Hartford CORP

h

CITY OF HARTFORD

Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2018-2023

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Staff Mike Hermann, Director of Parks and Recreation Sara Cummings, Recreation Office Manager Justin Drew, City Planner Jason Schall, City Engineer Steve Volkert, City Administrator Parks and Recreation Commission Todd Rusniak, Chairperson Joe Fulop, Alderperson Jeffrey Troeller Scott Helms Amy Hoffmann Mark Kohnhorst Karin Buhle

2

Common Council Barry Wintringer, President Tim Michalak, Mayor Rachel Mixon Tony Garza Doug Carroll Wayne Rusniak Dennis Hegy Jeff Turchi Joe Kohler Joe Fulop Prepared by: This document was prepared by MSA Professional Services, Inc. with assistance from City staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Project No.: 216040

City of Hartford | Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

CONTENT O7

INTRODUCTION

11

ABOUT HARTFORD

25

1.1 Plan Purpose 1.2 Planning Process 1.3 The Role of Parks, Recreation & Trails 2.1 Local & Regional Context 2.2 Transportation & Circulation 2.3 Demographics 2.4 Physical Character & Environmental Resources 2.5 Existing Land Use & Zoning 2.6 Future Land Use Plans 2.7 City-Owned Facilities & Existing Recreation Programs 2.8 Privately-Owned Facilities & Recreation Organizations 2.9 School Facilities 2.10 County Facilities 2.11 Regional Parks & Recreational Facilities

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES & PROGRAMS

3.1 Goals, Objectives, Policies & Programs

29

ANALYSIS OF NEEDS AND DEMANDS

4.1 Quantitative Analysis 4.2 Geographic Analysis 4.3 Qualitative Analysis 4.4 Biking & Walking Suitability Analysis 4.5 Regional & State Insights

39

RECOMMENDATIONS

87

IMPLEMENTATION

A B C

D

5.1 Existing Park Facilities 5.2 New Park Facilities 5.3 Trail Improvements 5.5 Other Recommendations 6.1 Tools & Mechanisms to Fund Implementation 6.2 Plan Adoption & Amendments 6.3 Priority Improvements

SURVEY RESULTS PARK AND OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS/ METRICS PARKS AND RECREATION MAPS PARK MASTER PLANS

Chapter 1 | Introduction

5

6

City of Hartford | Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1 | Introduction

7

INTRODUCTION

1.1 PLAN PURPOSE Parks, recreation, trails and open space are important elements in the quality of life for all communities. Not only do parks, open space and trails provide a safe and healthy place to recreate, they also serve to beautify, protect the natural environment and influence the patterns of development in and around the community.

The City of Hartford realizes the importance and benefits its parks, open space and trail systems have on the community’s character and quality of life and is committed to providing for the recreational needs of current and future residents. This plan intends to guide the continual improvement of the City’s park, open space and trail systems to maintain its eligibility for State and Federal park and recreation grants. This plan envisions a connected system of parks, open spaces, and trails throughout Hartford, related to the community’s natural resources, geography and neighborhoods.

The plan is also intended to be a support document and component of the Hartford Smart Growth Plan.

This plan along with Hartford’s other long-range plans and development-related ordinances, will be used to implement its parks and recreation program.

Specifically the plan provides: ◊ Information regarding demographic trends ◊ An inventory of existing park and recreational facilities, ◊ An analysis of parkland and recreational needs and demands, ◊ General policy direction regarding park, open space, bicycle, and pedestrian facility planning and maintenance, ◊ Recommendations for improving existing park facilities and bicycle and pedestrian facilities, ◊ Recommendations for new park, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and ◊ Implementation strategies.

This plan identifies conceptual locations and recommendations for different types of parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational facilities. In nearly every case, more detailed planning, engineering, study, budgeting, and

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CORP & GRANT FUNDING The Wisconsin Legislature created the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (Stewardship) in 1989. Named for two of Wisconsin’s most revered conservation leaders, Warren Knowles (Governor 19651971) and Gaylord Nelson (Governor 19591963, U.S. Senator 1964-1981), the purpose of the program is to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation. The conservation and recreation goals of the Stewardship Program are achieved through the acquisition of land and easements, development of recreational facilities, and restoration of wildlife habitat.

The Stewardship grant program is the most widely used recreational grant program in the state. Eligibility for the program requires that a community maintain a local comprehensive outdoor recreation plan (CORP), updated every five years, and that the project for which grant funding is sought is described in the CORP. Many other similar state and federal recreational grant programs have similar requirements or have shown a tendency to favor those grant applications which are supported through previous community planning efforts.

City of Hartford | Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

discussions will be necessary before decisions are made to actually acquire land or construct recreational facilities.

1.2 PLANNING PROCESS Recreation and bicycle and pedestrian planning are essential components of long-range community planning in Hartford. Currently Hartford has a Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) that was adopted in 2012. In 2018, the City contracted with MSA Professional Services, Inc. to assist with an update to the 2012 CORP. This update included developing conceptual plans for two City parks: Charles Brassure and Centennial Parks. Preparation and adoption of the plan and concepts occurred over an eight month period. Assistance with the development of this plan was provided by City Staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Early in the planning process Hartford facilitated an online community survey to gather citizen feedback on desired public park, trail and recreational facilities (Refer to Appendix A). The process also involved a questionnaire for organizations/groups that use Hartford’s parks, and a public involvement meeting before draft recommendations, goals, objectives, policies and programs had been created.

A public hearing was also held prior to plan adoption.

It is the City’s intention to update this plan every five years, in-part to remain eligible for park and recreation grants (see side bar on previous page), and as best practice to ensure that the plan remains relevant to the community’s needs.

This plan was developed following the Guidelines for the Development of Local Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans of the 2011-2016 Wisconsin State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). The plan content and format have been tailored to fit the needs of Hartford.

PROJECT MILESTONES APRIL 2017 APRIL 2018 • Park and Recreation Commission - Survey Development MAY 2018 • Park and Recreation Commission- Park Tours • Community Survey • Open House JUNE 2018 • Park and Recreation Commission - Survey Review, Analysis of Needs JULY 2018 • Park and Recreation Commission - Review Park Site Concept Plans and Preliminary Recommendations AUGUST 2018 • Develop Draft Plan SEPTEMBER 2018 • Park and Recreation Commission - Review Draft Plan and Revised Park Site Concept Plans OCTOBER 2018 • Park and Recreation Commission - Plan Recommendation • Plan Commission - Plan Review • City Council Public Hearing • Plan Adoption

Chapter 1 | Introduction

9

INTRODUCTION 1.3 THE ROLE OF PARKS, RECREATION & TRAILS Proper planning is essential for the City’s parks, open space and trail systems to continue to meet the recreation needs of the community, as well as to continue to preserve valuable natural areas. Whether the City is experiencing a bear or bull period of economic growth, it is important to remember the many benefits that park and recreational facilities provide the community.

Community Image

Local parks provide opportunities for formal and informal social gatherings. Community festivals, organized recreational events, or chance meetings between residents at local parks, all provide opportunities for residents to socialize with people they might not otherwise meet. In addition, having excellent park and recreation facilities can be a source of pride for a community. These factors contribute to the image of the community as great places to live, work, stay and play.

Community Health

With the rising national trend in obesity, especially among children, the City’s park, recreational and trail facilities play a vital role in maintaining and improving the health of residents in the community and aiding in the physical development of children. Parks also provide sanctuaries and places for residents to mentally recharge.

Ecological Health

While parks, open spaces and trails provide opportunities to improve the health of residents, they also contribute to the greater ecological health of the City. Local parks are often tied together with environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, floodplains, surface waters, or significant woodlands which can include trails. These areas provide food and shelter for local wildlife and natural stormwater retention. Individual parks can provide important “rooms” of natural resource activity; however, they become even more functional when they can be linked together by environmental corridors, or “hallways.” Wildlife, plants, and water all depend on the ability to move freely within the environment from room to room.

Economic Prosperity

Leisure time is an important component of everyone’s lifestyle and increasingly people are choosing locations to live based on quality-of-life amenities such as recreational amenities. The ability to retain or attract new residents has direct economic benefits to the City. Studies have also concluded that property values generally increase the closer residential lots are to a park facility.

Parks and recreation also contribute to economic development. According to a study completed by the National Recreation and Parks Association and George Mason University, 72% of the 70 communities studied use parks and rec images in their economic development materials. The study notes that parks and recreation contribute to economic development through: ◊ Business attraction: Park and recreation agencies strengthen product development and enhance community “curb appeal”. ◊ Business retention and expansion: Active engagement with companies/workers can influence business expansion decisions and attract new residents. ◊ Talent attraction: Many business owners first learn about places as a visitor/tourist. Positive park/recreation experiences influence this1.

In addition, if a local parks system is designed with regional amenities, or connections to regional destinations, it can serve to bring in additional visitors. This additional tourism can be a significant benefit to local businesses.

Connections

Connecting parks and recreational facilities, downtowns, libraries and schools to each other and the general population via trails is important to encourage safe, alternative modes of transportation. The City desires to be pedestrian and bicycle friendly, especially in highly trafficked locations in the community. The City also desires to be connected to other communities and regional facilities. This allows for residents to travel safely to locations outside of Hartford and it also invites nearby communities in. Dedicated bicycle and pedestrian trails improve the comfort of users, open-up new travel options, reduce automobile traffic, increase recreation and exercise and help create more livable communities overall.

1. https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2018/june/recognizing-parks-and-recreations-role-in-economic-development/

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Chapter 2 ABOUT HARTFORD

C h a p t e r 2 | A b o u t H a r t f o r d 11

ABOUT HARTFORD

2.1 LOCAL & REGIONAL CONTEXT

The City of Hartford owns and operates the Hartford City Taxi, which provides demand-response shared ride services to residents of the City. The City of Hartford is also serviced by specialized transportation programs for elderly and handicapped residents provided by the Washington County Office on Aging.

The City of Hartford is located in southwestern Washington County and eastern Dodge County. The City is bounded by the Town of Hartford and the Town of Rubicon. Hartford is located approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown Milwaukee, 40 miles south of Fond du Lac, and 60 miles northeast of Madison.

2.3 DEMOGRAPHICS

The City is influenced by the proximity of Milwaukee, however it is not considered a suburb or bedroom community. The City has a high percentage of citizens who live and work in Hartford. Residents have a diverse housing stock to choose from and enjoy numerous cultural amenities, such as the Wisconsin Auto Museum, and substantial natural resources, such as Kettle Moraine.

Residents are also provided access to extensive professional, social and civic establishments and organizations.

This section describes some of the historic demographic trends for the City of Hartford as it pertains to population, age composition, housing, and school enrollment. This includes data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) which is reported as a rolling average over a 5-year period. ACS data where the margin of error exceeds 10% will be bolded and italicized in tables. Population projections are from the Wisconsin Department of Administration (WDOA).

Population

2.2 TRANSPORTATION & CIRCULATION Two major roadways intersect within City limits: STH 83 (north-south) and STH 60 (east-west). STH 60 provides a direct connection from Hartford to I-41 which connects to Milwaukee, and to US 151 which connects to Madison.

Pedestrian travel through the City is accommodated on sidewalks in many locations. Most of the City streets are served by five-foot wide sidewalk on both sides.

The City requires that new residential and commercial developments provide sidewalks and/or bicycle paths. The City’s sidewalk system is also integrated into the Rubicon River Parkway.

When completed, the Rubicon River Parkway will link the Ice Age Trail and Pike Lake State Park with Willowbrook Park, Centennial Park, West Side Park, and additional paths proposed in plans by both Dodge and Washington County. A segment of the Ice Age Trail links the Pike Lake State Park in the Town of Hartford to other parts of the region, including Holy Hill.

The most recent population estimate for the City is 14,350 for year 2016 (ACS). From year 1980 to 2016, the population of Hartford grew by 100.4%, greatly out-pacing the percentage growth of Washington County (57.2%), Dodge County (17.8%) and the State (22.0%).

According to the WDOA population projections, the City is expected to add an additional 5,230 residents between 2016 and 2040. This represents a 36.4% increase over a 25 year period, or 1.25% annual growth. These projections are greater than the growth projected for Washington County (22.8%), Dodge Count (8.2%) and the State (13.1%). New park lands and facilities will be necessary to continue meeting the demands of new neighborhoods.

Age Composition

Age composition is an important consideration in park and recreational planning as needs and desires of individuals will vary based on their interests and physical abilities. The table on the right summarizes the age composition of the City’s population from 2016 (ACS). Approximately 27.4% of the population is considered youth (<20 years old) which is slightly below the 2000 Census count (29.8%).

Approximately 20.4% of the population is considered at retirement age (>60 years old), which is higher than the

12 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

2000 Census count of 16.1%. This number is projected to grow as Baby Boomers continue to age. Similar trends are being seen across the nation. The median age of the City has risen from 33.5 in year 2000 to 37.8 in 2016 estimates, which is below the State median (39.0).

Table 2.1 Population History & Projections Source: US Census, 2012-2016 American Community Survey Population History & Projections City of Hartford

Housing

Based on 2016 ACS estimates, there are 5,807 households in the City, 33.9% of which include at least one child under 18 years old. The total number of households was up 1,528 since the year 2000; however, the number of households with at least one child under 18 years old declined from 37.9% of all households in year 2000. The average household size is 2.44 individuals, down from 2.51 in the year 2000. This decrease follows national trends (and other communities across the State) which show decreases in average household size attributed to smaller family sizes, increases in life expectancy, and increases in single parent households.

In total there were 6,086 housing units in the City based on 2016 estimates; 5,807 occupied housing units plus an additional 279 vacant units. Of the occupied units, 3,899 (67.1%) are owner-occupied with the remaining 1,908 (32.9%) renter-occupied.

Dodge County

Wisconsin

1970

6,499

63,839

69,004

4,417,821

1980

7,159

84,848

75,064

4,705,642

1990

8,188

95,328

76,559

4,891,769

2000

10,905

117,493

85,897

5,363,715

2010

14,223

131,887

88,759

5,686,986

2012-2016 ACS

14,350

133,422

88,404

5,742,117

2020

16,030

144,140

92,035

6,005,080

2025

17,350

152,810

94,820

6,203,850

Projections

2030

18,530

160,280

97,020

6,375,910

2035

19,230

163,490

97,190

6,476,270

2040

19,580

163,890

95,650

6,491,635

Change 1980-2016

7,191

48,574

13,340

1,036,475

2016-2040

5,230

30,468

7,246

749,518

Percent Growth 1980-2016

100.4%

57.2%

17.8%

22.0%

2016-2040

36.4%

22.8%

8.2%

13.1%

Table 2.2 Age By Range Source: 2012-2016 American Community Survey Age by Range Age

Housing starts are picking up from the low numbers during and following the Great Recession. Figure 2.1 shows Figure 2.1 Hartford Housing Starts, 2012-2017 Source: City of Hartford 300 250

Total

Percentage

0-9

2,163

15.1%

10-19

1,763

12.3%

20-29

1,544

10.7%

30-39

2,124

14.8%

40-49

1,875

13.0%

50-59

1,956

13.6% 10.5%

60-69

1,500

70-79

762

5.3%

80+

663

4.6%

Median

37.8

Table 2.3 Housing Statistics Source: 2012-2016 American Community Survey

200

Hartford Housing Statistics

150

Households

100

2000

4,279

2010

5,685

2012-2016 ACS

5,807

Average Household Size

50 0

Washington County

2000

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Single-Family Units

Two-Family Units

Multi-Family Units

Total

2017

2.51

2010

2.47

2012-2016 ACS

2.44

% of Households with individuals under 18 2000

37.9%

2010

35.1%

2012-2016 ACS

33.9%

C h a p t e r 2 | A b o u t H a r t f o r d 13

ABOUT HARTFORD

housing starts over the last five years. The development of single-family units has increased by 142%, two-family unit development has increased by 200% and multi-family development increased from 0 to 118 units developed in 2017. Hartford’s inventory of unbuilt residential units (as of December 31, 2017) shows there is potential for an additional 295 single-family units, 72 two-family units and 112 multi-family units to be developed within the City.

During this planning process the City approved a 57-unit apartment complex at the corner of North Main and West State Street. These apartments will be within 1/3 mile of Centennial, Rotary, Jordan and Bernd Parks. Placement of future park and recreational facilities should consider where multi-family buildings are located or planned as these types of housing units generally lack access to green space and play equipment as compared to single-family lots.

School Enrollment

The City is part of the School District of Hartford Joint No. 1 and Hartford Union High School District. The public and private schools in Hartford are listed in Section 2.9. The combined 2017-2018 enrollment for the both districts was 3,082 students. Enrollment was holding steady then slightly declining over the past five years for both districts.

2.4 PHYSICAL CHARACTER AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES Lakes and Ponds

Pike Lake is located directly east of Hartford. The lake is 461 acres with a maximum depth of 45 feet. Pike Lake is largely spring-fed and provides year-round recreational opportunities to tourists and area residents. The public has access to the lake from public boat landings and a public beach. Fish in the lake include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye.

Rivers and Streams

The Rubicon River bisects the City in an east-west direction, and is a part of the Upper Rock River Basin. The Rubicon

River enters the Rock River west of Neosho, Wisconsin.

Near Hartford’s central business district, a man-made dam on the Rubicon River maintains a small millpond.

Natural Vegetation

The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) has defined natural areas as tracts of land or water so minimally modified by human activity, or sufficiently recovered from the effects of such activity, that they contain intact native plant and animal communities believed to be representative of the landscape before European settlement. These areas are classified into one of the following three categories: natural areas of statewide or greater significance (NA-1); natural areas of county wide or regional significance (NA-2); or natural areas of local significance (NA-3).

There is one natural area within the City:

◊ Rubicon Lowlands (NA-3): a 30-acre area that is an expansion of the Washington County Golf Course and Family Park.

Since 2000, the City has added more than 45 acres of passive use (wooded parks with trails) parks to its park system.

These parks include land that SEWRPC has identified as Primary, Secondary and Isolated Environmental Corridors.

Wildlife

There is a wide variety of wildlife in Washington and Dodge counties, particularly due to the Rubicon River, Pike Lake and the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources maintains a Natural Heritage Inventory which locates and documents rare species and natural communities, including federal threatened and endangered species. A comprehensive list can be found through the WDNR’s Natural Heritage Inventory (http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/nhi/).

The natural resources of the City are many and varied and provide an attractive character to the City and also the potential for varied recreation opportunities. Perhaps the greatest recreation potential for these environmental corridors will be as linear parks and trail corridors linking the City’s recreation, employment, commercial and school sites.

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2.5 EXISTING LAND USE AND ZONING According to the United States Census Bureau, the City has a total area of 7.9 square miles of land and 0.08 square miles is water. Using 2012-2016 ACS estimates, the population density of Hartford is 1,816 inhabitants per square mile.

Residential development is found throughout the entire City, primarily north of the railroad and south of WIS 60.

Business land uses are located primarily along WIS 60 and Grand Avenue (WIS 83). There are several additional commercial sites scattered throughout the community.

Industrial development has occurred primarily on the west side, between CTH N and WIS 60.

The cumulative effect of the existing land use patterns and roadway system divides the community into geographic neighborhoods and can limit access to recreation facilities.

The primary barriers in Hartford include the Rubicon River, the railroad, WIS 60, and WIS 83. Refer to Figure 2.2, the City’s Unofficial Zoning Map on the following page.

2.6 FUTURE LAND USE PLANS The future growth of the City is guided by the City’s 2007 Smart Growth Plan. The current plan sets forth the desired development pattern for the City over the comprehensive planning period. The plan also gives guidance to accommodate projected population, household, and employment growth; the infrastructure and institutions required to serve residential, business, and industrial uses in the City; and the City’s agricultural and natural resource base. Refer to Figure 2.3.

2.7 CITY-OWNED FACILITIES & EXISTING RECREATION PROGRAMS City-Owned Facilities

The Parks and Recreation Commission oversees the City’s 24

Table 2.4 Hartford Park Acreage

Mini Parks

2.2

Neighborhood Playground

2.5

Neighborhood Parks

28.2

Community Playfield

37.0

Community Parks

114.6

Nature Preserve

46.3

Undeveloped Parks

227.2

Bernd Park Chasa Memorial Jordan Park Rotary Park

Candy Cane Park Lakeview Acres Park Sawyer Park

Centennial Park Homestead Park Veterans Memorial Park Willowbrook Park

Lincoln Athletic Complex West Side Park Independence Park Woodlawn Union Park

Country View Park Paul Quick Family Conservancy Wilson Wetlands Conservancy Charles Brassure Park Eastwood Nature Preserve Maple Park Rubicon River Parkway ‐ West Rubicon River Parkway ‐ East Southwest Park

0.9 0.1 0.4 0.8

0.3 0.8 1.3

7.3 3.7 6.0 11.2

28.6 8.5

95.9 18.7 28.1 10.8 7.3

13.1 18.1 2.0 95.2 72.1 26.8

park facilities totaling 458 acres. The system is represented by seven types of parks: mini-parks, neighborhood playgrounds, neighborhood parks, community playfields, community parks, nature preserves, and undeveloped lands. Refer to Appendix B for a description of the characteristics of each of these park classifications.

Table 2.5 (page 18) lists each City park, acreage, and

C h a p t e r 2 | A b o u t H a r t f o r d 15

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Base data provided by the Counties.

Unofficial Zoning derived from Hartford County Zoning Text.

0

0.3

Print Date: 8/1/2018

0.6 Miles

City of Hartford Washington and Dodge Counties, WI

Rs-1; Rs-2; Rs-3; Rs-4; Rs-5; Rs-6

Rm-1; Rm-2; Rm-3; Rm-6

Rd-1; Rd-2

P-1

M-1; M-2; M-3; M-4

I-1

F-1; F-1 or F-2; F-2

C-1; C-2

B-1; B-2; B-3; B-4; B-5

A-1

Unofficial Zoning

County

Town

Village

Hartford

Hartford Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

Unofficial Zoning

Figure 2.3 Hartford Future Land Use Map (2018) Source: City of Hartford

Figure 2.3 2018 Future Land Use Map

C h a p t e r 2 | A b o u t H a r t f o r d 17

18 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

Mini Parks Bernd Park Chasa Memorial Jordan Park Rotary Park Neighborhood Playground Candy Cane Park Lakeview Acres Park Sawyer Park Neighborhood Parks Centennial Park Homestead Park Veterans Memorial Park Willowbrook Park Community Playfield Lincoln Athletic Complex West Side Park Community Parks Independence Park Woodlawn Union Park Nature Preserve Country View Park Paul Quick Family Conservancy Wilson Wetlands Conservancy Undeveloped Parks Charles Brasure Park Eastwood Nature Preserve Maple Park Rubicon River Parkway ‐ West Rubicon River Parkway ‐ East Southwest Park

Park/Facility

South of Pond Rd

From Willowbrook Park east

From Wacker Dr west

(currently inaccessible)

Adjacent to Lincoln Elementary School, Cedar St

Northeast of CTH K, south of E Monroe Ave

Between E Lincoln Ave and E Monroe Ave

south of Veterans Memorial Park, W Monroe Ave

Hidden Creek Subdivision, E Prospect St

Wacker Dr and Abbott Ave

S Wilson Ave

Between Rubicon River and W Sumner St

W Monroe Ave and Cedar St

between Rubicon River and Ewing Ave

S Main St and W Monroe Ave

Borlen Farms Subdivision, Yellowstone Dr

E Wisconsin Ave and 4th St

Between Branch St and S Main St

Lakeview Acres Subdivision, Lake View Dr and S Teri Ln

E Lincoln Ave

CTH K and 4th St

South of Recreation Center, N Rural St

Wisconsin St and Main St

W Jackson St, between N Rural St and N Johnson St

Location

2.2 0.9 0.1 0.4 0.8 2.5 0.3 0.8 1.3 28.2 7.3 3.7 6.0 11.2 37.0 28.6 8.5 114.6 95.9 18.7 46.3 28.1 10.8 7.3 227.2 13.1 18.1 2.0 95.2 72.1 26.8

Acres

✓

Swimming

Table 2.5 City Parks & Amenities Inventory (highlighted calls indicate lighted facilities)

Bathhouse ✓

Canoe/Kayak Launch ✓

Playground Equipment Backstop

Basketball Court ✓ 3

Tennis/Pickleball Court 3

Volleyball Court ✓

Soccer Field ✓

Frisbee/Disc Golf Course ✓

Ice Skating/ Hockey ✓ ✓

Skate Park ✓

✓

BMX Trails

Baseball/Softball Diamond

Shore Fishing ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

4 ✓

✓ ✓ ✓

2 ✓

✓

✓ ✓

2 ✓

2 2

✓ 8 ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

Designated Dog Area

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Fitness Trails ✓

Bike/Walking Trail

✓

Horseshoe Pits 4

✓

2

Off Street Parking ✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

Open‐Air Shelter ✓ 2

✓

✓

✓

Enclosed Shelter ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓ ✓

Restroom

✓

Concession Stand ✓ ✓

Grills ✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

Drinking Water ✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓

Bleachers ✓

✓ ✓

Picnic Tables ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

Benches

amenities. The location of each park is shown on the Existing Parks and Trails map on page 20. See Chapter 5 for additional information and recommendations for each park.

Trails

Figure 2.4 also provides an overview of existing trails in the City. Additional recommendations regarding these facilities are described under Chapter 5 of this plan.

health and fitness, massage/wellness, and adult sports league. For current offerings visit: https://ci.hartford. wi.us/165/Parks-Recreation-Department The Parks and Recreation Department also rents out park shelters. Figure 2.6 below shows reservations from the past five years. Since 2013, the number of reservations has Figure 2.6 Hartford Parks and Recreation Shelter Rentals, 2013-2017 Source: City of Hartford

Recreation Center

400

Figure 2.5 Hartford Recreation Center Participation in All Programs, Signicast Pool and Memberships, 2013-2017 Source: City of Hartford

350 300

# of Resrvations

The Hartford Recreation Center is a 56,000 square foot facility that was constructed and opened in 2000. The Center includes: Family Aquatic Center, cardio and free weight area, gymnasium, aerobics room, preschool rooms, meeting rooms and youth activity center. In 2017 participation in Recreation Center programs, Signicast Pool and memberships totaled 113,701, down 11% from 2013 (see Figure 2.5). Some of this has to do a shift of who

250 200 150 100 50 0

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

130,000

increased by 117%. The largest increases are due to staff being able to collect more accurate numbers and better identify specific locations of Club, high school and league baseball games.

# of Participants

125,000

120,000

2.8 PRIVATELY-OWNED FACILITIES

115,000

110,000

105,000

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Privately-owned facilities provide valuable recreational facilities for communities. Furthermore, these lands serve as buffers to development, trail corridors and open space for wildlife. Continued cooperation between Hartford and

is offering programming, i.e. there has been a shift away from City-offered baseball programs because membership is up in Hartford Select Baseball Club.

The Recreation Center offers a wide variety of programming throughout the year for youth, adults and families.

Programming includes swim lessons, preschool, youth athletics, youth leisure, teen/family trips, tennis, adult

C h a p t e r 2 | A b o u t H a r t f o r d 19

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City of Hartford Washington and Dodge Counties, WI

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Town

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City

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Hartford

Hartford Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

Existing Parks and Trails

these valued neighbors will help to maintain the quality of life now enjoyed by the residents of Hartford.

Hartford Golf Club This 175+ acre site in the Southwest quadrant of Hartford is devoted almost entirely to golf. The grounds are used by hikers in the summer and cross country skiers in the winter. The general public has access to the golf course on a limited basis at posted rates.

Hartford Community Conservation Club The Conservation Club owns approximately 31 acres east of the City on STH 60 East, in the vicinity of Pike Lake.

Facilities include a trap shooting range and off-street parking lot.

2.9 SCHOOL FACILITIES Schools can provide many of the same facilities found in a City park, such as playground equipment and athletic fields. However, school properties are not completely interchangeable with park facilities because of student use when school is in session. Coordination of community recreation and school needs can lead to greater cost efficiencies.

Hartford Union High School (21.5 acres devoted to recreation) is located on Cedar Street and W Monroe Avenue, on the west side of the City, and was originally constructed in 1959. The school site contains tennis courts, athletic practice fields and a track. The high school also has an indoor 8-lane competitive 25 yard pool.

Central Middle School (55 acres) is located on Cedar Street, southeast of the High School. The school was built in 1990-1911. The athletic complex includes a soccer field, football field and long jump pit. Other site improvements include outdoor classrooms which focus on the wetlands and environmental corridors adjacent to the site.

Lincoln Elementary School (1.2 acres devoted to recreation) is located on S Rural Street and S Main Street, north of Veterans Memorial Park. The school was built in 1954. Recreation-related improvements are limited to playground equipment.

Gib Mahr Field is adjacent to Lincoln Elementary School.

The land is owned by the Common School District, but has been jointly improved by Hartford Union High School for outdoor athletic functions. Recreation-related improvements include the high school and middle school football field, and a concession stand.

Rossman School (7.8 acres devoted to recreation) is located between E Rossman St and Highland Ave, on the north side of the City. The school was built in 1969. The site includes the only quasi-public area formally devoted to sledding and tobogganing. Other site improvements include a basketball court, softball field, playground equipment and large general play field.

St. Kilian School (4.7 acres) is located on High Street, north of the Hartford Recreation Center. The school site contains very little space devoted solely to recreation.

Since there is no greenspace on the property, a portion of the parking lot is used for recreation by students.

Peace Lutheran School (4 acres devoted to recreation) is located on Center Street, west of Country View Park.

Recreation-related facilities include play equipment, softball, soccer and general play fields.

2.10 COUNTY FACILITIES Washington County Family Park Washington County opened Family Park to the public in Spring of 1997. The park is approximately 15 acres and is located adjacent to the Washington County Golf Course.

The pond, used for irrigating the golf course, is also the focal point for the Howard Buth Memorial Arboretum.

Additional park amenities include a picnic area, portable restroom, water, fishing, sand volleyball, playground equipment, a hiking trail and a reservable shelter.

Washington County Golf Course An 18 hole championship golf course that was designed

by Arthur Hills, ASGCA, and opened for play in 1997.

C h a p t e r 2 | A b o u t H a r t f o r d 21

ABOUT HARTFORD 2.11 REGIONAL PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Hartford is in the western portion of the WDNRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Southeast Region and is well-served by regional parks and open spaces. There are several other park and recreational facilities within close proximity to the City of Hartford in public ownership. The following list provides the most significant facilities within the Hartford region that residents most likely would use. It is not an exhaustive list, but provides a variety of recreational activities. For more information, contact the representative websites.

Pike Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest The State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) operates Pike Lake State Park. This 689 acre facility is located on the East side of Pike Lake in the Town of Hartford. Improvements to the park include camping areas, picnic areas, and a trail system that is used for hiking and

cross-country skiing. The trail system is complemented by a handicap-accessible trail that was installed in 1997 with assistance from the Hartford Kettle Moraine, and Allenton Lions Clubs. The park is connected to the City via a bicycle path and is further linked to the Ice Age Trail network.

Ice Age Trail The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,000 mile footpath that runs through Wisconsin and runs through the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, adjacent to the City of Hartford. The trail highlights the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ice Age landscapes.

The connection to this trail is a great amenity for the community.

Jackson Marsh State Natural Area (SNA) This 590-acre SNA is located adjacent to the Village of Jackson. In general, the following are allowed on WDNR-owned SNA lands: hiking, fishing, cross country skiing, hunting, trapping, scientific research, outdoor education, wild edibles, pets and wildlife viewing.

Allenton Wildlife Area The Allenton Marsh Wildlife Area is a 1,160-acre property located in Washington County, 11 miles northeast of Hartford and west of Highway 41. The property is comprised mostly of wooded bottomland surrounded by grassland and crop fields, two 10acre impoundments, several dozen smaller ponds and other wetlands, fence lines, feeder streams and small woodlots. The following recreational activities are allowed on the property: birding, cross country skiing, fishing, hiking, hunting, trapping, wild edibles and wildlife viewing.

T

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T

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T

Accessible Trail Ice Age Trail Astronomy Trail

Accessible Fishing Pier

Locator Markers T

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rev. 2016

22 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

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The data shown on this map have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability and resolution.This map is not intended to be used for navigation, nor is this map an authoritative source of information about legal land ownership or public access. Users of this map should confirm the ownership of land through other means in order to avoid respassing. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, applicability for a particular use, completeness, or legality of the information depicted on this map.

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For more information: PROPERTY MANAGER C/O PIKE LAKE STATE PARK 3544 KETTLE MORAINE RD HARTFORD, WI 53027 262-670-3409

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The data shown on this map have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability and resolution. This map is not intended to be used for navigation, nor is this map an authoritative source of information about legal land ownership or public access. Users of this map should confirm the ownership of land through other means in order to avoid trespassing. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, applicability for a particular use, completeness, or legality of the information depicted on this map.

Wildwood

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on

33

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PLEASE RESPECT LANDOWNERS' RIGHTS AND OBSERVE ALL PROPERTY POSTINGS See map legend for the activities allowed on the property or contact the DNR Service Center for more property information.

WASHINGTON COUNTY

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C h a p t e r 2 | A b o u t H a r t f o r d 23

ABOUT HARTFORD

Loew Lake Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest

Trail Map

PUB PR-576 2017

Donegal Road

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Loew Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest The Loew Lake unit is an over 1,000 acre state park, approximately 14 minutes southeast from Hartford, that is operated by the WDNR. The following recreation activities are allowed on the property: hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, canoing, kayaking, hunting and trapping, snowshoeing and winter hiking. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail also winds through the park and along Emerald Drive.

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24 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

Canoe/Kayak Launch State Land Closed to hunting State Land Open to Hunting

Chapter 3 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES & PROGRAMS

C h a p t e r 3 | G o a l s , O b j e c t i v e s , P o l i c i e s & P r o g r a m s 25

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES & PROGRAMS This purpose of this plan is to guide development of subsequent parks, recreation, open space and bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Hartford. Goals and objectives are presented here as desired outcomes; objectives are added under a goal only when there is the need to describe multiple desired outcomes not adequately captured in the goal statement. Policies and programs include both actions and policy rules â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they are the methods proposed to achieve the goals and objectives.

3.1 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES & PROGRAMS Goal 1 - Provide a sufficient amount of active and passive parkland and amenities to meet current and future recreational needs of the community.

Objective 1- To provide a range of park types and sizes to meet the needs of the community.

Objective 2- To acquire additional lands for active and passive recreational use based on current deficiencies, demands created by increasing populations or the environmental and recreational significance of the land.

Objective 3- To provide a diversity of recreational opportunities so that residents of all ages and abilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy the park and open space system.

Policies 1. M aintain a level of service of at least 10.5 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents.

2. Land which is undevelopable (i.e. contains wetlands or floodplains) or proposed for stormwater management facilities shall not be counted toward the required amount of parkland dedication for new subdivisions.

3. The type of park and open space facilities should be scaled to the needs of the area and population served, both present and future.

4. Whenever possible, all park sites and experiences will be made accessible to all potential users, in conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

5. T he park and recreation system should provide opportunities for all persons regardless of race, creed, age, gender or economic status.

6. Pursue additional land acquisition where existing neighborhoods are underserved by recreational land or where opportunities arise to add strategic parkland to the community which serves to implement one or more recommendations of this plan.

7. All parks should have multiple access points from surrounding neighborhoods.

8. Neighborhood parks should be sited and designed to enhance neighborhood cohesion and provide a common neighborhood gathering place.

9. Seek to ensure that all residential homes are within a 1/3mile or less distance from a developed public park.

10. Create consistent building designs for park shelters, restrooms, etc.

11. Make every effort to repair, replace, or remove park facilities that become broken or otherwise become a safety hazard.

26 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

Goal 2 - Provide park and recreation space areas that preserve natural features and amenities.

Objective 1- To preserve natural features and amenities and conserve natural resources for the benefit of the community and society as a whole.

Objective 2- To link active parklands together via environmental corridors.

Policies 1. Conservancy lands, which can be adequately and appropriately protected without public expenditure, should be preserved. Public funds should be used to acquire conservancy lands that cannot be protected through other means, or where public access is a high priority.

2. Continue to add primary, secondary and isolated environmental corridors to the park system in conjunction with development 3. Preserve the natural features and conserve natural resources associated with the Rubicon River for the benefit of the community.

Goal 3 - Develop, improve and operate the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parks and recreation programs in a cost effective manner.

Objective 1- Maintain a park and open space system that is sustainable with respect to annual maintenance and operation costs and servicing capabilities of the community.

Objective 2- Continue funding the replacement of old and deteriorating recreation equipment in all City parks.

Objective 3- Invest funds for the development of facilities that will maximize existing park and recreation areas, with the intention of increasing park use.

Objective 4- Continue funding to allow for future parkland acquisition and new facility development.

