Canal Winchester Parks Master Plan Public Meeting 2 Thursday, February 2 6:30pm
Meeting Agenda 1. Project overview 2. Project schedule 3. Public input results Survey Public Meeting #1 Stakeholder Interviews Key Takeaways 4. Master Plan Framework Park Specific Recommendations Maintenance New Elements / Amenities
What Is A Parks Master Plan A bluepirnt to be used to guide future improvements to the parks Amenities Programming Maintenance Expansion
How was the plan created? Technically and intuitively informed Technical analysis/site assessments Benchmarking Stakeholder input Public input Best practices
How Will It Be Used? Ensure improvements are Coordinated Planned Budgeting (Capital Improvement Plans) Respond to and or meets public need/sentiment Set the expectation Identify opportunities for public/private collaboration
Now About You
Study of 10 City Parks
[ Park Benchmarks]
Park Benchmarks Standard acres per 1,000 population has not been used since the mid 90 s. This broad-brush approach has been deemphasized because it was found to be too arbitrary and not reflective enough of the nuances of park and open space opportunities and needs associated with individual communities. Comparative analysis against other park agencies may still be useful.
Source: www.nrpa.org
Canal Winchester Park Stats 1. Number of Parks: 12 2. Park Acreage: +/- 272.5 ac 3. 2016 Estimated Population: 7,905 4. Population per square mile: 951.2 people 5. People per Park: 718 people (NPRA: 1,331 people) 6. Park Acres per 1000 People: 34.5 ac (NPRA: 10.5 ac.)
Jurisdiction Type: People Per Sq.Mi. People Per Amenity 2 = 3,952 people per 2 = 3,952 people per 1 = 7,905 people per 4 = 2,635 3 = 2,635 people per
[ Public Meeting 1]
[ Site Assessments]
[ Public Meeting #1] Multiple advertisements, many in the form of digital/social media 1,000 postcards printed and distributed (labor day festival) Five activity stations at the meeting Park specific comments Survey Programming Activity comment cards General comment station
[ Public Meeting #1] Top Themes (Wants) Athletics and Games Playgrounds Bike Paths and Connectivity Nature and Plants Pool / Splashpad Creek/ Water Access Dog Park Security and Staff Shelters/ Facilities Fact! Themes reinforced by community survey.
[ Interviews ]
[ Stakeholder Interviews] 8 interviewees Conducted via phone late October 2017 Key focus was on getting park-specific comments Included: local residents business owners joint recreation district stakeholders former city representatives
[ Stakeholder Interviews] Rock Climbing or Bouldering is an underserved Need a park big enough to host events More paths along the creeks Park upkeep and cleanliness is good, but the amenities need updated. Expand adult and multi-generational activities Improve bike access and park and neighborhood interconnectivity Waterway trails Improve the awareness of the unknown parks Make parks more multi-use, and rentable as destinations. Older demographic seems to not be well represented in park activities (dog parks, more walking trails, volleyball)
[ Survey ]
[ Survey] 848 Online Responses 171 Paper Responses 1,019 Total Responses = 12.8 percent of the total population Average age of respondent = 32 454 responses were age 18 and under
Fact! 53 percent of the population is female
Fact! 37 percent of homes have children under the age of 18 yrs.
Fact! Approx. 40 percent use the parks every week, and approx. 70 monthly.
How would you rate the availability of the following amenities throughout the park system?
Fact! Strong support for the addition of McGill Park.
[Key Takeaways] The following key findings were identified from the public input, existing conditions, and best practices:
