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Agenda - 02-11-2014 - 2
1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 11, 2014 Action Agenda Item No. 2 SUBJECT: Draft Orange County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030 DEPARTMENT: Department of Environment, PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Draft Master Plan David Stancil, 245-2510 Proposed Timetable of Activities PURPOSE: To provide an informal "first look" and receive Board feedback on the draft Orange County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030. BACKGROUND: In July 1988, Orange County adopted its first Recreation and Parks Master Plan (also known as the Parks and Recreation Element of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan). Designed as a 20-year plan, the 1988 plan identified a vision and plan for a parks system in Orange County which included plans for the acquisition and construction of parks and recreation centers at strategic locations around the county. While the County continued to offer recreation programs for County residents, the acquisition and construction of the planned future parks did not begin in earnest until the late-1990's. B and referenda approved by county voters in 1997 and 2001 funded many of the planned improvements and park site acquisitions envisioned in 1988. Most of the parks identified in the 1988 plan have now been constructed or acquired. While the 1988 Master Plan has served the County well, it is now dated and in need of replacement. Many changed conditions now exist, and funding agencies will require a more- current plan for future grant requests. Plans to develop a new master plan for the County's parks and recreation facilities and programs were channeled into the new Orange County Comprehensive Plan 2030, which was adopted by the Board of Commissioners in November 2008. The Comprehensive Plan included a chapter on Parks and Recreation, and foremost among the recommendations in that chapter was the creation of a new master plan to guide the future. After delays due to the economic downturn and other pressing projects, work toward the new Master Plan began in earnest in the spring of 2012. The new master plan process was coordinated by staff with the advice and direction of the Parks and Recreation Council. Funding for a third party to administer a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment (CNA) was provided, and UNC-Greensboro's Department of Community and Therapeutic Recreation was eventually selected as the survey 2 administrator, and also provided issue papers on tourism, economic development and standards. This staff-based approach was envisioned to provide a product with a more-local flavor and at considerably less funding, but it also acknowledged a longer timeframe for completion. As shown in the attached timetable of activities, a Community Needs Assessment survey was conducted in late 2012 and early 2013. Supplemental assessments were also conducted in the spring of 2013, along with a series of topic-oriented focus groups. Staff prepared a draft master plan in the summer and fall of 2013, and has been reviewing a series of drafts with the Parks and Recreation Council for the last four months. Staff involved in this project includes a Master Plan Team comprised of six staff members from DEAPR, and an inter-departmental Staff Resources Group with representatives from a variety of other County departments. The draft Master Plan includes both an inventory and assessment of existing facilities and plans for the future based on surveys, studies and other work. The plan includes sections on: • Overview of existing and past plans • Inventory and assessment of current and planned future facilities • Existing recreation programs and activity • Demographics and other driving factors • A multi-modal Community Needs Assessment and survey results • Linkages to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and other County and related parks plans • Economic, health and environmental impacts of parks and recreation programs • Summary of park standards, classifications, service areas and plan "Findings" • Goals, Objectives and Plan Recommendations • Issues for Further Study In general, the draft 2030 Master Plan focuses on protecting the substantial investment made in parks and recreation facilities in the past 15 years, and moving toward creation of the identified and planned parks acquired but not yet built. By virtue of having a very proactive land acquisition program for parks, the County is well "ahead of the curve" in terms of securing parkland in identified locations. However, important decisions are on the horizon concerning community centers, playing field surfaces, coordination with private and local non-profit organizations, and other matters as noted. At this time staff's interest is in gaining feedback from the Board about the general direction of the plan and issues of importance or significance before the plan is brought back for public hearing and the approval process. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the informal review of this master plan. The plan includes many current (and some new) capital investments for parks and recreation facilities which are contained within the adopted Capital Investment Plan (CIP), as well as likely renovations, repairs and replacement costs, which will be evaluated and considered as part of CIP and budget approval processes each year. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the master plan and provide comment, feedback and direction to staff and the Parks and Recreation Council on possible changes and adjustments to the draft, to be addressed before the Master Plan is taken to public hearing in March. 2014-2030 Parks & Recreation Master Plan Orange County, North Carolina iiAr t � f New County Logo I 4 Orange County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030 Board of County Commissioners Barry Jaoobs, Chair Earl McKee,Vice-Chai r Mark Dorosi n Alice Gordon Bernadette Pelissier Fbnee Price Penny Rch Parks and Recreation Council Neal Bench, Chair Eric Fbeder,V ce-Chai r Joel Bulkley James Carter Denise Dickinson Erin Dillard Allan Green Betty McDade Man Jamie Paulen Tori Williams Fbid Fbbert Fbbinson Staff Master Plan Team(Department of Environment,Agriculture, Parks&Recreation) Marabeth Carr Dan Derby Lynn Hecht Rch Straw Chris3Dusa David Stancil Lori Taft Ardra Webster Beth Young Fenisha Howard,Graduate Intern (UNCMPA) Staff Resources Croup Myra Austin(Department on Aging) Donna Fling(Health Department) Meredith Stewart(Health Department) Brian Carson (Planning and Inspections Department) Perdita Holtz(Planning and Inspections Department) Margaret.bnes(Tax Administration) Laurie Paolicelli (Chapel Hill-Grange CbuntyVisitors Bureau) bonne Smrlett(Economic Development Commission) Michael Talbert(Assistant/Interim County Manager) pecial Thanks to: Dr. Nancy Gadwell and Dr. Erick Byrd, UNGCreensboro;.bhn Stock and Vicky Wilson,Grange County-Sportsplex; Durham Technical Community College 5 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation MOster Plan Table of Contents Chapter1 Executive Summary.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1-1 Chapter 2 Overview of Existing and Previous Plans............................................................................................................................................ 2-1-2-4 Chapter 3 Inventory/Assessment of Facilities..........................................................................................................................................................3-1-3-22 Chapter 4 Recreation Programs and Services.................................................................................................................................................................4-1-4-4 Chapter 5 Demographics and Driving Factors................................................................................................................................................................5-1-5-7 Chapter 6 Community Needs Assessment and Public....................................................................................................................................6-1-6-14 Chapter 7 Linkages with 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Other County Plans.................................................................7-1-7-6 Chapter 8 Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation..........................................8-1-8-10 Chapter 9 What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input.......................................................................................................................................................................................................9-1-9-14 Chapter 10 Goals, Objectives, and Recommendations.............................................................................................................................10-1-10-16 Chapter11 Issues for Further Study........................................................................................................................................................................................11-1-11-6 TOC-1 6 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Moster Plan Table of Contents This page left blank intentionally TOC-2 7 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER I - Executive Summary Executive Summary To be provided. 8 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Mawr Plan CHAPTER I - Executive Summary This page left blank intentionally. 1-2 9 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 2- Overview of Existing and Previous Plans 2 Overview of Existing and Previous Plans A. Master Recreation and Parks Plan Background for Orange County(1988) Orange County and the Towns of Hillsborough, Orange County's Master Recreation and Parks Plan Chapel Hill and Carrboro have made parks and called for dividing the responsibilities for providing recreational facilities an important priority among parks among municipal and county governments, local and County government services. This is exhib- quasi-public, and private entities, with public ited by the strong interest and effort to plan for rec- entities taking on most of the responsibility. The reational amenities in the county. plan recommended cooperation among the County, There are a number of existing and previous plans the two school systems, OWASA, University of North and reports that support the efforts of the parks and Carolina, Duke University, and the municipalities. In recreation programs in Orange County, including the 1988 recreational facilities were mainly being County's initial master plan completed in 1988 and provided by the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, more recent plans completed by the other local while the County focused on providing programs. jurisdictions. Using recreation and parks standards, as well as input from a series of public meetings, the plan } recommended the County concentrate on providing four types of park and recreation facilities: 1. Community parks (serving the more densely populated unincorporated areas); 2. District parks; 3. Greenways;and 4.Swimming pools. d>> Four community parks: 25 acres or more, providing recreation for the entire family, including natural areas and intense recreation such as athletic parks. These parks would serve the more densely populated unincorporated areas Four district parks: 75 acres or more, accessible to the public within a half-hour drive, with the same amenities found in com munity parks as well as an indoor recreation building and a water feature f Two public swimming pools, ideally located at 1 the two county high schools A total of 447 acres of parks was recommended for the county by 2005; 214 acres would come from existing or planned $„®. g p parks supplied by Orange County, Chapel Hill, or Carrboro. A third type of park, the regional or countywide park, was suggest- - K� ed as a possible consideration, but that need was being filled at the time by Eno River State Park and Duke Forest. 2-1 10 Orange Count) Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 2- Overview of Existing and Previous Plans 2 B. Current Municipal Parks and Recreation Master Planstf Carrboro Recreation and Parks Comprehensive Master Plan(2006) The Town of Carrboro has approximately 112 acres ) of parks and recreation facilities and approximately }r, three miles of bike paths and greenways. Carrboro's Recreation and Parks Comprehensive Master Plan , •-" emphasizes partnering with Chapel Hill and Orange { County to help meet the needs of its residents. Homestead Pool, Southern Community Park, and the planned Twin Creek Park are examples of facili- ties Carrboro residents are likely to use. Carrboro �^'�-,•��, plans to acquire land to construct additional green- o way trail and bikeway facilities. Carrboro will focus , on the Bolin Creek and Morgan Creek corridors for greenway trail construction, connecting with Hillsborough Recreation and Parks segments developed in Chapel Hill. Carrboro aims to Master Plan(2009) link its planned trail system to a broader network of The Town of Hillsborough owns over 65 acres of greenways in the Triangle region. community and neighborhood parks and has over 15 additional acres of parks proposed. Another four miles of greenway trails are planned. Hillsborough does not have a parks and recreation department. x The volunteer Parks and Recreation Board makes decisions concerning its town-owned parks. The Planning and Public Works departments work together to maintain parks and recreation r ' CARRRORo COMMUNITY _ 4TH of July ` resources. s .. The Town's Parks and Recreation Board updated Hillsborough's Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2006. This update included a revised inventory of existing and proposed resources, an updated needs assessment and new recommendations for the plan- ning of recreation facilities and resources. In September 2009, another master plan update was undertaken, which took into account additional recreational resources that were created since 2007, amended and additional park districts that were created, updated demographic information, and progress made with local and regional partnerships. M � � �t, >', ; The Parks and Recreation Board strives to revisit the master plan annually to make updates and recommendations. 2-2 11 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 2- Overview of Existing and Previous Plans 2 Chapel Hill Comprehensive Park Plan (2013) The Town of Chapel Hill has a park system that includes 14 parks on over 247 acres of developed property and 833 acres of additional public open space. Many of the parks and open spaces are connected through the Town's greenway system, which includes 13.4 miles of greenway and natural ��° . surface trails. The Town provides a wide variety of indoor recreational facilities including gymnasiums, recreation centers, indoor aquatic facilities, and an arts center. Chapel Hill updated its Comprehensive Park Plan in May 2013. The park master plan provides a 10-year vision (2013 —2022), and includes a comprehensive Mebane Recreation and Parks Master Plan inventory, an assessment of its current park system, (anticipated 2014) the results of a community survey, a description of The City of Mebane is in the process of developing future needs for park acreage and recreation its first recreation and parks comprehensive master facilities, and how the Town could interface with the plan, which is expected to be completed in 2014. other recreational providers in the community. The Town will inventory Mebane's existing parks '# IE and recreational facilities (as well as what Alamance County and local private groups offer), and deter- mine see what improvements need to be made to t n expand current facilities and develop new ones during the next 10 years. Current park facilities include a soccer complex, athletic fields, and tennis m courts. Lake Michael is a 200-acre park located just east of town limits that features boating, fishing, picnic shelters,and hiking trails. - - The mission of the Mebane Recreation and Parks - Department is to provide the best recreation and park services for its residents. Its goals are to pre- serve open space, provide quality leisure services, maintain park facilities, and provide programs for all Chapel Hill Greenway Master Plan(2013) residents. In addition to its athletic programs (e.g., Chapel Hill's Greenway Master Plan prioritizes football, baseball, softball, basketball,volleyball)the greenway section development and emphasizes department offers a variety of recreation activities regional connections in order to grow an intercon- including exercise classes, Sports Hall of Fame Gala, nected network of greenways beyond Town limits. Easter Rock Hunt, "Santa's Arrival in Mebane", and The plan projects an eventual trail program that will the Winter Wonderland Craft Show. The require construction of over 28 miles of both un- department also assists with the Dogwood Festival, paved and paved trails to be used for recreation and and sponsors the 4th of July Family Music Festival, transportation, and lists priorities for completing Christmas Parade, Mebane Farmers Market and planned trail segments over the next 20 years. several live music concerts. 2-3 s 12 Drat?ge Co-!;vj, -c Par- s ailcl Pec.-eat!o,r vlaste;.P.?a,. CHAPTER 2- Overvievt of Existing anti Ptevi,Oars Pens The following is a list of other plans and reports completed during the past 20 years that support the parks and recreation programs in Orange County. • 1991 New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan • 1993 New Hope Corridor Master Plan Proposal Linking Duke Forest and Eno River State Park • 1996 Report of Orange County's Recreation and Parks Work Group • 1996 Payment in Lieu/Dedication Legislation and Report • 1997 Report on Coordination of Recreation and Parks Services • 1999 Joint Master Recreation and Parks Work Group Report • 2000 A Lands Legacy Program for Orange County • 2000 Joint Capital Funding for Parks Report • 2001 A New Era for Parks • 2005 Recreation and Parks Strategic Operations • 2006 Carrboro Recreation and Parks Comprehensive Master Plan • 2009 Hillsborough Recreation and Parks Master Plan • 2013 Chapel Hill Comprehensive Park Plan and Greenway Master Plan A brief summary of each document and its recommendations is provided in Appendix 2-1. 2-4 r 13 Orange County Coinprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3 -Park Inventory/Assessment Park Inventory and Assessment Introduction: Orange County residents and visitors have benefitted from bond referenda approved by voters in 1997 and 2001. These bonds provided $23 million for the purchase and preservation of land and the devel- opment of Parks, Recreation and Open Space facilities. Of this, $13.5 million was dedicated to use within Or- ange County jurisdiction. The remainder was provided for the municipalities. More than $2 million in grant funding has been received for Orange County and partner projects, and additional millions of dollars in fund- ing from alternative sources have also been used. Between 2000 and 2011 the majority of this funding has been put to use in the purchase of property and the development of the properties identified on the map and described within this chapter. Efland-Cheeks and Central Recreation community centers were already in place, but improvements and expansions were made to the facilities. Currently more than 1,500 acres of publicly-held and protected land is included within the Orange County park and preserve inventory. More than one million people are welcomed each year into Orange County Parks and Recreation facilities. 1 mss" 157 fr' Cedar Grove Park it and future ComnunityrCenter Little River Regional Park I Future Northeast FutureUcGowan_ �✓ District Park Ellan -Cheeks Park Creek Preserve f and mmunity Center Falrview / yY► Park (fj ' To j t Central Recreali on AAEBAN �` River Park ruros port H/LLSB, 0 GH Sportplex Soccercenter - OA ` future Seven �0 We Creek Preserve , f / °� � DU AU Future Blackwood f Farm Park Future t Future iithouse Hollow Rock_ Road rk Access Area Future Roger's Rd. Future Twin ornm on!ty Center Creeks Park HAPEL H Jones Creek G reenway Y5 CARRSOR �+ Orange County Parks and Preserves 501 ;f 3-1 14 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3- Park Inventory/Assessment/Existing Park 3 Cedar Grove Park-5800 NC 86N,Cedar Grove r i {�g4 i\ j+x I l I I �w Ri a t Size: Funding for Phase 1: Land Area:60 Acres $1,200,000 County Open Space Bonds; Existing Structures: $500,000 NC Parks & Recreation Trust Fund • Former School:30,000 sq.ft. $148,000 County"Payment-in-Lieu" Funds • Picnic Shelter with Restrooms: 1,560 sq.ft. Types of Programs Offered: • Maintenance Shed:860 sq.ft. • Baseball Leagues/practices and games Overview: • Soft Ball Leagues/practices and games Orange County's 1988 Master Recreation and Parks Plan envi- • T-Ball Leagues/practices and games sioned a future park co-located with the County's Northern • Softball Tournaments Human Services Center on NC 86. The Center was built in the • Baseball Tournaments 1950s as the Cedar Grove School for African-American Reserved Facilities or Uses: children, but when the school closed in 1976 it was converted Picnic Shelter to a County facility. A baseball/softball field was constructed . Playing Fields in the 1980s for County recreation programs, and other programs took place in the building's gymnasium and class- Special Features and Amenities: rooms. In 2001, Orange County voters approved a Parks and • 2 Lighted Adult Ball Fields Open Space bond that included $1,200,000 for enlarging the • 1 Multi-Purpose/Youth Ball Field park. A park master plan was adopted in 2005 and Phase 1 of • 2 Lighted Basketball Courts the park opened in April 2009. • 2 Playgrounds Location/Users: • Picnic Shelter with Restrooms . Paved, Lighted Walking Track(1/3 mile) Located in a rural area six miles north of Hillsborough, Cedar • Fishing Areas Gove Park attracts baseball and softball teams from around • Hiking Trails (2 miles) the region as well as day users from the nearby communities of Cedar Grove, Carr,Schley, and Caldwell. Annual visitors: 35,000—40,000 3-2 15 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3- Park Inventory/Assessment/Existing Park 3 Cedar Grove Park-5800 NC 86N,Cedar Grove 1Y.1 I t , E6 I 1 General Conditions and Adequacy for Intended Purpose and Uses: •The park requires and receives a moderate level of maintenance by onsite staff. • Some programs and facilities desired by the community could be developed with the completion of Phase 2, and the new Community center. Planned Future Phase: Phase 2 of the Park as will include additional features and amenities: -' TU " Y • 1 Adult Ball Field • 2 Tennis Courts - . 2 Picnic Shelters • Extended Drive/Additional Parking • Restroom Facility � � nE4, o Additional Notes: p ; The former school is scheduled for upgrades. Currently a small gym, catering kitchen and meeting room,along with storage and an office are housed within. The renovated center proposal includes some of the same amenities, as well as an Internet Cafe, Multi-media ""'?`' ..j-- room, Recreation room and Conference room. . 3-3 16 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3-Park Inventory/Assessment/Existing Park 3 Efland-Cheeks Community-School Park- 117 Richmond Road, Efland Size: Land Area:27 Acres Existing Structures: • Large Picnic Shelter:2,080 sq.ft. • Small Picnic Shelter: 600 sq.ft. • Community Center: 3,400 sq.ft. Funding for Phase 1: $861,000 1996 Parks Bond Funding for Phase 2: $250,000 2001 Parks Bond Special Features and Amenities: F# - 1 Lighted Adult Multi-purpose Field 1 Youth Ball Field '" • 2 Lighted Basketball Courts t • 1 Playground • 2 Picnic Shelters y1 • Paved, Lighted Walking Track (1/3 mile) Types of Programs Offered: 1 • Baseball,Softball and T-Ball Leagues/practices and games r, • Summer Camps • School Classes and Activities , •, • Football Practices and Games, Soccer pick-up play • Indoor Classes and Programs, Special Events Reserved Facilities or Uses: • Picnic Shelter • Playing Fieldsi • Community Center Rooms Overview: The Efland-Cheeks Community-School Park campus was developed in phases between 1991 and 2006. The elementary school was constructed in the late 1950s and expanded in the 1970s. Following the purchase of an adjacent parcel the Community Center was constructed in 1992. Phase 1 of the new park was completed in 2000, and consisted of a multi-purpose playing field, paved walking track, picnic shelter, two lighted basketball courts, and parking areas. Phase 2 was completed in 2006 with a playground, small picnic shelter, lighting for the ball field, and additional parking. Since then County staff developed a walking trail through the adjacent woodlands and a youth ball field north of the school. Location/Users: Efland-Cheeks Community—School Park is located adjacent to Efland-Cheeks Elementary School in a rural area six miles west of the Town of Hillsborough. The park is heavily used by the school and attracts mainly day users from the Efland, Mebane, Buckhorn,Cheeks and Hillsborough communities. 3-4 17 Orange Cozrnty Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3-Park Inventory j Assessment/Existing Park 3 Efland-Cheeks Community-School Park- 117 Richmond Road, Efland -- ��-----ter., cI Zug . is j Mal - Adopted Master Plan General Conditions and Adequacy for Intended Purpose and Uses: • The park requires a moderate level of maintenance from a mobile crew. ' 4 • Structures are frequently subject to moderate to high levels of vandalism. = e • Increased programming and staff presence at the community center are in the development process, as ` requested by leadership within the community. a � i Potential for Expansion: - • There has been some recent interest among officials in expansion of the community center. IJ { + r r 3-5 18 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3- Park Inventory/Assessment/Existing Park 3 Eurosport Soccer Center-4701 West Ten Road, Efland Size:Land Area: 34 Acres Existing Structures: • Concession Stand with Restrooms; Offices and Garage:3,280 sq. ft. • Shade Shelter:792 sq.ft. Funding for Phase 1: $2,267,000 Alternative financing $1,350,000 2001 Soccer Superfund Bonds $350,000 2004 2/3 Debt Reduction Bonds $50,000 US Soccer Foundation Grant Special Features and Amenities: = , °� • 5 Full Size Soccer Fields(360'x 225') " „ f • 1 Youth field (120'x 240') 4 �w •, • Paved Walking Track(1/2 mile) f 1 Shade Shelter x t �s 1 Concession Stand with Restrooms �s a • 'F X _ Types of Programs Offered: Soccer tournament venue, leagues, camps,games and practices Ultimate Frisbee Tournament venue Tournaments hosted: CASL Carolina Classic Boys and Girls Soccer Showcase '�.w • RBC Classic v • National 3 v 3 Live! �� y�j • UNC/Duke National MBA Tournament �, � � • Spring and Fall Rec Fests • NCSA Adult Amateur Tournament • Southeast Regional 3 v 3 Live! • TFDA Ultimate Frisbee Tournament • USA Women's' Ultimate Frisbee Tournament Overview: Annual Visitors: 65,000-70,000 This special facility was conceived and designed to accommodate the growing need for soccer fields in Orange County.A master plan was prepared in 2004 when an opportunity arose during the planning for the adjacent middle school. Planning and pre-construction for a co-located park and school took place during 2005 and 2006. Funding to complete the project was authorized by the Board of County Commissioners in Spring 2007. Construction was completed with funding assistance from Sports Endeavors, Inc. in exchange for naming rights. The Eurosport Soccer Center opened in August 2009, and since then has been embraced by community soccer players and regional tournament organizers alike. Location/Users: Eurosport Soccer Center is centrally located off 1-85 in the western part of the county adjacent to the Gravelly Hill Middle School. The Center hosts many regional and national tournaments, while also serving as a home base for local youth and adult clubs. *Eurosport is a subsidiary of Sports Endeavors,Inc.,headquartered in Hillsborough,NC 3-6 r• , 19 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3- Park Inventory/Assessment/ Existing Park 3 Eurosport Soccer Center-4701 West Ten Road, Efland fig L=j L=j till 111111 JILIW 11111111 uIllillill UWffiWUWMWMMLLLLD t .. i ' I i iru,uporl saccerCcnlcr t `y Adopted Master Plan General Conditions and Adequacy for Intended Potential for Expansion: Purpose and Uses: • There has been some recent interest in expansion • The Soccer Center requires and receives a high of the Soccer Center. level of maintenance by onsite staff • Regular demand for and use of the fields is beyond normal best management practices for Bermuda grass surfaces. • Additional fields and support facilities, as well as artificial surfaces, would address programming and usage needs. Planned Future Phase: , Phase 2 of the Park includes the following additional features and amenities: • 6 Tennis Courts • Play Area 3-7 , f 20 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3-Park Inventory/Assessment/Existing Park 3 Fairview Park-195 Torain Street, Hillsborough Size: Land Area:50 Acres E Existing Structures: • Picnic Shelter with Restrooms: 1,560 sq.ft. Funding for Phase 1: $850,000 County Open Space Bonds $500,000 NC Parks&Recreation Trust Fund $175,023 County"Payment-in-Lieu"funds Special Features and Amenities: • 1 Lighted,Adult Ball Field • 3 Lighted Tennis Courts • 2 Lighted Basketball Courts • 2 Playgrounds • 1 Volleyball Court • 2 Horseshoe Pits ,:. �� i • Picnic Shelter with Restrooms Paved, lighted Walking Track(1/4 mile) Picnic Area RQ-- Types of Programs Offered: t - ' • Softball and baseball games and practices P * • Summer camps Instructional tennis programs �"'; s '` e • Special events such as Fairview Live! and Fairview Forward ',tra. " • Shelter reservations for reunions, birthday I! parties and holiday events x i � 2. FAIRVIEW LIB' w Par k' .,rp ADiy In The Overview: Fairview Community Park was developed as a partnership between the County and the Town of Hillsborough. The original idea for the park was conceived in 1983 when Orange County acquired the land as part of a Northern Fairview Community Redevelopment project. A conceptual plan for a community park was completed in 1986 and was included in the County's 1988 Master Recreation and Parks Plan. Orange County developed a picnic area, playground and parking in 1990, but further construction was halted when a series of severe storms struck the area and portions of the property were used for the storage of storm debris and yard waste. The Fairview Public Campus Master Plan Committee developed a master plan in 2005. Park construction began in late 2009 and the new Fairview Park opened in June of 2011. Location/ Users: Located in the Fairview Community within the Town of Hillsborough. Fairview Park attracts mainly day users from the adjacent community. 3-8 1 � 21 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3- Park Inventory/Assessment/Existing Park 3 Fairview Park-195 Torain Street, Hillsborough 4, ys " J r i I A. I � I ; I 1 O mom Adopted 0 1 Master Plan General Conditions and Adequacy for Intended Additional Notes: Purpose and Uses: • Fairview Park is located on property adjacent to • The park requires a moderate level of the Hillsborough Police Substation and the Orange maintenance by a mobile crew. County Public Works properties. • Structures are frequently subject to moderate to . Fairview is a gated park. high levels of vandalism. • The Fairview Community • Some of the special events are larger than antici- Watch is active in park pated and would benefit from additional parking. activities and events. Future Phase: Phase 2 of the Park will include additional features and amenities: • Additional Driveway and Parking : • Natural Surface Trails i • A picnic shelter near the meadow 3-9 22 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3-Park Inventory/Assessment/Existing Park 3 Little River Regional Park-301 Little River Park Way, Rougemont Size: Land Area: 391 Acres Existing Structures: • Large Picnic Shelter: 1,800 sq. ft. • Small Picnic Shelter:800 sq.ft. ` Restrooms: 560 sq.ft. �f/'<. Park Office:900 sq.ft. yo " Maintenance Shed:360 sq.ft. �s r f . Caretaker House: 1,980 sq.ft. Historic Farm House: 1,400 sq.ft. Funding for Phase 1: $370,000 NC Clean Water Mgmt.Trust Fund $262,000 Land&Water Conservation Fund )` $250,000 NC Parks&Recreation Trust Fund $ 50,000 NC Recreation Trails Grant Program $170,000 Triangle Land Conservancy and Eno River Association (joint campaign) Special Features and Amenities: • Large Open Field • Picnic Shelters (2)and Restrooms • Playground • Walking Track(1/4 mile, paved) • Hiking Trails (7 miles) • Bike Trails (7 miles,single track) • Birding Trail • Butterfly Garden • Group Campsite Types of Programs Offered: • Environmental • Running and Biking Events $�C Annual Visitors: 35,000-40,000 Overview: The Little River Regional Park and Natural Area was established through a unique partnership that resulted in the protection of 391 acres with abundant natural and cultural resources. The park provides a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting much of the natural and rural character of the land. The park is owned jointly by Durham and Orange counties, with portions of the property situated in both jurisdic- tions. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area by hiking and biking over 14 miles of trails built by volunteers and staff. Several historic structures from the former tobacco farm have been restored for use as park amenities, including a corn crib, pack house, and 1,000-stick flue-cured tobacco barn. Since the park opened in December 2004 the annual visitation has increased from 24,000 to 35,000. The park hosts the annual Little River Trail Run (7K and 10-mile races),as well as astronomy nights, bird counts, and a wide variety of environmental programs. Location/Users: Little River Regional Park and Natural Area straddles the Orange/Durham county line and is located approxi- mately 12 miles northwest of the City of Durham and 10 miles northeast of Hillsborough. A park user survey conducted in 2012 found that 53%of the visitors came from Durham County and 46%from Orange County. 