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HomeMy WebLinkAbout62-94 RESOLUTIONrj WO RESOLUTION NO. 62-94 A RFSOLUTION APPROVING A 10 -YEAR PARKS MASTER PLAN DESIGNED TO ESTABLISH GOALS, STANDARDS, AND PLANS I'OR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CITY PARKS, AND ADOPTING THE FAYLA17FV ILLS RECREATION PLAN. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY Oh FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: Section 1. That the City Council is hereby approves a 10 -year Parks Master Plan designed to establish goals, standards, and plans for the development of the city parks and hereby adopt% the Fayetteville Recreation Plan. A copy of the master plan is attached hereto marked Exhibit "A" and made a part hereof. PASSED AND APPROVED this 17th day of May , 1994. APPROVED By: red kabna, Mayor ATTEST: Sherry L, Thoma%, City Clerk • NORTHWEST ARKANSAS REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION P O BOX TA5 — SP DALE. ARKANSAS i2]64 — f%1 �751WI 111111 CR OFILME TO: CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: CELIA SCOTT-SILKWOODC/J%) DATE: APRIL 26, 1994 RE: FAYETTEVILLE PARK PLAN AND RECREATION PLAN APPROVAL Please find enclosed two documents. The largest is the updated Fayetteville Park Plan. It is composed of several elements including existing facilities, park standards and classifications, goals and recommendations, among other items. It does not address the Parks and Recreation Department's recreational programs, but rather, consists of the physical aspects of existing and future park facilities. In addition, please find enclosed a summary of the salient points incorporated in the Park Plan update. The second document is the Fayetteville Recreation Plan. This is not part of the Park Plan update. It is a recreation plan, written • in a format adhering to that which the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program requires. It is required to be included in all future Outdoor Recreation grant applications and must be formally adopted by the City. The material included in the Recreation Plan is taken directly from the Park Plan update and also contains recreational programs offered by the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department. To save on paper, the Appendices are not included in the document in your packet. However, should you wish to review them, I will supply them to you. • If you have any questions concerning either documents, please call either myself or Larry Wood, Director, Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, at 751-7125. PLANNING —MA NAG EMEN T—IMPL EM ENTA TION ss _".. a continuing process • 1994 FAYETTEVILLE PARKS PLAN A. PURPOSE - The purpose of this document is to review the existing park and recreation facilities, establish goals and standards for future facilities and to present to the public a plan for the future development of park and recreation facilities in Fayetteville. B. POPULATION INFORMATION - Fayetteville has experienced population gain in every decade of this century. Since 1940, Fayetteville has averaged an additional 6,777 persons each decade and the projections indicate this level of growth will continue into the next century. A check of residential building permits indicates that 76% of the permits have been issued in the area north of Wedington Drive and Mission Boulevard, in the Northwest and Northeast Park Districts. The Fayetteville demographics point out several things that are pertinent to park and recreation planning. Growth in the population applies constant pressure on the city to provide additional park and recreational facilities. The large number of people in the very active age groups (attributed to the University) adds • pressure for more active forms of recreation and increases the park space needs. Parks and recreation facility needs are also increased by the fact that 43% of the housing stock in Fayetteville is multi -family which typically does not have the same yard space ratio as single-family. The combined effect of all of these factors is an ever increasing need to provide additional park land and to provide more active forms of recreation. • C. GOALS - One of Fayetteville's greatest assets is its wide diversity of recreational areas and open space. As more people move into the area it is important that ample land be provided for both active and passive recreation. In order to plan for this future growth, goals and objectives must be delineated and used as a guide to assure the proper amount of land and facilities for the enjoyment of all residents in the community. 1. Encourage and provide recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities, both active and passive. 2. Provide recreational opportunities within the area that meet standards for size, location and use, and will adequately serve existing and future population. 1 • 3. Encourage the protection of open space and natural resources so that a high quality of living can be retained for future generations. 4. Encourage flood plain utilization for open space and park and recreation needs. 5. Encourage active recreation activities for longer periods of time in large spaces located at outlying urban areas. 6. Strive to achieve public involvement to produce the most current and up-to- date park system possible. 7. Seek a wide variety of funding sources for enhancement of the park system. D. CLASSIFICATIONS The previous park plan classified parks into Neighborhood, Community and Regional. However, due to the changing nature of development and demographics in Fayetteville at this time, it is suggested that an expanded classification system be implemented. The new system would include: 1. Sub -Neighborhood Parks • 2. Neighborhood Parks 3. Community Parks 4. Regional Parks 5. Special Use Parks 7. Parkways E. NEEDS ASSESSMENT - In terms of total acres of park land, Fayetteville has 67.4 acres per 1,000 population. However, over 85% of that land is in the three lakes and much of that land has yet to be developed for park purposes. The problem here is in the distribution of the land, not in the amount. F. PARK FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS - 1st Priority o Acquire park land in built-up areas that do not have a neighborhood park and are further than one mile from a community park. o Develop facilities within existing and new parks. is 0 MICROFILMED • FAVETTEIIILLE ARKANSAS PARKS DEPARTMENT 0 1993 AND 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEMBERS BILL WAITE - CHAIR, 1993 SUSAN DRIVER - CHAIR, 1994 GREGORY ANDERSON - VICE CHAIR, 1993 WILLIAM KIMBROUGH - VICE CHAIR, 1994 DAVE McCONNELL LARRY PALMER DAVID SAVAGE DEE WRIGHT JERRY BELL JOHNNY JAMES STAFF DALE CLARK DIRECTOR CONNIE EDMONSTON ASSISTANT DIRECTOR PREPARED BY NORTHWEST ARKANSAS REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 1993 Fayetteville is located in Washington County, in the Northwest corner of Arkansas. It is a beautiful community of 42,099 (by 1990 Census count) that is cradled in the colorful Ozarks. Fayetteville covers approximately 42 square miles and its elevation varies from 1,200 to 1,720 feet. While Fayetteville does experience the four seasons, severely hot. or cold weather is rare, with an average annual temperature of 57.3 degrees and an average annual rainfall of 49.73 inches. Along with Fayetteville's temperate climate making it a desirable place to live, work and play, its central location in Northwest Arkansas provides it with reasonable access to Interstate 44 to the north and Interstate 40 to the south. Three major US Highways serve the area including US 71, 62, and 412. The State Highway system serving the area includes AR 45, 16, 265, and 112. Currently under construction is a major north/south highway, which when completed, it is hoped, will be designated Interstate 49, linking Duluth, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana. Also under construction are major improvements to US 412 which will link Fayetteville with Tulsa, Oklahoma and points west, and to the east across northern Arkansas to Nashville, Tennessee. Complementing the vehicular access are daily flights from Drake Field to the regional hub airports of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Memphis, Nashville, St, Louis, Kansas City, and Little Rock. Presently a new regional airport is under study which could open additional air service. Two taxi companies now serve the area and, in addition to limited local bus service, interstate bus service is available. The City features many commercial and industrial companies with a variety of jobs. The main campus of the University of Arkansas, established in 1872, is located in the central part of Fayetteville. It has an enrollment of over 14,000 students and is the City's largest employer. The citizenry of Fayetteville recently voted to change the form of City government from the City Manager type, to the Mayor -Alderman form. This includes a full time Mayor and an eight member council elected to serve two-year terms. The Public School System of Fayetteville includes one senior high with a separate vo-tech campus, two junior highs and eight elementary schools. Total enrollment in these 12 schools is just under 6,000 students. The School Board is currently considering two new elementary schools to meet the growth projections of the city. Fayetteville is proud of an exceptionally varied, aggressive, and attractive park system. There are 32 park areas totaling over 3,100 acres in the system. Parks feature a full range of year around activities. One very special area is the Fayetteville Downtown Square Gardens which highlight the unique blend of retail • shopping and eating establishments around the Square. 