Zionsville Parks 5-Year Master Plan

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Town of Zionsville Town Council

Jason Plunkett, President, District 2

Brad Burk, Vice President, At-Large

Alexander Choi, At-Large

Bryan Traylor, District 1

Craig Melton, District 3

Joe Culp, District 4

Josh Garrett, District 5

Town of Zionsville Park & Recreation Board

John Stehr, President

Jill Pack, Vice President

Kris Barksdale

Ryan Cambridge

Kimberly Lane

Coralie Palmer

John Salewicz

Department of Parks & Recreation Department

Jarod Logsdon, Parks Superintendent

Mindy Murdock, Director of Recreation Services

Christopher Flanagan, Director of Maintenance Services

Mike Wall, Golf Course Manager

Zionsville Parks Foundation

Nancy Carpenter, President

Jonathan C. Bumgarner, Secretary

Kelly Masoncup, Treasurer

C. Addison Bradford

Myrene Brown

Adam Phipps

Jane Smith

Allison Wharry

ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE

John Stehr

JillPack

RESOLUTION ADOPTING PLAN

Big-4 Rail Trail

01 Introduction

01

INTRODUCTION

With its bustling Village shopping and dining, weekly events, farmers market and community events the Town of Zionsville continues to be a place that people return to live, work, and play. As the town has seen unprecedented growth, the Parks and Recreation Department has kept pace with the demands of the community to provide places for both passive and active recreation while also creating events and recreational programming to entertain residents of all ages.

The Town shows no sign of slowing its growth with new neighborhoods being built consistently within the town’s limits. As the town continues to see its neighborhoods expand, the demand from citizens for more open space and parks will only increase. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Department understands the importance of its role as a steward of the environment and the need for advance planning to protect important natural corridors and resources.

The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department plays a vital role in continuing to create “a town within a park” moniker that the Town is known for by providing parks, trails, and open spaces for residents.

PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN

The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department undertook this master planning process to not only update the previous master plan but to take a fresh look at parks and recreation in the town. The Department’s approach to the process was more comprehensive in nature than previous master planning efforts and included the traditional look at physical facilities and programming along with longrange planning efforts, budgeting, and staffing analysis and recommendations. The desire to analyze and coordinate all facets of the parks department in this plan has created a comprehensive tool that will allow the department to continue to meet the demands of the community in a responsible and sustainable way.

PLAN APPROACH

The Town of Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department initiated the update to their Parks and Recreation Master Plan to ensure that the plan remains relevant and current while also meeting update requirements of the Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). However, the department led this planning process as if it were an entirely new plan for the town. The master plan took a fresh look at existing facilities, programs, maintenance, and operations of the Department in a holistic manner to better address the changing needs of the community. Previous master plans for the parks and recreation network have focused on physical improvements for parks with little to no emphasis on the other foundations that the Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for, and ultimately which creates the parks and recreation system for Zionsville. Other pillars include budgeting, staffing levels, programming, and maintenance operations.

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan began with a foundation of information regarding existing parks and programming and added public input to gauge the community’s perceptions, wants, and needs. This baseline of information was used to guide the planning efforts and determine the recommendations for parks and recreation planning for the next five to ten years. This master plan is intended to remain flexible and evolve as the community’s needs and opportunities evolve. This flexibility will allow the Parks and Recreation Department to seize opportunities when they arise while also meeting the goals for the Town.

MASTER PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of this plan are as follows:

• Create a master plan with holistic recommendations for parks and recreation in the Town by taking a fresh look at the system and engaging the public in a comprehensive and meaningful way.

• Produce a master plan to serve as a road map to guide the development of new parks and recreational programs for the Town of Zionsville.

• Provide the foundation to make accurate budget decisions.

• Serve as a supporting document to secure funding from grants and donors for proposed projects through various state and federal programs.

• Identify opportunities to add or expand parks and recreation programs and amenities.

• Strategically plan for replacement and restoration of existing park facilities as they age.

• Identify opportunities to acquire land to continue the Department’s growth and establish parks in underserved areas of the Town.

• Conduct an ADA assessment of park facilities and communications to develop a detailed strategy to bring all parks facilities and communications into compliance.

• Assess and compare current and future staffing needs utilizing national standards and benchmark cities/towns along with planned park improvements and new programming to ensure the Department maintains the level of service it is known for.

HOW TO USE THE PLAN

The master plan update should be used as a guiding document for the future development of the parks and recreation system. The recommendations of the plan are outlined in the recommendations and implementation chapters. As with all planning documents, this master plan should be reviewed by staff on an annual basis to identify shifts in public needs and changes in funding sources. The plan should be viewed as a flexible document that can respond to opportunities as they arise including new funding sources, financial and land donations, and private/public partnerships.

The goals and actions set forth in this master plan should be the ultimate guide for annual planning and budgets. The action plan matrix provides a recommended road map for achieving these goals but should remain flexible. The Parks and Recreation Department has a history of utilizing outside financial resources such as IDNR grants to help fund park and recreation projects for the Town. These strategies will continue to be needed as the Town continues to grow and demand increases for the Parks and Recreation Department. All potential funding sources currently available have been identified in the action plan matrix to guide the department and allow the department to leverage the limited budget and resources available.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

The Town of Zionsville is located in central Indiana in Boone County. Zionsville is located off of I-865 and less than 5 miles from I-65. Zionsville is less than 20 miles from downtown Indianapolis and approximately 170 miles from Chicago.

Boone County is a part of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area and includes Lebanon, Thorntown, Whitestown, Advance, Ulen, and Zionsville. The county’s population was 70,812 in 2020 and includes approximately 423 square miles of land. The county is named after frontiersman Daniel Boone.

County Township Map

Boone

State of Indiana County Map

PLANNING AREA

The Park and Recreation Board’s jurisdiction includes all of the incorporated area of the Town of Zionsville which encompasses 71 square miles with a population of 33,891 in 2022. The distribution of Zionsville’s parks within the old town boundary is clearly seen on the Town map. Future parks which include donated parcels and potential parcels for park acquisition are shown with an orange dash and reflect the Parks and Recreation Department’s efforts to establish parks in underserved areas of town.

The planning area for this master planning process includes the jurisdiction of the Park and Recreation Board, the remaining areas of Boone County, and adjacent counties. The Big-4 Rail Trail and the unique blend of parks available in Zionsville attract visitors from well outside of the Town’s limits. Although hard to capture statistically, anecdotal stories heard by staff and occasional user surveys given by Parks programming staff illustrate these users which extend beyond the tax base. Recommendations from physical park improvements, to recreational programming, to maintenance actions for this plan take into account this much larger planning area.

Kickball with the Fire Department at Mulberry Fields

02 Parks Profile

02

PARKS PROFILE

ZIONSVILLE PARKS

The Town of Zionsville has a long history of parks in the town. Lincoln Park, originally known as Depot Park, was established prior to WW II. The Park Board was established in 1974. Portions of Starkey Nature Park were donated in 1974 for creation of a natural green space for park use.

Parks in Zionsville saw rapid change in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the addition of the American Legion Trail Crossing, Carter Station, Creekside Nature Park, Turkey Foot Nature Park, Zion Nature Sanctuary, Zionsville Nature Center, Village Corner and the Wetland Reserve. The park network again saw changes between 2008 and 2013 with construction of Mulberry Fields, Elm Street Green, and Phase I of Heritage Trail Park.

The past five years have again seen a new era for the parks system with the addition of more amenities at existing parks such as the phase 2 construction at Heritage Trail Park and new parks including Overley-Worman Park. Additional park and recreational programming has been implemented by the Parks and Recreation Department including expanded programming for the nature center and the addition of the Creekstomper, a recreational vehicle bringing park programming out into parks, in May of 2022.

The Zionsville parks network includes year-round recreational and educational programming for all ages and abilities, 500 acres of parkland, 17 parks, and approximately 30 miles of trails to maintain and operate.

Zionsville’s population has increased by 116% percent since the 2010 Census. This growth in residents means increased demands for parks and programming from the Parks and Recreation Department. As a “town within a park” Zionsville has a reputation for an outstanding parks network. As the town continues to grow, maintenance challenges caused by increased use at parks and on trails will continue to grow. In addition, as the town’s neighborhoods expand to the north and west, more park and trail facilities are going to be needed in these areas.

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department is lead by the Superintendent. Three divisions report to the superintendent and include the Director of Maintenance Services, Director of Recreation Services, and the Golf Course Manager. The Parks and Recreation Department is overseen by the Park and Recreation Board.

As seen on the adjacent page, the Parks and Recreation Department is one of the primary departments for the town all of which are managed by the mayor and town council. While each department has their own role and responsibilities, the town operates as a highly collaborative entity with high levels of coordination between departments.

This master plan, like the previous master plans, will provide guidance for the Parks and Recreation Department as it continues to evolve and improve to meet the needs of its residents. One of the most valuable pieces of the master plan process is the public input that is received throughout the process. This input provides the Department with a good snapshot of where the community is and what future demands or desires for parks and recreation might be.

PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION

Superintendent of Parks and Recreation

Director of Maintenance Services

Responsible for park and trail maintenance. Oversees maintenance staff.

Director of Recreation Services

Responsible for overseeing recreational services including Nature Center programming.

Golf Course Manager

Responsible for golf course operations and maintenance.

TOWN ORGANIZATION CHART

MAYOR TOWN COUNCIL

Department of Finance & Records

Parks & Recreation Department

Community & Economic Development

Police Department

Fire Department

Department of Public Works

Park and Recreation Board

Economic Development Commission

Economic Redevelopment Commission

Planning Commission

Board of Police Commissioners

Street & Stormwater Department

Wastewater Department

OUR MISSION

The Zionsville Park and Recreation Board will create a comprehensive park system to serve its residents. The Board will improve the community’s quality of life by creating opportunities for active lifestyles with recreational experiences to meet the needs of all ages and abilities through an interconnected network of parks, trails, greenways, natural areas, and recreational programming.

GOALS AND STRATEGIES

The following goals and strategies were developed to meet the vision for the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department. As the department continues to grow, these strategies will guide areas of focus for the department.

Maintain and improve park and recreation facilities to meet the needs of the community.

Promote and advocate the active use of parks through recreational programming and events.

Promote and advocate the passive use of parks as green spaces and ecological habitats to support the community environment.

Provide recreational and educational programs to serve all ages and all abilities.

Manage and promote an interconnected park system with non-vehicular connections between parks and neighborhoods.

Acquire and develop new park lands to provide recreational facilities and to conserve nature.

PARK & RECREATION BOARD

The Zionsville Park and Recreation Board was established in 1974 and organized under Indiana code 36-10-3, as amended. The Board was formally reauthorized as a part of the consolidation of the Town of Zionsville, Eagle, and Union Townships in 2010. The Park and Recreation Board has 7 members who serve staggered terms. Four are appointed by the Town Council, one by the School Board, one by the Library Board, and one is appointed by the Mayor. Term of service is four years for Town Council appointments and one year for School Board, Library Board, and Mayor.

Primary duties of the Board include setting policy and overseeing the Parks and Recreation Department. The Board generally

holds title to park lands and properties, holds limited bonding and taxing authority to finance its operations and necessary acquisitions, and can apply for and secure certain state and federal grants.

Park & Recreation Board meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings.

Zionsville Park and Recreation Board

PROGRESS EVALUATION

Many of the recommendations from the previous 5-Year Parks Master Plan have been implemented during the past five years. Improvements range from the addition of park programming to reach a wider age range to maintenance improvements. A summary of general park improvements and capital improvements completed in the past five years is included in the following pages.

General Park Improvements/Admin.

American Legion Trail Crossing

Category Completed

Carter Station

Landscape Invasive Plant Removal 2020

Creekside Nature Park

Landscape Invasive Plant Removal 2020

Signage New entrance signage 2019

Elm Street Green

Landscape Invasive Plant Removal 2017

Playground Nature based play equipment with poured-in-place safety surfacing 2019

Landscape Additional Reforestation 2018

Signage Installed new entrance sign 2017

Heritage Trail Park

Facility Improvement Dog Park Constructed and Opened 2021

Facility Improvement Expanded parking, new 5-12 yr. old playground, additional plantings 2021

Signage Installed new entrance signage 2018

Facility Improvement New drinking fountain, electric to shelter, wifi 2019

Drainage Drainage improvements in dog park area 2021

Facility Improvement Shade sails installed in dog park 2021

Facility Improvement Walking paths in dog park 2022

Lincoln Park

Mulberry Fields

Overley-Worman Park

Starkey Nature Park

Category Completed

Ecological iNaturalist plant and animal inventory project

Ecological Eagle Creek stream bank stabilization project 2016-2018

Facility Improvement Replaced SP-3 stairs with dog-friendly stairs 2021

Signage Installed new entrance signage 2020

Tennis Court & Totlot

Category

Facility Improvement New playground and poured-in-place safety surfacing 2019

Facility Improvement Repair/resurface tennis courts, added pickleball court striping and dedicated pickleball court

Turkey Foot Nature Park

Mulberry Fields

Spray Pad at Mulberry Fields

03 Context

03

CONTEXT

Zionsville is located north of downtown Indianapolis in the Indianapolis Metropolitan area. The Town is located in southeastern Boone County and includes 71 square miles with a population of 33,891 in 2022. The southern part of Zionsville touches interstate 865 which connects with 465 and 65 providing easy access to Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

The Town of Zionsville is a mixture of urban and rural areas. The Town became the first community in Indiana to utilize the State of Indiana’s legislation to reorganize in 2010. This reorganization incorporated previously unincorporated areas of Eagle Township and all of Union Township. The incorporation increased the size of Zionsville to 53 square miles and almost doubled the population of Zionsville. Another reorganization in 2015 increased the area of the town to 71 square miles. These reorganizations had many impacts to the town’s operations including adding a much larger service area and more residents for the Parks and Recreation Department to serve. The newly annexed areas did not include any park areas to serve these new residents.

The location and desirability for living in Zionsville, along with the annexed areas, have created a challenge for the Parks and Recreation Department to keep up with the growing needs of residents for parks, trails, open areas, and also recreational programming. The department is largely the same size as it was before the annexations and exponential growth, and like many communities, can sometimes struggle to keep up with the demand.

However, with new energy and leadership in the Parks and Recreation Department, efforts have been renewed to expand the parks and trail network into underserved areas of town and to increase the size of the Department so that the Town of Zionsville can continue to maintain its high level of standards and service to the community.

HISTORIC & CULTURAL

The History of Zionsville has been shared in previous master plans but still plays an important role in the identity of the town today. The community is proud of its history and the Parks and Recreation Department utilizes opportunities to incorporate elements of its history in the parks network through design, educations, and interpretive signage. Lincoln Park, which was named after a historic visit by President Lincoln reflects this pride in the community. Local folklore has it that Zionsville was a way stop on Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration trip from Illinois to Washington, a moment commemorated with the establishment of Lincoln Park.

Zionsville was originally settled in the early 1820’s. By 1850, the small community of Eagle Village was thriving on Michigan Road, a stagecoach route. This route attracted railroad barons who came to the area in 1849 promoting construction of a railroad line between the cities of Indianapolis and Lafayette. The town of Zionsville was formally platted in 1852 and soon after the residents and businesses moved in to take advantage of the railroad.

Zionsville residents have always celebrated history, arts, and love of the outdoors. In the 1890’s, the community held huge outdoor gatherings in the summers - events drawing visitors by the thousands. Getting to Zionsville was easy with the THI&E interurban passenger rail line opening in 1903 and continuing service until 1930.

Maplelawn Farmstead (operated by a local non-profit group) celebrates the agricultural heritage of the area. The farmhouse was built in 1861. The farmstead is part of the Mulberry Fields Park and holds “life on the family farm” programming, a murder mystery dinner theater with a local community theater troupe, and hosts the summer event Barns and Brews.

SullivanMunce Cultural Center is located in the heart of The Village and offers a wide range of exhibits, events, and programs celebrating art, history, and genealogy. The museum also serves as a Visitors Center for the Town of Zionsville.

Historic Maplelawn Farmstead

MAN-MADE FEATURES

The development of Zionsville has largely been influenced by man-made features including roadways and railroads. The town was originally settled for its location on a stagecoach route. Today, the town’s proximity to state roads and interstates makes it desirable for industry and residents commuting from Indianapolis. U.S. Hwy 421, as known as Michigan Road is a major commercial corridor on the eastern edge of the Town. Michigan Road has become a major barrier for the Town’s residents who are located on the eastern side of the highway. Oak Street provides an east/west corridor for the town. Oak Street doesn’t create the same barrier for cyclists and pedestrians as Michigan Road does but is still a vehicle-oriented corridor which is not pedestrian or bicyclists friendly. In addition, natural features and distance have created a barrier between newer neighborhoods located close to I-65 and parks located in the old town area.

Railroads have played an important role in Zionsville since its founding. Today, abandoned railroad corridors have created unique opportunities for the town. The Big4 Rail Trail, formerly known as the Zionsville Rail Trail, is named for the old Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis Railroad. Railroad travel in the corridor came to an end in 1976. The Town began construction of the rail trail in the 1990s.

The Big-4 Rail Trail is unique to many trails within Zionsville because it passes through town before crossing any roads at grade at County Road 875 near Heritage Trail Park. The rail-trail provides protected connections to many of Zionsville’s parks including Heritage Trail Park, Carter Station, Mulberry Fields, American Legion Trail Crossing, Starkey Nature Park, and Overley-Worman Park.

Another abandoned rail line runs along the northern part of the town just north of S.R. 32 and is known as the Midland Trace Trail. Parts of this abandoned rail line have

Big-4 Rail Trail Underpass Mural

been developed as a rail-trail in adjacent Westfield. Once developed as a rail-trail, this corridor will connect Zionsville with Westfield and Lebanon and provide another linear park for Zionsville.

In addition to the Big-4 Rail Trail, the Town of Zionsville has a well-developed trail and sidewalk network. Urban areas and many neighborhoods within Zionsville have developed sidewalks providing internal pedestrian connections. Many of these sidewalks connect with trails which connect neighborhoods with each other and with parks and schools. The Zionsville Strategic Trails Implementation Plan identified key areas of the town which need to improve or expand their existing sidewalk network. One of the main goals of this plan was to connect neighborhoods with the Zionsville parks system. Zionsville’s subdivision ordinance requires new developments to include sidewalks on both sides of internal streets and requires a multi-use path to be installed on the road frontage of the neighborhood. Many new subdivisions also include an internal shared-use trail network. Even with the extensive trail and sidewalk network in Zionsville, the most frequent request in any community outreach in Zionsville is for more trails and connections. Through the Town’s Pathways Committee, the town continues to improve its network. New trails and sidewalks include crosswalks and intersection improvements to improve safety and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians. Some of the older trail connections, especially closer to the old town area, are still in need of additional intersection improvements.

The Town of Zionsville has continued to improve infrastructure in the previously rural areas of the town including development of new roads, roundabouts, trails adjacent to roadways, and stormwater improvements. The town has implemented these improvements through careful and measured planning with existing budgets. Future projects are planned in anticipation of new development in key areas of town. The Town currently has a Road Impact Fee associated with new developments. These fees go directly into roadway improvements that serve these new residents.

Both residents and elected officials recognize the importance of parks and trails and have not prioritized roadway and utility improvements at the cost of parks. However, the town has been fortunate to have most of its parkland donated rather than purchased through town budgets. Although this has been the trend in the past, the town cannot rely on this trend in the future and will need to be more proactive in purchasing land for parks before areas are developed.

VILLAGE

Zionsville’s Village has long been known as a cultural center for the region. Clark’s Opera House, built in the late 1800’s hosted nationally prominent suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabet Cady Stanton. James Whitcomb Riley also performed at the Opera House. The interurban railroad connected Zionsville with Indianapolis and Lafayette and brought visitors to the village for dining and entertainment.

Today, the Village is still the center of activity for the Town providing quaint shops and restaurants along its brick street. During the summer months of May-October the Village is the location of Zionsville’s Farmers Market. The farmers market brings local produce, baked goods, fresh food, and entertainment to the Village every Saturday between 8:00 and noon.

Residents and visitors can get to the Village by bike or foot through the network of trails and sidewalks that link the parks and the Big-4 Rail Trail. Additional signage and trail connections will strengthen access to the Village and further establish Zionsville as a bike friendly community.

RURAL DISTRICT

Much of the area that was annexed into the Town in 2010 and 2015 is rural in nature. However, the areas closest to the Village, along Oak Street and expanding northward from those areas have seen development of neighborhoods at a brisk rate. Because of this, Zionsville finds itself in a transition period between a time where rural residents weren’t looking for parks or trails to be built in their areas to today when residents in new neighborhoods would like to see development of parks and trails to connect to their neighborhoods. The Parks and Recreation Department has been working diligently to provide these services but recognizes that there is still a lot of work to be done to grow the parks and recreation network to meet residents’ demands.

The adjacent picture illustrates the changing landscape of the town. Trailside Elementary School can be seen in the distance. This elementary school was just opened in the Fall of 2022. New neighborhoods can also be seen in the distance of the picture and will continue to be developed in this area. This master plan includes advanced planning efforts to address not only the current needs of residents but also to plan for future needs so that parks are developed along with new neighborhoods and not just in retrospect after neighborhoods are already established.

Perry Township is located on the western side of I-65 which is a major barrier between residents in the township and other areas of Zionsville. In addition, development along I-65 has left some residents in Perry Township with the feeling that they aren’t a consideration of the town. In recent years, the Town has made significant efforts to reach out to the residents in Perry Township to better understand their needs and to identify their wants for parks and recreation in this mostly rural area of the Town. The divide of the interstate does create a challenging situation for the Town in terms of connecting to this area with trails that are safe and desirable for residents to use.

While Perry Township is easily identified as an underserved area of the town in terms of parks and trails, areas directly north of the old town limits are also underserved. These areas will become more deficient quickly as development keeps moving in this direction.

Rural Area Near Trailside Elementary School

BIG-4 RAIL TRAIL

Formerly known as the Zionsville Rail, the Big-4 Rail Trail provides a multi-modal spine through the center of Zionsville. The rail trail is utilized during all seasons of the year and has seen even more use during the pandemic. The rail trail connects 8 parks allowing residents to travel between these parks by foot or bicycle.

The rail trail travels along the corridor of the former Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis Railroad corridor. The rail trail is beloved by the community and utilized year-round for travel and recreation. The Parks and Recreation Department plows the trail in the winter to keep it active during poor weather events.

Currently, the rail trail is 3.5 miles long. The Parks Department recently extended the trail to the south adding 0.75 miles and is in the process of extending the trail to the north which will add an additional 1.25 miles extending the trail to 5.5 miles long and will complete the rail trail from the northern corporate limits to the southern limits of the Town of Zionsville along the old rail corridor. In addition, the Parks Department is widening the existing trail to 12 feet wide. The wider trail width is eagerly anticipated and needed due to the already increased number of users.

NATURAL FEATURES

Topographic

The topography in Zionsville is heavily influenced by Eagle Creek and its tributaries which carry water through the town but have also impacted the formation of valleys and floodplains. This topography is not typical of central Indiana and the areas surrounding the town where flat farmlands can stretch for miles. Many of Zionsville’s parks are located in the floodplain of Eagle Creek providing valuable natural areas for habitat and creating buffer zones between development and Eagle Creek. Although these areas weren’t suitable for development, they have served well as town parks. In addition, the limitations for development in these areas have often resulted in land being donated to the parks department instead of being developed into additional neighborhoods.

