Table of Contents Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 2 Definition of the Planning Area…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 Goals of the Plan………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 The Park Board……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 Allen County Parks and Recreation Department……….…………………………………………………………………. 7 Natural Features and Landscape………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21 Man-Made, Historical and Cultural Features………………………………………………………………………………… 25 Social and Economic Factors……………………………………………………………………………………….……………….. 31 Accessibility and Universal Design……………………………………………………………………….……………….……... 36 Public Participation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……... 41 Needs Analysis……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 50 New Facilities Location map…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 54 Priorities and Action Plan……..………………………………………………………………………………….………………….. 55 Sources……….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….. 64 Appendix………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….. 65 Allen County Parks and Recreation 2013-2017 Master Plan Page 1 Introduction Today’s emphasis in park planning focuses on the relationship between public and private recreational opportunities and the relationship of recreation to the location and distribution of other land uses and community character. While the primary focus in the past has been on providing parks and park experiences, the scope of planning has been expanded to reflect the relationship between the park system and other elements of the community’s social and natural environments. This view of park planning is diversified and extends to community development, environmental interpretation, multiple uses of public and private space for recreation, and a full range of recreation programs. With this more diverse definition, park planning becomes a more important component of our overall growth management objectives. Previous distinctions between public and private opportunities and indoor and outdoor spaces are fading with a broader view of park planning that integrates preservation and new facilities. This plan is designed to preserve and manage the environment, with an eye toward growth and to improve and enrich the quality of life enjoyed by area residents. This plan is being conducted in concert with the City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department and the New Haven-Adams Township Parks and Recreation Department. This joint-venture plan continues the ongoing inter-agency cooperation between the related departments. This plan addresses the five-year goals and objectives for parks and recreation lands and facilities for the Allen County Parks and Recreation Department. Allen County Parks and Recreation 2013-2017 Master Plan Page 2 Definition of the Planning Area The planning area for the Allen County Parks and Recreation Department encompasses all of Allen County, Indiana. The City of Fort Wayne, New Haven, Huntertown, Leo-Cedarville, Grabill, Woodburn, Monroeville, and many other communities lie within Allen County. Many of these cities, towns and communities have their own parks and recreation system. When considering the planning area for a park system such as the Allen County Parks and Recreation Department, it is also important to look beyond the jurisdictional boundaries defined by the county limits. It is important to realize that many people living in neighboring counties visit the county parks and participate in park programs. Allen County Parks provide: Natural areas for recreation and nature study. Environmental education for thousands of Allen County school children. Natural and cultural history programs for people of all ages. Careful management of county park system resources to maintain and increase natural diversity and recreational opportunities. Rental facilities in a beautiful natural setting. Allen County Parks and Recreation 2013-2017 Master Plan Page 3 Goals of the Plan The recommendations of this Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan are designed to expand upon the goals of the Parks and Recreation Department, cultivating: A Department focusing on consistently meeting and exceeding citizen expectations; A Department that utilizes innovative ideas and methods to successfully meet challenges posed by budgetary/ facility and staffing limitations; A Parks and Recreation system that benefits residents by increasing services to all age groups and providing diverse opportunities; A Parks and Recreation agency that sees itself as a viable partner in providing community recreation services; A stewardship approach to providing high-quality facilities, existing and future, through judicious use of public funds; Cooperation and partnerships among