Waverly, Iowa Pars and Recreation Master Plan by MSA Professional Services

WAVERLY, IOWA

PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN City of Waverly Bremer County, Iowa 1

Acknowledgments Mayor and City Council Adam Hoffman - Mayor Brian Birgen, 1st Ward Julie Meyers, 2nd Ward Rodney Drenkow, 3rd Ward Heather Beaufore, 4th Ward Tim Kangas, 5th Ward Ann Rathe, At-Large Matthew Schneider, At-Large Leisure Services Garret Riordan, Director of Leisure Services Jen Johnson, Office Coordinator Joel Johnson Angela Brunssen Sonja Bodine Randy Neuendorf Brian Pins Derek Solheim Tara Winter Brian Birgen MSA Professional Services, Inc. Chris Janson, AICP Shannon Gapp, AICP Jim Holz, AICP Emily Huston

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction................................................P. 05

Chapter 2: Description of Waverly Parks .....................P. 15

Chapter 3: Goals, Objectives, and Policies ..................P. 46

Chapter 4: Analysis of Park Needs and Demands .......P. 52

Chapter 5: Recommendations .....................................P. 68

Chapter 6: Implementation..........................................P. 80

01 | INTRODUC TION

INTRODUCTION PLAN PURPOSE Parks, recreation and trails are important elements in the quality of life for all communities. Not only do these elements provide a safe and healthy place to recreate, they also serve to beautify, protect the natural environment and influence the patterns of development in and around the community. The City of Waverly realizes the importance and benefits its parks, open space and trail systems have on the City’s character and quality of life and is committed to providing for the recreational needs of current and future residents. This plan intends to guide the continual improvement of the City’s park, recreation and trail systems and maintain its eligibility for State and Federal park and recreation grants. This plan envisions a connected system of parks, open spaces and trails throughout Waverly, related to the City’s natural resources, geography and neighborhoods. The plan is also intended to be a support document and component of Waverly’s Comprehensive Plan, as well as align Waverly with local and State initiatives to promote outdoor recreation. This plan along with the City’s other long-range plans and development-related ordinances, will be used to implement and promote its parks and recreation program. Specifically the plan provides: • Information regarding demographic trends • An inventory of existing park and recreational facilities, • An analysis of parkland and recreational needs and demands, • General policy direction regarding park, recreation, open space, bicycle, and pedestrian facility planning and maintenance, • Recommendations for new and improving existing park, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and • Implementation strategies. This plan identifies conceptual locations and recommendations for different types of parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational facilities. In nearly every case, more detailed planning, engineering, study, budgeting, and discussions will be necessary before decisions are made to actually acquire land or construct recreational facilities.

PLANNING PROCESS Recreation, bicycle, and pedestrian planning are essential components of long-range community planning in Waverly. For this project, the City contracted with MSA Professional Services, Inc. to assist with an update to its plans. Early in the planning process Waverly facilitated an online community survey to gather citizen feedback on desired public park, trail, and recreational facilities. The process also included a public involvement meeting. This meeting was held to obtain input from the public on desired park and recreation improvements. The plan content and format have been tailored to fit the needs of Waverly.

THE ROLE OF PARKS, RECREATION & TRAILS The benefits of parks go far beyond simply being spaces where people can recreate. Parks contribute to the physical and mental health of individuals and provide public safety, environmental, economic and social equity benefits to our communities. Recently, parks have come to the forefront of public health discussions due to COVID-19. The pandemic put parks in the spotlight as more people seek them out as natural refuges. It is important to remember the benefits parks provide to the communities they serve. Public parks are a unique amenity because they have the potential to be accessible to anyone in the community, regardless of age, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity. Though we often find that disparities exist in the distribution and quality of parks and recreation amenities, many Leisure Services Departments across the U.S. are now rethinking how to engage and provide benefits to residents who do not currently have access to parks. If parks can be more inclusive, they have the potential to function as a nucleus of neighborhood activity, where residents can gather for social events, recreational activities, and meetings about local issues, increasing social interaction and creating an overall sense of community.

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE The definitions used in this plan are modified definitions used by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). They are used to classify the existing recreation system and to guide plans for the future. They begin with the smallest and most intensely used and proceed to largest and least used. Neighborhood and community parks are normally provided by the municipalities. The larger recreation areas are normally provided by larger units of government or private enterprise.

Mini - Parks

Typically on a small lot (1/4 acre), located within a residential neighborhood. Usually have one facility and benches. - Desirable size - 2 acres or less - Acres/1,000 population: .25 to .5 - Service Area: 1/8 to 1/4 mile radius

Neighborhood Playgrounds

Serves the needs of children 5-15 years old. It provides open fields, courts, shelter facilities, and play area. It should be within walking distance. - Desirable size - 2-4 acres - Acres/1,000 population: 0.5 - 1.5 acres - Service Area: 1/4 to 1/3 mile radius

Neighborhood Parks

This provides open space for all ages and enhances the overall environment. A natural location is ideal for this type, and it usually has tables, benches, paths, lights, and is walkable. - Desirable size - 3-7 acres - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

Community Play-fields

NRPA Classifications

Serves the active needs of several neighborhoods. Includes more than a park such as a pool, community center, and fields for sporting events. - Desirable size - 5 or more acres (15-40) - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

Special Purpose Parks

Created to take advantage of a natural or unusual feature, or to preserve areas and provide recreation. Golf course, marinas and boat ramps could be considered this. - Desirable size - varies on function - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function - Service Area: varies on function

Reservation and Preserves

Usually located outside of the urban area and include large tracts of land that have limited development. Usually provided by state, federal or county governments. - Desirable size - varies on function - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function - Service Area: varies on function

Greenbelts

Intended to serve many neighborhoods. Tends to have woods, water features, trails, and picnic areas. Should be determined by the size of the population. - Desirable size - 3-7 acres - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

Almost the same characteristics as the reservation or preserve; however it may be used to shape urban development. It could connect parks within an urban area. - Desirable size - varies on function - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function - Service Area: varies on function

Waysides, Welcome Centers, Historic Markers

Community Parks

NRPA Classifications Continued

Special purpose parks designed to serve motorists. They are important to a tourist industry. Size and location depends on natural features. - Desirable size - varies on function - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function - Service Area: varies on function

THE IMPORTANCE OF RECREATION Parks are often the most important and highly prized components of any community. They are sources of civic pride and are essential to the physical, economic, environmental, and social health of communities and their residents. Good planning is essential to a community’s recreation system as it provides a means to meet the needs and wants of the community. As a plan is developed it is important to keep in mind the variety of benefits that parks and recreation add to the community.

Health When residents and visitors have access to parks, trails, and recreation facilities, they exercise more and are generally healthier and happier. Additionally, increased exposure to natural areas that parks and open space provide has been linked to improved physical and mental health. Parks and trails encourage healthy, happy, active lifestyles and improve overall quality of life throughout a community.

Cultural & Social Parks have important social benefits. In a time when social media defines the interactions of many people, parks and recreational centers are places to meet, catch up with family members and friends, and feel like part of the larger community. As a focal point of neighborhoods, parks help develop connections between residents by providing a venue for community building gatherings, like school trips, festivals, and celebrations. Significant natural features, like the Cedar River and social gathering areas, have facilities and events for the enjoyment of all community members.

Natural Resources Parks and open space provide environmental benefits. Natural and planned vegetative landscapes found in parks, preserves and open spaces improve air quality and water quality. These areas may also play a role in stormwater management and protecting the quality and vitality of natural areas.

Property Values

Numerous studies have shown that close proximity and access to parks, trails, and open space has a positive impact on residential property values. Commercial property values can also be increased with proximity to recreational amenities, creating potential for these sites to act as catalysts for future growth and development. Access to recreational amenities helps fuel growth and investment in local economies.

