Walter Panek Park Master Plan by Pashek+MTR

Walter Panek Park Ambridge Borough Beaver County, PA

Pashek Associates

PA DCNR BRC TAG-13-177

Fall 2008

Acknowledgements This project was funded in-part with a Keystone fund grant from the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Special thanks goes to the residents of Ambridge Borough who participated in the public meetings for this project. Contributions of the following groups and individuals were vital to the success of the Walter Panek Park Master Plan. They are commended for their enthusiasm in the project and the input they provided throughout the planning process.

Ambridge Borough Mayor Carl “Buzzy” Notarianni Council President Gerald “Duke” McCoy Councilmember Anthony “Tony” Cafarelli Councilmember Bob Dunn Councilmember Orlando A. Gagliardi Councilmember Michael A. Mikulich Councilmember Tina Iorfido-Miller Councilmember Joe Pucci Borough Manager Ms. Kristen Denne

Study Committee Ms. Denise Terney Mr. Eric Geisbert Ms. Kayleigh Shebs Mr. Daniel Baker Ms. Marie Sass Ms. Marlene Verigood Ms. Jeri Giammaria Mr. Eric Reid Mr. Bob Dunn Ms. Kristen Denne

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Ms. Kathy Frankel, Natural Resource Program Supervisor, Region 5

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Table of Contents Background.............................................................................................................1 Project Introduction .............................................................................................................3 Study Format..................................................................................................................3 Goals for Walter Panek Park ..........................................................................................4 Benefits of Parks and Recreation ...................................................................................4 Introduction to Ambridge Borough......................................................................................5 Demographics ................................................................................................................6 Existing Park System .....................................................................................................9 Hierarchy of Park Summary ........................................................................................19 Existing Planning Efforts .............................................................................................20 Site Inventory and Analysis ...................................................................21 Base Mapping ....................................................................................................................23 Existing Conditions............................................................................................................24 Parcel Line Data Plan NIRA Engineering Site Plan - September 15, 2008 Existing Facilities...............................................................................................................38 Site Analysis Analysis ......................................................................................................................45 Park Program .....................................................................................................................45 Facility Design Guidelines.................................................................................................45 Sports Facility Guidelines ............................................................................................47 Park Program Facility Guidelines ................................................................................50 Adjacencies and Densities of Facilities .............................................................................52 Parking Standards ..............................................................................................................53 Conceptual Master Plans....................................................................................................54 Concept A Concept B Selection of Concept Plan ..................................................................................................63 Discussion Regarding Community Center.........................................................................63

Recommendations ..........................................................................................65 General Recommendations ................................................................................................67 Park Improvement and Rehabilitation Recommendations ................................................68 Park Master Plan Sustainable Park Design ....................................................................................................75 Park Design Guidelines......................................................................................................77 Opinion of Probable Construction Costs ...........................................................................93 Opinion of Probable Construction Costs

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Table of Contents (continued) Phasing of Construction .....................................................................................................98 Phase I Opinion of Probable Construction Costs.........................................................99 Phase II Opinion of Probable Construction Costs .....................................................100 Phasing Plan Phase III Opinion of Probable Construction Costs ....................................................104 Phase IV Opinion of Probable Construction Costs ....................................................106 Funding Sources...............................................................................................................109

Appendix - Recreation Facility Standards

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Chapter 1:

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Background

PROJECT INTRODUCTION Walter Panek Park is located in the northeastern part of Ambridge Borough, accessible from 24th Street / Breitenstein Road / State Route 989. This 77-acre park contains an adult baseball field and a youth baseball field with a concession stand, a playground, a picnic shelter, open lawn areas, and several wooded hillsides used informally for hiking. A public pool facility and two tennis courts are also located in the park, but they are closed. The Borough wanted to fund a study to determine the best uses for the unused space at the park, along with improvements needed for existing facilities. In 2006, Ambridge Borough applied to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for a grant to fund the preparation of a Master Plan for Walter Panek Park. DCNR awarded the grant to the Borough, who subsequently retained Pashek Associates to prepare the Master Plan. The Master Plan will provide Ambridge Borough with a blueprint for making decisions regarding development of facilities that will meet the recreational needs of Borough residents. Master Planning involves: analysis of natural features, such as topography, hydrology, soils, and vegetation; as well as collaboration with interested citizens to identify future development policies. This multi-tiered method, involving the Borough as well as surrounding communities and their decision-makers, yields both short- and long-term strategies for recreation facility development. It is essential to note that the Master Plan is meant to be a flexible tool for planning. Specific details of the design and the final locations of facilities may be adjusted through subsequent design. A thoughtful Master Plan identifies ways to maximize recreational opportunities with the most efficient use of resources. Facilities are re-used wherever possible to reduce new development costs and prevent unnecessary disturbance of land. Careful planning can also reduce operating and maintenance expenses. Therefore, efforts are made throughout the plan to identify improvements and strategies that are feasible and affordable to the Borough.

Study Format Master Planning involves a number of steps, including: Analyzing community- and recreation-related background information; Establishing goals and objectives for park development; Encouraging public participation through study committee meetings and public input sessions;

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Preparing an inventory of existing site facilities and conditions; Conducting a site analysis of natural and cultural resources; Preparing a master site development plan for the park; Estimating construction costs; Preparing a phased capital improvement plan; and Identifying implementation strategies to finance the capital improvement plan.

Goals for Walter Panek Park Early on the in the planning process, a list of general goals was developed by the Project Study Committee. This list was updated throughout the planning process to ensure that it would best guide development of the Master Plan and comply with the recreational needs of the community. These goals include: Provide space for youth recreation programming to keep local children active; Create recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities; and Make a commitment to maintaining any improvements that are made.

Benefits of Parks and Recreation Parks and recreation are an essential part of the high quality of life in the community. Benefits include the following:

Environmental Benefits

Community Benefits

Economic Benefits

- preserving habitat and wildlife - protecting ecosystems - reducing pollutants

- providing places for community events - offering opportunities for physical exercise - providing a place to safely enjoy the natural environment

- attracting businesses and their employees to the area - increasing property values - potentially boosting tourism

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INTRODUCTION TO AMBRIDGE BOROUGH Like many other communities in Beaver County, Ambridge Borough grew along with industry along the Ohio River just northwest of Pittsburgh. In 1824, a German separatist religious group known as the Harmony Society settled what is known today as Old Economy Village. This National Historic Landmark lies at the center of Ambridge’s Nationally-registered Historic District. In 1903, The American Bridge Company (American Bridge), at the time one of the world’s largest steel fabricators, purchased 2,500 acres of land from the Harmony Society to build a manufacturing plant in what was then Economy Township. American Bridge was a pioneer in fabrication of suspension bridges and construction of river barges and had found a perfect location for a largescale manufacturing complex. It provided easy access to water and rail transportation, along with ample room for employee (and family) housing. Ambridge Borough (from American Bridge), was incorporated in 1905. By 1930, Ambridge Borough had a population of 20,000, of which 60% were foreign-born. Many of their descendants still live in the surrounding area today. Ambridge Borough lies on the banks of the Ohio River, approximately 16 miles northwest of the City of Pittsburgh. The Borough forms part of Beaver County’s southeastern boundary and is accessible primarily by State Routes 65 and 989 and by a minor State Road (Route 2001 / Duss Ave.). Route 65 traverses the Borough from southeast to northwest, paralleling the eastern shoreline of the Ohio River. State Route 51 follows the western shoreline, and is easily accessed from the Borough via the Ambridge-Aliquippa Bridge. Route 989 begins in Ambridge and extends northeast through Harmony Township, Economy Borough, and New Sewickley Township. The Borough is bounded on the west by the Ohio River, on the north and west by Harmony Township, and on the south by Leetsdale Borough and Leet Township in Allegheny County. Walter Panek Park is located in the northeastern corner of the Borough, on the southern side of Route 989 / Breitenstein Road / 24th Street.

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Demographics (Sources: 1980, 1990, 2000 U.S. Census Data) Population Trends According to the U.S. Bureau of Census, the Ambridge Borough population decreased slightly during the 1980s and 1990s (see charts below). Information from the 2000 census shows the Borough’s population at 7,769, with a projected total population decrease (derived from Southwest Pennsylvania Commission data) of 2.4% between 2000 and 2010 (see charts below). Although the decrease in Borough population slowed in 1990s, since 1980 it is decreasing slightly faster than the overall County Population. Beaver County’s population decreased by 9.0% between 1980 and 1990; and by 2.5% between 1990 and 2000. AMBRIDGE BOROUGH POPULATION (per U.S. Census Data) Year 1980 1990 2000

Population 9,575 8,133 7,769

Change (Persons) --1,442 -364

% Change --15.1% -4.5%

Slowing of the population decrease is a trend reflected in the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s “Cycle 7 Baseline Forecast of Population, Households, & Employment,” completed in 2003. A continued but slowing population decrease in the Borough is reflected in the 2005 and 2010 population forecasts, with a stabilization in population forecasted for the period from 2010-2030. The following chart depicts population forecasts for the municipalities within the Ambridge Borough School District. AMBRIDGE BOROUGH - POPULATION FORECAST 2000 - 2030 (per SPC Cycle 7 Forecast of Population**) Year 2000 2005 2010 2020 2030

Population (Forecast) 7,769 (7,666) (7,579) (8,216) (8,896)

Change (Persons) --103 -87 637 680

% Change --1.3% -1.1% 8.4% 8.3%

**Source: Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s “Cycle 7 Baseline Forecast of Population, Households, & Employment” completed in 2003; Population taken from 2000 U.S. Census data.

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Population Density Ambridge Boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total area is 1.71 square miles, but only 1.46 miles is land (the remaining 0.25 square miles is the Ohio River). The population density (per 2000 Census data, using the total LAND area within the Borough) is 5,321.2 persons per square mile. In comparison, the Boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighboring municipalities have much lower population densities: Harmony Township (1,116.9 persons per square mile), Leetsdale Borough (1,232.0), and Leet Township (986.2/square mile). They all have densities equaling roughly 20% that of Ambridge Borough. Beaver Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall population density is even lower, at 417.1 persons per square mile. It is very apparent that Ambridge Borough is one of the most urbanized municipalities in the entire County (per SPC Cycle 7 data). Household Size In 1990, there were 3,718 total households in Ambridge Borough. By comparison, in 2000, the number of households had dropped to 3,595, a decrease of 3.3%. During this same period, the number of family households and number of married couple families, as a percentage of total households, declined more sharply. This is attributed to an increase in the number of single person and non-family households. The number of non-family households in the Borough increased by 7.6% from 1990 to 2000. Statistics from the 2000 Census indicate that household structure in the Borough favors two-parent families (54.7% of total households), much less than does Beaver County as a whole (69.6%). In 2000, the Borough averaged 2.16 persons per household (County 2.50); families with children under the age of 18 represented 23.2% of all Borough households (County 28.6%); married couples with children under the age of 18 represented 12.0% of Borough households (County 21.1%); and lastly, female heads of households with children under the age of 18 represent only 9.4% of Borough households, while representing only 5.9% of County households. (Source: 1990 and 2000 Census of General Social and Economic Characteristics, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census)

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Age Distribution According to the 2000 Census, Ambridge Borough’s population age characteristics show that the Borough’s population contains a slightly smaller proportion of minors and a much larger proportion of senior citizens than does Beaver County as a whole. In 2000, 21.6% of the School District’s population was under the age of 18 (County 22.6%), and 49.7% was 65 years of age or older (County 18.4%). Also, the median age of Borough residents is slightly less than that of the overall County population (See Chart Below). AMBRIDGE BOROUGH VS. BEAVER COUNTY Age Distribution per year 2000 Population (per U.S. Census Data) Population Segment Total Population Under 5 years Ages 5-19 Ages 20-24 Ages 25-44 Ages 45-54 Ages 55-64 Ages 65 and older Median Age

Ambridge Borough # Persons % 7,769 100.0 516 6.6 1,342 17.3 442 5.7 2,117 27.2 964 12.4 603 7.8 1,785 23.0 40.1 years

Beaver County # Persons % 181,412 100.0 9,860 5.4 35,795 19.7 8,921 4.9 49,517 27.3 25,905 14.3 17,990 9.9 33,424 18.5 40.7 years

Income According to the 2000 Census, median family income in Ambridge Borough was $35,529. The Borough median is considerably lower than the County-wide median of $45,495 and the neighboring Harmony Township median of $48,824. Housing Characteristics In 2000, the Borough contained 4,099 housing units, a 0.5% increase since 1990. The median value of owner-occupied housing units in the Borough, per the 2000 Census, is $50,300. This is far less than the median value of 2000 Beaver County occupied housing units ($85,000). Of the 1,652 owner-occupied housing units in the Borough in 2000, values were as follows: Housing Unit Value <$50,000 $50,000-$99,999 $100,000-$149,000 $150,000-$199,999 >$200,000

Percentage of Total Units 49.6% 47.3% 2.8% 0.0% 0.4%

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The number of vacant housing units in 2000 was 404. The number of renter-occupied units was 1,748, with a vacancy rate of 6.0% and a median monthly rental of $410 per month. By comparison, the Beaver County median monthly cash rental rate, as of the 2000 census, was $438 per month. Conclusions from Demographic Data (Source: 2000 U.S. Census Data) •

Need for Open Space: The Borough has population density nearly 5 times that of its surrounding municipalities. It is essential to the Borough’s quality of life that residents have open space for recreation, and redevelopment of space already slated for that use will meet that recreation need. None of the Borough’s limited remaining undeveloped land will have to be acquired or developed.

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Senior Recreation Needs: Although active recreation facilities are still needed to meet the recreational needs of younger residents, age distribution of the population supports the a demand for passive recreational facilities suitable for seniors. Approximately 43.2% of the population is over the age of 44. Further, 23.0% of the Borough’s residents are age 65 or older.

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Helping to Attract New Residents: Population forecasts indicate a population stabilization in the future, and the improvement of recreational open space is one of the factors that draws new residents to Ambridge. A high quality of life will mean more people moving into the Borough and more who grow up in the Borough staying as adults.

EXISTING PARK SYSTEM Recommendations set forth in this study are intended to provide the optimal level of recreation facility services to Ambridge Borough residents, given the opportunities and constraints of the park site. To determine the appropriate level of recreation facility service, one must understand what recreational opportunities are available in the study region today and compare it to projected demand, based on the Borough’s current population. Recreational opportunities in the immediate surrounding region must also be taken into account, as they may receive use by study region residents. Parks are classified according to a hierarchy developed by the National Recreation and Park Association. The five classifications are:

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1) Regional Reserves The regional reserve park is a facility designed more for the conservation of natural resources than recreational development. This type of park typically accommodates activities, such as nature study, trail uses, camping, boating, and fishing. Regional reserve parks are considerably larger than regional / metropolitan parks, but have the same 40- to 50-mile service area. Regional reserves in the immediate region surrounding Walter Panek Park include: McConnell’s Mill State Park The 2,546-acre McConnell’s Mill State Park is located in Lawrence County, just northwest of Portersville, PA. It is accessible from U.S. Route 19 and U.S. Route 422 via local roads, most of which are marked with park signage. The park contains the scenic Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, a historic 19th-century logging mill and wooden covered bridge (tours offered), and offers park amenities, such as picnic areas, hiking trails, and guided nature walks. In addition, outdoor recreational opportunities, such as climbing / repelling from the Gorge’s cliffs, fishing, hunting during regular seasons, wildlife observation, and whitewater rafting or kayaking are possible, although programming is not provided. McConnell’s Mill State Park is a 35-mile drive from the Walter Panek Park property. Moraine State Park Moraine State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s finest examples of outstanding environmental engineering achievement. This 16,725-acre park was once routed by mineral extraction. Today the park boasts rolling forested hills, open lawn areas used for park activities, and the 3,225-acre Lake Arthur. Activities offered in Moraine State Park include: • swimming; • fishing; • hunting in regular seasons; • picnicking (7 pavilions and numerous picnic tables);

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boating / canoeing / kayaking (launches for 20 horsepower motors or less, along with boat, canoe and kayak rentals); windsurfing; hiking (28.6 miles of trails, including a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail); biking (on a paved 7-mile trail); cross-country skiing; snowmobiling; sledding; ice skating, ice boating, and ice fishing; and; seasonal environmental education programs.

Moraine State Park is located in western Butler County, just north of U.S. Route 422. The park is accessible from Route 422, from State Route 488, via Pleasant Valley Road and via State Route 528 north of Prospect, PA. This park is approximately 34 miles from Walter Panek Park. Raccoon Creek State Park The 101-acre Raccoon Lake is the crown jewel of this 7,572-acre forested park. The park includes rustic recreation facilities constructed as part of Civilian Conservation Corps projects, as well as modern facilities and large tracts of undeveloped forest land. The park also boasts the following activities: • • • • • • • • • • •

picnicking (5 pavilions available for rent, as well as 500 separate picnic tables); fishing; swimming; hunting (on 5,000 acres of the park property); 44 miles of hiking trails; 16 miles of equestrian trails; 17 miles of bike trails; 10 modern cabins; modern and rustic tent campsites; a 3-bedroom lodge; a large recreation hall; and year-round environmental education programs.

