Massillon Parks & Rec to host Tuesday meeting to talk master plan; seek public opinions

Steven M. Grazier, The Independent
·2 min read
Local residents cool off at the Reservoir Park spillway in Massillon. The city is seeking community input on its new parks master plan and will hold a public meeting Tuesday to gather feedback.
Local residents cool off at the Reservoir Park spillway in Massillon. The city is seeking community input on its new parks master plan and will hold a public meeting Tuesday to gather feedback.

MASSILLON – The city is ready to unveil its Massillon Parks Master Plan and is looking for community feedback.

"This plan will set us up for the next five to 10 years on what we need to get done and move forward," Parks & Rec Director Steve Pedro said. "We'd like to get some input from the community on what to prioritize."

A public meeting to gather input is set from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Massillon Recreation Center, 505 Erie St. N. A presentation of the 190-page master plan is slated for 6:30 p.m.

Children play last week at Reservoir Park in Massillon. The city is seeking community input on its new parks master plan and will hold a public meeting Tuesday to gather feedback.
Children play last week at Reservoir Park in Massillon. The city is seeking community input on its new parks master plan and will hold a public meeting Tuesday to gather feedback.

The meeting venue is also a place to offer thoughts on day-to-day parks and recreation issues.

Too much doggie or geese doo-doo? Say so. No place to park your car, bicycle or mororcycle? Make it known. Looking for more disc golf or better baseball and softball fields? Share your kudos or queries with the park brass and the public.

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Massillon Parks & Rec master plan looks at sidewalks, parking, restrooms, more

The master plan includes new park sidewalks, as well as parking lots and restroom facilities at LC Jones Park on Osage Avenue SE and Lincoln Park, 505 Lincoln Park Drive NW, Pedro said.

Jill Creamer
Jill Creamer

City Councilwoman Jill Creamer, D-Ward 4, is a member of council's Parks and Recreation Committee. She said the addition of park services would be welcoming.

"I definitely think we should add pavilions and restrooms. I'd like to see more of that," Creamer said. "I'd also like us to be more attractive to young families, maybe with some more (walking and biking) trails."

The city especially wants to hear from residents about how existing parks are used and which programs and events are most popular, Pedro said.

"We also want to get ahead of some things and report on a few finished projects," said Pedro, citing new tennis and basketball courts and pavilions within the park system.

A public meeting is set to discuss the Massillon Parks Master Plan from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Massillon Recreation Center, 505 Erie St. N.
A public meeting is set to discuss the Massillon Parks Master Plan from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Massillon Recreation Center, 505 Erie St. N.

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Opinions may help determine needs both throughout the city’s park system and for future parks.

Creamer said she is planning to attend Tuesday's meeting and is hopeful for a good turnout.

"I'm not sure what all we have in the works right now (long term)," said Creamer. "So this meeting should answer some questions."

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon Parks & Recreation Dept. hosting master plan meeting July 11