Fishers Parks Plan_Phase 1.indd

Transcription

Fishers Parks Plan
Phase 1|July 2014
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PROJECT REVIEW COMMITTEE
Rachel Johnson, Assistant Director of Planning
Sean O’Grady, Assistant Director of Public Works
Sue Harrison, Senior Planner
Tony Elliot, Director of Parks and Recreation
PREPARED BY:
Erin Riley, Community Development Intern
Taylor Firestine, Community Development Intern
Ty Adley, Community Development Intern
REVIEW OF PREVIOUS PARKS PLAN
1-2
GLOSSARY
3-4
INVENTORY
5-52
PARKS MAPS
53-60
PARK INFORMATION
61-62
SUCCESSFUL AND INNOTIVE LOCAL PARKS
63-68
UDO REQUIREMENTS FOR OPEN SPACE
69-72
PARKS & HEALTH
73-74
PARKS & ENVIRONMENT
75-76
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
77-78
GRANTS AND FUNDING
79-80
PREVIOUS PARKS & RECREATION
MASTER PLAN SUMMARY
The timeline for the existing plan was 10 years set in 2005
and was to be complete in 2015. Demographic and population projections were addressed, as well as the existing
park facilities/trails and major priorities with plans of action. To complete this master plan, a wide range of data
was used including census and population projections,
population surveys, historic data, department contact information, Fishers Chamber of Commerce recognitions
and characteristics, GIS data, site inventory, public input,
and budget information.
2011-2015 PARKS & RECREATION
MASTER PLAN UPDATE SUMMARY
In July 2011, a 5-year plan update was created to supplement the existing 10-year master plan that was created in
2005. This update included a more extensive look into information about the community and the condition of existing facilities (e.g., parks, schools, undeveloped land, and
accessibility). Public participation was a major contribution
to the master plan update, and random and non-random
samples were taken for feedback on the existing parks.
Areas that need further analysis were pointed out along
with impact fees, an action plan with priorities listed, and
a schedule for improvements. Like the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the update pooled data from a variety of
sources such as United States Census data and Statistical
Analysis of Development, population projections, inventory
of parks and schools, site plans and maps, greenways and
proposed trails, 2005/2010 park “standards”, a parks survey, Southeastern Program of Recreational Team Sports,
Inc. (S.P.O.R.T.S.) projections and needs, and costs and
estimations.
1
GOAL OF CURRENT PARK PLAN
The goal of the Fishers Park Plan is to create a vision
for Fishers’ Park System with public input and interdepartmental plan development. This plan will outline a strategy
to meet the parks needs of Fishers’ residents to 2040. It
will also determine the desired quantity, distribution, and
type of the City’s future parks inventory based on community input, population projections (demographics and
anticipated capacity needs), geographic land distribution,
and future land use needs. The plan will act as a blueprint
for future parks, and land use decisions by staff and elected officials. The scope of the plan is to cover all existing
and planned parks and open space, but will not include
greenways (although referenced) nor activities and programming (although park amenities are included).
2
ACTIVE PARK
Active recreation includes activities that are competitive
such as sports and non-competitive such as enjoying
playground equipment. The sports are often unscheduled
games and recreational leagues.
ATHLETIC PARK
Athletic recreation consists of organized sports teams
whether that is school related, recreational, or competitive
travel leagues such as baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer,
and softball.
COMMUNITY PARKS
Community parks are larger diverse areas with some with
preserved environmental features. They often meet the
communities’ recreation needs or preserve significant natural areas. They are often 20-50 acres in size and have
a service area between ½-1 ½ miles (RDG Planning &
Design, 2009).
MINI PARKS
Mini parks are generally less than one acre, and often
found in most urban settings. They address specific recreation or open space needs with places to sit, and have a
service are of less than a ¼ mile (RDG Planning & Design,
2009).
MULTI-USE PARKS
REGIONAL PARK
A multi-use park is a park that is utilized for more than one
specific activity. This could mean the combination of active and passive park functions.
A regional park often draws people and athletic teams outside
of the greater Fishers community. These parks are more than
50 acres with a service size of 1 ½ - 3 miles, and often include
intensive recreational facilities or large nature preserves (RDG
Planning & Design, 2009).
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Neighborhood parks are the most common park. They
provide opportunities and spaces for informal active and
passive recreation. These parks are often 5- 10 acres in
size with 2-3 acres dedicated to open space. This type
of park generally has a service area between ¼ - ½ mile
around the park (RDG Planning & Design, 2009).
PASSIVE PARK
Passive recreation includes activities that are unorganized
and noncompetitive such as picnicking, hiking, bird watching, and bicycling.
3
TRAILHEADS
Trailheads are not always parks, but sometimes will have park
and recreational amenities, such as playgrounds and shelters.
Trailheads designate the beginning or end of a trail system allowing users to park their vehicle and bike then utilize the trails.
RESOURCES
RDG Planning & Design (2009). Parks and Recreation. In Carlisle Comprehensive Plan (Chapter 5). http://www.rdgusa.com/crp/carlisle/Chapter%20
5%20Parks%20and%20Recreation.pdf
4
INTRODUCTION
Fishers’ parks system was inventoried for the purpose of
attaining a snapshot in time of the services, features, assets, and deficiencies that exist throughout the system.
A three person team of community development interns
evaluated the parks over a month period in the summer of
2014. Parks and facilities were quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated by use and condition. This analysis provides insight into the current state of Fishers’ overall parks
system.
Parks tend to be programmed for active and athletic recreation, with a range of fields and sports facilities (e.g. Cyntheanne Park, Cumberland Park, Mudsock Fields, and
Olio Fields); natural areas, most of which are largely undeveloped and home to mature hardwood trees, prairies,
and hiking trails (e.g. Ritchey Woods, Sand Creek, Thorpe
Creek, Cheeney Creek, and Hoosier Woods); and more
traditional parks with diverse uses (e.g. Billericay, Brooks
School, Harrison Thompson, and Roy G. Holland Memorial parks).
This inventory will be used to consider what steps the Fishers Parks Department should take in the coming years to
diversify the system’s offerings, enhance, and maintain
existing facilities as the community continues to grow.
Note: * denote parks that are currently planned or under
construction, as of July 2014.
5
6
BEE CAMP CREEK TRAILHEAD*
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
At about 0.25 acres, the Central Green and adjoining Liberty Plaza Veterans Memorial is under construction (as of
summer 2014) and will be completed in 2015. The Central
Green will be a passive community park, offering a vista of
Town Hall and a gathering space for Nickel Plate District
visitors. The green will include angled parking spaces on
the east and west sides and a large planting of trees. Permeable pavers will be installed as a result of an initiative
to include more sustainable features within Fishers’ parks.
Also, with an increasing desire to include more indigenous
materials within the parks, limestone seating walls will be
incorporated into the green.
At roughly 0.5 acres, Bee Camp Creek is a trailhead slated to open in 2014. Bee Camp Creek Trailhead is in close
proximity of the Ambria residential subdivision, near Olio
Road south of East 104th Street. The trailhead sits adjacent to Bee Camp Creek and a mature tree line along its
paths. Programmed for passive recreation purposes, the
Bee Camp Creek Trailhead includes connections to multiple multiuse paths, a playground, and ten-space parking
lot. One mile of new trails will connect to an existing 1.5mile trail at Timberstone Villas.
M
DR
OLIO RD
CENTRAL GREEN*
7
EEN
ARK
d
CENT
FLAT FORK CREEK PARK*
RIVERSIDE FIELDS*
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
When complete in fall 2014, Flat Fork Creek Park will be a 59 acre,
large regional park, located at Cyntheanne Road and East 101st
Street. Park amenities will include a shelter and restroom building, walking paths and hiking trails, 50’ sledding hill, mountain bike
course, tree houses, and fishing ponds. In addition, 20 acres of
land will be dedicated to reforestation. All facilities will follow ADA
standards for accessibility.
At roughly 12 acres, Riverside Fields is a neighborhood
park located just north of Riverside Junior High School
along Eller Road. The park is bordered by Wapihani Nature Preserve to the west and dense tree coverage directly
east. Single-family homes are located further east to the
park. Acquired by Fishers in 2014, amenities will include
three (3) newly constructed baseball diamonds, restroom
building, and pedestrian paths for access (all to be completed in 2015). The park’s programmed for athletic recreational use.
NNE RD
AM
8
BILLERICAY PARK
SUMMARY
At 43.5 acres, Billericay is a regional park located at Promise Road and East 126th Street, along Interstate 69. The
park is just south of Fishers High School, Sand Creek Elementary School, and Sand Creek Intermediate School.
Several single-family residential subdivisions are within a
quarter-mile radius of the park. Billericay Park is an active/athletic recreational area, serving as a regional park.
Amenities include eight (8) ball diamonds, batting cages,
1.75 miles of multiuse trails, playground, splash pad, and
community center, among other facilities.
EVALUATION/INVENTORY
The park was evaluated and inventoried in the mid-morning
hours of Tuesday, June 3, 2014.
The weather was mostly
sunny with a temperature of 79o F. The splash pad area of
Billericay was very popular on this day, with approximately 100 visitors; children, parents, and grandparents were
present at the splash pad, which appeared to be the most
popular facility in the Fishers parks system.
Notable observations include worn grassed areas in and
near the batting cages, weathering/chipped paint on the
bike racks, bulletin boards near ball diamonds were damaged, and playgrounds near ballparks could use updating.
OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT
Most visitors suggested that larger shaded seating areas
be offered for parents or guardians watching their children
at the splash pad. On the day the park was inventoried,
there was a noticeable crowding issue, with most picnic
tables and shade seating occupied. A parent suggested
that the ground beneath the playground area be covered
with recycled rubber instead of mulch, as mulch tends to
be kicked into the splash pad area. A second pavilion with
seating or shade sails would greatly improve the crowding
issue at the splash pad’s pavilion, and provide additional
protection from the sun for park-goers.
9
Billericay’s program, with an emphasis on active and athletic recreational activities, proved to be a popular one with visitors. The
splash pad was an outstanding example of a regional draw within
the Fishers parks system. One family mentioned that they routinely
travel from McCordsville (about 10 miles away) to take advantage
of the Billericay splash pad. The trails, playgrounds, and ball diamonds were all in exceptional condition with little wear and tear.
Billericay Park
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
PROMISE RD
This map was derived using parcel
data supplied by Hamilton County,
Indiana Information Services.
This map is for display purposes
only and is not to be considered
accurate for legal descriptions or
other legal purposes.
Legend
BILLERICAY PARK
I6
9S
Creeks
I6
Park Property
Trail Heads
I6
Trails
I6
´
9S
9N
9N
E 126TH ST
OLD 126TH ST
HOOSIER RD
450
225
0
450 Feet
Town of Fishers
Development Department
One Municipal Drive
Fishers Indiana 46038
10
BROOKS SCHOOL PARK
SUMMARY
At 16.5 acres, Brooks School Park is a community park located near the intersection of East 116th Street and Brooks
School Road, between Mud Creek and the single-family
residential subdivision of Sandstone. The park contains
large areas of open green space, with mature trees lining
Mud Creek. A pedestrian bridge connects the playground
and pavilion area (west of Mud Creek) with the parking lot
and restrooms (east of Mud Creek). A 0.75 mile multi-use
path meanders along Mud Creek and the perimeter of the
park.
Brooks School Park was evaluated and inventoried in the
mid-morning hours of Wednesday, May 28, 2014.
There
were overcast skies, with a temperature of 71o F. There
were dozens of visitors, ranging from joggers and dog
walkers, to children and a women’s yoga meeting. All facilities, signage, and amenities were in excellent condition,
with several young trees planted along the perimeter of
the park.
Notable observations include worn grassed areas in and
near the batting cages, weathering/chipped paint on the
bike racks, bulletin boards near ball diamonds were damaged, and playgrounds near ballparks could use updating.
11
One park visitor mentioned that shaded seating areas
were at a premium, mostly due to the park’s popularity and
number of young trees. Planting additional trees that will
grow to have large canopies or adding another pavilion,
closer to the playground with seating, would increase the
availability of shaded seating for parents and grandparents
who wish to supervise their children on the playground.
Encouraging and enhancing play along Mud Creek should
be an important goal for the future of the park; this feature
is unique within the parks system and very popular among
young children. The open space/multi-purpose field area
nearest to 116th Street could be a suitable location for a
skate park, an amenity that has been mentioned in past
public input on parks. Fishers’ first public tennis courts
would also be suitable here.
Brooks School’s program successfully employs a mixed-use active/
passive approach to its land. The vast majority of the park is preserved as open space for athletic fields. Nearly a mile of multiuse
trails encircles the park, allowing for various pedestrian and bicycle
connections to the surrounding single family residential subdivisions. A basketball court, playground, pavilion, and accessibility to
Mud Creek create a vibrant and diversified set of uses for visitors.
Brooks School Park
LIM
N
TO
ES
ED
DRIFTSTONE DR
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
R
COB B
LEFIEL
D CT
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
Legend
SIL
VE
RA
Creeks
DO
LV
D
EB
BROOKS SCHOOL RD
LES
TO
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HA
MB
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BB
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LED
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STO
RO
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KC
NE
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IR
DR
BROOKS SCHOOL PARK
DR
Park Property
Trail Heads
Trails
E 116TH ST
´
SANDERLING TRCE
400
200
0
AC
AL
AP
AN
HI
W
AY
400 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
Fishers, Indiana 46038
www.fishers.in.us
June 2014
12
CHEENEY CREEK NATURAL AREA
SUMMARY
The pond appeared to have an issue with algae. Noise detracted
from the nature experience, with construction of multi-family units
to the south of the park and traffic from Interstate 69.
At 27.2 acres, Cheeney Creek Park is a neighborhood park
located at Lantern Road and Fishers Pointe Boulevard,
near Interstate 69 and the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority
Railroad. The park is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, which consists mostly of single-family homes and
multi-family apartments. The park is heavily wooded with
a pond, and the southern border of the park follows the
course of Cheeney Creek. The park can be accessed from
Fishers Pointe Boulevard.