Boone County lies within the Wabash River Basin Watershed and is located in the Till Plains of the Central Lowland physiographic province. The Till Plains run through the center of Indiana. The fertile Till Plains in

Indiana are a part of the great Midwestern Corn Belt. The rich, fertile soil supports many crops including soybeans and wheat. Woodlands and forests are also widespread throughout the area. The landscape of the Till Plains is characterized by low hills and valleys. The rich soil and hills and valleys have provided the town with several areas of natural green space.

Although the varied terrain is an asset to the community, and often referred to by people when talking about the value of Zionsville parks, these same conditions can create challenges for the Parks and Recreation Department to maintain with flooding and downed trees in heavily wooded areas. The Parks and Recreation Department actively works to identify and remove invasive plants within the park system and continues to develop maintenance plans to help combat the problem. Two annual programs, Pull for Parks and Community Weed Wrangles, target garlic mustard and bush honeysuckle in several separate parks in recent years.

Topography of Eagle Creek Floodplain

Soils

Soils in Zionsville range from somewhat poorly drained (Cosby silt loams) to well drained, but frequently flooded (Rossburg/ Landes). Udorthents soil types are also commonly found. These soils generally consist of mixed loamy materials in areas used for fill, or are the fill materials themselves. All of these soil types have some limitations on construction due to their physical characteristics. These soils may be flooded or poorly drained and have severe to moderate limitations for recreational uses, including campgrounds, picnic areas, play areas, and paths, and trails. These limitations are based on the soils’ restrictive features such as flooding, wetness, and slope. It should be noted that these limitations can be overcome through appropriate site design, appropriate maintenance, strategic use of the site, or a combination of measures.

Although the soils in the floodplains of Eagle Creek may have limitations for building structures, they are often suitable for native plantings including wetland plantings and reforestation. Overley-Worman Park, which was just opened to the public this year, included native prairie plantings and reforestation across the site. The golf course is in the process of implementing native plantings in the non-play areas of the course to provide habitat for bees and birds.

Drainage

Zionsville lies within the Wabash River Basin watershed which includes approximately 502 miles of the Wabash River from the eastern side of the state near the Ohio border to its confluence with the Ohio River in southern Indiana. The Wabash River’s watershed is home to almost 60% of Indiana’s population.

Many of Zionsville’s parks are located along and within the floodplains of Eagle Creek and its tributaries. Eagle Creek is a major

ecological feature of Zionsville and provides habitat for a variety of species. The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department carries the responsibility to implement measures which help to maintain and restore the quality of water in Eagle Creek. As stewards of many acres of land directly adjacent to Eagle Creek, the department not only provides public access to the waterway but has also implemented projects such as bank stabilization and stormwater quality measures to detain water and trash before it enters the banks of Eagle Creek.

Climate

The climate in Zionsville is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters. The summers are long enough and warm enough to enjoy plenty of water play and summer sports. Spring and fall are mild enough to extend the play season for a few months on either side of summer. Winters can be the most problematic, in terms of outdoor play because of cold temperatures. The area does not receive enough snowfall to ensure consistent outdoor winter sports like cross-country skiing and sledding. Average temperatures for Zionsville range from 22 degrees in the winter to 75 degrees in the summer. The warm season lasts for approximately 4 months from May to September and the cold season lasts for about 3 months from December to March.

Most of Zionsville’s parks have been designed to limit the areas of mowed turf and have encouraged native plantings like prairies and reforestation. This strategy has helped to reduce the needs of staff with limited amounts of mowing. Mulberry Fields has several open sports fields and requires the most attention in terms of mowing grass. These fields regularly host soccer and football leagues and require mowed turf. The department fully intends to continue to explore areas in parks that can be converted to native plantings in place of

mowed turf where it makes sense in terms of environment and maintenance operations.

Water Resources

Rivers and streams branch out centrally from the county, flowing into adjacent areas. Waterways in and near Zionsville drain directly into Eagle Creek. Although there are areas of flowing water, Boone County has no natural lakes (although there are manmade retention ponds and borrow areas). Eagle Creek plays a central role in many of Zionsville’s natural areas and parks.

A recreational and ecological asset that provides canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities to the community, this waterway also presents a regular flooding threat to the town’s infrastructure and parks. Flooding commonly occurs several times a year, inundating several of the town’s parks. Flooding along Eagle Creek creates maintenance challenges for the town in several of its parks and along the trails. In addition, the town has seen the actual path of Eagle Creek change significantly along its route creating issues with adjacent pathways and park features that are close to the creek. Starkey Nature Park has seen the failure of one of the paths adjacent to Eagle Creek because of the change in bank location. As the stream course continues to adjust, becoming larger in width, in addition to creek bows which become more severe, the amount of park land available can be reduced.

As the town continues to grow there will be an increased need for restoration and preservation projects for the banks and floodplain areas along Eagle Creek. The Parks and Recreation Department has taken an active role in implementing restoration projects along Eagle Creek. Sustainable development guidelines will become more important as well. Without these, flooding will become more pronounced

with additional impervious areas created as housing and commercial developments continue throughout the town.

Although not as significant as Eagle Creek, there are several smaller creeks in the newly added lands of Zionsville. Creeks include White Lick Creek, Fishback Creek, and McCord Creek to name a few. White Lick Creek could be an opportunity to create a regional greenway trail connecting Zionsville with Brownsburg. Most of these creeks drain towards the south providing an opportunity to connect the northern and southern areas of the town but unfortunately, do not create any east-west connections between the annexed areas and the urban district where the majority of existing parks are located.

Invasive Plants and Pests

Invasive species are present in Zionsville and Boone County. These include the emerald ash borer, garlic mustard plant, poison hemlock, honeysuckle, and tree of heaven to name a few. Left untreated, these invasive species can harm the native plants, eliminate cover and food for wildlife, and alter the ecosystem.

The Parks and Recreation Department actively works to identify the invasive plants within the parks system and continues to develop maintenance plans to help combat the problem. One such program is the Weed Wrangle Community Event run by the Parks and Recreation Department. This is a yearly event to remove invasive plants in April. The event has focused its efforts on the invasive Garlic Mustard plant in several separate parks in recent years. Other programs include volunteer events to remove honeysuckle along trails in parks and along the Big-4 Rail Trail. In addition, the Department identifies a set amount of its budget every year to use for removal of invasive species in parks and along the trails.

Invasive Plant Removal near Heritage Trail Park

EAGLE CREEK

Eagle Creek is one of the defining topographic features of the Town of Zionsville. Many of Zionsville’s parks are located along the floodplains of Eagle Creek. The Creek is also an important resource for the Town providing habitat for native and endangered species. As development continues to occur around Eagle Creek, the Town must prioritize preserving and protecting the watershed of the creek.

Eagle Creek provides habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, fish, and macroinvertebrates. Common species of waterfowl such as mallards and Canada geese are seen along Eagle Creek. The great blue heron and green heron feed on fish and frogs in the creek. Many park properties including Zionsville golf course, Starkey Nature Park, and Overley-Worman Park are visited by bald eagles.

A great diversity of fish is common in Eagle Creek including minnows, bluegills, rock bass, and smallmouth bass. Catfish species in the creek include yellow bullhead and black bullhead.

Macroinvertebrates are a crucial part of the aquatic food chain in streams. Groups that inhabit Eagle Creek include mayfly, dobsonfly, caddyisfly larva, and crayfish.

SOCIAL & ECONOMIC FACTORS

POPULATION TRENDS

Zionsville has grown steadily since the 1970s. The Town’s population numbers increased dramatically with annexations in 2010 and 2015. Annexations included Perry Township, and portions of Union and Eagle Townships. Beyond the annexations, the Town of Zionsville has seen a steady increase with a 3.60% growth from 2020 to 2021. Zionsville’s population is estimated at 33,891 in 2022.

The Park Impact Fee Report prepared by Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors in August of 2021 estimated the population of Zionsville would reach 34,877 (this study was completed before the 2020 census numbers had been released). This same study estimated the 2022 population would be 30,590. Current estimates place the Town’s population over 3,000 more than this estimate. This illustrates the potential for the Town to continue to grow at a steady rate.

The increase in residents in Zionsville places more importance on the parks and recreation network for the town. More people will mean more users in existing parks and additional demand for parks in areas of town which are currently underserved. The town is not fully built out but is on that track if growth continues at the current rate. Now is the time for the Parks Department to identify potential areas for new parks in the undeveloped areas of town. The High Priority Natural Resources Assessment conducted as a part of this plan is the first step in identifying those lands. Future work will include coordination with the Planning and Zoning Department to codify the assessment and incorporate these areas into new developments.

Population Change

There is a wide range of ages represented in Zionsville. The charts below illustrate the number of families in the Town but also show a strong representation of young adults. The median age in Zionsville is 41 years which is very similar to the median age for the State of Indiana. The most requested amenities for young adults and young families include trails and recreational parks with a varietyof activities available. The current department strategy to include a balance of natural areas and active recreational parks continues to be a good strategy to meet the needs of ages represented below. Although young adults may represent the majority of residents, the Parks and Recreation Department still strives to provide parks, trails, and recreational programming that can serve all ages and abilities.

Age Composition

People Under 5 yrs.

People Under 13 yrs.

People Between 18-65 yrs.

People Over 65 yrs.

3%

Population with Disability

Of the Population

Has a Disability

While the Town’s diversity has increased in recent years, the population is still predominately white. Zionsville has a generally even split between the genders. Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department should continue to offer a variety of diverse programs to attract visitors to the Town and encourage diversity within the town’s population.

Racial Breakdown Gender

White (89.9%)

American Indian (0.20%)

Hispanic/Latinx (2.20%)

Black (1.40%)

Asian (4.30%)

Two+ (2.0%)

Female

Male

HOUSEHOLDS

According to the 2020 census, Zionsville has approximately 10,061 households and an owner occupancy rate of over 84%. The median home value is well above the average for the State of Indiana which is $80,000. The high owner occupancy rate illustrates the desire for residents that live in Zionsville to stay in Zionsville.

All of these are indicators of a strong housing market where demand often outpaces available housing.

EDUCATION

Zionsville’s education system is a key attraction for young families looking to move to the community. The six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school are all highly ranked within the state of Indiana for their tests scores and ability to prepare students for their next steps in life.

Zionsville has a near perfect High School graduation rate of 98%, one of the highest rates in the state. Almost 75% of students

go on to attain degrees in higher education, helping secure more skilled jobs and boosting the economy.

Zionsville is ranked as one of the best school districts in the state, and number one in every category in Boone County. It has been ranked as having the best teachers in the state, as well as being in the top ten for safest school districts in Indiana. Furthermore, it is in the top ten percent of the best athletic school districts in the state as well.

K-12 SCHOOLS

The Zionsville Community School Corporation operates nine schools. All except for Boone Meadow Elementary School and Zionsville West Middle School are located within the town limits of Zionsville. These include:

• Boone Meadow Elementary School

• Eagle Elementary School

• Pleasant View Elementary School

• Stonegate Elementary School

• Trailside Elementary School

• Union Elementary School

• Zionsville Middle School

• Zionsville West Middle School

• Zionsville Community High School

Several of the schools are accessible by foot or bicycle from adjacent neighborhoods through neighborhood sidewalks and trails and via the Big-4 Rail Trail. Many of the schools have numerous bike racks which are consistently full during fair weather, illustrating the number of students which ride their bicycles to school.

The schools offer a variety of activities and amenities which supplement the Town’s parks and recreation network including:

• Baseball/Softball

• Basketball

• Cross Country

• Cheerleading

• Football

• Golf

• Gymnastics

• Lacrosse

• Rugby

• Soccer

• Swimming and Diving

• Tennis

• Volleyball

• Track and Field

• Wrestling

• Playgrounds

• Variety of After-School Activities

Public use of school facilities such as tennis courts and pickleball courts is encouraged by the Zionsville Community School Corporation during hours that don’t conflict with scheduled school activities. Similarly, playgrounds, basketball courts, and tracks are utilized by the public.

The Parks and Recreation Department recently implemented a Joint Use Agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Zionsville for Parks Department programming in Boys and Girls Club facilities. Given the limited year-round facilities available to the Parks and Recreation Department, a similar Joint Use Agreement could be advantageous for the Parks and Recreation Department.

Bike Parking at Zionsville Middle School

INCOME & ECONOMY

Zionsville has one of the highest median household incomes in the state of Indiana, $137,265, and the highest per capita income in the state in the past 12 months, $66,898.

Coinciding with the high incomes, Zionsville also has one of the lowest poverty rates in the state, 3.8%, a rate similar to that of Avon and Carmel.

EMPLOYMENT

Zionsville has a labor force of approximately 13,500 people.

The three largest industries employ a total of around 5,670, or just under half of the total workforce.:

• Healthcare & social assistance

• Manufacturing

• Professional scientific & technical services

The three highest paying industries in Zionsville are:

• Management of companies & enterprises

• Utilities

• Finance, and insurance

Each field averages $153,494, $135,598, and $117,604 respectively.

The average commute to work for Zionsville residents is almost a half an hour, a number similar to most surrounding communities such as Carmel and Brownsburg.

FARMERS MARKET

The Zionsville Farmers Market was established in 1997. The Farmers Market is located on the bricks of Main Street in the Village on Saturdays from mid-May to the end of October. Local produce, goods, plants, and crafts can be found at the Farmers Market. The market also hosts several events during the summer month including Pumpkin Palooza with free pumpkin painting. The market also provides free, live musical entertainment on some weekends.

The Farmers Market draws visitors from the town and well beyond into the central Indiana region. The market becomes more popular each year and attracts visitors to the Village. The original impetus for the market was to bring people to Main Street and attract people to shop on main street and support local business as well as farmers market vendors.

Big-4 Rail Trail at Starkey Road

04 Public Input

04

PUBLIC INPUT

The most important piece of any longrange planning process is public input. Data and national standards are helpful, but no one can better assess current park facilities and programming better than the Town’s residents. They know how well the parks and programs meet the needs and demands of the community. Understanding the importance of broad range public input guides the development of the public outreach strategy that is formulated at the beginning of the master plan process.

The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Master Plan incorporated a robust combination of outreach strategies to engage residents, build consensus, generate support, and create ownership of the final plan recommendations. The Town of Zionsville’s Public Relations Department assisted with notifications for input opportunities through the Town’s website and utilizing the Town’s email lists.

The primary purpose of public engagement is to elicit input from residents concerning their thoughts and perceptions of parks and recreation in the town. However, there are other goals for engagement efforts including providing an opportunity for the Parks and Recreation Department to share their vision and goals for the parks system and verify they are still relevant. As the Town

continues to grow, and the demographic makeup of the town shifts, these interactions provide an important “ground truth” opportunity to be sure the department is in touch with what residents are looking for with parks and recreation in the town.

Public engagement efforts during this planning process also included an opportunity to share with the public how previous master plans have been used and demonstrate the importance of public input during the process. Showing residents projects that were completed from the last master plan shows that the Parks and Recreation Department will actively use the plan to make decisions and improvements to the parks network.

Lastly, public engagement events are an opportunity for buy-in and ownership of the plan by the community. Seeing a community driven parks master plan will result in support from the community for the Park and Recreation Board as new parks and programs are proposed over the next five years.

A summary for each outreach method and the results are provided below. Full survey results and meeting notes can be seen in the appendix.

STEERING COMMITTEE

A steering committee was formed at the beginning to guide the planning process. Meetings were held at regular intervals during the process to update steering committee members and to illicit feedback from the group. The Steering Committee was instrumental in helping to guide the proposed recommendations and determine questions to ask the public to better determine priorities. Steering Committee members included representatives from the Parks and Recreation Department, Park and Recreation Board, Mayor’s office, Town Council, School Board, and the Parks Foundation.

Meetings were held at Town Hall at 1:00 p.m. with a virtual connection available for those not able to attend in person. Meeting dates included:

• Meeting #1 - May 4, 2022

• Meeting #2 - July 27, 2022

• Meeting #3 - September 7, 2022

• Meeting #4 - September 28, 2022

• Meeting #5 - November 9, 2022

• Meeting #6 - December 8, 2022

The primary focus of this group was to share their knowledge and experience of the parks system. Discussions centered around gaps in the current system and how to fill these gaps in a reasonable and economically responsible manner. This group was also assigned the task of gathering input from their family, friends, and neighbors to bring their input to the process. The Steering Committee provided thoughtful and detailed information which helped to determine the proposed recommendations and phasing suggestions to move new improvements, policies, and programs forward.

FOCUS GROUP MEETINGS

Focus group meetings were held over the course of one day on June 29, 2022, in 1-hour intervals. Meetings started at 9:00 a.m. and went through 4:00 p.m. Meeting slots included in-person or virtual options. In-person meetings were held in the community room at Town Hall. Questions were sent to focus group invitees ahead of the meetings to encourage discussion, but the conversations were kept loose. A variety of community members were invited to participate. In total, 17 attended the focus group meetings and included residents, police, fire, cross country coach, and parks foundation members.

The conversations were varied but key overarching themes did appear throughout each of the meetings. These included:

• Need for expanded trail signage.

• Desire for more trail connections.

• Additional enhancements for the Big4 Rail Trail.

• Need for a Community Center or Aquatic Center to provide year-round recreational activities.

• Need to continue to prioritize natural areas/parks balanced with active parks.

• Would like to see more permanent restroom facilities throughout the parks.

• Need for additional parks in underserved areas of town.

• Desire to see more programming specific to teens and seniors.

PROJECT WEBSITE

A project website was utilized during the master plan process to provide project updates and solicit input from residents. The website included project information, background information for parks in Zionsville, interactive exercises for community input, information for upcoming public meetings, and contact information for the project team. The project website

has become an important tool in gathering community input in recent years. People’s schedules are busier than ever, and increased health protocols can make inperson meetings tough for people to attend. The online virtual meetings and updated project information provided through the project website can cover the gaps for those who can’t attend in-person meetings.

The project website was located at www.zionsvilleparksplan.com and was available from June 27, 2022, through the end of the project. The website had 8,933 visits with 2,999 unique users. Most users were spending over 30 minutes on the website. 101 comments were made on the interactive map or idea board. Additional input was received through the contact page and email to the consultant team. All input received from the project website and virtual meetings were incorporated with the more traditional public input process.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Three in-person open house public meetings and two virtual public meetings were held during the master planning process. The open house meetings were held at Town Hall in the Ascension St. Vincent Community Room. The virtual meetings were hosted on the project website. Announcements for the public meetings were distributed through the Town’s contact list, through the project and town’s website, with printed fliers, and through the town’s social media. Notifications were typically sent out at least two weeks in advance of the meetings and included several email “reminders.” QR codes were included in print materials and the project website was shared at every inperson event including multiple Park and Recreation Board meetings.

The in-person meetings were in an openhouse format and included several exercises to engage the public. Examples of the information that was shared and input received are shown on the following pages with the full results included in the appendix.

Virtual meetings were held online to duplicate the open house exercises but in a virtual setting. Information shared at the in-person meetings was included on the project website to be sure that everyone was receiving the same information.

OPEN HOUSE MEETING #1 AND #2

Date: June 29, 2022

Location: Zionsville Town Hall

Time: 4:00 to 8:00 pm

Attendees: 46

Date: August 17, 2022

Location: Zionsville Town Hall

Time: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Attendees: 12

The focus of the first two meetings was to inform the public about the master planning process and gather input regarding the existing parks network. The public meeting included projects from the previous master plan that had been completed and vision for parks in Zionsville.

Both meetings were open house style with exercises spread around the room. Staff were available to answer questions and ask questions regarding participants’ thoughts and perceptions. Exercises at the meeting included identification of barriers and limitations for people using the parks network, desire for new recreational programming, and the perception of safety while using parks in Zionsville.

Common themes heard during the first two open house meetings included:

• People are reaching parks by car, bike, and by foot.

• There is a desire for more trails and pathways in town.

• Need for more natural areas.

• People would like to see a community center or aquatic center in Zionsville for year-round activities.

• There is a desire for more restrooms in parks to extend time people are able to stay in parks.

• Demand for more nature/educational programming.

• Demand for more year-round programming that doesn’t have to be dependent on weather.

• People feel very safe using Zionsville parks.

• Carpenter Nature Preserve and new Nature Center were one of the top priorities for residents.

Let’s go to the Parks!

VIRTUAL MEETING #1

Date: June 27 - September 15, 2022

Location: Project website

Views: 7375 views/2535 unique users

The first virtual meeting was available for comment from late June to mid-September. The virtual meeting was advertised through the Town’s website, email blasts, handouts, and fliers at the first two public meetings and at the Parks Department’s booth at the Farmers Market. The virtual meeting included the online community survey, an interactive mapping exercise and an idea board. The following pages provide additional details for the interactive mapping exercise and the idea wall.

Key themes from the two open house meetings were echoed in the virtual open house input. Some of the comments are illustrated on the adjacent page. Comment themes from the virtual meeting include:

• The community would like to see more trails and connections to trails.

• People appreciate the natural areas and want to continue to prioritize these areas in Zionsville parks.

• Residents value the Big-4 Rail Trail and would like to see improvements including widening the trail, extending the trail, and adding amenities along the trail to activate more areas along the corridor.

• Residents love the educational and nature focused programming at the Nature Center and would love to see more.

• Desire to have a community center for year-round activities.

VIRTUAL MEETING #1 - RESULTS

Would love to see a “pit stop” area along the trials for coffee, brewery, etc. as well as other sports type activities.

MULBERRY FIELDS PARK

General Comments:

Better signage along Big-4 Rail trail to identify neighborhoods, amenities, access to businesses and shops with walking distances.

Acquire land in the underserved areas to provide a playground, small splashpad, sports courts. There is not a good connector to other pedestrian and biking paths at the south edge of Zionsville

Would like to see more community events held in the parks More public restrooms at parks.

Access to Eagle Creek for people of all abilities.

Connect Turkey Foot to Holliday Nature Park

Trail along Eagle Creek to connect Turkey Foot to the Golf Course.

Connect Elm Street to Lion’s Park

HERITAGE TRAIL PARK

TURKEY FOOT NATURE PARK

OVERLEY-WORMAN PARK

INTERACTIVE MAPPING EXERCISE (Virtual)

An interactive mapping exercise was utilized during the first virtual open house. The map includes a Google Maps view of the town with the corporate boundary and existing parks highlighted. The Big-4 Rail Trail was also highlighted on the map. Users were then asked to add “pins” to the map or draw routes in the case of trail or sidewalk connections. As users dropped pins on the map, they were then asked to add comments to each pin. Other users can “like” or “dislike” other’s pins or comments by checking the pin with a thumbs up or thumbs down symbol.

Categories for the pins included the following:

• Favorite Park in Town

• Make a Comment

• Something I Like About the Park System

• Barrier to using parks

• Missing Connection

IDEA WALL (Virtual)

Another exercise that was utilized during the first virtual open house included an idea wall. This exercise allowed users to submit ideas and include pictures. Other users were again able to “like” or “dislike” others comments to show support, or lack thereof, for particular ideas.

