Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
Ordinance 2021-08 Open Space Element
ORDINANCE NO.2021-08 A ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA, SETTING FORTH AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT BASED ON THE CITY'S EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PURSUANT TO SECTION 163.3191, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF PRIOR INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS; INCORPORATION INTO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; LEGAL STATUS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS;SEVERABILITY; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS,the Florida Legislature intends that local planning be a continuous and ongoing process; and WHEREAS, section 163.3161 et. seq., Florida Statutes, established Community Planning Act; and WHEREAS, consistent with the Community Planning Act, the City Commission has adopted the City of Winter Springs Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, as required by section 163.3191, Florida Statutes, the City has conducted an evaluation of its Comprehensive Plan, Recreation and Open Space Element, to determine if plan amendments are necessary to reflect changes in state requirements since the last update of the City's Comprehensive Plan,which is required to be adopted every seven(7)years to assess the progress of implementing the City's Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the Local Planning Agency has reviewed the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan,Recreation and Open Space Element,set forth herein,held an advertised public hearing,provided for participation by the public in the process,and rendered its recommendations to the City Commission; and WHEREAS,the City Commission, after considering the Local Planning Agency's review comments and recommendations for amendments to the Recreation and Open Space Element,desires to adopt the amendments set forth herein; and WHEREAS,the City Commission of the City of Winter Springs,Florida,hereby finds this City of Winter Springs Ordinance No.2021-08 Page 1 of 3 ordinance to be in the best interests of the public health,safety,and welfare of the citizens of Winter Springs. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS HEREBY ORDAINS,AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are fully incorporated herein by this reference. Section 2. Authority. This Ordinance is adopted in compliance with, and pursuant to, the Community Planning Act, Sections 163.3184 and 163.3191, Florida Statutes. Section 3. Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of this ordinance is to adopt text amendments to the City's Comprehensive Plan as set forth herein, which are based on the City's evaluation and appraisal of the Comprehensive Plan pursuant to Section 163.3191,Florida Statutes. Section 4. Adoption of Text Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Recreation and Open Space Element. The Winter Springs Comprehensive Plan, Recreation and Open Space Element is hereby amended only as specifically enumerated and set forth in Exhibit"A" attached hereto and fully incorporated herein by this reference. (Underlined type indicates additions and str-ikeeut. type indicates deletions). It is intended that the text in the Comprehensive Plan not specifically enumerated and set forth in this Exhibit shall remain unchanged from the language existing prior to adoption of this Ordinance). Section 5. Transmittal to the Department of Economic Opportunity. The City Manager or his designee is hereby designated to sign a letter transmitting the adopted Comprehensive Plan Amendment to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for state coordinated review and to any other agency or local government providing timely comments, in accordance with Section 163.3184(4), Florida Statutes. Section 6. Repeal of Prior Inconsistent Ordinances and Resolutions. All prior inconsistent ordinances and resolutions adopted by the City Commission of the City of Winter Springs,or parts of ordinances and resolutions in conflict herewith, are hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict. Section 7. Severability. If any section,subsection,sentence,clause,phrase,word or provision of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction,whether for substantive,procedural,or any other reason,such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. Section 8. Incorporation Into Comprehensive Plan. Upon the effective date of the City of Winter Springs Ordinance No.2021-08 Page 2 of 3 Comprehensive Plan Amendments adopted by this Ordinance, said Amendments shall be incorporated into the City of Winter Springs Comprehensive Plan and any section or paragraph number or letter and any heading may be changed or modified as necessary to effectuate the foregoing. Section 9. Effective Date and Legal Status of the Plan Amendment. The effective date ofthe Comprehensive Plan Amendments adopted by this Ordinance shall be pursuant to the state land planning agency's notice of intent. If timely challenged, an amendment does not become effective until the state land planning agency or the Administration Commission enters a final order determining the adopted amendment to be in compliance as defined in section 163.3184, Florida Statutes. No development orders, development permits, or land use dependent on these Amendments may be issued or commenced before it has become effective. If a final order of noncompliance is issued by the Administration Commission,the Amendments may nevertheless be made effective by adoption of a resolution affirming its effective status. After and from the effective date of these Amendments,the Comprehensive Plan Amendments set forth herein shall amend the City of Winter Springs Comprehensive Plan and become a part of that plan, and the Amendments shall have the legal status of the City of Winter Springs Comprehensive Plan, as amended. ADOPTED by the City Commission of the City of Winter Springs, Florida, in a regular meeting assembled on the 28th day of March, 2022. Kevin McCan6,Mayor ATTEST: Christian Gowan, City Clerk ''';• ,�Eo:: "'. ►', off; 4." •. 7, �. C h :s Appro as to legal form and sufficiency for the ity o Winter Springs only: 3.: • ���� k o •. 1 Anthony A: Garganese, City Attorney Transmittal Hearing: November 8th, 2021 Adoption Hearing: March 28th, 2022 Effective Date: March 28th, 2022 City of Winter Springs Ordinance No.2021-08 Page 3 of 3 EXHIBIT A CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS A. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES.................................................................................1 B. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................10 C. INVENTORY OF EXISTING RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE FACILITIES..........................10 1. Public Parks and Open Space .......................................................................................10 a. Regional Parks............................................................................................................................ 11 b. Community Parks........................................................................................................................ 15 c. Special Use Facilities................................................................................................................. 16 d. Neighborhood Parks..................................................................................................................17 e. Mini-Parks and Tot-Lots............................................................................................................. 17 f. Open Space................................................................................................................................17 g. Urban Plazas and Squares ...................................................................................................... 17 h. Nearby County Facilities..........................................................................................................24 i. School Facilities...........................................................................................................................26 2. Private Facilities............................................................................................................26 D. EXISTING AND FUTURE PARKS AND RECREATION NEEDS.............................................27 1. Population Trends and User Needs...............................................................................28 2. Outdoor Recreation Planning Guidelines......................................................................29 3. Recreational Facilities...................................................................................................42 4. Meeting Future Recreation and Open Space Needs......................................................42 5. Public Participation in Recreation Planning ..................................................................42 i CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT LIST OF TABLES Table VI - 1: Park and Open Space Acreage, Based on Level of Service Standards. ..................7 Table VI - 2: Inventory of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities and Open Space, 2009. ....19 Table VI - 3: Inventory of Private Recreational Facilities, 0009................................................27 Table VI -4: Use Guidelines for User-Oriented Recreation Activities, .............................29 Table VI - 5: Population Guidelines for User-Oriented Recreation Activities, 2008..................31 LIST OF MAPS Map VI — 1: Inventory of Public Parks, Recreation Facilities and Open Space ...........................8 Map VI — 2: Seminole County Trails Construction Map............................................................14 Map VI — 3: Park Service Areas ...............................................................................................36 Map VI —4: Target Areas for New Parks .................................................................................38 Map VI — 5: Sites for Purchase Consideration ..........................................................................40 Map VI — 6: Conceptual Trails Network Map ...........................................................................44 ii CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT CHAPTER VI RECREATION & OPEN SPACE ELEMENT A. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES GOAL 1: To provide adequate open space, parks, and recreation facilities to enable high quality participation for all residents and visitors. Objective 1.1: Level of Service Standards for Parks. To ensure that the City has an adequate acreage of park lands and open space, the City shall utilize Level of Service (LOS) standards. Policy 1.1.1: Utilize the following LOS standards: Total Overall Public Park and Recreation Land Acreage (including Open Space): Eight (8) acres per 1,000 residents. For purposes of implementing this policy, the City may utilize State and County park lands and trails that are located within the City's jurisdictional boundaries. This standard includes land with passive and active uses. City Owned Open Space: Four (4) acres per 7,000 residents. Open space is defined as "undeveloped lands suitable for passive recreation or conservation". Policy 1.1.2:� Continue the,& Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee made up of residents who will work together to review parks and recreation facilities and programs and make appropriate recommendations to the City Commission. Policy 1.1.3:— -Maintain an inventory of the location, size, condition and amenities available at each public park, recreation area and open space. This inventory shall be updated every year. Policy 1.1.4: Implement and periodically update recreation guidelines and criteria for park sites and facilities based on industry standards and comparison with those of neighboring and comparable jurisdictions. Policy 1.1.5; -Rely upon the State of Florida and Seminole County park facilities and wilderness areas located within a 30-mile driving distance of the City for their value as regional resource-oriented facilities. These areas generally serve a population of over 100,000 and feature outdoor recreation resources and facilities that capitalize on and promote appreciation of the natural environment. Policy 1.1.6; Rely upon private development to provide and maintain neighborhood parks in areas of new development. A neighborhood park is a facility that serves an entire neighborhood and which is located no more than VI - 1 CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT one-half (1/2) mile from the residents served. In cases where a greater distance cannot be avoided, a paved parking area shall also be provided. The size of a neighborhood park shall be dependent on the number of units served as described in the land development code, but shall not be less than one-half acre. Infill development of 20 units or less shall be exempt from this provision. Typical facilities provided in a neighborhood park often include a swimming pool, cabana or clubhouse with restrooms, playground area, paved multi-purpose court, picnic area..., fitness trail, and/or open free play area. Open space may also be one component of the eleelieateel neighborhood park area. Policy 1.1.7: Protect and enhance open space areas and natural features within existing City parks, and do not allow active recreational uses to unnecessarily encroach upon them. Policy 1.1.8: Require preservation of ecologically sensitive open spaces in the Greeneway Interchange District and promote connectivity of these natural features for habitat continuity and sustainability. Additionally, require a network of public plazas with interconnected sidewalks to promote an urban pedestrian environment. Policy 1.1.9: Pursue additional sites for active public recreational opportunities for current and future residents through land acquisition and/or public/private partnerships. Policy 1.1.10: Acquire park land and develop appropriate facilities by utilizing a variety of funding sources as available, such as the general fund, grants, developer contributions, impact fees, and user fees, as well as creative funding solutions, such as special taxing districts, foundations, private donations, endowments, partnerships, and bond referendums. Policy 1.1.1 1: Explore opportunities to provide public recreation access to Lake Jesup. Policy 1.1.12: Perpetually hold in public ownership, for recreation and open space purposes, those lands owned by the City which are identified in this element on Map VI-1 and Table VI-2. Policy 1.1.13: Prior to the disposal of nonrecreational City-owned land or facilities, evaluate the potential use of such land or facilities for recreation, and whether such land or facilities are needed to maintain or enhance the City's recreation program. Policy 1.1.14: Prior to the vacation of any right-of-way, evaluate the potential of the right-of-way for use as part of a future trail corridor or other alternative transportation linkage. Policy 1.1.15: Periodically update and take action to implement the recommendations of the City of Winter Springs Parks and Recreation Master Plan. VI -2 CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Objective 1.2: Trails. Pursue the expansion of the existing Cross Seminole Trail system to include a network of City trails, thereby improving access for pedestrians and cyclists to schools, parks, open spaces, and businesses and for the additional public outdoor recreation opportunities trails provide. Policy 1.2.1: Encourage public participation in planning and development of all phases of City's trail expansion program. Policy 1.2.2: Partner with appropriate agencies to study and implement options for future coordinated provisions of a bike/trail network. Policy 1.2.3: 0eye ep staigelarels aigel guieleltiges tep trail plaigiging, eleyelepment and The City may follow Seminole County Trail development and maintenance guidelines. Policy 1.2.4: Work with utility providers to co-locate trail easements in utility corridors. Policy 1.2.5: Encourage homeowner associations whenever possible, to incorporate existing trails into the public trail system. Policy 1.2.6: Acquire property or easements that can be integrated into the City's existing recreation and proposed trail network system as illustrated on Map VI-6: Conceptual Trails Network System. Policy 1.2.7: Make providing trails a priority in the new planning horizon for the connectivity they provide to schools, parks, natural lands, and businesses. Objective 1.3: Study of Recreation Preferences. The City shall determine the recreational preferences and needs of City residents. Policy 1.3.1: Periodically survey organized leagues and primary users of active recreation facilities to determine participation rates and demand for services and to determine adjustments to active land use programming. Policy 1.3.2: Identify demographic changes in the community and incorporate adjustments in recreation provision planning accordingly. Policy 1.3.3: Reflect neighborhood input in specific park recreation plans. Policy 1.3.4: Utilize national and regional park planning data trends to proactively adjust programmed park facilities. VI -3 CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Policy 1.3.5: Deyelep amel ingplengemt aConduct the City-wide recreation survey every five years. The recreational needs survey shall inquire about recreational preferences in terms of facilities and recreation al/educationaI programs, frequency of use of parks and recreational facilities, location of most frequently used facilities, willingness to pay user fees, location and age profile of respondents, household size, and travel method to preferred/most used parks and recreational facilities. Policy 1.3.6: Reflect the results of the community's recreation preferences and needs in prioritizing funding expenditures for maintenance and capital improvements. Objective 1.4: Park Maintenance. All City parks shall be maintained and improved in a manner that is consistent with the needs of the City residents, and which maximizes the potential of the individual recreational facilities. Policy 1.4.1: Renovate and/or upgrade the City's parks and recreational facilities as needed to provide improved recreational opportunities. Policy 1.4.2: Continue the user fee system for City recreation programs and facilities to offset the cost of maintaining and programming facilities, when appropriate. Except in the context