Town of Normal residents had a chance to offer their thoughts Tuesday night on what should be involved in a Parks and Rec master plan. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – The Town of Normal is developing a five-year Parks and Recreation master plan and is making sure residents have opportunity to provide input.

Along with an ongoing online survey, the town hosted public meetings this week to speak with citizens.

The plan is being developed with the help of Hitchcock Design Group. Senior vice president Bill Inman said public feedback is vital when creating this type of plan.

"Not only do we need to understand all of the assets within the community – the parks, the facilities, the trails, etc. – we need to understand what public opinion is about all of those things," he said.

Bill Inman explained certain themes are developing.

"Indoor rec center, indoor space, indoor programmable space for a variety of uses," said Inman. "Soccer fields was very prominent last night (Monday). We see a continued emphasis on trails."

Once public feedback is complete, the plan will be prepared and taken to the Town Council for approval in February.

The online survey is ongoing and can be found at youparksplan.normal.org.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].