Parks Master Plan

OPRA 2013 CONFERENCEStrategies For Planning & Designing Financially Sustainable Recreation

Monday02.25.2013

1:30‐2:45p.m

Parks Master Plan

Welcome

• Thanks for joining us for this presentation this afternoon

• Sit back, enjoy, and listen

• Copy of the presentation can be made available upon request at the end of the presentation (provide your e-mail) and from conference website

Parks Master Plan

Introductions• Andrew Pack, Woolpert, Inc.

− Project Manager

• Bruce Rankin, Woolpert, Inc.− Park Planner

• Scott Barnhart, MWCD− Chief of Recreation / Chief Ranger

• Tony Luther, MWCD− Recreation Coordinator

Parks Master Plan

“Takeaways” from Today’s Session

• Learn more about MWCD, one of the top resource based park systems in the state (case study)

• Learn ways to obtain and use a range of public input, from interviews, to stakeholder meetings, to user satisfaction surveys, and statistically valid opinion surveys

• Explore a methodology for establishing a market-based sustainable program of recreation activities, facilities, and services

Parks Master Plan

“Takeaways” from Today’s Session

• See an illustration of a program-guided evaluation of site opportunities and carrying capacity used to achieve optimum user satisfaction and operational sustainability

• Learn the value of a Capital Project Evaluation Business Model to structure a resource and market-based, long-term business plan for individual parks and a district as a whole

Parks Master Plan

Why The MWCD Park Master Plan Study?

Parks Master Plan

Background on MWCD• MWCD organized in 1933

as conservancy district according to ORC Section 6101

• Mission: flood reduction, water conservation (includes recreation)

• Muskingum River Watershed - more than 8,000 square miles

Parks Master Plan

Background on MWCD• Outdoor recreational

opportunities at 14 reservoirs include boating, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, other overnight stays, marinas, 5 lake parks

• More than 3,000 campsites

• More than 5 million visitors annually

Parks Master Plan

Why the Study?• MWCD - 2011 Annual Goal

to address recreation operations even in light of current economic conditions and customer demands - hired consultant in 2012

• Essence of MWCD: − Responsible Stewards

• Purpose of MWCD:− Improving Quality of Life

through Natural Resource Management

The 2011 goal will address plans for reinvestment in the recreation 

infrastructure, capital improvements and other 

recreational opportunities. This goal will focus on the 

development of a plan for capital improvements to recreation 

facilities. In addition, this goal will address the challenges faced by our marina operators and develop solutions resulting in improved 

service to our public.

Parks Master Plan

Why the Study?

• The study is currently being coordinated with a strategic and branding plan

• Park system is very tired and over 40 years old

• Currently $80 million dollars in deferred maintenance upgrades at its facilities across the district

Parks Master Plan

Why the Study?• Campground / Cabin

Renovations• Well Cleaning and

Replacements• Water and Wastewater

Improvements• Utilities: Electric, Drainage, Etc.• Building Replacements• Equipment Replacements• Dock Replacements• Showerhouse and Restroom

Renovations • New Programs / Experiences

Parks Master Plan

APPROACH

Parks Master Plan

“Sustainability Recreation” PrinciplesSeven Sustainable Design Principles to guide park planning projects:

1. Recognize and respect ecological, social, and economic interdependence

2. Continually educate ourselves and the public on the sustainable design process

3. Minimize the short-term and long-term use of nonrenewable resources

4. Maximize accessibility for all citizens5. Develop fiscally responsible designs through life-cycle analysis6. Promote harmony between the natural and built environments –

green design7. Apply an interdisciplinary approach to all planning and design

projects

Parks Master Plan

Opportunity

Unique Park System History Governance Distinct Personality Distinct Constituencies 5 lake parks, 2 marinas, 3 additional campgrounds and 54,000 acres of property (most of which is open for public access)

Parks Master Plan

Create a landmark park program to elevate an already outstanding park district system, paralleling MWCD’s mission through:

Environmental conserving and enhancing the 

natural and cultural resourcesFinancial

optimize return on investment, deferred maintenance

Social/ Cultural outreach to the community for 

support , users needs, and interests

Approach

Parks Master Plan

Scope• Develop Program and Facility Improvements

(Master Plan / Business Plan)• Condition Assessment and Sustainability Audit• Match Recreation Needs with Facility and Amenity Capability• Evaluate Return on Investment  (ROI) for Existing Program 

and Facilities• Facilitate and Evaluate Community Input

− Atwood Lake Park− Atwood Lake Cabin Peninsula − Tappan Lake Park− Seneca Lake Park and

Marina

− Piedmont Lake Marina and Campground

− Charles Mill Lake Park− Pleasant Hill Lake Park

Parks Master Plan

Proven Process

• Who are we?• How do we function,

and how are we funded?