Topics for comments included:

• Programs

• Funding

• General

• Ideas

• Facilities

FARMERS MARKET

Date: August 6, 2022

Location: Zionsville Farmers Market

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Attendees: Over 30

The Parks and Recreation Department hosted the consultant team at a booth at the Zionsville Farmers Market. Visitors were asked what types of new facilities they would like to see added to the parks network. Handouts were included with project website information and the upcoming open house meeting #2 at Town Hall. The Farmers Market was a great opportunity for the Parks Department and planners to interact with community members who might not traditionally attend a public meeting. Children were also asked to provide their input.

The Farmers Market input reflected much of the input from the first two public open houses with high demand for a new nature center and restrooms in parks.

ZIONSVILLE

OPEN HOUSE #3

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27th 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Location: Zionsville Town Hall Room 207 -

Project Website & Survey www.zionsvilleparksplan.com

You’re invited! We want to hear your thoughts on the proposed master plan for the Zionsville parks system.

This is an open house event with no formal presentation. Come by anytime during the open house to see the ideas and offer your input.

Questions about this meeting can be sent to:

Tricia McClellan email: tmcclellan@reasite.com

OPEN HOUSE MEETING #3

Date: October 27, 2022

Location: Zionsville Town Hall

Time: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Attendees: 6

Open House #3 included proposed plan recommendations with improvements to existing parks and potential new parks. In addition, a trail route was proposed in response to residents’ calls for additional trails and connections. Exercises conducted during this meeting included asking which projects residents would like to see happen first to help prioritize projects. The open house was duplicated with a virtual open house online which also presented proposed improvements along with a priority exercise.

One of the displays included in this open house addressed the demand for a community or aquatic center. Although proposed improvements did not include a new Parks Department operated community center, it was important to reflect the demand heard from the public for such a facility in Zionsville. The Community Center station included information on the different ownership and operation formats that some community centers have utilized and also included information on the process needed to adequately access the feasibility and longterm economic outcomes of the Town’s own community center.

In general, most people were excited about the proposed park improvements that were shown. Many people were excited for a potential new nature center and an additional natural park at Carpenter Nature Preserve. Meeting attendees were in support of a mixture of improvements to existing parks balanced with the addition of new amenities or parks for the network. Additional year-round programming and additional educational and nature- based programs were also well supported proposals.

ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER

•

VIRTUAL MEETING #2

Date: October 27 - December 2022

Location: Virtual Viewers: 1558 views/464 unique users

The second virtual meeting included an online survey asking residents to evaluate the proposed recommendations for their appropriateness and also to prioritize their importance for park development over the next 5 years. Comments ranged from excitement for new parks and facilities to concerns about maintaining existing parks while adding new parks. Priorities that emerged from this exercise included Carpenter Nature Preserve, a splash pad at Overley-Worman Park, and new pickleball and restroom facilities at Mulberry Fields.

COMMUNITY SURVEYS

Multiple community surveys were developed to gather input for the master plan process. This included a full community survey and short surveys for specific groups.

Each of these community surveys were designed by the consultant team and the Parks and Recreation Department. The Steering Committee provided review and recommendations. The surveys were administered online with a link for the survey included on the project website.

The surveys were distributed both online and in hard copy. The full community survey was announced through multiple outlets including fliers at the Farmers Market, email blasts from the Town’s Public Information Officer, the Town’s website, and the Parks and Recreation Department’s website. Hard copies of the full community survey were made available at the Farmers Market and during the first two public meetings. Stamped return envelopes were included with hard copies to encourage the return of these surveys.

The short surveys were developed to gather input from three focus groups including golf course users, youth sports leagues, and Perry Township residents. These surveys were kept short to encourage input and completeness of submitted surveys

The community surveys received the following number of responses:

• Full Community Survey - 622

• Golf Course Users - 442

• Youth Sports Leagues - 308

• Perry Township residents - 5

A summary of survey results is provided in the following pages with full survey results available in the appendix.

FULL COMMUNITY SURVEY

Over 95% of respondents live in Zionsville with an additional 3% from Boone County. Approximately 60% of respondents were between the ages of 31 and 50 with almost 23% between the ages of 51 and 64. There were more female respondents (60%) than male respondents (36%). 98% of respondents included their email address for future communications about the project.

Park Use

The following responses show that all parks in Zionsville are utilized extensively throughout the year with the following parks seeing the most use:

• Big-4 Rail Trail - 75%

• Mulberry Fields - 75%

• Starkey Nature Park - 60%

COMMUNITY SURVEY

• Elm Street Green - 49%

• Heritage Trail Park - 47%

Q2: Which Zionsville park(s) have you visited within the last 12 months? (select all that apply)

Which Zionsville park(s) have you visited within the last 12 months?

American Legion Trail Crossing

Legion Trail Crossing

Big-4 Rail Trail

Big-4 Rail Trail

Carter Station

Carter Station

Creekside Corporate Park

Creekside Corporate Pocket Park

Creekside Nature Park

Creekside Nature Park

Elm Street Green

Heritage Trail Park

Elm Street Green Heritage Trail Park

Heritage Trail Park Dog Park

Heritage Trail Dog Park

Lincoln Park

Mulberry Fields

Lincoln Park Mulberry Fields

Park

Overley-Worman Park

Park

Starkey Nature Park

Tennis courts and Totlot (at Lions Park)

Turkey Foot Nature Park

Village Corner

Zion Nature Sanctuary Zionsville Golf Course

Zionsville Nature Center

(please specify)

Other (please specify)

Accessible by Foot

A common theme heard throughout the community input process was the desire and need for more trail connections in Town. Zionsville is known as a biking and walking town. The 67% response to the below question is another indicator of the importance of creating more trails and connections in town.

COMMUNITY SURVEY

Barriers

Q3: How important is it to you to have park/trail facilities and activities within walking distance of your home? (select one)

How important is it to you to have park/trail facilities and activities within walking distance of your home?

When asked what single most important thing was preventing people from using parks and participating in programs, lack of time was the biggest response with lack of knowledge of what was available, and lack of trail security following. Physical barriers limiting park use included lack of connections between neighborhoods and parks, location of parks too far away, and lack of restroom facilities.

Restroom at Holliday Park

Perception of Park Conditions

Over 90% of respondents feel safe when visiting parks and trails. Similarly, nearly 84% of respondents were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the condition of the parks. Both of these responses indicate the Parks and Recreation Department is doing a good job maintaining parks at a level that meets the expectations of residents.

Do you feel safe when you are visiting parks and trails in Zionsville?

How would you rate your satisfaction with the physical condition of parks and facilities in Zionsville?

New Facilities and Programs

When asked what new facilities residents would like to see trails and pathways was once again the top response. After pathways requested amenities included more common amenities like additional benches and restrooms. New facilities that were highly requested included a recreational community center, pickleball courts and splash pads.

When asked what direction recreational programming should take, most responses included year-round recreational activities, outdoor fitness, and wellness classes, with outdoor adventure programming and additional youth education programs. This was also echoed in responses to a question regarding programming for age groups with teens and tween programming receiving the largest response with senior programming just behind.

I would like to see the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department add the following things:

Q13: I would like to see the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department add the following things: (select all that apply)

Accessible play equipment

Accessible play equipment

Bar-B-Que

Bar-B-Que

Benches for sitting

Benches for sitting

Climbing wall

Climbing wall

Covered picnic shelters

Covered picnic shelters

Outdoor adult exercise equipment

Outdoor adult exercise equipment

Disc golf course

Disc golf course

Ice Skating

Ice Skating

Improved lighting

Improved lighting

Splash pad

Splash pad

Tennis courts

Tennis courts

Pickleball courts

Pickleball courts

Improved parking

Improved parking

Passive green space

Passive green space

Restrooms

Restrooms

Temporary or Permanent Stage for events

Permanent stage for events

Shuffle board courts

Shuffle board courts

Additional trails and paths for walking/jogging/biking

Additional trails and paths for walking/jogging/biking

Volleyball court

Volleyball court

Chess/checkers tables

Community

Community Recreation Center

Nature Center building

Indoor Aquatics

Dog Park

Skate Park

Swimming

Other (please specify)

Other (please specify)

Q8: What programs or activities would you like Zionsville Parks Recreation to add? (select all that apply)

What programs or activities would you like Zionsville Parks and Recreation to add?

More senior programming

More senior programming

Additional youth education programs

Additional youth education programs

More tween/teen programming

More tween/teen programming

Outdoor group fitness and wellness classes

Outdoor group fitness and wellness classes

Additional nature and habitat focused programming

Additional nature and habitat focused programming

Year-round recreational activities

Year-round recreational activities

Additional arts and crafts programs

Additional arts and crafts programs

More community events

More community events

Outdoor adventure programming

Outdoor adventure programming

Adult/ Young Professional programming

Adult/Young Professional programming

Other (please specify)

Other (please specify)

I would like to see the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department add new programs and activities for the following age groups:

Funding

Parks have been a priority for the Town of Zionsville since its beginning. Residents’ responses reflect this same focus on parks and their value in the community. When asked if the Town should invest more money in parks, responses were a definite yes at over 81%. The responses included in the 12% “other” response were focused on improvements that should be implemented including construction of Carpenter Nature Preserve, the golf course, and additional trails.

No single method of funding was desired more than a balanced approach utilizing all funding mechanisms available. Residents were also supportive of new methods for obtaining funds including small increases in program and facility fees and donations. Just over 16% of respondents were not in support of new methods for funding new improvements.

Would you like Zionsville to invest more money in parks and recreation?

How would you like Zionsville Parks and Recreation to pay for new amenities and programs?

Q18: How would you like Zionsville Parks and Recreation to pay for new amenities and programs? (rate in order with 1 being most important)

Are you willing to pay for improvements in parks and recreation using any of the following methods?

Q19: Are you willing to pay for improvements in parks and recreation any of the following methods? (rate in order with 1 being most

YOUTH SPORTS SHORT SURVEY

The youth sports short survey included 5 questions and was sent to contacts within the youth sports community including baseball, softball, football, and soccer to name a few. Of the respondents, the majority participate in youth sports daily or weekly. 85% of participants utilize Lions Park, 45% at a private facility, and 40% at facilities outside of Zionsville. The majority of users, 82%, felt that more sports fields and facilities are needed in Zionsville. The most requested facility type requested was baseball/softball fields and recreational community center. The Parks and Recreation Department has implemented new programs to address this need but should continue to leverage partnerships with youth groups and schools to provide a balance of public and private facilities which also allows the department to meet the needs of other residents who aren’t participating in youth sports.

GOLF COURSE SHORT SURVEY

The golf course short survey received 444 responses. 77% of respondents were satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the conditions of the course. A lot of the “other” responses included support for the recent golf course cart path improvements but also commented on frustration with the condition of the course during construction.

Of the suggested facility improvements, drainage improvements were the most important to survey respondents. Repaving existing cart paths that weren’t paved with recent improvements followed closely behind.

How would you rate your satisfaction with the physical condition of the golf course?

golf course? (select one)

Q 1 How of t en do you use Z ionsville parks

PERRY TOWNSHIP SHORT SURVEY

Perry Township is physically separated from the majority of Zionsville by distance and by interstate 65. Town staff have actively engaged with residents of Perry Township. The short survey was administered to further engage with these residents. Although only 5 responses were received, the information gathered is valuable in understanding the wants and needs of residents in this area of Town. The responses received show support for additional trails and natural areas in this part of town. How often do you use Zionsville parks or trails?

What

types of park facilities would you like to see in Perry Township? Natural green space for

Perry Townshi p Short Survey

Res pondent

ould you like t o see t rail connect ions t o areas out side of Perr Township? (select all t hat apply) A ns wered: 5 S k ipped: 0

Would you like to see trail connections to areas outside of Perry Township? Trail connection to the south towards Brownsburg Trail Connection to the north towards Lebanon

connection to connect with areas east of I-65

Big-4

PUBLIC INPUT KEY THEMES

Six key themes emerged from input received during the engagement process. These issues or requests were heard from residents of all ages and crossed over into each different input method. The themes shown below and on the adjacent page guided development of proposed recommendations for the park system over the next five years.

BIG-4 RAIL TRAIL CONNECTIONS

The Big-4 Rail Trail is a treasured amenity for the town. Residents use the trail during all months of the year for recreation and travel. Residents continue to request additional improvements for the rail trail including more connections to neighborhoods, additional connections to the northern and southern end, and amenities along the trail including restrooms and trailheads.

MORE TRAIL CONNECTIONS TO PARKS

Zionsville has a great network of pathways and trails that connect neighborhoods with parks and the Big-4 Rail Trail. However, more trails and pathways continue to be the top request any time residents are asked what they would like to see more of. With schools packed with bicycles and year-round use of trails and pathways, Zionsville is a true multi-modal town.

CARPENTER NATURE PRESERVE

Carpenter Nature Preserve was one of the top write-in responses during the community survey and also received positive feedback during public meetings. The Carpenter Nature Preserve also meets the request for a new nature center, additional educational programming, and natural programming and events.

COMMUNITY CENTER/ AQUATIC CENTER

A community recreation center has been a common request since the previous master plan and was again requested through public input. Residents see neighboring communities with indoor recreation centers and see the advantages to having this type of amenity nearby.

ADDITIONAL PARK AMENITIES

The people of Zionsville appreciate the improvements made to existing parks in recent years including additional seating and temporary restrooms. Residents would like to see these trends continue with more seating and permanent restrooms. Other requested amenities include drinking fountains, picnic areas, and wayfinding.

ADDITIONAL NATURAL PARKS

Natural parks and environmental programming were a common theme heard in all of the input sessions. Citizens value existing natural areas and parks but would like to have more. Residents see the pace of development and growth expanding out from the town and recognize that natural areas need to be preserved so they don’t disappear.

Trail at Turkey Foot Nature Park

05 Town Parks

TOWN PARKS

The Zionsville parks system, trails, programs, and activities are among the main reasons that people move to Zionsville and why existing residents stay in Zionsville. The natural and active parks provide recreational and health benefits for citizens. Zionsville’s extensive trail network is far in advance of many Midwestern cities. Despite all these assets, the Town knows it must continue to advance the parks network to keep up with population growth and the changing dynamics of the community.

A detailed assessment was done for each of the parks operated by the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department. The assessment included an evaluation of ADA compliance (see Chapter 7 - Accessibility Review), a lifecycle analysis for park features, and an overall needs assessment for the full parks network (see Chapter 9 - Needs Assessment).

PARK TYPOLOGY

The assessed parks and facilities were categorized using The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) standard classification. This classification system provides a simple grouping of parks and facilities based on their size, service area, and/or special amenity offerings.

05

The five categories include:

• Pocket Park

• Neighborhood Park

• Community Park

• Regional Park

• Special Use Facility

The NRPA acknowledges that each community is unique in its geographic, cultural, and socio-economic make-up. These broad definitions have been adapted to meet the demographics of Zionsville.

POCKET PARK

Pocket parks are small outdoor spaces, typically no more than one acre in size. These parks offer localized places for people to gather, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors. They offer amenities usually affiliated with families and small community groups such as playgrounds, flexible green space, picnic areas, and limited athletic facilities, most commonly horseshoes and basketball. Because of their size, pocket parks typically do not have dedicated parking and rely on foot-traffic from a limited service area of onequarter mile.

NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

Neighborhood parks have many of the same characteristics as pocket parks but serve a larger area and offer more amenities. Neighborhood parks typically draw visitors from up to a one-mile service area and are anywhere from one to ten acres in size. Neighborhood parks will normally contain playgrounds, picnic shelters, flexible green space, and a few athletic facilities. The most common facilities include basketball, tennis, soccer, and softball. Still situated within walkable neighborhood streets, these parks rely on on-street parking but sometimes have supplemental parking lots.

COMMUNITY PARK

Community parks are programmed and sized to serve a greater percentage of the town’s population. They often house facilities and amenities for community-wide activity and/or specific uses that may only be available at a limited number of locations within the town. These parks are typically 10 to 75 acres in size and have a service area of up to three miles. Community parks often house one or more athletic complexes, aquatic facilities, public restrooms, passive open space, and other site-specific amenities such as lakes or a riverfront. Because programs and amenities at these parks are geared for larger audiences, these parks should be easily accessible by road, sidewalk, and multi-use trail.

REGIONAL PARK

The largest parks in any municipal system, regional parks serve the recreational needs of the entire community, and also often serve the needs of surrounding smaller communities. These parks are normally 75 acres or more in area, often encompassing maintained lawns, natural areas, forests,

lakes, and creeks. In addition to all the amenities offered at community parks, regional parks often offer nature centers, concession buildings, multiple athletic complexes, and significant natural areas.

SPECIAL USE FACILITY

A special use facility is a locale or amenity that provides a unique opportunity or setting for a specific activity that is not located anywhere else within a park system. These are not classified by size, but rather specific intended use; they may be stand-alone facilities or located within parks. Examples include skate parks, ice rinks, boat ramps, and golf courses.

PARK SCORE

A park score was developed for each park in the network. The park score was determined utilizing a set of criteria from 1 to 5 with 1 being lowest. Each park was evaluated within five categories including connectivity and access, health and safety, maintenance, programming and education, and sustainability. When analyzing the different criteria for each park, the intended use of that particular park was taken into consideration. Scores were calculated with a score of 100 being the highest.

The park score assessment is helpful in analyzing a park’s place within the network but should not be considered as the only metric for evaluating each park. Some reasons for lower scores include the age of a park. Parks that were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s didn’t have the same level of regulatory requirements or the same focus for park use. Park scores should be utilized to determine areas of improvement for each of the park and to recognize when specific features of the park may need to be updated or replaced to meet current requirements and community needs.

The park score categories and criteria include:

Connectivity and Access

• Is the park easily accessible by walking or biking in addition to by car?

• Is the park conveniently located within the community?

• How easy is it to get around the park and know where the facilities are?

• How convenient is it to walk and bike to different areas of the park?

Health and Safety

• How safe is the park perceived to be?

• Does the park promote healthy lifestyles?

• Are there multiple activities available in the park?

• Is the park ADA compliant?

Maintenance

• How well maintained is the park?

• Are park facilities current or do they appear outdated?

• Are the materials used in the park easy to maintain?

• Are invasive plants impacting the park?

Programming and Education

• Is the park flexible for multiple programming opportunities?

• Are there a good mix of uses available in the park?

• Are there educational materials or opportunities within the park for educational programming?

• Is distribution of activity balanced across the site?

Sustainability

• Is there a system to capture, hold, and treat stormwater on site?

• Is the park constructed with lowimpact elements like native plantings and permeable pavers?

• Are sustainable maintenance practices such as recycling and no-mow areas utilized in the park?

• Is there a balance between active uses on the site and the need to have minimal impact to encourage natural areas and wildlife habitat?

Mulberry Fields Bio Basins with Native Plantings

Zion Nature Sanctuary

AMERICAN LEGION TRAIL CROSSING

Park Type: Pocket Park/Trailhead

Site Score: 58

Acreage: 2

Year Built: 1998

Address: 721 Ford Road

Amenities:

• Parking

• Big-4 Rail Trail Access

• Veterans memorial

• Seating and Drinking Fountain

• Leashed Dogs Only

Summary: The American Legion Trail Crossing was built in 1998 by the local American Legion as a memorial to war veterans. The park offers a reflection plaza, seating, and drinking fountain.

This small park is showing its age and could be improved with plant replacement, pruning and invasive plant removal. The existing asphalt path connection to the Big-4 Rail Trail is in good condition but is narrow in today’s standards. Interpretive signage could be added to provide additional context for the plaza as a memorial and wayfinding added to direct people to the rail trail.

ADA Assessment Overview: The existing parking should be restriped with 1 van accessible parking space. The existing drinking fountain is not ADA compliant and should be replaced or supplemented with an ADA compliant fountain. The existing brick plaza walkway has areas that need to be cleaned and reset to remain ADA accessible.

CARTER STATION

Park Type: Neighborhood Park

Site Score: 68

Acreage: 8

Year Built: 2000

Address: 4643 Pebblepointe Pass

Amenities:

• Parking

• Big-4 Rail Trail access

• Paved pathways

• Fishing

• Leashed dogs only

Summary: Carter Station is a neighborhood park located in Cobblestone Lakes and adjacent to the Big-4 Rail Trail. The main feature of the park is a paved path that circulates around the detention pond. The paved path travels through open fields and more wooded areas underneath utility power lines. Although the park is a neighborhood park, and heavily used by Cobblestone residents, it is intended for use by the entire community. Additional signage on the Big-4 Rail Trail would help the visibility of this park for trail users and could increase usage of the park. A small parking area is located on the northeast corner of the park.

With construction of the paved path in the early 2000s it is starting to show wear and tear with cracking along most sections of the path. The parking lot needs to be resurfaced and restriped for visibility. Additional native plantings and reforestation would provide shade for the park in the summer.

ADA Assessment Overview: There are no accessible spaces marked or signed in the small parking lot for Carter Station. Additional wayfinding signage would also help to orient users of the park.

CREEKSIDE NATURE PARK

Park Type: Community Park

Site Score: 68

Acreage: 18

Year Built: 2001

Address: 11001 East Sycamore Street

Amenities:

• Parking

• Canoe/kayak access

• Fishing

• Picnic tables/seating

• Bike rack

• Paved pathways

• Leashed dogs only

Summary: Creekside Nature Park was built in 2001. This park was designed as a retreat through a natural area in the floodplain of Eagle Creek. Pathways wind through the wooded site and provide access to Eagle Creek. The pathways also connect with Lions Park under Sycamore Street and Zionsville Road creating an important connection along Eagle Creek.

The asphalt path is nearing the end of its life cycle at 21 years old and is starting to show wear and tear with cracks in the path and edges that are failing. The pathway on each side of the parking area has no direct connection requiring users to walk/ ride through the parking lot. Existing wood benches, bike rack,and picnic tables will need to be replaced with recycled materials similar to the two tables shown in the adjacent photo.

ADA Assessment Overview: Many of the amenities located adjacent to the trail are located outside of paved areas making them inaccessible for wheelchair users. The existing parking lot should be restriped to better delineate the accessible space.

CREEKSIDE CORPORATE POCKET PARK

Park Type: Pocket Park/Trailhead

Site Score: 86

Acreage: 0.93

Year Built: 2016

Address: 10855 Creek Way

Amenities:

• Parking

• Outdoor fitness equipment

• Basketball court - half court

• Shelter with picnic tables

• Walking paths

• Bike rack

Summary: The Creekside Corporate Park was built in 2016 and primarily serves workers within the Corporate Park. However, the pathway network throughout the corporate park joins with the multi-use path network along Zionsville Road creating a convenient and attractive loop for many residents in and near the village. The outdoor fitness equipment in this park is the only case of this type of amenity in the parks network fulfilling a desired facility from previous master plan efforts.

Materials used in the pocket park include sustainable concrete, roofs with a light/ reflective color, and poured-in-place permeable surfaces for the fitness court.

ADA Assessment Overview: The pocket park was designed to meet current ADA regulations and includes accessible ramps and a wheelchair accessible picnic table. The detectable warning pad has settled creating a hazard for the accessible ramp. This warning pad should be reset to be flush with adjacent concrete pavements.

