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O135' 'sP a , ,?~ R Fi ~ s~ a "'~r,Y ,u ` ~ `~ ar a o ~ ~e b m ~ ~ ~: ~, - a ' ,rt. , ORDINANCE NO. 135 ~~ ~ ~ ~" '~~ ' "~'°' ~~`~ ~' ~°~ ~ ~ ~~~ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KENNEDALE ADOPTING A PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City of Kennedale, Texas is a Type A general-law municipality located in Tarrant County, created in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 6 of the Local Government Code and operating pursuant to the enabling legislation of the State of Texas; and WHEREAS, the City of Kennedale has prepared a master plan to provide the city with a working guide with which it can address the changing face of parks and recreation facilities and services and to provide direction for the development and refinement of existing parks and recreation facilities and services and the expansion of same as a means of meeting community needs as the population grows; and WHEREAS, the Park and Recreation Board has reviewed the proposed master plan and recommends the adoption of same, subject to the attachment of a memo dated June 6, 1997 clarifying the results of a random survey; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Kennedale desires to adopt the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENNEDALE, TEXAS, THAT: f:\files\kennedale\ordinance\maste~rplan (0~-10-97) Page 1 SECTION 1. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan for Kennedale, Texas, dated April, 1997, attached hereto as Exhibit "A", is hereby adopted. In addition, the memorandum dated June 6, 1997, attached to this ordinance as Exhibit "B", shall be included as a part of the master plan. SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the City of Kennedale, Texas, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct conflict with the provisions of such ordinances, in which event the cont]icting provisions of such ordinances are hereby repealed. SECTION 3. It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in this ordinance of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section. f:\files\kennedale\ordinance\masterplan (U6-10 ~)7) Page 2 SECTION 4. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as required by law, and it is so ordained. PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 12th DAY OF Jt7NE , 1997. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY SEC TARY EFFECTIVE: APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: City Attorney f:\files\kennedale\ordinance\masterplan (06-10-97) Page 3 Memorandum DATE: June 6, 1997 To: Mayor and City Council -City of Kennedale FROM: City of Kennedale Park Board RE: City Park Master Plan CC: Ted Rowe -City Administrator ~~ ~:~~~ ~~~. ~°~~ After careful review and consideration the Park Boazd recommends that the Ciry Council adopt the Park Master Plan as submitted by the University of Texas at Arlington with the following annotation: The Master Park Plan contains in various areas information that was provided by random interviews and surveys. A majority of these surveys/interviews were conducted over two years ago; and however, the Master Park Plan indicates that a strained relationship exists between the City of Kennedale and the Kennedale Youth Association (KYA). The Park Board would like to express that the current working relationship with the Youth Association is and has been OUTSTANDING for the last two Base -ball seasons, this is credited by a better explained contract and enforcement of said document and the changing of several key Boazd Members of the Association. The Park Board understands that the current relationship with the Association could change at any time. However, the Board will continue to strive to keep the current working relations alive with KYA. ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ .~ . C ~~ ~~,~~vE.~ ~°~.R' ~~ 1~~'C.~~:ATl~I'Y ~IAS~'~=~ ~~':~~T :4~t~~i, ~ Sr'~ ~ '~" A PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN for ~. KENNEDALE, TEXAS ~. Presented to ~. The City of Kennedale The Honorable Robert P. Mundy, Mayor City Council Members ~" Mr. Mark Wright, Mayor Pro Tem Mr. George H. Barrett Mr. Tom D. Boone "~ Mr. Ron Kovach Ms. Sandra McCraw Park Board Members Ms. Glenda Boenig, Chairman Mr. Mitch Blan ~. Mr. Wayne Cordell Mr. Robert M. Duval Ms. Cathy Hilscher Mr. Ted Rowe, City Manager ~" Mr. Michael Box, Director of Community Development & Enforcement April, i 997 .. .r PROJECT TEAM ~. ~. University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Desig,~ Research. Prog,~am in Landscape Arc 'tecture Dr. Pat D. Taylor, Project Leader Mr. Art Daniel, Graduate Reseazch Assistant Ms. Sarah Dian-Negron, Project Aid ~. This research project was sponsored by a grant from the City of Kennedale, Texas s r Table of Contents ~. ~.. Introduction i Purpose of Master Plan 1 Statement of Current Conditions i Data Collection ~ Observations and Findings 6 Facilities 6 Operations, Maintenance and Staffing 12 Evaluation and Recommendations 19 Facility Redesign 20 New Facilities 22 Greenways 23 Land Acquisition 23 Programs 26 Communication with Citizens 27 Staffing Enhancement 28 Special Relationships 31 Implementation Ptan 33 i ~. ~. Table of Contents Continued ~. ~. Revenue Sources 41 Appendices 50 A. City Park Expansion 51 B. City Park Conceptual Plan 53 C. Rolling Acres Park Conceptual Plan 55 D. Athletic Complex Concept 57 E. Gateway Concept 59 F. Open Space Study 61 G. ~ennedale Parks and Recreation Survey 63 H. Summary of Survey Findings 71 L Compilation of Survey Responses 80 ii ~.. ~. City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~. O 1997 Introduction Purpose of Master Plan ~„ The purpose of this master plan is to provide the City of Kennedale with a working guide with which it can address the changing face of parks and recreation facilities and services. This plan provides direction for the development and refinement of existing facilities and services, and it addresses expansion as a means of meeting community needs as the population grows. Statement of Current Conditions Physical Setting Kennedale is situated in southeastern Tarrant County, bordered on the north by the cities of Fort Worth and Forrest I-Fill, on the east by the city of Arlington, with unincorporated areas of Tarrant County on the south and west boundaries of the city. The city is located in the Crosstimbers vegetation region of Texas where post oaks, blackjack oaks, and red oaks form climax vegetation for upland areas. Willows, cottonwoods, and pecans form the dominant vegetation in the lowland areas. 1 ~. City of Kennedale ,~ Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ©1997 Kennedale enjoys a large amount of tree cover (approximately 40%) which provides an excellent setting for park and recreational activities. Many of the ~' residential areas of the city are occupied by homes sited on one-half acre or larger lots. The combination of larger than average homesites and tree cover allows the city to enjoy a rural setting. Although many new residents are moving to homes of a more ~` typical subdivision nature, the rural visuaVphysical image of Kennedale attracts ' residents from larger more concentrated areas of the DFVV Metroplex where rapid urban development has eliminated open space as a predominant experience. ~. Kennedale is situated within 20 minutes of downtown Fort Worth, 30 minutes of DFW airport, and 45 minutes of downtown Dallas. This location offers employment opportunities and the convenience of a major metropolitan area for entertainment and other urban services. Population. Kennedale has a population of 5,261 according to 1994 US Census Bureau estimates. This represents atwenty-eight percent (28%) increase from the Census Bureau's 1990 census. 2 ~. City of Kennedale ~,,, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~. ©1997 Census Bureau data indicate that approximately 49% or 2,600 of the residents are employed. Of this number approximately 1,800 are employed outside the city ~. limits, making Kennedale a bedroom community. Population data indicate that 14% of Kennedale residents are between the ages of 45 and 64. The age group of 65 and over represents 6% of the total population. '° The combination of these two age groups indicates an aging population within the next ' ten to fifteen years that will place new pressures on the park and recreation system. Population data also indicate that 5% of the population is between the ages of ~. 14 and 18 and 18% is age 13 or less. Data from interviews and surveys indicate that ~. the majority of the new family units to the city include members in these age groups. These data indicate that as the population of Kennedale increases, the percentage of the population in these age groups will increase. This population shift becomes important in parks and recreation service delivery because the 18 and under age group is an important target group to consider for immediate or near future recreation needs. mw 3 ~» City of Kennedale ~, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~. ©1997 Data Collection This project uses both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection to identify the key issues and major themes of park and recreation service within ~. Kennedale. These data form the program for the city wide parks master plan proposed in this report as well as for the conceptual drawings contained for each park site. Quantitative data were collected through inventories and review of properties, facilities and programs, as well as through a random survey of Kennedale residents by means of a questionnaire. This survey helped determine park and recreation usage and desires (see appendix} and offered some clues about community support for park and recreation delivery in Kennedale. ~„ Qualitative data were obtained through interviews with members of the pazk board, city council, city staff; selected city leaders and park and recreation patrons. The information obtained through these interviews provided exposure to major themes and concerns about park and recreation services and became the basis for additional investigation and discussion. The conceptual drawings of the various park sites in Kennedale (see appendix) ~" are based on both the qualitative and quantitative data and are developed to provide v 4 ~. City of Kennedale ~, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~, ©1997 design-based solutions to park sites as identified during the research process. These ~. park plans provide possible solutions and are offered as conceptual pourts-of-departure for future development. They are not intended for construction purposes. Further design and site specific program development will be required by the City ~. before new facilities or park expansions are undertaken. ~. 