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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Rec. Annual ReportCARMEL/CLAY BOARD OF PARKS AND RECREATION I Civic 8quare Carme1, IN 46032 ANNUAL REPORT Augtxst 29t 1991 - FebrtlaEy 15, 1992 To: Clay Township Board Camel City Council From: camel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation The first meeting of the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation was held on August 29, 1991. At that meeting the joint board took its initial steps toward organizing and establishing a park system for the Camel/Clay community. Those steps included the following: , , , , , Election of officers Establishment of rules of procedures Establishment of a mailing address Appointment of a liaison to the Hamilton County Parks Board Approval to hire a consultant to provide initial guidance Establishment of a consultant network Establishment of advisory committees Approval to continue and complete the community survey initiated by the Carmel Parks Board Decision to request continuing assistance from the DOCD in planning and designing the Flowing Well Park Subsequent meetings have been held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. In these meetings the Park Board has: , , , , , Refined the questions to be asked in the Telephone Survey conducted by the Indiana University Opinion Poll Accepted the results of the Telephone Survey Continued planning for the Flowing Well Park Entered into a contract with Camel/Clay Schools to establish neighborhood parks on school property Approved hiring a special consultant regarding ADA requirements as applied to parks Adopted resolution concerning accessibility of park facilities Approved the plans for the neighborhood park at Woodbrook Elementary School Entered into a contract for purchase and installation of the playground equipment for the neighborhood park at Woodbrook Approved the "Calls from Santa" special event Adopted our Vision Statement, Mission Statement, and 1991-92 Goals Approved the Job Description, Selection Criteria and Advertisement for the Park Superintendent Approved conducting a "5 K Run, Walk, and Kiddy Romp" special event Approved entering into a contract with Earth Plan Associates, Inc. to prepare the 5-Year Master Plan Participated in a follow-up workshop with Dr. McLean in January Approved conducting a contest to select a logo for the Carmel/Clay Parks The attached sheets go into greater detail to explain the actions undertaken by the Board since its inception on August 29, 1991. The opportunity to participate in the creation of a totally new park system in a community such as Camel/Clay has been a very exciting and challenging experience for the members of the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation. We have enjoyed our work and thank you for placing your trust in our judgement and for giving us the opportunity to serve our community. Respectfully submitted on behalf of all of the members of the Carmel/ Clay Board of Parks and Recreation. WORKSHOPS WITH CONSULTANT It was agreed that we needed professional guidance to help the Board in establishing a quality park system. Dr. Dan McLean, professor of Recreation and Park Administration at Indiana University, was retained as a consultant. In the three workshop sessions conducted by Dr. McLean the following was accomplished: Established our Vision statement Established our Mission Statement Identified our Immediate Goals for 1991-92 Established a Time line for 1991-92 Formulated the Job Description for our Park Superintendent Established Selection Criteria for hiring the Superintendent Wrote the Advertisement for hiring the Superintendent CONSULTANT NETWORK ESTABLISHED The Park Board established a network of park departments throughout Indiana that have agreed to serve as consultants and answer questions that we might direct to them while we are in the formative stages of establishing our park system. Our consultant network has provided us with brochures, master plans, etc. The network consists of: 1. COLUMBUS Department of Parks and Recreation 2. FT. WAYNE Department of Parks and Recreation 3. WEST LAFAYETTE Parks and Recreation Department 4. CRAWFORDSVILLE Park and Recreation Department 5. LAKE COUNTY Parks and Recreation Department 6. LAGRANGE COUNTY Park Department 7. City of VALPARAISO Parks and Recreation 8. HAMILTON COUNTY Parks and Recreation Department 9. NOBLESVILLE Parks and Recreation Department 10. Town of FISHERS Parks Department ll. ZIONSVILLE Department of Parks and Recreation ESTABLISHED COMMITTEES One of the goals of the Park Board is to encourage as much community input and participation as possible. Committees composed of citizen volunteers and park board members were established to serve in an advisory capacity to the Park Board. The following committees have been established and are functioning. , , Neighborhood Park Committee To guide the planning and implementation of the neighborhood parks Long Range Planning Committee To guide the formulation of our 5-Year Master Plan Flowing Well Committee To guide the plans for the Flowing Well Park Program Committee To plan programs sponsored by the Parks Board Special Events Committee To produce special events Personnel Committee To guide personnel selection, establish personnel guidelines, mitigate personnel problems Budget Committee To develop and monitor the budget Safety/Liability Committee To establish safety guidelines, monitor liability, and insurance coverage ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS The Park Board feels that it is unwise to duplicate existing services and facilities that are available to community residents. One of our priorities is to establish working relationships within the community for the mutual benefit of everyone. To facilitate communication and establish relations, we have a representative assigned to attend the Hamilton County Park Board meetings and have met with officials of the Carmel Dad's Club. ESTABLISHED FIRST NEIGHBORHOOD PARK 1. Park visitation/research trips Several members made a research trip to Columbus and Greenwood to talk with them about park sponsored programs and to visit their park sites. An additional trip was made to Bloomington to talk about programing and to visit the newly installed handicap accessible playground and the "Y" Community Center. Of special concern during the research trips was learning about handicap accessibility to park facilities. The interviews were recorded for future use on audio cassette, VCR Camcorder, and camera. 