Table 2.1: Income and Housing Characteristics............................................................2

Demand for some facilities listed in the inventory may fluctuate in from today to 2030. For example, while dog parks appear to be meeting the community’s current needs, it is anticipated the city’s growth may generate a need for an additional dog park by 2030. It is also important to note that some facilities listed in Table 4.2 are typically less popular in Virginia. For example, cricket fields might be indicated as a need based on the total population. However, if there is little interest in the sport, it would not make sense to invest in that facility type. NRPA does not address pickleball or golf in the same manner. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the Department needs for these facilities in other ways, such as the public engagement exercises described in Chapter 3: Public Engagement. Lynchburg exceeds reported national averages of parkland acreage. NRPA reports an average of one park for every 2,277 residents served and 9.9 acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents. Based on the 2020 population estimate of 81,445 people, approximately 36 parks and 806 acres of parkland are needed to meet national averages. With 38 parks and approximately 1,009 acres of parkland, Lynchburg has met the national averages in both the number of parks and amount of parkland available. Current population estimates and population projections for the year 2030 were used to determine current facility deficits and surpluses in Lynchburg. Currently, the Department has a deficit in approximately 65% of indoor and outdoor facilities. Some facilities, like performance amphitheaters, could be provided by other orgnaizations. Schools facilities can be valuable partners in filling some of the deficits identified in this exercise. For example, E.C. Glass has a performance space that could serve as a community concert venue if joint use agreements are agreed to.

Blackwater Creek Trail, photo by Ed Page

EXISTING PARK LOCATIONS

Currently, the Department owns and maintains 38 park sites throughout the city. In general, these facilities are in central Lynchburg. Existing park locations and park types are shown on Figure 4.1. The distribution of these facilities is driven by population density with areas of higher density having more parks, and areas with lower density having fewer. This approach continues to be an effective delivery model in that city resources are planned where areas of higher service demands are required. Areas with a higher level of service include east and west of the Business US 460 corridor and along the James River. Conversely, areas with potentially lower levels of service include less densely populated areas outside of the US 501 corridor (see Figure 4.4 for population density).