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Neighborhood Park Plan 1997 Neighborhood Park Plan 1997 1 THE NEED FOR PARKS The benefits of parks are endless. What exactly are those benefits? Well, the answers that quickly come to mind are associated with recreational activities. Sports such as basketball, tennis, baseball, golf or horseshoes can all be enjoyed in a park. Yet, we need to look beyond those specific activities to see why people come to parks. They come together to meet friends and socialize, relax from a stressful day at work and makes the person feel good about themselves. - However, there are a lot more benefits that people don't often realize. Parks are used for much more than recreation. A few of the major ones are education, economic development, and social interaction and gatherings. Parks provide education to the citizens in a variety of ways. For example, education may be a field trip for students where to a park where they can learn about different trees, flowers, grasses, animals, in- sects... the whole ecosystem. This type of learning enhances what is taught in the classroom. Adults can learn, too. Parks often serve as a reference point for men and women who are looking to plant their own trees and shrubs. A second benefit of parks is the economic impact they have on the community. A neighborhood park aesthetically enhances the surrounding area, thereby increasing the value of the property for the home- owner. That same park can serve as an attractant, not only to independent "home-shoppers" who is more likely to buy a home near a park, but also to prospective businesses who evaluate Salina's quality of life as they consider moving to our community. . The third significant benefit is social interaction and gatherings. Parks are beautiful and well kept, so they become ideal locations for weddings and reunions. Large celebrations for the entire community are also staged in parks. Beautiful flowers are abundant in Salina parks with over 25 different varieties to be seen. Another benefit of parks include a natural habitat and preservation area for plants and wildlife. Parks also provide space to enjoy nature and its immediate surroundings. Whether its enjoying the cool mist of a waterfall or sitting under the shade of a big oak, relaxing, Salina parks can be a benefit to everyone in the community. .-". ........ ...... ..... .., ....... I , 2 "HO'" MANY PARKS? HOW MUCH LAND?" These are questions that will continue to be asked as long as there are citizens in a community. It is those citizens who not only ask these questions, but provide the answer as well. Collectively, citizens of Salina will guide their elected officials to continually mold a park system to meet the needs of the community. In addition, national standards and comparisons to similar communities help us in assessing the quality of our park system. Historically, basic minimum standards help communities measure their local park system. Various pub- lic agencies and professional organizations once established universal guidelines for the number of acres of park land per capita, the type and number of facilities for different kinds of parks, desirable service areas, and other system components. Such spatial standards were easy to use when calculating need. However, time has revealed that these national standards often misrepresent the geographic, cultural, social, economic, and environmental characteristics of a community. Communities do need park standards. They serve as a guidance tool and are a useful step in assessing local systems. The Salina Parks & Recreation Department currently provides approximately 14.2 acres of park land and open space per 1,000 population, including the sports complex parks like the golf course and ECRA In general, this compares favorably with the national spatial standards of old [In 1983, the National Recreation and Park Association recommends 10.0 acres per 1,000, excluding re- gional parks, subdivided as follows: Neighborhood parks (2.5 acres); district parks (2.5 acres); and large urban parks (5. 