Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan
City of Douglasville September 2018
acknowledgements
City of Douglasville Community Mayor and City Council
Rochelle Robinson, Mayor Richard S. Segal, Mayor Pro Tem Terry S. Miller Michael J. Miller, Esq. Mark Adams Dr. LaShun Burr-Danley Sam Davis Coach Chris Watts Marcia Hampton, City Manager Travis Landrum, Director Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation Department Staff
Parks Master Plan Steering Committee
Chris Watts, City Council Karen Allen Barry Gamel Val Hernendeen Steve Hord Tracie Ivey Bill Martin Sheila Mason Samantha Rosado Kristen Tate Dean Wang Michelle Wright
Table of Contents Executive Summary
1
1: Introduction & Community Profile
1.1
Other Planning Efforts
1.3
Individual Park Concept Plans
1.3
Douglasville Comprehensive Plan
1.3
Douglasville Downtown Master Plan
1.4
Livable Centers Initiative Study
1.4
Northside Redevelopment Plan
1.4
Community Profile
1.5
Population Trends
1.6
Comparison Community Population Trends
1.8
Population by Age
1.10
Population by Gender
1.12
Population by Race and Ethnicity
1.13
Economic Trends
1.14
Health Trends
1.15
Transportation
1.17
Summary
1.20
2: Community Engagement
2.1
Interviews and Staff Workshop
2.2
Steering Committee
2.2
Focus and User Groups
2.3
Community Outreach and Input
2.4
Public Meetings and Events
2.4
Community Input Surveys
2.5
Common Themes Aquatics and Swimming
2.6 2.6
Youth Programming
2.6
Exercise and Health and Wellness Programming
2.6
Sidewalk and Trail Connectivity
2.7
Special Events and Events Space
2.7
Lack of Knowledge of City Parks and Programs
2.7
3: Programming
3.1
Benefits of Community Recreation
3.1
Trends in Recreation Programming
3.3
Public Input Program Inventory
3.6
Fitness and Educational/Instructional Programs
3.6
Summer Camps
3.7
Sports
3.8
Special Events / Festivals
3.9
Other Community Recreation Providers
City of Douglasville
3.5
3.10
Health Fitness Clubs
3.10
Boxing
3.10
Gymnastics
3.10
Cheerleading
3.10
Programs for the Underserved
3.10
Swimming
3.10
Therapeutic Recreation
3.11
Senior Programs
3.11
Cultural Arts
3.11
Sports
3.11
Program Assessment
3.12
Partnership Assessment
3.14
Policy Assessment
3.15
Program Development and Delivery
3.17
Recreation Program Plan
3.17
Program Matrix
3.17
Evaluation Process
3.18
Community Assessment
3.18
Volunteers
3.18
Key Programing Recommendations
3.19
4: Staffing and Operations
4.1
Current Organization Structure and Staffing
4.2
Staffing Benchmarks
4.4
Douglasville’s Parks and Maintenance Level of Service
4.6
Key Issues and Recommendations: Administration, Programming and Park Operations
4.7
Parks Maintenance
4.11
West Pines Golf Course
4.14
Staff Development and Certification
4.15
Operations
4.17
Policies, Procedures, Standards and Plans
4.17
Goals, Performance Measures, Data Gathering and Reporting
4.17
Parks Maintenance Plan
4.18
Marketing, Branding and Public Engagement
4.19
Recreation Advisory Committee
4.19
5: Parks and Facilities
5.1
Park Classifications
5.2
Douglasville’s Parks and Park Classifications
5.4
Park and Facility Inventory
5.5
Level of Service
5.11
Gap Analysis
5.15
Trails and Connectivity
5.27
General Park Conditions, Assessments and Recommendations
5.31
Park Facility Assessments
5.32
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Fowler Field Park
5.32
Hunter Memorial Park
5.35
Jessie Davis Memorial Park
5.48
Mill Village Park
5.59
West Pines Golf Course
5.62
Willing Workers Park
5.70
Worthan Park
5.74
New Park Recommendations Playgrounds
5.77
Future Town Green
5.77
Aquatics Facility and Gymnasium
5.77
New Parks to Close the Service Gap
5.77
Bright Star Property
5.78
Multi-Purpose Field Complex
5.78
Old Mill Site
5.79
Wayfinding and Informational Signage
5.80
Design, Safety and Accessibility Standards
5.81
Facility Design Standards
5.81
Architectural
5.81
Athletic Amenity Standards
5.81
General Site Amenity Standards
5.81
Playground Safety Standards
5.82
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Issues
5.83
6: Budget Assessment
6.1
Parks and Recreation Operations Budget
6.1
Benchmark Comparisons
6.4
Percent of General Fund
6.4
Per Capita Operations Budget
6.5
Revenue Generations
6.6
Revenue Policy
City of Douglasville
5.77
6.8
Capital Improvement Budget / Plan
6.10
Impact Fees
6.11
Additional Funding Sources
6.11
User Fees
6.11
Non-Resident Fees
6.11
Parks Access Fee
6.11
Dedicated Millage
6.12
Parks and Recreation Foundation
6.12
Partnerships and Friends of Parks Organizations
6.12
Sponsorships and Naming Rights
6.12
Key Issues and Recommendations
6.13
7: Opinion of Cost & Spending Plan
7.1
Moving Forward with Funding
7.2
Current Funding
7.2
Capital Development Funding
7.2
Capital Fundraising and Corporate Grants
7.3
8: Strategic Action Plan
8.1
Appendix A.1: Works Cited
1
A.2: Individual Park Concept Plans
2
A.3: Staff Workshop Meeting Notes
5
A.4: Public Meeting Results
9
A.5: Community Input Survey
16
A.6: Random Sample Community Input Survey Results
38
A.7: Community-Wide Community Input Survey Results 57 A.8: Recreation Programming and Participation Trend Data
72
A.9: Opinion of Probable Cost
79
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Executive Summary The City of Douglasville Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan provides a framework for understanding the parks and recreation needs of Douglasville’s residents, trends in parks and recreation facilities, programming and budget revenues and expenditures. The goal of this master plan is to assist the City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department in guiding its plans for future improvements to parks, recreation, greenspace and trails within the City of Douglasville over the next ten years. In order to achieve the goal, the master planning process utilized a comprehensive approach. Steps in the approach included a demographic assessment of the community, public engagement, an inventory and assessment of existing facilities and programs, review of the department’s budget, and benchmark comparisons to national trends and comparisons to select community’s of a similar size to Douglasville. Recommendations in each focus area were developed to achieve the stated goals and desires of the community. The City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for eight separate park properties with approximately 381 acres, including an undeveloped parcel of 137 acres. Athletic, therapeutic and education programs are offered through the department. Programs are offered by the Parks Department, and through other organizations that work with the city to provide a variety of programming.
Introduction and Community Profile
Douglasville’s location, 20 miles west of Atlanta, offers its residents with opportunities of a large metropolitan area, while still maintaining amenities and neighborhoods found in the outlying areas. Access to I-20 provides access to major transportation routes, and access to neighboring communities and employment centers. The city’s population, estimated at 33,675, continues to grow. The master plan includes information about other planning efforts important to this parks master plan, an overview of the demographics of the Douglasville community, trends in demographic changes, and comparison to benchmark communities.
Community Engagement
A multi-pronged approach to community engagement was undertaken in this plan. A series of public meetings were held to both inform the public about the plan and planning process, but also to gather input about community desires for facilities and programs. Two surveys were conducted: a statistically-valid survey of a random sample of Douglasville residents, and a community-wide survey. An outreach event was also held at one of the city’s community events. Information gathered from the public provided valuable input about the strengths and weaknesses of the city’s parks and recreation department, facility needs, and opportunities to increases participation in parks and recreation programming.
Common themes included: • interest in aquatics and swimming facilities and programs • the need for additional youth programming • exercise and wellness programs are desired, for multiple age groups • there is a desire for sidewalk and trail connectivity to connect parks, neighborhoods and points of interest • Douglasville residents enjoy the special events programming that the city sponsors, and would like more special events, as well as an amphitheater and special events space • there is a general lack of knowledge of the city’s parks, park facilities and parks and recreation programs.
Programming
There are opportunities to increase parks and recreation programming for all ages, and community input from the community survey illustrates than many of the city’s residents feel more recreation programs are needed. Setting a goal of increasing programming by 25% in the next 3 years is recommended. Other recommendations include establishing and building on partnerships with area organizations, including the Douglas County School Board and the Douglasville/Douglas County Arts Council.
Staffing and Operations
Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department as 28 full time employees distributed across 4 budget divisions: Parks Administration, Jessie Davis Memorial Park, Parks Maintenance, and West Pines Golf Course. Current staffing levels for Douglasville of 7.5 FTE per 10,000 residents falls below the national median FTE for communities of s size similar to Douglasville. Additionally, Douglasville is below the staffing levels when compared to the benchmark communities. A series of recommendations are presented, which should increase effectiveness of the department and increased programming and outreach. Recommendations include moving several positions, retitling some positions and adjusting responsibilities, and creating new positions overtime.
Parks and Facilities
Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department currently manages eight (8) separate park properties with a total land area of approximately 381 acres, including an undeveloped parcel of 137 acres. Facilities include baseball fields, football fields, pavilions, playgrounds and community centers. Review of the parks and recreation needs, as expressed by the community, a facility level of service was developed, establishing the numbers of facilities needed for the current and future population. Based on the established level of service, recommendations for new and improved park facilities were developed. Recommendations to existing parks include maintenance, addressing accessibility issues, new equipment and amenities. New park facilities include a new aquatics facility, multi-purpose field complex, and additional trails and greenways.
2 City of Douglasville
Budget Assessment
The Douglasville Parks and Recreation Budget represents approximately 11% of the city’s overall operating budget. Compared to benchmark communities, most represent greater percentages of their community’s budgets. Additionally, the per capita expenditure in parks and recreation is the lowest among all benchmark communities, with a per capita expenditure of $92.94. Nationally, per capita expenditures for communities of a similar size as Douglasville is $117 per capita. A selection of funding tools are presented. These tools can be used to increase revenues for parks programs and operations. Examples include impact fees, user fees, and community partnerships.
Opinion of Cost and Funding Alternatives
More than $48,000,000 in deferred maintenance, facility expansion and new facility costs were identified in the master plan. Funding all of these system improvements would results in more than $4,800,000 on an annual basis oner the 10-year planning period of this comprehensive parks and recreation master plan. This amount far exceeds the amount Douglasville residents indicated they would be willing to support in the community survey of $5 per month per household. This amount would generate an additional $781,000 in funding for the department. A 10-year spending plan is presented in this plan, illustrating projects which could be funded using the amount of additional funds, as expressed by Douglasville residents. Utilizing capital funding tools, such as SPLOST, bonds and dedications, the city could implement a number of the facility recommendations of this plan.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 3
01
Introduction and Community Profile
1 Introduction & Community Profile The City of Douglasville Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan provides a framework for understanding the parks and recreation needs of Douglasville’s residents, trends in parks and recreation facilities, programming, and budget revenues and expenditures. The goal of this master plan is to assist the City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department in guiding its plans for future improvements to parks, recreation, greenspace and trails within the city of Douglasville over the next ten years. The plan analyzes existing facilities and programs, and provides recommendations for additional programs and facilities to serve the community.
DRAFT REPORT & FINAL REPORT
PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
ANALYSIS OF PROGRAMS, STAFFING AND OPERATIONS
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND INPUT
CURRENT CONDITIONS AND FACILITY ASSESSMENT
REVIEW EXISTING PLANS AND COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS
Development of the master plan utilized a comprehensive approach, including an understanding of community demographics, existing facility inventory and conditions, engagement with the public, and interviews with staff. This provided for a strong base of knowledge in order to develop facility, operations and programming recommendations for the City. Comparing the City to national trends and benchmark communities provides a basis for broader understanding of parks and recreation, and how Douglasville compares to other communities.
Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department currently manages eight (8) separate park properties, with a total land area of approximately 381 acres, including an undeveloped parcel of 137 acres. Facilities include baseball fields, football fields, pavilions, playgrounds and community centers. Athletic, therapeutic and education programs are offered through the department and through other organizations that work with the City to provide a variety of programming. The City of Douglasville, the county seat of Douglas County, Georgia, is located within the Metropolitan Atlanta area, 20 miles west of Atlanta, with access to I-20, which bisects the city. In recent years, the Atlanta region has been consistently ranked in the top ten among regions with the nation’s most growth and development.
1.2 City of Douglasville
Other Planning Efforts
A number of plans have been developed to address individual parks, transportation, and future development of Downtown Douglasville. These plans, when addressed in conjunction with this parks master plan, provide an outline for planned growth and development in preparing for future needs for the City.
Individual Park Concept Plans
In 2017, Lose & Associates worked with the City of Douglasville to develop concept plans for Jessie Davis Park, Mill Village Park and Willing Workers Park. The concepts, found in Appendix A.2, addressed potential redevelopment of the park properties to improve access and facilities for the community.
Douglasville Comprehensive Plan
Douglasville’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2014. An update to that plan is underway, with completion anticipated by October 2018.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 1.3
Douglasville Downtown Master Plan
A master plan for Douglasville’s downtown was completed in December 2017. That plan addresses land use, market conditions and transportation in the downtown. It also recommends park improvements, including a dog park in Worthan Park and construction of a Town Green on the Douglas County jail parcel. The proposed Town Green would include the addition of an amphitheater and open park space. Pedestrian and bicycle access are also components of the plan.
Livable Centers Initiative Study In 2016, the City adopted an update to ts 2011 LCI plan, outlining community initiatives and improvements. Plan recommendations included vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle and parking improvements, and identification of development and re-development opportunities within the city’s downtown and central business district.
Northside Redevelopment Plan
The City initiated a Northside Redevelopment Plan to identify economic development opportunities and redevelopment of commercial areas, neighborhood restoration, and identification of useable space for recreational opportunities for the community’s residents. The study area for this plan is the New Horizons Redevelopment District, north of the railroad tracks. The plan is currently being developed.
1.4 City of Douglasville
Community Profile
A review of the city’s population and the characteristics of its residents is important in determining the residents’ parks and recreation needs, as those needs are dependent on the preferences and way of life of its people. These recreation preferences are often dependent on age, gender, education and socio-economic status. Although accurate data is generally available every ten years, demographic factors, such as age, are ever-changing. Age is likely the most influential aspect of recreation trends. For example, the child who is 10 years old when a master plan is developed may be interested in team sports like soccer; however, at the end of the plan’s time frame, he or she may have taken an interest in individual recreation activities like tennis or cycling. Knowledge of a community’s age and its predicted changes are useful when a large percentage of the population will soon reach an age at which their recreational preferences are likely to change. Making long-term decisions guided by community demographics and projected populations can result in well-planned and properly managed park facilities that anticipate a community’s growth recreation needs. To gain a better understanding of the demographics and demographic trends of Douglasville’s residents, the following community profile has been developed, using information from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey, and data provided by the city. In addition to looking at the city’s demographics, we also look at state, county and national trends, and the benchmark communities that have been selected as part of the parks master plan process.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 1.5
Population Trends
The City of Douglasville has experienced population growth from 1990 to current population estimates, with dramatic growth between 2000 and 2010. That upward trend has since slowed to a more modest rate of growth. Changes in the city’s population are illustrated below. Figure 1.1: Douglasville Population 2000 to 2017 40,000 33,675
35,000 30,961 30,000 25,000 20,065
20,000 15,000
11,635
10,000 5,000 1990
2000
2010
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey
1.6 City of Douglasville
2017 (estimate)
A closer examination of the population by census tract allows us to see more closely which census tracts are the most and least densely populated, comparing changes from 2010 to 2016. Figure 1.2: 2010 Population Density per Census Tract (persons per acre)
Figure 1.3 2016 Population Density per Census Tract (persons per acre)
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 1.7
Comparison Community Population Trends
A comparison of other communities provides a context for Douglasville’s population, land area, population density and average household size. The charts below illustrate growth rates in benchmark communities, county, state and the national household characteristics and density, compared with the City of Douglasville. The parks and recreation departments of each of these communities are evaluated in Section 6: Budget Analysis. A review of the comparisons illustrates that Douglasville’s growth since 2010 lies between other communities, and is similar to the state of Georgia’s growth rate. Douglasville is less dense than comparable communities, but closest to that of Gainesville, GA. When looking at average household size compared to benchmark communities, Douglasville again falls in the middle of those communities. Table 1.2: Population Trends in Comparison Communities
Community Douglasville
% Change 2000 to 2010
2017 Population Estimate
% Change 2010 to 2016
30,961
54.3%
33,675
8.8%
2000 2010 Population Population 20,065
Benchmark Communities: Burlington, NC
44,917
49,963
11.2%
53,077
6.2%
Gainesville, GA
25,578
33,804
32.2%
40,359
19.4%
Garner, NC
17,757
25,745
45%
28,858
12.1%
Mooresville, NC
18,823
32,711
73.8%
37,820
8.7%
92,174
132,403
43.7%
143,882
8.7%
8,186,453
9,687,653
18.3%
10,429,379
7.7%
9.6%
325,719,178
5.5%
Douglas County Georgia United States
281,421,906 308,745,538
Source: US Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 Census, 2017 Population Estimates
1.8 City of Douglasville
Table 1.3: Land Area and Density Land Area (sq. miles)
Density (persons per sq. mile)
21.4
1,574
Burlington, NC
21.3
2,492
Gainesville, GA
27.1
1,489
Garner, NC
12.8
2,255
Mooresville, NC
14.7
2,573
Douglas County, GA
199.0
723
Community Douglasville Benchmark Communities:
Source: US Census Bureau and City-Data
Table 1.4: Average Household Size Community
Average Household Size
Douglasville
2.64
Benchmark Communities Burlington, NC
2.39
Gainesville, GA
2.90
Garner, NC
2.54
Mooresville, NC
2.85
Douglas County
2.88
Source: American Community Survey 2016 5-year Estimates
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 1.9
Population by Age
A review of the age of the community gives information into the types of activities a community may be interested in, and what programs a community determines it may need to offer for its residents. Understanding the number of youth and seniors in the City of Douglasville is important in anticipating the types of facilities that may be needed to serve these populations. Typically, these age groups are the largest users of parks and recreation programs and facilities, yet they may use facilities in different ways. The following charts illustrate that Douglasville’s population is growing older, yet maintains a younger population than nearly all other comparisons. Decreases are evident in the 20 to 44 years old age cohorts, while increases are seen in the 10 to 19 year old and 55 yo 84 year old age groups. Figure 1.4: Population by Age, City of Douglasville 6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0 Under 5 years
85 5 to 9 10 to 15 to 20 to 25 to 35 to 45 to 55 to 60 to 65 to 75 to years years 14 years 19 years 24 years 34 years 44 years 54 years 59 years 64 years 74 years 84 years and over
2000
1,644
1,630
1,537
1,436
1,645
3,534
3,370
2,617
758
566
733
460
135
2010
2533
2440
2423
2233
2081
4,934
5,355
4,091
1536
1220
1334
577
201
2016
2239
2348
2741
2,652
1,889
4,775
5,061
4,409
1858
1,577
1,848
729
191
Source: US Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 Census, American Community Survey 2016 5-year Estimates
1.10 City of Douglasville
Table 1.5: Median Age Community
2000
2010
2016 (estimate)
31.3
32.7
33.6
Burlington, NC
36.9
38.3
38.6
Gainesville, GA
29.9
28.5
30.7
Garner, NC
35.8
37.1
37.5
Mooresville, NC
33.8
34.2
33.8
Douglas County
33.8
35.0
36.1
Georgia
33.4
35.3
35.2
United States
35.3
37.2
37.9
Douglasville Benchmark Communities:
Source: US Census Bureau 2000 and 2010 Census, American Community Survey 2016 5-year Estimates
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 1.11
Population by Gender
Females make up a greater percentage of Douglasville’s population than males. Figure 1.5: Population by Gender
female
54.3%
male
45.7%
0%
20%
40%
60%
Source: American Community Survey 2016 5 year Estimates
1.12 City of Douglasville
80%
100%
Population by Race and Ethnicity
Douglasville has experienced a change in racial make up since 1990, when the city was predominately white. Today, black or African American individuals make up more than 64% of Douglasville’s population, whereas whites now make up nearly 30%. The city has seen changes in its Hispanic population, which has experienced a decline since 2010. Figure 1.6: Douglasville Population by Race and Ethnicity, 2000 to 2016 35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
63
347
3
339
427
800
19,265
17297
70
559
18
1018
855
2,243
28,718
20816
2
923
0
552
419
1,639
30,678
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Naitve
2000
12809
6077
2010
11144
2016
9605
Not Hispanic Hispanic or Latino
Source: US Census Bureau and American Community Survey
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 1.13
Economic Trends
The following tables illustrate economic data for the City of Douglasville’s residents, as compared with Douglas County, Georgia and national data, and benchmark communities. Table 1.6: Home Ownership Rates, Poverty Rates and Median Value OwnerOccupied Housing Douglasville
Douglas County
Georgia
United States
Homeownership Rates
42.1%
65.7%
62.8%
63.6%
% of Persons Below Poverty Level
17.9%
15.2%
17.8%
15.1%
$149,200
$127,400
$152,400
$184,700
Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing
Source: American Community Survey 2016 5-year Estimates
Table 1.7: Median Household Income Community
Median Household Income
Douglasville
$48,036
Benchmark Communities: Burlington, NC
$37,862
Gainesville, GA
$40,321
Garner, NC
$59,812
Mooresville, NC
$63,632
Douglas County
$57,384
Georgia
$51,037
United States
$55,322
Source: American Community Survey 2016 5-year Estimates
1.14 City of Douglasville
Health Trends
In addition to population trends in a community, a discussion of parks and recreation should include a dialogue of the community’s health. Specifically, it is important to highlight the health issues related to inactivity and adult obesity rates. In general, people are less active than in the past and lead more sedentary lifestyles. This inactivity has led to an obesity epidemic, which continues to grow with the most dramatic increases seen in the southern United States. This routine impacts life expectancy and has economic impacts on direct medical spending. Physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight, but it also provides benefits for mental health, according to a report by the US Department of Health and Human Services, 1996. Research also reveals that commuters who walk or cycle more regularly have noticeable better mental health than those who commute by car. The information compiled below, from County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program, compares Douglas County’s adult obesity rates, access to exercise opportunities and physical inactivity to a national benchmark, as well as to the State of Georgia. The national benchmark is the 90th percentile of performers in the country. While data specific to the City of Douglasville is not available, the city’s location within the county can provide valuable information and insight into what is occurring at a broad level. Figure 1.7: Obesity Rates 35%
32% 30%
30% 26% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% National Benchmark
Georgia
Douglas County
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 1.15
Figure 1.8: Access to Exercise Opportunities 100% 90%
91%
80%
75%
76%
Georgia
Douglas County
70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% National Benchmark
Figure1.9: Physical Inactivity 30% 26% 25%
20%
23% 19%
15%
10%
5%
0% National Benchmark
1.16 City of Douglasville
Georgia
Douglas County
Transportation
Understanding a community’s commuting practices provides insight into the rates of active transportation, and how much free time workers may have if they have longer or shorter commutes. Longer commute times can negatively impact workers’ health, such as increased blood pressure and more sedentary time. The tables below illustrate the amount of time Douglasville workers spend traveling to their place of work, where they are working, and how they are commuting to work. Douglasville’s proximity within the Atlanta region provides residents employment opportunities outside of the county. Table 1.8: Mean Travel Time to Work (minutes) Community
Douglasville
Douglas County
Georgia
United States
31.4
32.2
27.7
26.1
Mean Travel Time to Work (min.)
Source: American Community Survey 2016 5 year Estimates
Table 1.9: Place of Work, Douglasville Residents Work in County of Residence
38.0%
Work Outside County of Residence
60.6%
Work in State of Residence
99.3%
Work Outside State of Residence
1.4%
Source: American Community Survey 2016 5 year Estimates
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 1.17
Table 1.10: Means of Transportation to Work 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Car, truck or van alone Car, truck or van carpooled Public transport. Walked Bicycle Taxi, motorcycle or other means Worked at home
Worked at home
Taxi, motorcycle or other means
Bicycle
Walked
Public transport.
Car, truck or Car, truck or van van alone carpooled
United States
4.6%
1.2%
0.6%
2.8%
5.1%
9.3%
76.4%
Georgia
5.1%
1.4%
0.2%
1.6%
2.1%
10.1%
79.6%
Douglas County
4.9%
1.4%
0.0%
0.9%
0.7%
11.5%
80.7%
Douglasville
6.9%
1.6%
0.0%
1.9%
0.4%
9.6%
79.6%
Source: American Community Survey 2016 5 year Estimates
1.18 City of Douglasville
Table 1.11: Vehicles Available per Household 0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
No vehicles available
1 vehicle available
2 vehicles available
3 or more vehicles available
United States
3 or more vehicles 2 vehicles available 1 vehicle available available 32.9% 41.5% 21.2%
No vehicles available 4.4%
Georgia
32.8%
42.1%
22.0%
3.0%
Douglas County
39.1%
39.0%
20.4%
1.5%
Douglasville
22.5%
43.6%
32.5%
1.4%
Source: American Community Survey 2016 5 year Estimates
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 1.19
Summary
Douglasville’s population growth has varied with extremes of more than 50% growth between 1990 and 2000, to more modest growth of nearly 9% from 2010 to current estimates. It is anticipated that the city will continue this more modest growth rate. The city is growing older, with a median age of 33.6 years, but is still a young community when compared to Douglas County, Georgia and national median ages, as well as all benchmark communities except Gainesville, GA. Understanding these changes in population will help the Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department understand which types of programming and facilities may be needed to address younger and older populations in the community. It is also important to understand the economic characteristics of the community, when it comes to providing necessary services to address the needs of a population. Douglasville’s median household income is lower than that of Douglas County, Georgia and national median incomes. Also, a higher percentage of Douglasville residents fall below the poverty level.
1.20 City of Douglasville
02
Community Engagement
2 Community Engagement Community engagement is a critical component in developing a comprehensive parks master plan. The citizens play an important role, as they are both the participants and users of the parks system’s facilities and programs. Without strong support and usage by the citizens, the parks system becomes ineffective. For the master plan to be effective in improving service delivery and facilities, it must accurately reflect the facilities and programs most desired by the citizens of the community. The recommendations provided in this master plan were driven by public input gathered through a variety of forums: input recorded in interviews, focus group sessions, meetings with the steering committee, public meetings, a statistically-valid input survey, and a community-wide input survey.
Interviews and Staff Workshop
The input process started with interviews that included meetings with the Parks and Recreation Director, park staff, elected officials, as well as individuals representing citizen groups. These interviews were necessary to develop an understanding of how the Parks and Recreation Department functions. They also served to develop an understanding of issues that exist within the community and the department itself. Interviews with elected officials provided the planning team with an overview of how the department staff interacts with elected officials and share information. Further, the interviews provided insight into their vision for long-term planning, department administration and department priorities as part of the overall city government. A staff workshop was held where staff were asked to provide input on critical issues: facilities, programming and operations. Discussion resulted in a series of comments about the need for additional facilities, facility improvements and facility expansion to meet the parks and recreation needs of the community, as well as provide adequate facilities to the community. Staff noted the opportunity to increase programming for certain populations, such as youth and seniors, as well as opportunities for partnerships with community organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, the county school system and Cultural Arts Council. However, it was noted that there are maintenance and staffing needs to keep the facilities maintained, and provide programs and services. A complete list of discussion items is included in the Appendix. •
Community outreach and engagement need to be improved.