COMPLYING WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT The ADA, enacted in 1990, clearly states the right of equal access for persons to local government services, including parks. On September 15, 2010 the Department of Justice published revised final regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act. The 2010 Standards included new provisions for accessible design for recreational facilities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, fishing and golf facilities. Similar to when the original 1991 ADA Standards were adopted for public buildings, a community is required to complete a self-evaluation of their recreational facilities for ADA compliance by March 15, 2012. Those communities with 50 or more full or part-time employees are also required to develop a Transition Plan, which identifies what corrective work will be completed, when it will be completed, and the individual responsible for the corrective work. Any new recreational facilities designed, constructed, or shaped after March 15, 2012 are subject to the 2010 Standards. Any alteration (not simple maintenance, but something that changes the way the site is used) must make the element altered accessible and must create an accessible path of travel through the site or facility to that element.

There are some fundamental differences in how accessibility in the outdoors is accommodated compared to indoors or the built environment. While restrooms, shelters, interpretive centers, and parking lots, for example, need to follow detailed ADA guidelines, other improvements such as trails or swimming beach areas, for example, do not necessarily need to follow indoor or built environment ramp grades or surfacing requirements. A good rule of thumb for the City to follow is that anything constructed must not make the outdoor experience anymore difficult than what occurs naturally. Mother Nature does not have to comply with ADA, but the City does.

The New England ADA Center is a good resource to use and offers checklists to evaluate accessibility at existing park facilities. The fillable checklist forms can be found here: http://www.adachecklist.org/checklist.html#rec

C h a p t e r 3 | G o a l s , O b j e c t i v e s , P o l i c i e s & P r o g r a m s 27

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES & PROGRAMS Policies 1. Maintain a capital improvement plan to replace worn or damaged recreational equipment and facilities. Use this plan to establish future capital improvement plans and annual budgets.

2. Take into consideration long-range maintenance and operations costs at the time new parklands are acquired through land dedications or other means.

3. Pursue grant funding from state, federal, recreation associations, or corporations which can aid in the purchase and/or development of desired park system improvements.

4. Require new developments to provide land or fees-inlieu-of land dedication sufficient to meet the parkland needs generated by such development, based on Hartford’s adopted parkland acreage policy (see Goal #1, Policy #1).

Goal 4 - Coordinate park and recreation planning and development.

Objective 1- Coordinate park activities/facilities with civic, private, City, County and State agencies and organizations to complement offerings without unnecessary duplication.

Objective 2 - Preserve areas planned for future parks and recreational trails from development.

Objective 3 - Provide opportunities for public participation in park and recreational facility development.

Policies 1. Review and comment on park and recreational plans of other adjacent governments.

2. Endorse the DNR’s long-range master plan for the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit.

3. Collaborate with Washington and Dodge Counties on regional park and trail planning efforts.

4. Provide copies of this plan to adjacent governments and County Parks Departments.

5. Update the City Park and Open Space plan every five years and solicit input from City residents.

6. Complete regular reviews and updates, if needed, of this plan in coordination with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

7. Coordinate subdivision review with all departments responsible for providing or maintaining adequate park facilities.

8. Park facilities and school facilities should be shared by both entities to be mutually beneficial to both when appropriate and feasible. This is most likely to occur through a cooperative relationship and through good communication between the Park and Recreation Department and the School Districts.

9. Follow recommendations of Rubicon River Corridor Trail Master Plan, including acquiring lands for additional parks approving capital project additions and improvements to existing parks.

28 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

Chapter 4

ANALYSIS OF NEEDS AND DEMANDS

C h a p t e r 4 | A n a l y s i s o f N e e d s a n d D e m a n d s 29

ANALYSIS OF NEEDS & DEMANDS This chapter presents an analysis of how well the City’s existing park and recreational facilities satisfy current needs in the community. The adequacy of the City’s existing park and recreation systems are evaluated using the following methods: ◊ Quantitative Analysis - a comparison of existing parkland acreage and population projections versus park and recreational facility service guidelines, including a review of the types and amount of parkland available to City residents. ◊ Geographic Analysis - an analysis of the geographic distribution and accessibility of park facilities in the City. ◊ National Park and Recreation Association Facility Analysis - an analysis of the number of park facilities within the City. ◊ Qualitative Analysis - a summary of public input regarding City parks and recreational facilities gathered through the community survey, as well as feedback from community organizations regarding their organization’s use of parks. ◊ Biking and Walking Suitability Analysis - an analysis of areas that need improvement for biker and/or pedestrian safety. ◊ Regional & State Trends - a summary of the demand trends in recreational amenities at the county and state level.

4.1 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS An analysis of existing recreational land area is provided to determine if the recreational needs of residents are being met. This analysis is limited to an evaluation of park land, and does not include off-road trails not located in parks.

A loose target traditionally provided by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is 10.5 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents (0.5 acres for Mini-Parks, 2.0 acres for Neighborhood Parks, and 8.0 acres for Community Parks).

For the purpose of calculating anticipated parkland demand in Hartford, a service level of 10.5 acres per 1,000 residents was assumed.

Currently the City is providing approximately 458 acres of developed and undeveloped parkland, not counting

Table 4.1 Total Developed & Undeveloped Park Acreage Surplus/Deficit

Total Developed & Undeveloped Park Acreage Surplus/Deficit (in acres)

Year 2016 Population 14,350 Total Supply (acres) 457.9 Demand (10.5 acres/1,000) 150.7 Surplus (10.5 acres/1,000) 307.2

2020 2025 2035 16,030 17,350 19,230 457.9 457.9 457.9 168.3 182.2 201.9 289.6 275.7 256.0

Table 4.2 Total Developed Park Acreage Surplus/Deficit

Total Developed Park Acreage Surplus/Deficit (in acres)

Year Population Total Supply (acres) Demand (10.5 acres/1,000) Surplus (10.5 acres/1,000)

2016 2020 2025 2035 14,350 16,030 17,350 19,230 159.5 159.5 159.5 159.5 150.7 168.3 182.2 201.9 8.8 -8.8 -22.7 -42.4

Table 4.3 Park Acreage Surplus/Deficit by Type

Park Acreage Surplus/Deficit by Type (in acres)

Year 2016 2020 2025 2035 Population 14,350 16,030 17,350 19,230 Mini-Park Standard (0.5 acres/1,000) -5.0 -5.8 -6.5 -7.4 Neighborhood Playgrounds/Parks Standard (2.0 acres/1,000) 2.0 -1.4 -4.0 -7.8 Community Playfields/Parks Standard (8.0 acres/1,000) 11.8 -1.6 -12.2 -27.2 Special Purpose Park No Standard Applicable Nature Preserve No Standard Applicable Undeveloped No Standard Applicable

school facilities, county facilities or private facilities.

Table 4.1 summarizes the current and projected supply and demand for total parkland acreage based on City population and a service level of 10.5 acres per 1,000 residents.

Since approximately 65% of the parkland in Hartford is undeveloped or considered nature preserve, Table 4.2 summarizes current and projected supply and demand for only developed parkland (this excludes 25 acres of Independence Park which is wetland). This table indicates

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that the City is currently providing 11 acres per 1,000 residents and has a surplus of 8.8 acres of parkland. If no new developed parkland is added, by 2035 the City will be providing 8 acres per 1,000 residents and have a deficit of 42.4 acres of developed parkland.

Table 4.3 summarizes the current and projected supply and demand for parkland acreage by park types, using the traditional service guidelines provided by the NRPA. It should be noted that the information in Table 4.3 groups neighborhood playgrounds within the neighborhood parks classification and community playfields within the community park classification in order to provide comparisons with the NRPA guidelines. The information in Table 4.3 is based on the existing current status of parkland.

The results from Table 4.3 indicate a current and future projected deficit for Mini-Parks, and future deficits for Neighborhood Playgrounds/Park and Community Playfields/Parks. By the year 2035, Neighborhood Playgrounds/Parks are projected to have a 7.8 acre deficit, Mini-Parks are projected to have a 7.4 acre deficit and Community Playfields/Parks are projected to have a 27.2 acre deficit.

Note: Hartford shows a projected surplus in total park acreage in Table 4.1 but shows a projected deficit in all park types by 2036 in Table 4.3. This is due to 298 acres of parkland being classified as Nature Preserve/Wetland or Undeveloped, for which there is no applicable standard.

While the City is providing a net surplus of developed parkland through 2025, it is important to continue to plat new residential neighborhoods with dedicated public parks. These smaller parks fill the deficit for neighborhood parks (which show a projected deficit by 2020) and provide recreational opportunities for surrounding residents.

4.2 GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS The location of parks and open space facilities in relation to the City’s residents is an important indicator of how well existing facilities are dispersed throughout the community. The National Recreation and Park Association advocates that all residents should live within a 1/4 to

1/2 mile of some type of public park or open space. The Park Service Areas map in Appendix C indicates areas of the City that are not currently served by a City park. The map also illustrates service areas based on park type, including 1.5-miles for community parks and 1/3-mile for all other developed park types. Areas currently zoned for neighborhood and urban residential uses that fall outside of these service areas are also highlighted.

The map shows several deficiencies in the location of parkland in Hartford: ◊ A residential area in north Hartford that is south of the Hartford Municipal Airport and surrounding Airport Drive underserved by all park types with the exception of community parks. ◊ A residential area in west Hartford located east of Pleasant Hill Cemetery is underserved by all park types with the exception of community parks. ◊ A residential area in southwest Hartford, located around S Wacker Drive and Harrison Streets, is underserved by all park types with the exception of community parks.

This area is adjacent to Southwest and Maple Parks. A conceptual plan has been created for Southwest Park which includes the following facilities: football/soccer field, off-street parking, two soccer fields, four season shelter, regulation baseball field, softball field, and other standard neighborhood park facilities. There is no definitive timeline for when this park will be developed. ◊ A residential area in south Hartford, located south of Lee Road, is underserved by all park types with the exception of community parks. ◊ A residential area in southeast Hartford, located north of E Monroe Avenue and around Marigold Lane, is underserved by all park types with the exception of community parks.

Charles Brassure Park lies within this area. A conceptual plan will be completed for Charles Brassure Park as part of this planning process. ◊ A residential area in east Hartford, between Novak Street and Northview Trail, is underserved by all park types with the exception of community parks. The City has a plan to develop Eastwood Nature Park, an undeveloped park within this area, into a nature playground which will also have a trail. The City hopes to start developing the park in 2020. ◊ A residential area in east Hartford, located east of Kettle

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ANALYSIS OF NEEDS & DEMANDS Moraine Road and surrounding HWY 60, is underserved by all park types. This area is located adjacent to the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The Park offers opportunities for camping, swimming, hiking, fishing and picnicking. ◊ A residential area on the east side of Hartford, surrounding Kissel Drive, is underserved by all park types. The southern portion of this neighborhood is technically served by Lake View Acres Park, however the Park is across HWY 60 which serves as a barrier. ◊ A residential area on the east side of Hartford, surrounding the railroad tracks is underserved by all park types, with a portion being served only by Community Parks. The Rubicon River Parkway East runs through this area. ◊ A residential area on the northeast side of Hartford, located north of E Rossman Street and west of HWY 83, is underserved by all park types, with the exception of Community Parks. This area is located adjacent to Rossman Elementary School which offers the following facilities: basketball court, softball field, playground equipment and a large general play field.

Please view the “Park Service Areas” map found in Appendix C for these specific locations.

An analysis of the distribution of specific amenities within the parks was also performed. The Park Facilities Distribution Map in Appendix C shows that the greatest number of City parks and amenities are currently located south of the Rubicon River. Other highlights from the map include: ◊ The Borlen Farms subdivision is currently served by Homestead Park which offers limited facilities including a backstop and soccer fields. ◊ The Lakeview Acres subdivision is currently served

by Lakeview Acres Park which offers limited facilities including playground equipment and picnic tables. ◊ Only one City park has tennis courts (Willowbrook Park).

4.3 NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION FACILITY ANALYSIS The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently released the 2018 NRPA Agency Performance Review. This report summarizes data found in NRPA Park Metrics, the organization’s tool that provide a comprehensive collection of park and recreation benchmarks and insights from park and recreation agencies across the United States. Table 4.4 shows the national summary of outdoor park and recreation facilities by population per facility based on number of residents per square mile. Hartford falls into the 1,501 to 2,500 residents per square mile with an estimated 1,816 residents per square mile. Based on these metrics, Hartford shows a gap in the following facilities: outdoor tennis courts, multi-use courts, rectangular fields and community gardens.

4.4 QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS As part of the update to this plan, the City administered an online survey to gather residents’ opinion regarding City Park facilities.

The survey was well-promoted: a flyer advertising the survey was inserted into utility bills and sent to every household within the City; various civic groups emailed their membership; the School District emailed parents; the City posted on their website and departmental social media accounts; plus other various direct emails from City staff.

In total, 611 individuals took the survey. Approximately 79% of those who took the survey live in Hartford. The following is a summary of responses to key questions.

Refer to Appendix A for the complete results.

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Bike/Pedestrian ◊ When asked where residents would prioritize the location of new bike facilities, routes or trails, common responses included a trail linking the City to Pike Lake, around Independence Park, downtown, around the High School and HWY 60 to Walmart. ◊ 74% of respondents walk or run for exercise at least one day per week. ◊ 30% of respondents would like to see off-road walking/ biking trails added, improved or expanded within the City.

◊ 62% of respondents believe the City should allocate additional funding on sidewalk facilities/investment enhancements.

Parks/Open Space ◊ The favorite park for respondents who are Hartford residents to visit is Willowbrook Park (the second most favorited park was Woodlawn Union Park). ◊ 91% of respondents who live in Hartford are within reasonable walking or biking distance from a park or trail. ◊ 21% of respondents expressed concern over safety or

Table 4.4 Outdoor Park and Recreation Facilities - Population Per Facility

National Recreation and Park Association Metrics Outdoor Park and Recreation Facilities - Population Per Facility Median Number of Residents Per Facility (1,501-2,500 residents per square mile*)

Tennis Courts (outdoor only) Multiuse Courts - Basketball, Volleyball RectangularFields: Field Hockey Field Rectangular Fields: Lacrosse Field Rectangular Fields: Football Field Community Gardens Multipurpose Synthetic Field Overlay Field Rectangular Fields: Cricket Field Rectangular Fields: Multi-Purpose Totlots Swimming Pools (outdoor only) Skate Park Dog Park Ice Rink (outdoor only) Diamond Fields: Baseball - Adult Diamond Fields: Baseball - Youth Basketball Courts Diamond Fields: Softball - Adult Diamond Fields: Softball - Youth Diamond Fields: Tee-Ball Playgrounds Rectaugular Fields: Soccer Field - Youth Rectangular Fields: Soccer Field - Adult

4,250 15,214 15,757 22,119 22,615 28,605 28,728 55,245 160,000 7,691 14,850 31,600 37,607 40,000 17,072 18,140 6,613 6,037 12,083 9,255 13,045 3,000 5,900 11,692

Estimated Number Suggested Based on Population of 14,350 (2016 ACS Estimate)

3.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 2.2 2.4 1.2 0.2 0.1 4.8 0.3 0.2

Existing Public Facilities

3.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 6.0 7.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 11.0 8.0 8.0

Gap

0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 (0.8) (0.9) (0.9) (1.0) (1.0) (1.9) (1.9) (3.8) (4.6) (4.8) (5.8) (5.9) (6.2) (7.7) (7.8)

Source: 2018 NRPA Agency Performance Review, MSA

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ANALYSIS OF NEEDS & DEMANDS accessibility in City parks. Respondents primarily had concerns with Independence and Woodlawn Union Parks. Concerns with Independence Park included paving/putting in parking lines in parking lot, widening road to back soccer fields, adding accessible sidewalks, adding a turnaround in the back parking area, vandalism, safety at crosswalks and sidewalks, adding more lighting, repairing aging playground equipment and cleaning up garbage and debris. Concerns with Woodlawn Union Park included that the park seems forgotten about, adding lighting along the path from shelter to parking, adding parking for the handicapped at the park shelter area. ◊ 53% of respondents commonly drive somewhere outside of Hartford to use specific recreational facilities. Common responses of where included Pike Lake for hiking, cross country skiing and birding; West Bend for kayaking, fishing, pool, walking, Zumba, Ragner Park, YMCA, hockey, skate parks, Riverside Park, dog park, indoor batting cages and ball diamonds; and trails such as the Ice Age Trail, Milwaukee Interurban, Glacial Drumlin, Wildgoose and Bugline Trails for hiking and biking. ◊ When asked which activities or facilities respondents or members of their household most commonly participate in, the top response was walking (73% of respondents).

The second most common response was swimming at Veterans Memorial Outdoor Aquatic Center (58%).

◊ When asked which amenities should be added by public or private entities, the top responses included off-road biking/walking trails, restrooms and an indoor athletic complex. ◊ When asked which amenities should be improved or expanded by the City, the top responses included restrooms, off-road biking/walking trails and a dog park. ◊ The top two reasons respondents cited for not participating in recreational activities included being too busy and not being able to take dogs into the parks. ◊ 67% of respondents believe the community should allocate additional funds to be spent on park maintenance (maintaining existing grounds/facilities).

Recreation Programming ◊ 52% of respondents participated in City of Hartfordsponsored recreation programs in the past year. ◊ 14% of respondents do not feel the City’s current variety of recreational offerings meets the needs of their household. Responses as to why included swimming at the Rec Center should have more evening swim classes, more time/space for lap swim, more hours for open swim; Rec Center isn’t open long enough; more evening or weekend programs/activities are needed for children; cost of memberships at Rec Center are too high; and more yoga classes are needed. ◊ When asked what new type of recreation program or service the City should consider offering, respondents said more walking and biking trails that connect to existing trails, an indoor athletic facility for multiple sports, a splash pad and a beer garden.

Stakeholder Questionnaire To obtain information on what is working well and what needs improvements for the community groups and organizations that utilize City parks, a stakeholder questionnaire was sent out. The following are some of the comments from the organizations who responded to the questionnaire: ◊ Hartford Soccer Club - Independence Park parking lots are gravel, get rutted easily and create a mess; improved weed care and fertilization of grass is needed in fields.

Would like additional locations for practice goals to allow

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practice outside of game fields, wireless internet hotspots in parks, additional grill, picnicking areas and restrooms. ◊ Hartford Kettle Moraine Lions Club - Centennial Park needs trash cleanup, weeds kept out of flower beds, and the signage on the message boards seems outdated, faded, and the structures need maintenance. Restrooms and other facilities would be nice at Centennial Park. ◊ Hartford Select Baseball Club - fields at Independence Park need to be improved, redone and redressed to be like Lincoln and West Side Park to improve safety for players. More equipment is needed to protect fields in case of poor weather. It would be nice to have more batting cages or practice fields for off seasons. ◊ Hartford City Band - Woodlawn Park needs lighting along footpath from shelter to parking, the band needs a staging area with storage space for summer concert performances. More handicap parking is also needed at the Woodlawn shelter. ◊ Hartford Women’s Club- City parks should be kept clean, safe and have access to parking. ◊ American Legion - Woodlawn Park pavilion and restrooms need to be updated. ◊ Hartford Historical Society - would like to see trees replaced that have been cut down.

According to survey results the most common destinations that need to be improved for bicycle or pedestrian safety include: ◊ Along and crossing HWY 60, especially at Main Street ◊ Downtown ◊ Near Independence Park, especially Wilson Street ◊ Along Main Street ◊ HWY K (Monroe Street to HWY 60) ◊ Sumner Street

Highways, railroad tracks, rivers and creeks can also pose a barrier to bicycles and pedestrians. Separate bicycle and pedestrian crossing facilities are often not provided, and auto intersections can be difficult or dangerous on bike or on foot. HWY 60 poses a north-south barrier and HWY 83 poses a east-west barrier in Hartford. The railroad tracks also pose an north-south barrier. The Rubicon River provides an opportunity for trail facilities along the corridor, but serves as another north-south barrier.

4.5 BIKING AND WALKING SUITABILITY ANALYSIS Connecting parks and recreational facilities to each other and the population is an important component of bicycle and pedestrian planning, and also park and open space planning.

Barriers for bicycles and pedestrians include both a lack of facilities and unsafe facilities. Where sidewalks do not exist, it is difficult for pedestrians to access necessary services.

Streets with heavy vehicle traffic, particularly those that are narrow, pose a danger to on-street cycling. Lack of safe pedestrian or bicycle crossings of busy streets also poses significant danger.

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ANALYSIS OF NEEDS & DEMANDS 4.5 REGIONAL & STATE INSIGHTS Insights from the Wisconsin Statewide Outdoor Comprehensive Recreation Plan (SCORP), 2018 (DRAFT).

The State of Wisconsin is currently in the process of developing an updated SCORP. This upcoming version of the SCORP features a Recreation Opportunities Analysis (ROA). The DNR held four public open houses and posted an online survey to gather data for the ROA. The ROA examines existing outdoor-recreation based opportunities compared to future opportunities in eight regions throughout Wisconsin. For purposes of this plan, the City of Hartford is primarily located in the Lower Lake Michigan Coastal region.

The ROA found that residents of the Lower Lake Michigan Coastal Region participate in at lower rates than the State average include: ◊ Ice fishing ◊ RV/Pop-up camping ◊ Snowmobiling

Lake Unit, as well as the Glacial Drumlin and Hank Aaron State trails. Of the people providing input, the majority (76%) selected the quality of trails as the most important factor in determining their favorite property to visit. The three next most important factors are the desire to be in a quiet place, the quality of the habitat, and good maps, signs or information about properties The following recreation activities are identified in the SCORP as highly needed in the Lower Lake Michigan Coastal Region: ◊ Bicycling - bicycle touring/road riding ◊ Bicycling - mountain biking/off-road biking ◊ Bird or wildlife watching ◊ Camping - primitive ◊ Canoing or kayaking ◊ Cross country skiing ◊ Fishing - lake fishing from a boat, canoe or kayak

Figure 4.1 Statewide Outdoor Comprehensive Recreation Plan Planning Areas Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The ROA found that popular activities in this region include: ◊ Bicycling - surfaced trails ◊ Camping - tent ◊ Canoing/kayaking ◊ Fishing - from a boat, canoe or kayak ◊ Fishing - from shore ◊ Hiking, walking, running on trails ◊ Swimming ◊ Wildlife/bird watching

The most popular places to go in the region are the Ice Age Trail, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit, Southern Unit, Lapham Peak Unit and Pike

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◊ Fishing - lake fishing from shore or a pier ◊ Gathering mushrooms, berries, etc. ◊ Hiking, walking, trail running, backpacking ◊ Motorboating (waterski/tubing, personal watercraft) ◊ Nature photography ◊ Picnicking ◊ Snowshoeing ◊ Swimming in lakes and rivers

Insights from the Washington County Parks & Open Space Plan (POSP), 2004.

To determine County residents’ use of parks, recreational interests and opinions on expanding lands for parks, Washington County conducted two public opinion surveys. Findings included: ◊ A high percentage of respondents participate in hiking and walking, on-road biking and swimming in pools. ◊ There was a high level of support for conserving land for public parks, recreation, water quality and wildlife habitat. ◊ Respondents indicated that new recreational lands should be used for hiking and walking, children’s playgrounds, beach swimming, fishing and picnicking. ◊ Recreation facilities such as dog parks, playground equipment, and volleyball courts, and park amenities such as additional benches/tables and additional dumpsters/ recycling containers were cited most frequently as desired park facilities.

Insights from the Dodge County Parks & Open Space Plan (POSP), 2015.

A public survey was distributed in order to gather information on public opinions and habits regarding recreation and Dodge County Parks. Findings included: ◊ The top five recreational activities most participated in by the respondents are: walking/hiking, picnicking, fishing, camping and biking. ◊ The top three things that would encourage the respondents to visit/use the Dodge County Parks on a more regular basis are: more trails, parks closer to home and more park amenities. ◊ The development or expansion of hiking trails and picnic areas were the most supported facilities.

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Chapter 5 RECOMMENDATIONS

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RECOMMENDATIONS

The quantitative, qualitative, and geographic analysis discussed in Chapter 4 reveals the need for improvements to existing facilities, as well as the acquisition and development of new sites for future recreational use. It should be noted that some of the recommendations may require considerable cooperation with others, including the citizens of Hartford, local civic and business associations, neighboring municipalities, Washington and Dodge Counties, and State agencies. In nearly every case, more detailed planning, engineering, study, budgeting, and/or discussion will be necessary before decisions are made to actually acquire land or construct recreational facilities.

occur over the next three to five years and low priority items should occur five or more years out. Due to budgetary constraints it is unlikely that all of the recommendations within this chapter will be implemented in the next five years. Maintenance and improvement projects will be prioritized on an annual basis by the City staff team in Hartford in conjunction with the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parks and Recreation Commission as part of the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual budget.

Many of the recommendations regarding locating new park facilities will be coordinated with the annexation, attachment through cooperative boundary agreement or approval of development proposals; therefore, the timing is much more variable.

The recommendations of this plan are divided into five major sections: (1) existing park facilities; (2) new park facilities; (3) trail improvements; and (4) miscellaneous recommendations. Many of the specific recommendations discussed in each section are identified on the Proposed Parks and Proposed Trails maps. Acquisition projects will be implemented through donation, dedication, purchase, or a combination thereof.

5.1 EXISTING PARK FACILITIES

The timeline for completion of the recommendations is noted within each table of recommendations. High priority items should occur ASAP, Medium priority items should

The following pages contain two- to three-page spreads dedicated to each existing park in Hartford. Each spread includes general park information, facilities (and approximate install dates), and recommendations for improvements to existing parks. Some of the recommendations identified within this section are remnants from the 2012 Hartford CORP. These recommendations have been highlighted (*) where they occur.

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BERND PARK Park Address: 112 N Rural Street Park Type: Mini Park Park Size: 0.9 Acre Details: This mini park was the site of the Department of Public Works garage. The DPW garage was removed from the site in 2003 and the City designated the property for parkland to fill in greenway and connecting trail for the Rubicon River Parkway. In 2006, the site was officially named Bernd Park in honor of Murlin Bernd who served as a public official for many years including Mayor and Alderperson. The site is situated between the Recreation Center, Fire Station, and City Hall. It is also immediately adjacent to Jordan Park. A footbridge was installed in 2017 to provide an improved connection between the numerous surrounding buildings, parking areas and Main Street.

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BERND PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Shore fishing

N/A

Bike/Walking trails

2012

Benches

2012

ISSUES/COMMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY (LOW-MED-HIGH)

EST. COST

Add gazebo

HIGH

$5,000-$10,000

Picnic tables

MED

$750/EA

Highlight/Accentuate the memorial

LOW

$5,000-$20,000

Add more benches along the path or River

LOW

$1,500/EA

Shade trees

LOW

$500/EA

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CANDY CANE PARK Park Address: 526 E Lincoln Avenue Park Type: Neighborhood Playground Park Size: 0.3 Acres Details: This small park was a remnant site in the Memorial Park neighborhood. The parcel was donated to the City in 1960.

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CANDY CANE PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Playground equipment

1998

Bench

1980

Sandbox

2000 (new boards)

ISSUES/COMMENTS Swing & Individual Poor Condition Poor Condition Poor Condition

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY (LOW-MED-HIGH)

EST. COST

Upgrade play equipment

HIGH

$40,000

Add another bench

LOW

$1,500

Add a picnic table

MED

$750

Add landscaping

MED

$3,000-$5,000

Add basketball court/hoop

LOW

$15,000-$25,000

Sandbox maintenance (consider removal)

HIGH

$2,000

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CENTENNIAL PARK Park Address: 500 Sumner Street Park Type: Neighborhood Park Park Size: 7.3 Acres Details: The development of Centennial Park came about through several land acquisitions over more than a decade. The original park land was obtained in 1976 when the City obtained the Kraft land both North and South of the river adjacent to the dam. In 1981, the City obtained a strip of land between the Millpond and Central Middle School Grand Avenue to the millpond bridge. In that same year, as part of the Grand Avenue bridge project, the City obtained land north of the Millpond and West of Grand Avenue from Chrysler Outboard. In 1982, the Hartford Housing Authority purchased a parcel on Main Street just south of the Rubicon River for park purposes. Also in 1982, the City turned the adjacent alleyway into a pedestrian walkway. In 1983 through a land acquisition grant, the City purchased a strip of land from Mequon Reloaders, which resulted in the widening of the Centennial Park lands between the river and the commercial properties which front on Jackson Street. The park was officially named Centennial Park in honor of the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centennial Celebration in June of 1983. In 1984, a park easement was acquired north of the river to create a continuous park around the Millpond. Finally, in 1997 the Common Council voted to add a vacant 1.2 acre parcel to Centennial Park; the parcel is located north of the Millpond and East of First Street.

In 1997 the City of Hartford, Hartford Foundation, and Hartford Utilities cooperated in the purchase of three decorative fountains to be placed in the West end of the Millpond. The fountains commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Hartford Water Utility. A fourth fountain was added east of Grand Ave. in 2002. The new Jack Russell Library was constructed and opened in November 2011. The library is located on the South side of the Millpond bordering the park. The City replaced the bulkhead on the south of the pond in 2014 and plans to replace the remainder of the north wall in 2020.

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CENTENNIAL PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

ISSUES/COMMENTS

Canoe/Kayak launch

1981

Shore fishing

N/A

Designated dog area

1981

Access for water training at boat launch

Fitness Equipment

2005

Equipment is aged South (2015, north (1990)

Bike/Walking trail

See right

Open-air shelter

1989

Grills (fixed & portable)

1980’s-1990’s

Picnic tables (fixed, mounted)

1990

ADA issues

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

See Park Concept Plan - Appendix D *Removal & reconstruction of bulkhead wall and dredging (City Estimate)

Included in 2020 CIP

$1,075,000

*Multi-purpose pavilion (1,500 SF) (bathroom, stage, shelter)

Included in 2023 CIP

$450,000-$700,000

Bridge Replacement

Included in 2020 CIP

$75,000

Asphalt parking lot (15,000 SY)

MED

$30,000

Concrete sidewalk

MED

$58,500

Site restoration (26,900 SF)

MED

$9,000

Landscaping (10,500 SF)

MED

$84,000

Park sign

MED

$10,000

Open-air shelter

MED

$150,000

ADA accessible canoe/kayak launch

MED

$15,000

*Fishing Pier

MED

$19,000

Playground, surfacing and fence

MED

$175,000

Move utilities underground (City Estimate)

MED

$150,000

Site furnishings

MED

$32,000 (10 benches, 8 bike racks, 4 trash recepticals, 2 picnic tables)

Fitness stations (x4)

MED

$40,000

10’ multi-use trail (800 LF)

MED

$20,000

Trail lighting

MED

$38,000

Add trail map at entry

MED

$2,000

Trees (22)

MED

$11,000

46 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

CHARLES BRASSURE PARK Park Address: 814 Autumn Ridge Lane Park Type: Undeveloped Park Park Size: 13.1 Acres Details: In 2008, the 13.1 acre wooded park off of East Monroe St. near the Hartford Estate Development was dedicated to the City of Hartford in honor of Charles â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chuckâ&#x20AC;? Brassure and his ancestors. The Brassure family farmsteaded the land beginning in the 1800s. The park lies between Autumn Ridge Estates and Autumn Ridge Condominiums.

The development of a park concept design is being completed as part of the 2018-2023 CORP. Improvements will be in the low to medium priority for future developments.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 47

CHARLES BRASSURE PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

ISSUES/COMMENTS

none

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

COST EST.

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

See Park Concept Plan - Appendix D 10’ multi-use trail (976 LF)

MED

$23,857

10’ trail (2,007 LF)

MED

$44,600

Mulched path (800 LF)

MED

$19,200

Asphalt parking lot (760 SY)

MED

$17,000

Playground and surfacing

LOW

$130,000

Small open shelter

LOW

$25,000

Trees (11)

MED

$5,500

Site Restoration (27,000 SF)

MED

$82,500

Site Furnishings

MED

Concrete sidewalk

MED

$16,700 (9 benches, 4 bike racks, 2 trash recepticals, 2 picnic tables) $30,000

Add access road

MED

--

Add a map of the trail

MED

$2,000 (sign)

48 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

CHASA MEMORIAL Park Address: 149 N Main Street Park Type: Mini Park Park Size: 0.1 Acres Details: Chasa (meaning very small) is a tenth-acre parcel in the downtown that has been dedicated for a memorial to persons who served our country.

Development and maintenance of the park was undertaken by the Hartford Garden Club, VFW, and Vietnam Veterans.

This ornamental park, located at the intersection of Wisconsin Street and Main Street, serves as both a small green space in the downtown area and a site for various veterans’ memorials.

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Memorial

ISSUES/COMMENTS

1970’s

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT *Relocate Vietnam Memorial

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

HIGH

--

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 49

COUNTRY VIEW PARK Park Address: 320 E Prospect Street Park Type: Nature Preserve/Greenway Park Size: 28.1 Acres Details: This park consists of land acquired in 1993 as a part of the Hidden Creek Subdivision development. The park primarily consists of environmentally sensitive lands. The City developed a wet detention pond in the area to the west of the trail.

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Biking/Walking trail

1999

Benches

2000

ISSUES/COMMENTS Existing signage bent

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Promote more use

MED

--

*Keep maintaining and updating existing trail

HIGH

--

Repair damaged existing signage

HIGH

--

Add entrance sign on Hidden Creek View Rd.

MED

$10,000

Add trail map at entry

MED

$5,000-$8,000 (for kiosk), $2,000 (for sign)

50 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

EASTWOOD NATURE PARK Park Address: 1011 Woods Edge Drive Park Type: Undeveloped Park Park Size: 18.1 acres Details: In 2002 the City acquired 2.48 acres of a wooded upland area for park as part of the Northview Highlands subdivision development.

The developer as part of the subdivider agreement with the City developed a hiking trail through the wooded parcel. This parcel and the trail reach the highest elevation in this area of the City providing a highly visible and somewhat natural amenity to existing and future area development. In consideration of acquiring this site, the City was additionally interested in an adjacent larger wooded parcel and in 2003 the City acquired as part of the Hartford Square II developerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agreement this additional parkland. The entire two sites consist of 18.1 acres of mature woodland area. The City desired these combined properties for development of a neighborhood park. The Park and Recreation Commission at the time of site acquisitions felt that initially creating a trail system that could be used for hiking and cross country skiing would be the first developments. The other developments suggested for this neighborhood park site included an enclosed shelter or four season shelter.

In 2014 a park site concept plan was developed and approved. The plan includes a native-based playground, trails, service road, parking, shelter and open space. The City Planner, working with the two developers, included subdivision street plans on the west and east property lines that could allow for a park service road to enter into the park site for either and potentially connect a road through the site and/or provide turn around access where shelters/parking areas are created. Specifically this is located on eastern end of Woods Edge Drive in the Northview Highlands Subdivision and in the Hartford Square II subdivision on the western end of Novak Drive/Simon Drive. To date the park improvements include the trail through the Northview park property and parking turn around area. A gravel service entrance road was installed at the Simon Drive entrance in 2017.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 51

EASTWOOD NATURE PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Biking/Walking Trail

N/A

Benches

?

ISSUES/COMMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Continue with the trail plans created by staff that meet up with the existing trail Add small picnic shelter

LOW

--

LOW

$12,000-$25,000

Implement park master plan when City is ready (incl. natural fence boundary, grading and restoration, gravel maintenance driveway, trail development, shelter, nature based playground) Add signage to park

LOW

$380,394 (2014)

LOW

$5,000-$10,000

52 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

HOMESTEAD PARK Park Address: 560 Big Bend Way Park Type: Neighborhood Park Park Size: 3.7 Acres Details: Park grading/seeding in 2009. Landscaping along Yellowstone Drive and the western edge of the park in 2010/2011. A back stop was installed in 2011. The Borlen Farms Subdivision Association began meeting in 2009 and in 2011 formed a spin off park committee and provided city staff with recommendations for a playground and shelter.

The Hartford Soccer Club has located a practice goal at the park.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 53

HOMESTEAD PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Backstop

2011

Soccer Field

2016

ISSUES/COMMENTS Practice field site only

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Build new shelter with restroom

LOW

*Complete park plan (locate shelter and playground)

LOW

$100,000$250,000 --

*Play equipment

2022 CIP

$40,000

*Sand volleyball

MED

$5,000

*Basketball court

MED

$15,000-$25,000

Add another disc golf course

MED

$15,000-$50,000

Add shade trees

MED

$500/EA

Add landscaping around park sign

LOW

$2,000

Continue maintenance at park

HIGH

--

54 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

INDEPENDENCE PARK Park Address: 880-1020 S Wilson Avenue Park Type: Community Park Park Size: 95.9 Acres (~25 acres of wetland) Details: The lands now named Independence Park were originally purchased in 1942 as a source of gravel, and as a landfill site. In 1975, following closing of the landfill, the site became a public park.

