Journal Staff
City Hall says it wants residents to help shape the future of parks, recreation and culture in Sarnia.
The city has begun work on a Master Plan to set the direction for its recreation facilities, parks and cultural services.
The parks and recreation department is responsible for 400 hectares of park and open space, 90,000 trees, 15 hectares of beachfront, 35,000 square metres of gardens and 50 kilometres of trails and pathways.
The department manages three arenas, two swimming pools, a splash pad, a dog park, two skate parks and a BMX track, in addition to 14 baseball diamonds, 30 sports fields and 23 outdoor tennis courts.
Plus, it operates the Strangway Community Centre, Camp Saredaca and numerous picnic shelters, pavilions, washrooms and playgrounds.
The Master Plan, when complete, will provide a strategic framework to managing properties and recreational services for the next 10 to 12 years.
Public feedback will be sought in several ways, including meetings and focus groups with staff and council, and over 20 stakeholder sessions.
The first open house is planned for May 29 at Clearwater Arena, Upper Hall, at 6 p.m.
An on-line survey and community engagement platform is being set up where residents can speak up about recreation and parks.
The city has hired the consulting team of Tim L. Dobbie Ltd., FJ Galloway Associates Inc. plus GSP Group Inc. to coordinate the process and create the Master Plan.
City staff say details about ‘Speak Up Sarnia’ opportunities will be advertised in advance and all consultation events will be posted on the City of Sarnia’s website, at www.Sarnia.ca.