•
Understanding what the community’s desires are, and then providing those facilities and services is important.
•
The department needs to get better at reporting back to the public what services they are providing annually.
Steering Committee
A steering committee was formed for the purpose of providing feedback on the master plan and guiding the plan’s recommendations. An initial meeting with the Steering Committee was held in February 2018, at which the committee was presented information about the master plan process, purpose and steps. Meetings were held throughout the planning process. The committee reviewed findings of the community input and facility levels of service, and provided input on plan recommendations at vital points. The draft plan recommendations were presented to the committee in May 2018 and were refined prior to development of the final plan and recommendations. Committee members included a broad range of Douglasville residents, representing different groups and backgrounds, including soccer, area businesses, tourism, nonprofit organizations, tennis, golf and adaptive sports.
2.2 City of Douglasville
Focus and User Groups
Several focus group and user group meetings were held to provide an understanding to members of the planning team about how user groups interact with Parks and Recreation Department staff, how they use the City’s facilities, and their needs to further develop their programs and offerings in the community. These groups included representatives from athletic organizations, vendors and program providers, partners, and golf. General comments included the need to update equipment, improve promotion of programs and events, the need for more/larger space for programs, and the need to expand some programs to all members of the community. Noted strengths included Parks Department staff and the quality of some facilities. The group also provided input on what they could provide to the City, including volunteers, improved program offerings, cross-marketing resources, scholarships and community outreach events.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2.3
Community Outreach and Input
A variety of community outreach activities were undertaken as part of this parks master planning process to gather feedback from members of the community about their opinions, needs and desires for parks and recreation in Douglasville.
Public Meetings and Events
Two public meetings were held during the information gathering stage. These meetings provided attendees with an overview and understanding of the purpose and process of the plan, and an opportunity for interactive participation. Meeting attendees indicated program and facility preferences on large illustration boards, and through “voting� with dollars to indicate funding preferences. Meeting attendees could also provide verbal input to project planners, or written input on comment cards. An information and input booth was also set up at Douglasville’s Ultimate Block Party. Illustration boards were available for the community to view and indicate their preferences for facilities and programs, and to speak with project planners. Public meeting results and information are located in Appendix A.4.
2.4 City of Douglasville
Community Input Surveys
Two forms of a community input survey were conducted, a survey of randomly sampled households and a community-wide survey. Each was conducted through an online survey and asked the same questions. Feedback from the surveys provided a greater amount of feedback about the City’s parks and recreation facilities, programs, funding, and park use. More than 540 individuals participated in the online surveys. The survey questions are located in Appendix A.5. The full results of both surveys are located in Appendix A.6 and A.7.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2.5
Common Themes
While the community requested a number of specific improvements and additional facilities and programs, there were several themes that resonated in the input received about Douglasville’s Parks and Recreation.
Most Aquatics and Swimming requested The greatest interest in the community among all community outreach efforts was for aquatics facilities (swimming pool and splash pad) and aquatics programming, item at including swim lessons, exercise classes and swim team. Swimming pool/aquatics public center and splash pad received the greatest numbers of responses at the community event. Swim lessons, swim team and aquatics exercise classes were consistent meetings programs that individuals expressed interest in participating in each of the surveys
Swimming pool/ across age groups. aquatics center
Youth Sports: Have Youth Programming Participated Considering the numbers of youth in Douglasville, there was a clear interest expressed in the surveys for youth programming participation, indicating an opportunity for vs. Would Douglasville Parks and Recreation to reach the community’s young population. The Like to random sample and community-wide survey respondents indicated that they have children under the age of 19 living at home, 30% and 44%, respectively. However, in Participate each survey there was a noticeable imbalance between those programs in which
Nearly every sport showed a greater interest in participating than those who had participated
the youth have or currently do participate and those in which they would like to participate. When asked which programs youth in the household have or would like to participate in, the numbers of responses of “Would like to participate in” were greater in nearly every program. Increasing youth programming also provides an opportunity to meet needs of the community’s teen population.
Top Exercise and Health and Wellness Programming Requested Health and wellness programming for a range of ages, including youth, adults and active adults. Programming identified by the community includes health and wellness Activity: classes, exercise and aerobics classes, and walking and running programs and Adults & groups. While some of the programs are already being offered through the Parks and Recreation Department, it may be necessary to examine the times and days of the Active offerings to make sure a broader population can be served, as well as publicizing the Seniors availability of such programs.
Walking and Specific needs identified in this group are programs for seniors and active adults. Running Programs and Groups 2.6 City of Douglasville
Sidewalk and Trail Connectivity
There is a desire for bicycle and pedestrian connectivity within the city, providing connectivity to parks, neighborhoods and points of interest, such as Downtown Douglasville. The statement “add more multi-purpose trails in the city and provide more trails in the parks� was indicated as the greatest need by survey respondents in both surveys. Additionally, 67% of the random sample respondents and 48% of the community-wide survey respondents indicated they would be willing to walk up to 2 miles to parks if safe multi-use trails, sidewalks or bicycle lanes were provided throughout the city. Respondents also indicated a willingness to bike to parks and recreation facilities.
#1 Park Need
More walking paths and trails
Further supporting the desire for trails is the strong desire for walking and running programs and groups.
Special Events and Event Space
Special events are common in Douglasville, and are sponsored by various organizations, including the City of Douglasville, Main Street Douglasville and Douglasville Convention and Visitors Bureau, among others. It is clear from the feedback received that these events are popular in the community, and they are wanting for more events. It is also evident that there is a desire and need for event space, such as an amphitheater or outdoor stage, as the popularity for the current events has grown.
Lack of Knowledge of City Parks and Programs
It is clear that much of the community does not know what parks, facilities or programs are offered by Douglasville Parks and Recreation, and many individuals are not clear about the differences between city and county facilities. Discussed in greater detail in Section 4: Staffing and Operations of this master plan, a marketing, outreach and branding plan should be developed and implemented in order to inform residents about parks and facilities, and how to participate in the City’s parks and recreation programs.
#2 Park Need
Amphitheater or outdoor stage
Top 2 reasons preventing people from using Douglasville parks and programs: #1: Not aware of programs #2: Not aware of facilities
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2.7
2.8 City of Douglasville
Programming 03
3 Programming This section of the master plan discusses the benefits and important trends in recreation programs, documents and analyzes the Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department’s program services and recommends strategies to increase programs and improve program development and delivery. NRPA’s Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), the national parks and recreation accrediting agency, provides best practice and up to date standards for parks and recreation. CAPRA defines thirteen (13) standards specific to programming. The planning team relies on these standards as well as other relevant CAPRA standards to assess the Department’s program services.
Benefits of Community Recreation
The National Parks and Recreation publication, “Park, Recreation, Open and Greenway Guidelines,” published in 1995, identified four categories of benefits that still hold true today.
Personal Benefits of a comprehensive delivery system include: a full and meaningful life, good health, stress management, self-esteem, positive self-image, a balanced life, achieving full potential, gaining life satisfaction, human development, positive lifestyle choices, and an improved quality of life.
Economic Benefits include: preventative health care, a productive work force, big economic returns on small investments, business relocation and expansion.
Social Benefits include: building strong communities while reducing alienation,
loneliness and anti-social behavior, promoting ethnic and cultural harmony, building strong families, increasing opportunity for community involvement, shared management, and ownership of resources, and providing a foundation for community pride.
Environmental Benefits include: environmental health, environmental protection and rehabilitation, environmental education, environmental investment increasing property values, and insurance for a continuing healthy environmental future.
The NRPA Synopsis of 2010 Research: The Key to Benefits identified physical health, mental health, social functioning, youth development, environment and economic impact as benefits of parks and recreation programming. The NRPA identified the Three Pillars, or goal areas, that define the critical role of parks and recreation in our communities. The Three Pillars are:
Conservation: Protecting open space, connecting children to nature, and engaging communities in conservation practices.
Health and Wellness: Leading the nation to improved health and wellness through parks and recreation.
Social Equity: Ensuring all people have access to the benefits of local parks and recreation.
The Three Pillars are supported by a body of research that confirms the importance of parks and recreation in addressing societal issues, improving the well-being of individuals, and creating positive economic impacts for communities. Recreation programming often touches at least one of the three pillars. Beyond the personal and societal benefits of recreation programming, programs are essential to sustaining the parks and recreation system. Revenue generated from recreation programs represents the highest non-tax revenue source for parks and recreation departments (Source: NRPA 2018 Agency Performance Report). Programs activate public spaces and optimize the use and benefits of the community’s investment in parks and facilities.
3.2 City of Douglasville
Trends in Recreation Programming
Staying current with local, regional and national recreation programming trends is critical for parks and recreation programming staff. Strategies for keeping up to date include: • • • • • • •
Reading NRPA and GRPA publications and participating in webinars Browsing websites of successful parks and recreation departments Attending program sessions at parks and recreation conferences Researching trends articles on-line Networking with peers in other communities Interacting with citizens Maintaining connections with partner organizations and their affiliates
A summary of current trends in recreation programming is provided below. Detailed trend data can be found in Appendix A.8. •
Traditional youth sports leagues have had declining participation since 2008 but recent evidence suggests that the decline in youth sports is leveling off. New innovative sports formats with modified rules and kid-sized courts / fields for youth focused on participation, skill development and safety are being implemented. • Youth sports travel teams show no signs of decreasing. Cities value the economic impact from visitation and invest in new or upgraded sports complexes to gain a competitive edge. • Parks and recreation departments are seeing a rapid growth in interest in pickleball, especially among seniors. Archery has risen in popularity, lacrosse teams are vying for field space, and interest continues for life sports - biking, kayaking, tennis, swimming, jogging/walking.
•
Young professional adults are participating in non-traditional sports such as kickball, dodgeball, and futsal. Social interaction, co-ed, and less structured and managed opportunities are popular.
•
The baby boomer generation embraces an active lifestyle and does not necessarily identify themselves as “seniors”. Many of them continue to work and others enjoy rewarding volunteer experiences.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 3.3
•
Intergenerational programming such as camping, scavenger hunts, nature discovery, and family hikes are trending, likely as an escape from busy lifestyles and urban environments.
•
Programs to improve the quality of life for the underserved will continue to be an important focus for parks and recreation departments. Outreach activities require overcoming access, communication and affordability barriers. Strategic community partnerships play an important role.
•
Parks and recreation departments are partnering with health agencies to develop programs to combat the national health and obesity epidemic. Innovative marketing campaigns highlight parks and programs to get kids and families outside and active.
•
Recreation programs are being held in park green spaces, on trails and at local breweries. They are no longer limited to a community center classroom. Boot camps, slacklining, outdoor yoga and tree climbing are just a few examples.
•
Innovative special events and festivals are popping up to attract people to their parks and downtowns. Food truck rallies, outdoor movies, arts festivals, and dog events are popular.
•
Program schedules need to be flexible to meet the needs of today’s families with busy schedules. Drop in participation, flex participation passes, self-directed activities and nontraditional schedule formats boost participation options.
3.4 City of Douglasville
Public Input
Citizens expressed an interest in expanded recreation program opportunities throughout the public input information gathering process of this comprehensive master plan project. The citizen survey revealed the following: •
86.1% of survey respondents value the importance of parks and recreation to the community as compared to the other priorities of public safety, streets, utilities and schools;
•
59.5% indicated that Douglasville needs more recreation programs and activities;
•
64% indicated the need for more community wide special events;
•
19% of the survey respondents who travel out of town to use other recreation facilities do so because they offer programs not offered in Douglasville.
The survey data indicated the following top activities by age groups that citizens are interested in participating: Figure 3.1: Community Survey Programming Input Ages 12 and under
Ages 13-18
Adult Sports
Senior / Active Adults
Gymnastics
Swim Team
Walking/Running Programs
Computer Classes
Soccer
Golf
Golf Lessons or Tournaments
Running/Walking Club
Summer Camp
Soccer
Kickball/Softball/ Tennis
Gardening
Swim Team
Flag Football
Fishing Leagues
Health/Fitness
Sports Camps
Nature Programs
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 3.5
Program Inventory
Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department has limited data available to track the recreation program participation historical trends. However, the department recently purchased REC1 software and when fully implemented will provide important participation information going forward. The available program information is provided below. The Parks and Recreation Department offers the following category of activities: • Fitness Programs • Educational/Instructional Programs • Summer Camps • Sports • Events/Festivals
Fitness and Educational/Instructional Programs
The Fitness and Educational/Instructional program participation over a three year period and the programs offered are provided in Figures 3.2 and 3.3. Figure 3.2: Program Participants Numbers, 2014-2016
3.6 City of Douglasville
Program Type
2014
2015
2016
Fitness Programs
476
646
364
Educational / Instructional Programs
124
176
156
TOTAL 600
822
520
Figure 3.3: Fitness and Educational / Instructional Program Offerings Fitness Programs
Educational / Instructional Programs
Taekwon Do
Guitar and Keyboarding
R&B Soul Line Dance
Play and Acting
Line Dance
Engineering for Kids
Zumba
The Learning Groove with Alto A
Fit 4 Life Senior Fitness
SAT Prep
Vinyasa Yoga
Educational Enrichment Writing
Hip Hop Groove
Aim High Tutoring Computer Classes
Tabata
Fashion Design
Senior Adult Dance Class
Stride Horse Park TEMS
Special Talents Entirety Program Mix Levels Power Yoga Boot Camp Pilates Jazzercise
Summer Camps
Two summer camps are offered; •
Camp Explorers Summer Day Camp: runs 7 weeks and serves youth, age 5-12 years.
•
Summer Arts Camp: runs 1 week and serves youth age 7-11 years. This camp is provided through a partnership with the Douglasville Arts Council; camp is held at city facilities and planned and conducted by Arts Council staff.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 3.7
Sports
The Parks and Recreation Department staff plans and conducts the following sports activities:
Youth Baseball (Dizzy Dean League)
Spring: Fall:
24 teams, 270 participants 2 teams, 146 participants
League of Stars Adaptive Baseball League
Spring: Fall:
Adult Softball
Spring: Fall:
33 participants 35 participants 13 teams 11 teams
Adult Basketball
Winter League
Golf Leagues and Instruction Tournaments hosted:
Spring and Fall:
USSSA Youth Baseball Tournament
Summer: All-Star Youth Baseball Tournament Perfect Game Youth Baseball Tournament Horseshoe Tournament In addition, the Parks and Recreation Department facilitates the following sports user group programs:
Youth
West Georgia Braves Baseball (Travel Team): Spring, Fall
42 Baseball (Travel Team): Summer, Fall
Tiger Cubs Football: Summer-Fall
Top Gun Basketball: Fall-winter
I-9 Sports Basketball: Spring, Fall, Winter
Georgia Storm Soccer: Spring, Fall
Atletica Soccer League: Spring, Winter
Tennis (ALTA): Youth skills clinics
3.8 City of Douglasville
Adult
Adult Tennis (ALTA/USTA League): Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Special Events/Festivals
The special events/festivals listed in Figure 3.4 are conducted annually. Figure 3.4: Douglasville Special Events and Festivals Special Events and Festivals Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
July 4th Festival at the Park
Jessie Davis Park Egg Hunt
Wednesday Winddown Summer Concerts
Family Reunion Workshop
Juneteenth
Hunter Park Pop Up Markets
Douglasville Ice Cream Social
Pitch, Hit and Run
Back to School Bash
Douglasville/Douglas County Senior Picnic
Police Department Fall Festival
The Ultimate Block Party
Hunters Harvest Fall Festival
Hunter Park Fishing Derby
Breakfast with Santa
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 3.9
Other Community Recreation Providers
Located in a populated area approximately 20 miles from Atlanta, GA, the citizens of Douglasville have access to a variety of recreation options and opportunities. Programs are offered by other local parks and recreation department programs as well as nonprofit and for-profit organizations and businesses. The community inventory guides Douglasville’s program development by identifying gaps in services and the potential for collaborative efforts.
Health Fitness Clubs
A Google search found sixteen (17) health/fitness clubs either within the city limits or within close proximity to Douglasville. These range from the large national franchises including Gold’s Gym, Planet Fitness and LA Fitness to specialty clubs such as Custom Fitness and Flight School Aerial Fitness.
Boxing
Douglasville Boxing Club offers boxing classes for youth ages 8-12, teens ages 13-17 and adults. The Club’s Amateur Boxing Team (ages 8 and up) competes in tournaments throughout Georgia. A Girls Fight Smart program for ages 9-16 “teaches young women self-confidence, discipline, and respect through the sport of boxing.” In 2017 the club hosted “Gloves Not Drugs” community events.
Gymnastics
Douglasville Gymnastics and Cheerleading provides programs in gymnastics, cheerleading, tumbling and a boys program. The gymnastics programs serve ages 18 months-4years old with programs for Parent Tot & Preschool in addition to the Girls Progressive and competitive programs. Tumbling classes teach basic skills to more advanced instruction. Boys only gymnastic classes are also offered
Cheerleading
Douglasville Gymnastics and Cheerleading focuses their cheerleading program on “instruction emphasizing safety awareness and proper teaching of modern cheerleading techniques and skills. Douglasville Cheer Stars develops competitive cheer teams.
Programs for the Underserved
The Douglas County boys & Girls club programs “focus on helping kids succeed in school, live healthy lives and become leaders.” The club is located adjacent to Hunter Memorial Park.
Swimming
The Boundary Waters Aquatic Center, an indoor facility operated by the Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department offers year round recreation swimming, aquatic fitness, instruction and swim teams.
3.10 City of Douglasville
Therapeutic Recreation
The Douglas County Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Division provides summer camps, winter break camps, special events, and a variety of programs and classes. The program coordinator is located at Deer Lick Park in Douglasville.
Senior Programs
The Woodie Fite Senior Center, a Douglas County recreation and education facility, serves seniors 55 and over. The center offers programs for “active adults with activities and fitness to keep seniors feeling young.” A sampling of programs include dancing, fitness classes, arts club, pickleball, open computer lab, piano and Spanish classes. The center hours are limited to Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am to 6:30pm and Wednesdays and Fridays 8:30am to 3:30pm.
Cultural Arts
The Douglasville/Douglas Cultural Arts Council vision is “To lead a community engaged in an active and innovative arts environment.” The non-profit offers art classes and workshops, exhibits, special events and partners with Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department to conduct a one week summer day camp at Hunter Memorial Park. The Community Alliance of Stage and Theater group presents main state plays, dinner theater, and a summer festival one-act plays. The Douglas County Chamber Singers “provide quality music for the citizens of Douglas County.” The Douglas County Connection sponsors community events particularly related to African American culture and history. The Douglas County Arts Guild members exhibit in a variety of venues.
Sports
The Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department and other departments in nearby communities, along with the non-profit sports associations offer a variety of sports programs.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 3.11
Program Assessment
The Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department program offerings are limited compared to those found in the benchmark communities and other communities of similar size where the consulting team has worked. The lack of program participation data and customer feedback limits the ability to adequately assess the current mix of programs. A number of the programs are offered as rentals and the program participants register with the agency offering the program rather than through REC1. The following program strategies and opportunities are provided based on the assessment and review of trends, alternate community provider opportunities, and the available data. •
Set a goal to increase programming opportunities by 25% over the next three years.
•
Conduct space utilization studies of the community centers to identify time available for expanded programming. Prioritize programming over rentals. Expand hours of operation if needed.
•
Recruit qualified instructors and volunteers to offer quality instructional programs.
•
Develop an agreement with the school system to gain access to gymnasiums.
•
Identify creative spaces for program offerings. Utilize green spaces in parks, basketball courts, track/walking trails, pavilions, and other areas that may have underutilized times.
•
There are currently no programs for preschoolers such as toddler/parent movement and music classes. These programs are typically scheduled in the weekday mornings during non-peak times when facility space is available.
•
Work with the Home School community to create programs that meet their curriculum needs and can be scheduled in the weekday non-peak time slots.
•
Add specialty camp experiences such as mad science camp, clown camp, nature camp, computer camp or specialized sports camps. These could be offered as one week options and/or half days.
•
The departments could expand growth in youth sports by offering new play formats such as futsal and the USTA Net Generation curriculum. Develop youth sports programs that fill program gaps. There is no need to duplicate services.
•
The rapidly growing sport of lacrosse would be a popular sports league addition for youth. A partnership with an existing local association may be the preferred method for program delivery.
•
To attract young adults, social and competitive sports programs such as kickball, ultimate, frisbee, whiffle ball and others should be promoted and expanded.
3.12 City of Douglasville
•
Offer aquatic exercise programs and swim lessons at the swimming pool prior to the recreation swim schedule. This adds a valued service and generates revenue.
•
Grow golf and tennis programming with a focus on youth. There is also an opportunity to grow golf programming for women.
•
Build on the Mayor’s Youth Council by creating an open membership Youth Council with expanded programs.
•
Expand the partnership with the Arts Council to offer new programs. Utilize the community centers as gallery spaces.
•
Continue to grow the collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club hat optimizes the use of facilities.
•
The Woodie Fite Senior Center has limited hours. Develop programs to fill program gaps. Expand opportunities for pickleball.
•
Determine the potential for collaborating with the Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department to offer new opportunities for girls athletics , such as softball and volleyball by pooling resources. Collaborate with the county’s professionally trained staff to enhance programs for youth and adults with disabilities.
•
The expansion of special community events and festivals should be prioritized to celebrate the community, create a community identity, promote the parks, and boost the economy.
•
Create programs/events to celebrate July as Parks and Recreation Month.
•
Develop a Healthy Community initiative. Seek a partnership with a health care agency. Consider NRPA programs such as Walk with Ease and Fit and Strong.
Source: The Aspen Institute, Play for All
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 3.13
Partnership Assessment
The increased importance of partnerships continues to be a growing trend in Parks and Recreation. The 2008 recession’s impact on local government budgets required creative solutions for sustaining recreation programming. Partnerships extend the reach of parks and recreation, provide alternative programs and program delivery models while also building advocacy for parks and recreation. Partnerships will increase in importance as Douglasville strives to implement this comprehensive plan. Maximizing partnership resources is key to expanding programming through the joint use of facilities and securing qualified program leaders and instructors. A best practice is to assign a staff member as the liaison to each partner organization. Regular meetings with partner organizations will build relationships and lead to new opportunities for extending recreation opportunities to the community. As indicated above Douglasville partners with many organizations including the Arts Council, sports associations, Boys and Girls Club, and other recreation providers. Expanding partnerships with the Arts Council and the Boys and Girls Club are recommended in this plan along with new partnerships with the school system and home school community. All partnership agreements should be in writing. The current agreements are structured as facility rentals/reservations rather than partnership agreements. The current agreement with the sports organizations, as determined by the City code, requires season end reports, but these are not being submitted. ALTA does not submit program reports. It is recommended that policies be established for setting expectations of partner organizations.
3.14 City of Douglasville
Policy Assessment Figure 3.5: Policy Assessment Code Section
Comments and Recommendations
City Code Section 62-42(d) Animals
This section prohibits “any dog from being in any park.� It is common place for cities to prohibit dogs from fenced ballfields and courts but not a blanket restriction from park property. Parks across the country are dog friendly and rely on reasonable leash laws. This regulation severely restricts the citizens’ use and enjoyment of the parks system. It is recommended that this statement be amended to identify only specific and limited areas where dogs are not permitted. This is a high priority.
City Code Section 62-42 (g) Alcoholic beverages
This section prohibits alcoholic beverages within any park with the exception of West Pines Golf Course. Parks provide settings for weddings and other celebrations where alcoholic beverages may typically be permitted. The future downtown park may be the host site for events or functions where alcoholic beverages may be considered appropriate. It is recommended that this code section be amended to allow alcoholic beverages in designated park areas subject to a permit issued and that Policies and Procedures be established to regulate permitting and rules and regulations governing alcoholic beverages.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 3.15
City Code Section 62 Article III Use of Athletic Fields
3.16 City of Douglasville
This section details policies for the use of athletic fields and specifically for sports associations. It is recommended that this section be amended to provide broad policy guidance for the use of the athletic facilities and that the policy details and processes be established in departmental policies and procedures rather than as a section in the City Code. This maintains the elected officials’ policy authority but provides flexibility for implementing the policy. It is recommended that a new Athletic Field Use Policy and Procedure be developed.
Program Development and Delivery
The public input phase of this planning process clearly indicates an interest in increased programming. This comprehensive master plan recommends adding staff positions to focus on growing programs. For successful programming the agency must cultivate a culture that is goal driven, accountable and values innovation and calculated risk taking. Passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated programmers provided with the right tools and resources can immediately impact the community. NRPA establishes best practices and standards applicable to recreation programming. The fundamental standards are listed below. • Recreation Programming Plan • Goals and Objectives • Outreach to Diverse Underserved Populations. • Volunteers • Systematic Evaluation Process This section provides key administrative and organizational best practices for developing, implementing, and assessing parks and recreation programming.
Recreation Program Plan
A Recreation Program Plan establishes program direction for a 3 to 5 year period. The plan defines the program categories and program goals and objectives for each category. It provides a systematic approach for determining programs and services to offer. NRPA and CAPRA standards specify the components of the plan. The development of the Recreation Program Plan should be a collaborative effort among the entire program staff. The recreation program should remain flexible and be updated annually. It is recommended as a high priority that staff draft goals and objectives for each program area and begin development of a Recreation Program Plan.
Program Matrix
A program matrix is an important component of the Recreation Program Plan. It is a tool for maintaining program statistics for the purpose of program assessment by population served and by program category. Staff must first establish the age levels/ population categories and the activity categories to be tracked. Douglasville already has in place program categories. Typical population categories include preschool, elementary age or youth, teens, adults, seniors and special populations. Data is entered into the program matrix spreadsheet each program cycle to monitor the agency’s level of service for populations served and the diversity of programming. The data should be further broken down by division and facility. With the full implementation of REC1 the department will have the capability to digitally track program participation and use this valuable tool to assess program offerings and populations served to make informed decisions for future programming. The development of the program matrix should be an initial step in the creation of a recreation program plan.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 3.17
Evaluation Process
A systematic approach to recreation program evaluation is a CAPRA fundamental standard for parks and recreation. Programs should be measured against the goals and standards established in the recreation program plan. The evaluation results are used to determine if programs should be continued, modified or eliminated. Participant evaluation tools typically measure ease of registration, customer service, appropriateness and cleanliness of the facility, the instructor/coach/program leader’s knowledge and delivery, and overall program satisfaction levels. The program survey questions should also address outcome goals. For example, did the program meet the program goals/objectives? Did the participant advance a skill, learn sportsmanship or have fun? The survey should also be designed to gain marketing insights by asking how the participant learned about the program. Participant satisfaction goals should be established, tracked and reported for each program category. The participant evaluation can easily be implemented, compiled and track using through SurveyMonkey or a similar on-line survey tool. It is recommended that a program satisfaction survey be developed and implemented as a high priority.
Community Assessment
Programs should be based on the assessed needs of the community. This planning process identified community engagement as a weakness. The community survey and the statistically valid survey implemented for this study includes important program interest data that provides the beginning point for assessing the recreation programming needs for Douglasville. It is recommended that Douglasville conduct a program needs assessment on a 5-year interval moving forward.
