Montesano’s parks board is preparing a new parks and recreation plan for 2018 and is asking for citizen input on park maintenance, improvements and potential additional recreation opportunities.
The Council of Governments recently approached the city about a new parks plan, stemming from the park board’s interest in attaining state funding from the Recreation and Conservation Office.
“Given that Montesano has such an active parks and recreation program, with youth sports and trails, this is something we’ve been looking for an opportunity to address,” city councilman and representative to the parks boardIan Cope said.
The grant funding would target certain projects, but before funds can be allotted to the city it must prepare a comprehensive parks and recreation plan for 2018.
Cope said the city is counting on its patrons for input into what the city should include in their new plan, whether it be more playground facilities, additional youth sports fields or the further development of trails.
“These are the people who pay taxes that help fund those parks,” he said. “It’s going to be their kids who are using them, they’re the ones who are going to be out there taking advantage of the parks, so finding out what is important to them and utilizing that information as to how we want to progress is very important.”
The city is asking that park and recreation patrons take part in a survey that will help the city understand the wishes of those who are utilizing the city’s parks and recreational opportunities.
“I know there are a lot of opinions out there, I hope they are anxious to share those opinions,” Cope said.
Cope noted the new soccer fields at Beacon Park as an example of the work the parks board hopes to accomplish in the future if the grant is awarded to the city. Also coming to Beacon Park within the next year are lights for the field, possible playground equipment and trail developments.
“I think we have a good base to build on and the first step would be wanting to see the facilities we have maintained, and when there are opportunities to expand to have a plan in place that would allow that to happen,” he said.
The board hopes that with grant funds even more improvements will be made throughout Montesano in regards to its parks and available recreational opportunities.
“There isn’t a whole lot of room for expansion – we are somewhat space limited,” Cope said. “So I think we’d want to see continued work at the existing facilities to make those the best facilities they can be.”
Mayor Vini Samuel reiterated the importance of citizen input on the survey and upcoming projects.
“I like the survey because it gives us a direct line to our residents as to what is a priority for them as to our recreational focus,” she said in an email. “It is also something easily accessible which allows anyone to participate.”
The survey is available on the city’s website at bit.ly/2uUdPHT. Cope said the survey is short, about 10 or 12 questions, and should not be too time consuming. Anyone who utilizes Montesano parks and recreation services are welcome to take the survey, not just Montesano residents. The survey will be available until Aug. 31.
“We need to have public input on it, as I understand that it is a requirement for moving forward with this grant application, so we’d like as many people as we can have tell us what they think,” Cope said.