It was originally named Jurgensen Park.

In 1976, on the 200th birthday of our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independence, the park was renamed by Melissa Farris, the former Mayor Thayerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s granddaughter. A master plan for the park was prepared in 1975 and updated in 1983 and 1985. In 1978 the Hartford Jaycees contributed to the development of an asphalt basketball court which was built in the northern portion of the park. In 1980 grading was undertaken in the central portion of the park to comply with the DNR landfill closing order. Overhead power lines were also buried.

In 1985, grading of the four softball fields was completed. The Hartford Sideliners have contributed to the development of 10 soccer fields. The Sideliners, along with the Hartford Lions and Knights of Columbus, built the shelter building located near Wilson Ave. The Hartford Lions Club also contributed funding to develop picnic areas 4 & 5. The Hartford Youthball Program raised funds for ball diamond fencing. The athletic fields are complemented by bleachers purchased through fund-raisers. These bleachers were funded through donations by the local Youthball, Sideliners soccer, Hartford Foundation, and Hartford Junior Women organizations. The bleacher units can seat up to 700 people at various events.

In 1997, the development of the Chapel Hill Subdivision to the East of Independence Park allowed the City to acquire environmentally sensitive lands to the South of Kennedy Drive. The subdivision developers also dedicated an asphalt bike/pedestrian path which connects the park to Garfield Court.

A tornado hit Hartford in June of 2006 and traveled through the park. Damage to the shelter/rest room building, open shelter and soccer shed, and approximately 10 downed trees which required clean-up and repairs.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 55

INDEPENDENCE PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

ISSUES/COMMENTS

Playground Equipment (age 2-5)

2011

By ballfield

Playground Equipment (age 5-12)

2009

By ballfield

Playground Equipment (age 2-5)

1998

Park-general

Playground Equipment (age 5-12)

1998

Park-general

Baseball/Softball Diamonds (4)

One field modified into 2 small fields in 2007.

Needs improved surface.

Basketball Court

1988 (initial construction) 1978

Volleyball Courts (2)

1988

Soccer Fields (8)

1988-1996

BMX Trails

2006

Designated Dog Area

2011

Bench needs repainting

Bike/Walking Trail

2006

S. Wilson Ave.

Off-Street Parking

see right

Dog park (2011), baseball/softball (1988), soccer gravel (1994)

Open-Air Shelter

1994

Enclosed Shelter

1987

Concession Stand/Restroom

2006

By ballfield

Grills (portable)

1995-2000

Portable

Drinking Water

see right

Attached to restroom buildings (same install year)

Bleachers

1986-2000

Continual updates - boards replaced

Picnic Tables (portable)

1986-present

Nature Study Area

N/A

Developed from 1986 to 200 by Soccer Club/City

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Paint fence on field one (electrostatic paint)

MED

--

*Improve connecting trail to Chapel Hill neighborhood

MED

--

*Pave service roads and parking lot

HIGH

$2,500,000

*Add lighting to service drive and parking lot

HIGH

$3,000/EA

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INDEPENDENCE PARK (CONTINUED) IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Expand/improve playground near old shelter

MED

$40,000+

*Add sledding hill north of BMX

LOW

$15,000-$25,000

*Add more trees

MED

$500/EA

(DNR has restrictions over

landfill areas)

Restroom update (interior remodeling)

2022 CIP

$30,000

Larger entrance sign

LOW

$10,000

Add grill by the back shelter

LOW

Add large open shelter by concession stand

HIGH

Paint garage doors

LOW

$1,500 (grill, concrete pad) $50,000$150,000 --

Add large storage shed

LOW

$20,000-$75,000

Add batting cage area

LOW

$10,000-$20,000

Add scoreboards

LOW

$20,000-$75,000

Repaint dog park benches

HIGH

--

Paint and fix boards around venting component

HIGH

--

Add field number signs

HIGH

$200/EA

Add permanent park map

LOW

$2,000

HIGH

$24,700 (2018) $13,000 (2019)

New infield mix

(Fall 2018 project: 2 fields - south and north; 2019 project: east)

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 57

INDEPENDENCE PARK (CONTINUED) Map of Existing Soccer Fields

Source: Hartford Sideliners Soccer Club

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JORDAN PARK Park Address: 65 N Rural Street Park Type: Mini Park Park Size: 0.4 Acres Details: The park is located adjacent to the Hartford Recreation Center. The park is currently used by the Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market and as a starting spot for the Kissel Run. In 2018 a new shelter was approved for construction that will be completed by a local scout as an Eagle Scout project. In 2016 the park signage was updated as part of an Eagle Scout project.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 59

JORDAN PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

ISSUES/COMMENTS

Shore Fishing

N/A

Grills

1981

Fixed mount

Picnic Tables

2000

Portable

Shelter/Picnic Table

1981

moved from another park in 2001

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

Add another grill

LOW

Promote use beyond Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market

MED

$1,500 (grill, concrete pad) --

Incorporate use with Bernd Park

LOW

--

Make this the Rubicon River Trailhead

HIGH

--

New open-air shelter

HIGH

$0

(Eagle Scout Project 2018)

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LAKE VIEW ACRES PARK Park Address: 2076 Lake View Drive Park Type: Neighborhood Playground Park Size: 0.8 Acres Details: Lake View Park was dedicated to the City in 1993 as a part of the Lake View Acres First Addition Subdivision. The parcel is located adjacent to City Well #11.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 61

LAKE VIEW ACRES PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Playground Equipment

1998

Picnic Tables

1998

ISSUES/COMMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Low spots in the outfield need filling

HIGH

--

Activity station for older residents

LOW

$10,000-$20,000

Add volleyball court

LOW

$5,000

Update playground equipment

MED

$40,000+

Add landscaping, flower beds, bushes

MED

$9,000

Clean up and refill the mulch and edging around playground

MED

$2,500-$5,000

Continue maintenance

HIGH

--

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LINCOLN ATHLETIC COMPLEX Park Address: 755 S Rural Street Park Type: Community Playfield Park Size: 28.6 Acres Details: This land is leased by the City of Hartford from the Hartford Joint 1 School District. All ballfield improvements are done by the City and the High School develops the football fields. The site is also used for the July 4th fireworks display.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 63

LINCOLN ATHLETIC COMPLEX EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

ISSUES/COMMENTS

Lighted Ballfields

2001

Outfield needs aeration

Restroom

2000

Constructed by High School - Shared USP

Concession Stand

2000

Constructed by High School - Shared USP

Bleachers

2008/2012

Constructed by High School - Shared USP

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Outfield needs aeration

HIGH

--

*City would prefer ownership

MED

--

Fill low areas in field that flood

MED

--

Continue to work with HUHS on field updates and use

MED

--

Add bigger storage shed for clubs

MED

$10,000-$35,000

Add more bleachers

MED

$5,000/EA

Renovate fences (dugout fence unsafe due to frost raising poles)

HIGH

$35-$100/LF

64 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

MAPLE PARK Park Address: currently inaccessible Park Type: Undeveloped Park Park Size: 2.0 Acres Details: In 1969, the developers of the Schlosser-Jordan Estates Subdivision dedicated a two-acre wetland parcel of land to the City. The parcel is located in the Pleasant Hill/Fairview neighborhood. The land is currently inaccessible due of lack of roads in the area. The parcel remains undeveloped for park purposes.

Southwest Park

Maple Park

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

ISSUES/COMMENTS

none

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Consider land acquisition in order to link to Southwest Park

LOW

--

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 65

PAUL QUICK CONSERVANCY Park Address: 33 W Monroe Avenue Park Type: Nature Preserve/Greenway Park Size: 10.8 Acres Details: This land is was donated and received by the City in 2011.

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

ISSUES/COMMENTS

none

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY (LOW-MED-HIGH)

EST. COST

*Develop boardwalk from Veterans Memorial Park to connect to Wildcat Conservancy at Central School Add parking

LOW

$200+/LF

LOW

$20+/SY

Add benches and tables

LOW

$750-$1,500/EA

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ROTARY PARK Park Address: 402 E Sumner Street Park Type: Mini Park Park Size: 0.8 acres Details: The site was acquired in two land purchases. In 1998 the City purchased the Zimmerman property with grant assistance through the DNR Stewardship â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Urban Rivers Grant Program.

In 2004, the Hartford Rotary, in celebration of the Rotary International 100 year anniversary built and dedicated an octagonal park shelter on the corner of Highway 60 and Grand Avenue A second parcel, Schlosser property, was acquired in 2002 again with the assistance from the DNR Stewardship â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Urban Rivers Grant Program. The homes on the sites were removed in preparation to create a green space along the Rubicon River and connected the site to Willowbrook Park.

The City was awarded a DNR grant in 2011 to construct a new trail bridge between Willowbrook Park and Rotary Park.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 67

ROTARY PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Off-Street Parking

2008

Open-Air Shelter

2004

Benches (1)

2008

Tables (4)

2005

ISSUES/COMMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

Add more picnic tables

LOW

$750/EA

Add benches

LOW

$1,500/EA

Add Rubicon River Trail map

LOW

$2,000-$5,000

Add running water

LOW

--

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RUBICON RIVER PARKWAY Park Address: adjacent to Rubicon River Park Type: Nature Preserve/Greenway Park Size: 50+ acres Details: This parkway consists of numerous properties along the river corridor, stretching from Pike Lake in the East to Goodland Road in the West. Most of the land between Hilldale Drive and West Side Park has been acquired. Pedestrian paths run from the Recreation Center to Rotary Park. This acreage represents acquired land along the Rubicon River that is not currently classified as developed parkland.

A plan update was completed in 2007 with design consulting from MAYO Corporation.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 69

RUBICON RIVER PARKWAY EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Bike/Walking Trail

2000-2016

ISSUES/COMMENTS Completed in phases

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Expand the system. Prioritization: 1) Phase II: Goodland Rd to N Wacker 2) Phase III: N Wilson Ave to Franklin Dr

HIGH

*Map portions of corridor for acquisition

HIGH

$392,805 (Phase II), $346,100 (Phase III) (2007 estimates) --

*Make improved pedestrian crossings at key intersections (signage/road markings: N. Grand Ave, Steelcraft Dr, Ewing Dr, Grant St) Add “you are here” signage along trail

LOW

--

LOW

$1,500-$2,000

Add path lighting

LOW

$3,000/EA

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SAWYER PARK Park Address: 111 Branch Street Park Type: Neighborhood Playground Park Size: 1.3 acres Details: This park was purchased in 1952 from the Sawyer Family. Sawyer Park is strategically located in the Central neighborhood at the southern end of the business district in the Memorial Park neighborhood.

In 1958 the old Steinmetz/Palmer band shell, located at the Schwartz Ballroom site, was dismantled and moved to an amphitheater setting in Sawyer Park.

This band shell was removed in 2008.

The development of Sawyer Park as a Memorial Park to Veterans began in 2012 when the area of the former bandshell was constructed as a flag memorial. In 2017 walkways were added and the VFW installed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Avenue of Flagsâ&#x20AC;? along the new walkways. In 2018 a parking area was added to the site.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 71

SAWYER PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Playground Equipment

see right

Bike/Walking Trail

2017

Off-Street Parking

2018

Picnic Tables

N/A

ISSUES/COMMENTS Infant swing (1970), slide (2000), climber (2000).

Aging equipment.

Access road is too narrow

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY (LOW-MED-HIGH)

EST. COST

*Small shelter on top

MED

*Consolidate memorials at this park

MED

$50,000$100,000 --

Place for vendor cart to park

LOW

$1,000-$2,000

Update playground equipment

HIGH

$40,000

Widen access road for cars to get through

MED

Add a storage shed

LOW

$10/SF concrete, $20/ SY asphalt $5,000-$15,000

Add more picnic tables

LOW

$750/EA

Add entrance sign on Branch Street side of park

LOW

$10,000

Add informational signage to explain memorial

MED

$5,000

Add benches along path

LOW

$1,500/EA

Add soft lighting

LOW

$3,000/EA

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SOUTHWEST PARK Park Address: Pond Road Park Type: Undeveloped Park Park Size: 26.8 acres Details: The site was obtained to address southwest residential growth. It was acquired in 2003 from Richard and Karen Beine. A master park plan was developed in 2009. The plan included Club stakeholders in the area of youth sports as the primary focus was to address field shortage for basketball, soccer, and football. The master plan provides future vision and a capital improvement plan.

The City currently rents the property for agricultural practices. The site development is expected to move forward at the time when the Western Hills IV subdivision is constructed, which will provide road infrastructure and utilities adjacent to this parkland.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 73

SOUTHWEST PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

ISSUES/COMMENTS

none

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

EST. COST

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*One football/soccer field full size for 6th, 7th and 8th grade practice *Parking in two areas (one 136 spaces, the other 52 spaces)

LOW

*Two soccer fields

LOW

*Four season shelter

LOW

*One regulation baseball and one softball field

LOW

LOW

*The remaining portions of the park will need standard LOW neighborhood park facilities: restrooms, play structures, picnic areas, picnic shelter, open space for un-programmed play or soccer practice and detention ponds, sand volleyball, basketball court. *Consider a community build project LOW

$35,000$120,000 $20/SY $25,000$100,000 $300-$350/SF $75,000$250,000 --

--

*Link to or expand to Maple Park

LOW

--

Reevaluate conceptual plan

MED

--

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VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK Park Address: 777 S Main Street Park Type: Neighborhood Park Park Size: 6.0 acres Details: This park was originally purchased by the Hartford Common School District for school facilities, and is located on the South edge of the City. The main feature of Veterans Memorial Park is the Aquatic Center.

The updated Aquatic Center opened summer of 2016 and features water slides, lazy river, floatable water walk, water basketball, diving boards, in-water bench and shade, sand play area, deck activities, concession stand, lap lane, toddler spray features and slide, spinbrella water feature, tidal barrel water drop, lounge chairs and a locker room with showers.

In 2017 the pool had 39,029 visitors, up 137% from 2015, the year before the new aquatic center opened. These visitor numbers include open swim, morning lap, morning water walk, lessons and swim team.

See figure below.

Visitors at Veterans Memorial Pool, 2013-2017 45,000 40,000 35,000

# of Visitors

30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 75

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Swimming Pool/Lazy River

2016

Bathhouse

2016

Playground Equipment

1998

Basketball Court

N/A

Ice Skating/Hockey

N/A

Skate Park

see right

Concession Stand/ Park Restroom Picnic Tables

2016

ISSUES/COMMENTS

Concrete pad (2004), ramps/equipment (2004-2008)

?

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

APPROX. $

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Continue to upgrade skate park as needed

MED

--

Add more playground equipment

2018 CIP

$50,000

Add picnic tables outside of pool area

MED

$750/EA

Add landscaping around pool

MED

$5,000-$10,000

Add benches facing pool, outside of pool area

HIGH

$1,500/EA

Work with swim club and HUHS for bleacher seating for meets

LOW

--

Add sidewalk along south side of pool

MED

$10/SF

Consider moving portable ice rink

HIGH

--

Continue maintenance of skate park

HIGH

--

Involve users of skate park in any upgrades

MED

--

Add a connection over drainageway to Athletic Complex

HIGH

--

Basketball court update

2021 CIP

$20,000

Shelter/Restrooms (cost dependent on final size)

2021 CIP

$90,000$250,000

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WEST SIDE PARK Park Address: 544 W Sumner Street Park Type: Community Playfield Park Size: 8.5 acres Details: Acquisition of lands for West Side Park began in 1920. Subsequent purchases in 1931, and sale of a small parcel of land to the adjacent W.B. Place tannery in 1976 culminated in what is now an 8.1 acre site. The park is located between the Rubicon River and West Sumner Street, and is a highly visible facility. West Side Park is one of the three major parks in the City comprising part of the expanding Rubicon River Park/Parkway.

During the 1930â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the WPA built a stone and wood gazebo, a fountain and restrooms at West Side Park.

The historic bathroom structure was relocated to its present site in 2000 from the location now occupied by the new Hartford Electric Utility Operations Center.

Beginning in 2012 the Hartford Select Baseball Club began a number of improvements, including infield renovation and raising funds for the light project.

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 77

WEST SIDE PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Shore Fishing

N/A

Playground Equipment

see right

Lighted Baseball Diamond

Lights (2012)

Volleyball Court

N/A

Bike/Walking Trails

2013

Horseshoe Pits

N/A

Off-Street Parking

2014

Restroom

1930’s

Concession Stand

1930’s

Bleachers

2000

Benches (fixed along trail)

2014, 2016

ISSUES/COMMENTS Swing (1970’s), play structure (1996). playground single units (1998)

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

APPROX. $

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*More seating, more bleachers

HIGH

$5,000+

Add basketball court

LOW

$15,000-$25,000

Add new scoreboard

LOW

$20,000-$75,000

Replace trees

HIGH

$500/EA

Paint roof of gazebo

MED

--

Sandbox maintenance (consider removal)

HIGH

$2,000-$5,000

Repave drive and parking

MED

$20/SY

Add shelter

LOW

$20,000-$75,000

Add Rubicon River Trail map

LOW

$1,000-$2,000

Renovate fence

MED

$30-$75/LF

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WILLOWBROOK PARK Park Address: 730 E Sumner Street Park Type: Neighborhood Park Park Size: 11.2 acres Details: This park acts as a gateway to the historic portion of Hartford.

Willowbrook Park is one of the three major parks in the City adjacent to the Rubicon River and comprising part of the expanding Rubicon River Park/Parkway through the City. The first land acquired for public parks in the City was in 1917 for the East Side Park. That first purchase coupled with later purchases in 1927, 1933, 1944, 1946 and 1964 comprised what is today known as Willowbrook Park.

Easements were obtained in 1982 and 1996 (along the South side and North side of the river, respectively) to link this park with Grand Avenue.

The purchase of two homes on the corner of Hwy. 60 and Grand Ave. added 1.5 acres in 1999. These properties total 1.5 acres and are now are called Rotary Park. In 2001, Steelcraft dedicated 2.5 acres on the north side of the river between N. Grand Ave. and Steelcraft Dr. Willowbrook Park is well located, being situated between the Rubicon River and East Sumner Street, the major East-West route through the City. Its main attraction through the years has been picnicking along the river including swimming in the “old swimming hole”. During the 1930’s Work Project Administration crews built stone restrooms and bridge abutments as well as a stone bathhouse to facilitate the hardy swimmers.

Today Willowbrook Park is still a highly utilized park for family and group picnics. River swimming is no longer an attraction. The lighted tennis courts are heavily used and the children’s play equipment attracts young families.

An open picnic shelter was erected in 1992 as part of a larger LAWCON/ADLP grant. Basketball, volleyball, and horseshoe courts are added attractions of the park.

Willowbrook Park is also host to a State historical marker, fountain, and mural. The historical marker describes the Kissel Kar factory to the North. That plant was the sole location for the manufacture of the Kissel during the early 1900’s until 1931. The Hartford Jaycees donated the Kissel historical marker placed in the park in 1968 on the foundation of the old Uber Tannery. A fountain and associated flower bed were donated by the Hartford Lions Club in 1974. The ‘Animal In Motion’ standing mural, located near the historical marker and fountain, was donated in 1978 by the Hartford American Association of University Women and the Artist in Residency Program, sponsored by the federal government.

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WILLOWBROOK PARK EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

Shore Fishing Playground Equipment Lighted Basketball Court (3) Lighted Tennis/Pickleball Court (3) Volleyball Court Ice Skating/Hockey Bike/Walking Trail Horseshoe Pits (2) Off-Street Parking Open-Air Shelter Enclosed Shelter Restroom Grills Drinking Water Picnic Tables

N/A 2016 see right see right 1990 2016 2013 1970 2013 1992 1930â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1930 1980-2000 1995 1990-2010

ISSUES/COMMENTS

Surface (2006), Lights (1992) Surface (2006), Lights (1992) Seasonal, portable rink

Needs repair - chipped tiles ADA issues Fixed and portable Portable

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

APPROX. $

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Consider acquiring inholding properties to create a more uninterrupted park *Repair walk around bathroom building

LOW

--

2021 CIP

--

*Create new asphalt path to small shelter

MED

$20-$25/SY

*Establish a formal agreement with Steel Craft for parking

LOW

--

*Update restrooms (interior remodeling and sidewalk)

2021 CIP

$30,000

Add additional playground equipment

LOW

$20,000-$40,000+

Add signage in entrance info board or large artwork - needs painting

MED

$2,500-$7,500

Paint shelter roof red

MED

--

Sandbox maintenance

HIGH

$2,000-$5,000

Add park map at entrance

LOW

$1,000-$5,000

Add Rubicon River Trail map

LOW

$1,000-$2,000

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WILSON WETLANDS CONSERVANCY Park Address: 641 E Lincoln Avenue Park Type: Nature Preserve Park Size: 7.3 acres Details: Wilson Wetlands Conservancy is a wildlife and nature conservancy area. The southern portion of the wetland is owned by St. Aidans Episcopal Church.

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE

INSTALL YR

ISSUES/COMMENTS

none

RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY (LOW-MED-HIGH)

APPROX. $

none C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 81

WOODLAWN UNION PARK Park Address: 1200 N Wacker Drive Park Type: Community Park Park Size: 18.7 acres History: Woodlawn Union Park is located adjacent to the Hartford Western Industrial Park. It is the second largest public park developed in the City. It was initially developed in 1959 when the need for a large public park led to the purchase of a large tract of land beyond the Northwest fringe of the City. In 1964, the Chrysler Union donated additional lands.

Heavy use of the park for picnicking during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s prompted the Hartford Lion’s Club to donate money and labor to build a large shelter building in 1966. It was fitted with sliding overhead panels in 1978 to lengthen the period of use of this facility. A second open shelter with an attached restroom facility further enhances the picnic areas.

The principal use of the park continues to be family and group picnic events. The Volunteers for a Beautiful Hartford (formerly the Hartford Civic Garden Club) have established a woodland wildlife area in the park for future generations to enjoy self-guided tours of the wildflowers and variety of trees located in the park. In 1995, this trail was extended to connect to the sidewalk adjacent to Cleveland Avenue and the new residential developments located North of the park. A new open picnic shelter was constructed in 1999 and built by Ameritech. It also houses telephone company equipment.

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WOODLAWN UNION PARK (CONTINUED) EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE Playground Equipment (age 2-5) Playground Equipment (age 5-12) Spring Riders Backstop Softball Field Basketball Court Volleyball Courts (2) Soccer Field 9-Hole Frisbee/Disc Golf Course Bike/Walking Trail (nature trail) Horseshoe Pits (4) Off-Street Parking Open Air Shelter (east) Enclosed Shelter Restroom/Shelter Grills Drinking Water Picnic Tables Council/Fire Ring Nature Study Area & Trail Gaga Pit

INSTALL YR 1997 2000 1980-2005 1980’s 1999 1980 1980’s 1995 2006 1990 1970’s 1980 1999 1966 1966 1970-2010 1995 1995-2010 1970’s 1956 & 1980 2016

ISSUES/COMMENTS

Relocated in 1999 Shared with soccer Resurfaced asphalt 2016 Shared with softball T-boxes and basket surface repairs needed Parking lot to park

Includes ATT remote secure terminal

Fixed and portable Portable Completed by Civic Garden Club

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WOODLAWN UNION PARK (CONTINUED) RECOMMENDATIONS IMPROVEMENT

PRIORITY

APPROX. $

(LOW-MED-HIGH)

*Add landscaping and park like feel to new parking lot

MED

$5,000-$10,000

*Plant Oak trees to take the place of major oaks in center of park

LOW

$500/EA

*Consider enclosing the lower shelter

LOW

--

*Add nature themed play structure elements, continue decentralized approach *Asphalt path connecting lower east shelter to restrooms

LOW

$20,000-$50,000

MED

$20/SY

*Improved path lighting throughout park

HIGH

$3,000/EA

Add another partly-covered shelter

MED

$20,000+

Explore construction of new band shell

MED

Update bathrooms (interior remodeling)

2022 CIP

$50,000$150,000 $30,000

Make loop trail dedication stone visible

LOW

--

Improve baseball diamond

LOW

$20,000-$75,000

Fix entrance/exit signs in parking lot along Wacker

HIGH

--

Maintain disc golf course

HIGH

--

Add marked posts with hole number, par, layout to disc golf course MED

$250/EA

Add park map at entrance

LOW

$1,000-$2,000

Add playground equipment at lower shelter

LOW

Add new basketball court

LOW

$20,000$40,000+ $15,000-$25,000

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5.2 NEW PARK FACILITIES The City should develop new park and recreational facilities in areas that are underserved by existing facilities, where future residential expansion is expected to occur, or where the acquisition of park and open space will advance the goals and policies of this plan or the Hartford Comprehensive Plan. The Potential Parks and Recreation Map in Appendix C identifies the general location for potential new or expanded park facilities, based in part on Hartford’s future land use plan (see Section 2.6). These are generalized locations used for planning purposes only.

Site A is in an area that currently has a deficiency in all park types (other than community parks). Site A is also near property zoned for multi-family use, which generally lacks access to green space and play equipment as compared to single-family use. The new park should be a neighborhood playground. Park facilities could include playground equipment, benches, and open space. The park should connect to the trail coming off of N Wacker Dr. Site B (64.4 acres) is recommended as a future dog park.

The recommended site contains a couple of small pockets of wetland - a future dog park in this area should avoid these areas. Amenities to consider at the dog park include: benches, a separate area for large and small dogs, an entrance corral, perimeter buffer, trash containers, shade trees, drinking water and pathways.

Site C is currently located in the Town of Hartford, however it is currently within the City’s Urban Service Area. This area is currently underserved by all park types, with the exception of community parks. Like Site A, a new neighborhood playground should offer playground equipment, benches, grills, and open space.

Site D (68.3 acres) is partially within the Town of Hartford, and similar to Site C is within the City’s Urban Service Area.

This land is planned as park and open space in the City’s future land use map. This area is currently underserved by all park types, with the exception of community parks. The type of housing in this area is medium and high density residential and includes the Oriole Pond Apartments.

A new park in this area should be a neighborhood park

including playground equipment, shelter facilities, grills, sport court(s) (e.g. basketball, tennis, volleyball), lighting, and toilet facilities.

Site E (41.76 acres) is owned by the City of Hartford and is currently a nature park and part of the planned east expansion of the Rubicon River Trail. This is an area that is underserved by all City parks with the exception of Community Parks. The current and planned land use surrounding the property is medium and high density residential. A portion of this existing nature park could be developed into a neighborhood park in addition to typical neighborhood park amenities include canoe/kayak launch facilities, trail and an area for fishing.

Site F is in an area that is underserved by all park types. The surrounding land use is commercial and medium density residential (both single-family and multi-family). This area is planned for park and open space in the City’s future land use plan. The park should be a neighborhood park with typical facilities: playground equipment, shelter facilities, grills, sport court(s) (e.g. basketball, tennis, volleyball), lighting, and toilet facilities.

As new park lands are dedicated to the City, individual park master plans should be developed in order to guide the installation of park facilities. All individual park master plans of the City should be adopted as appendices to this plan in order to maintain eligibility for state and federal park and recreational grants.

5.3 TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS A map of the proposed routes and intersection improvements can be found in Appendix C. Specific bike/ walk trail development recommendations for the plan include: a. Rubicon River Trail - West b. W State St from municipal boundary to Wacker Dr c. Wacker Dr from W State St to W Washington Ave

C h a p t e r 5 | R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s 85

RECOMMENDATIONS d. Existing trail on S Wacker Dr to Southwest Park e. Existing trail on S Wacker Dr to Hartford Union High School f. Hartford Union High School to WIS 83 g. Boardwalk from Veterans Memorial Park to Wildcat Conservancy h. E Monroe Ave from WIS 83 to Independence Park i. S Wilson Ave from E Monroe Ave to Independence Park j. S Wilson Ave from E Monroe Ave to WIS 60

5.4 OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS Other park recommendations include the following: 1. Add kiosks to all parks that shows overall park system map and park amenities or provide a QR code for people to scan to bring a map up on their cellphones or tablets. If the City chooses to direct people to online maps, it could also include a map of each individual park.

k. E Loos St from S Wilson Ave to Eastwood Nature Preserve l. Rubicon River Trail - East m. CTH K from existing trail to Poplar n. E Monroe Ave from CTH K to Charles Brassure Park o. Poplar from CTH K to Sunnyslope Park p. S Main St from E Monroe Ave to Branch St q. S Main St from Branch St to WIS 60 r. N Main St from WIS 60 to Yellowstone Dr s. Hidden Creek View from N Main St to Country View Park t. Cleveland Ave from existing trail on Wacker Dr to N Main St u. Yellowstone Dr from N Main St to Homestead Park

Recommendations for intersection improvements include: 1. W State St and Wacker Dr 2. S Wacker Dr and W Washington Ave 3. W Monroe Ave and Cedar St 4. Wisconsin St and WIS 83 5. Main St and WIS 60 6. Wilson Ave and WIS 60 7. CTH K and WIS 60

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Chapter 6 IMPLEMENTATION

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IMPLEMENTATION

This chapter summarizes tools and mechanisms that the City can use to fund implementation of the park and open space recommendations discussed in Chapter 5, plan adoption and plan amendments.

6.1 TOOLS AND MECHANISMS TO FUND IMPLEMENTATION Maintenance and operational expenses of the City’s Parks & Recreation Department are generally funded through property taxes and user fees. As the park system grows the need to increase funding to meet the basic maintenance and operational costs also grows. Often there are insufficient funds to undertake major capital improvement projects. There are a wide variety of potential funding sources to assist with up-front capital costs, including acquisition of land and the development of new recreational facilities.

Grant Programs

An important source of funding is grant programs offered by state and federal agencies, especially the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Table 6.1 provides a summary of common state and federal park and recreation grant programs. The table is not an exhaustive list of grant programs, rather those that are typically used by municipalities. Other grant programs may exist and information regarding funding details shown in Table 6.1 should be verified prior to seeking grant funding.

A 5-year transportation program, Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, was approved (in 2015) by President Obama and is authorized from October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2020. This Act is administered by the Federal Highway Administration. The FAST Act includes a set aside for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school projects, community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management, and environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity.

Community Fund-raising & Volunteer Groups

Community groups and civic organizations are sometimes

willing to organize fundraising efforts to assist with these costs, and they may also be able to marshal volunteer labor to assist with small development projects such as trail creation or playground installations. Local business and corporate support should also be sought. Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations can be rewarded for their support with acknowledgment on a plaque or sign at the site.

501(c)3 Foundation

The City can set up an endowment fund as an additional means of providing continual financial support for park acquisition and development. An endowment fund works like a permanent savings account. The amount individuals give, which is the principal, is never spent. Only the interest income is spent, thereby providing a continual source of monies. A park endowment fund can provide a means for residents to either bequeath money or provide ongoing donations to the City’s park system, with the certainty that the money donated will only be used for the advancement of recreation in the community. Gifts to an endowment fund are typically tax deductible under federal and state law.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

As part of a broader plan to redevelop an area, the City can use tax increment financing to assist with parkland or trail acquisition and development. There are some limitations to what revenues from a TIF district can be used to pay for; generally the costs of constructing public buildings cannot be funded with TIF. The City currently has six active TIF Districts. TIDs #6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. TIDs are generally created for the purpose of stimulating redevelopment and new public and private investments. Tax increment could be used for land acquisition and site development, but could not be used for construction of park shelters.

Under state statute 66.1105 a municipality can use tax increment to complete public improvements within a 0.5-mile radius of the TID, so long as the use of the funds supports and benefits the TID. Therefore it may be possible for the City to use TIF increment to pay for trail improvement projects near current TIDs or if it were to create any TIDs in the future.

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Table 6.1 Park and Recreation Grant Funding Programs Funding Programs By Category Natural Heritage Land Trust (NHLT)  A non‐profit conservation organization that buys land and holds conservation easements. Conservation easements are voluntary agreements between a landowner and an easement holder (NHLT) to protect land by restricting certain uses.

Conservation easements are voluntary and permanent.

Maximum Award

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LAWCON) 50% local match  This fund is used to implement projects that are identified by both the local and the required state Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.  In general, land acquisition, development, and renovation projects for public outdoor recreation purposes are eligible LWCF projects. LWCF does not include the “nature‐based outdoor recreation” restriction that the Stewardship Local Assistance Programs do.

Recreational Trails Program Grant  Eligible projects include: maintenance and restoration of existing trails, Up to 50% of the total project costs of a development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages, recreational trail project. construction of new trails, and acquisition of easement or property for trails.

Payments are  May only be used on trails which have been identified in or which further a specific reimbursements on costs goal of a local, county or state trail plan included or reference in a statewide incurred after project approval. comprehensive outdoor recreation plan required by the federal LAWCON. Urban Forestry Provides technical service and financial assistance to communities for developing urban forestry programs. Priorities include: 1) Communities needing to develop an urban forestry plan; 2) Communities needing worker training; and 3) Communities needing to conduct a street tree inventory.

Eligible projects include 1) Undertaking street tree inventories; 2) Training for Village tree workers; 3) Developing urban open space programs; 4) Developing urban forestry plans; 5) Developing a tree ordinance; 6) Developing a public awareness program; and, 7) Tree planting and maintenance

50% local match required.

Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000.

Lake Protection and Classification Grants 25% local match  Designed to assist lake users, lake communities and local governments as they required. undertake projects to protect and restore lakes and their ecosystems. Eligible projects include: $200,000 maximum per  Purchase of property or a conservation easement project.  Restoration of wetlands  Development of local regulations or ordinances  Lake classification projects that allow counties to design and implement local land and water management programs that are tailored to specific classes of lakes in response to various development and recreational use pressures (these grants are limited to $50,000).  Lake protection projects recommended in a DNR‐approved plan including watershed management, lake restoration, diagnostic feasibility studies, or any other projects that will protect or improve lakes.

Recreational Boating Facilities Grant 50% local match  Construction of capital improvements to provide safe recreational boating facilities required and for feasibility studies related to the development of safe recreational facilities.  Also includes purchase of navigation aids, dredging of channels of waterways, and chemically treating Eurasian water milfoil.

NRPA Fund Your Park  Crowdfunding platform service designed for park and recreation agencies

Service is free, tax deductible donations

Chapter 6

Application Due Date

Granting Agency

1‐May

DNR

1‐May

DNR

1‐Oct

DNR

1‐May

DNR

Established quarterly

DNR

Application Open: IRPA Janurary 4 and June 6, | Implementatio 2016 Applications Due: February 2 and July 7,2016

n 89

IMPLEMENTATION Funding Programs By Category Knowles‐Nelson Stewardship Program The Stewardship Program was established in 1989 to preserve Wisconsin’s most significant land and water resources for future generations and to provide the land base and recreational facilities needed for quality outdoor experiences.

Maximum Award

Application Due Date

Granting Agency

50% local match required

1‐May

DNR

These goals are achieved by acquiring land and easements for conservation and recreation purposes, developing and improving recreational facilities, and restoring wildlife habitat.

This is an umbrella program that funds the following grants: Aids for the Acquisition and Development of Local Parks (ADLP)  Helps to buy land or easements and develop or renovate local park and recreation area facilities for nature‐based outdoor recreation purposed (e.g., trails, fishing access, and park support facilities).

Urban Green Space (UGS)  Helps to buy land or easements in urban or urbanizing area to preserve the scenic and ecological values of natural open spaces for nature‐based outdoor recreation, including non‐commercial gardening.

Urban Rivers (UR)  Helps to buy land on or adjacent to river flowing through urban or urbanizing areas to preserve or restore the scenic and environmental values of riverways for nature‐ based outdoor recreation.

Acquisition of Development Rights Grants (ADR)  Helps to buy development rights (easements) for the protection of natural, agricultural, or forestry values, that would enhance nature‐based outdoor recreation.

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

Hartford should work with the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) and WisDOT to include major recommendations of this Plan in annual updates of the Transportation Improvement Program, to facilitate access to federal and state funding support.

In particular, the communities should request that “first priority” projects get included in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

Parkland Dedication and Impact Fees

The City’s Municipal Code includes regulations regarding parkland dedication requirements. Within the corporate limits of the City, subdividers are required to dedicate sufficient land to provide park, recreation, and general open space to meet the anticipated neighborhood needs of residential and development areas, as such park development is determined necessary or desirable by this plan.

Parkland Dedication Section 12.0709 of the City’s Subdivision ordinance requires any proposed park (as designated in the Smart Growth Plan or CORP) be dedicated to the City as part of a plat approval, otherwise 1 acre per 25 dwelling units.