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Raccoon Creek State Park is bisected by and accessible from State Route 18, in the extreme southern reaches of Beaver County. The park office is located along Route 18. Other major roads passing through portions of the park include State Route 168 and U.S. Route 30. This park is roughly 19 miles from Walter Panek Park. Hillman State Park Hillman State Park is located in northern Washington County and is accessible via local roads from State Route 18 and from U.S. Route 22. This large (+ 3,000 acres) undeveloped park is managed by the PA Game Commission for public hunting and is roughly 25 miles from Walter Panek Park. Allegheny Islands State Park Allegheny Islands State Park is in Allegheny County in Harmar Township, just southwest of the borough of Cheswick. Established in 1980, the park is composed of three alluvial islands, in the middle of the Allegheny River, northeast of Pittsburgh. This was established solely for the conservation of river habitat on these islands. The islands have a total area of 43 acres, with one island upstream of Lock and Dam No. 3, and the other two downstream. The park is undeveloped so there are no facilities available for the public, and the park is not accessible by vehicle. At this time there are no plans for future development. Jennings Environmental Education Center Jennings Environmental Education Center (Jennings) is a state park specifically dedicated to providing environmental education and interpretation to the public. The forest land at Jennings offers resources for environmental education programs, as does the 20-acre relic prairie, a rare ecosystem in the state of Pennsylvania. Located 12 miles north of the City of Butler, along State Route 528 near its intersection with State Routes 8 and 173, Jennings is approximately 45 miles from Walter Panek Park.

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Bradys Run County Park The 1,456-acre Bradys Run Park is Beaver County’s largest County-owned Park. It accommodates a variety of recreation activities at its facilities, which include: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

baseball / softball fields; mountain biking and hiking trails; a paved walking / jogging loop track; several picnic pavilions; the Bradys Run Lodge (event hall); an indoor ice arena and tennis facility; outdoor tennis courts; Bradys Run Lake, offering boating and fishing; a skate park; an arboretum; a lighted bocce facility with multiple courts; a horse arena for equestrian competition; and an off-leash dog park.

The park, which also houses Beaver County’s Recreation & Tourism department, is accessible via Bradys Run Road, which intersects State Route 51, four miles north of Beaver Borough. Bradys Run Park is approximately 13 miles from Walter Panek Park.

2) Regional / Metropolitan Facilities This type of park or other recreational facility generally serves communities within a onehour driving time service radius. These parks accommodate many types of outdoor facilities, some of which may require large amounts of land, or special facilities, such as special events, swimming opportunities, hiking, camping, and bicycling. Regional metropolitan facilities

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near Walter Panek Park include: Old Economy County Park The Old Economy Park property consists of nearly 400 mostly-wooded acres and is accessible from State Route 989 via Forcey Drive, just 3.5 miles from Walter Panek Park. Old Economy Park houses a public swimming pool, trails used for hiking and horseback riding, several picnic groves, a large barn pavilion, a sled-riding hill, two tennis courts, and a casual ball field area. The park property is mostly steep, wooded hillsides, with park roads accessing flat ridge tops containing facilities. The park roads are often used for walking / jogging. Brush Creek Park Brush Creek Park is a Beaver County-owned park focused mainly on rustic or casual recreation. The park property, consisting of approximately 400 acres, contains several hiking / mountain biking trails, large wooded hillsides, rustic picnic groves (without shelters), two baseball fields, two tennis courts, a children’s play area, several large open lawn areas used for sports and casual play, a historic covered bridge, and associated parking areas. Brush Creek is located along Concord Church Road / State Route 588 in New Sewickley Township via Glendale Road, which is the main park road. This park is roughly 17 miles from Walter Panek Park. North Park North Park, 3,010 acres in size, is located in Hampton, McCandless, and Pine Townships in Allegheny County, approximately 15 miles from the Walter Panek Park site. The park contains the following recreation facilities: • • • • • •

eighteen hole golf course; ice skating rink; tennis courts; three platform tennis courts; swimming pool with slide and baby pool; one football field;

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nine ball fields; eight soccer fields; basketball Courts; 75-acre lake for fishing; boathouse with boat rental; 114 shelters and eight rental buildings; Latodami Nature Interpretive Center; Marshall Island Wildflower Reserve; horse show area; Girl Scout cabin; exercise trail; and walking, jogging, hiking and bike trails.

Point State Park Point State Park features 36 acres of land and is situated on the West side of downtown Pittsburgh, where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers join to form the Ohio River. It is approximately 24 miles from the Walter Panek Park site. The park is a National Historic Landmark and commemorates the strategic and historic heritage of the area during the French and Indian War. Recreational opportunities in Point State Park include: •

Biking and In-Line Skating: A bike and in-line skate route through the park connects the North Shore Trail, the South Side Trail, and the Eliza Furnace Trail, via bicycle routes through the city of Pittsburgh.

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Casual Recreation: Open lawn areas and groves of shade trees provide opportunity for a variety of leisurely recreational activities.

Hartwood Acres Park Hartwood features 629 acres and is located in Hampton and Indiana Townships in Allegheny County, approximately 27 miles from the Sunrise Park site. The park provides the following recreation opportunities: • • • • • • •

Mansion, stable complex; Middle Road Concert Hall; theatre; summer concert series; guided tours; guided horse drawn hayrides; facility rentals for weddings and parties;

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summer theatre; and horse, cross country skiing, hiking, and walking trails.

Alameda County Park Butler County’s only County Park is Alameda Park, a 418-acre forested park containing a public swimming pool, large children’s playground, 8 picnic shelters of various sizes, two sand volleyball courts, several large open lawn areas, and trails used for hiking and mountain biking. Alameda Park is located on the north side of State Route 356 in Butler Township, just west of the City of Butler. This park is approximately 34 miles from Walter Panek Park. Montour Trail / Panhandle Trail The Montour Trail is a multi-use nonmotorized recreational rail-trail near Pittsburgh, that will ultimately extend 46 miles from Coraopolis to Clairton. Multiple sections of the trail totaling over 40 miles are currently completed, with new sections being added annually. The trail surface is compacted crushed limestone, which makes it ideal for all forms of non-motorized use: bicycling, walking, running, and cross-country skiing. In certain sections, horseback riding is also permitted, but not on the improved trail surface. A portion of the trail within Peters Township (Washington County) is known as the Arrowhead Trail. It is owned and maintained by the Township. The Panhandle Trail stretches 29 miles between Carnegie, PA, and Weirton, WV. The portion of the trail in Allegheny County is managed by the Montour Trail Council. This trail is a regional draw for hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, and nature enthusiasts. The trail’s northernmost trailhead is located in Groveton, PA, near the town of Coraopolis. This trailhead is located on Montour Road, which is easily accessible from State Route 51 and Interstate 79, approximately 10 miles from Walter Panek Park.

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3) Community Parks and Facilities This facility type serves a large percentage of the local population. Although some people may be able to walk to a community park or facility, most users would arrive by automobile or bicycle. Because of the travel time for most people to reach the facility, it becomes a special destination, and its features and facilities generally reflect this. A community park accommodates several types of activities and park acreage is usually adequate to provide ample room for large facilities (such as ball fields or swimming pools), group activities, and solitary pursuits (such as hiking or bird watching). A community park’s or facility’s focus is accommodating recreational needs of that particular community. Community parks in the area surrounding Walter Panek Park are listed below: Buttermilk Falls Natural Area This park, the smallest of the county-owned parks in Beaver County, is located along State Route 18 in Homewood Borough, just north of Beaver Falls, PA. Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is a 9-acre tract of mainly undeveloped woodland established to protect a 30-foot high waterfall. Two trails provide access to waterfall overlooks, and rustic amphitheater spaces created by abandoned sandstone quarries provide space for community events. This park is approximately 20 miles from Walter Panek Park. Other community parks located in Beaver County contain a variety of facilities and primarily serve the communities where they are located. These parks are listed below: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Big Beaver Borough Community Park Borough of Economy Park Bridgewater Riverfront Park (Bridgewater Borough) Center Township Municipal Park Chippewa Township Park Edward Gratty Memorial Park (Conway Borough) Franklin Township Park Freedom Riverfront Park (Freedom Borough) Greene Township Community Park Gypsy Glen Park (Vanport Borough) Hopewell Township Community Park Independence Township Park Industry Borough Community Park John Antoline Memorial Park (Monaca Borough)

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John Lucaric Park (Conway Borough) Lincoln Park (Midland Borough) Lock 57 Park (Ohioville Township) Mill Creek Community Park (Greene Township) Monaca Waterworks Park (Monaca Borough) New Brighton Fishing Park / Big Rock Park (New Brighton Borough) Ohioville Community Park (Ohioville Township) Patterson Township Recreation Area Raccoon Township Municipal Park R.C. Steifel Park (Ellwood City Borough) Rochester Riverfront Park (Rochester Borough) Shippingport Community Park (Shippingport Borough) South Beaver Township Recreation Park Sunset Hill Park (Economy Borough) Two Mile Run Park / Park Extension (Brighton Township) Veterans Memorial Park (Midland Borough) West Mayfield Borough Park

4) Neighborhood Parks and Facilities This type of facility serves a very specific purpose. Users can generally be expected to walk or bike to a neighborhood park or facility. Because they are quickly and easily reached, their use tends to be more casual and spontaneous. These parks are only large enough to accommodate a few activities and possibly a small amount of open space, which may especially benefit densely populated neighborhoods. Equipment and facilities may be specifically geared towards children, especially young children. These parks serve as the focus for small, individual areas, generally 1/2 to 1 mile in diameter. Neighborhood parks in Ambridge Borough include: a New Park, at the corner of State Route 989 / Duss Avenue and 11th Street, contains basketball courts, deck hockey, and bocce courts. Park Road Park, between State Route 65 and Park Road just south of 8th St, is a small linear park containing swings and a playground. C.J. Caul Park is located on the south side of 11th Street between Melrose and Merchant Streets. This park is an outdoor public space with a gazebo used for community events.

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5) Special Use Facilities Individual sports fields, sport complexes, or facilities geared toward activity, such as a racquetball club or fairgrounds, exemplify special use facilities. This type of facility is not typically located within a park. Whether publicly or privately owned, this type of facility serves as a unique destination. Special Use Facilities near Walter Panek Park include the following (uses are shown in parentheses): • • • •

Ambridge Country Club (9-hole public golf course in Harmony Township / Economy Borough) Green Valley Park Campground (New Sewickley Township) Ambridge Area High School Athletic Fields (Football, baseball, etc. - Ambridge Borough) Economy Lanes (Bowling - Ambridge Borough)

Hierarchy of Park Summary Walter Panek Park’s size, facilities, and potential for development of a variety of recreation facilities are reasons to classify it as a community park, primarily serving Ambridge Borough and adjacent Harmony Township. The park may also attract use by residents living in the western portion of nearby Economy Borough. Current use of facilities indicates that park use would increase with development of new types of facilities, thus better meeting the community’s recreational needs. Some recreation facilities, such as playgrounds, bocce courts, basketball courts, etc. are available at the nearby neighborhood parks in Ambridge Borough. However, these are only single instances of such facilities. Duplication of these facilities at one central location, such as Walter Panek Park, will still attract use from residents in the Borough and in Harmony Township.

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EXISTING PLANNING EFFORTS A Strategic Vision for Our Future: SHALE Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan In 2003, a comprehensive planning effort (Comp Plan) began to create a strategic vision of the future in South Heights Borough, Harmony Township, Ambridge Borough, Leetsdale Borough, and Economy Borough. These municipalities, collectively known as SHALE, wanted to develop a “vision” for the successful future of their respective municipalities, all of which share several physical and political traits. Among the recommendations set forth in their Comp Plan are those regarding parks, recreation, and protection of open space and natural resources. Specific objectives and recommendations, related to Walter Panek Park or to recreation in Ambridge Borough, are as follows: Parks and Recreation Recommendations: •

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Encourage other municipalities (besides Economy Borough, who already had a study completed at the time of the Comp Plan), to conduct Parks Master Planning studies to identify opportunities to refurbish and expand local parks, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities. Work with local service organizations and youth groups to create a volunteer corps to clean up parks and maintain trails.

Protected Open Space and Natural Resources Goal: •

Conserve existing primary woodlands, agricultural areas, and environmental resources.

Protected Open Space and Natural Resources Recommendation: •

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Limit the amount of impervious surfaces created by development through uniform site design standards. Require site development plans to minimize site disturbance and tree removal. Promote conservation of natural ground cover and trees, or the inclusion of new ground cover, in site developments to reduce and filter surface run-off.

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Chapter 2:

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Site Inventory and Analysis

SITE INVENTORY & ANALYSIS Planning for development or improvement of any recreation site requires an understanding of that site. In addition, it is essential to understand the community as a whole and how the recreation site meets or doesn’t meet the community’s recreation needs. History and demographics of the surrounding community provide a context within which to begin the development 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 conditions at Walter Panek Park are discussed in this chapter. From this information, conclusions are made about the opportunities and constraints that the site presents for further park development.

Base Mapping A boundary and topographic survey was not prepared as part of this master planning process study. Pashek Associates developed the park base map using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data available from the 2005 PAMAP aerial mapping program. Parcel lines were taken from Ambridge Borough’s GIS parcel database. GIS soil data was taken from the NRCS (National Resource Conservation Service) soils resource information. Road information was acquired from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PADOT) mapping. A drawing titled “Property Line Data” was furnished by NIRA Engineering. The survey is dated February 7, 1983. A note on the drawing reads as follows: Boundary property line data was taken from previous surveys by Michael Baker Jr., Inc. dated July 1960, August 1969, drawing by Green Int., dated March 1980, and the Borough Park Contour Map dated January 1931 by R.A.N. It must be noted that a plot by reference of the Property Line Data drawing, onto the base map prepared for this project do not line up. This may be do to differences in geographic projections between the Property Line Data drawing and the current GIS data. Therefore, we recommend that before any additional work is completed within the park, that the park boundaries be confirmed and pinned.

Walter Panek Park

NIRA Engineering also provided a drawing titled “Proposed Bathouse & Site Improvements to Walter Panek Park - Park Site Plan”, dated September 15, 1986. This drawing includes the existing layout of park facilities and locations of utility services within the park. Each of these drawings are included herein for reference. Existing Conditions Location, Size, and Legal Status Walter Panek Park currently consists of approximately seventy-one acres, which is accessible from the extension of 24th Street (which is also known as Breitenstein Road) and State Route 989. The park property is also accessible to pedestrians from an alley east of Beaver Road. Walter Panek Park is owned by Ambridge Borough. The property was approximately one hundred and forty-one acres in 1928. In 1946, a small parcel was added to the property, and in 1971 approximately seventy acres of the property were sold to a local businessman. Since 1971, the size of the property has remained unchanged. Zoning and Adjacent Land Use Walter Panek Park is located in a residential (R) zoning district. Land use on all sides of the park is residential. Existing Structures and Roads Several vehicular circulation routes exist on the park property. The main park entrance road is very wide and made of concrete. This road narrows as it continues southward into the park and is gated near the concession stand for the large ball field. An asphalt drive circles most of the park’s facilities, including the ball fields, playground, and abandoned swimming pool. This asphalt drive connects to the main entrance road, just south of the road gate, near the concession stand for the large ball field. A gated gravel roadway extends southeastward from the asphalt drive, providing maintenance access to a former dump site on the park property. Existing structures on the site include: • • • •

abandoned pool house and associated outbuildings (soon to be demolished); a concrete block concession stand; chain-link fence dugouts serving the ball fields; and chain-link fences surrounding the ball fields, pool area, and tennis courts.

Walter Panek Park

Utilities Identifying existing utilities on the property aids in cost estimating and helps distinguish opportunities for proposed park activities that may require electricity, sewer, etc. In addition, the following Acts require anyone who engages in any type of excavation or demolition to provide advance notice: o o o o

Underground Line / Facilities Damage Prevention Act of 1996 (the “Act”); OSHA Standard 1926.651 (revised 1990); Federal Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as amended protecting underground liquid (CFR 49, Part 195) and natural gas (CFR 49 Part 192.614) pipelines; and National Electric Safety Code, ANSI C-2 (revised 1997).

In Pennsylvania, PA Act 287, as amended by Act 187 of 1996, 73P.S. § 176 et. seq. requires “notice in the design or planning phase of every work operation that involves the movement of earth with powered equipment.” The PA One Call System, Inc. has been established as a non-profit organization to facilitate requests for utility information. Therefore, PA One Call System, Inc. (1-800-242-1776) was contacted during the inventory and analysis phase to determine if and which utilities are in the vicinity of the park.

