The City of Rochester Parks and Recreation Plan 2006 - 2010

Adopted by City Council - April 24, 2006

Table of Contents

Introduction 1 Purpose 1 Process 1 Administrative Structure 2 Parks and Recreation Budget 2 Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? 5 Inventory 5 Local Recreational Facilities 5 Schools 8 Other Public Facilities 10 Private Facilities 10 Regional Facilities - Oakland County Parks 10 Regional Facilities - Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Parks 13 Regional Facilities - State of Michigan Parks 14 Barrier Free Analysis and Transition Plan 17 Planning Process Step 2: What do we want? 23 Standards 23 Classification of City Parks 25 Deficiencies in City Parks System 26 Goals and Objectives 27 Planning Process Step 3: How do we get there? 31 Action Program and Basis for Action 31 Park Illustrations / Improvements 38

i Table of Contents

TABLES Table 1: Capital Expenditures for Parks and Recreation Facilities, 2001-2005 4 Table 2: Parks and Recreation Budget, Fiscal Years 2002–2006 4 Table 3: Summary of Local Park and Recreation Facilities 20 Table 4: Recreation Space By Neighborhood - Existing Acreage, Neighborhood Needs, and Deficiencies 26 Table 5: Action Plan Summary 37

FIGURES Figure 1: Administrative Structure for Park and Recreation Services 3 Figure 2: Existing Park and Recreation Areas 21 Figure 3: Trailhead Parking and Wayfinding Sign Locations 38 Figure 4: Clinton River Corridor 39 Figure 5: Town Square 40 Figure 6: Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve 42 Figure 7: Elizabeth Park 43 Figure 8: Halbach Field and Memorial Grove 44 Figure 9: Howlett Park 45 Figure 10: Municipal Park 46 Figure 11: Scott Street Park 47 Figure 12: Proposed Twin Rivers Park 48

APPENDICES A.1 Survey and Survey Results A-1 A.2 Plan Adoption A-8 A.3 Previous Grants Information______A-23

ii City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 1

Introduction

PURPOSE The city of Rochester Park and Recreation Plan is intended to guide future city park and recreation programs, services, operations and maintenance for the five year term of the Plan. In addition, the Plan is intended to form the basis for future application for recreation grant funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and other granting agencies and foundations. The Plan was prepared in accordance with the MDNR’s Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation and Open Space and Greenway Plans (1/27/06).

PROCESS The process to prepare a Park and Recreation Plan for the city of Rochester followed a general five- step framework (below). The process involved individuals who represent a broad cross-section of the community's population. The primary responsibility for the recreation plan rests with the City Council. Council receives significant advice and assistance from the Parks Department and City Manager. Technical assistance is provided to the city by a community planning consultant with expertise in recreation planning.

The Planning Process

c WHAT DO WE HAVE? Research & Analysis

IS THE PLAN WORKING? WHAT DO WE WANT? Plan Monitoring Needs Analysis, Survey, Goals

c GETTING THERE HOW DO WE GET THERE? Implementation Action Plan 2 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

The process began in June 2005 with a detailed inventory of all city park sites by the planning consultant, including a barrier-free analysis of each facility. The inventory was compared to standards developed by the National Recreation and Park Association, in order to determine the deficiencies in Rochester’s system. In September 2005, an internet survey was posted on Rochester’s web site, Introduction and paper copies of the survey were available at City Hall, to gather public comments regarding is- sues such as average use of the facilities, wishes for future improvements, and the successes and challenges of the parks and recreation system. Utilizing the information obtained from the deficiencies calculations, and public input, a set of Goals and Objectives were developed. These Goals and Objectives were then used as the basis for developing the items in the 5-year Action Plan.

Working with the Park Superintendent, the planning consultant then developed illustrated concept plans for each park, addressing the goals, identifying deficiencies, and including citizen desires. The draft plan was then assembled and the total document was presented at a public hearing held by the City Council prior to formal adoption of the Plan.

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE The city of Rochester’s parks and recreation facilities are operated and maintained under the direction of the Park Superintendent and the Department of Public Works. Staffing levels for the Parks and Recreation Department have remained consistent since the adoption of the previous Recreation Plan (1999-2003), with the city employing 3 full-time staff (park superintendent, 2 laborers) and 3 part-time staff. Due to recent State budget cutbacks for municipalities, and the stability of park and recreation resources in Rochester, it is not expected that these staffing levels will change very much in the foreseeable future. Figure 1 presents a flowchart of the administrative structure for park and recreation services in the city of Rochester.

PARKS AND RECREATION BUDGET Rochester’s current park and recreation budget expenditures are associated with the development and maintenance of the city’s recreation facilities, including Municipal Park, Halbach Field, Scott Street Park - Jaycee Field, Howlett Park, Elizabeth Park, and Memorial Grove. The city also maintains the Paint Creek Trailway, Downtown River Walk, Clinton River Trail, and the pathways at Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve. The city owns the land occupied by the Commu- nity House, however, the property is managed by the Rochester Community House, Inc., a non- profit organization.

The city of Rochester has budgeted general fund monies over the past several years for routine maintenance and operational expenses associated with its existing park facilities. Recreation programming for Rochester is not provided directly by the city, but instead is operated and maintained by the Rochester Area Recreation Authority (RARA). RARA is funded by taxes from the city of Rochester and the city of Rochester Hills. Oakland Township residents may also participate in the RARA programs for a fee. The parks and recreation budget has ranged from $455,880 to $533,660 during the fiscal years 2002-2003 through the current budget year (2005- 2006). Included in the budget were additional funds of $61,600 to $72,540 for RARA during this time period. City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 3 Introduction Introduction

Figure 1: Administrative Structure for Park and Recreation Services

Citizens

Legislative City Council

Administrative City Manager

Assistant City Manager City Attorney

Secretary

Park Public Superintendent Works

Cemetery Parks Seasonal Operations Maintenance Park Aides

Cemetery Roads Sewer Water Equipment Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance 4 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

Capital improvement projects for the parks are budgeted out of the General Capital Improve- ment Budget. Table 1 indicates the capital funds allocated for parks and recreation facilities for the fiscal years 2001 to 2005. Table 2 details the city of Rochester’s recent budgets for parks

Introduction and recreation. Table 1 : Capital Expenditures for Parks and Recreation Facilities, 2001-2005 Budget Year Project City MNRTF Total 2001 CRTrail Acquisition $565,250 $1,608,786 $2,174,036 2002 CRTrail Erosion Control Phase I $428,100 $0 $428,100 2003 N. Tot Lot Construction $193,861 $0 $193,861 2003 Tennis Court Re-hab $107,022 $41,078 $148,100 2004 CRTrail Surfacing $180,780 $175,000 $355,780 2004 Tot Lot Bench Shelter $19,335 $0 $19,335 2005 Paint Creek Pedestrian Bridge $124,400 $0 $124,400 2005 CRTrail Erosion Control Phase II $160,861 $0 $160,861

Table 2: Parks and Recreation Budget, Fiscal Years 2002–2006 BUDGET 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Park Grounds Maint. Wages $121,500 $127,000 $130,500 $134,260 Park Wages - Part-Time $18,380 $19,110 $19,740 $20,370 Overtime $9,500 $9,500 $10,000 $10,000 Longevity $4,900 $4,900 $4,900 $4,960 FICA $12,100 $12,610 $12,980 $13,550 Hospitalization $40,500 $40,830 $43,260 $51,660 Hospitalization - Retiree $8,390 $14,570 $14,900 $15,670 Employee Life Insurance $2,110 $1,880 $1,550 $1,590 Retirement Contribution $9,600 $7,700 $7,850 $11,710 Dental/Optical $3,000 $3,000 $3,600 $3,600 Worker’s Comp. Insurance $3,200 $3,330 $3,430 $3,580 Unemp. Comp. Insurance $250 $250 $250 $250 Severance / Sick Pay $1,400 $1,460 $1,500 $1,570 Uniform Allowance $3,000 $3,000 $3,200 $3,150 Tools and Equipment $1,000 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Community House-Maint. $22,000 $22,000 $22,000 $23,800 Bldg Maint. - Materials $2,300 $2,300 $1,500 $2,500 Grounds Maint. - Materials $3,000 $4,000 $2,300 $4,000 Contractual Services $10,000 $12,000 $16,000 $16,000 Telephone 0 $1,800 $1,300 $1,300 Equipment Rental $65,000 $67,000 $72,000 $72,000 Light and Power $7,000 $12,000 $6,000 $6,000 Heat - Building $2,500 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000 Water and Sewer Charges $700 $850 $1,000 $1,000 Dues and Subscriptions $450 $450 $450 $450 Miscellaneous $500 $250 $250 $250 Site Improvement $4,000 $8,000 $5,000 $5,000 New Equipment $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 5

Plan Process Step 1: What do we have?