Cheeney Creek Natural Area is a passive recreational
area, including nearly two (2) miles of hiking and nature
trails and a pond for fishing. The park’s program, with an
emphasis on passive recreational opportunities (e.g. hiking, bird watching, fishing), was adequate including fairly
appropriate facilities conducive to these activities.
The Cheeney Creek Natural Area was evaluated and inventoried on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, in the mid-afternoon
hours. The weather waso partly cloudy with high humidity
and a temperature of 86 F. The park was in light use, with
a handful of hikers visible.
Erosion control should be a priority along Cheeney Creek,
especially with construction and stormwater runoff immediately south of the park. The park could benefit from improved signage visibility (e.g. moving the welcome sign
to the intersection of Lantern Road and Fishers Pointe
Boulevard) and increasing available benches and trash
receptacles along trails. The addition of native plant and
tree identification signage throughout the park would be a
beneficial educational component. The trails at Cheeney
Creek Natural Area could be widened slightly to accommodate parks and recreation maintenance vehicles that
drive the paths. Because the trails lacked gravel and were
narrow in some spots, these vehicles had left deep tire
tracks in the mud, leaving some trails uneven and potentially dangerous; however, it should be necessary to limit
ATV use on trails or restrict it completely to protect natural
areas.
13
Cheeney Creek is slated to be the location of a new trailhead and
paved multipurpose trail in 2015.
Cheeney Creek Natural Area
Town Council
FISH
E
Linda Gaye Cordell
DR E
DAVIS WAY
Clerk-Treasurer
A
NORTH C
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TRA
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Trails
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Parks
TE B
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Legend
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HIDDEN R
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Trail Heads
OIN
FOXTAIL CT
HEATHER LN
Creeks
RS
P
CHEENEY CREEK NATURAL AREA
BRIAR STONE LN
TIMBER SPRINGS
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
580
290
0
580 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
July 2014
14
CUMBERLAND PARK
SUMMARY
At 38 acres, Cumberland is a community park located
at East 106th Street and Cumberland Road. The park is
bisected by Mud Creek, with mature trees bordering the
west and small, single-family residential neighborhoods
(Bradford Knoll and Pine Bluff Overlook) to the north and
southeast. Cumberland is an athletic park, with a pavilion,
community center, concession and restroom building, seven (7) soccer fields, and disc golf course. About half a mile
of nature and multi-use trails are available in the park.
Cumberland Park was evaluated and inventoried in the
mid-afternoon hours of Tuesday, May 27, 2014. The
weather
was partly cloudy with a slight breeze, humid, and
88o F. The park was in very light use.
Adding paved trails between the athletic fields and disc
golf course to connect to the existing multi-use paths and
parking lot would provide an easier way of access for visitors with strollers or wheelchairs. Bleachers could also be
added to the fields for the comfort of guests utilizing the
park for athletic events. Reclaiming at least one of the soccer fields for a separate recreational use (e.g. a “boundless
playground” or ADA-compliant splash pad incorporating
Mud Creek) could help diversify the park’s program and
turning the park into a true “community” gathering center,
especially for residents in the adjacent neighborhoods.
Cumberland Park could also be considered for a hands-on
“adventure play area,” geared toward children embracing
nature (e.g. Mud Zone, Plant Zone, Water Zone, etc.).
Emphasizing active recreational activities (e.g. soccer, trails, and
disc golf), Cumberland Park includes facilities in excellent condition
with enough quality space to accommodate soccer tournaments
and other sporting events.
15
Cumberland Park
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
F DR
PINE BLUF
OAK
KNOL
L LN
E 106TH ST
Clerk-Treasurer
MB
CU
LA
ER
ND
PA
D
RK
R
CUMBERLAND RD
OVERCREST DR
Linda Gaye Cordell
CUMBERLAND PARK
BROTHERS CT
Creeks
Trail Heads
Parks
B
O
DF
RA
RD
KN
L
OL
DR
CT
BOXWOOD
Legend
Trails
´
440
220
0
440 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
July 2014
16
CYNTHEANNE PARK
SUMMARY
Spanning 51.9 acres, Cyntheanne Park is a large regional park located near the intersection of Cyntheanne Road
and 126th Street, north of Southeastern Parkway. The
park borders Hamilton Southeastern Junior High School
to the south, some single-family homes to the west and
north, and agriculture and woodlands in the surrounding
vicinity. Cyntheanne Park is an athletic recreational park
containing five (5) multi-use athletic fields, a mile of multiuse paths and nature trails, playgrounds, and a concession/restroom building. An extensive paved parking lot is
included, with 595 parking spaces, 12 of which are handicap spaces.
The park was evaluated and inventoried in the mid-afternoon hours of Friday, May 30, 2014. The weather waso
sunny, hot, and muggy, with a temperature of about 86
F. Very few visitors were using the park at inventory time;
however, a couple of bicyclists and joggers utilized the
path along the perimeter of the athletic fields.
The park is in excellent condition overall, though a few opportunities for improvement do exist. Planting shade trees
near the concession and restroom building, especially surrounding the playgrounds, would reduce direct afternoon
sunlight and create a more comfortable experience for
park users not in bleachers watching matches. Also, extending the paths from the bleachers (where they currently
end) south to connect with the perimeter path would offer
more connections across the athletic fields. Encouraging
increase natural prairie growth (especially along the north
perimeter and northeast corner of the park) should be a
priority to enhance native ecosystems, diversify the current offerings of the park, and cutting the costs on maintaining grass.
17
Cyntheanne North Park
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
E 126TH ST
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
Legend
CYNTHEANNE PARK NORTH
CYNTHEANNE RD
Creeks
Park Property
Trail Heads
Trails
´
380
190
0
380 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
18
ELLER FIELDS
SUMMARY
At 4.6 acres, Eller Fields is a small neighborhood park located on Eller Road, north of Allisonville Road. The park is
bordered to the north by a single-family residential neighborhood (Eller Commons), to the east by a multi-family
residential complex (Deer Brook Apartments), and to the
west by the Fishers Department of Public Works Maintenance Garage and Wastewater Treatment Plant. Eller
Fields is an active recreational park, including a baseball
and softball field and a playground with some open green
space.
The park was evaluated and inventoried in the mid-afternoon hours of Friday, May 23, 2014. The weather
was
sunny and comfortable, with a temperature of 72o F. Upon
arrival, there were no park users, though it appears the
parking lot was being used for employees at the adjacent
Public Works Garage.
Notable observations include the ball diamonds, picnic table, bleachers, playground, and restrooms being in good
condition and well-maintained. Sections of the wood fence,
chain-linked fence, and water fountain button are currently
broken or damaged.
The green space surrounding the ball diamonds and playground noticeably lacked tree coverage or shade. There
were only a few issues with wear and tear around the ball
diamonds, like damaged wood and chain link fencing.
There was also a noticeable deficiency in the pedestrian and bicycle accessibility to the park. Multi-use paths
abruptly end just short of the park itself, stopping at Eller
Road and the access drive to the parking lot and maintenance garage. Overall, fixing some normal wear and tear
on the park and adding shade trees will greatly improve
the park’s aesthetics and comfort for visitors. Improved pedestrian and bicycle connections to the surrounding residential neighborhoods should also be a priority to ensure
safe access across Eller Road.
19
The park’s program, with an emphasis on active recreational opportunities (e.g. baseball and softball, children’s play, etc.), was
adequate, with appropriate facilities conducive to these activities.
Though it appeared to be unplanned, the “green fence” between
the baseball field and Eller Road was an interesting addition to the
park, intentional or not.
Hoosier Woods
Town Council
WOODMILL DR
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
ELLER DR
Clerk-Treasurer
ELLER RD
Linda Gaye Cordell
ELLER FIELDS
Legend
Creeks
Park Property
Trail Heads
Trails
´
160
80
0
160 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
June 2014
20
FISHERS HERITAGE PARK AT WHITE
RIVER
SUMMARY
At 32.4 acres, Fishers Heritage Park at White River is a
community park located at the intersection of East 106th
Street and Eller Road. Single-family residential subdivisions border the park to the south and east, while dense
tree coverage and the White River borders the park to the
north and west. Fishers Heritage Park is a passive recreational park, including open green space, a sledding hill,
1.02 miles of multi-use paths and riverfront trails, and the
Ambassador House and Gardens. Bird watching, hiking,
picnicking, jogging, walking, and sledding are common activities supported by the park.
The Ambassador House is privately operated and hosts
special events, such as weddings and receptions. In 1999,
the Ambassador House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, one of only two such designees in
the town.
The park was evaluated and inventoried in the early afternoon hours of Friday, May 23, 2014. The
weather was
sunny and clear, with a temperature of 72o F.
A “tranquility park” with expanded flower gardens, addition of water features, aromatic floral displays, sculptures/
public art, and textured pathways (e.g. “sensory garden”)
could evolve Fishers Heritage Park from a community
park to a regional draw. The opportunity of expanding the
existing trail along the White River into a greenway with
connections to other local destinations (i.e. Carmel’s Hazel Landing Park, Conner Prairie, etc.) would bring more
recreational opportunities to Fishers’ riverfront. Continuing
to capitalize on the Ambassador House as a historic landmark and events space is important in sustaining the park
as a community asset.
21
Heritage Meadows Park
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Ra
il R
oa
d
SOUTH ST
Clerk-Treasurer
HERITAGE MEADOWS PARK
MO
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YC
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MORGAN DR
LINCOLN CT
MEADOWS DR
LN
M
SSO
SP
RIN
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Trails
BL O
Trail Heads
AU
TU
MN
H
Park Property
AR
VE
ST
Creeks
FRANCES ST
LANTERN RD
DR
Legend
FOUNTAINVIEW LN
No
rfo
lk
EMMANUEL CT
We
ste
rn
Linda Gaye Cordell
ROYAL DR
FOU
N
DER
S PL
´
300
150
0
300 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
June 2014
22
HAMILTON PROPER PARK
options for nearby residents may work to better integrate the park
with nearby residences.
SUMMARY
At 18.5 acres, Hamilton Proper is a community park located at the intersection of Hoosier Road and East 116th
Street, surrounded by single-family subdivisions to the
south, east, and west, while a farmstead zoned R-2 sits
to the north of the park. A mature tree line along the south
border separates Hamilton Proper from The Hawthorns
Golf Course. Hamilton Proper is an athletic recreational
park while dually serving as a passive green space which
holds Mud Creek’s floodwaters during periods of heavy
rainfall or snowmelt. The park includes four multi-use athletic fields, open space, a retention basin, and gravel parking.
The park was evaluated and inventoried in the midmorning
hours of Thursday, May 28, 2014. The weather
was sunny
with overcast skies and a temperature of 71o F. At the time
of inventory, there were no visitors at Hamilton Proper.
Scenario 1 (keep current central functions): Although multiuse athletic fields are the main draw to Hamilton Proper,
there was a noticeable lack of permanent and/or shaded
seating. Planting additional trees near the pond with a
walking trail and seating could open the park to a greater range of users. Native tree plantings and natural grass
growth will eliminate maintenance costs and help alleviate
erosion during periods of flooding.
Scenario 2 (transformative development): Besides Brooks
School Park, Hamilton Proper could be another option for
the location of a skate park. Hamilton Proper’s central location along 116th Street and space for parking and expansion is ideal; however, it’s important to research how
the use of concrete over an extensive area of the park
would affect stormwater runoff and flooding along Mud
Creek. Though it may be suitable in terms of space, this
scenario may not be the most feasible.
23
A sidewalk runs between the north side of the park and
East 116th Street; however, there are no pedestrian or bicycle connections to the park from surrounding neighborhoods. Providing safe and accommodating transportation
Hamilton Proper appears to be one of the lesser-used parks within
the system, given the small number of facilities and singular program of the park.
Hamilton Proper Park
HOOSIER RD
KITTERY DR
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Clerk-Treasurer
E 116TH ST
Linda Gaye Cordell
Legend
HAMILTON PROPER PARK
Creeks
Park Property
Trail Heads
Trails
´
380
190
0
HA
W
WHISTLER PASS
HERITAG E PT
HAMILTON PASS
TH
O
RN
RD
G
380 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
24
HARRISON THOMPSON PARK
SUMMARY
At 10 acres, Harrison Thompson Park is a neighborhood
park located at the intersection of Harrison Parkway and
Conner Knoll Parkway in the midst of a several conjoined
single-family residential subdivisions. Harrison Thompson
Park is an active recreational park with several amenities,
including two formal ball diamonds and one informal ball
diamond, a soccer field, playground, restrooms, picnic
shelter, and multi-use trails.
The park was evaluated and inventoried in the mid-morning hours of Tuesday, May 27, 2014. The weather waso
partly cloudy and very muggy, with a temperature of 75
F. Including town landscape maintenance staff, the park’s
multi-use paths were frequented by joggers and dog walkers.
Vandalized facilities appeared to be the largest problem,
with many walls and equipment looking weathered or outdated. Some playground equipment (especially the slide),
garage door near the restrooms, and shed walls were in
need of attention. The fences around the ballparks, though
intact, appear to be rusted. Overall, Harrison Thompson
Park is in acceptable condition. The tree coverage, athletic facilities, and multi-use trails are assets that enable
the park to be a popular destination for recreation. However, vandalized facilities and dead or dying ash trees work
against these positive attributes and create a less than
attractive community gathering space. Sand volleyball
courts could be a possible addition to the park.
Harrison Thompson Park appears to be well-utilized. The
park’s program, with an emphasis on active recreational
opportunities, was very adequate, with appropriate facilities conducive to these activities. The soccer field, ball diamonds, and 0.75 miles of multiuse paths were all in very
good condition. In addition to its connectivity and ease of
access to the residential setting, another strength was the
tree coverage. Though, it appeared to be diminishing from
dead or dying ash trees.