3-10 23 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3-Park Inventory/Assessment J Existing Park Little River Regional Park-301 Little River Park Way, Rougemont RRa.: r „ _ 1 ,p/ �— _.___------• i i F L....... _.- . .I:� tip! �? • . i� General Conditions and Adequacy for Intended . — Purpose and Uses: = • The park requires and receives a high level of maintenance by onsite staff. Potential for Expansion: t� • Additional Parking • Additional Trails r • Updated Play Structure Additional Notes: • Little River Park is a gated facility. • A caretaker who assists with park operations resides in a house within the park. 3-11 r � 24 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3-Park Inventory/Assessment/Existing Park 3 River Park- 144 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough Size:Land Area: 16.3 Acres Existing Structures: • Picnic Shelter:3,800 sq.ft. (Other County facilities are located adjacent to this site.) tu� — Funding for Phase 1: $250,000 in County General Funds A Y and Federal Grant Funds Special Features and Amenities: ` • Picnic Shelter/Farmers' Market • 2 Open Fields • Paved Walking Trail (part of Hillsborough's Riverwalk and NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail) • Restrooms(available in nearby County facilities) Events held here: • Hillsborough Hogg Day B• • Easter Egg Hunt • Earth Fair • Earth Evening • Farmers' Market • Movie in the Park Overview: River Park has long been a gathering site for public activities and special events in the heart of Hillsborough. The park is bordered by Churton Street to the west,the Eno River and Hillsborough's "Riverwalk"to the south, the Orange County Link Center and Annex to the east; and the Orange County Justice Facilities to the north. River Park features a Farmer's Market Pavilion, restrooms, parking, paved and natural surface trails,two open play fields, an Occoneechee Village exhibition, and the Stillhouse Creek restoration area. The park hosts the Eno River Farmers' Market (Saturdays), the annual Hillsborough "Hogg Day," and Orange County Earth Day events. It has also been the site for the Orange County Jazz Festival and many Easter Egg Hunt festivities. The Riverwalk(also part of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail) links River Park to many interesting natural and cultural sites located to the west and east of this location. Location/Users: River Park is located in downtown Hillsborough. Although centrally located for Hillsborough residents the park is used by a wide variety of county residents who attend the many different events held here. 3-12 } 25 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3- Park Inventory/Assessment f Existing Park 3 River Park- 144 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough x, Fp;4 r } � 4 � r I I j i 1 I � General Conditions and Adequacy for Intended Purpose and Uses: • The park requires and receives a moderate level of maintenance by a mobile crew. Future Phase: Phase 2 of the Park is expected to include these additional features and amenities: • Event/Performance Gazebo f • Fencing improvements • Bridge and Trail improvements Additional Notes: • Planning is underway for a crosswalk/sidewalk connector from ° the west side of Churton Street into the park. 3-13 M t 26 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3- Park Inventory/Assessment/ Recreation Facility 3 Central Recreation Center& Park-300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough Size: Land Area:6.75 Acres fr. Existing Structures: • Recreation Center; 19,000 sq.ft. Types of Programs Offered: • Basketball and volleyball youth and adult leagues,instructional programs and camps ' • Drop-in Basketball,walking and badminton • Music,Art, Cooking and Science Programs • Exercise Programs • Summer Camps t • Special Events Reserved Facilities or Uses: • Gymnasium - • Multi-Purpose Field ec Central ec • Activity Rooms Rre ati ati r on by �' . Building E� Special Features and County : Amenities: offices: County- ` . 1 Multi-Purpose Field I � Offices - -' ,� ,_ • 2 Activity Rooms • Recreation Offices 1 Gymnasium ut fit. a • 1 Playground Overview: Formerly part of historic Hillsborough High School, the gym building i (or "annex") was built in 1957 as an additional amenity to the adjacent school ! .4 building. Orange County purchased the entire parcel following the opening of the new Orange High School in 1963. Central Recreation Center was dedicated to Recreation and Parks and opened in 1975. In 2002 the building underwent renovations including HVAC upgrades, new flooring and paint. During the 2005- p 2008 period, upgrades were made to some offices and the restrooms. The win- ; dows and exterior doors were replaced, and other improvements were made. Central Recreation Center hosts over 4,000 participants annually in over 160 recreation programs. In 2012 47 activity reservations were made b p g y y groups and individuals within the community,with an estimated 2,050 attendees. General Conditions and Adequacy for Intended Purpose and Uses: • The Center requires and receives a high level of maintenancep* � • The gym and activity rooms are fully scheduled with activities and - programs 7 days per week. An additional, centrally-located gym or activity space would benefit the community and reduce wait = listing frequency. . Potential for Expansion/Improvements: • Bleacher replacements • Elevator replacement • Office and Lobby upgrades 3-14 27 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3- Parks and Recreation Inventory/Assessment/ Recreation Facility 3 Proposed Cedar Grove Community Center-5800 NC 86N, Cedar Grove (Former Cedar Grove School) i I 4SF `Parks a Rec Recreation Room Otc S Storage 51 0ccup 235 SF 751 SF - Ht ile —5{.. \ 6011E Rel 73tor !. �T - t 21 Ow* 304 SF Toile i Kitchen 371 SF 1. Internet Cale -� iNwurKMx bi I. n' I 480ccupants 707 SF - H . 1 MEN Large Group 90 occupants i E 1.349 SF WOMEN I Small Groupf t4s� Quiet a nts 1AS SF 1T4ocv4m* 35 Occupants 517 SF { {7+ I j ! i i •i 1111 Proposed Floor Plan Size: Existing School:32,000 sq.ft.* ) 'f Proposed Community Center:approx. 10,000 sq.ft. * It Includes: Multi-Purpose Room/Small Gym:3,364 sq.ft. Meeting Rooms:4,724 sq.ft. Kitchen:371 sq.ft. Offices:392 sq.ft. 71 *Approx. 22,000 sq. ft. of existing facility is planned to be minimally renovated to preserve the facility for future use/renovation. In 2013 the Northern Human Services Center-Community Center Work Group, consisting of citizens who vol- unteered,were charged by the County Commissioners to work with staff and consulting architects to provide recommendations on renovation and reuse of the former center that would best serve the residents of Orange County. The Board asked that the recommendations include, but not be limited to: • Recognition of the rich cultural and historical significance of the former Cedar Grove School; • The content of past public input for the facility, and public comment during the Work Group's duration; • The previous Board of County Commissioner decisions regarding the deconstruction of the classroom wings and the adaptive re-use renovation to yield an estimated 10,000 square foot community center facility on the site within a Capital Investment Plan project budget of$2,250,000; • Physical and operational limitations to the site and the property, to include but not be limited to sanitary sewer constraints that govern the intensity of use for the facility in a manner consistent with a community center use. Planning is underway and construction is expected to begin in 2014 with the center opening in 2015. 3-15 28 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3- Parks and Recreation Inventory/Assessment/Recreation Facility 3 Efland Cheeks Community Center-117 Richmond Rd., Efland . r Size: Total Facility: 2,600 sq.ft. Multi-Purpose Room: 1,200 sq.ft. Game Room: 160 sq.ft. _ Kitchen: 100 sq.ft. Offices: 180 sq.ft. �* Computer Lab: 130 sq.ft. The Efland Cheeks Community Center was constructed and opened in 1992, before much of the park around it was completed. The Center housed a senior nutrition and activity site, community based grant offices as well as recreation programs and events for many years. Once the new Central Orange Senior Center was completed in Hillsborough,senior nutrition and programming was all centralized at that location. In 2013, renovations and reorganization occurred, which are providing the opportunity for revitalization of the center. Beginning in the fall of 2013, drop in use was scheduled at no cost for Orange County residents throughout the week. Computers are set up with internet access, games and activities are available for children, adults and seniors. Future Rogers Rd. Community Center—Purefoy Dr., Chapel Hill i i In 2012 a multi-jurisdictional task force was formed and asked to investigate a contractual agreement with Habitat for Humanity to construct a Rogers Road Neighborhood Community Center that would serve the residents of the Rogers Road Neighborhood. The center would be owned by Habitat and leased to Rogers Eubanks Neighborhood g Association (RENA) for$1 per year. The property selected for the center is located on Purefoy Dr. and owned by Or- ange County. Chapel Hill and Carrboro are also involved as partners in the project. " , In 2013 a contractual agreement was reached which pro- vided for operation and use of the new center by RENA. Plans and construction drawings are currently under devel- opment for the center. The planned center includes `{* ° � Rogers Road Com- classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, a library/computer munity center room, a food bank, and full kitchen as well as office and -� Parces(saacres) storage space. Construction is expected to begin in 2014. 3-16 29 Orange Cozinty Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3-Park Inventory/Assessment/Recreation Facility Orange County SportsPlex-101 Meadowlands Drive, Hillsborough Size: Land Area: 18.3 Acres Existing Structures: • Fitness Center; 80,900 sq.ft. Types of Programs Offered: Ice Skating Hockey '' ti; r: rg ,,, :,' f, '"`. • Swimming fi • Exercise classes r � • Summer Camp Programs • After School Care • Strengt h and Cardio Training Reserved Facilities or Uses: w �- SerorCentetR , • Ice Rink ' � r * `"' • Pools ' > • Activity Rooms Special Features and Amenities: • Competition Pool r • Recreational Pool (ADA) ~'► • Baby Pool • Ice Arena • Fitness Center • Concession Stand • Senior Center(adjacent) • Swim, Fitness, Hockey/Skating Retail Overview: The Orange County (Triangle) SportsPlex is one of North Annual Visitors: 500,000 Carolina's largest recreational facilities. With 90,000 square feet of space, the SportsPlex is one of only two facilities in the United States II q� to offer an ice arena, aquatics center, and fitness center all under one roof. SportsPlex is operated for the County by Recreation Partners, Inc., under a contractual agreement. The County's Central Orange Senior Center is located adjacent to the SportsPlex, providing conven- ient access for senior citizens. General Conditions and Adequacy for Intended Purpose and Uses: • The facility has undergone renovations and added spaces and rooms for additional programs and activities. MLL a ;. • The facility is serving record-high numbers of members and patrons, .k - with a high level of service and expanded program offerings. Future Phases: Substantial upgrades are planned, in three phases over the next 5 t years, to add mezzanine fitness, an indoor „ ; ?s u u rat.� turf field, and a basketball court. These N° improvements will primarily be funded by increased revenues. Additional land for parking and other uses has been approved �- µwa for acquisition in 2014. � "�, 1 3-17 30 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 3 CHAPTER 3-Park Inventory/Assessment/Future Master Planned Park Existing Jones Creek Greenway& Future Twin Creeks* Park-7906 Old NC 86, Chapel Hill Size: Land Area: 193 Ac Existing Structures: Adopted Master Plan • Farm House: 2,095 sq.ft. • Large Barn:5,000 sq.ft. _- • Smoke House: 268 sq.ft. • Milk House: 174 sq.ft. Future School • Tenant House: 172 sq.ft. Facility Site _ • Chicken House: 196 sq.ft. • Granary: 1,400 sq.ft. — — Current Facilities: Jones Creek __ Greenway:3/4 mile portion ` Planned Facilities Include: Facility Site Future School o 4 Lighted, Full-size Soccer Fields • 2 Lighted Baseball/Softball Fields • 4 Lighted Tennis Courts • 4 Lighted Basketball Courts • 4 Picnic Shelters 'i i `;--- --- ��'(� r • 4 Lighted Volleyball Courts rit CC • 3 Play Areas — • 1 Spray Play Area r---ter---� I • 1 Lighted Roller Hockey Rink i1 1 I 11 I d 2 Bocce Courts -- _—i_— . 3 Horseshoe Pits r� • 1 Croquet Area Priorities of the Master Plan Include: • Hiking Trails • Provide a mix of low-impact and active recreational opportunities • Concession Stand/Restrooms • Parks Base/Office • Rehabilitate the historic farmstead buildings . Reuse of Existing Farmstead • Preserve natural resources . Meadow with trails and pond • Retain the scenic vistas Location and proximity to the greatest number of users: This property is a 193-acre parcel on Old Highway 86, north of the town of Carrboro. It was acquired with voter -approved bond funds in 2001 for use as an educational campus of multiple schools for the Chapel Hill- Carrboro City School system and one of four district parks to be developed by Orange County. The planned park is a balance of active and low-impact recreation. The educational campus provides for an elementary School (Morris Grove Elementary School completed 2008), a middle school and a third (undetermined)facility. In 2009, the Orange County BOCC voted in favor of revising the Twin Creeks Master plan to include a .75-mile greenway running from the Morris Grove Elementary School to the southern boundary of the County's proper- ty. It was completed in 2011, and is now part of the Jones Creek Greenway. Types of programs anticipated: When completed,this park is expected to host numerous events Y: and activities of all types. Anticipated Cost: $15,000,000 *Also named"Moniese Nomp",which means"Twin Creeks"in the Tutelo-Saponl language;to honor the Occoneechee Native Americans who lived in this area before European settlement.It is pronounced mo-nee-ay-say-nom-p. 4 3-18 K 31 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3- Park Inventory/Assessment/Future Master Planned Park Future Blackwood Farm Park-4215 NC 86S, Hillsborough Size: Land Area: 152 Acres Existing Structures: �+ _"-�"" • ca.1827 Farm House: 1700 sq.ft. • Chicken House: 288 sq.ft. ' '' Smoke House: 264 sq.ft. 1 U' f' ; _ ; • Corncrib:256 sq.ft. Large Barn:3,540 sq.ft. Milk House: 294 sq.ft. - 520 s ft. - Milking Shed: g q• 1 } - ` • Garage:792 sq.ft. Planned Facilities Included: l ( • Environmental Learning Center 1 i • Sustainable design for the property • Reuse of the farmstead • Agricultural demonstration areas + • Picnic Shelters y i; • Amphitheatre ' • Community Gardens r` t r" �' • Playground • Fishing Dock Hiking Trails&interpretive signage Potential Bike Trails • Informal multi-purpose field Overview: • Scenic Overlook This property was purchased by Orange County in 2001 through its • New entrance and parking area Lands Legacy program. The former Blackwood family farm was . Parks Operations Base and Office acquired to protect this historic and scenic property for a future park in the New Hope/University Station area, consistent with the Coun- ty's 1988 Recreation and Parks Master Plan. A master plan was • Rehabilitate the historic farmstead developed by 14-member committee for a park that will feature low- • Preservation of agricultural heritage impact recreation areas (trails, picnic areas) and retain the natural, • Preservation of natural resources scenic, agricultural and historic character of the former farm. The master plan was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in March 2011. Location and proximity to potential users: The future park is located at the intersection of NC 86 and New Hope Church Road, midway between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill. It is also located in close proximity to New Hope Elementary School, Stanback ' Middle School, and the Orange County Campus of Durham Technical ' Community College. Types of programs anticipated: The proposed master plan takes a low-impact approach to address recreation, and to protect the agricultural heritage, historic resources, scenic vistas and opportunities for environmental educa- A tion at the site. Anticipated Cost:$5,800,000 " 3-19 Y 32 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3-Park inventory J Assessment/Future Master Planned Park 3 Future Hollow Rock Access Area -Pickett Road, Durham Ji j /JJ � to 1 Size: Land Area:75 Acres Existing Structures: ! f J • Equipment Shed:2,000 sq.ft. rj f I Special Features and Amenities: ` o � • New Hope Creek • Hanging Rock k 1 • Open Field p • Natural and Historical Heritage s • Trails (2 miles plus connecting �°� offsite trails) F Adopted Overview: Master Plan This 75-acre preserve serves as a northern access point and major trail head to the New Hope Creek open space corridor, a multi-jurisdictional effort of the City of Durham, Durham County, Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill.The trail system will link to public trails in Duke Forest, located adjacent to this site. All four jurisdic- tions participated in the purchase of the property, and private donations added more than $225,000, demon- strating the public's interest for this area to be preserved and developed as a trail access. The property is already highly used with informal trails, posing risk issues since the site cannot be opened and managed for public use until the installation of parking, signs, and bridges. In late 2013 the site was awarded a$200,000 RTP (Recreational Trail Program) Grant along with Durham and Orange County each pledging $ 25,000 in matching funds to construct four bridges,a parking area and install some signage. Construction is anticipated in 2015. Location and proximity to the greatest number of users: Ideally situated along the border of Orange and Durham counties, m within 7 miles of Chapel Hill and 6 miles of downtown Durham. Types of programs anticipated: Environmental and Historical Heritage education. Anticipated Cost:(Including Durham County's contribution) Phase 1: $384,000(Entrance Drive, Parking Area, Bridges,Signage, additional Cultural & Archeological Survey work) Phase 2: $275,000(Barn Renovation for Environmental Ed programs, Restroom, Bridges,Overlook Platforms) Phase 3: $140,000(Parking on Pickett Rd, Roadbed Top-dress,Signage) ? , Total= $799,000 3-20 33 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3-Park Inventory/Assessment/ Future Preserves without Master Plans 3 Upper Eno Preserve—Seven Mile Creek Access Area -2201 Moorefields Road, Size: Land Area: 306 Acres Overview: Orange County protects this large property for a future nature preserve. Some of the land was acquired by the County in the 1970s for water supply watershed protection purposes. Later additions were to establish the larger preserve for a wildlife Y. sanctuary and low-impact public recreational uses. The property is managed by DEAPR, which is working on opening the eastern por- tions of the property for use beginning in late 2013. Other portions �- will open pending further acquisitions and facilities development. Anticipated facilities include: Parking area, hiking trails, interpretive areas, group camping (by reservation), Mountains-to-Sea Trail segment. Visitors may also want to visit the adjacent Moorefields property, which is owned and operated by the Historic Moorefields Foundation. Location and proximity to the greatest number of users: Located about three miles southwest of Hillsborough between Mt. Willing Road and Moorefields Road (Cheeks Township). The main entrance to the site is from his- toric Moorefields located at 2201 Moorefields Road. The future Seven Mile Creek Preserve will attract day users primarily from central and northern Orange County,as well as through hikers on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Types of programs anticipated: The preserve will be open to the public from dawn to dusk. Occasional guided tours of the natural and cultural resources will be programmed by the DEAPR staff. Some programs may be offered in conjunction with the historic Moorefields site. Anticipated Cost: Not Known McGowan Creek Access Area - US 70 West, Hillsborough Size: Land Area: 63 acres l Overview: Orange County acquired this property from Duke University in k 2000 for a future nature preserve. The planned McGowan Creek Preserve helps to protect the Upper Eno watershed and preserves an area of open space between Hillsborough and Efland. Located at the confluence of McGowan Creek and the Eno River, the preserve will provide a natural area and low-impact recreational facilities for people to enjoy. Funding for acquisition: $ 148,000 from Orange County(School/Park Capital Reserve Fund) L" $ 143,000 from NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Anticipated facilities include:The site will feature a rustic picnic area (and possible restroom facility),along with two miles of trails through a mature forest that overlooks nearby Corporation Lake. Location and proximity to the greatest number of users: Located one mile west of Hillsborough town limits on the north side of US 70; the future McGowan Creek Preserve will attract day users from central and northern Orange County and occasional visitors enjoying a rest stop along US 70. Types of programs anticipated:The preserve will be open to the public from dawn to dusk. Occasional guided tours of the natural and cultural resource will be programmed by the DEAPR staff. Anticipated Cost: Not Known 3-21 34 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and.Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 3- Park Inventory/Assessment/ Future Park Sites without Master Plans 3 Future Northeast District Park-3981 Schley Road, Hillsborough Size:Land Area: 143 acres Overview: Orange County acquired this property in 2007 following an extensive search for a site that would meet the identified needs for a district park in north-central Orange County, which dates back to the 1988 Master Recreation and Parks Master Plan. This property is being "land banked" for future park development. A park master plan will be devel oped using a collaborative process that includes community input. The property is currently leased to a local farmer for cattle and hay production. Anticipated facilities include: The future district park is expected to feature a combination of active and low- impact recreation, including playing fields on the open sections of the site. Much of the southern half of the property is forested and is expected to have nature trails and picnic areas. A small portion of the site (approximately 5 acres) may be suitable for co-locating a solid waste convenience center for residents in the northeast part of the county. The entrance to that center would be from Mincey Road. Location and proximity to the greatest number of users: The property is located about five miles northeast of Hillsborough and 1/2 mile east of NC 57. The site is bounded to the north by Schley Road and to the south by Mincey Road. The area is primarily rural in character. The expected primary users will be residents of north- central Orange County. Types of programs anticipated: Some combination of active and low-impact recreation. Specific programs will be identified with the development and adoption of a park master plan. Anticipated Cost: Not Known Future Millhouse Road Park-6823 Millhouse Road,Chapel Hill Size: Land Area: 79 acres Overview: Orange County acquired this property in 2004 and 2007 through it's Lands Legacy Program.The property includes the former Black- wood family farmstead. The buildings are generally well preserved and have recently been up-fit for the temporary housing of the Orange County Parks Operations Base. The site is located within the Rural Buffer and is a neighbor to Duke Forest, sharing prime forest land and an identified Natural Heritage Area. The property is bounded to the east by Millhouse Rd. and the nearby Chapel Hill Town Operations Center. Large open fields and pine stands in the center of the property would be suitable for active parks and recreation facility development. Anticipated facilities include: The future district park is expected to feature a combination of active and low- impact recreation, including lighted playing fields. Much of the western half of the property is forested and is expected to have nature trails and picnic areas. An indoor recreation center has been discussed and may be in- cluded in future planning. Location and proximity to the greatest number of users: The property is located about one mile north of the Town of Chapel Hill and less then a 1/2 mile from 1-40. The area is primarily rural in character. The expected primary users will be residents of central and southern Orange County. Types of programs anticipated: Predominantly active recreation. Specific programs will be identified with the development and adoption of a park master plan. Anticipated Cost: Not Known 3-22 35 Orange Cozrnty Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Taster Plan a CHAPTER 4- Recreation Programs and Services T Recreation Programs Orange County works to provide affordable recrea- Table 4.a: Current Programs(cont.) tion programs that support community recreation . •. needs and services for all levels of users, age groups, 7(G3olf ll League-Summer&Winter r- the and user types. These programs allow members of din9 community to enjoy leisure opportunities with uction L acrosse Instruction 7-12 15 family and friends, participate in activities that Ready,set,Run 8-12 42 enhance their way of life and create lifelong skills, Soccer League-Fall&Spring 5-15 716 health benefits and memories. As program de- Start Smart sports Programs 3-5 183 mands change with increases in population, changes Tennis Instruction 4-12 60 Volleyball League-Spring 9-16 94 in demographics, cultural interests, and national Volleyballlnstruction 7-12 55 trends, the County will continue to solicit feedback The Youth Basketball Leagues have drawn heavy and provide the opportunity for open dialogue be- enrollment since the 1990s. Youth Soccer has tween members of the community, program partici- increased in popularity each year since 2006. pants and the department. This will foster the de- Coaches and Parent Training provided by staff, as velopment of a wide variety of programs helping to well as criminal background/sexual predator checks meet the changing needs of the community. have helped make programs both safe and fun. Table 4.a: Current Programs Instructional Programs Ages Number of Served Participants Science and Environmental—Tiny Trek- kers,Discovery Club,321 Blast Off, 3-12 148 Attracting Wildlife,etc. Life Skills—Cooking,Babysitting 6-13 96 Certification Arts—Creative Arts,Budding Artists, 4-12 136 Winter Art Explosion Exercise—Dance,Yoga,Tai'Chi, Tai Kwon Do,Karate 6-Over 480 Music—Guitar,Choral Instruction, Piano 7-Over 1z7 Table 4.a:Current Programs(cont.) Number Ages Adult Athletic Programs Served Participant;s Basketball League-Summer &Winter 16-Over 264 Co-Rec Volleyball League-Winter 16-Over 156 Co-Rec Softball League-Fall 16-Over 48 _ Couch to 5K 16-55 19 Tennis Instruction 16-Over 33 PY -i e Instructional programs are offered for males and — WE females of all ages. Interest in science and environmental programs remains strong, as does _ `° enrollment in musical programs. Cooking and art classes continue to fill, especially with the youngest Jr age groups. 4-1 r 36 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan '4 CHAPTER 4-Recreation Programs and Services _ l 4 4 Table 4.a:Current Programs(continued) Orange County residents continue to demand high quality, affordable summer enrichment programs. Camp programs are designed to expose the Arts—Piano,Dance,Ballet,Theatre, participants to the arts, sciences, sports and Messy Art,Creative Art,Choral,Chef, 4-12 234 adventure entertainment venues around the and Cooks Around the World Triangle. Onsite camp programs are operated at the Science—Fizz,Muck,Bubbles&Goo, Einstein Science,Let's Build Something, Central Recreation Center and sports field and also Environmental,Ecology,321 Blast Off, 4-12 156 at Efland-Cheeks Community Center and sports Little Science,Explore Outer Space, field. Camp programs typically are fully enrolled, Model Building,and Intro to Lego and they meet or exceed revenue projections, but Sports—Soccer,Baseball,Football,Bas- they also exceed current space and staff and ketball,Volleyball,Olympics,Tae Kwon 7-12 455 Do,Golf,5K Running,Sports Sampler, resources. Adventure—Teen Adventure,Preteen Table 4.a: Current Programs (continued) Adventure,Gone Fishing,Variety,and 10-16 238 Police Academy r - - - - - Egg Hunt All Ages 1700 Fishing Rodeo All Ages 300 - - f Halloween Spooktacular All Ages 1000 Santa's Calling 2-9 100 Movie in the Park-Fall &Spring All Ages 700 ,c Friday Pizza and a Movie All Ages 60 Daddy Daughter Dance All Ages 100 w Earth Evening All Ages 200 Rec Fest 5-16 4000 1 i Table 4.a: Current Programs (continued) Top Soccer Ages 4-19 9 51 SP Holiday Party All Ages 50 ;+ SP Halloween All Ages 100 SP Talent Show All Ages 50 Orange County Recreation Division offers personalized ! Inclusion Services for participants of all ages. 4-2 r y 37 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 4- Recreation Programs and Services 4 Recreation Services Table 4.b:Shows increased usage of online registration I�I As of 9/15 Recreation Division 3,883 4,374 4,003 2,475 1,813 , Total Enrollment Online Registrations 1,564 1,787 317 0 0 In 2011, Orange County residents were introduced to online program registrations and facility` reservations via RecTrac software. Today, online enrollment represents 40% of all program -" registrations, providing convenience and accessibil- Other Public Parks, Recreation and Related ity. Total program enrollment has increased by Services Offered by Orange County 41% from 2009 to 2013 with the largest increases occurring in youth soccer and summer enrichment Orange County Department on Aging offers pre- programs. Facility use reservations are shown grams and services to older adults in Orange County. Programs and services are offered in two senior below. centers. Program areas include arts & crafts, ath- Table 4.c: Facility Reservations by type letics, enrichment classes, Senior Games and special events. More information about these programs Activity Rooms 123 3,007 may be found at the Department on Aging website: Picnic Shelters 158 7,938 http://orangecountync.gov/aging/index.asp Gymnasiums 132 6,308 and the Senior Times publication. Sports Fields 822 57,199 Outdoor Tennis/Basketball 188 855 The Orange County Cooperative Extension offers 4-H In Fiscal Year 2011-2012 over 1,000 Customer Satis- Development and Health and Nutrition training. The faction Evaluation Surveys were received from pro- Orange County Library programs include Storytime, gram participants and facility users. The evaluations school-aged programs and a teen center with oppor- were broken into six categories: youth programs, tunities to be a teen volunteer. The Health teen programs, adult programs, family programs, Department covers areas such as health care/ camps, and facilities. Satisfaction was over 90% in nutrition services and health education. For more all categories as shown in the table below. information on the Orange County Departments' Table 4.d Customer Satisfaction programs listed above visit: http://oangecountync.gov o The Orange County SportsPlex is owned by Orange 40 County while the operation of the facility is managed 93% by a private contractor. Programs and services offered include camps, figure skating, hockey, 91% 0 o aquatics and fitness programs. The Central Orange Senior Center located adjacent to the SportsPlex, provides convenient access for senior citizens. More Youth Teen Adult Family Camp Facility information about Orange County SportsPlex may be CUSTOMERS SATISFIED AND ABOVE FY 2011-2012 found at: http://www.trianglesportsplex.com/ 4-3 38 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 4-Recreation Programs and Services 4 Other Public Parks and Recreation Services Offered in Orange County The Town of Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation pro- T grams and services include Aquatics,Athletics, Festi- vals and Events, Adapted Recreation & Inclusion and - Special Olympics. The Town has many parks, green- _ ways, and trail systems in addition to indoor and outdoor swimming pools. For more information go _. to:http://www.ci.chapel-hill.nc.us/index.aspx?page=74 The Town of Carrboro's Department of Recreation Chapel Hill's Homestead Aquatic Center (above) and Parks offers many of the same types of activities was partially funded with $4.9 million from 2001 including Athletics, Special Events, Classes for Youth and 1997 Orange County alternative financing and and Teens, Classes for Adults, Senior Programs, voter-approved Parks and Open Space bonds. Hikes and Day Trips, Special Recreation and Senior The map below shows in gray, the town limits for Games. Carrboro's website includes more infor- each of the municipalities within Orange County. mation at: http://www.carrbororec.org Each town has parks and recreation facilities and/or The Town of Hillsborough does not have a parks and programs. The towns make up 39% of Orange recreation department but the Town operates sever- County's total population. al parks. Hillsborough relies on its volunteer Parks and Recreation Board to provide guidance on Town- Map 4.1:Ora,nge County owned parks. To locate Hillsborough parks visit: http://www.ci.hiIIsborough.nc.us/content/parks- V! �� t recreation r t; $`_ -? i; .' ✓`yN The City of Mebane Parks and Recreation offers " many leisure opportunities that include Athletic Pro grams, Exercise Classes, Music Concerts and Special Events/Festivals. Lake Michael Park in Mebane, is ,.j located in Orange County. To learn more about the ►., 1 City of Mebane Recreation and Parks visit: 3* v Yf { http://www.citvofinebane.com/parks.asp ` Jrif Online Parks and Recreation Facility1ti _ - t Locator Map This map allows a multi-jurisdictional search for up to three park activities/amenities in the county. The interactive map includes parks/ recreation facilities for the towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Mebane (Orange Coun- � gar ty portion) and Orange County. The map can be found at: http//server2.co.orange.nc.us/ParkLocator/ 4-4 39 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 5 -Demographics and Driving Factors Demographics and Driving Factors Table 5-B: Population by Townships and Municipalities within Orange County The population of Orange County is 138,000 persons (137,941) as of July, 20121. Approximately two- thirds (2/3) of the population resides within the Bingham Town ship 6,527 boundaries of the municipalities of Chapel Hill Cedar GroveTownship 5,222 (55,474 within Orange County) and Carrboro Chapel Will Township3 87,971 (20,433). Almost 10,000 of Chapel Hill residents are Chapel Hill(part) 54,397 students living on-campus at the University of North C Carrboro 19,582 Carolina (UNC). Unincorporated 13,992 The town of Hillsborough is home to 6,271 persons, Cheeks Township 9,313 while Mebane's population of 12,685 includes approximately 2,000 persons on the Orange County Mebane(part) 1,793 side of this city.Table 6-A shows the relative popula- Unincorporated 7,520 lion change by locality in the last 12 years. Eno Township 7,501 Hillsborough Township 13,809 Table 5-A: Orange County Population 2000-2012 Hillsborough 6,087 '• m ' M Unincorporated 7,722 Orange County-Total 115,531 133,801 137,941 Little River Township 3,458 Carrboro 16,782 19,582 20,433 Orange County-Total 133,801 Chapel Hill(part)2 46,019 54,397 55,474 In general terms, the population of the combined Hillsborough 5,446 6,087 6,271 towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro urban area (i.e., Mebane(part) 675 1,793 2,000 the town populations plus those persons living on Durham(part) 39 30 32 the town fringes) stands at around 81,000. The Unincorporated Town of Hillsborough "urban area" includes approxi- Orange County 46,570 51,912 53,731 mately 10,000 persons, with another 6,000 persons living in the Efland to Mebane corridor of the county *Around 2,950 Chapel Hill residents in 2012 live in the west of Hillsborough. Durham County portion of town. Most of the residents of Mebane (12,685) and Durham (239,358) are in Alamance and Durham counties, respectively. While the U.S. Census Bureau updated some population data for July 2012, other demographic i data was not updated. For these data, the 2010 US Census remains the most-recent information. As such, the most recent population at the township level is from the 2010 Census. As shown in Table 5-B,Orange County has seven townships with widely Approximately 41,000 persons live in the rest of -varying populations. The townships include popula- "rural" Orange County. As a general benchmark, lions within municipalities that lie within the town- roughly half of these persons reside south of Inter- ship borders. state 85, and half north of this highway-that bisects the county. 