Options for a Paducah parks advisory board discussed

At Tuesday's city commission meeting, there was discussion about the formation of an advisory board for Paducah's city parks.

Parks & Recreation Director Amie Clark provided three structure options to the board.

One option is a policy-making board that would have decision-making power regarding the operation and management of parks and recreational programs. In Kentucky, Georgetown/Scott County has a similar board.

Another option is a foundation, or a "friends of the parks" board that would lead fundraising options. Shelbyville/Shelby County has this type of option.

The third option, which Clark recommended to commissioners, is an advisory committee. This group of citizens would serve in an advisory role to make recommendations. An advisory committee could collect public input and communicate with the parks department, city manager, and city commission. The committee could also , help set goals and plans for future park projects and assist in promotional policies and initiatives.

Communities in Kentucky with advisory committees include Owensboro, Daviess County, Henderson, and Shelbyville.

Commissioners voiced support in gathering public feedback about forming such a board.