CPPC 06-11-07 Meeting AgendaCOUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
540/665-5651
FAX: 540/665-6395
TO: Comprehensive Plans and Programs Subcommittee (CPPS)
FROM: Michael T. Ruddy, AICP, Deputy Director
RE: June 11, 2007 Meeting and Agenda
DATE: June 4, 2007
The Frederick County Comprehensive Plans and Programs Subcommittee (CPPS) will be meeting on
Monday, June 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board of Supervisor's Room of the County
Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. The CPPS will discuss the
following agenda items:
AGENDA
1) Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Policy Plan Map Update. The Parks and
Recreation Department and Commission have been working on a mapping effort to
determine potential future park locations within the County. This effort is based upon the
2007 update of the language of the Comprehensive Plan and is presented to the CPPS for
review.
2) Comprehensive Policy Plan Review Effort Update. Staff will present an overview of the
proposed review of the remaining chapters of the 2007 Comprehensive Policy Plan. The
CPPS, PC, and BOS recognized the need to address the ongoing maintenance of the
Comprehensive Plan and recommended that the various Committees and Advisory Boards
established within the County review the Chapters of the Comprehensive Plan under their
purview and provide recommendations to the CPPS.
3) Other
Access is limited during the evening hours. Therefore, it will be necessary to enter the building
through the back double doors of the Board of Supervisors Room, located in the rear of the new
addition of the County building. I would encourage committee members and interested citizens to
park in the County parking lot located in the rear of the building and follow the sidewalk to the
back double doors of the Board Room.
MTR/bad
107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 • Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000
Itern #1:
Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Policy Plan, Map Update.
MAY 2 9 2007
COUNTY of FREDERICK
Parks and Recreation Department
James M. Doran, Director
540-665-5678
FAX: 540-665-9687
www.co.frederick.va.us
e-mail: fcprd@co.frederick.va.us
MEMO
To: Eric Lawrence, Director of annin and Development
From: James M. Doran, Director �1
Subject: Comprehensive Plan %
Date: May 29, 2007
Please find attached an updated copy of the proposed changes to the Parks and Recreation
Department's Comprehensive Plan.
If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
JMD/mlb
107 North Kent Street
Winchester, VA 22601
PARKS AND RECREATION SECTION
FREDERICK COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
January 2007
The purpose of this chapter is to outline the County's recreational policies and identify
implementation methods to accomplish the stated goals for recreational facilities,
programs, studies, and plans. This narrative is a broad overview of parks and recreation
goals, needs and standards, and serves as a guide to decision making. This overview is a
part of the County's continuing planning process.
Facilities
The County currently owns and operates two district parks. Clearbrook Park, located five miles
north of Winchester on Route 11, consisting of approximately 55 acres (44 which are owned by
the County) and Sherando Park, located two miles east of Stephens City on Route 277,
consisting of approximately 334 acres. Both district parks currently serve the County's
population with active and passive recreational programs and facilities.
The four County neighborhood parks are located at: the Reynolds Store Fire Company and
Gainesboro Fire Company in the Gainesboro District, Round Hill Fire Company in the Back
Creek District, and the Frederick Heights subdivision in the Red Bud District. These
neighborhood parks consist primarily of playground equipment for young children.
In 1987, master development plans were adopted for both Clearbrook and Sherando Parks.
These master plans established development goals for each park, identified unmet recreational
needs, provided unified facility plans, and proposed a development program for each park. The
Master Plans for both Clearbrook and Sherando Parks reflect the recommendations of the County
residents and national standards as outlined in the Virginia Outdoor Plan. These plans
emphasize the development of a swimzning pool complex, additional sports venues, picnic areas,
and maintenance support facilities. In 2001, the Sherando Park Master Plan was revised and
adopted.
Since the adoption of the Master Plans, the County has completed the construction of: two
outdoor swimming pool complexes, four irrigated soccer fields, a maintenance building, three
shelters, a gazebo, two playground areas, two sand volleyball courts and two fields of a four field
softball complex. The County has also purchased an area to house the maintenance operation for
Clearbrook Park. Additional recreational facilities currently provided are athletic fields,
playground, and picnic areas with a variety of recreational opportunities such as horseshoes,
fishing, paddleboats, volleyball, open space areas, and support facilities. Clearbrook Park,
Sherando Park, neighborhood parks and all public schools are maintained by the Parks Division
of the County Parks and Recreation Department.