Using the average persons per household value of 2.44 (2016) from 2012-2016 American Community Survey (ACS) data, this translates to approximately 16.4 acres per 1,000 residents. As noted in Chapter 4, the City’s policy is to maintain at least 10.5 acres per 1,000 residents, so the existing dedication requirement of 1 acre per 25 dwelling units should ensure the City stays about this minimum threshold.

Fees in Lieu If parkland dedication is not possible, at the discretion of the Plan Commission, a subdivider may satisfy the requirement for provisions of such park, recreation and general open space by payment of a fee in lieu of land. These fees are collected and used for purchase, development, improvement and maintenance of parks, playgrounds, open spaces and other recreational sites and facilities. Payments are required before the plat or CSM is submitted for final approval. The current fee in lieu of land dedication is $1,250 per dwelling unit with the exception of Residential Care Apartment Complexes (RCACs), Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs) and other assisted living facilities. Hartford’s fees in lieu of land dedication should be updated regularly.

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Impact Fees In addition, at the time building permits are issued for new construction of single-unit or multi-family residential units, a one-time fee is assessed and paid to communities as a special charge (impact fee) for parkland development. This fee does not apply to commercial/industrial properties.

Currently, the City does not charge a park impact fee.

Comparable communities

Table 6.2 compares Hartford’s land dedication, fees in lieu and park impact fees to comparable neighboring communities. When looking at Fees in Lieu in nearby communities, Hartford’s fees are more than the City of Beaver Dam, and in the City of Oconomowoc the fees are “determined by the Park and Recreation Board.”

The land dedication requirement for residential development in Hartford is calculated as acreage per 25 dwelling units. The City of Pewaukee’s land dedication requirement goes into effect if any proposed park, as designated in an adopted plan, is encompassed, all or in part, by the land being subdivided. The City of Oconomowoc is .03 acres per dwelling unit (Hartford’s is .04 acres per dwelling unit). The City of Beaver Dam’s land dedication requirement is 5% of the total land area to be subdivided. To compare this to Hartford, if we use data from the National Association of Home Builders for the median size of a subdivision being 24 acres and the median number of dwelling units in a subdivision being 60, this equates to a parkland dedication of .02 acres per dwelling unit, slight’s lower than Hartford’s .04 acres.

6.2 PLAN ADOPTION & AMENDMENTS This plan is adopted as a component of the City Smart Growth Plan. As such, procedures for adoption of this plan, and future amendments, shall follow those procedures enumerated under sec. 66.1001 Wis. Stats. for comprehensive plan adoption. Those procedures are highlighted below: Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendation Hartford’s Parks and Recreation Commission shall meet to review the plan and pass a motion to recommend approval

of the plan or plan amendment.

Plan Commission Recommendation Hartford’s Plan Commission shall meet to review the plan and pass a motion to recommend approval of the plan or plan amendment.

Public Hearing Prior to adopting this plan, or plan amendment, Hartford must hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed plan or plan amendment. At least 30 days prior to the hearing a Class 1 notice must be published that contains, at minimum, the following: ◊ The date, time and location of the hearing. ◊ A summary of the proposed plan or plan amendment. ◊ The local government staff who may be contacted for additional information. ◊ Where to inspect and how to obtain a copy of the proposed plan or amendment before the hearing.

The notice should also provide a method for submitting written comments, and those comments should be read or summarized at the public hearing. The public hearing may be held by either the Plan Commission or Common Council.

Plan Adoption This plan and any future amendments become official City policy when Common Council passes, by a majority vote of all elected members, an adoption ordinance. The Common Council may choose to revise the plan after it has been recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission and Plan Commission, and after the public hearing (optional).

Plan Amendment vs. Plan Update Amendments can be made at any time, but the City should not amend the plan more than once per year. A common recommended approach is to establish a consistent annual schedule for consideration of minor plan amendments.

This plan should be updated every five years in order to maintain eligibility for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Stewardship Funding. Unlike an amendment,

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IMPLEMENTATION Table 6.2 Summary of Land Dedication/Fees in Nearby Communities City of Hartford

City of Oconomowoc

Park Impact Fees

City of Pewaukee

City of Beaver Dam

$2,709 per dwelling unit $1,041 per dwelling unit (reduced by $1,164 for every 1,500 SF of land dedicated per unit)

None Land Dedication Requirements

Any proposed park (as designated in the At least 1,500 SF (.03 acres) per dwelling Smart Growth Plan or CORP) can be unit required to be dedicated as part of a plat approval, otherwise 1 acre per 25 residential units.

Fees in Lieu of Land Dedication

$1,250 per single family, duplex, and three or more bedroom apartment dwelling unit.

None

Any proposed park (as 5% of the total land area to be designated in a plan adopted by subdivided the City) that is encompassed, all or in part, by the land being subdivided.

Determined by the Parks and Recreation Board

• R‐1 single family lot: $250 per lot • R‐2 two‐family lot: $250 per dwelling unit • Multifamily ‐ 3 or more bedrooms: $250 per dwelling unit • Multifamily ‐ 2 bedrooms: $200 per dwelling unit • Multifamily ‐ 1 bedroom or efficiency: $100 per dwelling unit

N/A

Capital Park Department Budgets (2015, 2016, 2017)

• 2015 actual: $313,583 • 2016: $784,850 • 2017: $1,435,000

• 2015: $297,643 • 2016: $242,693 • 2017: $238,580

• 2015: $41,000 • 2016: $34,000 • 2017: $22,600

Operational Park • 2015: $1,153,000 Department Budgets (2015, • 2016 actual: $1,570,405 2016, 2017) • 2017: $1,698,813

• 2015 actual: $1,605,863 • 2016 estimate: $1,727,523 • 2017: $1,813,623

• 2015 actual: $1,095,352 • 2016 actual: $1,045,418 • 2017: $1,207,374

• 2015 actual: $432,297 • 2016 estimate: $408,658 • 2017: $418,119

FTE & PTE Parks & Recreation Employees

• FTE: 10 • PTE: 104

• FTE: 6 • PTE: 73

• FTE: 1 • PTE: ?

Total Number of Parks Total Park Acreage 2017 WI DOA Population Estimate

• 2015: $72,000 • 2016: $10,088,141 • 2017: $255,575

• FTE: 11 • PTE: 198 (equivalent to 16 FTE) 24 457 15,057

47 337 16,842

13 ?

14,332

a plan update should revisit the entirety of the plan content and include more robust opportunities for public participation.

6.3 PRIORITY IMPROVEMENTS The Parks and Recreation Commission has prioritized the recommendations for each existing park in Hartford.

Table 6.3 lists these improvements which Hartford wishes to accomplish along with estimated costs to be used for budgeting purposes. Table 6.4 lists only the high priority improvements.

92 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

24 288 16,845

C h a p t e r 6 | I m p l e m e n t a t i o n 93 MED MED MED MED MED

Table 6.3 Priority Park Improvements Park Name Priority Bernd Park HIGH Overall Estimate: $12,750+ MED LOW LOW LOW Candy Cane Park HIGH Overall Estimate: $62,250+ LOW MED MED LOW HIGH 2020 CIP Centennial Park Overall Estimate: $2,7080,000- 2023 CIP $3,100,000 2020 CIP (includes 15% contingency, does MED not include bulkhead wall) MED See Concept in Appendix D MED MED MED MED MED MED MED MED MED Fitness Station (x4) 10' multi-use trail (900 SY) Trail Lighting Trees (22) Add trail map at entry

Improvement Add gazebo Picnic tables Highlight/Accentuate the memorial Add more benches along the path or River Shade trees Upgrade play equipment Add another bench Add a picnic table Add landscaping Add basketball court/hoop Sandbox maintenance (consider removing) *Removal & reconstruction of bulkhead wall and dredging *Multi-purpose pavilion (1,500 SF) (bathroom, stage, shelter) Bridge replacement Asphalt parking lot (15,000 SY) Concrete sidewalk Site restoration (26,900 SF) Landscaping (10,500 SF) Park sign Open-air shelter ADA accessible canoe/kayak launch *Fishing pier Playground, surfacing and fence Move utilities underground (City Estimate) Site furnishings $40,000 $20,000 $38,000 $11,000 $2,000

recepticals, 8 picnic tables)

Estimated Cost $5,000-$10,000 $750/EA $5,000-$20,000 $1,500/EA $500/EA $40,000 $1,500 $750 $3,000-$5,000 $15,000-$25,000 $2,000 $1,075,000 $450,000-$700,000 $75,000 $30,000 $58,500 $9,000 $84,000 $10,000 $150,000 $15,000 $19,000 $175,000 $150,000 $32,000 (10 benches, 8 bike racks, 4 trash

94 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n LOW LOW LOW

LOW

Eastwood Nature Park Overall Estimate: $397,000+

Continue with the trail plans created by staff that meet up with the existing trail Add small picnic shelter Implement park master plan when City is ready Add signage to park

Promote more use Keep maintaining and updating existing trail Repair damaged existing signage Add entrance sign on Hidden Creek View Rd. Add trail map at entry

Concrete sidewalk Add access road Add a map of the trail Relocate Vietnam Memorial

MED MED MED

MED HIGH HIGH MED MED

Improvement 10' multi-use trail (976 LF) 10' trail (2,007 LF) Mulched path (800 LF) Asphalt parking lot (760 SY) Playground and surfacing Small open shelter Trees (11) Site restoration (27,000 SF) Site furnishings

Priority MED MED MED MED LOW LOW MED MED MED

Country View Park Overall Estimate: $12,000+

Chasa Memorial Overall Estimate: --

Park Name Charles Brassure Park Overall Estimate: $460,000 (includes 15% contingency) See Concept in Appendix D

Table 6.3 Priority Park Improvements

$12,000-$25,000 $380,394 (2014) $5,000-$10,000

--

---$10,000 $5,000-$8,000 (for kiosk), $2,000 (for sign)

$30,000 -$2,000 (sign) --

Estimated Cost $23,857 $44,600 $19,200 $17,000 $130,000 $25,000 $5,500 $82,500 $16,700 (9 benches, 4 bike racks, 2 trash recepticals, 2 picnic tables)

C h a p t e r 6 | I m p l e m e n t a t i o n 95

Independence Park Overall Estimate: $2,700,000+

Park Name Homestead Park Overall Estimate: $137,500+

Improvement Build new shelter w/electric Complete park plan (locate shelter and playground) Play equipment Sand volleyball Basketball court Add another disc golf course Add shade trees Add landscaping around park sign Continue maintenance at park *Paint fence on field one (electrostatic paint) *Improve connecting trail to Chapel Hill neighborhood *Pave service roads and parking lot *Add lighting to service drive and parking lot *Expand/improve playground near old shelter *Add sledding hill north of BMX *Add more trees Restroom update (interior remodeling) Larger entrance sign Add grill by the back shelter Add large open shelter by concession stand Paint garage doors Add large storage shed Add batting cage area Add scoreboards Repaint dog park benches Paint and fix boards around venting component Add field number signs Add permanent park map New infield mix (Fall 2018 project: 2 fields - S & N; 2019 project: E field)

Priority 2022 CIP LOW 2022 CIP MED MED MED MED LOW HIGH MED MED HIGH HIGH MED LOW MED 2022 CIP LOW LOW HIGH LOW LOW LOW LOW HIGH HIGH HIGH LOW HIGH

Table 6.3 Priority Park Improvements

$50,000-$150,000 -$20,000-$75,000 $10,000-$20,000 $20,000-$75,000 --$200/EA $2,000 $24,700 (2018), $13,000 (2019)

$5,000 $15,000-$25,000 $15,000-$50,000 $500/EA $2,000 ---$2,500,000 $3,000/EA $40,000+ $15,000-$25,000 $500/EA $30,000 $10,000 $1,500 (grill, concrete pad)

-$40,000

Estimated Cost $60,000

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Rotary Park Overall Estimate: $4,250+

Maple Park Overall Estimate: -Paul Quick Conservancy Overall Estimate: $382,750+

Lincoln Athletic Complex Overall Estimate: $95,500+

Lake View Acres Park Overall Estimate: $66,500+

Park Name Jordan Park Overall Estimate: $1,500+

LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW

LOW

Priority LOW MED LOW HIGH HIGH HIGH LOW LOW MED MED MED HIGH HIGH HIGH MED MED MED MED HIGH LOW

Table 6.3 Priority Park Improvements

$20+/SY $750-$1,500/EA $750/EA $1,500/EA $2,000-$5,000 --

$200+/LF

*Develop boardwalk from Veterans Memorial Park to connect to Wildcat Conservancy at Central School Add parking Add benches and tables Add more picnic tables Add benches Add Rubicon River Trail map Add running water

Consider land acquisition in order to link to Southwest Park

Estimated Cost $1,500 (grill, concrete pad) ---$0 -$10,000-$20,000 $5,000 $40,000+ $9,000 $2,500-$5,000 -----$10,000-$35,000 $5,000/EA $35-$100/LF --

Improvement Add another grill Promote use beyond Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market Incorporate use with Bernd Park Make this the Rubicon River Trailhead New open-air shelter (Eagle Scout project 2018) Low spots in the outfield need filling Activity station for older residents Add volleyball court Update playground equipment Add landscaping, flower beds, bushes Clean up and refill the mulch and edging around playground Continue maintenance Outfield needs aeration City would prefer ownership Fill low areas in field that flood Continue to work with HUHS on field updates and use Add bigger storage shed for clubs Add more bleachers Renovate fences (dugout fence unsafe due to frost raising poles)

C h a p t e r 6 | I m p l e m e n t a t i o n 97

Sawyer Park Overall Estimate: $111,250+

Park Name Rubicon River Parkway Overall Estimate: $757,400+

LOW LOW LOW MED LOW LOW

LOW LOW LOW MED MED LOW HIGH MED

HIGH

HIGH

Priority

Table 6.3 Priority Park Improvements

Add a storage shed Add more picnic tables Add entrance sign on Branch Street side of park Add informational signage to explain memorial Add benches along path Add soft lighting

Widen access road for cars to get through

---

Map portions of corridor for acquisition Make improved pedestrian crossings at key intersections (signage/road markings: N. Grand Ave, Steelcraft Dr, Ewing Dr, Grant St) Add â&#x20AC;&#x153;you are hereâ&#x20AC;? signage along trail Add path lighting Add a fence or visual barrier on south side, west of dam *Small shelter on top *Consolidate memorials at this park Place for vendor cart to park Update playground equipment

$5,000-$15,000 $750/EA $10,000 $5,000 $1,500/EA $3,000/EA

$1,500-$2,000 $3,000/EA $35-$100/LF $50,000-$100,000 -$1,000-$2,000 $40,000 $10/SF concrete, $20/SY asphalt

Estimated Cost $392,805 (Phase II), $346,100 (Phase III) (2007 estimates)

Improvement Expand the system. Prioritization: 1) Phase II: Goodland Rd to N Wacker 2) Phase III: N Wilson Ave to Franklin Dr

98 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

Veterans Memorial Park Overall Estimate: $182,250+

Park Name Southwest Park Overall Estimate: $660,200+

LOW LOW MED MED 2018 CIP

Consider a community build project Link to or expand to Maple Park Reevaluate conceptual plan *Continue to upgrade skate park as needed Add more playground equipment MED Add picnic tables outside of pool area MED Add landscaping around pool HIGH Add benches facing pool, outside of pool area LOW Work with swim club and HUHS for bleacher seating for meets MED Add sidewalk along south side of pool HIGH Consider moving ice rink HIGH Continue maintenance of skate park MED Involve users of skate park in any upgrades HIGH Add a connection over drainageway to Athletic Complex 2021 CIP Basketball court update 2021 CIP Shelter/Restrooms (cost dependent on final size)

LOW

$750/EA $5,000-$10,000 $1,500/EA -$10/SF ----$20,000 $90,000-$250,000

----$50,000

$20/SY $25,000-$100,000 $300-$350/SF $75,000-$250,000 --

Parking in two areas (one 136 spaces, the other 52 spaces) Two soccer fields Four season shelter One regulation baseball and one softball field The remaining portions of the park will need standard neighborhood park facilities: restrooms, play structures, picnic areas, picnic shelter, open space for un-programmed play or soccer practice and detention ponds, sand volleyball, basketball court.

LOW LOW LOW LOW

LOW

Estimated Cost $35,000-$120,000

Improvement One football/soccer field full size for 6th, 7th and 8th grade practice

Priority

Table 6.3 Priority Park Improvements

C h a p t e r 6 | I m p l e m e n t a t i o n 99

Create new asphalt path to small shelter Establish a formal agreement with Steel Craft for parking Update restrooms (interior remodeling and sidewalk) Add additional playground equipment

MED LOW 2021 CIP LOW MED MED HIGH LOW LOW Paint shelter roof red Sandbox maintenance Add park map at entrance Add Rubicon River Trail map none

Add signage in entrance info board or large artwork - needs painting

2021 CIP Repair walk around bathroom building

-$2,000-$5,000 $1,000-$5,000 $1,000-$2,000 --

$20-$25/SY -$30,000 $20,000-$40,000+ $2,500-$7,500

--

$15,000-$25,000 $20,000-$75,000 $500/EA -$2,000-$5,000 $20/SY $20,000-$75,000 $1,000-$2,000 $30-$75/LF --

Add basketball court Add new scoreboard Replace trees Paint roof of gazebo Sandbox maintenance Repave drive and parking Add shelter Add Rubicon River Trail map Renovate fence Consider acquiring inholding properties to create a more uninterrupted park

LOW LOW HIGH MED HIGH MED LOW LOW MED LOW

HIGH

Estimated Cost $5,000+

Improvement More seating, more bleachers

Priority

Wilson Wetlands Conservancy Overall Estimate: -LOW

Willowbrook Park Overall Estimate: $58,300+

Park Name West Side Park Overall Estimate: $115,750+

Table 6.3 Priority Park Improvements

100 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

Park Name Woodlawn Union Park Overall Estimate: $193,250+ Plant Oak trees to take the place of major oaks in center of park

Improvement Add landscaping and park like feel to new parking lot

Consider enclosing the lower shelter Add nature themed play structure elements, continue decentralized approach MED Asphalt path connecting lower east shelter to restrooms HIGH Improved path lighting throughout park MED Add another partly-covered shelter MED Explore construction of new band shell 2022 CIP Update bathrooms (interior remodeling) LOW Make loop trail dedication stone visible LOW Improve baseball diamond HIGH Fix entrance/exit signs in parking lot along Wacker HIGH Maintain disc golf course MED Add marked posts with hole number, par, layout to disc golf course LOW Add park map at entrance LOW Add playground equipment at lower shelter LOW Add new basketball court

LOW LOW

Priority MED LOW

Table 6.3 Priority Park Improvements

$20/SY $3,000/EA $20,000+ $50,000-$150,000 $30,000 -$20,000-$75,000 --$250/EA $1,000-$2,000 $20,000-$40,000+ $15,000-$25,000

-$20,000-$50,000

Estimated Cost $5,000-$10,000 $500/EA

C h a p t e r 6 | I m p l e m e n t a t i o n 101

Lincoln Athletic Complex

Lake View Acres Park

Jordan Park

Homestead Park Independence Park

Country View Park

Park Name Bernd Park Overall Estimate: Candy Cane Park $12,750+

Improvement Add gazebo Upgrade play equipment Sandbox maintenance (consider removing) Keep maintaining and updating existing trail Repair damaged existing signage Continue maintenance at park *Pave service roads and parking lot *Add lighting to service drive and parking lot *Pave service roads and parking lot *Add lighting to service drive and parking lot Add large open shelter by concession stand Repaint dog park benches Paint and fix boards around venting component Add field number signs New infield mix (Fall 2018 project: 2 fields - S & N; 2019 project: E field) Make this the Rubicon River Trailhead New open-air shelter (Eagle Scout project 2018) Low spots in the outfield need filling Continue maintenance Outfield needs aeration City would prefer ownership Renovate fences (dugout fence unsafe due to frost raising poles)

Table 6.4 High Priority Park Improvements

-$0 ----$35-$100/LF

Estimated Cost $5,000-$10,000 $40,000 $2,000 ---$20/SF $3,000/EA $2,500,000 $3,000/EA $50,000-$150,000 --$200/EA $24,700 (2018), $13,000 (2019)

102 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

---

$40,000 $1,500/EA ---$5,000+ $500/EA $2,000-$5,000 $2,000-$5,000 $3,000/EA ---

Map portions of corridor for acquisition Make improved pedestrian crossings at key intersections (signage/road markings: N. Grand Ave, Steelcraft Dr, Ewing Dr, Grant St) Update playground equipment Add benches facing pool, outside of pool area Consider moving ice rink Continue maintenance of skate park Add a connection over drainageway to Athletic Complex More seating, more bleachers Replace trees Sandbox maintenance Sandbox maintenance Improved path lighting throughout park Fix entrance/exit signs in parking lot along Wacker Maintain disc golf course

Sawyer Park Overall Estimate: $111,250+ Veterans Memorial Park

Willowbrook Park Overall Estimate: Woodlawn Union$58,300+ Park

West Side Park

Estimated Cost $392,805 (Phase II), $346,100 (Phase III) (2007 estimates)

Improvement Expand the system. Prioritization: 1) Phase II: Goodland Rd to N Wacker 2) Phase III: N Wilson Ave to Franklin Dr

Park Name Rubicon River Parkway

Appendix A SURVEY SUMMARY

A p p e n d i x A | S u r v e y S u m m a r y A-1

COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

To encourage public involvement in the Hartford Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, the project team created an online public opinion survey. The survey was available April 16 through May 11, 2018 and hosted on Survey Monkey. Hard copies were also available at the Recreation Center and Library.

In total, 611 individuals took the survey. Approximately 79% of those who took the survey live in Hartford. The remainder were primarily from the Towns of Hartford, Erin, Rubicon and Village of Slinger.

The survey represents a diverse group demographically, though certain groups were under- and over-represented.

Generally younger members of the community were under-represented and those categorized as middleage were over-represented. For instance, those under 18 represented 1.0% of survey respondents but make up 25.2% of Hartford. Those age 35-44 represented 31.2% of survey respondents but only make up 13.2% of the population in Hartford. The figure depicting respondentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; answers to their corresponding age group compared to 2012-2016 American Community Survey Estimates is shown under question 1 on page A-3.

Responses were filtered by community of residence to identify any differences between the views of Hartford residents only and all survey respondents. Results did not vary much, if any. Several questions in this summary include responses for all survey respondents and also responsed broken out by City of Hartford residents only to identify these differences. *A comprehensive list of open-ended questions and comments is on file with the City. Questions with additional comments/open-ended responses will be marked with an asterisk (e.g. Q2*).

A-2 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

Q1 WHAT IS YOUR AGE? (605) 65 or older 55-64 45-54 2012-2016 ACS

35-44

Survey 25-34 18-24 Under 18 0.00%

5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00%

Q2 DO YOU HAVE ANY CHILDREN LIVING IN YOUR HOME THAT ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18? (603)

47.26% 52.74%

Yes No

A p p e n d i x A | S u r v e y S u m m a r y A-3

Q3* WHERE DO YOU LIVE? (608) 1.48% 1.64%

1.32%

0.82% 0.66%

0.66%

0.66% 0.33%

1.97% 2.14% 3.95%

5.59%

Common “Other” Response ◊ Village of Richfield

78.78%

City of Hartford

Town of Hartford

Town of Erin

Village of Slinger

Town of Rubicon

Elsewhere in Dodge County

Elsewhere in Washington County

Other (please specify)

Village of Neosho

City of West Bend

Town of Polk

Elsewhere in Waukesha County

Village of Iron Ridge

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Q4 HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE CITY OF HARTFORD? (606)

16.17% 22.94% 0-5 years 6-20 years More than 20 years I don't live in the City of Hartford

25.91%

34.98%

Q5 HOW OFTEN DO YOU...(556) Walk or run for exercise

3 or more times per week

Bike for exercise

1-2 times per week 1-2 times per month Walk for transportation from home to work, stores, restaurants, etc.

1-2 times per year 0 times in the past year

Bike for transportation from home to work, stores, restaurants, etc.

0.00%

20.00%

40.00%

60.00%

80.00%

100.00%

Q6* NAME A SPECIFIC LOCATION OR DESTINATION IN THE CITY OF HARTFORD THAT NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED FOR BICYCLE OR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY. (267) Common Responses ◊ Along and crossing HWY 60, esp. @ Main Street ◊ Downtown ◊ Near Independence Park, esp. Wilson Street ◊ Along Main Street ◊ HWY K (Monroe Street to HWY 60) ◊ Sumner Street A p p e n d i x A | S u r v e y S u m m a r y A-5

Q7* WHERE WOULD YOU PRIORITIZE THE LOCATION OF NEW BIKE FACILITIES, ROUTES, OR TRAILS? (216) Common Responses ◊ Trail linking the City to Pike Lake ◊ Around Independence Park ◊ Downtown ◊ Around the High School ◊ HWY 60 to Walmart

Q8 HOW CLOSE IS THE NEAREST PARK OR TRAIL TO YOUR HOME? (547)

22.30% Within reasonable walking and biking distance Within reasonable biking distance, but not walking distance I have to drive

10.97% 66.73%

Hartford Residents Only 9.13%

11.64% Within reasonable walking and biking distance Within reasonable biking distance, but not walking distance I have to drive

79.22%

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Q9 DID ANYONE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD PARTICIPATE IN CITY OF HARTFORD SPONSORED RECREATION PROGRAMS IN THE PAST YEAR (E.G. YOUTH SPORTS, ADULT SPORTS, SWIM, DANCE, ETC.). (542) 2.40%

Yes 52.40%

45.20%

No Not Sure

Q10* DOES THE CITY’S CURRENT VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS AND CLASSES MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD? IF NO, PLEASE EXPLAIN IN WHAT WAYS IT IS NOT MEETING YOUR NEEDS (537)

22.35%

Yes No Not Sure 13.97%

63.69%

Common Responses ◊ Swimming @ Rec Center - more evening swim classes, more time/space for lap swim, more hours for open swim ◊ Limited Rec Center open hours ◊ Evening or weekend programs/activities for children ◊ More affordable memberships ◊ Yoga classes

A p p e n d i x A | S u r v e y S u m m a r y A-7

Q11* WHEN VISITING CITY PARKS, WHICH ACTIVITIES DO YOU OR MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD MOST COMMONLY PARTICIPATE IN OR USE? CHECK ALL THAT APPLY. (482) Walking Swimming (Veterans Memorial Outdoor Aquatic Center) Playground Equipment Picnic Facilities (grills, shelters, etc.)

Biking Dog Park Athletic Fields (soccer, football, etc.)

Ball Diamonds Fishing Swimming (other than Aquatic Center) Bird/Nature Viewing Disc Golf Tennis Courts Basketball Courts

Common “Other” Responses Common “Other” Responses ◊ Veterans Memorial Pool ◊ Disc/Frisbee ◊ Hartford CityGolf Band Concerts ◊ Farmer’s Market ◊ Geocaching ◊ Special Events ◊ Soccer ◊ Maxwell Street Days

Canoeing/Kayaking Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Skate Park Other (please specify) Volleyball Courts Horseshoe Pits Pickleball Courts BMX 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% 80.00%

Hartford Residents Only - Top 10 Responses Walking Swimming (Veterans Memorial Outdoor Aquatic Center) Playground Equipment Picnic Facilities (grills, shelters, etc.)

Biking Dog Park Ball Diamonds Fishing Bird/Nature Viewing Athletic Fields (soccer, football, etc.)

0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% 80.00% 90.00%

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Q12* WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING AMENITIES WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ADDED BY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ENTITIES? MARK UP TO 6 PREFERENCES. (492) Off-road walking/biking trails Restrooms Indoor athletic complex (for multiple programs/sports) Canoe/Kayak facilities River & shoreline restoration Dog park Sledding hill Splash pad Playground equipment Park landscaping/Trees Archery/Trap shooting range Fishing facilities Other (please specify) Golf driving range Soccer fields Lighted Athletic Fields Site furnishings (benches, tables, grills,etc.)

Indoor pool Sidewalks On-road bicycle facilities Disc golf course Camping areas Shelters Bocce ball courts Mill Pond Access Park parking lots Off-road mountain biking trails Ball diamonds Ice skating/Hockey rink ATV trails Golf course X-country skiing Boating facilities Sand volleyball courts Basketball courts Tennis courts Snowshoeing Horseshoe pits Equestrian Trails Park signage/Directional signage Pickle ball courts Curling rink Outdoor pool Snowmobile trails Football fields Skateboarding facilities La crosse fields

Common “Other” Responses ◊ Indoor running track ◊ Band Shelter ◊ More walking paths ◊ Fishing pier ◊ More shelters ◊ Park where dogs are permitted ◊ Water for dogs at dog park ◊ Handicap accessible playground

0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00%

A p p e n d i x A | S u r v e y S u m m a r y A-9

Q13* WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING AMENITIES WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE IMPROVED OR EXPANDED BY THE CITY? MARK UP TO 6 PREFERENCES. (492) Restrooms Off-road walking/biking trails Dog park Playground equipment River & shoreline restoration Site furnishings (benches, tables, grills,etc.)

Park landscaping/Trees Park parking lots Indoor pool (Recreation Center) Lighted Athletic Fields Sidewalks Mill Pond Access Canoe/Kayak facilities Other (please specify) Soccer fields On-road bicycle facilities Recreation Center Fishing facilities Ball diamonds Shelters Disc golf course Basketball courts Tennis courts Veterans Memorial Outdoor Aquatic Center Sand volleyball courts Park signage/Directional signage Outdoor Ice skating/Hockey rink Snowshoeing Pickle ball courts Horseshoe pits Football fields Skateboarding facilities (Veterans Memorial Park) BMX Trails

Common “Other” Responses ◊ Parking lot at Independence Park ◊ Outdoor exercise equipment for adults ◊ Baseball field improvements lights, walkways, drainage ◊ Soccer field improvements centralized concession stand, lights, turf, fix parking lot at independence park, paving drive from Monroe to fields and parking lot

0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00% 40.00%

Hartford Residents Only - Top 10 Responses Restrooms Off-road walking/biking trails Dog park Playground equipment River & shoreline restoration Park landscaping/Trees Site furnishings (benches, tables, grills,etc.)

Indoor pool (Recreation Center) Mill Pond Access Sidewalks 0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00% 40.00%

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Q14* WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PARK TO VISIT IN THE CITY OF HARTFORD? (431) Willowbrook Park Independence Park Woodlawn Union Park Veterans Memorial Park West Side Park Other (please specify) Centennial Park Rubicon River Parkway Eastwood Nature Park Homestead Park Sawyer Park

Common “Other” Responses ◊ The one on HWY 60 ◊ Pike Lake State Park

Rotary Park Jordan Park Country View Park Paul Quick Conservancy Charles Brassure Park Candy Cane Park Bernd Park Southwest Park Site Lakeview Acres Park Chasa Memorial 0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

Hartford Residents Only - Top 10 Responses Willowbrook Park Woodlawn Union Park Independence Park Veterans Memorial Park West Side Park Other (please specify) Eastwood Nature Park Centennial Park Rubicon River Parkway Homestead Park 0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

35.00%

A p p e n d i x A | S u r v e y S u m m a r y A-11

Q15* WHY IS THIS PARK YOUR FAVORITE PARK TO VISIT IN THE CITY OF HARTFORD? (376) Common Responses ◊ Playground equipment ◊ Kids play sports there ◊ Walking trail ◊ Proximity to the River ◊ Close to home

Q16* DO YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT SAFETY OR ACCESSIBILITY IN ANY OF OUR PARKS? IF YES, PLEASE DESCRIBE. (466) 21.24%

Yes No

78.76%

Common Responses ◊ Independence Park: pave and put in parking lines, widen road to back soccer fields, add accessible sidewalks, add turnaround in back parking area, vandalism, safety at crosswalks and sidewalks, add more lighting, repair aging playground equipment, clean up garbage and debris ◊ Woodlawn Park: park seems forgotten about, lighting along path from shelter to parking, parking for handicapped at park shelter area

A-12 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

Q17 EXCLUDING WINTER MONTHS, ON AVERAGE HOW OFTEN DO YOU OR MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD VISIT OR USE...? (467) City of Hartford Parks State Parks, Forests or Natural Areas Pike Lake Trail 3 or more times per week

Washington County Parks

1-2 times per week

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

1-2 times per month

Town Parks

1-2 times per year 0 times in the past year

Rubicon River Parkway Other State Trails Dodge County Parks 0.00%

20.00% 40.00% 60.00% 80.00% 100.00%

Q18* DO YOU OR MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD COMMONLY (AN AVERAGE OF AT LEAST ONCE PER MONTH) DRIVE SOMEWHERE OUTSIDE OF THE CITY OF HARTFORD TO USE SPECIFIC RECREATIONAL FACILITIES? IF YES, PLEASE SPECIFY WHERE YOU GO AND FOR WHAT ACTIVITIES/ FACILITIES. (462)

46.75% 53.25%

Yes No

Common Responses ◊ Trails (Ice Age Trail, Interurban, Glacial Drumlin, Wild Goose, Bugline) (63 responses) - hiking and biking ◊ Pike Lake (24 responses) - hiking, cross country skiing, swimming, birding ◊ West Bend (28 responses) - kayaking, fishing, pool, walking, Zumba, Ragner Park, YMCA, hockey, skate parks, Riverside Park, dog park, indoor batting cage, ball diamonds

A p p e n d i x A | S u r v e y S u m m a r y A-13

Q19* ARE THERE ANY REASONS THAT YOU OR MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES? IF YES, CHECK ALL THAT APPLY. (291) I'm too busy I can't take my dog into the parks Operating hours not convenient Other (please specify) Park doesn't contain desired features or facilities Not interested Program or service is not available Lack of personal resources (money, equipment, etc.)

Lack of restrooms Facilities are not well maintained Do not know locations of facilities Overcrowding Too far from our residence Facilities are not kept clean Lack of accessibility Security is insufficient Poor customer service by staff Lack of transportation 0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00%

Common “Other” Responses ◊ Physical restrictions ◊ Fees for Rec Center and pool are too expensive ◊ Trails need to be connected

A-14 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

Q20 SHOULD YOUR COMMUNITY ALLOCATE ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO BE SPENT ON? (460) Park Maintenance (maintain existing grounds/facilities) Tree Plantings/Emerald Ash Borer Management Sidewalk Facilities/Pedestrian Enhancements

Yes No

Installing New Park Facilities/Equipment

Not Sure

Bicycle Facilities/Trails Parkland Acquisition 0.00% 20.00% 40.00% 60.00% 80.00% 100.00%

Q21* PLEASE USE THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW TO IDENTIFY A TYPE OF NEW RECREATION PROGRAM OR SERVICE THAT THE CITY SHOULD CONSIDER OFFERING. (142) Common Responses ◊ More walking and biking trails that connect to existing trails ◊ Indoor athletic facility for multiple sports ◊ Splash pad ◊ Beer garden

Q22* PLEASE USE THIS SPACE TO PROVIDE ANY OTHER COMMENTS RELATING TO PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLE, PARK AND RECREATION SERVICES OR FACILITIES IN THE CITY OF HARTFORD (127) Common Responses ◊ Connected trail system throughout the City ◊ Indepence Park - fix potholes, pave parking lot, add more parking, lighting on paths ◊ Tree replacement in Woodlawn and West Side Parks ◊ Additional baseball diamonds and soccer fields

A p p e n d i x A | S u r v e y S u m m a r y A-15

Open-Ended Comments Q3 Where do you live? ◊ Town of Polk ◊ Richfield (lived in Hartford prior 10 years) ◊ Richfield ◊ Milwaukee County ◊ Grafton ◊ Richfield ◊ Just moved from Hartford, but still return ◊ Town of Addison Q6 Name a specific location or destination in the City of Hartford that needs to be improved for bicycle or pedestrian safety. ◊ Independence parking lot. ◊ None. ◊ Independence park ◊ none ◊ ? ◊ Independence Park ◊ Wacker Drive to Industrial Park and Walmart. ◊ Wackier Drive ◊ By down town ◊ Independence Park ~ picking the kids up from soccer fields 6 and 7 after practice is very dangerous for pedestrians/kids.

No place to turn your vehicle, limited parking spots ◊ E. Sumner Street from Wilson Avenue to Lone Oak Lane ◊ “From Hwy K down Monroe to Independence Park & Hwy K from Monroe down to Hwy 60” ◊ Independence Park - the roads within the park need major improvement. The potholes are near impossible to miss and the dry dust blowing thru the air from vehicles is irritating to children and families utilizing the park. ◊ “Independence park Hey U by Rettler farms, airport area” ◊ “Eastwood Nature Park needs to be cleaned up of dead trees and debris” ◊ Its not where but rather more walking paths designated as biking paths or more suggested routes to be displayed in a more proficient method throughout the community such as in signs or pamphlets. ◊ The entire city but specifically

out of Rettler Farms. I don’t bike in the city because both myself and my children have been nearly hit by cars over 6 times.

