Master Plan Update 2015

212 West 9th Street Tyler, Texas 75701 903.597.6606 www.mhsplanning.com

CITY OF ALLEN, TEXAS PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN UPDATE 2015 Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 2 II. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.............................................................................. 3 III. ACCOMPLISHMENTS..................................................................................... 4 IV. PARK CLASSIFICATION & INVENTORY .................................................... 7 V. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................ 16 VI. LEVEL OF SERVICE...................................................................................... 17 VII. NEEDS ANALYSIS....................................................................................... 18 VIII. PRIORITIES/RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................... 32 IX. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE ................................................................ 35 X. SUMMARY ...................................................................................................... 38

APPENDIX I – CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS

City of Allen Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Update 2015

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I. INTRODUCTION In April of 2015, the City of Allen commissioned MHS Planning and Design, LLC to assist in updating the 2011-2020 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. The purpose of updating the existing master plan is to ensure the goals, objectives and proposed developments still coincide with the parks and open space needs of the community.

The 2015 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Update includes a summary of the 2015 demographics, current and future populations, parks and open space accomplishments, updated needs assessment, facility priorities and an implementation schedule for future developments.

The development of this update would not have been possible without the participation and insight of: City of Allen Mayor and City Council City of Allen Parks Board City of Allen City Manager – Peter Vargas Tim Dentler, Brian Bristow and the Allen Parks and Recreation Staff And most importantly, the citizens of Allen that participated in the focus groups and citizen’s survey.

COMMUNITY PROFILE The City of Allen is:  Located in north central Texas in Collin County  Approximately 24 miles northeast of Dallas, 56 miles northeast of Fort Worth and 260 miles north of Houston  Neighbored by Plano, Fairview, McKinney, Parker, Frisco and Lucas  A total of 26.43 square miles  Accessed by US Highway 75 and State Highway 121 Current and Projected Population 2014 US Census Allen

94,179

2015*

2020*

96,063

106,062

*Estimate based on 2% growth per year Current Ethnic Breakdown White NonHispanic

Hispanic

African American

Asian

Other

65%

12%

8%

13%

2%

City of Allen Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Update 2015

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II. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The following goals and objectives are provided to give direction for future community decisions regarding parks, recreation and open space. These goals and objectives were established based on input from the City of Allen residents, city staff and consultant’s professional opinion.

Park and Recreation Goal: To ensure the provision of a balanced park and open space system that is easily accessible by all residents and meets the recreational needs of the citizens of Allen and helps to create a unique community character.

Objectives: • To provide new, different and unique recreational opportunities for all age groups.

• To renovate, rehabilitate and upgrade existing parks in Allen.

• To develop and provide public parks throughout the city that are in close proximity to all neighborhoods.

• To forge partnerships with public and private organizations for the development, operation and maintenance of future recreational facilities.

• To provide a trail system that connects parks, residential and commercial areas and schools.

• To be proactive in developing existing properties to include recreational facilities.

• To continue maintaining the existing park system at a high level and increase maintenance capabilities as new facilities are developed.

Open Space Goal: To identify, protect and conserve quality natural open spaces for unstructured recreational activities, inherent aesthetic value and protection of valuable ecosystems.

Objectives: • To continually research the viability of developing trail systems along creeks, floodways, and utility easements that will link public and private recreational facilities, neighborhoods, school campuses and neighboring communities.

• To be proactive in the acquisition and protection of unique natural open spaces throughout the City of Allen.

• To limit development in natural open spaces in order to minimize adverse effects on valuable ecosystems.

• To address natural open space needs when developing active recreational facilities to provide citizens with well-balanced recreational experiences that include both active and passive opportunities.

City of Allen Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Update 2015

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III. ACCOMPLISHMENTS The City of Allen has made significant additions and upgrades to the existing park system. It is important to note the city’s accomplishments over the past several years in order to focus on what the city needs to and can accomplish in the upcoming years.

2010 • Completed Celebration Park Phase II – Four lighted tennis courts, two baseball diamonds, lighted four fields, restroom facility, concession and 200 parking spaces • Construction of Restroom/Bridal Parlor at the Heritage Village Bolin (Blue) House • Completed Phase I of Shadow Lakes Greenbelt Restoration • Completed construction of the Six Cities Trail Segment I including trail underpass/tunnel at DART rail ROW 2011 • Completed Partnership with Hydrous Cable Wakeboard Park at Allen Station Park • Completed construction projects at Celebration Park Phase III- 2010 Celebration Pass Hike & Bike Trail • Completed construction projects at Fox Hollow Open Space Enhancement • Replaced and enhanced the athletic field lighting at Jupiter Park • Installed new gymnasium floor and energy-efficient lighting at Joe Farmer Recreation Center • Completed renovations at The Courses at Watters Creek 2012 • Expanded tree farm operations at Molsen Farm • Renovated landscaping at Suncreek and Heritage Parks using drought tolerant perennial plants to reduce water usage • Continued construction of hike & bike trails and open space improvements throughout city such as at Cumberland Crossing, Waterford Park and Starcreek • Completed construction at Ford Park North Trail Connection • Completed construction at Arts of North Texas Hike & Bike Trail • Completed installation of public art at Fire Station 5 and City Hall

The Courses at Watters Creek - 2011

Waterford Park Improvements - 2012

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2013 • Installed shade structures at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium • Redeveloped Hillside Park • Completed landscape improvements at the Lynge House at Heritage Village • Design and purchase of pre-fab restroom at Heritage Village • Constructed trail segments at Morgan Crossing Park and Ford Park North • Completed development of Morgan Crossing Park • Completed development of Dayspring Nature Preserve Phase III • Installed public art and enhanced median landscaping along Exchange Parkway Hillside Property Enhancements - 2013 from US 75 to Greenville Avenue and along Bethany Drive from Allen Heights to Angel Parkway • Installed new flooring on the indoor track at Joe Farmer Recreation Center • Developed Hillside Property as a wellness park with multiple fitness and workout stations 2014 • Completed construction of the Watters Crossing Neighborhood Park Renovations • Completed construction of additional improvements at Greenville Heights Park • Constructed an additional three miles of trail to the overall trail system • Completed construction for the Bethany Drive Median Improvements • Improvements of spectator areas and sports fields at Watters Crossing Park Renovations - 2014 Jupiter Park • Improvements of spectator areas and addition of artificial turf on the softball fields at Allen Station Park • Improvements of spectator areas and sports fields at Celebration Park 2015 • Enhanced Reed Park East to accommodate the Griffins Rugby Club practice and game schedule • Constructed an additional three miles of trail to the overall trail system • Completed Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium locker room renovation • Completed Bethany Lakes Connector Trail design

