To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Jeff Brauer, Interim Parks and Recreation Director
Title
Resolution: Approving the Castle Rock 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan [20 minutes]
Body
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Executive Summary
The purpose of this Master Plan is to guide the community’s efforts to respond to ongoing growth, by addressing newly created needs for parks and recreation facilities, expanding the network of protected open spaces, and linking the community together through an interconnected trail system to preserve the unique character and high quality of life that residents expect. The 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan is intended to provide the general direction for the Parks and Recreation Department for the next 5 - 10 years. The plan supports, and is a subset of the Town of Castle Rock Comprehensive Master Plan. Specific direction for program and capital development needs established by this Master Plan will be identified through the Parks and Recreation 3-year Strategic Plan, which will be updated on an annual basis.
Much of the plan direction is oriented to continuing the existing practices and Council direction as it relates to Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Trails and Golf. Approving the Master Plan is also the final requirement for CAPRA Accreditation, which will be determined on September 14, 2015.
The Master Plan begins with an analysis of current conditions, including existing resources, programs and facilities provided by the Town and other entities that serve Town residents. Chapter 2 describes the demand for services and addresses current and future needs. Chapter 3 is the foundation of the plan, a compilation of principles and policies that establish the direction for the Town’s programs and activities. Chapter 4 presents the plan’s recommendations for new parks, recreation facilities, trails, and open space and the final chapter focuses on financing and implementation strategies.
The following recommendations, based upon the needs assessment are identified within the plan:
1. New Parks - Town continues to maintain the level of service for developed parks. Castle Rock will continue to meet or exceed the level of service for the amount of parkland dedicated through the subdivision process; however, the existing park and recreation impact fee is not sufficient to continue the construction of parks at the current level of service. In order to ensure growth pays for growth, the Master Plan recommends adopting the parks and recreation impact fee structure proposed within the 2015 Tischler Bise impact fee study. The plan recommends that the Town continues the practice of providing parks within walking distance of residents.
2. Sports Complex Development - The plan recommends the development of a sports complex that would include, at minimum four additional softball fields, additional multi-use fields and other tournament type sports facilities with the goal of accommodating tournament use, facilitating league play and keeping up with the demand for facilities. The Master Plan does not set a specific timetable for development. Funding and timing will be addressed in future 3-year Strategic Plan documents.
3. Downtown Park Development - The plan acknowledges the need for expansion of Festival Park to provide an anchor for community and special events.
4. Parks and Operations Facilities - The plan recommends the development of plans that will address operational space needs for Parks Maintenance Division as a result of growth in Public Works and Parks Maintenance, staffing, equipment and operational areas.
5. Indoor Recreational Amenities - The plan recommends the development of a plan to address fitness, gymnasium space, ice and other indoor recreation facilities required to make Castle Rock a full-service recreation service provider. Plans may include public private partnerships.
6. Ongoing Improvements - The plan recommends the continued investment to ensure existing facilities are safe and meet the needs of residents.
7. Amphitheater and Millhouse Program Development - The plan recommends the continued support and development of the amphitheater and millhouse at Philip S. Miller Park to generate revenues and deliver new services to residents.
8. Public Private Partnerships - The plan recommends continued support and development of public private partnerships to deliver services to residents, minimize capital investment requirements and generate revenues to offset operational costs.
9. Trails - The plan recommends continuing the current practice of connecting the community through a network of off-street trails on on-street side paths.
10. Open Space Acquisition - The plan recommends continuing to work through the development process to set aside open space for the benefit of residents and when necessary, propose acquisition for key parcels of land that benefit the extension of trails or have major significance.
History of Past Town Council, Boards & Commissions, or Other Discussions
The Parks and Recreation Commission endorsed the Master Plan at their August 19, 2015 meeting with 5-0 vote.
Budget Impact
The Master Plan contains only recommendations. Items with budget implications will be included in the annual 3-year Strategic Plan for inclusion in the annual budget process.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of a Resolution Approving the Castle Rock 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve a Resolution No. 2015 - A Resolution Approving the Castle Rock 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan”
Attachments
Attachment A Resolution
Exhibit 1 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan