MADISON, Ala. — Mayor Paul Finley released a public statement on Saturday regarding conditions at several city park areas, responding to concerns made by Madison community members.
Facebook groups like What's happening in Madison in particular have called out city officials for park conditions. "Palmer park and Dublin park are atrocious facilities from a sport's (sic) standpoint," writes one user. "Officials think these two parks are great facilities."
Finley's statement, which was published online, focused on "deteriorating conditions at our Parks and Recreation facilities and fields." Finley consulted with Kory Alfred, director of the Parks & Recreation Department.
"As Mayor, our priority to provide quality services to our residents is paramount," Finley wrote.
"We take full responsibility for the maintenance of our parks, and we fully agree our normal high-maintenance conditions are currently not up to par," the mayor continued, citing bathroom conditions at Palmer Park as one area of concern.
Finley said city funds have been budgeted to improve the bathrooms at Palmer as well as parking at the Westco softball field complex, among other park projects. (Dublin Park was not mentioned in the letter.)
"You should expect any complex we have to be maintained properly, and we have addressed this with our team," Finley wrote.
Finley also said community volunteerism will also go a long way toward improving the overall quality of the city's parks and recreation areas. "While we (the City) take full responsibility for field and park maintenance, we also value the partnerships with volunteer organizations to maximize our quality of life. Please get involved in any way you can to positively impact the Madison community we call home."
The mayor's letter also highlighted the status of several ongoing Parks & Recreation projects, including the final stages of the Madison Community Center and Senior Center. Combined with the Sunshine Oaks complex at Mose Chapel Rd. and projects at Town Madison, the city has added 60,000 square feet of buildings and 90 acres of recreational space, Finley said.
He also reminded the community about the upcoming release of the city's parks & rec app. It will officially debut Thursday during the Celebrate Madison event at Toyota Field.