ELM STREET GREEN

Park Type: Neighborhood Park

Site Score: 80

Acreage: 15.5

Year Built: 2010

Address: 165 Elm Street

Amenities:

• Parking

• Restroom - portable

• Canoe/kayak access

• Community Gardens

• Fishing

• Shelters with picnic tables and grills

• Playground

• Paved trails

• Story walk

• Native plantings and reforestation

• Leashed dogs only

Summary: Elm Street Green is one of Zionsville’s newer parks built in 2010. The park was designed to provide a balance between restoration of natural areas in the Eagle Creek floodplain and activities for users across the site. A walking path takes visitors through the native plantings and along Eagle Creek. The park also includes access to Eagle Creek and community gardens. The park received additional amenities in 2019 with the addition of nature inspired play equipment, poured-in-place safety surfacing, and additional walkways.

ADA Assessment Overview: The community gardens are not currently accessible and need an accessible route added to their entrance and to the water faucet. Interpretive signage should be adjusted to create adequate ground clearance for forward facing approach. Companion spaces next to benches along the pathway also need to be added.

HERITAGE TRAIL PARK

Park Type: Community Park

Site Score: 83

Acreage: 11

Year Built: 2013

Address: 4050 South 875 East

Amenities:

• Parking

• Restroom - portable

• Basketball and bocce ball courts

• Cornhole

• Paved trails

• Access to Big-4 Rail Trail

• Drinking fountain

• Shelter with picnic tables and grill

• Pickleball court

• Playgrounds

• Dog park

• Community gardens (including accessible gardens)

Summary: Phase 1 of Heritage Trail Park was constructed in 2013 which included parking, walking trails, playground, and shelter. Recent additions to the park were constructed in 2021 and include an additional inclusive play set, parking, dog park, accessible community gardens, and shade sails.

Heritage Trail Park is designed as an active recreational park with a multitude of uses for a variety of users. Access to the Big-4 Rail Trail also makes this park a convenient trailhead for the rail trail. Permanent restrooms would be a good addition for the park in the future.

ADA Assessment Overview: Provide a standing height drinking fountain in addition to the water fountain. Engineered wood mulch needs to be refilled to provide an accessible route to play equipment.

LINCOLN PARK

Park Type: Neighborhood Park

Site Score: 65

Acreage: 0.5

Year Built: Prior to WW II

Address: 41 S. 2nd Street

Amenities:

• Gazebo

• Picnic tables/benches

• Drinking fountain

• Water feature

• Historic plaque and flagpole

• Leashed dogs only

Summary: Lincoln Park is likely Zionsville’s oldest park and was built before WW II although it looked different at that time.

The park is located where the train depot that Lincoln is rumored to have spoken on while on his way to his inauguration. Today, Lincoln Park is host to weddings and other small events. The gazebo includes electric power and access to water. The gazebo was donated to the town in 1986 and needs repair/refurbishment.

The age of this park has created challenges with overgrown/dated plant material and encroachment of invasive plants. Mosquitoes are known to be abundant during the summer months. The brick walkways are attractive but are too narrow to be accessible and need to be reset to smooth out small differences in elevations. Lawn areas are challenging to keep consistent because of the shade from trees and use of the park.

ADA Assessment Overview: Accessible parking should be added to on-street parking. Picnic areas and benches lack adjacent accessible spaces. The existing drinking fountain should be supplemented with a high/low fountain.

MULBERRY FIELDS

Park Type: Regional Park

Site Score: 85

Acreage: 38

Year Built: 2008

Address: 9645 Whitestown Road

Amenities:

• Parking

• Restroom, portable and seasonal

• Splash pad

• Picnic shelters with tables

• Basketball court

• Skate park

• Multi-use athletic fields with lights

• Sledding

• Drinking fountains

• Playground

• Leashed dogs only

Summary: Mulberry Fields is a multi-use recreational park. The splash pad is a regional draw during summer months with overhead and ground level play elements. The splash pad includes a representation of a mini stream. Drainage from the splash pad is retained in biobasins which are planted with native plants. A walking path provides a loop around the park. The Parks and Recreation Department utilizes Mulberry Fields for several of its recreational programs.

The park also hosts Winterfest in the winter which includes a temporary skating rink, booths, lighting and music. This park sees visitors during all times of the year. The basketball court does need resurfacing and mulch levels should be raised in the playground areas.

ADA Assessment Overview: The skate park is the primary source of non-compliance for ADA accessibility.

OVERLEY-WORMAN PARK

Park Type: Regional Park

Site Score: 75

Acreage: 51

Year Built: 2022

Address: 6040 Godello Circle

Amenities:

• Parking

• Restroom - portable

• Playground

• Disc golf course

• Paved trails

• Fishing

• Boardwalks

• Rustic trails

• Mountain bike course

• Native plantings and reforestation

• Leashed dogs only

Summary: Overley-Worman Park was recently completed and includes several active uses that were previously lacking in the Town’s parks network. The park converted a previous construction debris dump site into an active recreational park with large areas of natural habitat. The park is adjacent to Eagle Creek and across from Starkey Nature Park creating a unique opportunity for the Town to restore the banks of Eagle Creek on both sides of the creek. While this is an amazing asset, the creek will also continue to be a challenge as development impacts continue to affect the creek banks. The park is adjacent to the Big-4 Rail Trail which connects the park with many of the Town’s other parks allowing users to travel between parks without cars.

ADA Assessment Overview: Many of the items noted in the accessibility review in the appendix have been corrected through ongoing construction.

STARKEY NATURE PARK

Park Type: Community Park

Site Score: 66

Acreage: 80

Year Built: 1974

Address: 667 Sugarbush Drive

Amenities:

• Parking

• Signed nature trails

• Fishing/Access to Eagle Creek

• Big-4 Rail Trail Access

• No bicycles

• Leashed dogs only

Summary: Starkey Nature Park is currently Zionsville’s largest park and is named for Lucile Starkey who donated the land for park use in 1974. Starkey Nature Park has always been a nature park with a focus on the natural setting and limited impacts incorporated into the park. The trails are rustic and not paved and wind down from the hilltop to the Eagle Creek floodplain.

The parking area for the park is often overflowing and needs to be expanded. Natural stormwater design solutions should be incorporated with any additional pavement that is added to the park. Streambank restoration and removal of invasive plants will be ongoing operations for the park.

ADA Assessment Overview: Accessibility within the park is challenging. Innovative design solutions such as permeable stone pathways that are accessible while in a wheelchair will be needed to upgrade the park and make it accessible to all. Overlooks can connect with the parking area creating visual access to parts of the park that those with limited mobility aren’t able to access.

TENNIS COURTS AND TOTLOT (At Lions Park)

Park Type: Neighborhood Park

Site Score: 59

Acreage: 0.65

Year Built: 1968

Address: 115 S. Elm Street

Amenities:

• Playground

• Dedicated pickleball court

• Tennis courts with pickleball

• Drinking fountain

• Benches and picnic table

Summary: This small park is located within Lions Park and appears to be a part of the larger park. Considered alone, this area might be regarded as a pocket park, but as a part of the larger Lions Park, the playground and tennis courts serve as a neighborhood park. The playground is in a shaded area and is sought after when families are at the park for little league activities. The poured-in-place safety surfacing creates a unique play experience for kids but will require additional maintenance to keep clean because of leaf and debris from the surrounding trees.

The tennis courts were recently resurfaced and pickleball courts were striped on the tennis courts to meet the demand of the community for places to play the new sport. The resurfacing will extend the life of the tennis courts for a few years, however, eventual replacement will be needed to correct imperfections caused by adjacent trees.

ADA Assessment Overview: Access to the tennis courts and pickleball courts is not ADA compliant and limits their use by those in wheelchairs.

TURKEY FOOT NATURE

PARK

Park Type: Community Park

Site Score: 67

Acreage: 23

Year Built: 2003

Address: 4795 Turkey Foot Nature Park

Amenities:

• Parking

• Rustic trails

• Paved shared-use trails

• Educational exhibit

• Fishing

• Canoe/kayak access

• Leashed dogs only

Summary: Turkey Foot Nature Park is another park located along Eagle Creek and incorporates several acres of the creek’s floodplain. A variety of trail types wind down through the woodlands of the park including rustic trails, paved shared-use trails, and a pedestrian bridge over Eagle Creek. The paved path connects with neighborhoods to the east through a connection with Redbud Lane.

The pedestrian bridge over Eagle Creek has required repairs in recent years and is currently undergoing a structural analysis to assess the structural integrity, and to provide recommendations for extending the life of the bridge.

ADA Assessment Overview: The interpretive exhibit along the paved trail does not include paved access up to the exhibit. This exhibit and other interpretive signage throughout the park should be updated to meet current guidelines for text size, graphics, aural, audio, and tactile experiences. The parking lot is also in need of restriping.

VILLAGE CORNER

Park Type: Pocket Park

Site Score: 73

Acreage: 0.03

Year Built: 2001

Address: Cedar and Main Streets

Amenities:

• Parking

• Benches/seating

• Historic marker

• Street clock

• Paved plaza

Summary: Village Corner was established in 2001 and provides a pleasant resting place for visitors along Main Street. A historic marker in the plaza shares the history of Main Street in Zionsville.

Wood benches in the plaza are in good shape but may need resurfacing in the next year. Replacing the benches with benches made of more sustainable materials should be considered. New benches would also reduce the maintenance needed for upkeep. Plantings within the plaza are well maintained but some are becoming difficult to trim because of their age.

ADA Assessment Overview: Accessible parking spaces should be added to on-street parking. Companion spaces next to benches will create spaces for wheelchair users. Brick pavers need to be reset in areas to correct changes in level between bricks.

Big-4RailTrail

WETLAND RESERVE

Park Type: Pocket Park/Trailhead

Site Score: NA

Acreage: 20

Year Built: 2001

Address: 4392 Greenthread Drive

Amenities:

• Natural Areas

Summary: The Wetland Reserve was donated by Robert Carter in 2001 as a part of the Spring Knoll Development. The reserve has not been developed and the Parks and Recreation Department does not intend to develop the park for public use. The park is instead intended to provide natural plantings for habitat in the middle of a highly developed area of town. The woodlands and wetland area provide benefits for the community through stormwater filtration and cleaning the air. The wetland is classified by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as a Palustrine Forested Broad Leafed Deciduous Seasonally Flooded wetland in the National Wetlands Inventory.

ADA Assessment Overview: If this reserve were to include development of any kind, accessible elements should be incorporated into those improvements. This might include parking areas and limited access to the site.

ZION NATURE SANCTUARY

Park Type: Neighborhood Park

Site Score: 58

Acreage: 10

Year Built: 2001

Address: 690 Beech Street

Amenities:

• Parking

• Rustic trails

• Wetland

• Shelter/pavilion

• Leashed dogs only

Summary: The Zion Nature Sanctuary is located behind Eagle Creek Elementary which limits access to the park. The park is a great asset for the school and is often used during fair weather. Access limitations impact the amount of public use of this park. Neighborhoods which are close enough to walk to the park have more access than those needing to wait until parking becomes available after school hours.

Erosion is an issue across the park. Shade and steep slopes create challenges to creating established slopes. Invasive plant materials are also a challenge in the park. The gazebo is nearing 22 years old and needs repairs including a new roof and refinishing posts and siding.

ADA Assessment Overview: There are many challenges with the Zion Nature Center’s accessibility. Rustic trails in woodlands do not create smooth accessible paths. Slopes within the park are difficult to traverse at acceptable grades.

ZIONSVILLE GOLF COURSE

Park Type: Special Use Facility

Site Score: 68

Acreage: 62

Year Built: 1960

Address: 10799 East 550 South

Amenities:

• Parking

• Golf

• Clubhouse with concessions

• Restrooms

Summary: The Zionsville golf course was constructed in the 1960s with ownership and operations taken over by the Town in 2007. The golf course is owned by the Town and operated by the Park and Recreation Board. The golf course is conveniently located in the heart of Zionsville. This 9-hole, 36 par course offers lessons for all ages and is host to many leagues include the Penny Putters and the Senior Mens League.

Most of the golf course is located within the floodplain of Eagle Creek making it susceptible to closures because of flooding or drainage issues. A larger drainage project to address areas of the course that retain water is ongoing in a partnership between the Parks Department and the Department of Public Works. Cart paths near the southern end of the course were recently paved and additional cart paths that were deteriorating were also paved. The remaining cart paths will need to be paved in the near future with those paths nearing the end of their life span.

ADA Assessment Overview: The clubhouse for the golf course was built in the 1960s and does not include accessible facilities. The Parks Department recognizes this deficiency and will include accessibility requirements in any future improvements.

ZIONSVILLE NATURE CENTER

Park Type: Special Use Facility

Site Score: NA

Acreage: NA

Year Founded: 2002

Address: 250 N. 5th Street

Amenities:

• Parking

• Nature Center programming

• Exhibits

Summary: The nature center is currently located inside of the Youth Services Department at the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library. The nature center was previously located in a building behind Eagle Elementary School that was on loan from the Zionsville Community Schools Corporation. This location limited the hours of operation to only Saturday and Sundays and select weekdays during the summer and school breaks. Although the current location has increased the hours of operation for the nature center there are space limitations. Demand for programming at the nature center has exceeded capacity from nearly day one of opening. Given more space, the staff would increase exhibits and programming for the nature center. A permanent home is desperately needed and will provide additional revenue-generating opportunities for the Parks and Recreation Department.

ADA Assessment Overview: Most of the recommendations for creating a more accessible space will require coordination with the library because of changes to their facility. When a new nature center is constructed, accessibility and inclusive design will be a priority.

PARKS NOT OWNED OR OPERATED BY ZIONSVILLE

There are many recreational and park facilities in the Town of Zionsville that are not owned or operated by the Parks Department. Although the Park and Recreation Board does not oversee or operate these parks, they do maintain strong partnerships with shared programming. Like the Parks and Recreation Department, these facilities also contribute to the recreational network in Zionsville. With limited budgets and resources, these facilities need to be considered as a part of the whole network to be sure that priorities are focused on shortfalls and avoid overlap between public and private facilities. A summary of other recreational opportunities in the Town is provided below.

Lions Park

Lions Park is located adjacent to the Village along Sycamore Street. The 18-acre park is owned and operated by the Zionsville Lions Club. This park has a long history in the Town of Zionsville with its establishment in 1940. The park is host to several little leagues and includes seven baseball and softball diamonds, a full size lighted basketball court, two playgrounds, shelter, and paved walking path. Lions Park hosts the annual 4th of July Celebration and the Fall Festival in September. During summer months the Sunday summer concert series is located at the gazebo in the park. The tennis courts and totlot property operated and owned by the Park and Recreation Board was donated by the Lions Club.

Azionaqua Swim Club

Azionaqua is a swim club and facility located on Willow Road just north of the Village. The pool opened in August of 1960 and is still in operation. The facility includes a 50-meter outdoor pool, zero-depth junior pool, diving well with diving boards, outdoor basketball courts, picnic shelters and pool house with concession stand. The pool is open from late May to September. Activities available at the pool include open swim, swim lessons, diving lessons, swim team, scuba, and summer parties.

Lions Park

Azionaqua Swim Club

School Corporation Facilities

The Zionsville School Corporation facilities were built primarily for school use but the school corporation also knows that their facilities are used by the public. Many of the facilities owned and operated by the school corporation are expensive capital projects that would be challenging for a town parks department to replicate. Although use of these facilities is limited by the hours of school use, they are still an important recreational facility available to residents in Zionsville. The challenge for the Parks and Recreation Department is finding the balance between providing facilities that can meet the demands of residents for a wider range of time and the reality of budget and resource limitations. As the town continues to grow, the Parks and Recreation Department may find that the limitations for using school facilities is too restrictive and the department should fund similar facilities within the parks system. Pickleball courts are a good example of this flexibility and response to residents’ demands. When pickleball was just starting to get awareness among residents, the school corporation was able to stripe existing tennis courts and meet the demands of the pickleball community. However, as more people began playing the sport, additional facilities were needed to accommodate the number of players but also the need to be able to play during all times of the day.

Maplelawn Farmstead

Maplelawn Farmstead is located directly adjacent to Mulberry Fields along Whitestown Road. The farmstead is operated by a non-profit organization, Maplelawn Farmstead, Inc. but the land is owned by the Zionsville Park and Recreation Board. Maplelawn creates programming to educate and preserve the rural history of the 1930s Great Depression era on an Indiana Farm. The Farmstead is listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Parks and Recreation Department partners with the nonprofit for various events and educational programs. The farmstead is host to Barns and Brews, a fundraiser for the farmstead which includes a speaker and refreshments. The farmstead was the location of programming during Winterfest including Christmas Tea and the Winter Luminary Walk. Family reunions, birthday, anniversary or bridal showers, and conference rentals are also available.

Private For-Profit

There are a number of private facilities, leagues and clubs that add to recreational activities in Zionsville. The following is not intended as a comprehensive list but does include some of the largest providers. The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with each at different levels during the past and continues to create beneficial partnerships.

Pearson Automotive Tennis Club - The tennis club is located on 875 East just south of Heritage Trail Park and the Big-4 Rail Trail. The facility includes eight USTA regulation sized indoor tennis courts, men’s and women’s locker rooms, and professional lessons.

Zionsville Youth Soccer Association - ZYSA is an open club serving over 1,700 youth in the central Indiana area. The club was founded in 1979 and offers youth and adult programming. Services include recreational, pathway, academy, and travel soccer programs for boys and girls ages U5-U18. ZYSA also offers TOPS Soccer for kids with special needs.

Boys and Girls Club of Boone CountyZionsville Unit - The Zionsville Unit began in the old high school gymnasium and moved to its current location on Mulberry Street in 1996. The Zionsville Unit serves over 100 kids daily in their after-school program. Before school care is not offered at this location.

FACILITY LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS

The purpose of the Life Cycle Analysis is to provide recommendations for maintenance and repairs to increase the longevity of pavements and amenities in Zionsville parks. This assessment is also intended to provide for advance budget planning for replacement of facilities that are at the end of their life cycle. The Life Cycle Analysis ratings shown on the following pages utilized the PASER rating system and an assessment of Life Cycle Analysis based on when facilities were constructed and their current condition.

The PASER system, shown on the adjacent page, was developed by the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council and is widely used by communities and road agencies across the nation to evaluate the roads and develop maintenance plans. This system was applied to the asphalt amenities within the parks network to plan for future repair and replacement where warranted.

Similarly, the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) assessment was utilized for other park amenities including shelters, site furniture, playgrounds, and brick walkways. The LCA considers typical life span for park facilities including asphalt pavements, concrete, shelters, playgrounds, safety surfacing, and site furniture.

Asphalt

Concrete

Poured-in-place

Site

Mulberry Fields Shelter

No longitudinal cracks except reflection of paving joints. Occasional transverse cracks, widely spaced (40’ or greater). All cracks sealed or tight (open less than 1/4”)

Very slight or no raveling, surface shows some traffic wear. Longitudinal cracks (open 1/4”) due to reflection or paving joints. Transverse cracks (open 1/4”) spaced 10’ or more apart, little or slight crack raveling. No patching or very few patches in excellent condition.

Recent overlay. Like new.

Recent sealcoat or new cold mix. Little or no maintenance required.

First signs of aging. Maintain with routine crack filling. 6 Good

Slight raveling (loss of fines) and traffic wear. Longitudinal cracks (open 1/4” - 1/2”), some spaced less than 10’. First sign of block cracking. Slight to moderate flushing or polishing. Occasional patching in good condition.

Shows signs of aging. Sound structural condition. Could extend life with sealcoat. 5 Fair

Moderate to severe raveling (loss of fine and coarse aggregate). Longitudinal and transverse cracks (open 1/2”) show first signs of slight raveling and secondary cracks. First signs of longitudinal cracks near pavement edge. Block cracking up to 50% of surface. Extensive to severe flushing or polishing. Some patching or edge wedging in good condition.

Surface aging. Sound structural condition. Needs sealcoat or thin non-structural overlay (less than 2”).

4 Fair

3 Poor

2 Very Poor

1 Failed

Severe surface raveling. Multiple longitudinal and transverse cracking with slight raveling. Longitudinal cracking in wheel path. Block cracking (over 50% of surface). Patching in fair condition. Slight rutting or distortions (1/2” deep or less).

Closely spaced longitudinal and transverse cracks often showing raveling and crack erosion. Severe block cracking. Some alligator cracking (less than 25% of surface). Patches in fair to poor condition. Moderate rutting or distortion (1” or 2” deep). Occasional potholes.

Alligator cracking (over 25% of surface). Severe distortions (over 2” deep). Extensive patching in poor condition. Potholes.

Significant aging and first signs of need for strengthening. Would benefit from a structural overlay (2” or more).

Needs patching and repair prior to major overlay. Milling and removal of deterioration extends the life of overlay.

Severe deterioration. Needs reconstruction with extensive base repair. Pulverization of old pavement is effective.

Severe distress with extensive loss of surface integrity. Failed. Needs total reconstruction.

Source: PASER Manual Asphalt Roads Transportation Information Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Park/Facility

Park/Facility

06

TRAILS

With over 20 miles of trails, and exponentially more miles of shared-use paths and sidewalks, Zionsville is one of the best connected towns in Indiana. The network of trails and pathways are one of Zionsville’s greatest assets for recreation and multi-modal travel. Even still, residents consistently ask for additional trail connections. Because the network of trails and sidewalks is so extensive, residents utilize bicycles or walk to get to parks and run errands in addition to using these facilities for recreation. For many, a preference has developed to reach destinations without their cars which is a large reason for the demand for additional non-vehicular connections.

The Big-4 Rail Trail is operated and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department. Shared-use trails adjacent to roadways are primarily maintained by the Department of Public Works (DPW) except when those trails are a part of one of the Town’s parks. The sidewalks in and near the village and in neighborhoods are also maintained by DPW.

Creating a network of non-vehicular connections throughout the town is of high importance to residents. As noted above, coordination is needed among multiple

departments to utilize limited town resources to maintain trails and pathways and to implement new connections. Oversight for the entire network of trails and pathways is provided by the Pathways Committee which is a separate entity from the Parks and Recreation Department or DPW.

Pathways Committee

The Town of Zionsville has a Pathways Committee which serves as an advisory committee to make recommendations of pathway routes and policies. The committee is responsible for maintaining the “Bike Friendly Community” and “Walk Friendly Community” designations. The committee includes eight members appointed by the Town Council. The Pathways Committee is not overseen by the Park and Recreation Board but does have close communication and coordination with the board.

The Pathways Committee is responsible for overseeing implementation of trails and pathways as proposed by the Strategic Trails Implementation Plan which was completed in 2016. The Town has seen a lot of growth since this plan was prepared which might indicate the need to update the plan.

BIG-4 RAIL TRAIL

Mileage: 5.4 miles

Amenities:

• Paved shared-use trail

• Benches

• Wayfinding signage

• Trash receptacles

• Dog waste stations

• Road crossings in tunnel underpass

• Trailhead access

Summary: The Big-4 Rail Trail will one day stretch 30 miles across Boone County. Zionsville is currently completing the rail trail for its entire length through the town with an extension to the south and to the north. In addition, the town is widening the trail from 8-10 feet to 12-15’ width depending on topography and available land.

