Draft of Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department 2014-2018 Master Plan

City of Battle Creek Parks and Recreation
Master Plan 2014-2018
To provide recreation programs and services that improve the physical health and wellbeing of the individual and the community. Parks and Recreation Mission DRAFT December 2013
City of Battle Creek
Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018
MASTER PLAN 2014-2018
PURPOSE
This Master Plan is intended to be an evolving document that provides direction for current and future recreation programs and services. It identifies priorities and methods that can be used to develop and administer programs and services, including facilities, which support the departments mission and goals. The Master Plan will also be used to leverage future grant funding opportunities.
The Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department is committed to providing recreation programs and services that improve the physical health and wellbeing of the individual and the community. This mission is the guiding principle behind all of the departments efforts. This plan is a tool to help accomplish the departments mission and goals.
GUIDELINES
The content meets the recommendations of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Plans IC 1924 (Rev. (01-13-12). The plan is intended to be informative, yet concise. The plan includes a significant amount of data collection and community input that has been summarized in the report and/or referenced and attached as appendices. Additional information such as performance measurements and other evaluation tools have been included for use by Battle Creek Parks and Recreation staff. This information is meant to serve as a daily reference to assist in decisionmaking and as a tool for continuing to improve the master plan and the effectiveness of the Parks and Recreation Department.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The residents of the City of Battle Creek were critical to the development of this plan. Their involvement through public input processes and continued use of programs and services contribute to the success of the department The Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department dedicated itself to reaching out and gathering public comment to create a unique plan that will guide its decision-making in the future.. Senior city, an advisory committee, and parks and recreation staff also contributed to the formation and development of key elements of the plan ensuring a cooperative approach to the future planning and implementation of parks and recreation services.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: PLANNING AND PUBLIC INPUT Planning Approach ................................................................................................................................................... 11 Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 Needs Assessment Survey ....................................................................................................................................... 11 Public Input Process ................................................................................................................................................. 12 Public Review and Approval Process ....................................................................................................................... 12 Action Plan (Goals/Objectives/Strategies) ............................................................................................................... 12 Public Approval and Plan Adoption ......................................................................................................................... 13 SECTION 2: COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION Planning Jurisdiction ................................................................................................................................................ 15 Planning Focus ......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Social Characteristics ............................................................................................................................................... 16 Physical Characteristics ............................................................................................................................................ 16 SECTION 3: RECREATION INVENTORY City-Owned Parks and Facilities ............................................................................................................................... 23 Schools ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Non-Municipal Leisure Providers ............................................................................................................................. 23 Inventory of Services................................................................................................................................................ 24 Barrier Free (Accessibility) Evaluation ..................................................................................................................... 48 DNR Recreation Grant Inventory ............................................................................................................................. 51 SECTION 4: ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE Method .................................................................................................................................................................... 53 Mission ..................................................................................................................................................................... 53 Organization ............................................................................................................................................................. 53 Staffing ..................................................................................................................................................................... 53 Budget ...................................................................................................................................................................... 54 Partnerships ............................................................................................................................................................. 54 Policies and Procedures ........................................................................................................................................... 55 SECTION 5: ACTION PLAN Planning Strategy ..................................................................................................................................................... 61 Strategic Directives .................................................................................................................................................. 62 Goals and Objectives................................................................................................................................................ 62 Evaluation ................................................................................................................................................................ 64 APPENDICES: Appendix A: Needs Assessment Survey and Results ............................................................................................... 70 Appendix B: Public Review Process.......................................................................................................................... 81 Appendix C: Public Approval Process ....................................................................................................................... 85 Appendix D: Articles ................................................................................................................................................. 87
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LIST OF FIGURES/TABLES/MAPS
Introductory Section
Identification Title Conveyance Letter Department of Natural Resources Plan Certification Checklist Conveyance Letter Regional Planning Authority Conveyance Letter Calhoun County Description Letter of plan submission to the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources. A checklist of items required by the State for plan completion. Letter of conveyance to the South Central Michigan Planning Council. Letter of conveyance to Calhoun County Government. Page 2 3 5 6
Section 1: Planning
Identification Figure 1-1 Title Recreation Interests Description Top 3 recreation interests as designated by youth and adults (Needs Assessment Survey). Page 12
Section 2: Community Description

Identification Map 2-1 Map 2-2 Table 2-1 Title Service Area Region Context Population of Battle Creek and Surrounding Communities 19402010 Population by Race 1990-2010 Preliminary Population Forecast Developed and Undeveloped Land Future Land Use Public Transit Service Potential Non-Motorized Transportation Network Description A map showing the geographic boundaries of the city and surrounding townships. A map showing the geographic positioning of Battle Creek in Southwest Michigan. Population figures for Battle Creek and the surrounding Townships. Population by race from 1990-2010 Battle Creek Area Transportation Study forecast for 2025. Available land by zoning categories. The Citys comprehensive land use plan. A map of bus routes in the City. The map of the non-motorized transportation Network from the 2006 Master Plan. Page 15 16 17
Table 2-2 Table 2-3 Table 2-4 Map 2-3 Map 2-4 Figure 2-1
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Section 3: Administrative Structure

Identification Table 3-1 Figure 3-1 Table 3-2 Map 3-1 Table 3-3 Table 3-4 Title Parks and Facility Summary Parks and Facilities Grid Equipment and Facility Inventory City Owned Parks and Facilities Summary of Schools by Type Equipment and Facility Inventory by School System Description An inventory of city-owned parks and facilities. General information grid on parks and recreation parks and facilities. An inventory of equipment and support facilities at each park or facility. Map of park locations. Identifies each school building in the community by type and district. Provides a full inventory of equipment and facilities found within each school system. Page 23 24 25 27 29 30
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List of Figures/Tables/Maps Section 3: Administrative Structure (continued)

Identification Map 3-2 Table 3-5 Table 3-6 Title Schools Inventory of Non-Municipal Leisure Providers Non-Municipal Recreation and Leisure Services in the Battle Creek Area Non-Municipal Leisure Providers All Recreation Providers Parks and Recreation Program Offerings Description Map of school locations. Provides a list of non-municipal providers by the service type provided. Provides a list of additional recreation and leisure services provided by a number of non-municipal recreation service providers in the Battle Creek area. Map of non-municipal providers Combined map of park, schools and non-municipal providers. A list of the department's program offerings by season. Page 31 33 35
Map 3-3 Map 3-4 Table 3-7 Table 3-8
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Section 4: Recreation Inventory

Identification Figure 4-1 Figure 4-2 Figure 4-3 Table 4-1 Table 4-2 Table 4-3 Table 4-4 Title City of Battle Creek Administration Organizational Chart for the City of Battle Creek Organizational Chart for the City of Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Fiscal Year 2013-14 Budget by Business Unit Capital Improvements Fiscal Year 2013-14 Three Year Budget Comparison Collaborative Partnership Description A complete listing of all key administrative staff. City organizational chart. Parks and Recreation organizational chart. Fiscal Year 2013-14 Budget by Business Unit. Capital Improvements Fiscal Year 2013-14. Three year budget comparison for FY 11 13. A listing of the department's collaborative partners. Page 54 55 56 57 57 58 59
Appendices
Identification Title PENDING Description Page
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Prepare master plan document Coordinate approval process for plan adoption Submit completed plan Key staff included: Jeff Hovarter, Parks and Recreation Director (project direction) Ted Dearing, Business and Organizational Development Manager (project planning and coordination, project management, public and staff facilitation, document preparation) Kevin Smith, Revenue Services Manager, (project support) Christina Sarkisian, Intern (project support)
SECTION 1: PLANNING & PUBLIC INPUT
PLANNING APPROACH
A collaborative team approach combining elements of a systems approach to planning with comparisons to established recreation standards was used to generate this master plan. The process began in September of 2012, with the formation of an internal team of staff members charged with the development of the plan. Major steps in the planning process included the following:
The entire Parks and Recreation staff was involved in determining priorities, and establishing plan goals and objectives.
Management Learning Laboratories

Develop and execute needs assessment survey Develop, administer and host online needs assessment survey Facilitate community focus groups Present benchmarking comparisons Compile survey data and report Key staff included: Ananda Mitra, Ph. D. (President and Project Director) Joseph Bannon , Sr. Ph. D. (Senior Advisor) Yoko Odom, (Research Associate)
Needs assessment survey conducted by Management Learning Laboratories (MLL) Updates and revisions to data included in the recreation inventory, community description, and administrative structure sections of the plan Public, stakeholder and staff reaction and review meetings to synthesize input from assessment data Data analysis and comparison Development of the action plan Plan review and adoption
NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY

The departments planning priorities included identifying an accurate method of determining public recreation needs. The needs assessment survey was administered by mail and internet questions concerning citizen usage, satisfaction, needs and priorities for parks and recreation programs and services with an emphasis on determining products that would encourage physical activity. This approach provided feedback from both users and non-users of recreation services and ensured that the final plan would be representative of the entire community. The survey questionnaire was developed with input from residents and city staff, including references to questions from previous surveys for use as a baseline. Three hundred and thirty one (331) surveys were completed, using a random sampling that provided statistically-valid results.
The Battle Creek City Commission, based on a recommendation from the Planning Commission, adopted the Parks and Recreation Master Plan on February 4, 2014. A copy of the public notice and support resolution are included in Appendix C. The transmittal letters are included prior to the table of contents.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation
Provide direction for the scope and focus of the master plan process Develop and collect information from various sources Promote and facilitate all community stakeholder meetings Compile information used for the community description, administrative structure and recreation and resources inventory sections
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A modified version of the survey was administered verbally to a non-random sampling of 140 youth between the ages of 5 and 15. Additionally, the complete needs assessment survey was placed online at the conclusion of the survey process. Those citizens not included in a random sample were encouraged to complete the Recreation Interests survey at their convenience. Adults The survey 1. Neighborhood parks remains online 2. Walking/Biking trails as a tool for the 3. Baseball fields parks and Youth recreation 1. Swimming department to 2. Bowling track changing 3. Boating citizen needs and desires. In the future, a Figure 1-1 notice will be included in the citys utility bills to direct customers to the questionnaire as well as on the parks and recreation web-site.
summarize the information into statements to be used to form an action plan. Three meetings were held within a two week period. The first meeting included parks and recreation staff. The second meeting was open to the general public and was attended by 12 residents. The final meeting included members of the Master Plan Advisory Committee. Complete details on the format and conclusions of these meetings can be found in Appendix A.
ACTION PLAN (GOALS/OBJECTIVES/STRATEGIES)

The Action Plan included in this document is a reflection of the summation of a variety of inputs synthesized into direct action items. Three overarching strategic directives guide the action plan. The goals, objectives and action steps are further categorized as those the impact programming and services and those that impact operations. The goals, objectives and action steps were developed internally based on public and staff input along with directives from the previous master plan. The strategies developed in the action plan are meant to directly address the preferences of the community as articulated in the needs assessment survey. The action plan also includes an evaluation component including performance measurements designed to assist the department in its efforts to implement the plan. The measures will allow the department to constantly evaluate its on-going performance and make the necessary adjustments to meet community needs. The measures will also allow citizens to hold the department accountable for its efforts on their behalf. Finally, the action plan includes a capital improvement schedule listing the important facility and related expenditures that will be necessary to implement the plan. As with the plan action steps and performance measurements, the capital improvement projects identified are directly related to the goals and objectives of the plan. The capital improvement schedule also builds off the existing plan and is prioritized based on established city guidelines.
PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS

Prior to the development of the needs questionnaire, parks and recreation staff and representatives of MLL conducted four (4) focus groups involving 24 residents designed to yield valuable information about the recreation-related issues facing the citizens of Battle Creek. The focus groups purposefully included representatives from various recreation and other community interests along with geographically diverse neighborhoods from around the community. The focus groups were supplemented by a meeting with parks and recreation staff. The meetings were designed to allow key stakeholders to provide input on the departments strategic directives for the next five years and shape the survey questions. In all, 33 people participated in the public process supporting the development of the needs assessment questionnaire.
PUBLIC REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS

Based on responses from the needs assessment surveys and community input gathered by the recreation department, parks and recreation staff convened a series of meetings designed to confirm the messages received to date and
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City of Battle Creek PUBLIC APPROVAL AND PLAN ADOPTION

Once all relevant plan data was assembled a draft report was prepared for internal review by parks and recreation staff. The draft report included the appropriate maps and tables to support information contained in the community description, administrative structure and recreation/resource inventory sections of the plan, including data concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act assessment. The draft report was presented to the parks and recreation staff in its entirety, city administration, elected officials, and was offered to the public for review electronically, in hard-copy form and at a community gathering held at Full Blast - the citys recreation center. The final plan was approved by both the Battle Creek Planning Commission and the Battle Creek City Commission. The final plan includes a copy of the authorizing resolution from each body, meeting advertisements, and transmittal letters to the State and County.
SECTION 1: PLANNING & PUBLIC INPUT

