HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-025E \WPDOCS\ORD\PARK PLN
ORDINANCE NO /'O
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE DENTON PARKS AND RECREATION STRATEGIC
PLAN WHICH PROVIDES FOR SPECIFIC INITIATIVES TO GUIDE THE PARKS AND
RECREATION DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE YEAR 2000, AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS, the adoption of a strategic plan for the Parks and
Recreation Department is a requirement of the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department and state law for the City's continued
participation in the State Matching Grant Assistance Program, and
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board has approved the
attached Denton Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan 1996-2000,
which is made a part of this ordinance as if written word for word
herein, and
WHEREAS, the Denton Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan 1996-
2000 implements the vision of the City for its Parks and Recreation
Department, which states that by the year 2000, Denton will have a
parks and recreation system which (1) provides an array of leisure
experiences which are fully accessible to all members of Denton's
community, (2) is responsive to the diverse and ever -changing needs
of our customers, (3) emphasizes quality over quantity, (4)
balances the need to grow with a sensitivity for more responsible
care and maintenance of existing facilities, (5) is effectively
planned, financed, and managed in collaboration with others, (6) is
seen by its citizens and all stakeholders as a vital component of
Denton's image as a dynamic, beautiful, and vibrant community in
which to live, work, learn, and play, and
WHEREAS, the City Council deems it in the public interest to
approve the Denton Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan 1996-2000,
NOW, THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS
SECTION I That the attached Denton Parks and Recreation
Strategic Plan 1996-2000 is hereby approved and adopted
SECTION II That the Director of Parks and Recreation is
directed to send a complete, true, and correct copy of this
ordinance, including the attached Denton Parks and Recreation
Strategic Plan 1996-2000, to appropriate officials of the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department
SECTION III That this ordinance shall become effective
immediately upon its passage and approval
1911
91 PASSED AND APPROVED this the 00J`� day of
ATTEST
JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY
BY
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM
HERBERT L PROUTY, CITY ATTORNEY
BY
JAC ILLER, MAYOR
Page 2
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PARK OV87EM
DEjraa TEM
Denton Parks & Recreation
Strategic Plan
1996-2000
Denton Parks & Recreation Department
321 E. McKinney St.
Denton, Texas 76201
(817) 566-8269
Ed Hodney, Director
Credits
City Council
Jack Miller, Mayor
Eulme Brock, Mayor Pro Tem
Rom Beasley
David Biles
Jerry Cott
Neil Durrance
Carl G Young, Sr
Uy Manager
Ted Benavides
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Doug Chadwick, Chairman
Annie Burroughs, Vice Chair
Gwendolyn Carter
Burkley Harkless
Tom Reece
Parks and Recreation Department
Ed Hodney, Director
Janet Simpson, Superintendent of Leisure Services
Bob Tickner, Superintendent of Parks
Jame McLeod, Administrative Secretary
Ricky Petty, Park Planner
Lorraine McGregor, Public Information Specialist
Special thanks to the following individuals and organizations
for their contributions
Schrickel, Rollins and Associates, Inc
(Photographs and master plan drawings on pages 15, 21 and Physical Plan)
Sam Fleming and Scott Lebsack, City of Denton Water/Wastewater Administration
Mary Collins and Sharon Masten, Administrative Services
Our Mission
To enrich the lives of all Denton citizens
through environmental enhancements
and a diverse offering of recreational,
educational, and cultural services
Our Vision
In the Year 2000, Denton will have a parks and recreation system
which
provides an array of leisure experiences which are fully
accessible to all members of Denton's community,
is responsive to the diverse and ever -changing needs of our
customers,
emphasizes quality over quantity,
balances the need to grow with a sensitivity for the responsible
care and maintenance of existing facilities,
is effectively planned, financed and managed in collaboration
with others,
is seen by its citizens and all stakeholders as a vital component
of Denton's image as a dynamic, beautiful and vibrant
community in which to live, work, learn and play
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Page
Introduction I
Core Values and Operating Principles 2
Summary of Strategic Needs and Issues 3
Summary of Goals 4
Major Initiatives 5-6
Strategic Planning Process
Chart 7
Strategic Plan
Goals, Strategies and Actions 8-27
Physical Plan Inside Back Cover
Introduction
