acknowledgements · 2019-09-10 · acknowledgements brunswick county board of commissioners william...

Acknowledgements

Brunswick County Board of Commissioners William M. Sue, Chairman Phil Norris, Vice Chairman

J. Martin Cooke, Commissioner Charles Warren, Commissioner

Scott Phillips, Commissioner

County Manager Marty Lawing

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

District 1: Howard Benton District 2: William Smith District 3: Eddie Moore

At Large: Donald McKeithan District 4: Morry Watkins District 5: Dale Rabon

Town Creek Park Master Plan

Steering Committee Jim Pryor

Aaron Perkins Greg White

Morry Watkins Steve Lanier Chris Ussery Martha Myers

Melinda Johnson

Consultants McGill Associates, P.A.

Pinehurst, North Carolina (910) 295-3159

Subconsultants

Compass Pointe Engineering, P.A. Shallotte, North Carolina

The Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department______________________________ Town Creek Park Master Plan

November, 2011 Section 1 - Page 1 of 2

Section 1 Project Overview

In 2009, Brunswick County developed a Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the entire park system within the County. The Master Plan document serves as a guide for developing and implementing future park and program improvements for the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department. As part of the master plan, recommendations included the redevelopment of Town Creek Park. With this recommendation the County has moved forward with the development of the site specific master plan as part of the initial effort.

In the summer of 2011, the County began the planning process for the park by forming a Project Steering Committee for the Master Plan. Subsequently, this group commissioned the design team of McGill Associates to assist the County with developing park master plan. This effort included inventory of existing facilities and resources as well as engagement with the community. Public input played an important role in understanding user needs and desires. As part of the engagement of the community, (2) public meetings were held to solicit public opinion about possible improvements to

Town Creek Park. As part of these meetings, participants were asked to identify and prioritize the recreation facilities and programs that were lacking as well as those that could be renovated or improved. A Parks and Recreation Survey/Questionnaire was distributed throughout the community to gather additional input for future facility needs and programming

Comprehensive Master Plan targets

improvements at Town Creek Park



elements. A reoccurring theme among the study findings was the need for the improvement to restrooms and shelters and development of walking trails, picnic facilities, and athletic fields. McGill Associates and County Recreation Staff worked with the Steering Committee to further analyze and evaluate the study findings along with other data collected throughout the planning

process. These meetings highlighted the needs of both the community and the Parks and Recreation Department. Final recommendations and conceptual designs, which were drawn from these collaborative efforts, will be discussed further in this document in detail.

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The Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department _ Town Creek Park Master Plan


Section 2 Site Analysis

General The Town Creek Park site is located in the northeastern portion of Brunswick County on Highway 17 in the community of Winnabow. US Highway 17 is a heavily used corridor that is frequently used locally and as a regional connector to other vacation destinations along the Carolina coast. The park was originally constructed approximately 20 years ago and expanded years later with an

Area surrounding Town Creek Park

is predominately undeveloped.



additional two additional baseball fields which totaled the overall park area to approximately 34 acres. Town Creek Park is predominately comprised of athletic fields including four (4) baseball/softball fields (two at 200’, and two at 300’). The park also has one (1) community building, one (1) concession stand with restrooms, one (1) basketball court, two (2) tennis courts, shuffleboard and bocce court, two (2) horseshoe pits, (2) picnic shelters, and two (2) playgrounds. Zoning The site is zoned a CO-CI – Commercial/ Commercial Intensive zone. The zone comprising Town Creek Park is surrounded by commercial and low density residential (CO-R7500) and commercial/rural residential (CO-RR) residential zones as well as commercial/commercial-low density (CO-CLD). Surrounding Land Use The surrounding properties mainly consist of undeveloped woodlands with the closest adjacent facility being Town Creek Elementary school located to the southeast of the property. Currently there is no vehicular or pedestrian connection to the elementary school. Private undeveloped property lies directly to the south of the site. The surrounding undeveloped woodlands to the north of the park contain mainly pine and hardwoods and is zoned Residential. Single family residences can be found to the east, within one mile of the park site. Utilities The Park is served by public utilities. A service waterline extension from US Highway 17 is the only water service for the park. This waterline currently provides adequate water service to the park however it may be insufficient to provide adequate supply requirements for future park elements. Sanitary sewer is managed with an on-site treatment facility composed of a septic tank, pump station, and spray field system. Future expansion of the park may require removal of the existing sewer and connect to pubic sewer. In addition to public water and septic system, power is provided from US Highway 17 and provides power the community building and lighting for the athletic field.



