County considers public private partnerships to enhance recreation services

Highland City Council is considering formalizing public-private partnerships in its general plan to enhance local services and recreational facilities. During the work session on July 8, 2025, council members discussed the potential benefits of explicitly stating the city's openness to collaborations with private entities, particularly in areas lacking adequate services.

The conversation highlighted past attempts to attract fitness and recreational businesses, such as Lifetime Fitness and Yo Fitness, which had shown interest in the community but ultimately did not materialize. Council members noted that while there have been ideas for development, including proposals for the equestrian center, these initiatives have not progressed.

The proposal to include public-private partnerships in the general plan aims to create a framework that could encourage more businesses to invest in Highland. By formalizing this approach, the city hopes to improve its recreational offerings and overall community services.

In addition to this main topic, the council briefly touched on previous arrangements made with parks, where priority usage was granted to certain groups in exchange for improvements and maintenance. This successful model could serve as a template for future partnerships.

As the council moves forward, the potential inclusion of public-private partnerships in the general plan could significantly impact Highland's growth and service enhancement, paving the way for new opportunities and improved community resources.