The first phases of the rail trail were implemented in the late 1990s to early 2000s. Parking and trail access can be found along the trail at multiple points through trailheads and parks that connect with the rail trail. These locations include the Nancy Burton trailhead, Town Hall, Carter Station, American Legion Trail Crossing, Heritage Trail Park, and the Zionsville Road Trailhead which is under construction. Restroom facilities have been added to trailhead locations in the last few years. A year-round restroom facility will be included at the southern end of the trail at the Zionsville Road Trailhead.

ADA Assessment Overview: As an old railroad corridor, most of the trail is accessible and includes accessible parking at the different trailhead areas. Some of these parking lots need to be restriped. The main issue with accessibility along the trail is with the wayside amenities which are located in lawn areas without an accessible route to access from the trail.

NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIONS

Summary: The Town of Zionsville has many connections between neighborhoods and parks and schools. However,a few gaps remain within the system. Although this master plan process did not include an assessment of trails and sidewalks, the desire for additional trail connections was at the top of the priority list when asked what residents wanted to see more of. This plan included a review of the Strategic Trails Implementation Plan to identify gaps in the network that might become even more immediate to address with changes that have occurred in the town with growth and with continued path and trail development.

As with most older towns in the Midwest, older sidewalks and trails can be narrow and sometimes don’t meet current width standards for ADA compliance. These trails and connections are also showing wear and tear in areas of high traffic. The Pathways Committee oversees recommendations for new trails and repair/replacement of existing trails.

ADA Assessment Overview: Portions of the trail and sidewalk network as they relate to access to public areas and buildings were evaluated in the 2015 Accessibility Transition Plan. A full evaluation of trails in the town’s right-of-ways would be helpful to identify areas such as those shown in the underlying photo which need repairs or replacement to remove barriers to accessibility including low areas which hold water, steep grades, narrow width sidewalks or trails, and heaving areas of asphalt trail.

Bridge at Overley Worman Park

07 Accessibility Review

07

ACCESSIBILITY REVIEW

The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department has made accessibility in parks and along trails a priority. To support this work, this plan utilized a thorough assessment process similar to traditional ADA Transition Plans but with analysis focused on recreational access. This included assessing each park to critique the means necessary for people with disabilities to participate and enjoy the benefits of park programs, services, and activities. Each park was examined by a specialist in ADA compliance and included an evaluation for compliance with the 2010 ADA Standards; ABA accessibility standards relevant for trails, picnic areas, and outdoor developed areas; the proposed accessibility standards for shared use paths; and the provisions from the state accessibility codes that are more stringent. Elements for assessment included features such as parking, circulation routes, public entrances, information counters, restrooms, exhibits, recreation facilities, playgrounds, sports fields, boating and fishing areas, trailheads, picnic areas, scenic viewing areas and other amenities available for public use.

The Parks and Recreation Department was provided with a Microsoft Access database containing deficiencies and barriers to participation for visitors with disabilities at each park and recreation facility,

recommendations for corrective actions, standard citations, and digital images. The database is user friendly and will allow the parks department to easily track improvements and identify priorities at the beginning of each planning year.

Accessibility Information

Zionsville’s ADA Transition Plan was completed in 2011 and included adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator and Procedures. The plan was updated and adopted in 2015 and included a general assessment of each of the park facilities.

Zionsville’s designated coordinator is Mike Dale, Director of Community and Economic Development. The ADA Coordinator can be reached by contacting the Zionsville Community and Economic Development Department at (317) 873-5108 or at 1100 West Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077. Public notice of ADA requirements is posted in hard copy format at Town Hall.

If citizens have an ADA grievance, they can contact the ADA Coordinator directly or access the grievance form at: https:// www.zionsville-in.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/1081/ADA---Request-forAccommodation-Form

Public Input

The community survey administered as a part of the master plan process included questions relating to the accessibility of parks. The majority of respondents did not have family with disabilities but of those that did, 75% rated accessibility in parks as average to good.

Detailed assessments for each park are included in the appendix with a summary provided in the following pages.

Accessibility Assessment Summary

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires a public entity to develop a transition plan if structural changes to facilities are necessary to achieve program accessibility. It is not out of the ordinary for a Title II entity to have an existing ADA Transition Plan that does not fully address parks and recreation facilities since the original accessibility standards did not address these types of unique environments. With the release of both the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the 2013 addition of outdoor developed areas to the Architectural Barriers Act, it has become necessary and prudent for all Title II public entities that provide outdoor recreation spaces and facilities to reassess barrier removal and accessibility improvements consistent with the new standards, thereby folding that data into an ADA Transition Plan. While the Town of Zionsville has an ADA Transition Plan on file for public buildings, this phase of the master planning project concentrated on physical access for people with disabilities to access parks and recreation facilities. Skulski Consulting LCC was contracted to conduct the accessibility assessment. The purpose of the accessibility assessment was to identify physical and communication barriers to programs, services, and activities available

to the public at supporting facilities such as parks, natural areas, and trailheads.

The accessibility assessment analyzed 16 parks and recreation facilities for compliance with the federal accessibility standards, the state accessibility code, and the Title II “program access” requirement. Approximately 130 deficiencies were identified that pose physical or communication barriers for people with disabilities to successfully participate or gain the benefits of the programs, services or activities within the park or recreation facility. Barriers for people with disabilities were categorized (Critical, Serious, Moderate or Minor) by the degree by which the barrier prohibits participation in recreational programs, activities, or experiences. Corrective actions to improve access for people with disabilities at the 16 recreation sites are estimated at $433,000; 29% of which are associated with CRITICAL barrier removal necessary to achieve “program access” under Title II of the ADA.

The assessment team evaluated public spaces for program access and compliance with the accessibility standards and guidelines. The approach to the accessibility assessment is one where the sequence for data collection follows the visitor from the point of entrance to the park or facility and through the use of various programmatic experiences. Recommendations for corrective actions are based upon compliance with federal mandates and recognized best practices. The ADA Title II Regulations, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the ABA Accessibility Standards specific to trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewing areas were the primary referenced standards. Proposed rules were referenced for guidance along with publications of noted best practices including: Proposed Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-ofWay (PROWAG)(2011), Advanced Proposed Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian

Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way -Shared Use Paths (2013), Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibition Design Smithsonian Accessibility Program, Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for National Park Service Interpretive Media, and the Principles of Universal Design.

The detail reports included in the appendix, also titled “Accessibility Assessment Conditions Reports,” provide a description of each deficiency, location, recommendation for barrier removal, conceptual projected cost, impervious area that may be affected by the corrective action and digital image. The deficiencies and corresponding corrective actions have been categorized by priorities. The priority definitions are based upon criticality and effect on the disabled visitor’s opportunity to equally participate and benefit from the experience like non-disabled users. The priorities were developed by the project team as follows:

Priority 1 is a critical and urgent classification given to those barriers/deficiencies that significantly prohibit people with disabilities from utilizing the program, service or activity to equally participate and benefit from the experience when viewed in its entirety. These locations are likely to have the highest volume of visitor use and be considered integral to the reason people come to the park or facility. Corrective action here is necessary to achieve “Program Access.” In some instances, a safety concern may also be addressed in this category. Examples: The site lacks an accessible trail. The park lacks an accessible route to the sports field, team seating and spectator viewing area. The accessible parking is surfaced with large stone gravel. There is no accessible picnic unit.

Priority 2 is a serious and urgent classification given to those deficiencies that effectually inhibit a person with a disability from utilizing the facility independently. The deficiency is considered a barrier to a significant number

of people with disabilities; the location has a high volume of use and is considered a unique feature to the park or facility. A person with a disability may be able to participate in a limited capacity or with some assistance but is still prevented from receiving the full benefit of the program, service or activity. Examples: A section of the asphalt park path has a slope 6 to 12%, changes in level or openings in the surface. The restroom lacks accessible room identification signage. There is a change in level at the door threshold. The lock requires twisting, pinching or grasping.

Priority 3 is a moderate classification given to those deficiencies that affect the convenience of accessibility for visitors with disabilities. At least one of these features or elements are already considered accessible somewhere else in the park or facility. Corrective action here would provide greater convenience for users. Example: The trash receptacle is located outside of the accessible route and accessible reach range. The accessible toilet stall lacks a door pull on the interior.

Priority 4 is a minor non-urgent deficiency that would be required to be meet the new construction standards should the element undergo alternation or renovation. In most instances, the element is a duplicate and already provided as accessible in another location within the park or facility; or it is considered an area primarily used by employees. Example: The light switch is 52 inches above the finish floor, compliant with the older accessibility standards, but not compliant with the newer 2010 ADA Standards required not to exceed 48 inches.

This accessibility assessment should be considered as a conditions assessment, a snapshot in time recording the conditions for visitors with disabilities on that day. Conditions may change due to events such as maintenance, vandalism, and storm damage. Thus, the planning team

should always visit the site prior to making corrective actions to verify the present conditions. Upon receipt of this report, planners, programmers, and facility managers are encouraged to review the data and begin analyzing how the findings and recommendations fit into the master plans and programmatic goals for each park or facility. The detail reports should be consulted whenever:

• Routine maintenance is performed.

• Capital projects are planned.

• Corrective actions are implemented per the ADA Transition Plan.

The priorities DO NOT dictate the order to which corrective actions should be made. Instead, they are defined to give decision-makers a better understanding of the magnitude by which the barrier prohibits a person with a disability from fully experiencing the program or activity offered at the park or facility. It will be at the discretion of administrators to determine the order by which corrective actions are made. Based on the data gathered from the accessibility assessment, the following recommendations are presented for master planning, new construction, alterations to existing facilities, and day to day operations to facilitate fully inclusive recreation opportunities for people with disabilities:

1. Assign accessibility and universal design as essential criteria in the design process to ensure equitable access for all park visitors.

2. Adopt a procedure for the construction phase to conduct periodic inspections confirming the project is being built to plan and in compliance with the accessibility standards.

3. Adopt a procedure to conduct a final inspection on all projects, capital improvements, and repairs for compliance with the accessibility standards. In instances where elements do not comply with the

accessibility standards, the contractors should be required to correct the element prior to the Town receiving and signing off on the completed project.

4. Adopt an annual/bi-annual schedule to inspect exterior pathways for surface issues that may result in noncompliance with the accessibility standards as part of the periodic update to the ADA Transition Plan. Utilize this process to prioritize sections for repair or resurfacing; and plan for annual preventative maintenance for pathways connecting visitors to programs, services, and activities at each site.

5. Design park paths that serve as accessible routes, connecting the site arrival point to accessible features, not to exceed a running slope of 5% so as to minimize the need for handrails, landings or edge protection in the open green space of a park. Consider designing with construction tolerance at 4.8% for running slopes and 1.8% for cross slopes.

6. Adopt a sign plan and style guides for informational kiosks, exterior directional signs, and roadside signs to provide orientation and wayfinding information to park visitors. Consider the consistent use of colors, textures and symbols to convey locations of prominent park features and amenities. A tactile map outlining the park boundaries and prominent features is helpful for orientation to people with low vision or no vision.

7. Utilize the web page for each park and on-site information kiosk to provide visitors with information on accessibility features. At sites where features are not accessible, make recommendations to other parks that provide accessible features.

8. Adopt a trailhead design standard where a trail map and trail conditions are posted at the point of entry to pedestrian trails and shared use paths. The more objective

information on the trail characteristics that can be provided to visitors in advance, the better they can make educated decisions on the most appropriate trails for their abilities. Trail information can be provided on web sites, maps and even smartphone apps. For new trails, the ABA standards require visitor information be provided on trailhead signage including the length of the trail or trail segment; surface type; average and minimum tread width; average and maximum running slope; and average and maximum cross slope. This practice is recommended for existing trails as well as a means to achieve “program access.” Also consider providing redundant signage at different points of the trail for wayfinding. Tactile or raised line maps are recommended to provide orientation and wayfinding information to visitors with visual and cognitive impairments.

9. Utilize the ABA accessibility standards as guidance to designate accessible picnic areas and achieve program access at each recreation site.

10. Where community garden plots are provided, designate at least 5% of each type of garden plot as accessible with accessible surface around all sides, a minimum 36-inch clear width for the accessible route, and 60 x 60 inch turning space. Consider providing a variety of accessible garden plots such as raised beds, containers, and vertical gardens as alternatives to the ground level garden plots. Locate amenities like water and storage on the accessible route.

11. Where the programmatic opportunity for kayaking or canoeing is permitted, provide an accessible route and location for a canoe/ kayak launch.

12. Where dog parks are available, provide a continuous accessible route from the entry of each dog corral to the amenities including the drinking fountain, hose for dog washing, benches, and shaded seating area.

13. At the golf course, evaluate the remaining life cycle for the building that serves as the clubhouse and pro shop. In the interim, post public information that there is no accessible route into the building and the method to contact staff within the building to gain access to the programs, services, and activities. The installation of a video phone/intercom on the building exterior could help to facilitate access for people with mobility impairments who would like to pay for greens fees. Market the availability of the single rider golf car and provide opportunities to practice from the device to encourage use by more golfers with disabilities who may need the mobility features of the device.

14. Evaluate the current interpretive content for interpretive sites to develop a comprehensive plan for the waysides and other interpretive signs where content is provided in multiple modes including text, graphics, aural, audio, and tactile experiences. Waysides should be installed on the accessible route with clear floor space for a forward approach at the fixture. Text is recommended as san serif at a font sized appropriately for the viewing distance. Consider developing a tactile map or model to orientate visitors to the site and other tactile features with significant relevance to the story. The interpretive content and tactile features should be accompanied by an audio description component. As new interpretive exhibits, panels and programs are developed, provide content in multiple modes including text, graphics, aural, audio, and tactile experiences.

AMERICAN LEGION TRAIL CROSSING

• Restripe existing parking to include accessible parking spaces and access aisles.

• Add high-low drinking fountain to meet both wheelchair and standing height fountain requirements.

• Provide wayfinding signage to shareduse path to Big-4 Rail Trail.

• Consider adding wayfinding signage on Big-4 Rail Trail for American Legion Trail Crossing.

• Reset brick monument path to correct changes in level openings for accessible route.

CARTER STATION

• Restripe parking area to include accessible parking space and access aisle. Accessible space should be van accessible.

• Wayfinding signage for the Big-4 Rail Trail and for Carter Station on the rail trail, would be helpful to orient users in the park and those accessing the park from the rail trail.

• Relocate dog waste station bag dispenser from back of post to be accessible from the paved trail. The bag dispenser should also be lowered to be accessible from a wheelchair.

Carter Station parking lot

CREEKSIDE NATURE PARK

• Picnic tables are located in lawn areas with no accessible route.

• Restripe existing parking to include accessible parking space and access aisle. Repave parking area to remove heaving pavement.

• Provide trailhead signage with accessibility information.

• Lower and relocate the dog waste bag dispenser to be accessible from a paved area.

• Resurface/repave trails in areas of heaved pavement that are impairing accessibility.

CREEKSIDE CORPORATE POCKET PARK

• Reset detectable warning plate at accessible ramp from parking area to remove gaps in elevation grades.

Creekside Nature Park Creekside Nature Park

Creekside Corporate Pocket Park

ELM STREET GREEN

• Provide accessible route and accessible features at community gardens.

• Provide clear ground space at outdoor water faucet/pump/hydrant.

• Provide trailhead signage with accessibility information

• Provide interpretive wayside content in multiple modes including text, graphics, audio and tactile opportunities.

• Provide accessible canoe/kayak launch.

• Install accessible route along front of parking area to connect with accessible route in park.

• Correct slopes on pathway to fishing area/kayak launch.

• Provide companion spaces next to benches

• Correct grade of accessible spaces and access aisles in parking area.

• Provide accessible portable toilet.

• Install/raise sign designating accessible parking space.

• Correct changes in level for accessible route to upper shelter.

• Modify grade of existing concrete ramp to picnic shelter.

• Provide accessible fire ring/grill.

• Arrange picnic tables in shelter at playground to allow wheelchair access between tables.

HERITAGE TRAIL PARK

• Provide accessible route to water faucet/pump/hydrant.

• Provide accessible rout to dog park features.

• Locate interpretive signage close enough to paved path to be accessible.

• Provide wayfinding information for Big-4 Rail Trail connection/access.

• Add/replace existing drinking fountain with high/low unit.

• Provide clear ground space adjacent to benches.

• Install additional engineered wood mulch at playground for accessible routes/access.

• Grade engineered wood mulch at playground to provide accessible surface.

• Provide accessible portable toilet.

• Replace door/gate operating mechanism at dog park to be accessible height.

• Lower/relocate dog waste bag dispenser.

• Provide seed/shed lending library at community garden.

Heritage Trail Park Interpretive Signage

LINCOLN PARK

• Install on-street accessible parking space.

• Provide picnic units with mobility features.

• Add/replace existing drinking fountain with high-low unit.

• Correct changes in level/opening for brick accessible route.

• Modify existing accessible ramp on west side of the park to avoid storm drain or move drain out of accessible path.

• Lower/relocate dog waste bag dispenser.

• Provide companion space next to bench.

• Install/extend accessible route to water feature.

• Install accessible route to access gazebo (stairs around gazebo).

Lincoln Park

MULBERRY FIELDS

• Modify existing entrance to skate park to allow wheelchair access.

• Provide accessible route and clear space for wheelchair seating at bleachers.

• Install accessible route to creek stomping activity.

• Provide accessible picnic table units (at least 20%) and accessible route.

• Move trash receptacle to provide accessible route to basketball court.

• Add high/low drinking fountain to supplement existing drinking fountains.

• Add engineered wood fiber to playground to create accessible play surface.

• Correct accessible ramp grades from playground to multi-purpose playing fields.

• Correct the boardwalk to include an asphalt transition to create accessible route.

• Consider modifying accessible route to playground to be more convenient for those with disabilities.

• Configure picnic area for clear floor space around picnic tables in shelters.

• Install/remount restroom identification signage with braille and raised characters.

• Adjust door opening force and/or evaluate for installation of automatic/ power-assisted door system.

• Replace grate(s) along accessible route to picnic shelter.

• Provide cane detection at drinking fountains.

Mulberry Fields

OVERLEY-WORMAN PARK

• Add engineered wood mulch in play area to create accessible surface.

• Configure picnic area for clear space around picnic tables.

STARKEY NATURE PARK

• Stripe accessibility parking space and access aisle.

• Provide picnic units with mobility features and accessible route.

• There are no accessible recreational trails. Develop a plan to create an accessible route in the park.

• Provide accessible portable toilet and accessible route.

• Provide accessible routes to wayfinding and signage.

TENNIS COURTS AND TOTLOT (AT LIONS PARK)

• Provide accessible route to tennis courts and pickleball court.

• Provide picnic units with companion spaces and accessible routes.

TURKEY FOOT NATURE PARK

• Provide trailhead signage with accessibility information.

• Locate interpretive wayside on accessible route.

• Provide interpretive wayside content in multiple modes including text, graphics, audio and tactile opportunities.

• Provide dispersed accessible fishing locations.

• Restripe existing parking lot to include accessible parking spaces and access aisles.

• Lower/relocate dog waste bag dispenser.

Overley-Worman Park

Starkey Nature Park

Tennis Courts and Totlot (at Lions Park)

VILLAGE CORNER

• Install on-street accessible parking space.

• Correct changes in level/openings for accessible route.

• Provide companion space adjacent to bench.

WETLAND RESERVE

• If public access is going to be allowed at this site for nature watching accessible routes and parking should be implemented.

ZION NATURE SANCTUARY

• Provide trailhead signage with accessibility information.

• Provide accessible trail.

• Correct changes in level/opening for accessible route.

• Provide accessible viewing area at

Zion Nature Sanctuary

Village Corner

pavilion. Benches don’t accommodate outside viewing

ZIONSVILLE GOLF COURSE

• Market availability of single rider adaptive golf cart.

• Restripe existing parking lot to include accessible parking spaces and access aisles.

• Provide accessible portable toilet.

• Evaluate alternative program access since there is no accessible route into the clubhouse.

• Install handrails on both sides of stairs from meeting/dining space.

• Remove/relocate source of protruding object.

ZIONSVILLE NATURE CENTER (In Library)

• Adjust opening force for interior door to be less than 5 lbs.

• Lower section of work space and provide accessible sink.

• Provide accessible desk/work surface in classroom.

• Raise/lower or relocate paper towel dispenser/hand dryer in kitchenette.

• Raise/lower or relocate paper towel dispenser/hand dryer in classroom.

• Lower section of work surface and provide accessible sink in kitchenette.

Zionsville Golf Course

Mulberry Fields

08

Recreational Programming

08

RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING

A wide host of recreational programming and events are led by the Parks and Recreation Department. Recreational programming by the Department has been greatly expanded in the past several years with an increase from just a handful of programs and events primarily focused on the nature center in 2016 to over 80 programs in 2022. The community has expressed support for these programs through participation in the events and the constant demand for even more programming. In 2022 there were over 31,000 participants recorded for the different programs and events offered by the Parks and Recreation Department.

The Parks Program Plan was developed in early 2020 to develop strategies, services and direction for public recreational programming for the department. Six key recommendations came out of this planning process and have guided the development of new programs and services. Key Recommendations included:

• Increase community connectivity

• Hire program staff

• Increase brand awareness

• Increase programs

• Invest in indoor recreation facilities

• Develop program standards

A full-time Director of Recreational Services, a part-time Recreation Coordinator, and a handful of Naturalists develop and support the department’s recreational programming and special events. This division of the Parks and Recreation Department strives to meet the expectations of the public while also searching for new and improved ways to engage the public in recreational activities. Zionsville is lucky to have many natural parks and a balance of active parks. However, the type and amount of recreational programming is limited by the lack of restroom and indoor facilities for programming during inclement weather. The Parks and Recreation Department has developed innovative solutions to combat this shortfall with partnerships through the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library, schools, and the Boys and Girls Club.

Zionsville Nature Center

The Zion Nature Center was previously housed in a small building behind Eagle Elementary School which was leased from the school corporation. The Nature Center was founded in 2002 through the dedicated efforts of the Zionsville Parks Department and the Friends of Zion Nature Center.

The Zion Nature Center included exhibits focused on local Indiana habitats and wildlife. In addition to exhibits, several animals could be seen including turtles, snakes, and amphibians. The nature center outgrew its first location in a short time period with the community embracing the nature center and wanting to see more exhibits and educational programming.

The location of the Nature Center behind the elementary school meant that it could only be open on weekends and select weekdays during summer and school breaks. In addition, the building’s age created challenges for the Parks and Recreation Department with the need for repairs to a building that the department did not own. In 2019 a significant issue with the loaned building forced the nature center to be relocated. In 2021, after several months of looking for a new location, the HusseyMayfield Memorial Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Department partnered to locate a scaled-down version of the nature center in the library.

A permanent location for an expanded nature center should be a priority for the department. Not only would a new center provide an opportunity for additional educational programming but this facility could also be geared towards a regional audience with revenue generating activities. A new nature center would also be widely supported by the public as noted in the community survey results.

