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Section 3 - Plan Development Process A. Public Participation Development of good masterplans involves not only the ideas and creativity of the writers but must also include the participation of recreational users. For some five years the Council has been mulling over park improvements after receiving staff input concerning upgrading and maintenance of parrs facilities. In 1994, the city staff made a conscientious effort to contact members of sports organizations, service clubs, and interested individuals. A committee was appointed by the Mayor in early December, 1994 and the first committee meetings were held December 6th and January 3rd. Public notices were filed and public hearings were held on four occasions in January, 1995 (9th, 12th, 17th, and 18th) to allow for public participation and input. To encourage participation, four local radio stations aired public service announcements. A copy of the public service announcement is included in the appendix at the rear of this document along with affidavits of publication of notice in the local paper. Newspapers and radio media covered each of the public hearings and articles were written and news items aired on the subject of the meetings. The public hearings were held in different areas of the city for the convenience of attendees. B. Data Collection The information forming the basis of this masterplan was gathered by city staff members under the direction of Dick Boots, Director of Community Facilities, with cooperation of the City Engineer's staff. Mr. Boots also met with committee members and conducted the public hearings. He solicited public comment and received numerous letters in support of various recreational needs. C. Compilation The City Council authorized the staff to secure the services of a professional engineer experienced in the masterplanning, site planning and development of parks in the region. The staff recommended and Council approved hiring Terry Brannon of The C. T. Brannon Corporation, a Tyler consulting engineer. Brannon's role was to compile the data collected and produce cost projections for various alternative projects under consideration. D. Priority and Goal Setting Responsible staff member for maintenance and operations within city owned parks in Paris is Dick Boots, Director of Community Facilities. Using input received from the public, data collected and compiled, and recommendations from the consultant, Mr. Boots had oversight responsibility for the development of priorities contained in these plans. His fifteen years with the city, most in his present capacity as Director of Community Facilities -3-