the Department/ schools, community-based recreational entities, other local and regional governments, and the private sector in providing recreational services and facilities; A proactive planning process guided by community needs and executable strategies; and A process of reviewing and updating this master plan annually. The purpose is not simply to produce a plan, but to: Improve agency management. Establish direction and set constraints. Define goals, objectives and priorities. Communicate direction to staff. Allocate agency resources. Facilitate delegation of responsibilities. Manage change. Assure public accountability. Evaluate success. Promote consistency in decisions. Promote cooperation and unity. PLAN OBJECTIVES Criteria established by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Outdoor Recreation in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) have been used in guiding this plan. This plan recognizes the significance of the SCORP document and incorporates pertinent digest format portions of that plan to illustrate the synergy necessary to meet local, regional and state objectives and needs. It recognizes existing conditions and forecasts observations for future, orderly growth and preservation of facilities for the Allen County Parks and Recreation Department. Allen County Parks and Recreation 2013-2017 Master Plan Page 4 The Park Board On July 19, 1965, the Allen County Park Board was formed. On July 28, 1965 their first meeting was held. The original 5-member board was appointed by the Circuit Court Judge of Allen County. The goal of this board was to serve the citizens of Allen County with park areas for recreation and also to acquire large areas of land to help ensure conservation and preservation of our natural resources. In 1985, the Allen County Park and Recreation Board was re-established in accordance with the amended Indiana Park and Recreation Ordinance dated July 19, 1965, as authorized by Indiana Code 36- 10-3. Under this amended ordinance, the 5-member board was increased to a 7-member board and became effective April 18, 1985. These seven members are appointed by five sources rather than only one source under the original ordinance. Members are appointed as follows: 2-members appointed by the Circuit Court Judge; 2-members appointed by the County Council; 1-member appointed by the County Commissioners; 1-member selected by' the' County Extension Committee; and 1-member appointed by the Mayor of Fort Wayne. Each member serves a staggered term. They currently meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. On an as-needed basis, and in accordance with Indiana Code, they will conduct an executive session for special concerns such as real estate options or personnel matters. The Park Board is under the authority of both the Allen County Commissioners and County Council. The current Park Board members include: PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SAMUEL GREGORY, JR. KIM STACEY 4011 West Jefferson Blvd. 2908 Covington Hollow Trail Fort Wayne, IN 46804 Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804 PHONE 260-432-4068 (office) PHONE 260-432-2358 FAX 260-459-0058 CELL 260-493-1245 CELL 260-615-8221 [email protected] [email protected] Commissioners Appointment Circuit Court Appointment (4 year term expires 01/04/15) (4 year term expires 01/02/15) Republican Republican Allen County Parks and Recreation 2013-2017 Master Plan Page 5 The Park Board SECRETARY WILLIAM B. CROWLEY RICKY KEMERY 5910 Radcliffe Drive 4001 Crescent Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46816 Fort Wayne, IN 46815 PHONE 260-447-2859 (home) PHONE 260-481-6826 CELL 260-433-0728 [email protected] [email protected] County Extension Committee Circuit Court Appointment Ex-Officio Appointment (4 year term expires 01/05/13) Democrat PARK BOARD ATTORNEY CARRIE HAWK-GUTMAN STEPHANIE VEIT Hawk, Haynie, Kammeyer & 14512 Firethorne Path Chickedantz Attorneys Fort Wayne, IN 46814 116 East Berry Street PHONE 260-413-2080 Lincoln Tower Suite 302 County Council Appointment Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (4 year term expires 1/25/17) PHONE 260-422-1515 Republican FAX 260-424-2656 CELL 260-710-0814 IMMEDIATE PAST BOARD MEMBER [email protected] TIM HALL 11119 Shoreline Drive MITCH SHEPPARD Leo, IN 46765 1100 South Calhoun St. PHONE 260-627-3597 (home) Fort Wayne, IN 46802 PHONE 260-489-2524 x405 (office) PHONE 260-427-6441 CELL 260-437-0600 County Council Appointment [email protected] (4 year term expires 1/25/17) County Council Appointment Democrat (4 year term expired 01/25/13) Republican MATTHEW R. HENRY 200 East Main Street, Suite 710 IMMEDIATE PAST BOARD MEMBER Fort Wayne, IN 46802 CHRISTINE SHUMWAY PHONE 260-422-5614 (office) 810 Glen Eagle Lane FAX 260-422-5875 Fort Wayne IN 46845 CELL 260-341-2311 PHONE 260-637-6635 [email protected]