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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/26/2005 - Regular Minutes - Senior Advisory Committee College Station Senior Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Monday, September 26, 2005 College Station Teen Center 1520 Rock Prairie Rd. 10:00am MINUTES Members Present: Patricia Boughton, E.E. Burns, Laura Holmes, Edgar Jones, Robert Meyer, Neal Nutall, Raymond Reed, Colleen Risinger, Yvonne Stevens, Doreen Todd and Joanna Yeager Members Absent: Joyce Davis, Rick Heaney, Dorothy Hernandez, Jack Hernandez, Joe LeCour and Haskell Monroe Staff Present: Marci Rodgers I. Call to order The Meeting was called to order at 10:00am by Robert Meyer, Chairman. The committee expressed appreciation for the 2006 Monthly Monitors received by the Parks and Recreation Department. II. Hear visitors No visitors present III. Welcome New Committee Members There were no new members IV. Approval of minutes from regular meeting on August 29, 2005 One correction to the minutes. On item V,Robert Meyer should replace Robert Monroe. Joanna Yeager made the motion to approve the minutes with the above correction. Ray Reed seconded the motion. The motion passed. V. Consideration, discussion and possible action concerning report on public meetings on future Senior Center Marci Rodgers reported on the two public meetings held and said that 45 attended the first meeting and 31 attended the second meeting. The committee was thanked for their assistance in the meetings. Discussion suggested that the sub-committee meet to develop a plan to promote and encourage more citizen input and support for the facility. Ray Reed made the motion that an article be written and submitted to the Eagle and Golden Eagle suggesting that service groups or other senior organizations contact the Senior Services Coordinator for a presentation. Service organization suggested included the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, A&M Retired Professors, Lincoln Center, The Villas of Rock Prairie and Active Advantage. Joanna Yeager seconded the motion. The motion was approved. VI. Consideration, discussion and possible action concerning painting "Locomotives on Parade" The committee discussed the possibility of painting a locomotive in support of the George Bush Library "Locomotives on Parade" exhibit. The committee was offered the opportunity to participate using one of the locomotives purchased by the City of College Station. Colleen Risinger made the motion that the Senior Advisory Committee not be involved with the painting. Patricia Boughton seconded the motion. The motion passed. VII. Senior Services Coordinator Report (See attached report) VIII Next meeting and agenda items: Monday, October 31, 2005 • Senior Friendly Award Presentations to HEB and Home Instead • Report from Senior Center Sub-Committee IX. Adjourn The committee adjourned at 11:25am MINUTES Workshop Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission And Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Thursday, August 18, 2005, at 5:30p.m. Griff4 College Station City Hall Council Chambers 1101 Texas Avenue CITY OF COLLEGE STATION College Station, Texas Planning&Development Services COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Scott Shafer, Commissioners Marsha Sanford, Bill Davis, Dennis Christiansen, John Nichols and Harold Strong. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson, Jodi Warner, Gary Erwin, Carol Blaschke, Jeannie McCandless, Gary Thomas, John Crompton, Glenn Schroeder and Kathleen Ireland. COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Ken Reynolds. CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilman Scotti. .............................. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF PRESENT: Staff Planners Lindsay Boyer, Jennifer Reeves and Jennifer Prochazka, Senior Planner Trey Fletcher. Planning and Development Services Director Joey Dunn, Graduate Civil Engineer Josh Norton, Assistant City Engineer Alan Gibbs, Planning Intern Crissy Hartl,Development Coordinator Bridgette George, Transportation Planner Ken Fogle, Assistant Planning and Development Services Assistant Director Lance Simms and Staff Assistant Lindgren. OTHER CITY STAFF PRESENT: First Assistant City Attorney Roxanne Nemcik, Parks and. Recreation Director Steve Beachy, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Eric Ploger and Public Works Director Mark Smith. 1. Call to Order. Commissioner Shafer called the workshop meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Jodi Warner called the workshop meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. 2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Amendments to the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9: Subdivisions, Section 10: Requirements for Park Land Dedication and Northgate Ordinance. Mark Smith, Director of Public Works, stated that he had been working on revisions to the current Subdivision Regulations and would like recommendations from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission so that changes P&Z Workshop Minutes August 18, 2005 Page 1 of 6 can be made and so that it can be presented to council. Mr. Smith stated that there are two major changes in the ordinance. The first one is to provide a process for developers to build parks within their developments. Mr. Smith stated that the old ordinance did not provide well for that purpose. The second major change is that in the cases of smaller park land dedication, where there are less than 3 acres to be dedicated and there is already adequate park land in the zone that the development is taking place, we would allow an administrative decision to accept a fee in lieu of park land dedication. Mr. Smith stated that one more major difference is when floodplain is accepted as park land it will take two acres of flood plain to equal one acre of park land. At this time Mr. Smith asked for any discussion on the issues or anything that had been seen in the ordinance that board members and commissioners would