FERNDALE - Residents can weigh in about the future of Ferndale's parks and trails during an open house Wednesday, Oct. 3.

The event at 6 p.m. at Central Elementary School, 5610 Second Ave., is part of the city's effort to update its parks, recreation and trails master plan.

The plan focuses on parks and trail development for the next 20-plus years, with the draft reflecting a new direction during challenging economic times, according to Ferndale officials. That could mean creating a connected trail system, which would cost less than building several new parks, city officials said.

One goal is to ensure that at least 75 percent of households are within a 10-mintue walk of a public or private park.

"Many in the community are surprised by the fact that there are nearly two dozen public parks within city limits," Jori Burnett, community development director, said in a news release.

The plan also aims to increase the use of unique Ferndale features, especially the Nooksack River. Additional details are online at cityofferndale.org.

Reach KIE RELYEA at kie.relyea@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2234.