Town councillor Tara McFadden has put forward a notice of motion to create a parks and recreation board to promote a clear and open process for setting priorities with public input.

"The idea is to get to the point where we work with our stakeholders identifying where our needs are and doing so more transparently so we have an understood system of how you get to the top of the pile," she explains.

She sees the creation of the board as one of the gaps that need to be filled by the town to make sure there is public input in making decisions. She envisions the board to be formed by the public and representatives of council with support from the town's administration.

What brought the idea to the surface was the pickleball courts project. While not particularly opposed to project, she sought clarification of how it became the top priority. Her concern dates back to budget deliberations when she had been seeking information on the process utilized for project selection.

"This will establish a process everyone understands how they can talk to the community about their projects."

Several other recreation and sports groups are pressing for more facilities to meet the needs of a growing population.

The motion will be discussed at a future council meeting.