Waukon, Iowa Parks and Recreation Master Plan

WAUKON, IOWA

PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN 1

Acknowledgments WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO:

The individuals who provided feedback to help generate the final recommendations of this document.

PREPARED FOR:

The City of Waukon, IA 101 Allamakee Street Waukon, IA 52172

PREPARED BY:

MSA Professional Services, Inc. 6045 Rockwell Dr. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

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Table of Contents 01

Chapter 1: Introduction

02

Chapter 2: Description of Waukon Parks

03

Chapter 3: Goals, Objectives, and Policies

04

Chapter 4: Analysis of Park Needs and Demands

05

Chapter 5: Recommendations

06

Chapter 6: Implementation

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Chapter 1

Introduction/Summary of the Planning Process

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Project Introduction

When people talk about the places they love in a community, parks are typically at the top of the list.

Parks, trails, and recreational programs are essential to the physical, economic, environmental, and social health of cities and their residents. To ensure that Waukon’s parks and trails system continues to meet community needs and offer these benefits, the City requested the assistance of MSA Professional Services Inc. to complete this Master Plan. The purpose of the Master Plan is to guide the City of Waukon in maintaining and enhancing its parks, trails, and recreational opportunities as the community grows; it also provides insight into the existing conditions and specific recommendations for each of the City’s parks and recreational spaces.

The information in this Plan represents the results of interactive and engaging outreach with Waukon community members, stakeholders, and City staff. Prior to inventory and data collection, the Project Team met with City staff to establish objectives and expectations for the project; community members were then given the opportunity to share their thoughts on the existing conditions and future aspirations of Waukon’s parks and trails.

One overarching goal of the Master Plan and drafting process was to communicate the importance of parks and recreation to people’s quality of life. When our parks, open space, and trails are accessible and well-maintained, we are more likely to engage with our community and reap the numerous benefits that access to nature provides. When our parks thrive, we thrive.

Project Goals Provide opportunities to broaden the geographic diversity of park users and inclusivity to all.

Provide a framework for short, mid, and long-term improvements and growth opportunities for existing and future parks and trails.

Promote and improve safety and accessibility within Waukon’s parks and trails.

Provide Waukon with a living usable document that is easily amendable and implementable.

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Parks and Open Space Standards The definitions used in this plan are modified definitions used by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). They are used to classify the existing recreation system and to guide plans for the future. They begin with the smallest and most intensely used and proceed to largest and least used.

Neighborhood and community parks are normally provided by municipalities. Larger recreation areas are normally provided by larger units of government or private enterprise.

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Mini - Parks

Typically on a small lot (1/4 acre), located within a residential neighborhood. Usually have one facility and benches.

- Desirable size - 2 acres or less - Acres/1,000 population: .25 to .5 - Service Area: 1/8 to 1/4 mile radius

Neighborhood Playgrounds

Serves the needs of children 5-15 years old. It provides open fields, courts, shelter facilities, and play area. It should be within walking distance.

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

Neighborhood Parks

This provides open space for all ages and enhances the overall environment. A natural location is ideal for this type, and it usually has tables, benches, paths, lights, and is walkable.

- Desirable size - 3-7 acres - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

Community Play-fields

NRPA Classifications

Serves the active needs of several neighborhoods. Includes more than a park such as a pool, community center, and fields for sporting events.

- Desirable size - 5 or more acres (15-40) - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

Special Purpose Parks

Created to take advantage of a natural or unusual feature, or to preserve areas and provide recreation. Golf course, marinas and boat ramps could be considered this.

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

Reservation and Preserves

Usually located outside of the urban area and include large tracts of land that have limited development. Usually provided by state, federal or county governments.

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

Greenbelts

Intended to serve many neighborhoods. Tends to have woods, water features, trails, and picnic areas. Should be determined by the size of the population.

- Desirable size - 3-7 acres - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

Almost the same characteristics as the reservation or preserve; however it may be used to shape urban development. It could connect parks within an urban area.

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

Waysides, Welcome Centers, Historic Markers

Community Parks

NRPA Classifications Continued

Special purpose parks designed to serve motorists. They are important to a tourist industry. Size and location depends on natural features.

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

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The Importance of Recreation Parks are often the most important and highly prized components of any community. They are sources of civic pride and are essential to the physical, economic, environmental, and social health of communities and their residents. Good planning is essential to a community’s recreation system as it provides a means to meet the needs and wants of the community. As a plan is developed it is important to keep in mind the variety of benefits that parks and recreation add to the community.

