Department of City of Southfield Department of Parks And

City of Southfield Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012 -2016

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Southfield Parks and Recreation Department is to provide excellence and equal opportunity in leisure, cultural and recreational services to all of the residents of Southfield. Our purpose is to provide safe, educationally enriching, convenient leisure opportunities, utilizing public open space and quality leisure facilities to enhance the quality of life for Southfield's total population that might not otherwise be available.

ELECTED OFFICIALS & ADMINISTRATOR The Honorable Brenda L. Lawrence, Mayor Joan Seymour, Council President Sidney Lantz, Council President Pro Tem Donald F. Fracassi, Councilman Myron A. Frasier, Councilman Sylvia Jordan, Councilwoman Jeremy Moss, Councilman Kenson J. Siver, Councilman Nancy L. M. Banks, City Clerk Irv M. Lowenberg, City Treasurer James G. Scharret, City Administrator

PARKS & RECREATION Board Dr. E. Delbert Gray, Chairperson Rosemerry D. Allen, Vice-Chairperson Ronald D. Roberts Dawn Stephenson

Administration Doug Block, Acting Director & Business Manager

Master Plan Merrie Carlock, Park Planner / Landscape Architect

Surveys & Focus Groups Pamela S. Kirbach / Kirbach consultancy

Full Time Staff Patti Dearie-Koski Maxine Halperin Robert Murray Dan Bostick Laurie Dillon Janet Husaynu Jonathon Rahn Denis Carroll Matt Dinan Kost Kapchonick Bruce Richards Joel Chapman David DuChene Taneisha Marks Chris Riley Ted Davis Holly Graves Nicole Messina Michele Tiska Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION • Social Characteristics ...... 3 • Natural Features ...... 6 II. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW • Department Origins ...... 9 • Current Status ...... 11 III. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE • Organization & Personnel ...... 13 • Budget ...... 15 • Partnerships, Volunteers & Sponsorships ...... 16 IV. INVENTORY • Parkland and Facilities ...... 18 • Parks, Facilities and Accessibility ...... 20 • MDNR Recreation Grant Inventory ...... 31 • Public School Facilities ...... 34 • Private Recreation Facilities ...... 35 • Regional Recreation Opportunities ...... 38 • Program Inventory ...... 40 V. MASTER PLAN PROCESS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION • Planning Process ...... 46 • Community Surveys and Focus Groups ...... 46 • Public Input Process...... 48 VI. PARK AND FACILITY ANALYSIS • Park Land Analysis...... 55 • Facilities Analysis ...... 57 • Park Analysis...... 61 VII. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES • Mission Statement ...... 69 • Goal and Actions ...... 69 VIII. ACTION PROGRAM • Park Development Proposals ...... 72 • Land Acquisition Priorities ...... 73 IX. APPENDIX • Regional Planning Agency Plan Receipt ...... 74 • County Plan Receipt ...... 75 • MDNR Plan Approval ...... 76 • MDNR Plan Certification ...... 77 • Summary of Master Plan Survey Results ...... 79

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

TABLES AND MAPS NO. TABLE OR MAP PAGE

1. Park Acquisition Dates………………………………………………………………………….…9 2. Park Development & Improvement Projects 2001-2011………………………………………11 3. Landscape Enhancement Projects 2001-2011…………………………………….…………..12 4. Land Acquisition 2001-2011…..……………………………………………………………….....12 5. Organizational Chart……………………………………………………………………………….13 6. Authorized Personnel…………………………………………………………………..………….14 7. Park Land by Category…………………………………………………………………..…..……19 8. Parks and Recreation Properties (by Park Site)………………………………………………..20 9. Municipal Recreation Facilities……………………………………………………………………30 10. Public School Facilities……………………………………………………………………………34 11. Private Recreation Facilities………………………………………………………………………36 12. Athletic & Sports Programs………………………………………………………………………..40 13. Community Youth Sports Groups…………………………………………………………………41 14. Private Sponsor Public Special Events…………………………………………………………..42 15. Parks and Recreation Special Events…………………………………………………………....42 16. Survey Results by Section………………………………………………………………………...46 17. Park Land Standards……………………………………………………………………………….55 18. Developed Park Land Standards……………………………………………………………….…55 19. Municipal Recreation Facilities………………………………………………………………….…57 20. Major Park Development Schedule 2012 – 2016 …………………………………………....…72 21. Land Acquisition Schedule 2012 – 2016.……………………………………………………...... 73

No. MAP PAGE 1. Land Use Map……………………………………………………………………………………….4 2. Green Infrastructure Map..………………………………………………………………………...7 3. Park Locations Map……………………………………………………………………………… 34 4. Oakland County Public Recreation Land……………………………………………….……….39 5. Typical Park Service Areas……………………………………………………………………….56

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

I. COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

This plan has been created for the City of Southfield, a residential community and business center in southeastern Michigan. Southfield borders the City of Detroit and also the communities of Farmington Hills, Redford Township, Franklin, Bingham Farms, Royal Oak Township, Berkley and Oak Park. This plan is intended to primarily address municipal park development, land acquisition for parks and parks and recreation facilities. The secondary purpose of the plan is to plan for the needs of parks and recreation programs, sports, youth and senior services, and special events within the community of Southfield . SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

POPULATION The City of Southfield occupies an area of 26.6 square miles in the southeastern portion of Oakland County, immediately north of the City of Detroit. Originally a rural farming community, the City experienced a period of rapid development in the 1960s and 70s after the City was incorporated in 1958. The greatest numerical increase in population was recorded in the decade between 1960 and 1970 when the population grew from 30,000 to 69,000; an increase of almost 120 percent. The population was recorded at 78,296 in the 2000 census, making Southfield the third largest residential community in Oakland County at the time. The 2010 Census has indicated a slight decline in population for Southfield, down to 71,758 persons as a result of the recession. This decline is expected to reverse over the next ten years, regaining population losses. The long term population forecast for Southfield predicts that the population of Southfield will increase moderately over the next 25 years to 80,590 persons (SEMCOG).

AGE Southfield aged between 2000 and 2010. Person 65 years or older increased from approximately 15 percent of the population in 2000 to 17 percent of the population in 2010, an increase of 2.2 percent overall, even during a period of population decline. Youth, under 18 years of age, represent 20 percent of the population or 14,698 persons in 2010. The number of persons over age 65, as a percentage of the total population, is expected to continue to rise as “baby- boomers” move into retirement age groups by ten percentage points to 25 percent of the total by 2035. The population under 18 years of age is expected to remain flat or increase slightly to 21% by 2035. Young adult to age 34 represent 20 percent of the population in 2010, while adults, aged 35 to 64 are 42 percent of the total.

RACE & ETHNIC GROUPS The Southfield population is 70 percent African American and 25 percent white. The remaining 5 percent are other races. Significant ethnic or religious communities include Chaldean-American and Jewish, particularly the Orthodox Jewish community, and recent Russian Jewish immigrants. Persons of Asian heritage represent 1.7 percent of the population, while 1.3 percent are of Hispanic origin. Persons who identify themselves as multi-racial account for 2.1 percent of the population. (U.S. Census)

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

LAND USE PATTERNS The City of Southfield is nearly 95 percent developed with 71,758 residents. Southfield is a major center of regional employment with 8,600 businesses and 110 “Fortune 500" companies, comprising more than 26 million square feet of office space, and 4 million square feet each of retail and industrial/research and development space. As a result, the daytime population increases to approximately 150,000 persons. Southfield businesses support two-thirds of the community’s tax base, providing high-quality residential and business services.

There are several concentrated economic activity centers in Southfield, which are the Southfield Downtown Development District (Greenfield and Eight Mile Road), City Centre (Northwestern and Civic Center Drive), Pebble Creek (Telegraph and I-696) and the Silver Triangle (12 Mile and Northwestern Highway).

The largest use of land in Southfield is single family residential with more than 47 percent of all land (about 7,663 acres) devoted to single family land use. Multiple family land use accounts for 5.3 percent of the land area. Commercial and industrial land uses account for 16.4 percent of land use while transportation, communications and utilities account for 16.2 percent of the land area.

LAND USE MAP

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

HOUSING The number of housing units in Southfield has been flat over the last decade, although there has been an increase in vacant housing by 2,500 units. In the past few years, the City has experienced a fair share of empty or foreclosed housing units during the housing crisis similar to other communities in metropolitan Detroit and throughout the United States. Approximately 47 percent of Southfield homes are owner occupied, with 41 percent renter occupied and 12 percent vacant. Although most residences are single-family detached homes, Southfield has a significant amount of large multi- family apartment complexes, including senior facilities.

EDUCATION & ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS Of people over 25 years of age, 87 percent have graduated from high school, and 37 percent have a four-year college degree or higher. Median household income in Southfield in 2000 was $52,468 annually and a per capita income of $28,108. Seven percent of individuals lived below the poverty line. About 23 percent of Southfield’s employed residents work in Southfield. Another 21 percent commute to Detroit. The remaining 56 percent commute all over metro Detroit, reflective of Southfield’s central location, reasonable housing costs, and access to numerous highways.

TRANSPORTATION Southfield was developed on the township one mile grid system with major roads running, on the section lines, east-west and north-south. Four major highways traverse the City. Diagonally from the northwest corner to the southeast corner, the Lodge Expressway/Northwestern Highway provides easy access to downtown Detroit. Interstate 696, completed in 1989, provides regional cross-town travel from east to west and Southfield Road becomes the Southfield Freeway south of Ten Mile Road. Telegraph Road (US-24) provides north-south travel for thousands of commuters daily. The area is also serviced by SMART, a regional bus system. Numerous bicycle paths and routes are located throughout the City.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

NATURAL FEATURES

TOPOGRAPHY AND SOILS The topography of Southfield is almost entirely flat, sloping gently to the southeast resulting from its glacial history as lake plain. The elevation for the City is approximately 575 feet above sea level. The flat character of the lake plain is altered by the valleys of the Rouge River and its tributaries and to some extent, a series of former lake beaches.

Soils range from silty to clay loams, with some areas of sand and blue clay. Many areas are poorly drained with high water tables being typical. The City's agricultural history has created some areas of deep topsoil, while the rapid development of the 60's and 70's caused extensive soil disturbance, and loss of topsoil.

WATER RESOURCES The most significant water resource in Southfield is the Rouge River and its tributaries. The main branch of the Rouge River flows south from the northern border, crossing under I-696 and Telegraph Road and exiting at the southern boundary into the City of Detroit at Eight Mile Road. River tributaries include the Evans Ditch, Tamarack Drain and Pebble Creek. Land adjacent to these waterways is characterized by steeply-sloped valley walls and wooded floodways. Unlike much of Oakland County, no natural lakes exist in Southfield, although some wetlands remain. Artificial drainage of natural wetlands was used to accommodate development resulting in a net loss over time. Remaining wetlands are regulated by the DEQ as well as the City's own local wetlands protection ordinance.

VEGETATION The City of Southfield is located within a deciduous eastern forest. Due to its recent history of urban development and prior history as an agricultural community, few remnants of mature natural vegetation remain. A few properties retain some significant vegetation. Some woodlots have progressed from old field associations to mixed hardwoods. A dry- mesic forest located on the WXYZ property has been identified as significant through the Michigan Natural Features Inventory and was at one time listed with the Nature Conservancy.

Many parcels containing woodlands are in public or quasi-public ownership. A degraded wet prairie association identified on MDOT property between the Freeway Park and Lincoln Woods and has been restored as part of a wetlands mitigation project. Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, Bauervic Woods Nature Preserve and Valley Woods Nature Preserve all contain large caliper native canopy trees and understory. Berberian Woods, within Valley Woods, is an excellent example of near pre-settlement forested valley and is considered botanically significant on at statewide basis. Woodland preservation has also occurred in neighborhoods of large lot development, particularly along the Rouge River floodplains. The remaining woodlands have been mapped and tree removals are now regulated by the City's woodland ordinance.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE MAP 7

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

WILDLIFE Most common Michigan animal species are found in Southfield, if in somewhat lesser numbers than more rural areas. Deer are plentiful throughout the City and are found on larger tracts and along the river corridors. Other mammal species include fox, raccoons, muskrats, opossum, mink, rabbits, squirrels, and mice. In recent years coyotes have also taken up residence in Southfield. Garter snakes are common. Snapping turtles are frequent in Carpenter Lake and soft shell turtles bask on the mud banks of the Rouge River in Valley Woods Nature Preserve. Migrating songbirds and waterfowl such as ducks and geese, utilize the larger tracts and nature preserves as they travel across metropolitan Detroit. Resident hawks preside over larger tracts, along the river corridor and highways. Butterfly species depend on remnant and restored meadows and prairies on both public and private lands.

CLIMATE The climate of Southfield and southeast Michigan is influenced by its location with respect to major storm tracks, the overall influence of the Great Lakes and the urban "heat island" of metropolitan Detroit. The most pronounced lake effect occurs in the winter when arctic air moving across the lakes is warmed and moistened producing excess cloudiness and moderated temperatures. Throughout Michigan, most winter storms originate to the northwest except in metro Detroit where much of the heaviest precipitation comes from southwest winds. This is a result of the location of the normal wintertime storm track south of Detroit, which brings, on average, 3" snowfalls. Occasional heavy snowfalls, freezing rain and sleet are also typical of southern Oakland County. The average annual snowfall is 41 inches.

The average temperature for the area is 48.6 °F, ranges from a high/low of 30.3 °F/15.6 °F in January to 83.3 °F/61.3 °F in July. The growing season averages 180 days with a last frost date in early May and a first frost date in late October.

In the summer, most storms pass to the north or may dissipate as they approach Detroit. Summer weather is typified by intervals of warm, humid, sunny skies with thunderstorms followed by mild, dryer weather. Temperatures of 90 °F or higher are commonly reached in the summer months. The sun shines about 68% of the time in the summer as compared to 30% in the winter. Annual precipitation (water equivalent) is 32.62 inches. (National Climatic Data Center).

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

II. HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

DEPARTMENT ORIGINS

On August 4, 1970, Southfield citizens passed a six million dollar bond issue for the purposes of paying for the costs of acquisition, development, and maintenance of a parks and recreation system for the City. At the same time, the City's first Master Recreation Plan; the Open Space Acquisition and Development Program, was adopted by council. A supplemental document analyzing the recreation potential of the Rouge River floodplain was also prepared. These two documents and the bonding issue provided the basis for the Southfield Parks and Recreation system. In addition to the 1970 Park Master Plan, subsequent Master Parks and Recreation Plans were written for the years 1975-1980, 1983-1988 and 1989-1994, 1995-2000 and 2002-2006.

Prior to 1970, Southfield possessed four park properties including the 157 acre Civic Center site. The other three sites totaled only 21 acres. The City was severely deficient in parklands and recreational facilities for its population. A 3.8 million dollar revenue bond allowed for the construction of the Civic Center Sports Arena and Pool (1970-71), Sled Hill (1971) and the Civic Center Nature Pond (1971). The Evergreen Hills Golf Course was also constructed in 1972. The Civic Center became the center of recreational activity in the City.

The original City charter for Southfield provided for a millage of no less than .3 of a mill designated for Parks and Recreation each year. In 1978 Southfield voters passed an amendment raising the limit to 1.75 mills per year for funding Parks and Recreation services. This was approved by over a 2 to 1 margin. By fiscal year 1983-84, the department operated on 1.45 mills with a total annual budget of over 3.8 million dollars and over 600 acres of parkland. The park acreage was divided among 33 individual parks and historic sites throughout the City. As of 2010 the Department of Parks & Recreation manages nearly 775 acres of public open space at 33 different sites throughout the City. The following is a list of most park acquisitions and approximate acquisition dates.

TABLE 1 PARK ACQUISTION DATES PARK NAME ACREAGE YEAR NOTES

• Pioneer Cemetery 0.965 From township • Southfield Cemetery 5.57 From township • The Burgh 2.284 From township - reduced for Civic Center Dr. ROW • Civic Center Park 157.00 1959 • Optimist Park– 5.0 1965 Federal Land for Parks Program Restrictions transferred to Carpenter Lake in 2003 • Miller Park 7.34 1967 Formerly Cranbrook Park • Catalpa Park 10.00 1967 Leased from Oakland County-Formerly Little League Park • Lahser Woods Park 7.6 1968 Formerly Stevenson School Park - Donated • Thompson Farm 20.00 1968 Bequest from the estate of Mary Thompson • Catalpa Park - Addition 12.00 1970 Leased land from Oakland County • Beech Woods Park 85.00 1971 • Evergreen Woods 20.00 1971 Now Bauervic Woods • Bedford Woods 14.7 1971 • Seminole Mini Park .634 1971 • Stratford Woods Commons 4.2 1971

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

TABLE 1 CONTINUED PARK ACQUISTION DATES PARK NAME ACREAGE YEAR NOTES

• Pebble Creek Park 16.27 1971 Federal Land for Parks Program, National Park Service • Code Homestead 6.7 1971 Also listed for 1974 • Robbie Gage Park – 6.99 1971 Memorial donated by family • Miller Park - Addition .9 1973 Formerly Cranbrook Park • Inglenook Park Addition 10.36 1973 • Valley Woods Nature Preserve (Rouge River - All flood plain properties) o Parcel 1 – 14.95 1973 o Parcel 8 – 8.02 1973 o Parcel 7 - 1.89 1973 Easement o Parcel 3 - 2.3 1974 o Parcel 5 - 7.68 1974 o Parcel 9 - 5.3 1974 o Parcel 11- 32.33 1974 o Parcel 12 - 1.45 1974 Easement o Parcel 16 - 6.87 1974 o Parcel 17 – 12.37 1974 o Parcel 10A . .25 1975 o Parcel 10B - 1975 Easement o Prcl13&14 - 7.95 1975 Easement o Parcel 15 - 13.52 1975 o Sec 32 8.86 1975 o Sec. 33 1989 Bridge Street Nature Preserve • Burgh - Addition 1.87 1974 • Inglenook Park Addition 12.09 1975 • Mulberry Site - .93 1975 • Evergreen Woods - addition 25.00 1980’s Now Bauervic Woods • Simms Park 4.04 1983 • Stratford Woods Commons - Addition 1.09 1983 • John Grace .81 1984 • Lahser Woods Park Addition 8.2 1985 • Burgh - east addition 2.0 1986 • Southfield – 10 2.0 1987 Buffer strip • Miller Park Addition 1.0 1987 Formerly Cranbrook Park • Freeway Park 11.36 1991 Highway right-of-way owned by the Federal Highway Administration managed as a public park by the City. • Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve 10.27 1992 Acquired through a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant and donated local match. • Bauervic Woods – Addition 35.00 1993 Formerly Evergreen Woods, MNRTF with donated match • Miller Park - Addition 1995 Acquired from adjacent commercial property. • Valley Woods Nature Preserve 16.00 2003 Berberian Woods • Carpenter Lake 30.00 2003 Through transfer of property in exchange with Optimist Park o Additional parkland 12.00 2004

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

CURRENT STATUS

The past decade has been an active one for Parks & Recreation development projects. The following list (Table 2) identifies the major capital projects for the department on park land. The next table lists major beautification projects in right of ways. TABLE 2 PARK DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 2001 – 2011 YEAR PROJECT GRANTS & SUPPORT COST

2002 Civic Center Ball Field $2,200,000

2003 Bauervic Woods Play lot $ 213,500

2003 Civic Center Tennis Complex Clean Michigan Initiative $455,000 $ 600,000

2003 Simms Park Play lot $ 30,000

2003 Beech Woods Play lot $ 394,000

2004 Civic Center Accessible Ball Field Miracle League Private funding

2006 Inglenook Park Playscape Land & Water Conservation Fund - $300,000 $ 600,000 Kellogg Foundation Able to Play Grant - $25,000

2008 Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund $500,000 $3,500,000 Lake Restoration & Park Development Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project (EPA) $1,030,000

2008 Valley Woods (Streamwood) Rouge River National Wet Weather $ 100,000 Stream Bank Stabilization Project Demonstration Project (EPA) $63,000

2009 Beech Woods Stream Bank Rouge River National Wet Weather $ 90,000 Stabilization Project Demonstration Project (EPA) $49,000

2009 Stratford Woods Play lot $ 100,000

2009 Miller Park Play lot Community Development Block Grant $179,000 $ 179,000

2010 Simms Park Play lot Addition Walgreens Donation $18,500 $ 18,500

2010 Lasher Woods Path Replacement $ 35,500

2010 Burgh Small Courtyard Project Facilities Maintenance $ 62,000

2010 Beech Woods Arena Walk Voting Access for Individuals with $ 17,850 Disabilities Program

2010 Beech Woods Greening – Rouge River National Wet Weather $ 628,535 Phase I North Parking Lot Demonstration Project (EPA) $200,000

2011 Valley Woods Trailhead & Rouge River National Wet Weather $ 120,000 Stormwater Improvement Project Demonstration Project (EPA) $60,000 11

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

BEAUTIFICATION The Parks and Recreation Department is also responsible for beautification projects within the City. Smaller projects are accomplished with forestry and environmental staff while large projects are completed by outside contractors.

