The Belton Parks Master Plan aims to improve existing sports facilities, develop new ones, pursue opportunities for indoor recreation, construct an inclusive playground, add native landscaping, and provide supporting amenities such as shade structures, restrooms, and signage in local parks.
“Our Parks Master Plan is moving along very well,” said James Grant, director of Belton Parks & Recreation.
“A draft of the plan will be presented to our Parks Board in February, followed by a Town Hall Meeting in March,” Grant said. “We hope to have a final document ready to go before City Council in April.”
In November, City Council approved an amended agreement with Dallas-based MHS Planning & Design to conduct a feasibility study for an Indoor Recreational Center as part of the 10-year Master Plan.
According to Joe Dyer, Belton parks superintendent, the study will determine whether such a center is needed within the city.
“An indoor recreation center would likely include basketball and volleyball courts, along with various fitness programs such as yoga and kickboxing,” Dyer said this week.
“We’ve received community engagement on items that should be included in the Master Plan by hosting pop-ups at events such as Bacon, Blues & Brews; Polka on the Square; the Lions Club’s Wacky Boat Race; and Candy Trails,” he added. “We also have held three focus groups and conducted a community survey.”
The survey was available for five weeks and received 893 responses. An indoor recreation center ranked high among respondents. MHS Planning & Design is evaluating current facilities and assessing future needs based on projected population growth.
Survey participants also suggested numerous programs for consideration in the Parks Master Plan, including art festivals, additional clean-up days, foot races, concerts in the park, dances, dog competitions, environmental events, a farmers market, family Olympics, fitness events, Lake Day with boat races, photography classes, skateboard competitions, yoga, and youth camps.
