2012-2016 Town of Dyer Indiana Parks and Recreation master plan

Town of Dyer 2012-2016 Comprehensive Park and Recreation Master Plan

Town of Dyer, Indiana Parks and Recreation Department

5 Year Plan

2012 - 2016


Index

Mission Statement/Plan Overview.....................................................................................3 Goals of the Plan .................................................................................................................4 Park Board/Department Information ................................................................................5 Planning Area ......................................................................................................................6 History of Dyer/Parks Dept ..................................................................................................7-8 Parks and Recreation ..........................................................................................................9 Location ................................................................................................................................10 Natural Features/Landscape .............................................................................................11 Demographics .....................................................................................................................12-13 Master Plan Development .................................................................................................14-15 Community Needs Assessment Results .............................................................................16-19 Public Input ...........................................................................................................................20 Previous Efforts ......................................................................................................................21-22 Establishment of Park Board ...............................................................................................23-29 Park Map...............................................................................................................................30 Site Inventory/Goals/Accessibility .....................................................................................31-34 Assurance of Compliance .................................................................................................35 Costs/Target Dates ..............................................................................................................56 Individual Park Sites Inventory ............................................................................................36-65 Action Plan ..........................................................................................................................66-67 Funding Recommendation/Priorities ................................................................................68-69 Recreational Activities/Demand Analysis ........................................................................70-72 Master Plan Public Input Final Review and Comment ...................................................72 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................73 Resolution Adopting Master Plan ......................................................................................74


Mission Statement The Dyer Parks & Recreation Department strives to provide and maintain quality recreation facilities, parks and programs which enhance the physical, social and emotional well-being of all the citizens of the Town of Dyer. It is vital that the Parks and Recreation Department be responsive to the leisure and recreational needs of its citizens. Park Board Goals and Objectives The Dyer Park board has been created under Indiana statute to, among other items, exercise general supervision of and make rules for the department along with establishing rules governing the use of the parks and facilities by the public. Master Plan Overview The last Master Plan conducted by the Town of Dyer Park and Recreation Department was facilitated and designed by an outside planning firm. The current Park Board felt confident enough in their knowledge of the process to save the residents of Dyer some $30,000 and do the Master Plan “in house.” The primary goal of this plan is to enhance the community by providing indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages and interests.

The timeframe or life of this plan is short by design to complete realistic goals and seek vital improvements to the park lands and recreational offerings within the 5 year planning horizon. The Town of Dyer has grown in size and stature, and with this growth comes the expectation of providing an acceptable level of service in recreational opportunities, parks, trails and open space. To start this plan, the Park Board started by seeking resident input by mailing a survey to all residents of Dyer. Following the survey, the board held a series of 3 public input meetings – one specifically inviting local youth sports group leaders. The public input meetings, although advertised in local papers, on the town website, using Facebook and by publishing dates in a town mailing sent to resident homes, were not highly attended.

Mission Statement/Overview


The intent of the Park Board and the current Town Council is to make current parks and the Central Park a focal point for the Town of Dyer. Resident input supports this vision. The three vision statements that were generated early on in the process were as follows:

1) To make the move towards more centrally located larger parks.

2) To explore opportunities for an indoor athletic facility and outdoor aquatic facility.

3) To create more walking/biking paths within the town creating more recreational outlets for all of Dyer residents, not just youth.

These are important to consider as the plan is molded because they reflect many of the public’s ideas as to the future direction of the agency. Several administrative goals are included in the following sections that have the power to transform the agency. Three key recommendations include;

1) Look for ways that Dyer Park facilities can be self-supporting financially yet affordable to residents.

2) Look at getting rid of/auctioning off duplicate park properties that are too concentrated in one area to free up operating dollars to fund other park improvements.

3) In a time of governmental budget cuts, to find alternative ways to fund park improvements in the way of resident involvement, grants and donations.

Finally, the plan needs to be clear, concise and focused on common sense solutions that can be implemented with notable improvements in a short amount of time. Second, it needs to have the voice of the public and third, it needs to be creative in steps to maximize revenue sources to allow reinvestment into the agency allowing for growth within the department to happen. This is how to measure success for the future of parks and recreation in Dyer.

Executive Summary

Goals Of The Plan


2012 Dyer Town Council: Jeff Dekker, President Joseph Cinko, Vice-President Debbie Astor, Member Mary Tanis, Member Connee Trepton, Member 2012 Dyer Park & Recreation Board: John Eagan, President appointed through Dec. 31, 2013 Mike Kapitan, Vice-President appointed through Dec. 31, 2012 Theresa Scherzinger, Executive Secretary appointed through Dec. 31, 2014 Cathy Lareau, Member appointed through Dec. 31, 2015 Debbie Astor, Town Council Liaison William T. Enslen, Attorney to the Board Department Administrative Staff: Mark Heintz, CPRP, Director of Parks & Recreation Andrea Daliege, Recreation Supervisor Lorraine Copenhaver, Clerk Dyer Parks & Recreation Department: 1 Town Square Dyer, IN 46311 Phone: 219-865-2505 Fax: 219-865-4233 E-mail: [email protected] www.townofdyer.com/parks

The Park Board

The Board of Parks and Recreation is composed of four members, each who is appointed by the Dyer Town Council for a 4 year term. The terms are staggered with one seat expiring every year. The Park Board meets monthly on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Dyer Town Hall in the Town Hall Main Meeting Room. The Board also conducts a study session on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Dyer Town Hall in the Town Hall Main Meeting Room. At its monthly meeting, the Board approves claims and payments, makes policy and operation decisions, approves requests for use of parks facilities and receives an update from the director on day to day department activity. The meetings are open to the public and the public is encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback.

Park Board/Department Information

http://www.townofdyer.com/parks�


Location The Town of Dyer is located in northwest Indiana in the western portion of St. John Township in Lake County. Dyer borders the Illinois communities of Lynwood, Sauk Village and Crete. The Dyer service area consists of the Illinois border to the west, the Town of Schererville to the east, the Town of Munster to the north and unincorporated St. John Township to the south. U.S. Route 30 traverses the Town from east to west. In recent years the Sheffield Avenue/Hart Street has become a secondary north-south corridor through Dyer. The long awaited Calumet Avenue extension (from Main Street on the north end of Dyer to Route 30 in the middle of Dyer) has become the main north-south corridor with high traffic counts. Accessibility Dyer is located 20 miles southeast of Chicago, Illinois. Illinois Route 394 is two miles to the west, Interstate 80/94 is 9 miles to the north and Interstate 65 is ten miles to the east. There is no public bus system in Dyer except for a commuter bus system from a park and ride lot that goes to Chicago twice a day. The St. John Township does offer a transportation program for senior citizens. Triple A Express is an available taxi service to Dyer residents. Air transportation is available from Gary (IN) Regional Airport, Lansing (IL) Regional Airport, Midway International and O’Hare International Airports (Chicago). Dyer is located approximately 15 miles south of Lake Michigan. Amtrak trains from Indianapolis to Chicago stop twice daily in Dyer utilizing the north-south CSX railroad line. Dyer also is crossed by the Canadian National line which runs from east to west.

Customers The Dyer Parks and Recreation department services the residents of the Town of Dyer’s corporate limits as the main consumer base. Non-residents from surrounding communities and unincorporated areas of St. John Township are also served through the parks and programs offered by Dyer Parks and Recreation. In this situation the department is making Dyer a destination for recreation. For programs, non-residents are charged a higher fee since none of their property tax supports the Town services. The unincorporated area of St. John Township with a Dyer, Indiana zip code are even mailed the seasonal activity guides since they are not within any municipal parks and recreation area.