want to discuss. Mr. Smith stated that he was ready to take notes and make revisions further if necessary. Commissioner John Nichols asked if dedicating the park land all at once up front was a burden on the developers. Mark Smith stated that it does cause somewhat of a burden for the developers when the park land is dedicated all up front. Mr. Smith states that this causes problems with access and also with the financing package. Mr. Smith stated that currently the developers dedicate portions of park land through each;;phase of the development or provide a financial fee in lieu of park land dedication, and when the phase has been completed and the park land is dedicated the fee is reimbursed to the developer. Chairman Scott Shafer asked if this was something thy:' the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is in agreement with. Chairperson Jodi Warner stated that their board has been meeting off and on regarding this item for tle4past 18 months and at this time they are comfortable with the wording of the Subdivision Regulations regarding the park land dedication. There was discussion regarding this item between members of the board and commission. There seemed to be some concern regarding the building of smaller parks if the language was left`this way. Positives and negatives of this were discussed and an agreement was reached. Commissioner Bill Davis asked if this would apply to developments that happen in the ETJ:' Mark Smith stated that this would not apply to developments that happen in the ETJ. Mr:Davis asked if there was a mechanism in place to ensure that parks will be built within development in the ETJ. Roxanne Nemeik, Assistant City Attorney, stated that there are some cities looking into park land dedication in the ETJ. Currently the City of College Station does not require park land dedication in the ETJ. Ms. Nemcik stated that this would need to be researched further as to a way that this could happen. Steve Beachy, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that one way this could happen would be for the City to allocate funds to go out and buy land in advance of developments to ensure that park land will be available in future developments. Mr. Beachy stated that this has happened in some cases. P&Z Workshop Minutes August 18, 2005 Page 2 of 6 John Crompton, Parks and Recreation Board, stated that he feels that the City Council should create a policy that the City purchase land in the ETJ and purchase the land as a City reserve and when development occurs the developer should reimburse the city for the park land, as their fee in lieu of park land dedication, after the development has been completed and then continue with the park land dedication. Mr. Crompton also stated that he thought both the Planning and Zoning Commission and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board should put together a joint committee and go out and explore with the developers to see if this can be done. Members of the board and commission agreed with this suggestion and felt it was a good idea. Mr. Crompton stated that he feels that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission meet again and discuss the issues of community and neighborhood parks and land values. He also suggested that it may be time for the City to look at applying a different land value for each zone. Mr. Crompton also suggested that a group of realtors be used to give the City a current and correct value of the land so that when the City is being reimbursed for the park land fee, an appropriate amount is being paid. Chairperson Jodi Warner, stated that parks sell the property for the developers and that the developers want to get something on the ground that is useful to the development. Ms. Warner stated if you are the first one to move into a neighborhood and you have small children, then you have to wait seven or eight years to have a park developed, when the park is on the ground the children are grown and have no interest in the park, in most cases. Ms. Warner stated that we want to encourage, especially with the growth and diversity within the community that the parks be useful in the most fastideous manner. Chairman Scott Shafer stated that Chairperson Warner brought up a good point. Mr. Shafer also feels that' getting in front of the development may help to address this issue. Mr. Shafer also feels that if we get better pieces of land as park land dedication and phase people onto parks, they will become such nice social places and eyes on parks make them safer and they sell houses better that way. Commissioner Sanford suggested that language be inserted to the ordinance to read that a professional certified appraiser be hired in order to ensure fiscal responsibility. Commissioner Nichols suggested that staff examine other options for this and then submit to council. Mr. Smith stated that the revised language will read that a current professional certified appraisal be completed. Commission Davis motioned for staff to examine other possibilities of ensuring fiscal responsibility, insert the appropriate language and submit to Council. Commissioner Christiansen seconded the motion, motion passed (14-0). Mr. Compton suggested that each board/commission meet individually and decide on their sub-committees for the following topics: mechanism for updating land value, community parks, ETJ parks, City to purchase land as a reserve for park land ahead of development. It was decided by both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Parks and Advisory Board that they would meet individually and select their sub- committees and then meet again. P&Z Workshop Minutes August 18, 2005 Page 3 of 6 3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action of the draft Subdivision Regulations. Mr. Smith stated that that his goal was to get through Chapter 9: Subdivisions, Section 10: Requirements for Park Land Dedication and Northgate Ordinance and review it with the board and commission and then make any appropriate revisions. He stated that at this time he did not have any additional information to review with the commission or board regarding the subdivision regulations. Members from the Planning and Zoning Commission and from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board expressed a great deal of interest regarding street trees. Both groups felt that this needs to be presented to City Council as a priority. Commissioners from the planning and zoning commission stated that they would like to review placement of sidewalks and streets, maintenance, detention ponds and trees on one of the next workshop meetings. Kathleen Ireland motioned to adjourn the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting. Gary Erwin seconded the motion, motion passed(8-0). 