Volunteers
Volunteers are vital to parks and recreation department. NRPA CAPRA includes six best practice standards for volunteer management. Enhancing volunteerism will extend the reach of staff and facilitate the implementation of recommendations contained in this plan. Engaged volunteers become important advocates for parks and recreation. It is recommended that Douglasville formalize its volunteer program with the development of volunteer opportunities/job descriptions, qualifications, recruitment strategies, and volunteer recognition. The volunteer program information should be accessible on the website. It is important that background investigations be standard practice for volunteers involved with youth and vulnerable populations such as seniors and people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Tracking and reporting volunteer hours along with the financial value of the volunteer service highlights their impact and importance.
3.18 City of Douglasville
Key Programming Recommendations
The following recommendations are presented to address programming needs for the community, following a tiered approach.
Tier 1 •
Establish goals and objectives for each program area.
•
Create a program matrix to track program service levels for population segments and program diversity mix among program categories.
•
Develop a 3 year Recreation Program Plan based on CAPRA standards.
•
Develop and implement an evaluation survey for program participants. Track, analyze and report results; include outcome goal assessments.
•
Conduct a facility usage study. Optimize the programming opportunities at the community centers, especially during non-peak times. Prioritize center use for programming and consider expanded hours.
•
Increase program opportunities by 25% over the next 3 years.
•
Utilize the master plan survey results and programming trends to pilot innovative programs and nontraditional delivery methods. Focus on populations and program areas with existing lower service levels.
•
Initiate discussions with the school system to create a joint use agreement and prioritize gaining access to gymnasiums.
•
Collaborate with current partners to assess expanded program opportunities with an initial focus on the Arts Council, Boys and Girls Club, and ALTA.
•
Develop a relationship with the Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department staff to pursue collaborative programming for girls sports, therapeutic recreation, and senior programs.
•
Create a policy for sports association partnership agreements.
•
Eliminate the City Code regulation that prohibits dogs in parks. Plan and conduct a “welcoming” community dog event.
•
Allow for bikes in the parks, and install bike racks in appropriate locations. Install signage encouraging bikes to yield to pedestrians on paved paths.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 3.19
Tier 2 •
Establish a new target goal for program growth.
•
Create a formalized volunteer program, and host an annual volunteer appreciation event.
•
Update and implement the Recreation Program Plan.
•
Create a Health and Wellness initiative that is promoted throughout the city. Seek support from the healthcare community.
•
Amend the City Code to allow alcoholic beverages in parks and create a policy to regulate the use of alcoholic beverages in parks.
•
Administer a community needs assessment for program planning.
•
Continue to assess programs for continuous improvement.
•
Continue to seek new partnerships and volunteers to support and expand programming.
•
Develop program plans and resource needs for new facilities before they come on line.
Tier 3 •
Provide regular updates to the Recreation Program Plan.
•
Administer a community needs assessment for program planning.
•
Stay abreast of local, regional, and national recreation program trends.
•
Continue to assess programs for continuous improvement - expand, modify or eliminate programs.
•
Add new programs based on expressed citizen desires and recreation program trends.
•
Continue to seek new partnerships and volunteers to support and expand programming.
•
Implement programming for the new aquatic facility.
3.20 City of Douglasville
Staffing & Operations
04
4 Staffing and Operations To assess staffing and operations of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department and the delivery of parks and recreation services, the planning team drew on a variety of information in its analysis, identification of key issues and the development of recommendations. That information includes: • • • • •
best practices in the field of parks and recreation; staff, stakeholder and elected official meetings and interviews; citizens’ public meeting comments; community surveys results, and; knowledge and experience of the planning team members.
Additionally, the planning team referenced several resources, including:
National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) Park Metrics 2018 NRPA Agency Performance Review
National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA) Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies’ (CAPRA) Standards for National Accreditation best practice standards for Parks and Recreation
NRPA Park Metrics and data from the selected peer communities provide benchmark data. CAPRA standards serve as the basis for operations assessments and recommendation priorities and supports the City’s goal to achieve NRPA CAPRA Accreditation.
Current Organization Structure and Staffing
The City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department organization structure includes 4 budget divisions with 28 full-time (FT) employees, supplemented with 21 part-time (PT) employees. Those budget divisions are Parks Administration, Jessie Davis Memorial Park, Park Maintenance and West Pines Golf Course. General responsibilities of each is described below. Parks Administration Division: The Parks Administration Division includes the administration and management of the department and operations of Hunter Memorial Park and Ike Owen Community Center. The system-wide programming responsibilities and resources for both athletics and recreation are also included. Jessie Davis Memorial Park Division: This budget division includes the operations and management of the Hawthorne Center and Jessie Davis Park facilities. The staff is responsible for facility rentals and management of the outdoor seasonal swimming pool.
City of Douglasville Parks Maintenance Division: Maintenance of the City’s park grounds, ballfields, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, trails, and other park amenities are the responsibility Core Values of the Parks Maintenance Division. Recreation buildings are maintained by Public
Integrity Works but Parks Maintenance provides some routine facility maintenance and repair Professionalism support as needed. The staff sets up and breaks down for community center uses and supports special events. Respect Fairness West Pines Golf Course Division: The golf course division staff manages all aspects Leadership of West Pines Golf Course including course operations, grounds maintenance, programming, pro shop operations, marketing and food and beverage. Innovation Transparency The following Figures 4.1 and 4.2 illustrate the numbers of employees within each division and the functional organization structure of the department.
4.2 City of Douglasville
Figure 4.1: Parks and Recreation Department Employees by Division Budget Division
Full Time Staff
Part Time Staff Seasonal
Administration*
6
7
0
Jessie Davis Park
2
3
15
Parks Maintenance
9
Inmate Crews
0
West Pines Golf Course
11
22
0
32 + Inmate Crews
15
TOTALS 28
*The city’s organization chart includes an unfunded Assistant Director position. This position is not included in the staff level of service.
Figure 4.2: Douglasville Parks and Recreation Functional Organization Structure
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 4.3
Staffing Benchmarks
Benchmarking serves as a guide to assess staffing levels. But unlike police and fire where services are more standardized, benchmarking park and recreation services is more complex due to the differences in community approaches to parks and recreation. The type, scope and number of recreation amenities and programming differ from city to city and there are multiple service delivery options. Benchmarking should be used to give communities a general idea of how they stack up compared to peer communities. The number of employees per 10,000 residents is a standard bench-mark comparison for parks and recreation staffing levels. The NRPA Park Metrics national benchmarking database indicates that the median Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employees per 10,000 residents for parks and recreation departments nationwide is 7.9. For agencies with populations of 20,000 to 49,999 the median FTE per 10,000 residents is 8.9. Figures 4.3 and 4.4 compare Douglasville to the selected benchmark communities. Figure 4.3: Full Time Equivalent Benchmark Comparison by Division 16 14 2.54
12
1.05
10 3.67
3.69
5.13
8 4.7
2.4
6
3.04
4
2.7
7.34
7.38 4.52
2
3.3
2.4 0 DOUGLASVILLE
Mooresville, NC
Gainesville, GA
Admin, Programs, Facilities
Garner, NC
Maintenance
Burlington, NC
Golf
*Note: All benchmark communities with the exception of Garner operate golf courses.
4.4 City of Douglasville
Figure 4.4: Total FTE per 10,000 Residents Community
Total FTE per 10,000 Residents
Douglasville
7.5
Mooresville, NC
13.55
Gainesville, GA
12.12
Garner, NC
9.22*
Burlington, NC
11.47
*Note: All benchmark communities with the exception of Garner operate golf courses.
The national median is based on the FTEs while the city employee numbers in Figures 4.3 and 4.4 for Douglasville and the benchmark communities represent full-time staff only and do not include the FTEs associated with part-time and seasonal employees. With the addition of part-time staff Douglasville approaches, or exceeds, the national benchmark for communities of similar populations but falls below the selected benchmark communities. The golf course staff comprises 39% of Douglasville’s total full-time staff compared to Burlington (8.51%), Mooresville (18.75%) and Gainesville (8.7%). Garner does not operate a golf course. Douglasville’s FTE per 10,000 residents (excluding part-time) falls from 8.42 to 5.13 when Wild Pines Golf Course staffing is excluded from the calculation. It is standard practice to assess parks maintenance staffing levels by the acres maintained per full time equivalent (FTE) employee..
Entity
Acres Maintained per Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
2016 NRPA Park Metrics
Average: 13.5 acres
International City Managers Association (ICMA) (2008)
General Standard: 18-20 acres Best Practice: 12 acres
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 4.5
Douglasville’s Parks Maintenance Level of Service
The City of Douglasville Parks Maintenance Division maintains 119 acres of land in the City’s parks system. The following provides a breakdown of those acres by park. Figure 4.5: Acres Maintained by Parks Maintenance Division, by Park Park
Acreage
Fowler Field Park
8
Hunter Memorial Park
83
Jessie Davis Memorial Park
17
Mill Village Park
3
Willing Workers Community Club Park
5
Worthan Park
3 TOTAL 119
Based on full-time staffing only, the Douglasville parks maintenance level of service (LOS) equals 13.2 acres maintained per full-time employee. The LOS exceeds the national benchmark standards even without considering the impact of the inmate laborers. The LOS is impacted by the repetitive turn-over of the Laborer positions resulting in vacancies and a loss of actual work performance time due to increased training needs.
4.6 City of Douglasville
Key Issues and Recommendations: Administration, Programming and Park Operations
Organization structure and budget division modifications are needed in the administration and recreation areas. The recreation and park operations staff and budgets should be aligned for improved accountability and the seamless implementation of program goals and facility use and operations policies. This functional alignment change is illustrated in Figure 4.6. Figure 4.6: Recommended Functional Operations Chart
The Director’s span of control is reduced from six divisions to four divisions. This new structure will better position the department for future growth. It is also recommended that with this new alignment that the Jessie Davis Park budget be combined with the Administration budget.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 4.7
The organization structure change necessitates staff reassignments, re-classification and title changes. The new titles provide for a hierarchy of positions and reflect titles typically found in parks and recreation departments. Recommendations are included below. Figure 4.7: Recommended Position Changes Administration, Programming and Park Operations Current Positions (FT)
Recommended Changes
Park Manager (2)
• •
Title Change: Park Supervisor Report to Recreation Program Manager (new position)
Admin Clerk - Hunter
•
Title Change: Administrative Assistant Change reporting from Park Manager to Parks and Recreation Director Reclassify as needed Long Term - report to Administrative Services Manager
• • • Receptionist - Hunter
• •
Office Manager - Davis
• •
4.8 City of Douglasville
Title Change: Customer Service Specialist Reclassify as needed Title Change: Customer Service Specialist Reclassify as needed
The need for expanded programming has been identified throughout this planning process. It is detailed in Section 3: Programming of this master plan. The benchmark data suggests that Douglasville has a shortage of staff devoted to recreation programs and operations. Three new programming positions are recommended. Figure 4.8: Recommended New Positions Programming Recommended New Positions
Comments
Recreation Program Manager
•
Direct report to Parks and Recreation Director
Recreation Program Coordinator (2)
• •
Report to Park Supervisors Reduce Part Time Recreation Assistant hours
Athletic Program Coordinator
•
Reports to Athletic Program Manager
A Recreation Program Manager is recommended to oversee the development and implementation of recreation programs at the community centers, and oversee the staff responsible for development of these programs. Direct reports will be assigned at each of the 2 community centers. A Recreation Program Coordinator is recommended to be added at each of the two community centers and reporting to the Park Supervisor positions. These positions focus on the development and delivery of diverse programming for all ages and populations in the centers, parks and other available sites. The full-time center staff should have flex hours so that the center hours are covered and the part-time Recreation Assistant positions are reduced. The Athletic Program Coordinator is recommended to implement new sports programs, clinics and events for both youth and adults. This position works under the direction of the Athletic Program Manager. The City’s FY2019 budget eliminated the janitorial maintenance contracts that serve the Hawthorne and Ike Owings Community Centers. A Facility Laborer for each of the two community centers is recommended. The Facility Laborer positions report to the Park Supervisor positions. These new positions will also provide set-up and take-down and other support services for programs, rentals and events. Figure 4.9: Recommended New Positions Community Center Operations Recommended New Positions
Comments
Facility Laborer (2)
• •
Report to Park Supervisors Replace current custodial contract
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 4.9
The recommended position changes and additions discussed above are illustrated in Figure 4.10. The colors represent the following: •
Blue reflects no change to the current position
•
Red reflects a recommendation to retitled and/or reassign the position
•
Green indicates a recommended new position
Figure 4.10: Recommended Position Changes and Additions
4.10 City of Douglasville
Key Issues and Recommendations: Parks Maintenance
The Parks Maintenance staffing levels are adequate to maintain the current developed park acreage. However, the planning team’s inspection of parks revealed deficiencies in terms of ADA compliance, general grounds conditions, drainage, and repairs for park furnishings, dugouts, fencing, pavilions and other park amenities. The organization chart staffing levels do not necessarily correspond with actual in the field staffing levels. In recent years the city has suffered high turnover rates in parks maintenance staffing often leaving the crew short staffed in fulfilling important maintenance tasks. On-boarding staff takes time and ‘green’ staff need time to learn the job. Salary levels need to be evaluated and competitive starting pay rates implemented where deficiencies are found. Additional training and advancement opportunities should be incorporated into the pay plan with level I and II position titles. A flatter organization with multiple crews allocates staffing resources out in the parks. The City’s Parks Maintenance study concurrently underway with this plan provides detailed recommendations for improving parks maintenance staff effectiveness through the implementation of best practice plans, standards, performance measures and customer feedback. Concept plans have also been developed for a new parks maintenance facility that will provide a home for the staff. It is expected that the implementation of the study and building plans will boost morale and improve efficiency. As new parkland is developed, additional parks maintenance staff will be needed to maintain the new facilities at an acceptable level of service. The addition of a Horticulturist is recommended with the development of the high profile downtown park. This position performs landscape and grounds maintenance services and directs the parks maintenance staff in the implementation of horticultural best practices for the beautification of the parks system. The horticulturist collaborates with Keep Douglasville Beautiful to develop and implement a volunteer “Adopt A Park” program and utilize the skills of Master Gardener volunteers. The development of the Bright Star property, two new parks, and greenway trails will require increased staffing with special expertise based on the types of facilities constructed. The parks maintenance staff should be at the table during the design development phase for each of these new park and greenway projects.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 4.11
The recommended changes in the parks maintenance staffing plan are included below. Figure 4.11: Recommended Position Changes Parks Maintenance Current Position
Recommended Changes
Parks Maintenance Supervisor
•
Title change for consistency of division head titles.
Park Assistants (2)
•
Title change: Parks Maintenance Assistant. Eliminate 1 position
• Crew Chief
• •
Add a Crew Chief (Total number of employees unchanged due to elimination of a Park Assistant position.)
Laborers (4)
•
Title change: 2 positions to Parks Maintenance Worker I Title change: 2 positions to Parks Maintenance II A Parks Maintenance Worker I and Parks Maintenance Worker II are assigned to each Crew Chief
• •
4.12 City of Douglasville
Figure 4.12: Recommended New Parks Maintenance Organization Chart • Blue reflects no change to the current position •
Red reflects a recommendation to retitled and/or reassign the position
•
Green indicates a recommended new position
Figure 4.13: Recommended New Positions Parks Maintenance Recommended Future Staffing
Comments
Horticulturist
• •
Crew Chief and Parks Maintenance Workers
• •
New position to be added with the development of the Downtown Park Reports to the Parks Maintenance Manager Additional crews will be needed as new parks and greenways are developed. Specialized parks maintenance worker skills may be needed based on the types of facilities developed
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 4.13
Key Issues and Recommendations: West Pines Golf Course
The golf course staffing levels are higher than the benchmark communities, but that does not take into consideration parks maintenance support of benchmark community courses or the use of contracted service providers for certain course operations. Although there is no immediate need for additional full time golf course staff, going forward there are staffing considerations for implementing new programs and impacting efficient service levels. Figure 4.14: Recommended Position Changes West Pines Golf Course Recommendation
Comments
Part-time/seasonal program staff/ instructors
•
Increased golf programming is recommended in this plan. Part time program staff and/ or instructors will be needed to implement the new program. Participant fees should cover the costs of program staff.
Irrigation Specialist
•
Golf course and park facilities irrigation services are outsourced. It may be more efficient and/or improve service levels to bring it in-house. It is recommended that a collaborative study of both golf course and parks maintenance irrigation systems and services be conducted. If a new position is warranted now or in the near future, it is recommended that the position be added to the golf staff but also have responsibilities for general park irrigation.
4.14 City of Douglasville
Key Issues and Recommendations: Staff Development and Certification
The department has recently increased funding for training and development including sending staff to state and national parks and recreation conferences. Staying up to date on trends, learning new operations practices, discovering innovative program ideas, finding alternative solutions to common problems, and networking with staff from high performing agencies is critical for Douglasville’s continuous service improvement. Certifications are important for assuring that staff is qualified to perform their work. Services requiring certifications related to health, welfare, or safety must be either performed by certified staff or certified contracted service providers. The parks maintenance division subcontracts the application of pesticides and herbicides. The current staff certifications are included below. Figure 4.15: Current Parks and Recreation Department Staff Certifications Position
Certification(s)
Director
• •
NRPA Certified Professional Recreation Professional Certified Youth Sports Administrator
Parks Maintenance Supervisor
• •
Certified Maintenance Manager Certified Youth Sports Administrator
Park Assistant (Seasonal)
• •
Certified Pool Operator Certified Lifeguard
Park Manager
•
Certified Youth Sports Administrator
Athletic Coordinator
•
Certified Youth Sports Administrator
Recreation Program Coordinator
•
NRPA Certified Professional Recreation Professional Certified Youth Sports Administrator Certified Pool Operator
• •
The mission of the City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department is to enhance the interaction of people and the environment in a manner in which is pleasing to all. To provide recreation opportunities to effectively meet and serve the needs of our constituents, the citizens of Douglasville, and those who interact with the Parks system.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 4.15
Going forward, the following staff certifications are recommended: 1. That the following positions (current and proposed) be designated to attain and/or maintain NRPA CPRP certification: • Director • Recreation Program Manager • Athletic Program Manager • Recreation Program Coordinators • Athletic Program Coordinator • Park Supervisors 2. That one member of the Parks Maintenance staff immediately attain certification as a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) and a second staff member attains CPSI as a back-up.
4.16 City of Douglasville
Operations Policies, Procedures, Standards and Plans
The Parks and Recreation Department lacks written policies and procedures, standards and plans that are needed to conduct business and guide decision making. CAPRA established best practice fundamental standards for parks and recreation policies, procedures, standards and plans that are required for national accreditation. Figure 4.16: CAPRA Fundamental Policies, Procedures, Standards and Plans Fundamental Policies, Procedures, Standards and Plans Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Strategic Plan with Mission, Vision, and Goals Administrative Policies and Procedures Maintenance and Operations Management Standards Recreation Programming Plan with Goals and Objectives Public Information Policy and Procedure General Security Plan Risk Management Plan and Procedures. Comprehensive Revenue Policy It is recommended that the CAPRA fundamental standards be used as a framework for creating a system of departmental policies and procedures and drafting important standards and plans. These should be prioritized based on the specific needs of the department.
Goals, Performance Measures, Data Gathering and Reporting
The establishment of goals and performance measures are critical to the evaluation of services. Goals provide staff guidance for decision making and performance measurement track goal attainment. The implementation of an effective goal and performance measurement system is based on the ability to collect and analyze accurate data. Currently there is no consistent capture of participation, facility use and financial data at the facility or program level. The Parks and Recreation Department purchased and implemented Rec1software this past year, but it is not being consistently used. Because of the lack of data from past years, facility and program performance cannot be effectively evaluated. Going forward, the use of Rec1 must be mandated. Additional training may be needed to extract reports and fully utilize the software. The full implementation of
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 4.17
the software will provide staff the ability to track and evaluate program and facility performance. Over time as data is collected, trends will emerge and the staff will be better positioned to establish meaningful goals, track progress and make decisions that will optimize facility usage and improve programming.
Parks Maintenance Plan
The division does not have a Parks Maintenance Plan that sets standards, establishes priorities, defines work processes, and guides decision making. The plan should include operations standards and performance measures, the mission statement, goals and objectives, operations standards and performance measures, policies and procedures, facility and equipment inventories, the staffing plan, inspection forms, evaluation surveys, and other documents important to parks maintenance. The manual is a compilation of plans and documents in one place that clarifies expectations and serves as a staff resource.
Parks Maintenance Standards
Parks Maintenance standards are a critical element of the parks maintenance plan and a CAPRA fundamental standard requirement. Standards clarify expectations for park operations workload, effectiveness and efficiency. Parks maintenance standards define the frequency and quality of work for specific types of park areas, facilities or amenities. Performance measures should be developed to track both quantitative, or output goals, and qualitative, or outcome goals.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance activities and standards are an important component of the parks maintenance plan. It is not unusual for preventive maintenance to suffer during times of budget reductions. Long term savings can be realized by executing a robust preventive maintenance plan.
Life Cycle Replacement
Life cycle replacement schedules are needed for equipment, park amenities and furnishings, roofing, flooring and systems, paving, playgrounds, courts, landscaping and other parks and facility The life cycle replacement schedule should be regularly updated and included capital improvement funding plans.
Computerized Maintenance Management System
The Parks and Recreation Department would benefit from the purchase and implementation of a computerized maintenance management system. A work order system is needed to prioritize, schedule and track work, assign resources, and collect data for performance measurement and reporting. Currently maintenance needs are relayed and progress tracked through phone calls and emails. Staff lacks the ability to efficiently track work and access data to determine resource needs and allocation. A digital maintenance management system would provide data important for evaluating staffing levels, preventive maintenance schedules and life cycle replacement needs. Hand held units for field staff are recommended for logging work progress and completion. The system is an important planning tool for forecasting anticipated maintenance costs and staffing levels as the parks system expands.
4.18 City of Douglasville
Marketing, Branding and Public Engagement
Branding and marketing are basic functions of modern parks and recreation departments. The Parks and Recreation Department does not have a marketing function and has relied on the Community Relations Department staff to keep citizens aware of upcoming events and programs. Throughout this planning effort marketing, communications and public engagement has been identified as one of the primary areas in need of improvement. The City recently conducted a communications, branding and marketing study and has begun to implement study recommendations. This means that additional resources are now committed to improve communication with the public and support marketing and branding efforts. In lieu of adding a Marketing Specialist position to the Parks and Recreation staff, this function will be performed by the expanded Community Relations Department. It is anticipated that the Parks and Recreation Department requires an estimated 30 hours per week of dedicated Community Relations Department staff time.
Tasks Identified •
Development of a Marketing Plan, Community Relations Plan, and Public Information Policy and Procedure (CAPRA standards)
•
Design of the on-line and printed seasonal brochures
•
Marketing materials and innovative promotions for facilities, programs and events
•
Website Upgrade/redesign and website maintenance
•
Effective use of social media
•
Assisting with feedback survey design and implementation
•
Staff training
•
Other as identified by staff
This organization plan relies on a good working relationship between the two departments. It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Director and the Community Relations Director designate a staff member to serve as the liaison for their respective departments. Priorities, guidelines, deadlines, responsibilities, editing processes and authorities and other issues need to be discussed and agreed upon. The liaisons should hold regularly scheduled meetings and the department directors should meet periodically to assess progress and resolve issues as needed.
Recreation Advisory Committee
While board structure, responsibilities and activities vary from community to community, a citizen advisory committee serves an important community role by enhancing public involvement, providing input and guidance to staff and elected officials on important decisions, engaging the public, and advocating for parks and recreation. An Advisory board/committee is a CAPRA best practice standard and is
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 4.19
virtually always found in high performing agencies. Chapter 62 Section 62.1-3 of Douglasville’s City Code establishes a Recreation Advisory Committee proscribing how the members are appointed, the number of members, member terms, officers, rules and procedures, meetings and duties. The code conforms with Advisory Committee/Board requirements typical to parks and recreation departments across the country. However, the Douglasville Recreation Advisory Committee membership has not been appointed. It is recommended as a high priority that the Recreation Advisory Committee be appointed and serve as established by the City Code.
4.20 City of Douglasville
Facility Assessment
05
5 Parks and Facilities Assessment of existing parks and recreation facilities is a primary task of the planning team for this master plan. This evaluation includes facilities provided by the City of Douglasville to determine the level of access to park and recreation facilities in the city. The City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department manages eight (8) separate park properties with approximately 381 acres, including an undeveloped parcel of 137 acres, the Bright Star property. Facilities include community centers, basketball courts, a swimming pool, baseball fields, playgrounds and walking trails. The planning team visited each of the City’s parks and conducted individual site assessments. These assessments help determine the diversity of facilities and their distribution patterns, maintenance practices, ages and conditions. The planning team also looked for ways that parks may be re-purposed or utilized in a more efficient fashion. An assessment of current levels of service were reviewed. Based on current facility use and public comments, facility levels of service is established for the City of Douglasville to meet the parks and recreation needs of the community over the next 10 years.
Park Classifications
Critical to the service delivery system of any parks and recreation department is the provision of the four basic park categories: mini parks, neighborhood parks, community parks and regional parks. Beyond these four basic park types are specialuse parks, natural areas/preserves, greenways, school parks and private parks/ recreation facilities. Each is classified differently based upon the types of amenities, size, service area and how access is gained to the facility. Figure 5.1 below provides a definition of each park classification along with information on size and service criteria. Each of the City of Douglasville parks was assigned a classification, based on acreage, facilities available and the manner the park serves the community. This classification assists the identification of service levels and park distribution for a community, and in examining any gaps in service to Douglasville’s residents. In evaluating Douglasville’s parks system, the planning team found that the City manages mini parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, and a special-use park (a golf course). Not included in the City’s parks inventory are regional parks, sports complexes, natural resource/preserve areas, or greenways.
5.2 City of Douglasville
Figure 5.1: Park Classification with Service Area Classification
Description
Desirable Size
Location Criteria
5 acres or less
1/4 mile service radius
Mini Park
Small parks with limited activity that should provide seating, landscape and possibly a playground, community garden or other passive recreation activities.
Neighborhood Park
Area for more intense recreational activities, such as playing field, larger playgrounds, shelters, trails, swimming pools, restrooms, etc.
5 to 20 acres
1/2 mile service radius
Community Park
All-inclusive facility for recreation users that provides a mix of active and passive activities and attract users of all ages, from sports fields to a community center.
20 to 75 acres
1-3 mile service radius
Regional Park
Unique outdoor recreation area with various amenities, which may include boating, fishing, swimming, camping, but may also include a water park, etc.
50 to 250 acres
Varies
Special-Use Park
Special-use parks are designed to meet the needs of a specific user group, such as an aquatic center, golf course, zoo or a museum.
Varies
Varies
Sports Park
Sports parks are parks that are dominated by athletic facilities.
Varies
Varies
Natural Resource Area/Preserve
Land with natural resources, historic landscapes, visual beauty, bio-diversity, etc.
Varies
Varies
Greenways
Linear corridors that loop and/or link to other amenities.
50-feet wide
1/2 miles service radius
Table adapted from Mertes, J.D. and J.R. Hall. Park, Open Space, and Greenway Guidelines. Alexandria, VA: National Recreation and Park Associations, 1995.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.3
Douglasville’s Parks and Park Classifications Mini Parks
Worthan Park is Douglasville’s only mini park. It contains a small gazebo, seating areas and landscape areas. This park is 3 acres in size.
