BY SHELBIE HAMILTON & MARY KATHERINE SHAPIRO
Diving in deeper
The outlook
Investing in playground replacements supports aging infrastructure within the city’s already “mature” park system, Meacham said. “When you have something nice, you have to invest in it,” Mayor Baine Brooks said. “That’s what we do with our parks, our trails, with our roads and with our infrastructure.” Meacham said department officials assess the park system through the Trust for Public Land’s 10-Minute Walk program, which evaluates accessi- bility, the organization’s website states. Jason Cooley, executive director of the Allen Community Development Corp., said it’s import- ant for residents to have opportunities for outdoor recreation in their own city. “One of the biggest pieces of quality of life that we talk about is the ability for Allen residents not to have to leave Allen to have those experiences,” he said. The corporation, which is funded by a voter-ap- proved half-cent sales tax, has spent the majority
An update is slated for the city’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan later this year, including updates to the city’s playground system, Meacham said. An update is also slated for the city’s Trail Master Plan this summer, she said. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan details the city’s existing parks system, a parks needs assessment and public input data. While the plan reflects a 10-year period, Meacham said the department reassess the plan every five years to reflect rapid changes within the community and to stay ahead. Meacham said officials plan to engage young Allen residents in the process. “We’re going to be engaging with youth as it pertains to the fun value of playgrounds,” she said.
Park proximity
10-minute walk access: 86.6%
More than 10-minute walk: 13.4%
Allen land used for parks
Parkland: 94%
Other: 6%
SOURCE: TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
of its funding on parks projects, Cooley said. Park costs are also funded through park development fees charged to developers with projects in Allen, along with bond funds approved by voters.
Eat Drink Play
Check out what’s happening in the coop!
1221 Johnson Rd, Allen
15
ALLEN EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook