Council Presentation DRAFT Recreation and Trails Master Plan | February 19, 2019
Agenda Master Plan Purpose & Scope Project Process & Timelines Themes from Research & Consultations Preliminary Recommendations Question Period DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
M aster Plan Purpose The RTMP will establish strategies to improve physical health, community vibrancy, connectedness, economic development, and environmental sustainability through the recreation and trails system. The RTMP focuses on indoor and outdoor recreation needs in Georgian Bluffs (arenas, trails, halls, sports fields, splash pads, etc.) to the year 2031. DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
About Our Firm Monteith Brown Planning Consultants Ltd. is a parks, recreation, trails and land-use planning firm based in London, Ontario 43 years of experience across Ontario and the United States 50+ master plans and studies completed in the past 5 years Regional work includes South Bruce Peninsula, Owen Sound, North Bruce Peninsula, The Blue Mountains, and Saugeen Shores DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
Phase 1: Research & Consultation September Project Initiated 2019 Park, Facility & Trail T ours October RTMP Launch Event – Oct. 15 Community Survey – 280 responses Stakeholder & Staff Sessions – Oct. 22 November / Background Research Research & Consultation Summary Report December DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
Phase 2: Action Plans January / Recreation & Trails Assessments February Draft RTMP Council Presentation #1 Phase 3: Testing & Finalizing March Community Open House #2 April Final Master Plan 2020 Council Presentation #2 DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
Notable Recreation Facilities, Parks & Trails in Georgian Bluffs • 20+ hectares across 10 Township parks • 3 waterfront parks (one contains a designated swimming area) • 2 public boat launches (one is operated under agreement with the federal government) • Georgian Bluffs M ulti-Use Trail with trail heads in Shallow Lake, Benallen and Range Road • Access to the Bruce Trail, regional trail systems and Conservation Area properties • Community Centres in Shallow Lake, Kemble and Kilsyth containing 1 ice arena and 2 indoor dry pads • 3 ball diamonds , 2 tennis courts , 1 skateboard park and pump track , and 2 playgrounds DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
Common Themes from Community P A R T IC IP A T IO N IN T T O P 5 5 P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T IO N A A C T IV IT IE S Consultations • Strong appreciation for outdoor recreation 87 % 7 8 % 7 3 % 6 8 % 5 8 % opportunities and natural surroundings Walking for Visit to a Public Enjoying Parks & • Many comments about non-motorized vs Hiking Outdoor Swimming Leisure Beach Open Spaces motorized trail use , and a need to designate permitted activities by type of trail T O P 5 5 P R IO R IT IE S F O R r P E N D IN G O N P P A R K S A N D R R E C R E A T IO N R r • Requests to modernize the T ownship’s community centres in Derby and Kemble • Historically strong volunteerism appears to be waning for some local organizations 4 2 % 2 5 % 2 0 % 18 % 16 % Acquisition of Multi-Use / Hard Off-Road Signed Nature Trails Parks & Open Arenas Surface Trails Cycling Trails Space Source: RTM P Community Survey DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
Other Notable Considerations: • Current population of 10,700 is forecasted to grow to 11,700 by the year 2031 (source: Grey County Growth Management Strategy) • Higher than average age (45 years) and household incomes ($78,000) compared to Grey County and the Province (source: 2016 Census) • 9% of the population live below the Low-Income M easure and 7% were born outside of Canada (source: 2016 Census) • Strong reliance on volunteers , community partners and area municipalities to deliver recreation programs • A number of indoor and outdoor facilities have been in service for many years, some of which are well advanced in their lifecycles • Grey County recently finalized a Recreational Trails M aster and a Cycling & Trails M aster Plan is in draft form DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
Community Centre Rejuvenation Projects Community centres in Derby and Kemble have documented deficiencies relating to their age, lifecycle, amenities and barrier-free accessibility ($520,000 in capital required for Kemble Arena & CC by 2028) Both are important facilities under the T ownship’s current recreation services model, and demographics of surrounding areas are changing It is recommended that architectural, engineering and landscape architectural assessments be undertaken in conjunction with community consultations to develop conceptual plans and define costs for redevelopment Spaces to be explored at both sites should include a hall and program rooms, active living / group fitness areas, playgrounds, gardens, outdoor courts, etc. DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
Recreation System Overlay pickleball lines on the Balmy Beach Park tennis courts and upon dry-floors at Derby and Kemble Community Centres Install outdoor fitness equipment at Shouldice Park, possibly in partnership with a local fitness or service provider(s) to increase the park’s appeal for all age groups Clarify the status of a historical agreement in place with the Township Chatsworth regarding the Keady Arena, and discuss future plans for that facility DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
Trails System Three classifications of trail are proposed: Primary Multi-Use Trail, Secondary Multi-Use Trail and Recreational Trail Proposed trail network aligns with County Master Plans, links to the Multi-Use Trail and Bruce Trail, and connects major destinations Trail planning should be coordinated with Grey and Bruce Counties, Conservation Authority, Bruce Trail Conservancy, and others Develop strategies with law enforcement and trail clubs to discourage non-permitted activities on trails DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
Parks System The current service level amounts to 2.0 hectares per 1,000 residents, which if maintained would require an additional 3 hectares (7.5 acres) by 2031 Extend entrance signage into all T ownship parks With little use in recent years, the Clavering Ball Diamond could be redeveloped as a focal point for community gatherings and passive recreational enjoyment with seating and shaded areas, pathways, public art, etc. DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
Other Recommendations Continue to be a provider of space through which others (volunteers, sport providers, community groups, etc. ) can deliver programs and services Create a Recreation Services Facilitator position focused on community development, finding new program/rental opportunities and partnerships, and coordinating service providers DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
Thank You! DRAFT Recreation & Trails M aster Plan Council Presentation | February 2020
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