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HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 6-working draft JCPRAB 11.5.14 Page 1 Chapter 6 RECOMMENDATION / ACTION PLAN Page 2 CHAPTER 6x WORKING DRAFT 11.5.14 JCPRAB RECOMMENDATIONS / ACTION PLAN Introduction The Recommendations and Action Chapter of the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan provides a summary of the recommendations for parkland, facilities and recreation programs in order to accomplish the implementation of the goals, policies, guidelines and standards adopted in the Jefferson County plan. The following categories are addressed for recommendations 6.1: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 6.2: PARK FACILITIES 6.3: RECREATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 6.4: ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS 6.1: PARKS & OPEN SPACE Ideally a park system is made up of a variety of park types that serve the County. Each type of park or facility provides certain recreation or open space needs as discussed in Chapter 5. Each type serves a basic function and collectively the entire system serves the needs of Jefferson County. The County parks system operates within a larger milieu of City parks, school grounds, state parks, and national parks. By understanding the concept interconnection, a system that meets the needs for the citizens can be developed and maintained in an efficient and cost effective way. General Parks and Open Space Recommendations and Action Plans General Prioritization 1. The first priority is to retain, maintain, enhance, and optimize the current resources. 2. The second priority is to re-open closed parks, either as repurposed parks to serve community needs, or for their original purpose as new and improved campgrounds. 3. The third priority is to acquire new parks, properties and facilities either as land bank properties for future use, as opportunities to enhance services, or as partnerships. General Approach to Capital Improvements 1. Use a creative approach based on partnerships, advocacy groups, non-traditional fundraising, and phases. 2. Update the six year CIP each year. 3. Develop projects and study project funding and construction feasibility. 4. Implement an organized and systematic program of capital improvements based on feasibility. Page 3 General Maintenance and Operations Planning 1. Retain, support, improve and enhance the excellent existing professional maintenance system using the best practices, equipment, training, organization, and management. 2. Retain and optimize the excellent existing system of camp hosts, caretakers, Adopt-A- Park groups, volunteer project donations, maintenance grants, partnerships, and public private partnerships. Specific Action Plans for Each Park: Appendix (A-Facility & Park Descriptions) provides detailed goals, needs, recommendations, and actions for each park. 6.1.1: NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS: Assessed Need: Based on the demand and needs analysis in Chapter 5, the need for Neighborhood Parks is met by the three existing parks and the existing 6 acres. The ELOS will continue to serve the need until 2035. Continued upkeep will keep these important assets for the communities they serve.  Currently the three existing parks address the need and demand for Neighborhood Parks. Current funding: Neighborhood Parks The Jefferson County 2014 general fund park maintenance budget was $243,036. The maintenance budget includes the cost to maintain the three Neighborhood Parks (County Courthouse Park, Irondale Park and Quilcene River& Bay Parks). Presently Jefferson County Parks is in a partnership with Jefferson County Juvenile Services Department for volunteer maintenance of County Courthouse Park. Additionally, the local basketball advocacy group, the Port Townsend Basketball Club have dedicated resources and services to improve the outdoor basketball court and equipment, including a complete court rebuild donated in 2012. This improvement provides needed recreational opportunity. The trees at Courthouse Park are maintained through a partnership with the Washington State DNR Urban Tree Program. Due it its importance to the ongoing vitality and health of the community, as well as a lack of volunteers, Irondale Community Park has remained under professional maintenance by parks staff. Keeping this park safe and functioning is a priority. Riverside Park is maintained solely by volunteers in the Adopt-a-Park Program. The park provides needed access to the Big Quilcene River during salmon fishing season. During this season portable toilets and a dumpster are placed in the park through a partnership with Jefferson County and Washington State health departments. Sustainability/Reliability: Neighborhood Parks The sustainability plan for the neighborhood parks is to maintain and enhance community support and partnerships, use general fund strategically, and to address capital needs. Recommendations: Map Neighborhood Parks Acres Recommendations/Actions Appendix A Describes Specific Recommendations NP-1 County Courthouse Park 2.0 Enhance partnership with Juvenile Services and Basketball Club recruit and organize neighbors, address capital projects. Page 4 NP-2 Irondale Community Park 3.0 Increase neighborhood volunteerism, retain professional maintenance, address capital program. NP-3 Quilcene River & Bay