Parks director outlines parks master-plan update, schedules March 6 town-hall at MLK Community Center

Parks staff told the City Council they are continuing work on an updated parks and recreation master plan, are collecting public input through an online survey and community meetings, and plan a town-hall open house on March 6 at the MLK Community Center.

The update matters because the master plan will guide future parks, walkability and transportation priorities and must be adopted by council after required public meetings.

"Good evening, mayor, council. Penny Joyner, director of parks and leisure," Joyner said as she described the project and outreach. She reported two community meetings have been held (Sept. 10 and Oct. 29) and that a third public open-house town hall is scheduled for March 6 at 6 p.m. at the MLK Community Center. Joyner noted an online survey remains open and encouraged additional public input. "The final step for the master plan will bring the draft to city council for adoption and approval," she said.

Joyner said the city is working with Burdette consultants and that a steering committee—including parks staff, the parks and recreation advisory board and Council member Antwine—helped shape the outreach approach. Staff said the master plan will also update the transportation plan to better prioritize walking and small-scale street and sidewalk improvements; specific walkability improvements have not yet been identified because the master plan is unfinished.

Joyner invited residents to the March 6 meeting and said staff will return to council with a draft plan for formal adoption after the remaining public steps.