Mansfield Parks and Recreation FY 22-23 Annual Report

TENNIS MANSFIELD

PARKS AND RECREATION

2022-23 annual report

MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION 1164 MATLOCK ROAD MANSFIELD TX 76063 817.728.3680 | mansfieldparks.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS YEAR IN REVIEW

5

Goals and Progress

12

MAJOR INITIATIVES

17

CAPRA Accreditation

18

Financial Sustainability Study

18

ADA Transition Plan

18

Department Brand Campaign

19

Three-Ring Ribbon Cuttings

20

Park Standards

22

Ten Minute Walk

23

DIVISION UPDATES

25

Recreation Services

26

Park Operations

28

Marketing and Communications

30

Events and Outreach

32

PROJECT UPDATES

35

McClendon Park West

36

Gertie Barrett Park

38

Watson Branch Park

40

Katherine Rose Memorial Park

42

James McKnight Park West

43

Skinner Sports Complex

44

Walnut Creek Linear Trail

46

Mansfield National Golf Club

47

Additional Park Projects

48

FINANCIAL REPORTS

51

Cash Flow Reports

52

Recreation Services

54

LOOKING AHEAD

56

3

4

YEAR IN REVIEW 5

2022 2023 $750k YEAR IN REVIEW

BY THE NUMBERS

in grant funding awarded from Texas Parks and Wildlife

177,146 mac visitors

8

awards received

28,000

FLOWERS PLANTED

50 YEARS since the first Mansfield Park Board formed

6

three

park openings

25,157

attended parks & rec events

3,387

NATURE EDUCATION FIELD TRIP PARTICIPANTS

357 water quality tests

20 acres

acquired

28%

current ten-minute walk rate in Mansfield; up from 20% in 2022

30

NEW MEMBERS OF THE MANSFIELD PARKS & REC TEAM

1,172,027

residents reached on the parks & rec facebook page 7

THIS YEAR IN MANSFIELD PARKS JANUARY 2023 01/01: A year-long campaign began to highlight the newly adopted department brand, including in-person and online activities, challenges, events and promotions that celebrate the ways Mansfield residents can Gather, Grow, Preserve and Play in our parks and programs.

OCTOBER 2022 10/13: Mansfield crews represented our city well once again at the North Region Maintenance Rodeo, with the irrigation team winning first place for the 8th time.

10/26: City leaders, friends and family gathered to dedicated the pond behind the department's administrative offices in memory of Toby Goodman, former state representative.

10/27: 122 little monsters and their families braved fall storms for the annual Boo Bash at the MAC.

NOVEMBER 2022 11/04: Staff and MPFDC members attended the North Region conference, where the department received the Park Design Excellence Award for Mans Best Field Dog Park and the Lone Star Programming Award for the 100 Hours of PLAY campaign.

11/05: Parks and recreation employees were among other city staff recognized on a special float in the annual Veterans Day Parade and Salute.

DECEMBER 2022 12/01-03: The giant fishing tank, gaga ball pit and play areas were the hit of the city's annual Hometown Holidays festivities.

12/13: Senior Services Supervisor Suzanne Newman retired after 21 years serving Mansfield senior citizens.

12/17: Tea and biscuits were served to toast literary legend Jane Austen in a new event honoring the author of many famous books, including Mansfield Park.

8

01/05: Spring Discount Day included an open house event for residents to explore the MAC and sample recreation classes before registering for programs. Senior Lifestyles held their first Topsy-Turvy Open House, with programs held in the evening and open to friends and family to participate.

01/14: Returning to its roots as a free community event, hundreds braved the chill to start the new year off on the right foot at the Winter Walk 5k fun run.

01/26: Mayor Michael Evans gave an update to hundreds of residents at the 2023 State of the City event.

01/26: Texas Parks and Wildlife awarded a $750,000 matching grant to the City of Mansfield to fund renovations at James McKnight Park West.

01/31: Winter storms force City facility, school and road closures throughout the region. In response, the MAC proudly served as a warming station for residents without power or a safe shelter.

03/16: Executive Director of Community Services Matt Young announced the creation of the Heath Woodard Remarkable Service Award, to be given annually to the employee who best exemplifies our goal of exceeding expectations and leading as a team with uncompromising integrity. Heath retired this month after nearly 30 years serving Mansfield residents, and was known for his hard work and leadership.

FEBRUARY 2023 02/16: Long before it was an official corporation, the MPFDC was a simple advisory board, whose first representatives were appointed on February 13, 1973. We celebrated the 50th anniversary at this month's MPFDC meeting.

02/22: Back by popular demand, the Tutu 2.2 mile run proved once again to be a fun, footloose event.

02/22: Matt Young, Executive Director of Community Services, presented a complete reimagining of Katherine Rose Memorial Park during the Shark Tank portion of the annual City Council retreat. The successful pitch led to a $4 million award of American Recovery Act funding to make the winning concept a reality.

03/01: Park Operations crew members Anthony Ford and Chris Adolph won their third-straight state championship in the TRAPS State Maintenance Rodeo.

03/11: Spring break was full of play, with events like a chalk art contest, Nerf night, and nature classes covering all ages and interests.

APRIL 2023 04/01: An April Fool's Day post claiming to rename Oliver Nature Park for Taylor Swift went viral, causing discussion, debate and a lot of laughter.

04/05: Park crews were featured in multiple media reports for their viral photo shoot in the bluebonnets with shelter dogs, which also led to at least dozen adoptions.

04/22: The department's first Community Planting day saw a few dozen volunteers getting their hands dirty at Oliver Nature Park to help preserve our green spaces.

04/22: Hundreds of residents flocked to the three-ring ribbon cutting of Watson Branch Park, Gertie Barrett Park and McClendon Park West in one busy morning.

04/26: Retired Deputy City Manager and former Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Lanners was honored with the Distinguished Professional Award from the DFW Directors Association. This lifetime achievement award recognized not only her work in Mansfield but also as a fierce advocate for the entire industry.

04/29: Parks and Recreation staff participated in two large citywide events today; Earth Day Mansfield and the Music Alley music and arts festival.

MAY 2023

MARCH 2023 03/02: Staff and MPFDC board members attended the TRAPS State Conference in Frisco.

05/01-03: Mansfield proudly hosted two NRPA representatives for an on-site evaluation as part of the CAPRA accreditation process. The review included meetings with staff at various levels, document analysis and discussion, and a dinner with the mayor, City Council, and MPFDC members.

9

THIS YEAR IN MANSFIELD PARKS 05/09: The Walnut Creek Drive bridge north of Katherine Rose Memorial Park closed for TXDOT work to begin. The project, part of a federal initiative to replace aging infrastructure, rerouted the linear trail to a street crossing with four-way stop.

05/13: Hundreds of residents fluttered to Oliver Nature Park for the annual Monarch Festival, which featured the new addition of an immersive butterfly tent.

05/20: The Super Awesome Amazing Incredible Fantastic Toddler Tri had tiny superheros running, biking, strolling, and splashing through Chandler Park.

05/26: City Council and staff recognized former Deputy City Manager Shelly Lanners on her retirement after 22 years with a namesake on the parks offices, now officially designated the Shelly D. Lanners Administrative Offices.

07/14: Retired NFL player-turned author Lenzy Pipkins returned to the MAC, where he spent many hours of his childhood in Mansfield, to read his first book. Staff planned a special event around the occasion, with crafts and games in addition to the author Q&A.

JUNE 2023

AUGUST 2023

06/01: The 100 Hours of PLAY campaign kicked off for the second year to thousands of eager kids. The program included nine weeks of free events and activities, a play challenge, and tons of fun prizes and promotions.

