The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department has placed it master planning public survey online in an effort to increase community input. Citizens interested in providing input into the City’s new 10-year parks master plan can access the survey at www.TylerParksandRec.com before Feb. 11, 2010.
The survey also was randomly sent to 3,000 Tyler residents throughout the community. A self addressed, stamped envelope was included to encourage residents to complete the survey and return it before the Feb. 11 deadline.
“It is vital that we hear from our citizens about what they would like to see for the future of Tyler’s parks system,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “It only takes a moment to complete the survey; however, the input can shape what the future holds for our parks.”
In addition to the survey, the following public meetings will be held for citizens who would like to provide input in person:
· Jan. 26; 6:30 p.m. Rose Garden, Rose Room, 420 South Rose Park Drive;
· Feb. 1; 6:30 p.m. Jack Elementary Cafeteria, 1900 Balsam Gap Lane; and,
· Feb. 2; 2010 6:30 p.m. UT Tyler Library Conference Room.
“It has been more than 10 years since the City’s current parks master plan was created; the City has grown and we need a plan that reflects our current and future parks needs,” added Mayor Bass.
An updated parks master plan will also play an essential role in obtaining both state and federal grants for parks. Because of its age, the City’s current parks master plan is no longer considered valid as a tool for applying for grants and the City is ineligible for these funds.
In 2009, the Tyler City Council awarded a contract for the Parks and Recreation and Open Space Master Plan to local consultant, MHS Planning and Design. The new parks 10-year master plan will replace the current plan that was created in 1998.
The need for an updated parks master plan was identified in the Parks, Open Space, Recreation and Lakes portion of the Tyler 21 Plan. Funds for the creation of the plan were included in the fiscal year 2008-2009 budget. The goal of the new parks master plan will be to help guide the City toward completing the objectives laid out in the Tyler 21 Plan.
For more information on the Parks and Recreation Department or the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan 2010-2020, please visit www.TylerParksandRec.com.