5-1 r 40 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 5-Demographics and Driving Factors 5 Population Density The population density of the county is, as may be expected, most tightly clustered in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, and to a lesser degree, along the Hillsborough to Mebane corridor. The town of Carrboro is among the most densely-populated communities in the state. Outside of these urban towns and suburban corridors, other areas of moderate-density suburban-type popula- tion may be found in several parts of the county: • The triangular area between Interstate 85 and Interstate 40 in Chapel Hill and Eno townships • Areas east and northeast of Hillsborough, including the St. Mary's Road corridor • The area along the Durham County line north of Interstate 85, • Areas of Bingham and Chapel Hill townships,west and northwest of Carrboro • Areas along US 70 both east and west of Hillsborough, and • The area south of Chapel Hill and Carrboro bordering the Chatham County line. 70A j 70 j ►� 1 J R!p 501 Census 2010 Blocks V j(! People/Acre 0 0.01-0.2500 0-2501-1.000 f 15 1.007-2.250 :501 _-- •�+' 2,251-5409 5.410-81.91 5-2 41 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 5-Demographics and Driving Factors Age,Gender and Racial Composition In the 2010 Census, 52.3% of the county population As shown below, the overall county and Town of was female, a number generally consistent with Chapel Hill numbers are fairly consistent with each previous Census results from the last 30 years. This other. By contrast, the towns of Carrboro, is slightly higher than the 51.3%for the entire state. Hillsborough and Mebane4 are markedly younger, This ratio of male to female holds fairly constant with a higher percentage of the population both Un- in the different areas of the county, with Chapel Hill der 5 and Under 18. Carrboro also reflects a consid- slightly higher at 53.4% and Hillsborough slightly erably smaller proportion of Over 65 persons. lower at 50.6%. This age group of 5-17 is the largest current service In terms of the age, the table below shows the population for Orange County recreation and breakdown of persons in 2010 in three categories : athletics programs. Figure 5-2 shows the distribution 1) Under Age 5, of the percentage of persons in this age grouping 2) Under Age 18,and (5-17)within the county. Such information will likely be of value in identifying programs and locational 3) Over 65. needs. By comparison,the figures for the state overall are: Maps for other age groupings are included with 6.4% (Under 5), additional demographic information in 5.1 23.4% (Under 18),and 13.8% (Over 65). Table 5-C: Population by Age Groups-2010 Census Age o . . Mebane Under 5 4.9% 4.2% 5.8% 7.3% 7.7% Under 18 20.4% 17.4% 21.5% 24.0% 26.6% Over 65 10.3% 9.2% 5.3% 12.2% 10.8% 18-65 64.4% 69.2% 67.4% 66.5% 54.9% r � + w R 5-3 42 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 5 -Demographics and Driving Factors S Map 5-1:Total Population-2010 Census _. i Total Population I 1 Census Block Group f h0,_- )i 250-550 551-1100 1101-1650 t e 70 1651-2200 2201-2750 f " - � - 2751-3400 Map 5-2:Total Population 5-17 yrs old-2012 Census ------ ---------- 115 I _ I 1 i I� ! 1 I I ' 1 I I Population Ago 5 to 17 j Census Block Group ; 0 0%-10% I _ T 1001%-15% EM 15.01%-20% - 20.01%+ f I 1 I I 1 I I i t5 I50� j u I if C.` 1 T f�x'11 5-4 43 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 5 - Demographics and Driving Factors 5 Table 5-13: Race/Ethnic Origin-2010/2012 Census Estimate Race/Ethnicity Orange Chapel Hill Carrboro Hillsborough Mebane County(2012)6 • • Black or African-American(alone) 12.2% 9.7% 10.1% 29.5% 20.4% American Indian or Alaska Native 0.6% 0.3% 0.4% 0.6% 0.5% Asian(alone) 7.3% 11.9% 8.2% 1.7% 1.2% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander(alone) 0.1% 0 0 0 0.1% White(alone) 77.4% 72.8% 70.9% 62.9% 73.5% Two or More Races 2.5% 2.7% 2.9% 2.1% 2.6% Hispanic or Latino' 8.2% 6.4% 13.8% 6.6% 6.0% Age,Gender and Racial Composition Other (Votes - Existing Demographic Data and (continued) Historical Trends The racial and ethnic distribution of the County Additional information may be found in Appendix population has seen two important changes in the 5-1. Some other items worthy of note for this plan last 20 years: include: • A marked growth in persons of Hispanic origin • Orange County is among the most highly-educated • A marked growth in persons of Asian descent counties in the United States. Just under 25%, or one in four, of the county's adult residents hold a bachelor's Table 5-D shows the racial and ethnic origin degree or higher. When that calculation is changed to population of Orange County as of the 2012 US include "persons of age 25 and over between 2007- Census estimates (county) or the 2010 Census 2011," the figure increases to 54.6% with a bachelor's (towns).' degree or higher. While such comparative tabulations are no longer kept by the US Census Bureau, in 1990, Comparing the 2010/2012 data to that of the 2000 Orange County was the 8th most-educated county in the Census, one sees that for Orange County as a whole, U.S. Almost 30% of the adult population of the county the Asian and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander has attained a graduate or professional degree categories (previously one category in the 2000 (compared to 8.5%of the state's adult population). Census) have increased from 4.1% of the population • The County also has a higher-than-average median to 7.4% in only 12 years. In Chapel Hill, the Asian family income.The median household income measured population has grown from 7.6% in 2000 to 11.9% in from 2007-2011 in Orange County was $56,055, almost 2010 (it was 1% in 1980). The Black or African- $10,000 (and 22%) higher than the state median house- American and White population percentages of the hold income of$46,291. total population have decreased during the same • However, this high median income figure masks an un- timeframe. derlying issue -the county also has 16.9%of its persons living below the federal poverty level. It is important to Likewise, the number of persons of Hispanic or note that this figure is skewed by the presence of large Latino ethnicity has grown from 4.5% of the county numbers of college students in and around UNC, but it population in 2000, to 8.2% in 2012. It is important also represents a polarized income structure within the to note that some of the racial categories used by county which includes substantial cohorts of both high income and low income persons and households. the Census Bureau have changed since the 2000 . In 2005, private industry employed slightly over half of Census, so comparisons should be drawn carefully the Orange County population. The state government to make sure consistent groups are being generates nearly half of the annual wages in the county, mainly due to the County's largest employers -Universi- ty of North Carolina and UNC HealthCare. 5-5 44 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 5-Demographics and Driving Factors 5 Population Projections to the Year 2030 In the adopted 2030 Comprehensive Plan for Orange County would have 134,770 persons in 2010 (actual County, Section C of the "Orange County Profile Ele- was 133,801), and predicts 154,009 for the year ment" contains an assessment of population projec- 2020 and 173,248 persons by the year 2030. tions. Several different methodologies were exam- This data is reflected in Table 5-E (replacing the 2010 ined in that section, all of which yielded somewhat projections with actual 2010 US Census data): different projections for the future.This analysis was done prior to the existence of the 2010 U.S. Census Two important caveats must be added about these data, so it is now possible to look at how the differ- population projections. First, population projections ent methodologies performed for the first decade of are expected assumptions based on past historical 2000-2010. trends, and may be affected by economic changes, migration and mobility, and other factors. Even Table 5-E shows the projected population by town- though the methodology used above was the closest ship for Orange County in 2010, 2020 and 2030 - fit to the actual county results in 2010, it may not which is also the target date for this plan. hold true for future decades, and as such, all projec- The methodology which most-closely matched the tions must be used with an understanding that actu- actual Orange County population growth through al results will change. It is possible that the project- 2010 is the "average 10-year linear" projection ed 173,248 figure for 2030 may be lower or higher model. This method, the "medium" set of projec- depending on long-term trends and driving factors. Table 5-E- Orange County Population Projections 2010-2030 e @ i � ,a COUNTY-TOTAL 133,801 154,009 173,248 BINGHAM TWP 6,527 81409 9,523 CEDAR GROVE TWP 5,222 6,694 7,576 CHAPEL HILL TWP 87,971 102,584 115,587 Town of Chapel Hill (OC pt) 54,397 56,166 62,198 Town of Carrboro 19,582 26,048 30,681 Unincorporated 13,992 20,372 22,711 CHEEKS 9,313 9,308 10,430 City of Mebane (OC pt) 1,793 971 1,119 Unincorporated 7,520 8,337 9,311 ENO TWP 7,501 7,734 8,555 HILLSBOROUGH TWP 13,809 14,679 16,199 Town of Hillsborough 6,087 7,874 9,088 Unincorporated 7,722 6,807 7,114 LITTLE RIVER TWP 3,458 4,601 5,376 5-6 45 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 5-Demographics and Driving Factors +� Secondly, as can be seen in table 5-E, while the pro- Conclusion jection methodology did a very good job of antici- Orange County, as home to the University of North paling the total county population, this was not al- Carolina and UNC Health Care with proximity to the ways the case at the township and municipality lev- Research Triangle Park and Duke University, el. For example, while the projection for Chapel Hill continues to see positive population growth as it has Township as a whole was close to the mark, the for the last century, and especially the last 50 years. breakdown between Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the While growth rates have slowed somewhat in recent unincorporated part of the township overprojected years with the "Great Recession" economic down- the latter and under-projected the town of Chapel turn of 2008-2010,the county continues to see pop- Hill. In Cheeks Township,annexation and more-rapid ulation increases both within its municipalities and growth by the City of Mebane and in the township in the rural parts of the county. Particularly note- occurred between 2000 and 2010. Other differences worthy is the current and projected future growth in of a like nature may be noted. Overall, however,the the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area, the Mebane to Hills- projection methodology did match closely to the borough (and Cheeks Township) corridor, and other actual growth of 2000-2010. Time will tell whether locations across the county — including west of this growth pattern will be the best 20-year approxi- Carrboro and the 1-40/1-85 "wedge" in eastern Or- mation of population increase. ange. Overall, an increase of another 40,000 persons Note —for the Town of Chapel Hill and the City of from 2010 to 2030 may be expected. Mebane, the above numbers represent only the por- tions of those municipalities within Orange County. The county is seeing changes in its demographics with an influx of persons of Asian descent and of Hispanic or Latino origin — especially in the urban areas of southeastern Orange. The county is among the most-educated counties in the nation, and has a high median household income — a figure which masks significant numbers of low-income house- ; f holds. The major employers in the county are UNC, UNC Health Care and private industry, much of the latter of which is located outside of the county boundaries. Note: Additional graphics, maps and end notes on Orange County demographics may be found in Ap- pendix 5.1 � yr 5-7 46 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 5 -Demographics and Driving Factors This page left blank intentionally 5-8 � 1 47 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input 6 Community Needs Assessment and Public Input Introduction One of the most important components of a master The purpose of this assessment was to determine plan is to assess how residents feel about existing the leisure interests and preferences of Orange services and facilities, future needs, and other County residents.The information presented here- important considerations. in will help to determine the Over the past interests and preferences of residents regarding p year, County staff and UNC- Greensboro consultants worked to create a compen- recreation programs and services, and will become a dium of comments, remarks and opinions as part of key building block for the master plan recommenda- a Community Needs Assessment or CNA. This CNA lions for park and recreation program and facility takes several forms, as will be identified and dis- development for Orange County. cussed below — from statistical sample surveys to In order to attempt to develop a robust assessment informal comments and opinions expressed at that included all components of the county popula- community focus groups and public input sessions. tion, a random-sample survey was augmented with As noted in Appendix 6-1, CNA's are conducted for other"Supplemental Surveys" to provide for a more several reasons, including: comprehensive assessment. 1. To provide county residents the opportunity to CNA and Public Outreach Methods express their views regarding parks and recreation as A. Youth Survey part of community life; Young people are an important part of the constitu- 2. To provide county residents the opportunity to ency for parks and recreation programs, so gaining express their views relative to satisfaction with insight into their opinions is appropriate and valid. existing park and recreations area, facilities, programs,and services; To this end, in summer 2012, UNC Master of Public 3. To identify county residents' interest regarding the Administration intern, Renisha Howard, met with a implementation of new programs and services that series of County and Cooperative Extension summer meet the needs of the county and respond to new camp counselors and campers to ask their thoughts trends in parks and recreation; about our needs and existing programs. The full 4. To avoid unnecessary duplication and over-provision report on the 2012 Youth Parks and Recreation of programs and facilities; Survey may be found as Appendix 6-2 to this docu- 5. To identify county residents' interest in the develop- ment of future park and recreation areas and •x ,1 facilities; ' 6. To provide public officials with the information needed to prioritize future park and recreation area and facility development; 7. To justify capital improvements, quite often as part of a grant process; 8. To identify funding mechanisms that are acceptable r. a•. `" for parks and recreation area and facility development;and 9. To foster ownership of park and recreation programs and facilities by county residents. t, I 6-1 48 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input 6 ment.The campers and their responses were broken programs and facilities. This survey yielded 520 into two categories, pre-teen (ages 7-12) and teen responses. There were, however, two important (13-16). In summary, the pre-teen youth listed Fair- shortcomings in the random-sample Community view Park among their favorite County parks, and Needs Assessment survey that warranted further they appreciated that park's diversity of equipment exploration and survey outreach: and amenities. The favorite activity among this 1. Many of the households sampled were group was basketball (many of those surveyed residents of the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, were in a basketball camp), followed by biking and and were largely unfamiliar with County parks and playing on "monkey bars."Among the park improve- programs (since these towns offer their own ments they would like to see, responders noted programs and facilities). A follow-up attempt was deemed desirable to solicit feedback from those newer volleyball nets and more basketball courts at persons who do frequent County parks and Fairview Park, and more trails at Efland-Cheeks Park. participate in county programs. The favorite recreation programs were basketball, 2. The random-sample survey responses received doll-making in arts camp, and field trips for bowling under-represented minority groups – African- and roller skating. Their wish list for the upcoming American, persons of Hispanic origin and Asians – year was more basketball scrimmages, more biking warranting further efforts to solicit feedback from and hiking in adventure camps, and more painting those cultural and/or ethnic communities. and drawing in creative arts camps. The following is a brief summary of the three survey The Teen youth surveyed listed Efland-Cheeks as the results that were eventually undertaken including County park closest to them. While many indicated the original random-sample survey. they did not go to the park much, their favorite C. Statistical Random-Sample Survey CNA activities were swimming, playing basketball and Note: The full report and results of the Community volleyball, ping-pong and picnics. Bike trails, athletic Needs Assessment statistical survey, and the survey fields and volleyball courts were the most-used park instrument,maybe found as Appendix 6-3. facilities in their estimation. There was little In the summer and fall of 2012, Orange County staff response to favorite recreation programs, except a worked with consultants from the University of desire for music classes at the Central Recreation North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC-G) to develop Center.The facilities these young people most want- and administer a statistical random-sample survey ed to see repaired or built included tennis and vol- of 4,200 households in Orange County leyball courts, soccer fields, playgrounds and moun- (approximately 10% of the total households in the tain bike trails. county). The survey was conducted by UNC-G via US B. Community Needs Assessment Survey mail with postage-paid return envelopes. A follow- The Community Needs Assessment Survey was up postcard was sent to survey recipients that had administered in three different manners, including a not responded within three weeks. The surveys statistical random-sample survey, between October were collected and analyzed by the consultants in 2012 and July 2013. This multi-pronged approach November 2012-January 2013, and the results re- was undertaken and deemed necessary due to the ported and evaluated in a report received on Janu- following factors: ary 31, 2013. After discussion with the consultant As indicated below, a statistical random-sample sur- and among staff, the decision was made not to vey was conducted and provided a valid statistical stratify the sample on the basis of geography (i.e., survey of community needs and interests about the random sampling for the surveys was of the en- current and possible future parks and recreation tirety of Orange County without adjusting for resi- dence). 6-2 49 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input In all, a total of 520 county residents responded to To address these concerns, a multi-faceted the survey, which is a response rate of 12.2% and a approach was made for Supplemental Community valid statistical sample. Typical response rates for Needs Assessments. These supplemental efforts surveys of this type are approximately 10%. attempted to solicit responses (to the same The Community Needs Assessment asked 47 questions from the random-sample survey), via the questions of the survey recipients, which were bro- following methods: ken down into six areas: • An online version of the survey was created and links to the internet survey were publicized to recre- ation and parks mailing lists and open to the general b. General Information public. This survey was also promoted via news c. Recreation Activity Participation release, social media and email'. This approach d. Future Recreation Programs/Activities yielded an additional 307 responses. The results of e. Future Parks and Recreation Facilities this survey may be found in Appendix 6-4. f. Financing Recreation and Park Facility A targeted survey release to Hispanic community. Development Sixty copies of the survey (in Spanish, with a link to D. Supplemental Community Needs Assessments an English version) with self-addressed, stamped As noted above, the statistical random-sample return envelopes were distributed at El Centro survey, while a valid statistical survey, was in need Latino in Carrboro and via a summer camp for His- of elaboration due to high proportion of persons panic children in Hillsborough. Surveys were also handed out at a Movie in the Park event in Efland. unfamiliar with County facilities, and under- However, very few of these surveys have been representation of minority populations. received to date. For example, of the surveys received via the statisti- Targeted surveys to African-American community. cal random-sample and online surveys that Copies of the survey with self-addressed, stamped answered demographic questions, only 42 or 5.7% envelopes were handed out at multiple events in were African-American respondents.This compares Efland and Cedar Grove to a predominantly African- to 12%of the county's total population.Thus, efforts American audience. Thirteen additional surveys were needed to try and add additional surveys from were received by this approach. the African-American community to have a more • A Focus Group is being scheduled with members of representative sample. the Asian community. The results of these focus groups were not part of the survey responses, but are included in the data, findings and recommenda- ,` tions in the Plan. The results of these focus group conversations are included as Appendix 6-5. ' Some of these outreach efforts remain underway to try and reach target response rates. ' ` �, 'X Registrations j i and r jReservations 6-3 50 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input 6 Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment Survey Results The following section presents a summary of the The following section tabulates all of the responses combined survey results, totaling 835 respondents. together, for a full picture of what these two cross- As noted above,the individual surveys results can be sections of county residents had to say about the found in Appendix 6-3 through 6-5: questions asked in our survey. NOTE: For brevity, the statistical random sample survey is abbreviated A total of 832 Community Needs Assessment as the as survey." surveys were received through the statistical ran- dom sample (520), the online survey (301) and the A. Parks and Recreation Facility Usage Questions supplemental targeted surveys for African-American and persons of Hispanic origin (14). While the means • The most frequently-used facility in both the of collecting the data, and the responding popula- random-sample and online surveys was the Triangle lions, are different, the survey administered was Sportsplex,which was visited by 46%of the respond ents in the past year. Central Recreation Center was identical. A comprehensive review of the combined next with 28%,followed by Little River Regional Park results would be appropriate with this caveat — and Natural Area (20%), Eurosport Soccer Center especially since the online survey and the statistical (19%), River Park/Farmers Market Pavilion (19%) survey appear to have reached different component and Cedar Grove Park(18%).These figures reflect an audiences within the county, both in terms of geog- average of low visit rates among those in the SRS raphy and in knowledge of County parks and pro- survey, and much higher rates of stops for those grams. The differences in the survey cohorts is elab- who took the online survey of the targeted surveys. orated on at the conclusion of this section after the This includes the substantial number of SRS survey reporting of survey results. respondents who were not familiar with County facilities as noted previously. • When asked what facilities were used most- frequently, the answers were similar across the different surveys - Triangle Sportsplex, Central (tran�r r'aunr, Recreation Center, Eurosport Soccer Center and PmM onJ ltrr Little River Park were the largest vote-getters in that order. Many of the responses listed more than one facility as a frequent stop. • Forty-five percent (45%) of respondents traveled outside of Orange County to visit a park or _� , � ,r•i*"' recreation facility on either a quarterly or annual basis. Twenty-three percent (23%) indicated they never leave the county for parks and recreation x Y;x facilities. B. General Information .*+* Surveyed households were asked about current facilities, maintenance, service provision and the impact of parks and recreation programs on health, safety and the economy. Table 7-1 on the subse- quent page shows the respondent answers to these 15 questions. 6-4 51 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input 6 Table 6-1:General Parks and Recreation Information Questions—OVERALL RESULTS WE a a I • 6 6 Orange County provides quality parks and recreation 567 (94%) 34(6%) 129 (125) opportunities Orange County needs to expand active outdoor recreation 493(82%) 108(18%) 157 (139) opportunities Orange County needs to expand low-impact/passive out- 507(79%) 132(21%) 136 (113) door recreation opportunities Orange County needs to provide indoor facility for arts 319(58%) 236(42%) 214(155) and leisure pursuits Orange County needs to provide an indoor athletic 390(64%) 222(36%) 154(127) complex Orange County should expand or provide trail system 543(89%) 65(11%) 117(87) linking various areas of the county Orange County parks and recreation facilities are safe 549 (94%) 34(6%) 184(168) Orange County parks and recreation facilities are well- 534(91%) 55(9%) 177(168) maintained Orange County parks and recreation facilities are easy 550(86%) 87(14%) 133 (129) to get to Orange County recreation programs and events are 437(89%) 55(11%) 275 (257) well-run/operated Orange County parks and recreation facilities are accessi- 265 (84%) 51(16%) 459 (334) ble for use by people with disabilities2 Orange County parks and recreation staffs are helpful and 471(94%) 28(6%) 269(253) professiona12 Public parks and recreation programs enhance the eco- 344* (93%) 27* (7%) 116* nomic health of Orange County4 Public parks and recreation programs enhance the physi- 652(96%) 29(4%) 87(75) cal and mental well-being of Orange County residents Public parks and recreation programs help reduce crime in 315 (81%) 75(19%) 279(269) Orange County2 6-5 52 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input 6 In looking at the sum total of all surveys received in A strong majority of the cumulative respondents like Table 1, one of the most striking things about the the quality of existing facilities, agree that more ac- responses is that the respondents in the SRS, online tive and low-impact facilities are needed, and and targeted surveys are all fairly similar in their believe in an expanded trail system linking various view of County facilities, programs and value. This is areas of the county. Support for indoor facilities for particularly noteworthy as the online survey is a arts and leisure and athletics is not as strong, but younger, more Hillsborough and rural Orange still a majority. Respondents gave very high marks County located cohort., whereas the SRS survey has for safety, maintenance, access and friendliness of a high response from urban southern Orange Coun- staff (94% Agree/Strongly Agree). The vast majority ty, and is older in general. The SRS survey answers of all respondents believe that parks and recreation to each question range around 5-7percentage points programs enhance the economic health of the coun- higher in the agree/strongly agree category than the ty, enhance physical and mental well-being and (to online survey. (Please see Appendix 7-3 and 7-4 to slightly lesser degree) reduce crime. compare the two survey results). The number of C. Recreation Activity Participation "Don't Know" responses is listed in the final column, In this case, over half (58%) of respondents identi- and in parentheses the number of those that came fied athletic leagues or programs they had from the SRS survey is shown. As can be seen, in participated in during the previous year. Most of many cases the vast majority of persons answering „ these were respondents to the online survey. Con- Don t Know were in the SRS survey, which further siderably fewer persons in the SRS survey had expe- validates the previous note about respondents in rience participating in a County recreation program these areas being less familiar with County facilities in the ear.ast The most and programs since they include a majority of p y popular programs by participation in the past 12 months were: respondents from the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. 1. Youth Soccer(35%) In summary, the combined survey results shown 2. Youth Basketball (30%) here track with most of the "Agree/Disagree" 3. Open Gym (9%) aggregate response rates from the other individual 4. Little River Trail Run (6%) surveys. Online survey participants were somewhat 5. Volleyball(5%) more interested in expanding active outdoor Most popular instructional programs in the online recreation opportunities and were also slightly less survey were Start Smart Soccer, Zumba, Tennis certain about a trail system linking various areas of (both adult and youth), Golf (youth and adult) and the county. However, the rate of"Agree" responses Creative Arts. The full list and breakdown of partici- stayed fairly consistent between the surveys. pants may be found in Appendix 6-6. The most popular environmental programs were the County's Earth Day event (34%), followed by Under the Stars (17%) and Tiny Trekkers (17%) programs at t Little River Regional Park and Natural Area.The Little River Park Bird Counts also received 11% of the _ r votes. In response to the question "How often do '+ you or members of your household travel outside of _ Orange County to participate in recreation pro- grams," 471 respondents (62.4%) indicated they never traveled outside of the county for programs. 6-6 53 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input Thirteen percent (13%) travel annually to for A significant number of persons were still unsure programs, and less than 25% travel quarterly, whether the county needs more recreation monthly or weekly. programs. Almost 57% said they were not sure, followed by 28% who answered "Yes" and 15% Respondents who had tried and been unable to responding "No." Excluding the "Don't Know' participate in programs were asked about obstacles to their participation. The most common reasons responses, 65%answered "Yes"and 35% "No." were "inconvenient time/day" (33%), "not offered e. Future Parks and Recreation Facilities for the needed age group I needed" (24%) and This section asked those surveyed about needs for "program was full" (15%). Only 6% of respondents future parks and/or recreation facilities.When asked had been wait-listed and unable to participate in a "Does Orange County need additional parks?" 