parks master plan - town of fremont

A Comprehensive Master Plan Prepared by the Fremont Park and Recreation Board
Fremont Parks & Recreation Board 1004 W. Toledo Street Fremont, IN 46737
Planning Assistance provided by:
Foreword Created For Town of Fremont
Year Plan Was Prepared 2013
Park Board Members Neil Ledet, President P.O. Box 469 Fremont, IN 46737
Russell Amaden, Jr., Vice President P.O. Box 640 Fremont, IN 46737
Anne Abernathey, Secretary P.O. Box 401 Fremont, IN 46737
Jessica Shelpman P.O. Box 899 Fremont, IN 46737
Fremont Town Hall Street Address: 205 N. Tolford Street Fremont, IN 46737 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 602 Fremont, IN 46737 Telephone: (260) 495-7805
Town of Fremont’s Clerk Treasurer Kathy Parsons P.O. Box 602 Fremont, IN 46737 (260) 495-7805
Town Council President Steve Brown
Town Manager Chris Snyder
Foreword
Foreword Table of Contents .......................................................... 2 Introduction ................................................................... 3
Part 1: Community Profile Context .......................................................................... 6 Regional Demographics ................................................ 6 Regional Context .......................................................... 7 Fremont History ............................................................ 7 Fremont Information ..................................................... 8
Part 2: Parks Profile Budget Summary ........................................................ 10 Programming ............................................................... 10 Fremont Town Park ......................................................11 Broad Street Park ........................................................ 12 Follett Estates Park (Temporary) ................................ 13 Vistula Park ................................................................. 14
Part 3: Park Plan Mission Statement ....................................................... 16 Statement of Philosophy ............................................. 16 Needs Identified from the Survey ............................... 16 Parks and Recreation Plan .......................................... 16 Overall Park Goals ...................................................... 16 Fremont Town Park Goals .......................................... 17 Broad Street Park Goals .............................................. 18 Follett Estates Park Goals ........................................... 18 Vistula Park Goals ....................................................... 19 5-Year Implementation Strategy ................................. 20
Appendix A: Park Usage Survey Park Usage Survey Introduction ................................. 22 Park Usage Survey Results ......................................... 23
Appendix B: Community Needs Survey Community Needs Survey Introduction ..................... 28 Community Needs Survey Results ............................. 29
Town of fremonT, InDIAnA | 3
Introduction
Intent The Fremont Indiana 5-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan is intended to convey the condition and level of service of the existing parks, results of community research and public survey, and indicate the future needs for parks and recreation in the town.
Planning Area The official planning area for the Fremont Parks Board is the corporate limits of the Town of Fremont. However, when planning for parks and recreation needs, the Fremont Park Board takes into consideration areas outside the corporate limit immediately adjacent to the town.
Existing Parks The parks under the auspices of the Fremont Park Board include Fremont Town Park, Broad Street Park, and Follett Estates Park (temporary location). Fremont Town Park is also known as Water Tower Park due to its location near the base of the town’s water tower. Broad Street Park is referred to as Moose Youth Park for its skate park main attraction.
In addition to the three town parks, Vistula Park is located within the town’s corporate limits, but is owned and maintained by the Fremont Community School Corporation. Because Vistula Park plays an important role in the community and is positioned for collaboration in serving the future’s future needs, the 5-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan addresses Vistula Park as if it were part of the public park system.
Park Locations The three existing parks are geographically located in the south central, central, and western side of the town. The map below shows the four existing parks.
Foreword
4 | 5-YeAr PArks AnD recreATIon mAsTer PlAn
Foreword Park Board Establishment The Fremont Park Board was established in 1992 and is composed of four members appointed by the Town Council President. The Park Board was created by Ordinance #12-92 under the Acts of 1981, P.L. 309, SEC 110, (IC 36-10-3-3).
The establishing ordinance was adopted to include the following provision:
Section III: In addition, the Town Council may provide one (1) or two (2) ex-officio members, those being: A member of the governing body of the school corporation selected by that body; A member of the governing body of the library district selected by that body; or both.
Park Department The Town of Fremont does not have a park department in the typical sense. Only the park board and two seasonal part-time employees maintain the parks. One employee works six (6) months of the year and the other the three (3) summer months. The parks board also relies on the Fremont Street Department’s resources to maintain the parks when available.
Foreword page 1
Appendix A: Park Usage Survey page 19
Appendix B: Community Needs Survey page 25
Part 1: Community Profile
ParT 1: CommunITy ProFIle
Context The Town of Fremont is located in the extreme Northeast corner of Indiana. Fremont is ideally located between three major and three minor metropolitan regions. The major metropolitan regions include Chicago, Detroit and Indianapolis. The minor metropolitan regions include Fort Wayne, Toledo, and South Bend. The town’s location is illustrated below.