Parks/East 2.0 Continue in Adopt-a-Park program, but improve level of service. Maintain partnership with health departments during salmon season. Existing total 7.0 Future Neighborhood Park Need 2035 5.0 Existing parks meet current & future demand Observations: Neighborhood Parks Jefferson County Park and Recreation staff will continue to work with the local citizens served by the three Neighborhood Parks. Future help through local service clubs or the Adopt-A-Park program can have positive benefits. Programming use of some of the park sites can also have positive outcomes with increased use and visits by local residents. In the City of Port Townsend, there is a large portion of the city (west side) that is not served by a developed Neighborhood Park property On “Castle Hill” especially, there are housing developments and apartment complexes that are not served. Developing at least one Neighborhood Park (5-10 acres) to serve this portion of the city has been identified as the most crucial need. 1 6.1.2: COMMUNITY PARKS Assessed Need: Projections indicate that Jefferson County’s community parks will remain adequate for 20 years. If expansion is warranted beyond that timeframe, the nature and location of the expansion should be guided by geographic and demographic considerations. The City of Port Townsend has identified the need for a future Community Park site over the next ten years. Current funding: Community Parks The community parks are funded primarily through donations of volunteer labor via the Adopt-A-Park program and through partnerships with non-profit youth sports clubs. The County General Fund provides other needed funding. Sustainability/Reliability: Community Parks An overreliance on either volunteer donations, partnerships, or General Fund tax support is not sustainable. The community parks need additional professional maintenance and capital repairs to continue functioning. 1 City of Port Townsend Park & Recreation Functional Plan-Draft (last updated 1-31-2012) page 53 Page 5 Most of the active use areas are located at the Community Parks. Jefferson County has a public/private partnerships through leases with the East Jefferson Little League Association, the Port Townsend Little League Association, and the South Jefferson Little League Associations. Leases are used in the partnerships and the associations provide 100% of maintenance and operations. Recommendations: Map Community Parks Acres Recommendations/Actions Appendix A Describes Specific Recommendations C-1 Bob Bates Field 12.0 Maintained by East Jefferson Little League. C-2 Cape George Trailhead 43.0 Maintained by the Backcountry Horsemen through the Adopt-a-Park program. C-3 Chimacum County Park 14.0 Currently Closed. C-4 East Beach County Park 1.0 Receives professional maintenance, and is in good condition. Volunteers are available if needed. Monitor to retain good condition. C-5 Hicks County Park in Shine 1.0 Action is required to repair the toilet and fix the parking lot. Park is in the Adopt-a-Park program, but increased supervision and support is needed. C-6 Irondale Beach County Park 12.5 Park has the highest potential for grant funded improvements, and increased community benefits. Park is 100% volunteer maintained. A DNR grant has been received to provide invasive species removal. Additional professional maintenance and organized volunteer support is needed. C-7 Lake Leland County Park 9.0 The campground is currently closed. It should be improved and re-opened using grants and volunteer donations. The day use park is a priority for grants for repairs to the docks. The park receives minimal professional maintenance that needs to be maintained. C-8 North Beach County Park 1.0 This park is operated through a stable partnership with Fort Worden State Park, and a group of local volunteers. Shelter post, re-open restroom, grade & install stops in parking lot. Future: remove boat ramp & restore beach. C-9 Quilcene County Park 8.0 Shelter roof repair, resurface & paint courts, safety light. Future: Water & power and RV dump. C-10 Quilcene Sports Park/Deema Smackman Field 14.0 Operated by South Jefferson Little League under a lease agreement. Existing total 115.5 Future Need Community Parks 2035 91.0 Observations: Community Parks Jefferson County’s community parks are a critical part of the system, and are a priority for action. Two of them are closed (Lake Leland and Chimacum). The closed parks are an opportunity to create additional services with a relatively small investment. The closed parks could be re-opened as campgrounds, which was their original purpose; or they could be re- purposed as dog parks, picnic areas, or passive nature parks. Page 6 Quilcene Community Park is success story that demonstrates the importance of community parks. It was re-opened by a volunteer camp host, and continues to grow in revenue and use each year. The Community Parks like Quilcene Park, are dual purpose: they draw visitors from a large area, and they provide important local benefits. Addressing capital improvement needs, many of which are minor, is a critical action step. In addition, maintenance needs to be strengthened and improved in several locations 6.1.3: REGIONAL PARKS Assessed Need: The existing 723 acres of Regional Parks in Jefferson County are significant facilities that draw both residents and visitors to the area. The six Regional parks provide freshwater