36% program. answered "Yes," with 18% "No" and 46% "Not Sure." Among those expressing an opinion, 67% The most popular camps participated in during the responded in the affirmative and 33% negative. past 12 months were Basketball, Soccer, Adventure (Teen and Pre-Teen) and Creative Arts camps. The The survey also asked whether the county needed most participated in Special Events were: additional recreation facilities and centers. This 1. Egg Hunt (28%) question was inadvertently omitted from the online 2. Halloween Spooktacular(25%) survey, but of the 476 other respondents who did 3. Fishing Rodeo(16%) weigh in, 24% said "Yes," 23% said "No," and 53% answered "Don't Know."Among those expressing an opinion, 52% indicated "Yes"and 48%"No." If new facilities were to be developed, the following facilities were the highest rated — respondents were asked to pick their"Top 5" facilities desired. Ninety- four percent (94%) of respondents answered this " question, and they indicated the following prefer- D. Future Recreation Programs/Activities ences: In the next series of questions, participants were 1. Walking/Hiking Trails (45%) asked to select their "Top 5" programs or activities 2. Nature Trails (34%) they would like to see offered or expanded for the 3. Swimming Pool (28%) future. Combining all of the surveys, 775 of the 832 4. Greenways (28%) respondents replied and selected the following Top 5. Water Parks (22%) Ten: 6. Amphitheatre (22%) 1. Hiking(21%) 7. Indoor Athletic Complex(18%) 2. Swimming(20%) 8. Nature Center(14%) 3. Walking(20%) 9. Playgrounds(13%) 4. Yoga (14%) 10.Tennis courts(13%) 5. Biking(14%) Other facilities that got at least 10% listings include 6. Summer Camps (14%) picnic areas, dog parks, performing arts studio, teen 7. Gardening(13%) center, creative arts studio, and community centers. 8. Tennis (12%) Of note, many of the same facilities were chosen in 9. Dog Obedience (12%) both the online and SRS surveys, though there is 10. Afterschool Programs(11%) 6-7 54 i Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input 6 some difference in prioritization (please see Appen- The above responses are very similar across the dix 6-3 and 6-4). A swimming pool and water parks different survey offerings. In all cases, respondents were more-strongly supported in the online survey showed very strong support for state and federal than in the SRS survey. grants and private donations, and moderately- strong support for existing local taxes (other than r property taxes) and voter approved bonds. User .. fees were slightly less favorable, and there was substantial disfavor with the strategy of increasing local taxes (other than property taxes). G. Overall Demographic Overview # When put together, the 832 surveys received - � showed that most respondents (75%) came from households of between two and four persons. Ten F. Financing New Recreation and Park Facilities percent (10%) were in households of five persons, The final section of the survey attempts to and 4%in homes of six or more. determine public opinion regarding different means In terms of age groups within households, 51% of of financing future recreation and park facility the respondents had at least one person under and development. Participants were asked to respond up to 12 years of age in their household, and whether they "strongly agree," "agree," disagree," another 23% had a person in the home aged 13-18. or "strongly disagree" with the following eight The largest single age cohorts identified were 36-55 approaches. As was done in the General Information years (61% of households) and 6-12 years (35%). section, the "agree" and "strongly agree," and Almost 6% of the responding households had at "disagree" and "strongly disagree" responses have least one person over 76 years of age. been aggregated together in the table below to indicate preferences shown: The vast majority of respondents owned their own residence,which held true among all of the different Table 6-2: Funding Strategy Responses survey types (to varying degrees). The SRS survey Funding Strategy Strongly Disagree was very much a survey of homeowners. Agree/ Strongly--Agree Disagree Overall, 7% of respondents were African-American, 2.5% Asian-American groups, and 2% of Hispanic facility development should be New recreation and parks origin. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the respondents facility at least in part by:" were White(non-Hispanic). Private/corporate donations 95% 5% State and federal grants/funds 94% 6% Existing local taxes(other than 73% 27% property)` ,{ Voter-approved bonds 70% 30% Existing local property taxes 70% 30% Charging user fees(resident 68% 32% and non-resident) Increasing local taxes(other 34% 66% than property) 6-8 55 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input 6 The place of residence question, answered by 767 It is important to note that while these findings may persons, showed the mix of survey respondents have validity across all of the different survey tech- geographically: niques, they were written specifically to address the • Unincorporated Part of the County 31% results of the SRS survey: • Hillsborough 29% • Chapel Hill 27% • Examine the facilities outside the county that • Carrboro 7% respondents visited—what do they have that our facilities do not? • Mebane 6% . Look at a trail system that links various areas In terms of income level, twenty-two percent (22%) within the county. of those responding had an annual household in- • The vast majority recognize that parks and come of$60,000 or less, 43% were in the $60,000— recreation programs enhance physical and $119,999 range, and 36% reported income of over mental health of county residents. Make this a $120,000 per year. At the same time, six percent prominent part of marketing efforts. (6%) had an annual income of under $30,000, and Likewise, the vast majority recognize the impact on the county's economic health from parks and 3% reported annual income of over$300,000. recreation — conduct an economic impact study to see what parks and recreation "gives back"to the community from a fiscal perspective. ,',Vt Ot o svry 0 Use the awareness of the above two benefits in branding the department. 0 Almost one-third of respondents did not know 34ik+!ttttc r�t<>"#�n about services provided, and most did not portici- txcasun,T ;, pate in programs. Look at the effectiveness of current marketing and promotional strategies. INK • There is an opportunity to better inform county residents about what the County does, its accomplishments, and the recreation needs for ' the county. A- Determine additional marketing and promotional strategies for programs, parks and facilities and their benefits. x' S • The greatest interest for both programs and facilities was for walking/hiking/biking trails. St UtIhK aOI it%�Clttitrw, Evaluate current trail systems and determine " possibility of adding new trails. +� • Seek grant funds from state and federal levels,as well as corporate donations, to help finance Consultant Recommendations— future facilities. Statistical Random-Sample Survey • In developing and renovating parks consider As a part of their review of the 520 statistical landscapes that provide large areas of open random-sample surveys, the UNC-Greensboro space for low-impact recreational activities. consultants who conducted this survey drew a Frequently-requested characteristics included number of recommendations from these findings, shade, picnic tables and places to walk. summarized here and shown in full at the conclusion of Appendix 6-3. 6-9 56 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input 6 Focus Groups and Additional Outreach Efforts Trails and Connectivity(February 7,2013) Subject Area Focus Groups Thirteen persons attended this session to talk about An additional method of public outreach was the the role of trails and the connectivity among differ- convening of eight focus groups. These groups were ent parks,open spaces and trails. developed to examine, in more detail, several • The group reviewed and discussed a map showing known topics or issues that the master plan would existing and planned trails and greenways in need to address. For these focus groups, staff con- Orange County. Participants identified some public tacted 8-12 representatives and/or subject matter trails at Lake Michael and some of the public experts for a focused 120-minute discussion. The schools that could be added to the map and data base. following is a list of the focus groups and the sum- mary of their findings. The full tabulation of com- • Participants supported the development of the NC ments recorded in the focus groups may be found in Mountains-to-Sea Trail through Orange County, Appendix 6-7. and recommended running sections of the trail adjacent to roadways(outside NCDOT right of way) Soccer Facilities(January 22, 2013) on an interim basis, until trail easements are se Fourteen persons attended this focus group to talk cured through interior properties. about soccer facilities. A substantial amount of time . Participants discussed the importance of providing was spent on the sufficiency of soccer fields in the certain facilities/amenities to support trail users, county and the types of facilities needed. The pros such as parking, signage and restrooms; also trash and cons of artificial turf fields was another key area receptacles in certain heavy-use areas only. of discussion. Generally, the group saw need for the 0 Participants recommended trails be constructed creation of artificial turf fields, but felt that these using sustainable trail construction practices, and would be better co-located at certain locations that the master plan prescribe some kind of pre rather than "mixed and matched" with natural sur- ferred design standard. face fields at different sites.The timing and availabil- • Participants expressed in interest in the County ity of fields was another major topic of discussion. opening up some of its future park properties Opportunities for use of school playing fields when (currently `land banked") for some limited interim not in use by schools was highlighted. use,such as natural trails with adequate signage. In general, the group identified a need for playing fields in the late-winter and late-fall, after most fields have closed for the season. The Eurosport Soccer Center was lauded as a success, but interest Y. in creating a like facility at the Millhouse Road site was also expressed. It was noted that Orange Coun- ty, because of its location, is an ideal location for tournaments. At the same time, soccer group repre- sentatives noted the importance of having sufficient playing time for local youth programs and games, and that the interest in tournaments is balanced t with this need. Corporate sponsorships were dis- cussed and seen as ideal, but unlikely to be a major funding source. Some soccer organizations may be willing to help fund fields and improvements. 6-10 57 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6- Community Needs Assessment and Public Input Maximizing Public Health Benefits of Parks and working with neighboring towns and counties was Recreation (April 22,2013) desirable. In terms of financing facilities, the group Nine persons attended this session, and the primary felt that there is an expectation that park facilities discussion area was the important linkage between and services will be free, but understanding the public health (e.g., childhood obesity, mental well- many hidden costs suggested corporate sponsor- being) and parks and open space or programs. The ships, bond referenda and fundraisers may be a group identified the need for parks to have a variety good way to help fund the parks. More public of different types of movement opportunities and awareness of what is offered in the parks was noted flexible open space within them. The importance of as a need —contact via email newsletters and social connecting open spaces and parks with trails was media should be used to publicize future park plans, noted. events and features. Facility needs identified included swimming pool, Recreation Programs— walking track at Fairview Park, flexible spaces that Successes and Opportunities(April 17,2013) allow children to create their own play experiences, Nine persons attended this focus group at the and community gardens to help educate about local Central Recreation Center in Hillsborough, including foods. Offering parks tours or open houses, and representatives of other recreation providers and creating unstructured play opportunities were seen community groups. The following is a summary of as keys to getting the public to use parks for healthy the group discussion: lifestyles. The County should also be aware of at-risk What are the strengths of current recreation pro- populations and try to work with the schools to pro- grams and services? mote using parks to promote childhood health. 0 Programs are affordable • Offer a great variety of programs Evaluating Our Park Facility Needs . Accessibility to locations and information (April 18,2013) • Breadth of programs show we are Seven persons attended this focus group meeting. responsive to community needs Attendees indicated that they primarily visited . Variety Camp was great County parks to enjoy nature, walk dogs, socialize What are the most essential recreation programs in and meet friends, and hold events. Outdoor class- the county? rooms and environmental education programs were • Youth and Teen programs listed as a main attraction, as well as sports and • There has been a loss of teen participation— special events. ability to bring back programs The facilities that were deemed most desirable • Ask what services the community needs included: • Don't rely on technology alone to communicate—advertise in churches • Amphitheaters • Hiking and biking trails . Ongoing"after-school"activity—consistent programming • Access to water features(ponds) What role does recreation programming currently • Diverse features,with each park offering a primary theme or unique opportunities fill in the community? Attendees indicated more bilingual signage was a Leadership programs need in the parks, and specifically cited the former Programs that integrate the total family Occoneechee Village at River Park as needing work. (inter-generational) Better signage was also suggested, especially along • Programs that strengthen social skills (e.g., Daddy Daughter Dance,cooking class) wooded trails. The group felt that partnerships with 0 Non-sport programs for kids schools, UNC and Duke should be pursued, and 6-11 58 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public input 6 What improvements/changes would you make to Nature and Environmental Programs current recreation programs? (April 25,2013) • Have county and other providers of pro- Six persons attended this focus group held at gramming work together(Baseball was a success Durham Technical Community College - Orange story with the sharing of fields) Campus. The group discussed current nature and • Build on organizations strengths – find ways environmental programs offered by the County to complement each other (primarily at Little River Regional Park) and by the • Expand camp Orange Soil and Water Conservation District to the • Don't focus on too much at one location schools. • Organizations work together on offerings • Cross publicize A number of different ideas for future programs and • (program guides and brochures) facility enhancements for nature programs were • Annual programs discussion between identified.These include: • providers–information sharing • Include a user friendly calendar in program • Signage identifying certain trees and flora at guides park sites to help educate about our native • Too much text can be overwhelming and vegetation scare away or make information hard to find • Produce a seasonal guide, 'What's in Bloom" • It is possible to have too many programs at one about the natural features at selected parks, time particularly those with substantial natural areas open What areas are not served? and o p p • Use community centers more – variety of • Look at programs about water and wastewater locations and community will feel ownership for educational purposes (e.g. "Where does our • Health Issues – reach families at community water go?") centers • Offer more adult programs • Work with partners to teach at centers (e.g., bird-watching,spring flora tour) (e.g., Health Department,Sheriff) • Look for opportunities to use water features at arks for nature programs• Special events at multiple locations p p g (people are drawn to water) (e.g., Movie in the Park) • Look at the possibility of creating a nature • Conduct survey in the community and try new programs center, perhaps with a water focus (McGowan Creek Preserve was suggested as a possible site) Who are potential partners? . Consider working with the Town of Hillsborough • Other County departments on programs at Gold Park, and generally • YMCA collaborate with other jurisdictions and entities • SportsPlex such as the NC Botanical Garden • Get seniors involved(e.g., RSVP) • Look at having "clean-up" opportunities at parks with streams,and consider creating pro grams that teach people how to live in _ harmony with nature and basic skills 't (e.g.,flint making) • Programs on camping (e.g., learn to camp) and plants(e.g.,edible plants) 6-12 t 59 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input There were also a number of ideas about what a Opportunities to pursuer more camping opportuni- desirable nature center might entail. Participants ties at County parks and preserves were noted, and noted the opportunities to reach out to local entre- the potential to work with OWASA on their recrea- preneurs, universities, and other partners to help tional facilities at Cane Creek and University Lake build and program such a facility. Energy efficiency was cited as an opportunity. and renewable energy was suggested as a theme, Moving forward, the group agreed that joint capital along with water, local animals and things that ap- funding of new park facilities is an area for further peal to children. Little River Regional Park was laud- exploration, as each jurisdiction has needs and in ed as a good model. Finally, the group agreed that a some cases,very little land for new parks remains in nature center wherever located should have an en- the towns.The issue of County contribution to town vironmentally-sensitive design and systems. budgets was raised, as was promoting the ethic of parks and recreation throughout municipal and County governments. k .' •.; Substantial opportunities exist to work with other + departments, especially the Health Department. ,, . -' More effort to educate local government employees and residents about offerings and opportunities was t �= identified as a need. The need for a tourism-based "app" or booklet about local recreational opportuni- ties was discussed, as was the existing Interactive Parks Locator Map, an example of existing collabora- �.'_ lion. Updates on projects and programs in each jurisdic- " 1. lion were provided, County-Town Parks and Recreation Coordination (August 21,2013) The directors and staff from the Parks and Recrea- tion Departments of the towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough met with County staff to review coordination and discuss their perspective on the County's programs and parks, and areas for pos- sible collaboration. .. ? As shown in Appendix 6-8,the group agreed that the „ other jurisdictions were appreciative of the programs that the county runs. The idea of working together to market each other's programs better Y was identified, and it was noted that rental fees are now the same among all of the jurisdictions for the first time. 6-13 60 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 6-Community Needs Assessment and Public Input 6 SportsPlex and County Parks and Recreation (April 18,2013) This meeting was held with John Stock, managing The County and SportsPlex management agreed to partner of RP, Incorporated, the managing entity for meet periodically and keep each other abreast of the Triangle SportsPlex, an indoor recreation facility any planned changes in programs and facilities and located in Hillsborough,and staff. look for opportunities to continue to work together This group discussed both the Sportsplex and Coun- in tandem to provide service to county residents. ty current and future program and capital improve- Additional information about SportsPlex may be ment plans. All parties agreed that there was a found in Chapters 8 and 11. shared interest and ongoing opportunity to offer programs and facilities that were complementary of each other. For instance SportsPlex offers pre-school and afterschool programs and Parks and Recreation See appendix 6-9 for Endnotes does not. rz to a s v r 6-14 61 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 7- Linkages with 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Other County Plans 7 Linkages with 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Other County Plans A. 2030 Orange County Comprehensive Plan (Chapter 7 of the Comprehensive Plan) provides The Orange County Board of Commissioners adopt- guidance and direction regarding recreation facility ed the Comprehensive Plan in November 2008. This and park planning efforts in Orange County. The plan guides Orange County's growth and develop- goals and objectives serve as the foundation for ment through the year 2030. The comprehensive establishing future parks and recreation policies and plan sets goals and objectives that County officials action strategies undertaken by the County, its use to guide policy and funding decisions. Unlike advisory boards, and its staff. The Parks and previous County plans that focused on one compo- Recreation Element identifies one overarching goal nent of county planning, the 2030 Comprehensive and five goals. These goals emphasize the inclusion Plan addresses a wide range of interrelated planning of every Orange County resident by recognizing and areas, each dealt with separately in a plan chapter responding to the changing needs of different age (or"Element"). The Parks and Recreation Element groups,genders,ethnicities,and abilities. Table 7-1: 2030 Comprehensive Plan -Parks and Recreation Element Goals and Linkages OcIcbmp Energy conservation,sustainable use of non-polluting Park facility design and maintenance can support this goal by employing renewable energy resources,efficient use of non- energy-efficiency strategies and principles in designing buildings and renewable energy resources,and clean air. grounds as well as equipment use. Locating parks closer to populations [Natural&Cultural Systems Goal 1] or on public transit lines will reduce car trips to park facilities. Also, by creating walking trails that link communities to schools, parks, commu- nity centers and other public gathering places. Economic viability of agriculture,forestry,and horticul- Parks and recreation planning can support these entrepreneurial activi- ture and their respective lands. ties by considering the presence of highly productive lands that support [N&CS Goal 2] agriculture and forestry in land acquisition activities. Infrastructure and support systems for local and regional Parks and recreation planning can support this goal by being aware of agriculture. agricultural systems and possibly offering contracts to farmers for some [N&CS Goal 3] maintenance of parklands. Preservation of historic,cultural,architectural and archae- Park development and operations can support this goal by preserving ological resources,and their associated landscapes. and protecting(and when appropriate, restoring) cultural resources on [N&CS Goal 4] parkland such as historic structures and archaeological sites. Awareness and appreciation of the diverse cultural history Park and recreation design and programming can increase public aware- and heritage of Orange County and its residents. ness of past cultural uses of the land by protecting and interpreting cul- [N&CS Goal 5] tural features on parkland. Sustainable quality and quantity of ground and surface Parks and recreation can support this goal by employing environmentally water resources. sensitive management and design principles for turf, trails, rooftops, [N&CS Goal 6] parking lots and other facilities that could affect water quality through impacts from stormwater runoff and groundwater infiltration.This man- agement includes abatement or reduction of nutrient and sediment pollution as well as other ecosystem stressors such as pesticides. A balanced and healthy diversity of native plant and ani- Parkland acquisition efforts and management of dispersed recreation mal populations. areas that are integrated with and aware of the coverage of ecosystem [N&CS Goal 7] types protected in Orange County will support this goal. Networks of protected natural,cultural,and agricultural Parkland acquisition that is integrated with regional and statewide con- lands. servation efforts of natural and cultural resources will contribute to the [N&CS Goal 8] 1 county goal of creating networks of protected lands. 7-1 62 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 7- Linkages with 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Other County Plans 7 This plan aims to promote healthy lifestyles and The Orange County Department of Environment, improve quality of life while being sensitive to Agriculture and Parks and Recreation manages coun- environmental and cultural amenities. Additionally, ty parks and recreation facilities bringing environ- these goals outline the importance of inter- mental education as well as programming in recrea- jurisdictional cooperation with entities such as tion and athletics to Orange County residents. schools, municipalities, non-profits, private land- C. Town Parks and Recreation Systems owners, as well as state and federal agencies. Orange County and the municipalities of Hills- The Parks and Recreation Element goals and borough, Mebane, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill coordi- objectives complement those in the Land Use nate efforts to provide a full range of recreational Element and Natural and Cultural Systems Element opportunities. The Intergovernmental Parks Work by identifying the need to acquire and retain public Group has facilitated inter-jurisdictional linkages by ownership of land for parks, open space, and habitat recommending a number of cooperative measures conservation. Parks and Recreation Element goals in order to minimize redundancy of recreational also link with Services and Facilities Element goals to offerings and optimize use of recreation depart- identify opportunities for coordination with school ments' resources. Key linkages include the Compre- systems and other entities for shared use and jointly hensive Countywide Parks Plan, coordinating land -funded projects. acquisition, identifying green corridors, siting of Action strategies for achieving parks and recreation parks and schools, and providing facilities that serve goals and objectives are provided in Chapter 11. both municipal and county residents. The following are parks and recreation linkages to Highlights of cooperation include: other County goals found in the Natural and Cultural 0 Homestead Park and Aquatics Center Systems Element of the comprehensive plan. • Southern Community Park • Twin Creeks (Moniese Nomp) Park and Educational B. The Nature of the County Parks System Campus(planned) Orange County has a variety of recreational . Smith Middle School and Cedar Falls athletic fields opportunities including state and local parks as well as trails and greenways. The County and its munici- palities have collaborated on recreational facility and park planning efforts to deliver regionally- coordinated services to all Orange County residents F' while protecting cultural and natural resources and t providing safe recreational and educational opportunities. Table 7-2: Parks and Recreation Planning in Orange County Elm Carrboro Yes 2006 112 Morgan Creek Greenway Plan Bolin Creek Greenway Plan Chapel Hill Yes 2013 350 Greenways Master Plan Hillsborough Yes 2009 65 Community Connectivity Plan Mebane No [2014] 200 Lake Michael Park Master Plan Orange County I Yes 1988 497* Lands Legacy Plan,Joint Master Recreation&Parks Report *Includes 255 acres of Little River Regional Park&Natural Area located in Durham Co.;managed by Orange Co. 7-2 Orange County Comprehensive.Parks and Recreation Master Plan 63 CHAPTER 7- Linkages with 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Other County Plans Chapel Hill Carrboro Chapel Hill's Comprehensive Park Plan (May 2013) Carrboro's Recreation and Parks Comprehensive identifies future needs for park acreage and recrea- Master Plan (2006) emphasizes an interest in part- tion facilities, and describes how the Town could nering with Chapel Hill and Orange County to help interface with the other recreational providers in meet the needs of its residents. Homestead the community. The plan notes that although Or- Aquatics Center, Southern Community Park, and the ange County offers a variety of parks and recreation planned Twin Creeks Park are examples of facilities opportunities throughout the county, there are no that Carrboro residents are likely to use although developed County parks serving the Chapel Hill area. not operated by the Town of Carrboro. The plan states that many of the residents in the Carrboro plans to acquire land for additional green- underserved areas of the county utilize Town of way trail and bikeway facilities. The Town intends to Chapel Hill facilities to meet their recreational focus greenway trail construction on the Bolin Creek needs. and Morgan Creek corridors, and connect with The plan recommends that the Town and County greenway segments developed in Chapel Hill. work together to minimize duplication and explore Carrboro aims to link its planned trail system to a opportunities for joint development and use of facil- broader network of greenways in the Triangle ities. Examples include the coordination of the trail region. systems and to initiate development of the County- owned parkland on Millhouse Road and Eubanks Recreation and Parks Comprehensive Road. The Ian recommends the Town explore the Master Plan Update p p for the possibility of forming an agreement with the County Town of Carrboro to develop a sports complex on Millhouse Road. LWOMMIA The plan describes how Chapel Hill partners with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (via joint-use ML agreements) to develop outdoor and indoor facili- ties that serve the needs of both the schools and area residents. The plan also notes that the Town �p;� ,,z� �yl has a unique opportunity to partner with the Univer- sity in providing recreation opportunities to Chapel Hill residents and students. .. COMPREHENSIVE PARKS PLAN (2013-2022) '�.. t 1 ti M y 29.20)3 Town of Chapel Hill 7-3 64 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 7- Linkages with 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Other County Plans 7 Hillsborough Mebane Hillsborough's Recreation and Parks Master Plan The City of Mebane is in was updated in 2009. The Town's Parks and the process of develop- '.�. Recreation Board is responsible for implementing ing its first recreation the master plan, including cooperating with Orange and parks comprehen- i. County to facilitate shared use and responsibility for sive master plan, which publicly-owned land. is expected to be com- The current plan identifies the following concerns or pleted in 2014. The City deficiencies the Town intends to address: will inventory Mebane's existing parks and recrea- • Uncertain relationship with school board for use tional facilities (as well as what Alamance County of school property and local private groups offer), and determine what • Town does not have a parks and recreation improvements are needed to expand current facili- department ties and develop new ones in the next 10 years. • Lack of existing town-owned and -maintained Mebane Recreation and Parks Department's mission recreation facilities is to provide the best recreation and park services • Many population groups in need of recreation for its residents. Department goals are to preserve facilities open space, provide quality leisure services, main- • Very limited funding for recreation resources tain park facilities, and provide programs for all from town residents. Mebane park and recreation facilities in • Loss of open/green space as land is developed Alamance County include community centers, a • No official coordination between town and soccer complex, athletic fields, and tennis courts. county for recreational needs Lake Michael is a 200-acre park operated by Priority recommendations for Hillsborough's parks Mebane in Orange County, featuring a stocked lake, system include improving pedestrian/bicycle picnic shelters, hiking trails, and a bike trail. connectivity throughout the town in order to im- D. Public School System Fields and Facilities prove access to parks via sidewalks, road improve- ments, or greenways, consistent with Town's 2009 The 27 public schools within Orange County's two Community Connectivity Plan. Other recommends- school systems have a variety of recreational facili- tions involve strengthening partnerships with Or- ties including playgrounds, playing fields as well as ange County and coordinating with other municipali- courts and gyms. Policies indicate that organized ties may rent school facilities. There are several to address regional connectivity and recreation examples of the County co-locating recreation facili- ties with or adjacent to school facilities. One such example is the Efland-Cheeks Park and Community Center. This 11-acre park is co-located with Efland- ! ; Cheeks Elementary School. Facilities include picnic shelters, amulti-purpose field, a playground, a com- munity center,trails and basketball courts. Addition- - ally, Eurosport Soccer Center near Efland features six lighted playing fields located next to Gravelly Hill Middle School. Finally, the future Twin Creeks Park includes an existing greenway (completed 2011) link from the nearby communities to Morris Grove Elementary School and future school facilities. 