of a City-County cooperative agreement, fee-based recreation programs shall be designed, administered and priced so as to give preference to City residents over non-City residents. Objective 1.5: Accessibility. The City shall provide and maintain appropriate, operational park and recreation access for all segments of the City population. Policy 1.5.1: Continue to provide adequate and appropriate automobile, bicycle and pedestrian access to all public parks and facilities. Policy 1.5.2: Design all public recreation facilities as barrier-free as possible to accommodate accessibility by the elderly, disabled and very young. Policy 1.5.3: Continue to provide adequate parking space, including handicapped parking, and bicycle racks at recreation sites. Policy 1.5.4: Continue to enhance the public's awareness of park and recreational programs and events through a variety of print and electronic media formats such as the City's website, brochures newsletters, etc. VI -4 CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Policy 1.5.5: Work to increase public awareness of the need for and benefits of healthy and active lifestyles. Policy 1.5.6: - Provide assistance to low-income families to obtain scholarship opportunities to participate in recreation programs. Objective 1.6: Private Parks and Recreation Facilities. The City shall encourage the preservation and use of private lands for park and recreation facilities and open space. Policy 1.6.1: Require residential developments outside of the Town Center with over 20 units, to provide and maintain neighborhood recreational facilities. Standards for these facilities shall be described in the land development code. Policy 1.6.2: Revise open space regulations for subdivisions and other new developments in the land development code. Policy 1.6.3: Assess park and recreation impact fees to new residential development as a pro rata share of the costs required to expand or acquire capital facilities or equipment made necessary by the new construction from which the fees are collected or for principal payments on debt instruments for these facilities and services. (Cross Reference: See Capital Improvements Element, Policy 1.4.4) Policy 1.6.4: Encourage new developments falling within the planned trail network to provide public trail linkages either through or adjacent to their development. Objective 1.7: Interagency Cooperation and Joint use of Facilities. The City shall continue coordination efforts with agencies and developers to provide quality development of recreation areas, and to avoid duplication of recreation facilities including provisions for joint use of facilities,to meet the recreation demands of the City's citizens. Policy 1.7.1: Coordinate park and open space planning with adjacent jurisdictions. Policy 1.7.2: Work with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation and other trail-related advocacy and support agencies for assistance in developing a local trail network with connectivity to the regional trail system. Policy 1.7.3: Continue coordination with the Seminole County School Board, to allow the use of school board facilities by the general public. Parks and schools shall be collocated to the extent possible to optimize the shared use of facilities. (Cross Reference:See Future Land Use Element, Policy 1.1 1.9) VI -5 CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT VI -6 CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Table VI - 1: Park and Open Space Acreage, Based on Level of Service Standards (8 acres r 1,000 residei44 /A acres r 1,000 silents y-ee1` Population 2009 341 33 380.50 275.46 .4 y(-�05.0 4 1 .1� 137.72 Y•6 6 YV-FV 7 c 0 YQ�'CC TJ4Y 1 A� 13.�"4442015 38,863380.50 147.10 3030 40,319 380.150 322.56 - 1 L 444-9 Total Overall Parkland H Open Space (2) Acreaae Year Population (8 acres per 1 ,000 residents) (4 acres per 1,000 residents) Acreage Existina Required Surplus (Deficit) Existina Required Surplus (Deficit) 2017 35,050 402 280.40 121.60 169.91 140-0 2021 37,773 410.88 302.18 108.70 175.43 151.09 24.34 2025 39,551 410.88 316.41 94.47 175.43 158.20 17.23 2030 41 ,1 19 410.88 328.95 81.93 175.43 164.48 10.95 2035 42,994 410.88 343.95 66.93 175.43 171.98 3.45 2040 44,572 410.88 356.58 54.30 175.43 178.29 -2.86 Source:American Community Survey"'^'�72015-2019:Proiections by Shimberg Center for Housing Studies,based on 2-OW2010 and 404-02020 U.S.Census data and population Proiections by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research.University of Florida. 1) Includes the total of all public parks and recreational lands including any State and County facilities within the City limits. Therefore the Cross Seminole Trail is included . 2)Includes the total of all city-owned open space. Some of this land is noted on subdivision plats as"park"but are undevelopable wetlands and are included on the Future Land Use Map -20302040 as "Recreation and Open Space". The remainder of the lands are conservation lands under the City's jurisdiction and are included on the Future Land Use Map - 2030 2040 as "Conservation". Conservation lands owned by the St.Johns River Water Management District are not included. e+�€ The addition of the continued expansion of Central Winds Park(7.66 acres)will eliminate the 2040 deficit of 2.86 acres. VI -7 \ / \ ` % _ 7 ` IV1 _ O } © ! � o / ) , . . _ . . ■ �\\� CL , , do � �\ ! / - (L O §� ~ � .\ f kA _ . = o = a . : . , 5 } � 2 § � ~ � } ^�� �" ■� ■ m - ! 2LL . pal , § / ■ — ■ ' _ �� � Z•� . L _ = - . (D , C © » � > . � z ° � & � E 0 r n d fl � rc ,Q a T 2 ' � I a 1i� z W LL � p ••. r � � :r _ CL z a ' Y LU f ti m a s Q LL d P: i L Q W u LL as i _ Z q �. . ? a -�' 0 7 wIL w o im g ,r ► � + t6 , ' _ x x S- B. INTRODUCTION The quality of life for Winter Springs' residents is linked— closely to the development and management of a well-maintained, accessible system of public parks, trails and open space. The City is well known for its award-winning Central Winds Park and the quality of recreational programs and events offered there. Such facilities play a key role in shaping both the landscape and the quality of life of Winter Springs' residents through the conservation of natural resources and provision of recreational facilities. It is the intent of the City to provide an appropriate balance of both active and passive recreation for the community. The quality of life for residents of Winter Springs is not only linked to the availability of a well-maintained system of public park and recreation facilities, but also to the quality of the natural resources they contain. Privately managed parks, open space and facilities provide additional components of the open space and recreational system serving City residents. As additional parks are developed, consideration for the balance between conservation issues and the provision of active recreation becomes an important ingredient in the park development process. The City's lead office in charge of parks and recreational programs is the Parks and Recreation Department. The purpose of this data is to identify existing and planned open space and recreation facilities, review Level of Service (LOS) standards for these facilities, and analyze current and projected park and recreational needs which support the Recreation and Open Space Element. The Element includes specific goals, objectives, and policies to guide the provision of recreation and open space facilities through the year 20302040. C. INVENTORY OF EXISTING RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE FACILITIES Parks conserve open space and natural resources and provide recreation opportunities. In general, parks are categorized as being either activity-based or resource-based. Activity-based parks provide user-oriented, recreation facilities designed for a specific purpose such as tennis, basketball, softball or soccer, while resource-based parks utilize the natural environment to provide more passive activities such as picnicking, hiking, fishing, swimming, or boating. The City provides a wide range of recreation opportunities to its residents. The City's park inventory includes numerous parks and recreational facilities where citizens can enjoy both active and passive forms of recreation. (See Table VI-2: Inventory of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities and Open Space, 20092020). 1. Public Parks and Open Space The public park system within Winter Springs includes approximately 14". 