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Home My WebLink About2009 02 04 Regular 600 Recreation and Open Space Element (Strikethrough Version)• City of Winter Springs • Comprehensive Plan RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Draft EAR-Based Amendments, January 2009 Prepared For: City of Winter Springs Community Development Department 1 126 East State Road 434 Winter Springs, Florida 32708-2799 Prepared By: Planning Communities, LLC 2510 Wild Tamarind Blvd. Orlando, FL 32828 L' CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS A. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES ................................................................................... 1 B. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1(1189 C. INVENTORY OF EXISTING RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE FACILITIES ....... ............... 1009 1. Public Parks and Open Space ................................................................... ............... 10109 a. Regional Parks .................................................................................................... ................11=N-18 b. Trails (in or near Winter Springs) :................................................................... ................12_1-~11 c. Community Parks ................................................................................................. ................1413 d. Spedal Use Facilities .......................................................................................... ................14141-3 e. Neighborhood Parks .......................................................................................... ................15-1rr14 f. Mini-Parks and Tot-Lots ..................................................................................... ................151:§14 • g. Open Space ........................................................................................................ ................17~H1§ h. Urban Plazas and Squares ............................................................................... ................17-1_Hl-5 i. Other County Facilities ...................................................................................... ................21?91-4 j. School Facilities ................................................................................................... ................23~?4 2. Private Facilities ....................................................................................... ..............243 D. EX ISTING AND FUTURE PARKS AND RECREATION NEEDS .......................... ..............252433 1. Population Trends and User Needs ......................................................... ..............253 2. Outdoor Recreation Planning Guidelines ................................................ ..............2c 3. Levels of Service (LOS) Standards ........................................................... ..............27~b25 4. Access to Recreational Sites and Facilities .............................................. ..............27~fr23 5. Meeting Future Recreation and Open Space Needs ................................. ..............283'aa6 6. Public Participation in Recreation Planning ............................................. ..............2__8~3(> VI-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 ......................................~ Table VI- 2: Inventory of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities and Open Space 2009 .................. 18~~ Table VI- 3: Inventory of Private Recreational Facilities, 2008 .................................................._............. 242 Table VI-4: Use Guidelines for User-Oriented Recreation Acitivities, 2007 ........................................».~138~~ Table VI-5: Population Guidelines for User-Oriented Recreation Activities, 2008 ................................~3}3A Table VI-6: Site Guidelines for Community Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities, 2007....... 343332 LIST OF MAPS Map VI- 1: Inventory of Public Parks and Recreation Facilities and Open Space ...................................... 77-1-A Map VI- 2: Park Dedications within the Town Center .........................................................................._............ ~~-a- Map VI- 3: Conceptual Trails Network Map ......................................................................._.............................. 99x-2 Map VI- 4: Cross Seminole Trail .....................Error! Bookmork not defined. ' .' ~aP V I-~. To.rn 6enter Aerk, E~»en~Heees.....,.......... Error. Bookmark not defined. ...... ~ . ~ Map VI- 5~: Park Service Areas ....................................................................................................................... 29847 Map VI- 67: Target Areas for New Parks ...................................................................................................... X94$ VI-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_?'!