To date, the County has constructed a 2.4 mile bicycle/pedestrian trail to serve several residential
areas east of Stephens City. The County has also committed to the construction of a .6 mile trail
to serve residential areas on the northern perimeter of Sherando Park. These bicycle facilities
will link those residential areas with Sherando Park and Sherando High School. Additional trails
would provide residents the ability to travel safely from their homes to schools, stores, work or
recreation areas without having to share the overcrowded arterial and collector roads with
automobiles. An expanded trails system would also support the new urbanism initiative;
encourage healthy lifestyle habits resulting in a reduction in obesity and other health related
issues stemming from inactivity, and improve air quality through a reduction in automobile
emissions.
The majority of recreation programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department are held
within the 18 public schools in Frederick County and the Parks and Recreation Department's
Community Centers. Consequently, this wide variety of recreation offerings has maximized the
use of county school buildings. The joint efforts of the Frederick County Public Schools and the
Parks and Recreation Department resulted in the inclusion of recreational facilities within
Sherando High School. The Parks and Recreation Department's Community Center, which
adjoins Sherando High School, opened in September of 1993 and contains two racquetball
courts, a weight room and a multipurpose room with kitchen. Building upon the Sherando
concept, the Orchard View Community Center, which is attached to Orchard View Elementary
School was opened in August 2000. This facility features a full-size gymnasium available for
recreational activities during non -school hours. The Evendale Community Center, our third
center, opened in 2006 includes two multi-purpose rooms and a full size gymnasium.
Programs
The Recreation Division of the Frederick County Parks and Recreation Department was created
to provide a comprehensive and accessible program of recreational services and activities for the
residents of Frederick County. A diverse range of recreational and enrichment programs is
provided for all age groups. This broad base of activities includes, but is not limited to,
instructional classes, outdoor adventure programs, sports and athletics, lifetime leisure and
fitness programs, cultural and community events, as well as, trips and excursions.
Programming responsibilities are assigned within the Division's four interest sections:
1. Community Events
2. Before & After School Programs
3. Sports & Athletics
4. Lifetime Leisure and Fitness
Staff members work together to identify, develop, and implement those activities which most
closely meet the interests and desires of the community. The Division typically implements
programs within age categories such as preschool, youth, teen, adult and senior adult.
Current Needs and Future Demands
To meet present requests and plan for future leisure service demands, the Parks and Recreation
Department has completed Master Plans for the County's two District Parks through community
involvement; studies of national standards provided in the Virginia Outdoor Plan; and surveyed
information relating to the provision of leisure services.
Through utilization of these and any other available resources, it is projected that the following
areas must be addressed if we are to meet leisure demands.
1. Land acquisition to meet minimum standards.
2. Facility development to meet minimum standards.
3. Development of recreation centers.
4. Increased programming for special populations.
5. Increased programming for teens.
6. Greater diversity of programming to better meet the needs of the entire community.
7. Expansion of trail systems and bikeways.
To serve our current population and ensure adequate public park land and recreational facilities
are available for future generations of Frederick County residents, the Parks and Recreation
Commission supports an approach which would require developers to set aside open space for
use by the Home Owners Association and encourage a proffer which would enable the county to
accomplish a master planned urban park system. With the required open space set aside
provided by the developer, the Home Owners Association would have the option of developing
recreational amenities of their choosing. The developer would also have the opportunity to
include features which may help market their property. The county would then encourage a
proffer, based on the approved urban park master plan, of land if determined suitable. If land
within a certain development does not conform to the urban park master plan, a monetary proffer
to help offset the cost of completing the plan could be considered. The Parks and Recreation
Commission would also advocate developers being required to offer easements and construct
pedestrian/bicycle trails through their developments. Maintenance and upkeep of these public
trails would then become the responsibility of the Home Owners Associations. The acquisition of
these public trail easements would be necessary to provide an array of non vehicular access to
the public parks, schools, libraries and commercial establishments.
