PEMBROKE PARK MASTER PLAN
PREPARED FOR
SORELL COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 2015
PEMBROKE PARK MASTER PLAN
prepared for Sorell Council
Inspiring Place Pty Ltd Placemaking: Environmental Planning, Landscape Architecture, Tourism + Recreation 210 Collins St Hobart TAS 7000 T: 03 6231-1818 E: [email protected] ACN 58 684 792 133
Date Version 28.11.14 Draft Master Plan to Council 23.02.15 Revised Master Plan following Council review
CONTENTS
Section 1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Preparation of the Master Plan ...... 2 Section 2 Context...... 5 2.1 Policy Framework...... 5 2.2 Trends ...... 8 2.2.1 Population Trends ...... 8 2.2.2 Sport and Recreation Participation Trends ...... 10 2.3 Current Facilities and Use...... 14 2.4 Club/Group Issues and Opportunities ...... 20 2.4.1 Club/Group Issues ...... 20 2.4.2 Pembroke Park Opportunities ...... 21 2.5 Key Issues...... 22 2.5.1 Access, Traffic and Parking ...... 23 2.5.2 Adding and Upgrading Facilities ...... 25 2.5.3 Improving Site Amenity ...... 31 2.5.4 Extending Community Appeal and Town Connections ...... 33 Section 3 Future Directions - Vision, Guiding Principles and Policies...... 37 3.1 Vision and Guiding Principles ...... 37 3.1.1 Vision Statement ...... 37 3.1.2 Principles...... 38 3.2 Key Policies...... 39 Section 4 Master Plan ...... 41 4.1 Managing Access, Traffic and Parking...... 41 4.2 Upgrading and Adding Sport and Recreation Facilities ...... 42 4.3 Improving Amenity ...... 46 4.4 Improving Connections ...... 47 Section 5 Implementation Plan ...... 49 5.1 Management Responsibilities ...... 49 5.2 Potential Funding Sources ...... 49 5.2.1 Council Budgets ...... 49 5.2.2 State and Federal Government Grants ...... 50 5.2.3 Community Fundraising ...... 51 5.3 Action Plan ...... 53 5.3.1 Introduction ...... 53 5.3.2 Action Plan ...... 54
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 B ACKGROUND
Pembroke Park is the premier municipal sport and recreation venue that is owned and managed by the Sorell Council. The park is located on the western edge of Sorell on a land title of 21.7 ha.
The Park is currently used by the Sorell Senior Football Club, Sorell Junior Football Club, Sorell Little Athletics, Sorell Senior/Junior Cricket Club, Sorell Super Rules and the Dodges Ferry Horseriding Club.
The South East United Football Club will be based at the Park, having been formed in 2013 to provide a supportive local pathway beyond junior soccer for players 13 years and over from Sorell and surrounding districts. A netball club is being formed in 2014 with the planned construction of netball court facilities to cater for junior, ladies, midweek and mixed netball use.
The park also has a BMX jumps circuit and a skatepark. The park attracts informal use including recreational walking, exercise/walking with dogs, running and play.
Council has allowed the use of a small portion of the park off Montagu Street for used by recreational vehicles for overnight stays. The site caters for up to 20 vehicles and provides a shelter and grey water disposal outlet.
Planning options for Pembroke Park were investigated in 19971 leading to the development of a concept master plan. The plan assessed existing use and management of the park, potential demand for sport and recreational use and included a concept master plan. Over the next decade some facilities were upgraded (e.g. sealing of the car park, locked gate) and some new facilities were added including the skate park and bmx circuit.
In 2013 a revised concept plan2 was prepared for Pembroke Park to facilitate funding applications in the lead up to State and Federal elections.
1 HMT Planning Pty Ltd 1997. Future Planning Options for Pembroke Park, Sorell 2 M2a Architects Master Plan – Stage 2 with Landscaping 2 Pembroke Park Master Plan
In 2013 Council received $1.19 million in Federal Government funding under the Regional Development Australia Fund for improvements to Pembroke Park. Works have included development of an amenities building, construction of the soccer pitch, harvesting stormwater for reuse and realignment of the boundary fence to provide a larger area for Little Athletics. The funding will also allow for some minor landscaping and car parking works.
The PCYC Shed was later moved to Pembroke Park for use by groups requiring an indoor recreation space.
In August 2014 the State Government announced a grant of $80,000 from the Community Support Levy for new multi-purpose courts at Pembroke Park. The courts will enable the Sorell Netball League to field up to 22 additional netball teams.
1.2 P REPARATION OF THE M ASTER P LAN
Preparation of the current master plan has involved:
a briefing with Council staff and the Pembroke Park Advisory Committee (PPAC);
review of relevant reports, policies and information;
analysis of development and demographic trends and possible implications for the Sorell municipality;
consultation with Sport and Recreation Tasmania;
preparation of a new base plan for the park;
a site visit/discussions with the key stakeholders and users (e.g. clubs, groups) to identify needs, issues, future plans, and partnership opportunities;
contact with potential clubs/groups that may or are considering use or relocation to Pembroke Park e.g. Sorell Bowls Club, Sorell Tennis Club, Sorell District High School, Sorell Primary School;
identification of the key issues and opportunities for future development and upgrading of Pembroke Park;
review the vision and guiding principles for the Park;
Section 1 Introduction 3
preparation of the overall master plan showing layout, future use and facilities, Action Plan and cost estimates; review of the draft master plan by Council staff and PPAC; and review of the master plan and presentation of it to a Councillors meeting/workshop.
SECTION 2 CONTEXT
2.1 P OLICY F RAMEWORK
There are a number of relevant Council plans and policies to consider in planning for the future of Pembroke Park including the:
Sorell Council Strategic Plan 2014-2018;
Draft Sorell Interim Planning Scheme 2014;
Draft Sorell Streetscape Plan 2014;
Sorell Township Urban Master Plan 2009;
Municipal Recreation Plan 2002; and
Future Planning Options for Pembroke Park 1997.
S ORELL C OUNCIL S TRATEGIC P LAN 2014- 2018
The Plan sets out guiding principles, the primary focus and key focus areas to guide the development and implementation of Council’s Operating Plans and Budgets for the next 5 years and beyond. Whilst not specific to Pembroke Park, there are a number of guiding principles that apply to planning and management of the Park, including:
striving for financial sustainability;
maximising Sorell Council’s value to the municipality;
facilitating growth and new opportunities;
prioritising resources;
engaging and communicating with the community; and
supporting regional cooperation.
6 Pembroke Park Master Plan
D RAFT S ORELL I NTERIM P LANNING S CHEME 2014
Pembroke Park is zoned Recreation in the Draft Sorell Interim Planning Scheme 2014. The purpose of the zone is to:
provide for a range of active and organised recreational use or development and complementary uses that do not impact adversely on the recreational use of the land; and
encourage open space networks that are linked through the provision of walking and cycle trails.
Within the Zone, development within the sport and recreation use class requires no permit if provided by Council or an agency but otherwise sport and recreation is a permitted use. Discretionary use classes applicable to Pembroke Park include:
business and professional services (only if an office for a community based organization)
Community meeting and entertainment
Domestic animal breeding, boarding or training (only if for animal training)
Educational and occasional care (only if employment training centre
Emergency services
Food services
General retail and hire
Tourist operation
Utilities
Vehicle parking
D RAFT S ORELL S TREETSCAPE P LAN 2014, I NSPIRING P LACE
The draft streetscape plan for the town centre of Sorell focuses on improvements to the public realm in order to foster investment and encourage people out of their cars to fill the streets once again with life. The Plan recognizes the importance of Pembroke Park as a major community asset and recommends the upgrading of Fitzroy Street (e.g. shared trail, tree planting,
Section 2 Context 7
new kerb and gutters, parallel parking) to improve connectivity and accessibility from the town centre to the park.
S ORELL T OWNSHIP U RBAN M ASTER P LAN 2009, C OLLIE
This plan provides an overall urban design framework for the town of Sorell. In relation to Pembroke Park, the plan identifies:
the need for walking and cycling links to the town centre and other nodes;
developing a main walking/cycling link along Arthur Street;
tree planting along Arthur Street and the Tasman Highway
reducing the visual impact of fences on residential properties facing onto the northeast boundary of Pembroke Park;
providing for a western town by-pass to the Tasman Highway;
installing traffic lights at the intersection of Arthur Street and the Tasman Highway to allow for a safe crossing point;
potential for residential medium density housing to the east of Pembroke Park (area bordered by Arthur Street, Tasman Highway, Walker Street and Sommerville Street); and
the need to consider relocating the town bowling club and/or tennis club into Pembroke Park to consolidate active recreation use.