Health When residents and visitors have access to parks, trails, and recreation facilities, they exercise more and are generally healthier and happier.

Additionally, increased exposure to natural areas that parks and open space provide has been linked to improved physical and mental health.

Parks and trails encourage healthy, happy, active lifestyles and improve overall quality of life throughout a community.

Cultural & Social Parks have important social benefits. In a time when social media defines the interactions of many people, parks and recreational centers are places to meet, catch up with family members and friends, and feel like part of the larger community. As a focal point of neighborhoods, parks help develop connections between residents by providing a venue for community gatherings, like school trips, festivals, and celebrations. Significant natural features, and social gathering areas, have facilities and events for the enjoyment of all community members.

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Natural Resources Parks and open space provide environmental benefits. Natural and planned vegetative landscapes found in parks, preserves and open spaces improve air quality and water quality. These areas may also play a role in stormwater management and protecting the quality and vitality of natural areas.

Property Values $

Numerous studies have shown that close proximity and access to parks, trails, and open space has a positive impact on residential property values. Commercial property values can also be increased with proximity to recreational amenities, creating potential for these sites to act as catalysts for future growth and development. Access to recreational amenities helps fuel growth and investment in local economies.

Beautification Parks contribute to aesthetics of a community. Parkways, tree-lined streets, gardens, views of water bodies, public art, trails, and landscaped areas around town are all things that contribute to creating beautiful places to live, work, and play. Visitors often remember a place by its access to beautiful natural areas, contributing to a positive community image. Improved linkages should also connect community parks to other community nodes. Attractive, safe and well marked linkages make essential contributions to a community’s livability and viability.

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Chapter 2

Description of Waukon Parks

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Waukon, Iowa

Understanding the history, culture and traditions of a community plays a key role in planning for the future, as these are the underlying principles that help shape a community, as do its people. This chapter presents a synopsis of the community based on its geography, demographic information and history. This information provides an understanding of the community that fosters the exploration of recreation trends in the City of Waukon which will in turn assist in the formulation of recommendations for park and recreation programs, amenities and services.

Waukon At a Glance:

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Print Date: 4/28/2023

Park and Recreation Facilities

Sweeney Park Softball Complex

Waukon Wellness Center

Bus Garage Fields

12

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City Park

Waukon Wellness Center General Notes: Gymnasium, Track, Cardio Machines, Aerobics Room, Rock Climbing, Free Weights, Weight Machines, Classrooms, etc.

Considerations: -Indoor lap pool (CAT Grant) -More basketball courts -Expand weight room to take over racquetball -Simulation golf vs racquetball (Luther example) -Remove some parking for more space -99 year lease with school property

13

Softball Complex General Notes: Two ball fields, concession stands, bleachers, lighting, and play equipment Considerations: -Potential for good parking to the north of the fields – sidewalk between the fields -Infield material is a concern -Consider flipping the orientation of the fields -On street parking for the fair -Host tournaments -Playground to stay where it is -Dust/dirt a concern -Area used to be a racetrack -Blacktop covers with dirt -Bleacher improvements

14

City Park General Notes: Sixty-four rolling acres of open park, picnic shelters, walking trails, pool, disc golf, hideaway park, additional play equipment, pond, ball diamond, and camping Considerations:

-Connection and trails to amenities -Feasibility study for camping site, showers, area between housing and fire station -Consider expansion of campground to allow for larger RVs and more sites -Decorah campground as case study -More athletic fields -Improve drainage with baseball fields -Lechensky shelter drainage -Handicap accessibility -Opportunities for bicycling -Trail for detention area to connect with City Park may be funded -Paved trail from North 8th Ave SW up to West Street (car lot) -Improve aesthetics and accessibility of the sand volleyball courts

15

Sweeney Park General Notes: Play equipment, swings, shelter, and fencing

Considerations: -Add temporary restrooms -Enhance accessibility to and in the park -Add sidewalks to features -Landscape enhancements

16

Bus Garage Fields General Notes: Open Space north of the Bus Garage used for sports fields.

Considerations:

-Paint official fields markings - Add removable fencing - Consider adding parking - Restrooms

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Chapter 3 Park, Open Space and Recreation Inventory

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Waukon Parks Inventory

An on-site evaluation of existing parks and amenities provided the basis for formulating future improvement recommendations. As part of this process each of the parks were visited, photodocumented, and inventoried to determine what amenities exist, and how each park and open space area is used. The following pages highlight the inventory that was conducted on each of the parks.

