Planning in Progress 

by Deborah Herr Cornwell, Resource Conservation Planner  

Since January 2021 the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) have hosted fifteen virtual technical assistance sessions with local jurisdictions.   

These semi-monthly sessions are an opportunity to check in with local parks, recreation, and planning staff and to offer our assistance reviewing and interpreting the new 2022 Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP) Guidelines. We’re available to answer questions that arise as counties prepare their draft plans, as well as provide them with a chance to learn how other jurisdictions are developing their own plans.    

During a recent session, participants discussed different approaches they’ve employed in conducting user surveys to garner feedback from residents, community members, and other visitors to county parks and recreation facilities. As there is no one-size-fits-all-approach for the surveys, the discussion included ideas for online surveys, plans for future in-person surveys at outdoor public events, along with anecdotal experiences of park staff.  

These meetings will continue throughout the planning process – all local jurisdictions are invited to participate!    

  

For information about upcoming technical assistance sessions, please contact Debbie Herr Cornwell, Resource Conservation Planner, at deborah.herrcornwell@maryland.gov or Andrew Mengel, Stewardship and Planning Administrator, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), at andrew.mengel@maryland.gov.