Existing Programming

Four hundred and six programs and events were offered in 2022 including sixteen summer camps with 324 children. A full list of current programming and events is included on the following pages.

Existing recreational programming and events can be divided into 10 key categories including:

• Nature Based Programs

• Recreation Based Programs

• School and Scout Programming

• Camps

• Online Based Webinars

• Monthly Series

• Nature Center Drop-ins

• Library Collaboration Programs

• Arts and Culture

• Events

The community survey results showed that most residents would like to see more year-round activities, outdoor group fitness and wellness classes, outdoor adventure programming, and more community events. When asked what age group of residents new programming should focus on the responses were fairly evenly divided between all age groups. This further supports the department’s efforts to create recreational programming for all ages and abilities and also demonstrates the unfulfilled need for more programming.

Although, current programming is wide and varied, the demand for additional programming will require investment in additional personnel and additional facilities which can accommodate new programming. New recreational programming should be planned to provide a balance between revenue generating activities to support the department and activities that are available to all regardless of economic status.

ZIONSVILLE ZIONSVILLE

Existing Recreational Programming

Category

School and Scout

Programming

Camps

Take Home Kits

Online Based Webinars

Theme Program

Scout Saturday: Nature Merit Badge

The Nature of Teaching with Purdue Extension

Girl Scout Saturday

Project WET: Climate, Water and Resilience

Teacher Workshop

Homeschool Ice Explorations

Girl Scout Fun Skate

Nature Based Biologist Boot Camp

Nature & Art Camp

Wet and Wild Camp

Nature Navigators Camp

Backyard Explorers Camp

Junior Ornithologist Camp

Wild for Minecraft Camp

Fantastic Beasts Camp

Grandparent and Me Camp

Winter Break Nature Camp

Recreation Based Fishing FUN Camp

Junior Gardener Camp

Art Adventures Camp

Spy Kids Camp

Summer Adventures Camp

Winter Camp Kit

Winter Science Kit

Spring Break Nature at Home Kits

Fall Break Kit

Nature Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Recycling 101: The Dos, Don’ts, and Whys

13 Moons on a Turtle’s Back

Backyard Maple Sugaring Webinar

Virtual Owl Prowl

Zionsville’s Invasive Neighbors

NAI Webinar: Sending Camp Home

Restoring HOA Native Landscapes

Beginner Vegetable Gardening Webinar

Choosing Native Plants for Your Landscape

What’s that Warbler? Webinar

Category Theme Program

Monthly Series

Nature Center Drop-ins

Library Collaboration Programs

Nature Based Events

Mommy & Me

Knee-high Naturalists

Toddler Trek

Junior Naturalist

Morning Bird Walk

Preschoolers in the Park

Nature 101

Art in Nature

Women Who Walk

Animal Lunch Time

Jr Ecologist Homeschool Club

Drop-in Track Stories

Leap Day Drop-in

Hello Fall Drop-in

Drop IN Discover: Mammals

Nature Ornaments

Winter Wonders Drop-in

St Patrick’s Day Drop-in

Spring Break Drop-in: Frogs

Animal Adventures

Elm Street Green StoryWalk

Night Becomes Day

Zionsville Nature Play Days

Creekfest

Greenfest

Category Theme Program

Nature Based Programs

Bird Programs Christmas Bird Count for Kids

Owl Prowl

Great Backyard Bird Count

Whooo Done It

Audubon Day Bird Walk

Magnificent Owls

Birding for Beginners

Magnificent Hummingbirds

Owl Pellets

World Migratory Bird Day Walk

Birds of Prey with Mark Booth

Wild Turkeys

Winter Bird Feeding

Recycled Bird Feeders

Mating Ritual of Birds: Love Birds

Suet Bird Feeders

Birds and Blooms

Audubon Art

Seasonal Programs Signs of Spring Walk

Nature’s Fireworks

Trail Mix Up

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Family Nature Hike

Preparing for Winter

Not-So-Scary Animals

Family Nature Games

Snowflake Science

Not So Scary Night Hike

Sounds of Winter

Sensory Walk

Nature Journaling

Full Moon Hike

Gardening

Living Soil, Healthy Garden

Garden Seed Balls

Garden Seed Saving

Seed Swap

Bombs Away

Habitats

Wetland Wonders

Wild Wonders Hike

Your Backyard World

Nature Explorers

Category Theme Program

Nature Based Programs

Reptile/Amphibian

Turtle Tracks

Scales & Tails

Brunch with Snakes

Reptiamphibian Confusion

Reptiles of Indiana

Eastern Box Turtle Discovery

Recreational Based Programs

Mammals

Track Stories

Animal Masks

Animal Tracks

Animal Clues

Deer Discovery

Insects

Plants

Walking

Cicada Safari

Camouflage Critters

Monarchs & Milkweed

Spectacular Spiders

Blooms and Pollinators

Crawly Creatures Beneath Your Feet

Fall Foliage Hike

Tree of Thanks

Backyard Maple Sugaring

Leaf Art

Bare Tree Hike

National Take a Walk in a Park Day

Celebrate National Walking Day

Heart Hunt Hike

Lucky Family Hike

Dog Friendly Paws in the Park

Halloween Dog Walk

Paws and Claus

Pickleball

Health

Introduction to Pickleball

Pick up Pickleball

Junior Yogis

Category Theme Program

Crafts

Recreational Based Programs

Kid Focused

Nature Treasure Boxes

Nature Faces

Get Crafty: Toad Abode

Crazy for Crayons

Hooray for Play Doh!

Leap into Letterboxing

Halfway to Earth Day

Candy Science

Get Crafty! Friendship Bracelets

Winterfest Make & Take Crafts

Holiday Greens

Snowy Jar Luminaries

Get Crafty! Macrame Keychains

Reindeer Food Craft

Gnome for the Holidays

Do You Want to Build a Snowman

Build-a-Fort Challenge

Park and PLAY

Roll and Read

Kids to Parks Day

Fairy Magic

Magical Park after Dark

ROAR in the Park

Reindeer Encounter

Frozen Princess Party

Grandparent and Me

ZFD Santa @ Winterfest

Indy Fuel Day

Santa @ Winterfest

Other

S’mores Campfire

Campfire & S’mores

Luminary Walk

Meet the Town

Silent Disco

Campfire & Carols

Zionsville Puzzle Swap

Senior Scrabble

Category Theme Program

Arts & Culture

Community Based Events

Recreation Based Events

Volunteer Programs

Life of Lincoln

Arts in the Park

Trick or Trees

Barns and Brews

Noon Year’s Eve

Winterfest

Magical Park Virtual Playground

Tails on the Trails

Step into Spring Walking Spree

Pull for Parks – Garlic Mustard Removal

Weed Wrangle: Honeysuckle Removal

09 Needs Assessment

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The needs assessment analysis is a combination of analysis and evaluation techniques utilized to better understand the gaps in current offerings and further understand the needs of the community. The needs assessment for the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Master Plan included a benchmark study, level of service analysis, and a land assessment. The needs assessment is another tool utilized to understand how the parks and recreation network in Zionsville compares on a local and national level with other communities of similar size. However, any assessment tool utilized in park and recreation planning must be combined with other assessment tools including existing conditions assessment and public engagement. Each park network is unique with no two parks systems having the exact same offerings of amenities or geographic conditions in which parks are located.

Not only is the Zionsville parks system unique to Zionsville, but it has been, and will continue to be, a parks system for the residents of Zionsville; residents with unique needs for recreation, enjoying nature, socializing, and exercising. The needs assessment is utilized to identify gaps in the system that aren’t meeting the current needs of residents. Although parts of the assessment are quantitative in nature, as a whole Zionsville and its residents’ needs are the top criteria for the assessment.

The outcomes from the needs assessment will inform recommendations and prioritization of future projects and programs. The Parks and Recreation Department is responsive and creative in its approach to providing parks and recreation for Zionsville’s residents. The department has prioritized creating a network of parks and creating an offering of programs that reaches all ages and abilities. This needs assessment provides yet another measure of where the parks network stands with citizens and what changes need to be made to meet the needs of the community.

BENCHMARK STUDY

A benchmark study is an analysis looking at the Town of Zionsville in comparison with five similar cities/towns. The benchmark cities were chosen based on their similar populations and parks system size. In addition, National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) 2022 Agency Performance Review national averages, where available, were utilized.

The five benchmark cities included:

• Merrillville

• Goshen

• Brownsburg

• Valparaiso

• Westfield

The benchmark cities were very similar in population but Zionsville has significantly more land area included in their corporate limits. This is another indication of the potential growth for Zionsville in future years. Total park acreage between the benchmark cities varied with Zionsville, Goshen, and Valparaiso having the largest amount of park acreage. Zionsville, Goshen and Valparaiso also had the greatest number of parks. The miles of trails maintained and operated by each of these parks and recreation departments were very similar in length. Even though Zionsville has one of the largest parks systems with 500 acres to maintain, they fall at the lower end of operating budget amounts for the benchmark cities. Zionsville also falls below the NRPA average for parks and recreation departments.

The chart on the following page includes the benchmark inventory for specific amenities included in each of these parks and recreation departments. This information was also utilized when determining the level of service metrics included later in this chapter.

BENCHMARK STUDY

LEVEL OF SERVICE

The level of service analysis (LOS) provides a target metric for the parks department to utilize when evaluating new amenities to add to the parks network. As with the benchmark study, the level of service analysis is only one tool of the many that can be used to evaluate a parks system and determine the focus of new parks and amenities to be added to that network.

The LOS is a reflection of the desires for the community, what purpose the parks network should play in the community, and the standards that are needed to achieve that purpose.

Methodology

When developing the level of service targets, each community must consider the unique needs of their residents. Each park and recreation network is unique in amenities offered, programs delivered, and in the active and passive areas provided and maintained for the community. Therefore, each LOS is unique to each parks network.

The LOS Targets developed for the Zionsville Parks and Recreation system were created utilizing information from the comparable benchmark cities, NRPA averages, and the priorities identified by the public in the engagement process. The existing parks network was analyzed for missing amenities and target numbers were established.

Image courtesy of NRPA 2022 Park Metrics

Acreage LOS

With over 500 acres of park land, Zionsville’s parks network is one of the largest among the benchmark city comparisons. However, Zionsville’s land area is over double, and sometimes even more, the area of other comparable cities. While Zionsville should be proud of the park area that is currently serving its residents. This disparity in land area available to develop, illustrates the potential growth for Zionsville. Future growth will come with continuing demands for additional park land. In addition, the department, and the Town, have identified their role in conserving natural areas in Zionsville, acting as stewards for the environment.

With these goals in mind, the Acreage LOS for Zionsville has been raised from 16.50 acres per 1,000 residents to 23.66 acres per 1,000 people. This is far in excess of the average among benchmark cities and the NRPA average of 10.4 acres per 1,000 population.

Proposed LOS

Generally, Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department has fewer sports courts and sports fields than benchmark cities. This approach has been intentional by the department in previous years to make the most of limited funds by relying on public school facilities or private facilities to meet these specific recreational needs of residents. However, additional security measures at schools, and an increasing need for these types of facilities has caused the Parks and Recreation Department to reconsider this approach. The LOS Targets developed for these types of facilities will not completely resolve the demand for these facilities, but is a step in a different direction from what the department has typically taken.

The need for restroom buildings was brought up in multiple public engagement activities. Not having year-round restroom facilities creates barriers for people spending time in parks by limiting the time they can spend there. Especially for families with young children. Not having these facilities also creates limitations for programming. Summer camps can’t be located in parks without restroom facilities. These facilities are needed to provide restrooms but also areas to wash hands and prepare activities. The LOS Target for restroom buildings was developed to address this need.

Pickleball has become an increasingly popular sport for multiple ages. The demand for additional pickleball courts was heard during this planning process. Although Zionsville is ahead of most of the comparable benchmark communities, the realization is that none of the surrounding communities have meet the demand for this fairly new sport.

The Parks and Recreation Department added several new playgrounds during the last five years including new playgrounds at Elm Street Green, the Totlot (at Lions Park), Heritage Trail Park, and Overley-Worman Park. Even with these new playgrounds, there is still demand for more, especially in neighborhoods. As the Town continues to develop and grow away from the old core of the town around the Village, smaller neighborhood parks with playgrounds will be in high demand. The playground LOS addresses this need.

The dog park LOS of two parks is another illustration of the changing needs of the town as it transitions from largely rural areas outside of the old town core to more neighborhoods. Dog parks aren’t needed in rural areas but developed neighborhoods are always looking for safe recreational spaces for dogs.

LEVEL OF SERVICE TARGETS

Zionsville 2021 Population Est. 31,702 (source U.S. Census Bureau)

LAND ASSESSMENT

A detailed assessment of land within the corporate limits of Zionsville was conducted to identify areas with especially high ecological value. Identifying these lands now is important so that they may be protected as development continues in the townships radiating out from the old town limits. Criteria utilized in the land assessment included connecting natural areas to link residents through stream corridors and greenways and to prevent the loss of natural woodland and wetland habitats.

The heat map on the following page provides an ambitious blueprint for potential land acquisition for Zionsville and the Parks and Recreation Department. Even acquiring a portion of the land identified will make Zionsville a leader among Central Indiana communities in providing its residents with recreational opportunities and the ability to connect with nature, all easily accessible through a network of trails along creek corridors. The land assessment heat map shows the potential for the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department to become a regional destination for all of Central Indiana.

In addition to providing new recreational parks and trails, these areas can also provide a variety of environmental benefits for the community. The focus of land along major drainages provide flood storage from increased development runoff. These areas are also an important link for habitat. Reforestation and wetland restoration will help with carbon sequestration efforts and help to clean storm drainage before it enters Eagle Creek, the major drainage way and a recreational asset flowing through many of Zionsville’s parks.

Development of these lands as parks, or preservation areas, can provide a critical

link to nature for adults and school children. This connection is vital as our increasingly urbanized and electronic existence separates us from the natural communities that support us. Construction of nature centers with classrooms as a part of this land development will enable a nature-based curriculum to be established in the Zionsville schools.

Eagle Creek and Tributaries

Eagle Creek is the most significant stream corridor in southern Boone County, providing an opportunity to establish a regionally significant recreational corridor that will serve most of Boone County and western Hamilton County with a connection to Marion County through a proposed connection to Eagle Creek Park. From the Marion County border, this trail system would extend north through Starkey Nature Park and Overley-Worman Park to Creekside Nature Park, Elm Street Green, Zionsville Golf Course, Turkey Foot Nature Park up to the Carpenter Nature Preserve and beyond to the Midland Trace Trail project. Side branches of this trail system would run along significant tributaries including Little Eagle Creek, Jackson Run, and Mount Run. Floodplain lands along Eagle Creek and its tributaries can provide land for reforestation and wetland mitigation, both of which can provide carbon sequestration to help make Zionsville a carbon-neutral community in the future.

At the north end of this corridor, Carpenter Nature Preserve will serve as a hub for a large regional park that will include a new nature center, paved and natural trails, a tree canopy walk, and nature based programming.

Eagle Creek at Carpenter Nature Preserve

Eagle Creek at Turkey Foot Nature Park

PROPOSED LAND ASSESSMENT HEAT MAP

Other Areas of Union and Eagle Township

Remaining woodlots were the focus of protection elsewhere in the town with an opportunity to connect several areas with a trail along the tributaries of Fishback Creek. Many of these parcels also contain agricultural fields that are more conducive to develop play areas, trailheads, and other park facilities. A trail system leading northwest from Oak Street connects several wooded parcels to Main Street Park in Whitestown. There is also an opportunity to develop a significant trail corridor on the south side of I-865 to connect several highquality woodlots.

Perry Township

Perry Township is overwhelmingly composed of flat agricultural lands. Few woodlots and no significant stream corridors exist in this area. This provides both challenges and opportunities for innovative thinking in a land assessment plan. One potential creative idea is to utilize a portion of this prime farmland to become a leader in sustainable community-supported agriculture that can provide residents with fresh local food. Setting aside blocks of land for this food production can ensure a supply of healthy local food for restaurants, farm markets, and local grocery stores. Further, these farms can provide youth employment opportunities that connect young people to the land in a way that rarely happens in our electronically driven lives. Traditional park facilities such as picnic areas, splash parks, and ball fields may also be easily incorporated into this flat landscape. Reforestation and prairie plantings would be incorporated to provide natural habitat for both wildlife and hiking trail development.

Sustainable Community Agriculture

Sustainable Community Agriculture

10 Parks and Recreation Staffing Assessment

PARKS AND RECREATION STAFFING ASSESSMENT

The master plan process included an analysis of the Parks and Recreation Department’s current staffing levels. The information provided in previous chapters of this document was utilized to assess staff needed to continue to maintain parks and offer recreational programming at the level of service that the Town is known for. This included an assessment of existing facilities, operations, programming, and maintenance procedures. The intent of the staffing assessment was to address the need for additional staff so that the department, and the Town, can plan for responsible increases in budgets that allow the department to continue to grow and create a parks network that meets the needs of the community.

The assessment provided a comparison of similar cities and national standards to see how the department compares. The recommendations that resulted from this assessment are needed to allow the Parks and Recreation Department to continue to provide services at a level that is comparable with other cities and towns of similar size. Although the assessment includes quantitative data from other cities and towns, the uniqueness of each parks network must also be factored into recommendations for

new or additional staff. Recommendations were also included to anticipate and plan for the growing needs of the department as new parks are brought online and as new programming is needed to meet increasing population numbers for the Town.

MAKING THE MOST OF FUNDING

The Parks and Recreation Department understands that the Town has many responsibilities to provide services for residents and that parks and recreation is just one facet of these services. The department is consistently evaluating ways to leverage funding to capitalize on grants and partnership programs to allow the department to provide additional services without needing additional budgetary funds. However, these funds are not guaranteed and should be utilized to provide supplementary staff support and not relied on for normal staffing needs.

One such example is the volunteer efforts that the department oversees. Volunteer efforts can include invasive plant removal, facility maintenance, and recreational

programming. In 2022 the Parks Department organized volunteers for over 2,436 volunteer hours. Some of the volunteer programs included:

• Pull for Parks

• Animal Care

• Recreational programming

• Weed wrangles

• Mountain bike trail workdays

• Tree plantings

While volunteer groups are vital to the department’s goals of maintenance, these groups can not always be guaranteed and their skills are often limited.

It is also important to keep in mind the additional revenue sources that can be created with additional staff. While this study does not include a revenue potential study, or analyze the exact cost savings of removing contract services, these are both factors that help to equalize the impacts to the department’s budget while also allowing more control of these services within the department.

METHODOLOGY

The main objective of the staffing assessment was to provide a phased and sustainable strategy to increase staffing levels so the department can provide better services and levels of maintenance for the town. Additional amenities and parks are scheduled to be built in the coming years and additional programming is also needed, all of which requires additional staff.

A benchmark comparison of similar towns and cities was conducted along with an analysis of national standards for park maintenance. Metrics were developed based on the existing list of amenities maintained and operated by the Parks and Recreation Department along with recreational programming and administrative tasks required for the department.

EXISTING PERSONNEL

The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for all operations and maintenance associated with parks, the Zionsville Golf Course, and the Big-4 Rail Trail in Zionsville. The Department’s service areas are primarily organized around administrative operations, recreational programming, and maintenance operations. Occasionally, the department also adds improvements to parks such as new railings or the subfloor construction for

the temporary ice rink at Winterfest. The organization of the department can be found in Chapter 2 - Parks Profile.

Existing personnel for the department are shown in the chart below. When comparing staff levels across agencies, NRPA looks at the Full Time Equivalent (FTE) number of employees. The FTE number is calculated by utilizing the total hours worked by staff and dividing by a 40 hour work week which equals one FTE employee.

STAFFING BENCHMARK

COMPARISON

The benchmark analysis for Parks and Recreation Department staffing levels included the same benchmark cities as the park amenity benchmark analysis. These towns and cities were selected for their similarities in population, corporate land area, and park size. Although, the programming and amenity listing is different for each of these communities the similarities included for the amenity analysis are applicable here as well.

The park acreage for each community, and the park acreage per 1,000 residents, vary in size with Zionsville, Goshen, and Valparaiso having the largest amount. Goshen has a higher number of individual parks with Zionsville having a few more parks than Valparaiso. Even though Zionsville has a larger number of parks and higher acreage within those parks, they have the lowest number of FTE employees per acre of park. Looking at the number of FTE per acre of park is helpful when considering the labor hours needed for each department to maintain their parks. Recreational parks such as playgrounds and splash pads require the most amount of maintenance but even open space natural areas require regular maintenance with trash removal, hazardous tree removal, and invasive removal.

The staffing level of FTE employees for the Parks and Recreation Department falls below the national average of 11.10 FTE per 10,000 people with only 9.15 FTE per 10,000 people. Considering this metric is also helpful when analyzing the number of people who are utilizing the parks. As Zionsville continues to grow, more people will be using the parks which means more maintenance, more trash removal, and more staff needed to stay on top of heavily used parks.

The number of parks available in Zionsville is not limited by geographic boundaries. The Town’s corporate limits will allow additional parks to be built as the community continues to grow. The benchmark study illustrates the amount of area that Zionsville Parks and Recreation is responsible for maintaining and operating and the work they are doing with limited staff. Consider how the town will compare with these similar communities as it continues to grow if staffing levels are not increased.

NRPA PARK AND RECREATION STAFFING

The NRPA average for parks and recreation department FTE employees is 38. Zionsville is well below half of this average with an FTE of 12.75. Even peer communities have significantly more FTE employees to maintain and operate their parks networks with the exception of Merrillville and Westfield. The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department hears requests for more amenities and more recreational programming on a daily basis. The only way to respond and meet these demands is through increased staffing for the department.

NEW PARK AMENITIES

Although the Parks and Recreation Department has increased its staff marginally in the past five years, amenities and new parks have increased exponentially. The same can be said for recreational programming. Review of the projects that have been accomplished in the past five years in Chapter 2 and additional programming in Chapter 8 demonstrates the efforts of the department to continue to improve parks and recreation in Zionsville with small increases in staff. Recommendations for future staff also need to include the proposed amenities and programming that is included in this plan for the next five years. Beyond catching up, the department needs to also plan for these

Existing FTE Employees

OPERATING BUDGET PER CAPITA

The primary means for the department to increase staffing levels is an increase in the operating budget. The chart below shows the operating budget for parks and recreation departments of benchmark communities and the NRPA average. Zionsville falls well below the national average of $89.30 with only $47.22 per capita.

Operating Budget per Capita

Operating Budget per Capita

Zionsville

Merrillville

Goshen

Brownsburg

Valparaiso Westfield NRPA

Ice Rink at Winterfest

11

Recommendations

11

RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations included in this master plan are a direct response to the public input and the analysis phases of the process. They provide a balanced and feasible approach for the department to achieve its goals for the next five years. However, as with any master plans, this plan should remain flexible as opportunities arise or as needs change. The plan should be reviewed and updated on an annual basis by the staff.

The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department is committed to the development of parks, trails, and recreational programming to meet the needs of residents. The Department understands that it plays a vital role in attracting businesses and residents to the town while also recognizing the health benefits that residents can obtain through a well developed parks system. The recommendations included in this chapter are focused on the actions needed over the next 5-10 years for the Department to continue to meet its commitment.