7-4 65 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 7-Linkages with 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Other County Plans E. State Parks System The North Carolina State Park system includes Eno campers. Other activities include opportunities to River State Park, most of which is located in Orange hike, canoe/kayak, and fish. Interpretative pro- County; the eastern portion is in Durham County. grams as well as the annual Festival for the Eno (in This park follows a linear park model in order to pro- Durham County) are among the activities visitors tect an important Piedmont watercourse. Its satel- may enjoy at the park. Annual visitation is approxi- lite park unit, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural mately 500,000. Area, is near Hillsborough. Park facilities provide low Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area -impact recreation opportunities such as hiking, This area's conservation is the result of over 40 canoeing, picnicking, and camping. The planned NC years of efforts involving Orange County, The Town Mountains-to-Sea Trail will travel through Eno River of Hillsborough, The Nature Conservancy, the Eno State Park. A map showing Eno River State Park is River Association, North Carolina State Parks, and provided as Figure 8-1. countless individuals. This satellite unit of Eno River State Park, dedicated in 1999, has several ponds as Eno River State Park well as approximately three trail miles on 190 acres The Eno River State Park is comprised of 3,900 acres through oak forest, river habitats, and heath bluff. in Orange and Durham counties and includes multi- Current expansion plans include the acquisition of ple tracts of land fronting the Eno River. Approxi- approximately 60 acres of land in order to provide mately 75% of the park and 16 miles of trail are greater protection of more of the regionally signifi- located within Orange County, as well as 12 cant plant communities on this property. This site is primitive campsites that accommodate about 100 located just southwest of Hillsborough's town limits. Figure 8-1: Eno River Sate Park Map_ E N Q iV l"R TAT E :P�A Ft { .! 10 %_` O w.l r[wa I ama 0 0..5 ;Moe ij FOOD { a.x,a,�w J. +, � ..w Ora •: ti .�� ��.raoOaq. a_' .�f � i F:h Woe �) 1•� LJ i . .i Cote fr.S y fX /r 6PCrJ - G„EE { � /• �.:/ \ fA„t ',.E�JUP$TATIDti h y„ \. nr s �. A--ble y HistaKC Srte-Piper{ax.Hauu Q. Prlmisive Camp7ng x, r,Bridge ©Nasprtal•Di.ham.Stgtonal ®Resttooms ,... ^' y Emet a 921ws.. - ._ Cana ACtcit Foot a Part eaundary Qi lekphone ® Gioup Groping ©Park Off” Ylattvwa7s _.• IIJ H,49Trai) .«. .. Q Park€ng -Moun:a�ns-to•Sea$taceTrail^�°•'• Q Pink Ama 7'y. yl �� s'✓a" 7-5 66 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 7- Linkages with 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Other County Plans 7 NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail (planned) The Mountains-to-Sea Trail will link Clingman's Classical American Homes Preservation Trust, and Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Eno River State Park—totaling approximately 25-28 to Jockey's Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks.This miles in Orange County. This initiative will rely on priority of the North Carolina State Trails Program willing landowners to provide trail easements has a planned section crossing Orange County begin- through rural and suburban settings as well as state ning at the Haw River in the county's southwest cor- and local government cooperation. ner. Trail plans involve paralleling Cane Creek There will be opportunities for other public trails through OWASA's Cane Creek Reservoir property and greenways to link to the NC Mountains-to-Sea and continuing on a northeasterly direction until it Trail (MST), including the Chapel Hill and Carrboro connects with the Occoneechee Mountain State greenway systems, and the Town of Hillsborough's Natural Area near Hillsborough. It will then follow planned Cates Creek Greenway. A map showing the the Eno River through the Town of Hillsborough's planned MST segment through Orange County and Riverwalk, private conservation lands owned by the the aforementioned potential linkages is provided as Map 7-2. Figure 7-2: NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail Corridor Orange County Section c 1 r W ANe ' S~ ~ � aer M � i� J C�t�, ` � ,�� t�} rt; � 'i�~ �, <•t� `,.1 r✓!'��'�p��'C � .� 1, �� �a •k. tt CHAPEL HILL ''�'I f` ✓ .'t7 .- ,t rte.. 1+,.�. t 4 w r'r::� - J NC Moe r.ti!ra-c-Sea Tra:t(VST) _ f ToRrs MST PfunaryraGZ 4 ff• LIST Arierra E•e ra,:te � Reserypn Lirka;abtsa•nprtecn•ay Eyatem MajarStearm 7-6 67 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 8- Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation Background The provision of parks and open spaces, and of health and wellbeing. In recent years, increased recreation programs, events and opportunities, offer research has focused on the impact of parks, recrea- a variety of benefits to the health safety and general tion, and open space on a community's economy. welfare of Orange County residents. Among these "At the bottom line, parks are a good financial are benefits to the county's economy, to the overall investment for a community.i' public health, and to the local and regional natural environment. Evidence of those public benefits is described below in two papers written by consultants from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro, supplemented with complementary + information received by DEAPR staff. r i J' 1. Economic Benefits of Parks, Recreation and Open Space x + . _.ti .: A 2011 study by the Trust for Public Land (TPL) determined the return on North Carolina's invest- ment in land conservation through its four conserva- The following are ways that parks, recreation, and tion trust funds. The TPL study found that every $1 open space positively benefit the economic health invested returns $4 in economic value from the of our cities, states,and country. kinds of natural resource goods and services,such as Enhances residential property values water quality protection by wetlands and air Research consistently shows pollution removal by forests. The study did not, ' parks have a positive impact on however, include how investments in land conserva- i°`---,�-.___ the value of properties located tion benefit the economy through jobs, taxes, H�M�! close by. Studies further demon- tourism,and other revenue., FOR strate that many people will pay Locally, a comprehensive review of those benefits ,SAL more for a home that is located was conducted for Orange County by a team of near a park, a nature preserve, researchers from the University of North Carolina at or community open space. Economists call this influ- Greensboro. Their findings, as well as the national ence hedonic value while real estate agents and research mentioned previously, support the idea homebuilders call it 'location, location, location.' that although county budgets need to be cut during Determining the correlation between parks and economic downturns, "...preserving parks and property values is not a recent phenomenon. Ac- recreation funds can actually reduce the need to cording to a report of the American Planning Associ- allocate funding to other public departments.iz ation, "From 1856 to 1873 he [Frederick Law Olmsted] tracked the value of property adjacent to The benefits that parks, recreation, and open space Central Park, in order to justify the$13 million spent have on individuals and communities are well on its creation. He found that over the 17-year documented. Numerous studies have examined the period there was a $209 million dollar increase in positive impacts that parks and recreation participa- the value of property impacted by the park.i4 lion has on a person's physical and psychological 8-1 68 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation,Master Plan CHAPTER 8- Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation 8 Increases property tax revenues Attract GRAMPIES (Growing number of Retired As real property values increase, so do property Active Monied People in Excellent Shape) taxes. This is particularly important since property According to the US Census Bureau, by 2050 approx- taxes are the most important revenue source for imately 1 in every 4 Americans will be 65 years of many cities and counties. A study conducted in age or older. Many of these older adults will be Mecklenburg County(NC)determined "that over the affluent due to fiscal benefits such as Social Security, past four years [2007-2010] there was 3.3% 'park pension plans, investments, and military pensions. effect' — or an additional $8,032 in average sale Many are mobile and move to various locations value per unit due to proximity to the park. Com- around our country.A study of retirees conducted in bined, this was over $10 million. This is direct reve- 1994 found that the top three features of a commu- nue generated by parks for individuals who sold nity that influenced the decision to relocate were homes near parks.,5 According to the National scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and mild Association of Homebuilders, "parks and recreation climate. When retirees relocate to an area they areas may enhance the values of nearby land up to bring expendable income, increase the tax base, are 15-20 percent.,6 This data has even greater signifi- "positive" taxpayers because they use fewer cance considering the economic weakness of the community services than they pay for through taxes, real estate market throughout the United States and often deposit significant assets into local during the study period. Higher property values and financial institutions. subsequent higher property tax revenues may help offset the need for a city or county to reduce , services or increase tax rates. Generates jobs and federal, state, and local tax revenue The 2012 Outdoor Recreation Economy Report (commissioned by the Outdoor Industry Association) stated that "outdoor recreation is big business in this country, to the tune of: 6.1 million direct Ameri- can jobs, $646 billion in direct consumer spending each year, $39.9 billion in federal tax revenue, and $39.7 billion in state/local tax revenue."' The same study conducted in 2006 determined that outdoor recreation added $7.5 million to North Carolina's Attracts business,especially small businesses economy. In addition, it supported 95,000 jobs, Parks, recreation, and open space have a strong created $430 million in state tax revenue, and influence attracting businesses to a community. produced $6.1 million in retail sales and service "Corporate CEOs say that employee quality of life is across the state.$ A conclusion of the research was the third most important factor in locating a new "active outdoor recreation creates sustainable long- business. Small company owners say recreation, term economic growth and community develop- parks, and open space are the highest priority in ment throughout North Carolina."' choosing a new location for their business."10 According to Crompton, Love, and Moore (1997), parks, recreation, and space amenities were identi- fied as the three most important factors that con- tributed to quality of life mentioned above." 8-2 69 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 8- Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation g 2. The Linkage of Public Parks and Recreation with Community Tourism (UNC-Greensboro) Crompton explains that "[m]any regard tourism as a As the definition indicates, tourism encompasses commercial phenomenon concerned with economic much more than the economic and financial aspect development that is rooted in the private domain. In of a person traveling. Tourism is the processes and contrast, parks and recreation typically is viewed as activities, the relationships and partnerships of its being concerned with social and resource issues and stakeholders, and the impacts of these processes being rooted in the public domain.,,12 In this light, and activities on the host community. Because of some may not see the connection between public this, tourism is best understood as a system with all parks and recreation and tourism. However, there is its components and the interaction of those a clear and strong relationship between public parks components.1415 Figure 8-1 illustrates that tourism and recreation facilities and services with a commu- system has two main drivers: demand and supply. nity's tourism potential. To better understand this Demand is based on the visitors' demand for a relationship it is important to begin by defining leisure experience in a place that is away from their tourism. There is often a misconception that tour- home. The supply can be broken into multiple ism is a simple process commonly associated with elements that work together to provide the tourism "going on vacation," "being a tourist," and "staying (leisure) experience.This system also includes, but is in a hotel." The truth is that the process is more not limited to, impacts of tourism (social and complex, and involves much more than a person environment), spatial planning and policy develop- traveling. Tourism is defined as the "processes, ment, programming of activities, the partnership activities, and outcomes arising from the relation- development, and enhancement of the quality of life ship and the interactions among tourist, tourism for all stakeholders. supplies, host governments, host communities, and surrounding environments that are involved and hosting of visitors."13 Figure 8-1:The Tourism Destination System (modified from Gunn &Var,2002) t t 1 Visitor t 1 1 , Information Transportation 1 ' 1 � t 1 _ 1 t U) Attraction t t , 1 ' Services t � 1 1—_— — ---------------------------------- Local Environment General Environment 8-3 70 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 8- Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation Destinations have multiple levels and types of products and services (i.e., hotels, restaurants, gas stations, attractions) that are brought together to form the overall tourism experience. Each component or element of the destination is a �r R product in and of itself. "The attractions of a desti- nation constitute the most powerful component of the supply side of tourism."14 Most public parks and recreation facilities and services fall into the attraction category. Crompton (2010) explains that in A in many communities, most tourism attractions are developed and/or operated by the public and One of the emerging trends for travelers is the nonprofit agencies, many of which are parks and desire to stay healthy and fit while traveling. recreation related. Therefore, tourism in most com- Tourists often desire places to run,walk, bike, swim, munities is heavily reliant on public park and and play. Local parks and recreation facilities pro- recreation agencies.12 vide tourists with these opportunities. It could be as Most of the outdoor recreation space that is utilized simple as a tourist running on one of the local parks by tourists in the United States is owned by a and recreation department's maintained trails, play- governmental agency(federal, state, or local). Many ing basketball at the local park, or taking part in a of the historical and cultural attractions in a commu- group exercise class. Other examples of tourists nity are located at a public park or in a public using park facility.15 Public parks and recreation facilities and and recreation facilities could include: having a services are a vital part of the tourism offerings in a picnic at a community park, attending a festival, community. taking a nature walk. The main difference between parks and recreation facilities that are attractions For example, athletic fields used to host and those that are not is the manner in which they tournaments will draw players and fans from areas are managed. For a facility or service to truly be outside the local community. Those individuals considered an attraction it must be managed with traveling to the community to play in the an understanding that tourists may use the facility tournament will need basic tourism services such as and therefore policies and practices must be in place lodging and restaurants. The tournament, which to make the tourist welcome. may be run by the local parks and recreation agency, is the attraction. The facilities (i.e., fields, locker 'k rooms, picnic shelters) that are being used area �, + requirement for the tournament to be held and are also considered attractions. f l r a 1 a r �W ,.sa= 8-4 71 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and.Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 8- Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation 8 3. The Role of Parks and Recreation in Improving Public Health requirements. Orange Count does et not meet Many studies over the years have indicated the q g y Y strong relationship between parks and public health. the established North Carolina 2020 targets for adult Whether providing opportunities to commune with exercise (60.6%) or healthy weight high school nature and meditate, or access to safe spaces for students (79.2%). physical activity and recreation to fight childhood Individual Behavior versus Influential Systems obesity and chronic disease, access to parks and Looking at these numbers alone, it would be easy to recreation areas and programs have consistently attribute these negative health outcomes to been shown to improve quality of life and increase individual choice, willpower, or lack of knowledge positive health outcomes. about healthy behaviors. However additional data Here in Orange County, well over 90% of persons on the health effects of our physical, political, and responding to the Community Needs Assessment cultural surroundings provide deeper insight on how Surveys in Chapter Six agreed or strongly agreed our decisions are affected by elements beyond with the statement "Public parks and recreation individual control. Some national examples include: programs enhance the physical and mental . Seventy percent of African –American neighbor- well-being of Orange County residents." hoods and 81% of Hispanic neighborhoods lack The role of parks and recreation in improving health recreation facilities, compared to 38% of White neighborhoods. is especially important considering national and lo- . people who report access to walking/jogging trails cal trends in public health. As the following statistics are more 55%more likely to be active.19 illustrate, we know the burden of disease and death . Children living within 2/3 mile of a park with a in the United States is due to preventable diseases playground can be five times more likely to have a resulting from physical inactivity, tobacco use, and healthyweight.20 poor diets. • People who live within walking distance of trails, • Seven out of 10 deaths among Americans each year parks or stores report higher walking than those 21 result from preventable chronic diseases, including who do not. But the distance matters. Forty-six heart disease,cancer,and stroke. percent of people are willing to walk to church or • Nearly half of American adults suffer from at least school if it is one mile away, but only 1% are willing when the distance is 3-4 miles.22 one chronic illness. • Youth in neighborhoods with seven recreational • One in three American adults is obese-and almost facilities were 26% more likely to be active than one in five children. those in areas without facilities. • Arthritis is the leading cause of disability, with . The number of children who are physically active nearly 19 million Americans reporting activity limitations. outside is 84% higher when schoolyards are kept • Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, open for public play,24 non-traumatic lower-extremity amputations, and This clearly shows that where someone lives and blindness among American adults. what parks and recreation facilities they have access In Orange County, local data reflects the national to directly affects their ability to meet physical epidemic of preventable chronic disease. Fifty-three activity guidelines and to achieve the associated percent of adults and 33% of high school students in positive health incomes. It is important that all Orange County are not within healthy weight rang- residents have access to recreation and physical ac- es, which increased access to park improves. Only tivity opportunities,the natural environment, health 45%of adults and 48% of high school students meet food,and healthcare. 8-5 72 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 8- Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation 8 Local Experiences The national and state data above are reflected in environment infrastructure (biking lanes, complete the everyday experiences of Orange County streets, parks and recreation facilities)as an area residents. The 2011 Orange County Community that most needed improvement. When specifically Health Assessment points out that despite the asked whether a lack of access to parks and strong overall parks and recreation programs within recreational opportunities is a problem in Orange the county there are many unmet needs. Residents County, 75% of those surveyed agreed. Qualitative were asked what they like most and least about focus groups spoke highly of the quality of these living in the county. Of 12 topics, 17% of those resources, but mentioned increasing access to park surveyed mentioned transportation and the built resources as an ongoing need, particularly urban versus rural access. ( I 1 Caswell i Person I a l I i 57 i i t i 1 _ Bus Stops(Hilistmrough i - - 70 o I Circulator Route, ° o i Chapel Hill Transit, Triangle Transit 420 o [ i Route) o°o '''777--0 Alamance Durham i 1 i ) i r i • Bus Stops 00 - Parks and Recreational Facilities o i oq oau -(County.Town,and City) R \ 1 Mile Butter Around Parks and i 'I�JO Recreational Facilities 9 o IS 1 Mile BuNerAround Bus Stop i i o s?I 54 I I�a u i 0 Chatham 8-6 73 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 8- Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation S The following are local examples of the gaps in work, or community destinations. The Orange access for Orange County residents. First, there is County Community Health Assessment found that only one free, public swimming pool—the A.D. Clark during the period 2005-2009, 5.4% and 1.6% of Pool located at the Hargraves Community Center in county residents walked or biked to work, respec- Chapel Hill,which operates only from Memorial Day tively.25 In Chapel Hill, 11.2% of commuters walked to Labor Day. Second, despite the abundance of and in Carrboro, 3.0%walked to work. This suggests parks in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Hillsborough a much lower percentage of walking and cycling as vicinities, there is insufficient recreational space or active transport to desired destinations in rural athletic sports fields in the rural parts of the county, Orange County, due in large part to the higher den- particularly in the southeast and northern areas. sity and greater transportation infrastructure in the Thus, the rural populations do not have access to as municipalities. many free recreational spaces as urbanites. While Connecting parks and recreation facilities with com- rural populations may have an abundance of beauti- munity efforts to increase the walkability and ful open spaces they may lack accessibility to formal bikeability of Orange County will help residents' use recreation areas. This lack of recreational opportu- their everyday travel to achieve their regular physi- nities in the northern and southwest regions of Or- cal activity milestones using time they already need ange County was identified in the 2011 Community to devote to reaching destinations. Health Assessment. Therefore, residents without the financial means to pay for unsubsidized recreation have to use free recreation opportunities, which may be difficult to ;. . access depending on their location in the county. !; Furthermore, most of the community centers and exercise facilities that offer physical activity classes in the county require payment, isolating indigent members of the population who may need more group encouragement to partake in physical activity. Finally, gaps in recreation access are further compounded by lack of private and public transpor- tation. They are limited to opportunities reachable by public transportation or personal means like `; walking or biking. For rural residents, public !; 1 transport access to parks is, for the most part, infea- sible. As one way to operationalize access, consider that 3,400 Orange County households do not have access to vehicles, with roughly 3,000 of them farther than one mile from a bus stop (which are primarily located near Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough).25 This issue of access also highlights the increased national emphasis on incorporating f " parks and recreation areas into broader community changes to facilitate active transport to school, 8-7 74 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 8- Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation 8 Current Programming The Eat Smart Move More(ESMM)campaign asks its In addition to the provision of facilities to allow partner organizations to use various strategies to opportunities for active living, parks and recreation promote a different key ESMM health message each departments play an integral role in programming month to various audiences within their organiza- for exercise and recreation. Zumba and yoga classes tions. Individuals and families are encouraged to are among the most popular classes offered by think differently about what they eat and how much Orange County, and survey results indicate a desire they move. for more hiking and biking opportunities. Athletics Ensuring"Health in All Policies" programs teach discipline and team-building in While designing parks and recreation facilities with addition to physical training. public health in mind has been accomplished on a The Orange County Health Department (OCHD), basic level in Orange County, it has not been fully through its Healthy Carolinians of Orange County integrated into the design process for parks in a for- program, sponsors and promotes a number of other mulaic or fundamental design tenet. There has programs that encourage citizens to participate in been a national movement towards "Health in all physical activity and recreation, including Eat Smart policies." Health in all policies means that health Move More and Preparing Lifelong Active Youth to consideration are clearly defined and addressed in Move More. all policy making and programming across sectors, and at all levels,to improve the health of all commu- nities and people. Recently, a number of North Car- Eat Smart olina state divisions have formally expanded their missions to include public health considerations in MoveMol = all programs, plans,and policies.26 Orange County ' Orange County Preparing Lifelong Active Youth r (PLAY) to Move More is a partnership between HCOC, Orange County Schools (OCS), and UNC Campus Recreation to increase youth physical i activity during afterschool. UNC Sport Club athletes visit OCS middle schools twice a month to teach ; y youth sports related skills, and provide opportuni- ties for structured play. The program encourages OCS to enhance physical _ "' �$ E activity for students during after school programs. Teachers strive to dedicate at least 30 minutes of after-school time to activities that get students mov- ing. Be Active NC trains teachers to engage students in physical activity that promotes learning and well- being of both students and teachers. Healthy Caro- linians hopes to have PLAY adopted throughout the r school district. °~ a': rTgr(aIt p 8-8 r 75 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 8- Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation With the clear connections between public health Future Opportunities for Parks and Public Health and parks and recreation, it will be important that These considerations, and the preceding discussion Orange County includes key public health considera- emphasize that access to and use of parks and recre- tions in design of parks and recreation programs, ation facilities are an integral part of an active, policies, or projects. A number of national and state healthy community. Communities that support ac- documents provide guidance on these considera- tive living through parks and recreation, accessible tions, and outline recommended strategies and goals transportation, bike and pedestrian infrastructure 26 Z'to increase active living in communities. improvements could prevent up to 1.7 pounds of Some of the considerations mentioned in these weight gain per year, lower risk of obesity by 35%, documents include: and increase life expectancy by 4 years.28 However, 1. Proximity of recreation facilities to homes, the goal of such an active, healthy community and its schools,or other frequented areas benefits cannot be attained without collaboration 2. Accessibility of recreation facilities to public from diverse community, government, and business transportation partners. Only when these partners all recognize and 3. Cost of recreational facility use strive towards active living as an integrated way of 4. Safety,or perceived safety,of recreational life, and not simply an individual choice to be made facilities each day, will we achieve the health, economic, and 5. Hours of operation of recreational facilities 6. Safe pedestrian/bike facilities connecting parks other benefits we desire. and recreation facilities Inter-Disciplinary Collaboration Similar conversations are occurring in parks and rec- reation, public health, and planning communities. In _ November 2012, an article on trends in parks and _ vy public health further noted the following: I!i Indeed, leaders from both the public health and park and recreation fields make compelling arguments that custodi- ons of our green spaces, trails and greenways, recreation facilities, community centers, and playgrounds hold the keys to our most widely accessible dispensary of national L health solutions: Doctors really ought to prescribe parks and public recrea- tion programs to their patients most at risk for obesity- related illnesses. • Communities should seek to identify and address 4 "recreation deserts"and connect residents with un- der-utilized recreational spaces through bike and i walking trails. • Community-led studies of public health consequenc- es should inform and guide changes to the built envi- ronment—and parks should play key roles. • Organizations chartered to fight chronic diseases should partner with the caretakers of local walking . trails and greenways. 1 • And, we should all agree to keep parks tobacco free. 8-9 76 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 8- Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts of Parks and Recreation 8 4. Parks, Recreation and the Environment Many of our parks also include remnants of our In addition to the important role parks and recrea- past, such as former homesteads, old roadways, or a tion programs play in public health, parks also are an burial ground. These historically and culturally sig- important part of protecting our shared natural en- nificant areas can add a great deal to the visitors' vironment. Parks and open spaces constitute an im- interest and they provide opportunities for educa- portant part of the county's "green infrastructure." tional programs and site interpretation. In some As noted above, they help protect water resources cases they can add to the heritage tourism in the by filtering pollutants from streams, protect air qual- community. Examples of parks with historically- it Y Y b offerin g g p large wooded areas that help absorb significant amenities in Orange County include the airborne pollutants, and provide important breaks in former Patterson Mill dam in Duke Forest, the Piper- impervious surfaces and built areas to lessen the Cox House within Eno River State Park, the historic effect of reflective heat and the resultant impacts on Ayr Mount property managed by Classical American air quality and climate. Homes Preservation Trust, and the historic farm- Parks can also host a variety of flora and fauna. stead at Orange County Blackwood Farm. Most parks include undeveloped areas that sur- See appendix 8-1 for Endnotes round the athletic fields, picnic shelters, parking, and other facilities.The preservation of these "green spaces" can also help protect native plant and ani- mal species that have lost their habitat in surround- ing developed areas. These areas may include na- ture trails or they may be set aside as natural areas with no trails or other recreational amenities. Many of the areas located inside our parks and nature pre- serves are recognized as significant natural heritage areas by the North Carolina Department of Environ- ment and Natural Resources. These special areas include unique and exemplary terrestrial and aquatic habitats that critical for supporting im- portant animals, plants and ecosystems. As of 2009 there were 6,206 acres of Natural Heritage Areas in parks or other protected open space in Orange County.29 R 8-10 77 Com Py Comprehensive Pat*; and Pecreatio7i Il.rster Pla,? CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Surnmary and findings from Inventories, Research,and InIut What Does It All Mean: Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research, and Input Introduction 1. Changing Needs and Conditions In the preceding chapters, we have learned about Many things have changed with the passage of 25 existing and previous plans for parks and recreation years since the 1988 master plan. It would be impos- in Orange County; reviewed the inventory of current sible to list all changed conditions that affect the parks and recreation facilities, as well as planned method and means of parks and recreation provi- future facilities; considered current programs and sions, but some of the most relevant include: services; reviewed population estimates and * The county population has grown from 88,000 to projections and other demographic "driving 137,000 persons(56%increase). factors"; examined the results of several distinct surveys of community needs, both statistical, online, • Orange County passed parks and open space bonds and targeted to ethic and special populations; in 1997 ($6 million) and 2001 ($20 million)for acqui- looked at the relationship and linkages with this plan sition of parkland and construction of parks and rec- reation facilities. and the County's 2030 Comprehensive Plan; and explored the impacts of parks and recreation on the • Orange County opened its first park in 1998 (Efland- county's economy,the public health and our natural Cheeks Park), built with bond proceeds from the and cultural environment. 