I'm Thinkin' of a Master Plan...

1. master plan (n) a plan giving comprehensive guidance

By now, park people, you've begun to notice some changes around this place. We've put in some new bear-proof trash cans (I've tested them, they're tough), doggie poop stations (for disposing of what you're dog's disposing of), and new directional signage. I think everyone can agree that these are good changes. Show of hands?

Fact is, the park's been changing all the time. From forest to penal farm to park, this piece of green has been in flux. All the lakes were man-made to support the crops grown at the penal farm. Patriot Lake was dug when dirt was needed to cap a landfill. While everyone and their brother has had an idea for what this place should be, there's never been a real plan. Fortunately, the land is now protected by a conservation easement (yeah!) and is being managed by a nonprofit in partnership with the county (woo!) and we're smack in the middlish-end of a master plan innovative design competition (alright!). Also, I'm turning my blog into a pep rally. GO BIG GREEN! I'm still cranked up from the Super Bowl. Thanks, Tom Petty.

What, you ask, does this mean for Shelby Farms Park? Good things ahead, friends.

A master plan will allow us to anticipate and control changes in ways that respect the environment and natural resources. Shelby Farms Park has the potential to change our city and become an icon on the scale of Central Park in New York or Millennium Park in Chicago. We've got the world's best talent working on the plans they developed after hearing from you last fall.

In March, you can check out their models (no poking, please). They'll be on display at the Ben Hooks Central Library from March 6-15 and at the Park from March 17-31. Sketches and renderings will be shown from 6-31 at the Park and at Cossitt Library downtown. We want you to tell us what you like and what you don't like in each plan. In the end, we can use elements from any of the three plans in the final design, so we need your comments for real.

Got questions? Let me know.

*By the by: The title of this blog is taken from a lyric of a song by poet laureate, Snoop Dogg. He was forming a master plan to make money-money. And it worked, folks. That's the power of the plan.