-, !c•: c! z` .c- cc ;LOS} standards~a~e~s #eNews: Tolal Pu6rc 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 both passive and active recreation lands. • Publicly Owned Open Space: Four (4) acres per 1,000 residents. Open space is defined as "undeveloped lands suitable for passive recreation or conservation". Policy 1.1.2: Establish a Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee comprised of residents who will work together to review parks and recreation facilities, programs, and trails 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 ri2ecreation 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 tThe 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~opulation of over_100 000 and feature outdoor recreation resources and facilities that capitalize on and promote aRpreciation of the natural environment. VI-1 CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Policy 1.1.6: Rel~uoon pRrivate 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 one-half (1 /2) mile from the residents served. In cases where a greater distance can not 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 ere 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 dedicated area. Policy 1.1.7: Require public park and square dedications within the Town Center consistent with the intent of the Squares, Parks, and Streets Map of the Town Center District Code. (See Map VI-2# Park Dedications Within the Town Center.) Compelling reasons must be made for any deviation in size, location and ownership. Should park ownership and maintenance be retained by a homeowners association, general public access shall not be denied. • Policy 1.1.8: Protect and enhance open space areas and natural features within existing City parks, and do not allow native recreational uses to unnecessarily encroach upon them. Policy 1.1.9: 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 1.1.10: Pursue additional sites for active public recreational opportunities for current and future residents through land acquisition and/or public private partnerships. Policy 1.1.11: Acquire park land and develop appropriate fadlities 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 1.1.12: Explore opportunities to provide public recreation access to Lake Jesup. VI-2 • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Policy 1.1.13: Perpetually hold in public ownersh~, tThose lands identified in this element oin Map VI-1 for recreation and open space purposes. Policy 1.1.14: Prior to the disposal of non-recreational City-owned land or facilities, the-amity--sheiF 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 1.1.15: Prior to the vacation of any right-of-way, t-shell valuate the potential of the right-of-way for use as part of a future trail corridor or other alternative transportation linkage. Objective 1.2: Trails. The City should work to expand the existing Cross Seminole Trail system to indude 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: Maximize public participation in 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: Develop standards and guidelines for trail planning, development and maintenance. Policy 1.2.4: Work with Florida Power & Light FP&L 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 that can be integrated into the City's existing recreation and grooosede~pende~l trail network system as illustrated on Map VI-3: 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 alive recreation facilities to determine participation rates and demand for services and to determine adjustments to alive land use programming. VI-3 CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Poliev 1.3.2: Formatted: Outline numbered + Level: 3 + ' ~~e-Eify-ibe4l-ildentify etheF Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, ... + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Algned at: 0.5" + Tab after: demographic changes in the community and incorporate adjustments in 1.75" + Indentat: 1.75" recreation provision planning accordingly, along with encouraging opportunities for exercise and recreation for the City's growing elderly population. Peliey-1•+3.~ePolicv 1.3.3: Reflect neighborhood input in specific park recreation plans. Felieyr-i-33sPolicv 1.3.4: Utilize national and regional park planning data trends to proactively adjust programmed park facilities. Reliey-~3=4:Policy 1.3.5: Develop and implement aCity-wide recreation survey every five years. The recreational needs survey shall inquire about recreational preferences in terms of facilities and recreational/educational 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. Reliey~~~:Policv 1.3.6• , ' ' ' FReflect the results of the community's recreation preferences and needs in prioritizing funding expenditures for maintenance and capital improvements. Objective 1.4: Pork 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 aCity-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. VI-4 1r1 IL~J • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Policy 1.5.2: Design all public recreation facilities as barrier-free as possible to accommodate accessibility by the elderly, handicapped 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. Policy 1.5.5: Work to increase public awareness of the need for and benefits of healthy and active lifestyles. Policy 1.5.6: Continue to implement a scholarship program for low-income families. 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 were collected or for principal payments on debt instruments for these facilities and SerVlCes. (Cross Reference: See Capital Improvements Element, Policy 1.4.4) Policy 1.6.4: Require new developments falling within the planned trail network to provide public trail linkages either through or adjacent to the development. Objective 17: Interagency Cooperation and Joint use of Faci~fies. 