The Parks and Recreation Commission also recommend the county actively pursue land
acquisition and facility development through appropriations, bond referendums, donations,
partnerships and bequest. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Commission would support the
monetary proffers for parks and recreation being put into an interest bearing account with all
interest earned being added to the proffer intended for parks and recreation capital development.
Area Standard
As suggested by the 2002 Virginia Outdoor Plan, the area standard for local recreation and park
sites in Virginia are ten acres of developed park land per thousand populations. Frederick
County has a population of approximately 68,634 (based on 2006 estimates provided by the
Planning Department) and currently maintains 400 acres of park land. Of the 400 acres assigned
to the parks, about 220 acres would be considered developed.
Using the population projections provided by the Frederick County Planning Department, an
additional 286 acres are needed to meet the current demand; another 37 acres by 2010 and 60
acres by 2015 will be required if we are to keep pace with the recommended standard of the ten
acres per thousand population.
The following are different park types for development:
MINI PARD
Size
0 — 4 acres
Service Area
'/4 mile
Administrative Responsibili
Local Unit of Government
Purpose
The Mini parks offer close to home open space and limited recreational amenities which are
typically accessible by bicycle/pedestrian trails.
Mini Parks have a service area of approximately '/4 mile and are less than five acres. It is
important for these parks to be accessible by bike/pedestrian trails. In most cases, it is not
practical to include athletic fields or major facility development in a mini park. As a result, these
areas offer very little in terms of design elements which create a self policing environment.
These areas can become attractive to the occasional/drop—in visitor and supervision is often
necessary to ensure the park remains an asset to the community. Mini parks are the least
desirable type of park for inclusion into a public park system because they are small, inefficient
to maintain and difficult to police. Typically, the amenities found in the Mini Park are the same
as found in home owner association open space areas. However, if strategically located and
offering a unique value not available as a Home Owners Association recreational unit, the Mini
Park may be considered.
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
+ Size
5-24 acres
Plan at 3 acres/1000 Population
Service Area
Approximately 5 — 15 minutes walking distance or '/2 mile to I % miles
Administrative Responsibility
Local Unit of Government.
Purpose
The primary function of the neighborhood park is to provide limited types of recreation for the
entire family within easy walking distance. Facilities should be provided for all age groups.
Character
Intensive use and easy access are characteristics of this classification. Ideally, the site would
have areas that are level to gently rolling to accommodate the intensive use facilities, with
shaded areas for passive recreation.
Location
If possible, the neighborhood park should be located near a school and/or the neighborhood
center and away from railroads, major streets and other hazardous barriers.
Potential Facilities
Playground
Badminton Courts
Ball Diamonds
Swimming Pool
Basketball Courts
Volleyball Courts
Tennis Courts
Fishing Pond
Shuffleboard Courts
Recreation Center
Picnic facilities
Trails
Horseshoe Pits
Bikeway
Football/Soccer Field
Play fields usually serve a dual purpose in this type of facility. They provide an area for sports
and running games and also serve as open space. Intensive use areas (the playground area and
hard surfaced courts) are buffered from other activities by passive natural areas and pedestrian
access corridors. Programmed activities such as organized athletics are often suitable in
neighborhood parks. Although limited parking facilities are provided, site design should
encourage pedestrian access to the greatest extent possible.
Rural communities may want to consider deleting neighborhood parks and include their function
in larger community parks which could better serve the needs of widely dispersed local
population. From an economic standpoint, well designed, larger facilities are likely to be less
expensive to maintain than several small sites.
COM1dIUNITY PARK
Size
25-99 acres
Plan at 3 acres/ 1000 population
Service Area
Approximately 15 minutes driving time
Administrative Responsibility
Local Unit of Government
P ose
Community parks should primarily support active recreation activities and be capable of
withstanding intensive use, while still containing a fair amount of open space.
Character
The site usually varies from relatively flat open space to moderately sloping wooded area. Such
a park should be adaptable to a wide variety of recreational activities. Access is gained by auto,
bicycles, or walking.
Location
Locate when possible near the center of the community with good access and serviced by a
public transportation system.
