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HomeMy WebLinkAbout30-02 RESOLUTIONRESOLUTION NO. 30-02 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE PARKS AND RECREATION TEN YEAR MASTER PLAN WITH GUIDING POLICIES AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES WHEREAS, for two years the Fayetteville Planning Department has worked with the Master Planning Team of Loose and Associates to develop a Ten Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the City of Fayetteville conducted ten public meetings to get citizen input for this Plan and also mailed out 5,900 surveys to get further input from citizens; and WHEREAS, the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board carefully studied this Ten Year Master Plan and on November 5, 2001 recommended its approval to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Planning Commission recommended approval of this Master Plan on November 26, 2001; and WHEREAS, after two years of work and study about this Ten Year Master Plan, the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Division recommends that the City Council formally adopt this Master Plan to best serve the citizens of Fayetteville. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby approves the Parks and Recreation Master Plan with Guiding Policies and Implementation Strategies as a guiding document for the development of parks and recreational areas for Fayetteville citizens for the next decade. The City Council thanks the • • Res. 30-02 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Planning Commission, the many participating citizens throughout the process and the City's Parks and Recreational Division for their hard work on this project. PASSED and APPROVED this the 19th day of February, 2002 By .els Woodruff, Ci Clerk APPROVED: • NAME OF FILE: CROSS REFERENCE: • Resolution No. 30-02 • 02/19/02 Resolution No. 30-02 Parks & Recreation 10 Year Master Plan 2002 01/21/02 Memo to Mayor Coody and City Council thru Hugh Earnest, Urban Dev. Director, Connie Edmonston, Parks & Recreation Superintendent, from Eric J. Schuldt, Parks Development Coordinator, regading Parks & Recreation Master Plan 04/26/01 Minutes of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (Pages 1-5) 11/05/01 Minutes of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (Pages 1-4) 11/26/02 Planning Commission Minutes (Pages 3-10) 02/19/02 Staff Review Form 02/26/02 Memo to Eric J. Schuldt, Parks & Recreation, from Heather Woodruff, City Clerk NOTES: FAYETTEeIL,LE THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE. ARKANSAS • c . U DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE TO: TIIRU: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor Coody and City Council I-Iugh Earnest, Urban Development Director Connie Edmonston, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Eric J Schuldt, Parks Development Coordinate January 21, 2002 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Background During the past two years, the Parks and Recreation Division has been working with the Master Planning Team of Lose & Associates and the citizens of Fayetteville to develop a ten-year planning document for Fayetteville Parks and Recreation. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan recommendations were generated from numerous public input sessions including ten public meetings, over 5,900 mailed surveys, interviews with City Council, City Officials, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members, Park Staff, and an all day Steering Committee Workshop with 47 Fayetteville citizens. Current Status The Parks and Recreation Master Plan was approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on April 26, 2001. After initial review by the Planning Commission, staff members from the Urban Development Department formatted, utilizing recommendations from Lose & Associates, a list of guiding policies and implementation strategies. This information was approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on November 5, 2001 and by the Planning Commission on November 26, 2001. These guiding policies and procedures can be found at the front of the Master Plan Executive Summary and will be placed in the General Plan 2020 Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Division seeks approval of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan with guiding policies and implementation strategies. Upon receiving approval from City Council. Parks and Recreation will utilize the Master Plan to serve the citizens of Fayetteville If you have any questions or need additional information, please call me at 444-3472 or Connie Edmonston at 444-3473. Attachments: Parks and Recreation Master Plan Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Minutes, April 26, 2001 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Minutes, November 5, 200/ Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, November 26, 200/ • • 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 introduccd 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 niorc responsive to the public. III. Staff & Audience Introductions Parks and Recreation Superintendent Connie Edmonston introduccd Turf & Facility Coordinator, Terry Gulley; Parks Development Coordinator, Eric Schuldt; Operations Assistant, John Nelson; Master Plan Steenng Committee members John Lewis, Jennifer Michaels, and Beverly Milton; Ward I Alderman Brenda Thiel; City Planner, Tim Conklin; Urban Development Director, Ilugh Earnest; and Celia Silkwood of Washington County Planning. Chris Camp, Vicc 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 spcnding 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-bascd sports. Public input suggested a need for increased programs for the adult population.' Steering Committee participants wcrc askcd 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 distributcd throughout thc city at random. Approximately 5,900 surveys wcrc distributed, and 19 percent were rctumed. 