Assistant city manager outlines yearlong update to Converse parks and open‑space master plan; public input planned

Assistant City Manager Naina Nixon Mendez told the Parks and Recreation Commission that staff will undertake a yearlong update to the city’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, working in‑house with support from the Economic Development Corporation.

The timeline presented to the commission calls for an existing‑conditions inventory (January–March), public input opportunities including a community ideas table at Green Day and a May 12 commission presentation that will be broadcast live on Facebook with moderated comments. Staff said the Economic Development Corporation can support outreach and that the EDC’s earlier survey may be re‑opened for additional public input.

During the summer staff will complete a needs assessment and prioritization, then draft goals and objectives for review by the commission in August and September. Staff plans to present a draft to the Parks and Recreation Commission in the fall and seek the commission’s recommendation for City Council consideration in October; the plan would then go to Planning and Zoning as part of the comprehensive‑plan alignment and return to City Council for adoption in December or January.

Nixon Mendez emphasized the goals: determine current and future park needs, engage residents and stakeholders, develop an action plan to guide capital improvements and pursue grant funding. The commission was invited to staff a Green Day community ideas table and to comment on dates and the draft schedule.

Ending: Staff will bring interim work to commission meetings (May, August, fall) for public review and expects to seek formal commission recommendation before forwarding the draft plan to Planning and Zoning and City Council.