1. There is a need and support for a multi-purpose complex
2. The basics are important (benches, tables, trash cans, etc.)
3. The following amenities need consideration when adding or expanding the current parks: Community gardens Dog park Ice skating Bike and walking trails Restrooms Play structures Splashpad
4. Continuity of furnishings should be considered
5. Consistent and upgraded signage and wayfinding is important
6. There is a need for shade structures/trees
7. Consider destination-based activity (eg. Rock-climbing)
8. Plan for multi-generational spaces and activities
9. Expand skatepark and integrate into the existing park
10. A centrally located signature event/community space is important
[ Draft Recommendations]
[ Walnut Creek Park]
Walnut Creek Park Assessment Upgrade trash receptacles Screen portable restroom Upgrade / repair trail markers Park trail map Improve creek access Stakeholders Identity signage and public awareness Opportunity for play structure? Needs bike access from across creek Flood / weather protection; recovery improvement Improved creek access for paddling Public Top 10 Athletics and Games Playgrounds Bike Paths and Connectivity Nature and Plants Pool / Splashpad Creek/ Water Access Dog Park Security and Staff Shelters/ Facilities
Walnut Creek Park Draft Recommendations Maintenance Upgrade trash receptacles Screen portable restroom Upgrade repair trail markers Park trail map Improve creek access Additional Amenities / Features Improve trails surface and drainage (wood, compacted gravel) Dog Park Frisbee Golf
[ Westchester Park]
Westchester Park Assessment Maintenance Upgrade bike parking Add landscaping to buffer restroom enclosure Add shade trees There is an approved park master plan that is part of the development text for the neighborhood Additional Amenities / Features See approved HOA master plan future improvements must follow approved plan Stakeholders Open lawn could serve other activities. Frisbee golf Very busy, could use more/ updated types of play structures Needs permanent restrooms Water drinking, restrooms More benches Bike racks Shelter house Trailhead for biking loop Public Top 10 Athletics and Games Playgrounds Bike Paths and Connectivity Nature and Plants Pool / Splashpad Creek/ Water Access Dog Park Security and Staff Shelters/ Facilities
Westchester Park
Westchester Park Draft Recommendations Maintenance Additional Amenities / Features Upgrade bike parking Compacted gravel trail through woods Add landscaping to buffer restroom 2-3 pavilions / shade structures enclosure Expanded parking Add shade trees Expand play structure (nature play) There is an approved park master plan that is part of the development text for the neighborhood
[ Kelley Preserve]
Kelley Preserve Assessment Maintenance Upgrade benches Repair trail marker bollards Clean up graffiti Trail maintenance/improvements Signage Additional Amenities / Features Parking Stakeholders Improve trails/ keep clear Provide put-in/ take-out pad for paddling Better identity signage and visibility Park map Wayfinding to future park (short-cut bike and walk route) Improve creek access (for people wading and for boats) Some parking Maintain character ability to get lost in nature Public Top 10 Athletics and Games Playgrounds Bike Paths and Connectivity* Nature and Plants Pool / Splashpad Creek/ Water Access* Dog Park Security and Staff Shelters/ Facilities
Kelley Preserve Draft Recommendations Maintenance Upgrade benches Repair trail marker bollards Trail maintenance/improvements Additional Amenities / Features Identity signage Compacted gravel trails Parking Creek access / boat launch area Outdoor classroom / Environmental education
[ Roger Hanners Recreation Fields]
Roger Hanners Recreation Fields Assessment Maintenance Repaired ruts along drives Clean up graffiti at skate park New trash receptacle at skatepark Add benches to small diamond dugouts Shade canopy for large diamond dugouts Repair bull-pens Repair infield turf edges Upgrade lighting for safety purposes Additional parking Additional Amenities / Features TBD based on stakeholder and public input Stakeholders Expand and improve skate park Permanent restrooms Lights for ball fields Expand parking grass field used for parking is not suitable for athletics Avoid expanding recreational baseball and soccer fields due to overlap with schools and churches consider mix-use fields (McGill?); tournament baseball ok to expand Public Top 10 Athletics and Games Playgrounds Bike Paths and Connectivity* Nature and Plants Pool / Splashpad Creek/ Water Access* Dog Park Security and Staff Shelters/ Facilities*
Roger Hanners Recreation Fields Draft Recommendations Maintenance Repaired ruts along drives New trash receptacle at skatepark Add benches to small diamond dugouts Shade canopy for large diamond dugouts Repair bull-pens Repair infield turf edges Upgrade lighting for safety purposes Additional Amenities / Features Additional parking Enhance skatepark Modular restroom
[ Guiler Park]
