2014 Annual Report Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands
We create community through people, parks, and programs
Contents 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7.
Director’s Message........................ 1-2 Department Overview.................... 3-5 Major Accomplishments................ 6-7 Embracing Technology.................. 8-9 Parks Division................................ 10-16 Urban Forestry & Natural Resource Division.......................... 17-20 8. Recreation Division........................ 21-29 9. Planning & Construction Division. 30-32 10. Community Outreach Division...... 33-35 11. Cemetery Division.......................... 36-38 12. On the Horizon................................ 39-40
Image: Riverfront Park
Director’s message DEAR BILLINGS RESIDENTS: I'm proud to announce that the City of Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department (BPRPLD) and two staff members from the department have been recognized by the Montana, Trails, Recreation and Parks Association for outstanding achievement in the parks and recreation field. Mark Jarvis, Park Planner, has been named 2014 PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR and Chris Waite, Volunteer Coordinator, was named 2014 NEW PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR. Our Department's OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP series and our new OUTREACH DIVISION were awarded 2014 CITATION OF MERIT FOR AGENCY EXCELLENCE. Mark Jarvis, Park Planner – Professional of the Year Mark has a Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture from Utah State University and has been employed with the City of Billings as a Park Planner for little over 9 years. During that time, Mark completed over $18 million in Mark Jarvis construction projects (Dehler Park, several miles of paved multipurpose trails, Yellowstone Family Park and new waterslides at Rose Pool) and facilitated several neighborhood and community park master plans. Mark is currently supervising the design and construction of a playground and spraypark at South Park, 4 tennis courts at Castle Rock Park, 3 tennis courts at Pioneer Park and 2 multipurpose trail projects.
Chris Waite, Volunteer Coordinator – New Professional of the Year Chris has a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts from Brigham Young University – Idaho and has been employed with the City of Billings as a Volunteer Coordinator for 1 1/2 years. Chris was instrumental in the Chris Waite creation of Billings Parks and Recreation Department's Outreach Division. While working as the Volunteer Coordinator, Chris developed annual volunteer community events (“Refresh the Rims” and “Cache in Trash Out”), a community garden, served as a grant writer for the department, recruited and coordinated volunteers and implemented a Volunteer Park Ranger/Ambassador Program.
Outreach Division – Citation of Merit for Agency Excellence Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department's Community Outreach Division began in May of 2013 with the hiring of a Volunteer Coordinator. The Outreach Division focused on three main areas; Volunteer Coordination, Partnerships, and Grants. During the first year of the volunteer program, over 2,000 volunteers completed more than 9,000 hours of work with a financial impact of $141,577 to the Department. Several notable accomplishments include the creation of a Volunteer Park Ranger Program, the establishment of annual community volunteer cleanup events, the mulching of over 350 trees, the creation of a volunteer graffiti removal program, the establishment of a community garden as well as many park enhancements and improvements done by volunteers. The partnership focus of the Outreach Division included establishing relationships with local universities to complete skills based projects such as GPS mapping trails and partnering to create a large community cleanup event called Refresh the Rims. Other key partnerships included establishing a relationship with Bright n’ Beautiful to collaborate on a tree planting project using $5,000 grant to purchase and maintain 300 trees planted by volunteers at Coulson Park. The final component of the Outreach Division was grant funding which included receiving $75,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program to renovate playground equipment at South Park. 1
Outdoor Adventure Camp – Citation of Merit for Agency Excellence The Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department Adventure Camp series has completed its third successful summer in serving 8-15 year olds with ample outdoor recreation exposure. This camp has filled a need within the area for parents looking for affordable summer child care that was beyond indoor activities. Our success can be defined by the value parents and participants have found throughout our summer program and in the growing popularity Adventure Camp has gained, as our department now has waiting lists of those interested in enrolling. Our Adventure Camp series hires quality staff, certified in CPR/First Aid and Wilderness First Responder, to work with 40 participants per week in high risk outdoor activities. Our campers are exposed to overnight camping, white water rafting, rock rappelling, rock climbing, canoeing, paddle boarding, horseback riding, hiking and much more! Though the challenges are great and our participants often small, our staff has witnessed the growth in each child throughout their summer enrolled in Adventure Camp. The Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department identified a need within our community for 8-15 year olds to explore their local treasures. Over the last three years, our staff has continued to build their skill sets, education and flexibility in order to meet the increasing demand for more adventure. Our camp moto is borrowed from the Pixar film, UP, “Adventure is out there!”. Staff continues to strive to find that adventure and ensure our first priority is to the children at camp. Respectfully, Michael Whitaker Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Director
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Swords Rimrock Park
Department Overview The Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Department (PRPL) is comprised of six Divisions: Parks, Urban Forestry & Natural Resources, Recreation, Cemetery, Planning & Construction and Community Outreach. Additionally, the Department has administrative services that assist in the operations and functions of the divisions. The department has a budget of 7.3 million dollars (see page 4). Parks Division: The Parks Division is responsible for managing over 2,500 acres of parkland which represents approximately 10% of land in the City of Billings.
