chatham-kent parks & rec plan

8/3/2019 Chatham-Kent Parks & Rec Plan

1/19

IBI GROUP

2010

In conjunction with

F. J. Galloway Associates Inc.

Monteith Brown

The Municipality of Chatham-KentParks and Recreation Master Plan

Executive Summary Report


2/19

1

TheMunicipalityofChatham-KentParksandRecreationMa

sterPlan|4/23/2010

The Municipal ity of Chatham -Kent Parks andRecreation Master PlanExecutive Summary Report

1 . INTRODUCTIONThis Executive Summary provides Council, staff and the public with an overview of the key

outcomes and recommendations of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the

Municipality of Chatham-Kent. This summary is divided into an overview of the Master Plan

process; a section setting out the focus of the Master Plan; and key recommendations from

each of the functional areas. The consulting team acknowledges the valuable support and

input provided by Council, municipal staff and the many community members and

organizations, all who made significant contributions to the Master Plans recommendations.

This is the first comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the Municipality of

Chatham-Kent. The Municipality was a newly created municipality in 1998 through the

amalgamation of twenty-three municipalities and has a population of 108,000 residents

within an area of 2,494 square kilometres. This Master Plan is intended to provide strategic

direction for the investment, resourcing and decision-making for the next twenty years to

2030. The purpose of the Master Plan is to maximize the availability of parks and recreation

lands, facilities and programming that contribute significantly to the quality of life and

economic development of Chatham-Kent.


3/19

2


sterPlan|4/23/2010

2 .MASTER PLAN PROCESSIn the fall of 2007, a consulting team was selected, and based on the Terms of Reference, a

four-phased work program was developed for the Master Plan:

Phase 1 Understanding the Community - The consulting team completed

background research; trends assessment; and organizational, financial and business

practices analyses.

Phase 2 Engaging the Community Over a number of months, the team

conducted staff consultation, focus groups, a household survey, community

workshops and Council consultations.

Phase 3 Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan The consultants prepared a

Master Plan foundation for parks and open space service levels and recreation

facilities, programming and service delivery; along with beachfront and energy

conservation strategies.

Phase 4 Final Parks and Recreation Master Plan The consulting team is in the

process of undertaking public open houses; a staff development workshop; and a

Council presentation as a basis to finalize the Master Plan in June 2010.

The Master Plan has been

developed on three major themes

and two specific strategies. The

major themes start with a broad

overview moving towards specific

delivery strategies and service

levels. The two strategies relate toshoreline recreational use and

energy conservation for recreation

facilities. Later, action plan and

implementation strategies will be

developed to provide direction on

achieving the intended outcomes.

Master Plan Foundation:

Section 3.0 provides the

philosophical foundation and strategic directions for the Master Plan based on a

Vision and Mission Statement that reflects the unique perspectives in Chatham-Kent.

Recreation Service Delivery Policies, Strategies and Programming: Section 4.0

provides direction to Council, staff and service delivery volunteer organizations on

the future approach to service delivery.


4/19

3


sterPlan|4/23/2010

Parks, Open Space and Recreation Facilities: Section 5.0 establishes a hierarchy

of parks provisioning, open space and outdoor facilities. It also addresses the need

for major new recreation facilities and programs.

Beachfront and Shoreline: Section 6.0 provides general direction for the

acquisition, maintenance and operation of waterfront opportunities throughout the

Municipality of Chatham-Kent

Energy Utilization and Conservation Strategies: Section 7.0 provides general

direction to reduce energy consumption, water conservation and potential energy

use reduction and production in recreation facilities.

Action Plan and Implementation: Section 8.0 provides an implementation

framework and related elements to guide the Master Plans ongoing implementation

and updating. This section will be prepared after public consultation on the Master

Plan.


5/19

4


sterPlan|4/23/2010

3 . MASTER PLAN FOUNDATIONThe key parts of the Master Plan Foundation are the Vision and the Mission. The Vision

provides the overarching long term focus and inspires all stakeholders to achieve a common

goal.

.1 VISION:

Chatham-Kent will be a community where residents value and enjoy healthy,

vibrant and engaged lifestyles through regular participation in recreation, parks,

and open space activities.


