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Park Study e~~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,,'¡::":'~':/':""" -: C:. , " :,: 4('¡ ~ ~ ":e-", ,:.¡~' ~, ~.- , ' "e~ '.' ~ , I' .---..... ' ..,' , , : tj::"".: ' ,'... ,', , ,",." ";," t, -- --- .. , , . ~ ' , ',,' ': ,', .. .. . ", " " , . Consulting BUCHER Engineers, Salina, &- WILLIS Planners Kansas &- Architects '" I I :1 I tl :1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I II ¿ a,LLiLQ., II MAYOR July, 1967 Citizens of Salina Salina, Kansas Re: Salina Parks Fellow Citizens: The City Commission of Salina has made a quite thorough review of the inventory of parks and park facilities through the assistance of the City Staff and Bucher & Willis, Planning Consultants. The results of this study show that there is a substantial need and opportunity to improve the park facilities of Salina. The substantial use and favorable reception of the new, undeveloped Lakewood Park is testimony to the need. In the past twenty years the City has not performed major park improvements until this past year. The im- portance of parks to the social and moral fiber of the people of the City does not permit sporadic park efforts, rather, it demands a concerted, planned sequence of deve- lopment. The purpose of this information brochure is to display the needs and proposed improvements and to gain public acceptance of an order of such park improvements. It has been well displayed in the past that when a well organized, needed program is fully explained to the Citizens, that public support is available. It is my hope that this brochure will serve the intended purpose and your comments and suggestions are invited. CRR: jn Sincerely yours, --~~,'(~ýf', '< ~~/ ~.rl_~. RurldquJ.st ( , Mayor '. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~UŒtR ~ W ll) CONSULTING ENGINEERS. PLANNERS. ARCHITECTS 605 W, NORTH ST., 5ALINA,KANSAS 67401' "'3/TAYLOR 7-3603 6308 TROOST AVE.,KANSAS CITY, MO. 804131' 816/EMER<;ON 3-26"6 PARTN ERS .JAMES D,BUCHER SHELBY K.WILLIS KAY C.BLOOM SALINA, KANSAS ASSOCIATES G, HAROLD LAMFERS STEPHEN L..JENNINGS .JERRY C.DAVIES ALVIN F. HAMELE RONALD D, .JONES June 19, 1967 Honorable Mayor and City Commission City Offices Salina, Kansas Attention: Mr. Norris Olson, City Manager Gentlemen: We thank you for the opportunity to serve the City of Salina as Planning Consultants in the preparation of this most interesting planning analysis of the Park System of the City. The timely and cooperative assistance of the City staff was most helpful in the performance of the assignment. The findings of this study are recommendations as to the need for addi- tional park facilities and the suggested areas where these park improvements should be located, The end results of the study are displayed on photo tracings of each park noted to show, by symbols, the general location of proposed im- provements. It is apparent that detailed design and construction plans should be prepared for the major improvements to assure maximum utility and reason- able maintenance costs of these facilities. It is our hope that the results of this study will serve well as a guide, not a prescription, for the development of an adequate system of parks to serve the City of Salina. Very Sincerely Yours, I I I I BUCHER & WILLIS JDB:psm ~BU~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SALINA PARK STUDY June, 1967 Prepared for the CITY of SALINA, KANSAS Carl R. Rundquist --- Commissioner Robert M. Stark ----- Commissioner G. N. Waddell ------- Commissioner Chas. W. Casebeer -- Commissioner Wm. W. Yost ------- Commissioner Norris Olson --- City Manager Duane Pearce - - City Planner David Zook----- Recreation Director Irvin Ricklefs -- Park Superintendent Prepared By: BUCHER & WILLIS Consulting Engineers, Planners & Architects Salina - Kansas City - Cheyenne I I PROCEDURE I I I I I I I I I I The Salina Park Plan study was a cooperative effort of the City Staff and Bucher & Willis, Planning Consultants for the City. The study was car- ried out in various phases as described in the following paragraphs. Aerial Photos were taken by the Consultant of all parks, recreational areas and schools in the City. The photos were enlarged to a scale of 1 "::; 1 00 and reproduced on transparent material. The City Planning Department, Office of the City Manager, Park Department and Recreation Department, through their joint efforts, produced the park inventory in ta bular form for inclusion in the report. Recreation standards were created relating use and desired quantity and type of recreational facilities. These standards were derived from a detailed study of the experience of recreational uses in Salina and comparable cities. These standard values were compared to tested national standards and ad- justed to yield the standards recited in this report. A comparison of the stan- dard dictated facilities and the actual existing recreational facilities was per- I I I I I I I formed and this yie Ided the excesses or deficiencies in the Salina recreational resources. These conditions were tabulated and the total recreation needs were so measured. An analysis was made of these deficiencies for each neigh- borhood, and the facilities needed to satisfy the recreational demands for each neighborhood was studied as to type, size and location. The existing City -wide parks were then studied with respect to use, service, activity and function. The potential improvement of each park area was analyzed and other -1- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II II I I [I areas were investigated as to park potential. These conditions were reduced to sketches on the photo tracings depicting suggested improvements to show ultimate development. These proposed improvements were tabulated into a suggested priority order. Preliminary cost estimates were then prepared to serve as a guide for fiscal funding of the facilities. THE HISTORY The development of the City of Salina began in 1858. In the year 1900, the recognition of the need for parks and recreation areas resulted in Oak- dale Park being donated to Saline County for this purpose. Sunset Park and Kenwood Park, .two of the older parks in the City, became property of the City in the 1920's. The improvement to these two parks has resulted in highly de- veloped, exceptionally fine recreational areas. The need for park area contin- ued to increase with the growth of the City and the City purchased Thomas Park, followed by the purchase of Indian Rock Park in 1956, and of Lakewood Park in 1967. School grounds and small neighborhood parks have provided neigh- borhood park service and, to a large extent, have provided recreational facili- ties for the long established summer playground program. PURPOSE The purpose of this study and report is to produce a thorough analysis of existing public outdoor recreation facilities, to define the additional facilities needed for the present and 1985, and to formulate a general guide plan for the development of each area. This guide plan is not intended as a specific pre- -2- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I scription or construction plan, rather it is a planning guide for facilities needed as to general type, volume and location, and a forecast of future needs of park areas. WHY DO WE NEED PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS? It has been increasingly recognized that recreation is necessary to the physical, mental, emotional and moral health and well-being of the individual and his society. Dr. Karl Menninger, in an article in Architectural Record of July, 1959, indicates the basic psychological needs of people include the following: 1. Provision "for the proper future, protection and training of the baby, little child, older child and teenager. They require certain places in the home, places in the neighborhood to play and to go to school, and ideally a place in the neighborhood to do some kind of work". 2. Contact with non-human nature through accessible and properly maintained parks and "through proximity to large non -urban areas of farm or wilderness". Dr. Menninger stated that these aggressive needs of people must be provided, particularly since leisure time is increasing. The City has a civic responsibility to the Citizens to make adequate pro- vision for the timely reservation and acquisition of an adequate park system. The limited funds normally available for recreation purpose demands that lands be acquired well in advance of adjacent development. The cost of acquiring developed land and removing buildings is neither well accepted nor financially feasible, except to correct a condition where park deficiency acts to depress property values. -3;.. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II ~ The answer as to "Who Needs Parks?" is, of course, all ages and this need is being increasingly recognized by our growing society. A number of factors are having an effect upon the absolute volume of recreational facilities: * Leisure time is increasing due to the shortening work week, esti- mated by several national studies to be approaching a 32 hour work week by 2000. * The increase in length of life span (4. 1 % of population over 65 in 1900 as compared to 9.1% over 65 in 1960) coupled with earlier re- tirement age adds a particular emphasis to recreational facilities for the aged. * The increase in competitive sport activity, particularly for the younger age group, has increased the neighborhood park facilities required. * The increase in organized recreation program participation has in- creased the need for recreational facilities. POPULA TION The demand for park and recreation facilities in a given community is directly related to the population of the service area. The gross area of parks is not an adequate indicator, rather the improved and accessible park areas 10- cated to serve conveniently with a balanced variety of facilities are the impor- tant factors. The population for Salina in January of 1967 was estimated to be 38,024* and the projected population for Salina in 1985 (based upon current factors of influence) is estimated to be a low of 44,000 and a probable high of 59,000. The low value of 44, 000 is calculated as an average rate of 0.9% per year growth, the U. S. Census Bureau estimate for the growth of Kansas. The U. S. * Source: Saline County Clerk's Office -4- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II growth is forecasted as an:-:average rate of growth of 1. 3% per year. The 1964 Comprehensive Plan for Salina reports the past growth of Salina as 3. 