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PLANNING FOCUS
The plan was developed for the Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department and was intended to include all the appropriate aspects of recreation. The Department continues to focus, through mission, on improving the physical health and wellbeing of individuals, particularly youth, and thus the plan is designed to ensure the delivery of parks and recreation services that provide the opportunity for, and actively engage citizens in, physical activity.
SECTION 2: COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION
PLANNING JURISDICTION
Battle Creek is situated 70 miles east of Lake Michigan at the confluence of the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek rivers. The city features lakes, rivers, streams, hills and farms, and the terrain is characterized by vegetation and forests. Although Battle Creek experiences the four seasons, the climate is moderated by the lake effect. Prevailing westerly winds crossing Lake Michigan that warm the winter and cool the summer. A brief overview of other social and physical characteristics of the community is included in this section. The Kellogg Company World headquarters, McCamly Plaza Hotel and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation world headquarters occupy the shore of the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Rivers which run through downtown Battle Creek. A Linear Park stretches several miles along both rivers and connects open green space throughout the community. More than 200,000 spectators come to Battle Creek every summer for the International Hot Air Balloon Champions. Other festivals include The Worlds Longest Breakfast Table, Taste of Battle Creek, Cruise the Gut and the International Festival of Lights. The Citys Binder Park Golf Course is consistently rated one of the best municipal golf courses in the state. The city is also home to the nations ninth oldest symphony orchestra, the international renowned Battle Creek Brass Band, numerous auditoriums, a civic art center and professional summer stock theatre. Battle Creek Parks and Recreation is a department of the City of Battle Creek and thus its master plan efforts are generally intended to serve citizens living within the corporate limits of Battle Creek. Although the plan was developed primarily with these residents in mind, Battle Creek Parks and Recreation often serves a much broader audience including those living in nearby cities, villages, and surrounding townships (see Map 2-1).
With regard to young people (18 and under) the plan calls for recreation programs and services that actively engage users in physical activity. For adult populations, the emphasis is on creating awareness and opportunities to be physically active and to improve lifestyle choices. Services emphasized include maintaining green and other open spaces as well as an active trail system that facilitate physical activity. The department will actively promote and encourage use of the communitys recreation assets while espousing the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices. Direct programming services are reserved primarily for youth and families.
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SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
REGIONAL SETTING
The City of Battle Creek is located in the southern portion of Lower Michigan, approximately half way between Detroit and Chicago (Map 2-2). The I-94 corridor, Michigans primary east-west transportation route, traverses the southern portion of the community. I-94 is a significant magnet for urban and economic growth within the state, region, and city. I-69, one of the states major north-south travel routes, is located about 6 miles east of Battle Creek. The City of Battle Creek is surrounded by Bedford, Pennfield, Emmett, Leroy, and Newton Townships, and serves as the employment, cultural and recreation hub for the metropolitan area.
1950, when the combined population of the city and the Battle Creek Township reach a peak of 63,771 (see Table 21). The citys population declined 20% between 1950 and 1970, when the city-only portion of the population fell to 38,931. Following the merger of Battle Creek Township with the City in 1983, the combined population still continued to drop, to 53,514 in 1990. Since 1990, the population has held relatively steady although 2010 estimates show a decline since 2000 of approximately 2%.
POPULATION BY RACE
The minority population in Battle Creek has been increasing for the last several decades. The 2010 census indicates that the minority population continues to grow with the largest gain occurring in the Hispanic population. Smaller gains occurred among Asians with little or no growth in the African American population and a decline in population among the White and Indian demographics. Similar trends are evident at the County and State level with growth in the Hispanic and Asian populations and declines among African Americans and Whites (see Table 2-2).
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
According to information contained in the Battle Creek Area Transportation Study 2025 Transportation Plan, Battle Creek and the surrounding jurisdictions are expected to increase modestly in population over the next two decades as indicated in Table 2-3. Job growth is expected to be the major contributor to any population growth.
Information on demographic and socio-economic change in Battle Creek over the past several decades comes from the U.S. Census Bureau for 2010, and state and local sources. Socio-economic trend data is presented at two levels: the region, which includes the City of Battle Creek and the surrounding townships and the city as a whole. In discussing Battle Creek trends, data for the city is generally combined with that of the former Battle Creek Township. The Township was merged with the City in 1983, more than doubling the area of the city and nearly doubling its population.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
EXISTING LAND USE
The city of Battle Creek occupies over 28,000 acres (44 square miles) of land. Approximately 60% of the citys total land is developed. Table 2-4 presents a breakdown of land use by existing zoning to illustrate the percentage of developed land in each zoning and general land use category.
POPULATIONS TRENDS
Battle Creek experienced rapid population growth in the first half of the 20th century, but population declined after
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Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Population of Battle Creek and Surround Communities 1940-2010
Community Battle Creek, City Battle Creek Township Bedford Township Emmett Township Pennfield Township Springfield City 1940 43,453 7,844 4,219 4,995 3,326 2,000 1950 48,666 15,105 9,213 7,362 4,144 3,000 1960 44,169 19,010 10,486 9,087 6,626 4,605 1970 38,931 21,782 10,817 10,881 8,290 3,994 1980 35,724 20,615 10,157 11,155 8,743 5,917 1990 53,514 0* 9,810 10,764 8,386 5,582 2000 53,364 0* 9,517 11,979 8,913 5,189 Table 2-1 2010 52,347 0* 9,357 11,770 9,001 5,260
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2010 Population Estimate) * Battle Creek Township incorporated into the City of Battle Creek in 1983
The City of Battle Creek has a Comprehensive Plan which includes a Future Land Use Plan (Map 2-3) designed to encourage more compact growth with the incremental expansion of already developed areas guided through planned infrastructure extensions. The plan includes the delineation of a limited urban services boundary, beyond which full water and sewer to support intensive development is not planned until after the year 2020.
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Population by Race 2000-2010

Table 2-2
2000 City of Battle Creek Asian Black Hispanic Indian White Calhoun County Asian Black Hispanic Indian White State of Michigan Asian Black Hispanic Indian White 1,033 9,501 2,475 411 39,838 1,518 15,040 4,415 828 115,769 174,824 1,401,723 322,166 60,842 7,960,342 2010 1,271 9,502 3,517 377 37,522 2,179 14,872 6,177 831 111,915 238,199 1,400,362 436,358 62,007 7,803,120 Total Percent Change Change 2000-2010 2000-2010 238 1 1,042 -34 -2,316 661 -168 1,762 3 -3,854 63,375 -1,361 114,192 1,165 -157,222 23% 0% 42% -8% -6% 44% -1% 40% 0% -3% 36% 0% 35% 2% -2%
PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE

Map 2-3 illustrates an extensive network of open space corridors throughout the city. This "greenway system" is designed to preserve natural resource corridors (stream channels, wetlands, wooded areas), provide open space relatively close to all residents, link existing and proposed parks and school sites and offer linear recreational opportunities (walking and biking). The future land use plan shows six new park preserves in the City, as well as three new combined school/park sites, located in the southwest portion of the community.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau for 2010
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Preliminary Population Forecast

Table 2-3 Jurisdiction City of Battle Creek City of Springfield Bedford Township Emmett Township Pennfield Township Leroy Township Newton Township BCATS Area Total Calhoun County 1980 56,399 5,917 10,157 11,155 8,743 1,527 1,140 95,038 141,557 1980-1990 Chg/Yr -0.49% -0.61% -0.34% -0.35% -0.42% 0.04% 0.23% -0.44% -0.39% 1990 53,659 5,557 9,810 10,762 8,380 1,533 1,166 90,867 135,982 1990-1998 Chg/Yr -0.04% -0.19% 1.03% 3.24% 1.14% 1.74% 2.57% 0.63% 0.65% 1998 53,500 5,473 10,616 13,548 9,147 1,746 1,406 95,436 143,025 1998-2025 Chg/Yr 0.67% 0.67% 0.67% 0.67% 0.67% 0.67% 0.67% 0.67% 0.67% 2025 63,241 6,469 12,549 16,015 10,812 2,064 1,662 112,812 169,065
Note: 1970 & 1980 figures for the Leroy and Newton Township portions in the BCATS area are calculated using the proportion of each 1990 Township population in the BCATS area.
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Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Developed and Undeveloped Land

Developed Land Existing Zoning (AC) 805 7,047 165 1,296 3,575 3,781 428 91 17,188 Percentage Percentage of of Total Undeveloped Total Developed Land by Undeveloped (AC) Zoning (AC) 4.68% 4,193 37.77% 41.00% 1,973 17.77% 0.96% 48 0.43% 7.54% 215 1.94% 20.80% 2,886 26.00% 1,785 16.08% 22.00% 2.49% 0.53% 11,100 Table 2-4 By Zoning Developed Undeveloped (%) 16/84 78/22 77/23 86/14 55/45 0/100 100/0 100/0 100/0
Zoning Category Agricultural Residential Office Commercial Industrial Fort Custer Parks/Open Space Abandoned Land Corridor Landfill TOTAL Note: AC = acres
Total AC by Zoning 4,998 9,020 213 1,511 6,461 1,785 3,781 428 91 28,288
Source: City of Battle Creek Comprehensive Plan
NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION
On March 7, 2006 the City Commission of the City of Battle Creek adopted the City of Battle Creek Non-Motorized Transportation Network Master Plan. The purpose of the plan was to develop a 20-year non-motorized vision for both on and off-road non-motorized facilities that would provide a convenient and safe option to link people, schools, business, parks, natural resources, and cultural and historic landmarks to each other as well as to adjacent communities and resources. The goals of the plan include: - Be implementation oriented and serve as a guide for non-motorized trail, bike lane, and route signage planning, funding, design, and construction - Communicate in a highly illustrative manner, the vision, goals, and possibilities for non-motorized connections - Communicate the various benefits of a connected non-motorized system - Utilize community and stakeholder involvement and input to develop the non-motorized vision - Utilize the plan to establish Battle Creek as a nonmotorized friendly community In the ensuing years the city has begun to make progress on implementation in areas such as bike lanes and trail connections. Map 3-3 provides an overview of bike lanes added since the plans adoption. A more comprehensive review and additional maps (see Figure G-1) of the potential non-motorized network can be found at: www.bcparks.org
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Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Non-Motorized Transpotation Network

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Figure 2-1
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Map 3-3 illustrates the geographic distribution of the various non-municipal leisure and recreation service providers. Map 3-4 provides the same information in combination with a geographic distribution of school and city-owned parks and facilities.
SECTION 3: RECREATION INVENTORY
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Parks and Facility Summary

Table 3-1 This section describes the types of parks, facilities, and programs available in the Battle Creek area. The recreation inventory will be used as a guide within the parks and recreation department for programming purposes and to create awareness and provide opportunities to members of the public to get physical activity and enjoy a higher quality of life. Park Name
Cliff Street Hamblin Horseshoe Bend Julie V. Milner Prospect Claude Evans Greenwood Hamilton McCrea Meachem Piper Post Quaker Sam J. Stellrecht Bailey Fell Festival Park Friendship Irving Leila Arboretum McCamly Mill Race Park Monument Wave Park Willard Beach Woodland Binder Linear Park Metcalf Lake Minges Brook Prairieview Riverside Westlake Kellogg Arena Full Blast Totals
Park Type
Mini Mini Mini Mini Mini Neighborhood Neighborhood Neighborhood Neighborhood Neighborhood Neighborhood Neighborhood Neighborhood Neighborhood Community Community Community Community Community Community Community Community Community Community Community Community Special Use Park Trail Natural Resources Area School Park School Park School Park School Park Sports Complex Sports Complex
Acreage
1 1 1 1 2 10 10 2 19 1 7 7.5 5 4 80 80 1.5 1 54 71 2 2 3 1 16 144 796 28 miles 160 5 3 80 5
CITY-OWNED PARKS AND FACILITIES

Table 3-1 provides an inventory of city-owned parks and facilities (including linear pathways) along with information on the type of each park and total acreage where appropriate. Figure 3-1 is a general information grid on parks and recreation parks and facilities. Table 3-2 provides an inventory of equipment and support facilities at each park or facility. Map 3-1 illustrates the geographic distribution of cityowned parks and facilities.
SCHOOLS
Table 3-3 identifies each school building in the community by type and district. Table 3-4 provides a full inventory of equipment and facilities found at the various schools as identified in Table 3-3. Map 3-2 illustrates the geographic distribution of each school identified in Table 3-3.
NON-MUNICIPAL LEISURE PROVIDERS

Table 3-5 provides a list of non-municipal leisure providers by the leisure service provided. Table 3-6 provides a list of additional recreation and leisure services provided by a number of non-municipal recreation service providers in the Battle Creek area.
1,602
Notes: Mini, neighborhood and school parks typically serve the surrounding neighborhood. Others serve the broader community or a regional audience.
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INVENTORY OF SERVICES
BATTLE CREEK PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS
In addition to the various programs and services being offered by non-municipal providers, the Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department provides a comprehensive set of programs to a large and diverse audience (Table 3-7). In
order to extend its resources even further and maximum the benefit offered to residents, Parks and Recreation also often engages in partnerships and collaborative efforts with other providers to offer additional or expanded programming.
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Parks and Facilities Grid

Figure 3-1
Ball Field Courts, Tennis (T), Basketball (B), Volleyball (V) Golf Course/Swimming/Beaches Open Space Area Shuffleboard (SB)/Disc Golf (D)/ Soccer (S)
Flower Gardens/Land Scaping
Pathways/Walking Trails
Cross-Country Skiiing
And Facilities
Bailey Park/Anybodies Playground 80 Binder Park Golf Course 300 Claude Evans Park 10 Fell Park 80 Festival Park 1 Friendship Park 1 Full Blast 4 Greenwood park 10 Hamblin Park 1 Hamilton park 2 Horseshoe Bend Park 1 Irving Park 54 Julia V. Milner Park 1 Leila Arboretum & Children's Garden* 71 Linear Park Pathway 204 McCamly Park 2 McCrea Park 19 Meachem Park 1 Mill Race Park 2 Minges Brook Park 5 Monument Park 3 Piper Park 7 Post Park 7.5 Prairieview park 3 Prospect Park 2 Quaker Park 5 Riverside Park 80 Stellrecht Park 4 Wave Park 1 Westlake Park 5 Willard Beach 16 Woodland Park 144
V B T
SB
F S BV BV
F F
D D
F BT B B S
B B B V
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Amenities: Signs, Benches
Parks
Picnic Tables/Grills Electricity Acreage
Ice Skating/Fishing (F)
Play Equipment - APA
Drinking Fountains
Winter Activities
Picnic Shelters
Concessions
Restrooms
Parking

Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Equipment and Facility Inventory
Table 3-2
SU = Special Use
P = Park Trail
N = Natural Resource Area

