The City of Clearwater's Environmental Advisory Board convened on October 23, 2023, to discuss the ongoing development of a master plan for local parks and recreation. The meeting highlighted the progress made in gathering data and feedback from both staff and the public regarding park conditions and utilization.

During the session, officials shared insights from a recent visioning workshop that included contributions from various city departments. This collaborative effort aimed to identify strengths and weaknesses in the current park system. The feedback received has been instrumental in shaping a vision statement for Clearwater's parks and recreation.

Looking ahead, the city plans to hold a final public meeting via Zoom in early December, allowing residents to engage with the proposed master plan and provide additional feedback. This meeting is scheduled for December 19, when the plan will be presented to the City Council for review and potential implementation in the new year.

The discussions also revealed that some smaller parks are being utilized more than previously anticipated, prompting a reassessment of maintenance schedules. Officials expressed optimism about the upcoming implementation phase, which aims to enhance park services based on community input.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving recreational spaces and ensuring they meet the needs of Clearwater residents. The collaborative approach taken by city staff and community members is expected to yield a comprehensive plan that reflects the desires and expectations of the public.