Denton, Texas has a vision of its future, a vision which includes beautiful parks, attractive
recreation facilities and quality leisure services for all With the adoption of this Strategic Plan,
the Denton Parks and Recreation Department is positioned to play a vital role in creating the city
that our citizens have envisioned
This plan defines the mission of our organization and establishes the direction we will take to
achieve our purpose It provides a blueprint which will guide decisions regarding capital
improvements, services and annual budgets for the next several years The physical needs of the
parks system - "brick and mortar" projects based on traditional facility standards - have been
anticipated and addressed However, in contrast to past planning practices, a genuine effort has
been made to base all goals, strategies and actions on the customer's need or desire for services
and life-enriclung experiences
Also in a departure from traditional planning, we have avoided the impracticality of
programming or "locking in" every action required to fulfill objectives over a five year planning
horizon The economy, politics and the desires of customers tend to change significantly over
time Instead, this plan emphasizes a clear direction, key processes and the immediate steps
necessary to build an organizational momentum towards our goals, while providing for the
constant review and adjustment of selected strategies and actions This Strategic Plan is intended
to be a fluid and useful blueprint through the Year 2000, anticipating growth and dramatic
change in Denton along the way
If a plan is to be customer -driven, then the planning process must involve all those who are
directly and indirectly affected by the organization Work on this plan began in late 1993 with a
random sample survey of Denton residents regarding park facilities and recreation programs
The process continued through numerous workshops with staff and the Parks and Recreation
Board to review the department's mission, key strategic issues and multiple strategies to address
the issues Along the way, other important stakeholders were consulted, including various
customer groups, neighborhood representatives, current and former council members and board
members, city executives, other service organizations and non -profits
The 1996-2000 Strategic Plan, then, reflects the collective wisdom of the entire Denton
community as applied to parks and recreation services The process took more than two years
and much hard work, but the result is a living document with clearly defined values and a
dynamic vision
Core Values
and
Operating Principles
The Denton Parks and Recreation Department believes that
beautiful parks and opportunities for personal growth and enrichment through leisure are
essential to healthy, productive individuals, families and communities Working with
others, we are advocates for the quality of life in Denton,
our goals, priorities and actions must be directed at meeting or exceeding the expectations
of our customers We achieve our purpose by constantly listening and responding to
those who take advantage of our services,
equal access to our facilities and services for an increasingly diverse citizenry is vital to
the continued growth and prosperity of Denton We shall strive to act from a standpoint
of inclusiveness and a valuing of diversity,
we are stewards of the natural and built environments The Parks and Recreation
Department will strive to balance the development of parks with the preservation of open
space and the protection of our unique natural environment,
we must invite others to unite with us, so that we can achieve our mission of "enriching
lives" We are committed to seeking out opportunities for partnerships and collaboration
which enhance the value or benefit of our services,
change is to be expected and even embraced The Parks and Recreation team is
committed to a continuous review and adjustment of the organization toward the most
efficient and effective delivery of services
2
Summary of Strategic
Needs and Issues
Short Term Issues (Today through FY 1997)
Need to ensure that services and facilities reflect Denton's demographic changes, including
population growth and increasing diversity
Need to ensure that resources will be adequate to meet desired service levels
What is the appropriate role of PARD related to youth crime and violence, substance
abuse, teen pregnancy and other youth "at -risk" issues?
Need to determine resource levels and funding strategies required to support Denton's
desire for beautification, tree planting and art on public properties
How do we ensure that parks and facilities remain safe and crime -free?
Need to develop diversified funding strategies for capital projects, programs and services
in order to minimize reliance on property tax dollars
How will we meet our community's expectations of improved quality, more attractive
facilities and leisure services which keep up with growth in a cost effective manner?