Parking The existing Town Creek Park site has space for patron parking on the northwest and central areas of the property. Current the parking is insufficient to accommodate park users particularly during scheduled programmed events. The paved drive and parking area are in fair condition on the northwest side of the park and should be considered for continued access and parking use. However, there is a lack of well marked, safe pedestrian crossings in this area. The remaining parking areas are natural sand/gravel surfacing at the two rear baseball fields. These parking areas lack striping or other parking space markings; consequently, the direction of parked vehicles and the number of vehicles that can safely use the parking areas are random - occasionally limiting safe utilization of the lot. Existing Structures Despite the ongoing success of this park facility, Town Creek Park is in need of facility/maintenance upgrades in order to continue serving the current and future needs of the Brunswick County's growing demand. Town Creek Park has a number of small structures that are in fair to poor condition. The primary facility is the community building. The community building is a popular well used facility and available for rent to the general public. This facility is approximately 2,600 square feet and contains a large meeting space, kitchen, bathrooms, and storage space. This facility has been heavily used and appears to be in its original state as when constructed. Possible renovations to the existing community building may include raising the ceiling height of the interior, updating the kitchen and bathrooms, doubling the interior square footage from approximately 2,600 square feet to 5,200 square feet. The existing playground near the community building needs maintenance and safety upgrades. The other playground near the little league field in poorly located and should be removed/relocated due proximity of the field stray foul balls and distance from the parking area. The existing press-box structures, picnic shelters, and dugouts are dated and in poor condition as well. The restroom/concession building located near the little league fields was also built when the park was originally constructed. This facility is heavily used not only by park users but as a rest area for travelers. The building is in very poor condition

Many structures have been used heavily by

the public and should be replaced



and should be demolished due to the continual maintenance and flooding of the building. In addition, it should be noted that the overall facility lacks accessibility to park amenities. All public facilities should provide access to each amenity which should be ADA compliant. Walking paths should be provided meeting accessibility codes in order to access these areas.

Natural Features

Topography The topography of the land at Town Creek Park is relatively flat. The park does contain predominant drainage ditches along the property boundary and also a drainage feature that bisects the existing park property. There are numerous areas that flood during heavy rain events however these areas can drain over a short period. Consideration will need to be

given with regard to future grading and expansion in order to provide adequate drainage for athletic fields. Wetlands As part of the site analysis, wetland delineation was performed to determine areas that need to be protected and preserved. The local state agency with Division of Water Quality evaluated the site and determined that there were no significant wetland areas that exist on site. Vegetation The majority of the existing wooded areas in Town Creek Park are comprised of a mix of deciduous hardwood trees and evergreen trees. Loblolly Pine trees are, by far, the most predominant species in the park; other trees - such as Sweet Gum, Black Gum, White Oak, Red Maple, Cedar, and Wax Myrtle, Crape Myrtle etc., - can be found here and in this entire area, which is aptly named the “Coastal Plain” of the state of North Carolina. The natural areas that exist primarily in the northeastern portion of Town Creek Park contain mostly native vegetation. Special consideration should be given to preserve these naturally wooded areas. The areas located at the paved

Land is relatively flat, dry.



