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<br /> <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Parks & Recreation Commission Members <br /> <br />FROM: Joel Hanson, City Administrator <br /> <br />DATE: February 24, 2017 <br /> <br />RE: Parks Master Plan <br /> <br />Recently, a number of factors seem to be pointing us in the direction of updating our Parks Master <br />Plan. Those factors are as follows: <br />• At the City’s goal setting session held on February 13th, one of the adopted goals was as <br />follows: <br />Parks Master Plan: <br />a. Rehab Spooner Park playground <br />b. Increase Wi-Fi in city parks <br />c. Build a dog park <br />d. Evaluate the current use of park equipment and playgrounds <br />• The City is also commencing an update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan which contains a <br />section on parks. This was last done in 2008 and a copy of that information is attached for <br />your review. <br />• Development of a “WOW” factor park and the need for community engagement <br />• Developing a plan/prioritization to guide completion of the City’s Trail System <br />• Future Development of the Regional Trout Brook Trail <br />• Creation of a master plan for Veterans Memorial Park <br /> <br />Another adopted goal focused on “Community Engagement”. This will be a key responsibility of our <br />new leader for Parks & Recreation. Furthermore, with the parks improvements being discussed in the <br />near future, community engagement is also an important consideration to ensure we are building <br />something the community wants/needs. In preparing the Parks Master Plan component of the <br />comprehensive plan, community engagement should also be an important consideration. <br /> <br />Given these factors, the question arises as to what is the best way to address these objectives. <br />Coupling the previously identified opportunities with a new leader in the Parks & Recreation area, it <br />seems like an ideal time to update the Parks Master Plan given that person will have the opportunity to <br />be involved in a key planning document that will guide us for the next number of years. <br /> <br />Staff believes a consultant is needed to coordinate this process and provide a fresh perspective. Given <br />the recent retirement of Bill Sanders, it also seems like a good idea to conduct a “Request for <br />Proposals” to determine which firm can best help us with this process. Loucks & Associates (Bill’s <br />firm) would obviously be asked to solicit. Our City Planner has indicated they have the capability to <br />address this need too. Finally, there are other Parks Consultants that we can contact to see what they <br />may propose.