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PARK/FACILITY

Location

Waukon Wellness Center

3rd Avenue Northwest, Waukon, IA

Softball Complex

Allamakee Street SW, Waukon, IA

Acres

Amenities

38

Gymnasium, Track, Cardio Machines, Aerobics Room, Rock Climbing, Free Weights, Weight Machines, Classrooms, etc.

48

Two ball fields, concession stands, bleachers, Lighting, and play equipment

City Park

1013 Rossville Rd, Waukon, IA

64

Sixty-four rolling acres of open park, picnic shelters, walking trails, pool, disc golf, hideaway park, additional play equipment, pond, ball diamond, and camping

Sweeney Park

4th Street NW, Waukon, IA

1

Play equipment, swings, shelter, and fencing

Bus Garage Fields

415 5th Street SW, Waukon, UA

3

Sport fields with markings and goals

20

Waukon Parks Assessment MSA encourages members of the Wellness Committee to take some time to tour local parks to observe and document potential park improvements to incorporate into the update of the City’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This form is intended to guide your visit.

The second page of this form includes each park’s name followed by a box to indicate desired improvements considered a need versus a desire. Needs generally address maintenance, access or safety items but can include installation of new or replacement equipment or facilities. Desires generally address something you would like to add to a park but may not be as essential in the short term.

As you tour each park consider the following: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

External access to the park (sidewalks, trails, bike routes etc.)

Signage (including wayfinding to the park and onsite signage) Parking & circulation (vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle) Internal access to the park (accessible paths to play equipment, shelters or ball fields) Shelters and restrooms Support facilities (benches, picnic tables, water fountains, grills, etc.)

Lighting Diversity of play equipment or recreational facilities Condition of play equipment or recreational facilities Location of play equipment or recreational facilities The size of the park and any opportunities for expansion The main users of the park and opportunities to increase their enjoyment of the park Opportunities to attract other users to the park Use of the park for special events and special event needs The demographics of the surrounding neighborhood and their potential needs How the park fits within the entire Park System

If you identify more than one want or one need for each park feel free to number each based on your determination of priority (one being the highest) Wellness Center .

Needs

-Weight Room Space -Basketball Courts -Handicap Parking at the Flag Football area -Reimagine Raquetball

Desires

-Indoor Lap Pool -Detention Basin Upgrades -Adjacent Dog Park

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Softball Complex Needs

Desires

-Permanent Parking -More Restrooms -Infield material improvements

-Flip the fields layout -New Signage

City Park Needs

Desires

-New Shelter Location -Campground Improvements -Permanent Restrooms -Baseball fields parking

-Enhanced Entry -Landscaping improvements -Expanded disc golf -Geese Control

Sweeney Park Needs

Desires

-Temporary Restrooms -Accessibility improvements

-Landscaping improvements

Bus Garage Fields Needs

-Formal little league fields - Removable fence 22

Desires

-Restrooms - Parking

Key Stakeholder Questionnaire 1.

Please describe your (or your organization’s) use of parks and recreation in Waukon.

• (If an organization) roughly how many people/participants belong to your organization?

• Have participation rates been declining or increasing in recent years?

2.

What are the strengths of Waukon’s park and recreation system?

3.

Does you/your organization have a signed agreement with the City for park/field/indoor space/ usage?

• If yes: What (if anything) would you change going forward?

4.

Are there any park improvements or maintenance items that need to be completed to better meet your needs?

5.

What additional park and recreation amenities would you like to see Waukon provide?

6.

Do you have any concerns about safety or accessibility in Waukon’s parks?

7.

What recreational programs are needed the most? What age groups?

8.

During the next 5-10 years, what should be the top priorities for the City in regard to parks, recreation and trails?

9.

Is there anything else we should know about City’s parks, recreation, and trails that we haven’t already discussed?

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Chapter 4 Analysis of Needs and Demands

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ANALYSIS OF PARK NEEDS AND DEMANDS This chapter presents an analysis of how well the City’s existing park and recreation facilities satisfy current needs. These findings are derived from the:

PARKS SERVICE AREAS COMMUNITY INPUT EVENTS ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS COMMITTEE FEEDBACK EXISTING PLANS REVIEW

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Print Date: 4/28/2023

Park and Rec Service Areas

Sweeney Park Softball Complex

Waukon Wellness Center

Bus Garage Fields

26

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City Park

Community Input Events

1/23/23 Basketball Game

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Community Input Events

28

Online Survey Flyer

29

Online Survey Results Summary

1/9/23, 4:16 PM 1/9/23, 4:16 PM

Waukon IA Parks Survey Waukon IA Parks Survey

Waukon IA Parks Survey Waukon IA Parks Survey What is your age?

