PARK AND FACILITY ASSESSMENT

Transcription

1 PARK AND FACILITY ASSESSMENT Park properties and facilities are the physical backbone of the parks and recreation system which support and facilitate all programming, user experiences, and access to recreational opportunities. It is paramount that these properties and facilities be well maintained, meet current standards, and accommodate the highest and best use. Upkeep, repair, and improvements to existing facilities should be a top priority for any Parks and Recreation Department. Periodic assessment of physical conditions is key to the department s ability to budget and implement priority repairs and improvements in an organized and timely manner METHODOLOGY PROS Consulting and LPDA facilitated the assessment of physical conditions of parks and facilities operated by the department. The objective of the assessments was to identify and quantify conditions which ultimately have a direct effect on the quality of programming, user experiences, and the public health, welfare, and safety. Assessment forms were customized to gather specific information. Knowledgeable City parks maintenance staff conducted the inventory and assessments at each park and facility. The forms asked staff to inventory park and facilities features such as infrastructure, parking, and amenities and then to evaluate their condition using a numeric scoring system. The scores for all categories were added together to yield the total score for the park condition. Facilities which had the most physical condition 85

2 Parks and Recreation Department issues yielded the highest scores. A park or facility, however, with many amenities often garnered a higher score and therefore scores should be considered in context with narrative descriptions and recommended improvements. Park conditions were assessed on a scale of (0) to (4) in a range of categories. A score of (0) indicated no concerns, and a score of (4) indicated immediate major problems. The categories were vehicular access; ADA accessibility; parking availability; parking facilities; personal safety; condition of sidewalks/paths/trails; neighborhood linkages/connections; condition of ballfields, turf, stormwater drainage systems, irrigation systems, and landscaping (ornamental and natural); general cleanliness/appearance; and condition of equipment (playground, backstops, hoops, etc.) and hard courts (tennis, basketball, etc.) The maximum total score possible for a park to receive is 60. A score of 60 means that every category was dangerously underserved. Facility conditions were assessed on a scale of 0) to (4) in a range of categories. A score of (0) indicated no problems and a score of (4) indicated that immediate major action was needed. The categories were overall facility conditions; presence of vandalism; number and quality of offices; ADA accessibility; condition of mechanical equipment; presence of security measures; adequacy of space; parking availability; and condition of gymnasiums, auditoriums, storage areas, kitchens, classrooms, and interior lighting. The maximum total score possible for a facility to receive is 56, which would indicate that there are immediate major problems in every category. Space was also provided on the forms for reviewers to note specific observations that were not encompassed by any category or to expand in further detail about the conditions of a category. These observations are incorporated in the assessment narratives and recommendations for each park and facility SUMMARY OF FINDINGS The scores for the condition of the facilities ranged from 19 for the Whaleyville Annex, in the worst condition, to 3 for the Oakland Joint Use Recreation Center, which is in the best condition. The highest/worst possible score for a facility is 56. The scores for the condition of the parks ranged from 25 for Sleepy Hole Park, in the worst condition, to 0 for Character Corner and Hall Avenue Park which were found to be in the best condition. The highest/worst possible score a park can receive is 60. The facility found to be in worst condition is the Whaleyville Annex, previously known as the Whaleyville Community Center. Repairs and rehabilitation required for the facility range from drainage issues and sinkholes on the property to a leaking roof and restriping the parking. The new Whaleyville Community Center opened in January 2015 after this assessment was performed. The opening of this new center in the former Robertson Elementary School may reduce the priority of repairs to the old Whaleyville Community Center as local citizens needs are being met by the new center. Attention could then be directed to the facility in the second worst condition: the Suffolk Art Gallery. The Suffolk Art Gallery faces general layout problems such as a restricted kitchenette area and limited storage space, as well as mechanical problems with the HVAC system. The park found to be in the worst condition is Sleepy Hole Park. This park has no major problems but does require general maintenance and overall appearance improvements, as well the expansion and resurfacing of the parking areas. 86

