Yuma smart to gather input on future needs

When it comes to Parks and recreation, what would you like to see, readers?

The City of Yuma has been on a mission to gather feedback from the public about parks and recreation.

The goal is to shape the city’s Parks, Arts, Recreation and Trails (PART) Plan, a 10-year guide for managing and enhancing parks, open space, trails and recreation opportunities for the Yuma community. The plan will guide improvements to the park and recreation system and help the city focus future investments.

Shaping it through public feedback is a terrific way to proceed, and so far, it seems people are responding.

In a recent presentation to the Yuma City Council, officials noted that about 1,540 people responded in the first phase of community surveys.

The “strongest needs” for the community so far have been identified as pools, walking/biking trails, indoor gymnasium, splash pads and dog parks.

And readers, that’s a great list of needs for Yuma.

There are pools in Yuma, but are there enough? If a new pool isn’t an option, a new splash pad may be a more economically feasible option for the city, while still providing a place for kids to cool off.

With Yuma’s great weather, walking and biking trails are definitely a priority. We have some, which are used by Yumans of all ages. Adding more would provide an easy way for Yumans to get outside and be active – and we think it’s a great idea.

We also like the idea of another dog park. People love their dogs – giving them a space to exercise and play is a wonderful idea.

But the most intriguing idea on the list is one for an indoor gymnasium. We understand that such a facility comes with costs. It’s not just the building. It’s the equipment, the staff, etc. – and that’s a major undertaking.

However, we also live in one of the hottest places in America. Yuma offers amazing outdoor recreation opportunities, but when that summer weather hits, we’re all inside.

An indoor gymnasium, offering amenities like an indoor walking track, a cardio fitness room, indoor cycling, and perhaps an indoor therapy pool could be a game-changer for many Yumans, especially if the city could offer such a facility with low membership rates.

Now, we can also easily make the argument that such facilities are best left in the hands of commercial operators. Private businesses can just as easily offer such services, and the city doesn’t need to compete with private businesses.

Still, it’s an intriguing topic.

The city expects to hold a second phase of surveys this month.

In the meantime, readers, we’re curious. What amenities do you think the city should offer? What should be included in the Parks, Arts, Recreation and Trails (PART) Plan?

Let us know. Share your thoughts with a letter to the editor at letters@yumasun.com.