Branson Alderman Mike Booth says the City needs to market its parks better, but it also needs to pay more attention to them.  The Board of Aldermen is in the process of finalizing its 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and during a Thursday afternoon study session to address The Parks and Recreation section of the document, board members agreed that the Park Board should develop a Parks Master Plan to address future growth and development of recreation areas within the City.

Mike Booth 2012A048    

During a discussion with Aldermen Booth, Alderman Rick Davis said additional parks are needed in the Southwest part of the city.

Rick Davis 2012A049  

The Mayor suggested the long term Parks and Recreation section of the plan contain language dealing with seniors as well as activities for youth and young adults.  The Parks and Recreation Director agreed, adding though, that if you don’t have the funding, the plan will never go anywhere.  Aldermen discussed the possibility of adding money to the 2013 City Budget to help accommodate that goal.  It’s anticipated the Comprehensive Plan will be finished next month.

=====(2^nd Version)=====

How long can the Branson Rec-Plex handle the needs of local residents, if it, along with the Branson Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau continues to grow sports based tourism ?  While continuing its local year round sports leagues – everything from youth baseball in the summer, to adult basketball games in the winter – the Rec Plex also hosts a number of state and national events. The topic of discussion came up Thursday afternoon as the Branson Board of Aldermen tries to finish the 2030 Comprehensive Plan for the City – the current chapter is Parks and Recreation, with Alderman Rick Todd saying Branson needs to make sure it’s local citizens are taken care of:

Rick Todd 2012A050 

Board members agreed the Park Board should develop a Master Plan to address future growth and development of recreation areas within the city.  The Parks Director agreed, but said if you don’t have the funding, the plan will never go anywhere.  Board members talked about adding money to the 2013 City Budget to help achieve that goal.  The 2030 Comprehensive Plan is scheduled to be completed next month.     

=====(3^rd Version)=====

What’s the future hold for new parks and recreation facilities in Branson ? The Board of Aldermen is in the process of finalizing its 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and during a Thursday afternoon study session to address The Parks and Recreation section of the document, board members agreed that the Park Board should develop a Parks Master Plan to address future growth and development of recreation areas within the City. The Parks Director said she agreed with the idea, but unless funding is provided, such a plan will never go anywhere.