FY2012. Annual Report. Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation

Transcription

1 FY2012 Annual Report Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation July 23, 2013

2 Table of Contents Our Mission 3 Introduction from the Division Director 3 Background FY2012 Goals 4 FY2013 Goals 4 People Parks and Recreation Commission 5 Volunteers 6 Staff 6 Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation Organizational Chart 7 Budget Operational 8 Expenses & Revenue 9 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) 10 FY2012 Accomplishments Recreation 11 Parks 15 Custodial Services 20 Capital Projects 22 Program Open Space 23 Challenges and Solutions 24 Managed Contracts 26 Customer Service 28 Partnerships 29 Training and Education 30 Awards 32 2

3 Our Mission The Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation is committed to the highest level of care for our natural and historic resources while making the park facilities and the recreational programs available to all. We believe that the benefits of parks and of recreation are far reaching and vital to each and every individual, family, and community in Frederick County. From the Division Director We are pleased to present the FY2012 Division of Parks and Recreation Annual Report to the citizens of Frederick County. This report reflects the accomplishments of the Division of Parks and Recreation and the efforts of a dedicated staff that is proud to serve the residents of Frederick County. We are committed to providing quality park and recreation facilities and recreational experiences to the public. Paul Dial Our hope is that you take advantage of everything your park system has to offer, as well as the varied recreational programs our staff provides. We hope you join us in believing that they are a valuable asset that enriches all of our lives. As always, I am available to answer any of your questions or receive your comments in regards to Parks and Recreation programs and facilities. Sincerely, Paul Dial, Director Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation Where Frederick County Comes To Play 3

4 FY2012 Goals These goals were achieved in FY2012: Continue the battle against inactivity and obesity by building even greater participation in sports, health and fitness programs Developed and set in place a Community Gardens Program at Ballenger Creek Park Expanded recreational programming at park/school locations Successful opening of Urbana District Park Construction of the Ballenger Creek Community Building and Dog Park FY2013 Goals Goals that are set for next year: Complete design phase of the Advisors Court Section of the Ballenger Creek Trail Improve quality of turf on athletic fields Initiate the Docs in the Parks program Incorporate and transition Custodial Services and Security Services into the Division of Parks and Recreation Expand cooking program with new facilities at Ballenger Creek 4

5 Frederick County Parks and Recreation Commission Commission s Purpose Responsible for recommending general policy relating to Parks and Recreation for Frederick County; establishing a park and open space system for the County that is consistent with the County s parks and open space plan; managing properties over which the commission has jurisdiction; and directing a program of recreation for the County, subject to the budgetary policies and appropriations of the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Length of Term: Four years; staggered terms Procedure for Appointment The BOCC makes the appointments to the commission. The commission was formed under authority of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1965) Article 25, Sections and on the recommendation of the Frederick County Parks and Recreation Study Committee created in October Meeting Date: Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Winchester Room on the second floor of Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street, Frederick, MD COMMISSION MEMBERS Barbara E. Taylor Chairperson Term Exp. 6/30/16 Paul E. Spurrier Vice Chairperson Term Exp. 6/30/12 Robert Dinterman Term Exp. 6/30/14 Charlotte Lawson Davis Term Exp. 6/30/16 Ed Arnold Term Exp. 6/30/13 Darren S. Wigfield Term Exp. 6/30/15 William H. Lukens Term Exp. 6/30/15 Bob Failor Term Exp. 6/30/13 Brad Young BOE Representative Billy Shreve BOCC Representative 5

6 Volunteers The Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation appreciated all of the volunteers who shared their time and talents with the citizens of Frederick County over the past fiscal year. Each volunteer is an integral part of our success, and their participation in our programs and events is an invaluable part of our Division s success. Their hard work and dedication benefits Frederick County in countless ways and translates into quality programming and cost savings to the community. During FY2012, volunteers participated in coaching youth sports, trails maintenance, animal care at Nature Centers and a variety of special events. Staff Full-Time 59 Seasonal/Part-Time 269 Total Volunteer Hours for FY

7 Frederick County Parks and Recreation Organizational Chart

8 Budget Operating Parks and Recreation received 1.7% of the total County budget in FY2012: FY2012 % of Budget General Government Services 34,565, % Judicial 7,637, % Public Safety 50,511, % Public Works 17,661, % Health Services 9,198, % Citizen's Services 13,134, % Education and Library 252,809, % Non-Departmental 56,120, % Parks and Recreation 7,514, % Total FY2012 GF Budget 449,153,155 General Government Services Judicial Public Safety Public Works Health Services Citizen's Services Education and Library Non-Departmental Parks and Recreation 8