1 Another important part of the Fayetteville Park and Recreation • system is the Youth center complex. This complex is located next to the high school and is available to all age children and private citizens as well. It offers a gym, indoor pool, game rooms, arts and crafts, and a recreation program for youth, adults, families, and senior citizens. The rest of the park and recreation system will be detailed in the remainder of this document. The purpose of this document is to review the existing park and recreation facilities, establish goals and standards for future facilities and to present to the public a plan for the future development of park and recreation facilities in Fayetteville. • FAYETTEVILLE DEMOGRAPHICS' Fayetteville has experienced population gain in every decade of this century. Since 1940, Fayetteville has averaged an additional 6,777 persons each decade and the projections indicate this level of growth will continue into the next century. TABLE ONE FAYETTEVILLE POPULATION INFORMATION YEAR POPULATION INCREASE CHANGE 1940 8212 1950 1960 CENSUS 1970 1980 1990 17071 20274 30729 36608 42099 8859 3203 10455 5879 5491 107.8 18.7 51.5 19.1 14.9 PROJECTIONS 2000 2010 48228 54004 6129 5776 14.5 11.9 Race, sex, age and income information is shown in Tables 2, 3, 4, and 5. The male, female composition of the population is almost exactly the same. The age composition shows 71%� of the population to be in the very active age groups of 5 - 44. Twenty percent of the population is under age 18 and 10% is over age 65. The median family income is $30,353 and the per capita income is $12,184. Fifty one percent of the families make between $25,000 and $75,000 per year. TABLE TWO 1990 RACE WHITE 39206 BLACK 1580 AM. INDIAN 481 ASIAN 657 OTHER 175 HISPANIC* 603 TABLE THREE 1990 SEX • MALE 21029 FEMALE 21070 3 *(OF ANY RACE) TABLE FOUR • 1990 AGE UNDER 5 2769 5 - 17 5813 18 - 20 5003 21 - 24 5765 25 - 44 13272 45 - 54 3053 55 - 59 1217 60 - 64 1138 65 - 74 2127 75 - 84 1410 85 + 532 UNDER 18 8582 OVER 65 4069 TABLE FIVE FAYETTEVILLE POPULATION INFORMATION 1989 FAMILY INCOME FAMILIES 9596 LESS THAN $5000 464 $5000 - $9999 589 $10000 - $14999 950 $15000 - $24999 1789 $25000 - $34999 1674 $35000 - $49999 1836 $50000 - $74999 1434 $75000 - $99999 409 $100000 - $149999 291 $150000 OR MORE 160 INCOME $ 1970 1980 1990 PER CAPITA 2663 6020 12184 MEDIAN FAMILY 7300 16480 30353 From 1980 to 1990, there was quite a shift in the household composition in Fayetteville. In 1980, 85.3 percent of the population were in households and 14.7 percent were in group quarters. By 1990, that had shifted to 90.7 percent in households and 9.3 percent in group quarters. There also continues to be a decrease in population per household from 2.67 people per household in 1970 to 2.26 in 1990. Table Six illustrates these figures. • 4 TABLE SIX • POPULATION HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION 1970 1980 1990 TOTAL POPULATION 30729 36608 42099 IN HOUSEHOLDS 26174 31240 38189 IN GROUP QUARTERS 4555 5468 3910 PERSONS PER HOUSEHOLD 2.67 2.32 2.26 The housing composition in Fayetteville through the first half of 1993 is represented in Table Seven. It indicates that 57 percent of the dwelling units are single-family and 43 percent are multi- family. TABLE SEVEN HOUSING COMPOSITION (DWELLING UNIT) SF t MF o TOTAL 1990 10748 57.1 8087 42.9 18835 1990 BLDG. PERMITS 251 - 109 - 360 1991 BLDG. PERMITS 257 - 361 - 618 1992 BLDG. PERMITS 358 - 247 - 605 1/2 1993 PERMITS 201 - 132 - 333 TOTAL 11815 56.9 8936 43.1 20751 It is assumed that Fayetteville will continue to increase in population at about the same rate as experienced over the last 50 years or about 6000 persons per decade. The University will maintain an enrollment of somewhere between 12,000 and 16,000 students. Population increases will continue to locate predominantly north of Wedington Drive/North Street with a fairly even split east and west of Highway 71B. The over 65 years of age population will continue to increase as a percent of the total population. The Fayetteville demographics point out several things that are pertinent to park and recreation planning. Growth in the population applies constant pressure on the city to provide additional park and recreational facilities. The large number of people in the very active age groups (attributed to the University) adds pressure for more active forms of recreation and increases the park space needs. Parks and recreation facility needs are also increased by the fact that 43% of the housing stock in Fayetteville is multi -family which typically does not have the same yard space ratio as single-family. The combined effect of all of these factors is an ever increasing need to provide additional park land and.to provide more active forms of recreation. • 5 The 1979 Park Needs Report established four park districts for the • City of Fayetteville and then further subdivided those four districts into 12 neighborhoods. These two divisions were used to display population information and to analyze existing park locations as well as future park needs. These two divisions have been reviewed and there is no apparent reason to alter the boundaries at this time. There have been only slight changes in the city limits since 1979, most of which have occurred in the northwest portion of the city. Therefore, the existing boundaries are being used for the purposes of this report (Maps 1 and 2). Maps 3, 4 and 5 show the 1970, 1990 and projected 2010 population by neighborhood. Map 6 shows the projected increase in population from 1990-2010 by neighborhood. Maps 7, 8 and 9 show the1970, 1990 and projected 2010 population by district. Maps 10 and 11 show the projected increase in population from 1970-1990 and 1990- 2010 by district. It should be noted that 65 percent of the projected population increase from 1990-2010 is in the Northeast and Northwest districts or north of Wedington Drive and Mission Boulevard. From 1970 to 1990, 77 percent of the population increase occurred in the same two Districts. A check of the residential building permits issued since 1990 shows that 76 percent of the permits have been issued in the two northern Districts. 0 0 t! 0 MAP NO. 1 0 I All m IO U MAP NO. 2 f • N io00 M sZ CD oa ` CC CD a LD oo wr*.a Z 4m J O H 4� —.N M in (71 r � OCD M 1 1 u^i Q UN Ln i �. nmm �o 'f t 9 MAP NO. 3 • t0 r M 00, 00 in; I FAW" 4r M 00 N Lm - rn rn 0 N NO4r oar YSJ� CLsa= CL ,.. - ~oa Z c J �l �Q F - Col mm 10 MAP NO. 4 0 00 o� N C) 0 C) V) C) Ln II Z 1 OQ CO Y x J H Z = CL= ow xaa moo zoo H H m DR I AM LE 11 MAP NO. 5 • • K 12 {i R Eo MAP NO. 6 W C/)z a O x0 O U. CD QOON O. or C=7 � _1� W Z d O a MAP NO. 6 • N W r' QOM 1 F- o CC cnJ H �C J Aar CL r., ¢oa n a�¢ • N tD 13 MAP NO. 7 r LJ CD V J CL F-00`* �� a 0 C]NGN Y H a LU o CD w1�CL r r 15 MAP NO. 9 0 n U M W � C7 N � 2.w CD z�L� rn F— r = I< ,.. C/) I�� I! Ne i d d Q CD F -m a V Cl 16 MAP NO. 10 w� rn cn CV CD m CI -+V Z y Y�J►-i C CL CLCD 4 (71 V 1 O 0 D= M N N t O 4 � � t_ o � r S 17 MAP NO. 1 1 U • Figure 1 illustrates the residential building permits (dwelling units) issued by District from 1990 through the first half of 1993. FIGURE 1 FAYETTEVILLE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS 1-1-90 THROUGH 6-30-93 TOTAL PERMITS: 1916 32.0% 44.2% NW NE 614 1 846 151 305 SW SE 7.9°s 15.90 HWY 71B PARK DISTRICTS 39.78 _ I 60.3% HWY 71B EAST AND WEST OF HWY 71B IN 76.2% HWY 16 HWY 45 23.8% NORTH AND SOUTH OF HWY 16/45 Table Eight shows the 1990 population by park neighborhood and • district and the 2000 and 2010 population projections for each. From 1990 to 2010 the northwest district is projected to receive the largest population