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Center Park Master Plan
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Village of Gambier Park and Trail System Master Plan
December 2009
Acknowledgements
Village of Gambier
Kirk Emmert – Mayor
Suzanne Hopkins - Village Administrator
Village of Gambier - Council Members
Tom Stamp – President
Audra Cubie - Council Member
Lee Cubie - Council Member
Liz Forman - Council Member
Betsy Heer - Council Member
Susan Sukys - Council Member
Building and Grounds Committee Members
Audra Cubie
Betsy Heer
Tom Stamp
Consultant Team
Matt Simpson, ASLA, LEED AP
Tony Eyerman, ASLA, LEED AP
Andrea Oyster, ASLA
Floyd Browne Group
3769 Columbus Pike
Delaware, Ohio 43015
740.363.6792 Ph.
740.363.6536 fax
Contents
Introduction
Statement of Project Scope
Public Involvement Summary
Background Data Collection
Site Reconnaissance
Background
Vision
Resource Inventory and Analysis
Existing Parks, Schools and Recreation Facilities
Private Recreation Facilities
Unique Natural and Cultural Resources
Recreational Needs Analysis
Master Plan Development
Overall Concept Plan for Parks, Trails, and Greenspace Systems
Community Center Park
South Park
Recommendations
Implementation Plan
Key Action Steps
Summary of Funding Sources and Strategies
Ten-year timeline
Appendix
Meeting Notes,available for viewing at the Village Office
Public Open House Sign-In Sheet, available for viewing at the Village Office
Open House Questionnaire, available for viewing at the Village Office
Cost Opinions, listed at the end of the Park and Trail System Master Plan
Introduction
The Village of Gambier located in Knox County, Ohio, is the home of Kenyon College and approximately 500 full-time residents. Kenyon has a student population of around 1,600 which expands the Village population to 2,100 during the academic year. About 5000 people visit the village each summer for conventions and workshops on the campus. Another 4100 summer visitors are prospective students and their families.
The village has a growing need for a Park and Trail and System Master Plan for the community. The plan is a broad-based strategic planning tool for the entire village that provides direction for the next 10 years and provides a vision for the long-term development of the park system.
This document serves as a property and facilities planning tool and a management and programming tool directed toward all levels of administration and staff, along with legislative boards and commissions. The document will identify and integrate the benefits of properly planned parks and trails that lead to the improvement of the quality of life within the community and will improve the village's economic competitiveness. The village desires for the document to be informative, in summary form, and easily read and understood.
This plan is committed to the Village of Gambier's goals to:
• Provide park facilities and trails that are essential to the livability and economic health of the community.
• Create a balanced, accessible and integrated system of parks, trails, and greenspaces that serve current and future residents and visitors.
Statement of Project Scope
The foundation of this report is based on community and stakeholder input compiled by the village, the Building and Grounds Committee member's guidance and Floyd Browne Group's planning process. Planning activities include:
• Accessing the community, village, and stakeholder, input to identify the vision, values, and issues for park and trail needs, issues, and opportunities.
• Reviewing background information and assembling resource inventory of Gambier's existing public lands, parks, and recreation facilities, private recreation facilities, unique natural and cultural resources, and potential development of open space set asides.
• Developing a village-wide concept for a balanced, accessible, and integrated system of parks and trails to serve current and future residents and visitors.
• Defining a strategy for implementation of the plans. Developing a 10-year timeline for phased implementation, identifying funding strategies, and developing a series of action steps as a guide for implementation.
Public Involvement Summary
In order to gather input and gain a consensus on key strategies, interviews with community leaders and park committee members were held. These meetings provided a vision for parks and recreation in Gambier and insight into community values, facility program needs, and operational and maintenance issues.
In addition, one public open house was held to present information and gather feedback from citizens at large. A questionnaire asking for input and ideas on the park plans was distributed at the open house and posted on the village website. After the draft master plan was completed, a follow-up public comment period was arranged so that the public would have an additional opportunity to participate in the project.
