Parks & Recreation Annual Report 2017-2018

The consultants spent months reviewing every aspect of our system, from staff levels to spending and beyond. They compared our existing operations and facilities against national recreation trends and demographic data. They developed the theme “Enhance, Expand, and Connect” for Plan2Play, which is about how we enhance and expand what we already have, and offer the community more ways to connect. Plan2Play will be completed in fall 2018, with implementation of recommendations to start shortly thereafter. We also updated our Capital Improvement Plan and completed master plans for the Smith Senior Center Park on Fairview Street and Peeler Community Park. In addition to master planning, we’ve also completed several exciting projects this past year. Through a grant awarded by the Duke Energy Water Resources Fun,

we built an accessible kayak launch at Lake Higgins. It provides individuals of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy the lake. We also completed gate and fencing upgrades at the Windsor pool to increase safety and installed fitness equipment at Sussman Park. New projects are also underway, including the dog park at Griffin Park, improvements to tennis courts citywide, the new community building and Ruth Wicker Tribute to Women at Barber Park, and redevelopment of Henry Street and Brightwood Parks. We are also moving forward with projects approved on the 2016 bond referendum and in the recent round of Participatory Budgeting. Photos: Residents give feedback at a Plan2Play Community Conversation (lower left). Tennis courts across the city got an upgrade this year (upper left). Lake Higgins’ new kayak launch can be used by people of any ability (above).

75% 85% 68% 46%

THINK OUR PROGRAMS OR FACILITIES ARE GOOD OR EXCELLENT

SAID AN INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE PARK FOR CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES AND AGES WAS EXTREMELY OR VERY IMPORTANT

Plan2Play SURVEY TAKERS:

SAID TRAILS AND GREENWAYS ARE SOME OF OUR BIGGEST ASSETS

THINK WE SHOULD EXPAND OUR OUTDOOR RECREATION PROGRAMS, LIKE HIKES, GARDEN WALKS, AND ADVENTURE TRIPS