Residents of Plano have the base of country living and city life.  A universe of recreational opportunities are available in the nearby Metroplex, while they can enjoy the tranquillity and peace associated with small town values.  There are large shimmering lakes for fishing, boating and camping and family-style Fourth of July parties.   Public parks, baseball fields and green spaces add to the quality of life in this still largely rural county.  While in the cities, restaurants, theaters and museums exist to meet every taste.  The City of Plano Parks and Recreation Department oversees 3,300 acres of public park land in Plano as well as 700 acres of medians and right-of-ways along major thoroughfares and public grounds around municipal facilities and buildings.  As steward of more than 50 playgrounds, the department performs continuous renovations for the safety and well-being of Plano's children.  A network of hike and bike trails link many parks, recreational facilities, schools, shopping centers and neighborhoods with maps available at all recreation centers.  Scenic pavilions are available at no charge for company and individual reservation at seven parks in the city. 

Each year, the Plano Parks and Recreation Department offers numerous classes for all ages including arts and crafts, physical fitness, swimming from tots to seniors, self-defense, music, sports, travel, financial planning and a host of other topics to suite anyone's interests.  The City of Plano is proud to have been able to achieve national accreditation of park and recreation agencies.  Conferred by the National Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and sanctioned by the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, and the National Recreation and Park Association, the City of Plano is only one of eight agencies in the nation to have achieved Charter Accreditation status.