Vegetation consists of both native (Evergreen) and non-native (Crape Myrtle) trees

entrance and along the western side of the property appear to have been landscaped at some point in the past; and therefore, contain the highest portion of the non-native vegetation. However, none of the species of the non-native vegetation are considered to be invasive specimens. Both the southeastern and central portions of the park

also appear to have been landscaped (at least to some degree) in the past; however, the few species in these areas contain mostly non-invasive species. The non-native species at Town Creek Park consist primarily of the Crape Myrtle, and some non-native shrubs (Asian azaleas). Overall, Town Creek Park contains a relatively good mix of vegetation types. The trees appear to be in good health and do not seem to pose any threat to park visitors. The landscaped areas are in good condition; but, as is the case when significant time has lapsed since the original landscaping occurred, a minimum of cleaning, planting, and maintenance may be recommended. Soils As part of the site analysis, soil data was collected from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service 2007 Soil Survey for the Town Creek Park site. Analysis of this data was used to determine the type, location, and suitability of

the park's soils. The majority of the site is primarily GoA – Goldsboro fine sandy loam (central and southern portion of the park). These soils are moderately well drained and are typical for Brunswick County. These soils should not present a major problem with park development or the construction of proposed park structures as they are suited to urban and recreational development. Soils in the northwest and southwestern

Soils Index Map



portions of the park consist of Ly – Lynchburg fine sandy loam and Ra – Rains fine sandy loam. These soils are on nearly level somewhat poorly drained to poorly drained soils where surface runoff can be slow. However, the permeability and available water capacity of these soils is moderate. These soils generally are not used for development without artificial drainage and land grading to improve surface runoff. Drainage Due to the very sandy soils of Town Creek Park, the site does not have any significant drainage problems. According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for the Town Creek Park site, “The seasonal high water table is 2 to 3 feet below the surface”, the soils are "moderately well drained" and are suitable for development.

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Section 3 Community Input

Community Meetings To facilitate community input, two (2) public workshops were conducted during the initial phase of the Town Creek Park Master Plan process. The workshops were held in September of 2011 (9/27, 9/28). Through the use of a questionnaire, map exercise, and open group dialog, participants were given the opportunity to share their ideas and concerns for how future development at Town Creek Park should occur. The community meetings were held at the Town Creek Park community building. A total of twenty-five (25) people attended the meetings.

Participants of the community meetings were shown a brief Power Point presentation, which familiarized the viewers with the Master Planning process. The group then reviewed a map of the park site and its various features. The existing conditions and limitations of the park were discussed. Precedent images of possible park improvements were shown. Possible amenities that could be further developed at Town Creek Park were then debated. Participants were given a park survey/questionnaire to fill out. The questionnaires solicited their opinions on existing improvements and future additions to existing park facilities as well as various programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Town Creek Park

Community Building



Town Creek Park Community Meetings - Map Exercise Participants in the map exercise were asked to break into small groups and discuss the existing conditions and their desired changes for the park property. From this groups were asked to sketch new concepts of what the park should look like in the future. Each group then presented their ideas and sketches. Three draft concept plans would be later developed based on the ideas from the community meeting map exercises.

Community Meetings Questionnaire The Master Plan survey/questionnaire was also posted on the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Facebook page, the County website (www.brunsco.net), the County intranet page, Town Creek Elementary school children, and at local events such as Coastal Land Trust Family Fun Day held at Brunswick Nature Park. The returned surveys represented approximately 500 people predominately from Brunswick County.

The following portion of Section 3 display results of each participant’s responses to survey questions.

From the above results there were significantly more women than men respondents.



Nearly all the survey respondents were residents of Brunswick County.

The majority of persons represented by the survey results were children (ages 1-5) and adults (ages 30-39).



A majority of respondents rated Town Creek Park's amenities good to fair.

Most of the respondents reported using the park occasionally.



While most reported use of Town Creek Park for its playground, a large number of survey participants reported picnic, social gatherings and walking as a frequent use as well. Other popular activities were baseball and softball.



A majority of respondents reported a desire to see improvements to the restrooms, picnic and sitting areas and trials.



The top development for Town Creek Park was to add/improve walking and jogging trails. The addition of a community recreation center and an outdoor pool shared the same amount of votes.



A majority of respondents state that a lack of activities that suit their interests is what prevents them from using Town Creek Park more.