2. Consulted with specialist regarding ADA requirements as applied to parks We contracted the services of consultant, Don Rogers, specialist in the ADA (American with Disabilities Act) requirements as applied to parks and recreation. Don visited Woodbrook Elementary School and met with the handicapped students, their teachers, and some parents to help determine what they would like to have in accessible playground equipment. Entered into a contract with CARMEL/CLAY SCHOOLS to establish neighborhood parks on school property Resolution adopted concerning accessibility of park facilities The Board adopted a resolution to not only comply with the requirements of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) but to provide the highest level of accessibility possible and feasible. 5. Established the first neighborhood park at Woodbrook School Woodbrook Elementary School was chosen for our first neighborhood park because of the fact the existing playground is not accessible to the physically handicapped students that are transported there for school. A contract was entered into with Reese Recreation Products, Inc. to provide and install the playground equipment at Woodbrook. The funds to pay for the park came from the Clay Township Trustee. SPECIAL EVENTS 1. "Calls From Santa" Our first program was initiated in mid-November. All elementary parents were contacted to have "Santa" call their child. 250 calls were made on Sunday afternoon, December 8, 1991, from the office phones at Conseco by members of the Camel Golden K Kiwanis. Judi Jacobs and Garry Watts organized this very popular program with printing and phones provided by Conseco. 2. Logo Contest A contest is currently underway to select a logo design for the Park Department. All residents of Carmel/Clay are being invited to participate in this contest. The winner will receive a $100 Savings Bond to be provided by Carmel INB. 3.5 K Run, Walk, and Kiddy Romp Plans are currently underway to conduct a 5-K Run, Walk, and Kiddy Romp in July. Garry Watts is in charge of planning this special event and has secured the financial support of Conseco, Inc. to underwrite the expenses of the professional planner for this run. Proceeds from the run will go to Carmel/Clay Parks. SEARCH FOR PARK SUPERINTENDENT One of the most pressing issues for the Park Board is the hiring of a park superintendent. The advertisements for applicants were mailed on January 1, 1992 to the professional associations for eight mid- western states, the National Parks and Recreation Association, and the Indianapolis Star/News. To date over 60 resumes have been received for this position. We hope to have our director on the job no later than May 1. 5-YEAR MASTER PLAN A 5-year Master Plan is required in order to be eligible for Federal Land and Water Conservation Grant money and is also considered by the Board as being very important in guiding us in the establishment of a quality park system for the residents of Camel/Clay. "A REPORT OF CITIZENS ATTITUDES AND PREFERENCES" Oct. 1991, arrived at through the telephone survey conducted in September, and the "COMMUNITY RECREATION NEEDS STUDY" released in February 1990, will b~ lmportant resources for the Master Plan. "Earth Plan Associates, Inc." of Ft. Wayne, IN, has been chosen as the consulting firm to prepare the Master Plan. This will be finished by September 1, 1992. FLOWING WELL PARK DEVELOPMENT conceptual plans for the Flowing Well Park are being drawn and steps are being taken to proceed with the development of this nature park. Engineering plans for the foot bridges and permits from the DNR for permission to construct the bridges are necessary before the bridges can be constructed. The park will include a wetland pond, nature trails, three bridges, minimal playground, picnic areas, and a council ring for supervised use by scout troops and other youth groups. The Camel-Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Vision Statement cvr,~fo Tlqe Carreel-Clay l'ark Boarcl envisions a future in w~ich t~xe leisure neeas ancl wants of all resiaents are met t~qrough a system of neighborhoocl, community ana regional parRs, bullcling on strengths of new ancl existing programs, facilities ancl services thus enl~ancing 'community awareness ancl ~nvolvement. Draft Prepared 9/10/9 1 The Camel-Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Mission Statement (Draft) The Carrnel-Clay Board of Parks and Recreation's mission is to provide recreation and park opportunities to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Cm~tiel-Clay community. The mission will be achieved through: · Development of a community wide system of parks and recreation that makes use of new and effective use of existing community resources: · Implementation of policy by a staff of park and recreation professionals; · Development and implementation of recreation and education programs and opportunities; · Providing opportunities for community involvement through volunteer activities; and · Management of the park and recreation system. Draft Prepared 9/10/9 1 The. Carmel-Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Goals - 1992 Park and Community Development Develop Flowing ,Well Park B. Investigate