A major focus of the meeting was on the future park sites at Huntersburg and Marsh Hollow, both designated for new developments funded by park dedication fees. Discussions underscored the importance of community engagement in shaping these projects, with emphasis on the unique features of each site. Marsh Hollow’s protected wetland area was noted as an aspect that would remain undeveloped, preserving it as natural green space.

The Huntersburg site, located near County Road 11, presents development challenges such as elevation grading that could influence costs. The committee stressed the need for community input to determine desired amenities.

The meeting also delved into the intricacies of the community survey, which aims to collect feedback on park usage and preferences. Efforts to enhance the survey’s clarity and effectiveness were discussed, with suggestions to adopt a multiple-choice format and include options for respondents to specify additional inputs. The survey targets the entire community, with particular outreach to neighborhoods near the park sites. The committee plans to engage local associations to address the challenge of limited field space availability.

Survey discussions highlighted the balance between collecting detailed data and maintaining simplicity to prevent respondent fatigue. Suggestions included refining age group categories for demographic insights and simplifying the ranking of amenity preferences to streamline the process. The committee acknowledged the importance of actionable data, emphasizing that the survey results would shape future park developments.

Another topic was the need for clear communication about park features and their implications. Discussions touched on how certain amenities, such as sports fields and parking needs, could influence park accessibility and community impact. The committee recognized the necessity of informing the public about these factors.

In addition to the survey, upcoming summer engagement events were outlined. These events will include pop-up engagement sessions at future park sites and existing parks, providing opportunities for direct interaction and feedback collection.

The meeting also covered various park amenity proposals, with input from both the public and committee members. Suggestions included sports courts, a mini-golf course, and basketball courts, with discussions on their feasibility and potential impact on existing facilities. The committee explored ideas for multi-use sports fields, considering permanent versus flexible markings, and the inclusion of an ice rink in the list of amenities.

This approach aims to ensure that park spaces are utilized effectively for various events and activities, supporting diverse community interests. The inclusion of QR codes on park signs and other promotional efforts are part of the committee’s strategy to raise awareness and encourage survey participation.