Planning Area


In approximately 1830, permanent settlers came to Northwest Indiana, which at that time was home to the Pottawatomie Indians under Chief Pokagan. These early settlers were primarily Prussian farmers, but also included carpenters, millers, masons, shoemakers, saloon keepers and a doctor. Between 1830 and 1910, the Dyer community remained unincorporated. On January 24, 1910, citizens of Dyer decided by a vote of 57 to 35 to incorporate as a town under the laws of the State of Indiana. The Town of Dyer was formally incorporated on February 8, 1910. The town was divided into three districts or wards so that a trustee might be elected from each of the wards. In 1915, the Municipal Water Utility was established, and the Fire Department was established shortly thereafter. The first Town Meeting was held on March 10, 1919 in a store building at 229 Joliet Street. Population of the town has steadily increased. In 1893, it is reported that the town had a population of 250 people. In 1910, it had 500; and by 1950 it reached 1,556. Growth of the town by 1960 reached 3,993. The Schilling’s Subdivision brought the count to 4,496 in a special census in 1968, and by 1970 there were 4,778 residents. By 1975, there were 7,396; the1980 census listed the town at 9,555; the 1990 census listed the town at 10,923; the 2000 census listed the town at 13,895; and as of the 2010 census, there were 16,390 Dyer residents. The parks and recreation department for the Town of Dyer was created by ordinance 819 which is contained in this plan. Ordinance 819 created a board of parks and recreation comprised of four members who were deemed to be

residents of the Town of Dyer for at least three years prior to becoming members. The responsibilities of the board delineated in Ordinance 819 were specified as performing “all acts necessary to acquire and develop sites and facilities ant to such programs as are generally understood to be park and recreation functions.” Between 1972 and 2000, the new parks and recreation board began its mission of providing services by acquiring and developing Northgate, Pheasant Hills, Autumn Chase, Sandy Ridge, Green Meadows, Sheffield Estates, Cottonwood, Veterans and Elmer Miller parks. In the past decade, the Parks and Recreation department has accepted donation of park land and now maintains Mallard Cove Park (on a lease from the Gary Diocese), the Hearthstone/Village Circle park property, Eberly Park (expected to be donated by the developer soon) and also holds the largest new piece of property for Central Park, which was purchased in 2006 by the Redevelopment Commission of Dyer for use as a park. The board also hired a full time Director of Parks and Recreation to administer the department. Additionally in 2006 a full time Recreation Supervisor was added to oversee all activities. Recreation grew as facilities permitted, largely utilizing space in the local schools for athletic programs and any other space in the community as room was available for instructional and children’s programs including outside in the parks. In 2001, the Dyer Parks and Recreation Department adopted a five year Parks and Recreation Master Plan as a guide to

History of Dyer Parks and Recreation


“determine and shape the future” of the department. Park and recreation board members who served during the plan’s development and adoption in 2001 were Pat Schwoegler, Mary McShane, Susan Grelewicz, and Don Schultz. In February of 2007 an entire new Park Board, made up of Tim Ring, Gary Sprigg, Kelly Jackson and Sheri Gill, approved the 2007 - 2011 master plan which was assembled by an outside consultant. Challenges facing the department in 2006 primarily included meeting the parks and recreation needs of Dyer’s citizens. Challenges also included restructuring the department to focus on its mission mandated in Ordinance 819. By 2006 the function of maintaining Dyer’s parks had been made a function of the public works department. This was done to make the Town of Dyer maintenance more efficient. In this situation all maintenance is done under the realm of one department and not split among a number of departments. In addition, local communities surrounding Dyer had advanced their parks and recreation services to a position where, if the quality of life in Dyer were to remain competitive with other Northwest Indiana communities, a new master plan would need to be developed. The Park Board has seen a large amount of turnover in the past 10 years which makes it difficult to ensure follow through on a 5 year Master Plan. The 2001-2005 master plan was really the spark for acquiring additional park land and for doing the first ever bond issue strictly for park system capital improvements. That master plan did this by justifying the need

for additional park space and capital funding. A huge step for the Town’s park system came when the Redevelopment Commission purchased a 77 acre property as the future Central Park and the Park Board obtaining a $4.5 million bond. The bond was obtained in large part to make initial improvements at Central Park and included smaller improvements in other Dyer parks. A variety of delays in the development of Central Park led to monies being allocated to a variety of parks in Dyer. The bond issue funds were spent on much needed improvements at Northgate Park, Pheasant Hill Park, Veterans Park and Plum Creek Center (a small indoor recreational facility). System wide improvements were made by purchasing a mobile stage, a recreation program registration system and technological equipment upgrades. Preparations for development of Central Park also occurred which included demolition of the former house, barn, other farm structures and the initial seeding of the 77 acre property. That work was followed by construction of a drainage swale along the east and north ends of the park and then followed by development of a 120 space parking lot and three ball fields. The final funds from the bond issue will begin development of the west entrance and parking lot in 2012. You will see in pages 36-64 the status of current parks done as an inventory by the Park Board as well as information on recent improvements completed as a result of the Park Bond.


The Town of Dyer’s Parks and Recreation Department The Town of Dyer’s Park and Recreation Department for many years was an afterthought. As the residential population of Dyer grew so did the desire for more and better parks. Over the last 10+ years the department has undergone massive improvements which have upgraded the community parks and even purchased the largest park property to meet the need for additional park space. Dyer’s Parks and Recreation department operates through two key components; 1) recreational offerings, and 2) capital plan development. This master plan is an effort to define the continuing needs of the department to support the requirement for additional capital funding. The big absence in making the Parks and Recreation Department a cohesive department is the fact that, with the exception of the 2006 Park Bond, limited dollars have been spent on capital improvements in the past and funding for such improvements in the future is a crucial objective. For enhanced recreational opportunities and improved quality of life additional resources will be needed. This chapter will address both the parks and recreation programming as found today. The town currently has 22 park sites. The acquisition of Central park in 2006 has really become the cornerstone for developing the Town’s park system to enhance recreational opportunity and improve the quality of life.

The Hearthstone half of the Hearthstone/Village Circle Park was accepted by the Park Board in December, 2011. Eberly Park and the Village Circle side of Hearthstone/Village Circle Park are developer donations that have been pledged but not transferred into the park system, although both transfers are expected to be completed early in 2012 or shortly thereafter. In order to develop planning initiatives to meet the future recreational requirements of Dyer, it is pivotal to study these future and existing parks and facilities. For this plan, the developer donation sites are treated as already being part of the Dyer park inventory. An inventory and analysis provides the framework for reinvestment into the spaces and the need to add additional park land for future development. It is the essential first step to determine the constraining influences which will affect the overall park system. The planning area was broken down into two sub-sections, North and South with US Route 30 as the dividing line. In many ways, this is both a physical boundary as well as cultural boundary that have affected the town. The southern portion of town, which has more recently developed, has a lack of parkland and amenities compared to the northern, or older, portion of the town. The parks in the inventory were arranged into different classifications. The Park System Level of Service is included in this section which illustrates these classifications and the service radius they cover in town.


Location Map Dyer is located along the Illinois state line in Lake County, Indiana, 15 miles south of Lake Michigan and 30 miles southeast of downtown Chicago. The town covers approximately six square miles. Neighboring communities include Munster to the north, Schererville to the east, and unincorporated St. John Township to the south. The Illinois state line comprises Dyer’s entire western border. Two of Dyer’s subdivisions, Briar Ridge and Briar Cove, both span Dyer and adjacent Schererville. U. S. Highway 30 is the main east-west thoroughfare through town. Calumet Avenue is the main north-south thoroughfare. Dyer is within minutes of I-80/94, I-294, I-90 (the Indiana Toll Road), I-65, and Illinois 394. Commuter rail service is provided in nearby communities by Metra and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (South Shore Rail). Within Dyer, Amtrak provides daily service to Chicago and Indianapolis. Freight rail service is provided through town. Bus service is available to both O’Hare and Midway airports at a stop in Highland, Indiana which is approximately 4 miles away.

Location


The oldest parts of Dyer are located along US Route 30 also known as Lincoln Highway. This roadway is built upon one of the oldest trails crossing northwest Indiana, Sauk Trail. The trail was used by Native Americans and early settlers to travel east-west across Indiana and Illinois. Any remnants of Sauk Trail were built over long ago when US Route 30 was originally paved and then widened in the 1990’s. as an alternative east-west corridor to Interstate 80. The topography of Dyer is generally level to gently sloping with an average elevation of 640 feet above sea level. The soil classification for Dyer lies in the Valparaiso Moraine section in Lake County, Indiana. The Town of Dyer drains to the Little Calumet River leading to the Des Plaines, Illinois and eventually into the Mississippi River. There are few bodies of standing water in town. Plum Creek runs North-South through town and has potential to provide access to it or alongside it. The largest body of water is in Pheasant Hills Park. It functions as a retention pond that absorbs offsite flow through the adjacent neighborhood. There are no significant geological features known to date and the natural features found throughout the town could be classified as neutral to impact of the recreational properties associated with this plan. The natural tree canopy of the town has been varied through the years due to many different types of development, including agricultural. The remaining trees are mostly mixed hardwood shade trees with a variety of volunteer and structured plantings throughout town. Constructed Features

There are several major constructed features that have affected the town. The largest of these include the Lincoln Highway. By the 1920’s significant attention was focused on Dyer when an Experimental model highway was constructed stretching three miles, traveling east-west from Dyer to Schererville. It was dubbed the “Ideal Section of Lincoln Highway”. Currently, U.S. Route 30 traverses the United States and is known as the Lincoln Highway. Dyer is the entranceway to Indiana on this historic highway. The remaining features include the Amoco Pipeline, Calumet Avenue Extension, Railroads and St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare System. The following is a short description of each;

1. Amoco Pipeline: A petroleum pipeline traverses the northwest corner of Dyer could be a corridor for future trail development. 2. Calumet Avenue Extension: Calumet Avenue is the major thoroughfare traveling north-south. It has had a significant impact to the town in all aspects of town life from transportation to economic development. 3. Railroads: There are two sets of active tracks that cross Dyer and one vacated set which has been targeted for a possible rails-to-trails corridor. The east-west vacated line is included on the NIRPC priority corridor system as a potential tie in to the Old Plank Road trail in Illinois. 4. St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center– South Campus: The hospital located in Dyer is a major employer and land holder with the town.

