Shape. Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Plans & Policies for the Future. City of Cheyenne Parks & Recreation CHEYENNE MPO CLARION LSA EDAW AVI

Transcription

1 Parks & Recreatin Master Plan Shape Plans & Plicies fr the Future NCCP Airprt Glf Curse Lins Park Cemetery Cmplex Sec. 28 Parks Kingham Prairie View Glf Curse Hliday Park Natural/Cultur Resurce Area City f Cheyenne Parks & Recreatin CHEYENNE MPO CLARION LSA EDAW AVI

2 PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN SHAPE Shape Table f Cntents Sectin 1. Intrductin Sectin 2. Fundatin, Principles and Plicies Fundatin: Creating a Legacy f Parks and Open Space Sectin. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan Parks... - Neighbrhd Parks... - Cmmunity Parks Open Space Natural/Cultural Resurce Areas Reginal Open Space Natural Areas Trails Cmmunity-Wide Trail System Recreatinal Facilities Indr and Outdr Sprts Facilities Glf Curses Cemeteries Btanic Gardens Parks Parks Administratin Frestry List f Maps Parks and Recreatin Master Plan Map 1. Prjected Ppulatin Increases Shape Page i-i Table f Cntents

3 INTRODUCTION 1 1. Intrductin Shape is the cmpnent f the Parks and Recreatin Master Plan that establishes hw and where the Parks and Recreatin system in Cheyenne shuld grw in the future. The Shape cmpnent f the Parks and Recreatin Master Plan builds n the inventry and design elements previusly presented in Snapsht and Structure. Shape begins by describing the fundatin, principles, and plicies that will help guide the parks and recreatin system within Cheyenne fr years t cme. The fundatin is the basis fr adpting mre specific principles and plicies t fllw. The fundatin, Creating a Legacy f Parks and Open Space, is ne f seven created as part f the larger ShapeCheyenne sectin f the verall PlanCheyenne dcument. Fundatins represent the values and ideals f the cmmunity and are als the rganizing elements fr this part f PlanCheyenne. The mre specific principles are brad-based directins fr the cmmunity, much like gals. They carry frward many f the ideals the cmmunity seeks frm Visin2020 and as defined during the PlanCheyenne planning prcess. The specific plicies help t create a blueprint f hw the City s parks and recreatin system will accmmdate grwth and cntinue t address the ever changing needs f its citizens in the future. They will guide decisins t achieve the principles and help utline future actins. Additinally, the Shape cmpnent presents a Master Plan map. This map identifies cnceptual lcatins fr additinal cmmunity and neighbrhd parks t serve the grwing ppulatin in Cheyenne. Areas that are currently underserved by cmmunity and neighbrhd parks, and thse areas that are mst likely t see increased grwth in the future were previusly identified in Snapsht n Map 2: Neighbrhd Park Service Areas and Map : Cmmunity Park Service Areas, and in Structure n Map: 1 Prjected Ppulatin Increases. The Master Plan map als illustrates ptential trail crridrs that will prvide cnnectins t parks and recreatin facilities, as well as desired pen land areas t be set aside fr the natural, cultural, visual, and recreatinal benefit f the greater Cheyenne cmmunity. Crafting slid plicies and illustrating a visual map prvides the cmmunity f Cheyenne clear directin fr an effective, sustainable, and lasting parks and recreatin system fr years t cme. Cheyenne has a legacy f cmmunity parks that has been the heart f the cmmunity fr residents and visitrs fr many years. Residents als value the Greenway and trails system that ffer alternative transprtatin pprtunities and prvide an active, healthy lifestyle. It has als lng been held that part f greater Cheyenne s sense f place is the undevelped pen spaces and wildlife arund and within the area. This Plan aims t imprve the parks and recreatin system prviding adequate land and facilities t meet the needs f Cheyenne citizens and prvide high quality, accessible parks that carry n the green legacy and prmte public health and well being. As the Cheyenne cmmunity grws, new cmmunity and neighbrhd parks will be added t the system, and the Greenway and trails netwrk will be extended t serve new neighbrhds and cnnect parks, recreatin facilities, and activity centers. Parks and pen space are nt amenities that will be tacked n t new develpments, but rather are an integral piece f the verall develpment framewrk. This Plan als aims t cnserve significant pen space lands cmplementing the built envirnment with the natural envirnment. Open space adds beauty, creates a unique image and sense f place fr the Cheyenne area, prvides relief frm the built envirnment, and helps t maintain water and envirnmental quality fr the health f the entire cmmunity. Shape Page Intrductin

4 FOUNDATION, PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES 2 2. Fundatin, Principles and Plicies Fundatin: Creating a Legacy f Parks and Open Space The fllwing fundatin, principles, and plicies supprt thse utlined in the verall PlanCheyenne dcument. The underlying key cncept used t help craft these principles and plicies is that parks and pen space are nt an amenity that is tacked n t develpment within the cmmunity, but rather an integral piece f the verall cmmunity develpment prcess. Principle 1: Our neighbrhd and cmmunity parks will cntinue t be a legacy fr ur cmmunity. Plicy 1.1: Additinal lands will be acquired and develped as adequately sized Neighbrhd and Cmmunity Parks in existing underserved neighbrhds and new areas. Plicy 1.2: The City f Cheyenne will prvide a level f service f 2.5 acres f neighbrhd parkland fr every 1,000 residents. Plicy 1.: Where additinal land is nt feasible t develp an adequately sized Neighbrhd Park, the City f Cheyenne will prvide safe and cnvenient pedestrian and bicyclist access t the nearest Neighbrhd Park. This will be accmplished thrugh cnstructin f sidewalks, imprved crssings f radways, and gradeseparated crssings f barriers, where feasible. Plicy 1.4: The City f Cheyenne will maintain and cntinue t prvide a level f service f 5.8 acres f cmmunity parkland fr every 1,000 residents. Plicy 1.5: Cmmunity Parks will be designed t prvide a balance between active sprts fields and self-directed activities, naturalized areas, trees, gardens, and ther elements with brad cmmunity interest. Plicy 1.6: Cmmunity gatherings and utdr cultural events will be accmmdated thrugh the prvisin f perfrmance spaces/facilities and areas fr special events. Plicy 1.7: The City f Cheyenne will prmte jint planning and peratin effrts f park and recreatin facilities with Laramie Cunty and Laramie Cunty Schl District, where practical. Lins Park Plicy 1.8: Cntinued supprt will be given fr well-lved reginal recreatin facilities (i.e., Btanic Gardens, Nature Center, Airprt and Kingham Prairie View glf curses). Shape Page Fundatin, Principles and Plicies

