Staff at the Urbana Park District have begun developing a climate plan with the intent of becoming a community leader and role model in sustainable practices and climate action. The CARES Plan (short for Climate Action, Resilience, Education & Sustainability) will outline goals such as utilizing more solar energy, installing rain gardens, providing public programming, and cutting back on single-use plastics. Goals are organized under the plan's three pillars:
1. Communicating Climate Action
2. Protecting & Strengthening Our Natural Environment
3. Conserving Resources
Now that the draft plan is about halfway complete, staff are seeking your input to help shape the most important parts--objectives and priorities. You are encouraged to attend one of two live public input sessions which will take place via Zoom:
• Monday, Feb. 22, 5-6pm; Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vdOqorToiGNVpJIbbjBcMcs-YORAGG3xz
• Wednesday, Feb. 24, 12-1pm; Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqcu-gpz0tH9XCBP8S4y62BxeGTsu_z3hv
Registration through Zoom is required and can be done at any point leading up to the sessions. Click the link above for the session option that you wish to join, follow the instructions, and a link to join the Zoom will be emailed to you.
Each session will start with a brief video presentation about the plan. Then you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas with park district staff. Discussion will cover the plan's pillars and the goals and objectives drafted under each pillar.
Following each session, a survey link will be provided where you can offer more detailed feedback. This online survey will be open for any community member to take during the input period from Feb. 17 - March 9, 2021. (Visit the link below to be directed to the survey.)
If you cannot attend one of the live sessions, you can provide your input by visiting the park district's web page and following the links and instructions provided: https://www.urbanaparks.org/about-us/green-initiatives/
Park district staff are looking forward to your feedback and are hoping to unveil a final draft of the plan in time for Earth Day, 2021.
