CATEGORY VII – PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE
The development of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space element of the Capital Improvement Program is based on the goals and objectives set forth in the Comprehensive Plan and the specific recommendations, or action strategies, set forth in the Master Parks, Recreation and Open Space Study.
Comprehensive Plan Goal: “To enhance Marco Island’s open space and recreational opportunities while maintaining its tropical, small town character.”
Comprehensive Plan Information - The City’s Comprehensive Plan is divided into two sections: Part 1 – Goals, Objectives and Policies; and Part 2 – Data and Analysis. Part 1 identifies the goal of the Parks and Open Space Element as listed above. The Comprehensive Plan Objectives from Part 1 are:
· Establishment of minimum Level of Service (LOS) standards for community parklands and regional parkland acreages per 1,000 residents
· To seek additional recreational and open space sites on Marco Island and maintain and enhance the existing sites
· Promotion of a safe, convenient, and energy efficient multimodal transportation system
· The City will actively seek and cooperatively pursue partnerships with Island entities for enhanced and expanded recreational an civic use facilities
Part 2 of the Comprehensive Plan also states: “To gain a better understanding of our park, recreation and open space needs and opportunities, the City commissioned the creation of a Park an Open Space Study in 1999. That Study provides critical information and guidance as to how the City should address open space and recreational needs of the community through build-out. It also provides benchmark data and analysis to facilitate development of this Comprehensive Plan element.” Since the Master Parks, Recreation and Open Space Study (MPROSS) is given great weight in the Comprehensive Plan and, since it provides a more detailed examination of parks and recreation facilities along with more detailed improvement recommendations, the MPROSS serves as the foundation for the CIP recommendations. The
approved CIP projects serve as the action strategies that will fulfill the Comprehensive Plan’s goal and objectives.
Master Parks, Recreation and Open Space Study Objective: The City’s Master Parks, Recreation and Open Space Study (MPROSS) stated objective is, “to develop a long-range, visionary, yet practical parks and open space vision that: has broad-based public consensus, identifies open space needs in ‘new’ areas, identifies opportunities for linkages and partnerships, provides recreation opportunities for all residents, includes a comprehensive variety of facility types, creates opportunities for recreation programs, accommodates changing demographics, respects individual neighborhood needs, develops an implementation strategy and establishes priorities for land acquisition and park development.”
MPROSS Information – The City’s MPROSS is comprised of four sections: 1 – Introduction; 2 – Physical Characteristics of Marco Island; 3 – Needs Analysis and; 4 – The Future of Parks, Recreation and Open Space System. The specific recommendations provided in Section 4, The Future of Parks, Recreation and Open Space System, serve as the basis for CIP recommendations.
Consistency With Adopted Schedule of Capital Improvements: For FY06 Five-Year CIP, the City Council approved $3,344,200 for Parks, Recreation and Open Space program. The FY07 proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement strategy recommends $4,344,200 for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space projects through fiscal year 2011.
Significant Changes from the FY06 budget to the FY07 recommended budget include:
FY07
· Mackle Park Improvements - $200,000 reduction from FY06 approval to fund Beach Access project.
· Beach Access – Marriot - $200,000 to construct pedestrian beach access.
FY08
· Mackle Park Improvements - $300,000 reduction to accommodate other CIP needs.
FY11
· Mackle Park Master Plan - $1,300,000 has been recommended to continue Master Plan implementation.
(Note: The changes in funding for Mackle Park Improvements have altered the elements to be constructed in each implementation phase)
Project #16: Mackle Park Improvements
Project Goal: “To increase Mackle Park’s ability to meet the needs of the community through phased implementation of the Mackle Park Master Plan.”
Project Objectives:
1. To expand the pathway to a width of twelve-feet (12’) per the Mackle Park Master Plan
2. To develop and construct pedestrian connections between the park and surrounding neighborhoods per the Mackle Park Master Plan
3. To install pathway lighting conduit for future installation of path lighting
4. To construct Sitting Circle per the Mackle Park Master Plan in the south-east corner of the park
5. To install new trees and landscaping in the project area
Project’s Relationship to Comprehensive Plan:
· “To seek additional recreational and open space sites on Marco Island and maintain and enhance the existing sites” (Section VI, Objective 1.2)
· “Public meetings will be held by the Parks and Recreation Department, to seek input from the resident of Marco Island on the design of all public recreational facilities to be built or expanded on Marco Island” (Section VI, Policy 1.2.5) (Completed during the Master Plan development).
·
Project’s Relationship to MPROSS:
· “Renovate and expand Mackle Park: Develop a final master plan and construction documents for the proposed improvements to Mackle Park” (Section 4, page 43, #7)
Success Measurement: Completion of FY07 construction projects within the approved budget.