4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the City Council June '05 Policy Retreat Report and the Key Result Area of Growth Management. „_. Joey Dunn, Director of Planning and Development Seviees, gave a presentation regarding the Key Result Area of Growth Management. Mr. Dunn reviewed the following topics of the growth management plan. Topics were rate and timing of growth, location of growth, amount and density of growth, cost of growth, quality of growth and plan implementation. Several commissioners requested to see a copy of the 1997 Growth Report. Mr. Compton asked Mr-Digin if the City of College Station conducted a fiscal impact analysis. Mr. Dunn stated that currently a fiscal impact analysis is not conducted. He also stated that we do not have an ongoing fiscal impact model that is used. Alan Gibbs, Assistant City Engineer, stated that currently the impact fees are being reviewed city wide so that the proper burden will be impacted by new development. This will mainly be in reference to utilities. Commissioners and board members had discussions regarding having a plan or a vision to keep things as planned so individuals or businesses have the choice of an urban life- style within the city and also have the choice of a rural life-style so that individuals can live within the ETJ or outside the city limits. It was discussed to work on growth management as a sub-committee in order to be able to present something to City Council at a later date. 5. Discussion of minor and amending plats approved by Staff. ❖ 05-111 Richards Subdivision Phase 2 Molly Hitchcock, Staff Planner, gave a short presentation regarding the Richards Subdivision Phase 2. Ms. Hitchcock stated that this was one residential on Sterling P&Z Workshop Minutes August 18, 2005 Page 4 of 6 Street, this was not previously platted, therefore, it did not have to meet the regulations for the older subdivisions. The lot is about 75' X 100'. 6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action of the P&Z Plan of Work. Commissioners volunteered for sub-committees. Sub-committee joint with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: Bill Davis, Scott Shafer and Marsha Sanford. Sub-committee Growth Management and Comprehensive Plan Amendment: John Nichols, Dennis Christiansen and Harold Strong. Sub-committee for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment joint with Bryan Planning and Zoning Commission: John Nichols, Dennis Christiansen, Harold Strong and Scott Shafer. Commissioners also expressed interest on setting up two lunch meetings to meet with Mark Smith and go over several topics regarding the subdivision regulations. Commissioners wanted to do this before the draft is complete. 7. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the P&Z Calendar of Upcoming Meetings: ❖ New Commissioner Orientation It was stated that the new commissioner orientation will forthcoming and that new commissioners will be polled as to a date that works bast for them. Alan Gibbs mentioned to Commissioners that on September 14, 2005, and on October 12, 2005, from I O0pm to 5 OOpm that there will, be meetings regarding the impact fees. Chairman Shafer asked that Lisa send them a reminder and a more specific agenda as to what topics will be covered during these meetings. 8. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding appointments for sub-committees. This item was taken care of under item 6. Please see item 6 for individual sub- committees and its members. 9. Discussion and possible action on future agenda items —A Planning and Zoning Member may inquire about a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific factual information or the recitation of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an agenda for a subsequent meeting. Commissioner Nichols suggested that an update on the meeting regarding Sebesta Road between staff and the neighborhood be put on the agenda for review with the Commissioners. Commissioner Davis asked for a future agenda item to discuss how the City is planning to track the appearance requirements, landscaping requirements and commercial property developments so that we do not end up with concrete pastures. Commissioner Davis P&Z Workshop Minutes August 18, 2005 Page 5 of 6 suggested that when commercial property comes in they should have a requirement like the requirement of park land dedication. Commissioner Nichols suggested that the Neighborhood Overley District be put on the next workshop meeting agenda. At this time commissioners will decide on representatives for this sub-committee or if one individual wants to take on this project. 10. Adjourn Commissioner Davis motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Nichols seconded the motioned, motion approved(6-0). Approved: Scott Shafer, Chaimian Planning and Zoning Commission Attest: Lisa Lindgren, Staff Assistant Planning and Development Services P&Z Workshop Minutes August 18, 2005 Page 6 of 6 CITY OF COLLEGE STATION PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD ABSENCE REQUEST FORM FOR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS I will not be in attendance at the 0 eli4VO I 6 05 6.15- wB V t''"©P meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for the reason(s) specified: 012_ Date Recd Reason ilrIIIIIIIICrt.A-t7"LL(, /g "Li-0,S- per- �� ` & � nn Q� 6 Signature Requests for Absence must be submitted to the Parks Staff Assistant at 764-3414 prior to the meeting date. Pam Springfield - Pardon Page 1 From: <Erwin74@aol.com> To: <Pspringfield@cstx.gov> Date: 10/4/2005 12:45:50 PM Subject: Pardon Pam, I will be out of town the week of October 10, 2005. I am asking for a Pardon for the Board meeting of October 11, 2005. Thank you Gary 41A Uk` k CITY OF COLLEGE STATION 3arks & Recreation Needs Assessment survey Y Conducted for the City of College Station by The Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences Texas A&M University 2005 Residents 1 1.How often does your department work with or on the following College Station Park facilities and programs?