TABLE 3 LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS 2001 – 2011 PROJECT GRANT FUNDING SOURCE

Greenfield Road Landscape Project, 8 to 9 ½ Mile $ 84,000 Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant Northwestern Highway Landscape Project $494,977 Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant Nine Mile Rd., JL Hudson Dr., Providence Dr. $241,500 Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant Sidewalk and Landscape Project 2010 LAND ACQUISITION Although acquisition of park land has declined in recent years as less and less suitable land is available to purchase for park development or natural space preservation a few significant parcels were acquired in 2003 and 2004. The first parcel was the 16 acre Berberian Woods property which is part of Valley Woods Nature Preserve at the confluence of the Main Branch of the Rouge and Franklin Rivers, south of Twelve Mile Road. This property, purchased through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund with support from the GreenWays Initiative of the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, features mature riparian forests of near pre-settlement conditions with a floristic quality index over 50 points including a few threatened plant species. The second and third acquisition encompassed the 42 acre Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve at Ten Mile and Inkster Roads. The City had sought to acquire this site for over 30 years and finally was able to exchange the five acre Optimist Park, originally acquired from the Federal Government as part of the former Nike Missile base. Deed restrictions on Optimist Park were transferred to the Carpenter Lake property through the National Park Service Land for Parks program, allowing the City to acquire 30 acres of Carpenter Lake at no cash outlay from the City. The remaining 12 acre farm property at the north boundary provided direct access to Ten Mile Road, and was purchased outright by the City to complete the park site. TABLE 4 LAND ACQUISITION 2001-2011

Carpenter Lake Acquisition • 30 Acres through a land trade for Optimist Park through the National Park Service, Federal Land for Parks Program – 2003 $1,000,000 property value (No cost to City) • 12 Acres Farm Property on Ten Mile Road, by action of the Southfield City Council. – 2004 Berberian Woods Property – Valley Woods Nature Preserve • 16 acres – 2003 $1,753,500.00 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant

Berberian Woods in Valley Woods Nature Preserve 12

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

III. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

ORGANIZATION & PERSONNEL

Southfield's local government representation is provided by elected City officials. The seven-member Southfield City Council, elected at-large, decides municipal budget and legislative matters. Council members are responsible for determining policy and adopting the annual municipal budget, which provides funding for parks and recreation programs and services. The council president is chosen by council members annually and presides over council meetings. The mayor, an elected official, is not a voting member of council. The mayor reviews and presents the budget and has the power to veto council actions, with five affirmative votes required to override a veto. Regular City Council meetings, held on select Monday nights and are broadcast live on the municipal cable station. Regular Council meetings held as Council of the Whole meeting held on alternate Mondays as public study sessions. Daily City operations are directed by the City Administrator, who is appointed by and accountable to City Council. The administrator is responsible for ensuring that council mandated policies are implemented by City staff.

TABLE 5 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

By City Charter the Director of Parks and Recreation oversees the department and receives operating direction from the City Administrator and from the Parks and Recreation Board. The five-member Parks and Recreation Board, which meets monthly, is responsible as an advisory board and for department policy and budget review. Board members are appointed by the mayor for three-year terms. There may also be up to two youth representatives. The Parks and Recreation Board is enabled by City Charter.

The Parks and Recreation Department consists of seven divisions, which are administered full-time by the director of the department. The seven divisions include: Administration (551); Cultural Arts (556); Parks & Environmental (554); Golf (553); Recreation (555); and Senior Adults (557). The major responsibilities of each division include:

Administration Overall administrative responsibilities of day-to-day management, coordination of divisions, marketing, planning, and maintaining control of expenses and revenue sourcing as well as focusing on departmental accountability.

Cultural Arts Cultural Arts fosters all facets of the visual and performing arts within Southfield including instruction and access to arts and special programs.

Parks & The Parks & Environmental Division is responsible for beautification and maintenance of City projects Environmental and public right-of-ways, parks, public sites, safety, maintenance, cemetery operations and park and facility management.

Golf The Golf division administers golf programming and instructions, supports golf activities and maintains the courses, facility maintenance and support for other divisions. The Golf division courses are operated by an LPGA Professional.

Recreation The Recreation Division plans programs and activities for total population; wellness and special event planning; recreation facilities and community cooperation. The Recreation Division is the largest division including all recreation classes and activities, special events, manages Beech Woods and Civic Center arenas, the Parks and Recreation building and the Pavilion exhibition space.

Senior Adults The Senior Division promotes socialization within programs and activities, administers nutrition programs, cooperative social service needs and outreach services with the Human Resources Department and other agencies.

The Department of Parks and Recreation employs 24 full-time employees and over 60 full time equivalents including non-career part-time and seasonal employees. Volunteers also support the work of the department.

TABLE 6 AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL

1 Director, Parks & Recreation 1 Greens Keeper III 1 Business Manager, P & R Administration 3 Maintenance Worker III 1 Landscape Architect/Park Planner 2 Landscape Horticulturist III 1 Senior Adult Division Coordinator 5 Recreation Programmer 1 Parks & Operations Supervisor 1 Building Trades Technician I 2 Facility Supervisor 2 Secretary III 1 Food & Beverage Supervisor 1 Head Greens Keeper 1 Golf Business Liaison 60 Non-Career Part Time, Full Time Equiv.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

BUDGET

The primary funding source for the Parks and Recreation budget is the millage which is authorized at 1.6614 mills per year. In the 2010-2011 fiscal year `the Southfield Parks & Recreation Department operated on 1.6524 mills tax levy and a $7,338,725 budget. Sixty-eight percent of revenues, or $4,978,705, are generated by the Parks and Recreation millage. The balance of revenue is made up from program revenue ($2,309,395) and investment income ($50,625). Parks operations and maintenance account for $2,700,000 of the budget and $2,600,000 is spent annually for recreation programming. Capital improvement project expenditures vary by year, depending on annual project expenditures. Capital expenditures are funded by outside grants and budget carryovers from previous years.

Each division operates out of its own budget and is responsible for coordinating activities between divisions. The preparation of the budget is one of the most significant tasks of the Parks and Recreation Department because the budget determines what actions will actually be funded in the following year. Once adopted, the budget is a legally binding financial plan in conformance with the Michigan Uniform Budgeting Act. Amendments to the budget may occur to fund new programs or reflect changes in revenue or expenditures.

LOANS & BONDS In order to fund two major projects the Department of Parks & Recreation has two LIRF loans which are being paid back to the City’s General Fund over several years. The first loan was to reconstruct Evergreen Hills Golf Course and the second loan was to pay the department’s contribution for the Carpenter Lake Restoration and Park Development Project. These costs were shared with the Department of Public Works and supported by over 1.5 million dollars in state and federal grants for the project. Parks and Recreation has no bonded indebtedness. The last bond was paid off in 1998.

FEES & CHARGES Southfield park sites are free and open to the general public. Certain facilities; the golf courses, ice arena, and swimming pool, are fully staffed and require an admission fee. These facilities are open to Southfield residents and persons who have purchased resident leisure cards or business leisure cards. Non-resident fees are nominally higher than resident fees. While some facilities are available on a "per-use" basis, other facilities are available as rentals or reservations. The most important of these facilities is the Southfield Pavilion. Other facilities available include room rentals in the Parks & Recreation Building at the Civic Center and the Beech Woods Recreation Center. Picnic shelters are available for rental at the Civic Center, Beech Woods and Pebble Creek Park. The Burgh Church, gazebo, and the Miller Barn are also available for rental for weddings and private parties. Fees are set for the utilization of park facilities by the Parks and Recreation Board and reviewed annually.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PARTNERSHIPS, VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORSHIPS

PARTNERSHIPS Partnerships between the Department of Parks & Recreation and other entities facilitate and enhance the delivery of services to the public. Other entities may be other departments within the City, other agencies, such as adjacent municipalities, and state and federal agencies, but also non-profits and private businesses . NON-PROFITS The City has partnered with the Six Rivers Land Conservancy to oversee volunteer stewardship activities within natural areas such as bringing in an AmeriCorps crew to remove invasive plant species at Berberian Woods or direct volunteers from Lawrence Technical University doing invasive removal along the Rouge in Valley Woods.

A long standing relationship with the Friends of the Rouge fosters community wide and corporate volunteerism for the annual Rouge River Clean-Up. Southfield’s clean-up, now over 40 years old, has 150 to 200 volunteers annually. Corporate sponsor DENSO, provides the City’s largest volunteer team of 50-100 employees who assist the City with the annual river rescue activities. INTERAGENCY RELATIONSHIPS The City of Southfield works with many different agencies inside and out of Southfield to benefit the Parks and Recreation Department. Southfield Public Schools are the primary school district in Southfield. Other school districts, such as Birmingham Public Schools, and Royal Oak Public Schools, also extend into Southfield. Private, parochial, and charter schools are also located in Southfield. Southfield Parks and Recreation also partners with Southfield Youth Assistance to provide scholarships for children to attend day camps. Southfield, Farmington Hills and the local Optimist Club partner to host an annual fishing clinic at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve.

The Rouge Green Corridor group is a multi-party partnership with Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Oakland County Planning and Economic Development (OCPED), Oakland County Water Resources Commission, South Oakland County Water Resources Authority, The Six-Rivers Land Conservancy and the Friends of the Rouge serve together to manage and promote the resources of the Rouge Green Corridor. The City participated in the county’s development of its Green Infrastructure Plan. The City also participates with OCPED for the Oakland County Trails, Water, & Lands Alliance, and the annual Heritage Conference among others.

Southfield partners with Oakland County Parks on some special needs programs, like dances and social activities. With the county taking over management of Catalpa Oaks County Park within Southfield, department staff works directly with Oakland County Park officials to plan for the future improvement of that park. The City work with the county parks staff on special programming at Catalpa Oaks such as a Marshmallow Drop and Preschool Olympics. Southfield partners with Oakland County Parks and Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living for our wheelchair sports team which includes wheelchair basketball, track and field, slalom, cycling and bowling. Additionally the City partners with Oakland County Parks for the POHI (Physically or Otherwise Health Impaired) teen group and adaptive golf program and with Athletes Unlimited and Oakland County for the wheelchair tennis program. The City also partners with Berkley, Oak Park, Independence Township, Rochester/Avon Recreation Authority, and Waterford for Break Camps. 16

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS At the Beech Woods Golf Course, the City’s LPGA golf professional operates as a private contractor to provide the City’s golf lessons and offers group and individual classes. She has invested private funds to construct the recently opened heated/lighted tee facility which is open year round.

Lawrence Technological University (LTU) is located in Southfield and offers its students a variety of recreational facilities for intramural and team sports. The LTU hockey team uses the City’s Civic Center Arena as their home ice.

Health Alliance Plan (HAP), a Detroit-based HMO, sponsors Southfield’s water exercise program. Southfield provides the facility and guards during the summer, HAP pays for the instructor and equipment. During the winter months HAP pays for the school, guard and instructor. With HAP’s sponsorship, Southfield is able to offer this program to the public free of charge.

VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are active throughout the department. Numerous Boy Scout Eagle projects have been constructed on parkland nearly every year and court appointed workers assist with painting and annual park clean-ups.

Annual “Make a Difference” campaigns focus clean-up activities at a few parks each year. The Parks and Recreation Department also offers an Adopt-A-Park program where various groups can volunteer to help maintain a particular park for 2-3 years.

SPONSORSHIPS The Southfield Parks and Recreation Department offers numerous sponsorship opportunities. Corporate sponsorship is available for Beech Woods Recreation Center and special events. Gold and silver sponsors receive recognition for one calendar year. Sponsorship is also available for special events such as the Gazebo Concert Series, Eggs-travaganza, and Boo at the Burgh. Sponsorship benefits include the renaming of the event (for that year) to include sponsor’s name and inclusion in all advertising of the event including all program flyers, press releases as well as in the Parks & Recreation Activities Brochure, reaching over 35,000 Southfield homes and businesses. Gold and silver level sponsors also receive a board at the event recognizing sponsorship and a sponsor recognition plaque.

For a contribution of $1,500 a tree will be selected and planted in accordance with the recommendation of the City Landscape Architect or Park Services Supervisor and maybe dedicated to honor a person or event. The donor will receive a letter of appreciation with a photograph of the dedicated tree and a map of its exact location. A permanent bronze plaque (approximately 5” x 10”) may also be installed flush with the ground to identify the tree and to display the desired recognition at the donor’s request and cost. Memorial benches may be purchased for $2,000 in recognition of an individual, organization, or event. A bench, which will be selected by the Southfield Landscape Architect, will be placed and installed with a bronze plaque to display the desired recognition. The donor will also receive a letter of appreciation with a photograph of the dedicated bench and a map of its exact location. 17

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

IV. INVENTORY

The parks and recreation inventory was conducted by park staff for both public and private facilities in the community by site visits. PARKLAND AND FACILITIES

The City of Southfield is responsible for management of 775 acres of parkland and historic and cultural sites throughout the City. Of that total, 407 acres, or 53 percent, represent developed park or historic sites and 344 acres, or 44 percent, are open space and nature preserves. The remaining three percent are undeveloped sites. The 126-acre Valley Woods Nature Preserve, the City's flood plain property along the Rouge River, accounts for 37 percent of all nature preserve properties and 16 percent of all park properties. The City of Southfield classifies its parklands into five categories:

1. COMMUNITY PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES (over 25 acres) Community parks and recreation facilities are intended to provide all residents with special leisure opportunities. Community parks may contain a wide variety of recreational facilities to meet the diverse needs of all residents throughout the community. Such parks may contain parking and areas for both active and passive recreation.

2. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS AND COMMUNITY CENTERS (3 - 24 acres) Neighborhood parks are typically multi-purpose facilities which serve as the focus of recreation activity for the more immediate neighborhood around the park; typically a one-mile square township section, bounded on four sides by major roadways. Facilities may or may not include a small parking area, play lot, seating, picnic facilities and some athletic facilities such as ball fields or basketball courts. 3. SMALL PARKS (less than 3 acres) Small parks are three acres or less in size and may represent only a single lot. Their purpose is dependent on their location and the needs of that area. They may be developed as urban parks, neighborhood play areas or as green space.

4. NATURE PRESERVES AND OPEN SPACE Nature preserves may be of a variety of sizes, and have a primary focus of preserving and protecting natural areas in the City while still providing access to nature by the public. Other recreational facilities may exist on nature preserve properties if they do not conflict with the park’s primary purpose including parking areas, trails, nature centers, picnic areas, rest room facilities, and play areas. Some preserves may not have any public improvements and are held as open space only. 5. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES Southfield historic and cultural sites are primarily utilized for passive activities and specialized recreation such as the Gazebo Concert Series and senior gardens. 18

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Approximately 36%, or 281 acres of parkland, are classified as community-wide parkland, while 13%, or 102 acres, are classified as Neighborhood Parks and Community Centers. Small Parks, totaling 7 acres, represent less than 1 % of all park land, while Nature Preserves account for 44%. The remaining 5 percent, or 40 acres, are inclusive of the City’s Historic and Cultural sites. TABLE 7 PARKLAND BY CATEGORY

COMMUNITY-WIDE PARKS - 25 ACRES PLUS TOTAL ACREAGE 281.17 1. Beech Woods Park & Recreation Center 81.38 2. Civic Center Park 157.00 3. Inglenook Park 42.79

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS - 3 TO 24 ACRES TOTAL ACREAGE 102.70 1. Bedford Woods Park 14.71 2. Brace Park 4.88 3. Freeway Park 11.36 4. John Grace Park and Recreation Center 4.61 5. John R. Miller Park 8.79 6. Lahser Woods Park 15.80 7. Pebble Creek Park 16.27 8. Robbie Gage Park (Undeveloped) 16.97 9. Simms Park 4.04 10. Stratford Woods Commons 5.27

SMALL PARKS - LESS THAN 3 ACRES TOTAL ACREAGE 7.30 1. City Centre Plaza (ROW) .47 2. Civic Center Drive Park (Undeveloped) 2.17 3. Eleven Mile/Greenfield Park (Undeveloped) .72 4. Evergreen/I-696 Park (Undeveloped) .38 5. Mulberry Park (Undeveloped) .93 6. Seminole Street Park .63 7. Southfield Ten (Undeveloped) 2.00

NATURE PRESERVES AND OPEN SPACE TOTAL ACREAGE 344.09 1. Bauervic Woods Nature Preserve 80.45 2. Bridge Street Nature Preserve 24.41 3. Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve 42.38 4. Horsetail Woods Nature Preserve 22.90 5. Hunters Lane Woods Nature Preserve 22.66 6. Industrial Park Nature Preserve 3.14 7. Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve 21.77 8. Valley Woods Nature Preserve 126.38

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES TOTAL ACREAGE 39.86 1. Burgh Historic Park (Burgh Historic District) 7.76 2. Code House Historical Site 6.74 3. Mary Thompson Farm 19.09 4. Senior Adult Center (McDonnell Towers) -- 5. Pioneer Cemetery .70 6. Miller Barn (at Inglenook Park) -- 7. Southfield Cemetery 5.57 19

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PARKS, FACILITIES AND ACCESSIBILITY

Accessibility Assessments Rankings (AR) are evaluations of the accessibility of each park for people with disabilities. This assessment must consider the accessibility of both the facilities themselves, as appropriate, as well as the access routes to them. The following ranking system is used for the evaluation shown in table 8 after the acreage listing for each park which has any improvements or developed facilities. Parks without site development features are not ranked.

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

TABLE 8 PARKS AND RECREATION PROPERTIES ACCESSIBILITY ASSESMENT RANKING (AR)

1. Bauervic Woods Nature Preserve 4. Brace Park 80.45 acres / AR – 3 4.88 acres / AR – 2 • Play lot • Little League Ball Fields - 2 • Nature Trails - 5,075 l.f. • Parking/Paved - 29 spaces • Parking/Gravel - 18 spaces • Picnic Area - 7 tables; 0 grills 5. Bridge Street Nature Preserve 24.41 acres 2. Bedford Woods Park • No site development 14.71 acres / AR – 3 • Play lot 6. Burgh Historic Park • Soccer Field 7.76 acres / AR – 3 • Softball Field • Simmons House • Little League Field • Township Hall Museum • Parking/2 Gravel Lots - 128 spaces • Fire Hall Museum • Art Center 3. Beech Woods Park • 1854 Church/SRO Theater 81.38 acres / AR – 3 • Parks House • Sports Arena • Fountain Courtyard Garden • Multi-use Indoor Sports Arena • Gazebo Courtyard • Locker Rooms • Small Courtyard Garden • Snack Bar • Parking/Paved - 47 spaces • Wellness Center • Meeting Room 7. Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve • Nine Hole Golf Course 42.38 acres / AR – 5 • Pro-shop, Snack Bar • Interpretive Nature Trails • Driving Range – Lighted • Fishing Access 25 outdoor tees • Parking – Paved 27 heated tees • Natural Area • Tennis Courts – 3 • Dam and Restored Lake • Play lot • Volleyball -sand • Picnic Area - 26 tables; 6 grills • Picnic Shelter • Parking/Paved - 300 spaces 20

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PARK PROPERTIES CONTINUED

8. Civic Center 11. Code House 157 acres / AR – 3 6.74 acres / AR – 1 • Parks and Recreation Building • Historic Home - 3,000 sq. ft. • Administrative Offices • Multi-purpose Room with Stage 12. Eleven Mile/Greenfield • Large Meeting Room .72 acres • Meeting Rooms - 5 • City Welcome sign / plantings • Kitchen Prep Room • No site development • Pavilion/Exhibition Hall-26,000 sq. ft. • Park Services Building and Yard 13. Evergreen/I-696 • Staff Offices .38 acres • Indoor Service Area - 4,500 sq. ft. • No site development • Indoor Storage Area - 1,800 sq. ft. • Wood Shop 14. Freeway Park • Mechanic Area 11.36 acres / AR – 3 • Locker Rooms • Pedestrian Plaza • Maintenance Yard - 25,000 sq. ft. • Play lot • Sports Arena • Parking/Paved - 17 spaces • Staff Offices • Locker Rooms 15. Horsetail Woods Nature Preserve • Ice Arena 22.90 acres • Snack Bar • Natural Area • 50-meter Outdoor Swimming Pool • No site development • Water Slide • Spray Pool with Pool Toys & Water Wall 16. Hunters Lane Woods Nature Preserve • Pool Climbing Wall 22.66 acres • Picnic Area - 48 tables; 6 grills • Natural Area • Picnic Shelter • No site development • Play lot • Art Center 17. Industrial Park Nature Preserve • Public Restroom 3.14 acres • Tennis Courts – 7, 4 lighted • Natural Area • Handball Courts - 3 lighted • No site development • Sand Volleyball Courts - 5 • Baseball Field - 1 lighted 18. Inglenook Park • Softball Field - 1 42.79 acres / AR – 3 • Miracle League Field - 1 • Softball Fields - 4 • Golf Course - 9-Hole • Play lot – Universal design • Nature Preserve - 40 acres • Restroom/Concession Building • Nature Trails - 7,890 l.f. • Natural Area (10.36 acres) • Nature Pond • Miller Barn – Historic Structure • Pedestrian Plaza w/ Gardens • Fitness Trail • Parking/Paved - 1,036 spaces • Parking/paved – 216 spaces

9. City Centre Plaza .47 acres - ROW / AR – 5 • Festival Plaza

10. Civic Center Drive Park 2.17 acres • Bench on public sidewalk 21

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PARK PROPERTIES CONTINUED

19. John Grace Park & Recreation Center 26. Pioneer Cemetery 4.61 acres / AR – 3 .70 acres / AR – 1 • Little League Field - 1 • Historic, non-active • Play lot • Tennis Courts – 1 27. Robbie Gage Park • Roller Hockey Rink – 1 16.97 acres • Parking/Paved - 51 spaces • Natural Area • Recreation Center • No site development • Meeting Rooms/Classrooms • Gymnasium 28. Seminole Street Park .63 acres / AR – 3 20. John R. Miller Park • Play lot 8.79 acres / AR – 3 • Tennis Court – 2 (w/ Basketball Hoops) 29. Simms Park • Softball Fields - 2 4.04 acres / AR – 3 • Play lot • Little League Ball field - 1 • Parking Paved - 73 spaces • Tennis Courts - 2 • Picnic Shelter 21. Lahser Woods Park • Picnic Area - 5 tables, 1 grill 15.80 acres / AR – 2 • Play lot • Paved Walkway • Walkways • Parking/Gravel - 15 spaces 30. Southfield Cemetery 22. Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve 5.57 acres / AR – 2 21.77 acres (incl. MDOT property)/AR–1 • Historic - Active • Trail • Natural Area 31. Southfield – Ten 2.00 acres 23. Mary Thompson Farm • Open Lawn 19.09 acres / AR – 2 • No site development • Mary Thompson Historic Homestead • Historic Farm Outbuildings 32. Stratford Woods Commons • Senior Vegetable Gardens 5.27 acres / AR – 4 • Parking/Paved - 25 spaces • Play lot • Picnic - 10 tables • Paved Walkway • Natural Area • Picnic, 5 tables • Natural Area 24. Mulberry Park .93 acres 33. Valley Woods Nature Preserve • No site development 126.38 acres / AR – 2 • Hiking Trail - 3/4 mile 25. Pebble Creek Park • Urban Fishery Project 16.27 acres / AR – 2 • Pedestrian Bridge • Soccer Field - 1 adult size • Benches – 4 • Picnic Area - 18 tables; 6 grills • Natural Area • Picnic Shelter with Grill, Restrooms • Play lot • Tennis Court – 1 • Walking Trail/Paved • Parking/paved – 84 spaces

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PARK DESCRIPTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY ASSESSMENTS

1. Bauervic Woods Nature Preserve is one of Southfield’s major nature preserves at 80.45 acres. At this time is has minimal development with a small gravel parking lot, picnic area, and play lot. Extensive trails throughout the park are not formalized as a system and there is no mapping, surfacing or interpretive features. Accessibility is provided at the new play lot and an accessible route to the play lot from the parking lot. The ground is level and compacted in the picnic area adjacent to the play lot which does allow wheel chair access though this could be improved.