410.88 acres. This acreage includes City-owned parks and open space, as well as State and County- owned recreational facilities located within the City limits, such as the Cross Seminole Trail Map VI-1 illustrates the public park system. Also included are Seminole County facilities located near the City. City parks have been classified in congruence with guidelines set forth in Florida's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan ( 86�72019) published by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection . The categories utilized by the City include regional parks (State and County), community parks, neighborhood parks, tot lots, urban plazas and squares, and open space. Only sites that are publicly owned have been included in this section. VI - 10 As noted on Table VI-2, many City parks offer both passive and active recreation opportunities. Some examples are Central Winds Park, Ranchlands Park, and Sam Smith Park, all of which offer active recreational facilities as well as passive areas for fishing and picnicking. a. Regional Parks Regional Parks are large, resource-based parks serving more than two communities and featuring outdoor recreation resources and facilities that capitalize on and promote appreciation of the natural environment. Regional parks should serve a population of over 100,000 (generally located within an hour's driving distance of the park) and should range in size from a minimum of 250 acres to as much as several thousand acres. The City relies on the State and the County for the provision and maintenance of regional parks. There are numerous regional resource-based parks and wilderness areas accessible to the City's residents (see Florida Managed Habitat Conservation Areas Map located in the Conservation Element). Florida State Parks within 25 miles of Winter Springs include: Driving Distance* Name of Recreational Area Acreage: 12.5 miles Wekiva Springs State Park 6.9$99,504 23 miles Rock Springs Run State Reserve 1500014,165 23 miles Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park 1765917,375 23 miles Lake Lotus Park 120 *driving mileage taken from Winter Springs Town Center St John's River Water Management District Recreation Lands include: Driving Distance*- Name of Recreational Area: Acreage: 9.2 miles Lake Jesup Conservation Area 32576,220 1 1.7 miles Little-Big Econ State Forest 956310,279 25 miles Buck Lake Conservation Area 96339,606 25 miles Seminole Ranch Conservation Area 292236,000 *driving mileage taken from Winter Springs Town Center Seminole County Wilderness and Preserve Areas include: Driving Distance* Name of Recreational Area: Acreage: 3.8 miles Spring Hammock Preserve 1,500 (includes Environmental Studies Center) 6.9 miles Black Hammock Wilderness Area 700 8.5 miles Lake Jesup Wilderness Area 490 10.5 miles Black Bear Wilderness Area 1,650 10.6 miles Econ River Wilderness Area 240 10.8 miles Geneva Wilderness Area (Includes Ed Yarborough Nature 180 13.6 miles Lake Procter Wilderness Area 475 VI - 11 1 5.7 miles Chuluota Wilderness Area 625 *driving mileage taken from Winter Springs Town Center Source: FDEP Division of Kecreuoun and rwi<s, �eprernaer 2019; Ureenways Natural Lands Seminole County, September 2019; St. Johns River Water Management District September 2019. Trails (in or near Winter Springs): A network of trails provides a range of economic, aesthetic, environmental and recreation benefits to citizens of a community, beyond the benefits that accrue to private landowners. A trails network can increase residential and commercial property values, encourage the revitalization of declining area, attract tourist, and provide an alternative to the use of automobiles that can help reduce traffic congestion. The City has participated in regional trail planning and development activities in recent years that have substantially increased access to trail recreational opportunities for City residents. Cross Seminole Trail The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails owns, and has sub-leased to Seminole County, the Cross Seminole Trail, a portion of which is located in Winter Springs. The Seminole County Parks and Recreation Department is in charge of maintaining the trail. An interlocal agreement exists between the City and Seminole County regarding use and maintenance of the Cross Seminole Trail. The City's Parks and Recreation Department assisted with the design of the restroom facility located at the Black Hammock Trailhead (State Road 434 at State Road 417 (Seminole Expressway), and is responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the restroom facility. the Cross Seminole I rail begins at its connection to the Cady Way frail just south of Aloma and Howell Branch in Winter Park. It heads north for 23 miles where it connects to the Seminole Wekiva Trail at the pedestrian bridge over Interstate 4 in Lake Mary. The trail near and through Winter Springs -currently runs si through &ee a Read A26 :.: downtown Oviedo to Layer Elementary in Winter Springs, where a small gap is-exists- ymeF bu4 ef *Iqp *"'"'l "rl--F4e fFeFfl CR 46 n W* ae Upon completion, the Cross Seminole Trail will be a 34.5 mile long continuous trail connecting Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Lake Mary, Winter Springs, and Oviedo and connecting to the Cady Way Trail and the Orange County Trail System. The trail will run from Spring Hammock Preserve in Winter Springs to Howell Branch Road at the Orange County Line and will connect several parks including: Central Winds Park,Soldier's Creek Park, Big Tree Park,Greenwood Lakes Park, Sweetwater Creek Park, Lawton House Park, and Spring Hammock. The trail :fie-connect seven schools: Layer Elementary, Winter Springs High School, Indian Trails Middle School, Keeth Elementary, Trinity Preparatory School, Oviedo High School,eftI-Lawton Elementary, and Choices in Learning Charter School. VI - 12 New segments of Phe Cross Seminole Trail '= include segments e eemstfuet from the Oviedo Mall to State Road 434 Mikler Road to Red Bug Lake Road, including PeaF-' a�-4 saFw.a:eig a pedestrian overpass emd-over Red Bug Lake Road , with a connection to State Road 426 near the Oviedo Mall. The trail was also realigned by the FDOT State Road 426 widening project. The ti,F:' "_ rind. cross at the signalized intersection of Marketplace Boulevard & State Road 426,eRd-which connect with the trail corridor along Aulin Avenue. Map VI- 2 depicts existing and future portions of the Cross Seminole Trail. VI - 13 Map VI - 2: Seminole County Trails Construction Map Seminole County Trails take Monroe loop Weki— Expresaway Trail seminofe Wekira Fia gler Trail Wilide mess Trail C r 5 e rn i n o!e Ped rdge Tra r! Coal! to wa.Ca f if [J' T.11 Slat- TTell K— G-dy MY TM prppp�ad Lam M—LooP G a d y Way �npttlgl v Mna ETy1-7.)Trot 1n�5,Wu waif vnner a menm. coax m crud ara i inm-is,000 n J.Behsar.�18.Y�/Y Rdk xvtr.�p.ealnrs rxnsos 6iR:3GGrdlE9 &WI6lRd�jL�lRbi�R IslTlalB�nm Construction Map Existing Under Construction Riverwallt Proposed Flagler Trail Seminole Wekiva �� Cross Seminole) Trail - d b CST South III L APEC CST 1A&7B APEC 1'�' Flagler Trail L_ '�.. — _.. �. s CST South .. Special Projects Section Cathcart Aug=2003 w .seminoleeountyH:goWtrai is 1407)665-2092 L Si5PTllAapslCwestutlimA�B VI - 14 Florida National Scenic Trail The Florida National Scenic Trail was congressionally established in 1983 and is a hiking trail network that provides access to scenic wilderness areas. A portion of the Cross Seminole Trail coincides with the Florida National Scenic Trail. The Great Florida Birding Trail The Great Florida Birding Trail is a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, supported- in- part- by-the- Florida Department of Transportation and the Wildlife Foundation of Florida. In Seminole County, self- guided designated trails are included at the Little-Big Econ State Forest, the Lake Procter Wilderness Area, and the Geneva Wilderness Area. Econlockhatchee River Paddling Trail The Econlockhatchee River Paddling Trail is officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Access to this scenic wilderness river is provided via a canoe launch site beginning 2.5 miles northwest of Chuluota on State Road 419 (only 1 1 miles driving distance from Winter Springs). The trail winds eastward through 1 8-miles of forested flatlands, swamps, and pasture, and eventually feeds into the St. John's River. This river flows northeasterly to its junction with the St. Johns River where the trail ends 1.5 miles downstream (north) of the confluence. Bear Creek Nature Trail Bear Creek Nature Trail, owned and maintained by the City, provides a passive area with a .5 mile nature trail paralleling Bear Creek. b. Community Parks Community parks are defined as "ride to" parks that should be located near major streets or arterials. Community parks are designed to serve the needs of four to six neighborhoods that have residents within a radius of up to three (3) miles. Typical facilities found in community parks are designed to serve all ages and may include both passive and active recreation opportunities such as playground areas, recreation buildings, sports fields, paved multipurpose courts, picnic areas, open or free play areas, swimming pools, and landscaping. Community parks include: Central Winds Park, Sunshine Park, Torcaso Park, Trotwood Park, Blumberg Blvd. (Blumberg Park) and Veteran's Memorial in the Town Center and; the Black Hammock Trailhead_, Some parks may fall under more than one category. Most County parks are considered community parks, but those that host national competitions and tournaments can easily be classified as regional parks. Central Winds Park, located on Lake Jesup, for instance, has been classified as a community park, due to its geographic area and the type of recreational facilities and activities offered. However, numerous civic festivals and special events are held in the park, drawing citizens from all over Seminole County and the Central Florida area. For this reason, Central Winds Park has been locally considered a regional park. This park offers competition quality baseball, softball, and soccer fields, which are reserved for