M UNICIPAL R ECREATION P LAN 2002, I NSPIRING P LACE
The plan was prepared to provide Council with recommendations on future recreation priorities, recreational and infrastructure requirements, resource allocation and possible partnerships with the development of sporting and recreation facilities in the municipality. The plan involved extensive community and user group consultation including surveys.
One of the key recommendations was to prepare a master plan for Pembroke Park as the principal sporting and recreation venue for the municipality. The plan also referred to the potential to strategically position other sporting and recreational facilities into the Park, to create shared trail links (town centre, memorial hall, schools and Orielton Lagoon) and the opportunity to cater for
8 Pembroke Park Master Plan
dog exercising with the potential to sell off excess land to derive funding for further upgrade of the Park.
F UTURE P LANNING O PTIONS FOR P EMBROKE P ARK 1997, HMT P LANNING P TY L TD
This report provided an overview of Pembroke Park, its existing use and management, an assessment of potential demand and future planning for the Park. This included a concept master plan showing the future layout of sporting and recreation facilities, access roads, car parks, landscaping and amenities.
2.2 T RENDS
2.2.1 Population Trends
S OUTH E AST R EGION
Sorell is centrally located as a major service centre within a wider population catchment of a South East region that extends to include the Tasman LGA and the southern part of the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council (north to Triabunna). The population is estimated to be in the range of 17,000 persons with Sorell LGA accounting for about 80% of the population base.
Sorell is located only 25kms from the Hobart CBD and its sporting clubs and venues can attract some people from within the wider urban and rural catchment for the City of Clarence (population 53,000) and the Hobart urban region. Most of the sporting and recreation clubs are playing within a regional competition.
Population projections for Southern Tasmania3 suggest that the overall rate of population growth will decline in the next 16 years, but that areas such as Brighton and Sorell are expected to maintain a higher growth rate than other LGA’s. It is expected that the growth rate for Sorell LGA will be 7.8% during 2013-2017 but fall to 5.3% by 2028-2032. The expected population growth for Sorell LGA is about 4800 persons by the Year 2032. Sorell LGA has now and will continue to have a lower age profile than its neighbouring LGA’s, given its appeal for attracting first home buyers and young families.
3 ABS Estimated Residential Population 2009 and Demographic Change Advisory Council date used within the Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy Background Report 2 : The Regional Profile 2011
Section 2 Context 9
S ORELL LGA
The current estimated population4 of the Sorell municipality is 13,467 persons with a median age of 39 years. The population has been growing with the municipality being one of the fastest growing local government areas in Tasmania – fourth behind Latrobe, Kingborough and Brighton.
The main population centres for the municipality are Midway Point, Sorell, and the Southern Beaches area of Lewisham, Dodges Ferry, Carlton, Primrose Sands and Dunalley.
At the 2011 Census, the population of Sorell town was 2,476 persons, which represents 18.4% of the municipal total population. The age profile is older with a median age of 44 years being well above the median age for the municipality, Tasmania and Australia. The age structure along with the trend towards low birth rates and increased lifespan of older persons suggests a maturing of the municipal population in coming years. The total population is projected to increase by 29.1% from 2012 to 2032, with the proportion of the population aged 70 years and older projected to increase by 157.2% over the same period5.
The Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) indicate aspects of disadvantage that relate to income and wealth, living conditions, education and engagement in skilled occupations6. The Sorell population has a medium rate of relative socio-economic disadvantage compared to other LGAs and Tasmania in general. Sorell also has medium ranking for the index of economic resources. However, its index of education and occupation is below the regional and State weighted averages.
The continued growth in the population of Sorell and the municipality in general, will support sporting and recreational activities with good junior development programs, but the longer term scenario of an ageing population will emerge to impact on recruitment for many clubs. It is expected that the ageing population trend along with changing community expectations for access to public open space will see growing interest in providing a well- connected path/trail network encompassing Sorell and offering connections to major community facilities such as Pembroke Park.
4 Based on ABS data for residential population release 2012 5 https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/48237/2009_Sorell_LGA_profile.pdf 6 DHHS (2008) Health and Well Being Directory
10 Pembroke Park Master Plan
2.2.2 Sport and Recreation Participation Trends
G ENERAL T RENDS
Leisure and recreation planning and provision have changed dramatically in Australia over recent years. It is not uncommon to find sporting precincts that were planned, designed, developed and managed solely for sport with limited regard for fostering wider community use and interest in open space.
Policy and planning approaches in most states generally seek to achieve integrated or multiple use development of sporting and community infrastructure. This is driven by the need to achieve an effective, feasible and financially viable mix of community services rather than a continued separation of provision across numerous sites.
Consequently, Councils are typically looking at:
locating community facilities (schools, libraries, health facilities, maternal and child health, kindergartens, churches) in or on the edge of activity centres, at junctions of open space systems and close to existing/planned public transport;
providing community infrastructure in a manner, which is co-located, integrated with and shared across government, community, and the private sector;
redeveloping facilities so they are capable of catering for changing needs, are flexible and support multiple uses, and have the ability to adapt over time;
providing multi-use, linked open space networks; and
designing sports facilities to meet current and future needs and which are more flexible/adaptable to unexpected change.
I MPLICATIONS OF T RENDS FOR P LANNING OF P EMBROKE P ARK
The preparation of a revised master plan for Pembroke Park allows scope to review the emerging changes within the community and consequently in sport and recreation. It can place a greater emphasis on the need for future provision, quality, management and programming for a range of sporting, recreational and community uses. The project also provides the opportunity
Section 2 Context 11
for the clubs, Council and community to work together towards an outcome that is embracing of change.
There are a number of broader socio-economic and recreational participation trends occurring within the Tasmanian community that will influence sport and recreation. These include changing work hours, increased part-time employment, continuing high levels of unemployment, greater recognition of the links with better health, increased community desire for trails, shift towards involvement in more passive activities, increasing costs for clubs, difficulty in attracting volunteers etc.
The potential implications for the future planning of the Pembroke Park are considered to be:
stronger community interest in creating healthy and less- structured public spaces where recreational trails, picnic, play, social and fitness facilities can be added into the mix with existing organised sporting use;
stronger community views that good design, user safety and risk management issues be addressed as a priority, especially to minimise conflict between vehicles and pedestrian use;
the need for systems that effectively program the use of sports grounds and facilities, providing sufficient ‘recovery’ time between winter and summer uses while at the same time maximising return on investment through greater use;
stronger community interest in the overall amenity of the site, including provision of landscaping, shade, signage, seating, rubbish bins and designated car parking areas;
higher expectations for the quality of playing surfaces and facilities;
continuing difficulties for many sporting and recreation clubs to retain and attract volunteers and administrators ;
continuing rising costs for sporting clubs and the increasing difficulty to raise funds from sponsorship and fundraising efforts to meet operating costs; and
the need to achieve multiple uses of sports grounds and facilities where possible.
12 Pembroke Park Master Plan
Table 2.1 indicates some demand drivers that will impact on Council sport and recreation service delivery.
Demand Present position Projection Impact on services drivers
Population 13,467 (ABS Additional 4,800 More demand for Estimated resident persons by 2032 Council managed population June 2012). public open spaces and provision of sports facilities.
Demographics Aging population. Proportion of More demand for people aged infrastructure suitable over 60 to for aging community increase but including all access slower than most paths. However the other LGA’s. influx of younger families will also see need for improved play and youth facilities.
Increasing Disability Higher standards Higher levels of levels of service Discrimination Act for improved service may impact on via legislative 1992, Disability safety and the amount of requirements Standards for amenity. maintenance and Accessible Public renewal able to be Transport. undertaken with allocated expenditure.
Lot sizes Trend towards smaller A greater More demand for residential lots and proportion of the public open space urban infill in community will including access of established suburbs. have limited larger areas like private open Pembroke Park. space. More potential users within the catchment of existing parks.
Climate Change Mild dry spells. Longer dry Increased irrigation spells. requirements for Coastal damage sportsgrounds and with inundation open space areas. risks. Loss or damage to some foreshore areas and facilities.