Play Lot at Bauervic Woods Park

2. Bedford Woods Park is a fifteen acre neighborhood park which features a play lot, softball and Little League fields and two large gravel parking lots. It is minimally accessible with limestone trails from the parking lot to the play area and connecting to the neighborhood to the east. Surfacing in the play lot is accessible wood fiber and equipment also meets standards for safety and accessibility, however it is showing use and weather age and will need replacement soon.

3. Beech Woods Park is an 81 acre park which serves the entire community with its sports arena, golf course and driving range, including portions that are heated and lighted for year round use. A recently renovated play area is very popular. The picnic shelter is booked throughout the summer season. New tennis courts with an adjacent bioswale and the north porous paver parking lot demonstrate sustainable stormwater features to the public. This north section of the park is accessible. Much of the remainder of the site and the sports facility are in great need of updating both for accessibility, function and appearance.

Climbing wall at Beech Woods Play Lot 24

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

4. Brace Park is a small five acre park on land owned almost entirely by Southfield Public Schools. The park has limited development of two Little League ball fields and a paved parking lot. There is not an accessible route from the parking lot to the ball fields.

5. Bridge Street Nature Preserve is a 24 acre park which is currently undeveloped located on both sides of Bridge Street north of Eight Mile Road. The Main Branch of the Rouge River traverses the property and enters the City of Detroit at this location. Heavily wooded, it is inundated with frequent urban flood events, invasive plant species and litter blown in from the adjacent state highway, however it still maintains significant plant communities despite this including unusual wildflowers on the floodplain.

Gardens at the Burgh Historic Park

6. Burgh Historic Park is one of Southfield’s most popular destinations for concerts, weddings and enjoyment of the period gardens. Several restored historical structures are preserved on this property which was the original seat of Southfield Township government including the original township hall, fire hall and public works garage. Other historical structures have been moved to the property, a designated historic district such as the Simmons House, 1854 Church, and the Parks House. Considerable efforts have been undertaken to make the historic property and structure accessible.

7. Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve is Southfield’s newest addition to its park systems. The 42 acre nature preserve features interpretive nature trails and lake fishing access which are all accessible. The parking lot is constructed from porous pavement with a bioswale to handle surface water run-off. The renovated dam and restored six acre lake are the focal point of the preserve in a community without any natural lakes. Additionally, the lake serves as fish and wildlife habitat and for stormwater detention during storm events to minimize downstream flooding and erosion.

Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve 25

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

8. Civic Center Park encompasses 157 acres of land on the City’s main civic property. Park activities share the site with library, civic and court buildings. The Civic Center is home to the Parks & Recreation Administrative Offices, the Southfield Pavilion, art center, meeting rooms, the pool and ice arena, and park maintenance operations. Outdoor recreational facilities include Evergreen Hills Golf Course, nature area, picnic area with shelter, play lot, sand volley ball courts, ball fields including the accessible Miracle Field, and the lighted handball and tennis complex. The quality of accessibility throughout Civic Center Park is high though there are a few park facilities, such as the sand volleyball courts which lack accessible routes from parking.

9. City Centre Plaza is part of existing road right-of-way on Central Park Boulevard which has been upgraded with landscaping and street furnishings and programmed throughout the summer with monthly concerts for area office workers. The site is fully accessible.

10. Civic Center Drive Park is an undeveloped lot.

11. Code House is Southfield’s highest quality historic structure. An example of mid 19 th century Greek revival architecture, the structure was restored and served as a residence for a recent City administrator. At this time the house has no public use and is not accessible. The six acre property is undeveloped except for a driveway, sidewalk and landscaping around the house.

12. Eleven Mile/Greenfield site is an undeveloped City lot of ¾ of an acre at the intersection of 2 major roadways in a commercial area. At this time, there are no improvements to allow for any public use. A City welcome sign and plantings identify this eastern border of the City.

13. Evergreen/I-696 site is another vacant City lot located at the north edge of the City Centre District.

14. Freeway Park can be considered one of Southfield’s most unique park sites. The 11.27 acre property is actually an overpass on the I-696 expressway which connects residential neighborhoods to schools, religious institutions and commercial areas across the highway. The primary function of the park is as a passive use park for this pedestrian connection which features a central plaza and seating, however it also has a play area and parking. It is immediately adjacent and connects to Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve. The park is partially accessible including both play lots, however the older play lot has a sand safety surface with only some play events serviced by a unitary safety surface.

15. Horsetail Woods Nature Preserve is a 23 acre nature preserve located on a Rouge River tributary. The park is heavily wooded except for a small upland portion and is currently undeveloped.

16. Hunters Lane Woods Nature Preserve is an undeveloped 23 acre nature preserve on a tributary of the Rouge, although most of the property is located upland on both sides of Hunters Lane.

17. Industrial Park Nature Preserve was created to buffer the Industrial Park from the adjacent residential neighborhood and is undeveloped.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Universal Access Playscape at Inglenook Park

18. Inglenook Park is Southfield’s most popular park. It is heavily used for softball, the fitness trail and the universally accessible play lot. Over 200 parking spaces and a restroom and concession building support the high levels of use at the 42 acre park. The restored Miller Barn and a ten acre wooded natural area can also be found at the site. The park is mostly accessible except for the athletic fields which have no accessible route from the parking lot.

19. John Grace Park & Recreation Center is a small neighborhood park with a recreation center in a renovated school building. The building is primarily used as a regional employment center. Facilities outside, including the play lot, and sports courts, are accessible except for there is no accessible route to the ball field.

20. John R. Miller Park is another small neighborhood park with two tennis courts, ball fields and a play lot supported by a paved parking lot. The facilities are accessible except for the ball field and there is not an accessible route from the parking lot to the ball field.

21. Lahser Woods Park has limited development on the 16 acre property with only a paved walkway and a very small gravel parking lot. The paved walkway is heavily used however by the adjacent neighborhood to traverse the site to get to the adjoining school and synagogue. The walkway has recently been repaved to maintain wheelchair access however the parking lot is not accessible and does not access the walkway.

22. Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve is a 22 acre property which is managed by Southfield Parks & Recreation but is approximately half owned by the Michigan Department of Transportation as part of a wetland mitigation project for the construction of I-696. As part of that mitigation project to create new wetlands, MDOT installed a trail through the park which connects to the Freeway Park, through the MDOT property, onto the City portion and finally to the neighborhood to the west. These trails are not accessible either in having suitable gradients or in surfacing materials. Access from the Freeway portion is prevented by a small bridge that has to be stepped up to visit the preserve.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

23. Mary Thompson Farm is the 19 acre remains of the original homestead of one of the City’s pioneer benefactors. Mary Thompson’s farm provided the land for the development of the Civic Center in the 1970’s. The farmhouse has been restored and the first floor is accessible via a handicapped ramp at the rear. The site is used for senior gardens’ plots. Most plots do not have a dedicated accessible route from the parking area, however, gardeners are allowed to drive their cars right to their gardens. Some outbuildings are accessible.

24. Mulberry Park is a one acre undeveloped park site on Civic Center Dr.

Pebble Creek Picnic Shelter

25. Pebble Creek Park is a popular park site for large group picnics and adult soccer clubs. It also has a play lot, tennis court and a walking trail. The picnic shelter is accessible and has public restrooms attached. The walking trail is connected to the parking lot and serves as an accessible route to the picnic shelter, tennis court and also connects to a multi-family housing complex to the south. The play lot is also connected to the walkway, however is completely inaccessible due to the play equipment and sand safety surfacing not complying with current ADA standards

26. Pioneer Cemetery is a ¾ of an acre historic cemetery.

27. Robbie Gage Park is a seventeen acre park on the City’s west border with Farmington Hills. The site is wooded and undeveloped to date.

28. Seminole Street Park is just over half an acre park in a residential subdivision with play equipment that is accessible.

29. Simms Park is a four acre neighborhood park with accessible play area, picnic shelter and tennis courts, now used for roller hockey. The ball field, left from the park’s origin as an elementary school, is not accessible.

30. Southfield Cemetery is another historic cemetery which still takes new burials. Gravesites are accessed by dirt roads throughout.

31. Southfield – Ten was once part of the Southfield Ten school site which was converted to office use. The 2 acre buffer is bermed open lawn around the rear of the parking lot with no park facilities. 28

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

32. Stratford Woods Commons is a pedestrian only five acre neighborhood park which is accessible with a new play area and picnic tables along an asphalt trail traversing the length of the park.

The Rouge River in Valley Woods Nature Preserve

33. Valley Woods Nature Preserve is one of the most noteworthy natural areas in the City of Southfield. The 126 acre preserve is a linear park located along the Main Branch of the Rouge River between Ten and Twelve Mile Roads. The Berberian Woods, within Valley Woods Nature Preserve south of Streamwood, is considered to be of significant natural resource of statewide value based on standardized evaluation of the Floristic Quality Index methodology. A half mile rustic trail has been developed north of Civic Center Drive which includes fishing access and pedestrian bridge. The river channel has been improved for fish habitat along the same stretch. A concrete sidewalk is located south of Civic Center Drive and prides an underpass for Telegraph Road. A ramp also provides access from McDonnell Towers Senior Complex down to the river trail and walk.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

TABLE 9 MUNICIPAL RECREATION FACILITIES FACILITY NUMBER

Arena Indoor Ice 1 Arena Indoor Sports 1 Ballfields – Baseball, Softball & Youth Baseball 14 Basketball Courts 2 Exhibition Hall – Pavilion 1 Fishing Access Sites 2 Golf Course - Nine Hole 2 Golf Driving Range - 25 lighted tees, 27 heated tees 1 Golf Pro-shop 2 Handball - 3-well 1 Meeting Rooms 7 Multi-purpose Rooms 2 Picnic - Areas (5 or more tables) 7 Picnic Shelters 4 Play lots 11 Roller Hockey 1 Shuffleboard 3 Soccer - Outdoor 2 Swimming Pool (50 meter) 1 Wading pool with pool toys 1 Pool Climbing Wall 1 Water Slide 1 Tennis Courts - (4 lighted) 16 Trail - Nature/Hiking - 15,750 l.f. 3 miles Trail - Fitness 1 Volleyball - Sand 6 Wellness Center/Fitness 1

BICYCLE PATHS Non-motorized pathways are not typically found on park sites, but between them. The City of Southfield maintains a designated network of bicycle routes throughout the City. Primarily on major roads, the system contains over 32 miles of trails, lanes or routes. The majority of the system is internal. However, routes on west Nine Mile and Shiawassee and north Evergreen meet City borders. The Non-motorized Pathway and Public Transit Plan addresses bicycle facilities in Southfield in a separate document.

The existing bicycle route system is composed of four distinct pathway types: 1. Asphalt bike paths, 8' in width, marked with bike route signs ( 5 3/8 mi) 2. Concrete sidewalk, 5' in width, marked with bike route signs (15 3/4 mi) 3. Asphalt paved shoulder, 5' in width, marked with bike route signs ( 4 1/2 mi) 4. Roadway (concrete or asphalt) marked with bike route signs ( 6 3/4 mi)

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

DNR RECREATION GRANT INVENTORY

Project Title: Bedford Woods Park Project Year: 1975 Project No. 26-00616 5 Grant Amount: $50,403.50 Project Description: Acquire 15.4 acres of land located in northeastern section of City for public outdoor recreation. Being used as developed neighborhood park land. Poor condition

Project Title: Beech Woods Park Tennis Courts Project No. 26-00935 Project Year: 1977 Grant Amount: $25,707.96 Project Description: Develop 1 acre with 4 fenced tennis courts, landscaping, and LWCF sign. Due to poor condition, all 4 courts were removed. Three new courts constructed in 2010.

Project Title: Section 25 Mini Park (Stratford Woods) Project No. 26-01170 Project Year: 1981 Grant Amount: $22,679.72 Project Description: Acquire 3.81 acres for outdoor recreation.

Project Title: Inglenook Park Project No. 26-01285 Project Year: 1983 Grant Amount: $60,800.00 Project Description: Develop: grading and seeding, 4 softball fields, 3 soccer fields in outfields, foot paths, play lot, picnic area, parking lot, boundary fencing, landscaping, and LWCF sign. Also restroom and concession building, fitness trail, and restoration of historic barn. Play lot replaced.

Project Title: Section 25 Park (Stratford Woods) Project No. 26-01354 Project Year: 1984 Grant Amount: $27,525.32 Project Description: Develop: play lot, grading and seeding an open play field, picnic tables, sitting area, sidewalks, asphalt pathway and tree shrub plantings. Play lot replaced in 2009 with new accessible equipment and surfacing. New site furnishings.

Project Title: Carpenter Lake Park Acquisition Project Status: Withdrawn Project Year: 1985 Project No. TF1038 5 Grant Amount: $517,000.00 Project Description: Acquisition of 29.73 acres of natural woodlands, rolling terrain and small lake.

Project Title: Meyer Leib Property- Hunters Lane Woods Project No. TF86-191 Project Year: 1986 Grant Amount: $108,000.00 Project Description: Acquisition of 9.75 acres. Site undeveloped

Project Title: Duns Scotus Acquisition Project Status: Withdrawn Project No. TF88-174 Project Year: 1988 Grant Amount: $500,000.00

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

DNR RECREATION GRANT INVENTORY CONTINUED

Project Title: Pebble Creek Park Development Project No. BF89-466 Project Year: 1989 Grant Amount: $376,500.00 Project Description: Park development including: tennis court, soccer field, play lot, entrance road, parking, landscaping, restroom facility, picnic area w/shelter, walking trail, site clearing, entrance road paved parking, storm and utilities, site furnishings, fine grade & seed, and landscape planting. In good condition except play area is inaccessible and in poor condition.

Project Title: Section 24 Wetlands (Lincoln Woods) Project No. TF89-237 9 Project Year: 1989 Grant Amount: $218,800.00 Project Description: Acquisition of 10.27 acres of property which represents one of the last wetlands located in the eastern half of Southfield. Prairie restoration as part of MDOT wetland mitigation project on adjacent property under their ownership.

Project Title: Carpenter Lake Acquisition Project Status: Withdrawn Project No. TF90-847 Project Year: 1990 Grant Amount: $300,000.00 Project Description: Acquisition of 29.73 acres of natural woodlands, rolling terrain and small lake.

Project Title: Valley Woods Trail Project No. TF90-393 Project Year: 1990 Grant Amount: $120,000.00 Project Description: Provide public access and enjoyment of a river environment. Project includes trail development, benches, fishing/viewing stations and water quality improvements for fish habitat. Clearing/pruning, grading & trail layout, water quality improvements, pedestrian bridge, fishing, wildlife viewing, seeding/wildflower mix, and benches. Project is in need of renovation for trail only.

Project Title: Evergreen Woods Park (Bauervic Woods) Project No. TF91-833 Project Year: 1991 Grant Amount: $950,000.00 Project Description: Acquire 35 acres of land adjacent to 45 acres of City-owned nature preserve for park and recreational development. No new site improvements on acquired portion. New accessible play and picnic area on original portion.

Project Title: Civic Center Playscape Project Year: 1993 Project No. 26-01530 3 Grant Amount: $142,378.47 Project Description: Develop adventure playscape for community-wide use utilizing universal design at the City's major park. Site Clearing, walkways, safety surfacing, signage, site furnishings, play equipment, tree protection & pruning, drinking fountain, and sub-drainage system. Good condition except some smaller play equipment needs to be replaced. Repainted in 2010.

Project Title: Carpenter Lake Acquisition Project Status: Withdrawn Project No. TF99-272 Project Year: 1999 Grant Amount: $544,000.00 Project Description: Acquire 30 acres of land on Carpenter Lake, a Rouge impoundment of the Rouge River, for a nature preserve. Grant returned because we were able to acquire property through National Park Service Federal Land for Parks Program and outright acquisition of a contiguous property in 2003 and 2004.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

DNR RECREATION GRANT INVENTORY CONTINUED

Project Title: Civic Center Tennis Complex Project No. CM99-271 Project Year: 1999 Grant Amount: $455,000.00 Project Description: Reconstruct tennis complex at Civic Center site including seven lighted tennis courts and three handball courts, related walks, signage, site furnishings and landscaping. Demolition and removal, 7 new tennis courts and fencing, lighting system, renovate handball courts, sidewalks, underground drainage system, drinking fountain, site furnishings, backboards, restoration, landscaping and signage. Excellent condition which is well used by the public.

Project Title: Berberian Property Acquisition Project Year: 2002 Project No. TF02-148 2 Grant Amount: $1,753,500.00 Project Description: Acquisition in fee simple of 16 acres of natural property on the Rouge River to provide fishing access, protect wetland habitat, and complete the trail and wildlife corridor of Valley Woods Nature Preserve.

Project Title: Inglenook Park Playscape Project Project No. 26-01614 Project Year: 2003 Grant Amount: $300,000.00 Project Description: Develop new accessible playground at large community park. Work and improvements include new play equipment, resilient safety surfacing, walkways, and site furnishings. Site clearing, excavation, mobilization, play equipment, safety surfacing, concrete walks, edging, retaining walls, signage, site furnishings including picnic tables, benches, and a shade structure, and landscaping. Excellent condition well used by the public.

Project Title: Carpenter Lake Park Development & Lake Restoration Project No. TF04-112 Project Year: 2004 Grant Amount: $500,000.00 Project Description: Development of a new public fishery and park site, including restoration of 6-acre impoundment (Carpenter Lake), creation of fish habitat, wetlands enhancement, trail development, barrier-free fishing access and vehicular access. Lake dredging and dewatering of sediments, sediment removal and disposal, shoreline stabilization, vehicular park access and parking, Trail development and benches, barrier-free fishing access, removal of invasive/non-native species, and signage. Excellent condition well used by the public.

Project Title: Carpenter Lake Nature Interpretive Center Project Year: 2006 Project No. TF06-064 6 Project Status: Withdrawn Grant Amount: $500,000.00 Project Description: Development of a community nature and environmental education center at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve. Interpretive center building improvements, interpretive displays and furnishings, outdoor classroom, walkways, site work and landscaping.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES

A significant portion of public open space in Southfield is provided by various school properties. The Southfield school district has closed 3 school buildings and now has 12 different school properties in Southfield and Lathrup Village ranging in size from six to 44 acres providing a total of 326 acres of public school grounds and sports fields. Southfield school facilities provide conventional recreation facilities targeted for the specific use and benefit of the enrolled school population. To a limited extent, the school facilities supplement the broader range of recreational opportunities provided to the public by the City. All of the school sites provide some recreational facilities on their grounds as well as indoor facilities such as classrooms, auditoriums and gymnasiums in the school buildings. The grounds serve a neighborhood park function by providing public open spaces for nearby residents to utilize. Table 10 provides an inventory of major recreational facilities at each school site. These facilities remain available for public use despite some school closings in recent years.

TABLE 10 PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES

1. ADLER ELEMENTARY (6.00 ACRES) 6. MAC ARTHUR K8 (10.00 ACRES) • Play lot • Play lot • Baseball (2 - poor) • Baseball (3 - poor) 10. SOUTHFIELD LATHRUP HIGH • Gymnasium • Gymnasium (42 ACRES) • Basketball Hoops (2) • Basketball Courts (1 1/2) • Athletic Fields (1) • Track 2. BIRNEY K8 (19.00 ACRES) 7. MCINTYRE ELEMENTARY • Baseball (2) • Fitness Trail (1) (7.00 ACRES) • Gymnasium • Gymnasium • Play lot • Swimming Pool (1 - indoor) • Ballfield (1) • Little League (1) • Fitness Trail (1) • Soccer Field (1) • Gymnasium • Tennis Courts

3. BRACE/LEDERLE K8 (17.00 ACRES) 8. THOMPSON K8 (29.49 ACRES) 11. STEVENSON ELEMENTARY • Multi-recreation Court (1) • Multi-recreation Court (1) (8.00 ACRES) • Play lot • Play lot • Play lot • Athletic Field (3) • Athletic Fields (3) • Little League (2) • Baseball (1 - poor) • Baseball (1) • Gymnasium • Gymnasium • Gymnasium • Basketball Hoops (4) • Basketball Courts (2) 4. BUSSEY CHILD DEVELOPMENT 12. VANDENBERG ELEMENTARY CENTER (9.01 ACRES) 9. SOUTHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL (9.45 ACRES) • Play lot (44 ACRES) • Play lot • Baseball (1 - poor) • Athletic Fields (1) • Athletic Field • Gymnasium • Baseball (3) • Baseball (1 - poor) • Track (1) • Gymnasium 5. LEVEY MIDDLE SCHOOL • Gymnasium (15.10 ACRES) • Swimming Pool (1 - indoor) • Athletic Fields (3) • Fitness Trail (1) • Baseball (1 - poor) • Tennis Courts (6) • Gymnasium • Track (1) • Baseball (2) • Gymnasium • Swimming Pool (1 - indoor) • Fitness Trail (1)

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PRIVATE RECREATION FACILITIES

Many of Southfield's local recreational facilities are being provided through the private sector. These facilities may be open to the general public, including non-Southfield residents, and they may also require a membership and consequently are not available to all Southfield residents. COLLEGES

Lawrence Technological University

LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY The Lawrence Technological University Camps (LTU) provides a variety of recreation facilities including an athletics building, tennis courts and softball diamonds. The LTU campus is almost 63 acres in size. Facilities are reserved for students and faculty.

