Loading...
10-10 ResolutionRECORD OF RESOLUTIONS Fonn No. 30045 10 -10 Resolution No. Passed 20 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2009 PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN FOR THE CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO WHEREAS, the City of Dublin strives to deliver quality parks, facilities and leisure services that enhance the quality of life throughout the community; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin seeks to improve the current level of service, preserve the natural environment and plan for the future recreational needs of its citizens; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a flexible planning document that is meant to guide the City in planning, implementation and decision - making; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin seeks to preserve the public health, safety and welfare by managing the City's parks and recreational services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Dublin, State of Ohio, 4,e_ of the elected members concurring that: Section 1. The 2009 Parks and Recreation Master Plan be, and hereby is, adopted. Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest date provided by law. ATTEST: Clerk of Council Passed this ;5A day of 2010. Office of the City Manager 5200 Emerald Parkway • Dublin, OH 43017 -1090 CITY OF DUBLIN_ Phone: 614- 410 -4400 • Fax: 614 - 410 -4490 Memo To: Members of Dublin City Council From: Terry Foegler, City ManagerT� Date: January 21, 2010 Initiated By: Matt Earman, Director of Recreation Services Fred Hahn, Director of Parks & Open Space Re: Resolution 10 -10, Adoption of 2009 Parks & Recreation Master Plan Summary For Council's consideration tonight is the attached final version of the City of Dublin 2009 Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Suggested modifications, based on the January 12, 2009 Dublin City Council workshop have been incorporated. The minutes from this session are attached for your reference. As previously reported to Council, the Master Plan has been reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission. It should be noted that several policy issues that were identified within the plan have either been addressed or are in the process of being addressed. Examples of this include Chapter 7, Policy 2, which states that ecological assessments are not being fully utilized as a management tool. Currently, the City's woodlot management plans incorporate the assessment within the plans. Another example is in Chapter 3, Policy 1. Throughout the past year, the divisions of Parks & Open Space and Recreation Services have been working toward national accreditation. As anticipated, many new collaborative opportunities for both divisions have been identified and initiated. By design, the Master Plan should be updated on a three to five -year cycle. During this update, staff will make the corrections to the text to remove policy issues that are no longer relevant, as well as include any new issues that need to be addressed. Any interim modifications that are made to keep the Plan up to date will be communicated to Council. In the event Council direction is necessary, staff will seek guidance prior to updating the Plan. The park inventory included as an appendix is to be used primarily by staff as a tool to help perform further analysis of a specific park. Staffs intent is to continuously update this information as a specific land mass evolves, develops or as new issues are identified within the land mass. Once approved, the master plan will be available on CDs and on the City of Dublin's web site. Hard copy versions may be made available for a fee. Recommendation Staff recommends approval of Resolution 10 -10, adopting the 2009 Parks & Recreation Master Plan. - -1- Parks and Recreation Master Plan City of Dublin, Ohio Division of Parks & Open Space 6555 Shier -Rings Road Dublin, Ohio 43016 614 - 410 -4700 Copyright 2008 City of Dublin www.dublin.oh.us Division of Recreation Services 5600 Post Road Dublin, Ohio 43017 614 - 410 -4550 R - Contents Chapter 1: Introduction ............................ ..............................7 Background, Using the Plan and Master Plan Study Area Chapter 2: Demographics ..................... .............................13 _ Population, Growth Projections, Income, Education, Age, Application � of Characteristics, Policies /Issues /Strategies - Chapter 3: Organizational Analysis ....... .............................21 History of Parks and Recreation, Organizational Structure, Excellent Park Characteristics, Policies /Issues /Strategies, Organizational Chart Chapter 4: Parks & Natural Resources Inventory ..............31 Inventory, Parkland Designations, Natural Resource Inventory, Park Inventory, Suitability Model, Undeveloped Land Resource Analysis, Environmental Summary Chapter 5: Recreation ........................... .............................37 Current Conditions, Strategic Planning, Department Model, Organizational Philosophy, Needs Assessment, Organizational Structure, Program and Service Development and Pricing Guidelines, Marketing Plan, Policies/Issues /Strategies, Maps Chapter 6: Land Acquisition ................... .............................55 Existing Conditions, Stream Corridors and Riparian Zones, Natural Feature Preservation, Scenic Vistas and Historic Preservation, Organized Recreational Activity Development, Linkages, Policies /Issues /Strategies Chapter 7: Natural Resource Management ........................61 Existing Conditions, Natural Geography, Geologic Features, Plant Communities, Wetland Communities, Establishing and Managing Wetlands, Pond Communities, Woods, Tree Inventory, Prairies and Meadows, Establishing and Managing Prairies, Prescribed Burning, Endangered /Threatened/Vulnerable Species, Invasive Plant Management, Preservation/Restoration of Native Plants, Animals, Wildlife Diversity, Nature Education, Policies /Issues /Strategies Chapter 8: Parkland Development ......... .............................99 Existing Parks & Open Space, Parkland Development Process, Policies /Issues /Strategies Continued next page Chapter 9: Bikeway & Pedestrian Linkage ........................105 Existing Conditions, Healthy Community, Green Community, Bicycle Friendly Community, On- street Bike Lanes, Staff Training, Bike Path Design, Promoting Bicycling, Signage, Data Collection and Analysis, Policies /Issues /Strategies Chapter 10: Community Art .................. ............................113 Goals, History, Displaying, Selection, Artist Recruitment, Private Development, Legal Considerations, Policies /Issues /Strategies, Inventory Chapter 11: Historical Culture .............. ............................123 Goals of Historic Preservation, Dublin Historical Society, Preservation of Historically Significant Locations, Native American History and Heritage, Dublin's Bicentennial Celebration, Policies /Issues /Strategies Chapter 12: Park Maintenance .............. ............................129 CIP and Funding, Tracking Costs, Maintenance Responsibilities, Policies /Issues /Strategies Chapter 13: Strategic Action Plan ........ ............................143 Chapter 14: Glossary ............................ ............................179 Chapter 15: Appendix ............................ ............................185 H istorically, the development and evolution of the Dublin park system has been a combination of sound planning, policy - formulated development directives and market/product awareness. This occurred with an intuitive, non - technical sense of community needs and opportunistic events. With advancements in technology, we now are better equipped to evaluate and assess all components of the park system as we move forward. As a result, this master plan study has produced a more focused, strategic planning document, integrated with the Dublin Community Plan. There are various recommended ongoing study elements (i.e., research data, surveys, etc.) that will be completed in the future and will supplement this study document. This master plan encompasses three key concepts! Understand the past, assess the present and envision the fixture. Within each concept, we address the physical aspects (i.e., land, facilities and built environment); recreation services; and operations and maintenance components. This study planning document has been formatted to easily accommodate internal, ongoing updates. Revised and new information and data can be introduced; recommendations and adjustments can be implemented in real time. As its primary focus, the Department of Parks and Recreation will continue to deliver a broad range of innovative parks, recreation programs and facilities to provide a variety of life - enriching opportunities that will meet the diverse needs of the community. The growth of consistent and quality mixed -use development throughout the community, along with the emphasis of the parks and recreation infrastructure, offer tremendous returns on investment for a city that values and promotes a healthy, balanced community lifestyle. This document, in conjunction with supplemental information, will summarize existing conditions and findings, present prioritized recommendations and provide logical courses of action. As a result, additional changes to the City's philosophies and additional commitments of resources are probable; however, significant determinations may require additional research, user survey data and focus group participation to adequately define the final and most appropriate courses of action. Background As Dublin evolved from a rural, agriculture - based village into a dynamic, diverse and economically vibrant city, community leaders were determined that both its rural character and valued natural resources would not be compromised. The framework for ensuring that the character, image and quality of the community environment was protected and appropriately enhanced in the face of outside development pressures required both civic commitment and enforceable development policy guidelines. The evolution and sophistication of the parks and recreation system today is thus based upon the following internal influences and external factors: • Civic leadership directives and commitment • Environmental awareness and stewardship (the greenwave in its infancy) • Public needs, involvement and expectations • Community pride and recognition • Regional market competitiveness • Maintaining the status quo and anticipating national park and recreation industry trends (facilities and services) • Recognizing and accommodating the maturation of the community, the rich and healthy diversification of our population and our residents' ever - changing needs and desires Throughout the years, the City of Dublin has diligently and persistently acquired open space and parklands within the city corporate and school district boundaries. Most of these acquisitions have been accomplished by direct land purchases or by using land dedication requirements and open space development ordinances. To date, this effort has resulted in more than 949 acres of designated parks and more than 435 acres of open space. The National Park and Recreation Association and National Park Service recognize a standard (or 0 national average) of 10 to 20 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. As a point of reference, the City of Dublin currently provides 34 acres per 1,000 residents. This ratio is evidence of Dublin's successful, community- supported policies and implementation strategies. It is important to recognize that during the past 20 years, the City of Dublin has been both proactive and responsive as a steward of natural resources as well as an industry leader in providing recreation facilities and programs throughout the community. Engaging community stakeholders and the public throughout the Parks and Recreation Master Plan development process revealed a less tangible perspective of how the park system has performed so far: The community has been and remains extremely satisfied with the performance of the parks and open space, recreation facilities and services the City provides. General public opinion is that City government has prioritized parks and recreation as a highly visible foundation of the community's growth and development. The public's satisfaction is evidenced by its support of financial investments in park land acquisition, facility development, recreation program services, operations and maintenance. In addition, the City recognizes the value of and has supported other public and governmental entities, private recreational facilities and private providers within the study area. The most noteworthy example is the 1,037 -acre Glacier Ridge Metro Park, which is adjacent to the city's northwest boundaries. The quantity and size of the 52 parks and 371 acres of open space currently managed by the city provide a limited perspective from which to assess the park system. The location and quality of the parkland resources also are indications of how the system is performing relative to the following criteria, which is unique to the City of Dublin's growth and development philosophy: • Provides programmed and non - programmed recreational opportunities • Is instrumental and effective in preserving water quality throughout Dublin in coordination with City's storm water master plan • Is instrumental and effective in preserving and protecting natural resources, including both flora and fauna • Aids in maintaining the area's rural character by lessening the visual and physical impact of development • Provides the ability the reclaim, enhance andmanage open space and Pi parklands to better and more effectively achieve all or some of the above Ensures proximity and adjacency to residential, institutional, public and civic facilities Accommodates critical pedestrian - oriented community linkages by using ahierarchy of interconnected systems to facilitate both internal (community) and external (regional) pedestrian accessibility The planning process included involvement of internal staff from all levels of the organization and multiple departments throughout the City. Involvement included interviews, brain- storming sessions, and data collection which, at times, included key staff with focused perspectives and study topics that included written contributions to the master plan text. We successfully maintained a Core group of City employees (the study steering committee), representing staff, supervisors and administrators. This diversity ensured an accurate and broad -base perspective of existing conditions and future needs. Integral to the Parks and Recreation Master Planning Initiative was the City of Dublin's Long Range Planning Committee, which was simultaneously updating the comprehensive Community Plan. The continuity of staff 10 participating on both projects ensured common community initiatives and goals that were influenced and supported by both plans. The following study elements represent some of the more significant coordination efforts throughout the planning process: • G.I.S. mapping • Transportation / bikeways • Natural resource assessments / land use development scenarios • Historical / cultural overview • Storm water management practices / stream corridor protection, • Green initiatives / sustainability The assessment of the park system and parkland resources was defined by a study area that included the boundaries of both the City of Dublin corporation limits and the City of Dublin School District boundaries. The overlap and inclusion of both of these boundaries was chosen due to the existing and probable continued relationships with the school system and adjacent municipalities, as well as the physical and geographic extents into which joint efforts of protection of natural resources, acquisition of parkland, community linkages and development are needed. Using the Parks and Recreation Master Plan This plan is a guiding document, intended to assess the current status of our parks and recreation services and resources and provide a strategic analysis of our strengths, opportunities and future needs. This plan will identify broad strategic goals and lay the groundwork for implementation of projects and programs designed to meet the community's parks and recreation needs. This plan will be used... By City Council • Direct priorities for parks and recreation services • Guide planning for expected growth • General plan policy guiding land use • Understand public's issues and desires By City Staff • Guide daily decisions based on adopted policy • Plan workload and resource needs • Promote benefits of parks and recreation • Plan for ways to fill service gaps 2009 Parks & • Current park/facility inventory Recreation • Baseline to measure success Master Plan By the public • Learn about parks and recreation facilities • Understand benefits of services Ongoing information, • Learn about park development process database, research • Understand City decisions and collection By Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission • Tool to promote parks and recreation in the City Periodic master plan • Advocate for priorities updates • Asa policy framework for committee priorities By Developers • Definitions of park and recreation facilities • Baseline development standards for facilities • Understand park development process • Guidance for project and community design By stakeholders • Meet identified gaps in facilities and programs • Have policy, framework for partnerships • Compare services to avoid duplication 11 Chapter 2 hi T his chapter includes citywide and metropolitan area demographic trends as they relate to regional and national trends. It also includes analysis by the U.S. Census Block Groups within Dublin and its surrounding area Finally, there is a summary of key findings and discussion of how these demographic trends relate to the master planning efforts. The City of Dublin, Ohio, is part of the greater Columbus metropolitan area It is located in Delaware, Franklin and Union counties. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 31,392. In 2008, the estimated population was more than 40,000. In addition, thousands more live outside the municipal boundaries of Dublin but reside within the City of Dublin school - district Parts of the City of Dublin also are within Hilliard City School District and Jonathan Alder School District. Current Population Dublin is one of the fastest - growing communities in the Columbus region. Its strategic location adjacent to I -270, its national reputation for quality residential and employment development, and an excellent school system all have facilitated this rapid growth. The high growth rate (more than 300 percent between 1980 and 1990 and about 92 percent between 1990 and 2000) has resulted in a corresponding increase in demand for housing. During the 1990s, the City of Dublin grew by about 15,000 new residents a 92 percent increase in its total population. In comparison, the Columbus MSA grew 17 percent Dublin has continued its rapid pace of growth since the 2000 Census, Its 2008 population is projected to be 40,163. 13 Population Estimate and Projection The Ohio Department of Development, Office of Strategic Research has created population projections for each Ohio county from 2005 to 2030. The population data is based on birth, death and migration rates, building permit data, household size and owner occupancy rates. The projections anticipate moderate growth (just more than 5 percent) for the MSA as a whole through the year 2030. Estimates of population change between 2000 and 2005 indicate population growth in Dublin and the region is slowing. Dublin's population is expected to be 62,663 by 2030, an increase of 27,754 people from the 2005 estimate. Table 213 presents the 2000 Census population through the 2030 population projections for Dublin, using different growth rate assumptions. In reality, growth will depend in large part on annexation, housing market trends and migration rates. In that regard, a slower growth than the rate of 25 percent will be more appropriate as a long -term estimate of future population. A 10 percent growth rate every five years is a reasonable assumption that allows a fairly rapid pace of growth. Therefore, for planning purposes, a future 2030 population of 62,663 persons will be assumed in this document. Table 2A: The 1970 to 2000 Census population and percent change over the decades for the City of Dublin; Delaware, Franklin and Union Counties; and the Columbus Metropolitan Area. 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 -06 1990 -00 # change 1990 -00 % change 2000 -05 #change 2000 -05 % change Dublin 681 3855 16,366 31,392 38,909 15,026 91.8% 7,517 23.9% Delaware 42,908 53,840 66,929 109,989 150,268 43,060 64.3% 40,279 36.6% Franklin 833,249 869,132 961,437 1,068,978 1,090,771 107,541 11.2% 21,793 2.0% Union 23,786 29,536 31,969 40,909 45,751 8,940 28.0% 4,842 11.8% Columbus MSA 1,149,432 1,243,833 1,377,419 1,612,837 1,708,625 235,418 1 17.1% 1 95,788 5.9% Sources US Census Bureau, Mid -Ohio Regional Planning Commission, City of Dublin. Note Columbus MSA data for 2000 -05 includes Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway and Union counties. lfli Household Type and Size Dublin experienced a surge of new housing construction during the 1990s. The total number of housing units increased from 5,923 units in 1990 to more than 12,040 units in 2000 The city is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. The median housing value experienced a 40 percent increase in just the last six years — from $243,200 in 2000 to $347,633 in 2006. Rental housing consists of about 20 percent of the Dublin housing market. The median housing value experienced a 40 percent increase in just the last six years, from $243,200 in 2000 to $347,633 in 2006. The average household size in Dublin is 2.8 people, compared to 2.5 for the metropolitan area. This was a 5 percent decrease from 1990. The 2000 Census found that 77 percent of the households in Dublin are "families," which reflects the attractiveness of the community for younger families with children.The City, in general, has a significantly higher percentage of family and married- couple households than does the metropolitan area as a whole. Income Median household income in Dublin is $91,162, which is more than twice that of the metropolitan area, according to the 2000 Census. Per capita income is also substantially higher than the MSA average. Dublin has a higher percentage of people employed in better paying managerial and professional Table 2B: Dublin Population Projection (2000 -2030) 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2020 Using 5% growth projection 31,392 38,909 41,148 43,310 45,713 48,089 50,617 Using 10% growth every 5 years 31,392 38,909 42,800 47,080 51,788 56,967 62,663 Using 15% growth every 5 years 31,392 38,909 44,745 51,457 59,176 68,052 78,260 Columbus MSA 1,612,837 1 1,708,625 1 1,806,740 1 1,901,640 1 2,007,170 1 2,111,500 1 2,222,490 Sources: Ohio Department of Development, Office of Strategic Research; BWR FR . occupations (60 percent compared to 36 percent in the metro area). Nearly 45 percent of the city's households have an average household income of more than $100,000. Education Dublin residents have significantly higher levels of education than the Columbus metropolitan area average. The percentage of high school graduates is 11 percent higher than the metropolitan average, and the percent of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher is more than 34 percent greater. Age Distribution Age distribution shows that when compared to the metropolitan area, Dublin has a higher percentage of younger and older baby boomers (35 -54 years) with children (5 -19 years) and a lower percentage of young adults and seniors. Table 2E identifies the proportion of each major age group in Dublin and compares Dublin statistics with the metropolitan area. The median age in Dublin is 35.4 —only slightly higher than the Columbus metro average of 33.6 and national median age of 35.3. The areas north of I -270 and US 33 have higher percentages of young families with children, whereas outlying areas of the City are more popular with the elderly. Dublin is an attractive place for relatively wealthy families to raise their children. Currently, the smaller percentages of seniors and young adults indicates the possible lack of viable affordable or alternative housing options, services, or employment options to attract young adults and retain seniors. In the next 25- 30 years, the age make -up of the population will change significantly. The City will have a higher percentage of empty - nesters and seniors. Applying Demographic Characteristics Age and income are the two best predictors of what a person will choose to do during leisure time. From a planning perspective for parks and recreation services, it is helpful to analyze the preferences by citizens relative to their age group. The racial composition in Dublin is 91 percent white and 8 percent Asian (primarily Japanese, Asian Indian and Chinese). Although race may play a role in recreational preferences, there are more similarities in the 16 leisure patterns of different ethnic groups than there are differences between them. Differences are more strongly reflected in income levels than in ethnic background. From a planning perspective, there are some trends that differentiate female from male users of parks and recreation services. Females • Women participate in fitness programs outside the home more than men. • There is increased interest in opening traditional men's sports to women. • Women's and girls' sports are growing due, in part, to the increasing number of women's professional teams and media coverage. Yoga and tai chi are two of the more popular activities selected by females in an indoor setting. • A greater percentage of females participate in exercise walking, exercising with equipment, swimming, aerobic exercising, workouts at a club, volleyball, ice /figure skating and kick boxing than do males. • Women are more likely to use exercise equipment that focuses on cardiovascular well - being. Table 2C: Household Type and Size (2000) Dublin Number Dublin Percent Columbus MSA Number MSA Percent Total households 11,209 100% 610,757 100% Family households 8,680 77% 391,855 64% Married couple family 7,927 71% 295,616 48% Female householder, no husband 560 5% 72,643 12% Nonfamily households 2,529 23% 218,902 36% Householder 65 years and older 423 19% 171,543 28% Average household size 2.8 2.5 Average family size 3.24 3.03 Sources: US Census Bureau 17 i Table 2D: Income Distribution (2000) Household income Dublin Number Dublin Percent Columbus MSA Number MSA Percent Number of households 11,232 100% 610,895 100% Less than $10,000 271 2% 49,330 8% $10,000- $14,999 199 2% 33,118 5% $15,000- $24,999 532 5% 72,302 12% $25,000 - $34,999 528 5% 79,549 13% $35,000 - $49,999 958 9% 103,205 17% $50,000 - $74,999 1,877 17% 130,322 21% $75,000 - $99,999 1,807 16% 68,043 11% $100,000- $149,999 2,666 24% 49,278 8% $150,000 - $199,999 1,125 10% 12,978 2% $200,000 or more 1,274 11% 12,770 2% Median household income $91,162 44,782 Per capita income* $41,122 23,020 Sources US Census Bureau; * based on 31,392 people Males • The fastest - growing expenditure for sports by male teens is for adventure sports such as skateboarding, in -line skating, BMX biking and cycling. • Participation in structured programs is decreasing; the trend is toward individual activities. • Men are more likely to use exercise equipment that stresses muscular development /toning. FM Table 2E: Age Distribution (2000) Dublin No. I Dublin % I Columbus I MSA % MAN er Under 5 years 1 2,580 1 8.2% 1 110,251 7.2% 5 -19 8,071 25.7% 328,976 21.9% 20 -34 4,779 15.2% 365,014 20.6% 35-44 6,643 21.2% 255,444 16.9% 45 -54 5,520 17.6% 204,936 13.7% 55 -64 2,113 6.7% 121,160 8.3% Policy: Parks and Recreation should be aware of the choices people tend to make for services and provide a variety of options. Factors that will be considered are income, gender, and age. Issues • There is research that concludes leisure activities are selected, in part, based on a person's educational achievements and corresponding higher income earning power. • Activities that are attractive to those with more eaming power include 65 and older 5% 55 -64 7% 45 -54 18% 35 -44 21% Under 5 years 8% 5 -19 26% 20 -34 15% golf, travel for pleasure, membership in high -end health clubs and private lessons for various skills. • There are some trends that differentiate female from male users of parks and recreation services. • Parks and recreation preferences can be relative to a citizen's age group. FA 65 and older 1 1,686 I 5.4% I 154,376 I 11.4% Sources: US Census Bureau olicies, Issues and Strategies Policy: Parks and Recreation should be aware of the choices people tend to make for services and provide a variety of options. Factors that will be considered are income, gender, and age. Issues • There is research that concludes leisure activities are selected, in part, based on a person's educational achievements and corresponding higher income earning power. • Activities that are attractive to those with more eaming power include 65 and older 5% 55 -64 7% 45 -54 18% 35 -44 21% Under 5 years 8% 5 -19 26% 20 -34 15% golf, travel for pleasure, membership in high -end health clubs and private lessons for various skills. • There are some trends that differentiate female from male users of parks and recreation services. • Parks and recreation preferences can be relative to a citizen's age group. FA Strategies • Offer services that are priced for those who do not earn a lot of money, but also provide options priced for those who can afford to spend more on services that are important to them. For planning purposes, be knowledgeable about gender preferences related to Parks and Recreation services. For planning purposes, analyze the preferences by citizens relative to their age group. Table 2F: Education Characteristics (2000) Dublin Number Dublin Percent Columbus MSA Number MSA Percent Less than 9th grade 144 0.7% 32,825 3.3% 9th to 12th grade 395 2% 106,748 10.9% High school diploma 2,160 11% 296,418 30.1% Some college, no degree 3,238 16.4% 205,409 20.9% Associate degree 1,032 5.2% 56,542 5.7% Bachelor's degree 8,257 41.9% 191,614 19.5% Graduate /professional degree 4,492 22.8% 94,209 9.6% • high school grads or higher 97.3% 85.8% • bachelor's degee or higher 64.7% 29.1% F Chapt -- . Ak Or aniz on g ublin residents strongly desire beautiful parks, greenways, trails, recreation facilities and programs. This chapter of the Master Plan will analyze the approach and organizational system the City uses to deliver its services. The toot used to analyze the approach and organizational system is "Excellent Park System Characteristics," created in 2002 by the Trust for Public Lands under the leadership of its director, Peter Harnik. History of Parks and Recreation in Dublin In 1984, the City of Dublin organized its park system and recreation prograrn under the leadership of a Director of Parks and Recreation. The depamnem operated in this manner until 1996, when City Council eliminated the single position of Parks and Recreation Director and created the Grounds & Facilities and Recreation Services divisions within the Department of Service. These decisions were made to address concerns that either parks or recreation would be slighted under the direction ofjust one person. At the time the Dublin Community Recreation Center hadjust opened and the park system was rapidly developing, creating a full slate of capital improvement program projects. In 2004, another reorganization created Parks & Open Space. Paired with Recreation Services, the divisions became the Department of Parks and Recreation under the immediate supervision of the CityManager. In 2007, these two areas were placed under the supervision of the Deputy CityManager /Chief of Police. 21 , 11 0 ,901 rl Current Organizational Structure The Parks & Open Space and Recreation Services divisions each report directly to the Deputy City Manager /Chief of Police. Additionally, there is a Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission consisting of ten citizen members who serve three -year terms. The Commission is responsible for making policy recommendations to City Council and staff regarding parks, recreation, open/green space and cultural arts. An organization chart representing the primary service delivery areas within each of the two divisions can be found at the end of this chapter. Excellent Park System Characteristics Eighteen characteristics of Excellent Park Systems have been identified by the Trust for Public Lands: Planning documents are developed and implemented to give decision makers the information required to make informed decisions. Typical planning documents include strategic plans, master plans, business plans, revenue plans, marketing plans, resource management plans, organizational audits and feasibility studies. • There is consistent communication with elected officials and recognized leaders. • The agency understands its mandates. • The agency is managed by standards and performance measures. • The agency moves away from entitlements of facilities, designated spaces, fees, partnerships, memberships and staff. • The agency understands its costs. • Infrastructure is managed to operational budgets, not capital budgets. • Things that aren't used are abandoned. • Staff has a balanced workload. • Core services are developed; non- core services are provided by others. • Earned income is developed to offset operational costs. • Services are priced correctly. • Partnerships are equitable. 22 6 r` • The right people are hired or placed in the rightjob. used. There is a recognized need for more formalized performance measures. • Marketing and communication programs are strong. Tough decisions are made when it is the right thing to do. Policies are adopted that provide the maximum flexibility to manage services. • The agency listens to citizens' needs and addresses them within available resources. Dublin uses the Community Plan, five year capital improvements program, a one -year capital budget, City facilities space assessment plan and bi- annual community survey as the bases for service delivery and planning. Staff has a good rapport with City Council, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Community Service Advisory Commission, and Planning and Zoning Commission. Regular meetings and special work sessions guide staff in their decision - making and prioritization of the park development and recreation programming. Through these regular meetings, Staff understands the expectations of the City Manager and City Council. Every two years a comprehensive community survey is performed, providing Parks and Recreation with qualitative customer feedback. Beyond the survey, no other performance measures are Annual cost studies are conducted at the end of each fiscal year; fee adjustments are made to ensure cost recovery expectations are met. The generalization of cost recovery expectations allows for flexibility in the pricing of specific services and programs, offering options for pricing strategies relative to the market, value, costs, incentives, goals, objectives and other factors. Both divisions feel the balance between capital funding and operating budgets is reasonable. It is important to note that as the City continues to age, increased funding toward renovations and replacements will be necessary to maintain a high level of quality service delivery. Close attention must be paid during the design development phase of parks to ensure needed operational funds are known before implementation of the capital budget process. The costs of delivering and maintaining quality parks and facilities are currently understood. Each division manages its own annual operating budget. Within each division, separate "funds," or accounts, are used to separate various services and their relevant costs. In order to further clarify the multiple levels of services and to fully represent the actual funding level adjustments that are 23 necessary from year to year, it is recommended that additional separation of these funds be considered to fully represent actual funding adjustments necessary from year to year. In 2008, a new -cost tracking system will be implemented in Parks & Open Space, with the expected results providing consistent and accurate cost tracking. Recreation Services uses different tracking software for allocating expenses by labor, material, supplies, etc. The division is satisfied that the software meets its needs; no changes are anticipated. Dublin's economic future looks bright. As such City Council is not in favor of the commercialization of City -owned facilities. In addition, the City's financial condition does not warrant the solicitation of earned income options at this time. Dublin's philosophy regarding the provision of recreation facilities and services is that local government should provide those that are based on general recreation and benefit large segments of the population. Additionally, the private sector or special interest groups should be responsible for providing facilities and services for specific, competitive or alternative activities. 24 There are perceptions among some community groups that the City's responsibility is to expand offerings to accommodate additional levels of service. Examples include requests to provide additional indoor swimming facilities gymnasium space and athletic fields for specific groups within the community. While the City partners with organizations and local school systems on mutually beneficial projects, there are limits to the facilities and services provided by the City that would only serve a small segment of Dublin's population. In addition, some neighborhoods perceive that certain parks are exclusively for use by their residents. While designed with neighborhood input and use in mind, these facilities remain public. Residents, corporate citizens and visitors are welcome at all public parks and facilities to enjoy the benefits offered by recreating in an attractive setting. The department currently has formal agreements with a variety of service providers within the Dublin community. Each of these agreements is designed to maximize the use of existing resources, widen the scope of offerings to the community, and provide opportunities for growth in areas with excessive limitations (space, staffing expertise, cost, etc.). w j i Dublin's expansion has not yet ceased, but has slowed since the early 1990s. Given the recent time period during which the majority of park facilities were constructed, there are no facilities that have been identified for abandonment. With time, more emphasis will be placed on renovation rather than on new development. In addition to new capital development funds, the City devotes money annually to renovating specific facilities throughout the park system. Changes in user preferences or trends may cause certain park amenities to be phased out and replaced with features that are more reflective of the needs of the day. Amore formalized process should be developed to analyze existing parks to ensure the design is meeting the needs of its users. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is one tool that can be used to determine the overall condition and design opportunities of a given park. Staffing within the Parks and Open Space division is adequate at this time. There is not a formula in place that signifies the need for additional maintenance staff as park land is acquired and new amenities added; however, the community is receptive to budget increases to take care of the parks. Recreation Services staffing also is adequate at this time; however, due to changing needs, the division is modifying its organizational structure to maximize staffs proficiency, efficiency and dedication to high quality service delivery. Both divisions recognize core programs and services as those that are instituted and provided to the community in direct relationship to the City's goals, mission and philosophies. These are to be considered an essential part of the City's menu of services to its citizenry. As part of this Plan, existing City services and services offered by other providers will be analyzed to ensure a proper balance between core and non -core services exists. The City actively seeks resident input and dedicates considerable effort keeping residents informed of City projects and events. The Web site, newsletters, annual report, semiannual Homeowners Association meetings, government access TV, and newspaper columns are some methods the City uses for outreach. As a standard practice, staff meets with Homeowners Associations during the concept phase of capital projects to elicit feedback. Additionally, all public meetings are participatory in nature. Feedback and comments are taken into final planning consideration. One of Council's expectations is that staff demonstrates that due process has been followed on all issues presented to them. `R Staffs preference is to limit the number of policies so that it can retain as much flexibility as possible when needed. As the City matures; the tendency is for more bureaucracy to ensue. While additional policy development could well be warranted, care must be exercised in preventing the development of policies that prevent beneficial services, It is clear from citizen responses to the bi- annual survey that citizens feel their needs are Open Space and Recreation Services both receive very high marks for their performance. The City has adopted a very good process for selecting the right people for the right job. The selection/recruitment process is conducted with multiple staff involved, giving a balanced evaluation of potential employees. It identifies key competencies inherent to each position in order to select the most highly qualified and competent applicants for each position. Dublin's pay structure helps in the recruitment being addressed. The divisions of Parks & of experienced candidates. icies, Issues and Strategies Policy 1: The Parks and Open Space and Recreation Services divisions will work collectively in full pursuit of their mission and goals. Issue • There is a need for better organizational structure and communications that integrate the resources of Parks & Open Space and Recreation Services divisions. Strategies • Ensure that recreation programming needs are considered during new park development processes. Ensure coordination between recreational programming and maintenance in relation to sports fields and other park facilities. Ensure unified direction to benefit both divisions by providing a common vision and integrate the divisions' resources in their pursuit of full implementation of Council goals. Policy 2: The City's provision of recreation facilities and services are provided for general recreation and will benefit large segments of the population. The private sector or special interest groups may be 26 accommodated where possible with existing available resources; however, the City typically will not be responsible for providing facilities and services for limited, competitive, private or other alternative types of activities. Residents, corporate citizens and visitors are welcome to enjoy the benefits offered by recreating in an attractive setting at all public parks and facilities. General public access to specific amenities and /or sites may be restricted due to special events, structured programs or permitted activities approved by the City. Issues • There are perceptions among various groups in the community that it is the City's responsibility to expand its offerings to accommodate additional levels of service. Strategies • Identify the instances where the City believes these perceptions exist and create a formal partnership policy to manage the expectations of the City and its customers. This policy should include • Criteria used to determine the need to create a partnership • A formal annual review of the partnership agreement. The annual review ensures issues are addressed on a timely basis and that all parties are aware of anything that detracts from the continuity of the agreement, such as new leadership, etc. • Detailed expectations of both parties Quantified contributions of both parties Language to ensure City commitments ofresources to other parties is minimized Policy 3: As the park system ages and as new trends appear, the City must be prepared to abandon an asset, replace it with an alternate design or renovate it. Issues • There are no formal guidelines to address renovation or abandonment. • Emphasis on renovation is a lower priority than new development. 27 Strategies • Develop a formalized process to analyze existing parks and amenities and to ensure the design and offerings meet the needs of its users. Adopt a guideline to address those instances when renovation or abandonment should be considered. Policy 4: The City will develop and implement performance measures for the divisions. Issue • There is a lack of a formalized performance measures for Parks and Open Space and Recreation Services. Strategies • Implement a more formalized process for performance measurement. Evaluate the potential implementation of the International City /County Management Association's (ICMA) Comparative Performance Measurement Program, which has significant measurement indicators for both divisions. Utilize data collected using Cityworks to enable staff to better FE understand current resource use and to project future budgetary needs. Policy 5: Operating budgets that have multiple functions sharing the same revenue or expense account number should be fashioned in a manner that clearly differentiates one functional area from another. Issue • Currently, within Parks and Open Space, the City street tree program and right -of -way land maintenance share common line items with parks - related areas. Within the Recreation Services budget, primary programs or service areas share revenue and expense account numbers. Strategy • To better reflect what the main functional areas entail, including yearly changes in dollar amounts, the clear separation of these areas within the budget documents is warranted. Assign individual project indicators or codes to individual functions that share the same account number for the purpose of tracking each line item. Parks and Recreation Organizational Chart Parks and Recreation Parks & Open Space Recreation Services Park Horticulture Age group Marketing development programming & project management Urban Special Specialty Parks & forestry events programming recreation support reservations Nature Parks & Guest Abbey education grounds services Theater maintenance Right -of -way Cemetery Facility Special maintenance sales and operations events interment support Chapter 4 Parks & Natural Resources Invent04Y, T he City of Dublin has 34 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. This parkland significantly contributes to quality of life by providing aesthetically pleasing environments, designated areas for recreation, rights of way for pedestrian links, wildlife corridors andprotection of natural resources. As the city's development footprint expands with the predicted increases in population until Dublin's eventual build -out, . the need to maintain this high availability of parkland must be met. The park inventory and environmental assessment undertaken as part of this plan are two components that can guide the land acquisitions and associated connections necessary to maintain the current quantity and quality of parkland. Parks Inventory Parks and recreation facilities are defined by characteristics such as size, extent of development, recreation amenities, cultural and historical elements, locations within the community and the portion of the community they serve. It is paramount in any park system to establish which park(s) will fulfill which needs of the community. Certain parks are more regional in scale and draw from the entire service area, while others service a very small neighborhood unit with only select facilities. At the outset of this planning process, a comprehensive park inventory was undertaken to provide a compilation of park statistics and photos as well as a digital database to be used by Parks and Recreation, Planning and GIS (Geographical Information Services) staffs to catalogue park amenities, service requests and needs. 