By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham Parks and Recreation Department will be working closely with members from the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management in the coming months to help develop a master plan for the city of Pelham.

The collaboration agreement was approved by the Pelham City Council at the latest City Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 6.

As part of the agreement, the city of Pelham and Clemson will participate in research activities between January and April to develop a master plan.

The city of Pelham will contribute $14,500 to the Clemson University Division of Research Catalyst Award for the Pelham Parks and Recreation master plan project at the conclusion of the process, and in addition, to cover the city approved travel expenses for Dr. Bob Brookover and Dr. Brandon Harris for three trips to Pelham.

According to D. Tyrell McGirt, director of parks and recreation at the city of Pelham, the research activities to be conducted for the master plan will include gathering information on department assets, reviewing city planning efforts related to park projects, reviewing organizational and financial structure and assessing all existing community recreation facilities and programs in the surrounding areas.

Brookover and Harris will work to collect resident data through a recreation needs assessment survey and hold consultation sessions with key decision makers, hold focus groups and conduct a town hall public meeting.

At the conclusion of the project, the professors will share all data and research collected and their recommendations for a three to five year strategic plan and long-term planning for staffing, facilities, parks and programs.