City of San Angelo seeking input on new master plan for parks

UPDATE: The city has changed the dates of these meetings and this story has been updated to reflect the new information. 

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If you have some ideas about how to improve parks in San Angelo, the City wants to hear from you.

The City of San Angelo is beginning to gather citizen input as it explores how best to improve parks, recreational facilities and programs.

Citizens are invited to come share their thoughts during two meetings to be held in the City Council chambers of the McNease Convention Center, 501 Rio Concho Drive. 

• Monday, Oct. 21, 4 p.m. – called meeting with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to discuss the master plan. (This meeting is open to the public.)

• Monday, Oct. 21, 5:30 p.m. – meeting with the public to gather input on the master plan, including: parks; recreational facilities; recreational programming for youth, adults and seniors; fees, and reservations.

The City will also gather public input through a month-long online survey, beginning late October.

Master plans provide direction based on public input and desires for park development and recreation programming.

The City developed a plan in 2001, which was updated in 2005, before a new plan was created in 2012.

Some direct results of previous plans include Kirby Community Park, the River project, the dog park and a new boat ramp at Lake Nasworthy, which is currently being designed.

Having an updated master plan also allows the City to compete for grants from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Since adoption of the 2001 plan, the City has earned nearly $2 million from TPWD for park and trail development.

To remain competitive for state grant funding, a city must adopt an updated master plan every five years.