City of Beloit 2006-2010 Parks and Open Space Plan Adopted: November 20, 2006 Prepared by City of Beloit 2006-2010 Parks and Open Space Plan ACKNOWLEDGMENTS City Council Plan Commission Martin Densch, President Henry Clement, Chairperson Kevin Leavy, Vice President Gene Barbera Douglas Eddy Marlene Erickson Terrence Monahan Daniel Boutelle Chad Murry Rory Owens Joel Patch Melissa Henderson James Van De Bogart Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Consultant Staff Advisory Commission Brad McNely, Chairperson Jim Schaefer, ASLA, Project Manager Peter Marino Mark Roffers, AICP, Principal in Charge Matthew Parish Jessica Schmiedicke, Assistant Planner Therus Collins Erika Rence, GIS Intern Todd Dever Ellen Hall, Communication Manger Edward Esler Nicole Anderson, Administration Robert Sveom Kim Thompson Vandewalle & Associates Jeff Klett 120 East Lakeside Street Martin Densch Madison, WI 53713 (608) 255-3988 City Staff www.vandewalle.com Lee Fassett, Director of Parks & Leisure Services Lori Williams, Director of Leisure Services Julie Christensen, Community Development Director Tim Bragg, Assistant Planner Mark Edwards, Parks Supervisor 1 City of Beloit 2006-2010 Parks and Open Space Plan VANDEWALLE & ASSOCIATES 2006. 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As a result, VANDEWALLE & ASSOCIATES expressly disclaims any and all warranties associated with, or liability resulting or arising in any way from, this modified document. 2 City of Beloit 2006-2010 Parks and Open Space Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments........................................................................................................ 1 Table of Contents .......................................................................................................... 3 I Introduction.............................................................................................................. 5 II Background Information......................................................................................... 7 A. General Regional Context..........................................................................................................................7 B. Natural Resources.......................................................................................................................................7 C. Population Trends and Forecasts .............................................................................................................8 D. Demographics..............................................................................................................................................9 E. Labor Force and Employment................................................................................................................11 F. Review of Existing Plans .........................................................................................................................11 G. Parks Tour..................................................................................................................................................13 III Public Participation................................................................................................ 15 A. Visioning Workshop.................................................................................................................................15 B. Needs Assessment Survey .......................................................................................................................16 Map 1a: Existing Parks and Recreational Facilities - City............................................................................17 Map 1b: Existing Parks and Recreational Facilities – Detail........................................................................19 IV Goals, Objectives, and Policies ........................................................................... 21 V Existing Park and Recreational Facilities and Recommended Improvements23 A. Regional Parks ...........................................................................................................................................23 B. Community Parks......................................................................................................................................24 C. Neighborhood Parks ................................................................................................................................27 D. Mini-Parks..................................................................................................................................................30 E. Special Use Parks ......................................................................................................................................32 F. Natural Areas.............................................................................................................................................34 G. Public School Open Space Areas............................................................................................................35 H. Cemeteries..................................................................................................................................................35 I. Roadway Medians, Entryways, and Parking Lots.................................................................................36 J. Accessibility-Universal Design and ADA Compliance .......................................................................36 VI Park and Recreation Standards ........................................................................... 37 A. Mini-Parks..................................................................................................................................................37 B. Neighborhood Parks ................................................................................................................................37 C. Community Parks......................................................................................................................................38 D. Regional Parks ...........................................................................................................................................39 E. School Open Space Areas........................................................................................................................39 F. Special Use Parks & Natural Areas ........................................................................................................40 G. Recreation Trails........................................................................................................................................41 3 City of Beloit 2006-2010 Parks and Open Space Plan VII Analysis of Existing Park and Recreational Facilities.......................................... 43 A. Quantitative Analysis................................................................................................................................43 B. Qualitative Analysis...................................................................................................................................44 C. Geographic Analysis.................................................................................................................................45 Map 2a: Existing Park Service Areas: Mini-Parks & Neighborhood Parks ................................................47 Map 2b: Existing Park Service Areas: Community and Regional Parks .......................................................49 D. Review of the Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) ...........51 E. Future Park and Open Space Needs......................................................................................................51 VIII Recommended Park and Open Space Improvements.................................. 53 A. Recommended Additional Parkland ......................................................................................................53 Map 3: Planned Parks and Recreational Facilities.........................................................................................55 B. Improvements to Existing Parks ............................................................................................................57 C. Park Impact Fees.......................................................................................................................................65 D. Rock River Parkway Master Plan CORP Recommendations.............................................................66 IX Implementation ....................................................................................................