3 Over the course of assessing the condition of the parks and facilities, several recurring issues were noted: FACILITIES Mechanical equipment problems and age Inadequate storage space Inadequate meeting rooms ADA access issues Cosmetic issues PARKS Inadequate parking Poor condition of pavements Poor drainage Lack of neighborhood pedestrian connectivity The tables below illustrate the assessment scoring of parks and facilities. Those highlighted in red require the most attention. Refer to the individual park summaries for identification of specific improvements and priority. It is important to note that even though a park may have scored well on overall conditions, there may be an issue such as inadequate ADA access or faulty equipment which requires immediate attention. From this information recommendations for capital improvements were developed which focus on life cycle, safety, and code related deficiencies. FACILITIES SCORE Whaleyville Annex 19 Suffolk Art Gallery 18 East Suffolk Rec Center 12 Planter's Club 11 Booker T. Washington ES 8 Joint Use Rec. Center Kings Fork MS Joint Use Rec. Center 8 Creekside ES Joint Use Rec. Center 7 Mack Benn Jr. ES Joint Use Rec. Cent 7 Northern Shores ES 5 Joint Use Rec. Center Suffolk Parks and Rec. Admin. 4 Oakland ES Joint Use Rec. Center 3 Whaleyville Community Center 0 87

4 Parks and Recreation Department PARKS SCORE Sleepy Hole Park 25 Monogram Field 23 Planter's Park 22 Pughesville Park 21 JFK MS Athletic Fields (Joint Use) 21 Bennett's Creek Park 21 Lake Meade Park 17 Peanut Park Field 17 Forest Glen MS Athletic Fields (Joint Use) 16 Holland Park 16 Cedar Hill Cemetery 15 Magnolia Park 15 Constant's Warf Park and Marina 13 Ida Easter Park 13 Lake Kennedy Park 12 Cypress Park 11 Mary Estes Park 11 Kings Fork Athletic Fields 10 Train Station Park and Seaboard Coastline 8 Trail Coulbourn Park 6 Holly Lawn Cemetery 6 John Yeates MS Athletic Fields (Joint Use) 6 Lakeside Tot Lot 6 Tynes Street Park 4 Lone Star Lakes Park 3 Whaleyville Square 3 Turlington Park 1 Character Corner 0 Hall Avenue Park 0 88

5 5.1.3 SUFFOLK PARKS ASSESSMENT NARRATIVE BENNETT S CREEK PARK Bennett s Creek Park is a large park popular with day users and special event visitors. There is not enough parking area to accommodate these users during peak-use times and the vehicular entrance has reduced sight lines around a curve which is dangerous. The parking area needs routine maintenance. Portions of the park are not ADA accessible. The open space field areas need some minor repairs and the turf has some bare patches. The tennis courts are in poor condition and need resurfacing. The equipment and sidewalks in the park need minor maintenance. In some areas, standing water and drainage need to be addressed. The park s overall appearance is pretty good, though could use some attention. There are concerns with pedestrian safety because there are no sidewalks / trails adjacent to the park road. Bennett s Creek Park Playground Add visitor parking to serve play area, tennis and event pavilion Resurface tennis courts Provide a pedestrian path into the park Build a multi-use trail within the park Improve water access from the park for canoes and kayaks Provide additional utility hook-ups for vendors in special event area Increase security lighting in the park Re-mulch existing nature trail and enhance areas of the resource protection buffer with native vegetation Expand Skate Spot CEDAR HILL CEMETERY The primary issues facing the cemetery are peak use parking availability and landscape appearance. There is no parking on site for funerals or special events, and a related concern is wayfinding ability to identify the cemetery s entrance from the road. The landscaping needs major pruning and some replacement, and the turf is patchy and needs renovation. Minor improvements to the drainage system are needed, as the drains become stopped up at least twice a week. General repairs are needed to the facility, including making the steps usable, repairing chipping concrete on the mausoleum, and repainting the fence. Cedar Hill Cemetery 89

