Orange County NC Website
2 <br /> administrator, and also provided issue papers on tourism, economic development and <br /> standards. This staff-based approach was envisioned to provide a product with a more-local <br /> flavor and at considerably less funding, but it also acknowledged a longer timeframe for <br /> completion. <br /> As shown in the attached timetable of activities, a Community Needs Assessment survey was <br /> conducted in late 2012 and early 2013. Supplemental assessments were also conducted in the <br /> spring of 2013, along with a series of topic-oriented focus groups. Staff prepared a draft master <br /> plan in the summer and fall of 2013, and has been reviewing a series of drafts with the Parks <br /> and Recreation Council for the last four months. Staff involved in this project includes a Master <br /> Plan Team comprised of six staff members from DEAPR, and an inter-departmental Staff <br /> Resources Group with representatives from a variety of other County departments. <br /> The draft Master Plan includes both an inventory and assessment of existing facilities and plans <br /> for the future based on surveys, studies and other work. The plan includes sections on: <br /> • Overview of existing and past plans <br /> • Inventory and assessment of current and planned future facilities <br /> • Existing recreation programs and activity <br /> • Demographics and other driving factors <br /> • A multi-modal Community Needs Assessment and survey results <br /> • Linkages to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and other County and related parks plans <br /> • Economic, health and environmental impacts of parks and recreation programs <br /> • Summary of park standards, classifications, service areas and plan "Findings" <br /> • Goals, Objectives and Plan Recommendations <br /> • Issues for Further Study <br /> In general, the draft 2030 Master Plan focuses on protecting the substantial investment made in <br /> parks and recreation facilities in the past 15 years, and moving toward creation of the identified <br /> and planned parks acquired but not yet built. By virtue of having a very proactive land <br /> acquisition program for parks, the County is well "ahead of the curve" in terms of securing <br /> parkland in identified locations. However, important decisions are on the horizon concerning <br /> community centers, playing field surfaces, coordination with private and local non-profit <br /> organizations, and other matters as noted. <br /> At this time staff's interest is in gaining feedback from the Board about the general direction of <br /> the plan and issues of importance or significance before the plan is brought back for public <br /> hearing and the approval process. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the informal review of this <br /> master plan. The plan includes many current (and some new) capital investments for parks and <br /> recreation facilities which are contained within the adopted Capital Investment Plan (CIP), as <br /> well as likely renovations, repairs and replacement costs, which will be evaluated and <br /> considered as part of CIP and budget approval processes each year. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the master plan <br /> and provide comment, feedback and direction to staff and the Parks and Recreation Council on <br /> possible changes and adjustments to the draft, to be addressed before the Master Plan is taken <br /> to public hearing in March. <br />