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• • • • • •

Completed Hillside Play Area renovations Completed Allen Station baseball field #4 renovation Completed Cottonwood Creek Trail Completed Ford Pool design process Began design of Watters Branch Community Park – construction completion anticipated 2017 Completed Cottonwood Creek pedestrian bridge public art, median landscape designs and installation of “CHAC” sculpture

Hillside Play Areas Renovations - 2015 Allen Station Park Artificial Turf Fields - 2014

Trail Enhancements – 2010 - 2015 Watters Branch Community Park - 2015

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IV. PARK CLASSIFICATION & INVENTORY The park classification system for all parks in the city is broken down into nine major categories. Each park category serves a unique purpose:

Classification

Service Area

Size

Population Served

Typical Facilities

Development Cost*

Pocket/Ornamental Park

1/4 Mile

2,500 sq. ft. to 2 acres

500-2,500

Landscaping, drinking fountains, sidewalks and benches

$65,000 $100,000 Per Acre

Trail Enhancements 2010 Mini-Neighborhood 1/4 Mile 1–acre to - 2015 500-2,500

Paved area, playground apparatus, landscaping, sidewalks, drinking fountains, lawn area, benches

$90,000 $150,000 Per Acre

4 acres

Park

Neighborhood Park

Community

1/2 Mile

5 acres to 10 acres

2,000-10,000

Playground apparatus, picnic area(s), pavilion, play courts, play fields, restroom, natural open space landscaping & parking

$70,000 $100,000 Per Acre

2 Miles

40 acres to 150 acres

10,000-50,000

Tennis courts, sports fields, playground apparatus, picnic area(s), pavilions, walking/jogging trails, swimming pools, open space, landscaping, recreation centers, restrooms & parking

$30,000 $50,000 Per Acre

Varies

Determined by primary use

Varies Dependent on primary use

Concentration of one or two of the following: Baseball/softball complex, soccer fields, tennis centers, sports stadiums, golf courses, performing arts parks, amphitheaters & ornamental gardens

Varies - Dependent on primary use

Park

Special Use Park

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Classification

Service Area

Size

Population Served

Typical Facilities

Development Cost*

Regional

10 Miles

Varies

Entire urban area

Sports fields, tennis courts, lakes, swimming complexes, campgrounds, hike/bike trails, golf courses, nature areas, play structures, restrooms & ample parking

$2,000,000 & up

Varies

Varies

5,000 to entire community

Landscaping, multipurpose trails, benches, information kiosks, telephones, exercise courses & drinking fountains

$200,000 $500,000 per mile

Natural Areas

Varies

Determined by resource

Entire community

Nature trails, multipurpose trails, benches, picnic areas, wildlife viewing stations, educational components, information kiosks, interpretive signs, exercise courses & drinking fountains

Varies

Indoor Recreation enter

Varies

Walking track, fitness rooms, gymnasium, weight room, racquetball/squash courts, indoor swimming pool, meeting/convention facilities, arts and crafts rooms & day care facilities

$3,000,000 $7,000,000

Park

Greenbelts

10,000 sq. ft. 20,000 - 30,000 Minimum

* Development costs are based on 2015 dollars.

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The existing parks in Allen are classified in the Existing Parks and Open Space Inventory shown in the following table. In order to illustrate the geographic distribution and areas of the city currently served by the park system, the service area of each existing park has been shown on the Existing Parks and Open Space Map on page 15. Ideally, all developed areas of the city should fall within the service area of a neighborhood park and community park.

Name

Type of Park

Developed Acres

Total Acres

Facilities

1

Allen Senior Center

Special-Use

5.6

8.2

• • • • • • •

Lounge Computers Ballroom Multi-purpose rooms Cafeteria Fitness rooms and machines Table games/video room

2

Allen Station Park

Community

44

95

• • • • • • •

Five baseball fields Four softball fields Multi-purpose trails Playground Horseshoe/washer pits The Allen Heritage Village The Allen Water Station Site (Allen Dam) Natural areas Picnic facilities Hydrous Wakeboard Park Two restroom/concession facilities

• • • • 3

Allenwood Park

Neighborhood

3.9

3.9

• • • •

4

Bethany Lakes Park

Community

47.8

47.8

•

• • • • • • • • • • • • City of Allen Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Update 2015

Playground Multi-purpose trail Pavilion Picnic facilities Joe Farmer Recreation Center - Gym - Two classrooms - Fitness room (weights/machines) - Two racquetball courts - Amphitheater - Game room Fishing ponds with pier Multi-purpose trail Playground Disc golf course Baseball/softball practice field Restroom/concession facility Open lawn areas for practice Veterans Memorial Cancer Walk of Hope Clubhouse Pavilion Picnic facilities 9 | Pa g e

Name

Type of Park

Developed Acres

Total Acres

5

Bethany Ridge Park

Neighborhood

7.1

7.1

• • • • •

Fishing pond with pier Playground Multi-purpose trail Open space Undeveloped picnic area

6

Bluffs at Lost Creek

Greenbelt

5

13.4

• • •

Multi-purpose trails Pavilion Picnic facilities

7

Bolin Park

Special-Use

11

11

• • •

Two baseball fields Two soccer fields Restroom/concession facility

8

Bradford Crossing Park

Neighborhood

4

4

• • • • • •

Baseball/softball practice field Basketball court Playground Multi-purpose trail Pavilion Picnic facilities

9

Bridgewater Crossing

Greenbelt

12.3

12.3

• • •

Open lawn area for practice Playground Pavilion

10

Celebration Park

Regional

99.4

99.4

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Four baseball fields Nineteen soccer fields Two basketball courts Four tennis courts Two ponds Multi-purpose trail (1.5 mi.)

