‘Nature play,’ recreation subcommittee discussion due Monday | Daily Tidings

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North Mountain Park Nature Center Manager Libby VanWyhe will present an update on the “nature play” project at North Mountain Park to the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission during a study session set to begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, at The Grove, 1195 E. Main St. The update will include background information, whether the funds were raised this fall as expected and if the construction is still set to begin in the spring. Nature play centers are made of natural materials that encourage kids to play outside without disturbing existing habitat. A discussion about forming a recreation subcommittee is also on the agenda. This was recommended by Matrix, the company which completed a performance audit on the department in 2016. The goal of the subcommittee, if it is formed, is to “develop program alternatives and strategies toward increasing participation from currently underserved groups in the community,” which could include: • Conducting a needs assessment of the community to identify these underserved groups, their interests and needs; • Developing a five-year comprehensive strategic plan for the department; and • Establishing a better process for receiving feedback from the community.