5 ~. City of Kennedale ~„ Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~. ©1997 Observations and Findings Facilities This section reports on the various facilities in the park system, and focuses on ~" their current use, their limitations and their contribution to recreation opportunities in Kennedale. Data and observations by the research team suggest that the City currently delivers a limited degree of recreation opportunity with a system largely inherited from earlier stop gap approaches to parks and recreation. ,~ This section provides a comparison of Kennedale's parks and recreation facilities, budget, staff, and program to area cities of similar size, character, and proximity to the DFW Metroplex. Such comparison offers a measuring guide when ~. considering the adequacy of Kennedale's parks and recreation service delivery to its residents. This section offers a complete inventory of all of Kennedale's parks and recreation facilities. Although the city currently has only one area considered as a park, other city owned properties of current or potential community use as parks and recreation site also are inventoried. 6 rr ~. ~. ~.. ~I' N N •-+ M M ~O v1 M U W~ M vi °r° Qt v, ~ 0 0 w a A o~~ zz z z z z z z z z °~~ ~ w ~ ~ F ~ L dL7 ~ o o ~ ~ o A ~ z z ~~„ y, z z ~ W ~ ~ ~ Q., ... ~ y e .r A~ ~, ~" z~ z z z z z z~ O~ ~ ~ ~aw~a -~ w ~ a, w G3 _ ~ ~ O ... Q N ~ 0~0 N M N ~ ~ ~ O W ~ U ~ U Aad o .~ •e W ~ ~ ~ a~ ~ ~ N ~ O N O N o N ~ O~U ~~ H a, ~ a z a c N ~ ~ g o 0 0 0 0 0 ~ o 0 o g o 0 0~~ a ~ o ~^ O ~ ~.~ A a ~ N -.1 H ~ ~~ ~~ p O O C` ~ C p O V O c~ O N , O Z A ~ 00 00 ~ e,C Vl '"" V] ~ .~ E..~ ~ ¢ ~ ^' M ~ M N W ~w o H ~. O fit ~ cr -c '~ ~ r ,~ City of Kennedale y.. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design •• ©1997 Ci Park This 25 acre facility is located in the far southwestern portion of the city. "' Development of this facility has been sporadic in the past, occurring as funds for particular uses have been available. A creek provides a natural riparian zone and ~. divides the park into two separate and diverse areas. Data collected in interviews, surveys, and observations indicate that there is a ~,,, strong desire in the community to utilize and preserve the natural setting provided by the creek azea. Currently this creek area serves as a buffer zone between the two dominate areas of the park with no facilities or services to allow the natural features of the creek to be enjoyed by park patrons or to be protected from degradation. On the east side of the creek the park's primary use is as open space for ~. picnicking, walking, lakes for fishing, community gatherings, and special events. A "' deteriorating narrow asphalt walking trail follows the shores of the two lakes that form the central focus of the pazk. The highest desire for upgraded facilities in City Park indicated by data from interviews and surveys was the desire for an upgraded trail system. ~. 8 ~. City of Kennedale ,w, Parks, Recreation, and C?pen Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design .. ©1997 Conspicuously absent from City Park is the presence of playground equipment of any kind. Data gathered from interviews and surveys indicate strong desire for including playground equipment in any improvements to the park. The east side of the park is served by a small paved pazking area accessed from New Hope Road. Any future improvements to the park should address the addition of "~ more parking to serve the park. The east side of the park also includes a large gravel drive area which has been used for overIlow parking for large group events. This area also has been used as a temporary public works storage yard and other non-park uses. Other isolated areas of the park also have been used to store surplus public works supplies and as a disposal area for tree trimmings and other debris. The west side of the park is dominated by three lighted youth baseball fields. The three fields are open for public use but primarily are used by the Kennedale Youth Association. The orientation of the fields and their size are limited by the space available for development. A portable restroom facility and permanent concession stand located on the .. east side of the park are the only service facilities in the entire park. The baseball fields are served by a small paved parking area. A gravel drive and parking area 9 .. City of Kennedale ,. Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ©199'7 supplement the total parking space available for the west side of the park, however, ~. during the spring youth baseball season the total parking area available is not sufficiem to meet demand. The west side of the park is accessed via V1lage Street. As a public ~. thoroughfare this road ends at the parking area for the park. Complicating the use of this side of the park as an athletic facility is the fact that the park adjoins an area of ' residential zoning with no buffer to separate the two use areas. The relationship of the ~. park to the adjoining residents has been complicated in the past by complaints related ~. to lights, noise, and trash from the baseball diamonds. City Comdex Area This property consists of approximately 5 acres and currently is occupied by the Senior Citizens Center and Police department buildings on opposing corners of the property. Future plans call for the construction of a new city hall and city library on the remaining two corners of the property. Recently a "Living City Christmas Tree" has been planted on the site and annual tree lighting ceremonies are held each December. When the planned construction is completed, the four buildings will fornl a ~. frame for a small public open space. This space could be treated as an area for 10 City of Kennedale ~. Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~„ ©1997 community gatherings under the operations of the pazks and recreation program of the city. Rolling, Acres Park The Planning and Zoning Board and City Council's cooperative effort with the developer of a residential subdivision has lead the developer to commit this three acre site along Sublet Road for use as a neighborhood park. At the time of this report the developer is in the process of re-platting the property for the City's approval proceedings. In addition to the ownership transfer, the developer will include a ten space parking lot on the property. Located on the southeastern edge of the city the property provides an opportunity to serve as a neighborhood park and as a gateway to the city. Data from interviews and surveys point out a strong desire for neighborhood parks and for enhancing the city's image at the entry portals of the city. ~. ~. ll ~. City of Kennedale ~. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~• ©199'7 Operations, Maintenance and Staffing Staff and Governance 'r A six member park board was established in 1994 to serve as a policy ,,,~, development body to guide parks and recreation services of the city. Since its establishment there has been a frequent turnover of board members. This frequent change in membership has hampered the boazd's leadership in the delivery of ~* recreation services to the residents of Kennedale. At the time of this report the membership of the board has reached a point of stability. The city organizational structure does not include a "Parks Department" and has no full time or part time city staff members serving the parks and recreation needs of Kennedale. Park and recreation services are provided by the employees of the public works department and through volunteer efforts. The Director of Community Development and Enforcement is responsible for the supervision of pazks and ~, recreation facilities and services. In addition to parks and recreation services, this position is responsible for streets, storm sewer systems, water and sewer utilities, animal control, code enforcement, and building inspection. 12 ~,. City of Kennedale ~„ Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~,,,, ©1997 Maintenance ~. Pazk maintenance needs are performed by public works employees and ~- volunteers. The public works employees also are responsible for water and sewer utilities, streets, drainage. Because of these many other duties only a limited amount of their time is available for parks maintenance. "" Volunteer efforts supplement the efforts of the public works employees. ' Maintenance of the three baseball fields in City Park is supported by volunteers associated with the Kennedale Youth Association (KYA) during seasons of the year when the fields are in use by KYA, as stipulated in KYA's contract with the City. Operations Budget Approximately $10,000 is budgeted annually for the parks program in Kennedale. This amount represents 1.5% of the total city operating budget. This limited amount requires frugal spending and innovative budgetary management .~ techniques to maintain the pazks at their current level. ~» 13 .. City of Kennedale ~„ Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ;. ©1997 Programs The City of Kennedale does not directly administer any ongoing pazks and recreation programs. The City does however cooperate with several other organizations by cosponsoring or providing the facilities for various programs. These organizations and respective programs are addressed below. ' Community Christmas Tree The City of Kennedale and the Chamber of Commerce join to sponsor ~. a Community Christmas Tree lighting ceremony each December. A living ,,, Christmas tree was planted in 1994 on the grounds of the city complex center. The tree serves as the centerpiece of taus ceremony. Youth Fishing Clinic The Texas Pazks and Wildlife Department Fisheries Division offers fishing clinics for children under sixteen. This program is offered to local ~' governments after the local agency purchases yearling trout for stocking from the TPWD Fisheries. On the day following the stocking program the TPWD ~. 