Lone Term Issues (FY 1998-2000)
Need to develop strategies to ensure adequate parkland as growth occurs
Need to develop "signature" park and recreation facilities which not only meet the needs
of residents, but also support economic development strategies
Need to strengthen collaborative planning and service delivery efforts with DISD, TWU,
UNT and other non-profit providers
Need to develop planning and marketing strategies which will anticipate the needs of our
customers and will position PARD for effective, proactive responses
How will we secure funding to acquire new data management tools, grounds maintenance
equipment and other developing technology, in order to ensure continuous quality and
productivity improvement9
Cl
Summary of Goals
I
Ensure access to parks and services for all Denton residents regardless of race, gender, age,
income or physical abilities
lil
Develop parks and open spaces, including unique "signature" facilities that enhance Denton's
image and bolster its economic development strategies
III
Consistently meet or exceed the expectations of our customers through proactive communications
and the continuous improvement of our services
IV
Aggressively promote, initiate, cultivate and maintain effective collaboration and partnerships
with other departments, agencies, non -profits, businesses and individuals in the pursuit of our
mission
V
Become a leading advocate for Denton's natural environment through the responsible management
and sensitive development of our parks and open spaces
VI
Strengthen the role of the community in determining the type, availability and quality of the
programs and services to be offered
VII
Ensure that the department's human, operating and capital resources will be sufficient to meet the
expectations of our community into the next century
VIII
Continually explore and exploit alternative funding strategies which will allow us to achieve our
vision and mission in the most cost-effective manner possible
Become a stronger advocate for healthy, productive individuals, families and communities
through activities which promote personal growth and enrich lives
4
Major Initiatives
The 1996-2000 Strategic Plan is organized around nine goals that
• build on the mission, values and operating principles of the Parks and Recreation
Department,
• direct action towards meeting the growing and ever -changing public desire for
recreational, educational and cultural opportunities,
• reflect community vision and initiatives for a more attractive and marketable Denton,
• demonstrate a more effective and responsive approach to parks, recreation and
community services
These nine goals are "timeless" to a degree, remaining in effect throughout the five year plan
horizon The Strategic Plan relies on 29 strategies and 83 specific actions to translate vision into
results, year -by -year These strategies and actions address both the programmatic or service
elements and the physical elements of the parks and recreation system The major initiatives of
the five year plan are summarized below
• Acquire neighborhood parks in five targeted residential growth areas through purchases,
donations, developer dedication and/or Joint ventures with the Denton Independent
School District (Goal V, Strategy B)
• Jointly develop and operate with the school district a new middle school and a variety of
recreational facilities in South Lakes Park (Goal IV, Strategy B)
• By the year 2000, build a new revenue -based aquatics center that fulfills Denton's need
for a second swimming pool, while creating an entertainment opportunity for out-of-town
visitors (Goal II, Strategy B)
• Construct a public botanic garden, possibly a children's theme garden, using private and
grant support (Goal 11, Strategy B)
• In cooperation with other entities, conduct an annual "Community Needs Assessment" to
determine programmatic and service needs (Goal I, Strategy A)
• Promote, fund and install landscaping and works of art as elements of major facilities and
park improvements (Goal II, Strategy A)
• Construct improvement to 14 existing parks, as specified in the 1995-2000 Capital
Improvements Program (Goal II, Strategy C)
• Develop and implement a computerized work management and tracking system that will
improve the productivity of park maintenance and will track related costs (Goal VII,
Strategy A)
5
• Improve services for low income households, youth and customers with disabilities (Goal
I, Strategies C, D, F)
• Develop and implement, if necessary an operations and management plan for Lake Ray
Roberts parks, greenbelts and other public use areas, should the Parks Department
replace the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as the land manager (Goal VII, Strategy
A)
• Complete the construction of the Denton Branch Rail Trail (Goal VIII, Strategy A)
• Develop a new master plan for Civic Center Park to guide funded and other proposed
improvements, while maintaining the integrity of the O'Neil Ford Complex
(Goal II, Strategy B)
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GOALS, STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
GOAL
Ensure access to parks and services for all Denton residents regardless of race, gender, age,
income or physical abilities
Strategy A
In collaboration with others, conduct periodic "Community Needs Assessments" to gauge
changes and trends in service needs, and then develop appropriate PARD actions
