The City of Clearwater is making significant strides in updating its Parks and Recreation Master Plan, a project that has been in the works since its last update in 2013. During a recent meeting, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Matthew Anderson shared an overview of the progress made and the innovative approaches being utilized to gather community input.

The update process began with a kickoff meeting in March 2023, where city officials collaborated with the consulting firm Tool Design Group. This national company has introduced advanced techniques, including the use of cell phone tower data from a company called Streetlight, to analyze park usage across the city. This data-driven approach aims to provide a clearer picture of how residents engage with local parks.

Community involvement has been a cornerstone of the planning process. The city has conducted 20 stakeholder meetings and utilized online surveys during events, such as the Coachmen grand opening, to gather feedback from residents. Participants were incentivized with T-shirts for completing surveys, which resulted in positive engagement and valuable insights into community preferences.

In July, the design team toured various parks to assess their conditions and gather firsthand observations. Open house meetings were also held at multiple locations, allowing citizens to express their desires for future park developments. Feedback ranged from requests for increased sports tourism opportunities to calls for more trees and green spaces.

Looking ahead, the updated master plan will align with the city’s new strategic plan, ensuring that the parks and recreation initiatives reflect the community's needs and aspirations. The ongoing efforts signal a commitment to enhancing Clearwater's recreational spaces, ultimately fostering a healthier and more connected community.