• Softball diamonds (3) • Recreation room • Football field (1) Video machines, ping-pong • Racquetball courts (4) • Locker room - men/women • Weight room (1) • Fitness room • Gymnasium (1) • Sauna (2) • Indoor track (1/11 mile)

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

TABLE 11 PRIVATE RECREATION FACILITIES

FRANKLIN RACQUET CLUB FITNESS USA SUPERCENTERS Courts - Racquetball, Squash, Weights - Machine, Free Weights Wally Ball - (11) Stairmaster Locker Rooms - Mens/Womens Treadmills Swimming Pool - Indoor (1) Life Cycles Swimming Pool - Outdoor (1) Pool (1) Tennis Courts - (16) Sauna Aerobic Room - (1) Hot Tub Fitness Center - (1) Personal Trainers

LA FITNESS POWERHOUSE GYM Fitness Equipment Fitness Equipment Sauna Personal Trainers PLANET FITNESS Fitness Equipment

CRANBROOK SWIM CLUB ENTERTAINMENT Tennis Courts - (4) Star Theater Swimming Pool - (2) (25 meter) Millennium Theater Concession Locker Room GOLF - PLUM HOLLOW GOLF COURSE Sand Volleyball Private Golf Course - 18 Holes PLUM HOLLOW LANES- BOWLING Swimming Pool - (1) Bowling Lanes - (24) Tennis Courts - (4) Nursery - (1) Banquet/Dining Facilities, Snack Bar Snack Bar - (1) Kitchen - (1) Restrooms - Mens/Womens Lounge - (1) Video Room - (1)

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL COMPLEXES The majority of new housing development in Southfield in the last 20 years has been in the form of multi-family developments, including rental apartments, townhouses and condominiums. A large proportion of these, especially the larger developments, provide their tenants and owners with on-site recreational facilities. These facilities most often come in the form of swimming pools and clubhouses, but other facilities such as weight rooms and tennis courts may also be part of the package. Other amenities include clubhouses, spas, saunas and fitness centers as well as on-site natural open space and even nature trails in one case. A growing number of developments cater only to senior citizens which provide residents with a wide variety of specialized services, including recreation facilities.

The Kensington Apartments in Southfield

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

REGIONAL RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

Regional public recreational opportunities are provided by three major providers; Oakland County Parks, the Huron- Clinton Metropolitan Authority at its Metroparks system; and the Department of Natural Resources Michigan State Park system. Catalpa Oaks County Park is the only non municipal park and recreation facility within Southfield, however, several are within a short drive from the City.

OAKLAND COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION The Oakland County Park system consists of 6,500 acres of parkland at thirteen park sites ranging in size from 25 acres to 1,285 acres. Only four parks are located in the southern third of the county, one in Southfield. Catalpa Park was a Southfield park on land leased from Oakland County. In 2007 Oakland County Parks took over management of the park as Catalpa Oaks County Park. Catalpa Oaks will retain its primary focus as a regional youth soccer facility but will also expand use to other field sports such as lacrosse or cricket. Further improvements planned by the county include the addition of restrooms and concessions as well as a public gathering or meeting space. The parking lot is also planned to be paved. All improvements will utilize “green” or sustainable design. Currently the park features six soccer fields and two ball fields.

Oakland County’s Glen Oaks Park is located between 13 and 14 Mile Roads and between Orchard Lake Road and Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills. The 125 acre park features an eighteen-hole golf course and clubhouse. The clubhouse can be leased by the public for large banquets, wedding receptions and golf outings. The 135 acre Red Oaks Park is located in Madison Heights and contains a nine-hole golf course, driving range, golf dome, wave pool and three water slides dog park and soccer complex. Lyon Oaks, 1041 acres in Lyon Township, in west Oakland County features an 18 hole golf course and banquet facility, dog park, picnic, play ground and recreation fields.

HURON-CLINTON METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) operates thirteen "Metroparks" in the Detroit metropolitan region, three of which are in Oakland County on 7,196 acres of land. Of these three, only Kensington Metropark in Milford is easily accessible to Southfield residents who can travel west on I-696 approximately 30 minutes to reach the parks 4,481 acres. Kensington features the following recreational facilities:

• Ball Diamonds - 9 • Bike-Hike Trails – 8.5 miles • 18-Hole Par-71 Golf Course • Fitness Trail - 1.25 miles, 20 station • Toboggan Run, Snowboard & Sled Hills - 3 • Equestrian Trails – 19 miles • Natural Ice Rinks • Group Campground • Cross-country Ski Rentals &Trails, 13.9 miles • Sports Fields • Kayak, Rowboat & Paddleboat rentals • Boat Livery - 95 boats • Water slides – 2 • Charter boat – 37 persons • Spray Park • Nature Center and Study Area • Natural Swim Area • Nature Trails - 7 miles • Fishing - shore and pier • Picnic Grounds and 15 Shelters • 2 Boat Launches – 16 ramps • Play lots • Marina - 141 slips • Farm Center • Boat Slip Rental - 93 • 27-Hole Disc Golf

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

MICHIGAN STATE PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS There are 10 state parks and recreation areas in Oakland County on over 27,000 acres. These parklands are located in large natural areas outside of the Southfield area. Facilities at the region’s state parks include campgrounds, picnic areas, boat launches, fish and hunting areas, natural swimming area, riding stables, and numerous types of trails.

OTHER REGIONAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Several other recreational facilities exist throughout the region, both publicly and privately operated. Access to national spectator sports teams is available at Comerica Park, Ford Field and Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, and the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Detroit Zoo is located in Royal Oak a few minutes east of Southfield. Regional cultural opportunities are numerous. Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn provide world-class historical exhibits. Other museums include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Historical Museum, and Cranbrook Institute of Science and Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills. There are many theaters in Detroit as well as the suburbs including the Fisher and Fox Theaters in Detroit, Meadowbrook in Rochester and DTE Energy Amphitheater in Clarkston.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PROGRAM INVENTORY

The Department of Parks and Recreation offers numerous classes, programs and special events throughout the year. Athletics, cultural arts, and senior citizen programming represent major components of Southfield's offerings.

Basketball at John Grace Community Center

SPORTS & ATHLETICS Southfield Parks and Recreation offer many athletic and league opportunities for all ages. Some of these include golf, basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, tennis, football, volleyball, ice skating, hockey, swimming; just to name a few. These activities are available for people of all ages and all abilities. The City of Southfield is the home of Michigan’s first baseball field for children with any physical or mental disability. The Miracle League is a charitable organization that provides children with mental and/or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. Other adaptive programs include wheelchair basketball, golf and tennis. The sand volleyball courts at Civic Center Park were named Best in Detroit by the readers of Real Detroit Weekly Magazine in their annual Real Best of Detroit for 2009. Many of our youth athletic programs have seen an increase in participation of the past few years.

TABLE 12 ATHLETIC & SPORTS PROGRAMS PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

Youth Basketball Leagues & Clinics 570 Flag Football 60 T-Ball & Track & Field 130 Adult Softball 134 teams Sand Volleyball 24 teams Youth & Adult Tennis Lessons 200

In addition to our many athletic programs offered by Southfield Parks and Recreation Department, some programs are made available due to partnering with community youth sports organizations. These programs take place at both city and school facilities. The table below recaps the participation of Southfield youth due to these partnering efforts. 40

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

TABLE 13 COMMUNITY YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP

Southfield Youth Baseball, Inc. 350 Southfield Falcons Pop Warner Football & Cheerleading 335 Southfield Jayhawks PAL Football & Cheerleading 150 Southfield Ravens Pop Warner Football & Cheerleading 264 Southfield Youth Soccer Club (Spring) 218 Southfield Youth Soccer Club (Fall) 195

SPECIAL EVENTS Special Events have many benefits for Southfield. They offer opportunities for the community to come together and enjoy various activities. These events also have an economic impact on the Community with so many people gathered in one location and spending money on things such as food, gas, souvenirs, lodging and so on. It provides families with activities to share together. Special events promote feelings of being a part of a community and sharing an experience with other participants in a relaxed atmosphere.

Boo at the Burgh

An estimated 300,000 persons attend Southfield sponsored or co-sponsored events annually. The vast majority of these events take place on the Civic Center site, either in the Pavilion, at the ball fields or the arena and pool. Other events are held at Beech Woods Park and Recreation Center, Mary Thompson Farm and the Burgh Historical Park.

Many public events are also held at the Pavilion, which are sponsored by outside groups and organizations. Annually an estimated 100,000 persons attend events in the Pavilion, in addition to the City’s sponsored events. These events include art exhibits, antique shows and international festivals, as well as trade shows and business meetings. At 28,800 square feet, the Southfield Pavilion represents the 10th largest convention facility in the Detroit metropolitan area.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

TABLE 14 PRIVATE SPONSOR PUBLIC SPECIAL EVENTS

Annual Participation Antique Shows - 3 shows 10,000 Gem Show 2 shows 30,000 Michigan Fly Fishing 12,000 Native American Festival & Mini Pow-Wow 5,000

TABLE 15 PARKS & RECREATION SPECIAL EVENTS

Annual Participation Arbor Day varies Boo at the Burgh 700-900 Burgh Tree Lighting Civic Cente Tree Lighting / Visit with Santa 600 Daddy-Daughter Dinner and Dance 500 Eat to the Beat concerts EGGS’travaganza 800 Family Fun & Safety Night Family Movie Under the Stars Family Pool Parties Fishing Derby 500 Gazebo concerts Great Southfield Campout Marshmallow Drop Oakland County Parks & Recreation 3 Mile Fun Run Princess & Super Hero Day Project Healthy Living Snow Drop/Ride with Santa 100 Soggy Doggy Sum More Fest 700 Tennis Free for All Therapeutic Halloween Party 200 Volunteer Appreciation Week 150

Eat to the Beat Concert

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

CULTURAL ARTS PROGRAMS The Cultural Arts Division concentrates its efforts on cultural enrichment programming including classes in the visual and performing arts and special interest. They also sponsor and coordinate two free outdoor concerts series in the summer months. Cultural Arts facilitates art exhibits and works with other divisions and departments in providing entertainment and activities for special events.

Ballet Class

Classes in the Cultural Arts Division include dance classes for all ages; painting classes, drawing classes and creative writing classes. The Gazebo Concert Series and Eat to the Beat lunchtime concert series provide daytime and evening live performance venues. GOLF PROGRAMS The Golf Division, in addition to operating two nine-hole courses, a pro-shop, and a year-round driving range with heated tees, the division offers several programs to area golfers including tournaments, golf leagues and golf outings. A PGA professional offers both private and group lessons and golf clinics with videotaping available. The Beech Woods Golf Course is a beautiful 2,778 yard, par 35 course that includes a 50-tee, lighted driving range with 30 tees covered and heated, and a PGA Professional on staff. Evergreen Hills Golf Course, located at the Southfield Municipal Complex at 26000 Evergreen Road, is a 2,904 yard, par 34 course with beautifully landscaped greens. Both of these courses offer clubs, pull-carts and power carts for rent. SENIOR ADULT PROGRAMS The Adult Recreation Center 50+ offers comprehensive programs for adults aged 50 and up, including classes, trips, nutrition, and adult day care center, outreach programs and a variety of other services. The center, located within the McDonnell Towers complex, is a multipurpose, barrier-free facility. Facilities at the Center include a branch of the Southfield Public Library with large-print books, a co-op grocery store, a billiards room, barber and beauty shops, and The Bright Spot Boutique . The lower level area includes coffee in the morning, exercise throughout the day, and using a WII gaming system, bowling leagues and other games. Services such as Medicare/Medicaid assistance, tax assistance, and support groups also take place at the Center.

TOSS(Transportation of Southfield Seniors), located within McDonnell Towers, provides transportation services five days a week for doctor’s appointments, dialysis, shopping or other locations. TOSS is hired out through many non profits to offer transportation for groups and events in the community on evenings and during weekends.

The Senior Gardens at the historic Mary Thompson Farm are home to over 100 garden plots for enthusiastic gardeners. Senior golf league, softball league, and two bounce volleyball teams offer 50+ aged residents the opportunity to participate in region wide athletic competitions.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL The Parks and Environmental Division is responsible for all park maintenance and is involved in a number of beautification and environmental improvement programs for the City. The primary purpose of the Division is to maintain all of the City’s park sites including athletic facilities, landscaped areas and gardens, play and picnic areas, and natural areas. During winter months, the division is responsible for snow removal operations at City sites.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS The Parks and Environmental Division is involved with island beautification, special planting projects and working with residents on home planting projects. In the spring months, this division holds the City's Arbor Day festivities by working with local schools and the annual Fishing Derby on the Rouge River in Valley Woods Nature Preserve and the co- sponsored fishing clinic with Farmington Hills and the Optimist Club at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve.

ROUGE RIVER Each spring, Parks & Recreation holds a Fishing Derby that allows a sport fishing opportunity in an urban environment. Fish are stocked in the Main Branch of the Rouge River at Civic Center Drive the night before the event.

The City maintains its 40 year commitment to the annual Rouge River cleanup. Corporate, student and resident volunteers remove accumulated debris and clear log jams to keep the river flowing freely. The Rouge River Clean-Up is managed through the Storm Water Management Division of the Department of Public Works.

Southfield Parks & Recreation with the Storm Water Management Division of the Department of Public Works participate in the Rouge Green Corridor (RGC) group. The purpose of the RGC is to protect and promote the natural and cultural resources of the Rouge River, its floodplain, and valley walls as it travels through Birmingham, Beverly Hills and Southfield. The effort has received grant support from the Rouge River Wet Weather Demonstration Project to develop an identity package including signage and public education posters, for the corridor. Additional support of which also includes representative of Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Oakland County Planning and Economic Development, Oakland County Parks & Recreation, Oakland County Water Resources Commission, Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority, Six Rivers Land Conservancy, and Friends of the Rouge.

SPECIAL EVENTS The Parks Division is very involved in special event programming, moving and setting up equipment and providing additional labor for special events. They also assist with other municipal events for other departments and assist community organizations including the Historical Society, Goodfellows, and City Centre. The mobile stage and Parks and Recreation tent are also available for community and special events.

DECORATIONS Major City events are highlighted by banners around the main drive on the Civic Center site. The custom-designed banners are temporarily installed preceding and during the event or season by Recreation and Parks Division staff.

Holiday decorations for the City are focused on the Civic Center site where the building is decorated and lighted. Traditional decorations are also featured at the Burgh and inside the Mary Thompson Farm House.

PICNIC SHELTER RESERVATIONS Groups may reserve picnic shelters at Civic Center, Beech Woods and Pebble Creek parks. Demand for picnic shelter reservations has grown over time. Bookings begin in March. Summer weekend dates fill up quickly. 44

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

SOUTHFIELD CEMETERY For many years Southfield Parks and Recreation has operated and maintained the Southfield Cemetery, located on Civic Center Drive just east of the historic Burgh site. Originally the old "Township Cemetery", the grounds have graves dating back to the 1830's. In addition to being a historically significant part of Southfield's heritage, the cemetery continues to operate today. Grave sites are offered to the public at moderate rates.

FORESTRY The Forestry Division is located within the Department of Public Works although it is funded through a budget transfer from Parks and Recreation. The City offers, at cost, a tree planting program for Southfield residents. Trees are purchased for either spring or fall planting by the City forester and delivered to the homeowner for planting. For an additional fee, City crews will plant the tree for the resident on their property. Residents may also donate a tree to the City from their property for the Tree Donation Program. City crews then transplant the tree to a City park. Also, the Tree Memorial program allows residents to dedicate trees as memorials for a nominal fee. This division is also responsible for maintaining all trees on City right-of-ways. Tree emergencies take priority over other work.

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING The department has a marketing analyst who is responsible for a large portion of communications including writing and editing brochures, flyers and paid advertising, coordinating news releases, surveys, and public service announcements with the Community Relations Department, as well as overseeing the department presence on the web (City website and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter). Many communications are created in cooperation with staff members. The Parks and Recreation Activity Brochure is the mainstay of the department's public information system. This 40 page booklet is published twice-yearly and provides complete information on all Parks and Recreation facilities, programs and events. The brochure has a circulation of approximately 40,000 and is mailed to every address in Southfield and is available at all Parks and Recreation facilities as well as online. The Senior Adult Center also publishes The Southfield Scribe , a quarterly newsletter, which is distributed to Southfield senior adults.

PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The Southfield Parks and Recreation Department seeks public input in a variety of ways. The most common method for contact with the public is direct access to department staff by simply visiting the main offices or by phoning in any questions, comments or complaints. The department maintains an Information Center at the Parks and Recreation building. Information Center staff are trained in customer service. During peak seasons, the center may handle 150 calls and over 100 visitors in a day. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Questions on policy are taken by the managerial staff. If the issue cannot be resolved, it may be formally addressed at the monthly Southfield Parks and Recreation Board meeting, which are, of course, open to the public. A suggestion box is adjacent to the information center and encourages public input. Cards are provided for suggestions or complaints that are forwarded to appropriate staff for resolution. If the person leaves a name, a staff person will contact him or her directly regarding their comments.

Major park developments always involve the public from the beginning. Prior to any acquisition, public meetings are held to determine the support the project has from the neighborhood. Design advisory boards are frequently appointed to work directly with the City's park planner in developing the site plan. Subsequent meetings are held to make any modifications to the design. If necessary, a survey may be taken to determine programming priorities. Adjacent property owners are again notified prior to construction initiation on the site. Post construction public meetings may also be held to answer questions and concerns regarding the new park.

Public communication is also available through the City’s web site which provides information on parks, programs and special events, the Southfield Living publication and Cable 15 news and feature broadcasts.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

V. MASTER PLAN PROCESS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

PLANNING PROCESS

The City of Southfield retained a consultant to implement community wide surveys and focus groups. Parks and Recreation staff completed inventory of City and non-city recreational opportunities. Existing parks and programs were inventoried and evaluated. The most recent master plan was evaluated to determine achievement. Parks and Recreation staff focus groups confirmed the department’s mission statement and developed a set of goals and action steps to achieve these goals. All data from the surveys, focus groups and staff input was collected to determine future course and incorporated into the formulation of the Action Plan for the department.

COMMUNITY SURVEYS AND FOCUS GROUPS

The Southfield Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a plan that will help guide the Department for the next five years. In order for this Plan to be representative of the Southfield community, information is gathered from the community at large. Twelve (12) focus groups were held gathering information from the following groups: park and recreation staff, seniors, City leaders, Southfield City Departments, various business groups, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, neighborhood associations, athletic organizations, Youth Advisory Council, 5 th grade and 7 th grade students and the community at large including specifically invited individuals with disabilities. Four (4) additional focus groups were made with neighborhood associations discussing specific issues with their neighborhood parks. These focus groups were advertised in the local Southfield Sun newspaper; posted at the Southfield Parks and Recreation offices and on the local cable TV. Certain groups received a letter of invitation to attend one of the focus groups to make sure a variety of groups were represented at these meetings. .

A written survey was developed from the topics discussed from these focus groups. A list of property owners was acquired from Southfield’s Assessing Department and a random sample of property owners was selected to receive the community survey with each section in the City and a group of businesses getting an equal percentage of the surveys. A total of 4,249 surveys were sent out in the Southfield community. Bad addresses accounted for 604 surveys being returned as undeliverable bringing our beginning number of surveys distributed to 3,645. Two hundred fifty six (256) surveys were returned for a rate of return of 7%. The survey was distributed in the Southfield community.

TABLE 16 SURVEY RESULTS BY SECTION

Percentage of Returned Surveys by Section 11% 12% 9% 10% 8% 8% 5% 5% 6% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 4% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 0.5% 1% 1% 1% 2% 0% 0% 0% 0.5% 0%

Sections

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

COMPILED RESULTS

A complete compilation of responses from survey and focus groups is located in the appendix of this document. The following is a summary of responses from the focus groups and the written survey had several similar themes which include: The majority of Southfield residents (over 80%) feel that Parks and Recreation make Southfield a more desirable place to live; provides an opportunity to meet new people in the community; encourage different cultures to interact; increases community pride and improves health. The most used facilities include Southfield Pavilion, Sports Arena/Pool, Beech Woods Recreation Center and the golf courses. Popular parks include Southfield Civic Center, Inglenook Park, and Beech Woods Park. The parks/facilities that were given the highest percentage of excellent rating were Inglenook Park, Burgh Historical Park and Evergreen Hills Golf Course. Focus group participants and survey respondents felt Southfield Parks were aging and need some improvements. The most mentioned improvements include: upgrade equipment at the neighborhood parks; upgrade Southfield pool/sports arena, more parking at Inglenook Park and make Miller Barn usable. The participants of all groups agreed the top recreation facilities desired over the next five years are indoor pool, trails (paved and nature), new adult center; more transportation and indoor sports arena. Most of the survey respondents and focus group participants indicated special events are the top activities they participate in; others include cultural events, athletic and sports and fitness classes. Newspapers, City website, cable TV and word or mouth are the most used methods of obtaining information about activities and service offered by Southfield Parks and Recreation. The majority of the survey respondents and focus group participants felt they get good customer service from the Southfield Parks and Recreation staff; they felt their questions were answered; and thought the registration process was easy. Over half of the respondents felt they would use an online registration process when this becomes available. The majority of our survey respondents were between the ages of 35 and 60; slightly over half (51%) did not have children at home; almost half (41%) have lived in the Southfield community for 20+ years and over one third (35%) make over $75,000 per year.

