Milton city officials want the public’s input when it comes to deciding on how to best utilize a piece of property for the community’s use.
“We want to make it residentially compatible,” said city council member Lloyd Hinote. “We want the residents to enjoy it properly.”
The council voted in favor of having a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 19th in the city hall building. Hinote, the chairman of the parks and recreation committee, said this will be first of two public meetings to be scheduled on the topic. Hinote said the second public meeting has not been scheduled at this time.
The 30-acre piece of property, located along Dogwood Drive near Sanders Street, was purchased by the city in 2013.
Among the potential possibilities for the property is constructing a BMX park. Hinote anticipates a lot of support for the BMX park to be represented at the meeting. Other potential ideas for the property include adding more recreational fields for the community’s benefit, Hinote said.
Fellow council member Patsy Lunsford has previously voiced her support for bringing a BMX park to Milton to benefit area youth.
Hinote said the city officials are open to hearing additional ideas from residents in regards to how best utilize the property in order to the benefit of the community saying the public might present an idea which has not been yet been considered by the city.
The property will increase the city’s Sportsplex, which already features two football fields, a skate park, six ball fields, six tennis courts and the newly-named Guy Thompson Community Center.
According to a press release from the city, the current Sportsplex serves as a home for several youth sports programs, including baseball, football, basketball and cheerleading. The facility also hosts adult softball, senior activities and other occasions.
John Norton, director of the city’s parks and recreation department, said the future development would only further meet the needs of the community.
“We know interest in our sports and activities are growing as our community grows and this is the perfect opportunity for the public to have input into the future development of the SportsPlex,” Norton said. “We are urging everyone in the community to come and participate in this public forum. As Milton continues to grow, we want to make sure the Parks and Recreation Department meets the future needs of the public at the SportsPlex.”
WHAT: Public meeting for Milton recreational site
WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, February 19
WHERE: Milton City Hall building, located at 6738 Dixon Street in Milton.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton: City officials seek public input for proposed recreational site