HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — A series of public meetings will take place in October, where community members will have the opportunity to be the driving voice behind the new Parks & Recreation Master Plan – a document that acts as the blueprint for new and improved Parks & Recreation amenities, programs, facilities and more.

According to Director of Communications & Public Engagement Michael Parks, community members are encouraged to share any input they have about ways to improve parks and programs in Harrisonburg, new amenities or features they would like to see added, or any other feedback related to how their family likes to play.

Public meetings are currently scheduled for:

  • Monday, October 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center, 620 Simms Ave.
  • Tuesday, October 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Westover Park Community Activities Center, 305 S. Dogwood Drive
  • Thursday, October 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Harrisonburg Public Works Administrative Building, 320 E. Mosby Road

Public meeting attendees will be able to speak directly to Parks & Recreation staff about their experiences in Harrisonburg and what they would like to see added when it comes to parks and programs in the future. Master plan consultant Kimley-Horn will show attendees different parks, amenities and programs opportunities to consider and provide their feedback about. And attendees can take part in activities while at these events, such as ice cream socials and prize giveaways.

“This master plan process gives our community the opportunity to be the driving factor in the decisions we make about what your kids and grandkids will be playing on and taking part in in the coming years,” Harrisonburg Parks & Recreation Director Brian Mancini said. “We love interacting with our community every day, whether that be at one of our rec centers, out at a playground, during one of our programs or events, or any of the many ways we serve Harrisonburg. And we’re excited to see what ideas you come up with for how we will be interacting together in the future.”

A website also will be available where community members can take a survey about their recreation needs or provide comments about things they like, or would like to see improved, at individual parks. By visiting Harrisonburg Parks and Rec | PublicCoordinate – A public engagement platform, community members can scroll to the map at the bottom of the page and click “Take Survey” to complete the online survey, or select Add Comment to provide individual comments about current Parks & Recreation amenities on the interactive map.

In addition to public meetings and survey opportunities, Parks & Recreation staff will take part in pop-up events throughout the community to highlight the master plan program – such as at the Kids Castle Fantasy Faire Celebration on October 15 – and through meeting with stakeholder groups such as local athletic clubs and school officials.

“We want you to dream big,” Mancini said. “If there’s any idea you have about parks, programs or play in Harrisonburg, this is the time to let us know so we can begin making those dreams a reality.”

Find more information at Parks & Recreation Master Plan Public Engagement | City of Harrisonburg, VA.