08/04-05: The pickleball craze is alive and well in Mansfield, and the annual Summer Slam Pickleball Tournament at Fieldhouse USA saw hundreds of players aiming to paddle their way to the top.

06/17: Parks and Recreation outreach booths represented the department and added tons of play to the City's annual Juneteenth Festival.

JULY 2023 07/01: Mansfield City Council declared July Parks and Recreation Month to match the national designation.

Staff planned promotions, events and goodies for guests, and received a gift bag and thank you from leadership.

08/21: MPFDC board members and Oliver Nature Park volunteers were among the groups honored with the President's Volunteer Service Award in recognition of their many hours of service to the community.

SEPTEMBER 2023 09/07: The 100 Hours of PLAY campaign won the Community Engagement Award of Excellence at the annual City and County Communications and Marketing Association conference this month.

10

09/08: Staff from across the department came together to battle other parks and recreation agencies in the DFW Director's Association 6-pack event with events like kayaking, archery, cornhole and human foosball.

09/21: Dr. Wendy Collini retired this month after 21 years of service to the community as a member of the Mansfield Park Facilities Development Corporation.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) North Region Maintenance Rodeo, Oct. 2022 1st place, Irrigation Assembly

09/23: Hawaiian Falls Mansfield ended their summer season by hosting Mansfield's first-ever Lucky Luau, with dogs invited to splash and play alongside their owners.

All proceeds benefited the Mansfield Animal Care and Control Lucky Fund.

North Region Conference, Nov. 2022 Park Design Excellence, Mans Best Field Dog Park Lone Star Programming, 100 Hours of PLAY State Maintenance Rodeo, Feb 2023 1st place, Irrigation Assembly Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) Annual Conference, Sept. 2023 Community Engagement Award of Excellence, 100 Hours of PLAY Challenge President's Volunteer Service Award MPFDC Board (bronze) Oliver Nature Park volunteers (gold)

09/30: The final event of the year was doggone pawfect as over 100 pups participated in the Barks & Rec 5k, which pairs runners with dogs from area animal shelters.

11

GOALS AND PRIORITIES Mansfield Park Facilities Development Corporation and City Council adopted a ten year master plan in October 2020 that outlined the steps necessary to shape the future of the department in line with the demands of the community, both today and tomorrow.

The plan identified five primary goals, each with specific strategies for the four divisions of the department, as well as development projects divided by quadrant to address the specific needs of that area. In total, the plan included over 100 strategies and 60 projects for an ambitious but achievable road map to the future.

The goals identified in the 2020 Master Plan were created to meet the department vision while also clearly focused on the overarching citywide vision as well, known as True NORTH: • Noteworthy essentials • Organizational excellence • Remarkable experiences • Together as one • Healthy economy 12

The True NORTH vision is revisited annually at the City Council strategic planning workshop, where specific priorities are identified for the upcoming year, based on overarching goals and time-sensitive projects and needs.

Mansfield Parks and Recreation uses the department goals and City Council priorities to develop both a long-term strategic plan as well as an annual work plan, which defines projects and initiatives needed to meet the aforementioned goals while providing safe and welcoming parks, programs and facilities. The work plan is developed during the budget process and tracked via quarterly reports and internal performance measurement.

All projects and initiatives detailed in this annual report will include icons as shown to the left indicating which of our departmental or City Council goals and priorities were addressed and/or met by the efforts. This comprehensive, big-picture view is not only a way to keep the entire organization on the same page, but, most importantly, to keep everyone working towards the same goals and ultimately achieving the same shared vision for the future of Mansfield.

MANSFIELD PARKS AND RECREATION

STRATEGIC GOALS INCREASE ACCESS TO PARKS & PROGRAMS Ensure all residents have access to quality parks and programs regardless of location, ability, age, interests or socioeconomic barriers.

DEVELOP, MAINTAIN AND INNOVATE Set a standard for excellence by constantly improving the quality, variety, safety, and recreation options, and seeking new additions and updates.

IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS Provide safe and engaging spaces and opportunities for residents to connect, build relationships, improve health and make memories.

PRESERVE NATURAL SPACES Protect ecologically sensitive areas through land preservation and environmentally aware construction and maintenance practices.

CULTIVATE COMMUNITY PRIDE Provide parks, programs and events that foster pride, generate positive attention and encourage tourism and economic growth.

MANSFIELD CITY COUNCIL

2023 PRIORITIES PROVIDE A SAFE COMMUNITY Focus on initiatives that enhance public safety, reduce crime, and foster a sense of security among residents. Invest in facilities, equipment, personnel, training, and healthcare partnerships.

IMPROVE CITYWIDE MOBILITY Showcase efforts to improve transportation and mobility options throughout the city, easing traffic congestion and enhancing accessibility.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE Highlight investments and initiatives that support the well-being and development of the city's fiscal sustainability, future generations, and our efforts to foster relationships with our local partners.

BUILD STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS Foster a sense of community and engagement within neighborhoods, promoting initiatives that bring residents together. Decentralize amenities and noteworthy high-quality services.

DEVELOP A STRONG ECONOMY Showcase economic development efforts that attract businesses, create jobs, and promote economic prosperity.

Look for a tracker like this on each page to identify the corresponding goals and strategies that project or intiative addresses:

13

MASTER PLAN GOAL PROGRESS INCREASE ACCESS TO PARKS & PROGRAMS Completed Gertie Barrett Park, Watson Branch Park and McClendon Park West

Complete

Completed ADA Transition Plan to identify and address inclusion and/or access barriers

Complete

Completed citywide Cultural Arts Master Plan; parks staff served as committee representatives

Complete

Walnut Creek Linear Trail phase 3B, 4A and Pond Branch trail expansion to Rose Park in progress

In progress

In design phase for adaptive playground at Katherine Rose Memorial Park

In progress

Acquired new properties for future parks and/or trails

Ongoing

Continued and expanded SUPER Kids sensory-friendly programs

Ongoing

Continued partnership for joint activities between local special needs group and Senior Lifestyles

Ongoing

Offered expanded free, pop-up style events and outreach opportunities to reach more residents

Ongoing

Represented the department at local cultural events, including Juneteenth and Music Alley Festival

Ongoing

DEVELOP, MAINTAIN AND INNOVATE

STATUS

Completed CAPRA accreditation process to ensure the department is operating at peak performance

Complete

Expanded parking at Oliver Nature Park

Complete

Continued upgrades to Skinner Sports Complex

In progress

Began regular cross-division meetings to brainstorm new programs, improve service and experience

Ongoing

Developing internal standard operating procedures to improve service quality and consistency

Ongoing

Began regular customer service, skills training and team-building meetings within each division

Ongoing

IMPROVE HEALTH & WELLNESS

STATUS

Trail expansion in progress to add more fitness access

In progress

Working with MPD to improve security camera systems and develop a comprehensive security plan

In progress

Expanded 100 Hours of Play, added GROW For It fitness challenge to reach adults, more residents

Ongoing

Expanded senior fitness classes to give more activity options based on feedback from participants

Ongoing

PRESERVE NATURAL SPACES Purchased multiple properties to preserve open space

CULTIVATE COMMUNITY PRIDE

14

STATUS

STATUS Ongoing

STATUS

Continuing destination playground and renovation at Katherine Rose Memorial Park and Hardy Allmon Soccer Complex

In progress

Continued signage master plan to improve appearance and education at parks and facilities

In progress

Continued department brand roll-out campaign to raise awareness and reputation in the community

In progress

Submitted and received several industry awards which recognize staff and bring positive attention

Ongoing

Continued strong social media presence to keep department highly visible in the community

Ongoing

Participated in State of the City, Muni-Versity and other opportunities for public feedback