Neighborhood Parks
Fowler Field, Mill Village Park and Willing Workers Park are all neighborhood parks. They provide playgrounds, pavilions and picnic areas, and open areas. These parks range in size from 3 to 8 acres.
Community Parks
Douglasville’s two Community Parks, Hunter Memorial Park and Jessie Davis Memorial Park, provide residents with a variety of activities and park facilities. Among the two parks, residents can find a football field, baseball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds and an outdoor pool. Each contains a community center and walking trails.
Special-Use Parks
West Pines Golf Course is Douglasville’s only SpecialUse Park. It is a 125-acre 18-hole golf course and clubhouse facility.
5.4 City of Douglasville
Park and Facility Inventory
An inventory is used to document the quantities and sizes of the City’s parks and park facilities. It is used to identify the distribution of parks and facilities throughout the city, and to develop the current and future levels of service for Douglasville. Map 5.1 shows the location of each of the eight (8) City of Douglasville park properties. The map illustrates the seven (7) developed parks, as well as the undeveloped Bright Star Property. Figure 5.2: Facilities Matrix, documents each of the City parks, park size in acres, and facilities available in each park.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.5
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ID 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PARKS AND FACILITIES PARKS Fowler Field Park Hunter Memorial Park Jessie Davis Memorial Park Mill Village Park West Pines Golf Course Willing Workers Community Club Park Worthan Park
ID UNDEVELOPED PARK PARCEL 8 Bright Star Property 8 83 17 3 125 5 3
TOTALS 381 7 2
9 2 0
1 1
0 10
11 1
1 1
6 12 0 0
12
3 2
0 2
1 1
0 3
2 1
0 1
1
0 1 1
1
1
1
1 1 0 0
1
1
0
1
7
1 1 1 2 1
3
4 6
1
0 7
1 4 1
0 3 0 0 0 0 1 7
3 7
1
1
0
1
1 0.1
137
2.3
Wellness/Fitness Center
0.4 1.5 0.3
Volleyball (Sand)
Walking Track (paved miles)
Tennis Center/Complex
Tennis Court(s)
Swimming Pool (Outdoor)
Swimming Pool (Indoor)
Stage/Theater(s)
Splash Pad(s) or Wading Pool
Spin Room(s)
Soccer Field (Outdoor)
Skate Park(s)
Restroom Facility
Racquetball
Playground(s)
2 3 1
Picnic Area
Pavilion/Shelter(s)
Nature Center
Multi-purpose Field(s)
Lacrosse Field(s)
Horseshoe Pit
Gymnasium
Golf Course
Football Field(s)
Fishing Pier/Dock
Dog Park
Disc Golf
Dance Room(s)
Concession/Kitchen
Community Garden (#plots)
Community Center(s)
BMX Track
Bocce Ball Court
Boat Ramp
Batting Cage
Basketball Court (outdoor)
Baseball/Softball Field(s) (Accessible)
Baseball/Softball Field
Archery
Amphitheater
Administrative Offices
Activity/Meeting Room
Total Acres
Figure 5.2: Douglasville Facilities Inventory Matrix
0 0
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Level of Service
Evaluating the level of service helps determine whether a recreational delivery system is meeting the needs of the population it serves. Using the facility matrix, the planning team compared the overall number and types of facilities to those provided by communities across the country, obtained from the 2017 NRPA Park Metrics. The Park Metrics is an annual report produced by the National Park and Recreation Agency (NRPA). It is a comprehensive source of data standards and comparisons of parks and recreation agencies across the country, and is a useful tool in examining what other departments are doing in terms of parks and recreation facilities, spending, revenues and staffing. The 2017 Park Metrics Agency Performance Review contains data from 925 parks and recreation agencies. Because not all facilities may be applicable or necessary for a community at the same level, the planning team, working with the Parks and Recreation Department and Steering Committee, developed community specific standards specific to the City of Douglasville. These guidelines enable the planning team to detect where Douglasville Parks and Recreation has a surplus or deficiency in a particular type of facility. While these standards provide guidance on the quantity of facilities, they should not be used indiscriminately and without understanding facility quality, location and other factors. To reveal the surpluses and deficits of each facility, the planning team compared the existing Douglasville facilities to the recommended level of service as shown in Figure 5.3.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.11
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Figure 5.3: City of Douglasville Level of Service and Community Standards for Park Facilities 2018
Douglasville Community Standards for Park Facilities Parkland Acres Developed Parkland Acres Adaptive Use Baseball/Softball Amphitheater (outdoor) Baseball Youth Basketball, Outdoor Community Center Disc Golf Course Dog Park Football Golf Course Gymnasiums Multi-purpose field Pickleball Playground Skate Park Soccer, Youth Splash Pad Swim Pool (indoor) Synthetic Multipurpose Field Tennis Courts Trail System (miles)**
Douglasville NRPA Park Desired Metrics Levels of Community Service Level of Service 10.1 / 1,000 n/a n/a 1/48,000 1 / 6,500 1 / 7,100 1/27,500 n/a 1 / 41,500 1 / 24,740 n/a 1 / 27,300 1 / 8,050 n/a 1 / 3,600 n/a 1 / 6,000 n/a n/a 1 / 41,700 1 / 4,375 1 mile/3,000
*Source: 2018 NRPA Agency Performance Review **Lose & Associates developed standard
9.6 / 1,001 1/40,000 1/35,000 1/5,000 1/5,500 1/16,000 1/20,000 1/40,000 1/26,000 1/35,000 1/29,000 1/35,000 1/10,000 1/4,000 1/40,000 1/6,200 1/25,000 1/35,000 1/35,000 1/4,400 1 mile/5,000
Existing Number of City Park Acres and Facilities 381.00 244.00 1 0 9 6 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 6 0 3 0 0 0 7 2.30
2017 Population Estimate 33,675
2028
Community NRPA Level of Level of Service Need Service Need 323.28 1 5 5 1 1 1 1 3 9 5 1 8 11
323.28 1 1 7 6 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 8 1 5 1 1 1 8 7
Facility Deficit/ Surplus 57.72 -79.28 0 -1 2 0 0 -1 -1 0 0 0 -1 -3 -2 -1 -2 -1 -1 -1 -1 -4.44
2028 Popluation Estimate 40,890
Community NRPA Level of Level of Service Need Service Need 392.54 1 6 6 1 2 1 3 11 7 1 9 14
392.54 1 1 8 7 3 2 1 2 1 1 1 4 10 1 7 2 1 1 9 8
Facility Deficit/ Surplus -11.54 -148.54 0 -1 1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 0 0 -1 -4 -4 -1 -4 -2 -1 -1 -2 -5.88
Gap Analysis
A gap analysis is an assessment of the service areas related to parks and its facilities to determine if there are areas of a community that are under served by identifying the service areas and gaps in the overall service standards for each park category. The service area analysis begins by classifying existing parks using the park classifications as described in Figure 5.1: Park Classifications with Service Criteria. The following Maps 5.2 through 5.6 illustrate the service areas and gap analysis for each park classification. A review of the gap analysis shows clear gaps in distribution of city parks, where there are no city parks in the eastern portions of the city. Areas south of I-20 have access have very limited access to City parks facilities, with only Fowler Field Park located south of I-20. Map 5.2: Mini Park Service Area Map 5.3: Neighborhood Park Service Area Map 5.4: Community Park Service Area Map 5.5: Special-Use Park Service Area Map 5.6: Service Area Map All Park Classifications
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.15
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Trails and Connectivity
Trail development remains one of the best methods to add natural resources to the park system. Trails provide a recreational amenity for a community, as well as an alternative form of transportation. Connecting Douglasville’s parks contributes to the overall recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The proposed trails in the following Map 5.7 illustrate current City-proposed trails, as well as additional proposed trails that were identified as part of this master plan process. A total of 7 miles of multi-purpose trails are shown in the plan, in addition to several miles of bikes lanes and sidewalk connections in the city’s plans. If constructed, these would provide additional trail connections to parks and points of interest in the city, providing additional recreational opportunities to residents, as well as alternative modes of transportation to places within Douglasville, and connecting to the larger region.
An example of a trail.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.27
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General Park Conditions, Assessments and Recommendations
Assessments of individual parks and park facilities managed by the City of Douglasville were performed by planning team members who analyzed facilities for their age, functionality and conditions. Parks were assessed for maintenance and potential for re-purposing or better usability. Identification of potential ADA accessibility issues were also noted. The assessments include information regarding the size, location and amenities within each park and facility listed. Parks and facilities were graded on a scale of 1-3, with 1 being the lowest and 3 the greatest. Items that received a grade of “3” are either new or require little maintenance or repairs. Those receiving a “2” are still functional but require maintenance to ensure their use throughout the life of the master plan. Items graded as a “1” will require replacement during the span of this master plan. Once graded, all scores were averaged for an average park facility score. Although specific needs vary between parks, several issues were found to be consistent throughout the Douglasville parks system, including drainage issues, the need for general maintenance of facilities, ADA accessibility issues and erosion problems. The facility assessments also include a series of recommendations to address identified issues, as well as opportunities for further development or redevelopment of the park.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.31
Park and Facility Assessments Fowler Field Park Location:
3270 Chapel Hill Road
Size: 8 acres Park Classification Mini Park X
Neighborhood Park Community Park Regional Park Sports Complex Natural Resource Area / Preserve Greenway Trail Special Use Park
Conditions Scale: 1 – Poor 2 – Fair 3 – Good N/A=Not Applicable Amenities and Facilities: (ie. ballfields, playgrounds, buildings, tennis courts, etc.) Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
1
Restroom and Concession Building
3
Building is in good condition.
1
Walking Path
1
Asphalt pavement, 4’ wide
1
Playground Ground
2
5-12 YO play structure, swing set are in good condition.
3
Soccer Fields – Lighted
2
Field is irrigated and bleachers are provided around the competition field.
Site Maintenance: (ie. infrastructure, signage, trash cans, lighting, mowing, etc.) Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Parking Lot
2
Some cracking present in the pavement, appears to have been sealed and restriped recently. Lighting seemed to be adequate
5.32 City of Douglasville
Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Walking Path
1
Pavement is cracking and holds water in many areas
Play Ground
1
Mulch surface holds a lot of water, mulch under swings and play structure needs to be replaced. Swings did not have pads
Soccer Fields
2
Field is irrigated and appears to be well maintained. Some areas seem to hold water. Fields do flood during times of heavy rains.
Restroom Building
3
Irrigation System
2
Some valve boxes and piping were not set in ground properly.
ADA Accessibility: Area/Facility
Comments and Recommendations
Parking Lot
Not Accessible, marked spaces do not meet slope requirements
Access Paths
No accessible route to field, playground, or path. Need to add ramp or provide route through existing site.
Playground
Play area is not accessible, structure does not provide accessible elements.
Walking Trail
Not accessible, provide passing spaces as required.
Stairs
Handrails and stairs are not accessible.
Total Conditions Score:
19/30
Average Park Facility Score: 1.9
Other Comments and Recommendations: • Portions of this park are located within the floodway and 100-year floodplain. As such, much of the park floods during heavy rain events. •
Main competition field has full sports lighting; the rest of the fields have limited lighting
•
Trash receptacles and benches appear to complement each other on the site. Should match City Standards.
•
Explore undeveloped acreage on west side of site to determine if soccer fields and trails can be added.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.33
Fowler Field Park
5.34 City of Douglasville
Hunter Memorial Park Location:
830 Gurley Road
Size: 85 acres Park Classification Mini Park Neighborhood Park X
Community Park Regional Park Sports Complex Natural Resource Area / Preserve Greenway Trail Special Use Park
Conditions Scale: 1 – Poor 2 – Fair 3 – Good N/A=Not Applicable Amenities and Facilities: (ie. ballfields, playgrounds, buildings, tennis courts, etc.) Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
IKE OWINGS COMMUNITY CENTER 1
Ike Ownings Community 3 Center
Includes reception desk, several rentable meeting rooms, small games room, and department offices. Interior is in good condition, exterior is good; however, some bare spots in lawn around building. Paved parking to serve building in good condition, retention pond in good condition, provide fence along top of pond wall.
1
Parking Lot
Asphalt Parking, lighted, with planters strip and clear pedestrian path.
3
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.35
Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
1
Playground
3
2-5 YO structure and 5-12 YO structure with 8 swings and several stand-alone pieces. Shade covers provided over structures. Mulch surfacing. Border is concrete walk on all sides. Playground holds water, additional mulch should be added, pads should be provided under swings.
1
Picnic Area near playground
3
Area has 2 tables with grill and trash receptacle on concrete slab, appears in good condition. Second area is older with wooden tables in fair condition.
1
Gazebo by Lake
2
Small, wood structure, in good condition.
1
Picnic Pavilion by Lake
3
Brick structure with shingle roof, in good condition. Large cooker / smoker adjacent to structure. No lighting.
1
Disc Golf Course
2
Disc golf course covers entire park, tee boxes and cages appear in good condition, lawn around park has bare spots that should be reseeded.
4
Horseshoe Pits
1
Poor condition
1
Lake Area
2
Lake is about 5 acres, includes loop trail around lake that connects to Park and Community Center. Pavement in fair condition. 2 wooden piers on opposite sides. Several benches, bench swings and trash receptacles that are not consistent style and are generally in poor condition.
BASEBALL COMPLEX
5.36 City of Douglasville
Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
3
Teen / Adult Baseball Fields
3
Fields are lighted, irrigated, and have crowned infields. 1 field uses offset posts with netting, other 2 fields use traditions backstop fencing. Field with netting requires a safety rail along recessed backstop. Stairs around complex need handrails added. Plaza landscape bed is in poor conditions and should be renovated or converted to pavement.
1
Scorers Building
3
2 story brick structure with restroom and concessions on first floor; good condition. Surrounding pavement appears in good condition.
3
Youth Fields
2
Fields use Hollywood style backstop and have individual, elevated score booths. Grass skirt along backstop interior should be removed for maintenance.
1
Accessible Field
3
Field is in good condition. Adjacent pavilion is a brick structure with lighting and fans; appears in good condition, needs to be repainted.
10
Batting Cages
2
2 sets of batting cages in baseball complex (1 with 4 cages and 1 with 6), only cages at youth field are lit. All are gravel fines surfacing. Power is available to each cage. Standing water present in batting cages.
1
Parking Area
3
Paved and lighting parking lot in good condition. Some erosion from adjacent service yard (limited). Drop of and ADA parking provided near accessible field.
ADULT SOFTBALL FIELDS
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.37
Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
2
Softball Fields
2
Fields are lit and irrigated, independent elevated score booths, fence backstop, 2 sets of bleachers per field, paving is in good condition, earthwork behind fields is in poor condition, erosion issues are leaving sediment along the back walk. Bleacher pads are not level.
1
Restroom Building
3
Brick structure with canopy cover over the back.
TENNIS COMPLEX 7
Tennis Courts
3
Court netting, surfacing, and perimeter fence appear to be in good condition. Courts are lit. Sidewalks to access the courts from parking lot appear to be in good condition. Site drinking fountain provided next to building.
1
Restroom Building
3
Brick structure with canopy cover over the back portion facing the courts. Good condition.
2
Fields are in fair to good condition, fields are lit and irrigated, have independent, elevated score booths, dugout roof and support is in poor condition and need to be replaced; dugout surround is brick and appears to be in good condition. Fencing around field needs repair. 2 sets of bleachers provided for each field. Standing water present around the fields in pavement areas and at the infield edges.
YOUTH SOFTBALL COMPLEX 2
Softball Field
1
Prefabricated Restroom 2 Building
5.38 City of Douglasville
Prefabricated structure in fair condition. Recommend repainting building
Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
2
Batting Cages
2
1 set of batting cages, gravel fines surfacing, power is available to each cage. Standing water present in cages.
1
Maintenance Building
2
Brick structure with shingle roof. Slop behind building is eroding, sections of retaining wall have been installed and require safety fence.
HONOR GARDEN AREA 1
Plane Area
2
Area is brick paved with brick and ornamental fence surround. Drainage issues from slope between wall and tennis complex.
1
Flag Area
3
Newly installed portion of Honor Garden. Pavers, lawn, flags, benches, and service branch memorial plaques. Some drainage issues due to slope along tennis complex.
1
Parking Area
3
Newly installed, at time of site visit, striping and ADA stalls had not been completed.
Site Maintenance: (ie. infrastructure, signage, trash cans, lighting, mowing, etc.) Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
IKE OWINGS COMMUNITY CENTER Grounds
2
Bare spots in lawn around building and connected features should be reseeded. Provide barrier fence along wall at retention pond. Renovate horseshoe pits.
Playground
3
Mulch needs to be refreshed and smoothed out through playground area, standing water suggests drainage improvements may be needed.
Train and Train Loop
1
Existing infrastructure should either be removed repaired for train to operate.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.39
Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Lake Area
2
Asphalt walking trails need isolated repairs, benches and swings need repair or replace. A variety of trash receptacles are used on the site and should all be consistent style.
Landscape Beds
1
Beds are in poor conditions, should be renovated or replaced with pavement.
Batting Cages
2
Cages hold water, improve drainage in or around cages to avoid ponding.
Grounds
2
Pavement appears to be in good condition, several areas where lawn or planting should be replaced / reseeded.
Fencing
2
Fencing needs repaired in several areas due to damage from soft toss batting
Grounds
1
Slope adjacent to tennis court parking lot is failing and eroding onto fields below. Sediment should be removed from dugouts and pavement along this edge. Recommend adding low wall and permanent vegetation other than lawn to reduce erosion.
2
A lot of weeds and bare spots in grounds around tennis courts and building. Recommend reseeding areas and renovating planting beds.
Dugouts
1
Roofs have holes, paint is peeling. Recommend complete replacement of roof and wood structure, and repainting masonry portion of existing dugouts.
Batting Cages
2
Batting cages hold water, improve drainage in or around cages.
BASEBALL COMPLEX
ADULT SOFTBALL FIELDS
TENNIS COMPLEX Grounds
YOUTH SOFTBALL
5.40 City of Douglasville
Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Maintenance Building
1
Roof and soffits need replaced. Structure in good condition. Sloped area adjacent to building is eroding, slope needs to be stabilized and replanted with permanent vegetation.
Prefabricated Restroom Building
2
Repaint building
Grounds
1
Drainage issues at entry to complex, no drainage infrastructure apparent in area, all runoff collects between the fields and back stop and runs along grassed area adjacent to walk. A lot of ponding along main walk into complex and around restroom building.
Grounds
2
Drainage coming from tennis complex parking lot is an issue, collects at base of slope but does not appear to flow toward installed infrastructure. Regrading may reduce ponding.
Parking Lot
3
At time of site visit, striping and ADA spaces had not been completed.
HONOR GARDEN AREA
ADA Accessibility: Area/Facility
Comments and Recommendations
Ike Owings Center Building
Generally accessible, provide ADA service counter at reception desk.
Parking
Some parking spaces not ADA due to cross slopes
Picnic Areas
Not accessible, provide accessible path or add accessible picnic table in vicinity
Gazebo
Accessible
Picnic Pavilion
Not accessible
Lake Area
Piers do not have ADA rails, path has portions that are not accessible, benches are not accessible.
Baseball Complex
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.41
Area/Facility
Comments and Recommendations
Teen / Adult Fields
Accessible
Youth Fields
Accessible ramp clear space is blocked by current bleacher configuration, adjust bleacher locations to provide proper clear space along route.
Score Building
Accessible
Parking
Accessible
Adult Softball
Generally accessible Bleacher pads are not accessible due to slopes; Handrails need to be added to the ramp area between the fields.
Tennis Complex
Parking is accessible; Handrail needed at ramp from ADA parking into site due to length of ramp run; Recommend adding additional accessible path to provide more direct route from parking to courts.
Youth Softball
Parking is accessible Restroom building is accessible No accessible path provided to the fields or dugouts.
Honor Garden
Accessible, although ADA parking had not been delineated at the time of the site visit.
Total Conditions Score:
95/129
Average Park Facility Score: 2.2
Other Comments and Recommendations: • A lot of the lawn areas in the facility need to be reseeded •
A vintage train used to travel around the park on a loop track. A large portion of the track was removed for other site improvements; however, portions of the track, as well as train cars and the train maintenance building are still on site. City should determine if the train should be repaired to operate, if limits should be reduced, or if the entire set up should be removed.
•
The parking areas and drive aisle throughout the property appeared to be in good condition. Striping and signage is clear throughout.
•
Site furnishings were generally consistent in the higher visibility areas (Baseball Complex / Tennis Complex / Playground area). In lower visibility areas the furnishings were more varied in style.
•
Disc Golf course wraps around park. The course is well marked with tee boxes indicated with a post and map, and cages appeared to be in good condition.
5.42 City of Douglasville
•
Old tennis courts at the Boys and Girls Club are being used as outdoor basketball courts with portable basketball goals. The tennis courts should be repurposed for the most economical use of the property and to serve the greater community, including being accessible to the Boys and Girls Club. This could include resurfacing the courts for multiple sports, which could include outdoor basketball, pickleball, volleyball.
Hunter Park
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.43
Hunter Park
5.44 City of Douglasville
Hunter Park
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.45
Hunter Park
5.46 City of Douglasville
Hunter Park
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.47
Jessie Davis Memorial Park Location:
775 Malone Street
Size: 24 acres Park Classification Mini Park Neighborhood Park X
Community Park Regional Park Sports Complex Natural Resource Area / Preserve Greenway Trail Special Use Park
Conditions Scale: 1 – Poor 2 – Fair 3 – Good N/A=Not Applicable Amenities and Facilities: (ie. ballfields, playgrounds, buildings, tennis courts, etc.) Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
1
Hawthornee Community 2 Center – Building Elements
Comments and Recommendations Reception area, 2 classrooms, computer lab, staff offices, gym, and kitchen. Building is in good condition. Staff noted that they need more programmable space.
1
Hawthornee Community 3 Center – Gym
Gym area includes 6 basketball goals, bleachers, divider storage room, sports lighting, score boards, HVAC, floor is in excellent condition.
1
Hawthornee Community 2 Center – Grounds
Grounds include lawn and landscape areas, 5 horseshoe pits with lighting, and connections to the rest of the park site. Parking lot is asphalt paved with lighting.
5.48 City of Douglasville
Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
1
Harvey Jones Football Field – Field and grounds
2
Football field with bleacher seating, press box building, asphalt paved and lit parking, fencing, 2 football goal posts, scoreboards. One corner of field perimeter fence is set up as a back stop. Does not appear that the field is used for baseball or softball at this time.
1
Harvey Jones Football Field – Press box
3
2 story brick structure with restrooms and concessions on the ground floor. Second story for score booth and outdoor decks on either side for filming
1
Playground – Lawn Area
2
2-5 YO structure, mulch surfacing, narrow concrete ring to hold in play surface. One bench provided along perimeter of playground.
2
Pavilion Buildings – Lawn Area
2
Heavy Timber and Brick construction with shingle roof. Ground plane is concrete paving. Lighting provided on building. Picnic tables are a variety of styles. Grill provided adjacent to paving. 1 pavilion has restroom facilities attached.
1
Lawn Area
1
Open lawn with paved loop trail, combination of asphalt and concrete – trail is in poor condition. Electrical outlets regularly spaced for events. Lawn area had a lot of standing water at the time of site visit. A few trees along perimeter. Parking is along the southwest edge of the lawn area – angled parking along the street (no separated lot).
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.49
Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
1
Jessie Davis Pool
2
Deck is in good condition, Pool has chair lift, outdoor shower, site lighting, 3 shade structures, picnic tables, and chilled drinking fountain. Parking lot is 7.5 feet above pool and is shared with basketball courts. Access from parking is provided by stairs or narrow, switch back ramp. Pool building is wood construction with shingle roof. Appears to be in fair condition. Pool is enclosed by 8’ tall chain link fence, in good condition.
1
Outdoor basketball courts
1
Concrete surface, 6 goals, bleacher seating and benches. Pavement is cracking, surrounding lawn has bare spots and some spots are eroding. Sediment is being deposited on the court surface in one area. Several goals are leaning.
1
Playground by Basketball
1
5-12 YO play structure, swing set, mulch surfacing with timber boarder, 1 bench provided along edge.
1
Clark Goree Recreation Center
1
Older building, wood structure with masonry foundation. Building is in very poor condition and appears to no longer be in use by the public.
1
Trail and Trail Head behind Pool
3
Small paved loop trail located behind pool. Smaller brick pavilion with shingle roof. No seating or furnishings noted.
Site Maintenance: (ie. infrastructure, signage, trash cans, lighting, mowing, etc.) Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Hawthornee Community Center – Building
2
Building in good condition, exterior repairs should be made to metal flashing above window. Several down spouts along the back of the building are disconnected from drainage pipes, should be connected.
5.50 City of Douglasville
Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Hawthornee Community Center – Gym
3
Floor is in excellent condition, everything seems to work based on observation and discussions with staff
Hawthornee Community Center – Grounds
2
Parking has some cracking, fence around detention pond needs repaired. Landscape beds need to be maintained at building entrance.
Harvey Jones Football 2 Field – Field and Grounds
Parking area is too small for needs. Bleacher handrails are breaking out of concrete in places, handrails should be repaired. Perimeter fence along retaining wall needs repaired in places. A lot of erosion and drainage issues around the bleacher seating, regrading may be required to fix problem areas. Field needs to be regraded and resodded. Retaining wall along field edge is missing blocks, wall should be repaired. Connection to the rest of the park is provided by an asphalt trail and concrete stairs, recommend reworking the connection to provide a more inviting path.
Harvey Jones Football Field – Press box
3
Building in good condition, during visit, HVAC unite was freezing up, should be serviced. Wasp nest found in a few soffits should be removed. Building face adjacent to parking lot should be pressure washed to clean of dirt.
Lawn Area Playground
2
Mulch should be resurfaced.
Pavilion Buildings – Lawn 2 Area
Trim needs repainted, grills are in poor condition and should be replaced. Remove spot lights from pavilion buildings.
Lawn Area
Lawn area is generally uneven with a lot of drainage issues and bare spots. Area should be regraded to provide a smoother finish and positive drainage.
1
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.51
Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Pool Area
2
Access to pool needs to be reworked to allow for a more natural connection from parking. Some areas of landscape along connecting path from parking lot are eroding and depositing sediment on the concrete walk. These areas should be permanently stabilized. A better connection path is recommended to replace the current switch back ramp system.
Outdoor Basketball Courts 1
Courts need resurfacing and re-striping. Goals that are not vertical should be reset. Adjacent lawn areas should be either resodded or the lawn space should be replaced with something requiring less maintenance. Eroding areas need to be permanently stabilized. Bench along edge should be replaced or refinished.
Playground by Basketball
2
Timber boarder appears to be in good shape, mulch needs to be resurfaced. Drainage in play area should be improved. Bench along perimeter should be refinished or replaced.
Clarke Goree Rec Center
1
Building should either be repaired for use or demolished and the space be repurposed.
ADA Accessibility: Area/Facility
Comments and Recommendations
Hawthornee Community Center
Accessible spaces are provided in parking lot, sidewalk from spaces to building needs to be updated to be compliant. Horseshoe pits are not accessible. Kitchen needs an ADA height serving counter. Current connection to the rest of the park is not accessible, recommend providing an accessible path to connect the community center to the remainder of the park.
