Keizer parks board recommends 10–14 month master‑plan update; council supports task force approach

Keizer — The Keizer parks and recreation advisory board told the City Council on Monday that, since much work has occurred since adoption of the 2021 parks master plan, now is an appropriate time for a community‑based update.

Parks board members described a proposed seven‑phase approach that begins with a review of completed improvements, re‑engages the public with a new citywide kickoff and survey, conducts geographically organized neighborhood meetings and town halls, analyzes results into park‑by‑park priorities and then forwards proposed amendments to the parks board and the council for final review and adoption. The projected timeline is roughly 10–14 months.

The parks board recommended establishing a joint parks task force to help coordinate the process; the board proposed membership that includes council representation, parks board members, staff and an appointment for a youth counselor. Council members discussed task‑force size and representation and asked that the parks board provide regular monthly updates during the process. Council signaled support for the concept and asked staff to return with a refined task‑force roster and outreach plan that includes survey tools and options for broad neighborhood engagement.

Matt Lawyer, parks board chair, said the prior master‑plan outreach had been successful but that a fresh, practical focus on operations, maintenance, safety and accessibility would help set short‑ and long‑term priorities. Staff said the update could likely proceed without hiring an outside consultant and that the city could use existing staff and volunteer resources supported by the parks board and a task force.

Council did not take a final adoption vote Monday but gave direction to pursue the task‑force approach and return with a detailed outreach plan and recommended membership.