Action I Work with United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, School District, Denton
County MHMR and other entities to convene an annual "Community Needs Assessment" related
to recreational, educational and cultural needs (Years 2-5)
Action 2 In cooperation with the southeast Denton neighborhood, LULAC and others, develop
and implement a plan to improve classes and programs in order to attract the Hispanic
population at the MLK Recreation Center (Year 1)
Action 3 Prior to the start of each fiscal year, develop an Annual Action Plan which addresses
needs identified in the annual Community Needs Assessment (Years 2-5)
Strategy B
Improve departmental staff and Park Board awareness and responsiveness to the diverse
recreational, cultural and educational preferences of oui customers
Action I Convene a forum for the Park Board and Division Managers to review trends and
service issues (e g , ADA, cultural diversity, national and local issues from the Community
Needs Assessment) in the second quarter of each fiscal year (Years 2-5)
Action 2 Conduct an annual assessment of staff training needs (workforce diversity, ADA, etc )
and develop training plan (Years 1-5)
Strategy C
Improve access to parks and services for people with disabilities
Action 1 Complete the installation of a wheelchair lift in one of the department's passenger
vans (Year 1)
Action 2 In order to ensure ADA compliance and
a "user friendly" design for those with disabilities,
recruit one or more members of the disabled
community to serve as a technical advisor on each
capital improvement project in the 1995-2000 park
bond program (Years 1-5)
Action 3 Develop a written agreement with the North Central Texas College Certified
Occupational Therapy Assistant program to offer occupational therapy services to individuals
with disabilities in PARD therapeutic recreation programs (Year 1)
Strategy D
Improve access to leisure services for low income households
Action 1 Conduct a free learn -to -swim program which is targeted at low income families
(Year 2)
Action 2 Develop a subsidy program through Recreation Fund to increase the number of
scholarships available to low income participants (Year 2)
Strategy E
Develop and maintain a department workforce that reflects the ethnic and cultural diversity of
Denton
Action I As vacancies arise among supervisory and professional positions, target recruitment
activities towards women and minorities, especially bilingual (Spanish/English) candidates
(Years 1-5)
Action 2 Support the work of the City Council's Diversity Task Force through active
participation in the study of diversity issues and the development of recommendations for
consideration by the Council (Year 1)
10
Strategy F
Expand leisure services for youth -at -risk
Action 1 In collaboration with area agencies and organizations, assess current youth-at-nsk
programs and develop strategies to improve and expand services (Year 2)
Action 2 Identify and submit applications for grants and sponsorships to maintain and/or
expand youth services (Years 1-5)
11
GOAL II
Develop parks and open spaces, including unique "signature" facilities that enhance
Denton's image and bolster its economic development strategies
Strategy A
Promote, fund and install landscaping and the display of artwork as elements of major facilities
and park improvements projects
Action I Working with GDAC and others,
coordinate the development of a Public Arts Policy
which will encourage and guide the placement of
artwork on public grounds and facilities
(Year 1)
Action 2 Complete Phase I of the in-house installation of landscape planting, irrigation and
signage for South Lakes Park (Year 1)
Action 3 Complete Phase II of irrigation/landscaping for South Lakes Park (Years 1-2)
12
Action 4 Develop design criteria for the
implementation of "Entranceway Markers"
and "Downtown Improvements," as funded
by FY 1995-2000 CIP (Years 1-2)
Action S Complete the irrigation and landscaping of the South Branch Library, University
Drive, Teasley Lane and Phase II of the Denton Municipal Complex (Year 1)
Action 6 Establish and implement a reconstruction/restoration program that will upgrade the
appearance and condition of existing beds and medians while minimizing maintenance
requirements (Years 2-5)
Action 7 Implement the recommendations of the department's "Appearances" committee
regarding the landscaping and improved appearance of PARR centers, buildings and major
facilities (Years 1-4)
13
Strategy B
Conduct an annual assessment of capital improvement needs and develop proposals/strategies,
including joint ventures, for accomplishing them
Action I Develop the following project proposals to be considered by the Planning and Zoning
Commission and City Council for inclusion in FY 2000-2001 Capital Improvement Program
- Civic Center Renovation
- Improvements to Civic Center Park
- Northeast Park Development, Phase H
- Athletic Fields, Phase II
- Northeast Recreation Center (Year 1)
Action 2 Conduct a market and feasibility study for revenue -based aquatic center to be built by
the Year 2000, the study should consider joint ventures with private, for -profit interests and the
option of linking up with the DISD's proposed natatorium project (Year 2)
Action 3 Based on results of the feasibility study, develop financing proposals and operating
plans (including possible partnerships with the private sector and/or DISD) for revenue -based
aquatics center (Years 2-3)