Ongoing

MASTER PLAN PROJECT PROGRESS CITYWIDE PROJECTS

SOUTHWEST PROJECTS

Multi-generational Recreation Center

Katherine Rose Memorial Park

Active Adult Center

Walnut Creek Linear Park Phase 4

Nature Education Center

Julian Feild Park/ Serenity Gardens

Playground Shade

James McKnight Park West

Mansfield Activities Center Expansion

Southwest Community Park

Family Aquatic Centers

McClendon Park East

Britton Park

Hardy Allmon Soccer Complex

Parks Storage Facility

Spine Trail Segment C

Tennis Center at Legacy High School

Southwest Neighborhood Park #1 (Birdsong Park)

Off-leash Dog Parks

Spine Trail Segment D

Skate park

Spine Trail Segment E Southwest Neighborhood Park #2

NORTHWEST PROJECTS

Pond Branch Linear Park

Gertie Barrett Park

McClendon Park West

Town Park

Spine Trail Segment O

Spine Trail Segment K

Southwest Neighborhood Park #3

Northwest Neighborhood Park #1 (Watson Branch Park) Spine Trail Segment A

SOUTHEAST PROJECTS

Spine Trail Segment B

Walnut Creek Linear Park Phase 3A

Piedmont Park

Walnut Creek Linear Park Phase 3B

Killian Park Northwest Community Park Northwest Neighborhood Park #2

James McKnight Park East Lucretia & Gary Mills Park Southeast Neighborhood Park #1

NORTHEAST PROJECTS Walnut Creek Linear Park Phase 2A Clayton W. Chandler Park Northeast Neighborhood Park #1

Michael L. Skinner Sports Complex Walnut Creek Linear Park Phase 2C Harold M. Bell Park

Philip Thompson Soccer Complex

Spine Trail Segment G

Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park

Spine Trail Segment H

Donald R. Barg Park

Southeast Neighborhood Park #2

Barg to Chandler Trail Connection Spine Trail Segment J

Spine Trail Segment F

Spine Trail Connector

Spine Trail Segment L

Northeast Neighborhood Park #2

Southeast Neighborhood Park #3

COMPLETED

IN PROGRESS

APPROVED IN BOND PGM 15

16

MAJOR INITIATIVES 17

PLANNING & ACCREDITATION CAPRA ACCREDITATION The National Recreation and Park Association's CAPRA accreditation (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies, and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management and service to the community.

This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services. As of September 2023, there are only 206 CAPRA-accredited agencies, representing less than 1% of the more than 23,000 parks and recreation departments nationwide.

Mansfield Parks and Recreation has been working towards accreditation since 2020, which included collecting and/or creating documents that demonstrate the department's compliance with 154 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures.

The standards range from maintenance procedures and planning guidelines to financial transparency and community outreach plans. Often the process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality of service and operation. T hat tedious and detailed work wrapped up this year, with all documentation submitted by the February deadline, followed by a site visit and in-person evaluation by a team of trained visitors in May. Based on their written report, the department was given a preliminary passing grade, pending final approval at an in-person hearing with the Commission in October 2023 during the NRPA National Conference in Dallas.

ADA TRANSITION PLAN As part of the department's goal to improve access to all guests, Mansfield Parks and Recreation contracted with Accessology, Inc, this year to conduct evaluations on all parks, athletic fields, and facilities. Based on those results, the firm created a transition plan that clearly outlines any access barriers or violations, action needed, and estimated costs. That plan was finalized in October and prioritizes repairs at each park and facility. This will allow the department to begin mapping out a specific action plan to resolve each barrier in the coming years.

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY STUDY Also in line with the increased focus on the future and long-term planning, much of the year was spent working with representatives from 110% Inc. for a comprehensive financial sustainability study. The project included meetings with stakeholders and leadership, along with an in-depth analysis of budgets and revenue to determine the true cost of all organization-wide programs and services, which are then ranked on a sliding scale of cost-recovery goals to ensure subsidies are given based on impact to the community. The end result will not only be a look at previous programs and services, but an interactive dashboard that will allow staff to determine expenses and set accurate fees based on newlyestablished cost-recovery goals.

The study is in the final stages as of September 2023, with the final report set to be presented to both City Council and Mansfield Park Facilities Development Corporation later this fall.

18

DEPARTMENT BRAND CAMPAIGN In 2022, the department adopted a vision statement: “To inspire Mansfield to gather, grow, preserve and play through welcoming spaces and remarkable experiences.”

With that in mind, a multi-platform brand campaign launched in January 2023 to build awareness of the new mission and vision statements, and most importantly, bring the concept to life for both users and staff.

Parks are so much more than playgrounds and soccer fields, but often these other benefits are overlooked.

This campaign was designed to highlight everything the department offers and how it all fits together under the umbrella of our overall vision and mission. And above all, it needed to be fun! The unique combination of education, social content, online games and in-person events and activities helped showcase the many ways our parks and programs serve residents, bringing joy, building community and creating a truly welcoming, remarkable experience for everyone!

attended the rock painting and 400+ at Monarch Fest.

June-Aug: 100 Hours of PLAY Nine-week play challenge with free weekly events; 805 kids registered and logged over 28,000 hours, 153 families met/exceeded the goal, 2,250 at weekly events Oct: WALKtober Challenge Walking log/challenge, fitness education; 291 people and 51 dogs logged over 10,000 miles of walking/running As the year draws to a close, the fun continues! The final two months include inspirational and educational content, as well as a variety of family-friendly activities, each themed to the department brand messaging.

The strong, consistently-growing participation and positive feedback is a great sign that the impact is being felt and the goals of spreading the word about Mansfield Parks and Recreation is a success.

Each month followed a different theme within the tagline and included both in-person events and online activities and/or educational elements.

January: GROW for it Fitness challenge with free weekly fitness events; over 900 residents participated and 125,000 minutes logged February: GATHER together for family fun Sharing spaces and ideas for spending time together; free family nights at the MAC; over 150 guests at the Tutu Run and other family activities this month March: Spring break PLAY days Classes and events all week with a free chalk art festival; all events packed, including 60+ families in the contest April-May: PRESERVE roots & wings in spring Nature educational content, photo contest, rock painting/hunting event, community planting day and Monarch festival; 120 entries in the photo contest, 250

19

THREE RING RIBBON CUTTINGS One park opening can be a madhouse, so attempting three at once is nothing short of a circus. Realizing that, Mansfield Parks and Recreation embraced the chaos and leaned in to the theme! The three-ring ribbon cutting opened three parks in one single day, adding dozens of acres of parkland, four new playgrounds, nearly two miles of trails and two splash pads to our community inventory.

The circus theme also helped reach young families, who would be using the parks the most, and to create an atmosphere of a party rather than a formality. The date was announced with a ‘Greatest Showman’ style video, followed by additional promotions highlighting the various features most appealing to residents, and graphics that kept the three-ring concept and helped build excitement.

Ribbon cuttings are not typically well-attended events, but after years of hard work and important additions to the department, the celebration felt long overdue.

The goal was not just to open the parks, but to get the community as engaged and excited as staff was for these new additions. It also tied the three events together; many people who might have only been interested in the 20

park near their home joined the caravan and followed staff to each of the three locations, helping expose many residents to different parks and parts of the city. On a more basic level, the decorations and event details were all bright, colorful and unique, encouraging tons of usergenerated photos and posts, with guests helping expand our reach.

