Town recreation survey extended through end of year

Public feedback period for Recreation Master Plan continues

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
December 16, 2022

An online survey allowing public input on the Black Mountain Recreation & Parks Master Plan process will remain open through Dec. 31. Photo by Fred McCormick

The public feedback period for the Town of Black Mountain Recreation & Parks Master Plan has been extended by one month. 

The 25-question online survey, released in mid-October and linked here, will continue accepting responses through the end of the year, allowing residents of the town to offer insight into current usage of facilities and programs and prioritize potential future improvements. 

Last updated in 2017, the recreation master plan will guide decisions related to the town’s recreation programs and park facilities. The $65,000 project, led by Asheville-based firm McGill & Associates, is included in the current budget cycle

Extending the availability of the survey is intended to allow additional residents an opportunity to provide input into the process, according to BMRP Director Josh Henderson. 

“McGill & Associates asked us to meet a goal of a 10% return on the survey data, compared to our census numbers,” he said. “We are currently at approximately 16 to 17% and would love to finish with close to 20% of our population represented by these results.”

The questionnaire collects data on local demographics, barriers to use of existing facilities and public interest in improvements and expansion. Respondents are asked to rate their experiences with BMRP programming and parks, including Lake Tomahawk, Veterans Park and the town greenways system.

The town anticipates the finalized master plan will be presented in early 2023.