31 The inventory process yielded two direct products: The first of these products is the park inventory booklet. This booklet contains a two - page visual and tabular summary for each of Dublin's parks, consisting of a regional location map, address, aerial photo of the park with boundaries, park amenities, photo inventory and site recommendations. (The Coffman Park inventory is shown at the end of this chapter for reference.) This booklet will be maintained by the Parks and Recreation staff. It will be updated as park amenities and features change and as additional parks are added to inventory. The second direct product derived from this inventory is a spreadsheet that has been linked to the updated GIS park-related data. This data provides a comprehensive listing and definition of various attributes for each of Dublin`s parks. This addition to the Dublin GIS enables a more elaborate representation of park amenities, resources and characteristics to citizens and staff. It also can be used for policy planning purposes. This product must remain dynamic and current as Dublin staff continues to work with the database to track projects, work orders, asset management, capital improvement budgetary funding, the addition or reduction of amenities, maintenance requests and more. Characteristics catalogued during the parks inventory include — but are not limited to — park 32 type, park size, parking counts and relative location, pedestrian connectivity, water features, land cover, riparian corridors, development mix, universal accessibility and sports activities. Parkland designations The intent of the various parks contained within the City of Dublin was discussed at length during this process and specific definitions for park designations were developed. These park definitions provide logical, defendable positions as the City moves forward with its development plans, the acquisition of new parklands and the approval or disapproval of recreation activities in the various parks. The following parkland designations apply to Dublin's parks. Greenway: a linear open space or natural area typically adjacent to a watercourse. Bike paths, open space and park developments may punctuate the corridor. Greenways serve important roles in raising and maintaining water quality, acting as storm water storage facilities, providing wildlife migratory corridors, and linking neighborhoods and destinations together, thus providing residents and visitors opportunities to socialize and strengthen community bonds. Protection of o il - d greenways through ownership and/or easements is a priority of the Parks and Recreation Department. Open Space: public land masses serving as aesthetic enhancements to the community at large or significant natural resources that are set aside for preservation. Open space is often a linear space that acts as avisual and physical buffer area and links neighborhoods, thus allowing residents and visitors to socialize and strengthen community bonds. These areas are not typically conducive to organized activities but may provide space for recreational programming. Regional Parks: metropolitan park systems operate independently from both state and local governmental agencies. They provide natural resource conservation and the natural area parks. The Franklin County Metro Parks is this area's regional park system. Community Parks: larger parks that serve the entire community by supporting organized community activities that would not be conducive to neighborhood settings and/or that preserve and protect natural areas. Typical development components may (but are not required to) include parking lots, sport fields, courts, skate parks, amphitheaters, boardwalks, stocked ponds, nature paths, grasslands, historically significant sites, specialty facilities such as the Miracle League Field, recreation centers and community pools. Often the facilities have lighting to extend public use hours. These parks also could be undeveloped, such as larger tracts of woods and prairies. Neighborhood Park: the most basic kind of park, housing both active and passive recreational activities and planned with surrounding neighborhood needs in mind. Typical development components may (but are not required to) include shelters, gazebos, site furnishings, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, specialty gardens, nature paths, stocked ponds, bike paths and open/informal play spaces. Parking is generally limited and lighting is restricted in the neighborhood developments. A note on pedestrian paths In coordination with its park system, Dublin provides its residents more than 88 miles of paths suitable for a variety of pedestrian - oriented activities, including biking, jogging and walking. These paths integrate the parks, City facilities, surrounding communities and open spaces while supporting healthy lifestyles and encouraging residents to engage in recreational pursuits. As part of this master plan development, meetings were held with employees of the Mid- 33 Ohio Regional Planning Commission to discuss their knowledge and preferences for regional bike trails and bike route connections to the City of Dublin. In addition, City of Dublin staff met numerous times to discuss the various trail designations, current routes and future path routes throughout the city. The pedestrian linkages are discussed in detail in Chapter 8. Natural Resource Inventory In its continuing endeavors to provide excellence in recreation opportunities for its residents, Dublin emphasizes the protection of natural resources both within areas of current development and in areas slated for future development. It is considered critical to protect Dublin's rural landscape and the associated natural resources, including riparian corridors, greenways, forested land tracts, protected species and wetlands_ The ever - present struggle between the protection of these natural resources and the development pressures of a growing community was addressed during this study by means of a natural resource inventory and corresponding suitability model. The Natural Resource Inventory for this plan was performed as a complementary component of the Dublin Community Plan (Chapter 2, 34 Section 2) and to provide a continuous ranking of environmental importance of Dublin's currently undeveloped land. The analysis identified several landscape attributes that are independently important or critical considerations when development is being considered. When combined with several similar attributes, this helps the City prioritize lands with natural environments that need greater protection and careful attention during development. Landscape features included in the Natural Resource Analysis include: • Agricultural land Cover • Endangered species protection zones • Flood zones • Forest land cover • Ground water pollution potential • Scenic road buffers • Soil summaries (includes ratings for woodland and wetland wildlife, wetland plants, forests etc.) • Stream buffers • Wetlands Each of these categories and their importance in the suitability model are described in detail in the Natural Resource Assessment. fo During the environmental inventory, it was noted that Dublin exhibits a characteristic known as habitat fragmentation in its woodland habitats. The exceptions to this are the riparian areas along the Scioto River. The identified fragmentation highlights the importance of protecting the remaining areas of forested lands and making every reasonable attempt to enlarge these areas and link them with other fragmented habitats. This complements the recognized benefits of greenways and habitat Corridors. If contiguous links cannot be made between the disparate areas, the ability to secure intermediary lands that serve as "stepping stones" is recognized as beneficially serving as an intermediate phase in establishing comprehensive greenway networks. The Natural Resource Inventory resulted in a suitability model developed in a GIS modeling environment. The suitability model allowed for the recognition of the following: Identification of areas of environmental importance Identification of resource preservation areas Identification of potential pedestrian connection routes Identification of land areas more suitable to park lands and/or limited use as opposed to development Identification of potential lands for acquisition This suitability model helps guide land use decisions defined in the Community Plan. This model highlights areas of the greatest environmental importance and identifies areas in which development is least likely to have adverse ecological impacts. This model should be used during the development review process in conjunction with the criteria defined in the Community Plan's Development Suitability (Chapter 2) and Stream Corridor Protection (Chapter 9). This suitability model is a guide to establish corridors, as indicated by the higher value areas, which may prove beneficial for wildlife movement and create additional pedestrian connections. Larger, continuous tracts of land that should be investigated as potential sites for larger parks or recreation areas are identified by the high -to- mid values. These areas, especially when compared to the locations of existing parks and forested land cover areas, form a collection of natural areas Mi that can establish wildlife corridors and increase diversity. It also identifies a collection of protected natural features throughout the city of Dublin that should be considered for environmental conservation and for recreational pursuits of Dublin citizens. k o—licies, Issues and Strategies Policy 1: The increasing city development footprint and associated growth in population will further the need to maintain the high availability of future parkland. It is important to establish which types of park(s) will fulfill the specific needs of the community. Strategy • A comprehensive park inventory was undertaken by the City to provide a compilation of park statistics and photos, as well as a digital database to be used by Parks and Open Space, Recreation Services, Land Use and Long Range Planning and GIS (Geographical Information Services) Issues Potential land acquisitions need to be assessed in order to maintain the current quantity and quality of parkland. Certain parks are more regional in scale and draw from the entire service area, while others service a very small neighborhood unit with select facilities. An understanding needs to be developed about how each park contributes individually and collectively to the overall needs of the community. staffs to catalog park amenities, service requests and budget allocations. Continue conducting community assessments to identify the specific needs of the community and fully understand how the current inventory of parks is accommodating those needs. 36 Chapter 5 ecreatior T he City of Dublin has consistently placed a high value on recreation and recognizes the benefits and importance of offering comprehensive programs and services to the community. The rapid population growth rate, combined with the desire to create volumes of quality recreation programs, has forced the Recreation Services division to evolve at a fast pace over the past decade. The first full -time Director of Parks and Recreation was hired by the City of Dublin in 1984- At that time, the Department was organized to include both the Parks Division and the Recreation Division under the leadership of one director and with the support of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. The f' commission consists of seven citizen members who serve three -year terms and are responsible for making policy recommendations to City Council and staff regarding parks, recreation, open/green space and cultural arts. Between 1984 and 1996, recreational offerings were limited to a modest number of traditional programs, camps and activities. The limit was primarily due to the lack of dedicated facility space and small number of full -time professional staff. With the construction of the Dublin Community Recreation Center in 1996, the City demonstrated its commitment to recreation by constructing a state -of -the -art, 78,000 - square -foot building offering indoor swimming pools., a fitness floor and classrooms, a gymnasium, baby sitting services, a teen lounge, multi - purpose classrooms, front desk operations and administrative offices. Several full -time professional staff were hired at that tine. The department was divided to allow the Parks and Open Space Division to focus on park development projects and maintenance and the Recreation Division to focus its effort on the successful operation and management of the center and division - wide programming The City created the position of Director of Recreation 37 Services to manage and administer the anticipated growth. With the dedication of these resources, the volumes of recreational programs and services increased to more than 400 programs seasonally in just a few years. Since the construction of the DCRC in 1996, the City has experienced continued growth in population and size, intensifying the need for additional recreational services to meet the needs of the community. In 2000 the City added a 33,000 - square -foot second phase to the DCRC by adding a senior center, performing arts theater, community hall, arts and crafts rooms, meeting rooms, administrative offices and an expanded fitness floor. Since the construction of the second phase of the DCRC, several other modifications have been made to meet the demands of the facility and to adjust to the changing needs of the community. Major modifications have included renovating and relocating the teen lounge and Wee Folk room; replacement of the front desk and separating its functions; adding more office space to accommodate new staff positions; introduction of a quality food and beverage operation; and enhancements to the natatorium HVAC system. !% ; In addition to the DCRC, the division of Recreation Services operates and manages two outdoor community aquatic facilities. These facilities provide open recreational swimming as well as structured programs and activities. Both are seasonal facilities and operate from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Dublin Community Pool North was opened in 1987. It includes a multi- purpose pool with lap Imes, two diving boards, a water slide and shallow open swim area. There also is a wading tot pool, separate spray park, concession facility and large open grassy area. This pool is home to two age -group summer swim teams managed by the City. Dublin Community Pool South was opened in 2004 and includes a multi- purpose pool with lap lanes and two diving boards, zero -depth leisure pool with two large slides and an interactive spray feature. This facility also includes concession sales with a large pool deck and grassy areas for seating. This pool is home to one age -group summer swim team managed by the City. The Division of Recreation Services partners with several youth athletic organizations and hosts a wide variety of programs, camps and activities throughout the City's park system as well as the Dublin City Schools. M �* VI OF -1i Mali- Current Conditions The division provides recreation services to approximately 40,000 Dublin citizens, with total attendance numbers for all its offerings exceeding 800,000 participants annually. The division offers thousands of programs, activities and services to the community each year. Recreation Services offers a wide variety of high - quality programs and services within key areas identified as age -group programs, specialty programs and operations/service. These three primary program areas are indicated below: Age -group programs: Preschool, youths, teens, adults and seniors Specialty programs: Aquatics, fitness, sports, arts (fine and performing), special needs and youth camps Operations /service: Facility operations, guest services, facility reservations, facility maintenance and custodial services. Within the past decade, the Division expanded each of the primary program areas and has made modifications to its organizational structure to focus on maximizing age -group transitional programming, maintaining active lifestyles and enhancing customer service. Overall, the division has successfully met the growing recreational needs throughout the community. Within the past few years, the division has begun experiencing space limitations and anticipates these resources will become more limited in the future. This plan's content and processes will guide Recreation Services to a more proactive management approach for meeting the growing needs of the community. Strategic Planning To reach its goals, the division must develop consistent management practices that outline strategies on various administrative levels. With growing service and programming demands, continued population growth, and resource pressures, the use of these adopted practices will enable the division to become more pro- active in managing the services. The components of the management practices should be administered at community, division/department, primary program/service areas and individual programs /service levels. Establishing management practices and strategies at each of these levels must be completed and fully implemented to measure the division's overall success. Once these strategies are in place, a step -by -step process can be used to ensure the various levels are RA drl�h r N EWROW considered before decision making. Management will require a full understanding of bow a strategy is directly or indirectly related. The model below illustrates the various process components and bow each will provide a decision - making foundation for future community needs. Eacb component is discussed in the remainder of this chapter. Recreation program and services department model Consistent program/ services management Community Division Program area Individual program Philosophy Vision /mission Core programs Departmental objectives Maximize use of resources Demographics Assessment Department Census report Community demographics Operating budget Capital Improvement Program Rec provider inventory Program matrix Community assessment Facility space assessment organizational structure Maximize efficiency Maximize proficiency Re- evaluate vacancies Structure supports objectives Goals Pncing strategy Resources needed Rules assessment Direct and indirect costs defined Operations and service. assessment Staff /supplies Program development Pricing policy Marketing Partnerships Fees and charges policy Purpose /goal Goals Pncing strategy Resources needed Location /space Direct and indirect costs defined Tactics /tools Staff /supplies Instructor payment Timeline /deadlines Audience Determining program costs Evaluation /results Competition Refund policy Trends Evaluation Review objectives Review philosophy all Defining an Organizational Philosophy Community value -based philosophical guidelines development will determine the division's priorities as they relate to populations served and resources allocated. As an initial step, Recreation Services defined its mission in the following statement: "The Division of Recreation Services maximizes the lifelong benefits of recreation, learning and the arts by delivering irmovative programs, inclusive activities, excellent facilities and services to enhance the quality of life throughout the community." Recreation Services also has recognized the need to identify its core services and programming being offered to the community. Supported by auxiliary programs, these core programs and services are defined as those that are instituted and provided having a direct relationship to the division's purpose, mission and philosophies, and are considered essential to our citizenry. By identifying and categorizing the various offerings, space allocation, funding requirements, cost recovery expectations and use of other resources, decisions can be aligned with the overall community expectations. Balancing core and auxiliary programs and services will fulfill the community's recreational needs. The number of services and programs offered directly correlates with resource availability. The division has adopted the following criteria to identify and classify potential core programs and services: • Meets the City's philosophy statement(s) • Is recreationally or leisurely based, not competitive or exclusive • Has dedicated facilities to support the program or service • Has dedicated City staff supervision • Maintains a large target market or wide demographic appeal • Has a long history of being provided The division is evaluating existing offerings to create an inventory of core programs and services. This master list will ensure resources are applied and adjustments made to maximize accommodation. The inventory of all core programs and services should be reviewed on an annual basis or as the City's philosophies evolve to determine if they are still core. 41 An important element of the inventory and core classifications is ensuring these programs and services are provided to Dublin residents. The City has historically recognized Dublin School District residents as a second priority by offering discounts and participation in programs not offered to non-residents. Restricting participation is common due to space and resources limitations. As expansion of the City's boundaries into Hilliard School District and future expansion projections into Jonathon Alder School District continues, this blended association will become more difficult to accommodate and administer. Demographics and Trends Dublin is one of the fastest - growing communities in the Columbus region, which has resulted in a corresponding increase in demand for housing and related services. The City of Dublin's estimated population in 2008 was 40,000. The community is considered affluent with the average home price being roughly $348,000. Today's typical community member is 36 to 45 years of age, married with minor children living at home, owns a single - family home and is employed full -time in a variety of professions. 42 Population by age group Age group Population 0 -4 2,580 5 -19 8,071 20 -24 950 25 -44 10,472 45 -64 7,633 65+ 1,686 The purpose of analyzing demographic data and trends is ultimately to identify changes that are most critical to the health and well -being of a community and to create and manage strategies that will be used to respond. The initial analysis of demographic data shows the City generally serves its population well with existing programs. As the demographics change, the community needs also will change. Specific measures used to identify critical trends need to be implemented to ensure the provision of high - quality services. The following population trends may affect recreational services in the future: • Consistent rapid growth in general population • A growing number of older adults (ages 55 +) • Increasing ethnic diversity • Increasing dual income families Census data should be routinely analyzed to identify any shifts in demographics that affect service levels and types. Pro - active demographic analysis will enable adjustments that align resource allocation with community - based philosophies. The general demographic and recreational trends throughout the community are fluid and need to be monitored. Needs Assessments The City has changed demographically, socially, economically and technologically, as have residents' expectations of recreational service offerings. During the past decade, the City has had the flexibility to "customize" certain programs in response to resident requests. As a result, the division has developed a service level akin to "all things to all people." The declining levels of physical space and increase in demand make it necessary to identify the current baseline of community needs. To establish that baseline, . we need to complete a comprehensive resident survey designed specifically to assess recreational offerings for residents. A complete inventory of other recreation providers in the area should be developed so we understand what recreational services are available to the public. Potential collaborative partnership opportunities may extend services and eliminate duplication. These two tools will drive operating and capital improvement program funding requests and may indicate the need for additional facilities or other significant resources. The City is currently developing an inventory and analysis of its current programs. Each program will be analyzed through a program matrix that defines the type of interaction and involvement the program offers to the community. In this matrix, the delivery of each program will be determined whether it serves and individual or group of individuals. Further, each of the programs will be categorized as one of the four types of involvement: creative; intellectual, physical, or social. Upon completion of this matrix, an analysis can be drawn to conclude whether the types of programs being offered are meeting the various needs of the community. 43 The City currently has formal agreements with a variety of service providers within the Dublin community, including Dublin Soccer League, Dublin Middle Tier Soccer League, Ohio Football Club, Ohio Premier, Dublin Youth Athletics, Columbus Cricket Club, Dublin School District and Children's Hospital. The arrangements provide partnership opportunities that enhance the offerings to the community. In addition to formal arrangements, there are a variety of general or informal agreements, primarily with the Dublin City Schools. A variety of adult sports leagues, youth camps, programs and activities are provided by the City on Dublin City Schools' properties. This partnership is truly for the greater good of the community. However, because the agreements are informal, they change from year to year and relationships have to be built with each school independently. Partnership advantages include maximizing existing resources, widening the offerings scope and providing opportunities for program areas otherwise limited by their excessive resource consumption. The large inventory of other service providers allows continuing opportunities for the City to enhance its offerings, maximize resources and, in some cases, eliminate service duplications. .. The division is experiencing particular space limitations within its facilities, primarily at the DCRC. The most apparent space needs include gymnasium/multi - purpose areas, fitness equipment areas, aerobics /fitness classrooms, indoor competition pool space, senior services lounge, storage space and staff office space. There are trends currently developing within the City that indicate athletic field space will become limited in the future. Youth sports are becoming increasingly more competitive in nature. This is a national recreation industry trend and is not unique to Dublin. Information provided by Dublin's recognized recreational youth athletic organizations (DYA and DSL) indicate that participation numbers for recreational programs have leveled off during the past few years. However, participation in competitive youth athletics has increased. The City recognizes recreational youth sports as its priority to the community. The competitive youth sports organizations currently share playing fields. As competitive youth sport participation continues to increase, there will inevitably be a move to edge out recreational programs as the two organization types compete for available resources. The demand will make maintaining quality athletic fields challenging. There is currently an agreement between the City and Central Ohio Iee Rinks, Inc. regarding the lease and operation of the Dublin Chiller. This indoor ice rink facility was developed on City property, and is subject to a twenty -five year land use lease and operations agreement, which originated in March of 1993. With the current lease agreement expiring in September, 2018, it is recommended that the City weigh the merits of leasing to a private entity versus a City run facility. Some of the various considerations that should be taken into account during such deliberations are as follows: Current programming of the facility and its service to the Dublin community. Other potential options for the facility and/or land. Cost of operations and revenue generation (Cost Recovery) Building condition, maintenance requirements and future needs Program enhancements or additional activities as deemed justified Organizational Structure Recreation Services employs 22 full -time professional staff dedicated to delivering quality programs and services. There are approximately 400 part -time /seasonal employees filling the activity instructor, operation staff and facility manager roles. Each primary program area delivers hundreds of programs and services that are commonly linked to another area. There is also a direct connection between Parks & Open Space and Recreation Services programming, such as athletic field maintenance and sports programming. Each requires effective communication and processes to ensure complementary efforts of both divisions. Recreation Services has developed a list of strategies to meet the needs of its specific organizational structure: Maximize efficiency and proficiency to ensure expertise and streamlined operations exist within all primary program and service areas. Evaluate responsibilities for how they contribute to the overall division needs as positions become vacant. Modify levels as objectives shift within program and service areas. Identify overlaps between Parks and Open Space and Recreation Services and develop effective communication 45 and supervision to prevent any potential conflicts within the relationship. Conduct a comprehensive market analysis of part-time wage compensation rates to ensure quality staff recruitment and retention. Develop strategic professional development pathways within the part -time staff classifications to promote high levels of expertise. Recreation Program and Services Development Historically, the division has been generous with program development and has often developed programs based on individual requests. This customization has generally been well received by the community; however, continuing the practice makes it difficult to best serve the overall community needs. A strategic planning process will allow the division to reach its mission. The newly adopted programs and services development process will aid in new program scheduling. The division is developing guidelines for program development that include specific program objectives, partnership opportunities, resource limitations analysis, funding limitation determination, market trends evaluation, and the creation of universal evaluation processes. Program and Services Pricing Guidelines User fees are expected to support a substantial portion of the direct recreational facilities operating costs. In addition, recreational programs are expected to recover on aggregate 50 percent of direct and indirect expenses. These recovery expectations allow for various pricing options and strategies relative to the market, community value, costs, incentives, goals and objectives, etc. The division has successfully met these expectations; however existing pricing practices do not have a universal or formalized method to determine overhead costs. Measurement of cost recovery is conducted after the program is being delivered and at the end of the fiscal year. Fee adjustments are made for the upcoming year to ensure cost recovery expectations are met. Recreation Services is becoming more pro- active in its pricing methods by writing pricing guidelines that identify the determining factors for actual program and service costs. These guidelines will enable staff to complete a 46 � i - comprehensive program analysis before implementation. These guidelines include the following: • Define and analyze the philosophies concerning the financial commitment by the City toward recreational programs and services. facility maintenance. Develop a comprehensive fair share principle to determine subsidy expectations that align with the organizational philosophy. Establish a refund policy for every service and program. • Develop criteria for targeted programs and services recovery rates. Define the direct and indirect costs associated with all programs and services. • Develop pricing strategies for delivery of programs and services, such as prime time vs. non -prime time hours, in- and off - season rates, location, participant age, program life cycle, participation levels and incentives. Develop a universal process to determine the actual program costs to include direct and indirect costs, instructor /staff pay, program administration, supplies, facility expenses, support staffing and Marketing The primary marketing tool for advertising and promoting the City's recreational offerings has been the distribution of the seasonal program guide. This guide is published three times per year and is distributed throughout the community. Over the past few years, the City's website and online registration system have become a preferred method by patrons, and recent technology advancements have allowed quick and economical access to the customer base. In order to effectively market the City's offerings during times of such technological transitions, it will be necessary to develop a marketing plan that will serve the division as a whole. rh Uwe d _, -4 ut A W , 1" • w� 7 Po licies, Issues and Strategies Policy 1. A division -wide marketing plan will be developed to align with philosophies, resource allocation, marketing- related policies and procedures, and strategies for individual program areas and services. • Brand Recreation Services as the source for leisure experiences with outcomes that address social, individual and economic benefits. • Consider marketing materials in multiple languages to better serve the community. Issue • The division must develop consistent management practices that outline strategies on various administrative levels to be more proactive in managing services. Strategies • Specify unified standards to ensure unified branding incorporation in promotional pieces. • Create a separate marketing budget, outlining objectives and timeline. • Develop detailed marketing strategies related to program area objectives. • Broaden the promotion scope from program- specific messaging to the benefits of active involvement in recreation programs. • Develop evaluation tools to measure marketing success. Policy 2: The division must design and administer comprehensive evaluative processes to chart success related to community expectations, division - wide goals, program area objectives, and individual program success. Issue • There is no formal and universal process to establish and measure specific standards of accountability. Strategies • Deliver two separate, consistent evaluation procedures for every program, service and activity: participant -based evaluation and administration -based evaluation. Cf•J -•'1 -1 These two evaluation procedures provide a comprehensive analysis: Participant -based evaluation is designed to gather information representing the thoughts, opinions and feelings of participants regarding the program, service, activity and facility. Administration -based evaluation is designed to analyze the logistics, finances, goals, strategies and philosophies of services provided. Policy 3: Customer satisfaction bench marking will judge the "worth" of existing services and support informed decision making. Issue • Customer satisfaction bench marking methods need to be developed. Strategies • Use specific evaluation criteria derived from mission statement and program goals. Develop universal data collection systems for all programs and services to provide relevant analysis information. M11 Implement individual annual program reports to include outputs, financial accountability, participation numbers and other historical records relevant to the evaluation criteria used. Policy 4: Identifying and prioritizing the specific recreational needs of the community will position the division to develop effective plans to address key future decisions. Issues • The declining levels of physical space and increase in demand make it necessary to identify the current baseline of community needs. General or informal agreements, primarily with Dublin City Schools, change from year to year and relationships have to be built with each school independently. As the City continues to overlap and venture into resource sharing with multiple school districts, the ability to justify and manage variable fee structures will become more difficult. Existing pricing practices do not have a universal or formalized method to determine overhead costs. Strategies • Develop a list of philosophical statements on community values to establish priorities as related to services rendered, population served and degree of resource allocation. Conduct a comprehensive survey specific to the parks and recreation needs of the community. Use the results to prioritize andplan. This survey should be used to identify any major commitments such as future land acquisition, additional facilities creation, other capital improvement projects, staffing levels, potential partnerships, programs and services. Develop forrnalizedjoinUUSe agreements between the City and the relevant school districts regarding the rights and responsibilities of each party as it relates to use and maintenance of every property site. These agreements should be a general understanding of shared resources and be specific to the individual need for specific programs or activities. Over time, multiple formal agreements will be necessary to sustain various relationships and uses. Consolidate the existing fee structure to include atwo- tiered residency fee structure of "residents" and "nonresidents." • With the Finance Department create a universal method to determine anticipated overhead (indirect) costs before implementing programs or services. A predetermined percentage rate should be applied to direct costs as part of determining program fees and recovery expectations. Adjustments should fellow the annual cost study analysis. Policy 5: The Dublin Chiller lease agreement expires in September 2018. Prior to the expiration date, the City needs to determine whether if should become a City -run facility or operated by a private entity under a revised lease agreement. Issues • This agreement needs to be fully analyzed and evaluated on the merits of maximizing opportunities for the Dublin community based on its original intent as well as changes that have occurred throughout the City over the past several years. • To plan appropriately, there is a possibility the outcomes of the agreement may involve the need for City funding (i.e.; operating budget and/or Capital Improvement Program budget) Strategies • Dedicate key staff from the Parks and Ofd Recreation department to analyze the existing agreement, tour the facility, assess the operation and evaluate the needs of the community by the end of 2011. • Present the findings to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and relevant City departments (i.e.: Planning, Building Standards, Facilities, Finance, Legal, and City Manager's Office) with recommendations based on the findings. • Make a formal presentation to City Council by the end of 2012 with a preliminary recommendation. This recommendation should be completed prior to (or as part of) the development of the 2013 Capital Improvements Program budget preparation process. 141 A X-t Recreation department to analyze the existing agreement, tour the facility, assess the operation and evaluate the needs of the community by the end of 2011. • Present the findings to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and relevant City departments (i.e.: Planning, Building Standards, Facilities, Finance, Legal, and City Manager's Office) with recommendations based on the findings. • Make a formal presentation to City Council by the end of 2012 with a preliminary recommendation. This recommendation should be completed prior to (or as part of) the development of the 2013 Capital Improvements Program budget preparation process. 141 A City of Dublin's Relationship to Surrounding School Districts 81 Mo of Dublin is in the Dublin School District 17% of Dublin is in the Hilliard School District 1% of Dublin is in the Jonathan Alder School District 48% of the Dublin School District is in Dublin 7% of the Hilliard School District is in Dublin <1% of the Jonathan Alder School District is in Dublin UD I A� ® oemm s hM1 l oirna in oemm O OuM1lm srpaoi oisnna City of Dublin in Relation to ®an11amSemoioisnainoeM1nn Dai11iaraSeM1eoioisna Man crearea byrM1e a\y oroumm Surrounding School Districts ®Jooamaa Aiaer sGmoi oisnam oumm Jooamao Alder sGmoi oisr& aeogapM1Zmmrmaren syatema MamM1 200] Counties City of Dublin's Relationshi p to Surrounding School Districts DCRC Activity Registrants 81 ^1a of Dublin is in the Dublin School District 56 0 1a are in Dublin and in Dublin School District 17 of Dublin is in the Hilliard School District 5 are in Dublin and in Hilliard School District 1 of Dublin is in the Jonathan All School District 18 a re, out of Dublin a in Dublin School District 4t8 of the Dublin School District is in Dublin 6 am out of Dublin and in Hilliard School District 7 of the Hilliard School District is in Dublin <1 are out of Dublin and in Jonathan Alder School District <1 of the Jonathan Alder School District is in Dublin 15 are out of Dublin and not in the 3 surrounding School Districts 0 4 0 0 0 ° °�� o 0 0 p 0 O 0 pJ o 0 0 0 o m 80 0 0a 0 0 ° 0 0 08 00 0 Go 0 0 0g o "g @b 0 0 Go ® dA o 0 b 0 0 0 oJg 0 o ° 0 0 000 0 o p B 09 0 ° o ° og°p s00 9 0 0 8 ° O° 0 0 ° ® oB ° ° 0 0 161 �0 0 0 0 Do 0 8 8 ° 0 CP 40 °�...: W ° �o o ° 0 p 0 p R } d 31 0 0 gRo ° 00 ° 000 � o p,, p ° ° °�, ° o Q D, �01F 0 N 00 6E p � ° �,� o °%g ° p O ° ° 0 8p 9O° 0 „ p �� ° o 4 e 0 00 °o B 00 0 ` A �j o ° o A a b ; ° oo � 0 o 0 0� c�p ap 000 0 p O ° ° ° O° ° ° O p�O 00 �L° See 0.0 °° 0 1 Dublin Community Recreation Center 2009 Activity Registrants I _— L.-° — N -61 ° 16DIn DOnIIn, In Dunlln SCnools o 6°6Noun Dunlln, In Hilliard 4noms DuauN Gry SCHOOL DISTRICT ° 6 DO Not Dunlln, In Dublin SCnools ° a1 °6 Not Dunlln, In Jonathan All SCnools HIwARD CIV SCHOOL DISTRICT ° Dulln, NotIn Mes SCnool Dlxnots Suln Dunlln, In HIIIIara SCnools ° 156NOUn n JONATHAN ALDER LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 0 os 1 lllllll�, Mll.S COLUMBUS CI V SCHOOL DISTRICT l . 4 - Chapter 6 Acquisi" ublin has more than 1,400 acres of public ]and. Early community leaders valued Dublin's scenic beauty and natural resources, and Councils through the years have demonstrated their commitment with both strong preservation ordinances and a dedicated Parkland Acquisition Fund. While national planning guidelines recommend 10 to 20 acres of land per thousand people, Dublin currently provides roughly 34 acres per 1,000 residents. The Division of Parks and Open Space routinely averages 90 percent satisfaction rate for the provision, design and maintenance of parks and open spaces. The City should strive to meet and exceed the public's expectations for park land. acquisition. Existing Conditions The Village of Dublin was primarily devoted to agriculture, with vast areas of open space. Once the village became a city, the development rate jumped dramatically. Early village Councils made a commitment to preserve the area's natural resources and open space. They created land dedication policies that help guide staff and developers to set aside land for the public. This has given Dublin a diverse and aesthetically pleasing park system. Every housing development is required to dedicate 2 percent of the total gross acreage plus 0.03 acres per dwelling unit to the City. Staff works with developers to ensure the dedication is in the best interest of the public. Preserving stream frontage, woodlots and scenic road setbacks are among the priorities. After the open space ordinance, a tree preservation ordinance was enacted that further provided protection of the natural environment. The tree preservation ordinance requires developers to replace "protected" trees (any tree more than 6 55 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground) with enough trees to equal the removed tree's diameter. If tree replacement is not possible on the developed site, developers must pay a City fee earmarked for public property reforestation. Dublin is typical of many Ohio municipalities in that income tax is the City's most significant revenue source. As required by voter's approval, 25 percent of the City's 2 percent income tax is allocated to the Capital Improvements Tax Fund for the sole purpose of funding improvements, including the retirement of any related debt. Capital projects related to parks and recreation are, for the most part, funded on a cash basis from the income tax revenues allocated to the Capital Improvements Tax Fund. The City updates and adopts a five -year capital improvements program annually. In addition to land acquired through the open space ordinance, City Council has a long- standing goal of acquiring parkland and open space. In conjunction with that goal, the property tax revenue generated from the City's "inside millage" has been dedicated, in whole or part, to the City's Parkland Acquisition Fund. This revenue source has been used to acquire parkland on a cash basis and to retire debt that has been issued to acquire parkland. The City also has committed revenue from the Parkland 56 Acquisition Fund to partner with the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Park District (the Metro Parks) to acquire land for Glacier Ridge Metro Park, which serves the Dublin community. In addition to the partnership with the Metro Parks, Dublin has partnered with Washington Township to acquire and develop parkland. This partnership has given township and City residents high - quality public lands and demonstrates how government relationships can result in mutually beneficial services. The single most significant capital investment related to parks and recreation has been the construction of the Dublin Community Recreation Center (DCRC). The DCRC was constructed in two phases and was funded 50 percent from current income tax revenues and 50 percent from the issuance of long -term bonds. The annual debt service payments are programmed from income tax revenues allocated for the purpose of retiring debt. These funds and the debt being retired are identified in the City's CIP. In addition to income and property tax revenues, the City has identified the use of tax increment financing (TIF) as a potential revenue source for the acquisition and development of parks that will service the property within the TIF district. Service payments or payments -in- lieu -of -taxes are generated from the new development in a TIF district; those revenues fund the public infrastructure improvements identified in the legislation that established the TIF district. Land acquisition also plays an important role in environmental stewardship. Preserving land from development maintains natural areas for future generations and provides important habitats for animal and plant life. Conservation design applied to areas slated for development helps minimize negative environmental impacts and allows for community growth. Stream Corridors and Riparian Zones The Scioto River, with its north -south orientation, is a major neo- tropical bird migration route, akin to an interstate for birds. The river and its tributaries were an important natural resource for both the Wyandotte Indians and the original settlers. The Scioto's tributaries within City limits are Deer Run, North Fork of Indian Run, South Fmk of Indian Run, Cramer Creek, Cosgray Creek and Billingsley Creek_ All of the waterways provide important riparian habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. Buffering the waterway corridors with publicly owned lands helps preserve the plant and animal life that is dependent on that particular environment and serves as a natural filter for storm water runoff and pollutants. Natural Feature Preservation Dublin has a diverse topography. East of the Scioto River, the ground slopes primarily toward the river and is characterized by exposed limestone. On the west side, the land starts to flatten out and the topography is more rolling. Limestone is the predominant bedrock, which adds both visual and environmental interest to Dublin. Karst landscapes, whose formations are caused by the water- soluble limestone and dolomite bedrock, are found throughout the city. These landforms create sinkholes, underground drainage joints and caves. Preserving these landscape features enriches the parks scenically and environmentally. In the central and southwest areas, flooding and ponding occurs. These areas were where wetlands and vernal pools dominated the landscape before agricultural draining practices were used. Preserving any remaining wetlands and vernal pools is important for water quality, native plant community preservation and wildlife diversity. 