PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN UPDATE

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1 PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN UPDATE Prepared for: Avon Parks, Recreation and Beautification Council (PRBC) and Town of Avon Prepared by: Lehman & Lehman, Inc. 24-Apr-14

2 Mission Statement The mission of the Town of Avon Parks and Recreation is to enhance the quality of life and community pride by providing and maintaining safe, accessible and affordable parks and recreation programs and facilities that fulfill the physical, mental, social, cultural and leisure needs of the town residents and visitors without regard to their age, sex, disability, national origin, race or religion.

3 Master Plan Goals Gather feedback and input from as diverse a group of Avon residents as possible Use national recreation standards, combined with a careful needs analysis to create new priorities for parks and recreation in the town Create a plan that is dynamic, and provides pertinent, useful information and guidance for the next five years in Avon Create an acceptable plan for the Avon community Receive IDNR approval for eligibility for grant programs Note: May need to formalize as an official Park Board to be eligible for LWCF funding along with other future funding sources Use the plan as a springboard to apply for all applicable grants Establish policy of annual reviews the Action Plan for the purpose of monitoring progress, budgeting and continual planning

4 Resources Used Previous Studies Town s Comprehensive Plan Town s Recreation Zone Improvement Plan Town s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan 2010 Impact Fee Advisory Committee Interactions of the Committee members and the Public during the recreation impact fee study Public Input Public Survey Progress Report given to Park Council during their meetings Tonight s Presentation

5 Planning Steps Inventory and Public Input Strategic Visioning Futuring Action Plan Development Resources from the Recreation Impact Fee Study, Focus Group Meetings and Public Survey Incorporate Planning with other Town Studies, Strategic Alliances and Partners Identify Funding, Partners, and Opportunities with a Five Year Vision

6 Issues raised of the Planning Process Maintain and continue to promote strategic relationships and partners within the community Establish a strong relationship with the School Corporation Market a sense of place and the awareness of being a part of the Town of Avon continues to need to be promoted Continue to partner with adjacent communities through connections of trails, greenways and alternative transportation routes Consider the benefits be given by the Town in establishing a formal Park Board

7 Population Growth Forecasts Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

8 Park Inventory Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

9 Park Infrastructure Inventory Included the Inventory of the Town s facilities along with those of the schools, Township Parks and Community Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

10 Park Infrastructure Inventory Avon Soccer Fields Town Hall Park Avon Softball Park Burnett Woods WWII Memorial Park Washington Twp. Park AJAA Baseball/Softball Complex Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

11 Sample Park Maps

12 Bicycle & Pedestrian Network

13 MPO Priorities

14 Park Land Needs Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

15 Park Infrastructure Needs A Priorities Community Playgrounds Trailways Park Acres B Priorities Multi Purpose Fields Climbing / Challenge Elements Park Shelters Environmental Kiosks Sprayground / Splashpad Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

16 Current Deficiencies / Future Needs Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

17 Community Survey Highlights Usage of the Parks Town Hall Park, 1-5 times to 21+ times per year Image of the Parks Trails, picnicking, shelters, playgrounds and quietsolitude environment Communications Word of mouth, Town s Newsletter, Web Site Community Perceptions Quality of Life, Health and Wellness, Connectivity, Natural Areas, and Sense of Community Five Year Priorities Expand Trails, Programming for all Age Groups, Dog Park, Festivals/Community Events, Wildlife Viewing Areas and Expand Picnic Shelters Suggestions of the Town Seek grants to obtain and preserve open space and natural areas and continue to develop connectivity with trails and paths Generation of Revenues Increase collaboration between Town, Township and County through strategic alliances Promotion of Avon Parks Well maintained facilities and enjoyment of natural areas Place of Residence 54% stated they reside in the Town Age Group of the Responders Majority (52%) responses from 36-50

18 Marketing Assessment Community Identity Promoting the Town Signage and Wayfinding Traffic and Trailway signage Events and Festivals Opportunities for community engagement Programming Additional services to the public s consumption Outreach to the Public Partnerships and Community engagement Volunteer Initiatives Increase Ownership and Pride Brand Consistency Solidifies a Sense of Place

19 Action Plan Priorities Develop Community Playground RIF Expand Trails and Pathways RIF Acquire New Park Acreage RIF Seek Grants For means of acquiring and preserving open space acreage Establish a Preservation, Greenway and Open Space Overlay District Create a zoning overlay to preserve and protect sensitive areas and recreational assets Feasibility of a Recreation Sports Facility Collaborate with youth sports groups to determine need Increase Collaboration With Township and County Park Agencies Increase Marketing Including those without social media Consideration of establishing a formal Park Board

20 Thank You Questions