1 % per year for the past 20 years, and if this growth rate continues for the next 18 years, the population of Salina would be 59, 000 by 1985. For the purposes of estimating recreational facility need for 1985, a population of 50, 000 is employed. The location of residential expansion during the period 1967 to 1985 will be that shown in the City Plan, with a majority of the growth , , occurring in the south and east portions of the City. PRINCIPLES OF' RECREATION AREAS AND FACILITIES The normal principles which apply generally to all recreation areas and facilities include the following: 1. Active recreation areas should be separated according to the age of use rs. If facilities for children are not separated according to age, the safety of the younger children is endangered; older children frequently tend to monopolize facilities. Certain areas are specif- ically designed for use as family groups, which includes all ages. 2. The recreation site should be accessible to people who will use it. Generally the age of the user will determine the size of the service area of a park facility. The service area of a neighborhood playground is generally limited to the easy and safe walking distance of children, about 1/2 mile. A facility serving the entire family, accessible by automobile, would serve a quite wide area, one to five miles. 3. Combined recreational and school recreational centers is a recom- -5- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II mended and functional necessity. Recreational facilities should be combined with school facilities wherever possible to serve the ed- ucational and recreational needs of the local neighborhood. The two facilities are closely related and often times their purposes, programs and activities overlap. Summertime use of the outdoor facilities of the school permits an economical expansion of the use. It is desirable, where toilet and drinking facilities of the school are so constructed to permit summertime use, that these facilities be made available for summertime use. The adjacent park-school grounds should be specifically designed to be fully complimentary and integrated. 4. Parkways and boulevards should be provided to connect large parks for purposes of access and for drives of beauty and leisure; these parkways are considered valuable recreational facilities. Such a vehicular roadw,ay can be located along natural drainage areas and occasionally serve as a part of the major street system. Some active and passive recreation areas may be integrated with the parkway system without destroying its value as a pleasure drive. In addition to the social and recreational benefit of a parkway sys- tern, these systems enhance or stabilize real property values and create a favorable impression with visitors and residents alike. Public pride, to a large measure determined by excellence of public park facilities, is a necessary ingredient to the development of a satisfying urban place. -6- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ! I I I II RECOMMENDED STANDARDS The recommendation of facilities, the size or number of facilities in a park must be based upon a known set of standards which are acceptable to the community, workable in the community and practically applicable to that community. Many sets of standards have been adopted by various local, state and federal agencies. The park standards for a community are a per- sonal and individual choice depending upon the preferences of the community. A general criteria as to total park area compared to the total population is the value of one acre of developed park area for each 100 persons, or ap- proximately 10% of the total developed area. The 1964 Salina Comprehensive Plan reports that park area in 1963 (exclusive of school sites) was 4. 6% of the total developed area or .72 acres per 100 persons. This condition des- cribes a deficient park area in Salina. In order to approach the park analysis in a detailed manner, the parks are divided into several classifications which provide specific types of park services. The four "Major Park" classifications will be: * Scenic Park * City-Wide Park * Neighborhood Park * Regional Park A separate classification of "Recreational Areas", not designated as major parks, are small areas offering limited recreational facilities to local areas. These areas include the following: * Play Lots * Playgrounds * Play Fields -7- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The definitions and recommended standards for each of these park classifications are given below: Scenic Park: A park generally used for passive recreation, consisting of benches, tables, fireplaces and naturalistic and scenic areas. The purpose of this park is for relaxation, preferably with no active recreation facilities. This type of park may include roadside parks, tourist rest areas, and open landscaped areas. Neighborhood Park: An area which provides both passive and active recrea- tion facilities. The area should function for all age groups and provide an atmosphere which places the individual in an environment which is different from everyday life. The intended service area is a neighborhood population of 4, 000-6, 000 persons. Activities are usually limited to family picnic and open space use and young children's play area. City-Wide Park: The function of a City-Wide Park is to provide separated fa- cilities for quiet and active play areas for use by all age groups. The area should be accessible by good vehicular routes to all areas of the City. All day usage, planned recreation programs (including competitive sports), pas- sive entertainment, large group gatherings, family and individual usage, week- days, as well as weekend participation, are typical of city-wide parks. A city-wide swimming pool is a normal facility in a city-wide park. Regional Park: A park designed or naturally adapted to all types of activities - active, passive, scenic, exploratory, and specialized activites. The regional park should be within a 30 minute driving time of the City to provide maximum benefit. It is recognized that the park serves an area larger than the City, us- ually associated with a special activity such as boating, climbing or special scenic interest. Play Lots: Play Lots are intended primarily for pre-school age children, where adult supervision is full-time, either by individual family or organized group ef- fort. Play Lots may be part of a major park or a larger recreation area. A school playground or a small neighborhood play lot may be a set of playground equipment on a very small area. Playgrounds: A small developed area where active, games are played by resi- dents of a neighborhood. The area would be primarily used by children of an age group not requiring adult supervision. School playgrounds usually serve this purpose. Play Fields: An area of two acres or larger which provides a variety of play- field facilities capable of competitive activity. This area may be adjacent to or II -8- I I I I I I I I I I I I I within a school complex, or it may be located in a large city park. The ser- vice area is generally the entire City and in some instances, participation by individuals or groups from outlying areas. It is not unusual to find a combination of these facilities grouped in a park serving more than one function. Special recreation centers or activities create other classifications which do not entirely meet the above classifications; however, analysis by these service classifications will yield a more orderly and functional park system. The suggested criteria or standards for Salina are included in the following tables: il I I I I I -9- I TYPICAL FACILITIES OF PARK AND RECREATION AREAS I Classification I Playlot I I Playgrounds I I I Playfields I I I Neighborhood Park I II Scenic Park I I I City-Wide Park I I Regional Parks or Open Space Areas I Facilities / Sandbox, slides, teeters, swings, blocks, spray pools, climbing apparatus, shaded areas, paved area, grass area, benches, fence and hedge. Corner for pre-school children, apparatus area for older children, open space for informal play, surfaced areas for court games such as tennis, handball, paddle shuffleboard, volleyball, etc. j field for games such as softball, modified soccer, touch football, mass games j area for story telling, crafts, dramatics, quiet games. Shelter house, wading pool, corner for table games and other activities for old people j landscape features. Separate sports field for men and for women for such games as baseball, football, field hockey, soccer, softball j courts for tennis, horseshoe, shuffleboard, roque, paddle tennis and other games j lawned areas for such activities as cro- quet, hockey, clock, golf; outdoor swimming pools, theater, bandshell, fireplace, table, bench- es for small groups, picnics, recreation building, children's playground, running track and spaces for field events j center for day camp. A naturalistic and scenic area with a leisurely park feeling, places for sitting, sunning, quiet re- laxation, lawns, trees, shrubbery, benches, and walks. May be located in connection with an ele- mentary school, thereby having access to active recreation areas that might exist on the school grounds. When not school-orientèd, play lots or a playground would be desired facilities. Shall include small roadside parks, landscaped areas and small irregular areas of ground main- tained by the City for purpose of providing open spaces. Shall also include parkways, river banks, etc. Occasionally a picnic table may be found in a usable area, with fireplaces, benches, and drinking fountain. Usually. containing provisions for both active and passive recreation, softball, baseball, hockey, soccer, football, volleyball, tennis, horseshoe, shuffleboards, croquet, archery, picnicking, bandstands, swimming pool outdoors, landscaped buffer, larger landscaped areas, walks, paths, benches, possibly bleachers, lights and ample parking. Generally considered in terms of hundreds of acres, composed mainly of natural area, mini- mum development, scenic features, hiking, water, picnic facilities, camping, fishing, boat- lng, shelter, ample parking and access. - - - - Type of Facility Play Lots Playgrounds Playfields Neighborhood Parks Scenic City-Wide Parks Regional Parks or open space areas, performing conservation, pres- ervation, organiza- tion and recreation functions. - - Primary Age Group Served 1-5 6-14 10 & Above All Ages All Ages A II Ages All Ages - - - - - - - - - - SUGGESTED STANDARDS FOR THE CITY OF SALINA PARK DEVELOPMENT Minimum Site Size .5-2 acres 2-5 acres when adja- cent to a- nother park area; 5 ac. when loca ted separately 15 acres or more 8-20 ac. , separately; 3-5 acres adjoining elementary school site No min. 20 acres Service Area Range Area Req. Per 1000 Gross Pop. Preferred Location Except in very special cases, play lots will not be provided as separate facilities. They will be located in larger facilities and buffered from the activities of older age groups. The only ap- propriate area for their location is one of very high density. 