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 17.1: Coordinate park and open space planning with adjacent jurisdictions including wiNrSeminole County. VI-5 • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Policy 17.2: 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 connectivffy to the regional trail system. Policy 17.3: 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 shored USe Of facilities. (Cross Reference See Future Land Use Element, Policy 1.1 1.9) Policy 17.4: Review updates toef the Countywide Parks and Rea•eation Master Plan, af-t#-ey-afe-dene; and make the necessary updates to this element to achieve consistency. VI-G `rte ~ .I • 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 Year ulation Po Total Overall Parkland (1) (8 acres per 1,000 residents) Open Space (2) (4 acres per 1,000 residents) p Existing Required Surplus/ Existing Guideline Surplus/ Acreage (Deficit) Acreage (Deficit) 2007 34,433 373.709:x, 275.46 98.2493:9->- 141.4033 137.72 3.683~B3 2010 35,857 373 70Ar4~ 286.88 86.828339 141.4033 143.44 -- -2.04--1-.89 2015 38,863 373 70A-47 310.88 62 82~~rarCe _------- 141.403-5 155.44 -I~~ -- 2020 40,319 37~9~ 322.56 141.4033 161.28 ~ 51.1449+ 2025 42,376 373.709:-4~ 339.01 34 6931,46 141.4033 169.46 -2'8~06- 2030 44,538 373.709: 356.3 2, ~ 17.38 141.433 178.16 -3} Source: Population- U.S. Cenws, as adjusted for 2000; University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Reseorch (BEER); City of Winter Springs Evaluation and Appraisal Report (1) Includes the total of all public parks and recreational lands including any State and County facilities within ihe_City_li_mits. Therefore the Cross Seminole Trail is included and Jetta Point County Park will be included once developed. (2) Includes the total of all Ccity-owned open spoce. Same of this land is noted on subdivision plats as "park" but are undevelopable wetlands and are included on the Future Land Use Map as "Recreation and Open Space'. The remairxler of the lands are conservation lands under the Gty's jurisdidion and are included on the Future Land Use Map as "Conservation". Conservation lands owned by the St. John's River Water Management District are not included. Map VI- 1: Inventory of Public Parks and Recreation Facilities and Open Space (11x17 map- facilities to be labeled and to include the following additions to the 2001 Comp Plan Map: State and County Parks and Recreation Facilities within the immediate area include: Cross-Seminole Trail; Soldier's Creek County Park; Spring Hammock County Preserve; Environmentpl Studies Center; Overlook County Park; Future Jetta Point County Park; Bladc Hammock Trailhead; Lake Jesup County Wilderness Area; Lake Jesup County Park; and possibly Red Bug Lake County Park. Additions to the City Parks and Recreation Facilities include: Diane's Park; Senior Center; Civic Center; Blumberg Blvd; and Veterans Memorial. Open space will be color code, but not labeled.) VI-7 .7 • CITY Of WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Map VI- 2: Park Dedications within the Town Center (8.5x11 map) VI-8 C7 • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Map VI- 3: Conceptual Trails Network Map • VI-9 CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT B. INTRODUCTION The quality of life for Winter Springs' residents is linked closely to the development and management of swell-maintained, accessible system of public parks, trails and open space. The City of Winter Springs is well known for its award-winning Central Winds Park and the qualhy 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 swell-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 alive 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 2030. • 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 of Winter Springs provides a wide range of recreation opportunities to its residents. The City's park inventory includes numerouse-tetei-e#~~ 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, 20091. 1. Public Parks and Open Space The Winter Springs park system encompasses approximately 373.737-6:4~ acres of public parklands and open space. Error! Reference source not found. t1+e-ee~4. A4e~W-~ Map VI-1 shows the location of these parks. City parks have been classified in congruence with guidelines set forth in Florida's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Rea•eation Plan (2007) published by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code (FAC). The categories utilized by the City include regional parks (State and County), community VI-10 r~ ~~ CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT parks, neighborhood parks, tot lots, urban plazas and squares, and open space Only sites that are publicly owned have been included in this section. 