Post Pandemic Parks The new P3 project! A review of the impacts of COVID-19 on parks and recreation systems around the county and how the lasting effects might alter the planning, design, and funding of park projects for decades to come.
Ryan P. Cambridge, PLA Planning Practice Leader, Senior Associate Browning Day 2020 Annual Conference
Post-Pandemic Parks:
01
Introductions
02
Looking Back Before Moving Forward
03
Impacts of COVID-19 on Parks and Rec Systems
04
Post-Pandemic Parks
05
Q+A
OUTLINE
The new P3 project?
Looking back before moving forward A brief review of previous eras of park planning and design in American over the last two centuries.
Pleasure Ground: 1850-1899
Sought to bring the country into the city to combat the “evils of urbanism.� (Cranz, 2004, Barth, 2011)
Pleasure Ground: 1850-1899
Sought to bring the country into the city to combat the “evils of urbanism.� (Cranz, 2004, Barth, 2011)
The Reform Park: 1900-1929
An attempt to structure people’s free time in a productive manner by adding new park facilities in the pleasuring grounds, with park organizers, park leaders, play directors and efficiency experts � (Cranz, 2004, Barth, 2011)
The Recreation Facility: 1930-1964
We gave up on trying to structure and reform society, and decided we just needed to meet the increased demand for “recreation� (Cranz, 2004, Barth, 2011)
Open Space System: 1965-2004
Emphasized minimum development and flexibility in order to provide recreation experiences rather than just facilities – “kind of the free love version of parks and recreation” (Cranz, 2004, Barth, 2011)
“High-Performance Parks”: 2005-Today
“Any publicly accessible space that generates economic, environmental and social sustainability benefits for their local community. A HPPS can be a park, trail, square, green, natural area, plaza or any other element of the public realm that generates all three types of benefits.” (Barth, 2019)
Impacts of COVID-19 on parks + rec systems We will analyze the different quantifiable impacts that parks departments and park programmers and operators have experienced as a result of COVID-19.
Increased usage = increased costs –A recent study of COVID-19 cases found that 90% of all transmission events were from homes, workplaces, public transport, social gatherings or restaurants, and .03% cases could be attributed directly to outdoor transmission. –Parks systems across the country have seen dramatic increase in visitors, which is positive, however, it has strained their ability to staff and maintain facilities.
Increased usage = increased costs GoogleÂŽ Mobility Report for Indiana: February 16 through March 29, 2020
Increased usage = increased costs GoogleÂŽ Mobility Report for Indiana: June 28 through August 9, 2020
Social distancing requires space. –Increased space per participant, both indoors and outdoors; equipment had to be replaced or removed from use.
Social distancing requires space. –Increased space per participant, both indoors and outdoors; equipment had to be replaced or removed from use –Results in fewer participants at a higher cost.
Social distancing requires space. –Increased space per participant, both indoors and outdoors; equipment had to be replaced or removed from use –Results in fewer participants at a higher cost. –Most events – which are a key revenue generator – were cancelled or postponed.
Social distancing requires space. –Increased space per participant, both indoors and outdoors; equipment had to be replaced or removed from use –Results in fewer participants at a higher cost. –Most events – which are a key revenue generator – were cancelled or postponed. –Interestingly, some golf courses have seen increased use
Staffing challenges abound –Many departments have struggled to keep full-time staff employed, let alone busy. –Many seasonal/part time staff haven’t been employed as programs/events were cancelled. –Additional training of remaining staff necessary to mitigate increased risk of exposure.
Funding is a challenge (still). –Many departments will likely see substantially reduced budgets in 2021. –2020 budgets did not anticipate additional COVID-related costs, resulting in deferred projects/maint. –In some cases, user fees, which are already low, have been waived or reduced.
Funding is a challenge (still). According to a May NRPA survey, many Departments have: – Implemented a hiring freeze (69%) – Reduced discretionary purchases of supplies and outside services (65%) – Laid off/furloughed part-time and seasonal staff (60%) or full-time staff (14%) – Deferred/canceled capital projects (54%) – Shifted staff member core responsibilities (54%) – Reduced energy usage at facilities (50%) – Deferred ongoing maintenance (37%) – Reduced the use of outside contractors, such as landscaping services (21%)
Funding is a challenge (still). –Market volatility has caused significant fluctuations in the investment funds of non-profit partners. –Private donors and sponsors, weary of an uncertain future, have frozen or substantially reduced unnecessary spending.
Becoming part of the “front-line.” –COVID-19 and associated isolation has had negative emotional effects on many people, ranging from anxiety to depression. –Parks provide a safe(er) escape. –There is a strong, statistical correlation between access to parks and greenspaces and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.
Becoming part of the “front-line.” –During COVID-19, parks across the country served as critical meal providers to food insecure residents – specifically school children – as normal channels (schools, churches, etc.) were disrupted.