Adventure Camp
Urban Forestry & Natural Resources Division: The Urban Forestry team manages the approximately 8,800 trees in developed parks, City Tree Ordinances, Natural Forests and other city-wide management. The Recreation Division: The Recreation Division offers over 115 recreation programs a year, operates a community center as well as two major aquatics facilities. These services are offered to residents of all ages. Cemetery Division: The Cemetery Division operates a full service 64 acre cemetery which is the oldest and longest continually operated cemetery in Billings. Park Planning/Construction Division: Planning/Construction is responsible for overseeing park planning and development, trail construction, and deferred maintenance projects.
Volunteers Cleaning Swords Park
Community Outreach Division: Community Outreach is responsible for the volunteer program and assists with marketing and communications. Additionally, Community Outreach works on partnerships and grants. Administrative Services: Administrative Services is responsible for budget oversight, payroll, long-term planning, department communications and general administration.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Billings
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Fiscal Year 2014/15 Financial Summary The Billings Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands (PRPL) Department budget represents only 3% of the total city budget. The funds come from four major sources: General Fund Contributions, 35 Park Maintenance Districts, the City-Wide Park District, and Fees and Charges. As stewards of public funds, the department strives to operate efďŹ ciently and effectively to best use the resources available.
Parks, Recreation & Public Lands 3% $ 7,397,077
City Operating Budget
35 Individual Park Maintenance Districts 14% $ 1,004,407
$277,427,633
General Fund Revenue 14% $ 1,024,562
Where it comes from $7,385,234
City-Wide Park District 26% $ 1,895,000 Miscellaneous 1% $ 81,840
Cemetery 6% $ 433,412 Park Maintenance District 14% $ 1,004,407
General Fund Contribution 46% $ 3,379,425
Administration 5% $ 384,310
Recreation 15% $ 1,104,928
Where it Goes $7,397,077
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General Fund Parks 35% $ 2,557,020
Deferred and Ongoing Maintenance 26% $ 1,895,000
Parks, Recreation, Public Lands Dept. Director: Michael Whitaker
Administrative Support II
Administrative Support I Volunteer Coordinator
Park Planner
Cemetery
Parks
Recreation
Cemetery Superintendent
Parks Superintendent
Recreation Superintendent Recreation Supervisor
Forestry/Natural Resource Supervisor (1.5) Arborist (3) Equpment Operator/Maintenance Workers
Parks Supervisor
(2)Recreation Specialist Admin. Support I Facility Maintinence Support II
Area 1 Sr. Equp. Operator/ Maintenance Worker
Area 2 Sr. Equp. Operator/ Maintenance Worker
Area 3 Sr. Equp. Operator/ Maintenance Worker
(1) Equp. Operator/ Maintenance Worker
(1.5) Equp. Operator/ Maintenance Worker
(1) Equp. Operator/ Maintenance Worker
Area55 Area 4 Area Sr.Equp. Equp. Sr. Equp. Sr. Operator/ Operator/ Operator/ Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance WorkerWorker Worker Playground Safety (2) Equp. Inspector Operator/ Maintenance Worker
Weekend Sr. Equipment Operator/ Maintenance Worker Equip. Operator/ Maint. Worker (Mechanic)
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Major Accomplishments 2014 Highlights:
$1.2 million Deferred maint. projects completed
2.4 million Park visits annually
$128,000 Volunteer labor completed
$75,000 Playground replacement grant received
1.3 million Facebook impressions
2,000 Cemetery records updated
59% Increase in Rose Pool water slide usage. First full season of new water slides
45% increase in award winning Adventure Camp participation 6
Adventure Camp Participants
Awards, Recognition & Grants Arbor Day Gold Leaf Award: Billings was awarded the 2014 Gold Leaf Award for the outstanding Arbor Day program from the ISA Rocky Mountain Chapter. The Rocky Mountain Chapter consists of four states: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Arbor Day was celebrated on April 25, 2014 at Pioneer Park. According to ISARMC, “The Arbor Day Activity Award is given to individuals, organizations or municipalities that have orchestrated, hosted or promoted an Arbor Day event that has drawn the support of the community to promote the education and support of the care and preservation of arboriculture.�
Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant: The Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Department was the recipient of a 2014 Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant. The department received the highest awardable amount of $75,000 for a South Park Playground Renovation Project. The $75,000 will be used to augment existing funds allocated for the project to increase the play value of the playground and make it a destination park. The renovation will be undertaken in the spring of 2015 and will compliment the newly renovated gazebo and the upcoming sprayground project at South park.
Montana Trails Recreation and Parks Association (MTRPA) Awards: MTRPA is the state association for parks and recreation agencies that includes cities, state, and federal agencies located in Montana. The Billings Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Department was the recipient of 4 State level awards in 2014. The awards included Professional of the Year and New Professional of the Year. Additionally the department received two Citation of Merit for Agency of Excellence awards for the Outdoor Adventure Camp Program run by the Recreation division and for the creation of the Outreach Division. For more details about the awards see pages 1 & 2.
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Embracing Technology In 2014 the Billings Parks and Recreation Department continued efforts to engage citizens and improve the customer experience by embracing new technologies. These ranged from increasing communication channels to utilizing new technologies to make the payment process more streamlined.