6 Parks and Recreation Department Replace concrete steps Replace problematic drainage inlets with more appropriately designed structures. Repair mausoleum concrete Repaint existing fence Repair potholes and repave roads Renovate turf areas CHARACTER PARK No issues were noted for Character Park. No repairs or improvements are needed at this time CONSTANT S WHARF PARK AND MARINA Several small issues face this park, especially parking. The park shares parking with a hotel which limits parking availability during peak use times. Other minor issues are a lack of ADA accessibility to some portions, routine maintenance required on the parking lot, and sidewalks require minor repairs. The landscaping is in good condition with only minor problems, the turf has a few bare areas, and the irrigation system needs minor adjustments. Access to the water is limited and could be expanded. Address ADA access to all public docks and facilities. Add a canoe/kayak launch Constant s Wharf Park and Marina COULBOURN PARK Coulbourn Park has only a few minor issues, the primary being that the sidewalks are in poor condition. Others are that portions of the park are not ADA accessible, there are a few bare turf areas, and there is some standing water. Improve trail access into the park from Lakeside Drive Address drainage issue caused by runoff from Lakeside Drive 90

7 CYPRESS PARK & POOL Overall, Cypress Park and pool is fairly clean, with some minor issues. There are some security and safety concerns with people loitering. Some areas of landscaping need maintenance such as pruning, pesticide application, and replacement, and there are some standing water issues. The sidewalks require minor repairs, the parking lot needs routine maintenance, and the basketball court needs restriping and the rims painted. Add security cameras on pool building and associated signage Renovate basketball courts, resurface/paint and replace rims Relocate playground equipment to a more suitable location Add a multi-use trail to the park that would provide connectivity to neighborhoods to the west Renovate pool and pump systems Install zero entry access to the pool for better accessibility Enhance the pool with additional amenities FOREST GLEN MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC FIELDS (JOINT USE) The primary issue facing the athletic fields at Forest Glen Middle School is a lack of routine maintenance which has led the ballfields to be unplayable. The fields have not been mowed in some time, and now the turf needs to be fully renovated. Otherwise, the park is in good shape, needing minor maintenance to the parking lot and the equipment, and minor improvements to the stormwater drainage system. The fields have only limited connections to the neighborhood. Renovate field turf and ballfield infield material. Re-grade/re-crown fields, amend soils, and install new turf and infield mix HALL AVENUE PARK Hall Avenue Park is a neighborhood pocket park with open green space, sidewalks, and benches. The park is in good condition and no problems were noted in the park assessment. No repairs or improvements are needed at this time Hall Avenue Park 91

8 Parks and Recreation Department HOLLAND PARK The key problem the assessment found with Holland Park are a lack of adequate parking. Other problems noted were occasional difficulty for cars to enter or exit the park and necessary paving repairs to the parking lot. The assessment noted in particular a concern over the adjacency of the playground and ballfield. The playground is directly in line with the trajectory of foul balls. Move play area out of left field or install appropriate buffer hedge Maintain landscaping to improve sight distance at entrance Pave driveway entrance and parking areas HOLLY LAWN CEMETERY The cemetery has several minor problems. Landscaping around the woods-edge and at the back of the property needs attention and there a few bare patches in the turf. Standing water is an issue on roadways throughout the cemetery. There are no neighborhood linkages to this site as it is surrounded by commercial properties. Renovate poor turf areas Prune/replace landscaping behind bank Repave/re-crown poorly draining roadways IDA EASTER PARK The assessment found several major issues in Ida Easter Park. The park has issues with litter and graffiti. The basketball court needs to be resurfaced and the sidewalk through the park is in poor shape and requires extensive repair or renovation. The park is also completely ADA inaccessible. Add trash receptacles in key areas Resurface basketball courts Improve main sidewalk JOHN F. KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC FIELDS (JOINT USE) The primary complaint with the JFK Athletic Fields at JFK Middle School is poor water management. The stormwater drainage on site is poor, affecting the usability of the baseball and softball fields. The assessment noted a major bee and mosquito problem on all fields, which may be related to improper drainage. The bathrooms also have drainage problems and flood constantly. Driving and parking issues include poor sight distance on the vehicular access route, peak-use parking John F. Kennedy Baseball field shortages, and minor maintenance needed on the parking lot. The ballfields need minor repairs, the 92

