2017
PARKS & RECREATION
annual report
FROM THE DEPARTMENT welcome! This past year was another busy and productive time for the Parks & Recreation Department, while still providing residents and guests with a wide array of services that contribute to the exceptional quality of life in the City of Winter Park. Puting in another solid performance, overall revenues reached an all-time high at just over $2.5 million, with Winter Park Golf Course leading the way with a recordbreaking year. The department also made great strides in renovating several parks and facilities. Most notably was the completion of major renovations at Showalter Field that included a new playing surface, upgrading Bob Mosher Track, installing an electronic scoreboard, and numerous other site improvements. The department closed out fiscal year 2017 with one of the largest and most unplanned projects of the year with clean-up efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irma. The Parks Maintenance and Landscape divisions worked tirelessly to get the city’s parks and recreation venues back in operation, as well as assisted with the removal of trash and debris. Meanwhile, the golf course and community center made great efforts to resume operations as quickly as possible so that residents had a place to get storm-related and recovery information, find child care while they returned to work, as well as provide a sense of normalcy during such a stressful time. The following report provides statistical data, benchmarks, and accomplishments for the department over fiscal year 2017. While it was a productive and successful year, we look forward to an exciting 2018 as the department will be making significant renovations to the Winter Park Tennis Center, introducing new programs and events through our Family Fun Event Program initiative, and so much more.
it
starts in PARKS
INTRO
what you need to know about the department
the
mission
to enhance the quality of life for our community by providing outstanding parks, recreation facilities, activities and services
senior staff Ronald Moore Assistant Director Jason Seeley Assistant Director Tim Egan Natural Resource Manager Cathleen Daus Recreation & Family Services Manager
Leif Bouffard P arks Planning & Project Manager
Kesha Jones Senior Staff Assistant
CONTACT
PHONE
Administration 407-599-3334 Aquatics 407-599-3338 Cemeteries 407-599-3252 Community Center
407-599-3275
Family Fun Program
407-599-3342
Field Rentals & Pavilions
407-599-3397
Golf Course Maintenance
407-599-3339
Golf Course Operations
407-599-3339
Landscaping 407-599-3369 Parks Maintenance
407-599-3334
Rental Buildings
407-599-3275
Tennis Center
407-599-3445
accreditation
The Parks & Recreation Department was officially reaccredited in 2016 by the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), which is a branch of the National Recreation and Parks Association. Of the thousands of parks and recreation agencies in the United States, just 166 have met or exceeded the established national standards for excellence in the field. This is a prestigious designation that is the result of ensuring policies, plans and goals are in place that are consistent with the values and needs of our residents. This includes management tools that ensure properties and facilities are maintained to a high standard, and programs and activities are evaluated. The accreditation submission document included over 450 supportive evidence of compliance documents that were reviewed along with a 160-page assessment essay. Accreditation is evaluated every five years.
award winning 2017
n B est
Farmers’ Market | Orlando Weekly 16th consecutive year
n
n H ealthiest
n N ational
Playful City, USA | 7th consecutive year Weight Communities Award | 5th consecutive year Accreditation Designation {CAPRA} | 7th consecutive year |
reaccreditation in 2020
best
of the
best
national recreation and parks association
For the seventh consecutive year, Winter Park was awarded the Playful City, USA distinction. This designation is awarded to communities that have demonstrated a best practices program for the maintenance, inspection and use of its playgrounds.
the
GOAL
to provide quality play spaces within 1 mile of every Winter Park household The map below indicates a one-mile radius around every existing play space.