5 FOUNDATION, PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES 2 Principle 2: Our cmmunity will extend and enhance ur trail system and greenway. Principle : Our cmmunity will cnserve lands f Cmmunity-wide Significance. Plicy 2.1: A cmmunity-wide primary trail system that cnnects majr destinatins (e.g., Cmmunity Parks, large pen space, recreatin centers, shpping districts, emplyment districts, LCCC, dwntwn, majr event centers, fairgrunds, etc.) will be prvided. This will be balanced between trails within the city limits, and thse that will reside utside f city limits, such as trails in large pen space areas. Plicy 2.2: Emphasis will be placed n prtecting trail crridrs thrugh the acquisitin f easements and rightsf-way in advance f develpment. Plicy 2.: Opprtunities will be prvided fr - t 5-mile trail lps with areas f interest alng the rute. Plicy.1: Except in rare, special cases, new prperties will nt be accepted fr parks and recreatin that d nt functin as imprtant cmmunity-wide public resurces. Plicy.2: Cheyenne will carefully cnsider exceptins t Plicy.1. If there are prperties that have special qualities f cmmunity-wide significance, such as histric, cultural, archaelgical, natural, r ther features, the City will ptentially acquire parks and cnservatin lands that d nt meet acreage r ther standards. Plicy.: Lands shall nt be publicly dedicated, but shuld be wned and maintained by a private rganizatin, such as a hmewners assciatin r special district, if they functin as: Plicy 2.4: Rad rights-f-way fr trails will nly be used in the absence f ther suitable crridrs. Plicy 2.5: Bth paved and nn-paved trails will be prvided t accmmdate a variety f users. As such, trails will strive t prvide ADA cmpliant grades and universal accessibility. Plicy 2.6: Gaps in the current Greenway system will be clsed as sn as practical. If necessary, temprary r natural surface trails will be built until full cnstructin t the ultimate design standard can be cmpleted. Plicy 2.7: New develpment shuld be planned t supprt cmpletin f the City s trails system and prvide permanent right-f-way fr planned trails. Plicy 2.8: City departments will wrk tgether t establish trail and greenway crridrs. Small pcket parks, Cmmn areas with limited public access, Single purpse strmwater detentin pnds, Trail cnnectrs with limited access nly t individual neighbrhd develpments, Visual green spaces, and Other natural r landscaped areas fr residents in the immediate neighbrhd. Shape Page Fundatin, Principles and Plicies

6 FOUNDATION, PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES 2 Principle 4: Our cmmunity will develp an pen lands system. Principle 5: The Cheyenne area supprts expanding ur prpsed and current parks and recreatin facilities. Plicy 4.1: Open lands will be prtected that preserve unique r sensitive envirnmental resurces, key views, and features cntributing t the City s Western identity. Open lands shuld be publicly wned and may have public access, depending n their purpse (e.g., fr recreatin r educatin), r be restricted fr cntinued agricultural uses. Plicy 4.2: Identify key pen space resurce areas based n cmmunity values and update peridically. Plicy 4.: Cheyenne will preserve significant views t riparian areas, ranchlands, and ridgelines frm select lcatins alng the interstate highways. Plicy 4.4: The majr drainages in and arund the cmmunity shuld be prtected and enhanced. Plicy 4.5: The City will wrk with develpment t prtect strategically-lcated parcels. Plicy 4.6: A jint City/Cunty prgram will be develped t identify and address pen lands. Plicy 4.7: Funding surces fr pen land acquisitin and stewardship will be identified and pursued. Plicy 5.1: Additinal lands will be acquired and develped fr recreatin facilities/ services in existing underserved neighbrhds and new areas. Plicy 5.2: The City will ensure that recreatin demands are met thrugh develpment f new facilities/services in additin t upgrading existing facilities. Plicy 5.: New residential develpment shall cntribute its fair share fr parks and recreatinal facilities based n the prjected ppulatin in the develpment. Plicy 5.4: Parkland r a fee in-lieu f parkland shall be required with each incming develpment. The City will accept a fee in-lieu f dedicatin when the prpsed parkland wuld result in an inadequately sized parcel r therwise unsuitable area fr park purpses. Plicy 5.5: New facilities and parkland will prvide an imprved quality f life fr residents and cntribute t the ecnmic develpment f the cmmunity. Plicy 5.6: Parks and recreatin facilities shall be in lcatins that ffer visual and vehicular access frm majr radways, are accessible by large numbers f users, and ffer direct trail system and/r pedestrian cnnectins. Plicy 5.7: The cmmunity will pursue pprtunities fr ther active utdr recreatin facilities (such as shting range r ATV mtr sprts), as identified in the Master Plan. Plicy 5.8: The cmmunity will selectively priritize and target public investment in parks and recreatin t help spark private investment that is cmplementary t a district r neighbrhd. Shape Page 2-2. Fundatin, Principles and Plicies