Natural Features and Landscape


According to the 2010 Census there are 16,390 people residing in the town of Dyer, making the population density of 2,731.67 people per square mile.

There are 6,125 housing units at an average density of 1,020.83 per square mile. The median value of owner occupied housing units is $197,400.

The racial makeup of Dyer, considered a bedroom community in the Chicago Metropolitan area, is made up primarily of Caucasian residents.

As of 2009, the median income for a household in the town was $76,599. The estimated per capita income for the town was $34,275. Both figures are higher than the average for the state of Indiana.

Only about 0.7% of families and 1.2% of the population were estimated to be below the poverty line.

The average persons per household is 2.76 which slightly higher than the 2.49 average for the state of Indiana.

The education level for person 25 years of age and older shows 93.7% hold at least at high school diploma while 29.9% hold a Bachelors Degree or higher.

Analysis of Demographics

From a programming standpoint, the direction of the department has somewhat changed in the last 10+ years. Previously the direction for the department was to concentrate on programs for youth (ages 0-18). However, new home building has tapered off in the last 10 years and the community’s population has changed. There is a desire for more and more adult programming and facilities as the youth category figures have decreased. While youth and early childhood programs will still be offered efforts are being made to offer more adult activities and facilities.

Since the department has been started programs are offered but only exist when participant fees cover all expenses associated with the program. As a mid-

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100.00%

Racial MakeUp

Racial MakeUp

Population Age

Under 5 yrs.

Under 18 yrs.

Over 65 yrs.

18 - 64 yrs.

Demographics – Social/Economic


high income level community, Dyer is able to offer some programs that may not be considered affordable in some communities with lower income levels.

As for facilities, Dyer has seen a growth in population and median income level over the last 20+ years. This change along with the desire for more and improved park and recreation facilities has led the Town to make big strides in the last 10 years. In 2006, the first ever bond issue strictly for parks, was approved. That bond issue was done for the maximum allowed by the State statute which has invested approximately $4.5 million in the Dyer parks system since then. This capital funding helped update a number of parks as well as initial improvements at a few of the newer park properties in Dyer. Also in 2006, one of the largest remaining undeveloped properties in Town was acquired for a Central Park (77 acres) at a price of over $5 million. That purchase would not have been made possible without community support. The Town of Dyer’s Redevelopment Commission issued those bonds to pay for that acquisition.

Dyer’s recent past is indicative of being willing and able to pay for improvements which are desired by the community. As the final dollars from the first bond issue are spent there is already talk of another bond issue to continue park improvements and goals within this plan. While the community accepts paying for additional improvements it is commonly accepted that a future bond issue for parks would not be done until the current one is paid off. This is in tune with the concept that was stated at the onset of the initial bond issue. The first bond issue would have an initial tax increase but to avoid future ones

and keep that levy the same that another bond issue would be done as the first one expires. This ‘revolving bond issue’ concept would help to keep the parks from falling into disrepair and also help fund any further new improvements to the system.

Dyer has long desired a Community Center as a facility to act as a ‘community gathering place’. Within such a facility there is a desire for activity space for all ages including possible fitness, aquatic, early childhood, senior, gymnasium and associated office space. Space for such a community gathering place has been set aside at the Central Park property and may even need to be more than just a community center to make it survive. A ‘Town Center’ with all of the amenities of a community center and a Town Hall might be an even better facility. Such a facility would help meet the need for programming space and the desire for a community center.


The Town of Dyer advocated a process of public participation that was central to the development of the individual park site plans that make up the Comprehensive Park and Recreation Master Plan.

This master plan process included the following steps; 1. Information Gathering & Project Start-Up 2. Community Input and Public Stakeholder Involvement. Specific questions from a community survey for the park system as well as three public meetings to gather ideas at the beginning of the process. 3. Analysis of existing conditions through a site inventory study and discussions with staff. 4. Extensive study sessions by the Park Board to take survey results, public input meeting results and park board representatives to put together an action plan for park improvements. 5. Development of preliminary recommendations. 6. Development of final site plans with recommendations, cost and implementation strategy. 7. Park Board approval of master plan report.

The intent of the Park Board and the Town Council is to focus efforts on developing Central Park while at the same time keeping up-to-date with the other park sites. Resident input supports this vision.

The three vision statements that were generated early on in the process were as follows:

1) To move towards more centrally located larger parks.

2) To explore opportunities for an indoor athletic facility and aquatic facility.

3) To create more walking/biking paths within the town, not just within the parks, creating more recreational outlets for all Dyer residents, not just youth.

These are important to consider as the plan is molded because they reflect many of the public’s ideas as to the future direction of the agency. Several administrative goals are included in the following sections that have the power to transform the agency. Four key recommendations include;

1) Look for ways that Dyer Park facilities can be self-supporting financially yet affordable to residents.

2) Look at getting rid of/auctioning off duplicate park properties that are

Public Participation/Development of the Master Plan

Goals Of The Plan


too concentrated in one area to free up operating dollars to fund other park maintenance/improvements.

3) In a time of governmental budget cuts, to find alternative ways to fund park improvements in the way of resident involvement, grants, donations, sponsorships and naming rights.

4) Ensuring the east-west rail corridor, immediately adjacent to the south end of Central Park, is included on the Regional Planning Commission’s priority corridor map for transportation enhancement opportunities. This corridor could connect the Pennsy Greenway in Schererville to the Old Plank Trail in Illinois through Dyer.

It is the goal of the current Park Board and leadership to create a plan that is clear, concise and focused on common sense solutions that can be implemented with notable improvements in a short amount of time. Second, the plan needs to have the voice of the public and put into action those requests. Finally, it needs to be creative in steps to maximize revenue sources to allow reinvestment into the

agency allowing for growth within the department to happen. This is how to measure success for the future of parks and recreation in Dyer. On the following pages are charts and tables of information gathered through the public survey portion of the planning process.

The public input survey was mailed to all Town of Dyer residents in July, 2011. Residents were also given the opportunity to complete the survey online by going to the Town of Dyer website.

Executive Summary


Community Needs Assessment Results The Town of Dyer Park and Recreation Department Community needs assessment was mailed to all residents in July, 2011 in the monthly newsletter which accompanies each Town utility bill. Following is a summary of the needs assessment. Approximately 6,000 utility bills are mailed out and there were a total of 402 questionnaires returned for a response rate of 6.7%.

For those that visited the parks, which parks or buildings did they visit was asked. As one would expect, the community level parks were the most visited parks in the last year. On average, three out of every five people visited Pheasant Hills Park and Northgate Park in the last year. Elmer Miller Park, while not officially a community level park was the next highest at about one of every five people. 14% of the Town indicated they have visited Plum Creek Center. For a building that opened less than two years ago it has already become a destination for rentals and for a number of the parks and recreation department programs.

Did members of your household use Dyer parks in the last year?

Yes 84%

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70

Pheasant Hills Park

Northgate Park

Elmer Miller Park

Plum Creek Center

Other Autumn Chase Park

Sandy Ridge Park

Green Meadows

Park

Most popular used parks or buildings (percentage of responses)


The following chart shows the most popular park amenities that people use when visiting the parks. More than half of all questionnaires indicated pathways were the most popular amenities in the parks while playground equipment was marked as the most used on just under half of all questionnaires. Convenience amenities of restrooms and drinking fountains were indicated on about one out of every three returned surveys. Athletic fields and picnic shelters were indicated on one of every four questionnaires.

The needs assessment asked how patrons rate the overall general conditions of park facilities. Nearly 73% of the respondents indicated the general park conditions to be good or excellent.

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60

Most popular used parkamenities (percentage of responses)

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60

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Know

General Park Conditions Rating


The Town of Dyer recently purchased a 77 acre tract of land for a future Central Park. Respondents were asked, as the park develops what type of amenities you would like to see at that park in the future.

One question asked whether anyone participated in a recreational program in the last 12 months and a follow up question asked the opinion as to whether or not the department offers a wide enough variety of programs. The answers to these two related questions seem to imply that most people are happy with the variety of programs but for various reasons they don’t participate in them. This may support the argument that the times/days that programs are offered, which is typically dictated by availability of facilities, are not convenient enough. A Community Center for such activities can offer the programs at times/days that more people find convenient.