What is your age?

What is your age?

40 40 30 30

35-44

20 20 10 10 0 0

Under 18 Under 18

18-24 18-24

25-34 25-34

35-44 35-44

45-54 45-54

55-64 55-64

65-74 65-74

75 and above 75 and above Answered: 114 Skipped: 0 Answered: 114 Skipped: 0

Do you have children living in your home that are under the age of 18?

Do you have children living in your home that are under the age of 18?

Do you have children living in your home that are under the age of 18?

Yes

Yes Yes No No

Answers Answers

Count Count

Yes

67

Yes 67 How long have you lived in Waukon?

1/9/23, No 4:16 PM No

47 47

Percentage Percentage 58.77% 58.77%

Waukon 41.23% IA Parks Survey 41.23%

Answered: 114 Skipped: 0 Answered: 114 Skipped: 0 How long have you lived in Waukon?

How long have you lived in Waukon?

More than 15 years 6-15 years 0-5 years

30 Answers

Count

Percentage

>15yrs

Online Survey Results Summary

Answers

Count

Percentage

More than 15 years

90

78.95%

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13

11.4%

0-5 years

11

9.65%

Answered: 114 Skipped: 0

How close is the nearest park or trail to your home?

How close is the nearest park or trail to your home?

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

Answers

Count

Percentage

I have to drive

59

51.75%

Within reasonable walking distance

38

33.33%

Within reasonable biking distance, but not walking

17

14.91%

Drive

Answered: 114 Skipped: 0

What is your favorite park and recreation area to visit in Waukon?

What is your favorite park and recreation area to visit in Waukon?

1/9/23, 4:16 PM

Waukon IA Parks Survey

City Park Waukon Wellness Center Neighborhood Park Other

City Park

Waukon Softball Complex https://survey123.arcgis.com/surveys/df04e68c87b7441c8b6f1a7abb24be9d/analyze?position=0.are_there_shelter_features_we_s

Answers

Count

Percentage

City Park

81

71.05%

Waukon Wellness Center

22

19.3%

Neighborhood Park

6

5.26%

Other

3

2.63%

Waukon Softball Complex

0

0%

Answered: 112 Skipped: 2

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32

9/14

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internal

This Plan is grounded in a set of issues about which the residents and city are concerned, and opportunities for positive change. The Plan seeks to address perceived deficiencies and capitalize on opportunities.This section is a compilation of key issues and opportunities. A SWOT analysis exercise was used to gather this information from the Steering Committee as well as from the general public at each community engagement and visioning session.

helpful

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

external

Steering Committee Feedback

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

Strengths - characteristics that give the community an advantage over others.

Weaknesses - characteristics that place the community at a disadvantage relative to others.

Opportunities - elements the community could exploit to advantage the community.

Threats - elements in the environment that could cause trouble for the community in the future.

Strengths • Shelters are always full • They have endowments/trusts set up for the wellness center and parks Weaknesses • Geese • Aging landscaping @ City Park o Especially around the pool and along Hwy Opportunities • Connecting trails in City Park • Could serve “Task”?? better (disabled individuals) • Indoor lap pool/aqua aerobics • Trail loop around the entire City • Go bigger with new shelter in City Park • EV charging stations • Online booking for camping sites • High speed internet for campground Threats • Lack of funding 33

Existing Plans Review

The Allamakee Comprehensive Plan “The All-In Plan is a community-derived, community-vetted framework for ensuring a healthy, prosperous Allamakee County. It articulates aspirational policies intended to assist and guide decision-makers, leaders, elected officials, community members, and especially current and future County Supervisors, in working toward common goals.”

Within this document, the section on Natural Resources & Environment provides a strong overview of the park system needs and desires for the county. In fact, the “Creation and preservation of parks & conservation lands rated the highest among land-use activities important to the residents:

34

The survey question below outlines the sports and recreational activities that community members listed they would like to see in Allamakee County. This information, along with the public input from this plan’s engagement process helped guide the goals, objectives, and strategies identified in the subsequent chapter.

