Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan by MSA Professional Services

CITY OF BEAVER DAM

Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2016-2021

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MAYOR

Tom Kennedy

CITY STAFF

John Neumann, Parks & Forestry Supervisor, City of Beaver Dam Parks & Forestry Department Evonne Boe ge, Advisor, Community Ac vi es and Service Department

CITIZEN ADVISORY GROUP

Jon Abfall, City Council Cris Olson, City Council Mary Morgan, Planning Commission Teresa Hiles Olson, Opera ons Commi ee Rebecca Glewen, School District/ImpACT Phil Fritsche, Chamber of Commerce Bill Ehlenbeck, Dodge County Parks Jean Allen, Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Associa on Bill Dogs, Youth Baseball/So ball Dave Elgersma, Beaver Dam Soccer Club Dan Larsen, Rotary Julie Zahn, Downtown Beaver Dam, Inc. Jen Kruel, The YMCA of Dodge County Shaun Hilliard, BMX Park Tammy Westphal, Girl Scouts Mike Kraintz, Boy Scouts Shawn Madeiros, Green Valley Enterprises Linda Klinger, Beaver Dam Community Hospital

PREPARED BY:

This document was prepared by MSA Professional Services, Inc. with assistance from the Ci zen Advisory Group. Project No.: 218082

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 3

Introduction 1.1 Plan Purpose 1.2 Planning Process 1.3 The Role of City Parks

About: Beaver Dam 2.1 Local & Regional Context 2.2 Transportation & Circulation 2.3 Demographics 2.4 Physical Character and Environmental Resources 2.5 Existing Land Use 2.6 Future Land Use

Park, Open Space and Recreation Inventory

9 19 27 29 39

3.1 City-Owned Facilities and Existing Recreation Programs 3.2 Privately-Owned Facilities 3.3 School Facilities 3.4 Beaver Dam Lake and County Parks 3.5 Regional Parks and Recreational Facilities

Analysis of Needs and Demands 4.1 Quantitative Analysis 4.2 Geographic Analysis 4.3 Qualitative Analysis 4.4 Regional & State Trends

Goals, Objectives, and Policies 5.1 Goals & Objectives 5.2 Policies

Recommendations 6.1 Existing Park Facilities 6.2 New Park Facilities 6.3 Recreational Trails 6.4 Other Recommendations 6.5 Community Collaboration & Partnerships

Implementation 7.1 Tools & Mechanisms to Fund Implementation

Appendix A: Survey Results (on-file with Parks & Forestry Department)

Appendix B: Park and Open Space Classifications/Standards Appendix C: Parks and Recreation Maps Map 1: Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities Map 2: Existing Parks Service Areas

Introduction

1.1 Plan Purpose 1.2 Planning Process 1.3 The Role of City Parks

1.1 PLAN PURPOSE

The City of Beaver Dam realizes the importance and benefits its parks and open space system has on the City’s character and quality of life and is commi ed to providing for the recrea onal needs of its current and future residents. This plan intends to guide the con nual improvement of the City’s park and open space system and to maintain the City’s eligibility for State and Federal park and recrea on grants. This plan envisions a connected system of parks and open spaces throughout the community, related to the city’s natural resources, geography and neighborhoods. The plan is also intended to be a support document and component of the City of Beaver Dam Comprehensive Land Use Plan. This plan along with the City’s other long-range plans and development-related ordinances, will be used to implement the City’s parks and recrea on program. Specifically the plan provides: • • • • • • •

Informa on regarding demographic trends and natural resource concerns, An inventory of exis ng park and recrea onal facili es, An analysis of parkland and recrea onal needs and demands, General policy direc on regarding park and open space planning and maintenance, Recommenda ons for improving exis ng park facili es, Recommenda ons for park and open space acquisi on and (re)development projects, and Implementa on strategies.

This plan iden fies conceptual loca ons and recommenda ons for diﬀerent types of parks, natural areas, and recrea onal facili es. In nearly every case, more detailed planning, engineering, study, budge ng, and discussions will be necessary before decisions are made to actually acquire land or construct recrea onal facili es.

1.2 PLANNING PROCESS

Recrea on planning has been an essen al component of long-range community planning in Beaver Dam. The City has a long-standing tradi on of recrea on planning that dates back to 1969 when the City produced it’s very first CORP. This CORP resulted in the City receiving one of the State’s first recrea on grants for Crystal Lake Beach. The City has since updated it’s CORP three mes: in 1989, 1995 and again in 2009. This CORP func ons as an update to the 2009 plan and proposes recrea on improvements for the next five years, to 2021. In 2015, the city contracted with MSA Professional Services, Inc. to assist with an update to the 2009 CORP. Prepara on and adop on of this plan occurred over a seven month period. Oversight for the project was provided by a Ci zen Advisory Group, a diverse group of community stakeholders ac ve in parks and recrea on. The Ci zen Advisory Group met three mes with the planning consultant to provide policy recommenda ons and to review dra documents. Early in the planning process the consultant facilitated an online community survey to gather ci zen feedback on desired public park and recrea onal facili es.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 1

Chapter 1| Introduction

It’s the City’s inten on to update this plan every five years, in-part to remain eligible for park and recrea on grants (see side bar), and as best prac ce to ensure that the plan remains relevant to the community’s needs. This plan was developed following the Guidelines for the Development of Local Comprehensive Outdoor Recrea on Plans of the 20112016 Wisconsin State Comprehensive Outdoor Recrea on Plan (SCORP) created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). The plan content and format have been tailored to fit the needs of the community.

1.3 THE ROLE OF CITY PARKS

Proper planning is essen al for the City’s park and open space system to con nue to meet the recrea on needs of the community, as well as to con nue to preserve valuable natural areas. Whether the City is experiencing a bear or bull period of economic growth, it is important to remember the many benefits that park and recrea onal facili es provide the community.

COMMUNITY IMAGE Local parks provide opportuni es for formal and informal social gatherings. Community fes vals, organized recrea onal events, or chance mee ngs between City residents at local parks, all provide opportuni es for residents to socialize with people they might not otherwise meet. In addi on, having excellent park and recrea on facili es can be a source of pride for a community. These factors contribute to the image of the City as “A great place to live, work, stay and play.”

COMMUNITY HEALTH With the rising na onal trend in obesity, especially among children, the City’s park and recrea onal facili es play a vital role in maintaining and improving the health of residents in the community and aiding in the physical development of children. Parks also provide sanctuaries and places for residents to mentally recharge.

ECOLOGICAL HEALTH While park and open spaces provide opportuni es for improvements to the health of residents, they also contribute to the greater ecological health of the City. Local parks are o en ed together with environmentally sensi ve areas such as wetlands, floodplains, surface waters, or significant woodlands. These areas provide food and shelter for local wildlife and natural stormwater reten on. Individual parks can provide important “rooms” of natural resource ac vity; however, they become even more func onal when they can

CORP and Grant Funding The Wisconsin Legislature created the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (Stewardship) in 1989. Named for two of Wisconsin’s most revered conserva on leaders, Warren Knowles (Governor 1965-1971) and Gaylord Nelson (Governor 1959-1963, U.S. Senator 1964-1981), the purpose of the program is to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportuni es for outdoor recrea on. The conserva on and recrea on goals of the Stewardship Program are achieved through the acquisi on of land and easements, development of recrea onal facili es, and restora on of wildlife habitat. The Stewardship grant program is the most widely used recrea onal grant program in the state. Eligibility for the program requires that a community maintain a local comprehensive outdoor recrea on plan (CORP), updated every five years, and that the project for which grant funding is sought is described in the CORP. Many other similar state and federal recrea onal grant programs have similar requirements or have shown a tendency to favor those grant applica ons which are supported through previous community planning eﬀorts.

be linked together by environmental corridors, or “hallways.” Wildlife, plants, and water all depend on the ability to move freely within the environment from room to room.

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY Leisure me is an important component of everyone’s lifestyle and increasingly people are choosing loca ons to live based on quality-of-life ameni es such as the amount and type of recrea onal facili es a community can oﬀer. The ability to retain or a ract new residents has direct economic benefits to the City. Studies have also concluded that property values generally increase the closer residen al lots are to a park facility. In addi on, if a local parks system is designed with regional ameni es, or connec ons to regional des na ons, it can serve to bring addi onal visitors to the City. The addi onal tourism can be a significant benefit to local businesses.

PROJECT MILESTONES August 21, 2015 Ci zen Advisory Group Mee ng #1 (discussed project objec ves & survey) November 10, 2015 Ci zen Advisory Group Mee ng #2 (survey results and exis ng condi ons) January 26, 2016 Ci zen Advisory Group Mee ng #3 (reviewed objec ves, policies and recommenda ons, review dra plan) May 16, 2016 Opera ons Commi ee Recommenda on June 6, 2016 City Council Approval

2 | City of Beaver Dam

Chapter 2 | About: City of Beaver Dam

About: City of Beaver Dam

2.1 Local & Regional Context 2.2 Transporta on and Circula on 2.3 Demographics

The following chapter details community history, demographic data and some of the important natural resources in Beaver Dam and Dodge County. The informa on comes from a variety of resources, including the US Census, the Wisconsin Department of Administra on, the 2009 Beaver Dam CORP, and the City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

2.1 LOCAL & REGIONAL CONTEXT The City of Beaver Dam is located in the southwest por on of Dodge County, approximately 40 miles northeast of Madison, and 70 miles northwest of Milwaukee. Along the western edge of the City is Beaver Dam Lake, encompassing over 6,500 acres. As one of the major popula on centers in Dodge County, the City of Beaver Dam serves as an educa onal, religious, retail, and employment hub for the region.

2.2 TRANSPORTATION & CIRCULATION

Beaver Dam is strategically located in close proximity to both Madison and Milwaukee, and is along two major transporta on corridors (US 151 and STH 33); all of which oﬀer many opportuni es for the City. Residents are within commu ng distance of a large number of employment opportuni es, and these metropolitan areas can provide significant numbers of poten al tourists. Future economic growth will benefit tremendously by crea ng a draw for regional recrea onal tourism, as well as maintaining a lively downtown economic district that can serve tourists and residents.

For non-motorized travel, downtown Beaver Dam is considered a desirable and walkable community, however the rest of the City is highly auto-dependent. Other than sidewalks located along City streets, there are few oﬀ-road pedestrian or bicycle facili es or designated on-road bicycle routes within the City. Snowmobile trails expand the range of seasonal recrea onal opportuni es available in Dodge County, providing a rac ons during winter which promotes year-round tourism.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 3

Chapter 2 | About: City of Beaver Dam Description of Beaver Dam

The City of Beaver Dam does not currently have a local transit system, however, there is a Greyhound Sta on at the Crossroads Shell on Park Avenue providing regional transit opportuni es. The City also has a Shared Ride Taxi System.

2.3 DEMOGRAPHICS

This sec on describes some of the historic demographic trends for the City of Beaver Dam as it pertains to popula on, age composi on, housing, and school enrollment.

POPULATION The most recent popula on es mate for the City is 16,536 (year 2014). From year 1980 to 2010, the popula on of Beaver Dam grew by 14.6%, under-pacing the percentage growth of both the County and the State. According to the Wisconsin Department of Administra on popula on projec ons, the City is expected to add an addi onal 2,686 residents between 2010 and 2040. This represents a 16.6% increase over a 30 year period, or 0.55% annual growth. These projec ons are similar to projec ons for the State, and higher than those of the County, and double the expected growth given the historic growth rate of the City. New park lands and facili es will be necessary to a ract new residents and meet the demands of new neighborhoods.

AGE COMPOSITION Age composi on is an important considera on in park and recrea onal planning as needs and desires of individuals will vary based on their interests and physical abili es. The table on the right summarizes the age composi on of the City’s popula on from the 2010 US Census. Approximately 27.6% of the popula on is considered youth (<20 years old) and approximately 20.9% of the popula on is considered at re rement age (>60 years old). Both of these figures are similar to the year 2000 Census in which 27.3% of the popula on was under 20 years old and 20.3% was over 60 years old. The median age of the City has risen from 33.3 in year 2000 to 37.7 in year 2010, above the State median (38.5).

HOUSING As of 2010, there were 6,819 households in the City, 28.1% of which include at least one child under 18 years old. The total number of households was up 470 since year 2000; however, the number of households with at least one child under 18 years old declined from 31.3% of all households in year 2000. The average household size is 2.32 individuals, down from 2.35 in year 2000. These trends are consistent with na onal trends over the past several decades and can be a ributed to smaller family sizes, increases in life expectancy, and increases in single parent households. In total there were 7,326 housing units in the City in year 2010; 6,819 occupied households plus an addi onal 507 vacant units. Of the occupied units, 3,916 (57.4%) are owner -occupied with the remaining 2,903(42.6%) renter-occupied. The total popula on in owner-occupied housing units is 9,940 and 5,851 in renter-

4 | City of Beaver Dam

Table 2.1 Population History & Projections Source: US Census, American Community Survey, and WI Department of Administration

Population History & Projections City of Beaver Dodge Dam County Wisconsin 1970 14,265 69,004 4,417,821 1980 14,149 75,064 4,705,642 1990 14,196 76,559 4,891,769 2000 15,169 85,897 5,363,715 2010 16,214 88,759 5,686,986 Projections 2020 17,340 92,035 6,005,080 2030 18,090 97,020 6,375,910 2040 18,900 95,650 6,491,635 Change 1980Ͳ2010 2,065 13,695 981,344 2010Ͳ2040 2,686 6,891 804,649 Percent Growth 1980Ͳ2010 14.6% 18.2% 20.9% 2010Ͳ2040 16.6% 7.8% 14.1% Table 2.2 Age Composition, 2010 Source: US Census

Age 0Ͳ9 10Ͳ19 20Ͳ29 30Ͳ39 40Ͳ49 50Ͳ59 60Ͳ69 70Ͳ79 80+ Median

Age by Range Total Percentage 2,331 14.4% 2,133 13.2% 2,029 12.5% 2,063 12.7% 2,189 13.5% 2,083 12.8% 1,393 8.6% 984 6.1% 1,009 6.2% 40.3

Table 2.3 Housing Statistics Source: US Census, American Community Survey

Beaver Dam Housing Statistics Households 2000 2010 Average Household Size 2000 2010 % of Households with individuals under 18 2000 2010

6,349 6,819 2.35 2.32 33.2% 56.1%

Chapter 2

Description of Beaver Dam

Chapter 2 | About: City of Beaver Dam

occupied units. Placement of future park and recrea onal facili es should consider where mul -family buildings are located or planned as these types of housing units generally lack access to green space and play equipment as compared to single-family lots.