1997 bond. Park facilities in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Mebane have also been construct- Having examined the above data and information, it ed to serve those communities. is now possible to begin to draw some conclusions • Most of the parks and facilities called for in the 1988 that will help illuminate possible future needs and Master Recreation and Parks Plan are now built or efforts. the sites secured. In this section, we will explore the changing needs • There has been a greater emphasis at the federal, that appear to have emerged in the past 25 years, State and local level on building trails and protecting along with opportunities to meet these challenges. identified natural areas. A look at the use of standards for future needs will • Recreation program offerings are more numerous also be presented, both from a population-based and considerably more diverse as community needs formula and a needs-based version from the have evolved. This is true both for Orange County opinions shared in the different surveys of commu- and its municipalities. nity needs.This exercise will enable the examination • The County acquired an indoor sports facility, the of service areas and service delivery, and the Triangle Sportsplex,which includes a swimming pool, potential for meeting needs both at the County level ice rink and fitness areas among other amenities. and in conjunction with other partners. • The County has engaged in partnerships with non- This analysis, plus all of the prior data and profit recreation providers for summer camps and information presented in this plan, will enable us to sports leagues. draw a number of conclusions, or findings, that may • The internet and means of electronic communication help establish the plan for parks and recreation have greatly altered how people receive information going forward to the year 2030. about parks and recreation services. 78 Orange Col{nfj�Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Q CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input J 2. Park Classifications, Standards, Service Delivery These changed conditions and needs, along with the Local, regional and state parks and recreation pro- community needs assessment and inventories of viders across the nation regularly engage in master existing facilities and programs, are major driving planning efforts such as this one. A key question for factors for future parks and recreation program all of these plans is — how to translate the existing provision, and determinants for the nature of what facilities, prior plans and expressed community needs into a formula for determining how these the parks system both has become, and will evolve needs should be met. into over the coming years. All of these past and current plans and activities, and the assessment of Historically, one of the most common methods of what has changed and what community needs and quantifying these needs has been through the use of priorities are, help the county determine the type park standards. As we shall see in this chapter, the very nature of that process has undergone and style of future parks needs and how these significant change in the last 25 years, leading away services should be delivered. from more of a community needs-based approach. Table 9-1: below shows the park classification system from the 1988 Master Plan(found in Table 5-1 of the 1988 Plan). Mini-Parks Less than 1 500-2,500 Sub-neighborhood Picnic table,game tables,benches acre Neighborhood Park 5-20 acres 2,000-8,000 '/.to%Mile One ballfield,courts,picnic shelter,play- ground Community Park 25-74 acres 10,000—50,000 1 to 2 Miles 2 ballfields,trail,courts,picnic shelter, playground,concessions, amphitheater District Park 75-199 acres Up to 50,000 Within 30 minute Community park plus multi-ballfield com- drive time plex,trails,nature center,camping Regional Park 200 acres+ Entire population Within 60 minute Multiple trails and picnic areas,water small community drive time features,boating,camping, Fishing Unique or Special Areas No standard The basic framework of the types of parks is still valid in 2013,and consistent with the park classifications seen in other jurisdictions. However, some changes are needed for flexibility and changed in priorities, needs and existing conditions of the parks system. Table 9-2:shows recommended changes based on the data,inventory and information gathered. School Park As available 10,000* School district Playing fields,picnic shelters,trails,play- grounds,walking track Community Park 40-75 acres Up to 10,000 Approx.5 mile radius Playing fields,picnic shelters,trails,play- grounds,courts,outdoor classroom District Park 75-125 acres Average 30,000 10-mile radius Community park plus multi-field complex, nature kiosk,amphitheater,water fea- tures May include a community center. Regional Park 150 acres plus Average 75,000 20-mile radius Multiple trails and picnic areas,water features,boating,camping,fishing,nature center,special exhibits Nature Preserve Case by case NA NA Camping,hiking,wildlife viewing,exhibits. Access Areas *Based on elementary school average population in rural Orange County. 9-2 79 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan 9 CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input A. A Park Classification System In its 1988 Master Recreation and Parks Plan, Another changed situation relating to the type and Orange County set forth a framework for the type of style of parks and public open spaces is the County's parks that would meet community needs. While embarkation in April, 2000 on a program to times have changed since 1988, part of this basic conserve important natural and cultural resource framework of park styles remains valid for the lands through the Lands Legacy program. This County, while the evolution of park design, actual program has not only acquired a number of different park construction and operation, and the changed park sites that fit into the classes listed above, but conditions and need since 1988 warrant the also has worked to protect important natural lands revisiting of this classification system. and accumulate them in nature preserves in two One of the lessons learned since 1988 is that smaller key areas of the county (the Upper Eno River parks are better suited to be provided by municipal corridor, and lower New Hope Creek). While the or urban park systems, and are inefficient and lack main focus of the nature preserve is the protection economies of scale for a larger countywide scope of of the flora, fauna and wildlife habitat, it is possible parks. In an urban setting, with clusters of homes to build in human interactions with the natural areas close by, mini-parks and neighborhood parks serve a by working on the edges and fringes of the preserve valuable role. These type of parks are designed for to offer opportunities for trails, camping and wildlife the service of close-by neighborhoods with a range viewing. To this end, a series of Public Access Areas of urban services and public transportation that may (FAA's) are envisioned and in some cases, underway not exist in the rural or suburban areas of the in conjunction with these nature preserves. These county. As such, the County has made a conscious places should be designed with care and in harmony decision over the last 15 years to forego mini-parks with the natural environment, and as such do not and neighborhood parks, and focus on the larger have specific acreage needs, service area or popula- community, district and regional parks where tion standards. These would be designed on a case- economies of scale for operation and maintenance by-case basis with the specific site. may be expected and the rural and suburban community needs better met. In fact, the 1988 a} ^+ master plan, while listing these as types of parks, in Section 6 came to a similar conclusion, recommend- ing that mini-parks and neighborhood parks be r = developed by the municipalities. Accordingly, no parks of this type were recommended for ; acquisition and construction. { 9-3 f � 80 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input 9 B. Review of the Use of Standards for Parks and Recreation Plans As noted above, the use of standards to determine consultants in the parks and recreation field, it was park and facility needs has historically been a key concluded that national or state standards regarding component of master plans, including the County's program, service, facility, or area needs for parks existing 1988 plan. However, thinking about the and recreation no longer exist. use of formulaic standards has changed in the past Over the past 2-3 decades it has been determined decades. The County's consultants from UNC- that national or even state standards do not address Greensboro were asked to prepare a brief on the the unique nature of individual communities. current thinking on the use of standards for parks Common practice today is for communities to devel- and recreation planning. op the community-specific standards that reflect the The following is their report on the current validity parks and recreation needs of their residents. The of standards for parks and recreation planning in following are examples of strategies that would 2013 (emphasis added). enable the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Standards for Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) to develop community After a thorough review of the literature, search of -specific standards: the internet, and discussions with professionals and Strategies to Develop Community-Specific Standards(UNC Greensboro) • Elicit residents' (who use County programs, services and facilities offered) input regarding their parks and recreation needs via such methods as focus groups,public hearings,and needs assessment,• • Elicit residents' (who do not use programs, services, facilities offered by DEAPR) input regarding their parks and recreation needs via such methods as focus groups,public hearings, and needs assessment, • Prioritize residents'needs based on current/future capital and operational funding; • Consult the county's mission, vision,and goals; • Evaluate residents'access to parks(walking radius); • Assess residents'perception of current programs,services,facilities offered by DEAPR; • Appraise residents'satisfaction level with current programs,services,facilities,and areas provided by DEAPR; • Calculate a user level of service for current programs,services,facilities, and areas offered by DEAPR; • Identify residents'perception of programmatic and facility deficiencies, • Identify DEAPR staff's perception of programmatic and facility deficiencies, • Inventory current programs,services,facilities, and areas offered by DEAPR; • Inventory current programs,services,facilities, and areas offered by other municipalities in Orange County,. • Inventory current programs,services,facilities, and areas offered by the non-profit sector(e.g., YMCA), • Inventory current programs,services,facilities,and areas offered by the commercial,for-profit sector, • Inventory current programs, services,facilities, and areas offered by offered by the State of NC and US federal government; • Inventory current programs,services,facilities,and areas offered by like counties(e.g. SCORP,see attached);and • Examine current programs, services,facilities, and areas offered by for Class ll (population 100,001 —250,000) NRPA National Gold Medal Award winners for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. 9-4 81 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation.Master Plan CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input With the lack of national or state standards, and the No NRPA award-winning systems were identified move to community needs-based standards to that were comparable to Orange County. Almost all recognize the unique nature and desires of systems were municipalities or large counties or individual communities,the County must attempt to regional park districts that bear little resemblance to determine these community needs. Fortunately, Orange County.The following is a brief case study of many if not most of the recommended methods for a similar county and its approach to parks and exploring these needs have been accomplished by recreation programs: this master plan: With the lack of national or state standards, and the • The community needs assessment (CNA) surveys move to community needs-based standards to (statistical random-sample, online and targeted) recognize the unique nature and desires of individu- solicited information of many of the bullet items al communities, the County must attempt to listed above. determine these community needs. Fortunately, • The County has an established set of goals and many if not most of the recommended methods for objectives from the 2030 Comprehensive Plan to exploring these needs have been accomplished by help frame the context of future planning. this master plan: • The surveys reached both frequent users and 1 persons who were not familiar with the County's C. Guiding Principles for the Use of Park Standards parks and programs. They asked about satisfaction Given the lack of a national set of standards for use with and perceptions of current facilities and programs,and interests for the future needs. but the historical practice of using this as a measur- • The County's Capital Investment Plan offers a time ing tool for park needs, and mindful of the case line and plan for future parks and nature preserve studies and information gleaned from the outreach investments. (This will be explored in greater detail conducted as part of this plan, a set of guiding prin- in Chapter XII). ciples would be useful to govern how to use and • Existing facilities and programs offered by the develop standards and determine future needs. The county and other providers have been inventoried following "Proposed Guiding Principles for Park as part of this project. Standards" attempts to balance the expectation of a • New partnerships with non-profit recreation community needs based approach with the popula- providers have enabled an understanding of how their programs and facilities are run. tion-based standards of the past as a check or com- parative tool. It also includes the Park Classification However, there are a few areas of additional Scheme outlined previously in this chapter. research listed by the consultant that may be useful: • Examination of programs and facilities by the State and for-profit recreation providers • Examination of programs and facilities offered by similar counties • Examination of programs and facilities from NRPA award-winning parks and recreation systems of a comparable size. 9-5 o 82 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean: Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input 9 Proposed Guiding Principles for Park Standards c. District Parks—Parks of 75-150 acres in size which —Orange County NC provide for a wide range of recreation and open Section I—Parks Standards space leisure needs (or may have a specific theme of use)for a defined section of the County, In some 1. The use of national standards for parks and park facili- cases, townships may be districts. District Parks ties is no longer a common practice. Most communities should general be within a 10-mile radius for the now develop their own standards based on local needs service area, and contain a larger palette of and driving factors. facilities and recreation opportunities. (the future 2. The County should periodically convene a series of fo- Twin Creeks Park (Moniese Nomp) would be an rums to develop community-specific standards that example of a District Park—and a School Park) reflect the unique needs of the county residents.These d. Regional Parks—Parks of 150 acres or more which forums should occur no less that once every four years. provide for a unique natural or low-impact For the purposes of this master plan, the community orientation and nature-based outdoor activities. needs assessments, focus groups, relevant staff and Regional parks serve the entire county and should deliberations of the Parks and Recreation Council and be within a 20-mile radius, and may serve multiple the Board of County Commissioners should determine counties as part of the potential service area, and the strategies for future facilities and programs. are thus conducive to multi-jurisdictional partner 3. As a county park system,certain types of parks are best ships.(Little River Regional Park and Natural Area is provided by urban or municipal park systems. These a Regional Park). include mini-parks (1 acre or less) or neighborhood e. Nature Preserves — In certain cases, topography, parks (defined here as 20 acres or less).These types of geology and hydrology may combine with parks are designed for the service or close-by neighbor- identified natural areas to create opportunities for hoods with a range or urban services and transporta- nature preserves. A nature preserve's primary tion that may not exist in the rural or suburban areas of focus is the protection of the natural resources the county. present, but also allows for limited public access 4. In keeping with established practice of the last 15 for low-impact recreation. years, Orange County will seek to create the following types of parks: 5. While community-specific needs assessment will be the driving factor in planning for future facilities and a. School Parks—Opportunities exist for the creation programs, the use of population-based standards is of school parks for playing fields and other open still appropriate as a "benchmark" and double-check spaces at current and future Orange County of potential needs. Schools.The size of these parks would be variable, 6. For purposes of standards calculation, the process depending on the opportunity. The joint use of should be initiated with examination of the entirety of these facilities would allow for school resources and the County with a subsequent assessment of munici- needs to be met,while also enhancing community pal parks that exist or are planned which may help recreation needs at publicly-funded and built address the identified need.These existing or planned playing fields and school facilities. (Efland Cheeks municipal parks can then be subtracted from the total Park is a current example of a School Park) county need to identify needs that remain for the b. Community Parks — Parks of 40-75 acres in size County. which provide for the recreation and open space/ Example — Orange County standards calculated reflect a leisure needs for a defined collection of neighbor need for 1200 acres of district parks to meet the current hoods, subdivisions and residential areas within a population of the county.If approximately 600 acres of dis section of the County. Community Parks should trict parks exist within the towns of the county, and 400 generally be within a 5-mile radius of the area to be acres exist or are planned in the County system,the need for served. (Cedar Grove Park is an example of a the County parks system is 200 acres. Community Park). 7. In addressing parks needs for Orange County, signify cant coordination is needed with municipal systems both in terms of calculating countywide needs, and in coordinating future plans and park development. 9-6 83 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input Section II—Recreation Program Standards 1. Because of the variability and periodic change in assessments of the population to determine actual community needs and desires for recreation pro- desired programs. grams, it is recommended that planning for future While moving toward a more-flexible community recreation programs be wholly accomplished via needs-based approach, the use of the population- Environment,Agriculture, Parks and Recreation staff based formula may still offer a valuable "reality- research and recommendations and periodic needs check" or benchmark. The following example shows how a population-based standard may be used: Issue: Determine how many district parks are needed for:(a)2012 (present),and(b),the plan target year of 2030. Standard:5 acres per 1,000 population,servicing an area between 10,000 to 50,000 persons (design population=30,000). District parks are 81-160 acres in size(design size=120 acres). 2012 Orange County Population: 137,941 Calculated Acres Needed for District Parks in Orange County(2012 population):689.7 acres Number of District Parks based on Design Size: 5.75 district parks Number of District Parks, High End of District Park Size: 4.31 district parks Number of District Parks,Low End of District Park Size: 8.52 district parks Number of District Parks Needed,Service Area Population: 4.59 district parks How Many Acres of Existing District Parks/Parkland?: Acres Orange County 404 acres (includes Cheeks/Hillsborough"Twin Creeks Park (acquired/future);Northeast District Park(acquired/ future);Millhouse Road Park(with Chapel Hill?)z Chapel Hill3 None Carrboro3 None Mebane None Grand Total 404 acres Calculated 2012 Need(Standards) 690 acres Surplus/Deficit -286 acres(or 2.38 district parks) 2030 Orange County Population':173,248 Calculated Acres Needed for District Parks in Orange County(2012):866.2 acres Number of Parks based on Design Size: 7.22 district parks Number of Parks,Largest Park Size(160 ac)= 5.42 district parks Number of Parks,Smallest Park Size(81 ac)= 10.7 district parks Number of Parks Needed by Service Area Population 5.78 district parks Current Need(Standards) 866 acres Currently Existing District Park Acres(from above) 404 acres Surplus/Deficit: -462 acres(or 3.85 district parks) Using the same current/future land-banked sites listed above,assuming no new unplanned or not yet acquired district park sites. 9-7 Y Y 84 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input 9 D. Service Areas and Service Delivery Defining service areas for parks in a county system is In 1988, the Recreation and Parks Master Plan and a bit more-complicated than for urban municipali- subsequent reports examined to some degree trans- ties. With closely-packed neighborhoods and gener- portation patterns and networks in attempting to ally similar ranges of housing density, the use of define the four "districts" within which park needs driving time or distance as a service area definition were identified (see Map 9-1). However, as seen in is a valid determinant of what areas can reasonably Section 6 of that plan,the recommended location of be served. Many of these areas are walkable or have the four District Parks was based primarily on ex- access to a comprehensive public transportation. isting open space and water bodies, and opportuni- In Orange County's case, outside of the towns, pop- ties with public lands or other public or quasi-public ulation densities and the location of residential sub- open spaces. Of the four district park locations iden- divisions is considerably more sporadic and less- tified at that time,two were proposed to be located dense. Only limited public transportation along with new reservoirs, one near Duke Forest and the major roadways is in existence or planned for the County landfill in the Eubanks Road corridor, and next 10-15 years. The road network is arterial, with only one (northern Orange) in an area without side rural roads and private roads. In some parts of public open space or State parkland nearby. the county the road network is more developed and Therefore, it can be said that in the 1988 plan, features good connections in all directions. In other opportunity and existing areas, roadways are more dispersed and may only pp Y n public lands was the traverse certain directions, requiring trips tangential ultimate driving factor in the location of district parks, and not driving time and geographic or away from the ultimate destination before reach- distances. ing a main arterial roadway. These rural areas of the county continue to see moderate residential subdivi- For a point of reference, however, Map 9-2 shows sion growth, but the areas are projected to remain the location of the County's current parks and the rural for the plan period through 2030. proposed "service area" radius if this were to be the locational determinant. Map 9-3 shows these parks, As such, a 5-mile radius from a given park site in plus the service areas for planned new parks in the rural Orange County may be a five minute drive for someone along an arterial roadway, or a 15-minute County's Capital Investment Plan. As can be seen, drive for someone who lives down a long private there is substantial overlap using this definition, and lane in a more sparsely-populated area. Service almost all of the county is covered. Map 9-4 shows areas cannot easily be defined by distance, and trav- the regional park coverage, which is even more el time is highly variable. extensive. Another very different factor that should be taken into consideration in determining the location and service areas of future facilities is one that is not ► li,. `�— physical—the desires and needs of the communities within Orange County,the opportunities to enhance -- � 4 public health and economic development, and the T; social consideration of accessibility to low-income and at-risk households. These important considera- tions ma not easily be ma Y y peed, but they are im- portant to the recreational, natural resource, public health and social goals of the County. 9-8 85 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Q CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input J Map:9-1 _Orange-_County_Park Districts__,_ Orange County Park Districts Northeast District Park C Cheeks/Hillsborough District Park �Afebane' Hillsborough 1 l ' Bingham District Park Chapel Hill Township'District Park 7 ' - Carrboro C/rhpel Hill 9-9 86 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Q CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input J Map:9-2 Existing Community Parks Service Area r, 87 Cedar t#� andf 57 Little River Regional Park uture Northeast - 'strict Park 1{ % r / DU AAl woos Future ninghata >, Future District Park Future Owhouse Hollow Rock Road ik AtcessAeea }}} Future Rogers Rd. Future Tvdn ommunity Center Creeks Pads j i �HAPEL HIL Jones Creek G reenway 15 � CAHHBOH 501 t, J(1' 5.1 501 d Existing f Community Parks 9-10 87 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Q CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input J Map:9-3 Existing and Future District Park Service Area r' r 57 Z, 49 s7 Little River '-Regional Park •✓ •�� re Northeast ct Perk `. t / DU AM t rr r t ✓ f ROCK s area / ogers Rd. Q Existing 1 / unity Center District Parks ; Future ;f District Parks ' HAPEL HIL ✓ CARRBORO r --- ♦ r i 9-11 88 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input 9 Map:9-4 Existing Regional Parks Service Area PERSON CASWELL / G At.YlMk ittte�n►e � e 'off fir ALAMANCE ref / U A ° j5S r WAKE J /r f1 r Existing Regional Park f r l CHATHAM d z 9-12 x 89 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Q CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research,and Input J 3. Service Areas and Other Jurisdictions A. Parks and Recreation Master Plan-Findings It should be noted that careful attention and plan- From the information gathered in this report and ning could be undertaken by the towns and County associated documents, it appears the following to ensure that overlapping service areas are not un- findings may be safely stated. These have been knowingly created. grouped by topical area: Municipal park service areas are different than those Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities of the County due to population density,transporta- 1. County residents overwhelmingly approve of tion networks and other factors. Ongoing coordina- the way current parks and recreation facilities tion and communication may identify possible econ- are operated and maintained.They feel safe in omies of scale and joint needs, and at the least these facilities, and find them easy to get to avoid duplication of facilities. and accessible. County staff are seen as helpful and professional. 4. The Inventory, Data and Surveys 2. In the 15 years since the County opened its Trying to capture a snapshot of "what it all means" first park,existing park facilities and recreation is by nature a task that tends toward generalization. centers have been created which serve a Some indicators are not clear. Sometimes the data variety of community needs - and get high and survey results appear to point in multiple marks for providing quality opportunities to directions. There are no guarantees that the recreate - but maintenance and equipment projections and assumptions about future growth replacement needs are on the horizon for and driving factors will hold true. In fact, sometimes some facilities. the most accurate thing that can be said is that 3. The County has successfully acquired parkland some of these things will change. Some factors, and constructed parks in low-income and some needs, some opportunities will morph and minority communities over the past 15 years, change in the 16-year period 2014-2030 that is the providing a needed outlet for physical activity, scope of this document.That is a given. reflection in nature and outdoor recreation However, the purpose of the plan is to provide a that meets social, mental and physical needs f sense of the most-likely needs and challenges and or both individuals and groups. opportunities, based on the best available information (including the information gathered in 4. Residents strongly believe that park facilities an this document). and recreation programs A. Enhance economic health of Orange Using all of the preceding chapters and information, County; one starting point toward identifying future recom- B. Enhance physical and mental well-being of mendations and actions is the statement of a residents,and number of evidentiary conclusions, or "findings." C. Help reduce crime. These findings should be supported by the data and Future Park and Recreation Facilities information in the plan, and help illuminate an im- 5. There is strong interest among County portant area to be addressed in the Recommenda- residents to expand both active recreation and tions section of this document. low-impact recreation opportunities (espe- The following Findings have been identified by the cially including hiking, walking and biking data, inventories and information gathered, and trails, and a swimming pool). elaborated on by public input sessions and the 6. Residents are less sure and largely split on deliberations of the Orange County Parks and whether the County should pursue indoor Recreation Council and the Department of facilities for arts/leisure activities, but some Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation what more in favor of additional indoor athletic staff. facilities. 9-13 11 90 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan Q CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Summary and Findings from inventories, Research,and input J 7. Some residents are unsure about whether B. Opportunities and Challenges future athletic programs or parks are needed, 14. The County has been successful in recent but among those expressing an opinion, a years in pursuing public/private or public/ significant majority favor new programs and non-profit partnerships for new facilities, and parks. should continueto explore these opportuni- 8. The highest levels of interest in new/ ties and engage where mutually-beneficial. expanded programs are for walking, hiking, swimming, biking,summer camps and yoga. 15. With the County having land-banked several park sites for future use, and little room for 9. Likewise, the top choices for new parks new parks inside the town borders,there may facilities desired are walking trails, nature be unprecedented opportunities for partner trails, biking trails, greenways, a swimming ships between the County and towns for new pool and water parks. park or recreation facilities. 10. Residents are almost universally supportive of 16. There are likely also financial benefits to coor- funding new parks and recreation facilities dination and collaboration among the towns through grants and corporate donations. and County for future parks. 