Upload
krobinet
View
218
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
1/19
IBI GROUP
2010
In conjunction with
F. J. Galloway Associates Inc.
Monteith Brown
The Municipality of Chatham-KentParks and Recreation Master Plan
Executive Summary Report
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
2/19
1
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
The Municipal ity of Chatham -Kent Parks andRecreation Master PlanExecutive Summary Report
1 . INTRODUCTIONThis Executive Summary provides Council, staff and the public with an overview of the key
outcomes and recommendations of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the
Municipality of Chatham-Kent. This summary is divided into an overview of the Master Plan
process; a section setting out the focus of the Master Plan; and key recommendations from
each of the functional areas. The consulting team acknowledges the valuable support and
input provided by Council, municipal staff and the many community members and
organizations, all who made significant contributions to the Master Plans recommendations.
This is the first comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the Municipality of
Chatham-Kent. The Municipality was a newly created municipality in 1998 through the
amalgamation of twenty-three municipalities and has a population of 108,000 residents
within an area of 2,494 square kilometres. This Master Plan is intended to provide strategic
direction for the investment, resourcing and decision-making for the next twenty years to
2030. The purpose of the Master Plan is to maximize the availability of parks and recreation
lands, facilities and programming that contribute significantly to the quality of life and
economic development of Chatham-Kent.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
3/19
2
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
2 .MASTER PLAN PROCESSIn the fall of 2007, a consulting team was selected, and based on the Terms of Reference, a
four-phased work program was developed for the Master Plan:
Phase 1 Understanding the Community - The consulting team completed
background research; trends assessment; and organizational, financial and business
practices analyses.
Phase 2 Engaging the Community Over a number of months, the team
conducted staff consultation, focus groups, a household survey, community
workshops and Council consultations.
Phase 3 Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan The consultants prepared a
Master Plan foundation for parks and open space service levels and recreation
facilities, programming and service delivery; along with beachfront and energy
conservation strategies.
Phase 4 Final Parks and Recreation Master Plan The consulting team is in the
process of undertaking public open houses; a staff development workshop; and a
Council presentation as a basis to finalize the Master Plan in June 2010.
The Master Plan has been
developed on three major themes
and two specific strategies. The
major themes start with a broad
overview moving towards specific
delivery strategies and service
levels. The two strategies relate toshoreline recreational use and
energy conservation for recreation
facilities. Later, action plan and
implementation strategies will be
developed to provide direction on
achieving the intended outcomes.
Master Plan Foundation:
Section 3.0 provides the
philosophical foundation and strategic directions for the Master Plan based on a
Vision and Mission Statement that reflects the unique perspectives in Chatham-Kent.
Recreation Service Delivery Policies, Strategies and Programming: Section 4.0
provides direction to Council, staff and service delivery volunteer organizations on
the future approach to service delivery.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
4/19
3
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
Parks, Open Space and Recreation Facilities: Section 5.0 establishes a hierarchy
of parks provisioning, open space and outdoor facilities. It also addresses the need
for major new recreation facilities and programs.
Beachfront and Shoreline: Section 6.0 provides general direction for the
acquisition, maintenance and operation of waterfront opportunities throughout the
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Energy Utilization and Conservation Strategies: Section 7.0 provides general
direction to reduce energy consumption, water conservation and potential energy
use reduction and production in recreation facilities.
Action Plan and Implementation: Section 8.0 provides an implementation
framework and related elements to guide the Master Plans ongoing implementation
and updating. This section will be prepared after public consultation on the Master
Plan.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
5/19
4
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
3 . MASTER PLAN FOUNDATIONThe key parts of the Master Plan Foundation are the Vision and the Mission. The Vision
provides the overarching long term focus and inspires all stakeholders to achieve a common
goal.
.1 VISION:
Chatham-Kent will be a community where residents value and enjoy healthy,
vibrant and engaged lifestyles through regular participation in recreation, parks,
and open space activities.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
6/19
5
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
The Mission speaks to the key elements of the Master Plan. Each strategy and decision
associated with parks and recreation services should align with the intent and direction of the
Mission Statement.