14 ~. ~. City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~„ ©1997 conducts a fishing clinic for a maximum of 75 young people. The City of Kennedale has participated in this program for the last three years. Although the stocking program is offered by TPWD at an economical price, due to budget constraints the City must rely on volunteer contributions ~. to pay for the program. The progam has been so well received that the City ~" has limited participation to 75 youth under the age of 14. Kennedale Youth Association ~. The Kennedale Youth Association (KYA) is a volunteer organization ,~„ which serves the organized sports needs of children ages 5 through 12 in the Kennedale area. KYA offers seasonal programs in little league baseball, basketball, football, and cheerleading. Many of the programs offered by KYA ~. utilize City facilities. The KYA little league baseball program is the prime user of the City's three baseball diamonds at City Park. Under the contract with the City, KYA ~' volunteers maintain the baseball diamonds during the little league season and reimburse the City on a sliding scale for the cost of electricity for lights during 15 ~. City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~, ®1997 night games. During the most recem year KYA has reimbursed the City for approximately 45% of this cost. In addition to maintenance of the diamonds, the contract requires KYA to collect and deposit trash in dumpsters provided by the City. The City also provides portable restroom facilities at the ball diamonds. A strained relationship has existed in the past between the City and the KYA. At the heart of the problems causing this strain is the use of City facilities by non-resident members of KYA. KYA membership is open to any youth meeting the age requirements who is enrolled in the Kennedale Independent School District, which includes residents of the city of Arlington and unincorporated areas of the county. This mix of residency in KYA membership contributes to disharmony on other issues between KYA membership (including parents) and residents who are not members of KYA. Typical of these issues is the apparent "exclusive" use of the ball diamonds at City Park by the KYA While the "'"° contract with the KYA does not grant the organization exclusive use of the diamonds, KYA's heavy schedule during the season gives the impression of exclusive use. A consequence of this heavy schedule is that non-KYA 16 City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ©1997 Kennedale residents resent the city's providing facilities for Arlington ~. residents. Data from interviews and surveys indicate that many Kennedale residents want the current relationship between the city and KYA to end or be changed. Random interviews with parents of children participating m KYA little league found two opinions predominate in the KYA membership. First, KYA members possess a sense of "ownership" in the baseball diamonds at City Park. The prime characteristic found in KYA members' sense of ownership is that since KYA maintains the diamonds no other groups ar individuals may use them. This emotion has resulted in KYA members instructing Kennedale citizens to leave the fields during times that the diamonds were not reserved for KYA use. Second, these interviews further found that many KYA members were of the opinion that the ball diamonds were the property of KYA. Those members who knew that the ball diamonds were part of the City's park system ~` were of the opinion that the City did not do enough to provide adequate facilities for KYA. ~„ 17 City of Kennedale Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at .Arlington Center far Environmental Design © 1997 In addition to the above opinions, the research team found that a dominate opinion among KYA members is that the recreation value delivered by the City was not equal to the dollars contributed by the KYA. 18 0 ~. City of Kennedale Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Em~ironmecrtal Design ~. ©199? Evaluation and Recommendations The data gathered in this study indicate an expanding and changing Kennedale. The city has seen a 28% population increase in the first half of this decade. Data from ~, interviews and surveys indicate that many of these new residents are seeking a community close enough to the metroplex for employment opportunities yet far enaugh away to have a tess congested, more rural feel with a high quality of city ,•• services available. As Kennedale's population increases the current privately held open spaces and ~. undeveloped areas will decrease. A result of this decrease will be that Kennedale ~" residents will seek Less congested, more intimate park areas for quiet, passive recreation pursuits. Population increases will create an even greater demand for park space catering to active recreational pursuits. Sporadic improvements have been made to City Park in the past as funds have been available. However, the park in its current state of development fails both in meeting the needs of current uses and in meeting the desires of the citizenry as indicated in data collected in interviews and surveys. 19 ~. ~. City of Kennedale ~, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~„ ©1997 One solution to this problem in many cities is the periodic redesign of facilities, relocating some activities to new sites, expanding current sites when possible, upgrading existing equipment to meet contemporary standards, or adding new equipment to existing facilities. Also, it is a generally accepted rule in park and recreation facility management that the older a facility becomes the greater its costs of maintenance and operation. In the case of City Park's heavy use, inadequate parking, and competition over proprietorship confirms that the site is under designed. In its current state the park simply does not have the capacity to provide current needs without overcrowding and use overburden will spawn increasing maintenance costs of this park to increase in future years. Facility Redesign Based upon data obtained from site visits, from interviews with staff, city leaders, park patrons, surveys of the citizenry of Kennedale, and the research team's assessment of existing park characteristics, redesign of City Park is recommended. This redesign considers the highest and best use of the park and reflects current user preferences. For example, redesign of the facility addresses the lack of playground equipment, the need for group facilities, the need for additional and improved parking areas, the desire of the community for an upgraded trail system, the high level of 20 ~. City of Kennedale ~,, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ,,,, ©1997 imerest in maintaining the natural settings in the park, the enhancement of the water features in the park, the relationship of the park to the neighboring residential azeas, and the high demand for baseball diamonds. Although land acquisitions are addressed in a following section, the redesign of ~. the City Park suggests the acquisition of the adjoining approximately 20 acres of land to the north of the park. Expressions of interest from this property owner have been made toward selling this property to the city for park expansion. Acquisition of this property would allow the expansion of baseball facilities, the upgrading and expansion of a trail system in the park, and the protection of the natural areas of the park. Although this property is currently platted for subdivision development, the presence of flood plain areas in the, creek zone that bisects the property will make such development improbable. The open space area in the future City Complex should be considered for development as a public space at the time of construction of the future City Hall and City Library. Such a space could serve as a community gathering place for special events and serve as educational area for such features as a Xeriscape garden. 21 City of Kemiedale Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design © 1997 .. New Facilities Various communities have found that their image can be enhanced by the ~. establishment of gateways to announce entry into the community. Many times these gateways can serve not only to establish where a city is but also to announce where it is not. Entry into Kennedale is accessed through four primary thoroughfares, none of which clearly designate access or egress. It is the recommendation of the research team that gateways be established at each of these entries. Such gateways should not simply announce the city limits, but also serve to convey the community's characteristics. A conceptual gateway entry is included in the Appendix of this report. One of the mayor findings of this study was the strong support for ~, neighborhood parks. lnch2ded in this report is a conceptual design of the Rolling Acres Neighborhood Park. This pazk will be Located so as to provide direct access from the upcoming Rolling Acres development, with accessibility to existing neighborhoods. Because of its location at an eastern portal to the city this park also can serve as a gateway to the city. 22 ~. City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington .. Center for Environmental Design © 1997 Greenways The sense of open space and rural feel which characterizes Kennedale is likely to be threatened as the city's population continues to grow and as development ~" occurs. Formal park land expansion can aid in sustaining this community image, which has been an asset in the minds of longtime residents and newcomers. However, high land costs and park development costs can limit the relief available. Maintaining a sense of open space in Kennedale can be achieved partially with the use of greenways using utility easements and major drainage ways that meander through the city. The development of a greenway along Village Creek on the northern edge of «. the city limits could provide a link with future greenways planned by adjoining communities. In the future such a greenway could link with other Kennedale greenways and park systems. Land Acquisition The data collected in this study indicate that the City of Kennedale must acquire additional park land to fulfill the recreation and open space needs of its ~. citizens. The overuse of the baseball fields, the lack of neighborhood parks, demand '~ for more facilities and sustaining a sense of community open space all are indications that the city must take immediate steps to acquire additional park lands. 23 ,.. City of Kennedale ~„ Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~„ ©1997 As discussed previously, the conceptual redesign of City Park illustrate tthe need for the City to acquire the undeveloped land immediately north of the park to accommodate expansion of the park. This expansion would allow the city to improve the facility by the addition of four little league fields with 200' foul lines along with the needed parking and other amenities to serve these fields. The additional acreage would also offer the opportunity to expand the trail system and protect the natural features of the creek. To meet the need for additional neighborhood parks the city should continue working with developers, as it has with the Rolling Acres development, to find ~„ creative ways to add new park lands. Such cooperative efforts will allow the city to acquire land needed for current and future neighborhood parks. Many municipal governing bodies in Texas have successfully adopted ordinances that require a developer to dedicate a certain percentage of new developments to park lands. Under these ordinances the developer gives the city title to the land and the city becomes responsible for development of the land into a park facility to meet the needs of the community. Such ordinances allow the acquisition of these small park lands at either a low cost or at no cost to the city. Without such an ordinance it is possible that a city can find itself without land available for park 24 ~. ~. City of Kennedale ~, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~„ ©1997 development. The Parks Board of Kennedale should immediately begin the consideration of such an ordinance and advise the City Council accordingly. ~• Although the conceptual redesign of City Park includes an upgraded baseball facility, data collected in this study indicate there is additional demand for active ~. recreational spaces. To meet this need the City should acquire an additional tract of 25 to 40 acres to provide a facility for soccer, football, and competition softball. ~. 