Atlantic Beach residents will get three more chances this month to help shape how the city's parks and green spaces look and function for years to come.
The city is hosting public input meetings as part of an update to its Parks Master Plan, the guiding document for how Atlantic Beach maintains, improves and expands its recreational facilities. City officials are asking residents to attend, share their priorities and help set the long-term direction for the city's park system.
The sessions will be held in the City Commission Chamber at City Hall, 800 Seminole Road:
Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m.
Residents can review the current plan before attending at coab.us/parksmasterplan.
Why this round of input matters
Atlantic Beach has run public engagement on its parks before, but the city itself has acknowledged that engagement doesn't always translate into residents knowing what's coming. Earlier this year, when Jack Russell Park's playground was renovated under a project tied to the broader master planning process, several residents were caught off guard by changes to equipment they'd grown up with, including the removal of a longtime tire track feature.
In a follow-up message to the community, City Manager Kevin Hogencamp said the city had solicited and received input during its parks master planning process but should have done more to communicate specifically what was planned before work began. He invited continued resident feedback on the direction of the city's parks.
These September sessions are a direct opportunity for residents to weigh in before decisions are finalized, not after.
How to participate
Residents can attend any of the three meetings to share ideas, ask questions and voice priorities for parks, green spaces and recreational facilities across the city. Those who can't attend in person are encouraged to review the plan online ahead of time and follow up with city staff through the Parks Master Plan project page at coab.us.
While input on City of Atlantic Beach parks and recreation amenities and programming is always welcome, residents are encouraged to provide Parks Master Plan suggestions by Oct. 15.
