Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan Element

Transcription

1 of s, Recreation Open Space Plan Element IV. s, Recreation Open Space Plan Introduction The of has a large diverse system of parks, facilities open space s to meet the active passive al needs of residents. s parks facilities make a substantial contribution to the quality of life experienced by residents enhance its desirability as a community in which to live, work visit. In addition to providing a source of, the s system of parks facilities provides significant open space, a gathering place for social community events an oasis from the densely developed suburban character of central Essex County. has made it a priority to preserve existing parks facilities improve those facilities to meet the changing needs of residents. The has also identified through the process s that are appropriate for future facilities open space preservation. Availability of s, Recreation Open Space The of has a multi-level system of parks, s open space consisting of municipal, school district County facilities with a al of almost 200 acres. This amount is considered a sufficient quantity of parks open space for a community such as, depending upon the stard used. In addition, the benefits from the relatively even geographic distribution of parks, facilities open space throughout the community. There are large County parks in the northern southern sections of the most neighborhoods are served by at least one smaller municipal park. There are, however, a limited amount of parks open space in the northernmost, east-central southeastern sections of the. As shown in Table IV-1, has an adequate amount of parks open space according to the New Jersey Balanced L Use New York City stards. According to the New Jersey Balanced L Use stard, the should have acres of parks open space based upon a al developable of 3,411 acres. Under the New York City stard, the should have acres of parks open space based upon a 2000 population of 47,683. exceeds both of these stards, although it should be noted that Brookdale County Watsessing County account for more than two-thirds of all parks, facilities open space acreage in the. This reinforces the fact that the controls less than one-third of all parks, open space is reliant on the County to preserve maintain most parks open space. IV-1

2 of s, Recreation Open Space Plan Element Category Table IV-1 Open Space Stards, 2001 of, NJ Area Stard New York City* 2.5 acres/1,00 0 population NJ Balanced L Use 3% of developed/ developable NJ Green Acres 8 acres/1,00 0 population Recommended Area Existing Area & Open Space Surplus/Deficit acres acres acres acres acres acres * The New York City stards consist of active space per 1,000 population -0.5 acres of passive space per 1,000 population. Source: Open Space Guidelines, New York City Department of Planning; New Jersey Open Space Outdoor Recreation Plan Summary to 1999; Green Acres Program, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, in contrast, has a parks open space deficit according to the New Jersey Green Acres stard. Under this stard, the should have acres of parks open space based upon a 2000 population of 47,683. The Green Acres stard does not fully reflect conditions in mature, fully developed densely populated municipalities such as. It is better suited to less densely developed suburban rural communities with moderate to low population densities available l for park development. The Green Acres stard should therefore be used with caution when evaluating the adequacy of the s parks open space inventory. It does, however, indicate a potential need for additional parks, facilities open space in a community such as that has an increasing population limited available l for new facilities because of its fully developed llocked character. The primary issue regarding parks open space in are the need for additional facilities in certain neighborhoods preserving remaining open space rather than the overall amount of parks open space in the community. Most residents have access to a park, facility or open space within a half-mile radius of their residence. The its residents further benefit from the presence of the two (2) large County parks that are easily accessible strategically located in the northern southern sections of the community. Overall, there are a variety of parks, facilities open space to provide residents with numerous active passive al opportunities. IV-2

3 IV-3 s, Recreation Open Space Plan Element of IV-2 Table 2001 Facilities, Recreation s Existing NJ, of acility F n ocatio L e iz S s Amenitie County County Brookdale Bellevue of west Watchung Broad 7.41* 7, football courts, tennis s, Ball archery playground, course, track/exercise garden track, running house, bathrooms, Watsessing County Glenwood 0* 6, courts basketball playgrounds, paths, s, Ball citizen senior green, bowling lawn bst, track running oval building, Municipal Heights Berkeley north Heights Berkeley of.75 0 a are Passive rookside B y Ba Broad.68 5, lots,, football, Softball gazebo Center ivic C t Stree Broad n recreatio offices, department Recreation rooms meeting community program space, Pond lark's C n Broughto off Dewey l softbal court, tennis court, Basketball passive, Field elton F n betwee Floyd LaFrance Watsessing.71 3 e leagu little house, courts, Tennis court bocce, Green he T n betwee Broad Church Liberty.6 4 s path walking Passive alcyon H t Wes East way Farrale between Lexington.5 1 n fountai path, walking Passive emorial M e Driv Kennedy F. John Belleville between Spring , lot s, ball court, basketball courts, Tennis maintenance parking house, garage Millbank Playground of south 17th.50 0 t lo Passive ulaski P n betwee Vernon Mt. Howard Chapel.50 6 s tenni court, basketball parking, Softball s sledding courts, Field assar V t Stree ay D 0.2 6, lot house, s, ball court, Basketball s Field right W e Plac aldwin B 0.8 7, house, s, Ball lot parking Area otal T Watsessing acres is within al Montclair, in located is Brookdale * acres. 60 is within al Orange, East in located is County Essex Plan, Master 1989 Commission, Recreation Source:

