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At Dunaway, we partner closely with our clients to understand their communities and deliver system-wide park master plans and trail master plans that are both visionary and grounded in real-world needs. Our goal is to create actionable, innovative solutions that reflect the evolving priorities of the communities we serve.

What sets us apart is our understanding of how parks and trail systems function as integral components of broader infrastructure – interwoven with roadways, utilities, natural resources, and civic spaces. We don’t just deliver creative designs; we think critically about how these ideas will function long-term – serving both the community and the city staff who maintain them.

Our multidisciplinary team blends creative vision with a deep respect for natural resources. We prioritize connectivity through multi-use networks that link neighborhoods, schools, and commercial hubs while embedding sustainability into every layer of infrastructure. During each master plan, inclusive community engagement remains central to our process, making sure the plan reflects the unique needs and values of the people it serves.

Master Plans for the City of Lakeway, the City of Carrollton, and the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) have implementation strategies that will transform public spaces into lasting community assets. Learn more about each below:

City of Lakeway Parks and Open Space Master Plan – Lakeway, Texas

Lakeway Parks and Open Space Master Plan

Located just outside Austin along the scenic south shore of Lake Travis, the City of Lakeway is committed to preserving its natural environment while expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The city partnered with Dunaway to develop a comprehensive Parks and Open Space Master Plan – designed to guide future park development, expansion, and land acquisition that meets the needs of a growing population. Dunaway led a two-phase planning process in partnership with city staff and the Parks and Recreation Committee:

  • Phase I focused on an in-depth Inventory and Needs Assessment, gathering community input to understand current park usage, identify gaps, and possible future improvements. This assessment provides a critical foundation for the master plan, offering valuable data and insights to shape priorities and guide decision-making.
  • Phase II involved preparing the comprehensive Parks and Open Space Master Plan document, which outlined strategic recommendations for enhancing the city’s parks and trail systems, including prioritized renovations and new development of parks and recreational facilities to meet future needs.

The result: a clear, actionable plan backed by community support that helped secure funding through a successful bond election – positioning Lakeway for thoughtful growth and enriched recreational experiences.

City of Carrollton Trails Master Plan – Carrollton, Texas

The City of Carrollton is committed to connectivity through its newly developed Trails Master Plan – an initiative led by the Dunaway team and coordinated to work with the city’s Park Master Plan.

Carrollton Trails Master Plan

As Carrollton approaches build-out and its borders converge with the dense fabric of the DFW metroplex, the city continues to prioritize investments in trail and mobility infrastructure.

Recognizing the increased need for a trail network that grows with its diverse community, city leaders challenged Dunaway to craft a plan that not only builds on existing assets but also expands them – linking neighborhoods, natural spaces, and regional destinations.

The Trails Master Plan integrates land use and transportation planning, enhancing pedestrian and cyclist access across major freeway corridors and into adjacent communities, and thoughtfully aligns with North Central Texas Council of Governments’ (NCTCOG) vision for regional trail connectivity. The collaboration between various city departments and Dunaway’s team developed strategies for overall connectivity that address both the wellness and recreation needs of trail users and the community as it continues to grow and develop as a central hub in the DFW area.

Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD)

TRWD Recreation Master Plan

Established in 1924, the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) provides water supply and flood management for Tarrant County and 10 surrounding counties. Dunaway collaborated with the district to create a Recreation Master Plan that integrated public and stakeholder desires into a shared vision while defining TRWD’s unique role in regional recreation. The new plan emphasizes strategic loops, linkages, and partnerships to connect neighborhoods, districts, and downtown Fort Worth.

“Dunaway demonstrated a thorough and thoughtful approach, taking the time to research and document our existing trail system in detail,” explains Lexi McCalip, Floodway and Construction Director at Tarrant County Regional Water District. “The team invested countless hours attending public meetings, gathering valuable community input, and engaging with various District staff members to gain a comprehensive understanding of our needs and priorities.”

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Dunaway demonstrated a thorough and thoughtful approach, taking the time to research and document our existing trail system in detail. The result is a master plan that is not only well-researched and meticulously designed but also uniquely tailored to our community’s vision for the future of recreation.

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Lexi McCalip, Floodway and Construction Director at Tarrant County Regional Water District
Power of Public Engagement

Public engagement was a cornerstone of the plan, including ten community meetings across Tarrant County and an online survey, which helped capture diverse perspectives from citizens. This outreach revealed three consistent priorities: expanding the Trinity Trail, improving access to rowing and paddling, and enhancing natural areas. “The result is a master plan that is not only well-researched and meticulously designed but also uniquely tailored to our community’s vision for the future of recreation,” McCalip adds. “We are proud to publish this plan as a clear and compelling guide for what lies ahead.”

Where Will Your Next Master Plan Take You?

As Texas communities grow and evolve, so must their parks, trails, and open space systems. Our Landscape Architects and Planners are passionate about helping cities and agencies reimagine these vital public assets. Whether you are activating underused space, expanding mobility, or creating a legacy of outdoor access – we are here to bring your vision to life. Let’s foster community – one space, one trail, at a time.