SC County looking for public input on new parks plan

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is reaching out to the public as a first step toward building a strategic plan.

Department leaders said the plan will provide direction for the department and volunteers on how to improve and maintain the 40+ parks around the county. Five meetings are being held around the county where the Parks Department will be looking to the public.

“Asking general questions to the community about their priorities,” said Park Planner Will Fourt. “What they love about the parks, what they think could be better about the parks and the programs we provide here.”

Some of those priorities include community and environmental safety. But beyond the logistics it’s a way for the county to give back.

“Parks actually serve the community in these manifold ways,” said Jessica Wolf, Program Coordinator with the Parks Department. “Bringing people together and supporting a vibrant, healthy economy and community.”

And many locals appreciate the department’s effort to improve parks all across the county.

“It’s just a really good environment and having them takes kids off the streets,” said skater Sean Morris. “It’s just a good thing and it’s a good thing the county supports it.”

The department expects to have a plan drafted by the end of the year. The next meetings will be in Davenport on May 2nd, then in Aptos on May 6th and Live Oak on May 11th.