Walter Panek Park

PA One Call System, Inc. responded via their automated response service, Serial Numbers 3545299 (Ambridge Borough) and 3545300 (Harmony Township). Utility companies then responded directly as is shown in the following chart: PA One-Call Responses - Walter Panek Park (Serial #’s 3545299 and 3545300)

Utility Company

Address

Ambridge Borough

Response

600 11th Street No Response Ambridge, PA 15003 Ambridge Municipal Authority 2201 Ohio River Blvd. No Response Ambridge, PA 15003 Ambridge Water Authority P.O. Box 257 Clear – No Facilities Ambridge, PA 15003 Columbia Gas of PA 501 Technology Drive Design Conflict – Southpointe Industrial Park Lines Nearby Please send to: Timothy M Petrina Canonsburg, PA 15317 Duquesne Light Company

2825 New Beaver Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Harmony Township 2501 Woodland Road Ambridge, PA 15003 Leet Township / Leet Township 198 Ambridge Avenue Municipal Authority Fair Oaks, PA 15003-1278 Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. Verizon Pennsylvania Inc. 201 Stanwix St., 4th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Contact Kristen Denne Robert Emmert Jeff Allen Timothy M. Petrina

Conflict Pam Niehaus Lines Nearby pniehaus@duqlight.com Clear – No Facilities Frank Presto Clear – No Facilities David Nichols Office Personnel Design Conflict Lines Nearby Please send to : Office Personnel

Sanitary service is provided to the site by the Borough of Ambridge Municipal Authority. The Ambridge Water Authority maintains and operates water lines that serve the property. Columbia Gas provides natural gas service, and Duquesne Light provides electric service to the property. The locations of the existing utility services on the property are identified on the “Park Site Plan”, prepared by NIRA Engineering, dated September 15, 1983. An interview with current NIRA Engineering staff that represents the Borough indicated that no major utility improvements have occurred on the property since the site plan was prepared, with the exception of an electric service drop to the ball field concession stand.

Walter Panek Park

Water Features and Wetlands The majority of Walter Panek Park lies on a hill top that is surrounded by moderate to steeply sloping grades. No wetlands are located on the site. The topography has required the use of a detention pond along 24th St. west of the entrance drive, as well as a dry detention basin in the northeast part of the property, that is east of the entrance drive. An unnamed tributary flows along the southern property boundary and flows westward into the Ohio River. This stream, along with other unnamed tributaries of the Ohio River, has been designated as a warm-water fishery (WWF) by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protections Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards. Topography The existing topography of a site is an important consideration when planning for improving or expanding facilities on a site. Slopes less than 10% in grade are typically suited for the development of facilities that require large areas of level land, such as athletic fields, parking lots, and picnic groves to name a few. Slopes between 10% and 25% are better suited to the development of passive recreation facilities and are not suitable for facilities that require large level areas. Slopes greater than 25% should be avoided all together, as development of these slopes have the potential to create landslides and present erosion problems. The majority of the land in the park, 71%, consists of slopes greater that 25%, and only 21% of the property contains slopes of less than 10%. Slope Acreage Percentage <10% 16.35 21% 10% to 15% 5.67 7% 15% to 25% 11.77 15% >25% 43.21 56% Total 77

Soils Soils help determine appropriate land use and development for the park site. In addition to the Soil Survey for Beaver and Lawrence Counties, Pashek Associates reviewed the lists of hydric soils for the Beaver County. Hydric soils are one of three criteria used to identify jurisdictional wetlands in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The following chart describes the properties of soils found on the park property according to the soil surveys and identifies any hydric qualities in those soils.

Walter Panek Park

GpC-Gilpin-Upshur complex, 8 to 15% slopes. Well drained ridge soils, silt loam, moderately deep. Gilpin soil is strongly to extremely acidic. Upshur soils are medium to very strongly acidic. Development limitations are high, subject to slips and landslides, as well as slope and erosion risk. Soils Inventory - Walter Panek Park Soil Type (Map Symbol)

Drainage Hydric Com- Limitations to Site Develponents opment

Allegheny Silt Loam,3-8% slopes (AgB)

Good

None

Moderate erosion risk, gravelly substratum is a risk for seepage if used for waste disposal

Gilpin-Upshur Complex, 8-15% slopes (GpC)

Good

None

Gilpin-Upshur Complex, 1525% slopes (GpD)

Good

None

Gilpin-Upshur Complex, 2560% slopes (GpF)

Good

None

Slope, depth to bedrock, high shrink-swell potential, clayey unstable soil material, erosion hazard Slope, depth to bedrock, high shrink-swell potential, clayey unstable soil material, erosion hazard Slope, depth to bedrock, slow permeability, high shrink-swell potential, clayey unstable soil material, erosion hazard (best used only for undisturbed recreation areas)

Gilpin-Weikert Complex, 1525% slopes (GsD) Gilpin-Weikert Complex, 2570% slopes (GsF)

Good

None

Good

None

Slope, depth to bedrock, severe erosion hazard Slope, depth to bedrock, severe erosion hazard

The following are conclusions made from the soil inventory: o

Characteristics from the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soils pose very little if any limitations to park development, assuming no major earthwork activities are proposed. The majority of the level land on the site is comprised of Allegheny Silt Loam and poses no risk to park development. Other smaller areas of level land on the site may still be suitable for development of structures or recreation facilities with detailed soil testing to ensure stability of soil prior to development.

Walter Panek Park

Topography The topography of the Walter Panek Park is divided into two categories. 1) large gentle slopes that range from 0-10%, which encompass approximately 25% of the site; and 2) slopes ranging from 10-70%, which cover the remainder of the property. Most of the level areas are located in the existing park recreation area in the northwestern part of the site. Steeper, undeveloped slopes surround the plateau area containing existing structures and recreation facilities. The developed area is lawn and partly pavement, while the sloped areas are primarily forested. Vegetation An actual vegetative inventory of the park property would be an intensive, time-consuming undertaking and was not part of this master plan project. Instead, a potential plant inventory was derived from direct site observation, as well as the following reference sources: Benyus, Janine M. The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Eastern United States. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1989. Soil Survey of Beaver and Lawrence Counties, Pennsylvania. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Soils Conservation Service, in cooperation with Penn State College of Agriculture and PA Dept. of Environmental Resources, issued April 1982.

A portion of Walter Panek Park is maintained as mowed lawn, with a few deciduous shade trees planted around facilities such as the playground. However, the most common plant community on the park property is the Oak-Hickory forest. The following table identifies a potential plant species inventory for the Oak-Hickory forest ecosystem:

Walter Panek Park

Major (Canopy) Trees

Understory Trees, Shrubs and Vines

Herbaceous Plants

Black Oak

Beaked Hazel

Asters (various)

Northern Red Oak

Blackberry

Black Snakeroot

White Oak

Blueberry

Bloodroot

Bur Oak

Deerberry

Common Cinquefoil

Pin Oak

Downy Serviceberry

Common Lespedeza

Shingle Oak

Eastern Burningbush

Cut-leaved Toothwort

Chestnut Oak

Eastern Hophornbeam

Dutchman’s Breeches

Shagbark Hickory

Eastern Redbud

False Solomon’s Seal

Red Maple

Flowering Dogwood

Solomon’s Seal

Sugar Maple

Mapleleaf Viburnum

Goldenrods (various)

Black Cherry

Mountain Laurel

Indian Cucumber Root

Black Locust

Rhodendrons

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Black Walnut

Spicebush

Mayapple

Black Gum

Sourwood

Nannyberry

Green Ash

Sassafras

Winterberry

White Ash

Poison Ivy (vine)

Panic Grasses

Sweetgum

Virginia Creeper (vine)

Partridgeberry

Yellow Poplar

Wild Grape (vine)

Pink Lady’s Slipper

Slippery Elm

Witch-hazel

Sedges

American Basswood

Sessile Bellwort

Eastern White Pine

Tick Trefoils

White Spruce

Tickclover

Norway Spruce

Trillums

Larch

Trout Lily Violet Wood-Sorrel Wild Ginger Wild Sarsaparilla Wintergreen (Teaberry)

Walter Panek Park

Wildlife To survive, animals require food, cover, space, and water. All of these are provided on the park site, and thus the site is sufficient to support wildlife. As with the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vegetation, a potential wildlife inventory was derived from direct site observation and from reference sources. From information on the aforementioned plant community, Pashek Associates compiled a potential wildlife inventory using the following sources: Benyus, Janine M. The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Eastern United States. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1989. Brittingham, Margaret C., and Colleen A. DeLong. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Management Practices for Enhancing Wildlife Habitatâ&#x20AC;?. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension, 1998.

The Walter Panek Park property provides one major habitat type for wildlife -- mature forest (oak-hickory forest) -- and this habitat is needed by a variety of species for different reasons. Mature forests provide abundant food, cover, and nesting sites for wildlife. The mowed areas of the site are usable by wildlife but are not suitable to support wildlife year-round.

Walter Panek Park

The following list represents a potential wildlife inventory (not including insects and other invertebrates) of the wildlife that may utilize the park property. POTENTIAL Wildlife Inventory: Mature Oak / Hickory Forest Habitat Cooperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hawk

Tufted Titmouse

Gray Fox

Broad-winged Hawk

Chickadees (various)

Red Fox

Eastern-Wood Peewee

Woodpeckers (various)

White-tailed Deer

Great Crested Flycatcher

White-breasted Nuthatch

Black Bear

Whip-poor-will (bird)

Warblers (various)

Marbled Salamander

Gray Jay

Northern Bobwhite

Slimy Salamander

Blue Jay

Ovenbird

Spotted Salamander

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Wild Turkey

Eastern Box Turtle

Red-eyed Vireo

Gray Squirrel

Five-lined Skink

Summer Tanager

Fox Squirrel

Black Rat Snake

Scarlet Tanager

White-footed Mouse Woodland Vole

Species of Special Concern: Rare, Threatened, or Endangered The Pennsylvania Department of Forestry maintains the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Index. This is a database of known locations of Pennsylvaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rare, threatened, and endangered plant and animal species. The database and searches are now accessible online at the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (www.naturalheritage.state. pa.us). A search of the PNDI Database (Search #200671220121598) indicated that park development will not impact federally listed, proposed, or candidate endangered species. However, park development could potentially impact a special concern species. When development projects are pursued, the Borough should mail / fax a copy of the PNDI Project Environmental Review Receipt to the PA Fish & Boat Commission at the following address: Natural Diversity Section Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Division of Environmental Services 450 Robinson Lane Bellefonte, PA 16823

Walter Panek Park

This mailing should also include a cover letter and project narrative, including information such as: acreage to be impacted, methods of construction / maintenance, project location (municipality), and a USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle with the project boundary marked on the map.

Walter Panek Park

Existing Facilities This section identifies issues related to the location, use, and relationship between existing facilities at Walter Panek Park. Analysis of the park property is visually represented in the Site Analysis Plan at the end of this chapter. Small Ballfield, 200’ down the foul lines and to center field -

Dugouts fenced, no accessible access to players’ benches or field Spectator bleachers, rows higher than 30” without guiderails, presents fall hazard Infield condition: Poor, surface compacted, hard Fence condition: Fair, tops include fence cap

Observations - Bleachers pose a liability due to potential fall, replace, retro fit, or remove immediately - Construct accessible route from adjacent parking area to spectator areas, player benches, and ballfield area - Rehabilitate skinned infield and turf outfield - Field Orientation: Northeast, acceptable Large Ballfield, 290’ down the foul lines and to center field -

Observations - Bleachers pose a liability due to potential fall, replace, retro fit, or remove immediately - Construct accessible route from adjacent parking area

Walter Panek Park

to spectator areas, player benches, and ballfield area Install drainage swale behind fence, along third base line to intercept stormwater runoff before it reaches the field Rehabilitate skinned infield and turf outfield Field Orientation: Southwest, acceptable

Concession Stand, adjacent to large ballfield -

Condition: Fair

Observations - Often vandalized, consider installing security cameras throughout park to deter vandalism

Swimming Pool, 10,000 Square Feet, and Bathhouse -

Condition: Poor, out of service, closed in late 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Feasibility Study conducted in 1994, estimated cost of rehabilitation between $450,000 and $700,000 2006 Borough authorized letting of bids for asbestos removal from bathhouse, in preparation of demolition of pool complex

Observations - Borough has agreement with local demolition contractor who will demolish bathhouse and swimming pool as a donation to the Borough - Swimming Pool and Bathhouse are accessible to the public, presents liability, secure access immediately

Walter Panek Park

Community Playground -

Features: • climbing structure for 2-to-5-year old children, approximately 10 years old • climbing structure for 5-to-12-year old children, approximately 10 years old • Three bay swing set, age unknown, appears to be of older vintage, perhaps relocated when playground was renovated • See-Saw, with tires under seats, appears to be of older vintage, perhaps relocated when playground was renovated • Climber, appears to be of older vintage, perhaps relocated when playground was renovated • Organic protective surface with timber edger, vegetation growing in surface, required depth of surface not being maintained due to settlement, compaction, and displacement of material

Condition: Poor

Observations: - Climber does not meet ASTM Public Playground Safety Standards due to potential to fall on interior members, presents liability to Borough - Play surface not being maintained in a condition that complies with ASTM Public Playground Safety Standards for Playground Surfacing, presents liability to Borough - Playground has exceeded its useful life expectancy, immediately remove unsafe equipment, and reestablish protective surface to comply with standards under equipment which will remain, or remove all equipment immediately, consider replacing equipment and surface

Walter Panek Park

Tennis Courts and Perimeter Fencing -

Condition: Poor, not in playable condition

Observations: - Gates opened, and / or missing, cannot limit access to courts, surfaces are unsafe for play, present liability to Borough - Limit access to courts by installing and locking gates, or remove tennis courts immediately - Tennis courts need to be reconstructed in their entirety if the Borough desires to rehabilitate them Park Entrance Road and Signage Need Improved At first glance, the concrete park entrance road stemming from Breitenstein Road / State Route 989 seems more like a runway than a park road. The road is 30 to 40 feet wide at the entrance and narrows as it extends into the park. Narrowing the entrance road to 20 feet would provide more green space and better fit a park atmosphere. In addition, the park sign along Breitenstein Road needs to be replaced by a brighter, sturdier, more colorful sign that will be highly visible to motorists on Breitenstein Road. The current signage is not highly visible or legible from a moving vehicle. Safety is an Issue Infrequent use of some park facilities has attracted loitering and vandalism. In remote areas of the park, this has led to safety issues. Two locations where this is especially prevalent are: 1) along the gravel access road to the former municipal fill site, which is currently used for walking by park visitors; and 2) on the long stairway leading up the hill to the park from an alley just east of Beaver Road. Visibility is poor in both of these locations, and both are somewhat isolated from other parts of the park.

Walter Panek Park

Opportunities on the Hillside The forested hillside just east of the developed park area offers filtered views into the park, is relatively open beneath the main canopy, and contains a former road alignment now used informally by park users as a walking trail. This areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proximity to the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open space and parking offers opportunities for development of recreational facilities that will require limited clearing of the hillsideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forests.

Abandoned Pool Space Provides Opportunity Once the existing pool, pool house, and associated outbuildings are removed, a large level space will be available for other park facilities. The removal of the pool building may also allow opportunities to improve the pedestrian access from the west, by providing better visibility at the top of the access stairway leading into the park.

Parking Needs Existing parking for the ball fields needs to be reorganized to maximize space available and to plan for future expansion of parking or recreation facilities. In addition, handicapped-accessible parking needs to be installed adjacent to recreation facilities.

Walter Panek Park

ANALYSIS Park Program Based on input received through the public input process, the study committee requested the consultant to provide as many of the following facilities as possible into the park: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Additional ballfields Open space Skatepark Picnic shelter Walking / biking trail Multi-purpose community room (multi-generational) Dog park Sledding Balance between passive and active opportunities Spray pad Meditation trail Secure entrance and exits to the park Sufficient parking Park needs to appeal to broader group, consider archery area, dance hall, etc.

Facility Design Guidelines It is imperative that Ambridge Borough take steps to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of those who will visit Walter Panek Park. The facilities in Walter Panek Park must be properly located, safe recreation facilities, which are accessible to all visitors. Safety issues to consider include properly oriented athletic fields and courts, safe play settings, age appropriate play equipment, properly design trails, and conformance to the Americans with Disabilities Act to name a few. Facilities must meet the needs of the physicallyand mentally-challenged, as well of those with temporary disabilities. Ensuring accessibility to all facilities not only accommodates those with disabilities, but it also makes it easier for the general public to access and use the facilities. It is imperative that the Borough take steps necessary to provide facilities accessible to all park users.

Walter Panek Park

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 prevent the disabled from using those facilities. When recreational facilities are built or improved, they must comply with ADA standards, by providing an accessible route to the area of use and spectator areas. Generally accepted standards and design guidelines for park and recreation facilities include:

•

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.

•

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

•

Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities, Play Areas, Finale Rule, www.access-board.gov - establishes requirements for playground equipment accessibility.

•

Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP), www.beneficialdesigns.com/trails/utap. html - Based on the promise that trails should be universally designed to serve all users, UTAP encourages land managers to provide users with specific information regarding the trail so users can make an informed decision as to whether they have the ability to use the trail.

•

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.

Walter Panek Park

•

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II Requirement for Public Facilities, www.access-board.gov

•

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

•

American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials “Guide for the Development Of Bicycle Facilities”.

•

“Trail Planning, Design, and Development Guidelines”, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Trails and Waterways

•

“Trail Solutions: IMBA’s Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack” , International Mountain Bicycling Association

•

“Natural Surface Trails by Design: Physical and Human Design Essentials of Sustainable, Enjoyable Trails”, Troy Scott Parker

Sports Facility Guidelines Additionally, many facilities must comply with specific standards established for their respective activity. Sports facility standards, which must be understood in order to properly locate the facilities being considered in this study, include: •

National Federation of State High School Association’s “Court and Field Diagram Guide”.