Post-pandemic Parks Over the last 5 months, park operators, programmers, and planners/designers have had to re-think the future of parks in a post-pandemic era. One that anticipates previously unforeseen pandemics and the role that those parks will play in preventing, mitigating, and recovering from crisis.
Post-pandemic Parks
Planning + Design
Design Process | Engagement –Public engagement processes must be augmented to address social-distancing. –Still must be a combination of “analog” and digital techniques to ensure equitable outreach.
Traditional Public Workshop
Design Process | Engagement –Public engagement processes must be augmented to address social-distancing.
Socially-Distanced Public “Open House”
GAP
–Still must be a combination of “analog” and digital techniques to ensure equitable outreach.
Design Process | Engagement –Digital • • • •
Virtual meetings + workshops Zoom™/Teams™/Skype™ calls Online surveys AR/VR
–Analog • Hard-copy surveys • Socially-distanced meetings • Increased use of direct mail.
Social Distancing Implications | Site –Seating areas will be modular; fewer fixed benches, more moveable tables/chairs.
Social Distancing Implications | Site –Seating areas will be modular; fewer fixed benches, more moveable tables/chairs. –Event/programming spaces will need to be larger, include additional restrooms.
Social Distancing Implications | Site –Seating areas will be modular; fewer fixed benches, more moveable tables/chairs. –Event/programming spaces will need to be larger, include additional restrooms.
Social Distancing Implications | Site –Seating areas will be modular; fewer fixed benches, more moveable tables/chairs. –Event/programming spaces will need to be larger, include additional restrooms. –Trail widths will increase to allow for safe passage of users
Social Distancing Implications | Site –Seating areas will be modular; fewer fixed benches, more moveable tables/chairs. –Event/programming spaces will need to be larger, include additional restrooms. –Trail widths will increase to allow for safe passage of users –Generally, park construction costs will increase.
Social Distancing Implications | Structures –Recreation centers and other buildings will need to be larger to allow for additional circulation routes, additional SF per person. –HVAC systems will need to be more sophisticated. –Contact-less transactions (entry systems, scanning/logging, data collection, etc.) –Increased single-occupant restroom buildings with external circulation.
Increased integration of technology (IOTP) –Increased prevalence of indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi networks in parks and park facilities. –Virtual programming, especially for senior and at-risk populations. –Mobile communications via dedicated aps. –User tracking, contact tracing, and screening. –Need for robust network connections + infrastructure.
Increased integration of technology (IOTP) –Increased prevalence of indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi networks in parks and park facilities. –Virtual programming, especially for senior and at-risk populations. –Mobile communications via dedicated aps. –User tracking, contact tracing, and screening. –Need for robust network connections + infrastructure.
Increased integration of technology (IOTP) –Increased prevalence of indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi networks in parks and park facilities. –Virtual programming, especially for senior and at-risk populations. –Mobile communications via dedicated aps. –User tracking, contact tracing, and screening. –Need for robust network connections + infrastructure.
Increased integration of technology (IOTP) –Increased prevalence of indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi networks in parks and park facilities. –Virtual programming, especially for senior and at-risk populations. –Mobile communications via dedicated aps. –User tracking, contact tracing, and screening. –Need for robust network connections + infrastructure.
Increased integration of technology (IOTP) –Increased prevalence of indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi networks in parks and park facilities. –Virtual programming, especially for senior and at-risk populations. –Mobile communications via dedicated aps. –User tracking, contact tracing, and screening. –Need for robust network connections + infrastructure.
Antimicrobial finishes –Use of antimicrobial alloys (containing copper, silver, etc.) on high-touch surfaces: • Door handles • Fitness equipment + water fountains • Bathroom fixtures
–Antimicrobial finishes on play/ sports equipment. –Antimicrobial treatments for sports and play surfacing (PIP, sports turf, fitness floors, etc.).
Antimicrobial finishes –Use of antimicrobial alloys (containing copper, silver, etc.) on high-touch surfaces: • Door handles • Fitness equipment + water fountains • Bathroom fixtures
–Antimicrobial finishes on play/ sports equipment. –Antimicrobial treatments for sports and play surfacing (PIP, sports turf, fitness floors, etc.).
Antimicrobial finishes –Use of antimicrobial alloys (containing copper, silver, etc.) on high-touch surfaces: • Door handles • Fitness equipment + water fountains • Bathroom fixtures
–Antimicrobial finishes on play/ sports equipment. –Antimicrobial treatments for sports and play surfacing (PIP, sports turf, fitness floors, etc.).
Emphasis on 4-season activation –For many, the most challenging timeframe of COVID-19 was the late winter (March 2020) when everyone was cooped up inside. –Currently, most parks only passively support 4-season activation. –Likely see increase in amount of conditioned restrooms, heated shelters, and outdoor programming in winter months.