increase. • TABLE EIGHT INCREASE DISTRICT 1990 2000 FAYETTEVILLE 1990-2010 NE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECTIONS 12145 3409 SE 8893 INCREASE NEIGHBORHOOD 2651 1990 2000 2010 1990-2010 1471 1 4383 5607 6749 2366 2 167 263 298 131 3 4186 4890 5098 912 4 4477 4768 5005 528 5 1438 2118 3187 1749 6 2978 3186 3352 374 7 2012 2221 2375 363 8 629 662 693 64 9 1261 1549 1816 555 10_ 10860 11097 11349 489 it 8234 9865 10440 2206 12 1474 2002 3642 2168 42099 48228 54004 11905 PARK DISTRICT PROJECTIONS SOURCE: FAYETTEVILLE/SPRINGDALE TRANSPORTATION ZONE DATA 19 INCREASE DISTRICT 1990 2000 2010 1990-2010 NE 8736 10760 12145 3409 SE 8893 10072 11544 2651 SW 14762 15529 16233 1471 NW 9708 11867 14082 4374 SOURCE: FAYETTEVILLE/SPRINGDALE TRANSPORTATION ZONE DATA 19 • The 1970 Fayetteville General Plan contained a section on recreation, which explained that Fayetteville, like many other cities at that time, had deferred its park and recreation program in favor of more critical needs. At that time, Fayetteville had approximately 90 acres of park land, about half of what was needed for a city of 30,000. Lakes Fayetteville, Sequoyah and Wilson were owned by the City, but no recreational use was being made of them. Four parks and the Youth Center made up almost all of the park and recreation facilities the City operated. • Between 1970 and 1978 Fayetteville had entered into an agreement with the School Board to utilize portions of the elementary schools as park land. This added seven additional park sites and 31 acres to the system. The School Board also owned a large tract of land just east of Highway 265 and north of Highway 45, a portion of which was leased to the Park Board providing another 20 acres of park land. During this same period, other park lands were being acquired bringing the total available park sites to 21 and the acreage to 186. In 1979 the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission in cooperation with the Park Board prepared an inventory and needs assessment of the Fayetteville Park system. This report inventoried the existing park facilities, established principals, objectives and park standards and projected the acreage needs. That report, "Fayetteville Public Parks and Recreational Land Needs," is still in use and is the one being updated by this report. In 1981, the Fayetteville City Board passed an ordinance requiring developers to pay a park fee or dedicate park land as a part of the development process. The fee or land dedication is based upon the number of lots involved in the subdivision. That ordinance has been amended several times since its adoption and has been a source of revenue or land to partially support the park and recreation program. Today Fayetteville has 32 parks totaling 459 acres and another 2652 acres of land at the three lake sites. 21 • One of Fayetteville's greatest assets is its wide diversity of recreational areas and open space. As more people move into the area it is important that ample land be provided for both active and passive recreation. In order to plan for this future growth, goals and objectives must he delineated and used as a guide to assure the proper amount of land and facilities for the enjoyment of all residents in the community. The following goals and objectives have been adopted by the Fayetteville Parks and Recree.tion Board as a guide to developing adequate parks and recreational facilities for the citizens of the city. 1. Encourage and provide recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities, both active and passive. o Assess community needs for programs and facilities. o Expand opportunities for girls and boys. o Use Youth Center facilities at low demand times to expand senior citizen recreation activities. o Continue and extend cooperation and support to hobby groups. o Provide aquatic programs and facilities that meet the interests of all ages and abilities. 2. Provide recreational opportunities within the area that meet standards for size, location and use, and will adequately serve existing and future population. o Develop a joint agreement with the public school system for sharing facilities. o Provide recreation areas in the center of neighborhoods (as defined in this plan as a 1/2 mile radius). o Maintain present facilities at the highest possible level. o Install new and rebuild old picnic tables, grills, benches, and fireplaces. o Improve safety of parks and facilities. o Improve athletic fields in the areas of turf, drainage and irrigation, where feasible. 3. Encourage the development of park lands which are visually and aesthetically pleasing. o Add aesthetic features such as statuary, water features, or murals. o Beautify existing park grounds and facilities. o Plant more trees and flowers. 4. Encourage the protection of open space and natural resources so that a high quality of living can be retained for future • generations. 22 o Budget for and acquire open.,space, using Green Space monies for acreage and facilities. o Permanently preserve areas of natural beauty or historic importance. • o Provide incentives for preservation of natural resources or open space, such as increased density and reduced fees or setbacks. o Require developers to provide land or funds for open space as a part of the development process. o To some degree, require the preservation of desirable existing trees. o Use open space as a means of shaping community growth and providing buffers between incompatible land uses. I 5. Encourage utilization of open space for park and recreation needs. o Connect parks to one another through the flood plain with bicycle and/or hiking trails that run through the flood plain. o Add walking/jogging/hiking trails in all possible locations. 6. Encourage active recreation activities for longer periods of time in large spaces located at outlying urban areas. o Increase the present level of services at the three lakes. o Develop hobby use areas, such as a public shooting range. o Offer water related programs on the three lakes. o Study the need for additional recreation centers. o Construct new athletic fields, with spectator seating. 7. Strive to achieve public involvement to produce the most current and up-to-date park system possible. o Maintain staff awareness of current desires of citizens for park system facilities through training seminars. o Encourage staff to join state, regional, and national professional parks organizations. o Provide well-trained and supervised staff, open to citizen user requests, for all park programs. o Continue to increase awareness and community pride in Fayetteville Parks system. 8. Seek a wide variety of funding sources for enhancement of the park system. o Continue to require development fees from new development to be used in the parks program. o Pursue grant funds form all sources. o Attract private contributions. o Continue to assist in funding the Fayetteville Youth Center, the Square Gardens Park, and adult centers. W Due to the changing nature of development and demographics in is Fayetteville at this time, it is suggested that an expanded classification system be implemented. The new system would include: 1. Sub -neighborhood Parks 2, Neighborhood Parks 3, Community Parks 4. Regional Parks 5, Special Use Parks 6. Parkways This classification system is intended to serve as a guide to planning for local and regional parks. It is also suggested that the total acreage per 11000 people for close -to -home parks be 5 to 10 acres, while acreage for regional parks be 15 to 20 acres. Therefore, the City should strive for an over-all standard of 20 to 30 acres per 1,000 people. Following is a discussion of each type of classification and park standards applying to each. The existing parks are also listed in their new classification. 1. SUB -NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS A sub -neighborhood park should serve an area that is less than a neighborhood. This means that the service area should be less than a one-half mile radius. It is recommended that the park be one to two acres in size, with a population ratio of one-half to one acre per 1,000. The park should be centralized to the area it serves, located on a local street, and if possible, in close proximity to apartment or elderly complexes. It should be accessible by pedestrian traffic with no on-site parking being necessary, since the idea is that people will be walking to and from the park. The park should neighborhood parks involve: include include, many of only on the same facilities that a smaller scale. This could o children's apparatus -- play sculpture such as swings, slide, sandboxes, and 0 open play area o for adults -- court. benches, tables, shelter, trees, basketball SUB -NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS ACRES Hotz 1 Routh 2 3 0 24 • 2 NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS Neighborhood parks provide limited recreation for all age groups. They should average two to 15 acres in size, with a service area of one square mile or a half -mile radius. They should be located in the center of neighborhoods next to elementary schools, on a local street, accessible by pedestrian traffic, but with some on-site parking provided. The neighborhood park should offer the sam neighborhood park on a larger scale, intensive recreational facilities such as: o all-weather courts o field game area o crafts o play ground apparatus o picnicking o walking/jogging trails o shaded areas o sheltered areas o landscaped areas. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS ACRES Asbell 10 Bates 7 Butterfield 3 Happy Hollow 5 Jefferson 3 Root 2 Washington I Leverett 2 Sweetbriar q Greathouse 5 Davis 9 51 facilities as the sub - with additional, more Parks listed as community parks which also serve as neighborhood parks: Charles J. Finger Combs Crossover Gregory Gulley Lake Fayetteville East Lake Fayetteville North Lake Fayetteville South Lake Sequoyah Walker Wilson 25 • 3. COMMUNITY PARKS The community park is larger than the neighborhood park, usually 15+ acres, serving several neighborhoods with a one to three mile radius. This may vary, however, depending upon types of facilities included in the park. The park is designed to serve the community with diverse outdoor active or passive recreational opportunities. It should be located toward the exterior of the neighborhoods it serves on a collector or arterial street. Ideally, it should adjoin a high school so use can be made of its athletic field for team sports. Since the community park is generally not within walking distance of all participants, it is wise to provide adequate parking. Appropriate lighting should be an integral part of the park.also. Community parks should include such facilities as: o hard surface courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis o areas for field sports such as football, baseball, softball, and soccer o suffleboard area o horseshoes pits o children's play area o day camp center o picnic areas with covered pavilions o restrooms o intensively landscaped areas or botanical areas o fieldhouse o running track o swimming pool o nature trails o fitness courses o bike stands. The community park may include interesting features such as lakes, ponds, streams, waterfalls, rock outcroppings, etc., however, its principal purpose is for the more active recreational activities. 26 COMMUNITY PARKS ACRES • Babe Ruth 49 Combs 80 Charles J. Finger 18 Gregory 18 Lake Fayetteville E. 25 Lake Fayetteville N. 50 Lake Fayetteville S. 5 Lake Fayetteville W. 10 Walker 25 Walker NE 36 Walker NW 18 Wilson 21 Youth Center 5 Crossover 20 Gulley 24 404 Regional parks that also serve as community parks are Lake Fayetteville, Lake Wilson, and Lake Sequoyah. 4, REGIONAL PARKS The regional park is very similar to the community park with large areas for active and passive recreational opportunities. It should serve the entire metropolitan area, however, portions of the park may also serve neighborhood or community park functions. It contains 100 or more acres and preferably runs the entire gamut of recreational facilities, as well as having wilderness areas. Types of recreational facilities that may be provided are: o day camp centers o golf course o swimming o a lake for boating and/or fishing o both winter and summer sports center o camping and picnicking o a zoo and/or botanical garden o archery ranges o nature trails and wildlife habitat o bandstand o bridle paths o bicycle trails o caves o restrooms o shelters o interior roads 0 off-street parking. The regional park should pay special attention to the utilization • of natural features, as well as including those facilities that are found in the neighborhood and community parks. 27 4 • REGIONAL PARKS Lake Fayetteville Lake Sequoyah Lake Wilson ACRES 553 1779 320 2652 5. SPECIAL USE PARKS Special use parks are usually devoted to a limited or specialized use. The service area and size of these parks or areas will vary depending on the use. Major uses of such areas include: o plazas or squares o hobby centers o nature centers o golf courses o marinas o zoos o conservators o arboreta o gun ranges o ice skating rinks o auditoriums, stadiums or arenas o areas that preserve, maintain and interpret buildings, sites, and objects of archeological significance. SPECIAL USE PARKS ACRES Fayetteville Downtown Square 1 1 6. PARKWAYS Parkways are elongated areas offering passive or active recreational opportunities. These areas are used to interconnect other park facilities. They may be greenways, landscaped boulevards, median green strips, trailways, railroad rights-of-way, or natural drainage courses available for hiking, walking, and bicycling. In addition, portions of these parks may serve sub -neighborhood, or neighborhood park functions. W* CJ • Park and open space standards address community -wide spatial requirements based on the policies set forth in the Master Park Plan. They are provided as general guidelines for achieving these polices. As general guidelines they are not fixed measures of what must be accomplished and as such should be adjusted to the demands of the community and to the availability of open space lands. Standards are established so that during the planning process a community can evaluate where they stand at the present time and where they may be lacking, sufficient, or in excess in relation to park areas, open space, and recreation activities or programs. Standards will change for every community because every community is different and has different needs. This is why general standards are used. They are not to be used as a means to an end. They are not fixed or rigid. They are relative rather than absolute values to aid in the planning and decision-making process. With this in mind, the following standards are suggested. RECOMMENDED RECREATION FACILITIES STANDARDS Facility Softball Baseball Tennis Court Basketball Court Soccer Field Outdoor Volley Trails Horseshoe Pit Playground Area Picnic Table Swimming Pool 29 Standard/Population 1/4,000 1/3,000 1/3,000 1/2,000 1/4,000 1/5,000 1 mile/3,000 1/3,000 1/1,000 1/200 1/20,000 • The following is a list of the parks by name, acreage, street location and the facilities provided in each. Not all facilities that are available in each park are included in the listing. Facilities such as lighting, water fountains, and bleachers were omitted because they are considered accessory to other uses listed. The facilities not listed are shown on the maps of each park in the last section of this report. Map No. 12 (Fayetteville Parks Location Map) shows the location of each park listed below. Asbell Park (10 acres) -- 1500 Sang Ave. at Asbell Elementary School Softball Fields (2) Soccer Fields (4) Open Play Area Playground Equipment Gymnasium Restrooms Concession Stand Outdoor Basketball Courts (2) Fenced Play Area Benches (4) Picnic Tables (1) Babe Ruth Park (49 acres) -- Off Highway 16E at 2400 Armstrong Ave. Baseball Fields (2) Concession Stand Restrooms Picnic Tables (2) Batting Cage Bates Park (7 acres) -- Garland Ave. at Bates Elementary School Tennis Courts (4) Outdoor Basketball Court Open Play Area Gymnasium Picnic Tables (6) Playground Equipment Benches (3) Fenced Play Area Butterfield Park (3 acres) -- 3050 Old Missouri Rd. at Butterfield Elementary School Softball Practice Field Picnic Tables . Soccer Field Benches (4) Open Play Area Gymnasium Playground Equipment Outdoor Basketball Court 30 Charles J. Finger Park (18 acres) -- Off Highway 62 W at E. Farmer Ave. Outdoor Basketball Court Open Play Area Pavilion/BBQ Pit Picnic Tables (9) - (2 covered) Playground Equipment Nature Area Hiking Trail Water Feature Softball Practice Field Benches (9) Combs Park (80 acres) -- Armstrong Ave. Nature Area Model Airplane Area Horseback Trail Water Feature Crossover Park (20 acres) -- Highway 265 and Sanitation Road Nature Area Hiking Trail Davis Park (9 acres) -- Corner of Cornell Street and Dartmouth Ave. Undeveloped Greathouse Park (5 acres) -- Corner of Price Ave. and Boone St. Softball Practice Field Open Play Area Playground Equipment Picnic Tables (3) Swinging Bridge Water Feature Grill (1) Gregory Park (18 acres) -- Sycamore St., one block west of College Ave. Nature Area Pavilion/BBQ Pit Picnic Tables (8) • Hiking Trail Grills (1) 31 1-. Fred A. Gulley Park (24 acres) -- East of the intersection of Township