•

National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America, www.horseshoepitching.com establishes court dimensions and requirements.

•

USA Volleyball, www.volleyball.org - establishes court dimensions and requirements.

•

Bleacher Hazards: CPSC Safety Guidelines to Retrofit Bleachers

Bleachers can pose a number of hazards: • •

Guardrails may be missing from the backs or open sides of the bleachers. Openings between components in the seats and guardrails may be big enough to permit a child or a person to fall through.

Walter Panek Park

• •

There may be missing or inadequate bleacher components, such as seating planks or footboards. Bleachers may collapse if they are not installed or operated properly. This danger is particularly evidenced with telescopic/folding bleachers, portable/movable bleachers, and temporary bleachers.

In 2000, the CPSC issued the following Guidelines for Retrofitting of Bleachers: •

• •

•

• • •

• •

Guardrails should be present on the backs and portions of the open ends of bleachers where the toe footboard, seatboard, or aisle is 30 inches or more above the ground. Bleachers with the top row nominally 30 inches above 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, seatboard, 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 needed if a four-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 four-inch sphere. Any opening between the components in the seating, such as between the footboard, seatboard, and riser should prevent passage of a four-inch diameter sphere where the footboard is 30 inches or more above the ground and where the opening would permit a fall of 30 inches or more. The preferable guardrail design uses only vertical members as in-fill between the top and bottom rails. 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. If chain link fencing is used on guardrails, it should have a mesh size of 1.25-inch square or less. Aisles, handrails, non-skid surfaces, and other items that assist in access and egress on bleachers should be incorporated into any retrofit project where feasible. The option of replacing bleachers, as opposed to retrofitting, should be considered. Materials and methods used for retrofitting should prevent the introduction of new hazards, such as bleacher tipover, bleacher collapse, guardrail collapse, and contact or tripping hazards. The retrofit should not have any sharp points or edges, such as protruding bolt ends or unfinished edges on aluminum extrusions. Bleachers should be thoroughly inspected at least quarterly by trained personnel and problems corrected immediately. Records of these actions should be retained. A licensed professional engineer, registered architect, or company that is qualified to provide bleacher products and services should inspect the bleachers at least every two years and provide a written certification that the bleachers are fit for use. CPSC

Walter Panek Park

•

recommends consulting local building officials to determine if permits are required and the use of licensed professionals to complete needed work. Records of all incidents and injuries should be retained.

Walter Panek Park

Park Program Facility Guidelines Taking into consideration the aforementioned standards and guidelines, in combination with Pashek Associates’ prior experience, the following facility development guidelines were created for Walter Panek Park: Picnic Shelters • Size varies • Maximum 5% slope for accessibility • Concrete pad beneath shelter • Electrical service and charcoal grills at all shelters • Picnic tables, drinking fountain, and trash receptacles at all shelters • Handicapped access ramps, as needed • Adequate landscaping for shade, especially on southern and western sides Hiking / Mountain Bike Trails • 5’ width, compacted earth surface • Pedestrians yield to mountain bikers • Maximum 20% slope, located and graded in such a manner as to minimize disturbance and erosion Accessible Walkways • 5’ minimum width • Maximum 5% slope • Firm and Stable surface (meeting ADA requirements)

Walter Panek Park

Ballfields • Size: varies depending on league, ranges from a foul distance of 200’ to 350’ • Orientation: Home plate to second base, north / northeast • Slope: 0.5% infield, 1% outfield • Provide adequate buffer between field and adjacent use and parking areas • Provide accessible routes and seating for players area, spectator area, and field of play

Volleyball Courts • Size: 30’ x 60’ court surrounded by a 15-foot clear zone • Long axis oriented north to south if possible • Sand surfacing • Maximum slope 1%, minimum 0.8%, for drainage Horseshoe Courts • 20’x 70’ use area, 10’x 50’ play area • Long axis oriented north to south if possible • Turf infield with pits comprised of potter’s or blue clay • Two end pegs must have same elevation

Walter Panek Park

Basketball Courts • Minimum 90’ x 60’ paved area • Minimum 84’ x 50’ court size (High School Standard Size) • Long axis of court oriented north-south, never east-west • Maximum 1.5% slope, minimum 0.5% slope for drainage • Asphalt surfacing with color coat and painted lines Restrooms • Size varies • Maximum 5% slope for accessibility • Concrete pad and/or concrete block wall foundation • Drinking Fountain Roadways • 20’ cartway • 10% maximum slope; 1% minimum slope for drainage • Asphalt or gravel surfacing without curbs • Security lights - security lighting needed for all sections of all park roads Parking • 9’x 20’ parking stalls • 20’ access aisles • Terminal islands (width varies) at both ends of each row of parking • Internal landscape islands • 8’ wide accessible stalls with 5’ wide accessible aisle (maximum 2% slope) • 8’ wide accessible van stalls with 8’ wide accessible aisle (maximum 2% slope) • Asphalt or gravel surfacing without curbs

Adjacencies and Density of Facilities In addition to the above requirements, thought must be given to the appropriate adjacency of facilities to one another and to overall density of facilities in the park. Ideally, it is most desirable to locate facilities adjacent to one another only when they have a minimal impact on each other. For example, a pre-school playground should not be placed adjacent to a basketball court. An example of appropriate adjacency is the placement of a basketball court near a skate park. Each facility serves similar age groups, and both are active use facilities. During the preparation of the alternative design concepts and the final master plan, Pashek Associates located the proposed facilities while considering issues of adjacency. Density of facilities across the park was also considered throughout the master planning process. Level land suitable for development of most recreation facilities (excluding trails) is at a premium

Walter Panek Park

in Walter Panek Park. Proposed facilities were carefully located so that they maintain the current density of facilities in the park.

Parking Standards 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. Ambridge 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. “Proper sizing” of parking also minimizes impervious surface and reduces storm run-off. Parking Standards for this study were estimated using standards from 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 should accommodate average daily use while providing opportunity for overflow parking to meet peak use event needs. 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. Parking for multi-use fields is estimated using the individual activity requiring the highest amount of parking. To determine the amount of parking required for a park, and the various recreation facilities included within it, we recommend the parking guidelines be used to project the total number of spaces required: Facility

Recommended No. of Parking Spaces Ballfield 35 Soccer Field 45 Basketball Court 12 Volleyball Court 8 Skatepark 8 Community Playground 10 Trails / Shared Use Path Varies Large Shelter 55 Medium Shelter 24 Small Shelter 11

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Conceptual Master Plans Based on the inventory, analysis, and public input processes, two conceptual alternatives were prepared for Walter Panek Park. The conceptual plans reflect the input received from the steering committee, stakeholders, key persons, and professional input from the consulting firm’s staff. These design alternatives were prepared to express overall ideas, not the final design. The concepts were developed with the purpose of achieving the goals for the park, as established through public input which include: • • • • •

Expanding use of the park by more residents of the community Encouraging multi-generational use of the park Rehabilitating and maintaining park facilities to instill sense of pride in the park and the community Providing access to the park from surrounding neighborhoods and to children who can walk and bike to the park, if a safe route is provided to it Reconfigure activities to maximize opportunities presented by demolition of the swimming pool complex

Concept Plan A The focus of Concept A was twofold: 1) to explore a road re-alignment through the open portion of the park to provide access to existing and proposed ball fields and other facilities; and 2) to provide access to the wooded hillside and former clean-fill dump site. This concept proposes a reclamation of the clean fill dump site and use as an open casual recreation area (for pick-up sports games, frisbee, etc.). Access to this area and to a proposed small campsite along a bench in the hillside is possible via two trailhead parking areas that follow existing or former road alignments. A complete list of improvements proposed in Concept A is shown below: • • • • • • • • •

Improved entrance drive and signage on Breitenstein Road; Improved entrance signage and pedestrian access from Beaver Road; One 35’ x 25’ picnic pavilion; Two 20’ x 15’ picnic pavilions; 0.8 miles of earth surface hiking / walking trails; A new adult softball field; A rotated youth ball field; and Improved access to the existing playground. 149 Parking Spaces in 5 separate lots (including 7 handicapped-accessible spaces)

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Study Committee comments on this concept plan are shown in the following chart: Concept A - Opportunities and Constraints Opportunities Meets AYA need for an additional ballfield Improves vehicular circulation

Constraints Roadway realignment will be costly

Expands passive opportunities with addition of hiking trails and picnic shelters

Park focus is on meeting needs of the AYA, not the community

Parking for additional ballfield is located in the outfield, not close to players benches and home plate

Improves existing pedestrian connec- Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t respond to request for comtion to Beaver Road neighborhood munity center

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Concept ‘B’ Concept B maximizes usable area in the relatively flat, open area in the western part of the park by proposing a road alignment that borders this area. This concept also proposes more extensive use of a reclaimed clean fill dump site for use as a picnic grove. Another improvement proposed in this plan is a mountain bike trail traversing the hillside surrounding the existing and proposed facilities in the park. Improvements proposed in Concept B include: • • • • • • • • • •

Improved entrance drive and signage on Breitenstein Road; Improved entrance signage and pedestrian access from Beaver Road; One 35’ x 25’ picnic pavilion; Two 20’ x 15’ picnic pavilions; 0.7 miles of earth surface hiking / walking trails; 0.7-mile earth surface mountain bike trail; A new adult softball field; A rotated youth ball field; and Improved access to the existing playground. 200 Parking Spaces in 5 separate lots (including 11 handicapped-accessible spaces)

Study Committee comments for Concept B are shown below: Concept B - Opportunities and Constraints Opportunities

Constraints

Meets AYA need for an additional Doesn’t respond to request for comballfield munity center Improves vehicular circulation utilizing existing circulation pattern Expands passive opportunities with addition of hiking trails and picnic shelters Provides picnic grove opportunity area Provides spray pad opportunity Improves existing pedestrian connection to Beaver Road neighborhood

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Concept Plan B

Selection of Concept Plan Based on the public input received on teach of the concept plans, the steering committee recommended Concept B be the basis for refinement into the draft Master Plan for Walter Panek Park. In addition to facilities and improvements shown in Concept B, the committee asked the consultant to consider the following facilities when preparing the draft master plan. The committee noted that space is at a premium in the park and understands the following facilities may not be able to be incorporated into the plan due to space limitations: • • • •

playground to upper grove dog park gazebo basketball court

Discussion Regarding Community Center Facility Initial discussions with the steering committee indicated a desire to incorporate a community center into the master plan. After careful thought, consideration, and discussion, it was determined that Walter Panek Park was not the best location for such as facility for the following reasons: • • •

The park is not easily accessible to children who rely on walking to the park The park is isolated and does not provide a secure environment for community center building Park is situated on the perimeter of the Borough and not centrally-located to the Borough’s population

After considering this factors, the committee concluded that a community center would be better situated in the heart of the Borough’s main street district which is centrally located and accessible to many surrounding neighborhoods in the Borough.

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Chapter 3:

Recommendations

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WALTER PANEK PARK MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS The master plan for Walter Panek Park is the result of intense analysis of the site, active public participation, and in-depth discussion regarding the recreation needs of Ambridge Borough residents. The master plan provides a foundation to guide decision making for the rehabilitation and development of the park. With this master plan, the Township will be able to respond in an orderly and fiscally-responsible manner to requests from various organizations and individuals for recreation opportunities and facilities. Good planning helps reduce future conflicts and safety issues and can reduce operating and maintenance costs. Further, sound planning provides the Borough with detailed information which can support future grant applications for capital improvement projects within the park.

General Recommendations Commitment to Walter Panek Park By committing to rehabilitating Walter Panek Park, Ambridge Borough must be committed funding on-going operating and maintenance operations required by such a facility. No longer can park improvements be made and forgotten about until such time major capital improvements need to be made. Doing so puts the Borough at risk of being liable for accidents and injuries that may result from lack of proper maintenance. Therefore, as capital projects are planned for and funded, we strongly recommend the Borough also set aside monies in an operation and maintenance fund to support the on-going costs of operating the park and its facilities. Given the current condition of the park, it is evident this has not been the past practices of the Borough. Parks and recreation are, have been, and should continue to be, an essential part of local government services. Local government is charged with providing services that contribute to the betterment of residents and to the community as a whole, services which groups and individuals cannot realistically provide for themselves. Well-planned parks and recreation services can meet residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs for belonging, identity, recognition, achievement, affection, social approval, adventure, excitement, creativity, competition, and physical and emotional well-being. Walter Panek Park can do this, if the Borough is willing to make a continued investment in the park.

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Connection to the Community A park is intended to serve the residents of the community. Therefore, it is important to ensure the park is accessible to the residents of the community. In its current state, the park is only accessible to those who can reach the it by automobile. This limits the ability of Borough residents, who do not have access to a vehicle and to those who are not of driving age, to reach the park. Therefore, we recommend the Borough focus on creating an inviting, accessible, pedestrian and bicycle connection to the park from the adjacent Beaver Avenue neighborhood. This access point must be inviting, visible, and well-lit. Focus on Quality During the public process, many residents expressed concern over the quality and condition of the park as it currently exists. Participants felt the Borough needs to elevate its standard of quality that it associates with the park. Quality in design, and materials instills a sense of pride and commitment both from the Borough to the park, and from the park to residents of the community. Therefore, every effort must be taken to ensure high-quality improvements and upgrades to the park. Residents will gain a sense of pride and will be more committed to protecting and preserving the park for future generations of Borough residents.

Park Improvement and Rehabilitation Recommendations Park Entrance The existing vehicular entrance from Breitenstein Road is uninviting and invites travel at high speeds, due to its width and straight alignment. We recommend that, in the future as road replacement is necessary, the road be realigned to calm traffic by adding subtle curves, and by installing speed tables at intervals of approximately 500â&#x20AC;&#x2122; to calm traffic. Furthermore, we concur with the Boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current proposal to replace the park entrance sign as documented earlier. Last, we recommend trees be planted in natural groups along the road to create a park-like atmosphere. Existing Beaver Road Staircase The existing staircase from alley behind the Beaver Road residences is overgrown and in a state of disrepair. They present a liability to the Borough. This staircase provided access from the Beaver Road area to the swimming pool complex, located at the top of the hill, in the park. The entrance to the staircase from the alley is in a secluded location and does not invoke a sense of security. We recommend this staircase be obliterated at the top and bottom to prevent anyone from gaining access to it and that a new pedestrian and bicycle access be created in the northwestern portion of the park.

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Proposed 24th Street Pedestrian and Bicycle Access To increase visibility and provide a greater sense of security, we recommend a new pedestrian and bicycle access trail be established from the intersection of Beaver Avenue and 24th Street. There are sidewalks in the Beaver Road neighborhood, and in particular along the western side of Beaver Road. We recommend a crosswalk be installed on the south side of the Beaver Road and 24th Street intersection. Further, we recommend a street light be installed to better illuminate the crosswalk and intersection. From the terminus of the crosswalk on the eastern side of the intersection, a concrete sidewalk should be constructed along 24th Street, until it reaches the park property. 24th Street, which is also known as Breitenstein Road, is also State Route 989. Therefore, the proposed work within the street right-of-way being recommended herein must be coordinated and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Upon the concrete sidewalk reaching the park property, we propose an entrance plaza to announce the park and to serve as the entrance of the pedestrian and bicycle access into the park. From this plaza, we propose a ten-foot wide shared use path which switchbacks up the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hillside, to reach the developed portion of the park and the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main facilities. This shared use path should be no steeper than 5%, which is the maximum sustained grade that can be achieved before landings and handrails are required by the Americans with Disability Act. Therefore, this path will need to be approximately 1,800 feet in length. Upon reaching the top of the hill and the main park facilities, we recommend a grand gazebo be situated on the bluff of the hill. This will serve several purposes. First, it will provide a visual anchor and should be visible from the lower neighborhood. Second, the gazebo will provide an overlook to the upper end of the Borough. Interpretive panels can be located in the gazebo to provide information about former and current facilities located in the Borough that can be seen from the overlook. Third, the gazebo can be a defining architectural element that residents associate with the park. It will define a civic space and can play host to movies and concerts in the park.