6/19

5


sterPlan|4/23/2010

The Mission speaks to the key elements of the Master Plan. Each strategy and decision

associated with parks and recreation services should align with the intent and direction of the

Mission Statement.

.2 MISSION STATEMENT:

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan engages all the communitys abilities and

resources towards the development of parks, open spaces and the delivery of

recreation services that enrich the life experiences of the residents of Chatham-

Kent, through:

Increasing residents health, vitality, personal development and sense of

community;

Enhancing the capacity of community organizations as sustainable and

vibrant contributors to the availability of quality recreation activities and

venues;

Supporting renewal and reinvestment in parks, recreation facilities and

open space to ensure sustainable resources.

Improving economic development outcomes by investing in parks and

recreation programming and facilities.


7/19

6


sterPlan|4/23/2010

4. RECREATION SERVICE DELIVERY POLICIES,STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMMINGThis Section provides direction to Council, staff and community service delivery

organizations on the future approach and priorities for service delivery. The goal is to offer

programs and services that respond to the existing and future recreation interests and needs

of Chatham-Kent residents.

.1 Service Delivery Approach: That community-based organizations represent the

principal service delivery approach for recreation programs, and the principal

approach for expanding the accessibility, affordability, variety and sustainability of

recreation programs in Chatham-Kent.

.2 Municipal Role: Chatham-Kent will achieve its service delivery role through the

planning, development, delivery and evaluation of recreation services based on the

following hierarchy of municipal engagement and roles within its financial priorities

and strategies identified by Council


8/19

7


sterPlan|4/23/2010

The Municipality will engage with community organizations to facilitate and

support the development and delivery of recreation services by providing a

variety of support functions.

The Municipality will enter into partnerships, joint ventures and related initiatives

at variable levels of involvement that result in a shared responsibility for

recreation service delivery.

The Municipality will undertake direct delivery of recreation services where there

is an established need, and where facilitation and partnerships delivery

strategies are not viable or available.

.3 Prioritization Process: That Chatham-Kent adopt a process to prioritize recreation

services that focuses first on municipal residents as the primary users within the

following framework; supports Councils strategic directions; supports broad-based

resident participation; ensures the inclusion of groups with special needs; and

creates opportunities for sport tourism events.

.4 Leadership Role: That the Community Services Division will have a leadership role

in the integration, planning and evaluation of recreation services. The Division will

become involved based on demonstrated need; long term sustainability;

commitments to public accessibility and affordability. The Division will establish an

evaluation process through development of a data collection and performance

evaluation program.


9/19

8


sterPlan|4/23/2010

.5 Partnerships and Joint Ventures: That Chatham-Kent continue to lead and

support partnerships, joint ventures and related initiatives where: a recreation need

is identified and demonstrated; community access, participation and affordability is

assured; the partnership arrangement is financially sound and has long term

sustainability; and the municipal investment and scope of service reflects the level of

benefits to be realized by Chatham-Kent residents.

.6 Volunteer Organization Capacity Development: That the Community Services

Division recognize the voluntary sector as a vital partner in the delivery of recreation

programming, and that municipal organizational capacities be identified to support

the existing and future service delivery role and abilities of volunteer organizations in

Chatham-Kent.

.7 Multi-Use Facilities: That Chatham-Kent continue to utilize and undertake wherever

possible, the development of multi-use approaches in the renewal, reinvestment and

development of new recreation services, facilities and parks.

.8 Annual Communication Strategy: That the Division prepare and implement an

annual communications strategy for the purpose of creating broader public

awareness of recreation programming and facilities, to promote healthier lifestyles,

to encourage greater resident participation and to provide educational opportunities

on the importance of parks and open spaces.

.9 Sport Tourism Strategy: That Chatham-Kent pursue the collaborative development

of a sport tourism strategy based on partnerships with Chatham-Kent Tourism,

community sports organizations and the business sector.


10/19

9


sterPlan|4/23/2010

.10 Program Directions: That the Division consider the further development and

expansion of programming offered, either through partnerships with other community

organizations or through direct delivery, for the following program areas: information

and development for walking, hiking and cycling trail use; older adult programming;

opportunities for extreme sports; mass participation activities, and municipal-wide

events that support improved health, education and community spirit.

