By K.D. Norris
The City of Kentwood announced Nov. 11 that it is inviting community members to share their feedback on a proposed update to its 5-year Community Park and Recreation Plan online or in person at an open house Monday, Nov. 16.
Residents may review and provide their thoughts on the Community Park and Recreation Plan between 5:15 and 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
According to the city announcement, a community park and recreation plan is required by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to be grant eligible. The update builds on previous parks master planning and engagement efforts to align with the community’s needs. It creates an inventory of existing facilities and resources, identifies community recreation and open space needs and sets an action plan for the next five years.
“An approved plan will allow us to seek state and federal grant funding that will help us make improvements we have identified and prioritized in partnership with our community over the past few years,” Val Romeo, Kentwood parks and recreation director, said in supplied material. “Additional public input on this plan brings us a step closer to accessing funding to make necessary enhancements to our parks, trails, recreational programming and facilities as our community grows.”
Community members who attend the open house are asked to follow COVID-19 precautionary measures, including wearing a face covering and practicing physical distancing.
The draft plan and a form to submit feedback online is available on the City’s website at kentwood.us/5-year-park-plan.