St. and Old Wire Rd. Nature Area Walking Path Volleyball Court Picnic Tables (7) Playground Equipment Water Feature Open Play Area Grills (6) Benches (12) Harpy Hollow Park (5 acres) -- 308 Ray St. at Happy Hollow Elementary School Softball Practice Fields (2) Soccer Field Open Play Area Playground Equipment Outdoor Basketball Court Gymnasium Picnic Tables (3) Nature Area Benches (2) Hotz Park (1 acre) -- Intersection of Hotz Dr. and Palmer Ave. Picnic Tables (4) Playground Equipment Open Play Area Bench (1) Grills (2) Jefferson Park (3 acres) -- 612 S Jefferson Elementary School Softball Practice Field Open Play Area Gymnasium Picnic Tables (2) Playground Equipment Fenced Playground Equipment Benches (3) 32 College Ave. and 6th St. at • Lake Favetteville West Park (10 acres) -- Highway 71B North at Lake Fayetteville Road Softball Fields (3) Concession Stand Restrooms Fenced Play Area Benches (2) Lake Fayetteville North Park (50 acres) -- Lakeview Dr. and Powell Open Play Area (Springdale) Nature Center Pavilion Restrooms Picnic Tables (4) Playground Equipment Water Feature Benches (3) Grills (3) Lake Fayetteville East Park (25 acres) -- Highway 265 Nature Area Open Play Area Boy Scout Campgrounds Lake Fayetteville South Park (5 acres) -- East of Highway 71B North on Zion Road Open Play Area Nature Area Pavilion Picnic Tables (15) Playground Equipment Water Feature Hiking Trail Fishing Pier Volleyball Courts (2) Restrooms Horseshoe Pits (4) Grills (5) Lake Fayetteville Park (553 acres) -- Lake Area East of Highway 71B North between Zion Road and Lakeview Drive Water Feature Fishing Pier/Boat Rental Nature Area Grill (1) • Concession Stand/Bait Shop Benches (6) Picnic Tables (2) Restrooms Water Education Facilities 33 Lake Seguovah Park (1,779 acres) -- Lake Sequoyah Dr. Nature Area Water Feature Concession Stand/Bait Shop Picnic Tables Fishing Pier Lake Wilson Park (320 acres) -- Southeast of City on Wilson Hollow Rd. via City Lake Road Nature Area Water Feature Pavilion Picnic Tables Horseback Trail Archery Range Fishing Boat Ramp Leverett Park (2 acres) -- Corner of Garland Ave. and Cleveland St. at Leverett Elementary School Softball Practice Area Open Play Area Picnic Table (1) Playground Equipment Root Park (2 acres) -- 1529 Mission Blvd. at Root Elementary School Softball Practice Field Soccer Field Outdoor Basketball Court Open Play Area Gymnasium Playground Equipment Paved Play Area Benches (2) Routh Park (2 acres) -- Highway 265 and Old Wire Rd. Open Play Area Picnic Tables (2) Grill (1) 34 • Sweetbriar Park (4 acres) -- East of Sweetbriar Dr. Open Play Area Picnic Tables (6) Playground Equipment Water Feature Outdoor Basketball Court Story Telling Area Grills (2) Square Gardens (1 acre) -- Area Around Town Square Adjacent to East Ave., Center St., Mountain St., and Block St. Walkway Gardens Farmers Market Benches (14) Walker Park (25 acres) --East of S. College Ave. on 15th St. Baseball Fields (7) Tennis Courts (3) and Backstop Open Play Area Pavilion/BBQ Pit Restrooms Concession Stand/Restrooms Picnic Tables (18) Playground Equipment Fenced Play Area Outdoor Handball Court Volleyball Court (1) Grills (4) Benches (3) Walker Northwest Park (18 acres) -- Block Ave. at 13th St. Open Play Area Soccer Fields (4) Outdoor Basketball Court Nature Area Pavilion Picnic Tables (7) - 2 covered Playground Equipment Grills (3) Benches (3) Walker Northeast Park (36 acres) S. College Ave. and Block Ave. • Undeveloped 35 • Washington Park (1 acre) -- Highland Ave. and Lafayette St. at Washington Elementary School Outdoor Basketball Court Playground Equipment Open Play Area Wilson Park (21 acres) -- Park St. and Prospect St. Open Play Area Tennis Courts (6) and Backstop Softball Field Outdoor Basketball Courts Concession Stand Picnic Tables (33) Restrooms Playground Equipment Fenced Play Area Swimming Pool (outdoor) Water Feature Walking Path BBQ Pits (4) Volleyball Court Childrens Adventure Area Benches (15) Grills (9) Youth Center (5 acres) -- 915 California St. • 1. Playground Equipment Concession Stand Gymnasium (2) Swimming Pool ( indoor) Weight Room Game Room Restrooms Open Play Area Practice Football/Soccer Field M • Future park needs are determined by applying the park acre per 1000 population standard, established in the Park Classification/Standards section of this report, to the existing and projected population. The difference between the existing acres and the acres obtained by applying the acre per 1000 population standard to the projected population represents the future park acre need. Table 1 illustrates the future park acre need by park neighborhood and Table 2 reveals the future park acre need by park district. In terms of total acres of park land, Fayetteville has 67.4 acres per 1000 population, over double the suggested standard. However, over 85 percent of that land is in the 3 lakes and much of that land has yet to be developed for park purposes. The neighborhood and community park acres per 1000 population is 10.9 which is just above the high side of the suggested standard of 10 acres per 1000 population. A closer look shows that 46 percent of the total neighborhood and community park acres are in one neighborhood. TABLE 1 NEEDS ASSESSMENT NEIGHBORHOODS EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD 1970 1990 2010 PARK REGIONAL 1990 PARK 2010 PARK POP POP POP ACRES PARK ACRES ACRE NEEDS ACRE NEEDS LOW HIGH LOW HIGH 1 1629 4383 6749 72 553 22 44 34 68 2 205 167 298 45 .8 1.7 1.5 3 3 1429 4186 5098 26 21 42 25 50 4 4336 4477 5005 7 22.5 45 25 50 5 397 1438 3187 0 1779 7 14 16 32 6 2039 2978 3352 211 320 15 30 17 34 7 2051 2012 2375 5 10 20 12 24 8 587 629 693 18 3.2 6.4 3.5 7 9 464 1261 1816 0 6.5 13 9 18 10 13538 10860 11349 38 54.5 109 57 114 11 4574 8234 10440 28 41 82 52 104 12 577 1474 3642 9 7.5 15 18 36 • TOTAL 31826 42099 54004 459 2652 211 422 270 540 M DM ILI, -O 0 • Ist Priority • o Develop facilities within existing and new parks. o Acquire park land in developing areas or area that are projected to develop in the near future (1 - 5 years). o Seek additional funding for maintenance and development of new and existing facilities. 2nd Priority o Acquire land or develop linkages between park facilities. o Coordinate a pedestrian/bicycle trailway route with the City's Trailway Plan by linking all elementary schools, parks, and regional employment centers. o Develop a system of trails within parks. 3rd Priority o Acquire park land in built-up areas that do not have a neighborhood park and are further than one mile from a community park. o Acquire park land in advance of development in undeveloped areas ( 5 plus years). SUGGESTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF PARKS Charles J. Finger Park - Install restroom facilities. - Institute an advertising campaign city-wide to introduce the citizens to the fact that this park is available. Combs Park - Needs to be developed. - Needs to be identified by a sign as a park. - Has the potential for overnight camping, picnic areas, water feature, hiking trails, or public shooting range. - Possible site for motorcycle, 3 and 4 wheeler dirt track. Crossover Park - Needs to be developed. - Needs to be identified by a sign as a park. - Has potential for picnic areas, water feature, hiking trails. • - Needs additional access to the east and west. 40 • Greathouse Park Appears to be underdeveloped. Water feature could be developed. Additional picnic tables along the creek. - Develop a walking path at periphery of park. • Gregory Park - Develop into a botanical garden, wildflower area, with paths, stairs, stone work, benches, viewing tower. Develop parking along Sycamore with existing parking used for handicapped. - Connect park to V.A. grounds Fred A. Gulley Park - Take greater advantage of water feature. Stone the creek banks, create little waterfalls and pools. Happy Hollow Park - As surroundings develop, procure additional access. - Develop a water feature. - Create walking paths, hiking trails. - Develop added picnicking facilities. Lake Fayetteville North Park Has the potential for water feature with a walking path along the shoreline. Add picnic tables, ball fields and soccer fields. Lake Fayetteville East Park Consider trading the land for equal or greater amount of land in a more central location or a location where development pressure is beginning. Lake Fayetteville South Park - Take greater advantage of water feature. - Expand trails to the north side of the park. 41 • Lake Fayetteville Park Expand picnic facilities. - Consider handicapped accessible fishing pier, picnic facilities and restrooms. - Develop a swimming beach, rent paddle boats. - Contract with private sector for a lakeside or floating restaurant. - Develop a RV park - Create a walking path or hiking trail that would join others around the lake. Lake Secquoyah Park - Consider developing areas for recreation facilities. - Develop water feature below the dam. - Establish a lakeside or floating restaurant. - Encourage a tourist barge or steamboat. - Develop a RV park. Routh Park Could be parking area for walking path to Gulley Park. - Develop as a memorial garden. Sweetbriar Park Develop a bridge across the creek, connecting the park with the subdivision to the east with a walking path. Develop water feature. Walker Northwest Park Develop water feature, with a walking path and picnic areas along the creek. Wilson Park - Develop the creek area with dams, pools and waterfalls. - Expand the walking path. • .. 