Parks & Recreation Plan Update | 2013
PRIORITIZATION
The following is a summary of findings and recommendations and should be used as a guide to create a plan of action. Town staff should respond to changes in development patterns and availability of funding sources by adjusting the prioritization and recommendations as needed. Recommendations are categorized by implementation time: • Immediate (0-2 years): Elements that are in demand now. • Near Term (3-5 years): Elements the Town should address via planning, funding allocation, grant sources, and/or land acquisition. • Long Term Needs (6-10 years): Items that are priorities as the Town develops and the population increases.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS (0-2 YEARS)
High quality parks, recreation facilities, and programs help make Clayton an attractive place to live. The Town remains committed to providing resources that support its motto: “The Premiere Community for Active Families.” To uphold this commitment to quality, the Town needs to ensure that parks and recreation resources are accessible to residents and support the interests of the community. The following elements summarize current priorities.
PARK FACILITIES
Park Repairs: • Update and/or replace Municipal Park’s playground, tennis, and basketball court. Improve Communication: • Update facilities map so residents know where parks are and what they offer. Also, link sites to Google and the Town’s website.
• Create a park identity with an overall signage strategy. • Ensure residents are aware of open space and fields that are currently available. New Spaces: • Further define programs for the Community Center expansion. Determine the need for phase two elements such as a gymnasium, equipment room, pool, etc. • Provide more playground features and ensure they are universally accessible. • Respond to high demand for passive recreation spaces by phasing development of the future park at Neuse River and Covered Bridge Road to meet the needs for: playgrounds; water access to the Neuse River; community events space; kayak and canoe access; camping; hiking and trails; and special use facilities that could assist with the need for teen facilities and program offerings. • Look for new partnerships or facilities to help with extended ballfield use hours. School use partnerships are being reduced due to a trend in increased school security. This trend is expected to continue and further limit public access.
GREENWAYS
Residents, staff, and the Recreation Advisory Committee members expressed a strong desire to provide a well connected community with safe places for recreation and improved access between parks, schools, commercial centers, and neighborhoods. Connecting residents to these key areas can have a positive impact on health and wellness - especially for children in the community. Connecting to commercial districts and parks rated very high on the citizen response survey with improved economic generators a as
priority for the Advisory Committee. In order to build upon the success of the Clayton River Walk on the Neuse, Sam’s Branch Greenway, and trails within parks, the Town should: • Conduct feasibility studies and/or construction documents for the three recommended greenway alignments: »» Completion of Sam’s Branch Greenway to downtown »» The Clayton pedestrian connector (connecting the Community Center to Cooper Elementary) »» The Little Creek greenway • Seek and establish funding for implementation of the greenway system. • Look for ways to include greenway trail connections to and within existing parks - such as connections to the Community Center, Municipal Park, and Legend Park. • Feature greenways as Town Parks and Recreation facility resources. • Acquire additional greenway easements or accept/require greenway amenities as a part of new development or redevelopment projects.
PROGRAMS
How residents recreate is directly linked to the types of parks, recreation, and cultural resource facilities offered. It appears residents are happy with program offerings. However, responses indicate there is a fair amount of confusion about what is currently offered, where programs are hosted, and what time offerings are provided. It Executive Summary | 1-4