Public invited to parks department master plan meeting
JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson Recreation and Parks Department extends an invitation to the public to participate in their upcoming master plan meeting.
This gathering provides an opportunity for community members to express their opinions regarding the attractions they would like to see in the city.
We interviewed Christi David, the Parks Operations Manager, who mentioned that the master plan is revised every five years. The last update was in 2018, with the primary purpose being to assess the current offerings and take inventory of existing facilities. David emphasized that the master plan sets short, mid, and long-term goals, serving as a valuable tool for grant applications.
“We were just awarded over a million dollars in grants, and all of those projects were based on our current master plan,” David highlighted, underlining the importance of the plan in securing funding for various projects.
As the master plan undergoes updates, David expressed the department’s intent to apply for more grants. She mentioned specific additions that the community has shown interest in, such as additional sports facilities, basketball courts, an indoor sports facility, and the popular pickleball. These enhancements align with the city’s commitment to meeting the recreational needs of its residents.
David also shared exciting news about Jackson being chosen to host state games in June 2025. The master plan will play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s approach to incorporating and maximizing the potential of this significant event.
With 20 parks throughout the city of Jackson, David aims to create spaces that people genuinely want to visit. Upcoming improvements include new playgrounds at Malesus, Conger, and Paradise Park, all of which are expected to arrive in the next few weeks.
Encouraging community involvement, David urged residents to vocalize their preferences for the development of their local areas. She acknowledged the increasing participation from the community over the past three years and expressed gratitude for the positive response.
The first master plan meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, at 10 a.m. at the Jackson-Madison County Library Program Center. The department looks forward to engaging with the community to ensure the city’s parks and recreation facilities reflect the desires and needs of its residents.
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