It is never too early to look ahead.

That’s the attitude Elizabethton Parks and Recreation is taking this week by going over a multi-year plan to address possible projects for the coming years.

With budget talks looming, members of the Parks & Rec Board will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. inside City Hall to go over the department’s tentative recreational plan.

Developing a future agenda of projects takes feedback from all across the community, according to Parks & Rec Director Mike Mains. “We encourage the public to stop by for the meeting and give their feedback on what they’d like to see for the years to come,” said Mains.

Board members will delve into a list of projects that are currently being looked at by the department.

Some of the projects on a list provided by Mains include a skate park, lengthy bicycle trail, a sports complex, property on Gap Creek/Mary Patton and a possible whitewater park near Riverside Park or further on down the river adjacent to the Linear Trail.

“Our Board will review and talk about the different projects. We’re hoping to see residents attend so they can voice their opinion about the listed projects or bring up something different.”

One of the projects on the docket, the whitewater park, will also be displayed on higher level this weekend.

City leaders and the Elizabethton IDEAS Group will hold a special “Surf Betsy” presentation Saturday at the Bonnie Kate Theater. More information on the event will be featured online via social media.

Some of the plans already underway by the department include work at different parks, including new equipment at Riverside.

•••••

Shifting their focus to just a couple of months down the line, department officials are preparing for another busy year at the Joe LaPorte, Jr. Recreation Area.

Recreation Manager David Nanney recently announced Franklin Pool is seeking lifeguards for the 2018 pool season.

Applicants are asked to be CPR, lifeguard and first aid certified to be in the running for a position. Franklin Pool is to expected to open during Memorial Day weekend and feature the addition of a new splashpad for the public.

To learn more about the open positions, email dnanney@elizabethton.com or call (423) 547-6440.