By the Numbers:
1,301,805 Facebook Impressions
Facebook: The Parks and Recreation Facebook page experienced tremendous growth in 2014. There were 622 new likes and 1,301,805 impressions. The social media platform was used to promote programs, update citizens on park projects, thank and recruit volunteers and give real time updates to openings and closures of facilities.
222,215 Website Page Views
4,177
Website Re-design: The Park and Recreation website went through a re-design in 2014. One of the biggest changes is the site became responsive, meaning the site scales to be more easily viewable for mobile devices and tablets. Additional changes include a social media feed on the home page, a rotating news feed that can hold up to six items and a direct link to the department’s YouTube channel. The changes make the site more friendly for users that access the site through mobile devices. The site had 85,860 sessions. Of those sessions, 65% were new visitors.
E-newsletter Subscribers
3,309 Twitter Impressions
315
E-Newsletter: To further improve communication with customers, the Parks and Recreation Department started a monthly e-newsletter in August of 2014. The newsletter features updates on construction projects, upcoming recreation programs, volunteer opportunities and news items from the various divisions.
YouTube Views
Likes V.S. Impressions Likes: The # of people actively connecting with a Facebook page Impressions: The # of times a post from a Facebook Page is displayed.
2014 Facebook Likes
32%
1,301,805
431,491
2013
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42% increase in Facebook likes
44%
30%
2014
Facebook Impression Growth
Online Transactions vs. Other Transactions
32%
30%
37%
44%
2011
2012
2013
2014
Web Transactions
DID YOU KNOW... Online Transactions have increased 12% since 2011, showing the greater importance of having a customer friendly web presence.
Other Transactions
Volunteer Online Registration: In January of 2014, the Outreach Division implemented an online volunteer registration platform where citizens can view and sign up for volunteer opportunities. The platform allows volunteers to browse opportunities, select and schedule themselves for service from home and apply for positions. Other Progress: Throughout the year the Parks and Recreation Department also began using YouTube, Twitter and Instagram to share and promote information about the department. In the ďŹ rst year, the twitter account gained 90 followers, Instagram received 43 followers, and the youtube channel had 315 views. Additionally, the Recreation Department purchased a GoPro to ďŹ lm and produce videos about programs.
DID YOU KNOW... The Parks and Recreation website is now responsive so it re-sizes to be mobile device friendly! These images compare the traditional site (left) to the mobile site (right)
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Parks By the Numbers:
2.4 Million Total visitors to major parks annually
640 Acres Largest Park in the Billings Park System (Riverfront Park)
1,508 Sq. Ft Smallest Park on the corner of Clark Ave. and Division St. (Baptist Park)
2,580 Acres of land is managed and maintained by Billings Parks and Recreation Department
10% of the land in Billings is Parkland
120+ parks total 7.5 Miles of Parkland along the Rims
4.3 miles of parkland along the Yellowstone River 10
Pioneer Park: The most visited park in Billings
Photo Courtesy of Visit Billings
Parks and Public Land Division Overview Parks and open spaces have played a major role in the livability of Billings since its inception. The City is fortunate to have almost 10% of the lands throughout the city preserved in perpetuity for the recreation and enjoyment of current and future citizens. Parks, open space and natural areas within the community hold scenic, scientiďŹ c, educational, and recreational value which beneďŹ t us all. They are wild areas where we preserve and protect native plant and animal life and unique landscapes. They are also areas where we create and maintain manmade landscapes with imported trees, turf, irrigation and facilities that provide an oasis for citizens to picnic, play and socialize. Parks, open space and natural areas enrich the quality of life of everyone who experiences them. Core Services There are several key themes that encompass the essential services that the Parks and Public Lands Division offer the citizens of Billings: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Park Lands Management and Maintenance Facility and Building Management and Maintenance Heritage Trail Management and Maintenance Environmental Stewardship and Conservation Community Partnerships and Events
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Park Lands Management and Maintenance For over a hundred years, we have been creating and maintaining Billings' public open space and protecting our natural environment. Today, the park and open space system consists of 2,580 acres of developed, undeveloped, natural area, green space and greenway parks woven throughout the city. There are 1,183 acres of developed parks which include major parks such as Pioneer, Rose, Castlerock, North and South parks. There are 176 acres of undeveloped parks which include Lampman, Rimpoint, Sahara, and Rush parks. There are over 800 acres of diverse natural area parks such as the Rims, Swords, Pow Wow, Riverside and Phipps parks. PRPL also manages 420 acres of lands that we do not own but manage as open space for public access and use.
Rose Park In 2014
In 2014, 295 acres of turf grass was sprayed for nuisance weeds such as dandelions.
During the season, staff operates over 120 irrigation systems which draw water from irrigation canals, 26 wells and 136 city water services
325 acres of turf grass were fertilized to
improve health and appearance. In 2014, noxious weeds were sprayed at
87 locations. Ninety new picnic tables were purchased in 2014 and placed in parks. Over 275 picnic table are now available throughout the park system. Staff plowed and removed snow at 85 locations throughout Billings including sidewalks, parking lots, park roads and 35 miles of the Heritage Trail.
