Goals & Objectives GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS

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1 Goals & Objectives Thank you for emptying the trash cans at the ball fields recently. They were full after Saturday s games and out of control after Sunday. I really appreciate you taking the time on the holiday to take care of the mess. Resident, June 2008 GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Goals (numbered and bold) describe the overall intent for a set of related actions and are relatively long-term in focus and unchanging; Achievements (lettered and italicized) provide specific examples of items accomplished in the past year. These recommendations were derived from the analysis of data collected from the public, stakeholders, staff, and other sources, and the assessment of the current context shaping the Parks & Recreation Department. Projects proposed by staff and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) for possible inclusion in annual work plans should be drawn from them and carefully evaluated based on technical feasibility, cost and financing implications, as well as their fit with the Guiding Principles. 1. Improve access to and connectivity with the parks and other recreational opportunities. A) Improved and completed the Reed Road Park s path system that includes connections to the neighborhood and adjacent school; B) Improved parking lots and leisure path resurfacing at various parks; C) Continued efforts between the Development Department and Engineering Division working with developers and homeowners on the installation of several new sidewalks in different locations; D) Completed the connection path between Northwest and Burbank Parks; and E) New sidewalks installed on Kenny, Kioka and Middlesex roads, connecting additional areas of the City. 2. Enhance the provision of high quality aquatics facilities and programs. A) Extensively patched and painted Devon Pool bottom; B) Modifications to surface drainage and turf improvement at Reed Road Water Park; C) Aquatics Division s revenues exceeded expenses in 2007; D) New main filter pump installed at Tremont Pool; E) New entry sidewalk and patio area installed at Devon Pool; and, F) Irrigation system installed at Reed Road Water Park. 3. Improve availability and range of field-based activities. New sidewalk connecting Burbank Park A) All sports field scheduling now consolidated into an electronic data base format; B) Equipment purchased for implementation of baseball/softball field crowning; C) Oldtimer s Field improvements included new dugouts, bleachers and improved drainage; D) Field Sports Advisory Committee formed; and E) Sunny 95 Park Master Plan in development. Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan 2007/2008 Annual Report 7

2 4. Provide indoor leisure/recreation opportunities for year-round use. A) Renovated Thompson Park North Shelter; B) Studio 55 renovation at the Senior Center provided for extended operational hours into the nights and weekends; and C) Computer room relocation and renovation at the Senior Center provides additional space and equipment for departmental and City-wide programs. 5. Improve park facilities and infrastructure. A) New paths completed at Burbank and Reed Road parks; B) New drinking fountain installed at Thompson Park; C) Several park benches and picnic tables installed at various parks; D) Re-built three Har-Tru soft surface courts at Northam Park Tennis; E) Twelve dog waste stations installed in parks throughout the City; F) Provided assistance and guidance for the removal and storage of the Legg/McCoy Barn; G) Restroom renovation at both Thompson Park shelter houses added to overall aesthetics, plus the South Shelter restrooms are now open to the public at all times; H) Installed new dugouts, bleachers and field surface improvements at Oldtimer s Field; and I) Seven benches installed at parks and other rights-of-way by bus stops. Dog waste station with biodegradable bags 6. Enhance nature-oriented areas, environmental programs and park aesthetics. A) Installed new boardwalk and rubber paver path to access the wetland at Thompson Park; B) Conducted three middle school age tree planting programs throughout the City; C) New gateway installed at Reed and Henderson roads; D) Landscaping bright spot installed at Tremont and Canterbury roads; E) Awarded Tree City USA for the 18th consecutive year; F) Improved and added additional plantings at several high profile City gateways; G) Implemented a test plastic bottle recycling project, currently underway at selected parks and events; and H) Revised the park beautification and adoption program. New gateway at Reed and Henderson Roads 7. Enhance the cultural- and art-based components of park facilities and programs. A) Digital jurying program implemented for Labor Day Arts Festival; B) Collaborative effort allowed for park improvements and installation of a new Art in Community Spaces piece at Cardiff Woods Park; 8 Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan 2007/2008 Annual Report

3 The Labor Day Arts Festival was great this year and the musical entertainment was excellent. Resident, September 2007 C) Hosted an African exposition, featuring the works and talents of many African artists and performers; D) Partnered with UA Photographic Society to provide images of arts programming; E) Working with Cultural Arts Commission, assisted former Friends of the Arts to rededicate efforts as UA Arts; F) Hosted a Shakespeare at the Park theatrical performance at Reed Road Park; and G) Working with Leadership UA, developed a new bright spot entitled Rotation at Reed Road Park. 8. Improve the facilities for and operation of LifeLong Learning courses and other recreation education programs. A) Began offering hundreds of online classes that allow participants to take classes from home; B) Assumed responsibility of the Police Division s registration process for the Safety Town program, providing online options for residents; C) Developed a program planning manual that has standardized all programming operations; D) Recreation Division class registration continues to grow (up 13 percent in 2007); E) Summer day camp programs saw an 18 percent growth in 2007; F) Created new summer camp offering for teenagers with special needs; and G) Assisted the Police Division in the construction of new Safety Town houses. Newly re-built tennis courts at Northam Park Re-built Safety Town houses 9. Enhance the department s administrative and management practices. A) Received a $50,000 Natureworks grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to assist with development costs associated with Sunny 95 Park; B) Acquired medical insurance funding through a private provider which covers 100 percent of participation costs for senior clients that use Studio 55; C) Made several staffing changes that have increased efficiency without additional budget dollars; D) Completed the transfer and updating of all street trees into a modern software package; E) Implemented the joint operations of Burbank Park with the UA City Schools; F) Purchased four new computers and operational software allowing all pool and tennis facilities to electronically process pass visits and program registrations; G) Created and adopted a new urban forestry management plan; H) Received numerous grants to assist with programs such as: UA Labor Day Arts Festival, Studio 55, Reed and Henderson Gateway, SNACK Summer Camp Program; and I) Converted several divisions business operations into a recreation tracking software program. Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan 2007/2008 Annual Report 9