25
Harrison Thompson Park
Town Council
BARNETT PL
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
CO
NN
ER
KN
O
LL
P
KY
HARRISON PKY
Legend
Creeks
Park Property
Trail Heads
ACADIA PL
´
ARDENNES DR
Trails
200
100
0
200 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
June 2014
26
SUMMARY
At roughly 6.5 acres, Heritage Meadows Park encompasses two pocket parks located in the Heritage Meadows
single-family residential neighborhood. They are currently
used as active neighborhood parks, linked by a multi-use
path. The north pocket park includes exercise stations,
while the south pocket park (also known as Big Wheel
Park) includes playground equipment and a children’s “big
wheel” bike track. The parks were acquired by Fishers in
2014. Heritage Meadows Park will include a multi-use path
connection via the Nickel Plate Trail (north to downtown
Fishers and south to Cheeney Creek Natural Area) as well
as new playground equipment.
Heritage Meadows Park was inventoried in the mid-morning hours of June 3, 2014. The weather
was partly cloudy
and humid, with a temperature of 73o F. It appeared that the
north park was rarely used, with the exception of joggers
on its paths. Big Wheel Park’s visitors included grandparents supervising their grandchildren playing on the playground.
Fishers acquired the park in 2014. Plans include replacing the substandard playground equipment and removing
the exercise stations to provide open space. The multi-use
paths will also be widened and resurfaced in preparation
with connecting to the Nickel Plate Trail in coming years.
The mature trees at Big Wheel Park should be preserved
and accommodated in future plans to save shade for
comfortable seating. A recycling receptacle, trail mileage
signs, and signage denoting this as a section of the Nickel
Plate Trail should also be installed. Though the north exercise park has been proposed to become green space, and
interesting, interactive installation could activate this end
of the park. A porch swing grove would invite guests and
neighbors to mingle together.
27
Heritage Meadows Park
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Ra
il R
oa
d
SOUTH ST
Clerk-Treasurer
MO
LL
YC
T
MORGAN DR
LINCOLN CT
MEADOWS DR
LN
M
SSO
SP
RIN
G
Trails
BL O
Trail Heads
AU
TU
MN
H
Park Property
AR
VE
ST
Creeks
FRANCES ST
LANTERN RD
DR
Legend
FOUNTAINVIEW LN
No
rfo
lk
EMMANUEL CT
We
ste
rn
Linda Gaye Cordell
ROYAL DR
FOU
N
DER
S PL
´
300
150
0
300 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
June 2014
28
HOOSIER WOODS
SUMMARY
At 10.1 acres, Hoosier Woods is a neighborhood park located just to the west of Hoosier Road Elementary School
at East 121st Street. The park can be accessed from Sweet
Creek Trail in the Sumerlin Trails single-family residential
subdivision. Hoosier Woods is a passive recreational area
used for such activities as bird watching and hiking. The
park is heavily forested with mature trees and includes a
0.66 mile nature trail.
Hoosier Woods was inventoried on Friday, June 6, 2014.
It was sunny, with a temperature in the mid-70’s. The park
appeared to be very lightly used.
Adding gravel to the nature trails with a couple of benches would create a more welcoming atmosphere for park
users, as the trails were quite narrow and muddy on the
day of inventory. Improved signage and better connections
with East 121st Street would expand the park from being a
small neighborhood amenity to a community nature area.
Maintaining Hoosier Woods as a natural area with little development could be the best and highest use for the park
due to its small size and dense, hardwood forests.
29
Hoosier Woods
SC
H
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
SWEET CREEK TRL
OO
LH
O
US
E
RD
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
TREASURE TRL
Legend
Creeks
Park Property
SAGAMORE WOODS DR
HOOSIER WOODS
ROUNDTREE RD
Trail Heads
Trails
BIRD KEY BLVD
E 121ST ST
´
250
125
0
250 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
June 2014
30
MUDSOCK FIELDS
SUMMARY
At 12.2 acres, Mudsock Fields is a community park off
of Interstate 69 to the south on Packers Drive within The
Bristols, a single-family residential subdivision. Mudsock
Fields is programmed for active/athletic recreation.
Mudsock Fields was inventoried in the mid-morning hours
of Monday, June 2, 2014.
The weather was overcast with
a temperature of 75o F. There were no visitors on the day
of inventory; however, the park is heavily-used for sporting
events, especially in the fall.
The park was in excellent condition; however, pedestrian
or bicycle paths could be better connected between The
Bristols neighborhood and the park to allow for better access. As it stands now, the park is very car-oriented. Bike
racks may also be an opportunity to encourage bicycling
as an alternative to vehicle. More recycling receptacles
should also be available. Fishers’ first public tennis courts
could be a welcome addition to Mudsock to welcome more
daily users besides just sporting events using the multiuse fields.
31
Mudsock Fields
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
E 131ST ST
E 131ST ST
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
I6
9S
I6
I6
9N
9S
Legend
I6
9N
PA
MUDSOCK FIELDS
Creeks
SA
ER
K
C
VE
Park Property
Trail Heads
Trails
S
DER
RAI
D
BL V
EE
CH
RS
DE
CT
CO S D
BRON
EA
RL
´
SEAHAWKS LN
R
300
150
0
300 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
32
NICKEL PLATE DISTRICT
AMPHITHEATER
SUMMARY
At about 3.5 acres, the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater
and surrounding green space is a community park located on the north side of the Thomas A. Weaver Memorial
Municipal Complex on Municipal Drive. The amphitheater
is just south and east of the Sunblest Apartment Homes
and to the north of Fishers’ central business district. Expandable parking is available surrounding the ellipse, as
well as the asphalt parking lots between Fishers’ municipal
buildings. Handicap spaces are available at these parking
locations. The Nickel Plate Amphitheater is a passive recreational area utilized for community events (e.g. Movies
in the Park, Fishers Farmers Market) and concerts with
a capacity for 5,000 spectators. The surrounding green
space is also home to seating and a gazebo.
The Amphitheater area was inventoried around noon on
Monday, June 2, 2014. It was partly cloudy and humid,
with a temperature in the mid-70s. Although there were
no park users at the time of inventory, the amphitheater is
heavily-used in the warmer seasonal months, especially
summer evenings where it hosts concerts and community
events.
Bike racks should be installed to encourage visitors to use
the Nickel Plate Trail and active modes of transportation
(i.e., bicycling and walking). Encouraging daytime activities or events in the park (besides concerts) throughout
the week would appeal to a larger crowd, especially retired
or the Baby Boomer demographic. Free Workout Wednesdays with the Fishers YMCA is a successful example of
this already occurring.
33
Amphitheater
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
AMPHITHEATER
Legend
Trail Heads
MUNICIPAL DR
Trails
Creeks
Park Property
´
140
70
0
140 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
May 2014
34
OLIO FIELDS
SUMMARY
At 18 acres, Olio Fields is a community park located off
East 126th Street, just east of Hamilton Southeastern High
School and Olio Road. Single-family residential subdivisions border the southern, northern, and eastern boundaries of the park. Avalon of Fishers (north), Royalwood
(south), and South Avalon Estates (west) sit adjacent to
Olio Fields. Olio Fields is an active recreational park. Facilities include a playground, six (6) softball fields, a baseball field, a pavilion, and a concessions/restroom building.
Olio Fields was evaluated and inventoried in the mid-morning hours of Thursday, May 28,
2014. The weather was
sunny with haze, muggy and 71o F. There were no park visitors at the time of inventory; however, the park is heavily
used for tournaments and other baseball-related events.
Bike and pedestrian connections appeared to be an area
most in need of improvement at Olio Fields. An informal
path has formed between the park and the Royalwood
subdivision. Connecting Royalwood’s asphalt path with
the concrete path that runs north-south alongside the softball fields should be a priority. No concrete or asphalt path
exists between the Patrick A. Hatcher Field and concession/restroom building.
35
Olio Fields
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
Legend
OLIO FIELDS
Creeks
Park Property
Trail Heads
Trails
´
250
125
0
250 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
June 2014
36
POCKET PARK
SUMMARY
At about 4,000 square feet, the Pocket Park is located at
the block of East 116th Street between Jaycee Street and
Moore Street in downtown Fishers. The park is surrounded
by one- and two-story commercial businesses. The Pocket
Park is a mini park with amenities for passive recreation,
including bike racks, benches, chalkboards, a stage, and
game table. A local artist’s mural graces the side of a fence
bordering the park.
The Pocket Park was inventoried in the mid-morning hours
of Tuesday, June 3, 2014. The weather
was partly cloudy
and humid, with a temperature of 73o F. All amenities were
in excellent, new condition. Although there were no visitors
at the time of inventory, the park is a popular rest destination during downtown events and patrons of nearby
restaurants and businesses.
Blocking noise or alleviating traffic congestion from East
116th Street would improve the comfort level of the Pocket Park. The park itself is in excellent condition, but vehicle congestion from 116th hinders the experience. Traffic
calming measures within the Nickel Plate District, as well
as brightly painted crosswalks, or midblock pedestrian
crossings might improve the overall experience and safety
for guests. The park is a popular seating area for Handel’s
Ice Cream customers, leaving seating at a premium during
peak times. Using the Pocket Park as a place to showcase
public art (i.e. open-air gallery) with temporary sculpture
or mural exhibits could help increase activity in the park
outside of peak times (i.e. Tuesday Night concerts, early
evenings), especially in anticipation of the Maple Street
improvements.
37
Pocket Park
Town Council
MOORE ST
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
JAYCEE ST
Legend
POCKET PARK
Creeks
Park Property
Trail Heads
Trails
E 116TH ST
´
40
20
0
40 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
38
RITCHEY WOODS NATURE PRESERVE
SUMMARY
At 127 acres, Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve is a regional park located at the intersection of Hague Road and East
106th Street. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport borders the park to the south and west, with businesses located across Hague to the east. Single-family homes and
a residential subdivision are located across East 106th to
the north. About half of the park is moderately to heavily forested, with another half of the land serving as open
prairie. A small area of swamp is located in the western
section of the park. There is a spacious gravel parking lot
located on site. Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve is a large
passive recreational park with amenities that include, but
are not limited to, 2.25 miles of hiking trails, restrooms,
picnic shelter, and observation deck.
Ritchey Woods was evaluated in the mid-afternoon hours
of Tuesday, May 27, 2014.The weather was
partly cloudy
with high humidity and a temperature of 83o F.
Several picnickers, hikers, dog walkers, and a nature photographer were seen using the park’s facilities. The park
appears to be a popular destination with new facilities and
well-maintained amenities.
Minimal wear and tear was observed on park’s facilities.
Replacing a couple of missing trail signs, repairing the shed
on the Swamp Trail, and better weatherizing and maintaining the infobook on the Orchard Trail and entrance bulletin
board would be the largest areas for improvement. The
swamp area of the trail creates a destination point within
the park. Some trails appeared to be ADA accessible, including the prairie trails.
39
The park’s program, with an emphasis on passive recreational opportunities, was very adequate, with appropriate facilities conducive to these activities. The nature and hiking trails were of appropriate width and were very well maintained. Despite only two trash
receptacles and a single recycling receptacle, the park was in well
maintained/clean condition and offered an outstanding respite from
urban life.
Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
Town Council
RD
RNE
RBO
SHE
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
E 106TH ST
HAGUE RD
Legend
Creeks
Park Property
Trail Heads
Trails
´
600
300
0
600 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
June 2014
40
ROTARY ARCH PARK
SUMMARY
Spanning about 10,500 square feet, Rotary Arch Park is a
mini park located in the heart of downtown Fishers’ Nickel
Plate District. The park is at the southwest corner of the
intersection of East 116th Street and Lantern Road. An
arch monument welcomes guests into the park from the
intersection. Rotary Arch Park’s amenities include passive
recreational opportunities, such as bench seating, shade
trees, and flower gardens.
Rotary Arch Park was inventoried in the mid-morning hours
of Tuesday, June 3, 2014. The weather
was partly cloudy
and humid, with a temperature of 73o F.
The park’s physical condition is in excellent shape. Due to
the park abutting East 116th Street, one of the busiest and
most congested arterials into Fishers, car noise and traffic
have created a hostile environment for pedestrians. Traffic
calming measures within the Nickel Plate District, as well
as brightly painted crosswalks are opportunities to ensure
safer pedestrian access. A porch swing grove and additional bench seating could increase daily use of the park.
Plantings with a maximum height of 8’ could be ringed on
the 116th Street side of the park to create a buffer from
traffic noise.
41
Rotary Arch Park
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
E 116TH ST
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
ROTARY ARCH PARK
Legend
Creeks
Park Property
Trail Heads
LA
NT
ER
N
RD
Trails
´
50
25
0
50 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
June 2014
42
ROY G. HOLLAND MEMORIAL PARK
SUMMARY
Spanning 34.4 acres, Roy G. Holland Memorial Park is
a community park located within the Sunblest residential
subdivision and in the northwest corner of the Nickel Plate
District. The park is an active recreational park, with such
amenities as playgrounds, a picnic shelter, community
center, open space, ball diamonds, 1.25 miles of multiuse paths, and multi-use athletic fields. The park is also
home to the Fishers Freedom Festival, the largest annual
community event. In 2014, a new playground, shelter, and
splash pad were installed in the park.
Roy G. Holland Park was first inventoried on Friday, May
24, 2014, oin the mid-afternoon hours. It was mostly sunny and 72 F. Several children and families were visiting,
as well as joggers and dog walkers. The park was again
visited on Monday,
June 9, 2014. The weather was mostly
cloudy and 62o F. The second inventory day saw joggers,
walkers, and dozens of children for day camp.