Open Space Areas (app. 1 acre)
Swimming Pool/Water Park
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Concessions Building/Area
Theater/Auditorium/Stage
Picnic Area/Picnic Tables
Tetherball/Funnel Ball
Athletic Field Lighting
Sand Volleyball Court
Uncovered Dug Outs
OUTDOOR FACILITIES
Multi-Purpose Room
Stadium/Area/Track
Park Name
Cliff Street
Mini Parks
Hamblin Horseshoe Julia V. Milner Prospect Claude Evans 1 1 1
1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1
1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1
1 2
1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 2 3 2 1 1 4 1 1 1 4 1 2 4 2 8 10 14 2 12 2 7 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 4 4 2 4 1 1 2 1 1 55 34 7 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 11 19 7 7 18 6 2 30 2 8 9 21 3 1 3 1 2 3 1 1 3 5 4 1 3 5 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 4 23 16 8 10 14 18 1 4 12 5 14 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 6 2 2 2 2 8 2 7 2 24 10 38 25 11 14 24 1 31 1 19 1 1 284 25 1 3 4 3 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 14 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 12 23 11 11 98 3 4 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 4 1 3 2 2 2 5 4 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 16 2 5 1 1 1 1 1 1
Neighborhood Parks
Greenwood Hamilton McCrea Meachem Piper Post Quaker Sam J. Stellrecht Bailey Fell Festival Park Friendship Irving Leila Arboretum McCamly Mill Race Park Monument Wave Park Woodland Willard Beach
Community Parks
P/SU
Binder Linear Park Metcalf Lake Minges Brook Prairieview Riverside Westlake Kellogg Arena Full Blast Total
Indoor School Parks
Community Garden
1
Baseball Diamonds
INDOOR FACILITIES
Enclosed Dug Outs
Softball Diamonds
Basketball Goals
Pavilion/Shelter
Horseshoe Pits
Spring Animals
Teeter Totters
Play Structure
Players Bench
Amphitheatre
Batting Cages
Jogging Track
Monkey Bars
Shuffleboard
Tennis Court
Sledding Hill
SPORT AREA
Fitness Area
Sand Digger
Soccer Goal
Gymnasium
Golf Course
Swings Sets
Scoreboard
Tot Swings
Sandboxes
Tire Swing
Bleachers
Disc Golf
Climbers
Whirls
Slide
Grill
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Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Equipment and Facility Inventory

Table 3-2 (continued) SU = Special Use P = Park Trail N = Natural Resource Area
Fuse Boxes/Power Panels
Designated Parking Areas
Natural Resource Areas
Dog Waste Dispensers
Storage Building/Area
Decorative Fountain
Surfaced Pathways
Drinking Fountain
Park Name
Cliff Street
Mini Parks
1 1 2 1 11 2 3 4 2 9 2 1 1 97 6 6 5 7 6 2 8 2 1 1 1 28 9 3 1 1 3 6 3 14 26 271 4 5 1 4 3 19 1 1 3 1 4 4 30 6 1 2 9 4 3 19 1 43 189 16 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 10 5 4 5 16 41 2 4 1 2 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 29 4 3 1 27 8 5 4 1 4 4 2 2 4 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 12 24 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 5 6 1 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 1 13 8 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 5 2 2 4 2 5 8 2 2 21 3 6 15 9 10 15 15 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 7 9 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 20 2 1 1 2 2 7 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 8 14 8 1 69 15 16 25 14 46 45 23 11 387 20 23 26 42 41 22 31 21 6 6 130 89 41 1 23 27 85 31 59 109
Hamblin Horseshoe Julia V. Milner Prospect Claude Evans Greenwood Hamilton McCrea Meachem Piper Post Quaker Sam J. Stellrecht Bailey Fell Festival Park Friendship Irving Leila Arboretum McCamly Mill Race Park Monument Wave Park Woodland Willard Beach
Community Parks
Neighborhood Parks
SU/P
Binder Linear Park Metcalf Lake Minges Brook Prairieview Riverside Westlake Kellogg Arena Full Blast Total
School Parks
32 1516
26
TOTAL FACILITIES
Storm Shelter
Donor Plaque
Identification
Water Access
Public Access
Instructional
Garbage Can
Informative
Restrooms
Ordinance
Bike Rack
Benches
Fire Pit
Fishing
Beach
SIGNS
Other
Rules
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28
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Summary of Local School by Type

Table 3-3
School Name B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 L1 L2 L3 L4 P1 P2 P3 C1 C2 B10 B11 L5 Ann J. Kellogg Coburn Dudley Franklin Fremont Lamora Park Urbandale Valleyview Verona Minges Brook Prairieview Riverside Westlake St. Joesph Battle Creek Christian Calhoun Christian Arbor Academy Endeavor Academy Northwestern Springfield Middle Lakeview West Michigan Virtual P4 P5 B12 L6 K1 M1 Battle Creek Academy St. Philip Battle Creek Central Lakeview Kellogg Community College Miller College Total
School Type Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary/Middle/Private Elementary/Middle/Private Elementary/Middle/Private Charter Charter Middle Middle Middle Middle/High School K-12 Private High School Private High School Public High School Public Community College Four-year College
Acreage 5 4 10 3 5 20 5 7 6 14 7 80 12 4 5 16 4 5 15 45 46
43 4 32 60 110
577
Key to letters B = Battle Creek Public Schools L = Lakeview School District P = Private School C = Charter School K = Kellogg Community College M = Miller College
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29
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Equipment and Facility Inventory by School System
Table 3-4
Battle Creek School District Lakeview School District
Community College
Charter Schools
Private Schools
Other
DISTRICT FACILITIES Elementarty School-Public Elementary School-Private Middle School-Public Middle School-Private High School-Public High School-Private Charter Schools College Other INDO O R FACILITIES Gym Multi-Purpose Room Swimming Pool T heater/Auditorium/Stage Library Fitness Area Computer Lab PLAYGRO UND EQ UIPMENT Merry-Go-Round Swing Sets Slides Monkey Bars Climbers Spring Animals Balance Beam Play Structure T eeter T otters Other O UTDO O R SPO RTS AREA Basketball Goals Baseball Diamonds Softball Diamonds Exercise Course T ennis Courts Football/Soccer Field Stadium/Area/T rack Concessions Building Bleachers Athletic Field Lighting O UTDO O R FACILITIES Picnic Area/Picnic T ables Pavilion/Shelter Restrooms Open Space Areas Drinking Fountain Parking Benches Bike Rack Pathways TO TAL FACILITIES
9 2 1
4 3 1 3 1 2 1 2 1 1
31 13 3 3 3 2 2 3 1 1 128 30 11 3 16 23 7
15 4 2 9 11 2 13
8 2 1 4 6 1 9 2
4 2 2
2 3 1 1 1 9 1
2 2
3 3 4 1
38 232 3 56 15 15 40 7 5 37 9 45 174 39 25 1 1
28 8 7 19 2 20 6 17 22 12
17 3 7 19 3 12 1 15 9 10 1 1
3 1 1
8 3 1 1 7
2 1 2 2
3 1 11 6 3
15 7 1 1 8
12 17 1 1 19 2 5 2
9 1
36 27 2 2
39 2 190
11 1 1 8 13 32 13 308
10 3 3 6 2 9 22 10 4 252
5 1
29 5 4 1 7 7 19 2 35 66 26 49 1 4 724
2 2 3 1 28
2 4 2 2 86
30
Total
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32
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Inventory of Non-Municipal Leisure Providers

Table 3-5
A A1 A2 B B1 B2 B3 C C1 D D1 D2 E E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 F F1 F2 F3 F4 G G1 G2 H H1 H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 H9 H10 H11 I I1 I2 I3 I4
Bowling Centers Ken Nottke's Bowl M-66 Cinemas Cheap Flicks Lakeview Square Mall Cinema W. Columbia 7 Community Education Lakeview Public Schools Community Services County Parks Historical Bridge Park Kimball Pines Dance Center Stage Dance in Motion Dance to Life Dance Bravura Expressions Dance Studio Lusi's Private Dance Stuido Shari Rarick Dance Fine Arts Art Center of Battle Creek Battle Creek Youth Orchestra Brass Band of Battle Creek Music Center of South Central Michigan Firearms/Archery Southside Sportsman's Club Outback Archery Golf Courses/Driving Ranges/Disc Golf Battle Creek Country Club Bedford Valley Golf Course Cedar Creek Golf Club Cedar Farms Golf Club Custer Greens Golf Club Hit-Em-Here Marywood Golf Club Oakland Hills Golf Club Riverside Country Club Springbrook Golf Course Kimball Pines Disc Golf Course Gyms/Exercise Clubs Altogether Slimmer-Trimmer U Battle Creek Family YMCA Curves for Women Curves for Women
775 W. Columbia 19794 M-66 15375 Helmer 5775 Beckley Rd 2500 W. Columbia 15 Arbor St. Wattles Rd., Emmett Township 1150 E. Michigan Ave 474 Main 3140 5th St. Battle Creek 124 Lakeview Ave. 474 Main Street 724 West Territorial Rd. 1400 W. Columbia 265 E. Emmett 25 W. Michigan Suite 1600 45 Oakside Drvie 25 W. Michigan Suite 1600 539 Capital Ave. S.W. 3477 M Drive South, Athens Country Club Drive 23161 Waubascon Rd. 1400 Renton Rd. 12111 Helmer Rd. 5500 Armstrong 1790 E. Columbia 21310 N. Avenue 11619 H Dr. N. 245 E. Columbia 1600 Avenue A 1150 E. Michigan Ave 2277 W. Columbia 182 Capital Ave. 1257 E. Columbia 1579 Capital Ave N.E.
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Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Inventory of Non-Municipal Leisure Providers

Table 3-5 (continued)
I I5 I6 I7 I8 I9 J J1 K K1 L L1 L2 L3 M M1 M2 M3 N N1 N2 N3 O O1 O2 O3 P P1 P2 P3 P4 Q Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 R R1 Gyms/Exercise Clubs (continued) Feeling Fit Exercise Gold's Gym Ladies Workout Express Minges Creek Health Club Triple Threat Gymnastics Branch Gymnastics Ice Arena Revolution Arena Martial Arts Aikido Institute Korean Martial Arts Hap Ki Do Kwang's Tae Kwan Do Academy Miniature Golf Hit-Em-Here Krystal Falls Golf Land Riverview Recreation Museums Heritage Battle Creek Kimball House Historical Museum Kingman Museum of Natural History Nature Center/Zoos Binder Park Zoo Kalamazoo Nature Center Ott Biological Preserve Other Battle Creek Bombers Burnham Brook Center Leila Arboretum Society Wattles Park Men's Club Outdoor/Adventure Recreation Buffalo International Campground Climb Kalamazoo Excalibur Paintball Fort Custer Recreation Area Sub-Aquatic Sports and Service Team Active Cycling and Fitness Therapeutic Recreation Community Integrated Recreation
1791 W. Columbia 5700 Beckley 2545 Capital Ave. SW 21 Minges Creek Plaza 399 North 20th Street 893 N. Helmer 75 Houston Street 1200 E. Columbia 1600 W. Goguac Street 938 W. Columbia 1790 E. Columbia 15190 Helmer Rd 2000 E. Columbia 34 W. Jackson Suite 5 196 Capital Ave. N.E. 175 Limit 7400 Division 7000 N. Westnedge, Kalamazoo End of Arlington St., Emmett Twp. 1392 Capital Ave. N.E. 200 W. Michigan Ave. 928 W. Michigan 201 Crosby, Emmett Township 13705 1 Mile Rd. 136 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo 10580 N Dr. N. 5100 Fort Custer Dr. 347 Helmer 22 W. Michigan 154 West St.
34
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Non-Municipal Recreation and Leisure Services in the Battle Creek Area
Table 3-6
Youth
Adult
Senior
Daily
Weekly
Specific Monthly Time Frame
Special Event
Binder Park Zoo

School Programs African Circle Of Life/Food Chain African Habitats Animal Adaptations Big Zoo Lesson Knee High Naturalists Little Explorers Suitcase For Survival Home School Programs Zoo Mobile Circle of Life Classy Animals Habitats of the World Keep Moving Our Fine Feathered Friends Our Own Backyard Save T heir Species Library O utreach Programs Wildlife Management Events Breakfast for the Animals Zoo T eens Zookeeper For A Day O vernights and Scout Programs Badge-In-A-Day Family Overnights Overnight Safari Zoo Snooze Camps FAWN Jr. Zookeeper Camp Safari Day Camp Special Events Birthday Parties Bonteboktoberfest Cheetah Chase 5k Father's Day Howl-a-Palooza Kid's Funfari Reptile Weekend T he Great Zoo Boo * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 2 1 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 2 * * * * * * *
Burnham Brook Center

Arts and Crafts Linda's Crafts
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Specific Monthly Time Frame Special Event
Youth
Adult
Senior
Daily
Weekly
Burnham Brook Center (continued)

Cards and Games Bid Whist Contract Brdge Duplicate Bridge Euchre Mah Jongg Men's Bridge Club Pinochle Variety Cards Dance Classes Line Dancing T ap Dancing Day Trips Art Prize Autumn at Birch Run & Frankenmuth Chicago's Bad Guys - the Whole Story Christmastime in Chicago Half Switched, the Musical Pre-Christmas shopping Studebakers, Chocolate & the Golden Dome Fitness Classes Aerobic Dance BODYFLOW BODYPUMP Booty Beat Dance Fitness Butts & Guts Cardio Drumming INSANIT Y Outdoor Walking Circuit Ripped Senior & Beginner Fitness Yoga Basics Yoga, T ai Chi, Pilates ZUMBA Zumba Gold Recreation Bicycling Billards Golf League Stamp Club * * * * * 1 2 5 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 2 6 * * 3 * 2 * 2 * 3 5 2 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1 1 * * * * * * * * * * 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 * * * * * * * *
Community Integrated Recreation

Fitness Walk & Roll Fitness Club * * 2 *
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Youth
Adult
Senior
Daily
Weekly
Special Event
Community Integrated Recreation

