A master plan for the Rochester Parks and Recreation Department has laid out the changes and goals for the city over the next 20 years.
The 2016 Rochester Parks and Recreation System Plan was developed by the Park Advisory Committee, park board members and council members, along with input from members of the community with the goal of setting the direction of Rochester parks and recreation for the next 20 years.
The plan in its entirety has more than 30 goals, 100 policies and 250 strategies intended to advance park improvements, park development and recreational programming in Rochester.
According to the plan, the top priorities for facilities are the development of Cascade and Greenhaven regional parks, the completion of planned changes to Quarry Hill Nature Center, and the modernization of facilities and addition of user amenities.
Other facility goals include replacing the lap pool at Soldiers Field and adding an activity area for children with pool activities such as water basketball and a climbing wall, adding four dog parks around Rochester, and dedicating a facility for the sport of pickleball, along with modifying the striping on some tennis courts so they can be used as pickleball courts as well.
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Key goals of the plan involve initiatives dealing with natural areas and sustainability, public art, programming and trails and public health. Initiatives for these goals include expanding nature-based programming, outreach and education, partnering with cultural groups on public art installations and community events in the parks, and collaborating in support of public health in order to build on Rochester's image of being a healthy city.
Mike Nigbur, Park and Forestry division head for Rochester, said that this plan will serve as a starting point and will be built upon in the coming years.
To view the 2016 Rochester Parks and Recreation System Pla n, visit the city's website, rochestermn.gov.