9 Budget Expenses & Revenue FY2012 Parks and Recreation Expenses Total Expenses 7,514,866 FY2012 Parks and Recreation Revenue Park Alcohol Permits 5,125 Class Tuition 236,558 Day Camp Tuition 139,400 Fountain Rock Nature Center Fees 56,678 Recreation Center Program Fees 582,819 Museum Fees 43,782 Catoctin Creek Nature Center Fees 82,018 Parks & Recreation Fines 100 Recreation Center Facility Rentals 80,319 Ball Field Fees 20,670 Park Facilities Rentals 89,998 Rose Hill Facility Rentals 2,337 Libertytown Park Facility Rental 1,160 Agricultural Leases & Building Rentals 72,478 Total Revenue 1,413,442 9

10 Budget Capital Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation Adopted FY Capital Improvements Program Project FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 Acquisition - Unallocated 1,343,460 1,343,460 2,593,460 1,343,460 1,343,460 Othello Regional Park 4,582,610 Loys Station, Roddy Road, Buckeystown 417,000 2,720,790 Old National Pike DP, Phase 2 575,000 Utica DP, Phase 2 100,000 Bikeways/Trails Program 1,112, ,000 1,112, ,000 Kemptown CP Rehab 115,000 Pinecliff Restrooms & Sewer Upgrade 1,455,110 Athletic Courts Rehab 197,500 Park Schools 387,000 Totals 1,001,500 6,632,130 1,343,460 2,769,460 2,456,230 6,892,070 10

11 Accomplishments Recreation Programs Top five (5) Registered Participant Programs 1. Zumba 3, Camp Monocacy 1, NFL Flag Football Gymnastics Clinic Tumbling for Cheerleading 507 Recreation Centers Our Division operated seven (7) recreation centers in FY2012. Facility positives include: Great partnership with Board of Education Facility locations found throughout Frederick County Camps Due to a high demand for day camps, the Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for FY2012, added a new location for Camp Monocacy at the Walkersville Rec Center and created a number of all day history camps at Rose Hill Manor Park. For convenience, DPR also relocated Camp Monocacy from Emmitsburg to Thurmont. In addition to these camps, DPR also provided new camps including: Soolah Hoops, Jump N Art Camp, and Kamp Kinderdance, which all had excellent participation rates. Some other popular camps this year included Eco-Adventure Camp, Nature Camp, and A Girl s Life in America (American Girl Doll Camp). 11

12 Environmental Education FY2012 gave us our first complete year with two nature centers. For Catoctin Creek, many connections with Frederick County Public Schools and the community were made. A Volunteer initiative was started in conjunction with the new nature center s many responsibilities. Eagle Scout projects added new trails and bird boxes throughout the park. Fountain Rock Nature Center Statistics for FY2012 o Birthday Party attendance: 506 participants o Program Registrants: 1,205 participants o School Reservation Attendance: 2,731 school children o Walk in Visitors: 6,600 visitors Catoctin Creek Nature Center Statistics for FY2012 o Birthday Party Attendance: 1,465 participants o Number of Program Registrants: 1,466 participants o School Reservation Attendance: 2,400 school children o Walk in Visitors: 13,091 visitors Specials Events Participation in our major events topped 9,383 for FY2012. The Great Pumpkin Patch: In FY2012, we expanded the two-day event by adding 1 ½ hours to each day. We also added a rock climbing wall and more vendors to keep the long lines at a minimum. In FY2011, we had 4,804 participants, and in FY2012, there were 4,799 participants. Fall Fest: In FY2012, the Farm Museum Association (FMA) worked in partnership with other organizations to ensure additional animals were on hand and also hosted a jousting competition. Rose Hill Manor Staff & FMA are considering ideas for keeping the event fresh for the future and to increase attendance. Plans for FY2013 include additional activities such as square dancing and horse pulling. Easter Egg Roll: In its 3 rd year in FY2012, this event has seen a steady growth in attendance jumping from 840 in FY2011, to 1,302 in FY2012. The event has become a draw for out of town visitors, including participants from as far away as South Carolina. In FY2012, new elements included the addition of an Alice In Wonderland inspired Tea Party with the Mad Hatter, carnival style games and an author storybook reading. These were popular additions that will be continued in FY2013. For FY2013, other possibilities could include additional mascot characters, moon bounces, and food vendors. 12