It was without a doubt, the greatest show we’ve put on in a long time! Each ribbon cutting was better attended than the one before, with crowds growing as the morning progressed. By the final park, hundreds of people had gathered to celebrate. Hours later, long after the circus had left town, all three locations were still packed with guests enjoying the new spaces. Social media posts promoting the event and the post-event recap pictures reached a combined audience of 285,273 across multiple platforms. Most importantly, we heard from countless residents, in person and via messages or social posts, about how excited they were to see the new parks and how much they appreciated this addition to our community, both in the time surrounding the event and in the months since.

21

PARK STANDARDS UPDATE BACKGROUND

STANDARD

2020 INVENTORY

2023 REQUIRED

2023 INVENTORY

2030 NEEDS

The 2020 Master Plan established a series of standards for land, parks and amenities intended to serve as an ambitious but attainable goal to work towards as we plan for park growth that is on pace with that of the City. Park standards are a commonly-used tool within the industry to ensure service is consistent for all residents, but also relevant to the unique needs of each community based on the landscape, available space, environmental factors, demographics and economy.

Mansfield’s standards were determined by a dedicated subcommittee who reviewed the existing standards along with research from NRPA and a detailed analysis of nearly 50 nearby communities. Adjustments were made for a variety of factors, resulting in a set of standards that accurately reflects Mansfield and its needs today and in the future.

Neighborhood Park Acreage

47

123

84

156

Community Park Acreage

462

411

462

520

Linear Park Acreage

102

165

76

208

Baseball Fields

14

16

14

21

Softball Fields

6

5

5

7

Soccer Fields

21

24

21

30

Football Fields

2

2

2

3

Basketball Courts

7

14

8*

17

Tennis Courts

3

10

3*

13

Sand Volleyball

4

8

4*

10

Linear Trail miles

5

16

6

21

Playgrounds

16

24

18*

30

2023 UPDATE

Pavilions

24

27

28*

35

Skate Parks

1

2

1

2

Dog Parks

0

1

1

2

Golf Courses

1

1

1

1

Disc Golf

1

1

0*

1

Regional Water Park

1

1

1

1

Family Aquatic Center

0

2

0

2

Splash Pad

1

2

3

3

Recreation Center

23k sqft

82k sqft

23k sqft

104k

Senior Center

10k sqft

12k sqft

10k sqft

15k

BELOW STANDARD

MEETS STANDARD

EXCEEDS STANDARD

This year, three major park projects were completed and open to the public; Gertie Barrett and Watson Branch Parks, both new additions, and a large redevelopment of McClendon Park West. These projects alone are responsible for a measurable improvement in park standards, but as the chart shows, the department still has large discrepancies in many areas. Projects currently in progress that will impact the standards include Walnut Creek Linear Trail expansions 3B and 4A, Katherine Rose Memorial Park/Hardy Allmon Soccer Complex redevelopment, James McKnight Park West, and Birdsong Park; amenities that will be affected by their completion are marked on the chart with an asterisk.

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*Currently in development

KEY

TEN MINUTE WALK UPDATE BACKGROUND The National Recreation and Park Association recommends a park within a 10-minute walk of every resident for equitable distribution of services. The 10-minute walkable service area uses a nationwide walkable road network dataset provided by Esri. The analysis identifies physical barriers such as highways, train tracks and creeks without bridges, and chooses routes without barriers. The current national average is 55%, with the highest rate in Texas in Plano, which has 80% of its residents within a 10-minute walk to a park.

A composite service area analysis from the Trust for Public Land completed during the 2020 Master Plan process determined that only 23% of Mansfield residents currently live within the recommended distance.

Improving that rate was identified as one of the most important strategies in the master plan, whether by adding land, developing land already in the inventory, or increasing access by adding trails and other connections.

2020 PARKSERVE REPORT

23%

of residents within the 10-minute walk goal

ParkServe Map Export

Import to note, Mansfield's population continues to grow, meaning more people to serve and even more parks needed than just a few years ago. In 2022, with no increase to parkland and a significant increase in population, our Park Score dropped to 20%.

2023 UPDATE This year, the completion of Gertie Barrett Park and Watson Branch Park helped make significant progress in our park distribution rates.

According to the most recent TPL Park Serve Report, Mansfield now has 28% of residents within walking distance to a park. This includes improvements to the Northwest quadrant, much of which was in the moderate to high-need zone. This initiative remains one of our highest priorities, both to improve safe access to parks and amenities and to build strong neighborhoods with a good service distribution throughout the city.

0

0.25 0.5

C r e d i t s : Wo r l d To p o g r a p h i c M a p : B a y l o r U n i v e r s i t y, C i t y o f F o r t Wo r t h , Te x a s P a r k s & W i l d l i f e , C O N A N P, E s r i , H E R E , G a r m i n , S a f e G r a p h ,

ParkServe Place

High priority

Park with public access

Moderate priority

10-minute walk service area

World Hillshade

Miles

±

2023 PARKSERVE REPORT

28%

Priority areas for new parks (place) Very high priority

of residents within the 10-minute walk goal

December 5, 2023. Copyright © Trust for Public Land. Trust for Public Land and Trust for Public Land logo are federally registered marks of Trust for Public Land. Information on this map is provided for purposes of discussion and visualization only. www.tpl.org

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24

DIVISION UPDATES 25

RECREATION SERVICES NEW AND RETURNING FUN This year, the recreation team brought plenty of ways for guests to gather, grow, preserve and play. This included the return of a few favorite events like the Super Awesome Tiny Tri and Winter Walk that had not been held in a few years, as well as the addition of new events like an e-sports tournament.

SENIOR LIFESTYLES FUN

The Recreation team provides fitness, enrichment and education classes, camps and events for all ages and interests, held at the Mansfield Activities Center, Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park, or other Mansfield parks and facilities.

The division also includes Senior Lifestyles programs, held weekdays at the MAC, and oversight of park and facility rentals and youth sports associations.

MAC VISITORS

177,146 RECREATION PARTICIPANTS

7,445

NATURE EDUCATION PARTICIPANTS

1,757

SENIOR MEALS SERVED

6,168

Caprice Gollaway was promoted to Senior Services Supervisor in December following the retirement of Suzanne Newman. The seniors never skipped a beat, with field trips, holidays and new daily programs like Chair Volleyball.

SUPER KIDS EXPANSION SUPER Kids programs for children with sensory or accessibility barriers were expanded this year, adding Family Nights to the already-popular Santa and Halloween programs. Staff is looking for additional avenues to serve this essential population and ensure all Mansfield kids have access to play.

MAC TO THE RESCUE The MAC management team, along with members of parks and recreation administration and the office of emergency management for the City of Mansfield, hosted an American Red Cross Disaster Shelter Fundamentals training class to assist the community when needed. These skills are especially helpful at the activities center, which is often used as a warming or cooling station during inclement weather, as was the case in January and July 2023.

PLANNING AHEAD In line with the department-wide focus on the future, especially with long-term planning and accountability, the recreation supervisors collaborated to create a Recreation Programming Plan detailing the division’s standard operating procedures. Quarterly staff training was expanded to include all new safety and service policies, as well as to implement the new W.E. A.R.E. Customer Service standards. Staff also began a more streamlined, cohesive process for evaluating rentals, programs and instructors to ensure optimal quality.

MAC MEMBERSHIPS SOLD

2,944

FIELD TRIP PARTICIPANTS

3,387

26

READ WITH ME Retired NFL player-turned author Lenzy Pipkins returned to the MAC, where he spent many hours of his childhood in Mansfield, to read his first book.

Staff planned a special event around the occasion, with crafts and games in addition to the author Q&A.

WE ARE

MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION

WELCOMING EFFICIENT ACCURATE REMARKABLE EXTRA

Never point, Always show Never accept "fine", Always seek remarkable Never leave it to chance, Always be prepared Never ignore, Always beat the greet

27

PARK OPERATIONS

ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES The Park Operations Division is responsible for all aspects of grounds maintenance for parks, facilities, athletic fields, landscape beds, irrigation systems, municipal properties and medians and rights-of-way.