7 FOUNDATION, PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES 2 Principle 6: The Cheyenne area supprts maintaining ur prpsed and current parks and recreatin facilities. Principle 7: Our cmmunity will develp adequate land acquisitin tls and funding surces t realize the master plan visin. Plicy 6.1: The Parks and Recreatin Department will annually assess needed maintenance and renvatin prjects system-wide. Plicy 6.2: The City will supprt funding fr additinal parks and recreatin department staff psitins as the pen space, recreatin, parks and trails system grws. Plicy 6.: The City will adequately staff and fund maintenance and peratins t increase the quality f maintenance f current park, trail, and recreatin facilities t acceptable standards, and adjust staffing levels t keep pace with the additin f recreatin prperties t the system. Plicy 6.4: Cheyenne will establish management plans fr the varius types f parks and ther prperties the Parks and Recreatin Department maintains. Management plans will include maintenance and design standards fr facilities and prperties as decided at the discretin f Parks and Recreatin staff. Plicy 6.5: The Parks and Recreatin Department will nt mw r maintain areas f neighbrhd and cmmunity parks it has naturalized and returned t native vegetatin in rder t prvide fr a natural envirnment in an urban setting. Plicy 7.1: The City will identify and pursue funding surces fr all parks and recreatin prjects and pririties. Plicy 7.2: The City will retain r increase Parks and Recreatin 5 th and 6 th penny allcatins. Plicy 7.: Impact fees fr parks, recreatin, pen space, and trails will be a city wide investment in cmmunity infrastructure fr imprved quality f life in Cheyenne. Quality f life fees will be crdinated with ther city service impact fees. Plicy 7.4: The city fee structure and parks and recreatin fee structure shuld reflect the level f service standards. Plicy 7.5: The City will aggressively seek grants and ther types f funding frm available surces. Plicy 7.6: The City will establish public-private partnerships, and r endwments where mutually beneficial and apprpriate. Plicy 7.7: Private prvisin f facilities will be cnsidered a viable ptin fr parks and recreatin prjects where apprpriate. Plicy 7.8: The City will crdinate with ther agencies, initiate IGA s, and seek partnerships t leverage available funding. Plicy 7.9: The City will explre the level f cmmunity supprt fr funding parks and recreatin prjects thrugh use f a special district, prperty tax, sales tax, r bnd sale. Plicy 7.10: The Parks and Recreatin Department will peridically update park design standards in subdivisin, zning and ther land-use and develpment regulatins t incrprate the Parks and Recreatin Plan recmmendatins. Shape Page Fundatin, Principles and Plicies

8 . Future Parks and Recreatin Plan The Future Parks and Recreatin Master Plan prvides a framewrk fr the prvisin f parks, trails, pen space, and recreatin facilities in the Cheyenne area. Its primary fcus is n areas where new develpment is likely t ccur in the future, and the subsequent needs and desires f the residents f these areas. The need fr parks and trails in existing develped areas is als addressed. The Master Plan fr Cheyenne includes a map that indicates lcatins fr parks and trails, as well as targeted areas fr prtecting pen space and/r cultural resurces in the Cheyenne urban area. The elements shwn n the Master Plan are based n meeting the needs f the cmmunity that were identified in Snapsht, the park typlgies and physical pprtunities presented in Structure, and prpsed future land uses fr the entire Cheyenne area as determined thrugh the PlanCheyenne prcess. The elements shwn n the Master Plan are based n meeting the needs f the cmmunity that were identified in Snapsht, the park typlgies and physical pprtunities presented in Structure, and prpsed future land uses fr the entire Cheyenne area as determined thrugh the PlanCheyenne prcess. The prpsed PlanCheyenne land use plan builds upn the earlier Visin 2020 prcess, which helped t identify the cmmunity's destinatin. PlanCheyenne will expand upn that visin and build the radmap t transprt the cmmunity t 200. It is estimated that there culd be an average grwth rate f apprximately 2%, fr a future ppulatin f apprximately 102,000 in 200 in the City f Cheyenne and ver 12,000 fr the entire Cheyenne area in abut 50 years. This parks plan is being prduced cncurrently with ther elements f PlanCheyenne, including the transprtatin plan. It is highly beneficial that these plans are being created at the same time because it allws fr crdinatin f planning prjects and will lead t a mre efficient and effective building prcess when this plan is put int actin. The Master Plan map shws the lcatins f existing public parks and recreatin assets, but fcuses n illustrating the cnceptual lcatins fr future parks, trails and pen space. These include: Neighbrhd Parks Cmmunity Parks Open Space Trails Cemeteries and glf curses are als shwn n the Master Plan map and addressed briefly in subsequent text. Specific recmmendatins fr recreatinal facilities and general recmmendatins fr the Frestry Divisin, and Cheyenne Btanic Gardens are als prvided. Shape Page -1. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

9 Parks and Recreatin Master Plan Shape Page -2. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

10 PARKS Neighbrhd Parks Recmmendatins Add new parks and/r imprve existing parks t meet the needs f existing residents in underserved areas. Add new parks t meet the needs f the cmmunity as it grws. Enhance existing parks t imprve quality and functin. Imprvements t Existing Parks The cnditin f existing Neighbrhd Parks was discussed in detail in the Snapsht sectin E f this plan. Many parks culd use enhancements and upgrades t imprve their quality and functin. The City shuld aggressively address the issues in each f the existing parks by develping a detailed cmprehensive list f imprvement prjects, and develping design dcuments fr their renvatin. Neighbrhd Park Recmmendatins Recmmendatins fr Neighbrhd Parks are categrized int three grups: Imprvements t existing parks, New parks r imprvements t existing parks t meet the needs f existing residents in underserved areas, and Prpsed future parks t meet the needs f the cmmunity as it grws. The Master Plan map shws lcatins f existing parks, and includes cnceptual lcatins fr 18 new Neighbrhd Parks based n the prpsed build-ut land use plan adpted as part f the PlanCheyenne prcess. Civitan Park Parks t Serve Underserved Neighbrhds Several Neighbrhd Parks are needed tday based n existing residential develpment that des nt have adequate access t parks, including residents suth f the UP Railrad, and certainly suth f I-80. Map 2 in Snapsht graphically shws the level f service areas fr Neighbrhd Parks in Cheyenne and thse areas that are nt adequately served by existing parks. The neighbrhd east f Nrth Cllege Drive, adjacent t the Dry Creek Greenway, wuld benefit frm the develpment f neighbrhd park amenities n Greenway land, r ptentially adding sme land adjacent t the Greenway t develp a park. Cahill Park at Sectin 28. Shape Page -. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