INVENTORY The inventory of existing facilities is an essential step in the creation of a quality plan for recreation. This section inventories and describes the existing local (public, private and school sites) and regional (state and county) recreational facilities which are available to Rochester residents. The location of local recreational facilities is provided as Figure 2, located at the end of this chapter. Table 3, also located at the end of this chapter, presents a summary of local recreational facilities. The local recreation facilities are first organized by type (i.e. local, regional), and then presented in alphabetical order. The inventory was conducted by the community planning consultant in June 2005.

Local Recreational Facilities 1. Clinton River Trail: 2.5 Miles The Clinton River Trail is a multi-use path that roughly parallels, and frequently crosses, the Clin- ton River. The path also traverses downtowns, industrial and residential areas and parks. The nearly 16 mile long trail links Rochester with many communities, including Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, and provides connections to the Macomb-Orchard Trail and the Paint Creek Trail (which connects to the Polly Ann Trail).

2. Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve: 17.5 Acres The Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve is located in the northwest corner of the city, off of North Hill Circle. The Paint Creek meanders through the site, which also contains relatively dense hardwoods. A variety of educational programs are offered through the interpretive center located on the nature preserve grounds.

Existing Facilities • Interpretive center • Walking trails • Footbridge • Children’s Log Cabin • Dino Dig

6 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

3. Elizabeth Street Park: 1.7 Acres The Elizabeth Street Park is located on Elizabeth Street, north of Second Street. This is a neighborhood-sized park facility in close proximity to condominiums, commercial and industrial development. Additional plantings on the perimeter of the site will help to improve the buffer between the park and adjacent residential uses, as well as improve visual separation from neighboring industrial busi- nesses. A rehabilitation of the existing park may encourage additional use and provide a greater benefit to Rochester’s residents and visitors.

Existing Facilities • Playscape • Picnic tables (4) • Benches (2) • Climbing apparatus (2)

4. Halbach Field & Memorial Grove (Halbach: 3.3 Acres, Memorial Grove: 2.3 acres) Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? Halbach Field is located on the south side of Woodward, adjacent to the Memorial Grove and the Paint Creek Trailway. Originally designed for baseball, the field was reconfigured for adult softball in the late 1970s and is now programmed for little league baseball. Memorial Grove, located between Halbach Field and the Paint Creek Trailway, offers a place for living memorials (trees, shrubs, etc.), and a paved path.

Existing Facilities • Lighted softball field • Concession stand / Toilet building • Paved parking

5. Howlett Park: 13.1 Acres Howlett Park is located on the east side of Inglewood, north of Romeo. With the exception of a small playscape located near Inglewood that was funded by parents at the Holy Family School, the site is undeveloped. There is a significant amount of topographic relief to Howlett Park, which places some constraints on how it can be developed. The hilly nature of the site makes it conducive to certain activities, including sledding during the winter, and providing an open area for children to run and others to relax. Some mature trees that provide nice shaded areas are scattered on the site. Therefore, it is appropriate to maintain this park as open space, particularly since open space was indicated to be a top priority item in the community survey. Just north of Howlett Park is Holy Family Elementary, a private school with a playground. The facilities at the school are not owned, managed, or maintained by the city. The pond was recently renovated to improve drainage condi- tions.

6. Municipal Park: 36 Acres The Rochester Municipal Park is the largest recreation facility in the city. The park is located within the city’s northwest quadrant, adjoining City Hall and the Community House, which is City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 7 Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? What 1: Planning Process Step one of the most densely populated sections of Rochester. The high density of trees and the proximity to Paint Creek provide a natural area for people to congregate and participate in a variety of active and passive recreational opportunities. Since the 1999 Plan, the maintenance building has been updated and expanded, two separate tot lot sites were renovated, a bench gazebo was built, and barrier-free restrooms were installed.

Existing Facilities - Western Sector • Paved parking lot adjacent to Ludlow • Footbridges (2) • Playscapes (2: ages two to five, and five to twelve) • Swingsets (2: 1 large swing, 1 tot swing) • Spring animals • Picnic area with approximately 20 picnic tables and six benches (near playscapes) • Sand volleyball court • Plazas • Paved terrace area at the Community House • Paved walkway • Restroom building

Existing Facilities - Eastern Sector • Paved parking lot adjacent to Sixth Street • Lighted tennis courts (4) • Footbridges over Paint Creek(2) • Lion’s skating shelter and restrooms • Kiwanis Shelter (open pavilion with serving area and storage) • Fishing and ice skating pond • Paved terrace area • Festival grounds • Paved walkway • Playscapes • Swing sets (2: 1 large, 1 tot)

7. Older Persons Center (650 Letica): 1.0 Acre The OPC Center’s mission is to address the needs of older persons (60 years or more) regardless of income, race, religion, nationality, physical or mental disability. The center, designed for the area’s mature residents, has an arts and crafts room, a kitchen used by the Meals on Wheels program, library, woodworking room, adult day care, recreational facilities and other rooms available for a variety of educational and recreational activities. The grounds of the community center also provide some outdoor seating areas. 8 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

8. Paint Creek Trail: 0.6 Miles (7 acres) The Paint Creek Trail is a 10-mile multipurpose trail located along the former right-of-way for the Penn Central Railroad. The trail begins in the Village of Lake Orion and ends in Rochester Hills in Bloomer Park. The trail enters the northwest portion of the city along the Paint Creek and continues to the Municipal Park, for a total of 0.6 of one mile (7 acres). There is also a short segment of trail located at the southeastern corner of the city. This segment proceeds southeast off of the Clinton River Trail and dead ends in Bloomer Park in Rochester Hills.

Existing Facilities • Multipurpose trail

9. Scott Street Park - Jaycee Field: 7.89 Acres The Scott Street Park is located on the north side of Woodward, directly across the street from Hal- bach Field. Current facilities at the Scott Street Park - Jaycee Field are limited, but there is additional space at the site to expand the recreational offerings. Increased plantings of trees and shrubs Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? along the perimeter of the site would improve the aesthetic value of the park and shield the views from adjacent properties. The parking layout should be improved and the parking should be paved.

Existing Facilities • Small baseball field • Basketball courts (2: one full court and one half-court) • Gravel Parking

Schools While there are two private elementary schools in Rochester, the city does not have any public schools that are entirely within its boundaries. McGregor Elementary, located southwest of South Alice and First, has a portion of its site within Rochester, but the majority of the school is within Rochester Hills. North Hill Elementary is located in Rochester Hills on the northern border of Roch- ester. However, the proximity of North Hill to dense residential development in Rochester makes it a very accessible play area for Rochester residents. The small number of public schools limits the availability of neighborhood-sized playgrounds and playfields, which in turn has implications for the need of these facilities.

1. Holy Family Elementary School: 12.6 Acres (Total church and school site) Holy Family Elementary School is located adjacent to and immediately north of Howlett Park on Inglewood. This private school has a variety of facilities and recently upgraded their recreational equipment in order to improve safety.

Existing Facilities • Climbers • Platforms City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 9

• Swings do we have? What 1: Planning Process Step • Slides • Basketball nets

2. McGregor Elementary School: 10 Acres McGregor Elementary is mainly within Rochester Hills, with a small portion of the eastern side of the site located in Rochester. While visibility of the site is rather limited from adjacent roadways, this neighborhood-sized park does provide a variety of facilities for the southwest Rochester community.

Existing Facilities • Swingsets (2) • Softball / soccer field • Climbing structures • Playscape (2)

3. North Hill Elementary: 11 Acres North Hill Elementary is located in Rochester Hills, on the border of Rochester, where Mahaffy Street ends. The site contains about three separate play areas, including the MacKenzie Play- ground which was dedicated in 1993.

Existing Facilities • Swings (10 swings, 1 structure) • T-ball / softball field • Basketball courts (2 half-court) • Playscapes (includes 4 tire swings) • Practice soccer field • Enclosed tot play area

4. St. Johns Elementary School: 6.1 Acres St. John’s Lutheran School is located on West University at Helen. The facilities include a variety of equipment for different age levels and interests.

