MARYSVILLE – Marysville University invites you to register for a free one-night civics class that will provide attendees with an opportunity to help the Parks and Recreation Department develop its next comprehensive plan to articulate the vision, future goals and strategies for the parks system.

Marysville University will meet from 6:30-9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor in City Hall, 1049 State Ave.

Information gathered at this community class will help elected officials, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and staff identify short-term and long-term community needs to keep pace with our growing city, manage resources and provide quality park and recreation services for the benefit of individuals, communities and the environment, says Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Director.

The evening will kick off with an overview of the Parks and Recreation Department as shared by recreation services, classes, athletics and maintenance staff. The night will then give attendees time to complete a vital Parks and Recreation needs survey that was mailed to 500 randomly-selected community members in April.

“MU provides an informal classroom-style forum that brings people from the community together to gain a better understanding of how their local government functions, inspires them to become part of the solution-seeking process, and informs them about City programs, services and projects,” said Mayor Jon Nehring, who reinstituted the classes last fall.

Free refreshments will be available. Classes are videotaped, and will be shown on Marysville Cable Access TV 21 (Comcast) and TV 25 (Frontier) at dates to be announced later.

Please call City Hall at 360-363-8091 by May 11 to reserve your seat, or email Executive Asst. Lynn Schroeder at lschroeder@marysvillewa.gov. Be sure to include name, phone, address and email address. For more information contact Community Information Officer Doug Buell at 360-363-8086 or email dbuell@marysvillewa.gov.