9 sidewalks are in poor condition and require extensive repair, and the park equipment requires some general maintenance. The turf is in good condition, but has some bare areas. There are just a few linkages from the site to the neighborhood. The general appearance of the facility is fairly clean but could use improvement. Re-grade/re-crown athletic fields Renovate athletic field turf Install direction signs to additional existing parking areas Construct new building with restrooms, storage and concession area JOHN YEATES MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC FIELDS (JOINT USE) These athletic fields are part of the campus of John Yeates Middle School. The site has a few minor issues. The sidewalks and ballfields are in fair condition, and require minor repairs and maintenance. The parking area is in good condition, needing only regular routine maintenance. There are some minor improvements needed to solve saturation or standing water problems. The turf has a few bare patches. The equipment on site is old, but still usable. Continue to re-grade to alleviate minor drainage issues KINGS FORK ATHLETIC FIELDS The assessment found an assortment of minor problems. The site is difficult for cars to enter and exit, and there is not enough parking during peak-use times. There are minor issues with standing water, the ballfields need minor repairs, and the parking lot needs routine maintenance. The equipment is old, but can still be used, and there are only limited connections between the site and the community. No repairs or improvements are needed at this time King s Fork Athletic Fields LAKE KENNEDY PARK The assessment found several small problems in the park including a shortage of available parking during peak-use periods, concerns over personal safety, and no sidewalks linking the park to the community. The current stormwater drainage system is very poor and needs renovation. Both the ballfields and hard courts are in good condition and need only minor maintenance. The equipment in the park such as the playground, backstops, and hoops requires maintenance. Re-grade and add drain pipe and inlets in poor drainage areas Add path/sidewalk connections to park 93

10 Parks and Recreation Department Add a multi-use walking trail LAKE MEADE PARK Lake Meade Park s general appearance is fairly clean, with some minor issues. The tennis courts are in poor condition and need resurfacing. The equipment in the park requires maintenance, the sidewalks need minor repairs, and there are some standing water and drainage problems. The landscaping and turf are in good condition with only minor problems, and a few bare patches in the turf. There are some concerns over personal safety in the park from the lack of lighting, and there are no linkages or connections between the park and the neighborhood. The park would also benefit from a maintenance building in which to store a tractor and other equipment. Lake Meade Skate Park Install security lighting Resurface tennis courts Re-grade and add drain pipe and inlets in poor drainage areas Construct a new park office Enhance trails with amenities such as benches, tables, and nature trails to the lake Expand skate park LAKESIDE TOT LOT The Tot Lot generally has a fairly good appearance, with only a few minor problems. The equipment requires some maintenance. A concrete ramp and sidewalk lead to the primary playground, but portions of the park are not ADA accessible. No repairs or improvements are needed at this time 94

11 LONE STAR LAKES PARK The assessment found very few problems at Lone Star Lakes Park. The primary concern is that ADA accessibility in the park is limited. There are also minor issues with saturation and standing water on site. The park is over 1,000 acres of green space and natural area, but has very few facilities. The park seems underutilized and could be developed as a great asset to the City. The City may want to consider developing a Master Plan for the park. Repair potholes on park road Add ADA accessible parking areas and restrooms Build ADA accessible trails and fishing areas, and upgrade existing trails Utility improvements for water and sewer service Construct an office and meeting facility Lone Star Lakes Park MAGNOLIA PARK The general appearance of Magnolia Park could use improvement. Several areas of landscaping need maintenance; in particular, the area behind the fence line should be cleared. The turf also needs some aeration and over-seeding. The park has very poor drainage, and the stormwater management system needs renovation. The parking lot needs regular routine maintenance. The sidewalks are in fair condition and require minor repairs, and the park equipment requires some maintenance. The park does not currently include a basketball court, but the assessment noted that it would be an appropriate addition. Re-grade and add drain pipe and inlets in poor drainage areas Clear fence lines of brush and undergrowth Provide an accessible connection for second playground MARY ESTES PARK This park has several major issues including poor drainage, vandalism, and poor-quality play courts. The stormwater drainage system needs improvement because there is standing water on the playground after every rain event. The park has a poor general appearance, as the playground is affected by graffiti weekly, equipment gets damaged, and there is a constant litter problem. The basketball court is in poor condition and needs to be resurfaced. Pieces of equipment need minor repair and maintenance and the parking lot requires routine repairs. Re-grade and add drain pipe and inlets behind playground Resurface basketball court Add additional playground amenities 95