In all, this feedback was critical in determining the community's desired level of parks and trails throughout the village.
Data Gathering
The consultant began by conducting an inventory of existing public lands, parks and recreation facilities, private recreation facilities, unique natural and cultural resources, and potential open spaces. Potential neighborhood trail and sidewalk connections within the village and to regional facilities were identified.
Knox County GIS and 2008 aerial photos were utilized as base mapping, and the Village of Gambier provided background data, its zoning code, and other information useful for the study.
Site Reconnaissance
Floyd Browne Group spent considerable time throughout the village to record and become familiar with existing conditions. An overall map showing the location of parks, schools, and natural and cultural resources in Gambier was developed. In addition, individual park descriptions are provided in the resource inventory and analysis section of the report.
Background
When David Bates Douglass arrived in Gambier in 1840 as Kenyon College's third president, he found a campus with three major buildings - Old Kenyon and Rosse and Bexley halls - and a village with several private residences, numerous temporary or incomplete structures, and a general air of disarray. While Philander Chase, the founder of both the College and the village, imagined life in Gambier would be an idyll in a rural Eden, Douglass was confronted by a hilltop littered with piles of discarded building materials sitting next to rotting stumps.
A former West Point professor and a skilled engineer with a passion for order, Douglass was determined that Eden - or some reasonable facsimile -- would be regained. He laid out the "College Park;" constructed the pillars and gates at Wiggin Street, and built Middle Path from there to Old Kenyon. Although he left Gambier in 1844, his goals were furthered by the 1859 extension of Middle Path northward from the gateposts to the College's seminary, Bexley Hall, and its spacious grounds. With trees planted along its length, Middle Path became not only the main pedestrian thoroughfare for both Kenyon and Gambier but also the main axis of a park extending from north to south through the center of the village.
From the time of Gambier's incorporation by an act of the legislature on March 15, 1850, until the past several decades, the campus offered the village its primary recreational spaces. The conversion of Gambier's elementary school into a community center allowed for the development of the village's own playing fields, which, along with existing playgrounds there and at the old Gambier High School, became a focus for community activity. With the development of the Kokosing Gap Trail along its southern edge and into the surrounding area in the late 1980s, the village gained yet another recreational resource for the local population.
The village's purchase of a ten-acre former quarry near its southeastern edge almost a decade ago offered still more possibilities to the community. Although portions of the property are used for water detention purposes, the site has also been seen as a potential park site. That, along with a desire to address the needs of the village's population for a variety of active and passive recreational venues, led the Gambier Village Council to seek community input and consulting services for creation of a long-range plan for using available spaces to their best advantage.
Vision
The vision for Gambier's park and trail system is to enhance and preserve park, trail and recreation services, lands, and facilities through high standards and innovation that build on Gambier's historic tradition as a leading community and great place to live, work, and play.
Existing Public Parks, Schools & Recreation Facilities
Community Center Park
20.7 acres
Facilities: 3 baseball diamonds, one soccer field, one basketball court, playground, picnic area, shelter, concessions building, dog park, gymnasium and library
Community Center Park is Gambier's "Community Park:" It is bound by Meadow Lane and residential homes on the north and east, farmland to the west, and regional Kokosing Gap Trail to the south.
The vehicular entrance to the site is located off Meadow Lane. An adequate-size parking lot serves the Community Center and library. There is also a gravel lot that serves the baseball, and soccer fields, the playground, and the dog park.
Numerous active and passive recreational uses are offered at the park. Baseball diamonds are well used and offer an excellent opportunity for youth to participate in athletic programs. In addition, there is a basketball court, soccer field, playground, shelter, picnic area, and recently installed dog park. Some of the facilities are showing wear and old age. Playground equipment should be considered for replacement. Baseball outfield fencing and infield turf is difficult to maintain.