Existing Facilities • Playscapes (2) • Basketball nets (4) • Swingsets (2) • Baseball field and bleacher / soccer field • Picnic table

10 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

Other Public Facilities Rotary Park is located on the south side of the Paint Creek at the end of Water Street, adjacent to the Rochester Hills Public Library. The development of the park is credited to a collaboration between the Rochester Rotary, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the Rochester Hills Pub- lic Library, and the Greater Rochester Area Community Foundation (GRACF). Rotary Park is a small, passive recreation site, with a path, benches, landscaping and sculptures that provides an attractive and usable outdoor space for visitors at the library and downtown.

The DDA vest pocket park is located on the east side of Water Street, south of University Drive, and was developed by a collaboration between the Lions Club and the DDA. The park was designed for passive activities, and includes a landscaped area that forms a small amphitheater. Additional amenities are expected to be provided in the future.

Private Facilities Private facilities include the skateboard park on South Street, which is located in a former industrial Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? building. An outdoor addition is planned for this facility.

Regional Facilities - Oakland County Parks 1. ADDISON OAKS 1,141 acre park, playground, mountain biking, disc golf, wildlife ADDISON TOWNSHIP viewing, picnicking, boating, camping, spring-fed ponds, swimming, hiking, fishing, banquet and conference center, 12 miles of cross country ski trails, ice fishing and ice skating.

2. GLEN OAKS 18 hole golf course, cross country skiing, banquet facilities. FARMINGTON HILLS

3. GROVELAND OAKS 360 acre park, modern camp sites, playground, picnicking, water HOLLY slide, court sports, fishing, swimming, Stewart Lake beach, boat and canoe and bike rental, mini golf, skateboard area, and winter sports.

4. INDEPENDENCE OAKS 1,088 acres hunting, fishing, picnicking, swimming, playground, wild- CLARKSTON life viewing, nature center, ten miles of marked nature and ski trails, two hundred seat amphitheater, boat launch, row boat, canoe rent als, ice skating, ice fishing and warming shelter.

5. LYONS OAKS 1,043 acres, 18-hold golf course, clubhouse, banquet facility, Day LYON TOWNSHIP Use Park with 13-acre Bark Park, 3.6 miles of hiking trails, trail head, shelter, playground, recreation fields, Nature Center.

6. ORION OAKS 927 acres, dog park, cross-country skiing, nonmotorized boat ORION TOWNSHIP launch, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, nature study, and winter recreation. City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 11

do we have? What 1: Planning Process Step 7. RED OAKS 9 hole golf course, go-carts, water park, cross-country skiing, MADISON HEIGHTS and clubhouse.

8. ROSE OAKS 620 acres, hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing permitted. ROSE TOWNSHIP

9. SPRINGFIELD OAKS 18 hole golf course, cross country skiing, picnic shelters, banquet DAVISBURG facilities, activity center, community garden, Ellis barn.

10. WATERFORD OAKS 145 acres. Tennis courts, volleyball, shuffleboard, picnic shelters, WATERFORD TOWNSHIP BMX track, hiking trails, court games complex, waterpark, toboggan run, playground equipment.

11. WHITE LAKE OAKS Golf course, cross-country skiing, banquet facilities. WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP

Golf Courses in Oakland County

COURSE NAME JURISDICTION NO. OF HOLES Bald Mountain Lake Orion 27 Beach Woods Southfield 9 Beaver Creek Oakland 27 Bogie Lake Union Lake 18 Bramblewood Holly 18 Brentwood White Lake 18 Cattails South Lyon 18 Cherry Creek Shelby Township 18 Clarkston Clarkston 9 Copper Creek Farmington Hills 9 Copper Hills Oxford 18 Devil’s Ridge Oxford 18 El Dorado Walled Lake 9 Evergreen Hills Southfield 9 Glenlore Commerce Township 18 Glen Oaks Farmington 18 Hampton Rochester Hills 9 Harley's Union Lake 18 Heather Highlands Holly 27 Hickory Hills Wixom 9 12 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

Golf Courses in Oakland County (concluded) COURSE NAME JURISDICTION NO. OF HOLES Highland Hills Highland 18 Independence Green Farmington 18 Indian Springs Metro Clarkston 18 Kensington Metro Milford 18 Lincoln Hills Birmingham 9 Links at Novi Novi 27 Links at Pinewood Walled Lake 18 Lyon Oaks Lyon Township 18 Mulberry Hills Oxford 18 Mystic Milford 27 Normandy Oaks Royal Oak 9

Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? Oxford Hills Oxford 18 Paint Creek Lake Orion 9 Pebble Creek South Lyon 9 Pine Knob Clarkston 18 Pine Trace Rochester Hills 18 Pontiac Country Club Waterford 18 Pontiac Municipal Pontiac 18 Rackham Huntington Woods 18 Red Oaks Madison Heights 9 Royal Oak Royal Oak 9 Sanctuary Lake Troy 18 San Marino Farmington Hills 9 Shenandoah West Bloomfield 18 Shore Game Pontiac 36 Silver Lake Pontiac 9 Spring Lake Clarkston 18 Springdale Birmingham 9 Springfield Oaks Davisburg 18 Stony Creek Metro Washington 18 Sylvan Glen Troy 18 Tanglewood South Lyon 27 Twin Lakes Oakland 18 Union Lake Commerce Township 18 West Brooke Novi 9 White Lake Oaks Pontiac 18 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 13 Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? What 1: Planning Process Step Regional Facilities - Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Parks 1. DELHI Picnicking, playgrounds, canoeing, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing and ballfields.

2. DEXTER -HURON Picnicking, playgrounds, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

3. HUDSON MILLS Picnicking, playgrounds, group camps, paved bike-hike trail, nature trails, hiking, canoeing, fishing, golf course, dance programs, court games, interpretive programs and cross-country skiing.

4. HURON MEADOWS Picnicking, playgrounds, boat rental, canoeing, fishing, driving range, hiking, cross-country skiing.

5. INDIAN SPRINGS Picnicking, playgrounds, driving range and golf course, paved bike- hike trail, nature trails, nature center, hiking, interpretive programs, cross-country skiing and sledding.

6. LAKE ERIE Picnicking, playgrounds, wave pool, boat launch, canoeing, paved bike-hike trails, fishing, court games, hiking, nature trails, golf course and driving range, dance programs, interpretive programs, museum, cross-country skiing, ice skating and sledding.

7. LOWER HURON Picnicking, playground, group camps, swimming pool, paved bike-hike trail, canoeing, fishing, Par 3 golf, court games, nature trails, nature center, hiking, interpretive programs, cross-country skiing, ice skating and sledding.

8. KENSINGTON Picnicking, playgrounds, fishing, boat launch/rental/dockage, paddle boats, canoes, farm center, group camps, paved bike-hike trail, fitness trail, nature trails, nature center, swimming, playfields, fishing, baseball diamonds, hiking, horseback riding trails,18 hole golf course, ice skating, ice fishing, sledding, and cross-country skiing.

9. METROBEACH Picnicking, playgrounds, boat launch, canoeing, Par 3 golf, court games, paved bike-hike trail, fitness trail, nature trials, nature center, dance programs, interpretive programs, fishing, swimming, archery, shuffleboard, cross-country skiing, ice skating and ice fishing.

10. OAKWOODS Picnicking, nature center, shorefishing, canoeing, paved bike-hike trail, hiking, nature trails, interpretive programs, cross-country skiing.

14 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

11. STONY CREEK Picnicking, playgrounds, boat launch/rental, canoeing, fishing, driving range and golf course, hiking and fitness trail, nature trails, nature center, swimming, paved bike-hike trail, interpretive programs, ice skating, ice fishing, sledding, and cross country skiing.

12. WILLOW Picnicking, playgrounds, boat rental, driving range and golf course, group camps, paved bike-hike trail, hiking, nature trail, cross-country skiing, shore fishing, swimming pool and court games.

Regional Facilities - State of Michigan Parks 1. ALGONAC STATE PARK: Modern and organizational camping, picnic areas and shelters, playground, boat launch, hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

2. BALD MOUNTAIN REC AREA: Organization camping, picnic area, playground, boat launch, Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? shooting range, swimming, beach house, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, and cross- country skiing.

3. BRIGHTON RECREATION AREA: Group, rustic and modern camp facilities, picnic areas and shelters, playground, beach house, boat launch, mountain biking, equestrian facilities, swimming, hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, cross country skiing, interpretive programs, and snowmobiling.

4. CAMBRIDGE HISTORIC PARK: Picnic shelters and visitor center.

5. DODGE NO.4 STATE PARK: Picnic shelters, playground, boat launch, swimming, beach house, fishing and snowmobiling.

6. HAYES STATE PARK: Modern camping, picnic area, playground, boat launch, swimming, beach house, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs.