25 ~. ~. City of Kennedale ~. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design O 199'7 Programs Historically Kennedale has not offered any recreational programs that were not a cooperative effort with other organizations. As the City increases its parks invernory consideration should be given to the operation of programs under the administration of Parks and Recreation. The implementation of programs would give additional need for the establishment of a Parks and Recreation department. During the near future the City could operate program services by continuing with the current philosophy of cooperative efforts with other organizations. However, enhancement of the city's park facilities will require a change in the nature of these cooperative efforts. A.s discussed above regarding the redesign of City Park, the upgrading of the baseball diamonds should bring a change in the current maintenance philosophy of the facility. Under such a change the City would assume all maintenance of the fields rather than rely on volunteer efforts from the organization utilizing the facility. The City would offer the facilities on a fee basis to any organization desiring to reserve the use of the fields. Such reservations could be made on a per use, seasonal basis, or by ~• contract for multi-seasons. ~. 26 City of Kennedale ,,.. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design «• ©1997 Communication With Citizens A common problem in the delivery of any city service is advising the citizens of ;~„ the city of the availability of the service. Despite the acreage given to parks in many cities, parks and recreation providers are not immune to this problem. In communities such as Kennedale where recreation programs are offered by third party organizations such as the KYA, the communication problem is heightened when many of the internal problems of the that organization are brought first to city employees rather than to the organization. Data from interviews and surveys provide evidence that Kennedale is not immune to this problem. Some of the survey respondents stated that they did not use City Park because they did not know the location of the facility. The issue of KYA members believing that the baseball facilities belonged to KYA also supports the need ,~„ for improved communications with residents of the city. To address this communication problem the research team recommends that the Park Board establish a periodic newsletter to the citizens of the community. Such a newsletter could be on a seasonal basis to advise residents of facilities, programs and upcoming events. ~. ~. 27 City of KennedaIe ,,, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ,~ ©1997 To continue the positive relationship that currently exists with the KYA the research team recommends that the Parks Boazd establish dedicated lines of • communication with the KYA Board. This could be through the presence of a KYA Board member at all Parks Board meetings and other avenues of cooperative efforts. Staffing Enhancement Any enhancemerrt of the current facilities will require additional staffing to ~, meet the maintenance needs of the improved and additional facilities. It is recommended that there should be no less than one maintenance person per 25 to 30 acres of park Land. It is the recommendation of the reseazch team that with the addition of the Rolling Acres Park the city immediately seek the employment of one full time parks employee. Should the current active recreation facilities at City Park be upgraded as ~` suggested in the conceptual design it is the recommendation of this study that the city provide all maintenance of the facility. Adoption of this recommendation would require that the current staffing structure receive a major enhancement. A portion of the cost of such an increase in staff could be offset by fees charged the organization utilizing the facilities. 28 .~ ~. City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan '" University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design Q 1997 ~. Professional growth opportunities for parks personnel exist in training .. programs offered by a number of professional organizations in the state. Participation ,,,,, in such training programs assists staff members in maintaining effectiveness and keeping abreast of trends in parks and recreation operations and maintenance. Several ~. of the organizations providing such professional training are: ~. • National Recreation and Park Association • • Texas Recreation and Parks Society • Texas Turfgrass Association • Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute • North Central Texas Council of Governments. The expansion of park facilities and recreation services will place additional ~.. organizational and budgetary pressures on the existing parks and recreation .. organizational structure. The research team recognizes that the current administrative supervision of the parks program consistently advances parks concerns within the municipal organization. ~"" However, should parks and recreation service delivery increase to the rate of the population growth of the area, the city should soon consider the establishment of a full and separate department with a director to manage such service delivery. Such a 29 City of Kennedale ~„ Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ©1997 department director should report directly to the city manager. This adjustment in the ~. City organization should be made as the city enters its next phase of growth and maturity (with a population of 10,000). ~. .~ 30 ~. City of Kennedale ~.. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design O 1997 Special Relalionslups ~- The City of Kennedale and the Kennedale Independent School District (KISD) have had a congenial, though not overly interactive, relationship in the past. There have been no efforts to cooperatively construct and operate local recreation facilities or programs. In an era of tight public budgets the provision of educational and recreational ~.. facilities is intimately linked. Thus, it is in the best interest of both entities in Kennedale to combine efforts on planning, acquisition and development of recreational facilities since both can benefit from the same or similar facilities with cooperative ~'" scheduling. The City of Kennedale's need for land and facility expansion cremes an opportunity for the combination of forces between the entities. Where funding by the KISD may not be a current possibility, as was indicated by KISD representatives, ~, support through the donation or shared use of land can be a viable first venture in cooperation. The logic of this recommendation is enhanced by the proximity of school lands to residential neighborhoods lacking neighborhood park facilities. Under such an agreement for example, the City could enhance an existing school playground and 3l City of Kennedale ~„ Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Cerner for Environmental Design ,.. ©1997 KISD could allow shared use of the enhanced playground on KISD property during non-school hours. ~. As stated above, a strained relationship has existed in the past between the City and the Kennedale Youth Association. The Parks Board should continue to work to eliminate strife between the City and the KYA by working with the KYA Board of Directors to resolve the problems reported in the findings of the research. Such ' actions could include such steps as encouraging KYA participation in the regular Parks Boazd meetings, a representative of the Parks Board attending KYA Board meetings (subsequent to an invitation from KYA), seeking KYA input regarding ,., facility redesign and the development of new facilities, and solicitation of support from the KYA membership in the advancement of parks and recreation issues before the City Council and ultimately the voters of the city. ~. 32 ~. .~ City of Kennedale ~„ Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ,, ©1997 Implementation Plan This section includes a series of proposed policies recommended for adoption '~ by the Kennedale Park Board. These policies are intended as targets for long-termed vision, supported by specific recommended actions which can be acted on as presented or modified by the community to meet ever changing economic, demographic, and political contingencies. ~. Some of the actions include target dates which reflect the priorities revealed in the data collected by the research team. These dates, however, can be modified by the Kennedale Park Board or by the staff according to their needs and priorities. It should A" be noted that the target dates suggested by the research team reflect a sequencing of actions needed to make subsequent actions possible. For example, a decision must be made early on about the acquisition of the property adjoining City Pazk because its ~ addition to the total park acreage affects the conceptual design of City Park .~ 33 ~. ~. City of Kennedale ~„ Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design q,,, ©1997 POLICY: EXPAND PARK LANDS TO MEET FUTURE NEEDS AND TO ~. RETAIN KENNEDALE'S NATURAL RESOURCE BASE. ACTION: Complete the acquisition of the Rolling Acres Park Iand. Target Date: May, 199? Comment: Effort on this action is underway through the Ptanning and .Zoning Commission and City Council. ~. ACTION: Develop strategy for acquiring land adjacent to City Park. "~ Target Date: May, 199? ACTION: Prepare gateway plan for major entries into the city. Target Date: June, 1997 ~. ACTION: Develop park land dedication strategy to include commercial, residential and industrial development. Target Date: June, 1997 ~. Comment: Determine statutes needed, if any. ACTION: Develop land sharing strategies with KISD. ~. Target Date: August 1, 1997 ACTION: Develop strategy for the acquisition and protection of possible greenways. '~ Target Date: September I, 1997 ~. 34 City of Kennedale Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design © 1997 ACTION: Develop strategy for the acquisition of park land for an athletic complex. Target Date: January, 1998 .~. ~. 