.2 MISSION STATEMENT:
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan engages all the communitys abilities and
resources towards the development of parks, open spaces and the delivery of
recreation services that enrich the life experiences of the residents of Chatham-
Kent, through:
Increasing residents health, vitality, personal development and sense of
community;
Enhancing the capacity of community organizations as sustainable and
vibrant contributors to the availability of quality recreation activities and
venues;
Supporting renewal and reinvestment in parks, recreation facilities and
open space to ensure sustainable resources.
Improving economic development outcomes by investing in parks and
recreation programming and facilities.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
7/19
6
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
4. RECREATION SERVICE DELIVERY POLICIES,STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMMINGThis Section provides direction to Council, staff and community service delivery
organizations on the future approach and priorities for service delivery. The goal is to offer
programs and services that respond to the existing and future recreation interests and needs
of Chatham-Kent residents.
.1 Service Delivery Approach: That community-based organizations represent the
principal service delivery approach for recreation programs, and the principal
approach for expanding the accessibility, affordability, variety and sustainability of
recreation programs in Chatham-Kent.
.2 Municipal Role: Chatham-Kent will achieve its service delivery role through the
planning, development, delivery and evaluation of recreation services based on the
following hierarchy of municipal engagement and roles within its financial priorities
and strategies identified by Council
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
8/19
7
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
The Municipality will engage with community organizations to facilitate and
support the development and delivery of recreation services by providing a
variety of support functions.
The Municipality will enter into partnerships, joint ventures and related initiatives
at variable levels of involvement that result in a shared responsibility for
recreation service delivery.
The Municipality will undertake direct delivery of recreation services where there
is an established need, and where facilitation and partnerships delivery
strategies are not viable or available.
.3 Prioritization Process: That Chatham-Kent adopt a process to prioritize recreation
services that focuses first on municipal residents as the primary users within the
following framework; supports Councils strategic directions; supports broad-based
resident participation; ensures the inclusion of groups with special needs; and
creates opportunities for sport tourism events.
.4 Leadership Role: That the Community Services Division will have a leadership role
in the integration, planning and evaluation of recreation services. The Division will
become involved based on demonstrated need; long term sustainability;
commitments to public accessibility and affordability. The Division will establish an
evaluation process through development of a data collection and performance
evaluation program.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
9/19
8
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
.5 Partnerships and Joint Ventures: That Chatham-Kent continue to lead and
support partnerships, joint ventures and related initiatives where: a recreation need
is identified and demonstrated; community access, participation and affordability is
assured; the partnership arrangement is financially sound and has long term
sustainability; and the municipal investment and scope of service reflects the level of
benefits to be realized by Chatham-Kent residents.
.6 Volunteer Organization Capacity Development: That the Community Services
Division recognize the voluntary sector as a vital partner in the delivery of recreation
programming, and that municipal organizational capacities be identified to support
the existing and future service delivery role and abilities of volunteer organizations in
Chatham-Kent.
.7 Multi-Use Facilities: That Chatham-Kent continue to utilize and undertake wherever
possible, the development of multi-use approaches in the renewal, reinvestment and
development of new recreation services, facilities and parks.
.8 Annual Communication Strategy: That the Division prepare and implement an
annual communications strategy for the purpose of creating broader public
awareness of recreation programming and facilities, to promote healthier lifestyles,
to encourage greater resident participation and to provide educational opportunities
on the importance of parks and open spaces.
.9 Sport Tourism Strategy: That Chatham-Kent pursue the collaborative development
of a sport tourism strategy based on partnerships with Chatham-Kent Tourism,
community sports organizations and the business sector.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
10/19
9
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
.10 Program Directions: That the Division consider the further development and
expansion of programming offered, either through partnerships with other community
organizations or through direct delivery, for the following program areas: information
and development for walking, hiking and cycling trail use; older adult programming;
opportunities for extreme sports; mass participation activities, and municipal-wide
events that support improved health, education and community spirit.
.11 Community Group Governance and Operations Model: That Chatham-Kent
develop a governance and operations model for municipally-owned facilities and
parks as follows: municipal responsibility for recreation venue and facility
maintenance; local clubs and groups to plan and operate recreation programs; staff
represent the Municipality on local governing bodies; and ensuring consistent user
fees for service charges and participation fees charged by the local not-for-profit
organizations.