4 2008/2009 Work Plan Listed below is the Department s work plan for the remainder of 2008 and The majority of this work will take place during the 2009 fiscal year. 1. Improve access to and connectivity with the parks and other recreational opportunities. A) Complete the looping leisure trail at Burbank and Northwest parks; B) Continue to support and advocate for the installation of sidewalks along connector and arterial streets; C) Work with City Council, the Public Service Department and the City Manager s Office to continue to advocate for pedestrian/bicycle friendly elements to our street development; D) Monitor the development and implementation of the Central Ohio bikeways plan, paying particular attention to the Scioto River Trail and Henderson Road connector; E) Create Bicycle Corrals at several City-wide special events encouraging the use of bicycles as a form of transportation; F) Ensure the inclusion of a multi-use path in conjunction with the development of Sunny 95 Park; and G) Working with the Upper Arlington Schools, utilize neighboring facilities to develop new paths and existing sidewalks. On behalf of Leadership UA, I want to express our appreciation for the Parks & Recreation staff assistance with the Art in the Park Landscaping Project. They did a great job working with the class and making the project a reality. Leadership UA, May Enhance the provision of high quality aquatics facilities and programs. A) Conduct a detailed structural analysis of the bathing area and supporting structures at Tremont Pool; B) Hire a design professional to study and design modifications to the existing bath house and support structures at Devon Pool; C) Conduct a feasibility study and business plan model for a new Tremont Pool facility; and E) Initiate administrative plan to better link the aquatics and tennis operations at Northam Park. Rotation metal sculpture at Reed Road Park 3. Improve availability and range of field-based activities. A) Investigate the possibilities of field drainage improvements at all sports field sites; B) Establish a Field Sports Improvement Fund with funds held by the Upper Arlington Community Foundation; C) Expand on partnership opportunities with the Upper Arlington City Schools on shared space; and D) Completion of Phase I of the Sunny 95 Park development plan. 10 Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan 2007/2008 Annual Report

5 4. Provide indoor leisure/recreation opportunities for year-round use. A) Complete a Community Facilities Guide, identifying all reserveable indoor programming space; B) Continue working with the Upper Arlington Libraries on its strategic plan and the potential for shared usage; and C) Develop plans and pursue funding for the construction of the Legg/McCoy barn into a four-season shelter. 5. Improve park facilities and infrastructure. Historic Legg/McCoy barn A) Evaluate and make recommendations for improving the bathroom facilities at the Senior Center; B) Working with the Cultural Arts Commission, identify and pursue alternative funding for a multi-use performing art venue (possibly at Sunny 95 Park); C) Continue the development and implementation of Phase II of the Station 72 construction process at Reed Road Park, which addresses park improvements; D) Implement a lighting plan for Thompson Park that can accommodate multiple users(baseball/softball & soccer/lacrosse); E) Partner with the Upper Arlington Schools on the improvement/installation of at least two outdoor basketball courts; F) Complete bathroom renovations at Fancyburg and Northam parks; and 6. Enhance nature-oriented areas, environmental programs and park aesthetics. One of many Bright Spots located throughout Upper Arlington We had a great time at the Family Camp Out. The Parks & Recreation facilities and community spirit we have here far surpasses what I ve experienced in other areas. Resident, June 2008 A) Complete the access stairs and path system in the Miller Park ravine; B) Place recycling dumpsters at Northam, Thompson and Fancyburg parks; C) Create standards for field sport groups on proactive recycling programs during their periods of use; D) Update residents on the tracking and impact of the Emerald Ash Borer on Upper Arlington; E) Continue ongoing efforts with the Beautification program; F) Formalize the recognition process for donors in the Beautification Program; and G) Develop an Adopt a Park program for interested community and neighborhood groups. Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan 2007/2008 Annual Report 11

6 7. Enhance the cultural- and art-based components of park facilities and programs. A) Identify the location and funding for a performing arts venue; B) Identify and work on the installation of additional Arts in Community Spaces projects; C) Continue to actively support and promote the UA Labor Day Arts Festival; and D) Involve the arts in other existing programs/events. Your staff is wonderful and I appreciate all that you do for our community. Resident, March Improve the facilities for and operation of LifeLong Learning courses and other recreation education programs. A) Utilizing the Community Facilities Guide, identify and procure appropriate classroom space for all programming; B) Develop a long-term plan to insure the viability of the LifeLong Learning & Leisure Program; C) Explore and develop a program that utilizes appropriate LifeLong Learning instructors for organizational training of City staff; and D) Identify a temporary site for the 2009 Summer Day Camp program at Reed Road Park during firehouse construction. UA Labor Day Arts Festival 9. Enhance the department s administrative and management practices. A) Working with the Upper Arlington Community Foundation, pursue and secure the necessary funding for the completion of the Legg/McCoy Barn; B) Implement an employee cross-training program to enable staff to assist other divisions during critical periods; C) Completion of the Northam Hub Study to clearly define the roles and commitments of the immediate land owners; and D) Seek accreditation in urban forestry through the Society of Municipal Arborists. Summer Day Camp 12 Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan 2007/2008 Annual Report