Technology puts Kenosha parks plan in front of the competition

By Keith Barber

The city of Kenosha was deemed the big winner this year for initiatives regarding a comprehensive outdoor recreational plan.

The American Society of Landscape Architects granted its top honor to the city’s $140,000 plan, which was completed last year.

The plan was established through a series of public feedback sessions primarily using technology. The city used social media to interact with residents and displayed plan documents online. It was an exercise in using technology in new ways to reach the public.

The landscape architect and park planner for the city is SAA Design Group, Madison, which will now assist the city in coordinating park projects with grants totaling more than $750,000 from the Department of Natural Resources.

The comprehensive plan was needed to secure the grants, and SAA and the city said they are extremely pleased with the method of public input.

Technology-based comment and display are new trends in public involvement.

Keith Barber is a data reporter at The Daily Reporter. You can add your public input on JobTrac’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jobtrac.