.12 Community Service Contracts: That Chatham-Kent ensure a current valid contract
exists for the operation of all municipally-owned venues and facilities, and that all
contracts be reviewed and updated to identify benefits and services to be delivered.This reinforces the Municipalitys ultimate responsibility for effective asset
management. All use, scheduling and maintenance undertaken by the not-for-profit
organization needs to conform to the following policy criteria and standards
established by the Municipality:
The contract to identify details regarding capital and annual cost responsibilities
between the parties, how revenues will be generated and shared, and the rates
to be charged; and
The contract to have detailed rates
and performance clauses for both
the Municipality and not-for-profitorganization related to regular
maintenance, scheduling limits, the
variety of permitted uses, and
regular performance review criteria.
.13 Recreation Activity Councils: That
Chatham-Kent continue to support or
form specialized activity councils as a
means to generate community input for
the purpose of better supporting
communications, assessing and
reviewing programs and facilities and
pursuing planning activities that
improve access to community support
services. These activity councils may
include the following focuses: Youth,
Trails, Seniors and Sports.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
11/19
10
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
.14 Community Partnership Fund: That Chatham-Kent sustain the community
partnership funding program for community-based programming, capital and event
investments as a key service delivery and development strategy.
.15 User Fee Policy: That Chatham-Kent undertake a comprehensive assessment and
development strategy related to programs and facility user fees that results in user
fees based on the cost of service delivery; fairness and equity amongst all usergroups; user fee model establishing coverage targets by service area; and staged
implementation of user fee strategies up to five years.
.16 Individual Participant Financial Support: That Chatham-Kent continue its
involvement in providing individual participants financial support to access recreation
programs for its directly delivered services based on: identified benefit of
participation to qualified individuals; a reasonable assessment of the financial or
other limitations that prohibit participation; and selective monitoring of financially
supported participants to ensure engagement and to assess benefits.
.17 Multi-Municipal / Multi-Organizational Approach: That Chatham-Kent pursue
initiatives to maintain and enhance opportunities for multi-municipal and multi-
organizational service delivery with neighbouring municipalities, St. Clair College, the
YMCA, and the not-for-profit organizations by exploring opportunities for a more
integrated service delivery model, implementation that facilitates increased public
accessibility to recreation programs and facilities and improves operational and
capital investment returns for all parties. Where the Municipality makes a significant
capital investment in third party facilities, it needs to ensure that it completes a
Community Access Agreement that facilitates resident accessibility.
.18 Community Use of Schools: That Chatham-Kent continue to explore and develop
strategies and protocols with local school boards that effectively increase community
accessibility to public school sites for recreation programming and sports activitiesas a key support for not-for-profit and municipal directly delivered recreation
services.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
12/19
11
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
.19 New Program or Facility Business Plans: That any new facility or program
initiative or major addition or renovation to existing facilities with a potential capital
cost of greater than $250,000 or annual program operating cost of more than
$50,000 be supported by a comprehensive Business Plan. That the Division direct
the undertaking of Business Plans by seeking broad-based public consultation and
community engagement, along with not-for-profit organization or partner input; and
that the outcomes of the Business Plan, upon finalization and acceptance for a new
venue or facility be incorporated into the ten-year capital budget forecast for the
Municipality.
5 . PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION FACILITIESSERVICE LEVELSThis section recommends the classification, function and provisioning standards for parks;
official plan policies; indoor and outdoor recreation facilities; and resource renewal and
investment directions. These recommendations provide guidance for decisions regarding
parks and recreation lands, facilities and buildings for Chatham-Kent.
.1 Parks and Open Space Framework: That Chatham-Kentadopt a framework for the
establishment, renewal, maintenance and operation of parks and open space lands
based on the following: that a balance of active and passive recreation opportunities
be available; that parks be equally distributed; that parks be well utilized to meet
community needs; that portions of existing parkland be considered for naturalization;
and that community organizations be allowed to maintain and operate parklands
when viable.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
13/19
12
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
.2 Parkland Classification: That Chatham-Kent adopt the following classification of
parks:
Parkettes Small green spaces to be used for commemorative events, passive
rest areas and enhanced urban design.
