The city of Auburn is looking to take part in a $40 million project to upgrade recreation facilities and new parks.

The Opelika-Auburn News reports that the 13 projects could see new parks and athletic fields along with enhancements to the Auburn Public Library. The projects will be included for approval on the May 15 Auburn City Council agenda.

“There were a lot of very worthy projects on our initial list,” said Parks and Recreation Director Rebecca Richardson, referring to the citizen’s input through public meetings and surveys. “There has to be a starting point.”

The meeting that included Auburn City Council, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Library Board was held this week.

The city plans to borrow the money for projects in fiscal year 2019. The projects highlighted included an expansion to the Jan Dempsey Arts Center and Frank Brown Recreation Center.

The first phase of the master plan should be completed over the next five years.

The library’s improvements include upgrades to the sidewalk, a green space and renovations inside.

“As our patrons needs have changed, we’re finding more and better ways to serve the community,” said Library Director Chris Warren.

The suggestions also included turning Felton Little Park into a passive park, which would include moving the softball field and batting cages. The idea is to create a park on 65 acres on Society Hill Road on which the fields would move. The park would include four baseball and softball fields, five multi-use fields, playgrounds and walking trails.

(Associated Press, copyright 2018)