New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan

NEW WILMINGTON BOROUGH COMMUNITY PARK

MASTER SITE PLAN March 31, 2009

This project was funded in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnership Program, Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A special thanks go to all of the citizens of New Wilmington Borough for their enthusiasm and input during this study. Also, the contribution and input of the following individuals were important to the successful development of this plan:

BUE RK L E

,

I

.

AR

CH

REGISTRATION NUMBER 001240

I T E CT

O.

E

D

NS Y L V A N

JR

J OH N

EN

A

REG I STER

Mr. Larry V. Wagner - President Mr, Kenneth R. Romig - Vice President Mr. Robert Coulter Mr. Willam Johnson Ms. Susan J. Ligo Mr. George W. Shaffer Mr. Jon Welker Mr. Wendell B. Wagner, Mayor

P

New Wilmington Borough

LAN

DS C A P

E

Project Steering Committee Dr. Leon Ahlum Mr. Doug Armsted Mr. Norm Cochran Mr. Rob Coulter Ms. Sharonn Edmiston Mr. Fred Garrett Mr. Rob Klamut Ms. Susan Ligo Ms. Nancy McGinnis Ms. Beth Mickle Dr. Joyce Nicksick Mr. Mark Nord Mr. Mary Pitman Ms. Cherry Poteet Mr. Jack Reed Mr. John Reichard

This project was funded in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnership Program, Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements Executive Summary Table of Contents Chapter 1: Community Background Introduction to New Wilmington Borough ..................................................... 3 New Wilmington Borough History ................................................................. 4 Demographics .................................................................................................. 5 Conclusions from Demographic Data....................................................... 7 Existing Planning Efforts ................................................................................ 8 Lawrence County Greenway Plan ............................................................ 8 Lawrence County Comprehensive Plan .................................................... 9 Existing Local Recreation Facilities................................................................ 9 New Wilmington Borough Community Park ..........................................11 Marti Park ............................................................................................... 12 Wilmington Area School District............................................................ 13 Westminster College ............................................................................... 14

Chapter 2: Site Analysis Base Mapping ................................................................................................ 19 Cultural Features ..................................................................................... 19 Park Ownership....................................................................................... 19 Location and Size.................................................................................... 19 Base Map ................................................................................................ 21 Zoning and Adjacent Land Use .............................................................. 23 Utilities ................................................................................................... 24 Natural Features ............................................................................................ 25 Water Features ........................................................................................ 25 Riparian Buffers ...................................................................................... 25 Wetlands .................................................................................................. 26 Soils ................................................................................................... 26 Topography ............................................................................................. 27 Vegetation ............................................................................................... 28 Wildlife ................................................................................................... 28 Existing Recreation Facilities ........................................................................ 30 Pedestrian Circulation ................................................................................... 32 Vehicular Circulation ..................................................................................... 33 Site Analysis Map ......................................................................................... 35

Chapter 3: Design Process Public Participation Process .......................................................................... 39 Facility Design Guidelines ............................................................................ 40 ADA Accessibility .................................................................................. 40 Playground Standards and Guidelines .................................................... 40 Recreation, Athletic, and Sport Facility Standards ................................. 41 Adjacencies ............................................................................................. 45 Parking Considerations ........................................................................... 45 Bleacher Safety ....................................................................................... 46 Park Sustainability Guidelines ................................................................ 46 Description of Alternative Concept Plans ..................................................... 48 Concept A ................................................................................................ 48 Concept B ................................................................................................ 51 Concept C ............................................................................................... 53 Concept D ............................................................................................... 56 Conclusions About Alternative Concept Plans .............................................. 59 Draft Master Plan .......................................................................................... 59 Draft Master Plan Description ................................................................ 59 Draft Master Plan Map ........................................................................... 63

Chapter 4: Master Plan Recommendations and Implementation Goals for New Wilmington Borough Park .................................................... 67 Master Plan Map ........................................................................................... 69 Site Amenities Concepts ................................................................................ 71 Master Plan Recommendations ..................................................................... 73 Carol Drive Area ..................................................................................... 73 South New Castle Street Entrance .......................................................... 74 Swimming Pool Area .............................................................................. 75 Playground, Scout House, and Enclosed Shelter Area ........................... 76 Beechwood Road Hillside ...................................................................... 79 McClure Run Stream Corridor ............................................................... 79 Overall Park Improvements........................................................................... 81 Opinion of Probable Construction Costs ....................................................... 84 Phasing Plan Recommendations ................................................................... 89 Phase I ................................................................................................... 90 Phase II ................................................................................................... 91 Phase III .................................................................................................. 92 Phase IV .................................................................................................. 93 Phase V ................................................................................................... 94 Phase VI .................................................................................................. 95 Phase VII................................................................................................. 96 Phasing Plan Map .................................................................................. 97

Chapter 4: Master Plan Recommendations and Implementation (continued) Potential Funding Sources ............................................................................. 99 Management, Operations, Maintenance, and Revenue Analysis ................ 107

Appendix A: Meeting Minutes Appendix B: Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory Response

VII VI V II

VIIII VIII II

CHAPTER 1: COMMUNITY BACKGROUND

11

New Wilmington Borough was awarded a Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. This assistance enabled the preparation of a Master Plan study for the New Wilmington Borough Community Park, resulting in a long-range strategy for recreation to guide the Borough through future development projects.

Information on the community’s history and demographics provides a context which is key to the development of Master Plans. The background information helps orient the Master Plan reader to the community and overall park system.

INTRODUCTION TO NEW WILMINGTON BOROUGH The Borough of New Wilmington is 1.1 square miles and is located in the north-central portion of Lawrence County in Pennsylvania. It is approximately 10 miles east of the Ohio border; 21 miles east of Youngstown, Ohio; and approximately 60 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, PA. The community is conveniently situated near the intersection of two major north-south and east-west motor routes, Interstate Westminster College Highways 79 and 80, as well as other major highways, 19, 60, 224 and 422.

Westminster College was founded in 1852 from the desire to create a Pennsylvania State Routes 208, 956, college that endorsed the values of Christianity while focusing on the and 158 all intersect in the Borough’s emotional, educational, and social development of its students. downtown. New Wilmington Borough is surrounded by Campus: Over 300 tree lined acres - 22 buildings, several athletic Wilmington Township, which consists fields, 10 tennis courts, 100-acre (0.40 km2) outdoor laboratory and of farm country largely occupied by Brittain Lake. the Old Order Amish sect.

New Wilmington is part of the Wilmington Area School District.

The School District includes the Townships of Plain Grove, Pulaski, Washington, Wilmington (Lawrence and Mercer Counties), the Borough of New Wilmington, and the Village of Volant. Wilmington Schools include the Wilmington Area High School, the Wilmington Area Middle School, the New Wilmington Elementary School, Pulaski Elementary School, and the East Lawrence Elementary School.

Students: 1,450 undergraduates, 200 graduate students 42% men, 58% women.

The Borough is home to Westminster College, a coeducational, liberal arts college related to the Presbyterian

According to U.S. News 2008 Guide to America's Best Colleges, Westminster College is a national leader in graduation rate performance with a rate of 78%.

Faculty: 92% of the faculty hold terminal degrees.

Degrees: 39 majors, 6 pre-professional programs Housing Facilities: Ten residential housing options including: seven female dormitories, two male dormitories, one transitional living townhouse complex.

Student Activities: 85 clubs and organizations, 5 national fraternities & 5 national sororities, each of the national fraternities also has a house with residence facilities.

3

Church (U.S.A.) through the Synod of the Trinity. Nearly 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students benefit from individualized attention from dedicated faculty while choosing from 41 majors and nearly 100 organizations on the campus.

NEW WILMINGTON BOROUGH HISTORY The town of New Wilmington was established in 1797-1798. In 1824, the first house was built with other buildings soon erected. On April 4, 1863, New Wilmington was established as a half-Borough, and on April 9, 1873, it was made a full Borough. The population was 500 in 1874 and, as of the 2000 census, the population has grown to 2,452, including 1,315 residents and 1,137 college students.

Westminster College

4

DEMOGRAPHICS (Sources: 1980, 1990, 2000 U.S. Census Data.; 1990, 2000 Pennsylvania State Data Center)

POPULATION TRENDS According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the population of New Wilmington Borough decreased slightly from 1990 to 2000, from 2,706 to 2,452. Information from the 2000 census shows a similar trend in Lawrence County’s population, with the population decreasing from 96,246 in 1990 to 94,643 in 2000. The 2000 Pennsylvania State Data Center further estimated that the Lawrence County population trend would continue to decline, decreasing by an estimated 3,652 persons by July of 2007 for a population of 90,991.

Area

New Wilmington Borough Study Population Comparison (per U.S. Census Data) 1990 2000 Change Population Population (1990 -2000)

Percent Change

New Wilmington Borough

2,706

2,452

-254

-9.4%

Lawrence County

96,246

94,643

-1,603

-1.7%

11,881,643

12,281,054

+399,411

+3.3%

Pennsylvania

POPULATION DENSITY New Wilmington Borough’s total area is 1.1 square miles. The calculated population density (per 2000 Census data) was 2,313.2 persons per square mile. In comparison, Lawrence County has a total area of 363 square miles with a calculated population density of 263 persons per square mile.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is 46,055 square miles, with a population density of 274.02 per square mile.

HOUSEHOLD SIZE In 1990, there were 593 total households in New Wilmington. In 2000 the number of households had decreased slightly to 577, a decrease of – 2.7%. During this same period, the number of family households decreased by -8.7%, and the number of married couple families decreased by -12.9%.

This is attributed to 6.3% increase in the number of single person and non-family households. The number of elderly single person households also increased by 6.4% from 1990 to 2000.

AGE DISTRIBUTION According to the 2000 Census, the New Wilmington Borough’s population contains a larger portion of young people and a smaller proportion of senior citizens, similar to the County and State as a whole.

However, the Borough and County show similar trends: an over-all continued decline in percentage of minors, and a decline in the numbers of senior citizens in the total population since 1990 (see chart on the following page).

5

Statistic

Age Distribution of Population 1990 - 2000 New Lawrence County Wilmington

Total 1990 Population

Pennsylvania

2,706

96,246

1,165 (43.0%)

26,924 (28.0%)

449 (16.6%)

23,420 (24.3%)

2,436,512 (20.5%)

2,452

94,643

12,281,054

Population ages *19 and under

740 (30.2%)

24,526 (26.0%)

3,270,584 (26.6%)

Population 65 and older

415 (16.9%)

22,471 (23.7%)

2,430,821 (19.8%)

Population ages *20 and under Population 65 and older Total 2000 Population

11,881,643 3,346,026 (28.2%)

*Note: In the 1990 Census, populations for youth and children were calculated at 18-20 years, 5-17, years, and under 5. In the 2000 Census, youth and children ages were calculated at 15-19 years, 10-14 years, and under 5.

Population Segment Total Population

New Wilmington Borough vs. Lawrence County Complete Age Distribution of Population 2000 New Wilmington Borough Lawrence County # Persons % # Persons % 2,452

100.0

94,643

100.0

Under 5 years

49

2.0

5,305

5.7

5-19 years

691

28.0

19,221

2.0

20-24 years

703

28.6

5,247

5.5

25-44 years

297

12.1

24,332

25.7

45-54 years

169

6.9

13,240

14.0

55-64 years

128

5.2

9,075

9.6

65 years and older

415

17.0

18,223

19.2

Median Age

21.8 years

40.5 years

INCOME According to the 2000 Census, median family income for New Wilmington Borough was $56,736.

The Borough median is considerably higher than the County-wide median income of $41,463, and the neighboring Wilmington Township median income of $46,397.

6

HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS In 2000, the Borough contained 611 housing units, down one unit from the 612 housing units in 1990.

The median value of owner-occupied housing units in the Borough per the 2000 Census is $119,000.

This is far greater than the median value of Lawrence County occupied housing units ($72,200). Of the 303 owner-occupied housing units in the Borough in 2000, values were as follows: Housing Unit Value <50,000 $50,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 to $199,999 $200,000 to $299,999 $300,000 to $499,999 $500,000 to $999,999 >$1,000,000

Percent of Total Units 0% 35.0% 34.7% 21.1% 7.9% 1.3% 0% 0%

The number of vacant Borough housing units in 2000 was 34. The number of renter occupied units was 248 with a vacancy rate of 6.4%, and a median monthly rental of $495 per month. By comparison, the Lawrence County median monthly cash rental rate as of the 2000 Census was $424 per month.

CONCLUSIONS FROM DEMOGRAPHIC DATA •

Need for Park and Open Space: The Borough and County’s population declined from 1990 to 2000. Parks and recreation facilities are quality of life features that have the potential retain residents and to attract residents to the community. Therefore, an investment in maintaining the Borough’s existing park and recreation facilities is warranted.

•

Youth and Family: Although the Borough’s population of children under 1age 9 declined between 1990 and 2000 the facilities at the park are well used due to their proximity to the Borough’s population. Furthermore, in comparison with other Lawrence County communities, and communities across the Commonwealth, New Wilmington Borough’s median age of 21.8 years, versus 40.5 state-wide, indicates the Borough has a large population of active children and young adults. Those less than 20 years of age represent approximately 30% of the Borough’s population.

•

Aging Population: Although the Borough’s population of residents 65 years of age and over is lower than the state and county average, there are 415 Borough residents within this category.

Many of these residents continue to be active in their senior years, and many enjoy accompanying their grandchildren on visits to the park. We recommend the park be rehabilitated to ensure access to its facilities by all people with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans’ with Disabilities Act. Further, opportunities to participate as a spectator to events occurring in the park, as well, as providing shelter, benches, and rest areas along the paths in the park should be considered

7

EXISTING PLANNING EFFORTS CONNECTIONS: LINKING LAWRENCE COUNTY’S RESOURCES THROUGH GREENWAYS (2008) Greenways are linear corridors of land or water that connect and protect natural, cultural, historic, and scenic resources. The following proposed Natural Systems Greenway Corridor and Recreation Greenway Corridor may affect park planning for the New Wilmington Borough Park.

Proposed Natural Systems Greenway Corridor - Neshannock Creek Greenway The Neshannock Creek corridor contains some of the County’s most scenic areas, as well as five BDA’s (Biologically Diverse Areas), including the Westminster College BDA. This BDA was given a “High Significance” classification (second highest) by the Lawrence County Natural Heritage Inventory. The wetlands surrounding the college campus provide potential winter habitat for a Pennsylvania animal species of special concern, and adjacent upland fields provide foraging habitat in warmer months. These greenways also contain steep slopes, many wetlands, large floodplain areas, and one of the County’s only known cave systems.

The Neshannock Creek and Little Neshannock Creek are also trout-stocked streams, indicative of good water quality.

Approximate Size: The total length of this corridor within County borders is 17 miles, including the length of three branches along three different streams. The width ranges from 300 feet to over 1 mile.

Associated Municipalities: New Wilmington and Volant Boroughs; Hickory, Neshannock, Washington, and Wilmington Townships; and the City of New Castle.

Proposed Recreation Greenway Corridor – Neshannock Rail-Trail (Segment A) This previously planned trail follows an abandoned railroad alignment from New Castle to Volant, with a spur connection to New Wilmington. Ownership issues have prevented completion of demonstration segments of the trail within the City of New Castle. Once these issues are resolved, a portion of the trail may be completed under ownership by Alduk Neshannock Trail: a Pennsylvania Non-Profit organization. Approximately 75% of this 12.5 mile stretch of trail is currently open or maintained in some manner.

The completion of the trail would provide a recreational mode of transport to the shops at Volant and possibly an alternate commuter route for County residents working in either New Castle or Volant. In addition, the proposed extension of this trail includes a segment along the Neshannock Creek in downtown New Castle. This corridor follows the former Pennsylvania Railroad Wilmington Branch.

8

LAWRENCE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (2004) The 2004 Lawrence County Comprehensive Plan identifies basic goals and objectives to guide future development. Below are several goals for the Wilmington area identified by the Comprehensive Plan that relate to the development of this Master Plan.

Natural Environment and Open Space Identify and preserve the natural resources that characterize the Wilmington Planning Unit and provide access to its scenic characteristics for community enjoyment by creating an open space network that retains the beauty of the natural environment and the unique feel and character of the area.

Parks and Recreation Encourage the development of community-wide recreation programs and facilities that provide for residents of all ages.

Greenways Promote the preservation of steep slopes, floodplains, wetland areas, natural resources and open space.

9

Historic Preservation Encourage preservation of cultural and historical sites that enhance the Wilmington Planning Unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique identity and its small town character.

Transportation Promote an adequate and safe traffic circulation system within the Planning Unit that is well constructed and economically sound.

Community Facilities and Human Services Provide facilities and services that meet the existing needs and anticipated future needs of the community.

EXISTING LOCAL RECREATION FACILITIES

Facilities are evaluated based on the following criteria

One of the basic needs of any community is for adequate recreational facilities appropriately located for citizen use. Facilities are often provided by municipalities, school districts, counties, states, private businesses, and non-profit organizations.

Good: Equipment given this ranking was installed or upgraded during the last 1-3 years. The equipment shows no signs of significant disrepair and no immediately visible safety hazards.

This section of this chapter identifies outdoor recreation facilities in great detail, noting the number, type, and condition of existing facilities. A map showing the locations of each recreation facility is included for reference.

Fair: Equipment given this ranking appears to be several years old. The equipment shows some signs of aging and may present minor safety concerns.

The regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parks system is very typical of many Pennsylvania municipalities. Many of the municipalities have their own community park supplemented by smaller playgrounds or parks. Local schools extend the parks system by providing additional playground and sports facilities.

Poor: Equipment given this ranking is in extreme disrepair and is in need of immediate upgrading or replacement.

Regional parks such as those in Beaver, Butler, Mercer, and Allegheny Counties, as well Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests complement the local system by providing a variety of facilities and activities not otherwise available. They serve a much broader area than just the individual municipalities. Area trails, such as the North Country Trail and the Butler-Freeport Trail, bring regional recreational opportunities to area residents.

Local residents also make use of a number of public and private recreation facilities. The following pages provide an inventory of local outdoor recreation facilities in the study area:

10 0

NEW WILMINGTON BOROUGH COMMUNITY PARK The New Wilmington Borough Community Park is the focus of this study. An in-depth description and analysis can be found in the Site Analysis chapter.

Size .............................................7 acres, main park, and 2.64 acres, Carol Drive site Park Type ...................................Community Park Ownership ..................................New Wilmington Borough

New Wilmington Borough Community Park

Use and Maintenance ...............The Park is used by Borough residents and local youth sports organizations. New Wilmington Public Works is responsible for maintenance of the park, and local sports organizations share a minor role in maintaining the ball field for game day use.

Existing Facilities ......................One small ballfield One small community swimming pool, 4,300 sf One batting cage, 13’ x 60’ One play area, 40’ x 40’ Scout House, 1,750 sf One basketball court, 52’ x 120’ One street hockey court, 42’ x 120’ One enclosed shelter with kitchenette, 25’ x 60’ One small open shelter, 15’ x 17’ One sand volleyball court, 30’ x 60’ (off Carol Drive) 65 parking spaces

MCGINNIS FIELD Size ............................................Unknown Acres Park Type ...................................Special Use Ownership ..................................New Wilmington Borough Use and Maintenance ................The Ball fields are used by local youth sports organizations.

Comments...................................Infield is full of weeds, Field #2 needs dugout updates

McGinnis Field

Recommendations ......................Develop a maintenance plan

11 1 1

Future Use..................................This ball fields will continue to serve local ball teams.

Facility

No.

Enhancements and Utilities

Condition

Size

ADA

Comments

Fair

RF-200’ LF-200' Basepath-60'

No

Weed growth in infield

No

Weed growth in infield; dugouts need updated

1

Backstop, full yellowcapped safety fencing, electric score board, dugouts, player benches, bleachers

Ball Field #2

1

Backstop, yellowcapped safety fencing on sideline fencing and detached outfield fencing, score board, dugouts, player benches, bleachers

Poor

RF-195’ LF-198' Basepath-60'

Batting Cage

1

Poles, mesh netting, dirt base, “L”-pitching fence

Fair

15’ x 75’

No

Concession

1

Block Building

Fair

18’ x 20’

No

Ball Field #1 West Orientation

MARTI PARK Size ............................................11 acres Park Type ...................................Community Park Ownership ..................................Wilmington Township Use and Maintenance: .............. The Park is used by Township residents and local youth sports organizations. Maintenance is performed by the Township Public Works Department.

Future Use..................................This park will continue to serve Township residents.

Note: Not all facilities were analyzed for condition, size, and for ADA compliance.

12 2

Facility

No.

Enhancements and Utilities

Condition

Size

ADA

Comments

1

Backstop, player benches

Used for both baseball and adjustable for soccer leagues

Ball Field #2

1

Backstop, player benches

Used for both baseball and adjustable for soccer leagues

Volleyball Court

1

Poles, net, sand base

Basketball

1

2 standards, backboards, rims, asphalt surface

Pavilion

1

Large size

Pavilion

1

Small size

Pavilion

1

Small size

Performing Arts Pavilion

1

½ moon shape

Playground

1

Modular unit, swings,

No Safety Audit Conducted

Located in upper portion of the park

1

3 spring riders, wooden train, sandbox, sand digger

No Safety Audit Conducted

Located in the lower area of the park

Ball Field #1

Play Area

WILMINGTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Size ............................................Unknown Acres Park Type ..................................School Facilities Ownership ..................................Wilmington School District Use and Maintenance ................The sports facilities are used by area school students, and maintained by school district maintenance employees.

New Wilmington School ballfield

Comments .................................... Sports facilities are on a campus type environment, shared by the high school, middle school, and elementary school students.

Future Use..................................The sports facilities will continue to serve school district students.

Note: Not all school facilities were analyzed for condition, size, and for ADA compliance.

13 13

No.

Enhancements and Utilities

Condition

Size

ADA

Football Stadium

1

Football field, soccer field

Good

Regulation

Yes

Baseball Fields

2

Backstops, benches

Facility

Soccer Fields

Playground

2

1

Goals

Swings sets, play units

Comments

Fair

No outfield fences

Fair

Share outfield of ball fields

No Safety Audit Conducted

Located behind elementary school

WESTMINSTER COLLEGE Source: Westminster College web-site

Size ......................................................... Unknown Acres Park Type ............................................... School Facilities Ownership ............................................. Westminster College Use and Maintenance ............................. The sports facilities are used by area college students, and maintained by college maintenance employees.

Comments................................................ Sports facilities are on campus Future Use............................................... The sports facilities will continue to serve collegiate students.

Westminster College has outstanding athletic facilities on campus. These facilities provide athletes with a competitive edge as they prepare for each season. Facilities include:

Westminster College football stadium

14 4

Memorial Field House The main athletic facility on campus, Memorial Field House sits adjacent to Lake Brittain and is a memorial to Westminster men who served and died in World Wars I & II. Built in 1950, it is currently in its third renovation, with the Mansell Educational Wing added during the 1999-2000 academic year. The new wing features an expanded lobby area, new offices, a hospitality room with kitchen, and a pair of technologically-enhanced "smart classrooms." The James F. Edwards wing on the east side of the Field House was dedicated in the fall of 2001, featuring five locker rooms, a large visiting area, three staff locker rooms, a storage/visiting training area, a restroom, and a lobby.

The Field House also features the Buzz Ridl Gymnasium, which seats 2,300 fans for varsity events.

An auxiliary gym is adjacent to the main gym to allow flexibility in scheduling and includes indoor batting cages.

Westminster Natatorium The swimming teams compete in the Westminster Natatorium, which is also available to the campus community for leisure swimming. Completed as an addition to the Field House in 1975, the Natatorium features a six-lane pool with electronic timers and a spectator gallery.

Physical Fitness Center Constructed in 1994, the fitness center provides all students with state-of-the-art weight and fitness training facility. The center features a large free weight section, as well as over 40 pieces of equipment.

Burry Stadium/Memorial Field The home of football home games since 1950, Memorial Field was constructed directly adjacent to the Field House and just north of Brittain Lake. The stadium underwent a renovation in 1997, resulting in the refurbishment of the bleachers and construction of a new press box. Also, a new track was installed in 2001 and, in 2005, a new scoreboard was installed. The most significant renovation project in the 58-year history of Memorial Field took place in the summer of 2008 with the installation of synthetic FieldTurf and lighting. Burry Stadium seats 4,500 fans.

Old 77 The long-time home of basketball dating back almost 100 years, Old 77 gymnasium has been renovated to serve as an intramural and varsity practice gymnasium. The facility, which features an indoor running track, is named in honor of the Titan men's basketball team, which won 77 consecutive home games there over a 10-year span before moving to Memorial Field House in 1951.

