More indoor swimming pools, neighborhood parks, children’s playgrounds, picnic pavilions, trails, gymnastic rooms and nature areas were among the highest ranked park facilities identified by citizens in a random telephone survey earlier this year.

Parks Department officials are using the information gathered from the telephone survey along with public input from five upcoming meetings to develop a parks master plan. When complete, the plan will guide the acquisition of new park land, the development of new facilities and the renovation of existing park facilities over the next 10 years.

"Citizen input is vital to the development of every future park project in Arlington," said Parks Assistant Director of Planning Gordon Robertson. "We want the final version of the master plan to truly reflect the needs and desires of the community."

The first opportunity to give input occurs in north and south Arlington at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16. The public meeting in south Arlington will occur in the Century Room of the Tarrant County College Southeast Campus at 2100 Southeast Parkway. The public meeting in north Arlington will occur at the Elzie Odom Recreation Center at 1601 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd. Three additional meetings are also planned. The format is open and casual to allow citizens an opportunity to speak one-on-one with staff members, Park Board officials and Master Plan Committee members.

The master plan is scheduled for review and approval in 2003 by the Parks Board, Planning and Zoning Commission and Arlington City Council. A bond election to help fund select parks projects could occur as early as 2005.

5:30 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 16
Tarrant County College Southeast Campus at 2100 Southeast Parkway

5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 16
Elzie Odom Recreation Center at 1601 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd.

5:30 - 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 18
Dottie Lynn Recreation Center at 3200 Norwood Lane

5:30 - 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 18
Cliff Nelson Recreation Center at 4600 W. Bardin Road

5:30 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 23
Bob Duncan Community Center at 2800 S. Center St.

In a phone survey of 503 randomly selected citizens earlier this year, Arlington residents rated the quality of recreational services and shared their comments about future recreational needs in Arlington. The survey was conducted by Raymond Turco and Associates. Review the results at www.ci.arlington.tx.us.

For more information, call Parks Marketing Manager Michelle Rice at 817-459-6931 or Parks Assistant Director Gordon Robertson at 817-459-5492.