Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department Current Recreational Plan FY

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1 Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department Current Recreational Plan FY Department Mission Statement To provide safe, cost effective and accessible programs, facilities, and parks that promote the health and welfare of all citizens participating in recreation programs. The following projects and programs listed below have been completed over the past 3 years and represent an investment by the City of Elizabethton in its parks and recreation facilities and programs. Using these accomplishments as a baseline, additional investments need to be made to continue improving the City of Elizabethton Parks. This Recreation Plan will be reviewed biannually (every two years) with the next review to be conducted during Fiscal Year Projects Completed Over The Last 3 Years, FY Cost 1. Replacement of Tennis Court Fencing at City Park (2013) $ 18, Construction of Front Entrance at Joe O'Brien Field (2014) $ 34, Purchase of Playground Equipment for Harmon Park (2016) $ 72, Linear Path ADA Slope Improvements ( ) Several Projects $ 18, Lighting System at the Elizabethton Recreation Center (2014) $ 13, Filtration System at Franklin Pool (2015) $ 33, Joe O'Brien Outfield Fence (2013) $ 35, Purchase of picnic tables, Riverside/Covered Bridge Parks (2015) $ 10, Douglas Park, Build Athletic field/dugouts, Blue-Grays Field (2014) $ 8, New Dugouts, Joe O'Brien Field (2014) $ 38, New Picnic Tables at Franklin Pool (2015) $ 9, Increased special events budget, Facility Wide ( ) $ 12, Construction of New Bathroom Facility and Pavilion Kiwanis Park $ 18, Basketball Court resurfacing at Kiwanis Park (2015) $ 9,800 TOTAL $ 332,300 FY Strategic Action Plan and Recommendations In order to meet the demand and desires of the community discussed in this plan, the following Objectives and Actions have been developed in three different time frames 1 to 3 years, 4 to 6 years, and 7 to 10 years. This strategic plan also considers three main areas of the Park and Recreation Department Facilities, Programming, and Facility Maintenance. Page 1 of 8

2 All new construction and alteration (improvements to) facilities need to be constructed to meet the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards as set forth by the federal Department of Justice and the U.S. Access Board. All programs should be reviewed to determine how they need to be configured to make them accessible. Recommendations: 1) The City of Elizabethton, parks and recreation department needs to have a designated ADA coordinator on their staff and this person will coordinate with the City of Elizabethton ADA Coordinator. A Transition Plan for the park and recreation facilities and programs needs to be developed, priorities set and funds requested annually to make improvements and alternations. 2) Signage should be placed at the main or common entrance area for each park. This will help citizens differentiate between the public space and a private empty lot. Having these signs will increase minipark usage, since these are most often the types of parks that are unmarked. Having these defined areas will provide many other secondary benefits to the city and to the citizens. 3) A ADA Transition Plan needs to be developed as quickly as possible with a work plan/probable cost estimate developed and funds added to the capital maintenance budget each year until ALL facilities are in compliance with the 2010 ADA Standards. 4) In order to better serve the community on the west side of the city, Dixon Street Park should have more trees planted and picnic tables placed there. This will allow this park to become a more passive park instead of just green space. 5) Picnic tables and benches should also be placed in Race Street Park and Mill Race Park. These two parks also have no amenities and adding these few items would allow them to be used more as passive parks. 6) As development continues on the west side of the city, arrangements will need to be made to acquire additional land for public use. The west side of the city lacks in land for public recreation and use. Miniparks, neighborhood parks and community parks are all needed in this area of the city; therefore land acquisitions should reflect enough space to meet these needs. 1 to 3 Year Objectives: FY Objective: REPLACE all old non-accessible drinking fountains throughout the park system. Actions: Conduct a survey of all park facilities to identify all ADA non compliant drinking fountains for replacement. Request funding to replace all drinking fountains during the FY budget process. Objectives: Replace roofing materials on all picnic shelters/other facilities in need of repair. Actions: Inspect all pavilions located within the Park System annually or after a major storm event for damages or leaks. Request funding for any rood replacement as a high priority during the budget process. Park staff will make needed repairs. Objective: Install a new lighting system at the Elizabethton Recreation Center that will improve facility events and athletic leagues. Page 2 of 8