Steuben
DeKalb
LaGrange
Kosciusko
Noble
Whitley
Elkhart
Allen
regional demographics Fremont is part of a greater economic region which includes two Michigan counties, one Ohio county, and four Indiana counties. Some interesting information about the context is observed in the two illustrations below.
46,500 2000 46,700 2010 0.3 %change
45,800 2000 45,200 2010 -1.2 %change
34,900 2000 37,100 2010 6.4 %change
46,300 2000 47,500 2010 2.7 %change
40,300 2000 42,200 2010 4.8 %change
33,200 2000 34,200 2010 2.9 %change 39,200 2000
37,600 2010 -3.9 %change
MICHIGAN
OHIO
POPULATION
Compared to adjacent Ohio and Michigan counties, Indiana’s counties have been growing at a much faster pace. Neither county is growing at a pace similar to the nation and only LaGrange County is growing at a pace similar to Indiana.
$40,400 2010 $41,900 2010
$56,100 2000 $47,300 2010 -15.6 %change
$54,700 2000 $46,800 2010 -14.5 %change
MICHIGAN
OHIO
INDIANA
USA
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Steuben County has the second highest Median Household Income when compared to the surrounding counties. Although not as high as the state or national incomes, Fremont is well positioned within the region.
regional Context
State Parks Pokagon State Park is located in Steuben County and is 6 miles from Fremont. Coldwater Lake State Park (Michigan) is also about 6 miles from Fremont. At greater distances away from town, Harrison Lake State Park (Ohio) is 34 miles away, and Chain of Lakes State Park (Indiana) is 50 miles away.
Established in 1925, Pokagon State Park currently has about 2,100 acres of manage forest and recreation opportunities. The park offers lodging, hiking trails, camping, cross country skiing, picnic shelters and benches, meeting and conference center, horseback riding, nature center, beach, swimming, and a toboggan run. Pokagon State Park is one of the State’s premier parks.
Coldwater Lake State Park is an undeveloped state park, primarily offering fishing and hunting. Overall, there is about 400 acres in state control.
Nearby Community Parks In the nearby communities of Clear Lake and Angola, several community parks exist. Clear Lake, has one park on the shoreline of Clear Lake, which is a Steuben County owned park. Only picnicking opportunities exist in the park. However, Angola’s community parks offer a full range of park amenities, including: playgrounds, shelters, trails, basketball and other sport fields, a music stage.
Golf Courses There are five golf course within a short drive of the Town of Fremont. The closest golf courses are: Country Meadows Golf Course (2 miles west) and Lake James Golf Course (6 miles southwest). Zollner Golf Course (8 miles southwest) is associated with Trine University in Angola. Nine miles to the north is Belle Vista Golf Course and Iyopawa Island Golf Course in Michigan.
Regional Lakes Steuben County is known as “Lake Country” and claims a total of 101 lakes. There are several large recreation lakes and many more restricted to fishing and non-motorized recreation. The large lakes are, Clear Lake, Lake James, Crooked Lake, Jimmerson Lake, Snow Lake, Lake George, Lake Pleasant, Hamilton Lake, and Lake Gage.
Fremont History
Establishment Fremont was first settled in 1834 and was initially named Willow Prairie. Its name was changed again to the Village of Brockville three years later when it was platted. To honor John C. Frémont, and to avoid conflict with another Brockville in the State of Indiana, the town renamed itself in 1848.
Named After John Charles Frémont was an American explorer and military officer who lived from 1813 to 1890. He was dubbed “The Great Pathfinder” by historians for his mapping of and expeditions across the western lands of the United States. John Frémont became a Senator elected from California and was also the first presidential candidate of the Republican Party. He lost the election to Democrat James Buchanan in 1856.
Historic Structures: There is one structure within the Town of Fremont listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The structure is located at 200 E. Toledo St. and is commonly referred to as the Enos Michael House. It was listed on the National Register in 1982 for its local and period significance as architecture related to exploration and settlement.
Fremont Information
Land Area The Town of Fremont has 2.23 square miles of land area within its corporate limits. Therefore, it comprises less than 1% of Steuben County’s land area which is 322 square miles.
Geography Fremont’s topography is typical for the far Northeast corner of Indiana. The geography of the area includes many kettle lakes and some wetlands formed by glaciers which covered the area thousands of years ago. The land surrounding Fremont is beautiful low rolling hills and meadows also formed by the receding glaciers. The land within Fremont’s corporate limit is relatively flat and conducive to residential, recreation, commercial and industrial development.
Environment: Fremont is surrounded by farmland, lakes, wetlands, woodlots, and rolling hills. For this reason, local residents have an appreciation for the natural environment. Generally, the town strives to respect the natural environment, encouraging development to locate where environmental concerns are minimal, or in environmentally sensitive areas when done so respectfully.