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 Pork, all of which offer alive 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 feature 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 of Winter Springs residents see Florida Managed Habitat Conservation Areas Mao located in the Conservation Elementl: Florida State Parks within 25 miles of Winter Springs include: Driving Distance* Name of Recreational Area: Acreage: 12.5 miles Wekiva Springs State Park 6900 acres • 23 miles Rock Springs Run State Reserve 15,000 acres 23 miles Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park 17,650 acres *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 5257 1 1.7 miles Little-Big Econ State Forest 9,563 25 miles Budc Lake 9638 25 miles Seminole Ranch 29 *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 1500 acres (includes Environmental Studies Center) 6.9 miles Black Hammock Wilderness Area 700 acres 8.5 miles Lake Jesup Wilderness Area 490 acres 10.5 miles Black Bear Wilderness Area 1650 acres 10.6 miles Econ River Wilderness Area 230 acres 10.8 miles Geneva Wilderness Area 180 acres (includes Ed Yarborough Nature Center) 13.6 miles Lake Procter Wilderness Area 475 acres 15.7 miles Chuluota Wilderness Area 625 acres VI-11 • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT *driving mileage taken from Winter Springs Town Center b. Trails (in or near Winter Springsl: 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 of Winter Springs and Seminole County regarding use and maintenance of the Cross Seminole Trail. The City of Winter Springs Parks and Recreation Department assisted with The design of the restroom facility located at the Block Hammock Trailhead (State Road 434 at State Road • 417 (Seminole Expressway), and is responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the restroom facility. The trail currently runs six (6) miles from Layer Elementary School in Winter Springs to the intersection of State Road 434 and State Road 426 in downtown Oviedo. Other built sections of the trail include from CR 46A south to Green Way Boulevard in Lake Mary and from Mikler Road to the Orange County Line. The Cross Seminole Trail connects with the Seminole Wekiva Trail via the I-4 Pedestrian Bridge in Lake Mary. 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 will also connect seven sdtools: Layer Elementary, Winter Springs High School, Indian Trails Middle School, Keeth Elementary, Trinity Preparatory School, Oviedo High School, and Lawton Elementary. The Cross Seminole Trail is currently under construction from the Oviedo Mall to State Road 434. Design is complete on the segment from Mikler to Red Bug lake Road and construction is scheduled to begin in late 2008. A pedestrian overpass is programmed to be constructed over Red Bug Lake Road beginning in the fall 2008, with a connection to State Road 426 near the Oviedo Mpll. The trail will also be realigned by the FDOT State Road 426 widening project. The trail will cross at the signalized intersection of Marketplace Blvd & State Road 426 and VI-12 r, CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT ~erninale County Trails (: z" t" P~ !` Existin0 Undsr Conatructlon RIVeRvelk Frag°am:~,e° fr~r C~ ~a.~!,efi~~t Proposed '~ Flagler Trail'. Seminole 1Nekwa Trail s.~ ~;y ~`~'u'"s ~'"k Cross Seminole Traa C:BT Suieh !II AF-eC APE:: Flagler Trail ~ ~ - - ..^S(T Sa~.tlh II ~JSi ..i: ~a ~._.... WRVl6Q'1'th:h6a,^[~'.y^:u~;:'a:F ~` connect with the trail corridor along Aulin Avenue. Error! Reference source not found. Mao VI-2 depicts existing and future portions of the Cross Seminole Trail. Florido National Scenic Troil 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 VI-13 • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT 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 18-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. c. 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. and Veteran's Memorial in the Town Center, the Bladc Hammock • Trailhead, and the future Jetta Point County Park. Some parks may fall under more than one category. Most County parks are considered community porks, but those that host national competitions and tournaments con 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, 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. d. 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 I2;9-5813,500 square foot fadlity, 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 VI-14 • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT facilities in the County. The center is operated by City staff and a senior organization,tfi- Membership can be obtained for a reasonable neminel-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 The young are afforded the Civic Center Complex, a 4000 square foot fadlity, 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 suds 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-Eer~lexef are wheelchair accessible. • e. 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, pirnic areas, open or free play areas, and landscaping. Neighborhood parks include Moss Park, Sam Smith Park, Ranchlands Park, and Bear Creek Nature Trail. f. 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;-whieh include tot-lots aJd- 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_ Diane's Park, Fruitwood Park, Winding Hollow, Oak Hollow, Market Square and Magnolia Square. However, most of the neighborhood and community parks offer the facilities typically found in tot-lots and mini-parks. Many homeowner associations include VI-15 • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT private recreational facilities within their developments. In many cases, these serve as private mini-parks to those residents. • VI-I6 • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT g. Open Space The term "open space" is widely used with a variety of meanings. However, its meaning herein (and throughout the Comprehensive Plan) is taken from9J-5 Florida Administrative Code and simply means, "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. h. 