“Parks and trails can be a substantial economic boost for the community.”

“The county’s rural landscape is preserved as natural open space and parks that offer recreational opportunities for a wide variety of user groups.”

“Goal: Parks are protected and perpetuated through the intentional placement of new development.”

“The County acknowledges the high demand among residents for increased park and recreation opportunities such as multiuse trails and County parks.”

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Chapter 5 Goals and Policies

36

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES OVERVIEW The City identified a need to reinvigorate its parks and recreation offerings for current and future residents.Public parks are a unique amenity because they have the potential to be accessible to anyone in the community, regardless of age, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity.

Though we often find that disparities exist in the distribution and quality of parks and recreation amenities, many Leisure Services Departments across the U.S. are now rethinking how to engage and provide benefits to residents who do not currently have access to parks. If parks can be more inclusive, they have the potential to function as a nucleus of neighborhood activity, where residents can gather for social events, recreational activities, and meetings about local issues, increasing social interaction and creating an overall sense of community.

PLAN OBJECTIVE

Develop a comprehensive, usable, living document which outlines the current assets and improvements of the park system. This plan was created with the objective of analyzing the existing conditions of the parks to better develop an equitable and usable concept for new park areas for visitors and current and future residents. The recommendations of this plan are divided into two major sections:

(1) existing park facilities (2) new or expanded park facilities WAUKON PARK AND RECREATION VISION The City of Waukon will offer activities and programs for citizens of all ages and abilities, while diversifying recreation amenities and improving those that already exist to meet growing needs of the community.

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EXISTING PARKS The parks as they exist today are in need of improvement, particularly those in older neighborhoods with outdated and unsafe play equipment. The image to the right is the play equipment at the softball complex.

The park inventory in Chapter 2 highlights each existing park’s location and initial recommendations based on site photos and amenities noted at each site.

Full recommendations for each park can be found in Chapter 6.

NEW OR EXPANDED PARKS Each City park has its own unique needs, users, and opportunities. Therefore, each park has its own set of recommendations, timeline for improvements, and associated costs. The map below highlights the location of each of the parks, as well as the 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile service areas for each. Generally, a 1/4 mile service area indicates an approximate 5 minute walk, and a 1/2 mile equating to a +/- 10 minute walk. A recommended goal for the City of Waukon is to ensure that all residents have a park that is within walking distance of their home.

38

Print Date: 4/28/2023

FUTURE PARK FACILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

Sweeney Park

Potential Park Facilities Golf Course

City Park

39

:\07\07737\07737002\GIS\Waukon Base Map\Waukon Base Map.aprx

Waukon Wellness Center

Bus Garage Fields

Softball Complex

POTENTIAL FUTURE PARK LOCATIONS

Splash Pad

East Elementary

5th St NW

Bus Garage Fields

2nd Ave NW

Outdoor Learning

Library

40

WAUKON PARK & RECREATION GOALS PLAN GOALS The purpose of this plan is to guide development of subsequent parks, recreation, open space and bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Waukon. Goals are presented here as desired outcomes. Strategies include both actions and policy rules—they are the methods proposed to achieve the stated goals.

Goal 1 - Have safe access to quality park and recreation facilities and programming regardless of income, age, race, ability or geographic location.

Goal 2 - Provide sufficient park land and amenities to meet current and future recreational needs.

Goal 3 - Develop, improve and operate the City’s parks and recreation programs in a cost effective manner.

Goal 4 - Coordinate park development efforts with other City departments, other units of government, the City of Waukon/School District, and sporting organizations.

Goal 5 - Provide residents with safe and reliable recreation equipment throughout the City park system.

Goal 6 - Provide a seamless network of trails that provide safe and comfortable access.

Goal 7 - Provide adequate management and staffing levels to oversee the maintenance of park and open space lands and facilities.

Goal 8 - Parks and open spaces will be intentionally designed to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible through new landscape plans for each park.