Islands could be installed throughout the parking lot to
assist in pedestrian safety, stormwater management,
and naturally cool the pavement on hot summer days—
diminishing urban heat island effect. Some paved paths
between the ball diamonds could use some resurfacing
to avoid standing water and mud in the paths. Additional
benches surrounding the playground would benefit parents or guardian in supervising their children on the playgrounds. A few existing benches in this area appeared to
have sunken into the ground over time making it difficult to
get on and off the benches.
Overall, Roy G. Holland Park is one of Fishers’ most beloved parks. With the diverse range of recreational opportunities available there, the park functions as a true
community gathering space, not just for the Sunblest
neighborhood, but for the entire city.
43
Roy G. Holland Memorial Park
Town Council
PEW
TER
P
Y
LE
NT
BE
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
C
C
PL
VD
LY
AR
T
Linda Gaye Cordell
LY
AR
DR
L
SAKSONS BLVD
BL
C
Clerk-Treasurer
TURK
EL
FA
RL
E
Y
PL
FA
RL
E
Y
DR
ELLIPSE PK
Y
ROY G. HOLLAND MEMORIAL PARK
Legend
Creeks
KEMBLE
CT
PARK DR
Park Property
Trail Heads
Trails
KENETTA CT
LN
400
200
0
LN
LD
FIE
R
SP
RIN
G
D
ON
REGENCY DR
´
T
ASH
HO
LL
DAWSON DR
AND
DR
W
VIE
RK
PA
400 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
June 2014
44
SAND CREEK NATURAL AREA
SUMMARY
At 7.8 acres, Sand Creek Natural Area is a neighborhood
park located between East 121st Street and Sand Creek.
The park is surrounded by the Sand Creek Woods and
Cumberland Woods single-family residential subdivisions.
At this time, the park does not include any amenities; however, there are mowed trails through the heavily forested park. The park is programmed for passive recreational
use, with activities like hiking and bird watching.
Paving the mowed trails and bridging a connection between the existing trail running along the south bank of
Sand Creek would allow guests (especially in the Sand
Creek Woods and Cumberland Woods neighborhoods) to
jog, walk, or bicycle on a greenway between 116th Street
and 121st Street. The addition of a few picnic tables and
trash receptacles could make Sand Creek Natural Area a
true neighborhood gathering space. Sand Creek could be
considered as another hands-on “adventure play area” for
children.
45
Sand Creek Natural Area
BLUE SPRINGS LN
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
E 121ST ST
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
SAND CREEK NATURAL AREA
Legend
Creeks
Park Property
Trail Heads
Trails
EN
SP
A
D
R
´
190
95
0
190 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
46
SAXONY BEACH
SUMMARY
At about 1.25 acres, Saxony Beach is a community park
located along Saxony Lake on Pennington Road, just
north of East 131st Street. The beach is within the Saxony residential development. Amenities include a public
lakefront swimming beach, 4,500-square foot recreation
building (with restrooms and concessions), and multi-use
trails ringing the lake. On-street parking is available on
Pennington Road and Erlen Drive.
Adding a public boat launch could provide another access
point for boaters besides Geist Reservoir. Sail shades or
other shade structures could be installed along the beach
for guests’ comfort. Sand volleyball courts would also be a
suitable addition to the beach.
47
Saxony Beach
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
PENNINGTON RD
ERLEN DR
Legend
Creeks
Park Property
SAXONY BEACH
Trail Heads
Trails
´
150
75
0
150 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
48
THORPE CREEK NATURAL AREA
SUMMARY
Similar to Sand Creek, Thorpe Creek Natural Area is an
undeveloped neighborhood park used for passive recreational activities. The heavily wooded park covers 16.2
acres and is located directly east of Geist Overlook, a single-family residential subdivision.
Gravel trails could be planned for connections with nearby residential subdivisions for the opportunity of expanding Fishers’ trail network. Thorpe Creek would be another prime location for a hands-on “adventure play area” or
“extreme sports park,” with a rock climbing wall or military
boot camp-style obstacle course.
49
Thorpe Creek Natural Area
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
THORPE CREEK NATURAL AREA
Legend
Creeks
Park Property
CUCHARA CT
GRAN
Trails
BY C T
ANTONE CT
Trail Heads
TO
TLE
LIT
L
NP
´
ACACIO DR
300
150
0
300 Feet
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
June 2014
50
NON-MUNICIPAL PARKS
Two parks located within Fishers, though not included in
this plan, include Geist and Witten parks.
Geist is a 17-acre county park under the management and
jurisdiction of Hamilton County Parks. Geist includes a canoe launch, public restrooms, and a playground, among
other amenities. Witten is a private neighborhood park located within the Saxony development; Witten encompasses trails and open green space.
Because Fishers Department of Parks and Recreation
does not own nor maintain these parks, they were not analyzed in the community’s service area analysis.
CONCLUSION
The parks inventory concluded that Fishers possesses a
well-maintained, highly-regarded, clean, quality system
with few deficiencies; however, much of the current parks
system lacks a range of uses and programs to truly cater
to all recreational needs of the community and its evolving
demographics.
Based on the inventory and evaluation stage, top priorities
include continued expansion of the trail network, especially
greenway extensions linking parks with residential subdivisions. A White River trail connecting from Conner Prairie
with Fishers Heritage Park at White River and Riverside
Fields could extend to Carmel trails and parks, strengthening the regional pedestrian and bicycle transportation
network and recreational opportunities. Increasing access
and availability of parks and recreation with an emphasis
on alternate modes of transportation should be standard
for all community members.
Investing long-term in innovative assets is another priority;
the goal of diversifying parks system offerings and molding this system into something truly unique to Fishers that
appeal to each and every demographic and age group.
Ideas outlined for specific parks include a skate park,
floral/botanic gardens, sculpture/public art parks, handson “adventure play areas,” increased access to creeks,
a “boundless playground,” “extreme sports park,” use of
sustainable materials/recycling/composting, native plantings, sand volleyball courts, and public tennis courts.
51
Allocating funds to continue upkeep and maintenance of current
parks facilities (especially older parks that are already highly developed) is another priority (e.g. Roy G. Holland Memorial Park,
Billericay Park, and Harrison Thompson Park). Managing those
areas that currently make Fishers’ park system so successful and
highly-regarded should be equally as important as new park development in continuing to sustain quality parkland to match population growth.
COMMENTS FROM PARKS USERS
Comments from park users are important and useful when
approaching a vision for the Fishers Parks Plan, and the
comments can be used as background information for this
purpose. Each comment should not be taken as the views
of the majority of Fishers residents, but rather as the view
of individuals at the parks. The following comments were
taken from several park-goers during the month of June.
BILLERICAY PARK
Comments from eight park-goers:
•Three park-users enjoyed the splash pad for the access
to free outdoor water activities.
•Limited shaded seating in close proximity to the play areas.
•One resident preferred Carmel parks because they live
on the northwest side of town, but make the trip to Billericay for the splash pad.
•More tables are needed.
•Would prefer rubber material instead of wood chips in the
play areas.
•Public water fountain closer to the shelter.
•Concrete gets slick on the splash pad.
•Larger “big kids” play area.
•Does not like to take younger children to Brooks School
because too many older children play there.
•The combination of splash pad and playground is liked
because when their child gets bored with one feature of
the park, they can go play in a different location.
•Sometimes the restrooms are locked.
•Resident enjoys that you can rent the shelters for parties
and small get-togethers.
•More signs about where parking is located and where to
go. It can be confusing if you have never been to the
splash pad. The resident initially missed the road to parking near the splash pad and had to drive around the entire
facility to get back to the correct parking lot.
BROOKS SCHOOL PARK
Comments from three separate parties:
•Park-goer expressed concerns that the swings are too
high for kids (3-6 years old) .
•More shade is needed.
•Grandparents would like more shaded seating areas closer to the play areas.
•Children expressed concerns that the basketball rims
(double ring rims) are harder to make baskets than the conventional basketball rim.
HERITAGE MEADOWS: BIG WHEEL PARK
Comments from one park user:
•Nearby resident suggested better maintenance of jogging and bike
path.
•Suggested better and safer access from the south to the park.
•A lot of potential, but needs updated play equipment.
Comments from one park user:
•Remove the dead Ash trees and replace them.
•Tennis courts not located at the schools, and possibly adding one at
this location.
•This park is a great place to walk a dog.
ROY G. HOLLAND PARK
Comment from one park user:
•Enjoys using Roy G. Holland Park because there is enough space
for different activities.
Comment from one park user:
•Resident likes Ritchey Woods Park for walking.
GENERAL PARKS COMMENTS
Comments from four parks users:
•Prefer to attend parks on the east side of town, mostly due to proximity to their home.
•Resident commented on the parks in Fishers being some of the
best, well-maintained they have experienced.
•A suggestion was made by a resident to incorporate play equipment
geared towards a wide range of ages of children. It was harder to
watch their children when they are playing in the different areas.
•A suggestion was made to make the Parks Guide more pronounced
on the Town website.
•A suggestion was made to hold events at various times of the year
in different parks to get familiar with the different locations around
Fishers.
•Would like to see a public swimming pool that is not Home Owners
Association (HOA) owned in town.
•Enjoyed the treasure hunt through the parks.
•Loves the parks system in Fishers.
First and foremost, making the residents aware of Fishers’ parks and
what they have to offer is important. From several comments that
were made, it can be determined that the residents enjoyed events
that were held at the different parks locations. Organizing events at
various times throughout the year at rotating parks locations could
help familiarize the residents with the parks while bringing events
closer to different neighborhoods in the community. Some example
of seasonal events could include Halloween Trick-or-Treating at select park locations, pumpkin carving or launching competitions, more
scavenger hunts, bike tour or races through the parks, outdoor ice
rinks in the winter, city-wide snowball fight, or snowman/snow-sculpture building.
52
PARK MAPS SUMMARIES
FISHERS PARKS BASE MAP
The maps with the Parks Plan document look to identify
areas of need with Fishers where parks are need as Fishers continues to grow as well as better serve the already
established population. Each map serves a different purpose when identifying less serviced areas of Fishers.
This map identifies Fishers Parks as well as the incorporated areas of Fishers. This base map has the common layers that are found throughout the additional maps
of this document including major streets, water bodies,
parks, Fishers incorporated areas and a satellite image of
Fishers.
Fishers Parks Base Map
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
Clerk-Treasurer
Linda Gaye Cordell
Legend
Major Streets
Parks
Fishers Corporate Limits
53
2
1
0
2 Miles
.
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
July 2014
FISHERS PARKS & SCHOOLS
The Fishers Parks and Schools map gives a geographical
reference to where all of the parks and schools are located.
This spatial reference is helpful when identifying where a
park is in relation to the road network and school system.
This map helps identify where holes are when parks and
schools are combined with a ½ mile service area around
each because both offer amenities for public use.
Fishers Schools and Parks Service Areas
131ST
131ST
ATLANTIC
126TH
FLORIDA
RINGER
121ST
HOOSIER
OLIO
126TH
136TH
ATLANTIC
PENNINGTON
136TH
BROOKS SCHOOL
MARILYN
HOWE
PROMISE
Linda Gaye Cordell
146TH
CYNTHEANNE
OLIO
141ST
141ST
Clerk-Treasurer
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
146TH
146TH
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
116TH
HAWTHORN
113TH
96TH
Legend
Schools
Major Streets
Parks
Half Mile Service Area
FLORIDA
FA
LL
CR
GEORGIA
104TH
EE
K
C
CYNTHEANNE
GEIST
FALL
MOLLENKOPF
CUMBERLAND
LANTERN
AL
LI
SO
NV
IL
LE
WILLOWVIEW
106TH
HAGUE
ELLER
111TH
N
O
N
EC
C
TI
U
T
101ST
96TH
2
1
0
2 Miles
.
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
July 2014
54
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
SO
U
TH
EA
ST
ER
N
FLORIDA
HOOSIER
SR
37
I
RINGER
69
U
121ST
116TH
136TH
OLIO
126TH
I 69 S
CYNTHEANNE
SR 37 S
SR 238
PENNINGTON
MARILYN
BROOKS SCHOOL
PROMISE
HOWE
SR 37 N
136TH
8
23
SR
9 N 131ST
I6
131ST
-Mini parks serve a ¼ mile radius
-Neighborhood parks serve ½ mile
-Community parks serve 1 ½ miles
-Regional parks serve 2 ½ miles
HAWTHORN
126TH
PK
W
Y
113TH
FLORIDA
CR
GEORGIA
104TH
FA
LL
EE
K
C
CYNTHEANNE
GEIST
FALL
MOLLENKOPF
AL
LI
SO
96TH
CUMBERLAND
LANTERN
NV
IL
LE
106TH
HAGUE
ELLER
111TH
WILLOWVIEW
N
O
N
EC
C
TI
U
T
101ST
96TH
MINI PARKS
SR 37 S
ATLANTIC
SO
U
TH
EA
ST
FLORIDA
HOOSIER
SR
37
I
RINGER
69
U
121ST
116TH
136TH
OLIO
126TH
I 69 S
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
9 N 131ST
I6
131ST
SR 238
HAWTHORN
ER
N
ATLANTIC
OLIO
8
23
SR
PENNINGTON
MARILYN
PROMISE
HOWE
SR 37 N
136TH
BROOKS SCHOOL
141ST
141ST
146TH
CYNTHEANNE
146TH
146TH
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
Once these different layers are compiled together they
create the park system service area. Publically accessible
park space correlates to the darker green tint when multiple service areas overlap. The more service areas that
overlap, the more amenities people are offered creating a
more comprehensive park system.
141ST
141ST
ATLANTIC
OLIO
The map to the right shows where current parks are located within Fishers as well as their associated service areas.
A service area is the assigned distance from a park type
designation (as seen in the Basic Park Information Chart)
and is the average distance people are willing to travel in
order to enjoy park amenities.
