May 11, 2023
The City of Lawrence began implementing its strategic plan in 2020. Since then, staff has recognized the importance of a new Parks and Recreation strategic plan to fully align the Parks and Recreation Department with the city-wide vision ― specifically the Unmistakable Identity outcome area. As identified in the Strategic Plan, Lawrence is a welcoming community, synonymous with arts, diverse culture, fun, and a quintessential downtown. City parks and community events contribute to the vibrancy experienced by all people in Lawrence.
The Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Comprehensive Plan will focus on the Unmistakable Identity outcome area and formally integrate arts, culture, parks and recreation into one department.
The Steering Committee for the Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Comprehensive Plan will be the keystone group that will work with both the consulting team and city staff throughout the development of the plan. In addition to individual time spent on research and promoting community engagement opportunities, the Steering Committee will meet for two-to-three hours each month for six-to-eight months to provide input, background, support and direction on the key elements of the plan.
We are looking for a diverse range of people, ages 16 and older, who are interested in serving on the steering committee to help us develop an innovative and fully integrated plan that maximizes the unmistakable benefits this organization provides to the community.
More information and the online application form is available on our website: lawrenceks.org/lprd/comp-plan-application. The application will be open through May 31, 2023.
Staff will work with the consultant team to review the applications and assemble an enthusiastic and balanced steering committee to help develop the plan.
For those who are interested but can’t make this kind of time commitment, the consultant team will be convening a wide range of interest groups. There will also be numerous opportunities for people to provide their perspective through in-person and virtual community engagements over the course of the next several months.
Contact: For more information, please visit this web page: Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Comprehensive Plan or contact Kent Rettig, krettig@lawrenceks.org.