5.52 City of Douglasville
Area/Facility
Comments and Recommendations
Harvey Jones Field
Marked ADA spaces are not accessible, need to be rebuilt to provide ADA complaint parking stalls. Access to the field is not ADA complaint. Need to add signage to areas for ADA spectator seating at the building.
Playground in Lawn
Not accessible
Pavilions in Lawn
Accessible – connecting trail may have areas that need to be renovated to maintain accessibility.
Pool
Access is provided by tight switchback ramp. Parking lot does not have a marked accessible stall. Pool has a chair lift Building appears to be accessible.
Outdoor Basketball Courts Not accessible. Playground at Basketball Courts
Not accessible.
Clark Goree Rec Center
Accessible parking provided in front, path to entrance provided around the back of the building with wooded ramp.
Total Conditions Score:
48/75
Average Park Facility Score: 1.85
Other Comments and Recommendations: • Implement concept plan that was presented previously. A copy is located in the Appendix. Implementation of the concept will address many of the comments above. •
Convert the football field into turf fields.
•
Only park in the system with a developed football field.
•
Parking at football field is not adequate for needs.
•
No shade is provided at playgrounds for either the play pieces or adults watching.
•
Staff at the community center stated that they need more programmable space and more office space.
•
Nearby daycare is on City-owned property and may be incorporated into the park. In the future, should look for opportunities to use this space if it becomes available (not that use should not be dependent on getting this facility).
•
Park was heavily impacted by GDOT project, has impacted the site access and impacted the overall feel of the facility.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.53
Jessie Davis Memorial Park
5.54 City of Douglasville
Jessie Davis Memorial Park
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.55
Jessie Davis Memorial Park
5.56 City of Douglasville
Jessie Davis Memorial Park
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.57
Jessie Davis Memorial Park
5.58 City of Douglasville
Mill Village Park Location:
320 Grady Street
Size: 3 acres Park Classification Mini Park X
Neighborhood Park Community Park Regional Park Sports Complex Natural Resource Area / Preserve Greenway Trail Special Use Park
Conditions Scale: 1 – Poor 2 – Fair 3 – Good N/A=Not Applicable Amenities and Facilities: (ie. ballfields, playgrounds, buildings, tennis courts, etc.) Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
1
Small Basketball Court
3
2 goals, no striping, no lighting, no safety zones, good condition
1
Full Basketball Court
2
2 goals in good condition, no lighting, bleachers located in grass area next to court.
1
Playground
2
Small 5 – 12 YO structure, mulch surfacing with timber border, fair condition.
1
Pavilion
2
Wood structure with shingle roof, wood picnic tables, grill and waste receptacle.
Site Maintenance: (ie. infrastructure, signage, trash cans, lighting, mowing, etc.) Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Small Basketball Court
3
Pavement and goals in good condition
Full Basketball Court
2
No surfacing on court, existing pavement is cracking. Erosion at edges of court should be repaired.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.59
Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Playground
2
Surfacing is in fair condition, check fall zones on play equipment.
Pavilion
2
Structure should be repainted.
Parking Lot
2
Gravel lot appears in good condition.
Lawn
1
Reseed bare spots in lawn, repair rutting and eroding areas.
ADA Accessibility: Area/Facility
Comments and Recommendations
Small Basketball Court
Not accessible
Full Basketball Court
Not accessible
Playground
Not accessible, no accessible play pieces
Pavilion
Not accessible
Parking Lot
No ADA parking provided, not accessible
Total Conditions Score:
21/30
Average Park Facility Score: 2.1
Other Comments and Recommendations: • Implement the concept plan which has been previously presented for this park. A copy is located in the Appendix. •
Site is the location of an old water tower.
•
Existing ‘shed’ structure is part of old water tower and is not used by the parks department.
•
Miscellaneous older site furnishings are present around the site, such as an old structure for a bench swing that has since been removed.
•
No utilities are present in the park, no drinking fountain provided.
5.60 City of Douglasville
Mill Village Park
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.61
West Pines Golf Course Location:
090 Rose Avenue
Size: acres Park Classification Mini Park Neighborhood Park Community Park Regional Park Sports Complex Natural Resource Area / Preserve Greenway Trail X
Special Use Park: Golf Course
Conditions Scale: 1 – Poor 2 – Fair 3 – Good N/A=Not Applicable Amenities and Facilities: (ie. ballfields, playgrounds, buildings, tennis courts, etc.) Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
1
18 Hole Golf Course
2
18-hole course with paved Cart Path, sand bunkers, driving range Pump house supplies irrigation from lake in course.
1
Club House / Entry Area 3
No locker rooms inside; Make better use of Café space; Make better use of Outdoor patio space
1
Cart Barn
Holds 72 carts with charging, Space for some utility vehicle parking; Small office w/ A/C Unit.
1
Restroom Building (@ 9) 2
5.62 City of Douglasville
3
Prefabricated RR building with Chase / Storage access along back, in good condition.
Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
1
Maintenance Building / Yard
1
Large space that was the clubhouse prior to conversion to Maintenance Building; Space has been modified as needed for current purpose. Yard has exterior storage space with gate / fencing. New storage structure was constructed but is not usable. Not well screened from course and not separated from course with fencing or landscaping.
Site Maintenance: (ie. infrastructure, signage, trash cans, lighting, mowing, etc.) Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Entry Sign
3
Entry Sign matches other park signage in the City. Foundation planting could be cleaned up / improved
18 Hole Golf Course
2
Irrigation Pump needs overhauled, Pump building needs repair / replaced, Erosion issues on low side of spill way, Course fairways and greens are well maintained; Bunkers need renovated.
Cart Paths
3
Generally, in good condition with some cracking and buckling where trees are near path. Limited areas to pull off and allow passing.
Irrigation Pump House
1
Exterior paint / sheathing in poor condition, walls show signs of rotting, black mold present inside, Roof is damaged and leaks. Pump is very old and inefficient.
Spillway for Lake
1
A lot of erosion on low side of spillway where cart path crosses. High potential for failure in the future.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.63
Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Club House / Restroom Building
3
Trim / remove mature vegetation around entry; Water intrusion issues from cart barn should be addressed
Cart Barn
3
Overhead door recently repaired, appears to be in good condition
Restroom Building (@ 9)
2
No clear pull off area for cart parking near building, update paint, in fair condition.
Maintenance Building / Yard
1
Holes in roof, holes in walls, layout not ideal for use as Maintenance Building. Access path to course from Maintenance Yard is not well defined. Pavement in yard is in poor condition; Exterior storage is in poor condition, new building is not usable.
ADA Accessibility: Area/Facility
Comments and Recommendations
Club House / Entry Area
No ADA Compliant path from HC spaces to clubhouse
Restroom Building (@9)
ADA access impacted by compaction of gravel at slab edge
Total Conditions Score:
30/42
Average Park Facility Score: 2.1
Other Comments and Recommendations: • Current irrigation pump system was a used unit that is not very efficient, needs replaced along with pump building. Other issues and repairs exist with the irrigation system, and need to be addressed. •
Tee boxes for youth and women are recommended to increase play among those groups.
•
Café area could be reprogrammed to make the space more usable
•
Outdoor patio space could be reprogrammed and turned into an asset.
•
Complete overhaul of the maintenance yard and building is recommended. The building is in disrepair with holes in the roof and the walls. The yard layout is not good. A separate assessment of the maintenance facilities has been conducted. The assessment included recommendations for replacement of the facilities.
5.64 City of Douglasville
•
Spillway and dam need to be inspected and repaired, if possible or replaced if necessary.
•
Course improvements need to be considered, including renovations of the bunkers, regrading of the driving range and reworking select fairways.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.65
West Pines Golf Course
5.66 City of Douglasville
West Pines Golf Course
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.67
West Pines Golf Course
5.68 City of Douglasville
West Pines Golf Course
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.69
Willing Workers Park Location:
8085 Thompson Street
Size: 8 acres Park Classification Mini Park X
Neighborhood Park Community Park Regional Park Sports Complex Natural Resource Area / Preserve Greenway Trail Special Use Park
Conditions Scale: 1 – Poor 2 – Fair 3 – Good N/A=Not Applicable Amenities and Facilities: (ie. ballfields, playgrounds, buildings, tennis courts, etc.) Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
1
Basketball Court
1
Surface is in poor condition, grass growing in pavement, drainage issues
1
Play Ground
2
Mulch surface, fair condition
3
Picnic Areas w/ Grill
1
Tables in poor condition, some broken
1
Swing Set
1
Older A-Frame set
1
Ball Field
1
Back stop in fair condition, field in poor condition.
2
Seating Areas
2
Benches appear to be newer installation
Site Maintenance: (ie. infrastructure, signage, trash cans, lighting, mowing, etc.) Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Entry Sign
3
Entry sign matches other park signs in the city. Small foundation planting area looks to be somewhat maintained.
5.70 City of Douglasville
Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Memorial
3
Small memorial near entry sign, appears to be maintained
Parking Lot
2
Pavement and striping appears to be recently installed. ADA parking does not appear to be compliant due to slope. Limited lighting
Picnic Areas
1
Access to picnic areas is not ADA compliant. Picnic tables area old, wooden structures on steel posts. Some of the seats and tables are broken. Appears to be beyond service life.
Play Ground
2
Mulch settling in areas of the playground, drainage issues in play area. Weeds growing in mulch. Play pieces appear to be in fair condition
Basketball Court
1
Court surface is deteriorating and cracking, grass is growing in pavement, striping has faded. Posts, backboards, and nets appear to be in fair condition
Ball Field
1
Backstop Fence appears to be in good condition. Field is not well defined, lawn is bare in places, weeds are present. Some rutting in outfield areas.
Swing Set
1
Older structure, paint is chipping, area under swings is rutting out. Provide pads under swings, repaint structure.
Seating Areas
2
Finishes appear to be in fair condition.
ADA Accessibility: Area/Facility
Comments and Recommendations
Parking Lot
ADA spaces are provided, however, do not appear to be compliant due to slopes.
Picnic Areas
Not Accessible
Play Ground
Not Accessible
Basketball Court
Not Accessible
Swing Set
Not Accessible
Ball Field
Not Accessible
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.71
Area/Facility
Comments and Recommendations
Seating Areas
Not Accessible
Total Conditions Score:
20/75
Average Park Facility Score: 1.33
Other Comments and Recommendations: • Implement the concept plan that was crated for this park. A copy of the plan is located in the Appendix. • Residential parcels separate the park into 2 pieces. Access to the rear portion will require an easement or property acquisition. • Current access from the parking lot to the lower portion of the property is through a dirt trail down a slope. The trail is not ADA compliant and has erosion issues. • Replace Picnic areas throughout the site with new tables. • Site furnishings should be consistent with City Standards • Provide ADA access throughout the property • Extensive erosion noted around basketball court, area should be regraded and have reseeded to establish lawn. • Infield at ballfield needs to be renovated or replaced. • Providing paved access from the parking lot to the site elements may required easement or property acquisition. • Vacant property is located west of this site. At such time as that property is developed, a natural surface trail should be added to this park to provide access between the park property and the new development. Trees on this portion of the site should be preserved.
5.72 City of Douglasville
Willing Workers Park
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.73
Worthan Park Location:
Hwy 92 at Strickland Street
Size: 4.5 acres Park Classification X
Mini Park Neighborhood Park Community Park Regional Park Sports Complex Natural Resource Area / Preserve Greenway Trail Special Use Park
Conditions Scale: 1 – Poor 2 – Fair 3 – Good N/A=Not Applicable Amenities and Facilities: (ie. ballfields, playgrounds, buildings, tennis courts, etc.) Qty.
Amenity/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
1
Flag Pole
1
Flag pole is in poor condition
1
Gazebo
2
Small wooden structure with picnic table, shingle roof, single light in peak.
1
Butterfly Garden
3
Well maintained, cared for by third party.
1
Entry Sign
1
Does not match other City Park Signs
Site Maintenance: (ie. infrastructure, signage, trash cans, lighting, mowing, etc.) Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Flag Pole
1
Not used, could be removed
Gazebo
2
Repaint and repair the few broken boards.
Site Lighting
1
Older Carriage Style lamps throughout green space. Some are leaning. Lenses are yellowed. Repaint and replace lenses.
5.74 City of Douglasville
Area/Facility
Condition (1-3)
Comments and Recommendations
Lawn Area
1
Erosion and bare spots throughout. Repair areas that are eroding and reseed lawn to fill in.
Benches (2)
1
ADA Accessibility: Area/Facility
Comments and Recommendations
Parking
Not accessible, striping on pavement, but no ADA markings.
Gazebo
No access from parking, not accessible
Benches
Not accessible
Butterfly Garden
Not accessible from parking.
Total Conditions Score:
13/27
Average Park Facility Score: 1.44
Other Comments and Recommendations: • This park’s proximity to the adjacent neighborhood and to the downtown area provides opportunities for various types of programming for the community. •
A master plan should be developed for this park. The master plan should include a dog park, in keeping with the recommendations of the Downtown Douglasville Master Plan.
•
Park is a passive greenspace along the railroad track.
•
Utility Tower is located at one end (near the butterfly garden). Access to the utility is through the parking lot at the ADA parking.
•
Lawn is access from parking lot by sidewalk that runs the length of the parking lot.
•
Lawn area has a lot of ornamental trees with the carriage lamps worked into the lawn.
•
No separation provided between the parking lot and the street.
•
Entry Sign should match other City Park signs.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.75
Worthan Park
5.76 City of Douglasville
New Park Recommendations
In order to meet the level of service standards for the City of Douglasville, as established previously in this master plan, the following additional parks and facilities are recommended. These facilities are in addition to those discussed with the park assessments and recommendations. The timing of these recommendations is dependent upon funding, which is addressed in Section 7: Opinion of Probable Cost and Spending Plan. Some may extend beyond the time frame of this plan.
Playgrounds
Any new playgrounds should be developed to include accessible components so that individuals of all physical abilities can play together. Playground manufacturers are creating increasingly creative play equipment to address all abilities.
Future Town Green
The Downtown Douglasville Master Plan identified a future Town Green and amphitheater to be developed on old county jail site. Construction of an amphitheater and park area would accomplish the level of service for an outdoor amphitheater, and would provide a setting where community events and concerts could be held. Feedback from the community input survey indicated interest and support for such a facility.
Aquatics Facility and Gymnasium
As demonstrated in the community feedback, there is a desire for an aquatics facility and aquatics programming in Douglasville. The facility should include a pool and therapeutic pool, and should be designed for a future addition of a gymnasium and classroom spaces. The location of such a facility should be near the city’s population center, where it is accessible to all residents.
New Parks to Close the Service Gap
Douglasville should acquire land for at least 2 new parks in the portions of the city which are lacking in terms of service by city parks. As illustrated in the gap assessment, Map 5.6, there are areas on the east side of the city which are not currently served by City parks. New park facilities in these parks should include, at a minimum, the following: • • • • •
Tennis and pickleball courts Playgrounds Pavilions Walking Paths Multi-Use Field
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.77
Bright Star Property
The City of Douglasville owns an undeveloped parcel, 137 acres in size. Much of the site is not developable due to natural constraints, but could be developed into a community asset as a park with natural amenities and passive areas. Such amenities could include walking and biking trails, open play area, or disc golf. It is recommended that this park be developed into a park with natural and passive amenities. A master plan for the park should be undertaken, where the property is assessed and natural amenities preserved and enhanced.
Multi-Purpose Field Complex
There are currently a total of 4 rectangular fields in the Douglasville parks and recreation inventory. These include one football field at Jessie Davis Park, and 3 soccer fields at Fowler Field Park. Only one of the soccer fields is a full-size field. Input from the input surveys showed interest in flag football and soccer programs. Additionally, lacrosse is a rapidly growing sport not only across the country, but within the Atlanta region. As noted in the facility levels of service, there is a need for additional rectangular fields to accommodate these sports. The football league and soccer league are active, and have had a presence in the Douglasville community for a number of years. The current football field at Jessie Davis Park is recommended to be converted to a synthetic turf field, as recommended in the facility assessment. The soccer fields at Fowler Field Park lie within the FEMA floodway and 100 year floodplain, and are subject to flooding during rain events. As such, play on these fields is limited. To increase participation, mitigate issues related to flooding and field condition, it is recommended that the city develop a complex with multi-use fields and soccer fields. A minimum of six fields is recommended, based on the level of service established., and consideration of rectangular fields at other parks, as recommended. Should such a facility be constructed, it is recommended that Fowler Field Park be converted into an entirely passive park, with walking trails, pavilion and open play area.
5.78 City of Douglasville
Old Mill Site
The City is currently assessing the old mill site, located on East Broad Street. The parcel, 7 acres in size, was formerly the General Western Cotton Mill. The location and size of the property provide opportunity for the addition of park amenities that would serve the community. Should it be determined that the site can be developed and the City commits to the costs to any necessary clean up, the parcel could be used to provide new park amenities as recommended in this master plan.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.79
Wayfinding and Informational Signage
It is recommended that a wayfinding and informational signage system be developed and signage manufactured and installed. A signage program that is attractive, coordinated in design and incorporates the parks’ branding and pertinent information can raise the community’s awareness of the City’s parks and facilities, and attract visitors. These signs also serve to convey important information to visitors. Wayfinding to direct visitors to the City’s park assets can drive increased visitation to parks, especially those that are not in the more public areas, such as Willing Workers Park. Additionally, wayfinding and directional signage within the larger parks, such as Hunter Park and Jessie Davis Park, can assist visitors in finding their way to amenities such as playgrounds, fields and walking paths. Informational signage in park should also be coordinated. These signs can include maps of walking trails with mileage, trail mileage markers, parks rules signs and building identification signage. Signage should be attractive, and coordinated in design with other parks department signage and branding. Insuring the signs are maintained and replaced when damaged is also an important factor.
Example of coordinated signage program.
5.80 City of Douglasville
Design, Safety and Accessibility Standards
Many of the issues noted in the facility assessments are commonly found in most parks around the country, including: • Facility design standards • Park signage standards • ADA Accessibility issues • Playground safety standards
Facility Design Standards
The basis for creating a strong image of the Department is to follow design guidelines and standards that allow a visitor to immediately identify a public park by the elements that are present. Design standards also reinforce the branding efforts of communities who want to present a unified approach among all public facilities. Design standards should address architectural standards, athletic amenity standards, sign standards, and general site amenity standards. The following provides a brief explanation of each.
Architectural
Architectural standards apply to the built structures within a park and dictate such elements as construction materials, roofing materials, paint colors, hardware and furnishings. While a strong park system does not require that every structure look exactly the same, using a combination of the same building materials and colors is enough to create an identity for the park structures. Using common hardware and building materials throughout the park system can reduce maintenance costs by increasing the efficiency of repairs.
Athletic Amenity Standards
Athletic amenity standards relate to backstops/dugouts, bleachers, fencing, gates, lighting, scorers’ stands, irrigation, turf, spectator seating, concession/restroom buildings and other elements that support the athletic fields or complexes. Using the same fencing materials and dugout standards, etc. helps to strengthen a system’s image by creating uniformity at major features found in the interior of a park. It also allows for the development of uniform field maintenance when all fields contain the same equipment and mechanical systems.
General Site Amenity Standards
General site amenity standards are some of the easiest and most cost feasible to implement. They include such things as perimeter fencing and gates, furniture, green space irrigation, landscape planting, trash receptacles, lighting and playgrounds. Some basic guidelines for developing a standard package for park amenities include specifying elements that are produced by the same product supplier and are of the same color scheme and design style. Using the same plant materials at park entrances and around key park features like pavilions or restroom buildings is one way of using site amenity standards to create
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.81
an identity for the system. Maintenance of these landscapes is simplified because the inventory of replacement landscape material has been established beforehand. Repairs are made faster and scheduling is easier because time standards for repetitive repairs can be tracked.
Playground Safety Standards
Another prominent issue within some park systems is the non-compliance of playground equipment to safety standards by organizations such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the International Play Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (IPEMA). The standards proposed by these organizations are meant to serve as a guideline to help create atmospheres that are safe and pose a minimal threat of injury. Studies show that the majority of injuries sustained on public playgrounds are to the head—a result of falls from the play structure to the ground. For this reason, consideration has been given as to what the critical fall height would be in which a fatal head injury might occur. While the playgrounds throughout Douglasville’s park system have safety surfaces, the current level of maintenance does not meet the requirements for these surfaces to be considered compliant. Continual monitoring and replacement of safety surfaces is needed. The city should also evaluate safety surface options as it replaces playground equipment and installs new equipment. Finding a surface that is safe and low maintenance is recommended. Recommendations for a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) is discussed in detail in Section 4: Staffing.
5.82 City of Douglasville
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Issues The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. On September 15, 2010, the ADA Guidelines revisions to the July 23, 2004 (ADAAG 2004) were signed into law and now require compliance by all Title II (Public) and Title III (Public Accommodations and Commercial) entities. These 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design include all recreation facilities and their amenities, including bathrooms, picnic tables, bleachers, dugouts, and swimming pools. The new standards offer more governance and specifics than the previous standards, but still leave some room for interpretation for some park facilities; however, they are specific in their requirements for all playgrounds, hard courts, pathways, spectator areas, fishing piers, water play features, restrooms and programming spaces to be accessible. The guidelines provide specifics on maximum vertical and horizontal slopes that can be used along access routes if they are to be compliant.
It is important that a more detailed analysis be conducted of each park in order to formulate a transition plan to address these issues. The transition plan should look at how updates in the parks will impact programming in each park. Updates that maximize program access should be high priority items and those that have less impact given a lower priority. The goal would be over time to illuminate all access and ADA issues and provide all residents good access to all programs and facilities.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 5.83
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06
Budget Analysis
6 Budget Assessment This section of the study documents the city’s funding for the Parks and Recreation Department, provides benchmark comparisons, evaluates revenue generation, offers alternative funding sources, and makes policy recommendations. Resources include the fiscal year 2017 benchmark city budgets and the 2018 NRPA Agency Performance Report.
Parks and Recreation Operations Budget
Figure 6.1 below shows Douglasville’s Parks and Recreation budget over the past three years. The Parks and Recreation operations budget has increased 7.92% from FY15 to FY17. During the same time period the general fund has grown 10.45%. Fig 6.1: 3 Year Budget FY 2015
FY2016
FY2017
% Increase (FY15-FY17)
Parks Administration
$646,438
$791,209
$672,196
3.98%
Jessie Davis Park
$270,209
$391,717
$314,841
16.52%
Parks Maintenance
$991,551
$1,003,552
$1,034,041
4.29%
West Pines Golf Course
$991,847
$1,027,594
$1,108,607
11.77%
$2,900,045
$3,214,072
$3,129,685
7.92%
TOTAL
Figure 6.2: FY2017 Budget Allocation by Division
6.2 City of Douglasville
The Parks and Recreation Department’s FY17 budget for personnel represents 52.70% of the total operating budget. This is in line with NRPA Park Metrics national benchmark of 55%. A more detailed analysis of personnel services can be found in Section 4: Staffing and Operations of this master plan. Figure 6.3: 2017 Budget by Expenditure Category 6.78%
52.70%
40.52%
Personnel
Operating
Capital Outlay
The table below demonstrates spending levels found in the NRPA Park Metrics national assessment of parks and recreation departments. Figure 6.4: 2018 NRPA Park Metrics Departmental Spending Levels
Source: 2018 NRPA Agency Performance Report
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 6.3
Benchmark Comparisons
Benchmarking serves as a guide to assess a city’s investment in parks and recreation. But unlike police and fire where services are more standardized, benchmarking park and recreation services is more complex due to the differences in community approaches to parks and recreation. The type, scope and number of recreation amenities and programming differ from city to city and there are multiple service delivery options. Benchmarking should be used to give communities a general idea of how they stack up compared to peer communities.
Percent of General Fund
Parks and recreation department budget expenditures as a percent of the general fund is a standard benchmark statistic. The FY 2017 operating budget for Douglasville’s Parks and Recreation Department is compared to the funding levels of the benchmark communities in the table below. The average parks and recreation operating expenditures for the benchmark communities is 14.17%. Figure 6.5: Parks Expenditures Compared with General Fund Expenditures 2017 Population Estimate
Parks and Rec Budget FY17
General Fund Budget FY17
Parks and Rec Budget as % of General Fund
Gainesville, GA*
40,359
$4,698,512
$24,671,460
19.04%
Burlington, NC
53,077
$8,524,211
$59,934,429
14.22%
Mooresille, NC
37,820
$8,990,364
$63,938,841
14.06%
Douglasville
33,675
$3,129,685
$26,324,897
11.89%
Garner, NC
28,858
$2,868,693
$30,709,289
9.34%
* Gainesville Chattahoochee Golf Course is budgeted as an Enterprise Fund and is not included in the operations budget.
6.4 City of Douglasville
Per Capita Operations Budget
The per capita expense for parks and recreation is another standard benchmark statistic for comparing and analyzing the level of a community’s investment in parks and recreation. NRPA Agency Performance Report indicates that the typical parks and recreation department spends $78.26 per capita and that communities with populations of 30,00 to 40,000 spend $117 per capita. Figure 6.6: Per Capita Operations Expenditures
2017 Population Estimate
Per Capita Expenditures (Operating Budget)
Mooresville, NC
37,820
$237.72
Burlington, NC
53,077
$160.60
Gainesville, GA
40,359
$123.11
Garner, NC
28,858
$99.41
Douglasville
33,675
$92.94
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 6.5
Revenue Generation
The generation of revenue through program fees, facility rentals, concessions, and other services is critical to the sustainability of parks and recreation departments. The NRPA 2017 Agency Performance Report illustrates the primary revenue sources used to fund parks and recreation operations. The data displayed in Figure 6.7 represents the national median. Figure 6.7: 2017 NRPA Park Metrics Source of Operating Expenditures
Source: 2017 NRPA Agency Performance Report
Figure 6.8 shows the revenues generated and the recovery rate for Douglasville and the benchmark communities. The revenue recovery rate is the percentage of the operating budget recovered through revenue generated. Figure 6.8: Revenue Recovery Rates Revenue Generated
Revenue Recovery Rate
Gainesville, GA*
$2,600,488
55.35%
Douglasville
$1,048,296
33.50%
Bulington, NC
$2,454,962
28.8%
Mooresville, NC
$2,576,230
28.66%
$474,947
16.56%
Garner, NC
* Gainesville Chattahoochee Golf Course is budgeted as an Enterprise Fund and is not included in the operations budget.
6.6 City of Douglasville
Figure 6.9 below illustrates the revenues generated as compared to the operating budgets for Douglasville and the benchmark communities. Figure 6.9: Revenue Generation and Operating Budget
* Gainesville Chattahoochee Golf Course is budgeted as an Enterprise Fund and is not included in the operations budget.