35 City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan ~. University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ©1997 POLICY: PROVIDE RECREATIONAL SERVICES TO KENNEDALE ~, WHICH MATCH CITIZENS' NEEDS AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY. ACTION: Prepare a design program and conceptual plan for Rolling Acres Park. Target Date: June, 1997 ACTION: Prepare a design program and conceptual plan for City Park. .. Target Date: June, 1997 '~ ACTION: Conduct a feasibility study for a multipurpose athletic complex. Target Date: Fall, 1997 ACTION: Initiate annual evaluation of parks and recreation services through internal reviews and public surveys. Target Date: Sumner, 1997 ACTION: Review and update concessionaire policy for existing and proposed sites with emphasis on revenue enhancement for the city. a. Target Date: January, 1998 36 ~. City of Kennedale ~• Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~. O 1997 POLICY: ESTABLISH PROGRAIVI OF ALTERNATIVE FUNDING ~" ACTION: Establish campaign for obtaining a portion of the half-cent increase in the General Sales Tax established by the Development Corporation Act of 1979 and approved by the citizens of Kennedale in Spring of 1996. ~. Target Date: April, 1997 ~. ACTION: Seek cost sharing grants from Texas Department of Transportation for ~, ~ highway beautification and National Forest Service/Texas Forest Service grants for park beautification. ;~„ Target Date: As needed. Comment: Park Board should immediately become familiar with grants available. ACTION: Develop program for balancing charges for recreational services with ~' actual costs of conducting services. Target Date: June, 1997 ACTION: Investigate feasibility of establishing a park donation fiand program through monthly utility bills. Target Date: Fall, 1997 ~. ACTION: Encourage creation of private, tax-exempt (SOlc3) foundation to foster cash and in-kind donation to parks and recreation. Target Date: Summer, 1997 .. 37 .r City of Kennedale ~, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ,. ©1997 POLICY: BALANCE STAFFING AND OPERATIONAL RESOURCES WITH DEPARTMENT NEEDS. ACTION: Budget for essential equipment to provide for operational effectiveness. Target Date: 1998 Budget '°~ ACTION: Maintain minimum ratio of one full time operations employee per 20 - 25 acres of park land. ~" Target Date: 1998 Budget .. ACTION: Provide training and continuing education for all parks and recreation personnel. ~, Target Date: As needed. ACTION: Establish volunteer program for beautification activities and ~,,, maintenance services and recreation programs. Target Date: 1uly, 1997 38 ~. City of Kennedate ,,. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan I3niversity of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ©1997 POLICY: PROVIDE KENNEDALE WITH HIGH QUALITY DELIVERY OF PARK AND RECREATION SERVICES. ACTION: Adopt and revise each action in implementation plan according to staff, board and city management priorities. Target Date: May, 1997 ~` ACTION: Review the need to add recreation programs to services provided. ' Target date: Fall, 1997 Comment: This process should be repeated periodically. ACTION: Provide adequate support staff for pazk and recreation administration. ~. Target Date: As needed ACTION: Conduct update to park and recreation master plan. .r Target Date: At minimum every five years. ~» 39 ~. rr City of Kennedale ~„ Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~,,, 4 1997 POLICY: ESTABLISH A SYSTEM OF COMMUNICATING AVAILABLE PARK SERVICES TO CITY RESIDENTS. ACTION: Establish a parks and recreation communication plan to effectively advise residents of available services and facilities. Target Date: Summer, 1997 ~. ACTION: Establish a program to work with other organizations to support increased funding for parks development and expansion. Target Date: Summer, 1997 40 ~. ~. City of Kennedale Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design O 1997 ~. Revenue Sources There are a variety of sources for funding park and recreation system ~' expansion and improvements. Some of these sources are from outside the normal revenue sources of the city, while others come from within the normal revenue sources of the city. The data collected from interviews and surveys revealed a willingness on ~` the part of the citizens of Kennedale to provide some revenue for park expansion and improvements from internal sources. While not an exhaustive list this section contains a listing of commonly used funding sources for parks and recreation capital improvements in Texas. ~. ~. 41 City of Kennedale ~„ Parks, Recreation, and Open Space 1~Iaster Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~, ©I997 REVENUE SOURCE: GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS DESCRIPTION: The traditional source of monies far capital improvements. General obligation bonds may be issued with the approval of the electorate for capital improvements of ~. general public benefit. The are backed by the `Full faith and credit" of the issuing ~" authority and thus constitute debt. RATE/YIELD The rate at which bonds may be sold is set by state statute. Bonded ~. indebtedness is not limited by either statute or City Codes. ~„ ELASTICITY/PREDICTABII.ITY Predictability of bond proceeds depends on the marketability of the issue and the municipality's bond rating. There may be a 12 to l8 month lag from the preparation of the proposed issue to receipt of the proceeds. ADNIINISTRATION/CONTROL The governing authority is solely responsible for the bond issue and the annual "" debt service. Control is exercised by the people only in voting on the issue. 42 City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design O 1997 CITIZEN RESPONSE Public acceptance depends on the perceived need for the issue and the willingness to pledge specified revenues. APPT,ICABILITY A general obligation bond issue may be used to finance a project which benefits the general public including acity-wide park and recreation development project. ~. ~, 43 ~. .. City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ,,~ O 1997 REVENUE SOURCE: REVENUE BOND5 DESCRIPTION Revenue bonds are usually issued for capital projects which will generate revenue for debt service. They do not constitute debt of the City and maybe issued without a vote ~. of the electorate. User fees usually provide the revenue for debt repayment, therefore ~" these bonds are considered self liquidating. ' RATE/I'IELD Interest rates are usually higher for revenue bonds than those for general obligation bonds and the issues may be harder to sell. Any revenue bond issue should not exceed the City's or project's ability to generate the require revenue for repayment of the bond issue. ELASTICITY/PREDICTABILITY •• Marketability is determined by the combination of the attractiveness of the issue, the issuing authority's bond rating, and the project's revenue generating capacity. ADMIlVISTRATION/CONTROL ~" The City may issue revenue bonds for any revenue generating municipal function. Repayment is made out of project revenues or with proceeds available from the sales or use tax. 44 .. City of Kennedale ~ Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~„ O 1997 CITIZEN RESPONSE :~. Since the project benefiting from the issue usually generates the revenue for the debt .~. retirement, it is considered that the project "pays for itself'. This feature of revenue bonds makes such financing alternative attractive to citizens, although no voce is ~. required for issuance of revenue bonds. ~"" APPLICABII,ITY This financing source is appropriate for funding projects such as recreation cerrters or ~. other facilities where fees can be set to support repayment of the bonds as well as operations and maintenance of the facility. 45 .~.. City of Kennedale ~„ Parks, Recreation, and +Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center far Environmental Design ,,, O 1997 REVENUE SOURCE: GRANTS-IN-AID DESCRIPTION Grants-in-aid aze a source of financing outside the normal municipal funding structure. They are sponsored primarily in whole or part by programs of the federal and/or state governments. '~" AWARD/YIELD ' Grants can provide funding from $1,000 up to $500,000. Grant awards are typically made on a matching basis. The required matching contributing by the receiving authority is generally fifty percent although some grants allow matching contributions ,,, as low as twenty five percent. The awarding of these grants is highly competitive, therefore the higher the matching funding the greater the opportunity for successful application. PREDICTABILITY The amounts of grants available aze set by the awarding agencies, most of which are set through legislative action and as such offer no assurance that funds will be available for funding project development. The awarding agencies also set the prerequisites for award. Due to the highly competitive nature of the grant application process and the varying availability of funds, there is no assurance of receiving funding and therefore ~. 46 ~. ~. City of Kennedale .M Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~ U 1997 grants should not be relied upon as a dependable source of funding parks system improvements. ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL The grants are administered by the awarding organizations. Most grants aze awarded with stipulations as to the use of the funding. Many of these stipulations continue beyond the construction phase of park system improvements, some continue to impact a park system for years to come. APPLICABILITY Grants provide funding assistance for such projects as parks and recreation site acquisition and development, nature trail development, tree planting and urban beautification. 47 ~. City of Kennedale ~,,, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ,,, 4 1997 REVENUE SOURCE: DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ACT TAX DESCRIPTION ~+ Local governments may levy an additional sales tax of one-half cent on the retail sates of taxable items. Adoption is by general vote of the citizens. The citizens of .~ Kennedale overwhelmingly approved this tax in August of 1996. RATE/YIELD ' Since this revenue source is based upon retail sales, the total amoum of revenue available tends to fluctuate. However, reasonably accurate estimates of the total funds available can be made based on historical data. An estimated $133,000 in annual ,~, revenue has been predicted for the City of Kennedale. ELASTICITY/PREDICTABILITY Sales tax is highly elastic with respect to inflation, and relatively elastic with respect to growth in population or increase in commercial property. Long-term yield is difficult to predict due to economic fluctuations. ADMINISTRATION/CONTROL The State of Texas collects this tax along with the other sales taxes and transmits the proceeds to the development corporation. Following the approval by the voters of the tax the city appoints a board to administer the proceeds. The Park Board of ~.. 48 ,. .