City of Winter Park Playground Recreational Resources Residential Zoning Categories 1 mile radius
Recreational Resources w/ Playgrounds R-1A R-1A R-1A
R-2 R-3 R-4 C-2
0 0.2250.45
0.9 miles Planning & Community Development Department 05.2011 - cs
JUST THE FACTS
did you know that in Fiscal Year 2017...
athletic fields were
rented 2,560 times rental buildings
held 2,214 events over 10,400 visits at community center pool in just five months
over 728 pavilion rentals for birthday parties, barbeques & even wedding receptions
acres
11.94
parkland per
1000 residents
are maintained by parks & recreation {above the national average of 9.9 acres}
over 400 acres
of city properties are mowed
just 56 cents
every 7-10 days
per day per capita costs
that’s 21 acres
just 39cents
per team member {19 total}
on 114 separate parcels {rights of way, medians, parks & more}
per day net per capita costs less departmental revenue
SIGNIFICANT
department accomplishments that ensure the city’s vision
beautification & improvement projects » Recreation & Athletic Venues n
n
n n
n
egan renovation of Cady Way Pool with new signage, interior paint, b site furnishings & guard stand upgraded and renovated Ward Park baseball complex with new restrooms, landscaping, irrigation & fencing made improvements to landscaping along golf course & clubhouse completed major renovations of Showalter Field with a new playing surface & scoreboard, and Bob Mosher Track, in addition to numerous site improvements renovated Community Center fitness center with new cardio equipment & flooring
» Parks n
n
n n n n n
beautiful
ade improvements to landscaping m throughout the central business district with the Landscape Division’s Project Bloom renovated both Reading Way and Kings Way medians/mini parks in conjunction with Public Works road improvements major landscape renovation to Mead Botanical Garden amphitheater constructed a new croquet lawn at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park installed updated trash & recycling receptacles as well as benches in multiple parks replaced picnic shelter & improved landscaping at Phelps Park installed ADA swing at The Park at Orwin Manor
collaborative The department continually seeks to collaborate with various private and public organizations who share common goals and interests, or will provide an added value to our residents. Some examples of how the department utilizes partnership to improve the quality and quantity of services provided to our residents are:
Âť specialty programming at the Community Center and throughout various parks
Âť enhanced facilities and additional recreational opportunities
Âť expert policy and operational guidance through collaboration with our residents, stakeholders, advisory boards and task forces
cost-conscious efforts
» The department has again SURPASSED $2 MILLION MARKIN REVENUE.
This 37 percent cost-recovery rate is outstanding in the field of parks and recreation.
efficient
just over
34 percent
cost recovery for the revenue-producing divisions
innovative » The Cemeteries Division continues to utilize a forward-thinking app that allows
customers to locate, research and learn about all of the interesting people buried in our Winter Park cemeteries. Winter Park’s human history lies within our cemeteries, and by using our free app, WPC Explorer, one can follow a pre-set notable tour or enter a name and follow GPS navigation to that gravesite.
» T hese tours can be accessed at cityofwinterpark.org/cemeteries or via the free app, WPC Explorer, downloadable from Google Play® or the Apple® App Store.
» Additionally, evening history tours are conducted by the Cemeteries Manager.
HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE revenues exceeded $2.5 million!
DIVISION/FACILITY
FY2015
Cemeteries
FY2016
FY2017
$548,945 $384,623
$369,137
Community Center
$412,653
$458,795
Golf Course
$457,697
*$214,454 $781,782
Recreation/Athletics
$227,958 $333,960 ***$385,514
Rental Facilities
$535,223
Special Events
$33,4 1 1
$17,393
$60,045
Winter Park Tennis Center
$75,073
$62,973
$44,640
$2,290,960
$2,021,765
$2,500,6 1 1
DEPARTMENTAL TOTAL
$483,968
**$549,567 $375,525
*The Golf Course was closed for renovation March through September 2016 **The Country Club was closed for renovation January through April 2016. ***The Civic Center had reduced operations due to closure preparations.
