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HomeMy Public PortalAboutIX: ParksAPRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION IX. PARKS AND RECREATION The City of Richmond aspires to be recognized for its abundance of well-designed and maintained parks and green space. The City of Richmond will continue to invest in varied and ample recreational opportunities to meet the needs of its neighborhoods and citizens. The City will always value, preserve and protect its beautiful natural habitats, parks and recreation resources. The City will recognize the benefit of the connectivity of parks and green space as an important part of its sustainable development philosophy. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 177 IX. PARKS AND RECREATION A. Introduction The quality of Richmond’s Parks and Recreation programs coupled with the beauty and richness of their existing facilities will play a key role in the vitality of the city as a residential and business draw. The preservation of Richmond’s existing green spaces and waterways, together with a strong sense of community pride and vision will be a touchstone for future recreational opportunities. Richmond has a broad range of established recreation programs and opportunities that promote environmental awareness, active living and public health. If combined with an understanding of future recreational needs and trends, and creative vision, Richmond Parks and Recreation could become a catalyst for population growth an d improved economic health and set the example for similar sized parks districts in Indiana. The Richmond Parks and Recreation Department oversees and maintains a municipal park system consisting of approximately 1076 land acres and 193 water acres. Th is includes developed and undeveloped land, two golf courses , a skateboard park, Olympic size outdoor pool and McBride Stadium. The fifteen municipal parks are classified into three categories based on function and use: · The Community Recreation District · The Outdoor Recreation District · The Sports/Fitness District Each is shown in the Existing Parkland Table. Middlefork Reservoir Source: waynet.org Glen Miller Skate Park Source: waynet.org COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 178 Existing Parkland – City of Richmond Name Acres Glen Miller Park 155 Land 4 Water Eastside Lions Park 2.3 Land Swicker Park 2.6 Land Richmond Community Senior Center 7 Land Community Recreation District South 10th Street Park 2.2 Land Springwood Lake Park 104 Land 11 Water Middlefork Reservoir 405 Land 177 Water Berryfield Park 1.3 Land Whitewater Gorge Park 100 Land Outdoor Recreation District Bicentennial Park 4 Land Clear Creek Park 49 Land Freeman Park 30 Land Mary Scott Park 7 Land North 10th Street Park 1.2 Land Sports/Fitness District West Side Lions Park 2.2 Land McBride Stadium - Highland Lake Golf Course 165 Land Golf Courses Glen Miller Park Golf Course 39 Land 1 Water Source: Lehman & Lehman Inc. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 179 B. Goals and Objectives The goals and objectives listed below are based on the forthcoming 2004-2008 Richmond Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update by The Richmond Parks and Recreation Department and Lehman & Lehman, Inc. Citizen input gathered as part of the Master Plan Update and the Comprehensive planning process is also included. Goal To enrich the lives of Richmond’s residents and visitors, through providing essential park, greenway, trail and recreational facilities and access. To provide programs, cultural experiences and community services to enhance the experience of Richmond’s parks and recreation system. To conserve and protect Richmond’s natural environment. Objectives 1. Upgrade and/or renovate existing facilities based on priority. 2. Expand the greenways and trails system to connect neighborhoods with parks, commercial uses, schools, and other communities. 3. Establish and apply departmental standards based on community expectations and current trends of the profession. 4. Expand and add programs and services to meet current and future community recreational needs. 5. Develop a Marketing Plan to measure and promote the image, usage, role and effectiveness of Richmond’s parks. 6. Develop an implementation strategy for the Marketing Plan. 7. Improve Customer Services in all aspects of departmental functions. 8. Identify, build relationships and partnerships with various community entities and agencies and identify strategies to retain relationships. 9. Analyze the community’s park and recreation needs with the City’s growth plan. 10. Develop capital projects. C. Parks and Playgrounds Issues and Findings The City of Richmond’s beautiful parks, natural open spaces, playing fields, waterways, and playgrounds cater to a wide range of active and leisurely recreational activities. Some of the popular activities include outdoor sports, jogging, walking, picnicking, and water recreation. The City's child-friendly park amenities include a range of traditional and state-of -the-art playgrounds. Several park spaces are available for organized sports competitions, private parties and other events. Facilities maintained by the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department are summarized in the following matrixes. Playground at Mary Scott Park Source: waynet.org COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 180 Richmond Parks and Recreation Department: Community Recreation District Facilities Matrix Total Acres Rentals Playgrounds Picnic Areas Restrooms Pool Tennis Courts Fishing Ball Fields Basketball Courts Volleyball Community Recreation District Glen Miller Park 2200 National Road East 155 13 East Side Lions Park North 15th and "C" Streets 2.3 Swicker Park South 7th and "E" Streets 2.6 Richmond Senior Community Center 1600 South 2nd Street 7 1 South 10th Street Park South 10th and "B" Street 2.2 Richmond Parks and Recreation Department: Outdoor Recreation District Facilities Matrix Total Acres Rentals Playgrounds Picnic Areas Restrooms Pool Tennis Courts Fishing Ball Fields Basketball Courts Volleyball Outdoor Recreation District Springwood Lake Park 64 Waterfall Road 104 2 Middlefork Reservoir Sylvan Nook Drive 405 5 Berryfield Park Middle Drive, off Chester Boulevard 1.3 Whitewater Gorge Test Road to Waterfall Road 100 Bicentennial Park Bridge Avenue & Sim Hodgin Parkway 4 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 181 Richmond Parks and Recreation Department: Sports/Fitness District Facilities Matrix Total Acres Rentals Playgrounds Picnic Areas Restrooms Pool Tennis Courts Fishing Ball Fields Basketball Courts Volleyball Sports/Fitness District Clear Creek Park S.W. 13th & West Main Street 49 Freeman Park Middleboro & New Paris Pikes 30 West Side Lions N.W. "J" & Ridge Streets 2.2 Mary Scott Park N.W. 7th & N.W. "A" Streets 7 2 North 10th Street Park North 10th & U.S. 27 North 1.2 Richmond Parks and Recreation Department: Golf Course Facilities Matrix Total Acres Rentals Playgrounds Picnic Areas Restrooms Pool Tennis Courts Fishing Ball Fields Basketball Courts Volleyball Golf Courses Highland Lake Golf Course 1972 Highland Lake Road 165 Glen Miller Golf Course 2514 National Road East 39 Facility Descriptions Richmond Parks System Excerpted from the Master Plan Update 2004 to 2008 Springwood Lake Park- 104 acres 64 Waterfall Road Formerly called “Conservation Park”, this regional site was purchased by the city through a federal open -space grant. Significant natural features of Springwood include the Whitewater River, large woodland stands, marshes, streams, and a 30 -acre lake. Springwood Lake Park provides a variety of active and passive forms of recreation including picnicking, boating, fishing, sports area, nature areas and play equipment. Structures include a vacated residential structure, and restrooms, a pavilion and storage buildings. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 182 A previously prepared site Master Plan addresses site renovations, including redevelopment of the “closed” beach area, direct connection to the Cardinal Greenway, and other site improvements. Funding has been secured to implement this plan. Clear Creek Park Diamond - 49 acres 1201 West Main Street Clear Creek Park is located on the west side of Richmond and provides a complex of sports- oriented activities which include a baseball stadium, 4 ball diamonds, Cordell pool, tennis courts, horseshoe courts, and basketball courts. Cordell pool was renovated in 2001 and received a new pool house, filtrations system, pool liner, lighting, increased spectator space and a new splash pool with spray features. The entire park is divided into two sections by the existence of West Main Street. Bicentennial Park- 4 acres 30 Bridge Avenue Bicentennial Park is located off Bridge Avenue along the floodplain of the Whitewater River. The theme of the park is to provide passive recreation through enjoyment of the scenic river valley area. The park also provides access to geologically significant limestone outcroppings. A one- story maintenance building and small garage are situated in the south one-third of the park. Eastside Lions Park- 2.3 acres 311 North 15th Street This park was once the site of the Old Starr School. Although the site is small, this park provides surrounding neighborhoods with play equipment and open play areas. Westside Lions Park- 2.2 acres 1201 Ridge Streets Similar in size to Eastside Lions Park, this small block park provides similar components including basketball, play equipment, and an open area for free form games. South Tenth Street Park- 2.2 acres 101 South 10 th Street South Tenth Street Park provides no facilities for active recreation. This