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 areas for people to gather as groups or to sit indivuidually. 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 as illustrated on Map VI-2#. Several have been completed and indude: Blumberg Blvd., Market Square, and a portion of Magnolia Square. Blumberg Blvd. also includes the recently completed Veteran's Memorial 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. and the Veteran's Memorial), 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 in the City of Winter Springs. ~'I-17 • • • r CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Table VI- 2: Inventory of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities and Open Space 2009 Active Passive Total Parks Acres Acres Acres Resources 8 Facilities (~) (2) TRAILS Bear Creek Nature Trail 0 8.7 8.7 Natural Resources: Creek, environmentally sensitive area Recreational Facilities: None Other: 1 /2-mile nature trail Black Hammock 0 0 0 Natural Resources: None T ilhead r e Recreational Facilities: Cross Seminole Trail in lu din r s S minole Tr it Other: Paved parking and restrooms Florida National Scenic 0 4.4 4.4 Natural Resources: Wetlands Trail Recreational Facilities: None ______ _ Other: Undeveloped Cross Seminole Trail 0 59.4 59.4 ____^ --------------------- Natural Resources: Creek, natural vegetation Recreational Facilities: Paved trail Other: 6-miles in the City connecting with regional trail system COMMUNITY PARKS Blumberg Blvd. & 0 1.4 1.4 Natural Resources: None. Veteran's Memorial Rec. Facilities: Adjacent to Cross Seminole Trail Other: Fountains, pergolas, walkways, seating, manicured landscaping. Veteran's memorial with sculpture. Central Winds Park 78.1 20.4 98.5 Other: Recreational Facilities: 4 baseball fields, 4 softball fields, 7 soccer. 1 football field. 2 4- multi-purpose fields (seeeer~football/lacrosse) 1 half basketball court, 2 volleyball courts. 2 youth playgrounds. 01her: Dog park (small dog, large dog and training areas), fishing area, nature trail, horseshoes, cooking grills, 2 picnic pavilions, parks 8. recreation office, concession stand, restrooms S nshine Park (a) a-A:~6. 3_5 10.2 Natural Resources: Lake (1.5-acres) ~ 7 Rec. Facilities: 2 baseball fields, 1 softball field, 1 full basketball court, ~-tenn+s--eerr#f 1 volleyball court, 1 tot playground, 1 youth playground. Other: Civic Center, Senior Center with indoor therapy pool, fishing area, cooking grills, 2 picnic pavilions, restrooms VI-18 • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Active Passive Total Parks Acres Acres Acres Resources 8 Facilities ~~) ~2) T rcaso Park X3_7 83_0 6.7 Natural Resources: Pond (1.9-acres) Recreational Facilities: 4~ basketball shooting basketseew~s, 1 volleyball court, 1 soccer/football field, exercise course, 1 tot playground, 1 youth playground Ofher: Fishing area, splash water fountain, _ _ _ picnic pavilion, cooking grills, restrooms T twood Park 2$A2 *5.0 28.0 Natural Resources: Lake Tuskawilla (6.4-acres) 3_0 and smaller lake (1.6-acres) Rec. Facilities: 32 baseball fields, 1 softball field, 4 soccer fields, 2 full basketball courts, 2 tennis courts, 2 racquet ball courts, 1 volleyball court, 1 tot playground, 1 youth playground. Ofher: Fishing pier, cooking grills, 4 picnic pavilions, restrooms NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS Moss Park 2.0 0.3 2.3 Natural Resources: None. Rec. Facilities: 1 full and 1 half 3 basketball courts, lmulti-purpose field, 1 youth playground, 1 tot playground. Ocher: Cooking grills, 2 picnic pavilions, restrooms R nchlands Park ~$.5 A.5 1.0 Natural Resources: Lake (1.1.5-acres) Rec. Facilities: 1 volleyball court Other: Fishing area, cooking grills, pirnic pavilion S m Smith Park 3:A0 x-8 3 3:88_3 Natural Resources: Lake (4_64-acres), nature area Rec. Facilities: 1 tot playground, 1 youth playground. Other: Fishing area, cooking grills, 2 picnic pavilions MINI-PARKS Dianes Park 0 1.0 1.0 Natural Resources: None. Recreational Facilities: None. Other. Picnic table, cooking grill Fruitwood Park 0.3 . _ ._. 0 0.3 _____________ Natural Resources: Lake (2.1 -acres) Recreational Facilities: 1 youth playground Other: None Magnolia Square 0 0.3 0.3 _ _ _.._ Natural Resources: None. Rec. Facilities: Adjacent to Cross Seminole Trail Other: Fountain and seating Market Square 0 0.3 0.2 Natural Resources: None Recreational Facilities: None Other: Fountain and seating VI-19 • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Passive Total Parks Acfive Acres Acres Acres Resources 8 Facilities (~) ~2) ak Hollow Park (linear ~-0 1.0 1.0 Natural Resources: None p rk) Recreational Facilities: 2T- youth playgrounds Other: Paved walking trail (0_1 miles) Winding Hollow Park 0.5 0 0.5 Natural Resources: Adjacent to natural open ~d) space Rec. Facilities: 1 tot playground, 1 youth playground Other: Picnic pavilions, cooking grills OPEN SPACE A on Creek 0 .2 .2 Natural Resources: Creek Rec. Facilities: None .. _ Other: Conservation ~ _ 4-~ ... - 4-~ - - ------- ------- ____ __._.