7. HIGHLAND RECREATION AREA: Rustic and organizational camping, picnic areas and shelters, beach house, boat launch, swimming, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, interpretive programs, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing.

8. HOLLY RECREATION AREA: Modern and organizational camping, picnic shelters, playground, boat launch, swimming, beach house, fishing, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking, wildlife view- City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 15 Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? What 1: Planning Process Step ing, interpretive programs, snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

9. ISLAND LAKE REC AREA: Rustic and organizational camping, fishing, swimming, beach house, picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking, hunting, canoeing, wildlife viewing, interpretive programs and snowmobiling.

10. LAKE HUDSON REC AREA: Modern camping, man made lake, swimming, fishing, hunting, picnic shelters, wildlife viewing and boat launch.

11. LAKEPORT STATE PARK: Modern and organizational, camping, picnic shelters, playground, swimming, beach house, fishing, hiking and interpretive programs.

12. MAYBURY STATE PARK: Organizational camping, visitor center, picnic areas and shelters, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, farm, and interpretive programs.

13. METAMORA-HADLEY REC Modern camping, picnic areas, boat launch, swimming, beach area: house, hiking, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs.

14. ORTONVILLE REC AREA: Rustic and organizational camping, picnic area, playground, swimming, beach house, boat launch, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

15. PINCKNEY RECREATION Modern and rustic camping, picnic shelters, beach house, boat area: launch, swimming, mountain biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, interpretive programs, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

16. PONTIAC LAKE REC AREA: Modern and organizational camping, picnic shelters, playgrounds, swimming, beach house, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, snowmobiling and cross- country skiing.

17. PROUD LAKE REC AREA: Modern and organizational camping, nature trails, horseback riding, picnic shelters, beach house, fishing, hunting, canoeing, boat launch, swimming, interpretive programs, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. 16 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

18. SEVEN LAKES STATE PARK: Modern camping, nature center, picnic areas, playground, swimming, beach house, fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, interpretive programs, snowmobiling and cross- country skiing.

19. SLEEPY HOLLOW Modern camping, man made lake, boat launch, swimming, STATE PARK: fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, interpretive programs, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, picnic area and playgrounds.

20. STERLING STATE PARK: Modern and organizational camping, picnic areas, hiking, swimming, beach house, boating, fishing, interpretive programs and wildlife viewing.

21. WATERLOO RECREATION Modern, rustic and organizational camping, visitor center, Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? AREA: Geology Centers, wildlife, hunting, hiking, equestrian trails, picnic areas, boat launch, fishing, swimming, beach house, interpretive programs, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

22. W.C. WETZEL STATE Undeveloped. Hiking, hunting, snowmobiling and cross– RECREATION AREA: country skiing permitted. Detroit Model Airplane Club oper ates the landing field and hosts events. City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 17 Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? What 1: Planning Process Step BARRIER-FREE ANALYSIS AND TRANSITION PLAN A critical component in planning for recreation facilities is providing barrier-free access to accommodate the needs of both physically and mentally challenged visitors. Barrier-free access includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that adequate barrier-free parking spaces, sidewalks, trails, picnic tables, and playground equipment are provided for renovated or new recreational facilities. Standards from The Accessibility Checklist, a guidebook founded upon the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) and the codes and standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), were used to verify barrier-free compliance.

To provide barrier-free park improvements that will be the most beneficial to park users, a transition plan is developed. The transition plan provides for two stages of park upgrades. The first stage of barrier-free upgrades are the most critical to implement, because they include improvements to park accessibility, such as the installation of pathways and barrier-free bathrooms. The second stage would involve replacing those particular items that are not ADA-compliant, which may include such items as grills and playground equipment. Given the recent park improvements, the city's existing facilities are in fairly close compliance with barrier-free standards.

The MDNR Guidelines require that a barrier free ranking be given to each facility for assessing its accessibility to persons with disabilities. The assessment considers the accessibility of both the facilities themselves as well as the access routes to them. The following system, provided by the MDNR Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plans (01/27/06), was used to assess each park:

1. None of the facilities / park areas meet accessibility guidelines. 2. Some of the facilities / park areas meet accessibility guidelines. 3. Most of the facilities / park areas meet accessibility guidelines. 4. The entire park meets accessibility guidelines. 5. The entire park was developed / renovated using the principals of universal design.

The local recreational facilities are evaluated in alphabetical order below.

1. Clinton River Trail Ranking: 5. The Clinton River Trail connects the existing West Bloomfield trail to the west and the Macomb Orchard Trail to the east.

2. Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve Ranking: 2. The Nature Center (with restrooms) is ADA-compliant.

First Stage • Redesign walkway from the road to the Nature Center to improve barrier-free access. • Upgrade a portion of the nature trail to provide barrier-free access.

18 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

Second Stage • Ensure access to the Dino Dig.

3. Elizabeth Park Ranking: 2. Barrier-free access to the park is provided, however many of the amenities could be brought into compliance with ADA-standards.

First Stage • Replace concrete structures and wood playscape with barrier-free items that will meet Rochester’s needs.

Second Stage • No recommendations.

4. Halbach Field & Memorial Grove Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? Ranking: 2. Halbach Field is improved with a parking lot, baseball field, concession stand and trail. The parking lot is paved, however striping and signage are needed. The Memorial Grove path complies with ADA standards.

First Stage • Improve parking lot (striping and signage). • Provide barrier-free access between parking lot, concession and baseball field bleach- ers. • Install barrier-free restrooms in concession building, if future needs warrant improvements.

Second Stage • No recommendations.

5. Municipal Park Ranking: 3. The parking area and two play structures in the eastern sector and the two play structures in the western sector are accessible structures, and the fibar surfaces are an accessible material. Primary restrooms are also ADA-compliant.

First Stage • Install barrier-free restrooms inside Lions Shelter. • Decrease slope between the parking lot adjacent to Ludlow Street and the picnic area to provide barrier-free access.

Second Stage • Ensure picnic area in western sector is accessible.

City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 19 Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? What 1: Planning Process Step 6. Older Persons Center (650 Letica) Ranking: 5. The Center opened in November 2003 and was designed to provide services to those 60 years of age and older. Access and facilities comply with ADA standards.

7. Paint Creek Trail Ranking: 5. The Paint Creek Trail is a limestone path accessible to disabled persons.

8. Scott Street Park - Jaycee Field Ranking: 1. This park has a gravel parking lot, baseball field and two basketball courts (one full court and one half-court).

First Stage • Improve parking lot. • Provide barrier-free access to the baseball field.

Second Stage • No recommendations.

20 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

Table 3: Summary of Local Park and Recreation Facilities

Municipal Scott Elizabeth Dinosaur Hill Paint Clinton Park Halbach Memorial Howlett Street Street Nature Creek River (Community- Field Grove Park Park Park Preserve Trail Trail Wide Park)

Acres 36 3.3 2.3 7.89 13.1 1.7 17.5 7 67 (corridor) 4 Structures Playscape √ (2-5 yrs & 5-12 4 Sets Swingset (2 lg & 2 sm) Spring Animals √

Baseball Field √

Softball Field Lighted

Sand Volleyball √

Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? 4 lighted Tennis Courts courts 2 (1 full, 1 Basketball Court half court) Pathway Paved Paved Unpaved 0.6 miles 2.5 miles

Parking Lot 2 (paved) Paved Gravel Gravel Paved

Picnic Tables 20 4

Benches 36 2 5 2 2

Pavilion/Shelter 2

Restrooms 2 √

Fishing √

Ice Skating Pond √

Festival Grounds √

Concession Stand √ Interpretive 2 Small Center; Log Other Climbing Cabin; Dino Structures Dig City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 21 Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? What 1: Planning Process Step FigureAreas Existing and 2: Park Recreation 22 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

This page intentionally left blank. Planning Process Step 1: What do we have? City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 23

Plan Process Step 2: What do we want?

STANDARDS A community’s demographics, land uses, and natural features are critical to consider when determining the quantity, type, and location of park facilities that should be offered to its residents. In addition, guidelines established by the National Recreation and Park Association and American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration can assist communities during the recreation planning process in determining where potential recreational deficiencies exist. The following summarizes the national standards that are the most relevant to Rochester, and illustrates what the city can do to alleviate potential recreational deficiencies in the community.

To begin the recreation planning process, it is helpful to establish a classification system for local recreation and open space facilities. Parks can range from a tiny tot lot up to a major special use park such as a golf course. The following includes a park classification system that is applicable to the city of Rochester.

