Building on the results of its user survey released in late February, the Collegedale Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a community forum Tuesday, April 23, to gain even more insight into what area recreationalists want.
"The West Community Room at city hall will be set up in stations to encourage interaction and to give participants a chance to see what is being offered in parks and recreation and also allow for submission of ideas and suggestions," said Traci Bennett-Hobek, Collegedale's parks and recreation director. "The public input meeting gives residents and user groups an opportunity to speak directly with someone versus simply filling out a survey."
New musical offering at The Commons
The Collegedale Tomorrow Foundation is introducing free public concerts to The Commons beginning Thursday, April 25 with a performance by Pretty Penny, an Ooltewah-based band that plays 1980s rock music.The first of 12 months of concerts begins at 6 p.m. inside Founders’ Hall at The Commons, located on Swinyar Drive next to city hall in Collegedale. A popcorn and lemonade vendor will provide refreshments.The concerts, sponsored by Collegedale Credit Union, will be held the fourth Thursday of the month.The concerts join the Collegedale Market and twice-a-month movie nights as regular events at The Commons offered by the foundation. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department also holds monthly events at the event space.“We continue to animate the space in different ways to attract people to The Commons,” said David Barto, director of the foundation. “The market and movie nights continue to draw excellent crowds and the concert series is an excellent addition.”- By Staff Writer Davis Lundy
That survey showed that park-users' top two priorities are maintaining current parks and developing new greenways, though some wish list items were also named, including construction of a water feature such as a splash pad or pool.
While planning for the future is the main purpose of the meeting, it will also serve to remind locals of what is already available to them. Staff and representatives will be on-hand to discuss options and answer questions related to outdoor education, health and wellness, Veterans Memorial Park, the Collegedale Dog Park, sports, recreational facilities and cultural offerings - both current and potential.
"The feedback collected will guide the direction of future projects and programming. Knowing what the community desires in its Parks and Recreation Department is instrumental in progress, meeting needs and seeking grants for expansion," Bennett-Hobek said.
Developing a master plan for recreation will enable planners to pursue larger grants, such as those from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, whose grant offerings often stretch to $1 million.
It will also help tie the city into Hamilton County's master parks plan. The county's Parks and Recreation Department has contracted with national consulting firm GreenPlay to assess the existing parks, recreational facilities, programs and services and plot a path that prioritizes the community's needs and desires for upgrades and improvements.
Following a string of focus groups that wrapped up this week, the county is hosting an open public forum Thursday, April 18, from 6:30-8 p.m. at UTC's Benwood Auditorium, EMCS Room 230. A survey will come later, according to a release.
"The city of Collegedale is just one of several cities in Hamilton County and we sit in the area of fastest growth and development," Bennett-Hobek said. "It is important to plan for parks and recreation services for the growth in this area.
"Parks and recreation is a driving force in economic development, health and wellness measures of a community, and quality-of-life perception of its residents."
Everyone interested in participating in Collegedale's public input meeting is invited to come by the West Community Room between 6 and 8 p.m. The event is drop-in.
Email Jennifer Bardoner at jbardoner@timesfreepress.com.