Columbia Residents Share Vision for Future Parks and Recreation at Community Meeting

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Growing Vision for Parks and Recreation!

On a sunny Wednesday evening, the City of Columbia opened its doors at the Woodland Park community center for an exciting discussion about the future of recreation in our Capital City. Excitement filled the air as residents gathered to share their ideas and thoughts, all geared toward enhancing our park experience over the next ten years. The Parks and Recreation Department, led by *Interim Director Kenya Bryant*, took center stage to kick off the night.

What’s the Big Idea?

Bryant explained the purpose of the community meeting was rooted in a comprehensive 10-year plan for the Parks and Recreation Department. Earlier this year, a survey was launched both in *spring and early summer*, sending out over 5,000 questionnaires to community members and inviting input through an online option. The result? Almost 1,100 enthusiastic responses! Residents shared their hopes and dreams for parks and recreational activities, setting the stage for Columbia’s future.

What Do Residents Want?

During the meeting, the buzz was all about listening closely to what residents envision for parks and recreation in Columbia. Bryant emphasized the primary focus, saying, “What do you want parks and recreation to look like in your community in the City of Columbia?” It turned out that community members are dreaming big! An overwhelming desire for more greenways, better connectivity, and abundant green spaces echoed through the room. These concepts are shaping the city’s future direction as a whole.

Getting Everyone Involved

The gathering gained even more momentum as officials turned their attention to the wishes of children and teens regarding the city’s recreational options. Alongside requests for increased security and upgrades to restrooms, one rather popular topic that surfaced was the growing interest in expanded pickleball facilities. Blake Faries, a local pickleball enthusiast, chimed in, offering the city a respectable grade of “B” for its current courts and facilities.

Room for Improvement

“There are some improvements needed for resurfacing the courts to make them not only safer but also a bit more inviting,” Faries noted, especially concerning the existing tennis and pickleball courts. It’s clear that community members not only enjoy recreational activities but are also passionate about making them better for everyone.

Mark Your Calendars!

The excitement doesn’t stop there! City officials have lined up three additional information sessions for community input and discussion. Residents can join the conversation on:

• 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 are set to commence at 6:00 p.m. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to make your voice heard!

A Roadmap Ahead

The Parks and Recreation staff are keen to gather even more feedback from the community, as they work toward creating a solid 10-year recreation plan. Following the incorporation of all these valuable ideas, the next step will be identifying funding for various projects. Some of these initiatives may even require approval from the Columbia City Council. The goal seems clear: grab hold of those smaller issues first, which means residents could begin seeing some exciting changes in just a few short months!

So, Columbia residents, mark your calendars and get ready to lend your voice to this inspiring journey of revitalizing our parks and recreational spaces!