Neighbourhood Parks primarily park venues to satisfy local neighbourhood
needs and be used for passive, playground and recreational sports activities.
Community Parks larger park venues to serve several neighbourhoods and
be used for passive, playground and house league and competitive sports
activities.
Municipal Parks important outdoor areas that provide large or unique venues
for outdoor events and recreation and competitive sporting activities.
.3 Surplus Parkland: That Chatham-Kent consider the sale of surplus parkette sites
consisting of remnant parcels with limited recreation infrastructure, facilities or
function, and the funds be reinvested in the same community by purchasing or
enlarging existing or planned neighbourhood parks.
.4 Trails Master Plan Integration: That Chatham-Kent integrate the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan and Trails Master Plan through the following directions:
adopt the hierarchy of trails; emphasize connections with parks; local looped trail
systems to be incorporated into community parks; prepare and distribute a
community parks and trails map.
.5 Parks and Open Space Provisioning Levels: Adopt the following parkland
provisioning standards:
Parkettes / Neighbourhood Parks be provided at 1.0 hectare per 1000
population;
Community Parks be provided at 1.0 hectare per 1000 population;
Municipal Parks, including conservation areas, provincial and federal parks and
public open spaces and areas, be provided at 3.0 hectares per 1000 population;
and
Pursue an increase in total park area in the Chatham and Wallaceburg Wards to
3.0 hectares per 1000 population.
.6 Parkland Acquisition Policies: That parkland be acquired through: Planning Act
dedication provisions; evaluating former school sites for purchase; accepting
parkland donations where appropriate; pursuing conservation easements or establish
a land trust for natural heritage areas; and the municipal purchase of land for parks.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
14/19
13
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
.7 Official Plan Policies: That Chatham-Kent amend the Official Plan policies by:
deleting District Parks; adding Parkettes; and changing the name of Regional Parks
to Municipal Parks; that one Neighbourhood Park be required per 5,000 new
residents and one Community Park be required per 15,000 new residents in newly
developing areas; with land to be dedicated at the rate of 5% of developable lands or
one hectare per 300 dwelling units, whichever is greater; continue working with
federal and provincial parks and Conservation Authorities in the delivery of parks and
recreation services on their lands.
.8 Outdoor Facilities Field Framework: That Chatham-Kent adopt the following
framework for outdoor field service levels: Neighbourhood Sports Fields for
recreational level activities; Community Sports Fields for competitive and house
league play; and Municipal Sports Fields for recreation, competitive and sport tourism
uses.
.9 Municipal Sports Venue: That Chatham-Kent develop a Municipal Sports Venue in
a five to ten year time frame located on the edge of Chatham with good access to
Highway 401.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
15/19
14
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
.10 Baseball Fields: That Chatham-Kent continue to maintain the existing baseball fields
where local house leagues for youth and adult programs demonstrate a sustainable
number of participants.
.11 Soccer Fields: That Chatham-Kent maintain the existing number of soccer fields
where local house and competitive leagues for youth and adult demonstrate a
sustainable number of participants and; where an increasing demand for soccer
fields is shown, redeveloping baseball fields to soccer fields be considered.
.12 Outdoor Courts: That Chatham-Kent redevelop and invest in multi-use courts over
the five to ten year horizon; add two new multi-use courts in each of Wallaceburg,
North Kent, South Kent and West Kent Wards to balance the distribution of courts;
and redevelop existing basketball courts into multi-use courts through the lifecycle
renewal process.
.13 Playgrounds, Pavilions and Skateboard Parks: That Chatham-Kent reinvest and
renew outdoor facilities, including playground equipment, picnic pavilions and
skateboard venues on a lifecycle basis, and that Chatham-Kent develop a new
skateboard park in the Chatham Ward.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
16/19
15
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
.14 Arenas: That Chatham-Kent undertake the following investments in arenas in the
next three to ten years:
Invest in existing arena facilities based on energy conservation; accessibility and
equipment maintenance needs;
Replace Memorial and Erickson Arenas with twin ice pads of 85 feet x 200 feet,with seating for 2,000 to 2,500, along with dressing rooms, a heated viewing area
and meeting rooms; a recreational multi-use facility; and walking track;
Funding sources be investigated including reserve funds, fundraising; user fee
surcharges; federal and provincial grant programs;
Investigate redeveloping Erickson Arena as multi-use recreation facility.