1/4 to 1/2 mile, depend- ing ,on popu- lation density Entire area population 1/2 to 3/4 walking dis- tance. Entire area population 10-20 min. driving time 1.5 to 2 ac. or 200 sq.ft-Íchild, age 5-14. 1.25 acres 2 acres --- 1 .75 acres Well-centered within residential development, preferably adjacent to elementary school. Located with high school when possible. Well-centered within residential development, away from major traffic carrying streets. Small roadside area where beauty and relaxation may be enjoyed. Located adjacent to major traffic carrying street for easy accessi- bility on 'land with attractive nat- ural appearance where possible. Public open spaces have no minimum size or service area standards, They are thought of as very large areas, preserved from development by various techniques, remaining and acting as a resource for the location of recrea- tional facilities that will be needed in the future. Regional parks are also of very large acreages, usually associated with a large body of water; located 20 to 30 miles from urban centers and serving several metropolitan areas with naturally maintained outdoor recreation facil- ities. - - - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SPECIAL STUDIES Golf Course The need for public golf courses depends upon many factors: 1. The popularity of golf. 2. Existing facilities. 3. Weather conditions and length of season. 4. Availability and cost of private golf facilities. In the year 1960 there was an average of one golf course for every 28,000 persons in the U. S. Kansas in 1960 had approximately one golf course per 14, 000 persons; the high ratio being the result of having large areas of land easily accessible at a reasonable cost, a long playing season and local popularity of the sport. Densely populated areas on the east and west coasts have a ratio of approximately 50, 000 persons per course. The National Recreation Association estimates a city of 20,000 persons can support an 18-hole golf course while metropolitan areas can justify an 18- hole course for each additional 30, 000 persons. The public popularity of golf is increasing from a sport which was once regarded as only for the rich. The participation in golf is increasing and is '!low performed by persons in all eco- nomic levels. -10- I I I I I I I I I I I I I 'I I I I I I GOLF COURSE DEMAND - SALINA 1967 1970 1975 1980 1985 Population 38,024 40,000 43,200 46,400 50,000 Demand - 1/20, 000 1.9 2.0 2. 1 2.3 2. 5 Present Facilities * 0 0 0 0 0 Additional Facilities 1.9 2.0 2. 1 2.3 2.5 * This figure does not include two private 18-hole courses. The two private golf clubs in Salina are well developed and quite acces- sible. These two golf courses operate on a membership and annual dues basis. The cost and prerequisites for membership cause these to provide an equiva- lent of slightly less than 1.0 public golf course. This supply is to be compared to the 1967 demand of 1.9 courses, and the estimated demand of 2.5 by 1985. The conclusion of this study is that one 18-hole public course is needed now (1967), and a second public course will be needed when the population approaches 60,000. Horseback Riding There is an active interest in horseback riding in the community. At present there are 23 horses maintained in horse barns in the east edge of Kenwood Park. There are nO designated riding trails and much of the riding is on the major streets, .an unsatisfactory and unsafe condition. There is also a group of horses boarded near Cloud Street and the Smoky Hill River. It is suggested that designated riding trails be provided adJacent the river .and that use of other areas be discouraged. See suggested improve- -11- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ments under Recreational Deficiencies. The housing of horses on a long-term basis in Kenwood Park, adjacent to residential development, accrues some detriment to the neighborhood. It is suggested that serious consideration be given to the relocation of the. "horse barns" to a more remote area, preferably adjacent to the river area to permit use of the natural riding trails above proposed. -12- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I PARK USAGE In an attempt to determine the priority of current recreation desires, the Salina Recreation Department conducted a survey of the 4th - 6th grade student s. The result of this survey reports that swimming was the most desired form of recreation for girls; the favorite of the boys being baseball, followed by football and swimming. A rather interesting result was the high rating of skating which was second for boys and girls combined. Tennis and bowling ranked very high with the girls. Golfing rated low in the expressed desire survey, possibly affected by the lack of public facilities. It should be noted that the facts gained from this survey can be of benefit only if all circumstances are considered - Are there available facilities to en- courage the sport? Are there organized programs? Are the facilities new and in good condition? Are the participant costs too high? Is leadership mis- sing? - all of these factors will have a direct effect on individual participation and on expressed desires. Recreation usage is subject to change. The Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission notes factors which condition patterns and usage in recre- ation. The mobility of people, age, income, education, occupations and recre- ational facilities available are variables which affect the patterns of usage. The Saline Recreation Department provided partial records of the usage and participation in the organized summer playground activities. These rec- ords of the past five years indicated an exceptionally wide variety of activities quite well attended. The swimming usage has increased substantially, now pro- -13- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I viding swimming classes for the handicapped. The use of the pool is sub- stantially above the desired capacity of the municipal swimming pool. The Department Use Reports indicated an adequate number of baseball and softball diamonds in the City. The six tennis courts at Oakdale Park are used in ex- cess of capacity, while the four courts at the high school are used below ca- pacity due to lack of lights and wind screens. The use of the two courts at Sunset is well below capacity. The Department reports the usage of play- ground equipment and shuffleboards is in excess of the capacity at all locations. The Salina Recreation Facility Standards, shown on the attached chart for each recreational activity, were derived by a careful analysis of the present usage, existing facilities and a comparison to the National Recreation Associ- ation Standards. The difficult process in establishing a proposed park improve- ment based upon current park usage is in estimating the latent recreation de- mand (usage that would occur with provision of adequate facilities). To evaluate thi s latent demand, the Salina park standards are employed. The facilities described in the attached "Salina Excess-Deficiency Chart", identified under the heading of 'needed by Salina Standard for 1967 and 1985', are considered essential for an adequate park and recreational system of facilities. -14- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SALINA RECREATION FACILITY EXCESS-DEFICIENCY CHART Baseball Diamonds, Lighted Legion Baseball Dia- monds, Unlighted Softball Diamond' Softball Lots Tennis Courts Swimming Pool Shuffleboard Courts Golf Course (Public) Golf Course (Private) Volleyball Courts Horseshoe Courts Tetherball Poles Basketball Goals Handball Courts Croquet Courts Recreation Building Theaters, Community (Outdoors) Shelter Building Recreation Centers Tracks - Running Bicycle Trails Bridal Trails Camping Areas Nature Trails Botanical Gardens Ice Skating Areas Picnic Areas Salina Standard 1 for ea. 30,000 p. 1 for ea. 10,000 p. 1 for ea. 1 for ea. 1 for ea. 3% pop. -20 1 for ea. 1 for ea. 1 for ea. 1 for ea. 1 for ea,' 1 for ea. 1 for ea. 1 for ea. 1 for ea. 1 for ea. 1 for ea. 6,000 p. 2,000 p. 2,000 p. sq. fLIp. 2,000 P. 20,000 p. 20,000 p. 6,000 p. 3,000 p. 1 ,500 p. 1 ,500 p. 6,000 p. 10,000 p. 30,000 p. 50,000 p. 1 for ea. 2,000 p. 1 for ea. 20,000 p. 1 for ea. 15,000 p. 1 for ea. 20,000 p ~ 1 for ea. 40,000 p. 1 acrel 1,000 p. 1 for ea. 20,000 p. 1 for ea. 20,000 p. 1 acre/ 20,000 p. 1 acre/30p. /5% pop. Existing Facilities 6 7 46(a) 16 11,250(b) 5 O(c) 2 10 4 48 28 1(d) 3 1(e) 1 12 2 3 0 0 1 5 ac. (f) 0 3 1 39 ac. (a) The 46 lots include small school diamonds, possibly a backstop, but mainly diamonds to serve neighbor- hoods or small pick-up games in the neighborhood. (b) Kenwood Park Municipal Pool only. to be removed.) (Carver Pool (c) Private golf course provides an equivalent of 1 pub- lic course at present. Need By Salina Standards 1967 ( Pop. 38 , 024) 4 6 19 19 22, 800a' 19 2 6 13 25 25 6 4 1 .5 1 19 2 3 2 1 40 ac. 2 2 2 63 ac. Excess or Deficiency 0 + 2 0 0 - 3 -11,0000' -14 - 1 + 4 - 9 +23 + 3 - 5 - 1 - 1 0 - 7 0 0 - 2 - 1 -25 ac. - 2 + 1 - 1 -24 aç:. Need By Salina Standards 1985 ( Pop. 50 , 000 ) 2 5 8 25 25 30, OOOc' 25 3 8 17 33 33 8 5 2 1 25 3 3 3 1 50 ac. 3 3 3 85 ac. - - - Excess or Deficiency - 1 + 1 2 - 6 - 9 -19,0000' -20 - 2 + 2 -13 +15 - 5 - 7 - 2 - 1 0 -13 - 1 0 - 3 - 1 -35 ac. - 3 0 - 2 -46 ac. (d) Three Y.M.C.A. indoor handball courts are not included. (e) Lakewood lodge only. removed. (f) (Carver Center to be Thomas Park only. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - NATIONAL RECREATION ASSOCIATION STANDARDS NRA Standard Need By NRA Standards 1967 Need By NRA Standards 1985 (Pop. 50,000) Baseball Diamonds, Lighted 1 for ea. 6,000 p. 6 8 Legion Baseball Dia- mon ds, Un Ii ghted Softball Diamond 1 for ea: 3,000 p: 17 Softball Lots 13 Tennis Courts 1 for ea. 2,000 p. 19 25 Swimming Pool 3% pop. -20 sq. ft. /p. 22,8000' 30,0000' Shuffleboard Courts ,1 for ea. 1 ,500 p. 25 33 Golf Course (Public) 1 for ea. 30,000 p. 1 .5 2 Golf Course (Private) 1 for ea. 30,000 p. Volleyball Courts *** Horseshoe Courts *** Tetherball Poles *** Basketball Goals *** Handball Courts 1 for ea. 1,500 p. 25 33 Croquet Courts *** Recreation Building 1 for ea. 50,000 p. Theaters, Community (Outdoor) 1 for ea. 100,000 p. 1 1 Shelter Building 1 for ea. 4,000 p. 10 13 Recreation Centers 1 for ea. 20,000 p. 2 3 Tracks - Running 1 for ea. 2,500 p. 16 20 Bicycle Trails 1 for ea. 2,500 p. 16 20 Bridal Trails 1 for ea. 2,500 p. 16 20 Camping Areas 1 for ea. 2,500 p. 16 ac. 20 ac. Nature Trails 1 for ea. 2,500 p. 16 20 Botanical Gardens 1 for ea. 2,500 p. 16 20 Ice Skating Areas 1 for ea. 2,500 p. 16 20 Picnic Area **~, *** NRA has no set standard. - - - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I NEIGHBOHHOOD PAHK ANALYSIS A complete park and school recreation facility inventory was performed by the City. The results of this inventory are tabulated in Appendix A. The City was divided into park service areas or neighborhoods and the facilities in each neighborhood were compared to user population. A des- cription of each neighborhood park and the use of the park are also described , in Appendix A. It is evident that school playgrounds provide the only neighborhood park or playground facilities in most of the Salina neighborhoods. It is fortunate that these school playgrounds do exist; however, they provide only a portion of the neighborhood park needs. It is considered a sound practice to create a landscaped park area of 6-8 acres adjacent to a 6-8 acre elementary school site. As previously stated, the park compliments the school playground equip- ment with landscaped park area to fill the full requirements of a neighborhood park. The opportunity to accomplish this condition in a built-up area is slight. The City is encouraged to consider this school-park facility a necessity at all new school sites. Hawthorne:. Neighborhood The Hawthorne NeighbodlOod is the developed area north of the Union Pacific Hailroad tracks, The cu:ea is segmented by Pacific Street, U. S. 81 , and stl'ip industrial and con¡((,crcicÜ devdop:nent. The portion of the neighbor- hood. north of Pclcific Street is served by St. .:.To1m's NIilitary Acé1dcrny play- ground ;.mcl Thon1.ds Pc;rJ~, SumrnertÌlnc use of the Acadcrny facilities doc.':) pl'O- -15- vide normal playground service to this portion of the neighborhood, but use during the remainder of the year is sharply limited due to the activities of I I I I I I I I I I 'I I I I I ,I I the Academy. Thomas Park is located on Highway 81 north of the neighbor- hood. This park provides city-wide picnic areas and open landscaped areas, but offers only minor park service to the neighborhood residents. Another detriment of the park is that it is located in the northernmost part of the neigh- borhood adjacent a high traffic volume roadway. The portion of this neighborhood south of Pacific Street is served by the playground of Hawthorne Elementary School which offers no landscaped park area. Park #1 at North and Broadway and a small open strip of land at Dry Creek and Logan Street are remote to the residents and are too small to serve a neighborhood park service. The entire neighborhood is deficient in park facilities. The area i& de- creasing in population, and there is no anticipated action that will substantially reverse this trend. It is recommended that a six acre area east of Santa Fe Avenue and north of Pacific be developed into a park and playground area. This could effectively be performed in conjunction with a renewal effort in this neighborhood. It is recommended that Thomas Park continue to be maintained, and that the usage as a travelers I and local camping area be increased by full notice to the public. Park #1 and the strip park adjacent Dry Creek should be retained as grassed open areas until the areas can be sold for a reasonable amount. The proceeds should be used to fund recommended improvements in this neighborhood. -16- Oakdale Neighborhood Oakdale Neighborhood consists of an average to moderate income, high density residential area with interspersed industrial uses. The area north of Elm Street and the Smoky Hill River is an 89 acre urban renewal project of pro- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I [I posed industrial development. This project would reduce the neighborhood by approximately 188 families and would remove Carver Recreation Center, which basically serves the proposed clearance area. Oakdale School playground and Riverside Park are quite small and the off-center locations do reduce the util- , ity of the se facilities. The Oakdale School site is substantially below the rec- omm.ended playground area. However, improvement in these two centers would effectively supplement the recreation facilities. The closeness of Kenwood and Oak dale Parks does somewhat diminish the need for extensive neighborhood facilities. The development of Lakewood Park will also provide fringe park service to this neighborhood. It is recommended that adequate park service to this neighborhood be achieved by the intense de- velopment of Riverside Park and Oakdale School playground. Whittier Neighborhood Whittier Neighborhood is an older developed area which includes three schools and two minor, essentially undeveloped parks. The outdoor recreation area is entirely inadequate and is lacking in attractive environment. The un- developed park area at Broadway and North Street is adjacent a busy street and so limited in area to not warrant further development. The small park at Ash and the Union Pacific Railroad has limited picnic facilities only, and the deeded -17- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I park ground on Broadway from University to Walnut is undeveloped; neither are capable for substantial park service other than open areas. The playground facilities are only on school property. It is proposed that a four acre park ad- jacent to Whittier School be acquired, cleared (through a renewal effort) and intensely developed for playground and landscaped area. This proposed park is so situated where it could provide park service to the Bartlett Neighborhood which is also seriously deficient in park area. Bartlett Neighborhood This area contains the Central Business District and the fringe residential development west of the CBD. North Junior High is located just southwest of the CBD and provides no outdoor playground facilities. Bartlett School is located on a small and inadequate site, with only minor play area to serve the residential neighborhood. The small residential area east of Santa Fe is well served by Oakdale Park. The proposed Whittier Park, adjacent existing Whittier School, will offer the needed park service to serve this neighborhood. Glennifer Neighborhood Glennifer Neighborhood is quite well served by the three existing city-wide park s. Kenwood-Oakdale Park provides ample neighborhood playground and park facilities, and undeveloped Indian Rock Park will supplement the already adequate park facilities. Glennifer School is located in the northeast part of the neighborhood and offers adequate playground facilities. Meadowlark Neighborhood Meadowlark Neighborhood is a practically developed, low density, high -18- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I income, residential area. The undeveloped area in the south and east of the neighborhood will probably develop promptly in a nature similar to the existing deve lopment. The present park area consists of a small, triangular-shaped Country Club Park which offers ideal open space, but is inadequate in area and terrain for substantial development and is located at the extreme north edge of the neighborhood. The Meadowlark School site is adequate in size for school play- ground purposes, but is only partially developed. The school is centrally loca- ted, and it is recommended that a six acre park be acquired adjacent the school site and developed for additional playground and landscaped area to serve the needs of the entire neighborhood. Sunset School Neighborhood This densely and fully developed residential area is west of Broadway and south of Beverly Drive. The structures are moderate to low cost and vary from new in the southern part to 30 years of age in the north part of the neighborhood. Sunset School provides excellent playground facilities and is centrally located to serve the neighborhood. The newly purchased park ground (Centennial Park, 3 acres) just south of Crawford will supplement the school playground serving the northern portion of this neighborhood. Another deeded park area is located adjacent to Broadway in the southern portion of this neighborhood; however, it is undeveloped. This Broadway park is located off-center (extreme southeast part of the neighborhood) and is adjacent a busy street providing no potential for development or service other than as an open space. The southern portion -19- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I of the neighborhood is somewhat remote from a recreation area of ncighbor- hood character. The high residential density of this neighborhood dictates a need for play areas more conveniently located to better serve the people. This condition is somewhat alleviated by the pedestrian overpass permitting access to Sunset Park area, east of Broadway. The excellent facilities of Sunset Park, adjacent to the neighborhood, give cause to the recommendation that no additional park area be acquired in the Sunset Neighborhood. South Park - Franklin This residential area is separated by a busy arterial street (Crawford), forming a north area served by the South Park School playground and a south area served by the Franklin School. This small, high density, residential area contains no park area. As the school playgrounds provide the only recre- ational facilities available, it is recommended that these school playgrounds be intensely developed for maximum utility. The park service to this area is sup- plemented by Sunset Park just south of the neighborhood boundary. No added park area is proposed in this neighborhood. Lowe 11 - Hageman The Lowell-Hageman district is quite adequately served by Sunset Park and the two school playgrounds. Huesner Neighborhood The Huesner Neighborhood boundary is well-defined in that it is bounded by Ohio Street, Cloud Street, Santa Fe Street and Crawford Street. The high -20- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I school complex provides a large open area for play, but does not offer a developed playground for younger children or for neighborhood la11l1scapcu area. It is recommended that several