In the fall of 2003, the Marjorie A. Walker Recreation Center was dedicated in Old 77, which includes a wide variety of recreational and aerobic equipment as well as a dance studio.

A new varsity soccer field opened on campus in the fall of 2001, while improvements to the campus softball and baseball fields took place in the summers of 2002 and 2003, respectively.

The College also has 10 varsity tennis courts, a cross country course, and varsity practice/intramural fields.

Note: Not all college facilities were analyzed for condition, size, and for ADA compliance.

15 15

Facility

Size

ADA

1

Football field, soccer field, newly renovated with synthetic turf and lighting

Good

Regulation

Yes

1

Backstop, full fencing, electric score board, dugouts, player benches, bleachers

Good

Softball Field

1

Backstop, full fencing, electric score board, dugouts, player benches, bleachers

Good

Tennis Courts (by South Market St.)

4

Poles, nets, full fencing, red and green surface, lines

Good

Tennis Courts

6

Poles, nets, full fencing, red and green surface, lines

Good

Soccer Fields

5

Goals, lines

Good

Memorial Field House

1

Advanced training room for varsity athletes, two racquetball courts, complete locker and shower facilities

Good

Yes

Natatorium

1

Six-lane pool with electronic timers and a spectator gallery

Good

Yes

State-of-the-art weight and fitness training facility. A large free weight section, over 40 pieces of equipment

Good

Yes

Baseball Field

Physical Fitness Center

16 6

Enhancements and Utilities

Condition

Burry Football Stadium

No.

Comments Newly renovated

CHAPTER 2: SITE ANALYSIS

17

When planning for the future development of a recreation area, it is important to understand the site as a whole. Information on the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s background, history, and demographics provides the context within which to begin the preparation of a park master plan. Equally important are the Cultural and Natural Features of the site, such as zoning, utilities, topography, soils, vegetation, and hydrology. In addition, an analysis of Existing Recreation Facilities starts to identify where park improvements need to be made.

The Cultural Features, Natural Features, and Existing Recreation Facilities of the park site are discussed in this chapter. From this information, conclusions will be made about the opportunities and constraints the site presents to park development.

BASE MAPPING A base map of existing conditions was prepared from a boundary and topographic survey prepared

by Frank B. Taylor Engineering, 149 Taylor Drive, New Castle, PA 16101, (724) 654-6141. This mapping was supplemented with field observations conducted by Pashek Associates during the Fall of 2008.

CULTURAL FEATURES PARK OWNERSHIP The initial Park property was acquired by New Wilmington Borough in 1933 (see appendix for Property Deeds). Since then, several more parcels have been purchased by the Borough to form the Park. The current property lines along with other survey information shown on the plans were acquired from Taylor Engineering.

LOCATION AND SIZE New Wilmington Borough Park is located in the south-central part of New Wilmington Borough, with an entrance from South New Castle Street (State Route 158) and exit to Beechwood Drive. Access to the park is provided from South Market Street (State Route 956) for use of a pavilion on the east side of the property and from Carol Drive for use of a greenway annex segment of the park.

The main portion of the park is seven acres, with additional park area across the street at the Carol Drive location (2.62 acres) for a total acreage of 9.632 acres. The main park contains a youth ball field, a pool facility, playground, two pavilions, basketball and street hockey courts, and a Scout House. There are also two bridges crossing McClure Run, a cement pathway providing access to the park from the college area, an asphalt road way and parking areas, and a few acres of sloped green space for relaxing or picnicking. The Carol Drive section of the park contains one volleyball court and green space.

19 19

ZONING AND ADJACENT LAND USE The Code of New Wilmington Borough, Chapter 275, of sets forth the zoning ordinance as adopted

by New Wilmington Borough. This ordinance defines the Boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s zoning districts as follows: A.

Residential districts. In any residential district, only one principle use per lot will be allowed. These zones are designated for residential occupancy and such uses which are normally associated with neighborhoods. Such uses may include schools, churches and parks. The specific purpose for each of the residential districts is as follows: (1) A-Residence District: These zones are designated for low-density single-family dwelling and complementary uses.

(2) B-Residence District: The B-Residence Zone is also a residential district, but it permits two-family dwellings with multifamily dwellings permitted as a special exception. In addition, uses complementary to residential structures are allowed.

(3) B-1 Residence District: The B-1 Residence Zone is similar to the B-Residence District, with the addition of other related activities.

B.

C-Commercial District: This district is designed to accommodate a wide variety of commercial uses within the Borough. Although primarily designated to accommodate retail services in the Borough commercial core, residential uses and mixed residential/ commercial uses will be permitted.

C.

D-Industrial District: This district is designed to allow the development of a mixture of industrial uses within the Borough's limits. Such development is to be placed so there is a minimum of conflict with residential and commercial uses.

D.

A portion of the downtown area is covered by the Parking Overlay District that exempts nonresidential uses from the parking requirements of this chapter.

A review of the Boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s zoning map indicates the following: Property south of Beechwood Avenue is zoned residential, B and B1. This property is owned

by Westminster College and contains student residence halls.

Property north of park is zoned B1. This property is owned by Westminster College and contains the Thompson House, which provides student housing, and also contains the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Physical Plant.

Property to the west of the park, facing State Route 158, are zoned B. Property to the east of the park is zoned B and contains the heart of the Westminster College Campus including the academic buildings and student residence halls.

The Carol Drive portion of the park is zoned A, with the exception of the parcel which fronts State Route 158. That parcel is zoned B. Parcels surrounding the Carol Drive portion of the park are zoned A.

23 2 3

UTILITIES The Underground Line Facilities Damage Prevention Act of 1996; OSHA Standard 1926.651; the Federal Pipeline Safety Act of 1968; and the National Electric Safety Code ANSI C-2; all as amended; require anyone who engages in any type of excavation or demolition to provide advance notice. In Pennsylvania, PA Act 187 of 1996 requires â&#x20AC;&#x153;notice in the design or planning phase of every work operation that involves the movement of earth with powered equipment.â&#x20AC;?

In Pennsylvania, the PA One-Call System has been established to facilitate the requests for utility information in accordance with the above-referenced acts. PA One-Call, Inc. was contacted during the inventory and analysis phase of this master planning process to determine what utilities are in the vicinity of the park site.

PA One Call Responses - Serial No. 2755616-000 Utility Company

Address

Response

Dominion Peoples

Grove City Division 1658 West Main Street Extension Grove City, PA 16127

Conflict, lines nearby

Attn: Design Department New Wilmington Borough

134 High Street New Wilmington, PA 16142

Conflict, lines nearby

Attn: Office Personnel 2939 North Hermitage Road P.O. Box 261 Pennsylvania Power Co. Sharpsville, PA 16113

No Response

Attn: John Whitman Verizon North

2201 East 30th Street Erie, PA 16510

Conflict, lines nearby

Attn: Michael Geary All public utilities are available to the park, including water, sanitary sewer service, electrical, and gas services.

New Wilmington Borough owns and operates all of its utility services, including the distribution lines and infrastructure for electric, water and sewer.

Electricity is purchased from Amp Ohio for redistribution by the Borough. Applications for service may be made and bills paid at the Borough Office. Water is purchased from Aqua Pennsylvania Water Company for redistribution by the Borough. Operation and control are shared by the Borough and the New Wilmington Municipal Authority.

24 4

It must be noted that there is a variety of lighting luminaries in the park which create an inconsistent look. Further, because of the age of these fixtures, they are not as efficient as todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s models.

Further, the existing site lighting does not meet the recommendations of the Dark Sky Association, which has been adopted by the Borough.

NATURAL FEATURES WATER FEATURES McClure Run, a tributary to Neshannock Creek, flows across the northern boundary of the property from west to east. Just before reaching State Route 956 (South Market Street), McClure Run turns to the south, then leaves the park property at the center of the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eastern border. McClure Run is classified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, in PA Code Chapter 93, as a trout stocked fishery (TSF).

The PA DEP Stream Integrated List represents stream assessments in an integrated format for the Clean Water Act Section 305(b) reporting and Section 303(d) listing. Streams are bodies of flowing surface water that collectively form a network that drains a basin. PA DEP protects four stream water uses:

McClure Run

aquatic life fish consumption potable water supply recreation Stream segments have been evaluated for attainment of those uses. If a stream segment is not attaining any one of its 4 uses, it is then considered non-attaining.

McClure Run was assessed for aquatic life and determined to be impaired for the following reasons: channelization due to flow alterations; road runoff - water/flow variability.

RIPARIAN BUFFERS Riparian buffers are areas of vegetation along waterways that protect water quality and stabilize stream channels. Vegetated areas along streams are of significant ecological importance as they: Slow flood waters and reduce the volume of water through infiltration and root absorption Improve water quality by filtering stormwater runoff and promoting sediment deposition Recharge groundwater Provide canopy cover which shades and cools streams, thus improving habitat conditions for in-stream organisms Provide habitat for a variety of birds and small mammals, including access to shelter, food, and water

25 2 5

In general, the riparian buffer along McClure Run is a small buffer zone with a tree canopy and little encroachment. Some sections are in need of restoration and the buffer zone could be extended to provide more stream protection. Existing buffer vegetation includes both native and invasive species, including Ivy and Myrtle. Stream banks are steep and erosion has occurred in several areas, with gravel and muddy spots near South Market Street. In most cases, riparian vegetation exists only within the stream banks or within five feet from the top of bank. Several areas, especially the western side of the park and on the Carol Drive property, include mowed lawn right up to the top of bank and even to the edge of the stream.

Mowed lawn to the streamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge in the Park Westminster College just finished a stream restoration project for McClure Run downstream from the Park A Section 404 (Federal) and Chapter 105 (State) joint permit application would be required to cross McClure Run with a footbridge or any other structure.

WETLANDS A review of the National Wetland Inventory Map indicated there are no known jurisdictional wetlands located on the property. However, the soils inventory indicates one soil, Holly Silt Loam, is deemed hydric, and the remaining soils on the site include hydric components.

Westminster College just finished a stream restoration project for McClure Run downstream from the Park

In order to advance the design and permitting of any development in close proximity to the stream corridor, a formal wetland determination will need to be completed. If jurisdictional wetlands are identified, their boundaries must be surveyed and transferred to project mapping and efforts must be made to avoid and minimize impacts to the resources.

SOILS The United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service provides data on soils properties. In addition to the soil survey, we reviewed the list of hydric soils for Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Those soils designated as hydric, or those containing hydric components, may be classified as jurisdictional wetlands if they exhibit two other requirements: the presence of hydrology and the presence of hydrophytic vegetation.

Furthermore, the ability of soil to infiltrate stormwater runoff can be evaluated based on the soils hydrological group. Those soils with a soils hydrologic group of A or B may be conductive to infiltration techniques as stormwater management best practice (BMP) solutions. Those soils with a classification of C or D are unlikely to meet the BMP infiltration requirements.

26 6

Soil Type

Slope

Canfield silt loam

3% 8%

Canfield silt loam

8% 15%

Conotton gravelly loam

8% 15%

Holly silt loam

0% 3%

Urban land-Arents complex Urban land-Canfield complex

0% 8%

Sym.

Soils Group

Descriptions

CdB

Moderately Well Drained

Hydric Component

seasonal high water table, slow permeability

C

CdC

Moderately Well Drained

Hydric Component

seasonal high water table, slow permeability

C

Well Drained

Hydric Component

seasonal high water table, rapid permeability

B

high water table, moderate and moderately slow permeability

B/D

CoC

Ho

Poorly Drained

Yes

Ub

Moderately Well Drained

Hydric Component

UcB

Moderately Well Drained

Hydric Component

Unknown seasonal high water table

Unknown

TOPOGRAPHY The topography of the park varies, with forty-eight feet of vertical change on the main parcel. In general, the property slopes from south to north, and west to east. The high point on the property is located in the southwestern most corner of the property. The lowest point on the property is located on the eastern border where McClure Run leaves the property. McClure Run flows around the northern and eastern perimeter of the park at a slope of approximately 1.5%.

The southern half of the park has slopes classified as steep (between 10-25%), and very steep (greater than 25%). Park property immediately adjacent to State Route 158 (South New Castle Road) is also classified as being steep and very steep.

The entrance drive from State Route 158 (South New Castle Road) has an existing slope of 10.2% and the exit drive to Beechwood Road has an existing slope of 12.1%. Each of these drives are at the maximum slope recommended for road development. The existing parking lot located near the swimming pool has a cross slope of approximately 2.4%.

The following table provides a summary of the topography of the park.

Those slopes between 0-10% are generally suitable for development.

Steep slopes (10-25%) slopes are limited to small facilities, and very steep slopes (>25%) should not be developed but conserved as open space.

Southern hilly portion of the Park

27 2 7

Slope Analysis

Acres

Percent

0-10% Slope

3.2

45.71%

10-25% Slope

2.5

35.71%

>25% Slope

1.3

18.57%

Subtotal Carol Drive Parcel

7.0

100.00%

0-10% Slope

1.5

57.03%

10-25% Slope

0.59

22.43%

>25% Slope

0.54

20.53%

Subtotal Total Park Acreage

2.63 9.6

100.00%

Total Level Acreage

4.7

48.81%

Total Steep Slope Acreage

3.1

32.09%

Total Very Steep Slope Acreage

1.8

19.11%

Main Parcel

VEGETATION Vegetation consists primarily of mowed lawn with specimen trees including White Pine, Eastern Redbud, Arborvitae, Sweetgum, Beech, Maple, Oak, Willow, and River Birch. Vegetation along the stream includes Catalpa, Maple, Spruce, Dogwood, Tulip Poplar, Cherry, Ivy, and some herbaceous perennials.

WILDLIFE Mowed lawn to the streamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge in the Park

To determine the presence of species of special concern (rare, threatened, or endangered species), the Lawrence County Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) was reviewed and a Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory Index (PNDI) environmental review of the site was conducted.

The review of the Lawrence County Natural Heritage Inventory indicated the park property and surrounding properties are included in the northern portion of the Westminster College Biological Diversity Area (BDA) due to the potential presence of a species of special concern. This BDA is described in the Natural Heritage Inventory as follows: Westminster College BDA The wetlands surrounding the campus of Westminster College provide habitat for a Pennsylvania animal species of special concern (Special Animal 1) which potentially exists within this area. A small tributary to Little Neshannock Creek runs through campus and wetlands associated with the stream provide primary winter habitat for the species, while the adjacent upland fields provide foraging habitat. We recognize this habitat in combination with the communities that are part of the Westminster DA (managed area) because of a recent

28 8

sighting of this special animal. Additional surveys will be necessary to confirm the presence or absence of the animal.

The communities along Little Neshannock Creek here are broadly sycamore (river birch) box elder floodplain forest. Dominant species in the overstory include sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), box elder (Acer negundo), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), black ash (Fraxinus nigra), red maple (Acer rubrum) and pin oak (Quercus palustris). Understory associates in the wooded area include American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). Some areas are more open with shrub swamps of silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), spiraea (Spiraea alba) and arrow-wood (Viburnum dentatum).

Common herbaceous species include skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), false hellebore (Veratrum viride), wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) and trout lily (Erythronium americanum). Many invasive species are present throughout the BDA. These include privet (Ligustrum vulgare), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and teasel (Dipsacus sylvestris).

The animals potentially living in this BDA require perennial wetlands and associated uplands, preferring open fields that provide good foraging habitat. Activities that stand to alter the wetlands or their hydrology could impact the ability of this area to support these animals.

Likewise, disturbance to adjacent uplands, particularly during the summer months could have an adverse effect on this animal. Maintenance of current fields and the uplands immediately surrounding the wetlands could also impact any potential animals living within this area. The use of herbicides and mowing in the fields stands to impact the larger habitat of these animals.

Engaging the landowner in the management of this area as primary habitat for the special animal can greatly aid the protection of this species. Additional surveys for the animals to better understand their habits and uses of the habitat/wetland would help in furthering their survival. The use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides will compromise the ability of the site to maintain a population of this species. The sightings of this species needs to be confirmed and working toward the goal of developing a management plan would be good steps in better understanding and providing an appropriate level of protection for the area.

Such effort could provide numerous opportunities for research and collaboration with other agencies and Westminster College.

Based on the description of the habitat included in the NHI, it is unlikely the species of special concern exists within the confines of the park. However, management and maintenance activities associated with the operations of the park have the potential to negatively impact suitable habitat downstream. Therefore, the master planning process should consider sustainable design, management, and operation strategies to maintain and enhance the quality of downstream habitat.

29 2 9

EXISTING RECREATION FACILITIES The following table documents existing facilities located in the park, their condition, whether they are considered to be accessible, and other additional comments as appropriate.

Facility

No.

Enhancements and Utilities

Condition

Size

Poor

RF-152’ LF-206' Basepath-60' Northeast Orientation

st

Ball field

Metal/Wood Walking Bridge

by South New Castle Street

1

Backstop, storage bin, 1 base safety bag, player benches, player bench fencing only

1

115 wood planks @ 2’x8”, metal girders

Fair

Crosswalk at South New Castle Street and Carol Drive.

1

Batting Cage

1

Galvanized poles, nylon mesh, chip bark base

Fair

65

Asphalt surface 18 along ball field, 18 along pool side, 26 in adjoining area, 3 by playground

Fair

Parking

5’ x 75”

13’x 60’

ADA

Comments

No

Weed growth in infield; short outfield distances.

No outfield fencing.

No

Doesn’t seem to get much use. Some planks are loose; needs to be painted

ADA crossing curbs

Traffic is 25 mph.

Good line of site.

No park/ pedestrian ahead signs

No

Chip bark could fly up and cause injury

1 ADA

Vintage-type lighting fixtures along walkway from college in through park to pool area. Mixture of other types of lighting elsewhere.

Lighting

Pool

30 0

Parking lines faded

1

1 large swim area of 7’6” max depth, 1 adjoining 0-depth entry area, 1 kiddie pool, grass and cement beaches, 2 guard chairs, new cement pad, separate filter/chemical building, double slide, palm tree and mushroom sprayer, 4-swim lanes, changing room, barb-wire enclosed, outside bike rack and bench area for spectators

4,300 SF Good

7’6” max depth

Yes

Nice landscaping around pool fencing

Playground

1

Scout House

1

Elementary swing set of 3 swings side-by-side, preschool swing set of 3 swings side-by-side, 2 spring riders, elevated see- saw, merry-goround, swing gate, 1 modular unit joining two sections, with tube, wave and corkscrew slides

See safety Audit

40’x 40’ area

No

Good

38’ x 46’

No

Wishing Well

1

Traditional looking pennypitching wishing well

Poor

Wood Walking Bridge, by Scout House

1

Convex expanse over McClure Run

Good

Walkway from South Market Street to Scout House and Bridge

Basketball Court

Street Hockey Court

1

1

Traversing narrow walkway

2 standards, rims, nets and backboards, full fencing, painted lines

Poor

Has electrical wires exposed in water. Faucet inside of well.

Well covered with wood plank 3’ x 35’

2’ x 55”

No

No

Narrow, slippery, wood telephone pole retainers are rotten, jagged cement walkway

No

Overhanging trees, court surface cracked, previously served as old tennis court area, pole hole filled with concrete

No

Trees overhanging, brush growing through fence, cracks in court surface with weed growth; previously served as old tennis court area, post hole filled with concrete; fencing between courts bent

52’ x 120’ Fair

North South Orientation

52’ x 120’ 1

2 nets, full fencing

Fair

Equipment dated, jagged concrete sticking up below gate swing, base mulch old with weed growth

North South Orientation

31 3 1

Closed Pavilion

1

Brick structure, fencing over windows and doors for security, 10+ picnic tables, indoor water fountain, indoor kitchenette, electricity and outlets

Open Pavilion

1

Wood structure, flagstone base, 2 runner-coated picnic tables, parking for approximately 12

Carol Drive Volleyball Court Southeast to Northwest Orientation

1

Poles, net

Good

Good

Poor

25’ x 60’

15’ x 17’

Yes

Yes for access

No

Nice landscaping, kitchenette dated and needs replaces; building appears well maintained with new roof No ADA parking spaces or picnic tables. Entrance for parking from South Market Street only

Was a sand court, now over grown

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION There are few pedestrian walkways within the park. Concrete walks lead to the pool facility, enclosed shelter, basketball and deck hockey courts, and to South Market Street. Two pedestrian bridges cross McClure Run. The eastern-most bridge leads to deteriorating stairs to South Market Street. Other park facilities have no pedestrian walkway access including the Carol Drive property.

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION The main entrance is a one-way road from South New Castle Street, with the exit to Beechwood Road. The park drive travels through parking lots, causing potential conflicts with pedestrians. A separate vehicular drive off of South Market Street provides access for the small shelter.

Recreation facility-specific parking standards for this study were estimated using Pashek Associates’ prior experience with similar projects. The highest possible use rate by players and spectators at any facility is its peak use. A facility’s daily use is 60% of its peak use.

Parking standards for this study were figured using a rate of 2.5 persons per car. Parking should accommodate average daily use while providing opportunity for overflow parking to meet peak use event needs.

The table on the following page estimates the amount of parking required to meet the current parking demands of the existing facilities, assuming each facility is occupied at full capacity.

32 2

Existing Conditions Parking Analysis New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan Persons / Vehicle

Peak Use Daily Use Existing # of Spaces 60% of Peak

Surplus / Deficiency(-)

4 teams of 12 players + 2 coaches per team + Small Ball Field and 12 parents per team + Batting Cage 5 fans per team = 124 persons

2.5

50

30

0

-30

Swimming Pool

Capacity 380 people, 1 per 15 sf

2.5

112

67

65

-2

Scout House

25

2

13

8

0

-8

Enclosed Shelter (60x25)

Capacity 64 people (8 tables, w/ restrooms, kitchen)

2.5

26

15

0

-15

Small Shelter (15x17)

Capacity 16 people (2 tables)

2.5

6

4

0

-4

Playground

45 people (30 kids + 1 parent per every 2 kids)

2.5

18

11

0

-11

1.5

4

2

0

-2

Basketball

10 (2 teams of 5 players 1.5 each)

7

4

0

-4

Volleyball Court

12 (six per team)

8

5

0

-5

243

146

65

-81

Facility

Description of Peak Use

Street Hockey Court 6 per court

TOTAL

1.5

NOTE: This parking analysis does not account for on-street parking or parking that may be available in adjacent Westminster College lots.

The above chart shows that, given the existing facilities at the Park, there is a deficiency of 81 parking spaces. This figure does not take into account on-street parking, parking that may be available in adjacent lots, or those able to walk to the Park.

33 3 3

CHAPTER 3: DESIGN PROCESS

37

This chapter describes how the master plan was developed. Together with the inventory and analysis, Public Participation played a key role in helping the consultant develop the final master plan. Local community members and officials revealed more specific information about the park site to the consultant and helped guide the development of several Alternative Concept Plans. The concept plans were revised several times according to feedback given by the public. The final revised concept plan was then developed by the consultant into a more detailed Draft Master Plan and handed back to the public for more feedback. A Park Program and Facility Design Guidelines were developed to guide facility requirements. Finally, the draft version was refined into the final master plan, which is described in the Recommendations and Implementation chapter.

The following explains the Public Participation Process; describes and evaluates the Alternative Concept Plans and Draft Master Plan; lists the Park Program; and provides Facility Design Guidelines for the Park.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS Public participation in the design process is important in ensuring that the final master plan reflects community recreational needs and is fully supported by local decision makers and members of the community. The public participation process for this study included: • •

•

Public Input Sessions – Two public meetings were held to both inform and gather input from the public on conceptual and draft versions of the Park Master Plan.

Study Committee Meetings – The Study Committee is a group of people from the Borough representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. They include local residents, businesspeople, municipal officials, and community leaders. The Study Committee provided valuable input and feedback about issues regarding the development of the New Wilmington Borough Community Park throughout the master planning process.

Elected Officials Meeting – A meeting with elected officials was held to solicit input.

The public input process culminated in the identification of proposed improvements and facilities, as well as their relationships to each other, which the Master Site Plan reflects. All public meetings were advertised in local newspapers, as required by law, to ensure that interested residents would have a forum to voice their opinions. Meeting minutes from all meetings are located in the appendix.

39 3 9

FACILITY DESIGN GUIDELINES It is important to provide properly located recreation facilities that are accessible to all park visitors. Furthermore, it is important that all facilities be designed and located in accordance with recommended standards and guidelines to reduce the Borough’s liability. The following is a summary of applicable standards and guidelines related to existing facilities and those facilities being proposed for New Wilmington Borough Community Park.