OVER
2.3 million in revenues for FY17
$
events & rentals
The 66 rental venues managed by the department include ballfields, pavilions and meeting rooms – many are reserved up to two years in advance. Fiscal Year 2017 was a busy year, as Winter Parks venues remain some of the most popular in the region. DIVISION/FACILITY FY2017 Community Center
1519
Ballfields 2560 Pavilions/Outdoor Venues
728
Other Rental Facilities
695
TOTAL 5502
FY17
37 percent total cost recovery
cost recovery
Many of the services offered by the department are provided at no cost. These include park access, special events, and maintenance of greenspaces and streetscapes. Funding for these services represent one half of the department’s budget. Activities such as after school and summer programming are offered at very low costs. `The use of rental buildings and purchase of cemetery spaces are market-based. All of these pricing levels generally bring the cost-recovery levels of a typical department to a national average of 27 percent of the expenditure budget, according to the NRPA. Winter Park’s total cost recovery for Fiscal Year 2017 was 37 percent. DIVISION/ EXPENDITURES REVENUES COST FACILITY RECOVERY Administration Parks Maintenance Landscaping Cemeteries Winter Park Tennis Center Recreation/Athletics
$585,174.34
-
-
$1,387,052.56
-
-
$712,193.93 - $260,477.64 $369,137 $26,771.04
$44,640
$1,294,158.44 $385,514
141% 167% 30%
Rental Facilities
$498,279.54
$375,525
75%
Community Center
$876,250.14
$483,968
55%
Special Events
$214,050.00
$60,045
28%
Golf Course
$820,147.00
$774,285
95%
$6,674,554.63
$2,500,611
37%
DEPARTMENTAL TOTAL
KEY FIGURES
the Parks & Recreation Department delivers a service level that is truly remarkable
community center
» 175 children | daily summer camp attendees on average in 2017 | over 6000 lunches served | program requires extensive planning & supervision
» 65,000 participants | 50+ programs offered at the community center | program includes after school program, summer camp, teen program, seniors program, dance classes, etc.
» 2100 Recreation ID cards issued | 33,00 ID card scans in 2017 » over 1500 rentals | $483,968 revenue | +$20,000 from 2016!
19,000
pool visitors in its 4-month season
cady way pool
» $35,890 actual revenue
golf course
» over 36,000 rounds with revenues over $775,000
» hosted over 411 night golf participants
farmers’ market
» most successful & popular market in central Florida
» $223,000 building rentals private events: meetings, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries & dances + public events
» $100,900 booth rentals
5500 over
rentals in FY2017
rental venues The department proudly hosts many significant events in the lives of our guests. In 2017, there were:
» 298 weddings | 255 receptions » 5,500+ rentals | city-owned properties » 100 weddings at Exedra in Kraft Azalea Garden {most popular} Pavilion rentals have been extremely popular, particularly those near playgrounds. We have the privilege of hosting hundreds of birthday parties every weekend! Phelps Park {most popular} accommodated:
» 168 birthday parties
| over $10,235 in revenue
Community Playground {MLK Park} accommodated:
» 87 birthday parties
| $5,760 in revenue Azalea Lane accommodated:
» 76 birthday parties
| $5,167 in revenue
RENTAL VENUES
all in high demand and booked far in advance for both public and private events
» Ward Park & Cady Way Park 8 baseball fields | 2 softball fields 1 pavilion | 5 multipurpose fields
» Martin Luther King, Jr. Park 1 softball field | 3 multipurpose fields 1 pavilion | 1 special event area
» Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center 5 multipurpose rooms | 2 patios | 1 kitchen » Lake Island Hall 1 multipurpose room | patio/lawn area » Community Center 4 multipurpose rooms | 1 kitchen seniors room | gymnasium | amphitheater shady park | 1 pavilion | picnic area
» Country Club » Azalea Lane Recreation Center » Phelps Park » Lake Baldwin Park » Kraft Azalea Garden » Central Park » Howell Branch Preserve » Mead Botanical Garden » Farmers’ Market
66
2 multipurpose rooms 2 multipurpose rooms | 1 pavilion 2 pavilions 2 pavilions 1 wedding area | 1 special event area 1 wedding area | 3 special event areas 2 pavilions | 1 special event area 1 pavilion | 1 amphitheater | 1 special event area 1 multipurpose room | 1 parking lot/event area
rental venues on 14 properties
INVENTORY
full-service responsibilities for multiple properties & amenities
The Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for a very large number of properties and amenities. Staff members are responsible for the planning and implementation of care and maintenance programs, monitoring condition and usage, scheduling patrons, and anticipating future needs related to this full-service inventory. There are a total of 398.36 acres of designated parkland. These properties are categorized according to the City of Winter Park Comprehensive Plan.