In all cases it was inattentive drivers and not having a dedicated bike lane or path that was part of the problem. The police were involved in 2 of the incidents. ◊ Along Monroe from high school area to Highway K. ◊ Main Street and 60/Sumner.

Install a bike lane!! Get rid of big trucks on Main Street. Connect parkways & the Riverwalk in a continuous path. Have bike paths to the Farmer’s Market location with lock up capability. ◊ Independence Park ◊ I have physical limitations which prohibit walking anything but short distances.

Biking is out of the question.

That said, I can not name a specific location or destination within the City of Hartford that needs improvement. ◊ Intersection of Wacker Dr. and State st. ◊ We need trails anywhere that you can bike on for miles at a time. ◊ “all roads leading to HUHS and Central middle school Independence park has no dedicated walking trails within the soccer and baseball fields and parking lots” ◊ Independence Park ◊ Independence Park. Traffic issues risk the safety of the young people participating in the various recreation programs offered in the park. ◊ Indy park ◊ South Side of the city ◊ I’m not sure ◊ Bike lanes are needed city wide ◊ na ◊ The area by the Rec. Dept/ old W.B. Place by the bridge.

Can’t walk there b/c of flooding in spring and early summer.

Although, I can live with it. We don’t need to spend $ just to spend $ ◊ The area by the Rec. Dept near the bridge. But I’m not saying it HAS to be done. We just can walk there during the spring and early summer

because of ankle deep water. I CAN live with it. ◊ “Crossing Highway 60. I see so many children waiting at designated crosswalks throughout downtown Hartford trying to get across and traffic (including cars and semi trucks) not acknowledging the signs or the children. It is a huge safety issue and I cringe when I see younger children trying to cross whether going to and from school, trying to cross to get to a park, or just crossing to even get to the Rec Department. I used to ride my road bike a lot with friends to get exercise and we no longer ride in Hartford as we find it is too dangerous. We take our bikes and ride in other communities. It would also be nice if pedestrian and bicycle safety was improved for routes to all the schools. It would also be nice if the crosswalks at the middle school were enforced. I saw many instances where cars did not stop and students had to run back to avoid the cars.

My child is no longer at middle school but it seemed to get worse each year. “ ◊ Bike path down 60 and no direct side walks from Rettler Farms to downtown ◊ State street sidewalks ◊ The intersection at the high school. ◊ the intersection by the high school ◊ sidewalks along HY 60 past Pike Lake. ◊ Intersection of Union St and N Wilson Ave ◊ Near Independence Park or near HS ◊ Main Street needs to be illegal for semi trucks to turn onto off of 60. ◊ Wacker & Airport Dr ◊ The area of Wilson St., by Independence Park. Kids are walking and riding their bikes all over the place, in the middle of the street, dashing out in front of cars, etc. And they don’t care. ◊ Wacker Dr north of Hwy 60 ◊ The bike trail. Along Hy 60 going fast, certain sections of that bike trail ◊ Harrison St by the high school ◊ Downtown Hartford. My kids

would like to bike from North Center Street to the pool in the summer but its very busy on the sidewalks and not easy to navigate plus HWY 60 and main is super busy and not safe for cyclists. Also, as a family we would like to bike to Pike Lake for family outings. ◊ crossing airport drive on cleveland ave. ◊ Unsure about this, it would like to see independence park improved. The baseball fields need improved there and also some tarps or other structures built for the dugouts to improve shading from the sun. ◊ Hwy 60 ◊ Monroe and Hwy K by the town hall ◊ No preference ◊ Crossing Hwy 60 at Hwy K ◊ I don’t bike ◊ The space around the Mill Pond. Where the city has put all of the orange fencing up because the wall is crumbling. ◊ N/A.... Everything seems fine except Hwy 60 ◊ The corner of Sumner and highway K. Turning traffic does not look for pedestrians even when the pedestrian light is green ◊ Walkway along Hwy K from Monroe St to Schauer Dr. ◊ EASTWOOD NATURE PARK ◊ New park in Hartford off of Simon Drive. ◊ To Walmart ◊ Main street, downtown ◊ Hwy U & Cleveland Ave. ◊ Hwy 83 from Monroe to the Northside of 83. ◊ signage, heading east, past Casa Tequila and the bar; Where does the trail go from there? ◊ Downtown area between Domino’s Pizza and the train tracks. ◊ Pike lake area. Crossing hwy 60 (fast walk lights/ crossing lights). ◊ Corner of Hwy 60 and K by McDonald’s. I was almost hit by a car in a hurry there that made an illegal left turn from K on to west 60 ◊ “Main Street, north of Prospect, west side of street.

Area surrounding State Street Apartments. Elderly and

A-16 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

Appendix D PARK MASTER PLANS

D-1

City of Hartford | Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

Centennial Park Master Plan Concept

Hartford, WI 8/29/2018

Landscape buffer along railroad, max 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; height Proposed parking lot

Proposed pavilion, restroom and stage

Playground (~4,300 SF)

Shade tree, typ.

Concrete sidewalk Existing USPS Parking Proposed Fitness Station (x4)

Upgrade or replace existing shelter

Proposed parking lot

Open lawn Open lawn

Trail lighting, typ.

ADA Accessible Overlook

ADA Fishing Platform

* Add/Upgrade Fish Cribs

ADA Canoe and Kayak Launch

Bridge replacement, 2020 CIP

Library

Existi

Existing overhead utility to be buried

ng Tra

Existing Fountains (x3)

il

30 0

60

NORTH

Millpond wall replacement and pond dredging, 2020 CIP

Landscaping, typ.

Existing monument

ADA Accessible Overlook 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; multi-use trail

Bike Racks (style to be determined)

Multi-Use Trail

Depot Themed Restroom/Pavilion/Stage

Bench

Hartford, WI 8/29/2018

Landscape Area (buffer)

Open Lawn/Seating Area

Playground (2-5, 5-12)

ADA Fishing Pier and ADA Kayak/Canoe Launch

30 0

60

NORTH

Centennial Park Character Images

*Note: Layout is approximate and would be verified and approved in future design development.

Trail/Path Length ~965’ - Multi-Use Path (asphalt) ~2,025’ - Trail (asphalt, gravel or mulch) ~825’ - Path (mulch)

Bench Curb-cut/Trail access

Woodline boundary

Proposed playground

Bike racks

Proposed parking lot

Proposed shade tree, typ.

Path (mulched)

Multi-use Trail (10’ asphalt)

Bench

Bench

Park shelter 18’x24’

Open lawn area

Existing contours

Charles Brassure Park Master Plan Concept

Trail (10’)

Existing Woodland

8/29/2018

Hartford, WI

0

Bench

40 80

NORTH

Asphalt Trail

Playground (2-5, 5-12)

Open Air Park Shelter

Bike Racks (style to be determined)

Mulched Path

Bench

Charles Brassure Park Character Images 8/29/2018

Hartford, WI

0

40 80

NORTH

Appendix C PARKS & RECREATION MAPS

C-1

City of Hartford | Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

TOWN HARTFORD OF HARTFORD TOWN OF TOWN POLK OF POLK TOWN OF

M c k in l e y Rd

TOWN RUBICON OF RUBICON TOWN OF TOWN HARTFORD OF HARTFORD TOWN OF

Va ll e y Rd

Cr

A r t h u r Rd

ee

Existing Parks and Trails

k U ß

Bo n m a u r Te r E Lo os St

S R e s t h a v e n Rd

5

Ha l l R d

El m w o o d Rd

Tay l o r Rd

6

7

8

9

10

11

in

TOWN HARTFORD OF HARTFORD TOWN OF TOWN ERIN OF ERIN TOWN OF R

Pa

Printed By: aconverse, File: \\msa-ps.com\fs\Projects\210s\216\00216040\GIS\00216040_ExistingParksTrails.mxd

12

A

n pu

iv e r

E ß

13

14

15

16

17

n

Rubicon River Parkway West i n18 ol a 19

Woodlawn Union Park

Homestead Park

Country View Park

West Side Park

Jordan Park

Bernd Park

Chasa Memorial

Centennial Park

ß

K Rotary Park

Willowbrook Park

Sawyer Park

Rubicon River Parkway East

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

bi

Ru

Ic e S l i A ge ng e r Tr a Se il gm en

t

d

City

Village

Village

Town

School District Town

City Park

County

Village Park

State

School Park

Trail

Town Park

Rubicon River Trail

Maple Park

Lincoln Athletic Complex

Veterans Memorial Park

Private Recreation Area Undeveloped Parks & Conservancies

Candy Cane Park

Eastwood Nature Preserve

Independence Park

Charles Brassure Park

Breuer Homestead Park

Family County Park

CC ß

29

Pike Lake Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest r ve Ri ORD o n e y TOWN HARTFORD OF HARTF TOWN OF C Hartford Union High School

I ce Ho Joseph 28 E. Max Preserve ly

33

State Park

School

Wilson Wetlands Conservancy

Washington County Golf Course

30

k

Paul Quick Conservancy

27

Lakeview AcresEPark W a t e r f o r d R d31 32

Southwest Park

Name

a il e Tr A g S eg me n t ll Hi

83 ¾ %

ID

Hartford Town Hall Park

TTO OFF EERRIINN WNN O OW

Hartford Golf Course

Sunnyslope Park

VILLAGE OF VILLAGE OF RICHFIELD RICHFIELD

1

Name

y

ID

k

e P kw

33

Central M.S.

p sh i

Rd

Eagle

3

D ru id L a ke

Ri v

er

23

4

W W a t e r f o r d Rd

co

24

L e e Rd

Rd

Ke t tl e M o r a i n e R d

C r ic k e t D r

E Monroe Av

TOWN HARTFORD OF HARTFORD TOWN OF TOWN POLK OF POLK TOWN OF

21

2

e

Ownership

County Park

19 32

P ike La ke

Dr

Hartford k Union H.S.

29

22

o

18

30

P ik I ce e

10

Dr ke

R

Wi l

11

20

il t Tr a m e n g e A S ke La

La

12

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16

R fi e l d

ge

14

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G l ass g

31

ne

60 ¾ %

o i nt

17

k

St o

P

lo w

La

TOWN RUBICON OF RUBICON TOWN OF TOWN HARTFORDD OF HARTFOR TOWN OF

15

Lincoln E.S.

U n io n S t

9

O i l Spri n g R d

r Dr

e

H a r r i s o n St

n g ton A v

H i l ld a le D r

Hartford

13

H i g h Rd

DO DODDG GEE IN SH WA TONN GTO WA SH ING

mi t S t m S u Wa s h i

S Wac k

6

175

County

k

8

7

% ¾ VILLAGE OF VILLAGE OF SLINGER SLINGER

28

k

R u bi c on R ive r Tr a i l

Hartford Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

25

Rossman E.S.

St Kilian Catholic

5

Po n d R d

4

St

W

TTO OFF RRUUBBIICCO ONN WNN O OW TOWN ASHIPPUN OF ASHIPPUN TOWN OF

Lutheran

Av

e

N W a c ke r D r

at

83 ¾ %

kPeace

S W i l son

St

1

S a y le s v il l e R d

27

2 W

60 ¾ %

3

te d Dr a

C l o v e r Rd

E rn s t

m Br o ad o o re D r

Wh e e l oc k Av

Av e

S Rur al St S J ohnso n St

ay

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n

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t i tu t

io

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Ai r por t Dr

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ov a t i o

26

B a d g e r Rd

N ß

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Dr

S Goo dland Rd

N M ain St

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Po w d e r H il l R d

NP ß

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B ut

St L a w r e n c e L a

Base data provided by the Counties.

Park locations derived from park maps and parcel boundaries.

City of Hartford Washington and Dodge Counties, WI

0

0.3

0.6 Miles Print Date: 8/29/2018

A r t h u r Rd

Bo n m a u r Te r

VILLAGE OF VILLAGE OF SLINGER SLINGER

24

Printed By: aconverse, File: \\msa-ps.com\fs\Projects\210s\216\00216040\GIS\00216040_ParkFacilitiesDistribution.mxd

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!! " "! "! "" ! "! Í ! "! i "!

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" "! !

83 ¾ % TOWN HARTFORD OF HARTFORD TOWN OF TOWN ERIN OF ERIN TOWN OF

A

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6

7

8

9

10

11

12

E ß

13

14

15

16

17

co

bi

Ru

t Ic e S l i A ge ng e r Tr a Se il gm en

Ke t tl e M o r a i n e R d

P ik I ce e y

Dr

Rubicon River Parkway West i n18 o l a 19

Woodlawn Union Park

Homestead Park

Country View Park

West Side Park

Jordan Park

Bernd Park

Chasa Memorial Centennial Park K Rotary Park

ß

Willowbrook Park

Sawyer Park

Rubicon River Parkway East

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

School District Town

Maple Park

City Park

County

Village Park

State Trail Rubicon River Trail

Lincoln Athletic Complex

Veterans Memorial Park

Private Recreation Area Undeveloped Parks &

Candy Cane Park

Eastwood Nature Preserve

Independence Park

Charles Brassure Park

Breuer Homestead Park

Family County Park

CC ß

29

Pike Lake Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest r ive yR ORD e HARTF OF ORD TOWN HARTF TOWN OF n Co Hartford Union High School

Ic Ho Joseph 28 E. Max Preserve ly e

33

State Park

School

Wilson Wetlands Conservancy

Washington County Golf Course

30

k

Paul Quick Conservancy

27

Lakeview AcresEPark W a t e r f o r d R d31 32

Southwest Park

Name

Po w d e r H il l R d

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4

ID

e P kw

1

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un

Village

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"!

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23 33

pp sh i

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k Central M.S.

BH !" " r ! " ! "! _ ! "! ' " "! ³ ! "!

5 "

Ownership

Town Park

R

21

29

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Sunnyslope Park

VILLAGE OF VILLAGE OF RICHFIELD RICHFIELD

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n St o

60 ¾ %

9 10

k

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13

7

6

16 32

"! ! " 5

U n io n S t

8

k Hartford Union H.S.

31

15

H i l ld a le D r

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k

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n

Ri v

er

Dr

175

County

k

Rossman E.S.

El m w o o d Rd

TOWN RUBICON OF RUBICON TOWN OF TOWN HARTFORDD OF HARTFOR TOWN OF

Hartford Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

25

% ¾

28

St Kilian Catholic

H a r r i s o n St

Pa

Tay l o r Rd

4

St

20

DO GEE DODDG WA TONN GTO ING SHIN WASH

S R e s t h a v e n Rd

Lutheran

R u bi c on R ive r Tr a i l

" F !

a il e Tr A g S eg me n t ll Hi

! " Basketball Court " !

S a y le s v il l e R d " Bike/Walking Trail F !

BMX BMX Trails ! " " Fitness Trails ! " Frisbee/Disc Golf Course ! " Horseshoe Pits ! " Ice Skating/ Hockey ' ! " Playground Equipment ! " Shore Fishing l ! " Skate Park ! " Soccer Field !

Swimming e " r !

Rd " Tennis/Pickleball Court ! " Volleyball Court !

83 ¾ %

k Peace

12

Po n d R d

! " B H Bath house ! " " Benches ! " Bleachers ! " Canoe/Kayak Launch } ! " Concession Stand ³ ! " Designated Dog Area Í !

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M c k in l e y Rd

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Va ll e y Rd

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Base data provided by the Counties.

Park locations derived from park maps and parcel boundaries.

City of Hartford Washington and Dodge Counties, WI

0

0.3

0.6 Miles Print Date: 8/29/2018

A r t h u r Rd

U ß

Bo n m a u r Te r

kk

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24

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83 % ¾

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15

16

17 Printed By: aconverse, File: \\msa-ps.com\fs\Projects\210s\216\00216040\GIS\00216040_ParkServiceAreas.mxd

ID

Name

Rubicon River Parkway West 18 19

Woodlawn Union Park

Homestead Park

Country View Park

West Side Park

Jordan Park

Town

City Park

County

Village Park

State

School Park

Trail

Town Park

Rubicon River Trail

State Park Private Recreation Area Co n e y R i v e r

School District

k

School

Residential Zoning Single Family

Undeveloped Parks & Conservancies

2+ Family Mixed Zoning With Res

Park Service Area

20

21

22

23

Community Park (1.5 Mile)

Name

Veterans Memorial Park

Paul Quick Conservancy

Candy Cane Park

Wilson Wetlands Conservancy

Eastwood Nature Preserve

Independence Park

RD TOWN OF HARTFO 24 RDCharles Brassure Park TOWN OF HARTFO CC Park ERIN OF TOWN ERIN TOWN OF 25 Breuer Homestead Park Chasa Memorial

E W a t e r f o r dBernd Rd

8

Po w d e r H il l R d

Ha l l R d

El m w o o d Rd

Tay l o r Rd e

Village

City Park (1/3 Mile)

I c e A g e T r a il e nt H o ly H il l S e g m

in

City

County

County Park

E ß

L e e Rd

Pa

Ownership

Village

Eagle

33

Hartford

Slinger H.S.

TOWN HARTFORD OF HARTFORD TOWN OF TOWN POLK OF POLK TOWN OF

21

Hartford Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

Town

P i ke

P ike La ke

o

32

R fi e l d

22

19

16

Dr

R

kHartford

30

ke

o i nt

20

Union H.S.

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low

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31

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12

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Park Service Areas

VILLAGE OF VILLAGE OF SLINGER SLINGER

25

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d Dr

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Av

DO GEE DODDG WA TONN GTO ING SHIN WASH

1

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St

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Rotary Park

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26

ß

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27

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29

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28

30

31

32

33

Joseph E. Max Preserve

Base data provided by the Counties.

Park locations derived from park maps and parcel boundaries.

City of Hartford Washington and Dodge Counties, WI

Hartford Union High School

Hartford Golf Course

Sunnyslope Park

0

0.3

0.6 Miles Print Date: 8/29/2018

TOWN HARTFORD OF HARTFORD TOWN OF TOWN POLK OF POLK TOWN OF

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ß

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21

22

23

24

25

26

School District

County

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CC ß

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27

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TOWN HARTFORD OF HARTFORD TOWN OF TOWN POLK OF POLK TOWN OF

y

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Name

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TTO OFF EERRIINN WNN O OW

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Base data provided by the Counties.

Park locations derived from park maps and parcel boundaries.

City of Hartford Washington and Dodge Counties, WI

0

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21

23

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25

ß

27

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Rubicon River Parkway East

26

29

31 Lakeview AcresEPark Wa t e rf o r d R d 32 Southwest Park 33 Maple Park Lincoln Athletic Complex

City

Village

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Town

School District

County

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County

Village Park

State

School Park

Trail

Town Park

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k

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Proposed Trail

Private Recreation Area

Proposed Intersection Improvement

Undeveloped Parks & Conservancies

Wilson Wetlands Conservancy

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Breuer Homestead Park

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30

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Pike Lake Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest

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Name

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1

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s

k

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W h ee l o c k Av

1

27

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r

2

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60 ¾ %

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t i tu t

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ov a ti o

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Dr

S Goo dla nd Rd

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Proposed Trails and Intersection Improvements

TOW FORD HARTFORD OF HART TOWNN OF TOW POLK OF POLK TOWNN OF

Mc k i n l ey R d

TOW ON UBICON OF RRUBIC TOWNN OF TOW FORD HARTFORD OF HART TOWNN OF

Va l l ey Rd

NP ß

St L a wr e n c e L a

Base data provided by the Counties.

Park locations derived from park maps and parcel boundaries.

City of Hartford Washington and Dodge Counties, WI

0

0.3

0.6 Miles Print Date: 8/1/2018

Appendix B

PARK & OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS/ METRICS

A p p e n d i x B | P a r k & O p e n S p a c e C l a s s i f i c a t i o n s / M e t r i c s B-1

PARK & OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS/METRICS Definitions used in this plan are modifications of definitions found in the Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, 2011-2016, Appendix E. They are used to classify the existing parks and recreation system and to guide plans for its future development.

B.1 PARK & OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS Mini-Park

Also sometimes referred to as a “Tot Lot” or “Pocket Park” typically located on a small lot, generally a ¼ acre or less, within a residential neighborhood or commercial business district. Often these sites were originally intended for residential use, but due to various factors (e.g. poor lot design, environmental concerns, etc.), have been converted to a park. Mini-parks generally lack any active recreational facilities and may be limited to gardens, benches, gazebos, fountains, or other small social gathering facilities. Miniparks typically do not have off-street parking or restroom facilities. Over time they may develop into neighborhood playgrounds.

Desirable size: 1.5 acres or less Acres / 1,000 population: 0.25 to 0.5 acres Service Area: 1/8 to 1/4 mile radius

Neighborhood Playgrounds

A neighborhood playground mainly serves the active recreational needs of children from 5 to 15 years of age, and it may offer passive recreation opportunities to adults. Neighborhood playgrounds typically consist of one or more playground apparatus, small green space/ general purpose fields, and associated benches. Some neighborhood playgrounds may develop over time to include additional amenities to become neighborhood parks. Neighborhood playgrounds typically do not have off-street parking, shelters, or restroom facilities.

Desirable size: 1 to 3 acres Acres / 1,000 population: 0.5 to 1.5 acres Service Area: 1/4 to 1/2 mile radius

Neighborhood Parks

In addition to neighborhood playground facilities, neighborhood parks often include shelter facilities, grills, basketball courts, ball diamonds, lighting, and toilet facilities. In general, neighborhood parks offer a more complete range of recreational facilities, for a wider range of age groups, in a larger setting than neighborhood playgrounds. Off-street parking and permanent restroom facilities are not as commonly found as within community parks.

Desirable size: 3 to 10 acres Acres / 1,000 population: 1.0 to 2.0 acres Service Area: 1/2 to 1 mile radius

Community Playfields

The community playfield provides for the active recreational needs of several neighborhoods. It provides more unique facilities than a neighborhood park but less facilities as compared to a community park. Examples include parks designed specifically for court games (tennis, basketball, pickleball, etc.), field games (soccer, football, ultimate frisbee) or ball games (softball, baseball).

A community playfield might adjoin a public junior or senior high school. Community playfields usually include off-street parking for vehicles and bicycles, concessions and restroom facilities.

Desirable size: 5 or more acres with 10 to 40 acres being most common, but will vary depending on function Acres / 1,000 population: 5.0 to 8.0 acres Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

Community Parks

The community park is intended to serve the active and passive recreational needs of a number of neighborhoods or a medium-sized municipality. Community parks can be thought of as a combination of a neighborhood park and community playfield. However, community parks usually also offer areas for passive recreation use such as wood areas and walking trails, scenic lookouts, botanical gardens, multiple shelters, grills, and picnic areas. Unique active use facilities may include band shells and aquatic facilities. Off-street parking areas for vehicles and bicycles, permanent restroom facilities, shower facilities, and lighting are common.

B-2 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

Desirable size: 25 or more acres Acres / 1,000 population: 5.0 to 8.0 acres Service Area: 2 to 5 mile radius

Special Use Parks

A special use park is often designed as a revenuegenerating enterprise created to satisfy demand for a particular sport, recreational activity, or special event. A special use park may also be a sports park combined with enterprise activities and administered as a community recreation resource. Certain recreational facilities such as disc golf courses, golf courses, race tracks, municipal pools and waterparks, fishing areas and marinas might be considered special purpose parks. Less active uses may include community gardens or veteran memorials.

Special use parks may be combined with community parks. Supporting facilities (off-street parking, restrooms, etc.) will vary based on the user needs.

Desirable size: Varies - depends on function Acres / 1,000 population: Varies - depends on function Service Area: Varies - depends on function

Nature Preserves

Nature preserves may be established to conserve forest lands, marshlands, floodplains, prairies, wildlife habitats, and other areas having cultural, scenic, or natural values.

Such areas are usually provided by county, state, or federal governments and have the primary function of wildlife and resource protection. Nature preserves usually include large tracts of land that are undeveloped or have limited development, although some improvements may be provided which are incidental to the enjoyment of the property.

Improvements are usually located in one section on the property so that the area remains largely undeveloped. Improvements may include parking

areas, interpretive centers, and restrooms. Hunting may be a primary recreational activity in such areas. Other recreational uses might include backpacking, camping, trail use, picnicking, and bird watching.

Desirable size: Varies - depends on function Acres / 1,000 population: Varies - depends on function Service Area: Varies - depends on function

Greenbelts

The greenbelt has basically the same characteristics and functions as the reservation or preserve; however, a greenbelt may be used to shape urban development. It may be a buffer between an urban area and surrounding rural areas and may connect parks within an urban area.

Desirable size: Varies - depends on function Acres / 1,000 population: Varies - depends on function Service Area: Varies - depends on function

Waysides, Welcome Centers, and Historic Markers

These are special purpose parks designed to serve motorists. They are important to a tourist industry as a means of providing rest and information. They may include restrooms, picnic areas, shelters, or other facilities needed by motorists. The size and location of special purpose parks depends upon natural features and the functions they are intended to serve. If oriented to motorists, traffic volumes must be considered.

Desirable size: Varies - depends on function Acres / 1,000 population: Varies - depends on function Service Area: Varies - depends on function

A p p e n d i x B | P a r k & O p e n S p a c e C l a s s i f i c a t i o n s / M e t r i c s B-3

PARK & OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS/GUIDELINES B.2 PARK FACILITY METRICS The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently released the 2018 NRPA Agency Performance Review. This report summarizes data found in NRPA Park Metrics, the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tool that provide a comprehensive collection of park and recreation benchmarks and insights from park and recreation agencies across the United States. The data in this report is intended to be used for managment and planning of recreational resources. The NRPA no longer provides national standards because no two park and recreation agencies are the same.

The information on the following page is useful to determine where our park agency stands as compared to other organizations across the United States. The report contains data from 1,069 park and recreation agencies across the United States as reported between 2015 and 2017.

B-4 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

A p p e n d i x B | P a r k & O p e n S p a c e C l a s s i f i c a t i o n s / M e t r i c s B-5

B-6 C i t y o f H a r t f o r d | C o m p r e h e n s i v e O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n

disabled live there. Sidewalks are in bad shape.” ◊ none ◊ State Street and Wacker Drive ◊ On Lee Rd from Hwy 83 to Cedar St. ◊ HWY 60 ◊ downtown hartford ◊ Downtown ◊ Intersection of 83 & 60 ◊ Lee rd and Cedar st need bike path and side walk to connect bike path on 83. There is no shoulder. ◊ Trail associated with hidden creek wildlife preserve ◊ The trail behind the City building that comes out on Wacker just ends with no place to go. ◊ Main Street and Hwy 60 intersection. Not sure what can be done but I run my dog daily and that intersection is the most dangerous of my route. People are never paying attention and (especially those turning right) drivers constantly pull into the crosswalk before stopping, and half the time I’m already halfway through the crosswalk before almost getting hit. ◊ Highway K from Monroe Ave to Highway 60 and throughout the city have a designated bike path not a sidewalk but a path ◊ Highway 60 ◊ On Cleveland Dr from the corner of Cleveland and Airport Dr through the corner of Cleveland and Wacker Dr. ◊ Pleasant Avenue ◊ Every crossing point of Hwy 60. There needs to be more crossing time given to allow people to walk across the roads before lights change. ◊ Highway 60 Path; very rough and not well maintained especially in winter months ◊ Almost any crossing for Hwy 60 that doesnt have a light. ◊ North on Main, going out of town. Sidewalks just end ◊ “Hwy K (Monroe to Hwy 60) Monroe Ave - Sidewalk doesn’t extend on south side of road by independence park” ◊ “Hwy K from Autumn Ridge north to meet with existing sidewalk. Walking paths in woods near Monroe & Hwy K” ◊ Hwy 60 bike trail...Wilson

Ave to the east. Uneven terrain, major intersections, too close to traffic. ◊ near Independence park. ◊ Access from south side of Sumner Street to current bike trails. There are no lights to stop traffic for walkers or bikers between Wacker and Main. ◊ Downtown hwy 60 ◊ Crossing Hy 60 safely... especially for children ◊ Sumner St. bike lane ◊ Monroe Street, Hwy 83 from corner of Monroe through the downtown area ◊ Highway 60 ◊ Do we actually have bike trails besides the one on Sumner & GRAND ◊ Hwy 60 East to Kettle Moraine Drive by Pike Lake ◊ no location comes to mind ◊ The bike route on the south side of highway 60 by Kwick Trip, George WEbb, Aldis ◊ By Independence Park ◊ Between Walmart and industrial park ◊ Not aware of any at this time. ◊ Proper crosswalk lines on all side streets would be great ◊ Crossing Hwy 60 anywhere from Main St to Wacker Dr. Drivers do not yield much less slow......even with my children waiting. ◊ DOWNTOWN! Especially by 83 and 60, and north of downtown by State and Main.

All of downtown needs to be improved though. Beer garden in downtown park would be great too. ◊ “Downtown. Existing trails need to be marked clearly there is truly no place to ride in Hartford where you are not worried about traffic ◊ a place to walk where you don’t have to cross streets all the time. ◊ By tennis courts on 60 ◊ Stop worrying about bike trails and fix our roads. ◊ Pedestrian/Bicycle Crossing at Hwy 60. Make crosswalks more prominent and fines stiffer for not stopping for pedestrians/ bicycles. Inlet to get on bike/ pedestrian trail by post office/ mill pond is dangerous and narrow.

◊ Downtown Hartford ◊ Western Hills, Also the area going towards Walmart on Sumner. A better trail leading into downtown from all areas ◊ Hwy 60 to the High school, hwy 60 by Walmart, north side of mill pond ◊ Main street north of town past subdivisions where it becomes rural going to Turtle Rd (K). Side of road is narrow & a few small blind hills catch some travelers by surprise. ◊ Uneven path around mill pond unless already been done. ◊ Sidewalks should be installed on Hwy K from Autumn Ridge Ln and connected with the sidewalk south of Monroe ◊ “E Sumner St and Sumner St. Often the pedestrian light request will not “”seem”” to respond. ◊ Centennial Park, the decaying wall on the Wisconsin ave side needs attention. Bridge from post office to library appears to need structural maintenance. ◊ Woodlawn union park, needs either updated or maintenance on outdoor lighting. Many evening outdoor music performance end after dark where there are no out door lights on. ◊ Independence park could use improved parking for the large volume of cars that attend soccer and other activities.

Large volumes of cars and people crossing wilson Ave with no control lights or walk ways. ◊ Biking on roadways in Hartford and in Washington County in general is too dangerous. Separate bike paths are needed. ◊ None save tax money ◊ hall road at county hwy K ◊ Downtown is horribly unfriendly to cyclists. ◊ We live near enough to Woodlawn Park to walk with the children, but we have to cross busy State St and also there are sections of Wacker Dr with no sidewalk. This park should be better accessible for people coming from the South. ◊ I have no idea ◊ Rubicon River bike trail needs a bridge or something to cross

Main street so entire trail is connected instead of having to use busy downtown streets. ◊ Wacker Dr. ◊ Getting from the north west side (Rossman) to the east side (Piggly Wiggly, even towards Slinger ◊ woodlawn park -- needs lighting for evening on path from shelter to parking area. ◊ HWY 60 ◊ Figure out a way for bikes to get through downtown safely ◊ Wacker Dr ◊ Main Street ◊ Hwy 60 through town is dangerous for bikers and pedestrians. No bike lanes and lack of distinctly marked cross walks would help. ◊ Hwy K from 60 to Monroe ◊ Main Street and state street. ◊ Woodlawn Park ◊ Independence Park ◊ Downtown area ◊ Wacker drive and RR crossing by wittenberger bus co ◊ finish the bike trail going west ◊ Being able to cross Hwy. 60 safely. ◊ Sumner Street ◊ I see people walking to and from the Walmart area most days. ◊ There needs to be a sidewalk on East side of Grand Ave between Sumner and Wisconsin. ◊ Connecting all parts of the city to the the downtown area, parks, and state park ◊ Road crossings - hwy 60.

I would love to bike to pike lake, but am afraid of hwy 60 along the stretch with all the businesses. With all the business driveways and turning lanes, drivers aren’t always looking for pedestrians. Can also be difficult to bike to the library due to traffic. I don’t like to bike on sidewalks because of all the foot traffic, but it’s hard to bike on the roads when there are so many cars parked and driving on the narrow streets. ◊ The road that goes by the recycling center as that is a death trap because of not having sidewalk. There are a lot of people who live back in Rettler Farms and getting to

A p p e n d i x A | S u r v e y S u m m a r y A-17

town is dangerous by foot. ◊ Highland and Main st is hard for kids to cross. Also Wacker Dr. Has no sidewalk for biking or walking/running. We live on the north side of town and it is challenging to ride bikes through main st. Requires us to take side roads but then 60 is very hard to cross safely ◊ Near 60 ◊ ? ◊ Intersection of Hwy 83 and Hwy 60 ◊ Downtown ◊ Wacker Drive, needs a full sidewalk to HWY 60 and also some stop and go lights in the intersection of State St. and Wacker Drive ◊ Need better bike access to the Dodge Industrial Park.

Hwy 60 after Walmart is very dangerous. Bikeing on State is better but still have to deal with high speed traffic. Completion of the Rubicon Bike trail to the industrial park would be great! ◊ Getting across hwy 60 ◊ A trail system would be nice to have for running/biking. ◊ By all the local schools. ◊ Wacker Drive ◊ Bike path road crossing at Wilson and Sumner ◊ Downtown, no bikes on sidewalks. ◊ There should be a sidewalk on the west side (?) of Main Street / K outside of Partridge Hollow. ◊ Any and all. I am unaware of any bike paths in the city ◊ Bike trail should loop. ◊ Pike lake... possible bike path around lake??? ◊ Monroe Ave ◊ It would be nice if there was increased bike paths. The path that runs through highway K and hwy 60 is dangerous.

Signals aren’t clear enough for cars to stop, and it doesn’t give bikers or walkers enough time to walk through. Another area for pedestrian crossing that is bad is the area on Grand and 60. ◊ Monroe east of Independance park, Monroe on the south side by the high school and county K ◊ downtown ◊ The stretch along Hwy K between E. Monroe Ave and

Patton Dr. ◊ No sidewalk on airport road, State to Cleveland and beyond. ◊ Corner of Hwy 60 and Hwy K going east - too much traffic to walk, bike, or drive - Especially coming out from the Aldi’s area.

Accident waiting to happen!!!! ◊ State and Wacker intersection ◊ Any of the intersections on highway 60. Trying to cross highway 60 is very dangerous, the safest crossings have stoplights. ◊ N/A ◊ From downtown to walmart ◊ From Walmart to the Industrial park. ◊ Monroe and HWY K has no path connecting a section in between Monroe and Patton.

Also a path or sidewalk NEEDS to be put in along Cedar and Lee connecting Central School sidewalk and path that ends on the Corner of the Hartford Theater lot. ◊ Everywhere. Especially from the residential areas to downtown, the East shopping districts and the West shopping area (over by Walmart). ◊ None that come to mind ◊ State Street, would love to see a trail from out on Arthur Road towards Main St. ◊ Downtown ◊ ANYTHING ALONG/NEAR HWY 60 ◊ The west side of Wilson Ave between highway 60 and Loos St should also have a sidewalk. ◊ Wacker near 60. ◊ I do not enjoy biking and running in the city because of having to be with all the traffic.

I wish there was a trail that was away from the roads and traffic. ◊ Downtown, Hwy 83, Hwy 60 ◊ Highway 60 near downtown. ◊ downtown ◊ First, the path that connects Independence Park with Garfield Lane. The sewer is an obstruction to bikers and walkers. Second, the path that connects Hall Rd/ Poplar with Kennedy Dr. behind the electric substation. It is grass and sometimes slippery and where it joins the street is uneven. Third, the path that connects the bridge over the river behind the

baseball diamond in Woodlawn.

One side is asphalt, the other gravel. ◊ N/A ◊ Walker dr north of hwy 60 ◊ Downtown area ◊ Downtown area ◊ wacker Dr needs sidewalks between 60 and the storage facilities. ◊ More bike/walking trails, in general, would be nice. ◊ None ◊ Around the high school ◊ Walking path through Independence park, from the sidewalk on Monroe, to both playgrounds. The entrance from Monroe is not paved and it is difficult and messy to travel through on foot. ◊ The one bike trail in town is short and ends abruptly on both the west and east sides. Fun to ride on but too short, even if I extend it into Pike Lake trail. ◊ highway 60 ◊ Highway 60, Pike Lake area ◊ None that I am aware of. ◊ Hwy 60 along Willowbrook Park. Traffic going very fast and people always crossing near the park driveway, gas station. Not sure how to solve this, maybe at least a Slow Children at Play sign or flashing lights along the park. ◊ I’d say the bike path when you have to cross HWY 60 from the south side to the north side.