To meet the needs of the community and the mission of the Parks and Recreation Department, recommendations for the next five years are focused on the following key areas:

• Continue to create trail and greenway connections throughout Zionsville

• Continue to create connections between neighborhoods and parks to the Big-4 Rail Trail

• Develop a plan to incorporate improvements to existing parks including new amenities like pickleball courts and splash pads and more common use amenities like restroom buildings and drinking fountains

• Improve existing facilities and add new facilities to provide a more inclusive recreational environment for residents of all ages and abilities

• Develop a regional amenity at the Carpenter Nature Preserve including a new nature center for the town

• Develop partnerships to provide more year-round programming during cold winter months

• Identify undeveloped land in the Town with high ecologic or environmental value for potential future acquisition and park development

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

In addition to the proposed capital improvement recommendations included on the following pages, and further outlined in the implementation chapter, there are general recommendations that should be incorporated across all of the parks and trails in Zionsville. Many of these recommendations can be implemented through partnerships with other town departments, non-profit organizations, and fundraising efforts. While some of these general recommendations are also included in the proposed improvements, they can be incorporated into the departments regular operations and maintenance during day-today operations.

TRAILS AND CONNECTIONS

One of the most desired amenities in Zionsville, and across the nation, is the ability for residents to move around town without the use of cars. Zionsville is ahead of most towns and cities in the Midwest with an extensive network of trails and sidewalks, however, residents would like more. Many roadside trails and sidewalks are developed by the Department of Public Works creating the need for close coordination between the Parks and Recreation Department and DPW to continue to create these connections for residents. The Parks Department and DPW work closely on a regular basis when discussing new improvements to either streets or parks. This relationship between departments should continue and will become more important as the town continues to grow. The Strategic Trails Implementation Plan which is managed by the Pathways Committee should be updated to recommend and prioritize new connections with park connections as one of the primary goals.

BIG-4 RAIL TRAIL ACCESS

The Big-4 Rail Trail is widely used by residents on a regular basis throughout the year regardless of weather. With only a few road crossings towards the northern and southern ends of the trail, the rail trail provides a unique experience with minimal conflict between trail users and cars. The extension of the rail trail to Zionsville Road to the south, and to the Whitestown connection to the north will mean more users along the rail trail. The Parks and Recreation Department is currently widening the existing trail between these two extension to address the anticipated increase in users. When these improvements are completed, and with the addition of more neighborhoods in the northern areas of town, even more connections are needed to create safe and comfortable connections between neighborhoods and parks and the rail trail. Although this is primarily guided by the Pathways Committee, the Parks and Recreation Department will continue to be an important contributor to implementing more connections.

Big-4 Rail Trail Tunnel Mural

NATURE CENTER PROGRAMMING

Nature programming in Zionsville originated with the creation of the Zion Nature Center. As mentioned in the recreational programming chapter, this type of programming is still in high demand and represents a large portion of the available programming offered by the Parks and Recreation Department. Although the partnership with the library has been a positive experience and has brought new visitors to the nature center, this is only a temporary situation. The Parks and Recreation Department recognizes the need for a new building to house the nature center activities and exhibits and to expand upon these very popular programs. Educational programs centered around nature and wildlife almost always fill up and have a wait list for others that would like to attend. A new nature center building will also create opportunities for revenue generating activities which can help to support the department.

Carpenter Nature Preserve is identified in the following pages as a potential location for the new nature center and would include a multitude of opportunities for teaching and interaction directly in nature. The Town recognizes that building a new nature center and hiring the staff to support new programming will create an opportunity for a regional destination in Zionsville.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING

An indoor recreational community center has been asked for by the community for several years. However, the core of this request is the need for additional programming and activities during the colder winter months and even during the hot summer months for some. The Parks and Recreation Department has entered into a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club to provide some of this programming at their facility. The Department also partners with the school corporation for educational programming. Both of these partnerships are geared more towards youth leaving a gap in programming for adults and seniors. Although building a new community center is not feasible given the scale of the Parks and Recreation Department’s operations and staff, the department should still prioritize ways to fill this gap in recreational programming through partnerships with existing facilities.

ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE PARKS

Accessibility is a priority of this department as can be seen through the detailed accessibility assessment included in this planning process. The detailed assessment includes recommendations that take accessibility beyond minimum compliance and to a level that seeks to create accessibility for all of the experiences intended for a park. Many of the recommendations can be handled inhouse by Parks Department staff but others will require additional funds beyond the regular budget and may require consultation by specialists. One example is interpretive signage. Evaluating ways to incorporated tactile and audio experiences along with the static panel signs will increase their accessibility to a group that can not read the information without assistance.

While improving accessibility within parks does increase the chance for inclusivity it does not completely solve the problem. Providing an inclusive experience means creating opportunities and resources for people who might be excluded. The best example can be seen in playground designs with include interaction opportunities between children of all abilities such as ramps and play activities that are reachable from a wheelchair. Another example could include development of a new park in an area of town with lower vehicle ownership so that residents can have access to parks and open space without the need for a vehicle.

Implementing the accessibility recommendations and incorporating inclusive elements into parks over the next five years will require a concerted effort and additional budget funds but will have tremendous impacts for those who haven’t had full access to parks in the past.

YEAR-ROUND RESTROOM FACILITIES

Mulberry Fields is the only park in Zionsville with a standard restroom building that is not a temporary port-a-pot. However, even the restroom building in Mulberry Fields is designed for winter shut-down. Restrooms in Town Hall are open for use by Big-4 Rail Trail users and there will soon be a year-round restroom building at the end of the Big-4 Rail Trail on Zionsville Road.

Not having restroom facilities that are accessible for families with young children limits the time that families can spend in the parks. Even visitors without young children are limited to how much time they spend in the parks. The lack of traditional restroom buildings also limits the recreational programming that can be included in Zionsville’s parks.

Concerns with maintenance costs, and limited staff, influenced the decision to not have restroom facilities in the parks system. However, the Zionsville community, and the parks system, has grown to the point that restroom facilities are now a necessity. Several of the capital projects included in the following pages include new year-round restroom facilities. A few of these projects are proposed for the next five years but the Parks Department will need to include additional restroom facilities in all of the parks for its long range budget planning. Providing these facilities will make parks more accessible for longer time periods and will open up opportunities for recreational programming as well as revenue generating activities.

ADDITIONAL NATURAL PARKS

Zionsville parks are dominated by natural areas with many in the floodplain of Eagle Creek. These parks provide pathways and boardwalks through natural areas and along Eagle Creek. Even with this amount of natural area, people are still requesting more. As residents see the town developing with new neighborhoods and commercial areas, the desire for parks with open space and natural habitat becomes even more prominent.

The Holliday Nature Sanctuary and the Caito Nature Park are both proposed as primarily nature parks which will provide additional green space for residents. Also, the land assessment heat map included in the Needs Assessment Chapter identifies land that is ecologically and environmentally valuable. These are also the lands that will be most valuable to the town when key portions of the land are dedicated to creating environmentally focused uses. While not all of the land identified in the heat map is intended to become park land, it is important to consider as neighborhoods continue to develop around the natural corridors identified on the map and can help support the community’s interest in having more natural park space.

INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL

The Parks and Recreation Department has made great strides in combating invasive plant materials in parks and along the Big-4 Rail Trail. However, this is not a battle that can be won and will require continued efforts to manage invasive plant materials in parks. Although controlling invasive plant materials in parks can be overwhelming, especially in larger parks like Overley-Worman Park, they must still be addressed to prevent them from taking over valuable native plant areas.

The Department should continue to utilize volunteer events and volunteer hours from other departments to combat this challenge. The Department should also continue to allocate budget dollars to bring in outside contractors to combat invasive species. Outside contractors can be especially valuable when more aggressive methods such as mechanical, chemical, and biological controls are utilized.

Mulberry Fields

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS

The capital improvements recommended in the following pages are a direct response to the input received from the public and in response to the needs assessment for the parks network. The proposed improvements include plans for new parks, improvements to existing parks, and new amenities within existing parks. Creative funding and partnerships will be needed to bring the following projects to life. Further detail concerning project phasing and potential funding sources are included in the following implementation chapter.

Although trail planning for the Town of Zionsville is overseen by the Pathways Committee, and outlined in the Zionsville Strategic Trails Implementation Plan, this plan does include a recommendation for a new trail loop that, in combination with the Big-4 Rail Trail, would connect most all parks in Zionsville. This recommendation is being included in this plan to elevate the importance for the town to continue to create new trails for the community.

Proposed recommendations at Carpenter Nature Preserve

CARPENTER NATURE PRESERVE

The Carpenter Nature Preserve is a 215-acre nature preserve proposed by the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department as a town and regional destination for a new Nature Center, walking trails, boardwalks, nature inspired playground, outdoor classrooms, Eagle Creek overlooks, enhanced wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. The nature preserve will enhance existing wildlife habitats, provide for viewing these habitats, while teaching visitors of all ages about the natural environment that they are in.

The site is located at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 421 and S.R. 32 in Union Township and was a former golf course which was abandoned in 2017. The defining feature of the property is approximately 4,000 linear feet of Eagle Creek.

There are many proposed features for the park which can be broken down into the following primary features:

• Zionsville Nature Center

• Ecological Habitats

• Pathways & Boardwalk

• Outdoor Classrooms and Wildlife Viewing Blinds

• Future White Oak Commons

The following renderings and precedent images illustrate the proposed features and character for the park.

Z ionsville Nature Center

The proposed Zionsville Nature Center will be located on the top of the hill overlooking the wetlands, boardwalk, and the Eagle Creek valley. See detailed drawings below and some images which represent the character of this site feature. The new Nature Center is proposed to be 12,000 s.f. and will include classrooms, workstations, staff offices, conference rooms, exhibit space, multi-purpose room, catering kitchen, and a small café/coffee shop. The building will be designed to accommodate future expansion as the center continues to grow.

Precedent image: treehouse

Precedent image: nature center

NATURE PLAY

PUBLIC ART

PAVED PATH

WOODLAND GALLERY

NATURE CENTER

TREEHOUSE

PARKING

OPEN SPACE PLAY

CLIMBING BOULDERS

HILLSIDE SLIDE

OBSERVATION TOWER

AMPHITHEATER BOARDWALK

EAGLECREEK

CANOPY WALK

TREEHOUSE

WILDLIFE VIEWING BLIND

Precedent image: nature center

PHASE 1

CONCEPT PLAN C: Enlargement

MAINTENANCE BARNS

ENTRANCE

DOG PARK

WOODLAND GALLERY

RUSTIC TRAILS

EXISTING BUILDING TO REMAIN CLOSED

S MICHIGAN ROAD/ US HWY 421

FULL BUILD OUT

SHELTER WITH RESTROOM

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING TRAIL

REFORESTATION

DOG PARK

WOODLAND GALLERY

WHITE OAK COMMONS S. 900

PRAIRIE PLANTINGS

PRAIRIE PLANTINGS

EAGLECREEK

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

DNR ILF PROPOSED EASEMENTS (BLACK DASH)

REFORESTATION

NATURE CENTER WITH OUTDOOR PLAY

OVERLOOK/OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

TRAILS

WETLAND PLANTINGS

BOARDWALK

EXISTING WETLAND EASEMENT

S MICHIGAN ROAD/ US HWY 421

LINCOLN PARK

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS:

A. Repair/reset existing brick walks

B. Picnic seating area

C. Partially clear and/or rehabilitate existing plants

D. New park signage

E. Remove invasive plants

F. Existing gazebo

G. Existing water feature and new water feature

The proposed improvements focus on enhancing and upgrading existing amenities in the park. The brick walks will be reset and widened for ADA compliance. The existing water feature will be expanded to include additional seating and an additional water feature. A new accessible picnic area is proposed near the water feature. The existing gazebo is in need of refurbishment including roof repairs and painting. The plants along Oak Street are somewhat overgrown and while they provide privacy for those in the park, they are limiting views into the park and awareness of the park. These plants can be cleared to open sight lines while still maintaining lower level plants for park user privacy. New park signage is also proposed to increase visibility of the park for those traveling through downtown.

Existing water feature

Existing gazebo

Existing brick path

STARKEY NATURE PARK

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS:

A. Expanded paved parking lot with turnaround

B. Portable restroom station

C. Entry plaza with seating and wayfinding signage

D. Planted buffer along property line

Starkey Nature Park is a beloved nature park for the community. The proposed recommendations will help alleviate the need for additional paved parking with a new larger parking lot. A planted buffer between the expanded parking lot and the neighboring properties will create a divide between the park and neighborhood. An entry plaza is proposed just off of the parking lot and adjacent to the main walking path into the park. The plaza would include wayfinding signage with trail mileage and difficulty and a portable restroom with enclosure.

Existing parking

Precedent Image: Wayfinding signage Precedent image: Entry plaza

Portable restroom with enclosure

MULBERRY FIELDS (Summer)

Pickleball courts Shelter

SUMMER IMPROVEMENTS:

A. 8 new pickleball courts

B. Restroom/concession building

C. Shelter

D. Seating/fire pit area

E. Plaza

F. Shade sails

Mulberry Fields is the primary recreation park for the Town. The addition of pickleball courts, a concession/restroom building, and additional programming space for year-round programming will add more recreational activities within the park. Pickleball has increased in popularity exponentially and is in high demand. The block of pickleball courts will provide much needed facilities for those looking for an open court to play on. Shade sails will provide shade for the courts and seating will be provided. This facility will create a permanent facility dedicated to pickleball so that pickleball and tennis players aren’t utilizing the same courts.

The pickleball court plaza is designed to accommodate year-round use including a winter market and ice skating rink in the winter. The layout of the courts in winter is illustrated on the following pages.

Shade sails

MULBERRY FIELDS (Winter)

Fire pit with seating

Ice skating rink

WINTER IMPROVEMENTS:

A. Temporary ice rink

B. Restroom/concession building

C. Shelter

D. Seating/fire pit area

E. Holiday tree alley

F. Temporary stage

The pickleball courts and surrounding plaza are designed to accommodate an ice skating rink and winter activities. The plaza incorporates space for performances on a temporary stage, a fire pit for warming in between ice skating, holiday tree alley and paved space for market booths to be set up. The concession building will provide yearround restroom facilities allowing families to spend more time at the ice rink. The plaza allows room for this winter festival to continue to grow and accommodate additional programming at Mulberry Fields.

ZIONSVILLE GOLF COURSE

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS:

A. New clubhouse with outdoor patio

B. Maintenance barns

C. Repave remaining cart paths

D. Drainage improvements

E. Expanded parking

The Zionsville Golf Course has seen drastic improvement over the last several years. As a result, the course attracts more attendance. The existing clubhouse is aged and in disrepair largely because of its age. The proposed recommendations include a new clubhouse. The design of the new clubhouse would include areas that are accessible, and a new plaza space for golfers to gather before and after play. An improved pro shop could include additional concessions providing additional revenue generating opportunities.

Proposed improvements also include new storage barns located along the southern edge of the course and drainage improvements to address the drainage issues on the course. The course’s location in a floodplain creates unique challenges to keep the course open during the rainy season. The drainage improvements would include areas to drain the water too and detain to prevent water from sitting on fairways and the cart paths.

The new storage barns would include space to store the fleet of golf carts so they would not have to be moved off-site for winter storage.

Example Clubhouse

Golf cart storage

Existing golf course

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS:

A. Parking

B. Shelter

C. Paved trail

D. Reforestation

E. Prairie plantings

Holliday Nature Sanctuary will be focused on preservation of the park as a natural area. The proposed improvements are minimal and include small additions to allow public use of the park. Proposed recommendations include the addition of a small parking lot and shelter. A paved walking trail would circle the site and run adjacent to Eagle Creek on the eastern edge. Additional reforestation and prairie plantings are planned to enhance the current ecological value of the site.

PLEASANT VIEW ROAD TRAIL

Although this plan is not focused on the trail and greenway network for the Town of Zionsville, there was a large demand for additional trails heard during the engagement exercises. The Zionsville Strategic Trails Implementation Plan and the Pathways Committee are ultimately responsible for overseeing trail and greenway planning for the Town. The proposed Pleasant View Road Trail recommendation is one possible route for new trail improvements. This trail would connect with the Big-4 Rail Trail and would connect residents through a multi-modal network to nearly all of Zionsville’s parks.

On the northern end, the trail would start at Heritage Trail park and head east as a shared-use path along 400 South to 950 East and then to 375 South to connect with Pleasant View road. From Pleasant View Road, the trail would take the old path of Holliday Road which will become a pedestrian and bicycle path only for the portion of roadway that has been abandoned. The trail will connect with Turkeyfoot Nature Park and run south as a shared-use path to the Zionsville Golf Course and along Eagle Creek to Elm Street Green and then to Creekside Park. From Creekside Park, the trail would run adjacent to Eagle Creek and connect with the Big-4 Rail Trail near Overley-Worman Park and Starkey Nature Park.

This trail would provide an important start for the Eagle Creek Greenway which is planned to extend to Carpenter Nature Preserve north of Holliday Nature Park.

Big-4 Rail Trail

HERITAGE TRAIL PARK

Heritage Trail Park saw improvements added to the park in recent years as a part of the previous parks master plan. The proposed improvements included here, further activate the park. Proposed improvements include the addition of a spray plaza, year-round restroom building, plaza with outdoor game area and a hammock park. Outdoor fitness equipment is proposed for the park. Improvements also include replacing the existing engineered wood mulch in the playgrounds with a poured-in-pace safety surfacing.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS:

A. Poured-in-place safety surfacing

B. Spray plaza

C. Restroom building

D. Outdoor table game area

E. Hammock park and outdoor fitness equipment

F. Greenhouse

G. Accessible garden plots

H. Existing dog park

I. Existing community gardens

Splash pad

Hammock park Outdoor table games

AMERICAN LEGION TRAIL CROSSING

Recommended hardscape and plant replacement

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS:

A. Repave parking lot and asphalt path

B. Enhance/replace existing plant material

C. New interactive digital kiosk with Town of Zionsville veteran registry

D. Reset hardscape

E. Invasive plant removal

The focus of the proposed improvements include refreshing and restoring this trailhead and memorial park. In addition to invasive plant removal, new plantings are proposed. Hardscape improvements include repaving the existing parking lot and asphalt path and resetting the brick walkways to provide accessible routes meeting today’s standards.

An interactive digital memorial kiosk is being proposed near the entrance to the park at Ford Road. This kiosk would have a listing of veterans in Zionsville and would be searchable by visitors to the park. The interactive kiosk would provide an additional feature to the memorial in an interactive median.

Interactive digital kiosk example

CARTER STATION

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS:

A. Repave existing trails

B. Benches

C. Paved trail

D. Overlook pier

E. Reforestation

Carter Station is a small neighborhood park centered around a detention pond. Located directly adjacent to the Big-4 Rail Trail, this park is often overlooked and thought of as a park primarily for the Cobblestone Lakes neighborhood. Additional signage along the Big-4 Rail Trail could increase the visibility of the park. Other proposed improvements to this park include overlook decks located on the pond, new asphalt path and reforestation through an undeveloped portion of the park. Benches spread along the trail will provide additional seating. Portions of the existing paved trail are beginning to fail and will need to be repaired or repaved within the next few years.

Overlook pier

Existing asphalt path

Existing asphalt path

CAITO NATURE PARK

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS:

A. Parking

B. Shelter

C. Playground

D. Paved trails

E. Reforestation

F. Prairie plantings

The Caito Nature Park is an undeveloped park located at 200 South, just south of the airport. The proposed park will be maintained as a nature park with an emphasis on native plantings, reforestation, and creating habitat for wildlife. The proposed improvements are intended to give public access to the natural areas of the park while honoring the environmental nature of the park. A small neighborhood playground with parking and a shelter are proposed on the southern-most area of the site close to the neighborhood.

Prairie

OVERLEY-WORMAN PARK

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS:

A. Spray plaza

B. Restroom building

C. Additional seating/picnic areas

D. Upgrade existing playground surface to poured-in-place safety surfacing

E. Benches

F. Existing shelters

Overley-Worman Park is located along Eagle Creek and is accessible through the Vonterra Neighborhood or via the Big-4 Rail Trail. The proposed improvements would add to the playground area of the park with a proposed year-round restroom building and splash pad. Improvements would include upgrading the existing engineered wood mulch around the playground with pouredin-place safety surfacing. Creative patterns of color could be included in the design of the new safety surfacing to add another playful element to the playground.

Splash pad

Poured-in-place safety surfacing

BIG-4 RAIL TRAIL INTERSECTION

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS:

A. Community node

B. Benches

C. Bike racks

D. Wayfinding signage

E. Big-4 Rail Trail

F. Existing rail trail connections

The plan view illustrated below provides and example for creating community nodes along the Big-4 Rail Tail at key community connections with the trail. These community nodes might include wayfinding, seating, bike repair stations and other community amenities such as swings and benches. The community nodes are envisioned at the Big4 Rail Trail connections at the Nancy Burton Trailhead, Bloor Lane overpass, and at Heritage Trail Park.

Example Wayfinding Signage

Park swings

RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Since adding programming at the Nature Center in 2002, the Parks and Recreation Department has recognized the need for recreational programming to serve the community. As illustrated in Chapter 8Recreational Programming, the Department has added staff and a multitude of additional programs focused on providing educational and recreation activities throughout the parks in town. Even with all of the new programs offered, residents are still asking for more of the same as well as new programming. The recreational programming division of the Department continues to find creative activities including nature-based camps for school children, pickleball lessons for adults, and digital based activities such as the Magical Park app which created a digital playground in Mulberry Fields. Staff have also been creative in providing a wide variety of activities within the limits of the space that they have available for their use. This limit of space, coupled with a relatively small staff, are the key limiting factors for growth in this line of services offered by the Department.

NATURE-BASED PROGRAMMING

Nature-based programming has been a staple for the Parks and Recreation Department. These programs are still in highdemand and should continue to provide the base for recreational programming offered by the Department. Increases to the number of sessions will help to limit wait lists but are only possible through the addition of new supporting facilities and additional staff. Additional programming of this kind will follow the addition of more naturalists and the future creation of a new nature center.

PROGRAMMING OBJECTIVES

Continue to increase the number of sessions offered to reduce, or eliminate, wait lists.

Evaluate partnerships with other organizations to utilize existing facilities until a more permanent, and adequate, facility can be foundfor year-round activities.

Begin planning process for new nature center. Include proposed recreational programming and revenue generating activities in the planning for the structure of the new nature center.

Work with other Town Departments to evaluate the different management and construction options of an indoor recreation center.

Identify programs to generate revenue and create recovery costs balanced with providing free options for the community.

Continue to provide outdoor recreation programs including nature-based, educational, and recreation-based activities.

Add enrichment programs - fitness and wellness, arts, cooking, languages to supplement existing programming.

Continue to analyze existing programs including participation growth, customer retention, percentage of new programs aligned with community priorities.

Continue to add community events in parks like Winterfest and Greenfest.

ACTIVE RECREATION

Programming for active recreation helps to serve a wide range of ages from young to old. This type of programming includes hikes through nature, fitness classes, and educational sessions to teach a new sport like pickleball. The Department currently utilizes all of its parks to provide active recreation. Again, with additional staff, the Department will be able to focus more efforts on health and wellness programming like yoga in the parks, and group walks through parks and utilizing the rail trail. The Department will continue to be limited in offerings of active recreation programs until a space to accommodate year-round activities can be found.