13 Spring Fest: This event in partnership with the FMA has become a tradition for many families. In FY2012, attendance was up over that of the previous two years. The crafts and kids games remain favorites of many. For FY2013, in celebration of Junior Fire Company No. 2 s anniversary, a muster will be held on the grounds in conjunction with this event, which will draw additional audiences and Rose Hill Manor Staff & FMA is seeking tie-ins that will highlight both the Farming & Firefighting history in the county. Civil War Encampment: Remains a popular event, while attendance was down slightly in FY2012 from that of FY2011 & FY2010, the event remains popular. Additions for FY2012 included expansion of children s activities, partnership with other museums in presentations, and an evening dance. In FY2013, these items will be expanded and new elements, such as a ladies social and special exhibits in the Manor house, will be added to the event. For upcoming years we will be looking to expand our outreach for reenactors and adding unique draws for the public in the midst of Sesquicentennial activities. Colonial Days: Due to minimal attendance in previous years and in an effort to minimize staffing requirements, there was a focus, beginning in FY2012, for a Living History weekend rather than a special event. Museum staff scheduled for FY2012, a living history program offered every month beginning in May and continuing through initial FY2013 and marketed it as a Timeline of History. The Timeline of History series has been successful, drawing more visitors than a normal weekend. Staff is contemplating additional ideas for such weekends in FY2013. Rose Hill Days & Car Show: In FY2012, we refocused our efforts to utilize more volunteers in this event, with the Rose Hill Museum Council becoming more involved and assisting with things such as the Ice Cream Social aspect of the event. The Francis Scott Key Car Club organized the car show and added a few new elements and vendors as part of their activities. In FY2013, we are adding a World War II theme and living history program to the event. Based on success of these additions for FY2013, the program will be reviewed for other possibilities in FY2014. Daddy Daughter Dance: In FY2012, we had a long waitlist of Daddy/Daughter couples wanting to get into this popular dance. In FY2013, Parks and Recreation Staff will be adding a second dance (4:00-6:00 pm & 7:30-9:30 pm) to accommodate more couples for this special night. 13

14 Bark in the Park: In FY2012, the Animal Welfare League ran a Pet-expo at the Frederick Fair Grounds on the same day as Bark in the Park, which caused a lower number of participants. Otherwise, the event was successful, with 523 dogs in attendance. In FY2011, we had 552 dogs. Rose Hill Manor In FY2012, the Rose Hill Manor House underwent a rehabilitation project. With the addition of a new HVAC system and new electrical service, the house has become more inviting to visitors. The Manor House exhibit and interactive areas were updated as well. Additions included new furniture, additional hands-on areas, interpretive text and a new look to all spaces. The Museum s facelift included a change in staffing structure as well as new operating hours and tour logistics. While staff is still adjusting to some of these changes, overall the new museum has been well received. In FY2012 we expanded our outreach materials and have visited new locations with programs including Sunrise Senior Living, Brunswick Middle School and UCP. New partnership activities have included work with the Great Frederick Fair on their 150 th celebration and work with Frederick County Public Schools Social Studies Curriculum Supervisor. For FY2013 and beyond, Museum Staff will be working on keeping the museum fresh and adding new elements and programs that will continue to draw visitors. Rose Hill Manor Park and Museum Birthday Party Attendance: 149 participants Number of Program Registrants: 500 participants Number of Special Event Participants: 3,799 School Reservation Attendance: 6,554 school children Walk in Visitors: 1,546 (note that the museum was closed early for renovation) 14

15 Accomplishments Parks Athletic Fields The Parks Superintendent and Parks Crews were responsible for maintaining sixty (60) athletic fields that included nineteen (19) soccer, eleven (11) softball, eleven (11) youth softball, ten (10) multipurpose, five (5) baseball, two (2) football / soccer, one softball /baseball and one soccer / softball fields. More than sixty-five (65) athletic groups used our fields for both practice and regular play. The fields hosted many tournaments throughout the year and they were utilized by many teams on a daily and weekly basis. A total of 1,147 man-hours were expended on field maintenance that included soil testing, fertilizing, liming, aerating, seeding, top dressing, mowing, removing clippings and thatch, weed maintenance, disking, raking, dragging, leveling, lip removal, field grooming and lining, stone and litter pick up, and repair and maintenance of fences, backstops, lighting, and bleachers. Crews worked hard in completing the lowering of infields and lip removals on five (5) softball fields at Pinecliff Park this year. A skid loader with front bucket was used to remove the excess field mix. After the field s outer lips were removed, the fields were sized to specifications and sod established at the infield / outfield boundaries. A new cricket field was installed at Utica Park through a cooperative effort with the Frederick Cricket Club. A new piece of equipment, an Aerway Aerator, was placed into service for the newly established fields at Urbana District Park. This lower cost, more simplistic aerator will, through its faster operation, save time and costs in our field maintenance operation at that park. Crews continued their maintenance plan and renovation of seven (7) multiuse fields located at Utica, Old National and Ballenger Creek Parks. Due to high use and environmental factors, these fields, consisting of tall fescue grass, have bare sections and tufts of turf throughout. The plan calls for a highly coordinated maintenance regime to stimulate turf growth in damaged and sparse grow-in areas. 15