Beautification Parks contribute to aesthetics of a community. Parkways, tree-lined streets, gardens, views of water bodies, public art, trails, and landscaped areas around town are all things that contribute to creating beautiful places to live, work, and play. Visitors often remember a place by its access to beautiful natural areas, contributing to a positive community image. Improved linkages should also connect community parks to other community nodes. Attractive, safe and well marked linkages make essential contributions to a community’s livability and viability.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Community Health According to the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), when individuals use green spaces, they have fewer health issues, improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduced stress—which leads to a lower incidence of depression and a greater ability to face problems. According to a report by the NRPA titled “The Economic Impact of Parks,” “Diabetic individuals taking 30-minute walks in a green space experienced lower blood glucose levels than spending the same amount of time doing physical activity in other settings. Thirty minutes of walking in nature resulted in larger drops in blood glucose than three hours of cycling indoors.”

Economic Prosperity Leisure time is an important component of everyone’s lifestyle and increasingly people are choosing locations to live based on quality-oflife factors such as recreational amenities. The ability to retain or attract new residents has direct economic benefits to the City. For this reason, having a great park, recreation, and trail systems contributes directly to economic development. According to a study completed by the National Recreation and Parks Association and George Mason University, 72% of the 70 communities studied use parks and recreation images in their economic development materials. The study notes that parks and recreation contribute to economic development through business attraction, business Ecological Health retention and expansion and talent attraction. While parks, forests and trails provide In addition, if a park system is designed with opportunities to improve the health of residents, connections to regional destinations, it can serve to they also contribute to the greater ecological bring in additional visitors. This additional tourism health of the City. Parks are often tied together can be a significant benefit to local businesses. The with environmentally sensitive areas such as City’s plan will align with regional and State plans wetlands, floodplains, surface waters, or significant to promote outdoor recreation in the greater area. woodlands which can include trails. These areas provide food and shelter for local wildlife and natural stormwater retention. Individual parks can provide important “rooms” of natural resource activity; however, they become even more functional when they can 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.

Connections Connecting parks and recreational facilities to each other and the general population via trails is important to encourage safe, alternative modes of transportation. These paths can provide an important alternate means of traveling for those who prefer to bike for health or environmental reasons and for those who lack other means of transportation due to age, income or disability. Shared-use paths also provide important connections to public transit. According to the National Household Travel Survey conducted by the Federal Highway Administration, 85% of transit trips begin and end with walking and nearly one in six walking trips is made for the purpose of accessing public transit. Increased Park Usage We are seeing increased usage of trails and parks that are forcing us to redesign common areas and improving pedestrian and bicycle flow to maintain social distancing. It is likely these shifts will impact parks into the future. Along with the design of park and recreation spaces, we are anticipating the way in which parks are funded is going to shift—there will likely be a more diverse set of funding sources and partnerships for park and recreation projects. A final anticipated impact is the fact that Leisure Services Departments are going to be prioritizing health equity and social justice in parks and programming.

Page intentionally left blank

02 | DESCRIPTION OF WAVERLY PARKS

WAVERLY, IOWA

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Understanding the history, culture and traditions of a community plays a key role in planning for the future, as these are the underlying principles that help shape a community, as do its people. This chapter presents a synopsis of the community based on its geography, demographic information and history. This information provides an understanding of the community that fosters the exploration of recreation trends in the City of Waverly which will in turn assist in the formulation of recommendations for park and recreation programs, amenities and services. The City of Waverly is located in Bremer County in Northeast Iowa. The Cedar River runs directly through the center of the community. Major transportation corridors include U.S. Highway 218 and Iowa Highway 3 which run east/west through the community. Waverly lies approximately eighty (80) miles west of the Mississippi River and sixty (60) miles south of the Iowa/Minnesota border. Surrounding communities include Denver, Janesville, Plainfield, Readlyn, Shell Rock, Sumner and Tripoli.

WAVERLY PARKS

An on-site evaluation of existing parks and amenities provided the basis for formulating future improvement recommendations. As part of this process each of the parks were visited, photodocumented, and inventoried to determine what amenities exist and how each park and open space area is used. The following pages highlight the inventory that was conducted on each of the parks.

PARKS INVENTORY Adams Parkway

Kohlmann Park

Brookwood Park

Memorial Park

Cedar Hill Park

Pelikan Park

Crestwood and Harlington Cemetery

Prairie Park

Eastgate Park

Red Cedar Park

First Home Park

Ridgewood Park

Gateway Park

Rolling Meadows Park

Half Circle Park

Rolling Hills Park

Hickory Heights Park

Rugby Field

Juhl Park

Second Home Park

Kiwanis Park

South Riverside Park

Knotts Playlot

Three Rivers Park

Basemap

EUCLID

Print Date: 7/20/2021

Willow Lawn Park

22ND AVE NW

City of Waverly Bremer County, IA

Prairie Park

RT O

210

Wayfinding Master

HAWTHORN

DAKOTA

GARDEN

CASPER

205

212

Pelikan Park 12TH ST NW

CEDAR RIVER DR

BREM

E AV EN 2N

1ST ST NW

2ND ST NW

3RD ST NW

5TH ST NW

Cemetery

Nature Reserve Point of Interest

2ND AVE NE

Park

1ST AVE SE

3RD AVE SW

16TH ST SW

5TH AVE SW

Memorial Park

3RD ST SW

4TH AVE SW

Civic Building

Kiwanis Park

Brookwood Park

South Riverside Park

Eastgate Park

Crestwood Park

Rolling Meadow Park

ME R

AV E 3

CEDAR RIVER PKWY

10TH AVE SW

39TH ST NE

2ND AVE SW

12TH ST SE

First Home Park

3RD ST SE

Half-Circle Park

ITA

Park 220

5TH AVE NE

BREMER AVE

VE BREMER A

R HE

Parcels (2017)

1ST AVE NE

1ST ST SW

1ST AVE NW

E AV

Kohlmann Park

3RD AVE NW

2ND ST SW

6TH AVE NW

4TH ST NW

3RD AVE NW

Willow Lawn Park

ER RD

20TH ST NW

35TH ST NW

24TH ST NW

4TH AVE NW

Second Home Park

River/Stream

GRAND

5TH AVE NW

Waverly

Three Rivers Park Adams Parkway

Juhl Park

7TH AVE NW Knott's Playlot

Rugby Field

Cedar Hill Park

Ridgewood Park

Gateway Park

220

CE D

Hickory Heights Park

CEDA R RIV

39TH ST SE

30TH ST SE

Red Cedar Park

Babcock Woods

DR GE

HILTON

240

240TH ST

Data Sources: Municipal Boundary: Bremer County Parcels: Bremer County (2017) Roads: Names DOT (2006) and Functional Classifica Parks: Open Street Map (2021) Building Footprints: Microsoft (2018)

FERN

29TH AVE SW

FAIRVIEW

240

GRAND

GARDEN

DUSTY

3RD ST SW

18TH AVE SE

BISHOP

Printed By: aconverse, File: \\msa-ps.com\fs\Project\12\12200\12200012\GIS\6_Pro_Project12200012\6_Pro_Project12200012.aprx

4TH ST SW

8TH ST SE

ER PKW Y

0.1

ADAMS PARKWAY (Corner of Adams Parkway & 1st St. NW) A large grassy open area with several shade trees throughout. Features a park grill and open space. Adams Parkway was established in1971. The park was named after Horace Adams,longtime city public works superintendent. Plantings were added in 1978.

Recommendations: • Trail loop • Benches/Picnic tables • Accessibility improvements

1st St. NW

9th Ave NW

BROOKWOOD PARK (415 6th Ave. SE) A large area along the Cedar River featuring a newly upgraded 18-hole Disc Golf Course. Brookwood has several mature trees, open space and an undeveloped area to the east along the river. There are walking trails in the undeveloped areas. There is a non-motorized boat ramp. Fishing is very popular. There are hard surface trails connecting to SE Elementary and Red Cedar Park and walking trails in the undeveloped areas. A paved parking area is present. Recommendations: • Enhance accessibility • Plantings at signage • Highlight upgraded Disc Golf and paths • Add Skate Park features from Memorial Park

CEDAR HILL PARK (400 Brown Lane NE) A natural stand of hardwoods in the Murphy addition. It is on sandy soils and has an overlook over the Cedar River. Nature trails are marked and identified.

Recommendations: • Signage • Parking • Walking path

Brown Ln.

