parks and opens space sscab presentation

PARK PLANNING & STEWARDSHIP DIVISION

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M-NCPPC, Department of Parks, Montgomery County, MD

Park Planning & Stewardship Division

2012 Park Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan

Montgomery County Department of Recreation

July, 2012

Park & Trail Planning Section


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Overview of Today’s Presentation What is the 2012 PROS Plan?

How does it relate to the Vision 2030 strategic plan?

How does it direct the work programs of the Department of Parks and the Recreation Department?

How will it help achieve the right parks in the right places?


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Purpose of PROS Plan To estimate park and recreation facility needs for the next 10 years and

service delivery strategies for providing them

To recommend preservation and interpretation priorities for important natural and historic areas

To provide input to area and park master plans regarding the need for public parkland and recreation facilities

To help establish park acquisition and development priorities in the six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP)


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How is the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan different from

the 2012 PROS Plan?

Vision 2030 Strategic Plan

Is broader in scope, and helps us understand underserved areas of the County

Includes programming, policing, maintenance, operations, marketing as well as park and recreation planning

Together, these two documents

Help us to set clear priorities for acquisition and development

Guide input to Park and Area Master Plans and the CIP


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Relationship between Vision 2030 and the 2012 PROS Plan

Vision 2030 Strategic Plan

Shows where in the County we need more park and recreation facilities and services

Sets priorities for programs, park operations, marketing, management, and park planning and development

PROS Plan

Is State-mandated

Estimates how many and what type of recreation facilities are needed for the next 10 years

Recommends how to deliver the facilities to meet the needs

Provides basis for recommendations in each master plan area

Recommends land acquisition priorities

Recommends priorities for preserving natural and historic/cultural resources, and agricultural lands

Together, these two documents

Will help us to set clear priorities for acquisition and development

Guide input to park and area master plans, and the CIP


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Strategic Plan

Staff Level Implementation Plan

Cost Recovery Analysis

Vision 2030 Recap

Products

Statistically Valid Survey

Level of Service Analysis

Needs and Resource Assessment


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Vision 2030 Highlights

To maintain a high level of quality into the future, the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Montgomery County Department of Recreation will need to:

Maintain and strengthen the current parks and recreation system

Prioritize tax resources on core services

Ensure operational sustainability

Balance new construction with maintenance and repair of existing facilities

Respond to emerging trends and changing priorities

Strengthen stewardship of natural and historical resources

Continue to “green” the park system – including facilities, equipment, and operational programs

Continue the current focus on customer service and public safety

Collaborate to efficiently deliver quality services

Plan for future growth

Respond to changing demographics


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PROS Plan Outreach Vision 2030 Outreach

Statistically Valid Mail Survey

Public Meetings

Summits

Focus Groups

Additional outreach included

Web page and e-mail access

Input from Recreation and Park Advisory Boards

Public Meetings on Draft Service Delivery Proposals

Planning Board Public Sessions


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PROS Plan Highlights

What's New?

Addresses Montgomery County’s increasing urbanization

Urban Park Guidelines, Part 1

Six new types of urban parks, several new urban facilities

Renovation of Existing Facilities and Repurposing of Underutilized Facilities

Offers Strategies for the "right facilities in the right places"

Service Delivery Approach

Ongoing Countywide Park Trails Plan Amendment

Future Implementation Plan – Site Selection Studies

Ongoing Athletic Field Study

Prioritizes Stewardship of Natural and Cultural Resources on M-NCPPC Parkland

Natural Resources Management Plan

Cultural Resources Asset Inventory Database


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Urban Park Guidelines

Establish a hierarchy for all urban areas For the sector plan area: active recreation destinations central civic green interconnected sidewalks and trails wooded areas

For each neighborhood: community use park

Fore each block: urban square, plaza or green

For each building: outdoor recreation space

For each residence: private outdoor space


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Urban Parks

Create two categories of Urban Parks in the Park Classification System

Countywide Urban Park To serve the entire urban area, e.g. Sector Plan Area or Central Business District

Community Use Urban Park To serve a segment of an urban area, such as a neighborhood, a center, or a district


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Urban Park Classification Revisions

Category: Countywide Urban Park

Serves residents, visitors, and workers of an entire urban high-density transit-oriented development area

May be programmed with numerous activities that attract residents from other parts of the county

Parking is located in structures underground or in nearby public parking lots, garages or along adjoining streets, rather than on-site.