3 Actions: Work with representatives of the Elizabethton Electric Department to find the best lighting system for this facility. Request funding during the budget process. Bid the project to be installed by contractor. Objective: Create a cultural enrichment program to be held at the Elizabethton Recreation Center and throughout various parks in favorable months for all ages designed to teach the basics of artistic express and technique, create fun and imaginative craft ideas and display artwork by participants throughout the community. Actions: Research options including rate schedules or sponsorship funding options, staffing to instruct programming or volunteer opportunities, parks and other areas that can be used to host such activities, and liability waiver requirements. Develop curriculum. Objective: To complete the Elizabethton Linear Path. Actions: Complete an ADA accessibility study for the entire trail and additional sections to complete the Linear Path. Work closely with the engineering firm responsible for the project design. Obtain additional funding for the project. Install proper signage, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. Market the completion of the project throughout the community. Objective: Develop a volunteer organization known as Friends of the Elizabethton Parks to assist with various community special events, maintenance, and programs. Actions: Research other Parks and Recreation Agencies inquiring about similar volunteering groups within their communities. Establish a listing of goals the Parks and Recreation Department would like to accomplish in which volunteers can be used. Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Staff will create a listing of rules and regulations for all volunteers and will seek approval of this program s expenses by way of acquiring local sponsorships. Staff will market the program in the community Objective: Construct a new restroom facility at Kiwanis Park for park users. Actions: Create a construction plan for the project. Work closely with the Kiwanis Club, the Water Department and Waste Water Service Department and Planning Department during the construction process. Develop a weekly maintenance plan for the facility. Objective: Repair the tennis courts at the Joe LaPorte Jr. Recreation Area. Actions: Research the cost to repair and pave the surface of the tennis courts. Request that the project be funded by the City. Look to obtain grant funding for the project. Received bids for the project. Objective: Construct a new Splash Pad at Franklin Pool. Actions: Obtain a construction plan for a new Splash Pad. Seek funding for the project by way of grants and City funding. Work with Engineers during the construction process. Develop a annual maintenance plan for the project. Objective: Develop a Policy to aggressively work with the Elizabethton Regional Planning Commission in order to build parks in the western third of the city. Actions: Pass a Policy stating the Park Board s intentions to work with the Elizabethton Regional Planning Commission. State specifically what the Park Board will do. State specifically in which geographical areas the Park Board would like to work with the Planning Commission. Page 3 of 8

4 Objective: Develop a new program for area youth focusing on athletic leagues after school at the Elizabethton Recreation Center. Actions: Research other Parks and Recreation Departments to see what current youth athletic program they are offering. Establish a listing of goals the Parks and Recreation Department would like to accomplish by offering this program. Target various youth age groups during the planning stages. Offer leagues to both male and female participants. Seek public funding for these leagues and market this program in the community and school system. Objective: Create a series of community events focusing on musical concerts within local, city parks. Actions: Research various community special events sponsored by surrounding Parks and Recreation Departments which focus on musical concerts in local parks. Present the event as more than just a musical concert by reaching out to area youth by providing inflatable games and much more. Acquire funding by way of reaching out to area businesses to sponsor the event. Create a yearly Concert In The Parks schedule. Work closely with other community agencies, such as the Chamber of Commerce, to assist with scheduling and marketing. Objective: Construct a new Dog Park. Actions: Research Dog Park facilities and visit similar parks in the East Tennessee area. Locate land available for the park and a site plan for the project will be developed. Request funding during the budget process. Partner with the local Humane Society through this community project. Objective: Introduce a program to focus on the at-risk youth of the community that will cater to youth who are most susceptible to peer-pressure and a number of bad influences that make themselves known daily. Actions: Explore similar programs already established and take surveys amongst interested participants. Develop a program catered to the specific needs of the community. Examine information regarding age criteria, cost, and legal liability. Study challenges of existing programs, and create a rate schedule and insurance waivers for participants. Examine the possibility of hiring staff to supervise children, coordinate, and instruct children through the duration of the program. Objective: Develop a Summer Day Camp program for area youth that will focus on various artistic, health-conscious, and diverse interests amongst participants. Actions: Explore similar camps within surrounding areas that are currently established for children. Use information gathered to set a curriculum and yearly schedule to meet a wide range of interests and cater to the many talents amongst area youth. Explore information regarding age criteria, cost, and legal liability. Study challenges of existing programs, and create a rate schedule and insurance waivers for participants. Examine the possibility of hiring staff to supervise children, coordinate, and instruct children through the duration of the program. Purchase supplies depending on annual themes suggested and research legal liability concerns. Objective: Construct a new Press Box at Joe O Brien Field. Actions: Design the structure. The Twins Baseball Commission will conduct several fundraising events to pay for the facility. Construct the facility with the labor of the Carter County Work Camp. Objective: Establish an annual, large-scale event involving different aspects of the community to put the centrally located Minor League Baseball Field to better use during the off season or between home Page 4 of 8