Table 2.2 Demand Drivers and Impacts on Services
Section 2 Context 13
The potential to fund major sporting venues will continue to be difficult within Southern Tasmania. As an example there are:
the National Fitness Southern Recreation Association proposals is seeking government funding to build two new regional community indoor sports and recreation centres at Geilston Bay and Claremont to replace the aged facilities at Rosny and Moonah;
the City of Clarence has a master plan for land at Seven Mile Beach indicating the potential for a AFL oval and sportsgrounds to accommodate the future needs for a future South East Region team in the State league;
Football Federation Tasmania has a master plan and business case for development of a junior soccer sports venue at Cambridge;
the City of Hobart has a master plan for the redevelopment of the TCA oval on the Queens Domain;
the development of major sporting facilities at Kingborough Sports Centre including the twin ovals, State Gymnastics Centre and an new indoor centre;
the City of Glenorchy is proceeding with major upgrading of a sports precinct based around King George V oval;
the City of Glenorchy has a master plan prepared for Berriedale Reserve and MONA proposing consolidation of Bowls Clubs and construction of an indoor arena;
Netball Tasmania are seeking to establish a Netball House in Southern Tasmania that could host international and national events (preference within the urban area); and
the Hobart Chargers are seeking funding for the development of a show court to accommodate national and elite basketball (this may occur with any upgrading of the Derwent Entertainment Centre).
P EMBROKE P ARK C LUBS AND G ROUPS
Consultation with clubs and groups indicated the expectation of growing membership and participation with most sporting and recreational activities. This was attributed to the growing population with young families within the
14 Pembroke Park Master Plan
municipality and improved facilities at Pembroke Park. Table 2.1 provides an overview of the membership levels and trends for the sporting and recreation clubs at Pembroke Park. It also includes the Sorell Tennis Club and Sorell Bowls Club, both located nearby.
Club/Group Current Membership Trend in past Expected trend in next 5 years 5 years Sorell Senior Football 95 players, 20 volunteers growing growing Club and life members, 130 social supporters and sponsors Sorell Junior Football range of 170-200 kids Slight increase Steady increase with Club registered plus strong active recruitment parent support programs AFL Super Rules 25-30 players steady steady South East United about to commence in Club not possibly 100 players Football Club late 2014 established Sorell Senior/Junior - - - Cricket Club Dodges Ferry Horse 100 members growing growing with new site Riding Club and improved facilities as membership is currently capped Sorell Netball Club About 200 children growing growing (currently in involved in after school formation) program, ladies social netball attracts about 100-140 South East Districts 150 members growing possibly more than 200 Little Athletics Club members Sorell Tennis Club 100 members declined but growing (located in town now growing centre) Sorell Bowls Club 80-90 members declined but steady – small growth (located in town now growing centre)
Table 2.1 Current Membership and Trends, Pembroke Park Clubs and Groups
2.3 C URRENT F ACILITIES AND U SE
Map 2.1 shows the layout of the existing facilities within Pembroke Park.
A summary is provided in Table 2.2 of the current use of the Pembroke Park facilities and time of use.
Tasman Highway
Amenities building Netball courts Junior Sports Oval (under construction) Little Athletics javelin Sportsground area (Soccer) Scout Hall Land reserved for Changerooms, toilets, bypass club storage Little Athletics jumps
Little Athletics field sports Scoreboard
Pembroke Park Clubrooms Main sports oval Cricket wickets Entry road Private land
Fitzroy Street Miena Park Skate Park BMX jumps
Dodges Ferry Horse Riding Club site and facilities Recreational vehicles
camping area Arthur Street Dog exercising area
Montague Street
Map 2.1 Current Facilities and Use N
Sport and Club/Group Teams Competition/Level of Pembroke Park Times of Use Recreation Use Use facilities used
Senior AFL Sorell Senior Football Seniors, reserves, colts Southern Football League Main oval during Generally late March (dependent on cricket season) – Football Club season, Junior oval end of August (dependent on finals). during pre-season for Training Tuesday and Thursday nights 6-7.30pm training, clubrooms, Home games played on Saturdays changerooms and other oval facilities
Junior AFL Sorell Junior Football 10-11 junior teams Auskick (5-6 year olds) Ovals plus lights, Most evenings (Monday – Friday) from mid January Football Club through to U16 ages amenities, change to August/September and Sundays rooms, storage sheds, clubrooms and canteen
Super Rules Super Rules Master team AFL State Masters Training on the junior Generally February – August. Play 1-2 games at Football involving teams around oval but play on the Pembroke Park each year with all teams involved the State main oval playing at the same venue (all day Sunday). Training times are 6.30-7.30pm Tuesdays and Thursdays
Football (Soccer) South East United Expect 2 U13 teams, Div Southern Premier New senior ground Grounds will be used throughout the year for training Football Club 3 Mens or Reserves, (Championships) League and junior soccer and games in the evenings. Saturday/Sunday likely to representing central potential for Mens or Reserves, grounds (3), be layday or used for training. Div 3 Mens or South East area Butanese/Nepalese southern club competition changerooms and Reserves likely to play Friday night or Sunday interest (2 boys teams, 1 for U13 require storage area afternoon. Summer 6 competition from October – girls teams, U20 team) December – Tuesday 4-8pm
Table 2.2 Current Use of Pembroke Park 18 Pembroke Park Master Plan
Sport and Club/Group Teams Competition/Level Pembroke Park Times of Use Recreation Use of Use facilities used
Senior and Junior Sorell Senior/Junior Cricket - - Both ovals, clubrooms and - Cricket Club changerooms
Horseriding Dodges Ferry Horse Riding Individual riders Club organizes Current site although All year round with highest use in weekends. Club representing the club. shows/gymkhanas at planned to relocate to Some use in the evenings with day light Currently capped at the site for junior to adjacent Miena Park in saving and occasional use by members 100 members (due to senior riders. January 2 future. Existing arena closed during the week for training purposes. limited arena facility) day event attracts given risk issues. interest from around the Jump/training course, State holding yards, storage and buildings on site. Portable toilet but also have access to new changerooms/toilets near netball area
Netball Sorell Netball Club (currently Expect to have 2-3 Southern Tasmania Planned courts and March – October for club and October – in formation) junior teams and 2 Netball Association constructed change rooms. December for after school programs. ladies teams in 2015 Storage facility. Training at Monday after school and ladies roster. Pembroke Park, games to Training nights may be Tuesday and be played at Creek Road Wednesday. Mixed netball and midweek rosters would be based around level of interest and availability of players.
Table 2.2 Current Use of Pembroke Park (continued)
Section 2 Context 19
Sport and Club/Group Teams Competition/Level Pembroke Park facilities Times of Use Recreation Use of Use used
Little Athletics South East Districts Little 150 registered Regional Grounds to the north of the main October – February. First 4 Saturdays in Athletics Club participants oval – junior oval, which includes October and then Friday Twilight meets with new jumps, discus and shot, put day light saving. Occasional Wednesday areas. Use main oval for track. night training and informal training times Use change rooms and have outside of the above times. storage shed adjoining the rooms.
Skateboarding Informal community use No applicable No applicable Skate park Informal use at all times
BMX riding Informal community use No applicable No applicable BMX jumps and skatepark Informal use at all times
Recreational Informal community use No applicable No applicable Whole of the park including the Informal use at all times walking/running roads, sportsgrounds and open space areas
Dog exercising Informal community use No applicable No applicable Dog exercising area and then on Informal use at all times lead throughout the park
Tennis Sorell Tennis Club 12 teams in AYC AYC in Southern None as Club located in town AYC uses the court facilities Mon-Thurs competition, junior and Tasmania centre. Four courts and evenings, junior tennis on Wed and social social tennis clubrooms. tennis at all times including programs for Tues and Fri
Bowls Sorell Bowls Club 2 ladies pennant Southern Tasmania None as Club located in town Thursdays, Saturdays for pennant teams and 3 mens pennant centre. One synthetic green and competition. Used at other times for junior pennant teams clubrooms programs, training and social use.
Table 2.2 Current Use of Pembroke Park (continued)
2.4 C LUB/GROUP I SSUES AND O PPORTUNITIES
2.4.1 Club/Group Issues
Consultations with the existing Clubs/Groups identified the key issues/needs for the long term development of their clubs, which are summarized in Table 2.3.
