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Carpenter seeks community input for county recreation master plan
By Rose Hooper
Recreation isn't just going out and playing ball.
It can be walking on a trail, riding a bike on a greenways path, camping out, gardening or even reading a book by the river, said Jeff Carpenter, director of Jackson County Recreation/Parks Department.
"I once heard that the definition of recreation is anything you do in your non-working time," said Carpenter.
His department is currently compiling a 10-year recreation master plan to determine countywide recreational needs and programs.
Jackson County Recreation/Parks Director Jeff Carpenter used this display board prepared by the Charlotte-based Haden Stanziale consulting firm during meetings to receive public input on recreational needs for the next 10 years. "Public input is vital to the process," said Carpenter, who urges those who did not attend a meeting to stop by the Recreation Department offices in Cullowhee and fill out a survey by Feb. 18. - Herald photo by Rose Hooper
"We need the public's input," said Carpenter, who held a series of four public meetings throughout the county.
"We've been impressed by the turnout at the public meetings and from the comments we've gotten so far, it seems like the main thing people in this county would like to have is an indoor pool," he said.
That's followed close behind by safe biking and walking paths.
"We may be dreaming a little bit in our plans, but this county is growing so fast we have to plan ahead, no matter what," he said.
The plan - a 10-year projection through the year 2015 - will determine a road map for the county's future recreational needs.
Although the public meetings have been held, people can still have input, Carpenter said. Surveys are available at the Rec Department's office in Cullowhee and can be filled out through Wednesday, Feb. 18.
To plan for what's needed, an inventory must be taken of what's currently available, according to Carpenter, who is assessing both public and private facilities and their condition.
Along with the assessment Carpenter is "netting together," as he puts it, with representatives from Southwestern Community College, Western Carolina University, the towns of Sylva, Webster and Dillsboro and the Eastern Band of Cherokee to see what everyone else is doing and thus avoid duplication.
"Quality of life is really important to folks here in Jackson County and one of the reasons for having a master plan is to enhance the quality of life," Carpenter said.
A master plan will help with balancing recreational needs throughout the county. It should also provide direction in acquiring lands for future development.
"If we have a plan in hand, we'll know how to project budgets," said Carpenter. "Many times when we apply for a grant the first thing the foundation asks for is our master plan so we'll have a better shot at grants when we have one."
Having a plan to present to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners helps his department grow along with the county, he said.
Getting along together - teamwork - that's what a master plan is all about, Carpenter says.
"You can look out on a ballfield and see players on the team you know have been in heated arguments over some local issue. But out there on the playing field they come together as one team. Recreation brings people in the community closer together - the social aspect of recreation is just as important as the health benefit," Carpenter said.
The Rec Department hired the Charlotte-based Haden Stanziale consulting firm to assist in preparing the master plan. Carpenter said the plan should be completed by July 1.
For more information, call 293-3053.
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