4 of s, Recreation Open Space Plan Element Existing s, Recreation Open Space The of has a well-developed system of park facilities that provide al opportunities, open space a gathering place for social as well as civic events. There are currently 14 parks facilities with a al of acres in the, as shown in Table IV-2. The facilities vary in size from large County parks that are regional in nature to intermediate-sized parks that serve the entire small parks that are neighborhood-oriented. They provide a broad range of active passive al amenities including ball s, playgrounds, walking paths seating s. The s parks facilities are intensively utilized for organized informal on a year-round basis. This reflects s dense suburban character, limited open space, extensive al programs the relatively good condition of existing facilities. s, Recreation Open Space has 12 municipal parks facilities located in neighborhoods throughout the as shown in Table IV-2. The parks facilities range in size from Memorial, which is 12.5 acres in size, to the Civic Center, which is.33 acres in size. They contain extensive amenities such as ball s, playgrounds, lots, sitting s, houses gazebos. The size mix of amenities determines how each park facility is used as well as the service it covers. The larger parks such as Memorial have significant amenities serve the entire. The smaller parks such as Millbank Playground are dispersed throughout the have limited amenities. They primarily serve the neighborhoods in which they are located. Overall, the municipal park system functions well meets the current needs of residents. The larger parks are the foundation of the system, providing diverse al opportunities, while the smaller parks complement them, providing specialized al opportunities. The majority of s parks facilities are concentrated in the central of the between Watchung. This contains 75 percent, or 9 out of 12, of the s facilities. This includes the largest municipal parks in, which are Clark s Pond, Memorial Wright Field. They contain numerous amenities such as ball s, basketball courts, tennis courts, houses, playgrounds, lots, sitting s passive s. They are a significant community asset that provides a unique combination of active passive as well as open space. The remainder of s parks al facilities are relatively small, less than 7 acres, are located in neighborhoods throughout the. This includes Brookside in the Brookside section, Felton Field in Watsessing Vassar Field in the North End. The parks provide an active passive IV-4

5 of s, Recreation Open Space Plan Element al outlet for the neighborhoods that they are located in contain amenities such as ball s, playgrounds, lots passive sitting s. They are an important local source of open space for residents, especially those with limited mobility such as senior citizens children. The Recreation Department has identified several parks issues, the most prominent of which is the need for a full-scale center. Such a facility would serve the potentially include a gymnasium, stage, kitchen, indoor pool teen center. Other issues that have been identified include the need for additional parks in underserved neighborhoods such as Watsessing, a greenway in the Clark s Pond/Third River, Second River Toney s Brook corridors, preservation of remaining vacant l as open space maintenance of County park facilities. The preservation of Clark s Pond as an open space al resource is an issue that requires further attention. In particular impacts from development, flooding pollution that originate upstream should be addressed in a coordinated manner with property owners, adjacent communities relevant County State agencies. The future development of any new parks facilities should be coordinated with the L Use Plan future redevelopment efforts. County s, Recreation Open Space has two (2) Essex County park facilities located in the northern southern sections of the that supplement the municipal park system. As shown in Table IV-2, the County parks are Brookdale County Watsessing County. They are large regional facilities that provide a broad range of active passive al opportunities for residents of the as well as the County. Brookdale Watsessing County s contain numerous amenities such as ball s, basketball courts, tennis courts, sitting s walking paths. They are a major source of open space by virtue of their large size, extensive amenities relative accessibility. Both, however, suffer from deferred maintenance by the County are in need of improvement renovation. The recently enacted Essex County Open Space Trust Fund may provide funding for necessary improvements in the future. The primary issues concerning the Essex County parks are coordinating with the County to maintain existing parks, improving neglected deteriorated facilities, providing additional amenities to meet the al needs of County residents enhancing links to the municipal park system as well as adjacent residential neighborhoods. Brookdale County is located in Montclair has a al of acres. The majority of the park, or acres, is located in the. It is located between Bellevue Watchung to the IV-5