.15 Indoor and Outdoor Pools: That Chatham-Kent continue to operate and maintain
Gable Reese and Sydenham Pools, and that the Municipality explore options with the
YMCA to provide lessons and programming for both of the pools as an extension of
the new YMCA in Chatham-Kent; support the YMCAs new pool, ensuring there is
identified public access for lessons, programming and public swim opportunities on a
weekly basis; monitor the rates of activities in terms of lessons, daily bathers and
operating costs for Gable Reese and the Sydenham Pools; and retain existing
outdoor pools in Dresden, Ridgetown, Thamesville and Tilbury.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
17/19
16
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
.16 Splash Pads: That Chatham-Kent develop at least one splash pad in each of the
primary urban centres; Chatham, Wallaceburg, Blenheim, Tilbury, Ridgetown and
Dresden; and replace outdoor pool venues with a splash pad where alternative
indoor pools are available.
.17 Off-Leash Dog Parks: That Chatham-Kent develop two off-leash dog parks in
Chatham and one off-leash dog park in Wallaceburg over the next three to five years.
.18 Multi-Use Facilities Strategies: That Chatham-Kent adopt the following strategies
for multi-use facilities;
Continue to undertake Building Condition Study reports on major facilities every
ten years;
Renewal of multi-use facilities be a preferred alternative over new facilitydevelopment where viable;
Identify the primary urban centres as priority locations for new investment or
renewal in multi-purpose rooms;
Reinvest in multi-purpose rooms that are integrated with other buildings or sites
used for recreational purposes or aligned programming and identified needs;
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
18/19
17
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
have the highest occupancy rates, handicapped accessibility, have received
investments and upgrades in the last five years; have an identified organization
that has demonstrated a sustainable commitment to the ongoing programming,
operation and financial support for the multi-purpose room.
6 . BEACH FRONT AN D SHORELINE STRATEGIESThe following section recommends strategies for beach front and shoreline development and
activities in Chatham-Kent.
.1 Shoreline Ownership: That Chatham-Kentcontinue to retain ownership of its beach
and shoreline properties for public access, with portions of these lands, where
suitable being naturalized; assemble additional shoreline properties along Chatham-
Kent lakes and rivers where it adds to existing municipal ownership and facilitate the
donation of land or the establishment of conservation easements along shorelines for
public access.
.2 Shoreline Facilities: That Chatham-Kent continue to maintain and invest in
convenience, health and safety facilities at waterfront venues; shoreline park facilities
be maintained regularly; and monitor shoreline water quality, posting appropriate
information for users.
.3 Shoreline Programming: That Chatham-Kent promote and support shoreline
venues as destinations for resident participation, community and fundraising events;
and water-based sporting events.
8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan
19/19
18
TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa
sterPlan|4/23/2010
7 . ENERGY UTILIZATION AND CONSERVATION STRATEGIESThe following section recommends strategies for energy utilization and conservative
measures at arenas and pools in Chatham-Kent.
.1 Energy Conservation Best
Practices: That Chatham-
Kent adopt best practice
measures for arenas and
swimming pools to reduce
energy consumption and
increase conservation
measures.
.2 Renewal and
Reinvestment Strategies:
That Chatham-Kent consider
investments in thereplacement of equipment,
motors and related facility
equipment, selecting energy
efficiency components.
.3 Energy Use in New
Construction: That
Chatham-Kent adopt
Leadership In Energy and
Environment Design (LEED),
minimum silver standards or
a similar standard for all newrecreation facility
development.
.4 Renewable Energy
Production: That Chatham-Kentexplore opportunities for electrical energy
production and solar hot water heating with the installation of solar panels or piping
systems on large roof tops of recreation and municipal facilities.