(Chatham) — Pittsylvania County is getting a lot of ideas as they update their Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Consultant BerryDunn is nearly three-fourths done with the update. Art Thatcher with BerryDunn tells the Board of Supervisors part of the new plan focuses on a branding effort, “Turning Spaces into Places.”
Right now the three main assets for county parks and rec is the recreation center in Chatham, The Ringgold Rail Trail and Wayside Park in Hurt. Thatcher says that leaves plenty of room for growth. “You have lots of land and lots of opportunities for green space recreation,” Thatcher said.
In addition to being a plus, Thatcher says the county’s size and demographics might also be their biggest challenges. “Right now there’s a lack of programming outside of youth sports. Also, your Parks and Recreation Department is still very young and growing,” Thatcher said.
Feedback received this year from hundreds of county residents, most of them youngsters, shows some clear preferences for future facilities. “Outdoor pickleball courts was high on the list,” Thatcher said. “Also water recreation with boat access, fitness center and skate park were some other items mentioned.”
Thatcher says the long-term planning will involve more than just new venues. “There will be a need for additional full and part-time staff to operate and expand programs,” Thatcher added. “It will also take time and money to improve the existing parks.”
Outside of the Rail Trail and wayside, Thatcher noted that most of the outdoor playgrounds in the county were on school property.
The final master plan will include a five-year focus on operations, a 10-year focus on capital needs and a 20-year strategic vision.