Expanding outdoor recreation topped a list of priorities, according to consulting firm RaganSmith, at the second open house to discuss generating a 5-year plan for McMinnville Parks and Recreation Department.

“No. 1 was create a combined Greenway, Blue Way Master Plan in coordination with state and federal partners for further development of the Barren Fork Greenway,” said Michael Barille, RaganSmith project manager. 

Information for that determination was gathered from the first open house in March and an online survey that was available for public input until June 1. Approximately 250 people took the survey and 12 attended the second open house to provide input. 

“There are logical opportunities to expand in both directions,” said Barille. “You’ve already got a soft surface trail with the Bigbee Trail connecting Ramsey and Rocket Park. We could see that whole extension becoming an extension of the Barren Fork Greenway. We’ve been thinking of that as one big linear park in the future.”

The No. 2 choice is investing in existing neighborhood parks and/or creating new ones. 

Choice No. 3, an indoor pool. 

“Among a segment of the community, there seems to be a very strong interest in that,” said Barille, of an indoor pool. “So, we are putting it out there for exploration. We did bring up the idea that seasonal bubbles or inflatable structures are potentially a way to do that more affordably than something that’s a brick and mortar improvement.”

No. 4, more programing and activities related to outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. 

No. 5, expand programs to meet the needs of individuals with limitations such as handicap individuals and senior citizens. 

No. 6, festival space and additional areas tied to Blue Way access.

No. 7, big regional economic generators that would be welcomed in the community, but they would also bring in tourism. Suggested was a white water park and synthetic ice rink.

No. 8, branding to draw in economic vitality. 

“After the presentation on Facebook live, there was a period for public feedback where participants were asked to pick their top three priorities. Based off of those comments and feedback from the people at the open house, the indoor pool was the top priority to them,” said McMinnville Parks and Recreation Department assistant director Michael Benusches.

RaganSmith offered the open house at Milner Recreation Center. It was a 30-minute presentation.