146TH
ATLANTIC
146TH
146TH
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
FISHERS PARKS SERVICE AREA
126TH
PK
W
Y
113TH
96TH
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
55
CR
EE
K
GEORGIA
104TH
FA
LL
CYNTHEANNE
FLORIDA
GEIST
FALL
MOLLENKOPF
CUMBERLAND
LANTERN
AL
LI
SO
NV
IL
LE
WILLOWVIEW
106TH
HAGUE
ELLER
111TH
96TH
C
N
O
N
EC
101ST
C
TI
U
T
ATLANTIC
TH
EA
ST
ER
N
FLORIDA
HOOSIER
OLIO
SO
U
SR
37
I
RINGER
69
U
121ST
116TH
136TH
HAWTHORN
ATLANTIC
SR 37 S
126TH
126TH
113TH
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
CR
EE
K
C
CYNTHEANNE
GEIST
FALL
MOLLENKOPF
CUMBERLAND
LANTERN
HAGUE
ELLER
NV
IL
LE
WILLOWVIEW
AL
LI
SO
96TH
104TH
FA
LL
A zone that is lacking park service is the currently low density region East of Florida Road, West of Atlantic Road,
South of I-69, and North of 96th Street. This area is only
serviced by Cyntheanne Park and Flat Fork Creek Park. It
is recommended that has development continues to occur
in this zone that Fishers continuous to build Neighborhood
and Community Parks to fill in this less serviced area.
PK
W
Y
111TH
106TH
After the analysis of the maps, a pattern began to show
with the help of the Community Parks. The dark shaded
green area covers most of the Western area of Fishers,
through the central zone at 116th Street and Hoosier Road,
and then expands northeast towards exit 210 on I-69.
I 69 S
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
9 N 131ST
I6
131ST
SR 238
146TH
CYNTHEANNE
OLIO
136TH
8
23
SR
PENNINGTON
MARILYN
PROMISE
HOWE
SR 37 N
BROOKS SCHOOL
141ST
141ST
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
FISHERS PARKS SERVICE AREA
146TH
146TH
N
O
N
EC
C
TI
U
T
101ST
96TH
A second zone that is experiencing a lack of service is
East of State Road 37, West of Howe Road, South 146th
Street, and North of 131st Street. This zone is currently
only being serviced by Billericay Park. Adding additional
Neighborhood and Community Parks to this area would
greatly enhance the park system for residents that are living in this zone as defined above.
SR 37 S
ATLANTIC
SO
U
TH
EA
ST
FLORIDA
HOOSIER
37
I
RINGER
69
U
121ST
116TH
136TH
OLIO
126TH
I 69 S
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
9 N 131ST
I6
131ST
SR 238
SR
HAWTHORN
ER
N
126TH
PK
W
Y
113TH
CR
EE
K
GEORGIA
104TH
FA
LL
CYNTHEANNE
FLORIDA
GEIST
FALL
MOLLENKOPF
CUMBERLAND
LANTERN
NV
IL
LE
WILLOWVIEW
AL
LI
SO
96TH
HAGUE
ELLER
111TH
106TH
A third area that is currently underserviced by parks is
the area East and South of Geist, West of Florida Road,
and North of 96th Street. This zone is currently serviced
by Bee Camp Creek Trailhead and Flat Fork Creek Park.
Adding a Community on Geist Reservoir or off of Georgia Street would increase the park service to the residents
that live in this zone.
ATLANTIC
OLIO
8
23
SR
PENNINGTON
MARILYN
PROMISE
HOWE
SR 37 N
136TH
BROOKS SCHOOL
141ST
141ST
146TH
CYNTHEANNE
146TH
146TH
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
COMMUNITY PARKS
C
N
O
N
EC
C
TI
U
T
101ST
96TH
REGIONAL PARKS
56
HARRISON THOMPSON
PARK
SAXONY BEACH
MUDSOCK FIELDS
BILLERICAY PARK
CYNTHEANNE PARK
OLIO FIELDS
ROY G. HOLLAND
MEMORIAL PARK
SAND CREEK
NATURAL AREA
HOOSIER
WOODS
THORPE CREEK
NATURAL AREA
BROOKS SCHOOL
PARK
AMPHITHEATER
CENTRAL GREEN
HAMILTON PROPER
PARK
HERITAGE MEADOWS
PARK
RIVERSIDE FIELDS
CHEENEY CREEK
NATURAL AREA
FISHERS HERITAGE PARK
AT WHITE RIVER
RITCHEY WOODS
NATURE PRESERVE
CUMBERLAND
PARK
ELLER FIELDS
BEE CAMP CREEK
TRAILHEAD PARK
PARKS SERVICE AREAS
57
FLAT FORK CREEK
PARK
FISHERS DRIVE & WALK TIMES
The following charts use the 2012 population data to depict the percentage of Fishers residents within various distances of parks. The park system ranges cover from 11%
of the population to 99% of the population. The first map
depicts the population of Fishers’ residents located within
a half-mile of a park. The remaining maps represent the
drive and walk times that currently exist using the most
recent data. Purple depicts a 5 minute drive, yellow is a
5 minute walk, light green is a 10 minute walk, and dark
green is a 16 minute walk.
11% of the Fishers population is located within a 5 minute walk of
a park.
59% of the Fishers Population is located within ½ mile of a park.
a park.
99% of the Fishers population is located within a 5 minute drive of a
park.
a park.
58
FISHERS DRIVE & WALK TIMES
The map below shows the Parks in red to be easily identifiable. In light green (the smallest area around the park)
is how far a person can travel from the park in 5 minutes.
The Medium green is the middle distance that can be traveled in 10 minutes. The Darkest green is the furthest distance that is traveled in 16min, the equivalent time it takes
to travel 1 mile.
59
The purple is the distance that can be covered in a car
from a park in 5 minutes. As we can see the majority of
Fishers is serviced by a 5 minute car ride, with minimal
gaps. This map is used to identify the time it takes for residents to get to a park. It also helps identify connectivity
issues and how many residents are served from within the
four categories.
FISHERS PARKS RECREATIONAL USE
Examples of these parks include Roy G. Holland Park and
Brooks School Park. This map helps identify what types
of uses are found at each park and can aid in the development of new parks so there is a diversity of uses spread
out over Fishers rather than clumps of uses.
The parks in this map are designated by their primary uses. Yellow parks are passive parks such as nature
trails and preserves, examples include Cheeney Creek
and Ritchey Woods. Red parks are athletic parks that are
mostly used for sports teams examples included Cumberland Park and Olio Fields. Blue Parks are Active/ Hybrid
Parks which have active uses such as basketball courts
and playgrounds but also have passive uses such as trails
and paths.
Fishers Parks Recreational Use
SR 37 S
ATLANTIC
SO
U
TH
EA
ST
FLORIDA
HOOSIER
SR
37
I
RINGER
69
U
121ST
116TH
136TH
OLIO
126TH
I 69 S
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
9 N 131ST
I6
131ST
SR 238
HAWTHORN
ER
N
ATLANTIC
OLIO
136TH
8
23
SR
PENNINGTON
MARILYN
HOWE
SR 37 N
PROMISE
Linda Gaye Cordell
BROOKS SCHOOL
141ST
141ST
Clerk-Treasurer
146TH
CYNTHEANNE
146TH
146TH
PRAIRIE BAPTIST
Town Council
John W. Weingardt
C. Pete Peterson
Scott A. Faultless
Stuart F. Easley
David C. George
Michael L. Colby
Renee L. Cox
126TH
PK
W
Y
113TH
96TH
Legend
Major Streets
Active/ Hybrid Parks
Passive Parks
Athletic Parks
FLORIDA
FA
LL
CR
GEORGIA
104TH
EE
K
C
CYNTHEANNE
GEIST
FALL
MOLLENKOPF
CUMBERLAND
LANTERN
AL
LI
SO
NV
IL
LE
WILLOWVIEW
106TH
HAGUE
ELLER
111TH
N
O
N
EC
C
TI
U
T
101ST
96TH
2
1
0
2 Miles
.
Town of Fishers
One Municipal Drive
www.fishers.in.us
July 2014
60
PARK AMENITIES
Number in parentheses (#) indicates the amount of available school amenities, and they are included in the total
parks amenities because they are for public use. There
are also 8 batting cages available to the public (5 at Billericay Park, 2 at Olio Fields, and 1 at Roy G. Holland Park),
one 9-hole disc golf course at Cumberland Park, and 8
lacrosse nets at Cyntheanne North Park available to the
public.
Current 2013 Population- 84,112 (Source: 2013 Annual
Stats Binder, Town of Fishers, Community Development)
2040 Population Projection- 131,500 (Source: 2014 Fishers Demand Forecasting and Sustainability Analysis, Policy Analytics,LLC)
RESOURCES
Carlisle Comprehensive Plan. Chapter 5, Page 111.
Retrieved From: http://www.rdgusa.com/crp/carlisle/Chapter%205%20Parks%20
and%20Recreation.pdf
Noblesville Parks Master Plan Update 2008-2012. Section K, Page 11.
Retrieved From: http://www.cityofnoblesville.org/egov/documents/1392310238_10234.
pdf
61
PARKS PARKING COUNT
Amphitheater
-Expandable for events
Billercay (424 Total)
-15 (Handicap) +409
Brooks School Field (73 Total)
-5 (Handicap) + 68
Cheeney Creek Natural Area (17 Total)
-No Handicap Spaces
Cumberland Park (209 Total)
-6 (Handicap) + 203
Cyntheanne North (595 Total)
-12 (Handicap)+ 583
Cyntheanne South
-Unfinished
Eller Fields (76 Total)
-3 (Handicap) + 73
Hamilton Proper
-Gravel Lot no designation
Harrison Thompson Park (78 Total)
-3 (Handicap) + 75
Heritage Park at White River (157 Total)
-7 (Handicap) + 150
Mudsock Fields (282 Total)
-7 (Handicap) + 275
Olio Fields (Estimated 250)
Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve (54 Total)
-No Handicap Spaces
Roy G. Holland Memorial Park (190 Total)
-5 (Handicap) + 185
No parking for; Pocket Park, Rotary Arch Park, Heritage
meadows, Sand Creek Natural Area, Hoosier Woods,
Thorpe Creek, Bee Camp Creek Trailhead.
62
EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL &
INNOVATIVE LOCAL PARKS
ARTSPARK AT INDIANAPOLIS ART CENTER
(INDIANAPOLIS, IN)
The following examples are of twelve local parks that incorporate innovative and successful qualities that make
them stand out from other parks in the area. Inspiration
can be drawn from features of these parks and utilized in
the ongoing development and improvements to Fishers’
park system. When defining the success of parks, we can
look at a number of characteristics:
-Easily accessible by walking, bicycling, or public
transportation.
-Public is satisfied with types of facilities available
and the conditions of the facilities.
-Defined service area measured by distance is met.
Located at the Indianapolis Art Center in Broad Ripple, the
ARTSPARK is a 12-acre interactive sculpture park that is designed for all of the senses. Walking through the park, visitors
are met with bright colors, textures from varied materials, fragrant vegetation, and sounds from wildlife on site. Artists are
able to use the outdoor space as an open air studio to draw
inspiration for their artwork.
-Facilities are used with-in capacity (not over-used
or overcrowded).
ASA BALES PARK
-Amenities function according to design and safety
guidelines (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act).
-Large majority of the population engages in active
recreation (meaning recreation that helps people
meet recommended physical activity levels includ
ing; walking, running, field/court sports, bicycling,
hiking, swimming, etc.).
(WESTFIELD,IN)
The success of each these parks can be measured often
by a single characteristic.
63
Asa Bales Park is a 13 acre centrally located in Westfield.
The northern edge of the park is adjacent to Westfield High
School which makes the skate park a popular feature provided
to park-goers. The eastern edge of the park has a sculptural
gateway to signify the park’s entrance and catch the eyes of
passers-by. Also on site, there is an 18-hole disc golf course,
play equipment, rentable shelters, natural amphitheater, historic Anti-Slavery Cemetery, and walking trail that overlooks the
Thompson Canal and connects to Grand Junction Trail. A widerange of park visitors (active and passive) are attracted to the
park for its diverse offerings as observed when doing a park
visit.
BROAD RIPPLE PARK
EAGLE CREEK PARK
(INDIANAPOLIS, IN)
(INDIANAPOLIS, IN)
The Broad Ripple Park was established in 1946 and provides
rich history in the area. It was the former home to an amusement park, carousel (currently located at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum), steam locomotive (now located at the Transportation Museum in Noblesville), and the 1924 and 1952
Olympic tryouts for swimming. Currently, park features include
an outdoor swimming pool, playgrounds, family center, picnic
shelter, tennis courts, multi-use athletic fields, woods, baseball
diamonds, fitness trails, and a bark park. The park has a trail
with exercise stations to promote active use of the park. The
multi-use features and open space of the park allow for visitors
to easily spread out.
Eagle Creek Park is in close proximity from downtown Indianapolis, and it boasts 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of
forest on site. The park has many amenities available to park
users including a beach, marina, rentable shelters and buildings, a bark park, Ornithology Center, Go Ape treetop adventure and zip lines, golf club, rowing center, and trails. The park
embraces water as a part of recreation with boat, canoe, and
pontoon rentals. Eagle Creek’s diverse offering of recreation
and activities make the park a popular location for all ages. To
help fund the maintenance of the park, a fee is charged to all
visitors entering the park.
CENTRAL PARK
FOUNDERS PARK
(CARMEL, IN)
(CARMEL, IN)
Central Park is an expansive park that is a draw for
many park-goers. There is
a 4-mile multi-use trail that
has a connection to the
Monon Trail. The pond on
site creates a stopping point
along the trail for viewing
nature or fishing. A unique
and successful feature that
is incorporated into the park
is the skate park, which is
popular among young visitors. The skate park provides a safe environment
that promotes socialization
and unstructured play.
On a busy day, park users at Founders Park have ample amount
of parks space to spread out and take advantage of the many
uses for the park (e.g., play equipment, community center, walking/bicycling trail, lake, picnic area). There is an ADA accessible play area that is within close proximity of the covered picnic
area. Also, along the trail there are dog waste pick-up stations
to encourage and promote a healthy, dog-friendly environment.