park functions as neighborhood green space, passive recreation, and enhancement of the neighborhood environment. It is historically the first park land of the Richmond Park System. This park is an excellent festival space and is the site for the Park Department’s “Family Fun Festival”, a large family carnival event. Berryfield Park- 1.3 acres 1100 North Drive Berryfield is a small neighborhood site located in the north central area of the city of Richmond serving residents of a m ulti-family housing development immediately adjacent to the park on the north side and the Berryfield subdivision. It includes a playfield and some play equipment. Although it has poor accessibility as well as operation and maintenance problems, this park should remain as a neighborhood facility. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 183 Whitewater Valley Gorge Park- 100 acres Test Road to Waterfall Road The Whitewater Valley Gorge Park is a very unique river valley that contains natural features unique to Indiana. Exposed bedrock at various points along the gorge walls illustrate the geological history of the area dating back some 500,000,000 years. The gorge runs 3-1/2 miles through the heart of the city and this natural corridor has been a major factor in the growth of Richmond. It provides the citizens with valuable environmental and natural resource. The city of Richmond currently owns, or controls through easements, most of the land within the gorge. Deficiencies of the park are the lack of accessibility and development needed to transform it into a major regional corridor facility. Currently the Cardinal greenway, a rails-to-rails project is underway connecting the Gorge via a railroad right-of -way to the City of Muncie, Indiana. Situated in the center of the Gorge Park, and in the heart of Richmond, the Starr-Gennett Jazz Heritage Area is planned as a focal point of the park commemorating the vital role the Starr Gennett Piano Co. and Recording Studio played in Richmond’s development and the growth of jazz music. Middlefork Reservoir- 405 acres 1750 Sylvan Nook Drive The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the operation and usage of this city water reservoir area. The American Waterworks Company and its subsidiary, Indiana-American Water Company, Richmond District, retain ownership. Existing operations include a small concession bait -house structure, a small shelter/cabin, restrooms, fish cleaning station, boat launch ramp, docking facilities, and accessible play equipment. A local model airplane club has in the past constructed hard surface runways that continue to be used on an increasing basis. A playground is located in this facility and is referred to as “Super Park”. There are also 3 open air shelters, and two lighted sand volleyball courts. The most consistent use of the facilities at present is by pontoon, fishing boat owners, and day fishermen. On -site, outside storage is available for pontoon boats through the winter season. The 177-acre lake, combined with two land sites (one west and a smaller one northeast), provides the largest single acreage site in the park system. The maximum potential for this site has yet to be realized; its location and character are ideal for regional usage. Future development and programming of this site should have a nature/outdoor them e. Swicker Park- 2.6 acres 650 South “E” Streets Also known as South 7th Street Park, this park’s beginnings in 1899 resulted in a rather traditional, passive, heavily shaded park site with central fountains and radial walkways. Renovation of this park sh ould consider the historical context of the park’s initial development. North Tenth Street Park- 1.2 acres 600 North 10th Street North Tenth Street Park is located adjacent to the US 27 Highway overpass, between North “F” and “G” Streets. This park is located in a principally industrial area. It is surrounded by heavily traveled streets and is bisected by the heavily traveled US27 north overpass. Developments on the west side include: play equipment, an asphalt play pad, and open lawn area. The east side is mainly open lawn punctuated with occasional trees, shrubs, and a stone memorial. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 184 Mary Scott Park- 7 acres 101 Northwest 8th Street Formerly named “Northwest Seventh Street Park”, Mary Scott Park is located adjacent to Dennis Middle School. The park includes approximately seven acres with facilities for both active and passive recreation and special facilities in a cabin, shelter, and play equipment. Its proximity to area schools enhances both the potential of the park itself and the grounds of the two adjacent schools. Freeman Park- 30 acres 1150 North 12th Street Freeman Park has become home to the Richmond area BMX activities. BMX developments now occupy the north end of the park, encompassing about 25% of the available land area. The balance of the park is mainly open flat land with a soccer field and open field recreation. There is a recently repaved basketball court and an added parking lot, newly renovated soccer field, new lights, irrigation and new sod for the field, and new fencing for the Par k. The south end of the site is wooded and is bordered by the middle fork of the Whitewater River. A single drive entry off 12th Street provides access into the park. Highland Lake Golf Course- 165 acres 1972 Highland Lake Road With a gently rolling irrigated course that incorporates 7,016 yards into its par 72, 18 hole layout with paved cart paths, Highland Lake offers a completely different appeal as it boasts of tournament quality greens and long fairways. Highland Lake recently renovated 30 bunkers adding to the challenge of the course. This course attracts golfers from all around and has been the site of many local, regional and state tournaments. Beautiful, open, and well-manicured, Highland Lake offers a pleasing atmosphere. The course, built in 1972, is located just off of US 27 North and Interstate 70 on Highland Road. Maintenance facilities are located on -site and provide for the care and appearance of this course. A special study of the course operations was conducted in the fall of 1985 to assist in the refinement of methods and operations. Additional land is available adjacent to the property and between the site and Interstate 70. Glen Miller Park & Glen Miller Golf Course- 199 acres combined 2200 National Road East/2514 East Main Street Named for Colonel John F. Miller, this highly popular park celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1985. Its location on the east side of Richmond, easy access, and site developments all combine to serve the population of the area with a significant park experience. Glen Miller Park is the most popular of Richmond’s park. A broad range of developments and facilities offer the visitor a myriad of opportunities for recreation. Shelters and pavilions, picnicking, amphitheater, rose and annual gardens, sports, fishing, golf, a new ADA accessible playground and restroom, an 11,000 square foot concrete skate park, and a pleasant passive use are all available in this one setting. Glen Miller has a beautiful and challenging 40 acre, 9-hole golf course. Built in 1923, this par 36, 2,831 yard course combines hills, trees, and small greens requiring accurate shots. The variety of holes offers an interesting challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The Parks and Recreation administration offices, the system’s maintenance stor age complex, and greenhouse facilities are situated in the core area of the park. Reminiscent of early touring parks of the turn-of -the-century, the drives meander throughout the park. Future Park Development and Programming should focus around a “historical” theme. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 185 E.G. Hill Memorial Rose Garden, All America Rose Garden & the German Friendship Garden Dedicated in 1937, the E.G. Hill Memorial Rose Garden honors Richmond's famed Rosarian, Gurney Hill. The All American Rose Garden, with more than 1,600 roses, hundreds of annuals and perennials, and a lacy Victorian gazebo, has been awarded the A.A.R.S. Display Garden designation. Friendship with the German City Zweibruken, which has a splendid rose garden, has lead to the newly planted Friendship Garden. Thes e gardens are located in Glen Miller Park at 2500 National Road East in Richmond. Private Nature Preserves Hayes Arboretum The 500-acre Arboretum is a repository for native wild plants indigenous to Wayne County and the counties of the Whitewater Valley Drainage Basin. The Arboretum, open to the public, is an educational facility and a managed nature preserve, providing the public with quality resource information available in the area about natural history. Special emphasis is placed on education on plants and trees; their disease, care, proper placement and growth. As a nature preserve, it serves as a permanent habitat for the native flora and fauna of the region. Located in the Northeast quadrant between Gravel Pit Road, Elks Road, and National Road, the Hayes Arboretum encompasses 500 acres of woods, streams, meadows, and swamps. The original buildings built by the first settlers were converted into administrative facilities and a nature center. In June of 1915, Stanley Hayes began purchasing tracts of land in order to preserve and protect some of the old growth Beech-Maple Forest. Stanley Hayes realized that much of the old forest he was familiar with was becoming scarce as natural areas were being developed. He began re-foresting the land, planting thousands of native trees and creating experimental plots. The Cope Environmental Center The Cope Environmental Center is a not-for-profit natural