CRESTWOOD PARK (200 8th Parkway SE) A water retention area in Southeast Waverly. Features a hard surface trail running the length of the park connecting to SE Elementary and South Riverside Park.

4th St. SW

Recommendations: • Additional plantings along Crestwood Trail

HARLINGTON CEMETERY PLAN (Harlington Cemetery) Located across from Memorial and Crestwood Park and known as Waverly’s first park. It has scenic trail networks amongst mature plantings.

Recommendations: • Cemetery expansion • New memorials • Phasing Plan

(More information in Chapter 5)

EASTGATE PARK (220 Elm St. NE) Located in the northeast corner of Eastgate subdivision. There is a waterway splitting the park and a bridge to connect the two sides.

Recommendations: • New play features • Edging • Accessibility improvements

Elm St.

Maple Ave

FIRST HOME PARK 1299 2nd Ave. SW (On the corner of 2nd Ave. SW and Iowa St.) FEATURES: Playground Unit Basketball Slab Swings FUN FACTS: Located in one of the first units of housing erected following WWII. The area became known as “First Home Addition” in 1949. Thus, the neighborhood park space was given the name First Home Park. The play unit in the park was installed in 2003.

Recommendations: • New play features • Accessibility improvements

2nd Ave SW

HALF CIRCLE PARK (2nd Ave SW) On the North side of 2nd Ave SW. Serves as neighborhood open space.

Recommendations: • Benches and Picnic Tables for neighborhood gatherings

ve SW

2nd A

JUHL & GATEWAY PARK (1001 9th St. NW) Features a play unit and a basketball slab.

Recommendations: • New Play Equipment • Better Accessibility • Master Plan for Gateway

9th Ave NW

KIWANIS PARK (403 3rd Ave. SE) On the North side of the Cedar River, across from Brookwood Park. Features 3 youth baseball fields, concession and restroom facilities, and a playground.

Recommendations: • Prioritize upgrades to this park • New and safe play features • Building Improvements • Parking Lot Improvements • Baseball Field Improvements to serve Adult Softball League • Consider expansion to the north toward the Park Maintenance parking lot.

4th St SE

3rd Ave SE

HICKORY HEIGHTS PARK (1312 Dalton Drive NW) Features playground equipment and swings, backstop, basketball slab, open area and tree plantings.

Recommendations: • New Play Features • Better Accessibility • Consider Adding Pickleball

Park Ave

Dalton Dr 29

KNOTTS PLAYLOT (601 6th Ave. NW) Features a grassy play area and a basketball slab at the corner of the dry run in Knott’s Addition.

Recommendations: • Play Equipment • Better Accessibility • New Basketball hoop

6th Ave NW

KOHLMANN PARK (101 1st St. NW) Four blocks long along the Cedar River. Features a play unit, swings, recreational trail, 2 small shelters, modern restroom, some of the best fishing and views of the inflatable dam. It is the closest park that we have to town square. Many community events are held here.

1st St NW

Recommendations: • New Restrooms • Opportunity for more sculptures

W Bremer Ave

MEMORIAL PARK (403 5th Ave. SW) The main city park in town. It has the 3 lighted ball diamonds, a renovated outdoor swimming pool with 2 water slides, large wooden play unit (Kid’s Kingdom built in September 1992), two restroom facilities, log cabin, four picnic shelters, concession stand, and Fairgrounds buildings. Recommendations: -(See Overall Park Master Plan)

(More information in Chapter 5)

4th St SW

5th Ave SW

MEMORIAL PARK (CONTINUED)

PELIKAN PARK (1401 Cedar Lane Dr. NE) Situated along the back waters of the Cedar River. It is popular for fishing and is the main ice skating location.

Recommendations: • Pave Parking • Accessible Path to Picnic Table • Benches and Accessibility to grill • Canoe/Kayak Parking • Warming house to promote ice skating

r da

PRAIRIE PARK (North of Tumbleweed Tr. NE) Features a play unit and swings, many young trees and open space. A new prairie was just installed on the north half of the park in 2012.

Recommendations: • Parking Lot • Accessible path to playground • Path through Prairie • New Play Equipment • Edging around playground • Basketball court striping

Tumbleweed Trail

RED CEDAR PARK & DOG PARK (8th St. SE) Located on the East side of 8th St. SE across from the W-SR Soccer Complex. A 15-acre property reclaimed after the flood of 2008 and converted to a open woodland savanna. The area features a natural open space with available parking and a walking trail.

Recommendations: • Highlight Amenities: Trail, Prairie, Dog Park • Add restrooms at Dog Park and near Parking Areas

r PKW

8th Street SE

Rive Cedar

CEDAR RIVER PARK (8th St. SE) Located on the West side of 8th St. SE for the W-SR Soccer Complex and North of Cedar River Parkway for the Baseball Diamonds.

Recommendations: • Highlight Amenities: Baseball and Soccer Fields • Add restrooms near Parking Areas

r PKW

8th Street SE

Rive Cedar

RIDGEWOOD PARK (734 Greenfield Ave. NW) Nestled at the foot of Greenfield Avenue, a beautiful greens space park overlooking the Cedar River. Due to the possibility of flooding there is no playground unit. However, there is ample green space and many shade trees.

Recommendations: • Pave Parking • Add Trail Loop • Consider Splash Pad or Play Equipment

Greenfield Ave NW

ROLLING HILLS PARK (Monaghan Drive SE) A new park in the Rolling Hills subdivision. Playground equipment installed in 2018. Basketball court installed in 2019.

Recommendations: • Accessibility Improvements • Edging

Monaghan Drive SE

ROLLING MEADOWS PARK (1322 Robertson Road SW) Features playground equipment and swings, beautiful landscaping, a full court basketball court, and an open area in the middle of the park.

Recommendations: • Add Features where sidewalks stop • Add Loop Trail • Consider Splash Pad or New Play Equipment

Robertson Rd

RUGBY FIELD (North of 3rd Ave. NW) On the North side of the 3rd Ave NW. Rugby field and open space.

Recommendations: • Increase Visibility • Designated Parking • Striping

5th Ave NW

3rd Ave NW 41

SECOND HOME PARK (South of 3rd Ave. NW) On the North side of the 3rd Ave NW. Adjacent to West Cedar Elementary School.

Recommendations: • Develop a Master Plan • Add trail and features desired by the community

3rd Ave NW

SOUTH RIVERSIDE PARK (319 1st St SW) South of the Fire Station and along the Cedar River for 5 blocks. Features an outdoor shelter and the newly renovated Exchange Building, playground equipment, and some undeveloped area to the south. Fishing is popular along the river in this park.

1st St SW

Recommendations: • New play equipment at south end • Update Parking • Add Restrooms

THREE RIVERS PARK (1000 Adams Parkway) Features a double boat ramp and a boat dock. It is adjacent to the Waverly Utililties Duck Pond area. The Duck Pond is popular for hiking and fishing.

Adam

s PKW

Recommendations: • Pave Parking lot • Update Shelter • Add a loop Trail • Enhance the boat launch

WILLOW LAWN PARK (24th St. NW) Features a play unit, swings, basketball slab, and back stop. It has had extensive tree plantings. It is pie shaped with houses on two sides and street on the other.