Also the Bike Path just abruptly ends on the west side of town when you get to Whacker Drive. ◊ “Main Street (bicycle) ◊ More noticeable signage for bike path along 60/Summer ◊ Branch Street ◊ along highway 60, towards WalMart ◊ The parking lot between Evergreen/Piggly Wiggly and Culver’s/Taco Bell needs a sidewalk. ◊ Hwy 60 ◊ “Downtown Hartford. I wouldn’t even try to bike on hwy 60. I am almost hit everytime I walk across hwy 60 and hwy 83, cars don’t ever stop before turning in that intersection. “ ◊ North Main St ◊ Hwy 60 and main stteet ◊ Hwy 60 and hwy K. very

limited time to make it through intersection with a bike or on foot ◊ Downtown hwy 60 intersection ◊ a the intersection of 60 and 83 ◊ Sidewalks over on Wacker near the Bridlewood condos and Rettler Farms subdivision would be really nice. There is no where to be other than the road. ◊ Near Willowbrook Park and by St. Killian’s cemetery ◊ I work out only at the Rec Center as I have a minor disability ◊ Wacker Drive to Liberty Avenue and Hwy 60 going north to State Street ◊ Trying to get from East Side Lumber to the Post Office or vise versa. Also when taking the trail from the Rec Center to the baseball diamonds - after going over the bridge it is an abadon parking lot. ◊ Bike path to Pike Lake ◊ Hwy 83 South to Hwy E ◊ Hwy N towards 83 ◊ wacker drive hwy 60 to State Street needs a sidewalk ◊ Between aurora medical center (by Aldi) and the subdivision Kissel Ridge (section between the med center and American Family building. There is no sidewalk and 60 is unsafe for kids to cross. ◊ Street where branch and main meet up. ◊ I am familiar only with the journey from Erin to Hartford.

My experience would be Hall road as I would be riding this with my daughter in the next few years as she gets older. ◊ Intersection of State and Wacker. This is near industries and the cars are just wicked going through this intersection.

Need stop signs to people can walk safely. ◊ Main Street. Sidewalks are usually full with planters, benches, etc. Leaves less room for walkers or bikers. ◊ The roads near Brian Nutone ◊ Independence park could use more paved access points specifically on the North boundary and west side of the park!

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◊ N/A ◊ Crossing at Rural & Sumner ◊ Independence Park ◊ to and from the industrial park is extremely dangerous. It would be great to have a bike lane and/or sidewalk to get past that or a trail going behind Wal-Mart. Also the bike path to Pike Lake is nice for walking but needs to be improved for biking. the blacktop is prone to roots and little trees growing up in it. This may be improved as it’s been a year or two since I used it for biking. ◊ Borlen farms- finale sidewalk on west side main street and east side as well ◊ Veterans pool ◊ Everywhere could just guarded bike trails ◊ Borlen Farms Subdivision.

That crosswalk at the bottom of the hill on a busy Main St. is rediculous. ◊ The crosswalk at Rural and Sumner add pedestrian beacon to improve safety ◊ Hwy 60 ◊ Finish areas along Hwy 60. Current paths are not continuous or complete. Extend all the way out and through Pike Lake State Park. ◊ “The bike path through the middle of town needs to be finished - extended to go all the way to Pike Lake. ◊ Sumner is very dangerous for pedestrians - there need to be more pedestrian crosswalks between Main St. and Wacker.

Also a bike lane is needed on Sumner since the only safe way to bike is on the sidewalk which is dangerous for pedestrians. ◊ Wacker needs to be expanded with a sidewalk between State St. and Sumner. Currently is extremely dangerous for pedestrians and bikes.” ◊ Downtown ◊ Independence Park ◊ Downtown Hartford. ◊ Traffic Yield signs for pedestrians / bikes crossing from Willowbrook Park to Mill Pond / dam area. Yield sign for SteelCraft employee’s parking by walking / bike path. ◊ West side park ◊ A yield sign for pedestrian

crossing the street from Mill Park to the Mill Pond / dam area.

A yield sign for the SteelCraft employee parking that crosses walk path. ◊ Wacker Drive from where the industrial parks are all the way up to the light on 60. There are no sidewalks making it dangerous for people walking or biking. ◊ Independence park. Seems the apartments across the street have some issues ◊ I would say the area between Veterans Park and Cedar Street where the high school students park and down Monroe Street towards wacker. ◊ Crossing at Rural St. & Hwy. 60 ◊ Hwy 60 from the clinic to walmart. Traffic is too fast.

Speeding is a constant in that road. ◊ I wish there was an actual pedestrian crossing on western Highway 60 (between Rural and Summit). I have to cross 60 multiple times a day on my bike and the cars NEVER stop for me to cross despite there being white lines. Even one of those green yield crossings would help around town. Hartford is the worst for biking, no one yields and I’ve almost gotten hit multiple times from people not actually stopping at stop signs. ◊ Downtown ◊ downtown ◊ “1.Wilson and Sumner and the transition from trail to street and back into the park. ◊ 2. The trail through the parking lot where WB Place used to be” ◊ I feel like the city provides enough paths and cross walks. I feel more scared because drivers don’t look for pedestrians, especially when making right turns. ◊ There should be a bike trail down 83 going south especially for kids riding to the pool in the summer. ◊ Downtown area ◊ Exiting Rettler Farms in general and getting from Borlen Farms to a walking path for school have been difficult especially for kids. ◊ Liberty Ave, behind Walmart

on Hwy 60. Near Birch Crossing Apartments ◊ Out to Walmart Q7 Where would you prioritize the location of new bike facilities, routes or trails? ◊ On the outskirts of town. ◊ Hartford Square II for senior trail ◊ ? ◊ Along Hwy 60 to the industrial park. ◊ Along highway 83, north of 60. ◊ By the out door pool ◊ Completing the Rubicon River Parkway ◊ Areas to keep children/youth on bikes safe from car traffic on busy streets. Ones I mentioned in #6 ◊ Anywhere, my family would love bike trails! ◊ Northwest side of city, Hwy U ◊ Eastwood ◊ Out of Rettler Farm Estates to Pike Lake ◊ Bike trails would be nice to access all the city parks. If there were designated bike trails I would feel comfortable letting my kids bike to practices, the pool, etc. ◊ As above ◊ See above comment. ◊ Northwest side of town ◊ HUHS, Gidmar fields and the Independence Park ◊ Path around outskirts of the city/pike lake ◊ Around pike lake ◊ near independence park and surrounding areas including possibly Cty HWY K and 83 ◊ I’m not sure ◊ A trail linking city of Hartford to the trails of Pike Lake would be a real plus. ◊ No where. We have streets and sidewalks. ◊ Those I wouldn’t prioritize anywhere. The walking and biking trails can be the same. ◊ I would just appreciate to see any additional designated bike trails in Hartford. Perhaps one that makes it easier to get to the trail leading to Pike Lake State park. ◊ yes - will also help attract future families to help growth of

business and community ◊ Eastwood Nature Park ◊ Along river/water- continuing in direction you’ve been going. ◊ A new trail to that one park in between Walmart and the bus depot. ◊ North side of Hartford could use a bike park so kids don’t have to go across town to ride a trail or do stunts ◊ In parks that are without such amenities, and perhaps near downtown. ◊ In an area that doesn’t have lots of stop signs, through wooded area . ◊ N/a ◊ Allowing for 2-3 North/South and East/West corridors ◊ By the parks heavily used, such as Independence. unfortunately, with the “skeptical” people that live near there and use the park there, you probably won’t have more upstanding citizens using it more often because of the riffraff. Take care of that part first. ◊ Pike Lake area ◊ the location of new bike facilities, routes, and trails. where they are most needed. ◊ Bike paths or trails to Pike Lake and the Veterans Memorial Pool. This would also give my Freshman the option to bike to (HUHS) ◊ N/A ◊ Pike lake ◊ Any open or vacant city lots ◊ Along the river. ◊ I don’t bike ◊ I would like connections to the current bike trails. The bike trail that is already in Pike Lake just stops once it gets to the city of Hartford. I feel this is more of a state issue though, as other states have plans for physical activity and we have beer. ◊ Anywhere to the North side ◊ Woodlawn park. ◊ none ◊ EASTWOOD NATURE PARK ◊ New park in Hartford off of Simon Drive. Eastwood Nature Park. ◊ Alternative to Hy 60 from Woodlawn to McDonalds area ◊ Main street, downtown ◊ The west end of the bike trail at Wacker Drive should keep

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going, maybe both north & south. ◊ Along Hwy 60 east ◊ On the out-skirts of town. ◊ Love the box trails wish there were more trails to them. ◊ Going out to Walmart ◊ no opinion ◊ Along the Industrial Park, so individuals can get outside of the city to enjoy nature ◊ Extending existing trails. ◊ along the Rubicon River ◊ near the top of the list. ◊ From Independence park to Pike lake ◊ See above ◊ High ◊ Extend the sidewalk from the corner of Monroe and Hwy K to where it begins closer to Kwik Trip. There is no sidewalk there and its hard to make a loop from Monroe to Hwy 60 with my child. ◊ I would link the Pike lake path to a new bike path not a sidealk but bike path throughout the entire city ◊ not sure ◊ I would like to see more trails that connect all the subdivisions in the city to one another.

Having them lead to the schools and downtown areas. ◊ Perhaps new marked routes on highway 83 and off the “beaten” paths; less auto traffic than 60. ◊ City to Kettle Moraine ◊ continue the rubicon river trail ◊ Don’t believe new facilities are needed. ◊ SE part of Hartford needs more ◊ Suggest that current trail from Wacker to east side is great. Extension of that system to Pike Lake connection would be great. ◊ Monroe by independence ◊ Continue working on Rubicon River Trail. ◊ Summer St. ◊ We love using the bike path on Hwy 60 out to Pike Lake.

Wish there was a safer route for our kids to bike to the Library or Rec Center from south side of Hartford. ◊ Pike Lake Unit ◊ Yes, better bike trail going to

Pike Lake. ◊ low ◊ away from heavily traveled roads ◊ It would be nice if there was a bike trail that went from the west side of Hartford to Independence park on the East side. ◊ Independence Park ◊ Need a ped/bike overpass somewhere on Hwy 60 ◊ No priorities identified. ◊ It would be great if Hwy 83 south and Hwy K south into Erin/Holy Hill area were more safe to ride. I take back roads down there because folks are not careful to slow. These southern roads are gems in our area but I typically ride them at 5:00/6:00am for less drivers on the road. ◊ Not sure ◊ Along highway 60 Would be great if you could extend the path that goes to the state parkkik ◊ sumner street both directions ◊ A path away from 60 going to walmart ◊ Stop worrying about bike trails and fix our roads. ◊ Continue the bike trail along hwy 60 east towards slinger and make bike trails in general longer. Make new bicycle trails in larger parks and wooded areas/open fields.

More bike racks downtown and surrounding areas as well as safer trails. ◊ Start or leading through Main & Union, bring more foot traffic to those local shops ◊ throughout the city off the busy roads. leading into downtown and towards east and west shopping on sumner ◊ see #6 ◊ Main street north of town past subdivisions where it becomes rural. ◊ The woods behind K-Mart.

They were sold to the city for $1.00 Lets get some walking trails in this area ASAP. Lots of new condos, duplex’s and homes. We need a place to walk. ◊ no opinion ◊ “1. Independence Park ◊ 2. Woodlawn Park ◊ 3. Centennial Park

◊ None save tax money ◊ access to downtown ◊ From mill pond, through (or around) town and continue west toward industrial park ◊ No ideap ◊ Rubicon River trail needs to be extended west past Wacker Drive. ◊ Main St. and West ◊ From Union through to shopping area ◊ to the Borlen Farms and to the Rettler Farms subdivisions ◊ everywhere ◊ To/from the high school to the north side of town ◊ I would prioritize safety in crossing main roads from residential areas to shopping areas and to area rec. areas. ◊ Independence park ◊ Woodlawn ◊ West & Southwest (Wacker Drive/Pond Road ◊ North end of town ◊ West and South sides of Hartford. ◊ Downtown first, then trails to outlying areas ◊ Hwy 60 West of United Coop to and from Walmart ◊ I don’t know ◊ From the rec center to Walmart. ◊ neighborhood trails that connect green spaces (or create green spaces) to other neighborhoods. ◊ Walmart area ◊ It would be nice to have a trail that is situated away from traffic.

Such as an old rail road bed.

I’m not aware of any trails like that in Hartford. Not even sure if it would be possible to build anywhere. ◊ Very high. ◊ Any park areas without any bike facilities, routes or trails, near/through downtown, and any other scenic areas ◊ ? ◊ Rubicon River Trail ◊ Completion of the Rubicon bike trail to the industrial park. ◊ Moderately high. Nice amenity to have given the beautiful countryside. County or town should be included in effort as it could involve linking Hartford to Slinger or Rubicon or Erin.

◊ By the schools to many kids ride there bikes all year around, by the pool parks ◊ Subdivisions in north end of Hartford. ◊ Relocate existing bike trail to Pike Lake so that it is not next to Sumner / Highway 60 which is too busy / noisy. ◊ A link to the bugline ◊ Woodlawn park, more trails to walk. ◊ Need trails that are dog friendly ◊ Independence Park, Woodlawn Park, or or build a new path around the nature area on the north end of town. ◊ Anywhere ◊ Pike lake , SR60 bike paths aside from the horribly paved path currently. ◊ I think it’s sad that there’s not a bike area designated to be able to bike downtown. ◊ “going west out of town on hwy 60 and by the high school really all over Hartford really lacks on nice trails in the whole city ◊ Don’t know. ◊ Don’t really know. Doesn’t really affect me. ◊ Not sure ◊ To the schools and pool. ◊ Out to Wall Mart ◊ N/A ◊ West side of city.....walmart area ◊ West end of the City. ◊ Cedar and Lee ◊ High ◊ n/a ◊ Near schools ◊ West side of town ◊ “OFF HWY 60. TAKE THEM SOUTH OR NORTH THROUGH/NEAR RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS ◊ N/A ◊ Somewhere near downtown, at most 10 min drive. I would love to have a flat groomed trail that i can bring my dog, run walk and bike. Currently I go to pike lake, however i have a hard time running and biking there due to the terrain. ◊ City perimeter would be great! ◊ Going out of town near Pike Lake. ◊ I have them prioritized above.

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“Third” is much less important than First and Second. ◊ Pike Lake ◊ Anywhere in the city of hartford ◊ Downtown area ◊ Downtown area ◊ Not sure. ◊ None ◊ Around the high school ◊ I would most utilize trails and routes that serve a use for my 2 young children such as from downtown to various parks or long routes/trails that are completely free from traffic on which we can take walks as a family with a stroller. ◊ Improve the trail from BP Place heading west...it goes nowhere. A destination would be nice. Or create a trail that will loop. ◊ I am not that familiar with the city boundaries since I have only lived here a short time. ◊ Pike Lake ◊ Don’t need any, we have one that goes out to Pike Lake and along Westside and Willowbrook that is enough in the city. We are not a large enough city like Madison where people bike to work frequently. ◊ Something on the west side of town. ◊ Anywhere and everywhere.

We need more trails! ◊ to the schools and parks, pool etc ◊ Refer to question #6’s answer. ◊ from State to Hwy 60 near the Industrial Park ◊ Away from independence park ◊ Thru downtown Hartford ◊ Out to the industrial park, ◊ “Access to subdivisions and along Rubicon River. Good what has been done so far but need to go farther west. ◊ Consider connecting Hartford and Slinger. Maybe along Hartford Rd. Nice if it could be an off road connection.” ◊ By McDonald’s ◊ Woodlawn would be a good place for biking or hiking ◊ Wacker Drive to Liberty Avenue - Rubicon River Trail ◊ I really enjoy the trail from the mill pond to Willbrook park because it is not next to a road.

I feel safe letting my 2-yearold walk on his own. If there could be any more trails or path created not next to the road like that one - I know I would use them. ◊ between City of Hartford and Pike Lake- primarily the part down 60 past Aldi’s, etc. Doesn’t feel safe ◊ Maybe Wacker to HWY N ◊ New subdivisions ◊ Along Highway 60 starting East of Mc Donald’s on the north side of 60 stretching all the way to at least Kissel subdivision if not further east towards slinger ◊ Between Hartford and Slinger to connect up with trails there. ◊ From outskirts into town: utilize the turnover to young families living outside hartford to come into town ◊ North of State ◊ Broan Nutone area, and by the highway. ◊ Improve around Independence park and increase the path access to Pike Lake ◊ N/A ◊ It would be nice to have one on the path. As for routes, improving signs and a nice scenic trail getting you to the industrial park would be great.

Overall bike lanes within the city would be helpful as well, to/ from the Rubicon bike path. ◊ River- and a path around the Cory ◊ Somewhere near downtown ◊ Around pick and save ◊ A sidewalk that continues on the East side of Main St all the way up the hill, NOT having to cross at the bottom of the hill. ◊ Improve crosswalks at nonsignalized intersections across sumner street, finish rubicon river trail to the east toward hilldale dr ◊ It would be a great addition to the area ◊ As stated in #6 - completed bike path throughout town connecting with Pike Lake should be a priority. ◊ Independence park ◊ In the newer subdivisions near the outside of town. ◊ Downtown and the north side of town

◊ Have the train bypass Hartford and use the tracks as a bike path. ◊ Hwy. 83 north to south through downtown: marked bike lanes ◊ Above ◊ I think there are a great variety of trails for biking and walking. ◊ High School Area ◊ weat part of town ◊ I would really love to see a linking trail system connecting the main parks and connecting like a loop. Specifically from Willowbrook to Independence to Veterans to West Side to Woodlawn and back to Willowbrook. The existing trail bisects this “loop” to allow “shortcuts” or smaller loops. ◊ By the old leather place. ◊ It would be great to have bike facilities at a park - maybe Willowbrook that you could park and take a bike on some of the nearby trails. Otherwise not much of a biker so I can’t add much to this topic. ◊ Trails ◊ Near downtown Q10 Does the City’s current variety of recreational programs and classes meet the needs of your hosehold? ◊ Would enjoy a second yoga class for seniors at rec center and more swimming availability at rec center and aquatic center.

(Lap swim times) ◊ Yoga classes at the rec center ◊ We live too far away to be convenient & use West Bend parks, etc. ◊ Rec programs did not provide enough structure and did not teach actual rule and techniques ◊ Rules at new pool ◊ However the times for the events could be better.

Difficult to get children to many activities when both parents work outside of Hartford. ◊ We have a Rec membership but not crazy about the hours.

Also have membership at other club as Rec hours and workout area is not as nice/current. We do like the new outside pool and found the inside pool

temperature is better. ◊ Enjoy the new aquatic center, but would like more pool access/lanes in the am. It’s currently rented to swim teams. ◊ Haven’t been here long enough to take part in classes. ◊ “We NEED Zumba classes!!!

Kickboxing would also be great “ ◊ I use a cross-country ski machine in my basement each day for 20 minutes ◊ I think the kids tball/baseball program lacks skill to grow our children for select/high school sports ◊ Zumba ◊ I’m interested in a Zumba class. ◊ Extended indoor pool hours are needed - more weekday early mornings, for example ◊ I feel that there are many recreational programs to choose from but the ones my kids have participated in have not really kept their interest they only really give them basic instruction and they crave more than that. The swim lessons in the summer/winter are OK. We don’t do them anymore because getting a good instructor is really hit or miss. I don’t take any of the classes at the rec anymore. I did take Burn and Firm when it was available, but when the instructor left I followed her to SNAP. ◊ They are not competitive enough ◊ The indoor pool has an odd shape with the deep section in the middle. I like to do deep water exercise on my own & crossing swim lanes doesn’t work in the center of the pool. ◊ As a single man, The new city pool would be nice after closing hours for the children. That men and women above the age of 24 were to use it without having children in there. It doesn’t feel right to use a pool as a single person to have children around. ◊ No time for recreational programs with all of our other commitments. ◊ more variety, evening classes ◊ Would like to have a yoga class to attend ◊ Would like the City to have rec baseball for high school

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boys. (Like the Monches program.) ◊ There are barely any programs for adults that would fit the needs of a budget concious single parent household. It would be great if exercise classes for adults overlapped exercise programs for small children in the evenings, so we can both participate at the same time and I wouldn’t have to pay a babysitter. It’s the only reason I don’t participate in the adult classes. ◊ Could always add more classes and new teachers ◊ I would like to see more variety for youth sports and activities... Youth gymnastics specifically. More active things geared for girls. ◊ More for children under the age of 5. ◊ I would like to take a beginning yoga class again. I used to be able to take one on Tuesday evenings but the times have changed or been taken up by a different class. ◊ Does not offer anything for my children at their age range ◊ The times start before I am off work in order to get my kids to the after school activities. ◊ You all do a great job with quite an area of year round activities. Our kids are 5 yrs and 21 months. We’ll be ramping up with activities in years to come. ◊ My children are interested in activities that I have not yet looked into, so I am not sure if you have classes that will meet their needs. However, we have participated in the youth softball every summer for 16 years now and love that! ◊ Stop looking for new ways to spend my tax money when there are old ways that need attention. e.g. Fix our roads.

How about a speed hump on Fourth St to slow speeding traffic, keeping the city’s children walking home from school and the children that live on this street safe. Especially since you refuse to post police on streets where speeding has an effect on safety, instead of pulling people over on Hwy 60

at 5 am just trying to go to work. ◊ There’s no Zumba or kick boxing/body combat and weekday morning/early afternoon classes (not just seniors) would be very helpful.

(9:30am and later) ◊ More classes for younger children that are available in the evening or on the weekends. ◊ Morning lap swim should be every morning. Three-lane pool is quite small (but glad for what we have). Planned and announced morning lap swims at the outdoor pool. Would love an adult tennis league. ◊ The swim lessons in summer are daily - I can only do certain days for my son. The evening classes are always Mon & Wed. I can only do Mon. ◊ We get no mailings in Richfield that inform us of rec programs. We try to spend time in Hartford because we have children at HUHS and feel we should be involved in that community. However, we get no mailings or emails or newspapers that tell us what we could be involved in. ◊ More adult leisure classes ◊ only evening exercise classes ◊ just moved here ◊ They did not offer yoga this year. I also didn’t like some of the times classes were offered. It was hard to fit into my schedule. ◊ The pool hours are too restrictive for open swim hours.

We go to the YMCA in West Bend as they are more flexible. ◊ Getting evening swim lessons is nearly impossible if you don’t sign up right away. And the book came out in the mail after the sign up date so it’s almost certain I’m out of luck to get evening swim lessons especially during summer. ◊ Timing of classes aren’t always ideal for our family’s work schedule. ◊ Open the Lazy Riverwalk at the outdoor pool earlier in the morning, for those older adults with no children at home. We’re tend to be early risers...... I have heard this from many women.

They wish it was available to use earlier in the morning, therefore I have not taken the time to try

the resistance walking workout at the new pool. ◊ Need an archery ?? target ◊ Need advanced expertise provided by club programs. ◊ I wish there were some fitness classes for adults during the day. ◊ We cycle 25 miles a day.

Riding through neighborhoods and busy main roads is unsafe.

Need cycling paths. Very important. ◊ Lack of availability for high school competitive swimmers to access lap swimming- especially off season. If you’re under 16 you’re out of luck. ◊ Would like more sports for over 40. Softball, tennis, etc ◊ Hours are too limited - Also, it would be nice if there was a “painting class” that adults/kids could go to on weekends ◊ Many great things when my kids were little! Unless doing baseball, there seems to be a bit of a gap in options for grades 3 or 4 through early teen. Getting better though. ◊ I take exercise classes at the rec. Would like to see an exercise class starting at 6 am though. ◊ Lack of yoga options. Limited Rec center “open” hours. Lack of calling availability options (rarely have staff answering phones outside of business hours - which is when most people use the facilities). ◊ Need to have more summer activities for toddlers under 3 ◊ I would love to see more volleyball programs for kids 6-8 & 10-14. ◊ I have not spent time looking into the recreation classes because I look to do leisure at minimum expense to free. ◊ I work 2nd shift and nothing ever going on during day hours ◊ I do not know what’s all offered there. I get the book, but fail to sign up for activities. ◊ Would like a better variety of swim lessons days of the week and times. More programs/ activities for small kiddos on Fridays (ie - toddler swim, toddler play time). Would also love to see a program for smaller kids where they try out/ learn to play all different sports

(ie - one class basketball, one class volleyball, etc) ◊ The city offers winter options for my toddlers but nothing during the summer. ◊ Typically too expensive for me, a non-member. ◊ “Semi-private swim lessons (for 2 children) not offered ◊ Too expensive for most residents, especially seniors.

Should offer much lower rates for residents and seniors for rec center activities. Other health clubs charge only $10.00 per month. I end up exercising behind the old K-mart because I can’t afford to swim or work out at the Rec Center. ◊ On a limited income with kids in college, can’t afford the hundreds of dollars for the membership and frankly it’s made for the upper middle class and rich in Hartford and surrounding area’s. I pay my taxes and yet can’t afford to have a membership to our city rec center. I feel like 1 free membership should be given out when people pay property taxes. Those out of town should pay double fee’s not 2.00 more! ◊ Not enough pool space for all those in the community who want to lap swim for fitness. ◊ It’s all for very small children and older children. Not many classes for older grade school children ◊ Not informed of programs ◊ Kids tumbling isn’t available anymore, and the younger kids dance class is only for girls.

We’ve had to go to the Schauer center and pay too much for dance class for a young boy. ◊ My oldest is 2 - we love the open gym during the week but he is a little young to take advantage of any other programs yet. ◊ I wish there was a 6 am turbo kick class ◊ Would like to see an adult men’s baseball league startup. ◊ Not affordable. ◊ Would like to see more programs for younger kids ◊ Hours do not work for working families ◊ “Wish there were more toddler classes offered aside

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from week days during day.

Moms who work, would like options for toddlers in evenings aside from just swim.” ◊ Would love to introduce track for elementary kids ◊ Not enough offered late in the evening ◊ Need variety of times ◊ I would love to attend the red center for their workout facility but unfortunately the hours do not fit my work schedule. ◊ They are to expensive. Would like a membership deal that discounts classes. Also childcare needs to be consistent. Should hire professionals. ◊ If your kid doesn’t play soccer or football in Hartford, the facilities are absolutely shameful ◊ Not much offered for 15 and up. ◊ Need summer rec programs for kids that are are weekend/ later hours ◊ More senior programs ◊ Not enough structured learning which drove us to more expensive clubs ◊ Rec Center lap swim / open adult swim - times need to be expanded. Too many class times. ◊ More variety of classes esp for toddler and adult fitness ◊ Rec Center’s lap swim / open adult swim times - need better & more hours. ◊ Wish there were more gymnastics options for kids. ◊ Better schedule offering for children with parents who work full time (i.e. additional offerings of sports and swim with evening and weekend times). ◊ I’m really interested in the lazy river at the aquatic center, but all the hours are during a working person’s work day. I’m also interested in the therapy pool, but there isn’t a trained therapist on staff to offer exercises. ◊ Would like more home programs like cooking classes. ◊ I think there is a wide variety, but I have seen additional things in other rec departments that may have value in exploring. Tennis lessons? Golf lessons? Learn to ice skate especially since we have the outdoor rinks many people

don’t know about. I think the programming could always be evaluated and new things explored when possible - I think the Hartford group does a pretty good job with that.

Q11 When visiting City parks, which activities or facilities do you or members of your household most commonly participate in or use? Check all that apply. ◊ Participating in and listening to Hartford City Band concerts ◊ Enjoying gardens & designed green spaces with flowers. ◊ soccer ◊ Hartford City Band Concerts ◊ Park Shelter use and Buckskinners events ◊ Outdoor workout(hill climbing) ◊ I really appreciate that dogs are allowed around the Mill Pond, as I walk my dogs often.

I prefer to do activities where dogs are allowed. ◊ Geocaching ◊ we don’t participate but do go to watch games of our family members on these fields. ◊ Veterans pool needs to have more supervision in the locker rooms. There were multiple incidents last year and my kids do not want to go back. They don’t feel safe. ◊ None ◊ none ◊ Schauer Center Swimming on the weekends in winter. Excited to try the new Veterans pool. ◊ Fix the roads, benefiting all residents and businesses if you need a project. ◊ kite flying ◊ Soccer ◊ Indoor toddler time ◊ Running, hiking, boating ◊ I love the geocaching in the area which gets me out. I play tennis at the back of the old K-Mart because the tennis courts are always full. Need better prices for seniors and residents and more hours of open access to the pools, there are too many classes and you can’t ever get in. ◊ catching crayfish in the Rubicon River ◊ Another fishing pier on Pike

Lake would be great ◊ I say Canoeing/Kayaking, but there really is no place to rent from that I know of. Also no place to do it within the city. ◊ We dont use parks ◊ Photographic hikes ◊ We don’t use any of the parks ◊ I would just like to note that with younger children, we may use other facilities/activities in the future.

Q12 Which of the following amenities would you like to be added by public or private entities? ◊ I would like greater access to the indoor pool for lap swimming purposes. ◊ Band shelter ◊ Too old for most of this ◊ Rc track ◊ Parking lot an Indy full of pot holes, dirt clouds; not safe turn around in the back lot ◊ More walking paths around more scenic options than just in a neighborhood ◊ Absolutley nothing. ◊ paved parking lot at Independence Park ◊ Band shell for live preformance ◊ None ◊ Summer outdoor movie viewing at the mill pond- one per week for 6-8 weeks ◊ A indoor remote controlled car track. ◊ X-country skiing / snowshoeing ◊ none ◊ The trees should be trimmed at West Side Park so that the river is more visible/accessible ◊ Zumba Class ◊ Allowing leashed dogs to walk on walkways in parks ◊ rollerskating ◊ Racquetball courts ◊ Hartford has plenty of these ◊ It would be great to have a park north of Hwy 60 where dogs are permitted on a leash. ◊ No additions ◊ Fishing docks ◊ none ◊ none ◊ More water fountains (bubblers) located throughout Hartford. I run my dog and it’s obnoxious to take waterbottles

on a 5-8 mile run. I stop everytime at the one by the Tennis courts to give myself and my dog water, but it’s the only one! We need more water please!! :) An indoor dog park would be awesome too! ◊ lighting on pleasant avenue ◊ I would love to take my dog to any park. Especially since I clean up after her if she goes #2. ◊ Restore Mill Pond area to free flowing river with several pools, natural setting, and walking and viewing areas for residents.

We spend ridiculous amounts to maintain bulkheads for a stagnant pond which devoid of life and unusable by residents. ◊ Gun shooting range ◊ Beer garden by downtown ◊ Open shelters/shaded ◊ Do you have money burning a hole in your pocket? Fix our roads. ◊ More space for a larger dedicated dog park. Example potion of a park like Woodlawn with some more space (too many dogs at independence park) ◊ None ◊ More shelters near soccer fields.Air quality ◊ Flower baskets along Sumner Street ◊ A year round facility would be very helpful ◊ Playgrounds for older kids.

The city took down all the bigger equipment for older kids. ◊ Indoor running track ◊ Lap pool ◊ Water at the dog park for the dogs. ◊ infra red sauna ◊ Public garden ◊ Storage Shed by the Veteran’s Groups. ◊ Drone Park ◊ An ice rink needs a warming hut!!!! ◊ stroller accessible to play equipment (paved) something for under 2 yrs or disabled children. ◊ Running Track available for public use ◊ Handicap playground, dog park with water/river access also space for music on main or similar venue. ◊ Fishing pier

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◊ Independence park gets very dirty with trash ◊ Trash cans at each park all the time. They get quite dirty and gross in some when cans aren’t out. ◊ Batting cages. ◊ Summer concessions at pike lake ◊ I really think that we should have an indoor sports for soccer/baseball, it would be awesome if it could go were KMart used to be!!!!!!

Q13 Which of the following amenities would you like improved or expanded by the City? ◊ Pave Independence park parking lots ◊ Lighting on all park paths ◊ Bathrooms in the parks are often locked and in need of updating! ◊ A new centralized shelter / concession stand at Independance for Sideliners soccer. ◊ Only lived here 8 months so not too familiar with city. ◊ A street light needs to be installed on the corner of Simon and Monroe--it’s very hard to see the road at night ◊ Sandboxes ◊ Would be great to have lights on field so for soccer& baseball; basketball Court starts always full-need new hoops ◊ The parking lots at Independence Park are an embarrassment to the city of Hartford when visitor play at our fields. This was the number one complaint in the past and was ignored by the city. Why do a survey if you are going to ignore the issues that need attention? ◊ PARKING LOT AT INDEPENDENCE COULD USE FIXING ◊ Pathways from parking lots to ball diamonds - existing walkways are not good for older grandparents who want to see their grand-children play baseball ◊ turf soccer field is needed ◊ Absolutely nothing. ◊ Parking at independence Park. Asphalt needed. Too many potholes every year. Back lot has

nonturn around. ◊ Adult (and kid) fitness/ playground equipment (think ninja warrior) ◊ Please get more equipment at rec center ◊ not applicable ◊ West Side Park needs a little cleanup on the trees ◊ Hiking trails ◊ clock visible from the pool and more attentive lifeguards ◊ To allow dogs in more areas. ◊ It would be great to have a park north ◊ No improvements ◊ none ◊ none ◊ Lightning on Pleasant Avenue ◊ Outdoor pavillion/band shelter for park concerts ◊ Let dogs in all parks. ◊ Stop taking out the old playground equipment, the new stuff sucks no more plastic shit I hate getting shocked ◊ Where is roads on this list.

Apparently that is an “amenity” we can’t afford. ◊ Aquatic Center to receive an updated POS system, many times people are not charged correctly. Lost revenue. ◊ None ◊ Air quality is very bad for the spectators and players in Indepence Park when the wind blows across the dirt/gravel parking lots at the south and east ends of the soccer field 8. Clouds of white dust are airborne when the wind blows! ◊ paving the drive from Monroe to the soccer fields and gravel parking lot ◊ Indoor toddler play group could benefit with more toys, mats, maybe something to climb on. Wonder if the toys are ever cleaned. ◊ Flowers baskets along Main Street ◊ Bike trails ◊ Disc golf is something for eberyone. ◊ The Willowbrook tennis courts are in a very noisy location and dangerous at times due to heavy traffic on hwy. 60.

Parking is tight. ◊ Asphalt at Independence parking areas ◊ playground exercise

equipment for adults ◊ Porta Potties where Plumbing isn’t near ◊ Red dept open toddler gym needs new toys ◊ N ◊ As above, it needs a warming hut!!! ◊ Better flag football fields for youth instead of small park field. ◊ Increase available time for open swims and open earlier on warm days. ◊ Sawyer Park play equipment needs an update. It’s an nice park to stop and sit when walking downtown for ice cream with the kids but the equipment is old and dangerous, slide extremely high for small children!!! ◊ Skateboard park worries me over who uses it and lack of any adults frequenting the area ◊ trail along river between post office and Grand is in poor condition ◊ Please improve drainage of the baseball diamond!!!! ◊ More garbage cans ◊ Addition of batting cages. ◊ Nets separating tennis courts Q15 Why is this your favorite park to visit in the City of Hartford? ◊ It has baseball, soccer fields and bathrooms. ◊ It’s beautiful ◊ Largest shelter ◊ Variety of amenities and close to home ◊ It’s the closest big park, plus it has disc golf. ◊ great place for seniors to enjoy ◊ The variety of things for the kids to do and access to restrooms. ◊ My son plays soccer there. ◊ I spend most of my time here while my child practices/playing soccer. ◊ fishing ◊ proximity ◊ Hartford City Band plays there. Like playing disk golf and walking through the wooded area. ◊ Near my home, would like to keep it simply a walking nature park, with trails for walking and enjoying nature.

◊ Baseball diamonds, soccer fields, playground, volleyball, a lot to do and has a dog park as well. ◊ It is close, pretty, and a very happy place. Lots of space and enough picnic tables. ◊ So beautiful ◊ The outdoor pool but there should be a inproved playground. ◊ It is the one we use the mostmy boys play soccer there. ◊ Disc Golf ◊ Seems to have it all baseball fields, soccer fields, & playgrounds. ◊ We spend the most time there - soccer fields and dog park ◊ It’s my back yard ◊ “Close to our home, wooded.

Could use improvement on baseball diamond and volleyball and basketball courts. Maybe add dog area and tennis courts.

Currently having to go across town to use these things, and would prefer something closer and easier for the kids in this side of town. Enjoy the city band playing there in summer but it would be nice for other bands to do the same “ ◊ Has the amenities for kids to play and sporting practices ◊ We are there 5-6 days of the week for soccer practice and games between our three kids.

Starting in August - November and back in spring from March - June. ◊ A good walk to get there. Has many items the children can play on ◊ Select Soccer Club hosts all of their games there. ◊ The river is calming. The playground used to be one of the best. ◊ Soccer ◊ Kids play soccer there ◊ Specific walkways, scenic water views, well designed places to view nature and people interactions without being crowded. ◊ We spend a lot of time time here as our children play soccer. ◊ I am there multiple times a week for soccer. There’s a nice playground to pass the time with my younger child.

