Caring for and improving existing city parks rather than creating new parks is the focus of the proposed master plan for Duluth's parks, recreation and trails.
City staff, park commissioners and consultants have worked on the plan for the past year, according to a city news release. Key elements:
Create stable and sustainable funding sources to improve the park system. "Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly in favor of a high-quality park, recreation and trails system," Kathy Bergen, Parks and Recreation Manager, said in the release. "We heard from many people who moved to Duluth to be close to nature and close to recreation. Our parks, recreation activities, trails and natural resources are a huge part of the local economy and attract visitors from across the world. We needed a plan to protect and enhance that resource."
The plan does not recommend the addition of many new parks.
"Duluth has a great system of park land but due to budget constraints, buildings are in sad shape and are not meeting residents' expectations," said Greg Ingraham, a consultant. "Improving existing parks and connecting the community with trails and bikeways should be the focus. That will take additional funding and a commitment of the community, but parks and recreation are a vital element of Duluth's future and deserve the investment."
People can learn about and comment on the park plan at a Nov. 10 open house at Washington Center, 310 N. First Ave. W. The event runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Public comments from the meeting will be used to prepare the final parks and recreation master plan, which will go to the Duluth City Council in December.