Formalized pedestrian paths do not exist. However, there is a great opportunity to create a trail system that links internal park facilities and existing and future village-wide trail systems.
The open lawn east of the dog park provides an opportunity to expand recreational facilities.
South Park
8.9 acres
Nature Trails
Formerly a quarry site, South Park is located at the corner of State Route 229 and Duff Street. Numerous natural resources are present on the site including an upland area, sculpture, wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands.
Currently the park offers only turf walking paths. Its close proximity to other active recreational facilities and the Kokosing Gap Trail lends itself to being developed into a passive recreational park.
In addition to the natural features, the village recently acquired a sculpture that serves as a focal point for the site. This one-of-a-kind sculpture may become a catalyst for creating a site that celebrates the community's creativity. Several noted artists reside in and around Gambier, and Kenyon art students often create outdoor sculptures as class assignments.
Amenities that should be considered are: sculpture garden, overlook, walking paths, shelter, picnic area, outdoor classroom, children's discovery garden, and community vegetable garden.
Post Office Park
Post Office Park is a mini-park located between a former bank building and the post office on Chase Avenue. It's a nicely designed formal sitting area with quaint landscaping. Directly behind the sitting area is a small unprogrammed lawn area.
Knox County Park District
The Knox County Park District has developed three sites on the south side of the Village. Two are trailheads for the Kokosing Gap Trail (part of the Ohio to Erie Trail). The trailhead southwest of the village is a gravel parking lot with signage and benches. The other trailhead south of the Kenyon Athletic Center is unique in that it celebrates the railroad heritage of the area. Located here is a train engine, flatcar, caboose, and numerous pieces of railroad hardware and interpretive signs. The restroom facility is in the form of a train depot.
The third trailhead is a canoe launch/river access for the scenic Kokosing River Water Trail. It includes a small parking lot, boat launch, and signage.
Wiggin Street Elementary School
Located two blocks east of historic downtown Gambier is Wiggin Street Elementary School. It is bordered by residential neighborhoods on all four sides. It offers activities such as a playground, open lawn areas, basketball courts, and a sledding hill.
PRIVATE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Kenyon College
Kenyon College offers numerous active and passive recreational activities to its students, faculty, and staff and to Gambier residents. These include the Kenyon Athletic Center with indoor pool, basketball courts, running track, exercise room and racquetball and squash courts. Outdoor facilities offered throughout campus include multiple tennis and basketball courts, sand volleyball, running track, intramural sports fields, and unprogrammed lawns areas. Generally these facilities are open to Gambier residents; however, there are restrictions during certain hours and during varsity practices and events. There are also many paths in town including, historic Middle Path, which runs north from Old Kenyon, through downtown Gambier, to Bexley Hall. In addition, the Brown Family Environmental Center has developed a series of nature trails that meander along the hillsides and valleys of Gambier connecting amenities such as the environmental center, Miller Observatory, Kokosing Gap Trail, and Kokosing River.
Recreation Needs Analysis
One of the most important tasks of the planning process is to determine the community's recreational needs and desired level of park and recreation service. Many factors go into that determination, including future population levels, the age of the population, the ability to fund improvements and to maintain these improvements over the long term, and the availability of parks and facilities within the greater area.
The most current publication on park system planning by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), "Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines" (1996), rec¬ommends a planning approach that establishes a level of service that is needs-based, facility driven, and land measured. Several methods were used to measure the level of service and to assist in determining the present and future recreational needs of Gambier. These include the Total Park Area Method, Facility/ Population Standards Method and the Proximity Method.
Total Park Area Method
This method compares the quantity of parkland to the community-wide population base. The general accepted standard used to gauge minimum parkland adequacy is 10 acres per 1,000 population. Currently Gambier has 29 acres of parkland for its 500 full time residents. With the addition of Kenyon recreational land, there is nearly 68 acres of parkland per 1000 residents. The chart below highlights the approximate park areas.