Sprayground Playground Three Pavilions Wooded open space Horseshoe/washer pits Picnic facilities Two restroom/concession facilities

11

Chase Oaks Golf Club*

Special-Use

260.9

260.9

•

Golf course

12

Collin Square Greenbelt

Greenbelt

.4

8.9

•

Open space

13

Cottonwood Bend Park

MiniNeighborhood

3.9

3.9

• • • •

Playground Two baseball/softball practice fields Picnic facilities Open lawn areas for practice

• • • • •

Multi-purpose trails Playground Open lawn areas for practice Pavilion Picnic facilities

14

Country Meadows Park

Neighborhood

7.4

7.4

City of Allen Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Update 2015

Facilities

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Name

Type of Park

Developed Acres

Total Acres

15

Custer Meadows

Greenbelt

2.3

2.3

• • •

Natural open space Multi-use trails Playground

16

Day Spring Nature Preserve

Natural Area

3.6

11

• • • • • •

Natural areas Playground Pavilion Multi-use trails Creek overview Wildflower planting area

17

Edge at Allen Station Park

Special-Use

11.3

11.3

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Visitors/Youth Center Skate parts shop Game room/indoor theater Video game room Computer lab Concessions Skate park BMX track Hockey rink Multi-use trail Creek overview Picnic facilities Restroom/concession facility

18

Estevie Property

Community

0

70.2

19

Ford Park East

Community

24

24

• • • • • • •

Two lacrosse practice fields Two football fields Three softball fields Playground Picnic facilities Pavilion Restroom/concession facility

20

Ford Park North

MiniNeighborhood

0

5.6

21

Ford Park West

Community

19.7

19.7

• • • • • • • • • •

Swimming pool Hockey rink Two basketball courts Four tennis courts Baseball/softball practice fields Open lawn areas for practice Playground Pavilion Multi-purpose trails Picnic facilities

22

Glendover Park

Neighborhood

10.1

10.1

• • • • • •

Fishing pond with pier Multi-use trail Playground Open lawn areas for practice Pavilion Picnic facilities

City of Allen Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Update 2015

Facilities

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Name

Type of Park

Developed Acres

Total Acres

23

Green Park

MiniNeighborhood

5.1

5.1

• • • • •

Playground Multi-purpose trail Open lawn areas for practice Pavilion Picnic facilities

24

Greenville Heights

Greenbelt

5

12.2

• • • •

Natural open space Playground Pavilion Multi-use trails

25

Heritage Park

MiniNeighborhood

1.6

3

• • • •

Playground Multi-use trail Natural areas Picnic facilities

26

Hillside Property

Special-Use

9

9

• • • •

Wellness Park Multi-purpose trails Workout equipment Open lawn areas

27

Hillside Play Area

MiniNeighborhood

.5

.5

•

Playground

28

Jupiter Park

Special-Use

7.9

7.9

•

Two lighted football fields

29

Liberty Garden

Pocket

.14

.14

•

Perennial garden

30

Lost Creek Park

Neighborhood

5

5

• • • • • • •

Basketball court Baseball/softball practice field Perimeter side walks Playground Open lawn areas for practice Pavilion Picnic Facilities

31

Lower Watters Branch Property

Neighborhood

0

10.7

32

Molsen Farm

Community

0

61.1

• • •

Tree farm Two ponds Six Cities Trail site

33

Morgan Crossing Park

MiniNeighborhood

2.25

4.7

• •

Playground Picnic facilities

34

Orchards Property

MiniNeighborhood

0

2.7

35

Parkside Property

MiniNeighborhood

0

4.3

36

Quail Run Park

Neighborhood

5.1

5.1

• • • • • •

Basketball court Playground Baseball/softball practice field Multi-use trail Pavilion Picnic facilities

37

Raintree Park

Neighborhood

0

6.1

City of Allen Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Update 2015

Facilities

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Name

Type of Park

Developed Acres

Total Acres

Facilities

38

Reed Park East

MiniNeighborhood

3.4

3.4

• • • •

Tennis court Lacrosse field Picnic facilities In-line hockey rink

39

Reed Park West

Neighborhood

5.8

5.8

• • • • •

Baseball/softball practice field Three playgrounds Trail with interpretive signage Open lawn areas for practice Picnic facilities

40

Rodenbaugh Natatorium

Special-Use

8.3

10.8

• • • • •

Indoor swimming pool - 25m x 25yds Competition and leisure areas Rock climbing wall Aerobics room Fitness Center

41

Rolling Hills Park

MiniNeighborhood

.5

.5

• • • •

Playground Interpretive signage Landscaping Picnic facilities

42

Shadow Lakes Park

Natural Area

5.6

5.6

• • • •

Natural open space Multi-purpose trail Pavilion Picnic facilities

43

Spring Meadow Greenbelt

Greenbelt

2

2

• •

Natural areas Multi-purpose trails

44

Spring Meadow Park

MiniNeighborhood

4.7

4.7

• • • • •

Playground Multi-purpose sports court Multi-purpose trail Pavilion Picnic facilities

45

Stacy Ridge Park

Neighborhood

14.7

14.7

• • • • • • •

Two half-court basketball courts Playground Multi-purpose trail Large open lawn areas for practice Large wooded area Pavilion Picnic facilities

• • • • • •

Playground Two half-court basketball courts Open lawn areas Multi-purpose trail Pavilion Picnic facilities

46

Story Park

Neighborhood

10.1

10.1

City of Allen Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Update 2015

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Name

Type of Park

Developed Acres

Total Acres

Facilities

47

Suncreek Park

Neighborhood

13.2

13.2

• • • • • • • •

Sand volleyball court Playground Multi-purpose trail Cricket practice pitch Open lawn areas for practice Pond with viewing deck Pavilion Picnic facilities

48

Trail at The Woods

Greenbelt

14.7

68

• • •

Natural open space Multi-purpose trail Soft surface interpretive trail

49

Twin Creeks Park

Neighborhood

11

11

• • • • • •

Multi-purpose trail Playground Open lawn areas for practice Pole barn Pavilion Picnic facilities

50

Walden Park

Pocket

.5

.5

• • •

Small multi-purpose sports court Playground Picnic facilities

51

Waterford Park

Neighborhood

2.5

10.1

• • • •

Playground Native drought tolerant garden Multi-purpose trail Picnic facilities

52

Watters Branch Property

Community

25

50.4

Project Underway • 4 lighted artificial turf softball fields • Multi-purpose trails • Natural areas to be preserved • Open lawn areas for general play and sports practice • Pavilion / picnic facilities • Playground

53

Watters Crossing Park

Neighborhood

8.1

8.1

• • • • • • •

54

Windridge Property

Pocket

0

.4

Playground Multi-purpose sports court Multi-purpose trail Open lawn areas for practice Pavilion Sand volleyball court Picnic facilities

* The Courses at Watters Creek (formerly Chase Oaks Golf Club) is maintained by its own staff and not included in any assessment of maintenance needs throughout the parks and open space system.

Total Park Acres Total Developed Acres

1,094.2 755.3

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V. METHODOLOGY The master plan update planning process began in 2015 when the City of Allen began to re-address the parks and open space opportunities throughout the city. The Parks Board, representing a cross section of the community with several key city staff, was selected to guide the development of a master plan for future park and recreation opportunities. The Parks Board and city staff was involved in each major step of the planning process and provided the local insight needed to produce a successful master plan update.

The City of Allen provided an online survey to all the residents of Allen and over 2,000 completed surveys were received. In addition, a total of 17 different community groups participated in focus group meetings to discuss the true needs for the City of Allen’s parks, recreation and open space system.