league-play only, as well as basketball courts, volleyball courts, horseshoes, VI - 15 playground, concession stand, the City's Parks & Recreation Office, and restrooms. Additionally, a passive area located on the west side includes a fishing area, pavilions, picnic grills, and an amphitheatre. A recent expansion to the park added additional baseball, softball, and soccer/football fields, as well as lacrosse fields and a dog park with large dog, small dog and training areas. Together,the Central Winds Park and the expansion total 98.5 acres. C. Special Use Facilities Special use facilities are designed to serve the unique recreational needs of certain population groups. The elderly are afforded the Senior Center Complex, a 13,500 square foot facility, located at Sunshine Park. The complex was expanded in 2007 and includes a new indoor therapy pool, a large multi-purpose room, billiard/game room, kitchen, restrooms, arts and crafts room, conference room, lounge area, and two offices. The therapy pool is one of only two public facilities in the County. The center is operated by City staff and a senior organization. Membership can be obtained for a reasonable fee. Members can utilize the Senior Center to enjoy the following activities: Arts & Crafts Dance Classes Bingo Card Playing Lunch on Wednesdays Charity Benefits Movies Social Functions Medical Examinations Computer Classes Exercise, Yoga & Tai Chi Recreation Classes Billiarc Senior Field Trips The young are afforded the Civic Center Complex, a 4,000 square foot facility, also located at Sunshine Park and connected to the Senior Center by a covered breezeway. This facility includes a commercial type kitchen, restrooms, stage, and dance floor. The Civic Center offers many recreational opportunities for the young, including the Winter Springs Summer Youth Program. During the program, children have the opportunity to participate in activities such as trips and tours, swimming, arts and crafts, and outdoor games. Additionally, the Civic Center offers meeting space for Boy/Girl Scouts, civic, religious and private organizations, charity benefits, City meetings/training/parties, homeowners associations, etc. The Civic Center Complex also offers rental of the facility for weddings, receptions and parties. Both the Senior Center and the Civic Center are wheelchair accessible. VI - 16 i d. Neighborhood Parks Neighborhood Parks are "walk to" parks that are generally located along streets where people can walk or bicycle without encountering heavy traffic. They serve the population of a neighborhood in a radius of up to one-half (1/2) of a mile. A neighborhood park size usually ranges from 2 to 10 acres. Typical facilities provided include playground areas, recreation buildings, sports fields, paved multi-purpose courts, picnic areas, open or free play areas, and landscaping. Neighborhood parks include Moss Park, Sam Smith Park, Ranchlands Park, and Bear Creek Nature Trail. e. Mini-Parks and Tot-Lots Mini-parks are small facilities that serve a concentrated or limited population, as well as specific groups such as toddlers. Mini-parks include tot-lots and are designed to serve the needs of a neighborhood within a radius of up to six (6) blocks. A minimum of one half (1/2) acre for each stand-alone park is recommended. Mini-parks primarily offer passive recreation and typical facilities provided include playground areas, benches, open space, picnic tables, and landscaping. Mini-parks include - Fruitwood Park, Winding Hollow, Oak Hollow, Market Square and Magnolia Square. Most of the neighborhood and community parks offer the facilities typically found in tot-lots and mini-parks. Many homeowner associations include private recreational facilities within their developments. In many cases, these serve as private mini-parks to those residents. f. Open Space The term "open space" is widely used with a variety of meanings. However, its meaning herein (and throughout the Comprehensive Plan) -- r___ Rule n 1 6 ,is "undeveloped lands suitable for passive recreation or conservation." Open space does not refer to land found in medians, buffers, or retention areas. In Winter Springs, most of the publicly-owned open space was conveyed to the City at the time of subdivision platting, as "parks" or "parkland". However, most of these areas are composed of undevelopable wetlands, such as the 69.5-acre Tuscawilla Open Space donation. Winding Hollow subdivision also includes a large 55-acre open space with only .5-acre in addition, available for active recreation. Not all open space or conservation areas within Winter Springs are owned by the City, many are privately owned. However, only City-owned open space is inventoried within this Element and included on Table VI-2 (with one exception - the Hickory Grove Park in the Town Center is included, but it is owned by the State Office of Greenways and Trails). g. Urban Plazas and Squares "Urban plazas" or "squares" are small urban pocket parks which vary in size from 1/10-acre to several acres depending on their intended use. Their primary function is to intersperse congested urban environments with aesthetically pleasing VI - 17 areas for people to gather as groups or to sit individually. These plazas and squares may contain benches and tables, commemorative structures, fountains, and landscaping. Within the Town Center, numerous urban plazas and squares are planned. Several have been completed and include: Blumberg Blvd., Market Square, and a portion of Magnolia Square. Blumberg Blvd. also includes the recently completed Veteran's Memorial, located at Tuskawilla Rd. and Blumberg Blvd. Most of these urban plazas and squares will serve as mini-parks. However, in some cases (such as Blumberg Blvd. (Blumberg Park)met Veteran's Memorial, and the recently acquired pocket park along Michael Blake Blvd.), these facilities serve as community parks because of the activities offered there and the significance of the facilities. Table VI-2 shows an inventory of public parks and recreational facilities and open space within Winter Springs. Table VI -2: Inventory of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities and Open Space,30002020 Parks Active Acres Passive Total Acres Resources and Facilities Acres (1) Trails Natural Resources: Creek, Bear Creek Nature Trail 0.0 8.7 8.7 environmentally sensitive area. Recreational Facilities: None Other: 1/2-mile nature trail Black Hammock Natural Resources: None Trailhead ** (acreage Recreational Facilities: included in Cross 0.0 0.0 0.0 Cross Seminole Trail Seminole Trail) Other: Paved Parking and Restrooms Florida National Scenic Natural Resources: Wetlands Trail ** 0.0 4.4 4.4 Recreational Facilities: None Other: Undeveloped Natural Resources: Creek, natural vegetation Recreational Facilities: Cross Seminole Trail ** 0.0 59.4 59.4 Paved Trail Other: 6-miles in the City connecting with regional trail system Community Parks Natural Resources: None Blumberg Park Recreational Facilities: Adjacent to Blumberg Blvd. ** & Cross Seminole Trail Veterans Memorial * 0.0 4-44.26 4-44.26 Other: Fountains, pergolas, walkways, seating, manicured landscaping. Veteran's memorial with sculpture. VI - 18 Natural Resources: Nature/Environmentally sensitive area. Recreational Facilities: 4 baseball fields, 4 softball fields,7- seceer, 1-f-b~'�elel, 2 PA-IN multipurpose fields (soccer frisbee football lacrosse)1 3 half basketball court, 2 volleyball Central Winds Park 78.64 21.44 100.04 courts, 2 fig' playgrounds. Other: Dog park (small dog, large dog and training areas),fishing area, grass amphitheater & event space w/power and stage platform, nature trail, cooking grills, 2 picnic pavilions, parks & recreation office, concession stand, restrooms Natural Resources: Lake (1.5-acres) Recreational Facilities -c- : 2basebei'�eksT3 softball fields, 1 full basketball court,a— , Sunshine Park (a) 6.7 3.5 10.2 1 yeuth playgreunel. 1 pickelball court, 1 horse shoe pit, 1 shuffle board court Other: Civic Center, Senior Center with indoor therapy pool, fishing area, �1 picnic pavilions, restrooms Natural Resources: Pond (1.9- acres) Recreational Facilities: 4-2 full sized basketballs with lighting- sheeting bas-Iee#sN,elieybeIl eeUFt, 1 Torcaso Park 4.8 3.19 7-$7.99 multipurpose field, exercise course, 1 #e&,playground® Other: Fishing area, splash pad eee4ipt-g44, restrooms Natural Resources: Lake Tuskawilla (6.4-acres) and smaller lake (1.6- acres) Recreational FacilitiesR-ems 4-3 softball fields, 4 s Trotwood Park 23 Q 5:Q 28.0 #+e4dsmultipurpose fields, 2 full basketball courts, 2 tennis courts, 4 pickelball courts, adult fitness area � ,,,eiieyball Ee- , I *At 6�'gFewHd, 1 VI - 19 playground, 1 splash playground. Other: Fishing pier, eeekimg , 3 medium pavilions, 1 4,000 sq.ft.pavilion restrooms Unnamed Pocket Park 0_0 0.36 0.36 Proposed Pocket Park (0621315080P100000) Neighborhood Parks Natural Resources:Nerve-Creek Recreational Facilities:liee- Fee- lifiesl full basketball court, Moss Park 2.00 0.3 2.3 Multi puFpese field, 1 yeuth � playground, Other: 1 picnic pavilions, restrooms Natural Resources: Lake (1 1.5- acres) Recreational Facilities:Pee- 2 Ranchlands Park 0.5 0.5 1.0 cornhole courts, 1 outdoor table tennis, 1 BBQ grill Other: Fishing area, 1 picnic pavilion Natural Resources: Lake (4.6- acres), nature area