Fitness (continued) Zumba Athletics Bowling Dustkickers Kickball League O utings/Socials A Day at the Zoo Annual Adaptive Water Sports Day Baseball & Fireworks Camping Chocolate Factory & Museum T our CIR Golfers Up-T o-Par Detroit T igers Kayaking Outdoor Movie in the Park Quarterly Dances Arts/Music Decoupage Evening Silk Painting Explore Art 1 Explore Art 2 Jewelry Design Loom Weaving Mural Painting Packing T ape T ote Saturday Art Series Silks World Drumming Class Enrichment CIR Access T oday Cooking Class 101 Leila Arboretum Make a Difference at the Food Bank Pack-A-Meal "Share A Chef" Cooking * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 2 2 * * 1 1 1 1 1 2 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1 1 * * * 1 * *
Greater Battle Creek Ice Hockey Association

Hockey League Lean to Play Learn to Skate Open Skate
KCC's Division of Lifelong Learning

Arts and Hobbies Bridge: Play of the Hand * * 1 evenings
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Youth
Adult
Senior
Daily
Weekly

Arts and Hobbies (continued) CouchSurfing: T ravel Cheap & Meet the Locals Craft Swords: Knitting Basics for Men Digital Photography: Develop Your Photo Eye Digital Photography: T he Basics Jewelry Design: Summer Earrings Knitting for Beginners Off the Hook: Beginning Crochet Paper Making: From T rash to T reasure Pinterest: Get Pinning Now! Ravelry: Knitting and Crocheting Select your own Knitting Project Simply Irresistible: Body Butter & Scrubs So Fresh! T he Wonder of Watercolors T ree of Life Pendant Necklace Career Exploration Phlebotomy T echnician Certification Real Estate Pre-Licensing Education Wine and Cooking An Ocean of Flavor Artisan Cheese Making: Cheese Curds Artisan Cheese Making: Feta Artisan Cheese Making: Mozzarella Discover Culinary Herbs & Greens Eating for Your Spiritual Health Explore the Raw Food T rend with T asty Cuisine Gluten & Dairy-Free Cooking Head South! Hop-Hop Candy: Easter T reats Just for You Jucicing & Smoothies for Health & Energy Make Your Own Fresh Farmer's Cheese Mama Mia! Fresh Italian Pasta & Sauces Meatless Mondays Ooo-La-La: Valentine's Candy Made with Love Quick & T asty Chicken Creations Real Men Wear Aprons: Men in the Kitchen Salsa Smackdown! Sean's Surprise Special Event Cupcakes Spring/Summer Salads & Delicious Dressings Valentine's Weekend Wine Experience-Couples Value Wines from Around the World * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * evening evening evening evening evening evening evening evening evening evening evening day evening evening evening evening evening day evening evening evening evening evening * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 2 3 evenings days 2 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1 1 1 1 1 day day evenings evenings evening evenings evenings day evenings evening evenings evening day evenings evening * * * * * * * * *
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Youth
Adult
Senior
Daily
Weekly
Special Event

Wine and Cooking (continued) Vegetarian One Pot Meals Computer and Technology Complete Computer Maintenance Don't Be Embarassed Online Home Networking: Wireless 411 Intermediate Levels MS Office 2007/2010 Introduction to MS Office 2007/2010 iPad Amazing Apps! iPad For Educators iPad: Fabulous Photos Ipad: Just the Basics Windows 8: OMG Will T hey Never Stop?!? Windows Computer File Management Home and Garden A Great Start! Starting Vegetable Seedlings Indoors Clutter Busters for Packrats Community Gardening in your Neighborhood Composting: T he Good, the Bad and the Ugly! DIY: Basic Siding Installation DIY: Basic T oilet and Sink Repair DIY: Drywall Basics- Prep, Install, Repair! End Paper Clutter T oday! Green Cleaning with Easy-T o-Make Cleaners! Grow Food in your Front Yard for Beauty and Function Harvesting Rain Water Historical Michigan Barns Home Energy Reduction on a Shoestring Living Sustainably! Introduction to Permaculture Modern Feng Shui Native Flowering Plants: Wildflowers that WOW! Planning for the Unexpected Planning Your Garden: Flowers, Vegetables & Herbs Plant Selection: Midwest Landscape Pruning 101: A Cut Above the Rest Redesign & Redecorate Your Rooms in an Instant! Staging your Home for Sale Weeds, Bugs and Groundhogs: Keeping Pests Out Your Garden Can Make Dollars and Sense Fitness Body Blast Work Out Cycling Saftey & Maintenance Golf Fundamentals for Women * * * * * * 1 1 evenings day evenings * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 evening day/evening day evenings evenings evening evening evening evening day evening day/evenings evening evening day day evening evening evening evening evening evening day evening evening evening evening evening evening evening evening evening evening evening day day * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * evening *
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Youth
Adult
Senior
Daily
Weekly

Fitness (continued) Guanqifa: Qigong for Headache Relief Hiking for Fitness: Challenge T rails Hiking: Just for Fun Introduction to Golf for Couples Naam Yoga Self Defense Basics T aste of T ai Chi Yoga Basics: Easy Does It Yoga Basics: Meditation in Motion Yoga: Vinyasa Flow Zumba Fitness Workout Healthy & Holistic Living Angel Connections Aura Reading & Protection Couple's Massage: A Valentine's Day Experience Develop Your Intuition Eating for Your Spiritual Health Elements of Inner Balance: Find Your Zen Energy 101 Explore Eastern Wisdom Guanqifa: Qigong for Headache Relief Holistic Nutrion: Basics for Better Health Introduction to Aromatherapy Introduction to T arot Card Reading Modern Feng Shui Naam Yoga: Mind-Body-Spirit Connection Natural Weight Control & Longevity Reducing Stress: One Breath at a T ime Spring T onics: Herbs for Health T he Energy of Color T he Vortex: Seeking Conscious Alignment T ibetan Buddhist Meditation Money and Financial Health Estate Planning & T rusts Retirement Planning Languages American Sign Language American Sign Language 2 American Sign Language: Refresher Series Conversational Spanish: Level 1 Music & Writing Break T hrough Writers Block Now! * * day * * * * * * * * * 1 1 1 1 evenings evenings evenings evenings * * * * 2 day day/evening * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1 1 evening evening evening evening evening evening evening day evening evening evening evening evening day evening evenings evening evening evenings evening * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 evening days days evenings day evenings evenings evenings evenings evenings evenings * * *
40
Youth
Adult
Senior
Daily
Weekly
Special Event

Music & Writing (continued) How to Play Piano by Ear Instant Piano Introduction to Fiction Writing Obituary Writing T he Art of Memory Test Preparation ACT T est Preparation Workshop * day * * * * * * * * * * * 1 evening evening days evening evening * * * *
Lakeview School District

Arts and Crafts Evening Silk Painting Packing T ape T ote Adult and Youth Pool Activities Advanced Senior USA Competitive Swimming I-94 Diving Club LAC Beginning Diving Scuba Diver Spring Adult Water Aerobics Spring Learn-to-Swim Lesson Program Spring Parent & T ot Swim Class Summer Adult Water Aerobics Summer Learn-to-Swim Program Summer Parent & T ot Swim Classes Fitness Beginning Golf Co-ed T ennis T able T ennis T ai Chi Walk & Roll Wellness Club Yoga Zumba Cardio Party Kids Camps Bigger, Faster, Stronger Camp Boys Basketball Camp Football Camp Girl's Basketball Camp Softball Camp T ennis Camp Volleyball Camp Wrestling Camp * * * * * * * * * * 3 5 5 4 or 5 5 4 4 4 1 1 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 2 1 or 2 1 1 2 1 1 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 3 4 2 2 1 2 2 2 to 4 2 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1 1 * * *
Wattles Park Men's Club

Baseball/Softball Basketball
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Youth
Adult
Senior
Daily
Weekly 1 1 1 1 1
Wattles Park Men's Club (continued)

Fall Soccer Floor Hockey Lacrosse Spring Soccer Volleyball * * * * *
Family Y-Center
Child Care Child Watch Kid's Club Lemon T ree Pre-School Care Wellness Programs Family Wellness Center Health Screening Massage T herapy Group Fitness Classes Begin to Step Butt & Gut Circuit Power Circuit Kickbox Kids Fit Martial Arts Pilates / Core SilverStars Spin & Spin Circuit Step Strong T eens Yoga and Yoga Fusion Y-Pump Sports and Programs Baseball Basketball Batting Cages Cereal City Classic Run Racquetball Soccer T ennis T riathlon T raining Volleyball Aquatics Programs & Classes Family Swim Lap Swim Adult Lifeguard Classes Pre-Natal Fitness in Pool T herapy * * * * * 2 * * 15 20 scheduled * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * as needed * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 3 2 5 2 1 2 3 2 4 2 3 5 3 * * * * * * * * * * * * as needed as scheduled * * * * 6 6 5 * * *
42
Youth
Adult
Senior
Daily
Weekly
Special Event
Family Y-Center
Aquatics Programs & Classes (continued) Swimming Lessons T WINGES Water Aerobics Literacy & O ther Programs English as a Second Language G.E.D. Prep Literacy Education * * * 4 4 4 * * * * * * * * * 1 8 9 4 weeks
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44
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46
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation Program Offerings
Table 3-7 Season Summer Program Challenge soccer camp Tennis instruction Tennis Tournaments Claude Evans Basketball Volleyball Camp Kidventure Camp Teen Leadership Camp 13s World Series AABC youth baseball Adult softball BB/SB connection (baseball) Connie Mack regional (baseball) Fast pitch softball Little tyke T-ball MHSAA State finals Stan Musial Stan Musial regional Stan Musial State Summer tournaments (baseball) Golf and youth golf Summer aquatics Tennis instruction Flag football Fall softball Adult floor hockey Fall soccer Start Smart tennis Start Smart sports development Season Program Youth fitness classes Adult fitness classes Virtual School Tennis instruction Youth volleyball league Youth indoor flag football Youth floor hockey IFH tournament (floor hockey) New Years Splash Start Smart basketball Youth indoor soccer Youth fitness classes Adult fitness classes Tiny Tot floor hockey Virtual School Golf nets and batting cages Spring break camp Tennis instruction Youth fitness classes Adult fitness classes Lock-ins Virtual School Health and Fitness memberships Boys and Girls Club Birthday parties Court rentals
Winter
Spring
Fall
Year round and other
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BARRIER FREE (ACCESSIBILITY) EVALUATION

Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all public service areas are required to be built with barrier-free accommodations. The following is an evaluation of the barrier-free status of the various parks and recreation facilities identified in Table 3-1. Each park or facility is accompanied by and accessibility ranking as defined under: Recreation Inventory, Subsection 4. Accessibility Assessments in the State of Michigans 2008 Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plans.
Horseshoe Bend: (Accessibility Ranking = 2) - Horseshoe Bend is adjacent to a section of the citys Linear Park trail system. Barrier-free parking is available with a small turf surface from the parking area to the play structures. The playground includes a sand surface that is not barrier-free. - Actions needed to bring the park into compliance will be incorporated into future renovations. Julia V. Milner: (Accessibility Ranking = 2) - Milner Park is not accessible from the street due to the lack of a barrier-free curb cut. Beyond the curb, an asphalt path, consisting of ADA-compliant wood-particle surfacing, allows for access to play structures. - Actions needed to bring the park into compliance will be incorporated into future renovations. Prospect: (Accessibility Ranking = 1) - Prospect is a mini-park containing minimal open space and no usable equipment. - Any anticipated future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free design.
Accessibility Rankings
1 = None of the park/facility areas meet accessibility guidelines. 2 = Some of the park/facility areas meet accessibility guidelines. 3 = Most of the park/facility areas meet accessibility guidelines. 4 = The entire park meets accessibility guidelines. 5 = The entire park was developed/renovated using the principals.
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Claude Evans: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) of allow universal - Claude Evans has parking areas that for design barrier-free access to all park equipment and facilities, via hard-surface path. The restroom facilities are ADA-compliant. All fall-zone and playground surfacing is ADA-compliant wood particle. - Any future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free design. Greenwood: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Greenwood has parking areas that allow for barrier-free access to all park equipment and facilities, via hard-surface path. All fall-zone and playground surfacing is ADA-compliant wood particle. - Any future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free design. Hamilton: (Accessibility Ranking = 2) - Hamilton has minimal street parking. Barrier-free pathways are available to access equipment. Playground and fall-zone areas are compliant. - Addition actions needed to bring the park into full compliance will be incorporated into future renovations.
Also included is information regarding the necessary transition steps needed to bring non-conforming parks and facilities into compliance. Improvements are expected to take place at the next renovation of the park or facility in question. All improvements are expected to comply with ADA standards.
MINI PARKS
Cliff Street: (Accessibility Ranking = 1) - Cliff Street serves primarily as a community garden. No addition recreation amenities exist at the Park. Access to the park is not of barrier-free design. - Actions needed to bring the park into compliance will be incorporated into future renovations. Hamblin: (Accessibility Ranking = 1) - Hamblin has a limited number of play structures and minimal open space. Minimal street parking is available. Access to the park is not of barrier-free design and the parks equipment is not accessible. - Actions needed to bring the park into compliance will be incorporated into future renovations.
48

McCrea: (Accessibility Ranking = 2) - McCreas accessibility is limited by a lack of barrierfree curb cuts adjacent to parking areas. The parks basketball courts are not accessible however tennis courts and a shelter are serviced by barrierfree curb cuts and a hard-surface path to the shelter. - Actions needed to bring the park into compliance will be incorporated into future renovations. Meachem: (Accessibility Ranking = 3) - Although minimal street parking is available at Meachem, accessibility exists from the street to the park. A paved pathway provides barrier-free access to all recreation elements in the park and the playground area includes ADA-compliant wood-particle surfacing. - Any future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free design. Piper: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Piper Park is accessible via curb cuts and a hardsurface trail network throughout. The two picnic shelters have a concrete base and are serviced by hard-surface path. All playground elements are surfaced with ADA-compliant wood-particle. - Any future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free design. Post: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Post is accessible via curb cuts adjacent to parking areas and a hard-surface trail system. All the parks facilities are barrier-free. - Any future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free design. Quaker: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Quaker has barrier-free street parking and all playground facilities are ADA compliant. Signage within the park with information regarding its historic nature is accessible. - Any future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free design. Sam J. Stellrecht: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Parking at Stellrecht is adjacent to the Franklin Neighborhood Center. All recreation facilities within the park are ADA-compliant. - Any future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free design.
COMMUNITY PARKS/SPORTS COMPLEX

Bailey: (Accessibility Ranking = 3) - Bailey has numerous parking areas, all of which are accessible to either hard-surfaced pathways or ADA-compliant surfaced pathways. Restrooms are not completely barrier-free. Two play areas, along with a picnic shelter have ADA-compliant surfacing. - Actions needed to bring the park into compliance will be incorporated into future renovations. Fell: (Accessibility Ranking = 3) - Fell Park is served by a section of the citys linear path which is ADA compliant. There are however no hard-surfaced pathways connecting visitors to restrooms and playgrounds areas that are ADAcompliant. - A major renovation of the park is planned for the near future that will bring the area into compliance. Friendship: (Accessibility Ranking = 3) - Friendship Park is adjacent to accessible parking areas. The staging area in the park is accessible via a hard-surfaced path and a barrier-free seating area. - Any future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free design. Irving: (Accessibility Ranking = 2) - Irving is served by a single accessible parking lot. The park has a hard-surfaced path with limited accessibility. Play areas in the park are not ADAcompliant and other features such as benches, drinking fountains, flower gardens, and a pond offer only limited accessibility. - Actions needed to bring the park into compliance will be incorporated into future renovations. Leila Arboretum: (Accessibility Ranking = 2) - Leila Arboretum was established for the natural preservation and study of plants, shrubs, and trees. The arboretum is owned by the city, but is managed by a private non-profit agency. Due to the nature of the park, full ADA compliance would strain its functionality. Certain facilities, such as areas of parking and some sidewalks are accessible. - Actions needed to bring the park into compliance will be incorporated into future renovations.