Club/Group Identified Issues/Needs Sorell Senior Football Club Improving safety around the existing facilities including vehicle free areas for users and spectators Poor standard of the existing change rooms. Liability risks with players as cross road and car parking area to reach the ovals, lack of storage and inadequate space for umpires Need to upgrade night light illumination capacity to be able to hold evening games for football and cricket Ability to access sportsgrounds for pre-season training Lack of fence around Pembroke Park creates some problems on game days for controlling access and bringing alcohol to games Need to upgrade main oval scoreboard (maybe relocate existing one to junior oval). Sorell Junior Football Club Need for greater storage along with better security The current canteen is too small and outdated to service needs – also safety issues for volunteers working in the canteen Improved ground lighting – current lighting does not meet standard required for playing night matches AFL Super Rules Programming of ovals to maintain access for training and to avoid conflicts/over-use at times Lack of viewing facilities for spectators and limited shade provision South East United Football The need for storage facilities convenient to the soccer ground Club given regular need to use and then store goals, nets, training gear etc Having kiosk/canteen facilities convenient to the soccer ground Sorell Senior/Junior Cricket No information provided Club Dodges Ferry Horse Riding Relocation to Miena Park with the construction of a new arena Club Having toilet facilities Scope for a cross country course and jumps course in the future layout for Miena Park Sorell Netball Club (currently The need for storage facilities convenient to the courts in formation)
Table 2.3 Identified Club Issues Section 2 Context 21
Club/Group Identified Issues/Needs South East Districts Little Lack of adequate storage facilities for the clubs Athletics Club Desire for a 400m synthetic track Safety fencing /barriers around the discus and shot put pits Sorell Tennis Club Two of the existing courts are in poor condition and will require re-surfacing – substantial investment and it may be better to relocate in the long term Limited to one year lease on existing site Existing facilities will not cater for future growth Need for new coach to be attracted to the Club Future use/value of the site is limited and would require substantial funding grant to achieve relocation to Pembroke Park Sorell Bowls Club Club considers there is too much investment in the site facilities to warrant or support relocation unless there was substantial funding grant to achieve relocation Club has a $140,000 synthetic green and recently received $100,000 for providing disability toilets Membership is not expected to grow beyond capacity of using existing facilities however there would be limited potential to expand on the site given adjoining land owned by the Church
Table 2.3 Identified Club Issues (continued)
2.4.2 Pembroke Park Opportunities
The Clubs/Groups identified the following opportunities for improving the overall development and management of Pembroke Park:
the need for a business plan for the Park to help achieve greater sustainability and potential revenue streams to support development/management of the Park;
having a long term aim for high quality sports, recreation and community precinct – emphasis on fixing up some existing facilities;
encouraging greater multi-use of the facilities including sporting, recreation and community activities (however recognising that multi-use courts impose difficulties for shared use between clubs given line –markings and equipment required);
new storage facilities for the Clubs;
22 Pembroke Park Master Plan
a community sports club with function centre, offices and spectator facilities;
having a better booking system for users of the existing facilities to avoid over-use and conflicts;
office space (could be shared between users);
playground and barbeque facilities within the Park;
relocation of changerooms to eastern side of the main oval (separation from alcohol ‘wet’ area at clubrooms);
improved security and control of access; and
potential for other activities e.g. bocce
2.5 K EY I SSUES
The consultation and site visits indicated a range of key issues that need to be addressed in the Master Plan. These issues were:
managing access, traffic and parking to help site functionality and reduce the safety issues for pedestrian movement;
adding and upgrading the capacity of existing buildings and facilities to better meet user needs;
improving the overall amenity of the Park especially access to public toilets (outside of competition days), lack of shade, poor landscaping, lack of seating and limited pathways; and
extending the appeal of the site and facilities to the wider community (especially those not involved with club, or formal sporting activities) and providing greater ‘connections’ to the town.
Section 2 Context 23
2.5.1 Access, Traffic and Parking
O UTLINE
Pembroke Park has several positive design features including:
the single main entrance off Arthur Street that provides access to the majority of sporting and recreational facilities (the exception being the Dodges Ferry Horseriding Club site which is accessed off Montagu Street);
the entrance is well located to provide convenient access off the Tasman Highway (along Arthur Street) and also with good access from the town centre (along Fitzroy Street);
the entrance into the Park is relatively safe with good site distances;
the central location of the internal access road provides minimal distances to reach existing and planned facilities – this also allows for the opportunity to have shared ‘central’ parking to service various facilities; and
the single entrance allows for greater security and control of traffic movement during events (e.g. ticketing for major events) or after hours security (e.g. closed gate).
However there remain a number of issues with the access and parking arrangements that have evolved over time within the Park. These include:
the lack of designation of road space and parking generally within the site, which adds to the safety and traffic speed, concerns especially around the existing clubrooms/changerooms where there is vehicle movement directly outside entry spaces and edges of the buildings;
potential for inefficient use of some car parking areas given the lack of designated space and design to maximize use;
lack of formalised traffic movement and parking to allow safe and efficient drop-off and pick-up at the facilities;
site impacts associated with unplanned over-flow parking (e.g. parking onto the grounds used for Little Athletics); and
24 Pembroke Park Master Plan
potential conflicts for meeting parking needs at times of joint use of the sportsgrounds, especially when home games in football involve entry fees for spectators and parking.
R ECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE M ASTER P LAN
The main recommendation for the Master Plan is to prepare an overall access and parking plan to help address these issues and achieve the intended a safe and more functional site.
The key opportunities to address these issues in the Master Plan may include:
tackle these issues in a ‘big picture’ way for the whole of the Park rather than individual club needs;
develop a road hierarchy that best allows for the safe movement and direction of traffic flows;
foster slow traffic speed and flow within the Park;
formalise car parking spaces that can be shared by different sporting and recreational users to make good use of the available space;
create safe car-free spaces around facilities whilst allowing controlled access by Clubs and Council for maintenance and servicing of these facilities;
maintain access around most of the two ovals to address tradition of parking and observing the game from the comfort of the vehicle, but also to improve amenity values by creating a pedestrian space with tree planting and seating; and
locate additional car parking areas where there is evident need or where there is opportunity to free-up space for better community.
Section 2 Context 25
2.5.2 Adding and Upgrading Facilities
O UTLINE
Figure 2.1 shows the concept plan for Pembroke Park proposed within the Future Planning Options for Pembroke Park 1997. The key layout features of the concept plan were:
retention of the existing access into Pembroke Park off Arthur Street;
retention of the main oval and junior oval;
allowing provision in the layout for potential soccer grounds, multi-use sportsgrounds, indoor sports centre and outdoor court facilities;
a community play park and barbeque area;
potential for relocation of the Sorell Tennis Club and Sorell Bowls Club to the park in the long term subject to available funding; and
parking capacity for @ 450 cars within the Park.
Figure 2.2 shows a concept plan prepared for Pembroke Park in 2012 to assist a funding application to the Federal Government by Council. The key layout features of the concept plan were:
a new indoor centre with two multi-purpose indoor courts, multi-function space, meeting rooms, kiosk/café and a youth drop-in centre;
senior and junior soccer grounds;
proposed rugby changerooms;
multi-use outdoor courts (tennis, netball);
playground;
pony club;
recreational vehicles park (Montagu Street); and
parking capacity for @ 250 cars within the Park.
26 Pembroke Park Master Plan
The Sorell Council received a $1.19M funding grant from the Federal Government funding under the Regional Development Australia Fund for improvements to Pembroke Park. The works have included development of an amenities building, construction of the soccer grounds, harvesting stormwater for reuse, realigning the boundary fence to provide a larger area for Little Athletics activities, and some minor landscaping and car parking works. In August 2014 the State Government announced a grant of $80,000 from the Community Support Levy for multi-purpose courts to be developed at Pembroke Park.
r 1/ A £
AMENITIES [A] Entry gale/Ticket box/Public toilets Ciubrooms, Kiosk |"C"| Junior sporls building SPORTS CARPARKS [p| Community ploy pork ond borbeque orea Q Nktta wot(Principally (ootboll,< ticket snd ertMetits). f^n Angle carpark oH grovel access road (120 spaces) [T] Pork for informal activities [5] Junior oval [Cp Upgrade existing car pork ond barriers (40 spaces) |T] Potential ciubrooms, kiosk, change rooms and toilets for [5j Potential soccer ploying fields (C3"j Future car park (>50 spaces) future sportsgrounds. |4] Potential hockey/seftboll/simMor sportsgrounds. [C4~| Future car pork (130 spaces) [5] Potentiol indoor sports centre [5"J Potential bosketboll/netboll courts/ indoor stadium sile. |C5~| Future carpork (20spaces) [H] Potentiol bowls club room Potential lenms courts/o*er sportcourts. [€31 Future car pork (8 spaces) (T[ Future development oprion (eg tourism, bowls dub/ [^1 Polentiol bowls and croquet ploy fields, Proposed perimeter fence around ovols sports dob, residential) Municipality of Sorell
HMT PLANNING PTY. LTD.