57 Vernal pools are the rarest form of wetland. They occur in and adjacent to woodlands and are inhabited by wood frogs, spring peepers, a wide variety of salamanders, fairy shrimp, water beetles and amultitude of other invertebrates. Classically, they are wet in the early and mid -March portion of spring, but dry up by early May. Their preservation is extremely important if amphibian populations are to survive. All woodlots enhance air and water quality and wildlife diversity. They retain and enrich the soil. Providing walking paths through them allows residents to recreate in a stress - reducing environment while connecting with nature. The same holds true for paths through naturalized meadows and prairies. Scenic Vistas and Historic Preservation While preserving and protecting the environment is an obvious public sector stewardship goal, so is preserving the visual character and cultural history of an area. Dublin has long protected its ties to the area's early settlement. Through educational materials, site markers, structure preservation, and public art, residents and visitors become aware of the area's historic connections to Native Americans and agriculture. The City routinely evaluates barns, log cabins and other significant historic structures in the way of new developments. If they are structurally sound or can be made sound in a fiscally responsible manner, the City works toward their preservation. Often, staff works with the developer to keep the structure in place as part of the parkland dedication. When that is not practical, some structures have been relocated to public property. Saving the past ensures a deeper connection with the cultural past and enriched future. Dublin has many areas left that are recognized by the public for their natural scenic appeal. The community has an emotional tie to those sites. Council is committed to preserving those properties that lend scenic beauty to the overall development of Dublin. Organized Recreational Activity Development Dublin is a leader in providing high quality team sports facilities. Staff consults and partners with various local youth sports programs to help guide facility development. Those trends and projected needs are used 58 when master planning the community parks. Within the next 10 years, all the existing parkland programmed for recreational sports will be fully constructed. Based upon the needs of the sports community as whole, the City may need to consider land acquisitions that lend themselves to sport complex development. Current trends indicate this will not be necessary, with the major assumption being that the City retains the policy of recreation level sports (rather than competitive sports) being the primary focus. Linkages Dublin has 88 miles of bike path and 38 parks in its system. The Community Plan has long touted the parks as being a good place for residents to recreate and build strong social bonds. As the trend toward health and fitness grows, the parka also become an important component in lifestyle modification. Council, as part of a larger healthy community goal, has directed staff to fill in system gaps so residents can reach destination points and easily travel from one subdivision to another, either through parks or via the bike path network. Many current gaps exist because development has not yet occurred in an area, developers will be required to construct those bike paths and dedicate parkland. Some additional gaps exist because a development pre- exists bike path construction requirements. In those situations the City will need to acquire the land (through purchase or donation) or receive right of way easements to facilitate connections. 1W .Policies, Issues and Strategies Policy 1: The City will strive to meet the public's expectations for park land acquisition. Issue • Previous land acquisition practices have served the City well, but with most of the readily available lands gone, a more evolved land acquisition program needs to be developed. Desired parkland does not become available within a determined priority basis. City funds are not necessarily available when the opportunity arises for a given land acquisition. Strategies • Specific land masses need to be identified and pursued based upon criteria set forth in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, before development occurs. W V 1 0 Maintain positive relationships with other political entities with the intent of partnering for the purchase of mutually beneficial land parcels. Policy 2: Within the next 10 years, all existing parkland programmed for recreational sports will be fully constructed. The City may need to consider land acquisitions that lend themselves to sport complex development to meet demand associated with recreational sports. Issues • Land that fills a specific need may not always be available as the City reaches the limits of its development. Strategies • Monitor growth of youth sport organizations and project potential land needs before reaching critical overcrowding of existing facilities. Use resident surveys to measure unmet community needs. Monitor excessive wear of existing facilities as an indication of overuse and popularity. M 'atural Resource Mana ement E xposed limestone bedrock, the Scioto River and its tributaries, and the various plant communities ranging from woods to wetlands all help shape. Dublin's image and make Dublin unique. Original settlers would have ;en an environment that was mostly forested with patches of tall grass prairie. As ie community evolved, much of the original vegetation was modified with the ;tablishment of agriculture. The only areas left to mature were the free stands in eas of significant topographic change and the waterways. These natural sources must be protected if Dublin's indigenous character is to be preserved. his preservation needs to be aided by the education of Dublin residents, cpanded resource management practices, further protection of existing resources id the establishment of additional land resources to support and link the existing eas of land supporting the diversity of flora and fauna throughout the City of ublin. xisting Conditions he City has demonstrated its commitment to the preservation of the area's inrcal resources through the acquisition of public lands. Creating access points to ie Scioto River, protecting its tributaries, and preserving unique geologic atures and plant communities have been among the top priorities during the try's growth. Preserving these natural resources ensures and improves the ;sthetics of the community. atural areas filter water, clean air, lessen temperature gradient shifts, provide ibitat for wildlife, and offer respite for the public. Maintaining their health must a priority. Acquiring a site is not enough to ensure its continued existence. ime and resources mustbe devoted to monitoring, management and Maintenance. 61 =' f Natural Geography Rivers, Streams and Creeks The Scioto River is the second - largest water system in Ohio. Historically, the river was vital to both wildlife and Native Americans and remains vital to Dublin today. One of City Council's long - standing goals is to develop and maintain public access points to the Scioto River. Creating strategic access points along the river provides excellent opportunities to educate the public about riparian corridors and the importance of protecting the cultural and natural resources of the Scioto ecosystem. Preserving the riparian zones along stream corridors also enriches the community scenically. Water quality, soil erosion and preservation of native plant communities and wildlife migration corridors are a few of the reasons the Scioto River and its tributaries must have their riparian zones preserved. When "Greenways: A Plan for Franklin County" was published by the Mid -Ohio Regional Planning Commission in 1997, Dublin's vision of how to preserve the Scioto River was reconfirmed in that the tributaries need riparian corridor protection, just as the main river does. Much of the riverbank's quality has been degraded over the years as a direct result of 62 4 '�► encroachment and, more specifically, development. The City believes the river still has a great potential for recovery based on the quality plants and animals being found within the larger river corridor. A riparian zone is influenced by periodic flooding. Riparian areas of appropriate size and health help stabilize banks, limit erosion, reduce flood size flows, and filter and settle out runoff pollutants. In addition, the mere presence of a riparian zone allows native plant communities and wildlife migration Corridors to exist. Much of the river's wildlife importance lies in its north -south orientation, which makes it an important neo- tropical bird migration corridor. An ecological assessment noted 42 birds, including prothonotary warblers, red -eyed vireos, rose - breasted grosbeaks, scarlet tanagers, warbling vireos, yellow warblers and yellow - throated warblers using the river. In addition, an endangered yellow crowned night- heron, mergansers, golden eye, bufflehead and green herons have been identified in the area. Keeping stream and pond banks in an unmowed, natural state with tree cover has a direct impact on improving the water quality and lessening soil erosion impacts. Vegetation left in its natural state, be it trees or herbaceous plant material, slows water movement during i Ur 4W P 17dfts;� ik A,. floods and encourages percolation. Natural vegetation also helps stabilize the banks by establishing roots deeper than the typical 3 -inch turf roofing structure; many native grasses' rooting structure ranges between 4 -to -6 -feet deep. When development is nearby, the vegetation also helps absorb some of the excess lawn chemicals before they reach the waters. When excess phosphorous from fertilizers reaches the water it may cause excessive algae blooms, removing soluble oxygen from the water supply. Higher quality, beneficial water organisms cannot survive in the degraded waters. Desirable water organisms prosper from the presence of tree cover because of its cooling effects. A 2001 Midwest BioConsulting report concluded that Kiwanis Riverway Park was "one of the best remaining tracts of riparian habitat along the Scioto River in Central Ohio." It noted the floristic diversity was impressive, specifically the endangered bottomland aster (aster ontarionis), threatened satin brome (bromus nottowayanus), potentially threatened white cedar (thuja occidentalis), sessile tooth - cup (ammannia robusta), and clasping heart - leaved aster (aster undulates), which was previously unrecorded in Franklin County. Kiwanis Riverway Park, with its boardwalk and trail system, serves as a fine example of integrating public access and education while preserving the delicate riparian corridor. The benefits of protecting and restoring native plant communities along waterways include providing wildlife habitat, biodiversity, cleaner water and air, and less soil erosion. In addition, taller native vegetation offers a sense of safety and cover to wildlife as it migrates along the stream and river corridor. Providing safe migration corridors lessens conflicts between humans and wildlife. Fragmented corridors put wildlife in harm's way, causing interaction with humans on roadways, bike paths and private property. The stream corridors are the natural "road" network for wildlife. Stream Corridor Protection and Storm Water Management In addition to protection and improvement of water quality, stream corridor protection can result in the creation of greenways that allow for connections between destination points for humans and animals. Much of the existing stream corridor in Dublin is public land, with future developments anticipated to provide additional public stream corridors. In October 2005 the City codified Stream Corridor Protection Zones (SCPZ) in its Storm Water Management and Stream Protection Code — Chapter 53 to preserve the riparian 63 corridors. This code requires that all streams be protected either by a designated floodway as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or have a City - established SCPZ. The minimum SCPZ width must be the width of the FEMA- designated 100 -year floodway plus 20 feet or, in areas where a floodway has not been designated, a width defined according to the contributing drainage area: In most instances the SCPZ shall be at the ordinary high water mark on each side of the channel and extend outward, resulting in a total Minimum SCPZ width by contrinuting drainage area of stream Contributing drainage area (acres) SCPZ Width (feet) Less than 100 25 101 -250 38 251 -500 50 501 -800 63 801 -1,200 75 1,201 -2,000 88 Greater than 2,000 100 M SCPZ width of two times the minimum SCPZ width (stated in the guidance table on this page) plus the width of the stream. The following uses are permitted in the SCPZ: Passive open space uses: Open space uses that are passive in character will be permitted in the SCPZ, including, but not limited to, recreational activity, removal of damaged and diseased trees, revegetation and reforestation. No use permitted under these regulations will be construed as allowing trespass on privately held lands. Alteration of this natural area is strictly limited. Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, the SCPZ must be preserved in its natural state. Recreational activity: These activities include passive recreational uses as permitted by federal, state and local laws, such as hiking, non - motorized bicycling, fishing, hunting, picnicking and similar uses, along with associated structures such as boardwalks, pathways constructed of pervious material, picnic tables, playground equipment, athletic fields and wildlife viewing areas. Removal of damaged or diseased trees: Damaged or diseased trees may be removed. Because of the potential for felled logs and branches to damage downstream properties, block ditches or otherwise exacerbate flooding, h. _ F j f logs and branches resulting from the removal of damaged or diseased trees that are greater than 6 inches in diameter shall be anchored to the shore or removed from the 100 -year flood plain. Revegetation and/or reforestation: The revegetation and/or reforestation of the SCPZ shall be allowed without approval of the City Engineer or designee. Miscellaneous: Projects involving public utilities, transportation infrastructure, storm water management, stream bank stabilization, or other projects where an environmental and public benefit is provided. Disturbances within the SCPZ (including provision of compensatory flood plain storage adjacent to the stream) as a result of a permitted use must be mitigated through revegetation/reforestation. Crossings of streams and SCPZs for roadways shall be minimized. Prohibited: Unless specified under this regulation or codified ordinance, the following uses are specifically prohibited within the SCPZ. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a landowner to plant or undertake any other activities in the SCPZ, provided the landowner allows for natural succession. Construction: There shall be no structures of any kind, except as permitted under these regulations. Dredging or dumping: There shall be no drilling, filling, dredging, excavation or dumping of soil, spoils, liquid or solid materials, except for noncommercial composting of uncontaminated natural materials and except as permitted under this regulation. Roads or driveways Motorized vehicles Disturbance of natural vegetation: There shall be no disturbance of natural vegetation within the SCPZ except for maintenance of lawns, landscaping, shrubbery, or trees existing at the time of passage of this regulation; cultivation of lawns, landscaping, shrubbery, or trees in accordance with an approved landscaping plan submitted in conformance with this regulation; and conservation measures designed to remove damaged or diseased trees or to control noxious weeds or invasive species. Parking spaces or lots and loading/unloading spaces for vehicles. New surface and /or subsurface sewage disposal or treatment area. SCPZs shall not 65 be used for the disposal or treatment of sewage except for undeveloped parcels that have received site evaluation approval and/or permit approval before enactment of this plan. Also excepted are dwellings served by disposal/treatment systems existing at the time of passage of these regulations; such systems must be properly sited (approved site evaluation) and permitted or in accordance with the Delaware, Franklin or Union county health departments and/or the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Existing failing systems within the SCPZ can be upgraded with approval of the county health department and/or OEPA. Fences and walls Agricultural activities Industry /commercial business Ditching/diking Removal of topsoil, sand, gravel, rock, native ground cover /vegetation, oil or gas. There shall be no removal of any of these substances nor any other change in topography other than what is caused by natural forces (with the exception of permitted uses or as approved by the City Engineer). Herbicides/ pesticides. There shall be no use of herbicides or pesticides except as approved by the City Engineer. .. Geologic Features Geologic features impart much of Dublin's natural character. The topography to the east of the Scioto River is steeply sloped and characterized by exposed limestone. Delaware limestone is the most notable bedrock, but Ohio shale, Olentangy shale, Columbus limestone and Salina dolomite also exist within the City limits. Bedrock affects the vegetation that exists in a given area more than any other single factor. It is the material on which the soils are formed. Delaware limestone, in particular, fosters the presence of several rare plants, including the blue ash and spreading rock cress, which otherwise would not be found in this portion of Ohio. Plant Communities Native Americans and settlers introduced new plants to the area. Plant introductions occurred for a variety of reasons, including food, shelter, entertainment, visual beauty and emotional attachment to flora from settlers' homelands. Introductions and land clearing for development and agriculture changed the plant communities. Many of the introductions have no negative effect on the remaining natural environments, but some plants out - compete the native species, causing degradation of the ecological balance of the plant community. Non - native plants in landscaped environments should be limited to those that do not threaten natural areas. Floristic assessments are one tool used to inventory a site's plant community and perform a baseline health check. In scientific field studies, plants are evaluated based on a floristic quality assessment index. This system of reducing the subjectivity of a plant community study was developed by Swink and Wilhelm in 1979. The system ranks plant species from 0 to 10 based on their level of conservativeness. Plants ranked 0 have a wide range of ecological tolerances. They are either opportunistic invaders or are ruderal natives. Plants that scale 10 have avery narrow range of ecological tolerance. They have extremely limited suitable growing environments. Some of their restrictions include frequency and quality of water, soil pH, mycorrhizal soil availability, light conditions and companion plant presence. A field person evaluates a site for its diversity and the quantity and frequency of conservative plants. The data is included in a mathematical calculation to render a plant community health judgment. The numerical answer helps the evaluator develop a management plan based on urgency and site goals. There is a wide variety of results that come out of a floristic assessment, including a pristine plant community that should be monitored and left untouched; a quality plant community that is being threatened or degraded by encroachment, requiring non - native and invasive plant removal; and aplant community that has been completely overtaken by invasives to the point of needing both invasive removal and restoration work. The goals for a site also can vary greatly, including managing an area for certain endangered or threatened plants, ensuring plant and wildlife diversity or appealing to human aesthetics. All plant communities including wetlands, pond fringe, prairies and woods should be evaluated and managed toward the established goals. Wetland Communities More than 85 percent of Ohio's wetlands have been destroyed. They play an important role as nature's filters, cleaning water and providing vital habitat for plants and animals. Aplant community is deemed to be a wetland when two of three defining characteristics are present: presence of water, soil type and plants species. Swamps, marshes, vernal pools and ponds are afew wetland types. They all are inundated or saturated by surface runoff or groundwater frequently and fora duration that supports specialized vegetation adapted for life 67 in saturated soil conditions. The area's agricultural history has left Dublin with only Category 1 and 2 wetlands as defined by Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745 -1- 54(0)(1). Areas of flooding and ponding occur in the central and southwest areas of Dublin. These areas were where wetlands and vernal pools dominated the landscape before agricultural draining practices. Preserving any remaining wetlands and vernal pools is important for water quality, native plant community preservation and wildlife diversity. Vernal pools are the rarest form of wetland. They occur in and adjacent to woodlands and are inhabited by wood frogs, spring peepers, a wide variety of salamanders, fairy shrimp, water beetles and a multitude of other invertebrates. Classically, they are wet in the early, . mid -March portion of spring, and dry up by early May. Their preservation is extremely important if amphibian populations, in global decline, are to survive. The management of retention basins is split between City and Homeowners Association responsibility. The vegetation surrounding the vast majority of the ponds is mowed turf grass that is managed in part by the use of lawn fertilizers. Excess phosphorous or irresponsible use of these fertilizers can cause algae blooms in the ponds, which require additional chemical treatment. The turf vegetation is also the preferred diet of Canada geese. Both the excess phosphorous and goose droppings cause water quality to decline, which is counter to the goals of any storm water management program. When practical, more environmentally responsible landscape treatments should be used, including either leaving the grass unmowed or planting native prairie plants along the fringe. The unmowed or native plantings slow the water, encourage percolation, reduce chemical dependency, act as a goose deterrent and attract a wide variety of other wildlife. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies ponds as permanent wetlands. Most of the ponds in Dublin were created as part of the storm water management program. They are not a natural resource as classically defined, but the plant material in and around the pond fringe does have an environmental impact_ Establishing and Managing Wetlands It is possible to create and recreate wetland areas. The best potential areas for wetlands have heavy clay soils and high water tables. Sites with seeps, springs and low -lying lands that hold water and create vemal pools also are M prime areas for wetland creations. Low -lying Perform seeding and planting as soon areas along streams and creeks that are prone to as practical after site work has been erosion and flooding should be considered for completed. mitigation by creating wetland habitat. Wetlands can be in areas of partial shade to full sun. In addition, detention basins can be maintained as intermittent wetland space. • Select plant species, plugs, seed and plant stock according to site and soil type for wetland plantings. The selections should be native to the region. This process must include the following steps and considerations Refer to ecological assessments and past history of the land for information about the pre- existence or potential for prairie or wetlands sites. Bioremediation details and site grading should be left to professional contractors with knowledge of wetland construction. Contractors should be consulted to include varying topography to mimic kettles and flats in the underwater topography. Remove existing . vegetation when necessary. The only herbicides that should be used are those recommended for use around wetland sites. Invasive species such as phragmites and purple loosestrife may take several treatments to remove. • Introduce genetic material from locally derived resources when available. Shrub grass, reed, rush, sedge and other wetland £orbs in plug or seed are readily available from several reliable resources. A combination of seed and plugs is a good start, as seed is relatively inexpensive but can be slow to show results. Most seeds take one to two years to germinate, while more expensive plant plugs are usually one to three years old and produce faster results. • Use hand seeding, broadcast spread, hydroseeding, slit or drill seeding for planting retention pond basins and borders of wetlands. Avoid seeding and planting in areas where water is more than 2 inches deep or where flooding is likely to occur before germination. While the wetland is being established, several considerations should be followed M a • Monitor and record first -year progress as seeds germinate and plants mature. • Execute spot removal of invasive and undesirable species as necessary with the use of approved herbicides around wetlands and ponds. (e.g., Glyphosate or Rodeo.) • Monitor and control undesired woody species formation, such as cottonwood, maple or poplar. • Manage sections of wetland as needed by mowing, burning or cutting down unwanted brush. • Burning in the third year or thereafter is an alternative to mowing. • Leave sections unmanaged to provide habitat around wetlands. • Leave some areas undisturbed, except for minimal invasive control, to allow for natural succession. • Rotate management techniques as needed to maintain wetland habitat. • Imitate seasonal changes to benefit species establishment where artificial systems are in effect to the control water table. Pond Communities Ponds play a vital role for storm water management. They provide recreational opportunities for humans and sanctuary for a variety of wildlife plants and insects. Most of the ponds within the park system are stocked with fish. The overall ecological balance of the pond environment should be monitored and maintained to ensure continued enjoyment, while preserving the desired water quality standards. To achieve this, attitudes toward what is considered to be appropriate maintenance must be altered. There is a general, but undesirable, expectation that all ponds within the park system will be free of excess aquatic vegetation. Most of the ponds within the park system exist for storm water management and to improve the water quality before the water enters natural stream corridors. As water enters the ponds, it brings excess fertilizers, pet waste and pesticides from the surrounding land. The nutrients in the fertilizers and pet waste cause excessive growth of aquatic vegetation. When routine rainfall occurs, much of the FT excessive vegetation growth is minimized as a result of sufficient turnover of the water within the ponds. During summer, higher temperatures and reduced rainfall cause excessive aquatic vegetation growth, which should be expected and accepted. While mechanical means such as aeration help deter this growth, only the introduction of herbicides provide the level of plant control expected by much of the Dublin community. These chemicals are costly and can make their way into the stream corridors, causing potential undesirable effects. A final issue surrounding ponds and other waterways is the public perception that ponds cause increases to the mosquito population. Facts do not support this perception. Mosquito larvae require still, calm water to develop into adult mosquitoes. The combination of pond aerators, inflow and outflow, and adequate plan management prevent the conditions necessary for mosquito larvae development. As mosquito larvae are a favorite food for fish and many amphibians, it is unwise to eliminate all these insects. Ponds are routinely monitored for mosquito larvae. If excessive larvae are found, the water is treated with an EPA - approved larvacide. Woods The intent of woodlot management is to ensure that parkland woodlots are managed to the highest functioning order, creating a safe, symbiotic relationship between residents and natural areas. Other benefits of woodlot management include recreational and educational value to general public; global environmental impacts, such as reducing energy costs; improving air quality for future generations; aiding in managing insect and disease programs; rejuvenating species niches; reducing invasive species opportunists, such as honeysuckle and grapevine; and opening up areas for more biodiversity. Woodlots enhance air and water quality, improve wildlife diversity, and retain and enrich soil. Providing walking paths through them allows residents to recreate in a stress - reducing environment while connecting with nature. Woodlot management is an important component of multiple -use ideology, which includes managing native plant communities, wildlife diversity, aesthetics and water quality. If no management plan is implemented, woodlots become overrun with exotic invasive species and degrade to non - desirable monocultures. This jeopardizes threatened and endangered plant and wildlife species. Successful woodlot management increases wildlife diversity, fall colors, the number of large trees and tree species diversity. The first steps in the management process are clear goal definition and professional staff selection. The City is committed to the community's urban forest and employs a staff trained and certified in forestry management, urban forestry, and natural resources management. A typical forest succession begins with pioneer weeds, followed by perennials, shrubs, trees and, finally, ending in the slow stage called climax. Parkland woodlots are in various stages of forest succession. The Parks staff is developing a woodlot (track of forest) management plan. The plan, if fully implemented, will result in healthy ecological woodlot communities and associations that naturally occur in forest successions. A clear understanding of woodlot inventory is the first step in the management plan. This is done by ecological assessments using staff members and outside resources. Data will be compiled, determining the current successional stage of the woodlot. The next step is deciding the best way to manipulate the woodlot. Because species determine how to "manage" the stand, decisions will be made using the most beneficial species already present. Once the most beneficial species are determined, actual physical manipulation of the woodlot can 72 occur. The viable beneficial species will remain while species in various stages of deterioration will be identified and their value within the forest community determined. All tree species have different time tables for rotting. Rotting trunks that crumble quickly attract insects and are a source of food for wildlife. Trunks that hollow out provide dens for animals. Some tree species, such as sycamore, beech, maple, oak and cedar are more prone to hollowing out. Numerous elm and ash trees grow in Dublin woodlots. There is ahigh chance that when elms begin to decay and the elm bark beetle attacks the wood that elm disease will materialize. Dead elms should be completely removed to help manage the disease. The emerald ash borer also is a concern that must be part of a management plan. Ash should also be completely removed if determined to be infested with EAB or is in a hazardous state. Staff will leave fallen trees on the edge of woodlots and in the interior to serve as a source of shelter and for the growth of fungi, a source of food for animals. These trunks are beneficial to animals that have interior habitats, such as certain birds (warblers). Examples of animals with habitats on the edge of woods are turkeys, raccoons, red foxes and certain birds (northern cardinals and bluebirds). Certain animals prefer �nY ,#i J lw•" Wk yl higher trunks, such as flying squirrels, while small animals, such as skunks and rabbits may prefer lower trunks in which to hide. Staff will remove branches off trunks of dead trees on the side of trees facing trails and bike paths to reduce hazards. Keeping branches on the other side of the tree provides perches for birds and keeps the trunk's weight on the side away from the path. Tree Inventory Tree inventories are essential in tracking and ensuring tree diversity. They also expose present and potential insect and disease problems. During the fall of 1993, parks initiated an inventory of trees planted in City parks and open spaces. Data from the International Society of Arboriculture, as well as hazardous tree evaluation practices set forth by Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources, were merged to form the guidelines for the inventory process. Currently, more than 14,000 trees are in the inventory. A successful tree inventory must meet the following criteria: Determining total number of trees in parkland and on streets Assessing health and hazard conditions • Determining percentage of tree species and genera to help ensure diversity of trees. Facilitating replacement of dead trees • Improving tree maintenance practices • Aiding in budget and staffing levels • Improving management decisions regarding future park development Determining disease and insect management plans, such as for the emerald ash borer The Department of Natural Resources recommends that the inventory be updated every three years to be useful as a managerial tool. Given the number of trees in Dublin's parks and green spaces, as well as the city's present rate of growth, adding and updating data along with coordinating collected data with the existing Geographical Information System, tree inventory is an ongoing project. Species evaluations let us determine which specific cultivars are performing best, given Dublin's soil profile and planting hardiness zone (set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone map), thus 17ii j� t � providing informed decisions for future park plantings. By following the Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommendation of using no more than 10 percent of one species, 20 percent of one genus, and 30 percent of one family, intelligent decisions can be made for species diversity. With tree inventory data, diseases such as the emerald ash borer and Dutch elm disease can be better managed to reinforce practical management decisions. In the City's most recent inventory (completed in 2005), out of a total of 34 tree families, results show overpopulations of the family pinaceae, including a ratio imbalance of pungens, species at 13.37 percent; picea, genus at 22.81 percent; and pinaceae, family 32.0 percent. As a result, the City will begin planting other selections until the ratios are in line with ODNR recommendations. Health assessments and species diversity will be determined on planted and existing trees in three -year rotations. The trees inventoried are surrounded by mowed grass. Woodlots are not included. GPS devices will be used to locate and map all new and existing trees. Park staff needs to be knowledgeable in both horticulture /arboriculture and computer sciences to facilitate the integration of the tree inventory and coordination with the Information Technology (IT) /GIS team. Once rz data is collected, staff can initiate physically planting and removing trees each year to meet City objectives. Prairies and Meadows Prairies and grasslands once spread across the midsection of the country, reaching eastward as far as western Ohio, with remnants of fragmented prairies extending into the central regions of the state. These remnant prairies appear in and around the Dayton area and are among the few left in central Ohio. Most are found in undisturbed areas such as cemeteries and railroad rights -of- ways. Several remaining prairie fragments are preserved and protected by Columbus Metro Parks and are as close as neighboring Plain City and Darby Creek. Prairies are native grasses and forbs that dotted the area's landscape prior to settlement by humans. Their deep rooting structure makes them resistant to droughts and fire. Introduced, exotic landscape grasses and perennials do not have the same deep rooting structure. Roughs, meadows and links grasses are three different terms for non - mowed, taller grassed landscapes. 1 W w Grazing and migration is a natural phenomenon on the prairie. Historically, bison and elk as well as deer and domesticated sheep, by their habits and actions, trampled the land, grazing and uprooting vegetation as they moved across the prairies. Woody plants and small trees were damaged and destroyed as animals sought browse or marked territory. Thunderstorms and lightning fires were random in their actions. Rains drenched some areas while fire left swaths of scorched earth in its path. Fires from lightning strikes were unpredictable and dependent on temperatures, wind, terrain and availability of fuel sources. This random action favored the diversity of species, destroying some and leaving some to adapt and prosper. Native Americans and European settlers also affected lands by clear - cutting and intentionally setting fires to create settlements and for crop lands. Planting and harvesting hay were also methods responsible for creating and preserving prairies by halting the natural successional progression of woodlands. In terms of wildlife management, both prairies and meadows have their place in the urban environment. They both offer much- needed shelter and forage material for a diverse r wildlife population. The prairie's dense biomass is a perfect habitat for animals seeking cover from overhead predators, but it also hides ground -plane predators. No remnant prairies exist within the City limits. However, there are many environmental benefits to reintroducing prairies and introducing meadows to Dublin. Prairie vegetation rooting structures hold soils in place better than any other plant community. Both their water- slowing biomass and roots loosen soil and encourage percolation. During storm events, this lessens flooding, helps purify water, and encourages aquifer recharge. Chemical applications and mowing can be minimized or eliminated by implementing both prairies and meadows. Aesthetically, prairies increase bird and butterfly populations and provide awide variety of blooms throughout the growing season. In addition, some of the bird populations that are becoming scarce actually prefer the less dense structure of a meadow to the true prairie. For their management, it is essential that the City consider implementing both prairies and meadows. Establishing and Managing Prairies Restoring natural prairie systems will increase habitats and species diversity by adding the natural qualities of prairie wildflower and grasslands to the City's parkland inventory. Prairies also provide a certain visual quality that only a naturalized environment can attain. When creating prairies on newly acquired or existing parklands, the plan should include the following considerations: The process of re- creating a prairie is slow will take many years to reach maturity. Properties bordering the site also must be assessed and development be performed with sensitivity to residential proximity. Site exposure and terrain best suited for prairie habitat should be full sun to partial shade with a wide open terrain. The following guidelines should be followed during new prairie establishment: Perform ecological assessment for the site as soon as practical. This should be used as a reference for guidelines and recommendations for information 76 on habitat health and for details on soils notations. Create a specific plan with goals for each site using the guidelines and recommendations from the ecological assessment, including the management of invasive, endangered or threatened species. • Create buffers along edges of open spaces using native plant material where appropriate to allow for wildlife migration. • Create screening along private property lines when necessary using native plant material when practical. • Use mowing strips to create buffers along bike paths and residential borders where deemed necessary. • Control weeds and woody plants, especially invasive species. This control is essential to the correct establishment and success of any planting, including grassland, wildflower or combined prairie. Sites that have previously been covered with woody vegetation or heavily weeded may require extra preparation. Select native plant species, plugs, seeds and plant stock according to site and soil type. All +r .._ AI i • Use a combination of seed and plugs as a good start, as seed is inexpensive but can be slow to show results, (Most seeds take one to two years to germinate, while more expensive, plant plugs are usually one to three years old and produce faster results. • Seed in early to late spring and in late fall for good results. • Install plugs and plants by hand. The many different species of prairie plants favor either warm or cool seasons. • Maintain weed control in years one to four after seeding and planting to prevent competition for water and nutrients. After prairie plants become established, general guidelines should be followed as listed in the maintenance section. Prairie management techniques include methods to simulate the natural mechanisms that have allowed the survival of prairies throughout time. Grazing, fire, soil disruption, the random nature of such influences and the lack of action can be mimicked or re- created to enhance the qualities of prairies. The following guidelines should be followed during new prairie management and maintenance: • Mowing should simulate grazing, reduce some undesirable weed species and biennials by removal of flowering parts before seed set, reduce some invasive or undesirable species by preventing maturation and formation of woody structures, and arrest progression of forest succession. • Disking should simulate trampling and soil disruption by hooves of grazing animals, help regenerate dormant seed sources within the natural seed bank of the site, loosen the soil for over - seeding with desirable wildflower and grass seed, and improve water and nutrient penetration by eliminating soil compaction. • Fire and prescribed burning kills woody plants and stimulates germination of many desirable plant seeds. The blackening of soils in early spring speeds warming of soil, often extends the growing season by several weeks and allows for earlier germination of warm season grasses and wildflowers in spring. Fire destroys biennial weeds and annual weed seed sources before they germinate or mature, helps control overpopulations of insect pests and adds nutrients from production of ash, 77 Management and maintenance of established prairie ecosystems are usually minimal once established, requiring no more than seasonal monitoring and applying the best practice method to control the desired outcome. The following guidelines should be followed during management and maintenance for established prairies: Perform ecological assessments as deemed necessary. Select appropriate management techniques to control targeted species or to achieve desired results. Vary maintenance techniques such as the application of herbicides, prescribed burns and mowing to allow refuge for wildlife and facilitate species diversification. Reintroduce desired species of prairie wildflowers and grasses as required. Record management techniques and results of action both past and present. Create buffers along edges of open space using native plant material where appropriate to allow for wildlife migration. Create screening along private property lines when necessary using ry native plant material when practical. Use mowing strips to create appropriate transitions along bike paths and residential borders where deemed necessary. Monitor regularly and apply appropriate maintenance action as site inspection dictates. Prescribed Burning "Prescribed burning" refers to fires that have been intentionally set under the right conditions and with a specific purpose in mind. Prescribed burning is often used by forest resource and land managers as a means to eliminate the buildup of brush, grasses and other combustible debris on forest floors, fields and grasslands, thus eliminating the chance of unpredictable wildfires. Prescribed burning may be conducted only by Certified Burn Managers trained by Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry (ODNR- Forestry). Permits for performing a prescribed burn are required by Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) and the ODNR - Forestry division. Local fire departments must also be notified. Outdoor burning in Ohio is regulated by Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency regulates smoke emissions from outdoor burning. ODNR Division of Forestry Law, ORC 1503.18, bans outdoor burning statewide in unincorporated areas in the spring and fall between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Burning is prohibited statewide during March, April, May, October and November to help prevent forest fires. Section C of this Law allows the Chief of the Division of Forestry to waive the ban. It is the ODNR Division of Forestry's policy to only waive this ban for individuals that have been certified by the Division as a certified Prescribed Fire Manager. Every aspect of carrying out a prescribed burn is the responsibility of the burn manager. Some of the considerations include: Weather influences: wind, humidity, temperature, past, current and future rainfall conditions along with air mass stability considerations. Land influences: Existing habitat characteristics, existing fuel influences, land contour, road crossings, paths and trails, wildlife presence, and surrounding property features. W Firing technique smoke control methods and fire habits. The burn manager is responsible for obtaining required permits with ODNR - Forestry and OEPA, as well as creating and filing a detailed site plan that is specific to each burn and each site. It is the responsibility of the burn manager to instruct all ground crew members to assure a successful burn and help ensure maximum safety for all persons and property. Considerations when using controlled burning include: Safety must always be first priority. Resident concerns and objections to fire, smoke and safety planning must be taken into consideration and addressed in the early stages of planning. Controlled burns must be performed by individuals trained and certified in the use of fire as a management tool according to Ohio's Fire Laws. Explanation of safety management systems that will be in place such as Certified Burn Manager's roles, ODNR and OEPA smoke regulations and permitting requirements, and participation of the local fire department should be covered. Publicity is necessary for every prescribed burn. Informing the local newspaper and fire department chief as well as local