Cortez Parks and Recreation staffers are seeking public input as they update the city’s parks master plan.
The plan hasn’t been revised since 2007, said Parks and Recreation director Dean Palmquist. The department is inviting citizens to attend one of two public meeting sessions at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 6 at Cortez Recreation Center meeting rooms. People will be asked to highlight certain parks projects they would like to see prioritized in the master plan.
“People value parks and recreation in our community and we want to make sure they have a voice for what they want to see in the future,” Palmquist said.
Possible projects the department might pursue in the master plan are as follows:
Remodeling restrooms at Centennial ParkRemoving several tennis courts at Centennial Park and replacing them with pickleball courtsEnhancing trails at Geer Natural Area and installing an elevated bridge trail around the lakeInstalling restrooms and a concessions area at Rotary Park near the BMX track and little league baseball fieldsAdding new elements to the skate parkExpanding the city trails system and connecting various trailsIncreasing Parque de Vida lighting to make the park more safe at nightRenovating the stage at City Park and installing a weather shelter above the stageReplacing playground equipment at City ParkAdding new lighting at the Cortez Softball ComplexStarting an orchard south of Parque de Vida and east of the swimming poolConverting some of the land surrounding the old M-CHS building on Seventh Street into a park.After next week’s meetings, the department will determine what the top priorities are for the parks, Palmquist said. Department staff will recommend projects to the City Council, and the council will consider those projects in budget hearings next year, he said.