Spectator Areas – Allen Station Park

Based on the citizen s u r v e y r e s u l t s , focus group input, the Parks Board, c i t y s t a f f , existing inventory, available resources and professional opinion, potential park projects were developed. Once the master project list was developed and refined, the projects for the city were prioritized based on local demand and their perception of needs. This master plan update was presented to the Parks Board and a at City Council Workshop in order to verify that the City of Allen Parks and Open Space Master Plan Update 2015 truly reflects the community’s needs and priorities.

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VI. LEVEL OF SERVICE Level of service is the term used to describe the importance or the role of a park system in a community and is expressed in acres of useable park land per 1,000 persons. For the last forty years, the targeted level of service for communities nationwide has been 10 acres of park land for every 1,000 residents. Based on the specific needs of a community, levels of service ranging from 5 acres of developed park land per 1,000 people to 15 acres of developed park land per 1,000 people are typically targeted.

Allen’s Total Park Acres: 1,094.2 – 10.3 acres per 1,000 residents Allen’s Level of Service Total developed park acres: 755.3 – 7.9 developed acres per 1,000 residents It is important to note that the level of service for parks and open space is based on useable space and, therefore, undeveloped or unusable park land should not be a factor in the level of service calculation. Although private recreational facilities and outdoor public school spaces should be considered when establishing the desired level of service for a community, the non-city-owned acreage is not typically used in the level of service calculation.

Rolling Hills Park

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VII. NEEDS ANALYSIS The City of Allen has been successfully upgrading older parks in the city and developing existing properties over the past five years. According to focus group meetings and the citizen survey, the majority of the needs established in the 2011 master plan are still desired by residents today in the City of Allen. Local needs were determined through: -

Citizen Survey

-

Public Meetings

-

Focus Group Meetings

-

Parks Board Meetings

-

City Staff Meetings

The City of Allen has always used a citizen-driven needs-based approach to parks and open space planning in order to create a park system that will be highly used by its residents. In order to know what the citizens desire and to create a successful park system, the City of Allen provided the community with an online survey. A total of 2,127 citizens responded with valuable data regarding the park system. The same survey used in 2010 with minor modifications, was used for this update in order to compare results over the past five years. Overall, the residents of Allen feel the City of Allen provides and maintains a great park system, just as the citizens did five years ago. The complete survey results can be viewed in Appendix I. The following list is a summary of the key responses regarding the City of Allen’s Park System. ( R e s u l t s d o n o t i n c l u d e ‘ N o R e s p o n s e ’ a n s w e r s ) : -

Sixty-five percent (65%) of

ROLE OF PARKS

the respondents expressed that the role of parks, recreation

1%

16%

More Important The Same

and open spaces compared to ten

years

ago

is

‘more

65% 18%

Less Important Don't Know

important,’ eighteen percent (18%) stated ‘the same’ and only one percent (1%) stated ‘less important.’ (16% responded ‘Don’t Know.’)

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-

Ninety-four percent (94%) of the respondents “strongly agree” or “agree” that parks and recreation facilities are well worth the cost to taxpayers.

-

Eighty-one percent (81%) of the respondents expressed that additional parks and recreational facilities are needed in Allen.

-

Seventy-five percent (75%) of the respondents expressed that existing parks should be upgraded and/or improved to include additional facilities.

-

Eighty-seven percent (87%) of the respondents expressed that residential neighborhoods, schools and parks should be connected with linear parks such as trails along creeks and corridors.

-

Eighty-nine percent (89%) of the respondents expressed the Allen park system is ‘excellent’ or ‘good.’

QUALITY

10% 1%

Excellent Good

38%

Fair

51%

-

Poor

The acquisition and development of park land and the maintenance of park facilities can be expensive. Residents were asked ‘In addition to state grants, municipal bonds should be used to assist in the funding of the development of parks in Allen’ and a total of eighty-two percent

USE OF BONDS

(82%) ‘strongly-agreed’ or ‘agreed.’

15% 4%

31%

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

51%

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The survey included a question asking citizens what facilities they want added to the Allen park system. Thirty-four recreational facilities were listed and each respondent chose their top five choices and ranked them with one being the highest and five being the lowest. Each number was then awarded points to create a weighted score. If a one was chosen, it was worth five points, if a two was chosen, it was worth four points, if a three was chosen, it was worth three points...etc. The following table represents the rank and weighted scores of the non-sports related facility priorities desired by residents and the corresponding rank from the 2011 Master Plan.

Non-Organized Sports Related Facility Priorities Rank

Facilities

1

Nature Trails (trails in a natural setting)

1,539

1

2

Indoor Recreation Centers

1,252

8

3

Multi-Use Paved Trails

1,144

1

4

Shade at Playgrounds and Other Facilities

1,139

4

5

Botanical/Flower Gardens

882

6

6

Nature Areas

863

3

7

Swimming Pools

858

9

8

Off-Road Bike Trails

854

NA

9

Spraygrounds / Water Play Parks

807

NA

10

Dog Parks

691

11

11

Water Features (creeks, small lakes, etc.)

637

12

12

Community Gardens

584

NA

13

Playgrounds

560

13

14

Bandstand/Amphitheaters

515

15 +

15

Fishing Piers / Docks

472

15 +

16

Lawn Areas for General Play

424

15

17

Picnic Shelters / Pavilions

407

14

18

Camping/Day Camps

401

15 +

19

Sand Volleyball Courts

388

15 +

20

Disc Golf Courses

198

15 +

21

Public Art

154

15 +

22

Horseshoe/Washer Courts

118

15 +

City of Allen Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan Update 2015

Weighted

2011 Rank

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The following table represents the rank and weighted scores of the sports-related facility priorities desired by residents and the corresponding rank from the 2011 Master Plan.

Organized Sports-Related Facility Priorities Rank

Facilities

Weighted

2011 Rank

1

Sports Practice Fields (Multi-use)

1076

2

2

Basketball Courts

903

15 +

3

Artificial Turf Sports Fields

862

NA

4

Baseball Fields

785

15 +

5

Tennis Centers

779

15 +

6

Soccer Fields

771

10

7

Football Fields

385

7

8

Lacrosse Fields

301

15 +

9

Youth Softball Fields

300

15 +

10

Adult Softball Fields

216

5

11

Cricket Fields

114

15 +

12

Rugby Fields

83

NA

Focus Groups and Public Meetings In order to better understand the needs of citizens, 17 focus group meetings and a public meeting were held in Allen. The focus groups meetings provided information regarding different organizations, clubs, groups and sports organization’s needs. The following list is representative of the most common comments and concerns heard throughout the meetings: • The City of Allen needs to continue to focus on building first class facilities and continuing a high level of maintenance in order to compete with surrounding cities.