ball diamonds and a small playground area be developed to serve the northern portion of this neighborhood on the high school site. Huesner School outdoor facilities are very well located and are in ex- cellent condition. The southwest corner of the neighborhood contains Kansas Wesleyan University which provides tennis courts, a ball diamond and a foot- ball field available for summertime usage only. The recent development and landscaping of a drainage ditch between Second and Wood Streets is a dedicated park area. The size and location of this area reduces its value for any exten- sive development. It is presently undeveloped, and it is recommended that this strip park :"rea be planted and maintained as open space for neighborhood use. Kennedy Neighborhood Kennedy School Neighborhood is bounded on the north by the Missouri Pacific tracks and Broadway and on the east by U. S. 81. This high density residential area is only partially developed. The present playground facilities at the Kennedy School are well located to serve the entire neighborhood, but will not serve for full park needs. It is recommended that a six acre park area be acquireà adjacent the school site to provide full park and playground service to the neighborhood. -21- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 'I I Grace Stewart School The Stewart Neighborhood is a medium density, newly developed area, in which no provisions have been made for parks. There are three school com- plexes - an elementary, junior high and Catholic high school - in the neighbor- hood. The Catholic high school has ample room and good facilities for the lower age group through the high school age group. This area is used exten- sively by the school children within a short walking distance of the center. The junior high school site is large and also provides facilities for that age group. The neighborhood has no park area and no provisions for any at the present time. The vacant area south of the junior high school provides an ex- cellent opportunity to acquire and develop a six acre park for this neighborhood without clearing developed land. Coronado Neigh,borhood The Coronado Neighborhood is approximately 25% developed, and is pres- ently served by Coronado School playground, which is centrally located. It is recommended that an eight acre park area be acquired adjacent to the school site and that this be developed to provide additional playground and landscaped park area. Lakewood - Marymount This area is essentially an undeveloped area and appears to have a low potential for development in the near future. Lakewood Park will serve as a neighborhood park for this area as well as a city-wide park. -22- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Smoky I-Jill :\f eighborhood This neighborhood would include the area west of the Smoky Hill River, east of Ohio Street and south of Crawford Street (and bounded on the south by proposed Southeast Park area. Only the northwest fringe of the recently flood -protected area is developed. It is recommended that a combined school and park site be chosen at an early date to serve the combined school and park needs of the area when fully developed. Magnolia Neighborhood This neighborhood is bounded on the north and on the east by the Smoky Hill River and on the west by Ohio Street; it extends to 1/2 mile south of Mag- nolia Road. The area is presently developed only in the northwest corner with commercial, multi-family and single-family uses. It is recommended that a combined school and park site be selected and acquired before price pressures preclude the possibility of providing same. As an indicator of the park excess or deficiency, a neighborhood analysis of the elementary school population and of the total population as related to the existing park area was performed and the results are tabulated in the following table. These values indicate the highest ratio of persons to park acreage to be in the west-central portion of Salina, south of the Union Pacific Railroad be- tween Santa Fe and Broadway. This ratio is high for both school and total pop- ulation, indicating a considerable deficiency in park area. The southern por- tion of this west-central park area is considered to have its recreation needs -23- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I sc..tisfied by Sunset Park, leaving the area north of Crawford to the Railroad, between the CBD and Broadway, as the extreme deficient area. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK AREA ANALYSIS Elem. Park School Persons/ N ei ghborhood Persons / Neighborhood Area Pop. Acre Population Acre Hawthorne (16.2) 10.9 468 43.0 3,650 135 Oakdale 6.2 331 53. 3 4,119 664 Whittier 5.0 347 69.3 4,681 935 Bartlett (125) 2.6 163 62. 7 3,412 267 Glennifer (130) 2.6 231 89.0 1,279 10 Meadowlark 7.7 214 27.9 1,334 173 Sunset 8.8 695 78.8 1,629 185 So. Park-Franklin 2.2 431 196. 0 3,506 1590 Lowell-Hagemen 31. 2 762 24.4 7,522 330 Huesner (23.6) 8.9 456 51. 3 ' 4,723 150 Kennedy 6. 1 134 22.0 665 109 Grace Stewart 35. 1 549 15. 6 3, 108 88 Coronado 5.6 191 34. 1 959 171 Lakewood - Marymount 112. 0 ----- -24- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I P~-\RK FJ"CILITY ilNALYSIS BY CLASS OF HECHEilTION The existing facilities are compared with the facilities required by use of the Salina standards for 1967 and 1985. (See the Excess-Deficiency Chart.) The 1967 needs are based on the current population of 38,024 in 1967 and the projected population of 50, 000 for 1985. The needs are discussed below sep- arately for each activity: ':< Baseball - Salina now provides seven standard ball diamonds (1 lighted), seven softball fields and 46 fields that are not considered of standard quality. This is compared to the 1967 need of 30 fields, and 40 fields for 1985. In order to meet 1967 needs, it is necessary that 23 of the 46 substandard fields be improved to desired conditions, and that by 1985 an additional ten fields be so improved. Two fully lighted fields will be required by 1985. It is desirable for competitive play that a minimum of four ball fields be located in the same area for ease of maintenance, scheduling and spectators. Many of the present fields are on church and school property, not subject to full control by the Park or Recreation Department of the City. It is recommended that south Indian Rock Park area be used for six of the proposed fields. ,~ Tennis - It is recommended that three additional tennis courts be pro- vided to meet the current demands (1967). and that these be lighted for night use, preferably located adjacent the existing courts at Oakdale. There will need be provided an additional six courts to meet the 1985 demand. As it is desirable to construct tennis courts in groups of four -25- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I :1 I I I or more in a single location and that they be lighted, it is recommended that three public tennis court locations be provided; these should be 10- cated at Oakdale Park, High School and south Sunset Park. ,;< Swimming - The 50 by 25 meter swimming area (11,250 square feet) provided by the present municipal pool is only 50% of the area required by the Salina standards. The Carver pool provides 4, 000 square feet, and swimming pools are provided at the Elks Golf Course, Salina Country Club, Schilling Manor and an indoor pool at the Y. M. C. A. near the CBD. With the planned renewal of much of the service area of the Carver pool from residential to industrial use, it is likely that Carver Center pool use will diminish to the point of discontinuance of the pool. The membership requirements of the private pools does preclude some of the low income families. The desirable ultimate arrangement of swimming pools would be the present public pool, an olympic pool (50 by 25 meters) at the airport on east Crawford and an olympic pool (80 by 25 meters) near the South Junior High School. These three pools would provide a total of 40, 000 square feet of swimming area., It is estimated that these three pools would be at full use by an estimated population of 60, 000. It is therefore recommended that a second public swimming pool be con- structed at an early date to increase the existing supply from 11,250 square feet to satisfy the 1967 demand of 22, 800 square feet. It would then appear reasonable that the new pool should be of olympic size. -26- I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I With the expected population growth being to the eåst and to the south, locating this proposed new pool in the direction of new growth is in con- flict, either east or south. For a south location, the årea proposed for a neighborhood park south of the South Junior High School is centrally located. For an east location, the north portion of the airport property is centrally located. The actual development of additional residences should guide the priority of these suggested sites. ':c Golf Course - There is an immediate warrant for an 18-hole public golf course. As per a later discussion in this report, the east Crawford air- port site appears desirable to provide this facility. The need for a second golf course by 1985 should await the response as to use of the propo~ ed airport golf course. ':c Games - The volleyball, tetherball and basketball facilities are well pro- vided by the school playground facilities. The provision of horseshoe courts should be included in the city-wide parks where they can be ad- ministered by the Recreation Department. It is suggested that a recre- ation building be constructed at either or both the Proposed Southeast or Indian Rock Park recreation areas. ':c Community Theater - The present community theater facility is limited as to capacity and is not capable of substantial enlargement. It is rec- ommended in the Indian Park Development Plan that a 2, 000 seat, Do.turö.l amphitheater and a stage be formed to provide for outdoor attendance of cultural events. -27- I I I I I 'I :1 I I I I I I I I I I I I >:' Picnic i\rea - The present developed parks provide 12 shelters and 39 acres allocated specifically for picnicking. There is a present (1967) need for 6 additional shelters and 24 additional acres of picnic area. It is suggested that these be provided as described in the Indian Rock Park and Lakewood Park Development Plans. The need for 1~) 85 can be satisfied by development of 25 acres of picnic area and 6 shelters in the Proposed Southeast Park a:-ea. >:' Trails - There are no designated walking or riding trails in Salina. The river provides an excellent opportunity to