Mini-Park Specialized facilities that serve a concentrated or limited population, or specific groups such as tots or senior citizens. For example, suggested recreational facilities for an individual mini-park are a tot lot, 2 picnic tables and ½ acre open space.

Service Area: Less than ¼ mile radius Desirable Size: 2,500 square feet - 1 acre Acres/1,000 Population: 0.25 to 0.5 acre

Neighborhood Park/ Playground The neighborhood park / playground is the standard park unit in Rochester. Neighborhood parks should offer a variety of activities to accommodate a range of ages, physical abilities, and recreational interests. Therefore, it is recommended that neighborhood parks should be comprised of approximately 50% active uses (fields, courts, playgrounds, skating, etc.) and 50% passive uses (trails, picnic areas, etc.). It is recommended that a minimum of 7-10 parking spaces should be provided.

24 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

Service Area: ½ to 1 mile radius Desirable Size: 5 - 10 acres Acres/1,000 Population: 1.0 to 2.0 acres

Community-Wide Park Community-wide parks include larger parks with diverse environmental quality. A variety of passive and active uses are provided, including athletic fields, sledding hills, trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Typically, uses are separated by activity and age group to limit potential conflicts between different types of users.

Service Area: 2 - 3 mile radius, several neighborhoods. Desirable Size: 20 - 50 acres Acres/1,000 Population: 5.0 to 8.0 acres

Planning Process Step 2: What do we want? Connector Trail Connector trails would include a multi-use trail to give non-motorized access to parks and other uses throughout Rochester. Modes of travel include walking, biking, in-line skating, cross-country skiing, and canoeing. Active play areas may be included.

Service Area: No applicable standard Desirable Size: Sufficient area to protect the resource and provide maximum use. Acres/1,000 Population: Variable

Special Use Park Special use parks are generally areas for single purpose recreational activities, such as golf courses, nature centers, senior centers, zoos, conservatories, arboreta, display gardens, outdoor theaters, or areas that preserve, maintain, and interpret buildings, sites, and objects of historical significance.

Service Area: No applicable standard Desirable Size: Variable depending on the specific activity or use Acres/1,000 Population: Variable

Natural Resource Areas These areas focus on protection and management of the natural/cultural environment with recreation use as a secondary objective.

Service Area: No applicable standard Desirable Size: Sufficient to protect the resource Acres/1,000 Population: Variable

City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 25 Planning Process Step 2: What do we want? do we want? What 2: Planning Process Step Sources Recreation, Park & Open Space Standards & Guidelines National Recreation and Park Asso- ciation; Roger A. Lancaster, Ed; 1983. As adapted by Birchler Arroyo Associates, Inc.

Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Guidelines, National Recreation and Park Asso- ciation and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration; James D. Mertes, Ph.D., CLP and James R. Hall, CLP, Co-Task Force Chairs, 1996. As adapted by Birchler Arroyo Associates, Inc.

CLASSIFICATION OF CITY PARKS For planning and analysis purposes, the city has classified all public recreation facilities by function. This hierarchy of parks will be used to identify deficiencies by neighborhood.

Community-Wide Parks ♦ Municipal Park ♦ Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve/ Nature Center ♦ Paint Creek Trail ♦ Clinton River Trail

Neighborhood Park (Playfields) ♦ Halbach Field ♦ Scott Street Park

Neighborhood Park (Playground) ♦ Howlett Park ♦ Creekside Village (Private) ♦ Stony Creek Ridge (Private) ♦ Pulte (Private)

Mini Park ♦ Elizabeth Park ♦ Rotary Park ♦ DDA Vest Pocket Park

Other ♦ Private recreation and open space for residents of the Creekside Village and Stony Creek Ridge developments. ♦ Older Persons Center (A special use community center for mature residents. Not operated exclusively for city of Rochester residents).

26 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

DEFICIENCIES IN CITY PARKS SYSTEM The city was evaluated for recreation deficiencies, as shown in Table 4 below. The basic standards from the previous section were applied for the analysis.

Table 4: Recreation Space By Neighborhood - Existing Acreage, Neighborhood Needs, and Deficiencies

Existing Park Standard Deficiency Type of Park Acreage (in Acres)1 (in Acres) Mini Park 1.7 2.7 - 5.5 1 - 3.8 Neighborhood Park/Playground2 178.9 11.0 - 22.0 --- Community 68.5 55.0 - 87.8 --- School Parks3 18.7 NA NA Planning Process Step 2: What do we want? Other4 68 NA NA CITY TOTALS 335.8 68.7 - 115.3 1 - 3.8

1 2005 Population data taken from SEMCOG Regional Development Forecast, October 2001, was used to determine the number of park acres per 1,000 persons prescribed by the NRPA standard. 2 Includes the approximately 150.5 acres of private open space belonging to the Homeowner’s Association of Creekside Village, Stony Creek Ridge, and Stony Pointe North. 3 School parks are not maintained by the city of Rochester, but they are noted for reference purposes since they are located along the city boundaries. Acreage reported is the area of total school site. 4 Does not include any recreation facilities maintained by the city of Rochester.

As can be seen from the analysis, the city-wide deficiency in parks remains with the small, mini parks to serve the immediate neighborhoods. Due to the fact that a majority of Rochester is already built-out and there are many environmentally sensitive areas which cannot be developed into a park facility, it may be a challenge to find sites available for development of additional mini-parks, tot lots, and the like. While there is sufficient acreage for the neighborhood parks/playgrounds, those facilities are limited in their recreational offerings. Analysis and redevelopment of these neighborhood facilities is necessary in order to determine how they can be best developed. Some of the larger sites may have area available for development to meet the mini-park needs of adjoining residential neighborhoods.

City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 27 Planning Process Step 2: What do we want? do we want? What 2: Planning Process Step GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Community Attitudes, Goals and Objectives Goals and objectives formulated by the community are viewed as the cornerstone of the recreation planning process, for they form the framework for public and private decision-making. The purposes of the recreation plan are to provide a basis for public policy decisions and technical coordination in recreational development and to inject long-range consideration into the determination of short- range actions.

Community Attitudes Toward Recreation In order to solicit public input into the goals and objectives process, the city posted a link on its web- site to a recreation survey and provided paper copy surveys at the City Hall to obtain input by drop- in residents. The results of the survey are included in the Appendix.

Goals and Objectives The following goals and objectives are numbered for identification purposes only. Each goal is con- sidered to carry an equal degree of importance. The objectives following each goal are suggested actions designed to assist in achieving each goal.

GOAL 1. Improve barrier-free access at all city parks

Objectives • Continue surfacing program for trails, paths, and connections between uses. • Maintain barrier-free parking spaces at all parks. • Provide barrier-free picnic tables when new or replacement tables are purchased. • Provide barrier-free play apparatus and surfacing meeting all applicable safety standards. • Develop sign system to ensure visitors can safely access and use park facilities, regardless of physical, mental or visual impairments.

GOAL 2. Develop comprehensive park identification / signage program

Objectives • Design new park identification signage for consistency throughout city park system. • Add instructional / directional park signage, consistent with main identification signs, to direct park users to activity areas at larger parks, particularly Municipal Park. • Incorporate watershed identification signage at all watershed crossings.

GOAL 3. Develop reforestation program

Objectives • Analyze areas that may need additional trees and what these new plantings should accom- plish.

28 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

• Utilize ornamental trees to increase visual appeal, canopy trees for shade, evergreens to provide a barrier between uses or around sensitive features, and to increase safety at key locations. • Improve shaded areas in parks to encourage additional passive recreation use and provide a refuge for older citizens. • Design shaded areas adjacent to tot lots to provide an attractive and comfortable area for adults to watch their children when they are visiting the park. • Plant additional trees to replace those lost to the Emerald Ash Borer. • Reforest in controlled areas adjacent to riparian corridors and trails (Paint Creek Trail and Clinton River Trail), including a variety of trees (nut trees, native species, shade trees and conifers).

GOAL 4. Continue to expand and enhance the trail network

Planning Process Step 2: What do we want? Objectives • Investigate the feasibility of a variety of methods for public access along the Clinton River Corridor, including facilities such as a riverwalk, nature trail, canoe access and/or fishing pier. • Upgrade trails as necessary to create a safe pedestrian environment and improve access for disabled persons, whenever feasible, given the natural features of a site. • Improve portions of Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve trail to accommodate barrier-free access. • Potentially add trail from Clinton River Trail into Twin Rivers Park. • Connect Paint Creek Trail and Clinton River Trail at proposed Twin Rivers Park. • Enhance trails with kiosks, way finding signs, and amenities such as drinking fountains and restrooms, where appropriate.