This year brought major changes to the operations division’s internal structure, with multiple positions created, modified and updated to better align with duties and ensure a more consistently remarkable service level for residents.

In addition to the 1,100 acres of parkland that they maintain, this business unit also manages contractual grounds maintenance of 87 miles of medians and rightsof-way, and 125 acres of Cityowned property and municipal properties.

RAISING THE STANDARDS

PLAYGROUND INSPECTIONS

192

PAVILION RENTALS

450

FIELD AND COURT RENTALS

Also in line with this year’s focus on improving internal operations and quality of service, crews began conducting monthly park certifications. Similar to a playground inspection, these comprehensive reviews take a detailed look at each facility to quickly identify any maintenance issues, repairs, or areas for improvement.

Crews are also expanding the use of Green City GIS asset management system to take full advantage of the software and its potential. The goal is to improve the overall guest experience and reduce major damage or long-term disrepair by focusing on proactive work and preventative maintenance strategies.

These new standards are also in effect for our public-private facilities, whose exteriors got specific attention from operations crews this year. Efforts were made at each location to improve the landscaping, flower beds and overall curb appeal for a better overall appearance.

UPDATES AND UPGRADES

232

Oliver Nature Park, Chandler and Rose Parks all got enhanced security camera systems this year to keep guests safe and improve collaboration with the police department.

SPLASH PAD WATER TESTS

Multiple parks saw refreshed flower beds, including two new wildflower areas added through the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge program.

357

28

Brian Coatney was promoted to Parks Operations Manager. Matt Dowd and Anthony Ford were both promoted to Park Supervisors. Additionally, four employees were promoted to fill the newly vacant Crew Leader positions.

29

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS BRAND CAMPAIGN

The Marketing and Communications Division is responsible for all public-facing touchpoints with the community, including website and social media, in-person meetings and events, outreach and engagement efforts, program and event promotions, project and initiative updates, digital media creation, and managing the overall department brand and image.

FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

12,628

FACEBOOK REACH

1,172,027 INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS

3,966

INSTAGRAM REACH

154,427

EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS

4,799

EMAIL OPEN RATE

68%

HOME PAGE VISITS

7,439

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How does your family gather in the parks, grow stronger and healthier, preserve natural spaces and resources, and play together? This was the focus of the year-long department brand campaign that included social content, inperson events, promotions, challenges and more, all in the hopes of elevating our presence and positive good will in the community. Response was overwhelmingly positive and engagement high across the board all year, never more so than during the summer’s 100 Hours of PLAY, which returned for the second year to more than quadruple the participation numbers. 100 Hours of PLAY also won two major awards this year at communications and marketing conferences. The brand campaign will continue through December 2023.

PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS Program and event promotions are always a key focus. Changes to the email newsletter, including adding targeted lists and improving open/click rates, helped improve performance on that channel by nearly double. Other improvements included strategic social ads and campaigns, which helped the 2023 Summer Discount Day see more than double the average revenue.

WEBSITE The department website got a full audit and refresh ahead of the citywide redesign coming later in 2023. The site has seen widespread traffic increases thanks to better promotion, easier navigation and an increased use of QR codes on new department signage.

GETTING SOCIAL Department social media stats have improved significantly this year thanks to strategic focus on more creative, engaging content. Highlights include a series of Taylor Swift-related content that ended with an incredibly well performing April Fool's joke. That single post had a reach of over 600,000, our most successful Facebook performance to date. Also this spring, a photo shoot in the bluebonnets featuring park crews and shelter dogs went viral, resulting in two different features on local media. Instagram engagement is also tracking much higher due an increased focus on Reels, specifically new editing and audio options. A video on heat safety with a simple time lapse of melting crayons racked up over 155,000 views on Facebook and nearly 100,000 on Instagram, where that one video led to 251 new followers.

Social engagement and expansion is not just essential to growing our department brand, but also to having a wider audience available for program and event promotions.

31

EVENTS & OUTREACH Special events are one of the most direct, face-toface opportunities for interaction with residents and a great chance to build positive relationships and brand awareness. This year, Mansfield Parks and Recreation broadened our outreach efforts with multiple new and expanded events, many tied to the brand campaign or targeting a specific audience or population. The department has also made a strategic effort to host outreach booths at citywide events, as opposed to only working the logistical aspects of the event. These are often much larger in scale, and give greater chances for exposure and engagement.

In both cases, the focus this year has been on ensuring a remarkable experience. That meant anything from a 5,000-gallon fish tank next to a Christmas tree, or a tea party celebrating the author who literally wrote the book on Mansfield Park, to an immersive tent for guests to walk among hundreds of butterflies. Each event provides a chance to try something new, different, or exciting, and to help residents see that when you gather, grow, preserve and play with Mansfield Parks and Recreation, it's sure to be an event you won't forget.

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EVENT

FY 22-23

FY 21-22

FY 20-21

Boo Bash

359

398

323

Veterans Parade*

1,000

700

-

Fall Nerf Night

72

-

-

12,000

10,000

750

Jane Austen Day Tea Party

50

N

N

Candy Cane Hunt

200

N

N

MAC/Senior Open House

150

N

N

Winter Walk

150

150

200

Stargazing with Astronomers

150

150

-

Tutu 2.2

150

185

N

Chalk Art Contest

150

N

N

Spring Nerf Night

111

-

-

Bunny Brunch

125

134

54

Trail Rock/Egg Hunt

200

N

N

Community Planting Day

20

N

N

Three Ring Ribbon Cuttings

500

N

N

Music Alley Festival*

2,500

1,800

1,500

Monarch Festival

400

-

400

Super Awesome Toddler Tri

75

-

-

100 Hours of Play Pop Ups

2,000

1,200

N

Year-round Park Pop Ups

750

1,800

650

Summer Nerf Night

91

129

-

Juneteenth*

750

750

650

Mansfield Rocks*

3,500

2,500

3,000

MAC Book Reading

50

N

N

Summer Slam Pickleball

84

204

344

My Mansfield Muniversity

20

25

24

Lucky Luau at Hawaiian Falls

150

N

N

Barks & Rec 5k

150

200

182

Hometown Holidays*

* City event; parks and rec outreach booth - Event not held (COVID, weather, registration) N New event for FY 22-23

33

34

PROJECT UPDATES 35

MCCLENDON PARK WEST

McClendon Park West has had a few upgrades since opening in 1985, but this year saw the most dramatic− and exciting−one yet. The park reopened after nearly ten months of construction to reveal a massive renovation to hundreds of excited park guests.

Based on overwhelming demand for aquatics in the 2020 Master Plan, planners added a splash pad and new restroom building in the area previously used for the basketball court, with expanded and upgraded parking throughout to accommodate new guests.

The basketball court was relocated to the rear of the park, replacing the unused softball field. Thanks to the new space, the basketball area now has two full-size courts, covered seating, and dedicated parking.

The playground, which was upgraded in 2015, did not need any updates, but new sidewalks create better connectivity between the amenities, and the new picnic tables encourage long visits for all ages.

McClendon Park West is one of the most popular parks in the system and the renovations have been welcomed by the community with open, enthusiastic arms.

36

PROJECT

McClendon Park West

PROJECT MANAGER

James Fish

COMPLETED

April 2023

BUDGET

$2.4 million

FUNDING SOURCE

MPFDC/GF COs

DESIGN FIRM

Pacheco Koch; Fain Cuppett

CONTRACTOR

The Fain Group; 308 Construction

37

GERTIE BARRETT PARK

Gertie Barrett Park opened in April 2023 as Mansfield's 23rd park and a long-awaited addition to the northwest quadrant. The 8-acre park was designed to include two playgrounds, two pavilions, a looped walking trail around an open green space, natural wooded areas, a restroom and a splash pad.