11. Residents express strong support for financing 17. While not growing at the rate of the 1970's - future parks and recreation opportunities 1990's,the County continues to be a very- through voter-approved bonds or existing desirable place to live with a high quality of local taxes. There is less support for charging life, and population growth is expected to user fees, and increasing local taxes (other continue, adding another 36,000 residents than property taxes) was not a desired by the year 2030. These new residents will solution. likely be split between those in the towns 12. The County has successfully acquired sites for and those in the rural and suburban areas of new parks identified in the 1988 Master Plan, the County. with the exception of the Bingham District; 18. The County's Lands Legacy Program has and four new parks are projected in the Count wiped out the parkland deficit identified in y's Capital Investment Plan, along with 1999, and secured a number of future park, additions and improvements to existing parks. open space and nature preserve sites at 13. The creation of nature preserves in important strategic locations for future needs. natural areas of the county offers an 19. The adopted 1988 Master Recreation and opportunity for both public access and low- Parks Plan served the County well as a blue impact recreation and protection of important print for future needs, and most of the natural and cultural resources being facilities and programs anticipated in that protected. plan have been built, secured or implemented. Many of the basic philosophical and physical tenets of that plan are still valid. However, a solution to a park site for Bingham Township ' remains to be addressed. Y 20. Many opportunities for coordinated school/ park planning with the school systems appear to exist. 7 See appendix 9-1 for Endnotes w� 9-14 � r 91 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives,and Recommendations 10 Goals, Objectives, and Recommendations Introduction Objective 1.2 - Acquire and/or retain lands suitable for The 2030 Orange County Comprehensive Plan siting both indoor and outdoor active recreation facilities identified a comprehensive list of goals and to serve all Orange County residents. objectives that were adopted for Orange County's Objective 1.3-Develop a land use planning mechanism for parks and recreation interests. Goals are defined as securing new parks through the development approval "general direction-setters" intended to express an process. ideal future end state for the community, such as Goal 2: Create a partnership among regional rec- providing adequate parks and recreation facilities reational providers and facility owners/ managers for all citizens. Objectives define the intermediate including the appropriate co-location and sharing steps needed to reach a particular goal. of school facilities that meets the County's These goals and objectives, augmented by the find- recreation needs. ings of this plan, are the basis for recommendations Objective 2.1 -The County will serve as the lead coordina- about the future. The following section lists the for of regional open space and recreation facility providers goals and objectives from the Parks and Recreation in the County (including OWASA, UNC-CH, and Duke chapter (or "element") of the Comprehensive Plan, Univ.), and coordinate regional efforts including future followed by a series of recommendations for the parkland and recreation facility planning acquisitions and future of parks and recreation services in Orange operations/maintenance of community, district and regional park and recreation facilities. County. Objective 2.2 - Develop a methodology to be used by A brief assessment of the progress made toward the regional recreational providers in determining the number goals and objectives, and further "action strategies" of recreation and park facilities needed.The agreed upon for achieving each objective, may be found in Ap- methodology should address countywide and community- pendix 10-1. Those action strategies were also specific service areas and how needs are determined incorporated into the recommendations section that within those service areas,such as linking facility needs to closes this chapter. population growth. 1. Orange County Comprehensive Plan 2030 — objective 2.3 - Develop a program for land dedication/ recreation payment that is effective and comprehensive. Parks & Recreation Goals and Objectives (From the Orange County Comprehensive Plan 2030) Objective 2.4 - Establish a mechanism to promote shared use of existing public and institutional buildings and Overarching Goal: Regionally-coordinated park grounds for public recreation, as well as for their primary and recreation facilities that provide healthy uses. opportunities for recreation and exercise for all Objective 2.5 -Adopt criteria for evaluating potential land citizens of Orange County, and that preserve acquisitions for recreation and park facilities in coopera- important cultural and natural resources. tion with other regional park providers. Objective 2.6 - Develop a Memorandum of Agreement Goal 1: Provide adequate parks and recreational among the local governments on joint capital and/or oper- facilities for all citizens within the County, ational funding for future parks and recreational facilities. regardless of age,gender, race or disability. Objective 1.1 -Acquire and/or retain public ownership of parks, recreation facilities, open space, and conservation areas that will serve Orange County. 10-1 92 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives, and Recommendations 10 Goal 3: Provide recreational facilities for public Goal 5: Ensure that park and recreational facilities use in a manner that is multi-generational and are environmentally-responsible and are where accessible to all County citizens at both the cultural and natural resources and open space county-wide and community level. within these sites are protected. Objective 3.1 - Locate parks and recreational facilities Objective 5.1 - Locate parks and recreational facilities close to residential areas and transportation nodes, to close to residential areas to encourage informal interac- increase public knowledge and accessibility to these facili- tion with nature, encourage walkability, and create areas ties including alternative transportation modes. of wildlife habitat with appropriate recreational facilities Objective 3.2-Implement individual park master plans. within the more populated areas. Objective 3.3 - Create a new Parks and Recreation Objective 5.2 - Landscape parks and recreational facilities Facilities Master Plan Map to guide future parks planning with native vegetation and minimize water use where and to help leverage outside funding. practical. Prohibit the use of known invasive non-native ii species in County facilities, and take steps to eradicate occurrences of the same. 'Ai Objective 5.3 - Ensure public access to County-owned parks and nature preserves, but direct facilities and trails ' away from the most ecologically sensitive sites. Objective 5.4 - Encourage development of a system of private open spaces and conservation areas, including na- ture preserves, parks, linear parks, and scenic vistas com- patible with the character of Orange County. Objective 5.5 - Develop linear parks and rustic trails in the rural buffer and explore opportunities for preservation and connectivity along other identified stream corridors. Goal 4: Promote healthy lifestyles, quality of life and community building through the provision of a variety of affordable recreational facilities and choice of leisure activities, while responding to the changing needs and interests of County residents. < Objective 4.1 - Developers shall provide for adequate and appropriate open space suitable for active/low-impact s recreation in residential developments. 7. Objective 4.2 - Investigate the potential for public and/or private commercial partnerships and recreational facilities , needed to serve Orange County's residents. Objective 4.3 - Work to keep recreational facilities and services affordable and sustainable to the general public. Objective 4.4 - Periodically survey the public and conduct needs assessments on recreation services. 10-2 93 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives,and Recommendations 10 2. Recommendations A. Determining When New Facilities and Having reviewed the County's goals and objectives Programs are Needed identified in 2008 for parks and recreation, and as How does the County determine when and where seen in the preceding chapters, there is strong inter- new facilities are needed, with a new emphasis on est in parks and public open spaces,and in recreation community-specific standards as the major determi- facilities and programs in Orange County. This inter- nant, and population-based standards used only as a est is validated in the high park attendance and rec- back-check and benchmark? reation program participation rates witnessed for the past decade. In addition to providing recreation As noted in Chapter 9, community-specific standards opportunities, residents feel strongly that parks and are now recommended as the best way for counties recreation programs enhance the economic health of and cities to truly determine their facility needs. To the county (93% agreement) and the physical and facilitate this, a set of Guiding Principles for Park mental well-being of the residents (96%agreement). Standards is suggested. These standards include the Knowing all of this, how does one then plan for the types of parks and public open spaces the County future of such important components of the quality should focus on going forward. Because of this, the of life? Planning for the future always carries an key to answering the question above is through more element of risk. No one can say for certain how many frequent check-ins with county residents on their residents will call Orange County home in the year needs and interests, matched with strategic capital 2030, what athletic programs will be in vogue, what and infrastructure planning. A combination of new park facilities will be desired and needed by the community needs, population distribution and trans- populace. Developing a master plan for the next 16 portation helps to determine future needs. Public years requires reliance on quality forecasting and the forums, surveys, focus groups and other techniques best available data; information and preferences conducted on a regular basis (recommended every shared by county residents about their desires and five years) should identify needs for facilities, and needs; and the flexibility to alter the course and analytical tools via strategic and capital infrastructure change plans as the next two decades unfold. plans will work in conjunction with these feedback mechanisms to explore needs and optimal locations Based on the information contained in this plan and for any future facilities. in the Orange County Comprehensive Plan 2030, using data and findings gathered from a variety of Likewise, as the publics interest in recreation programs change over time, these feedback sources and in a variety of ways, the following rec- mechanisms will also serve to alert staff to changing ommendations are offered to address the 20 Findings conditions and the potential for changes in program- listed in Chapter 9 and the goals and objectives listed ing needs. Recreation staff already has a process to earlier in this chapter, as well as other identified monitor program efficiency and satisfaction, and this needs and issues: will offer another tool to offer programming that * meets the needs of Orange County residents. Even with this new approach to community needs and standards, there are some existing parameters that will help the County know what types of facilities are needed and where to locate them. 10-3 P 94 Co r,?ty--Comp-e12ensive Pa;-ks a;,d Rec,•eatio,2-IIIioea•Ple.;f C14APTER 10-Goals, Objec-ives, an Reconimlen dations For example, the County already has four park on a somewhat-arbitrary plan of requiring parks in districts that are the basic level of service provision. many outlying areas where service areas would over- This district level service model has worked well lap and the population may be served inefficiently. since it was first identified in 1988. Changing away For example, the fact that the Cedar Grove Park from existing and planned district park service mod- servicearea does not capture the very northwestern- els would constitute a major disruption to the opera- most corner of Orange County should not be read to tion of existing parks and the planning for new ones. mean that another park is needed to cover this This district park approach is also the basis for the "gap." Indeed, there is nothing magical about the "land dedication/payment-in-lieu of land dedication" three-mile community park radius that is used and program that has been in place since the 1980s. Park mapped. County residents living four miles away can planning, parkland acquisition and construction of and do use the park, and still may choose to frequent new facilities in the last 15 years has been based on any of the area parks for that matter. Similarly, an this premise. Most of the district park sites,the basic additional two-minute drive time outside of a service level of the County parks system, have been acquired area circle does not constitute the need for an addi- and await funding for future construction. Only in tional park facility (unless other community-specific the Bingham district of southwestern Orange County factors are noted through the master plan review is there no land-banked district park site, and efforts process and indicate otherwise). The service area are underway to secure that location. boundaries are provided as a way to identify the We also know from prior master planning and 15 homes and residents that are within a defined years of experience the types of parks that are distance. needed. While recognizing there needs to be some level of flexibility to address special cases, and that Additionally, the County's four district parks, when some park sites warrant a different level of treat- completed, have defined district areas based on ment,the five types of parks and public open spaces transportation and land use patterns. These do not noted in the Guiding Principles of Chapter 9 provide conform exactly to a six-mile radius from the park a framework that is consistent with previous plan- location. Residents in Bingham Township may, for ning and park construction,and a filter for identifying example, find it more convenient to visit and and categorizing future needs: frequent the future Twin Creeks District Park (the Chapel Hill Township district park), and vice-versa. • Community Parks Service area definition is simply another tool to • District Parks consider geography and immediacy, rather than the • School Parks limits of residents who are served by a park. in fact, • Regional Parks and • Nature Preserve(Public Access Areas) geographical service areas are better suited to municipal park planning than county park planning, The maps in Chapter 9 identify the locations of as municipalities generally have more uniform levels existing and future parks, and the service areas of population density, more expansive and multi- associated with them. It is important to note that the modal transportation networks, and walkability concept of service levels, in a county with significant standards — making parks within fixed distances (or rural areas, should be read as an area within which a the elimination of service area gaps) a more valid park is considered to be well-located or approach to urban parks planning. For that reason, a "convenient." It is not the intention of this plan to set of countywide parks standards — once identified imply that all areas not within a defined service area as a goal — is not practical, but rather, coordination are not served. Not all areas must fall within a and consistency between the municipal and county service area circle.To do so would require embarking standards is encouraged. 10-4 95 Orange County Comprehensive Parks crud Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives,and Recommendations 10 The Lands Legacy Program's criteria for parks and Recommendation #1: Protect & Enhance Our In- nature preserves, along with the guidance in the vestment in Parks and Open Spaces 2030 Comprehensive Plan, helps to guide future Orange County, since 1998, has made a substantial acquisitions of parks and public open space. Careful investment in providing parks and public open attention should be paid to continuing to coordinate spaces for all county residents. Facilities in excess of service area determination with the towns and to $9 million have been constructed at seven park avoid duplication of facilities. This is an area where locations across the county, in many cases leveraging the Intergovernmental Parks (IP) Work Group, and state and federal grant funds. Another $6.5 million the coordination of the town and county advisory has been invested in municipal park projects in the boards for parks and recreation, can be of great towns. service. The IP Work Group, to this end, created a Additional facilities of $14 million (including $8-10 "Composite Countywide Plan for Parks and Trails million at Twin Creeks Park) are planned as future Map" that shows town and county existing and phases of these parks, and the County should look to planned facilities, so that future facility planning may build the future phases of the facilities,as reflected take into account other jurisdictional facility locations. This important map should be updated in the Capital Investment Plan, to protect the periodically and used by all jurisdictions for individual investment already committed, and enhance the rec- and joint planning efforts. reational opportunities for residents — actions that also promote economic development and help foster i healthy lifestyles. End In addition, some of the facilities constructed in the lxs •—� 1998-2010 timeframe have begun (and will continue) • • _ to show the signs of wear and tear on existing facili- ties, be it playground structures or picnic shelters and restrooms, before we reach the plan year of 2030. Maintenance and replacement of dated —• • '�. facilities has not been an issue for Orange County �► a� °—^> due to the newness of its facilities, but this will change in the coming 10-1S years. Funding for maintenance and replacement and/or renovation of structures and facilities will be needed — as will r , •-`��► •t �_ adequate funding for park operations. Operating `- costs are the unseen critical need for park facilities, as without adequate operating funds,the best equip- ment and newest facilities will not yield the desired B.The Vision I —Parks, Nature Preserves and Public recreational experience for the public. Open Spaces for 2030 It is now possible to outline a vision for the County's parks and recreation system through the year 2030 based on the assessment of community needs, desires and the vision outlined in the past commit- '?�' ment to capital facilities, and the expressed goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. This vision is illustrated in this and subsequent sections. - 10-5 96 O ar?ge Covnly Conip;,ehei sA-2 Par s c �r'RQ�reat�'ot�1'✓lasfie;�Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives,a 6 Ricoinari nda,tions l Recommendation#2: Build the Planned Future Parks Orange County has been very prescient in its ap- Many of these facilities have been identified as need- proach to parks planning by incorporating a progres- ed parks since 1988, and others have emerged as sive, even visionary, component of its program—the promising new opportunities. In some cases, there acquisition of future park sites through the award- are opportunities for interlocal collaboration for park winning Lands Legacy Program. The foresight shown construction, such as at the future Twin Creeks Park by this and previous Boards of Commissioners has and Millhouse Road Park. State and federal grant likely saved millions of dollars by acquiring anticipat- funds may also be available to establish certain ed park sites between 2000-2005 at prices considera- parks. bly less than subsequent or future market value, us- Orange County should commit itself to constructing ing both local voter-approved bond funds and lever- and opening the new parks shown in Table 11-A aging state and federal grants. within 10 years (by the year 2024), and opening two Because of this foresight, the County is poised to of the parks within five years (by 2019). move straight into final design and construction at Recommendation #3: Complete the Protection of five land-banked sites strategically-located across the Identified Nature Preserves and Create Public Access county.The acquisition of these sites included a thor- Areas and Trails ough analysis of the location for transportation, land Through the Lands Legacy Program, working with a use planning, and other factors. Funding to con- number of other conservation partners, Orange struct these facilities is programmed in the adopted County is often predicted to be the "green"corner of CIP for the period 2014-2023. The 2001 Parks and the Triangle. These efforts to date by all of the con- Open Space Bond resulted in construction of several servation partners have created three locations new parks between 2005 and 2010. The time has where nature preserves either exist or have the po- now come to begin to construct the other needed tentiaI to grow: facilities as planned, and open these parks for the enjoyment of Orange County residents. Recognizing Upper Eno Preserve— along the upper segment of that the cost of opening these facilities is substantial, the Eno River and its main tributaries(such as Seven- phasing of construction may be prudent to ensure mile Creek and McGowan Creek), in conjunction with financial sustainability in the context of the County's Duke Forest,the Eno River Association and Eno River total capital needs. Efforts should also be made to State Park; ensure that the facilities are multi-generational in New Hope Preserve— along the New Hope Creek appeal, in ways that meet needs of different age and corridor adjoining and in conjunction with Duke For- ethnic groups and also offer opportunities for com- est, Triangle Land Conservancy, Durham County, the munity-building. Parks should also, unless specifically City of Durham and other conservation-minded targeted for special use(such as soccer centers), con- neighbors;and tain a mix of active and low-impact recreation ameni- Jordan Lake Headwaters Preserve— in the south- ties. Sensitive natural and cultural areas should be eastern corner of the county incorporating significant protected in park design and construction (and iden- natural heritage areas, the Corps of Engineers Jordan tified by the use of biological and archaeological sur- Lake gamelands, and other conservation lands veys, using where possible the volunteer services of owned by University of North Carolina and the Bo- the local experts in this field), and sustainable land- scaping practices should be used during park opera- tion. An ecologically-sensitive approach should be the guiding framework for all park designs. �,�� — 10-6 97 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives,and Recommendations 10 Additional opportunities may exist overtime, such as C. The Vision II — We're Not an Island — the the New Hope Creek uplands, which is near the Importance of Planning and Coordinating Blackwood Division of Duke Forest (and two county with the Towns and Schools parks). Recommendation #4: Formalize and Build Support While the primary purpose of these nature preserves Structure for Multi-Partner Capital Facilities (with is the protection of important species of flora and towns,school systems,other partners) fauna and surface water quality, there are ways to A number of opportunities appear to exist for joint accomplish this priority while still managing and efforts to acquire land and develop facilities for fu- providing for public access. Each of these nature pre- ture parks and recreation. At a planning level, the serves should have designated public access areas Intergovernmental Parks Work Group provides a for hiking, primitive camping and wildlife viewing, mechanism for the local government elected boards, designed to minimize adverse impacts on the most- staffs and advisory boards to come together quarter- sensitive portions of the preserve. These preserves ly to explore matters of mutual interest, and this has may be an excellent location for more hiking and bik- facilitated several joint ventures. The County has a ing trails, which were identified as a priority in the history with its municipal partners in the funding, Community Needs Assessment survey. Equestrian land acquisition,and construction of park and recrea- trails may also be desirable,targeted at certain spots lion facilities, from Homestead Park and the Home- meeting the special needs of this recreational use. stead Aquatics Center, to the Adams Tract in Carrboro,to Southern Community Park, and the new The County should work to complete land acquisi- artificial turf field at Cedar Falls Park in Chapel Hill. lions necessary to complete or establish these na- The County has also made a significant investment in ture preserves, develop master plans for the public facilities in and around Hillsborough, and provided access areas at each location, and plan for the open- financial assistance to Mebane for Lake Michael Park. ing of these areas for public enjoyment. These facili- Little River Regional Park and Natural Area and the ties can be accomplished at very low cost, compared Hollow Rock Access Area (part of the New Hope to active recreation facilities, and are already Creek Preserve) are examples of collaboration with planned at two of the preserves listed above (New Durham County. Orange County and Durham County Hope and Upper Eno). The County should work with have operated Little River Park (parts of which are UNC and the NC Botanical Garden to ensure public owned by each county) for 10 years, working under access at the Jordan Lake Headwaters Preserve. an interlocal agreement. A similar arrangement is 1 anticipated at Hollow Rock, and the potential for col- laboration with the Town of Chapel Hill may exist for k the proposed Millhouse Road Park. In 2000, a "Joint Capital Funding for Parks" report was created for the Assembly of Governments,which ,a proposed methods and roles for joint capital funding .. of parks facilities among the towns and counties. It is suggested that this report be reconsidered for rele- vance given the likely greater potential for joint pro- jects in the future. Memoranda of understanding p' may be a vehicle for future joint capital funding to ensure that the needs of all jurisdictions are met. 10-7 98 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives,and Recommendations 10 One area of future collaboration that seems particu- The County should schedule a meeting with the larly well-timed is that with the school systems. As other local governments within the county to discuss the Twin Creeks District Park and Educational future joint capital funding and possible memoranda Campus comes to fruition in the next 10-15 years of agreement for such purposes. A similar meeting with multiple schools co-located with a 96-acre park, with the two school systems could identify ways of opportunities for"cross-pollination"would appear to incorporating recreation needs into planning for be numerous between the schools and the park. future school projects and codifying joint facility Opportunities to work more closely with the Orange usage arrangements (some of which already exist). County Schools—both in the design of future schools Mutually-beneficial design standards for new school that may be able to serve community and education- facilities may enable greater use by the public of al needs, and in the construction and operational these important recreational assets. sharing of recreational facilities — would greatly Renewal of the Orange County Conservation enhance both community recreation and school Alliance, an annual meeting of conservation partners purposes. The Intergovernmental Parks Work including Triangle Land Conservancy, Eno River Group's Community Use of School Facilities issue Association, Duke, UNC, Eno River State Park and paper notes the opportunities that could be served OWASA, should enable coordinated future planning by such cooperation. Co-location of the Eurosport and the identification of joint opportunities among Soccer Center and Gravelly Hill Middle School is one these agencies and institutions. example of such a result, and collaboration on future auxiliary gymnasiums, playing fields at schools, and Finally, regarding collaboration with private firms, schools in proximity to parks (such as Blackwood the County should complete its "partnership Farm) are opportunities that should be seized to op- template" to help identify mutually-beneficial timize the investment of public dollars. Notably, both partnership arrangements and use this as a tool to school systems recently updated their facility use explore working with existing and future employers sponsor- policies to allow more o to find ways where private investment and sponsor- p opportunity for coordinated ships can help enhance recreational opportunities. usage for recreation purposes. Finally, there are opportunities to work more closely D.The Vision III—Trails,Connectivity and Access with large public and private institutions, such as One of the stronger messages resulting from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), N.C. Community Needs Assessment surveys was the State Parks, UNC and Duke to meet future recreation desire among residents for more hiking, walking and needs. Sponsorships and capital investment partner- biking trails. Nationally and locally, walking and ships should also be explored with the private sector, hiking are popular modes of outdoor exercise and which benefits from safe and healthy outdoor fitness, and biking is another popular recreational exercise and recreational areas and may be a willing outlet as well as for meeting exercise goals. Whether partner. they are located within a park, or for connecting parks and open spaces (also strongly supported in the surveys), residents are interested in seeing the County increase the availability and accessibility of trails. 10-8 99 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives,and Recommendations 10 Recommendation #5: Develop a Master Plan for This segment may be one of the more-challenging in the Orange County Segment of the Mountains-to- the state, in that it requires a way to cross from the Sea Trail,and Work Towards Its Completion Neuse River basin (Eno River and tributaries) into the The NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST for short) is a Cape Fear River basin (Cane Creek, Haw River). As part of the North Carolina State Parks system that such,this section of the trail must travel "cross coun- connect Clingman's Dome at 6,643 feet along the try," up and over the ridgeline separating these two North Carolina-Tennessee border to Jockey's Ridge basins, which does not have a natural feature to dis- State Park on the Outer Banks and Atlantic Ocean. tinguish it. The trail is a multi-modal route, meaning that it may be a paved greenway as it runs through an urban At present, this southwestern segment of the setting, or simply a five-foot-wide natural surface planned trail is only a one-mile-wide "swath" on a path in rural areas. map, an uncharted section that will need clarification and refinement. The possibility of finalizing plans for Portions of the MST have already been built on this segment has generated considerable concern by publicly-owned lands around the state, and through some property owners in the vicinity and strong the use of other trails and connecting greenways. support for completing the trail by some of the trail Other segments have not been built, and this has led proponents. Orange County is scheduled to under- to the identification and promotion of alter- take a master plan to identify and refine the nateroutes over the last 25 years -to allow hikers to proposed trail segment later in 2014. traverse the state using roadways and other tempo- rary corridors until the actual trail could be built. The County should work diligently to undertake a Many of these uncompleted segments are in the thorough review of the possible routes through the eastern Piedmont region, including Orange County. corridor between the Haw River and OWASA Cane Creek lands, and between the OWASA Cane Creek Orange County's segment of the trail includes a lands and the Upper Eno Preserve. The master plan planned section through Eno River State Park and the process should include public meetings and Town of Hillsborough's Riverwalk along the Eno discussions with landowners about the realities of a River. This includes sections of trail through natural surface path through this area, and address Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area (part of security and other concerns raised. Long-distance Eno River State Park) and through private historic trails such as the MST require "way stations" or properties along the Eno River. Orange County's nodes along the route where some very basic level Upper Eno services are available (parking, signage, campsite, Nature Preserve is in close proximity to Occoneechee potable water). The County and OWASA should look Mountain and would also host a portion of the trail. at the possibility of creating such a way station at the (Figure 8-2 in Chapter 8 on page 8-6 shows the Cane Creek and Seven Mile Creek access areas (on planned MST corridor through Orange County.) land owned by the two entities). As shown in Figure 8-2, the remainder of the MST in Orange County should find a solution to the MST cor- Orange County is proposed for a corridor that ridor,whether on private lands, public roads or some connects the Upper Eno Preserve southwest to combination of the two — so that this important OWASA-owned lands at Cane Creek Reservoir before statewide recreational facility is planned and eventu- following Cane Creek to its confluence with the Haw ally constructed in harmony with nature. Orange River at the County line, connecting with Alamance County should not become the "gap" in the North County's Haw River Trail(which is also the MST). Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail. 10-9 100 Oi'0;,, e Cowl y Compreheirsive Parks a, Pla,a CHAPYER 10-Goals,Objectives,and Recornmenclations Recommendation #6: Build More Trails, and Recommendation #7: Work to Improve Access to Connect Open Spaces Parks and Trails and Incorporate Healthy Lifestyles As noted above, based on the results of the Design Community Needs Assessment surveys, Orange As noted in Chapter 9, there is a strong relationship County residents want to get out into nature and between parks, recreation programs and public walk, hike and bike more. Creating more trails will health. Where residents live in proximity to parks happen through several different methods: and trails, personal health is improved. Transporta- tion and income play a key role in access and thus, in • Building the future parks and future phases of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For some residents, existing parks, which will add significant trail the ability to drive to a park or trail, or to pay for loops and corridors (an estimated 10 miles of additional trails). access to a program or a swimming pool is a great challenge. In the 2011 Community Health Assess- ment, 75% of respondents identified an apparent Orange County, which will add another lack of access to parks and recreational opportunities approximately 30 miles of trail. as a problem in Orange County. • Create public access areas within the nature preserves described above. This is a challenge easily addressed in urban areas • Look for opportunities to connect existing trails, where public transportation is more readily available, such as connecting the trails in Duke Forest to and where population densities create a market for those in Eno River State Park, connecting town parks within walking and biking distance. Orange greenways to county trails, and working with County's rural areas, however, are projected to private developers as part of new developments. remain rural into the long-term future, with the bulk of future residential development to occur in the These same methods and activities will also provide towns and in "transition areas" with urban for connectivity. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, for infrastructure near the main east-west roadways. example, will link OWASA Cane Creek lands to the County's Upper Eno Preserve to Eno River State Park There are two things the County could do to improve and the Hillsborough Riverwalk. The Hollow Rock access to parks, nature preserves and trails for all Access Area will connect the New Hope Preserve to residents. The County, working in conjunction with the Duke Forest trail network and to a series of trails other transportation providers, could work to extending south to Jordan Lake. Other efforts on improve public transportation along major roadway short segments may be undertaken to connect the corridors in the rural parts of the county, with stops Town of Chapel Hill and Town of Carrboro greenways at current and future parks. Secondly, the County to Duke Forest and the New Hope trail network. could incorporate (more formally) healthy lifestyle facility design into its park design process. Design of As with joint capital funding for parks, the different parks that include facilities that promote fitness potential partners (local governments and already occurs on an ad hoc basis, but with emerging quasi-public entities, institutions, trail organizations) standards and early design intervention, more- that would benefit from enhanced trails should look productive facility design could be achieved by look- at potential joint funding mechanisms for trails that ing at public health facility design components as a cross jurisdictional boundaries to help "share the regular, intrinsic part of the overall master planning cost." process. 10-10 101 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives,and Recommendations 10 E.The Vision IV—Recreation/Athletics Programs swim lessons, or partner with existing organizations Recommendation#8: Look to Add Programs in Are- that already offer lessons. At present, SportsPlex as Where Residents Have Identified Needs,Consider offers swim lessons, but these fill up quickly due to Partnerships popularity and cost more than most County The County should continue to be flexible and programs. Surveys have also shown the desire for a responsive in the provision of recreation programs public swimming pool. If an outdoor pool were (which includes athletics). Part of being flexible and constructed, this could enable more offerings for responsive is examining the needs identified by the swimming lessons and water safety for those who Community Needs Assessment, and finding ways to cannot afford private lessons. Careful attention offer programs if practicable from a financial and should be paid to coordinating and complementing staff resource standpoint. existing organizations that offer these programs, rather than creating competition. Residents indicated interest in learning how to hike, walk and bike, practice yoga and in swimming The County has taken positive steps toward provid- lessons and summer camps. The recent economic ing complementary and not competitive programs, downturn has increased interest in County summer such as the recent partnership with Hillsborough camps as a low-cost option for youth and children Youth Athletic Association (HYAA) to offer youth summer enrichment. Orange County's standard for baseball and softball, rather than offering a offering programs has been to achieve 100% recov- competing program in the same service area. ery of direct costs for youth and adult programs. If Partnerships, however, must also take into consider- this model is continued, most of the cost for new ation that the County is often the provider of services youth/children's programs could be recovered by for those who cannot afford private or non-profit participant fees, but some portion (indirect costs) programs, and may play an important role in provid- would continue to be subsidized, requiring additional ing recreation opportunities for those who might funding but also meeting important societal and otherwise be unable to participate. The creation of a community needs. "partnership template" would be an instructive tool to help assess potential partnerships and their bene- County staff should conduct follow-up surveys to fits. determine the depth of interest in programs identi- fied in the Community Needs Assessment, and if One particularly fruitful area for program collabora- sufficient participation appears likely, offer new tion appears to exist with the school systems. Efforts programs. While assessing new program opportuni- are currently underway to address Community Use ties, staff should also evaluate existing programs and of School Facilities for Recreation, and it is hoped whether some of the resources allocated to that Orange County and the school systems may low-participation programs should be redirected to find — as many other counties and school systems new priorities. have — ways to maximize the availability of school recreational facilities for public use. Finally, there Programs teaching hiking techniques, walking for may also exist opportunities for the County to coor- fitness, and mountain-biking should be feasible with- dinate more closely with the towns on programs go- in the current program structure. Offering swimming ing forward. Opportunities for hiking and other na- lessons, however, will present challenges from a ture programs in conjunction with Duke Forest, Eno facility and risk management perspective. The Coun- River State Park and other public or publicly- ty should look at the potential for partnering with accessible open spaces should also be explored. SportsPlex management or other local pools for 10-11 102 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives,and Recommendations X U F.The Vision V-Financing and Capital Investments adopted Orange County CIP is the "FY 2013-18 In 2007, Orange County began including all planned Capital Investment Plan." park projects in its Capital Investment Plan (CIP). A Due to having an existing master plan, and a Lands CIP is a comprehensive schedule of projected capital Legacy Program that has acquired several future park investments, typically including non-recurring capital sites, almost all of the recommended parks projects investments above a certain dollar threshold that in this plan are already included within the FY 2013- requires particular attention for planning of funding 18 CIP.The projects have been scheduled based on a and in some cases, debt issuance. It is important to combination of the following factors: note that the CIP is working document and a blue- . previously-identified need, print for the future. Actual funding appropriations 0 the existence of a master plan for the facility, are made on an annual basis as part of the annual a possible funding partners,and County budget adoption. A CIP may most accurately . potential availability of funds (as best can be deter- be viewed as a schedule of funding "intentions," one mined one to five years in advance). that is reviewed and adjusted annually. Table 10-1 lists the parks and public open space Orange County's CIP is a five-year plan that also iden- projects that are part of the approved FY 2013-18 CIP tifies expected projects for as second five-year peri- (listed in alphabetical order). Table 10-2, which od. As of the date of this master plan, the current follows, outlines the operating and equipment costs that are associated with the same projects. Table 10-1:Park and Public Open Space Projects—FY 2013-18 Capital Investment Plan (adopted) Master FY 2013-2018 FY 2018-beyond Total Funding Start Completion Category/Project Plan? ($) ($) 1 ($) 1 Year Year New Planned Parks Blackwood Farm Park x 0 4,400,000 4,450,000 2013 2019 Bingham District Park 0 7,000,000 7,000,000 2019 2021 Millhouse Road Park 6,500,000 3,000,000 9,500,000 2016 2020 Northeast District Park 8,000,000 8,000,000 2020 2022 Existing Parks—Future Phases Cedar Grove Park—Phase II X 0 1,600,000 1,600,000 2019 2021 (Community Park) (3,408,000) Eurosport Soccer Center— x 1,600,000 4,550,000 6,150,000 2015 2021 Phase II(Soccer Complex) (8,350,000) River Park—Phase II x 250,000 0 250,000 2015 2016 (300,000) Twin Creeks Park-Phase II x 0 8,000,000 8,000,000 2018 2025 (District Park) (11,800,000) Little River Regional Park and x 175,000 250,000 425,000 2015 2022 Natural Area (1,946,000) Natural Preserves Upper Eno Nature Preserve 440,000 440,000 880,000 2015 2021 New Hope Preserve—Hollow x Rock Access Area 550,000 165,000 640,000 2013 1 2022 Trails Mountains-to-Sea Trail 0 500,000 500,000 1 2018 2025 Land Acquisition Lands Legacy—Parks and Public Open Space Portion 1,200,000 1,000,000 4,400,000 2014 2025 TOTAL $10,715,000 1 $38,905,000 $49,620,000 10-12 t � 103 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives,and Recommendations I U Table 10-2: Parks, Recreation and Public Open Space Projects-Renovation/Replacement Improvements (Through 2030) (does not include new construction costs from Table 11-1) Project Within 2 years 2-5 Years 5-Year Total Existing Parks Renovations/Improvements Cedar Grove Park $6,000 $150,300 $156,300 Efland Cheeks Community School Park $31,100 $150,200 $181,300 Eurosport Soccer Center (West Ten) $66,000 $191,500 $257,500 Fairview Park $27,400 $100,300 $127,700 Little River Regional Park and Natural Area $2,000 $18,500 $20,500 River Park $200 $23,500 $23,700 Central Recreation Center and Park $105,300 $205,000 $310,300 Existing Land Banked Properties Improvements/Repairs Twin Creeks(Moniese Nomp) Park $60,000 $60,000 Blackwood Farm Park $25,000 $25,000 Vincent Property(adj Cedar Grove Park) $19,000 $19,000 Future Millhouse Road Park $61,000 $61,000 Sevenmile Creek Access Area $22,000 $22,000 Sub total $425,000 $839,300 $1,264,300 Planning and Design for above(10%) $42,500 $83,930 $126,430 Projected Costs for Improvements $467,5001 $923,2301 $1,390,730 Figures do not include personnel,operations or equipment costs. *-There will be replacement,repair and renovation costs in the 6-10 year timeframe as well.These estimates are more general and costs less certain due to the extended timeframe and lack of concrete estimates.A listing of these needs may be found in Appendix 10-2 Fortunately, the list of planned facilities includes all will require replacement and renovation funding. of the top priorities identified in the Community The Central Recreation Center in Hillsborough, the Needs Assessment, with the exception of a swim- former gymnasium for Hillsborough High School,was ming pool. As shown in the preceding tables, signifi- built in 1957. While some upgrades have been cant funding will be needed over the next 10-12 accomplished, many more are on the horizon. Since years to bring the planned and needed new parks this facility is a recreation locus in the town of Hills- and future phases of existing parks to completion. borough, it may be worthwhile to examine possible More funds will be needed to address renovations joint Town/County ventures to invest in this facility. and replacement of equipment and facilities as ex- Most of the funds for park and recreation facility isting parks begin to age and facilities become worn construction are projected for beyond 2018. Funding or outdated.Additionally,the importance of the Cen- from grant sources and potential partners is tral Recreation Center and Efland-Cheeks Community expected, and this would substantially lessen the Center, and the new community centers at Cedar County's share of this funding. Public-private part- Grove and Rogers Road, should be factored in as nerships and sponsorships may also offer an oppor- these facilities are likely to see increased usage for a tunity for leveraging private dollars to help enhance variety of purposes, and increased usage overtime public facilities that meet interests of both the public 10-13 1 104 Oi•Oi',-e Coy.W, V Colrpr'eheit s=vs Pu:k-s<��1�-r Re�a �rttio:�1`�'crst�� Playa CFJAPT Cods,Objectives,and Recommeneaions private sector.These should be pursued aggressively. An awareness should be developed and reflected in Finally, efforts are underway within the community future County budgets that new parks will being the to create a "Friends of Parks, Recreation and Open need for additional operating costs, and additional Space" group, which could play an important role in staffing needs.Some staffing needs, such as the need helping to fill in gaps and address smaller level fund- for a "trails ranger" as trails open at the nature pre- ing needs — and help promote local fundraising for serves, is included in the CIP, and the CIP now in- parks and recreation programs. The opportunity to cludes projected operating costs associated with new raise funds from the community through the Orange facilities and improvements. Equipment, operating County Community Giving Fund is another vehicle and future staffing needs will not be insignificant, that may help shoulder some of the financial needs and while increasing the enjoyment of county resi- for parks and recreation services. dents and providing positive health, societal, eco- In the Community Needs Assessment, residents did nomic and environmental benefits, the costs of not look favorably on charging user fees for parks achieving these desired goals does have an associat- and recreation services, and it is recommended that ed cost to be borne. the current practice of the County (and the towns Recommendation #9: Examine the Role of within Orange County) of not charging user fees for Community Centers in Providing Public Recreation usage be retained. Opportunities Indoor facilities offer a wide array of options for lei- Another important funding source is payment-in-lieu sure, daily life activities and self-improvement capa- from new subdivisions. Shown below are the pay- bilities. Care should be taken to tailor the center de- ment-in-lieu balances for the four park districts as of sign, and the programming opportunities, for these July 1,2013: centers to ensure that they are serving the priority Northern District Park:$62,617 needs of the residents in the areas they serve. Cen- Cheeks/Hillsborough District Park:$107,104 ters should be flexible in design and activity, insofar Bingham District Park:$181,108 as possible, to allow for changing needs and desires Chapel Hill Township District Park:$125,820 and interests of the community. Total=$539,266 How the community accesses community centers, G. Tlie Importance of Operating and and how they can be adequately staffed with finan- laintensmice Funding! cial prudence, are topics around which a dialogue should start, with a common understanding of the Traditionally, Parks and Recreation Master Plans do needs and roles such places can provide. not attempt to address operational costs. Creation of an operation and maintenance schedule and Strong interest has also been expressed in having a program requires regular review and adjustment and nature center at a county park facility. This concept is not part of the scope of this plan. was included in the Blackwood Farm Park master plan, and many nature programs are also provided at However, these "O&M costs" are very real and Little River Park and Natural Area.The County should important considerations to be aware of. Operating examine its master plans, identify what type of facili- existing parks, and bringing online new parks, costs ty a nature center should be, and incorporate the money. Emptying trash receptacles, replacing lights, construction of a nature center into the capital im- resurfacing tennis courts, paying electrical bills and provements plan for parks accordingly.This may be a mowing soccer fields all are tasks that if not funded venture where partnering with other local govern- appropriately will greatly diminish the park experi- ence or even make the parks unable to function. fruitful. 105 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 10-Goals,Objectives,and Recommendations 10 H. The Vision VI—The 2030 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Map Jtr Ate, 57 Ott 49 ,. }f --,Cedar Grove Park and Fu lure Community Center f, .Little River r `Regional Park Future uture Northeast ate McGowan District Park Eflan -Cheeks Park Creek Access Area andC mmunity Center Fairview F Park I 70 Central Recreation MEBAN River Park Eurasport HILLS GH Sportplex Soccer Center mA Future Seven r We CreekAccessArea r jr s6 DU Alto Future Blackwood ( Farm Park 'Future Bingham' JJ JJJ Future, District Park Future Jltilhouse Hollow Rock Road rk Access Area future Rogers Rd. Future Twin %S ommugityCenter Creeks Park // HAPEL H1L Jones Creek G reenway 15 CARRBOR 501 54 15 i 501 10-15 106 0;,o;ale County Comp-che;;01v PC[7".s Lzr.dReercotto l If-sf;:r"'air CO,CHAPTER 10-Goals, Objectives, and Recoz'C9mcnJstlons This Page left blank intentionally. 10-16 J � 107 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 11 -Issues for Further Study/Conclusion 11 Issues for Further Study As is often the case, developing a master plan is like The plan also assumes that the parks created since attempting to hit a moving target. Some issues are 1998, and those acquired and/or planned for the emerging at the time of the plan development, future, should be focus of future attention for park others require further assessment or elaboration. needs. As time goes by, however, additional needs This chapter addresses, in brief, seven issues that or opportunities may present themselves. One of will require additional thought and consideration in the municipalities within the county may have a coming months and years. facility need that could be addressed through a new 1. System Level of Service facility outside of the municipal boundaries, and This Master Plan is built around the premise of a create an opportunity for a new joint project. The modified community needs-based identification of construction of new schools will also present oppor- future facilities and program needs, with a tunities for co-locating parks and facility needs — benchmark or back-check using population-based likely at the community park level. Unlike the district standards. It uses as its basis the continuation of the parks, where there is one larger park for a defined 1988 Plan's district park service areas—since that is geographic area, community parks may be con- the reality of how the park system (both existing strutted "as needed," and this level of park may be parks and planned land-banked future parks) has the type of opportunity that could arise from the been created.This district park basis continues to be scenarios identified above. valid both from a methodological and actual ap- Finally, population and socioeconomic factors will proach to defining geographical park needs. change over time, which may make the case for new park facility or other recreational needs that are not 1988 Orange County Master Recreation and Parks Plan present at the current time. For this reason, it Is recommended that the County conduct a new Orange County Community Needs Assessment of some type and Recreation and scale every five years, and that this master plan be Parks Department updated every 10 years, until changed conditions warrant a completely new approach and plan. This .v approach will enable new emerging needs to be g identified and planned for, and provide a way to ac- " commodate new opportunities that will likely arise. 2. Subdivision Land Dedication / Payment-in-Lieu System t .y cw9347 �i '4XI Orange County, similar to many local governments, has a longstanding program to require new residen- tial subdivisions to contribute land or funds (based on a number of lots/number of acres formula) to- MASTER RECREATION ward future parks and open space land and/or facili- AND► PARKS PLAN ty construction. Since at least 1985, Orange County has received land or funding toward the future park PREPARED BV: needs via this method. In addition to being a part of orange County Recreation and Park*Department Orange Caonw Planning D<Partmeni the County's development ordinances, local legisla- 8731 Red Oat,Boa1-11 C1+a1lat1q N®rr6 Ca.allna 18317 7WrS25-6283 lion also enables this tool for Orange County to help insure that new residents and development help pay 11-1 108 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 11-Issues for Further Study/Conclusion 11 for new facilities that are related directly to the in- Example: crease in persons and park needs generated by the Land Dedication development. 10 lots: 10 x 1/57 of an acre (0.018 acre) = 0.18 acre of The full language of the parks and open space land land dedicated for parks/open space. it dedication / payment-in-lieu system is provided as Payment in Lieu of Land Dedication Appendix 11-1. While this system has provided 10 lots: 10 x$455=$4,550 payment in lieu important auxiliary funding to the acquisition of As can be seen in the example above, land several park sites and the construction of a parks, dedication rates for a typical subdivision would one of the drawbacks of the system is that the land generate small fractions of an acre in land for a park, dedication and funding provisions remain the same amounts far too small to be useful for park needs by as they were in the 1980s. Developers of a subdivi- a county that focuses on district and community- sion must provide 1/57 of an acre for each dwelling scale parks. Even a 100-lot subdivision would unit in the subdivision plan (1/20 of an acre in areas generate by this formula only 1.8 acres of parks and of floodplains and steep slopes). However, a subdivi- open space land (or up to 5 acres if all were flood- sion developer may, with approval, make a payment plain or steep slope land). Largely for this reason in lieu of land dedication if there are no identified (and the fact that few developments have occurred park needs on this location. In this case, the at planned park sites), the County has chosen to developer may make a payment equal for $422 per accept the payment-in-lieu amount rather than try lot if within an identified community park service to administer hundreds of tiny park sites. By local area (smaller portions of the county around com- legislation and ordinance, payment-in-lieu funds munity park sites),or$455 per lot if within a district must be expended in the district in which the sub- park service area (all of the county). division is located. Map 11-1:Current(2014) Payment-in-Lieu Districts While the payment in lieu funds have been an im- portant, albeit small contributor to parkland acquisi- tion and park construction, the need for a more up- to-date approach to land dedication and payment in lieu has long been needed. Attempts to examine ' . Northeast Dhtdd Pork - i changes to this model were explored by 1999 or f before, and an analysis was undertaken by a con- _ ' sultant firm in 2001. CheekWillshoraxgh District Park ' ae� , At that time, the consultant's finding determined _j that the County's program for land dedication / ' 1 payment-in-lieu provided insufficient support, but noted that the County's lack of existing parks creat- ed a level of service that may not warrant an in- crease. Knowing that the County was preparing to embark on its first attempt to build parks and create s- mm r arks system, it was recommended that this s Chape!!fl!/Tmvash/p`Distrkv Park a., parks y tem be re-evaluated in several years when new ('arr6sro j parks were opened and the level of service increased. 11-2 109 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 11- Issues for Further Study J Conclusion 11 Now, in 2014, Orange County has acquired and Currently, the County and SportsPlex do not offer constructed several new parks, recreation and open overlapping programming, and discussions have space facilities, as shown in this document. Other been held to work toward ensuring that as future development ordinance and parks projects have expansion occurs and additional programs are commanded most of the available staff time to date, offered, that SportsPlex and County programs but the time may now be prescient to re-evaluate complement each other, rather than compete with the land dedication and payment-in-lieu program. It each other. This may be done through a variety of is recommended that the County make plans to en- methods, such as coordinating programs by age gage consultant services to conduct a thorough anal- groups,time of year,or other means. ysis and recommend on possible changes to the sys- For example, the SportsPlex might offer a program tem in the next year. for very young children ages 2-4 to introduce soccer, 3.SportsPlex and County Programs—Coordination and these children could then "graduate" to the The Orange County SportsPlex (previously known as County or other area soccer programs. the Triangle SportsPlex), as shown in Chapter 3 of Regardless of the method, close coordination this document, is an indoor athletic complex in between the County and SportsPlex going forward Hillsborough owned by Orange County.The facility is would seem to be prudent, and the additional co-located with the Central Orange Senior Center facilities (such as the new basketball court) may help and features an ice rink, swimming pool, fitness alleviate space crunches at the few existing facilities. centers and exercise and activity rooms, among The County and SportsPlex should continue to have other amenities. It is operated by Recreation regular dialogue, and explore joint program Partners, Incorporated on the County's behalf opportunities and complementary programs as through a contractual agreement. opportunities arise. t e In recent years,the SportsPlex has seen tremendous growth in membership, and this has occasioned the County and the management firm to plan for possible expansions to the facility. At present, a three-phase expansion is envisioned that would add: 1) A pool mezzanine with new lockers and fitness areas; 2) A building addition to house a small (95 x 165 feet) artificial turf field for indoor soccer, lacrosse and other turf sports training;and 3) A new regulation-sized basketball court for basketball and related sports. 11-3 110 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 11- Issues for Further Study/Conclusion 4. Need for a Public Pool? S.The Role of Community Centers in Orange County In the Community Needs Assessment, one of the Orange County's Recreation Division of the Depart- desired new facilities was a "swimming pool." ment of Environment,Agriculture, Parks and Recrea- Currently, there are public pools operated by the tion operates the Efland-Cheeks Community Center Town of Chapel Hill — including the Homestead located at Efland-Cheeks Park. Plans are underway Aquatics Center funded in large measure by an to create a Cedar Grove Community Center at the Orange County bond. The Sportsplex in Hillsborough old Cedar Grove School (adjoining Cedar Grove Park) has a swimming pool, and there are a number of and to construct a Rogers Road Community Center, other private pools that allow for individual or single which will primarily be operated by a neighborhood -usage passes. But there is no publicly-operated free organization. to the public swimming pool outside of Chapel Hill. Over the past few years, a number of County It is unclear whether the survey respondents intend- residents have raised questions about hours of ed to show a desire for an outdoor public pool,or an operation, service provision and access to communi- indoor pool. Since indoor pools exist, it may be likely ty centers. County staff met with residents of the that the intention is for a public outdoor pool, but Efland-Cheeks community on this topic in 2012-13 this is not known. and have taken steps to increase usage and Public swimming pools are somewhat-expensive to programming at that center. Similar themes and operate and can require significant capital and oper- discussions have occurred during the design and ating costs. The County should explore further the planning for the Cedar Grove center. intention and desire expressed in the survey to see what exactly is desired, and conduct a cost-benefit analysis looking at likely costs and potential users/ - � revenues, and then make a decision on whether to include a swimming pool as a new recreational facility for Orange County. A swimming pool could be located into the designs for one of several ex- isting or planned future parks if desired. But more information is recommended before committing to a -- - course of action in this area. Some of the desired serves are recreation or environmental education in nature, but others are more-related to other human services, such as health, seniors, library and other programming. Some residents have taken issue with the perceived "centralization"of certain services and activities that were formally offered in the different communities { of the county. lim The County should examine the role of community centers in the near future, and examine ways for departments to potentially work together to provide services that can optimally be offered in the community centers. 11-4 111 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 11- Issues for Further Study/Conclusion 11 6. Five Year CNA's/ 10 Year Update 7.Artificial Turf Playing Fields Orange County's 1988 Recreation and Parks Master Considerable time and investigation has been put Plan has served the county well. The themes and into the potential for conversion or existing or crea- philosophy of that plan are now ingrained in the tion of new playing fields with artificial turf surfaces. county's method and means of providing parks and As of the writing of this plan, Orange County has recreation, and have charted the course for future partnered financially with the Town of Chapel Hill to needs identification and development. open a new artificial turf field at the Town of Chapel While there was never an intention to go 25 years Hill's Cedar Falls Park. There are many issues within between system master plans, that occurrence and this topic and a plethora of pros and cons to the the happy circumstance of the way the 1988 plan question of artificial surface versus natural surface, served the county is not one that should be too many to address in this more comprehensive expected to occur again. We live in a dynamic document. society, where technology and community and per- In general, it is recommended that Orange County sonal recreation interests are subject to change and look at usage, demand/activity, opportunity, need flexibility for future options and alternatives. locational needs and possible existing conversions, Especially with a community needs based system of and implement one to two artificial surfaces on standards and facilities, an evaluation of the fields that warrant such an undertaking-and investi- preference of residents is needed on a more- gate over the next several years the costs and bene- frequent basis. fits of artificial surfaces with natural surfaces, before making any type of commitment to long-term It is recommended that this master plan have an changes in field management, operation, and amendment process that allows for goals, planned maintenance. facilities and programs, and other strategies and recommendations to be altered from time to time. Additionally, resident input on community needs should be solicited on a regular basis. A community needs assessment survey is recommended for every 10 years, with a statistical random-sample survey at least once in the 10-year period. Accordingly, the system master plan should be up- dated to reflect changed conditions, facilities issues and new community needs identification every 10 - years, in addition to any special amendments that } ` may be needed to address immediate issues, trends or changed conditions in the interim. Finally, additional topics that will need internal examination and planning include: • ADA Accessibility and New Federal Standards • Sustainable Landscaping at Parks 11-5 112 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 11- Issues for Further Study/Conclusion 11 Conclusion To be developed. 11-6 113 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Proposed Timetable of Activities - 2014 Date Proposed Action Late 2012 - early Community Needs Assessment surveys conducted, analysis and reports 2013 completed January-April 2013 Public Input Sessions / Focus Groups and supplemental survey work Summer-Fall 2013 Drafting of Master Plan February 2014 Informal review with Board of Commissioners, feedback and direction Early-March 2014 Master Plan Open House March 18 Public Hearin March-April Review by advisory boards May 7 Final review and recommendation by Parks and Recreation Council may 20 Board of Countx Commissioners consideration/decision on Master Plan