Maitland City Talk

Help shape the future of Maitland’s Parks & Recreation

The city is beginning the process of updating the Maitland Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The Parks & Recreation Master Plan provides a comprehensive plan for the future of Maitland’s parks, facilities and recreation programming. The city’s first system-wide parks plan was adopted in 2002 and included all of our parks, trails, conservation areas, facilities and program offerings.

We are updating the master plan to provide a common vision and organizational framework for implementing improved park services, programs, and new facilities throughout Maitland’s system of parks. The process will guide the evolution of parks policy, help us prioritize opportunities, and provide a lens for the recreational needs of the community. The plan will provide the basis for funding allocations each year that support recreation programming, the design and construction of parks projects and other system improvements.

As part of the public engagement process, the city held a series of six focus groups in April. Participants represented a diverse range of interests, including homeowners’ associations; athletic, cultural and civic organizations; business owners; City Council, board members and staff; and interested residents. The participants were asked a series of eighteen questions that touched on communications, customer service, facilities, programs, maintenance, community needs and values, funding, and the need for additional parks and recreation facilities or programs. The results were presented in a public meeting on April 8, and the presentation is available on the city’s website. The top priorities that the master plan should address over the five- to 10-year planning horizon.

The next step in the public engagement process is a community-wide survey. In May, a statistically-valid survey will be mailed directly to 3,000 city residents, and a companion online, public survey will be available to all interested stakeholders on the city’s website. We hope you will take the time to complete the survey and help shape the future vision for Maitland’s parks and recreation.

To keep residents and other stakeholders updated, the city has dedicated a page on the city’s website (itsmymaitland.com), which will provide information about upcoming opportunities for public involvement and results of public input and meetings. The next scheduled public meeting is July 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers where the results of the community-wide survey and recommendations will be presented.

Maitland Farmers Market returns on Sunday

The Maitland Farmers Market will return on Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Lily Park. Make plans to stroll through the market and enjoy beautiful Lake Lily Park with your family and friends. Remember to bring your market bags to pick up produce, fruit or other offerings from the market.