residents should be done well in advance of the burn and again on the day of the burn. Education and information should always be made available to the general public about the purpose and benefits of using prescribed burns as a maintenance technique for prairie and wetland management. Contact information should be readily available with names and phone numbers of persons in charge as well as local fire department numbers should questions arise. Endangered, Threatened, Potentially Threatened and Vulnerable Species Dublin's natural areas contain plants that are considered endangered, threatened, potentially threatened and vulnerable_ Manipulation of ecological diversity is possible through a management plan of protecting these species. Parks staff uses the floristic quality assessment :l index (FQAI) and floristic assessments to eliminate subjectivity about what are considered endangered, threatened and potentially threatened species. A good knowledge of nomenclature and identification skills is needed to designate species that are very difficult to identify due to similarity with other species. Misidentification easily can and does occur, even with experienced professionals. Therefore, as part of an ongoing maintenance plan, park staff monitors, identifies and protects known threatened and potentially threatened plants and animals as identified by Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Caution should be exercised in the release of information regarding the plant communities. If a species is identified and sought out by humans, disappearance of plants can and will happen. Some species may end up being poached and kept for personal gain, such as selling of a rare species or hoarding for private collections. Some species may be trampled on as a closer look is taken. Revealing the locations of endangered, threatened or potentially threatened species to the public can have a negative effect on these rare species. Managing Invasive Plants The City of Dublin is developing a plan to control the spread of invasive plant species while protecting existing native plant populations. The plan should focus on the least compromised areas first to prevent invasives from gaining ground and then move to next- lowest- volume site. Areas of heaviest concentration will be reserved until last. This method allows for best management by preserving areas that are naturally intact first and moving outward into more compromised areas. The purpose of managing invasive plants and animals includes but is not limited to managing parkland for biodiversity; protecting high - quality natural areas and improving degraded areas; and providing educational opportunities and hands -on experience for ecologically minded homeowners and volunteer groups. Preservation and Restoration of Native Plants As part of its ongoing management plan, Parks staff is restoring and using native plant material to buffer areas, corridors and natural areas when practical. Landscaping aesthetics are RE subjective, and using native plants is not always practical in a formal landscape bed, but this practice should be promoted when practical. City staff attempts to balance various view points with reasonable, practical decision - making in creating and maintaining a balance between formal and informal landscape design. Planting the appropriate plant in the correct place is crucial for survivability, as well as public acceptance. For more than a decade, Earth Day projects have included major native restoration projects using fortis, trees and shrubs in parklands. Animals The overall health of an ecosystem is reflected in all aspects of life, both flora and fauna. Because of its plant diversity and natural features such as the Scioto River, wildlife is prevalent within city limits. Although most homeowners live comfortably with wildlife, many unlmowingly build or purchase land in areas frequented by animals. Furthermore, many invite unwanted animals onto their property unintentionally, through actions such as leaving food out for pets. Often, an animal will take up residence under a deck or shed. Although wildlife conflicts often can be easily resolved through education, monitoring nuisance complaints and managing for more desirable habitat is most effective. By monitoring wildlife, educating residents and resolving issues on public lands, Dublin residents can live amicably with wildlife. Furthermore, by using best land and wildlife management practices public land and overall environments will remain healthy. Wildlife Diversity Existing parkland and open spaces should be assessed, managed and protected in a way that allows for nature and wildlife to coexist with humans. New habitats should be created and maintained to ensure the biodiversity needed to encourage regrowth of native plant populations and for existing wildlife to live and flourish. Biodiversity is a complex mixture of plant and animal communities, microorganisms, soils and water. Providing shelter and cover, quality food, water and space is necessary for wildlife diversity. The City should strive to maintain a diverse inventory of parklands with as much variation in terrain and habitat as possible. The more varied the habitat conditions, the greater the variety of wildlife species. As human populations and land development M increase, so does the impact upon wildlife and the natural environment. As development progresses, the environment and natural wildlife habitat becomes fragmented and are isolated or destroyed. When fragmentation occurs wildlife populations become crowded into increasingly small areas or are forced into the open to find new habitat. These conditions often put wildlife at risk, including unpredictable human encounters, vulnerability to predators, accidents, parasites and starvation. Understanding and recognizing the effect habitat fragmentation has on wildlife, and regulating and modifying how we manage the land are steps forward in repairing the harmful impact human development has on wildlife. The addition of wildlife corridors allows for free flow migrational paths between fragmented habitats and links between parklands and other natural and open spaces. Greenways, especially along stream corridors, provide contiguous habitat and natural migrational pathways for both land mammal and avian species. Nature Education Dublin Nature Education was formalized in 2005 with the addition of a Nature Education Coordinator position. Before the position, classes were offered through inquiry only, without advertisement, except through the Dublin Community Recreation Center. Numerous residents also received environmental education through informal classes. From 1993 to 2005 more than 6,000 residents received some form of education through the City of Dublin's parks office. To date, more than 14,000 residents have received education. Nature education has taken place in numerous settings throughout the City of Dublin. The City also relies on partnerships with local, state and federal organizations to best respond to the needs of this community and achieve the goals of nature education. Venues for education have included parks, neighborhood associations, schools, Dublin Community Recreation Center, retirement villages, preschools, businesses and the City of Dublin web site. Information also has been disseminated through City of Dublin employees, local media, and local clubs, groups and organizations. Nature education allows people to understand and connect with the natural world and experience ownership of public land. Education programs and volunteer activities give residents who are unfamiliar with their natural surroundings the chance to understand City policies and procedures to impart the best wildlife and land management practices, policies and procedures within a community, RK and how to live harmoniously with flora and fauna. Programs and education focusing on the environment endow residents and employees with a greater sense of connectivity within a community. Dublin's nature education strives to provide education within the community allowing residents to enjoy their natural surroundings while using public land. The program also encourages residents to live safely and resolve wildlife concerns through a greater understanding of the natural world. Promoting our local parks; providing resources for the community, including businesses, homeowners and schools; and encouraging health of land and wildlife are all the goals of this position. Partnerships within the community provide further assistance to residents and businesses. Community events, educational opportunities and volunteer opportunities are all modes of education. Within the City of Dublin, nature education also promotes: Understanding for and means of restoration and overall health of flora and fauna Understanding of wildlife populations and behavior within city limits Betterment of parkland by promoting K � N citizen and staff ownership and understanding of their natural surroundings River, ponds, grasslands and woodlots for the enjoyment of residents • Understanding Dublin's natural Education and involvement through history classes and workshops, events and • Natural resources such as the Scioto volunteer opportunities i Issues and Strategies M Policy 1: Ensure the continued health of waterways Issue • There is a perception that the rivers, streams and creeks within the City limits are degrading. • A riparian buffer action plan should be implemented after areas are identified that need immediate attention because they are either high quality and need preservation or are in a state of rapid degradation. Strategies • Develop a water quality monitoring program. • Introduce bank stabilization plant material. • Introduce buffer areas. • Develop a formal plan or program for periodic monitoring of waterways to detect point and non -point source pollution, using staff trained in water quality monitoring. Only by locating the degrading areas can Dublin determine what the root cause is and develop a corrective action strategy. Policy 2: Develop a formalized plant community management plan Issue • Numerous floristic /ecological assessments have been generated for public lands in Dublin. The information in those assessments is being used for development purposes only. They are not being used as plant community management tools. Strategies • Develop a formalized plant community management plan, goals and action plan. E Use inventory information when setting priorities. Distribute all of the information, management plan, goals and action plan throughout the City and archive information on the network. Policy 3: Protect and create access to stream corridors on private land Issues • Many stream corridors exist on private property and therefore fall under limited public protection and control. Connectivity via trails has been a long- standing City goal. Strategies • Attempts should be made to gain public access (easements) to allow for additional connectivity where stream corridors are on private land situated between public land sections. Work with private land owners to encourage wise management practices that protect and enhance the stream corridors area. Policy 4: Protect vernal pools Issue • Vernal pools, located in wet woods, are the rarest form of wetland. Wet woodlots are scattered around the City. Both publicly and privately owned vernal pools are threatened by degradation, encroachment and development. Strategies • Prioritize the acquisition and management of vernal pools. Continue educating the public on the presence and importance of vernal pools. Develop goals, inventories, assessments and action plans for preserving and protecting vernal pools. Policy 5: Develop tactics that encourage healthy pond ecosystems Issues • Excessive fertilizer run -off from surrounding properties contributes to excessive weed and algae growth within ponds. Most ponds are not currently designed to accommodate wetland 85 plants and are planted with mowed - type turf up to the pond edge. Most Dublin ponds accommodate expanding geese populations and allow soil erosion, lessening the ability to improve water quality. Large amounts of vegetative growth in ponds are often deemed undesirable by the community. Ponds are perceived by residents as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Strategies • Develop a policy emphasizing pond edge buffers. • Work with developers to use native plants in the buffer areas. • Educate the public about the benefits of buffers, native plants and storm water basins in general. • Stop mowing and fertilizing pond buffer areas. • Budget for replanting the pond edges with native forbs, grasses, shrubs and trees. • Amend the practice of striving for weed- and algae -free water on all ponds during all months of the year. Take into consideration the pond surroundings, recognizing that a more :. formal setting may call for more weed and algae control. Increase efforts to educate community, staff and leadership. Allow future developments greater use of dry and/or wetland basins for storm water retention and quality. These areas, if properly designed and constructed, will not require the use of chemicals and provide sanctuary for various wildlife and desirable insects. These basins can be aesthetically pleasing. Evaluate and prioritize the renovation of dry detention basins within the park system. Based upon the need, dry basins should be scheduled for improvements for aesthetic upgrades while ensuring the functionality and capacity are preserved. Manage existing wet ponds within the park system more from the perspective of encouragement of desirable vegetation than the exclusion of most vegetation. This includes both plants within the water and the plantings around the ponds. Encourage residents to use only the level of turf chemicals required, not the level sometimes prescribed by the turf industry. Need -based chemical application minimizes the excessive Ot ' r � "", � y a�,- ,: ,�"`° v....�. . 2 amounts of chemical runoff that makes its way into ponds and stream corridors. This encouragement can take place through public education efforts that include the ramifications of excessive use of chemicals as well as the potential cost savings that could be experienced by the residents. Use a combination of pond aerators and adequate plant management to prevent the conditions necessary for mosquito larvae development. Routinely monitor ponds for mosquito larvae and, if excessive larvae are found, treat the water with an EPA- approved larvacide. Policy 6: Develop and implement an effective woodlot management plan Issues Dublin's woodlots are currently undermanaged. Management plans are necessary to keep the City woodlots healthy. The resulting undermanagement is permitting woodlot degradation. If no management activity takes place, grapevines and honeysuckle could choke the woodlots, causing trees to decline in health. Other native plant communities, wildlife, water quality and the public in general will all be adversely affected if the degradation is allowed to persist. The more drastic man -made disturbances are the further back in the successional stage woodlots become and the more resources will be required to create specific habitats. The closer developed areas are to woodlots, the greater the chances that trees might become a hazard to property and people. Strategies • Develop a woodlot management action plan overseen by experienced, knowledgeable professionals. This plan would begin with goal setting, then performing an inventory of tree species and invasive species, and calculation of regeneration rates using a timber assessment survey. Perform woodland assessments to determine stage of succession and develop an effective management plan. Thin out overstocked woodlots to allow younger, stronger trees to thrive and regenerate. Leave trunks and other natural materials that provide shelter and food for animals. FJA Increase biodiversity by manipulating successional stages to achieve a specialized habitat for each woodlot. Leave varying tree "snag " diameters and heights for perching birds and other wildlife. If just stubs are left, mainly woodpeckers will roost and benefit. Policy 7: Develop prairies and meadows while protecting endangered, threatened, potentially threatened and vulnerable species Issue • Where are very few prairies and meadows within the City limits. Strategies • Develop a policy encouraging the planting of prairies and letting turf areas revert to meadows. Educate the public about the benefits of no -mow areas and prairies. Perform floristic assessments every 5 to 7 years in pre - identified areas (woodlots, grasslands, prairies, meadows, ecotones) to help identify species richness and determine whether or not parkland is losing some of its endangered, threatened and potentially threatened plants. :: Between the 5- to 7 -year rotations each area will be placed on a detailed management plan drawn up specifically for that area. Prevent and control invasive plants that could overrun the area. For vulnerable species, continual monitoring for human intrusion is necessary. If human intrusion of a harmful nature has been discovered, take corrective steps, which may include installing physical barriers such as fences, bike trails and paths to prevent foot traffic. Provide informative signage to educate the public and help the public respect these rare plants. Avoid changing the surrounding area as a result of these corrective steps. Once arare species is identified, strict monitoring will be initiated, such as ensuring the plant is still there at least once per season. Policy 8: Develop an invasive management plan Issue • Invasive plants and animals can be a threat to naturally occurring species. 0 I 1 Strategies • Inventory parks and woodlots to be included in eradication program. Use the inventory list and past professional ecological assessments to help develop and implement a plan of target areas and determine prioritization. • Predetermine objectives and desired outcome. Strategies • Balance various viewpoints regarding the benefits and aesthetics of using native plants in landscaping design. • In natural areas, such as buffers and stream corridors, native plants should be the preferred choice. In formal landscape beds native plant material will be used when deemed appropriate. Identify invasives to control and assess control techniques to be used to achieve desired outcome. • Determine the best method of evaluating and monitoring for long- term outcome. The success should be reviewed and techniques modified as needed. Identify the labor pool, including volunteers and contractual services. Policy 9: Incorporate native plants into landscape design Issues Using native plants is not always practical in a formal landscape bed. • The aesthetics of landscape design are subjective. • In areas designated for development, volunteers groups such as the Plant Salvage Team can help salvage native and rare plants. Efforts should be made to transfer the plants to either landscape beds or natural areas on public lands. Trained personnel must be involved in this effort, due to their understanding of individual plants' needs. • Continue educational activities, including the Earth Week activities that focus on native plantings and working with school and volunteer groups to help plant areas. • Encourage preservation and restoration of existing native plant associations and formation of new communities, which includes improving areas in which native plants have deteriorated due to development or former farming practices. • Improve and supplement existing buffer areas. • Rescue fortis and woody plant material from developing areas. • Follow landscaping practices that encourage and develop habitat diversity, provide erosion control, and protect endangered and potentially endangered species as identified by ODNR. Policy 10: Perform ongoing tree inventory Issues • There currently are more than 14,000 trees in the City's park inventory. • Maintaining and growing an effective inventory is time consuming and has budget ramifications. Strategies • Perform ongoing tree inventory activities using GPS and GIS system. • Assure that adequate numbers of staff are trained to perform all aspects of tree inventory. • Use resulting data to develop effective tree management practices. W Policy 11: The City cannot control wildlife's natural movements and will only respond to dangerous or life - threatening situations on private land. Issues • Animal movement sometimes causes discomfort for private land owners. • Seasonal animal movement can at times pose danger to humans. Strategies • Continue to provide natural corridors such as stream, river or tree line for daily and seasonal animal movement when feasible. • The Division of Police will respond to emergency (life /death situations) calls pertaining to wild animals (e.g., a deer /vehicle incident). • Maintain and manage wildlife habitat on City property, allowing for best land and wildlife management practices. • Educate the public on limitations of what can be controlled. Policy 12: The City of Dublin will apply scientific knowledge and technical skills to protect, conserve, limit and enhance all wildlife on public land when deemed necessary by the Director of Parks and Open Space, following state and federal regulations Issues Private landowners bordering public lands sometimes lack education about wildlife. Homeowners may be unaware of animals' natural habitats. Wildlife populations can cause damage. Overpopulation can cause decline of habitat. Strategies • Monitor populations and movement of animals through sightings, studies and ecological assessments, when feasible. Educate residents living adjacent to public lands on ways of coexisting with wildlife, when necessary. Wildlife damage, such as deer rubs, woodchuck holes or rabbit browse will be assessed and relevant action taken when needed. Work with wildlife agencies to manage injured or sick animals on public property. U1 Policy 13: Feral cats will be treated as wildlife within the City of Dublin Issues • Feral cat populations are present within City limits. • Feral cats are a non - indigenous species to North America. • Feral cat populations affect wildlife species such as amphibians, reptiles, small rodent and birds. • The City of Dublin does not have an ordinance against feeding feral cats. • No agency deals with sick or injured feral cats on public land. Strategies • Treat feral cats like other wildlife is treated per state and federal regulations. Include feral cats in all wildlife policies and contracts, implementing a plan to deal with sick or injured cats on public property only. Create an ordinance against feeding feral cats, thus discouraging congregating groups. Encourage any person within City limits to capture feral cats to spay /neuter and re- release at their own expense. Policy 14: Deer populations, their impact on public land and traffic safety will be monitored yearly with any necessary action taken Issues • Whitetail deer populations may be higher in some areas than state recommended (15 per square mile). • High deer densities reduce plant diversity in natural areas on public lands. • High deer densities pose a threat to traffic safety. • Deer cause damage to park and street trees, resulting in additional cost. • Deer populations have the potential to double every two years. Strategies • Consider implementing whitetail deer population studies. • Assess parks for deer damage on a rotating basis. • Record all damage done by deer in the park system and street trees with monetary totals reported yearly. • Record and analyze all deer /vehicle incidents, working closely with Division of Police to implement education program. 92 Policy 15: Canada Geese will be managed on public property Issues Canada geese typically nest where they learn to fly, causing numbers to multiply quickly. • Landscaping around many of the ponds within the City of Dublin promote Canada geese. • Kentucky blue grass is a primary food source for Canada geese. • Large numbers of Canada geese promote disease. • Large amounts of Canada geese manure cause turf damage and water degradation. Strategies • Apply for yearly egg addling permits and file all additional and proper paperwork, including yearly goose complaint report with Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. • Consider planting grasses other than Kentucky blue grass around wetlands. • Promote landscaping changes that include tall vegetation, including naturalized and formal plantings, as Canada geese will not cross high structures during molt. Encourage developers to adopt landscape plans that deter Canada geese. Remove pond aerators during colder months when feasible. Deter geese through contractual dog services and with pyrotechnics and other scare tactics, when feasible. Policy 16: Community education will include best practices for living with wildlife and allow residents to live amicably with the natural environment, resolving nuisance animal concerns Issues Some residents have unfounded concerns about wildlife due to lack of understanding. Species overpopulation can affect public and private land. Homeowners unknowingly provide habitat and food for wildlife. Strategies Provide educational opportunities and factual information through Web pages, brochures and links to other organizations through the City of Dublin Web site. Respond promptly through e -mail, phone and mailings when resident/wildlife conflicts arise. Nature Education Coordinator will maintain statistics and licensing, upholding all state and federal laws. Policy 17: Man -made structures benefiting wildlife will be established and maintained when feasible. Issues Decrease in specific types of habitat such as vernal pools and standing snags have caused decline in beneficial wildlife such as insect - eating tree swallows and eastern bluebirds. Human involvement has altered landscapes, causing decline in certain species. Many animals have daily and seasonal migration routes. Strategies Install and maintain bluebird trails within parks and green spaces. Use volunteers when feasible to plant install and maintain structures such as bluebird trails. Maintain dead trees unless they pose threat to human traffic. 93 Vary heights of dead trees that must be cut so some dead standing wood remains. Review ecological assessments and natural features before development, allowing for natural structures such as vernal pools and standing snags to remain. Allow some stands of woods to remain undeveloped, without trails. Allow for movement of wild animals by providing or maintaining natural corridors when feasible. Policy 18: Land management, restoration and maintenance will occur whenever feasible to promote proper /healthy ecosystems and therefore wildlife populations; ecological assessments will be used to determine overall health of areas along with partnerships and resources of outside organizations Issues Currently, no formalized management plan exists for natural areas. Ecological assessments are currently underused for management plans. M Strategies • Partner with outside organizations such as ODNR to develop management plans for all appropriate natural areas. Use City staff with past experience in woodlot maintenance to determine management plans. Continue to acquire stream corridors, establishing buffer zones along streams and the Scioto River when possible. Promote plantings around ponds, retention basins, detention basins and throughout parks containing native plants beneficial to wildlife. Policy 19: Manage and maintain parks to ensure wildlife diversity, allowing for change and improvement for habitat and diversity in a way that benefits not only wildlife but also adds to quality of life for Dublin residents Issues: Allowing for change and improvement for habitat and diversity benefits not only wildlife but also adds to quality of life for residents of Dublin. Habitat can be broken into four parts: food, water, shelter and space. When AT all parts blend together, wildlife not only survives, it thrives. Remove any one of the four and wildlife must travel to find the missing component. Strategies: • Perform ecological assessments as soon as possible for all new parklands where warranted. for eradication re- establish native plant communities from buffer zones, corridors and woodlots. Create new or expand existing habitats by allowing dead and dying trees to remain as long as hazardous situations are not an issue; create and maintain hollow trees and logs for nesting and feeding. Assess all current parklands for potential improvements and create new habitat in woodlots, along boundaries and buffer zones. Add native plants and fortis (including brambles and berries) to parklands and along existing wildlife pathways, where appropriate, to increase density, improve cover and provide food sources and browse. Add native plants, trees and shrubs along stream banks and ponds to prevent erosion and improve cover for wildlife. Acquire lands that provide links between existing fragmented areas. Create and maintain wildlife corridors that allow for free and safe passage between fragmented woodlots, parklands and open areas. Establish a plan for invasive management and follow guidelines Add trees and other native plant communities that produce edible nuts, berries, seeds and fruits recognized by native fauna. Add stumps, rock piles and large branches to prairies and wetlands to increase wildlife diversity and visual interest. Policy 20: Establish wetlands and prairies, where warranted and beneficial, as part of a comprehensive open space management plan Issues Many areas that previously were wetlands have disappeared or been damaged due to development. A lack of wetland areas impacts the entire ecosystem, diminishes the land's natural ability to eliminate pollutant and promotes flooding and erosion. DR Strategy • Develop wetland management and creation plans for areas where appropriate, following the guidelines spelled out elsewhere in this chapter. Policy 21: Provide environmental education through all possible venues, including DTV, local papers, City of Dublin web site, Dublin Life Magazine, DCRC events, Dublin schools and local groups; partner with other government or local agencies to provide proper information, promoting city parks and wildlife. Issues • Many residents are unfamiliar with City services, including services for sick or injured animals on public land, phone assistance for nuisance animals, and deer vehicle accidents. Residents are unfamiliar with local flora and fauna and sometimes have questions about co- existance. Strategies • Use all venues for education listed above, focusing on State of Ohio educational standards, common wildlife issues and concerns. Partner with other government and local agencies to provide proper information and updated laws concerning wildlife. Continually monitor possible venues and be proactive in educational efforts. Provide education on seasonal topics concerning residents, such as deer- vehicle accidents. Policy 22: Records of nuisance wildlife and movement of any animal known to pose a threat within city limits will be kept and analyzed. Information concerning animal overpopulation will be monitored and analyzed, including but not limited to deer and Canada geese. Wildlife control, including Canada geese, nuisance animals on public land, deer /vehicle incidents and any animal thought to pose concern will be monitored and dealt with according to local, state and federal laws. Issues • Disease can spread through overpopulation and both natural and unlawful movement of animals through areas. Overpopulation can have ill effects on overall health of land. 96 1 �s Loss of plant diversity and overall health of an area can result from overpopulation. Human - animal conflicts can increase with overpopulation or movement of animals. Current land management practices entail areas with very suitable needs for Canada goose nesting. Strategies • Commission floristic /ecological assessments on at least a 5- to 7 -year rotation of all significant, applicable parkland (consider in -house assessments). Monitor floristic /ecological assessments for loss of diversity within assessed areas. Acquire yearly records of all deer /vehicle incidents and locate areas where frequent incidents occur. Educate residents /staff during times of probable wildlife incidents. Obtain and upkeep licensing required by the federal and state agencies for wildlife issues. Work with wildlife agencies to manage injured or sick animals on public property. � Implement policy to reduce open pond edges where grass is mowed to water edge; add buffer area to improve water quality and provide habitat for more diverse wildlife. Policy 23: Maintain relationships with local, state and federal organizations to best provide residents with proper, scientific wildlife information Issues • Residents' concerns arise when media releases information, whether the information is accurate or not. Residents' concerns will be addressed in a timely manner with accurate information. Strategies • Monitor current scientific research for new information on best practices in dealing with wildlife issues. Resolve resident concerns in a timely manner with proper information_ Explore possible solutions to wildlife issues that might already exist within other organizations. Policy 24: Promote standards that allow for best land- management practices regarding landscaping Issues • Loss of plant and animal diversity is threatened by the movement and planting of non - native species. • Water quality and aquatic diversity is affected by invasive species. • Migratory species are affected by loss of diversity. • Native fauna cannot use and are unfamiliar with many non -native plants. Strategies • Implement management plans for all non - landscaped areas within city limits, allowing for maximum diversity. • Implement plan for removal of non- native invasive species and use an on- going volunteer plan for removal, when practical. • Monitor floristic assessments for loss of diversity within assessed areas due to invasive species. • Educate residents and employees about non -native invasive species. • Use volunteers for management programs such as bluebird trails, invasive species removal, plant salvaging and plant installation. • Implement ordinances prohibiting the installation of any plant on the State of Ohio's invasive plant list. .; Promote native plantings and install educational gardens, providing examples for residents. Policy 25: Promote policy to restore or improve land adjacent to waterways Issues • Much of the green space was developed without water quality and diversification of flora and fauna in mind. Old practices of mowing to water edges do little to promote proper use by wildlife, stabilize banks along water ways or improve water quality. Strategies • Educate residents /employees on the benefits of land restoration and management. • Restore riparian and buffer zones along waterways to stabilize banks, improve water quality and provide habitat. • Restore habitat such as wetlands, woods and grasslands whenever feasible, improving diversity. • Use plant salvaging, implemented by volunteers, from areas slated for development to diversify areas cleared of invasive species • Implement ordinances prohibiting the installation of any plant on the State of Ohio's invasive plant list. • Promote native plantings and install educational gardens providing examples for residents. hapr' 8 ind Derrlopment P arks, greenways and open space development improve the City's aesthetics and the public's quality of life. The development quantity and quality levels are pride points for residents and help increase property values. Design based upon environmental awareness is also an element used in attracting and retaining the corporate community. The parks and open space system helps residents and corporate citizens recreate and socialize. By enjoying the common spaces, they build bonds that strengthen the community and improve their fitness levels and overall health. Existing Parks and Open Space Dublin manages 52 parks and 435 acres of open space, equating to roughly 1,400 acres. The system is comprised of open spaces, greenways, cemeteries, neighborhood and community parks. Amenities included in the system are the Dublin Community Recreation Center, playgrounds, universally accessible playground, Miracle League Baseball Field, shelters, picnic grounds, soccer fields, bike paths, tennis courts, ball diamonds, basketball courts, lacrosse fields, bocce ball court, cricket field, fishing ponds, sledding hill, and a seasonal ice skating rink. The parks also feature key character elements like renovated barns, historic log cabins and dry -laid limestone walls. Dublin maintains 34 acres of parks and open space per 1,000 residents, which exceeds the 10- to 20- acre -per -1,000 population national standards. The generous amounts of public land provide a visual tie to Dublin's settlement past and the high - quality park amenities create Dublin's distinct sense of place. The City has established solid working relationships with Washington Township, Dublin City Schools and the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park RZ District. Those relationships extend the lands, amenities, facilities and recreational programming offered to the public. These valuable partnerships should be courted and expanded upon for the betterment of the community at large. Much of the park system's success is directly attributable to the City's land dedication requirements and open space dedication ordinance. All residential land developments are subject to these requirements, and 56 percent of Dublin parklands are a direct result of these policies. The tree preservation ordinance helps staff convince developers to make wooded areas and riparian corridors part of their parkland dedications. The balance of parks and open space are acquired through long -term leases, perpetual easements and acquisitions either directly or in partnership with other agencies. The extensive staff review during platting and development has resulted in Dublin acquiring much of the stream corridors and greenways that link parklands and neighborhood subdivisions to destination points. Parkland Development Process Before specific property is dedicated to the City through the Open Space Ordinance, staff reviews development plans to ensure the proposed land serves the best interests of the community. Connectivity to existing public land, unique or environmentally sensitive natural features and existing aesthetic qualities are examples of criteria used in the review of proposed land set - aside. Essentially the same criteria are used in parkland selection for land purchased by the City. Various revenue sources have been used to fund park development, including income taxes, proceeds from debt, service payments generated from TIE districts, grants, donations and funding from partnerships. Staff prepares a five -year park development plan within the five -year CIP and presents the plan to Council annually. Within this document information is provided projecting costs of all aspects of a particular park development. The CIP document segregates park development into "major" and "minor" categories, with "major" referring to park developments that, in their entirety, generally cost more than $500,000. Projects also are identified that are not programmed in the current five -year plan. 100 There has been some discussion of pursing the idea of instituting impact fees on new residential development as an additional means of funding park development. Impact fees by design would be proportional to the actual effect created by the new development. The fee would be a one -time assessment and world be used to fund new or expanded park developments. Currently, information related to capital investment in existing City parks is being compiled and will be presented to City Council for review and consideration of impact fees. At the time that a public land mass is slated for development staff solicits input into the design process. Public involvement in the design development process of Dublin parks is essential in providing the type and character of public lands that best serve residents. Main user groups, such as residents within a subdivision in which a neighborhood park is being developed, provide the necessary input to assure that the park design conforms to the needs. While it is essential that main user groups have significant input into design, the overall needs of the community as a whole must be always taken into consideration. A vocal minority can sway decisions to a point of causing inappropriate designs to be implemented. The Division of Recreation Services has not played a measurable role in park design in recent years. This may have caused missed . opportunities for designs that could have provided additional recreational amenities. Park designs that allow for organized activities, such as summer camps, provide greater flexibility in meeting the rising demands due to population increases and popularity of recreation programming. Typically, park developments are zoned as planned unit developments (PUD) and must be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P &Z). One exception is public properties that lie within Dublin's historic district which are reviewed by the Architectural Review Board (ARB). Staff incorporates the conditions into the final construction documents before letting the plans for quoting or bidding. A similar process is followed when the City partners with other agencies and entities on a development project. Staff typically meets with the partners throughout the process for review and input. When the City assumes the lead roll in a partnership project, staff coordinates public input case review and construction observation on behalf of the partnership. At times developers of residential neighborhoods have wanted to construct the 101 neighborhood park component of the development in order to provide instant amenities and new home sales. This practice has obvious benefits to the City, but care must be exercised to ensure quality standards and maintenance factors are incorporated into these park designs. Review mechanisms must ensure the maintenance and functionality of the land mass are balanced with aesthetic benefits. Designs that result in disproportional maintenance costs should be altered before implementation, whether or not the developer has the initial maintenance responsibility. After something is installed, it is more difficult, time consuming and expensive to scale back the design. RCIes, 'Issues and Strategies Policy 1: Ensure park designers consider long -term costs, maintenance Issues Initial park designs don't necessarily take into account maintenance needs. Developers' plans for park development are not always created with long -term costs or total community interests in mind. Strategies • Park design, whether done by developers or the City of Dublin, must be reviewed with the long -term cost of maintenance. The financial commitments required for upkeep of public land mass should be known prior to development. Maintenance and functionality of park land must be given equal weight to aesthetics when evaluating development plans. Designs that create disproportional maintenance costs should be altered before implementation. Policy 2: Incorporate long -term financial considerations into park planning Issue • As parks develop and as land is acquired, operating budgets must keep pace with the additional areas of responsibility. Strategies Convert selected areas of existing turf grass to a more naturalized environment and track any resulting 102 i !W a I II IIIII���I I. • � ; cost savings to better prepare future budgets. neighborhood/resident desires with community needs. Develop operating impact statements for all future park developments to give Council more information on projected maintenance and other costs before the decision- making process. Work during the design process to offset future financial needs. For example, creating more natural areas reduces budgetary needs while providing benefits to the natural environment. Policy 3: Balance wants with needs in park design Issues • Community scale and intelligent park design can get lost during the process of soliciting public input about park development. Individual neighborhoods' desired elements may not be in the best interest of the overall community. Certain amenities desirable from an environmental or City perspective (e.g., meadows and prairies) may not be considered desirable by residents. Strategies • Take leadership in the park planning process, balancing Support and apply philosophies and strategies in the Community Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and Council goals when developing parks and open space. Educate staff to inform the public on the importance of good planning and environmental stewardship. Policy 4: Seek to understand the needs of potential partners in order to develop mutually beneficial partnership relationships Issue • Untapped partnership opportunities could exist to facilitate park development. Strategies • Gain an understanding of the goals and visions of agencies, corporations and organizations where partnership experiences can be developed that will be mutually advantageous. Continue existing partnerships to extend land, amenities, facilities and recreational programming to the public. 103 Policy 5: Balance park design between Recreation Services and Parks and Open Space needs Issue • Park planning and development is based in Parks and Open Space, and does not necessarily take Recreation Services' needs, capabilities and opportunities into full consideration. Strategy • Explore organizational opportunities that make the results of park development a shared vision of the two divisions. { 104 C P� Linkage AdEvelopment anding part of the City's planning philosophy has been that tivity through bike paths and pedestrian trails is important to the of the concept of community. Additional benefits of such connectivity are opportunities for fitness and health, a reduction in automobile traffic and a reduction in carbon emissions. Dublin's bikeway system can be more accurately described as a multipurpose pedestrian way, allowing for walking, jogging, bicycling and inline skating. Providing this system is a key factor in encouraging residents to use alternative means of transportation for local destinations. Linking the neighborhoods, schools and local destinations makes it possible for residents to walk or bike rather than rely totally on automobiles. The bikeway system also gives residents a convenient means of visiting much of the City park system that might otherwise be unknown to them. Existing Conditions Dublin has 88 miles of bike paths, which are used by all ages and demographics. Residents overwhelmingly praise the system: In the 2006 Community Satisfaction Survey, 87.3 percent of those responding gave the system excellent or good ratings. Bike paths are a desirable amenity; proximity to them can increase residential property values. As part of a its "healthy community" goal, City Council has directed staff to close bikeway system gaps so residents can reach destination points and easily travel between subdivisions through parks or on the bikeway network. 