provide thesp trails, as regards terrain, botanical interest and recreational expee-'!c.nce. The channel of the Smoky Hill River fe-om Kenwood-Oakdale Park to Inc.:ian Rock ¡Jark and south along the river is an ideal route providing botL long and short routes. The path ":-or these trails in the section of 1.;. river from Kenwood-Oakdale to Indian Rock Park could be formed :Y excavating a uniform channel and placing the excavation on the rem::;",:.r.g portion of the old channel bed. This would form an elev¿.1.c:d emban'~ ,ê<:'L on which could be constructed a hard-surfaced path for walking anc cycling, and an open space for bridal path. The privately-owned r~\,::, banks should desirably be placed in public easement to permit maint,-'- nance and landscape by the City forces. There is ample floodway a\ able for riding and walking south of Indian Rock Park. These route:" should be landscaped and the landscape opportunities for these purpo",-s are boundle s s. The routes would need be designated, policed and main- -28- I I I I ~:' I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I tained to provide maximum utility. Ice Skating - Ice skating is a marginal natural sport for this area. The frequent alternate of freeze and thaw seriously reduces the days of use- ful skating. The sport does attract many participants. It is recommend- ed that a portion of the present skating area in Oakdale Park be provided with artificial freeze equipment. Should the use response to this im- provement be substantial, the entire area should be so treated with the addition of high intensity lighting, warming house and other facilities common to a skating center. Should an additional area be warranted by heavy use, the proposed Southeast city-wide Park is recommended for the second site of an ice skating area. -29 - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CITY-WIDE PARK ANALYSIS The city-wide park facilities of Salina are in the Sunset, Oakdale. Kenwood, Lakewood, Future Southeast, and Indian Rock Parks. Each of these parks now serves a specific functiòn as shown in the following table: Park Condo of City-wide Dev. Access Functions Spec. Picnic Boat Fish Decor. Compo Open Sports Space Sunset- No. 95% G Sunset-So. 70% G Oakdale 95% S Kenwood 90% S >:< Lakewood 5% G Indian Rock-No. 20% S Indian Rock-So. 0% G Future S. E, Park 0% G - Good vehicular access S - Satisfactory vehicular access I - Inadequate vehicular access >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< >:< The total area of city-wide parks appears to be adequate to serve the present and 1985 demand. The development in these parks is substantially deficient to meet the 1967 demands and access and identification by attractive entrances is lacking. The analysis of adequacy of the existing facilities for each classification of recreational activity is described in the preceding section -30- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I of this report. A detailed study of each of these city-wide parks was performed as to the highest and best use of each area, including the natural potentials, the need for special facilities, and the adaptability to a particular park use. A recreational use map was prepared on the aerial photo tracings. and these tracings are reproduced in the appendix of this report. The se maps show the ultimate recommended land use of each park area. The comments on these plans are given in the following paragraphs. Oakdale Park This 45-acre park is located near the center of the City and is bordered by the channel of the Smoky Hill River. The facilities are described in Appendix A, Park Inventory. The improvements proposed are the relocation of existing small children's playground equipment, and the installation of new equipment in the area south of the tennis courts. This playground should be bordered with shrubbery and decorated with entrances to form a compact candy-stripe playground area. It is proposed that three new lighted tennis courts be added adjacent the existing courts, and that new spectator seating and backstop netting be installed. The ice-skating rink comments are given under the item of Ice-skating in a previous section of this report. It is suggested that the southwestern portion of this area be filled and shaped, including the river banks, and that several picnic and shelter areas be constructed. The relocation of the riverside road as shown will correct a traffic hazard condition and permit better use of the river bank for picnic and walking use. Several locations of curb cut parking are proposed, and it -31- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I is suggested that curb parking on the inner circular drive be limited to one side only. Kenwood Park This 80-acre area owned by Saline County receives only minor use as a park facility for picnic and quiet use. The uses are baseball stadium (10%), public swimming pool (5%), junior high school track and football field (10%), baseball diamonds (10%), County Fair- 4-H - Agricultural Hall Buildings and parking (20%), stables and range area for storage of horses. (10%). The balance of the area is street and open space occasionally used for peak parking demand, carnival uses, and occasional picnic use. The area is essentially bare of landscaping, except adjacent the river. The access to the area is good with the Greeley connection to Ohio Street. The key to the future development of this area for park purpose is of course dependent upon the future of the fair grounds, horse storage, and the assembly halls. The use for animal display and carnival' is not compatible with park development. There have been a number of com- plaints by residents east of the "horse-barns" as to the odor and horse traffic on public streets. The provision of a riding trail adjacent the river from Greeley along the river to Indian Rock would improve the horse riding traffic, condition. If the County Fair is to increase in size and have a requirement for more space, it is recommended that a 40 to 80-acre site at the edge of the City on a major street be selected and that the fair activities be relocated to such an area as the present buildings are amortized. It is suggested that the use of the -32- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I horse barns for "year-around" storage be relocated as soon as practical, or that a means of control of the odor be devised and exercised. The track-football field, the swimming pool, the baseball field and stadium, the assembly building, and the athletic ball field are compatible uses with developed park area. It is recommended that designed, surfaced parking be provided to serve the swimming pool and the baseball stadium, and that the stadium receive maintenance and upkeep to retain the life of the structure and present a more satisfying appearance. The area east of the swimming pool, in part occupied now by the base- ball stadium, does provìde an opportunity for zoo and wildlife display de- velopment. It is desirable to locate a zoo adjacent a park to share the attraction and the visitation. The frame-of-mind necessary to fully enjoy a zoo is similar to that of a park - an unhurried, relaxed attitude encouraged by a landscaped, world-of-its-own appearance. Notable successes in zoo operation are those where both large and small animals are displayed in a setting that is normal to that animal - zebra in an African veldt, monkey island, etc. The zoo must be maintained in a clean and nearly odor-free condition to be an attraction. The cost of operation of a zoo is substantial and most suc- cessful zoos enjoy special endowment funds in addition, to community budgeted funds. A well-stocked and well-maintained zoo is a substantial recreational benefit to the community. Lakewood Park Development Plan Lakewood Park is located in the northeastern section of the City north of -33- II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I :1 Iron Avenue, east of Ohio Street and south of North Street. The area was used over a period of years for dredging sand and resulted in the 45-acre lake which now is the center of attraction of the recently-purchased property. The lake is separated from the Smoky Hill River by a levee on the east side of the lake and requires occasional pumping from the river to maintain the lake water level. The north end of the lake is quite deep, and the south end is shallow. In the property purchase, the City gained possession of a residence built on the lake by the past owners. The house is used for meetings for various groups and has an attractive setting which encourages its use. The lake is presently' used for boating and fishing; however, the boating is limited to rowing or canoeing. Proposed Improvements: The lake covers 45 acres of the total 1 DO-acre park. The irregularity of the park boundaries lends itself to a rather unique development. The park complex has three sectors which can be used and developed as separate units. The land area on the north side of the lake is essentially cleared, gently sloping ground. The area immediately south of the lake is somewhat irregular shape and contains trees and bushes adjacent the lake and river. The area on the east is cleared ground other than the tree area along the river. The afore- mentioned residence and the boating and boat rental facility are located about midway on the west side of the lake. The area west of the lake has only enough a,rea for a bordering drive, except the land protruding into the lake on which the house is located. -34- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I :1 I I I East-Side Area: The primary development of this area is recommended for the purpose of picnic and passive type recreation. It is not the intent to provide an intense activity area, but to provide adequate facilities in this unit to serve the picnic users adequately and to attract picnickers and fishermen. The area is, in essence, an island surrounded on three sides by the Smoky Hill River and on the west by the lake. The proposed circular drive is so located as to permit driving to within 150 feet of all areas. The meandering river edge defies the 150 foot rule at several locations, but can be well served by such a loop road. A short walking distance from your car to the fishing spot is most de- sirable, where in contrast your picnic tables and passive recreation area are more suitable when you are further removed from the vehicle traffic and activity areas. Added landscaping, trees and the shaping of the shore to a gentle terråin are included in the proposed development of this