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In 2014, Over 800 acres of parkland were mowed each week. This is the equivalent of 4,256 average size residential lots.
Facility and Building Management & Maintenance The Billings park system has a vast array of facilities and buildings in order to serve the public. The Parks Division is responsible for the management and maintenance of all facilities and buildings in the Billings Parks System.
By the Numbers: 6 neighborhood centers 1 professional baseball stadium 4 spray grounds 40 playgrounds 24 picnic shelters 26 tennis courts 25 basketball courts 20 restrooms
Photos clockwise from top left: Dehler Park, Terry Park Spray Ground, Yellowstone Family Park Shelter, Veterans Park Playground
136 water services to buildings and irrigation systems 1 Skate Park
Growth in Picnic Shelter and Neighborhood Center Rentals 472
580
496
1 dog park 22 sports fields
397
22 baseball fields 16 softball fields 2 Disc Golf courses
2011
2012
2013
46% increase in rentals since 2011
2014
DID YOU KNOW... In 2014, Park Division had 21 soundstage rentals and issued 108
Alcohol permits 13
Heritage Trail Management & Maintenance The Heritage Trail now consists of 47 miles of paved multi-use trails throughout the community, 10 miles of mapped and maintained soft surface trails and many miles of undedicated informal trails in natural area parks. Many miles of paved trails have been established through developed and natural area parks or serve to link those parks together. As the Heritage Trail system develops throughout the Billings community, it will provide recreational opportunities as well as an alternate transportation corridor. Benches, picnic tables, shelters, trailheads, signage and restrooms are in place or being added to enhance the trail.
Riders enjoying the trail system
Paved Multi-Use Trails: Park Trails-21miles, Subdivision Trails-12 Miles Roadway Trails- 14Miles Yearly Maintenance Cost per mile $4,109.00
In 2014: 35 miles of paved trails were swept once each month. Volunteers, the Montana Conservation Corp and staff made major repairs to the Phipps Park
natural area trails that were damaged from severe erosion. Amenities such as garbage cans, signs, benches, signage were inventoried and mapped. Vegetation was cleared from the sides of the natural area trails in Riverfront Park. Mowing along the edges of trails was completed once per month during the growing season. Repairs were made to the six tunnels on the Heritage Trail system. Snow was removed on all paved multi-use trails throughout the winter months.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Billings
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Environmental Stewardship & Conservation The Parks Divisions' role in environmental stewardship and conservation is broad, ongoing, multi-faceted and mandated by the Billings Municipal Code. City Ordinance Section 19-203. Nature preserves states: All property under control of the city as park property and all dedicated parks are designated and declared to be nature preserves. Russian Olive Removal at Riverfront Park City Ordinance Section 19-204. Future development states: Overall park development shall retain natural areas for the study and enjoyment of plants and animals in a natural environment to the extent consistent with park and public needs. Where terrain and accessibility are factors, the preservation of natural areas shall be a prime factor in park development.
In 2014: A volunteer inventoried the native plant
species in Swords Rimrock Park. Thousands of non-native Russian Olive
trees were removed from the riparian woodlands in Riverfront Park. A new turf weed sprayer was used which strictly regulates the amount of herbicides used reducing environmental impacts. 380 native tree seedlings were planted in Coulsen Park to enhance the natural park area. Weeds were mowed at 87 properties throughout Billings. Through a partnership with the Yellowstone County Weed Management District, noxious weeds were sprayed in many park locations. Park mowing schedules and travel routes between parks were reorganized that saved travel time and reduced fuel usage.
Volunteers planting tree seedlings at Coulson Park in partnership with Bright n’ Beautiful
Aerial photo of Lake Josephine at Riverfront Park
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Community Partnerships & Events The Parks Division works with over 65 Partners to provide parks, facilities, personnel, equipment and resources to support and facilitate hundreds of activities, events and programs for tens of thousands of park users each year. In 2014: The Park Maintenance Division provided staff and resources to support soccer, baseball, softball, football, lacrosse, rugby and other team sports on 22 athletic fields, 22 baseball fields and 16 softball fields located in Billings Parks. Many large events took place in City parks including Symphony in The Park, Magic City Blues, Saturday Live, Ales for Trails, Summer Faire, Billings All Original Car Show and the Celebrate Freedom 4th of July event. Many large sport events occurred in City Parks such as Big Sky State Games, the Montana Marathon, Montana Youth Soccer Association State Tournament, Heart and Sole Run and High School and University Cross Country track meets. Movies in the Park
DID YOU KNOW... In Billings, 64% of residents attend a special event in a park at least once per year, 78% participate in passive recreation and 61% participate in sports and athletic activities.
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Growth in Use Permits by Year
Park Use in Billings
76 64
61
2011
2012
2013
2014
120% increase in use permits since 2011 16
92% of Billings’ Residents Visit Parks Annually
Urban Forestry The Urban Forestry/ Natural Resources Division plans, coordinates and carries out the enforcement of Billings' ordinances regarding tree care and maintenance. Responsibilities include planning, developing, implementing and managing comprehensive Urban Forestry and Natural Resources programs, grants, contracts and in-house projects in parks, natural area parklands, public open spaces and other public facilities and properties. Programs include park and tree management and maintenance, Horticulture programs, tree inventories and GIS tree mapping, tree and landscape installations, natural resources management, nuisance weed mowing and other city-wide vegetation management programs.