Potential Facilities
Same as Neighborhood Park in addition:
Natural Areas Lake or Stream Boating/Fishing
Parking Areas Golf Beach Area
DISTRICT PARK
Size
100-999 acres
Plan at 4 acres/ 1000 population
Service Area
15-25 minutes driving time
5-15 miles service radius
Administrative Responsibility
Local Unit of Government
Purpose
District Parks should serve the recreational needs of large portions of the local population. They
should contain a wide variety of intensively developed areas for day use recreation, while
providing ample open space with generous buffers between activity areas.
Character
The site could vary from flat open space to moderately to steeply sloping topography. It should
be capable of hosting a diversity of activities, effectively buffering natural areas and open space
from active recreation areas. A site location along a stream or lake is highly desirable. The
regional park needs to be accessible by auto, as well as, pedestrians and bicycles.
Location
Where possible, regional parks should be located near the center of the service area, and on or
close by an arterial or major road providing good access to the facility. In urban or suburban
situations, easy access to mass transit is highly desirable. The site should also be accessible by
pedestrians and bicyclists.
Potential Facilities
Same as Community Park
GREENWAY
Size
Any length, preferably longer than one mile
Typically 75-100 feet or wider
Service area
Dependant upon the location, size and significance of the corridor
Administrative Responsibility
Federal, state, local or public/private partnership
Purpose
Greenways are established to protect, preserve, and maintain existing natural and cultural
corridors; to link population centers with recreational, educational and business areas and other
population centers; and to provide recreational and non -motorized transportation opportunities
along these corridors by using natural features (ridge -lines, steep slopes), utility rights-of-way,
and watercourses (streams, rivers, canals, etc.).
Character
Depending on the location, it can range from rugged terrain with scenic views and extensive
vegetation to open level meadows. The greenway can be a separate entity or a portion of any of
the other park categories.
Potential facilities
Access Points Canoeing Historic Sites
Camping Fishing Boating
Picnic Facilities Trails Natural Area
Parking Areas Winter Sports
RECOMMENDED POTENTIAL PARK LOCATIONS
Appendix A illustrates recommended park locations in Frederick County. Appendix B
illustrates recommended locations, from Appendix A, in the Urban Development Area of
Frederick County. Appendix C outlines the acreage needed for each park listed in Appendix A.
The above parks and acreage will enable Frederick County to meet the recommended acreage
standard of the Virginia Outdoor Plan described in the previous Area Standard Section for the
potential population if all potential residential units are constructed at current permitted densities.
COMMUNITY CENTERS
Community Centers are facilities which provide a multi-purpose room, kitchen area, and a
fitness or gymnasium element. These facilities are usually constructed between 15,000 and
20,000 square feet. These facilities may be reserved for the general public. Community Centers
may be a stand alone facility within a Neighborhood or Community Park, or may be co -located
with other County Agency Buildings.
RECREATION CENTERS
Recreation Centers are typically found in District Parks. These 100,000- 150,000 sq feet
facilities provide an indoor aquatic venue, gymnasium, fitness, multi-purpose rooms, a kitchen,
lobby area, and significant locker room space. In providing Recreation Centers, one should
consider adequate storage. These facilities are open to the general public for drop-in use.
FCPRD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FACILITY STANDARDS
Listed below is a sample of parks and recreation facilities, the number of existing facilities, and
the needs gap as determined by the Virginian Outdoors Plan.
SUMMARY
As the population of the Winchester -Frederick County area continues to increase, there will
undoubtedly be greater emphasis placed on the County's Parks and Recreation Department. As
indicated by the standards provided in the 2002 Virginia Outdoor Plan, referred to in this
chapter, there exists a need to concentrate on developing facilities to meet present minimum
standards, and an even greater need to establish a long range capital improvement program to
ensure the provision of the physical amenities required to meet future leisure demands.
