Help Define the Future for Parks: Open House Meeting on May 22

As Georgetown approaches the 50,000 population mark, the City faces some key decisions regarding its parks facilities and recreation programs.

To help in making those decisions, the City’s Parks and Recreation staff would like to hear from you at an open house meeting. The purpose is to solicit community input on an update to the City’s Parks Master Plan. Come and learn about new ideas for parks and give your opinion at the open house meeting on Thursday, May 22 at the Community Center in San Gabriel Park.

Some of the big questions include:

What should the City do with the old football stadium in San Gabriel Park—tear it down, keep it, or turn it into something else?

Where should new hike and bike trails be extended?

Should the City build a large park on the west side of town?

Does the City need additional fields for baseball, softball, soccer, and league football?

What new activities or programs would be popular at the expanded Recreation Center?

Does the City need a new venue for outdoor concerts?

Come voice your opinion on these questions and others at the open house meeting on May 22 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. There will be a staff presentation at 6:30 p.m. Conceptual drawings at the meeting will show options for new hike and bike trails, park improvements, and potential areas for new parks.

The open house meeting is one of several ways that the City has asked for ideas as part of the update to the Parks Master Plan. Earlier this year, the parks department used an online survey and a phone survey to solicit information. The Parks Advisory Board also provided comments.

The updated Parks Master Plan will provide a roadmap to future parks development and a possible bond election in November for parks improvements and expansions. The initial Parks Master Plan was completed in 1992 as a part of the City’s comprehensive planning process.

Kimberly Garrett, director of parks and recreation, noted that the master plan update is a vital step in planning for the growth of the parks system over the next decade. “As the city grows rapidly over the next decade, we need to have a roadmap that guides us in continuing to provide excellent recreation facilities and programs for our citizens. ”

Major recommendations of the plan include future trails throughout the city, acquiring new parklands to meet anticipated population growth, pursing funding opportunities for park renovations, developing new athletic facilities, and long-term planning for the eventual development of the Garey Park property.

The plan also includes ideas for the renovation of San Gabriel Park, including new trails, pavilions, an amphitheater or festival area for special events, improvements to the garden area near the Community Center, and parking area renovations.

All residents of the city and surrounding areas are welcome at the Open House on May 22. Ice cream and refreshments will be served throughout the evening.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (512) 930-3595 or via email at parks@georgetowntx.org.