Population The population in Fremont is approximately 2,100 which represents a 25% increase from the population in the year 2000. There are approximately 800 household established in the town.
Children 40% of the 560 household in Fremont have children living at home. The population of the town is 29% persons under the age of 18. However, the school’s enrollment is down notably in recent years and is not expected to recover in the next five (5) years.
Median Household Income Fremont’s median household income is approximately $43,000, compared to the State of Indiana which is $46,000.
Foreword page 1
Appendix B: Needs Survey page 25
Part 2: Parks Profile
ParT 2: Parks ProFIle
Budget summary The Park Board budget over the last five years is listed in the below table. The sources of revenue include general property taxes, financial institutions tax, license excise tax, and commercial vehicle excise tax. A very minor amount of revenue has been derived from donations as well.
Budgeted Spent 2008 $29,805 $48,194
2009 $29,805 $16,532
2010 $30,005 $11,978
2011 $31,176 $18,437
2012 $32,100 $21,777
Programming At this time the Fremont Parks and Recreation Department provides limited programming and services to the community. The primary program offered by the parks is a week-long art camp in coooperation with the library.
Over the next five years the Park Board intends to add programming which will add value to the citizens of Fremont. Those programs are included in the 5-year plan in Part 3: Parks and Recreation Plan.
Fremont Town Park
Size/Location Approximately five acres; defined by Albion Street on the north, private residences to the east, the High School property to the west, and Dexter Axle to the south. (See map on page 3)
Parking Lot Yes, with approximately 20 paved, but un-marked parking spaces are accessible from Albion Street. An unimproved parking are is accessible off of Coffin Street able to park about 20 cars, and paved parking spaces are available off of Pearl Street, just south of the ball field, which accommodates about 18 cars.
Amenities Playground Equipment: The playground equipment includes a large climbing slide, jungle gym slide for smaller children, two swingsets, spring riders, horseshoe pits, grass volleyball court, see saw, and park benches.
Pavilion: The pavilion has water, electricity and restrooms. It is used for reunions and a variety of private events, especially during the warmer months. Nearly every weekend during summer months the pavilion is rented out for parties and other private events.
Baseball Field: The field is primarily used for softball games, and little league and T-ball team practices. The field is lighted and has two dugouts, and is mostly surrounded by a 6-foot fence. Two small bleachers are in place for spectators. A concession stand is strategically located near the two bleachers.
General Condition The park equipment gets a lot of use and the facilities reflect that fact. The park facilities are considered safe and functional, but need maintenance from time to time. Specific plans for improvements are included in Part 3: Parks and Recreation Plan.
Broad street Park
Size/Location Approximately three and one-half acres; defined by Pearl Street on the north, Broad Street to the east, Coffin Street to the west, and Water Street to the south. The block as described has three residential lots carved out of it along Broad Street. (See map on page 3)
Background The site was once a waste site, therefore it can not be used for occupiable structures (e.g. a home) or for harvesting water from the ground due to environmental concerns. Otherwise, the site is safe for recreational purposes.
Parking Lot Yes. It is possible for cars to pull off of Coffin Street into the gravel area which allows several cars to park off-street.
Amenities Skate Park: A 500 square foot concrete pad was constructed and four skate apparatus was then affixed to the flatwork. A small number of youth still use the skate park.
Pond: A wild flower and tree-surrounded retention pond is located in the center of the park. It is unclear if an outlet to the pond exists, but it is clear that several stormwater inlets exist.
General Condition The park in maintained in safe condition, but otherwise is minimally maintained.
Follett estates Park (Temporary)
Size/Location Approximately one-third acre; located at the northeast corner of Follett Lane and Elmer Drive. (See map on page 3)
Parking Lot No off-street parking. However, on-street parking is possible along either Follett Lane or Elmer Drive.
Amenities Playground Equipment: A swingset, slide, see saw, and a park bench was installed at this location. Otherwise, the lot is maintained in turf grass.
General Condition The park is maintained in safe condition.
Vistula Park
Size/Location Approximately 56 acres; north of Toledo Street, west of Abbott Estates and the Fremont Public Library.
Background Vistula Park was formerly a Yogi Bear Campground and remnants of its former use can still be seen throughout the park. For instance the Head Start Building was the camp’s office and general store. Also, a swimming pool was once located where the basketball courts are currently.
Parking Lot Yes, with approximately 200 paved, marked parking spaces accessible from Toledo Street.