6 of s, Recreation Open Space Plan Element west of Broad. Brookdale County contains the full spectrum of active passive al amenities including ball s, basketball courts, tennis courts, a track, playground, walking/running trails, archery picnic sitting bathrooms. As a consequence, it functions as a regional park that is used by County residents, a community park that is used by residents as a venue for organized athletic activities special events. Watsessing County is located in East Orange has a al of acres. The majority of the park, or 60 acres, is located in the. It is located in an bounded by, Glenwood, the Garden State way the municipal border with East Orange. Watsessing County contains the full spectrum of active passive al amenities including ball s, a playground, walking paths, sitting s a maintenance building. It functions as a regional park that is used by County residents, a community park that is used by residents as a venue for organized athletic activities. Planned/Proposed s, Recreation Open Space The of has established the goal of increasing the quality quantity of the parks, open space network. The has sought to maximize the use of its current network, however, there is a need for additional facilities because of the heavy usage of existing facilities, limited remaining open space presence of environmentally sensi- Table IV-3 Improvements to Existing s, Recreation & Open Space, 2001 of, NJ Facility Brookside Clark's Felton Pulaski Pond Field Location Broad Bay Avenu e Dewey off Broughton Floyd between LaFrance Watsessing Mt. Vernon between Chapel Howard Type of Improvement s Improved seating (amphitheater) Wetls restoration New little league complex, exped children's playground, new entrance plaza, new lscaping, demolition of tennis courts/bocce court Improved seating (amphitheater) Source: Recreation Department, of IV-6

7 of s, Recreation Open Space Plan Element tive river/stream corridors. The need for such facilities open space is expected to continue increasing because of renewed population growth. The s population increased by 2,622 or 5.8 percent from 45,061 in 1990 to 47,683 in The potential expansion of the existing parks, open space network will help to preserve the suburban character of the as it experiences future population growth additional redevelopment. Further improvements may be categorized as follows: improvements to existing facilities potential new facilities. Improvements to Existing s, Recreation Open Space is continuously maintaining improving existing parks, facilities open space s. As shown in Table IV-3, the has plans to improve several existing parks facilities to repair deteriorated infrastructure provide additional amenities. For example, the seating in Brookside Pulaski is scheduled to be upgraded a wetls restoration project is planned for Clark s Pond. In addition, the plans a new little league complex at Felton Field. Essex County also plans long-term improvements to Brookdale Watsessing County s to be funded, in part, from the County Open Space Trust Fund. The types of improvements planned have not been determined subject to completion of County s. Potential Future s, Recreation Open Space The of proposes to explore a long-term expansion of the existing network of parks, open space. The purpose of the potential expansion is to provide increased al opportunities, capitalize on existing natural corridors preserve remaining open space. Potential future projects include a new Recreation Center, Greenway Corridor, community open space along the Third River as shown in Table IV-4. They are intended to be implemented in a flexible manner as funding, location environmental issues are addressed resolved. Recreation Center The Recreation Department has identified the need for an indoor center that will serve the entire. This need was confirmed by members of the public at the initial kick-off meeting for the new. A new center would provide much needed indoor space including courts, a pool, activity rooms, meeting space, lockers other amenities typical of such a facility. Planning for this facility may proceed in the shortterm, however, implementation will depend upon obtaining funding, finding an adequate site, acquiring property resolution of any site issues. Planning factors that should be considered when selecting a site include finding a central location, providing adequate access, ensuring connections to existing facilities adequate developable in case of future expansion. A site in the vicinity of Memorial such as the former National Starch property is recommended for consideration. IV-7

