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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- More changes are on the way for Kirksville parks.

At Tuesday afternoon's Lakes, Parks, and Recreation Committee meeting, members looked over the master plan for Memorial Park.

Thanks to grant money, the city was able to buy brand new playground equipment and has since been a hit with parents and children of all ages.

"I think we've seen the demographics that have been visiting the park change. A lot of young kids are coming here when they might not have been before just because we have new equipment. We want to make sure we are providing what will work for them. That's why benches are important," said Kirksville Assistant City Manager Melanie Smith.

The committee wants to accommodate the new crowds with benches for parents to sit on while their kids are on the playground and sidewalks to help people walk to and from the park easier.

The benches are expected to be put in there later this fall while the sidewalk plan will wait a while as the committee figures out the budgeting for it.

The committee also discussed the draft for the master plan for Brasher Park improvements which include expanding the picnic shelter and adding sidewalks. The draft will be presented to city council in the near future.

Overall, this summer has been a total success for the committee with numbers up in attendance at the Aquatic Center, higher attendance in swimming and tennis lessons, and successful events such as the Battle of Kirksville 150th Anniversary this past weekend.