12 Parks and Recreation Department MONOGRAM FIELD Monogram Field faces several problems the chief of which is the parking situation. Currently, no parking is designated resulting in damaged turf as drivers create their own parking spots on the grass. The site has no irrigation system but could benefit from one. Field surfaces the multi-use field in particular need minor repairs. Equipment requires various levels of maintenance. Turf areas would benefit from aeration and over-seeding. The landscaping is generally in good condition but has a few minor problems and standing water issues. The site has limited linkages to the community and portions of the park are not ADA accessible. Address sight distance problem at entrance Designate paved parking areas PEANUT PARK FIELD The parking situation is the primary concern at Peanut Field Park. The existing parking lot cannot accommodate the volume of use leading to dangerous on-street parking. More parking area and major repairs to the surface of the existing lot are needed. Although the site s bathrooms are heavily used they meet current demand. There are some concerns for personal safety on site. The sidewalks and ballfields require minor repairs and minor improvements are needed to the stormwater drainage system. The equipment on site is old but still usable. There are only limited connections from the park to the adjacent neighborhood. Overall, the park s appearance could use some improvements. Identify and pave designated parking areas Improve existing storage and concessions buildings PUGHESVILLE PARK Vehicular parking shortages and stormwater drainage are the biggest problems in Pughesville Park. The park shares parking with the Recycling Center, which can cause occasional parking shortages. The stormwater drainage system on site is very poor resulting in frequent flooding and standing water. Equipment, basketball courts, and sidewalks require light maintenance and repairs. Landscape maintenance is a continual challenge on the site due to wet conditions and the vigor of the vegetation. The turf is bare in certain areas. The park is located adjacent to a residential neighborhood but there are no sidewalks for pedestrian connection and access. Pughesville Park Re-grade and add drain pipe and inlets in poor drainage areas Continue to manage successional growth of vegetation to maintain sight lines and function of drainage facilities Add security lighting 96

13 PLANTER S PARK Most of the problems identified in Planter s Park relate to vehicular facilities. The park has no dedicated parking lot and there often is not enough street parking to accommodate demand. Another major issue is that none of the park is ADA accessible. The park also lacks visitor amenities such as benches, picnic tables, trash receptacles, and outdoor exercise equipment. Minor problems in the park include limited repairs and maintenance required for the sidewalk, equipment, and landscaping. There are also few neighborhood linkages to the park. Create ADA accessible parking area Install ADA accessible play equipment and accessible path from the parking area to the play areas Install visitor amenities like benches, picnic tables, trash receptacles, and outdoor exercise equipment Install a drinking fountain SLEEPY HOLE PARK The assessment found Sleepy Hole Park to be the park with the greatest number of condition issues. The major concern is that the lower parking area has peak-use shortages and the parking surface is in very poor condition and needs complete renovation. The park also has many other more minor issues. Portions of the park are not ADA accessible, there are some concerns over personal safety, and there are no connections between the park and the community. The sidewalks are in poor condition and require extensive repair or Sleepy Hole Park renovation. The equipment (playground, etc.) also requires some maintenance. The drainage ditches have sediment build-up, and need to be cleaned out. The turf has a few problems that need some work such as over-seeding and aeration. The park s plumbing and electrical systems would benefit from updates. Overall, the general appearance of the park could be improved. Within the park boundary, sections of the shoreline along the Nansemond River are eroding. Clean and re-grade drainage ditches Expand upper and lower field parking areas Resurface roads and parking areas Update sanitary sewer connections for office and maintenance areas Screen or relocate the golf course maintenance buildings Build accessible multi-use trails Improve access to lake and shoreline Stabilize river shoreline as needed 97