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◊ Soccer fields ◊ large ◊ part of soccer program ◊ The dog park ◊ The trees ◊ Location of the park to my home and it’s very quiet there ◊ Has dog park, soccer, basketball and baseball and playground all in the same place. Would love a dog park for little dogs only ◊ My kids have multiple sport practices and games at this location. It has a dog park to use while the kids are at practice. ◊ size, location, soccer fields and baseball diamonds with a nice sized shelter ◊ There are awesome soccer programs in this town and numerous athletic events take place in this park. It is probably the most used recreation park in the city. ◊ The river adds a lot to us liking this park. ◊ It is close and that is where the best soccer fields are. ◊ It’s not my favorite but we spend a lot of time there because the kids have soccer practice and games there at least 3-4 days a week in spring and fall. ◊ Close to home ◊ Soccer ◊ it has the dog park ◊ live close, play sports and recreation. ◊ It has great green space but the parking lot is horrible. It’s either a swamp or a dusty mess.

The parking is not suitable for game day events. It’s accident prone and does not offer good sight distance when kids are running between vehicles. The lots by Fields 6 and 7 are by far the worst. ◊ We can walk there from our house and have not yet been able to visit other parks since we moved here recently ◊ Close to home ◊ has a batting cage for my boys ◊ soccer fields and close to dog park ◊ Rustic ◊ It is larger. I like walking along the river. When my child was younger he loved to play on

the equipment and liked being near the water. It is clean and fun to walk through. ◊ Soccer ◊ Kids play soccer spring and fall so most visited by family ◊ soccer fields ◊ Large trees with shady areas, well maintained ◊ Closest to home ◊ Hosts all my activities outside of home ◊ Go there most often ◊ Soccer practice/games ◊ Several play areas, space to run, walking trail, trees to climb and disc golf. It’s also a nice bike ride from our house ◊ It has the most to offer: playgrounds, disc golf, nature trials, shelter, restrooms, ball diamond, & volleyball. ◊ It is my favorite because it has Frisbee golf in it. ◊ It’s not municipal, but this is my favorite park in Hartford due to its natural beauty and the abundance of things to do there- hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking, and more. I honestly am not very impressed with the municipal parks, which is why I can’t pick a favorite and is also why I am completing this survey. I hope the parks can be improved. ◊ closest to my house and has the most trees ◊ Just like it. ◊ Nicely improved play area ◊ Closest. ◊ Nearest to home ◊ Beautiful, & fun for grandkids ◊ Different playgroup equipment for different ages ◊ It is with in walking distance to my house and also has disc golf. ◊ variety of options, large, close to church ◊ Dog Park area....but it’s so small. ◊ Its close by, and has baseball, soccer and basketball courts.

Lots of room, and good playground equipment. ◊ Baseball ◊ the park has everything i enjoy. The picnic facilities, horseshoe pits, disc golf, volleyball court ◊ Nice for biking. Wish leashed dogs were allowed to walk on

the walkways through the park, though. ◊ Walking distance ◊ It’s the closest to our house and has playground equipment for our kids to play on. ◊ Where all the activities the activities are ◊ its the biggest ◊ both parks by the library ◊ It’s the one that we visit and use the most as a family and the one most of the community as well. ◊ Biggest park ◊ Baseball, football and the playground ◊ There are many options for the size of the park ◊ I love to swim & walk in lazy river. I wish it could be open more days in spring & fall. ◊ Disc Golf Course ◊ They have the disc golf course and a nice shelter ◊ location ◊ Because our grandson plays baseball there. ◊ “I like the Mill Pond and it allows dogs. I am there around 5 days a week. It is close to my home. ◊ Willowbrook is the best to take my daughter to.” ◊ Dog park location ◊ picnic area, room, rubber ground under play area ◊ NEXT TO CONDO WE JUST BUILT- LOCATION ◊ Close to our home. ◊ No available times to swim at Rec center so can at least go here. Pool should be open more for open swim rather than all lessons. ◊ pretty ◊ We’re always here for soccer, but indoor soccer facilities would be amazing.

An indoor futsal field could open up the opportunity to host tournaments year round, increasing tourism and income. ◊ The location, size & facilities. ◊ Close to the river, kids love crossing the bridge to the island, and rock hopping when the water is low, generations of family have played there ◊ Able to walk my dog in an uninterrupted area. ◊ I love the woods and it is close to home

◊ Walking distance from home. ◊ Nearest my home ◊ Decent grilling. Fun for kids.

Closest to home. ◊ Closets to Home ◊ It has the most variety of things to do and is spread out nice. ◊ watch soccer ◊ This park borders our property. I know its in development but there is no access at this point. I would like to see walking trails in the park and better management of the downed trees and shrubs. ◊ Dog Area. But needs to be expanded. I drive to Jefferson County Dog Park. Check it out.

It is always busy!!!! A real asset to the community ◊ rubicon river and a trail ◊ Its by my in-laws ◊ Closest and scenic ◊ Watching the river ◊ I enjoy the river. ◊ Close to home, Fun equipment, Great open space to fun around, Close to a convenience store for snacks. ◊ stream, playground although I preferred the old playground equipment as opposed to the new equipment, ice skating rink... ◊ The variety of amenities. ◊ It is the closest to our house. ◊ close to home ◊ The setting and available equipment. It would be nice to have another swing set added back to the park. ◊ Big area to play, but needs playground for children in the subdivision ◊ proximity to home; tennis courts, play ground, river ◊ Views and access to alot of activities. ◊ Less crowded ◊ Most activities are there, but we dont like the restrooms or their availability. ◊ Fishing ◊ It is the closest to my house, the biggest, and offers the most ◊ Because I can walk and there is shade in hot sun ◊ Because it is close to our house and it has a basketball court. ◊ close to home ◊ There they have play

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equipment for bigger kids. ◊ The river is fun and the play equipment is fun for visiting children. :) ◊ It’s right by our house! We would love an actual play set at the park for the kids. ◊ pool ◊ Shelter building, trees, easy parking ◊ It connects to walking trails, follows the river and has according to the grandkids, has the best playground. ◊ I like the playground, river, bridges and big trees.

Sometimes the bees/wasps get out of control, though. ◊ Lots of space for kids to explore. Plus the two play areas.

Although I wish there were more to climb (some pieces were removed last year). ◊ The river and playground it just has a nice feel to it ◊ nice location clean new equipment ◊ Very close to where we live ◊ Beautiful and great activities for children. Also memories of playing there as a child. ◊ Dog park and ball diamonds ◊ Lazy River exercise ◊ Pretty, feel safe, good playground equipment ◊ the landscaping and multiple things to do ◊ It is close to home, family, and it has the Outdoor Aquatic Center!!! ◊ It’s large and has many features. ◊ Close to town ◊ It’s a nature conservancy, and so far not disturbed by trails, recreation facilities, etc. ◊ location ◊ It’s near out house and it has a lot to offer, but I wish it had more equipment for her to play on. ◊ I was in that park every day growing up as I lived across the street. And still visit whenever possible. ◊ Close to home and where my kids played soccer. It could be a really nice park if updated.

We have lots of visitors coming from all over when soccer tournaments are going on. I’m sure it’s the same when baseball tournaments are being played

as well. ◊ proximity to home ◊ Shortest distance from home ◊ close by. ◊ Close to our home. Baseball games. Walking distance to Scoop Deville or Mickeys ◊ My kids like the playground equipment the best at this park. ◊ Nice mix of open space, woods and playground equipment for children ◊ Oh world charm ◊ has a creek running in it ◊ It’s close to home ◊ Swimming, grilling, trails, boating ◊ good variety of activities for kids, nice picnic areas, new playset. Picnic tables & Bathrooms could use improvement. ◊ Because it has biking trails and bridges and is very pretty and well maintained. ◊ lots of places to explore with the bridge/water, playground and shelters.... ◊ nearby ◊ Pool & skatepark. Although it is a long walk from our home on the north side & I don’t let my children cross Hwy 60 alone so we usually end up driving. ◊ It has the nicest playground equipment, pretty location, and is close to our house. ◊ the soccer and T-ball games ◊ playground ◊ The terrific pool and water park ◊ Moving water, always someone using the park, unique island in the river, several bridges. Lots of trees. ◊ Summer band concerts. ◊ within walking distance and kite flying ◊ Enjoy the Pond. ◊ Close to my home. ◊ Cycling/walking paths ◊ Close enough to walk with children. Has a variety of playground equipment. Large space to run free. ◊ It’s within walking distance. ◊ There are trees (though sadly some had to go), shelters, picnic areas, x-country skiing, disc golf, 2 fields to play sports, good playground, volleyball. We use all of it! ◊ Because our son and

grandson are involved regularly in soccer. ◊ Summer outdoor concerts ◊ Spend a lot of time their for baseball ◊ Private ◊ It just offers so much for people to do, is so visible to the public, especially passers by on Sumner/Hwy 60 Gives a good impression of Hartford. ◊ clean, accessible ◊ Amenities ◊ “Grandkid’s play soccer and baseball there ◊ Close to home ◊ Fantastic photography area, I like the creek ◊ A lot of open space for kids to play multiple sports ◊ The island ◊ Walking trails, lots of trees, quiet ◊ the river and pond ◊ It is a beautiful place to walk. ◊ Woodlawn has a great “in the woods” feel ◊ Nice location ◊ “Somewhat new and don’t know the names of all the parks.

But the Park by the water could use a few more items for kids.” ◊ the river winding through, trees, flowers, bridge, stone buildings, play ground, restroom, flee markets, parking, easy access ◊ It is near my home and it’s beautiful. Hey, I had no idea there were so many parks in Hartford!!!!!!??!!? ◊ It’s by my house. ◊ close to home; has disc golf course ◊ The Mill Pond, the library, close to downtown and the shopping, people, dog walking. ◊ It has shelters, open areas, trails, and nice play equipment.

Would be best with a dog park for north side residents to be able to walk to with their dogs. ◊ Closest to home. Still dangerous to get there without a trail. ◊ The shaded trees and water/ river make it a relaxing place for me and fun to explore for my kids. ◊ I went there as a kid. Also, I love the shade trees in summer and the beautiful, colored leaves in the fall.

◊ The river and the playground equipment in passed years - it used to be great now it’s more focused for small children. ◊ River, bathrooms are close.

Historic buildings.... and bridge ◊ Has the most amenities in one place, Shelters, fishing creek, playground equip, volleyball, tennis, walking trail, bathroom, etc. ◊ Closest to home ◊ Close to home ◊ It’s close to my house and has a dog park. Would like to see separate fenced area for small dogs. ◊ Closest to my house and has the most activities my family participates in. ◊ Mature trees with variety of activities ◊ Spend most of our time there with kids practices and games. ◊ Proximity to residence. ◊ Closest to home, disc golf, lots of trees, large area ◊ Closest and very large ◊ Quiet ◊ Historically alot of childhood memories and love the river running through it. Playground needs improvement ◊ Proximity to our house and lovely access to river. ◊ It has tennis courts. But not enough, especially with pickle ball taking over. ◊ Most scenic ◊ It has the most to offer. ◊ I grew up in Willowbrook during my very formative years, my brother and his wife were married there, and my wife and I also had our wedding photos taken there, and we took out two boys there quite often when they were little, and we’ll be hosting a family reunion there in July, Clearly I have a special place in my heart for Willowbrook. ◊ Has everything ◊ Closest. Dont know of others with rehabilitated playground equipment. ◊ Close by and has a dog park. ◊ we use it the most ◊ It is wooded, and has a lot of area to move around ◊ It is close to our home ◊ I use the dog park area. It is great for letting my dog

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socialize after work. On weekends I do go to the West Bend one because it has trails and is much nicer. When I go to the Hartford dog park I end up cleaning up other dogs waste because alot of the people don’t. ◊ Excellent shelters. Playground equipment and disc course, great amount of space for May activites ◊ closest to my house ◊ Tennis courts ◊ It’s where we watch family play soccer. ◊ Nicer than others. More kid friendly. Pretty. ◊ Close to home, I regularly walk there ◊ Central location, easy access to Willowbrook, scenic walk, great thoroughfare to downtown, son loves fishing ◊ Most open area, variety of activities, close to home ◊ Location and shades areas ◊ baseball in summer ◊ Quiet , Close to downtown , Veteran’s Memorials ◊ prettiest ◊ Closest ◊ Nice park and close to my home ◊ The river and trees and running/biking path goes right through it. ◊ “Proximity to home. Used to love Willowbrook - but the trees have been mostly cut down, the playground equipment reduced and the traffic has increased (noise). ◊ Love Woodlawn, but just out of the way and not easy to access by walking or bicycle.” ◊ Had equipment for all ages ◊ All the things to do, especially the pool. ◊ I SPEND THE MOST TIME THERE WATCHING SOCCER MATCHES. ◊ Playground equipment and river ◊ Very well maintained all the way around ◊ I don’t have a favorite ◊ Tennis courts ◊ concerts by city band ◊ closest one to my home ◊ Very good set-up and nice, new playground equipment.

Beautiful with river going

through. Keep up with landscaping and trees to maintain it’s great reputation. ◊ Best pool in the area ◊ Baseball diamonds ◊ more options for kids of various ages. ◊ Dog area. ◊ willow trees are awesome, creek is pretty, bridges are pretty, ◊ Usually the least crowded, good play equipment for small kids. ◊ Multiple activities available ◊ This park is a great facility that people from other communities rave about. It is kept up in great condition and all park facilities need to be kept up in the same fashion. ◊ Close to home. Part of our walking loop. Quiet. Pretty. ◊ Trails and playground equipment ◊ The amount of space for many activities ◊ I don’t usually go to the parks. ◊ Proximity ◊ I love the water park, hate the hours available. More lap swims also later in the day, some of us still work and can’t get there in the mornings. ◊ The rive and tree’s - needs more benches along the river so you can sit and watch children catch slimy things! ◊ It is closest and it has the pool. ◊ Bring grandchildren to the pool ◊ “Variety of activities, including the nature trail.

Proximity to my home “ ◊ Home to soccer and a lot of baseball. ◊ I like to hike by Pike Lake. ◊ Closest to home ◊ Close to home and lots of space ◊ Kids like the river ◊ “It is across the street from my house.Secondary, the dog park, not sure of the name” ◊ The river is fun to look at ◊ Close to my house and shady with all the mature trees ◊ Many areas to use and shade available ◊ Nice to bicycle off of road ◊ “Location ◊ The size is great, many shady

places, disc golf ◊ My kids love the options at his park- catching crawfish, volleyball area, and nice playground ◊ This park is our favorite because it has multiple kids playground equipment. The kids can play here a long time by going to the swings or running to the slide or monkey bars. Lots to do for big and little kids. ◊ It’s the closest to my home, and the kids like the water. ◊ It’s the closest, where I played as a kid. ◊ close to our house ◊ Playground and pool ◊ River & bridges, green space, tennis/basketball courts, playground, historic buildings ◊ I can walk to it with the kids, and feel safe not being on the busy road. It has new equipment age appropriate for my small kids. It is beautiful with the river. ◊ The river ◊ Love a warm summer day at the pool and park! ◊ The stream, the trees, and fond memories of taking kids there when they were little. ◊ beauty ◊ Close to home ◊ Closest to home. needs playground equipment. ◊ All the fields, playground equipment, and dog park ◊ The variety of activities ◊ Much to do and it has the river running thru it. ◊ Playground equipment ◊ Due to soccer activities ◊ Quite neighborhood and has disc golf ◊ Wide variety: baseball games, softball games, batting cages, playground, concessions, dog park, etc. ◊ It’s near my home and it’s where we grew up. I like the summer camp in the summer ◊ It is easy to get to. ◊ Close to my house within walking distance. ◊ Closest to home ◊ Because that is where my son frequently plays baseball! ◊ My son plays soccer there. ◊ River walk ◊ Close to my home

◊ Walking distance, there is a dog park, my kids play baseball there and basketball and use the playground equipment as well as the box trail. Would love to see a little shelter area by box trail ◊ love the pond, the sound of the fountains and the paths linked to the Rubicon trail. ◊ Something for everyone ◊ most spacious & quiet ◊ The playground equipment is deep in the field and far away from water. Safer for kids ◊ My kids enjoy the playset the best and we can bring their bikes/scooters to go around the ball diamond. ◊ N/A ◊ Close, good for kids ◊ Large size ◊ My kids like to play in the water. ◊ The play ground and the river access, especially the little island on the east side of the park ◊ It’s just a nice park that keeps the kids entertained! Also love Woodlawn ◊ Good for walking, seeing birds and photographic opportunities ◊ Closest to my home ◊ Amenities, shade and location. ◊ Close to my home ◊ Fishing at the creek, basketball, tennis, playground, picnic facility, walking trails all at one location ◊ Awesome pool! ◊ Because it’s the only place Hartford “allows” dogs within the city. Other communities such as Germantown allow dogs in all their parks. It’s disappointing Hartford has banned them!! This is why we don’t usually use the parks. ◊ Prettiest views and safe walkways. ◊ It has trails, dog park, soccer park and basketball courts ◊ Love the bridges, river, landscaping, picnic areas & walking path. ◊ Large and fun ◊ Open, Nature, good Playground for the Kids, big shelters ◊ There’s space to run around, there’s a path in the woods,

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equipment for young and older kids. ◊ Most options ◊ It’s close by and has a woods trail you can walk on. ◊ Ball diamonds ◊ Aside from playing on the equipment he likes to walk around the river and see turtles and crayfish ◊ Closest to home. ◊ It has a variety of things to do. ◊ We love the new playground equipment and being near the river to look at all the wildlife.

Plus, we love being able to bike there safely and with the adding bonus of biking around our beautiful mill pond. ◊ Because my kids like waking in the water and looking frogs and other wildlife! ◊ Its quiet and more scenic.

Lots of space for kids to run and enough equipment to hold attention. We’ve utilized here and Willowbrooks buildings for parties and this was our favorite. ◊ Multiple baseball diamonds and space. ◊ Soccer Fields ◊ lots for the grandkids to do; playground, water, room to run, etc. ◊ Very few kids there. ◊ Close to home, good jumping off point for our trail use ◊ Disc golf course. Nice playground when I have friends with kids visit. ◊ Bigger, prettier. Close to downtown ◊ Nearby ◊ The kids like to explore the water. The somewhat updated playground equipment is nice. there are walking trails/paths that the parents can walk while being within sight distance of the kids. And quite frankly some of the other parks are getting too run down/neglected to even feel safe in some cases. ◊ It is the only park with playground that we can get to reasonably without driving. ◊ it is close to home ◊ It’s bigger and more spread out ◊ Closest to home ◊ Disk golf and wooded

Q16 Do you have any concerns about safety or accessibility in any of our parks? ◊ Please pave and put parking lines in at Independence parking. It is crazy during g games, very sloppy after rain and dusty when dry, ◊ Parking arrangements at Independence Park. It has everything you need but cringe every time knowing we have to deal with the gravel, dust, pot holes & parking in tight spots & you are suppose to stay off the grass. Most of the time, just turning around your car is a challenge if you don’t have a compact car. On hot summer days, cannot leave windows open with all the dust. ◊ I feel the necessary attention is given to maintenance given staffing, and police presence for supervision is adequate. ◊ Lighting is not always adequate along the paths in the parks. Not enough handicap parking near shelters. ◊ “Independence park has a lot of pot holes and washes out with rains, road to back soccer fields is narrow and hard to turn around. Bathrooms are often locked still in the spring and many sports teams practice and have games. Bathrooms are outdated.” ◊ The parking lot at Independence Park-Crushed Limestone is a very dirty material, the parking lot is full of potholes, the driveway back to the far soccer fields is very narrow, there is no parking on the grass, but there is not ample parking back by the back soccer fields, often, cars cannot get past each other when dropping off/picking up kids for practice ◊ None of the parks are really handicap accessible for wheelchairs. ◊ parking and roadways within Independence Park ◊ Independence Park is often congested and could use accessibility sidewalks between lots and fields. Parking is congested and not marked well.

Maybe adding other soccer fields in another area of town

might help ◊ “parking lots are horribl. some equipment is rusting and dangerous for kids.Woodlawn park seems forgotten about” ◊ The heaviest used park in the City - and its still a pot holed parking lot. Young drivers are always doing donuts in the parking causing ruts and they worsen until the City has to spend time sending repair crews out several times a year.

This cost reduction should be investigated and have the surface paved. ◊ We are at Independence a minimum of 4 times per week.

The drive into the park from Wilson can be dangerous with the amount of kids playing there. Also, the drive back to fields 6 & 7 is too narrow and turning around can be difficult if not dangerous ◊ Back parking lot at Independence is too small. No real safe turn around option when lot is full. ◊ Independence park could really benefit from better pavement and even a turn around in the back or better parking areas. ◊ Independence park is where my kids have gone for soccer for years, but the pot holes are ridiculous all over the parking lot there. Back by the fields near a shelter in the back, it is very narrow, hard for cars to move around and one mistake and a kid can get hurt. That park is where a lot of kids spend time playing soccer, I think it’s time to invest and make it better for them and help them keep them off the streets where drugs are a HUGE hit. ◊ Independence park is very busy..... the parking lot is crazy especially when it’s getting dark out. I worry about kids getting hit by a car. ◊ The parking lots and roads at Independence Park get so bumpy and rough. The road to the back of the park has no good turn around spot when dropping kids off at soccer practice. ◊ Independence park parking lot

◊ Know of vandalism that has occurred at Independence Park. It’s sad that the restrooms need to be locked, and soap dispensers cannot be left in them or they are damaged/ stolen. Also concerned about driving through the parking lot at Independence Park. The potholes get so bad at certain times of the year. The parking area for the back fields at Independence is too congested and dangerous with kids running around. ◊ Indy has gavel driveways that do not make it easy to travel. You can’t safely go to the back lot and back out without possibly hitting a child or another car. ◊ At Independence the dust that flies, the shape the roads are in, and width of the roads create distractions and hazards to the visibility of children to the vehicle operators trying to maneuver through the park. A future negligence lawsuit will cost Hartford far more than upgrading this facility. ◊ not enough shelters to protect patrons during bad weather ◊ Independence Park gets congested along the drive leading back to the rear parking area and that back parking lot is too small when there are soccer games going on. ◊ Independence Park - the fields in the back of the park, by fields 6 & 7 for soccer practices are hard to get to and do not have a lot of available parking. ◊ Independence park has a horrible parking lot. People fly through it throwing gravel and dust. Kids are running from one side to the other chasing balls.

It’s congested with no turn around in the back. ◊ noted on prior question... the ‘pathways’ from parking into Independence park is terrible for older grandparents wanting to see their grandchildren play baseball. ◊ The parking lot at independence park is horrible.

Even after one rain it is full of potholes. My vehicle is trashed with one drive through due to

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the dust that swirls when the lot is dry. ◊ Just crossing the Hwy 60 to access parks ◊ Roads and parking lots rough at Independence park. Could also use lights for at least main soccer field #8. ◊ The gravel parking lot at Independence Park has too many pot holes and the driveway and lot in the SE area of the park is too narrow. ◊ Back lot at Independence Park doesnt have a turn around and is small for maneuvering.

Unsafe. ◊ need paved paths for handicap access ◊ Independence park. Some of the ‘regular users”, abuse it, sit on top of equipment, hand around loitering, and create an appearance that most residents would stray away from. ◊ Baseball fields at Indy park are in very poor condition, especially infields (hard packed dirt, way too many rocks) ◊ Independence is not a great area. ◊ Parking cars in parks may lead to crime ◊ “hartford sq. 11 is a senior community, I don’t want alot going on at that eastbrook park because ◊ it is a hidden area, people live facing the park and perpetrators can hide anywhere.

Safe is my motto.I ◊ am animal and people friendly but not for park development near hartford sq 11.Keep save our wild life too.” ◊ I do not like the crumbling walls on the Mill Pond. The city is aware of the danger, as they have had orange fences up for over a year. ◊ New park in Hartford off of Simon Drive. Eastwood Nature Park. No trails or bathrooms or parking. ◊ West Side - Fast Cars on 60 and no barrier for kids ◊ Broken brick wall on Wacker Drive (Woodland Park) ◊ Public Access to Eastwood Nature Park ◊ It is too small to be safe for all types of dogs to play and exercise. A looped walking

trail with green space between is much better. Check out Jefferson County Dog Park. ◊ Independence park the crosswalks and the sidewalks. ◊ Candy Cane Park. Period!!! ◊ Need to have the bathroom open sooner mostly when the weather is nice. ◊ “Locker rooms at Veterans Park (see previous comment) ◊ Safety is an issue everywhere these days. ◊ Independence park at night.

It’s pretty dark back there and you have kids hanging out there that shouldn’t be. ◊ Just getting across Hwy 60 when traffic does not yield. ◊ people keep bringing dogs into the parks, not everybody loves somebody eles dog. They are a danger to kids and elderly people. ◊ “Lighting at Woodlawn Union Park for evening events. Large volumes of cars and people with no road controls or parking at Independence Park ◊ Teenagers often leave parks in a mess ◊ drivers do not use caution in Independence park. many over the speed limit. ◊ Sometimes Woodlawn has cars pull into the parking lot at all hours. I assume they are Pokeman hunting, and the police patrol often, so it’s probably under control. ◊ Yes, Independence Park air quality for players, coaches, and spectators. ◊ “At woodlawn park -- lighting along walking path from shelter to parking area.Parking for handicapped people at Woodlawn park shelter area.” ◊ Additional parking maybe? ◊ Safety at Independence and Woodlawn parks ◊ In general -adult or child abduction. With population growth parking can be challenging for event participation. Pot holes in some areas should be addressed ◊ Too many places without sidewalks. ◊ Willowbrook Park could benefit from a sign to remind parents to not leave their children unattended by the

water. I scooped up a small child who wandered into the water and the parents were nowhere to be seen. ◊ Willowbrook tennis courts and entry to Willowbrook by the outdoor play equipment. Busy curve and highway! ◊ Woodlawn is a great park, but is fairly secluded and not in a high visibility area to take grandkids during the day. ◊ In general, I’m anxious being out after dark and wouldn’t go to parks alone. Many college campuses have emergency call boxes. ◊ Always going to be a little concern. Apts by Indy can introduce an element that is concerning to younger kids. ◊ After dark, with youth unsupervised ◊ The bathrooms in Willowbrook are gross and there really is no lighting. In Woodlawn the playground equipment does not seem safe. ◊ Potential drug deals?? ◊ Candy cane park is horrible because there is nothing to do! ◊ the path around the Millpond, one side is lighted and the other side is not ◊ Candy Cane park to me is not really a park. I would NEVER allow my grandchildren to go there. Too much potential for things to happen there. ◊ “HUGE concern over access road to back “”parking”” lot near fields 6 & 7 at Independence.

Many times there are anywhere from 30-40 cars trying to access that area at practices and games. The “”lot”” might have a dozen spaces depending on how people park. The access road is barely wide enough for 2 cars to pass. There is no safe turn around. And then, one is not supposed to drive or park on grass. I HIGHLY recommend much more parking back there, widen road, and make a circle drive through/turn around.

Please do SOMETHING! Also, what is preventing the entire parking lot from being paved? I worry my suspension is going to give out every time we have to drive through pits and potholes after a heavy rain. The cars need

a wash when driving through puddles that are hard to avoid, but also in the dry weather when the dust coats the inside and outside of the vehicle.

The baseball area has paved parking, lovely bathrooms and concession area. I feel like soccer is chopped liver.” ◊ Not necessarily safety, but the skate park is often left quite littered ◊ “Willowbrook is too close to the busy street. Vets area has been trashed and uncomfortable since the skate park was installed - junk all over consistently and bratty/sassy kids hang out there.Woodlawn is in the industrial area and challenging to get to with the semi-truck traffic and crossing major roads.” ◊ The sewer I mentioned in “First” and the interface mentioned in “Second”. ◊ Woodlawn is pretty secluded and can feel eerie when our family is there alone. Also, there seems to be suspicious activity going on in the parking lot at times. ◊ The baseball diamonds at Independence are not kept up the way they should be. The outfields are not safe for some players to practice and play on without running the risk of injuries. Whether it is someone turning their ankles in the outfield or receiving multiple bad hops on the infield, time and money need to be invested into these fields. ◊ Independence Park - new play equipment had graffiti, unsupervised children on playground ruin the experience for our children so we leave ◊ “Sawyer park is not accessible by stroller easily or handicap.

Actually most do not have any play equipment for disabled children. Sawyer park equipment is very old, every other park has been updated with wonderful play equipment except for Sawyer and it’s right downtown in the middle of the city and does get used by small children who live along main, branch, loos etc..” ◊ Heard of drugs and od’s

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happening in parks ◊ The sidewalk area in front of Steelcraft that is by the river. The trees are pretty but they hide any walking there from view of hwy 60 or the park. I don’t feel comfortable walking back there alone. ◊ Not accessible to handicap, especially children. ◊ Park in Wacker drive, seems to have a lot of people that park and sit in their cars in the parking lot. Makes me uncomfortable to go there by myself or with kids. Also a lot of people hanging out in the parking lot smoking, making it inappropriate to bring small children. ◊ The lighting at Independence Park is poor, I am concerned about being there in the evening as there is very little lighting from the street or otherwise ◊ With 2 soccer clubs in Hartford there is a lack of space practices and games ◊ Would like to see more lights

by Independence Park ◊ Independence Ball diamonds are an embarrassment. Lincoln isn’t far behind although it was nice if the club sports to fill infields ◊ Toward the evening hours there is no presence of security at Willowbrook, Woodlawn or Independence. ◊ Get rid of the no dog rule!!! ◊ Parking on the the east side of Wilson at Independence Park during busy tournaments can be quite crowded. The concern is for minor traffic accidents and possible pedestrian injury. ◊ I heard drugs are sold on the trails and so I worry about sending my kids to the park ◊ Love seeing our Hartford Police keeping an eye on the park & walking paths. Always makes me feel safe when walking. ◊ Independence and low income housing across the street often has people making it difficult to access certain areas and kids who taunt and tease and disrespect neighborhood families driving through. ◊ I don’t believe alcohol

should be allowed near the playgrounds. ◊ “Woodlawn was such a nice park (and closes to us), but now there are insect infestations, run down shelters and restrooms, dogs running loose, etc.West Side was nice, but now almost all the trees are gone and the little river is dried up and gross?Independence is hard to know if we can still come and play when events are going on - especially in some sections where they are taking money for parking?” ◊ Safety at independence park as some of the playground equipment is rusty and rotting.

Also the amount of garbage and debri that is around that park is not safe for little children, along with the amount of drug deals that go on there.

Q18 Do you or members of your household commonly (an average of at least once per month) drive somewhere outside of the City of Hartford to use specific recreational facilities? ◊ Waukesha county parks for hiking and Waukesha area lakes and rivers for kayaking. ◊ State Parks. We love them!

Hiking ◊ Wild goose trail to bike or Bugline trail to bike ◊ Pike Lake for hiking and camping. ◊ Slinger Beach, Slinger ski hill ◊ Pike Lake State Park. Hike, Swim & Kayak ◊ hiking ◊ Greater amenities and hourly access available to other chosen facilities. ◊ During specific sports season, drive weekly to indoor sports facilities ◊ Lime Kiln Park in Grafton, Port Washington Harbor area, Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve ◊ Washington County Golf Course, various State Parks for hiking, State Trails for biking. ◊ Soccer games throughout Wisconsin ◊ Marquette county for trout fishing ◊ “Ledge Park, other state parks. Hiking “ ◊ Kettle Moraine State Forest,

Campbellsport for sporting clays ◊ Yes - going to other clubs soccer fields that are maintained and supply nice parking. ◊ We camp throughout Wisconsin during the summer months... ◊ Beaver Lake, Devil’s Lake ◊ We frequently go north for boating and water sports ◊ Uihlein, soccer ◊ Port Washington, Cedarburg, & Lake Michigan Shoreline parks including Milwaukee. ◊ Heritage trails disc golf ◊ Germantown, la fleurs gymnastics facility ◊ Soccer Fields and Bike Trails ◊ don’t live in Hartford ◊ Go to uhlein for indoor soccer ◊ Fishing and kayaking west bend. ◊ We camp and hike ◊ Erin Disc Golf ◊ Erin Town Park for walking trail and Pike Lake for the walking trail. ◊ Ledge Park, the park with disc golf and soccer golf not sure of the name. Harnishfeger park in ashippun ◊ Milwaukee for indoor practce facilities, sports events ◊ Big Cedar Lake/Boating & Swimming ◊ state parks ◊ Pike and Beaver lake. Also, southern kettles and Lampen peak ◊ campgrounds ◊ “YMCA West Bend pool. Parks in Slinger or Allenton” ◊ Soccer games ◊ Ice age trail shelters for camping. In kewaskum. ◊ For baseball ◊ West Bend, Grafton, Cedarburg, and Greendale parks primarily for walking, and lakes in Washington, Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties for fishing ◊ boyscout camping areas and pike lake trails ◊ Pike Lake ◊ “Town of Phillips, WI. Copper Falls” ◊ Waukesha to a gym for Zumba classes ◊ I currently drive to West Bend or Menomonee falls for a zumba class. ◊ waterpoark port washingtion

◊ Waukesha County Park System-Nashotah Dog Park & trails. ◊ We have kids on numerous travel or select sports teams, so we are consistently driving to other municipal parks and recreational facilities. ◊ Pike Lake walking trails ◊ We go up North to our Cottage and often go to Crystal Lake State Park for swimming and biking. ◊ Bug line from Menomonee Falls to Merton ◊ Sports activities. Out comk Jury does. It have good indoor facilities. My son needs to go to Richfield and slinger for Door activities ◊ Northern WI for fishing ◊ Bike trails ◊ Any other state park for hiking ◊ “Port Washington = Walk to the Lighthouse on the break wall and play on Possibilities Playground. Kohler Andre State Park = Boardwalk (Roller Coaster Walk) in the Dunes. West Bend = Ragner Park Green Bay = Bay Beach Park and Animal Sanctuary” ◊ Hiking in Pike Lake State Forest area ◊ Horicon Marsh...birding ◊ Pontoon rental- Waukesha county ◊ Regner, Slinger pond for swimming. ◊ Pike Lake ◊ Camping all over ◊ For winter soccer, the entire league has been driving to Glendale, but that facility just changed its indoor use to terf.

We will likely have to drive to Madison weekly in the winter now for futsal. ◊ Pike lake for trail running, cross country skiing & swimming. ◊ Pike Lake ◊ Northern Kettle Moraine forest area for the hiking trails along with Mauthe lake for swimming since it is a non motorized boat lake. Lowes lake area for the ice age trail hiking and the views of non litter laying around. ◊ Homestead Park in Germantown for taking my dog

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for walks. ◊ Mountain biking ◊ Places with more walking trails - don’t know the names ◊ State trails, West Bend City Parks ◊ West Bend YMCA ◊ Jefferson County Dog Park. ◊ Lakes and walking trails ◊ Devils Lake & Pike Lake ◊ to hike the ice age trail. ◊ Disc golf ◊ Ice Age Trail in Monches.

Anywhere I can take my (well behaved) dog off leash without getting yelled at by people who are never even approached by my dog anyways. ◊ Ice Age Trail and other trails and other bike paths since Hartford does not have a bike path ◊ Golf - Kettle Hills ◊ We’ve gone to splash pads in Jackson or Oconomowoc.