105 Typically, developers are required to construct bike paths as part of their plan approval. Many remaining gaps exist where development has not yet occurred or because a development predates bike path requirements. In those situations, connectivity gaps can be closed through gif[ing or donating the land to Dublin, or the City can acquire either the land or right - of -way easements on which to construct the pathways. City Council has a budgetary line item dedicated to closing gaps that are not otherwise filled by either road projects or new development. Based on direction from Council, staff prioritizes the gaps to maximize the available funding. Developing bike paths that parallel main roadways is a City standard. The City incorporates bike path development into all new road construction projects, but Dublin's bikeway system goes beyond roadways. Bike paths run through most developed City parks, greenways and open spaces. Other public paths are accepted into the system for maintenance purposes but exist on lands owned by various homeowners associations. Staff meets annually to review the existing and proposed bikeways to update, make corrections, refine the bikeway master plan and determine the next year's development projects. Land Use and Long Range Planning staff uses this plan when working with developers to ensure that all the planned connections occur. Healthy Community and Green Goals One of Council's goals is to encourage residents to adopt healthy lifestyles. One way to achieve this is to provide an integrated park system with an array of diverse natural and scenic environments. The City also wants to develop an environmentally aware community by providing educational opportunities and activities to engage the public in environmentally friendly practices. Providing pedestrian and bicycle access to these spaces and habitats within the park system is integral to achieving these goals. While residents are served by bike paths within the parks and neighborhoods, the corporate citizenry also should be served by the right -of- way paths and paths built within the corporate campus and office areas. This citizen base is currently underserved. The City wants to attract and retain businesses and corporations, and they in turn want to invest in their employees' healthy lifestyles. To do so, the City will review redevelopment plans for partnership 106 opportunities. Creative financing is one way both businesses and the City can meet their goals for quality work environments. New, renovated and redeveloped business areas and corporate campuses are now being reviewed by Land Use and Long Range Planning for their proximity and connectivity to the existing and planned bikeway system; Bicycle Friendly Community Being a pedestrian- and bicycle - friendly community is a charge the City takes seriously. Encouraging non - motorized movement around the City helps residents strengthen and renew their bonds with each other and creates an emotional tie to the community. The City's bikeway system is designed to accommodate people riding bicycles for both recreation and transportation. Recreational riding is facilitated by linking neighborhoods with destination points, parks, schools and shopping districts. Biking as a practical means of transportation is included in the Mid -Ohio Regional Plan Commission's ( MOPRC) Regional Bicycle Transportation Facilities Plan. Their plan designates bike routes not only through Dublin but the greater metropolitan area. Transportation cycling crosses jurisdictions and needs to have oversight by a larger planning body. Dublin is an active MORPC member and cooperates fully with information sharing and planning sessions. Another way to encourage bicycling as a practical means of transportation is to provide bike racks on Central Ohio Transit Authority buses. The COTA and MORPC have prepared a long -range plan that defined the transit needs for Central Ohio. There is a COTA park -and- ride station east of Riverside Drive on Dale Drive, which services Dublin's transit needs into the Columbus area. The City will work with COTA to ensure future stations and buses are bicycling friendly when Dublin's population is large enough to support more bus service. On- street Bike Lanes There is some qualitative evidence that more of the population is looking to bicycles as an effective and necessary form of transportation. One option for expanding the bikeway system is to develop an on- street network of lanes and routes that better facilitate utilitarian cycling. The land use element in the Community Plan calls for transportation corridors to be planned as pedestrianibicycle friendly and be able to 107 support the COTA system, once the population merits mass transit implementation. There are safety issues related to the use of bike lanes and bike routes. While placing bikes closer to vehicles may prove to be more efficient for bikers, it also puts them closer to potential vehicle conflicts. In particular, intersections and on- street parking create areas where drivers may not expect bikers. Drivers in turning vehicles expect to watch for conflicts in front of them and to the left and right, but not approaching from behind. Those in parking vehicles are also not anticipating bikes from the rear and may create similar conflicts and even add the conflict of an open car door. In addition, concerns have been raised that such bike lanes would not serve recreational or casual users and would receive limited overall use. In some locations, where existing conditions limit the ability to construct bikepaths, bike lanes may provide the only viable option. Roadways where bike lanes may be the most beneficial are higher volume through routes such as Emerald Parkway, Frantz Road, Woemer- Temple or Avery Road. These are typically considered major or minor arterials. Bike lanes may also be desirable on roads such as Dublin Road, Riverside Drive, Muirfield Drive, Brand Road and Glick Road. These i roads would present other challenges dealing with a shoulder intersection and, in some cases, high vehicle speeds. Road lanes within subdivisions are designed to maximum widths to promote user friendliness without adding restricted -use lanes or widened shoulders. Bike routes can provide important linkages to destinations or provide connections between existing sections of bike paths/bike lanes. Formalized bike routes are designated using standardizing bike route signage. Currently, there are no such designated routes in Dublin. Streets within subdivisions are at maximum widths to promote user friendliness without adding restricted -use lanes or widened shoulders. Often, these streets are used as bike routes although they are not designated as such. With approval of the 2407 update of the Community Plan, the need for a multi -modal transportation (bicycle, public transportation, pedestrian system) planning study is warranted. By cross - referencing determined land use plans with a comprehensive transportation plan, more effective bikeway plans could be established. Before the completion of such study, the emphasis will remain on completing sections of the bikeway master plan by the continuation of capital funding and by the development process. 108 Staff Training City Council recognized that by providing funds for ongoing training staff will be able to remain cutting edge and progressive in problem - solving techniques. There is a recognized need for a wider may of staff input into planning of a more comprehensive bicycle transportation system. This is currently being achieved by the inclusion of inhouse advocates bringing abetter balance between planners and users. constmetion/maintenance costs and aesthetics. Much of Dublin is on land with very shallow limestone bedrock. The layout and engineering of a City on shallow bedrock has severe limitations that include navigation of sharp ravines and stabilization of exposed rock ledges. The 8 -foot width has allowed the City to develop a more extensive bike path system at a lesser environmental impact. Promoting Bicycling Bicycle facility planning and design techniques are routinely addressed at the American Institute of Certified Planners, American Public Works, American Society of Landscape Architects, and National Park and Recreation Association conferences. All of those conferences are well - attended by staff members from the City's Engineering, Planning, Parks & Open Space and Facilities divisions. Bike Path Design When bike paths were emerging as a Council priority, it was determined that developing a network of trails designed to an 8 -foot width was preferable to standard I0 -foot widths for several reasons, including feasibility for the whole system, associated There are several ways the City can promote bicycling and pedestrian use of the bikeway system. Specific bike month or bike -to -work programs could be developed. The Division of Police currently offers an annual bike rodeo to teach children bicycle safety. The City's website has links to other bicycling events and organizations, as weft as copies of the City's bikeway map. There also is information about how to contact a staff member directly with questions and issues related to the bikeway network. To date, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The City also produces a comprehensive bikeway map, available in both printed version and online distribution viathe. City website. This publication is updated every two years, or 109 as supplies are diminished, whichever comes first. This guide includes all bike paths and parks, as well as recommended scenic bike routes that are color -coded to pavement markings on the paths themselves. Signage Currently, the City does not place signage on bike routes. When the City's bikeway guide was developed, select trails were color -coded to match recommended tours on the map. welcome on City streets, to promote the existence of trail locations throughout the City, and to make local cyclists aware of Dublin's participation in MORPC's Regional Bicycle Transportation Facilities Plan. Data Collection and Analysis The Division of Police collects accident reports throughout the city. They work directly with the Division of Engineering when they spot The City will consider signing the routes in the accident trends that could be directly related to future. Staff also is looking at bike route infrastructure. Data regarding bicycle incidents signage along roadways throughout the City as provide a valuable tool in assessing and a way to make motorists aware that bicycles are evaluating issues that might related to design. cres, issues and Strategies Policy 1: Close gaps in bike path system Issue • Gaps exist throughout the bikeway network. Continue to review and update the bikeway plan annually. Policy 2: Link Dublin system with those of other entities Strategies • Continue to focus on gap closure for increased path connectivity as a budgetary priority. Issue • Trails are not widely linked with the more regional greenway network and other cities' bike path systems. 110 Strategies Develop a better understanding of other entities' bikeway systems. Work with other entities in the planning process to facilitate connectivity between systems. Policy 3: Improve connectivity of commercial developments Issue • Commercial areas, including office parks, are not necessarily well -served by the bikeway system_ Strategies • Plan review of future commercial developments must assure bike paths serve the function of providing access to the site for the general public and that the site itself is well -served internally. Review existing areas for potential linkages and work with property owners to develop plans to address lack of connectivity to the overall City system. Policy 4: Determine desirability of bike lanes Issues • Bike lanes are not in existence as programmed within Dublin. Bike lanes constructed parallel to bike paths might be perceived as wasteful and excessive. In certain places, bike lanes may be the only viable option where construction issues exist. Strategies • Evaluate and discuss merits and limits of bike lanes to determine if changes to existing practices should occur. Attempt to gauge the level of public want, need, and use of bike lanes within the community. Policy 5: Develop signage for bike path system Issue • Current and planned bike routes do not have signage. Strategies • Work with MORPC and surrounding jurisdictions to map out legitimate routes with appropriate signage that will best serve Dublin residents. Develop a program of signage for bike routes within Dublin. 111 Bikeway System BROCK RD I — � m P W POWELL RD 750 POW ELL RD 9 'T J A DR SUMMITVIE � ` 7 5 U [7 Y a J E 3 a O `<� TULLER RD V E TE RO 1 GE ST_ f. SHIER -RINGS RD y — METRO PL Ir D Y, W), A o m o o fR- ' A A �I P E RINGS A S D p CROSSIN , , d r. P - O Z r I 1 ,_ - - x RUN R D �i Bikepath Non - Dublin Bikeways Dublin Parks "N_i Pedestrian Connector Future Bikeways Metropark 0 0.25 o.s Miles Pedestrian Trail i om Chapter 10 �t k 'vokes emotion and spurs dialogue within the community. It creates Character and offers interpretation of the past, present and future. It is a defining component in formulating a sense of place. Public art brings value to the cultural, aesthetic and educational landscape of the community. Art is a catalyst for increasing community pride and prestige; educating residents about the history of the City; providing economic development and revitalization opportunities; and creating an appealing cultural environment. Dublin's Community Art plan provides guidance on how and where public art can create a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and visitors in the built and natural environment. The objective of the Community Art plan is to attain permanent artworks for the enjoyment and education of the community. Recognizing the power of such a catalyst, this plan outlines policies, issues and strategies for increasing the availability of artworks within the community while effectively using resources. Goals of the Community Art plan Dublin's Community Art plan aspires to offer a variety of interpretations to the events in life and of community. This occurs through establishing meaningful goals for public art. In Dublin, public art strives to: Celebrate the history and cultural diversity of the community. Be provocative as it stimulates the senses and mind, evoking contemplation and conversation. 113 • Contribute to the character and landscape of the community. • Be accessible to all residents and visitors. • Support the educational and economic endeavors of the community. • Inspire joy and be uplifting. Dublin's Public Art History Dublin Art Council's Dublin Art in Public Places programTM was first formalized in 1988, after the 1983 incorporation of the Dublin Arts Council. Through a cooperative relationship, the City and Arts Council established the Art in Public Places programTM and sought out artists to create unique works that emphasized Dublin's transformational landscape and use of aplace. This relationship has resulted in the installation of nationally- recognized works, such as the Field of Corn (with Orange Osage Trees) in 1994 by artist Malcolm Cochran. Dublin Arts Council is a major contributor to the arts scene in the City. Through Dublin Arts Council's efforts, the community has come to recognize the value of progressive public art that educates not only about artistic expression, 114 but that also inspires creativity and cultivates an appreciation for art in the everyday world. Dublin Arts Council's role in the community art plan is to be a partner, educator and technical resource in the acquisition, administration and promotion of the City's public art program. This occurs, in part, through the Dublin Art Council's efforts to obtain new works for the City's permanent collection through the Dublin Art in Public Places programTM, assisting in identifying potential artists for commissioned works, acting as a liaison with artists as they learn about Dublin and working with fellow Dublin -based organizations to promote the value of art in the community. Today, the City's collection of public art includes seven major works and numerous smaller pieces, cataloged in a public art inventory database. Displaying Public Art Potential locations for visual artworks are characterized by their accessibility, unique natural and manmade features, intended message, interaction and safety. This may encourage people to visit lesser known areas of the City. These locations may be along highly visible components of the road network, near pedestrian routes with significant use, within V _ L t w parks or inside public buildings. High priority locations include community parks, entrance gateways, Historic Dublin, Central Ohio Innovation Center, major transportation corridors, civic buildings and business parks Existing installations and installation sites are included on the art map (page 121). expression of the design concept; Representation of a broad variety of tastes within the community and the provision of a balanced inventory of works of art to insure a variety of style, design and media throughout the community; and Originality of the artwork. Selection of Public Art To use the powers of art for the best community benefits, works of two- dimension and three - dimension art must weave into the landscape with purpose. As such, the following concepts should be considered when selecting pieces for the City's collection: • Conceptual compatibility of the design with the immediate environment of the site; • Appropriateness of the design to the function of the site; • Compatibility of the design and location with a unified design character or historical character of the site; • Preservation and integration of natural features for the project; • Appropriateness of the materials, textures, colors and design to the Artist Recruitment There are many ways to attract artists to participate in the City's public art program. The most common ways are described in this plan but are not meant to be exclusive to other means of engaging artists in the community. Open call: An open call for artists is the most recognized method of locating artists for an artwork. The open call process requires the City to define the project, goals, potential location(s), budget, eligibility, application process, selection criteria and selection process. The open call is then advertised through established professional groups, such as the Public Art Network Listserv. This process can be structured as either a request for qualifications or a request for proposals. Request for qualifications involve artists submitting their background and biographical information and a request for proposals involves an artist submitting concepts for the 115 artwork_ Depending on the project, either process can be effective. Typically a jury evaluates the qualifications or concepts submitted to determine the most appropriate artist for the specific project. Invitational call: A limited call for artists, or invitation call, makes use of a panel to identify qualified artists for a particular project. Identified artists are sent information about the project and invited to submit letters of interest and concepts for artworks. The panel then selects the concept that best fits the criteria. Pre - qualified registry: A pre - qualified registry allows the City to screen artists based upon predefined criteria before determining the scope of an artwork. These artists remain on the registry for one to two years and often are incorporated into design teams for public improvements. The use of a pre - qualified registry process offers many advantages for City's public art efforts. First, a call for artists is time and money intensive. By establishing aregistry, multiple artists can be identified through one process for future projects. Second, the City maintains an aggressive schedule for design and construction of public improvements. The registry allows artists to be incorporated when the design team is established and offers 116 greater opportunity for the artwork to be an integral part of the project. Third, pre - qualified artists have ample opportunity to familiarize themselves with Dublin, including history, residents and geography that can influence the creative process. Direct commission: From time to time, the City may identify a specific message and medium for an artwork. Under these circumstances, the City may choose to seek out a particular artist that can create the artwork. The City may use the services of a broker to find an appropriate artist. Purchase of existing works: There is an existing inventory of artwork available for purchase throughout the country and abroad. The City may choose to purchase existing pieces based upon the artist or message of the artwork when it falls within guidelines for selection of art in this Plan. Art in Private Development Private development can contribute significantly to the community's landscape by incorporating artwork into site plans and building design. The City encourages private development to make art accessible and available to residents, corporate residents and visitors. This encouragement is mutually beneficial for both the City of Dublin and corporate residents as art incorporation can facilitate economic development and revitalization while contributing to the unique atmosphere already in place around the City. Legal Considerations Dublin is committed to working with artists to find mutually beneficial ways to address legal and design considerations affecting art to ensure the works are promoted in ways that support the artists' vision and meet Community Art Plan goals. The City must balance the assignment of copyright and liability that protects the City's interests with artistic expression. Through a collaborative approach to legal considerations the City may obtain greater appreciation for the rights of artists. The Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990 (VARA) protects the moral rights of visual artists. 'three main rights are covered. This legislation specifically covers visual artworks such as painting, drawing, painting, sculpture and photographic images for exhibition purposes, all signed or have identifying mark of the artist. Rights of attribution: Gives acknowledgement to the artist as the creator of the artwork Rights of disassociation: Prevents the namesake of the artist being linked to artwork they did not create, or to artwork that has been altered since creation that would be harmful to the artist's reputation. Right to integrity: Protects the physical condition of the artworks from instances such as intentional distortion, mutilation, modification, or destruction that could be commissioned works at lower costs and gain a harmful to the artist's reputation. Policies, Issues and Strategies Policy 1: Integrate public art into major public improvements. Issues • Art is an afterthought in many design processes. Public improvements follow a rigorous design and construction schedule and art may be viewed as delaying these improvements. 117 Strategies • Define criteria for what is considered a mayor improvement. Create guidelines about when and how art funding is incorporated into public improvements that align with the annual budget process and allow case -by -case funding decision. Integrate art early into the design of public improvements. Policy 2: Pursue funding from income tax and non- income tax revenue sources. Issue • The community is in conflict on the appropriate level of funding support from income tax revenues that should be earmarked for public art. Strategies • Develop sponsorship and partnership opportunities for corporate residents. Dedicate a greater portion of hotel /motel fund revenues for public art. Policy 3: Establish a consistent practice for determining whether proposed artists and artwork meet selection, siting and donation criteria. Issue Current development code requires many potential public art sites to be reviewed by Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and, if in Historic Dublin, Architectural Review Board. Strategies • Amend the City's zoning code to relieve land use advisory bodies from this responsibility and to provide direction regarding who reviews public art and when it is reviewed. Identify a subcommittee of Dublin Arts Council board or a citizen task force for evaluating proposed administrative practices and make recommendations regarding selection, copyright, maintenance and other public art management practices. Policy 4: The City and the Dublin Arts Council will maintain an ongoing dialogue and opportunities for resident involvement in the City's public art efforts. Issues • The City's art collection lacks promotion and education of works obtained outside of the Dublin Art in Public Places programTM 118 • There are limited means for gathering input from the community. Strategies • Incorporate information about visual artworks into more City publications. • Develop a printed and online catalog of City -owned works. • Work with Dublin Arts Council and Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau to attract visitors and create a docent program. • Encourage residents to interact with artists as they formulate designs. • Hold events that celebrate public art directly. • Celebrate public art indirectly by holding events in existing public art venues. • Spark input by adding an online forum on the City of Dublin's Website for residents and visitors. Policy 5: Adopt standards for maintenance and de- accessioning. Issues • No minimum maintenance standards are incorporated into the selection process. • Art is selected without full knowledge of the necessary maintenance and the resources needed to maintain works as envisioned by the artist. • Some works of art require significant, and unanticipated, upkeep. • Formal maintenance standards are not developed in cooperation with the artist. • There are no established criteria or standards set for the de- accession of an artwork. Strategies • Create minimum maintenance standards for all works of art to aid in the selection of appropriate art. • Work with artists to identify necessary maintenance before acquisition. • Determine criteria and standards for the de- accession of artworks, including but not limited to instances where the City is unable to keep up with excessive or unreasonable maintenance, artworks that are found to be fraudulent /not authentic, or artworks which hold a physical threat to public safety. Policy 6: Loaned or gifted art will compliment the high quality artwork in the City's permanent collection. 119 Issue • There is no structured mechanism to support donation or loan of art to the City's collection Strategy • Create guidelines that establish criteria for evaluating whether gifts or loaned art are of high quality and in line with the goals of public art in the community. Policy 7: The City and the Dublin Arts Council, in partnership with others, have the responsibility to increase the availability of art in the community. Issue • The City's visual art collection should have more variety in media, context and location and have additional works added regularly. Strategies • Support public art through the continued funding provided to the Dublin Arts Council for art acquisition. • Attract private galleries to the Dublin community. • Encourage the Dublin Arts Council to work with area arts organizations, schools and corporate residents to make art available within the public realm. Create opportunities such as an "art trail" that features art from art organizations. Policy 8: The City will encourage the incorporation of art in private developments when the art is within the public realm. Issue • There is no formalized agreement on how to encourage the incorporation of art in private developments, or what kind of role the City wants to take on this issue. Strategies • Create incentives for developers to encourage community art. • Promote the option of public art through a development packet that outlines the options, possibilities, and benefits to art in private development. 120 Art in Public Places - Potential Sites RD W POWELL RD Q �G 3 4 i O a A 3a tiA T U _CY A o� •, cARNO J 1 a �b � P SUMMITVI 1 Jul 257 I� 3 0 ai * *, SHIER -RINGS RD — METRO PL i0 o 9 m LE RD ❑ S K ` o z ❑ 2 D m N Z �- CROSSING a 1 L BLVD - � w I r 33 D O WUN FD Existing Public Artwork C Potential Art Locations Dublin Parks Ga Potential Art Locations Metropark ��MIIes * All potential art locations are subject to review by the City of Dublin. city caraotbe a wuuuuuityifit does uotremembu and reapux is history _ A1tMugh a tagemajoroy ofDubtm ha bem des lopod since Me 1970s, fhererem®uimportaa soar of historic sigmficaucewiMm Me city Marry of Meseaeas aewitku Ddrfiu's parks mdrecreetiorat areas, surd effas must bemade today to preservethese for cutme gemratioas_ this chaptuprosides gudameia ways that aem mditems ofhlstoricimerest cm housed to a lacao, mtertaia audpreserve our hultage_ Goals of Historic Preservation fa DWcfiq the goals of preselsafim of seas arditaus of historic sigmficauce are to C lebmte Me history surd cultural disorsity of Me cmunwity Support the educatioral and cc®omic mdeasors ofMewmmrmity Reserve sigmficaut pans of our cuttaemd horitagefor forme geaemtioas Cmtrlbute to Mechaacor mdla'swpe of Me wmmwoty B e accessible to all resddurts and sisitm Promote tourism Dublin Historical Society A fourolafim for historicpreservafioa ar'pmmotim s:at s or Me Dubliu £iistaical Society,housediu�ehteecher Cotimm Homessadat Col£ mPak 123 a Y A The Dublin Historical Society's mission is to discover, collect and preserve documents and materials relevant to the history of Dublin and the surrounding area. The Society displays these materials at the Fletcher Coffman House and bam, 6559 Emerald Parkway, adjacent to Coffman Park. Further, the Society plays a role in identifying, marking and encouraging preservation of historic sites and buildings in and around Dublin. The Society encourages the study of and an appreciation for Dublin history. The Society's long -term goals include creating a museum to display and archive its holdings and to host meetings and events. The Society also hopes to maintain the Coffman Homestead in perpetuity. In the past, consideration has been given to incorporating such an exhibit space into anew municipal building. That facility is not currently in the City's Capital Improvements Plan. Other locations suggested by the Society include the 1919 Building, the current Dublin Library or at a site within Historic Dublin. It is mutually beneficial for the City to help assure the continued existence and operation of the Society as a significant partner in maintaining Dublin's heritage. Educational and informational resources A tool that may be used to enhance existing educational and informational resources is a kiosk or signage within Dublin parks and historic sites. Such signs should be unobtrusive and meet Dublin aesthetic and design standards, but would allow educational information about Dublin history and heritage to be presented at appropriate locations. Examples of the kinds of areas that might benefit from such signage include the cabin at M.L. "Red" Trabue Park, cemeteries, Indian Run Falls, the Historic District and historically significant buildings. Dublin should continue to work with local school districts to provide historical information about the community as part of the district's curriculum. Preservation of Historically Significant Locations It is of long -term importance for the City to encourage and support the identification and preservation of historically significant sites. The City maintains numerous cemeteries. Many had fallen into disrepair over time, and there 124 ma y be older family cemeteries that have not been identified and preserved. The City has catalogued and recorded information about each known cemetery, including the most comprehensive record available of those interred there. The City is home to many barns, remnants of the area's agricultural history. It is the City's desire to preserve as many as possible and develop parkland around them where practical. Strategies to achieve barn preservation need to include planning, zoning and development standards and acquisition by the City. The spring located near the Scioto River in Historic Dublin should be preserved and memorialized in deference to the role it has played in the selection of this area as the original site for development It is in the City's interest to strive to identify and maintain those structures deemed to be historically significant. Most of these are in the Historic District, and guidelines exist regarding the architectural integrity of the area. However, . there are other sites on land that someday may be developed. These sites should be cataloged and, where practical and of historic value, preserved. Currently, this is one of the missions of the Historical Society. Efforts should be made to expand the number of structures on the National Register of Historic Places. Among the buildings that should be designated and/or maintained as historic sites include the firehouse at 37 West Bridge St., the stone arch bridge over the Scioto River on State Route 161, Dublin Community Church, Dublin Cemetery, Karrer Barn, Taller Barn, Mitchell Barn and locations in the Historic District and on the National Register of Historic Places. Native American History and Heritage Dublin's prehistory and pioneer history are rich with Native American culture. It is in the City's interests to maintain portions of that history for posterity and educational purposes. Significant sites include Indian Run Falls, the Leatherlips burial site and the Holder - Wright Indian Mounds. The City has been able to preserve the first two sites; the eventual fate of the Holder- Wright site remains utndetennined. It is the City's desire that the mound sites be acquired by the City, preserved, protected and used for educational purposes. 125 This might include some restoration and development of a display area for artifacts. Given the nature of this site as a burial ground, plans must be created with sensitivity to Native Americans and to the archeological importance of the property. The adjacent Ferris Cemetery should be included. Bicentennial Celebration The City is in the initial stages of planning its bicentennial celebration for 2010. History certainly will play a significant role in the celebration and could be the catalyst for historic preservation and education initiatives. MEL l.ssues and Strategies Policy 1: Identify and preserve Policy 2: Pursue funding from income historically significant locations and tax and non - income tax revenue items sources. Issue • Areas identified as historically significant should be protected from development or incorporated into development. Strategies • Develop and incorporate planning, zoning and development standards that address historic preservation. • Integrate historically significant areas into the design of public and private improvements. Issue • Preserving historically significant areas often comes with a price tag. Strategies • Seek grant opportunities from organizations, including Dublin's Hotel/Motel Tax Fund that support historic preservation and education. • Dedicate capital funds to preservation efforts. • Develop incentives for preservation by private entities. Offer incentives to developments that preserve historically significant areas. • Work with the Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau and other local organizations to promote Dublin history for economic purposes. 126 T ;\ "F r M Policy 3: Ensure the continued existence and purpose of the Historical Society. Issues Due to the relative recent nature of most of Dublin's development, there is a gap between those who currently share interest in local history and those who will carry the torch for future generations. No adequate facility exists for the storage and display of Dublin Historical Society items. Strategies • Determine an appropriate long -term course of action for storage and display of Dublin Historical Society items. Identify strategies to encourage new membership in the Dublin Historical Society. Policy 4: Establish a centralized location for the Dublin Historical Society to display artifacts and house paperwork Issues • There is not a centralized area for the display and care of artifacts and historic documents. Residents do not have access to historic documents and artifacts. Strategies: • Provide space for display and storage of historic documents and artifacts. Provide catalog and access to historic documents and artifacts for all visitors. Policy 5: Expand historical education efforts. Issue • Local history is not currently an educational priority. Strategies • Continue working with Dublin Schools on curriculum- appropriate information. Create information signage at appropriate locations. Continue and expand promotion of the availability of Dublin's Journey history book. Work with the DCVB, Dublin Historical Society and other organizations to incorporate history into economic development, public art and tourism efforts. 127 • Work with bicentennial planners to ensure historic components to celebration. Policy 6: Adopt standards for historic preservation. Issue • Historically significant areas are not always protected by local ordinance or standards. Strategy • Review zoning and development standards to ensure preservation. 128 1 Chapter 9 rks Maintenance T arks and Open Space is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and — - �-/ accessible park system that meets the demands and diversity of the entire 11 community. This is accomplished through highly trained professional staff, excellent resources and clear direction from management staff and City Council. The City of Dublin. Parks and Open Space Division is responsible for maintaining . more than 1 acres of public land. This land includes natural areas, green ways, cemeteries, rights -of -way, street trees, landscaped areas and athletic fields. All service operations are based out of the City of Dublin Service Center, with the exception of two satellite facilities at Avery Park and Darree Fields. One additional satellite facility is planned for Emerald Fields. The division operates two shifts: a first shift covering seven days a week and a second shift covering five days a week. The division has personnel on -call year - round to handle emergency situations. The division is broadly segregated into three main working. groups: Grounds Maintenance, Forestry and Horticulture. Grounds Maintenance responsibilities include the upkeep of turf, park equipment, ponds, irrigation systems, athletic fields and other grounds- related duties in more than 1 acres of parks, open space, right -of -way and cemeteries. Grounds _ Maintenance also is responsible for operations associated with the Dublin Cemetery, the only active cemetery maintained by the City. Grounds Maintenance has an active role in the support of various special events, snow removal and issues related to the bike path system. 129 Forestry is responsible for implementing the City's street tree program, including the monitoring, . maintenance and inventory of the City's 23,000 street and cemetery trees. In addition, Forestry is responsible for assuring new street trees are of desired species and placed properly. Forestry ensures tree warranty obligations are met and works with developers to address street tree issues in new developments. Forestry also gives the community tree - related education and participates in community events such as Arbor Day. Horticulture is responsible for the health and beauty of the landscaping and trees in more than 100 areas of parks, open space, rights -of- way and gateways and around City buildings. Horticulture is responsible for several wildflower and prairie areas and maintains a wetland and arboretum located in M.L. "Red" Trabue Nature Reserve. Horticulture is responsible for ecological assessments, mainly in wooded areas, which determine plant diversity and overall health of the woodlands. Except for wooded stands,. Horticulture staff has implemented a tree inventory program that provides statistical information relevant to the type, size and health of all landscape trees within the park system areas maintained by the Horticulture team. The Horticulture staff also is heavily involved in Earth Day and its various activities. Horticulture is involved in the eradication and control of invasive plant species, chiefly amur honeysuckle. The team also maintains annuals and perennials in the greenhouse for use in our parks. In the winter Horticulture and Forestry maintain and monitor the sledding hill at Scioto Park and the ice rink in Coffman Park. CIP and Funding As existing parks and recreation facilities continue to age and new facilities are constructed in future park developments, more focus will be on facility upkeep and on -going maintenance and renovation. A comprehensive preventive maintenance program is carried out by the Facilities division, funded as part of the Facilities operating budget. Facilities is a seperate division from Parks & Open Space, but the two groups work in harmony to achieve common goals. Significant maintenance and renovation needs are incorporated into the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP). As part of the CIP process, facilities are evaluated annually and critical maintenance and renovation needs are included in the upcoming year's CIP funding. 130 Projects in 2006 -07 have included: Renovation of the Dublin Community Recreation Center (DCRC) Wee Folk Room and Teen Lounge to provide additional space to accommodate previously identified Wee Folk Room expanded occupancy needs and to increase security. Renovation of the DCRC first floor, which included the replacement of all hallway tiling, redesign of the welcome /front desk system, addition of a privately operated cafe, new office space for managers on duty and the aquatics administrator, new computer lab space, areservation center and furniture to create additional gathering spaces throughout the facility. Retrofit of the competition pool HVAC system to allow for better air circulation within the space. DCRC men's and women's locker rooms. Additional outdoor seating adjacent to the bocce ball court in Coffman Park. Restoration of the barn on South High Street in Historic Dublin. Restoration and placement of the Davis log cabin. New facilities and structures planned for upcoming park developments also are programmed into the five -year CIP. These are designed and built through the oversight of Parks and Open Space, with input from Facilities. During the planning process for neighborhood parks, input is gathered from residents living adjacent to the park or within the subdivision the park would service. This input often helps define the types of facilities and structures included in these neighborhood parks. Renovation of the Coffman Park Stables to accommodate adult programming for arts, crafts and other seasonal programming. 5868 Post Road (Nyrop Property) roof replacement Planned projects in 2008 -2009 include: Replacement of floor tiling in the An additional future impact on the funding and maintenance of our City facilities will be the proj ected renovation of the Chiller facility in 2018. The purchase and construction of the Chiller was a public - private partnership between in the City of Dublin and the Columbus Chill hockey team in 1993. Each year facilities conducts a walk- though of this facility, along with the Washington Township 131 Fire Department, and requires any needed maintenance to be completed to ensure the facility is maintained properly. Numerous special events and park shelter rentals occur throughout the year and impact Facilities operations and staffing levels. As these events and rentals continue to increase in number and size, costs and staffing impacts will need to be considered. Tracking Cost All internal projects, tasks and associated costs are currently tracked through a work order system. In spring 2008, the City will implement a new work order system, City Works, to improve scheduling, tracking and reporting. All work in the parks will be tracked to document costs associated with maintenance activity. Maintenance The overall condition of the park system is generally good to very good. Maintenance and upkeep are at or above community standards. Staff continues to address and improve existing parks through renovation and expansion. Additionally the City has demonstrated a commitment to acquiring additional park land for future use and for protecting natural areas. 132 In addition to facility maintenance and renovation, staff is responsible for the ongoing cleaning of all parks and recreation facilities and structures, including the DCRC, the two outdoor pools, and park shelters and restrooms throughout the park system. As additional parks and recreation facilities are added, these responsibilities grow. As growth creates opportunity, it also creates specific challenges for the City. To help address these challenges the City uses contractual labor when necessary to address specific maintenance needs and to allow staff to focus on primary responsibilities. This has proven to be a cost - effective solution for the City. As maintenance and renovation of Dublin facilities is performed, two overarching priorities are to be maintained: the promotion of sustainable practices throughout the City and historic preservation. Ultimately, sustainable practices should have a positive impact on our environment and result in short- and long -term cost savings, as well as provide significant educational value to our citizens. The goals of historic preservation and renovation are outlined in Chapter 11 and must be at the forefront of all efforts undertaken by staff. Art in Public Places The division is responsible for longevity and safety of City -owned art displays in parks and public spaces. Structures are inspected monthly for such things as vandalism, debris, foundation integrity, and overall safety and condition. Ball Diamonds The Grounds Maintenance staff is committed to providing safe, playable fields by using consistent maintenance techniques. Diamonds are dragged daily during the season, weather permitting. Infields are leveled as needed. Sport associations are responsible for field striping and base installation and removal. Parks staff is responsible for notifying the sports recreation program supervisor from the DCRC if the fields are deemed unplayable due to inclement weather. Bikepaths The Grounds Maintenance staff is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of more than 88 miles of path while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of path users. Bike paths are kept free of vegetation, litter and debris. Paths are formally inspected once a month for any maintenance issues. All minor repairs are handled by the Grounds Maintenance staff, while larger, structural issues are handled by the Engineering division. Ecological Assessments Ecological assessments have been completed in various wooded areas within the City. An assessment is of a series of visits throughout the year of a selected area by a certified ecologist, a professional wetland scientist and/or an environmental scientist or botanist. The evaluation helps to better understand the diversity of the plants and trees in a discrete area. Identification and location of invasive species are included in the invasive plant management plan, currently being developed. This is repeated every 5 to 7 years to better understand changes to a particular environment and try to assess the causes of those changes. Encroachment on Public Lands Grounds Maintenance staff performs an annual inspection of encroachment for all City -owned property. Any issues found at that time are forwarded to Code Enforcement for resolution. Fences and Rock Walls The Grounds Maintenance staff is maintains all park and open space fences. An inspection of all fencing and walls is completed annually, with repairs made on an as- needed basis. Greenhouse The Horticulture staff uses a greenhouse to grow annuals and perennials from plugs and 133 bare root for use in landscape beds in City parks. The greenhouse also is used to over - winter tropical plans and tender perennials for use year after year. By growing the smaller plant material in the greenhouse, the Horticulture staff can control the quality of the plants and schedule the growth so plants are ready for scheduled planting. Staff also can grow hard -to -find plants not normally available in local nurseries. These plants give the parks a sense of distinctiveness. Hard / Soft Courts Parks and Open Space is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all hard and soft courts. Hard courts consist of tennis, basketball and tetherball courts. Soft courts consist of volleyball and bocce ball courts. All courts are kept free of debris and vandalism. Nets are in good condition and set to the proper playing height. All courts are inspected weekly as weather permits. Invasive Plant Species The City is in the early stages of developing and implementing an invasive plant management program. This will be used to evaluate and control the spread of invasive plant species while preserving existing native plants. The plan will focus on the least - compromised areas first to prevent invasive species from gaining ground, and then move to the next - lowest volume site. This program will help staff manage parkland for biodiversity, protect high - quality natural areas and improve degraded areas. Irrigation The division is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all City -owned and operated irrigation systems. All backflow systems are tested and certified each year in the spring by independent contractors. In spring and fall, all irrigation systems are inspected for needed repairs and adjustments. Repairs are made to each system on an as- needed basis. Lightning Detection System The primary purpose of the lighting detection system is to notify the public of potential lightning strikes during severe weather. The Grounds Maintenance staff is responsible for the testing and maintenance of the system, which is at the Dublin Justice Center. The system is programmed to operate from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week from March 15 to Nov. 10. Audible warning sirens are at Avery Park and Darree Fields, with the addition of Emerald Fields in 2008. The alarm system is triggered when a cloud -to- ground lighting strike occurs within a 10 -25 mile radius of the Justice Center. The system is tested monthly 134 1 ' starting in February, and every second Tuesday of each month from March through November. Park Furniture Park furniture includes bleachers, benches, picnic tables, trash cans and bike racks. All park furniture is inventoried and inspected annually. The division's goal is to ensure furniture is in a safe, usable condition at all times. Vandalism removal and routine repairs are done on an as- needed basis. Park Inspections Formal park inspections are performed quarterly throughout the park system to ensure safety and address maintenance concerns. Crew supervisors are responsible for the completion of these inspections and issues are addressed accordingly. Park Landscaping Maintaining the health and beauty of park landscaping is the responsibility of the Horticulture staff. Park landscaping includes the installation, maintenance and renewal of landscaped areas with City parkland. Park Lighting The Grounds Maintenance staff is responsible for ensuring all lighting on ball diamonds, basketball courts and tennis courts is operational. Lights are inspected annually to ensure proper function and safety. All field and court lamps are replaced on a rotating schedule to ensure the maximum bulb life with no drastic reduction in overall lumens. Additionally, the Grounds Maintenance staff oversees landscape lighting, fountain lighting, bikepath lighting and park feature lighting and perfomis regular monthly inspections. Park Tree Inventory The park tree inventory is all current and accurate information on the diversity and health of trees in the parks and open spaces owned and operated by the City. There are more than 16,000 trees inventoried. The Horticulture staff installs and maintains all existing park trees. The trees are evaluated and inventoried on athree -year rotation. The information gathered on each tree includes the location (utilizing a GPS handheld unit), family, genus and species diameter at breast height (dbh); height; general health, including any disease; any recommended maintenance; and root zone constriction. Memorial trees are noted with all applicable data The data gathered is used to effectively manage Dublin's tree population. 