Penfield residents invited to help shape the future of town facilities during July 7 community workshop

Penfield, New York – Residents in Penfield will soon have another opportunity to influence the future of the town’s public spaces as local officials continue gathering community feedback through the Penfield Forward: Tomorrow’s Town Spaces initiative. A public workshop scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, is expected to give community members a closer look at the project while encouraging them to share ideas that could help guide future investments in municipal facilities.

The workshop will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Penfield Community Center/Community Room, located at 1985 Baird Road, Penfield, NY 14526. Town leaders are encouraging residents, facility users, and other stakeholders to attend and take part in discussions that will help determine how Penfield’s public buildings should evolve in the years ahead.

The long-term planning effort focuses on evaluating the current and future needs of several important town facilities. Among the buildings being considered are the Penfield Library, Recreation Department, Town Hall, and Town Court, although the initiative extends beyond those locations to examine the community’s broader municipal infrastructure.

The evening will begin with a brief overview of the project, including a summary of the public feedback collected so far. Organizers will present the key themes that have emerged during earlier outreach efforts before inviting attendees to participate in interactive discussions about possible improvements and future priorities.

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Community members will also have the opportunity to review project displays and posters outlining concepts currently under consideration. Participants will be encouraged to provide direct feedback on potential recommendations, helping project planners better understand what residents believe should be prioritized as Penfield prepares for future growth and changing community needs.

Rather than focusing on a single solution, the study is examining a broad range of possibilities for town-owned facilities. These include renovating existing buildings, expanding current spaces, relocating certain services, or constructing entirely new facilities where appropriate. Officials hope the planning process will identify the most effective strategies for serving residents both now and in the decades ahead.

Several important factors will be evaluated as part of the initiative. The project will examine whether existing facilities provide enough space to meet demand while also considering accessibility improvements that make buildings easier for everyone to use. Other areas of focus include user-centered design, sustainability initiatives, green infrastructure, modernization of building systems, architectural appearance, public safety and security, and the ability to support future recreational, civic, and community programming.

Town officials say the overall objective is to develop a practical roadmap for future facility improvements while ensuring that Penfield’s public buildings continue meeting the evolving expectations of residents. By gathering extensive public input throughout the planning process, the town hopes future decisions will reflect the needs and priorities of the community it serves.

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The project is expected to continue through the summer, with final findings and recommendations anticipated in late summer 2026. Those recommendations will help guide future planning and investment decisions involving municipal facilities across Penfield.
Residents who are unable to attend the workshop or who would like additional information can learn more about the initiative, follow project updates, and sign up for notifications through the project’s website at www.penfieldny.gov/townspaces.

Questions or comments about the project may be directed to Kerry Ivers, Director of Developmental Services, by calling 585-340-8642 or by emailing [email protected]. Anyone requiring accessibility accommodations for the July 7 workshop is asked to submit their request at least seven days before the event to allow organizers adequate time to make the necessary arrangements.