The invitation may soon go out to residents in both Amherstburg and Essex to give input on possible plans to redevelop Co-An Park.
A report to Amherstburg Town Council for Monday night recommends moving ahead with public engagement.
The park on Middle Side Road was founded in 1977 by the Township of Anderdon and Colchester North. Those municipalities disappeared in 1999 when they were amalgamated. Since then, Amherstburg and Essex have shared ownership.
Right now, the 15.9-hectare park hosts six baseball diamonds, three soccer fields, two tennis courts, a playground, a pavilion and canteen, and the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum.
The museum opened in the park in 1997, and its lease runs out in 2028.
Meanwhile, the population in the area could increase significantly if Amherstburg Town Council approves a new subdivision called Woodland Trails and the expansion of Canard Valley Estates. Those projects could bring the number of residents up to almost 1,100. They are a kilometre from Co-An Park, and a proposed trail would connect them.
The Town of Essex first approached the Town of Amherstburg about possibly redeveloping the park.
Public engagement would help develop a Master Plan for Co-An Park guiding future development.