Community Parks
acres
Central Park/West Meadow
7.976
Community Center/Shady Park Complex
4.739
Dinky Dock Park
1.568
Howell Branch Preserve Farmers’ Market grounds
10.698 .850
Lake Baldwin Park
23.636
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
28.254
Mead Botanical Garden Ward Park/Cady Way Park
47.612 67.250
TOTAL 192.590
454.69
total acres
managed
Conservation & Open Spaces
acres
Cady Way Trail
3.723
Howell Branch Creek properties
99.334
NW Sports Complex {tree farm} 14.170 Pennsylvania Avenue Creek lot aTemple Trail Creek lot TOTAL
Neighborhood Parks
.824 4.1 1 5 122.166
acres
Kraft Azalea Garden
5.251
The Park at Orwin Manor
.853
Phelps Park
5.996
Trismen Park
1.400
TOTAL 13.500
Special Purpose Parks Golf Course Tennis Center
acres 40.798 6.242
TOTAL 47.040
{acreages are as of fiscal year 2017}
Mini Parks
acres
Alberta Drive
.309
Alberta/Courtland .241 Alberta/JoAlCa .044 Alexander Place
.362
Alfred J. Hanna
.249
Bonita Drive
.073
Bonnie Burn
.221
Canton/Interlachen .181 Canton/New York
.071
Cavendish/Harmon .031 Chelton Circle
5.13
Fairbanks/Orlando .223 Fawsett Road
.268
Golfview .547 Hamilton Place
.366
Harland 2.713 Harris Circle
.259
Hooper .523 Jay Blanchard
.475
Kings Way
.794
Kiwi at Webster Avenue
.239
Lake Knowles
10.344
Lake Midget
1.620
Lake Wilbar
1.695
Lakeview .192 Lasbury/Maiden .216 Laughlin .085 Leith .643 Loch Lomond/St. Andrews
.373
Morse Boulevard
.110
Orange/Harmon
.192
Park Grove
.120
Pulsifer/Interlachen
.250
Reading Way
.794
Marvin Smiley
.185
Sunset/Chestnut .104 Tyree Lane
.218
Via Bella
.084
Villa View
.294
Worthington Court
.034
TOTAL 30.890
Cemeteries acres Palm Cemetery
14.160
Pineywood Cemetery
9.970
TOTAL 24.130
56.33 acres
maintenance properties
Traffic Islands Aloma Avenue Aloma & Pennsylvania avenues Burning Tree Lane Chapman Avenue & Comstock Parkway Goodrich Avenue Median Grove & Dallas avenues Howell Branch Road Kahkwa Court Kiwi Circle Lakemont Avenue & Lake Howell Road Lee Road Loch Lomand & Perth Lane Morse Boulevard Medians Orange & Harmon avenues Osceola Court & Brewer Avenue Osceola Court Park & Palmer avenues Randall Circle Suffolk Road & Cavandish Island Via Tuscany & Cypress Lane Webster Avenue & Pennsylvania Traffic Island
acres .1460 .1780 .0513 .2540 .1020 .0550 .2640 .0620 .0210 .0460 1.1780 .3170 1.0450 .0130 .0450 .0690 .0310 .0540 .0580 .0040 .0180
TOTAL 4.0900
Parking Lots
acres
Hannibal Square Piazza
.357
Knowles Avenue Lot
.752
Winter Park Train Station
1.374
TOTAL 2.483
Rights of Way acres Blake Avenue {between Fairbanks & New York avenues} .783 Cherokee Avenue .226 Edwin Boulevard .508 Elizabeth Drive .113 Fitzwalter Drive & Banchory Road .888 Galloway Drive .090 Glenridge Way & Lake Spier Frontage 3.937 Howell Branch Road 1.068 Leith Railroad .991 Pennsylvania Avenue .408 St. Andrews Boulevard .344 Temple Trail .383 Via Tuscany .301 Virginia Avenue & Laurel Road .919 TOTAL 11.160
City Facilities & Properties City Hall Fire Station 62 Fire Station 64 Hannibal Square Heritage Center Ninth Grade Center Retention Pond Pennsylvania Avenue/Fawcett Lot Progress Point Property Public Safety Facility Via Lombardy Exfiltration Lot Welcome Center Winter Park Public Library
acres 2.805 .935 .344 .177 1.662 .134 2.801 3.418 .232 .286 1.671
TOTAL 14.030
TECHNOLOGY
constant research is being done to keep the department top-notch
The Parks & Recreation Department strives to ensure efficiency, safety, professionalism and progress are ever-important in the management of all properties and activities. The use of advanced technology is paramount. Continual research is done to improve the service levels of the department.