resource organization. The Cope Environmental Center exists to foster, through education, demonstration, and research, the wi se use of the earth's resources. Three wetlands, a six acre prairie, 2 ponds, grasslands, hardwood forest, and close to four miles of hiking trails grace the 102 acre property on 4910 Shoemaker Road between Richmond and Centerville. The land also features over 100 species of conifer trees from around the world. Educational programs are offered on site and as outreach to individuals and groups of all ages. The center demonstrates a variety of landscape techniques, and land use management methods, as well as alternative energy technologies, and organic gardening. Strategies and Recommendations P P 1. Master plan coordination Coordinate all parks and recreation plans with the forthcoming 2004 -2008 Richmond Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update. Prepared by: Richmond Parks and Recreation Department and Lehman & Lehman, Inc. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 186 P P 2. Upgrade and/or Renovate Existing Facilities and Sites Based on Priority Assess the need to upgrade and renovate Glen Miller Park, Springwood, Middlefork Reservoir, and Clear Creek Parks. · Provide playgrounds and safe walking areas in the parks. · Improve and maximize utilization of the parks and facilities through maintenance, security, beautification and programs. · Define and Implement individual park and facilities needs and priorities. P P 3. Marketing and Image – Develop a Marketing Plan that Measures the Effectiveness in the Community to Further Define Department’s role and image · Define whom we serve…city, townships, county that may result in the furt her discussions on facilities and services currently provided and projected opportunities into the service area. · Expand on community beautification image throughout all parks and facilities through consistent signage and plant materials. · Define role of dep artment with resources and partners/agencies of the community. · Establish a balance between being a facility provider and that of a programming provider. · Develop a Departmental Web Site for access by the community resulting in sharing of information, service opportunities and registrations. · Serve as a catalyst for quality of life issues through the community in park, recreation programs / services. · Develop and promote the Department’s Mission and Vision Statements. · Develop and Implement a Department Marketing Plan. P P 4. Customer Service – Improve Customer Services in All Aspects of Departmental Functions · Develop a tool and method to measure effectiveness of existing systems and practices. · Upgrade technology in areas of the internet, computers, telephone systems, registration software. · Provide additional staff to include park rangers. · Staff Continuing Education – safety, specialties, etc. · Review / Refine Fee Structures. · Promote accessibility and inclusion in programming. P P 5. Partnerships – Identify an d Build Relationships and Partnerships with Appropriate Community Entities and Agencies Expand relationship with the School Corporation and colleges/universities on shared programming and facilities. · Develop Citizens Park Advisory Committee to the Department. · Organize a Park Ambassador Program in the neighborhoods. · Strengthen relationships with the Conventions and Visitors Bureau in promoting Parks and Leisure services of the Richmond community. · Strengthen inter -departmental working relationships. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 187 · Expand participation in broader city-wide planning efforts. · Expand relationships with businesses and corporations in support activities. · Expand the volunteerism program. · Provide additional family programs. · Provide additional programming for youth and teens. · Study need for “gap programming” (i.e. empty nesters, etc.). P P 6. Develop Capital Projects – Based on the Outcomes of the Additional Studies and Feasibilities -Implement New Capital Projects to the Department · Based on forthcoming recommendations in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan P P 7. Implementation Strategy – Develop an Implementation Strategy for the Master Plan · Formulate a community-wide task force to study, inventory, communicate, and strategize cooperative models and measures in providing facilities and services on a regional and community context. · Conduct annual reviews and make adjustments where necessary for action items, costs, funding and priorities. · Balance park and facility growth with operations (staffing, budgets, and expectations). D. Trails and Greenways Issues and Findings Trails and greenways provide more than health and recreational benefits for a community. They provide an improved sense of community, increased property values, and improved economic vitality and quality