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS FOCUS GROUPS

One of the concerns expressed in the results from the City of Southfield Community Survey was the condition and use of the City’s neighborhood parks. Community focus groups were held to discuss and gather information about these parks. Four meetings were set up for these focus groups for different sections of Southfield. The community was instructed that if any interested party was not able to attend a meeting in their area, to attend another meeting that better fit their schedules; there would be a chance to discuss all the parks of the City as needed. This information was sent and emailed to the neighborhood associations; placed in the Southfield Sun, and promoted on the community cable TV.

Meetings were set up as follows: Southeast area of the City – focus parks are – Stratford Woods, Lincoln Woods Park, Freeway Park, Southfield Civic Center Park and golf course, and Mary Thompson Farm Historical Site. Northeast and Northwest areas of the City – focus parks are – Pebble Creek Park, Lahser Woods Park, Inglenook Park, John R. Miller Park, Bedford Woods Park, Simms Park, and Catalpa Park (owned by Oakland County). South Central area of the City – focus parks are – Bauervic Woods Park, Brace Park, Horsetail Woods Nature Preserve, Hunter’s Lane Woods Park, Industrial Park Nature Preserve, Code House Historical Site, the Burgh Historical Site, and Pioneer Cemetery. Southwest area of the City – focus parks are – Carpenter Lake, Beech Woods Park, Arena and golf course, Valley Woods Nature Preserve, John Grace Community Center, Robbie Gage Memorial Park. 47

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

The main concerns/issues for the neighborhood parks were cleanliness, repair/replace old equipment; security concerns (more lightening, etc.) and promote the feeling of parks being for everyone to enjoy. It was suggested that a map of the parks be created to educate residents on all the parks’ locations. (A map showing all park properties is always part of the annual City calendar which is distributed to all residents. Additionally, the City’s website features specific information on each park site.)

PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS

The Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan was made available for public review and comment at the main Parks and Recreation Building Information Center beginning February 22, 2011 through the plan adoption date of March 28, 2011. The plan was also posted on the City’s website and publicized on City’s Facebook page and press releases. Legal notices were placed in the South Oakland Eccentric Newspaper on February 20 th , 2011 informing the public of the review period and the public meeting to discuss the plan held by the Parks and Recreation Board on March 23 rd , 2011. A second notice was published on March 13 th , 2011 regarding the public meeting on March 23 rd . The plan was discussed by the Southfield City Council on March 21, 2011 at a Committee of the Whole Meeting and adopted by Council at their regular meeting on March 28 th , 2011.

PUBLIC NOTICE FOR DRAFT PLAN FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PUBLIC NOTICE FOR PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS PLAN

LEGAL NOTICE

CITY OF SOUTHFIELD DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING DRAFT PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a copy of the 2012-2016 Southfield Parks & Recreation Master Plan is available for review at the Parks & Recreation Building, Front Desk, Southfield Civic Center, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI, 48076 through March 23 rd , 2011. The document can also be linked through the city’s website, News and Events- http://www.cityofsouthfield.com/NewsEvents/tabid/158/Default.aspx . A Public Meeting to discuss the plan will be held on Wednesday March 23, 2011 at 6:00 PM in the Parks & Recreation Building. Comments or questions are welcome and may be addressed to the City of Southfield, Department of Parks & Recreation, Attn: Merrie M. Carlock, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, Mi 48076, emailed to [email protected] or phone 248 796 4618.

William C. Waterhouse Director Department of Parks and Recreation PUBLISH: March 13, 2011

PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING March 23, 2011 Parks & Recreation Building 6:00p.m.

AGENDA

I. CALL TO ORDER II. MINUTE OF February 16, 2011 III. PUBLIC COMMENTS IV. NEW BUSINESS 1. Public Hearing - Parks and Recreation Master Plan V. OLD BUSINESS VI. INDIVIDUAL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS VII. ADJOURNMENT VIII. INFORMATIONAL 49

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES

PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MINUTES

March 23, 2011

Parks & Recreation Building

PRESENT: Dr. E. Delbert Gray, Jim Moloney, Dawn Stephenson, Susan Ewing, Bill Waterhouse ABSENT: Rosemerry Allen, Ron Roberts, Irv Lowenberg ALSO PRESENT: Doug Block, Merrie Carlock, Councilwoman Joan Seymour, Terry Croad, Gail Barber (Public), Roy Bell (Public).

I. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

The Southfield Parks and Recreation Board meeting of March 23, 2011 was officially called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Vice-Chairperson Gray.

II. MINUTES OF February 16, 2011 PRB:2010.12 by Gray; supported by Moloney Resolved: that the Parks and Recreation Board minutes of February 16, 2011 be approved as written. Motion passed

III. PUBLIC COMMENTS

IV. NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARING Master Plan Mr. Waterhouse summarized the purpose of the Southfield Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNR) requires the city to submit a parks master plan every five years for grant funding. The State of Michigan requires the city to adopt a master plan to identify capital improvement projects and parkland acquisitions. Mr. Waterhouse stated that a draft of the Master Plan has been placed at Parks and Recreation’s front desk and on the City of Southfield website for 30 days for residents to review and offer input. Mr. Waterhouse asserts that the master plan is an action plan that can be amended at anytime.

Mr. Waterhouse stated that the Parks and Recreation Board will adopt the Master Plan and submit to City Council for final adoption. 50

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Vice-Chairperson Dr. Gray declared the public meeting open.

Roy Bell expressed his concerns about the Master Plan, stating that some of the plan appears to be outdated. Mr. Bell will email Merrie Carlock the specifics.

Terry Croad, Director of Planning, stated that the Planning Department reviewed the Master Plan and has passed on comments and edits to Mr. Waterhouse as requested. Mr. Croad mentioned that the Planning Department has provided a draft map of the non-motorized trails and pathways, and preparing a transit study of non-motorized for the entire city. The Planning Department would like to coordinate with Parks and Recreation on the Master Plan for funding opportunities whether DNR or Department of Transportation Enhancement Fund. More importantly, by having the bike paths identified in an adopted plan, developers will be required to put in 10 ft pathways as opposed to 5 ft sidewalks. The Planning Department has provided two additional maps to support the Master Plan.

Dr. Gray inquired about a potential dog park in the city.

Councilwoman Joan Seymour stated that she has received several complaints regarding dogs at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve explaining that dogs affect the sighting of wildlife. Ms. Seymour requests improved signage, because owners are allowing dogs to run without a leash. Ms. Carlock stated that presently there is a temporary set of rules which states that dogs are permitted, but must be on a 6 ft leash.

Gail Barber and Roy Bell voiced their concerns stating that dogs should not be allowed at nature preserves; they are strong supporters of dog parks. Mr. Waterhouse noted that although Leonard, Eisenhower and Schoenhal schools are closed, they are being maintained and should be listed in the Master Plan as public facilities. Ms. Stephenson inquired about the funding for Bedford Woods Park. Ms. Carlock noted that Bedford Woods Tennis Court Demolition Project has been awarded to remove tennis courts; demolition will begin this summer. Bedford Woods will also receive funding from Cell Tower Revenues for park redevelopment.

PRB:2011.4 by Moloney; supported by Stephenson Resolved: that the Parks and Recreation Board has reviewed and approved the Master Plan 2012-2016. Motion approved.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

SOUTHFIELD CITY COUNCIL STUDY MEETING MINUTES

BREAK IN MINUTES FOR OTHER AGENDA ITEMS

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Mr. Waterhouse replied that a dog park is in the top five on the priority list. Councilman Lantz recommended Lahser Park. The City should seriously consider doing something soon. Council President Frasier referred the P & R Master Plan to the Regular Meeting of March 28, 2011.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

ADOPTION OF PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

VII. BASIS FOR ACTION

PARK LAND ANALYSIS

PARK LAND STANDARDS In 2000 the US Census population for the City of Southfield was 78,296. A decline in economic conditions in southeastern Michigan from 2008-2010 has resulted in a decline in Southfield’s population. The 2010 Census lists Southfield’s population at 71,758 persons, a decline of 6,564 or an 8.4 % drop. Although the City currently exceeds national land standards, this is a result of the current economic decline. The long term population projection for Southfield is for a return to growth to approximately 78,176 by 2020 and 80,590 persons by 2035 (SEMCOG), resulting in a small deficiency in parklands by that time. The current depressed land values provide an opportunity to acquire land for future use at reduced public expenditures.

TABLE 17 PARK LAND STANDARDS NRPA STANDARD: 10 ACRES PER 1,000 PERSONS YEAR POPULATION STANDARD EXISTING ACRES % DEFICIENCY

2010 71,758 – Actual 718 775 108% 0

2020 78,176 - Projected 781 775 99% 6

2035 80,590 – Projected 805 775 96% 30

Approximately half of Southfield's parkland is undeveloped and will remain so. Much of the parkland is environmentally sensitive wetlands, woodlands and floodplain with limited recreational uses outside of hiking, conservation and nature interpretation. In order to maintain connectivity for protection of the City’s green infrastructure, the City will continue to seek acquisition of land which possesses conservation value. The amount of developed parkland, even at lower population levels is an issue for Southfield where the initial year of rapid development left little land available for parks. Even at depressed population levels, a comparison of the current developed parkland against minimum national standards of 6.25 acres per 1,000 persons indicates some deficiency in access that will increase in time with the return of pre-recession population levels.

TABLE 18 DEVELOPED PARK LAND STANDARDS NRPA MINIMUM STANDARD 6.25 ACRES PER 1,000 PERSONS YEAR POPULATION STANDARD EXISTING ACRES % DEFICIENCY

2010 71,758 - Actual 448 370 82% 78

2020 80,59078,176 -- ProjectedProjected 806 489 370 775 75%96% 119 31

2035 80,590---Projected 504 370 73% 134

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PROXIMITY

COMMUNITY PARKS PROXIMITY According to NRPA standards, the service radius for community park facilities is one to two miles. Distribution of community parkland in Southfield is very good. A majority of residents live within one mile of a community-wide City park and can easily access these parks by car. Certain sections of the City have limited access to these parks, however, Sections 28 and 33 are beyond the one mile service radius of any parks although they are within two miles of either Beech Woods or Civic Center. The remaining southeast corner of the City, parts of Section 25, 26 and 35, and all of Section 36, are outside of any one mile service radius. This area is densely populated and is bisected by two expressways. Major land developments such as Northland and Providence Hospital account for a large portion of the land area, as do high-rise multi-family housing.

NEIGHBORHOOD PARK PROXIMITY The standard service radius for smaller neighborhood parks is one-half mile. In terms of pedestrian access from an individual’s home, access is further limited in Southfield by the proliferation of major roadways on the one mile grid in addition to four major highway corridors which bisect the community. For all practical purposes, these roadways serve as substantial barriers to pedestrian travel, particularly for children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Since Southfield is divided into one mile sections, it is the desire to provide at least one developed neighborhood or community park facility within each section accessible without crossing a major road or highway. Of the 36 sections, 15 sections or parts of sections lack access to a neighborhood park facility within a road bounded section or area. These include half sections of 7, 8, 9 and 10 at the north boundary of Southfield, parts of 17 and 18, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 35 and 36.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

FACILITIES ANALYSIS

The Southfield community is provided with a wide array of parks and recreational facilities. An initial analysis of the City's facilities is based on recreation standards, adapted from what is provided to communities in the Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenways Plans as revised 02/05/2009, Appendix E, Suggested Facility Development Standards. While recreation standards are accepted as basis for Master Planning, they are used here only as a guideline for future development. For some facilities, no standards exist and other recreational needs and demands are particular to the Southfield community. An analysis of individual parks sites follows.

TABLE 19 MUNICIPAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS PROJECTED POPULATION - 78,176 / YEAR 2020 FACILITY POPULATION PER UNIT EXISTING NO. STANDARD DEFICIENCY

1. Ballfields/Softball & 5,000 14 15 1 Little League 2. Ballfields/Adult - 30,000 1 2 1 Hardball/Lighted 3. Basketball Courts/Outdoor 5,000 2 15 13 4. Golf/Driving Range 50,000 1 1 0 5. Golf/9-Hole 25,000 2 3 1 6. Golf/18-Hole 50,000 0 1 1 7. Handball/3-4 Well 50,000 1 1 0 8. Ice Arenas/Indoor 50,000 1 1 0 9. Ice Rinks/Outdoor 25,000 0 2 2 11. Play lots 5,000 13 15 2 13. Soccer Fields (Incl. Catalpa Oaks) 8,000 8 9 1 14. Swimming Pools 40,000 1 2 1 15. Tennis Courts/Outdoor 4,000 16 19 3 16. Trails/Nature-Hiking (miles) 5,000 4 16 12 17. Volleyball - Sand 5,000 6 15 9

BALLFIELDS The Southfield Department of Parks and Recreation utilizes its ball fields for adult and youth softball, Little League and baseball programs. This existing number of fields is currently sufficient with the utilization of school fields. The quality and maintenance of ball fields on school properties, however, is still in need of improvement. Lighting of existing fields at Inglenook Park would insure adequate availability for future use.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

BASKETBALL COURTS The City has a deficiency in outdoor basketball courts as well as an increasing public demand. The conversion of the Beech Woods Arena to a field house alleviates these issues as it provides year-round opportunities for indoor basketball.

BICYCLE PATHS As the popularity of cycling increases, so does the demand for adequate facilities. Southfield has less than six miles of asphalt bike paths which are separate from the roadway. The bulk of the system is either on paved shoulders, pedestrian sidewalk or signed roadways. A more complete analysis of this facility is necessary to determine what options are feasible for Southfield from both recreational, safety and transportation standpoints. Currently, a non-motorized transportation plan is being developed through the Planning Department.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Cross-country skiing is dependent on whether the City does have a full complement of rental equipment for a program at Beech Woods which could be promoted for continued use. Recent snow covers in winters have varied. In high snow years it may be possible to support a cross-country ski program should public demand justify the staff and equipment expense. Cross-country skiing and equipment rentals were previously available at Beech Woods Golf Course, however trails at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve may also be suitable especially if the Nature Interpretive Center is developed.

DOG PARK There has been high demand for a dog park somewhere in Southfield. The City will continue to evaluate the feasibility of a dog park as a joint project with Farmington Hills contingent on locating an appropriate venue and establishing easily enforceable regulations and membership for dog owners.

GOLF The City's two nine-hole golf courses have maintained their popularity with demand remaining strong. The opening of the heated tee facility at Beech Woods Golf Course provides year-round access to golf. An 18-hole public course would be advantageous to the City. Should the Plum Hollow Golf Club, a private club and the only 18-hole course in Southfield, become available, the City would evaluate the feasibility of retaining the course as a public facility.

HANDBALL COURTS The existing facility at the Civic Center site is popular and is the only public handball court in the City. The courts are old and need renovation.

ICE ARENAS/INDOOR The City has only one slab of ice at its indoor ice arena. Increased public demand for ice time, from youth and adult hockey programs, as well as figure skating and open skating has put pressure on the existing facility. The Civic Center's arena continues to be an ideal location for a second slab of ice, both from an effective management standpoint as well as its central location. Little Caesars Pizza Foundation is currently under contract to manage this facility. Southfield is evaluating the feasibility of arena expansion to include a second slab, health and fitness center and aquatic center at the Civic Center site.

ICE RINKS/OUTDOOR Ice rinks through area flooding have been discontinued in Southfield because of the difficulty in maintaining ice. Fluctuating temperatures of this region are the cause of many freeze/thaw cycles to make this effort worthy of the time and expense. An artificially refrigerated outdoor rink would prevent these problems. The expense of this type of facility has prohibited its development to date however, if fiscally possible, such a rink in the City Centre area would complement the City’s recreational offering at the Civic Center. 58

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

NATURE INTERPRETIVE CENTER The planned Carpenter Lake Nature Interpretive Center will serve as an important resource to educate the public about natural systems and our place in it. The facility will serve the general public and as a resource for local schools. The building design has been complete but the project is on hold while funds are being raised.

PICNIC FACILITIES The City has picnic facilities at eight parks with three park sites offering significant picnic areas with shelter available for rentals. The largest shelter is located at Pebble Creek. Beech Woods and Civic Center also offer rentable shelters. Simms has a shelter for neighborhood use. The demand for picnic shelter rentals is strong. Additional shelter installations at other parks such as Bauervic or Robbie Gage would alleviate some of the pressure for shelter bookings. The Burgh Historic Park, which is booked for weddings and events throughout the warmer months, would also be a location for a large pavilion for rentals as long as the architecture of the shelter is in keeping with the historical character of the park.

PLAY LOTS Southfield is well serviced by children’s play lots at both community and neighborhood parks. School sites also provide play areas in other neighborhoods not served by a park. A few new play lots, especially smaller totlots, could be located at several existing parks to provide better coverage. These include Robbie Gage, and Hunters Lane Woods. Play grounds located at elementary schools are not available for public use during school hours for pre-schoolers.

The City has replaced many play lots in the past decade, however there are some older play areas that do not comply with current accessibility standards and need to be renovated. Play lots at Bauervic Woods, Simms, Beech Woods, Inglenook and Miller Parks have been completely replaced, however, play lots at the Civic Center, Freeway Park, Pebble Creek and Bedford Woods are in need of redevelopment. 59

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

ROLLER HOCKEY AND SKATEBOARDS Roller hockey courts are located at converted tennis courts at John Grace Community Park in the southwest part of the City and Simms Park on the east side of the community in response to neighborhood demand. These facilities are in poor condition and demand remains for a dedicated skate park somewhere in the City.

SOCCER The increasing popularity of soccer has caused an increase in the number of fields needed to serve the Southfield population. Practice fields are located at Bedford and Lahser Woods. Oakland County Parks will invest in the renovation of Catalpa Oaks as a regional soccer facility serving primarily youth soccer programs. Pebble Creek Park is the City's primary adult soccer facility; however it only has a single adult size field. If land to the west of Pebble Creek becomes available, the City would be able to add more adult and youth fields at this location.

SWIMMING POOLS & SPLASH PADS Civic Center pool was renovated in 2000 and 2001 however it fails to meet with current standards for accessibility and is dated in comparison with other aquatic facilities in the region. The City offers little in the way of family water-play activities except the spray pool and waterslide at Civic Center. Also, the City has no indoor pool available for year-round use. The pools at the two high schools have limited availability for general public use and have accessibility problems. None of the pools in the City meet new competitive standards and seniors have little access to pools. A year round family aquatic center would provide an important family recreational opportunity for Southfield not currently available. Additionally, two splash pads would supplement the system and provide an outdoor facility for summer use.

TENNIS Tennis continues to maintain its popularity with the Southfield public. The seven-court tennis complex at the Civic Center, which is partially lighted, is the City’s most popular venue. Public restrooms would support this facility and improve the delivery of tennis lessons and programs as well as provide location for a pro-shop. Three new tennis courts at Beech Woods Park which opened in 2011, provide a west side venue for the sport.

TRAILS The City is deficient in providing hiking opportunities with only four miles of hiking trails in the City. Opportunities for trail development exist along the Rouge River in Valley Woods Nature Preserve. A one-half mile trail from Civic Center Drive north to I-696 was installed in 1995. Other grant monies may be available to take this trail further north to Twelve Mile Road and south to Ten Mile Road. The MDOT has indicated approval for the trail to pass under the many highway bridge structures of Northwestern, the Lodge and I-696 expressways which traverse the corridor. A new nature interpretive trail system at Bauervic Woods would provide better access throughout the park and opportunities for environmental education in the center of the City. The nature trail system at Civic Center is also in need of improvements such as surfacing, interpretative signage and a new trailhead. All of the trail systems need to be renovated with improved surfacing for accessibility, signage, and layouts.

VOLLEYBALL There are five sand volleyball courts at Civic Center which are very popular for both leagues and for pick-up games. Lighting these courts will allow greater use for league and club play. Other locations, such as Pebble Creek or Beech Woods, support recreational play as a companion feature for picnic areas and can be installed at nominal expense and are relatively low maintenance.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PARKS ANALYSIS

Each park within the Southfield system has a different level of development, from the extensive level of development of Civic Center to the minimal development of Valley Woods. Some park land, held for natural resource values, may remain undeveloped in a natural state. Many parks such as Lahser Woods or Bedford Woods, were developed many years ago and now are in poor condition and in need of redevelopment. Many parks need updating to comply with current standards for accessibility, stormwater management, sustainability and play ground safety. Because our parks vary considerably, it is necessary to look at each one individually to identify long term development goals for park improvements.

BAUERVIC WOODS PARK At 80 acres in size, Bauervic Woods is one of the largest park properties in the system. Almost entirely woodlands and wetlands, extensive park development for active recreation is precluded, however, much can be done to improve access to the park and enhance its value to the public.

• Expanded and improved parking. • Improved park signage system. • Expanded picnic area with shelter. • Restroom facilities • Accessible trail system with interpretive signage.