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McCamly: (Accessibility Ranking = 2) - McCamly is served by an accessible parking lot used for an adjacent business. Hard-surfaced pathways in the park are accessible via curb cuts. Drinking fountains in the park and a stage in the center are not ADA-compliant. - Actions needed to bring the park into compliance will be incorporated into future renovations. Monument: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Monument has limited parking. The park has a hard-surfaced path, accessible from the parking area via curb cuts. The park is home to several monuments of historic significance to the community. Barrier-free accommodations are available in the appropriate areas. - Any future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free design. Willard Beach: (Accessibility Ranking = 3) - Willard Beach is served by a large main parking area. Two of the parks three pavilions are barrierfree and two sets of restrooms are barrier-free. No hard-surfaced pathway to the beach area exists however a handicapped parking area is located close by that provides access to the beach. - Future improvements at Willard Beach are detailed in the parks master plan which includes full ADA compliance. Woodland: (Accessibility Ranking = 2) - Woodland is served by two accessible parking areas. The park is currently being used primarily for passive leisure and natural resource observation. The departments master plan for the park includes a network of trails that would be ADA-compliant.
NATURAL RESOURCE AREAS

Metcalf Lake: (Accessibility Ranking = 1) - Metcalf Lake is currently and underdeveloped natural resource area previously gifted to the city. - A preliminary master plan for the area includes improvements that incorporate barrier-free designs.
SCHOOL PARKS
Minges Brook: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Minges Brook Park is currently ADA compliant. - All future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free designs. Prairieview: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Prairieview Park is currently ADA compliant. - All future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free designs. Riverside: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Riverside Park is currently ADA compliant. - All future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free designs. Westlake: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Westlake Park is currently ADA compliant. - All future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free designs.
INDOOR FACILITIES
Full Blast: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Full Blast is a multi-faceted family community recreation center. It has three gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor water parks, two general multipurpose rooms, a fitness center and jogging track, concessions and locker rooms. The facility is utilized year-round for recreation programming and community use with the exception of the water parks which are open primarily during the summer months. The facility is currently ADA compliant with the exception of Braille signage for people with visual disabilities. - All future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free designs. Kellogg Arena: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Kellogg Arena is a multi-functional regional meetings and conventions and sports/concert venue. There is barrier-free parking adjacent and barrier-free access to bathrooms and drinking fountains was added during 2004-05 renovations. While the Arenas bleachers are not entirely
SPECIAL USE/PARK TRAIL

Binder: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - Binder Park is home to the 27-hole Binder Park Golf Course. The course is currently ADA compliant. - All future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free designs. Linear Park/Greenways: (Accessibility Ranking = 4) - The citys Linear Park includes approximately 22 miles of hard-surfaced pathway. Barrier-free parking is available at many locations along the path. - All future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free designs.
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free, accommodations are made for visitors at every event. All future developments are expected to incorporate barrier-free designs.

Current Condition: Not applicable (see modifications below) Modifications: The original improvements have since been replaced with newer, more modern, ADA-compliant facilities. FELL PARK (1977) TYPE: DEVELOPMENT Project Scope: The project included the addition of restrooms to the park. Current Condition: The original restrooms have since been renovated and improved to comply with accessibility standards. Modifications: No scope items have been removed.
DNR RECREATION GRANT INVENTORY

Table 3-8 briefly identifies a complete list of each park/facility which was partially or completely acquired or developed with DNR grant money by the City of Battle Creek and its Parks and Recreation Department as identified by the Department of Natural Resources for the State of Michigan. For each grant, summary information is provided regarding the scope and current status of the park or facility and the related improvements.
LINEAR PARK (1982) TYPE: ACQUISITION Property Purchased: The project included multiple purchases throughout portions of the Battle Creek Parks and Recreation community including DNR Grant Inventory - 1965-2013 property consolidated Table 3-8 by the railroad along the citys downtown Project No. Project Title/Park Name Type Year Amount riverfront, property 26-00099 Willard Beach Park Development 1965 $58,674.50 formerly owned by Consumers Energy 26-01023 X2 Bailey Park Development 1977 $65,516.88 running from Spring 26-01023 Y2 Fell Park Development 1977 $28,960.62 Lake to Bailey Park and property along Wagner TF617 Linear Park Dev./Acquist. 1982 $995,000.00 Drive. Other smaller 26-01315 Binder Park Zoo Development 1984 $152,000.00 miscellaneous pieces at 26-01480 Willard Beach Park Development 1989 $168,750.00 various locations were also purchased. TF89-095 Bailey Park Renovation Development 1989 $375,000.00 Current Use: All of the BF89-457 Parks Quality Improvement Development 1989 $276,210.00 purchased property currently serves the BF 93-182 Neighborhood Park Improvement Development 1994 $371,000.00 citys Linear Park. The CM99-188 Piper Park Renovation Development 1999 $300,000.00 Linear Park system is TF99-187 Southside Park Land Purchase Acquisition 1999 $500,000.00 heavily used by a large and diverse group of BF00-149 Leila Arboretum Improvements Development 2000 $250,000.00 local residents. TF03-107 Bailey Park Improvements Development 2003 $229,300.00 Recreation Facilities: The property purchased has since been improved with WILLARD BEACH PARK (19650 TYPE: DEVELOPMENT hard-surface pathways. A portion of the property Project Scope: Currently, records do not exist that provide purchased along the riverfront, with the approval of the specific details on the scope of this particular project. Trust Fund Board, has since been sold to the W.K. Kellogg Current Condition: Willard beach remains a well utilized Foundation which continues to provide the property for local recreation asset. public recreation use. Modifications: The park has received several modifications and upgrades over the years all designed to improve the BINDER PARK ZOO (1984) TYPE: DEVELOPMENT user experience. Project Scope: The project included the construction of an entrance road and large surface parking lot. BAILEY PARK (1977) TYPE: DEVELOPMENT Current Condition: The road and parking lot are currently in Project Scope: The projected included the addition of good condition. restrooms, concessions and lighting
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Modifications: No scope items have been removed. The parking lot has since been expanded. WILLARD BEACH PARK (1989) TYPE: DEVELOPMENT Project Scope: The project included the new construction of a beach front building designed to house restrooms, concessions and dedicated rooms for beach lifeguards. A previously existing diving area was removed from the beach and tongue and grove ceiling material was added to the underneath side of the main shelter/pavilion at the beach. Current Condition: The building and improved shelter are currently in good condition and readily used by the public. Some general maintenance will be required in the immediate future. Modifications: No items have been removed. Plexiglas panels have been added to the beach front building. BAILEY PARK RENOVATION (1989) TYPE: DEVELOPMENT Project Scope: The project included the construction of fully fenced 6,000 seat baseball stadium with irrigation, field lighting, scoreboard, dugouts, restrooms, concessions, press box area and open concourse. Additionally, a four (4) field (quad) softball complex was constructed including fencing, restrooms, scoreboard and concessions housed in a separate building. Current Condition: Currently, the stadium serves as the home to the minor league Battle Creek Bombers and is used for various other events throughout the summer months. The stadium is in good general condition but will require painting of its steel structure in the near future. The softball complex is heavily used by local and out-of-town players. It is in generally good condition requiring some fencing repairs and minor structural maintenance to the stand-alone concessions building. Modifications: No scope items have been removed although additions have been made to the stadium (lighting, seating) to accommodate minor league baseball PARKS QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS (1989) TYPE: DEVELOPMENT Project Scope: The project included renovations at three city parks. An additional four (4) field softball complex was added at Bailey parking including lighting, irrigation, fencing and a stand-alone, centrally located building (hub) along with added parking. New playground equipment and basketball courts, along with renovations to existing restrooms were installed at Claude Evans Park. And a new shelter/pavilion and two (2) individual play areas were added at Irving Park. Current Condition: All improvements are in good condition requiring only routine maintenance. Modifications: No scope items have been removed.
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK IMPROVEMENT (1994) TYPE: DEVELOPMENT Project Scope: The project included renovations at six (6) city parks. Improvements included the addition of playground equipment, site fixtures, landscaping, basketball courts and signage at five parks; site work at four locations; fencing and hard surface paths at three locations; a picnic shelter/pavilion at two parks; two (2) tennis courts at McCrea Park and the addition of sand volley ball courts, soccer goals and a ball field renovation at Greenwood park. Current Condition: All improvements are in good condition and well utilized by the public Modifications: No scope items have been removed. PIPER PARK RENOVATION (1999) TYPE: DEVELOPMENT Project Scope: The project included the construction of a large, accessible playground area, perimeter hard surface path, two (2) small picnic shelters, drinking fountains, landscaping, a renovation of the existing ball field and associated backstop, park signage and other minor recreation amenities. Current Condition: The improvements are in good general condition requiring only routine maintenance. Modifications: No scope items have been removed. SOUTHSIDE PARK LAND PURCHASE (1999) TYPE: ACQUISITION Property Purchased: 144 acres on the cities southwest side currently referred to as Woodland Park. Current Use: The Park is currently being used for general recreation purposes. Recreation Facilities: Several recreation facilities have been added including two paved parking areas, trail map signage and natural walking paths. LEILA ARBORETUM IMPROVEMENTS (2000) TYPE: DEVELOPMENT Project Scope: The project included the installation of an irrigation system in a portion of the park, signage detailing native plant species, a gazebo, added parking and walking paths, landscaping improvements and other minor recreation amenities. Current Condition: All improvements are in good condition and maintained, in part, by a dedicated non-profit organization. Modifications: No scope items have been removed. BAILEY PARK IMPROVEMENTS (2003) TYPE: DEVELOPMENT Project Scope: The project included a boat launch ramp, large, accessible, fenced playground area, parking for cars and boat trailers, a paved pathway with observation decking along the river, a shelter/pavilion, landscaping improvements and other minor recreation amenities. Current Condition: All improvements are in good condition and well utilized by the public. Modifications: No scope items have been removed.
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physical activity, and promoting healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices.
SECTION 4: ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
ORGANIZATION
The City of Battle Creek Parks and Recreation services are delivered through the direction of a mayor-led, nine member City Commission. The City Manager serves at the pleasure of the Commission, providing the link between the direct representatives of the citizenry of Battle Creek and the professional staff. A list of the current elected city officials, administrative staff, and Master Plan advisory committee members may be found in Figure 4-1. Figures 42 is the organizational chart for the City of Battle Creek and identifies senior staff leaders and members of the citys strategic leadership team along with supervisory responsibilities. The Parks and Recreation Director reports directly to the City Manager and is a key member of the citys strategic leadership team. An organizational chart for the Parks and Recreation Department is included in Figure 4-3. The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for providing services in two primary areas to the Battle Creek community; recreation programming, and facility management.
METHOD
Battle Creek has implemented comprehensive community awareness and involvement programs over the past several years. The results of these programs have been clearer communication between the people and the government regarding community strengths and shortcomings. It has, also, provided regular feedback on the desires of the people and the responsiveness of the City departments. Each department is bettered listening first, then taking action to better serve the needs of the community. The Parks and Recreation Department has been the leader and a visible proponent of the citizen involvement process. Many of the projects undertaken by the Parks and Recreation staff have been implemented after receiving considerable input from the citizens. This is especially true regarding neighborhood park improvement projects.
STAFFING
The organizational chart in Figure 4-3 shows the organizational structure of the Parks and Recreation Department. Programming and facilities management responsibilities are divided between two superintendents that report directly to the Parks and Recreation Director. The Facilities & Operations Superintendent is responsible for the management and programming of the departments golf course and multi-sports field facility along with financial security. The Recreation Services Superintendent is responsible for the management and programming of the departments recreation center, which includes an outdoor/indoor water park and fitness center, and programming staff. This position also is also responsible for marketing and communications. The Binder Park Golf Services Manager is responsible for the operation of the citys 27-hole golf course. The department also employs, on a contractual basis, a Business and Organizational Development specialist who is responsible for department-wide strategic planning and related policy development, managing partnerships and collaborative efforts, and developing direction in areas of emerging business interest. The Parks and Recreation
MISSION
In 2007 the Parks and Recreation Department completed an internal strategic planning and mission realignment process. The goal of the effort was to ensure the distribution of departmental resources (both human and financial) in support of mission. Based on input from a variety of citizen-driven initiatives and an internal analysis of customer wants and needs the department refined it mission as follows: Battle Creek Parks and Recreation is committed .to providing recreation programs and services that improve the physical health and wellbeing of the individual and the community. The department has allocated all of its resources to achieving this goal with a particular emphasis on getting young children physically active, creating opportunities for
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Director also provides oversight to the citys contractual agreement with the Cereal City Development Corporation (CCDC) to manage the city-owned Kellogg Arena. Battle Creek has a full service parks and recreation department. There are a total of 11 full-time and over 250 part-time and/or seasonal employees in the park maintenance, customer service, and program assistant functions. Throughout the year there are numerous volunteers that help the department provide its services. Volunteers play a significant role in the delivery of a number of youth sports, camp and related programs. Volunteers support both operations and administration for various local, regional and national athletic and tourism related events and support certain fundraising and other revenue generating activities.
City of Battle Creek Administration