Gone to other State Parks for camping. ◊ Lion’s Den Gorge and similar trails ◊ West Bend/ learn to skate-hockey ◊ Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties ◊ Hiking at Richfield Nature Park, also at several Washington County Parks ◊ Fishing ◊ State parks or other public access areas up north ◊ Shopping Mall or big box stores to walk in winter... would be nice to open up school or someplace for seniors to walk. ◊ We go to Horicon (and other cities) for golf. We love golf. ◊ State Park, walking ◊ Various state parks or trails. ◊ Cedarburg Park & the splash pad in Jackson. ◊ “west bend skate parks and Jackson skate parks and for parks to play on and Jackson splash pad “ ◊ Lowe’s Lake ◊ trails for running (with dog too) and biking ◊ Pike Lake State Park Walking Trails Programs ◊ Hiking trails and beach areas within 1 hour drive ◊ Pike Lake ◊ Various locations for off leash dog walking. Coming

from Madison where there are many options the dog park in Hartford doesn’t even qualify as a dog park. Hartford is not a dog friendly city. The locations for where it is acceptable to walk dog in the park near Mill Pond are confusing. ◊ Pike Lake State Park for hike, and several bike trails in Cedarburg, Grafton, Dousman, North Lake ◊ Wild Goose Trail; Other Bike Trails; Pike Lake State Forest ◊ We travel to other cities for running/duathlon; outdoor charity events, area zoos, hunting throughout the state. ◊ We go to Oakwood park in Menomonee Falls for my husbands softball games and they have a beautiful park for the kids to play at along with concessions. Their concessions could be improved upon, but I think that is my favorite park outside of Hartford that we’ve been to. ◊ There are limited options for young families for entertaining kids- besides parks. ◊ “Wild Goose Bike Trail Inter urban bike trail fond du lac bike trails Any other bicycle trails” ◊ Jackson Splash pad or West Bend Riverside Park ◊ For golfing, kayaking, volleyball ◊ other state parks, andother Washington Co Parks ◊ Slinger Fireman’s Park, Jackson Splash Pad, Germantown Splash Pad ◊ Ice age trail ◊ Westbend for their Larger Dog Park, and Milwaukee for the Granville Dog Park. ◊ Hiking, biking. River Edge Nature Center, Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve, Bug Line (Waukesha Co.), Lake Country Trail (Waukesha Co.), Glacial Drumlin State Trail, Wild Goose State Trail. ◊ Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest ◊ “Bugline bike trail Port Washington Interurban bike/ walk trail” ◊ Mauthe Lake-swimming and camping ◊ Pike Lake, Horicon Marsh ◊ I swim at the Port Washington

middle school, West Bend YMCA, and WAC in Menonomee Falls when Hartford’s limited lap swim schedule doesn’t match mine (which is sadly often). ◊ State parks -- camping, hiking, picnic. ◊ Jackson - Splash Pad ◊ Ice Age trail off NN ◊ Glacier Hills, Homestead Hollow ◊ Soccer and baseball games scheduled outside of the Hartford area, namely Jackson, Kewaskum, and Juneau ◊ Uihlein Park for synthetic turf athletic fields, In-Bounds Training center for indoor soccer facilities ◊ trails, lake michigan ◊ Pike Lake/ Ice Age Trail Holy Hill/ Devils Lake ◊ County and State Parks. We love the Lion’s Den Park near Port Washington, Harrington Beach State Park, trails from Long Lake to Dundee, The Southern Kettle Moraine/ Scupernog Trail..... We love hiking. A wide and well groomed trail always makes the hike more pleasant and safer too. The Lion’s Den trails are extremely well maintained. ◊ Little Switzerland. ◊ Travel to other state parks. ◊ Bike on state trails ◊ West Bend YMCA ◊ camping - all over the state ◊ Harrington Beach, South Shore Park-Milwaukee, Lions Den, Grafton ◊ I will go to other areas to run, bike or hike. Ice age trail, Bug Line, Wild Goose trail. ◊ “Daniel Boone Conservation Club Archery and range” ◊ Bike trails ( eisenbahn, bugline, etc.), State Park campgrounds all over the state, many segments of the IAT ◊ Pike lake, glacier hills park ◊ Hiking trails ◊ Glacier hills, heritage trails, ◊ West Bend, Eisenbaum Trail. Sussex, Lannon Quary.

Cedarburg, Interurban Trail - For hiking, biking, and running ◊ All over ◊ West Bend and Washington County parks. Different scenes and activities ◊ West Bend dog park

◊ Beach in port Washington- beach ◊ up north, camping, hiking, swimming ◊ Eisenbahn bike trail ◊ Camping in county and state parks ◊ West Bend ◊ “Music in the park at every city other than Hartford.

Cedarburg Fridays, West Bend Wednesdays, Milwaukee Thursdays, Wauwatosa Wednesdays.Not to exclude the City Band. This is a different venue” ◊ State parks mostly. ◊ Jackson splash pad ◊ GLENDALE TO INBOUNDS FUTSAL SO WE CAN PLAY INDOOR SOCCER DURING THE OFFSEASON. THERE IS NO WHERE CLOSER TO PLAY, EVEN FOR A HARTFORD BASED TEAM. ◊ Ice age trail ◊ We go to west bend and johnson creek dog parks. We do not like going to hartford dog park due to size and isnt as well taken care of ◊ Other walking areas, tennis courts ◊ Pike Lake ◊ Bike trails - Interurban and Glacier Drumlin. ◊ camping different state parks ◊ Mainly for lakes and trails around specific lakes that also have beach/boat access. ◊ veterans pool ◊ Larger parks ◊ sledding hills (in Erin and a Washington county park) hiking trails all over ◊ I live outside the district so I often use other trails in Waukesha County. ◊ Pike Lake hiking and swimming. Loew Lake hiking.

Glacier hills. Heritage Trails.

Hiking. Southern and Northern KM State Forest hiking swimming camping. ◊ Golf driving ranges. ◊ To Mequon and Waukesha to bike their bike trails, but mostly to bike trails along Milwaukee’s south side on the lake. ◊ I go whereever I can find geocaches to find and where I don’t have to pay to get in. I already pay taxes, I should not have to pay to get into a park in

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my county. ◊ Waukesha, Milwaukee county parks (and dog parks) along with Westbend iceage trail and dog park. Our dog park is ridiculous. I know it was an eagle scout project but more thought should have gone into it. we have so many area’s accessible to water that could have been used for the park.

The main reason I go outside of the city is to take my dogs to parks with rivers, lake etc... for them to run, swim and play.

Hartford offers nothing like that.

Granville dog park south of the falls is fantastic - visit some time! ◊ hiking ◊ Hiking trails. ◊ We ski at Little Switzerland in Slinger. We swim at parks along Lake Michigan. We fish at Big Cedar Lake. We hike at Ledge Park near Horicon. We camp in various State Parks. ◊ Slinger Pond, West Bend Parks, Slinger Parks ◊ Aztalan Park ◊ Gym in Men Falls only because it’s close to work ◊ Bike trail from Grafton to Port Washington and Cedarberg ◊ Ice Age trail in Monches area ◊ Ice age trail ◊ slinger indoor batting facility, Richfield indoor batting facility ◊ I drive to Madison for the walking trails in the parks. ◊ Bike trails that used to be railroad tracks Bugline, Eisenbahn, the trail from Mequon to Port Washington, Green Circle trail in Stevens Point ◊ Camping, fishing, hiking, etc. ◊ We use the Wisconsin State Park system parks often ◊ Pike Lake - hiking, birding.

Riveredge Nature Center hiking, birding, snowshoeing ◊ Imagination stationOconomowoc. Great child play equipment with a soft surface ◊ We camp a lot during the summer ◊ Various camp groups nds in wisconsin ◊ Lowe lake, dogs can swim and walk the trails go several times a week in nice weather. ◊ Golf. WAC gym. Pickle ball courts

◊ Bowling alleys ◊ For our softball team, we have to practice in West Bend because it’s the only indoor batting cage near here. ◊ Fishing, camping, kayaking is ◊ “Mayville- Adult Softball ◊ Iron Ridge- Trap Shooting ◊ St. Lawrence- Volleyball” ◊ Dog park is Nashotah. ◊ Dodge county parks for the hiking trails. ◊ West Bend for the indoor Ice Rink ◊ Regner Park for swimming or any towns for soccers games ◊ Hiking trails all over the state ◊ Harnischfeger Park, Dodge County to rent kayaks/canoes.

Only local place that you can rent them. ◊ Lapham Peak, nashotah Park, bugline, glacial Drumlin trail ◊ West Bend ball diamonds, West Bend Baseball facility, Waukesha center court, BRX Milwaukee ◊ Many state parks ◊ State park sticker, 1 fee tons of options. We Refuse to pay county park fee since taxes already pay for it. Ridiculous. ◊ Pike Lake State Park - Hiking, swimming, camping. ◊ Indoor soccer. Uihlein soccer complex, UWWC. ◊ Not sure if bike trails count, but we frequently travel to various bike trails around the area to do longer bike rides without risk of traffic. ◊ West bend ◊ Latham peak ◊ YMCA West bend ◊ Bugline ◊ Germantown Kinderberg Park ◊ Pike Lake, other state parks, Dodge county parks all for hiking and camping. ◊ All over. We like to try new county and state parks. ◊ Wherever we have baseball games. ◊ We use the State Parks and National Forest trails often. ◊ Indoor play places such as jumping country, sky zone, miniature golf ◊ Jackson Splash pad, West bend parks, Ackerman’s Grove, there is also one in Richfield although I can’t think of the park name. Bay Beach. Ripon Cookie

Daze. Green Lake campground.

Spring Valley nature center in Schaumburg. ◊ Kettle Moraine area for hiking ◊ Sick of the harassment from hartford police to law abiding citizens ◊ West Bend dog park ◊ Pike Lake Beach area ◊ Trails Q19 Are there any reasons that you or members of your household cannot participate in recreational activities? ◊ we’re over 70 years old and not that active ◊ We like to come to the outdoor pool, but admission is a bit high for a non hartford family to visit. ◊ Physical limitations. ◊ We just moved here and will be participating more! ◊ I walk the city sidewalks for my excercise. I suggest more people do this because it’s a cheap excercise. ◊ not physically able at times. ◊ not sure of options? ◊ Honestly have no idea what’s really available ◊ Select sports, club ball ◊ Physical restrictions.

Swimming allows me to do more. ◊ Eastwood is not developed ◊ Restroom cleanliness. ◊ Do when I can. ◊ Lack of direct walking paths/ trails between city areas ◊ If your looking to enhance enrollment, stop charging non-city residents more. Keep in mind we spend lots of dollars in Hartford too. ◊ Recent added charges for Washington County Parks in addition ot my tax dollars have made us decide it is not worth it. ◊ Recreation being replaced by XBox, Play station 2, etc. ◊ I feel there is an adequate mix of activities offered. ◊ The roads are awful to get there........ ◊ lack of bicycle trails/ unfinished trail on 60 ◊ Rec Dept exercise/weight area overcrowded and uncomfortable to visit when

compared to Snap/Anytime ◊ None ◊ Not enough parking for disabled citizens ◊ recent mobility issues ◊ just moved here ◊ Not enough attendants at Pike Lake State Park beach area. The building at the beach entrance is full of notices and papers taped up. Looks abandoned, not very inviting.

Not happy with budget cuts from the elected officials in Madison. ◊ Are at the Club level of experience now. ◊ Sure could use an upgrade on restrooms in some of the older parks ◊ Front desk staff at Rec dept are rude ◊ THE REC CENTER IS TOO SMALL. THE WEIGHT ROOM/ CARDIO ROOM IS TOO CRAMPED. NO INDOOR TRACK AND THE LIKE. ◊ cost/fees for adult leagues ◊ I use what I need and like. ◊ increase veterans pool hours ◊ I live in Rubicon, I’m not considered a resident of Hartford. The cost for me, or my son to sign up is expensive!

I’m in the next town overt and I get charged as if I’m from out of state! ◊ Too expensive to use pools and now county parks. ◊ A little expensive ◊ Haven’t made enough effort planning to utilize more! ◊ None apply ◊ child care for child that isnt participating ◊ I was pregnant most of the last year - so we haven’t used other parks as much as I’d like in the future. ◊ The staff at the rec center is rude. Was told I’d have to be able to read to use their website.

Very rude. ◊ County park fees? Taxes already get taken for parks. So we refuse to participate in the scam. ◊ Rec Ctr. Workout room is too small and many members do not follow the rules to spray and wipe down equipment. ◊ Trails are not well marked, do not interconnect prefer to walk

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or bike loops, not out and backs.

Q21 Please use the space provided below to identify a type of new recreation program or service that the City should consider offering. ◊ 24 hour fitness room ◊ safe convenient walking paths for senior close to home ◊ ? ◊ “A covered playground area with sun canopy for protection ◊ A splash park ◊ A dedicated lap pool that does not require life guard supervision for greater access.” ◊ It’d be pretty cool if there were another fishing pond more outside the city. ◊ canoing and day camps at pike lake to do kanoing and get together with friends(I am 12) so this stuff intrests me ◊ not sure ◊ We like what the city has to offer! Great choices for the community, wish we had time to participate more than we do ◊ We should have an athletic complex that has outdoor basketball, soccer fields, baseball fields...etc. ◊ Turf lighted field at Independence ◊ Fully designed parkways that connect citywide - a master plan of green space available to all.

Include garden plantings & have educational programs for how to make affordable green spaces in your yards. ◊ La crosse ◊ What about having turf soccer field? ◊ An indoor athletic facility for winter sports that will allow the outdoor teams to practice during cold weather months. ◊ Lighting a turf field that has security and scheduled availabiltiy ◊ More paved walking paths by the river or lakes. ◊ Kayak and paddle board rentals ◊ Futsal courts. Could use a basketball/tennis court for it ◊ bike and walking trails and addtional parking at several parsk that just do not have the best parking conditions or

number of spots. More people would go. ◊ allow more places to walk leashed dogs ◊ Nothing ◊ Allowing us to rent kayaks at the mill pond. Adult fitness/ training equipment. ◊ I don’t know. ◊ Community garden/s ◊ Good maintenance of park shelters or new shelters, added grills, nice picnic tables. ◊ Zumba! Zumba! Zumba! ◊ Zumba class ◊ My daughter has always wanted to play field hockey, but is older than your age limit for the class. I don’t want to take her to Pewaukee everyday for practice. ◊ Space for go cart/ATV use ◊ Indoor facility for multi sport activities. ◊ “something to get people motivated to walk excercise ,just plane moving around .I read hartford does not have great stats on health here. Try to get children involved also, maybe a program to match a senior with a child, get moving. “ ◊ Consider a fab lab. ◊ Mountain bike trails ◊ Lights and more baseball facilities ◊ I thought west bend has a great music on main and regner park offerings, wish we had something similar. ◊ Walking trails that connect other walking trails. ◊ We have enough. Try going to the library ◊ kayak rental ◊ Geocaching through the Chamber. ◊ Beer Gardens Upscale things ◊ ATV Trails would be nice to have around and to bring in more revenue for the city/town. ◊ More dog park areas. ◊ Maintain the parks so people can enjoy them. Used the neighborhood park daily when my children were growing up.

No need to go into debt on extras either. ◊ None ◊ none ◊ Dog Park. Check out Jefferson County Dog Park ◊ More activity at Mill Pond

◊ mini golf course ◊ An indoor space to run and play with a dog during the 9 months of garbage weather Wisconsin has. ◊ bike path ◊ instead of spending my tax dollars on parks install lights removed from streets for safety to get to the parks and recreational areas ◊ Band Shell/Concert series, marked bike lanes on roads/ hwy 83 ◊ “Splash pad Open market, enhance the farmers market further, possibly a larger space under a roof, even if it is a pavilion to grow this site further.” ◊ In summer, would be nice to have sidewalks from the condos south of Monroe on K and/or a gravel walking trail in the woods to walk with shade. ◊ Splash Pad ◊ splash pad and something for teenagers program designed for them ◊ Indoor Athletic Complex for multiple programs and sports ◊ Restore the Rubicon River to a natural state and get rid of the useless and expensive millpond. ◊ More tennis courts and a safer bike trail ◊ A dog park for smaller dogs ◊ Safe, on road bicycle routes. I cringe when riders are on 60, 83, K and other busy roads. I’ll only travel 83 and K early mornings and take my chance of hitting a wild animal versus getting clipped by a motorist. ◊ Shooting Sports; I love the shooting sports activities offered by 4-H, but I don’t like driving to West Bend to participate in them. ◊ Beer gardens ◊ New Roads ◊ “Bicycle Club ◊ Zumba/dance/kickboxing fitness on weekday mornings (mid to late morning). Aqua Zumba” ◊ Outdoor RC car track. Free English AND Spanish classes for all ages & incomes that are NOT online could help unify our city & communities around us. ◊ Larger or expanded dog park with nigh time lighting to over

evenings and times of year when its is dark after work and dogs still need the park. ◊ Off road bike trails. ◊ More dog park options ◊ Community swim team (not to compete with the ones that rent the outdoor pool, more for personal achievement), tennis teams. ◊ more new equipment in the parks. More benches for parents. ◊ n/a ◊ no opinion ◊ Volunteer opportunities link on their web site. ◊ Cross country skiing. ◊ Band shell, concession stand, restroom ◊ Dog Park at Woodlawn Park ◊ The High School offered FREE student helpers on May 24th, and the Parks Dept. declined having ANY students assist with the work. They literally could have 1400 kids on one day to do projects in the park with the assistance of adults that are not even getting paid by the city. ◊ A music in the park event during summer such as jazz in the park near milwaukee would be great ◊ More playground equipment for older children. Everything has been taken down and newer items are smaller children focused. ◊ Pleasant Hill Cemetery is part of City responsibility. The road within it is in very poor shape. I go to the gravesite of a family member only, not to get to WalMart. Please repave it.

Thank you. ◊ Would like to see an indoor facility for running. Winter months I have to either use my treadmill or use sidewalks that are not cleaned very well or go out onto unsafe roadways. ◊ A wish list should br created for Eagle Scout projects and other types of donors. ◊ Mountain bike trails ◊ Stay at home parent resources. More for dads. We are few and far between, but get left out from mom stuff. ◊ Beer Garden! ◊ Bean bag toss facilities with possible leagues

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◊ Evening and/or adult centered activities ◊ Over 40 pickup softball, baaketball ◊ Not sure at this time. ◊ Splash pad would be fun for all ages. ◊ Walk for weight loss group or class ◊ None. ◊ walking trails ◊ There should be a beer garden at the outdoor pool, maybe even with nights of small entertainment. ◊ Anything that supports active residents. ◊ AN INDOOR MULTI SPORT CENTER SO THAT SOCCER TEAMS CAN PRACTICE/PLAY SOMEWHERE LOCAL AND CAN HAVE MULTIPLE PURPOSES. ◊ Expand the dog park ◊ bike rentals. kayak rentals at Pike Lake ◊ N/A ◊ splash pads are great ◊ Not sure ◊ Additional youth sports field should be a high priority in order to continue to move our city forward for the young people in our community. ◊ Tennis courts with backboards so people could practice against a backboard. ◊ Paved bike trails ◊ Geocaching - I helped run the West Bend Cache BASH which brings in people from all over the World to West Bend each year yielding thousands in revenue for the city. ◊ nice dog park maybe behind the rec, along the river or on north side near rubicon willowbrook with water access ◊ Please create a room(s) in the rec. center for billiard tables and establish pool leagues for all ages. ◊ Convert a building like the old KMart or old Sentry into a multisport facility (batting cages, futsal soccer courts, basketball, indoor golf simulator, etc ◊ In door sport center ◊ The Hartford Rec Center needs to provide a constant and reliable babysitting service during peak usage hours ◊ Gymnastics ◊ None

◊ Yoga in the parkwillowbrook, kayak/ paddleboard on Mill pond ◊ Year round park pavilion in one of the parks. Heated that could be used for winter recreation events/programs or renting to the public. ◊ You have many offers and I like that. Volleyball competitive team would be nice ◊ Property owners should receive 1 free vet pass per house hold. Out of town guest should be much higher in ptice for our rec services which are tax payer funded. ◊ Need to advertise events better. Advertising in the Rec booklet that comes out a couple times a year is not efficient enough. ◊ More toddler options in evening/late afternoon or weekends ◊ Ping pong tournaments would be cool! ◊ A indoor sports facility so clubs can practice year round ◊ Fishing and track ◊ Some of the parks are really too small for practical use. ◊ Childcare at Rec center.

Toddler art time. ◊ Some sort of indoor space for kids, I’d say that’s the only thing I’m leaving town for— especially when the weather isn’t cooperating. ◊ Child care at the rec center for parents to work out ◊ Kyak launches? ◊ Batting cages. ◊ guided hikes for the city owned nature area for young children ◊ I think we could really benefit from an actual dog park! Myself and many others would really enjoy that. Since dogs aren’t allowed basically at any current parks. ◊ Pave all of Independence Park ◊ ATV trails, in cooperation with county, state and private groups ◊ Expanded baseball facilities to host larger tournaments from surrounding cities and towns ◊ I believe it would be successful if the city could offer a space to a private company open a coffee shop/refreshment stand along the Millpond at

Willowbrook Park. I also believe that a beer garden would be successful, similar to the one at Estabrook Park in Milwaukee. ◊ Putting a restroom over by the dog park. And by the boat launch to the Mill Pond ◊ N/A. ◊ Would be nice to have a indoor facility that can accommodate baseball, kickball, volleyball, etc. similar to Hitters Baseball Academy in Caledonia ◊ “An indoor recreation center for younger kids from ages 4-10. ◊ Longer open swim hours on the weekend.” ◊ -Free Splash Pad - was a blessing to have the one in Jackson for little ones who have short attention spans and don’t need to spend all day at a new, busy pool. Maybe more drop in events for when you can’t commit to a certain time slot often. Or a kids try it day - where you can get exposed to classes or offerings before making the time and monetary commitment. ◊ Yoga ◊ Archery range ◊ Geocaching Q22 Please use this space to provide any other comments relating to pedestrian, bicycle, park and recreation services or facilities in the City of Hartford. ◊ Why do the parking lots and driveway around the soccer fields constantly have pot holes?

Constantly hear complaints from visiting parents how bad the parking area is. To improve the community’s image to visitors, why can we not get at least the driveway paved (baseball parking lot is paved)? ◊ “More trail biking. Don’t feel safe biking on roads. ◊ area west of Simon Drive could be improved with walking paths for seniors to exercise and enjoy and it right out our door. there are probably at least 200 seniors that would enjoy this. ◊ Wish the smaller parks (eg.

Sawyer Park) had restrooms. ◊ It would be nice to have a permanent Band Shell with storage and bathroom facilities

near by. ◊ We need more youth baseball diamonds and another “soccer” park. Too many teams competing for practice time on the few that we have.

Independence parking lots should be paved and new shelter built over by equipment shed (one that has restrooms). ◊ as a resident for less than 2 years the city appears to do a good job in providing services and facilities ◊ Parking surface for the Independence Park. Heavy usage on that park is not being recognized and the city is always repairing the roadways and parking lot. ◊ Paving current road/parking at Independence would be anice addition. ◊ I believe Hartford has potential to be a showcase town; however, it needs a master plan and more public space along river area and other waterways, clean, safe, and accessible. ◊ Independence park parking lot improvement ◊ Once again the drive and parking lots need to be improved with a hard surface a Independence park. ◊ “It would be nice to have the Independence Park Parking lots paved or chipped black top put in to cut down on the dust. ◊ Parking can be difficult for events at independence.

Consider having more community events celebrating the heritage of Hartford. ◊ Chairs at the Veterans Park Pool are used for towels & personal items. No seating for those not using pool. Very frustrating. ◊ The city had more than adequate of all of the above. As I said, we don’t need to spend money just to spend money.

Think very hard about building another city park. If someone wants to donate land and has stipulations on how to use it, refuse the donation. We don’t need more parks. ◊ Please pave the parking lot at Independence Park. ◊ The mill pond is beautiful and

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under utilized. It would be nice to see more done there. ◊ Baseball diamonds are becoming increasingly important in Hartford. ◊ There should be a new bike trail by Walmart and that baseball park. ◊ Too many driveways and stop signs on sidewalk bike trails, and in very hilly areas. Maybe a trail along railed tracks. ◊ It would be nice to see the sidewalks maintained to not be tripping on raised edges ◊ I think Hartford is great ◊ Please expand the dog park area! Especially since dogs need to be leashed in all the parks. ◊ We would very much use bike paths!!! We travel North to use bike paths now, but would love to use them here and invite family to do the same! ◊ Bike trail that is at least 20 miles ◊ actually use the scoreboards at the ball diamonds for select baseball. ◊ I think Hartford is a great community ◊ Candy Cane Park really needs some updates of playground equipment. Nothing has been changed in many, many years. ◊ I very much enjoy the current amenities that are offered to us in the City of Hartford. I enjoy the variety of playgrounds that we have. I would just like to be able to walk my dogs in more areas. But thank you for the areas that I have. ◊ Stop researching ways to spend more tax dollars ◊ Hartford does not need Eastwood park. There are plenty of parks in Hartford already. ◊ More bike trails off Hy 60 ◊ Bike lanes throughout the city would be great. ◊ Thanks for the opportunity to provide my input. ◊ When I walk my dog near Veterans park, The drainage ditch has a lot of trash in it, this is sad to see for a small town unlike bigger Cities. ◊ Soccer fields need work; not shard between soccer clubs ◊ finish the rubicon trail ◊ At this point have been pleased with the offerings of

the park district. Plenty of space and secure. Could have more offerings in classes. otherwise staff is doing a fine job. ◊ We need more bike paths -walking paths that connect together so you’re not a dangerous road. I have been pushed off the road by cars so many times I can’t count. Lee Road is Is so dangerous to walk on or ride a bike! And Cedar Street walking up the hill with absolutely no shoulder and cars coming at you is very scary ◊ Please add a safe bike and or walking only path ◊ Highway 60 needs to be better maintained regardless of who installed it; funds need to be set aside between city and town to keep it clear and maintained. Farmers market could use better oversight; so many city have fabulous markets; ours is very average. It could really draw and make an impact(probably not the right forum) on the city - need more farmers, more local producers of goods and services at it - use Wauwatosa or Brookfield as a model. Yoga in the park in summer would be fabulous - a rec program perhaps. ◊ Thank you for your consideration ◊ There are not enough baseball diamonds or indoor basketball courts to support community programs.

Independence park parking lot should be paved. ◊ Bigger lockers or better shower facilities ◊ We have some great stuff already in Hartford. Take care of what we have or enhance what we have. Thank you for what you do! ◊ Our parks are absolutely beautiful. Since I walk the bike path (especially along the river), I find it very sad with the litter. I also carry an extra bag to pick up the garbage. I think the community also has to realize that they need to keep the parks beautiful. If everyone pitched in, it would be great. ◊ Light for dog park so you can take your dog in the dark winter months until 7 PM. Bigger dog

park. More running/biking trails. ◊ Sometimes I feel the parks are not maintained as well as they could be. Flower, grass, woodchips, and general upkeep to make them more appealing.

It would be better to have fewer, but nicer, parks. That way more equipment and facilities would be in one place rather than spread all over the city and it would be less upkeep for the staff. More people would be in each park area which would lead to visiting and people getting to know each other. This can lead to a sense of community. I have noticed that in many other cities they have a huge playground area in one or two of their parks. It is always busy and the parents (or grandparents) are visiting while the children play. Very few other people have been at Hartford parks when we have been at them. If more playground equipment and activities are in a few places, it would be fantastic. The kids tend to get bored because there is not as much to do and we go from park to park which wastes time and gas. ◊ The fee for non-residents is excessive. Detracts from taking classes ◊ Need a bike trail that runs from industrial park to Pike Lake without all the hassles along Hwy 60 in the City. ◊ Maintenance of the parks is also key. It’s a shame to find garbage which I often pick up and take to the nearest garbage can. How many people are seeing a messy park before it is picked up??? 2.

Tree replacement after the Ash harvest will be important. 3. Can weeds be kept at bay through alternative means. I understand you have to be careful of chemical use in public areas but some of the lawns are straight dandelions and not attractive. I don’t keep my lawn immaculate but it cannot be 100% weeds either. ◊ I don’t like the gravel walkway at Independence Park leading to the ball diamonds. That should

be black topped. ◊ The toddler area at the aquatic center needs improvement ◊ Necessity before luxury. ◊ Please enforce pedestrian/ bicycle laws at crosswalks. ◊ I hope someday the ladies that work at the recent center desk actually like their job and don’t feel put upon when assistance is requested. I’ve experienced this mostly at the end of the day. ◊ The dog park lacks any kind of trail, hill or area to hike. Makes it very boring/unattractive for dogs and people. It would be nice for dogs to be allowed on leash in public parks. ◊ Walking trails in the woods behind K-mart ◊ “Largely I see more people walking, and or running for exercise than I do see bikers.

Could be that we don’t have good access for bikers. Outdoor water access like update drinking foundtains on city trails would be a nice welcome feature. ◊ The Rotary Park Gazebo is beautiful, and under used.

Would be nice to be able to use it more for music events, however the road noise is an issue. Perhaps a natural, sound barrier would be help. “ ◊ Were there a safe, paved bike trail through (or around) Hartford, we’d spend a lot of time on it instead of traveling dozens of miles to find suitable locations. ◊ My family does not have animals and some members are allergic to animals. I appreciate the no dog rule in most parks.

Please consider the health and safety of all individuals and continue to NOT allow animals in parks. ◊ Any way to get the newly renovated railroad tracks to be removed and put a nice bike path on that? Have the trains go north or south? I didn’t think so. ◊ Just a long ways to walk for most of the bigger parks to get to anything. ◊ Would like to see more spent to beautify the plantings in the

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parks ◊ “Today is April 30th and the ice skating rinks are still sitting out. They are slowly falling apart. Soon they will be garbage. This was a useless expenditure in the first place, but to let them go to ruin the first year is shameful. Think of all the replacement trees that could have been purchased with this money” ◊ I hope you’re going to replant all the trees in Woodlawn.

That’s about it. Some of the equipment could use an upgrade too, and the nature trail should be more well kept. ◊ So many trees have been removed especially from West Side Park, I would like to see trees replaced and more added.

I would also like to see the rest of the wall replaced on the Mill Pond. ◊ I would love newer exercise equipment at the rec center! :) ◊ Flowers add that welcoming home town appeal. ◊ More flowers and landscaping ◊ It’d be nice to add on your the existing bike trail so it can go to Walmart without riding along hwy 60. ◊ It would be nice to have a trail that is longer and more connected. Currently the trail feels like it is broken up by parking lots or looped through a regular neighborhood. It’s hard to get a long bike ride in without having to stop at stop signs all the time or go out in the country and deal with speeding cars with little to no shoulder. ◊ We need sidewalks to all the communities on the edge of Hartford. ◊ See #21 ◊ The walking trail on the South side of the Millpond is great. Can’t wait for the other side to be made safer so all can enjoy the area (fishing,fountains,trails,etc) ◊ Dogs on leash should be allowed at all parks. Maybe a fine for dog owners not picking up their dogs poop. Everyone is penalized because of a few incinsider ate people. ◊ I work in the Dodge Industrial

park and would like to bike to work. However I feel the current alternatives are unsafe.

Expansion of the Rubicon river trail to the industrial park would be great! ◊ Need more tennis courts.

Fix the ones close to the high school on the corner of Cedar and Monroe. When I take the kids to play tennis at Willowbrook, there are a lot of obsenities coming from the basketball courts that upset me. ◊ I would like to see something like a YMCA in Hartford. ◊ Im a huge cyclist. No cycling paths in town of Hartford is horrific and the drivers are careless with our safety. ◊ “I think the park program could be improved. The staff that work it besides Emmett are overall not spending time with the kids. I do think that the main two women that work at the desk during the week could improve upon their communication to people.

They are very condescending.

They both assume that people are trying to take advantage.

Multiple times when I’ve asked questions they go on and on to tell me all the things I can’t do that are “not allowed”. I’m college educated with a good job, and the way they talk to me is very demeaning. I work with all kinds of people and I honestly think they are two of the rudest people that work with the public. I assume they talk to everyone that way, because when my mom has called to ask about things they are the same with her as well. It’s not very welcoming. I would suggest communication classes, and reading books on communication might help. “ ◊ Really frustrated about lack of indoor lap swimming for competitors/athletes under the age of 16. We have such great club programs but no place for these kids to train. ◊ Like I said earlier. When walking or riding bikes on Hwy 60 at Hwy K going east - its very dangerous. There really should either be stop lights installed at the entrance to Aldis OR sign

indicating “RIGHT TURN ONLY WHEN EXITING THAT AREA” as to avoid serious accident(s).

Coming out to go westbound is dangerous not only for east/ west traffic, but also traffic exiting out of the piggly wiggly, culvers, etc. business. City should focus more on that issue.

Also - downtown parking - now with new hotel - Who planned that one?????? ◊ Thank you for the terrific variety of parks, facilities, activities, swim lessons, etc. My family has benefitted for a long time. ◊ I am thankful for the beautiful parks we have . Thank you for keeping them beautiful and free to use. ◊ I believe the City has the correct Priorities on Recreation.

All personnel does a fine job. ◊ There should be a path/ system that allows someone to bike, run or walk around the entire city limits. a great model is the milwaukee inter-urban trail or the madison trail system. ◊ I often go to the rec dept with my toddlers, the ladies at the front desk are often rude. For example, when I was new to the area I wanted a tour of the rec dept., the lady at the front laughed at me and told me she didn’t have time to just go walk around myself. So I did just that and found myself upstairs by Childrens classrooms, which I felt should have been more secure. ◊ I feel that what we are desperately in need of is a nice walking and biking trail that is not next to busy roads ◊ More bike and running trails would be nice. ◊ Keep offering/maintaining current facilities. ◊ great crew of ground workers ◊ Would love to see off road bike/ pedestrian path in or around the city of Hartford. ◊ Would like to see more “beautification”/better maintenance of the parks ◊ I live by the rec center.

Seems the trail there and all the pretty bridges should take you seemlessly to Oike Lake. It does not. Or if it does perhaps nice

little trail signs would make it easier and more navigable. ◊ Would love an off-road biking trail from Hartford to Menomonee Falls, or even to Slinger. ◊ If you are ever interested in doing a historical geocaching tour of Hartford, call me Laurell Scholz 262-670-3203. ◊ Independence park seems to need an updating. I’ve been to the baseball center in Watertown and it is state of the art with lights, scoreboards, quality fields etc. ◊ I would love to see more running/biking paths throughout the city as well as some that lead out of the city to other nearby towns or destinations. Would love to be able to bike to places outside of the town without having to be on the road. ◊ I don’t know if there was a pertinent reason for the cutting down of the trees along Monroe Ave. by the skate park, but I prefer large, old trees that provide beauty, shade, and animal homes to be left alone. ◊ I wasn’t aware the trail goes that far west so maybe need more signage ◊ None ◊ We love the new pool, please keep that playground right there updated. It gets so much use when swim lessons are happening. ◊ I wish the fitness center in the rec building would be updated.

When I use to use it, it was strange it was in two separate rooms. I would have to walk back and forth between them.

Could the area between (lobby) be closed in and the rooms combined? Could there be a separate entrance so you could access the fitness rooms when the building is closed? ◊ It’d be nice to have a walking trail that loops and has some shade trees. ◊ Side walk on highway 60 on the North side stretching east of aurora medical center to Kissel ridge subdivision OR out in a light or Crosswalk with flashing signs on highway 60 at Otto Drive. No one can cross 60 safely

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to get to the sidewalk on the other side of 60 ◊ I would like the Rec to have spaces where we can stretch and do core activities. Without being in someone’s way. ◊ A dog park would be great and allow dogs in parks. ◊ Bridges over busier areas would greatly improve accessibility and safety for all bikes and pedestrians (specifically Monroe Avenue, highway 83, and highway 60) ◊ There is not enough space for 2 soccer clubs in town to the point of Hartford United using bullying tactics to intimidate other clubs ◊ Loving all the bike trails ◊ Would like guarded bike trails. A clear map of bike trails and where you can park to get to them. ◊ As stated earlier, sidewalk improvement from Borlen Farms into the city of Hartford. ◊ Overall very good facilities and programs for a city this size ◊ I think Hartford has amazing parks! My kids have a great time on all the equipment and I think most of them have been updated fairly recently! No complaints! ◊ I am still exploring what you have already done since I retired last April. Many thanks! ◊ The biggest thing missing in Hartford is easily accessible walking trails. Our subdivision has a lot of speeders and isn’t safe for my kids to ride their bikes. It’d be great to have trails. ◊ Help fix some sidewalks that have started to get old and cracked. ◊ The walking/biking trails through the city are not marked very well, to the point that some might not know the trail runs across the city. A few signed/

dedicated parking areas for trail use/trailhead would also make the trail more accessible. ◊ To light up some of the bike paths that they have now. ◊ We love what Hartford has to offer which is why we chose to live here after moving from Downtown Milwaukee. We can walk or bike to almost anything we need (Walmart, movie theater, Scoop, Schauer Center, Pike Lake, pool) which you really can’t do anywhere else! Thank you to everyone at the City for doing such a wonderful job. ◊ Ideally a Green friendly, active community focus that centered around non motorized access. ◊ We love the parks here in Hartford and the upkeep performed by the city. Our one major concern is the lack of necessary upkeep on the Mill Pond. If repair costs were spread out between all property owners, the tax increase would be negligible. We can’t let it fall into further disrepair. ◊ Access to rent decent bikes for an hour or whatever would be nice for visitors or occasional use. ◊ I live in Borlen Farms subdivision and the homestead park was supposed to have playground equipment and a shelter built several years ago.

The subdivion has meet the necessary requirements for several year and it still has not happened!!!!! ◊ The city should not be spending money on more parks.

Keep the parks how they are.

Have private partnership to keep the up or make upgrades.

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