05

101520253035404550

Future Central Park Amenities (percentages of responses)

Household participation in dept. programs

Yes (26%)

No (73%)

no answer (1%)

Wide enough variety of programs

Yes (71.4%)

No (15.7%)

no answer (12.9%)


The age demographic for the households that submitted a needs assessment is interesting to see and so is the length of time people that people have lived in the Town of Dyer. The combined three youngest age groups add to 30%. At that point there are almost equal thirds to the age demographic for Dyer (1-19 yrs. 30%, 20-49 yrs. 37%, 50+, 33%). This breakdown shows diversity in the age populations in Dyer and because of it the department should keep in mind all ages when planning parks, facilities and programs.

Ages

Ages 1-6 (11%)

Ages 7-12 (10%)

Ages 13-19 (9%)

Ages 20-49 (37%)

Ages 50 + (33%)

Length of time living in Dyer

less than 3 yrs.(6.0%)

3-5 years (12.7%)

6-10 years (17.4%)

over 10 years (63.2%)


Public Participation Meetings

The Park Board also held a series of public input meetings in the main meeting room at Town Hall which were publicized in the monthly town newsletter, in the local newspapers and on the town website urging resident participation.

The first of these meetings was geared specifically to the local sports organizations with personal invitations being sent to each group encouraging their input. Invitation letters were direct mailed to local special interest groups including Dyer Kickers Soccer Club, Dyer Little League Baseball, Dyer Babe Ruth Baseball and Dyer Girls Softball.

The first meeting, Oct. 12, 2011 had three residents attend including a representative from Dyer Kickers Soccer Club. A Babe Ruth Baseball representative and a Dyer Girls Softball representative did not attend but did communicate via email and later met with staff regarding the master plan. The second meeting, Oct. 18, 2011 had no attendance while the third meeting, Oct. 25, 2011 had three residents attend. The three meetings were not well attended, however, the smaller groups allowed for a lot of dialogue between the residents and those involved in creating this plan. The discussions typically involved sharing with people the future master plan for various parks. The development of Central Park interested everyone and is considered to be a central community meeting place as the Town of Dyer fully develops in the years to come.

The Park Board could interpret the lack of attendance at the public meetings one of two ways: 1) the residents are happy with the way parks have been developing or 2) there is no interest in how the parks in Dyer are developed. Considering that a lot of effort was given to advertise the meetings, that surveys were already collected from earlier in the fall and a lot of improvements have been made to the park system in the past six years the Board believes that improvements are targeting the most needed areas.

A total of 402 written surveys returned showed a definite interest in the parks program in Dyer which is approximately a 7% response rate. Compilation results show that residents are reasonably happy with the current state of parks in Dyer, however, they did include ideas of ways to improve/expand the park system in the Town of Dyer. During the public input meetings, residents were surprised at how low the Parks budget and the percentage of that money was consumed by salaries and maintaining our current parks (ie. mowing and maintenance). However Dyer is in line with the 2012 PRORAGIS report that NRPA assembled. The table below shows the comparison of that report versus Dyer’s parks and recreation operating fund. Budget Percentiles: PRORAGIS* DYER Personnel 56% 57% Operations 37% 43% Capital 6% 0% Other 1% 0% *2012 NRPA PRORAGIS STUDY


At a time across the state of Indiana and especially in Lake County, where all governmental departments are experiencing budget freezes and reductions, residents would still argue that the leadership of the town continues to give understand the value of a strong parks and recreation department to the quality of life in a community. If the town leadership, along with the Park Board, adopt the ideas within this plan and more importantly make parks and recreation a priority by funding it at higher levels, this and future plans can succeed. It is only within adequate budgeting that the park and recreation agency envisioned by the public support for an enhanced and expanded park and recreation system can happen. The Town of Dyer is well below comparable towns in per capita recreational expenditures for the size of its community (see page 58). This is an area that should be addressed if continued progress is desired. A key component to this plan is the development of a long term master plan for the new 77 acre Central Park off of 213th Street. This new park site has the potential to be the unifying force and help define the town. The current town leadership has shown its desire to support and develop the parks by the support for and creation of a joint agreement between the Dyer Redevelopment Commission and the Dyer Park Board to construct a road into the west side (off of Calumet Avenue) into Central Park.

At the time of this study, a multi-purpose ball park complex and paved parking lot has been completed. Furthermore, plans for an entrance and parking lot to Central Park, off of Calumet Avenue, were out for bid. Previous Planning Efforts The Dyer Parks and Recreation Department was created by Ordinance 819 on May 9, 1972. The ordinance assigned the duties of performing “all acts necessary to acquire and develop sites and facilities and to conduct such programs as are generally understood to be park (and) recreation functions.” In addition, the ordinance stated that the board had “the power and duty to: Prepare a plan for parks and recreation purposes in the Town of Dyer.” Several attempts have been made over the past two decades at master planning by the park board, some of which were fruitful and others which were not. The most recent planning efforts included the Five Year Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2006-2011.


That plan identified a number of ambitious goals and objectives. Among them were some of the following issues and the status of them at the date of this current plan:

Administrative Goals (achieved):

- Change title of Superintendent of Parks and Recreation to Director of Parks and Recreation.

- Update the Department’s computer software through the purchase of recreation registration and facility scheduling module.

- Creation of a detailed operating budget.

Administrative Goals (not achieved):

- Work with Town Council to access the foundation for additional resources and leverage giving opportunities for parks.

- Create a use agreement with local special interest groups using park properties.

- Shorten park bond length to ten years or less, pay off bonds as quickly as possible and re-bond for additional monies at the end of the 2006-2011 5 year plan.

- Review and improve the funding for park maintenance.

- Fund the addition of one park maintenance worker.

Recreation Goals (achieved):

- Hire a full-time recreational supervisor that is funded with revenues generated from programs.

- Develop individual site plans for existing parks as a tool for improving the system (see details of improvements in this current plan).

- Establish a new non-reverting operating fund, creating at least ten new recreation categories – including morning childcare programs; after school programs for grade school children; organize and operate adult sports leagues such as flag football and softball.

Recreation Goals (not achieved):

- Acquire strategic in-fill neighborhood park sites to provide uniform level of service coverage across the entire town.

- Develop links between neighborhoods and park facilities; fund a study to determine exact routes, budgets and timeframes through Public Works road improvements and additional grant monies that are available.

- Identify corridors for an overall primary multi-use pathway system.

- Seek alternative revenue sources for necessary park capital dollars.

Executive Summary


Town of Dyer Parks map


This section of the master plan is a guide of the current state of the agency to provide a benchmark for all future improvement projects. Level of Service In terms of acreage per person, the Town of Dyer does fall short of many standards used to measure this goal. It was noted that the Dyer Parks and Recreation Department adopted NRPA standards for acreage and projected needs as population continues to grow. However, it is our position that while an arbitrary standard from a national organization is a good guide; it should not be the adopted standard due to convenience. This plan will provide a custom approach by developing a facility need based on site analysis, relying on survey data, public input, park location and finally capital costs to improve each site. As the town’s population continues to grow, the need for additional park space will continue to present a constant issue. The town leadership should develop a specific developer land/cash development ordinance to achieve strategic land holdings in new developments. It is the only available tool to acquire land at a reasonable cost and ensure gaps in level of service do not worsen as development happens. The town has approximately 181.4 acres of parkland owned by the town. This equals out to 11.1 acres per thousand residents. This number still falls short of the statewide goal of 20 acres per thousand.

However, when Central Park was added to the inventory, it is the opinion of the current Park Board and those at public meetings that adequate overall parkland is present for a town of less than 20,000 residents when reviewing local conditions and what makes logical sense for the Town of Dyer. Town ordinances calling for the donation of park land for developments allowed for the acceptance of detention ponds and land that is physically unable to improve/develop. These types of properties, although allowing more green space to the park inventory, have handcuffed the Parks and Recreation Department and served as a financial drain without much benefit. Finally, there is a need for additional athletic fields to be developed to address the continued growth of the town. This will allow the recreation department to provide a broader range of field types for its own use as well as assisting other leagues. These fields would be located at the new Central Park as well as larger neighborhood parks such as Eberly and Hearthstone/Village Circle.

Site Inventory/Goals/Accessibility


Site Inventory & Analysis The Town of Dyer’s existing park system is depicted with this summary. The system is composed of 22 park sites. Each park site on the following pages was reviewed during the fall of 2011 when all the park sites were examined and evaluated. The name, size, ID, type, amenities, general park impressions, accessibility and photos of existing conditions are listed on each inventory page. In addition, specific goals/objective for each park property is listed on the inventory sheet as well.