(Case Studies shown on the following page)

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PARK LANDSCAPING CASE STUDIES

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Chapter 6 Recommendations

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RECOMMENDATIONS | Wellness Center 1. Consider a new use for one of the racquetball rooms 2. Expand the weight room to better meet the needs of the community 3. Consider grant applications for an expansion to the facility 4. Conduct a feasibility study to determine if an indoor lap pool would be possible 5. Consider adding more basketball courts 6. Resurface the tennis courts outside the facility 7. Find opportunities to host more events at the Wellness Center 8. Add handicap parking at the flag football/soccer fields 9. Improve detention basin for future use

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RECOMMENDATIONS | Softball Complex 1. Plan for new parking to the north of the ball fields (consider reorienting fields) 2. Allow for sidewalk accessibility with new parking concept 3. Complete facility upgrades to host more tournaments 4. Provide additional on-street parking 5. Consider bleacher improvements 6. Install a wind-block to prevent excessive dirt/dust entering the area 7. Consider new signage 8. Add more permanent restrooms

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RECOMMENDATIONS | City Park 1. Improve connectivity/accessibility throughout the entire park 2. Conduct a feasiblilty study for the camping site to determine future steps 3. Evaluate the area between the housing and fire station for future enhancements 4. Consider adding more athletic fields such as pickleball and basketball 5. Improve drainage issues within the park 6. Improve handicap accessibility and add sidewalks to site features 7. Develop a trail network along the detention area to better connect the community 8. Collaborate with the County to site a new dog park 9. Add more permanent restrooms

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CITY PARK MASTER PLAN LEGEND Shelter

Wetland

Playground

Baseball Fields Ice Rink Roads Trails Proposed Shelter Proposed Sidewalks Proposed Trail Markers Proposed Enhancement Areas Proposed Fire Pit

Warming House

Ice Rink

Maintenance Building

*Potential new access* Aquatic Center

Large-Scale Amphitheater

Horseshoe Pits

Concert Platform with Roof Playground

*New Restrooms/ Showers*

Gazebo

Kiwanis Shelter 1

Playground

*Proposed Shelter Location*

Restrooms

Restrooms

Playground

Sweeney Shelter

Thompson Shelter

Volleyball

Lechensky Shelter

Kiwanis Shelter 2

Hideaway Park Kiwanis Shelter 3

*Proposed Fire Pit*

Indian Springs Pond

Amphitheater

*Enhancements at the Ballfield* Pat Gallagher Memorial Field

Slide

JayCee Shelter

Concessions

*Enhanced Trailhead*

*Enhanced Entry*

Restrooms

*Landscape Enhancements* (Remove Hedge Row)

Horseshoe Pits

Parking

(Promote the development of a private campground in a new location)

m Sh pg el rou te n rs d

Parking

Campground

Aquatic Center

*Campground updates OR New Large-Scale Amphitheater*

Ca

Restroom

Ada Boltz Shelter

TRAIL & SIDEWALK RECOMMENDATIONS LEGEND Trail Sidewalk

RECOMMENDATIONS | Sweeney Park 1. Upgrade play structures (Long-Term) 2. Upgrade shelter (Long-Term) 3. Provide landscape enhancements 4. Create a connection to the potential future parks 5. Raise awareness of park 6. Add additional signage within and to the park 7. Add temporary restrooms 8. Improve accessibility/sidewalk access to features

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RECOMMENDATIONS | Bus Garage Fields 1. Add official little leage markings 2. Add a removable outfield fence 3. Add permanent restrooms 4. Consider adding parking 5. Landscaping Plan

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Chapter 7 Implementation

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Implementation

One of the most important aspects of the Master Plan is the discussion on implementation.

This section explores potential funding opportunities, discusses the value of establishing priorities, and suggests recommended monitoring methods. This plan also makes an appeal to public partners and citizen groups to provide oversight and to be actively involved in implementation. Residents, local government, the school district, law enforcement, healthcare, local businesses, developers, and other agencies will need to work together for Waukon’s vision for its parks, trails, and open space system to be successful.

As previously described, the community has indicated that fixing what Waukon already has before investing in new attractions, is a primary goal. To achieve that goal, the City should begin by approaching improvement recommendations for priority parks. As these recommendations were determined at a master plan level, each project will require additional study, planning and design. Some of these projects will be within the capabilities of City staff, both on the design and implementation stages. However, more complex projects will likely require involvement from outside consultants.

The City is encouraged to start planning recommendations into the capital improvement budget. Selecting lower cost projects for immediate implementation will illustrate the City’s willingness to put this master plan into action. It will demonstrate commitment to its objectives for implementing this plan and will set a positive course for fulfilling the goals defined by the community.