The median revenue recovery rate (per NRPA Park Metrics) for populations of 30,000 to 40,000 is 32.1%. The averaged revenue recovery rate for the benchmark communities is 32.3%. Douglasville’s revenue recovery rate, or percent of the operating budget recovered through revenues generated, is 33.5%. However, only 20% of Douglasville’s revenue generated is derived from non-golf programs and services. When the golf revenue is excluded, the department’s revenue recovery rate drops to 6.49%. This differs from the benchmark communities where the difference between the golf and the non-golf revenue are minimum. This suggests the need to develop a more aggressive approach to the development of revenues through program expansion and fee opportunity development.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 6.7
Revenue Policy
Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department does not have a revenue policy to guide pricing for recreation programs, facility rentals, and other services. A fees and charges plan will be especially important as the city implements the recommendations of this plan to expand and diversify program opportunities and develop new and updated facilities and park amenities. A Comprehensive Revenue Policy is a fundamental CAPRA standard. The best practices for the development of a revenue policy are listed below. • • • • • • • • •
Establishes a philosophical basis for service charges; Defines tiered service levels which consider - the population served - the level of individual or group benefit or exclusivity of use - expertise required to provide the service Based on the cost of providing the service - indirect costs - direct costs Sets the revenue recovery rate/range for each tiered service level Considers market rates for competing services Determines differentials in non-resident rates and peak vs non-peak demand rates Sets policy and processes for cancellations and the handling of refunds Allows for flexibility to support pilot programs and initiatives Provides for fee reductions, payment schedules or fee waivers for the financially disadvantaged.
The typical considerations for a four-tiered based revenue policy are included below as a guide. •
Tier-one programs are provided to the public at no or low cost and are not required to produce revenue to cover the full cost of their basic services. These are the basic programs that the community feels should be provided. Examples include: community events, open gyms, youth and senior group activities and activities that bring families to the park (e.g. outdoor movies or summer concerts). These programs normally cover 0-25% of their cost.
•
Tier-two programs are typically expected to cover 25-50% of their cost. These programs are also part of the core programs and facilities that provide basic services to the community. Programs that some communities place in this category are: group classes geared at seniors and youth, dances, special holiday programs, family programs or special events. While operating these activities involves more staff time, they are not specialized activities that require a higher degree of organization and highly-skilled staff members to execute.
•
Tier-three programs may cover 50-75% of their cost and are for reserved for expanded programs, reaching beyond the basic services the department supplies the community. These include: some youth sports programs and camps, classes that require more one-on-one time with the instructor (such as painting and
6.8 City of Douglasville
pottery), youth field trips, senior wellness programs, water aerobics, swim teams, adult programs and other special programs that serve specific user groups and demographics in the community. •
Tier four is for revenue centers and these are facilities and programs that should cover 75-100% of their cost. Programs that fall into this category include all wellness and fitness training classes for adults; specialized trips and travel programs; all adult sports programs; and all field, pool and shelter rentals. Other programs in this group include: dance classes, music classes of all types, any program with a special permit (or where alcohol is served) and any type of one– on-one sports or fitness training. For example, a rental of the gym would fall into this category, as would the rental of ballfield(s) by a group hosting a tournament.
Each community is unique and requires a revenue policy that supports its vision, mission, values, and goals. The development of a Revenue Policy is a high priority for the department.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 6.9
Capital Improvement Budget/Plan
Investment in capital improvements is necessary to replace, modernize or renovate facilities, develop new facilities, and acquire property for future parkland. The 2018 NRPA Agency Performance Report reveals that 54% of funds for parks and recreation capital projects go to renovation projects and 31% to new development. Figure 6.10: NRPA Agency Performance Report: Capital Budgets Distribution
Douglasville has relied on Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) proceeds as a primary funding source for capital improvements. The 2002 SPLOST issue included $12,867,069 for Parks and Recreation, representing 78% of the city’s total issue. Parks and Recreation estimated project costs of $7,500,00 comprised 20% of the city’s total 2016 SPLOST funding issue. The current capital project list includes proposed funding allocations through FY2023 with SPLOST funds as the primary revenue source supplemented with general fund dollars. Funding the capital development recommendations of the master plan will require careful planning with multiple funding sources. The estimated costs and project list can be found in Section 7: Opinion of Probable Cost and Funding Alternatives. It is recommended that a 10 year Capital Improvement Plan for Parks and Recreation be developed to implement the plan.
6.10 City of Douglasville
Impact Fees
The purpose of impact fees is to ensure that there are adequate public facilities available to serve new growth and development (per The Georgia Development Impact Fee Act). Parks and Recreation impact fees represent an important funding source for the purchase of parkland and for constructing new parks in growth areas. As Douglasville develops and the population increases, the city will be challenged with funding parks and facilities to serve the new residents. Section 5: Parks and Facilities of this plan establishes new levels of service (LOS) for parks and facilities. The LOS serves as the basis for impact fee policy development. It is recommended that the city develop an impact fee for Parks and Recreation.
Additional Funding Sources
It is in the department’s best interest to explore all funding opportunities and strategies available in order to generate funds. A variety of funding alternatives exist to generate additional operating funds. A discussion of capital funding alternatives is found in Section 7: Opinions of Probable Cost and Funding Alternatives.
User Fees
User fees assessed by parks and recreation agencies vary widely across the country. Fees can be charged for facility maintenance, added to program registrations or required for park access on a daily or annual basis. Other user fees include memberships to special facilities and fees charged for instructional programs. The combination of these fees can generate major revenue for the city. Program user fees are a collection of entry fees and program registrations. The funds collected are primarily used to offset the operating costs required to provide services to Douglasville citizens. User fees should be assessed and monitored going forward so that overall revenue goals are met.
Non-Resident Fees
The City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department does currently have a nonresident fee within its fee structure. These fees are assessed to facility and program users who do not reside within the city boundaries. An example would be charging a non-resident fee to participate in a camp or other activity. Residents pay a set fee and non-residents pay a higher fee. As part of the revenue policy, the department should evaluate these non-resident fees to insure they are assessed for each facility and program. Once established, the fee should be reassessed periodically.
Parks Access Fee
Some communities across the country assess their citizens with an annual park access fee. Butler County Metro Parks System in Ohio charges an annual access fee and uses parking stickers on resident cars to insure the fees have been paid. This type of fee would be a good alternative for non-residents who would rather pay one standard fee, rather than a non-resident fee for every program or activity they choose. The implementation of a park access fee would require a few operational changes in
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 6.11
the Parks and Recreation Department. Staff would have to be hired to implement the fee program and to monitor the parks in order to enforce visitor parking stickers. A local ordinance would have to be passed to address fines for those who park in the parks without the parking passes. While these operational changes would require an initial investment, the increased revenue that a park access fee would generate would far exceed the cost.
Dedicated Millage
A dedicated millage could be earmarked for repayment of a city bond program that includes park projects. By dedicating a millage for recreation, the city could create a dedicated funding source and know year to year what funds would be available for the department.
Parks and Recreation Foundation
Many communities work with parks and recreation foundations to support parks and recreation departments through fundraising, providing awareness of parks and recreation needs, cultivating relationships in the community, and providing monetary support to further develop parks and recreation opportunities for individuals of their community.
Partnerships and Friends of Parks Organizations
Partnership organizations, such as athletic associations and park friend groups, assist in fund raising for capital projects. Douglasville currently partners with the Boys and Girls Club to provide services to city residents. Friends of Parks are another form of partnership, where individuals are engaged in supporting a particular park. Many times these groups are able to contribute financially, through volunteer hours and work days to assist with park enhancements. These groups can also leverage private funding for improvements and programming that may be more difficult to leverage as a governmental organization.
Sponsorships and Naming Rights
Developing a sponsorship program where area businesses and individuals can sponsor facilities and programs to help offset expenditures. As the city expands facilities, soliciting sponsorships for these facilities can provide additional revenues. Using best practices from other communities is recommended as this program is developed, including goals and objectives.
6.12 City of Douglasville
Key Issues and Recommendations
The Jessie Davis Park division budget represents only 10% of the total parks and recreation budget. The Parks Administration division budget represents just over 20% of the total budget. It is recommended that the Jessie Davis Park budget be merged with the Parks Administration budget. This will consolidate facility management and programming development for a more unified and efficient approach. As the department grows and new facilities are developed additional staffing will be needed and the budget divisions should be re-evaluated. The non-golf revenue stream is minimal compared to the benchmark communities and national benchmarks. The department should set a goal of increasing nongolf revenue by 25% over the next three years. Additional operations funding will be needed to provide staffing and resources to expand fee-based programs and services. The department lacks a basis for establishing fees and charges. It is recommended that a Revenue Policy be adopted based on the cost of service with a tiered service level approach. A revenue recovery goal should be set for each service area and the revenues and revenue recovery rates should be tracked annually. This study identifies capital development costs for renovating parks and facilities, building greenways, and building new facilities. It is recommended that the City develop a 10 year Capital Improvement Plan to fund the plan recommendations, as discussed further in Section 7: Opinion of Probable Cost and Spending Plan.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 6.13
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6.14 City of Douglasville
07
Opinion of Probable Cost and Funding Alternatives
7 Opinion of Probable Cost & Spending Plan In the development of the City of Douglasville Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, a ten-year spending plan was created. The spending plan identifies costs for recommended improvements to existing and proposed parks and park facilities, as outlined in Section 5: Facility Assessment. An opinion of probable costs is provided in Appendix 9 for existing and recommended park facilities. The costs are based on current construction costs, therefore cost escalation likely will occur during the plan’s life. The spending plan highlights the safety and ADA items that were identified during the facility site visits, and discussed in the facility assessments. Those items are generally identified for potential spending in the first 2 years of the spending plan, as well as several maintenance issues. Other expenditures are distributed over the course of the remaining years. The following provides a summary of the total costs identified in the spending plan: Existing park renovations and improvements $9,790,000 New park facility and greenway development $39,690,000 The total identified need is more than $48,000,000 in deferred maintenance, facility expansion and new facility costs, which would require dedicated funding of approximately $4,800,000 on an annual basis over the 10-year planning period of this master plan. This would amount to additional per household spending of $368 annually (nearly $31 monthly per household), which exceeds the amount that survey respondents indicated they would be willing to spend monthly for parks and recreation services. An average of approximately $5 per month per household is anticipated, based on feedback from participants of the community survey. This amount would generate approximately $781,000 annually, with increases as the numbers of housing units in Douglasville grow. Costs for new parks and facilities will exceed the $781,000 annual amount, and will require other funding in order to become a reality, or will require phasing over multiple years. At this level of funding, several projects will need to be deferred until beyond the 10-year timeframe of this mater plan. Table 7.1: Douglasville 1-year Spending Plan identifies projects over the next 10 years for potential funding. Those projects in Tier 1 address safety, maintenance and ADA Accessibility in the parks, as well as projects already identified in the city’s SPLOST and 5-year CIP. Projects in Tier 2 being to implement new facilities in existing parks, and additions to the city’s trails network. Tier 3 projects include improvements to Jessie Davis Park (currently deferred until improvements to Highway 92 can be completed) and a new aquatics center.
Moving Forward with Funding
A desire for improved and increased recreational opportunities for Douglasville’s residents was expressed during the public outreach efforts of this master plan. Improving the City of Douglasville parks and recreation system will require additional funding levels. To meet the expressed goals, a combination of funding resources is necessary, which includes increasing revenues, continuing to utilize special taxes, and securing grants and private funding. The combination of these funding sources would increase the ability to make identified improvements.
Current Funding
Primary capital funding is generated through the SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax). Current SPLOST funding of $6,000,000 has already funded improvements at Hunter Park and West Pines. Additional SPLOST funds are allocated for Jessie Davis Park as the Highway 92 improvements are completed, and the Town Green project. Future SPLOST funding is dependent on voter approval. The next SPLOST will be presented to Douglasville residents for consideration in 2020. The City of Douglasville will need to explore other funding methods to increase capital funding if the goal of improving the overall quality and quantity of the park facilities is to be met.
Capital Development Funding
A number of funding options are available that the city should explore and consider for increasing funding to support capital improvements of parks and recreation facilities. Section 6: Budget outlined various methods of alternative funding sources, primarily for operations and programming. Historically, the main sources of capital funding for parks and recreation agencies in the state of Georgia are: • • • • • •
Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) General Obligation Bond Dedicate millage Impact or Other Development Fees General Fund Tax Dollars State and Federal Grants
General Obligation Bonds
The use of a bond program would be a viable option to initiate a major capital program for parks and recreation facilities. The city could do a bond letting to fund a portion of the capital projects outlined in this master plan. The bond would be paid back over a 20 or 25-year period and would allow the City to begin to meet the facility needs of the community. Other communities in the Atlanta region have used this funding tool to fund recreation facility improvements.
Dedicated Millage
While a less-popular form of funding to Douglasville’s residents, according to the
7.2 City of Douglasville
random-sample survey, a dedicated millage creates a dedicated funding source for capital improvements.
Regulatory Funding or Development Sources, Parkland and Greenway Easement Dedication
The employment of regulatory means to aid the development of parks and greenways is used by many city governments across the country. In the case of parks, land set aside or a fee in lieu of land set aside are common and would provide either needed parkland or funds for acquisition of park land. A mandatory parkland dedication or fee in lieu of dedication would allow the city to gain more public park land to offset the impacts of residential development in the city. Changes to the zoning codes would need to be implemented in order to achieve this. Many communities use mandatory parkland or greenway dedication as part of land development procedures to acquire land for extensions of greenway and trails networks and to have available lands for park development. There are currently no provisions for mandatory dedications or assessment of impact fees for parks and recreation in the City of Douglasville. It is recommended that a required dedication be explored by city staff.
Grants
Grant programs available for parks and recreation improvements are available through various state and federal agencies. Many state agency grants allocate federal dollars for projects such as transportation enhancement grants, trails and greenways, and parks improvements. Grants are also available through non-profit and not-for-profit agencies, as well as some businesses and corporations. Because grants are typically highly competitive, any pursuit to acquire grant funding should begin with an understanding of the grant requirements, including matching fund requirements, understanding what the grant will and will not cover, the timeframe for completion and what obligations may be required in the future, such as deed restrictions, maintenance and reporting.
Capital Fundraising and Corporate Grants
Private dollars can also be sought for capital projects, including fundraising efforts and corporate grants. The information below demonstrates several examples.
Fundraising
Local fundraising is a mechanism that has worked effectively in communities across the country. Although a strong local effort is involved, this mechanism typically generates a vast amount of support and publicity. Local businesses, organizations and private individuals can pledge funding over a specific period of time. In most communities, a recreation and parks advisory board plays an active role in fundraising for their department. Advisory board members can be more proactive by initiating a variety of fundraising tasks, such as collaborating with current and any future “Friends of Parks� groups to promoting sponsorship of programs, seeking
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 7.3
in-kind donations, hosting special events (e.g., golf tournaments, fundraiser dinners, events to honor volunteers, silent auctions and themed socials) and soliciting charitable donations of money and lands.
“Buy-A-Foot” Programs
“Buy-a-Foot” programs have been successful in raising funds and awareness for trail and greenway projects across the country. Under local initiatives, citizens are encouraged to purchase one linear foot of the greenway by donating the cost of construction. An excellent example of a successful endeavor is the High Point (North Carolina) Greenway “Buy-a-Foot” campaign, in which linear greenway “feet” were sold at a cost of $25 per foot. Those who donated were given a greenway T-shirt and a certificate. This project provided an estimated $5,000 in funds.
Corporate Partner Grant Programs
Many corporations around the country offer grants to contribute to parks, recreation and cultural programming. Companies such as LL Bean, Purina and KEEN have a history of such grant programming. Below are just two examples, but many others are available. The KEEN Effect: KEEN Footwear Company has launched a program to help fund projects designed to get people outside and responsibly enjoy the outdoors. The program supports projects and initiatives that result in an increase of responsible outdoor participation as a way to work towards building a strong community. PetSafe Bark for your Park: This grant program selects 13 communities annually to build new off-leash dog parks, and maintain and upgrade existing parks. Applications are competitive, and accepted on an annual basis. KaBOOM! Playground Grants: KaBOOM! is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids, particularly those growing up in poverty in America. KaBOOM!, partnering with for-profit organizations and communities, provides grant opportunities for playground and play areas.
7.4 City of Douglasville
Figure 7.1: Douglasville 10-Year Spending Plan TIER 1 EXISTING PARK RENOVATIONS Fowler Field Park Hunter Memorial Park - Grounds and Fields Hunter Memorial Park - Ike Owings Community Center Jessie Davis Memorial Park - Grounds and Field Jessie Davis Memorial Park - Hawthorne Center Mill Village Park West Pines Golf Course Willing Workers Community Club Park Worthan Park RENOVATIONS TOTAL NEW PARK, FACILITY AND TRAILS CAPITAL COSTS Bright Star Property New Town Green New Aquatics Facility and Gymnasium New Multi-Purpose Field Facility Multi-Purpose Trails (7 miles) New Park, Facility and Greenway Total YEARLY TOTAL Tier1 and Tier 2 TOTAL Tier3 TOTAL TOTAL FUTURE Existing Funding $ Total Additional Funds Needed for Tier 1 and 2 Land acqusition costs not included. Opinion of cost estimates as of July 2018.
2019 $10,000 $45,000 $200,000
2020
2021
TIER 2 2022
2023
2024
2025
TIER 3 2026
2027 $490,000
2028
Future
$455,000 $100,000 $3,500,000
$150,000 $135,000 $250,000 $790,000
$450,000 $450,000 $350,000
$150,000
$1,250,000
$150,000
$1,315,000 $300,000 $300,000
$300,000 $455,000
$3,500,000
$0
$0
$790,000
$0
$1,415,000 $1,300,000
$500,000
$700,000
$4,950,000 $19,950,000 $2,900,000 $29,100,000
$1,300,000 $2,100,000 $10,950,000 $19,950,000 $5,400,000 $39,700,000
$30,515,000
$48,350,000
GRAND TOTAL
$48,350,000
2019-2028 TOTAL Ten Year Average Spending
$17,835,000 $1,783,500.00
$900,000 $6,000,000
$500,000
$700,000
$900,000
$500,000 $500,000
$1,290,000
$1,950,000
$1,050,000
$800,000
$400,000 $400,000
$0
$855,000
$3,500,000
$5,945,000 ADA, maintenance Items and current SPLOST and 5-yr CIP included in Tier 1 $11,890,000 $17,835,000 $30,515,000 5,745,859 Current SPLOST and 5-yr CIP $199,141
TOTAL $500,000 $500,000 $300,000 $3,500,000 $150,000 $600,000 $1,900,000 $950,000 $250,000 $8,650,000
$6,000,000
$800,000 $800,000
$0
$800,000 $800,000
$6,000,000
$800,000
$790,000
$800,000
08
Strategic Implementation Plan
8 Strategic Action Plan This Comprehensive Parks Master Plan is a long-range, 10-year plan for the City of Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department. It assesses and provides recommendations regarding parks, facilities, operations, programming and budgeting. The plan also benchmarks the city’s parks and recreation delivery to other communities. The strategic implementation of the plan’s recommendations will guide the city in achieving the community’s desires for the parks and recreation system, and address deficiencies and goals for the delivery of parks and recreation services to the residents of Douglasville. The recommendations are intended to guide the city over the next 10 years. A priority level is assigned each recommendation as high, medium and low priority, along with a time frame for implementation. The Strategic Action Plan should be reviewed annually, so that the Parks and Recreation Department can identify achievements, but also consider any changes that may occur in the community which need to be addressed. This Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan should be re-visited every five years, and any applicable updates should occur at that time. The plan’s format can be used as a checklist for the department over time. Several items are in progress currently, and are indicated as such.
Strategic Actions Strategic Area: Parks and Facilities Goal 1: Renovate, upgrade and take care of what we have High Priority: 0 to 24 months Design Jessie Davis Park renovation plans Design Willing Workers Park renovation plans Design Mill Village Park renovation plans Address Playground accessibility: pathways and surfaces Provide Accessible routes to facilities in parks Replace picnic tables, benches and park furnishings in poor condition Address drainage and erosion issues Improve landscaping and general turf areas Repair/replace basketball courts in poor condition Repair dugouts Build a new maintenance facility for parks maintenance Make improvements at West Pines to include course improvements, ADA access and clubhouse renovations Begin to implement the Willing Workers concept plan Make site improvements at Worthan Park Begin to implement the Mill Village Park concept plan Medium Priority: 24 to 60 months Implement improvement projects based on life cycle replacement schedules Renovate/build a maintenance facility for West Pines Golf Course Complete Willing Workers concept plan implementation Complete Mill Village concept plan implementation Build a new maintenance facility for West Pines Low Priority: Beyond 60 months Continue improvements at West Pines Golf Course Make improvements to Hunter Community Center
8.2 City of Douglasville
Ongoing Implement design standards for entry signs, park furnishings, etc. Continue to maintain park facilities Assess park needs in the community
Strategic Area: Parks and Facilities Goal 2: Serve current and future residents with equitable access to parks and new modern recreation amenities High Priority: 0 to 24 months Begin implementation of the Town Green and Amphitheater Build a dog park at Worthan Park Medium Priority: 24 to 60 months Implement Jessie Davis Park concept plan (timing dependent on Highway 92 improvements) Acquire 2 park sites on the east side of the city for future development Develop a master plan for the Bright Star property Complete Town Green project Prioritize and develop greenway trails Low Priority: Beyond 60 months Conduct a comprehensive update to the Parks and Recreation master plan in 10 years Develop and implement master plans for new park properties Develop an indoor aquatic center and gymnasium Convert Fowler Field Park to a passive park Construct new multi-purpose field complex Construct new aquatics facility Develop master plan for Bright Star property and implement plan Continue implementation of greenway trails Convert field at Jessie Davis to synthetic turf field Ongoing Annually revisit Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Strategic Action Plan Update the Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan as necessary
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 8.3
Strategic Area: Staffing and Operations Goal 1: Create an efficient organization structure for the long-term and hire and develop qualified staff High Priority: 0 to 24 months Combine the Jessie Davis Park Division with the Administration budget division Restructure, reclassify, and re-title staff in Administrative and Recreation/ Park operations areas Hire Recreation Program Manager Position Hire Facility Laborer positions 2 Parks maintenance staff to obtain and maintain CPSI certification Provide orientation,training, and advancement opportunities for staff Medium Priority: 24 to 60 months Hire Athletic Program Coordinator Position Hire Recreation Program Coordinator Positions Athletics and Recreation division staff to obtain and maintain CPRP Certification Low Priority: Beyond 60 months Develop and implement staffing plan for indoor aquatics center Restructure with separate Administrative Services and Recreation Program Divisions Ongoing Expand parks maintenance staff as parkland expands to meet acceptable LOS Continue to provide orientation, training and advancement opportunities for staff Develop an organization culture of collaboration, pride, excellence and innovation
8.4 City of Douglasville
Strategic Area: Staffing and Operations Goal 2: Implement best practices for managing and operating a high performing department High Priority: 0 to 24 months Re-establish a Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Fully implement and optimize the use and capabilities of Rec1 Implement satisfaction surveys for program participants and facility users Develop, track and report quantitative and qualitative performance measures Develop and obtain approval for a Comprehensive Revenue Policy Revise the City Code to eliminate the “No Dogs in Park” rule Revise the policy that prohibits bicycles in the parks Medium Priority: 24 to 60 months Create and implement community engagement, marketing and communications plans Develop customer service standards and train staff Develop business plans for the Hawthornee and Owings centers Form a Golf Advisory Committee Work toward CAPRA Accreditation Low Priority: Beyond 60 months Create a “Friends of Parks” group Research, draft and seek approval for a recreation impact fee ordinance Ongoing Continue community outreach and engagement
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 8.5
Strategic Area: Staffing and Operations Goal 3: Provide tools, plans and standards to support and sustain safe, clean, and attractive parks and facilities High Priority: 0 to 24 months Complete an ADA Audit and Implementation Plan Develop a parks maintenance plan with parks maintenance standards Develop and track performance measures Create and implement a preventive maintenance plan Medium Priority: 24 to 60 months Purchase and implement a computerized Maintenance Management/Work Order system Create a life cycle replacement plan Develop a design standards manual
8.6 City of Douglasville
Strategic Area: Programming Goal 1: Establish a foundation for planning, delivering and evaluating recreation programs. High Priority: 0 to 24 months Identify core program area categories such as Health and Wellness, Sports, Arts, other Establish outcome goals for program areas Identify population categories such as Preschool, Youth, Teens, Adults, Seniors, Adaptive Create a matrix for monitoring program category offerings and populations served Collect, track, and report program participation and satisfaction levels Recruit, and contract or hire as part time staff, qualified program instructors Require and/or provide background investigations for staff, contractors, partner organizations, and volunteers who work with vulnerable populations Medium Priority: 24 to 60 months Develop a Recreation Program Plan Establish program fees based on costs and revenue recovery rates as determined in the revenue policy Change program offerings from rental arrangements to programs offered through contract and require registration through the city’s Rec1 system Low Priority: Beyond 60 months Implement a citizen preference survey every 5 years
Strategic Area: Programming Goal 2: Offer innovative and diverse programs that optimize the use of the recreation centers and facilities High Priority: 0 to 24 months Establish goals and objectives for each program area. Create a program matrix to track program service levels for population segments and program diversity mix among program categories. Develop a 3 year Recreation Program Plan based on CAPRA standards. Develop and implement an evaluation survey for program participants. Track, analyze and report results; include outcome goal assessments.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 8.7
Conduct a facility usage study. Optimize the programming opportunities at the community centers, especially during non-peak times. Prioritize center use for programming and consider expanded hours. Increase program opportunities by 25% over the next 3 years. Utilize the master plan survey results and programming trends to pilot innovative programs and nontraditional delivery methods. Focus on populations and program areas with existing lower service levels. Initiate discussions with the school system to create a joint use agreement and prioritize gaining access to gymnasiums. Collaborate with current partners to assess expanded program opportunities with an initial focus on the Arts Council, Boys and Girls Club, and ALTA. Develop a relationship with the Douglas County Parks and Recreation Department staff to pursue collaborative programming for girls sports, therapeutic recreation, and senior programs. Create a policy for sports association partnership agreements. Eliminate the City Code regulation that prohibits dogs in parks. Plan and conduct a “welcoming� community dog event. Allow for bikes in the parks, and install bike racks in appropriate locations. Install signage encouraging bikes to yield to pedestrians on paved paths. Medium Priority: 24 to 60 months Establish a new target goal for program growth. Create a formalized volunteer program, and host an annual volunteer appreciation event. Update and implement the Recreation Program Plan. Create a Health and Wellness initiative that is promoted throughout the city. Seek support from the healthcare community. Amend the City Code to allow alcoholic beverages in parks and create a policy to regulate the use of alcoholic beverages in parks. Administer a community needs assessment for program planning. Continue to assess programs for continuous improvement. Continue to seek new partnerships and volunteers to support and expand programming. Develop program plans and resource needs for new facilities before they come on line. Low Priority: Beyond 60 months Administer a community needs assessment for program planning.
8.8 City of Douglasville
Implement programming for the new aquatic facility. Ongoing Provide regular updates to the Recreation Program Plan. Stay abreast of local, regional, and national recreation program trends. Continue to assess programs for continuous improvement - expand, modify or eliminate programs. Continue to seek new partnerships and volunteers to support and expand programming. Add new programs based on expressed citizen desires and recreation program trends.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 8.9
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8.10 City of Douglasville
Appendix
A
Appendix A.1: Works Cited
1. American Community Survey. www.census.gov 2. Aspen Institute. State of Play 2018 Trends and Developments. 2016 3. www.citydata.com March 8, 2018 4. City of Burlington, NC Budget documents 5. City of Douglasville Budget Documents 6. City of Douglasville Comprehensive Plan. 2013. 7. City of Douglasville Downtown Master Plan. 2018. 8. City of Gainesville, GA Budget documents 9. City of Garner, NC Budget Documents 10. City of Mooresville, NC Budget documents 11. Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. National Accreditation Standards. 2017. 12. County Health Rankings and Roadmaps www.countyhealthrankings.org. 13. Dryicons Tree Logo. http://dryicons.com. 2018. 14. Mertes, J.D. and J.R. Hall. Park, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines. 1995. 15. National Recreation and Park Association. 2017 NRPA Agency Performance Review. 2017. 16. National Recreation and Park Association. 2018 NRPA Agency Performance Review. 2018. 17. University of East Anglia and the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), 2014 18. US Census Bureau. www.census.gov.
