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Residents are encouraged to share with the city what they would like to see in their parks.
Photo provided by the city of Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM — Birmingham locals are encouraged to continue providing feedback about the 2024-’28 parks and recreation master plan.
The city has been preparing a five-year parks and recreation master plan in accordance with Michigan Department of Natural Resources requirements. This plan will eventually be a guide for the city as they are developing community recreation facilities and programs.
“If you haven’t had an opportunity to contribute any feedback, now is the time to do so,” Parks and Recreation Manager Carrie Laird said. “We love hearing from the residents about what they want to see in the park system.”
Throughout the drafting process of the plan, community engagement has been encouraged. The city has offered several opportunities for people to provide input on the parks both online and in person.
This summer, the city held multiple field days to seek out engagement with residents and visitors. These were held at Kenning Park, the Birmingham Farmers Market, a summer concert in Shain Park and at a movie night in Booth Park.
“We truly value everyone’s input,” Public Services Director Scott Zielinski said. “Whether or not we can fully put in every idea, we want to hear every idea that people have so that we can do our best to meet the people’s needs when it comes to our park system.”
Over 200 people provided feedback on Engage Birmingham, and hundreds participated in the in-person field day events.
Now, residents have the opportunity to see everything put together and respond to it as a whole.
The plan can be reviewed online at bhamgov.org/parksmasterplan. Hard copies are available during regular business hours at Birmingham City Hall, 151 Martin St.; the Birmingham Department of Public Services, 851 S. Eton St.; the Birmingham Ice Arena, 2300 E. Lincoln St.; and Baldwin Public Library, 300 W. Merrill St.
People can submit feedback through Dec. 4. Input will be accepted in person at the Department of Public Services at 851 S. Eton St. between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., by mail, or email Laird at claird@bhamgov.org.
Once officials have gathered all of the feedback, the revised plan will be presented at a public hearing at the City Commission Dec. 18.
“We just look forward to the feedback that we’ll be receiving here over the next month; hopefully, put together a wonderful plan and take it forward into the future,” Zielinski said.
To stay updated on the progress of the 2024-’28 parks and recreation master plan, go to bhamgov.org/parksmasterplan and subscribe to the Parks and Recreation Projects Constant Contact group at bhamgov.org/enews.