potential for .parks in West Clay Township, East Side River Park, at the 961h Street area, and linear parkways. C.. Develop Neighborhood Parks . D. Work with IDOH for potential park Profcsslonal Staff A. Hire a director Master Plan A. Complete the 5 year master plan Board Functions A. Policy Development B. Establishment of volunteer committees C. Fund Development (internal and external) Program Development Fe Program for Summer 1992 (Hire program staff) Activities for those to°old for Dad's Club programs Senior Citizen activities Summer Concert Series (volunteers) Community Recreation Opportunities that are special events, etc.) Community Beautification Program (volunteers) self-supporting (sports, Relationships A. Incorporate historical aspects of community into program B. Relationships 'th Dad's Club & other local organizations C. RelationshipssJl~x~'lton County Parks Board D. Development of promotional brochures and materials Adoptsd Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation Superintendent of Parks and Recreation job description MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Supervises the activities of the staff, including recommending, planning and monitoring their training and professional development· 2. Provides Information, alternatives, and recommendations to the Board for decision making, policy adoption, and special project studie~. 5. Initiates, recommends, and implements policy effectlng all aspects of the operation of the Department In its responsibilities to the Board. 4. Provides budgetary direction for the department, including CoOrdination of operating, capital equipment and capital improvement budgets, budget analysis and budget decisions as directed by the Board. 5. Conducts annual performance apprajsals of professional staff and insures annual performance appraisals of subordinate staff are conducted. ReCommends personnel decisions below the level of director and insures they conform with Board policy. 6. Represents the department at applicable and appropriate meetings. 7. Interacts and coordinates activities with other departments and outslde org~nlzations. 8. Prepares, mainta~ns and monitors progress of departmental master plan and annual report. 9. Attends all Board meetings. 10. Serves as spokesperson for the department. 11. Other duHes as assigned. Dra~ Prepared 9/I 0/9 1 ADVERTIaEM~NT SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS AN.D RECREATION, Careel, IN. negotiable base~ on quall~lcations.) (Salary Immediate opportunity for Superintendent of Parks and Recreation (chief operatione officer) with 5-7 years experience in park and recreation admi~ls~ratlon~ operations and planning. New department in a d~namlc, progressive commu~lty oi 42,000 con=i~ou~ to IRdianapolls. Reepens~bili=ies include creation of a community park and recreation system. Individual reports to the Board of Parks and Recreation, The success[u1 candidate will demonstraEe an ability to work with a policy se~lng board and the public; knowledge in contemporary pro~rammin~; adml~istration; park development and operations; and an abillt~ in written and oral communications. ~A in Park and Recreation Adm~nlatration or related field required. HA and professional certification preferred. Send resume and re~erences by HaTch 1~ to: Carmel/Clay Board of Park~ and RecreaTion, I Civic Square, Carmel, IN, 46032. EOE/AA RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation is aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336). WHEREAS, The Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation desires to provide the highest level of accessibility possible and feasible for persons with visual, hearing, mobility, and mental impairments, consistent with the obligation to conserve park resources and preserve the quality of the park and recreation experience for everyone. NOW T~R~EFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation, that the Board will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and will make every effort, including a self evaluation of it's policies and practices, to ensure that all services, programs and activities of the Department, or it's contractors, will provide the highest level of accessibility possible; and BE IT RESOLVED by the Carmel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation, that the Board designates, to act on behalf of the Board in the resolving complaints grievances pertaining to this Act. and CARM~.L/CLAY BO~D/3 OF PARKS A/~D RECREATION By: By: CARMEL/CLAY BOARD OF PARKS AND RECREATION LOGO CONTEST ENTRY FORM NAME ADDRESS CITY PHONE NUMBER SIGNATURE (Must be signed by parent or guardian if entrant is under 18 years of age.) The Carmet/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation announces its Logo Contest! The contest is open to all residents of the City of Cannel and Clay Township. The winner will be announced at the regularly scheduled April meeting of the Cannel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation and will be awarded a $100 Savings Bond donated by INB Banking Centers. The Park Board logo will be exhibited on a variety of materials including T- shirts, stationery, and signs. To enter: place your design on an eleven by fourteen inch piece of poster board and attach this completed entry form to the back of your entry. All entries must be original designs. All entries become the property of the CarmeYClay Board of Parks and Recreation. The Board reserves the fight to alter the winning entry as deemed fit by the Board for its use. Mail or bring your entry in person to the office of the Cannel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation, One Civic Square, Carreel, IN 46032. All mall-in entries must be postmarked no later than March 16, 1992. For additional information, contact David Cunningham, Secretary, at 57 1-2~.~?. Cannel/Clay Board of Parks and Recreation 02/14192