Section 2 Context 29
Consultation with Council and the existing Clubs indicated the following desires for new or upgraded facilities including:
new indoor sports centre;
new storage facilities for the Clubs;
a community sports club with function centre, offices and spectator facilities;
relocation of the Dodges Ferry Horseriding Club to Miena Park;
playground and barbeque facilities within the Park;
relocation of changerooms to eastern side of the main oval; and
allowing potential for other sporting and recreation activities.
A brief summary of each of these proposed facilities is provided in Table 2.4.
Proposed Facility Summary
new indoor sports centre This was identified in the 2012 Concept Plan with funding allowing for the construction of changerooms/amenities building now completed. The centre will require substantial funding assistance from governments and would logically fit within the central location attached to the existing changerooms/amenities.
new storage facilities for the This is an issue for most Clubs with the current facilities located off the Clubs existing changerooms at the senior oval lacking sufficient space to meet the needs of Clubs. Ideally new storage facilities can be accommodated within the proposed indoor sports centre complex.
a community sports club with Some Clubs raised this as a future development possibility either at the function centre, offices and existing football/cricket clubrooms site or as part of the proposed indoor spectator facilities sports centre complex.
relocation of the Dodges Ferry This option has been discussed between Council and the Club with a Horseriding Club to Miena Park preliminary concept plan prepared by Council.
playground and picnic facilities The development of playground and picnic facilities was considered to within the Park be a good idea by most clubs, as it would attract greater community use including by families coming along to the sporting events.
relocation of changerooms to The Sorell Football Club believe there is benefit in having the eastern side of the main oval changerooms located further way from the kiosk/bar at the existing clubrooms to improve the safety for players and umpires gaining access to the oval.
allowing potential for other This included the potential for relocation of other clubs (e.g. tennis, sporting and recreation activities bowls) to the Park in the longer term as well as providing additional space for expanding sportsgrounds.
Table 2.4 Proposed Facilities Identified by Clubs
30 Pembroke Park Master Plan
Discussions with Little Athletics indicated their desire to have a 400m synthetic track in preference to using the main oval. The proposal is considered to be very unlikely to ever receive funding support from governments. However the potential does exist within the master plan to consider how to improve safety and access to the main oval from the jumps area.
Discussions were also held with the Sorell Bowls Club and Sorell Tennis Club about the potential relocation to Pembroke Park in the future. The Sorell Bowls Club does not consider it to be financially feasible to relocate to Pembroke Park given the investment the Club has made into the existing site.
The Sorell Tennis Club has a number of concerns with the existing site that will require substantial funding to fix. The Club’s preference would be to relocate to Pembroke Park and develop new facilities including the possibility of indoor courts. There are currently no major indoor court tennis facilities within Southern Tasmania7 to cater for indoor tournaments and allow all-weather programs. This will require substantial funding assistance from government and it is anticipated that any government funding for a major indoor court tennis facility would be premised on a location more central to the greater Hobart metropolitan population catchment. However, the proposed indoor sports centre (two stadiums) if funded, could allow scope for indoor tennis to be played.
R ECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE M ASTER P LAN
The main recommendation for the Master Plan is to make provision for the future expansion of sporting and recreational facilities and use within the Park.
The key opportunities to address these issues in the Master Plan may include:
the proposed indoor sports centre to be located within Pembroke Pak;
continue to plan for the relocation of the Dodges Ferry Horseriding Club to Miena Park adjoining Pembroke Park;
identify space for the potential relocation of the Sorell Tennis Club into the Park;
identify the potential for the proposed indoor sports centre to include facilities that will support it being the Sorell Sports and Community Club;
7 The Launceston Regional Tennis Centre received $2.4M to allow construction of 11 outdoor courts that will be attached to the 5 existing indoor courts at the Launceston Indoor Sports Arena.
Section 2 Context 31
identify the potential for the proposed indoor sports centre to help overcome the storage problems;
plan for the provision of a play and picnic facilities within the Park;
upgrading of the changerooms servicing the two ovals;
improve safety and access to the main oval from the Little Athletics jumps area; and
make provision, where possible for the future development of sportsgrounds and facilities within the Park.
2.5.3 Improving Park Amenity
O UTLINE
Pembroke Park has been developed as a functional sports precinct, but with limited resources put to its overall appearance and public amenity values. There are relatively narrow tree plantings along the Tasman Highway and Arthur Street with some buffer planting to residences located on the northeastern edge of the park. A line of tree plantings also extends eastward from the skatepark, which effectively separates the ovals from the rest of the park. The Park appears largely un-integrated with buildings, structures and sportsgrounds tending to dominate the overall look of the site. There is no consistent design element that helps identify the Park as being one unified place.
The amenity issues include:
the visual impact of large gravel spaces and poorly defined road space within these spaces and the site;
the lack of trees or landscaping to help define the sporting facilities and grounds that would help break-down, or soften, the ‘open and vacant’ look, provide shade and reduce the visual dominance of buildings;
the lack of a strong entry and promotion/information about Pembroke Park at the main entry into the site;
lack of seating around the sportsgrounds and open space areas; and
the lack of well-defined pathways or trails.
32 Pembroke Park Master Plan
R ECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE M ASTER P LAN
The recommended actions have been separated into soft landscape (e.g. plantings) and hard landscape (e.g. paved surfaces, paths).
Soft Landscape
The Master Plan should create an informal and naturalistic feel for the site the predominant (but not exclusive) us of indigenous and/or Australian native species.
Future plantings should:
integrate with and be responsive to the needs of the sporting facilities (i.e. helping define sports grounds, providing wind breaks, planting outside of important view lines, providing an attractive backdrop, etc.);
clearly define the perimeters of the Park and act as a buffer to adjacent residential areas;
reinforce the proposed footpath, road and parking network for the Park;
create a variety of spatial types, which range in size, shape, surface treatment, location and orientation and, therefore offer a variety of opportunities for imaginative informal or formal use of the spaces created;
improve safety by establishing long vistas and observation of activities and other users and avoiding shelter or un- viewed areas for illicit uses;
provide visual delight to users and passers-by in terms of colour, seasonal interest, texture and overall composition; and
be relatively maintenance rational (require minimal watering and pruning), not adversely affect playing surfaces and other facilities, and not be invasive.
The quality of grassed areas should be directly related to expected uses and use levels. Thus maintenance regimes should include areas:
Section 2 Context 33
where longer grass lengths are allowed, particularly in informal, low use areas of the site such as the proposed water retention areas (this serves to reduce maintenance requirements, provides visual diversity in the treatment of grassed spaces and enhances the proposed naturalistic character); and
of higher quality turf on and around the perimeter of sports fields.
Paving should be robustly constructed and well maintained to ensure usability and to add to the quality appearance that is increasingly expected by the community. Major footpaths should be of plain general purpose concrete. Gravel paths, where they are built, should be well constructed with proper edging, formed to drain, well-compacted surfaces, and properly maintained.
Roadways and car parks should ideally be bitumen sealed throughout the site, with appropriate drainage.
New seating should be carefully sited with consideration to security and outlook/overlook and with a view to providing rest stops for elderly and other users of the site, and viewing of matches and activities. Bins (if provided) should be within close proximity to seating areas. Recycling bins should be installed at key spectator and high user numbers locations.
Security fencing, if required, should be black chain wire. Safety fencing should be weldmesh. Treated pine bollards should be used with steel removable bollards applied where needed to block road access.
Irrigation should be restricted to the main grassed sportsgrounds.