Amenities Baseball Fields: There are three fields which are all lighted. Each field has two dugouts, announcer’s booth, and bleachers. All fields are appropriately surrounded by fencing common to baseball fields. Head Start Building: The Head Start program utilizes a one-story, climate controlled building with kitchen, restrooms, and several rooms inside, all used to support the program’s mission. Pavillion: The pavilion is used for reunions and a variety of private events, especially during the warmer months. Walking Trails: A paved trail surrounds the three ball fields and paved trails run through the woods at the northeast quadrant of the property. Basketball Courts: One full-court, paved and lighted basketball court can be found integrated into the parking area. There are six goals surrounding the court, allowing several half-court games at the same time. Volleyball Court: One volleyball court is available along the frontage of the park, just east of the baseball fields.
General Condition The park facilities gets a lot of use and the facilities reflect that fact. The park facilities are considered safe and functional, but in need of significant maintenance. With enrollment down at the Fremont School Corporation and with a recessionary economy, the property is a lower funding priority for the schools.
Other Uses On-site: The current Fremont School Corporation’s administrative offices and the Fremont Public Library are located along the entrance drive into Vistula Park.
Foreword page 1
Part 2: Parks and Recreation Profile page 9
Part 3: Park Plan page 15
Part 3: Park Plan
ParT 2: Park Plan
mission statement The mission of the Fremont Park Board is to enhance the quality of life in the town by providing the best possible recreational facilities, open natural spaces and programs for its citizens.
statement of Philosophy The primary service of the Fremont Park Board is to provide opportunities for enriching lives and meeting the recreational needs of the Fremont citizens. Therefore, the expressed purpose of the Fremont Park Board is to maintain, enhance and develop park facilities and/or programs to provide opportunity for sports, leisure, private gatherings, public events, and exercise for people of all ages residing in the community.
needs Identified from the survey Below is a list of needs identified from public input, via the surveys conducted.
Add a new park on the North Side of community; Add more walking paths/trails; Add picnic tables and benches; Add new play equipment; Add additional park amenities; Add community swimming pool/splash park; Add a dog park; Unique feature to the park; Programming throughout the year; More fully utilize Broad Street Park; Better maintain the parks; and Improve negative aspects and perceptions of the parks.
Parks and recreation Plan The following sections represent the 5-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan for Fremont. Each park has its own section with long term goals, needs and specific project for the next five years.
overall Park Goals
Goal #1.1 Choose a name and brand for each of the Town’s parks, and promote exclusive use of each name.
Note: There are at least three names used for Fremont Town Park, and some residents don’t even know the name of the park. Similarly, at least two names exist for Broad Street Park. For these reasons, the above goal is intended to synchronize the public’s identity for each park.
Goal #1.2 Assure that each park property, all playground equipment, and park amenities and facilities are in excellent condition, clean, free from trash, safe, and convey a positive impression and experience to residents and visitors.
Note: Recognize that parks are an economic driver in a community, and that the public and visitor’s perceptions of their quality translates to their overall impression of the community. Note: Recognize that parks and recreation opportunities contribute significantly to a citizen’s enjoyment of their life in the community and enhance their pride in the Town.
Goal #1.3 Provide as many amenities as are sustainable over future years, considering the resources available for purchasing, installing and maintaining the amenity.
Note: It is better to have fewer amenities that are fully maintained, provide safe recreation, and convey a positive image of the Town. Essentially, quality if more important than quantity.
Goal #1.4 Build resource capacity for the advancement of parks and recreation in Fremont. Specifically, enhance the leadership, volunteer base, and financial resources.
Note: Explore every financial and volunteer opportunity to enhance the current and future needs of the parks.
ParT 2: Park Plan Goal #1.5 Make a more meaningful and obvious connection between Fremont Town Park to Broad Street Park.
Note: These parks are so close to one another and should provide users the opportunity to utilize both facilities during a visit to either location. Note: The connection should begin with a pedestrian crosswalk across Pearl Street with appropriate signs for drivers to recognize the crossing.
Goal #1.6 Establish a permanent Follett Estates Park to function as a neighborhood and community-wide park.
Note: Follett Estates Park, when established, will provide a necessary park facility on the north side of Toledo Street, and will provide a facility that is safely walkable from many residential areas in Town, especially areas that have been newly constructed over the last ten years.
Goal #1.7 Establish a trail linkage to Vistula Park from the future Follett Estates Park.
Note: The connection between Follett Estates Park and Vistula Park is essential for safe pedestrian and bike linkages throughout the Town. This linkage is arguably more important than the establishment of Follett Estates Park itself, based on the public’s strong demand for a walkable and bikeable community as indicated in the public input surveys.
Goal #1.8 Make Fremont Town Park the “signature” park in Town, making it the gathering place for community events and a place visitors are welcome to enjoy.
Note: Building on Goal 1.2, the purpose of this goal is to have another feature (the first being the downtown) in the community that reflects the community’s brand, image, identity and source of pride. Essentially, Fremont Town Park will be a place that attracts and retains residents, and convinces future employers that Fremont is a place to invest.
Goal #1.9 Establish a fund raising committee and implement a “first annual” fund raiser for the parks. The event should set a specific financial goal and be tied to the implementation of a specific public-supported project.