and saltwater access, walking and biking trails, active sports activities and natural resources. They serve group gatherings and overnight and specialize camping and scenic areas. The existing acreage meets the existing LOS and the needs and demand into the future. Current funding: Regional Parks The Jefferson County general fund provides the budget for the operation and maintenance of the six regional parks which include H.J. Carroll Park, Gibbs Lake and Lower and Upper Oak Bay Parks and provides support for the regional trail system. Sustainability/Reliability: Regional Parks Regional parks are large, and elaborate. They serve many passive users, organized groups, and events. Maintaining regional parks in top condition is critical to the function and long term viability of the parks. As discussed with the various park sites, relying on General Fund tax supported funding is potentially not sustainable into the future. Continuing to work with partners including Kiwanis at Beausite Lake, the Jefferson County Roads Division for the Larry Scott Trail, and the Quimper Trails Association for Gibbs Lake is important. The Caretaker and Camp Host system is vital for Regional Parks. A camp host provides maintenance and operations services seasonally at Oak Bay. A caretaker lives year round at Gibbs Lake and maintains the parking lots, challenge course, and other amenities. A caretaker lives year round at HJ Carroll Park, and provides supervision and maintenance services to support the professional maintenance person. Page 7 Recommendations: Map Regional Acres Recommendations/Actions Appendix A Describes Specific Recommendations R-1 Beausite Lake County Park& NW Kiwanis Camp 30.0 Maintained and operated by Kiwanis volunteers through a lease agreement. R-2 Gibbs Lake County Park 601.0 Enhance caretaker program, support partnerships with Quimper Trails Association, R-3 H.J. Carroll County Park and Trail 50.0 Quality maintenance of this park is one of the highest priorities of the division. R-4 Larry Scott Trail 7.5 Operated by the Jefferson County Roads Division R-5 Oak Bay County Park Lower 30.0 Invest to achieve higher revenue. R-6 Oak Bay County Park Upper 5.0 Invest to achieve higher revenue. Existing total 723.0 Future Need Regional Parks 2035 570.0 Observations: Regional Parks Currently the County meets the existing and future needs for Regional Parks. Future regional trails will continue to be a need but can be provided through matching federal and state grants for construction. 6.1.4: NATURAL OPEN SPACE: Assessed Need: Current funding: Natural Open Space Natural Open Space and Conservation Parks can be maintained at a lower cost than active use areas. The conservation futures program, organized in the Environmental Health Department is actively pursuing an open space program. Jefferson County Land Trust as well as other non- profits are also pursuing open space goals. Sustainability/Reliability: Natural Open Space Natural Open Space and Resource Conservancy public lands can be maintained through partnerships with non-profit organizations which supplement the dedicated public funds. As reflected in the inventory data Jefferson County is fortunate to have state and federal agencies that provide natural open space as well as private resource companies like Olympic Properties Group /Pope Resources commit to the preservation and protection of resource properties. Private partners can help preserve and provide continued benefit to the natural habitat and environments. Jefferson County Conservation Futures2 dedicated tax funding provides funds needed to match state and federal funds for the acquisition of conservation lands as well as the cost of operation and maintenance of those lands. Recommendations: Natural Open Space 2 The Jefferson County Conservation Futures Ordinance creates the Conservation Futures Fund to preserve a system of public open space lands in the county. Map Natural Open Space Acres Recommendations/Actions Appendix A Describes Specific Recommendations OS-1 Indian Island County Park 140.0 Maintain and improve access according to the lease from the DNR. Page 8 Observations: Natural Open Space Jefferson County is surrounded by, and made up by natural resources of all types. The City and County have addressed the need for natural open space within the urban and community areas of the County. 6.1.5: SPECIAL USE AREAS: Assessed Need: Current funding There are three major special use facilities within the parks and recreation system: Jefferson County Memorial Field, the Port Townsend Community Center and the yet-to-be developed Jefferson County Horse Park. The City of Port Townsend and Jefferson County are currently in an agreement for the City transfer of approximately $206,500 of sales tax revenue each year for four years (June 2011 to May 2015/ “Proposition One”). The purpose of the funding is to assist in the operation and improvement of the Port Townsend Recreation Center and Memorial Field. The County cost of operations/maintenance and recreation administration are funded through the Jefferson County general fund recreation budget. The Special Use sites also include the Community Centers in Gardner, Tri-Area, Quilcene and Brinnon. They are maintained and operated by public/private non-profit partnership agreement with Jefferson County. The major capital liability of the structures remains with the County. The