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BUTTE-SILVER BOW COMPREHENSIVE PARK, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 2009 ACTION PLAN 2012 MASTER PARK PLAN ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT ONE YEAR ACTION PLAN (2009) Butte-Silver Bow’s Comprehensive Park, Trails and Open Space Master Plan (Master Plan) called for the development of an annual action plan. The 2009 action plan was developed jointly by staff and the Park Board. The action plans are a tool to implement the Comprehensive Park, Trails and Open Space Master Plan. Annually the Parks Department and Park Board would identify action items to be completed. Following is a list of 2009-2012 action items and accomplishments. . CAPITAL PROJECTS Identify shovel ready site(s) for an interactive water feature. Identify at least one site that would allow quick construction of an outdoor water playground. Factors that will simplify site identification include presence of plumbing, accessible location, space for gathering around project site, maximizes surrounding recreation amenities. Purchase and install one interactive water feature. Using off-the-shelf components design and purchase one interactive water feature with the goal to be construction in time for use in summer 2009. UPDATE: In 2009 the Parks Department and Park Board identified criteria and evaluated several parks to develop a splash pad. Clarks Park was selected as the final location. The project was completed in 2010 after BSB hired a designer to assist with the location of the water feature in Clarks Park. Two public meetings were held in 2009 to review the design and make adjustments based on public comment. A contract was awarded and the water feature (splash pad) was completed in July 2010. NON-CAPITAL PROJECTS Parks and Recreation Reorganization: Begin process of restructuring the Parks Department in conjunction with other reorganization efforts within Butte-Silver Bow to achieve the desired organization which includes the position of Parks and Recreation Director. The desired outcome for Parks and Recreation which is a multi-faceted department that manages the Park system in all three key areas of the Butte-Silver Bow park system: Natural Areas and Trails, Developed Parks and Historic and Cultural Sites. ---PAGE BREAK--- BUTTE-SILVER BOW COMPREHENSIVE PARK, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 2009 ACTION PLAN UPDATE: This action item was delayed until Bob Rowling, Parks and Recreation Director, retired in December 2011. During this period Public Works staff and the Park Board had ongoing discussions of how to implement the recommendation to reorganize the department to reflect the current and future needs of the Parks Department. At this time the recommendation was to not pursue separation of Parks and Recreation from Public Works Department until a new director is hired and additional cost analysis and coordination issues can be addressed. In 2012 Public Works identified an organizational structure for Parks and Recreation that was proposed for the 2012/2013 budget. The proposal was to separate the director’s position. The director position previously held by Bob Rowling was responsible for both the administration of the Park Department and maintenance activities of the park system. During the master planning process and subsequent review of the department it was determined that it is not possible to effectively manage both the department and park maintenance activities without deficiencies. The current addition of park land (e.g. MT Con Park, trails, and Thompson Park), administrative leadership requirements, and the opportunity for growth of the Department make it necessary to split the director duties. Other parks to be developed in 2012/2013 include the Hillcrest Kids Fishing Pond. In 2012 Public Works proposed splitting the vice-Rowling position with the addition of a park maintenance superintendent. Council of Commissioners approved the funded addition of the maintenance superintendent position and funded the recreation director position. The maintenance superintendent position would be responsible for park maintenance activities and associated permanent and seasonal positions. The director position would be responsible for the administration of the department and increasing recreation programming for the community. Duties will include budgeting, policy updates and development, community partnership development, recreation program development, and representation to BSB departments and committees on parks and recreation issues. PLANNING PROJECTS Stodden Park renovation/master plan. Scope and contract for professional planning assistance with a new site master plan to renovate the most important existing park site in the system. Request for services should focus the attention on the central portion of the park, building on the existing high-value sport facilities already developed on the site. UPDATE: In 2010 Chief Executive Paul Babb appointed an AD HOC committee to develop a plan to replace the Corette Pool with a new water facility. The committee, along with Interstate Engineering and Associated Pool, developed a proposal for an aquatic facility, replacement of tennis courts, and improvements to