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 sct asidc 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 arc 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, thc '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 / Pagc 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 undcr 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'h 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 llampton Softball Complex to create a community park, and the construction of a community park on the land adjacent to the proposcd 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 basebalUsoftball, 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 docs 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. lie said a large numbcr 'Lose & Associates, Inc. "Fayetteville Arkansas - Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan". pp. 6.1-6.15. 'Lost & 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 • 1 Parks Master Plan Public Mectmg 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 thc proposed sewage treatment plant site were recommended because these locations will be tournament sites and will have potential to generate revenue. Mr. Camp said thc current swimming pool admission fees were extremely low when comparcd 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. Thc 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. Thc 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 arc 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 arc 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 conccros. 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 flan 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: MAY 7 2* MINUTES TAKEN BY: April 26, 2001 / Page 5 • • • MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD November 5, 2001 A meeting of the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was held on November 5, 2001 at 5:15 p.m. at Genesis Technology Incubator - Engineering Research Center, 700 Research Center Boulevard, Fayetteville, Arkansas. PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members Colwell, Cook, Hill, Nickell, Shoulders and Mauritson; City Staff Edmonston, Hatfield, Schuldt, Nelson; Press; and Audience. ABSENT: Eads AGENDA I. Approval of PRAB October 8, 2001 meeting minutes. MOTION: Mr. Ackerman moved to approve the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board October 8, 2001 meeting minutes as distributed. Mr. Cook seconded the motion. The motion was approved 5-0-0 (Shoulders and Mauritson arrived later). II. Park Master Plan Guiding Policies and Implementation Strategies: A copy of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Guiding Policies and Implementation Strategies was included in the agenda packet. The master plan information is devised in a new format to match the City's 2020 Plan Guidelines as requested by the Planning Commission. MOTION: November 5, 2001 / Page 1 • • PRAB Regular Meeting Mr. Bill moved to approve the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Guiding Policies and Implementation Strategies. Mr. Ackerman seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion was approved 5-0-0 III. Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks, Inc. Annual Report: Donna Porter Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks, Inc. Executive Director Donna Porter presented an annual report as required by the land lease agreement. Master Planning The Master Plan for the Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks is completed as of October, 2001. The Plan includes: History, Location, Geological and Climatic Conditions, Site Analysis Mission and Goals Interpretive Theme Plant Collections (Collections Planning and Development, Native Plant, Core Collections) Master Plan (Design Goals, Visitor Experience Narrative, Architectural Elements, Garden Descriptions) Garden Implementation Strategies (Cost Estimates, Phasing Strategies) ▪ Market and Financial Analysis (Feasibility Report) - Illustrated Site Plan, Core Collections Plan, Site Analysis, Circulations Plan, Land Use Plan, Cross -Sections and other illustrations Next Step - Design Committee Goals & Objectives: to determine the best approach for Phase One design to produce a list of potential firms or design teams to contact for Request for Proposals submission for Design One features ▪ to review all proposals submitted and short list • to interview short-listed firms to select the firm or team for Phase One design of the botanical garden to assist in the design process by offering ideas and helping to resolve Phase One design issues Design work will correlate with funding availability. Plans are to begin design wotic by spring of2002. November 5, 2001 / Page 2 • • PRAB Rcgular Meeting BGSO will continue to consult with Corp of Engineers and City Planning throughout the design process and stay in compliance with appropriate regulations. BGSO Site With the hiring ofa part-time Site Manager (24 hrs/week) in February 2001 the following has been accomplished: maintenance shed completed bay area being added to the shed a new trail (Skyler Trail) has been constructed, marked, and manicured smaller path with a bench near the lake has been constructed maintenance of overall site has improved [lowerbed around "Future Home of..." sign enlarged additional signs added to site entrance and shed fields hayed twice a year Sitc Manager has been assisted regularly by: Youth Bridge Washington County Juvenile Court Washington County Master Gardeners Botanical Garden Volunteers Northwest Arkansas Community College New site projects for 2002: - to introduce electric on-site - to construct and install comfort facility with two composting toilet units Ms. Porter stated although meetings with bicyclist groups indicated a desire fora multi -use trail, the consulting firm recommended diverting the public trail around the perimeter of the gardens. Mr. Ackerman said issues regarding trail routes will have to be addressed by the Trails Committee and urged Ms. Porter to involve other user groups in the finalization of the master plan. Ms. Edmonston reminded the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board that plans will be submitted for review by both the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and City Council. Ms. Porter said the Botanical Garden is working with other concerned parties to regain and maintain the health of Lake Fayetteville. Mr. Colwell said a current Parks & Recreation Advisory Board member is required to serve on the Society's Board of Directors. An appointment will be made at the December 3, 2001 regular meeting. November 5, 2001 / Page 3 • • PRAR Regular Meeting IV. Community Park Work Day: Prairie/Center trail cleanup in conjunction with the Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks is tentatively scheduled for December 8. Mr. Hatfield said volunteers would clear brush and rails would be salvaged. Money from salvaged materials would be put into an escrow account for future use toward trail construction. Mr. Mauritson commented on the City of Gravette's efforts to raise money for construction of an overpass by selling railroad spikes. V. Community Development Block Grant Funds: Community Development has awarded Parks and Recreation with $40,000 this year for replacement of the playground by baseball field #8 at Walker Park North. An additional $50,000 will also be awarded in 2002. Ms. Edmonston said a small playground would replace the one by field #8 and a larger one would replace the existing apparatus by the north pavilion to serve the BMX and Skate Park areas. VI. Other Business: The possibility of relocating the playground at Bates Park was discussed. There are many variables connected with this Park Land Dedication funded project which will need to be addressed. A special Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 12:00 noon at the Parks Office to discuss Park Land Dedication requirements for the David Lyle Duplex Addition. VII. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. MINUTES APPROVED: DEC 3 2001 MINUTES TAKEN BY: John Nelson November 5, 2001 / Page 4 • • • Planning Commission November 26, 2001 Page 3 Roll call and approval of the minutes from November 26, 2001. Estes: Welcome to the Monday evening, November 26, 2001 meeting of your Fayetteville Planning Commission. The first item ofbusiness will be to call the roll. Renee, would you call take care of that please? ROLL CALL: Upon the calling of roll six Commissioners were present with Commissioner Hoover being absent, Commissioner Bunch arrived at 5:45 p.m and Commissioner Shackelford arrived at 5:55 p.m. Estes: Six members being in attendance, a quorum is present, the next item of business will be approval of the minutes from the November 13, 2001 meeting. Are there any changes, additions, comments regarding the minutes from the November 13, 2001 meeting? Seeing none they will be approved ADM 01-27.00 Administrative Item (Master Parks Plan) was submitted by the Parks and Recreation Division on bchalfofthe City of Fayetteville. The request is to adopt guiding policies and implementation strategies to replace the current Parks component of the General Plan 2020. Estes: The first item of new business is an administrative item submitted by the Parks and Recreation Division on behalf of the City of Fayetteville. The request is to adopt guiding principles, policies and implementation strategies to replace the current parks component of the general plan 2020. Tim, do you have a presentation that you would like to make? Conklin: Yes 1 would. If you will recall, several months ago the Parks Division did bring forward the ten year Master Parks Plan to the Fayetteville Planning Commission. At that meeting, several Commissioners were concerned with regard to having something that was more familiar to them and would actually offer guiding policies and strategies when you look at development items up here at the Planning Commission. What we have done was to go back and take a look at what Lose & Associates developed and we had a meeting with the Parks Division, Planning staff along with the Urban Development Director and sat down and pulled out of their ten year Master Parks Plan guiding policies and implementation strategies. You can find those in your agenda starting on page 1.2. What we're trying to do here is to make sure that when we do bring forward master plans, they are consistent with our