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North Canton council approves $123,000 parks master‑plan contract, seeks public input on pool decision
Summary
Council voted to move forward with a parks master plan by Branstetter Carroll at a fee of $123,000 and approved appropriation steps; staff said the study will prioritize capital projects, public engagement, and guide long‑term decisions including the city pool.
North Canton — The City Council voted July 14 to approve awarding a parks master‑plan contract to Branstetter Carroll and move associated appropriation language to the council agenda, with staff saying the plan will guide capital priorities and public outreach, including an upcoming decision on the municipal pool.
City staff and council members said the selected consultant, Branstetter Carroll, proposed a scope tailored to cities of North Canton’s size and quoted a final fee of $123,000. Staff said the firm’s proposal included site visits to every park, community engagement, and tools for prioritizing capital investments, pursuing grants and assessing long‑term funding options.
The administration told council the city had budgeted for a parks master plan in 2025 but the proposals returned higher than expected. A selection committee of staff and elected officials interviewed four finalists and recommended Branstetter Carroll, saying the firm “was the most qualified.” Council moved the appropriation and contract award forward for formal adoption.
Why it matters: Council members said a master plan will provide a long‑range framework for operations, staffing and capital projects and improve the city’s ability to pursue state and federal funding. Council also said the plan will produce community engagement outputs that could inform future options, including whether to repair, replace or retire the city pool.
What staff explained: Staff said the request sprung from a lack of an existing strategic parks document; the city has not completed a parks master plan in its history. The consultant team proposed analyses that cover 0–2, 2–5 and 5–10 year horizons and would assess community priorities, capital sequencing and funding options. Staff emphasized the plan’s potential to reduce costly missteps in future park investments and to supply evidence for grant applications.
Council comment and next steps: Council members noted the emotional value of parks to residents and asked that the study include broad public engagement, including sampling at festivals and events. Staff said the RFP selection process was unanimous and that consultants had visited parks before interviews, a factor staff weighed heavily. Council approved the motion to award the contract and to move related appropriations for final action.
The council intends to use the plan to inform operating and capital budgets, and staff said public outreach milestones and draft deliverables will be scheduled after contract execution.
