Albemarle City Council approves firm for parks plan

At its Sept. 3 meeting, Albemarle City Council voted to approve McGill and Associates to develop a master plan for the city’s parks and recreation department.
Albemarle Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Kiser and Nate Halubka, a former NC Recreation Resource Service consultant who is now a consultant with McGill, presented information on the planning process to the council.
“McGill Associates stands out as the ideal choice for the City of Albemarle’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Their proven track record, innovative approach and commitment to the community’s needs make them the best fit for this important project,” said Kiser, adding that the firm “has demonstrated the necessary experience, expertise and innovative approach to develop a comprehensive plan that aligns with the city’s goals.”
“We’re really excited about this,” added Halubka. “It’s an opportunity for us to, first and foremost, understand the citizens’ needs and desires, which will help us shape what parks and recreation will look like in the future.”
Halubka said that parks and recreation “more and more has a role in building the culture and livability” of its service areas.
Councilman Chris Bramlett asked Halubka the difference between a master plan and a strategic plan.
“There’s a bit of both in it,” he replied. “The master plan is going to look at your entire system, and will have a strategic component as well as a capital improvement component.”
Councilman Benton Dry expressed the need for the plan to consider the city’s current growth in future planning.
“We’re in the middle of a significant growth here in Albemarle over the next five to 10 years,” he said. “We’ve got to do a really good job of meeting the needs of all these people from outside Stanly County that have parks and that have ballfields for all kinds of sports.”
Halubka noted that McGill has been working with Harrisburg, which Kiser described as “the most diverse community in our area,” as well as on a master plan for the Town of Troy.
“(Albemarle) has the Uwharries right on its front porch,” he added, referencing the region having been designated the “Central Park of North Carolina.”
“As North Carolina urbanizes more and more, people are looking for places that have city amenities, but where they can get out in nature … and y’all are ideally situated to serve those needs,” Halubka said.
In other matters, the council:
• Adopted a proclamation designating Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in Albemarle.
• Approved rezoning of two parcels on Truss Lane to LID (Light industrial).
• Approved a cost share arrangement with NCDOT for relocation of a water line at West Main Street and St. Martin Road.
• Heard updates from Adam Kiker of LKC Engineering on progress on the Long Creek Wastewater Plant rehabilitation project, and on sewer replacement in the Five Points area.
• Conducted a closed session to consult with the city attorney and to discuss economic development.
Albemarle City Council will next meet on Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.

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