Action 4 Complete the design and construction of a revenue -based aquatics facility and begin
operations by or before summer 2000 (Years 4-5)
14
Action 5 Assess the feasibility of establishing a
botanic garden in Civic Center Park, South Lakes
Park, or another location by the Year 2000
(Year 2)
Action 6 Develop concept and funding
options, and projected construction schedules
for a botanic garden (Years 3-4)
Action 7: In cooperation with the Denton
Festival Foundation, the Convention and
Visitors Bureau, and Main Street, conduct an assessment of Denton's festival and special
events venues, develop recommendations for site improvements that would optimize the
impact of these events on tourism and economic development (Years 2-3)
Strategy C
Implement design and construction phases for all capital improvement projects (FY 1986 and
FY 1995-2000 CIP and CDBG-funded) in accordance with workplan and schedules
Action 1: Complete the planning and design phase for improvements to Fred Moore
(including activity stage), McKenna and Phoenix parks by September 19, 1996, complete
construction by March 1997 (Years 1-2)
Action 2: Complete design and construction of Evers Park restrooms (CDBG) (Year 1)
Action 3. Construct CDBG-funded improvements to the American Legion Building for use
by the southeast Denton neighborhood (Year 1)
Action 4. Select parks to be improved in
FY 1996-'97 in conjunction with CIP
projects "Upgrade Existing Parks, Phase II"
and "Athletic Facilities Renovation and
Development Phase I", seek concurrence of
Park Board and the Oversight Committee
(Years 1-2)
Action 5 Complete design and initiate
construction of projects in Action 4 in
accordance with workplans and schedules
(Year 2-3)
15
GOAL III
Consistently meet or exceed the expectations of our customers through proactive
communications and the continuous improvement of our services.
Strategy A
Conduct systematic evaluations of the services and programs offered or sponsored by the
department, adjust, add or delete programs accordingly
Action Conduct a complete review of all leisure service programs and make program
adjustments prior to copy submittal deadlines for PLAY brochure (Years 1-5)
Strategy B
Continuously review operations for potential productivity and quality improvement measures,
implement as resources permit
Action 1 Transfer plans for all existing parks to CAD database,
including utilities, infrastructure, equipment, road and vegetation
masses (Years 1-3)
Action 2 Purchase turf aenfier and topdresser equipment to enhance
athletic field turf quality (Year 2)
Action 3 Develop alternative strategies, including contract mowing
services, to upgrade maintenance levels on selected properties and to
address properties recently added to the maintenance inventory
(Year 2)
Action 4 Install and implement a computerized registration system at the recreation centers,
Civic Center and the Senior Center in coordination with the Information Services Master Plan
(Year 2)
16
Strategy C
Systematically assess and address conditions in our facilities and programs which may present
safety concerns to our customers
Action 3 Refine and improve playground
equipment inspection procedures to ensure
compliance with the most recently issued ASTM
F1487 and USCPSC guidelines (Year 2)
Action 4 Conduct a risk management audit of
facilities and programs Develop a plan to
address deficiencies (Year 2-5)
17
Action I With assistance from the Police,
conduct a security audit at MLK Center,
take appropriate action to address identified
concerns within available resources (Year 1)
Action 2 With Police assistance, conduct a
security audit of at least two PARD
buildings each fiscal year, take appropriate
corrective action as resources permit
(Years 2-5)
GOAL IV
Aggressively promote, initiate, cultivate and maintain effective collaboration and
partnerships with other departments, agencies, non -profits, businesses and individuals in
the pursuit of our mission
Strategy A
Continually solicit the help and advice of others in the development and delivery of capital
improvements and department services
Action I In cooperation with the southeast
Denton neighborhood, LULAC and others,
develop a plan and supplemental funding requests
(if needed) to improve classes and programs in
order to attract the Hispanic population at the
MLK Recreation Center (Year 1)
Action 2 Develop a written agreement with the
North Central Texas College Certified
Occupational Therapy Assistant program to offer
occupational therapy services to individuals with
disabilities in PARD therapeutic recreation
programs (Year 1)
Action 3 Invite other agencies, non -profits,
DISD, the universities and others to participate in
an annual forum on service issues, to be held
during the first quarter of each fiscal year
(Years 2-5)
IV
Strategy B
Maximize the benefits of bond fund and general fund expenditures by pursuing the joint
development, management and operation of facilities and properties with DISD
Action I Develop for Council's approval the plans and operating agreements associated with the
development of the DISD's new middle school and other facilities in South Lakes Park (Year 1)
Action 2 Develop and implement strategies with DISD for joint funding, construction and
operations of athletic fields, aquatic facilities and a fourth middle school (Years 1-5)
T
GOAL V
Become a leading advocate for Denton's natural environment through the responsible
management and sensitive development of our parks and open spaces.