Note: Fund raisers are most successful when the financial goal and the use of that money is defined. For the earlier years, a modest financial goal should be set and the benefitting project should be highly visible so that after it is completion the pubic will take notice. This strategy will build volunteer capacity, fund raising capacity, and build momentum for implementation of larger future projects.
Fremont Town Park Goals
Goal #2.1 Rebrand the park as “Rocketship Park” and prepare a strategic park plan to build on that theme over the next ten years.
Note: A themed public park is much more appealing to users and will make the park truly unique in the region. Also, the name of the signature park should be exciting and memorable.
Goal #2.2 Establish a maintenance schedule for each amenity in the park, assuring that every year one-fifth (1/5th) of the amenities are updated fully for aesthetics, safety, and functionality.
Note: The yearly group of amenities should be selected in such a way that the cost and resources necessary will be relatively equal from year to year. Therefore, avoiding a year where the budget and volunteer needs are out of balance with one another.
Goal #2.3 Add striping to the pavement in the north-side parking area to maximize parking capacity.
Goal #2.4 Address ADA requirements for the park. Specifically, widen the sidewalk around the pavillion and between the parking lot and the pavillion. Also, add a handicap “bench” area for wheelchairs.
Note: Over time, the town will need to install a hard surface connection to each amenity in the park and may need to add park amenities/play equipment that serve handicaped persons.
Goal #2.5 Add a “Rocketship Park” themed, large sign/gateway feature at the terminus of Bell Street next to the park entrance.
Note: A large, colorful and themed sign at the terminus of Bell Street can serve to brand the park, but also to attract new interest in the park.
ParT 2: Park Plan
Broad street Park Goals
Goal #3.1 Establish a walking path around the park without an enclosure fence around the park.
Note: After the alignment of the trail is settled, the first phase of its construction should simply be crushed limestone with fines. This will create a surface that is durable and will not need a lot of maintenance over the years. If funding becomes available, a paved surface should be considered, thus allowing skateboards, scooters, and other wheeled opportunities a place to use as well. Note: It is essential for feeling of safety that there not be fencing around the park. People can feel threatened when enclosed in an area with limited entrances.
Goal #3.2 Convert a portion of Broad Street Park to a “bark park” for dogs.
Note: Bark parks are relatively easy to maintain and add a well needed amenity to the park system. The area set aside should be able to be split into two sections. This allows one side to be cordoned off to let the grass grow while the other side is used. This is especially necessary in small scale dog parks. Note: The bark park should have strictly enforced hours as to not cause a noise nuisance in early morning or evening hours. Note: Owners are mandated to clean up after their dogs (i.e. by ordinance) or risk being forbidden to use the park.
Goal #3.3 Either reinvest in the skate park, making it a more desirable destination for teenagers, or re-purpose the area for another park amenity (discuss with Park Board to determine which option is the best for Fremont).
Goal #3.4 Plant most of the remaining un-utilized areas (i.e. those not used for trail, parking, skate park and/or bark park) in wild flowers and/or prairie grass.
Note: Either of these plant materials will significantly reduce the on-going maintenance cost of the park, and with wildflowers will add a positive aesthetic for walkers.
Goal #3.5 Add and stripe on-street parking spaces along Coffin Street, Water Street, and Broad Street near the established entrances.
Note: This should be done in phases, starting with spaces along Coffin Street. Either parallel or angled parking would be appropriate. Only two to four spaces would be necessary along Broad or Water Streets.
Goal #3.6 Rebrand the park with a meaningful and fitting name that speaks to the type of park that it is.
Follett estates Park Goals
Goal #4.1 Hire a park planner/designer to program the space and design the park for low maintenance.
Note: This should take place prior to acquisition of the land. Note: The strategy should be to maximize the park amenities in the smallest footprint possible, creating a compact neighborhood park. The design should include a trail around the retention area, running the length of the property from east to west, including a trail entrance on both ends. The plan should also address where canopy trees should be planted.
Goal #4.2 Once Goal 4.1 is completed, request the right to plant the canopy trees and prairie grass and/or wildflowers around the property.
Note: The idea is to get plant material started well in advance of the funding for new park amenities. The trees and plant material recommended will take several years to establish themselves, therefore when the park goes “online” it will already have a finished look and feel. Note: Prairie grass and/or native wildflowers will minimize future mowing expense.
Goal #4.3 Raise funding for the necessary park amenities as well as apply for grant assistance from various sources. Then acquire the land from the developer when either the grants are awarded, or when funding has been raised to implement the new park.
Note: The formal acquisition should take place once the funding for the park amenities is in place. Therefore, the donation or acquisition of the park would be able to be used as part of the local match.
Goal #4.4 Establish a safe pedestrian crossing to connect to the (future) trail to Vistula Park.