Fayetteville General Plan that you worked on. Within this document there are a set of guiding policies and implementation strategies. What we proposed to do is to bring these policies, strategies to you this evening. These will replace what is currently in your General Plan 2020. Those will also be inserted into the ten year Master Parks Plan. I would like to briefly go over those guiding policies and • • Planning Commission November 26, 2001 Page 4 implementation strategies. You'll note that there is similar terminology and format that has been used to develop these. One of the things we are trying to do is to make sure that all our long range planning documents are consistent with format and consistent internally within each document and, in order to make sure that we do have these long range planning documents we don't have any inconsistencies. Starting on page 1.2, the first guiding policy that we pulled out and developed was to "develop a city wide trails and greenway network". Under there are implementation strategies to actually achieve this; they include hiring a greenways and trails coordinator, it also includes our park land dedication ordinance. I won't go through them all. Another guiding policy is to"increase park safety and accessibility". It talks about the park patrol, our ADA standards, design standards another policy is to "upgrade existing and provide additional community and neighborhood parks" and it talks about implementing the detailed recommendations of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. It talks about providing neighborhood parks within 1/4 mile radius of all residential areas. It talks about community parks being provided within a two mile radius of all residential areas. It also incorporates the park land dedication ordinance we currently use to actually add these parks into our system, and other funding alternatives. Another guiding policy was to "provide a multisports complex". The strategies include actively seeking land to provide this type of complex, provide multiple recreational activities on one site. Partner with user groups, develop multi sports complex, seek various funding sources to develop these multi sports complexes. Another guiding policy that was brought out from the ten year master plan was to "preserve open space". That includes utilizing our park land dedication ordinance, evaluating existing and future open space needs in Fayetteville, providing adequate ongoing management and maintenance resources for open space preservation, coordinate with the Planning Division and develop strategies to preserve open space, encourage developers to preserve open space, use existing funding and altemative funding sources for land acquisition and review opportunities for conservation easements. Many of these activities we're currently looking at with our tree settlement lawsuit with regard to conservation easements and open space preservation. Another guiding policy is to "increase program diversity". That includes improve and clarify the partnership agreements with other agencies and associations, anticipate future program needs, seek various funding sources to expand existing programs and initiate new programs. Another guiding policy is to "eliminate duplication" throughout the program areas where duplication exists. Those are the guiding policies, implementation strategies that we have developed internally as staff and working with the consultant. These have been to the Parks Board and approved. We are asking you, this evening, to approve these guiding policies and implementation strategies which will become part ofour General Plan 2020 and also will become part of the ten year Master Parks and Recreation Plan. That is all I have, if you have any questions I would be happy to answer them. Planning Commission November 26, 2001 Page 5 Estes: Commissioners, do you have any questions of Mr. Conklin at this time? Hoffman: 1 have a couple of questions. Thank you for putting this in the text ofthe general plan. The guiding policies, are they in order of priority? Have they been prioritized or is this an overall strategy? Conklin: We did not prioritize these guiding policies and implementation strategies. That is consistent with how we look at our general plan 2020. Each ofthese are important. Each ofthese policies, strategies, the city wants to attempt to implement and achieve. There is no ranking of those priorities. It was interesting though, the survey results that came back, 1 believe it talked about greenways and trails and open space as some ofthe areas that the citizens really were concerned about and trying to make sure that we implement a greenway and trail program which one ofthe strategies is to develop that within one year, a master plan for trails and greenways. There is no prioritization ofthese guiding policies. I loffman: Back when we had our comprehensive meeting, I think it was really important, one of the points that I got from it is that the Planning Department is kind of hidden here in the middle of the preservation of open space is to coordinate with the Planning Division and to develop strategies to preserve open space. Could we add that to the mission statement or is that not appropriate at this time? Chis has obviously been approved and passed on by the Parks Board and I think it is really a good document. l just want to emphasize that long range planning and coordination with the Planning Department and the various boards and commissions