64
FREEDOM TRAIL PARK
JUAN SOLOMON PARK
(WESTFIELD, IN)
(INDIANAPOLIS, IN)
The Freedom Trail in Westfield is a successful park that boasts
an all-inclusive atmosphere for young park users. Early in the
design process for the park, Hamilton County Autism Support
Group was brought in as consultants to help create a park that
would be beneficial and inclusive for park users with autism.
The environment created helped to establish a park that would
allow children of all ages and abilities to socialize and interact
with one another. On site, there is a sensory garden and ADA
accessible playground that also incorporated equipment that
encouraged interaction amongst the children playing.
This 41-acre park offers a community room and picnic shelter for rent. Park-goers can experience the tennis court, playgrounds, multi-use sports fields, and walking trails at the park.
Crooked Creek Community Center includes a green roof, bike
racks, rain gardens, bioretention, and pervious pavement in the
parking lot.
RIVERWOOD PARK
(INDIANAPOLIS, IN)
GRAND PARK
(WESTFIELD, IN)
Grand Park is a massive sports complex that spans 400 acres
of land. The amenities include 31 multi-use fields, 26 baseball/
softball diamonds, 2 indoor facilities, an amphitheater and a
trail connecting the complex. The park is equipped with lighting
for up to 20 fields for night games. Careful attention to landscaping provides scenery for players and visitors to relax. The
9 parking lots allow 1,000 vehicles to easily access all of the
fields, and there are concession stands providing refreshments
to the visitors of the park.
65
Riverwood Park is a recent 2006 addition to Indianapolis’ parks.
The park is located on roughly 12 acres of land, and offers amenities such as a rentable picnic shelter, playground, splash pad,
and ample parking. The Bishop Chatard High School lacrosse
and soccer teams use this park for their home sporting events,
but permits are required for using the athletic fields. There were
many mature trees on site, but very little morning shade was
provided.
THE VIRGINIA B. FAIRBANKS ART & NATURE PARK
(INDIANAPOLIS, IN)
100 Acres is one of the only art parks in the country to feature
commissions of ongoing, temporary and site responsive artwork. There are many features that draw visitors into the park
everyday including woodlands, wetlands, meadows, a 35-acre
lake, and Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion. The Ruth Lilly Visitors
Pavilion is an architectural landmark within the park that has
been awarded the American Institute of Architects (AIA) highest
award, Honor Award, in 2012. The building is Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified and incorporates sustainable features such as water-saving fixtures in
the restrooms, energy efficient lighting, and a geothermal system for heating and cooling. The artwork throughout the park
creates destination points that encourage further exploration on
and off the trails.
WES MONTGOMERY PARK
(INDIANAPOLIS, IN)
Wes Montgomery Park has a music theme, and includes a
splash pad designed in the shape of a guitar. When the water feature is activated, Wes Montgomery’s musical recordings
are played. This park is also ADA accessible to ensure no one
misses the opportunity to enjoy the park. The playground includes features swings and playground equipment for children
of all ages and abilities. Recycled rubber material is placed
underneath the play equipment proving an accessible route,
and the music theme is carried out along the benches and railings. Wes Montgomery Park is a comfortable place to visit in
the summer due to its dense, mature tree canopy.
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APPLICATIONS FOR FISHERS’ PARKS
These examples of innovative parks in the area illustrate
the possibility of interesting approaches to park design. In
regards to the art park examples, small and inexpensive
art destination points (e.g., NOTICE: A Flock of Signs at
100 Acres) allow the park user to interact with the environment and allows for notable destinations along the trail.
Fishers could feasibly add this concept to one or more of
the existing park trails in the town. Art parks inspire passive park users to continue their use of the park by adding
new focal points. To take the park a step further, elements
that incorporate an entire sensory experience could also
be integrated. Vibrant flowers/plants, aromatic plantings,
textures of materials, and the sounds (e.g., moving water,
tall grasses, wildlife) could create a popular relaxation location for Fishers residents.
Throughout the park visits, the connection to water stood
out as an important feature to park visitors. Splash pads,
observation decks overlooking water, and fountains proved
to be large draws in parks. When music is an added feature, a whole new experience is created making the park
visit a unique experience. Wes Montgomery Park’s splash
pad that incorporated jazz music could be similarly added
in Fishers to future splash pads or added to the existing
splash pad in Billericay Park. The music encourages children to dance along with play in the parks.
Increased active park use is a goal for Fishers, so the inclusion of durable exercise stations along trails in parks
could encourage more active parks use. This park design
feature was successfully accomplished at Broad Ripple
Park. At the time of the park visit, several fitness groups
and individual runners were stopping at each station to
perform the exercise tasks. The equipment was made out
of metal and located in shaded locations, so visitors were
more likely to use them on hot, sunny days. This concept
could be easily adopted in parks such as Roy G. Holland
Park, Billericay Park, or any other future park development.
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Along with more active parks, multi-use parks would be
beneficial to Fishers. A multi-use park is a park that utilizes more than one activity or function while incorporating
active and passive uses. Parks with multiple park uses
attract all demographics and types of park users at any
given time. This environment would be ideal for both active and passive park users, and all ages as well. Central
Park, Founders Park, and Asa Bales Park do a great job at
addressing the many park needs of visitors. These parks
were designed to attract many park users of all age groups
and activity levels.
Features like skate parks, disc golf courses, ADA accessible
play equipment, and trails along water features ensure quality
use of the parks. Though some of these features already exist in
Fishers’ parks, supplementing and building on the present parks
could be beneficial.
The most important but often overlooked park feature is accessibility. Starting with easy access to the parks by wayfinding and
infrastructure in place allow all parks users a means of reaching
the parks. Accessible paths and play equipment ensure a convenient and comfortable park atmosphere for all visitors. Notable local parks that create a comfortable and accessible environment include Freedom Trail Park, Founders Park, and Wes
Montgomery Park. Freedom Trail Park addresses the all-inclusive design of the park. The play equipment was designed for all
ages and abilities to be able to play together, instead of having
separate equipment. The sensory garden was also a notable
feature of the park. Fishers would easily be able to incorporate
the features of these parks to create a comfortable, enjoyable
park experience for every visitor, and they will be more likely to
return on a regular basis.
EXTREME SPORTS PARK
To truly stand out and be unique from other parks in the area,
Fishers needs to plan for future use while staying ahead of future
trends. Currently, the increased popularity of obstacle course
races (e.g., Warrior Dash or Tough Mudder), boot camp style
fitness classes, and agility course TV shows such as American
Ninja Warrior prove that there is a need for alternative recreation
opportunities available at parks. An extreme sports park would
definitely make Fishers parks a one-of-a-kind experience. Amenities could include a skate park, military-style obstacle course,
outdoor climbing wall, parkour equipment (by PDPlay), and large
scale interactive fitness electronic game similar to Neos (by Playworld Systems). An extreme sports park would attract teens and
adults of all ages by introducing physical fitness in a way that
many have not been exposed.
displays, reflect on pieces, and enjoy or take part in their local
arts community—much like a traditional art gallery.
An example of a similar park experience is at Scioto Audubon
in Columbus, OH. The park sits on 120 acres of land with 5
acres devoted to wetland preservation. There are amenities
including the largest free outdoor climbing wall in the country,
shaded seating structure, sand volleyball courts, a Neos electronic fitness game system, and obstacle course with 9 stations
and a quarter-mile of running track. The goal of the park was to
attract young professionals that lived and worked nearby.
Parkour (free running) has recently gained popularity in the United States and would be a unique addition to a park. Using a
parkour park requires physical discipline, training, and adapting
to overcome obstacles in the environment. It is a non-competitive, non-contact sport that has similarities to many martial arts
disciplines. Many indoor parkour parks exist in the U.S., but it
is still a rare feature in outdoor parks today. An outdoor parkour
park was built in Delafield, WI (first in the state). The course is
open year round because practicing in all weather conditions is
a benefit to parkour training, and there is no right or wrong way
to use the equipment.
TRANQUILITY PARK
Passive recreational activities are emphasized in tranquility
parks. Sensory gardens, a type of tranquility park, appeal to
the five senses. Aromatic plantings and floral gardens, water
features, and textured paths encourage guests to take in the
sights, sounds, smells, and feels of their surrounding environment. Sculpture or art parks are another popular form of tranquility park. Art parks invite guests to meander through outdoor
Tranquility parks are priceless assets to a park system, offering
residents and guests a free alternative from daily stressors that
tend to diminish an individual’s quality of life. Tranquility parks
enrich the mind and rejuvenate the soul, alleviating stress and
anxiety, and instilling balance and curiosity in the user. Tranquility parks are purposeful for all ages, making their use invaluable to the community’s parks system. Existing Fishers
parks envisioned to expand or add tranquility park spaces are
Fishers Heritage Park at White River and Heritage Meadows
Park. Over the next 25 years, additional passive recreational
space in the northeast and east areas of Fishers should be
acquired.
HANDS-ON INTERACTIVE PARK
Active recreational activities with an emphasis on stimulating
problem solving skills and early learning are the primary goals
of a hands-on interactive park. These parks can have very minimal development, with natural features utilized at full potential
for recreation. Access to creeks, mud pits, and climbing trees
are preferred for these parks. Interactive parks are usually broken into zones (i.e. Mud Zone, Water Zone, Plant Zone, Music Zone, etc.) that encourage children to use their imagination
through a natural framework.
Hands-on interactive parks are unique places for children with
developing minds to grow in cognitive learning and problem
solving in a manner that maximizes play and activity in the natural environment. These parks are best suited near neighborhoods with high numbers of young children and/or elementary
schools. Existing Fishers parks envisioned to expand or add
hands-on interactive park spaces include Cheeney Creek Natural Area, Cumberland Park, Hoosier Woods, and Cyntheanne
Park. Over the next 25 years, additional hands-on interactive
park space should be acquired to serve the northeast and east
areas of Fishers.
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CURRENT SUMMARY OF UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO)
REQUIREMENTS FOR OPEN SPACE
In order to get a better understanding of open space
throughout Fishers, it is beneficial to begin by looking at
the UDO requirements for open space. These space requirements along with designated parks space collectively
contribute to space for outdoor recreational activity. Article
07 of current UDO for Fishers covers information on Open
Space Standards. The following is a summary of Article 07
covering Residential, Commercial and Industrial, and Optional Conservation Area Protection. Further amendments
to the UDO could set a standard for acres of parkland to
city to achieve easy access to parks for every resident.
OP-01: Open Space Standards; Residential
•General
•Open space requirement
•Percentage of land set aside for public
space
•Site features that do not qualify as open space
•Floodway
•100-year Floodplain
•Steep Slopes
•Wetlands
•Minimum Open Space
•Subdivisions
•Each type of subdivision in Article 06: Sub
division Types
•Planned Unit Developments
•Minimum defined in Article 04: Planned
Unit Developments
•Development Plans
•20% of all residential Development Plans
(Planned Unit Developments)
•Exceptions
•Residential developments with a gross den
sity of 1.7 dwelling units per acre or less is
exempt from providing open space under
this section. Exempt subdivisions shall be
developed using design and development
standards applicable to Standard Residen
tial Subdivisions.
•Site Features that Qualify as Open Space
•Perimeter Landscaping
•Perimeter landscaping that is at least 50
feet deep and at least 50 feet long counts
100% toward open space requirements.
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•Man-made Water Feature
•Recreational: 100% of surface area of man-made
water feature counts toward the open space re
quirement if the water feature is designed with a
minimum surface area of 10 acres at normal pool
elevation and a minimum depth of 12 feet.
•Dry Detention Area
•Man-made storm water detention facilities counts
towards 100% of the minimum open space as
long as it has a minimum area of 10,890 square
feet of flat bottom, depth not exceeding 4 feet
from the top of bank, slopes not exceeding 1:4
(vertical:horizontal), perimeter access with width
of buffer area around the circumference of the fa
cility of at least 25 feet from the top of the bank,
area of open space at least 50 feet wide shall
extend from a street right-of-way to the 25 foot pe
rimeter access area.
•Created Woodlot
•Created woodlot shall replicate a quality Indiana forest using indigenous trees. The proportion should be a minimum of 1/3 minimum 2 inch
caliper trees and 1/3 minimum 3 inch caliper trees.
Minimum area should be 1 continuous acre, and
at least ¼ of the trees on site should be hardwood
trees. Evergreen tree use is limited to a maximum
of 15% of the total trees planted and ornamental
or dwarf trees are prohibited from use. Created
woodlots have at least 6 caliper inches per 400
square feet. A licensed landscape architect or a
licensed arborist shall prepare the Planting Plan
and determine the indigenous species to be planted, and a 3-year maintenance agreement shall be
drafted with an independent arborist to ensure the
health of trees. Irrigation shall be provided if prescribed and as prescribed by the landscape architect or arborist.
•Conservation Area
•The following conservation areas should count
100% toward the open space requirements. With
Intensity Bonus, land proposed to be developed
that has environmental features shall conserve
those features. Unbuildable areas include watercourses, floodways, natural lake surfaces, or
slopes over 20% grade. These features are considered undevelopable and no intensity bonus shall
be granted for these areas. Floodplain, woodland
area, natural lake filtration strips, riparian corridors
for a river stream, or wetlands are deemed qualifying environmental features. Conservation of environmental features includes any development that
has 20% or less of its total site covered with one or
more environmental feature shall conserve 100%
of those environmental features for all structures,
and establish a 15 foot setback from the environmental features for all structures. Any development that has greater than 20% but less than 50%
of its total site covered with one or more environmental feature shall conserve at least 25% of the
site in perpetuity and establish a 15 foot setback
from the environmental features for all structures.
