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Commissioners agree to consider third‑party parks feasibility study before public outreach
Summary
Marion County staff described a privately funded feasibility study from the Trust for Public Land to test community appetite for parks bonds; commissioners asked for a pre‑engagement workshop to align policy framing and scope.
Parks and Recreation Director Jim Coolard outlined workload pressures and recommended evaluating additional project-management support. He also described an offer from the Trust for Public Land and its privately funded subsidiary Live Wildly to conduct a parks feasibility study (estimated cost $35,000–$50,000, funded privately) to test ballot readiness and community appetite.
Commissioner Curry and others supported moving forward with the study, provided the board first holds a workshop to set policy boundaries and question framing. "I don't want them to go out and ask people, do you want parks in your backyard, because I don't plan on building them," the chairman said, asking staff to make sure any public engagement reflects the county's regional‑park policy and priorities.
County Administrator Moneer said staff would prepare an engagement letter and schedule a board workshop before public outreach. Commissioners flagged that results should inform later bond timing and prioritization and asked staff to coordinate with legal on allowable uses for TDC funds and possible funding sources.
The board gave contingent concurrence to proceed with the engagement letter and requested staff to return with the workshop scheduling and study scope; no formal vote was recorded.