2.5.4 Extending Community Appeal and Town Connections
O UTLINE
Similar to many sporting venues, Pembroke Park has largely been developed for traditional, or organised club sporting uses with only limited opportunities for informal/unstructured activities, that appeal to the broader community. The non-sporting facilities include the skatepark, BMX track and use of the open space areas for general recreational use. Whilst some informal use such as recreational walking and walking the dog occurs within the site, there are no ‘developed’ spaces to foster greater community use and awareness of the whole site.
34 Pembroke Park Master Plan
Extending the appeal of Pembroke Park to the wider community would have a number of potential benefits including:
meeting community expectations for places that offer scope for non structured recreational activities thus improving community health and wellbeing;
promoting greater awareness and possible involvement with existing sporting clubs;
fostering higher utilisation of some areas within the site, particularly those ‘undeveloped’ and under-utilised areas;
supporting the continued improvement of Pembroke Park as a premier sporting and recreation venue; and
improving general safety and reduced vandalism through greater use and passive surveillance.
R ECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE M ASTER P LAN
Pembroke Park has the capacity to develop its potential as an open space area that is well used for sporting, recreation and community activities. The consultation and site visits indicated the potential to consider:
improved pedestrian and cycling access connections to the site;
developing a high quality community park facilities such as play facilities, picnic tables, public toilets, a group shelter, barbeques and seating within the site;
continuing to add facilities that cater for the cross-section of age groups and interests within the community;
creating a fitness circuit with exercise facilities;
upgrading the skatepark to incorporate improved features to facilitate skill development and challenge, improved amenity and safety for users and spectators;
rationalise the BMX jumps course (currently two courses that are more suited to skilled riders) and provide more technical riding opportunities with a better designed circuit;
Section 2 Context 35
creating a shared trail network within the site that offered safe community use, improved connection to adjoining areas (e.g. schools, town centre, civic facilities) and aided pedestrian and cycle movement for times of sporting use and events; and generally improved amenity for open space areas outside of the sporting facilities.
SECTION 3 FUTURE DIRECTIONS - VISION, GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
3.1 V ISION AND G UIDING P RINCIPLES
Pembroke Park is a major community asset, which continues to cater for a range of sporting needs of the local community and residents of the Sorell municipality and a wider regional catchment.
The Future Planning Options for Pembroke Park 1997 identified a goal for the Park as being
“To plan, develop and manage Pembroke Park as the principal sporting and recreation venue to service the needs of the Sorell municipality”.
A number of key principles were then identified relating to future needs, realistic provision and management and having integrated Council-wide approach to provision of sporting and recreation facilities.
The above vision and principles, many of which are consistent with good planning, have been re-organised into a new management framework based on having:
a clear vision statement for Pembroke Park that embraces the benefits it provides;
more concise principles that underpin the new vision; and
a set of guiding policy statements to help guide appropriate planning, development and management decisions consistent with the vision and guiding principles.
3.1.1 Vision Statement
The following vision statement has been developed:
Pembroke Park will be sustainably developed and managed as a regionally important sporting and recreation venue, enhancing the sporting, recreational, health and wellbeing opportunities for the local and regional community. 38 Pembroke Park Master Plan
The term “sustainable” is defined in several ways:
the ability of the sporting and recreation facilities, programs and services to continue to be available as a result of good maintenance, good management and, where relevant, with minimal or no detrimental impacts to the environment;
the ability of the Council and the community to afford the opportunities which are provided (e.g. viability); and
to ensure that the opportunities made available continue to be relevant and attractive, and meet the needs of the community.
It suggests that facilities, programs and services that are not sustainable will, over time, be restructured, revised or discontinued.
This statement aligns well with Council’s Strategic Plan 2014-2018 that sets out guiding principles and key focus areas to realize the potential and meet the aspirations of the businesses and community.
3.1.2 Principles
Four principles underpin this vision for the Pembroke Park, these being:
Sustainability – Pembroke Park will be sustainably designed, constructed, managed and promoted based on an understanding of sound environmental, economic and social management outcomes.
Quality Experience - Pembroke Park will ensure that users and visitors can safely and equably access, enjoy and participate in a diverse range of quality sporting, recreational and community opportunities commensurate with its role as a regionally important venue.
Capacity to Manage – The Sorell Council, sporting clubs and recreational groups will work together and where possible, share resources to effectively manage Pembroke Park.
Benefits - The development and management of the Pembroke Park will facilitate environmental benefits, economic development and improvement in the community’s lifestyle and wellbeing.
Section 4 Master Plan 39
3.2 K EY P OLICIES
The policies have been identified as practical tools to assist Council and the Pembroke Park Advisory Committee to manage the site with respect to the vision and principles. The policies are:
1. Pembroke Park will be managed as a multi-purpose asset providing a diverse range of sporting, recreational and community needs for the regional and local community.
2. The Council will have overall responsibility for the management of the site but involve, communicate and consider the views of stakeholders through the Pembroke Park Advisory Committee and wider community.
3. Priority will be given to the health, risk and public safety of users and the general community at Pembroke Park.
4. Integrated co-location and sharing of sporting and recreation facilities and use of spaces within the site will be fostered.
5. The existing facilities and development of new facilities, programs and services will be based on identified community need and be appropriate to meet the standard, level of use and community expectations.
6. The opportunity for an equitable range of structured sport and unstructured recreational experiences will be pursued.
7. Community needs will be regularly reviewed and monitored to ensure that what is being provided is responsive to changing community needs.
8. Pembroke Park will have strong and safe connections with the town centre, other community spaces and residential areas.
9. Sporting, recreation and community events will be encouraged at Pembroke Park where there will be no adverse impact on the existing use, condition of the facilities and surrounding uses.
10. Avoid, remedy or mitigate against any lasting impacts on the visual amenity and the quality of facilities and use of the site.
11. The opportunities for securing partnership/shared responsibility for development and management of facilities will be pursued.
40 Pembroke Park Master Plan
12. Fees and charges will be applied to allow for equitable contribution of all users to the development, management and maintenance of Pembroke Park.
13. Commercial investment on the site will be subservient to the primary role as public open space for sporting, recreational and community use.
14. All decisions will be consistent with Council’s adopted policies, regulations and By-laws.
SECTION 4 MASTER PLAN
The Master Plan (map 4.1) illustrates the potential actions that will aid in achieving the vision for Pembroke Park.
The Master Plan presents a concept of how to respond to the key issues identified in Section 2 of the report. However the ideas and initiatives will be dependent upon the level of support from the users and wider community, access to funding sources and the fit with priorities for funding across the whole of the Sorell municipal area.
An outline of the key features of the master plan is provided below.
4.1 M ANAGING A CCESS, T RAFFIC AND P ARKING
The Master Plan shows the proposed road and parking layout for the Park. The key features are;
retaining the existing access off Arthur Street as the main vehicle entry into the Park but making provision for a future access onto Montague Street to allow for managing traffic and parking for multi-use venues during sporting events (e.g. home games);
realignment of the existing internal road to access the major car park servicing the existing soccer sportsgrounds, netball courts and proposed indoor sports centre;
realignment of the access roads for the two ovals and facilities (right angle intersections to the main entry road to improve safety);
introducing cul-de-sac end points to the internal access roads servicing the two ovals so as to create a safe vehicle free ‘community’ space between the ovals, clubrooms and changerooms/toilets;
providing lockable bollards that would allow the Clubs and Council to access the buildings through the vehicle free ‘community’ space as required; and 42 Pembroke Park Master Plan
retaining existing access off Montagu Street to the Recreational Vehicles site and dog exercising area with new access to the Dodges Ferry Horseriding Club at Miena Park.
The Master Plan also shows the proposed parking layout including:
construction of a new central parking area to service the indoor sports centre and surrounding sporting uses (e.g. soccer, netball, tennis) with the capacity of 134 vehicle spaces;
provision for expansion of the central parking area in future years with further development of sportsgrounds with the capacity of another 290 vehicle spaces;
designation of a car parking area on the western side of the main oval showing the capacity for about 75 vehicle spaces;
informal parking between the access road and oval fence around the junior oval and eastern half of the main oval;
20 vehicle spaces off the main entry road to service the skatepark and BMX facilities; and
14 parking for vehicles with horse floats at the Dodges Ferry Horseriding Club, plus area for informal parking on and off site (Montagu Street).
The proposed parking layout ensures there is improved safety for users between the indoor sports complex (including changerooms and toilets) and the sporting facilities.