•Town Council-approved Open Space
•The petitioner may propose alternative forms of
open space not specifically mentioned, and such
proposals for alternative forms of open space shall
be subject to approval by the town council prior to
the approval of the Primary Plat by the Plan Commission.
OP-02: Open Space Standards; Commercial and Industrial
•Site Features that Qualify as Open Space
•Perimeter Landscaping
•Perimeter landscaping that is at least 30 feet
wide and 30 feet long shall count 100% towards
the open space requirements.
•Developed Amenity
•The following development amenities count
100% toward minimum open space requirements:
•Large commercial or office developments
along primary corridors shall install a pub
lic amenity integrated closely with the pe
rimeter pedestrian network.
•Thresholds for applicability include development that shall result in 20,000 square
feet or more of total floor area, or that have
a parent tract of 5 acres or greater, and
developments along the Allisonville Road
East 96th Street corridors shall provide at
least 1 public amenity integrated closely
with the pedestrian network of paths.
•Developed amenity options include a pla
za with notable sculpture or fountain, and
a pocket park with large trees, landscap
ing and sitting areas.
•The following are minimum plaza stan
dards if the plaza option is selected:
•The area shall be 2% of the total
primary structure’s footprint area.
•The plaza should have a focal point
(e.g., fountain, public art, or other
amenity approved by the Plan Commission) and be large enough to be
visible from the primary roadway.
•The site of the plaza should be
close to the perimeter sidewalk/path
network and be connected to the perimeter sidewalk/path network with
a sidewalk or hard surface path.
The path may be integrated into the
development’s gateway feature or
double as a gateway feature for the
development.
•1 seat (e.g., benches, ledges,
rocks, etc.) shall be in place for every 100 square foot of plaza area.
•2 trees and 15 shrubs minimum
shall be installed in or on the perimeter of the plaza.
• Pocket Park Standards
•The flowing are minimum plaza standards if the
pocket park option is selected:
•Minimum area should be 4% of the total
primary structures footprint area.
•The pocket park should be a “soft space”
for respite from the suburban environ
ment. “Soft space” should be provided by
an organic layout, plant materials, natural
boulders, etc.
•The location of the pocket park shall be
sited close and connected to the perimeter
sidewalk/path network with a sidewalk or a
hard surface path.
• 1 seat (e.g., benches, ledges, boulders,
etc.) for pedestrians should be provided
for every 200 square feet of required pocket park area.
• A minimum of 1 canopy tree, 1 non-canopy tree, and 5 shrubs shall be installed
per 200 square feet of required pocket park
area. The minimum caliper of each canopy
tree should be 4 inches DBH (Diameter at
Brest Height).
•Man-made Water Features
• Man-made water features shall count 100% to
wards the minimum open space if it supports
aquatic life and provides native habitat as follows:
•A surface area at normal pool elevation
of at least 21,780 square feet.
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•25% or more of the water body is at least
8 feet deep in order to support aquatic
life, and 5% shall extend to 10 feet deep.
•At least 15 feet from the top of the bank
shall be open space around the perimeter.
•An area of open space at least 20 feet
wide shall extend from a street right-ofway or parking area to the 10 foot wide perimeter access area.
•Conservation Area
• The following conservation areas should
count 100% toward the open space requirements. With Intensity Bonus to offset
the requirement, land proposed to be developed that has environmental features
shall conserve those features. Floodplain,
woodland area, natural lake filtration strips,
riparian corridors for a river or stream, or
wetlands are deemed qualifying environmental features. Watercourses, floodways,
lake surfaces, or slopes over 20% grade.
For these areas, these features are considered undevelopable and no intensity bonus
shall be granted.
•For conservation of environmental features, the following standards apply:
•Any development that has 40% or
less of its total site covered with one
or more environmental feature shall:
• Conserve at least 50% of
the environmental features
in perpetuity.
• Establish a 15 foot setback
•Any development that has more
than 40% of its total site covered with
one or more environmental feature
shall:
*Conserve at least 30% of
the buildable site in perpetuity.
•Establish a 15 foot setback
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OP-01: Open Space Standards; Optional Conservation Area
Protection
•Intent
•The intent is to provide optional, incentive-based devel
opment alternative in order to prevent the unnecessary
cutting, removal, or killing of trees in wooded areas or
specimen trees, and promote and maintain a high level
of community aesthetics through the conservation and
planting of trees.
•Other areas to be given priority for protection are:
•Critical habitats which contain rare, threatened
or endangered species, wooded 100-year flood
plains, wooded wetlands and wooded slopes,
wooded or partially wooded stream corridors
with drainage areas greater than 50 acres, and
riparian areas.
•Incentives
•Preservation of Existing Healthy Trees
•The preservation of an existing healthy tree shall
constitute an in-kind credit toward meeting the
landscape requirements in the UDO. The healthy
tree shall be measured per arborist standard of
measurement (Diameter at Breast Height (DBH))
in this preservation area. A credit shall be given
per tree that contributes to and satisfies similarly
the intent of a particular section of the UDO. The
following credits should be granted for an existing
tree as follows:
•A credit for 3 deciduous trees shall
be granted for each preserved deciduous tree over 4 inches but less than
8 inches DBH.
be granted for each preserved deciduous tree over 8 inches but less than
12 inches DBH.
be granted for each preserved evergreen tree over 12 inches DBH. The
Director of Development may grant
larger credits for trees over 12 inches
DBH upon request.
•A credit for 2 evergreen trees shall
be granted for each preserved evergreen tree over 6 feet tall but less
than 10 feet tall.
•A credit for 3 evergreen trees shall
be granted for each preserved evergreen tree over 10 feet tall. The
Director of Development may grant
larger credits for evergreens over 10
feet tall upon request.
•Development intensity increases could be granted by
Town Council.
•The Plan Commission may grant a greater open space
credit (as much as 2:1) for the preservation of quality
natural areas.
•Preservation of the Natural Landscape
•Prior to construction or removal of trees, provide a Tree
Conservation Plan outlining strategies for retaining, protecting, and replanting trees on the site The Indiana Department of Natural Resources can provide guidance).
Prepare a Tree Conservation Map that outlines existing
tree cover, priority protection areas, proposed grading,
utility installation, and proposed protective devices.
•No trees with a DBH over 6 inches or evergreens 8 feet
or taller shall be removed from any lot unless trees are
within the building site pad, within 15 feet of the perimeter of the primary structure or accessory structures, between the front of the primary structure and the interior
roadway of the subdivision, required to be removed in
order to comply with safety requirements of any governmental agency, and/or required to be removed in order
to install utility infrastructure.
•To facilitate installation of utilities, the quantity of trees
removed from a conservation area can be replaced with
a quantity consistent with those removed.
•Tree retention areas shall be a minimum of 35 feet wide
and minimum contiguous area of 10,000 square feet.
The Department of Community Development, the Plan
Commission may approve smaller areas that have significant value.
•Once the Tree Conservation Pan has been established,
any person who violates the Tree Conservation Plan and
improperly removes trees shall be required to reestablish such trees consistent with the trees removed.
•Construction Fencing
•Prior to construction around a conservation area install
highly visible construction fencing at least 3 feet outside
the drip line of the trees, avoid injuring roots when installing anchoring posts for fencing, signs should be posted
clearly identifying the plant protection zone, and if a portion greater than 30% of the area within the drip line is
unavoidably impacted, petitioner shall install a root aeration system, tree well, retaining wall, or raised boardwalk
as permanent protection.
•Construction in Riparian Areas
•The petitioner shall work with the Department of Community Development regarding conservation of riparian
areas, establish buffers of at least 50 feet wide adjacent
to intermittent/perennial streams, newly planted trees/
shrubs shall be species native to central Indiana, tree
sizes may be a minimum of 1 inch caliper and for optimal
survival and unless irrigated with an automatic system.
NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES
It is important to learn from neighboring communities when developing
and improving Fishers’ parks. Nearby in Noblesville, the city introduced a
fees-in-lieu-of land use law that allows extra tax revenue to fund the parks
system. A policy such as this one has the opportunity to greatly affect the
community. Also, a comparison can be made between each community to
see where Fishers stands in regards to each location.
NOBLESVILLE
•Developed a level of service standard of 17 acres of park land per 1,000
residents (compared to the roughly 7 acres per 1,000 residents that Fishers’ parks currently service). Within the park system there are a variety
of park types including mini parks, neighboring parks, community parks,
regional parks, preservation areas, regional greenways community greenways, and school sites and general open spaces.
•In the Noblesville Parks Master Plan, it is estimated by 2015 that the city
will have a park land deficiency of 294 acres even after Eastside Park (181
acres) and Gateway Park (113 acres) have been created.
•Open Space Ordinance
•City’s land use law was changed that allows residential
developers within a half-mile of public parks to set aside less prop
erty as open space with a fee.
CARMEL
•Carmel’s priority areas of open space include public wellhead protection
areas, all FEMA and IDNR 100-year floodway fringe areas, federal jurisdictional wetland, the white river greenway, woodlands, special opportunity
corridors, and historic structures and sites.
•Natural Open Space area must be a minimum area of ½ an acre, minimum width of 75 feet, and at least 2 points of access.
•Standards for parks include having a minimum area of 10,000 square
feet with a minimum average width of 90 feet, 1 point of access is required
for each 25,000 square feet up to a minimum of 3 points of access, parks
areas should be fenced and may include an open shelter, parks should be
interested within neighborhoods, a short walking distance from dwellings.
WESTFIELD
•A percentage of green belt space is required to be set aside for single
family residential developments larger than 5 acres.
•Key components of subdivision control requirements in the zoning ordinance include:
•Greenbelt requirements in new developments and
required to be continuous to greenbelts on adjoining properties.
•Pedestrian walkways on both sides of all streets.
RESOURCES
•PLANoblesville: Parks and Open Space
•http://www.ibj.com/noblesville-to-developers-pay-fee-cut-open-space-near-parks/PARAMS/article/43508
•Carmel City Code:Carmel Subdivision Control Ordinance, Chapter 7: Open Space Standards for Major Subdivisions
•Westfield Zoning Ordinance: 16.04.030
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PARKS AS A PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVE
Obesity, as a health epidemic, is widely prevalent today.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 31.4%
of Hoosiers are obese, and that make Indiana one of the
most overweight states in the nation. This figure is staggering and has a profound impact on the medical costs for
those individuals. Medical costs of people who are obese
are on average $1,429 higher than those of normal weight,
and the economic impact of obesity nationwide exceeds
$147 billion. This topic has moved to the forefront as the
United States looks for ways to curb the effects of obesity
and other health issues in our society. Recently, researchers have looked into the health benefits of parks, and there
are many resources available that further prove the importance of public parks as a health initiative. The following
are samples of resources available on this topic and key
components of each.
Why America Needs More City Parks and Open Space: The
Benefits of Parks
•1996 comprehensive report by the U.S. Surgeon General
found that people who engage in regular physical activity
benefit from:
•Reduced risk of premature death
•Reduced risk of coronary heart disease
•Reduced risk of hypertension
•Reduced risk of colon cancer
•Reduced risk of non-insulin diabetes
•Improved maintenance of muscle strength, joint
structure, and joint function
•Weight loss
•Favorable redistribution of body fat
•Improved physical functioning in persons suffer
ing from poor health
•Healthier cardiovascular, respiratory, and endo
crine systems
•Symptom relief from depression and anxiety
•Improved mood
•Enhanced psychological well-being
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Let’s Go to the Park Today: The Role of Parks in Obesity
Prevention and Improving the Public’s Health
•Several studies have shown a positive association between access to parks and physical activity levels.
•30% of physically active adults reported that they exercised in parks.
•Research finds that youth without access to opportunities
for physical activity during non-school hours are less likely
to be as physically active as their peers. At least one study
shows that by increasing access to places for physical activity, youth not only have higher levels of activity, but also
are less likely to be overweight or obese.
•Preliminary evidence suggests that using parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers may lead to other healthy
lifestyle choices, such as using modes of active transportation (like biking or walking to a park location).
•Spending time in nature has been linked to several health
benefits, including reduction in attentional fatigue.
•Running in a park fostered more psychological restoration
than running in an urban environment.
•Walking in a natural setting has also been shown to alleviate symptoms of mental fatigue more than in an urban
environment.
•Green outdoor activities and greener play areas have
also been shown to attenuate attention deficit disorder
symptoms and improve concentration.
•Inclusion of farmer’s markets, taste testing, urban agriculture, and garden space in parks is bringing nutritional
education, experiential learning, and healthy food opportunities to children and their families as a way to impact the
broader cultural norms around food.
•Reducing route distances and improving pedestrian/bike
infrastructure are relatively inexpensive ways of increasing park access.
•The distance people will walk to a park is between 0.250.75 miles.
•Knowledge that a park exists, who is welcome, what to
bring, and what there is to do are all barriers that can easily
be addressed with quality signs and community outreach.
•Exposure to an environment that emphasizes and supports a more active lifestyle was one type of community-based physical activity initiative reviewed for cost-effectiveness.
•This intervention appeared to reduce disease inci
dence, cost-effective, and offers good value for the
money.
How Cities Use Parks to…Improve Public Health (Planning.org)
•Parks provide people with contact with nature, known to
confer certain health benefits and enhance well-being.
•Health studies have shown that contact with na
ture offers a range of medical benefits:
•Lower blood pressure
•Lower cholesterol levels
•Enhance survival after a heart attack
•Quicker recovery from surgery
•Fewer minor medical complaints
•Lower self-reported stress
•Significant improvements in children with
attention disorders and teens with behavior
al disorders
•Exercise is more beneficial (leading to en
hanced tranquility, and more relief of anxi
ety and depression) when it occurs in a nat
ural setting (e.g., parks) rather than urban
streets
•Physical activity opportunities in parks help to increase
fitness and reduce obesity.
•Certain features predict greater use for physical
activity.
•Accessibility
•Proximity
•Good lighting
•Toilets
•Drinking Water
•Well-designed/maintained paths
•Attractive Scenery
•Parks resources can mitigate climate, air, and water pollution impacts on public health.
