Collierville updates long-range plans for parks
Feedback to be sought
In the next decade, what will Collierville’s park system look like?
Will it have climbing walls, rope courses, an aquatic facility with water slides, lazy rivers and zero depth entry pool?
Or will there be a second community center, more senior programming, i ndoor tennis courts, large indoor rental venue or a gym with an indoor walking track?
That is what some residents, park staff and board officials will be looking at over the next several months. Consultants with Lose & Associates Inc. in Nashville talked about those suggestions Tuesday night during a joint work session with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the town’s Parks Advisory Board.
No action was taken by either board.
Chris Camp, agency president and a landscape architect, provided a snapshot of what is happening around the country. He applauded the town for owning large undeveloped park properties and funding the park system above the national average.
But he also pointed to challenges such as serving all areas equally, diversifying its programs and updating management policies.
“If you can’t have a wine and cheese party as a fundraiser (on town property), you are a little bit behind the times,” Camp said.
He also pointed out that the town couldn’t offer an archery program because it is against the law to shoot a bow and arrow within the city limits.
When it comes to corporations relocating to a community, he added, “Schools and parks are what sell.” For example, Johnson County in Kansas has rental cabins and a banquet facility that seats 400. “You are competing with them head-to-head in attracting corporations,” he said.
Other cities have had success in having features that are revenue generators or revenue neutral like a spray park with paid admission.
After Camp’s presentation, several weighed in on his suggestions. Alderman Tom Allen sees a need for a senior com- munity center, but doesn’t want the town to invest in potential fads.
Parks Advisory Board member Chuck Lesnick, however, isn’t interested in such a center. “I don’t want to be with a bunch of old people,” he said. “I’m over 65, so I can say that.”
Lesnick agreed with Camp’s assessment about changing town policies: “There are some things in this town that are backward.”
Parks Advisory Board member Trena Street thinks adult adventure play like climbing walls and towers would draw people to Collierville.
In the coming months, the agency will get more feedback from 2,500 residents who will be sent a postcard asking that they fill out an online survey. Paper copies will also be provided to those selected.
The report will outline a three-tiered approach to the town’s park system for the next 10 years. It is expected to be completed by the end of January.