Members of the City Commission Baldwin, Susan Behnke, Mark Helmboldt Andy Walters, David (Mayor) Owens, Deborah (Vice Mayor) Ward-Gray, Lynn Newsome, Dean Sherzer, Mike Domenico, Jeff Administrative Staff City Manager, Assistant City Manager City Attorney City Clerk City Treasurer Directors Finance Director Employee Relations Director Community Services Director Parks and Recreation Director Chief of Police Fire Chief Master Plan Advisory Committee Jeff Hovarter Ted Dearing Christine Huff Christine Hilton Marcie Gillett, Manager Jeremy Andrews Chad Curtis Mike Wood Adam Dingwall Todd Gerber, Superintendent At-large At-large At-Large At-Large Ward 1 Ward 2 Ward 3 Ward 4 Ward 5
BUDGET
The budget for the Parks and Recreation Department is $4,481,840 in fiscal year 2013-14. The department is divided up into 20 different business units as noted in Table 4-1. Parks and Recreation is partially supported by a subsidy from the citys general fund and derives additional revenue from program fees, services charges, rental and lease agreements, grants, donations and other general fees. For the current fiscal year approximately 43% of the departments budget consists of subsidy from the city general fund. The remaining 57% is derived from other sources of revenue (including some interdepartmental transfers). The departments overall budget has remained relatively stable in recent years as has its general fund subsidy. Table 4-2 provides a listing of capital improvements budgeted for the current fiscal year. Table 4-3 is a comparison of the three pervious fiscal year budgets for Parks and Recreation.
Ken Tsuchiyama Vacant Jill Steele Victoria Houser Gail Budrow-Bradstreet
Linda Morrison Russell Claggett Susan Bedsole Jeff Hovarter Jackie Hampton Jackie Hampton (acting)
PARTNERSHIPS
The Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department believes strongly in collaborative partnerships that extend the departments reach and allow it to leverage its limited resources to impact the greatest number of people. The department has worked hard to form partnerships with recreation providers and other like-minded organizations with similar mission directives. The department pursues strategic partnerships that allow it to provide the broadest and best quality recreation services to the people of Battle Creek. Based on established policies, parks and recreation staff have formed dozens of partnerships in recent years, all of which are currently active and are producing positive result for the community. Table 4-4 provides an overview of the departments various partnership efforts. Figure 4-1
Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation Purchasing Agent Planning Supervisor Neighborhood Services Sprout Urban Farms Getaway Sports Team Active Family YMCA Street and Parks
Sources of Revenue: Program Fees Memberships Grants Gifts and Donations Sponsorships Rental Income Leases Miscellaneous Income General Fund Subsidy
Percentage 45% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 43%
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City of Battle Creek POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The operations of the Parks and Recreation Department, as well as the services it offers to the public, are governed by a number of administrative and procedural policies. As a department of city government, Parks and Recreation is subject to the administrative policies of the city in such areas as personnel and purchasing. The department also has a number of internal administrative policies articulated in such documents as the Parks and Recreation Revenue and Memorial and Donations Policies. Additionally, the department is subject to the laws of the State of Michigan where applicable. The departments revenue policy provides detailed direction on the various aspects of managing revenue sources and includes policies for determining cost recovery standards, establishing and collecting fees, facility and equipment rental, sponsorships, grants and donations, and contractual relationships. The departments partnership policies provide standards and guidelines for collaborative initiatives and specify the conditions under which the department will seek and enter into partnership relationships. Various other miscellaneous policies govern programmatic issues and parks and facility maintenance and use.

Organizational Chart for the City of Battle Creek
Figure 4-2

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Organizational Chart for the City of Battle Creek Parks and Recreation
Figure 4-3
Parks and Recreation Director Facilities and Operations Superintendent Rec Financial Services Coordinator First Tee of BC Youth Golf Coordinator Recreation Services Superintendent
Recreation Center General Manager
Recreation Services Manager
Director Of Golf Services
Rech Tech/Bailey Park Facilities
Recreation Center Operations Coordinator
Recreation Center Maintenance Coordinator
Recreation Program Coordinator Recreation Activities Leader (Intern)
Golf Facilities Superintendent
Assitant Golf Services Manager
Bailey Park Maintenance Coordinator
Activity Leader(s)
Water Park Operations Staff
Maintenance Staff
Customer Services/Food Service Staff
Field Maintenance Staff
Recreation Center Operations Staff
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Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Fiscal Year 2013-14 Budget by Business Unit
Table 4-1 Business Unit 6990 7000 7010 7011 7020 7021 7028 7030 7050 7100 7162 7160 7163 7170 7175 4560 4565 4570 Business Unit Description Youth Golf Administration Special Projects Capital Repairs Athletics Enrichment Health and Wellness Programs Interagency Bailey Park Willard Beach Administration Sports Forum Programs Flash Flood Water Park Full Blast Special Events/Groups Full Blast Building Fitness Center Parks Building and Maintenance Willard Beach Linear Park Maintenance and Development Totals Binder Park Golf Course Special Revenue Fund 6970 6980 Binder Park Golf Course Binder Park Maintenance Totals Department Totals 1,103,483 0 1,103,483 749,266 333,200 1,082,466 (354,217) 333,200 (21,017) Budgeted Revenues 233,426 4,000 0 0 167,375 700 0 0 187,400 16,100 147,045 347,600 84,500 220,934 30,500 0 0 0 Budgeted Expense 278,426 839,219 50,000 0 250,176 3,212 7,441 147,725 441,002 22,691 127,111 318,635 8,500 489,045 25,025 305,174 29,840 56,152 Budgeted Subsidy 45,000 835,219 50,000 0 82,801 2,512 7,441 147,725 253,602 6,591 (19,934) (28,965) (76,000) 268,111 (5,475) 305,174 29,840 56,152
1,439,580
3,399,374
1,959,794
Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Capital Improvements Fiscal Year 2013-14
Table 4-2 Revenues General Fund Total Revenues Expenses Linear Park Repairs (Existing Path) Parking Lot and Road Repairs (Asphalt Overlays) Bailey Park Facilities Restoration and Repairs Bailey Park Lighting Repairs Irving park Building Demolition and Site Restoration Total Expenses
2,560,000 2,560,000
1,100,000 750,000 260,000 350,000 100,000 2,560,000
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Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Three-Year Budget Comparison

Table 4-3
Business Unit # 6990 7000 7010 7011 7020 7021 7022 7028 7030 7050 7100 7160 7163 7170 7175 6970 6980
Business Unit Description Youth Golf Administration Special Projects Capital Repairs Athletics Enrichment Sports Forum Programs Health and Fitness Programs Interagency Bailey Park Willard Beach Administration Flash Flood Water Park Full Blast Special Events/Groups Full Blast Building Fitness Center Binder Park Golf Course Binder Park Maintenance
2011-12 (Actual) Revenue Expense Subsidy 119,636 129,636 10,000 7,700 4,364 51,895 171,513 12,727 126,891 0 20,000 143,171 24,561 305,492 99,277 194,679 21,494 1,173,518 0 715,049 54,304 196,055 276,847 22,031 120,457 1 151,470 436,942 15,200 306,575 5,191 435,695 21,370 724,725 348,034
2012-13 (Projected) Revenue Expense Subsidy 161,125 181,125 20,000 871,003 50,000 2,185 196,390 7,348 133,179 7,441 147,725 457,402 22,965 313,343 15,050 495,204 22,575 773,255 333,200
2013-14 (Budgeted) Revenue Expense Subsidy 233,426 278,426 45,000 839,219 50,000 0 250,176 3,212 127,501 7,441 147,725 441,002 22,691 318,635 8,500 489,045 25,025 749,266 333,200 835,219 50,000 0 82,801 2,512 (20,294) 7,441 147,725 253,602 6,591 (28,965) (76,000) 268,111 (5,475) (357,517) 333,200
707,349 4,000 49,940 0 144,160 0 105,334 161,670 9,304 700 (6,434) 136,100 1 0 131,470 0 293,771 198,800 (9,361) 16,100 1,083 323,663 (94,086) 101,000 241,016 225,934 (124) 25,575 (448,793) 1,536,574 348,034 0
867,003 4,000 50,000 0 2,185 0 34,720 167,375 6,648 700 (2,921) 147,795 7,441 0 147,725 0 258,602 187,400 6,865 16,100 (10,320) 347,600 (85,950) 84,500 269,270 220,934 (3,000) 30,500 (763,319) 1,106,783 333,200 0
Totals $2,476,918 $3,959,582 $1,482,664 $2,891,241 $4,029,390 $1,138,149 $2,547,113 $4,091,064 $1,543,951
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Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Collaborative Partnerships

Table 4-4 Facility/Program Bailey Park Partner Battle Creek Public Schools, St. Philip Catholic School, Kellogg Community College Michigan High School Athletic Assoc. Convention and Visitors Bureau B. C. Bombers (Northwood League) Family YMCA Lakeview Youth Association (LYA) Binder Park Zoological Society First Tee of Michigan Personal and Professional Wellness Cereal City Hoopsters New Level Sports Kellogg Arena Boys and Girls Club West Michigan Virtual School Battle Creek Family YMCA Pepsi AT&T BC Junior Bombers/Mid-Michigan Tigers Kellogg Community College Cereal City Development Corp Leila Arboretum Society Shamrock Baseball Lakeview Public Schools HBF Maroons Lakeview Public Schools Lakeview Public Schools ASYO Lakeview Youth Association (LYA) Minges Creek Racquet Club Description Softball/Baseball facilities
Binder Park
Claude Evans Park Fell Park Full Blast
Hamilton Park KCC Sportsplex Kellogg Arena Leila Arboretum McCrea Park Minges Brook Park Piper Park Prairieview Park Riverside Park
Youth Tennis
Baseball/softball championships Operations and capital investment Minor league baseball Corporate Cup (adult sports programming) Youth baseball Park/zoo management Youth golf programming Family winter sports Youth basketball programming Youth athletic programming Operations/equipment support Afterschool programming Alternative education Summer Camp Aquatic support Facility sponsorship Facility sponsorship Youth baseball Shared sports facilities Facility management Park and program management Youth baseball Joint park operations Youth baseball Joint park operations Joint park operations Youth athletic programming Youth baseball Youth athletic programming
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obesity was the top priority health issue in the County. The committee recognized, as did focus group and interview participants, that to address overweight and obesity, the health issues of physical activity and nutrition would also have to be addressed. The Committees findings reflect the communitys awareness and concern for the impacts of poor lifestyle choices on current and future generations. Despite Battle Creeks proactive approach, both regionally and national, health concerns related to poor lifestyle choices continue to grow. Chronic diseasessuch as cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke), cancer, and diabetes are responsible for 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans each year and chronic diseases account for $3 of every $4 1 spent on healthcare. A recent report from the Trust for th Americas Health indicates that Michigan is the 5 heaviest State in the nation, setting Michiganders up for an explosion of weight related health problems and costing the State an additional $22 billion in health care costs by 2030. Locally, Calhoun County has an obesity rate that is 6% higher than the state average and a higher percentage of residents who fail to participate in the recommended 2 amount of daily physical activity than the state average. In addition, the prevalence of obesity in the adult population is spreading to children putting young people at 3 an increased risk of premature heart attacks and strokes. A much greater number of children are now suffering from diseases that were once thought to only plague adults. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis, fatty deposits in the liver, and type 2 diabetes are all common 4 findings in overweight children. For these reasons, as the Parks and Recreation Department began the development of its master plan, it sought to continue its recent emphasis on community health needs. It is clear to the department that physical fitness and healthy lifestyles remained a high priority among citizens and that a focused and strategic approach is needed. The intent is to respond to the current and previously articulated citizen needs in a more purposeful way while building on past efforts.
SECTION 5: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
PLANNING STRATEGY
The Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department embarked upon its 2014-18 master planning process with a desire to build on the successes of the previous five years. Rather than pursuing an entirely new strategic direction, the department sought to capitalize on the citizen-driven directives in its current plan as well as align the distribution of its resources with broader community needs established through community-wide assessments.
In 2013 three hospitals that share Calhoun County as a service areaBronson Battle Creek, Oaklawn Hospital, and Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Centercame together to jointly conduct a community health needs assessment (CHNA). The hospitals, working with several additional community partners, formed an 11- member Assessment Advisory Committee charged with gleaning health needs by reviewimg quantitative data from two main sources: The Coordinating Council (TCC) of Calhoun County Community Report Card 201112 and the Calhoun County Public Health Departments 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). The Assessment Advisory Committee also sought input directly from medically underserved, low- income, and minority populations, and other community representatives. Fourteen interviews were conducted with leaders in the community representing community service providers, health care providers, medically underserved populations, minority populations, rural populations, and business. Eight focus groups were held with people representing various populations and geographic areas in the county. The interviews, focus groups and data reviewed by the committee revealed several areas where the health and health-related behaviors of Calhoun County residents could be improved, and that overweight and
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012 2 Calhoun County Community Report Card, The Coordinating Council, 2010-11 3 Overweight Children Face Premature Heart Attacks, Strokes. Steve Sternberg, USA Today, December 6, 2007. 4 Childhood Obesity: A New Epidemic. Robin Drucker, M.D. To Your Health CHRC Newsletter, Summer 2004
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As the plan was developed the department sought to continuously re-enforce the impact of the mission on its strategic action steps. Citizens were not only asked to rate parks and recreation services but to provide input on how the department could improve physical health and promote healthier lifestyle choices. By doing so, citizens played an active role in defining the departments future, based in part, on the departments most recent past. This approach was instrumental to determining strategy areas and specific actions steps that continue the departments current momentum and ensure its place as an essential service provider to the community. The Strategic Directives, as well as the Goals and Objectives of the plan are gleaned from input from a variety of sources including the current plan, the 2013 Needs Assessment surveys, members of the public (in public forums) parks and recreation management staff, and members of the Master Plan Advisory Committee. The social and physical characteristics of the community reviewed in Section 2 also played an important role in shaping the action items. The goals, objectives and related action steps place particular emphasis on improving the physical activity levels and healthy lifestyle choices of youth.
collaborative arrangements with a diverse set of recreation providers. Developing structures that support self-directed recreation means emphasizing non-structured over structured programming for certain constituents to encourage great participation. The following goals, objectives and actions steps tie back to these strategic objectives and are further categorized as either part of Programs and Services or Operations (administration).
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Target Audience: General Population
Goal (PS1): To increase opportunities to regularly participate in physical activity Objective: Provide services (including facilities) that align with active recreation preferences. Action Steps: Advocate, promote and assist, as resources allow, in the implementation of the citys Non-Motorized Transportation Plan. Collaborate with other regional trail groups. Foster the inclusion/connection of the current linear park system within a regional transportation/recreation network including linkage with open space in neighboring jurisdictions. Provide equipment and facilities in support of community special events. Goal (PS2): To increase awareness of the benefits of regularly participating in physical activity Objective: Act as a source of physical health information. Action Steps: Incorporate information on the benefits of active living into all programs and service communications. Utilized the departments new website to communicate information on the benefits of active living. Goal (PS3): To increase education and awareness of the benefits of healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices Objective: Form education and marketing alliances. Action Steps: Coordinate the departments efforts with broader health education initiatives such as those sponsored by the Regional Health Alliance.
STRATEGIC DIRECTIVES
PRIMARY DIRECTIVES
All of the goals, objectives and actions steps included in the plan are driven by three overarching primary strategic directives: (D1) Emphasize the physical recreation environment
(D2) Leverage assets through partnerships (D3) Develop structures that support self-directed recreation
Each strategic directive reflects a common thread woven throughout the various information gathering sessions held during the public input process. Emphasizing the physical recreation environment means investing in the park system by improving physical facilities, maintenance and safety to facilitate the use of natural environments in support of physically active lifestyles. Leverage assets through partnerships means extending the departments reach by impacting more people through cooperative and
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Partner with local community organizations to produce and promote at least two community-wide health events annually.