Gambier
Population: 500
Acreage: 29
Acres/1000 residents: 0
Kenyon Rec. Lands
Population: 1,600 Students
Acreage: 113AC
Acres/1000 residents: 70AC
Total
Population: 2,100
Acreage: 142AC
Acres/1000 residents: 68AC
Based on current village-owned parkland and Kenyon recreation facilities and green spaces, no additional parkland acquisition is recommended.
Facilities/ Populations Standards Method
This method compares the local facilities to NRPA standards to determine any need for additional facilities (baseball and soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, football, etc.) Currently, Gambier meets or exceeds standards for active-use facilities. With the addition of Kenyon College's facilities for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and swimming, the standard is greatly exceeded.
Proximity Method
This method measures the adequacy of a community's parkland according to the park's proximity to the community population. Parks, playgrounds, and other public open spaces need to be located in close proximity to the user population. The accepted NRPA standard is that every person in the community should live within a 3-mile radius of a community park, 1/2 mile (or a 10-minute walk) to a neighborhood park, and 1/4-mile radius of a mini-park or school play-ground.
After compiling the resource inventory map, the village's residential population falls within the community park radius. With Kenyon's numerous active and passive recreation facilities serving as neighborhood parks, only those on the far northwest corner of the village are outside a service area. However, with some additional trail connections, that neighborhood could be serviced by the numerous nature paths associated with the Miller Observatory.
Master Plan
The Park System
The village park system consists of several park classifications that include community, neighborhood, mini, and school parks. Together with a network of trails and greenways, they create a system of recreation activities for the community. The following are brief descriptions of the various park types as classified by the National Recreation and Park Association.
Community Parks are typically large in size (20-50 acres) and serve the recreational needs of the entire community. They provide amenities to multiple neighborhoods and have a service area of up to 3 miles. Access to the site should be conveniently located near collector or arterial streets and be easily accessible by a trail system. Ideally, the site should be geographically centered and have a strong relationship to the other park areas. The site's natural character should also be carefully considered during the acquisition and planning stages to ensure that unique qualities like vegetation, watersheds, views, and topography are preserved or enhanced.
Neighborhood Parks are the basic unit of a park system. They are typically 5 to 10 acres in size and serve the recreational needs of a specific neighborhood. They can have both active or passive recreation opportunities or be geared to a specific user group. They should be centrally located in the neighborhood being served and be accessible by a trail system, sidewalks, or residential streets. The site should possess aesthetic qualities, since experiencing a pleasant outdoor environment is a primary recreational activity in neighborhood parks.
Mini-Parks are usually under an acre in size and are used to fulfill the recreational needs of an isolated area. They can offer active recreation like playgrounds or be designed to fit a unique function like a rose garden, interpretive area, or plaza adjacent to a shopping center. Their location should be based on a specific need rather than by population. The park should be easily accessible by sidewalks or residential streets and be linked to neighborhood parks by a trail system.
School Parks expand the recreation opportunities of the community by providing shared facilities and land area. Depending on the school and its location, recreation activities like playgrounds, sledding hill, open lawn, amphitheaters, and athletic fields can be a joint-use relationship with the school district, Kenyon College, and park system.
The Trail System
The Village of Gambier's trail system comprises a variety of trail types, providing continuous connections throughout the community. These trails take advantage of parkland, greenways, sidewalks, existing trails, paths, right-of-ways, and lightly used roads. These lands are both public and private.
Generally, multi-use trails will accommodate a variety of uses including walking, running, hiking, biking, roller blade skating, and nature observation. Trail surfaces are typically asphalt or compacted crushed stone. The trail surface should be barrier-free and accessible to people in wheelchairs and other physically challenged users. Sidewalks can serve as an extension of the trail system; however, they should be discouraged as shared-use paths due to inherent problems such as conflicts with bicyclists and slow-moving pedestrians, hazardous objects adjacent to the trail (mail boxes, light poles, landscaping, etc.), and increased potential conflicts with motor vehicles at intersections.