BEDFORD WOODS PARK Bedford Woods Park is undergoing a new master plan to update park facilities. Future plans for the park may include:

• New parking lots • New ball field backstops and fencing • New perimeter walkways • New site furnishings • Additional trail to north end of park • Improve practice soccer field • Picnic shelter and picnic area • Renovate landscaping • Park signage system • Restroom building • Sand volleyball court

BEECH WOODS PARK Beech Woods Greening Project is a long term effort to upgrade park facilities in an environmentally sustainable manner. Construction towards this has already been completed at the north end in 2010-2011, with a new porous paver parking lot, LED parking lot lighting, three new tennis courts with light reflecting color coating, native planting and bioswale and interpretive signage. Also recently installed at the north end is the privately developed heated tee facility. Plans call for continuing the park improvement program to the main lot, new entrance and signage, lighting, and building improvements for energy efficiency and functionality. A new spray play area and group picnic area is planned for the outdoor patio area next to the recreation center.

• Spray play area • Site lighting LED • Park identification and directional signage • Site furnishings • Renovate parking and circulation • Bicycle circulation & parking • Improve site walkway system • Storm water management features • Sustainable management practices for golf course • New landscaping & irrigation

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Beech Woods Park Master Plan

BEECH WOODS RECREATION CENTER The Beech Woods Recreation Center is in need of renovation for functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency/sustainability.

INTERIOR EXTERIOR • Locker room renovation • Splash pad • Building entrance • Group picnic facilities • Interior renovation • Outdoor concert stage • Accessibility • Vehicular drop off and entrance improvements • Security • Landscape, site furnishings, bicycle parking, site lighting • Equipment, HVAC • Signage • Energy efficiency • Covered walkways

BRACE PARK Brace Park is a leased parcel from Southfield School District. The park needs only minor improvements.

• Landscaping • Accessible walkways • Signage • Expand parking 62

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

BRIDGE STREET NATURE PRESERVE Valley Woods South at Bridge Street is primarily a nature preserve. Minor development of trails and picnic tables along the river could be developed for area residents and employees. The site could also be used to pick-up canoes dropped off at Twelve Mile Road.

• Canoe pick-up facilities • River access • Trail development

Wedding in the Small Courtyard Garden at The Burgh BURGH HISTORICAL PARK The Burgh Historical Park remains popular for weddings, concerts, and special events. In the past 5 years many of the historical buildings, such as the Simmons House, have received needed maintenance and restoration. The Parks House remains empty and is in need of full restoration and re-purposing. Extensive wedding bookings on the site indicate that restoring the house for use to support weddings and corporate events could be supported. The site also is in need of outdoor covered pavilion for picnics and receptions. Finally, only about a third of the site is currently developed. The master plan for the property extends the gardens, walks and site furnishings eastward, expanded parking and waste enclosure. This would increase the use of the site as a community destination and capacity for larger events.

• Town Hall & Art Center Restoration • Development of the east side of site • Parking Lot Expansion • Carousel and related site work • Picnic Pavilion • Flower gardens and Arbor • Site improvements around the Parks House • Conservatory • Renovation of the Parks House • Secondary parking lot • Site signage program • Croquet Court • Enclose dumpster • Outdoor dining terrace • Education and interpretive programs & signage

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

CARPENTER LAKE Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve opened in the fall of 2008 and is complete except for the planned nature interpretive center and outdoor classroom. Unforeseen economic conditions have delayed the project’s implementation while a capital campaign has been initiated to privately raise funds for the project. Architectural plans for the building are complete once monies become available. The center’s interpretive displays need to be developed.

CIVIC CENTER ARENA Expansion of the ice arena would allow for a second slab of ice, gymnasium and fitness facility, indoor/outdoor aquatic center and relocation of the Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices to the arena.

CIVIC CENTER PARK The Civic Center Park remains the center of community activity in Southfield. Extensive recreational facilities make the park popular for a large variety of activity and special events. Continued investment in this site is of high priority.

• Miracle League/Shelter restroom building • Outdoor refrigerated ice rink • Interpretive nature trail system • Outdoor performance venue and area • Wildlife habitat demonstration area at pond • Trail development at pond • Picnic area enhancement, tree plantings, grills. • Light volleyball courts and renovate handball courts • Improve pedestrian circulation & amenities • Expand picnic area and renovate play lot • Provide bicycle circulation and parking • Provide increase public art installations • Green roof and other innovative storm • Convert site for LED lighting water management features • Improve site furnishings

HISTORIC CODE HOUSE The Code House is one of Southfield’s highest quality historical resources. Its recent restoration has protected this significant structure; however it is vacant and is in need of a use. The property is of ample size for development of a passive use park for the enjoyment of the local neighborhood and as a stopover for frequent lunch time walkers on Civic Center Drive.

• Office or rental use • National Register and State Historic Marker • Small parking area • Walkways and site development

Historic Code House 64

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

FREEWAY PARK Freeway Park is a passive-use park built as part of the I-696 freeway construction to provide for pedestrian circulation for the neighborhood across the highway. Extensively developed, the park is now twenty years old and in need of renovation. • Play lot renovation • Site Furnishings including small shelter • Site signage • Park renovation – landscape and pavements • LED lighting and other sustainable site features to manage on-site stormwater • Accessibility issues – minor • Connection with from south side to Greenfield and Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve

HORSETAIL WOODS NATURE PRESERVE Primarily a nature preserve, the park is the only parkland in Section 33. A nature trail could be developed at this site in the future. Additional land to the south would encompass a larger natural area for preservation, preserve the entire flood plain tributary and serve as a buffer from the Eight Mile Road commercial corridor.

HUNTERS LANE WOODS Hunters Lane Woods is the only parkland in Section 28, also contains some floodplain property. The site could be developed as a passive use neighborhood park at sometime in the future. Some consideration should also be given to cul-de-sac the private road which now bisects the property pending neighborhood agreement.

• Small picnic area • Trail • Play lot

INGLENOOK PARK Inglenook Park, which originally opened in 1985, is one of Southfield's most popular parks. Some portions of the park, such as the universally designed play area, have been upgraded in recent years. Other park facilities have original equipment and are now in need of redevelopment. The picnic facilities are minimal and could be expanded to include one or more picnic shelters. Accessible walkways are necessary to the Miller Barn and the ball fields. The Miller Barn can be used for programs and other community events.

• Expand walkway system for ADA compliance • Sustainable storm water management features • Landscape improvements • Bicycle parking and connection to Twelve Mile Road • New identification and directional signage • Improvements to barn to allow for public use • Site furnishings • Nature trail through woods • Lighting for ball fields • Walking trail renovation and connection to Los Palmos • Ball field improvements: new backstops, bleachers, • Pavilion shelter and storage for ball players outfield fencing and covered player’s benches • Parking lot expansion

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

JOHN GRACE COMMUNITY PARK AND RECREATION CENTER Some work is necessary to upgrade the park site including landscaping and fencing and improved site lighting when funding is available. Future use of the building as a community center needs to be re-evaluated.

• Ornamental iron fence in front of building • Site lighting • Fencing for building rear • New signage • Landscape improvement project • Tennis court repair

LAHSER WOODS PARK Lahser Woods Park is a relatively old park. Most of the original improvements have been removed over time so that the park is now in need of a complete redevelopment.

• Pave parking lot • Site furnishings • Perimeter walkway system • Signage • Expanded picnic area with small shelter • Practice soccer field • Landscape improvement

LINCOLN WOODS NATURE PRESERVE The City would like to develop an interpretive trail system through this park. The Michigan Department of Transportation property, which is part of this park, has a wet prairie habitat and pond. The interpretive trail system would allow public access to a unique and a sensitive environment.

• Interpretive trail system • Site furnishings • Signage

MILLER PARK Miller Park recently was improved with a new tot lot. The balance of the park is also in need of upgrading.

• Perimeter fitness walkway • Storm water management improvements • Tennis/basketball court renovation • Restroom building • Signage and landscape improvements • Evaluate parking capacity • Ballfield improvements & ADA compliance

MULBERRY PARK Mulberry Park is a small neighborhood park which is currently undeveloped. It could be developed as a passive use park with a small totlot. No totlot exists in this residential neighborhood.

• Park development • Tot lot

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

PEBBLE CREEK PARK Pebble Creek Park is starting to show age of some of its facilities. The play area is not accessible and is need of renovation. The picnic area needs some additional picnic tables and supplemental tree planting, particularly mature trees. This would also be a good location for installation of a sand volleyball court as a companion facility with the picnic area. The storm system should be re-designed to minimize surface water run-off to Pebble Creek.

• Tree planting • Sand volleyball court • Picnic tables • Park signage • Benches • Pave entry road

ROBBIE GAGE PARK Robbie Gage Park is completely undeveloped. The intent for Robbie Gage Park is to maintain its natural character while providing some enhancements for neighborhood use including play lot development, trails and picnic area. Vehicular access for limited parking is available from Inkster Road.

• Park development • Picnic area and shelter • Play lot • Trails • Parking lot • Signage

SEMINOLE STREET PARK Seminole Park’s play equipment, surfacing and site furnishings need to be upgraded.

SIMMS PARK Simms Park recently received additional play equipment and remains a popular neighborhood park. At this time there are no plans for additional improvements to the park other than repair and maintenance of existing improvements.

SOUTHFIELD TEN No further plans exist for this site. It is not readily accessible to the public and may be transferred sold.

STRATFORD WOODS COMMONS Stratford Woods Commons is primarily a passive use park with a walkway through the center. The site has had a new play area installed with site furnishings. The asphalt walkway needs resurfacing.

• Walkway resurfacing • Park Signage

Play Area at Stratford Woods Commons 67

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

MARY THOMPSON FARM The Mary Thompson Farm house is home to the Southfield Historical Society. They occasionally open the house for public tours and display furniture and artifacts of Mary Thompson's life. Senior community gardens on the property continue to remain popular. The house is now also home to the Southfield Community Foundation which provides a daily presence to the property. The possibility exists to replace the historic barn on the site.

• Signage • Restoration of out buildings & garden storage building • Historic theme garden development • Greenhouse for gardeners • Barn replacement • Site furnishings • New walkways • Limited addition of garden plots

VALLEY WOODS NATURE PRESERVE & VALLEY WOODS TRAIL Valley Woods is one of Southfield’s most significant properties. A linear park, the first phase of trail development along the Rouge River was completed in 1995. Plans call for the extension of the trail system along the banks of the Rouge River from Ten Mile to Twelve Mile. This would provide a unique setting for recreation and enjoyment of one of Southfield’s only water courses. Trail improvements and an interpretive signage program would increase visitation to the park. A proposed canoe drop at Twelve Mile and with pick-ups at Civic Center, Ten Mile and again at Eight Mile Roads would provide unique recreational opportunity in the City on a seasonal basis when water levels are high. Channel improvements for canoe and kayak navigation should be investigated along with improvements for fish habitat to improve water quality and fishing opportunities for Southfield residents. In 2011 a new trail head on the north side of Civic Center Drive will improve pedestrian access to the corridor and remove an open storm water outfall into the river.

Fishing at Valley Woods Nature Preserve

Acquisition of privately held parcels within the floodplain and valley walls would help to preserve the river corridor, protecting natural resources and water quality. An important acquisition is the balance of the Berberian property adjacent to the Berberian Woods with frontage on both the Main Branch of the Rouge and the Franklin Rivers. Berberian Woods has high quality botanical and natural resource value that would be buffered by this additional property which included floodplain, stream banks and valley walls. Existing buildings on the property, 2 houses and a barn, would be re-purposed for parks and recreational uses. Also, acquisition of flood plain and valley walls along the river corridor, including south of Ten Mile Road would extend the corridor to protect and enhance critical natural resources. Other river corridor improvement projects, as identified in the Rouge Green Corridor Management Plan, for control of erosion and invasive species should be implemented when funds are available.

• Interpretive Signage program • Invasive species control program • Water quality/fish habitat improvement projects • Parking facilities at 12 Mile Road • Stream bank erosion control projects • Canoe drop-off/pick-up • Trail development between Ten and Twelve Mile • Berberian property acquisition 68

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

VII GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

MISSION STATEMENT

GOALS & ACTIONS

1. PROVIDE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES AND DIVERSE EXPERIENCES

Action steps: • Identify current users of Southfield’s facilities, programs, events • Inventory other recreation providers in the area • Establish partnerships • Provide affordable opportunities and experiences • Maintain accessibility; remove all barriers to facilities, programs, events • Maintain fiscal responsibility

2. PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

Action steps: • Follow green infrastructure plan as prepared by Oakland County • Purchase/acquire additional green space within green infrastructure plan • Preserve mature woodlands and wetlands • Preserve native species/remove invasive species within natural areas • Maintain tree cover on public and private lands • Develop parks in an environmentally sustainable manner which demonstrates innovative design • Minimize storm water run-off and non-point source pollution • Preserve water resources – protect parklands along Rouge River and tributaries • Educate the public about natural resources • Utilize “Green” friendly practices – ex. Products, Integrated Pest Management, energy efficiency • “No mow” maintenance standards • Follow environmental regulations • Encourage Low Impact Design (LID)

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

GOALS & ACTION STEPS CONTINUED

3. ESTABLISH PARTNERSHIPS

Action steps: • Partner with local sports teams • Partner with School District – programs, facility use, special events • Partner with local colleges & universities • Regionalization – partner with county, states, adjacent communities • Partner with private organizations, ex. health organizations • Partner with non-profits • Partner with National programs • Cooperative efforts between City Departments

4. UTILIZE BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES

Action steps: • Fiscal responsibility – allocating resources properly; seeking alternative funding sources • Effective use of technology Professional Development – promote training, workshops, classes, conferences • Customer Service • Quality products – maintain standards with services, staff, facilities

5. CREATE AND MAINTAIN ACCESSIBILITY

Action steps: • Inventory current buildings/facilities/parks for accessibility • Use universal design with new/updating facilities • Promote current facilities for accessibility – market facilities o Miracle Field, Playscape at Inglenook Park, golf courses

6. PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Action steps: • Promote “curb side” appeal • Assist in transportation needs: o Develop community wide trail and walkway network o Develop walkable/bikeable community program o Mass transit – partner with SMART Bus • Assess and promote events that create economic gains for Southfield businesses • Highlight these gains – potential sponsors in City • Assess property values adjacent to recreational facilities/parks

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

GOALS & ACTION STEPS CONTINUED

7. MARKET AND PROMOTE PARKS AND RECREATION

Action steps: • Utilize cable TV in schools • Communicate with elected officials • Educate the public • Tours of facilities, Develop video/virtual tours of facilities • Use statistics to promote value of facilities, parks, events • Develop annual report; highlight successes • Promote in schools papers, labs, Facebook • Target market • “Branding”

8. PRESERVE HISTORIC RESOURCES

Action steps: • Find and maintain adaptive uses for historical buildings • Identify and provide public access to historical sites that are Parks and Recreation properties • Establish Local Government Certification with State of Michigan • Seek certification for local historical sites for granting opportunities • Establish partnerships for historic preservation activities

9. ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE COMMUNITY

Action steps: • Maintain parks, facilities, rights-of-way, public spaces • Promote wellness lifestyles o Social events for all segments of community o Programs/facilities to prevent obesity o Programs/facilities to foster mental health o Provide for spiritual needs • Trails – walkable/bikeable community • Property values • Improved crime rates • Assist/facilitate residents – share knowledge, facilitate partnerships • Develop sense of community

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

VIII. ACTION PROGRAM

PARK DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS

This section summarizes the major capital improvement projects and land acquisition targets for the next five years. These schedules are guidelines which are totally dependent on having adequate financial resources to complete. Most projects, whether development of acquisition, will require outside funding sources to achieve, primarily state and federal grants and also private foundation or corporate support. If financial support is not available, then the projects will not be completed. TABLE 20 MAJOR PARK DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE 2012 - 2016 Year Park/Project Estimated Cost Funding Support 2012 Ice Arena Renovations Phase I $ 271 ,000 P&R Funds

201 3 Bedford Woods Park Redevelopment $ 200,000 Cell Tower Revenue

201 3 Beech Woods Splash Pad & Group Picnic Area $ 1,000 ,000 Recreation Passport, L&WCF 201 3 Pebble Creek Park Play Lot Replacement & Park $ 500,000 Recreation Passport, Improvement Project L&WCF 201 3 Beech Woods Greening Phase II $1,200,000 Recreati on Passport, L&WCF 2013 Inglenook Park Ball Field Lighting and Improvement $ 500,000 Donations, Land & Project Water, Passport 201 4 Freeway Park Renovation $ 900,000 MDOT Enhancement Grant 2014 Valley Woods Nature Preserve Site Development – $ 650,000 MNRTF Twelve Mile to Northwestern Hwy. 2014 Bike Trail System Improvement Project $1,000,000 MNRTF & MDOT Enhancement Grant 2014 Carpenter Lake Nature Interpretive Center $2,100,000 MNRTF Rouge Grant 2015 Civic Center Green – Front lawn perimeter walkway, $ 750,000 Recreation Grant pedestrian amenities, public art installation MDOT Enh. Grant 2015 Bauervic Woods Park Development $ 750,000 MNRTF

2015 Valley Woods Nature Preserve Site Development - $ 850,000 MNRTF & MDOT Freeway Underpass & Ten Mile to Civic Center Drive Enhancement Grant 2015 Lincoln Woods Site Development $ 600,000 MNRTF

2016 Civic Center Play Area Renovation $ 400,000 Recreation Passport, L&WCF 2016 Civic Center Splash Pad & Pool Renovation $ 1,500,000 Recreat ion Passport, L&WCF 2016 Robbie Gage Park Development $ 600,000 MNRTF

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

LAND ACQUISITION PROPOSALS

While Southfield is not lacking in total parkland, it is deficient in developable parkland for neighborhood and community parks and recreation facilities. Southfield is a highly developed community with relatively little vacant land. When properties become available on the market, the City will evaluate them to determine what their contribution would be to the overall park system. Southfield has a long history of land acquisition of properties with significant natural resource value, especially along the Rouge River and its tributaries. Still much of the Rouge Green Corridor in Southfield in privately owned. Through the Rouge Green Corridor Management Plan, the City will strive to promote environmental stewardship of the watershed among residents and businesses. When possible, acquisition of additional floodplain or other land with natural resource value will be pursued.

Costs for these acquisitions are unknown, and will be based on market value at the time of purchase. Funding sources are also undetermined. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has been the primary source of park land acquisitions in Southfield for the past 25 years along with land owner donation of local match requirements; however, other sources of funding will also be sought in the future.

The following is a list of acquisition proposals; some specific, some general, which represent the department’s priorities for the next five years. The program is intended to be flexible and is dependent on the property owner’s willingness to sell to the City and participate in the grant application process.

TABLE 21 LAND ACQUISITION PRIORITIES 2012 - 2016 Priority Acquisition Proposal

1 5 Acre Berberian property (new parcel) at Rouge and Franklin Rivers at Streamwood.

2 Excess school properties which may be appropriate as neighborhood parks or community centers, particularly Leonard School and 50 acre property in Inkster Road.

3 Property which adjacent to the Rouge River and its tributaries, particularly that which is contiguous to Valley Woods Nature Preserve or other park land.

4 Properties which possess significant natural resource and scenic values such as wetlands, mature woodlands, and floodplains. Each property would be evaluated individually for quality and suitability for parkland.

5 Developable park land suitable for athletic field development, dog parks, etc. Of particular interest for acquisition are properties suitable for neighborhood or community park development in Sections 18 or 19, 26, 27, 29, 35 and 36.

6 Plum Hollow Golf Course. Should the site be threatened by development, the City would consider its acquisition and conversion to a public recreational facility.

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

IX. APPENDIX

REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY PLAN RECEIPT

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

OAKLAND COUNTY PLAN RECEIPT

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN APPROVAL

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

MDNR PLAN CERTIFICATION

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Summary of Master Plan Survey Results Major Parks & Facilities: Inglenook rated excellent or good by 91%. 80% rated the following parks or facilities excellent or good: Civic Center, Beech Woods, Burgh Historical Park, Mary Thompson Farm, Evergreen Hills Golf Course, Beech Woods Golf Course, and Southfield Pavilion. 60% ranked Senior Adult Center, Sports Arena & Pool, and Beech Woods Recreation Center excellent or good. From a preselected list, residents asked for new facilities

32% Indoor Pool 29% Paved Bike Trails 25% More Nature Trails 21% Senior Adult Center 19% Nature Center 17% Dog Park 16% Indoor Sports Complex 16% More Picnic Shelters 14% Skate Park 13% More Open Space 13% Transportation Services 10% Community Center 10% Lights for Athletic Fields 4% More Athletic Fields

Benefits of Southfield Parks & Recreation Southfield Parks and Recreation is beneficial in the following ways by 80% or greater amount of respondents: Meet new people, Interact with different cultures, strengthen families, preserves open space, increases community pride, makes Southfield a desirable place to live, increases property values, and improves health. At least 60% agreed that Park & Recreation reduces crime. Customer service was ranked good or excellent by 89% of respondents with 11% rating okay. There were no rankings of poor.