Coyle Community Center facility and programming is funded through the Jefferson County Park District #1 taxing district. Jefferson County Memorial Field (additional analysis: Chapter 5 section 5.2.5: sports fields), the Port Townsend Community Center (Chapter 5 section 5.2.3: recreation centers) and the City Mountain View Commons Pool (additional analysis: Chapter 5 section 5.2.4: swimming pools) are all designated as Special Use parkland areas for the City and County. Each facility is described in detail for assessed need in in Chapter 5. Demand for Special Use Areas is determined by the public demand for and identified community “need” which will be sited as a “facility” located at the Special Use parkland e.g. community gardens or Frisbee golf etc. The Port Townsend Recreation Center was closed due to budget cuts in 2009. Memorial Field was put on ‘life support’ by volunteers in 2009. Memorial Field and the Port Townsend Recreation Center are currently open and operating based on the funding by the City of Port Townsend Sales Tax Transfer to Jefferson County which expires in 2015. Sustainability/Reliability New facilities require an assessment to determine financial, programmatic and location feasibility. Existing facilities are generally assessed for reliability and for future use through an assessment of capital infrastructure and operational longevity. Memorial Field, the Port Townsend Recreation Center were both built in the post WWII era, and have been sporadically updated and modified since. Parts of these two facilities are past their useful life and require major investments at this time. OS-2 Broad Spit County Park 43.8 Monitor and maintain pristine natural water access only site. Existing total 183.8 Future Need Natural Open Space Parks 2035 145.0 Page 9 Recommendations: Special Use Areas Observations: Special Use Areas: The most recent Jefferson County Memorial Field structure assessment identified the need for major improvements which include removal and replacement of the roof. Phase one of this project is currently underway. Future funding to address the repair and replacement of the Port Townsend Community Center gymnasium roof is needed. The maintenance and operation costs of the Brinnon, Gardiner, Tri-Area and Quilcene Community Centers should continue with partnership with the non-profits to provide services to the public at these site.3 6.2: PARK FACILITIES The needs analysis in Chapter 5 include the summary (Table 5.12) of county-wide facilities that reflects the partnership between the County, the City and the School Districts for existing and future facility use. The needs and demand for a number of different types of facilities were also assessed. Recommendations and Actions are provided for the following facilities: 6.2.1: PATHWAYS / TRAILS 6.2.2: CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS 6.2.3: RECREATION CENTERS 6.2.4: SWIMMING POOLS 6.2.5: SPORTS FIELDS 6.2.1: PATHWAYS / TRAILS Assessed Need: Current Funding: Pathways / Trails 3 The Laurel B. Johnson Center is funded through Park District #1 Map Special Use Areas Acres Recommendations/Actions Appendix A Describes Specific Recommendations Regional Facilities SU-1 Jefferson County Memorial Athletic Field 5.0 Keep the facility operational through major and minor projects and dedicated professional maintenance. SU-2 Jefferson County Fairgrounds 27.7 Operated by the Jefferson County Fair Board SU-3 Jefferson County Horse Park 80.0 Operated by the Jefferson Equestrian Association Community Centers SU-4 Port Townsend Community Center 1.0 Keep the facility operational through major and minor projects and dedicated professional services. SU-5 Brinnon Community Center NA Operated through partnership with OlyCap SU-6 Coyle Community Center 1.0 Owned and Operated by Park District #1 SU-7 Gardiner Community Center 2.0 Operated through partnership with OlyCap SU-8 Tri-Area Community Center 2.0 Operated through partnership with OlyCap SU-9 Quilcene Community Center 4.1 Operated through partnership with OlyCap Existing total 122.8 Future Need Special Use Areas 2035 97.0 Page 10 As stated in the 2010 Jefferson County Non-Motorized Transportation and Recreation Trails Plan Update (NMPT): “Jefferson County can neither maintain its ELOS nor implement significant components of the 20-Year Vision for non-motorized transportation and recreational trails with the resources currently available to it and Port Townsend, if each jurisdiction pursues an independent delivery approach or uses traditional methods of funding. Neither agency will be financially able to develop, manage, and maintain a comprehensive, independent non-motorized transportation and recreational trail system using traditional financing methods in light of the needs projected. These needs require an area-wide financing approach by Jefferson County, Port Townsend, and WSDOT. An area- wide approach may use a combination if shared road and vehicle fees and taxes, joint grant applications, impact fees, and a voter approved metropolitan park district levy to maintain and improve facilities in the face of continued Jefferson County population increases.”4 The City and the County currently dedicate the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) funds to the acquisition and development of trails. Sustainability/Reliability: Pathways / Trails: As identified in the 2010 NMTP Supplemental, many