• What exists today within our system?

• What do we need?• What are our goals?• How do we get there?

Parks Master Plan

1. Planning Context, Research & Analysis

2. Existing Programs & Facilities Analysis

3. Needs Analysis4. Vision, Goals &

Objectives5. Physical Planning,

Program & Service Recommendations

6. Draft and Final Reports & Deliverables

MWCD Process1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Parks Master Plan

MWCD Board of Directors

Getting Organized Build on the Brand 

‐ Assess Demographic Trends ‐ Review LOS, Branding & Benchmarking‐ Review Policies & Management Structure‐ Review Existing Reports & Plans

Staff and Stakeholder Input

Parks Master Plan

Capitalize on Current Assets ‐ Assemble Base Mapping‐ Natural & Unique Features‐ Inventory Facilities and Infrastructure ‐ Assess Programs and Services ‐ Analyze Benefit Cost, Financial 

Staff Input Meetings

Parks Master Plan

Parks Master Plan

• Campgrounds are vital; most need to be redesigned and redeveloped

• New, fresh amenities• Marinas and docks• Most buildings are outdated, need replacement• Marketing must be ramped up• Develop a strategic approach to events, signature

facilities, and programs• Staffing• Programs, polices & standards• Operations

MWCD Assessment - 30,000 ft. High

Parks Master Plan

Engaging the Public Stakeholder Input

‐ Analyze Demographic Data‐ Review Customer Service Survey ‐ Survey Public Opinion of Needs‐ Benchmark the System

Initial Public MeetingStaff Input MeetingsFocus Group Meetings

Communicate with your communities !

Parks Master Plan

Parks Master Plan

MWCD Top Public NEED Comments• Top rated NEED comments from customers

− Infrastructure upgrades and improvements− More full hook-up campsites / separate seasonal / transient campers− New / upgraded facilities (showers/restrooms/activity centers)− Improve beaches, add amenities; geese are a problem− Wi-Fi connections for campers in parks and GPS for visitors to the

parks− Need for courtesy docks / cluster docks− Need more hiking and bicycle trails; get people outside− Communication from District / Marketing of the parks (programs,

activities, facilities)− Need for improved, new polices / rules (inform/enforce)− Provide more experiences, programs and activities for all ages (family

parks)− Safety in the parks (pedestrians/vehicle conflicts, road speeds &

lighting)− Shoreline protection and environmental protection (water quality)

Parks Master Plan

Overall Results• Over 1,900 responses• Water related facilities and camping at the top• Walking / hiking very high as well• High number(25%) visit 10 – 50 times• Family-oriented; kid-focused attractions rank high• Further cross tabulations will reveal more preferences by:

− Household type− Length of stay− Specific park used

MWCD Statistically-Valid Survey

Parks Master Plan

Visioning  and Outcomes‐ Visioning Workshop‐ Outcomes

Staff Input Meetings

What do we want to be known for? (Vision)How do we get there? (Mission)What is our desired outcome?

Parks Master Plan

• Leave a 40-year legacy– Each park as sustainable as possible

• Efficiency in operations• Green infrastructure • Modernize the system• Infrastructure needs to be balanced

– Cross district and at individual parks• Action

– Need a step-by-step action/implementation plan

MWCD Outcomes

Parks Master Plan

• Standards across the system– Mowing, programs, design, marinas,

campgrounds

• “Theme the parks” for 40 years• Destination facilities• Family and youth programming

MWCD Outcomes

Parks Master Plan

Deliver Sustainable Recreation ‐ Recommend Programs & Services Improvements‐ Prioritize Park & Facility Capital Improvements‐ Draft Concept Plans ‐ Recommend Capital Improvement Priorities‐ Feasibility and Financial Sustainability

