Elgin parks and rec wants resident input at master plan meeting

The Elgin Parks and Recreation Department will begin its master plan development process with a public meeting on Wednesday.

"All Elgin residents are encouraged to attend this public meeting," Parks and Recreation Director Maria Cumpata said in a news release. "We are your parks department, so it's important we hear your priorities, your needs and your vision for the future and what the department should offer when it comes to programs, services and amenities."

The meeting is part of a six-month process to create a strategic master plan that will guide the district's decisions for the next five to eight years. Other outreach efforts are planned, including a bilingual online survey and a second public meeting in the fall.

The public meeting will address several planning themes, including passive recreation, active recreation, gathering spaces, community/social experiences and connections. Topics within those themes will include park infrastructure and facilities, trails and bike paths, open green space and recreational opportunities.

Residents will also be able to give feedback on the current park system's inventory and any potential gaps in amenities or infrastructure.

The open house-style meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Heritage Ballroom in the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin at 100 Symphony Way. All information will be available in English and Spanish with a translator available on site.