May be lighted at night along major walkways and for certain activities such as events, or court sports.

Subcategories

Civic Green

Urban Recreational Park

Urban Greenway

Rockville Town Center, Rockville


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Subcategory

Civic Green

Located in the center of high density development, providing a green outdoor “living room” for residents, employees and visitors

Serves people from other parts of the county and capital region

Formally planned, flexible, programmable open spaces for informal gathering, quiet contemplation, or large special event gatherings

May support open air markets, concerts, festivals, and special events

Not often used for programmed recreational purposes

A central lawn is often the main focus with adjacent spaces providing complementary uses

May include gardens, water features and shade structures.

Minimum size: ½ acre

Examples in Adopted Plans: White Flint, Wheaton, Great Seneca Science Corridor, Takoma Langley

MC Parks - Civic Green, Germantown


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Subcategory

Urban Recreational Park Oriented to the recreational needs of a densely populated

neighborhood and business district Space for many activities and may include athletic fields, playing

courts, picnicking, dog parks, sitting areas and flexible grassy open space

Programming can include farmer’s markets, outdoor exercise classes, and community yard sales

Safe drop-off area and nearby accessible parking Master/Sector Plan Examples: Adopted - White Flint, Proposed –

White Oak Science Gateway

Subcategory

Urban Greenway Linear parks that provide trails or wide landscaped walkways and

bikeways and may include other recreational and natural amenities May occur along road rights of way or “paper” streets Include space for vegetative ground cover and trees Link other green spaces, trails and natural systems Examples: Existing - Glenmont


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Category: Community Use Urban Park

Serves residents and workers in urban neighborhoods and districts

May be programmed for more localized events, but not countywide events

No parking on the park property

Subcategories

Urban Buffer Park

Neighborhood Green

Community Use Urban Recreational Park


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Subcategory

Urban Buffer Park Serves as a green buffer at the edges of urban, high density development adjacent

to lower density residential areas Green space within which residents and workers of an urban area may relax and

recreate Typically include landscaping, sitting/picnic areas, play equipment, courts, and

shelters Minimum size is ¼ acre Examples: Existing - several in Silver Spring, Bethesda

Subcategory

Neighborhood Green Serves residents and workers from the surrounding neighborhood or district, but

may be designed for more activity than an urban buffer park Formally planned, flexible open spaces for informal gathering, lunchtime

relaxation, or small special event gatherings Typically contain lawn area, shaded seating and may include a play area, a skate

spot, a community garden, or similar neighborhood facilities Minimum size is ¼ acre Examples: Existing – Royce Hanson, Wheaton Veterans. Adopted – White Flint,

Takoma Langley, Great Seneca, etc.

Bethesda CBD

Royce Hanson Urban Park

Battery Lane Urban Park, Bethesda


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Subcategory

Community Use Urban Recreational Park

Serves residents and workers from surrounding neighborhood or district

More active recreation than an urban buffer park or a neighborhood green

Typically contain sport courts, skate spots

May include lawn areas, playgrounds or other neighborhood recreation facilities

Minimum size is 1/10 acre


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Urban Park Classification Revision

PARK TYPE PARK TYPE DESCRIPTION TYPICAL FACILITIES* APPROX. SIZE

Countywide Urban Parks

Serve residents, visitors, and workers of an entire urban high-density transit-oriented development area, and may be programmed with numerous activities that attract residents from other parts of the County. Parking is located in structures underground or in nearby public parking lots, garages or along adjoining streets, rather than on-site. Parks may be lighted at night along major walkways and for certain activities such as events, or court sports. Subcategories include Civic Greens, Urban Recreational Parks, and Urban Greenways.