Substantial efforts were made during the 10-month construction process to limit the impact of the development on the natural environment of the property, while at the same time being a cohesive addition to the neighborhood, with split-rail fencing and natural materials. The parking lot and entry drive wind through mature trees for a peaceful, ‘tucked away’ feeling. Layout was also key in aligning inclusive features, splash pad and playground to interact together as one cohesive space.

The walking trail surrounds a large open space, perfect for neighborhood use from picnics to free play.

The park was the top priority in the quadrant in the 2020 Master Plan, and included many high-priority amenities. According to a Trust for Public Land analysis, an additional 700 residents are now within a 10-minute walk to a park, with nearly half of those minority 38

households and almost 15% low-income. The park includes Mansfield's second splash pad, which had residents coming from all over the city to cool off in the hot summer.

Quickly becoming a new favorite, Gertie Barrett Park was the most-often mentioned park on a poll of favorite summer activities, and between social media and direct conversations, residents are eager to share their love and appreciation for the new park, or as they called it… “what a hidden gem…our new favorite park!”

PROJECT

Gertie Barrett Park

PROJECT MANAGER

James Fish

COMPLETED

April 2023

BUDGET

$2.4 million

FUNDING SOURCE

Park fees/GF COs

DESIGN FIRM

Dunaway Associates

CONTRACTOR

The Fain Group

39

WATSON BRANCH PARK

Watson Branch Park, located at 1420 Watson Branch Road, is a new neighborhood park in Northwest Mansfield that opened in April 2023, The park was built and funded by the Watson Branch subdivision developers and dedicated to the City through the Park Land Dedication and Development Ordinance.

The 8-acre linear park includes a paved trail that stretches along the outer edge of the mixed-use development for nearly a mile of linear trail between Mouser Way and FM 157. The gathering area includes two playgrounds, one larger 5-12Y unit and a toddler area with unique play structures, a pavilion and picnic tables.

Watson Branch is the sixth Mansfield park to be acquired through the ordinance, which was adopted in 2003 to help improve park distribution within new development.

Fees are assessed based on the number of homes added and must remain in the quadrant where the development is located to ensure the benefits reach those new residents. In this case, the developer chose to build a park above and beyond the required fees, thus giving their new residents, and the entire community, an even more remarkable experience.

40

PROJECT

Watson Branch Park

PROJECT MANAGER

James Fish

COMPLETED

April 2023

BUDGET

$600,000

FUNDING SOURCE

Parkland dedication

DESIGN FIRM

Studio 13

CONTRACTOR

Green Brick Partners

41

KATHERINE ROSE MEMORIAL PARK

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THIS DOCUMENT IS RELEASED ON 12-15-2022 FOR THE PURPOSE OF INTERIM REVIEW UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF J. SPENCER FREEMAN, R.L.A TEXAS LICENSE #2517.

IT IS NOT TO BE USED FOR REGULATORY APPROVAL, CONSTRUCTION, BIDDING OR PERMIT PURPOSES. ©2020 PARKHILL, SMITH & COOPER, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Katherine Rose Memorial Park has been a community favorite since it opened 26 years ago, but has yet to see any major upgrades or renovations beyond playground replacement. The park was marked as the number one priority in the southwest quadrant in the 2020 Master Plan due to the high visibility, high use, sentimental value and facility age. In 2021, Mansfield City Council reallocated $1.5 million to replace the playground. Park planners quickly realized the existing footprint severely limited the layout and size of any new equipment, and hired Parkhill to create a master plan that realigns the entire space, including Rose Park and Hardy Allmon Soccer Complex.

That plan was approved in October 2022, and an additional $4 million in federal ARPA funding was allotted to the project by City Council at their annual workshop in February 2023. Since that time, park planners have been working with the design consultants to finalize the concepts and layouts, including amenities and infrastructure.

42

As of December 2023, Parkhill has completed the construction plans for Phase 1A, which includes the park entry/driveway and parking lot expansion/realignment.

Katherine Rose Park Enhancements Masterplan Design work continues on Phase 1B, with a focus on potential playground layout and features.

Mansfield, Texas

12.15.2022

Staff has been reviewing plans and discussing any possible further public meetings necessary to gather and additional feedback and input.

PROJECT

Katherine Rose Memorial Park

PROJECT MANAGER

James Fish

TARGET COMPLETION

Spring 2025

BUDGET

$7 million

FUNDING SOURCE

GF COs, ARPA, MPFDC

DESIGN FIRM

Parkhill

CONTRACTOR

TBD

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03

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04

SPL

05

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06

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07

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08

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10

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11

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12

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13

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14

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21

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JAMES MCKNIGHT PARK WEST

On January 26, 2023, Mansfield Parks and Recreation was awarded a $750,000 non-urban outdoor recreation grant for James McKnight Park West from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC). The required 50% matching contribution will come from the City's half-cent sales tax fund. This is the second TPW grant for McKnight Park West, whose initial development was funded by the state. The park has remained largely untouched since opening, but sees heavy use as a trailhead for the Walnut Creek Linear Trail. McKnight West improvements were the fourth highest priority for the southwest quadrant in the 2020 Master Plan, and the highest unfunded item on that list.

studies, reports and data as required. Studio 13 Design Group was awarded the design contract to assist staff on finalizing the exact amenities and layout before developing a formal design. As of September 2023, those preliminary plans continue and the final documents are awaiting approval from TPWD. The next few months will include public engagement to get current feedback from residents and stakeholders. No date has been set for construction pending the finalized agreement.

Plans include an accessible playground with swings and shade, pavilion, picnic tables, looped trail with exercise equipment, and Mansfield’s first disc golf course. The project will also expand the linear trail to Julian Feild Park, giving residents safe access to the park and trail.

Since the award was announced, park planning staff have been working with state officials to gather all necessary

PROJECT

James McKnight Park West

PROJECT MANAGER

James Fish

TARGET COMPLETION

TBD

BUDGET

$2.1 million

FUNDING SOURCE

MPFDC/TPWD Grant

DESIGN FIRM

Studio 13 Design Group

CONTRACTOR

TBD

43

SKINNER SPORTS COMPLEX

This year saw the start of $1.5 million in renovations at Michael L. Skinner Sports Complex, the City's primary athletic complex, which have not seen any significant upgrades since opening in 1996.

Phase one, completed in Summer 2023, included a fresh coat of black paint on all fences and pavilions for a more traditional ballpark look, as well as new, vintage-style wayfinding signs. Most significantly, the foul line fencing was realigned to create enhanced player warmup spaces.

The work still in progress includes a a new entry plaza with baseball-themed design, decorative fencing with stone columns and an arched entry sign. The reconstruction of the main walkway will include lighting, benches, trees, wayfinding signage and landscaping leading to an enhanced pedestrian plaza area. This phase also includes some updates to improve accessibility.

The largest portion of the project is also the one most often requested by users: new restrooms! The new restroom building will be constructed adjacent to the existing building and be double the size of the current building. That space will be converted for sole 44

use as a concession stand, with new appliances and functionality that will allow our sports associations more menu options, storage, and better overall service. The construction contract for the restroom building was approved by City Council in October 2023 with work scheduled to begin as soon as the fall season ends.

All improvements are scheduled to be completed before opening day in the spring of 2024.

