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Adrian officials debate parks master plan, consultant choice and pickleball fees
Summary
Interim Parks & Recreation Director Matt Tomazewski presented a proposed master‑plan process and a sole proposal from local firm Manek and Smith; commissioners urged an RFP, formation of a small subcommittee, and clarified a February target for selecting a consultant so the plan can be adopted before the current plan expires.
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Matt Tomazewski urged the Adrian City Commission to approve a new parks and recreation master plan, saying the current plan expires this year and a fresh document is needed to secure grants and guide programming.
Tomazewski told commissioners the proposal from local consultant Manek and Smith would include a project kickoff, accessibility reviews, recreation inventory, stakeholder outreach, town halls and a planning commission workshop. “We need to have it adopted, before December 30,” he said, describing a February goal to select a consultant so staff can begin public engagement.
Why it matters: a current master plan helps the city compete for state and federal recreation grants and sets priorities for amenities and maintenance. Commissioners stressed the document should reflect community needs and be used to unlock grant funds for trails, restrooms, and other park improvements.
Commissioners debated procurement and oversight. Several members recommended a formal request‑for‑proposals rather than proceeding with a single unsolicited proposal from the local firm. Commissioner Behnke and others said taxpayers are best served by reviewing multiple consultants; Tomazewski said Manek and Smith is local, familiar with Adrian’s parks and has assisted the city previously. The commission signaled consensus to issue an RFP and to create a small subcommittee (one commissioner, a few residents, and staff) to review public input and vendor proposals.
Commission discussion also covered programming and revenue. Commissioners asked whether the city should reintroduce adult programs currently handled by partners such as the Adrian Public Schools and the YMCA, and whether to permit paid uses of the city’s pickleball courts. Tomazewski said the city receives frequent requests for lessons, tournaments and rentals and suggested limited rental windows so courts remain primarily available for open public play. Commissioners asked staff to return with a separate discussion item on pickleball rental rules, proposed hours, and potential fees to fund requested amenities like restrooms.
What’s next: staff will prepare an RFP and return with a recommendation for consultant selection and a proposed subcommittee structure. The commission asked that consultant selection be ready in February so outreach and town halls can begin this year.