__. Foxmoor Park Unit 1 0 1.1 1.1 Natural Resources: Wetlands Rec. Facilities: None Other: Foxmoor Unit 2 0 1.6 1.6 Natural Resources: Lake (2.1-acres); Wetlands Rec Facilities. None Other H ck r Gr v P rk 0 4_5 - 4_5 _ Natural Resources: Native hickory trees wn nt r Rec. Facilities: None O ................ .._.................. ---- . ~ ......... .. ~.............. -~-Z-- ther: Conservation -------------------------------------- North Orlando Ranches 0 _............ 6.7 ----- 6.7 ----------------- ------------------------- Nafvral Resources: Wetlands Sec. 5 Rec. Facilities: None Other: Conservation North Orlando Ranches 0 6.5 6.5 Natural Resources: Wetlands Sec. 9 Rec. Facilities: None Other: Conservation North Orlando Ranches 0 5.1 5.1 _- Natural Resources: Wetlands Sec. 1 0 Rec. Facilities: None Other: Conservation N rth rl n T rr e 0 L L2 Natural Resources: Wetlands Rec. Facilities: None Other: Conservation N _....... rth Orlando Terrace 0 7.4 7.4 Natural Resources: Wetlands S c. 9 Rec. Facilities: None Other: Conservation ~'I-20 • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Passive Total Parks Active Acres Acres Acres Resources & Facilities (1) (2) Tuscawilla Open Space 0 69.5 69.5 Natural Resources: Wetlands Rec. Facilities: none Other: Conservation coding Hollow Park 0 31.62-A 31.6 Natural Resources: Wetlands () A Rec. Facilities: none Other: Conservation T TAL OPEN SPACE 0 141.46 141.4 - 6 T TAL OVERALL 114.8 258.9 373.7 P RKLAND ~-3a:9 330.8 X3,4 Note- Lacrosse is growing in popularity and can be played on soccer football and multi use fields (1) Passive 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) Indicates that the 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~rd-+lekibie. Source: City of Winter Springs Planning Division. January 2009 Other 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, Soldiers 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 pork is located 2 miles east of State Road 436 on Red Bug Lake Road and offers pirnicking, playgrounds, fishing, boating, tennis, racquetball, basketball, sand volleyball, softball, flag football, soccer, exercise frail, pavilions, and restrooms. Soldiers Creek Park is a 315-acre park adjacent to the Spring Hammock Preserve, 1 mile east of U.S. 17-92 on State Road 41 9. 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 VI-21 • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT east side of State Road 419), nature trails, boardwalks, fishing at Soldier's Creek, and "The Senator;' a 3,500 year-old Cypress tree located at Big Tree County Park. Seminole County plans to construct Jetta Point Park on a 43-acre site south of State Road 434 just west of its intersection with State Road 417 (the Seminole Expressway / Greeneway). The new Jetta Point County Park will serve as an intensive-use sports complex with a concentration of facilities for leagues and tournaments. It is expected to host national softball competitions as well as soccer/lacrosse and will also include -youth playground, tot playground, a boardwalk, pirnic pavilion and restrooms. The new park will be adjacent to the existing Bladk Hammock Trailhead of the Cross Seminole Trail. Upon completion of Jetta Point Park, Soldier's Creek County Park will be converted to baseball facilities for leagues and tournaments. Facilities provided within the Semirrole County Park Svsfem include: Lakes and Rivers with: • boot ramps • overlook piers • canoe launch • support facilities (including • mooring dodo • • fishing piers restrooms and paved parking) • wildlife Natural Vegetation and Marsh Lands with: • 3,500 year-old • environmental learning center Cypress tree • wildlife • boardwalks Wilderness Areas with: • campgrounds and • horseback riding trails primitive camping • wildlife • hiking/biking trails Snorts and Recreation Facilities: • amphitheatre • jogging trails/exercise • basketball courts stations • tennis courts • kids' playgrounds • pirnic pavilions • racquetball courts • roller hockey rink • sand volleyball courts • soccer/football fields • softball/baseball fields VI-22 • support facilities (including restrooms, paved parking, and lighting) • dog parks and • historically significant sites • • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Seminole Coun ty Parks include: Driving Distance* Name of Recreational Area: Acreage**: 2.7 miles Overlook Park 3 3.8 miles Soldiers Creek Park 315 4.2 miles Big Tree Park- Longwood 1 1 5.9 miles Pawmosa Dog Park- Casselberry 1 6.4 miles Sunland Pork- Sanford 15 6.7 miles Lake Dot Park- Sanford 15 7.4 miles Red Bug Lake Park- Casselberry 60 7.6 miles Winwood Park- Altamonte Springs 4 7.7 miles Jamestown Park 1 8.0 miles Kewannee Park- Casselberry b 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) 1 1 1. 8 miles Lake Mills Park- Chuluota 50 12.7 miles Roseland Park- Sanford 1 1 2.8 miles Midway Park- Sanford 2 13. 