By the Numbers: 8,833 Trees in developed Parks Park Trees valued at $28 Million Dollars Over 1 Million dollars in environmental benefits each year In 2014: 636 trees pruned 542 trees planted 79 trees removed 159 weed abatements
Our Arbor Day program held in Pioneer Park received the Gold Leaf Award for the outstanding Arbor Day program for 2014 from the International Society of Arboriculture Rocky Mountain Chapter which includes the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.
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Urban Forestry Trees by Species in Billings Parks Colorado Spruce 15.2% 1,332
Other 32% 2800 Green Ash 11.7% 1,026
Littleleaf Linden 3.5% 310 Spruce 3.5% 311
Ash 8.7% 758
Honeylocust 6.7% 586 Cottonwood 5.9% 398 519 Juniper 4.6%
Crabapple 3.7% 321 Austrian Pine 4.5%
402
“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.� -Anonymous
Dollars Per Capita Spent on Urban Forestry $14.00 $12.00 $10.00 $8.00 $6.00 $4.00 $2.00 $0.00 Bozeman
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Kalispell
Great Falls
Helena
Missoula
Butte
Billings
Awards and Accomplishments Gold Leaf Award for best Arbor Day by the ISA Rocky Mountain Chapter.
Billings was presented with the
380 small bare root trees were planted in Coulson Park including 200 Narrowleaf Cottonwoods from
In partnership with Bright n’ Beautiful
Special K Ranch.
30th year as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA
Billings celebrated it's
DID YOU KNOW... Park trees reduce the need to collect storm water saving $151,496 each year for Billings
Billings, Montana: Tree City USA
In 2014, 542 Trees where planted in City Parks; 138 by Forestry Staff, 380 by partnership, 18 memorial trees, and 6 cost share trees. In addition, Forestry Staff completed 159 weed abatements.
In 2014 the Urban Forestry Division was responsible for pruning 636 trees and removing 48 trees 19
Urban Forestry Programs
Trash for Trees
Memorial Trees
Since 1980, 4 million pounds of newspapers and 75 tons of aluminum cans have been collected. $127,060.00 has been earned to purchase and plant 2,994 trees in City Parks. In 2014, the program earned $15,922. All proceeds are used to purchase trees to plant in City Parks.
Arbor Day
The Memorial Tree Program saw 18 trees planted by forestry staff. That is up 5 from the previous year.
Cost Share
This Years Arbor Day held in Pioneer Park had th over 300 4 grade students attended and around 100 volunteers also showed up to help beautify, prune trees, remove hazardous trees, mulch, revamp planting beds, paint buildings, and plant 21 trees.
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The Cost Share Program is designed to provide trees along City streets at a shared cost between Billings homeowners and the City of Billings Forestry Division. In 2014, we saw 6 street trees planted by residents In it's ďŹ rst year of implementation.
Recreation In the last year, the City of Billings has experienced great growth and the Recreation Division has felt the ripples of change in interest and needs throughout the community. As a local resource for an outlet to various special interest, adult sports, youth sports, youth camps, active senior adults and early learning, the Recreation Division provides a wide range of opportunities for everyone. With a wide range of education and special interests of their own, the Recreation staff takes pride in the fact that they can provide affordable programs.
Recreation Programs
By focusing on quality, the Recreation Division has seen recent successes in many of their youth camps, special interest programs, facility updates and staff growth. Through the support of the community, 2014 was considered a success due to the increase in participation, programs and full time staff. It is the Recreation Staffs’ pleasure to share with the City of Billings, a breakdown of the year.
Strike Zone Batting Cages
Revenue and Budget Aquatics Aquatic Facilities
55+ Senior Services
Our Adventure Camp series received the 2014 Citation of Merit Award for Agency Excellence - “Connecting Children with Nature” from The Montana Trails Recreation and Parks Association (MTRPA)
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Recreation Programs Adult Fitness 6% 311 Participants Aquatic Programs* 10% Youth Sports 22% 489 Participants 1130 Participants
Recreation Programs Youth Camps 19% 943 Participants
5089 Participants
Special Interest 8% 426 Participants
Adult Sports 32% 1624 Participants
Senior Classes* 3% 166 Participants
*Aquatic Programs do not include pool attendance *Senior Classes do not include Senior Service Social/ Recreation Activities
The Recreation Division is responsible for a broad number of Programs ranging from toddlers to aging adults. Staff strive to provide an all-encompassing offering of affordable, high quality programs to fit the needs of all individuals in the Billings Community. Here’s a look at the Programs!
DID YOU KNOW... The Recreation Division offers over 115 different recreational programs.
