A new draft of a parks plan under consideration outlines ‘a
vision for parks and recreation in San Benito County for the next
20 years and beyond,’ a top official told supervisors. From the
phone survey and community meetings, the plan found that county
residents desire more parks for
”
active recreation,
”
which could include a dog park and sports fields. Other desired
projects include countywide trails, a community and cultural center
and an aquatics center.
HOLLISTER
A new draft of a parks plan under consideration outlines a “a vision for parks and recreation in San Benito County for the next 20 years and beyond,” Acting Public Works Administrator Janelle Cox told supervisors at last week’s meeting.
Cox made a presentation to the board on the status of the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan.
Cox said that it represents needs of the community.
“I feel that the plan integrated the needs and the desires of the community,” Cox said. “Through the public process, we addressed the needs through the phone and community meetings.”
From the phone survey and community meetings, the plan found that county residents desire more parks for “active recreation,” which could include a dog park and sports fields. Other desired projects include countywide trails, a community and cultural center and an aquatics center.
Cox said that the county will put out an annual update on the status of the plan.
“It’s very important that the public be informed and they have the opportunity to provide any input,” she said. “It will be a very public process on an annual basis.”
Other goals of the plan for parks and recreation include assuming a leadership role in the development or parks and recreation in the county; developing connections between parklands through trails, bikeways and other means of transportation; protection of natural resources; considering user safety in park design; and creating a diversity of recreation programs for all ages and physical abilities.
Once the plan is adopted by the board of supervisors, there are several projects listed in the plan that will move forward to the board, Cox said. Included in those plans are enhancements to existing parks – Veterans Memorial Park and the Historical Park – and a new regional park. Cox added that public works is developing a team for that project. The team will work on land purchases, easements and land-use agreements for the new park.
Cox said that the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan will likely be sent to the board of supervisors for final approval in late July. Before then, the plan will have to undergo a California Environmental Quality Act review and will be sent to the planning commission for its approval before a 45-day public review period.