CIVIC GREENS

Formally planned, flexible, programmable open spaces that serve as places for informal gathering, quiet contemplation, or large special event gatherings. Depending on size, they may support activities including open air markets, concerts, festivals, and special events but are not often used for programmed recreational purposes.

A central lawn is often the main focus with adjacent spaces providing complementary uses. May include gardens, water features and shade structures.

1/2 acre minimum

COUNTYWIDE URBAN RECREATIONAL PARKS

Oriented to the recreational needs of a densely populated neighborhood and business district. They provide space for many activities.

May include athletic fields, playing courts, picnicking, dog parks, sitting areas and flexible grassy open space.

Programming can include farmer’s markets, outdoor exercise classes, and community yard sales. There is space for a safe drop-off area and nearby accessible parking for those who cannot walk to the park.

Varies

URBAN GREENWAYS

Linear parks that provide trails or wide landscaped walkways and bikeways and may include other recreational and natural amenities. May occur along road rights of way or “paper” streets.

Trails, walkways and bikeways, with extra space for vegetative ground cover and trees. Should link other green spaces, trails and natural systems.

Varies

* This list is not all-inclusive, but includes facilities typical of each park type.


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Urban Park Classification Revisions Proposed Park Classification System

PARK TYPE PARK TYPE DESCRIPTION TYPICAL FACILITIES* APPROX. SIZE

- Conservation Oriented Parks

Stream Valley Parks Interconnected linear parks along major stream valleys providing conservation and recreation areas.

Hiker-biker trails, fishing, picnicking, playground areas. Varies

Conservation Area Parks Large natural areas acquired to preserve specific natural archaeological or historic features. They also provide opportunities of compatible recreation activities.

Trails, fishing areas, nature study areas, informal picnic areas.

Varies

Community Use Urban Parks

Serve residents and workers in urban neighborhoods and districts. These parks may be programmed for more localized events, but not countywide events. No parking is available on the park property. Subcategories include Urban Buffer Parks, Neighborhood Greens and Community Use Urban Recreational Parks..

URBAN BUFFER PARKS Serve as green buffers at the edges of urban, high density development adjacent to lower density residential areas. They provide a green space within which residents and workers of an urban area may relax and recreate.

Landscaping, sitting/picnic areas, play equipment, courts, and shelters.

1/4 acre Minimum

NEIGHBORHOOD GREENS Serve the residents and workers from the surrounding neighborhood or district, but may be designed for more activity than an urban buffer park. These formally planned, flexible open spaces serve as places for informal gathering, lunchtime relaxation, or small special event gatherings.

Lawn area, shaded seating and pathways. May include a play area, a skate spot, a community garden, or similar neighborhood facilities.

1/4 acre Minimum

COMMUNITY USE URBAN RECREATIONAL PARK These parks serve the residents and workers from the surrounding neighborhood or district, and are designed for more active recreation than an urban buffer park or a neighborhood green

Sport courts, skate spots, and may include lawn areas, playgrounds or similar neighborhood recreation facilities.

1/10 acre Minimum

Neighborhood Parks Small parks providing informal recreation in residential areas. Play equipment, play field, sitting area, shelter, tennis and Multi-use courts. (Do not include regulation size ballfields).

2.5 Acre

Local Parks Larger parks that provide ballfields and both programmed and un-programmed recreation facilities.

Ballfields, play equipment, tennis and multi-use courts, sitting/picnic area, shelters, buildings and other facilities.

15 Acre

Neighborhood Conservation Areas

Small parcels of conservation oriented parkland in residential areas, generally dedicated at the time of subdivision.

Generally undeveloped, may include a storm water management pond and related facilities.

Varies

* This list is not all-inclusive, but includes facilities typical of each park type.