14 Parks and Recreation Department TRAIN STATION PARK AND SEABOARD COASTLINE TRAIL The park s size is too small for most of the special events held on site. Issues noted in the park are that portions are not ADA accessible, there are limited neighborhood linkages, and there are some minor problems with the landscaping. Access around the trail gates needs to be improved and that signage for the trail is needed. Install trail identification signage Improve trail access at gates Train Station Museum TURLINGTON PARK Turlington Park is in very good condition and requires only minor routine maintenance such as patching and striping the basketball court. Upgrade basketball court Provide ADA access to all amenities TYNES STREET PARK Only minor issues are associated with this park and consist of the need for equipment maintenance and re-surfacing the basketball court. Resurface the basketball court WHALEYVILLE SQUARE The assessment found Whaleyville Square to be in good condition with only minor concerns about connections to adjacent neighborhoods. The landscaping has minor problems. No repairs or improvements are needed at this time Whaleyville Square 98

15 5.1.4 SUFFOLK FACILITIES ASSESSMENT NARRATIVE BOOKER T. WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL JOINT USE RECREATION CENTER Booker T. Washington Elementary School is also used as a recreation center. This facility has many small problems which have some effect on programs. The gym has some cosmetic problems, such as the ceiling peeling and falling onto the floor and some leaks. The gym facilities also need minor maintenance such as repairing the clock and replacing padding on the walls and goal posts. The multi-purpose rooms have several problems that affect programs, including a leak from the ceiling. Light bulbs need to be replaced throughout the building. The sewer occasionally backs up which causes offensive odors. Parks and Recreation needs to work with Public Schools to resolve maintenance issues in jointuse areas Improve technology by providing Wi-Fi and projectable screens Install additional playground equipment closer to the entrance of the center CREEKSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL JOINT USE RECREATION CENTER The Creekside Elementary School building has a few minor problems that have no effect on the recreation center programs. The gym has a variety of problems including lack of seating, faulty divider, and backboard padding that is no longer adequate. Some of the mechanical equipment is in poor condition and should be replaced or repaired but is not currently affecting programs. Security is weak in certain areas. Parks and Recreation needs to work with Public Schools to resolve maintenance issues in jointuse areas. Improve technology by providing Wi-Fi and projectable screens SUFFOLK PARKS AND RECREATION ADMINISTRATION BUILDING There are a few minor problems with the building but they do not affect the programs within. Storage space is inadequate for athletics and special event purposes. The facility overall has a slight shortage of space although it is not affecting programs. The office area has a few cosmetic problems in need of repair, one restroom is closed due to a leak, and the gutters leak. Repair gutters 99

16 Parks and Recreation Department EAST SUFFOLK RECREATION CENTER The facility has many minor problems which have some effect on programs. Mechanical equipment, especially the HVAC system, has some major problems which affect programs. The general layout of the building gives little space for general storage, or storage in individual rooms. The office, multi-purpose rooms, and meeting rooms all have cosmetic problems that need minor repairs. The kitchen requires additional storage space. Minor adjustments are needed to the interior lighting programming or automation. Security is weak in certain areas, and East Suffolk Recreation Center once in a while there is minor vandalism. Occasionally during special events there is a shortage of parking, but this does not affect programming. Adjust programming and/or automation of light timing Repair HVAC system Install security cameras with higher resolution and reposition for better coverage Construct an addition with a group exercise room, restroom and storage KINGS FORK MIDDLE SCHOOL JOINT USE RECREATION CENTER The Kings Fork Middle School building has a few minor problems but they have no effect on the functionality of the recreation center s programs. Problems include a slight inadequacy of space throughout the facility and some cosmetic problems in the multi-purpose room. Parks and Recreation needs to work with Public Schools to resolve maintenance issues in jointuse areas Install direction signs to additional existing parking areas Improve technology by providing Wi-Fi and projectable screens 100

