Feedback sought on parks and rec master plan
The parks and recreation department in Birmingham is preparing a five-year master plan, and the city of Birmingham is inviting the community to share its feedback regarding a draft 2024-2028 parks and recreation master plan between November 1 and December 4.
According to the city, the five-year parks and recreation master plan is being prepared in accordance with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requirements. When completed, the plan will serve as a guide for the acquisition and development of community recreation facilities and programs over the next five years.
The draft plan was created after extensive public engagement and work by the parks and recreation committee earlier this year. Birmingham partnered with McKenna, a community planning and design organization, to ensure that every interested resident had the opportunity to participate and make their voice heard. According to Scott Zielinski, Birmingham Director of Public Services, members of the public shared input through the city's online public engagement platform Engage Birmingham, as well as at in-person events at Kenning Park, the Birmingham Farmers Market, a summer concert at Shain Park and a movie night at Booth Park.
“We were pleased to have more than 200 people provide feedback on Engage Birmingham, and hundreds more who participated during our in-person field day events,” Zielinski said. “As we unveil this draft plan and begin our public review period, we look forward to continued input to create vibrant parks and recreation spaces that reflect the needs and desires of our residents."
As of Wednesday, November 1, the plan is available for online review at bhamgov.org/parksmasterplan. Hard copies are available at Birmingham City Hall; Birmingham Department of Public Services; Birmingham Ice Arena; and Baldwin Public Library.
Comments may be submitted in person at the department of public services between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Feedback can also be submitted by mail, or via email to parks and recreation manager Carrie Laird at claird@bhamgov.org.
The draft 2024-2028 parks and recreation master plan will go before the city commission on Monday, December 18.