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Vision 2030 Survey Results

Facilities ranked by importance of adding, expanding, or improving

1. Community Recreation Centers

2. Indoor Aquatic Centers

3. Playgrounds

4. Natural Surface Trails

5. Hard Surface Trails

6. Natural Areas


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Service Delivery Geographies


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Planning Area Needs Playgrounds

Basketball Courts

Tennis Courts

Needs Estimated by Geographic Areas

Athletic Field Area Needs Adult Rectangular Fields

Youth Rectangular Fields

Baseball Fields

Adult Softball Diamonds

Youth Softball Diamonds

Countywide Needs Recreation / Aquatic Centers

Trails

Natural Areas

Dog Parks

Picnic Shelters / Group Picnic Areas

Cultural Resources

Ice Rinks

Skate Parks

Volleyball Courts

Cricket Fields

Civic Greens

Community Open Space

Urban Wooded Areas


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Service Delivery Strategies

FACILITY CALCULATION OF NEED SERVICE DELIVERY

V2030 SURVEY

RANK Type Method /Data

Source 2005

Inventory

2011 Inventor

y

Add’l Need by

2022 Service Delivery Strategy

# 28 Skateboarding Facilities

Participation rates from

State Planning

Survey, 2003

0 6.5 10 Give priority to South Central Area (Vision 2030, M-NCPPC, 2011) where level of service per population is lowest.

Locate within safe walking distance of middle or high schools, in areas of higher population density.

Provide three types of facilities defined by size, platform, and service area, with priority to be given to mid-size (10k-15k sq.’) skate parks in local parks, and larger skate parks (15k-20k sq.’) in regional and recreational parks.

Provide smaller skate spots (5k-10k sq.’) in urban and neighborhood Parks.


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Sample Service Delivery Strategy

Skateboarding Facilities

There are 6.5 Countywide skate parks and skate spots, including those in municipalities

Vision 2030 Strategic Plan Guidance

Address the growing demand for skateboarding facilities, especially in urban areas

PROS Service Delivery Plan Guidance

Address the growing demand for skateboarding facilities, especially in urban areas

Identify opportunities to add in areas of greatest need

Give priority to South Central Area where level of service per population is lowest.

Locate within safe walking distance of middle or high schools, in areas of higher population density.

Provide three types of facilities defined by size, platform, and service area, with priority to be given to mid-size skate parks in local parks, and larger skate parks in regional and recreational parks.

Provide smaller skate spots in urban and neighborhood Parks.


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Sample Service Delivery Strategy

Service Analysis

Skateboarding 1/2 - 1 mi radius from High Schools and Middle Schools


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Example Recreation Department Service Delivery Strategies Survey Rank #1 and #2

Combined Community Recreation and Aquatic Multipurpose Centers

Add fewer, larger centers, and combine typical elements of Community Recreation Centers and Aquatic Centers into combined structures.

Redefine 2 existing and add 2 additional strategically located, combined Community Recreation and Aquatic Multipurpose Center projects to serve the North & South Central Sub-Areas.

CALCULATION OF NEED

V2030 SURVEY RANK FACILITY TYPE

METHOD /DATA SOURCE

2011 INVENTORY

ADD’L NEED BY 2022 COUNTYWIDE SERVICE DELIVERY

PROS COUNTYWIDE - Indoor Facilities

1 Combined Community Recreation and Aquatic Multipurpose Centers

Per Montgomery County

Recreation Facility

Development Plan 2010-2030,

(MCRD, 2011)

0 4 Add fewer, larger centers, and combine typical elements of Community Recreation Centers and Aquatic Centers into combined structures, (Vision 2030, M-NCPPC, 2011). Redefine two existing and add two additional strategically located combined Community Recreation and Aquatic Multipurpose Center projects to serve the North & South Central Sub-Areas

2 Indoor Aquatic Centers

4 0 See above


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Natural Resources Stewardship

New Natural Resource Management Plan

Provides guidance for protection of specific natural resources in the Park System

Operation and Use Plans

Natural Areas

Proposed Work Program

Natural Resource Management Plan finished by end of FY 12

Operation and Use Plans for all Best Natural Areas, Biodiversity Areas, and 3 downcounty Stream Valley Parks by the end of FY 18


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Cultural Resources Stewardship Continue to tell the county’s story through its best 8-10 public

interpretive sites, including, but not limited to:

Woodlawn Manor and the Underground Railroad Experience Trail

Oakley Cabin

Josiah Henson Special Park

Bussard Farm at the Agricultural History Farm Park

Continue to use the Cultural Resources Asset Inventory Database to make management decisions.