of Port Townsend’s trails are the product of volunteer efforts. The focus of trail construction and maintenance should continue to be to encourage neighborhood groups and work party efforts to establish new trail connections. The same neighborhood support should be solicited and encouraged for ongoing maintenance. The County should continue to provide materials and tools needed to complete these tasks along with occasional engineering or design advice as needed. Observations: Pathways / Trails As described in the Pathway/Trails and Sports Field section of the facilities assessed need (Chapter 5, section 5.2.1), trails remain as a significant recreation value to most citizens. The continued commitment by Jefferson County as well as the City of Port Townsend to the future options for increased trails will remain a priority. Securing grant funds is an opportunity to match local dedicated funds to provide trail needs. 6.2.2: CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS Assessed Need: Current funding: Children’s Play Areas Playground structure and maintenance are funded through the park maintenance general fund for Jefferson County. Sustainability/Reliability: Children’s Play Areas Children’s play areas require frequent maintenance and scheduled replacement. Safety surfacing must be maintained at an appropriate depth and meet the requirements of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) for access. Playgrounds are managed under the Playground Safety Standards with guidelines from the American Society of Testing Materials 4 Chapter 5 NMTP system demand; page 30 Page 11 and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Maintenance staff must be trained and certified under the NRPA National Playground Safety-Training Program for completion of annual inspections. Observations: Children’s Play Areas Neighborhood and Community Parks as well as schools can provide playgrounds to accommodate the need for additional play equipment. In some communities service organizations have partnered with public agencies and schools to provide imaginative and accessible children’s play areas. When calculating the need for playgrounds or establishing the level-of-service, it is important to remember that the use of school playgrounds are limited during the school year while schools are in session at most school facilities. 6.2.3: RECREATION CENTERS Assessed Need: Current funding: Recreation Centers Jefferson County partners with the Olympic Community Action Program (OlyCap) a non-profit social services organization. OlyCap provides community based programs at three of the community centers (Tri-Area, Brinnon and Quilcene). Funding of annual operations is through donations and contributions. The Gardiner Community Center is operated through a non-profit Board of Directors who fund programs and activities scheduled at the site. The community buildings are listed as County capital structures. Port Townsend Community Center: This Center located in Port Townsend includes a gymnasium, recreation center, meeting rooms, picnicking and a small play structure. The Center is operated by the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Division which provides recreation, sports, and special classes, as well as meeting space. The facility also houses the Port Townsend Cooperative Play School, a project of Peninsula College, and the Port Townsend Seniors Center, a non-profit program. In 2010 the cost of operating and maintaining the center ($169,000) was funded through the Jefferson County General Fund. In 2011, through an agreement with the City of Port Townsend under the Proposition One funding, the City agreed to provide funds for a total of $404,000 on a time-limited basis (2011-2015) for the cost of recreation programming and capital costs at the Port Townsend Recreation Center. Mountain View Community Center: The Mountain View Community Center, formerly an elementary school, is leased by the City of Port Townsend from the Port Townsend School District. The lease expires in 2014. The Center houses a variety of community organizations including the YMCA, Community Radio, the Police Department, the Food Bank, Red Cross and the City Parks and Recreation. The total facility is 48,000sf and the recreational space available for typical recreation programming e.g. gym and meeting rooms is approximately 21,900sf. The Mountain View Pool is also located at this site. The City of Port Townsend General Fund supports the operation and maintenance of the Mountain View Community Center. Revenue or lease agreements are included as general revenue in the overall City budget. The YMCA and the City of Port Townsend have had a public/ private partnership agreement for recreation program services. In 2011 the City Page 12 provided $128,0005 to the YMCA for provision of recreation programs. The community organizations pay a subsidized lease payment for use of the facility. Sustainability/Reliability: Recreation Centers Recreational programming provides a substantial community benefit. Jefferson County is the primary public recreational program provider serving east Jefferson County residents. The primary programming emphasis is on youth programs, sports and a variety of day camp opportunities. In the City of Port Townsend, the future of the public pool is at question. Park District #1 provides the Laurel B. Johnson Community Center on the