Florence parks board hears preliminary recommendations
by Mark Cowling | Florence Reminder & Blade Tribune
Survey respondents give the town’s recreation facilities and programs high marks for quality, but consultants working on a Parks and Recreation comprehensive plan note several areas that could be improved, according to an update presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
The town’s consultant, GreenPlay, will return on Sept. 16 to present a draft of the final plan to the board and the Town Council, Florence Community Services Director Bryan Hughes told the board on July 25.
GreenPlay’s preliminary recommendations include:
- Selling or repurposing the current fitness center and senior center, both of which are in need of extensive repairs
- Creating a strong partnership with Anthem/Sun City to offer inclusive programs and events
- Building on the Teen Council and considering teen programs including health and fitness, beginner gymnastics, community volunteerism, video game tournaments, theater and technology
- Refreshing and updating Heritage Park amenities to current park standards and trends
- More partnerships with other providers to increase service and provide specialized programs, as well as increase quality and quantity of youth sports
- Building at least four more pickleball courts to meet demand
- More multi-use trails, including a trail connecting downtown with Anthem/Sun City, and expanding and improving existing paths and bikeways
- Building on community center offerings to develop more multigenerational classes and health and fitness, kitchen, gymnasium and senior programs