135 Parking Lots All City -owned parking lots are inspected annually to address maintenance needs. Minor repairs, as well as preventive and routine maintenance, are handled in -house by the Grounds Maintenance staff. Parking lots are routinely checked for debris, trash, leaves and such. Major repairs and renovations are identified and reported to the Engineering division for consideration in future budget cycles. Playgrounds The Grounds Maintenance staff maintains 36 playgrounds in the City. Parks and Open Space's goal is to provide safe, fun and accessible structures for public use. All playground designs and contracted installations meet or exceed the standards of the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Standard F1487, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Guideline Handbook for Public Playground Safety. Playground equipment inspections are completed on a seasonal basis, weather permitting. Parks staff members who are Certified Playground Safety Inspectors complete all inspections. All maintenance and repairs are done according to ASTM, CPSC, and/or manufacturer's guidelines. 136 Ponds The Grounds Maintenance staff maintains all City -owned ponds. Staff should strive to minimize the use of algaecides and herbicides and evaluate current maintenance practices as outlined in Chapter 7. Recreational Amenities Dublin Skate Park in Coffman Park— Staff maintains and ensures safety of the skate park area. Inspections are done daily, weather permitting, to ensure the park is free of any dangerous conditions that may prohibit safe skating. Ballantrae Water Park — The Grounds Maintenance staff is responsible for the day -to- day operation of the water park, which runs from April thru October. Miracle League Ball Diamond in Darree Fields — This playground is fully accessible to all children. The custom - designed venue incorporates a cushioned synthetic surface with base paths, bases, batter's box, pitcher's mound and home plate painted on the surface. This design eliminates barriers for children who are visually impaired, wheelchair- or walker - restricted, or who use any type of mobility - assistance device. Miracle Playground in Darree Fields — The universally accessible playground is adjacent to the Miracle League Field and was designed specifically for children with mobility challenges and other special needs. The playground promotes social interaction between children with special needs and typically developing children. Snow and Ice Control The Grounds Maintenance staff provides timely snow and ice control on City parking lots, sidewalks and selected bike paths. As conditions warrant, Parks staff serves as a primary back -up for the Streets and Utilities Division. When this occurs it can affect the timeliness and priorities of Parks and Open Space. Areas are cleared within the City on a priority basis. City parking lots are the primary responsibility, followed by sidewalks and bikepaths. Only bikepaths deemed to be primary points of ingress and egress to Dublin school buildings will be cleared. These sidewalks are determined by the school district served. Once all priority work has been completed Parks and Open Space will clear parking lots and other commonly used bikepaths. Special Events The Grounds Maintenance staff is deeply involved in providing logistical support to the majority of the special events held throughout the year, as well as support for many internal programs and functions. TYash and Lifter Removal The Grounds Maintenance staff is responsible for trash and litter control for all City parks, City buildings, open spaces and rights -of -way. Trash and litter collection occurs daily throughout the city. Tbrf Maintenance The Grounds Maintenance staff strives to maintain all turf areas to standards appropriate to desired use. High visibility areas such as median strips, City -owned buildings and community parks shall have weed -free varieties of desirable turf. Athletic fields shall have a continuous, comprehensive turf maintenance and renovation schedule designed to provide a high quality of turf and a safe playing environment. Low visibility; non - programmed turf will be maintained to a lesser acceptable standard, determined by the use of the turf All City -owned park land is inspected once yearly to ensure safe and healthy turf. Daring this inspection the turf condition is noted, along with any evidence of weed or disease infestation. Once complete, a plan for 137 corrective action is compiled and implemented if conditions warrant. Application of herbicides and pesticides shall be completed as part of an integrated pest - management policy. Damage to plant material or excessive weed populations must be evident before turf chemical applications, with the exception of athletic fields. When damage to plant material or excessive weed populations is evident, the least- dangerous chemical designed to control the problem shall be used. All applications shall be made according to label instructions and state. regulations. Broadleaf weed control is applied where necessary to control weeds in the turf. Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance All vehicle and equipment maintenance is handled by the fleet work unit. Minor tasks such as mower maintenance and small equipment repairs are handled by the division internally. Water Features / Fountains / Aerators The Grounds Maintenance staff maintains all City -owned aerators, fountains and water features. Routine maintenance is performed on all 40 aerators to ensure the longest life cycle possible. The majority of the aerators run year - round, weather permitting. The Grounds Maintenance staff also maintains the Muirfield /Glick Road fountain and the Brighton Commons reflecting pool and fountain. These fountains require daily maintenance to ensure water quality and proper function. Er s Issues and Strategies Policy 1: The division is responsible for longevity and safety of City -owned art displays in parks and public spaces. Issue • Art in Public Places has been subject to vandalism and theft. Public art has become damaged or is in premature need of repair due to design issues. Strategies • Staff has been instructed to file a police report any time vandalism occurs. This information can be used by the Division of Police to compile reports and statistics to be passed along to patrol officers. • Any graffiti is removed within 24 hours to deter additional vandalism. 138 ' y 1 IKY Parks and Recreation staff should have the opportunity to provide input in project design review and location selection. Given this opportunity staff could offer alternatives to reduce the artworks' exposure to vandalism or identify potential maintenance issues with the design while ensuring the art fits in with programmed uses of the space. Policy 2: Bike path maintenance begins with the Grounds Maintenance staff inspecting the condition of the bike path system. The inspection is reviewed by Parks staff and forwarded to the Assistant City Engineer. Minor repairs and maintenance are completed by the Grounds Maintenance staff. Issue • There is often confusion which division (Engineering /Parks) is responsible for specific repairs to the bike path system. Communication between divisions must be improved. Policy 3: The City of Dublin will not allow encroachment of private property onto City -owned parkland or open space. Issue • Park encroachment investigations and inspections are done on a complaint and report basis, rather than on a regular basis. Inspections are not completed in a timely manner due to higher priority work. Strategies • Parks and Open Space will perform an annual inspection of encroachment for all City -owned property. Complaint- initiated inspections are handled as they are received. Staff will verify the complaint and issue the occupant of the property a letter of findings is an encroachment is discovered. Once the letter has been issued, the occupant has 14 days to comply with removal of the infraction. Staff will reinspect the property after the 14 -day period. If the infraction is still present the issue Strategy • Representatives of both divisions should meet routinely to review and update progress on repairs, maintenance issues and inspection findings. will be turned over to Code Enforcement for resolution. Annual inspections must be considered a priority. Specific timelines will be established to ensure the inspections are completed. Staff 139 a will be assigned to the project until completion_ Assigned staff will be responsible for following up with Code Enforcement, which will submit a report of findings after completion of the inspection. Policy 4: Dublin takes pride in and is recognized for providing quality athletic fields. Issues • Parks and athletic fields are being over - scheduled during sports tournaments. Several issues exist, including lack of adequate parking, lack of enforcement of fire lane infractions, park restrooms being unable to handle tournament volumes and fields that experience excessive wear and tear. This quality causes increases in demand and potential overuse, which degrades field quality. Strategies • Recreation Services has implemented a Sports Tournament Committee as part of the centralized reservation program. The committee is directly supervised by Recreation Services staff. The committee meets regularly with Park and Facilities staff to address specific athletic field and tournament issues. Plans are to have greater involvement with the planning and supervising of sports tournaments to ensure the best outcome for the tournaments and the City. Work with event organizers and promoters to establish a level of reasonable use. Use the centralized reservation system to schedule field rest and renovation time. Curtail any attempts to expand field use for additional tournament, league expansion and new sports providers. Policy 5: The City is committed to maintaining healthy, self - sustaining ponds with minimal chemical usage and environmentally sound practices. Issues • Identifying specific City -owned ponds, open spaces and park land to be managed in a more "natural' state. Strategies • Establish native aquatic plants and no -mow barriers around ponds to allow for naturally filtering vegetation and grasses to grow. 140 These measures would allow for improved water quality, a reduction in soil erosion and an unfavorable environment for nuisance waterfowl. Include a public education component as part of a revised management plan to explain the rational and expected desirable outcomes. Policy 6: Grounds Maintenance staff is responsible for day -to -day operation of the Ballantrae water park, which runs from April thru October. A maintenance vault containing electronics, pumps, injectors and such to operate and control the water feature is in the hill. By design, the vault is considered a "confined space," which means only trained, qualified staff may enter. Grounds Maintenance staff provides trained staff that are responsible for maintenance and repairs of the feature and vault. Issues • Parks and Open Space will have trained staff to monitor and correct water quality issues at the Ballantrae water feature during the week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Typical times of high usage (such as after 4 p.m. during the week and on weekends) the water goes unmonitored. As with the Dublin Community Pools, water quality must be monitored to ensure proper chlorine and pH levels. Consistent daily monitoring will help protect visitors from recreational water illnesses without restricting access and enjoyment of the water feature. Strategies • It is recommended that water quality management be overseen by the pool staff on a daily basis in conjunction with the pool operations. All testing and treatments can be made outside the vault in the splash area by trained pool staff. Parks and Open Space will continue all vault and maintenance duties. This will ensure the water park meets or exceeds all acceptable water quality standards at all times and have used the right staff for the given task. Policy 7: Parks and Open Space is committed to the City's initiative for environmentally sound practices that reduce waste and decrease biodiversity. Issues The Grounds Maintenance staff strives to make a concerted effort to 141 identify and purchase, when feasible, products that are "green" or made from/containing recycled materials. Staff recognizes the need to implement aviable waste recycling program in the City parks. Strategies • Continue to perform research and networking to identify and use environmentally green products for use in the parks system, Examples are using recycled tires in playground surfacing and recycled materials in park benches, as well as testing more environmentally friendly fertilizers and broadleaf weed control products. Staff will be testing the performance of organic fertilizers vs. conventional fertilizers starting in spring 2008. Staff is in the process of implementing a pilot recycling program in the parks. The initial plan is to implement this on a small scale in one of the community parks, such as Avery Park or Darree Fields, then evaluate and refine the program. Several years ago the Grounds Maintenance staff provided recycling containers in select parks, but had minimal success due to issues with trash being placed in the containers. Currently, staff is identifying the type of receptacle that would be best suited for park use. Policy 8: Creation of natural areas would reduce or eliminate the need for turf chemicals in specified areas, reducing the need for routine mowing, resulting in lower emissions and creating buffer areas for native wildlife. Issue • Excessive chemical treatment for manicured landscapes could result in decreased biodiversity. Strategies • Identify areas within parks, open spaces and rights -of -way to be allowed to return to a more natural state or converted into native prairies. • Create natural buffers within parklands, open space and rights -of- way. 142 C per 11 3 Action Plan B ased upon the breakdown of the 12 chapters, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan have devised a strategic action plan based on the recommendations. . . Demographics Policy: Parks and Recreation should be aware of the choices people tend to make for services and provide a variety of options. Factors that will be considered are income, gender and age. Issues • There is research that concludes leisure activities are selected, in part, based on a person's educational achievements and corresponding higher income earning power. • Activities that are attractive to those with more earning power include golf, travel for pleasure, membership in high -end health clubs and private lessons for various skills. • There are some trends that differentiate female from male users of parks and recreation services. • Parks and recreation preferences can be relative to a citizen's age group. Strategies • Offer services that are priced for those who do not earn a lot of money, but also provide options priced for those who can afford to spend more on services that are important to them. 143 sue: For planning purposes, be knowledgeable about gender preferences related to Parks and Recreation services. For planning purposes, analyze the preferences by citizens relative to their age group. Chapter 3 rganizational Analysis Policy 1: The Parks and Open Space and Recreation Services divisions will work collectively in full pursuit of their mission and goals. Issue • There is a need for better organizational structure and communications that integrate the resources of Parks and Open Space with Recreation Services divisions. Strategies • Ensure that recreation programming needs are considered during new park development processes. Ensure coordination between recreational programming and maintenance in relation to sports fields and other park facilities. Ensure unified direction to benefit both divisions by providing a common vision and integrate the divisions' resources in their pursuit of full implementation of Council goals. Policy 2: The City's provision of recreation facilities and services are provided for general recreation and will benefit large segments of the population. The private sector or special interest groups may be accommodated where possible with existing available resources; however, the City will not typically be responsible for providing facilities and services for limited, competitive, private or other alternative types of activities. Residents, corporate citizens and visitors are welcome to enjoy the benefits offered by recreating in an attractive setting at all public parks and facilities. General public access to specific amenities and /or sites may be restricted due to special events, structured programs or permitted activities approved by the City. Issues • There are perceptions among various groups in the community that it is the City's responsibility to expand its offerings to accommodate additional levels of service. i '►�. Strategies • Identify instances where the City believes these perceptions exist and create a formal partnership policy to manage expectations of the City and its customers. This should include: • Criteria used to determine the need to create a partnership • A formal annual review of the partnership agreement The annual review ensures issues are addressed on a timely basis and that all parties are aware of anything that detracts from the continuity of the agreement, such as new leadership, etc. • Detailed expectations of both parties • Quantified contributions of both parties • Language to ensure City commitments of resources to other parties is minimized Policy 3: As the park system ages and new trends appear, the City must be prepared to abandon an asset, replace it with an alternate design or renovate it. Issues • There are no formal guidelines to address renovation or abandonment. • Emphasis on renovation is alower priority than new development. Strategies • Develop a more formalized process to analyze existing parks and amenities to ensure the design and offerings meet the needs of its users. • Adopt a guideline to address those instances when renovation or abandonment should be considered. Policy 4: The City will develop and implement performance measures for the divisions. Issue • There is a lack of a formalized performance measures for Parks and Open Space and Recreation Services. Strategies • Implement a more formalized process for performance measurement. • Evaluate the potential implementation of the International City /County Management Association's (ICMA) Comparative Performance Measurement Program, which has significant measurement indicators for both divisions. 145 Utilize data collected using Cityworks to enable staff to better understand current resource use and to project future budgetary needs. Policy 5: Operating budgets that have multiple functions sharing the same revenue or expense account number should be fashioned in a manner that clearly differentiates one functional area from another. Issue • Currently, within Parks and Open Space, the City street tree program and right -of -way land maintenance share common line items with parks - related areas. Within the Recreation Services budget, primary programs or service areas share revenue and expense account numbers. Strategy • To better reflect what the main functional areas entail, including yearly changes in dollar amounts, the clear separation of these areas within the budget documents is warranted. Assign individual project indicators or codes to individual functions that share the same account number for the purpose of tracking each line item. Parks & Natural Resources Inventory Policy 1: The increasing city development footprint and associated growth in population will further the need to maintain the high availability of future parkland. It is important in any park system to establish which types of park(s) will fulfill the specific needs of the community. Issues Potential land acquisitions need to be assessed in order to maintain the current quantity and quality of parkland. Certain parks are more regional in scale and draw from the entire service area, while others service a very small neighborhood unit with select facilities. An understanding needs to be developed about how each park contributes individually and collectively to the overall needs of the community. Strategy • A comprehensive park inventory was undertaken by the City to provide a Fef.1 .v `_i ' �+ N. I compilation of park statistics and photos, as well as a digital database to be used by Parks and Open Space, Recreation Services, Land Use and Long Range Planning and GIS (Geographical Information Services) staffs to catalog park amenities, service requests and budget allocations. Continue conducting community assessments to identify the specific needs of the community and fully understand how the current inventory of parks is accommodating those needs. Recreation Strategies • Specify unified standards to ensure unified branding incorporation in promotional pieces. • Create a separate marketing budget, outlining objectives and timeline. • Develop detailed marketing strategies related to program area objectives. • Broaden the promotion scope from program - specific messaging to the benefits of active involvement in recreation programs. • Brand Recreation Services as the source for leisure experiences with outcomes that address social, individual and economic benefits. Policy 1: A division -wide marketing plan will be developed to will be in line with philosophies, resource allocation, marketing - related policies and procedures and strategies for individual program areas and services. Issue • The division must develop consistent management practices that outline strategies on various administrative levels to be more proactive in managing services. • Consider marketing materials in multiple languages to better serve the community. • Develop evaluation tools to measure marketing success. Policy 2: The division must design and administer comprehensive evaluative processes to chart success related to community expectations, division - wide goals, program area objectives and individual program success. 147 _ T i Issue • There is no formal and universal process to establish and measure specific standards accountability. Strategies • Deliver two separate, consistent evaluation procedures for every program, service and activity: participant -based evaluation and administration -based evaluation. These two evaluation procedures provide a comprehensive analysis: Participant -based evaluation is designed to gather information representing the thoughts, opinions andfeelings of participants regarding the program, service, activity and facility. Administration -based evaluation is designed to analyze the logistics, finances, goals, strategies and philosophies of services provided. Policy 3: Customer satisfaction benchmarking will judge the "worth" of existing services and support informed decision - making. Issue • Customer satisfaction benchmarking methods need to be developed. Strategies • Use specific evaluation criteria derived from mission statement and program goals. Develop universal data collection systems for all programs and services to provide relevant analysis information. Implement individual annual program reports to include outputs, financial accountability, participation numbers and other historical records relevant to the evaluation criteria used. Policy 4: Identifying and prioritizing the specific recreational needs of the community will position the division to develop effective plans to address key future decisions. Issues The declining levels of physical space and increase in demand make it necessary to identify the current baseline of community needs. General or informal agreements, primarily with Dublin City Schools, change from year to year and relationships have to be built with each school independently. As the City continues to overlap and venture into resource sharing with multiple school districts, the ability to justify and manage the variable fee structures will become exceedingly difficult. and should be specific to the individual need for specific programs or activities. Over time, multiple formal agreements will be necessary to sustain the various relationships and uses. Existing pricing practices do not have a universal or formalized method to determine overhead costs. Strategies • Develop a list of philosophical statements on community values to establish priorities as related to services rendered, population served and degree of resource allocation. Conduct a comprehensive survey specific to community parks and recreation needs. Use the results to prioritize, plan and identify any major commitments such as future land acquisition, additional facilities creation, other capital improvement projects, staffing levels, potential partnerships, programs and services. Develop formalized joint -use agreements between the City and the relevant school districts regarding the rights and responsibilities of each party as it relates to use and maintenance of every property site. These agreements should be a general understanding of shared resources Consolidate the existing fee structure to include a two -tiered residency fee structure of "residents" and "nonresidents." With the assistance of the Finance Department, create a universal method to determine anticipated overhead (indirect) costs before implementing aprogram or service. It is recommended that a predetermined percentage rate be applied to direct costs as part of determining program fees and recovery expectations. Further adjustments should follow the annual cost study analysis. E MM quisition Policy 1: The City will strive to meet the public's expectations for park land acquisition. Issues Previous land acquisition practices have served the City well, but with most of the readily available lands gone, a more evolved land acquisition program needs to be developed. Desired parkland does not become available within a determined priority basis. City funds are not necessarily available when the opportunity arises for a given land acquisition. Strategies • Specific land masses need to be identified and pursued based upon criteria set forth in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, before development occurs. Maintain positive relationships with other political entities with the intent of partnering for the purchase of mutually beneficial land parcels. Policy 2: Within the next 10 years, all existing parkland programmed for recreational sports will be fully constructed. The City may need to consider land acquisitions that lend themselves to sport complex development to meet demand associated with recreational sports. Issue • Land that fills a specific need may not always be available as the City reaches the limits of its development. Strategies • Monitor growth of youth sport organizations and project potential land needs before reaching critical overcrowding of existing facilities. Use resident surveys to measure unmet community needs. Monitor excessive wear of existing facilities as an indication of overuse and popularity. r al Resource gement Policy 1: Ensure the continued health of waterways 150 m _ Issue • There is a perception that the rivers, streams and creeks within the City limits are degrading. Strategies • Develop a water quality monitoring program. • Introduce stream bank stabilization plants. • Introduce buffer areas. public lands in Dublin. The information in those assessments is being used for development purposes only. They are not being used as plant community management tools. Strategies • Develop aformalized plant community management plan, goals and action plan. • Use inventory information when setting priorities. • Develop a formal plan or program for periodic monitoring of waterways to detect point and non -point source pollution, using staff trained in water quality monitoring. Only by locating the degrading areas can Dublin determine what the root cause is and develop a corrective action strategy. • Implement a riparian buffer action plan after areas are identified that need immediate attention because they are either high quality and need preservation or are in a state of rapid degradation. Policy 2: Develop a formalized plant community management plan Issues • Numerous floristic /ecological assessments have been generated for • Distribute all of the information, management plan, goals and action plan throughout the City and archive information on the network. Policy 3: Protect and create access to stream corridors on private land Issues • Many stream corridors exist on private property and therefore fall under limited public protection and control. • Connectivity via trails has been a long - standing City goal. Strategies • Attempt to gain public access (easements) to allow for additional connectivity where stream corridors 151 t are on private land situated between public land sections. • Work with private land owners to encourage wise management practices that protect and enhance the stream corridors area. Policy 4: Protect vernal pools Issue • Vernal pools in wet woods are the rarest form of wetland. Wet woodlots are scattered around the City. Both publicly and privately owned vernal pools are threatened by degradation, encroachment and development. Strategies • Prioritize the acquisition and management of vernal pools. • Continue educating the public on the presence and importance of vernal pools. • Develop goals, inventories, assessments and action plans for preserving and protecting vernal pools. Policy 5: Develop tactics that encourage healthy pond ecosystems Issues • Excessive fertilizer run -off from surrounding properties adds to excessive pond weed and algae growth. • Most ponds are not currently designed to accommodate wetland plants and are planted with mowed - type turf up to the pond edge. • Most Dublin ponds accommodate expanding geese populations and allow soil erosion, lessening the ability to improve water quality. • Large amounts of vegetative growth in ponds are often deemed undesirable by the community. • Ponds are perceived by residents as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Strategies • Develop a policy emphasizing pond edge buffers. • Work with developers to use native plants in the buffer areas. • Educate the public about the benefits of buffers, native plants and storm water basins in general. • Stop mowing and fertilizing pond buffer areas. • Budget to replant the pond edges with native forbs, grasses, shrubs and trees. Amend the practice of striving for weed - and algae -free water on all ponds during all months of the year. Take into consideration the pond surroundings, recognizing that a more formal setting may call for more weed and algae control. Increase efforts to educate community, staff and leadership. Allow future developments greater use of dry and/or wetland basins for storm water retention and quality. These areas, if properly designed and constructed, will not require the use of chemicals and provide sanctuary for various wildlife and desirable insects. These basins can be aesthetically pleasing. Evaluate and prioritize the renovation of dry detention basins within the park system. Based upon the need, dry basins should be scheduled for improvements for aesthetic upgrades while ensuring the functionality and capacity are preserved. Manage existing wet ponds within the park system more from the perspective of encouragement of desirable vegetation than the exclusion of most vegetation. This includes both plants within the water and the plantings around the ponds. Encourage residents to use only the level of turf chemicals required, not the level sometimes prescribed by the turf industry. Need -based chemical application minimizes the excessive amounts of chemical runoff that makes its way into ponds and stream corridors. This encouragement can take place through public education efforts that include the ramifications of excessive use of chemicals as well as the potential cost savings that could be experienced by the residents. Use a combination of pond aerators and adequate plant management to prevent the conditions necessary for mosquito larvae development. Routinely monitor ponds for mosquito larvae and, if excessive larvae are found, treat the water with an EPA- approved larvacide. Policy 6: Develop and implement an effective woodlot management plan Issues Dublin's woodlots are currently undermanaged. Management plans are necessary to keep the City woodlots healthy. The resulting undermanagement is permitting woodlot degradation. If no management activity takes place, grapevines and honeysuckle could choke the woodlots, causing trees to decline in health. Other native plant communities, wildlife, water quality and the public in general will all be adversely affected if the degradation is allowed to persist. The more drastic manmade disturbances are the farther back in the successional stage woodlots become and the more resources will be required to create specific habitats. The closer developed areas are to woodlots, the greater the chances that trees might become a hazard to property and people. Strategies • Develop a woodlot management action plan overseen by experienced, knowledgeable professionals. This plan would begin with goal setting, then performance of an inventory of tree species and invasive species and calculation of regeneration rates using a timber assessment survey. Perform woodland assessments to determine stage of succession and develop an effective management plan. Thin out overstocked woodlots to allow younger, stronger trees to thrive and regenerate. 154 Leave trunks and other natural materials that provide shelter and food for animals. Increase biodiversity by manipulating successional stages to achieve a specialized habitat for each woodlot. Leave varying tree "snag" diameters and heights for perching birds and other wildlife. If just stubs are left, mainly woodpeckers will roost and benefit. Policy 7: Develop prairies and meadows while protecting endangered, threatened, potentially threatened and vulnerable species Issue • "there are very few prairies and meadows within the City limits. Strategies • Develop a policy encouraging the planting of prairies and letting turf areas revert to meadows. Educate the public about the benefits of no -mow areas and prairies. Perform floristic assessments every 5 to 7 years in pre - identified areas (woodlots, grasslands, prairies, meadows, ecotones) to help identify species richness and determine whether or not parkland is losing some of its endangered, threatened and potentially threatened plants. Between the 5- to 7 -year rotations each area will be placed on a detailed management plan drawn up specifically for that area. Prevent and control invasive plants that could overrun the area_ For vulnerable species, continual monitoring for human intrusion is necessary. If human intrusion of a harmful nature has been discovered, take corrective steps, which may include installing physical barriers such as fences, bike trails and paths to prevent foot traffic. Provide informative signage to educate the public and help the public respect these rare plants. Avoid changing the surrounding area as a result of these corrective steps. Once arare species is identified, strict monitoring will be initiated, such as ensuring the plant is still there at least once per season. Policy 8: Develop an invasive management plan Issue • Invasive plants and animals can be a threat to naturally occurring species. Strategies • Inventory parks and woodlots to be included in eradication program. Use the inventory list and past professional ecological assessments to help develop and implement a plan of target areas and determine prioritization. Predetermine objectives and desired outcome. Identify invasives to control and assess control techniques to be used to achieve desired outcome. Determine the best method of evaluating and monitoring for long- term outcome. The success should be reviewed and techniques modified as needed. Identify the labor pool, including volunteers and contractual services. Policy 9: Incorporate native plants into landscape design Issues Using native plants is not always practical in a formal landscape bed. 155 The aesthetics of landscape design are subj ective. Strategies • Balance various viewpoints regarding the benefits and aesthetics of using native plants in landscaping design. In natural areas, such as buffers and stream corridors, native plants should be the preferred choice. In formal landscape beds native plant material will be used when deemed appropriate. In areas designated for development, volunteers groups such as the Plant Salvage Team can help salvage native and rare plants. Efforts should be made to transfer the plants to either landscape beds or natural areas on public lands. Trained personnel must be involved in this effort, due to their understanding of individual plants' needs. Continue educational activities, including the Earth Week activities that focus on native plantings and working with school and volunteer groups to help plant areas. Encourage preservation and restoration of existing native plant associations and formation of new communities, which includes improving areas in which native plants have deteriorated due to development or former farming practices. Improve and supplement existing buffer areas. Rescue forbs and woody plant material from developing areas. Follow landscaping practices that encourage and develop habitat diversity, provide erosion control, and protect endangered and potentially endangered species as identified by ODNR. Policy 10: Perform ongoing tree inventory Issues • There currently are more than 14,000 trees in the City's park inventory. Maintaining and growing an effective inventory is time consuming and has budget ramifications. Strategies • Perform ongoing tree inventory activities using GPS and GIS system. Assure that adequate numbers of staff are trained to perform all aspects of tree inventory. 156 • Use resulting data to develop effective tree management practices. Policy 11: The City cannot control wildlife's natural movements and will only respond to dangerous or life - threatening situations on private land. Issues • Animal movement sometimes causes discomfort for private land owners. • Seasonal animal movement can at times pose danger to humans. Strategies • Continue to provide natural corridors such as stream, river or tree lines for daily and seasonal animal movement when feasible. • The Division of Police will respond to emergency (life /death situations) calls pertaining to wild animals (e.g., a deer /vehicle incident). • Manage and maintain wildlife habitat on City property, allowing for best land and wildlife management practices. • Educate the public on limitations of what can be controlled. Policy 12: The City of Dublin will apply scientific knowledge and technical skills to protect, conserve, limit and enhance all wildlife on public land when deemed necessary by the Director of Parks and Open Space, following state and federal regulations Issues • Private landowners bordering public lands sometimes lack education about wildlife. • Homeowners may be unaware of animals' natural habitats. • Wildlife populations can cause damage. • Overpopulation can cause decline of habitat. Strategies • Monitor populations and movement of animals through sightings, studies and ecological assessments, when feasible. • Educate residents living adjacent to public lands on ways of coexisting with wildlife, when necessary. • Wildlife damage, such as deer rubs, woodchuck holes or rabbit browse will be assessed and relevant action taken when needed. 157 • Work with wildlife agencies to manage injured or sick animals on public property. Policy 13: Feral cats will be treated as wildlife within the City of Dublin Issues • Feral cat populations are present within City limits. • Feral cats are a non - indigenous species to North America. • Feral cat populations affect wildlife species such as amphibians, reptiles, small rodent and birds. • The City of Dublin does not have an ordinance against feeding feral cats. • Currently no agency will deal with sick or injured feral cats on public land. Strategies • Treat feral cats like other wildlife is treated per state and federal regulations. • Include feral cats in all wildlife policies and contracts, implementing a plan to deal with sick or injured cats on public property only. • Create an ordinance against feeding feral cats, thus discouraging congregating groups. • Encourage any person within City limits to capture feral cats to spay /neuter and re- release at their own expense. Policy 14: Deer populations, their impact on public land and traffic safety will be monitored yearly with any necessary action taken Issues • Whitetail deer populations are higher than state recommended (15 per square mile) in many areas. • High deer densities reduce plant diversity in natural areas on public lands. • High deer densities pose a threat to traffic safety. • Deer cause damage to park and street trees each year, resulting in additional cost. • Deer populations have the potential to double every two years. Strategies • Consider implementing whitetail deer population studies. • Assess parks for deer damage on a rotating basis. 158 I � a • Record all damage done by deer in the park system and street trees with monetary totals reported yearly. • Record and analyze all deer /vehicle incidents, working closely with Division of Police to implement education program. Policy 15: Canada Geese will be managed on public property Issues • Canada geese typically nest where they learn to fly, causing numbers to multiply quickly. Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. • Consider planting grasses other than Kentucky blue grass around wetlands. • Promote landscaping changes that include tall vegetation, including naturalized and formal plantings, as Canada geese will not cross high structures during molt. • Encourage developers to adopt landscape plans that deter Canada geese. • Remove pond aerators during colder months when feasible. • Landscaping around many of the ponds within the City of Dublin promote Canada geese. • Kentucky blue grass is a primary food source for Canada geese. • Large numbers of Canada geese promote disease. • Large amounts of Canada geese manure cause turf damage and water degradation. Strategies • Apply for yearly egg addling permits and file all additional and proper paperwork, including yearly goose complaint report with Ohio • Deter geese with contractual dog services, pyrotechnics and other scare tactics, when feasible. Policy 16: Community education will include best practices for living with wildlife and allow residents to live amicably with the natural environment, resolving nuisance animal concerns Issues • Some residents have unfounded concerns about wildlife due to lack of understanding. • Species overpopulation can affect public and private land. FU01 Homeowners unknowingly provide habitat and food for wildlife. Strategies • Provide educational opportunities and factual information through Web pages, brochures and links to other organizations through the City of Dublin Web site. When resident /wildlife conflicts arise, respond promptly through e -mail, phone and mailings. Nature Education Coordinator will maintain statistics and licensing, upholding all state and federal laws. Policy 17: Manmade structures benefiting wildlife will be established and maintained when feasible. Issues • Decrease in specific types of habitat such as vernal pools and standing snags have caused decline in beneficial wildlife such as insect- eating tree swallows and eastern bluebirds. Human involvement has altered landscapes, causing decline in certain species. Many animals have daily and seasonal migration routes. Strategies • Install and maintain bluebird trails within parks and green spaces. • Use volunteers when feasible to plant, install and maintain structures such as bluebird trails. • Maintain dead trees unless they pose threat to human traffic. • When dead trees must be cut, vary heights so some dead standing wood remains. • Review ecological assessments and natural features before development, allowing for natural structures such as vernal pools and standing snags to remain. Allow some stands of woods to remain undeveloped, without trails. Allow for movement of wild animals by providing or maintaining natural corridors when feasible. Policy 18: Land management, restoration and maintenance will occur whenever feasible to promote proper /healthy ecosystems and therefore wildlife populations; ecological assessments will be used to determine overall health of areas, along with partnerships and resources of outside organizations 160 Issues • Currently, no formalized management plan exists for natural areas. Ecological assessments are currently underused for management plans. Issues: Allowing for change and improvement for habitat and diversity benefits not only wildlife but also adds to quality of life for residents of Dublin. Strategies Habitat can be broken into four parts: • Partner with outside organizations food, water, shelter and space. When such as Ohio Department of Natural all parts blend together, wildlife not Resources to develop management only survives, it thrives. Remove any plans for all appropriate natural areas. one of the four and wildlife must Use City staff with past experience in woodlot maintenance to determine management plans. Continue to acquire stream corridors, establishing buffer zones along streams and the Scioto River when possible. Promote plantings around ponds, retention basins, detention basins and throughout parks containing native plants that are beneficial to wildlife. Policy 19: Manage and maintain parks to ensure wildlife diversity, allowing for change and improvement for habitat and diversity in a way that benefits not only wildlife but also adds to quality of life for Dublin residents travel to find the missing component. Strategies: • Perform ecological assessments as soon as possible for all new parklands where warranted. Assess all current parklands for potential improvements and create new habitat in woodlots, along boundaries and buffer zones. Add native plants and forbs (including brambles and berries) to parklands and along existing wildlife pathways, where appropriate, to increase density, improve cover and provide food sources and browse. Add native plants, trees and shrubs along stream banks and ponds to prevent erosion and improve cover for wildlife. 