• The city needs to continue to address upgrading existing parks rather than developing new parks – the city is near build-out and the focus must be on improving what is owned.

• The city should focus on organized and programmed recreation in order to increase participation numbers • The city needs to continue to focus on acquiring vacant land, especially those with valuable natural resources, as the city moves towards build out.

• The city should design and construct projects that provide multiple amenities and opportunities in one location.

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• The city has been successful in the construction of trails but needs additional connections to create a larger trail network.

• Joe Farmer Recreation Center is too small and needs to be expanded.

• More practice and game fields are needed for organized sports.

• Recycling and ‘green’ initiatives need to be utilized in the park system • The city should focus on great spectator and picnic areas for parents and grandparents who are watching children play.

• Greenbelts need to be left in their natural conditions – little to no maintenance is necessary.

• The city needs to continue to focus on water conservation – plant native species and use artificial turf where appropriate.

New Parks – Needs The City of Allen has steadily grown over the past five years and is continuing to grow towards build-out. Based on focus group input, the citizen survey and city staff, it is important for the city to continue constructing additional needed parks on existing undeveloped properties throughout the community. The city currently owns several undeveloped properties ranging from half an acre to 70 acres distributed across town. The city should focus on developing those properties into new parks that fit the goals and objectives of this plan. However, if land becomes available at a reasonable price or by donation, then the city should not hesitate to purchase or accept the land as long as it follows the goals and objectives of this plan. For instance, the city needs to continue acquiring additions to West Rowlett Creek Property and the Watters Branch Property in the northwestern part of town.

Existing Parks - Needs In addition to developing existing properties and increasing the parks and open space level of service in the City of Allen, it is imperative to continue upgrading and renovating the existing older parks and continue to maintain all the parks at a high level. Each neighborhood has individual characteristics and needs. Therefore, each park should reflect those specific characteristics and needs.

A total of seventy-five percent (75%) of the survey respondents expressed the need for upgraded and renovated parks and facilities in the City of Allen. The c ity has excelled at providing, developing and maintaining the existing park system and needs to continue this trend.

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The city needs to upgrade and improve the oldest existing facilities to continue satisfying local needs.

Additional walking trails, playgrounds, benches, shaded areas, picnicking

shelters/pavilions and enhanced water-wise landscaping are all examples of upgrades to the existing park system.

Athletic Facilities - Needs Since athletic organizations have different recreational needs than the general public, a carrying capacity analysis was used to determine the true needs of the different sports associations. The carrying capacity is the number of games one athletic field can accommodate each week. In addition to the carrying capacity analysis, focus group meetings were specifically held with different sports organizations. These meetings gave insight into how sports organizations are managed in Allen and what each different organization needs, to better provide recreational opportunities for the growing population.

Baseball – The youth baseball league in Allen has significantly grown over the past five years and is projected to continue to grow in the upcoming years. Different age groups play on different sized fields. The City of Allen currently offers eleven lighted fields: • • • • •

4 - 200' fields at Allen Station Park 2 - 225' fields at Celebration Park 2 - 250' fields at Bolin Park 2 - 300' fields at Allen Station Park and Celebration Park (One field per park) 1 - 325' field at Celebration Park

Boy’s baseball games are typically played five days a week leaving Wednesdays and Sundays available for field recovery, maintenance and rainout days. Typically each team plays two games a week and three games can be played per field per night. At this rate a total of 15 games a week can be played on a single field. For this analysis, one game field for each 14 teams is applied as the targeted standard.

The following table represents the carrying capacity of the youth baseball fields based on the number of teams in Allen.

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Age Groups

Number of Existing Game Fields 2015

Number of Teams 2015

Number of Required Game Fields 2015

U4 - U10

6

118

8

U11 - U12

2

28

2

33

2

U13 - U15

2

8

1

11

1

U16 - U18

1

2

1

3

1

Total

11

156

11

180

14

Number of Teams 2020* 133

Number of Required Game Fields 2020 10

*The estimated number of teams in 2020 is based on 2.4% population growth per year.

There is currently a two field deficit for U4-U10 age groups and a projected deficit of four U4 - U10 baseball fields by 2020. This particular age group can play on 200' or 225' fields. As youth baseball continues to grow, additional U4-U10 fields will be needed in the City of Allen.

Softball - The youth softball program in Allen has remained relatively consistent in terms of the number of teams and players over the past few years. In 2013, a total of 31 teams played and a total of 42 teams are playing in 2015 on a total of four lighted a rt i fi ci al t ur f fields at Allen Station Park. The four fields are all 200' fields and support all the youth softball players. Typically, games are played four nights a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

All four fields are lighted which allows for three games to be played per field per night. A total of 48 games can be played per week which accommodates 96 teams using the one game field for each 12 teams standard, playing one game per week or 48 teams playing two games per week. No more youth softball fields are needed at this time or in 2020 at the projected growth rate of youth softball.

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Softball Leagues

Number of Existing Game Fields 2015

Number of Teams 2015

Number of Required Game Fields 2015

Number of Teams 2020*

Number of Required Game Fields 2020

Youth Softball

4

42

4

47

4

Total

4

42

4

47

4

*The estimated number of teams in 2020 is based on 2.4% population growth per year.

Soccer – Youth soccer currently plays most of their games at Celebration Park and occasionally at Bolin Park. The City of Allen has a total of 23 soccer fields and they are broken down into different sizes for different age groups as follows: • • • • •

8 - 90' x 60' fields (U6) 6 - 120' x 90' fields (U8) 6 - 240 x 150' fields (U10) 2 - 300' x 180' fields (U12) 1 - 300' x 240' field (U16-U19)

Soccer games are typically played on Saturdays and each team plays one game per week. Ideally the carrying capacity of a soccer field is 12 teams per week (six games per Saturday). The Spring and Fall seasons vary in which has the most participants in each age group. In order to calculate the current use of the fields, the highest number of

Allen Station Park

teams was used in each age group, regardless of the season.

The following table represents the current and future needs of youth soccer, based on providing one game field for each 12 teams in an age group.

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Age Groups

Number of Existing Game Fields 2015

Number of Teams 2015

Number of Required Game Fields 2015

Number of Teams 2020*

Number of Required Game Fields 2020

U5 - U6

8

102

9

117

10

U7 - U8

6

63

6

73

7

U9 - U10

6

38

4

43

4

U11 - U15

2

35

3

40

4

U16 - U19

1

6

1

7

1

Total

23

244

23

280

26

*The estimated number of teams in 2020 is based on 2.4% population growth per year.

