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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-26 - MinutesFAYETTEVII I.F PARKS B RECREATION Parks Master Plan Public Meeting April 26, 2001 AGENDA I. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting: Wade Colwell Bill Ackerman Bob Shoulders Mike Hill Gail Eads Judie Nickell Craig Mauritson Kyle Cook - newly appointed member II Welcome - Mayor Dan Coody III Connie Edmonston, Parks & Recreation Superintendent Staff: Eric Shuldt, Project Manager & Terry Gulley Lose & Associates: Chris Camp, John Lavender, George Brogdin, Marvin Billups (not present) IV Presentation\Discussion\Public Comments: Chris Camp V PRAB Motion to accept Master Plan: Wade Colwell VI Adjournment: Wade Colwell MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD APRIL 26, 2001 A meeting of the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was held on April 26, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 219 of the City Administration Building located at 113 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas. PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members Colwell, Ackerman, Shoulders, Cook, Hill, Nickell, Eads and Mauritson; City staff Edmonston, Gulley, Schuldt, Nelson, Press, and Audience. AGENDA I. Introduction Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chairman Wade Colwell introduced advisory board members. II. Welcome - Mayor Dan Coody Mayor Dan Coody expressed appreciation for the work of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. He said he was looking forward to trying to enact some of the ideas presented and continue efforts to make Parks and Recreation even more responsive to the public. III Staff & Audience Introductions Parks and Recreation Superintendent Connie Edmonston introduced Turf & Facility Coordinator, Ten -y Gulley; Parks Development Coordinator, Eric Schuldt; Operations Assistant, John Nelson; Master Plan Steering Committee members John Lewis, Jennifer Michaels, and Beverly Milton; Ward 1 Alderman Brenda Thiel; City Planner, Tim Conklin; Urban Development Director, Hugh Earnest; and Celia Silkwood of Washington County Planning. Chris Camp, Vice President of Lose & Associates, introduced associates John Lavender and George Brogdon. Marvin Billups who also participated as a recreation specialist in the development of the comprehensive master plan was not present. IV. Presentation/Discussion/Public Comments: Chris Camp Mr. Camp said the plan was developed utilizing public input by conducting a series of public meetings, by hosting a steering committee workshop, by interviewing city board and staff members, and by distributing a survey to approximately 5,900 citizens. The presentation included a demographic analysis, a history of planning, public input findings, an April 26, 2001 / Page 1 • • Parks Master Plan Public Meeting analysis of the Parks and Recreation Division, park assessments and recommendations, and project funding recommendations. The master plan outlines a ten-year spending plan recommending new construction and renovation projects totaling $34.8 million.' A copy of the preliminary park master plan is on file at the Parks and Recreation office. Review of the demographic profile of the community reveals more than 90 percent of the population is under the age of 65, with nearly 46 percent under the age of 24. These statistics reveal a large group of residents who would participate in organized team and individual -based sports. Public input suggested a need for increased programs for the adult population.' Steering Committee participants were asked to develop and prioritize a list of operation and facility additions and improvements. Facility priorities included a multi -sports complex with field sports, a city/regional trail network, an indoor sports complex, a water park, the development of neighborhood parks, a Lake Fayetteville perimeter trail, et al. Program priorities included coaches education, community after school/summer in the park, a volunteer coordinator staff position, unified sports, et al. A twenty -one -question survey was distributed throughout the city at random. Approximately 5,900 surveys were distributed, and 19 percent were returned. Respondents identified the equal development of community and neighborhood parks as most important followed by the development of linear parks and trails throughout the city, the purchase and development of community parks more than ten acres in size, and the purchase and development of neighborhood parks less than ten acres in size. Survey results also suggested respondents supported land being acquired and set aside strictly for land preservation. Public input findings suggests the construction of a city trail network providing safe pedestrian passage between neighborhoods, parks, and schools, preservation of natural areas and increased open space, along with a better mix of community parks combined with more developed neighborhood parks are viewed as significant elements of a park system.' An analysis of Parks and Recreation staff organization resulted in recommendations of additional personnel including a Greenway Supervisor, a Greenway Coordinator, a Planning Supervisor, additional secretary/clerical support, et al. Title changes for key personnel and consolidating arborist and landscape/horticulturist positions were also recommended. An analysis of programs and providers (Parks and Recreation, Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club, the Walton Arts Center, the Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks, the Community Adult Center, the 'Lose & Associates, Inc. "Fayetteville Arkansas Plan". p. 8.1. 'Lose & Associates, Inc. "Fayetteville Arkansas Plan". pp. 2.3-2.4. - Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master - Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master 'Lose & Associates, Inc. "Fayetteville Arkansas - Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master • Plan " pp. 4.18-4.26. April 26, 2001 / Page 2 • • Parks Master Plan Public Meeting Yvonne Richardson Center) revealed a variety of recreation opportunities are available to the public. The master plan recommends placing the Yvonne Richardson Center under the supervision of Parks and Recreation or the Fayetteville Boys Club to maximize its potential and continue city funding for all expenses incurred by the Center. The total land area of more than 2,500 acres and water area of 739 acres provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities. With 55 acres for every 1,000 residents, the current parks system exceeds the national average of 10 'A acres for every 1,000 residents developed by the National Recreation and Park Association. Examination of the four city quadrants reveals a slight deficiency of park acreage in the northwest district (-16.56 acres) and an even larger shortage in the southwest park district (-160.01 acres). A surplus of 131.19 acres and 1,645.10 acres were found in the northeast and southeast park districts respectively. General park evaluations and observations of existing park facilities revealed a lack of fully accessible park facilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, lack of consistency in maintenance, signage, picnic shelters, tennis courts, et al .