the golf club house. The committee made a recommendation to the Park Board and BSB Council of Commissioners to rehabilitate Stodden Park to include a water park to replace Corette Pool, reconstruction of the tennis courts, and golf course clubhouse improvements. The proposal was sent to the public for a special ballot election in 2011; however the proposal failed by less than 1000 votes. ---PAGE BREAK--- BUTTE-SILVER BOW COMPREHENSIVE PARK, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 2009 ACTION PLAN After the vote Butte Tennis Association proposed needed repairs to several courts at Stodden Park and resurfacing of the tennis courts at Father Sheehan. This proposal was approved in the 2012/2013 Park Department budget. The 2012/2013 budget request does not address the long-term need to reconstruct the tennis courts. Highland View Golf Club has requested improvements to the club house that includes moving and renovating the interior bathrooms, kitchen, carpet, and doors to provide space for beer sales, meet accessibility requirements for bathrooms, and provide other interior improvements for the public. In 2012 the School District and the Parks Department partnered to make improvements to the softball fields for girls softball. Improvements include new infields, dugouts, electricity, and other minor improvements. NOTE: Since the bond failed in 2011 there is still a need to address Stodden Park and what to do with the Corette Pool, failing tennis courts, and upgrades to the clubhouse. Currently the pool building is being used for storage of golf carts and to provide locker room space for girls’ softball. A decision is needed on whether to pursue a new bond or change the use of the pool area and building. At one point there was discussion of moving the Parks Department offices to Stodden Park utilizing building design to provide for Park Department offices. ACTION ITEMS (2010-2012) Since completing the Master Plan the Park and Recreation Department and Park Board have addressed and implemented several other recommendations identified in the Master Plan. PARK LAND, OPEN SPACE AREAS, AND HERITAGE SITES Surplus Park Land. The Master Plan identified park sites that are undeveloped and unneeded or have overlapping service be removed from the park inventory (Master Plan, page 39). In 2010 the Park Board worked with the Land Sales Committee to identify surplus land recommendations and proposals for sale. The Master Plan recommended existing undeveloped sites should be removed from the park inventory unless they meet site selection guidelines for neighborhood parks and are in underserved areas (MP, Chapter 5, page 40). The Park Board approved 11 park sites to be identified as surplus and sold based on the criteria identified in the Master Plan and City-County ordinance. The Land Sales Committee has moved forward to complete appraisals of the selected parcels. The appraisal information was brought forward to the Park Board in October 2012 for a final recommendation to Council of Commissioners on the disposition of the parcel. Based on the Master Plan, the revenue raised from the park land sales would be reinvested in existing park improvements or providing new opportunities to improve parks that are geographically near the surplus site to improve service in that area. The Parks Department would make recommendations to the Park Board on where funds could be used following the sale of the parcels. It is anticipated the sales will be completed in 2012 following approval by Council of ---PAGE BREAK--- BUTTE-SILVER BOW COMPREHENSIVE PARK, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 2009 ACTION PLAN Commissioners. A public hearing is scheduled for December 19, 2012 at the Council of Commissioner’s meeting. OPEN SPACE AREA RECOMMENDATIONS The Master Plan identified recommendations for Open Space to address future addition of remediated Superfund lands that will be incorporated into the park system; using open space lands to provide gateways or backcountry connections; and adding other sites on an opportunity basis to protect important resources. Open Space Zoning. In 2011 the Planning Department developed two ordinances defining Open Space designations for park lands. The ordinances were needed to change the zoning designation for the Hillcrest Fishing Pond Natural Resource Damage Program grant project. With the exception of Thompson Park, park lands were identified as either community (developable) or conservation open space. The Open Space ordinances and park designations were reviewed and approved by the Park Board and subsequently approved by Council of Commissioners after a public hearing. Approval of the ordinances will provide BSB to designate future land acquisitions that will be consistent with the Master Plan and future need for parks and open space. Subdivision Acquisition of lands. The Parks and Recreation Department and Park Board reviewed several subdivision plats to determine whether to acquire new park lands or opt for park in lieu funds. Recommendations for taking land or money were based on whether the proposed subdivision park land would meet the goals and objectives of the Master Plan. Blacktail Creek. In 2010 the Park Board reviewed and approved a subdivision proposal