Galveston County Seeking Public Comment on Master Plan for Parks, Recreation,
Open Space, Conservation and Natural Resources
Galveston County is embarking on its third Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Planning effort since 1998, and is seeking public comments and recommendations. The first Master Plan was completed in 1998 and updated in 2003 to address senior citizen needs and programs.
Currently, the County operates and maintains “Regional Park” and recreation facilities at Jack Brooks Park, Carbide Park, Bayshore Park, Fort Travis and Walter Hall Park. These parks attract and serve users from Galveston County and communities outside of Galveston County. The County also operates somewhat smaller “Community Parks”, including Runge Park, Holbrook Park, Paul Hopkins Park, Gregory Park and Lobit Park. These parks typically attract visitors from Galveston County who live within 5 to 10 miles of one of these parks.
“In addition to addressing population growth and recreation needs throughout Galveston County, this Master Plan will also address recreation and conservation needs in areas on West Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula that were damaged by Hurricane Ike,” explained Dennis Harris, Director of Galveston County Parks and Senior Services.
To ensure that the County provides parks and recreation facilities, as well as natural areas for wildlife habitat that meet the recreation needs of current and future Galveston County residents, a telephone survey of 300 families selected randomly throughout the County will be performed. This survey will inquire about which parks are used most and which activities families currently enjoy at Galveston County owned parks.
Mr. Harris also asks County residents to participate in a web–based version of the Parks and Recreation Survey. The web-based survey will be available from August 16th through September 30th and can be accessed through the County’s Department of Parks and Senior Services web site at: www.galvestonparks-seniors.org
“The County hopes to expand resident and park user participation in the master planning process through the web-based survey, thereby helping the County gain a better understanding of residents’ current and future recreation needs and concerns,” Harris said.
In addition to the telephone and web-based surveys, the County is seeking resident comments and recommendations through a series of public meetings to be held in four locations later this month:
Meeting One: 6:30 PM, Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at Crystal Beach Annex – Bolivar Peninsula
Meeting Two: 6:30 PM, Thursday, July 22, 2010 at Bacliff Annex Building
Meeting Three: 6:30 PM, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at Johnson Center, Carbide Park
Meeting Four: 6:30 PM, Thursday, July 29, 2010 at Walter Hall Park Pavilion
Galveston County Department of Parks and Senior Services will update the Commissioner’s Court on August 3, 2010 during a workshop at the County Courthouse in Galveston. County residents are invited to attend and provide further comments and recommendations.
For more information, contact: Dennis J. Harris, Director (409) 934-8100