42 Long Range Park Consideration Acquire park land outside the city limits in area which are . developing. 0 Cooperate in development of a parkway along the West fork of the White River from Highway 71B to Highway 45. Acquire park easements along creeks and flood plain as development occurs. Vote a millage assessment or pursue other funding methods for acquisition, maintenance, and improvements of parks. -Update the Master Park Plan no later than 2003. Map No. 13 (Fayetteville Parks Map) shows the existing and proposed parks. The proposed parks are numbered 1, 2, or 3 reflecting their priority as described in the "Park Facility Recommendations" section. 43 I INTRODUCTION The Plan was prepared by the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation • Board, with the help of the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department and the staff at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission. The Plan was initiated after it became known that it was an integral part of the grant application process for a LWCF Grant. While Fayetteville has a Master Parks and Recreation Plan, this particular format was not used. The Master Plan is in the process of being up -dated, therefore preparation of the Recreation Plan began immediately. The Recreation Plan has not been formally adopted by the community yet, but will go through the process as a part of the Master Parks and Recreation Plan. One of Fayetteville's greatest assets is its wide diversity of recreational areas and open space. As more people move into the area it is important that ample land be provided for both active and passive recreation. In order to plan for this future growth, goals must be delineated and used as a guide to assure the proper amount of land and facilities for the enjoyment of all residents in the community. The following goals have been formulated as a guide to developing adequate parks and recreational facilities for the citizens of the City. • 1. Encourage and provide recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities, both active and passive. 2. Provide recreational opportunities within the area that meet standards for size, location and use, and will adequately serve existing and future population. 3. Encourage the development of park lands which are visually and aesthetically pleasing. 4. Encourage the protection of open space and natural resources so that a high quality of living can be retained for future generations. 5. Encourage active recreation activities for longer periods of time in large spaces located at outlying areas. 6. Encourage flood plain utilization for open space and park and recreation needs. 7. Strive to achieve public involvement to produce the most current and up-to-date park system possible. S. Seek a wide variety of funding sources for enhancement of the park system. • 3 II. INVENTORY Following is a list of all existing private, semi -private, and public recreational facilities. o Summerhill Racquet Club - 8 acres - indoor/outdoor tennis, weight room and cardiovascular equipment, 4 racquetball courts, outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, hot tub, sauna, locker/shower room, day care. o The Sports Park - 5 acres - batting cages for softball and baseball, pro shop, driving range, restaurant. o Fayetteville Country Club - 25 acres - 18 hole golf course, driving range, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, club house, pro shop, restaurant and club, meeting facilities. o American Legion Baseball Park - 5 acres - ball park and bleachers. o Golf Driving Range at Lake Fayetteville - 10 acres. • SEMI -PRIVATE • o Paradise Valley Athletic Club and Golf Course - 90.9 acres - 18 hole golf course, driving range, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, weight facility, club house and pro shop. o Razorback Golf Course - 45 acres - 9 hole golf course, club house and pro shop. o Agri Park - 7 acres - University of Arkansas property available for public use, large pavilion (by appointment). o The Adult Center - .25 acres - Recreation and education programs for people 55 and over. o Woodland Junior High School - 4 acres - tennis court and track. o Ramey Junior High School - 4 acres - tennis courts, soccer field, outdoor basketball court, track. 9 PUBLI o Asbell Park - 10 acres -- Sang Ave. at Asbell Elementary School Softball fields (2) Soccer Fields (4) Open Play Area Playground Equipment Gymnasium Restrooms Concession Stand Outdoor Basketball Courts (2) Fenced Play Area Benches (4) Picnic Tables (1) o Babe Ruth Park - 49 acres -- Off Hwy 16E at Armstrong Ave. Baseball Fields (2) Concession Stand Restrooms Picnic Table (2) Batting Cage • o Bates Park - 7 acres -- Garland Ave. at Bates Elementary School Tennis Courts (4) Outdoor Basketball Court Open Play Area Gymnasium Picnic Tables (6) Playground Equipment Benches (3) Fenced Play Area o Butterfield Park - 3 acres -- Old Missouri Rd. at Butterfield Elementary School Softball Practice Field Soccer Field Open Play Area Playground Equipment Outdoor Basketball Court Picnic Tables Benches (4) Gymnasium • 5 • o Charles J. Finger Park - 18 acres -- Off Hwy 62W at E. Farmer Ave. Outdoor Basketball Court Open Play Area Pavilion/BBQ Pit Picnic Tables (9) - (2 covered) Playground Equipment Nature Area Hiking Trail Water Feature Softball Practice Field Benches (9) o Combs Park - 80 Acres -- Armstrong Ave. Nature Area Hiking Trail o Davis Park - 9 Acres --Corner of Cornell Street and Dartmouth Ave. Undeveloped o Greathouse Park - 5 Acres -- Corner of Price Ave. and Boone St. • Softball Practice Field Open Play Area Playground Equipment Picnic Tables (3) Swinging Bridge Water Feature Grill (1) o Gregory Park - 18 Acres -- Sycamore St., one block west of College Ave. Nature Area Pavilion/BBQ Pit Hiking Trail Picnic Tables (8) Grills (1) o Fred A. Gulley Park - 24 Acres -- East of the intersection of Township St. and Old Wire Rd. Nature Area Walking Path Volleyball Court Picnic Tables (7) Playground Equipment • Water Feature 6 • Open Play Area Grills (6) Benches (12) o Happy Hollow Park - 5 Acres -- Ray St. at Happy Hollow Elementary School Softball Practice Fields (2) Soccer Field Open Play Area Playground Equipment Outdoor Basketball Court Gymnasium Picnic Tables (3) Benches (2) Nature Area o Hotz Park - 1 Acre -- Intersection of Hotz Dr. and Palmer Ave. Picnic Tables (4) Playground Equipment Open Play Area Bench (1) Grills (2) • o Jefferson Park - 3 Acres -- S. College Ave, and 6th St. at Jefferson Elementary School Softball Practice Field Open Play Area Gymnasium Picnic Tables (2) Fenced Playground Equipment Playground Equipment Benches (3) o Lake Fayetteville West Park - 10 Acres -- Hwy 71B North at Lake Fayetteville Rd. Softball Fields (3) Concession Stand Restrooms Fenced Play Area Benches (2) o Lake Fayetteville North Park - 50 Acres -- Lakeview Dr. and Powell Open Play Area Nature Center Pavilion • Restrooms 7 • Picnic Tables (4) Playground Equipment Water Feature Benches (3) Grills (3) o Lake Fayetteville East Park - 25 Acres -- Hwy 265 Nature Area Open Play Area Boy Scout Campgrounds o Lake Fayetteville South Park - 5 Acres -- Hwy 71B North at Zion Rd. Open Play Area Nature Area Pavilion Picnic Tables (15) Grills (5) Water Feature Hiking Trail Fishing Pier Volleyball Courts (2) Restrooms Horseshoe Pits (4) • o Lake Fayetteville Park - 553 Acres -- Lake Area East of Hwy 71B North at Zion Rd. and Lakeview Dr. Water Feature Nature Area Concession Stand/Bait Shop Fishing Pier/Boat Rental/Boat Ramp Picnic Tables (2) Grill (1) Benches (6) Restrooms Water Education Facilities o Lake Sequoyah Park - 1779 Acres -- Lake Sequoyah Dr. Nature Area Water Feature Concession Stand/Bait Shop Picnic Tables Fishing Pier • L -i • o Lake Wilson Park - 320 Acres -- Southeast of City on Wilson Hollow Rd. via City Lake Rd. Nature Area Water Feature Pavilion Picnic Tables Horseback Trail Archery Range Fishing