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Calumet City to create public engagement and preliminary designs for newly purchased recreation property
Summary
Council discussed next steps after closing on two properties intended for recreation expansion, including community engagement, preliminary renderings, and hiring Bolton & Menk to help with planning. Council members emphasized the need for broad community support and clarity about cost options.
Council members discussed next steps for two properties the city recently purchased for potential recreation expansion, including a community engagement process, preliminary site renderings, and outreach to athletic associations.
City staff said they will work with Community Development Director Stopa and the consultant Bolton & Menk to develop a planning schedule and a public engagement process. Staff said they plan to consult other cities that have completed similar projects and will provide the council a proposed schedule in the coming weeks for review and possible additions.
Council members requested preliminary sketches that show what can reasonably fit on the parcel so community conversations are grounded in what is physically possible. One council member said preliminary sketches will help participants understand trade-offs when residents suggest many amenities that may not all fit on the site.
Staff also said the engagement process will need to include questions about funding — including whether residents would support particular features and what they would be willing to pay — because cost considerations are central to what can be built. Staff said they will investigate the needs of existing athletic associations and other stakeholders as part of the planning process.
There was no formal vote; staff will return to the council with a schedule and draft engagement plan for the property.
