Lawrence planning officials want a say in where future city parks are built.

Under a proposal to be considered Tuesday by the Lawrence City Commission, the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission would review most donations and purchases of land planned for city parks to see how they fit with Horizon 2020, the city-county long-range planning guide.

“The commission believes our input on land acquisitions would be helpful to the city,” David Burress, acting Planning Commission chair, wrote in a letter to the city.

“I think it’s an excellent idea,” said City Commissioner Boog Highberger. “I think if we’re going to do long-range planning, we need to figure out how our parks and school siting fit in with our development.”

The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department already follows a master plan, developed two years ago with public input, when choosing new park sites. The city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board gives its stamp of approval to site choices; the City Commission makes the ultimate decision whether to purchase or accept the land.

Mark Hecker, the city’s parks superintendent, said officials worked “pretty closely” with planning officials when making decisions.

“They point to where the boundaries are, and we try to follow,” Hecker said. “If they say the Urban Growth Area is moving, which it is, then we try to adjust our sites farther.”

Hecker added, however, that new park sites are chosen “pretty much as opportunities present themselves. People decide they want to donate, or we see an opportunity for land we need, based on our master plan.”

Under the proposal, the Planning Commission would review all proposed land acquisitions of 10 acres or more, with an eye on transportation and land-use effects in the whole community.

Agenda: Parks proposal to be presented County hopes to shift responsibility for parks (12-1-03) Lawrence Parks and Recreation Map of city parks and recreation paths

Parks officials say they welcome the input.

“I think it’s good that they do that,” said Tom Bracciano, chair of the advisory board. “They need to plan ahead and make sure that everybody is following the planning process.”

Hecker said the department was not currently contemplating any land purchases that would be affected by the proposal. The department has nearly 150 acres of open land, spread among six sites, waiting to be developed as future parks.

“I don’t think there’s anything out there that we’ve had our eye on that we haven’t bought yet,” he said.

The City Commission meets at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall, Sixth and Massachusetts streets.