Nature trails are often needed to connect multi-purpose trails and sidewalks to environmentally sensitive areas and remote locations within the greenway corridor. Trail construction can be as simple as a mowed or gravel path.
Note: At this point in the master plan there are sketches showing traffic flow. These are available for viewing at the Village Office.
Master Plan Recommendations
The residents of Gambier are currently offered a wealth of recreational facilities. The village has numerous facilities at Community Park, and Kenyon College opens its doors to the public at most times of the year. Therefore, it's recommended that the village focus its efforts on further developing Community Center Park, providing recreational amenities at South Park, and building on the existing trail system to connect the various facilities.
Plan trail connections to the following locations
• Extend sidewalks along Wiggin Street, Woodside Drive, Ward Street, and Duff Street.
• Provide a multi-use trail that connects the residential neighborhood east of Meadow Lane, Community Center, Kokosing Gap Trail, and South Park. Partner with Kenyon and College Township to provide spurs that link to Kenyon's varsity and intramural sports fields and to the Big Run Canoe Launch.
• Develop a multi-use trail from Middle Path to the Kokosing Gap Trail. Partner with Kenyon to provide a trail that meanders along the hillside behind the Ernst Center to the existing Trail. Ensure that its grade meets current AASHTO bicycle-facility guidelines, due to the difficulty for many bicyclist of climbing and descending steep slopes.
• Create a nature path from the Allen Drive neighborhood to Wiggin Street School. Utilize the existing ROW and adjacent Kenyon property to develop a meandering trail along the hillside. Avoid low lying areas due to frequent flooding. A rustic bridge could be used to cross the swale, and stone or timber steps will be needed where slopes are greatest. A 24"-wide field stone or gravel path should be considered for durability, minimal maintenance, and aesthetic qualities.
• Build on the Brown Family Environmental Center's nature-trail system by connecting neighborhoods, campus, and natural and cultural facilities on the western side of the village. Trails should be built to minimize disturbance to this environmentally sensitive area. A rustic 24"-wide field stone path should be considered for it's durability, minimal maintenance, and aesthetic qualities.
Provide a bocce ball court near historic downtown.
The addition of a bocce ball court has been a requested facility for some time. Due to its minimal size of playing area and social nature of the sport, it is recommended that the facility be conveniently located near downtown. Several locations were explored. The preferred site will be one with convenient parking, plenty of lawn area, and minimal disturbance to adjacent uses.
Prepare concept plans for renovating downtown's streetscape
As the community considers ongoing investment in its park system, it is important to recognize the importance of Middle Path and downtown Gambier as a heavily used linear park. Downtown Gambier is an integral part of the community, offering activities such as recreation, shopping, commerce, and tourism. With increased investment into the streetscape, the village will continue to showcase the community's historic, natural, and recreational resources.
Care should be taken that any streetscape design capture the unique character and sense of place that Gambier possesses. Plans for features such as paving, benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, information kiosks, pedestrian lighting and landscaping should be considered.
Existing Parks
Continue to develop, renovate, and expand Community Center Park's recreational amenities. See site plans for additional recommendations.
Develop South Park into a passive-use park with the theme of creativity and outdoor education. See site plans for additional recommendations.
Name existing parks
Choose names that add meaning and value to the sites. Items to consider include: geographic location, outstanding features, historic events, and individual or organizational contributions to the community or park. Examples include: Sculpture View Commons, Imagination Park, Memorial Garden, and Meadow Lane Recreation Area.
Develop and implement a park signage plan
Provide main identity signs at park entrances, directional signs and maps along trails, and interpretive signage at natural and cultural resources. Ensure that the unified signage package reinforces the village character, clearly identifies facilities, and highlights the Village's numerous natural and cultural resources.