~ City of Kennedale Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design O 1997 Kennedale will need to develop a plan of action to request a share of the proceeds for park system improvements. CITIZEN RESPONSE Any sales tax is considered as regressive in that it takes a higher percentage of the income of lower income families. nth small increases in the sales tax rates such as this one-half cent increase, the citizens generauy respond favorably if benefits of the tax can be seen in the short term. 49 City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design O 1997 APPENDICES 50 ~. .. City of Kennedale y.. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Pian University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~. ©199'7 ~. ~. Appendix A ~" City Park Expansion Plan ~. ~•• 51 0 ~~ ~rw~~~ " ____._--~ / / /~3 . , i v ' C a c c ~ ~' ~ ~. ~ t ~ x O ~ ~ a. ~_ _~ U~ ~~ Z, ~= 3$ i_ ~.+ J6 iS F. .~.,,, ~ ~.~_ ~.. Ciiy of Kennedale Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design .~ ©1997 Appendiz B City Park Conceptual Plan ~. 53 ~. +rr all ~. '~ aYll tip <rr ~. _ ~ / ' M~ ~/ ~ ~ ~ 2~ _~~ o ~ + ~~ a ~ ~~I j~ ~ ~ ~~~~ \y .~ ~ //dry \V V , ~~ ~ ~ `W ~ ~ ~~ m a ~ ~ I~ , ~; ~ r._ '~' . ~ ~ , -` if i // y a ~ ~I a / o i ~ ~ ~, ~ j; k o ~ ~~ I I ~~ ~ / ~ 4\d / / L?\ ~.'s,~~ \\i~~ ; ~ >~ \'~\ / ~ ~~~ ~ = D ~~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ _ ~_~, ~~ ~ \~ - - -- ~ 7S aES111A ~ ~~~=' .~ E i x y~ ~~ ~G i x ;~, o ~- ~ _~ I U ~-. ,, \~/5 ~ ~ ~r Wif City of Kennedale :~.. Pazks, Recreation, and Qpen Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ,~ ©1997 ~.. Appendix C Rolling Acres Park Conceptual Plan ,~. 55 ~.. d O u 'c u a ~ ~ a ~ y A 3 m A L` c E E 0 U ~I y ~i .--~ C~ ~H U ~ O ~ U ~. 4-+ ~ O a ~ ~ ~ ~ r,~ U V ~ .... .='~ O 0 n Z A V H 'D O a ~< 3= a' ~. City of Kennedale ~. Parks, Recreation, and lJpen Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design O 1997 Appendix D Athletic Complex Conceptual Plan 57 .. ~~ ,w. ~. arr 8/ YM ~-, ,. r)'rJ l..?r. ~~~~~ M ~~- C.? {~il, I 3:.1 ~i.:r,J ~.J ~~ f i i ~~ ~w'!~: ~i~ ~ ~ ~ ~ v~ ~ i ~~ I ; ~~ g t~ ~g ' ~; ~ i ^ ~ t ~ r'~ ~ $ r~ '-~u ,~ K i~ I I III ,~ r ~`~' t`~' I ' I I i ~'r`f' ~ ~W ~ ~ I'I . I I I I I n -~ . ~% % ~ ~ _. ... r ~ ~~~ f i- ~" ~~,~~,~~ 2 ~ ~ r a ~ ~ ~y~~ Cad ~ '~ `~ . ~::,_~ I,J! t ~p '``• t ~ 4.+ ` ~ M r^~ ~/`~ ~ `~ 'L ~ M' I ~ti C „~,., t )4~? = 1.1 ~.s+ ~,,. ~: ~---F,~i' ~,~-l =.~~__!.~'./ i ~t,~~',,,~ ~s°>. "~, ..~ ~ `~`~` - ~'r' ~'p ^ ' ; lr~~ r ~ or}c~ ~~ ~~~ / ~- I ~\ ~~ r ~ \ r f +..'~ . s d „~ a m ~ c C v ~ x m ~ a E 0 ~F U O ~_' a ~..~ C. ~~~L ilk ~. City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ©1997 w. ~. Appendiz E Gateway Concept 59 ~. .r am are «rr rr ar. '~ ~ t~~ `t* _ ~-. ,a,~-',~y ~, ~ a ~ ,.~ _' L3.,.. . ~~,, ~- ~° ~ : ~~~ ~ mss- ~'~~ 3 ~' .~ rj6A V a~ U ~_ ` y'- ~:,~ y- ~~ ~~\ ~ ~ ~ O ~~ ~N O ~.~~ ~ U ~'~I ~ ~ ~ 3 y -;_. C7 _.~~~ i ~ ~ ~. ~ t a .~;.;- v '~ ~'- ~, , ~~ e ;~ ,~, ~~ ~~~ { ~, >~~~-* ~ ~~ ~'~_ rf ~r-` o ```~ sue` ~e. , F y~ \ ~\ '6 c+~ -Fyi ,4 'r ~ .. ~j ` ~ y~ - ' __-- ~~~~ ~ ~ JS ,h,; k °a ~ ~~; ~~ ~~ L . ~ :.. f a .t ,~,~'f ~,.1 :6 ~~a' `~ ~~~ =: "~ ~~E ~. City of Kermedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington ~- Genter for Environmental Design © 1997 ~. Appendix F Open Space Study 61 ;~. 3 ~ ~ t ~ ~® ~®~ ~ < 3!1 ~~I ~ , a ~ ~ lll~~ s u Z 9 E s r i / i ~~ ~ ~ / /~;._a_ z C-~ s (/~ ~' vax roams+um ~~n j / ~ ~' ~ ~ ~n aP~ ;'! ~~~~ ~ )~,~~~r~..: Aid%~ /:~ ~ r~. ~ILJ( L7 ~%"~ ~ ~ ~~~~ ~~,a~~ j/ i ~ c ., f ~ - m F\~ / Q ~ W .~ , ~ -~ ,~ ~~ ~~0~= ~ o00 --- - ~ ~ ~j: ~~~ ~.>. ~/~ ~ ~I - _~ l ~ i ~ ~: ~~ ~' ~~~9~L~ ~ mar ~ , . ~ / 1 ,\ . ~•. '- 4 pp~ f~ 3~ \ Ce \ ~~r City of Kennedale ~• Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~ 4 1997 Appendix G Kennedaie Parks and Recreation Survey ~. 63 City of Kennedale Parks and Recreation Survey As you may be aware, the Landscape Architecture Program of the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington is assisting the Kennedale Parks Board in the development of a .,~ comprehensive parks master plan for the City of Kennedale. A critical element of the planning process is citizen input regarding the recreational needs of the community . The following questions are about the outdoor recreation and park activities in which you and your family participate. Your responses will ~+ provide information for decisions the Parks Board and other city officials will make regarding future development of the parks system in your community. Your household is one of a select few to which this survey is being administrated, so your input is crucial. Please provide responses as they apply to ~" you and/or members of your family or household. You may use the enclosed postage paid envelope to return your completed survey. Thank you for your cooperation and input. '~" GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR HOUSEHOLD 1. How tong have you lived in Kennedale? less than 5 years 5-10 years ~` 10-15 years more than 15 years 2. Please check the most appropriate description of the type of residence where you live. ' Single Family Duplex Apartment Other ~. - 3. Do you own or rent your place of residence? 4. Please indicate the number of people in each of the age categories below that are in your household. ~_younger than 12 years of age 35-44 12-17 45-54 18-24 55-b4 25-34 over 64 5. Please check the blank that best describes your household Single with no children Single with children Married with no children at home ~" Married with children at home CURRENT USE OF KENNEDALE CITY PARK ~" 6. How often have you used the Kennedale City Park during the past two years? Never (please skip to question # 11 } Occasionally Frequently 1 or more times a week 7. During which season do you visit, Kennedale's park facility the most? Winter Spring Summer Fall 8. When was the last time you were in the Kennedale City Park? Month Year .r 64 .. 9. .~ ~. The following question seeks to determine what outdoor recreational activities you or your family engage in when you visit Kennedale City Park, and approximately how often. Please check each activity which may applx to you and your family or household members. . We use the park for.... ~ Not at all a) b) c) d) e) fl g) h) i) j) k) 1) m) n) .o) 10. Bicycling . Jogging Walking Soccer Fishing Baseball Softball Flag Football Picnicking Reunions/Group events Boating Horseshoes Horseback riding Bird watching Other: Less than (About once monthly a month About once a week Almost daily Once a week The following statements ask you to rate the adequacy of the Kennedale City Pazk in addressing the recreational needs of your family/household. Please check the column that most closely matches yoar feeling about the statement as it describes the Kennedale City Park. Strongly ~ Agree iUnsure ~ Disagree ~ Strongly Statement: `~ a) There is sufficient playground equipment in the park. b) It is safe in the pazk after dark. c) There is enough pazking for events. d) There are enough tables and benches. e) The picnic areas aze well maintained. ,~, f) There are enough trash cans in the park. g) My children are safe when playing in the park. h) The pazk needs more covered shelters for picnicking. ,,,~, i) The pazk needs a group picnic azea/shelter j) The bathrooms are clean. k) The pathways are adequate for current use. 1) The sports facilities are sufficient for the current use levels. m) Undeveloped areas of the park should be preserved. n) This pazk is often too crowded for its size. 65 disagree ~.. ~. 10. Continued Statement: '~ o) Facilities at the park are sufficient for my family's needs. p) Other _ ~. ~. .. .. .,~ ~- ;~ '"" 66 .~ Strongly agree Unsure '~BiY agree +rr 11. If you do not utilize the Kennedate City Park, why not? Please check at least one, but no more than five. a} _Do not know where facilities are ~„ b) No transportation c) -Site is inconvenient d) TSite is too crowded ,~„ e) ~No one to go with f} -Use private facilities g) Use facilities outside Kennedale ~+ h) _Kennedale does not provide facilities or activities I like i) Have no interest j) Not enough leisure time k) -Site is not safe 1) -Annoyed by other park visitors m) 1Vo knowledge of park facility ~" n) Facility is too dirty, in need of maintenance o) - Other: ~» 12. Please indicate your household's level of involvement with a third party recreation association such as the Kennedale Youth Association, or church athletic leagues? currently involved formerly involved never been involved with any such association FI:fTLTRE USE OF KENNEDALE PARK(S) 67 ~» rr 13. T'he following statements ask you to consider a number of activities that might take place in the future at Kennedale City Park of at future park locations. Please indicate your (you or your famity/household) interest in, or likelihood of participating in that activity in Kennedale parks if it vyere available. Nat at Less th About once About once Almost . all mornlrly a momh a week daily ~'~ a) We would use a jogging paths. b) We would use bridle paths. c) We would ride bikes there. d) We would walk for exercise. e} We would go on family picnics. f) We would play in open areas. g) We would go fishing from a dock. h) We would bring groups to the park. i) We would use a nature trail. j) We would use a playground area. k) We would use in-line skating paths. OTHER 1) .m} •W n) ,~. 14. What would you like to see built or developed at the current Kennedale City Park? i 5. What would you not like to see built or developed at the current Kennedale City Park? 68 ~,. 16. What would you Like to see built or developed at future Kennedale city park sites? 17. What would you not like to see built or developed at future Kennedale city park sites? 18. What other suggestions or comments do you have about the current Kennedale City Park? 19. What other suggestions or comments do you have about future Kennedale city park sites? .~ ''~" 20. If additional facilities are needed, how would you suggest they be funded? (check as many as you wish) No additional facilities are needed '~` Bond program Private sources .~ Property tax increase User fees Sales tax increase ,~ Matching funds (from state, federal, & private foundation sources) Other: w. ~» b9 22 _ How should future funds for Kennedale parks and recreation be used? ,~ - Increasing maintenance of park facilities Purchasing land for park expansion Redeveloping existing park facilities ~„ Other: ~+- Please return this questionnaire in the attached postage paid envelope. Thank you for your help! «. a. .~. ~a City of Kennedale ,r, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space 1Vfaster Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ©199'7 Appendix H Summary of Kennedale Parks and Recreation Survey Findings 71 City of Kennedale ~,. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~. ©199'7 A random survey was sent to twenty five percent (25%) of the households in Kennedale to determine pazk and recreation usage and desires. The survey also was used to offer insight into community support for park and recreation services in Kennedale. One hundred fifty three (153) completed surveys were returned, a thirty three percent (33%) return rate. More importantly the number of responses provides data from a high percentage of the households in the city. The high return rate is characteristic of a high level of support in the community for parks and recreation services. The data indicates are four major themes found regarding the delivery of parks and recreation services in Kennedale. These themes are: I . A shortage of facilities to meet the demand for services. 2. The relationship between the City and the KYA has been strained in the past. ~"' 3. A high number of respondents indicated some involvement with third party recreation associations either currently or in the past. ~. 4. A willingness on the part of the citizens to rely on local funding sources to deliver parks and recreation services. The graphs that follow indicate the level of interest in these and other issues gathered from the ;~. survey questionnaire. The survey data indicates that many of residents of the city never use the park. The major ~. reason indicated by the data for lack of use of the pazk was that many of the city's residents use facilities outside the City of Kennedale, indicating an unmet demand for recreation services. A large number of ~. 72 City of Kennedale ~.. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ©1997 respondents indicated that they had no knowledge of the park facility, indicating a need for education of the public. ~" The data indicates that the peak seasons of usage of the existing park are summer and spring. This is typical of pazk usage, especially for parks with athletic fields, however the data indicates an unusually low usage during fall and winter. Qualitative data indicates that this is most likely due to the ~. lack of facility development at the park. The qualitative data also indicates that the high spring and summer usage is due to the athletic fields and their use for Iittie league baseball. 73 City of Kennedate Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design © 1997 Desire for Future Paris De velo pment Four H ighest Desi res ~o% so% so% ~_ ~ ~ ao% ~: p Trad System ~ ®Fishing o p F~ayground d ~ p Athletic Fields e c 30% m v 20% 10% 0% °1 ~ L ~c a 3 N ~ ~ LL ~ T C7 a Q 74 City of Kennedate Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design © 1997 Desired Sources of Funding for Future Parts Development 6096 5096 40% a m p Bond program ~ ®Rivate sources o '~ ~ ,~ ^ Roperty tax increase 3096 `o ;} p User fees m a R ®Safes tax increase ^ NFatching funding a~ 2096 10% 096 N ~j C Op7 w 0~7 C ~ V ~•~- 0. C to ~ _ ~ _ ~ ~ ~ ~ m ~ a >. V l0 ' ~ m ~ o ~ o_ 75 City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design © 1997 Future Use of Park Funds 50% 45% 4096 35% so% ^ hcreased maintenance of park facilities ~% ®Acquis~ion of land for new parks p Redevebping exis~ng 2Q96 - park faci~ties 15% ~- 1096 -- 5% 0% ~ v ~ '~~ ~ ~ ~ o g' '~ _ .~ ' d v ¢ ~ U C 76 City of Kennedate Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design © 1997 Current Usage of City Park 6096 5096 40% D Never e ~`_ ®OccasionaBy ~ `o ~% ~, D Frequently m m m p One or more times per ~. ~ . week a . . 2096 _ 1096 096 ~: ~"' T Y Z o H 0 ~ ~ m O O m C 77 City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design © 1997 Common Reasons for not Using City Park . aa% 35% 30% p Do not know where park is a _ 25% ®llse facilities outside of city m ~ ^ Keenedale does not provide ~ - what 16ke S 20% = D No Know ledge of Park facifdy m m R - ®Facifrty is too dirty 15% a ^ blot enough leisure time. 10% 5°~6 °" 0°6 ~. °' .~' y r ~ ° ~ a »~ 8 m ~ Y a w m o ~- 'S ~ r .~ ~ ~ ~ ~ tl C y g - ~•. ~ ~ ~ m ? ~ Y Z ~ Y o Z 78 City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design © 1997 Seasonal Uae of City Park 50% 45% 40% ~ ~`- 35% a 30% w C d D Winter a ~~.~> ®Spring 25% $ - ^ Summer e- ~ D Fad _ d .: a`r ~°~ b T Y~: 1596 ~' 1096 - 5% p~ 0% r :: ~~~ Wither Spring Sumner FaN 79 City of Ketmedale ,~ Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ""' O 1997 ~. Appendix I Compilation of Survey Responses ~. ~» 80 ~. City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ©1997 ~" GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR HOUSEHOLD 1. How long have you lived in Kennedale? 57 less than 5 years 36 5-10 years ZO 10-15 years 3„~4 more than 15 years 2. Please check the most appropriate description of the type of residence where you live. 223 Single Family 16 Duplex Apartment 7 Other 3. Do you 115 own or 20 rent your place of residence? 4. Please indicate the number of people in each of the age categories below that are in your household. 41 younger than 12 years of age 53 3 5-44 42 12-17 72 45-54 ~„ 38 18-24 4() 55-64 68 25-34 7 over 64 5. Please check the blank that best describes your household I1 Single with no children 14 Single with children 23 Married with no children at home ~"' 90 Married with children at home CURRENT USE OF KENNEDALE CITY PARK '~" 6. How often have you used the Kennedale City Park during the past Lwo years? 84 Never (please skip to question #11) 6~ Occasionally 16 Frequently 9 1 or more times a week 7. During which season do you visit, Kerniedale's park facility the most? 5 Winter 66 Spring 49 Summer 12 Fall ~„ 8. When was the last time you were in the Kennedale City Park? Month Year aw ,~ 81 ~. City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~. ©1997 "" 9. The following question seeks to determine what outdoor recreational activities you or your family engage in when you visit K ennedale City Park, and approximately how often. Please check each activity which may app to you a d your fa ily or household members. '~ We use the park for.... Not at all Less than About one About one Almost Once monthly a month a week daily a week a) Bicycling 27 11 4 5 1 1 b) Jogging 33 7 0 3 2 1 c) Walking 11 28 12 11 4 1 ~„ d) Soccer 3S 4 3 1 2 0 e) Fishing 20 19 10 3 0 3 :~. f) Baseball 24 13 2 5 4 2 g) Softball 29 g 2 1 2 0 h) Flag Football 35 2 2 1 2 0 i) Picnicking 2 28 1 1 1 0 j) Reunions/Group events 21 6 2 0 2 2 k) Boating 38 0 2 0 0 0 "°"' 1) Horseshoes 37 2 2 0 0 0 m) Horseback riding 40 0 1 0 0 0 n) Bird watching 29 11 0 2 0 1 o) Other: Feeding Ducks 2 4 Playsround 1 .~. 82 City of Kennedale ~• Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design © 1997 10. The following statements ask you to rate the adequacy of the Kennedale City Park in addressing the recreational needs of your family/household. Please check the column that most closely matches your feeling about the statement as it describes the Kennedale City Park. ~ Stronszl~ Aszree) Unsure ~ Disagree Strongly Statement a) There is sufficient playground equipment in the park. ~. b) It is safe in the park after dark. c) There is enough parking for events. ~„ d) There are enough tables and benches. e) The picnic areas are well maintained. f) There are enough trash cans in the park. g) My children are safe when playing in the park. h) The park needs more covered shelters for picnicking. i) The park needs a group picnic area shelter ~. j) The bathrooms are clean. k) The pathways are adequate for current use. . I) The sports facilities are sufficient for the current ~"' use levels. m) Undeveloped areas of the park should be preserved. n) This park is often too crowded for its size. o) Facilities at the park are sufficient for my family's needs. ~ , p) Other need swings ~ need cool need tennis 83 agree 1 1 4 1 5 8 1 26 33 3 5 3 16 7 2 1 1 1 9 8 20 19 30 27 34 33 27 I1 31 32 33 18 16 4 37 20 10 19 20 21 7 7 34 12 23 17 23 9 22 20 33 22 23 5 6 10 17 19 22 11 24 24 disagree S4 1? 9 20 11 6 7 6 8 17 13 13 4 7 20 City of Kennedale .~, Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design O 1997 11. If you do not utilize the Kennedale City Park, why not? Please check at least one, but no more than five. a) 21 Do not know where facilities are ~' b) 0 No transportation c) 6 Site is inconvenient d) 2 Site is too crowded ~" e) 4 No one to go with f) 6 Use private facilities g) 60 Use facilities outside Kennedale ''~ h} 17 Kennedale does not provide facilities or activities I like i) 9 Have no interest j) 24 Not enough leisure time k) 8 Site is not safe 1} b Annoyed by other park visitors ~, m) 30 No knowledge of park facility n) 25 Facility is too dirty, in need of maintenance o) Other: ~. 2 No PIa ound 1 Not enough picnic tables 1 Park is not appealing 12. Please indicate your household's level of involvement with a third party recreation association such as the Kennedale Youth Association, or church athletic leagues? ~+ 41 currently involved 49 formerly involved 3? never been involved with any such association ~. 84 City of Kennedale ~, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~, © 1997 ,~. ~-- FUTURE USE OF KENNEDALE PARK(S) 13. The following statements ask you to consider a number of activities that might take place in the future at Kennedale City Park or at future park locations. Please indicate your (you or your family/household)lnterest in, or likelihood of participating in that activity in Kennedale parks if it were available. _ . a) We would use a jogging paths. b) We would use bridle paths. c) We would ride bikes there. d) We would walk for exercise. e) We would go on family picnics. fl We would play in open areas. g) We would go fishing from a dock. h) We would bring groups to the park. i) We would use a nature trail. j) We would use a playground area. k) We would use in-line skating paths. OTHER 1) baseball m} tennis n) volleyball o) pool p) soccer q) horseshoes r) basketball s) feed ducks t) frisbee golf course u} football v) model bast racing,- Not all 34 80 29 9 16 18 23 24 13 25 45 Less than monthly 7 9 18 12 38 30 35 5S 27 15 10 About on a month 16 6 23 19 53 31 32 26 46 2b 14 About once a week 34 7 3S 54 19 25 26 9 29 45 30 Almost daily 2 14 24 3 3 4 0 7 6 8 1 1 4 2 2 2 2 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 85 ~. City of Kennedale ,~ Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~. ©1997 14. What would you like to see built or developed at the current Kennedale City Park? • "Fishing dock" • "Playground equipment, volleyball, tennis courts and basketball areas." "~ • "Skating path, nature walk" • "Sports complex to handle baseball and football practices and all games" • "More playground equipment, more wildlife and nature paths for relaxation." ~~ • "The park facilities are currently adequate for KYA use if KYA would involve only Kennedale youth. Arlington residents should stay in Arlington." • "Well paved paths for roller blading and bicycling, better restroom facilities, and playground equipment." • "Playground equipment, frisbee golf, basketball court." ~. • "Clean pickup and natural areas.» • "Playground area, restrooms, bike/jogging/skating paths, and picnic areas." • "More police in area, pool, tennis courts, bigger track, it is