Strategy A
Promote Denton's image and status as a "Tree City USA" through the planting of appropriate tree
and plant species on parks, open spaces and public properties
Action I Install by either PARD, volunteers or
contractors, at least 100 new trees under irrigation each
fiscal year on parks, medians and other public properties
(Years 1-5)
Action 2 Working with Keep Denton Beautiful, identify
and implement strategies to ensure adequate care for trees
planted on public property, including (but not limited to)
the possible formation of a City forestry crew (Years 2-3)
Strategy B
Ensure that the recreational needs of future Denton residents will be met through the timely
acquisition of new parks and the protection of unique or environmentally sensitive areas
Action I Acquire a community park in
Northeast Denton, taking advantage of potential
grants from the state and joint
acquisition/development with the school district
(Years 1-2)
Action 2 Acquire neighborhood parks in
projected growth areas (shown as target areas on
the Physical Plan) through a variety of
acquisition methods, including developer
dedications, private gifts, joint use of school lands
and fee simple purchases, pursue funding
necessary to complete the acquisitions, including
the use of bond funds and state grants
(Years 3-5)
Action 3 Identify and acquire a permanent neighborhood park site to replace the site presently
leased as "Briercliff Park" from the State School (Years 4-5)
Action 4 Acquire land as necessary to support the development of the proposed aquatic center
(Goal 11, strategy B), location willpe determined through a feasibility study (projected target
areas noted as "Special Purpose Acquisition Areas" on the Physical Plan) (Year 4)
Action 5 Provide recommendations to the Denton Development Plan Committee for revising
and strengthening policies related to 1) greenbelt/drainage way preservation for recreational use,
2) park land dedication, 3) landscaping, and 4) recreation facility development (Years 1-2)
Strategy C
Work with the schools, universities, garden clubs, environmental groups and others to promote
environmental awareness/stewardship through programs and projects
Action 1 Working with other interested parties, complete a
feasibility study for a public botanic garden to be funded
through private and grant support (Year 2)
Action 2 Working with the Friends of South Lakes Park
Nature Center, establish a nature trail in the southwest
quadrant of the park which will be maintained jointly by the
Friends and PARD (Yeas 1)
Action 3 Review department programs and office management practices and adjust as
necessary to improve the PARD's recycling efforts (Year 2)
21
GOAL VI
Strengthen the role of the community in determining the type, availability and quality of
the programs and services to be offered.