Boat Ramp o Leverett Park - 2 Acres -- Corner of Garland Ave. and Cleveland St. at Leverett Elementary School Softball Practice Area Open Play Area Picnic Table (1) Playground Equipment o Root Park - 2 Acres -- Mission Blvd. at Root Elementary School Softball Practice Field Soccer Field Outdoor Basketball Court • Open Play Area Gymnasium Playground Equipment Paved Play Area Benches (2) o Routh Park - 2 Acres -- Hwy 265 and Old Wire Rd. Open Play Area Picnic Tables (2) Grill (1) o Sweetbriar Park - 4 Acres -- East of Sweetbriar Dr. Open Play Area Picnic Tables (6) Grills (2) Playground Equipment Water Feature Outdoor Basketball Court Story Telling Area o Square Gardens - 1 Acre -- Area around the Town Square adjacent to East Ave., Center St., Mountain St., and Block St. Walkway • Gardens 0J Farmers Market Benches (14) o Walker Park - 25 Acres -- S. college Ave. at 15th St. Baseball Fields (7) Tennis Courts (3) and Backstop Open Play Area Pavilion/BBQ Pit Restrooms Concession Stand/Restrooms Picnic Tables (18) Playground Equipment Fenced Play Area Outdoor Handball Court Volleyball Court Grills (4) Benches (3) o Walker Northwest Park - 18 Acres -- Block Ave. at 13th St. Open Play Area Soccer Fields (4) Outdoor Basketball Court Nature Area Pavilion • Picnic Tables (7) - 2 covered Playground Equipment Grills (3) Benches (3) o Walker Northeast Park - 36 Acres S. College Ave. and Block Ave. Undeveloped o Washington Park - 1 Acre -- Highland Ave. and Lafayette St. at Washington Elementary School Outdoor Basketball Court Playground Equipment Open Play Area o Wilson Park - 21 Acres -- Park St. and Prospect St. Open Play Area Tennis Courts (6) and Backstop Softball Field outdoor Basketball Court Concession Stand Picnic Tables (33) • BBQ Pits (4) 10 •� 1 • Grills (9) Benches (15) Restrooms Playground Equipment Fenced Play Area Swimming Pool (outdoor) Water Feature Walking Path Volleyball Court Children's Adventure Area • • o Youth Center - 5 Acres -- California St. Playground Equipment Concession Stand Gymnasium (2) Swimming Pool (indoor) Weight Room Game Room Restrooms Open Play Area Practice Football/Soccer Field Fayetteville has a wide variety of recreational programs, for all the community. Following is a list and description of school year and summer recreation programs. YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Girls and boys of all ages School Year o Swimming - Youth Center Pool Water aerobics Recreational swim Swimming lessons Family swim Swim team o Big Brother/Big Sister Program o Latchkey Program o Arts and crafts o Tiny tots gymnastics o Baton o Judo o Karate o Track o Cheerleading and Drill team o Seventh grade football o Flag football o Basketball o o Clogging classes o o Soccer o o Volleyball 11 Tap, ballet, and jazz classes Girls softball Tennis lessons Y • Summer o Swimming - at both the Youth Center and Wilson Park Pools Swimming lessons Swim team Recreational swim Water aerobics o Latchkey Program o Summer Day Camp - skating movies golf bowling 0 Arts and crafts o Sports Clinic basketball volleyball football o Karate o Judo o Youth tap, ballet, and jazz summer workshop o Gymnastics o Tiny tot gymnastics o Summer tennis program for juniors o Night basketball • o Summer fishing trips 0 outdoor recreation seminars ADULT ACTIVITIES School Year o Adult lap swim, family swim o Rhythmic aerobics o Belly dance o Beginners ballet stretch o Judo o Karate o Ladies volleyball, noon volleyball, and competition volleyball o Morning basketball o Open gym o Weight room o Fall co-ed softball o Co-ed volleyball o Men's church basketball o Women's basketball o Men's industrial basketball o Men's open basketball • 12 J • Summer o Swimming - swimming lessons recreational swim lap swim water aerobics o Clogging, belly dance, and aerobics o Summer softball o Basketball, noon basketball o noon volleyball, Wednesday night volleyball o Summer open gym o Tennis (Wilson Park) o Weight room Currently, all ball parks, restrooms, swimming pools, and Youth Center facilities are handicap accessible. The trail at Gulley Park and at least one picnic area in each of the parks is accessible. The recreational facilities and programs meet the needs of the persons in the Fayetteville jurisdiction in the following ways: • 1. Minorities -- All programs in the area are designed to serve the needs of Fayetteville's minority population. However, the Youth Center does an especially good job of this. The Latchkey Program, Summer Feeding Program, and Outreach Program all work with children in low-income housing projects. These programs also provide transportation to the Center. C� J 2. Middle age -- Softball - 90 teams Basketball - 32 teams} year around Volleyball - 18 teams} year around Lap swim and family swim} year around All park facilities, including picnicking, nature areas and trails. 3. Teens -- The Youth Center has many programs to meet teen needs, such as: Baseball, Girls softball, Intramural (24 teams of boys), dance classes, martial arts, etc. The teens are encouraged to participate with longer available hours. 13 • 4. School and pre-school children -- Again, the Youth Center does a wonderful job of providing programs for school and pre-school children. It offers programs such as sports, dancing, arts and crafts, swimming, etc. It also provides for families to participate in programs together, such as tot gymnastics and family swim. of course, all the City's parks are available to this group of citizens. Children can walk or bike to any one of Fayetteville's 21 neighborhood parks. 5. Elderly -- Fayetteville's senior citizens are provided a number of programs through the Parks and Recreation Department. The Senior Center of Sang Avenue provides day care services and meals. Hillcrest Towers provides recreational programs such as arts, toll painting, and field trips. Meals -on -Wheels and water aerobics are two other programs offered to seniors. Currently, the greatest recreation problem in Fayetteville is finding funding for projects. Many projects have been identified as important to the future of the community. These include pedestrian/bicycle trailways, a new community center, and more teen activities. In addition, maintenance of existing facilities takes more and more funding and labor hours. Another, secondary problem relating to the matter of funding, is finding suitable land at a reasonable price to develop new • facilities. Fayetteville is growing toward the northwest and the east and more park land is anticipated to be needed in these areas. • 14 III. ANALYSIS Existing facilities and programs serve the needs of Fayetteville's citizenry by being available to all age groups and physically challenged persons. The Youth Center programs and facilities mentioned earlier attest to this fact. The excellent park system also serves the needs of the community by having facilities in almost all geographical areas of the city. However, since Fayetteville continues to grow, there will continue to be a need for updating older facilities, updated older facilities and more people to administer the facilities and programs. Following is an analysis of each facility in the Park system as to serving present needs of the community. It should be noted, however, that even though a facility receives a "good" mark, it probably isn't perfect because all facilities can use something all the time. o Asbell Park -- needs more soccer fields o Babe Ruth Park -- needs another ball field o Bates Park -- good o Butterfield Park -- good o Charles J. Finger Park -- needs restrooms o Combs Park -- needs to be developed o Davis Park -- needs to be developed o Greathouse Park -- good • o Gregory Park -- is not used by citizens o Gulley Park -- good o Happy Hollow Park -- good o Hotz Park -- good o Jefferson Park -- good o Lake Fayetteville West Park -- good, could use another field o Lake Fayetteville North Park -- not very accessible to majority of population o Lake Fayetteville East Park -- not developed o Lake Fayetteville South Park -- fair, needs a larger pavilion and expanded court games to bring general public back o Lake Fayetteville Park -- good, does need to be more handicapped accessible o Lake Sequoyah Park -- good o Lake Wilson Park -- good, pavilion could be more accessible o Leverett Park -- good o Root Park -- good o Routh Park -- no parking, and on a much too busy street o Sweetbriar Park -- good o Square Gardens -- good o Walker Park -- good o Walker Northwest Park -- good, could install permanent restrooms o Walker Northeast Park -- needs to be developed o Washington Park -- good . o Wilson Park -- good o Youth Center -- good 15 Y • There appears to be an existing and growing demand for more outdoor