- Nephi hires a consultant to update the recreation master plan; public involvement will be a critical
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By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Nephi is updating the city recreation master plan and has hired a consultant to assist.
J-U-B Engineers Inc., Wastewater Engineers/Sanitary Engineers, Construction Field Engineers, Traffic Engineers and Project Managers (PE), were selected as the consulting firm and will now work with the city staff and council in identifying a scope of work, said Randy McKnight, city administrator.
There were 25-people present at council meeting Tuesday. Most of those were either students taking a governments class or scouts filling a merit badge requirement.
"We had our first meeting with the consultants," he said. "We will now review a draft scope of work."
McKnight said the update on the recreation plan was needed.
"The update will give us a road map now and in the future," said Mark Jones, mayor. "The consulting firm will help us organize and determine priorities and will help us know what we are able to pay for."
The target will be facilities more than specific sports, said McKnight.
Facilities might include items such as trails, recreation centers, swimming pools, golf course expansion and baseball fields and skate parks, to name but a few.
The last recreation master plan was completed in 1995, said McKnight.
Residents present at council meeting did have some questions about the master plan. One of those was whether or not soccer facilities would be planned.
"The council will be looking at recreation as a whole," said Donald Ball, resident.
The consultants will help in developing a complete inventory of existing recreation facilities and will also propose future facilities planning. The master plan, when complete, will provide a base of information to use in developing an action plan.
The recreation master plan will provide information regarding the recreation needs of citizens as well as define future planning strategy.
"The recreation master plan will identify what we need and help us prioritize those needs and will consider some funding options," said Greg Rowley, council member.
It will be important to structure plans to the budget or find ways to add facilities through grants or low-interest loans.
Public involvement will be a critical component of the master plan.
There will be public hearings as the process proceeds.
"If we send out a flyer asking for your opinions," said Kent Park, council member, "be sure to fill it out and return it. You young people can encourage your parents to fill it out and return it."
An analysis will, likely, present the current state of facilities and will determine future needs for recreation centers, pools, playgrounds and parks.
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