Corner Brook Leisure and Recreation Master Plan Draft Report • April 2010 In association with: FINAL REPORT CORNER BROOK LEISURE AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN June 2010 Contact: Neil Dawe, Project Manager PO Box 504, 100 LeMarchant Road St. John’s, NL A1C 5K4 Tel. (709) 738-2500 Fax (709) 738-2499 Email: [email protected] www.tractconsulting.com In association with: PERC Tract Consulting Inc. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Purpose and Scope ...................................................................................................................................... 4 1.2 Deliverables .................................................................................................................................................. 4 1.3 Approach and Methodology .......................................................................................................................... 5 2.0 Existing Facilities ............................................................................................................................................ 7 3.0 Identification of Demands .............................................................................................................................. 9 3.1 Stakeholder Interviews ................................................................................................................................. 9 3.1.1 Results from Stakeholder Interviews ........................................................................................................ 9 3.1.2 General Comments from Stakeholders about Leisure and Recreation in Corner Brook ........................ 10 3.2 Public Meeting Results ............................................................................................................................... 11 3.3 Public Survey Results ................................................................................................................................. 13 3.4 Preliminary List of Needs ............................................................................................................................ 20 4.0 Decision-making Framework ....................................................................................................................... 21 4.2 Demographic Trends .................................................................................................................................. 23 4.2.1 Implications of Demographic Trends ...................................................................................................... 24 4.2.2 Implications of Behavioural Trends ........................................................................................................ 25 4.2.3 Implications of Organizational and Workplace Trends ........................................................................... 25 4.2.4 Implications of Infrastructure Trends ...................................................................................................... 26 4.2.5 Implications of Environmental Trends .................................................................................................... 27 5.0 Validation of Leisure and recreation Needs ............................................................................................... 32 5.1 Redevelop Pepsi Annex for Leisure and Recreation Multi-Use .................................................................. 32 5.2 New Indoor Swimming Pool ........................................................................................................................ 33 5.3 A Multi-purpose Facility to Accommodate a Variety of Programs ............................................................... 34 5.4 New Facility for Saltos Gymnastics ............................................................................................................ 36 FINAL REPORT: Corner Brook Leisure and Recreation Master Plan / June 2010 1 Tract Consulting Inc. 5.5 More Gymnasium Space ............................................................................................................................ 36 5.6 More Indoor Walking / Running Tracks ...................................................................................................... 37 5.7 Indoor Skate Park ....................................................................................................................................... 38 5.8 More Neighbourhood Parks and Open Spaces: ......................................................................................... 38 5.9 Expand Corner Brook Stream Trail to Create Better Linkages ................................................................... 41 5.10 Improve Soccer Fields and Softball/Baseball Facilities .............................................................................. 41 5.11 New Youth Park with a Skate Park ............................................................................................................. 46 5.12 New Dog-off-Leash Dog Park ..................................................................................................................... 46 5.13 New Outdoor Skating Area ......................................................................................................................... 47 5.14 New Outdoor Running Track ...................................................................................................................... 47 5.15 More Bike Trails .......................................................................................................................................... 48 5.16 Better Special Events Site and More Downtown Gathering Places ............................................................ 48 5.17 More Services and Programs for Teens and Youth .................................................................................... 50 5.18 Broader Range of Programs for Children, Families, Adults and Seniors .................................................... 50 5.19 More Focus on Improving Access for Individuals and Families with Lower Incomes ................................. 53 5.20 More Accessible and Inclusive Programs and Services for Persons with Disabilities ................................ 54 5.21 Better Communication of all Services Available in the City ........................................................................ 55 5.22 Greater and More Defined Role for the City in the Delivery of Programs ................................................... 55 5.23 More Maintenance Support for Corner Brook Stream Development Corporation ....................................... 56 5.24 Better Support for Not-for-Profit Program and Service Providers ............................................................... 56 5.25 Summary of Technical Validation of Needs ................................................................................................ 57 5.26 Priority of Recreation Needs after Validation .............................................................................................. 61 6.0 Strategic Directions and Recommendations .............................................................................................. 63 6.1 Strategic Directions .................................................................................................................................... 63 6.2 Recommendations ...................................................................................................................................... 63 7.0 Implementation Plan ..................................................................................................................................... 72 8.0 City-Wide Concept ........................................................................................................................................ 76 8.1 Development Priorities and Costs .............................................................................................................. 91 FINAL REPORT: Corner Brook Leisure and Recreation Master Plan / June 2010 2 Tract Consulting Inc. Maps: Map 1 - Existing Assets – Inventory & Assessment Map 2 - City-Wide Development Concept Appendices: (included in digital format) Appendix A - Decision Making Framework Appendix B - Trends and Best Practices in Leisure Services Appendix C - Results of Public Survey Appendix D - Results from Stakeholder Interviews Appendix E - Public Benefit Rating of Leisure and Recreation Needs FINAL REPORT: Corner Brook Leisure and Recreation Master Plan / June 2010 3 Tract Consulting Inc. 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of the Leisure/Recreation Master Plan is to provide the City of Corner Brook with a comprehensive set of recommendations, and a decision making framework, for the future provision of parks and recreation facilities and services in the community. The recommendations reflect the strategic priorities identified in the three broad areas of: Indoor Facility Provision Outdoor Facilities, Parks, and Trails Operations and Services The strategic priorities and resulting recommendations are based on extensive analysis and community involvement. Citizens and stakeholder organizations were consulted throughout the process and included a public survey, a community meeting, and stakeholder group interviews. This collaborative approach in assessing the needs of the community is