Evansville Parks and Recreation hosts park chat

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — Members of the community gathered Wednesday to discuss some areas of improvements they wish to see for their local parks.

Evansville Parks and Recreation Executive Director Danielle Crook doesn't shy away from some of the problems facing the 46 parks in the city.

"There is so much growth needed, there is so many areas of improvement, and we are well aware of that," says Crook

Instead she set up times where people can address problems and voice them directly to her and her staff.

They gathered for the second time on Wednesday to discuss the second ward five parks including Akin Lorraine Vann Pollack Price and Anthony Oates.

Community members brought up concerns about the pools in these parks and safety with the latter being Crook's top priority.

"I mean safety's number one. I want every citizen in our community to go to any of our 46 parks and be able to recreate, enjoy a walk or a sport, or whatever it is they enjoy doing. So safety is first and foremost and then accessibility. I want to make our parks more accessible. It's definitely not an overnight goal, but long term we have lots to do."

Some of Crook's solutions to improve safety are improved lighting, a continued partnership with EPD and keeping the parks well maintained.

Watch the video above to learn more.