ADA ACCESSIBILITY Ensuring accessibility to all facilities not only accommodates those with disabilities, but also makes it easier for the general public to use the facilities. It is imperative that the Borough take steps to provide accessibility for all park users.

Accessibility, in design terms, is described by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities to participate in the mainstream of public life. To do so, the ADA sets requirements for facilities to prevent physical barriers that keep people with disabilities from participating. When recreational facilities are built or altered, they must comply with the ADA standards by providing an accessible route to the area of use and spectator areas. With regards to complying with ADA, the following standards and guidelines must be taken into consideration: • • •

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II Requirement for Public Facilities, www. access-board.gov Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities, Play Areas, Finale Rule, www.access-board.gov - establishes requirements for playground equipment accessibility.

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s “Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas”, September 1999, www.access-board.gov - sets minimum requirements for accessible trails, access routes, resting opportunities, benches, utility connections, and trash receptacles.

PLAYGROUND STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES • • • •

40 0

Consumer Product Safety Commission’s “Handbook for Public Playground Safety” – establishes recommendations for equipment, use zones, and protective safety surfacing..

American Society of Testing Materials “Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Public Playground Safety” (ASTM F 1487) - establishes access route, equipment, use zone, and protective safety surfacing requirements.

American Society of Testing Materials “Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment” (ASTM F 1951) - defines minimum requirements for accessible protective surfacing materials.

American Society of Testing Materials “Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment” (ASTM F 1292) - defines minimum requirements for impact attenuation of protective surfacing materials.

RECREATION, ATHLETIC, & SPORTS FACILITY STANDARDS Additionally, facilities should comply with specific standards established for their respective activity.

Sports facility standards that must be understood in order to properly locate the facilities being considered in this study include: • • •

•

•

• • •

National Recreation and Park Association’s “Facility Development Standards” - establishes facility dimensions, orientation, and slope requirements.

National Federation of State High School Associations - establishes guidelines for courts and fields for high school athletic competitions.

Baseball T-Ball USA, www.teeballusa.org Little League, Inc, www.littleleague.org Babe Ruth League, Inc., baberuthleague.org Pony League Baseball and Softball, Inc., www.pony.org American Legion Baseball, www.baseball.legion.org Amateur Athletics Union of the United States, Inc., www.aausports.org Softball Amateur Softball Association, www.softball.oeg American Fastpitch Association, www.afasoftball.org National Softball Association, www.playnsa.com Amateur Athletics Union of the United States, Inc., www.aausports.org Soccer Federation Internationale de Football Association, www.fifa.org U.S. Soccer, wwww.ussoccer.com American Youth Soccer Organization, www.soccer.org Amateur Athletics Union of the United States, Inc., www.aausports.org Lacrosse U.S. Lacrosse, www.lacrosse,org USA Volleyball, www.volleyball.org - establishes court dimensions and requirements.

National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America, www.horseshoepitching.com

Taking into consideration the above standards and guidelines, as well as the Consultant’s previous experience, the following facility development recommendations were developed for the park.

Playground • • • • • • • • •

Size varies 2-5 year area with age-appropriate structure and spring rocker area 5-12 year area with age-appropriate structure Minimum two-bay swing structure with both toddler and standard swings Synthetic protective surfacing throughout play areas in equipment use zones Small shelter in case of inclement weather Minimum two-bay swing structure with both toddler and belt seats Adequate landscaping to provide shade, especially on the south and west sides Fence entire perimeter of playground area, leaving only one entrance for safety

41 4 1

Volleyball Court • • • • •

59’ x 29’-9” in size, with a 9’-10” fee zone on all sides North / south orientation Maximum 2% slope; minimum 1.5% slope for drainage Minimum of 12” sand, or lawn free from holes, puddles and uneven ground Adequate landscaping for shade, especially on the south and west sides

Basketball Courts • • • • • • •

60’ x 90’ in size, with a 15’’ minimum buffer on all sides Orientation: north / south goal to goal Maximum 2% slope; minimum 1.5% slope for drainage Bituminous surfacing Fence perimeter for safety Adequate landscaping for shade, especially on the south and west sides Can be combined with other court games such as deck hockey with additional linestriping

Ballfield The baseball playing field is defined by a number of different bodies, including Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSH), American Legion Baseball, Pony Baseball and Softball, Inc., Babe Ruth League, Inc., T-Ball USA and Little League, Inc. Therefore, there are standard field sizes that are to virtually every level and/or age of player.

• •

• • • •

Dimensions noted in the tables correspond to diagram.

Size varies depending on league, ranges from foul line distances of between 200’ and 350’ Home Plate to Second base North to Northeast, never west Maximum 2% slope; minimum 1.5% slope for drainage Provide adequate buffer between field and adjacent uses and parking areas Provide accessible spectator seating area

Soccer Field The soccer field is defined by a number of different bodies, including Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), U.S. Youth Soccer, Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). Although there is not

42 2

regulation soccer field size, these and other organizations do provide recommendations for field dimensions. Also, field area can be adjusted to accommodate short-sided games for younger age groups.

• • • • •

Size, dependent on age served Length of field, north to south, never east to west Maximum 2% slope; minimum 1.5% slope for drainage Provide minimum of 30’ buffer between field and adjacent uses and parking areas Provide accessible spectator seating area

Shared Use Path • • •

Minimum 10’ wide.

Crushed limestone or bituminous surface.

5% maximum sustained grade

Hiking Trails • • • • •

5’ width Maximum 10% slope, located and graded in such a manner as to minimize disturbance and erosion Crushed limestone surfacing Rest areas with benches approximately every 300’ Located in areas of mature wood stand to optimize user experience

Accessible Trails and Boardwalks • • • •

6’ minimum width; 10’ maximum width Maximum 5% slope Surface firm and stable Rest areas with benches approximately every 300’

Shelters •

• • • •

Size varies, for planning purposes the following were considered: Small Shelter, 28’ x 20’, capacity 32 persons Medium Shelter, 44’ x 30’, capacity 72 persons Large Shelter, 68’ x 40’, capacity 160 persons Maximum 5% slope for accessibility Concrete Pad Electrical service and / or grills at larger-sized shelters; picnic tables and trash receptacles at each shelter Adequate landscaping for shade, especially on the south and west sides

Horseshoe Courts •

10’ x 50’ in size, with a 5’ minimum buffer at each side and a 10’ minimum buffer at each end

43 4 3

• • • • •

Orientation: north / south peg to peg Maximum 2% slope; minimum 1.5% slope for drainage Both end pegs should have identical elevations Located in conjunction with a shelter to maximize use Adequate landscaping for shade, especially on the south and west sides

Restrooms • • • • •

Size varies depending on number of facilities served Maximum 5% slope for accessibility Concrete Pad Drinking Fountain Dumpster pad with fence and landscaping to screen from park users

Amphitheater • • •

Open-air stage Grass seating area with stone terraces Accessible paths

Riparian Buffer • • •

20’ width minimum from top of slope Variety of native trees, shrubs, and perennials Widened stream banks

Roadways • • • • •

12’ cartway – one-way 20’ cartway – two-way 10% maximum slope; 1% minimum slope for drainage Bituminous surfacing without curbs Security lights - a minimum amount of lighting to provide visibility into the park during night-time hours for safety reasons.

Parking • • • • • • • •

44 4

9’x 20’ parking stalls 22’ access aisles (if 90°, perpendicular parking; less if angled parking) 10’ wide terminal islands at both ends of each row of parking 10’ wide internal landscape islands 9’ wide accessible stalls with 5’ wide accessible aisle (maximum 2% slope) 9’ wide accessible van stalls with 8’ wide accessible aisle (maximum 2% slope) Pervious bituminous surfacing or pervious pavers without curbs Wheel stops

ADJACENCIES In addition to the above requirements, thought must be given to the appropriateness of facilities being in proximity to one another. Ideally, it is most desirable to locate facilities adjacent to one another only when they have minimal impact on the other. For example, a playground should not be placed adjacent to a basketball court. An example of an appropriate adjacency is a basketball court and a tennis court. Each use serves similar user groups, and both are active facility uses. During the preparation of the alternative concepts and the master plan, the consultant will locate the facilities while taking into consideration the issues of adjacencies.

PARKING CONSIDERATIONS Parking must be considered for almost every park and recreation facility. It would not be feasible to provide parking required for peak use events, such as July 4th festivities, or other large public gatherings. The Borough would be investing substantial funds in capital improvements that would only be utilized a few times each year. Excess parking facilities occupies space that could have been available for the development of other recreational facilities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Proper sizingâ&#x20AC;? of parking also minimizes impervious surface and reduces storm run-off.

Parking Standards for this study were estimated using standards from Pashek Associatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; prior experience with similar projects. Parking spaces should be provided to accommodate 60% of the peak use (highest possible use rate by players and spectators) for all facilities, existing and proposed.

This number is the daily use, and parking standards for this study were figured from the daily use rate assuming 2.5 persons per car. Parking for some facilities may vary from this formula as users may arrive with a higher frequency. Ideally, parking should accommodate average daily use while providing opportunity for overflow parking to meet peak use event needs.

To determine the parking requirements for the park, the consultant recommends the parking considerations for each facility to determine the number of parking spaces required in the park.

Facility

Recommended No. of Parking Spaces

Ballfield

35

Soccer Field

45

Basketball Court

12

Volleyball Court

8

Playground

Varies

Trails / Shared Use Path

Varies

Large Shelter

55

Swimming Pool

Varies

Medium Shelter

24

Small Shelter

11

45 4 5

It should also be noted that given the Borough’s small size, and the proximity of the park to the Borough’s population, many borough residents are within walking distance to the park. Therefore, this can result in a reduction in the number of parking spaces required within the park.

BLEACHER SAFETY - CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Bleachers are used for viewing sporting events, graduations, parades and many other activities.

Unfortunately, each year thousands of people, many of them young children, are seriously injured in falls from bleachers. Bleachers should be as safe as possible. The CPSC created guidelines for evaluating bleachers to help identify and eliminate those features that present a fall hazard. This guideline is CPSC Publication 330, “Guidelines for Retrofitting Bleachers.”

Bleachers are recommended to meet the following criteria: • • •

• •

Guardrails should be present on the backs and portions of the open ends of bleachers where the footboard, seat board, or aisle is 30 inches or more above the floor or ground below.

Bleachers with the top row nominally 30 inches above the ground may be exempt from this recommendation.

The top surface of the guardrail should be at least 42 inches above the leading edge of the footboard, seat board, or aisle, whichever is adjacent. When bleachers are used adjacent to a wall that is at least as high as the recommended guardrail height, the guardrail is not necessary if a 4-inch diameter sphere fails to pass between the bleachers and the wall.

Any opening between components of the guardrail or under the guardrail should prevent passage of a 4-inch sphere.

To discourage climbing on guardrails, guardrails should be designed in one of three ways: 1. Use only vertical members as in-fill between the top and bottom rails.

2. If there are openings in the in-fill that could provide a foothold for climbing, the widest measurement of the opening where the foot could rest should be limited to a maximum of 1.75 inches. Opening patterns that provide a ladder effect should be avoided.

3. Where visibility would not be significantly impaired, use solid members.

PARK SUSTAINABILITY GUIDELINES Some of the discussion during the public process turned toward providing more sustainable park designs. “Creating Sustainable Community Parks, A Guide to Improving Quality of Life by Protecting Natural Resources”, published by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in 2007, provides valuable recommendations regarding how to implement sustainable practices into design, maintenance, and operations of parks across the Commonwealth.

The guide can be obtained from www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/GreeningPennsylvania.pdf These practices are based on the following principals: •

46 6

Retain as much of the pre-existing landscape as possible during new construction, including the soil, rocks, native vegetation, wetlands, and contours. This will minimize disturbances, which can open up an area to invasive species. It can also keep costs down, as fewer new plants, soil amendments, and habitat enhancements will be needed.

•

Maintain high quality soils that will hold water and supply plants with proper nutrients.

During construction, leave as much existing topsoil as possible. When new soil is brought in, ensure that it is certified weed free, in order to prevent the spread of new invasive species.

Using compost and other natural products for mulch and fertilizer will help enhance the soil and feed the native plants. Good quality soil will reduce the need for fertilizers and supplemental watering.

•

Connect new landscape components with the surrounding native vegetation to create larger contiguous areas of habitat. Many wildlife species need large ranges to find adequate food, mates, and shelter. By reducing the amount of roads, parking lots, and turf areas, or by placing these together, habitat quality will be enhanced.

•

Create natural storm water management systems and other green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and swales of native grasses. These systems help to minimize downstream flooding, recharge and filter groundwater, and are more cost-effective and environmentally-sound than man-made systems of pipes and storage tanks.

•

Protect wetlands from disturbance and fill. Avoid placing construction projects, day-use areas, and roads/parking lots near or in wetlands.

Natural wetlands provide many benefits to the environment that cannot easily be duplicated with man-made ones.

Creating Sustainable Community Parks A Guide to Improving Quality of Life by Protecting Natural Resources

•

Use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to minimize the use of chemical pesticides to control plant and insect pests. IPM is an ecologically-based approach to pest control that helps maintain strong and healthy plants.

IPM can include the use of traps, sterile male pests, and quarantines.

•

Minimize impermeable surfaces like roads, parking lots, and paved trails. Consider replacing asphalt and concrete with permeable pavement, mulch paths, gravel lots, and native vegetation. Permeable surfaces help to recharge ground water, reduce erosion, lessen flooding events, and filter out pollutants. When impermeable surfaces must be used, arrange them in an area where they will not fragment habitat, make them as small in area as possible, and keep them away from water bodies.

•

Reduce turf to only those areas essential for recreational and other human use activities. Turf offers little habitat benefit and is not as effective as many native plants in pollution filtration, flood prevention, and erosion control. In addition, turf maintenance can have negative impacts on the surrounding environment and can require lots of mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Replace non-native turf grasses with native warm season grasses, which, once they are established, have lower maintenance needs.

•

Use native plants in riparian buffers around any surface water body, including wetlands. Riparian buffers help to filter pollutants before they reach water bodies, and the vegetation discourages nuisance geese from staying in the area. Roots from riparian vegetation also prevent erosion of soils into the water body and minimize flooding events. Shade from these buffers acts as a

Prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

47 4 7

temperature control for the water body, which enhances habitat value for aquatic organisms. The food and shelter values of these buffers also enhances habitat. In addition, by selecting the right kinds of plants, the scenic views of the water bodies can be enhanced.

•

Identify and remove invasive plant species whenever possible. Invasive plants have a number of detrimental effects on natural habitats. Most invasive plants grow so densely and spread so rapidly that native vegetation is choked out.

Opportunities for sustainable park design in New Wilmington include permeable paving, rain gardens, native species, removing invasive species, reducing the amount of turf, expanding and restoring a riparian buffer, and promoting alternative transportation, to name a few.

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE CONCEPT PLANS Based on the inventory and analysis and public input processes, four concept plans were developed for the New Wilmington Borough Community Park site. The conceptual plans reflect the input received from Borough representatives, the project’s steering committee. The public, and professional input from Pashek Associates staff members. These concepts plans prepared to express overall ideas, and do not consist of a final design for the park.

The concepts were developed to respond to the steering committee’s desire to rehabilitate and continue development within the New Wilmington Borough Community Park in a manner that continues to meet the recreation needs of the Borough’s residents while retaining green space within the heart of the Borough.

CONCEPT ‘A’ Concept ‘A’ generally retains existing facilities in their current locations, with new facilities designed around those locations. The existing ballfield along PA Route 158 has been expanded to better serve park users, as has the existing pool house and pool deck. A drop-off is provided for pool users off the main roadway. The existing Scout House is also retained in its current location, with a playground added to the south. A picnic shelter, horseshoe court, half-basketball court, and trails have been included in the southern portion of the park.

Additionally, the existing volleyball court has been retained in the Carol Drive area. A community building and horseshoe court has been added in this area.

Riparian buffers have been proposed for the length of McClure Run, to filter stormwater runoff and help maintain the viability of the Run. The existing entrance from PA Route 158 is retained, as well as the existing exit onto Beechwood Road. Access to the park from PA Route 956 has been eliminated in this concept.

Concept ‘A’ includes a 40-space parking lot in the main portion of the park and a 40-space parking lot in the Carol Drive area.

48 8

Parking Analysis Concept 'A' Parking Analysis New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan Facility Persons / Vehicle Peak Use # of Spaces Daily Use 60% of Peak Main Park Area Expanded Ball Field

2.5

50

30

Existing Swimming Pool

2.5

112

67

Existing Scout House

2.0

13

8

Playground

2.5

18

11

Medium Picnic Shelter

2.0

40

24

Basketball Court

1.5

7

4

Main Park Area Total Spaces Required

144

Main Park Area Spaces Available Surplus / Deficiency

40 -104

49 4 9

Carol Drive Area Community Building

2.0

50

30

Volleyball Court

1.5

8

5

Carol Drive Area Total Spaces Required

35

Carol Drive Area Spaces Available

40

Surplus / Deficiency

5

Total Spaces Required Total Spaces Available Surplus / Deficiency

179 80 -99

NOTE: This parking analysis does not account for on-street parking or parking that may be available in adjacent Westminster College lots.

Opportunities and Constraints Concept â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was analyzed to identify its opportunities and constraints. These opportunities and constraints are as follows:

Concept A Opportunities Regulation size ball field Teen activities are located farther away from playgrounds

Reduced amount of parking in the main park area

Trail loops for walking and jogging

Insufficient amount of parking overall Parking is located far away from pool and ball field

Community building has good views of stream

Encroachment of ball field into the riparian buffer

Keeping the scout house saves money Extra pool space Horseshoe courts and walking trails for seniors

50 0

Constraints

Not many teen activities Facilities are crowded

CONCEPT ‘B’ Concept ‘B’ retains the existing pool in its current location and expands the existing pool house and deck to better serve park users. A drop-off is provided for pool users. A playground area and picnic area are located east of the pool, with a picnic shelter, horseshoe court, open lawn area, and halfbasketball court. The existing shelter and access from PA Route 956 are retained in this concept.

Additionally, the existing volleyball court has been retained in the Carol Drive area. A combined community building / scout house and bocce court have been added in this area.

Riparian buffers have been proposed for the length of McClure Run, to filter stormwater runoff and help maintain the viability of the Run. The existing entrance from PA Route 158 is retained, as well as the existing exit onto Beechwood Road.

Concept ‘B’ includes a 95-space parking lot along PA Route 158 to serve the existing pool, as well as 20-space parking lot near the picnic area. Two additional spaces are located adjacent to the existing picnic shelter off PA Route 956. There is also a 40-space parking lot at the Carol Drive area.

51 5 1

Parking Analysis Concept 'B' Parking Analysis New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan Facility Persons / Vehicle Peak Use # of Spaces Daily Use 60% of Peak Main Park Area Existing Swimming Pool

2.5

112

67

Playground

2.5

18

11

Medium Picnic Shelter

2.0

40

24

Basketball Court

1.5

7

4

Existing Picnic Shelter

2.5

6

4

Main Park Area Total Spaces Required

110

Main Park Area Spaces Available Surplus / Deficiency

117 7 Carol Drive Area

Community Building / Scout House

2.0

50

30

Volleyball Court

1.5

8

5

Carol Drive Area Total Spaces Required

35

Carol Drive Area Spaces Available

40

Surplus / Deficiency

5

Total Spaces Required

145

Total Spaces Available

157

Surplus / Deficiency

12

NOTE: This parking analysis does not account for on-street parking or parking that may be available in adjacent Westminster College lots.

52 2

Opportunities and Constraints Concept ‘B’ was analyzed to identify its opportunities and constraints. These opportunities and constraints are as follows:

Concept B Opportunities

Constraints

Community / Scout building has good views of the stream

Not many teen activities

Teen activities are located farther away from playgrounds

Not as many trails

Trail loops for walking and jogging More flat open space Extra pool space Most amount of parking for the pool Sufficient amount of parking overall Horseshoe courts, bocce courts, and walking trails for seniors

Large parking area visible from PA Route 158

CONCEPT ‘C’ Concept ‘C’ retains the existing pool in its current location, with no expansion of the existing pool house or deck. A combined community building / scout house is located to the west of the pool, with a drop-off serving this structure and the pool. A playground area and picnic area are located east of the pool, with a picnic shelter, horseshoe court, bocce court, and open lawn area. A new picnic shelter, horseshoe court, and trails have been included in the southern portion of the park.

Additionally, the existing volleyball court has been retained in the Carol Drive area. An area for teen users has been created with the addition of a half-basketball court and picnic shelter.

Riparian buffers have been proposed for the length of McClure Run, to filter stormwater runoff and help maintain the viability of the Run. The existing entrance from PA Route 158 is retained, but has been converted into a two-way roadway.

The existing exit onto Beechwood Road has also been converted into a two-way road. This concept has no vehicular connection through the main park parcel.

Concept ‘C’ includes a 77-space parking lot along PA Route 158 to serve the existing pool and combined community building / scout house, as well as 30-space parking lot near the picnic area.

Three additional spaces are located off PA Route 956 to serve the new picnic shelter in this area.

There is also a 10-space parking lot at the Carol Drive area.

53 5 3

Parking Analysis Concept 'C' Parking Analysis New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan Facility Persons / Vehicle Peak Use # of Spaces Daily Use 60% of Peak Main Park Area

54 4

Existing Swimming Pool

2.5

112

67

Community Building / Scout House

2.0

50

30

Playground

2.5

18

11

Medium Picnic Shelter (2)

2.0

80

48

Main Park Area Total Spaces Required

156

Main Park Area Spaces Available Surplus / Deficiency

110 -46

Carol Drive Area Medium Picnic Shelter

2.0

40

24

Basketball Court

1.5

7

4

Volleyball Court

1.5

8

5

Carol Drive Area Total Spaces Required

33

Carol Drive Area Spaces Available Surplus / Deficiency

10 -23

Total Spaces Required Total Spaces Available Surplus / Deficiency

189 120 -69

NOTE: This parking analysis does not account for on-street parking or parking that may be available in adjacent Westminster College lots.

Opportunities and Constraints Concept â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was analyzed to identify its opportunities and constraints. These opportunities and constraints are as follows:

Concept C Opportunities

Constraints

Community / Scout building shares drop off and parking with the pool

Not many teen activities

Active sports courts are located on Carol Drive parcel

No vehicular connection through main Park parcel

Trail loops for walking and jogging

No additional pool space

More flat open space

Large parking area visible from PA Route 158

New picnic area at Carol Drive parcel

Insufficient amount of parking overall

Horseshoe courts, bocce courts together

55 5 5

CONCEPT ‘D’ Concept ‘D’ retains the existing pool in its current location and expands the existing pool house and deck to better serve park users. A drop-off is provided for pool users. A playground area is located east of the pool, with a picnic shelter and open lawn area. A combined community building / scout house with amphitheater is terraced into the existing hillside. A new picnic shelter and trails have been included in the southern portion of the park.

Additionally, the existing volleyball court has been retained in the Carol Drive area. An area for teen users has been created with the addition of a half-basketball court and skate park.

Riparian buffers have been proposed for the length of McClure Run, to filter stormwater runoff and help maintain the viability of the Run. The existing entrance from PA Route 158 is retained, as well as the existing exit onto Beechwood Road. Access to the park from PA Route 956 has also been retained in this concept.

Concept ‘D’ includes a 65-space parking lot along PA Route 158 and a 7-space parking lot to the south to serve the existing pool, as well as 34-space parking lot near the playground area. Six additional spaces are located off PA Route 956 to serve the new picnic shelter in this area. There is also a 15-space parking lot at the Carol Drive area.

56 6

Parking Analysis

Facility

Concept 'D' Parking Analysis New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan Persons / Vehicle Peak Use # of Spaces Daily Use 60% of Peak

Main Park Area

Existing Swimming Pool

2.5

112

67

Community Building / Scout House

2.0

50

30

Playground

2.5

18

11

Medium Picnic Shelter (2)

2.0

80

48

Main Park Area Total Spaces Required

156

Main Park Area Spaces Available Surplus / Deficiency

112 -44

57 5 7

Carol Drive Area Skate Park

2.0

17

10

Basketball Court

1.5

7

4

Volleyball Court

1.5

8

5

Carol Drive Area Total Spaces Required

19

Carol Drive Area Spaces Available Surplus / Deficiency

15 -4

Total Spaces Required Total Spaces Available Surplus / Deficiency

175 127 -48

NOTE: This parking analysis does not account for on-street parking or parking that may be available in adjacent Westminster College lots.