5 games. Actions: Explore the possibility of sponsorship through area businesses for events featuring a performance or supplies. Market each event to the community where the demographics may be best reached (such as school events focused on children, etc). Objective: Renovate the infield at Joe O Brien Field to improve playing conditions at the stadium. Actions: A contractor will be recommended by the Park and Recreation Department to renovate the playing surface. The infield sod will be removed and the field lazer graded to create a level playing surface. Seek funding for the project from the Minnesota Twins and City s General Fund. Summary of 1-3 Year Objectives Complete On-Going Re-Evaluate 1. Replace all drinking foundations (ADA Compliance) X 2. Replace roofing materials on picnic shelters X 3. Replace lighting system at the Recreation Center X 4. Cultural Enrichment Program - Recreation Center X 5. Linear Path X 6. Friends of the Parks Volunteer Program X 7. Kiwanis Park Bathroom Facility X 8. Franklin Pool Tennis Courts Resurfacing X 9. Franklin Pool, New Splash Pad X 10. Land acquisition for new parkin west Elizabethton X 11. Recreation Center After School Programming X 12. Increase Community Special Events X 13. Construct a new dog park X 14. New programs for at risk youth X 15. Develop new Summer Day Camp X 16. Joe O'Brien Field Press Box* X 17. Joe O'Brien Field - Special Event X 18. Joe O'Brien Field - Infield Repairs* X * Note: the City Council approved $1.5 million for ballfield improvements in July, to 6 Year Objectives: FY Objective: Resurface all park and greenway trails to insure ADA compliance, Actions: Study the walking paths and shuffleboard courts to see if any adjustments need to be made. Research estimated cost of project. Request funding from the General Fund and other grants. Bid out the completion of the project to a third party. Supervise and manage the project. Objective: Build a new accessible playground facility. Actions: Research Accessible playground designs and determine the needed budget amount. Encourage community involvement with this project by seeking private donations and volunteers from non profit organizations. Study various locations throughout the city in which this facility could be built. Develop a budget for this project and work closely with the city planning and development department. Request labor from the Carter County Work Camp to build the facility. Page 5 of 8