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Ballfield and Trail Access Parking We recommend the existing parking lot adjacent to the large ballfield be formalized with designated spaces (50 spaces proposed), including designation of accessible parking spaces near the ballfield’s spectator area. Sprayground and Pavilion Many Borough residents have memories of spending summers during childhood at the swimming pool that was located in the park. Towards that end, the steering committee recommended a sprayground be located near the former location of the swimming pool. The sprayground would function as a water spray play area during the summer months and as a playground during the remainder of the year. Access to the sprayground will not be controlled and will be open to the public without fee. A 25’ x 35’ picnic shelter is proposed adjacent to the sprayground, along with expanding parking opportunities in the area, with the addition of fourteen parking spaces and two additional accessible parking spaces. Proposed Pony League Field and Associated Parking With the demolition of the swimming pool and bathhouse, additional level land is available to meet the needs of Ambridge Youth Association. The AYA has provided league registration numbers for the past five years. This information justifies their request for an additional ballfield. Further, the Association currently only has access to, and utilizes, the ballfields within Walter Panek Park. Therefore, we concur with their request to incorporate another ballfield into the park. This field can be accommodated in the vicinity of the former swimming pool and will require the relocation and reconfiguration of the existing Little League / softball field. During this study, the president of the Association has indicated they are committed to relocating the existing field and constructing the new field upon demolition of the swimming pool complex. The Association proposes that this field should be a Pony League field, with a distance of 290’ down the foul lines and a distance of 310’ to center field. We recommend a 25’ tall chain link backstop, 10’ tall fences along the base lines, and 6’ tall chain link fence along the outfield baselines and across the outfield. Fences less than 10’ in height shall be protected with fence covers. Further, we recommend spectator areas on each side of the field consist of 5 row x 30’ long aluminum bleachers, meeting current guidelines regarding guardrails to prevent falls. Accessible routes, which are stable, firm, and slip resistant, must extend from accessible parking spaces in the adjacent parking lot to each

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spectator area, to the players’ benches, and to the field of play. Last, we recommend the players’ benches be enclosed with dugouts. The dugouts should maintain lines of sight in and out of them for security purposes. Therefore, we recommend dugouts with half height split faced concrete block walls and steel roof panels supported by steel posts. All open areas must be enclosed by chain link fencing to protect the players located within the dugouts. We also recommend a new parking lot be developed to meet the needs of this field. The parking lot should be constructed to the south of the field and should be able to accommodate approximately 60 parking spaces, including two accessible spaces. This parking lot will also provide spaces to meet the needs of the nearby Little League / softball field. Relocated Little League / Softball Field and Proposed Half Court Basketball Area As noted earlier, the existing Little League / softball field is in poor condition. Because of this and the need to relocate it to make space for the proposed Pony League ballfield, we recommend the field be to relocated to the west of its existing location. We recommend a 25’ tall chain link backstop, 10’ tall fences along the base lines, and 6’ tall chain link fence along the outfield baselines and across the outfield. Fences less than 10’ in height shall be protected with fence covers. Further, we recommend spectator areas on each side of the field consist of 5 row x 30’ long aluminum bleachers, meeting current guidelines regarding guardrails to prevent falls. Accessible routes, which are stable, firm, and slip resistant, must extend from accessible parking spaces in the adjacent parking lot to each spectator area, to the players’ benches, and to the field of play. Last, we recommend the players’ benches be enclosed with dugouts. The dugouts should maintain lines of sight in and out of them for security purposes. Therefore, we recommend dugouts with half height splitfaced concrete block walls and steel roof panels supported by steel posts. All open areas must be enclosed by chain link fencing to protect the players located within the dugouts. Further, we recommend a new parking lot to accommodate approximately 30 cars, including two accessible spaces, be constructed south of the field. Both the relocation of this field, and the addition of the Pony League field and parking will require the existing park access road to be re-aligned and reconstructed across the southern portion of the park. We also recommend a half court basketball court be constructed south of this parking lot. The court should be constructed to include five feet beyond the high school three point line, to allow for traditional basketball play. However, due to space limitations and a desire to manage numbers of players, we recommend this half court arrangement. The basketball goal should be post mounted, and of a cantilever design that allows for future adjustment of the goal height, should the court surface be overlaid in the future.

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Trail Access and Picnic Grove As one arrives at the park and continues along the upper park road (eastern most park road), visitors are lead to the former municipal dump site. We recommend the gated road to the site be opened and be formally improved as an access road leading to the proposed trail access and picnic groves. We recommend the first picnic grove include a 25’ x 35’ picnic shelter, a sand volleyball court, and parking for approximately 20 vehicles, including two accessible parking spaces. Further east along this new access road is the second proposed picnic grove. We recommend this grove include one 25’ x 35’ picnic shelter; one 15’ x 25’ picnic shelter; an accessible restroom; open space, approximately three acres in size for pick-up activities; a small playground; and parking for approximately 25 vehicles, including two accessible spaces. Existing Ballfield (285’ to the Foul Poles and 290’ in Center Field) Of the existing fields located in the park, this field is the most developed. There is a concession stand /restroom building located directly behind home plate, and the field is lighted to extend the hours of play on it. As noted earlier, the field does have erosion problems due to stormwater runoff from the hill located immediately east. We recommend a swale be created at the base of the hill, outside of the third base line fence, to intercept the water so it no longer can reach the field. Further, we recommend the field be rehabilitated with infield reconstruction, fine grading and reseeding of the outfield to improve drainage of the field. A careful review of the existing conditions must be performed to determine the best method of regarding the field to improve drainage. Currently, the majority of the infield drains to home plate, which is the low point of the area, with no current method of draining water from this low point. We recommend the existing bleachers located in spectator area along the first base line be removed and replaced with new bleachers, consisting of 5 row x 30’ long aluminum bleachers, meeting current guidelines regarding guardrails to prevent falls. Accessible routes, which are stable, firm, and slip resistant, must extend from accessible parking spaces in the adjacent parking lot the spectator area, the players’ benches, and to the field of play. Last, we recommend the dugouts be upgraded to reflect a high quality, and that foul poles, specifically manufactured for ballfields, be installed at this field. Naturalized Areas We recommend that portions of the former dump area, outside of the defined open space, be restored with native grasses and wildflowers as meadow. In addition to stabilizing the soil, these naturalized areas will enhance the aesthetics and provide additional habitat for wildlife within the park.

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SUSTAINABLE PARK DESIGN A sustainable park is one where the natural resources are protected, where wildlife habitat is improved, and when human recreation uses and maintenance practices do not conflict with the environment, but instead enhance them. Benefits of sustainable parks include: Economic: Natural vegetation and streamside plantings provide stormwater and flood control by absorbing and storing precipitation and pollutants. By absorbing and storing, water runoff is reduced. Increased runoff can lead to flooding, property damage, erosion, and habitat loss. Environmental: Integrating parks with streamside corridors, wetlands, and other open spaces will increase the ecological value over time. According to the U.S. Forest Service, one tree can generate $31,250 worth of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,250 worth of soil erosion over a fifty-year lifespan. Health and Safety: Researchers from the University of Illinois have discovered time spent in nature relieves mental fatigue and the feelings of violence and aggression that can spring from it. They have found that the more diverse and rich an environment is in natural resources, the higher the learning opportunities are for children.

Principals of Sustainable Park Design â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creating Sustainable Community Parks, A Guide to Improving Quality of Life by Protecting Natural Resourcesâ&#x20AC;?, published by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, provides valuable recommendations regarding how to implement sustainable practices into park design, maintenance, and operations. The guide can be obtained from www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/GreeningPennsylvania.pdf These practices are based on the following principals: 1. 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. 2. 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.

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3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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 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.

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10. 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.

Park Design Guidelines This study recognizes the park will be rehabilitated in a series of logical phases, and a portion of the improvements may be constructed by volunteers, civic organizations, and others. Therefore, we recommend the Borough adopt design guidelines for all three parks that will ensure a consistent â&#x20AC;&#x153;lookâ&#x20AC;? as well as aesthetically-pleasing structures compatible with the overall vision for the parks as established by the Borough. We recommend guidelines be adopted for the following park elements: Forest Management Habitat Improvement Park and Wayfinding Signage Landscaping Picnic Shelters Restrooms Benches, Picnic Tables, and Recycling Containers Roadway and Parking Area Development Trail Design, Layout, and Construction Athletic Field and Court Design and Construction Park, Athletic Field, and Court Lighting In addition to the descriptions provided herein, the Appendix contains typical details, descriptions, and articles, which provide valuable information on each aspect discussed herein. Forestry Management Plan We recommend the Borough discuss the possibility of preparing a Forest Resource Evaluation of the park. The DCNR Bureau of Forestry can complete such the evaluations and can offer further assistance regarding planning for stewardship, conservation, and wise use of forests and other related natural resources. The Bureau employs experts in forestland conservation practices that will provide sound, impartial advice to communities wishing to conserve and enhance their natural resources and maximize the myriad benefits they provide. The Bureau can also provide advice to the Borough on various forms of green space and green infrastructure, including the planting and care of trees in developed or developing areas.

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These services are offered through DCNR Bureau of Forestryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forest Stewardship Program. This program is a federal and state partnership that assists landowners in the completion of plans focusing on sustainable management of the forest and its related natural resources. The intention of the program is to provide sound management and continuing care for Pennsylvaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private forest resources into the future. Limited cost share funding is currently available to offset the cost of preparing a Forest Stewardship Plan. Plans must be written by approved plan writers. Information on this opportunity can be obtained at the Bureau of Forestry Field Office - District Eight, Gary L. Frank, District Forester, 158 South Second Avenue, Clarion, PA 16214, 814-226-1901, 814-226-1704 fax, gfrank@state.pa.us. Habitat Improvements During the course of this study, several key observations were made with respect to the existing habitat of the three park properties: 1. Uniformity of the existing forest limits diversity in wildlife. 2. Water quality and stream habitat can be improved by addressing stream bank erosion and siltation of the water. 3. Because of the proximity of existing facilities to water bodies, there is a desire to manage the mosquito population. Water, shelter, and food are the three primary components that are required to sustain wildlife. Different species require these elements in different locations. Several basic principals should be followed when preparing a habitat management plan for a park: Do not assume no management is the best management. Active management is generally required to adjust imbalances created in the natural ecosystem, by man or by nature. Manage the forest for vertical diversity. Each layer of the forest offers a unique set of habitat features. Therefore, a good management plan will plan for a balance of subterranean, understory, middlestory, and canopy layers in the forest. Maintain corridors between habitats. Selectively removing large trees can improve the forest understory by reducing shade to help increase growth. Vegetative Diversity We recommend a forest management plan be prepared. The goal of the plan should be to manage the health of the forest tracts within the park to encourage and promote wildlife diversity, and to manage the forest to maintain viable woodlots for future generations of Borough residents. This plan should be reviewed with the Pennsylvania Commission to ensure it is consistent with habitat management recommendations.

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The Penn State Cooperative Extension can provide Ambridge Borough with technical assistance in preparing a forest management plan for the park. Wildlife Habitat We recommend the natural areas of the park be maintained and improved to encourage wildlife to utilize the park. The Pennsylvania Game Commission publishes Wildlife Notes, which are fact sheets that describe the habitat, range, and other facts about specific wildlife. These sheets provide recommendation for habitat improvements for the corresponding species that may reside in Walter Panek Park: Owls Ruffed Grouse Squirrels Ring-necked Pheasant Whitetail Deer Woodcock Woodchuck Wild Turkey Woodpeckers Chipmunks Bobwhite Cottontail Rabbit Red and Gray Fox Birds These fact sheets are available at: www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=458&q=160464 This study recommends the Borough work with interested organizations in developing a systematic approach towards improving wildlife habitat within the park. Most importantly, the Borough should establish a policy to retain brush and understory plants, elements essential to wildlife. The removal of vegetation should only be completed to address safety issues and to satisfy the recommendations of the forest management plan. Avian Species We recommend the Borough recruit volunteers, work with local scouting organizations, and work with high school environmental clubs to improve the park for birds. This can be done by erecting bird houses throughout the park. Each species of bird has certain shelter requirements that must be met to successfully roost in a birdhouse. The PA Game Commission’s publication titled “Nesting Boxes, Feeding Stations, Bird Houses, Wildlife Shelters, and How to Build Them” provides specifics on these requirements.

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Signage We recommend that entrance signs into the park reflect the character and permanence of Walter Panek Park. The Borough is in the process of purchasing a new entrance sign that conforms with the Beaver County Main Street Program (in which Ambridge participates) wayfinding design guidelines and standards for Beaver Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rivertowns. Landscaping To maintain the passive atmosphere of the County Parks and to reduce maintenance costs, we have recommended that many of the areas which are currently mowed, but for no apparent reason, be returned to tall field grass representative of a meadow. The remaining areas can continue to be maintained as turf, appropriate for the given use area. Active recreation areas, as well as road shoulders, parking lot perimeters, and areas immediately adjacent to picnic shelters, should be maintained in a rye and fescue grass mix which can withstand heavy foot traffic and is generally drought tolerant. Native species are typically more tolerate of local conditions and require less maintenance and care. Native plants help create landscapes that provide wildlife habitat and reduce maintenance costs. Their greatest benefit though, may be the increased awareness about which plants are native and which are not, and the protection of remaining native plant communities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Landscaping with Native Plants in Native Pennsylvaniaâ&#x20AC;?, www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Forestry/wildplant/native. aspx, a website of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, provides an inventory of native plants to consider. Unless the Borough is willing, or has agreements with other organizations that are willing, to maintain plantings on a regular basis, we recommend the Borough limit the planting of shrubs, annuals, and perennials to key areas where there is a desire to place emphasis, such as at the entrances into the park. Additionally, we recommend the Borough explore the possibility of obtaining commitments from local garden clubs, the Penn State Master Gardeners, high school service groups, and others who may be willing to volunteer time and effort to maintain these plantings.

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Picnic Shelters We recommend a steel beam style of picnic shelter be adopted as the standard for the park. Steel beam shelters are vandal-resistant, an economical choice, and because they are delivered as a pre-fabricated and engineered package, the shelter can be erected quickly. Steel beam shelters must be selected in a manner that eliminates horizontal roosting surfaces. Steel beam shelters eliminate the traditional roof truss system. A roof truss system invites birds to roost, and thereby creates additional maintenance to clean the surfaces beneath the trusses. Further, the traditional roof truss shelter is an attractive nuisance for children, as they like to swing from the trusses. The floor of the shelter should be a four-inch-thick poured reinforced concrete slab and should extend two feet beyond the drip line of the shelter, to reduce erosion and ponding of water, which is commonly associated with this area. The floor should have a slight crown or pitch to provide positive drainage away from the center of the shelter. The Borough should ensure that all shelters have the ability to accommodate existing and / or future electrical services. Steel shelter posts must be specified with electrical raceways and access panels at the top and bottom of each post, as well as additional locations deemed necessary for convenience outlets. All shelters that are accessible to electrical service should have convenience outlets, lighting, and water service. We recommend against providing free-standing charcoal grills adjacent to each shelter. By providing electricity to the shelters to serve food warmers and other appliances, and with the advent of portable charcoal and gas grills, we feel permanent, freestanding grills are obsolete and that they will present more maintenance than they will address in terms of convenience to the park users. Each picnic shelter should be accessible by an Americans with Disabilities Act compliant stable, firm, and slip-resistant walkway. The shelter’s appearance can be further enhanced by enclosing a portion or all of the column with a concrete masonry unit pier with a stone veneer. Benches, Picnic Tables, and Trash / Recycling Containers The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s Regulatory Negotiation Committee has published its “Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas”. This guideline recommends at least fifty percent, but never less than one, of the fixed benches and fixed picnic tables be accessible, and that forty percent, but never less than two, of the

Walter Panek Park

required fixed picnic tables be located adjacent to an accessible walkway. Further, with respect to benches, the guidelines recommend that fifty percent of the accessible benches have arm rests and that all accessible benches have back support extending the entire length of the bench. All trash receptacles and recycling containers must be accessible and comply with dimensional requirements established ADAAG 4.27. For the benches, trash containers, and recycling containers, we recommend the Borough select a simple, durable style. In addition, we recommend the Borough specify products that use recyclable lumber in their construction. The trash and recycling containers should be specified with dome lids to limit water accumulation and to discourage animals from entering the containers. Roadways and Parking We recommend all parking areas be maintained and / or constructed as stable, firm, and slipresistant surfaces, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Therefore, roadways should be constructed from bituminous paving, and parking lots can be constructed with an aggregate surface. Accessible spaces can be provided within aggregate lots by compacting aggregate fines into the cross section, in the accessible parking spaces. We recommend the parking areas not be paved with asphalt unless absolutely necessary because of intense use. Asphalt paving provides an impervious surface and creates a significant amount of stormwater runoff that must be addressed. Aggregate paving allows some of the stormwater to infiltrate into the soils below and therefore, reduces the volume of stormwater than will need to be managed. Accessible Walkways The Americans with Disabilities Act requires accessible routes from accessible parking spaces to recreation facilities, fields, courts, and between all facilities, fields, and courts. Every effort must be made by the Borough to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Stormwater Management 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 Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 pre-development 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.