Soccer has slowly declined over the past few years and the current number of soccer fields in the City of Allen is sufficient for the number of teams. However, there is a need for three additional soccer fields by the year 2020. There is a need for additional fields due to the fact that soccer games are typically only played on Saturdays which limits the amounts of games that can be played per week.

Football - Youth football is currently growing and is expected to continue to grow into the future.

The youth football league plays at Ford Park, Jupiter Park, Lovejoy High School and Allen High School. Currently, a total of 57 teams play on six lighted 100 yard fields. Lovejoy High School officials charge the youth football league to play on their football field. Ideally, a youth football field can support 12 teams per week. (6 games per Saturday)

Ford Park

The following table represents the current and future needs of the youth football program based on the number of teams per field. (Assumes Lovejoy High School fields will be available in 2020)

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Field Sizes

Number of Existing Game Fields 2015

Number of Teams 2015

Number of Required Game Fields 2015

Number of Teams 2020*

Number of Required Game Fields 2020

100 Yards

6

57

5

62

5

Total

6

57

5

62

5

*The estimated number of teams in 2020 is based on 2.4% population growth per year.

The six 100 yard football fields currently satisfy the need in 2015 for youth football and will be sufficient in 2020 at the current growth.

Adult Softball – It is important to specifically consider the needs of adult softball because of the large number of participants. In 2015, a total of 3,225 participants played co-rec adult softball in the City of Allen. In the Fall season of 2015, a total of 73 teams played on a total of three lighted fields at Ford Park. Currently, adult softball is played Monday through Friday and four games are played per field per night on the three softball fields at Ford Park.

At this usage level, each field can accommodate 40 teams. A targeted capacity standard of one game field for each 32 teams for adult softball is recommended for Allen.

This ratio will help the league make up for

rainouts and provide a small amount of flexibility in scheduling. It should be noted that the City of Allen is currently working on construction documents for four additional artificial turf, lighted softball fields at the new Watters Branch Community Park. Based on the one field per 32 teams ratio, the following table shows the demand for adult softball.

Adult Softball League

Number of Existing Game Fields 2015

Number of Teams 2015

Number of Required Game Fields 2015

Number of Teams 2020*

Number of Required Game Fields 2020

Softball

3

73

3

78

3

Total

3

73

3

78

3

*The estimated number of teams in 2020 is based 2.4 % population growth per year.

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Watters Branch Community Park is projected to be completed in 2017 and will satisfy the need for adult softball with four lighted, artificial turf fields.

Parks and Recreation Athletic Priorities RANK

FACILITY

1

Sports Practice Fields (Multi-Use)

2

Artificial Turf Sports Fields

3

Baseball Fields

4

Basketball Courts

5

Soccer Fields

6

Tennis Centers

7

Football Fields

8

Youth Softball Fields

9

Lacrosse Fields

10

Adult Softball Fields

Trails - Needs Currently, the City of Allen does a spectacular job in planning and constructing trails throughout the community. However, it is important to continually re-evaluate the trail system to make sure all the trails connect in order for all the individual trails to become a purposeful trail system that connect residential areas, parks and businesses. Nature trails* ranked number one and multipurpose trails ranked number four in the citizen survey. In addition, a total of eighty-seven percent (87%) of survey responders strongly agreed or agreed that residential neighborhoods, schools and parks should be connected with linear parks such as trails along creeks and other corridors.

* It is believed by the consultants and city staff that citizens think of nature trails as trails of all types built in a natural environment as in the photo below.

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The Collin County Regional Trails Master Plan and the “Six Cities Trail Plan - A Regional Linkage Plan” must be followed in order to connect with trails in neighboring communities. In addition, the “Linear Greenbelt Park Study” developed in 1986, discusses valuable concepts regarding linear greenbelts and trails and how they relate to the natural areas surrounding and crossing through Allen. M o r e trails and trail connections are needed in the City of Allen. In addition, multi-purpose trails and soft-surfaced trails are needed in and throughout individual parks for walking, jogging and other forms of exercise.

Natural Open Space – Needs The City of Allen needs to preserve natural open spaces within the community in order to make the spaces available for primitive recreation and to preserve valuable ecosystems. Since Allen is virtually surrounded by other built-up communities, it is important to preserve any and all natural areas available. Nature areas ranked as number six and water features such as creeks, small lakes, etc. ranked number twelve on the citizen survey. The existing city-owned property, Molsen Farm is a large (+/- 50 acres) plot of land along Rowlett Creek. The Molsen Farm Master Plan proposed the development of previously developed / managed preserving the most valuable natural open spaces found on the site.

Rowlett Creek, West Rowlett Creek, Watters Branch, Cottonwood Creek and their tributaries are all key natural water resources in Allen and need to be preserved.

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Indoor Recreation Centers - Needs The City of Allen currently has one indoor recreation center – the Joe Farmer Recreation Center.

It is located in southeast Allen at Bethany Lakes Park. The Joe Farmer Recreation Center is relatively small and not centrally located for convenient access from all areas of the city. Indoor recreation centers ranked number two on the citizen survey of needed recreational facility priorities. It is important to note that indoor recreation centers went from the number eight priority to the number two priority. There is a need for an additional recreation center that is more accessible to residents in other parts of town – specifically in the northwest portion of the community.

Maintenance - Needs The City of Allen currently has first class park facilities and maintains these spaces at a high level.

The high level of maintenance significantly contributes to the high use of the parks and satisfaction level within the city. It is important to keep all parks and public facilities well maintained and safe. As Allen’s population and park system continues to grow, it is necessary for the maintenance crews to grow proportionally so that all outdoor public spaces are useable, safe and aesthetically pleasing to all residents and park visitors. Future park development plans should be prepared with reduced maintenance as a key objective. This can be achieved by the use of native plants and materials and by increasing the amount of natural areas in future parks.

The addition of sports facilities and a new recreational center will create a need for additional staff to keep the level of maintenance at its current level.

Miscellaneous Community - Needs Shade at playgrounds and other facilities ranked number four on the citizen survey.

It is

important to incorporate shade into the existing park system for play areas as well as along trails and bench areas for children, adults and senior citizens. Future parks need to be constructed with shade in mind – it is imperative to remove less existing vegetation and to plant more trees and/or provide more shade structures at play areas. An annual tree planting program is needed in the City of Allen to ensure that trees are planted each year in order to have more shade in parks.