2006
2020
Needs
Needs
Facility
Existing
Gap
Gap
Park Land
400
286
443
'/ Mile Track
1
3
4
Baseball Fields
8
6
9
Basketball Courts
5
9
12
Bike 'Trails/ Roadways
2
66
82
Greenway
As needed
As needed
Fishing (bank)
69
84
Amphitheatre
0
2
2
Horseshoes
8
-1
0
Outdoor Swimming
2
1
2
Volleyball
3
11
14
Football
1
6
8
Picnicking
400
286
443
Community Centers
6
1
3
Recreation Center
0
1
1
Skateboard Park
0
1
3
Soccer Fields
4
10
13
Softball Fields
5
9
12
Tennis Courts
6
11
36
Special Use Facility
As needed
As needed
Ice Skating/Hockey
0
1
1
SUMMARY
As the population of the Winchester -Frederick County area continues to increase, there will
undoubtedly be greater emphasis placed on the County's Parks and Recreation Department. As
indicated by the standards provided in the 2002 Virginia Outdoor Plan, referred to in this
chapter, there exists a need to concentrate on developing facilities to meet present minimum
standards, and an even greater need to establish a long range capital improvement program to
ensure the provision of the physical amenities required to meet future leisure demands.
The County has already begun to address long term multi -use trail needs as discussed in this
chapter with a strategy which involves the creation of a complete network of transportation
modes, including non -motorized and pedestrian use. In addition, tl-ie UDA study of April 2005
sets as one of its goals to examine "providing adequate area for district, community, and
neighborhood parks and ensure broad access to a variety of recreational opportunities." It is
increasingly important to integrate development of parks and recreation facilities and programs
into the overall County plan to make Frederick County an attractive place to live and work.
Since the existing parks and recreation facilities are below the recommended minimum standards
for a locality of our size, priority should be given to bringing our system up to standard. Strong
consideration should also be given to the acquisition of park land to meet future needs while
desirable open space is still available.
In addition to the facilities that are needed to meet current and future demands, the Parks and
Recreation Department will also need additional professional staff to accommodate an already
increasing demand for recreational programs.
Recreation Policy
Goal - Contribute to the physical, mental, and cultural needs of the community, its economic and
social well-being, and its sense of civic pride and social responsibility through the
implementation of an integrated plan for recreation programs and park facilities.
Strategy 1 - Identify the recreational, parks, and open space needs of the County.
Strategy 2 - Make available a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities.
Strategy 3 - Seek alternative funding methods for the provision of existing and identified
recreational needs.
Strategy 4 - Encourage cooperative efforts with private, semi-public, and public providers of
recreational opportunities.
Implementation Methods:
1. Promote the completion of a County -wide recreation plan which identifies
recreational, park, and open space needs.
2. Continue to solicit public opinion in planning parks and recreation.
3. Continue to encourage the participation and financial support of civic groups
businesses, and other organizations and individuals for recreational needs.
4. Continue to utilize State and Federal grants and loans for financing and
programming County recreational needs and especially for major capital projects.
5. Continue to expand our cooperative relationship with the Frederick County School
Board in jointly meeting identified County recreational needs.
6. Continue to cooperate with the private sector, the semi-public sector and other public
providers of recreation in meeting identified recreational needs.
Goal - Continue to develop the County's district parks as the major source of recreational
facilities and activities.
Strategy - As finances are available, improvements to the Sherando and Clearbrook Parks
should take place according to the adopted master plans.
Implementation Methods:
1. Use the capital improvements planning process to provide improvements to the
district parks.
2. Seek alternative sources of funding for park improvements.
Goal - Ensure that appropriate recreational facilities are provided in urban and rural areas.
Strategy 1 — Promote the completion of a County -wide plan to ensure that appropriate open
space and recreational facilities are provided in association with neve urban development.
Strategy - Provide for suitable recreational opportunities for all portions of the County.
Strategy 3 — Promote the development of a comprehensive trail system and bikeway plan.
Implementation Methods:
1. Use a County -wide recreation plan to develop standards for open space and
recreational facilities in new urban development.
2. Use a County -wide recreation plan to identify the recreation needs of residents in all
portions of the County.
3. Identify recreation needs associated with the Rural Community Centers.
4. Review land development regulations to ensure that appropriate standards are
provided for open space recreational facilities in new developments.
Goal - Provide recreational programs and activities based on identified needs and available
funding.