0 acres)]. However, it is more important that Salina's park system respond to the special needs and desires of the local population than to national standards and guidelines. That is the purpose of this document. In the 1997 city of Salina Park Plan, we recognize not only the accomplishments of our existing system, but specific areas of need as well. . .. ............... I I 3 THE SALINA PARK SYSTEM The park system consists of sites and facilities which serve several important functions. The most basic of these functions is to provide a forum for recreational activity. The system can also help protect sensitive environmental resources, define and delineate neighborhood areas, and be an important visual feature in the community. An effective park system is particularly important in a traditionally strong residential community like Salina. Or2anizational Histon' The Parks Department became a city function in the late 1800s with the opening of Oak dale Park. The City acquired additional park land in 1918 (Sunset), and then grew significantly during the 1950s and 1960s. Until 1980, recreation was under the guidance of the Salina Recreation Commission (est. 1947) and not a function of city government. In 1980, recreation services were provided through the Commu- nity Services Department of the city, but kept its individual governing body and budgeting authority. The Parks & Recreation Department had its official beginning on October 1, 1988, when the City of Salina Park Department and Salina Recreation Commission merged into the Parks & Recreation De- partment. The department currently includes the following divisions: Swimming Pools, Golf Course, Parks, Recreation, Neighborhood Centers, Downtown and Forestry. Existin2 Parks and ODen SDace Areas The Parks & Recreation Department currently operates 22 park sites on approximately 616 acres, which includes the Municipal Golf Course (see map 1). The downtown responsibilities of the department, as well as medians along Belmont Avenue, are not included in these figures. The existing park sites can be classified into six categories: neighborhood parks, community parks, special use areas, ornamental parks, atWetic complex parks, and natural resource parks. In addition, several other recreational facilities are available within the community which supplement the public park system The existing park system is discussed below: Neighborhood Parks Neighborhood parks remain the basic unit of a community's park system and serve as the recreational and social focus of a neighborhood. The neighborhood park can be found in a variety of sizes, ranging up to 14 acres. Although it can be larger. It is designed to provide service for a broad range of age groups. Smaller neighborhood parks will likely target young children and contain playground equip- ment. The larger neighborhood parks may be designed to serve a maximum of 7,000 people in one neighborhood. Whenever possible, neighborhood parks should be developed in conjunction with el- ementary school sites, thereby providing both indoor and outdoor recreation facilities. The Parks & Recreation Department currently maintains eleven sites classified as neighborhood parks, including Cen- tennial, Country Club, Glennifer, Hawley, Hawthorne, N.S.A #1, N.S.A #2, Parker, Phillips, Riverside, and Oxbow. Together, these neighborhood parks total 31.8 acres. Under 1983 NRPA guidelines, Salina shows a considerable deficiency in neighborhood park land. While national guidelines are no longer the recognized criteria, it should be noted that there are large neighborhood areas in Salina which are not served by a neighborhood park. . ....... ' ..." i ^0/ .,,= ... . .;......:-:.... I I 4 I i f r-+--~'i /i I I ~ r:-:'" f' '\--~--- V^.il ~~~~-- ~ <- ~ : -:<{~i' 'I , \ \ /----' c:... ..L--- - i I -' -+ ~ -t + 1 i: -+ i , j " I, I I ! r- I '. MZ CITY OF SALINA EXISTING PARKLAND -'~ ; 1/ " " '} i_...------ ! c C, ~ ------- , ')., cs , - ---------- L ~~ I , 1/ }/ ~ / : ( i i I I /' r--.. ::: ~" ,,' ~ ~- :..-\ ) \ , I \ ; I" " 5 Community Parks Community parks range in size from 15 to 99 acres and are intended to provide a full range of recre- ational activities for all age groups. Salina currently has five community parks; Oakdale, Sunset, Jerry Ivey, Thomas, and Kenwood. These parks contain 113.8 acres. Ornamental Parks Ornamental Parks are passive areas designed primarily for trees, shrubs and flowers. The Parks & Recreation Department currently maintains one ornamental park-- Founders-- which is on approxi- mately one acre. Athletic Complex Parks AtWetic complex parks house facilities for specific organized sporting activities, such as baseball, soft- ball, and golf. In addition to the major atWetic use of these parks, additional recreational uses may also be available, ranging from children's playgrounds to jogging! biking trails. There are two atWetic com- plex parks, Bill Burke Park and East Crawford Recreational Area (which includes Salina Municipal Golf Course). These two parks contain 336 total acres. Natural Resource Parks Natural resource parks are maintained to preserve the natural foliage, wildlife and beauty ofa particular area Salina has two such parks; Indian Rock and Lakewood, which total 134 acres. Additional Park! Special Use Areas Some land maintained by the Parks & Recreation Department does not necessarily serve, or fit into, the Salina Park System. The Parks & Recreation Department currently maintains six areas which are not included in total park acreage; the biking! jogging trail, Felton, Schilling, Stimmel, Downtown Salina, and miscellaneous medians and green space. . . . . . . . . . -.. . ....... - ,..... ........ ...... . . .....:~ '.~ '-' .. -:.. " '.. .'~ ............... . ........ , I 6 FUTURE NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES The Parks & Recreation Department currently offers quality programs and has many excellent features. At the present time, department officials believe that the park system is sufficient in terms ofland avail- ability and the number of people to maintain existing facilities and land. However, a few areas are deprived from having a park within reasonable proximity to their neighborhood. Those areas will be identified in this section (also see map 2). In addition, the demands continued growth will put on perimeter development in Salina could potentially leave future areas without adequate accessible park land. Identified Areas Needin2 Park Land Schilling This large neighborhood area in southwest Salina, which formerly housed Schilling Air Force Base, is separated from the closest park by nearly two miles, an interstate highway, and an arterial street. In 1996, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recognized, and prioritized, areas in need of neighbor- hood park land. Schilling, the board felt, was the highest priority area in Salina for acquiring and developing park land. Kennedy The neighborhood surrounding Kennedy School, bordered by Broadway to the northeast, train tracks to the northwest, 9th street to the east, Magnolia to the south, and 1-135 to the west, is without neighbor- hood park land. Much of this neighborhood's northern region is within close proximity to Sunset Park. However, access to Sunset Park is restricted by a major arterial street (Broadway). After Schilling, Kennedy was identified as the second most critical area in need of park land acquisition and develop- ment Meadow/ark The large neighborhood area served by Meadowlark school is bordered by the levee system to the west; city limits to the north and east; and Crawford Street to the south. This neighborhood represents the largest area of new development in Salina, pushing the city limits closer and closer to Holmes Road. Rapid residential development has distanced new residents in these neighborhoods further from neigh- borhood recreational areas. While Meadowlark is relatively close to large city parks (Indian Rock, Bill Burke, and ECRA), the Parks and Recreation Board feels that those parks are of the "specialty" nature and emphasizes the intrinsic neighborhood need to have a nearby gathering area for multiuse recreation. Meadowlark was the third most critical neighborhood to provide park land. Heusner The most centrally-located of the "critical" areas, the neighborhood surrounding Heusner Elementary School is bordered by Republic to the north; Ohio to the east; Cloud to the south; and Fourth to the west. Heusner is an older, residential neighborhood which at the perimeter is nearly a quarter mile from the nearest park Heusner has been prioritized fourth in the order of neighborhood park land improve- ments. . .......-.:.:..:' "'...-., ........ .............. . ........ , I I I ! ~, I , I ! ~ MZ 7 EXISTING AREAS IN NEED OF NEIGHBORHOOD PARKLAND ~, I - .--' \,_r-:..,-' "0 ,I ~ ~~-' ~ - .. .:--- ---0 -~ (' '. -' ;,. ') ,.....r c~ f; ..---'/ ! '('I-... I Da-JTIFIED AREAS IN NEED OF NEIGHBORHOOD PARKLAND , I / " l i ,. Schilling 2. Kennedy 3. Meadowlark ,I .' 4. Heusner .! 6. Stewart! St.. tJ!arv:s ~.) .! 8 Stewart! St Mary's Located just south ofHeusner and east of Kennedy, this neighborhood between St. Mary's schools and Stewart Elementary is bordered by Fourth Street and the train tracks to the west and southwest; Belmont to the southeast; Ohio to the east; and Cloud to the north. Stewart! St. Mary's neighborhood was included among the most critical areas for many of the same reasons Heusner and Kennedy were in- cluded: confined by arterial streets or other infrastructure, surrounded by additional neighborhoods created over the years by population growth. Although this neighborhood is prioritized fifth in the five acknowledged neighborhoods, the Parks and Recreation Board feels that Stewart! St. Mary's is still in critical need of accessible park land. Perimeter Development Meadowlark is the largest "perimeter growth" neighborhood area in Salina. As previously mentioned, the continuous development and expansion has left the neighborhood without a local park. Although only Meadowlark was among the five most critical five areas in need of park land, the Parks and Recre- ation Board recognized that there are many other areas around Salina where perimeter development could potentially duplicate what