TOWN OF BURGAW PARKS AND RECREATION Splash Pad Master Plan
SECTION IV: PLANNING AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS Public input is crucial when developing any new major recreation amenity because it ensures the new facility will be meeting the recreation needs and desires of the community it serves. The recommendations of this plan rely heavily on the public input provided during the 2016 and 2024 Parks and Recreation Master Plans planning periods. Previous Plans Both the 2016 and 2024 Town of Burgaw Parks and Recreation Master Plans highlighted the desire of the community for a splash pad in town. Survey results for the 2016 Master Plan indicated a splash pad was the ninth most-needed facility in Burgaw, and the plan recommended installation of one as a short-term capital project. The 2024 Master Plan saw respondents even more interested in a splash pad, with the facility ranking second on a list of most-needed recreational facilities, only following swimming pools, which are unable to be accommodated with current land constraints. The 2024-2025 Town of Burgaw Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) also issues recommendations for the installation of a splash pad as a medium-term project to be completed in FY 2028-29. The delay in timing as stated in the CIP is due to space constraints, where the Town would need to acquire additional properties to accommodate the facility. The splash pad is now able to be completed in a more immediate time frame due to recognition of Hankins Park as a suitable site. Community Meetings During the development of the 2024 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan, the department held two community meetings to gather information on which facilities the community would most like to see developed in the near future. Attendees were given 5 stickers each and had the opportunity to put them on photos of their most desired new recreation amenities. Splash pad ranked third on most wanted facilities at these meetings, tying with Dog Park, and following Skate Park and Community Recreation Center. The Town plans to host additional splash-pad-specific community meetings in September of 2025. Community Survey The Community Survey was available to the public from September 2023 to July 2024. Community members could participate in the survey by visiting the Town Hall or attending a community event hosted by the Town. In addition, the survey was available electronically on the Town of Burgaw website and social media. Town staff further distributed the survey through the town newsletter, local newspaper, emails, radio ads, and local television stations. Relevant community survey results are included here.
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