GOAL 5: Update and expand park facilities to address the recreation needs of all residents

Objectives: • Review intensity of park usage and characteristics of visitors to determine how park development should occur. • Provide updated and/or expanded playscape facilities to improve recreational opportunities for small children and families. • Develop additional passive recreation opportunities, such as benches, shaded areas, upgraded or expanded walking trails, bike paths, picnic facilities, and the like, that appeal to a broad age range of city residents. • Replace picnic tables and shelters as necessary to ensure facilities are usable, safe, and accommodate users with mobility limitations. • Identify, acquire, and develop parcels as “vest pocket” parks or open space to provide additional small scale recreation areas.

City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 29

• Add restrooms and drinking fountains within Municipal Park and along trails. do we want? What 2: Planning Process Step • Consider adding public art and gardens within the parks, using assistance from community resources such as the Older Persons Commission, Paint Creek Center for the Arts, and schools. • Ensure sufficient bicycle racks are located within the parks to accommodate trail users and visitors who cycle to the parks.

GOAL 6. Continue to provide high-quality maintenance of park facilities

Objectives • Maintain recreation-related buildings and structures. • Continue to improve maintenance of environmentally-sensitive areas, such as ponds.

GOAL 7. Ensure preservation of natural areas and provide pedestrian access, when appropriate

Objectives • Purchase open space to preserve in its natural state, when appropriate parcels become available. • Link open space areas to maintain wildlife corridors. • Work with conservation groups to ensure areas are maintained in their natural state. • When appropriate, enhance access to natural areas with low-impact pathways, such as at Howlett Park.

GOAL 8. Improve usability and aesthetics of neighborhood parks

Objectives • Develop Scott Street Park as a passive recreation use with landscaping, benches, and a pathway. • Utilize the Halbach Field parking lot as a trailhead for the Paint Creek Trail. • Consider updating Elizabeth Park with new pathways, landscaping, and a tot lot. • Install a uniform signage system for all Rochester parks. • Provide an accessible pathway within Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve.

30 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

This page intentionally left blank. Planning Process Step 2: What do we want?

City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 31 Planning Process Step 3: How do we get there?

ACTION PROGRAM & BASIS FOR ACTION The city's long-range plan proposes improvements and new development actions at each of the city’s parks. The Action Program describes, in detail, the proposed strategy for the next 5 years, 2006 through 2010. Each year's proposed actions are followed by the reasons why they are the city's priority projects. The costs are summarized at the end of the chapter on Table 5.

2006 Action Program

1. Uniform, Distinguishing Sign System Consistent with Goals: 1, 2, 8 Estimated Cost: $ 25,000 Total Source of Funds: $ 25,000 City of Rochester Basis for Action: Rochester’s city parks do not currently employ a uniform, identifiable sign system. Consideration should be given to developing a system of park signs with a particular theme or character, so that the parks may be associated with one another as well as the other municipal facilities. An identification sign would be developed for each park, and wayfinding signs would be installed at key locations to direct users to the facilities. A component of this action item is to identify parking areas that provide access to the trails, and incorporate their location into the overall sign system. Figure 3 presents potential locations of trailhead parking, as well as wayfinding signs.

2. DDA Town Square Property Purchase Consistent with Goal: 5 Estimated Cost: $ 2,050,000 Total Source of Funds: $ 2,050,000 City sources Basis for Action: The Rochester Downtown Development Authority, in cooperation with the city, would like to broaden its traditional downtown area by expanding opportunities to the east. One component of this initiative is to develop a town square in the “new” portion of the downtown. The selected location of the proposed town square is shown on Figure 5. 32 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

3. Historic Marker Park Implementation Consistent with Goals: 2, 4 Estimated Cost: Unknown/ Not applicable Source of Funds: 100% Private Source Basis for Action: The former paper mill, located on the Clinton River at the east end of Mill Street, served as a landmark and source of employment in the City for many decades. In order to commemorate its history, the City has negotiated with the residential development called Mill Town to provide a Historic Marker Park with public access via Mill Street and the Clinton River Trail.

2007 Action Program 1. DDA Town Square Development Consistent with Goal: 5 Estimated Cost: $ 63,000 Demolition Planning Process Step 3:there? How do we get Development cost to be determined based upon undetermined design Source of Funds: $ 63,000+Development cost - City of Rochester and other applicable sources Basis for Action: The city of Rochester would like to broaden its traditional downtown area by expanding opportunities to the east. One component of this initiative is to develop a town square in the “new” portion of the downtown. This action item facilitates the installation of pedestrian amenities, landscaping and other design components that will create a much needed gathering spot and events center downtown, possibly including relocation of the popular Saturday morning farmers market. (The Town Square is planned to occupy the surface level of a two-level parking deck that would take advantage of the local topography to avoid the need for internal ramps).

2. Dinosaur Hill - Trail Renovation Consistent with Goals: 1, 6, 8 Estimated Cost: $ 15,000 Subtotal Source of Funds: $ 3,750 City of Rochester $ 11,250 MDNR Basis for Action: Dinosaur Hill is a nature area in the northwest corner of Rochester (Figure 7). It contains a 0.86 mile path system which is adjacent to a portion of the Paint Creek and winds among a vernal pond, floodplain forest, and a variety of tree species and other natural growth. The trails in Dinosaur Hill are in poor condition and should be resurfaced as an all season trail. Improving the subbase and drainage is very important. There is a significant amount of topog- City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 33 Planning Process Step 3: How do we get How do we get there? 3: Planning Process Step raphic relief on the site, so portions of the existing trail are not handicapped accessible. As part of this action item, 1,000 linear feet of pathway would be made barrier-free. Increasing accessibility to Dinosaur Hill provides opportunities for nature viewing within an urban setting.

3. Municipal Park Improvements Consistent with Goals: 1, 5, 6 Estimated Cost: $ 2,500 Drinking Fountain $112,000 Pond Plaza Rehabilitation $114,500 TOTAL Source of Funds: $ 28,625 City of Rochester $ 85,875 MDNR Basis For Action: Municipal Park is one of the city’s most well-used facilities. Certain improvements must be made to maintain its attractiveness and usefulness. Proposed improvements include: adding a new entryway off of Paint Creek Trail; alterations to the walkway to accommodate preferred pedestrian paths; improve barrier-free accessibility; replacement of the drinking fountain at the tennis courts; and rehabilitation of the pond plaza. Figure 11 presents a concept drawing of Municipal Park.

4. Clinton River Trail - Interpretive Signage Consistent with Goals: 1, 2, 4, 8 Estimated Cost: $ 5,000 TOTAL Source of Funds: $ 5,000 City of Rochester Basis For Action: The Clinton River Trail is a tremendous resource for the city of Rochester as well as surrounding communities. The city would like to enhance the trail by providing natural and historic interpretive signage. Figure 4 presents a concept drawing of Clinton River Trail.

34 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

2008 Action Plan 1. Howlett Park - Pathway Consistent with Goals: 1, 5, 7 Estimated Cost: $25,000 Subtotal $ 2,500 Engineering $27,500 TOTAL Source of Funds: $ 6,875 City of Rochester $20,625 MDNR Basis for Action: Continue development of a paved pathway to the pond in Howlett Park. The path would meet barrier-free standards and provide an opportunity to maintain access to flora and fauna. Figure 10 presents a schematic of the park and potential pathway location.

Planning Process Step 3:there? How do we get 2. Scott Street Park - Plantings Consistent with Goals: 3, 8 Estimated Cost: $ 6,900 Source of Funds: $ 6,900 City of Rochester Basis For Action: The Scott Street Park is adjacent to single family residential homes. The city would like to provide more trees along the northeast corner of the park to provide screening between the park and existing homes. A concept of the park with proposed plantings is shown on Figure 12.

3. Halbach Field and Memorial Grove - Trailhead and Signage Consistent with Goals: 1, 2, 4, 8 Estimated Cost: $ 5,000 Source of Funds: $ 5,000 City of Rochester Basis For Action: The parking lot at Halbach Field would serve as a convenient location for trailhead parking for the Paint Creek Trail (Figure 3). A kiosk with information regarding the trial, as well as signage and striping of the lot itself, would provide appropriate identification to the public while improving barrier-free access to the site. A concept plan for Halbach Field and Memorial Grove is provided as Figure 9.