The park system as a whole has suffered from a lack of comprehensive planning and detailed site design in the past. This is nearly always a symptom of lack of capital budgeting to improve the park spaces. This approach is apparent from the time spent in each park. The parks are evenly located through the town which is a positive, but the entire park land holdings should be re-evaluated to match the level of service. Possible re-allocation/reduction of park properties and the addition of a capital improvement plan will be crucial to the success of this 5 year master plan.


Site Inventory Methodology The Park Board conducted a site visit and analysis for the comprehensive park & recreation master plan in which each park site was walked to review the existing conditions found. The survey and analysis was conducted as follows: 1. Observations (Visual Assessment) – A visual inspection was conducted examining existing conditions of the park site. No mechanical or physical testing was undertaken. 2. Photographic Documentation – Photographs were taken of existing conditions to document typical areas for reference and possible problem areas. 3. General Park Impressions – First reaction to the park space and characteristics of the site. 4. Discussion – the Park Board then met and reviewed each property and listed goals/objectives/plans for each location.

Accessibility and Universal Design In an on-going effort, the parks and recreation department continually evaluates facilities and programs for ways to improve accessibility. Purchasing accessible products and ensuring accessibility to newly constructed facilities is a constant task when funding is available for such.

Rick Eberly, Interim Town Manager, has been designated as the Town of Dyer’s ADA coordinator.

The Town has used Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to help improve accessibility throughout Town over the last 10+ years. In the parks the Town has provided sidewalk access from the existing neighborhood sidewalks through the park and to the playground areas at a number of sites where the sidewalks previously ended at the edge of the park property. A couple of parks also used this funding to provide pathway access to park amenities such as basketball court, playgrounds and two ball fields. This funding also allowed for a retrofit of the washroom facilities at the Northgate Park shelter which previously did not meet ADA standards.

All of the Town’s playgrounds have engineered wood fiber, which meets ASTM standards, as the accessible safety surfacing beneath the amenities. The only exception to this is the playground at Cherry Hill Park which due to the age of the structure and its proximity to the new community level playground at Pheasant Hills Park will be removed when it reaches its useful life and not replaced.

Improvements will continue to be made through universal design for newly constructed facilities throughout the park system. One of the goals for this plan is to continue to improve accessibility to various existing park amenities. There are amenities that stand alone may be accessible but do not have ADA accessible routes to get to the equipment.

Accessibility issues do exist in certain parks. The Town has used past CDBG funds to improve all curb cuts for ADA accessibility. Now that those have been brought up to standard the


CDBG funds should be available to help improve accessibility issues as noted in this plan. Those funds are only received every other year and ultimately the decision is made by the Town Council as to how to spend CDBG funds.

If CDBG or other funding is made available (possibly through a future park bond issue) these accessibility issues could be corrected in the next 8-10 years. The total cost to remedy the accessibility issues in all of the existing parks is estimated around $500,000. The majority of this is for providing accessible routes to park amenities such as play equipment and athletic fields. Some signage would also need to be replaced as a part of these improvements.

The Town of Dyer Parks and Recreation department follows the section 504 guidelines of the American with Disabilities Act. That section states that no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance. The Parks and Recreation department prints in each of their three seasonal activity guides annually the following statement: “Regulations of the US Dept. of Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental Federally Assisted Programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she had been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility operated by a recipient of Federal assistance should write to Director, Equal Opportunity Program; National Park Service; PO Box 37127; Washington D.C. 20013-7127.” In self-evaluation this statement has been neglected to be included in the seasonal brochures but in doing the master plan has reminded the department to include it once again. The annual brochures are mailed direct to all residencies in the Town of Dyer three times a year. A summer brochure is mailed typically in April, a fall brochure is typically mailed in August and a winter/spring brochure is typically mailed in December. Any individual can file an ADA grievance locally with the Town of Dyer. This can be done by submitting in writing an individual’s full name, mailing address and phone number along with a brief description about the ADA violation to: Town of Dyer Attn: Rick Eberly, ADA Coordinator 1 Town Square Dyer IN 46311 Violations can also be submitted via the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Disability Rights Section - NYAV Washington, D.C. 20530 www.ada.gov (800) 514-0301 (voice) (800) 514-0383 (TTY)


Park Name: Veterans Park Park ID: 1

Park Location: North Park Size: 5.7 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Fitness Trail (Asphalt); Playground General Park Impressions: Park site is one of the better developments. It includes a

detention basin as part of the park site. The detention basin could act as a practice field if the concrete swales were removed.

Accessibility Level: Playground transfer module is not close to access point Notes: Playground equipment is approximately 10 years old. Normal life

expectancy of equipment is 15-20 years, so this play equipment has reached one half of its life expectancy.

Goals for park: There is a definite lack of landscaping and shade trees in this

park. There are however, a few benches placed along the trail in the park. A goal to improve this park would be to add trees throughout the park and along the path. Another improvement would be to add exercise stations along the walking path.

If Main Street is extended west into the state of Illinois, there may be a need to add a fence between the park and the roadway.

These types of improvements could be funded through a Capital Improvement Fund.


Park Name: Veterans Park (continued) Park ID: 1


Park Name: Northgate Park

Park ID: 2 Park Location: North Park Size: 23.9 acres Park Type: Community Park Amenities: Softball fields - 5; Trail – asphalt looping; Soccer Fields – 6 different sizes;

Tennis Courts – 2; Volleyball Courts – 1 sand and 2 grass; Horse Shoe Pit; Basketball Court – 3 half courts; Large Shelter – with electrical; Concession; Restrooms; Playground; Sled Hill and Parking Lot – 2, asphalt, +/- 160 spaces

General Park Impressions: Major renovation and improvements were made to this park in

the past two years. Identified in the last master plan as a park that needed a complete renovation, this park has seen a transformation. With the park being updated and improved, the existing shelter is noticeably dilapidated and in need of attention.

Accessibility Level: Good, paved access to tennis courts, basketball courts, playground

area were added in 2010. Site could use a connection at ball field #1 and #5 as well as to spectator areas for soccer fields.

Notes: Funds were used from the 2006 Park Bond to re-surface/fence the tennis

courts, basketball courts were added, new playground equipment was placed, and the parking lot was extended and repaved.

Goals for park: The 40+ year old shelter is a priority for this park. At a minimum, wooden

boards need replaced and the shelter needs painting. This shelter is often rented by residents, sports groups and neighboring community residents. This park would also benefit from a paved walking path from the shelter area to Field 1.



Park Name: Northgate Park (continued) Park ID: 2


Park Name: Heritage Estates Park Park ID: 3

Park Location: North Park Size: 0.8 acres Park Type: Pocket Park Amenities: Fitness Trail (Asphalt); Playground General Park Impressions: Park site is small with limited. Open space. Accessibility Level: Poor; need accessible route from sidewalk to swings, tot swings

and play equipment. Notes: Playground equipment at this site was vandalized in 2010.

Insurance monies were combined with park dollars to purchase a new slide, 2 new riding toys, new swings and chains, new picnic table and new mulch for the fall zone was added.

Goals for park: Park in its current state is good for a pocket park.


Park Name: Sunset Park Park ID: 4

Park Location: North Park Size: 0.5 acres Park Type: Pocket Park Amenities: Open space - undeveloped General Park Impressions: Park is in close proximity to other parks with

equipment/amenities. Accessibility Level: Poor – park is undeveloped. Notes: No accessibility Goals for park: This property has been targeted by the Park Board for sale/auction.


Park Name: Berkley Drive Park

Park ID: 5 Park Location: North Park Size: 0.3 acres Park Type: Pocket Park Amenities: None General Park Impressions: Park site is undeveloped. Accessibility Level: Poor – park is undeveloped Notes: No accessibility Goals for park: This property has been targeted by the Park Board for sale/auction.


Park Name: Wildflower Park Park ID: 6

Park Location: North Park Size: 1.9 acres Park Type: Special use Park Amenities: Open Space – Detention Basin General Park Impressions: Park site is undeveloped. Accessibility Level: Poor – site is undeveloped. Notes: This property is a detention basin with no real use other than open

space for outdoor activities. Goals for park: This piece of property is deeded to the Town of Dyer, however it is

maintained by the Parks Department. This property would be best if turned over to owner.


Park Name: Briar Crossing Park Park ID: 7

Park Location: North Park Size: 9.4 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Open Space with detention basin General Park Impressions: This park site is mostly a large detention basin with some high

ground and a few existing trees. Accessibility Level: Poor – site is undeveloped. Notes: This property was discussed at the time of the last 5 year plan for

sale for multi-family residential lots if Central Park became a reality. Goals for park: With Central Park now a reality and literally across the street, this is

the prime time to divide this property and sell off the top shelf of the land for multi-residential lots. The detention area would remain as open space and to hold storm water.

