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Riverside adopts Parks and Recreation Master Plan after state lawmaker secures $250,000 for parks
Summary
The Village of Riverside voted to adopt a 10-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan and will use an announced $250,000 state capital grant toward initial park projects; the board directed staff to fast-track design work and return budget proposals during the annual process.
The Village of Riverside Board of Trustees voted to adopt a 10-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan and said it will use a $250,000 capital grant secured by the village's state representative toward park improvements.
The plan provides a multi-year action schedule for parks, facilities and programs and frames projects into years 1–5, 6–10 and beyond. Village officials said the $250,000 will help fund early work, likely a smaller project at Turtle Park, with master planning for Harrington and Patriots parks to follow.
The plan, prepared by Barry Dunn and presented by Elsa Fisher of the consultant team, is based on 15 months of engagement, a statistically valid survey and site assessments. Fisher said the report’s executive summary offers a concise overview of findings and recommendations. Director Ron Malchioti told trustees the plan will be incorporated into the village’s capital planning and budgeting process and that staff is soliciting proposals for park design services so work can begin quickly once state funds are released.
Representative Rasheed, who presented a House resolution recognizing Riverside’s sesquicentennial, told the board he had secured more than $1 million in district capital funding and specifically that “I was able to secure over a million dollars in capital funding for the 20 First District, including $250,000 in capital grant for the village of Riverside to, for parks.” Village leaders said the timing of the award dovetails with tonight’s adoption.
Trustees directed staff to collect any minor edits to the document by the date set by the consultants, print required hard copies and return recommended capital allocations during the village’s budget process. Manager Francis said staff will seek two proposals for design services and expects Turtle Park to be the initial implementation site because it is smaller and can move through design and construction more quickly.
The board approved the master plan by roll call. Trustees and staff said the plan will guide near‑term budget proposals and capital work and that adopting the document does not itself authorize construction contracts or spend the state grant; those steps will return to the board for separate approvals.
Implementation steps the board expects next include design contracting, adding projects into the FY budget, and a future zoning discussion to clarify parkland designations and support long‑term planning for passive and active open space.