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Action Plan

The Action Plan is designed as a guide to help Waukon community leaders prioritize opportunities and address issues within the City of Waukon and the surrounding area as it relates to parks and recreation. The desired vision for Waukon cannot be created over night. However, by incrementally implementing the recommendations within this plan, Waukon can achieve the desired outcomes set forth in this plan.

Potential Funding Sources There are five broad funding sources available to help offset costs to complete the projects listed in this Plan, as described below.

General Municipal Funding – It is assumed that some general municipal funds/borrowing will be required to assist with the completion of projects or as a matching source for state or federal grants (e.g. wayfinding, signage, or park land acquisition).

Special Assessments – Particular projects that benefit individual properties (e.g. sidewalk/trail installations) could be funded through special assessments whereby the City recoups initial design and construction costs through increased real estate taxes on those properties for a set period of time.

Private Donations – Some of the projects could be partially or fully funded through private donations or public fundraising.

State and Federal Grants – There are many different state or federal grants that may be able to offset the costs of some of the identified projects. Only those programs most likely to award funding to Waukon are listed.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) – Tax increment financing (TIF) is a program where the additional taxes generated from development in a TIF district would go towards specified public improvements in a community. This program helps waylay the impacts of new development on a community while improving the attractiveness of the City.

Funding and Other Resources Key CAT - Community Attraction and Tourism Program (ECIA) City - General Fund, Special Funds, TIF or Assessments HC - Hired Consultant IACPG - Iowa Arts Council Project Grant IFMA - Iowa Farmers Market Association ILRTF - Iowa Living Roadways Trust Fund KIB - Keep Iowa Beautiful Community Beatification Grant Program LWCF - Land and Water Conservation Fund PCRC - Pedestrian Curb Ramp Construction PIB - Paint Iowa Beautiful REAP - Resource Enhancement and Protection City Parks and Open Spaces TAP - Transportation Alternative Program TFK - Trees for Kids and Trees for Teens THF - Tony Hawk Foundation TIF - Tax Increment Finance TP! - Trees Please! (MidAmerican Energy) TSIP - Traffic Safety Improvement Program 53

Action Plan Matrix PARK/FACILITY

City Park

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COST ESTIMATE Priority TIMEFRAME $ (<$50k) (Low- Immediate (0-2 Years) ShortRecommendations $$ ($50Med- Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term 200k) High) (5+ Years) $$$ ($200k+)

Year-round shelter with restrooms and gathering space

High

Immediate

$$$

Improved gateway to the park

Med

Short-Term

$$

Improve the landscaping along the highway

Med

Long-Term

$$

Improve playground equipment near the rocket

Low

Short-Term

$$

Replace the campground restroom facility

High

Immediate

$$$

Improve campground access, potentially from 2nd Ave.

High

Short-Term

SS

More/improved parking for the baseball field

Med

Short-Term

$$

Better seating at the baseball field

Med

Short-Term

$$

Improved lighting at baseball field

Med

Short-Term

$$

City Park (Continued)

Roads need to be improved throughout the park

Med

Long-Term

$$$

Improve the sand volleyball court

Low

Short-Term

$

Tree planting needed to replace lost trees

Low

Long-Term

$$

Expand disc golf course to 18 holes

Med

Short-Term

$

Plan for pool replacement, consider indoor facility

Med

Long-Term

$$$

Geese Control initiatives

Low

Long-Term

$

Pond Sediment Control

Low

Long-Term

$

Campground expansion

High

Short-Term

$$$

Rework of campsites for larger RV’s

High

Short-Term

$$$

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Softball Complex

Wellness Center

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Flip the fields so that home plate for each field is at the north end of the complex

Med

Short-Term

$$$

Replace and compact infield material

Med

Short-Term

$

Pave a parking lot at the north end

High

Immediate

$$

Add additional weight room space

Med

Short-Term

$

Expansion for more basketball courts

Med

Long-Term

$$

Re-use of Racquetball Court

Low

Long-Term

$

Indoor Lap Pool

Med

Long-Term

$$$

Handicapped parking at flag football/soccer fields

High

Short-Term

$$

Detention Basin upgrades

Med

Long-Term

$$

Add sidewalks

High

Short-Term

$

Add a temporary restroom

Med

Short-Term

$

Add permanent little leage field markings

Med

Short-Term

$

Add a removabel outfield fence

Med

Short-Term

$

Add permanent restrooms

Med

Long-Term

$$

Consider adding parking

Low

Long-Term

$$

Sweeney Park

Bus Garage Fields

All Parks: Landscaping Plan for Each Park

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