Summary of Findings According to the survey, respondents are generally satisfied with Town Creek Park, but would like to see an increase and variety of available activities. New facilities such as improvements to walking trails combined with improvements to the community center were highly desired improvements. There was also an interest in an outdoor pool and fitness facility. Other respondent interests included additions or improvements to the following: the picnicking opportunities, park restrooms, a dog park, and athletic fields.

Community Input Summary The community input program of community meetings, group exercises, and public survey - all served to provide a comprehensive look at the needs and concerns for

recreational opportunities and amenities of Town Creek Park. The three (3) elements of the program point to a desire for the development of walking and jogging trails, field improvements, and general facility upgrades (i.e. parking, restrooms, lighting, picnic shelters, etc.). The community is supportive of efforts to improve Town Creek Park's amenities and recreational opportunities.

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Existing Play Equipment

Basketball Court

Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department____________________________ Town Creek Park Master Plan


Section 4 Master Plan Development

Concept Master Plan Utilizing information from the site analysis, input from the two (2) community meetings, survey data, and County Staff, McGill Associates began developing alternate concept plans for park development. Based on this input, the design team was able to develop the purpose and need for the redevelopment of Town Creek Park, as well as how the public would use the park. The goals and objectives of this park should be to serve the local community and Brunswick County residents with multiple outdoor recreational amenities. The

Option 1 Concept Plan



strategic planning elements of the park should be to offer a variety of activities compatible with athletics while also preserving the natural areas of the park for use by walkers and picnicking. The expressed need and desire for better baseball/softball, soccer, and football fields by the respondents of the Master Plan survey was taken into strong consideration. As well was the desire for walking trials and general facility upgrades.




Continued Three concept plans shown above were developed that proposed a number of park improvements composed of updating the active recreation, additional passive recreation, and improved facilities such as patron parking areas and public restrooms. These improvements were derived from the survey findings, Community Input, Project Oversight Group, and the Parks and Recreation Department staff input.




Designing accessibility for all park amenities was of great importance for all the concept plans. The core area of Town Creek Park is comprised of a proposed baseball/softball pinwheel arrangement with combined restroom/concession/storage/press-box building, which would offer the opportunity for tournament play. The parking area for the complex includes additional parking spaces and a drop-off/pick-up area. The Concept Plans also propose preserving the wooded area in the northeast portion of the property for use as a natural area for walking and picnicking. A dog park will be adjacent the natural picnic area. It was discussed that the existing little league fields could be converted to new soccer/multi-use and football fields complete with new restroom/concession building. The existing community center, basketball courts, and tennis courts would remain but receive much needed upgrades and renovation for all three concept plans. The shuffle board and bocce courts were known to be important to a certain population and should be retained as a park amenity. It was therefore decided that these courts should be located near a shady location and further from Hwy 17 which is very loud due to heavy traffic. The existing playground near the community center is to remain with minor maintenance in all the concept plans. It was discussed that the majority of the existing paved parking areas should be preserved.

Existing Baseball Field

Gravel Drive and Parking

for Baseball Fields



The concept plans also show a new maintenance building to replace the existing building. The new building would provide larger storage space to meet the need of the park staff and maintenance crew.

Final Master Plan

Based on the response from the community meetings for the proposed Town Creek Park project, the park planning committee on October 13, 2011 decided that the “Option 1” concept diagram closely reflected the needs of the parks and recreation department and meets many of the desires of the community as expressed in the public meetings. The “Option 1” concept plan was further refined to create the above pictured “Final Site Master Plan”. The overall consensus was that this proposed plan is sensitive to both the desires and long term goals of the community and Parks and Recreation Department. This plan respects the existing natural area and trails and also provides the athletic fields necessary to meet current and future needs of park users and the recreation department.