16 Playgrounds One additional Parks Foremen has been certified as a Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) bringing the total to two. Training was given to crews on high frequency inspection documentation with an emphasis on completeness and consistency. Initial talks were established with an area business to potentially install a poured-inplace rubber playground carpet at Ballenger Creek Park. Trails A maintenance schedule was set for the first section of the newly established Ballenger Creek Trail. Contacts were made with adjacent landowners for continuity of operations along boundaries and other maintenance concerns. Volunteers assisted with the maintenance of trails at the Catoctin Creek Nature Center, freeing up work crews to apply their efforts elsewhere. An initiative is underway to begin an Adopt-a- Trail program with area businesses and organizations. Landscaping Beds, Walkways and Outdoor Construction Projects A system of walkways was installed using brick pavers at Rose Hill Manor replacing the stone dust pathways. The front circular drive at Rose Hill Manor was graded and surfaced with new stone. Landscaping beds around the sidewalks and circular drive at Rose Hill Manor were renovated. A new sign constructed of stone was placed at the entrance to Rose Hill Manor with newly established landscaping beds. A new deck was constructed at the Catoctin Creek Nature Center. A new retaining wall and overlook area was constructed at Creagerstown Boat Ramp and Recreation Area. Park Operations and Public Safety An intensive Athletic Field Monitoring Program was conducted by Park Rangers that resulted in reservation relinquishments and more efficient use of the fields. Baseball and softball fields were checked twice daily by the Park Rangers and work crews for damage to bases. When found, the source of the damage was easier to determine, which mitigated replacement costs. This process created more awareness on the part of field users as to how field dragging before and during games can damage bases. Knox boxes were installed with gate keys at the entrances to all major parks in the system to enable police, fire and rescue personnel to enter during security breaches and emergencies. 16

17 Farm Leases A total of eight (8) farmland leases were managed with one that expired during the year. The expired lease was for 159 agricultural acres known as the Othello Regional Park Farmland Property. Parks also manages the following non-farmland leases: Libertytown Concession Stand, Montevue Spring House with the Potomac Fly Fishers, Point of Rocks Community Building, Urbana Farm Field lease, and the lease of the Rose Hill Tenant House. Snow Removal Snow and ice weather was light this year with only five measurable incidents recorded. The heaviest snowfall averaged was four inches county-wide. Non-Park Support Parks staff was responsible for the grounds maintenance of seventy-one (71) non-park areas amounting to a total of 302 acres. These areas included twenty-two (22) administration buildings, twelve (12) storm water management ponds, eight (8) fire stations, seven recreation centers (7), five (5) libraries, two (2) police stations, one (1) detention center, one courthouse and thirteen (13) other miscellaneous areas. Regular maintenance tasks included landscaping bed work, turf maintenance, snow and ice removal, pesticide and herbicide application, tree work, trash removal, leaf raking, soil stabilization, and special event set up. 17

18 Accomplishments Park Attendance 18

19 Accomplishments Inventory of Park Acreage FREDERICK COUNTY PARKLAND INVENTORY Park/Site Deeded Acreage Advisors Court Property (SP) 0.43 Ballenger Crossing (SP) Ballenger (D/RP)* Buckeystown (CP)* Carroll Creek (SP)* Catoctin Creek (SP)* Creagerstown (CP) 4.61 Devilbiss (SP) 1.21 Dudrow (SP) Fahrney Branch (SP) Fountain Rock (SP)* Fountaindale (SP) 8.07 Green Hill (CP)* Kemptown (CP)* Kingsbrook (SP) Libertytown (CP)* Loys Station (CP)* 7.15 Middletown (CP)* Monocacy River Park (SP) Old National Pike (D/RP)* Othello Regional (D/RP)* Overlook Park (SP) Pinecliff (D/RP)* Point of Rocks Commons (CP)* 2.18 Point of Rocks Parcels (SP) 2.21 Point of Rocks Regional (D/RP) Point of Rocks (CP)* Robin Meadows (SP) Rocky Ridge Landing (SP) Roddy Road (SP)* Rose Hill (SP)* Urbana CP (CP)* Urbana DP (D/RP)* Urbana II (SP) Utica (R/DP)* Westview South (SP) GRAND TOTAL PARK ACREAGE Special Use Parks (SP) Community Parks (CP) District/Regional Parks (D/RP) *Indicates Park Has a Master or Site Plan 9

