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Resident urges more neighborhood parks as North Liberty develops
Summary
Resident Rachel Stadlin told the Parks and Rec Commission that new families in rapidly developing areas near Mary Lane lack nearby, walkable parks and asked how to pursue neighborhood green space; staff directed her to planning and encouraged continued engagement.
Rachel Stadlin, a North Liberty resident who lives on Mary Lane, told the Parks and Recreation Commission she is concerned new residential development is outpacing nearby neighborhood parks and green space.
"My name's Rachel Stadlin... I live on Mary Lane. It's right across the street from the high school," she said, adding that the closest park to her home is Penn Meadows, "which is about a mile and a half away," and that some small neighborhood parks lack basic equipment. "There wasn't even like a swing set there," she said.
Why it matters: As North Liberty adds housing, access to nearby parks and safe walking routes is an equity and livability issue for families with young children. Residents said the city’s master plan maps may be several years out of date for rapidly developing neighborhoods.
Staff response and next steps: Commissioners and staff told Stadlin the appropriate first contact for acquisition and land‑use questions is Ryan Rustick in planning and zoning, and that Parks & Rec typically addresses site design and development after land has been approved or acquired. Staff encouraged her to raise the concern repeatedly with planning and city council, and said the commission will record her remarks in the meeting minutes and pass the comment along to planning.
Context from residents: Staff noted the comment followed a recent online post in a local parenting group (North Liberty Moms) and that the issue reflects broader neighborhood interest in walkable green space. Commissioners and staff suggested residents consult the parks master plan (available from city staff) and bring specific site suggestions to planning staff to explore acquisition or developer agreements.
What comes next: Staff recommended Stadlin contact Ryan Rustick and, if needed, bring the issue to city council; the commission said it will pass along any leads and that residents’ comments are recorded in the minutes.
