The firm has designed over 200 parks throughout Texas. These range from small downtown ornamental areas to vast regional parks designed to accommodate hundreds of thousands of people. Since each park designed by MHS Planning & Design, LLC is based on the specific needs of the client, each project turns out quite unique. Cookie cutter parks are not a product of the firm. Each project is viewed as an opportunity to make a major impact on a community and the lives of each potential park patron. Parks designed by Mark Spencer and his staff can be found in over 60 different cities and counties.
Analysis of Natural Resources
In order to create a successful outdoor recreation area, it is important to locate and understand all the natural resources on the proposed site. Mark Spencer and the staff at MHS Planning & Design, LLC are committed to walk, photograph and analyze the natural resources to create a one of a kind and unique park.
Park and Open Space Planning
MHS Planning & Design, LLC has extensive experience in the preparation of city and county-wide Parks and Open Space Master Plans. Plans prepared by the firm vary from city to city, but usually have three things in common: they are unique to the community, they involve extensive citizens input and they are results oriented. The philosophy of the firm is that each master plan must produce tangible results in order to be successful. MHS Planning & Design, LLC has completed, or is in the process of completing, over 50 different city and county-wide Parks and Open Space Master Plans.
Sugar Land
Mount Vernon
Lufkin
Richmond
Mount Pleasant
Tyler
Burleson
Center
Wood County
Lindale
Mineola
Terrell
Kilgore
Haslet
Gainesville
Grand Saline
Jacksonville
Wills Point
Hays County
Edom
Sulphur Springs
Hillsboro
Pittsburg
Joshua
Alvarado
Gilmer
Victoria
The Woodlands
Vidor
Watauga
Allen
Paris
Rockport/Aransas County
Haltom City
Rockwall
Royse City
Richardson
Kennedale
Pecan Grove M.U.D.
Trail Planning, Design and Grant Writing
Trails have become one of the most popular recreational elements for outdoor activities. The firm has written grants, planned and designed multi-purpose trails in many regions of the state of Texas. Each and every trail design is unique. Trails come in all shapes and sizes and MHS Planning & Design, LLC has created them all. From concrete, multi-purpose trails that connect schools, parks and residential neighborhoods to decomposed granite nature trails for outdoor education.
Boat Ramp Planning, Design and Grant Writing
Being located in an area of abundant lakes, MHS Planning & Design, LLC has added the design of boating facilities to its list of services. Key projects on Lake Grapevine, Lake Ray Hubbard & Lake Hawkins were designed by the firm.
Recreation/Parks Grant Writing and Administration
Throughout his career, Mark Spencer of MHS Planning & Design, LLC has prepared over one hundred Texas Parks and Wildlife grant applications. With the exception of a few projects, all of the applications prepared have been funded. Spencer noted that the key to developing a good grant-aided park project is based on determining the local needs, customizing the project to meet those needs, and following the scoring system established by Texas Parks and Wildlife. With few exceptions, Spencer has been retained by the grant applicant to prepare construction plans and specifications and guide the construction of each project in which he prepared the application - indicating a high level of client satisfaction.
Construction Plans and Specifications Preparation
One of the core services provided is the preparation of detailed construction plans & specifications for recreational developments. From mini parks to regional sports complexes, we’ve done it.
Construction Administration
We couldn’t offer the conception to completion services that we do without construction administration. We monitor the construction of projects designed by the firm.
