As Milton's community braces for potential changes in its recreational landscape, a new 21.4-acre active park could be on the horizon. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) is set to weigh in on a potentially final concept plan for the park situated off Deerfield Parkway. This item is on the docket for their May 15 meeting, according to an announcement on the City's official website. The meeting, which is open to public attendance and online viewing, will take place at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Founded on the principle of community involvement, PRAB comprises seven individuals appointed by the Mayor and City Council members of Milton. They deliberate on matters regarding city parks, programs, and policies, funneling their advice into the city's Parks and Recreation sector and to city leaders. The forthcoming meeting starts off with "Committee Reports," before delving into the heart of the agenda – the new Deerfield active park. The City has taken steps to involve its citizens, hosting an "Open House" earlier in the spring where three park concepts were unveiled and feedback was sought out. This collective input has steered the development of the park's design, which will be presented in the meeting.
The proposed design showcases two large turf fields, four baseball diamonds with multipurpose options, two playgrounds, a splashpad, and pickleball courts. Not to forget essential features like restrooms and a connection bridge that integrates the park with surrounding developments. Moreover, the project team will provide cost estimates not just for the core park components, but also for potential add-on features, based on feedback gathered from PRAB and City Council.
Discussions will also encompass collaborations with external entities responsible for several Milton Parks and Recreation programs. City Engineer Scott Tkach is slated to provide updates on the ongoing work within the "North Woods" area of the Milton City Park and Preserve – an accolade to the city’s commitment to both recreational and environmental stewardship. Among other agenda items, PRAB will discuss community outreach efforts for upcoming events such as the Memorial Day Ceremony and the July 4th celebration. Details on Milton's Wall of Fame nomination process, heading towards a ceremony this fall, will also be tabled.
The interaction between PRAB and the citizens of Milton is set to paint a clearer picture of the future of the city’s parks. With a holistic approach to decision-making, the board's meeting on June 19 could be another catalyst towards the finalization of the Deerfield active park plans and other recreational endeavors in Milton. For those wanting to stay updated or participate in the process, the city has made provisions to attend in-person or to watch the proceeding online, allowing for an inclusive community engagement experience.
