Moraine parks master plan to be presented to council after eight-month steering process

A staff member leading Moraine’s parks planning told the Moraine City Council that the Community Master Park Vision Plan — developed through about eight months of steering-committee work and public outreach — will be presented to the council on April 28.

The steering committee is scheduled to meet April 3, when Brandcenter Carroll’s Keith will review the presentation he will give to council. "We are probably 8 months into it now," the staff member said, summarizing the timeline and outreach that informed the plan.

Why it matters: Council members were told the plan frames a 10-year vision for the city’s parks and recreation system, including revised mission and vision statements, core values, and goals and objectives. Staff said some park layouts and program recommendations could involve converting certain playground areas into green space rather than removing parks outright — a strategic change meant to refocus limited maintenance and capital dollars.

Staff cautioned that implementing the plan will require funding. The presenter said the city will pursue grants, local business donations and other sources, and emphasized that costs will be substantial. "It is gonna cost a lot of money, but, hopefully, we can find the funding. We can get grants," the staff member said. Council members were encouraged to attend the April 28 meeting when Brandcenter Carroll presents the final recommendations.

The presentation is expected to summarize public input gathered at events and steering-committee meetings. Staff said steering-committee members have attended many outreach events to ask what residents want and that final layouts and program recommendations reflect those conversations. No formal vote on the master plan occurred at this meeting; staff described next steps and the upcoming council presentation.