It is the hope of the Park Board that the owner, the Town of Dyer, would sell off this property and put the proceeds of said sale into the development of Central Park.


Park Name: Green Meadows Park Park ID: 8

Park Location: North Park Size: 3.8 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Baseball Field; Half Basketball Court; Looping Asphalt Fitness Trail and

Playground. General Park Impressions: One of the better parks in the system. Children are out in high

numbers using the equipment and playing basketball. There is electric service and security lighting at playground.

Accessibility Level: Good inside park. However curb cut at street entrance is needed. Notes: Playground equipment is fairly new. No parking provided on-site. Goals for park: The basketball court is in need of improvements including repainting

court and a new rim/net. In addition, the baseball field needs maintenance as well and would benefit from the addition of crushed stone for the infield. Replace curb at entry to park to make it ADA accessible.

This park could benefit from tree plantings for shade and the overall aesthetic look of the property.



Park Name: Green Meadows Park (continued) Park ID: 8


Park Name: Lincoln Park Park ID: 9

Park Location: North Park Size: 1.0 acres Park Type: Pocket Park Park Amenities: Open Space – Detention Basin; Playground General Park Impressions: Park site is in poor condition. Equipment is designed with a

ramp for accessibility but no significant play events or paved route is provided.

Accessibility Level: Poor – needs accessible route from park edge to playground area. Notes: No accessibility to 12+ year old accessible equipment. Goals for park: When playground equipment reaches the point of needing

replacement, the thought is to dismantle equipment and not replace it. At that time, the Park Board would then deed the property to the Storm Board for much needed storm water retention area.

If in discussion with Storm Board, the property is desired for water retention more expediently, the property can be deeded to the Storm Board and equipment moved (if in decent enough shape) to another property lacking equipment.


Park Name: Pheasant Hills Park

Park ID: 10 Park Location: South Park Size: 29.0 acres Park Type: Community Park Amenities: Looping Paved Trail (Asphalt); Playground; Small Picnic Shelter

with electric; Large Picnic Shelter with electric; Picnic tables; 2 soccer fields; Horse Shoe Pit; Skate Park; Storm Water Pond (shallow – approx 12 acres); Paved parking lot with 40+ spaces plus access to over 100 spaces.

General Park Impressions: Park site has undergone extensive updating in the past

two years with the addition of a skate park, new shelters, paved walking path, new playground equipment, landscaping and parking. The area along the edge of the pond has been cleared of brush and rip rap added for an aesthetic appeal to the park.

Accessibility Level: Good. Accessible connection from path to skate park is needed. Notes: The improvements to this park were made possible from funds

from the 2006 Park Bond. It is the largest park on the south side of town and is home to town festivals, concerts in the park, and other town functions.

Goals for park: While a large amount has been spent on this park in the past few

years, it is notable that it is the main park for the residents on the south side of town.

This property is in need of new park signs to match those of other parks in the town to provide a more cohesive look. In addition, the addition of a panel box would aid in the function of this park as a site for festivals/events.

Extending the walking path around the pond would be a greatly desired addition. Considering the town/local school district have targeted a Safe Route to Schools Grant, this would be the ideal time to add on to that trail/path and continue it around the pond. The addition of fitness stations and benches along the pathways are desired as well.

These types of improvements could be funded through a Capital Improvement Fund and through donations from local groups.


Park Name: Pheasant Hills Park (continued) Park ID: 10


Park Name: Cherry Hill Tot Lot Park ID: 11

Park Location: South Park Size: 3.0 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Picnic area – 1 table; playground; 2 bridges (wood and metal) General Park Impressions: No sidewalks to park. Playground equipment is quite old

and it is the intent of the current Park Board and staff not to replace it once removed due to the proximity of Pheasant Hills and Cottonwood Parks. Good views across the pond.

Accessibility Level: Poor – Need to connect sidewalk along park with a connection

to playground area or to a future pond overlook. A connection from this site to the existing Pheasant Hills Park pathway would be a nice addition to provide access around the north and east sides of the pond.

Notes: This property is on the south side of the pond area and has

minimal use. It is extremely close to Pheasant Hill Park with all of its amenities.

Goals for park: Because of its proximity to Pheasant Hill Park, this property has

been identified as one for possible sale/auction. If this property can be sold, the park equipment can be relocated to another park and funds from the sale would be used to further enhance Pheasant Hills Park.


Park Name: Sandy Ridge Park

Park ID: 12 Park Location: South Park Size: 1.9 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Soccer Field; Playground General Park Impressions: Park site is a detention basin. Playground is a newer installation

and was moved to higher ground. Accessibility Level: Good Notes: Concrete sidewalk provides access into playground. Site is a

neighborhood park with no parking. Goals for park: Maintain current amenities.


Park Name: Cottonwood Tot Lot Park ID: 13

Park Location: South Park Size: 1.5 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Playground General Park Impressions: Upgraded playground with sidewalk access into the

playground. According to park staff, this park is a detention basin. Accessibility Level: Good Notes: This park land grew in size when 2 residential lots were added to this

park by the storm water board due to persistent flooding issues. The homes were removed and area graded consistent with the rest of the park. Nice open space area.

Goals for park: There are no current needs identified for this property.


Park Name: Autumn Chase Park ID: 14

Park Location: South Park Size: 2.0 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Playground; Dead end asphalt walk General Park Impressions: This is primarily a neighborhood park tucked into the subdivision.

The park has a playground with a sidewalk entrance. Playground was a donation from a long list of donors. Park is laid out poorly and has little or no shade.

Accessibility Level: Good. Notes: Future swings should only have 2 tot swings and 2 belt swings for a

neighborhood park. Goals for park: Although there are no immediate needs for this property, playground

equipment is nearing its useful life. When it is deemed necessary to replace the playground, planning should include decreasing the size of safety zone area and possible relocation of the playground area to a corner of the park to allow for more open field space.


Park Name: Sheffield Estates Park

Park ID: 15 Park Location: North Park Size: 2.9 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Playground; Asphalt Trail (does not loop); Sand Volleyball Court;

Open Space (Detention Basin). General Park Impressions: Park site was poorly designed. Accessibility Level: Average, access to the amenities on the west side of the park is

needed. Notes: Playground equipment is nearing its expected use life. It is

approximately 15 years old. Goals for park: Although nothing immediate needs to happen to this property, it is

recommended that when the equipment needs to be replaced, that the property be put up for sale/auction.


Park Name: Elmer Miller Park/Plum Creek Center

Park ID: 16 Park Location: South Park Size: 4.1 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Half-Court Basketball Court; Playground; Grass Volleyball Court;

Picnic Shelter with electric; Drinking Fountain; Parking Lot with +/- 41 spaces; Storage Building; and Community Building with composite wooden deck.

General Park Impressions: Mature park with average tree canopy (some older trees

are in need of removal/replacing). The playground structure is nearing its useful life and needs replacing. The swings and tire swing are in good shape. There is a creek along the east property line.

Accessibility Level: Average - Access to the playground swings, tire swing, play

structure and basketball court is needed along with an accessible connection to the parking lot.

Notes: You can walk from parking lot via a paved pathway to the Plum

Creek Center. There is, however, no paved path to playground equipment.

Plum Creek Center came about in response to results from the last

Master Plan for a need for a community center. Although much smaller than had hoped (can accommodate 100 guests inside), the center has grown in popularity for local meetings, events, showers, etc. Plum Creek Center features a large wooden sundeck overlooking the creek with additional seating outside. There is also a wooden bridge leading to Elmer Miller Park.

Goals for park: The shelter needs to be replaced in the very near future and

should incorporate restroom facilities and the existing concrete foundation has large cracks in it. This park, in such close proximity to Town Hall and Plum Creek center, is an ideal park for rentals/events for residents. With the addition of Plum Creek Center there is a need for additional parking to accommodate simultaneous events at Elmer Miller Park and Plum Creek Center.


Park Name: Elmer Mill Park/ Plum Creek Center (continued)

Park ID: 16 A river walk of along Plum Creek would bring an upscale and aesthetic appeal to this property; this could possibly include access beneath US Rt. 30 – a much needed and desired crossing of a major highway that separates the north and south side of town.

Another area in which Dyer is lacking is outdoor winter activities (ice skating/hockey). The location of this property with amenities would make this a prime location for a temporary winter ice rink.


Park Name: Amoco Park Park ID: 17

Park Location: North Park Size: 2.1 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Open Space General Park Impressions: Park site is undeveloped. Accessibility Level: Poor – park is undeveloped. Notes: No accessibility Goals for park: This, like many other properties in Dyer, was accepted by the Town

Council or Park Board as donated park space, but can only be truly utilized as green space.