17 MACK BENN JR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL JOINT USE RECREATION CENTER The building has a few minor problems that do not affect program functionality. Some of the mechanical equipment is in poor condition and needs to be repaired or replaced, but its condition is not currently affecting programs. The heating/cooling system in the office needs to be repaired. The multi-purpose room, storage area, and bathrooms all need cosmetic maintenance including fixing broken clocks. The gym also has a few minor problems, including the step stripes needing replacing. Storage space is inadequate in some parts of the building. Mack Benn Jr. Joint Use Recreation Center Parks and Recreation needs to work with Public Schools to resolve maintenance issues in jointuse areas Improve technology by providing Wi-Fi and projectable screens NORTHERN SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL JOINT USE RECREATION CENTER The building has a few minor problems that do not affect the recreation center s programming. Some of the mechanical equipment is in poor condition and should be replaced or repaired, though it is not currently affecting programs. The gym and multi-purpose room have a few cosmetic problems that do not affect programs. Parks and Recreation needs to work with Public Schools to resolve maintenance issues in jointuse areas Improve technology by providing Wi-Fi and projectable screens OAKLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL JOINT USE RECREATION CENTER The facility is in good condition with just a few minor problems. The gym, multi-purpose room, and storage area all have some cosmetic problems that need repair. Parks and Recreation needs to work with Public Schools to resolve maintenance issues in joint-use areas Improve technology by providing Wi-Fi and projectable screens Oakland ES Joint Use Recreation Center 101

18 Parks and Recreation Department PLANTER S CLUB The Planter s Club is a rentable facility with waterfront access. It has a few problems throughout the building but programs are not affected. The primary problem is lack of adequate parking space. Security is weak in certain areas of the facility and occasionally there is damage from vandalism. Additional storage space, and space in general, is needed. The multi-purpose rooms have some minor cosmetic problems. Maintenance is needed on the outside of the facility, including stabilizing the shoreline, landscaping, and repairing the caretaker s house. Identify and pave adequately sized parking areas Install security cameras Stabilize the shoreline Create additional storage space in the facility Fill or removed the abandoned underground storage tank Install Wi-Fi, projectable screens and a speaker system SUFFOLK ART GALLERY Planter s Club The Suffolk Art Gallery has the second highest number issues of the City s facilities. The mechanical equipment has major problems which affect programs although the site is slated to have a full HVAC system installed. This new system will allow for a usable courtyard and will provide proper climate control for pieces of art in storage. Storage is inadequate in many areas of the facility and needs to be reconfigured. The gallery in general also has needs more space in some areas. Security monitoring of the site needs to be assured. The interior lighting system is outdated and needs to be reconfigured. Portions of the facility are not ADA-accessible. The kitchen s lack of size affects some programs. The multipurpose rooms have limited storage space and general lighting Suffolk Art Gallery issues, which affects programs. Repair leaks in storage area Expand kitchen facilities Reconfigure storage space Upgrade outdoor lighting system Upgrade indoor lighting system Repaint exterior window frames and overhang Implement a quarterly maintenance inspection of the building Upgrade the existing HVAC system 102

19 WHALEYVILLE ANNEX The Whaleyville Annex has the greatest number of issues of all of the assessed facilities. These issues affect the programs at the facility. The heating/cooling system is old and needs continual maintenance. Security is weak on site, as there are no cameras. The storage areas for the facility are inadequate and too small. The meeting rooms are also too small for the programs needs. Interior lighting is in good condition with only minor adjustments needed. The facility in general has a shortage of space in some areas, which has an effect on programs. Portions of the facility are not ADA accessible. There is always inadequate parking space at the Annex. Overall, there are drainage problems in the surrounding site, the building s roof leaks in two places, and minor repairs are needed throughout the building. City to evaluate the need for improvements to the Whaleyville Annex based on current use levels and long-term plans for the facility. City to make immediate repairs to stabilize and preserve the integrity of the facility. Repair leaks to roof Regrade and replace drainpipes to address drainage problems from sinkholes WHALEYVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER The new Community Center in Whaleyville was opened January 2015 in the converted Robertson Elementary School building. The opening of the Whaleyville Community Center gives the citizens a viable alternative to the impaired Whaleyville Annex. The assessment found the Community Center to be in very good condition and no improvements are needed at this time. As the Community Center starts to be used more intensively staff should monitor user s needs, and be aware of any changes that need to be made to the facility. Ribbon Cutting at the new Whaleyville Community Center, January 2015 No repairs or improvements are needed at this time Fitness Center at the Whaleyville Community Center 103