6 Objective: Construct a new bathroom facility at Riverside Park for patrons using the Linear Path, Riverside Pavilion, Horseshoe Courts and other recreational opportunities. Actions: Research a location for the bathrooms. Design a new bathroom facility at the park. Request funding for the project during the budget process. Request labor from the Carter County Work Camp. Objective: Purchase land to construct a large Community Park. Actions: Develop and research the size of land needed or desired. Choose a desired location in the city to begin searching for the land. Secure financing to purchase the land. Objective: Construct a new Frisbee Golf Course. Actions: Research Frisbee Golf Courses and will seek professionals who will assist with this project. Seek funding for the project by way of grants, private donations and City funding. Seek a location for the course and purchase and install equipment. Market the new course and maintain the facility throughout the year. Objective: Establish an all age Badminton League as another program within the Parks and Recreation Department s Athletics Program. Actions: Research and develop a site. Purchase needed equipment including netting, birdies, and rackets. Host games and practices for the Badminton League. Objective: Develop an agreement with Elizabethton City School Board of Education in order to use their facilities as parks after-hours and during the summer when school is not in session. Actions: Meet with the Superintendent and propose ideas. Write-up agreement to be signed by both parties. Place signage at the entrance to each school playground or other facility describing hours and generic outlines of the agreement. Objective: Expand the size of the Elizabethton Recreation Center with the intentions of providing an area for a Wellness Program. Actions: Research and study community wellness programs. Visit other area local Wellness Centers which are operated by Parks and Recreation Departments. Request funding during the budget process and apply for grants. Work with Consulting Engineer during the construction process. Request the labor of the Carter County Work Camp during the construction process. Objective: Expand the After School Athletic Leagues to include small group interaction with programming that focuses on character building and health conscious activities. Actions: Research surrounding Recreation Center s After School Youth Programs for information regarding age criteria, cost, and legal liability. Study challenges of existing programs, create a rate schedule, and insurance waivers for participants. Provide several appealing and useful classrooms for coordinating a curriculum for small groups. Examine the possibilities of hiring staff to supervise children, coordinate, and instruct children in character building and health conscious activities. Market the completion of the project throughout the community and school system. Objectives: Install new accessible playground equipment at Kiwanis Park. Actions: Study new playground equipment designs. Create a budget for the project. Request funding for the project during the budget process. Request labor from the Carter County Work Camp to complete the project. Page 6 of 8

7 Objective: Replace the lighting system at Ladies Softball Field and Billy Bob Garrison Athletic Field. Actions: Research the cost to replace athletic field lighting at two facilities. Study the various lighting systems and survey other Parks and Recreation Departments in regards to systems they currently use. Request for City to fund the project. Received bids the project out to a contractor. Summary of 4-6 Year Objectives Complete On-Going Re-Evaluate 1. Resurface all greenway trails for ADA compliance X 2. Build a new accessible playground X 3. Riverside Park Bathroom Facility X 4. Land Purchase - Community Park X 5. Build new Frisbee Golf Course X 6. Establish a Pickleball League X 7. Facility Agreement - Local Schools X 8. Recreation Center Expansion X 9. After School Programming X 10. Install new accessible playground equipment, Kiwanis Park X 11. Lighting System Ladies Softball / Youth Field X 7 to 10 Year Objectives: FY Objective: Construct a new large Community Park. Actions: Research and discuss what types of facilities should and can operate on the land previously purchased for a Community Park. Purchase any building materials including Playground equipment, Athletic field materials, lights and pavement materials. Perform any grade work and site preparations. Install and build the new facilities with the assistance of the Friends of the Elizabethton Parks and the Carter County Workcamp. Objective: Install a community spray pad at Douglas Park. Actions: Obtain a construction plan for a new Spray Pad at Douglas Park. Seek funding for the project by way of grants and city funding. Develop a yearly maintenance plan for the project. Objective: Build a new press Box facility at the Carmon Dugger Sports Complex Softball Field. Actions: Design the structure to accommodate concession sales. Request funding for the project during the budget process. Build the structure. Objective: Build a large picnic pavilion at Franklin Pool. Actions: Create a budget for the project. Funding will be requested during the budget process. Labor will be requested from the Carter County Work Camp to build the structure. Summary of 7-10 Year Objectives Complete On-Going Re-Evaluate 1. Construct New Community Park X 2. Splash Pad - Douglas Park X 3. Build a new Press Box at Carmon Dugger Complex X 4. Franklin Pool Picnic Pavilion X Page 7 of 8

8 Summary and Conclusions This is a definitive list of needed new facilities and improvements to existing facilities and programs that will keep the City of Elizabethton s Parks and Department at the level of excellence it currently has obtained. While there are no costs shown for these new facilities and upgrades, the city needs to continue to invest in them to provide exceptional opportunities to the citizens and visitors to the city. There are a number of additional non-dollar benefits to the city including: Healthier citizens and families; More attractive to industries looking to relocate; Makes the city more walkable and bikeable; Can increase property values of homes near the parks and trails. Additional opportunities for public input surveys and updates to these Objectives and Actions should occur every 2 years to make sure that the facilities needed by the community are those that will be planned and provided. Page 8 of 8