Goal #4.5 Assure that at least six parking spaces are available on-street or off-street.
Vistula Park Goals
Goal #5.1 Continue to work with the Fremont School Corporation to assure that Vistula Park be maintained for public recreation and sports leagues.
Considerations Because Vistula Park is not part of the town’s park inventory, the below considerations are offered.
Consider accepting the wooded portion of Vistula Park as a donation from the school corporation. Note: The cost of maintaining the wooded portion of Vistula Park are minimal and owning the land would allow the Town to install a new trail along the east edge, providing a direct link from Follett Estates to the library at some time in the future.
Consider accepting the athletic fields and parking lot as a donation from the school corporation if the school is able to first address all major maintenance issues. Note: The town does not have the resources to make the necessary upgrades or address the maintenance issues in this park. Therefore, the only way the town can take over this park and the athletic fields is to have the property improved first, such that the town would not have any short term maintenance issues to address. Also, the town should not assume this property without having a funding source to maintain it over time once maintenance issues become necessary.
Consider purchasing the property immediately to the west of Vistula Park for use as a recreational fishing and camping park. Note: This type of park can be a revenue generator by leasing camping sites and colleting fees for fishing priviledges. As a tax exempt parcel the “business model” for such an operation may prove to be notable enough to boost the park’s overall budget. A potential model is Steuben County’s campground on Crooked Lake near the fairgrounds.
ParT 2: Park Plan
ParT 2: Park Plan
5-year Implementation strategy Below is a schedule of projects for the next five years.
Action Item Priority Timing Responsible Party
Funding Source
Cost Estimate
Establish a fund raising committee/strategy Very High 2014 Park Board N/A N/A
Add resource capacity through building volunteer base
Very High 2014 to 2015 Park Board N/A N/A
Re-brand Fremont Town Park to Rocketship Park by first installing a new sign at the end of Bell Street
High 2014 Park Board Budget $1,000
Upgrade sidewalk on two sides of pavilion and between pavilion and parking lot to meet ADA requirements
High 2014 Park Board Budget TBD
Prepare a sketch plan/design for Follett Estates Park
Moderate 2014 Park Board Budget TBD
Make connection between Follett Estates and Vistula Park trails; build trail connection
Very High 2015 Park Board TBD TBD
Begin planting trees in strategic locations in Follett Estates Park
Moderate 2015 Park Board TBD TBD
Acquire Follett Estates Park High 2016 Park Board N/A N/A
Improve the connection between “Rocket- ship Park” and Broad Street Park
Moderate 2017 Park Board TBD TBD
Add park equipment and park amenities to Follett Estates Park
High 2018 Park Board Grants $30,000
Seek grant funds to leverage the Town’s park budget each year
Very High Every Year Park Board N/A N/A
Foreword page 1
Appendix A: Parks Usage Survey page 21
Appendix A: Parks Usage Survey
aPPendIx a: Park usaGe surVey
Fremont: Park Usage Survey
1. How often do you or your household members use Fremont’s parks? Very Often Often Occasionally Rarely Never Comment_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Indicate the parks you use the most by writing in #1, #2 and #3; with #1 being the most used, #2 being the second most used, and #3 being the third most used by your household. ___ Water Tower Park ___ Broad Street Park ___ Vistula Park ___ Pokagon State Park ___ Commons Park (Angola) ___ Firemen’s Park (Angola) ___ Other ____________________ ___ Other ____________________
3. Please check the park amenities or recreational activities that your family members participate in, at any location. Select all that apply. If you select “other” please write-in those activities. Playground with infants (0 to 18 mos.) Playground with toddlers (18 mos. to 4 yrs old) Playground with children (5 to 12 yrs old) Playground with teenagers Walking Jogging/Running Soccer Baseball/Softball Picnic Basketball Tennis Horseshoes Skateboarding at skate park Nature observation Other __________________________ Other __________________________
4. Please share what additional facilities or programs are needed in the Town of Fremont. If you select “other” please write-in your recommendations. Trails for walking/jogging/running Shuffleboard Swimming pool Ice skating Fishing Mountain bike trails BMX course Hiking trails Nature observation Flower gardens Community vegetable gardens Dog park (e.g. “bark park”) Volleyball court Amphitheater Splash park Tree house Climbing wall Camps for children Frisbee golf Other ____________________ Other ____________________ A new piece of playground equipment (please specify below in comments section) Additional sport field (please specify type below in comment section) Comment_____________________________________________________________________________
5. Is there anything that prevents your household from using the town’s parks? Yes No Comment_____________________________________________________________________________
6. Please indicate how many persons are residing in your household in each of the following age groups. __ 0 to 3 years old __ 31 to 40 years old __ 4 to 7 years old __ 41 to 50 years old __ 8 to 11 years old __ 51 to 60 years old __ 12 to 15 years old __ 61 to 70 years old __ 16 to 19 years old __ 71 to 80 years old __ 20 to 30 years old __ 81 years old or more
7. Please indicate where you live (please select the best fit). I live within the corporate limits of the Town of Fremont. I live outside of town, but consider myself a resident of Fremont. I live outside of town and don’t associate with Fremont. I live outside of Steuben County.
