KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Recreation is an integral part of the city’s culture. The sparkling lakes, sandy beaches and shady live oak trees beckoned the first residents to the area just about a century ago.

With the progress of the Black Creek Restoration Project moving along “swimmingly” and with the eager expectation that the water levels of the lakes will rise to high historic levels, city council has been working ahead to develop a “master plan” for Keystone Heights and for the 22 acres of parks within.

A proposal authored by Manzana Consulting for The Smart City Master Plan looked at ways to improve walkability through the city and the parks, implement technology when pertinent, and improve functionality and aesthetic character for recreational areas.

Some ideas included building a new government building, adding lights around the Moon Tree (an American Sycamore grown from a seed that traveled to the Moon on Apollo 14), growing native flowering plants in the butterfly garden, building a splash park at Keystone Beach and adding a kayak launch.

Manzana’s proposal can be found at keystoneheights.us.

During the city council’s workshop on Feb. 28, a consultant from Manzana said the proposal’s cost falls between $2-8 million.

“We’re going to have to definitely find someone who can write grants because we don’t have the money that other parts of the government do,” said Councilman Tony Brown.

A resident argued the proposal was a waste of time and money.

“It’s easier to have the concept on paper so (the community) can work from that,” said the consultant. “It was a relatively low-cost project. It’s a normal part of the planning process.”

Another resident said whatever steps are taken, the historic charm of the city needs to be preserved. For example, the Keystone Heights Historic Pavilion was once part of the original resort.

During the city council’s workshop, Mayor Nina Rodenroth was finally able to address the repeated acts of vandalism that have maimed the pavilion and surrounding parks.  

“We’ve had a ton of things happen in the bathrooms. They have been destroyed twice. I know paper towels are being pulled out and thrown everywhere so nobody can use them,” Rodenroth said.

Councilmember Stephen Hart suggested that the city should have a stricter stance, such as hiring private security. Brown agreed there is merit to having private security or an off-duty deputy patrol the parks.

“When I was mayor, we had one guy actually shimmy up and knock off one of the cameras,” Brown said.

“If you come into this park and mess anything up, you’re going to be liable. Your parents are going to be liable if you’re underage. I think tough love is for the best,” said Vice Mayor Christine Thompson.

Rodenroth is still open to starting a Pavilion Park Task Force to lay out the data and present possible solutions to the public. One idea from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office was to encourage residents to record and report acts of vandalism. She said a volunteer community-led effort would save the city money from hiring additional private security.

“It’s got to be data-driven. Last year, we had 73 incidents in the city of Keystone Heights,” she said.

Rodenroth said a restroom was destroyed at 3 p.m. on a Sunday. Vandalism typically occurs during the day when school is out.

Fostering safe public recreational spaces will be a sizeable portion of the city’s strategic plan, if not the cornerstone. A finalized strategic plan is typically a prerequisite for grant funding and the first step to achieving short- and long-term municipal goals.

The city council must first chart the course before the city can be steered in a favorable direction.

A process which will not happen overnight.

Councilmember Dan Lewandowski suggested nine months of writing and three months of review at the March 4 meeting. City Manager Charlie Van Zant Jr. said he would contact Dr. Joe Saviak, someone with experience authoring strategic plans.

The strategic plan will be a working document that will require months to iron out the details and much community input. Hopefully, it will come out shiny and smooth for the city’s centennial next year.

The Keystone Heights City Council typically meets on the first Monday of every month. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 1, at 555 S. Lawrence Blvd.