Recreational Facilities:liee- Sam Smith Park 0.00 8.3 8.3 , 1 ye 41:� playground. Other: Fishing area, eeeking grills, 2 picnic pavilions, restroom Mini Parks a-$ ,re e�e�rrvrrcir�-cr ''rice. "„� . VI -20 Natural Resources: Lake Fruitwood Park 0.30 0.0 0.3 (2.1-acres) Recreational Facilities: 1 yetith playground Other: None Natural Resources: None. Recreational FacilitiesAee- Magnolia Square 0.00 0.3 0.3 +es: Adjacent to Cross Seminole Trail Other: Fountain and seating Natural Resources: None Oak Hollow Park (linear Recreational Facilities: 2 park) 0.G& 1.0 1.0 playgrounds Other: Paved walking trail (0.1 miles) Natural Resources: Adjacent to natural open space Winding Hollow Park (b) 0.5 0.0 0.5 Recreational Facilities: , 1 playground Other: 1 Picnic pavilion -, ° - Open Space Natural Resources: Creek Alton Creek 0.0 0.2 0.2 Recreational Facilities:-None Other: Conservation Natural Resources: Wetlands Foxmoor Park Unit 1 0.0 1.9 1.9 Recreational Facilities:- None Other: None Natural Resources: Lake Foxmoor Unit 2 0.0 1.6 1.6 (2.1-acres); Wetlands Recreational Facilities: None Other: None Natural Resources: Lake Foxmoor Unit 3 0.0 4.89 4.89 (1.0-acres); Wetlands Recreational Facilities: None Other: None VI -21 Hickory Grove Park ** Natural Resources: Native hickory (Town Center) 0.0 4.5 4.5 trees Recreational Facilities: None North Orlando Ranches Natural Resources: Wetlands Sec. 5 0.0 6.7 6.7 Recreational Facilities: None Other: Conservation North Orlando Ranches Natural Resources: Wetlands Sec. 9 0.0 6.5 6.5 Recreational Facilities: None Other: Conservation North Orlando Ranches Natural Resources: Wetlands Sec. 10 0.0 5.1 5.1 Recreational Facilities: None Other: Conservation North Orlando Terrace Natural Resources: Wetlands Sec. 5 0.0 7.2 7.2 Recreational Facilities: None Other: Conservation North Orlando Terrace Natural Resources: Wetlands Sec. 9 0.0 7.4 7.4 Recreational Facilities: None Other: Conservation Natural Resources: Wetlands Tuscawilla Open Space 0.0 69.5 69.5 Recreational Facilities: None Other: Conservation Unnamed Park (2620305AROA00007N) 0.00 3.82 3.82 Natural Resources: Wetlands Wetland Park Natural Resources: Wetlands (3120315TC000000B0) 0-0 22.92 22.92 Other: Conservation Natural Resources: Wetlands Winding Hollow Park (b) 0.0 31.6 31.6 Recreational Facilities: None Other: Conservation Total Open Space 0 1 47.1 175.43 1.47.1175.43 Total Overall Park �$9.5 -�andr• 4116.40 46294.48 410.88 VI -22 Note- Lacrosse is growing in popularity and can be played on soccer,football and multi-use fields. (1) Passive Acres includes both developed areas as well as undeveloped open space acreage. Lake acreage is not included. (2) Acreage is from the City's Geographic Information System mapping. Lake acreage is not included. (a) Park is a Special Use Facility (b) One-half acre of this park is developed for active recreational use. 55.5 acres are conservation land. Seminole County-owned xx State-owned (Greenways and Trails) Source: City of Winter Springs Parks and Recreation Department, 2021 h. Nearby County Facilities Seminole County operates and maintains several park and open space facilities that are available to the citizens of Winter Springs. Some of the County parks closest to Winter Springs, in addition to the Cross Seminole Trail, are Overlook Park, Red Bug Lake Park, Soldier's Creek Park, and Spring Hammock Preserve. Overlook Park is a 3-acre facility located on Spring Avenue off State Road 434, west of State Road 417 (Seminole Expressway / Greeneway). The park is located on the southern shores of Lake Jesup and includes a designated State Historic Site (White's Wharf) and Clifton Springs- a natural springs area. Amenities include a small pavilion, fishing pier and a mooring dock. Red Bug Lake Park is a 60-acre community park adjacent to the 28-acre Red Bug Lake. This park is located 2 miles east of State Road 436 on Red Bug Lake Road and offers picnicking, playgrounds, fishing, boating, tennis, racquetball, basketball, sand volleyball, softball, flag football, soccer, exercise trail, pavilions, and restrooms. Soldier's Creek Park is a 315-acre park adjacent to the Spring Hammock Preserve, 1 mile east of U.S. 17-92 on State Road 419. The park offers soccer fields and ball fields, which are used by community groups for youth baseball and softball. Spring Hammock Preserve offers visitors access to more than 1,500 acres of wilderness on the western border of Lake Jesup. Highlights of opportunities offered within the Spring Hammock Preserve are the Environmental Studies Center (located on the east side of State Road 419), nature trails, boardwalks; anc: fishing at Soldier's Creek, `,' . Facilities provided within the Seminole County Park System include: Lakes and Rivers with Boat Ramps Overlook Piers Canoe Launch Support Facilities (including Restrooms and Paved Parking) Mooring Dock Wildlife Fishing Piers Natural Vegetation and Marsh Lands with Environmental Learning Center Boardwalks Wildlife Wilderness Areas with Wildlife Campgrounds And Primitive Camping Hiking/Biking Trails Horseback Riding Trails VI -23 Sports And Recreation Facilities Basketball Courts Kids Playgrounds Tennis Courts Picnic Pavilions Racquetball Courts Support Facilities (Including Restrooms, Paved Parking, and Lighting) Roller Hockey Rink Dog Parks Sand Volleyball Courts Historically Significate Sites Soccer/Football Fields Jogging Trails/Exercise Stations Softball/Baseball Fields SpAggs, seuth ef State Read 434 just ,vest ef its h4eFseefien ,�,ith State Read 417 em;,;a;e €9El9Fe559S'EIIt /I GTeene,,s,ay). The Fie%, j'e#e Reint Ce,.igt , oa d. ..411 see Seminole County Parks include: Driving Distance* Name of Recreational Area: Acreage**: 2.7 miles Overlook Park -94 3.8 miles Soldier's Creek Park 1?.531-& 4.2 miles Big Tree Park_- Longwood 1 1 5.9 miles Pawmosa Dog Park_- Casselberry 1 6.4 miles Sunland Park-- Sanford 136 6.7 miles Lake Dot Park-- Sanford a35 7.4 miles Red Bug Lake Parkes Casselberry 60 7.6 miles Winwood Park_- Altamonte Springs 4 7.7 miles Jamestown Park 1 8.0 miles Kewannee Park_- Casselberry 6 8.5 miles Lake Jesup Park-- Sanford 6 8.7 miles Greenwood Lakes Park_- Lake Mary 14 8.9 miles Seminole Co. Softball Complex 38 9.4 miles Sanlando Park_- Altamonte Springs 40 10.3 miles Paw Park- Sanford 1 10.4 miles Little Big Econ Park (Canoe Launch) VI -24 11.4 miles Seminole County Sports Complex 22 1 1. 8 miles Lake Mills Park-- Chuluota 3840 12.7 miles Roseland Park-- Sanford -1-2 12.8 miles Midway Park_- Sanford 2 13. 9 miles Lake Monroe Wayside Park_- Sanford 334 15.3 miles Cameron Wight Park- Sanford 3 1 7.3miles Bookertown Park 4 17.6 miles C.S. Lee Park_- Geneva 3 19.3 miles Mullet Lake Park =— Geneva 151 20.0 miles Sylvan Lake Park _— Sanford 126 21.2 miles Wilson's Landing Park — Sanford 19 `driving mileage taken from Winter Springs Town Center ** acreage does not include lakes i. School Facilities The City maintains an Interlocal Agreement with the School Board of Seminole County related to recreational use of educational facilities. The agreement states that the two parties concur to collectively utilize the recreational and educational facilities of Winter Springs High School. Through this agreement, Parks and Recreation conducts youth basketball leagues and camps, youth football games, and all sports training programs at Winter Springs High School, as well as . youth basketball leagues and programs as and special City events_ =I' meal. In addition, the City has a cooperative arrangement with several of the local school principals for co-use of their facilities. 2. Private Facilities Some recreational facilities and services such as golf courses, dance studios, fitness clubs, movie theatres, etc. are provided by the private sector, and are available to the public through a membership or a fee. The provision this type of recreational resources is normally based on market studies. Therefore, it can be assumed that the quantity of such resources will increase as the city's population increases. Some of the Private Recreational Facilities in or near Winter Springs • Tuscawilla Country Club & Golf Course 1 500 Winter Springs Blvd., Winter Springs • CIe Fi El A:M 4......a ASfvec• s i NI 119E. Inn CeFo ..F A., 280 E. &ere Read , • Sadkane School for Dance & Aikido ' 196 Tfee c"'-II-"' , 101 3 W. SR 434, Casselberry VI -25 • 'AAei W�I.mu USA- 113 E Ca...ae Read 43A i i • AMC C TI.......