8 of s, Recreation Open Space Plan Element Greenway Corridor is traversed by several river stream corridors that extend nearly the full length breadth of the. These corridors include the Third River, Second River, Toney s Brook Wigwam Brook as well as Clark s Pond. They contain environmentally sensitive features including floodplain wetls are prone to flooding during periods of heavy rain (100-year storm). Development has encroached on many sections of the aforementioned corridors, however, there are still s where adjacent l is vacant or public open space. The creation of a Greenway offers the opportunity to create a new al amenity alongside these water bodies link existing residential neighborhoods with parks activity centers. It also provides an opportunity to preserve additional open space, reduce flood hazards improve water quality. Facility Table IV-4 Potential Future s, Recreation & Open Space, 2001 of, NJ Recreation Center Greenway Location Memorial at Belleville / Memorial way Clark's Pond/Thir d River, Second River, Toney's Brook/Wigwam Brook Corridors Watsessing/Westing - house Site Open Space Third River at Liongate Drive The potential Greenway consists of several elements would be implemented in phases as funding, property, access easements NJDEP approvals/permits become available. The Greenway is envisioned as a linear park with a semi-pervious pedestrian/bicycle path, sitting s educational trail markers. It is anticipated that portions of the Greenway would be constructed in conjunction with flood control projects such as stream bank stabilization, stream desnagging/desilting, water quality basins wetls restoration. Other sections would be created where easements property alongside stream corridors are obtained. Most importantly, a significant portion of the Greenway would be routed through existing County parks where property acquisition is unnecessary minimal IV-8 Amenities Indoor courts, pool activity space, meeting rooms, locker room, etc. Walking paths, pedestrian/ bicycle route, sitting educational markers, open space Active passive Open space, walking paths, educational markers Source: Recreation Department, of

9 of s, Recreation Open Space Plan Element improvements are required. The presence of extensive public l along the planned Greenway improves the possibility of implementation creates the opportunity for several kick-off projects. contains parks, facilities open space that are located in every neighborhood within the. Our analysis of the existing network, however, indicates that the southeastern section of the is underserved by such facilities. This problem is most acute in the Ampere Watsessing neighborhoods where there are only two (2) relatively small parks, Felton Field Millbank Playground. The development of a new park in this section of the is recommended to meet the need for additional facilities open space. Consideration should be given to providing a neighborhood park in conjunction with the redevelopment of the Westinghouse site. It is recommended that any redevelopment plan for this site include a park as part of the overall site plan, to be constructed by the redeveloper in consultation with the. Open Space is an almost fully developed community with little remaining vacant l for the development of new parks, facilities open space. The preservation of the few remaining large vacant parcels of l is encouraged in order to preserve the s suburban character, increase active passive, protect environmentally sensitive s maximize publicly accessible open space. Potential vacant parcels to be preserved should be evaluated based upon their al potential, proximity to existing parks open space, unique or environmentally sensitive natural features, susceptibility to development pressure eligibility for funding under County State programs. Specific attention should be given to private vacant parcels of l along the route of the planned Greenway that are missing links which obstruct the long-term completion of this linear open space facility. The vacant ls along the Third River at the end of Liongate Drive should be considered for preservation given their large size location in the path of the planned Greenway. Where vacant parcels cannot be acquired, alternative means of access to river stream corridors such as easements should be considered. Recommendations 1. Complete planned proposed improvements to existing parks facilities as outlined in Table IV Plan for a new -wide Recreation Center to provide indoor organized athletic programs at a centrally located site with adequate access, sufficient l proximity to existing facilities. Consider the National Starch site off of Belleville as a potential location for the Recreation Center. IV-9

10 of s, Recreation Open Space Plan Element 3. Explore the possibility of creating a linear Greenway along the Clark s Pond/Third River, Second River, Toney s Brook Wigwam Brook corridors for active passive, increased open space improved flood control. Pursue development of the Greenway in conjunction with flood control improvements open space preservation. 4. Evaluate the feasibility of a new community park in the underserved southeast section of the. Consider incorporating a new park into future redevelopment plans for the Westinghouse site, which is currently being remediated for environmental contamination. 5. Identify evaluate large vacant parcels of l for potential open space preservation. Particular attention should be given to those parcels of vacant l that are located adjacent to, or along the route of any potential Greenway or contiguous to existing park facilities. 6. Advocate for increased maintenance improvements to Brookdale Watsessing County s by Essex County. Coordinate with Essex County on obtaining County Open Space Trust Fund State Green Acres program assistance for necessary improvements. Facilitate alternative methods of County maintenance oversight including establishment of a parks conservancy such as at Weequahic County. 7. Encourage the establishment of a Open Space Trust Fund to support park, open space facilities including improvements to existing parks, development of the Greenway preservation of open space. 8. Consider applying for all available funding for park development open space preservation. IV-10