Park Name: Mallard Cove Park Park ID: 18

Park Location: South Park Size: 14.4 acres Park Type: Neighborhood/Special Use Park Amenities: Open Space; 3 Soccer Fields; Special Grass parking lot General Park Impressions: 11 acres of this park is leased property from the Diocese of

Gary. Park Board recently graded/seeded this property to use for much needed soccer fields. They were opened up to Dyer Kickers in the fall 2011.

Accessibility Level: Average Notes: At time of last plan, the study said the potential for significant

development costs could lead this parcel into a more passive, natural park. However, the Park Board at the time was looking for land to add additional athletic field space.

The original 3.4 acres is a “swampy” wetland type of detention area

that is not useful for an active park.

Goals for park: Significant dollars have been spent on a Park that is leased, not owned by Dyer. Current suggestion is to allow local soccer groups to use the property and also require them to maintain any costs associated with its use (ie. Soccer goals, re-seeding, etc.) Although there is no formal use agreement in place with Dyer Kickers for this property, it should be strongly considered identifying roles of club/town. No additional funds should be spent in enhancing this property, only maintaining what is currently there.


Park Name: Mallard Cove Park (continued) Park ID: 18


Park Name: Eberly Park Park ID: 19

Park Location: South Park Size: 8.5 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Open Space General Park Impressions: This is a large park site with lots of potential; however,

parking/accessibility is a big concern. This property is scheduled to be turned over to the Park Board in 2012 or the near future thereafter.

Accessibility Level: Poor – park is undeveloped. Notes: No Accessibility Goals for park: There is a drainage channel flowing through park with several low

spots. Possible park elements include: parking lot, tennis courts, playground, shelter, landscaping (trees), park sign and trail.

This is a larger scale project that will need substantial dollars to develop.

These types of improvements could be funded through a Capital Improvement Fund or through a LWCF grant application.


Park Name: Hearthstone Park/Village Circle Park Park ID: 20

Park Location: North Park Size: 9.6 acres Park Type: Neighborhood Park Amenities: Open Space General Park Impressions: This park has a concept from the developer to grade 2 soccer

fields. In addition, the developer has plans, approved by the Park Board, in place to install a playground and a crushed stone path connecting the east and west sides of the playground. The Hearthstone subdivision side of this park was accepted in December 2011 from the developer. The Village Circle half of the park is yet to be turned over to the Park Board. Together the entire site is 9.6 acres.

Accessibility Level: Poor – park is undeveloped. Notes: No Accessibility Goals for park: To widen and finish the path where left off by developer creating a full

looping walking path/trail.

Install parking lot at entry road from the west.

Add swings to playground, a small backstop for basketball/softball practice, and park signs. The addition of trees and landscaping is also needed.



Park Name: Amel Wilking Park Park ID: 21

Park Location: North Park Size: 1.5 acres Park Type: Special use Park Amenities: Open Space with Natural Condition General Park Impressions: Natural area with wildlife. Accessibility Level: Poor – park is left in a natural condition Notes: No Accessibility. Site has been identified as possible cell tower

location. Goals for park: Park site should be left in natural state.


Park Name: Central Park Park ID: 22

Park Location: North Park Size: 77 acres Park Type: Regional Park Amenities: 3 Multi-purpose ball fields; Asphalt paved parking lot with over 100

parking spaces. General Park Impressions: This park could be the flagship park in the system if developed

correctly Accessibility Level: Average Notes: Accessibility to ball fields on north side of property is good. There is

also a paved walkway into the ball field complex. The south end of the park has plans under bid at time of this Master Plan.

Goals for park: With the creation of an entrance off of Calumet Avenue, the Park

Board has taken the stance of an aggressive development plan for this park.

Park Bond monies have been spent largely on infrastructure and planning for this site, but all are in place now for development to take off.

2012 plans call for the creation of a 2 lane entryway with median creating somewhat of a grand boulevard entrance off of Calumet Avenue. Immediate plans also call for the construction of a 100 person shelter with electrical and restroom facilities. In addition, plans currently include a looping asphalt walking path on the north side of the park between parking lot and ball complex and an additional 140+ space paved parking lot in the middle of the property. This will use up the final dollars from the 2006 Park bond issue.

Benches and shad trees along the path would also be an immediate need. These can be secured through donations.

A committee has been formed to establish a dog park on this property site as well. Funding for this is through proposed fundraising.


Park Name: Central Park (continued) Park ID: 22

This site is targeted additionally for:

- Community Center - A Playground - A Splash Pad/Water feature - Basketball Courts - Tennis Courts

Please see attached diagram for conceptual plans for Central Park.

This type of development cannot take place without additional funding on a much larger scale (ie. Re-bonding or Capital Improvement Fund).


Central Park Master Plan


Veterans Park Target Date: 2013 Shade Tree Installation $10,000 CIP, Grant Park Signs $8,000 CIP Pathway Fitness Stations $16,000 CIP, Grant Total $34,000 Northgate Park Target Date: 2015 Shelter Improvements $70,000 CIP Additional Walks/Paths $30,000 CIP Landscaping - Sled Hill & Shelter Area $25,000 CIP Total $125,000 Green Meadows Park Target Date: 2013 Replace Curb for ADA $5,000 CDBG Basketball Court Equipment Update $3,000 Operating Budget Total $8,000 Pheasant Hills Park Target Date: 2015 Park Signs $12,000 CIP Electrical Panel Improvements $25,000 CIP Walks/Paths $200,000 CIP, Safe Routes to Schools Grant,

School Corp. partnership Site Amenities $5,000 CIP Total $242,000 Autumn Chase Park Target Date: 2014 Playground Improvements $50,000 CIP Shade Tree Installation $2,000 CIP, Operating budget Total $52,000 Elmer Miller/Plum Creek Center

Target Date: 2016

Shelter Replacement $450,000 CIP Playground Improvements $50,000 CIP Walks/Paths $40,000 CIP, CDBG funds Shade Tree Replacement $10,000 CIP, Grant River Walk Improvements $200,000 CIP Technology Improvements to PC Ctr. $10,000 CIP, Operating budget Ice Skating Area $50,000 CIP Total $810,000 Eberly Park Target Date: 2014

Estimated Costs/Final Completion Target/Action Plan


Parking Area/Entrance $140,000 CIP, LWCF Grant Walks/Paths $100,000 CIP, LWCF Grant Playground $75,000 CIP, LWCF Grant Tennis Courts $80,000 CIP, LWCF Grant Shelter $120,000 CIP, LWCF Grant Shade Tree Installation $15,000 CIP, Grant, LWCF Grant Park Sign $4,000 CIP, LWCF Grant Total $534,000 Hearthstone Park/Village Circle Park

Target Date: 2014

Walks/Paths $100,000 CIP Initial Playground $25,000 Developer Donation Playground Addition $10,000 CIP Parking Area $60,000 CIP Site Furnishings $10,000 CIP Practice Ball Backstops $10,000 CIP, Donation Shade Tree Installation $15,000 CIP, Grant Park Signs $8,000 CIP Total $238,000 Central Park Target Date: 2012-2015 Dog Park development $40,000 Donation from dog park

committee Playground $300,000 CIP Splash Pad $500,000 CIP Athletic Courts $450,000 CIP Community Center $4,000,000 CIP Walks/Paths $300,000 CIP, CDBG funds Site Furnishings $60,000 CIP, CDBG funds Roadways/Parking $250,000 CIP Park Monument Signs $40,000 CIP Shelter/Concession/Storage $500,000 CIP Shade Tree Install/Landscaping $80,000 CIP, Grant Maintenance Building/Storage $500,000 CIP Electric Infrastructure $300,000 CIP Athletic Field Under drains $200,000 CIP Total $7,520,000 CIP=Capital Improvement Plan Funding for a CIP is to be determined but most likely would need to be from a future bond issue.


Funding Recommendations/Priorities This plan, as well as the last 5 year plan, focuses on the critical component of funding in order to accomplish the goals and objective set forth in the preceding pages. The Bond Issue of 2006 went a long way in obtaining many of the goals outlined in the 2007-2011 plan, however, the capital provided was insufficient to meet all of the needs. A lack of funding for capital improvements and maintenance for nearly 40 years required the expenditure of the majority of the $4.7 million in bond proceeds to rehabilitate the existing parks to acceptable levels. This left a large and significant shortfall in funding for the completion of the Central Park project as well as others outlined in the last 5 year plan. The following list is current level of priority with target completion date.

