You have until Feb 15th, next Tuesday, to fill out the city’s on-line survey, last chance to give public input tomorrow. Some of the concerns I’ve heard about the input process follow, as well as details on how you an give input.
HOW TO GIVE INPUT
The Madison Parks Division is updating the Park and Open Space Plan for 2011-2016. Staff is collecting public input for this plan through an on-line survey and three public input meetings. The purpose of the Park and Open Space Plan (POSP) is to serve as a long range planning guide for decisions made by City Boards and Commissions, City agencies and staff. It is a tool used to guide decisions for a variety of Park and Open Space issues such as city policies, park acquisitions, facility development, as well as park funding. The POSP is also a necessary component to be eligible for Federal and State grants.
All Madison residents are encouraged to participate in this process by filling out the on-line survey or attending one of the public input presentation meetings. The survey also allows for input concerning current and future park programming opportunities. Madison Parks is where we play. Our community stays strong when we play together. Staff wants to take steps to ensure that your Madison Parks programming needs are met.
We encourage you to take a few minutes to fill out this on-line survey, or join us at one of the public meeting presentations. The same survey will be provided at the meeting.
Public Meeting Dates
* January 25, 7-9 p.m.Central Public Library, 201 W. Mifflin St.
* February 3, 7-9 p.m.Alicia Ashman Public Library, 733 N. High Point Rd.
* February 10, 7-9 p.m.Warner Park Community Recreation Center, 1625 Northport Drive
Helpful Links
* Survey – on Survey Monkey – deadline to participate February 15.
* 2005-2010 Park and Open Space Plan as part of the City of Madison Comprehensive Plan – Background (.pdf) and Recommendations (.pdf)
Questions or Concerns? Please email the parkandopenspaceplan@cityofmadison.com
CONCERNS
Here’s a handful or two of things that I have heard:
– The survey did not load on library and community center computers (It bogged down my computer too)
– The survey is only available on line or if you attend the meetings.
– The meetings were held on cold winter nights when many, including those with kids, are unlikely to venture out.
– The meetings were attended by a very non-diverse groups of people – mostly all white, no kids, no people with obvious physical disabilities, etc. Where is the outreach to lower-income and diverse neighborhoods/populations?
– Seems to be more outreach to sports groups and not others who use the parks for nature and more passive uses.
– The survey seems to be set up to be a popularity contest, and will benefit the largest parks uses the most, but ignoring some of the smaller parks.
– This seems to be being rushed, what’s the hurry?
Get your input in now!
Whoa, I just heard about 10 people attended the first meeting and only about 7 at the second. FAIL!