communication
» Social Media Platforms
| Facebook®, Twitter® & Instagram® accounts for the Community Center and Golf Course, Facebook for the Farmers’ Market »P arksNet | innovative internal website focal point for staff communications; each
computer start-up defaults to ParksNet; information including calendars, meetings, bulletins & more shared with entire department »P arkTalk | dedicated email address for customer contact, questions & concerns; emails routed to director & assistant directors
safety & security » T hor Guard Systems
| lightning detection devices located at golf course,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Community Center Pool & two locations at Ward Park »M usco Systems | computerized & programmable athletic field lighting system; programmable from any computer or tablet; integrated with RecTrac » S olar Lighting | both large, lighted flagpoles are solar powered in cemeteries; resulted from innovation partnership with the Marine Corps League Smedley-Noble project.
efficiency
» GIS Mapping | used for locating parks as well as park amenities, such as park benches »R ecTrac Software | department-wide reservation system & financial processing; all
departmental transactions accommodated by this system » I mageFlow Software | electronic records management; efficient document search & retrieval » L aserFiche | archival documentation available electronically & searchable »P ontem Software | cemetery management software that keeps all records & issues deeds. »W ebCemeteries | cemetery online burial records App for Android & Apple devices » T oro OSMAC Systems | remotely-controlled irrigation systems in place on golf course & several parks properties
2017 feature
howell branch creek wetlands
The Howell Branch Creek wetland restoration and ecology trail project has boosted the City of Winter Park’s habitat management program to a new level. The recent acquisition of 55 acres of forested wetlands adjacent to the city’s existing property along the creek brings approximately 100 acres of contiguous natural lands under management, as well as creates the potential for a regionally significant, environmentally-focused recreation area. The Howell Branch Ecology Trail will be another project that will provide a high-quality, nature-based recreational and educational experience for residents and guests alike.
» Restoration
| will consist of a control program for exotic vines and other invasive
species {ongoing on existing parcels}; followed by reforestation of areas where canopy loss has occurred » Trails & boardwalks | a planned system of at-grade trails and elevated boardwalks will provide pedestrians and cyclists with controlled access through the wetlands; a canoe/kayak launch will allow paddlers access to over a mile of a natural, meandering creek » Environmental education | program components will focus on wetland ecology, water quality, and pollution-prevention topics
SPECIAL EVENTS
traditional & long-running special events have been enjoyed for generations
Many traditional and long-running special events truly define Winter Park as the best place to live, work and play. The Parks & Recreation Department assists and partners with other city departments and entities to help make these great events happen. The Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Santa Visits Winter Park Neighborhoods are two of the longest running family events. There’s also the Sidewalk Art Festival, Dinner on the Avenue, Autumn Art Festival, and Camping World Bowl® Parade of Bands.