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The city has been very successful in the past several years implementing art into the parks. Public art in the park can take many forms such as: creative signs, climbing/playing elements, artistic bridges, etc. The City of Allen needs to continue to follow the “Public Art Master Plan” developed in 2005. The mission of the Public Art Program is to: “Articulate the values and vision of the community by enhancing the aesthetics of the city’s civic infrastructure, commissioning site-specific artwork and creating hands-on encounters with art.” Additional attention to public art in the design and remodeling of parks in Allen can contribute significantly to the attainment of this mission.

Botanical / Flower Garden ranked number five on the citizen survey and it is important to express what a ‘botanical / flower garden’ means to the City of Allen residents. After many discussions, it was decided that the parks need additional plantings such as shrubs and perennials to spruce up the park system. Currently the parks consist of manicured lawn areas and trees; flower gardens are needed to create a more aesthetically pleasing experience for park users. The addition of enhanced landscaping in the parks will require additional maintenance staff in the future.

Conclusions It is important to analyze the actual needs of the community so the recommendations and future development of Allen’s park system is representative of what the citizens’ desire. The following are key points of the needs analysis: •

• • • • • •

Existing parks and facilities need to continually be upgraded and maintained at a high level in order to keep Allen’s park system up to local standards and expectations and safe for all users. This includes making all public parks and facilities compliant with the ADA. Multi-purpose sports practice fields need to be constructed in existing parks and parks scheduled for development.

Some of the existing open space and vacant land owned by the city needs to be developed into trail corridors, neighborhood parks and community parks.

An additional indoor recreation center is needed on the west side of US 75.

Existing trails need to be linked to provide more extended connectivity throughout the community.

Shade, both natural and constructed, should be incorporated into existing and future parks.

Natural areas of high quality need to be preserved as natural open space such as mature wooded areas along creeks and their tributaries.

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VIII. PRIORITIES/RECOMMENDATIONS The following table represents the recreational facility priorities for the City of Allen’s parks and open space system. These priorities are based on citizen input, city staff, Parks Board and professional opinion.

Parks and Recreation Facility Priorities RANK

FACILITY

1

Multi-Purpose Trails / Nature Trails

2

Indoor Recreation Centers

3

Shade at Playgrounds and Other Areas

4

Sports Practice Fields (Multi-Use)

5

Botanical / Flower Gardens

6

Spraygrounds / Water Play Parks

7

Swimming Pools

8

Nature Areas

9

Dog Parks

10

Water Features (creeks, small lakes, etc.)

11

Off-Road Bike Trails

12

Playgrounds

13

Soccer Fields

14

Community Gardens

15

Basketball Courts

16

Fishing Piers / Docks

17

Lawn Areas for General Play

18

Camping / Day Camps

19

Picnic Shelters / Pavilions

20

Bandstands / Amphitheaters

21

Sand Volleyball Courts

22

Football Fields

23

Disc Golf

24

Public Art

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Recommendations The following actions are recommended to be implemented within the next five years to ensure that the parks and open space system continues to meet the recreational needs of the city’s residents.

New Projects and Parks Develop Watters Branch Community Park (Project Underway) - Construct 4 adult softball fields (artificial turf & lighted) - Construct multi-purpose trails - Construct open lawn areas for general play - Construct pavilion and picnic areas - Preserve valuable natural areas Construct Dog Park at the northeast corner of US 75 & Exchange Parkway along Cottonwood Creek Develop the Estevie Property - Construct indoor recreation center in partnership with Allen Sports Association - Construct multi-purpose sports practice fields - Construct multi-purpose trails - Construct playground - Construct sprayground - Provide shaded areas - Provide enhanced landscaped areas Develop the Molsen Farm Property in accordance with the Molsen Farm Master Plan - Construct environmental education center (adaptive re-use of existing buildings) - Construct multi-purpose trails & interpretive nature trails - Construct pedestrian overlooks - Enlarge existing pond - Construct community garden & working children’s garden - Restore prairie habitats - Continue to expand city tree farm Existing Parks - Re-develop Ford Pool (Project Underway) - Enhance landscaping throughout park system - Replace playgrounds throughout park system (15 years or older) - Plant trees and construct pavilions for shade and aesthetic purposes throughout the park system Athletic Facilities - Construct multi-purpose sports practice fields and artificial turf fields (See ‘New Projects and Parks’ above) - Construct additional baseball fields

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Natural Open Space - Acquire and preserve the most valuable and aesthetically pleasing natural open spaces - especially along Rowlett Creek, West Rowlett Creek, Cottonwood Creek Watters Branch Creek and their tributaries (On-going) Indoor Recreation Centers - Construct indoor recreation center at the Estevie Property in partnership with the Allen Sports Association (See ‘New Projects and Parks’ above) Trails - Continue to construct .5 miles of trail connections along Cottonwood Creek to connect +/- 7 miles of trails (Project Underway) Maintenance - Prepare and adopt a statistically based study and master plan that will increase the maintenance staff and budget as the park and trail systems continue to grow

Watterford Park Winter Wonderland

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IX. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

The following table depicts project priorities with suggested completion dates for each. It is important to note that the following schedule is intended to be a flexible guide for the development of parks and recreational facilities over the next several years for the City of Allen. The city should evaluate and take advantage of any unforeseen opportunities that may arise that are not identified in the schedule or that change the order of implementation if necessary.

Parks and Recreation Implementation Schedule Project

Date

Estimated Cost*

Potential Funding Source

1

Re-develop Ford Pool (UNDERWAY)

20162017

$2,800,000 $3,400,000

General Fund General Obligation Bond

2

Develop Watters Branch Community Park property (UNDERWAY) - 4 Adult artificial turf softball fields - Nature trails - Nature areas - Pavilion - Picnic stations - Playground - Open lawn areas for general play & sports practice - Trees for shade

2017

$6,500,000 $7,500,000

TP&W Grant Collin County General Fund General Obligation Bond

3

Construct .5 mi. of trail connections along Cottonwood Creek to connect +/- 7 mi. of trail (UNDERWAY)

2017

$250,000 $550,000

TP&W Grant (Trail Grant) General Fund General Obligation Bond

4

Construct dog park at northeast corner of US 75 & Exchange Parkway along Cottonwood Creek

20172019

$650,000 $900,000

Private Donations General Fund General Obligation Bond

5

Develop the Estevie Property - Construct indoor recreation center in partnership with Allen Sports Association - Multi-purpose sports fields - Multi-purpose trails - Shaded areas - Enhanced landscaping - Playground - Sprayground

20182020

$3,500,000 $4,500,000

Allen Sports Association TP&W Grant General Fund General Obligation Bond Other Grants & Partnerships

6

Develop Molsen Farm property in accordance with the Molsen Farm Master Plan

2017 2020

$3,000,000 $5,000,000

TP&W Grant General Fund General Obligation Bond

7

Develop trail linkages (ON-GOING)

20152020

$250,000 $550,000 per mile

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8

9

10

Land Dedication Collin County Trust for Public Land General Fund General Obligation Bond

Acquire and preserve land along Rowlett Creek, West Rowlett Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Watters Branch and their tributaries

20152020

Market

Implement art into the parks in accordance to the Public Art Master Plan (ON-GOING)

20152020

N/A

Donation General Obligation Bond

Plant trees throughout all parks for shade and aesthetic purposes

20152020

N/A

General Fund General Obligation Bond

Price

NOTE: Costs are preliminary estimates only and prepared without the benefit of detailed engineering data. Land acquisition costs are not included and all costs are based on 2015 dollars. Final construction costs will vary.