11 Existing Undevelped Parks Develpment f Western Hills Park in the far nrthwest area f the City is essential t meeting the needs f thse residents. Develpment f this park wuld serve apprximately half f the residents in this area. Thse t the suth wuld nt be in the half-mile service radius, and it appears that the pssibility f acquiring additinal land in this area is limited. Imprving Access and Integrating Parks with Redevelpment Sme areas f the city that d nt have adequate access t Neighbrhd Parks als lack undevelped vacant lands fr develpment f new parks. The fllwing map depicts these residential areas f the city where there is nt currently adequate service by neighbrhd parks and a lack f vacant land fr park develpment. These areas are highlighted by light blue bubbles. In these areas (e.g., near East Linclnway, suth f the airprt, nrth f Hilltp Avenue, suth f Vandehei, between East Linclnway and Pershing Bulevard), a variety f strategies culd be pursued. These may include imprving pedestrian and bicycle cnnectins t the nearest Neighbrhd r Cmmunity Park, and establishing cperative agreements t imprve schl prperties in underserved areas. Furthermre, redevelpment plans shuld recgnize the need fr Neighbrhd Parks. Opprtunities fr acquisitin f parkland assciated with redevelpment r acquisitin f smaller vacant areas shuld be pursued. Western Hills Park Bar X Park, which is currently a detentin pnd with turf grass, shuld be imprved t be mre f a full-service Neighbrhd Park fr the area east f I-25. The Hebard neighbrhd is underserved n its east side. Hwever, there are pprtunities fr new park amenities assciated with the new green space that will be created as part f the Nrris Viaduct prject adjacent t the refinery. When David R. Rmer Suth Cheyenne Cmmunity Park is develped, the entire Gins neighbrhd will be well served. The west prtin f the Gins neighbrhd is nt currently served by a Neighbrhd Park. The develpment f David Rmer Cmmunity Park shuld include elements f a Neighbrhd Park t serve these residents. Residential Areas Lacking Neighbrhd Parks and Undevelped Park Lands Shape Page -4. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

12 Future Neighbrhd Park Lcatins In additin t meeting the needs f existing Cheyenne residents, 9 t 15 f the 12 t 18 ttal new Neighbrhd Parks will be needed by new residents in develping areas by 200. The actual lcatins fr these parks are nt knwn tday; hwever, ptential areas have been identified based n TAZ ppulatin prjectins and the Future Land Use Plan. Map 1 (belw) graphically shws current Neighbrhd and Cmmunity Park service areas verlaid n the TAZ ppulatin prjectins fr 200. Specific park lcatins will be determined as areas develp. The lcatins fr Neighbrhd Parks shuld be crdinated with the lcatin f future trails and pen space, and be develped accrding t the best practices described in Structure. Map 1. Prjected Ppulatin Increases Shape Page -5. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

13 PARKS Cmmunity Parks Recmmendatins Develp David R. Rmer Suth Cheyenne Cmmunity Park. Develp a cmprehensive Site Master Plan fr Sectin 28 Defer develpment f Nrth Cheyenne Cmmunity Park until Parks are prvided where needs are greater. Develp cmprehensive list f imprvements fr existing Cmmunity Parks and implement Implement existing Master Plans fr ther Cmmunity Park sites Practively acquire future cmmunity park sites The sprts cmplexes and parks lcated in Sectin 28 culd be enhanced by lking at the entire area hlistically and develping the area as a chesive park unit, rather than the individual areas that exist tday. Amenities fr use by the adjacent neighbrhds as Neighbrhd Parks shuld be included in the plans fr this area. One such amenity is a Public Recreatin Center fr the City f Cheyenne. Refer t Page 28 fr additinal discussin n a Recreatin Center. A new, cnslidated maintenance facility is als recmmended t be included in this plan. Master plans fr imprvements t several ther existing cmmunity parks have been adpted (Lins Park, Nrth Cheyenne Cmmunity Park), but sme ther Cmmunity Parks need plans t determine specific imprvements that are needed (e.g., Hlliday, Pineer). Expansin f Nrth Cheyenne Cmmunity Park has been seriusly cnsidered; hwever, this is nt where the need fr Cmmunity Parks is the greatest. The Master Plan includes recmmendatins fr imprving existing Cmmunity Parks as well as new parks that may be needed fr future residents. Imprvements t Existing Cmmunity Parks The cnditin f existing Cmmunity Parks was discussed in detail in the Snapsht sectin E f this plan. Many parks culd use enhancements and upgrades t imprve their quality and functin. In additin t the new parks and enhancements mentined in the previus sectins, the verall parks system is facing the need t replace many f the aging irrigatin systems thrughut the City. Cheyenne shuld evaluate the design f each f its parks t determine if there are design changes that culd reduce the amunt f irrigated turf r imprve water use efficiency. The City is als develping an irrigatin water system thrughut the City that uses reclaimed water, rather than ptable water, fr its large irrigated turf areas. When cmplete, this system will result in significant savings in the cst f water fr irrigatin. Sectin 28 Cmplex The City shuld cnsider deferring develpment f this parkland in rder t cncentrate its effrts n ther areas f the cmmunity that are in greater need. The City shuld aggressively address the issues in each f the existing parks by develping a detailed cmprehensive list f imprvement prjects, and develping design dcuments fr their renvatin. Shape Page -6. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