“Recreation's purpose is not to kill time, but to make life, not to keep a person occupied, but to keep them refreshed; not to offer an escape from life, but to provide a discovery of life.” Author Unknown
PLAYHOUSE
ADVENTURE CAMP
ARCHERY CAMP
TINY TYKES ROCKET CAMP CANOE GEOCACHING
Recreation Programs The Recreation Division has seen sizeable growth in recent years. We have continued to expand our offerings to the community to provide an extensive range of programs that include toddlers to the aging adult. Due to the increase in programs and program participation, we have been able to increase our
Recreation Programs Revenue by Year $323,921.81 $270,982.75
program revenue by $95,839 since 2012.
$228,082.50
Youth Camps Youth Sports Early Learning Aquatics 2014
Adult Sports Outdoor Recreation Special Interests Adult Fitness Senior Classes
2013
2012
DID YOU KNOW... People who live outside of Billings can also participate in our programs? Anyone who lives outside of city limits can still enjoy our programs by paying an additional $10 non-resident fee.
“If bread is the first necessity of life, recreation is a close second” -Edward Bellamy
DID YOU KNOW... The Recreation Division employs over 200 seasonal and temporary employees annually?
Youth Scholarships Billings Parks and Recreation is pleased to have a community partner like the Billings Parks, Recreation, and Preservation foundation that provides youth scholarships for under-priveledged children to participate in Parks and Recreation Programs. In 2014, the foundation provided $903.50 in Scholarships that allowed 34 Kids to participate in programs they may have not been able to afford otherwise.
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Recreation Revenue and Spending Batting Cages 7% $40,333 Vending Buildings Rentals Machines 0% 3% $1,347 $19,399
Aquatics 34% $204,947
Billings Community Center 5% $30,503
DID YOU KNOW... The Recreation Division is able to recover 55% of it’s operating costs by collecting fees for Programs and Facilities.
Revenue $603,838
Recreation Programs 48% $290,825
Administrative 3% $16,484
“Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning” -Thomas Jefferson Batting Cages 3% $30,902 Billings Community Center 20% $212,474
Other 0% $2,141
Administrative 24% $263,850
Where it Goes $1,094,298
DID YOU KNOW... 95% of our Recreation Programs are SelfSustaining (cover all direct costs) 24
Facilities 2% $20,444
Aquatics 24% $266,082 RecreationPrograms 22% $239,462 Sound Stage 0% $1,466 All numbers based on the 2014calender year not fiscal year*
Aquatics
$183,985 General Admissions Revenue $20,337 in Season Passes Sold $36,532 in Waterslide Wristbands Sold $45,865 in Concessions Sold 42,542 Visitors to Rose and South Pools 18,823 Visitors in July 2014 Alone 375 Participants Enrolled in Swim Lessons
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Aquatics Facilities The Recreation Division oversees the stafďŹ ng and operations of The Rose Park and South Park Pools, as well as the Pioneer Park and Hawthorne Park wading pools. We employ 50-60 lifeguards annually, all of which receive rigorous American Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/ AED training before the pools open. We ensure each guard receives the proper training they need to respond to any situation that arises. This year our lifeguards supervised over 42,000 visitors at Rose and South Park Pools and thousands more visitors at Pioneer Park and Hawthorne Park Wading Pools.
Rose Park Pool saw over 36,000 visitors in 2014 with almost 16,000 visitors in July alone.
In 2014, we issued 3,497 reduced price pool passes at South and Rose Pools to help residents in low-income households cool off on hot summer days.
ROSE PARK POOL
SOUTH PARK POOL
PIONEER PARK WADING POOL
HAWTHORNE PARK WADINGPOOL
Pioneer Park Wading Pool is one of two wading pools that we operate free of charge for the public to use. These facilities are extremely popular for small children, and wildly used by day care programs throughout the community.
Both of the wading pools are staffed by 2 lifeguards during hours of operation. Around 90 seasonal aquatic employees are employed at the Aquatic Facilities annually. Many of these employees are school district 2 employees, college students, and high school students. We see a high retention rate of returning employees every year.
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Strike Zone Batting Cages 2014 was a great year for the Strike Zone Batting Cages. Through Park District Deferred Maintenance Funds, we were able to replace our 8 pitching machines and ball retrieval machines, which hadn’t been replaced since the construction of the facility in the early 1990’s. The new pitching equipment provides more consistent pitches providing a better batting experience. Batters can choose between pitch speeds ranging from a slow lob to a 70 mph fastball. 2014 was the Strike Zone’s best year in history for revenue, generating $42,381 and averaging $8,980 a month.
353,266 Pitches in 2014!
DID YOU KNOW... In 2014 The Strike Zone sold 24,218 tokens generating $42,381 in revenue and approximately 353,266 pitches.
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55+ Senior Services Billings Parks and Recreation partners with The Billings Senior Citizens, Inc., a 501-C-3 non-profit group which is housed at the Billings Community Center. They have been an excellent community partner with the City of Billings Recreation Department providing additional support for the facility and programs which are not covered by city budget. In this partnership, the Billings Parks and Recreation provides the facility, utilities and small staff of three. The senior organization
covers all the direct costs of their own recreational and social activities through their various fund-raising efforts. The center has over 100 senior volunteers that donate time to the center in many areas of operation from front desk greeting, calling, mailings, decorating, assisting with activities, as well as fundraising events.