NEW AREAS OF PROGRAMMING

The Department should continue to invest in staff training and education to stay current on the latest trends in recreational programming. In addition, auditing and evaluation of current programs should continue so the Department can remain relevant with its offerings. The Parks Program Plan should continue to be the guiding document for the focus of new programming. As an active document, it should continue to be updated and modified to meet current needs of the town.

Cultural enrichment programs are currently limited primarily because of the lack of facilities for these types of activities. Programs like cooking classes, art classes, dance classes, and language classes might be added if proper facilities are included in the new nature center or if the town acquires a new building appropriate for such activities.

The Parks and Recreation Department has started to utilize the digital world as a part of recreational programming. As devices and

digital offerings become more advanced, the demand for activities like the Magical Park App utilized at Mulberry Park will only increase. The Department should continue to monitor new ways to incorporate digital devices into recreational programming in a way that can engage the community in utilizing parks in new ways.

With all new recreational programming there is an opportunity for the Department to continue to find ways to support the costs of activities that they provide for the community. The Department has already had success with summer camps in creating programs that recover costs through fees to participate. However, the Department should continue to balance the need for fiscal responsibility with the responsibility to provide parks and programming that are accessible to the entire community regardless of economic status.

STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS

The Parks and Recreation Staffing Assessment provided in Chapter 10 identified the need for additional staff for the Department to be able to continue to grow and to continue to provide recreational and educational programming. When comparing the number of staff included in Zionsville’s Parks and Recreation Department with other cities and towns of similar size, the Department is maintaining similar amenities and acres of park with far fewer employees. Although the Department has been able to keep up with maintenance and programming services for the town with this limited staff, the lack of staff is a key limitation for the Department’s ability to grow. As more parks and more services continue to be demanded by the community, and as the community continues to grow, the lack of staff will become more and more challenging and the Department is likely to fall behind in providing the level of services that they would like to be providing.

PROPOSED STAFF

The chart on the adjacent page shows the recommended staff increases for the next five years. Although the recommendations may look aggressive, this is largely a result of the Department falling behind with current staffing levels. Proposed staff would double in size with a mixture of part time and full time staff. When comparing the proposed staff increases with the benchmark cities and towns used to analyze the Department’s current staffing levels, proposed recommendations would bring the town up to par with those communities.

The proposed staff included for the Carpenter Nature Preserve are intended to provide staff dedicated to the maintenance and operations of this new Zionsville park. The Carpenter Nature Preserve

has the opportunity to not only create a regional park bringing in visitors from outside of Zionsville, but also has the greatest potential to provide revenue generating opportunities. To fully realize the opportunity to generate funds for the Parks Department, additional staff will be needed for recreational programming but also to maintain a well-used park with daily visits that far exceed current park use.

Additional staff included in the naturalist and recreational coordinator areas also create the opportunity for the Parks and Recreation Department to generate additional funds. In addition, the community input exercises conducted as a part of this plan illustrated the demand for more of the types of programs that the Department is already providing. The Department needs more staff to provide more programs.

As mentioned in the Parks and Recreation Staffing Assessment Chapter, this study does not include a revenue potential study based on new parks and new programming that can be provided by additional staff. This study also does not analyze the cost savings of removing contract services that are currently paid to outside consultants and can be performed by Department staff. Both of these are good examples of how the Department can offset some of the cost of adding more staff. In addition, having services and maintenance provided in-house will give more control of these activities to Department management.

Potential phasing for staff increase recommendations are shown on the following pages. Additional budget increases will be needed to support the additional staff. Staff associated with Carpenter Nature Preserve wouldn’t be needed until the park’s operations require the added support.

Parks and Recreation Nature Camp

12 Implementation

12

IMPLEMENTATION

The recommendations included in this master plan reflect the wants and wishes of the community. It is an ambitious plan for the Parks and Recreation Department to achieve over the next five years. Zionsville is a growing community and the parks network is one of the main reasons that people move to town. Although current facilities meet most needs of residents, the demand for new parks and facilities illustrates the changing trends for parks and recreation. The Parks and Recreation Department understands that it must continue to evolve, adapt, and grow to continue to attract people to stay, and move into, the Town. Continued investment in new parks and programs is vital to providing quality experiences and services for the community.

As with most town departments across the nation, and especially in parks and recreation departments, the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department has a limited budget. The Department will need to continue to utilize every funding avenue available to them including increases in budget, public/ private partnerships, grants, donations, gifts and sponsorships. The Department has shown how leveraging the different funding sources can result in implementation of even the most ambitious of plans.

Although new facilities are required to meet the changing needs of residents, these projects must be balanced with maintenance of existing facilties. This includes not just routine maintenance such as mowing and trash cleanup, but also repair and replacement of facilities that have reached the end of their lifecycle. Both of which also draw from the Department’s limited resources. The action plan included within this chapter creates a strategy to provide the balance between new facilities and maintaining existing park facilities.

FUNDING STRATEGIES

General Budget

The General Fund is used to cover expenses related to general administration, personnel, maintenance, operations, and recreational programming. This fund also provides funds to maintain and operate the golf course, although the revenues generated for the golf course help to support operations of the course. Smaller capital projects have also been funded from the Department’s general budget. Equipment replacement costs are generally funded through this fund as well.

The chart below shows how the Parks and Recreation Department’s operating budget compares to other benchmark cities and

the National Recreation Parks Association average. Funds are shown per capita to provide a comparison to the amount of funding these departments are receiving related to the number of residents. Zionsville is among the lowest for this comparison. As the town continues to grow the Parks and Recreation Budget will need to be increased to accommodate additional staff and maintenance for additional parks.

Cost Recovery/Revenue Generating

Although somewhat new for the Parks and Recreation Department, the department has begun to implement reasonable and appropriate fees for use of park facilities and to participate in select recreational programming. Although not all facilities should include fees, and not all programming should charge a fee, implementing select fees can help to support the limited funds available to the Department. These fees are typically charged to the primary users of the facility and can directly contribute to maintainance and improvements to these facilities. Recreational programming such as camps require signifcant costs for activites. Participation fees help to offset these fees while still remaining at a reasonable level.

As Parks and Recreation Departments continue to find ways to leverage limited budgets, User Fees or Capital Improvement Fees have been utilized more regularly. These fees are typically set at a reasonable amount to not limit use of the park while also creating a revenue stream to help support construction of new facilities and maintenance and operations of the facility. As the Department continues to grow and implement new programs and build new parks, a Revenue and Expenditure Plan would be useful to determine what appropriate fees are based on demand and future maintenance and operations plans.

Park Impact Fees

Park Impact Fees are gathered from new residential development and are intended to support the new park and recreation facilities that will be needed as a result of the residential growth. Zionsville is fortunate to have a reasonable amount of land appropriate to be developed as residential properties. The Impact Fees gathered from new development will be crucial in supporting construction of new facilities. Park Impact fees can only be used for new capital development that is shown to meet the needs of new residents. Park Impact Fees can not be used for maintenance and repair of existing facilities or to fund recreational programming. Fees collected for this fund vary year-to-year based on the amount of housing development. To-date, the Department has utilized Park Impact Fees for a few small projects. A strategy for more frequent use of Park Impact Fees is provided following the action plan at the end of this chapter.

Donations, Grants, Gifts, Sponsorships

Much of the land for Zionsville’s parks was donated by generous citizens and community members. Some of these donations have included restrictions in terms of use of the park but have always added to the recreational value of the parks network. Past donations have included land for Overley-Worman Park, Turkeyfoot Nature Park, Starkey Nature Park, and much of the Big-4 Rail Trail corridor. The floodplain of Eagle Creek not only provides an environmental asset but also creates opportunities for residents and developers to donate land appropriate for recreational activities but not appropriate for building residential or commercial.

Sponsorships are an important funding mechanism for community events organized by the Parks and Recreation Department. Community events are well attended and are a good opportunity for local businesses to show support and get their name out into the community. Recreation programming staff should continue to explore sponsorship opportunities to support community events and other programming.

Grants have been an important tool for development of parks in Zionsville and will continue to be necessary to leverage limited funds of the Department. Additional detail concerning potential grants and sources is included in the following section.

Bonds

Municipal Bonds have been utilized by the Park and Recreation Board to fund a variety of projects including Elm Street Green, Mulberry Fields, Overley-Worman Park and the widening and extension of the Big-4 Rail Trail. Bond proceeds are limited by the bonding capacity of the Park and Recreation Board and must follow all applicable State laws. Public approval is needed for issuance of any bond. Bonds can be especially useful for projects that are large and difficult to build in phases. Bond fees are paid by tax paying residents to the lender over a set number of years.

Parks Foundation

The Parks Foundation was founded in 2020 and was formed to “preserve, enhance, and grow green spaces” in Zionsville. The foundation supports development and preservation of open space and natural areas and provides scholarships for summer camps. Although just beginning, the Foundation has the potential to become a major supporter in the creation of new parks in Zionsville.

Grants

Land Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The LWCF program is designed to alleviate some of the burden on parks and recreation departments caused by limited budgets and resources. The LWCF is a matching assistance program that provides a 50% match for purchase of park land or development of park facilities. According to the Indiana DNR, more than 30,000 acres of land have been acquired in Indiana through this program. The LWCF program is based on reimbursement which requires the agency receiving the funds to first pay for improvements then receive reimbursement. Grant amounts range from $50,000 to $500,000.

Community Development Block Grants

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are intended to support enhancement and improvement to neighborhoods. The requirements for eligible projects change from year-to-year but can support public facilities. Projects eligible for CDBG funds will focus on impacts to the surrounding community and schools.

Next Level Trails

The Next Level Trails (NLT) program was initiated in 2019 and included three rounds of funding with the final round awarded in 2022. Although this program is not currently funded for years beyond 2022, the program has seen wide popularity and support and has the potential to return for additional rounds of trail funding.

Next Level Conservation Trust Fund

The Next Level Conservation Trust Fund (NLCT) was formed in 2022. The intent of the NLCT is to continue the success of the Bicentennial Nature Trust which was started in 2012. The grant is focused on preservation and conservation of land throughout the State of Indiana. The NLCT requires a 3:1 match with the match being provided by local agencies, non-profit organizations, private donors, or by bargain sale. The program includes $25 million in funding with a minimum project size of $100,000.00.

Indiana Trails Program

The Indiana Trails Program (ITP) replaced the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in 2021. Prevously, RTP funds were provided through federal dollars. The new Indiana Trails Program will include state funds but will otherwise be very similar to the RTP program. The ITP will provide a minimum of $50,000 and maximum of $250,000 in grant assistance with a 20% local match requirement. Projects can include construction of trails, development of trailheads, construction of bridges, and acquisition of easement or property for trails. The ITP is managed by Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

AmeriCorp Grants

AmeriCorp is a federal agency that funds organizations to make positive impacts in communities. Typically these funds include partnerships with local nonprofit organizations providing employment opportunities. Seasonal employment can be provided through the nonprofit which is funded through the AmeriCorp grant. Training is usually included in grant funding.

SAFETULU and Safe Routes to Schools

Safe Routes to Schools and SAFETULU funds can be used for trail improvements which create connections to schools. Safe Routes to Schools requires no match and SAFETULU funds require a 20% match.

ACTION PLAN

The action plan on the following pages presents a phased approach to implementing new projects and planning for repair and replacement of existing facilities. All of the funding options mentioned in previous pages will be needed to carry out the Action Plan. The following action plan recommendations are attainable but will require the support of the Mayor, Town Council, and the Park and Recreation Board.

Priorities for capital projects and repairs were developed through input from the public, town officials, and Department staff. Timelines and budgets will need to be adjusted when funding is available and projects begin planning stages.

The Action Plan is presented for each year of the following five-year planning period and includes long-term projects which might occur after the next five years. These projects are included in this plan in the event an opportunity such as a specific grant or donation becomes available and one of the long-term projects is more applicable. The Action Plan is intended as a guide and should not limit the Park and Recreation Board. This plan should not be stagnant and is intended to have frequent updates to accommodate changes in recreational trends.

Each year within the Action Plan includes recommendations for capital projects, ADA improvement tasks, and replacement or repair of existing facilities related to the life cycle analysis. This approach allows a balance of funds to be allocated towards new projects and facilities and maintenance and repairs of existing facilities.

Potential funding sources have been included in the Action Plan charts. Projects will likely require a combination of public and private funds. Public/private partnerships will be critical to implementing the proposed recommendations in the timeline presented. Potential key partners might include:

• Zionsville Parks Foundation

• Lily Endowment

• Vectren Foundation

• Community Foundation of Boone County

• Duke Energy Foundation

• Zionsville School Corporation

• Boone County Boys and Girls Club (Zionsville Chapter)

• Private program providers and leagues

• Zionsville Redevelopment Commission

ACTION PLAN

2023

Category

Land Acquisition Carpenter Nature Preserve Land Purchase* Land Acquisition

Capital Project Carpenter Nature Preserve - Phase 1 Construction Documents, Construction

Capital Project Lincoln Park Improvements Design Development, Construction

Capital Project Elm Street Green Canoe Launch Design Development, Construction

ADA ADA Improvements Annual maintenance

Life Cycle Maintenance Mulberry Fields Shelters

Life Cycle Maintenance Mulberry Fields Boardwalk

Stain/paint and seal

Stain/seal

Life Cycle Maintenance Starkey Nature Park - Parking Lot Crack seal

TOTAL

Construction

Estimated

$5,500,000.00* $6,500,000.00*

$3,000,000.00 $4,500,000.00

IDNR Next Level Conservation Trust Fund, Bond, General Funds

IDNR LWCF, Bond, General Funds, Park Impact Fee, Lily Endowment, Vectren Foundation, Community Foundation of Boone County, Duke Energy Foundation

$500,000.00 $750,000.00 General Funds, Park Impact Fee

Construction $25,000.00 $50,000.00 General Funds, Park Impact Fee

$50,000.00 $100,000.00 General Funds

$15,000.00 $30,000.00 General Funds

$5,000.00 $10,000.00 General Funds

$40,000.00 $45,000.00 General Funds

$3,635,000.00* $5,485,000.00*

* Total does not include land acquisition for Carpenter Nature Preserve.

ACTION PLAN 2024

Category

Capital Project

Capital Project

ADA

Life Cycle Maintenance

Life Cycle Maintenance

TOTAL

Starkey Nature Park Parking Lot

Construction Documents, Construction

Mulberry Fields Pickleball Courts Phase 2 (with Restroom Building) Construction Documents, Construction

ADA Improvements

Annual maintenance

Zion Nature Sanctuary Repair and Improvements Stain/paint and seal

Heritage Trail Park - Paths

Crack seal

$300,000.00 $500,000.00 General Funds

$1,750,000.00 $3,500,000.00

IDNR LWCF, Bond, General Funds, Park Impact Fee, Lily Endowment, Vectren Foundation, Community Foundation of Boone County, Duke Energy Foundation

$50,000.00 $100,000.00 General Funds

$100,000.00 $200,000.00 General Funds

$25,000.00 $40,000.00 General Funds

$2,225,000.00 $4,340,000.00

ACTION PLAN 2025

Category

Capital Project

Zionsville Golf Course Clubhouse and Drainage Improvements Construction Documents, Construction

Capital Project Creekside Nature Park Entrance Construction Documents, Construction

ADA

Life Cycle Maintenance

Life Cycle Maintenance

Life Cycle Maintenance

TOTAL

ADA Improvements Annual maintenance

Zionsville Golf Course - Parking Lot Crack seal, resurface

Zion Nature Sanctuary Repair and Improvements Stain/paint and seal

Creekside Nature Park - Parking Lot and Paths Crack seal, resurface

$2,500,000.00 $4,000,000.00

IDNR LWCF, Bond, General Funds, Park Impact Fee, Lily Endowment, Vectren Foundation, Community Foundation of Boone County, Duke Energy Foundation

$50,000.00 $150,000.00 Bond, General Funds, Park Impact Fee

$50,000.00 $100,000.00 General Funds

$100,000.00 $175,000.00

$150,000.00 $500,000.00 General Funds

$150,000.00 $200,000.00 General Funds

$3,000,000.00 $5,125,000.00

ACTION PLAN

Category

Capital Project

Capital Project

ADA

Life Cycle Maintenance

Holliday Nature Sanctuary

Vacant Holliday Road/Pleasant View Rd. Trail

Construction Documents, Construction

Construction Documents, Construction

ADA Improvements Annual maintenance

Turkeyfoot Nature Park - Bridge Repairs Structure repairs

Life Cycle Maintenance Elm Street Green - Parking Lot and Paths Crack seal, resurface

TOTAL

$750,000.00 $1,150,000.00

IDNR LWCF, Bond, General Funds, Park Impact Fee, Lily Endowment, Vectren Foundation, Community Foundation of Boone County, Duke Energy Foundation

$500,000.00 $1,000,000.00 Bond, General Funds, Park Impact Fee

$50,000.00 $100,000.00 General Funds

$250,000.00 $500,000.00 General Funds

$275,000.00 $400,000.00 General Funds

$1,825,000.00 $3,150,000.00

ACTION PLAN 2027

Capital Project

Capital Project

Capital Project

ADA

Life Cycle Maintenance

TOTAL

Heritage Trail Park Splash Plaza, Restroom and Hammock Park with Outdoor Fitness Equipment

Carter Station Pathway Improvement and Overlooks

American Legion Trail Crossing

ADA Improvements

Construction Documents, Construction

Construction Documents, Construction

Construction Documents, Construction

Annual maintenance

American Legion Trail Crossing - Parking and Paths Crack seal, resurface

Estimated

$1,500,000.00 $3,000,000.00

General Funds, Park Impact Fee, Lily Endowment, Vectren Foundation, Community Foundation of Boone County, Duke Energy Foundation

$350,000.00 $750,000.00 Bond, General Funds, Park Impact Fee

$150,000.00 $250,000.00

General Funds, Lily Endowment, Vectren Foundation, Community Foundation of Boone County, Duke Energy Foundation

$50,000.00 $100,000.00 General Funds

$75,000.00 $150,000.00 General Funds

$2,125,000.00 $4,250,000.00

ACTION PLAN

Long Term

Category

Capital Project

Capital Project

Capital Project

Capital Project

Life Cycle Maintenance

Life Cycle Maintenance

Life Cycle Maintenance

Carpenter Nature Preserve - Phase 2 and Nature Center Construction Documents, Construction

Overley-Worman Park Splash Pad & Restroom Building Construction Documents, Construction

Mulberry Fields Pickleball Courts - Phase 3 and Shelter/Storage Building Construction Documents, Construction

Caito Nature Park Construction Documents, Construction

Tennis Court (at Lions Park)

Replace or mill and resurface

Turkeyfoot Nature Park - Parking Lot and Paths Crack seal, resurface

Mulberry Fields - Parking Lot

Crack seal, resurface

$6,500,000.00 $8,500,000.00

IDNR LWCF, General Funds, Park Impact Fee, Lily Endowment, Vectren Foundation, Community Foundation of Boone County, Duke Energy Foundation

$2,000,000.00 $3,500,000.00 Bond, General Funds, Park Impact Fee

$600,000.00 $750,000.00

$1,000,000.00 $1,500,000.00

General Funds, Park Impact Fee, Lily Endowment, Vectren Foundation, Community Foundation of Boone County, Duke Energy Foundation

IDNR LWCF, General Funds, Park Impact Fee, Lily Endowment, Vectren Foundation, Community Foundation of Boone County, Duke Energy Foundation

$130,000.00 $225,000.00 General Funds

$200,000.00 $250,000.00 General Funds

$60,000.00 $75,000.00 General Funds

PARK IMPACT FEE UTILIZATION

Impact Fee

Park Impact Fees are established through adoption of the Zone Improvement Plan pursuant to Indiana Code 36. Impact fees are calculated based on facility information and level of service standards for the parks network. Fees are based on analysis of infrastructure needs over a 10-year planning period. The 2011 impact fee for detached single family housing units was $1,221. Attached single family units were adjusted to $977 for duplex/condo/townhome and $733 for an apartment unit. The 2021 impact fee for detached single family units is $2,045. Attached single family units were adjusted to $2,045 and $941 for an apartment unit. Impact fees are collected at the time a building permit is issued.

A Zone Improvement Plan was adopted in 2011 with a revised Zone Improvement Plan adopted in 2021. Each plan includes calculations for target ratios for amenities based on established level of service numbers. Target ratios change each year based on current year population numbers. Target ratios also vary between the 2011 and 2021 Zone Improvement Plans based on level of service standards.

When a deficit is identified in the Zone Improvement Plan, the deficit must be paid for out of park funds other than Park Impact Fees prior to using any park impact fees. The intent of Park Impact Fees is for new housing development to help pay for the new amenities that will be needed as a part of the new residents that these developments bring. However, Park Impact Fees are not intended to pay for current deficiencies related to current residents.

Population numbers utilized to calculate new target ratios should be obtained from trusted sources including the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) estimate, U.S. Census counts, and Zionsville Planning and Economic Development Department estimates.

Only amenities showing a deficit using current year population numbers can utilize park impact fees. Amenities must also meet the requirements of definitions for the amenity included in each Zone Improvement Plan.

Snapshot of Park Impact Fee Spreadsheet

Park Impact Fee Spreadsheet

An Excel spreadsheet was developed to assist the Parks and Recreation Department in utilizing funds gathered through Park Impact Fees. The spreadsheet includes pages for the 2011 and 2021 Impact Fees and can be updated for any future update Zone Improvement Plans. Each page includes the target ratios for amenities and calculations for updated ratios as population numbers change. Utilizing the spreadsheet, the Department can easily identify what funds are eligible for using Park Impact Fees and where amenity deficits must be paid for through other fees.

As an example, using the spreadsheet, the 2022 target ratio for park acreage shows a deficit of 8.36 acres. The plan did not include a deficit for acreage in 2011 so the Park and Recreation Board does not need to purchase land using existing funds before utilizing 2011 Park Impact Fees to purchase additional land. The Park and Recreation Board can utilize Park Impact Fees for the full 8.36 acre deficit.

The spreadsheet provides a convenient and easy method to track when plan deficiencies are met, identify current target ratios, and

identify current deficiencies where current Park Impact Fees can be utilized.

Zone Improvement Plan Updates

Each Zone Improvement Plan is based on a 10-year planning period but is effective for a five year period from its effective date (IC 36-7-4-1340(a)). The effective date of an impact fee ordinance may be no earlier than six months after the date on which the ordinance was adopted. When preparing an updated Zone Improvement Plan, the Park and Recreation Board can utilize Park Impact Fees (not to exceed 5% of annual collections) to pay for consulting fees used in establishing the Park Impact Fee (IC 36-7-41332).

As seen in each new parks master plan, recreation trends change which can create the need for new level of service standards. When there is a significant change in level of service standards in either the amount of an amenity needed, or in the type of amenities needed, the Zone Improvement Plan should be amended. Changes in Indiana Code 367-4 could also necessitate an updated plan.

ZIONSVILLE PARKS & RECREATION