The Town of Garner unanimously approved the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department’s Comprehensive Plan in January.
The plan outlines the department’s priorities for the next ten years and is a culmination of nearly two years of study which involved community input through focus groups and surveys.
“It’s been about a two year process from start to finish,” said Sonya Shaw, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, in remarks at the Town Council meeting on January 21.
The department will build between 33 – 42 miles of greenway in accordance with the Greenway Network Plan and two new parks, being referred to as Meadowbrook and Yeargan. Long term goals include nearly 100 miles of greenway in total, acquiring land for a third new park and working towards a second indoor recreation center.
“I think it’s always important for us to really see our comprehensive plan as a community plan. It’s certainly one that involved a number of community agencies and groups. Roughly about 35 different community groups have been involved in this process,” Shaw said.
The plan also outlines the need for increasing programs focusing on health and wellness and cultural resources, particularly serving the teenaged and senior populations, and addresses staffing needs, funding needs and maintenance.