.11 Community Group Governance and Operations Model: That Chatham-Kent

develop a governance and operations model for municipally-owned facilities and

parks as follows: municipal responsibility for recreation venue and facility

maintenance; local clubs and groups to plan and operate recreation programs; staff

represent the Municipality on local governing bodies; and ensuring consistent user

fees for service charges and participation fees charged by the local not-for-profit

organizations.

.12 Community Service Contracts: That Chatham-Kent ensure a current valid contract

exists for the operation of all municipally-owned venues and facilities, and that all

contracts be reviewed and updated to identify benefits and services to be delivered.This reinforces the Municipalitys ultimate responsibility for effective asset

management. All use, scheduling and maintenance undertaken by the not-for-profit

organization needs to conform to the following policy criteria and standards

established by the Municipality:

The contract to identify details regarding capital and annual cost responsibilities

between the parties, how revenues will be generated and shared, and the rates

to be charged; and

The contract to have detailed rates

and performance clauses for both

the Municipality and not-for-profitorganization related to regular

maintenance, scheduling limits, the

variety of permitted uses, and

regular performance review criteria.

.13 Recreation Activity Councils: That

Chatham-Kent continue to support or

form specialized activity councils as a

means to generate community input for

the purpose of better supporting

communications, assessing and

reviewing programs and facilities and

pursuing planning activities that

improve access to community support

services. These activity councils may

include the following focuses: Youth,

Trails, Seniors and Sports.


11/19

10


sterPlan|4/23/2010

.14 Community Partnership Fund: That Chatham-Kent sustain the community

partnership funding program for community-based programming, capital and event

investments as a key service delivery and development strategy.

.15 User Fee Policy: That Chatham-Kent undertake a comprehensive assessment and

development strategy related to programs and facility user fees that results in user

fees based on the cost of service delivery; fairness and equity amongst all usergroups; user fee model establishing coverage targets by service area; and staged

implementation of user fee strategies up to five years.

.16 Individual Participant Financial Support: That Chatham-Kent continue its

involvement in providing individual participants financial support to access recreation

programs for its directly delivered services based on: identified benefit of

participation to qualified individuals; a reasonable assessment of the financial or

other limitations that prohibit participation; and selective monitoring of financially

supported participants to ensure engagement and to assess benefits.

.17 Multi-Municipal / Multi-Organizational Approach: That Chatham-Kent pursue

initiatives to maintain and enhance opportunities for multi-municipal and multi-

organizational service delivery with neighbouring municipalities, St. Clair College, the

YMCA, and the not-for-profit organizations by exploring opportunities for a more

integrated service delivery model, implementation that facilitates increased public

accessibility to recreation programs and facilities and improves operational and

capital investment returns for all parties. Where the Municipality makes a significant

capital investment in third party facilities, it needs to ensure that it completes a

Community Access Agreement that facilitates resident accessibility.

.18 Community Use of Schools: That Chatham-Kent continue to explore and develop

strategies and protocols with local school boards that effectively increase community

accessibility to public school sites for recreation programming and sports activitiesas a key support for not-for-profit and municipal directly delivered recreation

services.


12/19

11


sterPlan|4/23/2010

.19 New Program or Facility Business Plans: That any new facility or program

initiative or major addition or renovation to existing facilities with a potential capital

cost of greater than $250,000 or annual program operating cost of more than

$50,000 be supported by a comprehensive Business Plan. That the Division direct

the undertaking of Business Plans by seeking broad-based public consultation and

community engagement, along with not-for-profit organization or partner input; and

that the outcomes of the Business Plan, upon finalization and acceptance for a new

venue or facility be incorporated into the ten-year capital budget forecast for the

Municipality.

5 . PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION FACILITIESSERVICE LEVELSThis section recommends the classification, function and provisioning standards for parks;

official plan policies; indoor and outdoor recreation facilities; and resource renewal and

investment directions. These recommendations provide guidance for decisions regarding

parks and recreation lands, facilities and buildings for Chatham-Kent.

.1 Parks and Open Space Framework: That Chatham-Kentadopt a framework for the

establishment, renewal, maintenance and operation of parks and open space lands

based on the following: that a balance of active and passive recreation opportunities

be available; that parks be equally distributed; that parks be well utilized to meet

community needs; that portions of existing parkland be considered for naturalization;

and that community organizations be allowed to maintain and operate parklands

when viable.


