The township will hire a consultant to help develop the “parks and recreation master plan” that one official sees as a vital factor in the development of future projects.
“With the growing demand for parks amenities, equipment and facilities, it would be prudent to have a ‘master plan’ developed to look at the township’s long-term strategy for dealing with these priorities,” Public Works Director Larry Lynch said in a report to council last week.
Lynch made the same recommendation to the township’s parks, recreation and culture committee in November.
At that time, committee members felt the plan was something they could complete themselves, given their “diversity and community knowledge,” but Lynch said a “qualified consultant” was required.
“I would suggest we are not in a position of expertise to make these types of decisions,” Lynch said in his report.
He explained the township is in a difficult budget year that will have a considerable impact on parks and recreation projects.
“The existing facilities all need enhancement, there are demands for additions and improvements in all urban areas and we are continually adding service to the more than 100 acres of parks and cemeteries we are already maintaining,” Lynch told council.
In forming the master plan, committee members and service club officials would be consulted on community needs, he noted in his report.
Councillor Neil Driscoll wondered about the committee’s desire to implement the plan on their own.
Lynch replied there was no formal recommendation made by the committee and he was bringing the matter forward to council because the make-up of the committee has changed since the October election.
Council unanimously approved a resolution directing staff to “develop a scope of work” for the master plan and to initiate a selection process to secure a consultant to develop the plan. Mayor Bruce Whale was absent.