Develop a unified site furnishing schedule
As site furnishings (benches, picnic tables, bike racks, trash receptacles, grills, etc.) are removed or added to the village, equipment should be utilized that creates a unified theme. Choose products that are long lasting, require minimal maintenance, and match the character of the village. Many manufacturers offer a "family of materials:" These similar furnishings build continuity within and between park sites. It should be noted that, where appropriate, site furnishings that match the character of a unique location be considered. A good example is along nature trails. There, a rustic log bench may be more appropriate than a recycled plastic bench.
Community Center Park Master Plan
Recommendation:
Continue to develop and upgrade Community Park's recreational amenities.
Community Center Park is the hub for youth recreation in the village. Numerous recreation activities are offered including baseball, soccer, playgrounds, and basketball. The Village has continually maintained and upgraded the existing facilities, with additions such as a concessions/restroom facility, baseball dugouts, a picnic shelter, and a dog park.
Missing from the park is a trail system that links these facilities. Therefore, a pedestrian path is planned throughout the site that safely connects users to the existing sidewalk on Meadow Lane, the community center, baseball complex, picnic area, and Kokosing Gap Trail. By implementing this trail, the village will provide an additional recreational amenity, encourage use of the south side of the park, and create a logical point for visitors to enter and use the park from the Kokosing Gap Trail.
Additional amenities for the site will be a community garden, two picnic shelters, and dual-use basketball courts/winter ice-skating rink. The baseball complex will eventually be reconfigured to create a pedestrian core area centering around the concessions stand/restrooms. This area will also be the home of a new playground suitable for youths and tots, additional picnic tables, and landscaping. The soccer field and warm-up area will be relocated conveniently east of the proposed parking lot, and the entrance to the dog park will be moved to the northwestern corner of the dog park.
To provide safer pedestrian flow and more efficient vehicular circulation, the Master Plan recommends relocating the main parking southwest of the existing shelter. The current parking configuration divides the site and causes park users, including children and families, to cross parking and driving aisles to access the facilities to the north and south. The new parking lot layout will allow for unencumbered pedestrian circulation from the Kokosing Gap Trail to the Community Center. It will also be enlarged to more adequately serve the existing athletic fields, the dog park, and a future picnic area to the south.
Numerous potential sustainable features are planned throughout the site. These include the use of pervious paving, increased natural areas/habitat creation, stormwater bioswales and wetland detention ponds, recycled materials (benches, trash receptacles, etc.), a community garden, and an increased number of shade trees. Together these features will create a more environmentally friendly park.
South Park Master Plan
Recommendation:
Develop South Park into a passive use park with a theme of creativity and outdoor education.
South Park is an 8-acre site that contains a recently installed sculpture, numerous mowed walking paths, a wetland, woodlands, and open lawn areas. Currently, it is only accessible by foot at the northeast corner of the site.
Due to the unique "Understorms" sculpture that has recently been installed and the mix of ecosystems the site offers, it is recommended that this site be developed into a passive park. The park's other significant feature is the elevation difference from the upper northern end down into the lower bowl. This elevation change offers dramatic views down to the park below and provides a nice sense of enclosure to the south. In the bowl, there is a great opportunity to provide amenities such as meandering trails, shelter and picnic areas, a restroom facility, a wetland boardwalk, and a small amphitheater. Thoughtfully located sculptures could be placed throughout the site, thus reinforcing the sculpture-themed park. Another unique feature of the site is a proposed children's discovery garden. Highlights include a tree house, water feature, themed children's sculpture, a brick ruin, animal sculptures and child-size arbors.
Proposed on the upper north side of the site is a small parking lot to serve visitors who wish to view the sculpture, work in the community garden, or take a walk on the path system. The path system begins at the sculpture area and winds its way past a dramatic overlook, down a series of steps onto the lower bowl and eventually linking to the parking area to the south.
Implementation Plan
Key Action Steps
Build partnerships to help finance park and recreation related public improvement projects
Village Action:
Meet with supporters, organizations, vested citizens, and support groups for potential partnering opportunities. Prioritize various park improvements and seek grants and other potential funding sources. Prepare a pamphlet on potential donor opportunities.
