During a recent government meeting, city officials received an update on the Parks Master Plan, originally established in 2019, which is undergoing a significant revision to address the evolving needs of the community. Carlton Robertson, a guest speaker, introduced the update, emphasizing the importance of adapting the plan to reflect the city's growth and public input.

Steve Provo from Barge Design Solutions presented key findings from the updated plan, which aims to assess past accomplishments, identify remaining tasks, and set new goals for the next five to ten years. The update highlights that the city has developed 68 acres of previously undeveloped parkland and acquired an additional 16 acres, adjusting the target park acreage per 1,000 residents from 16 to 17 acres, necessitating the development of 37 new park acres.

Public engagement played a crucial role in shaping the recommendations, with feedback collected through traditional meetings and informal sessions at community events. The top priorities identified by residents include community special events, gardening programs, and outdoor activities, alongside desired facilities such as an amphitheater and walking trails.

The recommendations are categorized into short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. Immediate actions include reassessing the feasibility of the recreation center, which has seen increased demand, and exploring the construction of pickleball courts. Mid-term goals focus on enhancing aquatic facilities, including potential updates to existing pool houses and the introduction of a removable dome over the Kelly Cofer Park pool to extend its usability during colder months.

The organizational structure of the Parks Department is also set for a transformation, with plans to create specialized management roles to improve efficiency and service delivery. This restructuring aims to better align staffing with the growing demands of the community and enhance data collection capabilities to inform future programming.

Council members expressed the need for a comprehensive approach to the recreation center's future, considering the possibility of integrating additional facilities such as a senior center and arts center into a single location. The discussion underscored the importance of understanding community participation trends to guide future investments and ensure taxpayer dollars are effectively utilized.

As the city moves forward, officials are tasked with adopting the updated plan, which will serve as a roadmap for the Parks Department over the next several years, ensuring that it meets the needs of a growing population while enhancing the quality of life for residents.