The top 20-25 properties in the inventory at any given time should be considered the priority sites for funding, preservation, and potentially programming.

The program needs facility managers for historic sites open to the public, archaeologists, and architects.

The operating budget currently lacks sufficient funding to hire additional personnel that are needed for the Cultural Resources Program.


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Agricultural Land Preservation

Established and met a goal of protecting 70,000 acres of farmland (71,622 acres through 2010)

Promote the Building Lot Termination (BLT) Program as a method of farmland preservation

Assist in development of the Zoning Code Rewrite to ensure protection of agricultural land


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Agricultural Preservation PROS 2012 Strategies in Support of Agricultural Land Use

Maximize agricultural acreage under easement

Support viability and vitality of the agricultural sector

Expand efforts in public education so that farming is understood as a desirable and essential way of life

Advocate that the Zoning Code Rewrite incorporate protection of agricultural land for agricultural uses

Continue support for easement programs and critical areas for Legacy Open Space easements.


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How does PROS guide our other plans?

Service Delivery Strategies for Countywide Plans

Countywide Park Trails Plan

Park Recommendations in Community Master/Sector Plans

Urban Park Plans and Guidelines

Master Plans for Individual Parks and Trail Corridors

Site Selection Studies

Repurposing and Renovation Studies

Programs of Requirement to guide Facility Plans

CIP Prioritization

Recreation Facility Development Plan, 2010-2030

Map of County with Planning Areas

White Flint page

Little Bennett RP MP image

Josiah Henson MP

Miracle Lg photo


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Role of Vision 2030, PROS, and MCRFDP in Planning

Facility Planning, Design,

Construction

CIP Sorting

Park Plans

Community Master

Plans, Site Selection Studies,

Functional Master Plans

MCRFDP 2010-2030

PROS

Vision 2030


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Next Steps

Park Plans to implement the 2012 PROS Plan

Urban Parks Guidelines

Countywide Park Trail Plan Amendment

Natural Resource Management Plan for Natural Areas in M-NCPPC Parkland

Athletic Field Study

Implementation Plan System-wide site selection for facilities with unmet needs: dog parks, community open space, skate parks, and community gardens


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Next Steps - Urban Parks

Analyze Amount of Parks and Open Space per Population


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Next Steps - Implementation Plan Develop Program of Requirements and site selection criteria, with input

from park users/advocates, park operations staff, and private sector developers

Evaluate existing parks for underutilized or developable areas

Evaluate private sector developments for public use areas

Identify potential future park sites

Identify priority amenities in urban area master or sector plans and amenity fund lists


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Next Steps - Fields Athletic Field Study

Analyze field use to better assess the demand and deliver the service of athletic fields

Re-balance the existing mix of athletic fields to better fit current needs for rectangle and diamond fields

Strategically repurpose some existing diamond fields

Increase the number of rectangular fields to meet growing demand for a variety of sports played on rectangular fields

Locate enough of the right type of fields close to field users


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Summary Right amount and types of open space for increasingly urbanized county

Right balance of resource-based and facility-based recreation

Renovation and repurposing over building new

Focus on facilities that people value the most

Stewardship of our natural, cultural and agricultural resources

Give decision makers the information and strategies to establish priorities in an era of high competition for limited resources


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Silver Spring Existing Parks


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Thank you.

ParkPlanning.org

MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/rec

parks and opens space sscab presentation

Documents

park recreation

park acquisition

park system

park operations

md park

park master plans

pros plan vision

recreation department