Create drop-in programming blocks that allow for unstructured activities that promote physical activity. Objective: Connect teens with positive adult role models in positions of authority through physical activity. Action Steps: Facilitate the development of programs such as Piece or Police Activity Leagues with strong mentoring components. Increase the number of participants in the department Teen Leadership Camp program by 50%.
Target Audience: (Youth 14 and under)

Goal (PS4): To actively engage all youth 14 and under in regular physical activity Objective: Maximize the amount of available departmental resources used to support youth programming. Action Steps: Commit and maintain a minimum of 25% of the departments general fund subsidy to youth programming. Commit and maintain a minimum of 70% of the department programming hours to active youth programming. Annually review the use of all programming and service resources to ensure the most efficient delivery of youth services. Objective: Increase accessibility to programming for economically disadvantaged youth. Action Steps: Commit and maintain a minimum of 3% of the departments general fund subsidy for scholarships. Goal (PS5): To increase awareness among all youth 14 and under of the benefits of healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices Objective: Improve nutritional habits. Action Steps: Integrate healthy snacks into all department-sponsored programs. Provide healthy eating tips/receipts and related information to all registered program participants. Promote a positive anti-substance abuse message as part of programming in partnership with other advocacy groups.
Target Audience: Families (with young children)

Goal (PS7): To increase the number of opportunities for family recreation Objective: Leverage current programming to include the entire family. Action Steps: Incorporate family-oriented programming elements such as parent participation nights into youth programming.
OPERATIONS Maintenance
Goal (OP1): Maintain a natural (passive) recreation environment with active living amenities Objective: Sustain a high level of park maintenance. Action Steps: Work with the Street and Parks Superintendent to establish a service level baseline for maintenance and safety. Advocate for an increase in general fund subsidy for parks maintenance to sustain the service level baseline. Complete a full assessment of increased and/or on-going maintenance costs associated with a project when considering any service improvements or expansion to ensure that adequate maintenance resources are available. Objective: Update and/or improve equipment and facilities that promote active use at all park locations. Action Steps: Maintain a Capital Improvements Projects list with annual priority updates. Advocate for a source of ongoing funding for extraordinary repairs on an annual basis for those items that do not qualify for capital improvement dollars. Upgrade playground equipment where needed in neighborhood parks as capital dollars become available.
Target Audience: (Teens 15 and older)

Goal (PS6): To increase the number of teens between 15-18 who regularly engage in physical activity Objective: Capitalize on youth recreation preferences. Action Steps: Explore school and other partnerships to provide intramural sports and athletic programming to teens.
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Facilities
Goal (OP2): Improve the quality of neighborhood parks Objective: Identify opportunities to improve quality. Action Steps: Develop a local neighborhood parks improvement business plan including strategies to: Define neighborhood parks including size, location, amenities and service levels. Build local neighborhood parks partnerships for planning and implementing improvements.
Align programming with prime-times as determined by users. Create flexible drop-in programming times that allow youth to choose activities. Evaluate individual programs and services on an annual basis to ensure that offerings meet customer needs (program evaluations). Objective: Improve customer perceptions regarding program and service safety. Action Steps: Provide contact information in all parks for emergency and related services.
Service Delivery
Goal (OP3): Develop strong programming and facility partnerships with local providers Objective: Formulate polices and nurture relationships that support and facilitate the development of partnerships. Action Steps: Create and update annually, a partnership list that identifies potential partner organizational with shared organizational values and goals. Develop and maintain at least one programming or facility partnership with New Level Sports, Community Integrated Recreation, the Lakeview Youth Athletics and the Wattles Park Mens Club. Develop additional new contractual program provider relationships on an annual basis. Goal (OP4): Improve overall program and service quality and safety Objective: Provide a broad spectrum of diverse program and service options. Action Steps: Review programming annually to ensure a diverse set of offerings. Seek out programming partnerships with non-traditional contractual providers (i.e. martial arts, wrestling). Configure and maintain facilities and facility space to allow for flexible uses that promote physical activity. Objective: Provide a broad spectrum of diverse program and service options. Action Steps: Conduct a bi-annual survey of adult and youth programming preferences. Maintain an online needs assessment survey to receive customer input.
Marketing and Communications.

Goal (OP5): Increase resident awareness of parks and recreation programs and services Objective: Develop a comprehensive integrated marketing and communications plan. Action Steps: Align marketing/communication efforts with targeted audiences (direct mail, emarketing, etc.). Produce and distribute an annual report with performance measurements. Develop additional cross-marketing partnerships with co-providers.
EVALUATION
As part of the master planning process the Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department is committed to providing the citys residents with timely and accurate information about its performance so that citizens can adequately assess how the department is doing. Additionally, the department is interested in developing a system that will allow staff to improve performance by measuring the efficiency and effectiveness with which it delivers services. By establishing certain performance measurements as part of its five-year plan, the department believes it can promote greater understanding of its mission, goals and objectives, strengthen its accountability to taxpayers, and improve overall performance. The performance measures establish in this plan are directly related to the goals and objectives identified above. The department intends to calculate, analyze and report on the measures on an annual basis in an effort to determine how well the department is meeting its directive to provide programs, services and operations in support of individual and community health and wellbeing (an overview follows on the next two pages).
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Performance Objective
The Department seeks to provide both opportunity and access to programs and services that get people physically active with particular emphasis on promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices for youth in order to eliminate the dangers of childhood obesity.
Performance Measurement Guild

Programs and Services General Population (PS1): To increase opportunities to regularly participate in physical activity. (PS2): To increase awareness of the benefits of regularly participating in physical activity (PS3): To increase education and awareness of the benefits of healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices - Total park utilization - Website visitation and health click-throughs - Number of health and wellness partnerships and services delivered
Youth (14 and under) (PS4): To actively engage all youth 14 and under in regular physical activity (PS5): To increase awareness among all youth 14 and under of the benefits of healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices
- Total programs offered - Total program enrollment - Recreation contact hours - Increases in activity levels (self-report) - Increases in healthy nutrition /lifestyle choices (self-report)
Teens 15 and Over (PS6): To increase the number of teens between 15-18 who regularly engage in physical activity
- Total program enrollment - Recreation contact hours - Increases in activity levels (self-report) - Increases in healthy nutrition /lifestyle choices (self-report)
Families (with young children) (PS7): To increase the number of opportunities for family recreation
- Total program enrollment - Parent/child recreation contact hours - Increases in activity levels (self-report) - Increases in healthy nutrition /lifestyle choices (self-report)
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Operations Maintenance (OP1): Maintain a natural (passive) recreation environment with active living amenities - Completion and monthly adherence to service level standards - Total $ in general fund subsidy for park maintenance - Total $ in park maintenance per capita/per acre - Total capital dollars allocated for improvements - Customer satisfaction with maintenance levels (survey)
Facilities (OP2): Improve the quality of neighborhood parks
- Completion of parks business plan - Number of planning partnerships
Service Delivery (OP3): Develop strong programming and facility partnerships with local providers (OP4): Improve overall program and service quality and safety
- Number of total partnerships - Number of participants reached through partnerships - Number of volunteers engage in programming - Number of recreation hours provided through partnerships - Customer satisfaction ratings relative to quality (survey) - Customer satisfaction ratings relative to safety (survey)
Marketing and Communications (OP5): Increase resident awareness of parks and recreation programs and services
- Number of residents identifying lack of information as a barrier - Number of visits to website - Number of participants utilizing social media offerings - Total participation numbers
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Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Non-Municipal Recreation and Leisure Services in the Battle Creek Area Capital Improvement Projects
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APPENDICES
Appendix A: Needs Assessment Survey and Results

Survey Results Summary
Appendix B: Public Review Process

Meeting Agenda(s) Meeting Summary Meeting Input and Results
Appendix C: Public Approval Process

Summary Public Comment Meeting Reports, Notices and Minutes Authorizing Resolutions Meeting Schedule
Appendix D: Articles
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APPENDIX A: NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY AND RESULTS

ADULT SURVEY
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APPENDIX A
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72
APPENDIX A
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74

Appendix A (continued)
YOUTH SURVEY AND RESULTS

For each item listed below please raise your hand to indicate how important these programs are to you and/or your family and whether there is interest in the activity.
Category Activities for the disabled Aquatics Environmental Indoor fitness Outdoor fitness Outdoor sports Special events Sports and athletics
Example Sports, crafts, trips, social events, etc. Lap swim, swim lessons, open swim, etc. Nature Study, nature walks, bird watching, etc. Exercise equipment, jogging track, aerobics, etc. In-line skating, running, walking, biking, etc. Archery, fishing, hunting, sporting clays, etc. One or two day events, festivals, shows, fairs, etc. Baseball, soccer, basketball, football, tennis, golf, etc.
Like 91 101 62 96 111 111 97 117
Dont Care 49 39 78 44 29 29 43 23
APPENDIX A
Category After School Programs Youth Sports Programming Bailey Park Binder Park Golf Course Full Blast Summer Camp Neighborhood Parks The Rink (Ice Arena) Riverside Park Willard Beach
Like 90 101 90 61 126 100 75 98 71 94
Dont Care 50 39 50 79 14 40 65 42 69 46
Item Active Video Games Baseball Fields Basketball Courts Bike Trails BMX Biking Boating Bowling Community Gardens Disc Golf Dog Parks Fitness Classes Fitness Walking Geo Cashing Golf Horseshoes
Like 106 68 96 101 79 107 111 41 62 72 51 62 100 72 55
Dont Care 34 72 44 39 61 33 29 99 78 68 89 78 40 68 85
Item Ice Hockey Ice Skating Jogging Kayaking Lacrosse Fields Linear Trails Off-Road Biking Rollerblading Running Skate Parks Soccer Fields Swimming Tennis Courts Volleyball Walking
Like 66 103 64 88 61 83 78 92 87 75 85 130 70 68 77
Dont Care 74 37 76 52 79 57 62 48 53 65 55 10 70 72 63
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SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Major Findings: Recreation Interest Category Special Events Indoor Fitness Outdoor Fitness Gardening Sports and athletics Wellness and self help Environmental Adventure activities Aquatics Outdoor sports Family fitness activities Activities for the disabled Extreme sports Opinions about Recreation Facilities Topic Agree Greenspaces/parks and walking trails are an important component of healthy communities The preservation and maintenance of greenspace parks adds to quality of life The Full Blast recreation center should be used for programs and services that promote health and fitness activities for youth BCPRD does a good job of maintaining parks in the community BCPRD programs and facilities are safe Battle Creek has the right amount of parks and greenspace I prefer larger centralized parks to smaller parks closer to my home Percent Interested 63 56 56 55 52 52 50 48 43 39 32 29 20 Percent Participated 34 36 41 29 34 25 23 29 20 15 12 7 5 Opinions about Programs Topic BCPRD should leverage its resources and extend its reach by partnering with other recreation providers in the community I believe there is a need for more recreation opportunities in Battle Creek The quality of programs and facilities offered by the BCPRD is good BCPRD is responsive to the physical recreation needs of the community BCPRD staff is courteous and helpful I am generally aware of the BCPRD programs and activities Opinions about Health Topic 93% 2% 5% Overweight/obesity is a problem in the community I consider myself healthy Family/I are in good health Battle Creek would experience a better quality of life if there were more opportunities to be physically active Family/I need to exercise more The primary role of BCPRD is to encourage physical fitness and healthy lifestyles There is a need for greater access to recreation programs and services that encourage healthy lifestyles There is a problem with the quality of health and wellbeing in my community In general, Battle Creek is a healthy place to live Battle Creek would experience a better quality of life if there were more opportunities to exercise Dog parks would improve health and quality of life Agree Disagree DK
68%
9%
23%
64%
18%
18%
64%
11%
25%
61% 50% 50%
23% 8% 38%
16% 42% 12%
Disagree
DK Agree 87% 83% 80 78% 77% 75% Disagree 3% 14% 15 12% 16% 12% DK 10% 3% 5 10% 7% 13%
89%
3%
8%
84%
1%
15%
64% 61% 61%
23% 17% 24%
13% 22% 15%
74%
9%
17%
72% 63%
12% 25%
16% 12%
24%
60%
16%
60%
20%
20%
52%
35%
13%
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Opinions about Finances Topic Non-residents should pay a higher fee for BCPRD programs and services I would be willing to pay more in user fees for additional BCPRD programs and services I am satisfied with the recreation opportunities I receive for my tax dollars I would be willing to support a dedicated Parks and Recreation millage in lieu of general taxes for BCPRD programs and services I would be willing to pay more in general taxes (property, income, etc.) for additional BCPRD programs and services

