MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION OCTOBER 2023 BIG LEAGUE DREAMS UPDATE Mansfield City Council voted unanimously on September 11 to terminate the maintenance and operating agreement with Big League Dreams Mansfield, Inc. (BLD) due to a failure to comply with all terms of the agreement. In addition to the failure of BLD to comply with the agreement’s terms, the City received continuous communications from citizens regarding the condition of the facility. The Council and City recognize our commitment to provide our citizens and visitors with remarkable experiences and the facility, in its current condition, no longer aligned with that vision. The sports park opened in 2008 through a public-private partnership where the City of Mansfield owned the property and BLD operated and maintained the facilities. The park features eight ball fields, an indoor pavilion, two sports club restaurants, batting cages, a playground, and pro shop. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department has begun assessing the facility to determine its full condition. All or part of the park will likely be closed in the coming months for a full facility feasibility assessment. The City of Mansfield is allowing the current leagues and tournaments to finish their seasons at the facility through November. The City has made no determination regarding future operations, management and maintenance of Big League Dreams Mansfield. Those conversations will be ongoing as staff completes the full assessment. Any repair or operational contracts for the facility will follow the standard bidding process, which will be announced and handled via traditional formats."
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
OCTOBER 2023
PARK PROJECT UPDATES
1 Walnut Creek Linear Trail
Cannon/Carlin to ONP
Phase 3B on street side path trail
Acquisition
2 Katherine Rose Memorial Park 303 N. Walnut Creek Dr. Master plan & new playground
Construction
3 Skinner Sports Complex
920 N. Holland Road
Baseball facelift and improvements
Construction
4 Mansfield National Golf Club
3750 National Pkwy
New restroom building
Construction
5 McKnight Park West
302 N. Wisteria Dr.
Playground, park amenities and disc golf course Design
2
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
OCTOBER 2023
WALNUT CREEK LINEAR TRAIL 3B TARGET COMPLETION SUMMER 2024 BUDGET $3 million DESIGN FIRM Kimley Horn and Associates
PROJECT MANAGER James Fish FUNDING SOURCE MPFDC/GF Bonds CONTRACTOR TBD
SUMMARY This segment will extend from the recently completed trail at Cannon and Carlin Roads and create a connection to the entrance of Oliver Nature Park with a combination of added trails and expanded sidewalks along Matlock Road. CURRENT UPDATE Negotiations for right-of-way and property acquisitions continue, so once these are completed the project will be able to go to bid now that the construction documents have been fully reviewed and passed through the permitting process.
3
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
OCTOBER 2023
KATHERINE ROSE MEMORIAL PARK TARGET COMPLETION SPRING 2024 BUDGET $7 million DESIGN FIRM Parkhill
PROJECT MANAGER James Fish FUNDING SOURCE GF, ARPA, MPFDC CONTRACTOR TBD
SUMMARY Katherine Rose Park (and Hardy Allmon Soccer Complex) is being reimagined to better fit the needs of a growing community. The project includes a master redevelopment plan of the space, including available nearby properties and parks. CURRENT UPDATE Parkhill completed the construction plans for Phase 1A - Rose Park Drive and Parking Improvements. The construction contract was awarded by the City Council at their October 9th meeting. Contracts are currently being executed with construction expected to begin in November and be completed in April 2024. Parkhill also submitted 50% construction plans for Phase 1B, with a focus on potential playground layout and features. Staff has been reviewing plans and discussing any possible further public meetings necessary to gather and additional feedback and input.
4
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
OCTOBER 2023
SKINNER SPORTS COMPLEX TARGET COMPLETION various dates 2023 BUDGET $1.2 million DESIGN FIRM MPARD Staff
PROJECT MANAGER James Fish FUNDING SOURCE MPFDC/GF Bonds CONTRACTOR Various
SUMMARY Project will include fencing improvements and realignment, entryway updates, drop off and pickup improvements, a new entry plaza with new surfacing, an expanded restroom facility and more storage for baseball concessions. CURRENT UPDATE The foul line fencing realignment was completed and park maintenance crews removed the concrete from the old mow strips and hitting pads. New warm-up areas and hitting stations will be installed this fall as the restroom/concession building and entryway renovations projects are completed. AAA Time Saver Services is currently under construction on phase three of the project. The foundation for the new restroom has been poured, and renovation work is underway on the existing concession building. Phase four will provide the improvements to the baseball complex entryway. The project includes a new entry plaza with baseball-themed design, decorative fencing with stone columns and an arched entry sign. The reconstruction of the main walkway will include lighting, benches, trees and landscaping leading to an enhanced pedestrian plaza area surrounding the new restroom building and renovated concession building. The City Council awarded the construction contract at their October 23rd meeting. The contractor will begin work as soon as the fall baseball season is completed. All improvements are scheduled to be completed before opening day in the spring of 2024.