A.2: Individual Park Concept Plans
Appendix.2 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.3
Appendix.4 City of Douglasville
A.3 Staff Workshop Meeting Notes
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.5
Appendix.6 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.7
Appendix.8 City of Douglasville
A.4: Public Meeting Results
A process of public engagement, utilizing a variety of methods of outreach, was developed and implemented for this Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the City of Douglasville. The following documents the steps taken and input received.
Public Meetings
Public meetings were held at strategic steps of the planning process. The first two public meetings were held during the information gathering stage. A brief presentation was given at each meeting to provide an overview of the master plan process, next steps in the process, and a discussion of facilities and programs in a modern parks system. Time was allocated for attendees to speak with the Planning Team to express their desires for the facilities and programs they are most interested in, to ask questions and to convey any concerns. Attendees were given an opportunity to “vote� for facilities and programs they would like to see in the Douglasville parks system. Voting dots were provided to each attendee and they were asked to indicate their preferences by placing the dots on any of the photographs of parks facilities and programs that were displayed around the room. The following tables list the voting results of the facility and program preference voting activities. The top five (5) in each category are highlighted. Facility Preference Voting Tabulation Facility
Votes (dots)
Disc golf
2
Playground
4
Dog parks
11
Passive open spaces
9
Rental pavilions
8
Sports complexes
14
Wellness and recreation center
14
Nature preserve / natural park
3
Accessible playgrounds and ballfields
2
Spray park
7
Tennis courts
1
Pickleball
3
Archery
1
Greenways and trails
13
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.9
Facility
Votes (dots)
Amphitheater / outdoor stage
11
Active adults and senior centers
5
Neighborhood parks
6
Visual and performing arts centers
9
Gathering spaces
3
Adventure play
1
Community gardens
2
Swimming pool / aquatics center
14
Outdoor basketball courts
3
Volleyball courts
6
Community parks
5
Program Preference Voting Tabulation Program
Votes (dots)
Youth baseball
1
Fitness classes
4
Summer concerts
5
Teen programs
4
Adult softball league
0
Basketball league
1
Swim lessons
2
Summer camps
1
Walking and running programs
5
Archery
0
Youth golf programs
7
Nature programs
1
Senior programs
10
Special events
3
Appendix.10 City of Douglasville
Program
Votes (dots)
Swim team
1
Adult golf lessons
7
Tackle football
4
Soccer
3
Youth softball
3
Martial arts
1
Lacrosse
1
Disc golf
1
Water fitness
4
Visual and performing arts
3
Tennis lessons
0
Flag football
6
Cheerleading
0
Track and field
2
Other: (added by meeting attendees) Kickball
1
Cooking classes
1
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.11
Meeting attendees were also asked to participate in an activity where they could indicate funding preferences by “voting” with play dollars for a variety of facility improvements. Each attendee was provided with $100 bills of play money. The following lists each funding alternative, and the numbers of votes each received. Funding Preference Voting Tabulation Facility Funding Alternatives
Votes (dots)
Improvements and maintenance to existing parks and recreation facilities
47
Development of new neighborhood and community parks and recreation facilities
20
Development of additional athletic fields
21
Construction of teen complex and facilities
6
Development of indoor wellness and recreation center
18
Development of community gathering spaces
6
Parkland acquisition
17
Development of more walking and biking facilities
11
Development of passive open spaces
7
Increase programming and special events
8
In addition to the aforementioned activities at the public meeting, attendees were provided with a board where they could provide input on any other topics related to parks and recreation in Douglasville. Comments received included: • • • • • • • • • •
desire for attention to Mill Village Park and Willing Workers Park need for parks south of I-20 a desire for a swimming complex on the Bright Star property provide connectivity at Willing Workers Park consolidate 1 park for all sports add a water park, community park and senior facility and pavilion at Jessie Davis Park connect Jessie Davis Park and Downtown Douglasville need nature trail at Willing Workers need swimming lessons more and better soccer fields.
Appendix.12 City of Douglasville
Special Event Public Outreach An additional public outreach effort was conducted at Douglasville’s Ultimate Block Party, held in Downtown Douglasville on April 27. A table and input boards were placed at the Parks Department booth, and attendees were asked for input on desired facility and program preferences, utilizing a similar process as presented at the previous public meetings. The following charts document the feedback received at the event, with the top five in each category illustrated in bold. Facility Preference Voting Tabulation (Special Event Public Outreach) Facility
Votes (dots)
Disc golf
1
Playground
20
Dog parks
14
Passive open spaces
12
Rental pavilions
7
Sports complexes
3
Wellness and recreation center
28
Nature preserve / natural park
20
Accessible playgrounds and ballfields
12
Spray park
75
Tennis courts
4
Pickleball
5
Archery
17
Greenways and trails
34
Amphitheater / outdoor stage
31
Active adults and senior centers
11
Neighborhood parks
15
Visual and performing arts centers
17
Gathering spaces
14
Adventure play
41
Community gardens
17
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.13
Facility
Votes (dots)
Swimming pool / aquatics center
72
Outdoor basketball courts
21
Volleyball courts
2
Community parks
8
Other: (added by meeting attendees) Therapy pool
2
3D Archery
1
Program Preference Voting Tabulation (Special Event Public Outreach) Program
Votes (dots)
Youth baseball
7
Fitness classes
6
Summer concerts
14
Teen programs
13
Adult softball league
4
Basketball league
10
Swim lessons
11
Summer camps
9
Walking and running programs
7
Archery
2
Youth golf programs
3
Nature programs
6
Senior programs
6
Special events
14
Swim team
8
Adult golf lessons
4
Tackle football
7
Soccer
5
Appendix.14 City of Douglasville
Program
Votes (dots)
Youth softball
1
Martial arts
6
Lacrosse
11
Disc golf
1
Water fitness
8
Visual and performing arts
7
Tennis lessons
2
Flag football
6
Cheerleading
10
Track and field
6
Other: (added by meeting attendees) Fishing
10
Bowling
2
Comments received from attendees during the event included: •
•
Discussion of Chicago Ave. / Chicago Park Neighborhood area needing some sort of park facility that focused on children. Area does not have easy access to any park facilities provided by the city at this time. Participant thought there was land that was not in use currently that could be re-purposed for a park such as a neighborhood park with a rec center. Several comments about senior classes and the need for affordable senior classes.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.15
A.5: Community Input Survey
Appendix.16 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.17
Appendix.18 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.19
Appendix.20 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.21
Appendix.22 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.23
Appendix.24 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.25
Appendix.26 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.27
Appendix.28 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.29
Appendix.30 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.31
Appendix.32 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.33
Appendix.34 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.35
Appendix.36 City of Douglasville
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.37
A.6: Random Sample Community Input Survey Results
A random selection of Douglasville households were surveyed. 2,900 households were randomly selected and were mailed a postcard with a unique code for an online survey. Of those 2,900 households, 86 responded and completed the online survey between the dates of March 8, 2018 and April 8, 2018. A completion rate of 89 responses reveals a confidence level with a 10% margin of error. However, when compared with the results of the community-wide input survey, the results were very similar. The survey asked a variety of questions about Douglasville’s parks, facilities, programs, maintenance, funding and marketing. The following documents the responses received.
Park Visitation and Usage
Survey respondents were asked about how they utilize the City’s parks, and what prevents them from using the City’s parks.
Which parks have you or others in your household visited in the past year?
Mill Village Park
2
Willing Workers Community Club Park
4
Worthan Park
9
West Pines Golf Course
21
Fowler Field
23
Jessie Davis Memorial Park
28
Hunter MemorialPark
64 0
Appendix.38 City of Douglasville
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0%
Parks / Parkland
20%
40%
60%
80%
60.8%
Walking Paths and Trails
29.7%
74.0%
Athletic Facilities
52.0%
Recreation Programs / Activities
21.6%
64.0%
Need More
Have Enough
20.0%
Have Too Many
Overall, how well do you think the following facilities and programs meet the needs of the community?
18.2%
36.0%
59.5%
Community-wide Special Events
100%
12.0%
17.6%
14.7%
Don't Know
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.39
What prevents you from visiting Douglasville’s parks?
Accessibility concerns (lacks wheelchair access)
0.7%
Lack of money
0.7%
Belong to private organization that meets my recreation needs
1.4%
Lack transportation to get to park
2.1%
Inadequate parking
2.7%
Not interested in recreation
2.7%
Use facilities in a different community
3.4%
Concern about personal safety
8.2%
Lack of amenities – please explain
8.9%
Condition of parks
8.9%
Unsafe to walk or ride a bike to local parks
12.3%
Not aware of facilities available
19.2%
Not aware of programs available
28.8% 0%
Appendix.40 City of Douglasville
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
Programs
Gathering information about the types of programs and activities survey respondents have participated in previously, and those in which they are interested in participating in, can help the department as it evaluates current and future programming and facility needs of the community. The following questions asked respondents to provide information for various age groups that are present in their households, including youth, adult and senior populations.
Youth Programs
Twenty respondents indicated they have individuals 12 and under in their household. Top Three Youth Sports (12 and under) Have Participated
Responses
Top Three Youth Sports (12 and under) Would Like to Participate Responses
Baseball league (recreation)
7
Gymnastics
9
Golf
3
Summer camp
9
Basketball league
2
Swim team
7
Cheerleading
2
Football (tackle)
2
Soccer league
2
Softball
2
Sports camp
2
Which Youth Sports (12 and under) have you OR members of your household participated in and would like to participate in?
Seventeen respondents indicated they have individuals 13 to 18 years of age in their household. Top Three Youth Sports (13-18 yrs) Have Participated
Responses
Top Three Youth Sports (13-18 yrs) Would Like to Participate Responses
Basketball league
4
Football (flag)
3
Baseball league (recreation)
2
Soccer league
3
Cheerleading
2
Swim team
3
Football (tackle)
2
Which Youth Sports (13 to 18 years) have you OR members of your household participated in and would like to participate in?
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.41
Active Adult and Adult Programs and Activities
Forty-five respondents indicated they have individuals age 55 and older in their household.
Which Active Adult programs (55 and over) have you OR members of your household participated in and would like to participate in?
Top Three Active Adult Activities Have Participated
Responses
Top Three Active Adult Activities Would Like to Participate Responses
Aerobics classes
6
Computer classes
18
Bowling
6
Gardening
18
Dance classes
5
Cooking classes
17
Health / Fitness classes
5
Health / Fitness classes
16
All respondents were asked about their participation or desired participation in adult sports, followed by general parks and recreation programs and activities.
Which Adult Sports have you OR members of your household participated in and would like to participate in?
Top Adult Sports Have Participated
Responses
Top Adult Sports Would Like to Participate Responses
Walking or running programs
11
Walking or running programs
29
Tennis (team)
8
Golf lessons or tournaments
14
Golf lessons or tournaments
6
Volleyball leagues
12
Appendix.42 City of Douglasville
General Parks Programs and Activities
All respondents were asked about their participation or desired participation in special events, classes, programs and general park activities. Top Three Special Events, Classes, Programs and General Park Activities Have Participated Responses
Top Three Special Events, Classes, Programs and General Park Activities Would Like to Participate Responses
5k races / triathlons
10
Aerobics / group exercise and yoga
34
Aerobics / group exercise and yoga
9
Gardening
32
Aquatics fitness classes
7
Aquatics fitness classes
23
Swim lessons
23
Which special events, classes, program and general park activities have you OR members of your household participated in or would like to participate in?
Other Programs and Activities
Survey respondents were asked about “other� sports, programs and activities they would like to participate in that were not listed in the survey. Included among the responses were: Youth sports: hiking, wrestling or boxing, basketball Active adults: politics/debate, pickleball, Tai Chi, stretching exercise, theater, music, softball, tennis, bicycling, bird watching club Adults: adult dance class, pickleball, beginner/chair yoga exercise, drawing, arts & crafts, walking programs, Crossfit, bird watching, bicycling group General parks activities: cooking, adult dance, hiking, golf, boot camp, cross fit, bicycling
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.43
Access to Parks
Respondents were asked several questions about mobility and the willingness of the community to walk, ride a bicycle or drive in order to access a park facility. This provides an understanding to the Parks and Recreation Department and to project planners about potential mobility challenges and opportunities for connectivity, accessibility, and location of parks and programs.
How far would you be willing to walk, drive or ride a bicycle to parks and recreation facilities if safe multi-use trails, sidewalks or bicycle lanes were provided throughout the county?
20% Up to 2 miles 2-5 miles
13% 67%
15%
1% 0%
Would not walk
Under 15 minutes 41%
15-30 minutes 30-45 minutes 45+ minutes
43%
Would not drive
20%
Up to 2 miles 2-5 miles
36%
5-10 miles 2%
Appendix.44 City of Douglasville
26% 16%
10+ miles Would not bike
Survey respondents were asked about travel and use of facilities outside of Douglasville, and facilities provided by other organizations.
Do you travel outside Douglasville to use parks and recreation facilities?
no 29.7% yes 70.3%
Other 12 City of Villa Rica 9
Cobb County 29
Where do you travel to use parks and recreation facilities?
Paulding County 13
Fulton County 18
Douglas County 26
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.45
Do you use recreation facilities offered by churches or other private providers?
What factor most influences your decision to use facilities outside of Douglasville, or through other providers?
31.8% of respondents use private clubs, such as private country clubs or health clubs 30% of respondents use churches for recreation facilities
Their programs are better operated than the City of Douglasville's programs 9.9%
Other 7.4%
They have facilities that are not available in Douglasville 28.9%
They offer programs not offered through the City of Douglasville 19.0%
They have better quality facilities than the City of Douglasville 26.4%
Appendix.46 City of Douglasville
They are closer to my residence 8.3%
Facility Priorities
We wanted to gain an understanding of respondent priorities as it pertains to facilities, in the City of Douglasville’s parks system.
Indicate what you feel is the level of need for the following projects that could be considered if funding were available.
Add more multi-purpose trails in the city and provide more trails inside the parks
81.6%
10.5%
Construct an outdoor stage or amphitheater
68.8%
Provide more playgrounds/renovate existing playgrounds
67.1%
Provide additional pavilions/shelters in parks
66.7%
20.0%
13.3%
Provide open fields and passive park spaces
66.2%
21.6%
12.2%
Construct an aquatics center with indoor swimming pool and splash pad
60.0%
Provide a place for teen programming
59.7%
Construct additional outdoor basketball courts
43.5%
45.6%
34.9%
35.7% 0% Uncertain
20%
14.7%
34.3%
39.8%
Add more rectangular fields for football, soccer or lacrosse
17.3%
25.3%
45.6%
Add more fields for baseball and softball
Needed
18.5%
47.8%
Improve and expand existing city parks and facilities.
14.3%
25.7%
64.2%
Provide an additional indoor recreational center with gymnasium and meeting space
Values below 10% not noted.
16.9%
25.3%
52.9% 40%
60%
11.4% 80%
100%
Not Needed
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.47
Overall Performance
We asked survey respondents to provide feedback as to the quality of the Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department.
Indicate if you agree, disagree or do not know about the following statements about Douglasville’s parks and recreation.
I support the effort to improve Douglasville’s facilities and programs.
100.0%
Compared to other priorities (public safety, streets, utilities, schools), parks and recreation is important to a community.
85.9%
I feel that I have good access to a park.
79.8%
I feel safe when visiting a park or recreation facility.
75.0%
Recreation facilities and parks are well-maintained.
15.7%
54.3%
Advertisements about upcoming programs and events are adequate.
25.0%
48.0%
I can easily contact city parks staff about parks and recreation for information.
28.8%
0% Disagree
16.9%
20.7%
43.2%
43.7%
Sports leagues are well-organized.
Appendix.48 City of Douglasville
15.0% 10.0%
67.5%
Parks are well distributed throughout the city.
Agree
15.5%
18.4%
11.3%
20% Do not know
40%
37.9%
60.0%
60%
80%
100%
Funding
Survey respondents were asked about potential funding for improved parks and recreation maintenance, facilities, and programming. The information below illustrates the level of additional funding respondents are willing to contribute, and methods of funding they would support.
Sponsor more tournaments and special events that generate tax dollars
57
Build facilities that generate revenue, such as a tournament facility or event spaces
43
Charge non-city residents higher fees
43
Charge or increase rental and user fees for park facilities
20
Increase program participant fees
In order to generate needed revenue to improve parks and recreation programs offered in Douglasville please indicate all options that you would support for increasing funding for parks.
18
Other
2 0
20
40
60
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.49
In order to invest in additional parks and recreation facilities, the county may require additional funding. Please rank your preferred methods of generating additional capital funding for parks and facilities. 100% 19.4%
21.3%
24.2%
80%
28.1% 13.2%
14.8% 60%
40%
14.5%
24.2% 16.4%
23.5%
24.2% 31.1%
20%
37.5%
34.8% 21.9%
45.6%
32.3% 16.4%
0% SPLOST (Special Parks bond Increased impact Dedicated millage Purpose Local (Borrow money to fees on rate for parks Option Sales Tax) make necessary development improvements and pay back over a 20- or 25-year period) 1st preference
2nd preference
Values below 10% not noted.
Appendix.50 City of Douglasville
3rd preference
4th preference
Seek additional grant monies
5th preference
none 15.9% $5 or less 34.8%
$26 plus 4.3% $16-25 7.2%
How much would you be willing to spend additional per month per household to support improved park maintenance and recreation facilities and services?
$11-$15 11.6%
$6-$10 26.1%
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.51
Overall, how well do you think the following facilities and programs meet the needs of the community?
0%
10%
Parks / Parkland
20%
30%
50%
60%
70%
56.7%
Walking Paths and Trails
80%
34.4%
74.4%
Athletic Facilities
47.5%
Recreation Programs / Activities
38.2%
Need More
Have Enough
26.6%
Have Too Many
Don't Know
100%
6.4%
10.6%
25.6%
61.2%
90%
8.2%
19.0%
63.1%
Community-wide Special Events
Appendix.52 City of Douglasville
40%
10.8%
10.7%
Respondents’ Demographics
Information was requested about the respondents and their household. The results provide insight on where the survey reached a representative group of Douglasville citizens. Not all individuals responded to the questions. The information presented below reflect the responses that were receive.
Describe your household: 25.4% couple with children under age 19 22.4% couple with children who do not live in household What is your age? 24.6% age 55 to 64 What is your total annual household income? 25.7% over $100,000 What is your zip code? 53.8% live in 30134 zip code Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.53
Other Comments Please provide any additional comments you have about Douglasville’s parks, facilities, programs or operations.
Thank you for considering the input of the residents for the improvement of Douglasville’s parks, facilities, and programs. I believe that there is a severe lack of accessible basketball courts in Douglasville, both indoor and outdoor ones. Most of the existing courts do not have much opportunity for open court. Interested in seeing more programs for toddlers/stay at home parents While I just moved to Douglasville four months ago I have only driven by one park and a state park and I haven’t seen any public playgrounds or walking trails or signs leading to them. Haven’t received much in the mail about any community events or activities at parks either. We are extensive users of the Silver Comet Trail in Paulding/Cobb counties for running and biking. A “longer” distance (5-10 miles), paved trail for running/biking/ skating in Douglas County would be very popular, in our opinion. Perhaps along an electric company power line right-of-way, if that could be negotiated. I would like to see the walking trail at Deer Lick Park (which was not on the list of parks above) re surfaced. The trail has lots and lots of huge deep cracks in it. I’ve been attending this park of over 10 yrs and i’ve tripped and fallen several times, i have also notice others trip on the cracks as well. Please, and thank you! Quit wasting our tax dollars on a golf course. I’m disturbed by the fact that, having lived in Kennesaw for 20 years, Cobb County has a lower retail sales tax rate and yet has better parks, roads and other infrastructure. I don’t understand why that is. With the construction that is ongoing for Hwy 92, it would MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE if you would restructure that entire park. It is delapadated and in need of some serious reconstruction. When I visited the park, It is not a kid friendly place, the sidewalks and walking trails are in need of repair, the pool needs more covering and better equipment. The grounds for football are in need of resodding. It is just absolutely horrible. It is the worst park in Douglas County! I’m sure it would be nice to see a beautiful park while driving by, once the road is complete. Provide a system of trails and sidewalks that can connect all of the city parks. Utilize any and all streams/waterways as a hiking trail system that can also connect to other city parks if applicable. Would like to see a new city park in the Riverside/Thornton area. Thank you for this vision to improve our community with parks, and facilities. I might add that maintenance of all Douglasville city public spaces should be addressed specifically landscaping in and around retail areas and main roadways.
Appendix.54 City of Douglasville
We need more pet friendly facilities in the county. The most important addition to the county I would love to see is an outdoor amphitheater. We visit Carrollton quite often because of their events and amphitheater . We love Sweetwater but feel it is not well kept up. I also do not feel safe walking there without my husband. We need pools in our parks. The pool was taken out of Hunter Park and there is no walking trail - only track around the pond. The parks that i have visited do no have needed space or accommodations for those with physical constraints. need outdoor running paths with workout stations , need more outreach to get more residents involved in youth sports programs Generally, I think we have well maintained parks, however the advertising about events is lacking majorly, accessibility to the parks and recreational program is a major issue. Advertising more often than not is through channels that are not appropriate for this day and age. Hardly anybody reads the newspaper anymore and personally the Sunday papers in my driveway are going right to the trash. Douglasville is going through a transformation and I am super excited about that because I truly believe it’s what the city needs to move forward and become attractive as a suburb of Atlanta but the city will have to start catering to a younger generation. Getting to and from parks is a hassle as you have to drive everywhere. There are no side walks or if there are they stop abruptly (see intersection Fairburn Rd by Deerlick Park). People are looking more and more to make health conscious decisions but at the moment the city is not enabling this. I literally have to get in my car to go anywhere, as walking or riding a bike along the roads is too dangerous. Even in the area around the mall, you’d think you could get from Arbor Place over to the strip malls where Marshalls and Ross are or to the Starbucks strip mall but again there are no sidewalks for safely crossing the streets. If Douglasville opens up and provides more health and activity friendly ways to get around the city, the city will become more attractive, therefore bringing new residents who are generating tax dollars and will ultimately spend more dollars on activities/events in their community. I really like Boundary Water Park with it’s pool and walking trails, however, it’s out of my way to get there, as I would have to get in my car, drive to the park to go walking or biking which I think is quite counterproductive. I’d like to do that straight from my home, without having to load up my gear. So then I turn to the more local parks for me which is Deerlick or Hunter but all there is is a trail around the ponds. There are no lawns to do a pick nick or to just lay in the sun, reading a book (Hunter is a little better in that regard), so it’s not very attractive for me to go to the park. Sweetwater would be great for walking but I don’t go there, because I don’t want to pay for parking. While we have built nice parks and improved pars like Hunter - we have completely ignored parks such as Bill Arp and Deer Lick. Bill Arp only just had (what was called) improvement to bathrooms that had not been improved in 25yrs. And THAT was just a new paint job that took a week to complete. I think it is crazy how “park improvement” in deligated. Sounds like a good effort going forward. I’d rather have more parks than restaurants.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.55
However, I think there should be adjustments in our local budget so that that citizens do not pay more in tax to fund the projects. I have to meet my budget so should the City. Someone seriously needs to look at providing sidewalks and bike lanes throughout Douglasville. We are so antiquated in this area of transportation options. I like to ride my bike, but it’s way to treacherous on our roads. I would like to see more diversity in activities that celebrate all walks of life. The world is made of many cultures but all are not celebrated and this is sad due to the fact that we all state that we are Christians and believe in the teaches of loving one another as God loves us. This is said but rarely done. Thank you 1. A running track is needed to be used during school hours for the non-school age residents. 2. When I visited Jesse Davis Memorial Park, there was only a softball field. The city could use another pool at Hunter Park The spacing of the parks is problematic. I think that the Aquatic Center is too small for our county and I think that we could use an additional fun pool with slide and stuff. Since the schools use these facilities as well as the private Swim Teams, there are a few challenges for everyone to use the facilities at certain times. I didn’t see anything mentioned about more lighting. When our children were young we really enjoyed the parks and programs.
Appendix.56 City of Douglasville
A.7: Community-Wide Survey Community Input Survey Results
A community-wide input survey was made available from March 8, 2018 and April 8, 2018. The community-wide survey asked the same questions as the random sample survey. 459 individuals responded to the survey. The following documents the responses received.
Park Visitation and Usage
Survey respondents were asked about how they utilize the city’s parks, and what prevents them from using the city’s parks.
Willing Workers Community Club Park
Which parks have you or others in your household visited in the past year?
8
Mill Village Park
11
Worthan Park
26
West Pines Golf Course
93
Jessie Davis Memorial Park
110
Fowler Field
120
Hunter MemorialPark
316 0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Values below 5% not noted.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.57
Survey respondents were asked about travel and use of facilities outside of Douglasville, and facilities provided by other organizations.
Do you travel outside Douglasville to use parks and recreation facilities?
no 26.4%
yes 73.6%
Where do you travel to use parks and recreation facilities?
Other 10.2% City of Villa Rica 13.7%
Cobb County 26.7%
Paulding County 14.4% Douglas County 20.5% Fulton County 14.4%
Appendix.58 City of Douglasville
43% of respondents use private clubs, such as private country clubs or health clubs 35.1% of respondents use churches for recreation facilities
Their programs are better operated than the City of Douglasville's programs 11.4%
They offer programs not offered through the City of Douglasville 18.9%
Other 11.2%
They are closer to my residence 12.0% They have facilities that are not available in Douglasville 23.8%
Do you use recreation facilities offered by churches or other private providers?
What factor most influences your decision to use facilities outside of Douglasville, or through other providers?
They have better quality facilities than the City of Douglasville 22.6%
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.59
Facility Priorities
We wanted to gain an understanding of respondent priorities as it pertains to facilities, in the City of Douglasville’s parks system.
Indicate what you feel is the level of need for the following projects that could be considered if funding were available.
Add more multi-purpose trails in the city and provide more trails inside the parks
81.4%
13.6%
Construct an outdoor stage or amphitheater
76.2%
13.0% 10.8%
Provide more playgrounds/renovate existing playgrounds
75.2%
16.6%
Provide additional pavilions/shelters in parks
71.3%
Construct an aquatics center with indoor swimming pool and splash pad
66.6%
Provide a place for teen programming
64.0%
Provide open fields and passive park spaces
62.9%
Provide an additional indoor recreational center with gymnasium and meeting space
61.3%
Construct additional outdoor basketball courts
46.0%
Add more fields for baseball and softball
44.7% 0% Uncertain
20%
19.5%
29.3%
26.5%
10.6%
25.5%
13.2%
25.7%
48.4%
Improve and expand existing city parks and facilities.