that are associated with planning seem to be important. Conklin: I'm not opposed to adding that if you want to add that term in there. We did have our joint meeting with the different committees and boards to talk about trails and greenways. There are quite a few strategies that we are currently using to provide open space preservation, greenway development that goes into the park system. It is also going into private open space areas when we do tree preservation areas and we record those on the easement plats or on the final plat. Hoffman: What 1 think I would like to do is take that sentence verbatim under the mission statement, just add an overall guiding policy would be and I'm not really sure how, without another committee looking at it, I don't want to hold it up or anything but it seems that in Subdivision Committee and in Planning Commission meetings that we have had issues that could be really well coordinated at technical plat review level, and I know that you're doing that, and at Subdivision and Planning Commission that will ensure that all ofthese things can occur as they come to us or that we know that they are a big priority. That is one request that I have. I'm going to vote for this regardless of what we do with the • • Planning Commission November 26, 2001 Page 6 wording. The other question that 1 have, and this may be for somebody in the Parks Department, can you tell me what sports would be involved in the multi sports complex? Edmonston: Back to your question about working with Planning. 1 sce that as part of visionary planning, us working close with the Planning Commission and with Tim and the planning office in environmental stewardship, in taking care ofthose open spaces. That is how I envisioned our mission statement as taking care of that. Then it gets clearer in with the implementation strategy as to exactly how we do that. Hoffman: Dust want to make sure that we go on record as knowing that that is an overall concem. We enjoy working with the Parks Board and the Parks Department in enhancing our quality of life. Edmonston: Yes. We see it very much a part too I feel very strongly that it is up in that area but if you would like to add it to it, I already envisioned it in our mission statement, as part of the visionary planning. As to multisport, what would be in it would be softball, baseball, you know, there has been talk about Walker Park, the safety concerns, the way the fields are configured, the lighting is very poor, it was the original lighting that was up in the 1960s. It needs to be corrected. It will be baseball, soccer too. Now that we're probably moving our Lewis soccer fields it would be over there. We would also look at possibly more tennis courts. In our master plan it said that more tennis courts are needed within our city. We would also even stem out with our trails. Trails have been requested by citizens, adding that, depending on the parcel and how large the parcel of land that we would get. Those would he the basic multisports that have been requested. Hoffman: We would concentrate this to Walker Park? This is kind of targeted to the Walker Park area? Edmonston: No it would not be. It would be taking the major part of baseball out of Walker Park into another park. Right now Walker Park docs not have any room to grow. For us to totally go back through and reconfigure it to make it a safe playing field there is not room enough for future growth. We could no longer grow there. We would have to start over in another spot and have two spots to play in. Hoffman: Ok, thank you. Estes: Thank you Connie. Allen: I have a couple of questions. 1 would like to know more about Walker Park, what is Planning Commission November 26, 2001 Page 7 Edmonston: Allen: Edmonston: Allen: Edmonston: Allen: Edmonston: Allen: Edmonston: Allen: going to happen there and the other thing that I wondered about is by what means to you propose to encourage the realtors to preserve open space, what methods? What plans we have for Walker Park? Right. It just depends on our budget. What is your vision for that area? Our vision for Walker Park is to keep some fields there. Move the league play out but leave fields there for practice fields. We never have enough practice fields. Kids are pretty well limited to the number of times that they can practice and the days that they can practice. We would like to leave somc fields in, take the poor fields out, kind of open that area up a little bit more. There are a lot of things that go on in there, at Walker Park, community wise, a lot of family gatherings and all. It just seems like such an essential part of town where there is really a need and 1 was interested. We have met with the Fayetteville Youth Baseball Association in reference to what they wanted to do. We asked them, "Do you want us to renovate these fields or would you rather go somewhere else?" They pretty much stamped that they would like to go somewhere else and stated that they would like to be apart of it, to help in fund raising for it. They see that there is no room for the program to grow at Walker Park. We can't add any more fields in currently, they are all squished in right now. They, being the people in the surrounding area of Walker Park? No, the socccr fields are all squished in there. The people that want to move are the baseball board. Is that what you asked? I'm just not real clear as to how you plan to long term utilize or hope to long term utilize that area. 1 think it