+.es • Regal Cinema Oviedo Crossing 22 1500 Oviedo Mktpl. Blvd„ Oviedo • &194el I .Sports Heaven Batting Cages 1 271 Belle AeAve.,Winter Springs • YMCA 7900 Red Bug Lake Rd., Oviedo • Nianet Obstacle 1 1,)0 tmma Oaks Frail, Lake Mary • Boing 532 S. Econ Circle, Oviedo Other private recreational facilities are found in residential developments within Winter Springs. The facilities provided typically include community/exercise rooms, swimming pools, tennis courts, etc. Some of the developments providing this type of recreation are listed in Table VI - 3: Inventory of Private Recreational Facilities, 2008 2020. [Mete: seme Table VI - 3: Inventory of Private Recreational Facilities, 2020 Development/Facility Pool Club Golf Shuffle Basketball Tennis Playground Volleyball Other Name house Course Board Highlands PUD 3 1 1 5 5 1 Trail Wildwood PUD 1 2 1 Trail Seminole Pines 1 1 1 1 Tuscawilla Country Club 1-1 8 8 hole Hacienda Village 2 2 1 Howell Creek/Eagles 1 1 1 1 Watch Integra 360 1 1 Trail The Blake 1 1 The Rize 1 1 Southern Oaks 1 Tuskawilla Crossings 1 1 1 Trail Wedgewood 1 1 Winter Springs Village 2 2 1 Trail NOTE: This inventory does not include all the private recreational facilities in the City, but accounts for many of those within residential subdivisions which have one or more acres of activity-based recreational opportunities. Source: Winter Springs Planning Division, December 2020 D. EXISTING AND FUTURE PARKS AND RECREATION NEEDS Recreational demands do not remain constant over time, but grow with population increases and change as population demographics change. Attitudes and opinions can be drastically altered from a shift in the demographic makeup of a community. Therefore, it is necessary to assess recreational needs and future demands for facilities in order to plan for the future. VI -26 1. Population Trends and User Needs The City's population is prejee#ed—anticipated to increase by eyef 1 0,GGQby over 7,000 residents by 2039 2040. According to the U.S. Census, the median age increased from 34 to 37 from 1990 to 2000 to 42 in 2010 and is estimated at 43 in 2017.E The percentage of persons aged 65 or older increased from 9.2% to 10.8% e.-e�r *he seti Tiffie from i YYO to 2000 ana continuea to increase to i /.4% of the population according to the 2013-2017 American Community Survey (ACS) estimates. The prejee This trend is expected to continue through the long-term planning period. The City is well prepared to serve an aging population. During 2007, the City completed a 9,200 square foot expansion of the Senior Center which added a new therapy pool along with a large multi-purpose room. However, the City should continue to add recreational facilities and programs which address the changing demographics of the City, while continuing to support a wide variety of programs to serve all of its residents. To accurately reflect changes in public demand, tools are needed to identify them. One method is to survey the citizens for their input. The City has conducted several informal surveys, many of which have not been documented. A City-wide survey was conducted in 1990. It questioned residents about the recreational activities they practiced on a regular basis. The results showed that, at that time, residents wanted more playgrounds, baseball fields, swimming pools, bike paths, and tennis courts. Since that time, the City has added numerous playgrounds and baseball fields, and the State has added the Cross Seminole Trail. This type of survey should be conducted regularly on a five-year basis to maintain consistency and to monitor progress and changing demands. An opinion survey of registered voters was completed in 2004, to explore interest and support for a multi- purpose athletic facility and an aquatic center. The support was greatest for the multi- purpose athletic center with 44 percent of those surveyed in support of such a facility even if it increased property taxes, 21 percent opposed and 35 percent requiring more information. Support dropped slightly (40 percent) and opposition increased (32 percent) for an aquatic center. Support fell further (36 percent) to a level nearly equal with opposition (35 percent) when respondents were asked if they would support both facilities with a combined tax increase necessary to support both facilities. During the Winter Springs 2030 and Beyond survey in 2019. a number of questions focused on parks and recreation and open space. Purchase of green space (i.e. natural lands) was a top priority for residents. Comments strongly suggested including arts, culture and theatre into recreation programming. Other comments included natural resource activities such as fishing and biking, a community pool and providing for more facilities fields for a variety of sports. Willingness to fund facilities through increased taxes scored below a neutral rating at 2.95. Comments made it evident that a tax increase was not truly the way to go. Suggestions included looking in the budget for reallocation, user and event fees, partnership with the high school, or finding other sources of funding. Proponents in sul2port of using tax dollars to pay for recreation facilities provided comments that if there was an increase it should be for specific projects vetted by the public and be primarily uses for natural areas, arts/culture or an aquatic center. Not only did the option of "Funding for a Sporting Complex" rate unfavorably (2.11 ), the comments provided were very clear that there are already existing larger facilities throughout Seminole County and there are plenty of existing facilities in the City. There were concerns about traffic, costs, and the large amount of greenspace that would be lost. Additional comments also focused on the need for arts and culture facilities. When asked about priorities for the City,the City-Wide Interconnected Trail System VI -27 ranked highest (35%), followed by the Lake Jesup Boardwalk (26%). The Aquatic Center ranked next(20%), followed by the Library (1 2%). Indoor Recreation was the lowest ranking option (8%) In addition, during the development of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2020, a recreational survey was administered to the residents. 2. Outdoor Recreation Planning Guidelines Three types of guidelines are commonly used in outdoor recreation planning according to Florida's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (-2 2019). The first type, use guidelines, are employed as a means of stating the amount of use a resource or facility can accommodate under certain conditions. The second type,,- population guidelines, are used in determining the amount of resources and facilities that are required to serve a given population. The third type- site guidelines, are used primarily for estimating acreage needs for local parks and recreation areas and open space. Many variations exist in outdoor recreation environments. Therefore, each jurisdiction must determine for its planning purposes how these guidelines will best serve their interests and in most cases develop their own guidelines. Table VI-4 identifies the median value of the survey results for nine user--oriented facilities for which information on use was collected. Table VI -4: Use Guidelines for User-Oriented Recreation Activities, 20072019 Ideseume `= " ®tee --- -'- Amy Resource/C_._:I:a.. u*de'*ne I neef I,. _f /p _r.- :I Shuff1_L_ JShufflebeeird Geurt -_ user_ r_l- ___rt per ela, ___ user_ 21 y'L"'t'1t'N sTeHHis Ceuo VI - 28 Activity Resource/Facility Guideline Baseball/Softball Basketball/Softball Field 120 users per field per day Basketball Basketball Court 90 users per court per day Football/Soccer/Rugby Football/Soccer Field 175 users per field per day 200 users per 9-hole course Golf Golf Course (9-hole) ep r day Physical exercise (urban iogging and Linear mile of 100 users per mile of trail per tijinL exercise/parcourse trails day Racquetball/Handball Racquetball / Handball Court 40 users per court per day Shuffleboard Shuffleboard Court 20 users per court per day Swimming Swimming Pool (1) 256 users per pool per day Tennis Tennis Court 30 users per court per day Source: Florida's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (499;z201 9). Population guidelines are hypothetical estimates of the amounts of outdoor recreation resources and facilities that are required to support a given population. Generally, population guidelines make no distinction between the varying requirements of different segments of the population, but are used to assess community recreational needs by determining the minimum number of resources and facilities required to serve the local population. When used in concert with facility use guidelines and park/open space site guidelines, population guidelines can prove a useful tool in outdoor recreation planning. Table VI- identifies guidelines for user-oriented recreational activities. Site guidelines are a set of general criteria for determining the specific types and amounts of park lands necessary to accommodate the recreational needs of local communities. The criteria define the acreage, facility type and service area requirements for various types of community recreation sites and areas. They are most commonly used as a means of expressing outdoor recreation needs, based on population guidelines. The site guidelines described ;,; Table `" 6 We graphically applied to the City and depicted on Map VI-5. The areas not served by existing parks primarily are parts of the City having larger lot sizes in some cases, are areas still to be developed, such as the Greeneway Interchange District. VI -29 Table VI - 5: Population and Use Guidelines for User-Oriented Recreation Activities, 2008 2020 l � l ec�ien €fig r_�} � Arnt at i `,vvv I Pn vase-all-Fmelds* (4) cW...-4 mRe D-..-I. (7) fmpldr, i[5_999 --- - LQFS ,_' T-re*...eed_ D-..-I. /71 i49,999 Y i `,vvv 9 7n . sett .II [m„I,J.,* I41 cW...-4 mRe D-..-L /91 r, i[�ppa --- WQFS 4�g_P T-rt#..,... d D-..-I. /'I 1 14 n nnn Y (Ihalf) y' 4)( on WSeFS r �T-vrc�r^.rvP-;;r-c tf Trt#;Axt;t;d Pa TAT 14 DL.,...,L.Ways r.-Arr, C.,.. .,mRAI Traml Miles � .e.rs 9' .„mies M.. City) �4 �vrcrcrm zr,rr�-TrvQ =•- �•,•- field aRy 6ac�osse��ek-ls * f 9^^e , --` --=�f ��Y 29 f' !".,..tral \A mR d., Dark ,99 y'V, f'^I M"' /An� VI -30 T...