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT The City is part of the Beaver Dam School District. The Public and private schools in Beaver Dam are listed in Chapter 3. The 2013-2014 enrollment for the en re district was 3,663 students.

2.4 PHYSICAL CHARACTER AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES LAKES Beaver Dam Lake was formed in 1842 when a 10-foot dam was constructed on the Beaver Dam River. This created a 6,542-acre impoundment that at its maximum depth is only 8 feet. Although the lake is a tremendous community asset, it also faces a number of cri cal issues. Chief among these issues is excess nutrients from agricultural runoff in the watershed and urban runoff in the City of Beaver Dam. High nutrient levels in the lake create algae blooms and exacerbate problems with invasive species. Turbidity from soil erosion and the shallow depths of the lake have also contributed to water quality problems, including a high popula on of “rough” fish. Carp were introduced into the lake at the turn of the century and have subsequently wrecked havoc on the ecosystem. Various efforts to reduce the carp popula on have been met with limited success. The Lake also supports a fishery of crappie, walleye, northern pike, bullheads, and buffalo fish. (source: Dodge County Comprehensive Plan) Invasive plant species, such as Eurasian Milfoil, have also taken advantage of the high nutrient levels and turbidity, and are a concern in the lake. Erosion along the lakeshore, par cularly in the less developed por ons, is a major concern. The WDNR recommends the use of natural erosion control measures along Beaver Dam Lake whenever possible. (source: Beaver Dam Watershed Report, WDNR 2002) The City of Beaver Dam has undertaken three cri cal efforts to help address water quality in Beaver Dam Lake. Using a grant from the WDNR, the City developed a construc on site erosion control ordinance that went into effect in 2001. Also in 2001, the City installed a large stormwater deten on pond through funding obtained from the WDNR. The deten on pond is located on the west side of US 151 and helps control urban stormwater runoff and pollu on in the area (source: Beaver Dam Watershed Report, WIDNR 2002). The Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Associa on has been partnering

with the WDNR to implement recommenda ons for shoreline restora on and na ve gardens to improve water quality and lake condi ons. Crystal Lake is a smaller lake, located one mile east of the City, which was created by the development of a dam across Crystal Creek. Although only 8.5 acres, the lake provides valuable public swimming and fishing areas as part of Crystal Lake Park.

RIVERS The Beaver Dam River is the largest stream in the Beaver Dam watershed, meandering through downtown and flowing for 31 miles before eventually emptying into the Crawfish River. With Beaver Dam Lake as its source, the River faces many of the same water issues found in the Lake. Beaver Dam River is listed as an Impaired Water Body by the WDNR based on high phosphorous and sediment levels, low dissolved oxygen levels, and degraded habitat (Sec on 303d, 2006 list). Park Creek, with its headwaters in the City of Beaver Dam, is listed on the Impaired Water Body list for sediment and degraded habitat (Sec on 303d 2006 list). Shaw Creek flows through the City of Beaver Dam along US 151. No major water quality issues have been iden fied for this creek, although a vegetated stream buﬀer would improve habitat and water quality (source: 2009 Beaver Dam Comprehensive Plan)

NATURAL VEGETATION The City of Beaver Dam has been a member of Tree City USA since 1992. The Arbor Day Founda on and the Na onal Associa on of State Foresters sponsor the program which provides direc on, technical assistance, public a en on, and na onal recogni on for urban and community forestry programs. The most significant threat to the City’s urban forest is the Emerald Ash Borer. Recently found in parts of southeastern Wisconsin, the Emerald Ash Borer a acks both stressed and healthy ash trees, typically killing its host in one to three years. An es mated 60 to 70 percent of public and private trees in Beaver Dam are Ash; heightening the concern regarding the poten al devasta on this pest could have once it migrates to the City.

WILDLIFE Wildlife in the City generally is concentrated along river and creek corridors and wetlands. The WDNR iden fies a series of plant communi es, plants, mussels, insects, fish, birds and rep les that are within the area that are threatened or endangered. A comprehensive list can be found through the WDNR’s Natural Heritage Inventory Data (h p://dnr.wi.gov/ topic/nhi/).

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 5

Chapter 2 | About: City of Beaver Dam Description of Beaver Dam

Beaver Dam is proud to be a designated “Bird City” since 2011. Bird City Wisconsin is a designa on that encourages communi es to implement bird conserva on prac ces by oﬀering high visibility public recogni on. In order to achieve ini al annual cer fica on the community needs to demonstrate in a wri en applica on that they have met criteria in the following categories: • Crea on and Protec on of Habitat, • Par cipa on in Programs Promo ng Eﬀec ve Community Forest Management, • Limi ng or Removing Hazards to Birds, • Public Educa on and • Interna onal Migratory Bird Day. The physical resources of the City are many and varied and provide an a rac ve character to the City and also the poten al for varied recrea on opportuni es. Perhaps the greatest recrea on poten al for these environmental corridors will be as linear parks and trail corridors linking the City’s recrea on, employment, commercial and school sites.

2.5 EXISTING LAND USE According to the United States Census Bureau, the City has a total area of 6.79 square miles of land and 1.27 square miles is water. In 2010, the popula on density was 2,387.2 inhabitants per square mile. Residen al development is most dense on the east side of Beaver Dam Lake, south of the rail road tracks and west of Hwy 151. Commercial land uses are sca ered throughout the area. The downtown business and city services are in a compact area along N Spring Street/Hwy G. There are two larger industrial areas within the City, one north of the rail road tracks and the majority, west of Hwy 151 with some addi onal areas just east of Hwy 151. The second, is located just outside the City limits along Hwy W south east of Beaver Dam. There are other industrial areas near downtown and at the southern end oﬀ of N. Spring Street.

6 | City of Beaver Dam

The cumula ve eﬀect of the exis ng land use pa erns and circula on system divides the community into geographic neighborhoods and limits access to recrea on facili es. The primary barriers in Beaver Dam include Beaver Dam Lake, Beaver Dam River and associated tributaries, the state and county highways men oned, and the rail corridor running northwest to southeast. Refer to the City’s Exis ng Land Use Map on the next page.

2.6 FUTURE LAND USE The future growth of the City is guided by the City’s 2009 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Future Land Use Map (Map 10, refer to page 8) sets forth the desired development pa ern for the City over the comprehensive planning period. The planned land use map is designed to accommodate projected popula on, household, and employment growth; the infrastructure and ins tu ons required to serve residen al, commercial, and industrial uses in the City; and the City’s agricultural and natural resource base. The planned land use map iden fies most of the area surrounding the exis ng City limits to the west and north for future residen al. Future Residen al is also planned along the north eastern edge of Beaver Dam Lake to Co Hwy W and east of Hwy 151 North of Hwy 33 and South of Hwy B. Commercial and mixed use expansion is planned along the major transporta on corridors: State Highway 151 and through downtown along N. Spring Road. Recrea on lands and the future parks and recrea on needs of planned residen al areas should be considered as these areas develop, including linkages to exis ng City neighborhoods, parks, and businesses via bicycle and recrea onal trails.

151

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SM IT H

OAK

MAPLE

BEACH

GRACE DE CLARK

MILL

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G W

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SOUTH

PARK

THIRD

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GILMORE

151

£ ¤ EDWIN

WA Y

GA TE

CRYSTAL LAKE

PROSPECT

OLLINGER

This Crispell-Snyder, Inc. GIS map contains information including but not limited to Dodge County. This data is subject to constant change. Crispell-Snyder, Inc. makes no warranties or guarantees, either expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or correctness of this data, nor accepts any liability arising from any incorrect, incomplete or misleading information contained therein.

PINE MCKINLEY

G RIN

HEMLOCK

UNIVERSITY

CENTER

GREEN VALLEY LINCOLN

LA KE SH OR E N SO DI MA

SUNSET BAY

WAYLAND

HIL L

SH AW

MCKINLEY

FRANCES

CORPORATE

CRYSTAL LAKE

TI NA

THOMPSON

SPRUCE

HEMLOCK

FABISCH

Figure 2.2 Beaver Dam Zoning Map

4 October 27, 2008 G:\BeaverDamCity\GIS\Project Files\Future Land Use.mxd

Agriculture-Other Resource

Parks & Recreation

Public & Quasi-Public

Communication & Utilities

Industrial

Commercial

Mobile Home Park

Single Family Residential

Existing Town Land Use

Unused or Open Land

Park

Government and Institutional

Manufacturing/Industry

Commercial

Multi-Family Residential

Two Family Residential

Single Family Residential

Existing City LAnd USe

Wetlands

Water

1.5 Mile ETJ

Municipal Boundary

Map 9. Existing Land Use

City of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Chapter 2 | About: City of Beaver Dam

Chapter 2

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 7

BASSWOOD

151

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SM IT H

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UNIVERSITY

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FRANCES

CORPORATE

HEMLOCK

FABISCH

SPRUCE

WAYLAND

HIL L SH AW

CRYSTAL LAKE

8 | City of Beaver Dam TI NA

THOMPSON

Figure 2.3 Planned Land Uses

October 27, 2008 G:\BeaverDamCity\GIS\Project Files\Future Land Use.mxd

Communication & Utilities

Parks & Recreation

Public & Quasi-Public

Industrial

Commercial

Mobile Home Park

Multi-Family Residential

Two Family Residential

Single Family Residential

Agriculture-Other Resource

Township Future Land Use

Unused or Open Land

Park

Government and Institutional

Manufacturing/Industry

Commercial

Mixed-Use Planned Development

Planned Neighborhood

Multi-Family Residential

Two Family Residential

Single Family Residential

Urban Reserve Area

City Future Land Use

City Land Use Change

Wetlands

Water

1.5 Mile ETJ

Municipal Boundary

Map 10. Future Land Use

City of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Chapter 2 | About: City of Beaver Dam Description of Beaver Dam

BASSWOOD

Chapter 2

Description of Beaver Dam

Chapter 3 | Park, Open Space & Recreation Inventory

Park, Open Space & Recreation Inventory 3.1 City Facili es 3.2 Private Facili es 3.3 School & Church Facili es

The following chapter documents exis ng park and recrea onal facili es both within the City of Beaver Dam and the surrounding region.

3 3.4 County Facili es 3.5 Regional Facili es

Figure 3.1 Beaver Dam Park Acreage

Mini Parks

0.1

Stevens Park

0.1

Neighborhood Playgrounds

3.1 CITY FACILITIES & EXISTING RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING

None

The Parks, Forestry and Facili es Departments manages the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 24 park facili es totaling 288 acres. The system is represented by eight types of parks: mini-parks, neighborhood playgrounds, neighborhood parks, community playfields, community parks, special use parks, nature preserves, and undeveloped lands. Refer to Appendix B for a descrip on of the characteris cs of each of these park classifica ons. Table 3.1 (page 10) lists each City park, acreage, and ameni es. The loca on of each park is shown on Map 1: Exis ng Parks and Recrea onal Facili es in Appendix C.

CITY-OWNED FACILITIES Apple Valley Park A 0.692-acre neighborhood playground located on the southeast corner of S. Center Road and Empire Drive. The park provides playground apparatus, with sand beneath; picnic tables; and a grassy play area. Athletic Field 12-acre community playfield located in the northwest part of the City on the corner of DeClark St., Liberty St., Gilmore St., and Grove St. This park provides a lighted basketball court, two lighted tennis courts, two lighted Li le League diamonds, two lighted so ball diamonds, a ba ng cage, two concession stands, water fountains, restrooms, and playground equipment.

Neighborhood Parks

19.39

Apple Valley Park Lincoln Park Roller Avenue Park Smythe Park Starkweather Park Tahoe Park Waterworks Park

0.69 1.5 3.2 4.1 2 3.3 4.6 26.8

Community Playfields Athletic Field Lakeview Park VoÍ˛Tech Park

Community Parks Crystal Lake Edgewater Park and Hick's Overlook Swan Park

Special Use Parks Bayside Park Cotton Mill Park Downtown Comfort Station Jefferson Courts Patrick Parker Conley Watermark

12 10.3 4.5 211.7 43.0 158.7 10.0 14.3 8.3 0.7

Undeveloped

0.5 2.5 2.3 15.8

Minnie's Meadow Riverside Park

7.5 8.3 Total 288.09

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 9

10 | City of Beaver Dam

Mini Parks

A Accessible AP Accessible Pier

Minnie's Meadow Riverside Park

Undeveloped

Cotton Mill Park Downtown Comfort Station Hick's Overlook Jefferson Courts Patrick Parker Conley Senior Center Watermark

Bayside Park

Special Use Parks

Crystal Lake Edgewater Park Swan City Park

Community Parks

Athletic Field Lakeview Park VoͲTech Park

Community Playfields

Apple Valley Park Lincoln Park Roller Avenue Park Smythe Park Starkweather Park Tahoe Park Waterworks Park

Neighborhood Parks

None

Location

S Sand volleyball court P Fishing Piers

7.5 8.3

0.5 2.5 2.3

Hwy 33, Mickiley Beach Road Roedll Court and Brooks Street Fletcher Road 114 E Third Street 209 S Center St Hwy E Beaver Dam River

8.3 0.7

43.0 158.7 10.0

12 10.3 4.5

0.69 1.5 3.2 4.1 2 3.3 4.6

0.1

Acres

Off Hwy G on Airport Road Haskell Street

Hwy 33 East, 1/2 mile outside of Beaver Dam Hwy 33 East on Mckinley Beach Road S University Avenue

DeClark, Liberty, Gilmore and Grove Streets W Burnett Street and Mary Street School Street

S Center Road and Empire Drive N University Avenue Karl Street Greenwich Street Starkweather Drive Beaver Dam Lake, LaCrosse Street Beaver Dam Lake, Denning Avenue

N Spring Street

B Beach G Grass volleyball court

Neighborhood Playgrounds

Stevens Park

Park/Facility

Table 3.1 City Parks & Amenities Inventory

Picnic Table

Drinking Water

3 2 6

x x x

2 2

x X

Shelter x x x

PT PT A PT PT

A A A

A A PT

H A

A A A

Restroom

Grills

PT Portable toilet only W Wading Pool

x x

x x x

x x x x x x x

Swimming W

Boat Ramp H

x x

Fishing x x

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Chapter 3 | Park, Open Space & Recreation Inventory Parking

Chapter 3 | Park, Open Space & Recreation Inventory

Bayside Park 7.7-acre special purpose park located on the west side of Beaver Lake oﬀ CTH G on Airport Rd. The site includes 0.5-acre peninsula into Beaver Dam Lake, which lies within the City limits. This undeveloped park provides for quiet recrea onal pursuits such as fishing and picnicking. There are fishing points, grassy areas, grills, a parking area, portable toilets, and picnic tables. The remainder of the site lies within the Town of Beaver Dam and will likely be important as the City limits extend westward and development in the area increases. Cotton Mill Park A 0.7-acre special purpose park located on the easterly edge of Beaver Dam Lake on Haskell St. and West St. The site includes a popular fishing point on Beaver Dam Lake, a grassy area with benches, grills, tables, and portable toilets.