is just a real important location in town where there are some needs to be served. Edmonston: Yes, and it would continue to be a place for baseball, for practices. League games probably would not be played there because people seem to want all ofthe games to be Planning Commission November 26, 2001 Page 8 Allen: Edmonston: Allen: Edmonston: Allen: Edmonston: Allen: Edmonston: played in one location. Once we would get a field, a complex located in another location, we would slowly take out a couple of those fields but make it still a practice arca Thcrc are many times that people would like to have pick up games but they can not because we have already lined the fields for league play. Thcrc is just very little room for play outside of league play. There are a lot of kids that would just like to go pick up some games during the day time and on weekends but fields are not available. Is that a high priority? Yes it is a high priority. That and to move soccer. We're probably not going to have Lewis soccer fields any longer. Those would be the two high priorities. Probably soccer first because we're on a time frame with the University and then Walker Park would be the second. Ok, then the other thing that I wondered about was the way that you thought that you could go about encouraging developers to set aside open spaces. I wondered what means or ideas that you had. Through our Parks Master Plan, we sit down with the park land dedication ordinance, in fact, we looked at three properties just today. We look at our Park Master Plan and see if land is needed in that area to serve as a park and then we look at land that is conducive for park purposes, that would make a good park. We try to encourage it if a park is needed in that area. Of course, we have got to make certain that a park is needed in that area Ifthere is another park that is close at hand then it could serve those people in that subdivision. What is their incentive? Well, their incentive, I guess it helps them sell lots, we knowthat It has been proven that having a park in a close vicinity ofa neighborhood increases the property value and they sell well. So basically, that is the strategy that you have decided upon at this point? Pretty much so. We also look at trails too. When we're looking at park land dedication land, we also look at a possibility of trails and once we get our Trail Master Plan approved and we go through that process, then that is also considered when we're looking at land. Not only do we look for parks purposes but also for open space, conservation easements and also for trails. Planning Commission November 26, 2001 Page 9 Allen: Right. Well, I'm all for all this. I just don't want us to have real idealistic language. I want us to have some teeth in an approach and some ideas that we're going to do rather than just sounding good. I guess I'm not real clear, I would like to know a little more. Conklin: I didn't go into detail but it talks about developing strategies to preserve open space. We have gone back and amended our ordinances for example, the flood plain ordinance. We allow people to cluster their homes outside the floodplain and keep the same density. We've done the same thing in the grading ordinance to preserve steep hillsides. The land use development ordinance, The Cliffs that we recently saw. This is kind of why I had that. If you recall at that meeting at Genesis, I had that extra box there that talked about private open space. We have an ordinance that required, in order to, as an incentive to have increased density and to preserve open space. We have the planning and development ordinances. I think in that one they saved about 40% open space in that phase of the Cliffs. I can throw out some other ones but they are more regulatory, the tree preservation ordinance is preserving open space. Developments now are meeting the minimum percent canopy and that is going to be preserved to perpetuity. Trying to go back to the incentive thing, I think developers have learned that if they follow the ordinances, they can get their projects through the process. We have saved quite a few areas of trees in Fayetteville. The park land dedication ordinance, as Connie mentioned, item number three on your agenda, you'll see a subdivision where that land is not suitable fora conventional park. It is a bluff, it is floodplain, it is floodway. There are very unique environmental resources there and we're utilizing that ordinance and working with the developer to save an area fora potential trail and greenway system which will become part park but it will be more passive. Instead of developing ball fields, we'll be saving habitat and environmental resources in that area. I think those are the strategies that we're looking at. We're always looking at coming up with additional incentives for developers to preserve open space. We have quite a few things already that we currently arc doing that are working to provide open space in Fayetteville. Estes. Thank you Tim. Thank you Connie Eric, before I ask for public comment, this document comes through you as our Parks Development Coordinator, is there anything that you would like to add to Tim's comments or Connie's comments? Schuldt: No. Estes: Alright. Is there any member of the public who would like to comment on proposed park and recreation guiding policies and implement strategies? Seeing none, I'll bring it back to the Commission for discussions, comments, questions of staff. Commissioners?