by Bill Markovich to acquire 11 acres of open space park land south of the Country Club along Blacktail Creek. The acquisition of the 11 acres exceeded the subdivision requirements that will allow BSB Parks Department to protect lands in and adjacent to Blacktail Creek. The land acquisition includes a sewer pipeline that crosses the creek. The long-term plan is to acquire a trail right-of-way along the remaining portion of Blacktail Creek through the Burke subdivision property and then across the street eastward to park land north of the High Altitude Center. This will provide a connection to the Continental Drive Trail and Maud S Canyon. Hillcrest Subdivision: In 2011 the Park Board reviewed and recommended approval of a proposal by developers to acquire park land and a constructed trail as part of the subdivision requirements. One of the long-term desires is to provide a Rail with Trails connection from Continental Drive to the Hillcrest Open Space/Kids Fishing Pond and the East Ridge along the BNSF Railway right-of-way. The opportunity to have a portion of the trail constructed with the subdivision was approved by the Park Board. The decision was based on an informal verbal agreement with past BNSF Roadmaster to provide a trail right-of-way along a portion of the BNSF property from the subdivision to Continental Drive. Additional right- of-way will be needed through the Sisters of Charity (now Lady of the Rockies Foundation?) property to connect with the Hillcrest Open Space Park. ---PAGE BREAK--- BUTTE-SILVER BOW COMPREHENSIVE PARK, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 2009 ACTION PLAN HERITAGE SITE RECOMMENDATIONS The Master Plan identified as heritage sites, such as mine lands, are developed to be integrated into the park system as they have the potential to play a major role in interpreting the rich history of Butte- Silver Bow. The Plan identified this be accomplished by connecting mine sites by trails to create a network of open spaces, historical sites and other recreation facilities; providing interpretive elements located at important locations in the community, to help recount and interpret BSB’s past; and partnering with community, historical, and cultural institutions to provide programming, pursue funding and coordinate efforts. The Plan identified that Parks and Recreation should be positioned by the City-County as the local government partner to community groups operating facilities, programming and doing fundraising for historic and cultural efforts. MT Con Park: In 2012 BSB acquired the MT Con Mine Yard as one of Butte’s newest park and open space areas. The mine yard remediation and park development work was completed by ARCO and included development of a trail system connecting the BA&P Railroad to the Granite Mine Memorial; park shelter, bathrooms, and interpretation signs. NOTE: There are improvements still needed at the MT Con Park to address areas that do not meet accessibility (e.g. interpretation signs) or areas that need additional work that was not covered by ARCO’s remediation work. One example of this a need for a trail from the shelter to the south toward the overlook area. Regional Heritage Historic Preservation Strategic Plan: The Park Board Chairperson participated on the Advisory Committee for the RHPP Strategic Plan to provide input to the Strategic Plan as it related to the Master Park Plan. Jim Jarvis, Historic Preservation Officer, is leading this project and will stay in contact with the Park and Recreation Department and Board on future projects once the Plan is approved and implementation begins. COMPETITIVE SPORT FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS American Legion Baseball: The Parks and Recreation Department and Park Board have been working with the American Legion to locate a new facility for American Legion Baseball. In 2012 American Legion and BSB were notified by Montana Tech that the agreement for use of Tech facilities for baseball would be terminated in 2012. Discussions with the Chief Executive, Parks and Recreation Department and Board agreed on short-term plan to utilize one of the fields at Copper Mountain for American Legion baseball. There is a long-term desire by American Legion to locate a permanent facility. Their first priority location is the baseball fields behind the Civic Center. Due to the unknown plan for the removal and redevelopment of the Parrott Tailings it has been recommended by the Park Board that other locations be evaluated and whether BSB should be a partner with this program. American Legion requested funding from the Butte Natural Resource Council (BNRC) to develop the Civic Center facility; however the initial recommendation by the BNRC is that the project does not meet the requirement of the program at this time. At this time BSB is providing storage space for infield dirt and other materials salvaged from MT. Tech. Jeremy Bullock Soccer Fields: BSB and School entered into an agreement for BSB to take over management of the Jeremy Bullock Soccer Fields. In addition an Eagle Scout project was approved by the Park Board to allow an addition to the concession stand area. ---PAGE BREAK--- BUTTE-SILVER BOW COMPREHENSIVE PARK, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 