annual events calendar
» Unity Heritage Festival » Great Duck Derby » St. Patrick’s Day Parade » Sidewalk Art Festival » Spring Pops Concert » Easter Egg Hunt » Dinner on the Avenue » Run for the Trees » Olde Fashioned
» Autumn Art Festival » Test the Waters Fishing Tournament
» Veterans Day Celebration & Veterans Golf Outing
» Holiday Pops Concert » Winter on the Avenue » Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade
» Camping World®
4th of July Celebration
Bowl Parade of Bands
details @ cityofwinterpark.org/events
PROJECTS
projects funded by city as well as individually by grants & donations
In addition to general funding of the department, specific capital projects are ranked, budgeted, and scheduled for improvements or additions to the parks system.
COMPLETED 2017 azalea lane
$20,000
phelps park
$72,000
Refurbished playground. Replaced pavilion.
ward park & cady way athletic fields and tennis center Upgraded to automated lighting.
$270,000
COMING UP 2018 pineywood cemetery
Renovate office & restrooms.
golf maintenance building Relocate golf maintenance & add future cemetery space.
winter park tennis center
Renovate hard court & lighting.
mead botanical garden Habitat enhancements & invasive species removal.
2018 feature
family fun event program
The department launched a new Family Fun Event Program focused on promoting a series of events to encourage healthy families and fun recreational activities at various parks throughout the city. Events are free and open to the public. Dates, times and locations are subject to change. Contact the program coordinator at 407.599.3342 or visit the city’s website at cityofwinterpark.org to confirm event details.
» June 16 | noon-3 p.m. » June 30 | 8:30 p.m. » July 4 | 9 a.m to noon » July 10 | 9-10:30 a.m. » July 14 | noon-2 p.m. » July 18 | 10 a.m.-noon » July 21 | 8:30 p.m. » July 26 | 10 a.m.-noon » July 28 | 10 a.m.-noon » Aug 1 1 | noon-5 p.m.
Picnic with Father @ Kraft Azalea Garden Flicks on the Fairway @ Winter Park Golf Course Kid Zone @ 4th of July Celebration @ Central Park Mommy & Me Yoga @ “The Ramble” Central Park Ice Cream Social @ Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Winter Park Paint Party @ Phelps Park Dive-in Movie @ Cady Way Pool Winter Park Rocks @ Central Park Bark at the Park @ Lake Baldwin Park Splash Back to School @ Community Center Pool & Cady Way Pool
BE Great Field Day » kickoff event for the program
family fun team spirit
love of nature sense of community
it
joy of play
respect for environment
healthy activities
starts in PARKS community
24 large special events, celebrations, art festivals, holidays & concerts
life’s big moments activities for kids of all ages 2 spray plays & 2 pools swim lessons
438 wedding & receptions 311 birthday parties 75 rehearsal dinners
{infant to senior}
open swim season water aerobics & swim parties {quality lifeguards, instructors & pool operators}
« exercise »
gorgeous greenspace 346.1 acres of park land 191 streetscape foliage pots 96 hanging baskets 57 brick planter gardens
4 fitness trails fitness center memberships boot camp, dance & yoga healthy lifestyles classes
all kinds of recreation
{& much, much more}
{biannual flag football league}
« programming »
8 baseball & 3 softball fields 6 basketball courts 23 tennis courts
seniors : daily meet-ups & special events youth : summer camp, school break & holiday camps, before & after school care
8 multipurpose athletic fields
« lakefront activities »
fishing, boating, skiing, sailing, crew, paddle boarding, swimming & kayaking
vision city
PARKS & RECREATION
ensuring achievement
Winter Park is the city of arts and culture, cherishing its traditional scale and charm while building a healthy and sustainable future for all generations.