MINTO – The town’s recreation plan was recently completed and approved by council after a year-long process.
The recreation plan, along with three other strategic plans in the town, was developed by Puslinch-based strategy development consulting firm McQueen Galloway Associates (MGA).
At a Dec. 3 meeting, MGA principal Tracey McQueen presented the plan to council.
The recreation plan has five sections with a total of 61 recommendations over an extended period of more than 10 years.
The five sections are listed as corporate policy (two recommendations); funding of parks and recreation (12); parks and open spaces (28); indoor facilities (six); and programs and events (13).
“If we want to improve our maintenance, our facilities and our amenities; to have better efficiency [and] better customer service; not only do we have to fund the plan we also need to support it,” stated McQueen.
The recommendations vary from play structures being upgraded to making the Clifford Arena more accessible.
A few of the 19 recommended short-term projects are:
- expanding camp day offerings;
- promoting the Rotary Celebration Square in Clifford;
- working with the Legion on new initiatives at the Harriston cenotaph;
- reviewing opportunities to host more special events in parks; and
- developing a site rendering for the Clifford Arena.
The short-term programs are estimated to be completed in one to three years.
On the other hand, the long-term recommendations are expected to take 8 to 10-plus years.
MGA recommended long-term projects such as creating a natural trail with educational signage at Clifford’s Marshall Park; implementing full signage for all parks with street address for identification; reviewing the need for all existing picnic shelters located in parks and assigning resources to develop a one-day sport tournament strategy.
“[The plan] should not be forgotten, it needs to be reviewed annually … because there is always new and changed information,” she added.
“We’ve got four plans up and running [and] ready to go,” said Mayor Dave Turton.
“It’s plans that aren’t going to get dusty on our shelves.”