Connect parks, schools, neighborhoods, open space, campus, cultural resources, and trails to enhance and promote civic identity and community character.
Village Action:
Continue to meet with Kenyon College, Knox County Park District, County Engineer, Regional Planning Commission, and neighboring townships to discuss aggressively pursuing trail right-of-way widths along the proposed routes.
Informally meet with property owners affected by the trail plan to explain the concept and to make them aware of the goal of interconnecting neighborhoods with community facilities and resources. Review the specific issues that affect the residents and work toward solutions that are acceptable.
Develop a Funding Plan.
Village Action:
Prepare a capital improvement plan that identifies the timing and cost of potential park and trail projects. These may be both public and private projects that may be matched with a variety of funding sources.
Update the capital plan every year with the guidance of the Park and Trail System Master Plan and current citizen needs.
Recognize that, as park facilities increase through implementation of the Park and Trail System Master Plan, the operational and maintenance requirements will also increase. Evaluate park maintenance staffing and explore the potential and possibility of a capital improvement park levy, with a percentage dedicated to operations and maintenance.
Seek to implement Community Center Park and South Park's proposed improvements.
Village Action:
Identify priority projects that have the greatest impact on the quality of life within the community and improve the village's economic competitiveness. Build on the concept of a balanced, accessible, and integrated park system that serves the current and future residents and visitors.
Summary of Potential Funding Sources and Strategies
Whenever the suggestion is made to develop a new site, acquire new property, buy new equipment, or expand existing lands or facilities, concern immediately follows based on the question, "How will we pay for these projects?" How is the community going to fund this capital project and, possibly more importantly, how will the ongoing maintenance of the property or equipment be funded?
The Village of Gambier may accomplished these challenges in the future by taking advantage of some of the many funding opportunities available. These funding opportunities include:
Millage, Assessments, and Bonds:
Dedicated Millage: Special millages can be general revenue for specific purpose.
Special Assessments: Special assessments are compulsory contributions collected from the owners of properly benefited by specific public improvements to defray the costs of such improvements.
Bond Programs: Bonds are one of the principal sources of financing used by communities to pay for capital improvements.
Private Sources and Partnerships:
Corporations, non-profit organizations, and foundations should be considered to help finance park, and trail-related projects.
Partner with recreation-focused groups like the Knox County Park District, Kokosing Gap Trail, Kenyon College, Brown Family Environmental Center, and others that make sound fiscal sense. It also helps build alliances that support mutual goals and ensures a sustaining environment for success.
Grants:
Nature Works: ODNR - Established in 1993 when Ohio voters passed a statewide levy providing for the Ohio Parks and Resources Fund. The program requires a 25-percent match and can be used for acquisition, development, or rehabilitation of public park and recreation areas.
Clean Ohio Fund: ODNR -
The Clean Ohio Fund restores, protects, and connects Ohio's important natural and urban places by preserving green space and farmland, improving outdoor recreation, and by cleaning up brownfields to encourage redevelopment and revitalize communities. Applicants must provide a 25-percent local match, which can include contributions of land, labor, or materials.
The Clean Ohio Trails Fund works to improve outdoor recreational opportunities for Ohioans by funding trails for outdoor pursuits of all kinds. Special emphasis is given to projects that:
• Are consistent with the statewide trail plan;
• Complete regional trail systems and links to the statewide trail plan;
• Link population centers with outdoor recreation area and facilities;
• Involve the purchase of rail lines linked to the statewide trail plan;
• Preserve natural corridors;
• Provide links in urban areas to support commuter access and provide economic benefit.
Land and Water Conservation Fund Program: ODNR -
The LWCF is a federal program aimed at providing resources to maintain, develop and preserve outdoor planning, acquisition, and development of trails and stream corridors recreation resources. The program provides up to 50-percent reimbursement assistance.
