The city is planning to update its comprehensive parks, recreation and open-space plan, which could set projects such as those in motion.

City officials have hired the Pittsburgh landscape architecture firm of Pashek and Associates to compile the plan, and has a 30-member committee that is coming up with ideas.

What officials need now is public input, said Recreation Director Ed Chess.

A public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Artman Elementary School for residents to learn about what has been accomplished under the plan since it was adopted in 1996, and give ideas for future projects.

Chess said a questionnaire also will be going out to 20 percent of residences, selected at random, asking for their thoughts.

"The process is getting information about the past and present and looking to the future," Chess said.

The current plan's recommendations included hiring a recreation director, buying land along U.S. Route 62 for the possible park site, and strengthening the cooperation it already has with Hermitage School District and other organizations, Chess said.

The plan will show what residents' interests are, define specific needs and help in getting grants to undertake projects, he said.