Strategy A
Develop multiple strategies for receiving customer input that can be used to improve facilities
and services
Action Conduct exit or "satisfaction" polls at recreation centers, Senior Center, swimming pool,
and other "destination" facilities on a systematic basis, adjust services as necessary (Years 2-5)
Strategy B
Ensure opportunities for neighborhoods, interest groups and customers to participate in project
and program planning efforts
Action I Identify interested parties and conduct focus group sessions for the design of bond and
CDBG funded improvements at Fred Moore, McKenna, and Phoenix parks, in accordance with
piolect workplans (Year 1)
Action 2 Conduct a review of at least three park development plans annually (Years 1-5)
Strategy C
Strengthen the role of the Parks and Recreation Board and other advisory gioups in the
development and delivery of PARD services
Action] Create opportunities for Park Board to conduct joint meetings with otheis (DISD,
non -profits, service groups, and neighborhood (associations), in order to increase the
community's awareness of the Board and its activities (Year 2)
Action 2 Develop and implement strategies to improve attendance and participation in the
center advisory committees of Denia and North Lakes recreation centers (Year 2)
Action 3 Organize a subcommittee of the MLK Center Advisory Committee that will make
recommendations related to services for Hispanic customers (Year 1)
Action 4 In cooperation with the Denton Youth Sports Association, conduct focus group
meetings with officers and parents of the various sports entities to design strategies to achieve
improvements in facilities and services (Year 2)
22
GOAL VII
Ensure that the department's human, operating and capital resources will be sufficient to
meet the expectations of our community into the next century
Strategy A
Communicate more effectively to City executives and policy makers the resource demands on the
park and recreation system in order to secure adequate resource levels
Action 1 Prior to construction, conduct an Operational Impact Assessment on each proposed
capital improvement, landscaping and beautification project, communicate such impacts to City
executives and policy makers, in order to ensure appropriate funding levels
CIP Project #
006301B
Upgrade Existing Parks Phase II
(Year 2)
006305A
Athletic Facilities Phase I
(Year 2)
006329
Downtown Improvements
(Year 3)
006301C
Upgrade Existing Parks Phase III
(Year 3)
006321
Expansion of Dema and
(Year 3)
North Lakes Recreation Centers
00305B
Athletic Facilities Phase II
(Year 4)
006308
South Lakes Park Phase II
(Year 4)
006301P
Upgrade Existing Parks Phase IV
(Year 4)
006315
University Drive Landscaping
(Year 4)
006305C
Athletic Facilities Phase III
(Year 5)
006325
Athletic Field Additions
(Year 5)
006326
Future Indoor Recreation Facility
(Year 5)
Action 2: To facilitate Action 1, develop a work management and tracking system for
implementation in accordance with the following
system tracks resource utilization (manpower, work hours, materials used) by employee,
park name and facility type in order to provide more detailed and useful data for work
planning and budgeting,
system utilizes computer hardware currently in possession and will also be compatible
with components called for in the Information Services five year plan (Year 1)
Action 3: Establish a staff position to coordinate athletic facilities with sports leagues, schools
and tournament usage (Year 2)
Action 4: Implement a computerized customer service and 'one -stop" registration system at
PARD facilities (Year 2)
41
Action 5 Complete an Operational Impact
Assessment for newly installed irrigation systems
on Teasley Lane, University Diive, at the South
Branch Library and at the DMC, secure
appropriate funding levels or adjust operations to
reconcile annual costs with available resources
(Year 2)
Action 6 In cooperation with the Denton Youth Sports Association, review athletic field
maintenance standards, secure appropriate funding levels or adjust maintenance activities to
reconcile costs with desired operating standards (Year 2)
Action 7 In coordination with Utilities, develop an operations and management plan for the
Lake Ray Roberts parks, green belts and public use areas to be implemented October 1997,
should the Parks Department replace Texas Parks and Wildlife as the land manager (Year 2)
Strategy B
Conduct a systematic review of the infrastructure needs to support budgetary decisions and
capital improvement program requests
Action 1 In conjunction with annual CIP planning and the development of the Annual Action
Plan, conduct an assessment of facility conditions and needs (Years 1-5)
Action 2 Working with Facilities Management, Utilities and others, determine PARD office
space needs and construct improvements in accordance with 1995-2000 CIP (Years 1-2)
Strategy C
Piovide training/career development opportunities which help maximize the contribution of
individual employees to the mission
Action As part of the Annual Action Plan, assess the training/development needs of the
organization and develop a plan to fulfill them (Years 2-5)
24
Strategy D
Consistently recognize and meaningfully reward the contributions of teams and individuals
toward the accomplishment of PARD goals and mission
Action Develop and implement
recommendations of the PARD
Rewards/Recognition goal team
(Years 1-2)
Strategy E
Complete the review of all PARD fees and charges every three years, and adjust as needed to
reflect customer demand, program cost, and service philosophy
Action Conduct a review of selected fees and charges, and propose adjustments for
consideration in the FY 1996-97 budget process (Years 1-5)
25
GOAL VIII
Continually explore and exploit alternative funding strategies which will allow us to
achieve our vision and mission in the most cost-effective manner possible.