Crystal Lake Park A 42.3-acre community park located ½ mile outside the City on STH 33 and Crystal Lake Road. Crystal Lake is a small lake that was created by the development of a dam across Crystal Creek. Although only 8.5 acres, the lake provides valuable public swimming and fishing areas. The park is centered around two spring-fed bodies of water, and provides a wide variety of ac ve and passive recrea onal opportuni es on a year-round basis. In the winter, the park boasts a 2 mile cross-country ski trail, as well as a sledding hill with a toboggan chute, and an ice-ska ng rink. The park also provides a swimming beach with a bathhouse, an 18-hole disc golf course, jogging trails, restrooms, 2 volleyball courts, a so ball diamond, mul ple storage sheds, and playground equipment. The park is used for fishing ac vi es and daycamp programs. It is handicap-accessible. The park also has three diﬀerent community facili es that are available for groups: 2 shelters, and the Crystal Building. The Crystal Building seats approximately 72 adults, and provides a kitchen area, electricity, a fireplace, candy and soda machines.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 11

Chapter 3 | Park, Open Space & Recreation Inventory Map 1: Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities

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12 | City of Beaver Dam

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Chapter 3 | Park, Open Space & Recreation Inventory

The Crystal West shelter seats approximately 60 adults. It includes a serving window and counter for food, electricity, tables, grills, portable toilet, volleyball sand court, and toboggan chute (seasonal).

Riverside Park A 8.3-acre greenbelt along the Beaver Dam River on South Center St. and Davis St. The park is undeveloped; there are no facili es at this me.

The Crystal East shelter seats approximately 35 adults and provides grills, portable toilets, and a grass volleyball court.

Roller Ave Park A 3.2-acre neighborhood park located in the southern por on of the City on Karl St. and Fischer Ave. This park provides a baseball diamond that is used for Li le League, as well as a basketball court, grills, a playground area, restrooms, and tables.

Downtown Comfort Station A restroom facility is provided downtown and is open to the public primarily during public events. Edgewater Park A 158.7 acre community park located on the northern edge of the City, off of STH 33 West. The site is focused around Natures Pond, a six acre pond. The park also provides handicap-accessible fishing ramps and piers, and restrooms. There are two boat launching ramps, as well as car and boat trailer parking lot and ramp. The park also features scenic walks, lagoons, a shelter, and a dog-friendly area. Hick’s Overlook A special purpose park located on STH 33, off McKinley Beach Rd, before Edgewater Park. It provides a parking area, a portable toilet, and a shelter with tables and grills. Jefferson Courts A 0.5-acre special purpose park located adjacent to Jefferson School, on the corner of Roedl Court and Brooks St. There are two lighted tennis courts, and a portable toilet. Adjacent playground equipment is provided by Jefferson Elementary School. Lakeview Park A 10.3-acre community playfield located between W. Burne St. and Mary St. The park provides for a mixture of passive and ac ve recrea on ac vi es: a shelter with grills, a lighted basketball court, a Li le League baseball diamond, a so ball diamond, two lighted tennis courts, a grass volleyball court, indoor and outdoor restrooms, a playground area, and tether ball. The park has been adopted by the local Lions’ Club which provides assistance with annual maintenance. Lincoln Park A 1.5-acre neighborhood park located on N. University Avenue and Lincoln Avenue. This busy park provides a lighted basketball court, a handicap-accessible playground, restrooms, tables, and two lighted tennis courts. Minnie’s Meadow Park An undeveloped reserve located next to Prairie View School on Burne St./Hwy E. There are no facili es at this me. Patrick Parker Conley Park A 2.5 acre park located on Fletcher Road and is home to the BMX Pump Track.

Senior Center/Recreation Facility A 2.3-acre special purpose park that is located on E. 3rd St. The site provides a greenhouse and restrooms. It is open year-round for all types of recrea on, educa onal, and social events. Smythe Park A 4.1-acre neighborhood playground. The park provides a lighted basketball court, a youth so ball diamond, a playground area, water fountains, and restrooms. Starkweather Park A 2.0-acre neighborhood park located on Starkweather Dr. It provides benches, grills, a picnic area, a playground area, tables, and fishing spots. Stevens Park A 0.1-acre mini park located on North Spring St. The park provides benches, drinking water, a table, and water fountain. The water fountain is a 6 month a rac on, opera ng midApril through mid-October. It runs on a me from 9am to midnight, 7 days a week. Swan Park A 10.5-acre community park located on the corners of S. University Ave, E. Mill St, S. Vita Ave, and E. South St. The park provides a wide variety of recrea onal opportuni es, including: a band shell, a basketball court, lighted horseshoe pits, large picnic shelters, a playground area, a sand volleyball court, a wading pool with bathhouse, and scenic paths. There are also lagoons that are used for ice-ska ng during winter months. Several of the structures at Swan Park may be reserved for large groups including the Swan Band Shell, the Swan Mill Shelter, Swan Shelter, the Swan Springhouse, Swan mini #1, and Swan mini #2. Tahoe Park A 3.3-acre neighborhood park located on the Beaver Dam Lake on Haske St. and LaCrosse St. The park features two boat launches, boat trailer parking, fishing piers, as well as ice ska ng, playground equipment, a sand volleyball court, a basketball court, and two shelters. Vo-Tech Park A 4.5-acre community playfield, located in the east-central

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 13

Chapter 3 | Park, Open Space & Recreation Inventory

por on of the City adjacent to USH 151. The park provides girls’ and women’s so ball diamonds, with a ba ng cage and a press box. There is also playground equipment, tables, and portable toilets. Watermark A new special use community and senior center located in the heart of downtown. The Watermark is open year round for various recrea on, educa onal, and social events. The walking corridor in the building, part of the original design, is one of the most popular features. The community rooms, lounge, pantry, welcome desk and offices are func oning as an cipated and the atmosphere is bright and cheerful thanks to the many windows and open spaces in the building. The final size of the facility at 12,500 sq. . eliminated spaces intended to be used as a woodshop, exercise room, gi shop and arts and cra studio. The addi onal space would have offered a larger community space and room for pool tables as well. A partnership agreement with Beaver Dam Unified School District has allowed the city to lease woodshop space at the Don Smith Learning Academy for the next 2 to 5 years. This space is very acceptable to the shop volunteers and provides room for added work space and program expansion. Opportuni es to collaborate with the community will be explored in our effort to provide the same services and ac vi es offered at the previous building. The ac vi es for older adults can grow and we will have an opportunity to start addi onal programs that appeal to a wider audience. Scheduling is s ll cri cal in providing space for days that are very popular and mes that best fit par cipant’s calendars and availability. Programs for youth, inter-genera onal and family recrea on will be ini ated as interest dictates and as space allows. The concept of a community center is new to residents and staff alike and use of the building will be under review as a con nuous process. The public percep on of the meaning of a community center and the department plans are under considera on and merging together. Waterworks Park A 4.6-acre neighborhood park along Beaver Dam Lake at the end of Denning Ave. and Lakeshore Dr. The park offers two boat launching areas, boat trailer parking, handicap accessible fishing piers, a sand volleyball court, a playground area, as well as grills, picnic tables, and drinking water. There are also two shelters available for group use.

PROGRAMMING The City oﬀers a tradi onal package of recrea onal and leisure programs to the community. It is appropriately viewed as a component of a much wider array of providers within the Beaver Dam area. The Beaver Dam Community Ac vi es & Services Department produces a brochure in the spring for summer ac vi es and several flyers to adver se fall and winter classes. A typical rota on of ac vi es that are oﬀered for all ages is: youth baseball, basketball, girls youth so ball, swimming lessons, aqua zumba, swim team, mar al arts, tennis, parent tot ac vi es, special events, family ac vi es, enrichment programs, senior events, adult sports and

14 | City of Beaver Dam

Chapter 3 | Park, Open Space & Recreation Inventory

library events. The brochure is par ally funded with adver sements by the Courier. Beyond the regularly scheduled programs there are special annual events sponsored by the City, local civic groups and clubs. A few other regular programs within the City are privately operated. The Beaver Dam School and Beaver Dam Unit Soccer Club oﬀer a variety of youth soccer programs for ages 12-19. Beaver Dam Youth So ball and Baseball oﬀers a variety of programs for ages 4-16. While the mini-parks, neighborhood playgrounds, neighborhood parks, and community playfields provide valuable park facili es to support the day-to-day needs of City residents, the gems of the City’s park system are community parks and special purpose parks. These facili es provide unique recrea onal opportuni es for City residents and play an important role in a rac ng tourists and new residents to the City. The following is a more in-depth descrip on of some of the City’s most valued park facili es.

3.2 PRIVATELYOWNED FACILITIES

Gopher’s Golf Center A 17-acre driving range located along Ollinger Road located just east of US 151. This special purpose park is privately owned and operated. Beaver Dam Country Club A privately-owned and operated special purpose park which provides an 18-hole golf course near Edgewater Park. In the winter, it also provides access to the County Snowmobile Trail System. Old Hickory Golf Club A privately-owned and operated special purpose park which provides an 18-hole golf course located approximately two miles east of Beaver Dam along STH 33. Beaver Dam Conservationists Gun Club Located just west of the City along CTH G near Bayside Park. Charter Raceway Park A privately-owned and operated compe ve motor sports 1/3 mile oval track located near the intersec on of US 151 and STH 33. The park oﬀers a variety of race events from April through September. YMCA of Dodge County The YMCA is located at 220 Corporate Drive in a 60,000 square foot facility built in 2007. Ameni es include family adventure water park, youth & teen fitness center, adult locker rooms, compe ve swimming pool, cardio wellness center, family locker room, gymnasium, strength training, child care center, racquetball courts, aerobics/dance studio, and outdoor youth soccer fields, ball diamond and playground.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 15

Chapter 3 | Park, Open Space & Recreation Inventory

3.3 SCHOOL FACILITIES The City coordinates with the Beaver Dam School District to provide a broader range of park facili es and services to area residents. The City and the School District have an agreement that allows the City to use the schools’ facili es when they are not being used by the School District. The School District also allows other groups to use their facili es, but the City has first priority a er the District. The School District is also welcome to use any of the park lands. This reciprocal arrangement works very well and the City/District rela onship is very strong. While each en ty maintains their own facili es, users show respect for the other property. Beaver Dam High School provides about 20 acres of recrea onal land designated as a community playfield. The site contains a number of sports fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a running track. The running track and main football field are not open to the general public. An open field west of the track can be used for general public ac vi es. Don Smith Learning Academy is an alterna ve school located at 400 E Burne St. The site has open space and raised garden plots. Jefferson Elementary School is a 4.9-acre school-owned recrea on site classified as a neighborhood playground. The site serves a variety of recrea onal needs in the southeast corner of the City. The site contains playground equipment, sports fields, and an arboretum. The ball diamond is for youth baseball, but lacks ou ield fencing, a scoreboard, and team benches. Beaver Dam Middle School provides 0.9 acres of open space recrea on classified as a neighborhood playground. This school-owned site provides open play area. Lincoln Elementary School provides 1.9-acre neighborhood playground. The site offers playground apparatus, with a minimal amount of open play area. Prairie View Elementary provides several areas for recrea on including mul ple play areas with play equipment. South Beaver Dam Elementary provides area for open space, including soccer field, basketball courts, playground equipment. St. Katharine Drexel School offers 0.9 acres of open space. St. Stephen’s School offers 0.7 acres of open space. There is a small playground area with equipment. Washington Elementary School provides a 6.5-acre neighborhood playground in the north-central part of the City. The site contains a large open playfield, two playground areas, and a paved play area. Wayland Academy is a private educa on ins tu on with approximately 25 acres of land for outdoor ac ve recrea on. It is

16 | City of Beaver Dam

Chapter 3 | Park, Open Space & Recreation Inventory

classified as a community playfield, as the site contains football fields, soccer fields, a baseball and a so ball diamond, tennis courts, and a running track. The site is intended to serve the recrea onal needs of its students; however, organized youth baseball is allowed to use the field. There are signs indica ng that the facili es are not to be used by the general public. The City uses the fieldhouse for adult volleyball leagues. Wilson Elementary School playground.

oďŹ&#x20AC;ers a 1.8-acre neighborhood

3.4 COUNTY FACILITIES

Astico Park Located about 11 miles south of Beaver Dam, just east of Columbus, this 100-acre park is on the Crawfish River and features campsites, hiking trails, canoe/kayak rentals, fishing access, picnic shelters, and more. Derge Park Located northwest of Beaver Dam, this 13-acre park provides access to the 6,600 acre Beaver Dam Lake and features campsites, a boat launch, fishing access, and picnic shelters. Ledge County Park Located about 14 miles east of Beaver Dam, near the Horicon Marsh, this 83-acre park lies along the Niagara Escarpment and provides a breathtaking over-look of the Horicon Marsh. The park features campsites, hiking trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and scenic overlooks. Nitschke Mounds Park Located about 6 miles east of Beaver Dam and adjacent to the Wild Goose Trail, this 54-acre park features 39 pre-historic animal eďŹ&#x192;gy, conical, and linear mounds with an interpre ve trail through the park. Wild Goose State Trail Located about 6 miles east of Beaver Dam, this trail links the city of Juneau to the city of Fond du Lac and skirts the western edge of the Horicon Marsh. It is a 34-mile limestone mul -use trail on an abandoned railroad grade. Biking and hiking are the primary uses of the trail. Proposed: Gold Star Memorial Trail The newest proposed East-West trail system will link Mayville, Horicon, and Beaver Dam to the Wild Goose State Trail and each other. Funding Campaigns are underway to build this trail.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 17

Chapter 3 | Park, Open Space & Recreation Inventory

3.5 REGIONAL PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Beaver Dam is in the southeastern por on of the WDNR’s South Central Region and is well served by regional parks and open spaces. There are a variety of other park and recrea onal facili es within close proximity to the City of Beaver Dam in public and private ownership. The following list provides the most significant facili es within the Beaver Dam region that residents most likely would use. It is not an exhaus ve list, but provides a variety of recrea onal ac vi es. For more informa on, contact the representa ve websites. Dodge County Fairgrounds The County grounds are located approximately four miles east of Beaver Dam along STH 33. The nonprofit Dodge County Fair Associa on runs the fairgrounds and the 40 acre site includes mul purpose facili es for hos ng various expos, concerts, racing events, and community fairs. Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities The majority of the City is served with sidewalks on at least one side of the road, providing safe pedestrian access to park facili es. There are currently no designated bicycle routes in Beaver Dam. The WDNR has established the Wild Goose State Trail, a 34mile county-operated trail along the western edge of the Horicon Marsh from Fond du Lac to Clyman Junc on. Beaver Dam Lake Beaver Dam Lake is a 6,718 acre lake with a maximum depth of 8 feet.

