Adams County officials are gearing up for a transformative five-year plan aimed at enhancing local parks and open spaces, with a strong emphasis on community feedback and measurable outcomes. During a recent Board of County Commissioners study session, commissioners expressed the need for clear metrics to evaluate the success of the initiatives outlined in the plan.

One commissioner highlighted the importance of transparency, stating, "I want us to be very clear about if somebody from the public saw the five-year plan, I want them to see that their feedback is directly linked to the work that we want to accomplish in our parks." This sentiment underscores a commitment to accountability, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are effectively utilized to meet community needs.

The discussion also focused on how to quantify success over the five-year period. Commissioners called for specific goals, such as increasing the number of park facilities or improving trail signage, to be established. "I want to be able to point at how do you define success after this five-year plan," one commissioner remarked, emphasizing the necessity of having concrete data to report back to the public.

In addition to setting measurable goals, the board acknowledged the importance of prioritizing projects based on available financial and human resources. As one commissioner noted, "Do you do 100 projects and put a dollar to each, or do you do two projects and put $50 to each and knock them off the list?" This approach aims to ensure that the county can effectively manage its resources while delivering impactful results.

The meeting also touched on the need for improved outreach regarding ongoing projects, particularly in areas like Willow Bay and The Bluffs. Commissioners expressed a desire for more communication with the community to keep residents informed and engaged in the planning process.

As Adams County moves forward with its five-year parks plan, the focus remains on integrating public input, establishing clear success metrics, and ensuring that the community is kept in the loop. The anticipated outcomes of this initiative could significantly enhance the quality of life for residents, reinforcing the county's commitment to its cherished open spaces.