Opportunities and Constraints Concept â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was analyzed to identify its opportunities and constraints. These opportunities and constraints are as follows:

Concept D Opportunities Amphitheater

Skate park could be disruptive to adjacent residents

Teen area located on Carol Drive parcel

Only pedestrian connection across PA Route 158 is an at grade crosswalk

Trail loops for walking and jogging

Large parking area visible from PA Route 158

Most space for playground

Insufficient amount of parking overall

Most space for pool More flat open space Horseshoe courts and walking trails for seniors

58 8

Constraints

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT ALTERNATIVE CONCEPT PLANS The committee and public seemed to like bits and pieces from several different concept plans. Below are major outcomes from discussing the concepts.

• • • • • •

There should be as much green space as possible Limit the amount of pavement Keep the Carol Drive side passive with trails, a small shelter, and horseshoes Relocate the ballfield if possible Construct a new bath house Replace the existing shelter with an enclosed facility of about the same size

The fate of the Scout House was not yet determined at this point in the process. The borough sent an inspector to the facility to ascertain any potential liability issues. There were no major problems with the structure. The Scouts would like to stay in the same facility. However, many members of the community would like to relocate the Scouts to create more open space near the stream and playground.

DRAFT MASTER PLAN The Draft Master Plan was developed based on input on the four Concept Plans at a public meeting and study committee meetings. In addition to the Draft Master Plan, an alternative Option 2 was developed to show the committee what could happen if the Scouts were relocated and the existing Scout House was removed.

DRAFT MASTER PLAN DESCRIPTION The Draft Master Plan has been divided up into six major areas or outdoor rooms that are connected with trails. Each area has a distinct character and scale that is defined by habitat and topography. A main 10 feet wide concrete path connects acts as a spine through the Park leading from South New Castle Street to South Market Street.

Carol Drive Area This area has limited park development to create a transition zone between the adjacent residents.

• Park sign and plantings • 20’x28’ picnic shelter with electric and water • Chess tables • Horseshoe court • ADA trails • Interpretive signs describing the importance of riparian buffers, meadows, and native plants • Benches along the trails • Sculpture made by students in partnership with the High School and College • Open lawn space • Meadows • Pervious asphalt, parallel parking spaces along Carol Drive

59 5 9

• • • • •

Concrete sidewalk along Carol Drive Illuminated crosswalk on South New Castle Street Arboretum (native deciduous trees) with tree species markers Trash receptacles Volleyball court has been removed

Basketball Court Area This area acts as the front yard for the main park area.

• ADA concrete walkway and steps across from crosswalk • Green colored, recycled rubber basketball court with fencing on either end • ADA crushed limestone path to the court • Players bench • Picnic table • Trash receptacle • Meadow • Deciduous native trees • An alternative location has been found for the ball field Pool Area Swimmers and bathers are confined within the fenced in area, but a space for those watching and waiting is provided on the outside.

• New pool house • Expanded pool bathing area • 28’x10’ picnic shelter with electric and water • Entrance garden • Drop-off • 21 parking spaces on permeable pavers • 28 overflow parking spaces on reinforced lawn • Replacement of asphalt pool access with reinforced lawn • Trash receptacles • Flower beds along the pool fence • Deciduous native trees • ADA concrete walkways Playground and Enclosed Shelter Area This area is bounded by the hillside and McClure Run making it a unique active play space.

• Enclosed 30’x60’ shelter with kitchen and utilities • Stone terraced amphitheater with stage • 20’x28’ picnic shelter with electric and water • 2-5 playground structure with swings • 5-12 playground structure with swings • Benches • Horseshoe court • Open lawn area • Meadows • ADA concrete walkways • Trash receptacles • New concrete steps up to South Market Street

60 0

• • • •

22 parking spaces on permeable pavers Reinforced lawn for trailer parking Deciduous native trees Rain garden to capture stormwater runoff

Hillside Area This area provides interesting topography along with views of the rest of the Park.

• New 20’x14’ picnic shelter with electric and water • Reading garden with flower beds and benches • Crushed limestone trails • Benches • Meadows • Sloped lawn area • Three existing asphalt parking spaces Riparian Area • Expanded riparian buffer • Interpretive signs describing the importance of riparian buffers, meadows, and native plants • ADA trails • Two overlooks with crushed limestone surfacing and boulder edges • Benches • Other improvements shown on the Draft Master Plan include removing the mixed-matched lighting fixtures and installing new pedestrian scaled LED light posts along the main path that connects South Market Street to South New Castle Street.

The following parking analysis was created to show the deficiency or surplus of parking spaces needed for the Draft Master Plan.

Draft Master Plan Parking Analysis New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan Facility Persons / Vehicle Peak Use # of Spaces Daily Use 60% of Peak Main Park Area Existing Swimming Pool

2.5

112

67

Playground

2.5

18

11

Playground Shelter

2.0

12

7

Basketball Court

1.5

7

4

Hillside Shelter

2.0

8

5

Enclosed Shelter

2.5

28

17

Main Park Area Total Spaces Required

111

Main Park Area Spaces Available

74

Surplus / Deficiency

-37

61 6 1

Carol Drive Area Small Picnic Shelter

2.0

12

7

Carol Drive Area Total Spaces Required

7

Carol Drive Area Spaces Available Surplus / Deficiency

5 -2

Total Spaces Required Total Spaces Available Surplus / Deficiency

118 79 -39

NOTE: This parking analysis does not account for on-street parking, parking that may be available in adjacent Westminster College lots, or those that will walk to the Park.

This analysis shows that the Draft Master Plan is deficient of 39 parking spaces. More parking could be accommodated by removing the basketball court and clustering other facilities together. However, this would result in less green space and cramped recreation facilities. In addition, this number does not include adjacent on-street parking and other off-site lots or those walking to the Park. Therefore, this deficiency is considered acceptable.

DRAFT MASTER PLAN OPTION 2 DESCRIPTION The Alternative Plan shows the Scout House removed. An advantage of this option is that there will be more riparian buffer and open lawn space in that area of the park. The disadvantage is that more money will be spent on relocating the Scouts from their long-time meeting place.

62 2

CHAPTER 4: MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

65

The master plan for New Wilmington Borough Community Park is the result of analysis of the site, active public participation, and in-depth discussion regarding the needs of New Wilmington Borough residents. The master plan provides a foundation to guide the decision-making process for the rehabilitation of the park. With this master plan New Wilmington Borough is able to respond in an orderly and financially fiscally responsible manner to requests from various organizations and individuals regarding recreation facilities within the park. Good planning reduces future conflicts, liability, and can reduce maintenance and operation costs. Furthermore, this master plan can be used to apply for funding for future improvements in the park.

The final master plan reflects the goals developed by this project’s steering committee to guide the future of New Wilmington Borough Park. The recommendations contained in this Master Plan were guided by these goals along with the site inventory and analysis. Cost Estimates and Phasing were then developed by the consultant to prioritize the development of proposed facilities. Funding Sources were discussed in order to finance the recommendations of the Master Plan. Finally, Operation Costs and Potential Revenues were discussed.

This chapter identifies the goals established for the park, describes the recommendations of the master plan, provides opinions of probable construction costs and phasing recommendations, discusses possible funding sources, describes the operation and maintenance costs, and lists potential revenue sources for New Wilmington Borough Community Park.

GOALS FOR NEW WILMINGTON BOROUGH COMMUNITY PARK Early on in the planning process, a list of goals was developed from the Study Committee. This list was updated throughout the process and used to guide the development of the Master Plan. The goals include: • • • • • • • •

The Park should be multi-generational. It should have activities for all ages.

The Park should be accessible to all.

The Park should have good pedestrian connectivity both within the Park and to surrounding land uses.

The Park should be more environmentally sustainable.

The Park should have both active and passive play areas.

Park improvements should meet the needs of New Wilmington Borough residents.

The Park should have a common aesthetic, Craftsman Style, which is consistent through the buildings, shelters, signs, light fixtures, and other park features.

Park improvements should focus on quality. High quality improvements will be more durable, easier to maintain, and more aesthetically pleasing.

The master plan for New Wilmington Borough Park is illustrated on the following page. In addition, we have provided a second plan that illustrates the proposed character being recommended for the park improvements. Following these plans are the descriptions of proposed park improvements.

67 6 7

Legend

3 Swimming Pool Area

4

New pool house Expanded pool bathing area 28’x10’ picnic shelter with electric and water Entrance garden Vehicular drop-off 21 parking spaces on permeable pavers, including 2 accessible spaces 28 overflow parking spaces on reinforced lawn Bicycle rack Trash receptacles Flower beds along the pool fence Deciduous native trees Accessible concrete walkways with light posts

Meadow

Lawn

Riparian Buffer

Flower Gardens

Enclosed 80’x40’ shelter with kitchen and utilities Stone terraced amphitheater with stage 20’x28’ picnic shelter with electric and water 2-5 year old playground structure with swings 5-12 year old playground structure with swings Benches Open lawn area Meadows Accessible concrete walkways with light posts Accessible crushed limestone trails Bicycle rack Trash receptacles Concrete steps up to South Market Street 22 parking spaces on permeable pavers including 1 accessible space Reinforced lawn for trailer parking Deciduous native trees Rain garden to capture stormwater runoff

6 1

HO ORSESHOE RSESHOE CO OURT URT P ICNIC SH HELTER E LT E R SC CULPTURE U L PT URE ( TTYP YP .) .)

Carol

Drive

5

B ASKETBALL C OURT N EEW W P OOL H OUSE

1 Carol Drive Area

E XISTING S COUT H OUSE

6

South

P LAYGROUND AR REA EA

4

6

eet)

New Wilmington Borough Community Park - Master Plan

P ICNIC S HELTER

et Str

Illuminated crosswalk on South New Castle Street Accessible concrete walkway and steps across from crosswalk with light posts Green colored, recycled rubber basketball court Accessible crushed limestone path to the court Bicycle rack Players benches Picnic tables Trash receptacles Meadow Deciduous native trees

Mark

2 South New Castle Street Entrance

New Wilmington Borough Lawrence County, Pennsylvania

3

Meadowbrook Drive

PA Rt. 158 (South New Castle Street)

20’x28’ picnic shelter with electric and water Chess tables Horseshoe court Compacted limestone trails Interpretive / educational signs Benches Sculpture Open lawn and meadow Park sign and planting Parallel parking spaces along Carol Drive, five spaces with one accessible space Concrete sidewalk along Carol Drive Arboretum of native deciduous trees with tree species markers Trash receptacles

P ICNIC S HELTER

956 (

E NTRANCE G ARDEN

t.

PA R

2

Beechwood Road Hillside Area New 20’x14’ picnic shelter with electric and water Reading garden with flower beds and benches Crushed limestone trails Benches Meadows Sloped lawn area Three existing asphalt parking spaces

6

P ARK IGN N S IG

Playground, Scout House, and Enclosed Shelter Area

McClure Run Stream Corridor Naturalized stream channel Expanded streamside buffers Interpretive signs Accessible crushed limestone trails Two overlooks Benches

E NCLOSED S HELTER R AIN G ARDEN AMPHITHEATER

R EADING G ARDEN

5

P ICNIC S HELTER

Beechwood Road

NOTES: Base Map Information compiled from surveys of property boundaries and site features completed by Frank B. Taylor Engineering completed March 29, 2007 and September 20, 2005.

Locations of all site features and facilities are approximate. Pashek Associates makes no claims to the accuracy of utility locations or other facilities.

a

pennsylvania

corporation

MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS The Final Master Plan is described through six primary areas or outdoor rooms that comprise the park. Each area has a distinct character and scale that is defined by habitat and topography. A 10 feet wide concrete path connects the six areas of the park, acting as a spine, from South New Castle Street to South Market Street.

These areas include: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Carol Drive Area South New Castle Street Entrance Swimming Pool Area Playground, Scout House, and Enclosed Picnic Shelter Area Beechwood Road Hillside McClure Run Stream Corridor

Carol Drive Area During the planning process, the New Wilmington Borough Council suggested they may be interested in selling the Carol Drive property for residential development. The proceeds generated from the sale of the property would be used to invest in capital improvements in the main portion of the park. The steering committee discussed this possibility, and overwhelming recommends the property be retained for its open space and recreation value.

Based on input received from the residents of the neighborhood, the steering committee recommends that this portion of the park be developed in a passive manner. Passive park improvements respond to the residents’ concerns of traffic and noise.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

20’x28’ picnic shelter, accommodating up to 32 persons, and requiring six to ten parking spaces, with electric and water One or two Chess tables One horseshoe court Accessible compacted limestone trails Enhancement of existing streamside (riparian) buffer Interpretive / educational signs describing the importance of riparian buffers, meadows, and native plants Benches and rest areas approximately every three hundred feet along the trails Sculpture made by students in partnership with the High School and College Areas of open lawn and meadow Park sign and planting Pervious asphalt, parallel parking spaces along Carol Drive Concrete sidewalk along Carol Drive to provide pedestrian connection to main portion of the park Arboretum of native deciduous trees with tree species markers Two trash receptacles, one along the sidewalk, and a second associated with the sidewalk near the picnic shelter

73 7 3

We also recommend the existing volleyball court, which is improperly oriented to the sun, be removed for the Carol Drive portion of the park.

If, at some point in the future, the Borough deems it necessary to sell this portion of the park property, we recommend the Borough retain an easement to the streamside buffer corridor along McClure Run. The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association has published a Model Riparian Forest Buffer Protection Agreement that serves as an excellent point of beginning when considering the development of such as easement. This easement can be accessed at http://conserveland.org/model_ documents.

South New Castle Street Entrance We recommend an illuminated crosswalk be install perpendicularly across South New Castle Street, State Route 158. This sidewalk will provide continuity and connection between the Carol Drive side of the park, west of South New Castle Street, to the main portion of the park which is located on the east side of South New Castle Street. From the proposed sidewalk we recommend a concrete sidewalk with appropriate handrails be constructed to provide an accessible route down the slope between South New Castle Street and the existing ballfield area. This sidewalk should be no greater than five percent in running slope. This will require the sidewalk to switchback as it descends down the hill. Furthermore, the top and bottom of the slope can be connected by a concrete stairway. This is the most direct route, and would provide a direct connection for those able to negotiate the stairs.

The main vehicular entrance to the park is located along South New Castle Street, State Route 158. The existing entrance is well marked by an attractive park sign and landscaping. We recommend lining the north side of the access drive with deciduous shade trees to further define the park entrance.

The existing ballfield is proposed to be re-located to property being provided by Wilmington Township. We recommend the Borough assist Wilmington Township and the Wilmington Area Summer Youth League with the development of the new ballfield. This will provide additional green space at the entrance into New Wilmington Borough Community Park and eliminate the visual intrusion of the backstop as one arrives in the park. The existing access drive extends to a central parking area that serves the park. This is further described in the Swimming Pool Area description.

We recommend the open space that is provided by the elimination of the ballfield be maintained as mowed lawn for unstructured play. In addition we recommend a basketball court be located at the northern end of this open space. The basketball court should not be fenced, nor is it required to be. This will maintain the open space aesthetic at the park entrance. Furthermore, we recommend the basketball court surface be constructed from a recycled rubber product specifically manufactured for this use. This surface can be installed on an aggregate base, thereby eliminating the impervious asphalt surface

74 4

typically associated with a basketball court.

The following is a summary of improvements being proposed for the South New Castle Street entrance to the park: • • • • • • • •

Illuminated crosswalk on South New Castle Street, State Route 158. Given this is a state highway right-of-way, the proposed crosswalk will require coordination and permitting with PennDOT Accessible concrete walkway and steps across from crosswalk Green colored, recycled rubber basketball court Accessible crushed limestone path to the court Bike rack, players benches Picnic tables Trash receptacles Meadow Deciduous native trees

Swimming Pool Area The vehicular access road leading into the park from South Market Street leads to a centralized parking area that services multiple facilities in the park. This parking lot is considered to be the main parking area. With the elimination of the ballfield, the parking lot can be reconfigured and designed to provide additional green space while providing a biofiltration island to filter stormwater runoff. Consideration should be given to replacing the gravel / asphalt parking area with permeable pavers to further provide for infiltration of stormwater.

We recommend the green space west of the parking area be utilized for overflow parking when required.

Recent renovations to the swimming pool have been well received by Borough residents. However, those renovations did not include interior renovations to the bathhouse. The entrance to the existing bathhouse has an awkward orientation, as it faces the stream, and not the point by which pool visitors arrive at the swimming pool. Therefore, we recommend the bathhouse be re-constructed to address functional and aesthetic concerns. In addition, consideration should be given to expanding the bathhouse to include a multi-purpose room that could be rented out for community functions.

The existing fenced area which secures the swimming pool provides limited space for sunbathing and spectating. Therefore, we recommend the fence on the west side of the swimming pool be relocated approximately ten to fifteen feet west to provide additional space within the swimming pool area. Given the elimination of the ballfield, and the reconfiguration of the parking area, sufficient space will be available to make this improvement.

Currently a space for those watching and waiting is provided between the west

75 7 5

side of the fenced area and the parking lot. This area includes a swing. We recommend the spectator area be formalized by locating a picnic shelter in this location so spectators can get out of the sun while watching events in the swimming pool. Further we recommend a drinking fountain be associated with the shelter, as well as a hose bib or jug filler.

The following is a summary of improvements being proposed for the swimming pool area of the park: • • •

New pool house Expanded pool bathing area 28’x10’ picnic shelter with electric and water • Entrance garden • Vehicular drop-off • 21 parking spaces on permeable pavers • 28 overflow parking spaces on reinforced lawn • Trash receptacles • Flower beds along the pool fence • Deciduous native trees • Accessible concrete walkways • Bike rack Playground, Scout House, and Enclosed Shelter Area The existing playground is located immediately east of the swimming pool. Beyond the playground, to the east, is an existing court area, one court for basketball and tennis, and a second for roller hockey.

The play equipment components have exceeded their usefulness and, more importantly are a liability because they do not meet current playground safety standards and guidelines. Therefore, we recommend the existing playground be eliminated and that a new destination playground be constructed in its vicinity.

We recommend the existing court area be eliminated to provide adequate space for a destination playground. Within the playground we recommend a centralized picnic shelter, with a play structure for two to five year old children located to the west, and a play structure for five to twelve year old children located east of the shelter. Each play area should also include a swing set for the respective age group. Shade trees should be planted around the playground areas to provide respite from the sun.

We recommend a bike rack, and a drinking fountain be provided near the playground to meet the needs of its visitors. The drinking fountain should also have a hose bib and / or a jug filler. Compacted limestone trails should be constructed to connect this area with the concrete walkway which extends through the park.

We recommend a small parking lot, accommodating approximately twenty-two cars be constructed between the proposed playground and the base of the hill which rises towards Beechwood Road. This parking are

76 6

should also be constructed using permeable pavers or porous asphalt. The parking lot will serve the proposed playground, proposed enclosed shelter, and the Scout House, as well as provide additional parking to meet the needs of the swimming pool.

The Scout House is located north of the existing play area, with McClure Run located just to its north. The steering committee and the public have been divided on how this area should be treated in the master plan. Therefore, the three options that were discussed during the public input and in the steering committee meetings are presented herein. Further discussion is required between Borough leaders, the scouting organizations which serve the Borough, and other interested citizens of the community to determine the vision for this portion of the park.

The first option for the area of Scout House, proposes that the Scout House remain within the park. Currently the Scout House lacks architectural integrity, definition of use, and arrival to it. An accessible walkway and aesthetic improvements helps to incorporate the house within the overall character of the park. Improvements to the house such as the addition of a craftsman style porch gives it a defining characteristic that makes a statement within the park. Furthermore, a porch can be functional as well as aesthetic. It can provide a sheltered outdoor classroom space for scouting activities.

The second option is to provide dedicated space in the enclosed shelter for scouting activities. This would expand the enclosed shelter concept to become more of a recreation / community center. The space for scouting activities needs to be secure and limited to scout use. Further, the space would need to include ample storage for scouting gear that is currently provided in the Scout House.

77 7 7

The third option is to eliminate the Scout House and its associated activities from the park, and move them to another space within the Borough.

The advantage of leaving the Scout House is that there is less cost associated with its relocation.

However, there is no opportunity to increase the stream side buffer in the vicinity of the Scout House and it occupies space that could be used for an expanded playground.

Through this master planning effort, the Steering Committee’s consensus is to retain the Scout House in it’s current location.

We recommend the existing screened shelter be re-constructed as an enclosed shelter with kitchenette and flush restroom facilities available for year round use. This shelter is approximately 80’ x 40’ in size, and accommodates approximately 150 persons. This shelter meets the needs of community organizations who frequently hold events and picnics in the park. Adjacent to the shelter we propose a reinforced turf area. This area meets the needs of special events held in the park. As an example, an annual chicken roast is held in the park where a trailer containing grills is used for the roast.

South of the proposed enclosed shelter we recommend an amphitheater be constructed to host outdoor events such as movies and concerts in the park. A stone and grass terraced amphitheater fits in with the character of the Park The following is a summary of improvements being proposed for the Playground, Scout House, and Enclosed Shelter Area of the park: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Enclosed 80’x40’ shelter with kitchen and utilities Stone terraced amphitheater with stage 20’x28’ picnic shelter with electric and water 2-5 year old playground structure with swings 5-12 year old playground structure with swings Benches Open lawn area Meadows Accessible concrete walkways Trash receptacles New concrete steps up to South Market Street 22 parking spaces on permeable pavers Reinforced lawn for trailer parking Deciduous native trees Rain garden to capture stormwater runoff

Beechwood Road Hillside Area This area provides interesting topography, opportunities for walkways and benches and contemplative reading areas, along with views of the rest of the Park. We recommend the existing shelter which is accessed by a driveway from South Market Street, State Route 956, be re-constructed to keep in

78 8

theme with the aesthetics being recommended for the park. Compacted limestone trails are proposed to weave through this sloped area and provide access to the proposed reading garden. We recommend meadow areas be established on the hillside to reduce the maintenance requirements of areas which are currently mowed lawn. We recommend the existing access road which extends from the park to Beechwood Road be retained as a secondary point of egress from the park.

The following is a summary of improvements being proposed for the Beechwood Road Hillside Area of the park: • • • • • • •

New 20’x14’ picnic shelter with electric and water Reading garden with flower beds and benches Crushed limestone trails Benches Meadows Sloped lawn area Three existing asphalt parking spaces

McClure Run Stream Corridor Westminster College has successfully demonstrated how a channelized stream corridor is reconstructed and proper vegetative buffers along the streamside. This allows the stream to provide essential functions of stormwater management and flood control along with increasing the quality of the habitat, and providing a biological filter to clean water as it migrates to the stream. We recommend extending these practices through the park. Not only does it provide the opportunity to address those functions, but it also provides the opportunity to educate those who visit the park about the significance and role of streams and their associated streamside buffers in the environment.

Naturalizing a stream involves regrading and planting the banks to reduce erosion, and provide stormwater overflow areas. Expanded streamside buffers are planted with native species to provide erosion control, provide habitat, and increase water quality.

Furthermore, the McClure Run corridor provides an opportunity to extend a walking trail, constructed on compacted limestone, around the northern perimeter of the park. This trail along with other trails proposed herein, provides an opportunity to walk around the entire perimeter of the park. This feature is often the most requested park improvement when a recreation needs survey is conducted.

79 7 9

The following is a summary of improvements being proposed for the McClure Run Stream Corridor through the park: • Naturalized stream channel • Expanded streamside buffers • Interpretive signs describing the importance of riparian buffers, meadows, and native plants • Accessible trails • Two overlooks with crushed limestone surfacing and boulder edges • Benches Overall Park Improvements There are several recommendations related to the proposed park improvements that are over arching, meaning, they are not related to one specific activity of facility, but should be employed throughout

80 0

the process of making improvements to the park. These include: •

Install Consistent Light Fixtures We recommend the existing mixed-matched lighting fixtures be removed and new pedestrian scaled LED light posts and fixtures be installed along the main path that connects South Market Street to South New Castle Street.

•

Plan for Potential Trail Connections As mentioned in Chapter 1, the previously planned Neshannock Rail-Trail follows an abandoned railroad alignment from New Castle to Volant, with a spur connection to New Wilmington. Ownership issues have prevented completion of demonstration segments of the trail within the City of New Castle. Once these issues are resolved, a portion of the trail may be completed under ownership by Alduk Neshannock Trail: a Pennsylvania NonProfit organization. Approximately 75% of this 12.5 mile stretch of trail is currently open or maintained in some manner. Since the trail comes within close proximity to the Community Park, we recommend the Borough plan for future trail connections to the Park.