18 | City of Beaver Dam

The lake provides opportuni es for fishing, boa ng, kayaking, canoeing and swimming. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. State Wildlife Areas A few Wisconsin State Wildlife areas are located near Beaver Dam and include Shaw Marsh State Wildlife Area, a wetland and sca ered Prairie located 7 miles south of Beaver Dam oﬀering opportuni es for birding, cross county skiing, geocaching, hiking, hun ng, trapping, wild edible gathering and wildlife viewing. Paradise Marsh State Wildlife Area is 1,588 acres in nearby Columbia County, 17 miles from Beaver Dam, the marsh provides habitat for a variety of wildlife and migratory waterfowl. The Park oﬀers opportuni es for birding, Cross country skiing, hiking (undesignated trails) hun ng, trapping, wild edible gathering and wildlife viewing. Horicon Marsh The Horicon Marsh is 17 miles outside of Beaver Dam and is the largest freshwater ca ail marsh in the United States. The Horicon Na onal Wildlife Refuge is the federally managed, and covers the northern two-thirds the marsh and consists of 21,417 acres. The Horicon State Wildlife Area makes up the southern one-third of the Horicon Marsh and is 11,009 acres. The Marsh is recognized as a Wetland of Interna onal importance by Ramsar Conven on of the United Na ons. The Marsh has an Educa on and Visitor Center with Wildlife Educa on programs that focus on the abundance

of wildlife resources of the marsh, their ecology and applied management. The regional facili es provide the residents of Beaver Dam with the opportunity to par cipate in ac vi es that may require resources of a greater magnitude than may be reasonably expected from the City. Some examples of this wide array of ac vi es are: archery, camping, canoeing, cross county skiing, disc golf, fishing, hiking, ska ng and swimming. The City is well posi oned to provide sites that provide day to day ac ve recrea on and small natural areas to escape from the daily rou ne. Many exis ng, private facili es already men oned within and nearby the Beaver Dam act as regional facili es drawing in residents and visitors from around Wisconsin and the Mid-west. Blue Zones Project The Blue Zones Project is a communitywide well-being improvement ini a ve to help make healthy choices easier. Dodge County will become a project community as part of an innova ve partnership between Beaver Dam Community Hospitals, Inc. and Health ways, Blue Zones Project®. Currently the hospital is working on securing funding to start implementa on in our communi es.

Chapter 4 | Analysis of Demand and Needs

Analysis of Demand and Needs 4.1 Quan ta ve Analysis 4.2 Geographic Analysis 4.3 Qualita ve Analysis

This chapter presents an analysis of how well the City’s exis ng park and recrea onal facili es sa sfy current needs in the community. The adequacy of the City’s exis ng park and recrea on system are evaluated using the following methods: •

Quan ta ve Analysis – a comparison of exis ng parkland acreage and popula on projec ons versus park and recrea onal facility service standards, including a review of the types and amount of parkland available to City residents.

4.4 Regional & State Trends

For the purpose of calcula ng an cipated parkland demand, a level of service of 6 and 12 acres per 1,000 residents was assumed. Using a level of service standard of 12 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents the City currently has surplus of 93.5 acres. Assuming the popula on projec ons are correct, and the City does not add addi onal parkland, the total surplus will shrink to 61.3 acres by year 2040. Table 4.1 City Park Acreage Existing and Projected Surplus/Deficit

Total Park Acreage Surplus/Deficit (in acres) Year

2010 2020 2030 2040 16,214 17,340 18,090 18,900 288 288 288 288 97.3 104.0 108.5 113.4 194.6 208.1 217.1 226.8 190.8 184.1 179.6 174.7 93.5 80.0 71.0 61.3

•

Geographic Analysis – an analysis of the geographic distribu on and accessibility of park facili es in the City.

•

Qualita ve Analysis – a summary of public input regarding City parks and recrea onal facili es gathered through the on-line community survey.

Population Total Supply (acres) Demand (6 acres/1,000) Demand (12 acres/1,000) Surplus (6 acres/1,000) Surplus (12 acres/1,000)

•

Regional & State Trends – a summary of the demand or trends in recrea onal ameni es at the county and state level.

Table 4.2 summarizes the current and projected supply and demand for parkland acreage by park types, using the lowest service standards as described in Appendix B.

4.1 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

An analysis of exis ng recrea onal land area is provided to determine if the recrea onal needs of residents are being met. This analysis is limited to an evalua on of the space, or land, devoted to recrea onal use. Currently the City is providing approximately 288 acres of parkland, not coun ng school facili es, county facili es, or private facili es. This translates to .017 acres of parkland per person, or 17.1 acres per 1,000 residents. Table 4.1 summarizes the current and projected supply and demand for total parkland acreage based on City popula on.

The results of Table 4.2 indicate a projected deficit for Mini Parks and Neighborhood Parks and Community Playfields through year 2040 except for Neighborhood and Community Parks. The deficit in community playfield acreage is expected as the City currently has only three community playfields. It is important to note that the school-owned property is not included in this analysis. The school-owned property does indeed play a vital role in filling the community playfield needs of the residents of Beaver Dam; however, because access and maintenance are not regulated by the City these facili es were not included in the analysis in Table 4.1 and 4.2 nor were County or private recrea onal facili es men oned previously.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 19

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 | Analysis of Demand and Needs

Table 4.2 City Park Acreage Existing and Projected Surplus/Deficit by Park Type

Park Acreage Surplus/Deficit by Type (in acres) Year 2010 2020 2030 2040 Population 16,214 17,340 18,090 18,900 Mini-Park (ac) -3.95 -4.24 -4.42 -4.63 Neighborhood Playground (ac) -8.1 -8.7 -9.0 -9.5 Neighborhood Park (ac) 3.2 2.1 1.3 0.5 Community Playfield (ac) -54.3 -59.9 -63.7 -67.7 Community Park (ac) 130.6 125.0 121.3 117.2 Special Purpose Park (ac) No Standard Applicable Nature Preserve (ac) No Standard Applicable

Although the total acreage of community park and recrea on lands is an easy indicator of the presence of parks and recrea on space, it is not the only indicator of whether a community is able to meet the park and recrea on needs of its residents. The Na onal Recrea on and Park Associa on advocates that the locaƟon of parkland, and the types of recreaƟonal faciliƟes oﬀered on that land, are just as important as the total acres of parkland. A community with a lot of parkland, but few recrea onal facili es, is less likely to meet the needs of its residents than a community which has a lesser amount of parkland, but has a larger variety of recrea onal opportuni es. Fortunately for Beaver Dam residents they have access to a wide range of recrea onal facili es as summarized in Chapter 3, Sec on 4.2.

4.2 GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS The loca on of park and open space facili es in rela on to the City’s residents is an important indicator of how well exis ng facili es meet the needs of the community. The Na onal Recrea on and Park Associa on advocates that all residents should live within a 0.25-.05 mile of some type of public park or open space. Map 2 in Appendix C indicates areas of the City that are not currently served by a City park; that is, they do not fall within a 0.25-mile service area of any City park. The map also illustrates service areas based on park type, including 0.5-miles for neighborhood parks, 1-mile for community playfields, and 2-miles for community parks. Page 22 and 23 include a series of parkland service area maps. The maps illustrate the recommended service areas for each park classifica on (light orange). The map indicates the following deficiencies in the loca on of parkland:

20 | City of Beaver Dam

•

The Mini Parks Service Area Map illustrates gaps in area coverage outside of the 0.25 mile service area of each mini park. While the City has only one park classified as a mini-park all other park classifica ons serve the func on of a mini park. Gaps in service are concentrated in the northeast and southwest por ons of the city.

•

The Neighborhood Parks Service Area Map illustrates gaps in coverage outside of the 0.5 mile service area of each neighborhood park. The neighborhood parks service area covers most of the City, with the excep on of the northeast region and couple of small areas south along the US-151.

Chapter 4 | Analysis of Demand and Needs

•

The Community Playfields Service Area Map illustrates gaps in coverage outside of the 1 mile service area of each of the community playfields. There are currently three playfields centrally located within the City and largely serves the majority of the community. The northeast and southern por ons remain underserviced by community playfields.

•

The Community Parks Service Area Map illustrates gaps in coverage outside of the 2 mile service area of each community park.

•

The Overall Service Area Map illustrates service areas for Mini (0.25-mile), Neighborhood (0.5-mile), Community Playfields (1mile) and Community Parks (2-miles). The darker areas indicate a more concentrated service area coverage versus those that are lighter. Most of Beaver Dam is serviced by one park or another. The overall park coverage is concentrated centrally within the City. As you move toward the municipal boundary coverage decreases.

In conclusion nearly 100% of the City of Beaver Dam are served by one or more of the park classifica ons. An analysis of the distribu on of specific ameni es within the parks was not performed. It should be noted that ameni es are unlikely to be distributed equally and some are not currently provided within the Parks and Forestry Department at all. The City currently does not have any soccer fields in public parks, the soccer club is currently staging it’s prac ces and games on commercial property as a temporary solu on. The property owner and City have a partnerships but this land can be developed at any me.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 21

Chapter 4 | Analysis of Demand and Needs Mini Parks 1/4 Mile Service Area Map

Neighborhood Parks 1/2 Mile Service Area Map

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22 | City of Beaver Dam

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Chapter 4 | Analysis of Demand and Needs Map 2: Overall Service Area Overlay Map

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Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 23

Chapter 4 | Analysis of Demand and Needs

4.3 QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS As part of the update to this plan, the Parks, Forestry and Facili es and Community Ac vi es & Services Departments administered an on-line community survey to poll resident’s opinion regarding City park facili es and recrea onal programs. A total of 248 individuals completed the survey. The following is a summary of responses to key ques ons.

GENERAL SATISFACTION » 78% of respondents indicated they are either sa sfied or very sa sfied with City park and recrea onal facili es (parkland and equipment). » 65% of respondents indicated they are either sa sfied or very sa sfied with park and recrea on programs (e.g. recrea onal classes). 10.3% had no opinion.

» The most visited park was Swan City, only 12.6% of respondents indicated they hadn’t visited the park at least once in the past year.

GENERAL USE - FACILITIES (excluding winter months) » 41% of respondents indicated that someone in their household signed up for a recrea on class or program through the City in the past 12 months. » When asked what events were a ended on a regular basis in the City parks, 76% indicated that they a end special events (cra fairs, markets, etc.) 65% indicate they a end Community Events (Parades, Fourth of July, Fes vals) and 57% indicated they a ended Beaver Dam Community ac vi es and services (summer concerts).

» The majority of residences rated the condi on and maintenance of parkland and facili es as good or excellent. Higher responses in the fair or poor response choice included the condi on of the Cleanliness of Facili es(shelters, picnic tables, benches, etc.)

» The top six ac vi es or facili es respondents or members of their households most commonly use included: Playground (58.5%), Picnic Facili es (50%), Bandshell/Concerts (38.5%), Boa ng Facili es (36.5%) and Fishing areas (28.5%).

SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY

GENERAL DEMAND

» 80.91% of respondents indicated they feel safe when visi ng a City park.

» 57.98% of respondents indicated they felt the City currently has enough parks to meet the needs of their household.

» Respondents expressed concerns over teenage popula on and perceived illegal ac vity a er dusk.

GENERAL USE - PARKS (excluding winter months) » The least visited park was Minnie’s Meadows, 97.3% of respondents indicated they hadn’t visited the park in the last year.

» Respondents were asked to indicate the level of priority for developing new types of park and recrea on facili es as the City con nues to grow. The top three responses to the “high priority” category included Nature Areas (44.02%), Specialty Parks (disc golf, dog park etc. (29.44%), and On-Road Bike Routes or Lanes (33.15%). » 51.58% of respondents indicated the City’s current variety of recrea onal facili es, equipment, and programs met the needs of their household. 27.37% were not sure.

24 | City of Beaver Dam

» When asked to rate the top six recrea onal facili es they would priori ze future investment in maintenance and development of, respondents indicated in order: Playground Equipment (28.57%), Indoor Pool (25.4%), Outdoor Pool (58.73%), Splash Pad (23.81%), park restrooms (36.5%), Indoor Recrea on Center (26.46%) and Oﬀ leash Dog Park (26.98%).

FUNDING » 50.8% of respondents would support an increase in park and recrea on user fees to cover the cost of maintaining or building park and recrea on facili es. 35.83% were not sure. » Nearly 70% of respondents had no opinion on whether or not City Parks and Recrea on fees were too low or too high. 14-15% indicated that the fees were too low. » 74.6% support split fees for resident/ non-residents who use City of Beaver Dam facili es. » 49.73% of respondents would support split fees specifically for the senior center. » 37.04% of respondents would support an increase in park and recrea on user fees to cover the cost of maintaining or building park and recrea on facili es. 26.46% supported this same measure but only increasing non-resident fees. 19.05% were not sure. 17.46% indicated No. » 31.89% of respondents would support an increased percentage of their exis ng property taxes allocated for park and recrea onal facility maintenance and development if it were less than 1%. 18.92% would support this same measure if it were between 2-5%. 23.24% were not sure. 25.95% indicated No. » 74.05% of respondents were in favor of the City establishing an endowment

Chapter 4 | Analysis of Demand and Needs

fund dedicated to assis ng with the maintenance and development of the city’s park and recrea onal facili es through tax-deduc ble charitable gi s.

IMPORTANCE OF PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES » Respondents were asked to rate the importance (1=not important, 10 = very important) they place on the City’s parks and recrea onal facili es/programs regarding several aspects of the community. Crea ng a sense of community received the highest percentage of very important responses.

The full results of the survey are on file with the City of Beaver Dam Forestry Parks, Forestry and Facili es and Community Ac vi es & Services Departments.

4.4 REGIONAL & STATE TRENDS Insights from the Wisconsin Statewide Outdoor Comprehensive Recrea on Plan (SCORP), 2011-2016.

The goals listed below are recommended by the Wisconsin Statewide Outdoor Comprehensive Outdoor Recrea on Plan (SCORP) to help provide Wisconsinites be er access/awareness to outdoor recrea on opportuni es and to help improve public health and wellness: Public Access to Land and Water – One part of this goal is awareness; there is access to land and water, but many mes people don’t know about it. Maps and signage that are easily readable would help increase public awareness. The other part of this goal can be realized by providing addi onal sites with access to the water for boa ng, fishing, and swimming. Promote Outdoor Recrea on as a “Get Fit” Ini a ve – Educate the public about the health benefits of walking, biking, nature study, etc. and develop programming and recrea on facili es with health agencies. Create Urban Parks and Community Green Space – Create connected urban parks and community green spaces to improve quality of life and increase opportuni es for recrea on in urban areas.

According to the SCORP, in Wisconsin there is a projected stable future demand for low-intensity recrea onal ac vi es such as walking, gardening, viewing nature centers, sightseeing, bicycling, and picnicking (listed in order of popularity). Since these ac vi es should experience stable growth in the future, opportuni es to engage in these ac vi es should be created and maintained. Due to changing demographics, social trends, and other movements, the SCORP is projec ng increased demand for (generally) high-intensity recrea onal ac vi es in the future such as kayaking, visi ng dog parks, climbing, paddle boarding, playing outdoor soccer, RV camping, and BMX biking. AcƟviƟes such as hunƟng, inline skaƟng, skateboarding, soŌball and downhill skiing are projected to have a decreased demand in Wisconsin in the future also due to the changing demographics’ preferences.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 25

Chapter 4 | Analysis of Demand and Needs

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26 | City of Beaver Dam

Chapter 5 | Goals, Objectives & Policies

Goals, Objectives & Policies 5.1 Goals & Objec ve 5.1 Policies

This chapter describes the Mission Statement of the City’s Parks, Forestry and Facili es and Community Ac vi es & Services Departments and the Long Range Vision for the City’s park and open space system. The long range vision describes the City’s park and open space system as we wish it to be in 2020, or sooner. The mission statement and long range vision are the founda on of this plan – the goals, objec ves, and policies that follow are all intended to help realize the City’s mission and vision. The City of Beaver Dam iden fied the following goals for Parks and Recrea on planning in their 2009 Comprehensive Plan.

20 YEAR VISION “An extensive system of parks, open space, and trails make Beaver Dam a great place to live. A waterfront trail follows the river, and riverfront parks provide recrea onal opportuni es and help protect water quality. Along the lake, parks provide public access to the water and are true gems of the community.” ~Excerpt from the 2009 Comprehensive Plan

5.1 GOALS & OBJECTIVES 1. Enhance and promote the use of bicycles and walking as viable forms of transporta on by providing mul -use trails, bicycle routes, bicycles lanes, and sidewalks. 2. Provide safe and pleasant opportuni es for oﬀ-street walking and biking. 3. Ensure that all residents have propor onate access to all park classifica on types. 4. Protect and enhance the City’s urban forest. 5. “Uncover” the Beaver Dam River and establish it as a major downtown amenity. 6. Improve public access to Beaver Dam Lake and River.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 27

Chapter 5 | Goals, Objective & Policies

5.2 POLICIES 1. Most residents should be within a 15-minute walk or 1/4 to 1/2-mile from a public park or open space area and the City strives to maintain a minimum 12 acres of public park and recrea onal land per 1,000 residents. 2. The City requires that residen al developments dedicate parkland or provide recrea onal facili es as part of the approval of new developments in accordance with local subdivision ordinances (e.g. dedica ng 5% of the total plat area for usable recrea on purposes). In such special cases that this is not possible, the City may require that residen al developments provide fees in- lieu of parkland dedica on and fees-in-lieu of park development. Refer to Sec on 42-241 (30) of the City’s Code of Ordinances for fee schedule. 3. The City may use its Oﬃcial Mapping powers to dedicate future park areas or recrea onal trails in advance of development in order to prevent the loss of lands to other uses.

purposes for which the recrea on or open space land was intended, and in addi on, recrea on and open space areas should be compa ble with surrounding land uses. 6. The design of individual park and recrea on sites should be as flexible as possible to reflect the changing pa erns of recrea on needs in a given service area. 7. Special eﬀorts should be made to provide for easy access to and the use of all facili es by the elderly, ill and handicapped, very young, and the other lessmobile groups in the community. 8. Recrea on and open space land should be protected in perpetuity against encroachment by other uses that will inhibit the recrea on or open space nature of the land. 9. Park and recrea on areas should be used to separate incompa ble land uses and guide future urban development. 10. Neighborhood and community level recrea on areas should adjoin schools whenever possible. This can enhance the school environment and prevent duplica on of facili es.

4. The City coordinates park and open space planning and improvements with civic organiza ons, neighboring communi es, Dodge County, and the State to enhance regional recrea onal opportuni es and to prevent duplica on of facili es where such duplica on is not necessary.

11. Ci zen involvement in the recrea on and open space decision-making process should be encouraged and expanded.

NATIONAL PARK, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE STANDARDS

12. Facility development must be reviewed with safety in mind, adhering to accepted standards prior to installa on.

The following policies have been adapted from the NaƟonal Park, RecreaƟon, and Open Space Standards, a publica on of the Na onal Recrea on and Park Associa on, for applica on by the City. 1. The park and recrea on system should provide opportuni es for all persons regardless of race, creed, age, sex, or economic status. 2. Advance land acquisi on based upon a park and open space system should begin immediately in order to prevent the loss of high quality sites to other development interests. 3. Facili es should be centrally located within the area that they are intended to serve and must have safe and adequate access, and be distributed so that all persons in the community can be served. 4. Land acquired for use as parks or recrea on areas should be suitable for the specific intended use, and when possible, for mul ple uses. 5. Land adjacent to recrea on and open space areas should be used in ways that will not interfere with the

28 | City of Beaver Dam

Chapter 6 | Recommendations

Recommendations 6.1 Exis ng Park Facili es 6.2 New Park Facili es

The quan ta ve, qualita ve, and geographic analysis discussed in Chapter 4 reveals the need for improvements to exis ng facili es, as well as, the acquisi on and development of new sites for future recrea onal use. It should be noted that some of the recommenda ons may require considerable coopera on with others, including the ci zens of Beaver Dam, local civic and business associa ons, neighboring municipali es, Dodge County, and State agencies. In nearly every case, more detailed planning, engineering, study, budge ng, and/or discussion will be necessary before decisions are made to actually acquire land or construct recrea onal facili es. The recommenda ons of this plan are divided into four major sec ons: (1) recommenda ons for exis ng park facili es; (2) recommenda ons for new park facili es; (3) recommenda ons for recrea onal trails; and (4) miscellaneous recommenda ons. Many of the specific recommenda ons discussed in each sec on are iden fied on the Poten al Parks and Recrea on Facili es Map. Acquisi on projects will be implemented through dona on, dedica on, purchase, or a combina on thereof. The meline for comple on of the recommenda ons is within the next five years, or the life of this plan. Due to budgetary constraints it is unlikely that all of the recommenda ons within this chapter will be implemented in the next five years. Maintenance and improvement projects will be priori zed on an annual basis by the Parks, Forestry and Recrea on Supervisor in conjunc on with the City Council as part of the City’s annual budget. Many of the recommenda ons regarding loca ng new park facili es will be coordinated with the annexa on or approval of development proposals; therefore, the ming is much more variable.

6.3 Recrea onal Trails 6.4 Other Recommenda ons 6.5 Community Collabora on and Partnerships

6.1 EXISTING PARK FACILITIES

While adding new park facili es is important to enhancing the City’s park system, the City maintains a commitment to maintaining exis ng parks in sa sfactory condi on and providing suﬃcient funding for opera ons. Such maintenance and opera ons include providing suﬃcient budget for the following: •

Maintaining and replacing exis ng facili es and equipment, as needed,

•

Maintaining the landscape at exis ng parks in good condi on,

•

Providing suﬃcient resources in support of recrea onal programs, and

•

Maintaining a safe and accessible environment at all City parks.

As new lands are added to the park system, the City will need to budget addi onal funds for maintenance and opera ons. Recommendation 6.1: Upgrade existing park and recreational facilities.

MINI PARKS Stevens Park • Develop a landscape plan for beau fica on. • Provide ameni es for cyclists including racks.

park bicycle

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 29

Chapter 6 | Recommendations

NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYGROUNDS None

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS Apple Valley Park • Consider ligh ng. • Create a safe bicycle connec on across US-151 and to other parks within the City. Provide bicycle facili es such as bicycle racks and pads. Lincoln Park • Refinish tennis courts. • Replace exis ng fencing on the south side with a higher fence. • Replace/improve or remove exis ng landscaping. • Consider adding a small shelter. Roller Avenue Park • Develop a park master plan to help guide improvements in the park including restroom facili es and mini shelter. Smythe Park • Replace, repair and enlarge parking lot. • Install new signage. Starkweather Park • Develop a park master plan to help guide future improvements within the park. Including access, fishing and/or kayak pier. • Consider path ligh ng. Tahoe Park • Update or replace exis ng pavilion. • Install addi onal restroom facili es. • Evaluate feasibility for adding a swimming beach. • Evaluate the condi on of the shoreline and determine the best approach to naturalize the shoreline. • Improve exis ng parking and iden fy opportuni es for addi onal parking. Waterworks Park • Install wayfinding signage at the top of the hill at Hiawatha and Denning Streets. • Site and construct shed/garage for watercra rentals.

COMMUNITY PLAYFIELDS Athletic Field • Develop and improve oﬀ-street parking areas. The capacity of onstreet parking around the Athle c fields is o en an issue during organized events. Poten al solu ons include acquiring some of the remaining residen al lots on the block for development of an oﬀ street parking lot. • Develop an overflow parking plan with temporary delinea on and barricades set up for events.

30 | City of Beaver Dam

Chapter 6 | Recommendations

• Improve restroom facili es, add concessions • Replace playground equipment. • Replace scoreboard.

COMPLYING WITH THE AMERICANS W/ DISABILITIES ACT

Lakeview Park • Consider renaming the park, as it has no Lakeview. • Install playfield ligh ng. • Install playfield scoreboard. • Install press box at li le league field. Vo-Tech Park • Install semi-permanent restroom facili es. • Install press box on south field. • Consider adding an accessible grilling sta on to the park including, grill, trash/recycling receptacles and picnic tables.

COMMUNITY PARKS Crystal Lake • Install permanent restroom on the east side of Crystal Lake Park. • Install comprehensive trail network within the park. • Install addi onal playground equipment. • Evaluate the feasibility of renova ng and adding on to the beach house or the cost of replacement. • Improve or replace signage for all site features within the park (beach, disc golf, picnic areas, etc.) Edgewater Park/Hick’s Overlook Create a master plan for park improvements: • Create a comprehensive trail network (with boardwalks and bridges as necessary) and cross country ski trails. • Extend Starkweather Drive north to provide direct vehicular access to the park. • Develop a park master plan to guide future improvements including a parking lot, shelter, walking trails and restroom facili es. • Evaluate the condi on of the shoreline and determine the best approach to eliminate erosion. • Incorporate/iden fy Hick’s Overlook on a park sign and/or by providing iden fica on or wayfinding signage. • Evaluate feasibility to remove exis ng trees obscuring the view of the Lake from the overlook. Swan Park • Remove the wading pool and reconstruct the site with a large indoor shelter. • Develop plans for a new enclosed shelter. • Repair and improve exis ng fountain. • Consider replacing wading pool with a splash pad. • Consider replacing ligh ng with solar op ons. • Iden fy capital improvements for the bandshell and update the Cap al Improvement Plan accordingly. • Conduct ADA assessment of exis ng bandshell to iden fy alterna ves to improve accessibility and safety. Iden fy, label and market accessible route.

The ADA, enacted in 1990, clearly states the right of equal access for persons to local government services, including parks. On September 15, 2010 the Department of Jus ce published revised final regula ons implemen ng the Americans with Disabili es Act. The 2010 Standards included new provisions for accessible design for recrea onal facili es such as playgrounds, swimming pools, fishing and golf facili es. Similar to when the original 1991 ADA Standards were adopted for public buildings, a community is required to complete a self-evalua on of their recrea onal facili es for ADA compliance by March 15, 2012. Those communi es with 50 or more full or part- me employees are also required to develop a Transi on Plan, which iden fies what correc ve work will be completed, when it will be completed, and the individual responsible for the correc ve work. Any new recrea onal facili es designed, constructed, or shaped a er March 15, 2012 are subject to the 2010 Standards. Any altera on (not simple maintenance, but something that changes the way the site is used) must make the element altered accessible and must create an accessible path of travel through the site or facility to that element. There are some fundamental diﬀerences in how accessibility in the outdoors is accommodated compared to indoors or the built environment. While restrooms, shelters, interpre ve centers, and parking lots, for example, need to follow detailed ADA guidelines, other improvements such as trails or swimming beach areas, for example, do not necessarily need to follow indoor or built environment ramp grades or surfacing requirements. A good rule of thumb for the City to follow is that anything constructed must not make the outdoor experience anymore diﬃcult than what occurs naturally. Mother Nature does not have to comply with ADA, but the City does.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 31

Chapter 6 | Recommendations

SPECIAL USE PARKS Bayside Park • Evaluate the best use for the site. Develop a park master plan. • Install tree farm signage. • Consider adding a boat launch and fishing pier, area for camping and barrier for vehicles. Cotton Mill Park • Develop a master plan to iden fy opportuni es for park expansion and poten al parking nearby. • Install signage for river and street. • Evaluate feasibility for a historic marker. • Improve path/trail connec vity to the proposed Rotary Riverwalk Park. • Delineate park boundary. Downtown Comfort Station • Renovate exis ng restroom facili es. • Iden fy facility on park facili es list. Jefferson Courts • Consider dona ng the courts to the school. • Install signage. Patrick Parker Conley • Consider adding wayfinding signage to assist visitors with loca ng the entrance. • Improve exis ng parking lot and access road by paving. • Add bicycle and skateboarding racks. Watermark • New facility, no improvements.

UNDEVELOPED PARKS Minnie’s Meadow • Develop a master plan to guide future park improvements. Riverside Park • Develop a master plan to help guide future park improvements. • Acquire addi onal lands along the river via purchase or easement southward to Cooper Road and northward to Mill Street. • Develop a pathway from Cooper Road to Mill Street linking with planned downtown riverwalk improvements. • Consider applying for urban forest grant.

32 | City of Beaver Dam

Chapter 6 | Recommendations

6.2 NEW PARK FACILITIES The City should develop new park and recrea onal facili es in areas that are under served by exis ng facili es, where future City expansion is expected to occur, or where the acquisi on of park and open space will advance the goals and policies of this plan or the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Recommendation 6.2.1: Develop new park and recreational facilities in areas of the City under served by existing facilities or where future City expansion is expected to occur. The analysis of park and recrea on needs and demands iden fied several opportuni es to address neighborhoods that do not have access within a ¼ mile of an exis ng park facility. The specific recommenda ons (in no par cular order) include: 1. Develop new park facili es in the area south of Cooper Street. The demand for park facili es in this region could be addressed through the development of several small neighborhood parks; however, one larger community park may be more appropriate given the proximity of exis ng neighborhood playgrounds (Apple Valley, Smythe, and Roller). In addi on, the City’s Comprehensive Plan has iden fied the area around Apple Valley Park for future mul -family residen al development, which will increase the density of residents within this area, and thus the demand for a large mul -purpose park on the City’s south side. Opportuni es to connect new facili es to exis ng or planned bike and pedestrian trails along the Beaver Dam River should be pursued. 2. The lake front Old Hospital is a prime loca on for redevelopment (3rd Street at the lake). This neighborhood could benefit by the development of a small park with playground equipment. In addi on, future redevelopment projects should incorporate public access given the sites loca on along the lake. 3. Acquire property to develop addi onal public access along the lakeshore from the Dam to CTH G. Currently there are no public access points to the lake along this stretch of shoreline. Ideally, any new facility developed would incorporate a boat launch. 4. Develop addi onal parkland within the downtown. Refer to Recommenda on 6.2.2. 5. Con nue to require that adequate parkland and/or park improvement fees are dedicated in conjunc on with new residen al subdivisions. 6. Update the City’s Oﬃcial Map to iden fy and reserve sites for new or expanded public facili es, parks and trails. 7. Conduct a feasibility study to iden fy opportuni es to create a new sports complex with up to 8 soccer fields, concessions and restrooms for tournaments. Possibili es include the expansion of fields at Smythe Park with the conversion and reloca on of the Public Works grounds. The former Lakeside hospital site. Land below the SKD Parish Cemeteries, east of Highway G and US-151,land north of Burne Street on the east side of US-151,

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 33

Chapter 6 | Recommendations

and/or land north of Ganske Road between Highway W and Kellom Road. Iden fy opportuni es for cost sharing. 8. Iden fy at least 50 acres of land for future development of a large park for community events. 9. Evaluate op ons to develop a dog park or a designated dog park area within one of the exis ng parks. Designate dog friendly parks within Beaver Dam and provide residents with informa on via website and signage. 10. Evaluate feasibility of a splash pad and/or an outdoor swimming aqua c center and iden fy poten al cost-sharing partnerships (YMCA, local businesses etc.) Recommendation 6.2.2: Establish a downtown riverfront park and trail. Like many communi es, Beaver Dam has struggled to keep its downtown a rac ve and economically viable. In 2007, the City Council adopted a Downtown Redevelopment Plan providing recommenda ons and policies for revitalizing the area. The plan is arranged around the themes of Organiza on, Promo on, and Design. Recommenda ons for improving the downtown include developing pedestrian ameni es and public spaces to encourage residents to linger within the downtown. Extensive flooding along the Beaver Dam River in 2008 triggered the need to reassess por ons of the plan, including the development of a Downtown Concept Plan for the area along the river. Specific improvements iden fied in the 2009 amendment are outlined below, and are consistent with the recommenda ons from the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Many of these have since been implemented and are repeated here to con nue to raise awareness for downtown improvements. 1. Con nue to connect the lake to the downtown by opening up strategic downtown views of the lake and by establishing pedestrian- friendly roads and paths to the lake.

Recommendation 6.2.3: Expand watermark and/ or identify alternative locations for additional programming (wood shop, community gardens, green house, etc.) The Watermark was recently completed (2016) but is not large enough to support all of the programma c needs of the City of Beaver Dam Community Ac vi es and Services Department.

6.3 RECREATIONAL TRAILS

The City should conduct a study to define a preferred network of on- and off-road bicycle facili es that would form a ring through the community. Routes should connect residences to City parks, schools and commercial districts. Most segments of the route could be established with simple route markers; however, the City should consider addi onal painted lanes along roads with higher levels of traffic, and where possible, the construc on of off-road mul -use paths. In addi on, to promote community health and alterna ve modes of transporta on, the network of bicycle routes could serve to promote the City’s park facili es. Results from the on-line community survey indicated that many residents were not aware or did not use many of the City’s smaller parks. By linking the parks together through a network of bicycle routes the City can increase awareness and use of the exis ng park facili es. The City should brand the network of bicycle trails through a unified system of route markers and route maps within parks, and brochures available through the City’s website. Use of the system for physical ac vity could also be augmented by installing outdoor exercise equipment within each park along the bicycle route. Recommendation 6.3.1: Establish a network of bike paths and walking trails that connect parks, regional trails, community facilities, and the downtown.

2. Create downtown green space and access to the Beaver Dam River. Poten al public spaces could include a pocket park, amphitheater/stage area, marketplace, and covered picnic shelters.

During the Comprehensive Planning process, many residents expressed a desire for increasing bikeways and trails within and around the City. Specific improvements suggested in the Comprehensive Plan include:

3. Establish a network of riverfront bike and pedestrian trails connec ng Co on Mill Park, thru the downtown, to Riverside Park.

1. Complete a comprehensive, community-wide Trail Master Plan.

4. Con nue to improve downtown pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and ameni es, including but not limited to, ligh ng, benches, and signage.

2. Establish oﬃcial bike routes in the City, and install bike lanes and bike signs where appropriate and feasible, such as along Spring Street, Madison Street, Park Avenue, University Avenue, Prospect Avenue, DeClark Street, Industrial Drive and Center Street. 3. Providing bike access to the YMCA along Spring Street.

34 | City of Beaver Dam

Chapter 6 | Recommendations

4. Build a bike/pedestrian path that connects Starkweather Drive to Edgewater Park, and evaluate the feasibility of connec ng this to Wild Goose State Trail (~ 5 miles east of Beaver Dam). Refer to 6.3.2.

6.4 OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

5. Build a bike/pedestrian path along the Beaver Dam River connec ng Co on Mill Park to Riverside Park. Refer to Recommenda on 3. 6. Pursue opportuni es to u lize railroad rights-of-way for recrea onal trails where feasible.

Signage throughout the park system should be uniform or a few sign types selected from a designed sign family. The Parks and Forestry Department may choose to work with the City to develop comprehensive city-wide wayfinding signage that incorporates other key des na ons within the City.

7. Modify the subdivision ordinance to allow land dedicated for trails/paths to count towards green space requirements.

Recommendation 6.4.2: Refine and consistently communicate the Park & Forestry Department Brand.

8. Consider designa ng a Beaver Dam Riverwalk trail and iden fying a route and poten al future connec ons.

Consider developing a comprehensive branding and logo package to market all parks and recrea onal programs.

Recommendation 6.3.2: Work with the DNR to develop the Gold Star Memorial Trail.

Recommendation 6.4.3: Review dog policies within the parks and clearly communicate where dogs are allowed, where they are allowed with contingencies and where they are not allowed.

The DNR is working to expand the Gold Star Memorial Trail, that honors members of the military who have been killed in ac on. The trail currently connects Mayville to the Horicon Marsh Educa on and Visitor Center. The goal is to eventually connect Mayville, Horicon and Beaver Dam. The DNR has iden fied several desirable trail segments to be part of a comprehensive trail plan. A few of the trail segments being considered include:

Recommendation 6.4.1: Develop a comprehensive signage and wayfinding package.

Consider removing signs indica ng that dogs are prohibited. Make sure that dog policies are clearly iden fied on the City’s website and within the rules of the parks. Include the regula ons on the City Parks & Exis ng Facili es Inventory. Recommendation 6.4.3: Increase the number and diversity of tree species in the City.

1. A trail head at VoTech Park,which is located on Jacob Gassen Way (named for a na ve Beaver Dam fallen soldier in 2010). Connec on to the trail along County Road E / Burne Street might be possible along the west side of Hwy 151 between the highway and Moraine Park Tech College.

It is only a ma er of me before the Emerald Ash Borer finds its way to Beaver Dam, if it hasn’t already. Given 60-70% of the exis ng trees within the City are ash; the City should expand its tree-plan ng program to expedite the replacement of ash trees on public and private lands. Specific strategies include:

2. U lize current bike lanes along Crystal Lake Road to Prospect Road and develop bike lanes along Prospect Road to Vo-Tech Park. Both op ons could be developed to improve bike / pedestrian connec ons across Hwy 151.

1. Expanding the City’s exis ng tree farm and be er publicizing the availability of these trees to the public to encourage private replacement of ash trees with other na ve tree species.

3. Once the trail connects to the City, addi onal connector paths should be considered to connect northward to the YMCA, restaurants, lodging and commercial/ industrial proper es. Design work on Phase 1 is scheduled to start in 2016. Pending suﬃcient funding, construc on on Phase 1 is expected in 2017. The planning and design for the Beaver Dam and Horicon phases is expected in 2017-2018. Other Recrea onal Trails Con nue to implement improvements projects to the Beaver Dam. Specifically, con nuing collabora ve eﬀorts between local, state, and federal agencies.

2. Conduct an inventory of exis ng trees along street terraces using GPS technology (Geographic Posi oning System). Informa on collected during the inventory should include the loca on, species, size, condi on, and maintenance recommenda ons for each tree. The informa on collected can be used to visually depicted areas within the City that lack street trees, are at greater risk to the Emerald Ash Borer, or require other maintenance improvements. A cer fied arborist should conduct the inventory. 3. Allocate addi onal funding to ramp up the City’s tree plan ng program on public land and right-ofways.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 35

Chapter 6 | Recommendations

Recommendation 6.4.4: Improve the water quality of Beaver Dam Lake and River Maintaining a healthy Beaver Dam Lake and River is essen al to maintaining a healthy Beaver Dam. Not only are these features important for local fish and wildlife, but they also provide unique recrea onal opportuni es that are not available in most urban areas. In many ways, the lake defines the iden ty of the community. However, pollu on from both urban and rural sources poses a long-term threat to the con nued enjoyment of both the lake and river. Specific strategies to improve local water quality include: 1. Incorporate wetland improvements into park development plans for Edgewater Park, and improve wetlands on other public land where necessary and feasible. Wetlands provide a natural means of filtering pollutants and controlling erosion and flooding. The largest remaining wetland in the City is located in and around Edgewater Park. Ensuring that the wetlands at Edgewater Park con nue to func on to their fullest extent will help protect water quality in the Lake. 2. Con nue to install rain gardens and other reten on and filtering features in public parks, open space, and drainage ways, and require the use of these features in new developments where appropriate and feasible. Rain gardens func on as natural stormwater reten on facili es and are an inexpensive alterna ve for reducing runoďŹ&#x20AC; and pollu on. 3. Plant na ve vegeta on along all lake and river waterfront areas owned by the City and establish regula ons to require any new development or major renova ons/expansions in waterfront areas to incorporate na ve plants along the shoreline. Where possible, this vegetated buďŹ&#x20AC;er should be at least 100 feet wide. Na ve plants are recommended because they generally do not require fer lizer and are more tolerant of local climate, soils, and water condi ons. 4. Establish an ordinance that bans the use and sale of phosphate-based fer lizers in the City of Beaver Dam and work with other municipali es in the Beaver Dam River Watershed to implement similar regula ons. High nutrient levels in Beaver Dam Lake and River is a major contribu ng factor to algae blooms and general water quality degrada on. Banning the use of phosphates in the City would help to reduce overall nutrient loading and water quality problems in the Lake and River.

36 | City of Beaver Dam

Recommendation 6.4.5: Consider providing watercraft equipment rentals at Bayside, Starkweather, Waterworks, Tahoe and/or Crystal Lake. 1. Providing kayak, canoe, paddle board, or paddle boat rentals for visitors and residents provides not only an ac vity for visitors but also a stream of revenue that the City can use to maintain or enhance park ameni es. Recommendation 6.4.6: Promote awareness of local parks, businesses, natural and historical resources. 1. Install interpre ve signs and historical markers as part of local park improvements to promote awareness of natural vegeta on, geology, rain garden projects, park founders, and other historical events. 2. Install informa on kiosks at community parks as a means of promo ng city businesses. 3. Install bicycle and trail maps at City parks 4. Ensure that local streets provide suďŹ&#x192;cient signage to direct tourists to community parks. Recommendation 6.4.7: Access safety in the Parks. Iden fy methods to improve safety in the parks. (whether installing ligh ng, cameras, policing, or establishing a volunteer patrol. Safety or perceived sa ey in the parks was iden fied in the public survey as an area of concern. Recommendation 6.4.7: Create a park and recreation advisory committee. The recommenda ons in this plan will require considerable coordina on and on-going support. The City should consider forming a park and recrea on advisory commi ee to champion poten al projects.

Chapter 6 | Recommendations

6.5 COMMUNITY COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS Community collabora on and partnerships are vital to the success of any community plan. The following groups and organiza ons are currently collabora ng with the City on various projects. The City should con nue to pursue partnerships as appropriate. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

AARP Aging & Disability Resource Council Animart Beaver Dam Area Arts Associa on Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce Beaver Dam Community Hospital BDCH Kids Care Beaver Dam Community Library Beaver Dam Country Club Beaver Dam Elks Club Beaver Dam Exchange Club Beaver Dam Family Center Ice Arena Beaver Dam Fire Department Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Associa on Beaver Dam Op mists Club Beaver Dam Police Department Beaver Dam Soccer Club Beaver Dam Unified School District Beaver Dam Wal-Mart Distribu on Beaver Dam Youth Baseball/So ball Canine Solu ons LLC Daily Ci zen Dance Now! Studios, LLC Dodge County Parks Dodge County An que Power Club Dodge County Historical Society Downtown Beaver Dam Inc. JoAnn Fabric & Cra s Landmark at Charleston House Lions Club of Beaver Dam Mar al Arts America Moraine Park Technical College Na onal Council on Aging Northwoods Casket Co. Old Hickory Golf Course Rotary Club of Beaver Dam The Y of Dodge County Town of Beaver Dam Tumble Tyme Gymnas cs Wayland Academy WBEV/WXRO

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 37

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38 | City of Beaver Dam

Chapter 7 | Implementation

Implementation

7.1 Tools and Mechanisms to Fund Implementa on

This chapter summaries tools and mechanisms that the City can use to fund implementa on of the park and open space recommenda ons discussed in Chapter 6. It also provides a summary of average facility cost es mates.

7.1 TOOLS AND MECHANISMS TO FUND IMPLEMENTATION

Maintenance and opera onal expenses of the City’s Parks, Forestry and Facili es and Community Ac vi es & Services Departments is generally funded through property taxes and user fees. As the park system grows the need to increase funding to meet the basic maintenance and opera onal costs also grows. O en there are insuﬃcient funds to undertake major capital improvement projects. There are a wide variety of poten al funding sources to assist with up-front capital costs, including acquisi on of land and the development of new recrea onal facili es.

GRANT PROGRAMS An important source of funding is grant programs oﬀered by state and federal agencies, especially the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Table 7.1 provides a summary of common state and federal park and recrea on grant programs. The table is not an exhaus ve list of grant programs, rather those that are typically used by municipali es. Other grant programs may exist and informa on regarding funding details shown in Table 7.1 should be verified with grant providers prior to seeking grant funding.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

FUND-RAISING

VOLUNTEER

Community groups and civic organiza ons are some mes willing to organize fund-raising eﬀorts to assist with these costs, and they may also be able to marshal volunteer labor to assist with small development projects such as trail crea on or playground installa ons. Local business and corporate support should also be sought. Both non-profit and forprofit organiza ons can be rewarded for their support with acknowledgement on a plaque or sign at the site.

501(C)3 FOUNDATION The City can set up an endowment fund as an addi onal means of providing con nual financial support for park acquisi on and development. An endowment fund works like a permanent savings account. The amount individuals give, which is the principal, is never spent. Only the interest income is spent, thereby providing a con nual source of monies. A park endowment fund can provide a means for residents to either bequeath money or provide ongoing dona ons to the City’s park system, with the certainty that the money donated will only be used for the advancement of recrea on in the community. Gi s to an endowment fund are typically tax deduc ble under federal and state law.

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) As part of a broader plan to redevelop an area, the City can use tax increment financing to assist with parkland or trail acquisi on and development. There are some limita ons to what revenues from a TIF district can be used to pay for, generally the costs of construc ng public buildings can not be funded with TIF.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 39

Chapter 7 | Implementation Table 7.1 Park and Recreation Grant Funding Programs

Funding Programs By Category

Maximum Award

Application Due Date

Granting Agency

50% local match required

1ͲMay

DNR

Up to 50% of the total project costs of a recreational trail project. Payments are reimbursements on costs incurred after project approval.

1ͲMay

DNR

50% local match required.

1ͲOct

DNR

1ͲMay

DNR

Established quarterly

DNR

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LAWCON) x This fund is used to implement projects that are identified by both the local and the state Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. x In general, land acquisition, development, and renovation projects for public outdoor recreation purposes are eligible LWCF projects. LWCF does not include the “natureͲbased outdoor recreation” restriction that the Stewardship Local Assistance Programs do.

Recreational Trails Program Grant x Eligible projects include: maintenance and restoration of existing trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages, construction of new trails, and acquisition of easement or property for trails. x May only be used on trails which have been identified in or which further a specific goal of a local, county or state trail plan included or reference in a statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan required by the federal LAWCON. Urban Forestry Provides technical service and financial assistance to communities for developing urban forestry programs. Priorities include: 1) Communities needing to develop an urban forestry plan;

Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000.

2) Communities needing worker training; and 3) Communities needing to conduct a street tree inventory. Eligible projects include 1) Undertaking street tree inventories; 2) Training for Village tree workers; 3) Developing urban open space programs; 4) Developing urban forestry plans; 5) Developing a tree ordinance; 6) Developing a public awareness program; and, 7) Tree planting and maintenance Lake Protection and Classification Grants x Designed to assist lake users, lake communities and local governments as they undertake projects to protect and restore lakes and their ecosystems. Eligible projects include: x Purchase of property or a conservation easement

25% local match required.

$200,000 maximum per project.

x Restoration of wetlands x Development of local regulations or ordinances x Lake classification projects that allow counties to design and implement local land and water management programs that are tailored to specific classes of lakes in response to various development and recreational use pressures (these grants are limited to $50,000).

x Lake protection projects recommended in a DNRͲapproved plan including watershed management, lake restoration, diagnostic feasibility studies, or any other projects that will protect or improve lakes. Recreational Boating Facilities Grant x Construction of capital improvements to provide safe recreational boating facilities and for feasibility studies related to the development of safe recreational facilities.

50% local match required

x Also includes purchase of navigation aids, dredging of channels of waterways, and chemically treating Eurasian water milfoil. NRPA Fund Your Park x Crowdfunding platform service designed for park and recreation agencies

40 | City of Beaver Dam

Service is free, tax deductible donations

Application Open: Janurary 4 and June 6, 2016 Applications Due: February 2 and July 7,2016

IRPA

Chapter 7 | Implementation

Funding Programs By Category

Maximum Award

Application Due Date

Granting Agency

50% local match required

1ͲMay

DNR

KnowlesͲNelson Stewardship Program The Stewardship Program was established in 1989 to preserve Wisconsin’s most significant land and water resources for future generations and to provide the land base and recreational facilities needed for quality outdoor experiences. These goals are achieved by acquiring land and easements for conservation and recreation purposes, developing and improving recreational facilities, and restoring wildlife habitat. This is an umbrella program that funds the following grants: Aids for the Acquisition and Development of Local Parks (ADLP) x Helps to buy land or easements and develop or renovate local park and recreation area facilities for natureͲbased outdoor recreation purposed (e.g., trails, fishing access, and park support facilities). Urban Green Space (UGS) x Helps to buy land or easements in urban or urbanizing area to preserve the scenic and ecological values of natural open spaces for natureͲbased outdoor recreation, including nonͲ commercial gardening. Urban Rivers (UR) x Helps to buy land on or adjacent to river flowing through urban or urbanizing areas to preserve or restore the scenic and environmental values of riverways for natureͲbased outdoor recreation. Acquisition of Development Rights Grants (ADR) x Helps to buy development rights (easements) for the protection of natural, agricultural, or forestry values, that would enhance natureͲbased outdoor recreation.

The City currently has two ac ve TIF Districts, TID #4 and TID #6. The TID’s were created for the purpose s mula ng redevelopment and new public and private investments.

a minimum of 5% of total land area dedicated for park, recrea on and general open space shall be required for each addi onal new dwelling unit poten al.

Under state statute 66.1105 a municipality can use tax increment to complete public improvements within a 0.5mile radius of the TID, so long as the use of the funds supports and benefits the TID.

2. For each dwelling unit in any mul ple family dwelling, apartment or townhouse, the amount of land to be provided shall be determined on the basis of 500 square feet of land for park, recrea on and general open space.

PARKLAND DEDICATION AND IMPACT FEES The City’s Municipal Code includes regula ons regarding parkland dedica on requirements. Within the corporate limits of the City a subdivider may be required to dedicate suﬃcient land to provide park, recrea on, and general open space to meet the an cipated neighborhood needs of residen al and development areas, as such park development is determined necessary or desirable by this plan. In addi on to parkland dedica on all lands dedicated for park and recrea onal purposes shall have frontage on a public street and shall have unrestricted public access. The subdivider or developer shall install water and sanitary sewer service laterals to a point two feet beyond the property line of land to be dedicated. The subdivider or developer shall install underground electric distribu on and telephone lines as deemed necessary by the City to serve the dedicated land. The amount of required dedica on shall be in direct propor on to the need generated by the addi onal new dwelling unit poten al (based upon the specific plat layout) as follows: 1. Based upon minimal area standards per dwelling unit,

In lieu of parkland dedica on a subdivider, by mutual agreement with the City, sa sfy the requirement for provisions of such park, recrea on and general open space by payment of an amount in dollars equal to the value of an improved park. For purposes of determining the amount due hereunder, an improved park shall include: then current land value as determined by the City Clerk. The schedule of fees in lieu of dedica on is as follows: • • • • • •

R1 Single Family Residen al: $250.00 per lot R2 Two Family: $250.00 per dwelling unit (du) Mul -Family: Three or more bedrooms: $250.00 per (du) Two bedrooms: $200.00 per (du) One bedroom or eﬃciency apartment: $100 per (du)

Monies are used exclusively for site acquisi on or development of lands and related improvements that will serve the City’s park, recrea on and general open space needs resul ng from such new residen al development. Payments are required at the me the plat is submi ed for final approval.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan | 41

CITY OF BEAVER DAM

Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation 2016-2021 Plan

Appendix A

Appendix

Appendix A: Survey Results (on-file with Parks & Forestry Department)

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

Appendix A

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City of Beaver Dam

Appendix B

Appendix

Appendix B: Park and Open Space Classifica ons/ Standards

Defini ons used in this plan are modifica ons of defini ons found in the Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recrea on Plan, 2011-2016. They are used to classify the exis ng parks and recrea on system and to guide plans for its future development.

CLASSIFICATIONS

ameni es to become neighborhood parks. Neighborhood playgrounds typically do not have oﬀ-street parking, shelters, or restroom facili es. Desirable size: 1 to 3 acres Acres / 1,000 popula on: 0.5 to 1.5 acres Service Area: 1/4 to 1/2 mile radius

MINI-PARK

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

Also some mes referred to as a “Tot Lot” or “Pocket Park” typically located on a small lot, generally a ¼ acre or less, within a residen al neighborhood or commercial business district. O en these sites were originally intended for residen al use, but due to various factors (e.g. poor lot design, environmental concerns, etc.), have been converted to a park. Mini-parks generally lack any ac ve recrea onal facili es and may be limited to gardens, benches, gazebos, fountains, or other small social gathering facili es. Miniparks typically do not have oﬀ-street parking or restroom facili es. Over me they may develop into neighborhood playgrounds.

Desirable size: 3 to 10 acres Acres / 1,000 popula on: 1.0 to 2.0 acres Service Area: 1/2 to 1 mile radius

Desirable size: 1.5 acres or less Acres / 1,000 popula on: 0.25 to 0.5 acres Service Area: 1/8 to 1/4 mile radius

NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYGROUNDS A neighborhood playground mainly serves the ac ve recrea onal needs of children from 5 to 15 years of age, and it may oﬀer passive recrea on opportuni es to adults. Neighborhood playgrounds typically consist of one or more playground apparatus, small green space/general purpose fields, and associated benches. Some neighborhood playgrounds may develop over me to include addi onal

In addi on to neighborhood playground facili es, neighborhood parks o en include shelter facili es, grills, basketball courts, ball diamonds, ligh ng, and toilet facili es. In general, neighborhood parks oﬀer a more complete range of recrea onal facili es, for a wider range of age groups, in a larger se ng than neighborhood playgrounds. Oﬀstreet parking and permanent restroom facili es are not as commonly found as within community parks.

COMMUNITY PLAYFIELDS The community playfield provides for the ac ve recrea onal needs of several neighborhoods. It provides more unique facili es than a neighborhood park but less facili es as compared to a community park. Examples include parks designed specifically for court games (tennis, basketball, pickleball, etc.), field games (soccer, football, ul mate frisbee) or ball games (so ball, baseball). A community playfield might adjoin a public junior or senior high school. Community playfields usually include oﬀ-street parking for vehicles and bicycles, concessions and restroom facili es.