dangerous in the woods with ~. teenagers." • "Jogging/biking/ or skating trails, of concrete not dirt." • • "Playground equipment (swings, slides, etc.), and more picnic tables:' ~. • "Grounds for play, landscape lighting, wedding area, and a master garden plan (respondent included list of appropriate plantings for this garden)" + "Would like to see better walking paths built and clean up the lakes removing tires, etc." • "Nature trails; more picnic tables; covered picnic areas; playground equipment; dock for fishing." ,~ • "Walking paths" • "Walking, bike paths, nature trail, and recycle center." • "Playground area" «• • "Playground equipment for the kids, more tables and benches; grills beside tables for BBQ'ing, fountain in the pond to keep the water cleaner." • "Restrooms" °" • "A recreation center." • "Stock ponds with fish." • "Sand volleyball courts." ~. • "Indoor recreation building for basketball, dance, gymnastics, etc. for Kennedale Youth." • "More parking at baseball fields." • "Campground" • "Nicer restrooms at the KYA facility." • "Pa'ng, restrooms and garbage facilities at ballparks." ,,~ • "An eight foot wood fence on the south side running all the way to the creek." • "Bigger and better fishing area." • "Water fountain" ~" • "A course similar to Stovall Park in Arlington, it is an exercise course." ,~ 86 ~. City of Kennedale ~, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Enviranrnental Design .,~ ©1997 • "Playgrounds such as those found in the Arlington parks." • "Restroom facilities (same as StovaII Park of Arlington)" • "A road connecting the ballfields to the City Park." • "Blacktop the parking lots." • "Allow ball fields to be reserved by other groups." • "bock up ball fields, keys may be obtained at City Hall for reserved uses." 87 y» City of Kennedale ;,~ Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ,~ 4 1997 15 . What would you not like to see built or developed at the current Kennedale City Park? • "Bridle trail if it were not properly maintained" • "Anything that requires more trees to 6e cut " ~' • "Don't overdevelop." • "Vendors" • "More sports fields. We probably wouldn't use the park much if it was constantly crowded with sports events and had full parking lots." • "No more baseball diamonds, there is already a facility for this." ,~, • "Anything concrete." • "Tennis courts" • "Areas for hoodlums to congregate, push drugs or alcohol." • "Anymore sports area -ballparks, etc." • "Anything that can be destroyed by vandals, you have allot of them, just look at the bridge, and it is going to get worse, parks are becoming passe" ~"' • "Bridle paths" • "Swimming paoi" • • "Motorbikes" ~. • "In-line skating" • "Additional sports uses" • "Don't want New Hope area park separated from athletic park, because it gives a longer walk ,~ area, free from road traffic where there's no sidewalks, anyway." ,~, 16. What would you like to see built or developed at future Kennedale city park sites? • "Tennis courts" • "More nature interactions" • "Small "pocket" parks in residential areas." • "I would tike a park area in east Kennedale between Little &287, biking, walking & nature trails." '~" • "Nature trails around a creek or pond, lake, etc., basketball courts, tennis courts." • "Nature areas" • "Walking areas, beach area" • "More lights for security, a new park not built in an off street hole in the wall." • "A park in the Stepplechase area." ~„ • "Facility similar to Stovall Park in Arlington." • "Gardens, water streams, ponds, etc., and music." • "In line skating paths, stage shell for bands, orchestra, and theater groups to perform:' • "Nature areas -- small lakes for fishing & boating; walking and jogging trails, picnic areas." • "Swimming pool and nature trail." • "Small lake for fishing, paddle boats, etc., picnic areas, ptaygronnd equipment." ~" • "Our family feels that the park need some type of clean up in the ponds." 88 ~» City of Kennedale ~. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design .~. ©1997 • "A wood playground park." • "Large sheltered group area." • "A golf practice area." • "Walking paths and nature trails in east side of city." ~" • "Soccer fields" 17. What would you not like to see built or developed at future Kennedale city park sites? • KSpo~~~~ • "Bridle paths, fishing, in-line skating." • "In-line skating paths" • "Purchase property behind Cooper's house for future lake picnic area." ~~. 89 .~ City of Kennedale Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ,~ ©1997 I8. What other suggestions or comments do you have about the current Kennedale City Park? • "It must have some playground equipment" • "Need to be kept more maintained." ~"' • "Old, not much to them." • "Seems tike allot of stickers in some areas. Area by the bridge sometimes gets trashy." • "This is a town of less than 5,000. Between the city park and the schools, there should be enough land for recreation." • "Make Arlington assist in KYA practice fields." ~~, • "I would like to ask that you not charge fees for the city park.. There are so many children who would be hurt by that " • "No alcohol" ~. • "Everyone seems to be so picky about sign and trash dumpster and cars-sa Kennedale is pretty-but signs run out small businesses and the park is a joke -1 table, a lake, and a trash can does not a park make. Everyone I know goes to Arlington." • "Use better bug control'. It's pretty bad when you take your dog and kinds to the park and the dog gets ticks and the kids get chiggers." • "I would like to see the Police department patrol it. I had a bad experience there once, and ~" I've been afraid to go back there alone." • "The clean up that has been done over the last four years has greatly improved the appearance and provided added enjoyment to the facility." ~~ • "Needs picnic tables and playground equipment." • "Too many people at night. Close the park at a regular time." ~„ • "Parking away from green areas." ~ "Clean up the stickers, keep trash out of pond, and if possible control mosquitoes." • "Seems to need more lights." • "Stop outside use of ball fields for tournament play." • "Too small" • "Lights for night time walking use." ~" • "I am very proud that we have a park." • "Current site is pretty, but needs to be safer." • "Start over" • "Make it inviting, flower beds, safe playground equipment, benches, etc.. Restrooms." • "The pflnd is in bad shape, it needs to be dredged very badly, and stop stocking trout, instead put a more weather adaptable fish, such as bass and catfish. Trout die too quickly and is a waste of taxpayer money." • "I love the fact that it has a pond." 90 ~. City of Kennedale ~. Pazks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~+ b 1997 19. What other suggestions or comments do you have about future Kennedale city park sites? • "Landscaping -Kennedale gets a bad rap for looking `low class' could do much better with image although community image is improving" ~` • "To help keep kids off the street, get them involved in KYA, but to do that we have to have the accommodations and city support." • "Hope they have lots of trees and hopefully near creek or pond." • "The pond between the Elementary school and Shady Creek Addition would make a nice park site." ,~,, • "The park needs to be kept mowed, sticker free and ants controlled so it can be used more for KYA activities." • "Walking trails around city." ,~ • "Make them safe and not in high traffic areas." • "Expand ball fields to a true facility, then allow adult softball leagues to use it for a fee." • "More locations, as developers build they should be required to put aside a percent of the development for green belt areas and parks for public use." + "I would not enjoy the parks if they were built solely for kids or teens. This would gradually . limit adults and result in a major problem of too many unsupervised kids. "" • "Actually a park in the world today would be a dangerous place." • "Make them for the family." • "No future parks, our population doesn't warrant a new park. I don't think additional park facilities are needed, and if Kennedale thinks more facilities are needed why don't you collect the funds from KYA because allot of the members are from Arlington. After all why do you want to develop more facilities?" • "Fix the joke [of a parkj. Send someone to school to talk to thesekids -- Kennedale's night life is a joke we need a huge youth program. ;,. • "Plant some decent grass and take care of it " • "Keep it natural, think green." • "One park is enough." • "Add park in Steeplechase where most growth and tax base is." • "Needs of the community, means Kennedale not Arlington." • "A word about the Baseball fields. Since when does KYA have the authority to tell tax paying residents that they are off limits. Mark Wright has told people to leave the fields when the fields were not in use. Aren't the fields for the tax paying residents?" • "The park facilities are adequate for the residents of Kennedale. (Except it could use some playground equipment.) However, I don't think Kennedale taxpayers should pay for park facilities that KYA uses. The reason is because KYA caters to Arlington residents who don't pay Kennedale taxes." • "No future parks, stick with what we have, no increases taxes." • "Do not do a shoddy job, please go first rate" a. • "Guarded areas and safe areas." ~. 9l City of I~ennedale ~„ Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ~. ©1997 • "Spread Parks to other parts of city." • "Another park built closer to Little Road." • "Why make more till the current situation is changed for the better? To create a bigger ghetto in the metroplea?" ~" • "Purchase large site for City Park." • "Why can't Kennedale have safe, clear places for our children and all citizens of Kennedale like Hurst, Euless, and Bedford cities have?" ~. .~ ~-_: 92 City of Kennedale ,~.. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan University of Texas at Arlington Center for Environmental Design ©1997 ~~ 20. If additional facilities are needed, how would you suggest they be funded? (check as many as you wish) 30 No additional facilities are needed '""' S0 Bond program 68 Private sources 9 Property tax increase '~ 3$ User fees 20 Sales tax increase 80 Matching funds (from state, federal, & private foundation sources) Other: "No more taxes" ~„ "Our taxes definitely do not need any increase" "User fees for cool only" "State lottery sales" "Kennedale notice write eaough tickets and charEe oatrageous fees, that money would build and maintain more than one nark." 2l .How should future funds for Kennedale parks and recreation be used? 60 Increasing maintenance of park facilities 55 Purchasing land for park expansion ~""' 74 Redeveloping existing park facilities _ Other: "Snorts Complex" "Park is fine as is, some playground equipment would be nice." ~_. .~ Please return this questionnaire in the attached postage paid envelope. Thank you for your help! 93