2009 ACTION PLAN AQUATIC FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS As described above the bond to build a new aquatic facility did not pass. There were several factors that may have contributed to the failure of the bond including whether a water park offering play features was needed or if a basic pool would meet the needs of the community; concern on the cost of building and operating a water park facility, and a desire for improvements to the irrigation system along with the clubhouse improvements. NOTE: The irrigation system improvements were approved in the 2012/2013 Park budget and planned for the 2013/2014 budget request. Once a recreation director position is hired, a review of the failed bond and recommendations for a possible future bond needs to be completed. In 2012 the Park Board recommended to Council that BSB approve another five-year contract with the YMCA to provide aquatic opportunities to the public in lieu of a BSB facility. Voters approved a 20 year funding program (divided into four 5-year contracts) whereby BSB would contribute $40,000 annually to the YCMA to assist with operation and maintenance costs of the indoor aquatic facility. This amount is the same that was paid to the YCMA to manage the Corette Pool when it was open. In exchange the YMCA would make the aquatic facility open to non-members. The Park Board recommended approval of the 5-year contract and it was brought forward to the Council of Commissioners. The funding was approved by Council with two agreements made by the YCMA to 1) give BSB recognition for the aquatic funding assistance on all printed material and on their website and 2) provide special public swimming days that have a reduced or no fee opportunity for all Butte citizens. NOTE: Need follow up by Parks and Recreation Department to ensure these agreements are being met by the YMCA. OTHER RECREATION FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS The Master Plan identified public desire for additional facilities such as dog parks. The Park Board has received several requests for a dog park to be designated uptown. Currently BSB ordinances do not allow dogs in parks. Several newly designated open spaces areas and parks such as the Hillcrest Area are popular areas used by dog owners. The Hillcrest Park designed a separate dog area where dogs will be allowed off-leash. Ed Randall met with the Park Board and Park Department to discuss extending this opportunity, but no proposals have be brought forward to the Park Board. The current ordinance on dogs needs to be updated to incorporate opportunities for dogs to be allowed in parks. IMPLEMENTATION The Master Plan identified recommendations of projects that need to be addressed to make the vision for BSB’s park system a reality. The Park Board and Park and Recreation Department staffs recognize implementation of the Master Plan is a long-term process. There are three primary areas that were identified in the Master Plan to assist with implementation of the Plan to achieve the vision, goals, and objectives desired for parks and recreation in BSB. Capacity Building. The current and future types of park and recreation facilities and programs requires concentrated efforts to develop, manage, and maintain parks and recreation facilities. Currently this work is done by several departments and community organizations with no centralized ---PAGE BREAK--- BUTTE-SILVER BOW COMPREHENSIVE PARK, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 2009 ACTION PLAN leadership or communication. The Master Plan identified the need to form a separate Parks and Recreation Department to allow for the consolidation of existing functions from other departments and gradual increases in staff resources as other projects/programs are implemented. The organizational structure would be phased in as budgets and personnel changes occur. The separation of duties from the position previously held by Bob Rowling is the first step to accomplish this goal. The department (currently a division of Public Works) needs a leadership position to guide existing efforts and develop the additional roles needed to fill out the department structure. The position description should include budgeting, supervision, partnership and program development, and internal department coordination responsibilities that is typical of director-superintendent responsibilities. The position should allow for the long-term conversion of the department as a division of Public Works to a separate department. Identifying Priority Projects. The community has no difficulty coming up with ideas to improve and develop park facilities. Until the Master Plan was adopted the Park Board had no system to evaluate projects. The Master Plan identified a decision making process that would assist community members and Park Board/Parks and Recreation Department staff to develop and evaluate projects. The criteria used to evaluate projects, in addition to how the project would meet the goals of the Master Plan, include: Project Cost: construction and operation/maintenance Project Partnerships Number of users that would benefit from the project Ability to leverage other funding Life span/durability of feature or project The Community Gardens