Kentwood establishes parks, trails and rec advisory committee; seeks members

By City of Kentwood

The Kentwood City Commission approved a resolution on Monday, April 8, to establish an advisory committee that will review and prioritize improvements to Kentwood’s parks, trails and recreational programming to align with the needs of the community.

The Parks, Trails and Recreation Advisory Committee will review improvements identified in the Parks and Recreation Business Plan, Parks Master Plan and Non-Motorized Trail Plan and recommend an implementation and sustainable funding plan to the City Commission by December 2019.

“To reach and sustain a rewarding quality of life, all aspects of a community, including businesses, schools and neighborhoods, need to achieve a level of exceptional value and significance,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. “The ongoing ownership, maintenance and development of our public parks, trails and recreational programming is part of this equation and is important to nurture in order to create and maintain a thriving community benefiting all.”

The advisory committee will be a broad collaboration between the Parks and Recreation Commission, the City Commission’s AD HOC Strategic Planning Committee, the Planning Commission, residents and business owners to ensure the diverse needs of the Kentwood community are represented in the process.

“After celebrating the City’s 50th anniversary, we are heavily focused on planning for the next 50 years,” said Val Romeo, Parks and Recreation director. “We want to ensure we continue to provide high quality services that meet the needs of our diverse community.”

The Committee of the Whole also recommended approval to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with MCSA Group Inc. to assist with the advisory committee process and additional master planning.

Individuals interested in joining the committee may apply online at kentwood.us.

Please contact Deputy City Administrator Mark Rambo at 616-554-0770 or via email at rambom@kentwood.us for more information about the advisory committee. The proposed schedule for the advisory committee consists of approximately nine meetings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of every month beginning June 3.