Recreational Trails (RT) Program: ODNR-
The State of Ohio has set aside additional TEA-21 funds to fund the Recreational Trails Program; the program requires a 20-percent match. Funds can be applied to land/easement purchase for trails, trail design and engineering, construction, maintenance and restoration projects, and trail facilities.
Transportation Enhancement Funding Program (TEP): ODOT
This program provides funding for new or reconstructed sidewalks, walkways, or curb ramps; wide paved shoulders for non-motorized use, bike-lane striping, bike parking, and bike racks; construction or major rehabilitation of off-road shared-use paths (non-motorized transportation trails); trailside and trailhead facilities for shared-use paths; and bridges and underpasses for pedestrians and bicyclists and for trails.
It also funds projects such as landscaping and scenic beautification, historic preservation, and pedestrian and bicycle safety and education activities.
Safe Routes to School: ODOT
This program offers funds to make it safer and easier for children to commute to school using active transportation (walking, biking, roller-blading, etc.). The program provides 100-percent reimbursement assistance (no matching funds) for planning and development of sidewalks, trails, curb ramps, signage, striping, etc. relating to school access. It also funds non-infrastructure projects like providing students with bike helmets, additional law enforcement measures, and educational programs, to name a few.
Five-Star Restoration Challenge: National Fish & Wildlife Fund -
This fund provides modest financial assistance (+/- $10,000) on a competitive basis to support community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach, and training activities.
In general, state and federal grants are awarded to communities to acquire new land or build new facilities and are less likely to provide operations and maintenance budgets for those improvements. There are state and federal grants that address operations and maintenance, and those opportunities should be explored. Local funding though, for which there are many possibilities, is usually tapped to provide the funding source for operations and maintenance. This can be accomplished through partnerships, in-kind services, a park levy, foundation grants, a bond issue, general fund allocations, and user fees. One must keep in mind that while new developments, site improvements, and acquisition of new land will need financial stewardship, there are many opportunities available to communities to find appropriate funding.
Numerous privately funded grants are also available.
Ten Year Timeline for Phased Implementation
1) Provide a sidewalk along Meadow Lane, from the Community Center to the Kenyon Athletic Center
2) Renovate and add facilities to the Community Center Park. Refer to the site master plan
• Three season shelter
• Reconfigured baseball field complex • Relocated youth soccer field
• Landscaping
• Dog park enhancements
• Community garden
• Relocated parking lot
• Mulit-use path system
• Playground facility
• Basketball court/ice skating rink
• Shelter and picnic areas
3) Develop and implement a signage plan that reinforces the village character, identifies parkland and recreation facilities, and highlights the numerous natural and cultural resources in the area.
4) Develop a unified site furnishing schedule that matches the character and quality of the village.
5) Develop a multi-use trail from the Community Center to the Kokosing Gap Trail.
6) Provide additional recreation facilities at South Park. Refer to the site master plan
• Overlook
• Sculptures
• Wetland boardwalk
• Shelter and picnic area
• Entrance drive and parking lot
• Walking paths
• Children's discovery garden
• Mini-amphitheater
• Community garden
7) Develop a multi-use trail from the Kokosing Gap Trail to South Park.
8) Develop an off-road trail from downtown Gambier to the Kokosing Gap Trail.
9) Develop nature trails that link neighborhoods to facilities.
• West Wiggin Street to the Kenyon Athletic Center
• West Wiggin Street to the Brown Family Environmental Center
10) Provide a nature trail from the Allen Drive neighborhood to Wiggin Street School.
11) Begin the planning process to renovate Middle Path and downtown's streetscape (paving and sidewalks, light poles, bike racks, trash receptacles, landscaping, etc.).
The preliminary cost opinions are listed as totals only. A breakdown of costs per items can be seen at the Village Office.
Community Center Park:
$506,200.49
South Park:
$415,216.82
Allen Drive Nature Trail:
$82,779.30
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