Strategic focus on mental heath –Parks will remain the “mentalhealth frontline” in any future pandemics and will play a critical role in improving the mental health of their users, especially our children! –New opportunities for partnerships and funding from aligned mental-health initiatives and organizations. –New opportunities for research.
Post-pandemic Parks
Funding/Financing
Budget crisis Median Spending on Parks per Resident of Top 100 Largest Cities
–A NRPA survey in April of 2020 indicated that approximately 50% of responding departments had already been asked to reduce their budgets by 10-20% for FY2021. –Reduction in municipal tax revenues will, like it did after the 2008 recession, likely affect parks and recreation for years to come, as they are historically one of the last departments to see budget increases.
$100
$95
2020
2010 2015
$90
$85
2017
2011 $80
2018
2012
2019
$75
$70
2016 2014
Source: TPL City Park Facts Reports, 2010-2020. No data for 2013.
2021?
Traditional funding pyramid public $ –Parks departments rely on a combination of funding sources: • Public tax revenues (general fund budgets, TIF funds, bonds, etc.) • Private funds raised through non-profit organizations and “friends groups.”
Park-Specific
Friends Groups
“private” $
Alternative funding mechanisms –Private sector partners are often engaged on larger capital projects such as recreation centers or largescale redevelopment efforts. –Private sector partners are having a difficult time securing financing for parks/rec projects, meaning Departments will have to come to the table with more cash.
Alternative funding mechanisms –Reduction in traditional sources of funding will drive departments to look for alternative/non-traditional funding mechanisms. • G.O. Bonds • BOT agreements • New partners
Bond‌General Obligation Bond. General Obligation (GO) Bonds A general obligation bond is like a mortgage; it is a way for local governments to borrow money, backed by their property taxes, for larger improvement projects (and sometimes, operating costs) and pay it back over time.
Bond‌General Obligation Bond. Property Tax Caps Property taxes that are approved by voters in a referendum are not subject to the Indiana property tax caps.
Bond‌General Obligation Bond. Referendum A referendum is a public question placed on a ballot by a local unit, leaving the final decision to the voters. Past referenda have included construction projects (for various taxing units, including schools) and operating needs (for schools).
Bond‌General Obligation Bond. Do all bonds HAVE to go to public referendum? In Indiana, no. Only bonds which exceed the lessor of $15.5M or 1% of the total, gross assessed value of the taxing community. Laws vary by state.
Bond…General Obligation Bond.
Bond…General Obligation Bond. 76% long-term approval rate over good times and bad
B U S H
CLINTON
O B A M A
Katrina
War in Afghanistan Iraq War Dot-Com Crash Source: Trust for Public Land LandVote database.
9/11
2008 Election Great Recession
TRUMP
2016 Election
Bond…General Obligation Bond. Not Red or Blue, but Green!
I like parks.
Me too… weird.
November 8, 2016: Presidential Election
21 county measures – 16 passed (76%) Clinton counties: 12 of 16 (75%) Trump counties: 4 of 5 (80%) Source: Trust for Public Land LandVote database.
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) –Public-private partnership where the CM/Developer finances the initial construction of the project and operates it for a predetermined amount of time before turning it over to the city. –Allows departments to defer financing of a large-scale project during the design/ construction.
New partnerships –Correlating the design and program of a park project with aligned initiatives/ outcomes of public health agencies (both physical and mental) may open up new avenues for funding projects while addressing larger-scale community needs. • Park prescription programs • Physical fitness • Outdoor doctor’s visits/health screening • Testing locations
New partnerships –Correlating the design and program of a park project with aligned initiatives/ outcomes of public health agencies (both physical and mental) may open up new avenues for funding projects while addressing larger-scale community needs. • Park prescription programs • Physical fitness • Outdoor doctor’s visits/health screening • Testing locations
New partnerships –Correlating the design and program of a park project with aligned initiatives/ outcomes of public health agencies (both physical and mental) may open up new avenues for funding projects while addressing larger-scale community needs. • Park prescription programs • Physical fitness • Outdoor doctor’s visits/health screening • Testing locations
New partnerships –Correlating the design and program of a park project with aligned initiatives/ outcomes of public health agencies (both physical and mental) may open up new avenues for funding projects while addressing larger-scale community needs. • Park prescription programs • Physical fitness • Outdoor doctor’s visits/health screening • Testing locations/shelters
Increased scope of partner involvement –Non-profit partners (such as Foundations, Alliances, friends groups, etc.) will likely play a larger role in operating, programming, and maintaining parks and park facilities vs. just injecting capital. –Indy examples include: • • • •
Tarkington Park (IPF) Indy Urban Acres(IPF) Riverside Park(IPF) Holliday Park (FOHP)
Discussion
What do you see?
Thank you!
Ryan P. Cambridge, PLA Planning Practice Leader, Senior Associate Browning Day rcambridge@browningday.com