Walter Panek Park

Stormwater runoff is dramatically accelerated when non-porous surfaces are constructed as part of park development activities. It is increased when wooded areas are converted to law. And, it is also increased when earth is moved and slopes are increased to provide level space for athletic fields and courts. Not only do we recommend the final design of all future park facilities meet these requirements, but we recommend that areas with current erosion and sedimentation problems be evaluated and addressed. All stormwater, erosion and sedimentation, and water quality controls should strive to accomplish their functions in an environmentally-sensitive manner and respect the aesthetics of the park. This means limiting, where possible, the collection and piping of stormwater in an underground network of inlets, manholes, and piping that daylight into a permanent stormwater management detention pond. Instead, environmentally-friendly alternatives such as infiltration beds, vegetative buffers, and bio-swales should be utilized. Where inlets are required, water quality inlets should be used. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s “Best Management Practices Manual” is an excellent resource that documents many practices that can be implemented to address stormwater in a sustainable manner. The Manual can be viewed at http://164.156.71.80/WXOD.aspx?fs=2087d8407c0e00008000071900000719&ft=1. The Borough is required to obtain permits for projects that have earth disturbances greater than one acre in size, and to construct, re-construct, or rehabilitate bridges across perennial waterways. Construction of Athletic Fields and Courts Whether it be the rehabilitation of the existing ballfields, construction of new ballfields, or construction of a basketball court, general facility standards and guidelines should be followed. Ballfields should follow the guidelines and recommendations of their respective leagues. Furthermore, attention must be given to the detail of the fields, the ability to limit stormwater from them, and to drain stormwater off of them in a quick and efficient manner. To accomplish this, swales should be designed around the perimeter of ballfields to intercept stormwater before it reaches the field. This water must then be diverted around the fields. The fields must be crowned to allow water to runoff their surface, and underdrains can be provided to eliminate water from the soil as it becomes saturated. A good primer on the proper construction of athletic fields is “Athletic Fields: Specification Outline, Construction, and Maintenance,” which can be found at http://turfgrassmanagement.psu.edu/athletic_fields. cfm.

Walter Panek Park

Ballfields should be designed and constructed in a manner that demonstrates the Borough’s commitment to borough youth. Infields should be constructed and maintained with a clay, loam mix; bases and base anchors should follow the recommendations of the governing league; and foul poles should reflect permanence and provide a visible marker to those responsible for officiating the ball games. Given the limited space available within the park, we recommend a half court basketball court be constructed. This court is proposed to be located south of the existing Little League ballfield, near the site of the former tennis courts. The court should include a 3-point line and provide five feet beyond the line to allow for three point shots. The basketball goal should be constructed with a cantilevered post design. This design allows for future vertical adjustment of the goal should the court area be overlaid during future rehabilitation of the court. Final design and construction of athletic fields and athletic field improvements play an important role in their success and the amount of maintenance required to properly maintain them. We recommend the fields be designed by a landscape architect with extensive experience in the design of athletic fields, and that the construction of the fields be completed by a qualified contractor. This ensures the fields are properly designed and constructed. The infield area should be graded with a one percent slope, no more or no less, sloping from the edge of the mound towards the base paths. Surface water from the infield can be removed by installing a field drain around the outer edge of the skinned infield. These drains should drain away from the playing area to daylight, in accordance with local regulations. The outfield should be graded to a one percent slope, from the center in all directions, with water carried of the edges by field drains if necessary. Rectangular fields, such as soccer, lacrosse and rugby, should be crowned down the center of the field and slope away from the centerline, at one percent, towards the edges of the field. Sizes and other athletic field requirements vary depending on the regulating body. Therefore, when planning for new fields, one must first select which regulating body’s rules will be followed at the new field. The appendix contains layout details and dimensions for a variety of athletic field types, sizes, and regulating bodies. We recommend a fertilization program be established for existing and proposed fields. We recommend organic fertilizers instead of the chemical varieties. The chemical fertilizers can have a negative impact to the soil structure and content over time. Fields that are “left to fend for themselves” without an annual fertilization program can deteriorate rapidly.

Walter Panek Park

Athletic Field and Court Lighting Where night use of athletic fields and courts is and /or will occur, lighting should meet The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America’s (IESNA) “Recommended Practice for Sports and Recreational Area Lighting”. Their document provides guidelines for the lighting of sports and recreation facilities of all types and level of play. First, their recommendations are based on defining the class of play for a particular facility. The following chart provides a summary of the IESNA’s recommendations for determining class: Facility

Class I X X X X

III

Professional College X Semi-Professional X Sport Clubs X X Amateur Leagues X X X High Schools X X X Training Facilities X X Elementary Schools X Recreational Events X Social Events X Class I: Facilities with spectator capacity of over 5,000 Class II: Facilities with spectator capacity under 5,000 Class III: Facilities with some provision for spectators Class IV: Facilities with no provision for spectators Once a facilities class is determined, then the IESNA guidelines provide specific illumination requirements based on the class of the facility. The following table summarizes the lighting recommendations associated with existing and proposed facilities and courts located within the park:

Walter Panek Park

Recommended Practice for Sports and Recreational Area Lighting Illuminating Engineers Society of North America Sport

Lighted Area

Class of Play

Baseball

Infield Outfield Infield Outfield Infield Outfield Infield Outfield Infield Outfield Infield Outfield Infield Outfield Infield Outfield

Softball

Basketball Field Hockey

Football

Ice / Roller Hockey Lacrosse

Horse Arena Horseshoes

II III IV I II III IV III IV II III IV I II III IV II III IV II III IV II III

Horizontal in Footcandles 150 100 100 70 50 30 30 20 150 100 100 70 50 30 30 20 30 20 50 30 20 100 50 30 20 50 30 20 50 30 20 50 30 5

Uniformity 1.2:1 or Less 1.7:1 or Less 1.5:1 or Less 2:1 or Less 2:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 1.2:1 or Less 1.7:1 or Less 1.5:1 or Less 2:1 or Less 2:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 4:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 4:1 or Less 1.7:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 4:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 4:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 4:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 4:1 or Less

Walter Panek Park

Soccer

Softball

Infield Outfield Infield Outfield Infield Outfield Infield Outfield

Tennis

Volleyball

I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV III IV

75 50 30 20 150 100 100 70 50 30 30 20 125 75 50 30 30 20

1.7:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 4:1 or Less 1.2:1 or Less 1.7:1 or Less 1.5:1 or Less 2:1 or Less 2:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 1.7:1 or Less 2.5:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 4:1 or Less 3:1 or Less 4:1 or Less

Trail Design, Layout, and Construction Trail design is dependant on the trail type, location, and use it will receive. For Walter Panek Park, we will discuss the guidelines associated with two types of trails: 1.) Shared Use Paths and 2.) Mountain Biking and Hiking Trails. Shared Use Paths A shared use path is a facility that is typically removed from the vehicular transportation network, within its own right-of-way, not the vehicular right-of-way. As its name suggests, many different types of users may be present on a shared use path. Users generally include walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and in-line skaters. Shared Use Path Width and Clearance Requirements The American Association of State Highway Transportation Official’s (AASHTO) publication titled “Guidelines for the Development of Bicycle Facilities” recommends that two directional shared use paths be constructed with a minimum width of ten feet. Additionally, the guidelines state a minimum of a two-foot wide graded area, with a maximum slope of 1:6, should be maintained adjacent to both sides of the path. Where lateral obstructions; such as guide rails, utility poles, trees and walls are present; three feet of clearance from the object is recommended. When slopes greater than 1:3 are present, it is recommended that a minimum of five feet be maintained between the edge of the path pavement and top of slope.

Walter Panek Park

The minimum recommended vertical clearance to an obstruction is eight feet. However, the vertical clearance may need to be greater to accommodate maintenance and emergency vehicles. Shared Use Path Materials The path must be placed on stable, compacted soils to achieve structural stability. The final surface is dependent on the running slope of the trail. Ideally, a shared use path will have gentle grades of two to five percent. In these cases, the path can be constructed as a compacted aggregate trail. The Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission’s Center Dirt and Gravel Road Studies has conducted research on trail surfaces. Based on this research, the Commission has prepared a trail mix specification that results in a stable, firm, and slip-resistant trail surface. This compacted aggregate surface is considered to be an environmentally-friendly alternative to an asphalt trail cross section for the following reasons: 1. The compacted aggregate path has a higher rate of permeability than asphalt. 2. The compacted aggregate path has greater texture, and therefore, reduces the velocity of water runoff to a higher degree than asphalt. In addition to these environmental incentives, a compacted aggregate path is less expensive to install than its asphalt counterpart; and a compacted aggregate path is more forgiving to the user due to its resiliency under foot. However, paths with steeper slopes cannot sustain the compacted aggregate surfacing, as runoff will erode the surface over time. In this case, the path should be constructed with a bituminous cross section. Details for the Compacted Aggregate Path and the Bituminous Path can be found in the Appendix. Mountain Biking and Hiking Trails As with other elements of the parks, mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails should be designed and constructed in a sustainable manner. To be sustainable, all trails should be located in areas and on soils that can support them. We recommend trails not be developed on hydric soils, or in those areas of soils with hydric inclusions that are determined to be “wet areas” during a field review. The International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) has published “Trail Solutions – IMBA’s Guide to Building Sweet Single Track”, as mentioned earlier in this chapter. The book provides practical recommendations for developing sustainable trails. In their publication, IMBA outlines five essential elements of sustainable trails as follows:

Walter Panek Park

1. The Half Rule: A trail’s grade should not exceed half of the grade of the hillside or side slope that it traverses. If the grade does exceed half, it is considered a fall line trail. Water will flow down the fall line rather than run across and off of it. 2. The Ten Percent Average Guideline: Generally an average trail grade of ten percent or less is more sustainable. This does not mean that all trail grades must be kept under ten percent. Many trails will have short sections that exceed ten percent. 3. Maximum Sustainable Trail Grades: The maximum grade is the steepest section of the trail that is more than ten feet in length. When designing a trail, it is necessary to determine early in the process the precise maximum trail grades the trail will be able to sustain. The target figure that applies to most situations is between fifteen and twentyfive percent. However, soil types, rock, rainfall amounts, and types and numbers of users can affect the maximum sustainable grade. 4. Grade Reversals (Dips): A grade reversal is just what it sounds like. A spot a which a climbing trail levels out and then changes direction, dropping subtly and rising again. The change in grade provides a dip (low point) in the trail which forces water off the trail. Grade reversals are located at the frequency required to limit volume, momentum, and erosive power of the water flowing along the trail. Frequent spacing of grade reversals are required to ensure water is removed from the trail before it becomes erosive. The spacing of grade reversals is dependent on the length and running slope of the trail above the reversal and on the amount of water generated by the watershed above the reversal. The following table provides a general recommendation on how often grade reversals should occur along a trail: Grade Reversal Spacing Guidelines Slope <2% 2-3% 3-4% 4-10% 10-20% 20-40% 40-60%

Walter Panek Park

Spacing 300’ 230’ 200’ 140’ 120’ 110’ 100’

Several members of two local organizations BABE (Beaver Area Bicyclist Association) and PTAG (Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group) have been trained in the layout and design of mountain bike trails. Members of these organizations may willing to donate their services in laying out and constructing mountain bike trails in Walter Panek Park. In “Natural Surface Trails by Design,” author Troy Scott Parker takes sustainable trail design one step further by recommending that the trail designer not only think about the sustainability of the trail, but also the experience that is being created through its layout.

•

Sense of Exploration Twisting, narrow, occasionally rough trails with limited sightlines create a sense of exploration. Most trails traverse side slopes that make it difficult to leave the trail, creating the rustic feel of freedom yet confinement trail users enjoy.

•

Sharpened Experience of the Natural World Transitions from one environment to another are often abrupt, and trails take advantage of environmental anchors and edges to sharpen our experience of the natural world. In particular, trails draw our attention to individual trees and rocks by wrapping around them and incorporating them into the fabric of the trail. Trails in general, exhibit a strong reaction to the site and take complex natural shapes rather than simple road-like shapes. Occasional rocks in the trail tread are left there to enhance the trail experience.

•

A Varied, Enjoyable, and Safe Trail Experience Long gentle slopes, the mix of vegetation and forests, narrow trails, and sustainable trail design combine to form an extensive trail system with a relaxed, slow, rustic, and yet cared-for feel.

•

Continuous Small-Scale Enjoyment and Flow By continually tying the trail to the details of the site, and by continually varying trail grade and direction, trails create continuous small-scale enjoyment. Grades may become steep for short stretches, and quick short climbs and drops will be fairly common on some trails. As much as feasible, trails will be optimized for their “flow”—their satisfying sense of movement and rhythm of climbing, dropping, and turning. Flow does not usually just happen. It needs to be designed into the shape of the trail from the outset, and it is made on a foot-by-foot scale in precise response to the immediate site.

•

Sustainability and Enjoyment From The Same Physical Features The trail system should be designed such that makes it physically sustainable for trail use and for limiting erosion. This also creates a primary source of enjoyment for trail users. The common root for both sustainability and enjoyment is rolling grade.

Walter Panek Park

•

Take The Site As It Comes Generally, trails and trail system features use the existing site with little modification. In other words, instead of building trail experiences and facilities from scratch—or trying to make something into something else—we try to make the most of what is already there. This creates an informal quality in the general plan, which is consistent with the “take it as it comes” nature of mountain biking. It also helps reduce design and construction costs.

•

Anchors and Edges An anchor is any distinct vertical feature in a visible area. An anchor gives reason for being here, instead of there. Native rocks, large trees, and other existing items in the landscape make good anchors which can be used in laying out a trail. Edges are extended anchors. Common edges in the landscape are the edges between vegetative communities, such as that found between meadow and forest. We find this sharp contrast interesting and intriguing. By tying a trail to landscape by routing it around anchors, and along and through edges, we create an experience that trail users will enjoy.

•

Loops and Choices There should be no dead end trails in the entire system.

•

Avoid Tempting Poor Trail Behavior As much as possible, trail design can avoid tempting trail users to behave poorly. Trails should be located where people want trails, direct connections are made to likely destinations, aquatic resources are protected by distance or other means, switchbacks are minimized, and difficult trails should have shortcuts present.

•

Minimal Trail Maintenance Trails must be designed to accommodate the ongoing forces of trail use, weathering, and erosion in order to minimize trail maintenance. In particular, proper trail design can continually limit erosion by limiting the amount of water that can be on any given point of a trail in any conceivable rain or runoff event. Even major downpours should produce little trail damage. If detailed, on-site trail design and construction are done appropriately, future trail hardening, reconstruction, or relocation will not be necessary.

•

Sense of Stewardship The trail system itself must respect the land and natural resources. This can be done during design by ensuring the trail’s naturalistic shape and how it closely relates to the land. Because of this, the trail system will help instill a sense of visitor stewardship

Walter Panek Park

that will encourage them to behave responsibly (as opposed to creating an atmosphere of “anything goes” that implicitly invites poor behavior). Fully maximizing the sense of stewardship requires harmony of site, planning, design, construction, maintenance, and management. Another excellent resource on sustainable trail design is the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Trails and Waterways “Trail Planning, Design, and Development Guidelines”. It is available for purchase at www.minnesotabookstore. com, Stock No. 9-66. Trail Markers Trails should be marked first and foremost for safety. Should an accident occur, a trail user should be able to provide their location to emergency responders. We recommend mountain biking and hiking trails be marked, at a minimum, every one-half mile. Trails should also be marked to allow trail users to navigate the trail system. Therefore, trail markers should be placed at trail intersections. Trail marker designs range from the inexpensive to more costly solutions. We recommend the temptation to mark existing trees be avoided. This practice is in direct conflict with promoting sustainability and a respect for our environmental resources. A low cost solution that is utilized in many park systems are the Carsonite trail markers. Carsonite dual sided trail markers are difficult to vandalize, and are an economical choice for marking trails. The standard trail marker is designed to be 5’-6” in height by 3-1/2” wide. This is sufficient to place decals or to note trail direction and distance, but small enough to deter vandalism on the signs. The carsonite marker is preferable to routed wooden posts, which may be prone to vandalism and are more difficult and costly to install. More information of the carsonite dual sided trail markers can be found at www.carsonite. com.

Walter Panek Park

Opinion of Probable Construction Costs Opinion of Probable Construction Costs were developed for the improvements being recommended for Walter Panek Park. These costs were developed based on the assumption that implementation of the improvements occur through a public bidding process. Further, the base year for the construction costs is 2008. To budget for inflation and escalation of costs for future improvements, we recommend a four and one half percent annual increase be budgeted for all improvements that will occur beyond the base year of 2008. In Pennsylvania, all projects over $25,000 in value, and that use public funds, are required to pay the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prevailing Wage Rates for construction. That said, construction costs can be reduced by using in-kind labor and equipment provided by the Borough, and by utilizing donated and volunteer labor where appropriate. Additionally, alternative sources of funding, including grants, can help offset of the cost of the improvements to the Borough. Based on assumptions identified herein, the estimate of probable construction costs to implement all of the improvements proposed in this master plan for Walter Panek Park is estimated to cost approximately $3.4 million dollars, in 2008. These costs are detailed in the following spreadsheet.