The Town of Fremont is updating its Parks Master Plan and is seeking public input. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey for the Consultant that is helping us with the project. This survey seeks information about your family’s use of parks and recreation facilities. Please fill out one survey per household.
Questions can be directed to Chris Snyder at: (260) 495-2504
Please drop the survey into the utility bill drop box outside Town Hall, deliver it inside Town Hall, or mail it to us at: PO Box 602 Fremont, IN 46737 Or you can scan and email it to us at: [email protected]
Park usage survey Introduction The below survey was sent to every household in the Town of Fremont. A total of 70 surveys were
returned. On the next page, a summary of the survey results can be found.
Park usage survey results
Question 1 Results How often do you or your household members use Fremont’s parks?
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
NeverRarelyOccasionallyOftenVery Often
Comments: Rarely, once a year when grand children visit; Occasionally, we use for reunions; Very often, at least 4X a week during warm weather;
Never, but would if better walking areas; Often, bathrooms are gross and rarely open;
Question 2 Results Indicate the parks you use the most by writing in #1, #2 and #3; with #1 being the most used, #2 being the second most used, and #3 being the third most used by your household.
0 15 30 45 60 75 90
Follett Estates Park
Town Park
Note: Each “1” response was multiplied by 3, each “2” response was multiplied by 2, and each “1” response was multiplied by 1; thus giving higher weight to the most used parks in respondent’s rankings.
Other: Friendship Park in Angola was written in on one survey and was ranked as a third priority.
Question 3 Results Please check the park amenities or recreational activities that your family members participate in, at any location. Select all that apply. If you select “other” please write-in those activities.
0 10 20 30 40 50
Biking
Concert/Festival
Restrooms
aPPendIx a: Park usaGe surVey Question 4 Results Please share what additional facilities or programs are needed in the Town of Fremont. If you select “other” please write-in your recommendations.
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Camp for Kids
Trails
Comments: Would like to have benches every so often for resting;
Just something new for the playground; Update ballpark at Vistula; Forts for kids to play on; Slides; Climbing rocks; More baseball/softball diamonds; Get rid of weeds at library and do flowers; We need a playground like Friendship Park; Football and soccer fields; Outdoor pool during summer break; Vistula needs smaller equipment for toddlers and infants in playground;
Bike trails; Softball for age 55+; and Art in the park.
Question 5 Results Is there anything that prevents your household from using the town’s parks?
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
No
Yes
Comments: Rude teens I don’t want my kids around; Found drug paraphernalia; Dirty restrooms; Time; Glass on ground; Bad words written on walls of slides; Would love a park where the old pink church was; Lack of sidewalks in areas from house to parks; Too many bad influences in the pavilion; Teenagers smoking at the park and being rude; Town Park has minimal things to do; and Need a couple more benches for taking grandchildren to park.
Question 6 Results Please indicate how many persons are residing in your household in each of the following age groups.
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
81 or older
71 to 80
61 to 70
51 to 60
41 to 50
31 to 40
20 to 30
16 to 19
12 to 15
8 to 11
4 to 7
0 to 3
Question 7 Results Please indicate where you live (please select the best fit).
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
I live outside the Town limits
I live within the Town Limits
Foreword page 1
Appendix B: Community Needs Survey page 27
Appendix B: Community Needs Survey
aPPendIx B: CommunITy needs surVey
Community needs survey Introduction The survey below (page 2 of a 2 page survey) was sent to every household in the Town of Fremont as a part of a concurrent process for the Town’s
Fremont: Community Needs Survey
2
Do you live inside the Town limits? Yes, I live within the
corporate limits of the Town.
No, but I consider myself a resident of Fremont.
No, I just have interest in Fremont.
I don’t know for sure.
Age-range of the person who answered the survey? 20 years old or less 21 to 30 years old 31 to 40 years old 41 to 50 years old 51 to 60 years old 61 to 70 years old 71 to 80 years old 81 years old or more
____________________
____________________
How long have you lived in or around Fremont? All my life 20+ years 10 - 19 years 5 - 9 years 1 - 4 years Not applicable
4. Community Facilities & Services
______________________________
Increase recreation opportunities for the elderly. Examples? ______________
Better maintain play equipment in the parks. Examples? ______________
Add to amenities in a park. Examples? _________________
Establish more recreation trails around the community. Suggestions?_____________
Create more parks. Location suggestions? ________________
______________________________
Preserve trees.