4.2 U PGRADING AND A DDING S PORT AND R ECREATION F ACILITIES
The Master Plan indicates a number of opportunities to upgrade existing sporting and recreation facilities within the Park. This includes:
the relocation of the Dodges Ferry Horseriding Club to Miena Park;
KEY:
1 Existing dog exercising area, with 28 Existing changerooms, toilets, 37 Improved entry to Pembroke potential to extend to entry road club storage and former scout hall. Park including new sign using Future conversion to storage pictograms to indicate facilities 2 Existing RV park for overnight stays, within the park with potential to extend into part of 29 Proposed new changerooms and dog exercising area toilets to replace existing facility Proposed upgrading of Fitzroy 38 Street link to town centre with tree 3 Proposed shared trail to link to 30 Proposed pedestrian/spectator/ planting, shared trail and new Orielton Lagoon foreshore community space free of vehicles parking layout (Sorell Streetscape (other than vehicle access for Plan 2014) Proposed picnic shelter with management and maintenance 4 purposes). Includes grassed area Tasman Highway barbeques 39 Proposed path along Arthur Street with shade trees and small play to improve access to Pembroke 40 facility Park 5 Proposed children’s bike riding circuit 31 Existing clubrooms for football and 40 Proposed trail link to northern cricket 6 residential area including the Existing skatepark proposed trail along the former railway route 27 32 Proposed car parking area - 75 26 7 Modify BMX jump course to include carparking spaces pump track 24 33 Proposed car park to service picnic 8 Proposed location for the relocation facilities, skatepark, bike circuit 28 of the Sorell Tennis Club 27 and BMX course 25
9 Proposed road link to Montague Informal car parking area on 29 Street 34 27 grassed areas 30 36 10 Future sportsground 19 35 Main oval with upgrading of night lights to allow night games 31 11 Proposed car parking area - 290 car parking spaces 36 Proposed vehicle barrier (locked 34 39 bollards) to create vehicle free 18 12 Land reserved for future bypass of 20 space between Little Athletics field 21 Sorell sports and main oval (other than vehicle access for management 35 13 Conceptual layout for the relocation and maintenance purposes) 32 34 of the Dodges Ferry Horseriding 22 Club – includes grassed and 16 sand based arenas, indoor arena, clubrooms, parking, horse yards etc. 23
Arthur Street 34 14 Proposed horeseriding trail within 17 Miena Park 37 6 38 33 15 Proposed Orielton Lagoon foreshore 11 Fitzroy Street trail (subject to PWS approval) 33 4 3 16 Private land for future residential development 7 10 17 Proposed trail connection through to 12 Orielton Lagoon foreshore 5 18 Soccer sports grounds 1 8 19 Netball courts 9
20 Potential for adding two netball 13 2 courts in future 14 21 Proposed indoor sports complex with 2 multi-purpose courts, youth drop-in centre, kiosk/café, meeting rooms, etc. Includes landscaped forecourt Montague Street 15 22 Proposed public space / plaza including play facility
23 Proposed new access road to major sporting facilities
24 Proposed relocation of the cricket nets allowing balls to be hit out onto the oval
25 Existing water treatment area N 26 Existing junior sports oval
27 Land areas used by Little Athletics for field sports
PEMBROKE PARK Master Plan February 2015 44 Pembroke Park Master Plan
Back of A3
Section 4 Master Plan 45
the upgrading of the skatepark and BMX facilities to better define the open space and cater for a more diverse level of skills with the development of a pump course and bike riding circuit;
upgrading the night lights to better illuminate the main oval to allow for improved training and scope for night competition;
relocation of the cricket wickets (to allow for the proposed new entry road) and to allow hitting out onto the flanks of the junior oval;
upgrading the scoreboard on the main oval.
The identified opportunities for new sporting and recreation facilities into the Park are:
the indoor sports centre and associated facilities;
a play, exercise/fitness and picnic facilities located within the proposed vehicle free community space between the two ovals;
future sportsgrounds (use to be determined) accessed via the main internal road and central parking area;
shared trails that link the Park to the town centre via Fitzroy Street, to Orielton Lagoon foreshore and the northern part of the town (connection to Dubbs and Co Drive); and
a network of internal trails that provide access to the main facilities and open spaces within the Park, including the opportunity to do a range of walk/run/ride ‘circuits’ within the Park.
The Master Plan also shows the potential for the Sorell Tennis Club to relocate in close proximity to the proposed indoor sports centre and major parking area.
46 Pembroke Park Master Plan
4.3 I MPROVING A MENITY
The key features of the Master Plan to improve amenity values of the Park are:
improve the sense of arrival into Pembroke Park off Arthur Street with a landscape entry feature (e.g. rock wall, tree plantings) and an upgraded signboard indicating the facilities within the Park though the use pictograms;
improved road and parking layout (as outlined in Section 4.1) to manage overflow and the impacts of random parking grassed spaces within the Park;
creation of the vehicle free space between the two ovals and inclusion of community recreation facilities;
introduction of tree planting around the ovals to improve amenity and provide shade for spectators;
improved safety and access for participants from the Little Athletics jumps to the main oval by restricting vehicle access through the space other than for Club or Council management purposes
mass planting of selected areas of under-used open space to help reduce the impact of prevailing winds onto sportsgrounds within the Park;
construction of the shared paths to better define pedestrian/bike/running movement opportunities within the Park and connections to other areas;
an avenue planting of trees along the Tasman Highway (already undertaken by Council);
retention of the existing vegetation; and
creation of informal open space areas that require low maintenance.
Section 4 Master Plan 47
4.4 I MPROVING C ONNECTIONS
The Master Plan identifies the following opportunities for improving connections to and within the Park are:
providing a shared path, street trees and improved parking layout along Fitzroy Street to the town centre consistent with the recommendations of the Sorell Streetscape Plan 2014;
developing shared trails that link the Park to Orielton Lagoon and potentially a longer distance foreshore trail connecting to Midway Point;
developing a shared path along Arthur Street to provide a connection to the northern part of the town that can link with Dubbs and Co Drive (former railway easement); and
a network of internal trails that provide access to the main facilities and open spaces within the Park, including the opportunity to do a range of walk/run/ride ‘circuits’ of varying length within the Park.
SECTION 5 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
5.1 M ANAGEMENT R ESPONSIBILITIES
The overall responsibility for the management of Pembroke Park rests with the land owner, the Sorell Council. The Council has established the Pembroke Park Advisory Committee with representatives from Council and the various user clubs. The Committee has been involved in overseeing this project.
There is no compelling reason to change this management model as the Pembroke Park Advisory Committee assists Council to consider the user and community needs in applying its management role. It is a logical way in which clubs can be informed of future planning directions, raise issues and ideas and build working relationships with Council and other clubs. It recognises the limitations of most clubs to provide ongoing administrative support to Committee’s beyond their own club needs and that Council has expertise in managing resources, preparing submissions to target possible funding sources and taking a wider community view. However it is important that clubs continue to approach this role on the PPAC with the best interests for achieving the agreed long term vision for Pembroke Park.
5.2 P OTENTIAL F UNDING S OURCES
The funding for implementation of the Pembroke Park Master Plan will need to come from a variety of sources including Council budgets, State and Federal Government Grants, clubs and community fundraising.
5.2.1 Council Budgets
Council has annual operating plans from which an annual budget allocation is determined for the management, maintenance and development of Pembroke Park. For example the Capital Works Program for 2014-2015 indicates that work within Pembroke Park will include lighting for the soccer pitches and netball courts, new electrical cabling, construction and fencing of the multi- purpose courts and development of park seating and barbeque facilities. It also includes upgrading of the footpath in Arthur Street adjacent to the Park.
Whilst some of the proposed improvements to Pembroke Park may be achieved through increased future Council budget allocations, Council will 50 Pembroke Park Master Plan
continue to require ‘outside’ funding assistance to achieve some of the major facility and infrastructure costs.
The Council has a Community Grants Program, which provides financial and in-kind assistance to support community facilities, projects, events and programs that have a clear community benefit or need. The program allows for youth grants, community assistance grants and special grants (specific events or community projects).
5.2.2 State and Federal Government Grants
State and Federal Governments contribute substantial amounts to community, sport and recreation initiatives.