east area. South-Side Area: The function of the south side is designated as a rather intensive activity area; playgrounds, swimming, ball diamonds, picnics and boating. This appears to be the best potential for this area, and the area is particularly well suited for such use. Restrooms have been installed, and an unimproved roadway presently passes through the area. A new location for the road is designated on the development plan. It is proposed that the roads be paved with curb and gutter, and that the parking be restricted to designated paved locations off the road. The roadway relocation was determined by the desired -35- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I boundaries of designated picnic areas along the river bank and the attempt to reduce vehicular-pedestrian traffic conflict. The swimming potential in the southwestern part of the lake was studied in relation to the physical features of the lake and conflicting usage. The Development Plan shows the area proposed for deve lopment of a swi mming area. This area is presently covered with only one to three feet of water, and this condition encourages water plant growth and a stagnant water condition. To permit a dual advantage of ridding the area of the above detriments and creating a swimming area, it is proposed that an area approximately 300 feet x 400 feet be dredged to a maximum depth of 10 feet, and that the excavated material be placed to form a sand beach around the swimming area as shown on the Plan. A bathhouse, concession stand, parking area and other support facil- ities would need to be added to compliment the use of the area. A generalloca- tion is suggested on the Plan. The parking area is so located to serve swimming, picnicking, and the playground area. An area directly south of the proposed bath- house and roadway can be developed into additional parking when warranted. A playground adjacent to the swimming beach and ball diamond would centralize all intensive activities and provide excellent facilities for all age groups. Some shaping of the lake shore is required in areas other than the proposed swimming area to permit adequate maintenance and full usage of the shoreline. West-Side Development: The residence-meeting house, the boat rental, and fishing from the lake bank are the principal attractions on the west side of the lake. The limited land -36- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I area adjacent the west shore permits a minimum of space for roadway only. It is proposed that additional parking be provided to serve those using the building and boating. It is suggested that a small boat launch area be construct... ed in the area south of the residence. Shaping of the shoreline is required to construct a launching area, and there is concern that some protection of the steep bank from the lake edge to the road edge may be necessary. If such - protection is required, the facility should have the capacity to provide for bank fishing. North -Side Development: The importance of the development of this area cannot be overstated. The entrance from North Street should be attractive and conducive to the type of facility expected within the park. The area will be basically a passive recreation atmosphere with a small amount of playground equipment only for the support of picnics, the prime usage. This beach is too steep to be safe for wading or swimming, and these activities should be discouraged. All vehicular traffic should be confined to the proposed roads and parking areas by roadway curbs. A gravel walkway at the water's edge to form a border for the grass area would provide good service to fishermen, the principal water users of this shore.. Substantial planting of grasses, trees, and shrubs needs to be placed in a designed pattern to provide maximum attraction. Sunset Park Development Plan This park is fully developed except for an idle area adjacent the water tower and adjacent Broadway. It'is proposed that the usage of the park be -37- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II continued as at present, with the area north of Jewell being a decorative park with picmc facilities and the area south of Jewell an active sport area. It is recommended that the access at Jewell Street be revised and that designated parking areas be provided. . The present children's play area, now located adjacent Republic Street, would be more functional located adjacent the water reservoir. This relocation could be achieved gradually and the present play- ground redeveloped for picnic use. There will be a need for landscape re- placement and maintenance of decorative structures. The active sports area south of Jewell Street could be improved by the addition of lighted tennis courts just south of the water tower, and a land- scaped area adjacent Broadway. This excellent park area is well located, and there is a large area to be served by the facility giving a high warrant for the maintenance and improvement of this park. Indian Rock Development Plan (North) A detailed landscape plan for Indian Rock Park was prepared several years past, and this plan was reviewed as regards the present demands for facilities and the actual improvements that have been performed since the preparation of this landscape plan. The recommended use of the park area is a quiet area for walking, picnic, and outdoor theater. The proposed development adjacent the small lake is for a nature trail or walk, shaping and landscape, and a recircula- ting fountain. The proposed picnic areas, trails, and a pedestrian look-out point are shown in the Development Plan 'of this report. The Community Outdoor Theater proposed to be located on the east slope -38- ~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I of Indian Rock Park provides a natural amphitheater of exceptional vista. Two locations for this outdoor theater were studied - the hillside facing the east as shown in the Development Plan and a site adjacent the lake in the north- west corner of the park. The lake site is limited in size and parking area and has inadequate slope; however, the background of the lake and hill would be desirable. The east slope site was chosen as to provide adequate capacity for the seating of 2, 000 to 3,000 spectators. The existing community theater building is recommended to be improved on the exterior and used as a main- tenance and storage building. It is recommended that the entrance ramp at Greeley Street be realigned to provide a direct connection into the park. A quite formal entrance, proper- ly landscaped and decorated should be constructed at the northwest entrance road into the park. A pedestrian bridge should be provided across the river channel from North to South Indian Rock Park at the extreme southeast corner of North Indian Rock Park. Indian Rock Park Development Plan (South) Indian Rock South has many attributes and high potential for park purposes. The river shore should be reserved for a scènic drive and passive piènic area with a walking and riding trail adjacent the river bank. The northern part of this area, just south of the ridge and Smoky Hill Cut-Off Channel, should be used for picnic area. The remaining open space allows great latitude in a creative and workable park area for active sports. -39- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I It is suggested that the initial development be a vehicular roadway constructed across the dike from Indian Rock Lane and Indiana Street east- ward to within 150 feet of the river bank and thence south along the river bank to a connection with Crawford near the levee. It is recommended that a parkway be continued southward along the levee and thence westward to a connection with Ohio Street. The north portion of South Indian Rock Park should be conserved for picnicking and camping, and the south portion of the area used for a baseball c enter of six or more diamonds. The river bank area should be reserved for trails, picnic and nature areas. Centennial Park Development Plan Centennial Park is a recent purchase of park ground located in the west portion of Salina, serving an area of high density residential units. The three acre area is proposed to serve as a neighborhood park facility, principally for younger children in the immediate area. A maintenance building is available on the site for park department use, and a ball diamond is under construction at the time of this writing. Playground equipment will be installed for the neighborhood children and the balance of the area is suggested to be intensely landscaped for passive recreation. Future Southeast Park Development Plan The acquisition of approximately 80 acres of land in the southeastern portion of the City for park purposes is recommended. While not of command- ing urgency at the present date" the direction and intensity of population growth -40- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I in this area demands that action be taken to acquire a suitable site as soon as practicable. Further, land acquisition costs will be substantially lower if purchase precedes intensive residential development. The proposed park will serve the southeast portion of the City as a city-wide park. Ultimate development of this park will provide two to four ball fields, a swimming pool, games and playground area, picnic and natural areas. Proposed Public Golf Course (Airport) The proposed site of the 18-hole Salina public golf course is on the 360-acre site of the former municipal airport. There is adequate area west of the airport taxiway to provide the 18-hole course; however, a more inter- esting course can be provided by the addition of approximately 40 acres south- west of the presently-owned property. It is recommended that tLt: present airport runway and the land east of the runway remain without ché1nge to per- mit future use as, an airport should the need arise. It is recommended that no permanent buildings be erected within 750 feet of the centerline of the run- way. Further, it is recommended that while temporary use of the former air- port terminal building could be for club house purposes (sûbject to space quired for FAA), the rights should be conserved for eventual airport use Tn\:: area 'oetween the access roadway to the terminal building and Crawfo~, S:.~et shoulà also be conserved for eventual airport USê;, fire station, SWlr:-. ming pool and maintenance buildings for the golf course. 'l."