(Circle one on each line) About About A few Almost Once Once Times Not Daily a Week a Month a Year at All Neighborhood/Community ParksD W M Y N Walking Trails/Bike Paths D W M Y N Recreation Center D W M Y N Outdoor Basketball Courts ........ D W M Y N Wolf Pen Amphitheatre D W M Y N Lincoln Center D W M Y N Picnic Tables/Pavilions D W M Y N Ponds/Lakes D W M Y N Swimming Pools D W M Y N Playgrounds D W M Y N Volleyball Courts D W M Y N Tennis Courts D W M Y N Athletic Fields D W M Y N Senior Programs D W M Y N Kids Klub D W M Y N Xtra Education D W M Y N Teen Activities D W M Y N Fitness Programs D W M Y N Festivals/Events D W M Y N EXIT Teen Center D W M Y N Urban Forests D W M Y N City Tree Streets D W M Y N City Right of Ways D W M Y N City Visual Quality D W M Y N Greenways D W M Y N City Employees 2 2.The Parks Department has a limited amount of resources and seeks guidance on where best to invest them.Please circle the PRIORITY LEVEL you feel should be associated with each of the following items(Circle one on each line). Provide lighting for walking and jogging paths NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more shade trees at parks NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide quiet,green spaces throughout the city NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide storage for sports leagues equipment NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide playgrounds at athletic fields NONE LOW MEDIUM RIGA Provide more walking paths around parks and athletic fields NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Improve accessibility for those with disabilities (e.g.,pool lifts, sidewalks,parking,bathrooms) NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Link parks, neighborhoods,and schools with hike and bike trails NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide a wider variety of aquatic classes NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Acquire additional park land NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Offer Xtra Education Classes on weekends NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more access to the indoor pool at the Junior High School during school vacations NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more art and music programs NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide personal growth classes(e.g.,car maintenance, career development) NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more seasonal color and landscaping in parks NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide tables in parks for chess, checkers, cards NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide space for new activities such as cricket, lacrosse,rugby NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Improve public bus transportation to existing park and recreation facilities NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more directional signs identifying the way to parks NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Place more benches in parks and along trails NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide technology in parks(wireless access,geocoding) NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Allocate more funds to enhance the maintenance of existing parks NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more undesignated, open play space at neighborhood parks ... NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more trees along city streets NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH City Employees 3 Provide a designated Senior Center NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH 3.Please identify the top 5 facilities from the following list on which you would like to see College Station give priority in its investments over the next ten years.Please ONLY SELECT 5 facilities and put a check alongside each of them. Open Space Fields Dog Park Nature Center Cultural/Art Center Large Regional Park Outdoor Neighborhood Pools Art/Music Facilities Indoor pool Frisbee Golf Course Skate Park Indoor Recreation Center _ Archery fields Ponds/Lakes Senior Center Indoor Tennis Courts Outdoor Tennis Courts Gardens/Arboretum Remote Control Model Airplane Facility Equestrian Trails Walking/Biking Trails Adult Baseball Fields Adult Softball Fields Adult Soccer Fields Adult Football Fields Fitness Stations Playgrounds Youth Baseball Fields Youth Softball Fields Youth Soccer Fields Youth Football Fields Camping Areas Indoor Play Areas Horseshoe pits Pavilions Neighborhood Parks Zoo Picnic Areas Water Park Bocce courts Nature Trails Extensive regional trail system(15-20 miles) 4.In the following section,please read each statement and CIRCLE the response which indicates how much you agree or disagree with each statement regarding College Station Parks. Strongly I have no Strongly Agree Agree Knowledge Disagree Disagree I am well-informed about College Station's park facilities and recreation programs SA A NK D SD The Department should work more closely with schools to develop parks and offer programs SA A NK D SD College Station parks and recreation facilities are accessible to people with disabilities SA A NK D SD College Station Parks are well maintained and clean SA A NK D SD In general,I am satisfied with the facilities and services provided by the Parks&Recreation Department SA A NK D SD City Employees 