Belton staff members are in the beginning stages of putting together a parks plan that would guide decision making in the city over the next 10 years.
Before any plan is drafted, the city wants input from residents. Four community meetings are scheduled at elementary schools in October - and, in an attempt to boost participation, ice cream will be served to those attending.
"The main thing is, we want input to help shape the parks system in the future," said Jerri Gauntt, Belton support services.
An issue staff members would like input about is whether growth in the city makes offering programs to residents a "logical" next step for the parks department, City Manager Sam Listi said.
Until now, Belton has focused on facilities.
Listi said the city enjoys strong support from the Belton Christian Youth Center and First Baptist Church, both of which offer programs to residents.
City staff would like input from the public about where private entities and the city fit in an overall plan for programs, Listi said. A link is available on the city Web site allowing those uncomfortable expressing their opinions in public or for those unable to attend the meetings to take an online survey.
The plan is not entirely new. The city has had a parks plan for several years as part of the city's overall strategic master plan.
Listi said the overhaul of the parks planning documents is the first step in what will eventually be an update of the entire strategic plan.
The LUCK Design Team, which has worked with Belton on several projects in the past, has been hired by the city for $13,000 as a consultant for the parks planning project.
Since 2005, Belton has made several improvements to its park system, including adding the Nolan Creek Hike & Bike Trail, which connects three city parks.
In addition, splash pads have been added to two parks and, with the help of a grant from Major League Baseball, a softball field was built in Chisholm Trail Park.
Belton selected 17 other members of the community with a background or interest in parks to serve on a committee called "Team of Champions."
The Team of Champions is expected to work closely with the Belton Parks Board in developing the plan. Listi said he expects the plan to be finished in January.
