Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update

Expressed support for the master plan's focus on trails but noted that natural open space and wildlife are missing from the core recognition. Suggested closer coordination with regional wildlife corridor projects and open space planning.

Highlighted the importance of Acker Park to tourism and community events like Acker Night, urging the city not to overlook established urban parks and thanking volunteers for fire-wise maintenance.

Spoke on behalf of Friends of Acker Park, detailing volunteer efforts in fire-wise clearing, trail maintenance, and educational activities, and praised the new Recreation Services Director's engagement.

Expressed surprise that natural open spaces were omitted from the system inventory and called for open space to be fully integrated into the master plan, including tree canopy management and a natural open space manager position.

Requested that beach volleyball courts be included in the master plan discussion to meet growing high school and adult demand in the quad-city area.

Stressed that with thousands of unbuilt residential lots approved, future growth demands more parks, fields, and open space, not just maintenance of existing facilities.

Requested a demographic breakdown of survey and focus group participants to ensure residents under 60 are adequately represented in the planning process.

Urged the council to maintain funding in the upcoming budget for the community nature center.