Wellington Parks & Recreation staff and consultants told the advisory committee on Aug. 13 that the town will intensify public outreach for its parks master plan, sending a statistically valid mail survey and holding an in-person engagement session next week. The outreach is intended to shape future decisions on parks, trails, open space and a possible community center.
The master-plan consultant will mail a statistically valid survey next week with a target of 300 household responses, Parks staff said. "The goal is 300 people," the presenter said, adding the consultant will extend the window if the target is not met. Staff also said an online (non-statistically valid) survey and other web-based engagement tools will remain available to capture broader input.
Committee members and staff discussed an in-person engagement session set for Aug. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Old Colorado Brewery, intended to reach gyms, childcare providers and other stakeholders the initial outreach missed. The presenter said BerryDunn, the consultant firm, will support promotion and marketing and that the town has reserved a time slot for childcare and gym operators.
Committee members emphasized neighborhood outreach, handing out materials at Friday markets and using visible QR codes on town vehicles. Staff said they will use a mix of approaches — pop-up events, direct outreach to coaches and after-school programs, and mailed surveys — to reach people who do not already participate in recreation programs.
As part of the master plan, a consultant specialist conducted an inventory of park amenities and produced a first-round scoring and map. Staff reviewed and requested revisions; they said the map vendor will redesign the trail map to industry standards after a critique of the initial draft. "We want the map to be usable — not just a Google image," the presenter said.
Staff asked committee members to review draft bylaws and the amenity inventory when those materials are circulated and to continue promoting the survey and engagement tools. The presenter said all mail responses are private and returned in prepaid envelopes. Next steps include collecting mail responses through late September or early October, analyzing results, then reconvening stakeholders with preliminary findings and sketches for possible capital improvements.