County commission approves parks and rec strategic plan

St. Joseph County officials last week approved a strategic plan for a high-profile department.

During their monthly meeting Tuesday, commissioners approved Parks and Recreation Department’s five-year plan. The matter was first addressed during the commission’s executive committee meeting Jan. 9.

Parks and Recreation Department director Jaymes MacDonald said completing the process took most of 2023 and included a resident survey, which was available online.

MacDonald said in addition to serving as a template to help guide the agency’s future, a five-year strategic plan enables it to apply for grants through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and federal agencies.

The plan covers the period from 2024 through 2028.