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Council adopts 'Branching to Tomorrow' parks and recreation master plan
Summary
The City of Fairway adopted the 'Branching to Tomorrow' Parks & Recreation Master Plan by resolution 20-25g after a presentation by LandWorks Studio; the 170-page guiding document reflects public engagement, recommends parkland acquisition, improved access, safety fixes and phased staffing adjustments.
The Fairway City Council adopted resolution 20-25g on Nov. 10, 2025, formally adopting the 'Branching to Tomorrow' Parks & Recreation Master Plan as the department's guiding planning document.
Bryce, director of Parks and Recreation, introduced consultants Erica Fladd and Nathan Harrell of LandWorks Studio, who summarized the four-phase planning process: discovery, analysis, envisioning and implementation. Erica said the process included an inventory of parks and facilities, a review of budgets and staffing, stakeholder meetings, three in-person engagement events and an online survey with over 300 responses.
Nathan Harrell highlighted priorities including parkland acquisition to address gaps in walkable access (noting several city-owned parcels in the floodplain that would require permits and coordination with state and federal agencies for development), youth-sports field improvements at Petersen/Neil Peterson Park including leveling and a possible Astroturf pilot, safety enhancements at park edges and long-term options for low-impact floodplain parks. He also identified midterm goals to strengthen partnerships with the Kansas Historical Society and the Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation and potential future staffing additions tied to program growth.
Bryce and several councilmembers thanked the steering committee and resident participants; councilmember Jerry Williams, a steering committee member, praised the community engagement and highlighted attention to the Shawnee Indian Mission. Nathan noted the full, roughly 170-page report and supporting materials would be posted on the city website.
A motion to adopt resolution 20-25g was moved and seconded; the council adopted the resolution by unanimous voice vote. The resolution adopts the plan as guidance and does not obligate immediate funding for specific projects, although it establishes priorities and a framework for future budgeting and grant pursuit.