occurred in Meadowlark (see map 3). As the community decides how it will go about acquiring necessary park land for today, the need exists to also decide how we can acquire land along the perimeter "today" and avoid a park land crisis "tomorrow." How Do We Acauire Necessarv Park Land? Local governments acquire park land in a variety of ways. The Salina Comprehensive Plan addressed some of those methods: "Alternatives should be explored by the City for obtaining park and recreational areas in the future. This might include acquisition of properties, donations, endowments, and development restrictions on envi- ronmentally sensitive areas. Large-scale new private developments should be required to provide ap- propriate sites for new park facilities. Where smaller sites are proposed for residential development, a fee in lieu of dedication could be taken. The fee would apply to acquisition of land or development of facilities in the same service area in the future. In addition to standards for obtaining recreational land, the City should also explore alternative financing techniques for developing, operating and maintaining recreational areas in the future." The dedication of parks and recreation areas have become a common requirement in subdivision regu- lations across the country. In this way, the residents of new subdivisions are enlisted in the effort to provide open space for their use and enjoyment. This also minimizes the overcrowding of existing facilities and thus promotes the general health and welfare of the community. "'-""K/'" , ",/~ 'J l.---., r ...... "-' ~ ( ~ 1 A'" .f., ,__ '" ' ! I (,..., M~ 9 ":;. '-, FUTURE AREAS IN NEED OF NEIGHBORHOOD PARKLAND -, i i i II "f I ~, fir, I' ' ''''' . --' ;.,...- '" ( I .~~-~ .~ :..-/ " / 'f--- '" 1" 6 ,', I >" .>----- - ~ / I :Il . I I -I-j" , " I :: - I S ~{j c~, '-- r'/1 ~"--. ''--,~ I 2 I l I - - - - - /~ ,,; ;1 ,/ .. ----- -t i ,L..... , '----" ---- /---' IT ~ "- -- ,.,.---...., . " \ /r ---' : 10 APPENDIX Descriptive Park Inventory for Salina CENTENNIAL PARK- Shortly after Schilling Air Force Base closed in 1964, the City acquired a 7.3 acre parcel ofland which became Centennial Park. The park is located in west Salina, south of Crawford along Cypress and Commanche Drive. Friendship Community Center may be reserved upon request, and offers ample space for receptions and gatherings. In 1989, a new playground, sand volleyball court, basketball court, and picnic shelter were added. The park also offers a large open space for a variety of activities, making Centennial Park an ideal site for leisure activity. I COUNTRY CLUB PARK- Located across from the Salina Country Club golf Course at East Park Lane and Country Club Road, the one acre neighborhood park offers playground equipment, picnic tables and ample shade for enjoyment and relaxation. LUM FELTON PARK- The park was renamed in honor of Columbus T. Felton in 1981. Felton was a devoted employee of the City of Salina Park Department for nearly twenty years. Located at the south end of the railroad overpass, the 2.0 acre area provides an area for picnicking and relaxation. FOUNDER'S PARK- Developed as part of the Bicentennial celebration in 1976, this one acre ofland, located at 300 E. Iron, was donated by the John 1. Vanier family. The gift included the Old Mill Dam, along with land on both the east and west banks of the Smoky Hill River, just north of the Iron Street Bridge. A favorite outdoor lunchtime retreat, the park includes a small overlook along the river walk- way and is the home of the Salina community Theatre. HAWLEY PARK- Located at 10th and Charles, the 1.8 acre park, formerly known as South Park, was renamed in 1988 after space shuttle astronaut Steve Hawley, a Salina Central High School graduate. Redevelopment has added new playground equipment, a picnic shelter, landscaping and new sidewalks. The park area offers the best in neighborhood open space. HA\VTHOR1\i'E PARK- This one acre park was developed on the north end of Hawthorne School, creating a City-USD #305 cooperative project. The park provides playground equipment and a picnic shelter. Located at 9th and Woodland, Hawthorne Park provides and open space area for neighborhood enjoyment. PARKER PARK- The 3.1 acre park located at Elm and North Second, is the site of the City's second swimming pool built in 1948. It is also home to the Carver Neighborhood Center which was built in 1978. In 1985 the area was named as a memorial to John H. Parker, Jr., a popular singer, for his contributions to Salina children and his outgoing personality. Parker Park also contains 18 community garden plots for citizens to display their gardening talents. The neighborhood center can be reserved upon request for receptions and gatherings. PHILLIPS PARK- A former