In Tasmania, the State Government distributes funding to organisations through grant programs, the aim of which is to improve opportunities for Tasmanians to participate in sport and recreation activities. Clubs, not-for- profit organisations and local government entities that provide sport and active recreation opportunities to the Tasmanian community are invited to apply. Funding is available through various programs for minor grants, major grants, State grants and National/International Sport Championships. Detailed information is available on the internet site http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/csrt/sportrec/funding_opportunities
The Tasmanian Community Fund was established under the Trust Bank Sale Act in 1999 with the objective of “responding to the needs of the Tasmanian community and enhancing the services, opportunities and amenities available” through a grants program. The Trust states “We make grants to community organisations that make a difference by enhancing well-being and improving social, environmental and economic outcomes for the Tasmanian Community”. The Trust has a General Grant Program and a Targeted Initiatives Program.
The Federal Government has various grant and funding programs that may provide assistance for community services, sport and recreation and regional development. The funding does not generally provide for the development and maintenance of sporting facilities by individual clubs and groups. However it has established the Australian Sports Foundation to assist community organisations raise funds for the development of Australian sport.
In past years the Federal Government has funded programs to assist with major projects for sport and recreation e.g. Regional Development Australia Fund, Healthy Communities Local Government Area Grants.
Section 5 Implementation Plan 51
Proponents of large projects therefore often take a political approach to securing funding from the Tasmanian or Federal Government through the annual State Budget process. Projects put forward through this avenue will have a greater chance of success if the need, viability and sustainability are supported by thorough feasibility and business planning, if there is widespread and demonstrated community support, if the project is part funded by the community, and if local government or the Federal Government have given broad political support for the project.
5.2.3 Clubs and Community Fundraising
The funding support of clubs is essential to allow Council seek funding grants from State and Federal Governments, given the trend towards requiring matching $ for $ for grants.
Club and community fundraising is a major source of funds for many community facilities and may include such initiatives as:
a community giving scheme;
a gifts catalogue;
a donations program;
major raffles;
user fees;
naming rights and sponsorships;
Associations and cooperatives; and
benevolent trusts.
A community giving scheme operates through a community-based not-for- profit body, which solicits annual contributions from residents over a 2-4 year period. Using a pyramid approach, a community leader is asked to commit to donating funds over the 2-4 year period. This person then works with the fundraising committee to solicit lesser and lesser amounts from several tiers of residents who are asked to contribute lesser amounts. Amounts of well over $1m have been raised in a number of Councils elsewhere in Australia using this approach.
The gifts catalogue entails the Committee identifying the cost of unique individual components of the project, which need to be funded. These items and their costs are then published and residents, visitors and others are asked
52 Pembroke Park Master Plan
to either fund them outright or to help pay for them. The PCYC is a good example of community based funding scheme being put into place.
A donations program is a common and traditional method of fundraising. This entails Council, clubs or community leaders approaching major businesses to seek their financial support. To successfully solicit funds, however, it is important to be able to demonstrate how the contributions will ensure the successful implementation of a project and that the project will be viable. It is sometimes better to seek corporate donations once substantial funds have been raised from within the community and from Council.
Major raffles succeed by raffling something, which is highly prized asset for the community e.g. boat, car, and block of land.
User fees and charges. Councils can no longer afford to subsidise sporting facilities and need to receive some revenue back from the users to help cover at least some of the operating and maintenance costs. The structure should be simple and readily applied but should be derived from a proper assessment of the costs of provision rather than the more traditional “going rate”, “willingness to pay” or “fair and equitable” pricing regimes. Similarly, the fees which current users pay should be reviewed and if needed increased so that their uses are not being subsidised by the wider community which presently is not being served by the facilities.
Naming rights and advertising. Numerous community buildings across Australia are named after major sponsors as this can generate either or both of a capital development contribution or an annual operational subsidy. Naming rights can be auctioned or tendered initially and should only apply for three to five years before they are again put out to tender.
Associations and Cooperatives. Tasmanian law provides for the forming of associations and cooperatives as a means of undertaking fundraising for community projects. Details are available at www.consumer.tas.gov.au. Associations are recommended over cooperatives in terms of the paperwork and time required.
Many clubs and special interest groups become Incorporated Associations to benefit their members and to protect them from the debts and liabilities of the association. Incorporation is a voluntary, simple and inexpensive means of establishing a legal entity and is an alternative to forming, for example, a company limited by guarantee or a cooperative. It is particularly suitable for small, community-based groups.
Section 5 Implementation Plan 53
Incorporation establishes as a legal entity, which allows the association to:
continue regardless of changes to membership;
accept gifts and bequests;
buy and sell property;
enter into enforceable contracts;
sue or be sued; and
apply for Government grants.
Incorporated Associations must be non-profit organisations.
Benevolent Trusts. There are numerous benevolent trusts in Australia, many of which fall under Philanthropy Australia (see www.philanthropy.org.au). These should be reviewed and funding submissions should be prepared and submitted to them. As with corporate donations, philanthropic trusts prefer to see grants used to complete projects rather than to start them and to be used for specific provision initiatives.
5.3 A CTION P LAN
5.3.1 Introduction
This Section sets out the basis for implementation of the Pembroke Park Master Plan over the next 5 years. The focus of the 10 Year Action Plan is to establish the priorities for working towards achieving the overall vision.
It is recognised that the availability of funding and support will be a prime determinant of the implementation, and that Council will need to consider a funding plan to ensure resources are available for the proposed works to be implemented. The priorities listed in the Action Plan provide an indication of the process and where resources should be allocated.
Discussions with Council staff indicate the pragmatic role that Council, with limited funding, can achieve in the short term. Accordingly this has given emphasis to planting of trees to reduce the impact of prevailing winds, construction of trails to cater for broader community interests in recreational walking and undertaking strategic planning for improving funding support.
The implementation should be internally reviewed by Council on an annual basis with a new 10 year Action Plan drafted each 5 years.
54 Pembroke Park Master Plan
The priority for implementation of each action is based on:
High – should be implemented within the next 2 years;
Moderate - should be implemented within the next 5 years;
Longer Term - should be implemented within the next 10 years; and
Ongoing – this action may be required on an ongoing basis.
It is expected that the Council will take the lead role in the implementation of the recommended actions but will seek the support and involvement of the Pembroke Park Advisory Committee, other agencies and community groups where this is required to achieve a successful outcome.
The 5 Year Action Plan is considered to be a working tool and it is recognised that the implementation process may vary over time in response to new opportunities to secure funding, the priorities of the Council’s Community Plan and Strategic Plan, the level of support by key stakeholders including the community to progress the recommended actions.
5.3.2 Action Plan
The Ten Year Action Plan is set out in Table 5.1.
Section 5 Implementation Plan 55
TEN YEAR ACTION PLAN Actions Priority Responsibility 1. Undertake planting of trees to provide long term wind buffers within the High Sorell Council Park and improve amenity. 2. Commence construction of recreational trails within the Park that link to High Sorell Council the town centre, surrounding residential areas and Orielton Lagoon. 3. Complete the construction of the netball courts. High Sorell Council 4. Further discussions with the Dodges Ferry Horseriding Club about High Sorell Council supporting relocation into Miena Park. 5. Further assessment of the future options for the Sorell Tennis Club High Sorell Council relocation and response to unmet need for basketball facilities for youth. 6. Assess options for improving storage space in the interim and long term High Sorell Council (possibly as part of the next stage for the proposed indoor sports centre) 7. Prepare the support submissions for the development of the indoor High/ongoing Sorell Council sports complex, other infrastructure and improvements to the Park. 8. Relocate the cricket wickets in conjunction with the Sorell Cricket Club. Moderate Sorell Council, Sorell Cricket Club 9. Close off the road access between the two ovals so as to create the no- Moderate Sorell Council vehicle community open space area between the clubrooms and proposed site for new changerooms/toilets and community play facility.
10. Construct the proposed new car park area on the southern side of the Moderate Sorell Council main oval. 11. Upgrade the entry into the Park including an entry feature, new sign Moderate Sorell Council and landscaping. 12. Proceed with implementation of the Master Plan as funding permits Ongoing Sorell Council including roadworks, parking spaces, new indoor sports centre, upgraded night lights on the main oval, pump course, picnic and fitness facilities etc. 13. Continue to have the Pembroke Park Advisory Committee overseeing Ongoing Sorell Council the implementation of the Master Plan 14. Review of the Master Plan every 5 years with a major review within 10 Ongoing Sorell Council, years Pembroke Park Advisory Committee