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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final April 22, 2025 <br />E. Information Technology <br />F. Natural Resources <br />G. Office of Management and Budget <br />H. Parks, Recreation, and Conservation <br />H.A.1. 25-0375 Indian River County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2025-2035 <br />Recommended Actio: Staff respectfully requests that the Board approve the Draft Indian River County <br />Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2024-2034 and authorize the Parks, <br />Recreation, and Conservation Director to approve any minor modifications <br />necessary to finalize the Plan for publication which would address any discovered <br />errors or omissions that do not significantly alter the intent of the Plan. <br />Parks, Recreation and Conservation Director Beth Powell presented the Indian <br />River County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2025-2035 (Plan) which would <br />serve as a strategic framework to guide the County for the next 10 years in <br />addressing the needs of its residents and visitors. She added that the draft Plan <br />was online for public review. <br />Brian Trusty, Principal with PROS Consulting, presented highlights of the Plan <br />which included input gathered from forums, stakeholder interviews, municipal <br />partners, and a community survey. Working with a team of consultants, the <br />County's parks and conservation lands were evaluated for geography, <br />connectivity, and integration with other recreation providers. Improvement <br />strategies for the short term included the need for park revitalization, enhancement <br />of amenities, and more trails. Key recommendations to expand the system called <br />for more neighborhood parks, building the fairgrounds into a regional park, and <br />adding an aquatic facility in the south. Future visionary suggestions included a <br />recreation/multi-purpose space in north county, and development of a regional <br />park in the west. <br />Discussion with the Board ensued with expanded discussion on turning the <br />Fairground/Hobart Park into a regional park, relocating the Fairgrounds closer to <br />the Interstate, working with developers to create neighborhood parks, and <br />managing amenities for the County's growth. The Commissioners provided input <br />on their District's needs, and expressed support for the Master Plan. <br />Deputy County Administrator Mike Zito wrapped up the presentation with <br />assorted important mentions: requests for funding from different agencies and <br />Indian River County, Florida Page 13 <br />