The Town of Oakville will hold public open houses on May 30 and June 5 to give residents a chance to weigh in on the Town's Parks, Recreation and Library Facilities Master Plan. The Town is in the process of updating the plan, which defines Oakville's future needs for parks, recreation and libraries. Residents can attend an open house and submit their comments through the online feedback form or by e-mail. "Public input is critical at this stage as the update ensures our provisions for community parks and facilities in Oakville continues to meet local needs, now and in the future," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. "These facilities and services play a vital role in advancing the overall quality of life of our residents and their enhancement is a primary objective of council's long-term strategic plan." The update takes into account the changes that have occurred since the approval of the original plan in 2006, such as the acquisition of Joshua's Creek Arenas, the construction of Sixteen Mile Sports Complex and the recent opening of Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre. It also identifies the timing for new facilities based on many criteria including community needs, demands from growth, and affordability. "The master plan does a fantastic job in helping us identify facility and amenity needs as the town grows," said Nina de Vaal, director of Recreation and Culture. "Ultimately though, the final decision will depend on town-wide factors such as available funding, development opportunities and the locations of facilities. Further consultation with residents and key stakeholders will also play a vital role." Two open houses will take place on Wednesday, May 30 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Rd. Another open house will be held on Tuesday, June 5 from 7-9 p.m. at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre. Each open house will be identical in content and include a staff presentation followed by an open discussion. For more about the master plan, visit www.oakville.ca. Residents can also submit comments by e-mail at prlfmp@oakville.ca. The final plan will be presented to council in the fall. Input sought on Oakville future plans for parks 9 · Thursday, May 17, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com