Coyle Peninsula. Continued funding for the junior taxing district comes from voter approval for future services. The Community Centers (Gardiner, Quilcene, Tri-Area and Brinnon) are programmed through non-profit organizations but the liability of the capital asset still remains with Jefferson County. (See complete analysis of Community Centers/Recreation Centers in Chapter 5: section 5.1.2 and 5.2.3) Observations: Recreation Centers The City of Port Townsend Parks and Recreation and the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation effectively complement each other by the provision of coordinated and complimentary programming. The County provides recreation programming and the City provides aquatic services which benefit all citizens. The loss of either of these two services would create a deficit of programming and public recreational needs at both recreation centers (Mountain View Pool or Jefferson County Port Townsend Recreation Center) Community Centers located throughout eastern Jefferson County provide local community benefits. The cost of programming the centers in four of the outlying areas is provided through a public/private partnership with non-profit social service organizations. 6.2.4: SWIMMING POOLS Assessed Need: Current funding: Swimming Pools The City of Port Townsend operates the Mountain View Swimming Pool. On October 6, 2014 the City Council voted to consider a $23.6 million bond measure to fund repairs at the Mountain View Commons. The measure will to a vote in a February 10, 2015 election. The YMCA is considering building an expanded aquatic center, recreation and health facility at Mountain View Commons. Sustainability/Reliability: Swimming Pools Maintenance and operation of traditional swimming pool facilities are high compared to other types of recreation facilities. Leisure pools with water play elements provide revenue to help off-set a large percent of the cost of operations. The future of the Mountain View Pool is uncertain due to the age of the facilities and required maintenance and City of Port Townsend funding to sustain the facility. The City of Port Townsend Mountain View Pool serves all of the aquatic needs for East Jefferson County citizens and school districts. Observations: Swimming Pools 5 In 2011 the City funded $118,000 plus $10,000 for Building Futures with a total of $128,000. Page 13 Calculating the Port Townsend pool only, the existing level-of-service for pools county-wide is one pool for 29,872 persons. The current level-of-service is at the NRPA guideline of 1 pool for 29,000. As the population increases the current level-of-service will not be maintained into the future. It is estimated that an additional 2,920sf. of pool area, or a total pool area need of 5,370sf. will be needed for East Jefferson County citizens. The age of the Mountain View Swimming Pool needs to be factored into future decisions regarding the provision of a public pool. 6.2.5: SPORTS FIELDS Assessed Need: Current funding: Sports Fields Jefferson County maintains sports fields at Memorial Field and H.J. Carroll Park and leases the Bob Bates Fields to the East Jefferson County Little League. Memorial Field is managed by Jefferson County and provides athletic field use for schools and non-profit associations. Under agreement with the Jefferson County Fair board Association the rental or lease of the baseball fields is managed by the Fair board who lease the two fields to the East Jefferson Little League also. Sustainability/Reliability: Sports Fields Jefferson County Memorial Athletic Field is home field for Port Townsend High School football and girls and boys soccer games. Chimacum High School football designates the Field as their home field as well. Other field sport events include Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Soccer games; Port Townsend Youth Football Club games, and Port Townsend Braves Youth Football. Parts of the perimeter fence and the stadium roof are in need of repairs. The lighting system is in need of replacement. Observations: Sports Fields Community organizations and partnership have provided for field maintenance and met the demand when public funding has diminished. East Jefferson Little League is a primary provider of baseball with use under agreement with Jefferson County sports fields. Partnerships with non-profit youth sports organizations and school sites can provide opportunities to increase play capacity, instead of building new fields. However, there is a need for preserving existing facilities into the future to benefit long-term levels of service as population grows. 