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

Appendix B

Desirable size: 5 or more acres with 10 to 40 acres being most common Acres / 1,000 popula on: 5.0 to 8.0 acres Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

COMMUNITY PARKS The community park is intended to serve the ac ve and passive recrea onal needs of a number of neighborhoods or a medium-sized municipality. Community parks can be thought of as a combina on of a neighborhood park and community playfield. However, community parks usually also oﬀer areas for passive recrea on use such as wood areas and walking trails, scenic lookouts, botanical gardens, mul ple shelters, grills, and picnic areas. Unique ac ve use facili es may include band shells and aqua c facili es. Oﬀ-street parking areas for vehicles and bicycles, permanent restroom facili es, shower facili es, and ligh ng are common. Desirable size: 25 or more acres Acres / 1,000 popula on: 5.0 to 8.0 acres Service Area: 2 to 5 mile radius

SPECIAL USE PARKS A special use park is o en designed as a revenue-genera ng enterprise created to sa sfy demand for a par cular sport, recrea onal ac vity, or special event. A special use park may also be a sports park combined with enterprise ac vi es and administered as a community recrea on resource. Certain recrea onal facili es such as disc golf courses, golf courses, race tracks, municipal pools and waterparks, fishing areas and marinas might be considered special purpose parks. Less ac ve uses may include community gardens or veteran memorials. Special use parks may be combined with community parks. Suppor ng facili es (oﬀ-street parking, restrooms, etc.) will vary based on the user needs. Desirable size: Varies - depends on func on Acres / 1,000 popula on: Varies - depends on func on Service Area: Varies - depends on func on

NATURE PRESERVES Nature preserves may be established to conserve forest lands, marshlands, floodplains, prairies, wildlife habitats, and other areas having cultural, scenic, or natural values. Such areas are usually provided by county, state, or federal governments and have the primary func on of wildlife and resource protec on. Nature preserves usually include large tracts of land that are undeveloped or have limited development, although some improvements may be provided which are incidental to the enjoyment of the property. Improvements are usually located in one sec on on the property so that the area remains largely undeveloped. Improvements may include parking areas, interpre ve centers, and restrooms. Hun ng may be a primary recrea onal ac vity in such areas. Other recrea onal uses might include backpacking, camping, trail use, picnicking, and bird watching.

City of Beaver Dam

Desirable size: Varies - depends on func on Acres / 1,000 popula on: Varies - depends on func on Service Area: Varies - depends on func on

GREENBELTS The greenbelt has basically the same characteris cs and func ons as the reserva on or preserve; however, a greenbelt may be used to shape urban development. It may be a buﬀer between an urban area and surrounding rural areas and may connect parks within an urban area. Desirable size: Varies - depends on func on Acres / 1,000 popula on: Varies - depends on func on Service Area: Varies - depends on func on

WAYSIDES, WELCOME CENTERS, AND HISTORIC MARKERS These are special purpose parks designed to serve motorists. They are important to a tourist industry as a means of providing rest and informa on. They may include restrooms, picnic areas, shelters, or other facili es needed by motorists. The size and loca on of special purpose parks depends upon natural features and the func ons they are intended to serve. If oriented to motorists, traﬃc volumes must be considered. Desirable size: Varies - depends on func on Acres / 1,000 popula on: Varies - depends on func on Service Area: Varies - depends on func on

STANDARDS The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recognizes the importance of establishing and using park and recrea on standards. The standards listed below are guidelines that are applicable na onwide for planning, acquisi on, and development of park, recrea on, and open space lands.

Appendix B

ACTIVITY/ FACILITY

SPACE NEEDED

SIZE AND DIMENSIONS

RECOMMENDED ORIENTATION

UNITS PER POP.

SERVICE RADIUS

Basketball

LOCATION NOTES

1. Youth

2400Ͳ3036 sq. ft.

46Ͳ50’x84’

2. High School

5040Ͳ7280 sq. ft.

50’x84’

Outdoor courts in neighborhood and community parks, plus active recreation areas in other park settings.

22,000 sq. ft. including support area

Indoor – 1 per Rink 85’x200’ (minimum Long axis northͲsouth if 50,000 Outdoor – ½ Ͳ 1 hour 85’x185’) Additional 5000 depends on travel time outdoor sq. ft. support area climate

Climate important consideration affecting no. of units. Best as part of multiͲ purpose facility.

Min. of 7,200 sq. ft. single court (best in batteries of 2 or 4)

36’x78’. 12’ clearance on both sides; 21’ clearance Long axis north –south on both ends.

1 court per 1,500 ¼ Ͳ ½ mile

Best in batteries of 2Ͳ4. Located in neighborhood/community park or adjacent to school

1 per 3,500

¼ Ͳ ½ mile

Same as other court activities (e.g. badminton)

¼ Ͳ ½ mile

Part of neighborhood complex. Lighted fields part of community complex.

1 per 3,500 (if also used for ¼ Ͳ ½ mile youth baseball)

Slight differences in dimensions for 16" slow pitch. May also be used for youth baseball.

Ice Hockey

Tennis

Volleyball

Minimum of 4,000 sq. 30’X60’. Minimum 6’ ft. clearance on all sides

Baseball 3.0Ͳ3.85 A minimum

1. Official

2. Little League

3. Softball

Long axis northͲsouth

1 per 1,000

¼ Ͳ ½ mile

Baselines – 90’ Pitching distance 60 ½’ foul lines – Locate home plate to 1 per 3,500 min. 320’ Center field – pitcher throwing across 400’+ sun and batter not Baselines – 60’

1.2 A minimum

Long axis northͲsouth

Pitching distance – 46’ Foul lines – 200’ Center field – 200’ – 250’

facing it. Line from Lighted 1 per home plate through 5,000 pitchers mound run eastͲ northͲeast.

Baselines – 60' Pitching distanceͲ 46’ (min. 40’) Women ͲFast pitch 1.5 to 2.0 A

Radius from Plate – 225’ between foul lines

Same as baseball

Slow Pitch – 275’ (men) 250’ Field Hockey

Fall season – long axis northwest to southwest. 1 per 10,000 For longer periods northͲ south.

Minimum 1.5 A

180’ x 300’ with a minimum of 10’ clearance on all sides.

Minimum 1.5 A

160’ x 360’ with a minimum of 6’ clearance Same as field hockey. on all sides.

1.7 – 2.1 A

195’ to 225’x330’ to 360’ with a minimum 10’ Same as field hockey. clearance all sides.

1 per 1,000

Teaching Ͳ minimum of 25 yards x 45’ even depth of 3Ͳ4 ft. NoneͲalthough care

1 per 10,000

Football

1 per 3,500

15Ͳ30 minutes travel time

Usually part of baseball, football, soccer complex in community park or adjacent to high school.

15Ͳ30 minutes travel time

Same as field hockey.

1Ͳ2 miles

Number of units depends on popularity. Youth soccer on smaller fields adjacent to schools or neighborhood parks.

15 to 30 minutes travel time

Pools for general community use should be planned for teaching, competitive and recreational purposes with enough depth (3.4m) to accommodate 1m and 3m diving boards. Located in community park or school site.

Soccer

Swimming Pools

must be taken in siting Varies on size of pool Competitive – minimum of lifeguard stations in and amenities. of 25 m x 16 m. Minimum relation to afternoon Usually ½ to 2 A site. of 27 square feet of sun. water surface per swimmer. Ratios of 2:1 deck vs. water.

(Pools should accommodate 3 to 5% of total population at a time.)

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

Appendix B

ACTIVITY/ FACILITY

SPACE NEEDED

SIZE AND DIMENSIONS

¼ Mile Running Track

UNITS PER POP.

Long axis in sector from north to south to northͲ 1 per 10,000 westͲsouthͲeast with finish line at northerly end.

4.3 A

Overall width – 276’ Length – 600.02’ Track width for 8 to 4 lanes is 32’.

N/A

Well defined trailhead maximum 10’ width, N/A maximum average grade is 5% not to exceed 15%.

1 system per region

50Ͳ60 A

Average length vary 600Ͳ 2,700 yd.

ͲͲ

Trails

Golf

1. Par 3 (18 hole)

SERVICE RADIUS

15Ͳ30 minutes travel time

Majority of holes on northͲsouth axis

3. 18Ͳhole standard Minimum 110 A

Average length 6,500 yards

Disc Golf

1 per 10,000

½ to 1 hour travel time

Average hole is 20Ͳ50 ft. Majority of holes on wide by 200Ͳ240 feet long. No holes shorter northͲsouth axis than 120 feet.

1 per 25,000

30 minutes travel time.

N/A

Most holes contain at least two sets of tees. Skate Park 1. Concrete 2. Steel Frame 3. Portable & Wood

City of Beaver Dam

7,000Ͳ17,000 sq. ft.

N/A

0.06 per 1,000

18 hole course can accommodate 500Ͳ550 people/day.

Course may be located in community or district park, but should not be over 20 miles from population center.

Vary hole configurations for multiple skill levels. 0.5Ͳ1.5 acres per hole. Minumum of 5 acres for championship course.

Usually part of high school, or in community park complex in combination with football, soccer, etc.

9 hole course can accommodate 350 people/day.

1 per 25,000

Long axis southͲwestͲ 900’x690’ wide. Add 12’ 13.5 A for minimum northeast with golfer width for each additional of 25 tees driving toward tee. northeast.

LOCATION NOTES

N/A

Average length –2,250 yards

2. 9Ͳhole Minimum 50 A standard

GolfͲdriving Range

RECOMMENDED ORIENTATION

N/A

Part of a golf course complex. As separate unit may be privately owned.

Appendix C

Appendix

Appendix C: Parks and Recrea on Maps Map 1: Exis ng Parks and Recrea on Facili es Map 2: Exis ng Parks Service Areas

Beaver Dam Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

Beaver Dam Country Club

" ) W

¬ « 33

Edgewater

T c

RIN

ST.

Beaver Dam Lake

" ) B

YMCA

Starkweather

INDUSTRIAL DR.

Waterworks

T c .

£ ¤

RE HO

Minnie's Meadow !

Lincoln E.S. Beaver Dam H.S.

UNIVERSITY AVE.

!Æ c !

Riverside Roller

COOPER ST.

LINCOLN AVE.

iv NT er ER

ST .

Smythe

Stevens Lincoln

St. Katherine E.S.

IS O

" )

Prairie View E.S. E

Vo-Tech

PROSPECT AVE.

Wayland Academy

PARK AVE.

Crystal Lake

s¬«

Old Hickory Golf Club

Swan SOUTH

ST.

Charter Raceway Park

6 c

tal C r.

WEST ST.

Charter School

St Katharine Drexel

M AD

! !

E. BURNETT ST. Education Center

E.S.M.S. St. Wilson Katherine

Patrick Parker Conley

Washington E.S.

Q Dodge County Fairgrounds Æ

Crys

CENTER ST.

ES LAK

! ! Cotton MillThe Watermark Tahoe T c !

" )

To Wild Goose Trail

Athletic Fields

4TH ST.

. c

OLLINGER RD.

151

Lakeview

Bayside

Gophers Driving Range

Jefferson Courts Jefferson E.S.

JUDSON DR.

" ) D

£ ¤ 151

" ) W

" ) G

Be av

er D

Apple Valley

This map is intended to show the locations of public parks and recreation facilities. Many other private recreational facilities exist in the Wisconsin Dells area.

EXISTING PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

CITY OF BEAVER DAM DODGE COUNTY, WI

LEGEND

Corporate Limits

Rivers

Parks

Tax Parcels

Lakes

Right-of-way

! ! c Æ

Private Schools

DATA SOURCES: BASE DATA PROVIDED BY COUNTY.

T Boat Landing c

Public Schools Library 0 625 1,250

Printed by: smcdonald, File: P:\210s\218\00218082\GIS\00218082 Map1 Existing Park and Rec Facilitities_1.mxd

Feet 2,500

E Print Date: 10:29:55 AM 5/3/2016

s W

" )

¬ « Edgewater

T c

Beaver Dam Lake

" )

RIN

ST.

Starkweather

INDUSTRIAL DR.

Waterworks

T c

OLLINGER RD.

151

£ ¤

E. BURNETT ST.

St Katharine Drexel

Cotton MillThe Watermark Tahoe

T c

Bayside

Smythe ST .

Minnie's Meadow

" )

Vo-Tech

PROSPECT AVE.

Wayland Academy

PARK AVE.

Crystal Lake

SOUTH ST.

Charter Raceway Park

6 c Jefferson Courts

s 33

Q Æ

¬ «

Dodge County Fairgrounds

iv er

M AD

IS O

NT ER

" )

Riverside Roller

LINCOLN AVE.

ST .

. c

St. Katherine E.S. Swan

Prairie View E.S.

tal C r.

n n

c Æ

UNIVERSITY AVE.

Wilson E.S. St. Katherine M.S.

Charter School Education Center

Beaver Dam M.S. Lincoln

n n

Lincoln E.S. Beaver Dam H.S.

Stevens

4TH ST.

To Wild Goose Trail

Patrick Parker Conley

Washington E.S.

CENTER ST.

Lakeview WEST ST.

LAK

Crys

Athletic Fields

COOPER ST. JUDSON DR.

" )

151

£ ¤

" )

Apple Valley G

Be av

er D

" )

This map is intended to show the locations of public parks and recreation facilities. Many other private recreational facilities exist in the Wisconsin Dells area.

SERVICE AREA COMPOSITE LEGEND

Corporate Limits

Rivers

Parks

Tax Parcels

Lakes

Right-of-way

Service Area

Schools

n n

Private Public

. Gun Club c G YMCA 6 c

Printed by: smcdonald, File: P:\210s\218\00218082\GIS\00218082 Map 2 Existing Park Service Areas Composite.mxd

CITY OF BEAVER DAM DODGE COUNTY, WI

s c Æ

Golf Facility

Library

DATA SOURCES: BASE DATA PROVIDED BY COUNTY

T Boat Landing c Q Fair Grounds Æ

Race Track 0

625 1,250

Feet 2,500

E Print Date: 10:30:45 AM 5/3/2016