PROJECT

Skinner Sports Complex

PROJECT MANAGER

James Fish

TARGET COMPLETION

Winter 2024

BUDGET

$1.5 million

FUNDING SOURCE

MPFDC/Park Fees

DESIGN FIRM

Internal staff

CONTRACTOR

Various

45

WALNUT CREEK LINEAR TRAIL

Walnut Creek Linear Trail, Mansfield's most popular park amenity, is a continuous work-in-progress, with multiple phases in various stages of planning and design. The first segment of Phase 4A, which extends west from Town Park under the Main Street bridge, opened early in 2023. The half-mile trail, which includes a looped walking trail and access to the on-street sidewalks on the west side of Main Street, was built with and funded by the adjacent multi-family development through a park land dedication agreement and dedicated to the city upon completion. Land acquisition and right-of-way negotiations continue for Phase 3B. This segment, a combination of sidewalk improvements and expansion as well as new trail segments that will complete the connection from 3A to Oliver Nature Park, including a safe pedestrian crossing under Matlock Road. Design and construction documents are complete and awaiting land agreements. Additional expansions, focusing first on completing Phase 4A to Mans Best Field Dog Park, are in the planning phases, largely subject to land acquisition.

46

PROJECT

Walnut Creek Linear Trail 3B

PROJECT MANAGER

James Fish

TARGET COMPLETION

Winter 2024

BUDGET

$3 million

FUNDING SOURCE

MPFDC/GF Bonds

DESIGN FIRM

Kimley Horn and Associates

CONTRACTOR

TBD

MANSFIELD NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

Mansfield National Golf Club opened as the City's first public-private partnership in November 2000 and has been a popular recreation destination ever since.

Frequent users, however, expressed a desire for the addition of a permanent restroom facility.

Due to the course's unusual layout, wrapping nearby homes and crossing streets, the 'back nine' holes are a substantial distance from the clubhouse, making pit stops difficult.

Park staff identified the project as a priority this year, and quickly identified a convenient location for a building easily accessible from both holes 12 and 15.

The simple design mirrors the clubhouse and adjacent neighborhoods, blending seamlessly into the space.

As of September 2023, construction is still underway.

The walls, rock work and roofing are complete, with contractors now focused on plumbing, electric and other internal fixtures and finishing. The project is on schedule to finish in early Winter 2023-2024.

PROJECT

Mansfield National Golf Club

PROJECT MANAGER

James Fish

TARGET COMPLETION

Winter 2023

BUDGET

$400,000

FUNDING SOURCE

MPFDC

DESIGN FIRM

TRC Architects

CONTRACTOR

AAA Time Saver Services

47

ADDITIONAL PARK PROJECTS TOBY GOODMAN POND NAMESAKE DEDICATION Our community has been shaped by so many great leaders, many of whom are never thanked properly. In October 2022, Mansfield City Council, Mansfield Park Facilities Development Corporation, Mayor Michael Evans and State Representative David Cook gathered at the Parks and Recreation administration building to formally honor the late Toby Goodman, a longtime Mansfield resident, attorney and State Representative, with a namesake dedication on the pond. He was known for his community pride, endearing sense of humor, and, above all, as a fierce advocate for those without a voice, dedicating his time and legislative power to children in foster care, animal rights and other often-overlooked issues. As Representative Cook said at the ceremony, he leaves a “legacy of impact,” that will be felt in Mansfield for generations to come. Rep. Goodman, a proud supporter of the parks, lived just across the pond until his death in 2021, making the location a fitting tribute for the man whose influence reaches across the metroplex, but whose heart was always in his hometown.

WALNUT CREEK DRIVE BRIDGE RENOVATION The Walnut Creek Drive bridge north of Katherine Rose Memorial Park closed in May 2023 for a TXDOT bridge reconstruction, part of a federal initiative to replace aging infrastructure. The project rerouted the linear trail to an on-street crossing with four-way stop and is expected to take 9-12 months. Park planning staff worked with TXDOT to develop detours and ensure the plans coordinated with planned Rose Park improvements.

48

OLIVER NATURE PARK PARKING LOT EXPANSION In Spring 2023, the parking lot at Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park got a much-needed expansion. The 16 additional spaces were added in an open area between Matlock Road and the existing lot, and have a similar soft surface and natural alignment to the current parking lot.

The addition, which was met with considerable appreciation by residents, significantly alleviated many of the space concerns without a huge expense or, perhaps most importantly, removing any trees or impacting the native landscape.

LANNERS ADMINISTRATION NAMESAKE DEDICATION Deputy City Manager and former Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Lanners retired in January after 22 years serving Mansfield and its residents.

In recognition of her impact on the community, the Parks and Recreation and Convention and Visitors Bureau building was renamed the Shelly D. Lanners Administrative Offices by City Council in May 2023.

“The things that make a community a community are its park system, special events, the experiences we provide over and above the basic services, and Shelly Lanners has been vital to all those things,” said City Manager Joe Smolinski. “When you notice Mansfield is a special place to be, that it’s a special hometown, we have Shelly to thank for a lot of that.”

49

50

FINANCIAL REPORTS 51

CASH FLOW REPORTS The 2023-24 fiscal year was one of continued residential and commercial economic success for Mansfield, which translated into significant gains in sales tax, the primary source of revenue for Parks and Recreation.

IN THE LAST THREE YEARS: 9,947 new residents seven new parks and recreation employees

Those gains, combined with solid growth in revenue generated by the department's programs and rentals, resulted in another year of solid financial stability for the department.