14 New Cmmunity Parks It is anticipated that an additinal 44,000 peple will be added t the City s ppulatin by 200. In rder t meet the cmmunity parkland standard f 5.8 acres per 1,000 ppulatin, 258 acres f cmmunity parkland will need t be develped by the year 200. T meet this need, 5 new Cmmunity Park sites are shwn n the Master Plan, including 4 sites that have nt yet been acquired. Each f these ptential parks is discussed belw. Dry Creek Cmmunity Park This park site is lcated cnceptually n the Master Plan just upstream f the railrad alng Dry Creek. This park wuld serve the East Cheyenne area and wuld ideally be lcated alng the Dry Creek drainage, cnnecting with the planned trail expansin at Dry Creek Greenway. The cnstructin f this park shuld be crdinated with reginal water detentin needs, existing fldplains, and ther envirnmental cnsideratins. Additinally, the design f this park shuld cnsider enhancement f the natural qualities f the drainageway. Suth Cheyenne Cmmunity Park David R. Rmer Suth Cheyenne Cmmunity Park Additinal cmmunity parkland is nt currently needed based n existing ppulatin and a 5.8 acre per 1,000 peple standard, but residents suth f the UP Railrad, and certainly suth f I-80, d nt currently have easy access t Cmmunity Parks. Therefre, the next Cmmunity Park t be develped shuld be lcated n the existing 29 acres f parkland within the Gins Neighbrhd, which has already been named David R. Rmer Suth Cheyenne Cmmunity Park. At 29 acres, this Cmmunity Park site is undersized and additinal pprtunities fr parkland shuld be pursued. A master planning prcess shuld be cnducted t determine the desired prgram and design f this site. Lwer Allisn Draw Cmmunity Park This park is cnceptually lcated t serve future residential develpments in sutheast Cheyenne. It wuld be lcated alng the Allisn Draw Greenway and thus will be served by a primary trail. Amng ther attributes, this park culd ptentially be integrated int the prpsed Natural/Cultural Resurce District alng the adjining ridgeline. Upper Allisn Draw Cmmunity Park This park is cnceptually lcated upstream alng Allisn Draw, west f the S. Greeley Highway t serve future residential develpment planned fr suth Cheyenne. Its lcatin in Allisn Draw wuld allw it t adjin the Greenway and cnnect with the planned adjacent trail system. West Cheyenne Cmmunity Park This park is cnceptually lcated west f I-25 and suth f I-80 near existing pnds, natural features, and a histric ranch. This park culd be incrprated int the adjining Natural/Cultural Resurce District, and culd be designed t preserve and interpret the histric ranching peratins f the area. It als has natural surface water that culd be incrprated int the design and add visual interest. This park wuld als be cnnected t 2 segments f the primary trail system. Shape Page -7. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

15 OPEN SPACE Natural / Cultural Resurce Areas Recmmendatins Preserve imprtant attibutes f Natural Cultural Resurce areas The Master Plan shws a reginal system fr pen space. Natural/Cultural Resurce Areas represent the largest land areas shwn. These areas represent pririties fr future pen space preservatin effrts. It is nt intended that all areas under these districts will be prtected, but rather indicate areas that ffer a unique ptential pprtunity t preserve pen space. Several large areas have been identified as lcatins where natural landscape and habitat values are cmbined with histric r cultural resurces. These areas were identified n the Parks and Recreatin Structure Plan and the Cmmunity Structure Plan. The Natural and Cultural Resurce Areas shuld be preserved as they are, r develped in a manner that des nt cmprmise these resurces. A particularly imprtant area is where Crw Creek and Dry Creek cnverge, including the Wyming Herefrd Ranch histric site. This area has irreplaceable wildlife habitat and histric values. Other areas include: 1) The ridge that runs suthwest t nrtheast, suth f I-80. The ridge is a highly visible landfrm that has archaelgical value. 2) Child Ranch. This is a beautiful high plains ranch with rlling tpgraphy, high quality grasslands, and histric resurces. ) The relatively intact prairie and ranchland west f I- 25, suth f I-80. The area has natural water, archaelgical, histric, and imprtant wildlife habitat values. Suth Cheyenne Ridge, a Natural Cultural Resurce Area Area west f I-25, suth f I-80 Shape Page -8. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

16 OPEN SPACE Reginal Open Space Recmmendatins Create a reginal park at the USDA grassland Research Statin and/r Rundtp Park. Develp master plans t determine apprpriate uses fr the Belvir Ranch and Big Hle prperties The City wns large Reginal Open Space areas: The 2,140-acre USDA Grasslands Research Statin, the 17,000-acre Belvir Ranch, and the 1,800-acre Big Hle prperty. USDA Grasslands Research Statin The City has partnered with the USDA Grasslands Research Statin fr develpment f a 62-acre High Plains Arbretum n the site f the research statin. The arbretum is a histric site, established in 1928 and its missin was t increase livability n the High Plains thrugh release f adapted fruits, vegetables, rnamental plants, and windbreaks. In 1974, the statin s missin shifted t grasslands research. In 2000, a grup f citizens cncerned abut the decline f the plants, frmed the Friends f the High Plains Arbretum. The gal is t preserve, restre, and enhance this histric site as the High Plains Arbretum. The visin is t see it becme a vital resurce fr reginal and cmmunity landscaping, research n drught tlerance, and, finally, the creatin f mre attractive and livable cmmunities n the High Plains. Since 1975, the trees and shrubs relied mainly n natural precipitatin t survive, receiving minimal care, water, and maintenance. Over fifty percent f the plants inventried in 1974 are gne, and many mre are in decline. But there are still thusands f trees and shrubs that grace this unique and histric site. It is clear that this arbretum is in need f an intensive effrt t prevent yearly lsses f valuable plant material. In additin t water, these plants require pruning and weeding. A master plan develped fr the site calls fr a phased in prcess f develping the prperty which will take between 15 and 25 years. It includes: Preservatin and inventrying f the existing plants Setting up staging areas Restring many f the plants that nce existed n the site Planting f new plants that may help enhance the quality f life n the High Plains Develpment f walkway and bikeway paths thrughut the acreage Develpment f new areas t display wdy plants Vast amunts f public interpretatin (signage and ther media) that will tell the histric stry f the many plants and plant explrers and hrticulturist that wrked t make the High Plains mre habitable. Creating a visitr center t intrduce visitrs t the site, its histry and nging research and develpment that is ccurring. Picnic and event areas Shared use f the existing histric greenhuse and lath huse with the USDA/ARS staff Further cmpilatin f the histry f the site Tie-ins with the nearby Rundtp park Other pssibilities mentined fr this site include the develpment f a reginal park. This shuld be cnsidered and planned fr n a reginal level including crdinating with ther agencies such as Laramie Cunty and the State f Wyming. While the first five years f the master plan calls fr minimal activity, an effrt must made during this time frame t prvide water t the existing trees and shrubs as well as pruning, weed cntrl and mulching arund the plant cllectin. These activities will require the use f staff and equipment and shuld be included in future Parks and Recreatin and City budgets. Frestry staff may als be required in the pruning activities. The six t ten year master plan timeframe will require even mre financial inputs. Sme f the needed funds will likely be prvided thrugh fundraising frm the nn-prfit Friends f the Cheyenne Btanic Gardens. The develpment f the High Plains Arbretum is cntingent upn an agreement between the USDA and Shape Page -9. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

