The Livingston City Commission on Dec. 3 adopted a new parks master plan after extended public comment, consultant presentations and a lengthy commission debate.

Stockwell Engineers presented the 150-page plan, describing public engagement that included surveys and focus groups and recommendations for accessibility upgrades, trail connections and targeted capital improvements. "The goals were to prioritize a list that could be implemented in regards to capital improvements," consultant David Locke said while reviewing priorities such as paved trails, improved playground surfacing and maintenance strategies.

Supporters, including residents who said the plans will help the city compete for grants, argued adoption creates a roadmap for fundraising and phased work. "Doing so will enable the city to pursue grants and other opportunities for funding," Mary Stroegroth told commissioners during public comment.

Opponents warned the plan would change how people use parks and pressed for more outreach. Leslie Feigold, representing a petition delivered to the commission, told the body she had gathered hundreds of signatures and asked commissioners to consider the petition and possible conflicts of interest before approving the plan. Several speakers urged delaying adoption until after the seating of a newly elected commission, calling the current panel "lame duck" commissioners.

Commissioners debated how to weigh petition signatures and earlier community engagement. Vice Chair Newts and others described the plan as aspirational rather than prescriptive: "These are recommendations and should be looked at as that," staff and the consultant repeatedly told the commission. Staff also reminded the public that the city manager's spending authority is limited to $50,000 and that any larger projects will return for public review and formal approval.

After deliberation, Commissioner Willich moved to adopt the parks master plan. The motion carried on a roll call vote with a majority of commissioners in favor.

What happens next: adoption authorizes staff to use the plan as a guide for project scoping, budgeting and fundraising. Staff said that specific capital projects and any expenditures above the city manager's purchasing threshold will be brought back to the commission for approval, giving the public additional opportunities to comment.

Background: The plan reflects more than a year of work and public engagement, including more than 300 survey responses earlier in the process and additional input collected during the summer and fall. The consultant said Livingston's parks system already exceeds some national medians (about 18 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents) but needs better trail connectivity and maintainability to serve both residents and visitors (the city draws heavy visitation to some riverfront parks).