Agenda - 11-18-2014 - 7a - Laserfiche WebLink

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developed and coordinated by staff with the advice and direction of the Parks and Recreation Council. A new Community Needs Assessment (survey) was conducted by UNC- Greensboro, along with issue papers on tourism, economic development and standards. This staff -based approach was chosen to provide a product with a more -local flavor and at considerably lower cost, but it also acknowledged a longer timeframe for completion. The Community Needs Assessment (CNA) survey was conducted, with supplemental assessments solicited as well as a series of topic- oriented focus groups. An initial draft master plan was created by staff and the Parks and Recreation Council. Staff involved in this project includes a Master Plan Team comprised of staff members from DEAPR, and an inter - departmental Staff Resources Group with representatives from a variety of other County departments. After a round of community input sessions, a public hearing on the draft Master Plan was held on June 3 of this year. The draft Master Plan covers a great deal of territory and includes both an inventory and assessment of existing facilities, as well as plans for the future based on surveys, studies and other work. The plan includes sections on: • Overview of existing and past plans • Inventory and assessment of current and planned future facilities • Existing recreation programs and activity • Demographics and other driving factors • A multi -modal Community Needs Assessment and survey results • Linkages to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and other County and related parks plans • Economic, health and environmental impacts of parks and recreation programs • Summary of park standards, classifications, service areas and plan "Findings" • Goals, objectives and plan recommendations • Issues for further study In general, the draft 2030 Master Plan focuses on protecting the substantial investment made in parks and recreation facilities in the past 15 years, and moving toward creation of the identified and planned parks acquired but not yet built. By virtue of having a very proactive land acquisition program for parks, the County is well "ahead of the curve" in terms of securing parkland in identified locations. However, important decisions are on the horizon concerning community centers, playing field surfaces, coordination with private and local non - profit organizations, and other matters as noted. Chapter 9 of the plan includes a review of standards and service delivery, and a set of 20 "findings" drawn from the plan and activities to date. Chapter 10 reiterates the Comprehensive Plan goals and objectives, and offers a series of nine (9) recommendations beginning on page 10 -5. The recommendations cover the following topics: • Protecting existing investments in park and open space facilities; • Building planned future parks over the next 10 years; • Complete three nature preserves with public accessible- areas; • Multi- partner parks and recreation capital facilities; • Master Plan for the Orange County Mountains -to -Sea Trail (MST) segment; • Build trails and connect open spaces; • Improve access and incorporate healthy lifestyle design into parks and open spaces; • Look at new program needs, identify partnerships; • Examine the role of community centers in providing public recreation.