13/19

12


sterPlan|4/23/2010

.2 Parkland Classification: That Chatham-Kent adopt the following classification of

parks:

Parkettes Small green spaces to be used for commemorative events, passive

rest areas and enhanced urban design.

Neighbourhood Parks primarily park venues to satisfy local neighbourhood

needs and be used for passive, playground and recreational sports activities.

Community Parks larger park venues to serve several neighbourhoods and

be used for passive, playground and house league and competitive sports

activities.

Municipal Parks important outdoor areas that provide large or unique venues

for outdoor events and recreation and competitive sporting activities.

.3 Surplus Parkland: That Chatham-Kent consider the sale of surplus parkette sites

consisting of remnant parcels with limited recreation infrastructure, facilities or

function, and the funds be reinvested in the same community by purchasing or

enlarging existing or planned neighbourhood parks.

.4 Trails Master Plan Integration: That Chatham-Kent integrate the Parks and

Recreation Master Plan and Trails Master Plan through the following directions:

adopt the hierarchy of trails; emphasize connections with parks; local looped trail

systems to be incorporated into community parks; prepare and distribute a

community parks and trails map.

.5 Parks and Open Space Provisioning Levels: Adopt the following parkland

provisioning standards:

Parkettes / Neighbourhood Parks be provided at 1.0 hectare per 1000

population;

Community Parks be provided at 1.0 hectare per 1000 population;

Municipal Parks, including conservation areas, provincial and federal parks and

public open spaces and areas, be provided at 3.0 hectares per 1000 population;

and

Pursue an increase in total park area in the Chatham and Wallaceburg Wards to

3.0 hectares per 1000 population.

.6 Parkland Acquisition Policies: That parkland be acquired through: Planning Act

dedication provisions; evaluating former school sites for purchase; accepting

parkland donations where appropriate; pursuing conservation easements or establish

a land trust for natural heritage areas; and the municipal purchase of land for parks.


14/19

13


sterPlan|4/23/2010

.7 Official Plan Policies: That Chatham-Kent amend the Official Plan policies by:

deleting District Parks; adding Parkettes; and changing the name of Regional Parks

to Municipal Parks; that one Neighbourhood Park be required per 5,000 new

residents and one Community Park be required per 15,000 new residents in newly

developing areas; with land to be dedicated at the rate of 5% of developable lands or

one hectare per 300 dwelling units, whichever is greater; continue working with

federal and provincial parks and Conservation Authorities in the delivery of parks and

recreation services on their lands.

.8 Outdoor Facilities Field Framework: That Chatham-Kent adopt the following

framework for outdoor field service levels: Neighbourhood Sports Fields for

recreational level activities; Community Sports Fields for competitive and house

league play; and Municipal Sports Fields for recreation, competitive and sport tourism

uses.

.9 Municipal Sports Venue: That Chatham-Kent develop a Municipal Sports Venue in

a five to ten year time frame located on the edge of Chatham with good access to

Highway 401.


15/19

14


sterPlan|4/23/2010

.10 Baseball Fields: That Chatham-Kent continue to maintain the existing baseball fields

where local house leagues for youth and adult programs demonstrate a sustainable

number of participants.

.11 Soccer Fields: That Chatham-Kent maintain the existing number of soccer fields

where local house and competitive leagues for youth and adult demonstrate a

sustainable number of participants and; where an increasing demand for soccer

fields is shown, redeveloping baseball fields to soccer fields be considered.

.12 Outdoor Courts: That Chatham-Kent redevelop and invest in multi-use courts over

the five to ten year horizon; add two new multi-use courts in each of Wallaceburg,

North Kent, South Kent and West Kent Wards to balance the distribution of courts;

and redevelop existing basketball courts into multi-use courts through the lifecycle

renewal process.

.13 Playgrounds, Pavilions and Skateboard Parks: That Chatham-Kent reinvest and

renew outdoor facilities, including playground equipment, picnic pavilions and

skateboard venues on a lifecycle basis, and that Chatham-Kent develop a new

skateboard park in the Chatham Ward.