-'here is adequate area for driving range, putting greens and other uses commonly associated with a golf course. -41- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The north limits of the Elks Country Club are bounded by Cloud Street. It is recommended that a major street be constructed on this alignment from Marymount Road eastward with a far future crossing of the river to connect Cloud as a cross-town major street. It is suggested that the construction of Cloud from Marymount to the former Airport taxiway be made at an early date and that temporary surfacing on the taxiway alignment to Crawford Street be made to permit good circulation to this presently undeveloped, prime resi- dential area between the proposed public and the existing Elks Golf Courses. This taxiway-major street should be fenced to prevent meandering vehicles. The use of the taxiway for road usage should again be subsidiary to possible eventual airport usage, should the demand occur. -42- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I PARK IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The deve~opment of an adequate park facility is providing a balanced and complete system of grounds and improvements. A missing link in the park system or a deficient p'ark area for a certain activity or in a given part of the City has the same effect as a paved street interrupted by a section of dirt street. The result is the same, deficient civic service; however, the reaction is different as we are slow to anger at deficient park service, but are hostile and indignant at the experience of an unpaved street. The unpaved street caused delay and physical discomfort for a brief period, while the de- ficient park service had a more lasting effect and quite possibly a more serious effect - loss of civic pride, lack of childhood play experience, and lack of mental and social relaxation. The civic budget item of "PARK IMPROVEMENT" has only recently been removed from the second cousin or also-ran category. This increased appreciation has been a result of a concentrated federal information program on the importance of outdoor recreation, a recognition of the direct re1ation- ship between park facility and mental health, and the federal matching grant programs. The federal grant programs include the following: >:< Open Space Program - Housing and Urban Development Agency. This program provides 50% matching funds for the acquisition of open space for park and outdoor use or for buffer strip purposes to separate in- compatible uses or to reduce urban density. -43- I I I I I I I I I I ,I I I I I I I I I I i ':' Urban Beautification Program - IIousing and Urban Development Agency. This program provides matching federal funds for development only (no land acquisition) of an urban area. Particularly encouraged is the improvement of appearance of areas of the underprivileged and low in- come families. The matching funds are applicable only to the expendi- tures in excess of the average expenditures for the i-'asI ::wc years. The present limitation is a maximum annual allocation of $0. 90 per person for cities less than 50, 000 population. ,;, Outdoor Recreation Program - Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. This program provides 50% matching funds for acquisition of land and for development of outdoor recreation of a wide variety of outdoor recreation- al facilities. -44- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX A PARK INVENTORY Thomas Park 15. 00 Acres North Highway 81 This park has been developed for use as a city park and a roadside park. The park, split by Highway 81, is an ideal roadside park. The area is shaded throughout by large trees. A winding drive through the park gives easy access to facilities and is a scenic route. There is little hard-surfaced parking area. Not all of the park has been developed, as the extreme west side is still in its natural form. The area east of Highway 81 has minimal facilities, and lack of development and maintenance limits its use. Facilities: Park # 1 1 19 15 Toilet Wooden Tables Stone Tables and Benches Wooden Benches Teeter Totter Swings Rocking Teeter 1 8 2 1 1 1 1 1 Shelter House Fireplaces Picnic Areas Sandbox (Tractor Tire) Merry-Go-Round Slide Jungle Gym Horizontal & Parallel Bar Set 34 1 7 1 1. 20 Acres North St. & Broadway This is a small triangular-shaped park used for picnics and scenic viewing. There are no active recreation facilities in this park., Very limited, no area for expansion. Facilities: Park # 2 1 2 Fireplace 1 Stone Tables and Benches This is an undeveloped open space. Carver Center Picnic Area 1. 50 Acres Dry Creek and U. S. 40S Highway 3. 10 Acres Third St. and Pine Carver Center is a neighborhood park with picnic and recreational A I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I !I I, facilities. A small swimming pool and recreation hall are located here, Parking is allowed along Third Street. Facilities: 1 2 1 Recreation Hall Bleachers Basketball Court 4 1 2 Stone Tables and Benches Swimming Pool Tetherball Poles River side Park 2. 10 Acres Oakdale and Elm This is a small neighborhood park located along the Smoky Hill River with general picnic and play facilities. There is a definite lack of shade trees around the facilities and the location and size does restrict its usefulness. Facilities: 2 3 Teeter Totters Swings 5 1 Stone Tables and Benches Jungle Gym Lakewood Park 99. 00 Acres East Iron Street The new Lakewood Park contains a large lake and a lodge. The lake is open to boat use and the lodge may be rented by private parties. Most of the area within the park is natural woodland; therefore, it is an excellent site for passive recreation. At the present, the roads in the park are un- paved. Newly acquired facilities, 1967. Facilities: 1 1 Boat Ramp Lake 1 Lodge Picnic Tables Boat Rentals Park # 3 1. 20 Acres Broadway A small park located on the west and south of Broadway overpass. The park has picnic facilities and a wooded area. It is small, and is not used extensively. Facilities: 1 Picnic Area Picnic Tables B I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Park # 4 1. 00 Acres Country Club Road This park is a small open space with trees and flowering bushes. It is used for scenic purposes instead of active recreation. Facilities: Park # 5 None . 60 Acres Broadway and UnIversity Place This is an undeveloped open space. Facilities: None Oakdale Park 45. 00 Acres Oakdale Drive Oakdale is a very attractive city-wide park which contains attraction for the entire community. It is situated along the Smoky Hill River and has scenic drives throughout the park. The entire park is highly developed with several types of recreational equipment and excellent landscaping. The many scenic walks through the flower gardens and foot bridge over the river create a very good atmosphere for passive recreation. The Smoky Hill Historical Society Museum is situated in Oakdale Park; this facility attracts many visit- ors daily. Parking is allowed along many of the drives; there is some curb- cut par king. Facilities: 3 45 3 153 2 14 6 3 3 4 1 1 2 Toilets Wooden Tables Fireplaces Wooden Benches Slides Swing s Tennis Courts Ice Skating Rinks Roquet Horseshoe Courts Phone Booth Museum Reflection Pools 5 12 2 3 2 1 2 1 5 5 8 1 Shelter Houses Stone Tables and Benches Merry-Go-Rounds Teeter Totters Jungle Gyms Rocking Teeter Horizontal & Parallel Bar Sets Handball Court Shuffle board Ping Pong Tables Drinking Fountains Area for Pre-School Children C I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II Kenwood Park 80.00 Acres Front Street Kenwood Park is a city-wide, multi-purpose park which is used by many people outside of the City. The outside uses are created by the many recreational and community facilities located there. The municipal swim- ming pool, American Legion baseball diamond, agriculture hall and 4- H buildings are all located in this park and each receives extensive use. Paved roads run throughout the park, and both paved and unpaved parking is provided. The area is utilized by large events such as the Tri-County Fair. Facilities: 1 50 1 61 1 5 3 1 7 Toilet Wooden Tables Fireplace Wooden Benches Bleacher Drinking Fountains Swings Swimming Pool Gas Hotplates Indian Rock Park 2 31 3 3 3 1 2 Shelter Houses Stone Tables and Benches Pic nic Areas Ball Diamonds, Unlighted Ball Diamonds, Lighted Horizontal & Parallel Bar Set Teeter Totters Many Hiking Paths Recreation Buildings 130. 00 Acres Indiana Avenue This park is mostly undeveloped. The north half is of hilly terrain and contains the Indian Rock Playhouse which is used by the Salina Community Theater. A circular paved drive runs through the north part of the park, as well as some unimproved roads which lead to points which overlook the city. The southern portion of the park is undeveloped. Facilities: 1 1 2 Lake Toilet Fireplaces Centennial Park 2 6 Shelter Houses Wooden Tables 3. 00 Acres Birch St. & Cypress Centennial Park is an undeveloped open space. Some trees exist in the area, but it will be several years before the trees are large enough to provide good shade. Facilities: None D I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II Park # 6 4. 10 Acres Crawford & Second This park is an undeveloped area which has been seeded to grass. Previous use was a drainage area. Channelization and paved drainage structures increase the potential of this small open area. Facilities: Park # 7 None 1. 90 Acres Broadway & Jewell This park is a grassy open space area adjacent to Broadway. open space is undeveloped and sparsely used for park purposes. This Facilities: Suns et Par k None 25.80 Acres West Republic Sunset is a picturesque and popular park located on Republic Street. The north part of the park consists of flower gardens, shrubs and lawn area, while the south part contains recreation areas. A paved circular drive leads through the park, and paved walks are provided for strollers. Playground equipment and shelter house s offer excellent facilities and are utilized extensively. Facilities: 1 3 61 13 2 1 74 3 3 1 Pagoda Shelter Houses Wooden Tables Fireplaces Slides Jungle Gym Wooden Benches Tennis Courts Reflection Pools Flower Garden 3 1 4 18 8 1 1 3 4 1 Toilets Tractor Tire, Sand Teeter Totters Stone Tables and Benches Swings Rocking Teeter Horizontal & Parallel Bar Set Ball Diamonds, Lighted Drinking Fountains Multi-Purpose Area, Unpaved E I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Park #8 (Proposed Southeast Park) App. 80. 00 Acres Southeast area Facilities: None Park #9 App. 28. 90 Acres Bailey & Scanlan Schilling This park consists of baseball diamonds with bleacher facilities. Facilities: Baseball Diamonds Bleachers F