Walter Panek Park

Walter Panek Park Estimate of Probable Construction Costs Item No. 1

Item Removals Remove existing asphalt or concrete paving (road)

Total Item Cost $82,023

$33,591

1524

$4,572

Relocate existing playground equipment

$10,000

Remove existing picket fence and playground timber edger

$2,000

526 460

LF LF

$10 $10

$5,260 $4,600

Remove existing backstop, dugout enclosures, and bleachers at youth ball field

$10,000

Remove existing bleachers at adult ball field

$2,000

Remove miscellaneous foundation remnants and items along existing trail (on hillside in eastern portion of park) and concrete steps (near existing playground)

$10,000

Remove chain link fencing (youth ball field) Remove chain link fencing (tennis court)

Unit Cost

11197

Remove existing asphalt paving (tennis court and adjacent walkways)

Quantity Unit

Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and Grubbing (Forest Vegetation) Clearing and Grubbing (Herbaceous plants / shrubs) Earthwork Earthwork Site Structures

$15,800 1.3 3.1

AC AC

$5,000 $3,000

$6,500 $9,300 $160,000

20000

$160,000 $354,400

Large Picnic Pavilions ( 35’ x 25’, with water and electric service)**

$40,000

$120,000

Small Picnic Pavilions (15’ x 25’, with water and electric service)**

$30,000

Standing Charcoal Grills (1 per proposed pavilion -approx. size 6’ x 3’)

$400

$1,600

Trash Receptacles (2 per proposed pavilion, 1 per restroom, 2 at pool house)

$350

$2,800

Restroom / Storage Buildings (15’ x 15’ including plumbing and electric service)**

$100,000

$200,000

Walter Panek Park

Site Paving and Signage Asphalt Paving (Heavy Duty - Parking areas) Asphalt Paving (Standard Duty - Walks) Compacted Aggregate Paving (6” depth - access paths, loop walking path)

Earth-surface trail (Mountain Bike Trail) Concrete Pads (4” thickness -for pavilions) Concrete Pads (4” thickness - for bleachers) Accessible Parking Signs (includes footing) Linestriping (all lots) Storm Drainage Sytem (inlets, pipes - for parking lot - assumes tie-in to ) Park Entrance Signage Trail Signage (at all trailheads and trail intersections) Sprayground / Splash Pad Concrete Paving (6” thickness) Rubberized Grip Safety Surface (modular 2x2 pads) Water filtration, recirculation, and chemical Treatment systems (includes tanks, drains, piping, pumps, other machinery, etc.)

Spray Features (2 for ages 2-5; 2 for ages 5-12) Chain-Link Perimeter Fencing (8’ height) Chain-Link Single Gate (5’ width - pedestrian use) Chain-Link Double Gate (10’ width - for vehicle use) Playground Rubberized Safety Surface Aggregate sub-base (8” thickness) Aluminum Edger for safety surface Playground Equipment (Ages 2-12 play structure, swing set)

Walter Panek Park

$723,060 17284 1091

SY SY

$30 $25

$518,520 $27,275

2568

$25

$64,200

0.75 339 80 12 1

Mile SY SY EA LS

$1,300 $110 $110 $250 $3,000

$975 $37,290 $8,800 $3,000 $3,000

$50,000

1 1

LS LS

$5,000 $5,000

$5,000 $5,000 $266,750

638 638

SY SY

$150 $100

$95,700 $63,800

$50,000

4 285 1 1

LS EA EA EA

$10,000 $50 $1,000 $2,000

$40,000 $14,250 $1,000 $2,000 $82,320

273 61 215

SY CY LF

$90 $120 $2

$24,570 $7,320 $430

$50,000

Ball Fields

$427,970

Dugout Enclosures (8’ x 20’, steel or timber beam construction with open-air sides and chain-link fence enclosure, concrete floor)

$10,000

$60,000

Chain-Link Fence - Youth ball field (6-ft. height, with yellow HDPE safety rail))

675

$40

$27,000

Chain-Link Fence - Adult ball field (6-ft. height, with yellow HDPE safety rail))

1068

$40

$42,720

Foul Poles (set of 2 - steel pipe with yellow nylon netting, 12’ height)

Pair

$2,000

$6,000

Chain Link Fence Backstops (25’ height) Rubber bases, home plate, and pitcher’s rubber Clay Infield (12” depth - adult ball field) Clay Infield (12” depth - youth ball field) Aluminum Bleachers (5 rows x 15’ length)

2 1 1 1 12

EA Set LS LS EA

$10,000 $250 $60,000 $50,000 $3,500

$20,000 $250 $60,000 $50,000 $42,000

Field Lighting (1 Existing adult field, 1 proposed adult field)

$120,000

55.3 26.5

MSF MSF

$120 $120

$6,636 $3,180

Seeding (Athletic field grass mix -- adult field) Seeding (Athletic field grass mix -- youth field) Sports Courts Asphalt Court Paving (Basketball half-court) Asphalt Color-Coat (Basketball half-court) Line-striping

$38,180 154 154 1

SY SY LS

$30 $15 $500

$4,620 $2,310 $500

Basketball Goal, Backboard, and Support (includes concrete footing)

$2,500

Chain-link fencing (12-ft. height, along end of court behind goal)

$65

$3,250

Sand Volleyball Court (includes net, posts)

$25,000

Landscaping Deciduous Shade Trees (2” caliper) Evergreen Tree (2” caliper) Deciduous or Evergreen Shrubs (24” height) Groundcovers / Perennials (plant beds at entrances) Seeding (lawn areas) Seeding (Non-mowed naturalized areas)

$47,680 70 10 14 1 150.0 36.0

EA EA EA LS MSF MSF

$400 $400 $120 $2,000 $80 $100

Walter Panek Park

$28,000 $4,000 $1,680 $2,000 $12,000 $3,600

Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Shared Use Path - Asphalt Paving Crosswalk at 24th Street and Beaver Road Lighting Improvements at 24th St. and Beaver Road Lower Entrance Plaza

2000 1 1

Lower (24th Street and Beaver Road) Entrance Plaza

110

$110

$12,100

Stone Veneer CMU Seating Walls

$200

$10,000

Park Sign Landscaping Upper Entrance Plaza

1 1

EA LS

$2,500 $15,000

Lower (24th Street and Beaver Road) Entrance Plaza Stone Veneer CMU Seating Walls Park Kiosk Landscaping Upper Plaza Gazebo and Overlook Gazebo, 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122; dia., including concrete paving Gazebo support walls Stone Veneer CMU Seating Walls Park Kiosk Landscaping Tables and Benches for Overlook Subtotal Mobilization Permitting Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures Design and Engineering Fees Construction Contingency

TOTAL

Walter Panek Park

$86,000 SY EA EA

$40 $1,500 $4,500

$80,000 $1,500 $4,500 $39,600

$29,600 110

$110

$12,100

50 1 1

LF EA LS

$200 $2,500 $5,000

$10,000 $2,500 $5,000 $387,500

1 2250 50 1 1 1

EA SFF LF EA LS LS

$130,000 $100 $200 $2,500 $5,000 $15,000

5 1 4 8 5

% LS % % %

$2,740,883 $25,000 $2,740,883 $2,740,883 $2,740,883

$130,000 $225,000 $10,000 $2,500 $5,000 $15,000 $2,740,883 $137,044 $25,000 $109,635 $219,271 $137,044

$3,368,877

Phasing of Construction Ideally, the Borough would construct all improvements in one phase, minimizing construction activities, disruptions, and realizing â&#x20AC;&#x153;economies of scaleâ&#x20AC;? construction savings. However, few communities can afford to proceed in this manner and find it more appropriate to phase construction over a period of time. We recommend the improvements to Walter Panek Park be constructed in a series of logical phases. Depending on the Boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial capacity and the success of grant writing efforts, this phasing plan may be expedited or lengthened, depending on the financial capabilities of the Borough. Realistically, it is difficult to project a phased construction project for a period greater than ten years, due to changes in costs and potential changes in park use and activity. Therefore, the phasing plan proposed herein only projects those phases of work that we believe may be realistically achieved by the Borough in ten years, given their current financial ability. Phase I - Years One to Three Based on the recommendation of the Steering Committee, we propose Phase I consist of extending the park access road to the first picnic grove located on the former municipal dump site; constructing the first picnic grove and associated parking; and construction of hiking trails in the vicinity of this picnic grove. As this master planning process was concluding, the Borough submitted a PA DCNR grant application to assist with funding this phase or work. The status of that application is pending. Assuming all work related to this phase of improvements will be publicly bid, we project it will cost approximately $343,000, in 2008 dollars, to construct these improvements.

Walter Panek Park

Walter Panek Park PHASE 1: Opinion of Probable Construction Costs Item Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and Grubbing (Forest Vegetation) Clearing and Grubbing (Herbaceous plants / shrubs) Earthwork Earthwork Site Structures

Quantity Unit

Unit Cost

Total Item Cost $2,100

0.3 0.2

AC AC

$5,000 $3,000

$1,500 $600 $20,000

2500

$20,000 $61,100

Large Picnic Pavilion ( 35’ x 25’, with water and electric service)

$60,000

Standing Charcoal Grills (1 per proposed pavilion -approx. size 6’ x 3’)

$400

Trash Receptacles (2 per proposed pavilion, 1 per restroom, 2 at pool house)

$350

$700

Site Paving and Signage Asphalt Paving (Heavy Duty - Parking areas) Asphalt Paving (Standard Duty - Walks) Compacted Aggregate Paving (6” depth - access paths, loop walking path) Concrete Pads (4” thickness -for pavilions) Accessible Parking Signs (includes footing) Linestriping Storm Drainage Sytem (inlets, pipes - for parking lot - assumes tie-in to ) Trail Signage (at all trailheads and trail intersections) Landscaping Deciduous Shade Trees (2” caliper) Seeding (lawn areas) Mobilization Permitting Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures Design and Engineering Fees Construction Contingency

$161,640 2750 66

SY SY

$40 $35

$110,000 $2,310

1150

$22

$25,300

98 1 1

SY EA LS

$110 $250 $1,000

$10,780 $250 $1,000

$10,000

$2,000

$2,000 $2,400

4 10.0

EA MSF

5 1 4 10 10

% LS % % %

$400 $80 $247,240 $25,000 $247,240 $247,240 $247,240

$1,600 $800 $247,240 $12,362 $25,000 $9,890 $24,724 $24,724

$343,940

Walter Panek Park

Phase II - Years One to Three Concurrent with Phase I identified above, the Ambridge Youth Association is committed to improving and expanding the ballfields that are recommended in this master plan. Assuming all work related to this phase of improvements will be publicly bid, we project it will cost approximately $662,000, in 2008 dollars, to construct these improvements. However, given the commitment of the Ambridge Youth Association, we believe these costs will be substantially reduced due to in-kind services, donated materials, and donated labor that will be secured by the organization. Therefore, we estimate the cash cost of this phase will be between $165,000 to $331,000. Furthermore, if the organization cannot accomplish all of the proposed improvements, some of the features, such as dugout enclosures, complete fencing, and other amenities, can be constructed and installed at a later date. This phase of work will requires the demolition and relocation of a 1,100 lineal foot portion of the park road, which can also be done as an in-kind service through the Borough, along with the demolition of the swimming pool and bathhouse complex, for which the Borough has a commitment for the demolition work to be donated.

Walter Panek Park Phase II - Estimate of Probable Construction Costs Item

Unit Cost

Total Item Cost

Removals Remove existing asphalt or concrete paving (road) Remove existing asphalt paving (tennis court and adjacent walkways) Remove chain link fencing (youth ball field) Remove chain link fencing (tennis court)

4000

$12,000

1524

$4,572

526 460

LF LF

$10 $10

$5,260 $4,600

Remove existing backstop, dugout enclosures, and bleachers at youth ball field

$10,000

Earthwork Earthwork Site Paving and Signage Asphalt Paving (Heavy Duty - Parking areas) Concrete Pads (4â&#x20AC;? thickness - for bleachers) Accessible Parking Signs (includes footing)

100

Quantity Unit

$36,432

$40,000 5000

$40,000 $229,000

6500 300 4

SY SY EA

$30 $110 $250

$195,000 $33,000 $1,000

Walter Panek Park

Ball Fields

$217,220

Dugout Enclosures (8’ x 20’, steel or timber beam construction with open-air sides and chain-link fence enclosure, concrete floor)

$10,000

$60,000

Chain-Link Fence - Youth ball field (6-ft. height, with yellow HDPE safety rail))

675

$40

$27,000

Chain-Link Fence - Adult ball field (6-ft. height, with yellow HDPE safety rail))

1068

$40

$42,720

Pair

$2,000

$4,000

2 2 1 1 8 55.3 26.5

EA Set LS LS EA MSF MSF

$10,000 $250 $20,000 $15,000 $3,500 $120 $120

5 1 4 8 5

% LS % % %

$522,652 $25,000 $522,652 $522,652 $522,652

$20,000 $500 $20,000 $15,000 $28,000 $6,636 $3,180 $522,652 $26,133 $25,000 $20,906 $41,812 $26,133

Foul Poles (set of 2 - steel pipe with yellow nylon netting, 12’ height) Chain Link Fence Backstops (25’ height) Rubber bases, home plate, and pitcher’s rubber Clay Infield (12” depth - adult ball field) Clay Infield (12” depth - youth ball field) Aluminum Bleachers (5 rows x 15’ length) Seeding (Athletic field grass mix -- adult field) Seeding (Athletic field grass mix -- youth field) Mobilization Permitting Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures Design and Engineering Fees Construction Contingency

$662,635 Phase III - Years Three to Five Phase III of the master plan is a bold step that will improve pedestrian and bicycle access to the park from the Beaver Road neighborhood. Furthermore, the work completed in Phase III will define the character of the park for current and future generations of Borough residents. In Phase III, the following features will be constructed: pedestrian and bicycle access from the 24th Street and Beaver Road intersection; lower and upper plazas; and gazebo and overlook. As noted earlier, a grand gazebo is proposed to be situated on the bluff of the hill. This will serve several purposes. First, it will provide a visual anchor and should be visible from the lower neighborhood. Second, the gazebo will provide an overlook to the upper end of the Borough. Interpretive panels can be located in the gazebo to provide information about former and current facilities located in the Borough that can be seen from the overlook.

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Third, the gazebo can be a defining architectural element that residents associate with the park. It will define a civic space and can play host to movies and concerts in the park. Upon completion of this phase, we believe this entrance into the park and the gazebo overlook will establish the defining character of Walter Panek Park.

Walter Panek Park Phase III - Estimate of Probable Construction Costs Item Earthwork Earthwork Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Shared Use Path - Asphalt Paving Crosswalk at 24th Street and Beaver Road Lighting Improvements at 24th St. and Beaver Road Lower Entrance Plaza

104

Quantity Unit

Unit Cost

Total Item Cost $48,000

6000

$48,000 $86,000

2000 1 1

SY EA EA

$40 $1,500 $4,500

$80,000 $1,500 $4,500 $39,600

Lower (24th Street and Beaver Road) Entrance Plaza

110

$110

$12,100

Stone Veneer CMU Seating Walls

$200

$10,000

Park Sign Landscaping Upper Entrance Plaza

1 1

EA LS

$2,500 $15,000

$2,500 $15,000 $29,600

Lower (24th Street and Beaver Road) Entrance Plaza

110

$110

$12,100

Stone Veneer CMU Seating Walls Park Kiosk Landscaping Upper Plaza Gazebo and Overlook

50 1 1

LF EA LS

$200 $2,500 $5,000

$10,000 $2,500 $5,000 $387,500

Walter Panek Park

Gazebo, 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122; dia., including concrete paving Gazebo support walls Stone Veneer CMU Seating Walls Park Kiosk Landscaping Tables and Benches for Overlook

1 2250 50 1 1 1

EA SFF LF EA LS LS

$130,000 $100 $200 $2,500 $5,000 $15,000

5 1 4 8 5

% LS % % %

$590,700 $25,000 $590,700 $590,700 $590,700

Subtotal

Mobilization Permitting Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures Design and Engineering Fees Construction Contingency

Total

Walter Panek Park

$130,000 $225,000 $10,000 $2,500 $5,000 $15,000 $590,700 $29,535 $25,000 $23,628 $47,256 $29,535

$745,654

105

Phase IV - Years Five to Ten In Phase IV, we recommend the completion of the upper access road and picnic grove initiated in Phase I.

Walter Panek Park Phase IV - Estimate of Probable Construction Costs Item Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and Grubbing (Herbaceous plants / shrubs) Earthwork Earthwork Site Structures

Unit Cost

Total Item Cost $9,300

3.1

$3,000

$9,300 $40,000

5000

$40,000 $172,200

Large Picnic Pavilions ( 35’ x 25’, with water and electric service)

$40,000

Small Picnic Pavilions (15’ x 25’, with water and electric service)

$30,000

Standing Charcoal Grills (1 per proposed pavilion -approx. size 6’ x 3’)

$400

$800

Trash Receptacles (2 per proposed pavilion, 1 per restroom, 2 at pool house)

$350

$1,400

Restroom / Storage Buildings (15’ x 15’ including plumbing and electric service)

$100,000

Site Paving and Signage Asphalt Paving (Heavy Duty - Parking areas) Asphalt Paving (Standard Duty - Walks) Concrete Pads (4” thickness -for pavilions) Accessible Parking Signs (includes footing) Playground Rubberized Safety Surface Aggregate sub-base (8” thickness) Aluminum Edger for safety surface Playground Equipment (Ages 2-12 play structure, swing set)

106

Quantity Unit

$122,500 2200 500 150 2

SY SY SY EA

$40 $35 $110 $250

$88,000 $17,500 $16,500 $500 $83,180

273 61 215

SY CY LF

$90 $120 $6

$24,570 $7,320 $1,290

$50,000

Walter Panek Park

Landscaping Deciduous Shade Trees (2â&#x20AC;? caliper) Seeding (lawn areas) Seeding (Non-mowed naturalized areas)

$10,800 15 60.0 36.0

EA MSF MSF

5 1 4 8 5

% LS % % %

$400 $80 $100

Subtotal Mobilization Permitting Erosion & Sedimentation Control Measures Design and Engineering Fees Construction Contingency

Total

Walter Panek Park

$437,980 $25,000 $437,980 $437,980 $437,980

$6,000 $4,800 $3,600 $437,980 $21,899 $25,000 $17,519 $35,038 $21,899

$559,336

107

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FUNDING SOURCES Several agencies provide grants to assist in providing financial resources to implement design and construction of facilities similar to those proposed for Brush Creek Park. Some offer grants to implement educational or recreational programs in concert with these facilities. Still others support the planning and implementation of projects with preservation of wildlife habitat. Assistance can also be acquired in the form of technical help, information exchange, and training. Given the competition for grant funding, submission of a thorough application is required. Strategies for improving the chances of receiving a grant include: D Being well-prepared by knowing the funding agency (contact persons, addresses, phone numbers); ensuring your organization or municipality and the project are eligible; and submitting a complete and accurate application ahead of the specified deadline. D Clearly indicating the funding agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision and plans in the application, to portray how your project furthers their goals. Describe how matching funds such as private contributions and other grants will leverage the available funding. Describe how maintenance of the site will be accomplished to help justify the request for a grant award. Show past successes such as how past recreation or planning projects were funded and built and how this project will follow those successes. D Contacting the funding agencies by personally meeting with them to show your commitment to the project.

