Local groups push multi-site recreation master plan; commission asks rec board for next steps

Multiple presentations and public input this year converged around a commission directive to produce a master plan for parks and recreation.

Community members including Nicole Cabler and Caroline Gray presented Urbansky (Railroad) Park refurbishment proposals — suggesting bathrooms, seating, fire pit, and other amenities — and asked for feedback and coordination with the Recreation Advisory Board. Mark Moser, Recreation Advisory Board chairman, reported the board's work on a master plan and was directed by commissioners to continue and present more detailed options. "There was discussion about how the proposal fit in with the on-going discussion of making improvements to all the city’s recreational areas and programs," the minutes note. The commission asked staff to draft a resolution creating an ad hoc committee for a recreation master plan and later tasked the recreation board to lead the master-plan development.

Commissioners provided conditional support for volunteers and staged improvements (e.g., Railroad Park stage donation pending safety review by utilities staff) and requested public meetings and work sessions to refine scope and funding. No capital appropriation for the master plan was approved at presentation; the commission requested additional cost estimates and prioritized a public work session on July 22 and other planning meetings.