of life. Expansion of commercial and retail growth and tourism are all by- products of trail and greenway development. Trail and greenway systems are ideal ways to connect people to destinations of interest and recreation. They provide an alternative means of transportation while promoting physical activity. Multi-use trails and greenways, if planned and designed appropriately, are safe links to destinations of interest. Currently Richmond offers over eighteen miles of granular surface and asphalt trails and greenways extending through urban and rural environments. The Cardinal Greenway The Indiana Cardinal Greenway Trail is a 60 mile rails-to-trails project owned and operated by Cardinal Greenway, Inc. Named after the Indiana state bird and the last passenger trains, the Cardinal Greenway covers five counties in Eastern Indiana including Wayne, Randolph, Henry, Delaware and Grant County. Source: http://www.indianatrails.org COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 188 The former CSX railroad route starts in Richmond and will extend north to Marion when completed. The Richmond section of the Cardinal Greenway begins adjacent to Whitewater Valley Gorge Park and extends northwest 2.5 miles to Industries Road. The gently sloped, asphalt trail is enjoyed by hikers, joggers, cyclists, skaters and outdoor enthusiasts. Plans call for the Cardinal Greenway to directly connect to the Whitewater Gorge trail under the new Highway 40 Bridge in downtown Richmond. The Cardinal Greenway will eventually connect northward to Muncie, Marion, and Sweetser. Whitewater Gorge Trail Linked to the Cardinal Greenway is the Whitewater Gorge Trail. The trail offers 5- 7 miles of hiking trails with scenic vistas, picnic areas, vertical cliffs and the splendor of Thistlethwaite Falls. The trail offers several points of interest including, a bird sanctuar y, vertical cliffs, Happy Hollow, Weir Dam and an old flour mill. The Whit ewater George Trail is a combination of paved and granular trails allowing hikers, cyclists and nature lovers to explore the historic gorge area. The area boasts one of the largest fossil- hunting destinations in the country, from animals living approximately 450 million years ago. Parking is available at Springwood Park, Weir Dam and the Test Road entrance. The trail passes through downtown Richmond. Riverside Trails Located at the end of North 17th Street, two blocks north of N. J Street is the public entrance to a S.P.U.R. (Society for Preservation and Use of Resources) project called Riverside Trails. This in - progress network of primitive hiking trails will eventually connect to the Whitewater George Trail, Hayes Arboretum and Glen Miller Park. Whitewater George Trail Source: Indygreenways.org Source: waynet.org Cardinal Greenway Trail Map COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 189 Strategies and Recommendations T G 1. Community Connections – Expand the Greenways and Tr ails System to Connect Neighborhoods with Parks, Schools, and other Communities. Expand Richmond’s greenways plan to include existing sidewalks/streets systems to include extending the Cardinal Greenway north from Industries Road. · Identify means to as sist Wayne County with match funds of 2005 TE funding award. · Identify and develop greenways for greater east / west connections, to include the new business park, hospital and university expansion. · Connect neighborhoods and destination points within the City via property, trails and Greenways, such as Glen Miller Park. · Expand the trail and pathway system throughout the Gorge area. · Modify City subdivision and development ordinances to include trails and greenway standards. E. Recreation Facilities Issues and Findings The City of Richmond boasts a wide variety of public and private recreation facilities, and continues working to broaden the network of recreational programs and facilities, community wide. Facilities with emphasis on leisure, arts, cultural, educational, and sporting and community activities are being planned. To accommodate the future needs of community groups and organizations as they grow and expand, existing facilities will require either extensive renovation or new structures will be necessary. Utilizing existing school facilities would expand recreational opportunities community wide. Many of Richmond’s public and private schools offer enclosed rental facilities and a variety of sporting and performance facilities. Religious institutions and private clubs offer some of the same amenities though some restrictions may apply. Membership in some cases may be required to access these facilities. The Cordell Municipal Pool This water playground offers fun and recreation for the entire family including an Olympic size pool and a wading pool with children’s area. A variety of slides and diving boards expand the water activities. The