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X. SUMMARY The residents of the City of Allen are very satisfied with the existing park system and are invested in the future of Allen’s park system. The majority of the residents feel that the City of Allen has been very responsive in providing quality and hi ghl y maintained public park land.

The city needs to continue to acquire land in order to increase the amount of park acreage to serve the growing population. In addition, older parks should be upgraded and renovated in order to keep most of the parks up to date as the population and demographics change in the community.

This master plan update is to be utilized as a flexible tool which should be reviewed annually and updated every two to three years to continue to reflect the unique recreational needs of the area. The city should take advantage of any unforeseen opportunities not identified in the plan that may arise, such as donations of land and/or facilities as long as the actions meet the intent of the goals, objectives and recommendations of this plan.

With the proposed additions to the park system that are outlined in this plan will come additional maintenance and operational needs in order to best utilize, manage, and care for both the new facilities and those that exist today. While natural areas are typically left in their natural state, it is important to emphasize the need for an ongoing management program. A successful management program for the natural areas of the park system will ensure that the city’s natural resources are maintained in optimum condition.

The proposed improvements contained in this plan will enhance the quality of life throughout the city and help ensure that Allen is able to keep pace with the growing and ever changing recreational needs of its residents. The resulting benefits include increased quality of life, tourism potential, economic value, increasing property values, and civic pride on the part of the residents of Allen.

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APPENDIX I

CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS

City of Allen Parks Survey - Facility Priorities Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Total Weighted Score Nature Trails Indoor Recreation Centers Multi-Use Paved Trails Shade at Playgrounds & Other Areas Botanical/Flower Gardens Nature Areas Swimming Pools Off-Road Bike Trails Spraygrounds/Water Play Parks Sports Practice Fields Dog Parks Water Features (creeks, small lakes, etc.)

Basketball Courts Community Gardens Artificial Turf Sports Fields Baseball Fields Tennis Centers Soccer Fields Playgrounds Band Stands/Amphitheaters Fishing Piers/Docks Lawn Areas for General Play Picnic Shelters/Pavilions Camping/Day Camps Sand Volleyball Courts Football Fields Lacrosse Fields Youth Softball Fields Disc Golf Courses Public Art Adult Softball Fields Horseshoe Pits/Washer Courts Cricket Fields Rugby Fields

2117 1722 1675 1598 1375 1222 1207 1177 1156 1076 998 906 903 863 862 785 779 771 768 683 677 641 566 557 465 385 301 300 291 272 216 181 114 83

Ranking from 2011 Master PlanPage 42 1 8 1 4 6 3 9 n/a n/a 2 11 12 greater than 15 n/a n/a greater than 15 greater than 15 greater than 15 13 greater than 15 greater than 15 15 14 greater than 15 greater than 15 7 greater than 15 greater than 15 greater than 15 greater than 15 5 greater than 15 greater than 15 greater than 15

The weighted scores were calculated by giving votes for #1 priority 5 points, #2 priority 4 points, #3 priority 3 points, #4 priority 2 points, and #5 priority 1 point. Each respondent was allowed to select only five facilties as a priority.

7/1/2015

How would you rate the existing parks & recreational facilities in Allen?

Excellent - 38% Poor - 1%

Good - 51% Don't Know - 1%

Fair - 10%

How would you rate the level of maintenance of parks in Allen?

Excellent - 40% Poor - 1%

Good - 49% Don't Know - 1%

Fair - 8%

Can you reasonably & safely walk to a city park in Allen from your home?

Yes - 70%

No - 30%

Are additional parks and recreation facilities needed in Allen?

Yes - 81%

No - 19%

In what area of Allen do you reside?

0

100 Northwest

200

300

Southwest

400 Northeast

500

600

Southeast

700

No Response

More pocket or ornamental parks are needed (2,500 sq. Ft. To 1 acre in size).

Strongly Agree - 15% Disagree - 40%

800

Agree - 37% Strongly Disagree - 7%

More neighborhood parks are needed (10 acres in size).

Strongly Agree - 25% Disagree - 27%

Agree - 46% Strongly Disagree - 3%

More community parks are needed (40-150 acres in size).

Strongly Agree - 28% Disagree - 28%

Agree - 42% Strongly Disagree - 3%

Existing parks in Allen should be upgraded and or improved to include additional outdoor recreation facilities.

Strongly Agree - 28% Disagree - 22%

Agree - 47% Strongly Disagree - 3%

Residential neighborhoods, schools & parks should be connected with linear parks such as trails along creeks and other corridors.

Strongly Agree - 46% Disagree - 10%

Agree - 41% Strongly Disagree - 2%

The acquisition of parkland & development and maintenance of park facilities can be expensive. In addition to state grants, municipal bonds should be used to assist in the funding of the development of parks.

Strongly Agree - 31% Disagree - 15%

Agree - 51% Strongly Disagree - 4%

Parks & Recreation facilities are well worth the cost to taxpayers.

Strongly Agree - 49% Disagree - 5%

Agree - 45% Strongly Disagree - 1%

The most important consideration regarding future parks in Allen is: (weighted scores)

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

Quality of facilities in Design & Construction - 3758 Preservation of natural areas - 2734 Maintenance of facilities after construction - 2921 Number of Facilities - 1358

How should the Parks & Recreation Department inform the public of upcoming events? (weighted scores)

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Social Media - 1364 Website - 1250 Email - 1101 Insert in Water Bills - 973 Banners in Parks - 698 Newspaper Articles - 510

1000 1100 1200 1300 1400

The City of Allen provides most citizens with information regarding local parks and recreation opportunities.

Strongly Agree - 25% Disagree - 17%

Agree - 54% Strongly Disagree - 3%

The role of parks, recreation & open space in Allen today compared to ten years ago is:

More Important - 65% Less Important - 1%

The Same - 18% Don't Know - 16%