BUTLER TWP — On top of the list to ensure Butler County residents have more outdoor fun is the renovation of Alameda Pool.

Under the county's Comprehensive Recreation, Parks & Open Space Plan, a priority is a more than $1 million first phase of improvements to Alameda Park off New Castle Road, which includes swimming pool renovations.

The comprehensive plan details how the county can best use all its resources to meet its residents' needs.

“We inventoried all existing facilities,” said Gary Pinkerton, director of county parks and recreation.

Since the county only owns Alameda and Diamond parks, the comprehensive plan also covers municipal parks.

This plan, which was displayed during an open house Tuesday night at the township building on South Duffy Road, focuses on the county's recreational needs.

“We have prioritized the projects we want to take a look at,” Pinkerton said.

Among the pool's planned improvements are new slides and repairs to its deteriorated deck.

The $1.1 million projected cost of the first phase also includes the development of a mountain bike trail system in the park.

State grant funding would help cover the expense.

Future phases of park enhancements would include playground and shelter improvements as well as an environmental education center.

The plan also highlights the restoration of Glade Run Lake in Middlesex Township.

The county commissioners' recent commitment to the project of $110,000 over two years is a recommendation in the plan.

Other projects listed in the plan is an expansion of Adams Township Park to include 13 sports fields.

The county plan was crafted to work in conjunction with similar ones developed for Cranberry Township and Slippery Rock.

County Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, stressed the importance of such planning.

“If you don't have a plan, you can't do anything,” McCarrier said.

He described a comprehensive plan as a road map for the future.

“We can't do it haphazardly,” McCarrier said.

He emphasized the need for recreational opportunities.

“The population is growing,” McCarrier said. “It's important we maintain these open spaces for them.”

The plan projects a population increase in the county from the 183,862 counted in 2010 to 266,312 in 2020.

Along with the recreation comprehensive plan, consultant Pashek Associates prepared a greenways and trail plan for the county.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton pointed out the comprehensive plan gives the county a starting place on how to address recreational needs — a process that will continue beyond this plan.

“There will always be something to add,” Pinkerton said.

Gary Pinkerton and the Pashek staff answered peoples' questions and accepted input at the open house.

Buffalo Township Supervisor John Haven, who attended the open house, agreed recreation is a draw for visitors and families relocating to the county.

“It's activities for you and your kids,” Haven said.