Westfield presents updated Parks Master Plan aiming for more greenway acreage and state recognition

Director Chris McConnell presented the city's updated Parks Master Plan on March 24, saying the plan aims to develop parkland and position Westfield as a state-recognized parks department eligible for additional funding.

McConnell told the Common Council that Westfield updated its master plan out of schedule after establishing a parks board and a stand-alone parks department last year. He said the primary purpose of the update was to qualify the department for state recognition and thereby become eligible for roughly $3.5 million or more in additional state and federal funding. The plan also sets roles for the parks board, separates parks operations from the Department of Public Works and creates an action plan for each park.

Key findings cited by staff: when McConnell joined the city in 2010 the city had about 56 acres of parkland (about 6.5 acres per 1,000 residents at that time). He said the city now owns roughly 89 acres of parkland with an estimated population near 70,000, yielding about 2.7 acres per 1,000 residents. McConnell also reported about 117 acres of developed parkland, which he said equates to about 1.68 acres per 1,000 residents. A public survey reached 524 households representing 1,035 residents and the city held two stakeholder meetings and two public input meetings of more than 50 residents each.

Public priorities drawn from the survey and outreach included acquiring larger tracts of land (McConnell said the public favors 25-50+ acre parks), completing trail connectivity and developing reservable shelters, splash pads and shaded facilities. McConnell and councilors discussed targeting park acquisition in the city's west and northwest areas and developing underused properties such as Armstrong Park, Osborne Park and the Newby property. He said Mater Design Group conducted the plan and produced a 20-page action plan that lists site-level improvements and potential funding sources.

Councilors asked about programing and where park programming should focus given the many county-level providers; McConnell said Hamilton County is a saturated market for programs and Westfield will aim to fill gaps rather than duplicate county offerings. He also said staff identified several specific properties to pursue privately with councilors and will follow up with the council about potential acquisitions.

Ending: McConnell asked councilors and the public to submit questions by email as they review the full plan. Staff will use the master plan to guide budget and acquisition work and to demonstrate readiness for state-recognition funds.