County seeks residents’ input about long-term planning for parks

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) - Making improvements to Riverside County's parks and other publicly accessible recreational sites is the subject of a survey and workshops that residents are invited to participate in through early October.   

The county's Regional Parks & Open-Space District is hosting the sessions as part of preparation of the agency's Long Range Facilities Master Plan.   

"Community input is an important part of this planning process,'' First District Supervisor Jose Medina said. "The people who visit and enjoy our parks bring valuable perspectives about what is working well, what may be needed and where opportunities exist for the future. We want this plan to reflect the communities we serve and provide a thoughtful framework for the years ahead."  

There are four remaining workshops during which residents will be welcome to submit their ideas or ask questions of county officials. They're scheduled at the following dates and locations:
   -- 6 p.m. Thursday, Crestmore Manor, 4600 Crestmore Road, Jurupa Valley.
   -- 10 a.m. Saturday, Trail of the Acorn, Idyllwild Nature Center, 25225 Highway 243, Idyllwild.
   -- 6 p.m. Oct. 1, online with free virtual access at bit.ly/RivCoParksFMP.
   -- 10 a.m. Oct. 3, Gilman Historic Ranch & Wagon Museum, 1901 Wilson St., Banning.  

The goal is for the county to identify and evaluate where investments should be made, and what modifications or upgrades will best serve the public, according to officials.

Those unable to attend the workshops are invited to complete an online survey to make their opinions known at rivcoparks.org/lrfmp.