5
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
OCTOBER 2023
MANSFIELD NATIONAL GOLF CLUB TARGET COMPLETION FALL 2023 BUDGET 400,000 DESIGN FIRM TRC Architects
PROJECT MANAGER James Fish FUNDING SOURCE MPFDC 1/2 cent sales tax CONTRACTOR AAA Time Saver Services
SUMMARY The project will provide a permanent restroom facility on the back nine holes of the course, conveniently located in an area where golfers can access the building after playing holes 12 and 15. CURRENT UPDATE Construction of the on-course restroom building continues, with the block, rock work and roofing being completed. Contractor is now working on the internal items of plumbing and electric with finishes sheduled for installation. The electric service line will be completed in October with the project anticipated for completion in early November.
6
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
OCTOBER 2023
MCKNIGHT PARK WEST TARGET COMPLETION
PROJECT MANAGER James Fish
BUDGET $2.1 million DESIGN FIRM Studio 13
FUNDING SOURCE TPWD Grant/MPFDC CONTRACTOR
SUMMARY Mansfield Parks and Recreation was awarded a $750,000 non-urban outdoor recreation grant for James McKnight Park West from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) in January 2023 to add much-needed amenities to the 35-year-old park. The concept includes a playground, walking trail with fitness stations and the city's first disc golf course. CURRENT UPDATE Studio 13 Design Group continues on their design work and is preparing for upcoming community engagement, focusing on overall park improvements. Meetings will be scheduled with neighboring residents and the general public, as well as a meeting with potential course designers and other interested disc golf parties. We are still waiting on the final cultural resources survey report, but the survey work to re-plat all of the property into one parcel is nearing completion.
7
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
OCTOBER 2023
PARK OPERATIONS BALL FIELDS AND COURTS FIELDS & COURTS MAINTAINED 57 FIELD & COURT RENTALS 43 RACES AND TOURNAMENTS 6
PARKS AND TRAILS PARKS MAINTAINED 23 PLAYGROUND SAFETY INSPECTIONS 16 PAVILIONS MAINTAINED 29 PAVILION & AMPHITHEATER RENTALS 64 MILES OF TRAILS MAINTAINED 10 PONDS MAINTAINED 12
AQUATICS SPLASH PADS MAINTAINED 3 WATER CHEMISTRY TESTS 0
PUBLIC GROUNDS ACRES MAINTAINED OF MUNICIPAL 160.6 BUILDINGS & PROPERTIES PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS 5 MEDIANS 232 RIGHTS OF WAY 70 CURRENT UPDATE The Parks Operations team has promoted three internal staff members into available leadership positions. Hiring to fill current open positions is underway. There has been a large increase in the inquiries that have come in for athletic field practice and tournaments rentals. Following a very successful season, the splash pads have been closed and winterized for the year. Linear trails have seen a number of tree limbs that have fallen and are in need of cleanup. Many additional efforts are underway to deal with the dry or dead trees due to the extreme heat of this last summer. Tree replacement is underway on the medians and rights-of-ways throughout the city.
8
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
OCTOBER 2023
RECREATION SERVICES MAC MAC VISITS 12,485 MEMBERSHIPS SOLD 170 DAY PASSES SOLD 32 PROGRAM AND EVENT REGISTRATIONS 601 MAC RENTALS 55 KIDS ZONE REGISTRATIONS 26
SENIOR LIFESTYLES SENIOR VISITS 791 MEALS SERVED 417 PROGRAM AND TRIP REGISTRATIONS 366
NATURE EDUCATION PROGRAM AND EVENT REGISTRATIONS 101 FIELD TRIP PARTICIPANTS 30
ATHLETICS ATHLETIC PROGRAM REGISTRATIONS 606
CURRENT UPDATE The recreation team is currently evaluating all programs offered through the Mansfield Parks and Recreation Department as the cost recovery standards and policies are developed. Almost 100 seniors from the Senior Lifestyles program made the trip to Town Park for the annual Senior Picnic sponsored by Spring Creek Barbeque. Larry Light and the Pure Country was the band that provided entertainment. Several seniors were spotted dancing and having a terrific time. Over 100 participants joined in on the fun for the annual Barks and Rec 1-mile walk and 3-mile run event that took place on the linear trail. Several local animal shelters participated by bringing their dogs out for walkers and runners to have a partner on the trail. In addition, Nature Education partnered with Mansfield Animal Care and Control during October for Oliver Nature Park hikes with rescue dogs up for adoption.