City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 35 Planning Process Step 3: How do we get How do we get there? 3: Planning Process Step 2009 Action Plan 1. Elizabeth Park Development Consistent with Goals: 1, 3, 5, 8 Estimated Cost: $ 40,000 Tot lot $ 1,200 Benches (3) $ 30,000 Landscaping $ 71,200 TOTAL Source of Funds: $ 17,800 City of Rochester $ 53,400 DNR Basis For Action: Improvement and expansion of facilities in this park would help to meet the recreation needs of the nearby neighborhoods and Royal Park hotel guests. This area of the city is lacking in tot lot and passive recreation opportunities, such as benches, landscaping and an accessible pathway. Figure 8 presents the park and potential improvements.

2. Paint Creek Trail Enhancement Consistent with Goals: 2, 4, 5 Estimated Cost: $ 3,000 Source of Funds: $ 3,000 City of Rochester Basis for Action: The existing trail is well traveled. The city would like to enhance the trail for users by adding amenities such as signage, benches and waste receptacles.

2010 Action Plan 1. Proposed Twin Rivers Park - Development Consistent with Goals: 4, 5, 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10,000 Feasibility Study Source of Funds: $ 10,000 City of Rochester Basis for Action: Part of Rochester’s character is due to its development around two significant bodies of water, the Paint Creek and the Clinton River. The convergence of these waterbodies creates a natural area which is not typically found in urban settings. The area also contains a unique topographic feature, a 30 to 40 foot high bluff, which should be pre- served through acquisition. This action item would include conducting a feasibility study to determine appropriate methods of providing public access to this area and providing passive 36 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

uses on the site, erosion control measures, land transfer and approach for creating a park/ Business District interface. Figure 12 indicates the proposed location of the park.

2. Paint Creek Trail Bridge Replacement Consistent with Goals: 5, 6 Estimated Cost: $ 150,000 Source of Funds: $ 150,000 City of Rochester Basis for Action: The existing trailway bridge north of Woodward will need to be replaced in the near future. The type of bridge, pedestrian or vehicular (for emergency and service vehi- cles), has yet to be decided. The estimated cost assumes replacement of a pedestrian bridge.

Planning Process Step 3:there? How do we get City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 37 Planning Process Step 3: How do we get How do we get there? 3: Planning Process Step Table 5: Action Plan Summary

Funding Source Year Proposed Action Total Cost City MDNR Private

Uniform, Distinguishing Sign System $25,000 $25,000 ------

DDA Town Square Property Purchase $2,050,000 $2,050,000 ------2006 Not Historic Marker Park Implementation $0 ------Applicable*

2006 Total $2,075,000 $2,075,000 $0 $0

DDA Town Square Development $63,000 $63,000 ------

Dinosaur Hill - Trail Renovation $15,000 $3,750 $11,250 ---

2007 Municipal Park Improvements $114,500 $28,625 $85,875 ---

Clinton River Trail - Interpretive Signage $5,000 $5,000 ------

2007 Total $197,500 $100,375 $97,125 $0

Howlett Park - Pathway $27,500 $6,875 $20,625 ---

Scott Street Plantings $6,900 $6,900 ------2008 Halbach Field and Memorial Grove - Trailhead $5,000 $5,000 ------and Signage

2008 Total $39,400 $18,775 $20,625 $0

Elizabeth Park Development $71,200 $17,800 $53,400 ---

2009 Paint Creek Trail Enhancement $3,000 $3,000 ------

2009 Total $74,200 $20,800 $53,400 $0

Proposed Twin Rivers Park - Development $10,000 $10,000 ------

2010 Paint Creek Trail Bridge Replacement $150,000 $150,000 ------

2010 Total $160,000 $160,000 $0 $0

2006-2010 Total $2,546,100 $2,374,950 $171,150 $0

* The cost for the Historic Marker Park is not known, however, the project will be funded 100% by private sources. 38 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan Planning Process Step 3:there? How do we get Figure 3: Trailhead Parking and Wayfinding Sign Locations Locations Sign Wayfinding and Parking Trailhead 3: Figure City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 39 Planning Process Step 3: How do we get How do we get there? 3: Planning Process Step Figure Clinton 4: Corridor River 40 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

Figure 5: Town Square Planning Process Step 3:there? How do we get City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 41

Proposed New Town Square How do we get there? 3: Planning Process Step

A comprehensive study of Downtown Rochester, commissioned by the Rochester DDA, identified the City’s lack of any formal public space downtown for community events, the Saturday Farmer’s Market, music concerts, and other outdoor-oriented festivals. The study identified the block between East University, Fourth Street, Water and East Streets as an excellent location for a Town Square to function as a central gathering space and urban park site. In winter months the site could host an ice skating rink, spring might feature flower sales, during the summer it could host events such as Dancin’ in the Streets, fall would extend its use to the Arts and Applies Festival and Spotlights Art Show, and year-round it could serve as the site of the Saturday Farmers Mar- ket. As the City’s population of “in-town” residents grows, the importance of a major public park space downtown becomes even more urgent.

Topography in the area of the City where the Town Square site is located would afford views from the square over a great deal of the East Area of Downtown, much like a scenic overlook park in more rural areas provides views over a natural landscape. A portion of the site is already owned by the City and is the site of a parking lot. The remaining property is held by 6 private land own- ers. The cost to acquire and clear the land for park use is estimated to be at least $2.2 million. These acquisition funds would likely come from a combination of City and DDA sources. Devel- opment costs would be shared by the DDA and an MDNR grant, with the City as the grantee and owner of the park.

A more aggressive approach to the Town Square’s acquisition and development would involve trading City land currently occupied by the Plaza Parking Lot, west of the Town Square, for the properties needed for the park. The public parking lost as a result of this transaction could be replaced beneath the new Town Square, taking advantage of the extreme topography to avoid the need for internal ramps between a proposed two levels of parking. This approach requires further detailed evaluation and cost-estimating, contact with landowners to gauge their interest as well as bonding for construction of the underlying parking structure. 42 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

Figure 6: Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve Planning Process Step 3:there? How do we get City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 43 Planning Process Step 3: How do we get How do we get there? 3: Planning Process Step Figure 7: Elizabeth Park 44 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

Figure 8: Halbach Field and Memorial Grove Planning Process Step 3:there? How do we get City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 45 Planning Process Step 3: How do we get How do we get there? 3: Planning Process Step Figure 9: Howlett Park 46 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

Figure 10: Municipal Park Planning Process Step 3:there? How do we get City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 47 Planning Process Step 3: How do we get How do we get there? 3: Planning Process Step Figure 11: Scott Street Park 48 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

Figure 12: Proposed Twin Rivers Park Planning Process Step 3:there? How do we get City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan A-1

APPENDICES

A.1 SURVEY AND SURVEY RESULTS SURVEY A-2 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan Appendix A.1: and Survey Results Survey Appendix

City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan A-3 Appendix Survey andA.1: Survey Results

A-4 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

SURVEY RESULTS

City of Rochester Parks and Recreation Survey (We note that all questions were not answered by all respondents. Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding). Are you a Rochester Resident? Yes 28 85% No 5 15% 1. How many persons live in your household?

123456 or more Total 5 11 6 3 3 1 Percentage 17% 38% 21% 10% 10% 3% 2. What are their ages? Appendix A.1: and Survey Results Survey Appendix 0-4 13-May 14-17 18-25 26-44 45-64 65+ Total 5 11 7 3 16 27 2 Percentage 7% 15% 10% 4% 23% 38% 4%

3. Please check all of the Rochester parks or trails that you have visited or used: Number of responses Percentage of respondents Municipal Park 23 92% Downtown River Walk (Paint Creek Walkway) 20 80% Paint Creek Trail 20 80% Dinosaur Hill Nature Center 18 72% Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve 18 72% Clinton River Trail 11 44% Halbach Field 10 40% Scott Street Park (JC Field & Basketball Court) 6 24% Memorial Grove 5 20% Elizabeth Park 4 16% Howlett Park 4 16% None 1 4%

3a. What park facilities do you use? Number of Respondents Percentage of Respondents Pathways 23 100% Picnic Areas/Pavilions 15 62% Playgrounds 939% Softball or Baseball Fields 417% Tennis Courts 417% Basketball Courts 29% Ice Skating on Municipal Pond 14% Volleyball Court 00%

City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan A-5

3b. How do you get to the park? Appendix Survey andA.1: Survey Results Walk Bicycle Drive 19 83% 14 61% 17 74%

3c. When do you visit the parks?