Project Narrative: Mackle Park is the primary public space in the City’s park system. It offers a unique blend of passive and active recreation and serves as the host site for a majority of the city’s community events, public and organizational meetings, concerts, and dances. It also hosts the island’s only publicly owned community center, which is heavily used throughout the year. A comprehensive Master Plan for the park, in accordance with the MPROSS, was completed in 2004 and approved by the City Council on February 22, 2005. The plan provides the framework for investing CIP funding, defines long and short term improvement priorities, provides cost estimates for these priorities, graphically illustrate the future park, explains user patterns, documents
development chronology and eliminates or mitigates current conflicts between users.
Implementation of the Master Plan began with the construction of Kids’ Cove playground. The projects described above represent Phase III improvements as discussed with the City Council during the February 7, 2005 workshop on the Mackle Park Master Plan. The recommendations for FY07-FY11 are also consistent with the construction phases discussed with the City Council on February 7, 2005. The City will seek grants to assist with park development.
The Five-Year CIP period spanning fiscal years 2005-2008, as identified in the FY04 budget, has been amended for Mackle Park to the following schedule. All projects are supported in the MPROSS and the Comprehensive Plan. Anticipated spending for FY11 has been included.
· Fiscal Year 2008: Phase IV improvements, relocate soccer field, install path lighting, construct entry arbors, install new park signage, install border landscaping and irrigation.
· Fiscal Year 2009: Phase V improvements, new basketball courts, expand parking lot, install park lighting, south parking lot construction, install site furniture, install landscaping.
· Fiscal Year 2010: Phase VI improvements, design community center, plaza and overlook areas through construction documents.
· Fiscal Year 2011: Phase VII improvements, construct plaza and other overlooks.
· Funding needs beyond FY11 are estimated at $4.6 million to construct new community center and picnic area.
Five-Year Funding Recommendation:
FY07 |
FY08 |
FY09 |
FY10 |
FY11 |
Total |
269,200 |
600,000 |
1,000,000 |
350,000 |
1,300,000 |
3,519,200 |
Funding: $3,519,200 GF & Park Impact Fees
Project #17: Racquet Center Improvements
FY08 Project Goal: “To replace under-court irrigation at courts 3 and 4”
Project Objectives:
1. To replace under-court irrigation at courts 3 and 4 to improve water conservation and player safety.
Project’s Relationship to Comprehensive Plan:
· “To seek additional recreational and open space sites on Marco Island and maintain and enhance the existing sites” (Section VI, Objective 1.2)
Project’s Relationship to MPROSS:
· “All parks and facilities must be maintained to be clean, safe, well-lighted, attractive, comfortable and uniform in appearance” (Section 4, page 63, #5)
Success Measurement: Completion of FY08 construction project within the approved budget.
FY08 Project Narrative: Funding allows for the replacement of inefficient under-court irrigation system on courts 3 and 4. The existing system uses a significant amount of water compared to the systems installed on courts 5, 6, 7 and 8. Because the existing system is inefficient in how it distributes water to the clay surface, dry areas frequently develop on the court surfaces which is unsafe for players. To create a safe surface, staff must increase the water used on these courts.
The Five-Year CIP period spanning fiscal years 2005-2008, as identified in the FY04 budget, has been amended for the Racquet Center to the following schedule. All projects are supported in the MPROSS and the Comprehensive Plan. Anticipated spending for FY09’ has been included.
· Fiscal Year 2008: Replace under-court irrigation on courts 3 and 4.
· Fiscal Year 2010: Building repairs.
Five-Year Funding Recommendation:
FY07 |
FY08 |
FY09 |
FY10 |
FY11 |
Total |
0 |
$100,000 |
0 |
$100,000 |
0 |
$200,000 |
Funding: $200,000 GF
Project #18: Winterberry Park Improvements
Project Goal: “To increase Winterberry Park’s ability to meet the needs of the community through implementing the Winterberry Park Improvement Plan”
Project Objectives:
1. To increase Winterberry Park’s ability to meet the needs of the community through the construction of parking improvements, a perimeter walk, install site furniture, relocate field lighting and install additional landscaping.
Project’s Relationship to Comprehensive Plan:
· “To seek additional recreational and open space sites on Marco Island and maintain and enhance the existing sites” (Section VI, Objective 1.2)
Project’s Relationship to MPROSS:
· “Develop a Master Development Plan and Construction Documents for Winterberry which creates an urban” facility capable of supporting multiple uses” (Section 4, page 44, #8, bullet 1)
· “Implement improvements including construction of new ball field facilities, reconfiguration of the parking lots and pedestrian walks” (Section 4, page 44, #8, bullet 1)
Success Measurement: Completion of FY10 construction project within the approved budget.
FY10 Project Narrative: An Improvement Plan for Winterberry Park was developed in FY03-04 in accordance with the MPROSS. The plan will be presented to the public for comment during the current year. The improvement plan makes long term recommendations for the improvement of the park. Like the plan developed for Mackle Park, it must be implemented in phases.