20 Accomplishments Custodial Services During FY2012, the Office of Custodial Services (OCS) and Parks Maintenance maintained 38 County Facilities (see next page) equaling a total gross square footage of 1,047,638 gross square footage. In-house staff cleaned 21 buildings with a gross square footage of 482,467 with a budgeted staff of 23.5 FTE from OCS. Gross Square footage of facilities maintained by OCS and Parks: OCS 463,187 Parks 61,145 Scott Key 477,126 CBM 31,060 Full Brite 15,120 Total 1,047,638 Sixteen buildings totaling 477,126 square feet were contracted to be cleaned by Scott Key Center. Scott Key Center, Inc. is a non-profit foundation that exists solely for the support of the Scott Key Center, and is the successor organization to the non-profit organization that founded the Scott Key Center in The Scott Key Center has operated as a County department under the Health Department since However, the Scott Key Center, Inc. plays a significant role in the Supported Employment program by serving as the employer for the clients served in the program. The Supported Employment program of the Scott Key Center has provided employment opportunities for clients by providing custodial services to the County for many years. Over the years, the BOCC has expressed strong support for both the Scott Key Center programs and this particular collaboration in the cleaning of County buildings. 20

21 Building Name Gross Square Footage Custodial/Parks/Contractor Team/Vendor 30 North Market Street 25,500 Custodial Winchester Adult Detention Center 110,100 Contractor Scott Key Center Animal Control 11,700 Contractor Scott Key Center Animal Health Lab 8,500 Contractor Scott Key Center Brunswick Library 15,000 Contractor Scott Key Center C. Burr Artz Library 64,750 Contractor Scott Key Center Catoctin Creek Nature Center 6,152 Parks Parks Citizen Services 25,742 Custodial LEC Court House 194,189 Custodial Court House Department of Public Works 24,400 Custodial Winchester Emergency Services 11,587 Contractor Scott Key Center Emmitsburg Community Center 33,500 Contractor Scott Key Center Extensions Services 14,000 Contractor Scott Key Center Family Partnership 15,120 Contractor Full Brite, Inc. Fire & Rescue Logistics 2,000 Contractor Scott Key Center Fountain Rock Park 4,328 Parks Parks Head Start 10,000 Custodial LEC Health Department 62,210 Contractor Scott Key Center Highway Operations 15,326 Contractor Scott Key Center IIT 8,971 Custodial Winchester Kemptown Community Park 1,286 Parks Parks Law Enforcement Center (includes 6,000 for Sheriff Annex) 76,325 Custodial LEC Libertytown Community Park 2,640 Parks Parks Maintenance 20,260 Custodial LEC Middletown Community Park 3,409 Parks Parks Old National District Park 1,128 Parks Parks Pinecliff Park 4,820 Parks Parks Public Safety Training Facility Annex 18,978 Contractor Scott Key Center Public Safety Training Facility Main 44,424 Contractor Scott Key Center Rose Hill Manor 28,647 Parks Parks Senior Center 16,926 Contractor Scott Key Center Parks Maintenance Shop 7,535 Parks Parks Thurmont Library 25,000 Contractor Scott Key Center Transit & Garage 5,430 Contractor Scott Key Center Urbana Library/Senior Center 31,060 Contractor CBM Utica District Park 1,200 Parks Parks Winchester Hall 77,800 Custodial Winchester Work Force Services 17,695 Contractor Scott Key Center TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE MAINTAINED 1,047,638 21

