Transforming Parks & Recreation Operations in Buda, Texas

The City of Buda engaged Matrix to conduct a comprehensive assessment of its Parks and Recreation Department. The study evaluated organizational structure, operational practices, staffing levels, workflow processes, and technology systems to enhance service delivery in a rapidly growing community.

Challenge

Along with the challenges of rapid growth, the Buda Parks and Recreation Department faced operational issues common to many agencies, including a lack of documented standard operating procedures (SOPs), misalignment of strategic planning, and an absence of integrated asset management systems. Service requests were handled reactively without established service levels or adequate preventive maintenance, and the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) was underutilized. Visual inspections revealed maintenance inconsistencies across facilities, with service levels often below recommended industry targets. These operational gaps limited the department’s ability to proactively manage assets and plan for future growth.

Solution

Matrix employed a multifaceted approach, including stakeholder interviews, on-site visual assessments, evaluations of best management practices, and data-driven analysis. The project team developed a comprehensive roadmap addressing operational, organizational, and technological needs.

Key recommendations included:

• Developing mission, vision, and values statements aligned with city-wide goals to guide departmental operations.
• Creating documented SOPs and workflows for all major functions, with annual review cycles and position leads.
• Implementing a comprehensive asset management program with documented service levels, preventative maintenance cycles, and automated reporting.
• Establishing department-specific strategic planning that aligns with the City’s comprehensive plan.
• Developing training and onboarding programs for all positions, including supervisory training for management transitions.
• Adding one Parks and Recreation Office Manager to strengthen administrative capacity.
• Creating a data-driven staffing model projecting needs through 2030, estimating 22.25 FTEs based on service level standards and NRPA benchmarks.

Outcomes

With these recommendations, the City of Buda gained a strategic framework to transition from reactive to proactive operations. The assessment provided clear performance metrics, documented processes, and data-driven staffing models to guide future growth. Demonstrating immediate commitment to improvement, the City posted the recommended Parks and Recreation Office Manager position for hire before the report was finalized, based on the study’s findings.

Matrix provided the City with a comprehensive implementation plan featuring a phased approach to adopting recommendations, including timelines, resource requirements, and priorities to ensure successful execution. By implementing these changes, the Department can enhance service quality, extend asset life, and manage Buda’s expanding parks system more effectively while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The roadmap supports Buda’s broader objectives of sustainable growth and enhancing residents’ quality of life.