-.•-.ol. D-..-L /91 10 � /� _In NAI Sam Smith /�1 1/15,QQG pall. WWII....,( rraTc•vv99cTT17 nA111+i.,11. o CioLJo LET3� 175 WSeFS a, nA�T aFk 44 �/4�,4W Y T.-..+........J D-..-I. /7 TG 4 v.ublie ]/lam....- g �� ��� !'.,11.-+S/Di.•LIo4.-.II T'Pcrc^v -- -`-'�- r-' �TzTe CA rtr, 3E4-•A88� C,,...-4.iRp D-..-I. /91 �e y' vvv y'yylyT c .-r,,..+ 2 sy.gM.M.MiRg Peelsq ��� ��� P5c --' T1 I'... i • i X VI -31 Existing Population Actual Facility Location Number Guideline (Min/Med/Max) Central Winds Park (4) Baseball Fields* Sunshine Park (2) 8 fields Trotwood Park (2) 1/2 000 1/4,415-23,182 115,000 Central Winds Park (4) 1/10,000 Softball Fields* Sunshine Park (1) 6 fields Trotwood Park (1 ) Central Winds Park (1 half) Moss Park 11500 1 t (1 full�l�) a$_public Basketball Court 115,000 Sunshine Park (1 full) 2 private 1/20,000 Torcaso Park (4 shooting baskets) Trotwood Park (2 full) 14 miles 1 mi/1,500 1 Bicycle ways Cross Seminole Trail (6 miles in 1 mi/5,000 mi/4,4.693 18 the City) 1 mi/10,000 Football Fields* Central Winds Park (1 ) 1 fields Can be played on any No 1/4 000 Lacrosse Fields* soccer,football and/or dedicated 1/6,000 1/4,-3943,428 multi-use fields. fields 1/25,000 Central Winds Park (7) Soccer Fields* Trotwood Park (4) 12 fields Torcaso Park (1) Racquetball/ 1/2,500 1/4-7-1-247 t Handball Trotwood Park (2) 2 courts 1/10,000 286 1/20,000 VI -32 Existing Population Actual Facility Location Number Guideline (Min/Med/Max) Central Winds Park (2-feid+) Sunshine Park (; �e�, 1- jeu+- ) Torcaso Park (', ;�� , ted+_ ) Trotwood Park (I tet,1 Equipped Play h1) 4-7-10 11500 Area Moss Park (ae public 1/10,000 1/' hL) 6 private 1/15,000 2,786 Sam Smith (a-t-e�, Winding Hollow (� 1) Oak Hollow Fruitwood (1 i) Multipurpose Central Winds Park 11500 1/ Fields (2) 3 public 1/3,750 14,857 Moss Park (1) 1/10,000 Tennis Trotwood Park (2_ 1/1,067 Courts Pickle TC and 2 portable -2-4 public 1/2,000 1/' ball Courts P) 15 private 1/10,000 2,346 Central Winds Park (2) Ramehlands Park (1 ) 1/4,000 1/1 1,1434-,9 Volleyball Courts Sunshine Park (1) 1/6,000 4-9 Terease Park (1 ) public 1/12,000 Trotwood Park (1 ) 1/1 000 1/ -344 Senior Center Therapy 1 public 1579 Swimming Pools 1/25,000 Pool, Sunshine Park (1) 15 private 1/50,000 (public) 1/ 2 786 Note- Lacrosse is growing in popularity and can be played on any soccer,football and multi-use fields. *DEP combines baseball and softball, and soccer and football. ** Includes the amphitheater Source: Florida's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (400; 201 9) and City of Winter Springs, September, 2008 2020. VI -33 Levels of Service (LOS) Standards Level of Service (LOS) standards are a measure for determining the specific types and amounts or acreage of parkland necessary to accommodate the recreational needs of a local jurisdiction. Winter Springs has historically defined its LOS based on acreage per 1,000 residents. To better reflect the growing needs of the City for parkland, and in support of the desire for increased greenspace as further discussed under the major issue of "Population, Density, and Greenspace" (2008 Evaluation and Appraisal Report), Winter Springs increased the Overall Parkland LOS acreage from 5 acres per 1,000 residents to 8 acres per 1,000 residents. Additionally, a LOS for Open Space has been implemented. This LOS has been set at 4 acres per 1,000 residents to encourage the provision of public open space in Winter Springs. Table VI-1 illustrates the existing park and open space acreage through 92040, based on LOS standards. VI -34 \ / \ 0 0 ! $ \ 0 ( ! | a ! : \ \ � $ f \ \ § \ � » ,� � , ®m / ■ / � ± \ % yj ' . _ < � \ Ln \ /( � ' \ \ rn a OOM MCL ƒ � 6 44 \ \ CY ci § � .� � ��• ' . ( 7 \ 0 0 � \ / � CY o * — § 2 ■ k \ \ ƒ � \ / > - > � E ! ! ! ! , . . - 2 - � § { - - fy- / \ LU gw « � � \ $� . a . $ - � - K2 - \(\� z » _ __Jj , ' • � 2 �� . , . & . s » zfa > � � � » tx k k / > 0) ƒ $ / a e D ° ( § _ 8 / m 0 /_ ��2\ . k &` ( / • \ , =5 » E & � � . §E 9 » z: � / 29e ƒ m O o e ` IL _ ) . e $ LL cj■ & _ \� ® } G § / e J0000 , f \ & % ƒ \ * D § % _ LL \ § CL / � � � ■ �� � — \ e7ee { / g= ± ; � \ e o z § f -0 ¥ $ e a/ /\ \ Ln i 0 0 owe ■ � � � �x � � ( � ± 7 � � � • {/ � ) % - � ■ � ( 2 \ § f k � � } � /\ \ ! � . \ o � � ° | . : 3 « • � � ; � r . , LU , � - \ 2 0 LL [ y a� w % -_ $ IX $ � atj - , \ \ OR F-3 m » � IL f � . ! _ 0 ^^ ~ �z - . \ jr a■ _ , . ¥ � a v - ow , N O 0. _ r i 1 • � 3 s r . • ------- 1 ai CD r � } I C �j� 0 O N . 1 I a • rn N > m � � t 10 s Vl .s s N j J ^yam 9` X4 a ti O tk } 3 or Soo Lh Q ti a a � • z �, cn � • s Z a a . � . s � . . . . \ , A \ , > . ] ^ plowCI- \ 8 � ■ � - k / _ ® � a jq , y I . \kw � ■ :� � : 3. Recreational Facilities Access to existing parks is available to many special needs groups. All of the City parks provide parking for persons with disabilities and most provide paved paths and pavilions that are wheelchair accessible. Special considerations will need to be addressed on a site- by-site basis, for deficiencies in the special access needs of these groups. For example, while people with disabilities are provided parking areas at most of the parks, and wheelchair accessibility is provided in many, internal access to facilities is still limited in a few of the City's parks. Consideration to these access issues will need to be given at the time of new park development,or renovations. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ADA, an important aspect of accessibility to be considered when constructing new parks or altering existing parks, is the issue of stable ground surfacing, which allows a person with mobility impairment to negotiate with dignity. For example, a large area of loose fill such as sand or wood chips is not easily accessible. Rather, a design following ADA guidelines might use a combination of more rigid surfaces such as an engineered wood fiber, rubber surfaces along accessible routes, clear ground spaces, and maneuvering spaces, in conjunction with small areas of loose fill. Per ADA standards, consideration should be given to the general layout of youth play areas, particularly to the integration of elements and spaces that can be accessed by children who are disabled. Specifically, in areas where elevated play components are provided, additional ground level play equipment must be provided and incorporated into the same play areas. Additionally, the ADA requires that at least 50% of elevated play components must be located on an accessible route and connected by a ramp. The inclusion of soft contained play structures would also provide recreational opportunities for children with disabilities. The existing system of neighborhood and passive parks affords access to cyclists and pedestrians, as the parks are numerous and dispersed in residential areas throughout the City. Bicycle path facilities should continue to be designed so as to join recreational areas together with residential areas to upgrade the accessibility for all citizens to recreation areas. Access issues will be addressed specifically within the Goals, Objectives and Policies of this Element. 4. Meeting Future Recreation and Open Space Needs As illustrated on Table VI-I, the City does not expect to have any o9verall Pef1daigel Park deficiencies through 2LQ392040. PI: IR...a...J An im9pertamt aetiem meeded by the City in the ingRgediate future is the plamnimg ef a City trail systeng te 5. Public Participation in Recreation Planning The City has provided numerous opportunities for citizen input into the recreational planning of the City. The Parks and Recreation Department has held a number of public meetings, during which time,citizens were able to contribute their ideas and make requests for future recreational opportunities. An ad hoc advisory committee helped develop the Central Winds Expansion Master Plan. For improvements at Trotwood, neighborhoods were notified and input was requested door to door. Similar outreach has been conducted for Torcaso Park, with a Master Plan process initiated in September 2008. The City of Winter Springs finalized the Parks and Recreation Master Plan in July 2021. As noted above, the City will continue to conduct periodic surveys to identify future activity-based recreational preferences. That survey will need to identify not only preferences in terms of fields and courts, but also whether City residents would be willing to pay user fees for improved amenities, etc. VI -41 During the Winter Springs 2030 and Beyond survey in 2019, a number of questions focused on parks and recreation and open space. Purchase of green space (i.e. natural lands) was a top priority for residents. Comments strongly suggested including arts, culture and theatre into recreation programming. Other comments included natural resource activities such as fishing and biking, a community pool and providing for more facilities fields for a variety of sports. VI -42 m m E G b O U ^ O •F tn a t 1''� - Ii.• � a \ V �� ♦ O O •F O ••• ............ �•• 41 CL I ' '°• s 'l y G1 m-s r � 1--•, �' � _ 0 4.. ......... .m �a N 1' 40 - rn H .r CL a cn M...�....i M } MAN. •s 3 a �? �1►_ 4 `` •w � .mm 's O Y' t . a . ,p �. i•, d° •y d ,�M a O << .... V •4 i = !Z � z a � o � Z � r C d a............ LU Zdop �. L r { f. iyh• I LU Nowl_ ' eca II• d '�.. * �A It— s .. ■` ��y.. .w.. z 3