The groundwork for the future of the city’s parks and recreational grounds was laid out Monday, as city council placed their stamp of approval on the new 2015 Park & Open Space Plan.

The city leaders approved of the document by unanimous consent during its regularly scheduled meeting that evening, following a brief public hearing about the subject. The city has been developing the 36-page document for several months, which lays out the priorities for the future development of new and existing park systems throughout the city.

“The purpose of a park and open space plan is to access our current and future park and open space needs,” said Assistant City Manager Rozanne Scherr. “It is also written to meet the state requirements to be eligible for state and federal grants.”

Among the top priorities listed in the document are the creation of a park near property along the waterfront property off the city-owned 101 Cass Ave. property, the further expansion of Russom Park and new development of Rudy Park. The plan lists other possible recreational opportunities within the city, including a splash park, a snowmobile trail to downtown and a community swimming pool or ice rink.

“The items we have listed in the action plan and goals and objectives would all be eligible for grants, but if they’re not written into either of those, we can’t apply for grants for those,” Scherr said. “The plan can be amended, of course.”

During the creation process, the city reached out to various entities for their feedback, with their feedback incorporated into many of the suggestions listed within the plan.

During the public hearing during the meeting, only a single citizen spoke, Bill Lorenz, offered up comments on the plan. Overall, he was positive about the proposals listed within it, especially about the development of new riverfront property within the city.

He was critical of the plan’s lack of emphasis on Rudophi Woods, however.

“It’s a unique place to have in the city, and I think you’re neglecting it,” Lorenz said. “You should look at something like Fernwood and what they are doing with their place, and try to take some of those ideas and incorporate them in Rudophi. Right now, it looks

pretty sad.”

The council also discussed various portions of the document before approving of it. Councilmember Charles Burling mentioned that the council should try to remain aware of the status of the some the projects listed in the document, to make sure that they are realized when the funding presents itself.

“There’s a lot of work that the council will have to assume to make this a living document,” he said. “But what’s here is excellent. It captures a lot what we talked in the last five years.”