•

Minimize Impervious Surface Area The master plan recommends that impervious surface area be kept to a minimum

81 8 1

throughout the remainder of the park to reduce stormwater runoff and initial costs. Parking areas should not be paved with asphalt unless absolutely necessary. Aggregate paving or porous pavers, if constructed correctly, allows some of the stormwater to infiltrate into the soils below, and therefore reduces the volume of stormwater that needs to be managed.

Accessible parking spaces, although typically asphalt, can be provided within aggregate lots by compacting aggregate fines into the pavement cross-section in the accessible parking spaces and by providing clear signage denoting the accessible spaces.

•

Use Porous Asphalt Paving In the event that asphalt must be used, the Borough should consider porous asphalt paving as an alternative to standard impermeable asphalt. This paving material performs like standard asphalt yet allows water to percolate into the ground below. Porous asphalt is a highly effective paving material for areas that receive light vehicular traffic. For more information, visit http://www.mtsd.org/asburywoods/. Additional information on permeable (porous) paving is included in the appendices of this report.

Porous paving requires a small amount of extra maintenance. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations, permeable paving installations should account for 25% clogging of pore space within the paving annually. Cleaning the pavement will require annual or biannual vacuum sweeping and power washing.

Access isles, service drives, and other areas that will receive heavy traffic, and many turning movements are nor suited for porous asphalt. In these instances traditional bituminous paving is used and the parking areas beyond these areas are paved with the porous material.

•

Employ Innovative Stormwater Management Techniques The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulates the management of stormwater volumes and water quality, through Chapters 105, 102, and 93 of the Pennsylvania Code, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting requirements. These regulations require any land development to limit post construction increases in stormwater runoff to predevelopment rates, to implement best management practices to temporarily control erosion and sedimentation, and protect water quality during construction, and to permanently control and protect water quality during the life of the constructed project.

We recommend the Borough implement innovative stormwater management techniques rather than a conventional system of piping, inlets, and a potential underground detention. Below are best management practices recommended by the master plan for consideration by the Borough in park development.

•

Rain Gardens / Bio-infiltration Swales Parking on the park site should include traffic islands containing rain gardens, or bioinfiltration swales. Rain gardens are shallow planted swales that help to retain, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff into the underlying soil rather than channeling it into piping

82 2

systems. The master plan recommends the use of rain gardens / bio-infiltration swales in park development. Observation of site soil permeability performed during the site inventory and analysis phase of the master plan indicated that the site’s soils exhibit good drainage / permeability. Thus, infiltration of stormwater may be feasible.

Further testing may be necessary for verification.

Rain gardens / bio-infiltration swales should be considered in the parking traffic islands, as well as areas down-slope of proposed park development.

University of Connecticut researchers found that over a 2-year period, rain gardens remove up to 99% of toxins from stormwater runoff containing fertilizers, oils, and particulates. The researchers’ findings were published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology and mentioned at http://www.landscapeonline.com/research/article/6490.

Design and maintenance of rain gardens / bio-infiltration swales may include the following steps: 1. Use bark mulch (not inorganic mulches such as rock) and completely replace every third year, and renew every year. New mulch maintains essential levels of bacteria and microflora). Use coarsely shredded bark mulch to reduce blowing or washing away during rain events (clogging inlet / underdrain).

2. Check underdrain, and inlet periodically to remove debris, mulch, etc., ensuring it is not clogged or blocked. Evidence of this includes excessive ponding in small rain events, or water doesn’t drain 2-4” per hour.

3. Replace constructed soils and mature woody plants possibly every 5 – 10 years (when soil is over-concentrated with chemicals, and plants can no longer absorb / transform contaminants). Plant health may be an indicator of over-contaminated soils.

83 8 3

OPINION OF PROBABLE CONSTRUCTION COSTS An opinion of probable construction cost was developed for the improvements to New Wilmington Borough Community Park as recommended in this master plan. These costs was based on the assumption that the implementation of the facilities will occur through a public bidding process, utilizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2009 Prevailing Wage Rates. To budget for inflation of costs for future improvements, we recommend a four and one-half percent (4.5%) annual increase be budgeted for all work occurring after 2009.

In Pennsylvania, all projects over $25,000 are required to use the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prevailing Wage Rates for Construction. However, volunteer labor, as well as in-kind services, donated equipment and materials, may reduce construction costs. The Borough may choose to construct some of the facilities using in-kind services, volunteer services and/or donated labor or materials. It is anticipated that this would also reduce the projected construction costs. Additionally, alternate sources of funding, including grant opportunities identified herein, may help to offset the expense to the Borough.

Based on these requirements, the estimate of probable construction costs to implement all of the improvements being proposed at New Wilmington Borough Community Park is projected to be approximately $2,600,000. These costs are summarized in the Opinion of Probable Construction Costs tables on the following pages.

84 4

New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan MASTER PLAN - Opinion of Probable Construction Costs - March 25, 2009 Item 1

Item / Recommendation Carol Drive Area Clearing and Grubbing

0.1

AC

Earthwork Remove Existing Curb (along Carol Drive) Pervious Asphalt Paving (parallel street parking) Concrete Curb (along parallel parking) Concrete Sidewalk (Carol Drive) Illuminated Crosswalk

190 120 110 130 225 1

Total Item Cost

CY LF SY LF SY LS

$1,375 $10 $5 $40 $50 $110 $40,000

$150,892 $138 $1,900 $600 $4,400 $6,500 $24,750 $40,000

1

LS

$40,000

$40,000

Horseshoe Court Chess tables Interpretive Signs Trash Receptacles Park Sign and Planting Regulatory Signs Meadows (including site prep) Deciduous Native Shade Trees (2” caliper, Ball & Burlap)

1 1 3 2 1 1 0.6 16

LS EA EA EA EA EA AC EA

$2,500 $2,500 $1,600 $1,000 $10,000 $250 $2,250 $500

$2,500 $2,500 $4,800 $2,000 $10,000 $250 $1,350 $8,000

Tree Identification Markers Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas) South New Castle Street Entrance

20 0.1

EA AC

$50 $2,041

$1,000 $204 $81,154

Clearing and Grubbing Earthwork Remove Backstop and Batting Cages Chain-link Fence (12’ height on either end of the court) Recycled Rubber Base Basketball Goals (including rim, backboard, and support) Players Bench (6’ long, no backrests) Trash Receptacles Crushed Limestone Path (5’ wide) Meadows (including site prep) Deciduous Native Shade Trees (2” caliper, Ball & Burlap) Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas)

0.2 310 1 110 635 2 1 1 50 0.3 4 0.1

AC CY LS LF SY EA EA EA SY AC EA AC

$1,375 $10 $1,500 $75 $90 $2,500 $1,000 $1,000 $20 $2,250 $500 $2,041

$275 $3,100 $1,500 $8,250 $57,150 $5,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $675 $2,000 $204

Picnic Shelter (20’x28’, with concrete pad, electric, and water)

2

Quantity Unit Unit Cost

85 8 5

3

Swimming Pool Area Clearing and Grubbing Earthwork Remove Existing Asphalt

AC CY SY

$1,375 $10 $3

$275 $15,000 $7,266

Remove Existing Bath House (including adjacent walks and swing)

1

LS

$10,000

$10,000

Relocate Existing Pool Fencing Additional Pool Fencing (6’ high chain link) Asphalt Paving (park road connection) Pervious Pavers (parking) Line Striping Concrete Curb (where main path and asphalt meet) Concrete Sidewalk (to pool house and shelter) New Pool House Picnic Shelter (28’x10’ with concrete pad, electric and water) Trash Receptacles Regulatory Signs

80 30 380 12780 1 380 70 1 1 1 3

LF LF SY SF LS LF SY LS LS EA EA

$50 $50 $35 $10 $700 $50 $110 $350,000 $30,000 $1,000 $250

$4,000 $1,500 $13,300 $127,800 $700 $19,000 $7,700 $350,000 $30,000 $1,000 $750

750

SY

$22

$16,500

1 12 0.3

LS EA AC

$6,000 $500 $2,041

$6,000 $6,000 $612 $719,185

Clearing and Grubbing Remove Existing Play Equipment Remove Existing Court Area (including fencing) Earthwork Pervious Pavers (parking) Line Striping Enclosed Shelter (30’x60’, electric, water, kitchen) Amphitheater (open stage, stone terraces, and utilities)

0.8 1 1 2000 6000 1 1 1

AC LS LS CY SF EA LS LS

$1,375 $3,000 $6,000 $10 $10 $1,000 $270,000 $150,000

$1,100 $3,000 $6,000 $20,000 $60,000 $1,000 $270,000 $150,000

Picnic Shelter (20’x28’, with concrete pad, electric, and water)

1

LS

$40,000

$40,000

1

EA

$1,500

$1,500

1

LS

$145,884

$145,884

4 1

EA EA

$1,000 $250

$4,000 $250

Reinforced Lawn for Trailer Parking by Enclosed Shelter (gravel subbase)

90

SY

$22

$1,980

Meadows (including site prep) Rain Garden Deciduous Native Shade Trees (2” caliper, Ball & Burlap) Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas)

0.2 1 16 0.5

AC LS EA AC

$2,250 $5,000 $500 $2,041

$450 $5,000 $8,000 $1,021

Reinforced Lawn for Overflow Parking and Pool Access (gravel subbase)

4

Entrance Garden and Flower Beds Deciduous Native Shade Trees (2” caliper, Ball & Burlap) Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas) Playground, Enclosed Shelter, and Scout House Area

Picnic Table Playground (2-5 and 5-12 structures with swings and safety surface) Trash Receptacles Regulatory Signs

86 6

$617,403 0.2 1500 2422

5

Hillside Area

6

Clearing and Grubbing Earthwork Remove Excess Asphalt Pavement Picnic Shelter (20’x14’, with concrete pad, electric and water) Trash Receptacles Reading Garden (limestone path, benches, and flower beds) Meadows (including site prep) Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas) Riparian Area and Trails

Carol Drive Side Earthwork (trail) Crushed Limestone Trail (5’ wide) Benches

$39,950 1 235 75 1 1 1 0.3 1

LS CY SY LS EA LS AC LS

$500 $10 $3 $20,000 $1,000 $15,000 $2,250 $200

$500 $2,350 $225 $20,000 $1,000 $15,000 $675 $200 $333,700

400 750 4

CY SY EA

$10 $20 $1,500

$4,000 $15,000 $6,000

Sculpture (discuss partnerships with the High School and College) Remove Invasive Species Riparian Buffer Restoration

0.6 1.0

AC LS

$2,000 $20,000

$1,200 $20,000

670 1 1

CY LS LS

$10 $10,000 $25,000

$6,700 $10,000 $25,000

Concrete Sidewalk (8’ path from S Market to S New Castle Streets)

1120

SY

$110

$123,200

Concrete Sidewalk (6’ path to playground and amphitheater) Crushed Limestone Trail (5’ wide) Benches Overlooks (crushed limestone with boulder edge) Remove Invasive Species Riparian Buffer Restoration

300 920 8 2 1.1 1.0

SY SY EA EA AC LS

$110 $20 $1,500 $3,500 $2,000 $50,000

$33,000 $18,400 $12,000 $7,000 $2,200 $50,000

Main Park Side Earthwork (trail) Steps at South New Castle Street (concrete) Steps at South Market Street (concrete)

7

Other Improvements Remove Mix-matched Light Posts

Matching Light Posts (with LED lights) SUBTOTALS Permitting Mobilization Stake-Out Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures Professional Services (Design and Engineering Fees) Construction Contingency TOTAL

$-

$106,000 1

EA

$1,000

$1,000

14

EA

$7,500

3 4 3 4 10 10

% % % % % %

$2,048,284 $2,048,284 $2,048,284 $2,048,284 $2,048,284 $2,048,284

$105,000 $2,048,284 $61,449 $81,931 $61,449 $81,931 $204,828 $204,828 $2,744,700

87 8 7

4

Playground, and Community Building Area Option 2 Clearing and Grubbing Remove Scout House Remove Existing Play Equipment Remove Existing Court Area (including fencing) Earthwork Asphalt Paving (parking) Line Striping Community Building (40’x80’, two story, electric, water, kitchen, dedicated scout space)

AC LS LS LS CY SY EA

$1,375 $10,000 $3,000 $6,000 $10 $35 $1,000

$1,100 $10,000 $3,000 $6,000 $20,000 $26,950 $1,000

1

LS

$800,000

$800,000

Amphitheater (open stage, stone terraces, and utilities)

1

LS

$150,000

$150,000

Picnic Shelter (20’x28’, with concrete pad, electric, and water)

1

LS

$40,000

$40,000

1

EA

$1,500

$1,500

1

LS

$145,884

$145,884

1 4 1

EA EA EA

$2,500 $1,000 $250

$2,500 $4,000 $250

90

SY

$22

$1,980

0.2 1 16 0.6

AC LS EA AC

$2,250 $5,000 $500 $2,041

3 4 3 4 10 10

% % % % % %

$2,557,938 $2,557,938 $2,557,938 $2,557,938 $2,557,938 $2,557,938

$450 $5,000 $8,000 $1,225 $2,557,938 $76,738 $102,318 $76,738 $102,318 $255,794 $255,794 $3,427,636

Picnic Table Playground (2-5 and 5-12 structures with swings and safety surface) Horseshoe Court Trash Receptacles Regulatory Signs Reinforced Lawn for Trailer Parking by Enclosed Shelter (gravel subbase) Meadows (including site prep) Rain Garden Deciduous Native Shade Trees (2” caliper, Ball & Burlap) Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas) SUBTOTALS With Option 2 Permitting Mobilization Stake-Out Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures Professional Services (Design and Engineering Fees) Construction Contingency TOTAL With Option 2

88 8

$1,228,839 0.8 1 1 1 2000 770 1

PHASING PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS Ideally, New Wilmington Borough would construct the park in one phase, minimizing construction activities, disruptions, and realizing â&#x20AC;&#x153;economies of scaleâ&#x20AC;? savings. However, few communities can afford to proceed in this manner and find it more appropriate to phase construction of improvements over a period of time.

We recommend the improvements to the New Wilmington Borough Community Park be constructed in a series of logical phases. Depending on the Boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial situation, and the success of grant writing efforts, this phasing plan may be expedited, or lengthened, depending on the financial capabilities of the Borough.

Given the financial capacity of the Borough, and taking into consideration grant opportunities and availability, we have outlined five phases of improvements within the park. Improvements not included in these initial phases are considered lower priorities, and will be re-visited upon completion of the work described herein.

The seven phases recommended with the concensus of the steering committee are described on the following pages.

89 8 9

Phase I - $256,214 Phase I includes removing the existing play equipment and constructing a new playground.

New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan PHASE I - Opinion of Probable Construction Costs - March 25, 2009 Item

Item / Recommendation

Quantity Unit Unit Cost

Total Item Cost

Playground 0.8 1 1 2000 1

AC LS LS CY EA

$1,375 $3,000 $6,000 $10 $1,500

$1,100 $3,000 $6,000 $20,000 $1,500

1

LS

$145,884

$145,884

4 1 0.2 16 0.5

EA EA AC EA AC

$1,000 $250 $2,250 $500 $2,041

$4,000 $250 $450 $8,000 $1,021 $191,205

Permitting

3

%

$191,205

$5,736

Mobilization

4

%

$191,205

$7,648

Stake-Out

3

%

$191,205

$5,736

Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures

4

%

$191,205

$7,648

Professional Services (Design and Engineering Fees)

10

%

$191,205

$19,120

Construction Contingency

10

%

$191,205

$19,120 $256,214

Clearing and Grubbing Remove Existing Play Equipment Remove Existing Court Area (including fencing) Earthwork Picnic Table Playground (2-5 and 5-12 structures with swings and safety surface) Trash Receptacles Regulatory Signs Meadows (including site prep) Deciduous Native Shade Trees (2â&#x20AC;? caliper, Ball & Burlap) Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas) Subtotal

TOTAL

90 0

Phase II - $429,274 Phase II includes improvements to the South New Castle Road Entrance, including, removal of the existing ballfield, construction of the proposed bastketball court, construction of concrete sidewalk from South Market Street to the park, installation of pedestrian scaled LED light poles and fixtures, planting of shade trees, and lawn restoration.

New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan PHASE II - Opinion of Probable Construction Costs - March 25, 2009 Item

Item / Recommendation

Quantity Unit Unit Cost

Total Item Cost

South New Castle Street Entrance Clearing and Grubbing

CY LS LF SY EA EA EA SY AC EA AC

$275 $3,100 $1,500 $8,250 $57,150 $5,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $675 $2,000 $204

1

EA

$1,000

$1,000

1

LS

$10,000

$10,000

1120

SY

$110

$123,200

14

EA

$7,500

$105,000

Remove Mix-matched Light Posts Steps at South New Castle Street (concrete)

Earthwork Remove Backstop and Batting Cages Chain-link Fence (12’ height on either end of the court) Recycled Rubber Base Basketball Goals (including rim, backboard, and support) Players Bench (6’ long, no backrests) Trash Receptacles Crushed Limestone Path (5’ wide) Meadows (including site prep) Deciduous Native Shade Trees (2” caliper, Ball & Burlap) Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas)

Concrete Sidewalk (8’ path from S Market to S New Castle Streets) Matching Light Posts (with LED lights)

AC

$1,375 $10 $1,500 $75 $90 $2,500 $1,000 $1,000 $20 $2,250 $500 $2,041

0.2 310 1 110 635 2 1 1 50 0.3 4 0.1

Subtotal

TOTAL

$320,354

Permitting

3

%

$320,354

$9,611

Mobilization

4

%

$320,354

$12,814

Stake-Out

3

%

$320,354

$9,611

Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures

4

%

$320,354

$12,814

Professional Services (Design and Engineering Fees) Construction Contingency

10 10

% %

$320,354 $320,354

$32,035 $32,035 $429,274

91 9 1

Phase III - $826,952 Phase III includes improvements related to the Swimming Pool Area of the park. Recommended improvements include: demolition and re-construction of the swimming pool bathhouse, relocation of swimming pool fence to expand interior area, picnic shelter for spectators, re-construction of swimming pool parking area to include permeable pavers / porous asphalt, planting of shade trees, and lwan restoration.

New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan PHASE III - Opinion of Probable Construction Costs - March 25, 2009 Item

Item / Recommendation

Quantity Unit Unit Cost

Total Item Cost

Swimming Pool Area Clearing and Grubbing

0.2 1500 2422

AC CY SY

$1,375 $10 $3

$275 $15,000 $7,266

1

LS

$10,000

$10,000

80 30 380 12780 1 380

LF LF SY SF LS LF

$50 $50 $35 $10 $700 $50

$4,000 $1,500 $13,300 $127,800 $700 $19,000

Concrete Sidewalk (to pool house and shelter)

70

SY

$110

$7,700

New Pool House Picnic Shelter (28’x10’ with concrete pad, electric and water)

1 1

LS LS

$350,000 $30,000

$350,000 $30,000

Trash Receptacles

1

EA

$1,000

$1,000

Regulatory Signs

3

EA

$250

$750

750

SY

$22

$16,500

1 12 0.3

LS EA AC

$6,000 $500 $2,041

$6,000 $6,000 $612 $617,128

Permitting

3

%

$617,128

$18,514

Mobilization

4

%

$617,128

$24,685

Stake-Out

3

%

$617,128

$18,514

Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures

4

%

$617,128

$24,685

Professional Services (Design and Engineering Fees) Construction Contingency

10 10

% %

$617,128 $617,128

$61,713 $61,713 $826,952

Earthwork Remove Existing Asphalt Remove Existing Bath House (including adjacent walks and swing) Relocate Existing Pool Fencing Additional Pool Fencing (6’ high chain link) Asphalt Paving (park road connection) Pervious Pavers (parking) Line Striping Concrete Curb (where main path and asphalt meet)

Reinforced Lawn for Overflow Parking and Pool Access (gravel subbase) Entrance Garden and Flower Beds Deciduous Native Shade Trees (2” caliper, Ball & Burlap) Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas) Subtotal

TOTAL

92 2

Phase IV - $710,983 Phase IV improvements are related to the Enclosed Shelter Area of the park. Recommended improvements include: construction of enclosed shelter with kitchenette and restrooms, construction of reinforced lawn adjacent to enclosed shelter, construction of rain garden, construction of amphitheater, construction of picnic shelter, planting of shade trees, and lawn renovation.

New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan PHASE IV - Opinion of Probable Construction Costs - March 25, 2009 Item

Item / Recommendation

Quantity Unit Unit Cost

Total Item Cost

Enclosed Shelter Clearing and Grubbing

0.8

AC

Pervious Pavers (parking) Line Striping Enclosed Shelter (30’x60’, electric, water, kitchen) Amphitheater (open stage, stone terraces, and utilities)

6000 1 1 1

Picnic Shelter (20’x28’, with concrete pad, electric, and water) Reinforced Lawn for Trailer Parking by Enclosed Shelter (gravel subbase)

SF EA LS LS

$1,375 $10 $1,000 $270,000 $150,000

$1,100 $60,000 $1,000 $270,000 $150,000

1

LS

$40,000

$40,000

90

SY

$22

$1,980

0.2 1 0.5

AC LS AC

$2,250 $5,000 $2,041

$450 $5,000 $1,021 $530,551

Permitting

3

%

$530,551

$15,917

Mobilization

4

%

$530,551

$21,222

Stake-Out

3

%

$530,551

$15,917

Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures

4

%

$530,551

$21,222

Professional Services (Design and Engineering Fees) Construction Contingency

10 10

% %

$530,551 $530,551

$53,055 $53,055 $710,938

Meadows (including site prep) Rain Garden Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas) Subtotal

TOTAL

93 9 3

Phase V - $447,158 Phase V improvements include the McClure Run Streamside and Trail Improvements.

New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan PHASE V - Opinion of Probable Construction Costs - March 25, 2009 Item

Item / Recommendation

Quantity Unit Unit Cost

Total Item Cost

McClure Run Streamside Area and Trails Carol Drive Side Earthwork (trail) Crushed Limestone Trail (5’ wide) Benches

400 750 4

CY SY EA

$10 $20 $1,500

Sculpture (discuss partnerships with the High School and College) Remove Invasive Species Riparian Buffer Restoration Main Park Side Earthwork (trail) Steps at South New Castle Street (concrete) Steps at South Market Street (concrete)

$0.6 1.0

AC LS

$2,000 $20,000

$1,200 $20,000

670 1 1

CY LS LS

$10 $10,000 $25,000

$6,700 $10,000 $25,000

Concrete Sidewalk (8’ path from S Market to S New Castle Streets)

1120

SY

$110

$123,200

Concrete Sidewalk (6’ path to playground and amphitheater) Crushed Limestone Trail (5’ wide) Benches

300 920 8

SY SY EA

$110 $20 $1,500

$33,000 $18,400 $12,000

2

EA

$3,500

$7,000

Remove Invasive Species

1.1

AC

$2,000

$2,200

Riparian Buffer Restoration

1.0

LS

$50,000

$50,000

Overlooks (crushed limestone with boulder edge)

Subtotal

TOTAL

94 4

$4,000 $15,000 $6,000

$333,700

Permitting

3

%

$333,700

$10,011

Mobilization

4

%

$333,700

$13,348

Stake-Out

3

%

$333,700

$10,011

Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures

4

%

$333,700

$13,348

Professional Services (Design and Engineering Fees) Construction Contingency

10 10

% %

$333,700 $333,700

$33,370 $33,370 $447,158

Phase VI - $53,533 Phase VI includes the improvements to the Beechwood Road Hillside Area, including, construction of picnic shelter, reading garden, meadows, and lawn renovation.

New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan PHASE VI - Opinion of Probable Construction Costs - March 25, 2009 Item

Item / Recommendation

Quantity Unit Unit Cost

Total Item Cost

Beechwood Road Hillside Area 1 235 75 1 1 1 0.3 1

LS CY SY LS EA LS AC LS

$500 $10 $3 $20,000 $1,000 $15,000 $2,250 $200

$500 $2,350 $225 $20,000 $1,000 $15,000 $675 $200 $39,950

Permitting

3

%

$39,950

$1,199

Mobilization

4

%

$39,950

$1,598

Stake-Out

3

%

$39,950

$1,199

Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures

4

%

$39,950

$1,598

Professional Services (Design and Engineering Fees) Construction Contingency

10 10

% %

$39,950 $39,950

$3,995 $3,995 $53,533

Clearing and Grubbing Earthwork Remove Excess Asphalt Pavement Picnic Shelter (20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x14â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, with concrete pad, electric and water) Trash Receptacles Reading Garden (limestone path, benches, and flower beds) Meadows (including site prep) Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas) Subtotal

TOTAL

95 9 5

Phase VII - $202,195 Phase VII includes the Carol Drive Improvements, including, construction parallel parking, concrete sidewalk along Carol Drive, construct illuminated crosswalk perpendicular to South New Castle Street, construction of picnic shelter, compacted limestone walking trails, and shade tree plantings.

