The master-plan process for Powder Mills Park will likely begin later this spring. The county Parks Department has a preliminary decision on a consultant for the plan, says Parks Director Larry Staub. Hiring the consultant is the first step of the process. In order for that to happen, the County Legislature has to authorize a contract, and Staub expects legislators will vote during their May meeting.

"We're looking forward to it," Staub said. "It's the first master plan for the park."

A master plan guides park projects and uses. Recommendations in the Ellison Park Area Master Plan, for example, included stabilizing the Irondequoit Creek bank and opening Tryon Park to off-road cyclists.

Powder Mills is an established park. While parks officials are starting from scratch, the bulk of the recommendations would probably involve rehabilitating existing facilities, Staub says.

The June Parks Advisory Committee meeting will probably mark the start of the public process, Staub says, though there will also be a public input session.