20 Parks and Recreation Department CONCLUSIONS There are common themes to the problems in the parks and recreation centers. In order of priority, repairs and improvements in the parks and facilities should be as follows: 1. Safety: Address tripping hazards, broken railings, standing water, broken play equipment, and surfacing issues 2. Code: Comply with ADA, ingress/egress, lighting, and fire 3. Deferred Maintenance: Address painting, equipment repairs, and drainage issues 4. Obsolescence/Replacements: Replace amenities such as furnishings and play equipment that are no longer fully functional or do not meet accepted standards 5. Park/Facility Improvements: Construct or install buildings, structures, and amenities that add value, address needs, and/or improve user experiences OVERALL PARK CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS City-wide, there are problems facing the parks of Suffolk. These problems include insufficient drainage, limited parking and/or parking in disrepair, insufficient signage, and deteriorating structures. It is recommended that the City of Suffolk creates a set of design standards for repair and improvements so that park amenities can be improved and developed consistently and efficiently. It is recommended that the City take a phased approach to repairs and refurbishment by immediately addressing issues of safety and code-deficiency and then proceeding to address less pressing and longer-term concerns. For example, most playground equipment was installed between 2000 and 2002 and plans need to be made to systematically replace playgrounds and play equipment throughout the park system. This same approach applies to existing athletic fields in order to update the oldest and/or most heavily-used facilities. CITY PARK DESIGN STANDARDS MANUAL Developing a city-wide design standard for park repair and renovations will ensure that all work is done consistently and to code throughout Suffolk. This manual will be applied to repairs in existing parks as well as the development of new parks. The design manual should focus specifically on stormwater management solutions and parking regulations. The City of Suffolk must ensure that all repairs and redevelopment are in compliance with the 2014 Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) regulations. In order to meet the VSMP standards, it is often necessary for a project to include Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as permeable pavers and bioretention areas in order to meet water quality and quantity treatment requirements. Per City Code Section 35-5 Stormwater Management, any project that disturbs more than 1 acre of land, or more than 2,500 SF of land in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, must comply with State standards administered by the Department of Environmental Quality for the treatment of stormwater run-off. The Design Standards Manual should clearly delineate Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas and provide a list of acceptable BMPs. The Design Standards Manual should also provide consistent parking solutions throughout the park system. Decisions regarding the amount and type of parking surface (asphalt, gravel, or street) may be determined through the development of a chart comparing size, use level, and use type of the park. For example, Bennett s Creek Park, which is a community park with a variety of many popular facilities and sees consistent heavy use, should expand its paved parking areas. Alternately, Kings Fork Athletic Fields 104

21 features swings between heavy peak use and low use and parking shortages should be developed with additional gravel parking. The Design Standards Manual should also include signage standards and guidelines which will create a unified look to the entire park system, as well as improved wayfinding. Sign guidelines should include appropriate placement, various types of signs and their purposes, and standard sizes, shapes, and colors. The park assessments identify many of the building facilities, especially the bathrooms, as facing problems. The Design Standards Manual will layout out recommendations for repair versus new construction of existing building facilities, and size, materials, and amenities of the buildings. OVERALL FACILITY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The facilities and recreation centers are in overall good condition, primarily needing long term maintenance and upkeep repairs, rather than complete refurbishment. Regularly identified problems are: Mechanical equipment problems and age Inadequate storage space Inadequate meeting rooms ADA access issues Cosmetic issues The City should first address the issues identified in this report concerning safety and code, and then proceed to facility improvements. The priority list at the beginning of this section details this order of priority. 105