PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN UPDATE 2014-2018 Prepared for: Avon Parks, Recreation and Beautification Council (PRBC) and Town of Avon Prepared by: Lehman & Lehman, Inc. 24-Apr-14

Mission Statement

•  The mission of the Town of Avon Parks and Recreation is

to enhance the quality of life and community pride by

providing and maintaining safe, accessible and

affordable parks and recreation programs and

facilities that fulfill the physical, mental, social, cultural

and leisure needs of the town residents and visitors

without regard to their age, sex, disability, national origin,

race or religion.

Master Plan Goals •  Gather feedback and input from as diverse a group of Avon

residents as possible •  Use national recreation standards, combined with a careful needs

analysis to create new priorities for parks and recreation in the town •  Create a plan that is dynamic, and provides pertinent, useful

information and guidance for the next five years in Avon •  Create an acceptable plan for the Avon community •  Receive IDNR approval for eligibility for grant programs

•  Note: May need to formalize as an official Park Board to be eligible for LWCF funding along with other future funding sources

•  Use the plan as a springboard to apply for all applicable grants •  Establish policy of annual reviews the Action Plan for the purpose of

monitoring progress, budgeting and continual planning

Resources Used • Previous Studies

•  Town’s Comprehensive Plan – 2005-2025 •  Town’s Recreation Zone Improvement Plan – 2012-2021 •  Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan – 2010

•  Impact Fee Advisory Committee •  Interactions of the Committee members and the Public during the

recreation impact fee study

• Public Input •  Public Survey – 2012-2013 •  Progress Report given to Park Council during their meetings

2012-2013 •  Tonight’s Presentation

Planning Steps

Resources from the Recreation

Impact Fee Study, Focus

Group Meetings and Public

Survey

Incorporate Planning with other Town

Studies, Strategic

Alliances and Partners

Identify Funding,

Partners, and Opportunities

with a Five Year Vision

Inventory and Public

Input

Strategic Visioning –

Futuring Action Plan

Development

Issues raised of the Planning Process •  Maintain and continue to promote strategic relationships and

partners within the community

•  Establish a strong relationship with the School Corporation

•  Market a sense of place and the awareness of being a part of the Town of Avon continues to need to be promoted

•  Continue to partner with adjacent communities through connections of trails, greenways and alternative transportation routes

•  Consider the benefits be given by the Town in establishing a formal Park Board

Population Growth Forecasts

Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

Park Inventory

Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

Park Infrastructure Inventory

Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

Included the Inventory of the Town’s facilities along with those of the schools, Township Parks and Community

Park Infrastructure Inventory

Avon Soccer Fields

Town Hall Park

Avon Softball Park

Burnett Woods

WWII Memorial Park

Washington Twp. Park

AJAA Baseball/Softball Complex

Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

Sample Park Maps

Bicycle & Pedestrian Network

MPO Priorities

Park Land Needs

Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

Park Infrastructure Needs

Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

“A” Priorities •  Community

Playgrounds •  Trailways •  Park Acres “B” Priorities •  Multi Purpose

Fields •  Climbing /

Challenge Elements

•  Park Shelters •  Environmental

Kiosks •  Sprayground /

Splashpad

Current Deficiencies / Future Needs

Source: Recreation Impact Fee Study 2012

Community Survey Highlights •  Usage of the Parks – Town Hall Park, 1-5 times to 21+ times per year •  Image of the Parks – Trails, picnicking, shelters, playgrounds and quiet-

solitude environment •  Communications – Word of mouth, Town’s Newsletter, Web Site •  Community Perceptions – Quality of Life, Health and Wellness,

Connectivity, Natural Areas, and Sense of Community •  Five Year Priorities – Expand Trails, Programming for all Age Groups, Dog

Park, Festivals/Community Events, Wildlife Viewing Areas and Expand Picnic Shelters

•  Suggestions of the Town – Seek grants to obtain and preserve open space and natural areas and continue to develop connectivity with trails and paths

•  Generation of Revenues – Increase collaboration between Town, Township and County through strategic alliances

•  Promotion of Avon Parks – Well maintained facilities and enjoyment of natural areas

•  Place of Residence – 54% stated they reside in the Town •  Age Group of the Responders – Majority (52%) responses from 36-50

Marketing Assessment • Community Identity – Promoting the Town • Signage and Wayfinding – Traffic and Trailway signage • Events and Festivals – Opportunities for community

engagement • Programming – Additional services to the public’s

consumption • Outreach to the Public – Partnerships and Community

engagement • Volunteer Initiatives – Increase Ownership and Pride • Brand Consistency – Solidifies a Sense of Place

Action Plan Priorities •  Develop Community Playground – RIF •  Expand Trails and Pathways – RIF •  Acquire New Park Acreage – RIF •  Seek Grants – For means of acquiring and preserving open

space acreage •  Establish a Preservation, Greenway and Open Space

Overlay District – Create a zoning overlay to preserve and protect sensitive areas and recreational assets

•  Feasibility of a Recreation Sports Facility – Collaborate with youth sports groups to determine need

•  Increase Collaboration – With Township and County Park Agencies

•  Increase Marketing – Including those without social media •  Consideration of establishing a formal Park Board

Thank You…Questions