school location, Phillips Park was deeded from USD #305 to the City in 1969 for a neighborhood park. The development of this 0.8 acre area has added new sidewalks, a picnic shelter and playground equipment. Located at 12th and Iron, this park is enjoyed by neighborhood individuals, young and old. 11 RIVERSIDE PARK- Riverside Park was purchased from PL. Gebhardt in 1920. It consists of 2.1 acres and is located at Oakdale and Elm in north central Salina. It provides an excellent picnic and playground area and is close to the Smoky Hill River. MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE - opened for play in 1970, the 18- hole course on 137 acres is one of the finest municipal courses in the state. Approximately 45,000 rounds are played annually. Putting and chipping greens and a driving range provide additional practice facilities. The professional staff pro- vides a quality junior program, as well as group and private lessons. The course adjacent to ECRA, the site of former Municipal Airport, and several of the former airport buildings and grounds serve the present course. GLENNIFER HILL - Located on the former Glennifer Hill School playground, additional play equip- ment such as a desk system will be installed to compliment the existing equipment. Located next to Indian Rock Park, this 2.5 acre play area also has an open area and backstop for pickup games. This park was created out of the neighborhood service area program. INDIAN ROCK PARK - Located on the site of a famous Indian battle, this 35 acre park provides a scenic view of the City and surrounding land. The high bluff and rolling hills offer excellent sledding when the park roads are blocked. Fishermen can fish at the Smoky Hill River cutoff channel or from a small pond on the far west side of the walk. Truly an open space park area, Indian Rock includes two picnic shelters (one enclosed), nature trails and a native prairie. With the mixture of history, geology. and natural areas, Indian Rock is Salina's most unique park. JERRY IVEY PARK - Acquiring the land from U.S.D. 305 in 1974, construction on the 23.8 acre park didn't start until 1978. The park was dedicated to the memory of Jerry Ivey, a Salina police officer slain in the line of duty in 1975. Adjacent to Salina High School South at Magnolia Road and Ohio Street, the open space park area provides four lighted tennis courts, picnic shelters, playground equipment, sand volleyball, basketball court, and an excellent walking or jogging area. This park also features an acces- sible playground designed for the enjoyment of all children regardless of physical ability. In 1995 the large gazebo originally located in Oakdale Park was moved to Ivey and development of the center section of the park with a water feature, stream and spray fountain will provide an excellent backdrop for weddings, receptions, concerts, etc. KEN\\'OOD PARK - separated from Oakdale Park by the Smoky Hill River and served by two walk bridges, Kenwood, 4.2 acres, is distinguished by an old steam locomotive engine. Two large picnic shelters and playground equipment enhance the outdoor recreational opportunities. The remainder of Kenwood houses much of Saline County's operations but the Municipal Pool and Bicentennial Center are also located here. LAKEWOOD - With very serene surroundings, Lakewood Park offers "the great outdoors" Pur- chased from the Mel Jarvis family in 1967, Lakewood Park is located at Iron and Indiana with an additional entrance off East North Street. Lakewood includes 99 acres, a small fishing lake and a lodge which houses the Parks & Recreation environmental Education Programs and Nature Center. Picnic shelters are available on both north and south portions of the park, along with an 18-hole Frisbee Golf Course. In 1995 an accessible fishing pier was added on the north shore providing fishing opportunities for everyone. The park also offers nature trails and has developed into a natural wildlife habitat while maintaining a park atmosphere. 12 N.S.A. #1 - Located at 13th & Pacific, this 1.5 acre site will feature a shelter house and playground for family gatherings and plans call for active recreation venues such as basketball and sand volleyball courts. N.S.A. #2 - Located at 4th & Woodland, this 0.2 acre site, though small in size, provides playground for all ages as well as a shelter for picnics and watching the youngsters. OAKDALE PARK - Located at South Second and Mulberry, Oakdale Park features 45 acres of scenic viewing for all. The Smoky Hill river surrounds the park to provide a real 'natural' setting. Since 1881, Oakdale Park has hosted fairs and in earlier times even horse racing. Presently, the annual Smoky Hill River Festival and All- America Fourth! Play Day in the Park celebration take center