9
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
OCTOBER 2023
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SOCIAL MEDIA FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS 12,684 FACEBOOK REACH 46k INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS 4,002 INSTAGRAM REACH 36k EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS 4,775 EMAIL OPEN RATE 60%
ONLINE PRESENCE WEBSITE VISITS 6,096 AVG GOOGLE RATING 4.5
CURRENT UPDATE The annual brand campaign has transitioned to WALKtober, a fitness challenge asking residents to walk or run one mile each day this month. So far, we are seeing great results, with over 400 residents and 59 dogs signed up and logging regularly! The challenge includes a series of free walks and events, like the MPFDC walk & talk meeting, and a Marvelous Monday Midday Mile each week at Rose Park. This month we also celebrated the CAPRA announcement with a fun social video using Little People to tell our BIG news! Look for more CAPRA-themed content and education over the next few weeks. Each month's report includes an overall Google rating, but the best measure of our performance comes in the individual reviews. It's always so encouraging to see residents take a moment out of their day to recognize our team's hard work and say thank you! Here are a few recent ones we enjoyed: "We were there for my grandson's football game. This was by far the best park they ever played in. I will definitely go back again" -Laura M. on Chandler Park. "I rented a park pavilion and had a really great experience! Booking was super easy. I had to extend my booking, and it was taken care of quickly and easily. Eric, from the parks dept was there when we got there. He went above and beyond to provide very helpful pavilion rental details to me, and ensure the area was clean and ready to go, since this was my first time renting anything. It was a great experience and I highly recommend renting facilities with Mansfield Activities Center!" -Megan F. on the MAC "This is my favorite park. It’s so well maintained and there are gorgeous wildflowers all around that bloom throughout the year. The pathways are clear and way to walk and there are so many paths, lookouts and spots to enjoy!" -Elizabeth D. on Oliver Nature Park.
10
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
OCTOBER 2023
MANSFIELD EARNS CAPRA ACCREDITATION Mansfield Parks and Recreation has joined the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded earlier this month as part of the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas. CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies, and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services. Currently, there are only 193 CAPRA-accredited agencies, representing less than 1% of the more than 23,000 parks and recreation departments nationwide. Mansfield Parks and Recreation has been working towards accreditation since 2020. As part of the accreditation process, the department was required to demonstrate compliance with 154 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures. The standards range from maintenance procedures and planning guidelines to financial transparency and community outreach plans. Often the process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality service and operation to benefit the community. “CAPRA Accreditation means our commitment to operating with uncompromising integrity and exceeding expectations has placed Mansfield Parks and Recreation among the best agencies in the country, ensuring our guests always receive the highest standards of welcoming spaces and remarkable experiences,” said Matt Young, Executive Director of Community Services. “Through best practices and accountability established by the accreditation process, we have a framework for the future of how we will create community as we gather, grow, preserve and play.” The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessment, a site visit by a team of trained visitors that result in a written report, and a hearing with the Commission to grant accreditation. Going forward, Mansfield Parks and Recreation must uphold the standards by submitting an annual report and must apply for re-accreditation in five years.
FALL 2023 EVENTS & PROGRAMS 11/09
Senior Veterans Breakfast
11/10
MAC Member Appreciation Event
11/11
Veterans Day Parade & Salute
11/17
Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon
11/18
Kids Zone After Dark
11/18
Campfire Cookout
11/21
Family Nerf Night
12/01
Hometown Holidays
12/08
SUPER Kids Santa Visits
12/09
Snowman Run
12/15
Senior Holiday breakfast
12/15
Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament
12/16
Jane Austen Day Tea Party
12/16
Kids Zone After Dark
12/29
Senior Noon Year’s Eve Party
12/22 Candy Cane Hunt More details and registration at mansfieldparks.com
11
MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
OCTOBER 2023
12