Monday, November 29, 1999
Boone advised to add parks, pool
Draft report invites input
BY KRISTINA GOETZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BURLINGTON — Residents can have their first peek tonight at a 65-page report that will help officials set priorities for Boone County's parks and recreation during the next 20 years.
Brandstetter Carroll Inc., a consultanting firm, submitted the report last week that shows what the county has, what it needs and how it can get there. It says Boone should:
• Build a large outdoor aquatic center that could serve a large number of residents.
• Buy land to develop parks and set some aside for expansion as the population grows.
• Develop a system of greenways — hiking and cycling trails that connect parks, schools, playgrounds, neighborhoods and greenspaces throughout the county.
• Study and preserve unique or significant natural areas.
“Some final recommendations may need to be acted on soon,” said Deputy County Administrator John Stanton. “Others may not need to be implemented for years.”
The report reflects surveys of the general public, schoolchildren, focus groups and specific-interest groups as well as an analysis of recreation facility goals, population and land-use trends.
The consultant's analysis includes these primary points:
• A general shortage of park land in the areas of Hebron and north of I-275, the southern part of Florence to Richwood and Union, and the Verona areas.
• A need for a variety of specific recreation facilities in primarily the same locations.
• A strong desire for more open space and land to be preserved as future green space and some land to remain as natural areas.
• Development of nontraditional activities such as skate parks and BMX tracks.
• A very high demand for an outdoor aquatic center.
• A high demand for all types of trails including jogging, walking, nature, bicycle and horseback.
• Demand for indoor activities, including swimming pool, youth center and gymnasium.
The report is a first draft and county officials said residents should participate in workshops this week.
“To this point, the consultant has led the citizen's group through the process,” Mr. Stanton said. “Now, the 19-member committee will take the lead in adjusting the draft report and prioritizing its recommendations to the fiscal court.”
Mr. Stanton said he hopes the report will be finished by February. “It will then be up to the fiscal court what they do with the priorities.”
Commissioner Cathy Flaig said she received a copy of the study Friday and had not finished reading it.
“It's probably a pretty darned good survey but I'd like to talk to the people who got me elected before I endorse anything,” she said. “I'm going to have to read a lot of it and I'm going to have to let the people who live here read it and see what they think.”
Public 7-9 p.m. workshops will be:
Tonight, Kelly Elementary School;
Tuesday, Walton-Verona High School;
Wednesday, Florence Government Center
Thursday, 2 Boone County Extension Office.
At each workshop, the consultant will explain his initial findings and answer questions.
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