New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan PHASE VII - Opinion of Probable Construction Costs - March 25, 2009 Item

Item / Recommendation

Quantity Unit Unit Cost

Total Item Cost

Carol Drive Area Overall

0.1

AC

Earthwork Remove Existing Curb (along Carol Drive) Pervious Asphalt Paving (parallel street parking) Concrete Curb (along parallel parking)

190 120 110 130

Concrete Sidewalk (Carol Drive) Illuminated Crosswalk

CY LF SY LF

$1,375 $10 $5 $40 $50

$138 $1,900 $600 $4,400 $6,500

225 1

SY LS

$110 $40,000

$24,750 $40,000

1

LS

$40,000

$40,000

1 1 3 2 1 1 0.6 16 20 0.1

LS EA EA EA EA EA AC EA EA AC

$2,500 $2,500 $1,600 $1,000 $10,000 $250 $2,250 $500 $50 $2,041

$2,500 $2,500 $4,800 $2,000 $10,000 $250 $1,350 $8,000 $1,000 $204 $150,892

Permitting

3

%

$150,892

$4,527

Mobilization

4

%

$150,892

$6,036

Stake-Out

3

%

$150,892

$4,527

Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures

4

%

$150,892

$6,036

Professional Services (Design and Engineering Fees) Construction Contingency

10 10

% %

$150,892 $150,892

$15,089 $15,089 $202,195

Picnic Shelter (20’x28’, with concrete pad, electric, and water) Horseshoe Court Chess tables Interpretive Signs Trash Receptacles Park Sign and Planting Regulatory Signs Meadows (including site prep) Deciduous Native Shade Trees (2” caliper, Ball & Burlap) Tree Identification Markers Lawn Seeding (all disturbed areas) Subtotal

TOTAL

96 6

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES Many agencies provide grants to assist in providing financial resources to implement design and construction of facilities similar to those proposed for the New Wilmington Borough Community Park. Some offer grants to implement educational programs in concert with these facilities. Still others support the planning and implementation of projects with preserve habitat. Assistance can also take the form of technical help, information exchange, and training.

Submission of a thorough application may result in award of monies, given the competition for grant funding. Strategies for improving the chances of receiving a grant include: •

Being well-prepared by knowing the funding agency (contact persons, addresses, phone numbers); ensuring your agency or municipality (if submitting on your behalf) and the project are eligible; and submitting a complete and accurate application ahead of the deadline.

•

Clearly indicate the funding agency’s vision and plans in the application, to portray where your project fits their goals. Describe how matching funds such as private contributions, and other grants will leverage the funding. Describe how maintenance of the site will be accomplished, to help justify the request for the grant. Show past successes within the Borough such as how past recreation projects were funded and built, and how this project impacts those successes.

•

Contacting the funding agencies by personally meeting with them to show your commitment to the project.

Based on the potential funding sources for the project, we recommend the Borough pursue, at a minimum, the following grant opportunities: •

Community Conservation Partnerships Programs Agency: Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Program Goals: To develop and sustain partnerships with communities, non-profits and other organizations for recreation and conservation projects and purposes. The Bureau of Recreation and Conservation is responsible for fostering, facilitating and nurturing the great majority of these partnerships through technical assistance and grant funding from the Community Conservation Partnerships Programs.

Program Restrictions: See DCNR grant application manual for the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, as program restrictions vary by type.

Use of Funds: Planning and Technical Assistance; Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plans; Conservation Plans; County Natural Area Inventories; Feasibility Studies; Greenways and Trails Plans; Rails-to-Trails Plans; Master Site Plans; River Conservation Plans; Education and Training; Peer-to-Peer; Circuit Rider; Acquisition Projects; Park and Recreation Areas; Greenways, Trails and Rivers Conservation; Rails-toTrails; Natural and Critical Habitat Areas; Development Projects; Park and Recreation Areas; Park Rehabilitation and Development; Small Community Development; Greenways and Trails; Rails-to-Trails; Rivers Conservation; Federally Funded Projects; Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Projects; Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Address: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and

99 9 9

Conservation, Southwest Regional Field Office, 1405 State Office Building, 300 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Phone: 412-565-7803 Web Site: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us

10 100 00

•

Single Application Grants Agency: Pennsylvania Center for Local Government Services, Department of Community and Economic Development Program Goals: Through one application form, applicants can apply for financial assistance from the Department’s various funding sources.

Program Restrictions: Applications can be submitted to request 100% of funding for the proposed project. However, applications that can show some match in the form of dollars or services are more likely to be successfully awarded. Funds are allocated to this program annually and are distributed quarterly. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Use of Funds or Support: This program funds a wide variety of municipal projects, including recreational facility improvements and development.

Contact: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 325 Forum Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120 Phone: 717-787-8169 or 1-888-223-6837 Website: http://www.inventpa.com

•

Hometown Streets / Pennsylvania Safe Routes to Schools Program (SRTS) Agency: Hometown Streets / Safe Routes to Schools is a Federal program administered in Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Program Goals: This program seeks to enable and encourage children in kindergarten through eighth grades (K-8) to walk or bicycle to school, thereby promoting increased physical activity.

Program Requirements: • This is not a grant program • This is a federal cost reimbursement program; no funding is provided upfront • Projects are 100% federally-funded and do not require a local match • All projects phases are eligible for funding, but only after the project has been approved by PennDOT and the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) • All Federal Aid Highway (NEPA, competitive bidding, Davis Bacon prevailing wage rates, etc.) requirements must be followed Use of Funds: Eligible projects generally include physical improvements that enhance student safety and/or promote walking and bicycling to school. Eligible projects would include (but are not limited to) sidewalks, crossing improvements, traffic calming measures, signs, signals, bike storage facilities, and other similar features.

Contact: PA Safe Routes to School Coordinator, PennDOT Program Center Phone: 717-787-8065

Website: www.dot.state.pa.us •

Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA21) Agency: TEA21 / ISTEA Program Goals: The primary source of federal funding for greenways and trails is through the Transportation Equity Act of 1998 (TEA21), formerly the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). ISTEA provided millions of dollars in funding for bicycle and pedestrian transportation projects across the country and will provide millions more as TEA21. There are many sections of TEA21 that support the development of bicycle and pedestrian corridors. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) can utilize funding from any of these subsets of TEA21 and should be contacted for further details.

Use of Funds or Support: Safety and Transportation Enhancements Contact: Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Phone: (412) 391-5590 Website: (Federal Highway Administration) http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21/

•

Community Development Block Grants Agency: US Dept. Of Housing and Urban Development Program Goals: To provide a flexible source of annual grant funds for local governments nationwide C funds that they, with the participation of local citizens, can devote to the activities that best serve their own particular development priorities, provided that these projects wither (1) benefit low and moderate income person; (2) prevent or eliminate slums or blight; or (3) meet other urgent community development needs.

Program Restrictions: Low and moderate income persons (generally defined as members of a family earning no more than 80 percent of the area median income) benefit mostly directly and most often from CDBG funded activities. Grantees must use at least 70 percent of CDBG funds for activities that principally benefit low and moderate income persons.

Use of Funds or Support: Building public facilities and improvements, such as streets, sidewalks, sewers, water systems, community and senior citizen centers and recreational facilities. There are other possible uses of funds that do not relate to parks and recreation.

Address: Debbie Hennon. Lawrence County Social Services, 241 West Grant Street, New Castle, PA 16103 Phone: 724-658-7258 Email: dhennon@lawcss.org

•

Community Improvement Grants Agency: Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry Department Program Goals: Focus is to support greening partnerships linking grassroots organizations, local community groups and natural resource experts in support of community resource management and natural resource.

Use of Funds or Support: Encourages partnerships with and between diverse organizations and groups. Supports local improvement projects, tree planting projects in parks, greenbelts, schools, and community public spaces.

Address: Mark Remcheck, Washington County Cooperative Extension Office, Room 601, Courthouse Square, Washington, PA 15301

10 1 101 01

Phone: 412-228-6881, 412-228-6939 - Fax Web Site: N/A

10 102 02

•

Environmental Education Grants Program Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Program Goals: The Environmental Education Act of 1993 sets aside 5% of the pollution fines and penalties collected each year to stimulate environmental education in Pennsylvania.

The goal is to develop new environmental education programs or improve the quality of existing programs.

Program Restrictions: This is a reimbursement program. Awards do not exceed $10,000. A 25% match is required of all granted organizations, except for county conservation districts.

Use of Funds or Support: Grants may be used to purchase materials, equipment, and other resources. Funding may also provide public and private schools for youth environmental education. Also, to promote conservation and education organizations and institutions for the purpose of providing environmental education training to teachers, county conservation districts and Bureau of State Parks Environmental Education Program to be used for training, in-service workshops, staff salaries, some transportation costs, speakers, substitute costs, and more.

Address: Sandra Titel - Environmental Education Grants Program Administrator Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Education Grants, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg PA 17105 Phone: 717-772-1828 Web Site: http://www.dep.state.pa.us

•

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Program Goals: The EQIP, established by the 1996 Farm Bill, is one of the several voluntary conservation programs which are part of the USDA A Conservation Toolbox@ to install or implement structural, vegetative, and management practices.

Program Restrictions: Through the locally led process, EQIP works primarily in priority areas identified by conservation district-led local work groups involving local community members, state and federal agencies, and others.

Use of Funds or Support: EQIP offers financial, educational, and technical help to install or implement structural, vegetative, and management practices.

Address: RR#12, Box 202 C, Greensburg, PA 15601-9271 Phone: 24-834-9063 ext. 3 724-837-4127 - Fax Web Site: www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programshom.htm

•

Kodak American Greenways Awards Program Agency: The Conservation Fund and Eastman Kodak Company Program Goals: Provide seed money to stimulate greenway planning and design. Supports pioneering work in linking the nation’s natural areas, historic sites, parks and open space.

Program Restrictions: Grant recipients are selected according to criteria that include: importance of the project to local greenway development efforts; demonstrated community support for the project; extent to which the grant will result in matching funds or other support from public or private sources; likelihood of tangible results; capacity of the organization to complete the project.

Use of Funds or Support: Planning, implementation

Address: Leigh Anne McDonald, American Greenways Coordinator, The Conservation Fund, 1800 North Kent Street, Suite 1120, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 703-525-6300 Web Site: lmcdonald@conservationfund.org •

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants Agency: National Park Service Program Goals: This federal funding source was established in 1965 to provide park and recreation opportunities to residents throughout the United States. Money for the fund comes through the sale or lease of non-renewable resources, primarily federal offshore oil and gas leases and surplus federal land sales. In the past, Congress has also appropriated LWCF monies for state-side projects. These state-side LWCF grants can be used by communities to acquire and build a variety of park and recreation facilities, including trails. This funding source has little or no funding allocated for state-side projects for several years.State-side LWCF funds are annually distributed by the National Park Service through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Communities must match LWCF grants with 50 percent of the local project costs through in-kind services or cash. All projects funded by the LWCF grants must be exclusively for recreation purposes, into perpetuity.

Administered through Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

Use of Funds or Support: Plan and invest in existing park system.

Address: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Southwest Regional Field Office, 1405 State Office Building, 300 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Phone: 412-565-7803 Web Site: http://www.ncrc.nps.gov/lwcf/

•

KaBOOM! Agency: KaBOOM! (National Non-profit) Program Goals: To bring together people, community organizations and businesses to develop safe, healthy and much-needed playgrounds.

Program Restrictions: N/A Use of Funds or Support: Leveraged spending power with well-established companies in the play equipment industry. Also, corporate and foundation support that can include volunteers and technical resources.

Address: 2213 M Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20037 Phone: 202-659-0215 Web Site: http://www.kaboom.org

•

Pennsylvania Conservation Corps Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Program Goals: This program provides work experience, job training, and educational opportunities to young adults while accomplishing conservation, recreation, historic preservation, and urban revitalization work on public lands.

Program Restrictions: The project sponsors receive the services of a Pennsylvania Conservation Corps crew, fully paid, for one year. Sponsors can also receive up to $20,000 for needed materials and contracted services. Sponsors must provide a 25% cash match on material and contracted services costs.

Use of Funds or Support: Funds may be used for materials and contracted services needed to

103 103 10

complete approved projects.

Address: Lou Scott, Director, 1304 Labor and Industry Building, 7th and Forster Streets, Harrisburg, PA 17120 Phone: 717-783-6385 Web Site: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us

10 104 04

•

WILD ACTION Grant Program Agency: Pennsylvania Game Commission Program Goals: This is a small grant program that encourages Pennsylvania’s youth to take responsible action for wildlife and the environment. It also provides educators with the skills, ideas, and support to incorporate information about improving wildlife habitat into school curricula and/or youth group programming. This program also is designed to promote cooperation between school, youth organizations, community groups and agencies, which are encouraged to take action that fosters wildlife conservation and earth stewardship.

Program Restrictions The program is limited to schools and nonprofit organizations that have youth programming. Youths must be involved in the planning, design, implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of the project. Selected programs receive either a $250 or $500 grant.

Use of Funds or Support: The funds may be used for eligible projects that focus on improving habitat for wildlife on school or community property or on property with school and community access. Funds may be used to purchase or rent equipment and materials to carry out the project.

Address: Theresa Alberici, Project WILD Coordinator, Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110 Phone: 717-783-4872 Web Site: http://www.pgc.state.pa.us

•

Nike Agency: Nike Program Goals: Get kids more physically active, get kids involved in the teamwork of sport, and have real, measurable, positive impact.

Use of Funds or Support: Tax exempt, non profit agencies or a unit of government if the contribution is solely for charitable or public purposes. Corporate giving is focused on communities where Nike has a significant employee or Niketown retail presence. In 2004, Nike donated 37.3 million in cash and products to non-profit partners around the world. The nearest Niketown Factory Store is located at the Grove City Shops, in Mercer County.

Address: Global Community Affairs, Nike, Inc., P.O. Box 4027, Beaverton, OR 97076 Web Site: http://www.nike.com.nikebiz

•

Wal-Mart - Good. Works Agency: Wal-Mart Foundation Program Goals: Allows local non-profit organizations to hold fundraisers at their local WalMart or Sam’s Club. Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club can elect to match a portion of the funds collected, up to $1,000. Events held off the premises are eligible for funding when a Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club Associate is actively involved in the event. Additionally, once the Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club has met certain criteria in the Matching Grant Program each year, a second source of funding is awarded to the store / club to use in the community. These funds do not require a fundraiser to be held, instead the funds can be awarded directly to a deserving organization.

Program Restrictions: Organizations that may qualify to receive funding through the Matching Grant Program are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or organizations that are exempt from needing 501(c)(3) status, such as public schools, faith-based institutions such as churches (must be conducting a project that benefits the community at large), and government agencies.

Use of Funds or Support: Community Improvement Projects.

Contact: Community Involvement Coordinator at your local Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club store.

Web Site: www.walmartfoundation.org/wmstore/goodworks •

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Agency: Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Program Goals: Education. Community improvement projects such as projects at parks and other public areas, housing for underprivileged and innovative environmental issues.

Program Restrictions: Organizations that may qualify to receive funding through the Matching Grant Program are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

Contact: The Foundation only accepts grant applications submitted via online application.

Web Site: http://www.easy2.com/cm/lowe/foundation/intro.asp

105 105 10

MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND REVENUE ANALYSIS The success of New Wilmington Borough Community Park is evident through the Boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing attention and investment into the New Wilmington Borough Community and its recreation facilities. That said, the Borough has not formally adopted a management and operations plan for the park. A management, operations, and maintenance plan is an important tool for several reasons.

First, should policies change and / or staff change, there is no document in place that states these policies; there is no plan to transfer the management and operations knowledge to someone who may come in to manage and operate the park from outside of the Borough; and finally, and most importantly, a management, operations, and maintenance plan can be the first line of defense to defend potential liability claims against the Borough.

A management, operations, and maintenance plan should include the following components: â&#x20AC;˘

Rules and Regulations Governing Use of the Park and Its Facilities.

Park rules and regulations typically establish an expectation of when and how the park is to be utilized, and identifies what actions are not permitted in the park. The following is a sampling of rules and regulations that are considered for a park similar to the New Wilmington Borough Community Park: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Hours of operation: Dawn to dusk, or dawn to 10 pm.

No alcohol is permitted in the park.

All dogs must be on leash.

Owners shall pick up after their dogs.

Place all trash in receptacles.

Cooperate in keeping the rest rooms and washrooms in a neat and sanitary condition.

Fires must be contained in designated cooking facilities / areas.

Shelters may be reserved by contacting the New Wilmington Borough Office.

Any and all materials brought to the facility are to be removed.

Water will be turned on May 1 and turned off November 1.

New Wilmington Borough Council should discuss and adopt rules and regulations, as they deem appropriate, for park use. These rules and regulations, along with corresponding penalties for violation, should be adopted by ordinance so they are enforceable. Before the adoption of any rule and or regulation the proposal being recommended should be reviewed and receive input from the New Wilmington Borough Police Department. â&#x20AC;˘

Vegetative / Habitat Management Plan To manage the park to achieve the vision of a sustainable environment, we recommend the management, operations, and maintenance plan include a vegetative / habitat management plan. This plan should address the following issues:

107 10 107

1.

2.

3.

4.

Policy prohibiting the planting of non-native species within the park.

Policy on removal of invasive species.

Policy establishing streamside setbacks, and riparian buffer zone along McClure Run. Policy requiring non-structural best management practices to manage stormwater within the park.

5. Policy limiting the use of herbicides and pesticides within the park.

•

Risk Management Plan A risk management plan establishes requirements for routine inspections, and documentation thereof, of facilities and grounds to identify and address potential hazardous that may be present within the park.

•

Maintenance Plan A maintenance plan outlines the procedures to effectively and efficiently maintain the park facilities and grounds. The maintenance plan should establish the qualifications for employees who will be / are responsible for maintaining the park. The maintenance plan should identify opportunities for proper training and educational seminars that address the various skills required to maintain parks, their facilities, and grounds.

•

Operations Plan Establishing expectations for facility users can assist with providing smooth operation procedures,. A written agreement should be developed and executed between the Borough and all non-profit and for profit entities desiring to use the park. The purpose of these agreements are to establish the Borough’s expectations of the organization, as well as what the organization can expect from the Borough. With an executed agreement in place disputes can often quickly be resolved. Typical components for consideration in such as agreement include: 1. Length of agreement, i.e. per event, per season, per year, etc.

2. Responsibilities of the organization and responsibilities of the Borough that address who is responsible for: • • • • • • •

Clean up and trash removal Improvements to facility Maintenance of facility Maintenance of court and field areas Utility costs Traffic control / security (large events) Hours / season of use

Given the current use of the park by the Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, and Masons, we recommend the development of agreements with those organizations be a priority.

10 108 08

â&#x20AC;˘

Maintenance Plan Planning for maintenance and operations is important consideration. Consideration must be given to on-going staffing and maintenance costs, as well as major equipment needs.

Maintenance Projections In 1986, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) developed a standard for classifying maintenance programs to allow for the forecasting of maintenance expenses related to park and recreation facilities. This standard was published by the NRPA in its publication Park Maintenance Standards. The following analysis utilizes this approach to determine the annual cost of maintaining the park after development of Master Plan recommendations.

The NRPA classification system identifies five levels (modes) of care that a park facility may receive. Each mode is further defined by the level of care for each of fourteen maintenance items. For the three County Parks being master planned as part of this study, Mode II (High-level maintenance) was selected as the mode of care for park facilities. Mode II is described in detail as follows:

1) Turf Care: Grass cut every five working days. Aeration as required but not less than twice annually. Reseeding / sodding when bare spots are present. Weed control practiced when weeds present visible problems or represent 5 % of turf surface (in areas proposed as lawn). Some pre-emergent products may be used at this level (with special care near waterways).

2) Irrigation: Not required 3) Litter Control: Minimum of once per day, five days a week. Off-site movement of trash dependent on size of containers and use by the public. High use may dictate once per day cleaning or more. Containers are serviced.

4) Pruning: Usually done at least once per season unless species planted dictate more frequent attention. Sculptured hedges or high growth species may dictate a more frequent requirement than most trees and shrubs in natural growth style plantings.

5) Disease Control: Usually done when disease or insects are inflicting noticeable damage, reducing vigor of plant materials or could be considered a bother to the public. Some preventive measures may be utilized such as systematic chemical treatments. Cultural prevention of disease problems can reduce time spent in this category. Some minor problems may be tolerated at this level.

6) Snow Removal: Snow removed by noon the day following snowfall. Gravel or snow melt may be utilized to reduce ice accumulation.

109 109 10

7) Lighting: Replacement or repair of fixtures when observed or reported as not working.

8) Surfaces: Should be cleaned, repaired, repainted, or replaced when appearance has noticeably deteriorated.

9) Repairs: Should be done whenever safety, function, or bad appearance is in question.

10) Inspection: Inspection by some staff member at least once a day when regular staff is scheduled.

11) Floral Plantings: If floral plantings are present. Normally no more complex than two rotations of bloom per year. Care cycle usually at least once per week except watering may be more frequent. Health and vigor dictate cycle of fertilization and disease control. Beds essentially kept weed free.

12) Restrooms: Should be maintained at least once per day as long as they are open to the public.

High use may dictate service twice a day or more. Servicing period should ensure an adequate supply of paper and that rest rooms are reasonably clean and free from bad odors.

13) Special Features: Should be maintained for safety, function, and high-quality appearance as per established design.

The following projections of maintenance costs are based on implementation of this study’s recommendations for park improvements.

Park-Specific Maintenance The Master Plan made the following assumptions to project maintenance costs for New Wilmington Borough Community Park: • • • • • •

Borough employees will perform all general park maintenance; The Borough will provide manpower and equipment for general park maintenance tasks; The Boy Scouts of America will maintain and provide labor and equipment for such maintenance of the Scout House; Maintenance will be completed to meet the National Recreation and Park Society’s definition of a “high standard of care”; Little winter maintenance will be required; and Periodic maintenance for park roads will be performed by park maintenance staff.

Maintenance Personnel The following table projects the number of hours required to maintain all proposed facilities, along with existing facilities to remain, in the park. The table also establishes the associated costs for performing the respective activities.

11 110 10

New Wilmington Borough Community Park Maintenance Analysis Task

Quantity Unit

Work hours Times per per Unit Week

Weeks per Season

Total Hours

Cost per Hour

Cost per Task

1

Enclosed Shelter, interior and exterior

1

EA

2

2

32

128

$20

$2,560

2

Picnic Shelter cleaning

4

EA

0.5

3

32

192

$20

$3,840

3

Restroom cleaning

1

EA

1

7

32

224

$20

$4,480

4

Basketball Court inspection / maintenance

1

EA

0.5

3

32

48

$20

$960

6

Destination Playground check / maintenance

1

EA

0.5

5

32

80

$20

$1,600

7

Reading, Entrance, and Rain Gardens

5

EA

0.5

1

32

80

$20

$1,600

9

Parking Areas

2

EA

16

1

1

32

$20

$640

11

Amphitheater

1

EA

1

1

32

32

$20

$640

12

Seasonal Mowing of Meadows

4

EA

0.5

1

1

2

$20

$40

13

Horseshoe Court check / maintenance

2

EA

0.25

2

32

32

$20

$640

14

Compacted Trail Maintenance

1

LS

16

1

1

16

$20

$320

16

Turf Maintenance

4.5

AC

0.35

1

32

50.4

$20

$1,008

17

Trash Collection

8

EA

0.25

1

32

64

$20

$1,280

18

Charcoal Grills / Water spigots maintenance

32

0

$20

$0

Annual New Wilmington Borough Community Park Maintenance Hours / Costs

980.4

$19,608

Based on this analysis, approximately 980 hours are required to properly maintain the park upon implementation of the Master Plan. Further, it is projected that the annual cost to maintain the park will be approximately $20,000, in 2009 dollars.

Prioritization of Management, Maintenance, and Operations Activities We recommend the Borough adopt guidelines to assist in identifying and prioritizing operations and maintenance activities in the park. The Pennsylvania State Park system has developed the following as a guide that they use in the state park system.

1. Visitor/Employee Health and Safety and Facility Security (Hazards) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ensure visitor/ employee safety and security of the infrastructure and natural resources. Identifying and

111 11 1 11

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

11 112 12

correcting visitor and employee hazards. Protecting the investment in natural resources and physical plant from damage or loss. Ensuring public/employee health by providing safe food, water and waste disposal facilities.