Final Site Master Plan



With the construction of the new facilities some additional parking spaces are recommended. Approximately 450 spaces will be needed for Town Creek Park with the addition of the proposed facilities. This requirement includes 350 spaces for the athletic fields, and 100 spaces for the playground, walking trail, community center, etc. A total of 470 spaces are provided in the final master plan design. Parking at the Community Center site is improved through the resurfacing of existing asphalt pavement, as well as additional new parking located to the south along the new entrance drive leading to the proposed Baseball/Softball Complex. In addition, utility infrastructure will have to be constructed in the park to serve the proposed building structures. The existing sewer system would be removed and a sewer line extension would be installed from the elementary school to the park facilities

At the core of the Final Master Plan is the updated/renovated community center and renovated park facilities (basketball court, tennis courts, shuffle board and bocce courts). The new plan recommends the resurfacing of the existing tennis courts while the existing basketball court should be extended to the east slightly and resurfaced with new striping. The extension would allow for the creation of an additional basketball court. The Shuffleboard courts and Bocce ball courts have been reconstructed to the east of the Basketball courts and located near shade trees. Fitness stations have been located along the portion of 8’ walking trail between the shuffle board courts and nature trail loop. The existing horse shoe pits will remain at the current location but are proposed to be renovated. Accessible walking paths throughout the park provide the opportunity for a safe and equitable recreation experience for all park users. A new large picnic shelter is nestled among the existing, tall pine grove.

Community Center, and

renovated park amenities



The new baseball/softball complex will have two 300’ fields and three 200’ fields (two of which have grass infields to meet little league standards) surrounding a two story Restroom/Concession/Press-box building. Other features of the complex include new dugouts, storage space and nearby space for batting cages and bull pins. The new complex will also have ample parking for tournament events, and a drop-off and pick-up area. The complex is encircled by a portion of the park’s 8’ walking path. To the south of the complex, picnic shelters and the school connector path are shown. To the west of the Baseball/Softball complex is a new maintenance building for park maintenance staff.

Baseball/Softball Complex, Parking, Drop-off Circle and

Maintenance building.



The existing little league fields are converted into two soccer/multi-use and football fields that would be able to support soccer tournaments and also provide space for football practice and games. A new restroom/concession building, bleachers, and field lighting will further enhance the practicality and usability of this area. Landscape trees will help to embellish the sidewalks as well as provide much needed shade. Adjacent to the new fields is an adventure playground utilizing modern rubber play surfacing or artificial turf as an alternative to wood mulch. The adventure playground offers multiple, interactive activities for differing levels of ability. The play area is surrounded by three covered picnic shelters, aesthetic landscaping and space for a fountain. Accessible sidewalks ensure that all are welcome to come and picnic, play or just stroll through this fun addition to Town Creek Park.

Soccer/Multi-use fields and Adventure Play Area



A dog park and nature trail are located near the northeast corner of the property which should provide for some passive and active recreation opportunities. Park patrons will have the option of using one of the formal picnic structures constructed or be able to use a number of “natural picnic areas” located under the trees along the nature trail. The Final Master Plan is sensitive to the existing users of the park with respect to the anticipated growth of athletic programs in Brunswick County. Accessible walking trails provide nearly 7,300 linear feet of 8’ walking trail and approximately 4200 linear feet of 6’ sidewalk. This plan is respectful of the existing nature of the site and provides variety in the types of activities that are desired by County residents.

.

Nature Trail, Picnic area, and Dog Park



Preliminary Cost Estimate A preliminary cost estimate was developed for the Master Plan. The anticipated cost (in today’s dollars) for the proposed Town Creek Park Improvements is approximately $5,185,828. It should be noted that this estimate is based on master plan level design; final construction documents will have to be completed in order to present a more accurate cost estimate. The Parks and Recreation Department should be aggressive with applying for grants and other funding mechanisms to reduce County expenditures for capital improvements in approaching the development of the park.