stage in the park. Historically, the City leased the property from the county for general park purposes in 19922. The old swimming pool, built in 1925, is now filled for winter ice skating. In 1934, the north third of the park was developed into a formal area with massive flower beds for landscaping. The Botanical gardens are the showcase of the City of Salina Park System. Oakdale Park houses three picnic shelters and a gazebo located in the formal area used for many weddings. The park also contains eight lighted tennis courts and two playground areas, one designed for youths with disabilities. A performing stage was added in 1995 which hosts may concerts, dances, recitals and theater performances. For over a century, Oakdale Park has been an attraction. Oakdale Park is one of the most restful and beautiful parks imaginable, offering a variety of activities and hours of enjoyment. BILL BURKE SPORTS COMPLEX - Originally lower Indian Rock Park, located along the Smoky Hill River off of East Crawford, the complex was completed in 1980. In 1981 the complex was named for longtime sports editor and sports advocate for the Salina Journal, Bill Burke. Like its namesake, Bill Burke Park is dedicated to youth sports. Bill Burke Park houses eight youth baseball and softball fields, a concession and restroom facility, two shelter houses and a picnic area which is nestled in the wooded area north of the fields, In 1990, lights were installed on five fields and an underground sprinkler system added. Four batting cages were also added by a private concessionaire. EAST CRAWFORD RECREATIONAL AREA - Developed in 1987, the 151 acre (not including golf course acres) recreational area is located off East Crawford on Markley Road. The runway from old Municipal Airport was left intact which provides ample parking for the three baseball and four softball diamonds, and space for activities such as car rallies, model airplane flying, vehicle testing, jogging and walking. A mountain bike trail and BMX area is located east of the runway, south of Evans Stadium. Four batting cages were added in 1989, by a private concessionaire. East Crawford Recre- ational Area also features an air conditioned concession at the softball diamonds, playground and picnic areas. The softball fields are home to many Parks & Recreation leagues while youth baseball associa- tions, high school, and colleges utilize the baseball fields. The completion of Dean Evans Stadium in 1992 provides a first class baseball facility with an 800-seat grandstand, concessions and restroom facilities. SUNSET PARK - On the condition that it would forever remain a public park, Mr. and Mrs. c.F. York sold 25.8 acres ofland for $100 in 1918. Landscaping occurred in 1935 and has been relandscaped over the years to foster sunset park's beauty. A waterfall into a gentle flowing stream and glistening ponds creates a tranquil setting. Added with flowing fountains and blooming floral gardens makes Sunset one of Salina's premier parks. A wide range of outdoor activities are available with two picnic shelters, a gazebo, three lighted tennis courts, basketball court and twenty horseshoe pits. A large playground 13 offers a variety of safe equipment for children to enjoy. Also, three baseball! softball diamonds, one which is lighted, host many league and tournament games. THOMAS PARK - Located in North Salina on Highway 81, the 15 acre Thomas park offers easy access to traveling motorists. The park was named for Bishop Thomas of the Episcopal Church and St. John's Military School. The park was first leased from St. John's Military School in 1936, and in 1951, was purchased. The park offers a recreational vehicle dump station, 2 picnic shelters, playground equip- ment and overnight camping is permitted. Thomas Park also is of the forestry Division Tree Nursery. The building known as the 'KIVA,' a 1937 NYA native stone building and originally the area Girl Scout Headquarters, may be reserved through the Parks & Recreation offi~e. OXBOW PARK - The City acquired 8.5 acres through a land trade which is adjacent to 2 acres of an oxbow of the Smoky Hill River and the City flood control levy. Development began in 1995 and includes traditional park amenities such as a shelter house, playground, and restrooms. The park will also have a sand volleyball court, soccer field, and open play area. Location of this neighborhood park provides excellent access to the biking-jogging trail, the 3.1 mile trail constructed along the levy from Bill Burke Park to Magnolia Road. The Smoky Hill River oxbow at the north end of the park has been left in a native state with numerous wildflower plantings. Several carved limestone remebrances de- scribe the history of the cut off river oxbow, thus the basis for the park name.