th St N

Recommendations: • Upgrade basketball hoop and striping

RAIL TRAIL & TRAIL SYSTEM Starting at the 480’ Cedar River Bridge in downtown Waverly, the 10’ wide asphalt trail proceeds southeast for about 7 miles over 8 bridges and under 2 roads and concludes at US Highway 63. At that point, the Denver- Jefferson Trail takes you into Denver about 2 miles south and the ReadlynGrump Trail takes you to Readlyn about 6 miles east. The mostly rural trail exhibits a wide variety of flora and fauna. Facilities include benches and picnic tables at key locations, a modern restroom at the Kwik Star in downtown Waverly, primitive restroom facilities at the 2 and 6 mile mark, and scenery that changes for every season. Several restaurants and shops in downtown Waverly are conveniently close. Two annual trail events are the Candlelight Walk, the first Saturday of November and the Candlelight Ski, a cross-country ski or walking event the last Saturday of January or first Saturday of February. They are walk/ski events with about 400 luminaries for 1.1 miles on the trail edges, bonfire, and Nestles hot cocoa at the turn around point. In the event of snowfall, all trails in town are cleared, except: Brookwood Park, and the trail South of Red Cedar Park along 8th St. SE. Additionally, the Rail Trail from the trail head behind Kwik Star East traveling East on the trail to Hwy. 63 at the 7 mile mark. These portions of the trail are not cleared to promote winter activities such as cross country skiing, snow shoeing, fat tire biking and more. Rail-Trail Rules Signal turns or stops Move to single file when an oncoming trail user approaches Move off the trail or stay clear when stopped Show respect for adjacent private property No hunting or firearms allowed on trail or within 50 feet of trail Trail users are encouraged to wear appropriate safety equipment, including helmets When passing, say “on your left” or “passing” Pets should be on a leash and should not leave “anything” behind Keep the trail clean Slow down when the trail is busy Stay alert Have fun

Page intentionally left blank

03 | GOALS, OBJEC TIVES, AND POLICIES

VISION FOR THE PARKS & RECREATION SYSTEM Overview

The City identified a need to reinvigorate its parks and recreation offerings for current and future residents. Public parks are a unique amenity because they have the potential to be accessible to anyone in the community, regardless of age, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity. Though we often find that disparities exist in the distribution and quality of parks and recreation amenities, many Leisure Services Departments across the U.S. are now rethinking how to engage and provide benefits to residents who do not currently have access to parks. If parks can be more inclusive, they have the potential to function as a nucleus of neighborhood activity, where residents can gather for social events, recreational activities, and meetings about local issues, increasing social interaction and creating an overall sense of community.

Plan Objective

Develop a comprehensive, usable, living document which outlines the current assets and improvements of the park system. This plan was created with the objective of analyzing the existing conditions of the parks to better develop an equitable and usable concept for the new park area for visitors and current and future residents. The recommendations of this plan are divided into two major sections:

(1) existing park facilities (2) new or expanded park facilities Waverly Park and Recreation Vision

The City of Waverly will offer activities and programs for citizens of all ages and abilities, while diversifying recreation amenities and improving those that already exist to meet growing needs of the community.

EUCLID

Print Date: 7/20/2021

Basemap

22ND AVE NW

City of Waverly Bremer County, IA

Prairie Park

RT O

210

Parks & Open Space Plan

HAWTHORN

DAKOTA

GARDEN

CASPER

205

212

Pelikan Park

12TH ST NW

CEDAR RIVER DR

3RD AVE NW

Willow Lawn Park

ER R D NE AV E

1ST ST NW

2ND ST NW

5TH ST NW

Nature Reserve Point of Interest

2ND AVE NE

Brookwood Park

South Riverside Park

Eastgate Park

Crestwood Park

Rolling Meadow Park

AV E

CEDAR RIVER PKWY

10TH AVE SW R PKW Y

Red Cedar Park

39TH ST SE

4TH ST SW

8TH ST SE

CEDA R RIVE

30TH ST SE

ME R

39TH ST NE

3RD ST SW

16TH ST SW

Memorial Park

Civic Building

Kiwanis Park

12TH ST SE

3RD AVE SW

3RD ST SE

2ND AVE SW

5TH AVE SW

Babcock Woods

DR GE

HILTON

240

240TH ST

Data Sources: Municipal Boundary: Bremer County Parcels: Bremer County (2017) Roads: Names DOT (2006) and Functional Classification DOT (2021) Parks: Open Street Map (2021) Building Footprints: Microsoft (2018)

FERN

29TH AVE SW

FAIRVIEW

240

GRAND

GARDEN

DUSTY

EA G

3RD ST SW

18TH AVE SE

BISHOP

Printed By: aconverse, File: \\msa-ps.com\fs\Project\12\12200\12200012\GIS\6_Pro_Project12200012\6_Pro_Project12200012.aprx

Park

1ST AVE SE

First Home Park

4TH AVE SW

R HE

Cemetery

220

5TH AVE NE

1ST AVE NE

1ST ST SW

Half-Circle Park

VE BREMER A

G ITA

Park

BREMER AVE

Kohlmann Park

3RD AVE NW

2ND ST SW

1ST AVE NW E AV

6TH AVE NW

4TH ST NW

24TH ST NW

4TH AVE NW

Second Home Park

Parcels (2017) GRAND

5TH AVE NW

River/Stream

BREM

Adams Parkway

Juhl Park

7TH AVE NW Knott's Playlot

Rugby Field

Waverly

Three Rivers Park

3RD ST NW

35TH ST NW

Gateway Park

220

Cedar Hill Park

Ridgewood Park

20TH ST NW

Hickory Heights Park

CE D

0.1

0.2 Miles

EUCLID

Print Date: 9/16/2021

Existing Parks

22ND AVE NW

City of Waverly Bremer County, IA

Prairie Park

RT O

210

Park and Open Space Master Plan Update

HAWTHORN

DAKOTA

GARDEN

CASPER

205

212

Pelikan Park

12TH ST NW

Adams Parkway

Willow Lawn Park

DA VE

4TH AVE SW 5TH AVE SW

2ND ST NW

1ST ST NW

Brookwood Park

Eastgate Park

Rolling Meadow Park

RA VE 3

PKW Y

4TH ST SW

Red Cedar Park

30TH ST SE

RIVER

8TH ST SE

CEDA R

16TH ST SW

CEDAR RIVER PKWY

10TH AVE SW

Babcock Woods

DR GE

HILTON

240

240TH ST

FERN

29TH AVE SW

FAIRVIEW

240

GRAND

GARDEN

DUSTY

EA G

3RD ST SW

18TH AVE SE

BISHOP

Printed By: aconverse, File: \\msa-ps.com\fs\Project\12\12200\12200012\GIS\6_Pro_Project12200012\6_Pro_Project12200012.aprx

South Riverside Park Crestwood Park

1/2 Mile Park Buffer

39TH ST SE

Memorial Park

1/4 Mile Park Buffer

Kiwanis Park

39TH ST NE

3RD AVE SW

3RD ST SE

Home Park 2ND AVE SW

River/Stream

1ST AVE SE

12TH ST SE

Half-Circle Park First

E AV

ITA

Nature Reserve

BREMER AVE

E NW AV

R HE

Cemetery

2ND AVE NE

1ST AVE NE

1ST ST SW

BREMER

Waverly Park

Kohlmann Park

3RD AVE NW

2ND ST SW

1ST AVE NW

3RD ST NW

Second Home Park

220

5TH AVE NE

3RD ST SW

3RD AVE NW

4TH AVE NW

5TH ST NW

5TH AVE NW

6TH AVE NW

4TH ST NW

24TH ST NW

Rugby Field

Knott's Playlot

GRAND

7TH AVE NW

Gateway Park

220

BREM

Juhl Park

ER R D

Three Rivers Park

20TH ST NW

IVER DR RR

35TH ST NW

Cedar Hill Park

Ridgewood Park

DA CE

Hickory Heights Park

CE D

0.1

0.2 Miles

EXISTING PARKS The parks as they exist today are in need of improvement, particularly those in older neighborhoods with outdated and unsafe play equipment. The image to the right is the play features that can be found at Kiwanis Park. The park inventory in Chapter 2 highlights each existing park’s location and initial recommendations based on site photos and amenities noted at each site. Full recommendations for each park can be found in Chapter 5.

NEW OR EXPANDED PARKS Each City park has its own unique needs, users, and opportunities. Therefore, each park has its own set of recommendations, timeline for improvements, and associated costs. The map below highlights the location of each of the parks, as well as the 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile service areas for each. Generally, a 1/4 mile service area indicates an approximate 5 minute walk, and a 1/2 mile equating to a +/- 10 minute walk. A recommended goal for the City of Waverly is to ensure that all residents have a park that is within walking distance of their home.