17 the City f Cheyenne which wuld allw this 62 acre site t be legally remved frm the riginal lease. This wuld allw it t cme under full City f Cheyenne cntrl. Als n the grunds f the USDA High Plains Grasslands Research Statin and nrth and slightly east f the High Plains Arbretum is a site knwn as Rundtp Park. This park was develped in the 190s and includes a fully mature landscape, picnic tables and fire pits as well as a rustic restrm. The site als has tw histric rck bridges. Rundtp park sits n apprximately 5 acres and is currently used by the Girl Scuts n a revcable permit basis with the USDA. It is anticipated that the Girl Scuts will be able t cntinue t use this site fr the next few years, hwever, as Cheyenne s needs fr increased green space grws this park will prvide a ready made park that wuld require n new landscaping. Fr this site t be pened up t the public as a usable park it will need: Parking Autmated Irrigatin system Ptable water Strage (fr mwers and maintenance equipment) Upgrades t the facilities (i.e. new picnic tables, etc) Maintenance staff Sme ccasinal security presence (plice r private security) Adjacent t the park is Rundtp reservir. This may als smeday be a part f the park and culd prvide sme additinal recreatinal pprtunities in the future. Anther pssibility is further develping this area int a reginal park with ther cperating agencies. Belvir Ranch The Belvir Ranch was purchased with the intended uses f a new landfill, water develpment, and public access fr recreatin. Thugh the ranch is nt within the study area f this plan and the future uses f the ranch have yet t be determined, the ranch shuld be develped t prvide public access and managed in a way that emphasizes resurce cnservatin while recgnizing ther city needs. Big Hle The Big Hle was recently purchased by the city in a jint effrt with Larimer Cunty, Clrad, and the Nature Cnservancy. The prperty was identified as an imprtant piece f prperty in the Nature Cnservancy s Muntains t Plains Prject. The Big Hle is n the brder f Clrad and Wyming and was purchased with the intent f preserving scenic beauty, habitat and the unique eclgy f the area. Thugh the prperty is nt within the study area and the uses have yet t be determined, the Big Hle shuld be develped t prvide public access, and managed in a way that emphasizes resurce cnservatin. Use f the prperty shuld be crdinated with Larimer Cunty Clrad and the Nature Cnservancy. In additin, the Big Hle and the Belvir Ranch are lcated adjacent t Red Muntain Ranch, a large pen space prperty in Larimer Cunty, Clrad. The prperties span the state line, creating an imprtant reginal cnnectin fr wild life, pen spaces, and preservatin f scenic vistas and habitat. Opprtunities fr prviding trail cnnectins between the prperties and the tw states shuld be explred. The develpment f Rundtp Park (and Rundtp reservir) is cntingent upn an agreement between the USDA and the City f Cheyenne which wuld allw this site t be legally remved frm the riginal lease. This wuld allw it t cme under full City f Cheyenne cntrl. Shape Page -10. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

18 OPEN SPACE Natural Areas Recmmendatins Practively preserve drainages as natural areas. Cnnect existing natural areas, such as Abscarraca, with ther natural crridrs and pen space. Cntinuus links f pen space are essential t maintain bidiversity links that ensure the genetic health f plant, aquatic, micrbial and wildlife species. Urban develpment that disrupts cnnectins als islates ppulatins and creates unstable eclgical systems. The Cheyenne Parks Master Plan map shws recmmended lcatins fr Natural Areas. Mst f these are lcated alng drainageways, including Dry Creek, Crw Creek, Allisn Draw, Child s Draw, and alng drainages west, suthwest and nrth f the existing City. The City currently wns and maintains 111 acres alng existing Greenway Trail crridrs and in tw islated lcatins (Absarraca and Centennial). Additinal Natural Areas, like Absarraca, are imprtant t preserve and their value wuld be enhanced if cnnected with an pen space crridr t ther habitats. Crw Creek Natural Area alng Drainageway Shape Page -11. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

