Parks Plan Update

Earlier this month, we reported on the Parks, Recreation and Open Space master plan, which was scheduled for a vote by the city Council on November 1. We expressed concerns about the omission of critical portions of the greenbelt from maps in the plan, including connective corridors between waterways, and potential problems with the fee-in-lieu proposals added to an appendix. We also requested that certain goals be revised to emphasize preservation of natural areas that address habitat, recharge, the river, and flooding.

While a vote on the plan was delayed per the request of many of your e-mails, the Parks and Recreation Department staff agreed with most of our suggested revisions, including assurances that the fee-in-lieu process would not be changed in the near term. The council will reconsider the revised plan at a later meeting. We hope to get a copy of the revisions in advance and will keep you posted.

In general we are pleased with the plan and are very happy to see that it emphasizes trails and reflects SMGA’s Loop & Check greenbelt vision.