The Huber Heights Parks & Recreation Board on Oct. 17 reviewed a draft survey asking nearby residents whether Dial Park should receive amenities such as a swing set, shelter, playground or native plantings.

Board members said the survey, developed with Centerville landscape architect Topo Studio, will be mailed to residents with QR codes, posted at the park, and made available in paper form for those who need it. A parks staff member said the goal is to prioritize the preferences of people who live within walking distance while still allowing park visitors to respond.

The board emphasized the survey is intended to capture how many residents favor each option rather than letting a small, vocal group dictate outcomes. The city will follow up the online survey with two in-person work sessions inviting community members and board members to weigh in on details such as shelter size, playground accessibility and potential rental rules. “This will tell us some top contenders of what we should do and then we plan to follow it up with in-person work sessions,” the staff member said.

The board discussed past complaints about the gazebo and native garden bed at Dial Park, noting that native plantings can be mistaken for weeds. Members said results of the survey and work sessions will be evaluated against the parks department’s capital improvement plan; no new construction or funding was pledged on the spot. The staff member said the survey is still in draft form and the city hopes to begin gathering responses and hold committee meetings by the end of the year.

Topo Studio (Centerville) and Deeply Rooted Landscapes were named as outside partners for design and planting advice. The board asked members to review the draft survey and provide feedback before distribution.

The board also requested that staff return with a timeline and next steps after the first round of survey results are available.