pool is open from May 29th to September 6th since it is an outdoor facility. Prices for admittance are reasonable with no charge for small children and up to $2.50 for adults. The pool may also be rented for private parties. Cordell Pool Source: waynet.org COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 190 McBride Stadium Opened in 1936, the historic McBride Stadium is located adjacent to Cordell Pool. The Roosters, in the Frontier League, was the last professional team to call McBride Stadium home. For the 2001 year, the Richmond Roosters received the Richmond-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Achievement of Excellence For -Profit Award to recognize their accomplishments. McBride Stadium currently is home to Earlham College and Richmond High School Baseball games and other special events such as the finish line for the annual Home Run Trot 5K race. The stadium’s capacity is currently set at 1,800 with most of the seating located in the covered grandstand. The Boys and Girls Club The Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to inspire and enable all children to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens to grow into positive adults. The club provides a positive place for children after school to participate in programs and activities. They are offered in five core program areas: Character & Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. The Boys and Girls Club has three locations and a camp facility located in Connersville. The two main locations are at their offices on South L and Main Street with an extension at Baxter early learning and Family Literacy Center on Northwest 3rd Street. Senior Community Center The Senior Community Center is available to all senior citizens in the Richmond vicinity, age 50 and older, to socialize and participate in a variety of activities. This friendly atmosphere offers a variety of programs and services for its members and allows time to be spent with peers. Membership is $10.00 per person per year and is conveniently located downtown on South 2nd Street. The center offers arts and crafts, exercise classes, monthly dances and dinners, and board and card games. Members can participate in health screenings, clinics and tax symposiums at no extra charge. The Senior Community Center is available to its members Monday through Friday. Richard E. Jeffers Boys & Girls Club Source: bgcrichmond.org June 18, 1997 Game Richmond Roosters vs. Johnstown Steal Source: http://www.minorleagueballparks.com/mcbr_in.html COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 191 Townsend Community Center Located at 855 North 12th Street in the North Richmond Neighborhood, the Townsend Community Center provides a daycare & preschool program, an after school program, and a summer camp. Several other programs are offered including WIC (Women, Infant & Children nutrition needs), the Richmond Latino Center, Alcoholics Anonymous, Area 9 Meal Site, Christian Men's Fellowship, North Richmond Neighborhood Association, and Youth as Resources. Graf Recreation Center Located at Indiana University East in Springwood Hall, Chester Boulevard, t he Graf Recreation Center is open to IU East's students, faculty, staff and families and community members for a yearly membership fee. This modern facility features a fitness center, a multipurpose gymnasium, showers and locker rooms, and a casual lounge area. In addition there is available equipment rental, personal fitness classes, outdoor recreation facilities, and intramural sports. The fitness center offers a variety of strength-training and cardiovascular equipment. It is staffed by professional fitness consultants. Townsend Community Center Source: waynet.org Graf Recreation Fitness Center Source: iue.edu COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION APRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA | 192 Strategies and Recommendations R F 1. Additional Studies Regarding Future Facilities – Analyze the Community’s Park and Recreation Needs with the City’s Growth Plan and Wayne County Vision’s emphasis on Health and Fitness · Study the community recreational needs with the City’s growth plan along with the Comprehensive Plan. · Study the community recreational needs for Indoor Recreation Facilities. · Study the development of a new family aquatic development on the east side of town. · Study the need for a new Ice Rink (indoor or outdoor) development. · Study the need for Recreation / Sports Center at a new location within the community. R F 2. Recruit and Encourage Regional and State Baseball/Softball Leagues to Increase McBride Stadium’s Use · Create marketing plan to entice Baseball/Softball leagues to choose Richmond and McBride Stadium as their choice for tournaments. · Assess current and future needs of the stadium – renovation, update, location, parking, average use, etc.