Improve pedestrian crosswalks. Examples? ______________
______________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
If you do not complete the survey online, either drop the survey into the utility bill drop box outside Town Hall, deliver it inside Town Hall, or mail it to us at: 205 N. Tolford Street Fremont, IN 46737 Or you can scan and email it to us at: [email protected]
Questions can be directed to Chris Snyder at: (260) 495-2504
Comprehensive Plan update. A total of 223 surveys were returned, answering several park related questions. On the next page, a summary of the survey results can be found.
aPPendIx B: CommunITy needs surVey
Community needs survey results The below results are pulled from a survey tool used during the Comprehensive Planning process which was concurrent to the 5-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan update.
Question 5a Results Does the Town need to increase recreation opportunities for children?
20%
20% of respondants believe the town needs to increase recreation opportunities for children.
Examples: Give money to the Firehouse Youth Ministry; Firehouse Youth Ministry; Better parks for kids (X2); Bigger variety (X3); Swimming pool (X6); Keep parks up to date and clean; Update Firemen’s Park; Monkey bars; Playground; Fishing; Less dangerous playground; Activities; More updated play equipment; Increase summer park program; and Water slide to make money for town.
Question 5b Results (General Public) Does the Town need to increase recreation opportunities for the elderly?
14%
14% of respondants believe the town needs to increase recreation opportunities for the elderly.
Examples: Sidewalks, Mixers to meet others; Bingo hall; Slow pitch softball for 55 and older; Good walking path close to senior home; Walking trails; and Exercise.
aPPendIx B: CommunITy needs surVey Question 5b Results (High School Students) Does the Town need to increase recreation opportunities for teenagers (13 through 18 year olds)? Note: In the needs survey conducted with high school students, the question about needs for the “elderly” was switched to “teenagers,” thus more relevant to participants.
35%
35% of respondants believe the town needs to increase recreation opportunities for teenagers.
Examples: Dirt bike track/trails; Better skate park (X2); Things to do (X2); Fun; Swimming pool (X4); Dances, activities; Dance hall; Bowling Alley; Movie Theater; More sport opportunities, like camps; A path to walk down with a fountain; More clubs; Teen club; Roller skating rink; Fishing; Better hang-out spots; Smoothly paved scooter and skateboard trails; More drinking fountains; and Community fair.
Question 5c Results Does the Town need to better maintain play equipment in the parks?
22%
22% of respondants believe the town needs to better maintain play equipment in the parks.
Examples: Town park (X3); Basketball courts in Vistula; New/more equipment (X4); Paint the playground/rocketship (X5); Keep clean; Make it colorful; Better maintain rocketship (X2); Swings (X2); Big slide; Basketball hoop and court; Clean off spray paint; Safer equipment (X2); Slides; Cover sharp metal edges with rubber; Better slides; New swings; Better swings; Less trash; Mow the grass; Not let teens write on them; Facilities also; and Keep it safe.
aPPendIx B: CommunITy needs surVey Question 5d Results Does the Town need to add to amenities in a parks?
17%
17% of respondants believe the town needs to add amenities in the parks.
Examples: Drinking fountain (X2); Fence around basketball courts to prevent parking on them;
Keep restrooms unlocked; Bigger rocketship; Working bathrooms; Merry-go-round (X4); Slides; Trees; Monkey bars; Swimming pool (X3); More playground equipment (X3); Bigger equipment to play on (X2); More for all ages; Soccer fields; Walking track; Add unique feature (i.e. climbing rock); Grills; Sandbox; and Frisbee Golf.
Question 5e Results Does the Town need to establish more recreation trails around the community?
25%
25% of respondants believe the town needs more recreation trails.
Examples: Old golf course off Swagger; Anywhere; Better sidewalks; To Pokagon; Throughout wooded areas; From high school and middle school to edge of town;
Bike trail to Angola; Maybe along the bypass; Path on side of highway between Fremont and Angola;
Walkways or trails; Walking and bike trails; Plenty of sidewalks, but not well lighted; Walking path in skateboard park; From one housing area to another; and Bike trail.
aPPendIx B: CommunITy needs surVey Question 5f Results Does the Town need to create more parks?
13%
13% of respondants believe the town should create more parks.
Examples: Bigger rocketship park; Buy Willow Prairie (X2); No, improve Rocketship Park; Wide open spots; Anywhere; Behind middle school (X3); Instead make bigger; West end of Cora Lane; Empty purple church lot on E 120; Empty lots in residential areas; Pocket parks could use hedge fences; South and East side of town; Follett addition; Old bait shop and fishing pond west of Vistula; Down around trailer court/Blackman Prairie area;
Other Parks and Recreation Improvements The following are written-in responses to an open- ended field on the survey.
Other:

parks master plan - town of fremont

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