9 miles Lake Monroe Wayside Park- Sanford 3.5 15.3 miles Cameron Wight Park- Sanford 3 17.3miles 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 1 26 ~`;~' , 21.2 miles Wilson's Landing Park- Sanford 19 "fi:,;~' *driving mileage taken from Winter Springs Town Center ** acreage does not include lakes j. School Facilities The Ciry of Winter Springs 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. Additionally, youth basketball leagues and programs, as well as special City events, including the annual Halloween Dance, are held at Indian Trails Middle School. In addition, the City has a cooperative arrangement with several of the local school principals for co-use of their facilities. V I-23 • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT 2. Private Facilities Some recreational facilities and services wch ps 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. Private Recreational Facilities in or near Winter Springs Tuscawillp Country Club & Golf Course 1500 Winter Springs Blvd. Florida Airboat Association, Inc. 200 N. Cortez Ave. Gold's Gym 5852 Red Bug lake Rd. Pro FlighT Archery 280 E. State Road 434 Sadkane School for Dance & Aikido 1 196 Tree Swallow Dr Studio 5D Dance Studio 1303 - 1323 Winter Springs Blvd Russian Academy of Ballet 1425 Tuskawilla Rd (formerly Orlando City Ballet) Bounce and Fun 135 E Bahama Rd O'Mei Wshu USA 1 13 E State Road 434 United Theatres of Florida, Inc. I-4 & HW 436, Altamonte Springs AMC Interstate Theatres 473 Cardinal Oaks Ct., Lake Mary Regal Cinema Oviedo Crossing 22 1500 Oviedo Mktpl. Blvd, Oviedo Central Batting Cages 1271 Belle Avenue Other private recreational facilties 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 _ _ - Formatted: No underline, Fontcobr: auto type of recreation are listed in Table VI- 3: Inventory of Private Recreational Facilities, 2008 [Note: some data still being gathered.]. VI-24 • Table VI- 3: Inventory of Private Recreational Facilities, 2008 • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT 9ek-serest Tuscawilla Trace Seminole Pines Club & Golf Course Hacienda Village 1 1 _ __ . 1 , 1-1 t3 hole _. 2 2 __ _. 1 ~ ~ _ I 8 -~--° ~ --~•-- 1 Watch Georgetown __ _ .. Wedgewood 1 1 NOTE: This inventory does noT include all the private rep residential subdivisions which have one or more acres of Source: City of Winter Springs, September 2008 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. • 1. Population Trends and User Needs The City of Winter Springs' population is projected to increase by over 10,000 residents by 2030. According to the U.S. Census, the median age increased from 34 to 37 from 1990 to 2000, and the percentage of persons aged 65 or older increased from 9.2% to 10.8% over the same time period. The projected median age (US Census) increased to 40 by 2007. 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 an 8;8589,200 square foot expansion of the Senior Center which added a new therapy pool along with a large multi-~eurpose 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 nor 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 dtanging demands. An opinion survey of registered voters was completed in 2004, to explore interest and support fora 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 sudt a facility even if it increased property taxes, 21 percent opposed and 35 percent requiring more VI-?5 • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT 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. 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 (2007). 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. The use guidelines for user-oriented outdoor recreation activities included herein were derived from the 1989 Rea-eotion Standards for Comprehensive Planning in Florida. The study examined what was considered the minimum, moderate and maximum levels of use that facilities could sustain under various conditions according to over 100 local recreation providers. Table VI-4 identifies the median value of the survey results for nine user- oriented facilities for which information on use was collected. 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-5 identifies population 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 in Table VI-b areis graphically applied to the City and depicted on Map VI-45. 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. MapVl-36 includes target areas for new parks. This data considers the areas not currently served by parks and recreational facilities depicted on Map VI-5~ and combines that data with the recommendations of the Winter Springs' Open Space Advisory Committee that met in 2007 (see Table VI-5). This information is to be used as a long- range guideline and planning tool to identify general areas where new public parks are VI-26 C • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT needed and to help the City acquire additional parkland and open space. However, this information is not to be considered a concurrency requirement. 3. 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 1000 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 will increase the Overalliel~ 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. 4. Access to Recreational Sites and Facilities Access to existing parks is well suited 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. According to the 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~+##efent4y-ebled. 