Jordan Emmerich, president of the Board of Park Commissioners, briefed Troy City Council on a Dec. 3 work session on the park and recreation master plan, which consultants Structure Point and Legacy Sports Group presented to council members, the recreation board and members of the public.

Emmerich said the next step is a joint meeting between the Board of Park Commissioners and the recreation board in early 2026 to finalize recommendations and for staff to analyze funding priorities. He described the session as informational and recommended no immediate council action.

During council comments, at least one council member (Mister Shiley) raised strong concerns about a proposal mentioned in the draft master plan that future neighborhood parks in new subdivisions governed by homeowner associations could be required to establish and maintain parks that would be open to the general public. Shiley said his Stonebridge HOA spent nearly $40,000 this year on maintenance and capital improvements and said shifting costs to HOAs would be unfair, increase liability exposure and raise parking and security concerns.

City staff responded that the suggestion was raised by the consultant as an idea and was not a recommendation of city administration. The administration said any changes to subdivision standards, fees‑in‑lieu, or open‑space requirements would have to go through the planning commission and then council before becoming policy.

Why it matters: the master plan frames capital and operating choices for a parks system the city says may need multi‑million dollar investment. How the city balances public access, developer obligations and HOA responsibilities could affect future subdivision approvals, maintenance costs and residents’ taxes.

Next steps: staff will schedule joint board meetings in early 2026 for formal recommendations, and the auditor and city staff will continue analysis of funding options; any ordinance or subdivision regulation changes would return to council for formal action.