“People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness”
HOLIDAY LUNCHES
COMPUTER CLASSES 28
The Billings Community Center 360 North 23rd Street Over 21,000 Annual Visits to the Community Center Over 1,800 individual visits per month – an average of 82 participants per day. Membership of over 1,700 current members
ART CLASSES
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
55+ Senior Services Over 100 recreational & social activities offered every month including fitness and computer classes, as well as our health and fitness room!
FITNESS BY DESIGN
HEALTH AND FITNESS ROOM
BLOOD PRESSURE
TAI CHI
The Center provides 12 health programs per month such as blood pressure screening, foot care clinics, health speakers, hearing aid tests, visiting nurses, flu shot clinics, and chair massages. Center Fitness classes include: Strong & Fit Strength Training, Yoga, Fitness by Design, Nia, Tai Chi, Balance Training and Restorative Exercise. Other center activities include: Investment Club, Writers Group, Dances, Line Dancing, Book Club, Woodcarvers, Trips and more!
HEALTH CLINICS
WOODCARVERS GROUP
DID YOU KNOW... The Senior Organization covers all the direct costs of their own recreational and social activities through fundraising activities? 29
Planning / construction The Billings Parks and Recreation Department has accomplished over $1,280,000 in projects during the period from January 1 to December 31, 2014. Some of these projects were identiďŹ ed as deferred maintenance items by the Parks and Recreation staff along with the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Board and approved by Billings City Council. Others of these projects were accomplished through a public/private partnership where user groups and service organizations worked with the Parks and Recreation Department to provide funding to install the projects.
By the Numbers:
22 Playgrounds received new fall protection
9 Restrooms upgraded
10 Tennis courts re-surfaced
1New restroom 1Trail project completed
1Batting cage equipment replacement project completed New Restroom at Swords Rimrock Park
5 Memorial benches
Swords Rimrock Park Trailhead Restroom Thanks to generous donations from Yellowstone Rim Runners, Billings Parks Recreation and Preservation Foundation, Billings Rotary Foundation and BikeNet (including donations from St. Vincent Heart and Sole Run and a Recreational Trails Grant), a new restroom facility was installed at the Swords Rimrock Park Trailhead. This concrete modular facility is a welcome addition for hikers and bikers using the Heritage Trail system along the rims.
Over $1,280,000 in projects completed 30
Aronson Bypass Trail at Swords Park Swords Park is a natural and environmentally sensitive area with a strong historical signiďŹ cance. This project connects to the existing Heritage Trail north of Alkali Creek Road and west of Aronson Avenue. It extends eastward under the existing Aronson Avenue Bridge through parkland along Alkali Creek and then parallel to Swords Lane, connecting to the existing sidewalk along the north side of Airport Road. With the completion of this trail section, trail users can travel from the Billings Airport all the way to the Yellowstone River utilizing the Heritage Trail System. Also there are connections to other existing trail segments including the Alkali Creek, Aronson and the Heights Kiwanis Trails. 31
Project Summary Playground Fall Protection Replacement The existing material under and around 22 playgrounds was replaced with a wood fiber product called Engineered Wood Fibers (EWF). In the past sand or pea gravel was used to help cushion the impact if a child were to fall from playground equipment. Current Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSI) guidelines require more effective fall protection from greater heights. Also these previously used products are not compliant to new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for accessibility to play equipment. EWF is a cost effective product that provides an added measure of protection from falls and allows persons with disabilities to safely access play equipment. 9 Restroom Facility Upgrades Nine restrooms at North, Pioneer, Central, Optimist, Sacajawea, Gorham, Stewart, Veterans Parks and Mountview Cemetery were either refurbished or replaced. Of these restrooms, Central and Sacajawea Parks and Mountview Cemetery received new restroom buildings. They are concrete modular facilities with stainless steel fixtures that were delivered on trucks and lifted into place with a crane. Also, the refurbished restrooms and multi-use room at Veterans Park now has central heating allowing this facility to be rented for events year round. With this work completed, these restroom facilities are now compliant to all ADA Guidelines.
New fall protection at Sacajawea Park
Restroom upgrade at Veteran’s Park
Batting Cage Equipment Upgrade at Stewart Park With the batting cage at Stewart Park over 25 years old, the automatic pitching equipment was worn out. Over the winter new pitching machines, ball retrieval system and computerized operation and control equipment was installed in time for the 2014 spring baseball season. Batting cage equipment upgrade Resurfacing 10 Tennis Courts at Rose and Pioneer Parks 10 tennis courts, 4 at Rose Park and 6 at Pioneer Park, were resurfaced with new acrylic surfacing material. As a result of this project the courts were dramatically improved for tennis play. Memorial Benches The Parks and Recreation Department has a memorial bench program that provides an opportunity for people to memorialize loved ones by sponsoring a bench in one of the City's parks. The benches cost $1,200 and if a plaque is desired, it can be provided for an additional $300. This year we have installed 5 memorial benches in various parks. This program provides much needed seating in our parks.