Strategy A
Maximize the use of grant funds for facilities and services, including funding of staff
Action 1 Solicit non-profit and corporate funding to underwrite costs of the IMAGINE
program (Years 1-5)
Action 2 Acquire a community park in northeast Denton in accordance with the following
criteria
1 does not exceed 1986 bond fund allocation of $450,000 as the City's investment in the
project,
2 takes advantage of potential joint site acquisition/development with DISD,
3 considers possible multipurpose acquisition/development as park/library/school site,
4 facilitates the use of the park's land value as the local match to apply for a development
grant through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Year 1-2)
Action 3 Secure final approvals from TXDOT and the
City Council to execute a consultant services contract for
the design of Denton Rail/Trail improvements, complete
design and execute construction contracts (Year 2)
Strategy B
Establish formal methods of soliciting and receiving
contributions for the improvement and the operation of
parks and services
Action I Revitalize the Denton Parks Foundation as a
legitimate funding entity by recruiting new board
membership to fill vacancies (Year 2)
Action 2 Explore with the Denton Youth Sports Association the possible creation of a
self -assessed "enhancement fee" to underwrite field improvements and services not funded by
the City (Year 2)
FM
GOAL IX
Become a stronger advocate for healthy, productive individuals, families and communities
through activities which promote personal growth and enrich lives
Strategy A
Develop and implement a promotional program to fully communicate the products and services
which are available through the department
Action I Conduct an evaluation of the department's promotional material and activities, refine
as needed (Year 2)
Action 2 Develop a proposal/strategy for a department brochure which illustrates facilities,
solicit private funding for the publication and distribution of this document in FY 1996-'97
(Years 1-2)
Strategy B
Develop and sponsor annual events/programs which promote wellness and active living to City
of Denton employees and their families
Action Conduct a survey of City employees to measure leisure activity levels and use results to
develop PARD activates which promote higher activity levels among employees (Year 2)
27
Denton Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan
Capital Improvements by Park
Park Protect Description
Avondale - replace tables, benches
- expand/repair walks
- pave parking
Bowling Green - replace play equipment
- replace tables, benches
- add picnic shelter
Civic Center - replace/repair play equipment
- replace tables, benches
- replace pedestrian bridge
- expand/repair walks
- overlay Senior Center parking
- renovate restroom building
Denia - replace play equipment
- replace tables, benches
- replace picnic shelters
- build new softball fields (2)
- build new restroom/
concession building
- expand walks
- expand recreation center
- renovate parking
Evers - replace play equipment
- replace tables, benches
- replace picnic shelters
- expand walks
- relocate football fields
- replace ballfield lights, fences
- add second restroom/
concession building
- overlay parking
- build new baseball fields (2)
Fred Moore - replace play equipment
- replace tables, benches
- replace picnic shelters
- expand walks
Joe Skiles - replace play equipment
- replace tables, benches
- replace picnic shelters
- expand walks
Construction
Year *
* NOTE Pro3ected start of construction - sub)ect to change
2000
1997
it
It
1997
1998
1999
1997
1999
I
1997
1998
Mack
- replace play equipment
1999
- replace tables, benches
11
- replace picnic shelters
It
- expand walks
if
- overlay parking
2000
- replace ballfield lights, fences
- renovate restroom/
concession building
McKenna
- replace play equipment
1997
- replace tables, benches
- replace picnic shelters
- expand walks
- renovate restroom building
Milam
- replace play equipment
1998
- replace tables, benches
11
Nette Schultz
- replace play equipment
1997
- replace tables, benches
- replace picnic shelters
- expand walks
North Lakes
- replace play equipment
1999
- replace tables, benches
- replace picnic shelters
- expand walks
- overlay parking
- expand recreation center
- build new roller hockey rink
- build new soccer restroom/
2000
concession building
- light four additional fields
Phoenix
- replace play equipment
1997
- replace tables, benches
- replace picnic shelter
- add walks
- add practice soccer field
South Lakes
- construct Phase II improvements,
1998
including trails, picnic facilities
- construct second retention lake
1999
Other
Entrance Monuments 1997-2000
Downtown Improvements 1998
Rail Trail Construction 1998
2255 1/21/97
Page 2
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