Park & Recreation Study

Park and recreation sites have a long history in community and city development.  Many European cities had preserves or parks and the idea of “public” land came to the United States from Europe.  From the late 1800s to the early 1900s parks were viewed as essential and often referred to as the “lungs” of a city, allowing a community and its inhabitants an opportunity to breathe. 

As communities developed, land set aside for parks, golf courses, and swimming pools became “hives of activity.”  Not just hives of activity, but true focal points for the entire community.  The placement of parks is critical.  Access and walkability are essential considerations.  Another aspect to consider of the overall park and recreation plan is a hike-bike system.  Hike-bike trails, often viewed as both utilitarian and recreational, have been and are becoming more popular in communities across the country as they address overall quality of life issues. 

For Miller & Associates, in the last few years we have come alongside community leaders in Gothenburg, Nebraska (hike-bike trail extension), McCook, Nebraska (sports complex), and Ravenna, Nebraska (overall park and recreation plan including a new aquatic center) to create recreation plans that “fit” each community.  All these studies have considered public input and overall recreation goals of each community.