Ernie Shaw, interim director of the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department, is shepherding the department through growth and changes while at the same time maintaining what is already in place.
“It’s a big job,” he said, explaining that he depends on public input, focus groups forums and surveys to create a clear set of goals and address future needs. He provides direction to city staff and city commissioners, and LPRD staff.Key issues include the need for more social media and marketing including more grant writers,
Key issues include the need for more social media and marketing including more grant writers, more full-time working staff, and higher pay for part-time workers.
He is concerned with, among other things, protecting the natural environment while upgrading existing facilities, and acquiring new park land including an additional dog park, more soccer fields, and an adventure park. He hopes, he said, to create more community-wide special events, more weekend tournaments, more family events and establish programs to go along with trails.Another goal is to improve the financial position of LPRD, creating a fund and a five-year budget. His office is doing economic development studies and looking at tactics such as increasing user fees, increasing sponsorship and a bond referendum.
Another goal is to improve the financial position of LPRD, creating a fund and a five-year budget. His office is doing economic development studies and looking at tactics such as increasing user fees, increasing sponsorship and a bond referendum.“Lawrence already has a great Parks and Recreation system and we’re looking to make it even larger and better,” he said.
“Lawrence already has a great Parks and Recreation system and we’re looking to make it even larger and better,” he said.