4 The Depaiti,ient should work more closely with police and fire departments on safety in parks/neighborhoods SA A NK D SD Overall,the City of College Station has a"park-like"ambiance about it SA A NK D SD Strongly I have no Strongly Agree Agree Knowledge Disagree Disagree The swimming pools are too crowded SA A NK D SD I am well-informed about plans for parks in my neighborhood SA A NK D SD It is easy for me to offer feedback to the park department and to obtain answers from them to any questionsSA A NK D SD The Department should work more closely with neighborhood groups to plan and maintain parks SA A NK D SD Automobile traffic around parks should be diverted or slowed down SA A NK D SD I can get to my favorite park facilities on foot or by bicycle SA A NK D SD 5.To help the city prioritize future investment decisions we would like you to please indicate,how IMPORTANT you view each of the following issues in the City of College Station? Not at all Extremely In College Station, Important Neutral Important Helping youth to develop into productive citizens is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Improving air quality is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ensuring that parks are easily accessible to residents from their homes is ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Convincing businesses to locate in this community is ..... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing role models for adolescents is .. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Supporting and working with community health organizations is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing amenities in the community that older adults want is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Reducing the amount of energy consumed by residents is1 2 3 4 5 6 7 City Employees 5 Designing programs specifically for older adults is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Getting tourists to spend money in the city is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Helping people build healthy lifestyles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Developing attractions that draw people from other cities is... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing youth with positive ways to fill their free time is ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Not at all Extremely In College Station, Important Neutral Important Requiring that developers provide park space for people in their developments is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Helping adults build skills that can be used in the workplace is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Keeping neighborhood parks well maintained is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Offering programs that meet the needs of people who are unemployed is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Encouraging Senior Citizens to become involved in the community is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Educating residents on the benefits of healthy activity is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Protecting environmentally sensitive areas is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Encouraging executives and professionals to live in this community is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Supporting and working with community welfare and employment agencies is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing programs at which retired people can socialize together is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hosting events that bring tourism revenue to local businesses is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6.In this section,we are interested in your perceptions of the College Station Parks and Recreation Department's CURRENT CONTRIBUTIONS to each of the items The College Station Parks and Recreation Department's Contribution to: Very Very Small Neutral Large Helping youth to develop into productive citizens is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Improving air quality is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ensuring that parks are easily accessible to residents from their homes is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Convincing businesses to locate in this community is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 City Employees 6 Providing role models for adolescents is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Supporting and working with community health organizations is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing amenities in the community that older adults want is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Reducing the amount of energy consumed by residents is1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Designing programs specifically for older adults is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Getting tourists to spend money in the city is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The College Station Parks and Recreation Department's Contribution to: Very Very Small Neutral Large Helping people build healthy lifestyles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Developing attractions that draw people from other cities is... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing youth with positive ways to fill their free time is ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Requiring that developers provide park space for people in their developments is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Helping adults build skills that can be used in the workplace is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Keeping neighborhood parks well maintained is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Offering programs that meet the needs of people who are unemployed is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Encouraging Senior Citizens to become involved in the community is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Educating residents on the benefits of healthy activity is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Protecting environmentally sensitive areas is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Encouraging executives and professionals to live in this community is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Supporting and working with community welfare and employment agencies is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing programs at which retired people can socialize together is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hosting events that bring tourism revenue to local businesses is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 We are collecting the following information in order to understand the characteristics of our study participants. All of the information will be kept confidential and only reported at the group level. Which of the following best represents your employment What Department are you employed in? category with the city of College Station?(check one) Part-time City Employees 7 Front-line and support staff Middle Management Senior Management Is there anything else you would like to tell us regarding College Station's Park and Recreation Services? City Employees • '4444 CITY OF COLLEGE STATION 3arks & Recreation Needs Assessment Survey Conducted for the City of College Station by The Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences Texas A&M University 2005 Residents 1 1.The Parks Department has a limited amount of resources and seeks guidance on where best to invest them.Please circle the PRIORITY LEVEL you feel should be associated with each of the following items(Circle one on each line). Provide lighting for walking and jogging paths NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more shade trees at parks NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide quiet,green spaces throughout the city NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide storage for sports leagues equipment NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide playgrounds at athletic fields NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more walking paths around parks and athletic fields NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Improve accessibility for those with disabilities (e.g.,pool lifts,sidewalks,parking,bathrooms) NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Link parks,neighborhoods, and schools with hike and bike trails NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide a wider variety of aquatic classes NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Acquire additional park land NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Offer Xtra Education Classes on weekends NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more access to the indoor pool at the Junior High School during school vacations NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more art and music programs NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide personal growth classes(e.g.,car maintenance,career development) NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more seasonal color and landscaping in parks NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide tables in parks for chess,checkers,cards NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide space for new activities such as cricket,lacrosse,rugby NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Improve public bus transportation to existing park and recreation facilities NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more directional signs identifying the way to parks NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Place more benches in parks and along trails NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide technology in parks(wireless access,geocoding) ... NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Allocate more funds to enhance the maintenance of existing parks NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more undesignated,open play space at neighborhood parks ... NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH Provide more trees along city streets NONE LOW MEDIUM HIGH PARD Employees 2 2.Please identify the top 5 facilities from the following list on which you would like to see College Station give priority in its investments over the next ten years. Please ONLY SELECT 5 facilities and put a check alongside each of them. Open Space Fields Dog Park Nature Center Cultural/Art Center Large Regional Park Outdoor Neighborhood Pools Art/Music Facilities Indoor pool Frisbee Golf Course Skate Park Indoor Recreation Center Archery fields Ponds/Lakes Senior Center Indoor Tennis Courts Outdoor Tennis Courts Gardens/Arboretum Remote Control Model Airplane Facility Equestrian Trails Walking/Biking Trails Adult Baseball Fields Adult Softball Fields Adult Soccer Fields Adult Football Fields Fitness Stations Playgrounds __ Youth Baseball Fields Youth Softball Fields Youth Soccer Fields Youth Football Fields Camping Areas Indoor Play Areas Horseshoe pits Pavilions Neighborhood Parks Zoo Picnic Areas Water Park Bocce courts Nature Trails Extensive regional trail system(15-20 miles) 3.To help the city prioritize future investment decisions we would like you to please indicate, how IMPORTANT you view each of the following issues in the City of College Station? Not at all Extremely In College Station, Important Neutral Important Helping youth to develop into productive citizens is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Improving air quality is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ensuring that parks are easily accessible to residents from their homes is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Convincing businesses to locate in this community is ..... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing role models for adolescents is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Supporting and working with community health organizations is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing amenities in the community that older adults want is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Reducing the amount of energy consumed by residents is1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Designing programs specifically for older adults is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Getting tourists to spend money in the city is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Helping people build healthy lifestyles 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PARD Employees 3 Developing attractions that draw people from other cities is... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing youth with positive ways to fill their free time is ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Requiring that developers provide park space for people in their developments is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Not at all Extremely In College Station, Important Neutral Important Helping adults build skills that can be used in the workplace is I 2 3 4 5 6 7 Keeping neighborhood parks well maintained is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Offering programs that meet the needs of people who are unemployed is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Encouraging Senior Citizens to become involved in the community is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Educating residents on the benefits of healthy activity is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Protecting environmentally sensitive areas is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Encouraging executives and professionals to live in this community is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Supporting and working with community welfare and employment agencies is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing programs at which retired people can socialize together is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hosting events that bring tourism revenue to local businesses is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4.In this section,we are interested in your perceptions of the College Station Parks and Recreation Department's CURRENT CONTRIBUTIONS to each of the items The College Station Parks and Recreation Department's Contribution to: Very Very Small Neutral Large Helping youth to develop into productive citizens is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Improving air quality is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ensuring that parks are easily accessible to residents from their homes is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Convincing businesses to locate in this community is ..... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing role models for adolescents is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Supporting and working with community health organizations is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing amenities in the community that older adults want is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PARD Employees 4 Reducing the amount of energy consumed by residents is1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Designing programs specifically for older adults is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Getting tourists to spend money in the city is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Helping people build healthy lifestyles ................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Developing attractions that draw people from other cities is... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The College Station Parks and Recreation Department's Contribution to: Very Very Small Neutral Large Providing youth with positive ways to fill their free time is ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Requiring that developers provide park space for people in their developments is . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Helping adults build skills that can be used in the workplace is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Keeping neighborhood parks well maintained is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Offering programs that meet the needs of people who are unemployed is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Encouraging Senior Citizens to become involved in the community is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Educating residents on the benefits of healthy activity is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Protecting environmentally sensitive areas is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Encouraging executives and professionals to live in this community is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Supporting and working with community welfare and employment agencies is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Providing programs at which retired people can socialize together is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hosting events that bring tourism revenue to local businesses is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5.We are collecting the following information in order to understand the characteristics of our study participants. AU of the information will be kept confidential and only reported at the group level. Which of the following best represents your employment category with the PARD?(check one) Part-time Front-line, support staff Supervisors Senior Manager(Superintendents/Directors) Is there anything else you would like to tell us regarding College Station's Park and Recreation Services? PARD Employees 5 PARD Employees WWII. I Introduction • PARD updating Recreation, Park and Open City of College Station Space Master Plan Department of Parks and Recreation —Designed entto of pro ramgens and guidance for p development of programs and faciliti-.. 