Macomb City Administrator Scott Coker calls Chandler Park “a historic, much-used and loved park in the center of town.”
But he believes it is time for the city to develop a plan for the park’s future.
“The park is aging. There are a lot of grant dollars out there that are available, and this – to me – is the first step to applying for grants. It’s time to make some improvements to the park,” he said.
On Coker’s recommendation, the city council agreed to advertise a request for proposals from firms to develop the master plan.
The vote was 5-2. Both at large council members -- Don Wynn and Dennis Moon -- voted against it.
Wynn believes the city does not need an outside firm to come in and make suggestions.
“I think it would just be a better use of the money to maybe solicit town input to see if there was anything else that the town would be willing to support,” he said.
Wynn also said space for changes at the park is limited.
The city would like the master plan to address:
- The existing layout and use of the park
- Future suggested plans for the park
- Grant availability for improvements
- ADA review of the park and proposed solutions
The city is also seeking renderings of potential park upgrades. and the estimated costs of those designs.
Coker hopes the city can hire a firm by the end of January. He said it could take up to six months to develop a good master plan.
The city has $50,000 set aside in the current budget for the master plan.
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