161 Acquire lands that provide links between existing fragmented areas. Create and maintain wildlife corridors that allow for free and safe passage between fragmented woodlots, parklands and open areas. Establish a plan for invasive management and follow guidelines for eradication; re- establish native plant communities from buffer zones, corridors and woodlots. Create new or expand existing habitats by allowing dead and dying trees to remain as long as hazardous situations are not an issue; create and maintain hollow trees and logs for nesting and feeding. Add trees and other native plant communities that produce edible nuts, berries, seeds and fruits recognized by native fauna. Add stumps, rock piles and large branches to prairies and wetlands to increase wildlife diversity and visual interest. Policy 20: Establish wetlands, where warranted and beneficial, as part of a comprehensive open space management plan Issues • Many areas that previously were wetlands have disappeared or been damaged due to development. A lack of wetland areas impacts the entire ecosystem, diminishes the land's natural ability to eliminate pollutants and promotes flooding and erosion. Strategy • Develop wetland management and creation plans for areas where appropriate, following the guidelines spelled out elsewhere in this chapter. Policy 21: Provide environmental education through all possible venues, including DTV, local papers, City of Dublin web site, Dublin Life Magazine, DCRC events, Dublin schools and local groups; partner with other government or local agencies to provide proper information, promoting city parks and wildlife. Issues Many residents are unfamiliar with City services, including services for sick or injured animals on public land, phone assistance for nuisance animals, and deer vehicle accidents. 162 J)ai Residents are unfamiliar with local flora and fauna and sometimes have questions about co- exi stance. Strategies • Use all venues for education listed above, focusing on State of Ohio educational standards, common wildlife issues and concerns. • Partner with other government and local agencies to provide proper information and updated laws concerning wildlife. • Continually monitor possible venues and be proactive in educational efforts. • Provide education on seasonal topics concerning residents, such as deer- vehicle accidents. Policy 22: Records of nuisance wildlife and movement of any animal known to pose a threat within city limits will be kept and analyzed. Information concerning animal overpopulation will be monitored and analyzed, including but not limited to deer and Canada geese. Wildlife control, including Canada geese, nuisance animals on public land, deer /vehicle incidents and any animal thought to pose concern will be monitored and dealt with according to local, state and federal laws. Issues • Disease can spread through overpopulation and both natural and unlawful movement of animals through areas. • Overpopulation can have ill effects on overall health of land. • Loss of plant diversity and overall health of an area can result from overpopulation. • Human - animal conflicts can increase with overpopulation or animal movement. • Current land management practices entail areas with very suitable needs for Canada goose nesting. Strategies • Commission floristic /ecological assessments on at least a 5- to 7 -year rotation of all significant, applicable parkland (consider in -house assessments). Monitor floristic /ecological assessments for loss of diversity within assessed areas. Acquire yearly records of all deer /vehicle incidents and locate areas of more frequent incidents. F1.1*1 • Educate residents /staff during times of probable wildlife incidents. • Obtain and upkeep licensing required by the federal and state agencies for wildlife issues. • Work with wildlife agencies to manage injured or sick animals on public property. • Implement policy to reduce open pond edges where grass is mowed to water edge; instead adding buffer area to improve water quality and provide habitat for more diverse wildlife. • Resolve resident concerns in a timely manner with proper information. • Explore possible solutions to wildlife issues that might already exist within other organizations. Policy 24: Promote standards that allow for best land- management practices regarding landscaping Issues • Loss of plant and animal diversity is threatened by the movement and planting of non - native species. • Water quality and aquatic diversity is Policy 23: Maintain relationships with affected by invasive species. local, state and federal organizations to best provide residents with proper Migratory species are affected by loss scientific wildlife information of diversity. Issues Native fauna cannot use and are • Residents' concerns arise when media unfamiliar with many non - native releases information, whether the plants. information is accurate or not. • Residents' concerns will be addressed in a timely manner with accurate information. Strategies • Monitor current scientific research to provide new information on best practices in dealing with wildlife issues. Strategies • Implement management plans for all non - landscaped areas within city limits allowing for maximum diversity. • Implement plan for removal of non- native invasive species and utilize an on -going volunteer plan for removal, when practical. a a • Monitor floristic assessments for loss of diversity within assessed areas due to invasive species. • Educate residents and employees about non-native invasive species. • Utilize volunteers for management programs such as bluebird trails, invasive species removal, plant salvaging and plant installation. benefits of land restoration and management. • Restore riparian and buffer zones along waterways to stabilize banks, improve water quality and provide habitat. • Restore habitat such as wetlands, woods and grasslands whenever feasible, improving diversity. • Implement ordinances prohibiting the installation of any plant on the State of Ohio's invasive plant list. • Promote native plantings and install educational gardens providing examples for residents. • Use plant salvaging, implemented by volunteers, from areas slated for development to diversify areas cleared of invasive species • Implement ordinances prohibiting the installation of any plant on the State of Ohio's invasive plant list. Policy 25: Promote policy to restore or improve land adjacent to waterways • Promote native plantings and install educational gardens providing examples for residents. Issues Much of the green space was developed without water quality and diversification of flora and fauna in mind. Old practices of mowing to water edges do little to promote proper use by wildlife, stabilize banks along water ways improve water quality. Strategies • Educate residents /employees on the r and Development Policy 1: Ensure park designers consider long -term costs, maintenance Issues Initial park designs don't necessarily take into account maintenance needs. • Developers' plans for park development are not always created with long -term costs or total community interests in mind. Strategies • Park design, whether done by developers or the City of Dublin, must be reviewed with the long -term cost of maintenance. The financial commitments required for upkeep of public land mass should be known prior to development. • Maintenance and functionality of park land must be given equal weight to aesthetics when evaluating development plans. • Designs that create disproportional maintenance costs should be altered before implementation. Policy 2: Incorporate long -term financial considerations into park planning Issue • As parks develop and as land is acquired, operating budgets must keep pace with the additional areas of responsibility. Strategies • Convert selected areas of existing turf grass to a more naturalized environment and track any resulting cost savings to better prepare future budgets. Develop operating impact statements for all future park developments to give Council more information on projected maintenance and other costs before the decision- making process. Work during the design process to offset future financial needs. For example, creating more natural areas reduces budgetary needs while providing benefits to the natural environment. Policy 3: Balance wants with needs in park design Issues • Community scale and intelligent park design can get lost during the process of soliciting public input about park development. Individual neighborhoods' desired elements may not be in the best interest of the overall community. • Certain amenities desirable from an environmental or City perspective (e.g., meadows and prairies) may not be considered desirable by residents. 166 Strategies • Take leadership in the park planning process, balancing neighborhood/resident desires with community needs. Support and apply philosophies and strategies in the Community Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and Council goals when developing parks and open space. Educate staff to inform the public on the importance of good planning and environmental stewardship. Policy 4: Seek to understand the needs of potential partners in order to develop mutually beneficial partnership relationships Issue • Untapped partnership opportunities could exist to facilitate park development. Strategies • Gain an understanding of the goals and visions of agencies, corporations and organizations where partnership experiences can be developed that will be mutually advantageous. Continue existing partnerships to extend land, amenities, facilities and recreational programming to the public. Policy 5: Balance park design between Recreation Services and Parks and Open Space needs Issue • Park planning and development is based in Parks and Open Space, and does not necessarily take Recreation Services' needs, capabilities and opportunities into full consideration. Strategy • Explore organizational opportunities that make the results of park development a shared vision of the two divisions. Bikeway and Pedestrian Linkage M6� Policy 1: Close gaps in bike path system Issue • Gaps exist in the bikeway network. 167' Strategies • Continue to focus on gap closure for increased path connectivity as a budgetary priority. • Continue to review and update the bikeway plan annually. Policy 2: Link Dublin system with those of other entities Issue • Trails are not widely linked with the more regional greenway network and other cities' bike path systems. Strategies • Develop a better understanding of other entities' bikeway systems. • Work with other entities in the planning process to facilitate connectivity between systems. Policy 3: Improve connectivity of commercial developments Issue • Commercial areas, including office parks, are not necessarily well -served by the bikeway system. Strategies • Plan review of future commercial developments must assure bike paths serve the function of providing access to the site for the general public and that the site itself is well - served internally. • Review existing areas for potential linkages and work with property owners to develop plans to address lack of connectivity to the overall City system. Policy 4: Determine desirability of bike lanes Issues • Bike lanes are not in existence as programmed within Dublin. • Bike lanes constructed parallel to bike paths might be perceived as wasteful and excessive. • In certain places, bike lanes may be the only viable option where construction issues exist. Strategies • Evaluate and discuss the merits and limitations of bike lanes to determine if changes to existing practices should occur. ',: • Attempt to gauge the level of public want, need, and use of bike lanes within the community. Policy 5: Develop signage for bike path system Issue • Current and planned bike routes do not have signage. Strategies • Work with MORPC and surrounding jurisdictions to map out legitimate routes with appropriate signage that will best serve Dublin residents. • Develop a program of signage for bike routes within Dublin. Chapter 1 Community Art Policy 1: Integrate public art into major public improvements. Issues • Art is an afterthought in many design processes. • Public improvements follow a rigorous design and construction schedule and art may be viewed as delaying these improvements. Strategies • Define criteria for what is considered a major improvement. • Create guidelines about when and how art funding is incorporated into public improvements that align with the annual budget process and allow case -by -case funding decision. • Integrate art early into the design of public improvements. Policy 2: Pursue funding from income tax and non- income tax revenue sources. Issue • The community is in conflict on the appropriate level of funding support from income tax revenues that should be earmarked for public art. Strategies • Develop sponsorship and partnership opportunities for corporate residents. • Dedicate a greater portion of hotet/motel fund revenues for public art. FM] Policy 3: Establish a consistent practice for determining whether proposed artists and artwork meet selection, siting, and donation criteria. Issue • Current development code requires many potential public art sites to be reviewed by Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and, if in Historic Dublin, Architectural Review Board. Strategies • Amend the City's zoning code to relieve land use advisory bodies from this responsibility and to provide direction regarding who reviews public art and when it is reviewed. • Identify a subcommittee of Dublin Arts Council board or a citizen task force for evaluating proposed administrative practices and make recommendations regarding selection, copyright, maintenance and other public art management practices. Policy 4: The City and the Dublin Arts Council will maintain an ongoing dialogue and opportunities for resident involvement in the City's public art efforts. Issues • The City's Art Collection lacks promotion and education of works obtained outside of the Dublin Art in Public Places programTM • There are limited means for gathering input from the community. Strategies • Incorporate information about visual artworks into more City publications. • Develop a printed and online catalog of City -owned works. • Work with Dublin Arts Council and Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau to attract visitors and create a docent program. • Encourage residents to interact with artists as they formulate designs. • Hold events directly celebrating public art. • Celebrate public art indirectly with events at existing art venues. • Spark input by adding an online forum on the City of Dublin's Website for residents and visitors. Policy 5: Adopt standards for maintenance and de- accessioning. Wil Issues • No minimum maintenance standards are incorporated into the selection process. • Art is selected without full knowledge of the necessary maintenance and the resources needed to maintain works as envisioned by the artist. • Some works of art require significant, and unanticipated, upkeep. • Formal maintenance standards are not developed in cooperation with the artist. • There are no established criteria or standards set for the de- accession of an artwork. Strategies • Create minimum maintenance standards for all works of art to aid in the selection of appropriate art. • Work with artists to identify necessary maintenance before acquisition. • Determine criteria and standards for the de- accession of artworks, including but not limited to instances where the City is unable to keep up with excessive or unreasonable maintenance, artworks that are found to be fraudulent /not authentic, or artworks which hold a physical threat to public safety. Policy 6: Loaned or gifted art will compliment the high quality artwork in the City's permanent collection. Issue • There is no structured mechanism to support donation or loan of art to the City's collection Strategy • Create guidelines that establish criteria for evaluating whether gifts or loaned art are of high quality and in line with the goals of public art in the community. Policy 7: The City and the Dublin Arts Council, in partnership with others, have the responsibility to increase the availability of art in the community. Issue • The City's visual art collection should have more variety in media, context, and location and have additional works added regularly. 171 Strategies • Support public art through the continued funding provided to the Dublin Arts Council for art acquisition. • Attract private galleries to the Dublin community. • Encourage the Dublin Arts Council to work with area arts organizations, schools and corporate residents to make art available within the public realm. Create opportunities such as an `art trail' that features art from art organizations. Policy 8: The City will encourage the incorporation of art in private developments when the art is within the public realm. Issue • There is no formalized agreement on how to encourage the incorporation of art in private developments, or what kind of role the City wants to take on this issue. Strategies • Create incentives for developers to encourage community art. 172 • Promote the option of public art through a development packet that outlines the options, possibilities, and benefits to art in private development. Me ME I Historical Culture Policy 1: Identify and preserve historically significant locations and items Issue • Areas identified as historically significant should be protected from development or incorporated into development. Strategies • Develop and incorporate planning, zoning and development standards that address historic preservation. • Integrate historically significant areas into the design of public and private improvements. • Offer incentives to developments that preserve historically significant areas. Policy 2: Pursue funding from income tax and non- income tax revenue sources. Issue • Preserving historically significant areas often comes with a price tag. Strategies • Seek grant opportunities from organizations, including Dublin's Hotet/Motel Tax Fund that support historic preservation and education. • Dedicate capital funds to preservation. • Develop incentives for preservation by private entities. • Work with the Dublin Convention and Visitors Bureau and other local organizations to promote Dublin history for economic purposes. Strategies • Determine an appropriate long -term course of action for storage and display of DHS items. • Identify strategies to encourage new membership in the DHS. Policy 4: Establish a centralized location for the Dublin Historical Society to display artifacts and house paperwork Issues • There is not a centralized area for the display and care of artifacts and historic documents. • Residents do not have access to historic documents and artifacts. Policy 3: Ensure the continued existence and purpose of the Historical Society. Issues • Due to the relative recent nature of most of Dublin's development, there is a gap between those who currently share interest in local history and those who will carry the torch for future generations. Strategies: • Provide space for display and storage of historic documents and artifacts. • Provide catalog and access to historic documents and artifacts for all visitors. Policy 5: Expand historical education efforts. • No adequate facility exists for the storage and display of DHS items. Issue • Local history is not currently an educational priority. 173 Strategies • Continue working with Dublin Schools on curriculum- appropriate information. • Create information signage at appropriate locations. • Continue and expand promotion of the availability of Dublin's Journey history book. • Work with the DCVB, DHS and other organizations to incorporate history into economic development, public art and tourism efforts. • Work with bicentennial planners to ensure historic components to celebration. Policy 6: Adopt standards for historic preservation. Issue • Historically significant areas are not always protected by local ordinance or standards. Strategy • Review zoning and development standards to ensure preservation. r kMaintenance Policy 1: The division is responsible for longevity and safety of City -owned art displays in parks and public spaces. Issue • Art in Public Places has been subject to vandalism and theft. Public art has become damaged or is in premature need of repair due to design issues. Strategies • Staff has been instructed to file a police report any time vandalism occurs. This information can be used by the Division of Police to compile reports and statistics to be passed along to patrol officers. Any graffiti is removed within 24 hours to deter additional vandalism. Parks and Recreation staff should have the opportunity to provide input in project design review and location selection. Given this opportunity staff could offer alternatives to reduce the artworks' exposure to vandalism or identify potential maintenance issues with the design while ensuring the art fits in with programmed uses of the space. Policy 2: Bike path maintenance begins with the Grounds Maintenance staff inspect the condition of the bike path system. The inspection is reviewed by Parks staff and forwarded to the Assistant City Engineer. Minor repairs and maintenance are completed by the Grounds Maintenance staff. Issue • There is often confusion on which division (Engineering/Parks) is responsible for specific repairs to the bike path system. Communication between the divisions must be improved. Strategy • Representatives of both divisions should meet routinely to review and update progress on repairs, maintenance issues and inspection findings. Policy 3: The City of Dublin will not allow encroachment of private property onto City -owned parkland or open space. Issue • Park encroachment investigations and inspections are done on a complaint and report basis, rather than on a regular basis. Inspections are not completed in a timely manner due to higher priority work. Strategies • Parks and Open Space will perform an annual inspection of encroachment for all City -owned property. Complaint - initiated inspections are handled as they are received. Staff will verify the complaint and issue the occupant of the property a letter of findings is an encroachment is discovered. Once the letter has been issued, the occupant has 14 days to comply with removal of the infraction. Staff will reinspect the property after the 14 -day period. If the infraction is still present the issue will be turned over to Code Enforcement for resolution. Annual inspections must be considered a priority. Specific timelines will be established to ensure the inspections are completed. Staff will be assigned to the project until completion. Assigned staff will be responsible for following up with Code Enforcement, which will submit a report of findings after completion of the inspection. <3 � { rx. Policy 4: Dublin takes pride in and is recognized for providing quality athletic fields. Issues • Parks and athletic fields are being over - scheduled during sports tournaments. Several issues exist, including lack of adequate parking, lack of enforcement of fire lane infractions, park restrooms being unable to handle tournament volumes, and fields that experience excessive wear and tear. This quality causes increases in demand and potential overuse, which degrades field quality. Strategies • Recreation Services has implemented a Sports Tournament Committee as part of the centralized reservation program. The committee is supervised by Recreation Services staff and meets regularly with Park and Facilities staff to address specific athletic field and tournament issues. Plans are to have greater involvement with the planning and supervising of sports tournaments to ensure the best outcome for the tournaments and the City. Work with event organizers and promoters to establish a level of reasonable use. Use the centralized reservation system to schedule field rest and renovation time. Curtail any attempts to expand field use for additional tournament, league expansion and new sports providers. Policy 5: The City is committed to maintaining healthy, self - sustaining ponds with minimal chemical usage and environmentally sound practices. Issues Identifying specific City -owned ponds, open spaces and park land to be managed in a more "natural' state. Strategies • Establish native aquatic plants and no -mow barriers around ponds to allow for naturally filtering vegetation and grasses to grow. These measures would allow for improved water quality, a reduction in soil erosion, and an unfavorable environment for nuisance waterfowl. Include a public education component to explain the rational and expected desirable outcomes as part of a revised management plan. 176 Policy 6: The Grounds Maintenance staff is responsible for the day -to -day operation of the Ballantrae water park, which runs from April thru October. Located in the "hill" is a maintenance vault containing electronics, pumps, injectors and such to operate and control the water feature. By design, the vault area is considered a "confined space," which means only trained, qualified staff may enter. The Grounds Maintenance staff provides trained staff that are responsible for maintenance and repairs of the feature and vault. Issues Parks and Open Space will have trained staff to monitor and correct water quality issues at the Ballantrae water feature during the week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Typical times of high usage (such as after 4 p.m. during the week and on weekends) the water goes unmonitored. As with the Dublin Community Pools, water quality must be monitored to ensure proper chlorine and pH levels. Consistent daily monitoring will help protect visitors from recreational water illnesses without restricting access and enjoyment of the water feature. Strategies • It is recommended that water quality management be overseen by the pool staff on a daily basis in conjunction with the pool operations. All testing and treatments can be made outside the vault in the splash area by trained pool staff. Parks and Open Space will continue all vault and maintenance duties. This will ensure the water park meets or exceeds all acceptable water quality standards at all times and have used the right staff for the given task. Policy 7: Parks and Open Space is committed to the City's initiative for environmentally sound practices that reduce waste and decrease biodiversity. Issues The Grounds Maintenance staff strives to make a concerted effort to identify and purchase, when feasible, products that are "green" or made from/containing recycled materials. Staff recognizes the need to implement a viable waste recycling program in the City parks. 177 Strategies • Continue to perform research and networking to identify and use environmentally green products for use in the parks system. Examples are using recycled tires in playground surfacing and recycled materials in park benches, as well as testing more environmentally friendly fertilizers and broadleaf weed control products. Staff will be testing the performance of organic fertilizers vs. conventional fertilizers starting in spring 2008. Staff is in the process of implementing a pilot recycling program in the parks. The initial plan is to implement this on a small scale in one of the community parks, such as Avery Park or Darree Fields, then evaluate and refine the program. Several years ago the Grounds Maintenance staff provided recycling containers in select parks, but had minimal success due to issues with trash being placed in the containers. Currently, staff is identifying the type of receptacle that would be best suited for park use. Policy 8: Creation of natural areas would reduce or eliminate the need for turf chemicals in specified areas, reducing the need for routine mowing, 178 resulting in lower emissions and creating buffer areas for native wildlife. Issues • Excessive chemical treatment for manicured landscapes could result in decreased biodiversity. Strategies • Identify areas within parks, open spaces and rights -of -way to be allowed to return to a more natural state or converted into native prairies. Create natural buffers within parklands, open space and rights -of- way. Chapter 14 T e following terms are used throughout this master plan. Associations: a plant community unit Best wildlife and land management practices: any policy or procedure the City of Dublin has to ensure natural areas and parklands are managed properly with care given to overall health of the natural community. Bike paths: a bikeway physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the highway right -of -way or within an independent right -of -way. The right -of -way paths run parallel to streets and replace a typical pedestrian sidewalk. Outside the right -of -way, bike paths traverse public parks, greenways and open spaces. Bike paths typically have an eight foot minimum width. Bike lanes: a portion of a roadway which has been designated by striping, signing and pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists. Bike routes: a roadway designated by signage to indicate its appropriateness for bicycle travel, usually with no other bicycle - related improvements. Bikeways: any road, path, or way in which some manner is specifically designated as being open to bicycle travel, regardless of whether such facilities are designated for the exclusive use of bicycles or are to be shared with other transportation modes. 1, 179 1, - W s' JC 4- Bluebird trail: a set of boxes placed in close proximity, providing artificial hollows for cavity nesting birds Buffer: an area surrounding a sensitive habitat such as a wetland, which lessens or absorbs the shock of an impact Community: agroup of plants and animals in a specific region living under relatively similar conditions; also the region or habitat in which these plants live Community art: Physical works of two - dimension and three-dimension art visible from the public realm, including those works that may be privately owned and installed on private property. Community parks: larger parks that serve the entire community by supporting organized community activities that would not be conducive to neighborhood settings and/or that preserve and protect natural areas. These parks also couldbe essentially undeveloped, such as larger tracts of woods and prairies. Corridor: a natural pathway that allows for the movement of animals Deciduous: not persistent, falling off at the end of functional period, as petals of many Deer rub: an area where a male deer has abraded with antlers or forehead on a small tree Ecological assessment . the calculation of relationships between organisms and their environment; the study of the effects of civilization on the environment, with a view toward prevention or reversal through conservation Ecotone: where two different vegetation or community types meet Endangered species: a species in danger of becoming extinct within a portion or all of its range Environmental education: refers to learning centered on the natural world and its functions. Evergreen: a plant whose foliage remains green and functional for more than one growing season Feral cat. a cat living in wild conditions without human contact and rarely able to be socialized with humans Floristic assessment: the inventory of herbaceous and woody pant material both native and exotic as well as invasive species. flowers or leaves of trees Forb: any herbaceous plant other than a grass, MM tree, or shrub, e.g. wildflowers Greenway: a linear open space or natural area typically adjacent to a watercourse. Bike paths, open space and park developments may punctuate the corridor. Habitat: an area in which a species lives Herbaceous: non -woody vegetation, e.g. grass or forbs Historically significant: a geographic location, artifact, building, or physically unique area that has educational, entertainment or other value of historical relevance. These may or may not be unique in nature, but are worthy of preservation for current and future generations to enjoy and appreciate. They include things that shed light on who we were in the past, what we valued as a people, and how we became the community we are today. Invasive species: any animal or plant not indigenous to a region; a species that fakes the place of native species and has negative effects on our economy, environment and health, Karst landscape: areas with prominent sinkholes caused by water erosion of the limestone bedrock, they are precursors of cave formations Landscape: the aspect or formation of the land characteristic of a particular area or region Mulch: a protective covering of various substances, especially organic, placed around plants to prevent evaporation of moisture and freezing of roots and to control weeds Nature education: defined as promoting the natural world, including natural features, flora and fauna. Neighborhood park: the most basic kind of park, housing both active and passive recreational activities and planned with surrounding neighborhood needs in mind. Non - native species: any animal or plant not indigenous to a bioregion Open space: public land masses serving as aesthetic enhancements to the community at large or significant natural resources that are set aside for preservation. Open space is often a linear space that acts as a visual and physical buffer area and links neighborhoods, thus allowing residents and visitors to socialize and strengthen community bonds. These areas are not typically conducive to organized activities, but may provide space for recreational programming. 0.111 Permanent wetlands: pond or water features retaining water throughout the year Plant salvaging: the practice of removing plants from undeveloped areas slated for development Plant transplanting: transfer of plants from one area to another Potentially threatened (rare species): species with small populations or few sites that are not at present threatened, but may become at risk without protection Public art: Physical works of tw- dimension and trhee- dimension art visible to the general public in an outdoor location or publicly accessibly area of a civic building. Public realm: Includes building facades, parks, public open spaces and streets that provide for unrestricted physical or visual access to the general public. Regional parks: metropolitan park systems operate independently from both state and local governmental agencies. The Franklin County Metro Parks is this area's regional park system. Riparian zone: a transitional area between flowing water and land covered by terrestrial vegetation that provides a continuous exchange 182 of nutrients and woody debris between land and water Snags: a standing dead or decaying tree, important for providing nesting, and feeding sites for wildlife; a partially or completely dead tree missing branches Stand: an area composed of trees that are similar in type, or age, or size Succession: a process in which one habitat or community type changes into a different stage over time Threatened species: species which are likely to become endangered in the near future over most of its range Universally accessible: accessibility that goes beyond the Americans With Disabilities Act to include children and adults with moderate to severe disabilities by removing as many barriers as possible Vernal pool: temporary wetlands that typically dry completely at some point throughout ayear Vulnerable species: species which are likely to become endangered in the near future if the (causal) agents of their decline are not reduced or removed Weed: a plant considered undesirable, unattractive, or troublesome; a plant growing where it is not desired Wildlife: refers to any non domesticated animal Wildlife issues: concerns that arise within the general public when dealing with non - domestic animals living around their homes. Woodlot a tract of forest Work of art: any work of visual art, and may include elements incorporated into the landscaping or integrated into public improvements such as benches or gateways. . -t. Chapter 5 A; Pendix T he following pages contain the following maps and supporting documentation Map 1: Environmental summary in undeveloped lands Map 2: Park inventory reference map and listing Park features grid Development Capabilities and Constraints Assessment Parks inventory 185 ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY IN UNDEVELOPED LANDS Dublin, Ohio ID Park Type NAME 75 Open Space Park Mill Open Space 1 Open Space Kiwanis Riverway Park 76 Open Space Park Place Open Space "A" 2 Open Space Cramers Crossing Open Space "G" 77 Open Space Lowell Trace Open Space 3 Open Space Cramers Crossing Open Space "C" 78 Community Park Ballantrae Park 4 Open Space Cramers Crossing Open Space "B" 79 Neighborhood Park Llewellyn Farms South Park 5 Open Space Cramers Crossing Open Space "H" 80 Open Space Waterford Woods Open Space 6 Open Space Wyandotte Woods Open Space "C" 81 Neighborhood Park Smiley Park 7 Open Space Dublin Spring Open Space North 82 Open Space Summitview Open Space 8 Community Park Dublin Community Pool South 83 Open Space Sheffield Place Open Space 9 Open Space Wyandotte Woods Open Space "B" 84 Open Space Wellington Open Space 10 Community Park Indian Run Falls Park 85 Neighborhood Park Westbury Park 11 Neighborhood Park Delmore Park 86 Community Park Scottish Corners Park 12 Open Space Wyndham Village Open Space 87 Community Park Coffman Park 13 Neighborhood Park Wellington Park 88 Open Space Hutchins Open Space 14 Neighborhood Park Sandy Comers. Park 89 Open Space Scottish Corners Woods Open Space 15 Community Park Avery Park 90 Neighborhood Park Indian Run Meadows Park 16 Open Space Dublin Spring Open Space South 91 Open Space Kamer Barn 17 Community Park Ambereigh Community Park 92 Community Park Balgriffin Park 18 Neighborhood Park Bristol Commons Park 93 Neighborhood Park Woods of Indian Run 19 Neighborhood Park Stonefeld Park 94 Open Space Cramer Run Open Space 20 Neighborhood Park Campden Lakes Park 95 Open Space Wolpert Open Space 21 Neighborhood Park Martin Commons Park 96 Neighborhood Park Glendavon Park 22 Neighborhood Park Hawk's Nest Park 97 Neighborhood Park Vandeleur Park 23 Open Space Lombard Open Space 98 Neighborhood Park Kendall Ridge Park 24 Community Park ML "Red" Trabue Nature Reserve 99 Open Space Woemer - Temple Open Space A 25 Neighborhood Park Monterey Park 100 Open Space Earlsford Open Space 26 Open Space Shier - Rings. Open Space 101 Neighborhood Park Park Place Park 27 Neighborhood Park Heather Glen North Park 102 Open Space Tartan West Open Space "F" 28 Open Space Gorden Farms Open Space 103 Open Space Tartan West Open Space "E" 29 Neighborhood Park Sycamore Ridge Park 104 Open Space Tartan West Open Space "H" 30 Neighborhood Park Ambereigh Park 105 Open Space Tartan West Open Space "B" 31 Neighborhood Park Shannon Glen Park 106 Open Space Tartan West Open Space "A" 32 Community Park Emerald Fields 107 Open Space Tartan West Open Space "M" 33 Open Space Brandon Open Space 108 Open Space Tartan West Open Space "J" 34 Neighborhood Park Heather Glen Park 109 Open Space Tartan West Open Space "R" 35 Community Park Dames Fields 110 Open Space Tartan West Open Space "T" 36 Neighborhood Park Trinity Park 111 Open Space Ambereigh Open Space 37 Neighborhood Park Brighton Commons Park 112 Open Space Green Stone Loop Open Space 38 Neighborhood Park Llewellyn Farms Park 113 Open Space Red Stone Loop Open Space 39 Community Park Sam & Eulalia Frantz Park 114 Open Space Wexford Woods Open Space West 40 Neighborhood Park Donegal Cliffs Park 115 Open Space Wexford Woods Open Space East 41 Community Park Earlington Park 116 Open Space Wexford Estates Open Space 42 Community Park Scioto Park 117 Open Space Emerald Parkway Open Space 43 Community Park Riverside Drive Park 118 Open Space Dublin Rd Open Space 44 Open Space Bryson Cove Open Space "B" 119 Open Space Coventry Woods Open Space "E" 45 Open Space Bryson Cove Open Space "A" 120 Open Space Rings Road Open Space 46 Open Space Riverside Dr Open Space 121 Open Space Woemer - Temple Open Space C 47 Open Space Scioto Shores Open Space 122 Open Space Woemer - Temple Open Space B 48 Neighborhood Park Woods of Brighton Park 123 Open Space Ballantrae Open Space "S" 49 Open Space Hawk's Nest Open Space "D" 124 Open Space Ballantrae Open Space 50 Open Space Hawk's Nest Open Space "A" 125 Community Park Dublin Veterans Park 51 Open Space Hawk's Nest Open Space "E" 126 Neighborhood Park Bishop's Run 2 Park 52 Open Space Bishop's Run Open Space 127 Open Space Ballantrae Open Space "R" 53 Open Space Bishop's Crossing Open Space 128 Open Space Ballantrae Open Space "L" 54 Open Space Bishop's Run Open Space "C" 129 Open Space Ballantrae Open Space "M" 55 Open Space Westbury/Wyndham Village Open Space 130 Open Space Ballantrae Open Space "O" 56 Open Space Belvedere /Shannon Glen Open Space 131 Open Space Ballantrae Open Space T' 57 Neighborhood Park Belvedere Park 132 Open Space Kendall Ridge Open Space 58 Neighborhood Park Wyndham Park 133 Open Space Ballantrae Open Space "J" 59 Open Space Dublinshire Open Space "H" 134 Open Space Ballantrae Open Space "H" 60 Neighborhood Park Dublinshire Park 135 Open Space Ballantrae Open Space "W" 61 Open Space Dublinshire Open Space "F" 136 Open Space Ballantrae Open Space Y' 62 Open Space Dublinshire Open Space "C" 137 Open Space Park Place Open Space "B" 63 Open Space Avery Road Open Space "B" 138 Open Space Mitchell Cemetery 64 Open Space Brandon Open Space "A" 139 Open Space Maroa Wilcox Open Space 65 Neighborhood Park Wedgewood Glen Park 140 Open Space Sandy Corners Cemetery 66 Neighborhood Park Wedgewood Hills Park 141 Open Space St. John Lutheran Cemetery 67 Open Space Brandon Open Space "B" 142 Open Space Dublin Cemetery (I.O.O.F.) 68 Open Space Wedgewood Hills Open Space 143 Open Space Indian Run Cemetery 69 Open Space Wedgewood Glen Open Space 144 Open Space Mount Zion Cemetery 70 Open Space Riverside Woods Open Space "B" 145 Open Space Joe's Triangle Open Space 71 Open Space Riverside Woods Open Space "A" 146 Open Space Chambers Open Space 72 Open Space Emerald Parkway Bridge Open Space 147 Open Space Boy Scout Open Space 73 Neighborhood Park Killilea Park 148 Neighborhood Park Coventry Woods Park 74 Neighborhood Park Post Preserve Park Park Inventory Reference Map sROCK RD W `O I L RD c { 01 9 1 n� _ p QA crlJ O as ,� a o 0 Z 1` 3p Tu S �C \P� � � �t1 Q Oau IReDx PnnD � DID 19 �, 11 Q R RD 1 I -1 5 &�MOY D B =GHT RD 'A RA HILL DR. Q p`� 161 _ _ O 1H111RID LL vF 0.�ME Dg 161 RI EST 161 SHIPRRING RD 14 41 LE R METRO PL � O � �� � m a �P"" ✓L s c � M m Z G ➢ Ze � ¢ D Q� sAMG ❑ w � ss E o �pJN o � NP { Dublin Parks '(,3' caemrar= / C:3 CbmmunM PaM 0% MetioraM 0 02505. @$ eebnmm9i vaM D�mm a6 smml DRme Mlles C3 0,3—, F agaD,mm 1 "12e4� d e a d' J d' p d PARK NAME ADDRESS P . yg' 0 . cF' p o 0 o �1- �d' ,p p a a , FP' a` yaOa�Ya� 9a 4+(O43'aQa0y'�,yy\ S'0 AMBERLEIGH 4715 vista Ridge Or Communi ar X X X X COMMUNITY PARK 2354 Future Development Qty X 17 AMBERLEIGH OPEN SPACE 817- Dublin Rtl_ 7.2- Open Space Joint X X X X 111 AMBERLEIGH PARK 4800 Carrigan Ridge Ct 4.14 Neighborhood Park City X X X X X X X 30 AVERY ROAD OPEN SPACE 7295 Avers Road 3. -9 Open Space Joint 1 X X X 63 AVERY 7401 Ave, Rd. Cry X 546 3 X X 1 X X X X X X X 1 X X 9 15 1 2 15 PARK e3s- Community y Park BALLGRIFFIN 5715 Nam St 27]a Community Park Cry 1 X X X X 1 X 1 2 9 92 BALLANTRAE "IT 6920 Ballantae Pl. 0.33 Island HOA X 134 OPEN SPACE BALLANTRAET OPEN SPACE 695 0 Ballantae Loop 0.82 Island HOA X 131 BALLANTRAE "J" 8852 Taqualr PI 0.17 Island LOA X 133 OPEN SPACE BALLANTRAE "L" 5942 Baa9scourt Way - HOA X 128 OPEN SPACE .55Island BALLANTRAE "W OPEN SPACE 8800 Bamnscourt Loop 0.29 Island HOA X 129 BALLANTRAE "O" 8830 Bamnscourt Loop 0.37 Island LOA X 130 OPENS ACE BALLANTRAE "R" 6715 Dunheath Cr. - 48Island LOA X 127 OPEN SPACE BALLANTRAE "S" 6090 Trafalgar Lin 3.84 Open Space Joint 1 X X X X 123 OPEN SPACE BALLANTRAE 'W 5950 Torrin a. 0.35 Island HOA X 135 OPEN SPACE BALLANTRAE "Y" 5884 Trafalgar Lin 0.82Island LOA X 136 OPEN SPACE BALLANTRAE OPEN SPACE 6501 Woemer- Temple Rd. 275 Open Space City X X X 124 BAALLLANTRAE 6350 Woerner Temple Rd. 24.83 Community Park Joint X 63 1 X 2 X X X X X 78 BELVEDERE OPEN SPACE 8040 Summerhouse Or E. 8.07 O pen Space LOA X X X 56 BELVEDERE PARK 8055 Summerhouse Dr. E. 262 Neighborhood Park City X X 57 BISHOP'S CROSSING 7985 Thlymore On 543 LOA X X X 53 OPEN SPACE O pen Space BISHOP'S RUN OPEN SPACE 7980 TUIIymore Dr 7.01 O pen Space HOA X X X 52 BRANDON 7600 Brandonway Dr. 37.82 Joint X 1 X X X X X X X 33, fist, OPEN SPACE 7800 Ba ndonwa Dr. Open Space P P 67 BRIGHTON WOODS PARK 5619 Brighton HIII Ln. 1.3o Neighborhood Park Joint X 7 X X 2 48 BRIGHTON THE COMMONSAT 5750 Richard, To 2.t8 Neighborhood Park 9 City X X X X X X 37 BRIS COMMONS PARK 5600 Bristol Pkrvy. 