and Jeremy Bullock Soccer Eagle Scout projects are two examples of successful implementation of the decision making process. Both projects presented to the Park Board were well developed and showed adherence to the Master Plan goals and evaluation criteria. Other conceptual projects that have been brought forward to the department in concept only include the Carousel and Greeley School; however no formal proposal has been brought forward to the Park Board. The Butte Natural Resource Council developed a Restoration Plan that included several park proposals. Once final approval is received from the Governor additional project development work will be needed on several proposed projects that will be brought to the Park Board. Careful deliberation needs to be given to these projects based on the goals and evaluation criteria of the Master Plan. Project Funding. Funding projects and programs is usually the largest obstacle to implementing park projects. The Master Plan identified several resources available for the development and operation of projects. Currently, the primary source of funding comes from the general fund, but there are opportunities to supplement funding from sources such as Superfund Settlement Funds (park maintenance and security) and partnership funds. Partnership funds can be a combination of cash (e.g. Highland View Golf Club or School District) or in-kind contributions (e.g. Little League). Public Works and Department staffs currently work with other BSB departments and external partners to combine resources to maintain and operate park facilities. ---PAGE BREAK--- BUTTE-SILVER BOW COMPREHENSIVE PARK, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 2009 ACTION PLAN DISCUSSION ITEMS FOR 2013 - 2014 The Park and Recreation Department and Park Board identified several discussion items to address changes in Parks and Recreation responsibilities and facilities as well as issues brought forward by the public and Council of Commissioners. Some of these issues may need to be staffed by the Recreation Director and Park Superintendent positions and brought forward to the Park Board for a recommendation and/or decision. Highland View Golf Course Management – There is a need to review the existing contract management of the Golf Course to determine if the current contract with John DeWitt is the most cost effective way to manage and generate use/revenues. During the 2012 contract negotiations some members of Council of Commissioners questioned if the current contract was fair to BSB or if BSB should look at another option to manage the golf course. The Park and Recreation Department agreed to review how other Montana communities manage their public golf courses and make recommendations to the Park Board on options for management of Highland View Golf Course. Park Ordinance Updates – There have been additions to the Parks and Recreation facility system (e.g. trails, mine yards) that are not covered by ordinance as to the definitions, allowed or prohibited uses of these facilities. A review of the ordinances needs to be conducted and recommendations for updates needs to be presented to the Park Board and ultimately to the Council of Commissioners. Park Use and Utilization Policy Development o Concessions. o Sports Field Park Reservation Fees for private or public events. Mine Yard Management and Coordination – Special Events, Programming, Maintenance, and Fee Policy. There is a need to determine BSB department management and maintenance responsibilities of mine yards as they are rehabilitated and converted to be incorporated into the park system. Currently this is handled through several BSB departments. Centrally located this responsibility under one department would ensure consistency with policies, fees, and maintenance. The Master Plan recognized mine sites as a component of the park system. Centralizing management of the sites under Parks and Recreation would meet the goals and objectives of the Master Plan as the local government partner to work with community groups for operation, programming, and fundraising for historic and cultural efforts. This can be accomplished through the reorganization of the department staff positions. Department Policies. At this time there is an inconsistent policy or no policy on what services BSB wants all taxpayers to pay for or what services should be covered by an event/individual when exclusive use of a facility is requested. o Placing memorials in parks, on trails and any other facilities under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Department and Park Board. o Naming parks, trails, or other facilities under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Department and Park Board. o Implementation of Decision Making Process, from the Master Plan, for the public to propose projects. ---PAGE BREAK--- BUTTE-SILVER BOW COMPREHENSIVE PARK, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 2009 ACTION PLAN o Fees: Discussion on whether park fees should be charged for sports fields (where no partnership agreements for maintenance exist), concessions, private and public events where a facility is reserved and/or maintenance or other support is required or requested. o Formal Agreements with existing and new partnerships