WAVERLY PARK & RECREATION GOALS Plan Goals This purpose of this plan is to guide development of subsequent parks, recreation, open space and bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Waverly. Goals are presented here as desired outcomes. Strategies include both actions and policy rules—they are the methods proposed to achieve the stated goals. Goal 1 - Have safe access to quality park and recreation facilities and programming regardless of income, age, race, ability or geographic location. Goal 2 - Provide sufficient park land and amenities to meet current and future recreational needs. Goal 3 - Develop, improve and operate the City’s parks and recreation programs in a cost effective manner. Goal 4 - Coordinate park development efforts with other City departments, other units of government, the City of Waverly/Shell Rock School District/Wartburg College, and sporting organizations. Goal 5 - Provide residents with safe and reliable recreation equipment throughout the City park system. Goal 6 - Provide a seamless network of trails that provide safe and comfortable access. Goal 7 - Provide adequate management and staffing levels to oversee the maintenance of park and open space lands and facilities. Goal 8 - Parks and open spaces will be designed to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

04 | ANALYSIS OF PARK NEEDS AND DEMANDS

ANALYSIS OF PARK NEEDS AND DEMANDS This chapter presents an analysis of how well the City’s existing park and recreation facilities satisfy current needs. These findings are derived from the:

PARKS INVENTORY COMMUNIT Y INPUT E VENTS ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS LEISURE SERVICES FEEDBACK EXISTING PL ANS RE VIE W

Adams Parkway Brookwood Park Cedar Bend Wildlife Area Cedar Hill Park Crestwood and Harlington Cemetery Eastgate Park First Home Park Gateway Park Half Circle Park Hickory Heights Park Juhl Park Kiwanis Park Knotts Playlot Kohlmann Park Memorial Park Pelikan Park Prairie Park Red Cedar Park Ridgewood Park Rolling Meadows Park Rugby Field Second Home Park South Riverside Park Three Rivers Park Willow Lawn Park

Neighborhood Park

5.71

200 8th Parkway SE

Public Space

33.93

220 Elm St. NE

Neighborhood Park

1.79

1299 2nd Ave. SW

Neighborhood Park

0.63

1001 9th St. NW

Neighborhood Park

0.90

2nd Ave SW

Neighborhood Space

0.32

1312 Dalton Drive NW

Neighborhood Park

1.98

1001 9th St. NW

Neighborhood Park

0.31

403 3rd Ave. SE

Community Park

0.49

601 6th Ave. NW

Neighborhood Park

0.52

101 1st St. NW

Community Park

5.30

403 5th Ave. SW

Community Park

22.98

1401 Cedar Lane Dr. NE

Community Park

1.68

North of Tumbleweed Tr. NE

✓

Neighborhood Park

44.10

8th St. SE

Community Park

15.42

✓ ✓

734 Greenfield Ave. NW

Community Park

4.46

1322 Robertson Road SW

Neighborhood Park

2.14

North of 3rd Ave. NW

Sports Field

18.44

South of 3rd Ave. NW

Neighborhood Space

1.32

319 1st St SW

Community Park

12.96

1000 Adams Parkway

Community Park

40.83

24th St. NW

Neighborhood Park

2.88

✓

117.90

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

✓

Parking

400 Brown Lane NE

28.78

Disc Golf

Nature Preserve

✓ ✓

3.25

Restroom

1 mile NW of Waverly

Dog Park

Community Park

Skate Park

415 6th Ave. SE

Soccer Field

Neighborhood Park

Basketball Court

Corner of Adams Parkway & 1st St. NW

Baseball/Softball Diamond

Park Category

Batting Cage

Location

Swimming/Splash Pad

Acres

Benches/Picnic Tables

Park/Facility

Playground Equipment

PARKS INVENTORY

✓

✓ ✓

✓

✓ ✓

COMMUNIT Y INPUT E VENTS COMMUNITY INPUT WORKSHOP The first Community Input Workshop was held on April 27 at the Waverly Civic Center. The event included a short presentation to introduce the projects and process. Following the presentation, participants had the opportunity to visit different stations for the different plans around the room. The event was well attended and the project team received a great deal of feedback via conversations, dot voting, sticky notes, and discussions regarding strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

POP-UP EVENT 1 | ART WALK The first Pop-Up event was at the Art Walk event held on May 7th at Kohlmann Park. The booth had a number of boards for visitors to review some of the existing plans and conditions relating to future land use, parks and recreation, trails, and Memorial Park. There was also a children’s activity for youth to sketch their ideal future park and use stickers for a children-friendly visual preference study with play equipment imagery.

JOINT WORKSHOP 1 The first Joint Workshop was held on May 25th at the Waverly Civic Center and included the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Economic Development Committee. While reviewing the draft future land use maps, findings were made and noted relating to the Waverly parks as well as the identification of areas that may be underserved.

COMMUNIT Y INPUT E VENTS COMMUNITY INPUT2 WORKSHOP 2 POP-UP EVENT | HERITAGE DAYS

The second Pop-Up event was at the Heritage Days event held on July 13 at Memorial Park. This event booth had several boards showing preliminary concepts for each of the planning projects. This included two concepts for Memorial Park, three concepts for the pool, the draft trails plan, a board for the parks and open space plan and opportunities for dot voting and discussions about each of the plans.

JOINT WORKSHOP 2 The second Joint Workshop was held on September 27th at te Waverly Civic Center. The meeting once again included the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Economic Development Committee. In addition to reviewing the draft future land use map, participants also had the opportunity to review and provide feedback on park and trail plans that had been made available at other outreach events.

POP-UP EVENT 2 | OKTOBERFEST The third Pop-Up event was at the Oktoberfest event held on October 8th. At this event the project team displayed the draft future land use map, the concept for Memorial Park, imagery of park amenities, pool layout options, park plan recommendations, and bicycle and pedesrtian trail plans. Attendees provided significant feedback through dot voting and discussions with the team.

The second Community Input Workshop was held on August 4th at the Waverly Civic Center. The event included a short presentation with an update on the progress of the plans, then the opportunity to visit different stations for the different plans around the room. Feedback was gathered via conversations, dot voting, sticky notes, and mark-ups on the plans.

DRAFT PLANS OPEN HOUSE The public open house was held on October 19th at the Waverly Civic Center. Several boards were displayed around the room relating to the different plans with the project team available to discuss the concepts. Two copies of the Comprehensive Plan draft as well as the Parks and Open Space Plan were at the corresponding tables for viewing. A short presentation was made and plan discussions helped aid the team in refining the plans and concepts.

ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS The following pages provide the results of the Waverly Parks & Open Space + Bicycle & Pedestrian Survey. For each question, the top response has been circled to quickly illustrate the most selected option. Through this process key trends were identified including the average age of respondents (35-44), length of time in Waverly (15+ years), distance from parks and trails (within walking distance), favorite parks (Kohlmann Park), favorite activities (walking) and more. Maps have also been included to identify the general location of respondents, favorite places to relax, most visited playgrounds, trail and safety concerns, and potential future connections or trails.

ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS

LEISURE SERVICES FEEDBACK Objectives:

-Safety -Memorial Park -Obtain as much public input as possible -Infuse technology in the parks -Create inclusive places with access for all -Leverage venues and funding sources to continue to build -Small neighborhood parks – have something that sets each apart -At the 20-year mark for many neighborhood parks. Time for some replacements. -Use the parks as an economic driver -Find ways to capture and reuse materials -Base the plan on what the community wants to see – both children and adults -Make the bike trail system more extensive with loop trails

Beautification:

Strengths-Vegetation management -Team of people passionate about how parks are maintained -Public art - Mural downtown is great and well-received WeaknessesNeighborhood parks in need of upgrades Public art – need to be careful with the use, needs to fit the community ThreatsChallenges with flooding

Recreation:

Strengths-Opportunities with Memorial Park Weaknesses-Placement of the aquatic center – need to right-size for the community -Need to make better use of the river – whitewater activities in other communities Opportunities-Kayak launch would be a draw -Infusing technology in the parks to create recreational learning environments Threats-Possible replacement of the rail trail – how and where -Memorial park only has so much space – how and where to accommodate communities’ desires

Mobility:

Opportunities-Access to rail trail - 2 new schools – appropriate trail access (safe routes to school) -Clean access to ball diamonds Weaknesses-Parking issues with parks -Memorial Park needs to be on the trail system -Hooking up the parks is a priority -Mid block crossing needed at the ball diamonds

