2018-2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT Allen County, Indiana Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan -DRAFT- April 6, 2018 Prepared for: Board of Park Commissioners Allen County Parks and Recreation Department 7324 Yohne Road Fort Wayne, IN 46809 (260) 449-3181 www.allencountyparks.org Prepared by: Earth Source, Inc. 14921 Hand Road Fort Wayne, IN 46818 (260) 489-8511 and Grinsfelder Associates Architects 903 West Berry Street Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 (260) 424-5942 Table of Contents Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….… 2 Definition of the Planning Area…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 Goals of the Plan………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 The Park Board……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 Allen County Parks and Recreation Department……….…………………………………………………………………. 7 Natural Features and Landscape………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22 Man-Made, Historical and Cultural Features………………………………………………………………………………… 26 Social and Economic Factors……………………………………………………………………………………….……………….. 31 Accessibility and Universal Design……………………………………………………………………….……………….……... 36 Public Participation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……... 41 Needs Analysis……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 56 New Facilities Location map…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 58 Priorities and Action Schedule………………………………………………………………………………….………………….. 59 Sources……….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….. 65 Appendix………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………….. 66 Allen County Parks and Recreation 2018-2022 Master Plan Page 1 Introduction Today’s emphasis in passive, nature park planning focuses on striking a balance between public recreational opportunities, ecological sustainability, and budgetary constraints. Park planning should also consider the distribution of adjacent land uses and should enhance community character. While the primary focus in the past has been on providing parks and park experiences, the scope of planning has been expanded to reflect the relationship between the park system, social and economic development, as well as provide and promote stewardship to the natural environment. This view of park planning is diversified and extends to community development, environmental interpretation, multi-use space for recreation, and a full range of recreation programs. With the passive, nature park’s more diverse definition, planning becomes a more important and integral component of overall growth. Park planning should also be integrated with various other planning types to fully capitalize on developmental potential. Previous distinctions between public and private opportunities and indoor and outdoor spaces are fading with a broader view of park planning that integrates preservation with new facilities. This plan is designed to preserve and manage the environment, with an eye toward growth and to improve and enrich the quality of life enjoyed by area residents. This plan is being conducted in concert with the City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department and the New Haven-Adams Township Parks and Recreation Department. This joint-venture plan continues the ongoing inter-agency cooperation between the related departments. This plan addresses the five-year goals and objectives for parks and recreation lands and facilities for the Allen County Parks and Recreation Department. Allen County Parks and Recreation 2018-2022 Master Plan Page 2 Definition of the Planning Area The planning area for the Allen County Parks and Recreation Department encompasses all of Allen County, Indiana. The Cities of Fort Wayne, New Haven, Huntertown, Leo, Cedarville, Grabill, Woodburn, Monroeville, and many other communities lie within Allen County. Many of these cities, towns and communities have their own parks and recreation system. When considering the planning area for a park system such as the Allen County Parks and Recreation Department, it is also important to include the parks of the communities listed above as well as other recreational opportunities that may exist. This comprehensive review gives the park system the ability to identify unmet needs as well as address the wants of the community. Leveraging the rural nature of the parks system to provide natural, passive recreation spaces for the public that other, more urban parks systems may lack is a key role that is fulfilled by Allen County Parks and Recreation Department. It is also important to acknowledge that many people living in neighboring counties visit the county parks and participate in park programs, therefore it is imperative to look beyond the jurisdictional boundaries defined by the county limits when considering potential users. Allen County Parks provide: Natural areas for recreation and nature study. Environmental education for thousands of Allen County school children. Natural and cultural history programs for people of all ages Careful management of county park system resources to maintain and increase natural diversity and recreational opportunities. Rental facilities in a beautiful natural setting. Allen County Parks and Recreation 2018-2022 Master Plan Page 3 Goals of the Plan The recommendations of this Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan are designed to expand upon the goals of the Parks and Recreation Department, cultivating: • A Department focusing on consistently meeting and exceeding citizen expectations; • A Department that utilizes innovative ideas and methods to successfully meet challenges posed by budgetary/ facility and staffing limitations; • A Parks and Recreation system that benefits residents by increasing services to all age groups and providing diverse opportunities; • A Parks and Recreation agency that sees itself as a viable partner in providing community recreation services; • A stewardship approach to providing high-quality facilities, existing and future, through judicious use of public funds; • Cooperation and partnerships among the Department/ schools, community-based recreational entities, other local and regional governments, and the private sector in providing recreational services and facilities; • A proactive planning process guided by community needs and executable strategies; and • A process of reviewing and updating this master plan annually. The purpose is not simply to produce a plan, but to: • Improve agency management • Establish direction and set constraints • Define goals, objectives and priorities • Communicate direction to staff • Allocate agency resources efficiently • Facilitate delegation of responsibilities • Manage change • Assure public accountability • Evaluate success • Promote consistency in decisions • Promote cooperation and unity PLAN OBJECTIVES Criteria established in the 2016-2020 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Outdoor Recreation have been used in guiding and drafting of this plan. This plan recognizes the significance of the SCORP document and incorporates pertinent digest format portions of the plan to illustrate the synergy necessary to meet local, regional & state objectives and needs. It recognizes existing conditions and forecasts observations for future, orderly growth and preservation of facilities for the Allen County Parks and Recreation Department. Allen County Parks and Recreation 2018-2022 Master Plan Page 4 The Park Board On July 19, 1965, the Allen County Park Board was formed. On July 28, 1965 their first meeting was held . The original 5-member board was appointed by the Circuit Court Judge of Allen County. The goal of this board was to serve the citizens of Allen County with park areas for recreation and also to acquire large areas of land to help ensure conservation and preservation of our natural resources. In 1985, the Allen County Park and Recreation Board was re-established in accordance with the amended Indiana Park and Recreation Ordinance dated July 19, 1965, as authorized by Indiana Code 36- 10-3. Under this amended ordinance, the 5-member board was increased to a 7-member board and became effective April 18, 1985. These seven members are appointed by five sources rather than only one source under the original ordinance. Members are appointed as follows: 2-members appointed by the Circuit Court Judge; 2-members appointed by the County Council; 1-member appointed by the County Commissioners; 1-member selected by' the' County Extension Committee; and 1-member appointed by the Mayor of Fort Wayne. Each member serves a staggered term. They currently meet on the 3 rd Wednesday of each month. On an as-needed basis, and in accordance with Indiana Code, they will conduct an executive session for special concerns such as real estate options or personnel matters. The Park Board is under the authority of both the Allen County Commissioners and County Council. The current Park Board members include: PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT KIM STACEY MITCH SHEPPARD 2908 Covington Hollow Trail 4101 Old Mill Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804 Fort Wayne, IN 46807 PHONE 260-432-2358 PHONE 260-427-6441 (office) CELL 260-493-1245 CELL 260-450-6560 [email protected] [email protected] Commissioners Appointment [email protected] (4 year term expires 01/04/19) County Council Appointment Republican (4 year term expires 01/01/21) Democrat Allen County Parks and Recreation 2018-2022 Master Plan Page 5 The Park Board SECRETARY WILLIAM B. CROWLEY JEFF BAXTER 5910 Radcliffe Drive 7324 Yohne Road