· Fiscal Year 2010: Improvements per the Improvement Plan, parking improvements, construct perimeter walk, construct small playground, install site furniture,, relocate field lighting, landscaping.
Five-Year Funding Recommendation:
FY07 |
FY08 |
FY09 |
FY10 |
FY11 |
Total |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$300,000 |
0 |
$300,000 |
Funding: $300,000 GF
Project #19: Veterans Community Park
Project Goal: “To increase the amount of park land available to residents through the development of the Veterans Community Park.”
Project Objectives:
1. To increase the amount of park land available to residents by first developing a Comprehensive Master Plan, in FY07, that provides the framework for developing the Veterans Community Park with strong community support.
2. Construct small, early action projects with remaining funds.
Project’s Relationship to Comprehensive Plan:
· “To seek additional recreational and open space sites on Marco Island and maintain and enhance the existing sites” (Section VI, Objective 1.2)
· “Within one year of the Plan’s effective date, the City will investigate and negotiate, if feasible, the purchase of vacant property on Marco Island that is suitable for future parks/or community/cultural center” (Section VI, Policy 1.2.1)
· “Public meetings will be held by the Parks and Recreation Department, to seek input from the resident of Marco Island on the design of all public recreational facilities to be built or expanded on Marco Island” (Section VI, Policy 1.2.5)
Project’s Relationship to MPROSS:
· “The collection of 6 undeveloped lots along Elkcam Circle, in the southwest quadrant of downtown, presents the opportunity for the development of the signature civic space of Marco Island. This space could begin as a public gathering space, complete with plazas fronting the water, and green space to accommodate festivals.” (Section 4, page 58, paragraph 3)
· “Develop and implement a Master Site Plan for the town Center gathering space or ‘green’” (Section 4, page 58, #3)
Success Measurement: Completion of the FY06 planning project within the approved budget and within the fiscal year.
Project Narrative: As stated in the introduction of this section, voters approved a referendum in 2003 to purchase the 6.85 acres known as the “Glon Property”. Acquiring the land and developing the park is supported in both the Comprehensive Plan and the MPROSS. Developing a Master Plan for the new park was originally planned for FY05, however, with guidance from City Council (March 21,2005), the FY05 funds are being used to reconstruct the seawall on the waterfront lots. FY07 funding allows for the Master Plan to be developed. The planning process will include several opportunities for public participation during the design development stage. The completed plan will serve as the foundation for capital projects in future years. The City will seek grant funds for construction projects
in the years when the City is able to provide matching funds. After completing the Master Plan, FY07 remaining funds will be used to complete a minor project. Fiscal Year 2007: Develop a Comprehensive Master Plan, complete minor construction project.
Five-Year Funding Recommendation:
FY07 |
FY08 |
FY09 |
FY10 |
FY11 |
Total |
$100,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$100,000 |
Funding: $100,000 GF
Project #20: Leigh Plummer Park Improvements
Project Goal: “To increase Leigh Plummer Park’s ability to meet the needs of the community.”
Project Objectives:
1. To increase Leigh Plummer Park’s ability to meet the needs of the community by developing an Improvement Plan, in FY07, that provides the framework for renovating the park and that has community support.
Project’s Relationship to Comprehensive Plan:
· “To seek additional recreational and open space sites on Marco Island and maintain and enhance the existing sites.” (Section VI, Objective 1.2)
· “Public meetings will be held by the Parks and Recreation Department, to seek input from the resident of Marco Island on the design of all public recreational facilities to be built or expanded on Marco Island.” (Section VI, Policy 1.2.5)
Project’s Relationship to MPROSS:
· “Improve existing Neighborhood Parks according to the specific needs of surrounding residents (e.g. Leigh Plummer Park).” (Section 4, page 47, #4)
Success Measurement: Completion of the FY07 planning project within the approved budget and within the fiscal year.
Project Narrative: Leigh Plummer Park is an important facility in the makeup of the City’s open space resources; however, it is grossly underutilized. In its current state, it serves primarily as a passive park for walking and sitting and provides an outdoor respite for contractors during lunchtime. While many options for development have been suggested by residents and staff, an Improvement Plan should be developed to ensure that investment in the park is done in accordance with resident needs, as set forth in the MPROSS. If funded, the project would allow the administration to develop an Improvement Plan for Leigh Plummer Park that will serve as the foundation to transform this underutilized space into a valuable community resource.
The original Leigh Plummer Park development program, from the MPROSS suggests:
1. Monument/Garden
2. Multi-Purpose Open Space
3. Playground with Benches
4. New Parking
5. Gazebo
6. New Crosswalks
Five-Year Funding Recommendation:
FY07 |
FY08 |
FY09 |
FY10 |
FY11 |
Total |
$25,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
$25,000 |
Funding: $25,000 GF
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