Public Input MeetingsStaff Input Meetings

Parks Master Plan

MWCD Visioning Process

• Identify and prioritize program options• Identify theme options• Refine analysis• Assess buildable land, and rank land by value• Test alternative concepts• Select a preferred concept and refine it • Estimate capital , operational costs, and potential revenues

• Complete cost benefit evaluation

Parks Master Plan

Theming/ Programs

Parks Master Plan

• Refine Opportunities, based on Program Options• Assess buildable land values

Parks Master Plan

• Prioritize land value for desired programs• Test alternative concepts

Parks Master Plan

• Calculate potential facility capacities• Estimate capital , operational costs and potential revenues

Program Accommodation Study

Parks Master Plan

Capital Project Evaluation BUSINESS MODEL• Utilizes an Algorithm to evaluate each improvement independently

• Improvements are prioritized within each park and within the system

• Variables evaluated for each project include:– Project Costs– Public Need– Health and Safety– Regulatory Compliance– Business Continuity – Operational Evaluation– Return on Investment

Parks Master Plan

Park “Edge Sports” Theme

– Mountain Biking– Segway Tours– Bike Campground– Lake Sports– Floating Waterparks– Triathlons– Ropes Course– Zip Line/Beanstalk

– Kayak Tours– Kayak  Campground– Beach Campground– Paddle Camping– Skill Shooting Sports– Tree House Camping– Restaurant/Grill– Adventure Center

Parks Master Plan

Parks Master Plan

Parks Master Plan

Parks Master Plan

Parks Master Plan

Parks Master Plan

Master Plans and Business Plans ‐ Program and Service Priorities‐ Operations and Maintenance Plans‐ CIP Plans‐ Business Plans ‐ Action/ Implementation Plans‐ Site Master Plans

Staff Input MeetingsFinal Approval by  Board

Parks Master Plan

Business Plans• Development of Business Plans includes:

– Site Capacity– Program Assessments– Park Theming

• Applies to:– Infrastructure– Staffing Assessments and Needs– Equipment Assessments– Development of Maintenance and Program Standards– Benchmark Assessment – Cost of Service Assessment– Marketing Plan

Parks Master Plan

Business Plans

• Capital and Operational Costing – Create a model that demonstrates a Return on Investment (ROI)

assessment of the recommendations and capital improvements recommendations

• Key Operational Recommendations – Includes pricing changes, staffing changes, efficiency changes

• Action Plan – For each year with performance measures and with specific operational

pro-formas for each of the five parks and two marinas in the park system

Parks Master Plan

Schedule• Months 1 & 2 (August – September)

− Start-up Meeting / Demographics Review

− Analysis of Existing Park Facilities, Operations, Policies and Programs

− Needs Assessment (Stakeholders / Focus Group Meetings)

− Develop Survey

• Months 3 & 4 (October -November)− Continue with Facility Operations, Policies and Programs Assessment

− Public Meetings Workshops

• Month 5 (December)− Finalizing Assessments and Draft Report

− Statistically Valid Survey

− MWCD Team Meeting

• Month 6 (January-February 2013)− Visioning , Goals and Objectives

− Draft Recommendations / Business & Action Plans

• Months 7, 8 & 9 (March – April) − Concepts/ Recommendations/ Public Workshops

• Months 10 -11 (May- June)− Final Concepts/ Report/ Business Plans and Presentations

Who is MWCD?

How does MWCD function?

What exists today within MWCD?

What do we need?

What are our goals?

How do we get there?

Parks Master Plan

− February - Coordination of Strategic Plan, Branding Plan, and Master Plan efforts between each planning group to create synergy, consistency and cross coordination of priorities

− March - Business Plans rolled out by park with key recommendations and priority work plans

− April - Capital Improvement Plans rolled out based on Cost Benefit and Return on Investment and timelines to complete

− May - Draft Report Presentation with Financial Plan− June - Final Report Presentation

− 2014 OPRA Conference - come back next year with completed plans and show how the work is being completed and the impact to the MWCD park system

Next Steps in MWCD Park Master Plan

Parks Master Plan

QUESTIONS

Parks Master Plan

OPRA 2013 CONFERENCEStrategies for Planning & Designing Financially Sustainable Recreation

Thank you for participating!

We can be reached at:

Andrew Pack, Woolpertandrew.pack@woolpert.com

(704) 526-3102

Scott Barnhart, MWCDsbarnhart@mwcd.org

(330) 343-6647 ext. 2261