Guiler Park Assessment Maintenance Enhance landscaping / buffering to the street and to the residential side (Iowa Pines) Upgrade pea-gravel amphitheater base Repair warped picnic table tops New signage Better pedestrian access from the pool and to Old Town coming along North of the pool Upgrade signage Additional Amenities / Features TBD Stakeholders Expand basketball (here or somewhere else) and add lights to extend hours and keep kids out of trouble Permanent Restroom Update equipment and play structure Add another pavilion Keep mulch in play areas maintained Relocate basketball and expand parking Small amphitheater does not appear to be well used repurpose the space Public Top 10 Athletics and Games Playgrounds* Bike Paths and Connectivity* Nature and Plants Pool / Splashpad Creek/ Water Access* Dog Park Security and Staff Shelters/ Facilities**
Guiler Park Draft Recommendations Maintenance Additional Amenities / Features Enhance landscape buffering Re-master plan Park Upgrade peagravel amphitheater base Upgrade furnishings (trash, picnic, bench) Improve pedestrian access from the pool and to Old Town coming along North of the pool Efficient Parking Splashpad Enahanced Play structure New Signage
Guiler Park
Guiler Park
Guiler Park
[ Municipal Pool]
Municipal Pool Assessment Maintenance Parking lot paving repair Enhance buffering Additional bike parking Additional shade Stakeholders Most stakholders had no comments for changes/ improvements cited a well-run facility, clean, and a good bargain for the activity it provides. Add classes expand to include adults and seniors; aqua-aerobics Remove climbing wall Public Top 10 Athletics and Games Playgrounds* Bike Paths and Connectivity* Nature and Plants Pool / Splashpad Creek/ Water Access* Dog Park Security and Staff Shelters/ Facilities**
Municipal Pool Draft Recommendations Maintenance Additional Amenities / Features Parking lot paving repair Enhance buffering Additional bike parking Cluster gathering areas; eg. Cabanas, teen area, etc. Additional shade New Signage
[ Stradley Place]
Stradley Place Assessment See Downtown Area Plan Stakeholders Convert green field to parking for downtown; still useable for festivals Dog park Public restroom Small pavilion at edge of green space Improve lawn area design for flex-use Public Top 10 Athletics and Games Playgrounds* Bike Paths and Connectivity* Nature and Plants Pool / Splashpad Creek/ Water Access* Dog Park Security and Staff Shelters/ Facilities***
Stradley Place Draft Recommendations Additional Amenities / Features See Downtown Area Plan
[ Howe Pond]
Howe Pond Assessment Maintenance Improve benches Improve circulation around pond Add shade gathering pavilion Trees Trash receptacles Add/ identify parking Park identity signage from main roadways Pier or Dock Stakeholders Most stakeholders were not aware of this park Improve visibility from main roads Improve signage to make clear its for public use. Provide more information on city websites and social media Public Top 10 Athletics and Games Playgrounds* Bike Paths and Connectivity* Nature and Plants Pool / Splashpad Creek/ Water Access** Dog Park Security and Staff Shelters/ Facilities****
Howe Pond Draft Recommendations Maintenance Additional Amenities / Features Improve benches Add shade gathering pavilion Improve circulation around pond Trees Improve aeration/ fountain Trash receptacles Add/ identify parking Park identity signage from main roadways Pier or Dock
Howe Pond
[ Pfeifer Park]
Pfeifer Park Assessment Engage neighborhood to determine specific wants/ needs for this space. Stakeholders Most stakeholders were not aware of this park Adjacent neighbors should guide direction for this park. Not really any other walkable open space near this neighborhood, could be place for small walking path, kids play structure Dog park Public Top 10 Athletics and Games Playgrounds* Bike Paths and Connectivity* Nature and Plants Pool / Splashpad Creek/ Water Access** Dog Park Security and Staff Shelters/ Facilities****
Pfeifer Park Draft Recommendations None
[ Busey Road Park]
Busey Road Park Assessment Pave drive and parking areas Repair gravel trails; drainage and erosion control Add trash receptacles Addition of bird houses Upgrade mulch trails to compacted gravel Addition of historical structures as this is owned and maintained by Violet Township Stakeholders Most stakeholders were not aware of this park Frisbee golf location? Public Top 10 Athletics and Games Playgrounds* Bike Paths and Connectivity** Nature and Plants* Pool / Splashpad Creek/ Water Access** Dog Park Security and Staff Shelters/ Facilities****
Busey Road Park Draft Recommendations Maintenance Additional Amenities / Features Pave drive and parking areas Addition of historical structures (support from Violet Township) Repair gravel trails; drainage and Add trash receptacles erosion control Addition of bird houses Upgrade mulch trails to compacted Signage gravel
[ Canal Lands]
Canal Lands
Canal Lands Group Recommendations/ Priorities Replace broken bollards; use style without extended hand-holds Implement city plan for bike path extension
[ McGill Park]
McGill Park