Strategy 1 - Identify recreational program needs.
Strategy 2 - Solicit public opinion on recreational programs to be provided.
Strategy 3 - Coordinate with the Frederick County School Board, the public sector, the semi-
public sector, and private organizations for the provision of recreational program
funds, services, and facilities.
Implementation Methods:
1. Prepare a County -wide recreation plan identifying program needs.
2. Develop and maintain citizen participation in the identification of recreational
program and program facility needs.
3. Actively solicit contributions for the provision of recreational programs and program
facility needs, from all segments of the community, both private and public.
4. Structure the provision of all program facilities, such as indoor community centers,
to recognize land use decisions and policies.
5. Actively utilize public, semi-public, and private facilities for the provision of
recreational programs.
Appendix A
Potential New Parks and Recreation Park
Locations
l :�
Frederick County Comprehensive Plan Map 45�KGy
'Frederick County Dept of GIS
w
107 H Kent St, Winchester, Virginia 22601 �, S
540 - 665 - 5614 �!
ADDI 5. 2007
Appendix B
Appendix C
Comprehensive Plan
Park Land Needs for Potential Population
Location Acreage
Neighborhood Parks
A 13
B 23
C 13
Community Parks
# 1
51
# 2
40
# 3
45
# 4
69
#5
31
District Parks
East
356
Sherando
350
Clearbrook
50
NE
117
NW
148
SW
212
New Acreage Identified 1118
Current Acreage 400
Total Acreage 1518
Potential Population 155053
Recommended Acreage 1551
Item #2:
Comprehensive Policy Plan Review Effort Update.
Staff will present an overview of the proposed review of the remaining chapters of the 2007
Comprehensive Policy Plan. The CPPS, PC, and BOS recognized the need to address the ongoing
maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan and recommended that the various Committees and
Advisory Boards established within the County review the Chapters of the Comprehensive Plan
under their purview and provide recommendations to the CPPS.
Please find attached Appendix A, Appendix B, and Appendix C. Appendix A illustrates
recommended general park locations in Frederick County. Appendix B illustrates the
recommended general park locations already depicted in Appendix A that are within the
Urban Development Area. These potential park locations are general in nature to provide
guidance and flexibility in the future development of park facilities. The park locations
and recommended acreage in Appendix A and C will enable Frederick County to meet
the recommended acreage standards of the Virginia Outdoor Plan for park land
considering the potential population of Frederick County as envisioned by the 2007
Comprehensive Plan. These standards for acreage are described in the Parks and
Recreation section of the 2007 Frederick County Comprehensive Plan. Population
estimates were based on the 2007 Planning Area Analysis conducted by the Planning
Department and projections from the Geographic Information System (GIS) Department.
Appendix A
Potential New Parks and Recreation Park
`pK coG
Frederick County Comprehensive Plan Map
Frederick County Dept of GIs
107 N Kent St, Winchester, Virginia 22-601 ,y
540 - 665 - 5614
April 5, 2007
Potential New Parks and Recreation Park
Locations with In the Urban Development Area
61
I
WQ
4- f
Sherando
04 e
4
Appendix B
Clearbrook
1
J
I
**I
m
�%UDA
1� Existing County Parks
t
istrid Park
r:
C/Neighborhood Park
Purposed Parks
t' C>District
i
®Community
- Neighborhood
Please see attached Spreadsheet.
N
f ;kms
i,
0 0.5 1 2
6=m=mL=====j Miles
Frederick County Comprehensive Plan Mapdo
Frederick County Dept of GIS107 N Kent St, Winchester, Virginia 22601540 - 665 - 5614
May 7, 2007
Appendix ix C
Comprehensive Ppan
Park Land) Needs for Potential Pop Wation
Location Acreage
Neughborlhoodl Parks
13
A
B 23
C 13
Community Parks
# 1
51
# 2
40
# 3
45
# 4
69
#5
31
District Parks
East
356
Sherando
350
Clearbrook
50
NE
117
NW
148
SW
212
New Acreage Identified 1116
Current Acreage 400
Total Acreage 151a
Potential Population 155053
Recommended Acreage 1551