Focus On Parks Could Be Included In Comprehensive Plan

New parks in the city could be a feature of Arnold's new Comprehensive Plan.

City residents will have a chance to weigh in on the plan at a public workshop on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Arnold Recreation Center, 1695 Missouri State Road.

“We want to look at where we want to go and where we want to improve, and I think parks are a big part of that,” Mayor Ron Counts said. “It certainly would be nice to have either additional parks or expand what we have.”

Community Development Director Mary Holden said residents expressed a desire for more community or neighborhood parks rather than regional parks such as Arnold City Park, near Jeffco Boulevard and Hollywood Beach Road, or Ferd B. Lang Park, near the intersection of Old Lemay Ferry Road south of Church Road.

Holden said public involvement is needed to develop a comprehensive plan that best reflects Arnold’s values and priorities, including the desire for new parks.

Wednesday's meeting will mark the third workshop on the city’s Comprehensive Plan. The plan was last revised in 1996.

Many residents have been involved in the process through a recent public survey, perspective group meetings and two citywide workshops. More opinions are needed to improve the plan.

Holden said this third workshop is an opportunity for residents to weigh in on the preferred scenario developed in the two previous workshops, including calls for new parks, bike trails and sidewalks in the city.

Holden says residents’ input will help establish the goals and policies the city will use to guide future decisions about how much and what type of growth the city should pursue and where it should be located.

Residents can get involved in the process and weigh in on the plan by attending the workshop, visiting Arnold's website or emailing the planning department at mholden@arnoldmo.org.