Sanitation/Cleanliness – To promote the attractiveness of the facility by ensuring that sanitation standards are met and maintained in all public buildings and facilities.

Natural Resources – To insure the long-term survival of the natural environmental resources of the park system, by managing human impact. The natural environment comprising the park includes air, land, water, timber, wildlife, flora, and minerals.

Preventive/Routine Maintenance – Maintenance that is necessary to ensure the continued operation of equipment or facilities on a daily basis and prolong its useful life.

Visibility/Appearance/Quality – To provide an overall general neat, clean, orderly appearance of the park that presents a well kept and properly maintained look.

Public Contact – To provide information to and direction for park visitors to ensure a safe enjoyable outdoor recreation experience.

Finances – To provide funds necessary to operate the park in a safe and efficient manner to assure quality public service.

Employee Training – To provide the employee with the proper “tools,” i.e., training necessary to better perform his/her job.

Monitor and Provide for Visitor Needs – The review of visitor requests and complaints on a continuing basis. Assess validity of requests and complaints on a continuing basis. Assess validity of requests and effect changes when warranted and feasible. To evaluate the impacts of use of Bureau resources to see if Bureau goals have been achieved. To plan and implement changes in Bureau goals and objectives so as to improve efficiency and quality services to the park users.

Administration – To plan, allocate, direct, and supervise the overall operation and maintenance activities.

Education – To provide visitors with information on their inter-relationship with their natural environment; stewardship of resources; current and emerging environmental issues in their environment.

Marketing – To make the public aware of the attractions and facilities available in state parks and appealing to visitor interests in order to promote increased park usage, visitor appreciation, and revenues.

Long-Term Viability – To develop and administer park activities to benefit the majority of park uses over the longest period of time. To ensure the availability of the park resources for future generations.

Programming – To direct the operation of visitor services to meet the needs of park visitors through the development and presentation of specific programs.

Regulation/Law Enforcement – To enforce rules and regulations to ensure visitor safety and protection of park resources in a manner that allows visitor enjoyment of recreational opportunities.

Life Cycle Planning - To determine the optimum cost versus benefit of a program/facility to determine its useful life in light of the services provided. To evaluate the phased replacement of programs/facilities in consideration of optimum cost to benefit, changing recreational needs and quality visitor services.

APPENDIX A: MEETING MINUTES

113

October 8, 2008 Ecological Services Section Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry P.O. Box 8552 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552 PITTSBURGH 619 East Ohio Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412/321-6362 FAX 412/321-9202 www.pashekla.com

MERCER COUNTY P.O. Box 69 Greenville, PA 16125

724/588-7961 FAX 724/588-7965 www.pashekla.com

RE:

Project Search ID No.: 200809030161146

To whom it may concern: We are in the process of completing a DCNR funded master plan for the New Wilmington Borough Community Park, located in New Wilmington Borough, Lawrence County. As part of this work we have completed an on line PNDI review. This review resulted in three potential impacts.

The master plan will not result in any physical improvements being made to the park, however, it will establish a vision, and provide recommendations for the future rehabilitation / development of the park.

We want to ensure the master plan provides the proper guidance to the Borough regarding potential rare, threatened, or endangered species that may be located in the area. Towards that end, we are providing you with the required information to determine if further environmental investigation will be required before any proposed improvements can be constructed near this resource.

The property, which is approximately seven acres in size, is owned, operated and maintained by New Wilmington Borough. Future rehabilitation / improvements to the park would also be the responsibility of the Borough. As we are in the initial stages of preparing the master plan, we do not know the acreage that may be impacted at a future point in time. Our goal in the master planning process is to avoid those areas, if potential impacts are confirmed. We have also included the following attachments for your use in this review:   

SITE DESIGN, RECREATION PLANNING, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, COMMUNITY PLANNING, ZONING

PNDI Project Environmental Review Receipt Project Location Map pertinent sections of the Lawrence County National Heritage Inventory

The Lawrence County National Heritage Inventory indicates there are two biological diversity areas (BDA) , and one dedicated area (DA) in the vicinity of the project site. Based on our review, we have determined that neither the Little Neshannock Creek BDA and Westminster College

Dedicated Area have the potential to be impacted by any future park improvements. However, we need more information regarding the extent, range, and required buffer for the Westminster College BDA, to determine any potential future impacts. The Lawrence County NHI lists one animal species in this BDA that is has a Federal Status as a Candidate Species, and a State Status of Pennsylvania Endangered.

Please identify the species of concern, and notify us of any additional steps that may be required before future improvements to this area can be considered. As stated earlier, our goal in the master planning process is to avoid those areas, if potential impacts are confirmed.

We look forward to your response to this request.

Sincerely,

John O. Buerkle, Jr., RLA, AICP Vice President Cc:

Ms. Sharonn Edmiston, New Wilmington Borough Mr. Chris Tracey, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

PNDI Project Environmental Review Receipt Project Search ID: 20080930161146 Project Name: New Wilmington Borough Community Park Date: 9/30/2008 2:38:53 PM

Project Location Location Accuracy Project locations are assumed to be both precise and accurate for the purposes of environmental review. The creator/owner of the Project Review Receipt is solely responsible for the project location and thus the correctness of the Project Review Receipt content.

3 Potential Impacts Under the Following Agencies' Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Project Name: New Wilmington Borough Community Park On Behalf Of: Self Project Search ID: 20080930161146 Date: 9/30/2008 2:34:24 PM # of Potential Impacts: 3 Jurisdictional Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Project Category: Development,Additions/maintenance to existing development facilities Project Location Decimal Degrees: 41.11816 N, -80.33692 W Degrees Minutes Seconds: 41° 7' 5.4" N, 80° 20' 12.9" W Lambert: -643167.52964210, 780051.63797772 ft ZIP Code: 16142,16172 County: Lawrence Township/Municipality: NEW WILMINGTON USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle ID: 532 Quadrangle Name: NEW CASTLE NORTH Project Area: 15.2 acres

Page 1 of 5

APPLICANT INITIALS: ___________

PNDI Project Environmental Review Receipt Project Search ID: 20080930161146 Project Name: New Wilmington Borough Community Park Date: 9/30/2008 2:38:53 PM

Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) records indicate there are potential impacts on special concern species and resources within the project area. If the project is pursued, the jurisdictional agency/agencies indicated require that the instructions below regarding potential impacts and/or avoidance measures be followed in their entirety.

Q1: "Will the entire project area (including any discharge), plus a 300 feet buffer around the project area, all occur in or on an existing building, parking lot, driveway, road, road shoulder, street, runway, paved area, railroad bed, maintained (periodically mown) lawn, crop agriculture field or maintained orchard?"

Your answer is: 3. Unknown Please initial here signifying that you have provided the most accurate answer to the question as possible.

APPLICANT INITIALS: ___________ Q2: Aquatic habitat (stream, river, lake, pond, etc.) is located on or adjacent to the subject property and project activities (including discharge) may occur within 300 feet of these habitats Your answer is: 1. Yes Please initial here signifying that you have provided the most accurate answer to the question as possible.

APPLICANT INITIALS: ___________ Q3: "Accurately describe what is known about wetland presence in the project area or on the land parcel by selecting ONE of the following. ""Project"" includes all features of the project (including buildings, roads, utility lines, outfall and intake structures, wells, stormwater retention/detention basins, parking lots, driveways, lawns, etc.), as well as all associated impacts (e.g., temporary staging areas, work areas, temporary road crossings, areas subject to grading or clearing, etc.). Include all areas that will be permanently or temporarily affected -- either directly or indirectly -- by any type of disturbance (e.g., land clearing, grading, tree removal, flooding, etc.). Land

Page 2 of 5

parcel = the lot(s) on which some type of project(s) or activity(s) are proposed to occur ."

Your answer is: "2. The project area (or land parcel) has not been investigated by someone qualified to identify and delineate wetlands, or it is currently unknown if the project or project activities will affect wetlands."

Please initial here signifying that you have provided the most accurate answer to the question as possible.

APPLICANT INITIALS: ___________

These determinations were based on the project-specific information you provided, including the exact project location; the project type, description, and features; and any responses to questions that were generated during this search. If any of the information you provided does not accurately reflect this project, or if project plans change, DEP and the jurisdictional agencies require that another PNDI review be conducted.

This response represents the most up-to-date summary of the PNDI data files and is good for one(1) year from the date of this PNDI Project Environmental Review Receipt.

3 potential impacts The Applicant should MAIL/FAX a copy of this Project Environmental Review Receipt, a cover letter with project narrative, acreage to be impacted, how construction/maintenance activity is to be accomplished, township/municipality and county where project is located, and a USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle with project boundary and quad name marked on the map.

Ecological Services Section Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry P.O. Box 8552 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552 FAX Number: (717) 772-0271

APPLICANT INITIALS: ___________

PNDI Project Environmental Review Receipt Project Search ID: 20080930161146 Project Name: New Wilmington Borough Community Park Date: 9/30/2008 2:38:53 PM

Based on the project-specific information you provided, no impacts to federally listed, proposed, or candidate species are anticipated. Therefore, no further consultation under the Endangered Species Act (87 Stat. 884, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. is required with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Because no take of federally listed species is anticipated, none is authorized. For a list of species that could occur in your project area (but have not been documented in PNDI), please see the county lists of threatened, endangered, and candidate species. A field visit or survey may reveal previously undocumented populations of one or more threatened or endangered species with a project area. If it is determined that any federally listed species occur in your project area, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires that you initiate consultation to identify and resolve any conflicts. This response does not reflect potential Fish and Wildlife Service concerns under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act or other authorities.

purpose or in any other way is prohibited and subject to criminal prosecution under federal and state law, including but not limited to the following: Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, as amended, 18 U.S.C. § 1030; Pennsylvania Crimes Code, § 4911 (tampering with public records or information), § 7611 (unlawful use of computer and other computer crimes), § 7612 (disruption of service), § 7613 (computer theft), § 7614 (unlawful duplication), and § 7615 (computer trespass).

The PNHP reserves the right at any time and without notice to modify or suspend the web site and to terminate or restrict access to it.

The terms of use may be revised from time to time. By continuing to use the web site after changes to the terms have been posted, the user has agreed to accept such changes.

This review is based on the project information that was entered. The jurisdictional agencies and DEP require that the review be redone if the project area, location, or the type of project changes. If additional information on species of special concern becomes available, this review may be reconsidered by the jurisdictional agency.

DISCLAIMER The PNDI environmental review website is a preliminary environmental screening tool. It is not a substitute for information obtained from a field survey of the project area conducted by a biologist. Such surveys may reveal previously undocumented populations of species of special concern. In addition, the PNDI only contains information about species occurrences that have actually been reported to the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program.

TERMS OF USE Upon signing into the PNDI environmental review website, and as a condition of using it, you agreed to certain terms of use. These are as follows: The web site is intended solely for the purpose of screening projects for potential impacts on resources of special concern in accordance with the instructions provided on the web site. Use of the web site for any other

Page 3 of 5

PRIVACY and SECURITY This web site operates on a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania computer system. It maintains a record of each environmental review search result as well as contact information for the project applicant. These records are maintained for internal tracking purposes. Information collected in this application will be made available only to the jurisdictional agencies and to the Department of Environmental Protection, except if required for law enforcement purposes—see paragraph below.

This system is monitored to ensure proper operation, to verify the functioning of applicable security features, and for other like purposes. Anyone using this system consents to such monitoring and is advised that if such monitoring reveals evidence of possible criminal activity, system personnel may provide

APPLICANT INITIALS: ___________

PNDI Project Environmental Review Receipt Project Search ID: 20080930161146 Project Name: New Wilmington Borough Community Park Date: 9/30/2008 2:38:53 PM the evidence to law enforcement officials. See Terms of Use.

In order for this project to be considered for subsequent review, a signed and initialed copy of this receipt is required by the agency or agencies indicated. DEP requires that a signed and initialed copy of this receipt, along with any required documentation from jurisdictional agencies concerning resolution of potential impacts, be submitted in applications for permits requiring PNDI review. See DEP PNDI policy at www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us or visit the following websites for further information.

Contact Name:

___________________________________

Address:

___________________________________

City, State, Zip:

___________________________________

Phone:

___________________________________

Email:

___________________________________

PERSON CONDUCTING SEARCH (if not applicant) Regional Offices Http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/fieldops/map.pdf

Contact Name:

___________________________________

District Mining Operations Http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/minres/Districts/homepage/Default.h tm

Address:

___________________________________

City, State, Zip:

___________________________________

Oil and Gas Management Http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/minres/OILGAS/Customer Needs.htm

Phone:

___________________________________

Email:

___________________________________

Print this Project Review Receipt using your Internet browser's print function and keep it as a record of your search.

Signature: ___________________________________ Date:

The following contact information is for the agencies involved in this Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory environmental review process.

Please read this entire receipt carefully as it contains instructions for how to contact these agencies for further review of this particular project.

___________________________________

Project applicant on whose behalf this search was conducted: APPLICANT

Page 4 of 5

Ecological Services Section Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry P.O. Box 8552

APPLICANT INITIALS: ___________

PNDI Project Environmental Review Receipt Project Search ID: 20080930161146 Project Name: New Wilmington Borough Community Park Date: 9/30/2008 2:38:53 PM Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552 FAX Number: (717) 772-0271

Page 5 of 5

APPLICANT INITIALS: ___________

Approximate Location of Park

New w Wilmin ngton Bo orough Communi C ity Park Sitee Locatioon Map Sourrce: Scale:

U.S.G.S. 7.5 Minute Quaadrangle, New U w Castle Noorth, PA 1" = 2000'

WILMINGTON TOWNSHIP, NEW WILMINGTON BOROUGH AND VOLANT BOROUGH PNDI Rank Global State

Legal Status Fed. State

NATURAL HERITAGE AREAS: LITTLE NESHANNOCK CREEK BDA

Notable Significance

Special Animal 1

G3G4 S2

WESTMINSTER COLLEGE BDA

High Significance

Special Animal 1

G3G4 S1S2

MANAGED LANDS: Westminster College Woods DA

134

PT

C

PE

WILMINGTON TOWNSHIP, NEW WILMINGTON BOROUGH AND VOLANT BOROUGH

WILMINGTON TOWNSHIP Wilmington Township is located in the northern part of Lawrence County. Little Neshannock and Neshannock Creeks drain all but the western tip of the township which is drained by the Shenango River. There is one Natural Heritage Area and one managed land â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Westminster College Woods DA located in Wilmington Township.

Little Neshannock Creek BDA Little Neshannock Creek at the Mercer - Lawrence County line and just south of PA 208 is the location of a Pennsylvania animal species of special concern (Special Animal 1). The creek flows through a landscape mostly covered by fields and shrub swamps. In its upstream reaches, the creek receives considerable nutrients from agricultural activities.

Most of the downstream streambanks within this site have well developed riparian buffers composed of shrubby thickets of black willow (Salix nigra), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), blue vervain (Verbena hastata), wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) and small sycamore (Platanus occidentalis).

A bridge for PA 208 crosses the middle of the BDA. Near to the bridge and upstream of the bridge the streambanks are composed of the same species as above but the buffer is much smaller being about 10 meters in width.

Threats and Stresses During the survey of Little Neshannock Creek heavy silt loads were observed in the creek.

Heavy silts indicate that activities upstream may be contributing excessive silt to the creek.

PA 208 crosses Little Neshannock Creek at about the middle of the site and may, along with the runoff from nearby New Wilmington, contribute road salt and other nutrients. As the nutrients accumulate they may make the stream unsuitable for the fish living here.

Pollution from other activities such as road salt or runoff could have an additional negative effect on the species here.

Recommendations Streambank fencing should be used upstream of this site in places where there are cattle.

Farmers along the West Branch of Little Neshannock Creek and Little Neshannock Creek in Mercer County may take advantage of streambank fencing programs. The Watershed Assistance Program of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy as well as other organizations can supply information to assist those wishing to begin such an effort.

Activities that add pollutants such as road salting and sewage discharges need to be carefully evaluated and the location and requirements of this species and the aquatic community taken into account.

135

Westminster College Woods DA Westminster College Woods DA includes two sections. One is the College Woods located along an unnamed tributary to Little Neshannock Creek. The other is an outdoor teaching laboratory along Little Neshannock Creek. Together they serve as research areas for Westminster College. Some of the woods are considered to be old-growth forest and have not been cut since the mid 1800â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Diameters of some of the American beech (Fagus grandifolia), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), red oak (Quercus rubra) and tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera) range from three to five feet diameter at breast height. In addition to the species listed above, dominant canopy species are slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), white oak (Quercus alba), white ash (Fraxinus americana) and basswood (Tilia americana). Understory species include spicebush (Lindera benzoin), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) and alternate-leaved dogwood (Cornus alternifolia). Common herbaceous species are intermediate log fern (Dryopteris intermedia), sessile bellwort (Uvularia sessilifolia), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), horsebalm (Collinsonia canadensis) and herbaceous greenbrier (Smilax herbacea). Invasive species such as multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), privet (Ligustrum vulgare) and shrubby honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) are abundant here and threaten the overall integrity of the ecological community.

Threats and Stresses The main threat for Westminster Woods is exotic invasive plant species. There are many species already present here and they are gradually taking over. Deer browsing, if left unchecked, could eventually become a problem here. The small size of this DA limits the viability of the natural communities here. Small size and extensive edges make such areas vulnerable to aggressive exotic plant and animal species.

Recommendations A few hiking trails run through Westminster College Woods. Critical to the maintenance of this community is limiting disturbance within the BDA and, wherever possible, expanding the buffer areas surrounding the forest. The woods and research area along the creek might be better combined in order to create a larger protected area of unfragmented forest, and therefore enhancing the viability of both areas. Motorized vehicles should be restricted from the DA to prevent erosion of existing trails and additional damage to soils and vegetation, and clearing of vegetation or cutting of trees, even dead or downed trees should be limited. Monitoring of invasive species such as multiflora rose, privet and shrubby honeysuckle, should be an important component of stewardship at this site.

Minimizing disturbance that would further fragment these areas and make them more vulnerable to exotic species colonization would help to maintain these communities in the short run. Keeping all biomass on site (living and dead wood) would be important in maintaining soil and soil microorganisms as well as other organisms often associated with mature forest communities. Long-term viability may require creation of a larger forested context and careful management to ensure good regeneration of existing areas. Overall, this site represents an exceptional local educational opportunity. Research and 136

management strategies may derive from programs at the college and students may play a role in developing plans for these areas.

NEW WILMINGTON BOROUGH New Wilmington Borough is located in the north-central part of Lawrence County. New Wilmington lies in the valley of Neshannock Creek which flows along the eastern boundary of the borough. There are two Natural Heritage Areas and no managed lands in New Wilmington Borough.

Westminster College BDA The wetlands surrounding the campus of Westminster College provide habitat for a Pennsylvania animal species of special concern (Special Animal 1) which potentially exists within this area. A small tributary to Little Neshannock Creek runs through campus and wetlands associated with the stream provide primary winter habitat for the species, while the adjacent upland fields provide foraging habitat. We recognize this habitat in combination with the communities that are part of the Westminster DA because of a recent sighting of this special animal. Additional surveys will be necessary to confirm the presence of the animal.

The communities along Little Neshannock Creek here are broadly sycamore (river birch) box elder floodplain forest. Dominant species in the overstory include sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), box elder (Acer negundo), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), black ash (Fraxinus nigra), red maple (Acer rubrum) and pin oak (Quercus palustris). Understory associates in the wooded area include American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). Some areas are more open with shrub swamps of silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), spiraea (Spiraea alba) and arrow-wood (Viburnum dentatum). Common herbaceous species include skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), false hellebore (Veratrum viride), wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia) and trout lily (Erythronium americanum). Many invasive species are present throughout the BDA. These include privet (Ligustrum vulgare), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and teasel (Dipsacus sylvestris).

Threats and Stresses The animals potentially living in this BDA require perennial wetlands and associated uplands, preferring open fields that provide good foraging habitat. Activities that stand to alter the wetlands or their hydrology could impact the ability of this area to support these animals. Likewise, disturbance to adjacent uplands, particularly during the summer months could have an adverse effect on this animal. Maintenance of current fields and the uplands immediately surrounding the wetlands could also impact any potential animals living within this area. The use of herbicides and mowing in the fields stand to impact the larger habitat of these animals.

137

Recommendations Engaging the landowner in the management of the this area as primary habitat for the special animal can greatly aid the protection of this species. Additional surveys for the animals to better understand their habits and uses of the habitat/wetland would help in furthering their survival. The use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides will compromise the ability of the site to maintain a population of this species. The sightings of this species needs to be confirmed and working toward the goal of developing a management plan would be good steps in better understanding and providing an appropriate level of protection for the area. Such effort could provide numerous opportunities for research and collaboration with other agencies and Westminster College.

VOLANT BOROUGH Volant Borough is located in the northern part of Lawrence County along Neshannock Creek. The borough is wholly located in the Neshannock Creek drainage. There are no Natural Heritage Areas and no managed lands located in Volant Borough.

138

APPENDIX B: PENNSYLVANIA NATURAL DIVERSITY INVENTORY RESPONSE

115

Meeting Minutes New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan Study Committee Meeting One Meeting Date and Time: 7:00 pm, October 15, 2008 Meeting Location: New Wilmington Borough Municipal Building PITTSBURGH 619 East Ohio Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412/321-6362 FAX 412/321-9202 www.pashekla.com

MERCER COUNTY P.O. Box 69 Greenville, PA 16125

724/588-7961

Attendees: Sharonn Edmiston Mark Nord Fred Garrett Tom Graney Nancy McGinnis Mary Pitman Rob Klamut

The following represents a brief review of discussions held during the above meeting: 1.1

Thompson began the meeting by introducing herself to each attendee.

1.2

Next Thompson reviewed the Master Plan processes and work done to date (including a brief review of Meeting Agenda and Project Schedule - attached).

1.3

Thompson then asked the Committee to come up with suggestions for establishing a vision and goals for the Park. Their comments included:

FAX 724/588-7965 www.pashekla.com

• • • • •

SITE DESIGN, RECREATION PLANNING, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, COMMUNITY PLANNING, ZONING

Rob Coulter Doug Armsted Susan Ligo Cherry Poteet Bob Good Sara Thompson

The Park should be multi-generational. It should have activities for all ages.

The Park should be accessible to all.

The Park should have good pedestrian connectivity both within the Park and to surrounding land uses.

The Park should be more environmentally sustainable.

The Park should have both active and passive play areas.

1.4

Thompson then briefly reviewed the Site Analysis Plan for the Park and discussed initial observations with committee members.

1.5

The Study Committee then started a brainstorming session to discuss opportunities and constraints to further development at the park, success and needed improvements of park facilities, and possible changes in operations namely for the swimming pool. Thompson posed the following questions: a. What facilities are most successful / most used in the park? b. What needs to be improved?

c. What other activities or facilities should be developed in the park? d. Who uses the park / pool? (where do park users live?) e. Are there any special events that occur, or that you would like to see held in the park? f. What other information should we know about this site?

Comments made during the ensuing discussion are summarized below:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1.6

We need a new enclosed and heated pavilion/community structure with a capacity for 100 people. It could be used for community events, renting out for parties, and could house a new space for the scouts.

We need facilities for teens such as volleyball, basketball etc. The existing facilities are in disrepair.

We need both active and quiet areas within the park.

We need an updated playground with shade.

We need an updated pool house with lockers and a solar heating system.

We could use a skate park.

We need to connect all the facilities with paths and connect to the new library.

It would be nice to have a path to the stream.

A possible connection to the Carol Drive property could be using the underpass.

We need restrooms.

We need a separate teen area, away from the small kids. A potential teen area could be on the Carol Drive property.

We could use lighting for basketball. We would need to make sure that it does not cause light pollution and make neighbors upset.

We need to reconfigure the parking. It is confusing and is a safety hazard.

An amphitheater would be nice with a band shell.

We should have WiFi in the park.

We should have chess, bocce, and horseshoes for seniors.

We need more walking paths, perhaps near the stream.

The pool is the most important facility that has to stay. Everything else can be moved around or replaced.

We would need to talk to the scouts to see if they would be open to moving into a new facility associated with a new pavilion/community center. Frank and Dean are the contacts for the Scouts. It sounded as though they might be open to the idea.

There was a long discussion about the existing ball field. Good explained that from a planning perspective the field is not in a good location because it’s not regulation size and parking is in the outfield. Therefore, we may want to consider finding an alternate location.

The field is well used including by fast pitch softball.

There was concern about moving the field because it is the only one left in the Borough and has been there forever.