•Reduce urban heat island effect (urban areas that
are hotter than surrounding rural locations).
•Trees in parks improve air quality by removing pol
lutants from the atmosphere.
•Cleaner air is better for those suffering
from asthma and other respiratory diseases.
•Particulate matter increases mortality in
polluted cities (especially those with underly
ing heart and lung disease).
•Toxic air pollutants increase the risk of can
cer.
•Water
•Parks along waterways help keep water
clean by absorbing and cleansing the pollut
ed run-off from impervious surfaces before
it reaches the water.
•Reduce stream erosion by maintaining
steady flow volumes through the slow
release of absorbed run-off.
•Cities need to provide all types of parks to provide their various citizen groups with a range of health benefits.
•Neighborhood parks
•Social interaction
•Physical activity
•Nature contact
•Larger parks
•Social interaction
•Physical activity
•Nature contact
•Cooling and cleaning of urban air
•Protection of source water
RESOURCES
-Frumkin, Howard, and Mary Eysenbach. “How Cities Use Parks To…Improve Public Health.” American Planning Association. APA, 2013. Web. 09 June 2014.
-Sherer, Paul M., “Why America Needs More City Parks and Open Space: The Benefits of Parks.” The
Trust for Public Land, San Francisco, CA: 2006.
-Blanck, Heidi M., Diana Allen, Zarnaaz Bashir, Nina Gordon, Alyson Goodman, Dee Merriam, Candace Rutt. “Let’s Go to the Park Today”. Childhood Obesity 8.5 (2012).
-http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
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PARKS AS PART OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL
SYSTEM
•U.S. Forest Service calculated that over a 50-year lifetime
one tree generates $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides
$62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500
worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion.
•Benefits of trees:
•Act as natural filters for water pollution
•Leaves, trunks, roots, and associated soil
remove polluted particulate matter from the
water before it reaches storm sewers.
•Absorb nutrients created by human activity,
such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassi
um, which otherwise pollute streams and
lakes.
•Act as natural air conditioners and help to keep
cities cooler
•Evaporation from a single large tree can
produce the cooling effect of ten room-size
air conditioners operating 24 hours a day.
•More effectively and less expensively manage the
flow of storm water runoff than do concrete sewers
and drainage ditches.
•Trees intercept rainfall, and unpaved areas
absorb water, slowing the rate at which it
reaches storm water facilities.
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BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE PARK DESIGN
•Resource Conservation
•Utilize natural daylight, ventilation, etc. when building park structures
•Plant deciduous trees on buildings’ southwest corners to reduce summer energy needs
•Plant evergreen trees on buildings’ northeast corners for protection/insulation from winter winds
•Harvest rainwater in cisterns/rain barrels
•Design efficient irrigation systems
•Include drought tolerant plantings
•Use local building and plant materials to reduce
transportation costs
•Apply for LEED certification and SITES accreditation for publicity
•Use recycled materials and Forest Stewardship
Council-certified wood
•Minimize light pollution
•Offer special carpooling parking spaces (esp. at
the parks with athletic facilities that attract mass
numbers of visitors on specific days)
•Bike racks and connections to trail network
•Storm Water Management
•Rain gardens and eco-roofs to collect rainwaters on
site (preventing runoff)
•Restoring and creating wetlands where appropriate for
increased flood control and enhanced water quality
•Reduce impervious surfaces with porous concrete, asphalt, permeable pavers, etc.
•Maintenance
•Use native plants/avoid nonnatives and invasive species
•Reduce pruning needs by allowing plants to realize
their natural forms (i.e. allowing natural grass areas to
grow to prairie)
•Organic mulching to retain water and suppress weeds
•Use organic fertilizers and compost
•Discontinue use of pesticides or herbicides and employ integrated pest management practices instead
•Social Capital
•Continue providing ADA accessibility to all areas where
possible
•Design social gathering spaces
•Incorporate interpretive signage that speaks of site
history and sustainable design principles
•Embrace the inclusion of public art
•Waste Reduction
•Continue providing recycling bins for park users
•Make room for onsite composting
•Use quality products and materials that are durable
and can be recycled
76
ADA REQUIREMENTS FOR PARKS:
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
As stated on the ADA.gov website:
“The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial
facilities, and transportation. It also mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone relay services. The current text
of the ADA includes changes made by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-325), which became effective
on January 1, 2009. The ADA was originally enacted in
public law format and later rearranged and published in
the United States Code.”
In 2010, a number of revisions were made including the
ADA Standards for Accessible Design. This official text
was published in the Federal Register on September 15,
2010. These regulations and standards cover all built environments with accessibility in mind. The following section is a summary of relevant park applications of ADA
standards for design.
2010 ADA STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
77
•Surfacing:
•Any surface must be compliant with ASTM F 1951
Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around
Playground Equipment. Generally, limited to engi
neered wood fiber, rubber tiles or rubber poured in
place.
•There must be an accessible mode of travel to the
play equipment.
•Play Areas:
•Ground level play components (e.g., spring rockers,
swings, diggers, and stand-alone slides to provide activity like rocking, swinging, climbing, spinning, and
sliding) must be integrated into the play area to promote socialization among all children.
•At least one of each type shall be on an accessible route.
•Ramps that connect elevated play components have
a maximum rise of 12”, and designers are encouraged
to provide ramps with slopes less than the 1:12 maximum where possible. Berms/ sculpted dirt may be
used as part of an accessible route.
•Elevated play components- at least 50% shall be on
an accessible route.
•Benches:
•Clear floor or ground space (shall be positioned at the
end of each seat and parallel to the short axis of the
bench).
•Seats (42” long minimum and 20” deep minimum and
24” deep maximum).
•Back support (shall have a back affixed to the seat or
attached to a wall, 42” long minimum and extend from
a point 2” maximum above the seat surface to a point
18” minimum above the seat surface, and shall be 2.5”
maximum from the rear edge of the seat measured
horizontally)
•Seat Height: 17”minimum to 19” maximum above
ground
•US Access Board 2010 Standards
•Accessible Trails:
•Clear tread width: 36” minimum
•Tread Obstacles: 2” high maximum (up to 3”
high where running and cross slopes are 5% or
less)
•Cross Slope: 5% maximum
•Running slope (trail grade) meets one or more
of the following:
•5% or less for any distance
•Up to 8.33% for 200’ maximum, resting
intervals no more than 200’ apart
•Up to 10% for 30’ maximum, resting intervals 30’
•Up to 12.5% for 10’ maximum, resting
intervals 10’
•No more than 30% of the total trail length may
exceed a running slope of 8.33%
•Passing space: provided at least every 1,000’
where trail width is less than 60”
•Signs: shall be provided indicating the length
of the accessible trail segment
RESOURCES
http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/March/11-crt-324.html
http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm
http://www.access-board.gov/
EXISTING FACILITIES & REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS
These new accessibility requirements have led to many
questions on how efforts made to make recreational facilities
accessible can easily be balanced with the natural landscape
of parks, greenways, and nature areas. The ADA accessibility requirements apply to public accommodations, commercial facilities, and state and local government entities. If you
own, operate, or lease a recreational facility, it is important
to determine how your facility and programs must meet the
requirements.
Parks falls under Section II of the ADA, which covers public services. Access to facilities, as well as, programs is required. The ADA requires that:
•Newly constructed buildings and facilities must be
readily accessible.
•Renovations or alteration of existing buildings and
facilities must be readily accessible.
•Barriers to accessibility in existing buildings and facilities must be removed when it is “readily achievable”.
A structure is readily accessible if it meets the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Building and Facilities.
To comply with the ADA, park and recreation agencies will
need to adopt a consistent and thoroughly documented approach to planning, design, and management of areas and
facilities within their system. The ADA requires that if a building or facility is altered, the renovations must be readily accessible to individuals with disabilities. An “alteration” means
a change to a building or facility that affects the usability of
the building. Alterations include remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, restoration, reconstruction, and changes or arrangements in structural elements or in any reconfiguration
of walls or partitions.
In addition to making the alteration accessible, access to
a primary function in the building, such as a telephone, restroom, or drinking fountain serving the area must be made
accessible to individuals with disabilities. Currently, all government entities including park agencies are required to comply regardless of their funding sources.
• Some minimum requirements include, but are not limited to:
• One accessible route from site access point, such
as a parking lot, to the primary accessible entrance
must be provided.
• If toilets are provided, then one accessible unisex
toilet facility must be provided along the accessible
route.
• Only the publicly used spaces on the level of the ac
cessible entrance must be made accessible.
• Any displays or written information should be locat
ed where they can be seen by a seated individual
and should provide information accessible to the blind.
Removal of Barriers: The ADA requires all public accommodations, programs, and facilities of state and local governments must remove architectural and communication barriers. An architectural barrier is a physical barrier to access,
including steps, narrow doors, sidewalks, texture changes in
the floor, and placement of signs and furniture. A communication barrier is one that is an integral part of the physical
structure of the facility (e.g., telephones mounted too high,
the absence of Braille markings on elevators and signage,
and alarms that only give and audible signal). In many cases, the removal of architectural and communication barriers
is not that difficult. Making curb cuts in the sidewalks, installing grab bars in restrooms, widening entrances, creating
accessible parking spaces, and installing a paper cup dispenser at an existing drinking fountain are some simple ways
access can be achieved.
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
The”Design Guide for Accessible Outdoor Recreation” states
that it “...establishes a framework of direction for new and
retrofitted recreation site and facilities requiring that all recreation visitors should have the opportunity to participate in
programs and services to the highest level of access feasible
for persons with disabilities when compared to that offered to
other visitors.”
Highly developed sites with parking lots, restrooms, structures for public gatherings and recreational facilities (e.g.,
swimming pools, tennis courts, and basketball courts) should
have highly developed routes for accessibility. On the other end of the spectrum, fragile natural areas with limited development and limited recreational facilities should have the
minimum of accessible routes to the site.
The accessibility level should be consistent with the development level of any facility owned, operated, leased, or managed by the park department. It deals with the main components that should be accessible in all areas and when
traveling to and from select activities.
78
GRANTS & FUNDING AVAILABLE
Funding for parks is one of the most crucial aspects of
parks planning and development. Without funding, the
basic recreational needs of Fisher’s residents cannot be
met. Parks Foundations, grants, and sponsorships ensure financial resources will be available to maintain and
develop the parks to achieve a high quality and affordable
recreational opportunity for all.
THE LAND & WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF)
Website: http://www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/4071.htm
Contact Information:
Bob Bronson
Division of Outdoor Recreation
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
402 W. Washington St., Rm. 271
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2782
(317)233-4075
Fax: (317)233-4648
Email: [email protected]
The development or land acquisition cannot take place until final approval is received from the Federal Government.
Grant applications are accepted for local public parks for
outdoor recreation, and also new parks and existing park
additions. It is important to note that all facilities should be
designed with ADA compliance, and park programs and activities must be open to the public. Examples of projects that
are eligible to be funded include:
•Acquiring park or natural area
•Picnic areas
•Sports and playfields, such as playgrounds, ball
fields, court facilities and golf courses
•Water oriented facilities for boating, swimming, and
access to lakes, rivers and streams
•Natural areas and interpretive facilities
•Campgrounds
•Fishing and hunting areas
•Winter sports facilities
•Amphitheaters and bandstands
•Parks adjacent to schools for mutual use
•Outdoor natural habitat zoo facilities
•Roads, restrooms, utilities, park maintenance buildings
•Nature Centers
79
RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM (RTP): GRANT
Bob Bronson
(317)233-4075
Fax: (317)233-4648
The RTP Grant Program provides funds for eligible projects
that provide public access to trails. It is important to note that
all facilities should be designed with ADA compliance, and
park programs and activities must be open to the public. If
the project is approved, the funds can be used for:
•Development and rehabilitation of trailside, trailhead
facilities, and trail linkages
•Construction of multi-use trails
•Acquisition of easement or property for trails
•Operation of educational programs to promote safety
and environmental protection related to trails (limited
to 5% of State’s funds)
•Providing stream and river access sites
•Construction of bridges, boardwalks and crossings
•Signage
•Building of sanitary facilities and other support facilities (e.g., water fountains, etc.)
HOMETOWN INDIANA GRANT PROGRAM
Bob Bronson
(317)233-4075
Fax: (317)233-4648
Land acquisition and/or facility construction or renovations
are the types of projects that may be funded for grant applications for the parks and recreation category. The Hometown
Indiana Program funding assistance is available for both indoor and outdoor facilities. It is important to note that all facilities should be designed with ADA compliance, and park
programs and activities must be open to the public. Types of
development that are eligible include:
•Natural areas
•Interpretive facilities
•Linear greenways and trails
•Sports and playfields
•Recreation centers
•Nature centers
•Camping and support facilities
NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION
Website: http://www.nrpa.org/fundraising-resources/
Currently, there are no grant opportunities available. However, NRPA’s website is updated periodically with additional
grant opportunities as they become available.
SPONSORSHIPS
A sponsorship program including foundations, corporations,
and private donors provide additional financial resources
for facilities, programs, and events within the parks system.
Sponsorships allow for additional revenue to be generated towards improving upon and expanding opportunities for Fishers’ parks. With the additional resources, affordable, high
quality recreation would be available for residents. Sponsorships could be for events, support for park programs, marketing/advertising, or naming opportunities (sponsor a flower
bed, tree, bench, etc.).
PARKS FOUNDATION
A Parks Foundation for Fishers would be a collaborative effort between the Parks and Recreation Department and citizen supporters. Parks Foundations are a fundraising support
for the parks and its programs. This can be accomplished
through the promotion of benefits and opportunities, organizing volunteer efforts, and securing funding through grants,
donations, and other resources to fund future improvements
and development of Fishers’ parks.
80

Fishers Parks Plan_Phase 1.indd

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