The Future Directions For Recreation & Parks and Library Services is supported by extensive background research, topic specific studies, a household survey, the findings of eleven public meetings, focus group sessions and a thorough review by the community and staff. While the plan has been endorsed and received public support, several of the recommendations will need further development and public consultation before any firm decisions are made.

$50 Million over the next 10 years
During the next 10 years, the City of Mississauga is planning to spend $50 million of development charges monies to implement the short term recommendations laid out in the 'Future Directions' plans, some of which include:
- construction of 24 soccer fields and two indoor soccer facilities;
- two cricket pitches;
- four gymnasia;
- 23 multi-purpose play pads (located in community parks); and
- spending $9.8 million to continue to develop Mississauga's comprehensive trails system.

The recommendations made in the 'Future Directions' plans are grouped into two categories - short term and long term. Short term recommendations will be implemented during the next ten years from 2001 to 2014 and the long term recommendations will carry the City from 2014 through to 2023.

Main themes that appeared throughout the 2004 'Future Directions' plans include:
- consideration of needs for teens and older adults;
- library as a destination that offers more than books and a place that reflects the community;
- further development of partnerships with school boards for increased access to indoor and outdoor facilities;
- emphasis on developing unstructured recreational opportunities for all ages; and
- further development of trails, soccer facilities (indoor and outdoor), gymnasia and extreme sport facilities (skateboarding).

'Future Directions' 2004
Recreation & Parks Final Plan (4 MB PDF)
Recreation & Parks Executive Summary (0.5 MB PDF)

Library Services Final Plan (1.6 MB PDF)
Library Services Executive Summary (0.5 MB PDF)

Project Time Lines
The 'Future Directions' review process is scheduled to take place from September 2003 to June 2004. The City has established working committees to help guide the project. During the process input will be gathered from key stakeholders such as Mayor Hazel McCallion and members of Council, Mississauga Public Library Board, residents of Mississauga, facility users and Recreation & Parks and Library Services staff.

September/October 2003: Initial trend and demographic analysis and research.

October 2003: Staff and stakeholder workshops were held. Workshops provided an overview of the project and helped staff gain a better understanding of Recreation & Parks and Library Services challenges.

November - December 2003: Random household telephone survey to be conducted. The survey will help establish a clearer picture of the markets the City currently services as well as the current and future recreation and library needs and preferences of all residents.

January to March 2004: Data collected from the information and workshop sessions, the household survey and the initial secondary research will be analyzed and used in the development of the draft master plans.

April 2004: Nine (9) open houses will be conducted throughout the city to provide all residents with the opportunity to express their opinions, concerns and ideas regarding the draft master plans.

June 2004: Final 'Future Directions' Recreation & Parks and Library Services master plans to be submitted to City Council for review, approval and endorsement.

Project Overview
Currently, the City of Mississauga is reviewing its existing 1999 'Future Directions' Recreation & Parks and Library Services master plans. These plans are used to guide how and where leisure services and facilities are provided in both the short and long term to those who live, work and play in Mississauga.

Every five years the City conducts an extensive review of the 'Future Directions' plans to ensure they remain viable and accurate so that we continue to provide the right services in the most cost-effective manner. The review process consists of market research and analysis, workshop sessions with staff and stakeholders, a random household telephone survey and a series of nine public open houses. This process ensures staff, stakeholders and facility users have the opportunity to provide their input and ideas regarding the type of facilities and services best delivered by the City of Mississauga.

Scheduled to be completed in June 2004, the new 'Future Directions' master plans will be a true reflection of what services and facilities are important to Mississauga residents. They will be used to guide the provision of services in both Recreation & Parks and Library Services now and into the future.

Feedback
Throughout this important review process we want to hear from you! Take a moment and let us know what type of services and facilities are important to you by e-mailing us at futuredirections@mississauga.ca.

The 'Future Directions' Recreation & Parks and Library Services review is necessary to ensure the City of Mississauga continues to provide services and facilities that best suit the needs of the community. These plans will show what is important to Mississauga residents and will be used to guide the provision of services