The Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Comprehensive Plan will focus on the Unmistakable Identity outcome area and formally integrate arts and culture as part of the Parks and Recreation Department. The City is working with Confluence, a firm based in Kansas City, to help our community develop a more inclusive and robust plan to meet the goals in the City’s Strategic Plan.

The Confluence consultant team will hold an open house between 5:30 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 at the Flory Meeting Hall at Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St. The open house is a come and go opportunity for anyone in the Lawrence community interested in learning more and sharing their insights about the Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Comprehensive Plan!

Also, as part of the planning process, Amanda Golden of Designing Local and a member of the Confluence consultant team will facilitate the following virtual Arts and Culture focus group meetings on Zoom. Anyone interested is welcome to listen in or participate!

• Festivals and Events: 12-1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023
• Visual Art: 12-1:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13, 2023
• Performing Arts: 12-1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023
• General Arts and Culture: 5:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023

The Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Comprehensive Plan will reflect the needs of residents and guests by setting standards for appropriate services, documenting the process and providing a guiding document for the future. We appreciate everyone’s help in developing the best plan possible.

For more information, please visit the Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Comprehensive Plan web page.

Contact: Kent Rettig, Recreation Operations Manager – [email protected].