If it seems that spring is just barely in the air, getting ready for a park opening in 2014 is really difficult to think about.

That is precisely what we are doing, though.

The question is, what will we see at that park opening? How will the space reflect what our community values? How will it encourage creative new uses? 

For those of you who frequent our community parks, you will know that Brookdale Park and Woburn Park are beginning to show their age, right down to their old wooden play structures.

In 2014, each of these parks will receive meaningful improvement funds, thanks to the city’s budget.

These dollars will be enhanced by development levies. In the interim, the months ahead are slated for creative thinking and planning. Working groups will be struck for both parks, with initial meetings in May.

At that time, the task will be to review how each park is currently used, consider how it could be used and how we can make it happen within the funding envelope. 

In the interim, e-mail me with your ideas. What do you see in the park? Art? Community gardens? Adult exercise space? A creative space for children? What are the various ways in which we capitalize on unique natural features?

Inspiration might also strike as we declutter. Join me in Brookdale Park on April 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for our annual Community Clean-Up Day.

Who knows what possibilities might come from a sparkling clean stream.