Ideas for various parks (not specific park sites) 1. Beautification a. A “Green” City b. More landscaping, Beautification in all parks , All parks equally gorgeous & appealing, more garden areas, enhance parks with flowers & fountains, more flowers (12) c. Green grass, water the grass d. Horticultural practices to preserve trees, not cut them e. Native landscaping (2) no pesticide use 2. Bicycle/Walking/Fitness – in Parks a. More paved fitness walking paths (6), More walking trails, places to walk, b. Accessibility, especially for older adults, all parks c. More bike paths (2), d. Mountain bike trails e. Bike racks at parks f. More fitness parks in neighborhoods (2), exercise stations 3. Dogs a. Dog Park (5) – separate from children’s play areas, east side

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

b. dog runs (4) c. Supervision of dog walkers, leash laws and pet waste pick up (3) 4. Golf a. More visible driving range signs b. More rangers for slow or inconsiderate player c. Pitching practice area d. Heated tees (3), - done e. 18-hole course (2) f. Golf staff for seniors g. Liquor (2) h. Golf courses very busy, tee time hard to get i. Non-resident fee is very low 5. Ice Skating –Outdoor a. Outdoor ice rink (3) flood areas for ice skating 6. Indoor Recreation –Existing a. Cleaner facilities b. Exercise rooms too hot 7. Indoor Recreation – New a. Athletic Basket ball (3) Tennis (5) • Other sports facilities (4), soccer, sports center, gymnastics, wally ball, volleyball Open gym, a gym like Dearborn, for seniors and adults only - without kids (2) Walking track Multiuse dome Roller rink (3) 2nd Fitness center (5) with resident discount, one for kids, like Troy b. Community Center (5) All in one – seniors, youth, meeting rooms, pool • Computer center with assistance • More nice rooms (2) for reunions, weddings, dances, graduations • More meeting rooms (3) c. Conference center (2) • Like the Summit in Canton • Catering facility, banquets & weddings (3) • Performing Arts Center • More meeting rooms d. Pool (12) • Zero depth (2) • Aquatic center (5), splash zone, Indoor/Outdoor, waterpark • Whirlpool, Sauna e. Senior center like Rochester (4), Just for seniors • Indoor pool • Fitness center 80

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

• Computers and classrooms • Arts & Crafts room f. Youth Center (6) - (done) • Neighborhood teen centers • Arcade, laser tag, rock climbing 8. Maintenance a. Litter and trash cans (4) more, visible b. More frequent litter pick up, Cleaner (5) c. Recycle bins (3) 9. Nature a. Nature Center b. More nature/ hiking trails (8) without bikes c. More open space (3), not enough green space to walk & exercise d. Preserve natural areas (5) create wildlife habitat, park for bird watching e. Better trail maintenance(2), surfacing repairs, spray poison ivy, pet waste 10. Parks –Other types a. Outdoor civic space, our “Hart Plaza” b. Add small parks, for green space, places to sit in the community c. Passive Use Parks • Benches, places for people to relax • Quiet green space with adult orientation • Areas for seniors to sit and relax 11. Parking a. Parking – more and paved (6) b. Parking – less, too much at Inglenook and Beech Woods 12. Play lots a. Play lot maintenance(5) sandboxes, safety surface, glass, pet waste, replace broken equipment, b. Supervision at play areas to protect younger kids from older kids c. More play areas (2), Update Play equipment, Smaller parks need play lots d. shade trees for play areas 13. Picnic Areas & Shelters a. Need more shelters and picnic areas (12) b. Liquor Licenses for shelter rentals c. With restrooms d. BBQ grills (2) 14. Pools - Outdoor a. Spray or splash park facility (4)

15. Restrooms/Concessions/Drinking fountains a. More Restrooms (20), all parks should have clean restrooms, restrooms in all parks, restrooms at all ball fields

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

b. Restroom maintenance (6) more frequent, soap in restrooms, need cleaner restrooms c. Drinking fountains in all parks, clean/fix drinking fountains d. Open restrooms earlier in May e. Concession stands at parks (3) f. More approved food vendors in parks 16. Security a. Police drive bys (2) b. Cameras at each park (2) 24 hour security c. Enforce park hours d. More police control of teen groups and activities e. Problems from basketball courts and over use by men f. Would like park rangers g. Better lighting (3) 17. Seniors a. Adult or Senior sections at parks, (3) b. Active senior facilities, (shuffleboard, Bocci, Horseshoes, Croquet) 18. Skate Skate Park (2) 19. Signage a. More attractive signs for parks b. Directional signs on roads to parks e. Map of each park on sign at entrance 20. Sports Facilities a. Cross country skiing(2) b. Ball fields, (5) • In neighborhood parks for pick up games, • Don’t need neighborhood ball fields anymore • More w/ lights, (2) lit fields c. Basketball courts (8) , outdoor, replace nets, put hoops back up d. Sand volley ball - More e. Soccer • Lighted soccer fields f. Tennis Courts • No basketball in tennis courts • Replace tennis nets g. Support facilities • Shelters w/ concession stands for ball fields • Spectator seating • All sports fields need equipment buildings • First aid on all sites Programs

1. Adaptive Recreation a. More programs 82

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

b. Trained staff c. Special facilities d. Water programs 2. Business a. After work events, streets, concerts, food and drink b. Hotel tax to provide revenue 3. Classes a. Like our aerobic exercise classes b. Extra cost of classes and activities too high for taxes paid c. Offer to host special classes by reservation for groups d. Water aerobics e. Intergenerational programs 4. Coaching issues 5. Cultural Arts a. More Dances (2) b. Concerts (2), besides the Burgh 6. Customer service issues (2) 7. Family a. Multi-child discounts b. gymnastics program c. Youth transportation d. More basketball for youth e. More opportunities for families to come together & socialize 8. Marketing /Communications a. No “extra” fee for online registration b. Lack of knowledge of facilities & programs c. More promotion & advertising for seasonal and temporary positions d. Park map(s) w/ amenities e. Weekend hotline or lifeline for issues 9. Special Events a. Enjoy special events b. Fireworks c. Tree lighting d. Fun-run (2) e. Want more weekend special events

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

10. Seniors a. Programs at other senior housing facilities besides McDonnell Towers b. Areas around city to relax and enjoy c. Once a year senior Scribe handbook d. Interaction with youth e. Daytime activities, more activities • Trips (2) • Computer classes • Arts & Crafts • Swim lessons • Aerobics • Card and board games • Fitness programs • Walking club • Hockey • Social events f. Senior Transportation Transportation More senior transportation services – (8) Expand TOSS to include adjoining communities for dr. appointments Advertise transportation services Share a ride program w/ reasonable fee Make SMART bus more available to seniors Transportation to special events Better transportation to parks (3) Transportation to weekend activities

11. Transportation - Non-Motorized a. Walkable community, b. More bike paths, c. Better transportation to parks (3), d. Transportation to weekend activities e. Sidewalks for Beech, 9 and 10 Mile roads f. Need Bike paths and walks north / south between Franklin and Lahser g. Resurface all bike path surfaces (3) h. Connect bike trails to adjacent communities i. Bike rentals

12. Volunteers a. Volunteer program for P&R

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Park Specific Requests

1. Bauervic • Interpretive signs • Map of park • Renovate path system • Improve parking 2. Bedford • Improved walking track • Repair tennis courts • Picnic tables & shelter • Restrooms • Lighting (2) • Security (2) cameras • Increase maintenance for high litter levels • Dog Park • Improve parking 3. Beech Woods • Restrooms (Done, at heated tees) • Drinking fountain (2) • Tennis courts / fencing (4) –done • Tennis court lighting • More trash cans at Tennis Courts • Drinking fountain at tennis courts • Lighting for parking lot and building lighting (2) • Large group picnic facility • Concert center • Golf – Renovate golf course greens • Parking – too much • Recreation Center a. Indoor tennis, tennis bubble (2) b. Swimming c. Update, clean lockers & showers (2) d. Update building for accessibility e. Better marketing, empty in summer f. More staffing and better security during events g. Better lighting h. Better TVs i. Better net systems for volley ball and tennis j. Mats for cheer and gymnastics k. Wally ball l. Wellness center 85

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

i. Fitness room upgrade (4) ii. Expand - too small (4) iii. No pool iv. Needs more trained professionals v. Update, clean interior – too hot, carpets disgusting (2), smells(3) 4. Brace • Expand parking for ball games (2) 5. Burgh • Develop and market museum • Historically significant • Winter Festival – outdoor activities 6. Civic Center • Indoor basketball (2) • More trash cans at tennis courts • Light all tennis courts • Light volleyball courts, add sand • More benches around Civic Center • Restroom • Play Lot a. More shade trees b. Swings (2) c. Upgrade equipment d. Improve surfacing • Upgrade nature trails (5) Trail maintenance, Interpretive signs, Map of park, Renovate path system • Arena/Pool – a. More people working at concession b. Convert arena to basketball during summer c. Longer pool hours d. More employees at pool concession e. Update, multiple rinks (2) One just for figure skating f. Repair equipment, compressors g. More ice time for general skate (2) very restricted 7. Code House - Find a use for 8. Freeway Park • Repair broken play equipment & site furnishings (2) • More play equipment, swings • Replace sand safety surfacing (2) • Repair lights 9. Inglenook • Basketball courts • More enforcement/signs for dogs on leash on walking trail • More trail markers along fitness trail

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

• Add nature trail - Interpretive signs, map of trail, trail surfacing • Benches • Clear understory shrubbery near walking trail for safety • Overcrowded, litter left from parties • More parking (3) • Parking – too much • Soap & Towels in restrooms • Portable toilets off-season • Connection walk from Los Palmos to fitness trail • Use barn (4) Rentals, events, dances, petting farm (2), hayrides, • Light ball fields 10. John Grace • Community center a. Great summer camp b. Need fall / winter activities c. Air conditioning, Upgrade d. Not well used, get rid of • Restore tennis courts 11. Lasher Woods • More parking • More landscaping & Flowers (2) Leave as beautiful piece of green space • Benches • Picnic area with shelter • Fitness walking trail • Community Garden(2) 12. Mary Thompson Farm • Garden Storage • Expand lots for demand 13. McDonnell Towers • Residents not friendly to outsiders • Parking problem • Bad location • Not big enough • Not a real senior center, but a center for residents of McDonnell Towers 14. Miller Park • Benches • Beautification • Trash pick up • Enforcement of dog leash rules • Perimeter walking path • Restrooms for ball players • Replace basketball hoops 87

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

• Not enough parking for ball fields 15. Simms • Child swings • Repair play lot (done) • Repair fencing • Turf maintenance • Tennis net • Repair flag pole 16. Valley Woods Nature Preserve • Improve path surface and trim growth at edge • Add kiosk with detailed map of park and trail • Enhanced access for canoes and kayaks • Passage under freeways to connect north and south (2) • Trails & Bike paths that connect with Rouge Green Corridor • Provide Parking

Methods: One of the first steps of the five year master plan process is to begin to gather input on the recreation issues that are important to the community. Focus groups included community residents, special interest groups, advisory boards, 5th and 7 th grades in local schools, city departments and park staff is a part of this process. In October and November of 2008 twelve (12) focus groups were conducted to gather information that assisted in creating the City of Southfield Parks and Recreation Survey.

A list of property owners was acquired from Southfield’s Assessing Department and a random sample of property owners was selected to receive the community survey with each section in the City and a group of businesses getting an equal percentage of the surveys. A total of 4,249 surveys were sent out in the Southfield community. Bad addresses accounted for 604 surveys being returned as undeliverable bringing our beginning number of surveys distributed to 3,645. Two hundred fifty six (256) surveys were returned for a rate of return of 7%.

Once the surveys were returned to Southfield Parks and Recreation Department, they were given to Kirbach consultancy to input into a survey software program (SPSS Statistical Software). When the data was completely entered, analysis was run and an initial report was created on the responses of all the survey respondents for each of the community survey questions. This final report will also include responses from individual groups based on sections in Southfield, gender, age groups, income, length of residency, and ethnic origin.

Recap of completed surveys by section:

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Percentage of Returned Surveys by Section

12% 11%

10% 9% 8% 8%

6% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 0.5% 1% 0.5% 0% 0% 0% 0%

6 5 4 3 1 0 9 8 7 6 9 8 7 3 3 3 3 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 2 2 1 1 1 1 15 14 13 12 11 10 siness u 9 B ction Listed 9 e

Sections No S

All Survey Respondents

Use

The first survey question asked the survey respondents which of the major parks listed below they or a member of their household have visited in the last year.

The graph to the right illustrates the Visits to Major Parks major parks all the survey respondents said “yes” they or a family member have visited. Carpenter Lake Park 4% Valley Woods Nature 8%

Inglenook Park 59%

Civic Center Park 59%

Beech Woods Park 50% Major Parks Major Bauervic Woods 13%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Of those that indicated “yes” Frequency of Visits to Major Parks they did visit the major parks, the frequency of visits is graphed to the right. Carpenter Lake Park 1% 99%

Valley Woods Nature 100% 5% Inglenook Park 19% 76% 4% Civic Center Park 18% 78%

Major Parks 4% Beech Woods Park 20% 76% 0% Bauervic Woods 17% 83%

53+ 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 13-52 1-12 Percentage of All Survey Respondents

The survey respondents were asked to “rate” the park condition based on the following likert scale: 5 = excellent condition; 4 = good condition; 3 = fair condition; 2 = poor condition; 1 = very poor condition.

Graphed below are the “excellent” and “good” ratings for the major parks.

Park Conditions Rated Excellent and Good

Valley Woods Nature 21% 47%

Inglenook Park 56% 35%

Civic Center Park 39% 44%

Beech Woods Park 34% 48% Major Parks Major

Bauervic Woods 32% 26%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Excellent Good Percentage of All Survey Respondents

All of the ratings are listed in the table below. (Note: those parks with lower respondents may not give a true rating)

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Excellent Good Fair Poor Very Poor Bauervic Woods (31) 32% 26% 36% 3% 3% Beech Woods Park (115) 34% 48% 10% 4% 4% Civic Center Park (139) 39% 44% 15% 1% 1% Inglenook Park (142) 56% 35% 5% 1% 3% Valley Woods Nature (19) 21% 47% 32% 0% 0%

The second survey question asked the survey respondents which of the neighborhood parks listed below they or a member of their household have visited in the last year.

Visits to Neighborhood Parks The graph to the right illustrates the neighborhood parks all the survey respondents said “yes” Small Pocket Parks 13% they or a family member have visited. Stratford Woods Common 2% Simms Park 3%

Pebble Creek Park 7%

Lahser Woods Park 9%

John R. Miller Park 5% Neighborhood Parks Neighborhood John Grace Park & Comm. Center 12%

Freew ay Park 4%

Brace Park 6%

Bedford Woods Park 5%

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10%12%14%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Frequency of Visits to Neighborhood Parks Of those that indicated “yes” they did visit the neighborhood 9% parks, the frequency of visits Small Pocket Parks 27% are graphed to the right. 64% 33% Stratford Woods Common 0% 67% 40% Simms Park 0% 60% 0% Pebble Creek Park 0% 100% 0% Lahser Woods Park 11% 89% 25% John R. Miller Park 0% 75%

NeighborhoodsParks 4% John Grace Park & Comm. Center 16% 80% 0% Freeway Park 10% 90% 0% Brace Park 15% 85% 20% Bedford Woods Park 10% 70% 53+ 13 -52 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 1-12 Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Graphed below are the “excellent” and “good” ratings for the major parks.

Park Conditions Rated Excellent and Good

Small Pocket Parks 39% 39% Stratford Woods Common 17% 67%

Simms Park 0% 67% Pebble Creek Park 38% 25%

Lahser Woods Park 39% 27% John R. Miller Park 30% 20% John Grace Park & Comm. Center 17% 33% Neighborhood Parks Freeway Park 37% 37% Brace Park 25% 50%

Bedford Woods Park 8% 34%

Excellent 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Good Percentage of All Survey Respondents

All the responses for rating neighborhood park conditions are listed in the table below. (Note: those parks with lower respondents may not give a true rating)

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Excellent Good Fair Poor Very Poor Bedford Woods Park (12) 8% 34% 42% 8% 8% Brace Park (12) 25% 50% 17% 0% 8% Freeway Park (11) 37% 37% 8% 0% 18% John Grace Park & Comm. Center (30) 17% 33% 27% 20% 3% John R. Miller Park (10) 30% 20% 30% 10% 10% Lahser Woods Park (18) 39% 27% 17% 17% 0% Pebble Creek Park (16) 38% 25% 31% 6% 0% Simms Park (6) 0% 67% 33% 0% 0% Stratford Woods Common (6) 17% 67% 16% 0% 0% Small Pocket Parks (28) 39% 39% 22% 0% 0%

Improvements

The third survey question asked what improvements are needed in the parks listed in the previous questions. The responses to this open-ended question are listed below.

Add basketball courts at Inglenook Add restrooms – 4 responses More trash cans At Inglenook have signs at start of walking trail that reads dogs on leash only, there are some that let dogs run loose. Put signs that are easily seen. At Stratford a resident who lives off the park drives through the park to park his boat in his back yard. Put ruts in the grass - destroys the looks. He needs to be told to remove his boat and not drive through the park Lighting – 2 responses Bedford Woods repave tennis courts/make operational, Improved walking track, Create a dog park! More picnic tables/restrooms Beech Woods has no restrooms, drinking fountains, etc Beech Woods tennis courts & fence - fix up. Landscaping, general cleanliness, better maintenance of play equipment – all parks Better night time lighting in parking areas at Beech Woods Park - especially around the Wellness Center. Better parking – all parks You could build updated indoor facilities. Civic Center needs basketball court Came from Birmingham - still use their parks, have not used Southfield's Cannot evaluate Check playground area for trash (esp. glass) at Bedford - older kids seem to hang there at night, leaving a mess. Civic Center has a few things need fixing. Child swings added to Simms Park , fence requires maintenance, treat the dandelions Civic Center and Beech Woods have more activity. John Grace has a great summer camp program - could use more interactive in the fall and winter programs. 93

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Civic Center nature trails are full of litter Clean restrooms, bathroom tissue available, visible trash cans to minimize litter Clean up litter!, more hiking paths Cleaner Cleaner and more walking areas without bikers (a separate path) Cleaner sand box. There is alot of pet's stuff left behind. This is only in the small park near my house. Close parks at 10:00 p.m. to control unnecessary activity Did not know there were so many parks in Southfield Driving range - distances made visible During the summer it is very hot in many of the rooms at John Grace Ensure paths are cleared for cross country skiing General upkeep of grounds, more picnic areas/shelters Greener, more flowers, more area for parking, a picnic shelter and benches to relax at Lasher Woods Park Horticulturist care, not just arborist; hackers cutting trees & replacing them at taxpayer’s expense. Experience personnel to preserve trees, trim shrubs, beautify natural surroundings I am not clear where access is to Carpenter Lake I am very happy at Beech Woods I don't have an opinion I miss fitness trail markers at Inglenook If you are talking about the space behind Brace /Lederle, it is just a space, where incidentally I checked out my driving skills as I got better (after my long illness) Improve parking lot paving. Increase picnic facilities Inglenook has never looked nicer Inglenook is excellent for the entire community Inglenook park is too crowded Inglenook Park put woodchips on path leading from Los Palmos to exercise trail Inglenook park was dirty, someone was hosting a birthday party and left party trash everywhere Inglenook , is well maintained and serviceable but a large part of it is too wooded which is not safe for women. I would like to see the shrubs cut down Inside tennis courts for winter It's hard at a children's playground but would like to see broken equipment better maintained. Also, more shade (either trees or covered areas) at playgrounds Lights, security, maintenance - park is full of broken glass, garbage debris, nasty stuff like used condoms, fast food containers, etc.at Bedford Woods Lights, some approved food vendors, police to drive thru sometimes Lots of dead trees in Bauervic Park Miller Park needs beautification. There are no benches to sit on, too many outsiders, trash in parking lot and basketball courts. Dog walkers let their dogs run and poop in park, no repercussions, walking path around outside would be great. Monitor play area where kids (8-12) years old play without being harassed or run over by older kids Monitored closer for restroom cleanliness More benches at Inglenook More bike paths in them; more fitness parks in small neighborhood areas 94

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

More flowers, added security, lighting, cleaner restrooms, cleaner facilities, trash pickup More gravel in specific walking areas. Better enforcement of person walking dogs. Dog waste should be picked up by owner More natural landscapes More parking for Brace Park because of summer baseball game parking on grass. Buy property next door for larger parking lot, I own it (please)! More parking space More picnic areas More shade at Civic Center Park - slides get very hot My dogs like to run in the area behind Busse School. between Green Spruce and 12 MI. I would like to see a dog park, completely fenced for our canine children Need more people working at Civic Center Pool area - especially in and around the concession area None - everything is normal to take my nieces and nephews to None None, the parks appear to be well kept None, they are all very nice Offer a sprinkler park for kids, virtually maintenance free, no lifeguards. Definite asset to the community Open bathroom earlier in season, ex. 5-1 or 5-15 Paved walking areas for those who walk for exercise – 2 responses Provide bike path across the new Carpenter Lake Park . Reinstall the outdoor water fountain at the NE corner of Beech Woods tennis courts Provide space for large parties other than Beech Woods Recycle bins Recycle receptacles, bike stands (of not currently available) Regarding Freeway Park, swings need repair and additional of. Also change the sand to foam/rubber base. Repair fence surrounding the tennis courts and repair tennis courts at Bedford Woods Repair the broken items at Freeway Park , repair the lights; make the surface safe Repairing Beech Woods tennis courts, Indoor tennis facilities Restore tennis courts at John Grace Simms Park had too much broken play equipment and standing water after rain Sometimes there is a problem with the neighborhood parks with regard to the playing of basketball. There might be from 10-25 young men at one court, maybe more! Spray for poison ivy near walking trails The parks are generally ok, just keep them maintained The parks are well maintained, no improvements are needed. The playscapes for kids at Inglenook is great. Keep the place clean is all I ask Things look good to me Unsure Updating the Nature Trail at Civic Center Park Valley Woods Nature Park , improve path and trim growth at edge of path as it goes South from CC, turn west under Telegraph overpass. The path at the North end as it heads to the 696 overpass. Place a kiosk with detailed map of area. We need a flag on the flagpole. We live across the street at Simms

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

In the fourth survey question the respondents were asked if the parks had enough amenities – their responses are graphed below.

