DATE: November 18, 2015
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
Vernon Gerth, ACA Community and Economic Development
Lisa Clayton, Parks Director
SUBJECT:
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Discussion of Final Draft of the Comprehensive Parks Master Plan
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Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information to the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) concerning the final draft of the comprehensive parks master plan with adoption of a Parks Master Plan in January 2016.
Background
In August of 2014, a planning team led by Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc. (BWSC) was retained by the City to guide the development of a Parks Master Plan. The following steps were key elements in formulating the plan:
• Conducted community outreach to gain input through a statically valid survey, focus group discussions, and community meetings.
• Collected and evaluated information related to the inventory of existing City recreational facilities and programs.
• Collected and evaluated information regarding existing recreational programs and facilities including schools.
• Collected and evaluated information related to past and projected changes in the City’s population and demographics, as well as evaluated emerging trends in parks and recreation facilities and programs.
• Evaluated the current administration and finances of the City of Franklin Parks Department.
• Compared existing recreation land and facilities to state and national standards. Using standards, community input, and population projects, prepared a summary of current parks and recreation shortfalls and future needs through the development of Level of Service Standards.
• Made presentations to stakeholder groups regarding the importance of the parks to the quality of life and economic vitality in Franklin and the Parkland Dedication Ordinance.
• Prepared recommendations for refurbishment and expansion of existing facilities, as well as for new facilities, trails, and programs.
• Prepared recommendations for capital improvements and financial reporting pertaining to future capital, operational, and development needs.
• Developed a new Parkland Dedication Ordinance draft.
• Developed a 10-year implementation plan, including City of Franklin Parks Department’s vision and mission, guiding principles, key themes, and a vision for the future of the park land and trails, programming and operations, facilities and staffing.
The project was initiated on September 15, 2014, with a kick-off meeting between the planning team and the Parks Department. The stakeholder outreach process took place in November and December 2014, with focus group discussions, community meetings and completion of the statically valid survey. Stakeholder presentations on quality of life and the Parkland Dedication Ordinance took place in February 2015. Work on analysis and developing recommendations continued through early March 2015 and results of the survey provided to BOMA in April 2015. A draft report was submitted to Parks in May 2015 with a presentation to BOMA in June 2015. Two public meetings reviewing the draft plans took place in August and November 2015 with each time further clarifications being made to the plan including the long-term vision of a comprehensive greenway master plan. Three additional meetings with the design professionals regarding a draft of the parkland dedication ordinance took place during this timeframe and a decision to bring the ordinance as a separated item for discussion and approval will take place in early 2016.
Financial Impact
The total cost of the comprehensive parks master plan was $160,700. An amendment to the original contract of $150,000 was made in the fall of 2015.
Recommendation
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Staff recommends approving the comprehensive parks master plan. The approval of this plan will set a high-level vision, overarching goals, objectives and strategies for the City of Franklin’s parks system and ultimately continue to enhance the quality of life. In early 2016, the Parks Department will provide the Board of Mayor and Alderman a list of priority projects to rank for the next 10-years and a budget with each item. The ranking will dictate what is placed in the upcoming FY 2016-17 budget and future. multi-year capital investment plan (CIP).