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. VI-27 • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT 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. Meeting Future Recreation and Open Space Needs As illustrated on Table VI-1, the City does not expel to have any Overall Parkland deficiencies through 2030. The addition of Seminole County's planned Jetta Point Park (37 acres in Winter Springs) will further increase the surplus of Overall Parkland. A slight deficiency is projected in Open Space. However, with the conveyance of Wetland Park in the Town Center, this deficiency will be eliminated. An The-rnest important action needed by the City in the immediate future is the planning of a City trail system to interconnect with the Cross Seminole Trail. The City currently owns a substantial portion of FP&L easement which could be The beginnings of this network. In order to accomplish this, several policies relating to trails have been added to the element, as well as a new objective in support of this effort. 6. Public Participati~ . The City has provided nui planning of the City. The meetings focused on a fa make requests for future conducted for Torcaso . As noted above, the preferences in terms to pay user fees for in pus opportunities for citizen input into the recreational ks and Recreation Department has held a number of public basis, where citizens were able to contribute their ideas and rational opportunities. An ad hoc advisory committee helped ~pansion Master Plan. For improvements at Trotwood, and input was requested door to door. Similar outread, has ark, with q Master Plan process initiated in September ity will continue to conduct periodic surveys to identify future •eferences. That wrvey will need to identify not only and courts, but also whether City residents would be willing I amenities, etc VI-28 • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Map VI- 54: Park Service Areas (1 1x17 map- show Mini parks with ~/r radius: Diane's; Fruitwood; Winding Hollow; Ook Hollow; and Market Square and Magnolia Square Neighborhood parks with Yz mile radius: Ranchlands; Moss Park; Sam Smith; Bear Creek Nature Trail and Cross Seminole Trail Community parks with 3 mile radius- Veteran's Memorial and Blumberg Blvd; Black Hammock Trailhead; Central Winds Park; Sunshine Park; Torcaso Park; and Trotwood Park.) ::it: ~~~' t:•i t•:;:: . •~: ;<:.:r.~:l, •"'t i4~is . h • ~~,. ~~, S Lf ~1:Yr CJ . i, `... tt".1~ ..11~~1~4tt. ut .Hitt., liktiitk . •M1~...i. • ..t tits. S'S5 niix; ~, h, i.,i,~_ , ..,ist,:.t s tL•..ai..: V I-29 • • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Map VI- 644: Target Areas for New Parks t:q~P ~'r'~i :1.11'5 ~:~ei3~srt . ti: i:u~~;n, 'i;ini.i: ~,-:;.~ {i 1~•~xt°i:%:r ;mss:., z.4x... C~Li, ~°xit,~s,.: t ~ , % .,'ate-tt. *.. ~»~ev` tiii?k';, VI-30 .] • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Table VI-4: Use Guidelines for User-Oriented Recreation Ac+tivities, 2007 Activity Resource/Facility Guideline _ .._- Baseball/Softball Baseball/Softball Field 1 20 users per field per day Golf Physical exercise (urban jogging and hiking) Raquetball/Handball GolfCourse (9-hole) Linear mile of exercise~parcours trc Raquetball/Handball C I Tennis I Tennis Court Source: Florida's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor 90 users per court per day __ 175 users_per_field_p_e_r_day___ users per 9-hole course per day users per mile of trail per day per court per day _..__ ___ oer court per dar ~~o users per poop per aa} 30 users per court per day (2007). VI-31 CJ CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Table VI-5: Population Guidelines for User-Oriented Recreation Activities, 2008 Facility Location Existing Population Guideline Actual Number (Min/Med/Max) Central Winds Park (2-/~ seball Fields* Sunshine Park (2) 8~ fields 1 /2,000 1 /2,152 Trotwood Park (2) 1 /5,000 ~ Central Winds Park (~4~ 1 /10,000 oftball Fields* Sunshine Park (1) 64 fields Trotwood Park (1) Central Winds Park (1 half?) Moss Park (1 full, 1 half) Sunshine Park (1 fy1) 108 public 1 /500 1 /3,443 B sketball Court Torcaso Park (4 shooting 2 private 1 /5,000 1 /20,000 baskets3) Trotwood Park (2 f 14 miles 1 mi/1 500 _. Bicycle ways Cross Seminole Trail I6 miles in the , 1 mi/5,000 1 mi/2,460 ~!1:X) 1 mi/10,000 Fields* Cei cer Fields* (2) Equipped Play Area Multipurpose Fields Tennis Courts Volleyball Court +n 1 A _~ No dedicated 1 /4,000 fields. 1 /6,000 1 /25,000 ~ 1 28 fields ~ Central Winds Park (2 youth) Sunshine Park (1 tot, 1 youth) Torcaso Park (1 tot, 1 youth) Trotwood Park (1 tot, 1 youth) Moss Park (1 tot, 1 youth) Sam Smith (1 tot, 1 youth) Winding Hollow (1 tot, 1 youth) Oak Hollow (2 youth) Fruitwood (1 youth) _ _. _ _ _.. Central Winds Park (2)** Moss Park (1) 5.._~*~-D~*~~ Trotwood Park (2) Central Winds Park (2) Ranchlands Park (1) Sunshine Park (1) Torcaso Park (1) 1 /2,500 2 courts 1 /10,000 1 /20,000 17 public 1 /500 6 private 1 /10,000 1 /15,000 1 /4,304 t Formatted: Centered 1 /17,217 1 /1,497 3 public 1 /3,750 1 /1 1,478 1 / 10,000 2d public 1 /1,067 1 /2.000 1 /1,913 15 private 1 /10,000 6 public 1 /4,000 1 /6,000 1 /4,919 1 private 1 / 12,000 VI-32 • • CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT Facility Location Existing Number Population Guideline (Min/Med/Max) Actual Trotwood Park (1) 1/1000 1/34,433 Swimming Pools Senior Center Therapy Pool, 1 public 1 /25 000 (public) Sunshine Park (1) 15 private 1 /50 000 1 /2,152 (incl. private) * DEP combines baseball and softball, and soccer and football. ** Includes the amphitheater Source: Florida's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreatio September, 2008. u ,;~~~:~: ~' i[.tYti'~. ~~iL`.i.'n. i.~.., t'~'i•t~yi}. :t,._ i.t _,x~. 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