Enough Amenities in Parks

No Answ er, 44% Yes, 44%

Yes No No Answ er No, 12%

Those that responded with “no” were asked to list what additional amenity they would like to see added to parks and to which parks. Those responses are listed below.

A camera setup at each park would be great. And for people to monitor their animals waste at the parks and a fine if they do not clean it up. A senior section in parks Active senior outdoor area for shuffleboard, Bocci ball, horseshoe, crocket play, etc. Also would like there to be a golf pitching practice area Add basketball courts Add indoor tennis courts to Beech Woods Park Add more swings to park by library Add recycle receptacles, bike rakes Adding amenities is always an improvement All parks should have clean restrooms Always more trails or walking paths, dog runs At John Miller there are some very nice amenities but no restrooms, when kids play ball they need restrooms, and a snack. But don't want park used inappropriately! Ball parks and restrooms Basketball at Civic Center Park Bathrooms are not close enough Better toilet facilities at Inglenook . Soap and towels need to be provided. I would like a map of all the parks not visited Brace Park - more parking Dog Park at Bedford Woods Drinking fountains, restrooms in all parks Due to the economic crunch our State and many cities are in, our Parks and Recreation should focus on maintaining current level of providing high standards for all our existing parks and recreation facilities Equipment and beautification all parks Fenced area to allow dogs to run I can see that the parks are not always occupied. Evidently there are enough amenities to serve our people 96

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

I have not seen any park this summer because I was sick. I hope to this coming summer I see too much paved parking at most parks, especially Inglenook and Beech Woods I should think so In general yes, but restrooms should be improved in all parks Indoor tennis courts Inglenook - I understand why the toilets are closed during the winter. Wouldn't it be possible to have a porta-potty there when they are closed? Inside tennis courts It would be great if the large grassy area at Lahser Woods could be turned into a walking/jogging track, such as the one at Inglenook. I think alot of people would use it Lights, security at Bedford Woods . A young man exposed himself to my husband and now I don't feel safe going there alone. Make all parks equally gorgeous, and appealing Where is indoor swimming, free? low cost? seniors? More benches, areas to relax, play equipment for kids More garden areas & restrooms; also liquor licenses for picnic rentals More landscapes More nature trails More picnic tables More restrooms – 5 responses Lighting – 2 responses More parking More trash cans at tennis courts. at Beech Woods;Civic Center ; benches at Civic Center Most of the parks I have been to do not have any of these amenities listed; any of them would be welcome additions. Walking trails would be nice Nature trails are always nice. I like to see the yellow dandelions in our city grasses. It shows we care about the environment - a green city...we do not use harmful chemicals to kill "weeds" and other living things Nature trails, more picnic shelters Need a tennis net on the court at Simms Only use parks to walk Parks should be for Southfield residents only Picnic area, shelter with restrooms Picnic shelter added to Bedford Woods Park Please lower taxes and "decrease" services Renew tennis courts surfaces at Beech Woods & bike path surfaces throughout the city Restroom added to Civic Center Park Restrooms should be checked more often for cleanliness. Metal toilets are uncomfortable and are filthy. Restrooms, gardens, mountain bike trails Skate park Soap in restrooms would be nice Southfield parks offer a wide range of activities, I don't know what else you could add Swimming at Beech Woods Tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts, restrooms, barbeque grills Tennis courts have deteriorated by too much basketball 97

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

This P & R department has designed excellent parks and the maintenance is very good. Unsure, haven't visited, too busy working to pay bills/taxes Year round heated driving ranges, 18 hole course at Beech Woods

Parks most suggested for improvements/additional amenities are graphed below. Parks Where New Amenities Are Wanted

Simms Park 5%

Pebble Creek 1%

Miller Park 5%

Lahser Woods 5%

Inglenook 10%

Civic Center 17%

Parks Beech Woods 20%

Bedford Woods 3%

Bauervic Woods 2%

All Parks 24%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Percentage of All Survey Respondents

In the fifth survey question asked respondents what facilities they have visited. Those responses are graphed below.

The graph to the right illustrates Visits to Southfield Facilities the facilities all the survey respondents said “yes” they or a family member has visited. Adult Recreation Center 12%

Burgh Historical Park 23%

Mary Thompson Farm 18%

Southfield Pavilion 46%

Southfield Sports Arena/Pool 30%

Facilities Beech Woods Wellness Center 15%

Beech Woods Recreation Center 30%

Evergreen Hills Golf Course 27%

Beech Woods Golf Course 30%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Frequency of Visits to Southfield Facilities Of those that indicated “yes” they did visit the Southfield 0% Adult Recreation Center 5% facilities, the frequency of visits 95% 0% are graphed to the right. Burgh Historical Park 2% 98% 0% Mary Thompson Farm 14% 86% 0% Southfield Pavilion 6% 94% 0% Southfield Sports Arena/Pool 17% 83% 20% Facilities Beech Woods Wellness Center 13% 67% 5% Beech Woods Recreation Center 22% 73% 1% Evergreen Hills Golf Course 21% 78% 0% Beech Woods Golf Course 29% 71% 53+ 13-52 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 1-12 Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Facility Rating of Excellent and Good

Adult Recreation Center 25% 42%

Burgh Historical Park 53% 40%

Mary Thompson Farm 42% 50%

Southfield Pavilion 41% 43%

Southfield Sports Arena/Pool 18% 43%

Beech Woods Wellness Center 28% 50% Facilities

Beech Woods Recreation Center 25% 44%

Evergreen Hills Golf Course 46% 42%

Beech Woods Golf Course 43% 41%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Excellent Good Percentage of All Survey Respondents

All of the facility condition ratings are listed in the table below. (Note: those parks with lower respondents may not give a true rating)

Excellent Good Fair Poor Very Poor Beech Woods Golf Course (75) 43% 41% 11% 1% 4% Evergreen Hills Golf Course (67) 46% 42% 8% 4% 0% Beech Woods Recreation Ctr. (68) 25% 44% 25% 0% 6% Beech Woods Wellness Ctr. (32) 28% 50% 19% 3% 0% Southfield Sports Arena/Pool (127) 18% 43% 29% 10% 0% Southfield Pavilion (100) 41% 43% 13% 1% 2% Mary Thompson Farm (38) 42% 50% 5% 3% 0% Burgh Historical Park (53) 53% 40% 7% 0% 0% Adult Recreation Center (24) 25% 42% 25% 4% 4%

The sixth survey questions asked respondents about participation in Southfield’s activities and events and the age group involved.

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Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

The graph to the right illustrates the Activities/Events Respondents Have activities/events all the survey Participated In respondents said “yes” they or a family member have participated in. Music/Drama Classes 10%

Room Rentals 8%

Athletics and Sports 20%

Aquatics Classes 8%

Fitness Classes 16%

Adaptive Recreation 2% Activities/Events Summer Camps 11%

Cultural Events 24%

Special Events 39%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Age Group Participation for Activities/Events

Special Events:

Age Groups Participation for Special Events

66+ 18%

50-65 38%

40-50 17%

31-40 15%

Age Groups Age 18-30 9%

Under 18 27%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

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Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Cultural Events:

Age Groups Participation for Cultural Events

66+ 31%

50-65 22%

40-50 20%

31-40 16%

Age Groups Age 18-30 11%

Under 18 29%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Summer Camps:

Age Groups Participation for Summer Camps

66+ 0%

50-65 0%

40-50 1%

31-40 1%

Age Groups 18-30 0%

Under 18 9%

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

102

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Adaptive Recreation:

Age Groups Participation for Adaptive Recreation

66+ 1%

50-65 0%

40-50 0%

31-40 0%

Age Groups 18-30 0%

Under 18 1%

0% 0% 0% 1% 1% 1% 1%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Fitness Classes:

Age Groups Participation for Fitness Classes

66+ 5%

50-65 5%

40-50 4%

31-40 1%

Age Groups 18-30 1%

Under 18 1%

0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 6%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

103

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Aquatics Classes:

Age Groups Participation for Aquatics Classes

66+ 2%

50-65 2%

40-50 1%

31-40 0%

Age Groups Age 18-30 0%

Under 18 3%

0% 1% 2% 3% 4%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Athletics and Sports:

Age Groups Participation for Athletics and Sports

66+ 4%

50-65 2%

40-50 2%

31-40 2%

AgeGroups 18-30 1%

Under 18 8%

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

104

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Room Rentals:

Age Groups Participation for Room Rentals

66+ 2%

50-65 3%

40-50 1%

31-40 2%

Age Groups 18-30 0%

Under 18 0%

0% 1% 1% 2% 2% 3% 3% 4%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Music/Dance Classes:

Age Groups Participation for Music/Dance Classes

66+ 1%

50-65 4%

40-50 2%

31-40 1%

Age Groups Age 18-30 0%

Under 18 2%

0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

105

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

New Facilities

In question seven the survey respondents were asked to select and prioritize new facilities they would like to see offer by Southfield Parks and Recreation Department from a provided list. These responses are illustrated in the graph below.

New Facilities # 1 Choices

Indoor Sports Complex 16% Lights on Athletic Fields 10% Paved Bike Trails 29% More Nature Trails 25% New Community Center 10% More Picnic Shelters 16% Skatepark 14% More Athletic Fields 4% Teen Center 14% Indoor Pool 32% New Facilities New More Open Space 13% More Transportation 13% Nature Center 19% Dog Park 17% New Adult Center 21%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Respondents were given a chance to list “other” new facilities; those responses are listed below.

18 hole golf course; year round heated outdoor driving range at Beech Woods A quiet green space with adult orientation Additional parking at most used parks Basketball courts Enhance access to the Rouge River of floodplain for canoes and hikers Fitness center free to residents or a minimal charge Indoor tennis courts Indoor walking track Special golf person for senior citizens Walking trails Wally ball court Whirlpool, sauna

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Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

General Comments: Listed below are the general comments made by 30% of the survey respondents.

2 summers ago I joined the Wellness Center ; older people use the center. On a couple of occasions the person in charge appeared to be "out of it". Had something happened to a client, they would have been no help As stated before, it would be nice if seniors had an area where they could sit and relax and easy parking At one time we used many of the facilities offered by the City. Now our children are grown and gone. A new generation comes to visit - our granddaughter who loves Inglenook Park . It was hard to answer these questions because I only have the past to go on Beech Woods tennis courts need to be resurfaced. and lights for night playing, Civic Center courts need to be all lighted Beech Woods Wellness Center - thermostat erratic - too hot; swimming pool could be cleaner, dressing area, especially Compared to P&R on Civic Center BWRC is a dump as far as the fitness rooms Do not use the parks Don't add additional but make and maintain what we have so that we are the best in everything that is open Don't take our nature areas with trees and animals and birds. No more trading nature for asphalt and high use Enjoy all the services but teens appear to take over activities and often need more police to control the kids activities Enjoyed the fireworks and Christmas tree lighting Everything you have is good Facilities are adequate Generally I have been very satisfied living in Southfield; my biggest problem in my area is tennis courts at Beech Woods - they are deplorable! Golf courses need ranger to move along slow, inconsiderate players, computer system makes paying for a simple round of golf a challenge at the clubhouse Great ideas, I hope they come to happen Groom cross country ski trails again in Beech Woods Sponsor road races such as the Mayor's Fun Run to 12 MI including passage under the freeways along the Rouge River. Poor City planning has resulted in no bike or walk corridors north/south bet Franklin & Lahser Health and wellness costs too much for exercise if done daily like I want to do (for a senior). Check out the Rochester Senior Center How about utilization of any natural water resources like diverting creeks to make ponds or small lakes for wildlife habitats? I've been attending aerobic classes for many years. They are well taught and lots of fun, lots of camaraderie and make you feel good I am 84 old female. Transportation to doctors is my priority. TOSS is excellent. If only there was wider coverage or cooperation between community transports. My dentist is on 13 Mile and Farmington Rd., but TOSS does not go there. I am ashamed to say we have not used any of the above facilities. Most likely will not use in the future I am glad all the things are there, I am just lazy. Please know that in May I will be 80. At the beginning of July I started a long bout of illness but in general I am glad to be in Southfield and hope to be able to get more into its lovely parks soon. 107

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

I called Southfield Parks and Recreation to get some info on getting a conference room. But no one ever returned my call. I did not know there was an adult recreation center or a Beech Woods Wellness Center I have been interested in Carpenter Lake but I am not clear if it is open to the public yet. Also I would like Valley Woods Nature Trail extended north of freeway I played softball. The field was nice I really do not participate due that I work 6 days a week and rest and try to get alot done at home on Sundays. I do love and enjoy Southfield when I can. I do love living in Southfield. I really enjoy living in this community and it already has lots to offer I think the coaches at these parks should be monitored, if they have problems or issues they should be removed immediately. Several complaints were made about the Ravens coach to Rich and he is still there! I wish people would not bring their dogs because they poop on the walking trail I would love to see our neighborhood parks have dog parks. It would be great to have a gym facility like Dearborn with indoor pool, like to see a park just for bird watching Indoor pool for more swim classes throughout the year and in bad weather Indoor pool for senior citizens it is very difficult to gain access to the pool because it is always occupied by kids in the summer. There is a need for young adults and senior citizens. It would be nice to take your dog somewhere to run safely off leash fenced in More open swim time available to adults and seniors would be great! indoor swimming More trash cans around the city and along Civic Center Drive would help keep Southfield more beautiful Need longer hours to swim in summer at the pool Need more transportation services as our community get older Needed at Beech Woods R.C./Wellness Center - more security during events, better lighting, updating of locker rooms/shower facilities, lockers broken, etc. cannot use. RC rented/loaned out for basketball tournaments, hundreds of kids, not additional staff Offer more job openings to Southfield residents & advertise these openings Our children were grown when we moved here. However, we have gone to Inglenook Park w/our grandchildren. Also the little park on Webster for kite flying. The hill at the Pavilion for sledding. Overall Southfield has many good community services. As we should because of our high property taxes Parks are adequate, hold the line on spending, find ways to cut costs Pave bike trails, skatepark Paved bike trails, the bike path along 12 mile is deteriorating, connect to path in Birmingham would be great, more open space, more picnic shelters, lots of families would use them Pleasant Ridge is getting my $$$. I go to their dog park several times a week. I have met many other Southfield residents there. We all agree we would love to stay in Southfield. Please lower taxes and services Please re-route Bradford Academy traffic off and away from Almira Street Priority should be to install bathrooms at all parks. Any and all dog parks should be separate from where kids play Regarding this page - I trust you will be eliminating those facilities which are minimally used, and use discretion in starting new programs. We all know that money is tight Roller skating area see additional comments Southfield needs to remain a leader in providing services for its residents; our tax base has to provide more than schools!!! 108

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Southfield Parks & Recreation continues to offer only the best. Good job Bill W. and staff Thanks for the questionnaire The carpets at Beech Woods are disgusting, they are never vacuumed and they smell. Working out there and then cooling down lying on the floor is not pleasant The cost of extra curricular activities is too high for Southfield residents. Consider the high taxes we pay There is not enough green space to walk and exercise. Southfield is becoming a paved strip mall City. Many business are vacant, yet green spaces are destroyed to put up more strip malls, at what pt is enough enough? Beverly Hills has less expensive property rentals and they maintain a desirable downtown area. There are so many priorities - money is tight - before we expand we have to begin to maintain the buildings and parks that we have - Burgh Park has been an eyesore for over 20 years, the Code House , historical Townhouse and Thompson Farm all need repair There is only one problem that I have with parks and rec. I have taken fitness classes at the Southfield pavilion during the spring & summer session and found the rooms to get very hot while exercising, the doors had to be open, while the A/C was on. This is why I have not taken any more classes at the center, enjoyed the class but it is too HOT! There needs to be more room rentals available for Southfield residents; ex. for family events like family reunions, wedding, etc. Exercise rooms are too small, too hot, carpet on the floor makes it difficult to do aerobic exercises; rooms are dirty. This is a business address so not a resident but I think Southfield parks are great! Walk only in my area Wally ball court for volleyball participation at Beech Woods Recreation We are seniors, we walk, bike, when children were younger we visited most of the parks and found them very nice. Post signs telling people not to litter. If there is a fine, please state that, problem in some parks. We enjoy the senior trips but the ones we were interested in this summer were cancelled for some unknown reason. We enjoy traveling through and around the park spaces We need a place to walk other than in the street on such roads as Beech; 10 Mile and 9 Mile We need a teen center in the City of Southfield, so our youth have a fun, safe place to go We need more walking trails We need places to just walk Where are some of the parks located that are mentioned in question #1? Would like swimming classes at high school pool on early Sat. mornings to resume Year round LAP swimming available to seniors at a reasonable price. No more than $2.00 per swim You are competing with the Beverly Hills Club and Birmingham for services. A lot of Southfield people use their facilities

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Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Benefits In question nine the survey respondents were asked to respond to statements about community benefits offered by Southfield Parks and Recreation. The Likert scale used was strongly agree, agree, neither agree nor disagree, somewhat agree, strongly disagree or don’t know. The responses are graphed below are strongly agree and agree.

Benefits Received From Southfield Parks & Recreation

Meet New People 39% 47%

Interact With Different Cultures 39% 43%

Strengthens Families 36% 42%

Preserves Open Space 41% 37%

Increase Community Pride 47% 38%

Makes Southfield Desire to Live 57% 34%

Benefits Increase Property Values 43% 38%

Reduce Crime 29% 33%

Improve Health 52% 36%

Strongly Agree 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Agree Percentage of All Survey Respondents

All of the responses for the community benefits are listed in the table below.

Neither Agree or Somewhat Strongly Don't Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Disagree Know Improve Health 52% 36% 8% 1% 1% 2% Reduce Crime 29% 33% 31% 2% 1% 4% Increase Property Values 43% 38% 9% 4% 3% 3% Makes Southfield Desire to Live 57% 34% 5% 2% 1% 1% Increase Community Pride 47% 38% 10% 2% 1% 2% Preserves Open Space 41% 37% 14% 2% 2% 4% Strengthens Families 36% 42% 17% 1% 1% 3% Interact With Different Cultures 39% 43% 11% 2% 3% 2% Meet New People 39% 47% 10% 1% 2% 1%

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Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Marketing

Survey respondents were asked in question ten, what method they use to get information about facilities/events/programs being offered in Southfield. Those responses are graphed below.

Marketing Methods Used by Respondents

Word of Mouth 43%

Registration Desk 9%

Recreation Hotline 0%

Radio Station 11%

Southfield Website 19%

Flyers 22%

Cable 16 10%

Cable 15 27%

Southfield Living 30%

Marketing Methods Scribe 9%

Detroit News 19%

Free Press 29%

Eccentric 31%

Southfield Sun 65%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Percentage of Survey Respondents

Other marketing methods suggested:

Annual calendar Cable not available on DISH - WHYZ Political event Post card notices by vendors - shows Post flyers at Southfield facilities, recreation centers Public cafes Schools – 3 responses Southfield public Library

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Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

In survey question eleven , the respondents were asked about the ease of registration and customer service. Their responses are in the graph and table below.

Positive Customer Service and Registration Responses

Willing to Pay a Fee 24%

Like to Register Online 59%

Long Wait in Line 19%

Good Customer Service 86% Statements Questions Answered 81%

Registration Process Easy 86%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

*Note: “Long wait in line” (over 5 minutes)

Don't Yes No Know Registration Process Easy 86% 9% 5% Questions Answered 81% 12% 7% Good Customer Service 86% 9% 5% Long Wait in Line 19% 73% 8% Like to Register Online 59% 24% 17% Willing to Pay a Fee 24% 59% 17%

Would like to register online?

Yes Yes No No 59% Don't Know 24%

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Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Would be willing to pay a fee?

Willing To Pay Online Fee

Don't Know Yes 17% 24%

Yes No Don't Know No 59%

Overall customer service rating for Southfield Parks and Recreation Department:

Overall Customer Service Rating

Just OK 11% Excellent 27% Excellent Good Just OK

Good 62%

General comments on customer service:

As far as fixing cement at Beech Woods, no response on customer service Core service is terrible People at P & R were kind and very nice. Very good service! Phone number too general (4600) Registration process takes too long Sometimes the focus is not directly on customers. Coworkers questions answered while I wait, fell like being put on hold in person We got a permit and the lady was not too friendly

113

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Demographics

Survey respondents were asked to give information about themselves for informational purposes only. The graphs below indicated their responses.

Adults in Households:

Number of Adults in Households

23% 2 50% 12% 4 2% 1%

Number ofAdults Number No Answer 12%

0% 20% 40% 60%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Households with Children: Households With Kids

Yes 18%

No 51%

No Answ er 31%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Age of Children in Households:

Ages of Children in Households

15-17 11%

11-14 7%

6-10 9%

Ages 0-5 14%

No Answer 59%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

114

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Respondents’ Age:

Ages of Respondents

18-25 0% 26-34 2% 35-49 20% 50-60 27% 61-74 23%

Age Categories 75+ 15% No Answer 13%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Respondents’ Gender Gender of Respondents

Female 55%

Male 34%

No Answer 11%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Years of Residency:

Years of Residency

0-5 7%

6-10 8%

11-15 11%

Years 16-20 10%

20+ 41%

No Answer 23%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

115

Department of Parks and Recreation PARK ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 2012-2016

Ethnic Origin:

Ethnic Origin of Respondents

Caucasian 44%

African- 40% American

Latino/Hispanic 1%

Asian American 1%

Ethnic Origins Arab/Middle 1% Eastern

No Answer 13%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

Other listed as second race:

African American – 2 responses Hispanic Indian Human!

Income Levels of Respondents:

Income Levels of Respondents

Under $15,001 2%

$15,001 - $30,000 7%

$30,001 - $45,000 12%

$45,001 - $60,000 9%

$60,001 - $75,000 8%

Income Levels $75,001 - $100,000 18%

Over $100,000 17%

No Answer 27%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Percentage of All Survey Respondents

116