Community Meeting Scheduled for November 1 to Discuss Lower Sellmeier Park Improvements

The Highlands Parks and Recreation Advisory Board convened on August 18, 2025, to discuss community engagement and improvements to local parks. The meeting focused on planning a public meeting aimed at gathering input from residents regarding enhancements to Lower Sellmeier Park.

The board proposed to hold the public meeting on Saturday, November 1, from 10 AM to noon, with a rainout location at DoubleTree Ranch Park. However, concerns were raised about potential conflicts with Halloween festivities the night before and the opening day of deer season. Board members discussed the possibility of rescheduling the meeting to the following week to ensure better attendance.

Board member Kevin expressed his commitment to canvassing the neighborhood to raise awareness about the meeting, emphasizing the importance of community participation. The board acknowledged that previous meetings had seen limited turnout, with only about 20 attendees despite extensive communication efforts. They agreed that targeted outreach would be crucial to engage interested residents.

During the discussion, it was noted that the meeting would serve as a platform to gather community feedback on potential new playground equipment and other park improvements within the allocated budget of $140,000. The board emphasized that any proposed changes would require further discussion and recommendations to the council.

A motion was made and seconded to officially set the public meeting date for November 1, which passed unanimously. The board also discussed the timeline for utilizing the budget, clarifying that while there is no strict deadline, it is advisable to spend the funds within a reasonable timeframe.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep the community informed and involved in the planning process, ensuring that residents' voices are heard in shaping the future of their local parks.