° The master plan recommends developing some existing undeveloped park land, acquiring additional acreage at Gary Hampton Softball Complex to create a community park, and the construction of a community park on the land adjacent to the proposed new sewage treatment facility. The creation of this park would provide acreage in the southwest district and allow safety and maintenance problems at Walker Park to be addressed. The proposed location would allow development of tournament facilities for youth baseball/softball, soccer, tennis, pavilions and picnic shelters, a playground, a swimming pool, trails, etc. Baseball fields at Walker Park could be used as practice fields along with the soccer fields at Lewis Soccer Complex.' If current funding levels continue, recommended facility expansion and improvements with no debt service could be obtained within a period ranging from approximately 12 to 31 years. Funding alternatives included general bond programs paid back with tax revenue and revenue generated by park facilities or through a combination of dedicated sales tax or millage income. Higher program and user fees could also be utilized. Other funding recommendations include zoning and regulatory funding, grants, and private donations and partnerships.' Greenway development, developing neighborhood parks, working toward compliance with ADA and other safety issues regarding playgrounds, providing more tennis courts, pavilions, and other amenities, and improve safety and condition of current athletic facilities are recommended priorities if funding does not increase. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chairman Wade Colwell questioned the feasibility of additional swimming pools since climates restricts usage to only three months out of a year. He said a large number °Lose & Associates, Inc. "Fayetteville Arkansas - Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan". pp. 6.1-6.15. 'Lose & Associates, Inc. "Fayetteville Arkansas - Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan". pp. 6.75-6.78. "Lose & Associates, Inc. "Fayetteville Arkansas - Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master • Plan." pp. 8.1-8.7. April 26, 2001 / Page 3 • • • Parks Master Plan Public Meeting of pools were located in apartment complexes, private residences, the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club, the University of Arkansas, and private organizations and country clubs which meets swimming needs for some individuals. High labor and maintenance costs were a concern. Mr. Colwell suggested possibly creating swim beaches at Lake Sequoyah or Lake Wilson, if water quality allowed, to meet swimming needs of many people instead of constructing new swimming pools. Mr. Camp said adding pools at Gary Hampton and the proposed sewage treatment plant site were recommended because these locations will be toumament sites and will have potential to generate revenue. Mr. Camp said the current swimming pool admission fees were extremely low when compared to other facilities. Mr. Hill commented on survey responses indicating 60 percent of people did not participate in youth or adult programs. Mr. Camp said the number could be a reflection of individual recreation. The city's natural setting also provides recreational needs, i.e. kayaking, hiking, mountain biking et al. Mr. Camp said some people who participate in walking, fishing or special events may not have considered those activities as organized programs The city also offers a unique blending of providers such as the Walton Arts Center for cultural arts and other activities outside of parks. Mr. Camp said current open space studies indicate a 20 to 40 percent increase in property values when located by a passive park or open space; locations adjacent to active park facilities neutralize property values. A local realtor disagreed. She said neighborhood parks cost homeowners within the subdivision considerably and should be considered for selling. She said property owners do not want to be located next to a park and those pieces of real estate have a lower market value. Ms. Ann Lawler said property owners at past Sidewalks & Trails meetings had encouraged construction of the Prairie Trail because they expected it to raise their property values. Parks are often used to market homes, Ms. Lawler said. She said greenways between parks for walking were very favorable. Ms. Beverly Melton said every public meeting began with a request for trails. She said she does not participate in adult programs, but she watches her grandchildren play. She said consideration needed to be given to those who are active in the parks but who are not participating. Ms. Jennifer Michaels favored passive use parks along with trails and greenspace. Recognizing a need for a concentrated sports facility, Ms. Michaels said it would help parents juggling schedules and take the pressure off of other parks. She also suggested freeing staff time to participate in seminars and discuss new ideas and technologies. Mr. Gulley said all the sports facilities in Fayetteville amount to approximately four percent of current park land. Mr. Cook expressed maintenance budget concems. Mr. Camp said hopefully most maintenance costs would be recaptured by revenue generation. Consolidation and proper equipment purchases are also ways to cut maintenance costs. Ms. Nickell said she liked the idea of uniform signage to help create an identity for the parks system. Staff recommends approval of the master plan as a working tool. April 26, 2001 / Page 4 • Parks Master Plan Public Meeting V. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Recommendation MOTION: Ms. Nickell moved to accept the preliminary Parks and Recreation Master Plan as a working model and present it to City Council. Mr. Shoulders seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was approved unanimously 7-0-0, with board members Colwell, Shoulders, Cook, Hill, Nickell, Eads, and Mauritson voting 'yes'. Mr. Schuldt said two preliminary plans were available for viewing at the public library. VI. Adjournment Mr. Colwell adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. • MINUTES APPROVED: HAY 7 2111 MINUTES TAKEN BY: Oh LiP41077 John elson April 26, 2001 / Page 5 • • • THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2001 REGULAR PRAB MEETING NAME (Please Print) GROUP REPRESENTING Dan Coody Mayor Hugh Earnest Urban Development Director Brenda Thiel Alderman, Ward 1 Tim Conklin City Planner Celia Scott-Silkwood Washington Co. Planning Dir. Jennifer Michaels Master Plan Steering Comm. Beverly Melton Master Plan Steering Comm. John Lewis Master Plan Steering Comm. Nan Lawler