Park Target Date 1) Central Park 2012+ 2) Veterans Park 2013+ 3) Green Meadows Park 2013+ 4) Eberly Park 2014+ 5) Hearthstone Park 2014+ 6) Autumn Chase Park 2014+ 7) Northgate Park 2015+ 8) Pheasant Hills Park 2015+ 9) Elmer Miller Park 2016+ As can be seen, the completion of these improvements will require capital expenditures that only a bond can achieve. It was the recommendation of the 2007-2011 Plan to re-bond when the balance of the 2006 Bond fell below $3,000,000. The target date according to

the schedule of amortization was early 2011. Since this target has been met, it is imperative that the town leadership understands the significance of access to capital dollars. By re-bonding to provide this access, an additional 1.5 million in capital dollars will become available to complete the projects listed and provide the best level of improvements throughout the park system. An annual capital budget to develop, as well as maintain park sites and facilities have been virtually non-existent for over 40 years. Today’s playground has a lifecycle replacement of 15 years. This means for every 15 years, existing play structures should be replaced with new equipment. In addition, the sites themselves will need to be addressed for pavement replacement, drainage issues, path ways replacement and other maintenance issues. The lack of an annual capital budget led to the deterioration of facilities throughout the system, requiring the already noted expenditure of bond proceeds for long delayed updating and repair. Additionally, no fund is available to develop and equip new sites as they come on line within the system. The current scope and breadth of the parks system dictates the immediate implementation of annual capital funding. Historically, annual park budgets have not contained dedicated funding for capital improvements. The political leadership can achieve this funding through the institution of a Parks and Recreation Cumulate Building Fund. As defined by Indiana State Statute, the establishment of this fund would generate over $130,000 in annual capital, as based on the Town of Dyer’s current assessed valuation and implementation of the maximum tax rate of $0.0167 per each


100 dollars of assessed valuation of taxable property. Without this capital, yearly improvements and repairs will not be made and the gains accomplished through the 2006 Bond will be compromised. The access to capital is critical for the completion of Central Park and other capital improvement projects (see pages 66-67). Annual capital is essential for the development, maintenance and repair of park sites and facilities. The use of re-bonding and an annual cumulative building fund will provide the mechanisms to accomplish the goals and objectives of this plan. At a time when local town budgets are in cost cutting mode, this plan also calls for the aggressive and persistent application for matching grants and/or funds for high priority projects. By seeking out grants, the Dyer Park Board and Town of Dyer Parks Department will be able to maximize the use of funds gained through re-bonding or cumulative building fund. There are many grants that fit with the priorities outlined in this plan. Specific grant application should be made to:

- Community Development Block Grant

- Community Forestry Grant - Land and Water Conservation

Fund - Recreational Trails Program - Transportation Enhancement

A more concerted effort must be made by the Town of Dyer Park Board and the Parks and Recreation Department staff to allocate the man hours of current park staff to research and apply for such grants to maximize local dollars.


The Town of Dyer’s Recreation Programs

The community has a residential population of 16,390 (2010 US Census). Dyer is primarily a bedroom community providing homeowners easy access to the Chicago metropolitan area where many residents are employed. Excellent schools and established housing in all categories for families of various income levels has made Dyer an attractive place to call home. Furthermore the Town’s investment in parks and recreational offering is another asset to attract families to Dyer. However the number of recreation programs is limited due to lack of indoor recreational facility space.

The Town does have some challenges that limit participation in recreational programs. The Town is physically divided by US Route 30, a five lane highway which is the primary east/west alternative to Interstate 80/94. This division has been cited by some residents making it more difficult to get to a site for recreational programs. A lack of indoor space for programs is also a major factor limiting the department’s program offerings. The Town Hall has a pair of small activity rooms inside the Town Hall which are used for various programs however the size of the two rooms limits the amount of participation and what types of classes can be held there. In the last five years the Town added the Plum Creek Center which has helped increase program offerings. That facility is used primarily for programs Monday-Thursday while Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are available to the public for rentals. For a banquet hall it is relatively small. It can hold up to 100 people for events. The room has provided the department with a larger indoor space where a number of exercise and

fitness related activities have been offered.

The department still lacks a large indoor space, specifically a gymnasium, fitness center, walking track and indoor classrooms. Indoor recreation space under the direct control of the parks and recreation department would provide the best flexibility for the department to offer programs at times that are desired by the public. Using space at the local schools, churches or hospital is only available after their programs and activities have been satisfied which is not always the most convenient times and days.

While the majority of this plan has focused on developing properties to meet the needs of residents, it is crucial to recreational programs to have such park facilities as well to continue to be successful.

A recreation demand analysis has been completed to evaluate recreational offerings in addition to collect information for future planning. The following table compares results from Dyer and neighboring communities.

Recreation Deficiencies


The data that was generated from the table above provides an interesting comparison to the way parks and recreation agencies operate. Each of the communities offers some level of recreational programming. The older more established communities of Highland and Munster have substantially larger budgets than the other communities which have recently realized their growth, within the last twenty-five years. Dyer’s addition of Plum Creek Center as an indoor recreation facility is an asset but in comparing that facility to the ones within Munster and Highland there really is no comparison. Munster’s Community Park center is probably similar but the clubhouse/banquet facility at Centennial Park is approximately four times as big as Plum Creek Center. In comparing to the recently remodeled Highland Lincoln Center, which now includes a field house (four basketball courts and walking track), a fitness center, five multi-purpose classrooms, day care rooms, administrative offices and a 300 person banquet facility the Plum Creek Center facility is approximately 1/12th the size.

For a number of years the Town of Dyer has searched for a way to provide a Community Center which when realized will be located at Central Park. Following

the example that Highland has provided is a good model to follow. The Lincoln Center is operated by consistent funding coming from the day care lease of space and the annual memberships to the fitness center. Rentals of their banquet hall, classrooms and field house are also other ways that they further bring in revenue to pay for the operations of the facility. They work their recreational programs around these activities to make use of the facility as much as possible. The concept of having the Dyer Town Hall operations move into such a Community Center has also been brought up in a way to share the operational expense of a building.

The desire for indoor recreation space (a community center) has been noted in a number of community questionnaires over the last fifteen years. For various reasons these efforts have yet to come to fruition but the Park Board is still aware of the desire. A community center similar to the Highland Lincoln Center would provide ample indoor space for additional recreation programs to enrich the lives of all Dyer residents. Such a signature community building, to serve all residents, would also serve Dyer as the identifiable landmark for the Town of Dyer.

Recreation Demand Analysis Dyer Highland Munster Schererville St. John

Population 16,390 23,727 23,592 29,243 14,850

Number of Parks 22 23 21 27 31

Park Acreage 181 250 383 234 220

Indoor Recreation Facilities 1 1 2 0 0

Recreation Programming staff 1 3 3 2 0

# of Annual Recreation Programs 195 100 492 200 80

Annual Budget $485,590 $1,983,000 $4,900,000 $812,261 $284,000

Park Expenditures Per Person $30 $84 $208 $28 $19


The department offers a basic approach to program offerings. Overall, the agency provides the staple of expected programs, activities, classes and events. The programs being offered fall into traditional core categories and are offered by age segments but are built around availability of facilities or instructors versus the needs of residents.

Master Plan Public Input Review

The Park Board held a public hearing on the 2012-2016 Parks and Recreation Master Plan at 6pm on March 28, 2012. No public comment was received on the master plan other than a question from Mike Wartman, President of Dyer Babe Ruth who asked what the public hearing was for.

Prior to that meeting a final draft of the master plan was available on the Town

website for the public to view. There also was a hard copy available in the Town Hall rotunda for the public to view. Notice of the meeting was published on the Town website, the Town Hall bulletin board and the electronic marquee at Town Hall for the week leading up to the hearing. The Park Board adopted this plan via resolution at their April 11, 2012 meeting.


There is an old saying that goes “People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.” As the Dyer Parks and Recreation Department continues to plan for its future, it is sure to make significant strides to becoming a noticed agency. For this to happen, ownership of this master plan and the leadership to implement it must occur.

In 2012, progress must be visible to the town leadership and most importantly, the public that has supported this initiative. We must not be naïve in thinking we will get to “it” next week, next month, next time. There is too much that needs to be accomplished in the finances, organization structure, recreational programming and capital development. This master plan does not provide every answer because we do not have all the potential questions. It does however give detailed recommendations based on layers of analysis. Improvement needs to be charted regularly, and the plan used frequently in the next five years. A few key recommendations that were noted in the executive summary are; 1. Invest in the parks capital improvement plan 2. Re-bond as soon as feasible 3. Keep the public informed of master plan progress. 4. Do not give away recreational services. This is the cornerstone product.

5. Seek alternative revenue sources which include other town boards. 6. Insist on impact fees and get to the table early with developers to maximize park opportunities. 7. Aggressively pursue funding in the way of grants/donations which would be aided greatly by the creation of a matching fund program.

Conclusion

2012-2016 Town of Dyer Indiana Parks and Recreation master plan

Business

Transcript of 2012-2016 Town of Dyer Indiana Parks and Recreation master plan