9% 17% 23%

INCREASE IN EXPENDITURES

INCREASE IN MPFDC REVENUE

INCREASE IN SALES TAX REVENUE

GENERAL FUND EXPENSES

FY 22-23 ACTUAL

FY 21-22 ACTUAL

FY 20-21 ACTUAL

Senior Lifestyles

$ 311,250

$ 332,684

$ 308,929

Public Grounds

$ 2,153,336

$ 2,403,505

$ 2,287,401

$ 2,464,586

$ 2,736,189

$ 2,596,330

FY22-23 ACTUAL

FY21-22 ACTUAL

FY20-21 ACTUAL

Administration

$ 1,282,013

$ 1,532,687

$ 1,259,340

Field Maintenance

$ 807,197

$ 785,664

$ 705,904

Community Park Operations

$ 1,066,160

$ 1,153,290

$ 1,063,659

Neighborhood Park Operations

$ 502,994

$ 235,108

$ 180,399

Nature Education

$ 191,135

$ 138,362

$ 123,935

$ 1,010,865

$ 950,396

$ 823,880

Non- Departmental

$ 533,122

$ 325,196

$ 351,382

Capital Maintenance/Equipment

$ 378,105

$ 373,877

$ 444,807

$ 5,771,591

$ 5,494,580

$ 4,953,306

Total

MPFDC FUND EXPENSES

Mansfield Activities Center

Total

12 52

STAFFING AVERAGE YEARS OF SERVICE AMONG MANSFIELD PARKS & REC SUPERVISORS

FY 22-23

FY 21-22

FY 20-21

82,250

78,791

75,477

Full time

51

48

46

Part time

22

22

22

Seasonal

10

8

8

Population

MPFDC REVENUE

FY22-23 ACTUAL

FY21-22 ACTUAL

FY20-21 ACTUAL

MAC Fees

$ 499,376

$ 409,460

$ 311,529

Outdoor Recreation

$ 57,637

$ 57,060

$ 52,014

Athletic Field Fees

$ 212,659

$ 177,660

$ 141,628

Pavilion Rentals

$ 49,165

$ 52,778

$ 51,227

Mineral Lease

$ 151,096

$ 311,386

$ 138,609

Cell Tower Lease

$ 61,334

$ 45,392

$ 39,132

Mansfield National Golf Club

$ 100,000

$ 100,000

$ 91,667

Big League Dreams

$ 163,568

$ 142,127

$ 138,841

Hawaiian Falls

$ 372,381

$ 322,333

$ 96,166

FieldhouseUSA Mansfield

$ 600,000

$ 780,060

$ 550,360

Fieldhouse General Fund Transfer

$ 318,552

$ 141,072

$ 499,592

StarCenter Mansfield

$ 451,387

$ 451,387

$ 480,000

$ 3,037,155

$ 2,990,715

$ 2,590,765

SALES TAX-MPFDC

FY 22-23 ACTUAL

FY 21-22 ACTUAL

FY 20-21 ACTUAL

October 2022

$ 867,887

$ 817,695

$ 709,874

November 2022

$ 863,271

$ 670,718

$ 568,810

December 2022

$ 768,607

$ 716,792

$ 579,289

January 2023

$ 1,036,653

$ 921,064

$ 797,991

February 2023

$ 721,299

$ 640,631

$ 556,192

March 2023

$ 689,299

$ 564,124

$ 485,725

April 2023

$ 895,485

$ 854,217

$ 817,504

May 2023

$ 703,287

$ 696,404

$ 654,224

June 2023

$ 784,698

$ 751,462

$ 660,775

July 2023

$ 905,955

$ 941,931

$ 806,466

August 2023

$ 772,016

$ 758,187

$ 690,923

September 2023

$ 778,873

$ 745,564

$ 658,388

$ 9,787,329

$ 9,078,789

$ 7,986,163

FY22-23 ACTUAL

FY21-22 ACTUAL

FY20-21 ACTUAL

Revenue - Development Fees

$ 1,282,013

$ 1,532,687

$ 1,259,340

Revenue - Cash in Lieu of Land

$ 807,197

$ 785,664

$ 705,904

Expenditures

$ 1,066,160

$ 1,153,290

$ 1,063,659

Fund Balance 53

$ 7,429,999

$ 6,406,949

$ 5,241,888

Total

Total Sales Tax Revenue

PARK LAND DEDICATION AND DEVELOPMENT FEES

RECREATION SERVICES PROGRAM REVENUE

FY 22-23

FY 21-22

FY 20-21

Recreation

$282,240

$235,616

$180,785

Athletics

$34,068

$41,899

$42,386

Seniors

$7,022

$7,462

$4,340

Nature Education

$37,900

$40,825

$38,643

REGISTRATION

FY 22-23

FY 21-22

FY 20-21

Recreation

6,653

6,284

3,835

Athletics

3,799

3,821

3,504

Seniors

1,416

1,492

848

Nature Education

1,413

1,264

1,532

Programs Offered

1,179

1,107

1,046

Cancellation Rate

24%

16%

18%

FY 22-23

FY 21-22

FY 20-21

Day Passes

$3,276

$3,294

$3,165

Youth

$7,785

$6,773

$7,169

Adult

$9,586

$8,995

$5,882

Senior

$11,258

$10,556

$7,533

Family

$25,446

$22,702

$15,812

3,392

3,143

2,601

RENTALS

FY 22-23

FY 21-22

FY 20-21

MAC

$95,844

$76,539

$54,234

Athletic Fields

$63,356

$44,446

$33,000

Pavilions

$48,368

$46,788

$44,186

Tennis Courts

$3,245

$785

$2,072

Field Trips

$14,577

$10,777

$9,055

Total Rentals Booked

2,116

1,717

1,722

OTHER REVENUE

FY 22-23

FY 21-22

FY 20-21

Concessions

$6,817

$5,349

$3,666

Merchandise

$1,402

$791

$1,219

MEMBERSHIP REVENUE

Total Memberships Purchased

26% INCREASE IN FIELD TRIP REVENUE OVER FY 21-22

54

AVERAGE REVENUE PER PROGRAM

$306

20% INCREASE IN RECREATION REVENUE OVER FY 21-22

DISCOUNT DAY

$18,470.50 91%

Recreation programs are produced in three semesters each year; Spring

HIGHEST ONE-DAY TOTAL THIS YEAR

(January-April), Summer (May-August) and Fall (September-December.)

Prior to the start of each semester, the department hosts a 12-hour 10% sale

HIGHEST-EVER RECORDED ONLINE %

on fees, with an additional 5% online. Discount Day statistics are tracked as a barometer for program demand and trends, both overall and by seasons.

3-YR AVERAGES

FY 22-23

FY 21-22

FY 20-21

Spring Avg

January 2023

January 2022

January 2021

Total Registrations

420

376

329

201

Online Registrations

80%

91%

72%

86%

$13,136.12

$13,972.05

$7,317.65

$4,902.97

Summer Avg

April 2023

April 2022

April 2021

Total Registrations

578

534

625

409

Online Registrations

78%

88%

76%

71%

$19,102.13

$18,470.50

$18,384.06

$20,451.83

Fall Avg

August 2023

August 2022

August 2021

Total Registrations

557

521

681

468

Online Registrations

78%

89%

72%

72%

$13,714.90

$17,036.87

$15,051.87

$9,055.89

DISCOUNT DAY SPRING

Total Revenue SUMMER

Total Revenue FALL

Total Revenue

YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES The City of Mansfield offers a variety of programs through the Mansfield Activities Center, but outside organizations utilize City facilities to offer

TOTAL YOUTH SPORTS PARTICIPANTS THIS YEAR

recreational team sports. Those leagues are run independently by private associations who must meet certain criteria and provide appropriate documentation prior to entering into a facility use agreement. Field rental fees are assessed on a per-player basis, with discounted rates for Mansfield residency. Rental includes an allotment of field time, with additional fees assessed based on light usage and maintenance needs above and beyond normal operations. The leagues are invoiced each

5,906

45% 50% AVERAGE PERCENTAGE OF MANSFIELD RESIDENTS

HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF MANSFIELD RESIDENTS (KYA)

season based on usage charges and the reported registration numbers.

FALL 2022

SPRING 2023

RESIDENTS

NON-RESIDENTS

RESIDENTS

NON-RESIDENTS

TOTAL

MYBA BASEBALL

578

679

519

848

2,624

MSA SOCCER

570

617

467

529

2,183

KYA FOOTBALL

75

75

-

-

150

MGSA SOFTBALL

203

328

169

249

949 55

LOOKING AHEAD

Each new year brings exciting changes and progress. This year, Mansfield Parks and Recreation earned multiple awards, opened three parks, and secured nearly $5 million in external funding for exciting new projects.

It was, at the same time, largely focused on preparation and optimization. Thanks to the development of many long-term plans, internal policies and operating procedures, and CAPRA documentation, our team has set the stage for the next great chapter in the organization. As these new processes and procedures become the new standard, our services, programs and overall performance will only continue to exceed expectations.

Above all, this year has been crucial for confirming our commitment to the mission and vision developed as a team, and learning how we can all work together to make it a reality. We challenged leadership to raise the bar, refusing to settle for acceptable and, instead, to demand remarkable. Looking ahead, we challenge ourselves to reach those new heights and deliver the remarkable parks and programs that Mansfield residents deserve.

56

FY 2023-24 PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES: • Completion of CAPRA and official certification • Adoption of the ADA Transition Plan and first implementation steps • Adoption of the Financial Sustainability Study and implementation of cost-recovery goals and strategies in recreation and facility planning • Completion and first phase implementation of the Signage Master Plan • Start of Rose Park redevelopment • Completion and opening of Birdsong Park • Completion of Skinner Sports Complex renovations and McKnight Park East updates • Design and completion of the nature trail connecting McClendon Parks East and West.

• Design and completion of phase two of Mans Best Field Dog Park • Completion of Walnut Creek Linear Trail phase 3B