Town of Tillsonburg Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan FINAL REPORT June 2011 Prepared by: [THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Acknowledgements The Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan has truly been a community-driven process. We would like to thank the numerous individuals and organizations who have represented the diverse viewpoints and interests which exist in Tillsonburg today. A specific thank you is extended to Town of Tillsonburg Council and Staff, the Strategic Master Plan Steering Committee, and the community groups and residents who provided input through the consultation process. It is our sincere hope that the Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan plays an important role in enhancing the quality of life of Tillsonburg residents for years to come. Town of Tillsonburg Council Mayor John Lessif Deputy Mayor Mark Renaud Councillor Dave Beres Councillor Mel Getty Councillor Marty Klein Councillor Chris Rosehart Councillor Brian Stephenson Project Steering Committee Brian Stephenson, Council Representative Cynthia Hildebrand, Director of Community Services, Town of Tillsonburg Dace Zvanitajs, Chair, Recreation Advisory Committee Kelly Batt, Parks & Facilities Manager, Town of Tillsonburg Walter Kleer, Ad Hoc Member Bob McCormick, Recreation Advisory Committee Janet McCurdy, Community Centre Manager, Town of Tillsonburg Scott McLean, Recreation Advisory Committee Laurie Monk, Acting Support Services Supervisor, Town of Tillsonburg Project Consultants MONTEITH BROWN PLANNING CONSULTANTS [THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] COMMUNITY PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN Town of Tillsonburg Table of Contents Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. iii The Strategic Framework ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Study Context ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Terms of Reference & Methodology ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 A Vision for Parks, Recreation & Culture .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 The Plan’s Guiding Principles ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 The Planning Context ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 The Community Profile .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Parks, Recreation & Cultural Trends .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Summary of Community Consultations ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Striving for Service Excellence.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 24 The Town’s Role in Delivering Innovative & High Quality Services ................................................................................................................................................ 25 Maximizing Municipal Performance .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 27 Effective Operating Practices & Procedures .................................................................................................................................................................................. 29 Responsive Customer Service ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 32 Marketing & Awareness ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 34 Regular Strategic Planning ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 37 An Integrated & Collaborative Approach ................................................................................................................................................................................. 38 A Strong Base of Dedicated Volunteers ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 39 Committed & Caring Staff .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 42 The Potential of Partnerships ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 45 Community Development .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 49 Innovative & Appropriate Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................................................................. 53 The Role of Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 54 The Tillsonburg Special Events Centre ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 56 The Tillsonburg Community Centre ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 59 Aquatic Facilities ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 61 Ice Rinks.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 64 Gymnasiums ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 67 FINAL REPORT MONTEITH BROWN PLANNING CONSULTANTS | June 2011 Page | i COMMUNITY PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN Town of Tillsonburg Fitness Centres ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 68 Community Program & Meeting Space .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 70 Sports Fields ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 71 Hard Surface Courts ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 78 Children’s Playgrounds ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................