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Potential Funding Opportunities Based on the potential funding sources for this project, Pashek Associates recommends that the Borough pursue, at a minimum, the following funding opportunities: Facility

Potential Funding Sources

Picnic Shelters

Pennsylvania Conservation Corps, donated materials, donated / volunteer labor, DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) Grants

Trails

Donated materials, donated / volunteer labor, National Recreational Trails Fund Act (NRTFA), Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA21)

Landscaping

National Tree Trust, donated / volunteer labor

Roadways

PA DCED Single Application Grant

Parking Areas

PA DCED Single Application Grant, DCNR C2P2 Grants

Shelters, Volleyball Court, Ballfield Improvements

Donated materials, donated / volunteer labor, DCNR C2P2 Grants

Ambridge Borough should explore all potential funding sources and apply for funding as often as possible. An application that is rejected one year may still be accepted in future years. The following is a list of known potential funding sources as previously listed, along with descriptions and program requirements, and contact information: 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program: Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Program Goals: This program was authorized by Congress to award grants to rural and inner-city public schools, or consortia of such schools, to plan, implement, or expand projects that address the education, health, social services, cultural, and recreational needs of the community. Program Restrictions: School Districts must collaborate with an outside entity, such as another public agency or non-profit organization Use of Funds or Support: Applications must address four of the following program

110

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activities: literacy education programs; senior citizen programs; childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day care services; integrated education; health, social service, recreational or cultural programs; summer and weekend school programs in conjunction with recreation programs; nutrition and health programs; expanded library service hours to serve community needs; telecommunications and technology education programs for individuals of all ages; parenting skills education programs; support and training for child day care providers; employment counseling, training, and placement; services for individuals who leave before graduating from secondary school, regardless of age of such individual; services for individuals with disabilities. Contact: 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Attn: CFDA 84.287, U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center, Regional Office Building 3, Room 36337th & D Streets, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4725 Phone: 1-800-USA-LEARN Website: www.ed.gov/21stcclc Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treeways Agency: National Tree Trust Program Goals: This program provides tree seedlings for planting on roadsides, highways, or land under the jurisdiction of any federal, state, municipal, or transportation authority. Program Restrictions: Limitations include a minimum of 100 trees to a maximum of 10,000 trees. All trees delivered must be planted, and only volunteers may do the planting. The trees must be planted on public property. Use of Funds or Support: Monetary grants are provided to local tree-planting organizations that support volunteer planting and education efforts throughout the United States. Address: Todd Nelson, 1120 G Street, Suite 770, Washington, DC 20005 Phone: 1-800-846-8733 Website: http://www.nationaltreetrust.org Community Conservation Partnerships Programs (C2P2) Agency: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) 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.

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Program Restrictions: See DCNR grant application manual for the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, as program restrictions vary by type. Use of Funds: 1) Planning and Technical Assistance: Comprehensive Recreation, Park, and Open Space 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 Consultation and Circuit Riders (temporary employment of a full-time Park and Recreation Practitioner); 2) Acquisition Projects: Park and Recreation Areas; Greenways, Trails, and Rivers Conservation; Rails-to-Trails; Natural and Critical Habitat Areas; 3) Development Projects: Park and Recreation Areas; Park Rehabilitation and Development; Small Community Development; Greenways and Trails; Rails-to-Trails; Rivers Conservation; Federally Funded Projects; Lands and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Projects; Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Contact: Kathy Frankel, PA DCNR, Southwest Field Office,1405 State Office Building, 300 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Phone: (412) 565-7803 Website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Program Goals: To provide a flexible source of annual grant funds for local governments nationwide: 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 either 1) benefit low and moderate income persons; 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% of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s median income) benefit most directly and most often from 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. Contact: Westmoreland County, Department of Planning and Development, 2 North Main Street, Suite 601, Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: (724) 830-3614 (William E. Mitchell II) or (724) 830-3650 (Bert Getto)

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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 and natural resource management. 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. Contact: Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Cooperative Extension in Westmoreland County Donohoe Center, R.R. 12, Box 202E, Donohoe Road, Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: (724) 837-1402 Fax: (724) 837-7613 Email: WestmorelandExt@psu.edu Website: http://westmoreland.extension.psu.edu 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 Contact: Leigh Anne McDonald, American Greenways Coordinator, The Conservation Fund, 1800 North Kent Street, Suite 1120, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: (703) 525-6300 Email: lmcdonald@conservationfund.org Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants Agency: LWCF Program Goals: To provide park and recreation opportunities to residents throughout the United States, to allow communities to acquire and build a variety of park and recreation facilities, including trails. Funds are annually distributed by the National Park Service through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

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Program Restrictions: Communities must match LWCF grants with 50% 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. Grants are administered through the DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2). Use of Funds or Support: Planning and investment in an existing park system. Contact Info.: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Recreation Programs Room, MIB-MS 3622, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240 Phone: (202) 565-1200 Website: http://www.ncrc.nps.gov/lwcf/ National Recreational Trails Fund Act (NRTFA) Agency: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) - administered through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) Program Goals: The recreational trails program provides funds to develop and maintain recreational trails for motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use. The program funding represents a portion of the revenue received by the Federal Highway Trust Fund from the federal motor fuel excise tax paid by users of off-road recreational vehicles. Program Restrictions: A component of TEA21, matching requirements for the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program Grants are 80% federal money, up to a maximum of $150,000, and 20% non-federal money. However, acquisition projects will require a 50/50 match. “Soft match” is permitted from any project sponsor, whether private or public money. (“Soft match” includes credit for donations of funds, materials, services, or new right-of-way). Use of Funds or Support: The department must distribute funding among motorized, non-motorized, and diverse trail use as follows: 40% minimum for diverse trail use, 30% minimum for non-motorized recreation, and 30% minimum for motorized recreation. The Commonwealth may also use up to 5% of its funds for the operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection related to the use of recreational tails. The department will also consider projects that provide for the redesign, reconstruction, non-routine maintenance, or relocation of recreational trails to benefit the natural environment. Contact: Kathy Frankel, PA DCNR, Southwest Regional Field Office, 1405 State Office Building, 300 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Phone: (412) 565-7803 Website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us

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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 complete approved projects. Contact: Lou Scott, Director, 1304 Labor and Industry Building, 7th and Forester Streets, Harrisburg, PA 17120 Phone: (717) 783-6385 Website: http://www.dli.state.pa.us Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funds Agency: Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Program Goals: These funds can be used for bicycle and pedestrian facility construction or non-construction projects such as brochures, public service announcements, and route maps. The projects related to bicycle and pedestrian transportation must be a part of the long-range transportation plan. These funds are controlled by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in the Transportation Improvement Program. Program Restrictions: Expands STP eligibilities to specifically include the following [1108(a)]: sodium acetate / formate, or other environmentally-acceptable, minimally corrosive anti-icing and de-icing compositions; programs to reduce extreme cold starts; environmental restoration and pollution abatement projects; including retrofit or construction of stormwater treatment facilities (limited to 20% of total cost of 3R-type transportation projects); natural habitat mitigation, but specifies that if wetland or natural habitat mitigation is within the service area of a mitigation bank, preference will be given to use the bank; privately owned vehicles and facilities that are used to provide inter-city passenger service by bus; modifications of existing public sidewalks (regardless of whether the sidewalk is on a Federal-aid highway right-of-way), to comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; infrastructure based intelligent transportation system capital improvements.

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Use of Funds or Support: Transportation, planning, railroad crossing improvements. Contact Information: 825 North Gallatin Avenue Extension, Uniontown, PA 15401210545 Phone: (724) 439-7315 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/ Wal-Mart - Good Works Agency: Wal-Mart Foundation Program Goals: Allows local non-profit organizations to hold fund raisers at their local Wal-Mart 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 of 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 Associate 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 fund raiser 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, faithbased 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. Website: www.walmartfoundation.org/wmstore/goodworks

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Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Program Goals: Education. Community improvement projects such as projects at parks and other public areas, housing for underprivileged citizens, 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 online through the website. Website: http://www.easy2.com/cm/lowe/foundation/intro.asp Baseball Tomorrow Fund Agency: Major League Baseball and Major League Baseball Players Association Program Goals: To promote and enhance the growth of baseball in the US, Canada and throughout the world by funding programs, fields, and equipment purchases, designed to encourage and maintain youth participation in the game. Program Restrictions: • To finance administrative staff salaries, office overhead and other recurring operating costs (office supplies, office equipment, and computer equipment purchase or repair) • To fund construction of permanent structures and/or capital investments other than baseball construction or refurbishing • To pay for membership dues, bank charges or audit expenses • To cover other third part overhead costs Use of Funds or Support: Grants from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund are designed to be sufficiently flexible to enable applicants to address needs unique their communities. The funds may be used to finance a new program, expand or improve an existing program, undertake a new collaborative effort, or obtain facilities or equipment necessary for youth baseball or softball programs. Contact: Baseball Tomorrow Fund, 245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10167 Phone: 212-931-7991 or email BTF@majorleaguebaseball.com Website: www.majorleaguebaseball.sportsline.com/u/baseball/mlbcom/headquarters/ btf.html Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry Program Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Program Goals: The three grant programs -- the Municipal Challenge Grant Program, the Community Improvement Grant Program, and the Tree Maintenance Grant Program -- are designed to foster community improvement through the planting and maintenance of trees. Program Restrictions: These matching grant programs carry funding restrictions based on population. Municipalities may receive between $1,000 and $5,000 per

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season. Volunteer and community groups may receive between $1,000 and $3,000 per season. The trees must be planted on public or school property. Applicants must reapply for these funds Use of Funds or Support: The funds may be used for planting and maintaining trees Contact: Karli Suders, Urban Forestry Coordinator, DCNR, Forestry, Rural and Community Forestry, P.O. Box 8552, Harrisburg PA 17105-8552 Phone: 717-705-2825 Website: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC&Ds) Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Program Goals: Improve the local economy and environments. Program Restrictions: RC&Ds are local representatives of citizens, county and local government, and other interested organizations who work together to improve and sustain the natural and economic resources of rural communities through plans which are facilitated by coordinators. Use of Funds or Support: Businesses are developed, recreation areas are improved or developed, markets are developed, for local products, value is added to existing products, and resources management is accomplished through efforts to improve the local economy and environments. Contact: RR#12, Box 202 C, Greensburg, PA 15601-9271 Phone: 724-834-9063 ext. 3 Website: www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programshom.htm 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 Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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Contact: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 325 Forum Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120 Phone: 717-787-8169 or 1-888-223-6837 Website: http://www.inventpa.com Pennsylvania Safe Routes to Schools Program (SRTS) Agency: SRTS 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 up front • 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

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Appendix:

Recreation Facility Standards

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Baseball Dimensions

Recommended D E F G Backstop Infield Arc Base Pitching Pitching Foul Center from Home from Pitchers Lines Distance Height Lines Field Plate Plate 90' 60.5' 10" 60' 325' 400' 95' A

Type of Field Major League Baseball (MLB) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) National Federation of State High School Associations Pony Baseball, Inc. Shetland Division Pinto Mustang Bronco Pony Colt Palomino Babe Ruth Baseball, Inc.

Ages

Required B

90'

60.5'

10"

60'

330'

400'

95'

90'

60.5'

10"

60'

300' min

350' min

95'

5&6 7&8 9&10 11&12 13&14 15&16 17&18

50' 50' 60' 70' 80' 90' 90'

38' 38' 44' 48' 54' 60.5' 60.5'

n/a 4" 4" 6" 8" 10" 10"

25' 25' 30' 30' 40' 50' 50'

125' 150' 175' 225' 275' 300' 300'

200' 200' 225' 275' 315' 350' 350'

5 to 12

60'

46'

25'

13-15

90'

60.5'

10"

60'

200' min 250'

50'

Babe Ruth League 16-18 League American Legion Baseball Little League Baseball, Inc. Tee Ball Minor League Little League Junior League Senior League Big League T-Ball USA

16-18 18&under

90' 90'

60.5' 60.5'

10" 10"

60' 45' r

200' min 250' min 300' 300'

min 350' 375'

95' 95'

5 to 8 7 to 8 9 to 12 13-14 14-16 16-18

60' 60' 60' 90' 90' 90'

46' 46' 46' 60' -6" 60' -6" 60' -6"

25' min. 25' min. 25' min. 25' min. 25' min. 25' min.

200' 200' 205' 300' 300' 300'

200' 200' 215' 300' 300' 300'

50' 50' 50' 95' 95' 95'

4 to 8

50'

38'

25' min.

125' max.

Bambino Division

Tee Ball

unofficial recommendation

80' 95' 95'

95'

League

Division Girls - 10 and under Girls - 12 and under Girls - 14 and under Girls - 16 and under Girls - 18 and under Boys - 10 and under American Softball Boys - 12 and under Association Fast Pitch Boys - 14 and under Boys - 16 and under Boys - 18 and under Women Men Jr. Men Girls - 10 and under Girls - 12 and under Girls - 14 and under Girls - 16 and under Girls - 18 and under Boys - 10 and under Boys - 12 and under American Softball Boys - 14 and under Association Slow Pitch Boys - 16 and under Boys - 18 and under Women Men Major Coed Super Women American Softball Association Modified Pitch Men Women

Bases 60' 60' 60' 60' 60' 55' 60' 60' 60' 60' 60' 60' 60' 55' 60' 65' 65' 65' 55' 60' 65' 65' 65' 65' 65' 70' 65' 70' 60'

Pitching 35' 35' 40' 40' 40' 35' 40' 46' 46' 46' 40' 46' 46' 35' 40' 50' 50' 50' 40' 40' 50' 50' 50' 50' 50' 50' 50' 50' 40'

Min. Fence 150' 175' 175' 200' 200' 150' 175' 175' 200' 200' 200' 225' 225' 150' 175' 225' 225' 225' 150' 175' 250' 275' 275' 265' 275' 275' 275' 325' 200'

Max. Fence 175' 200' 200' 225' 225' 175' 200' 200' 225' 225' 250' 250' 250' 175' 200' 250' 250' 250' 175' 200' 275' 300' 300' 275' 315' 315' 300'

60' 55'

46' 38'

265' 200'

55' 35.ft 38 ft. 40 ft. 40 ft. 40 ft.

38' 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 50 ft. 50 ft. 50 ft. 50 ft. 50 ft. 50 ft. 50 ft. 40 ft. 40 ft. 40.ft 40 ft. 40 ft. 46 ft. 46 ft. 46 ft. 46 ft. 46 ft. 46 ft.

250' 150 ft. 175 ft. 175 ft. 200 ft. 200 ft. 65 ft. 65 ft. 65 ft. 65 ft. 65 ft. 65 ft. 65 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft. 60 ft.

250' 175 ft. 200 ft. 200 ft. 200 ft. 200 ft. 300 ft. 225 ft. 235 ft. 275 - 325 ft. 275 - 325 ft. 250 - 325 ft. 250 - 325 ft. 200 ft. 200 ft. 200 ft. 200 ft. 200 ft. 200 ft. 200 ft. 200-225 ft. 200-225 ft. 200-225 ft. 200-225 ft. 200-250 ft. 225-265 ft.

200'

American Softball Association 16 In. Pitch Men 10 & Under 12 & Under American Fastpitch 14 & Under Association 16 & Under 18 & Under 12" Men 16" Men 16" Women's American Fast Pitch Women's Class Association Slo-Pitch Women's Class Women's Class Women's Class 8 & Under 9 & Under 10 & Under 11 & Under United States Specialty 12 & Under Sports Fast Pitch 13 & Under 14 & Under 15 & Under 16 & Under 18 & Under 23 & Under United States Specialty Women Sports Fast Pitch Men

'A' 'B' 'C' 'D' 34 ft. 34 ft. 34 ft. 37 ft. 37 ft. 40 ft. 40 ft. 40 ft. 40 ft. 40 ft. 43 ft. 40 ft.

46 ft.