recreational opportunities that stress wellness and fitness. In Fayetteville this translates into several trends, one of which is walking, jogging, bicycling, and hiking. Another trend in Fayetteville is the growth of baseball, softball, volleyball, and soccer. These sports are popular with youth and adults of both sexes. Due to the fact that people have more leisure time, they are spending it in family-oriented activities such as picnicking, camping, boating, fishing, etc. More and more people are using the Parks system lakes for recreation. There also appears to be men and women over 35 that are demanding more organized activities. Currently, the residents of Fayetteville go to specific recreation facilities depending on age and taste in recreation. Many of Fayetteville's young people (minorities included) use the Youth Center facility, and the parks that are part of the Center's recreation program. They also use the neighborhood parks in their areas. Many other people and families, including handicapped, use the parks that are well developed and have a walking path. This • includes Wilson and Gulley parks. Retirees who enjoy fishing use Lake Fayetteville and Lake Sequoyah. Seniors use the walking facilities at Wilson and Gulley parks, too. They also enjoy the programs offered at the Sang Senior Center and Hillcrest Towers. Wilson Park, a community park, is the obvious selection for families with children of all ages because of the pool facilities, the playground apparatus for tots and older children, the tennis courts and abundance of picnic spots. Walker Park and Lake Fayetteville West Park are the other parks where residents of Fayetteville tend to go. These parks offer soccer, baseball and softball. In addition, Walker Park has a picnic pavilion, playground and restrooms. In 1991, the City undertook a project of citizen involvement which culminated in a FAYETTEVILLE VISION document. The process began with a weekend retreat open to the public. Special interest groups were also invited to attend. A series of town meetings were then held in each of the eight elementary schools and, in addition, a random survey was conducted. • • IV. PLAN This specific plan was generated from material in the Master Parks and Recreation Plan update, which is nearing completion. Additionally, it was formulated using ideas gleaned from the public participation process of FAYETTEVILLE VISION and other public meetings at various parks through out the community. In the VISION process two specific issues presented themselves as high on the priority list. One was the public's desire to establish a system of bicycle and pedestrian trailways within parks and also linking parks and schools. Furthermore, the citizenry was very concerned about the safety of individuals using the trailways. The other high priority issue was the preservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the community, expansion of parks and open space, and preservation of historic structures and sites. (See Appendix A, Summary of Vision priorities). In the park public hearings, several priorities presented themselves, each being unique to the particular park where the meeting was being held. The gist of these meetings appeared to be that the public wanted improvements in recreational facilities such as expanded softball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball facilities; larger picnic pavilions; improved or new restrooms; and improved playground apparatus, to mention a few. • It is suggested that the following priorities be implemented in the appropriate time frame: SHORT TERM (1 TO 5 YEARS) 1. Finish and expand pedestrian and bicycle trailways within parks. 2. Provide additional softball, baseball, soccer and volleyball facilities. 3. Construct at least one pavilion in the parks system to hold 100+ people. 4. Improve playground apparatus to conform to A.D.A. 5. Construct or improve new restrooms. LONG TERM (5+ YEARS) 1. Construct pedestrian and bicycle trailways within parks that do not have such a facility. 2. Construct a system of pedestrian and bicycle trailways • connecting elementary schools and parks. 17 . 3. Construct a new recreation center and expand Youth Center programs. 4. Provide lighting on new playing fields. 5. Continue to work with the Fayetteville School District in providing recreational facilities throughout the community. Recently the City acquired several pieces of property to incorporate into the existing parks system. They include Davis Park, the Walker property, and the University property opposite Asbell School. Future land acquisitions include: 1. Searching for land for construction of a new recreation center; 2. Acquiring land outside the city limits in areas which are developing, i.e., Highway 45 east area; 3. Tieing in the school system and their new elementary school(s); 4. Develop a parkway along the West Fork of the White River from • Highway 71B to Highway 45. Discussion of facility development plans and priorities appears in Appendix B, CIP PLAN 1993-1998. The Recreation Plan will go through the public hearing process with the updated Master Parks and Recreation Plan, to be finally adopted by the City Council. It was adopted by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on August 2, 1993. The Plan will be implemented through a series of actions designed to correspond to the stated goals in the first section of the Plan. These actions are as follows: 1. o Assess community needs for programs and facilities. o Expand opportunities for girls and boys. o Use Youth Center facilities at low demand times to expand senior citizen recreation activities. o Continue and extend cooperation and support to hobby groups. o Provide aquatic programs and facilities that meet the interests of all ages and abilities. 0 18 • z. o Develop a joint agreement with the public school system for sharing facilities. o Provide recreation areas in the center of neighborhoods. o Maintain present facilities at the highest possible level. o Beautify existing park grounds and facilities. o Plant more trees and flowers. o Install new and rebuild old picnic tables, grills, and fireplaces. o Improve safety of parks and facilities. o Improve athletic fields in the areas of turf, drainage and irrigation, where feasible. 3. o Budget for and acquire open space, using Green Space monies for acreage and facilities. o Permanently preserve areas of natural beauty or historic importance. o Provide incentives for preservation of natural resources or open space, such as increased density and reduced fees or setbacks. o Require developers to provide land or funds for open space as a part of the development process. o To some degree, require the preservation of existing trees. o Use open space as a means of shaping community growth and providing buffers between incompatible land uses. • 4. o Connect parks to one another with pedestrian, bicycle and or hiking trailways that run through the flood plain. 5. o Increase the present level of services at the three lakes. o Develop a public shooting range. o Offer water related programs on the three lakes. o Study the need for additional recreation centers. 6. o Maintain staff awareness of current desires of citizens for parks system facilities through training seminars. o Encourage staff to join state, regional, and national professional parks organizations. o Provide well-trained and supervised staff, open to citizen user requests, for all park programs. o Continue to increase awareness and community pride in Fayetteville Parks and Recreation system. 7. o Pursue state and federal grant program monies. o Attract private sector contributions in the form of dollars or donated land. • o Continue to serve as a secondary source of funding to agencies 19 • • that receive primary sources of funding from United Fund. V. EVALUATION The Recreation Plan is the programming of the community Master Parks and Recreation assist decision makers and information about their local best possible decision. key to the process of recreational It should come directly out of the Plan. A good working plan should community leaders with up to date areas in order that they may make the The Plan should be consulted each time any action is taken in regard to recreation planning and/or programming. If circumstances dictate that the Plan be revised, then action should be taken to accomplish this, before any new planning or programming is done. The Plan should at all times reflect new developments in the community and in recreational programming. The City will update the Plan every five years, at a minimum, to ensure that the Plan is kept current. 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