City Looks For Input On Parks Master Plan

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is looking to update its master plan on where to create parks for the next decade.

The master plan was last updated in 2006. However, city officials are concerned that the downturn in the economy, and the uptick in the city’s population due to Fort Bliss expansion and the violence in Juarez could change the city’s projected path for parks and recreational and senior centers.

Officials hope residents offer ideas in two public meetings scheduled for this week.

“We know that the east side is growing a lot. What might we need in that area?” Marci Tuck, the open space coordinator for parks and rec, asked. “Or what might we need in the Northwest or the Northeast or Mission Valley? What is needed in each part of town and how does that fit with an overall system?”

City officials will take the input gathered at the two public meetings and compile it into the new master plan, which should be presented to City Council by the end of the summer, said Tuck.

“We welcome people to come in and give their input, tell what they would like to see in a park or in a facility — a recreation center, or for seniors — or for our programs. Swimming programs, sports, et cetera,” Tuck added.

The master plan will dictate park projects in the city for the next five to 10 years.

The meetings are as follows:

Thursday, June 7, 6 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m. El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza

For more information, call 541-4020.