16/19

15


sterPlan|4/23/2010

.14 Arenas: That Chatham-Kent undertake the following investments in arenas in the

next three to ten years:

Invest in existing arena facilities based on energy conservation; accessibility and

equipment maintenance needs;

Replace Memorial and Erickson Arenas with twin ice pads of 85 feet x 200 feet,with seating for 2,000 to 2,500, along with dressing rooms, a heated viewing area

and meeting rooms; a recreational multi-use facility; and walking track;

Funding sources be investigated including reserve funds, fundraising; user fee

surcharges; federal and provincial grant programs;

Investigate redeveloping Erickson Arena as multi-use recreation facility.

.15 Indoor and Outdoor Pools: That Chatham-Kent continue to operate and maintain

Gable Reese and Sydenham Pools, and that the Municipality explore options with the

YMCA to provide lessons and programming for both of the pools as an extension of

the new YMCA in Chatham-Kent; support the YMCAs new pool, ensuring there is

identified public access for lessons, programming and public swim opportunities on a

weekly basis; monitor the rates of activities in terms of lessons, daily bathers and

operating costs for Gable Reese and the Sydenham Pools; and retain existing

outdoor pools in Dresden, Ridgetown, Thamesville and Tilbury.


17/19

16


sterPlan|4/23/2010

.16 Splash Pads: That Chatham-Kent develop at least one splash pad in each of the

primary urban centres; Chatham, Wallaceburg, Blenheim, Tilbury, Ridgetown and

Dresden; and replace outdoor pool venues with a splash pad where alternative

indoor pools are available.

.17 Off-Leash Dog Parks: That Chatham-Kent develop two off-leash dog parks in

Chatham and one off-leash dog park in Wallaceburg over the next three to five years.

.18 Multi-Use Facilities Strategies: That Chatham-Kent adopt the following strategies

for multi-use facilities;

Continue to undertake Building Condition Study reports on major facilities every

ten years;

Renewal of multi-use facilities be a preferred alternative over new facilitydevelopment where viable;

Identify the primary urban centres as priority locations for new investment or

renewal in multi-purpose rooms;

Reinvest in multi-purpose rooms that are integrated with other buildings or sites

used for recreational purposes or aligned programming and identified needs;


18/19

17


sterPlan|4/23/2010

have the highest occupancy rates, handicapped accessibility, have received

investments and upgrades in the last five years; have an identified organization

that has demonstrated a sustainable commitment to the ongoing programming,

operation and financial support for the multi-purpose room.

6 . BEACH FRONT AN D SHORELINE STRATEGIESThe following section recommends strategies for beach front and shoreline development and

activities in Chatham-Kent.

.1 Shoreline Ownership: That Chatham-Kentcontinue to retain ownership of its beach

and shoreline properties for public access, with portions of these lands, where

suitable being naturalized; assemble additional shoreline properties along Chatham-

Kent lakes and rivers where it adds to existing municipal ownership and facilitate the

donation of land or the establishment of conservation easements along shorelines for

public access.

.2 Shoreline Facilities: That Chatham-Kent continue to maintain and invest in

convenience, health and safety facilities at waterfront venues; shoreline park facilities

be maintained regularly; and monitor shoreline water quality, posting appropriate

information for users.

.3 Shoreline Programming: That Chatham-Kent promote and support shoreline

venues as destinations for resident participation, community and fundraising events;

and water-based sporting events.


19/19

18


sterPlan|4/23/2010

7 . ENERGY UTILIZATION AND CONSERVATION STRATEGIESThe following section recommends strategies for energy utilization and conservative

measures at arenas and pools in Chatham-Kent.

.1 Energy Conservation Best

Practices: That Chatham-

Kent adopt best practice

measures for arenas and

swimming pools to reduce

energy consumption and

increase conservation

measures.

.2 Renewal and

Reinvestment Strategies:

That Chatham-Kent consider

investments in thereplacement of equipment,

motors and related facility

equipment, selecting energy

efficiency components.

.3 Energy Use in New

Construction: That

Chatham-Kent adopt

Leadership In Energy and

Environment Design (LEED),

minimum silver standards or

a similar standard for all newrecreation facility

development.

.4 Renewable Energy

Production: That Chatham-Kentexplore opportunities for electrical energy

production and solar hot water heating with the installation of solar panels or piping

systems on large roof tops of recreation and municipal facilities.

chatham-kent parks & rec plan

Documents