Appendix.60 City of Douglasville
13.9%
56.1%
Add more rectangular fields for football, soccer or lacrosse
Needed
20.0%
18.1%
37.0%
14.6%
46.0%
28.5% 40%
Not Needed
60%
26.8% 80%
100%
Overall Performance
We asked survey respondents to provide feedback as to the quality of the Douglasville Parks and Recreation Department.
Indicate if you agree, disagree or do not know about the following statements about Douglasville’s parks and recreation.
I support the effort to improve Douglasville’s facilities and programs.
94.3%
Compared to other priorities (public safety, streets, utilities, schools), parks and recreation is important to a community.
86.1%
I feel that I have good access to a park.
84.4%
I feel safe when visiting a park or recreation facility.
76.7%
Recreation facilities and parks are well-maintained.
16.4%
71.5%
Parks are well distributed throughout the city.
20.2%
56.5%
I can easily contact city parks staff about parks and recreation for information.
51.3%
Advertisements about upcoming programs and events are adequate.
51.1%
Sports leagues are well-organized.
38.1%
0% Agree
12.7%
Disagree
20%
25.6%
14.7%
17.9%
33.9%
36.9%
15.4%
40%
12.0%
46.5%
60%
80%
100%
Do not know
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.61
Funding
Survey respondents were asked about potential funding for improved parks and recreation maintenance, facilities, and programming. The information below illustrates the level of additional funding respondents are willing to contribute, and methods of funding they would support.
In order to generate needed Sponsor more tournaments and special events that revenue to generate tax dollars improve parks and recreation Build facilities that generate revenue, such as a programs offered tournament facility or event spaces in Douglasville please indicate all options Charge non-city residents higher fees that you would support for increasing Charge or increase rental and user fees for park funding for parks.
205
201
140
84
facilities
Increase program participant fees
68
Other
9
0
Appendix.62 City of Douglasville
50
100
150
200
250
In order to invest in additional parks and recreation facilities, the county may require additional funding. Please rank your preferred methods of generating additional capital funding for parks and facilities. 100% 11.8% 80%
16.8%
20.2% 11.7%
22.8% 60.7%
60% 27.5%
23.0%
22.1%
40%
44.4% 29.0%
20%
23.6%
10.6%
17.9%
40.4% 10.8%
16.1%
40.7%
11.9%
0% SPLOST (Special Parks bond Increased impact Dedicated millage Purpose Local (Borrow money to fees on rate for parks Option Sales Tax) make necessary development improvements and pay back over a 20- or 25-year period) 1st preference
2nd preference
3rd preference
4th preference
Seek additional grant monies
5th preference
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.63
How much would you be willing to spend additional per month per household to support improved park maintenance and recreation facilities and services?
none 16.3% $5 or less 33.9%
$26 plus 5.5%
$16-25 8.3%
$11-$15 7.3%
$6-$10 28.7%
Appendix.64 City of Douglasville
Respondents’ Demographics
Information was requested about the respondents and their household. The results provide insight on where the survey reached a representative group of Douglasville citizens. Not all individuals responded to the questions. The information presented below reflect the responses that were receive.
Describe your household: 37.4% couple with children under age 19 20.7% single household What is your age? 28.3% age 45 to 54 What is your total annual household income? 28.4% over $100,000 What is your zip code? 28.5% live in 30135 zip code
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.65
Other Comments Please provide any additional comments you have about Douglasville’s parks, facilities, programs or operations.
I think the people who run Parks and Recreation are wonderful at what they do. They are doing the best they can with what they have to work with as far as we can see, but we appreciate that you folks are seeking feedback. Your customer service is great. You just need more and better support, and the meeting spaces need to be more available, less costly to those who need them. need to be safer, and more like Hunter park, friendlier atmosphere for new comers, The Alice Hawthorne and Willing Workers Park have been neglected for decades. The wait for the 10 year plan is terrible Jessie Davis Park Would like to see more events where vendors can participate Sports for kids unorganized and unable to direct concerns to anyonr, emails and calls go unanswered need soccer fields Need full soccer facility-several fields Soccer fields at Fowler need expansion and improvement. Some of your survey questions responses were hard to answer based on the choices in particular the first 3 questions. I also did not know what millage rate was and perhaps could be explained. I was in the Marietta 25 Milion dollar park bond committee in 2010 to 2011 We play at fairplay and it needs tons of updates. All of the Douglas county parks are nice and have better amenities. Fairplay needs some updates too. More important than park amenities, is the safety and well-being of our children who participate in various parks & rec programming and who also play at the city parks. A Child Sexual Abuse Prevention initiative has been underway in Douglas County since 2014. The Prevent Now! Douglas Coalition would like to provide this training to ALL Parks & Rec employees and volunteers. CEU’s are approved. Our children deserve to be safe, everywhere. Members of the Prevent Now! team have previously offered the training, at no cost to Parks and Rec, but to date, it has not embraced. As leaders of the Parks and Recreation Department providing programming and services for youth in Douglas County, your organization can play a critical role in protecting the lives of children; as well as helping to put an end to child sexual abuse by implementing a comprehensive child protection program and training your staff and volunteers. Stewards of ChildrenŽ is a prevention training that teaches adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The program is designed for organizations that serve youth and for individuals concerned about the safety of children. Please, will you Join the Movement? Thank you in advance for choosing to take action in the prevention of child sexual abuse. Prevention is an adult
Appendix.66 City of Douglasville
responsibility and we welcome the opportunity to speak with you about scheduling a future Stewards of Children training for your staff and volunteers. Ann MathisStewards of Children, Authorized Facilitator-770-920-7364 need a larger club house for golf course can not have large tournaments because not room for large crowd Would like to see more restaurants, events, live music, a brewery, and the amphitheater. It would also be nice to see food trucks available during weekends and/ or events. Would like to see some ada play equipment like platform swing ramp to slides instead of stairs a safe merry go ring or something like that. Would also like to see walking paths with obstacles challenges along the way so family,friends and kids could get healthy and have some fun at the same time . And a putt putt course that is accessible for wheelchairs thank you I work in child welfare and my colleague and I have made many attempts to provide child sexual abuse training and prevention to leadership/staff/volunteers, etc. to no avail. We are still willing to provide scholarships for this training and would love to talk with you regarding it. Our city taxes are already too high. Maintain what we have. We don’t need any more parks or facilities. Love the golf course! Programming and special events we have attended have been great. Camp Explorers being one. Need more adult athletic programs and open green spaces with trails Clean up the parks. Make them dog friendly. Add pools West Georgia Sorba has volunteers that are willing to work with the city to build mountain bike trails on city owned land They are unsafe. I don’t feel safe taking my kids to the park. We need an outdoor amphitheater but need to be put where most people will feel safe going to it. The survey is tooo long... I really enjoy the covers over the playground. A splash pad would be nice. Would love a racquetball court. Douglasville need to offer more adult sports leagues that would help generate money for the facilities. Me and my wife have participated in leagues all over the city because of the lack there of in Douglas County Playgrounds could definitely stand to be upgraded. Playgrounds in Alabama parks
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.67
are good examples of quality environment for kids. School playgrounds here provide better experience for kids need more and better facilities, more parking , clean rest rooms and in some cases new rest rooms Senior centers should be at the parks as well that offer exercise classes and trips/ events A dog park and dog playground/agility facility is a needed addition. Parks are important, it’s where kids get to bond and play. Some kids don’t have that. Its a place adults can exchange ideas and vent, with other people. It takes a lot of pressure off of them in many way. A park should be pleasing to the eye for comfort. We need to put the needs of our kids first. They are our future. facilities need to be spread around the county more. need a place for concerts like villa rica has. can’t you use some of the empty buildings - old walmart for example, to build new gyms, pools, etc. Please improve the funding to West Pines Golf Club. A real diamond in the rough. I love how there always seems to be a park security officer around. West Pines Golf Course is the best facility in Douglas County. It is well maintained and recent improvements have been made. They just need to keep the water coolers filled. This is a matter of great concern for my wife and I. There’s just not adequately equipment for girls in my daughter’s age group 10 to 12 Need lights at west pines driving range Just joined the West pines golf club. Love the course and the staff is supper friendly. Chris did a nice job welcoming us in. I feel its a good value for the $650 we paid up front. I would say I was very disappointed that the flier in the Club house said you could walk for free and the same flier has been there since last year, but they charged us $5 for each time we walk. This felt like false advertisement to me since I had said something before and they left the flier out with the same info that was incorrect. I did complain again when I joined in February and nothing was done or said about waving the $5 walk fee. I manage in the retail sales world and certainly have dealt with some similar situations with signage being incorrect and we always take care of the customer and fix the sign if its incorrect. I just feel the walking should be free and not charged $5. I know its not a lot of money to complain about, just wanted to share. It would be great if one of my Douglasville parks offered a bike trail like the Silver Comet that I have to drive to to enjoy. I would be more than willing to pay extra in taxes to support a dedicated bike/walking trail in any of my parks. I wish there was more dog friendly parks
Appendix.68 City of Douglasville
Love the golf course! Golf at West Pines is improving because of course personnel. Bigger playgrounds. When I was a kid, playgrounds were big. Now they’re sad and tiny. Hunter park used to have a great playground, until you demolished it. Also, wooden playgrounds are better than metal ones. They have more personality, and you can do more with them. These new metal playgrounds are all cookie-cutter boring. Also I love to swim and there is no where fun to swim in Douglasville. Need a beach lake! We have some nice parks, but more sidewalks and bike lanes are needed. Fix up the parks you already have. Tennis courts are already in rough shape and the are fairly new. Make quality parks not allot of cheap ones. Security! We need more pocket parks and walking access to all the parks. I really enjoy using the tennis courts at Hunter Park. The facilities are always clean! For ideas on how to implement more multi use parks, please visit the Trammel Crow Park in Southwest Atlanta. They have a walking track similar to Hunter Park, however, they also have outdoor workout equipment in for a complete circuit that are dispersed around the track. Very creative, fabulous...4980 Cascade Rd, Atlanta, GA 30331. I love living in Douglas County. Need to be pet friendly. You lose thousands of residents to neighboring counties with top quality dog parks. Also, build sidewalks and trails!! I’m excited about the idea of recreational improvements in Douglasville. I’ve been a resident for 19 years and my family and I enjoy spending time outside. The prospect of safe walking and biking options is very exciting. The landscaping around the tennis courts is in need of some attention. For the last year, weeds are growing in the beds and shrubs need some attention Our part of the city is distant from the parks, which is one reason that the amenities are unknown to our family I believe that we need to take care of the existing park facilities before any additional features that will require maintenance are built. I also believe that the general fund needs to be able to support these parks. I think park space is hugely important, but you cannot tax the people to death over them. These parks need to be be able to sustain themselves financially, or they will fall into disrepair as we see currently. I would love to see an entertainment venue with an adjacent park near downtown. Use taxes for things that matter and people in the city really want. Not for whimsy
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.69
expenses like buses people don’t need nor want. We need more aquatic center outdoor more activities in the parks more grass Outdoor concert area and splash park needed. We played baseball for years and the baseball program dried up because of poor management. Mill Village Park needs water fountains and bathroom facilities Need more access to bathrooms and also need the walking track at Hunter Park monitored and possibly add signs in Spanish so that Hispanics know that they are not to have skateboards, rollerblades , bikes on the walking path . There have been many instances where this has happened. Need bike trails and more pet friendly areas Please don’t add a bus system to our peaceful community To many Canadian geese. Need more therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. Change with the times, more is needed in all areas West Pines renovations were worth it and it looks so much better now!! Also I think the amphitheater idea for an addition to Douglasville would be great for both recreational and financial reasons. We need all parks up and going. To make useful for the community regardless where you live. Make them all safe. I love going to Florida because the parks are so nice. Turf. Shade. Water features. We need those. An indoor soccer and track facility would be great! Would love to see more bike lanes, especially on the south Douglasville area. Love Hunter Park. Would like to see manned tennis center in our county. Would like to see established parks being taken care of. Would love a splash pad or water park for the kids! I think that is an excellent idea. Also, would love to see some adult sport leagues. My husband and I travel to Atlanta to play in social leagues so having it here near home would be wonderful!! It would be nice if more walking trails are added. Possibly trails where dogs or pets are allowed.
Appendix.70 City of Douglasville
I would like to see an adult volleyball league. I know you have tennis and softball, but we should try and do volleyball. and we NEED A POOL!! :) the closest one is Boundary Waters and they have swim teams. if we go a pool too we could compete and I could help coach!! :) I feel recreation is a vital components to the development of our youth and for mature citizens to maintain good health. I feel we should not devote areas to be used as BABYSITTING services. There should be some form of supervision for students under the age of 16. I would like to see the parks and recreation areas become more of en educational opportunity for youth and adults. I love the idea of having community parks providing tennis, team sports, walking trails, and most important they are safe. I heard on the news how a group of ladies parked their cars and began walking only to find that their parked cars were broken into. JESSE DAVIS PARK HAS BEEN NEGLETED FOR TOO LONG. BECAUSE THIS PARK IS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY IT RECEIVED NO FUNDING FOR IMPROVEMENTS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP.ALSO OTHER PARKS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY NEED WORK. FINALLY BIL ARP PARK AND DEERLICK COULD USE A FACELIFT TOO. I recently found out about Hunter Park and Ike Owing Community Center just a couple of months ago because ASL classes were being held there. I have lived in Douglasville since 2008. You would think I would have known. It would be nice if dogs could be allowed if on a leash. Also at Hunter Park the playground is right out in the sun, the equipment gets very hot and no place for adults to sit out of the sun while the kids play. We could use some sheltered areas near the playground and maybe some shade of some sort for the playground area. It gets very hot in the summer. A splash pad would be a nice addition for kids to play on to cool off, also. Encourage small biz owner to run a food cart/ truck, or coffee/on site. Make park a gathering space outside of event driven location. Swings are needed in the parks too very impressed with the new parks and recreation director, travis landrum. he is a definite asset to the city. I have seen the master plan for the old jail and I am hopeful that the city will build an amphitheater and greenspace. There needs to be a better place downtown for community gatherings (food trucks, car cruise-ins, etc) than the parking lot next to the old DVPD precinct. Many of the softball parks, like Deerlick Park, fair play and Bill Arp are in desperate need of renovation. Deerlick parks fences are falling apart and have become a safety concern. I think before anything new is built, the parks that are in the county should be modernized and redone.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.71
A.8: Recreation Programming and Participation Trend Data The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation reported that almost half of all Americans (48.4%) participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2016. The data showed that walking for fitness continued to be the most popular activity with half of all outdoor participants indicating that they also walked. For every age group running/jogging was both the most popular and favorite activity as determined by participation and frequency rates. All age groups ranked running/jogging, bicycling, camping, fishing, and hiking in the top 5 activities based on participation rate, or most popular. Bicycling and fishing also showed up in the top 5 for all age groups in both participation and frequency rates. Skateboarding ranked third in frequency rate, or ‘favorite’, in the ages 6-24 group. The adult 25 and over group ranked birdwatching and wildlife viewing in the top five for frequency rate, or favorite activity. Most Popular (by participation rate)
Favorite (by frequency rate)
Ages 6-24
1. Running/Jogging 2. Bicycling 3. Camping 4. Fishing 5. Hiking
1. Running/Jogging 2. Bicycling 3. Skateboardking 4. Fishing 5. Camping
Adult (25+)
1. Running/Jogging 2. Fishing 3. Hiking 4. Bicycling 5. Camping
1. Running/Jogging 2. Bicycling 3. Fishing 4. Birdwatching 5. Wildlife Viewing
Source: Outdoor Participation Report 2016; Outdoor Foundation
Appendix.72 City of Douglasville
The study also asked the survey respondents which activities they “aspire� to participate, rather than the activities that they had participated. Camping, swimming, and bicycling ranked in the top three among all age groups. Basketball, ranked 10th by the 44+ age group, was the only traditional team sport that appeared in the top 10 aspirational activities. Ages 6-12
Ages 13-17
Ages 18-24
Ages 25-34
Ages 35-44
Ages 44+
Camping
Camping
Camping
Swimming for Fitness
Camping
Camping
Swimming for Fitness
Swimming for Fitness
Bicycling
Camping
Swimming for Fitness
Swimming for Fitness
Bicycling
Bicycling
Swimming for Fitness
Bicycling
Bicycling
Bicycling
Basketball
Working Out with Machines
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Working Out with Machines
Running/ Jogging
Running/ Jogging
Backpacking Running/ Jogging
Working Out Hiking with Weights
Soccer
Hiking
Working our Canoeing with Weights
Working out with Machines
Fishing
Fishing
Running/ Jogging
Backpacking Running/ Jogging
Working Out with Weights
Football
Working Out with Weights
Martial Arts
Working Out with Machines
Bird Watching/ Wildlife Viewing
Swimming on A Team
Shooting
Working Out with Machines
Working Out Canoeing with Weights
Hiking
Martial Arts Climbing
Kayaking
Fishing
Fishing
Running/ Jogging
Backpacking Basketball
Source: Outdoor Participation Report 2016; Outdoor Foundation
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.73
The Physical Activity Council tracks participation in 120 sports and fitness activities. The 2016 Physical Participation Report, The Physical Activity Council’s annual study tracking sports, fitness, and recreation participation in the United States, had some good news. Inactivity dropped by the greatest percentage since 2010 and the rate of decline in sports participation decreased. Racquet sports and outdoor sports maintained participation rates from the previous year. The study identified some generational differences in participation preferences.
Source: 2016 Physical Participation Report, Physical Activity Council
Recreation Management Magazine published its 10th annual State of the Industry Report in June 2016. The report surveys a broad spectrum of providers including colleges and universities, YMCAs and YWCAs, Schools, Boys and Girls Clubs and private clubs. However, Parks and Recreation respondents represent the highest percent of respondents at 41.9% with colleges and universities next at just over 11%. The survey also asked those that planned to add new programs to indicate the type of program that they intended to add. The top 10 are listed below.
1
Educational programs (27.1%)
2
Fitness programs (26.1 percent)
3
Mind-body/balance programs (25 percent)
4
Teen programming (24.2 percent)
5
Programs for active older adults (19.8 percent)
6
Environmental education (19.7 percent)
7
Arts & crafts (18.8 percent)
8
Day camps and summer camps (18.3 percent)
9
Sports tournaments and races (18.1 percent)
10
Holiday events and other special events (17.7 percent)
Appendix.74 City of Douglasville
NRPA’s 2016 Field Report illustrated data reflecting the percent of reporting parks and recreation agencies nationwide that offered programs in sixteen categories.
Source: NRPA 2016 Field Report, PRORAGIS national database
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.75
The results for agencies targeting programs for children, seniors and people with disabilities is provided below and includes the breakdown by agency population.
Source: NRPA 2016 Field Report, PRORAGIS national database
Youth participation in sports has been declining for several years. The graph below illustrates the decline in the percentage of kids who were regularly active in sports from 2008 to 2015.
Source: Sports Industry Fitness Association data as reported in The Aspen Institute; Project Play; State of Play 2016 Trends and Developments.
Appendix.76 City of Douglasville
The significant drop off in participation at age 13 is no surprise to parks and recreation athletics staff. However, the consistent decline over several years in participation rates for both the 6 to 12 and the 12 to 17 age groups over the past eight years is alarming. There is a bit of good news in that the rate of decline appears to have slowed in tecent years. The chart below shows the percentage change in participation by sport for ages 6-17 from 2009 to 2014.
Source: Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s youth sports participation data for 2014 as reported by Street & Smiths SportsBusiness Journal; August 2015; Bill King.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.77
The most distressing news from the statistical data was reported by The Aspen Institute’s Project Play. Only one (1) out of five 5 kids (38%) from families with income under $25,000 participated in sports while 67% of kids from families with income of $100,000 participated. Income level differences even outpaced gender differences in participation rates. Community recreation outreach programs can prevent these kids from missing out on the lifelong benefits of sports participation. The National Governing Bodies (NGBs) are concerned about the decreasing participation and are actively developing new programs targeted for youth, increasing training for coaches, instigating more stringent safety measures, reducing distances for travel tournament play, and offering new formats of play. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) down-sized tennis courts with lower compression balls to introduce kids to the sport. US Soccer issued new guidelines banning players 10 years and younger heading the ball. Seeing significant decline in participation, U.S.A. Football developed Heads Up Football and is reported to be bringing additional changes to youth football. Parks and Recreation sports staff should expect increasing changes in best practices for the delivery of youth sports programs. The Aspen Institute recently published The Sport for All, Play for Life, A Playbook to Get Every Kid in the Game. It provides strategies targeted specifically for parks and recreation and other youth sports delivery systems for the purpose of increasing participation youth sports participation with the kids’ benefit in the forefront.
Appendix.78 City of Douglasville
A.9: Opinion of Probable Cost City of Douglasville CPRMP Item
Opinion of Probable Cost 7/26/18 EXISTING FACILITIES
Fowler Field Layout survey ADA Accessible path from parking to field level Playground refresh (new mulch and ADA access) Convert to Passive Park (add tables / benches / pavilions) Regrade to improve drainage Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget .
Hunter Memorial Park - Grounds Layout survey Common area reseeding Landscape beds in baseball complex - replant Baseball Batting cage drainage Fencing reparis at ballfields Drainage at Honor Garden Area Add fitness equipment along loop trail Repair Eroding Slopes - Permanent landscaping and retaining walls where necessary Youth Softball Dugout Repairs - replace roof on wood structure, paint block Youth Softball Batting Cage Drainage Youth Softball Grounds Drainage Youth Softball Restroom Building - Repaint Youth Softball Maintenance Building - Repair ADA at Youth Softball - provide accessible access to fields and dugouts ADA at Baseball - adjust bleacher locations ADA at Adult Softball - bleacher pad slope and add handrails ADA at Tennis - add handrail at ramp from ADA parking due to length Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget
Cost $7,500 $25,000 $15,000 $80,000 $250,000 $475,650 TBD $475,650 $500,000 $3,500 $30,000 $40,000 $25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $25,000 $75,000 $30,000 $15,000 $30,000 $10,000 $15,000 $5,000 $3,500 $20,000 $5,000 $462,420 TBD $462,420 $500,000
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.79
Hunter Park Upper Tennis Courts - Convert Tennis to Baskteball and Pickleball w/Shade $180,000 Resurface Existing Tennis Courts $20,000 Demolish and Remove existng fence $15,000 Equipement and Striping for Basketball and Pickleball Shade Structure $50,000 Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget .
Ike Owens Community Center and Lake Area Layout survey ADA Service Counter in Building ADA Parking renovations Proivde ADA Path to picnic areas at parking Provide ADA access to pavilion Repair loop trail around lake, to be ADA compliant Provide ADA handrails on piers (Wood, 2 Piers) Provide ADA access to benches along trail (Per Bench Cost, includes new bench) Drainage improvements at Playground Replace mulch at Playground / include swing pads Misc. Improvements Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget Jessie Davis Park - Complete Redevelopment Update based on Master Plan prepared for park Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget
Appendix.80 City of Douglasville
$333,900 TBD $333,900 $390,000 $2,000 $1,500 $20,000 $2,500 $2,000 $25,000 $20,000 $7,500 $15,000 $20,000 $100,000 $271,530 TBD $271,530 $300,000
$2,810,000 $3,540,600 TBD $3,540,600 $3,550,000
Jessie Davis Park - Convert Football to Artificial Turf Based on full area within existing fence Drainage extension to Field Connection Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget Jessie Davis Community Center
Misc. Building Repairs Refresh / Maintain existing landscape Reseal and Restripe Parking Lot ADA updates Layout Survey
Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget Mill Village Park Update based on Master Plan preapred for park Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget
$750,000 $25,000 $976,500 TBD $976,500 $1,000,000 $50,000 $25,000 $12,000 $5,000 $2,500 $119,070 TBD $119,070 $150,000 $400,000 $504,000 TBD $504,000 $600,000
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.81
West Pines Golf Course Clubhouse Renovations - Updated Kitchen / CafĂŠ - Add cover and tables to outdoor patio - Trim / reduce landscaping at building - Provide accessible path from ADA parking to Clubbhouse entrance Maintenance Building / Maintenance Area - Replace Maintenance Building (under separate scope) - Add fencing to enclose yard - Replace pavement - Provide landscaping to screen views from course Course Maintenance and Improvements Provide Cart Pulloff area at 9th hole restroom Provide ADA path from cart path to 9th hole restroom Replace Irrigation Pump and Pump House Repair irrigation system to be fully operable Rebuild Spillway Renovate existing course to make more playable Construct Training Center Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget Willing Workers Park Update based on Master Plan prepared for Park Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget
Appendix.82 City of Douglasville
$60,000 $20,000 $5,000 $3,500 $0 $27,500 $75,000 $7,500 $5,000 $1,500 $300,000 $100,000 $200,000 $125,000 $350,000 $1,612,800 TBD $1,612,800 $1,900,000 $495,000 $623,700 TBD $623,700 $650,000
Worthan Park Master Plan to better utilize space Repaint / Repair Gazebo ADA access throughout park Delineate ADA parking in lot Repair eixisting pedestrian lighting Repair eroding areas and reseed lawn to fill in Add dog park w/ Shade Structure (Per Downtown Plan)
$35,000 $7,500 $13,000 $7,500 $12,000 $5,500 $100,000
Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget
$227,430 TBD $227,430 $250,000
Total existing facilities cost
$9,790,000
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.83
City of Douglasville CPRMP Opinion of Probable Cost 7/26/18
Item
NEW FACILITIES
Park Master Plan Restroom Building Layout survey Parking Lot (150 - 160 Spaces) Park Signage Wayfinding Signage Asphalt Trail System w/ benches
Bright Star Property
Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget As referenced in Downtown Plan
Future Town Green
total Recommended Budget Park Master Plan Indoor Aquatic Center Gymnasium Site Work Land Acquisition
New Park 1 - Aquatic Center
Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget
Appendix.84 City of Douglasville
Cost $35,000 $220,000 $4,500 $150,000 $15,000 $15,000 $425,000 $1,089,270 TBD $1,089,270 $1,260,000 $2,200,000 $2,200,000 $2,200,000 $35,000 $3,500,000 $2,500,000 $1,500,000 TBD $9,494,100 TBD $9,494,100 $10,920,000
New Park 2 - Multi-Purpose Field Complex Park Master Plan Multi-Purpose Fields (6 Full Sized, Artificial Fields) Field Lighting (1) Concessions and (2) Scorers Buildings Playground (2,500 SF Play Surface) Picnic Pavilions (8) Site Work Maintenance Complex Land Acquistion Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget Trail System Addition
Trail Master Plan Multi-Use Trail System (Approx. 7 Miles @ 12' Wide) Trail Head w/ Building and Parking (2) Lighting and Security Signage Land Acquistion
$35,000 $5,500,000 $1,000,000 $3,000,000 $375,000 $600,000 $2,750,000 $500,000 TBD $17,337,600 TBD $17,337,600 $19,940,000 $25,000 $2,500,000 $750,000 $350,000 $75,000 TBD
Subtotal with 5% Mobilization, Fees, Etc. and 20% Contingency Design Services (CD) total Recommended Budget
$4,662,000 TBD $4,662,000 $5,370,000
Total new facilities cost
$39,690,000
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Appendix.85
Prepared for the City of Douglasville by: Lose Design 220 West Crogan Street, Suite 100 Lawrenceville, GA 30046