22 Accomplishments Capital Projects Capital Projects Completed in FY2012 Ballenger Creek Trail Section III Construction contract for this project was awarded by the BOCC to David H. Martin Excavating, Inc. Construction began on September 14, 2011, and a substantial completion walk-through took place on May 29, Rose Hill Manor HVAC and Electrical Upgrade Construction contract for this project was awarded by the BOCC to Rockwell Construction Company, Inc. Construction began on November 1, 2011, and a substantial completion walk-through took place on March 5, Urbana District Park Phase I Development Construction contract for this project was awarded by the BOCC to Conewago Enterprises, Inc. Construction began on March 29, 2010 and a substantial completion walk through took place on April 12, Capital Projects Currently In Design or Under Construction Athletic Court Rehab Ten tennis courts at four locations and three basketball courts at three locations are getting surface repaired or replaced, in addition to select repair/replacement of court fencing and basketball posts. Construction contract for this project was awarded by the BOCC to American Tennis Courts on April 5, Ballenger Creek Trail Section IV Human and Rohde, Inc. began working on the design of this section of trail in June This section of trail will connect the trail parking lot at Advisors Court to the developer-built Westview South Section. Ballenger Creek Park Phase V Development This project includes the development of a multi-purpose building to include a meeting room, instructional/warming kitchen, storage space and inter/exterior restrooms. In addition, a dog park will be constructed to include walkways, fencing, benches, signage, water fountains and parking. Construction contract for this project was awarded to Roy C. Kline Contractors. Pinecliff Restrooms & Sewer Upgrade Currently under design, this project includes replacing the current vaulted restrooms with permanent restrooms. As part of this project, a sewer line would be constructed to serve the Browning Building, thus eliminating the large sewage holding tank. 22

23 Accomplishments Program Open Space Funding Summary FY2012 Program Open Space (POS) Program Funding Allocations For Frederick County and its Municipalities FY2012 POS Allocation: $190,667 County POS Allocation: $95,333 Municipal POS Allocation: $95,334 POS Acquisition Allocation: $95,334 POS Development Allocation: $95,333 Frederick County s POS Allocation is divided in half between acquisition and development projects and is then divided 50/50 between municipal and County projects. The Frederick County Division of Parks and Recreation Office prepares and submits an Annual Program Report which summarizes both municipal and County projects and the FY2012 POS allocation to be used in each project. Representatives and/or elected officials from each municipality met on July 19, 2011, to allocate funding to municipal projects. Acquisition Projects Frederick City West Side Regional Park Acquisition: $28,667 Frederick County Unallocated Acquisition: $47,666 Myersville Pleasant Walk Park Acquisition: $19,000 Development Projects Frederick County Urbana DP Phase I Development: $47,667 Middletown Remsburg Park Fencing: $15,717 Thurmont Community Park Road Improvements: $31,950 23

24 Accomplishments Challenges and Solutions Understaffing Conditions The problems experienced by short staffing within Parks have been reduced by privatizing some responsibilities. During the year, competitive bidding for mowing contracts at two additional parks was initiated. Additionally, maintenance work at Rose Hill Manor such as chimney inspection, carpet cleaning, big tree work, roof repair and installation, exterior painting, stone work, rain gutter installation, blacktop surfacing, repair of garage doors, alarm systems, and major HVAC and electrical work has been or is planned to be privatized when the maintenance becomes necessary. Additional measures may be necessary in the future and could include the hiring of parttime, non-benefited staff members and the privatization of other responsibilities. Athletic Field Scheduling for Maximum Use With a limited number of athletic fields in our Park System, Parks Management was challenged to fill the wants and needs of field users. The users not only included recreation leagues and organizations but also park users who simply reserved a shelter or brought a group of children in for play. During this fiscal year, Parks staff initiated a more intensive Field Monitoring Program that helped to ensure full use of the fields. An increase in the number of relinquishments was realized, which resulted in the re-issuance of fields for use by others. Continuation of the monitoring program is planned. 24

25 Vandalism A total of fifteen (15) incidents were discovered that resulted in costs of $1, To counter and keep vandalism in check, permanent security cameras and dummy cameras were placed at strategic locations at two of our newest facilities. Software was installed on computers for remote surveillance. Additionally, a portable camera was purchased for use when needed at other facilities and more remote locations. Monitoring critical areas was also expanded by increased Ranger patrols at times when vandalism occurred most. A new method, bike patrol, was introduced this fiscal year and will continue into the future. Being a new patrol, results have not been realized but are expected to be very beneficial, not only in deterring vandalism but also for public relations. Outsourcing Challenges for the future, meeting the growing needs via contracting requires additional contractual money and also requires staff to focus attention on the management of those contracts (COI, Invoices, oversight). This may require additional professional personnel Preparing for special events becomes an ever increasing problem when more services are contracted out on the park side and less employees are able to assist with important roles such as construction of signs, set up and take down of tents and event items, moving supplies from facility to facility, etc. Public Schools Work with Frederick County Public Schools so that our nature and historical locations are beneficial to their curriculum and studies 25