Major Focus on City Parks in Oxford’s 2025 Budget Plan

Oxford’s Parks Set for Major Focus in 2025

As Oxford prepares for the Fiscal Year 2025 budget approval, the city’s parks are taking center stage in discussions among the Oxford Board of Aldermen, department heads, and Mayor Robyn Tannehill. In the latest budget work session, important changes were proposed that aim to improve and evaluate city parks, especially those with playgrounds.

Funds Allocated for Park Studies

In July, the board allocated $25,000 for a study at Stone Park. This study’s purpose is to figure out how this area can best be used before any renovations happen. As the discussions continued, the Alderpersons realized that many parks in Oxford need attention and agreed to boost the budget for park studies to $80,000.

The board identified several key parks in need of evaluation, including Price Hill Park and Bailey Branch Park. The focus will be to assess what renovations these parks might need to serve the community better.

Future Plans for City Parks

Mayor Tannehill explained that a broader city-wide evaluation of parks and pathways is in progress. This evaluation does not focus solely on playground equipment, but rather takes a comprehensive look at the park system as a whole. “It’s an overall parks and pathways plan,” Tannehill stated. “As we grow, do we need to be trying to purchase an acre over here to have a park? This is something separate from these individual park studies.”

This broader evaluation will provide valuable insights into where new parks are needed in the city. It will consider factors like population density and community demographics. For example, if a neighborhood has many families, a playground might be the best fit, while areas with older adults might benefit more from walking trails.

Once this city-wide evaluation is complete, the data will guide individual park studies. This will help city planners understand the best layout for each park and determine where to place features like playground equipment and parking lots.

Upcoming Budget Hearing

The proposed budget for FY 2025 is estimated at $65 million and can be viewed online on the city’s website. A public hearing regarding the budget will take place on September 3 at 5 p.m. at City Hall. The budget must receive approval by September 15, and the new fiscal year will run from October 1 to September 30.

Increased Funding for Police Department

In addition to park discussions, the Board also approved an increase in the budget for the Oxford Police Department. This funding will support the hiring of a full-time police officer and the installation of new security cameras at key locations, including the Oxford Activity Center and the Ulysses “Coach” Howell Activity Center.

The initiatives aimed at enhancing Oxford’s recreational spaces and ensuring public safety reflect the city’s commitment to improving community life for all residents. With the increased focus on parks in the upcoming budget discussions, Oxford looks poised to make significant strides in creating inviting spaces for recreation and relaxation.