2005 Needs Assessment • Information from several source lized to determine and priori' - •-eds a Focus Groups(N a:yA a Public Meeting '" .01 v Community Survey t P 1 _- ) a De.artmant of Recreation.Park and tourism Sciences at Texas• Universa, 11...111111111111.,_ al 0 (/pry` V tl'")61* -------efitill u-ti Process NGT Participation • 12 NGTs from January—March • • Surveysent to 1,200 residents in Gra ups —Neighborhoods —Environmental Groups June(800 SFH,400 MDU) —Aquatics —External Athletics • Survey sent to 745 employees in — Citizens with — TAMU Students w July including PARD employees. Disabilities —Teens —Seniors —Special Interests —Internal Athletics —Lincoln Center —Advisory Board lY:� —Open Public Forum Baa d -, .....h. 4. iii.1.1161111 ill : 1 NGT Process NGT Results • Answer Question: • Overall major themes —What park and recreation facilities and services are —Trails and linkages lacking in the College Station area which are —Non-designated open space(not ball fields) necessary to support the needs of your family or the —Communication organization you represent. Combine,Rank All Survey Design Survey Methodology • Developed from NGT data. • June mailed 1,200 surveys to residents • Reviewed by PARD employees. —Incentives buy one,admit one free ice skating pass • Sections —Drawing for free Swimming Pool pass - PARD Use A •July mailed out 745 employee • By Household representing 790 residents if — PARD Position/Performance ?t, surveys - PARD Priority Levels(specific factors) — Investment Level r — PARD Priorities(Pick 5) is ^ r — Service/Facility Statements(Agree/Disagree) ., —Demographics /` *n1 2 . 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111.11111111111111111111111111111111111111 Response Rate Findings-Profile Table 1 • 534 and 341 usable surveys were returned -Ages x+u4Underrepresented • 45%and46% ��eo -^mon� Overrepresented+ 74 76% response • Summer month =°% ' Sample Stratification mvm^00/ -Ethnicity,gender,and mntahbwnerpmfi|eom000nob|yI ���i�� �� '^ compatible ,."^ 3344 " � =, 1111111111.11111111111111111114 �� 1111111 �� �� __ �__ Findings — Frequency of Use (T2) Findings — Frequency of Use (T2) • Neighborhood/Community Park • Recreation Services -Playgrounds -Fewer than 20%of Households -Ponds/Lakes • Walking Paths/Trails -Picnic tables/Pavilion • Pools ( ^ VVa|hingPaths/TnaUs '. ` ^ Pooa ! . ' . � �" /� . ' , ^ ' ` 1111 1111111111E111 111 3 F'md'nOS -- L�«p| nf (T3) ��'Or!'D�� -- | pv�| nf �� 'Priority (T3) - Priority Findings -- -- ~' ' ''~''^x � ' ~/ ^ Trails • Trees -Provide lighting for walking and jogging -Provide more shade trees paths -PmvNomomtreeoulongcitypadm -More hike and bike paths linking parks, -Provide quiet,green spaces throughout the neighborhoods,schools city -More paths around parks/fields MIR Illimmumm.11101111.11111 amismimmummi Findings - Level ofPriority / F-\ Level ofPriority (T3A) * PARD Employeesdiffered somewhat from ^ Neighborhood/Community Parks Residents -Acquisition of more park land -Trails 3,4,and 12 -Enhancement of maintenance at existing -Two of Greening City Items 11,16 parks , —Maintenance and Acquisition 1 an 10 ^ ` ` Pnde in what they do 4Z;"«+ ~ Enhancing Parks Reinforced —Placing more benches(8) ^^ —Providing playgrounds at fields(5) —Providing undesignated play space at AN . Level of (T3B) Level of Priority . . . ~~Support. ^ �"/ ^ City EmployeesroMmcted2oyth' Qeeidenbs' • About half keep Same Level priorities � • About 37% willing to increase the level —Trails ranked 1.4.8 -Th Greening City ~'^~^'� ~~ • Less support Enhance ...a '.' ance (9) • Additional High Priorit %:::— ,,- -Athletic Fields(6) Priority Investment Areas (T5) Priority Investment Areas • Trails 1,2,and7* ~ Zoo -Aggregate-TOP • Neighborhood Parks,Ponds, Water Park Lakes,Arboretums - m.�/mvmm°u��m � ^ CampingAreas, fields, skate 00.,Horticulture _ park, indoorrecron center - wu�a�mm=mmu ' , � ~ ,q,,, ` Zoo " ~ ^ Water Park , -N, - - Feasibility Study �� ` � ' onnpom.aomo� p~ / 1111111111 Mil �� 1111 Priority investment Areas /lF513\ Service Quality issues (T6) o Residents Primarily ~ Zoo ^ ` Satisfied • Water Park -Complimentary about ' g . �� Mei�enunooC)ue|uyand • Trails - PmghyofFaoUition ' Ponds and Lakes ' �-�~- xU -Only 6%NoSatisfied with PARD s offerings • Work with ISD Police Neighborhoo .11.1.111111111.11.111.10111111.111.111.111.11111.1 Service Quality issues (7'6868) Alternate Community Goals (7) • Communication ^ PARD can contribute to wideCommunity Goals rsmplm=esToo oo> ~ —Preventing Youth crime(72%6 and 7) —Offering Feedback/ —Enhancing Real Estate Values(60%6 and 7) O�ainmnoweratu -omo,goomovnoi�enoyoum questions ' Except Retirees and Underemployed w/%and nem> —Only 6%NmG�m�em�mm\no'onnehnUa -Nn�we|i�ormed abou PARD'noffehngo , ~� �� °^ ^ Provides Rationale —Need Web based —voumopnmm.teonunuafterocnno|pmqmmm Interestmpamo.trails,unu^GnmninnCit� position - 11111. 111 181""11111111111114 �� �� ��w �_- 6 Alternate Community Goals (7A&B) Perceived Contributions to • PARC) Staff Consistent Community Goals (8) —Preventing Youth Crime ^ Scores Disappointingly Low —�nhan�ngRoa|E�aheVa|ue� —p�vomongvvumCnme(ruY�imponumV —21%,PARD large or very large contribution • Additional Importance ~ Highest contribution-Real Estate —Attracting Tourism —Only 30.5% ~ Overall,employees appreciate of the economic • Impact on Community Health low development contribution of tourism—that is not —PARD should look to expand role shared by the residents, —Reposition YouthReal Estate,and xeo|�wim �jjjj9jjtoirnProvejjPortforPAR Perceived11 Contributions to Perceived (� � ntributions to Community Goals (8) Community Goals (8A&B) • Reposition Youth, Real Estate, and Health ^ PARD staff responses higher than residents vvithoommunitygo�|etoimprovaouppo� • Ci S higher than Rooide�slower than P''''— for PARD. • Same three high rankings as Residents —Youth, —Real Estate,and —muactingruunmu `�, ^ Dia Disconcerting that in PARD �4�-`� staff were unaware of the PARD s potential contributions 1111 7 Perceived Extent of Collaboration (9) Perceived Extent of Collaboration (9) • Range of Services with Perceives Collaboration— Remarkable!! QUESTIONS? • PARD reaches out to other departments for assistance THANK YOU! • Staff integrating efforts across boundaries PARD Staff • Three Highest Areas of Collaboration TAMU Staff —City Right of Ways Arctic Wolf Ice Complex —Neighborhood/Community Parks -Visual Quality 11111 8