Columbia Hosts Community Meeting to Shape Future of Parks and Recreation

Columbia Residents Weigh In on the Future of Parks and Recreation

Columbia, S.C. – Exciting conversations filled the air at the Woodland Park community center on Wednesday as the City of Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department hosted an engaging meeting with its residents. The gathering was all about discussing the future of recreation in this vibrant capital city. Under the leadership of Interim Director Kenya Bryant, the department aimed to get valuable feedback from the community.

A 10-Year Vision

So, why all the fuss about feedback? Kenya Bryant shed some light on the purpose behind the survey, stating, “This is our 10-year plan for the Parks and Recreation Department.” Looking to the future, the city had previously mailed out over 5,000 surveys, and also provided an online option for residents to make their voices heard. The result? A robust response of almost 1,100 residents who took the time to share their thoughts.

What Residents Want

The main focus of these surveys was to understand what the community envisioned for parks and recreation in the City of Columbia over the next decade. “What do you want parks and recreation to look like in your community?” Bryant emphasized. A notable theme emerged from the responses: residents are yearning for more greenways, connectivity, and green spaces. This reflects a clear direction in which the city is headed as a whole.

Involving All Ages

The evening was not just about adult opinions; the city also made a point to consider what kids and teenagers desire from the local recreation department. During the meeting, discussions flowed around various important topics including the need for increased security and better restroom facilities. A particularly popular request from many engaged attendees was for expanded pickleball options – a sport that has truly taken Columbia by storm.

Community Voices on Pickleball

Blake Faries, an enthusiastic pickleball player, offered his evaluation of the city’s current setup, giving the courts and facilities a grade of “B.” He noted, “There are some improvements as far as resurfacing the courts to make it a little bit safer, and it’s also a little bit more inviting for people to come out, especially with our tennis courts and our pickleball courts.” It’s clear that both safety and accessibility are key concerns for the community when it comes to this increasingly popular sport.

What’s Next?

Mark your calendars, folks! The city has planned three more information sessions to keep the conversation going. The next meetings are scheduled for:
– Thursday, October 17th at the Leroy Moss Multipurpose Center,
– Wednesday, November 6th at the S. Edisto Park Neighborhood Center,
– Thursday, November 7th at the Charles R. Drew Wellness Center.
All meetings will kick off at 6:00 p.m.

Share Your Ideas!

The city is actively encouraging residents to submit their ideas for improving recreation facilities and programming. Parks and recreation staff are looking forward to integrating this feedback into the upcoming 10-year recreation plan. Once this solid plan is set, the hard work of securing funding will begin – a task that includes seeking approvals from the Columbia City Council.

Looking Ahead

Officials are optimistic about making progress, saying they hope to tackle some of the smaller issues first. This means Columbia residents might start noticing improvements in just a few months! What a journey ahead for parks and recreation in Columbia, where every voice truly counts. It’s an exciting time to be part of this community, and residents are encouraged to stay involved and keep sharing their ideas!