Lacombe County is keeping the ball rolling on its recreation master plan.
Last Friday, council approved spending $19,375 to cover the cost of the second phase of the Recreation Master Plan, which is designed to serve as a blueprint for how recreation is developed.
Calgary-based CDC Consultants recently wrapped up the first phase of the plan involving the development of a policy framework and discussion document and to meet with area municipalities to talk about recreational opportunities.
The second phase of the project involves developing a strategic plan. It is expected to be completed early next year. Upcoming phases of the project include undertaking a needs assessment, developing a parks, trails and open spaces strategy, reviewing the provisions for indoor and outdoor facilities and then creating the master plan summary document.
The county has budgeted $100,000 for the plan, which could take a year to complete.
Providing recreation has become a bigger issue in the county because of the number of new and proposed country residential subdivisions and RV developments that are expected to draw thousands of people to the municipality in coming years.