EXISTING PL ANS RE VIE W PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN (CREATED IN 2011) VISION:

1. Involve the community in the planning process by conducting a survey, focus group and/or public information meetings 2. Establish policies/design and set a community example of being effective stewards of the land 3. Develop and encourage policies for a community-wide green infrastructure including using park and open space land 4. Employ Best Management Practices to maintain and finance the facilities while providing high quality service 5. As the community changes and facilities are built, develop a plan for the renovation of existing sites and future sites and define how they would change and serve the community for many years 6. Work efficiently with City Staff and the Steering Committee throughout the planning process 7. Coordinate with City’s comprehensive planning process

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Master Plan Recommendation # 1 Protect the Cedar River by Implementing Environmentally Sensitive Techniques Master Plan Recommendation #2: Improve Access to the Cedar River and Maximize the Potential of this Amenity Master Plan Recommendation #3: Create a Dry Run Creek Greenway Corridor Master Plan Recommendation #4: Incorporate a Consistent Theme - Standardize Signage and Site Furnishings Master Plan Recommendation # 5 Improve Safety Throughout the Park and Trail System Master Plan Recommendation #6: Update and Install Quality Materials Throughout the Waverly Park and Open Space System Master Plan Recommendation #7: Park and Facility Improvements Master Plan Recommendation #8: Plan for Future Neighborhood and Community Parks Master Plan Recommendation # 9 Improve ADA Accessibility Master Plan Recommendation # 10 Transfer Management and/or Relocate Skate Park to a Non-Profit Organization

Master Plan Recommendation # 11 Finalize Two Locations for Community Gardens and Plan for One Children’s Garden Master Plan Recommendation # 12 Relocate Bremer County Fairgrounds and Create a “Central Park” at the Existing Location Master Plan Recommendation # 13 Relocate the Existing Maintenance Department to the Existing Bremer County Fairgrounds (Future “Central Park”) Master Plan Recommendation # 14 Locate the Bandshell at the North End of Kohlmann Park or Consider a Mobile Band Stage for the Short Term Master Plan Recommendation # 15 Maximize Opportunities for Winter Activities and Recreation Master Plan Recommendation # 16 Provide Trails Throughout Waverly for Various Skill Levels of Bicyclists Master Plan Recommendation # 17 Create and Adopt the Trail Master Plan Master Plan Recommendation # 18 Implement Walk-able and Bike-able Streets Throughout Waverly Master Plan Recommendation # 19 Implement Trail Design Standards Master Plan Recommendation # 20 Construct Various Trail Types Master Plan Recommendation # 21 Plan for at Least One Future Cedar River Trail Crossing Master Plan Recommendation # 22 Improve Bicycle Access in Downtown Waverly Master Plan Recommendation # 23 Implement Traffic Calming Techniques at Trail and Walkway Locations Master Plan Recommendation # 24 Focus on Safe Walks and Trails Adjacent to Schools Master Plan Recommendation # 25 Develop and Implement Policy Guidelines for Leisure Services

05 | RECOMMENDATIONS

PARK PLAN Existing Parks RECOMMENDATIONS EUCLID

HAWTHORN

NE DA VE

12TH ST SE

Cemetery

1/4 Mile Park Buffer

CEDAR RIVER PKWY

RA VE

39TH ST SE 39TH ST NE

Rolling Meadow Park Recommendations: -Accessibility improvements -Edging

18TH AVE SE

Babcock Woods

Consider Multi-Use 1/2 Mile Park Buffer Ball Diamonds/Sand Volleyball

Rolling Hills Eastgate ParkPark

30TH ST SE

12TH ST SE

Eastgate Park Recommendations: -New play equipment -Accessibility improvements

18TH AVE SE 240

39TH ST SE 240

Babcock Woods

DR GE

River/Stream Outdated Play Equipment

RA VE

30TH ST SE

Potential Future Park

240TH ST

Potential Future Nature Park Reserve

39TH ST NE

Eastgate Park

Park

1/4 Mile Park Buffer Waverly 1/2 Mile Park Buffer Park

GARDEN

River/Stream 220

5TH AVE NE

Kiwanis Park Recommendations: -Prioritize upgrades to this park -New and safe play equipment ‘-Building Improvements -Parking Lot Improvements -Baseball Field Improvements -Consider Camping

Brookwood Park Recommendations: CEDAR RIVER PKWY -Enhance accessibility -Plantings at signage -Highlight upgraded disc golf and trails -Add Skate Park features from Memorial Park

Red Cedar Park Recommendations: -Highlight Amenities: Trail, Soccer, Baseball, Dog Park -Add restrooms at Dog Park Red Cedar and near Parking Areas

DUSTY

FAIRVIEW

3RD ST SW

HAWTHORN

BREM ER R BREM

Cemetery

HILTON

DA VE

Park

3RD ST SE

RIVER PKW Y

DR GE

4TH ST SW

DUSTY 16TH ST SW

3RD ST SW

CEDA R

29TH AVE SW

240TH ST

240

HILTON

240

GRAND

GARDEN

BISHOP

ect\12\12200\12200012\GIS\6_Pro_Project12200012\6_Pro_Project12200012.aprx

29TH AVE SW

240

1ST AVE SE

Brookwood ParkRed Cedar South Crestwood Park Park Recommendations: Riverside -Additional plantings along Park Crestwood Trail Crestwood Park

First Home Park

-New play features -Accessibility improvements

Brookwood Park NE 1ST AVE

RIVER PKW Y

4TH ST SW

16TH ST SW

CEDA R

10TRecommendations: H AVE SW

2ND AVE NE

South Riverside Park Crestwood Park

Waverly

Kiwanis Park

Harlington Cemetery Recommendations: Memorial Park expansion -Cemetery -New memorials -Phasing Plan

Rolling Meadow Park Recommendations: -Add Features where sidewalks stop G-Add Loop Trail Rolling ITA -Consider Splash Pad or R Meadow Park HE New Play Equipment

ER R D

HO RT ON RD

Memorial Park Recommendations:3RD AVE SW -(See Overall Park 4TH AVE SW Master Plan) 5TH AVE SW

1ST ST NW

2ND ST NW

3RD ST NW

4TH ST NW

Home Park 2ND AVE SW

10TH AVE SW

Kohlmann Park

3RD AVE NW

BREMER AVE

Half-Circle Park First

220

Nature Reserve

8TH ST SE

Rolling Meadow Park

1ST AVE NW Memorial Park

1ST AVE NE

3RD ST SE

5TH AVE SW

2ND AVE NE

Kiwanis Park

1ST ST SW

4TH AVE SW

2ND ST SW

Second Home Park

5TH AVE NE

1ST AVE SE

3RD ST SW

5TH ST NW

AVE SW 3RD NW 4TH AVE

BREMER

BREMER AVE Knott's 7TH AVE NWSouth Riverside Park Playlot Recommendations: NW 6TH AVE at -New play equipment 5TH ST NW

24TH ST NW

Half Circle Park E NW Recommendations: AV -Benches1STand Picnic Tables for neighborhood E G W gatherings AV A

Rivers Park

Kohlmann Park Adams Parkway

south end Home Park 2ND AVE SW -Update Parking -Add Restrooms

Field

3RD AVE NW

Recommendations: -New Restrooms -Opportunity for more Three sculptures

3RD ST SW 3RD ST NW SW 2ND ST 2ND ST NW 1ST ST SW 1ST ST NW

Half-Circle Park First

Cedar Hill Kohlmann Park Park

Potential Future Park (Irving Site)

4TH ST NW

12TH ST NW

24TH ST NW

35TH ST NW

20TH ST NW

Second Home Park Recommendations: -Develop a Master Plan -Add trail and features Rugby 5TH AVE NW desired by the community

Potential Future Park/ Multi-Use Ball Diamonds

-Enhance the boat launch

GRAND

VE BREMER A

E NW AV

1ST AVE NW

212

FERN

12TH ST NW

20TH ST NW

35TH ST NW

Gateway Park

3RD AVE NW

CE Shelter D-Update AR -Add a loop Trail

GRAND

Juhl Park

212

City of Waverly Bremer County, IA

Second Home Park

Willow Lawn Park

Printed By: aconverse, File: \\msa-ps.com\fs\Project\12\12200\12200012\GIS\6_Pro_Project12200012\6_Pro_Project12200012.aprx

IVER DR RR

Willow Lawn Park Recommendations: -Upgrade basketball hoop and striping

3RD AVE NW

Knott's Ridgewood Playlot Park 6TH AVE NW

7TH AVE NW

Knott’s Playlot 4TH AVE NW Recommendations: -Better Accessibility -New Basketball hoop

5TH AVE NW

Three Rivers Park Recommendations: -Pave Parking lot

Adams Parkway Pelikan Park

Rugby Field

Willow Lawn Park

220

RIVER DR

Gateway Park Juhl & Gateway Park Recommendations: Hickory -New Play Equipment Heights -Better Accessibility -Master Plan for Gateway Park

City of Waverly Bremer County, IA Park and Open Space Master Plan Update

Prairie Park

Three Rivers Park

Juhl Park

Rugby Field Recommendations: -Increase Visibility -Designated Parking -Striping

220

Cedar Hill Park

Ridgewood Park

R DA CE

22ND AVE NW

Cedar Hill Park Recommendations: -Signage -Parking -Walking path

CE D

Hickory Heights Park

Existing Parks

EUCLID

Pelikan Park

A 210

GARDEN

DAKOTA

CASPER

Hickory Heights Park Recommendations: -New Play Equipment -Better Accessibility -Consider Pickleball

Park and Open Space Master Plan Update

Prairie Park

HO RT ON RD

Ridgewoods Park Recommendations: -Pave Parking -Add Trail Loop -Consider Splash Pad or Play Equipment

205

22ND AVE NW

210

Adams Parkway Recommendations: -Trail loop -Benches/Picnic tables -Accessibility improvements -Concrete pad at grill

Prairie Park Recommendations: -Parking Lot -Accessible path to playground -Path through Prairie -New Play Equipment -Edging around playground -Basketball court striping

GRAND

DAKOTA

Print Date: 9/16/2021

CASPER

Pelikan Park Recommendations: -Pave Parking -Accessible Path to Picnic Table -Benches and Accessibility to grill -Canoe/Kayak Parking

GARDEN

205

8TH ST SE

Print Date: 9/16/2021

PARK SYSTEM MASTER PL AN

Data 0 Sources: 0.1 0.2 Miles Municipal Boundary: Bremer County Parcels: Bremer County (2017)

MEMORIAL PARK MASTER PL AN 5TH AVE SW EXISTING FENCE

8TH AVE SW

OPEN-AIR SHELTER PARKING

PARKING

PARKING RESTROOMS

DROP-OFF

POOL FACILITY BUILDING

POOL + PARK SHELTER

PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS

POOL FACILITY

GOLF RENTAL BUILDING

OPEN-AIR SHELTER

SPRAY PARK PERFORMANCE AREA + RESTROOMS

NATURAL PLAY

PICNIC AREA

SUN BERM + PLAY HILL

POOL MAINTENANCE BUILDING

6TH AVE SW

OPEN-AIR SHELTER

POOL FENCE

OPEN GREEN SPACE SHADE STRUCTURES

HAMMOCK PARK

(SPACE FOR 4 YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL FIELDS)

ADVENTURE COURSE/ ADDITIONAL PICNIC AREA

MULTI-USE TRAIL (1/2 MILE)

PARKING ADVENTURE COURSE

4TH STREET SW

FUTURE OF GOLF CLUBHOUSE AND PARKING

Memorial Park Concept Plan

GOLF COURSE LEARNING CENTER 250 YARDS

LEGEND

City of Waverly, IA 11.2022

Proposed Tree

Existing Tree

SCALE 0

25’

50’

100’

7TH AVE SW

PAVILLION WITH RESTROOMS

ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND

SLIDES

SUN BERM

SPLASH PAD

SHELTERS

PLAYGROUND

POOL FACILITY

MEMORIAL PARK MASTER AN (CONTINUED) Waverly, Iowa PL | Memorial Park Master Plan

PAVILLION WITH STAGE

‘DREAM PARK’ PLAYGROUND

PLAY HILL

POOL SHADE STRUCTURE

CHARACTER IMAGES

OPEN SPACE

PATHS + SIGNANGE

GOLF CENTER

MEMORIAL PARK MASTER AN (CONTINUED) Waverly, IowaPL | Memorial Park Master Plan

ASPHALT MULTI-USE TRAIL

PICNIC AREA

SAFETY FENCING

WAYFINDING/TRAIL MARKER

HAMMOCK PARK

MINI GOLF

MONUMENT SIGN

GOLF PRACTICE

ADVENTURE COURSE

CHARACTER IMAGES

Memorial Park Master Plan ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE COST CITY OF WAVERLY, IA

ESTIMATE YEAR: ITEM DESCRIPTION NO. 1 Aquatic Center - See Aquatics Estimate 2 Park Shelter (30x30) 3 Performance Pavilion w/ Restrooms (~1,200 SF) 4 Restroom Building (2 stall) 5 Golf Cart Rental Building (~6,000 SF - Pole Frame) 6 Inclusive Playground (~10,000 SF) 7 Natural Play Area (~20,000 SF) 8 Adventure Course (~26,000 SF) 9 6' Benches 10 Picnic Tables 11 Trash + Recycling Cans 12 Bike Racks 13 Fence (at corner of 4th St.and 5th Ave.) 14 Asphalt Pavement (Drives and Parking) 15 10' Asphalt Path 16 Concrete Sidewalks 17 Earthwork (est.) 18 Site Restoration - Lawn (est.) 19 Landscaping (est.) 20 Trees 21 Park Sign 22 Electrical Service/Lighting Allowance 23 Water Allowance 24 Sanitary Sewer Allowance 25 Storm Sewer Allowance 26 Erosion Control 27 Mobilization, Bonds, Insurance (8%) Concept Level Contingency Design, Engineering, Permitting, and Bidding Construction Administration

2022 QTY.

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL PRICE

1 LS $6,800,000 3 EA $80,000 1 LS $500,000 1 LS $150,000 1 LS $500,000 1 LS $750,000 1 LS $500,000 1 LS $400,000 12 EA $2,000 14 EA $1,200 16 EA $750 36 EA $500 770 LF $80 76,700 SF $4 2,300 LF $40 37,600 SF $8 1 LS $500,000 25,300 SY $4 1 LS $120,000 90 EA $500 2 EA $5,000 1 LS $300,000 1 LS $100,000 1 LS $80,000 1 LS $150,000 1 LS $40,000 1 LS $1,000,000 CONSTRUCTION SUBTOTAL

$6,800,000 $240,000 $500,000 $150,000 $500,000 $750,000 $500,000 $400,000 $24,000 $16,800 $12,000 $18,000 $61,600 $306,800 $92,000 $282,000 $500,000 $101,200 $120,000 $45,000 $10,000 $300,000 $100,000 $80,000 $150,000 $40,000 $1,000,000 $13,100,000

20% ~8% ~6%

UNIT

GLOBAL PROJECT COST:

$2,620,000 $1,260,000 $870,000

$17,850,000

HARLINGTON CEMETERY MASTER PL AN Expansion Area:

Expansion Area:

Future Roads Fence & Plant Buffer

Expansion Area:

06 | IMPLEMENTATION

IMPLEMENTATION One of the most important aspects of the Master Plan is the discussion on implementation. This section explores potential funding opportunities, discusses the value of establishing priorities, and suggests recommended monitoring methods. This plan also makes an appeal to public partners and citizen groups to provide oversight and to be actively involved in implementation. Residents, local government, the school district, law enforcement, healthcare, local businesses, developers, and other agencies will need to work together for Waverly’s vision for its parks, trails, and open space system to be successful. As previously described, the community has indicated that fixing what Waverly already has before investing in new attractions, is a primary goal. To achieve that goal, the City should begin by approaching improvement recommendations for priority parks. As these recommendations were determined at a master plan level, each project will require additional study, planning and design. Some of these projects will be within the capabilities of City staff, both on the design and implementation stages. However, more complex projects will likely require involvement from outside consultants. The City is encouraged to start planning recommendations into the capital improvement budget. Selecting lower cost projects for immediate implementation will illustrate the City’s willingness to put this master plan into action. It will demonstrate commitment to its objectives for implementing this plan and will set a positive course for fulfilling the goals defined by the community.

ACTION PLAN The Action Plan is designed as a guide to help the Waverly Leisure Services Department, along with City officials and community leaders prioritize opportunities and address issues within the City of Waverly and the surrounding area as it relates to parks and recreation. The desired vision for Waverly cannot be created over night. However, by incrementally implementing the recommendations within this plan, Waverly can achieve the desired outcomes set forth in this plan.

Potential Funding Sources There are five broad funding sources available to help offset costs to complete the projects listed in this Plan, as described below. General Municipal Funding – It is assumed that some general municipal funds/borrowing will be required to assist with the completion of projects or as a matching source for state or federal grants (e.g. wayfinding, signage, or park land acquisition). Special Assessments – Particular projects that benefit individual properties (e.g. sidewalk/trail installations) could be funded through special assessments whereby the City recoups initial design and construction costs through increased real estate taxes on those properties for a set period of time. Private Donations – Some of the projects could be partially or fully funded through private donations or public fundraising. State and Federal Grants – There are many different state or federal grants that may be able to offset the costs of some of the identified projects. Only those programs most likely to award funding to Waverly are listed. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) – Tax increment financing (TIF) is a program where the additional taxes generated from development in a TIF district would go towards specified public improvements in a community. This program helps waylay the impacts of new development on a community while improving the attractiveness of the City.

FUNDING The table below is not an exhaustive list of programs and resources available on any given project but it can be used as a reference for potential funding for projects. The key is also a reference for the acronyms in the Action Plan. Not every resource and funding source is used in the Action Plan but the key can be a reference for future projects as new opportunities are added.

Funding and Other Resources Key CAT - Community Attraction and Tourism Program (ECIA) City - General Fund, Special Funds, TIF or Assessments INRCOG - Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments HC - Hired Consultant IACPG - Iowa Arts Council Project Grant IFMA - Iowa Farmers Market Association ILRTF - Iowa Living Roadways Trust Fund KIB - Keep Iowa Beautiful Community Beatification Grant Program LWCF - Land and Water Conservation Fund PCRC - Pedestrian Curb Ramp Construction PIB - Paint Iowa Beautiful REAP - Resource Enhancement and Protection City Parks and Open Spaces TAP - Transportation Alternative Program TFK - Trees for Kids and Trees for Teens THF - Tony Hawk Foundation TIF - Tax Increment Finance TP! - Trees Please! TSIP - Traffic Safety Improvement Program

This table is for the acronyms in the Action Plan below.

Action Plan Matrix RECOMMENDATIONS

Adams Parkway

Low-Med-High

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

Trail loop

Low

Long-Term

Benches/Picnic tables

Med

Short-Term

Accessibility improvements

Med

Long-Term

RECOMMENDATION

Brookwood Park

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

Enhance accessibility

Med

Long-Term

Plantings at signage

Low

Short-Term

Highlight upgraded Disc Golf and paths

High

Immediate

Add Skate Park features from Memorial Park

High

Immediate

RECOMMENDATION

Cedar Hill Park

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

Signage

Low

Long-Term

Parking

Low

Long-Term

Walking path

Med

Short-Term

RECOMMENDATION

Crestwood Park

Additional plantings along Crestwood Trail

RECOMMENDATION

Harlington Cemetery

Eastgate Park

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Low PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Long-Term

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

Cemetery expansion

High

Immediate

$$$

New memorials

Low

Long-Term

Phasing Plan

High

Immediate

RECOMMENDATION

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE $ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

Action Plan Matrix First Home Park

Half Circle Park

New play features

Med

Short-Term

Edging

Low

Long-Term

Accessibility improvements

Med

Short-Term

RECOMMENDATION

Kiwanis Park

Accessibility improvements

Med

Short-Term

RECOMMENDATION

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Low

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Long-Term

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

New Play Equipment

Med

Long-Term

Better Accessibility

Med

Short-Term

Master Plan for Gateway

Med

Short-Term

RECOMMENDATION

RECOMMENDATION Play Equipment

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

Long-Term

New Play Features Better Accessibility Consider Adding Pickleball Knotts Playlot

COST ESTIMATE

Low

Prioritize upgrades to this park New and safe play features Building Improvements Parking Lot Improvements Baseball Field Improvements to serve Adult Softball League Consider expansion to the north toward the Park Maintenance parking lot. Hickory Heights Park

Low-Med-High

TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

New play features

Benches and Picnic Tables for neighborhood gatherings

Juhl & Gateway Park

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE $ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

High High Med High

Immediate Immediate Short-Term Short-Term

n/a $$ $$ $$

High

Immediate

$$$

Med

Long-Term

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Low Med High PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

High

TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Long-Term Short-Term Immediate TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Short-Term

COST ESTIMATE $ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

$$ $ $$ COST ESTIMATE $ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

Action Plan Matrix Better Accessibility New Basketball hoop Kohlmann Park

RECOMMENDATION New Restrooms Opportunity for more sculptures

Memorial Park

RECOMMENDATION Memorial Park Master Plan Recommendations

Pelikan Park

RECOMMENDATION Pave Parking Accessible Path to Picnic Table Benches and Accessibility to grill Canoe/Kayak Parking Warming house to promote ice skating

Prairie Park

RECOMMENDATION Parking Lot Accessible path to playground Path through Prairie New Play Equipment Edging around playground Basketball court striping

Red Cedar Park & Dog Park

Ridgewood Park

RECOMMENDATION Highlight Amenities: Trail, Soccer, Baseball, Dog Park Add restrooms at Dog Park and near Parking Areas RECOMMENDATION Pave Parking Add Trail Loop Consider Splash Pad or Play Equipment

Rolling Hills Park

RECOMMENDATION

Med Med PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Low Low PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

High PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Med Med Med Low Med PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Low Med Low Low Low Low PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Short-Term Immediate TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Long-Term Long-Term TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Immediate TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Short-Term Short-Term Short-Term Long-Term Short-Term TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Long-Term Short-Term Long-Term Long-Term Long-Term Short-Term TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

$ $ COST ESTIMATE $ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

$$ $ COST ESTIMATE $ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

$$$ COST ESTIMATE $ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

$ $ $ $ $$ COST ESTIMATE $ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

$ $ $ $$ $ $ COST ESTIMATE $ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

High

Immediate

n/a

Low

Long-Term

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Med Low Low PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Short-Term Long-Term Long-Term TIMEFRAME

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE $ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

$ $ $$ COST ESTIMATE $ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

Action Plan Matrix Accessibility improvements Edging

Rolling Meadows Park

Rugby Field

RECOMMENDATION Add Features where sidewalks stop Add Loop Trail Consider Splash Pad or New Play Equipment RECOMMENDATION Increase Visibility Designated Parking Striping

Second Home Park

RECOMMENDATION Develop a Master Plan Add trail and features desired by the community

South Riverside Park

RECOMMENDATION New play equipment at south end Update Parking Add Restrooms

Three Rivers Park

RECOMMENDATION Pave Parking lot Update Shelter Add a loop Trail Enhance the boat launch RECOMMENDATION

Willow Lawn Park

Upgrade basketball hoop and striping

Low Low PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Med Low Med PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Med Med Med PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Med Med PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

High Med High PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Med Med Low Med PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Med

Long-Term Long-Term

$$ $

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Short-Term Long-Term Short-Term

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

$$ $ $$

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Immediate Long-Term Immediate

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

$ $ $

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Short-Term Long-Term

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

$ $$

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Immediate Short-Term Immediate

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

$$ $ $$

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Long-Term Long-Term Long-Term Short-Term

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

$ $$ $ $$

TIMEFRAME

COST ESTIMATE

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Short-Term

$ (<$50k) $$ ($50-200k) $$$ ($200k+)

APPENDIX