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Tennis court resurfacing at Rose Park
Outreach By the Numbers:
2,022 Total volunteers
8,146.75 Total hours volunteered
$128,418 Financial impact
4 Eagle Scout Projects
1 E-newsletter established
1 Community garden established
2 Fundraiser events
The Outreach Division received the 2014 Citation of Merit Award for Agency Excellence from The Montana Trails Recreation and Parks Association (MTRPA) 33
Refresh the Rims 2014
Outreach Introduction The Outreach Division started in 2013 with the hiring of a Volunteer Coordinator. The program began with the focus of connecting community members with volunteers experiences in the Parks and Recreation Department. The duties quickly evolved into the broader focus of community outreach. The Outreach Division’s work focuses on four main areas: 1. Volunteer Projects & Programs 2. Community Gardens 3. Community Outreach 4. Communications & Awareness.
Photos: (Left) Volunteers cleaning during Refresh the Rims, (Center) participants competing in the Scarecrow Fun Run community garden fundraiser, (Right) volunteers mulching trees at South Park
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Volunteers contributed over $128,000 in labor Volunteer Project and Programs: Volunteer projects range from individual service opportunities and large group projects to a Volunteer Park Ranger Program. Volunteers represent a variety of clubs, businesses, churches and schools. Projects included fence installation, tree planting, trail cleanups, painting and grafďŹ ti removal.
Outreach: Outreach efforts included establishing partnerships to further the Parks and Recreation goals. The parnterships varied greatly from projects such as the High
Sierra Disc Golf fundraiser Tournament to engaging the local colleges in skills based Service Learning Projects
Communications & Awareness: 2014 marked the development of a monthly department e-newsletter. Additional awareness efforts included special events such as the Parade of Gardens, presentations to local clubs and groups and the beginning of an Awareness Campaign with MSU-Billings as a service learning project.
Community Garden: The community garden at Amend Park started as an Americorps Vista project. The garden has 44 plots open to community members. In 2014 there were 29 clients and over 700lbs of produce was harvested. $7,865.65 was raised through fundraisers, donations, and in-kind contributions.
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Cemetery By the Numbers:
118 Total burials and columbaria services
42 Total grave spaces sold
2,000 Records updated
1 New public restroom
13 tons Organic fertilizer applied
1 Chip seal project completed
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Cemetery Overview The City of Billings Mountview Cemetery is a historical cemetery receiving its ďŹ rst burial in1891, a year before the community of Billings was started. It is the largest and oldest continually operated cemetery in the region. It was, at one point, the only operating cemetery in Billings, but now it is just one of ten cemeteries in Billings. Mountview's mission has been, and continues to be, to strive to provide a meaningful, economical service to the citizens of Billings, MT.
The cemetery is used by walkers and joggers throughout the year
Deer in the Cemetery
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Mountview Cemetery Graves Sold 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2010
2011
2012
Graves purchased for at-need use
2013
2014
Graves purchased for future use
New Cemetery Restroom
Graves put on contract for deed
DID YOU KNOW... Mount View Cemetery is the oldest continually operated cemetery in Billings
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The Cemetery provides a beautiful surrounding for the grieving public as well as casual visitors and walker and joggers. This year the staff assisted families with 117 burial and columbaria services. The Cemetery OfďŹ ce sold 42 grave spaces and assisted countless requests for grave locations and information about the people buried in Mountview Cemetery. Approximately 2,000 records were updated and corrected on the online database. A new public restroom was added for visitors' convenience.
Memorial Day 2014
On the horizon 2014 was a year of growth and improvement for the Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Department. Moving into 2015 there are many exciting changes on the horizon. These improvements focus on improved safety and convenience for park users and program participants. What to look for in 2015 South Park Playground Replacement Project: New
playground equipment will be installed late spring/early summer of 2015 that will include a giant climber and a 15 foot slide among other exciting play features. Pioneer Park Playground Replacement Project: Similar to South Park, Pioneer Park will also receive new playground equipment upgrades. It too will have a signature play feature along with age appropriate play equipment for children of all abilities. Tennis Court Replacement: Four courts at Castle Rock and three courts at Pioneer will be reconstructed with state of the art techniques to provide tournament quality playing surfaces. South Park Spray Ground: To replace the wading pool removed in 2010, a new spray ground will be constructed. The spray ground will be comprised of spray and splashing features for children to play and cool off during hot summer months.
Technology Improvements for 2015: Mobile Registration: In 2015 the Recreation Division plans to go through an upgrade to make the registration process more mobile friendly. Park Maintenance Tracking Software: The Parks Division plans to start using software to track maintenance for improved efficiency. Increased Use of Social Media: The Department will continue to use social media to promote programs and recruit volunteers.
Scarecrow Fun Run
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On the Horizon Continued 2015 Projects: Stewart Park irrigation upgrade Stewart Park traffic and pedestrian circulation and parking study Replace fall protection material at 5 playground sites Yellowstone Kelly’s Grave Site at Swords Rimrock Park Amend Park Irrigation Upgrade Urban Forestry Master Plan Repairs to park sidewalks, parking lots and trails High Sierra Disc Golf Course Looking forward, 2015 promises to be a year of great accomplishment and progress for the Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Department on par with the successes of 2014.
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High Sierra Disc Golf Fundraiser Tournament Photo Courtesy of Andre Al