Alternative locations for the field included elsewhere in the Township, north of the sewage plant, and asking the college for land.

The next Study Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 19th @ 7:00 in the Borough Municipal Building. At this meeting, Pashek Associates will present several concept plans.

1.7

The first Public Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 10th @ 7:00 in the Borough Municipal Building. Advertising this meeting was discussed and included an article in the local newspaper, press releases, and posters in local businesses.

The information contained in these minutes was recorded by Pashek Associates and represents our interpretation and understanding of the discussions that occurred during the meeting.

Prepared by: Sara Thompson October 16, 2008

Meeting Minutes New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan Study Committee Meeting Two Meeting Date and Time: 7:00 pm, November 19, 2008 Meeting Location: New Wilmington Borough Municipal Building PITTSBURGH 619 East Ohio Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412/321-6362 FAX 412/321-9202 www.pashekla.com

MERCER COUNTY P.O. Box 69

Attendees: Sharonn Edmiston Fred Garrett Tom Graney Mary Pitman Leon Ahlum

Doug Armsted Susan Ligo John Buerkle Sara Thompson

The following represents a brief review of discussions held during the above meeting: 1.1

Thompson began the meeting by handing out a draft of the Community Background, Site Analysis, and Concept Plan Description sections of the report. These sections describe important information related to the planning of the Park. The Community Background section helps orient the Master Plan reader to the community and overall park system. The Site Analysis explains the opportunities and constraints to park development on the site. The Concept Plan Description analyzes the opportunities and constraints of each of the four concept plans.

The Committee should review the draft and hand in any comments and suggestions at the next meeting or by email.

1.2

Next, Thompson gave an update on her discussion with Dean Antoniazzi of the Scouts. He suggested that they keep the existing building. They recently spent some money on the structure and it is sufficient for their needs. Dean has a long attachment to the building because it has served the scouts for many years.

Greenville, PA 16125

724/588-7961 FAX 724/588-7965 www.pashekla.com

The committee discussed what this meant for the design of the Park.

They talked about the difference between what was good for the scouts according to the scout leader and what was good for the whole community. They seemed to lean towards providing a new facility for the scouts since the existing building is taking up valuable space that could be used for other recreational facilities. In addition, they noted that the building is not ADA compatible and therefore discouraged those with disabilities from participating in activities held at the building.

SITE DESIGN, RECREATION PLANNING, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, COMMUNITY PLANNING, ZONING

Buerkle suggested that the scouts may be more receptive to a new building if they have a better idea of what the building would be.

Buerkle noted that the main building at the Girl Scoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Camp Elliott is a very functional model of a multi-use building that we may want to be considering for the park.

This issue will continue to be discussed in the upcoming public meeting.

1.3

Thompson then described the four Concept Plans. For each Plan a parking analysis was completed to determine whether enough parking was provided according to the number and type of facilities shown. Buerkle explained that the parking analysis did not take into consideration how many people walk to the park. He asked if the committee could help determine that number. They explained that there seemed to be a lot of people that walk to the Park but it’s hard to know the exact number. A list of pros and cons was also started for each Concept Plan. The committee was asked to comment and provide their pros and cons to the lists. Their comments are as follows:

•

Concept A – Concept ‘A’ generally retains existing facilities in their current locations, with new facilities designed around those locations. The existing ballfield along PA Route 158 has been expanded to better serve park users, as has the existing pool house and pool deck. A dropoff is provided for pool users off the main roadway. The existing Boy Scout House is also retained in its current location, with a playground added to the south. A picnic shelter, horseshoe court, half-basketball court, and trails have been included in the southern portion of the park.

Additionally, the existing volleyball court has been retained in the Carol Drive area. A community building and horseshoe court has been added in this area.

Riparian buffers have been proposed for the length of McLure Run, to filter stormwater runoff and help maintain the viability of the Run. o

o o

•

Negatives  The community center is separated from the main Park area. It should be closer to the pool.

Positives  Less parking, more open space. It’s good to have a balance.

Other comments  It was suggested that the College may entertain the possibility of working with the Borough to build a ballfield on the College’s property in the vicinity of practice football field. There is room for two or three fields and it’s within a ¼ mile of the other fields used by the community. The committee agreed that this would be a great alternative location for the existing ball field.  Some members of the committee would like to see a loop trail using the bridges to get to the other side of the stream. Unfortunately, that property is owned by the College and a private owner. The possibility of leasing that property from the owners would need to be evaluated.

Concept B – Concept ‘B’ retains the existing pool in its current location and expands the existing pool house and deck to better serve park users. A drop-off is provided for pool users.

A playground area and picnic area are located east of the pool, with a picnic shelter, horseshoe court, open lawn area, and half-basketball court. The existing shelter and access from PA Route 956 are retained in this concept.

Additionally, the existing volleyball court has been retained in the Carol Drive area. A combined community building / scout house and bocce court has been added in this area.

Riparian buffers have been proposed for the length of McLure Run, to filter stormwater runoff and help maintain the viability of the Run. o

o

•

Negatives  Add to traffic at Carol Drive.  Seems like a lot of parking. Less green open space.

Positives  Like the flat lawn space for unprogrammed play.

Concept C – Concept ‘C’ retains the existing pool in its current location, with no expansion of the existing pool house or deck. A combined community building / scout house is located to the west of the pool, with a drop-off serving this structure and the pool. A playground area and picnic area are located east of the pool, with a picnic shelter, horseshoe court, bocce court, and open lawn area. A new picnic shelter, horseshoe court, and trails have been included in the southern portion of the park.

Additionally, the existing volleyball court has been retained in the Carol Drive area. An area for teen users has been created with the addition of a half-basketball court and picnic shelter.

Riparian buffers have been proposed for the length of McLure Run, to filter stormwater runoff and help maintain the viability of the Run. o

o

•

Negatives  The existing swing by the pool was eliminated. This is used a lot by people who want to watch their children and grandchildren during swimming lessons without going into the pool area. We need more seating outside facing the pool, preferably with shade.

Positives  Drop offs for both the pool and community / scout building.  There is a close and direct relationship between the pool and community / scout building.

Concept D - Concept ‘D’ retains the existing pool in its current location and expands the existing pool house and deck to better serve park users. A drop-off is provided for pool users.

A playground area is located east of the pool, with a picnic shelter and open lawn area. A combined community building / scout house with amphitheater is terraced into the existing hillside. A new picnic shelter and trails have been included in the southern portion of the park.

Additionally, the existing volleyball court has been retained in the Carol Drive area. An area for teen users has been created with the addition of a half-basketball court and skate park.

Riparian buffers have been proposed for the length of McLure Run, to filter stormwater runoff and help maintain the viability of the Run. o o

Negatives  There could be liability issues with the skate park.

Positives  Like the shelter close to the pool area to provide a place where people can watch their kids in the pool and the playgrounds.

   1.4

A frat house is located across the street from the skate park so noise should not be an issue.

Like the amphitheater.

Like the extra deck space for the pool.

Following the discussions on the Concepts, the committee recommended that they thought Concept D would best meet the community’s needs with the following modifications: a. Committee preferred the community center / scout building location and vehicular circulation pattern of Concept B. b. Committee liked the proposed teen area along Carol Drive, and suggested it be revised to include a full basketball court, include a small picnic shelter, and either eliminate the skatepark or reduce it in size. c. Committee suggested the play area be refined to better locate the shelter to respond to the need to provide viewing area for the swimming pool, and / or be located in a manner that provides a photo opportunity along the stream corridor.

1.5

The first Public Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 10th @ 7:00 in the Borough Municipal Building. Advertising should include an article in the local newspaper, press releases, and posters in local businesses.

The information contained in these minutes was recorded by Pashek Associates and represents our interpretation and understanding of the discussions that occurred during the meeting.

Prepared by: Sara Thompson November 20, 2008

Please check our website to access project information: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Go to www.pashekla.com Click on client workspace in the lower right corner User name = New Wilmington Password = Park The user name and password are case sensitive.

Meeting Minutes New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan Public Meeting One Meeting Date and Time: 7:00 pm, December 10, 2008 Meeting Location: New Wilmington Borough Municipal Building PITTSBURGH 619 East Ohio Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212

The following represents a brief review of discussions held during the above meeting: 1.

Buerkle began the meeting by introducing the design team and explaining the park master plan process. He also reviewed the goals and site analysis for New Wilmington Borough Community Park.

2.

Next, Thompson described the four Concept Plans. For each Plan a parking analysis was completed to determine whether enough parking was provided according to the number and type of facilities shown.

The participants were asked to write down what they liked and disliked about each of the Concepts. They were then given time to discuss their comments in small groups. Finally, a member from each group presented their thoughts to the rest of the participants. The following are comments made by the participants during the meeting:

412/321-6362 FAX 412/321-9202 www.pashekla.com

MERCER COUNTY P.O. Box 69 Greenville, PA 16125

724/588-7961 FAX 724/588-7965 www.pashekla.com

SITE DESIGN, RECREATION PLANNING, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, COMMUNITY PLANNING, ZONING

Concept A What do you like?

• Main priority – new bathhouse; get rid of scout house • Playground near pool • Split activity – split parking • New pool house, • Larger area for play • Walking trails • Community center • ½ of Shenango are seniors, highly mobile and walk, not drive to park; encourage people to walk by not providing enough parking • New pool house • Separation between playground & basketball court • Walking trails on slope • Making use of area west of NC Street • Scout house stays at present • Multi-generational center is on Carol Drive side of park with parking • Scout house not changed except for walkway • Improved pool house • Community building on level ground • Horseshoes • ½ Baseball field

• • • • • • •

Bigger playground Trails Trails Loop trails are excellent!

Enclosed community buildings – wonderful, very used!

New bathrooms for pool house – cool!

Less foul language for my 7 year old – great!

What don’t you like?

• Lack of courts • Distance of parking to pool entrance • Community building & parking lot on Carol Drive side. Too much building spoiling what is currently a natural area and lights will disturb people who live close by.

• There is nowhere to sit/read or a quiet area for older people. There should be a nature area, nothing on Carol side please, except gardens • Ball field doesn’t need to be expanded. Kids using it don’t hit balls very far.

• Community gatherings and youth sites too distant • Horseshoe courts – who plays?

• Crowded • Ball field – how many people will use this?

• Not enough parking?

• Community building is too far away Concept B What do you like?

• Pavilion away from pool • 2-story Community Center • Parking is good, drive-thru road • Greater separation between playground & parking lot • Updated pool house; I would like to combine the scout house with a community building but keep it on the pool side • Making use of area west of NC Street • Improved pool house What don’t you like?

• All parking lots • Too much parking in place of green • Pavilion areas to activity areas • No ball field, too much parking lot • Too much parking lot • Too much parking at expense of green space • Buildings on the Carol Drive side – why spoil this beautiful piece of land?

• Removing Scout House • No ball field • Removing the Scout House. This turns the park into a parking lot.

• Combining Scout House with community building

• • • • • • • •

Too much parking and pavement.

Horse shoe courts?

Need more trails Parking lot is huge and kinda ugly Too much parking Not enough trails No ballfield, but yes, consider connecting w/Westminster Maybe too much parking

Concept C What do you like?

• Pavilion good • Wide level entrance for seniors, benches, smallest amount of parking to encourage walking/biking • Like basket court location, open shelter • That the buildings (scout/community) are on the pool side, leaving more green areas on the Carol Drive side • Teen area on Carol Drive side • Improved pool house • No shortcuts • The elimination of the drive thru to Beechwood!

• Separating the children’s playground & teen activities • Almost everything! Separates teens from younger kids, combining Scout House with community building makes it excellent multi-purpose structure.

• Great to have 2 parking areas.

What don’t you like?

• Parking lots • Pavilion – activity area • If the ball park if removed, make sure arrangements are confirmed for a sufficient field elsewhere • Sports courts – too spread out, compromising green space – can’t they either be closer together & closer to the road or Not At All? • Replacing Scout House with play area • Two entrances, both 2-way traffic • No ball field • Scout House is moved.

• Ball field eliminated.

• Too much parking area • Combining Scout House with community building • Too much parking, especially 3rd space lot • Moving the Scout House • Ball field – keep it small or remove it • ½ Court Baseball on Carol Drive side Concept D

What do you like?

• Amphitheater – Pavilion placement • Tiered parking?

• Community Center on the pool side • Amphitheater • Pool deck area, park arrangement, community room location, playground design, basketball court location • The community building – very nice design • Amphitheater – very nice • Amphitheater • Knock out the shortcut road • Love the Amphitheater! This is my favorite!

• I think the skate park is GREAT especially since the kids can’t use their skateboards anywhere else.

• Separating the teen activities from younger kids.

What don’t you like?

• Where does the money come from?

• Skate park – use as a play area • Skate park • Skate park – full basketball • Best plan but Carol Drive side – none of it, don’t build here! Gardens or Nature trails only!

• No ball field or Scout House • Park is turned into a parking lot. Scout House has been razed.

• Combining Scout House and community building • walking trails • Connection between the two largest parking lots General Comments: • My concern for all the plans is that seniors have good level walking access to all areas of the park and that there be enough bench areas for seniors to sit and watch the activities and enjoy the scenery. It appears that the level entrance from Market Street has been eliminated in some of the concepts. There is a significant population of seniors living 2 blocks north of the park at Shenango Presbyterian Senior Care.

• I had to leave but thanks for any improvements. We definitely need your help.

• • • • • • • • • •

keep scout house where it is Seniors are interested in walking to the park wide, accessible entrance need benches smallest amount of parking would like to see ballfield stay, but if it goes, need to find another space walking trails need good play spaces for kids Seniors – walking & benches green garden area w/ benches

• • • 3.

drinking fountain that does not freeze What about looking at existing buildings in town for a community center? let the kids design the playground

The next Study Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21st @ 7:00 in the Borough Municipal Building.

The information contained in these minutes was recorded by Pashek Associates and represents our interpretation and understanding of the discussions that occurred during the meeting.

Prepared by: Sara Thompson December 16, 2008

Please check our website to access project information: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Go to www.pashekla.com Click on client workspace in the lower right corner User name = New Wilmington Password = Park The user name and password are case sensitive.

Meeting Minutes New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan Study Committee Meeting Three Meeting Date and Time: 7:00 pm, January 21, 2009 Meeting Location: New Wilmington Borough Municipal Building PITTSBURGH 619 East Ohio Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412/321-6362 FAX 412/321-9202 www.pashekla.com

MERCER COUNTY P.O. Box 69 Greenville, PA 16125

Attendees:

Susan Ligo Rob Coulter Sharonn Edmiston Nancy McGinnis Cherry Poteet Doug Armsted Dr. Leon Ahlum

John Buerkle Sara Thompson

The following represents a brief review of discussions held during the above meeting: 1.1

Sharonn Edmiston began the meeting by indicating this meeting is a study committee meeting for the purpose of providing the consultant with input and feedback on the park master planning process to date.

Edmiston indicated a public meeting will be scheduled in the upcoming months and that at that time the public will have the opportunity to once again provide their input on a draft master plan for the park, which will also be presented at that meeting. Approximately one dozen members of the community attended this meeting to observe the discussion of the steering committee. Edmiston then introduced John Buerkle and Sara Thompson of Pashek Associates who represent the firm completing the master planning study for the park.

1.2

Buerkle asked the Committee if they had any comments on the Background and Site Analysis sections of the draft report. No changes were offered. Buerkle indicated the demographics section has been updated to provide more detail on the age stratification, and to compare the percentage of children, young adults, adults, and seniors. Buerkle noted the Borough has a much higher than average percentage of children than the state average.

1.3

Next, the committee was asked to make some decisions regarding the following issues that were raised during and after the public meeting:

724/588-7961 FAX 724/588-7965 www.pashekla.com

â&#x20AC;˘

SITE DESIGN, RECREATION PLANNING, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, COMMUNITY PLANNING, ZONING

Mary Pitman Norm Cochran Mark Nord Jack Reed

Carol Drive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what facilities are appropriate? The consensus of the committee was to keep this section of the park passive. o A small picnic shelter o Trails o A chess table o Maybe horseshoes

o

o

•

• •

•

There could be gardens or sculpture – the Borough can partner with Westminster and/or the High School to have art classes create sculpture for the Park.

Parking was discussed and the committee recommended either parallel parking be developed along Carol Drive in front of the park, or the Borough allow parking to occur on the street without modification and parking be prohibited on the side of the street opposite park

Ball Field – should it stay in the park? o There has to be a ball field somewhere, the ball association can’t afford to lose it o The Borough must confirm whether the informal discussions regarding the addition of fields new Agway, on the Westminster campus, are realistic and the new fields can become a reality o If Westminster agrees to the new fields and allows the community to use them, the current field in the park can be converted to a full basketball court and overflow, stabilized grass parking for the pool. o The court should be color coated green to blend in with the surrounding green open space. o If the field has to stay, the current basketball court should be moved to where the hockey rink is, farther away from the playground. o Ligo indicated she would continue to discuss the possibility of relocating the field to the Westminster Campus, near Agway. She hoped to have a firm decision in the near future. Buerkle indicated that decision is important to have as soon as possible as it impacts the direction the master plan will take.

Bath House – renovate the existing bath house or construct a new bath house? o The consensus of the committee was that the bath house is very poor shape and should be replaced, rather than renovated.

Community Center – what size facility is desired, and where should it be located, in the park or in the business district. o A larger building in the Park would take up a lot of visual and green space and would require even more parking. There is not much flat green space in the park as it is. That said, the park is within walking distance of the community and a good location for such a facility. o There was much discussion about how large the community center should be and whether it should be a community center or an upgraded enclosed shelter with kitchen and bathrooms. o The consensus was to replace the existing enclosed shelter with a year round facility, similar in size to the existing shelter. The new building should include a kitchen and restrooms.

Scout House – does it stay or move to a new community center? o Since the Borough owns the building, the committee decided that because of liability and ADA issues, the Borough should consider having it inspected to determine whether there are liability and ADA issues that need to be addressed. o Jack Reed indicated the Scouts would appreciate that kind of analysis. He also indicated that the scouts would be willing to pay for upgrades that may be required and that cost would not be an issue for them. Reed indicated the

â&#x20AC;˘

1.3

Scouts prefer to remain in the Scout house as opposed to having a dedicated space in the proposed community building. o Some members of the Committee feel the space occupied by the Scout house could be better utilized and they would prefer the Scouts be provided dedicated space in the proposed community building. o Discussion on the Scout house concluded with the Committee recommending Borough Council discuss this matter and provide the Committee with a decision on what direction Council prefers the master plan to take. Ligo said this would be done at the February 1st Council meeting.

Other Comments and Suggestions o Thompson noted that unfortunately the trail cannot connect along McLure Run under the New Castle Street Bridge given that the stream bed takes up the entire width below the bridge and the fact there are storm pipes that outlet beneath the bridge abutments. However, she recommended the crosswalk at Carol Drive be improved to be more visible and that ADA walkways can lead back to the stream.

Members of the public observed the study committee meeting. No comments were taken at that time. However, Edmiston said they could leave their contact information if they would like to be contacted directly about the public meeting. Edmiston indicated the public meeting will be advertised in the Globe and Notices placed at both banks located in the Borough as well as the public message board.

The information contained in these minutes was recorded by Pashek Associates and represents our interpretation and understanding of the discussions that occurred during the meeting.

Prepared by: Sara Thompson January 23, 2009 cc:

Steering Committee Members

Please check our website to access project information: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Go to www.pashekla.com Click on client workspace in the lower right corner User name = New Wilmington Password = Park The user name and password are case sensitive.

Meeting Minutes New Wilmington Borough Community Park Master Plan Study Committee Meeting Four Meeting Date and Time: 6:30 pm, March 25, 2009 Meeting Location: New Wilmington Borough Municipal Building PITTSBURGH 619 East Ohio Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412/321-6362 FAX 412/321-9202 www.pashekla.com

MERCER COUNTY P.O. Box 69 Greenville, PA 16125

Attendees:

Ms. Susan Ligo Mr. Rob Coulter Ms. Sharonn Edmiston Ms. Nancy McGinnis Ms. Cherry Poteet Mr. Doug Armsted Dr. Leon Ahlum

1.1

Buerkle started by discussing what has been done since the last meeting. A draft report has been developed and was distributed at the meeting. Committee members are to hand back any comments to the consultant by March 31st.

1.2

Thompson then presented the Draft Master Plan.

Carol Drive Area • The plan shows a passive recreation area with trails, expanded riparian buffer, a small shelter, and horseshoe courts. Benches, sculpture, and interpretive signs line the trails.

• It was mentioned that Council has recently considered selling the Carol Drive property for developing houses in order to raise money for park improvements within the main area of the Park.

The committee discussed the option and voted 9 to 2 in opposition to selling the property. The main reason for keeping the property was that there is no other space in the Borough for Park expansion in the future. Once the property is sold, it can never be replaced.

Main Park Area • The plan shows an illuminated crosswalk connecting the Carol Drive side to the main Park area. Accessible ramps and steps lead into the Park from the crosswalk.

• The existing ball field is replaced with a basketball court (with no fencing). Since the last meeting, an alternative location for the ball field was found within the Township. The committee recommended that Borough Council be asked for permission to allow the Maintenance Department to assist with improving the new field area.

FAX 724/588-7965

SITE DESIGN, RECREATION PLANNING, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, COMMUNITY PLANNING, ZONING

John Buerkle, Pashek Associates Sara Thompson, Pashek Associates

The following represents a brief review of discussions held during the above meeting:

724/588-7961

www.pashekla.com

Mr. Fred Garrett Ms. Beth Mickle Dr. Joyce Nicksick Mr. Jack Reed

• •

• •

• •

• •

The swimming pool area shows a new pool house, reconfigured parking to include a dropoff and grass overflow parking, entrance gardens, and a picnic shelter for spectators.

The existing playground, along with the court area, is replaced with a new playground with equipment and swings for 2 to 5 year olds and 5 to 12 year olds. It was mentioned that the Borough is currently pulling together a grant in order to develop the new playground.

Buerkle mentioned that the current out-dated play equipment presents a liability to the Borough. He recommends that the swings should be removed as soon as possible.

An enclosed shelter, parking, and amphitheater are also located near the playground. The enclosed shelter includes a kitchen and restrooms and is intended for year round use. A reinforced grass area is provided next to the shelter for the annual chicken roast trailer.

The existing Scout House is shown as Option 1. Option 2 shows removing the Scout House to make more room for the trail, riparian buffer, and more flat open space. In this scenario a space for the scouts is provided as a second story on the enclosed shelter. An Option 3 was also talked about and included moving the Scouts to a space elsewhere in the Borough. The latter two options cost more but provides more green open space near the stream. The committee voted 6 to 5 in favor of keeping the existing Scout House. Buerkle also noted that an agreement between the Borough and Scouts should be drafted to define the ownership and liability parameters. In addition, the Scouts should consider constructing a craftsman style porch to create a more welcoming entrance and help the building fit better within the Park.

Trails, a new shelter, and a reading garden are located on the hillside near Beechwood Road.

Throughout the Draft Master Plan, a riparian buffer is shown along McClure Run. The buffer includes grading in gentler slopes down to the stream, removing invasives, and replanting with native plants. Trails run through the riparian buffer and include benches, interpretive signage, and a couple of small overlooks.

Other Park improvements include a main concrete path connecting all of the facilities through the Park. Pedestrian-scaled lighting lines the path. All new structures should have a craftsman style to create a theme throughout the Park.

Sustainable solutions for the Park were also discussed. They include permeable pavers in the parking lots, rain gardens to capture stormwater runoff, using LED lights, and reducing the amount of impervious pavement.

1.3

Draft cost estimates were developed and discussed during the meeting. The total estimated cost for Park improvements is about $2.7 million. This assumes using a public bidding process and prevailing wage rates. It excludes any volunteer or in-kind services that can be matched with grant money.

1.4

Phasing was also talked about during the meeting. The committee decided on the following phasing order:

• • • • • •

Playground South New Castle Road Entrance Area, including basketball court Swimming Pool Bathhouse and Parking Enclosed Shelter and Parking Amphitheater and Beechwood Road Hillside Area Carol Drive Area

The riparian buffer along McClure Run can be constructed during any of the above phases.

Grant money for the buffer may be able to be matched with grants for constructing the recreation facilities depending on the funding sourcesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; requirements.

1.5

The final public meeting will be held Monday April 6, at 7:30 in the Borough Building. We encourage all committee members to participate.

The information contained in these minutes was recorded by Pashek Associates and represents our interpretation and understanding of the discussions that occurred during the meeting.

Prepared by: Sara Thompson March 26, 2009 cc:

Steering Committee Members