VISTA Gardens begins the journey toward a Strategic Plan

This endeavor reflects a shared commitment to preserving, nurturing, and sustaining VISTA Gardens. By looking thoughtfully toward the future, we can identify new opportunities, build on our strengths, and ensure that we continue to serve and inspire our community.

VISTA Gardens, Hillsborough County’s first garden park, is taking an important next step in planning for the future. Leading the planning process are Evans Bostick from VISTA’s Board of Directors with Jerry Miller from VISTA’s Grants Committee. Joined by Ken Kuse, VISTA Community member, and Susan Baxter Gibson, VISTA Treasurer, they selected BerryDunn as our consulting partner to guide the development of a practical, actionable Strategic Plan.

This planning process will help us build a strong foundation for the future while honoring the history, character, and community spirit inherent to VISTA Gardens.

The Strategic Plan will focus on several key areas, including:

• Refining our Mission Statement to clearly express our purpose and vision for the future;

• Gathering community input to understand the hopes, ideas, and priorities of the VISTA community;

• Honoring our heritage while exploring opportunities for growth and improvement;

• Assessing our current state, including our organization, assets, and infrastructure;

• Strengthening organizational sustainability to ensure VISTA Gardens can thrive for years to come; and

• Establishing strategic priorities and an Implementation Roadmap to guide decision-making and turn our goals into action.

Why BerryDunn?

BerryDunn is a leading consulting firm with a specialized practice serving parks, recreation, and libraries. Its team brings together former industry practitioners and experienced consultants who understand the opportunities and challenges facing community organizations. Their approach emphasizes practical, actionable recommendations tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Examples of BerryDunn’s Relevant Planning Experience

• Strategic Plan for the Illinois Park and Recreation Association

• Strategic Plan for the Southern California Library Cooperative

• Master Plan for Hudson Gardens in Littleton, Colorado

• Strategic Plan for the Hyland Hills Park District

We look forward to working with BerryDunn to bring fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and thoughtful guidance to the planning process—helping VISTA Gardens build a sustainable and promising future.

Our Strategic Plan team will share regular updates on the process, along with key insights, ideas, and next steps. We look forward to keeping our community informed and engaged.

Together, we are taking the next steps to shape the future of VISTA Gardens—building on our heritage, engaging our community, and creating a roadmap for the years ahead.