A Council Member Stands Up For His Ward
First Ward Council Member Speaks to Park Commissioners
It’s not everday a sitting member of City Council addresses the City’s Board of Park Commissioners. It’s not everday that a Council Member presses the board to make a decision that is not what the staff recommended.
Yet, it was the address by First Ward Council Member Jeff Whidden that steered Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners towards a pressing concern: the stark lack of parks within the First Ward. Whidden passionately argued that, despite Troy's commendable park system, his ward remained glaringly underserved. He highlighted the recent decision to relinquish Campbell Park to the school district, further exacerbating the absence of recreational spaces in his area. Whidden's plea was not for a park in every new development but for strategic planning to ensure equitable park distribution across Troy, especially in wards left wanting; Mr. Whidden’s First Ward will become the only ward without a city park after the donation of Campbell Park to the Troy City Schools.
The discussion that ensued was a reflective dialogue among the commissioners, juxtaposing the city's overall satisfaction with its parks against the specific needs of the First Ward. The discussion delved into the nuances of park planning, the allocation of resources, and the challenges of maintaining and updating park facilities. Whidden's advocacy for the First Ward ignited a broader conversation on the city's responsibility to all its residents, urging a reevaluation of how parkland is allocated and developed.
The cornerstone of the conversation touched on the proposed Liberty Meadows subdivision, which is on the city’s northeast side, near the existing Hunters Ridge subdvisions. Earlier the Planning Commission approved the general layout of the subdivision on the condition that the Board of Park Commissioners approved the developer to provide fees to the city, rather that dedicating park land within the tract. City staff recommended the fees to the city plan and Council Member Whidden pressed for a park within this ward.
This proposal became a focal point of the discussion, as it raised questions about the best path forward for incorporating green spaces into new developments. Whidden saw this discussion as an opportunity to address the park scarcity in his ward. In contrast, others emphasized the financial and logistical challenges of developing new parks without a comprehensive plan in place.
As the meeting progressed, various perspectives were shared, including input from the developer, who highlighted the complexities of dedicating land without clear plans for development. The discussion underscored the delicate balance between expanding the city's park system and managing the costs and expectations associated with new parkland.
Ultimately, the board faced a difficult decision: whether to accept fees in lieu of parkland for the Liberty Meadows subdivision or to insist on the dedication of green space that could potentially address the First Ward's needs. The Board of Park Commissioners, by a 2 to 1 vote, agreed to have the developer to pay the fees rather than dedicate parkland in the development.
The discussion reflected a broader struggle within the city’s planning process—how to equitably distribute resources in a way that serves all community members while also considering the city's long-term financial and operational capabilities. Striving to provide accessible and equitable recreational spaces requires not just strategic planning but also a commitment to addressing the needs of each community within the city.
Council Member Jeff Whidden deserves credit. It is obvious he knows his ward and he is standing up for a real need within his neighborhood. Furthermore, as residential developments continue to occur on Troy’s northeast side, a more strategic effort will need to be made to ensure that some recreational developments occur in the only ward that does not have any land set aside for a city park.
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McKaig and Race park was our backyard for a number of years. And yes, I was always happy to have the park right there for my kids to play in. But having just greenspace doesn't adequately address the neighborhood's needs. Kids need something to climb and play on, when that's not provided they're going to climb trees or whatever else they can.
We had a fellow resident collect signatures to put in a playground, she even had a company lined up to pay for the equipment. But was soundly turned down by the Park Department.
Congratulations to Mr. Whidden for taking the time to study this issue and actually speaking out for the area he serves. We appreciate his courage to do so. For too long, council has been rubber stamping city decisions. On another park topic…
Because I often walk my dog in the McKaig Race Park, I’ve noticed the absence of people there anytime, other than another occasional walker, yet many children live nearby. I also walk in the Kyle School area and by comparison, I often see children playing there.