Over the next few months our Culture, Parks, and Recreation Department staff will be collecting input for a new Parks, Trails and Open Space (PTOL) Master Plan. Why do we need a plan when we already have 40 beautifully maintained parks? Because it’s been many years since the last plan was developed and Greeley has grown since then by leaps and bounds. A new plan will help guide the future of Greeley’s parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, open lands, trails and natural areas.
Because taxpayers in Greeley are literally investors in in our community, City staff has started a public input process as part of the plan’s development. Over 150 residents spoke up at focus groups in June and a workshop in July helping staff gather ideas and priorities.
A second community workshop, scheduled for the fall, will cover concepts and recommendations offered by residents. The third and final meeting will take place at the end of the year so residents can review a draft plan with City Council members. You are invited to attend all of these workshops and meetings and you are also invited to provide feedback at www.playgreeley.com where you can learn more about the process and offer your input.
Please take a few minutes to visit the website, share your comments and then share the link with your friends, family and neighbors in Greeley so they can have a say too.
Roy H. Otto, City Manager
P.S. Speaking of our parks and playgrounds, Kudos to everyone who helped make Aven’s Village at Island Grove Regional Park a reality for Greeley. This will be the only inclusive playground in all of Northern Colorado and will serve people of all abilities. The playground’s namesake, Aven Mondy, is just 6 years old and has mobility impairments due to cerebral palsy. She and her family are the inspiration for this playground project.