Park committee recommends soccer field, splash pad and obstacle-course playground at Hunters Brook; Marsh Hollow to get dog run and nature play

The Park & Recreation Committee voted Oct. 20 to recommend a package of amenities for two planned neighborhood parks in the City of Victoria, prioritizing a mix of active recreation and neighborhood-scale features while flagging parking and safety as key constraints.

The committee’s motion — which passed by voice vote — asks City Council to develop Hunters Brook Park with a soccer/multiuse field, a splash pad, an obstacle-course playground, a restroom and a larger parking lot; Marsh Hollow Park would receive a dog run, a nature-oriented playground (including hammock features) and parking, with a basketball court to be sited where it best fits. Chair (meeting facilitator) made the motion and it was seconded and carried.

The recommendation follows a staff presentation of public engagement results. “We received a record, 620 responses,” Jenna Smith, parks staff, told the committee, citing the June 4–Sept. 30 survey and two in-person engagement events. The survey showed strong interest in fields, playgrounds and water features; staff also reported that nearly half of respondents…