19 TRAILS Cmmunity-Wide Trail System FUTURE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN Recmmendatins Cntinue develpment f the Cheyenne Greenway and primary multi-purpse trail system Prvide -5 mile trail lps Crdinate Trails with develpment plans and wrk with ther city departments Prvide a natural surface trail alng the suth Cheyenne ridge. Secure right-f-way fr future trail crridrs Investigate pssibilities fr reginal trail cnnectins t the suth and east f Cheyenne. The Plan Fr Trails The Master Plan map shws the visin fr trails thrughut the Cheyenne area. Tw types f trails that are f cmmunity-wide significance are identified n the Master Plan: primary multi-purpse trails and a natural surface trail. The design criteria fr these and additinal trail categries are described in the Structure sectin f this plan. The trail types nt shwn n the Master Plan (secndary multi-purpse trails, neighbrhd trails and sft-surface trails) are imprtant neighbrhd-scale features, and shuld be integrated int specific plans fr develpment thrughut the cmmunity. It is imprtant that these lcal systems cnnect t the larger, cmmunitywide trail system. As summarized in the Snapsht sectin f this plan, the City has been practive in planning fr trails alng drainages, and has an established Greenway Trail system and plan. The Master Plan was created in crdinatin with this plan. This plan shuld cntinue t be implemented, and supplemented with new trails as shwn n the Master Plan. This system f primary, multi-purpse trails, supplemented with the lcal trails systems, will prvide lped rutes fr bicyclists, skaters, walkers, runners and nn-mtrized users f all types. The cmprehensive trail system shuld prvide cnnectins Cheyenne Greenway between residential areas, parks, pen space, schls, recreatinal facilities, cmmercial areas, and ther key destinatins. Apprximately 16 miles f primary multi-purpse trail has been cnstructed thrugh the Cheyenne Greenways prgram. The extent f existing trails is illustrated in Sectin E f the Snapsht sectin f this plan. The Master Plan shws visin fr the entire primary multi-purpse trail system. These lcatins f the trails are cnceptual, and will be defined in mre detail as specific planning is accmplished fr each segment. The Master Plan shws trail spines alng the Natural Areas and Crridrs assciated with primary drainages. These trails shuld be lcated sensitively in an effrt t retain the habitat values f riparian crridrs. Ptential trail crridrs include the Dry Creek crridr t the prpsed sutheast ridge pen space, the Crw Creek crridr, the Allisn Draw crridr, extensin f the Strey Bulevard greenway crridr t make a lp cnnectin with the prpsed Dry Creek crridr, and the railrad crridr frm Dry Creek t the Lgan Avenue area. Threet 5-mile trail lps are prpsed thrugh new develpment areas t cnnect parks, ther trails, and pen space areas t each ther. Other lps and spurs are als prpsed in rder t effectively cnnect neighbrhd parks. Lng trails arund the perimeter f the future develped area f the city cnnect the urban area t destinatins beynd the city limits. Althugh it wuld be desirable t cnnect directly t the High Plains Arbretum n the Shape Page -12. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

20 USDA Grasslands Research Statin, trails are nt shwn thrugh FE Warren because f the security cncerns that this installatin has ver allwing public access thrugh its prperty. A trail segment is shwn that wuld travel suth frm the prpsed reginal park at the USDA Grasslands Research Statin t the prpsed neighbrhd park just nrth f Happy Jack Rad. The trail wuld cntinue suth acrss I-80 t the prpsed West Cheyenne Cmmunity Park. Frm here the trail wuld split, with ne segment lping suth thrugh tw prpsed neighbrhd parks, and the prpsed Upper Allisn Draw Cmmunity Park. It wuld then cntinue nrth, eventually cnnecting with the Allisn Draw Greenway and lead t the prpsed Lwer Allisn Draw Cmmunity Park. A spur wuld als cnnect t a prpsed natural trail within the prpsed pen space near the sutheast ridgeline. The ther split frm the West Cheyenne Cmmunity Park wuld travel nrth t the new David R. Rmer Suth Cheyenne Cmmunity Park, where it wuld cnnect with the Crw Creek Greenway and ther prpsed trails. A trail has als been shwn alng the nrthern edge f the cmmunity, but the majrity f this area has already been planned r actually develped int large-lt residential subdivisins, which may be ptentially prhibitive in the acquisitin f trail right-f-way. The trails shwn n the Master Plan map are Primary Multi-purpse Trails that shuld be publicly accessible. The trail acrss the suthern ridge Cnservatin Area may be an exceptin t this, and culd be a natural surface trail, if this area remains in a natural cnditin. Crdinatin with Transprtatin Prjects Future trails and cnnectins will be crdinated with ther develpment plans, such as the transprtatin plan. Even thugh the exact lcatins f trails cannt be determined until the specific areas are studied in mre detail, the fllwing lcatins have been identified as being critical in crdinating planning and cnstructin with the transprtatin plan: Shape Page -1. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

21 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Indr and Outdr Sprts Facilities Recmmendatins Build a multi-purpse Cmmunity Recreatin Facility that addresses the recmmendatins in the 2005 Recreatin Center Feasibility Study Keep pace with cmmunity needs by cnstructing recreatinal facilities that are needed currently, and cntinuing t cnstruct facilities as the cmmunity grws Examine feasibility f prviding facilities fr nn-traditinal activities The need fr specific recreatinal facilities in parks shuld be determined based n peridic reassessment f the user grups and cmmunity at large. As Cmmunity and Neighbrhd Parks are develped, additinal recreatinal facilities can be develped within them t meet the needs f the grwing ppulatin. Prgrammed recreatinal activities that are geared t the cmmunity at-large, such as sccer, ftball, r baseball/sftball turnament game fields, shuld nt be included in Neighbrhd Parks. Apprpriate facilities and activities in parks are described in Structure. The largest space requirements in Cmmunity Parks are assciated with the prgrammed, athletic sprts fields such as baseball, sftball, ftball, sccer and lacrsse. Neighbrhd Parks shuld cntain multi-purpse field areas t accmmdate yuth and adult practices. Sectin O f the Parks Snapsht chapter describes the number f specific recreatinal facilities that are needed nw and in the future t meet an average level f service. These numbers illustrate average need, as specific levels f service fr Cheyenne fr each type f recreatin facility have never been established. Fr example, Cheyenne currently serves its ppulatin with almst twice as many sftball/baseball fields as ther cmmunities, and 1.5 times as many utdr basketball curts. Cheyenne may decide that it wants t prvide a higher level f service than average, in which case, the numbers f needed facilities wuld be higher than stated belw. Using average levels f service that are being prvided by peer cmmunities, the Cheyenne parks system is deficient with facilities in the fllwing categries: Ftball Fields 2 Full-size gymnasium 1 Tennis curts Swimming pls 1 Ice rink 1 By the year 200, if n facilities have been added t the current parks system, the fllwing additinal facilities will need t be prvided t meet the average level f service fr an anticipated ppulatin f 102,000: Sccer fields 10 Ftball fields 4 Outdr basketball curts 2 Full-size gymnasium 2 Tennis curts 15 Swimming pls Ice rinks Skatebard parks In-line hckey rink 1 In additin t these averages, the need fr additinal sccer and baseball/sftball fields shuld be cnsidered. Average levels f service d nt acknwledge the fact that sme cmmunities are nt adequately meeting the needs f their residents, and are behind n cnstructing cmmunity parks and sprts cmplexes. Many cmmunities target a level f service f 1 field per 000 t 500 peple fr bth f these types f facilities. Using this range, in the year 200 (ppulatin 102,000) Cheyenne wuld need a ttal f an additinal 16 t 21 sccer fields, and 0 t 8 additinal baseball/sftball fields. Many f the needed sccer fields can be accmmdated by cnstructing multi-purpse play fields in neighbrhd parks. Practice ballfields are als apprpriate facilities fr neighbrhd parks. Game fields shuld be limited t Cmmunity Parks and Sprts Cmplexes because f the impact f vehicles and parking. The need fr specific numbers f recreatinal facilities in each park shuld be determined based n peridic reassessment f the user grups and cmmunity at large. Shape Page -14. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