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday None Spring 15 68% 15 68% 14 64% 15 68% 14 64% 21 95% 22 100% 1 5% Summer 16 73% 14 64% 16 73% 13 59% 16 73% 19 86% 20 91% 2 9% Fall 13 59% 13 59% 13 59% 13 59% 14 64% 20 91% 20 91% 2 9% Winter 6 27% 5 23% 6 27% 5 23% 5 23% 10 45% 10 45% 11 50%

3d. On average during a calendar year, how often do you go to a Rochester park? Less than 3-5 times Once a 2-3 times Once a once a Daily per week week per month month month 1105422 4% 42% 21% 17% 8% 8%

4. Please check all of the recreation facilities and community events that you have attended in Rochester. Number of Percentage of Respondents Respondents Arts & Apples 22 100% Heritage Festival 19 86% Community House 13 59% Music in the Park 12 55% RARA Program 7 32% OPC (Older Persons Center) 5 23% None 15%

5. If you do not use Rochester’s parks, please indicate why. Parks are not convenient to my home 0 Park facilities do not interest me 1 Park facilities need to be updated 0 Parks need additional barrier-free access 0 Other (please specify) 1

Other: Being approached by really strange people or followed.

6. Are there facilities Rochester could offer that would encourage you to either use the parks or visit them more frequently? If so, please specify possible locations for your suggested additional facilities.

Additional Comments: In reference to Uniformed Police Officers Foot Patrol above: I think this is really important to our community. I wish we had uniformed officers on foot patrol downtown too. It establishes rapport with students and all ages and assists in creating regard between people in community & law enforcement. And lets undesirables know that there are others watching. Improved gardens. Less man made items. Food stands Golf Driving Ranges

A-6 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan 7. Is your residence within walking distance of a park? Yes 16 70% No 7 30%

Additional Comment: In regard to the 1 person that answered “no” – Would be nice though – would use more

8. Rank each of the following 5 items according to the degree of importance Rochester should assign to each issue when prioritize park planning. Very Important Somewhat Importan Neutral Less Important Not Important Update existing park facilities 12 52% 7 30% 3 13% 0 0% 1 4% Increase barrier-free access 4 17% 7 30% 8 35% 2 9% 2 9% Increase recreational programming 3 14% 5 23% 8 36% 2 9% 4 18% Create new parks 1 9% 5 22% 7 30% 6 26% 4 17% Preserve natural areas 18 78% 3 13% 2 9% 0 0% 0 0%

9. What do you think are the most important component(s) or area(s) or parks? Number of Respondents Percentage of Respondents Appendix A.1: and Survey Results Survey Appendix Natural areas (woodlands, wetlands) 22 96% Gardens (display, community, etc.) 13 57% Social gathering areas with paths and benches 12 52% Children’s Playfields 11 48% Picnic facilities (grills, tables, shelters) 11 48% Playgrounds 10 44% Courts (tennis, basketball, etc.) 522% Other (please specify) 313% Adult Fields 29%

Other Comment: All of the above….keep improving the main park downtown. NO special license fee for pets, wildlife

10. What parks/recreational facilities/programs do you use outside of Rochester?

Number of Respondents Percentage of Respondents Nature Centers 9 43% Parks 8 38% Pools 6 29% Sport Facilities 5 24% Dance Classes 4 19% None 3 14% Exercise Classes 3 14% Sports 3 14% Arts and Crafts 3 14% Preschool Programs 2 10% Day Camps 2 10% Senior Centers 2 10% Teen Programs 1 5% Ice Arenas (other than Onyx Skating Center – Parkdale at Dequindre) 00%

City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan A-7

11. Is there an area of the city that needs an additional park or recreational facility? Where? What amenities should be in- Appendix Survey andA.1: Survey Results cluded? (Limit 50 words) As already stated, keep improving main downtown park. Could Howlet Park support a nature center. A lot of residents were concerned about the loss and change of the pond there when improvements were made in surrounding streets etc. there a few years ago – Frogs and turtles need to survive they need help feed the bird populations (Heron, etc.) People want to see wildlife. Children learn positive con- nection to the world around them through their interaction with wildlife and nature. Clean up parks and DPW property off Woodward. Add park at Clinton river and Paint Creek intersection.

12. Are there any existing park facilities that you would change if you could? (Limit 50 words). I would like to see the pond with some cattails at the west end. And the boulders that ring the pond removed in large areas. I don’t like the look and its frustrating to continually “rescue” ducklings whenever I walk there in the spring or worry that loose children (unattended) will trip over them and fall in at the pond’s edge. The ruts between them are more of a hazard then a help. Ban dogs from park. As already stated, keep improving main downtown park. Woodward area needs cleaning up. No Special fee for pet access to parks. Leash requirements for pets, without added fees. No, I have been here 20 years and love it the way it is. The Railroad Trail (by the Ice Arena) needs benches and bathrooms. I’d like to see more significant sheltered area at the East Tot Lot to accommodate groups in the summertime with some shade, particularly for pregnant/nursing moms. Also, I’d like walk-out area in Paint Creek that is maintained for family/ child wading. Posting a sign with the correct phone number(s) to call if a residence would like to rent/use/sign-up for the use of a pavilion. JC Field.

13. What are the successes of the Rochester parks and recreation system? (Limit 50 words). Main downtown park – nice, updated kids equipment; pavilion area We have some very good park areas. In the past 40+ years, the clearing of the brush in the park, the bike & footpath installations, restrooms, Paint Creek Trailway. The opportunity for citizens to use the pavilions for functions at a minimal cost is excellent. The number and variety are wonderful for such a small city. Playgrounds, creek, walking trails, bridges, grassy areas. We enjoy them a lot and thing they’re lovely! Marvelous facilities abound for family fun. Tot lots, skating pond, paths, programs. Great Stuff!

14. What are the biggest challenges to the Rochester parks and recreation system? (Limit 50 words) Maintaining the parks we have. Maintenance of existing facilities Keeping out beer bottles, etc. where kids play (Main park) other parks – apparent lack of use. A lot of us who grew up in Rochester kids enjoyed a summer Arts-n-Crafts program in the green block building at the top of the park. As I remember it, it was an open program pay as you go and it was fun. Keeping kids constructively occupied is and has been a challenge to our community. Some kind of teen center was promised and proposed in the 70’s and is still needed. Loss of wild eco-system space is also sad. The boulders around the pond serve to trap ducklings that fall in in the spring. Our cattails that were at West end of the pond were a natural water filtration eco-system and an excellent example to us as students of a part of nature’s way of caring for itself and it’s creatures. Parking Safety for all using them and to increase native and natural habitat. Accommodating the rapid growth of the area in terms of population. Defining resident & recreating needs.

A-8 City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan

A.2 PLAN ADOPTION

Appendix A.2: Adoption Materials A.2: Appendix

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City of Rochester’s Park and Recreation Plan A-23 Appendix Information Previous Grants A.3: A.3 PREVIOUS GRANTS INFORMATION

1. Type of Grant: Development Grant No.: TF02-043 Name of Project: Clinton River Trail Scope Items: 2.5 mile trail surface; Bridges (surface and railing); Entrances; Parking Lot Condition: Multi-use pedestrian path that links the city with other communities, as well as the Macomb-Orchard Trail and the Paint Creek Trail. Excellent condition. Action Plan proposes to add interpretive signage in 2007.

2. Type of Grant: Acquisition Grant No.: TF00-312 Name of Project: Rochester Rails-to-Trails Area: 2.5 miles of abandoned railroad right-of-way Current Use: Barrier-free pedestrian pathway built in 2004. Condition: Excellent condition. Action Plan proposes to add interpretive signage in 2007.

3. Type of Grant: Development Grant No.: CM00-087 Name of Project: Municipal Tennis Court Renovation Scope Items: Fencing; Tennis court renovation: Lighting; Landscaping Condition: Excellent condition. These tennis courts are heavily used, since they are the only public courts in the city.

4. Type of Grant: Development Grant No.: BF89-609 Name of Project: Dinosaur Hill Nature Center Addition Scope Items: Addition to Nature Center enhances ability to provide educational programs to the public, including school groups. Condition: Excellent condition. The Nature Center is a highly-utilized facility. Adjacent to the Nature Center, the Nature Preserve is programmed to have a barrier-free pathway installed in 2007.

5. Type of Grant: Acquisition Grant No.: 26-00747 Name of Project: Samuel A. Howlett Park - St. Andrews Park Area: 13 acres for outdoor recreation Current Use: Open space preservation - area to run and relax - sledding Condition: Excellent condition. The pond was recently renovated to improve drainage, and a barrier-free pathway is programmed for 2008.

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