6.3: RECREATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES Assessed Need: Current funding: Recreation Programs and Activities Recreation programming is funded from the Jefferson County general fund. In Jefferson County the recreation adopted budget in 2014 for recreation was 289,556 with a projected 2015 budget of $240,5786. Recreation program fees provide approximately 15% revenue return through fees and charges. Sustainability/Reliability: Recreation Programs and Activities The end of the agreement for funds from the Port Townsend Prop One taxes will result in a decrease of funding and program offerings. The roof of the gymnasium at the Port Townsend Recreation Center has structural issues and cannot be used when winds exceed 60 miles per 6 Includes 332,416 from “Proposition One” tax funds from the City of Port Townsend until May 2015. Page 14 hour, or when there is snow on the roof. The roofing shingles cannot be replaced until a structural repair is completed. The future of the Mountain View Pool could be extended if the 2015 citizen Bond issue passes. Repairs to the existing facility could be deferred if the YMCA expands the aquatic center and provides recreation and a health facility at the Mountain View Commons. The City and County provide coordinated and complimentary programming. Observations: Recreation Programs and Activities The demand for recreational programming continues to reflect a supportive interest by the citizens. The Port Townsend Recreation Center is a focal point for relevant program offerings. This is especially true with regard to the identified commitment to youth programs. The availability of the gym is critical to programs that support physical activities, team sports and fitness programs. Without this traditional recreation facility, recreation programming opportunities would be impacted and/or eliminated. The programming inventory reflects service gaps which include areas of:  Teen Center/Programming  Specialized recreation for people with disabilities (primarily served by public agencies)  Water Based Programs  Recreational Sports Leagues  Outdoor Recreation/Environmental Education Community based private and publicly funded programs such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and WSU Extension 4-H, by program design, provide a key value for youth throughout the County. 6.4: ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS Park Philosophy7 1. The benefits of our parks are ecological, physical, mental, health and vitality for all. 2. Parks and recreation builds social connections throughout the community. 3. The means of our parks are to provide facilities for active and passive recreation, as well as accessible, protected natural areas 4. Because we are a government agency, we create critical benefits for the whole of society that no one else can or will. 5. Parks and Recreation is proven to support workers, attract businesses, improve property values and contribute to the economic well-being of the community. Adaptive Park System8 7 JCPRAB: Draft Parks & Recreation Plan, August 13, 2012 8 Defined in Pierce County Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan Page 15 “The Adaptive Park System provides regional elements serving a countywide audience, and strategic local park services in unincorporated areas” 1. Provide regional attractions that are interconnected to other parks and trails 2. Serve individual communities by providing local parks in unincorporated areas, both rural and urban 3. “Bank” land for future use as parks or open space in unincorporated areas, both rural and urban 6.4.1: ADMINISTRATION Recommendations:  Continue to provide annual reports to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (JCPRAB) and during annual budget process.  Establish annual goals working in partnership with the JCPRAB. Measure success at the end of each year.  Continue to prepare the annual budget working with the JCPRAB in advance of county- wide budget deadlines.  To increase awareness of County parks, encourage community support through increased awareness and a positive and responsive vision.  Research a variety of funding sources for new or improved facilities through options such as: public and private grants, user fees, volunteer stewards, donations, business partnerships, REET (real estate excise tax) contributions, bonds, levies and public and private partnerships.  Develop a marketing “brand” for Jefferson County Parks and Recreation that serves as a gateway for visitors to the parks’ gateways. This would include the website, collateral materials, public relations and visitor information kiosks.  Research sustainability through options such as partnerships with public and private sources, facility lease agreements, stewardship groups, volunteers and private business to reflect the economic value parks and recreation provides to the County. General Park Goals:9 1. Provide a quality, diversified parks and open space system that supports opportunities for active and passive recreation and conserves and enhances significant environmental or historical resources and features. 2. Provide a regional system of off street trails and corridors that links parks, open spaces, significant environmental features, public facilities, and areas of interest. 3. Provide a local parks system in unincorporated communities. 6.4.2: OPERATIONS Recommendations:  The current level of professional maintenance must be maintained and enhanced. 9 JCPRAB: Draft Parks & Recreation Plan, August 13, 2012 Page 16  Support and encourage volunteerism, the retention of the Adopt-a-Park and Park Host programs.  Continue to address the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA 2010), to provide access within the parks for the disabled and senior population with reviews of sites and facilities.  Address applicable safety standards in the design of park, trail and recreational facilities.  Where feasible and as a cost savings, standardize signs, equipment and materials.  Develop facilities which reduce maintenance costs, such as water reduction improvements.  Encourage professional development by providing educational opportunities and staff training.