1074 Neighborhood Park Joint X X 1 X X X X X 1 X X 18 BRYSON COVE "A" OPEN SPACE 4135 Bryson Cove Cr- 611 O pen Space Joint 1 X X X X X 45 BRYSON COVE "B" OPEN SPACE 4175 Bryson Cove Cr 0.75 Open Space Joint X X 44 ALK DEN LAKES 8100 Corroded Lake Blvd. 771 Neighborhood Park Joint X X X X 20 CHAMBERS OPEN SPACE -.83 Open Space City X X X X X 146 RRMAN 5200 Emerald Pkwy . Joint 2 X X X X 2 X X 3 X 2 1 3 1 X X X X 87 PA PA RK 5800 Post Rd 116: g8 Community Park Y X X 562 X X X X X X COVENTRY WOODS "E' OPEN SPACE 7215 Dublin Rd_ .pen - 9- O Space City 1 X 119 COVENTRY WOODS PARK 7199 Coventry Woods Dr. 13.34 Neighborhood Park City c 1 X X X X 1 X 148 CRAMER RUN OPEN SPACE 5115 Rings Rd 9.28 Open Space Joint X X X X X 94 CRAMER'SCROSSING "B" --- - Stockton Way 1.64Island Joint X 4 OPENS ACE CRAMERSCROSSING ^C' 6300 Cramer s Crossing Or 0.39 Open Space Joint X 3 OPEN SPACE CRAMER'SCROSSING "D &G" 6255 Cramer s Crossing Or. 5 23 Open Space Joint X 1 X X X X X 2 OPEN SPACE CRAMERSCROSSING ^H^ 6200 Cramer s Crossing Or o.95 Open Space HOA 1 X X X 5 OPEN SPACE DELMORE PARK 6605 Dalmore To 16.76 N e i g h borhood Park City 1 X X X X X X X 1 X X X 11 FIELDS 6259CosgayRd Community Park C'ry X 917 3 X X 4 X 1 X X X X X X 3 X X X 7 11 X 35 DONN CLI LES 4460 Donegal Cliffs Or City 16 X X X X X X X X 1 2 40 10.13 Neighborhood Park CEMETERY 190 Monterey Or 1216 Open Space City X I X I X I I 1 142 DUBLIN COMMUNITY POOL NORTH 5660 Dublinshlre Or 273 Community Park City 1 X X X X X X 41 DUBLIN COMMUNITY POOL SOUTH 6363 WoemerTemple Rd 17 27 Community Park City 192 1 X 2 X X X X X 8 DUBLIN ROAD OPEN SPACE 4640 Brand Rd. .pen 2 57 O Space City X 118 DUBLIN SPRING PARK 205. Riverview St 2.85 Community Park Cry X X X 7,16 DUBLIN VETERANS PARK 77 N_High S[ 1.26 Community Park City X X w X 125 DUBLINSHIRE "B & C OPENS 1.56 City X 62 ACE Open Space DUBLINSHIHO 420 City X X 61 OPEN SPACE Open Space DUBLINSHIHO BE OPEN SPACE 0.30 O en S ace P P City X 59 EMERALD PARKWAY BRIDGE 6950 Dublin Rd OPEN SPACE EMERALD PARKWAY OPEN SPACE EMERALD 4040 VVdndofteWobGs Blvd HEATHER GLEN NORTH PARK Neighborhood Park HEATHER GLEN 6000 Heather Glen Blvd M PARK Neighborhood Park HUTCHINS OPEN SPACE MCommunityPark ®■■■■ m■■■■■■■■■■■ © © © © ■ ■ © ■ © ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ®■ P ARK PHUNMERIJUVV 6675 Fallen Timbers Ph Neighborhood Park INDIAN RUN CEMETERY KENDALL RIDGE 6316 Meaghon Dr PARK Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park KIWANIS AREAWAY 6245 Riverside Dr ®. ®■■■■■■■■■■©■®■■ © ® © © ■ ■D ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ PARK LOiAELL TRACE 6853 Avon, Rd OPEN SPACE MCommunityPark ®■©■■®■■■■©■■ DD■ D © © © © ■ © © ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ © ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ®■ NATURE RESERVE 7090 Post Preserve Blvd MONUMENT PARK Neighborhood Park MOUNT ZION CEMETERY PARK MIT OPEN SPACE 6820 Monticello Ln POST PRESERVE 6760 RoVal Plume Dr PARK Neighborhood Park RED STONE LOOP 6431 Red Stone Lp OPEN SPACE RINGS ROAD OPEN SPACE 5707 WIcox Rd OPEN SPACE SANDY CORNERS 5707 WIcox Rd CEMETERY SANDY CORNERS 6127 Pimshire Dr PARK Neighborhood Park SYCAMORE RIDGE PARK 4500 Tulle - Ridge Dr Neighborhood Park TARTAN WEST A& B OPEN SPACE TARTAN WEST E OPEN SPACE TARTAN WEST F A A & T 8820 Hyland Croy Rd OPEN SPACE TARTAN WEST H 6975 Corazon Dr OPEN SPACE TARTAN WEST J & M 7034 Tuscany Dr OPEN SPACE WATERFORD WOODS OPEN SPACE WEDGEWOOD GLEN OPEN SPACE WEDGEWOOD GLEN 4240 SurnmitVievy Rd PARK Neighborhood Park WEDGEWOOD H OPEN SPACE WELLINGTON 7467 Covent,Woods Dr PARK Neighborhood Park WESTBURY OPEN SPACE WESTBURY 7799 Wareham Dr PARK 7806 Tullymore D' Neighborhood Park WEXTORD ESTATES 6853 Avery Rd OPEN SPACE WOERNER TEMPLE 5750 Wlcox Rd OPEN SPACE WOODS OFINDIAN RUN 5218 Forest Run Ph WYANDOTTE WOODS A 2 C & 5 C 7860 Riverside Dr OPEN SPACE vVLANDOT7EWOODS B OPEN SPACE DEVELOPMENT CAPABILITIES AND CONSTRAINTS ASSESSMENT - Derived From Environmental Assessment of Areas Contained by Dublin's School Disctrict Boundary and Corporation Limits - CITY OF b o� r 4 . DUBLIN, OHIO S It PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN WORKING DRAFT AUGUST 31, 2006 i CITY OF DI'RI IN KI NZELMAN KLI N E GOSSMAN, LTD. BUCHER, WILLIS, & RATLIFF CORPORATION r JUMMIT. VIE t om( A L il iJ[.TAR PROJECT SUMMARY Study bounds: The Study bounds include the extents of the Dublin Corporation Limits as well as the extents of the Dublin School District. So as to not exclude trends occurring along the project boundaries, an additional 1/4 mile outside of the study bounds was included in this analysis. The total area including this 1/4 mile extension is: 36,303 acres, or 56.72 sq. miles. The following counties are present within the study bounds: Franklin County, Delaware County and Union County This study was conducted utilizing a 10'x10' resolution grid. Data obtained from various sources was converted to this 10'x10' grid for inclusion in the suitability model yielding 15,813,866 samples per data layer. Definitions: Suitabilty Model: A model developed to find the optimum siting, or probable location(s) for a specified purpose, or defined set of parameters. Data Layer: A set of correlated graphical and tabular data. i.e. streams, counties, parcel designations, ownership, landcover. Value: With respect to a suitability model, value is a numeric attribute assigned to a geographic location which correlates to a characteristic of the data layer. A N D Buffer: With respect to a suitability model, a buffer is a defined horizontal distance from a feature (component of a Data Layer) i.e. edge of stream or road. This buffer can be used to give a specific value for the area defined by the buffer, or it can be given a range of values so as the distance from a feature increases, the value increases, or decreases depending on the intent of the suitability model. See the graphic below for an explanation of how values applied to data layers are summarized in a suitability model Typical Summation Process of Data Layer Values Resultant Data Layer Values from Summing Data Values of Data Layer 1 and Data Layer 2 A S S E S S M E N T Resultant Data Layer ■ Higher Values Mid Values ■ Lower Values Data Layer 2 Data Layer 1 PROJECT SUMMARY Table of Contents - SOILS SUMMARY - AGRICULTURAL LANDCOVER - FOREST LANDCOVER - FEMA FLOOD ZONES - WETLANDS - GROUND WATER POLLUTION POTENTIAL - SPECIES PROTECTION ZONES - STREAM BUFFERS - SCENIC ROAD BUFFERS - UNDEVELOPED LAND Suitability Model - SUMMARY OF SUITABILITY COMPONENTS - SUITABILITY MODEL FOR DUBLIN'S UNDEVELOPED LAND D E V E L O P M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T SOILS SUMMARY A N D A S S E S S M E N T o= Note: This map shows various features including water and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. SOILS SUMMARY Source: Original data layers were obtained from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Soil data layers can be downloded from: http: / /soildatamart.nres.us da.gov /Default.aspx Supplemental soils information was obtained in tabular form from the Natural Resources Conservation Service The final soils map was constructed by Kinzelman Kline Gassman by populating the soil data layers with a numeric summary of the supplemental tabular data provided by the NRCS. Description: A summary of soil properties and characteristics. Intent: To determine areas suitable for wildlife habitat development and environmental protection areas by means of soils properties and characteristics. Analysis Summary: The supplemental soil information was compiled to include all of the soil types found to be in the study bounds. The summary of these soils types was based on soil characteristics relating to habitat potentials as well as suitability for paths and trails, picnic areas, and playground areas. (Habitat potentials included categories such as woodland wildlife, wetland wildlife, wetland plants, and hardwood trees.) The summary of the supplemental soil information was created by correlating a numeric score with the published habitat potentials and recreation development potentials as provided by the NRCS to the various soil types. The summary was created to correlate higher numeric scores with higher potentials for each of the suitability categories. The result of this summary was a [by soil type] numeric score resulting from the summation of all of the suitability categories. These numeric scores were then coded into a composite soil data layer created from the soils data layers obtained from the NRCS. The result of this coding was a data set ranking all of the soil types in the study bounds based on their potentials to support various recreational activities and various wildlife habitats. Resultant Data: Continuous data set W --0- ❑ ---0- ■ High Values Mid Values Low Values D E V E L O p M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T AGRICULTURAL LANDCOVER A N D A S S E S S M E N T s ® „� Note: This map shows various features including water and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. 0 GI III, R I d9l �Il � � u,a.o.e AGRICULTURAL LANDCOVER Source: Dublin GIS department Description: Areas within the designated study bounds which are currently designated as being used for agricultural purposes. Intent: To define the parcels within the study bounds which are currently being used for agricultural purposes and to designate these parcels as having characteristics worth protecting as development continues throughout the study bounds. Analysis Summary: The agricultural landcover summary was derived from Dublin's land use parcels database. All of the parcels that were defined in Dublin's database as being agricultural were isolated and input into a new data layer that only contained these agricultural lands. This layer was created to add value to these parcels when combined with other data layers in the suitablilty model. This layer was developed to be a binary data layer; the parcels were identified as being agricultural land, or as non - agricultural land. Resultant Data: Discrete data set ■ ❑ Agricultural Landcover Non - Agricultural Landcover D E V E L 0 p M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T FOREST LANDCOVER D E V E L 0 P M E N T C A P A B I L I T I E S A N D c 0 N s T R A I N T S A S S E S S M E N T r y I S If —, as s _ % I �w Legend L_] i J D ®a11moItinP1I �� o Bklp a Iaa � 2 Note: This map shows various features including wafer and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. FOREST LANDCOVER Source: The data layer was created by Kinzelman Kline Gassman. A 2005 aerial provided by Dublin's G.I.S. department was referenced as a 'heads -up' digitizing guide. Description: Areas within the designated study bounds which currently have forested landcover. Intent: To identify the areas throughout the study bounds which are currently forested and to designate these areas as has having characteristics worth protecting as development continues throughout the study bounds. Analysis Summary: The forest landcover layer was developed to illustrate the severely fragmented forested lands throughout the study bounds and identify what can be used as a base for the establishment of wildlife corridors. This data layer was created to identify areas which currently have established forest cover. The development of this data layer does not include tree rows, which are commonly seen in the agricultural areas, nor does it include the trees seen throughout the various housing developments unless they were part of an established forest. The smallest area identified by this review was approximately 1 acres in size, the largest was approximately 244 acres in size. This layer was created to add value to the forested landcover areas when combined with other data layers in the suitablility model. This was developed to be a binary data layer; areas were determined to be forested landcover areas, or non - forested landcover areas. Resultant Data: Discrete data set F Forest Landcover Non - Forest Landcover D E V E L 0 p M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T F.E.M.A FLOOD ZONES D E V E L O P M E N T A N D C O N S T R A I N T S A S S E S S M E N T �k,ll 1111 Note: This map shows various features including wafer and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. F.E.M.A. FLOOD ZONES Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Available online from: http: / /www.ohiodnr.com /gims/ Description: This data layer represents the floodway boundaries as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency NFIP maps. Intent: To identify the areas within the 100 -year floodway as defined by the F.E.M.A. and to designate these areas as having characteristics worth protecting as development continues throughout the study bounds. Analysis Summary: The F.E.M.A. Flood Zones summary was created to distinguish the areas within F.E.M.A designated flood areas when combined with other data layers in the suitability model. This layer was developed to be a binary data layer; the areas were designated as either being in a flood zone, or not in a flood zone. Resultant Data: Discrete data set 91 In Floodway Out of Floodway D E V E L 0 p M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T WETLANDS TFU r r �� — �j �� f O LI L--- t_ I re ...� — � .�.1 _ i '� • i - Legend '- ..r 00f —Bk,1h 1111 ree,= �� 1 M, S , �4 �a o Note: This map shows various features including water and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. WETLANDS Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Available online from: http: / /www.ohiodnr.com /gims/ Dublin GIS database Description: Areas within the designated study bounds which have been confirmed as wetlands, or have the potential to be confirmed as wetlands and 100' buffers around all wetland and potential wetland areas. Intent: To identify the areas throughout the study bounds which are, or have the potential of being wetlands and to add value to these areas for inclusion in the suitability model. In addition to the identification of wetland and potential wetland areas, the intent to protect these areas was forwarded by the creation of buffers around the wetland areas. These buffers are identified as a means of further protecting the wetland areas from possible development pressures and for increasing available habitat zones to be incorporporated into habitat corridors. Analysis Summary: The Wetlands summary was created to distinguish the areas within the study bounds which either are, or have the potential, to be wetland areas. The areas defined in this summary included hydric soils in the identification of potential wetland zones. This process was started by examining the data made available from O.D.N.R. and comparing it with the data provided by Dublin. While there was overlap in the areas defined as wetlands, it was apparent that the data provided by the city of Dublin was created with a higher degree of precision than the data from O. D. N. R. For this reason, the wetland data layers were combined to create a wetland map containing wetlands defined by both O.D.N.R. and the City of Dublin. After the wetland areas were defined by combining the data from Dublin and O.D.N.R., a 100' buffer was added around each of the wetland zones. Relative to environmental importance, the areas defined as wetlands, or potential wetlands, were given the highest values. The associated buffers allowed for a transition of high values on the wetland side to lower values as the distance from the wetland area increased. Resultant Data: Discrete data set ■ ❑ Wetland Non - Wetland D E V E L 0 p M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T GROUNDWATER POLLUTION POTENTIAL A N D A S S E S S M E N T �, L—��PP o= �P �sH,9n�o�P Note: This map shows various features including water and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. GROUNDWATER POLLUTION POTENTIAL Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Available online from: http: / /www.ohiodnr.com /gims/ Description: Ground water pollution potential maps represent a measure of the relative susceptibility of an area to pollution of the ground water. Factors such as depth to water, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of the vadose zone media, and hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer are given a numeric rating and a composite index is developed. This index is called the ground water pollution potential (GWPP) index. A high GWPP index indicates a high potential for pollution of the ground water. For additional information see Ground Water Pollution Potential of Franklin County, Ohio 1995, Report No. 40, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water. (Description extracted from O.D.N.R. Metadata) Intent: To establish the susceptibility of areas to ground water pollution and to identify these areas as having characteristics worth protecting as development continues throughout the study bounds. Analysis Summary: The ground water pollution potential data layers were downloaded for the study bounds, combined into one data layer, and recoded for this study in relation to their designated GWPP. The colors of the various rankings are shown in a range from green (being the most susceptible to ground water pollution) to red (having the least potential for ground water pollution). Those areas having the highest potential for ground water pollution were coded to designate the areas as being the most critical to protect against development and thus being areas critical to protecting as a natural resource area. Resultant Data: Continuous data set ---o- High Values Mid Values Low Values D E V E L 0 p M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T SPECIES PROTECTION ZONES A N D A S S E S S M E N T Note: This map shows various features including water and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. a �n D I da � Rdga M� O —a�' zoos �S,- P,�ad� -Z— SPECIES PROTECTION ZONES Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Description: Identification of areas that are currently known to contain rare, threatened, potentially threatened, or endangered species of plants and animals, areas of special geologic importance, and areas of special interest. The primary emphasis is on state listed species, ecological communities and geologic features that are rare or otherwise imperiled. (Data layer inclusions as defined by O.D.N.R. , NAP) Intent: To identify the areas throughout the study bounds which contain known plants and animals for which special consideration must be taken when future development is considered. Analysis Summary: The Species Protection Zones summary was created to distinguish areas of geologic importance, and areas containing species of importance for inclusion in the suitability model. The data received from the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves included protective buffer areas around the sensitive zones, so this step was not needed in compiling this data layer. This layer was developed as a binary data layer; the areas were designated as either being an area of importance, or an of non - importance in relation to this characteristic. Resultant Data: Discrete data set ■ ❑ Species Protection Zone Non- Species Protection Zone A N D A S S E S S M E N T STREAM BUFFERS A N D A S S E S S M E N T s ® „� Note: This map shows various features including water and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. �a o= STREAM BUFFERS Source: Streams data: Dublin GIS department Watershed data: Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Available online from: http: / /www.ohiodnr.com /gims/ Supplemental stream setback guidelines: N.R.C.S. Description: Identification of designated stream setbacks with associated buffers. Intent: To identify appropriate stream buffers throughout the study bounds to assist in the protection of Dublin's water resources as well as to identify potential wildlife corridors and a means to reconnect the highly fragmented forested lands throughout the study bounds. (See Forested Landcover) Analysis Summary: The streams data received from the city of Dublin was used as the base for this data set. The streams data were compared with the watershed data obtained from O.D.N.R. to determine the approximate watershed size of the major streams in Dublin. Upon the determination of watershed size, a setback was added to each stream based on the following guideline provided by the N.R.C.S. This guideline was recently cooperatively developed by O.D.N.R., O.E.P.A. and the N.R.C.S. The setback guideline is determined by: [ 147(Drainage Area) '.38 ]. The above stream setback is considered to be the minimum for any stream. To assure that proper resource protection is achieved or exceeded, and to assist in the development of additional forested landcover, an additional buffer was added to this stream setback in the amount of 80'. This buffer allowed for a transition of values from high (adjacent adjacent to the stream) to low, as the distance from the stream increased. Resultant Data: Continuous data set High Values Mid Values Low Values D E V E L 0 p M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T SCENIC ROAD BUFFERS T " I .Ma i ", '�i; W 'T r i Lege 5 C L_J Db -� io o D o�.a., —nk,th 1111 -, 8 - a.,.. �a o= �2 Note: This map shows various features including water and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. SCENIC ROAD BUFFERS Source: Streams data: Dublin GIS department Description: Buffers adjacent to scenic roads within the study bounds. The scenic road designations were defined by the City of Dublin. Intent: To identify the zones adjacent to the scenic roads of Dublin and to distinguish the areas as being in need of special attention as development continues throughout the study bounds. Analysis Summary: All of the scenic roads identified in the dataset from the city of Dublin were buffered for a distance of 80' from the edges of the road. This buffer allowed for a transition of values from high (adjacent to the road) to low, as the distance from the road increased. Resultant Data: Continuous data set High Values Mid Values Low Values D E V E L 0 p M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS Legend [= D, ,n or umn o 1 ee- -_ o ome,,e —Me mcSreHe EnNronmentll Summary Value -ie =n =10 os oa =s =1 r— S L. .�, Note: This map shows various features including water and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. SUMMARY OF SUITABILITY COMPONENTS Description: Each of the data sets defined for this suitability model were created and numerically coded to reflect relative values across the study bounds respective of each data set. Once all of the data sets were created, they were combined in a summation process to create a data set of continuous values for the entire study bounds. This summary shows the result of how all of the data sets overlap each other geographically and a representation of the corresponding numerical summary. The numerical summary for the model is represented by correlating colors and values. Higher values (represented by green colors) resulted in areas in which several of the data sets overlapped with mid -level values, or where fewer data sets overlapped, but with high values. The graphic below illustrates the concept of how this model was derived. Typical Summation Process of Data Layer Values Resultant Data: Continuous data set Resultant Data Layer Data Layer 2 Data Layer 1 High Values Mid Values Low Values Resultant Data Layer Values from Summing Data Values of Data Layer 1 and Data Layer 2 ■ Higher Values ❑ Mid Values ■ Lower Values D E V E L O P M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T CURRENTLY UNDEVELOPED LAND A N D A S S E S S M E N T s ® „� Note: This map shows various features including water and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. Undeveloped Lands UNDEVELOPED LANDS Source: Dublin GIS department Description: Identification of land within the study bounds that is currently undeveloped. These areas were derived from agricultural, residential vacant, unclassified and unknown landuse designations. Intent: To identify the areas throughout the study bounds which are currently undeveloped. These undeveloped lands define the regions within the study bounds for which values derived from the suitability model are summarized. Analysis Summary: The undeveloped landcover summary was derived from Dublin's land use parcels database. All of the parcels that were defined in Dublin's database as being agricultural, residential vacant, unclassified and unknown were isolated and input into a new data layer that only contained these parcels. This layer was created to distinguish the areas within the study bounds which are currently undeveloped. This data layer was developed as a binary data layer; the areas were designated as either being undeveloped, or developed. Resultant Data: Discrete data set rl F Undeveloped Lands Developed Lands D E V E L O p M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY ASSESSMENT FOR DUBLIN'S UNDEVELOPED LAND r' g r L A f I w — n. 4 ' —I 7 _ 9 Legend L J D,11 t - o= 00 nk,th 1111 M at, �!✓ '� �'� Undeveloped Lands Summary - • y7 °'� Value r/ 18 34 �13 14 9 ` pia o> E711 � os �a �6 � '!C Note: This map shows various features including water and roads. These features are for orientation and reference purposes only and are not part of the data set being described. SUITABLITY MODEL FOR DUBLIN'S UNDEVELOPED LAND Description: In the final step of the suitability model, all of the areas within the study bounds which are defined by Dublin's landuse designations as being developed were removed from the summary of suitability components ( as defined in the Summary of Suitability Components, pg. ). This step allows for the identification of the areas which are currently undeveloped and for which development pressures and preservation conflicts may arise. This suitability model provides one important aspect for guiding landuse decisions as plans are developed for the development of the remainder of the study bounds. The areas distinguised in this model highlight areas of the greatest ecological importance as well as identifying areas in which development is least likely to have adverse ecological impacts. Corridors which may prove beneficial for wildlife movement as well as additional pedestrian connections are visible in the "high value' areas. Larger, continuous tracts of land which should be investigated as potential sites for larger parks, or recreation areas are visible when observing the high -to -mid values. These noted areas, especially when compared to the locations of existing parks and forested landcover areas show a strong collection of nodes which can be utilized to establish wildlife corridors and a greater diversity and collection of protected natural features. more ... as we mesh with development plans.... Resultant Data: Continuous data set ❑ --*- ❑ ■ High Values Mid Values Low Values D E V E L O p M E N T A N D A S S E S S M E N T CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO PARKS INVENTORY . 7 1 cfn OF OITI'm PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN PAGE Conlents 8- CWy a(OVblin i<BLF OF CONiFNiS �AIMORE 4ARK X16 ]9 ocres� bd �ARREE FIELDS X15158 ACRES) 66 �ONEGPL CLIFFS 4PRK X1013 ooes� 68 �VBIIN W hPAVNIiY 400E NORiH X2]3 owes._. JO �VBIIN W hPAVNIiY 400E SOViH � V 9 pops)..... ]2 �VBIIN ROPE OPEN S4ACE X28] owes ]d DUBLINSHIRE OPEN SPACE 16.07 acresl______. 76 DUBLINSHIRE PARK 11010 acresl _... ____78 DUBLIN SPRING PARK 12.85 acresl _... _... _.80 DUBLIN VETERANS PARK 11.26 acresl _..__.__.....__. _..__.__ B2 EARLINGTON PARK 116 94 acresl _._ _... _.84 EARLSFORD OPEN SPACE 11.45 acresl._........._. _...._. _......... 86 EMERALD FIELDS 133.83 acresl - _... _.88 EMERALD PARKWAY BRIDGE OPEN SPACE 14.46 acresl _. _... _. 90 EMERALD PARKWAY OPEN SPACE 11.82 acresl......__. _..__.__ 92 SAM& EULALIA FRANTZ PARK 12.78 acresl.. _.__. _. _. _.__. _. 94 GLENDAVON PARK 11.54 acresl -. _._ _... _.96 GLENEALY OPEN SPACE 18.00 acresl.... _...._. _........ 98 GORDON FARMS OPEN SPACE 11.00 acre)... ...100 GREEN STONE /RED STONE LOOP OPEN SPACES 10 26 acre1.102 HARD ROAD /EMERALD PKWY SE CORNER 12.68 acresl _._....104 HAWK'S NEST OPEN SPACE 114.93 acresl _.__. _.__.. _.... 106 HAWK'S NEST PARK 13.50 acresl _._ .._....108 HEATHER GLEN NORTH PARK 14.79 acresl ..._.__._.__.._....110 HEATHER GLEN PARK 11846 acresl_. ._.__.....__._..__...112 HUTCHIN'S OPEN SPACE 123.54 acresl .._..._..__._..._.._....114 INDIAN RUN FALLS PARK 19.37 acresl. _. _.__._..._.._....116 INDIAN RUN MEADOWS PARK 130,9 acresl - _..__._..._.._....118 JOE'S TRIANGLE 10.32 acresl._. _... __....120 KARRER BARN 10.81 acresl - _. __.....__._..__...122 KENDALL RIDGE OPEN SPACE 10.31 acresl........ .._....124 KENDALL RIDGE PARK 18.35 acresl _. .._.._.......__._..._.._....126 KILLILEA PARK 11 95 acresl _.__.. .........128 KIWANIS RIVERWAY PARK 17.56 acresl _... .......130 LLEWELLYN FARMS PARK 18.80 acresl .....__._..__._132 LLEWELLYN FARMS PARK SOUTH 1545 acresl....__._..._.__._ 134 LOMBARD OPEN SPACE 10.74 acresl... ......__._..._.__._ 136 LOWELL TRACE OPEN SPACE 13.10 acresl ............................138 MARTIN COMMONS PARK 12.34 acresl ..._....140 MEADOWS AT WYNDHAM VILLAGE OPEN SPACE 16.44 acres1142 M . °RED° TRABUE NATURE RESERVE 190.02 acresl....._.__._ 144 MONTEREY PARK 13.92 acresl _. .__...146 PARK MILL OPEN SPACE 12.75 acresl __.__.....__._..__._148 PARK PLACE OPEN SPACE 13.86 acresl _._..._..__._...._._....150 PARK PLACE PARK 14.66 acresl._ _... .._....152 POST PRESERVE OPEN SPACE 1927 acresl ................._.._....154 POST PRESERVE PARK 19.27 acresl 156 RINGS ROAD OPEN SPACE 17.03 acresl ........................158 RIVERSIDE DRIVE OPEN SPACE 12.19 acresl _..__. _... _.. _.... 160 RIVERSIDE DRIVE PARK 132.84 acresl _._..._.._....162 RIVERSIDE WOODS OPEN SPACE 120.81 acresl ....................164 SANDY CORNERS PARK 16.99 acresl 166 SCIOTO PARK 114.00 acresl._ _.....__. _..__._ 168 SCIOTO SHORES OPEN SPACE 1479 acresl -_... .._....170 SCOTTISH CORNERS PARK 118.66 acresl _. _...._._.......172 SHANNON GLEN PARK 132.40 acresl _ ...........................174 SHIER RINGS OPEN SPACE 12.48 acresl _ ...........................176 SMILEY PARKI375 acresl _.__.. ..__._178 STONEFIELD PARK 12 74 acresl -. 180 Go ks and Recuearion Mosser Glop -3- SUMMITVIEW OPEN SPACE (4.89 acres) .............................. 182 SYCAMORE RIDGE PARK (3.50 acres) ... ............................... 184 TARTAN WEST OPEN SPACE (48.8 acres) ............................. 186 TRINITY PARK (4.75 acres) ................... ............................... 188 VANDELEUR PARK (0.8 acres) ............... ............................... 190 VILLAGE AT COFFMAN PARK OPEN SPACE (8.47 acres) .......... 192 WATERFORD VILLAGE RESERVES "A" AND "B" (0.62 acre) ...... 194 WATERFORD WOODS OPEN SPACE (1.77 acres) ................... 196 WEDGEWOOD GLEN OPEN SPACE (6.6 acres) ..................... 198 WEDGEWOOD GLEN PARK (13.51 acres) ...........................200 232 WEDGEWOOD HILLS OPEN SPACE (5.75 acres) ....................202 WEDGEWOOD HILLS PARK (12.54 acres) . ............................204 233 WELLINGTON OPEN SPACE (2,26 acres) ...... .......................206 234 WELLINGTON PARK (22.19 acres) ........... ............................208 234 WESTBURY OPEN SPACE (7.19 acres) ... ............................... 210 WESTBURY PARK (17.86 acres) ............... ............................212 235 WEXFORD ESTATES OPEN SPACE (1.06 acres) ......................214 236 WEXFORD WOODS OPEN SPACE (0.22 acre) .......................216 WOERNER- TEMPLE OPEN SPACE (5.21 acres) ....................... 218 WOODS OF INDIAN RUN (5.42 acres) ............................... 220 WYANDOTTE WOODS OPEN SPACE (22.33 acres) ................222 238 WYNDHAM PARK (7.83 acres) ................ ............................224 238 MISC. CITY -OWNED PROPERTIES 5505 Avery Road (1.11 acres) ..................... .......................228 6001, 6035 & 6101 Avery Road (1.64 acres ) .......................228 BRIHI SQUARE (6.44 acres) ................. ............................... 229 BRIDGE STREET (0.63 acres) ................ ............................... 229 CENTRAL OHIO INNOVATION CENTER (91.52 acres) ............230 CHILLER (7.44 acres) .......................... ............................... 230 DUBLIN ARTS COUNCIL (5.59 acres) .... ............................... 231 DUBLIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (0.25 acre) .....................231 FROG PARK (0.03 acre) ...................... ............................... 232 GLACIER RIDGE BOULEVARD WATER TOWER (2.71 acres) ....... 232 GLADE AT BALLANTRAE OPEN SPACE (0.02 acre) ..................233 GOLF CLUB OF DUBLIN (204.06 acres) . ............................... 233 GOULD ADDITION RESERVE "A" (0.28 acre) ......................... 234 HYLAND -CROY ROAD (10.05 acres) ..... ............................... 234 3571 JENMAR COURT /4070 BRIGHT ROAD (6.44 acres) ....... 235 LIGGET ROAD (0.56 acre) ................... ............................... 235 LLEWELLYN FARMS SOUTH OPEN SPACE (0.27 acre) .............. 236 JACK NICKLAUS OPEN SPACE (2.23 acres) ..........................236 POST ROAD (1.77 acres) .................... ............................... 237 PERIMETER DRIVE OPEN SPACE (0.94 acre) ..........................237 RIVE RVIEW /BRIDGE STREETS, SW CORNER (0.06 acre) .......... 238 SHAMROCK BOULEVARD /COOPERSTONE DRIVE (0.94 acre) .. 238 TUTTLE CROSSING BOULEVARD (0.90 acres ) .........................239 -4- City of Dublin A& w k CITY OF DUBLIN, OHIO PARKS INVENTORY 77 City Parks and Facilities Parks and Recreation Master Plan -5- CITY FACILITIES cr�n i qo n � 1G1� 9J 5 Isis !y !lA��111...11��� SH CR -fl�xGS In l'l]Y:Y EXISTING CITY FACILITIES 3 F 5800 Building, 5800 Shier -Rings Road Engineering, Economic Development, Building Standards and Land Use & Long Range Planning Community Relations Center, 5620 Post Road Community Relations, Special Events Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Road Recreation Services Fleet Maintenance, 6351 Shier -Rings Road Fleet maintenance portion of Streets & Utilities Justice Center, 6565 Commerce Parkway Police, Courts Municipal Building, 5200 Emerald Parkway Office of the City Manager, Clerk of Council, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology Volunteer Services Service Center, 6555 Shier -Rings Road - Administrative Services Facilities, Parks. & Open Space, Streets & Utilities -6 - City of Dublin I 11ll "Fill kill, CITY CEMETERIES 1. Indian Run Cemetery, 77 North High Street, 0.371 Acre Historic dry-laid stone wall surrounding 121 known burials dating from 1116116 14 2. Mitchell Cemetery, Emerald Parkway at top of hill west of Dublin Road surrounded by Cardinal Health property, 0.086 Acre 22 known burials dating from 31911823 EXISTING 3. Sandy Corners Cemetery, Southeast corner of Avery and Rings Roads, next to St. John's Lutheran Church, 0.5 Acre known burials dating from CITY 74 1112811845 CEMETERIES 4. Mount Zion Cemetery, East side of Kinross Court, northeast of Memorial Drive in the Muirfield Village subdivision, 1.5 Acres 34 known burials dating from 1212711850 5. Dublin (formerly I.O.O.F.) Cemetery, Just south of US 33 /SR 161 (Bridge Street) next to the Dublin Community Church in historic Dublin, 12.1 Acres • 4, 312 known burials as of 1122109 dating from 111411656 • Only active 0ublin Cemetery Pork, and Recr'ealion Mosley Plan -7 - EXISTING SITE INVENTORY USE: Community Park Natural Area Parking DESCRIPTION: -undeveloped -wooded riparian corridor -Scioto River -On street parking -8 - City of Dublin AMBERLEIGH COMMUNITY PARK (23.54 acres) 4715 Vista Ridge Drive FA PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS Park Accessibility *Create walking ball /boardwalk access to Scioto River *Provide off street parking Open Space Utilization *Make better use of maintained lawn for community/ neighborhood functions *Naturalize low priority lawn areas *Manage invasive species Site Furnishings / Play Equipment *Provide seatinglactive use areas In future park Improvements Site Structures *Provide shelter(s) in future park design Storm Water / Resource Management *Replace existing drainage channel from top of slope to Scioto River *Maintain riparian corridor protection Universal Access • To be accommodated In future park design r x g r j INA Current Open Space at end of Memorial Drive Wooded buffer on hillside leading to the Scioto River am View along Memorial Drive Parks and Recreation Master Plan -9- AMBERLEIGH OPEN SPACE (7.20 acres) 8170 Dublin Road s y 1 ? �J mEy ,oeins oR � P I1.1 idn: laulnlil.11 m 4 cfl 9 C am. r *M1 - Clnna.i' 6 f L Y -icll I � 1.liu ?. 4 M r ♦ 1 F.y a +e# V j F t C' ["�".'t =1" r > ' °. H'°'" 't Ill G I L I L EXISTING USE: DESCRIPTION: Open Space • Open Space SITE Bike Patk/Pedestrian Access • Multi -use path routed parallel to Dublin Road and connecting adiacent INVENTORY neighborho • Owned by Crfy 'Ionly Reserves A, B and E maintained by homeowners ossossoRon 10 City of Dublin I CM OF nexus PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS Open Space Utilization • Na hufsshze low priority Jown Areas 31one Pierfnh Signgge s ue= MulhUse Paths Bbsovoy Tunnel A Above- BuAerond 61e mule e prlh along Dublin Road Left MulhUse nth and tunnel Parks and Recreahon Mosier Plan -1 L m 1 AMBERLEIGH PARK (4.14 acres) 4800 Carrigan Ridge Court MW '. EXISTING SITE INVENTORY v ?? \i• 'Y , *' F P E ' 4. I Nb. USE: DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park •Developed Bike Path /Pedestrian +Multi -use path and boardwalk connecting Access neighborhoods and providing access to river Natural Area *Forested riparian area along Scioto River Parking *Non delineated on street parking available on Carrigan Ridge Court and Avondale Ridge Drive Picnic Area *Picnic table and deck space available near river River Access •eoardwalk system provides access to unimproved river path Historical *Remains of historic stone wall 1 2 - City of Dublin I n n nn of xu, PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS Park Functionality *Needs "destination amenity' at river end of boardwalk. Recommendations. Interpretive slanders, larger picnic area with benches /tables /etc, observation deck *Open space Utilization — Naturalize low priority lawn areas — Manage Invasive species Picnic Sestl��qq Accommodclions Parks and Recreation Master Plan -1 3- 1eL_ boil access to Scioto River AVERY PARK (83.60 acres) 7401 Avery Road Park II4W 11 11 .,[, 4 - o uo- - ,,I �� Community Park • Developed S ITE Baseball /Softball • 9 diamonds Diamonds INVENTORY Path /Pedestrian NoL p'F Access bike path and od)ocent neighborhoods City Facility • Water Tower Concession Area • 2snock service buildings Natural Area • Partially wooded rlr ..�.� IIr C f leli.. f fi • 540 parking spaces, 6 accessible spaces Play Area / Tot Lot • Play equipment for 25 and 512 yeor olds • r • Poured in place resilient rubbergroundcover treatment I` a 4 r.rr r y 1 =1 • 3 restroom facrlrtres (north and south ends) '`� EXISTING USE: DESCRIPTION: Community Park • Developed S ITE Baseball /Softball • 9 diamonds Diamonds INVENTORY Path /Pedestrian • Multi Use path connection to Avery Rood Access bike path and od)ocent neighborhoods City Facility • Water Tower Concession Area • 2snock service buildings Natural Area • Partially wooded rlr ..�.� IIr C f leli.. f fi • 540 parking spaces, 6 accessible spaces Play Area / Tot Lot • Play equipment for 25 and 512 yeor olds • Poured in place resilient rubbergroundcover treatment Public Art • 'Out of Bounds' by Lloyd Homrol Restrooms • 3 restroom facrlrtres (north and south ends) Shelter / Gazebo 1 f �f r Soccer • 9 Soccer Fields f i-i P S1 Tennis r ° - r l • Two sand vollevboll courts `r r 't ,• .r V kl r _ {1 r EXISTING USE: DESCRIPTION: Community Park • Developed S ITE Baseball /Softball • 9 diamonds Diamonds INVENTORY Path /Pedestrian • Multi Use path connection to Avery Rood Access bike path and od)ocent neighborhoods City Facility • Water Tower Concession Area • 2snock service buildings Natural Area • Partially wooded • Bark mulch walking path through woodlot Parking • 540 parking spaces, 6 accessible spaces Play Area / Tot Lot • Play equipment for 25 and 512 yeor olds • Poured in place resilient rubbergroundcover treatment Public Art • 'Out of Bounds' by Lloyd Homrol Restrooms • 3 restroom facrlrtres (north and south ends) Shelter / Gazebo • I rectangular shelter Soccer • 9 Soccer Fields Tennis •2Tennis courts Vollevball • Two sand vollevboll courts 14 City of Dublin PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS Park Accessibilit y • Internal wayfinding signage Open Space Utilization • Naturalize low priority lawn areas. • Manage invasive species Park Functionality • Consider adding an in line hockey rink • Replace basketball courts that were removed during renovation couto(Bounds" of southern and of park Site Furnishings / Play Equipment • Replace damaged site furniture, ponicultudy wood benches Storm Water / Resource Management • Maintain /enhance wooded edge Universal Access • Pr �idaaocessibles 'te fern' rhngs9lso /n area Play Aces &Tennis grme— Baseball# /&akb iiComplex Above: MultiUse Poth Access left south end innovation master Pies Parks and Recreafon Mosier Plan -1 5- AVERY ROAD OPEN SPACE (3.09 acres) 7295 Avery Road INK F1 y'� )' tWo s r INA IN lop ♦ � ♦ �w -�,na� I ; q y I ua _ue INN EXISTING USE: DESCRIPTION: Open Space • Open space S ITE Bike Path /Pedestrian • Mulft use path connecttgq odjocent Access neighborhoods INVENTORY Stormwater Bain /Pond . Slocked re1en11on pond 16- city of Dublin I cl ll of 01 11IN PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS Open Space Utilization • Naturalize low priority lawn areas Storm Water/ Resource Management Naturalize edges of retention pond for runoff filtration/ water fowl management Site Furnishings/ Play Equipment • Consider adding fitness stations Maintained open space Wyndham village entry feature with open space pond Above Bike path along Avery Road Leh: I/rew acforo stormwatef pond Parks and Recreation Master Pfao -17- EXISTING USE: DESCRIPTION: Community Park • Developed SITE Basketball • 1 full size court INVENTORY Bike Path /Pedestrian • Multi use posh connecting adjacent neighborhood Access and Woerner- Temple 9ikeway. Parking • On street parking available Play Area / Tot Lot • Play equipment available for 25 and 512 year old age groups. • Wood mulch groundcover treatment Shelter /Gazebo •40'x20'Group Shelter with six 9 1 picnic tables Tennis •2 full size courts Disc Golf • 9 -hole Disc. Golf Course Stormwater Basin /Pond • Stocked retention pond 18- City of Dublin BALGRIFFIN PARK (27.73 acres) 5715 and 5720 Norn Street MY OF DUBUN PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS Park Accessibility • Provide enhanced pedestrian link to Balgriffin Disc Golf Park Open Space Utilization • Naturalize low -priority lawn areas • Naturalize areas between fairways. Design wildflower zones throughout course to direct views and provide visual interest Park Functionality • Provide better shading of existing play areas and courts with supplemental plantings on south /southwest edges Site Furnishings / Play Equipment • Provide tee pads for each hole • Provide additional benches throuhout course Stormwater / Resource Management • Enhance planting zones around retention pond Play area for children aged 5-12 years F Above r Picnic Shelter that provides no accessible tables Leh, View looking northwest toward play equipment Parks and Recreation Master Plan -19- Disc golf facilities BALLANTRAE OPEN SPACE NORTHEAST (1.38 acres) 6600 & 6630 Baronscourt Loop, 5942 Baronscourt Way, 6652 Traquair Place, Ek Al 1 r c..e weu LILL[m k�a aLe oi ewm 6 w ^ EXISTING SITE INVENTORY r .. Ir � Ft s s USE: DESCRIPTION: Open Space • Open space • Owned byOry/ marntarned by homeowners acsocralron -20- City of Dublin PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS GoTks and Recieotlon My ste,Glop -2 1- BALLANTRAE OPEN SPACE NORTHWEST (8.24 acres) 6715 Dunheath Circle, 5884 & 6090 Trafalgar Lane, 5950 Tarrin Court, 6501 Woerner - Temple Road f 'r RD . r. s to spa J P z IJUMI,t G .1, T r rcl 1l1u. :. Ift, v lh- IL-b h .r li•L oi EXISTING SITE INVENTORY USE: DESCRIPTION: Open Space • Open space • Owned by OIy/ only reserves °R, W & Y maintained by homeowners acsoctafion -22- CItyofDublin V r L' LC i.. a. EXISTING SITE INVENTORY USE: DESCRIPTION: Open Space • Open space • Owned by OIy/ only reserves °R, W & Y maintained by homeowners acsoctafion -22- CItyofDublin I In (if DIM IN PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS GoTks and Recieotlon My ste,Glop -23 - BALLANTRAE OPEN SPACE SOUTHEAST (3.36 acres) 5494 5,195 and 5518 Royal Dublin Drive; 5555 Kinvarra Court; 6608 Starthem Court EXISTING SITE INVENTORY USE: DESCRIPTION: Open Space • Open space • Owned by Cry /maintained by homeowners assoefotron -24- city of Dublin I In (if DIM IN PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS GoTks and Recieotlon My ste,Glop -��- BALLANTRAE OPEN SPACE SOUTHWEST (1.17 acres) 6920 Ballantrae Place, 6950 Ballantrae Loop, 5730 Bonally Court, 6720 Swickard Court EXISTING SITE INVENTORY USE: DESCRIPTION: Open Space • Openspoce • Owned by 0111 maintained by homeowners assacratton -26- City of Dublin I In (if DIM IN PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS GoTks and Recieotlon My ste, Glop -27 - BALLANTRAE PARK (24.83 acres) 6350 Woerner - Temple Road r r ` 0 j Iowa ar 1 � Parking Picnic Area Public Art Restroom Stormwater Basin /Pond Water Play Area DESCRIPTION: • Developed • Multi Use path connecting to Woerner- Temple and Avery Road bike paths and adjacent neighborhoods. Provide access to the water play area and hillock /sculpture • 63 parking spaces • Picnic tables provided In lawn area near water play area • `Dancing Hares' by Sophie Ryder, • Facility adjacent to parking lot • 2 stocked retention ponds • Interactive water play area -2 S- City of Dublin „. r EXISTING Community Park SITE Bike Path /Pedestrian Access INVENTORY Parking Picnic Area Public Art Restroom Stormwater Basin /Pond Water Play Area DESCRIPTION: • Developed • Multi Use path connecting to Woerner- Temple and Avery Road bike paths and adjacent neighborhoods. Provide access to the water play area and hillock /sculpture • 63 parking spaces • Picnic tables provided In lawn area near water play area • `Dancing Hares' by Sophie Ryder, • Facility adjacent to parking lot • 2 stocked retention ponds • Interactive water play area -2 S- City of Dublin PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS Open Space Utilization • Noturobze tow - priority fawn oreos ., y • Add ocichhonai vegefotion of varying heights akong multi -use path 1 Park Functionality • Finish master punned park components including pond plaza "Dancing Hares" and overtook, second parking B f, phayground and shelter Storm Water / Resource Management_ • Buffer retention pond's banks nearest Woerner- Temple Road with low plantings 0 o A m i • o Boulders placed randomly in lown act as seating and as o spatial definer ,.. .AO Bike path connection to Duk, lin Community Pool South a Above: Stone wier for stormwater management deft Ballontme Park master plan a. umwxn.- ­­­ m Pork, and Recreation Mosier Plon -29 - BELVEDERE OPEN SPACE (9.28 acres) 8001 Townsend Rd., 6250 and 6255 Belvedere Green Blvd., 8110 Alimoore Green o !!! � A 8 Rnvo • F L 001 6 Clw ,♦ • � • .• ♦• WctobLui .. Crt s ree VE rtr • • ...•. I I'�co- •. ]• 1 y EXISTING USE: Open Space DESCRIPTION: •Open space S ITE Bike Path /Pedestrian •Multi -use path connecting to INVENTORY Stormwater Access Basin /Pond adjacent neighborhoods • Unstocked retention pond • Owned by Qy /maintained by homeowners association -30 City of Dublin I t rr, of m urn PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS Open Space Utilization • Naturalize low priority lawn areas Site Furnishings/ Play Equipment Consider adding Fitness stations ENfy fI atae Bike path along Bfand Rmd Entry feature Parks and Recreaflon Master P /an -3.1- EXISTING SITE INVENTORY USE Neighborhood Park Bike Path /Pedestrian Access Parking Play Area / Tot Lot DESCRIPTION: • Developed • Multi Use path connecting to adjacent neighborhoods • On street parking • Play equipment provided for 2 -5 year old age groups. • Wood mulch groundcover treatment 32 City of Dublin BELVEDERE PARK (2.62 acres) 8055 Summerhouse Drive E MY OF DUBUN PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS Park Accessibility • Provide park "front door" signage Open Space Utilization • Make better use of maintained lawn for community/ neighborhood functions Park Functionality • Provide better shading of existing play areas with supplemental plantings on south /southwest edges Site Furnishings / Play Equipment • Consider the addition of additional benches • Expand playground area to include structure for 5 -12 year olds Site Structures • Construct park shelter /gazebo Universal Access • Provide accessible site furnishings in new seating areas • Create accessible paved pathway Leh. Bike path does not con- nect to playground. Parks and Recreation Master Plan -33- BISHOP'S CROSSING OPEN SPACE (13.01 acres) 7980 & 7985 Tullymore Drive T ULLYMORE 3 U EXISTING USE: DESCRIPTION: Open Space • Open space S ITE Bike Path /Pedestrian • Multiuse path connecting to Hyland Croy 4r Access bike path, Glacier Ridge Metro Park and INVENTORY ad nei • Owned by City /maintained by homeowners association -34- City of Dublin 4r r P� -34- City of Dublin rn W orm i+ PRELIMINARY SITE RECOMMENDATIONS Open Space Utilization • Naturalize low priority lawn areas • Enhance wildlife habitat with bird boxes /etc. Park Functionality • Plant edges of park for spatial definition Storm Water / Resource Management • Maintain /enhance riparian corridor protection • Naturalize edges of retention ponds for runoff filtration/ waterfowl management Open Space & Ponds Left Multi Use path and entry feature Parks and Recreation Master Plan -35- Above: Multi -Use Path Access EXISTING USE: DESCRIPTION: Open Space • Open space SITE Bike Path /Pedestrian •Mult7-use path connecting to Brand Road Access and Brandonway Drive INVENTORY Stormwater Basin /Pond •Pond with wooded edge Nature Area *Paved walking path through woodloi •Wooded riparian corridor Parking •Non - delineated onstreet parking available on neighborhood street adjacent to park Specialty Garden •Demonstration garden for wildlife habitat -36- City of Dublin BRANDON OPEN SPACE (37.82 acres) 7600 and 7800 Brandonway Drive