PROBABLE CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE Total Item

Cost

Development of Park Elements

General Construction Improvements

(Grading, Demolition, Erosion Control, Parking Areas, Walking Trails, Utilities, Site Lighting, Stormwater )

$1,226,000

Baseball/Softball Field Improvements

(Fencing, Field Lighting, Bleachers, Sod, Irrigation, Batting Cages, Dugouts) $1,270,000

Soccer / Multipurpose Field Construction

(Field Lighting, Field Construction, Irrigation) $464,000

Recreational Elements

(Adventure Playground, Fitness Stations, Basketball Court Expansion, Tennis Court Renovation, Court Relocations, Dog Park, Site Furnishings)

$325,000

Support Facilities

(Community Building Renovation, Baseball Restroom/Concession Facility, Soccer Restroom/Concession/Press box Facility, Picnic Shelters, Maintenance Facility)

$872,000

Mobilization – 3%

(Equipment, Personnel, Insurance, Bonding, Safety) $124,000

Construction Cost to Develop the Project $4,281,000

10% Contingency for the Cost of Building / Renovating $428,100

Costs Related to Design & Construction Administration – 8% $376,728

Allowance for Related to Surveying, Geotechnical, Environmental, and Incidental Services

$100,000

Total Project Cost $5,185,828

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Section 5

Final Master Plan

Based on the response from the community meetings for the proposed Town Creek Park project, the park planning committee on October 13, 2011 decided that the “Option 1” concept diagram closely reflected the needs of the parks and recreation department and meets many of the desires of the community as expressed in the public meetings. The “Option 1” concept plant was further refined to create the above pictured “Final Site Master Plan”. The overall consensus was that this proposed plan is sensitive to both the desires of the community and Parks and Recreation Department. This plan respects the existing natural area and trails and also provides the athletic fields necessary to meet current and future needs of park users and the recreation department. The number of parking areas on the Master Plan reflects the best understanding of projected demand. Parking at the Community Center site is improved through the reconditioning of some of the existing asphalt pavement, as well as additional new parking located to the south along the new entrance drive. The new baseball/softball complex will also have new parking, and a drop-off and pick-up

Final Site Master Plan

Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department Town Creek Park Master Plan


area. New restrooms and other facilities as well as improved lighting will further enhance the practicality and usability of Town Creek Park. Preliminary Cost Estimate/Phasing Strategy A preliminary cost estimate was developed for Phase 1 of the Master Plan. The anticipated construction cost (in today’s dollars) for Town Creek Park is $5,000,000.00. This estimate includes all proposed elements for the project. It should be noted that this estimate is based on master plan level design; final construction documents will have to be completed in order to present a more accurate cost estimate. Phasing It is anticipated that Brunswick County will implement the Town Creek Park improvements in multiple phases. Approaching the development of the park in this manner will allow the County to apply for grants and other funding strategies to reduce County expenditures for capital improvements. The sequencing of the various construction phases will also be important while applying for funding opportunities. With the understanding that it is undetermined which park elements will be implemented during specific construction phases, this master plan allows some flexibility towards implementing park elements as the County gauges recreational needs for its residents and visitors in the future. McGill Associates has created a phased approach for Town Creek Park, which consists of three (3) phases. Following are lists broken down into the different phases. Phase One Utility services will be an important aspect of this phase before the construction of the Baseball/Softball Complex commences. The following is a list of park elements to be included in Phase One:

Utility Services

Soccer/Multi-use field construction and field lighting

Construction of Soccer restroom/concession building

Parking improvements between community building and soccer fields

Construction of dog park

Construction of maintenance building Phase Two The following is a list of park elements to be included in Phase Two:

Construction of Baseball/Softball Complex

Construction of Baseball/Softball Complex parking areas

Landscaping of Baseball/Softball Complex

Paving of all 8’ trails and 5’ sidewalks Phase Three The following is a list of park elements to be included in the Phase Three – the final stage of the project.

Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department Town Creek Park Master Plan


Renovations to the community building, basketball courts, tennis courts, shuffleboard/bocce ball areas.

Construction of remaining parking areas

Construction of picnic shelters and adventure playground

Installation of remaining landscaping Cost Estimates A detailed Cost Estimate was completed to allow the County to construct a viable Capital Improvement Plan for the future. All costs provided are per present day construction methods, means, and prices and may be subject to change. The probable cost estimate for the construction of Town Creek Park can be found on the following page.

Cost Estimate for Construction -END OF SECTION-

acknowledgements · 2019-09-10 · acknowledgements brunswick county board of commissioners william...

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