22 The City prepared a Recreatin Feasibility Study in Nvember 2005 fr a multi-purpse recreatin center. The feasibility reprt recmmends a large facility that includes a large warm-water leisure pl, multiple gymnasium space, yuth fitness, bxing, gymnastics center, and rck climbing wall amng ther features. The feasibility reprt als recmmends that the facility be lcated in the nrtheast quadrant f the Sectin 28 cmplex (see pht page 17) due t its central lcatin and availability f space. Additinally, the feasibility reprt recmmends cmbining the Recreatin and Aquatic divisins int ne t streamline efficiency and lwer peratin csts. At tw public meetings and in the mst recent citizen survey frm 2005, the cmmunity has endrsed the cncept f a recreatin center. Sixty-three percent f survey respndents indicated they were in favr f a new Indr recreatin center and f thse, 80% were willing t pay fr it. This Master Plan cncurs with the feasibility reprt that the cmmunity cnstructs the multi-purpse center in a centralized lcatin. Clsing Jhnsn Pl has been recmmended by the feasibility study because it is in need f majr capital repairs t the bath huse and has recently had a small decline in participatin. The Municipal Pl in Lins Park is currently a very imprtant facility fr the City as it currently cntains the nly indr public pl. The future rle f this facility was nt discussed in the feasibility study; hwever, its rle in prviding aquatics activities shuld be evaluated as well. The Aquatics Divisin als manages the Slan s Lake swim beach in Lins Park. The swim beach is an imprtant part f the summer experience in Cheyenne and shuld nly be clsed if the beach develps maintenance prblems that cannt be slved. Althugh applying an average level f service standard results in a deficit f swimming pls in the year 200, mst cmmunities are transitining frm numerus smaller pls t fewer, but larger, multi-activity indr pls. Cnstructing a large leisure pl with slides, lap lanes, and ther features that appeal t a brad spectrum f users, wuld meet the needs f the cmmunity fr the freseeable future. The future f existing indr recreatinal facilities, such as the Old Cmmunity Huse, Neighbrhd Facility and Pineer Park Center, shuld be defined after determining the prgram fr the future multi-purpse recreatin center. In additin t activities that are traditinally prvided by public parks and recreatin agencies, there is demand fr high intensity uses such as paintball, mini-glf, g-carts and BMX bicycling that culd be cnsidered fr inclusin in cnvenient lcatins thrughut the city. One nntraditinal facility, indr paintball, will likely be available t residents as early as January The City shuld investigate pssibilities fr prviding the remaining activities, either privately r as a respnsibility f the City. Pssible lcatins fr cnsideratin include the ld Kiwanis building, the IKON center, and the ld Saddle Tramps facility in Sectin 28. Shape Page -15. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

23 Facility Timeline Shape Page -16. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan

24 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Glf Curses FUTURE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN Recmmendatins Cnduct a specific study n the needs fr additinal glf pprtunities in Cheyenne Implement imprvements t existing glf curses The scpe f this Master Plan des nt include a detailed study n Glf needs in the cmmunity, hwever, thrugh reviewing the Glf Curse Market Analysis prepared in 2001, interviews with staff and public input, this Master Plan des nt recmmend additinal glf curses within the existing City f Cheyenne currently. As mentined in the Snapsht sectin, the feasibility and desirability f a links-style glf curse at the Belvir Ranch shuld be determined thrugh a separate study. Additinally, if the ppulatin almst dubles in 25 years, it is likely that an additinal glf curse culd be supprted within the urban area itself. If the existing level f service (including the FE Warren glf curse) were prvided t a ppulatin f 102,000, the City wuld need an additinal 56 hles f glf (1 glf hle per 797 peple) by 200. The entire state f Wyming prvides 1 glf hle per 617 peple. If this level f service is used, Cheyenne wuld need an additinal 9 hles by 200. This level f service des nt seem t be apprpriate fr Cheyenne, as the Wyming figure includes very small, rural cmmunities that prvide a glf curse because the nearest glf curse is far away. As Cheyenne cntinues t urbanize, a mre apprpriate cmparisn may be the level f service prvided in Clrad, which is 1 hle f glf fr every 105 peple. If this level f service is used, Cheyenne wuld need an additinal 26 hles f glf by 200. Given the ptential range f future needs fr glf in Cheyenne (between 26 and 9 additinal hles) The City shuld cnduct a study specific t glf that determines the shrt and lng terms needs. Imprvements t the existing glf curses are needed and are described in the Snapsht sectin f this plan. Shape Page -17. Future Parks and Recreatin Plan