The three parks in that corridor include the Chaloner Recreation Center, Martin Luther King Park and Wheeler Park, which is a smaller park behind Bobby's Seafood, parks and recreation Director John Simeon said.

“Our top priority is how do we go about improving the three sites,” Simeon told the committee. “They all have great potential.”

Since all three are landlocked, the question becomes looking for ways to connect them, Simeon said, whether it is through a greenway or other means.

The committee will rely on the expertise of Site Solutions, which developed the countywide recreation master plan, to come up with a plan for the three sites and how to connect them, Simeon said.

The charitable trust has already made a $3 million investment and 10-year commitment to the city, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Kelly Manning told the committee.

Committee member Margaret Clark asked whether this project would be a priority. “It seems like everything on our side gets swept under the rug.”

“It is a top priority for the staff,” Simeon said.

Clark made a motion, which was unanimously approved, to make the Highway 158 corridor parks project the top priority.

It is currently unclear whether after Site Solutions makes it recommendation whether funds will be sought for the project as a whole or in parts.

“I envision when we get the plans back it's going to be an ongoing process,” Simeon said. “It just depends on what Site Solutions gives us.”

Wheeler Park needs a shelter and playground equipment, Simeon told the committee. Chaloner has an aging pool.

Each of the three parks, Simeon said, “Serves a smaller community. We need a number of opportunities for all three.”