Agree 63%
Disagree 27%
DK 10% Areas of Importance (39% and below) Percent Who Facility/Program Claim Need Fee to Tax Ratio*
60%
28%
12%
56%
27%
17%
45%
38%
17%
37%
53%
10%
Areas of Importance (40% and above) Percent Who Facility/Program Claim Need
Fee to Tax Ratio*
Volleyball 37 1.50 Bowling 36 7.50 Off-road biking 36 1.03 Boating 36 3.40 Golf 36 12.21 Weight lifting 35 4.0 Cross Fit training 33 6.33 Ice skating 33 8.56 Disc golf 31 2.37 Ice hockey 30 15.23 Skate Parks 29 1.52 Kayaking 27 6.50 Rollerblading 27 1.73 Shuffleboard 26 1.65 Lacrosse fields 24 2.80 Horseshoes 21 3.92 BMX biking 16 3.39 Geo caching 12 7.00 Active video games 8 9.61 Pickleball 7 4.75 *Less than 0 means pay by tax, more than 1 is pay by fee. Information about Parks and Recreation Opportunities Percent Percent Information Method Claiming Claiming Effective Ineffective Direct Mail (newsletter) Department Website Special mailing to homes Mailing in water bills E-mail announcements Newspaper ads Flyers in public places Marquees/Billboards 56 Word of mouth Social media Radio ads Flyers in schools Applications for mobile phones Voicemail/phone messages Text messages Access vision 83 76 71 69 66 65 65 63 56 55 54 52 46 40 40 31 12 17 24 29 31 34 35 35 37 44 45 46 48 54 60 60 69 88
APPENDIX A
Neighborhood parks 71 0.24 Walking 71 .067 Fitness walking 68 1.42 Linear trails 67 0.38 Baseball fields 60 1.28 Bike trails 59 0.51 Bike lanes 57 0.45 Fitness classes 55 5.08 Non-motorized trails 54 0.45 Community gardens 52 1.24 Swimming 52 3.11 Basketball courts 51 1.14 Swimming Pools 50 2.95 Jogging 45 1.00 Soccer fields 45 1.12 Running 43 0.83 Dog Parks 41 1.12 Tennis courts 41 1.45 Strength Training 40 4.55 *Less than 0 means pay by tax, more than 1 is pay by fee.
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Attendance Activity/Facility Parks in general Neighborhood Parks Bailey Park Linear Path Water activities Willard Beach Riverside Park Full Blast (recreation center) Youth sports programming Binder Park Golf Course After school programs Woodland Park Pre-school programming Revolution Arena (ice arena) Summer Camp Reasons for Non-use Activity/Facility Lack of information Cost Lack of restrooms Better facilities are available elsewhere Lack of variety of programs Lack of cleanliness Lack of maintenance Location does not appear safe My physical condition does not allow me to participate Inconvenient timing of activities Lack of parking Inconvenient location I am not sure what specific things I need to do to be healthier Difficulties with registration Programs get cancelled Language/Cultural barriers Percent Identifying Yes 35 20 17 15 15 13 13 13 13 12 12 12 7 2 2 0 Percent Saying Never Participated 25 30 35 36 54 59 64 64 64 66 73 74 76 80 82 -
Appendix A (continued) BCPRD should ensure that it provides opportunities and spaces for their residents to participate in special events and enjoy passive recreation. BCPRD should continue to provide well maintained park spaces for its residents that add to the quality of life of the residents. BCPRD should consider building smaller parks with space available for passive recreation before going for centralized all-purpose facilities. BCPRD should explore ways to add different kinds of trails throughout the city. BPCRD should bring in variation in the programs offered to trigger interests and increase participations.
Programming for fitness and health: The results clearly suggest that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to the respondents and thus the BCPRD should consider the following recommendations as important components of its future plans: - BCPRD should consider offering more fitnessrelated activities and facilities for their residents. - BCPRD should consider offering opportunities for exercise and activities that help to satisfy the community need to life a healthy life. - BCPRD should consider providing opportunities for its residents to enjoy the active recreation that would include traditional sports activities. Financial issues: The respondents had specific feelings about the way in which BCPRD should be funded and how its funding should be used. To that end, the BCPRD should consider adopting the following recommendations: - BCPRD should consider developing a fee schedule for some of its activities, keeping in mind that the resident fee needs to be lower than the nonresident fee just as resident fees need remain in line with local economics. - BCPRD should be careful about levying new taxes for recreation activities and facilities and should also provide satisfying recreational opportunities. Administrative issues: Based on the data, the BCPRD should consider the following as recommendations for action with respect to the way in which it performs its activities. These are important issues since there is an opportunity for BCPRD to better showcase its activities and functions in the community to gain the respect it deserves: - BCPRD should try to keep residents informed of upcoming recreation activities through direct mailings of upcoming programs, activities and services.
RECOMMENDATIONS
This section of the report takes some of the key recommendations from each section of the report and suggests a plan of action for the BCPRD. Some of these can be achieved in the short term, while others need to be considered as long-term plan elements. Facilities: The results clearly suggest that the BCPRD needs to emphasize maintenance of its facilities along with the development of neighborhood parks. The following recommendations address this issue:
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BCPRD should ensure that the community has the correct information about quality and safety of the facilities. BCPRD should examine the times when people are available and offer activities that are available at times that are more convenient to the community. BCPRD should try and address the special needs of the smaller groups once the more widespread needs have been taken care of.
APPENDIX A
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City of Battle Creek APPENDIX B: PUBLIC REVIEW PROCESS

MEETING AGENDA
Community Reaction Meeting

Meeting Agenda
Thursday, August 15, 2013 The Sports Forum at Full Blast
APPENDIX B
I. II. III.
Welcome and Introductions Overview Planning Process - Purpose (Health and wellbeing) - Objectives Needs Assessment - Survey and Results Strategic Objectives (Group Discussion) - Defining Action Steps Group Reports Priority Rankings Summary (Q & A) Next steps Closing Remarks
Ted Dearing - Planning Coordinator Ted Dearing - Planning Coordinator
IV.
Ananda Mitra Management Learning Laboratories Ted Dearing - Planning Coordinator
V.
VI. VII. VIII. IX. X.
Ted Dearing - Planning Coordinator
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Appendix B (continued)
MEETING SUMMARY
Overview: Three meetings were held in order to allow the public, parks and recreation staff, and the Master Plan Advisory Committee to react to the information derived from the community-wide needs assessment survey. The first meeting was held Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with parks and recreation staff. The second meeting, involving the general public, was held that evening from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The final meeting was held Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. with the Advisory Committee. Numerous personal invitations and publicized notices were used to attract participants to the public meeting. Twelve (12) citizens attended representing a diverse cross-section of the community. The group was very active in the discussion. Eight (8) parks and recreation staff members participated in the internal meeting and all members of the Master Plan Advisory Committee provided feedback. Purpose: Once the needs assessment survey was complete, the information was summarized into 7 goal statements tied directly to the survey results. These statements were intended to serve as a basis for identifying specific objectives, and action steps in the final plan. The purpose of the reaction meetings was to review survey results and the corresponding goals, add context to those goals by identifying potential action steps (intended as possible implementation steps that would allow for the achievement of the objective identify in each goal statement) and the prioritization of goals. The information compiled at these meetings, as well as the other components of the planning process including community demographics and physical characteristics allowed the Parks and Recreation Department to refine and complete the comprehensive action plan included in this document. Meeting Format: The public meeting included welcoming comments from the planning coordinator followed by information on the purpose and objectives of the planning process including: - The intended focus of the plan - The role of the public in the process - The departments specific objectives relative to the development of the current plan - How public input shapes and influences the plan - How the input is integrated into the final plan
5
assessment survey conducted by his firm for the Parks and Recreation Department as part of the master planning process. Parks and Recreation engaged the services of MLL for the purpose of securing information regarding
citizens recreation needs and preferences from a random sample of the community.5
The summary review was followed by a short questions and answers period. Participants were then introduced to the 7 strategic statements. Each statement was accompanied by bullet points detailing the information contained in the survey that supported the development of that particular statement. The statements and corresponding bullet points are detailed below: Maintain a passive recreation environment with active living amenities Basis: - Resident interest in passive recreation - Green-space contributions to quality of life - High level of park use - Emphasis on trail development Increase the number and quality of neighborhood parks Basis: - Resident interest in smaller over centralized parks - High level of neighborhood park use - Needed access to parks Develop strong programming and facility partnerships with local partners Basis: - Resident desire for more recreation opportunities - Emphasis on sharing resources - Cost as a barrier to participation - Lack of support for new taxes Align program and services offerings with customer needs Basis: - Preferred programming times - Diversity in respondent preferences
Ananda Mitra, President of Management Learning Laboratories (MLL), then provided participants with a summary of the results of a statistically valid needs
Summary results of the Needs Assessment Survey with recommendations are included in Appendix A (Item A3). The complete results of the survey are available at: http://www.bcparks.org.
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Provide a broad spectrum of diverse program and service options Basis: - Diversity in respondent preferences - Need to address niche needs - Competition in market - Emphasis on quality and value Increase resident awareness of parks and recreation programs and services Basis: - Awareness as a barrier to participation - Preferred methods of communication - Need to emphasize quality and safety Improve overall program and service quality and safety Basis: - Cost and safety as barriers to participation - Uncertainty about program quality The statements were introduced to participants in no particular order. A general group discussion was held to brainstorm specific actions that would allow the department to meet the strategic goal identified in each statement. The exercise was intended to provide the department with a series of ideas that could be modified or adopted as action steps in the plan designed to meet strategic directives. Participants were informed that the results would be synthesized with results from similar meetings with parks and recreation staff and the planning advisory group and developed into a comprehensive action plan. Participants were told that the final plan would not necessary include every idea presented during the meeting and that ideas would have to be balanced with resource limitations, however, the action plan would be designed to reflect as much of the input as possible. Once the brainstorming session was complete, participants were given information regarding next steps in the process including future opportunities for public input and review. A review of strategic priorities and their associated action steps as identified by the public is included in the final section of Appendix B (B3). The synthesized results from all three meetings are reflected in the Action Plan (Section 5).

Appendix B (continued) 1. Increase the quality of neighborhood parks Priority Action Steps: 1. Maintain an aggressive level of park maintenance (mowing and trash pickup) 2. Keep equipment in good repair Provide a broad spectrum of diverse program and service options Priority Action Steps: 1. Seek collaborative partners 2. Use technology to assess needs 3. Engage users in planning. Increase resident awareness of parks and recreation programs and services Priority Action Steps: 1. Co-promote like activities and events 2. Utilize technology to reach new markets Develop strong programming and facility partnerships with local partners Priority Action Steps: 1. Expand programming through partnerships 2. Partner with local schools Align program and services offerings with customer needs Priority Action Steps: 1. Offer flexible schedules 2. Create opportunities for self-directed recreation Improve overall program and service quality and safety Priority Action Steps: 1. Maintain restrooms in larger centralized parks 2. Increase supervision of program participants 3. Utilize web tools to stay abreast of park conditions Maintain a passive recreation environment with active living amenities Priority Action Steps: 1. Develop service delivery standards 2. Use a flash mob approach to organization spontaneous events/activities 3. Complete targeted linear path expansions (tie into county-wide trail systems)
2.
APPENDIX B
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
MEETING INPUT AND RESULTS

Strategic Goals/Objectives: Public Input (Strategic Priorities and Action Steps)
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City of Battle Creek APPENDIX C: PUBLIC APPROVAL PROCESS

SUMMARY OF APPROVAL PROCESS
Once the public review process was complete a draft of the final plan was assembled initiating the public approval process. The draft plan was made available for public review between December 5, 2013 and January 4, 2014 (see the Media Release included on the next page) in adherence with planning guidelines. The plan was available electronically on the Citys Parks and Recreation website and at Willard Public Library. Hardcopies of the plan were available at multiple sites including the city managers office and the parks and recreation office. Public Open House: Members of the public were invited to an open house held on December 11, 2013 in the parks and recreation office. The open house was held from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and included access to parks and recreation staff. Attendees were encouraged to review the draft plan, ask questions and provide feedback and comments in written form. A summary of comments received at the open house is included in this Appendix. Planning Commission: On December 18, 2013 as part of its regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the Battle Creek Planning Commission was presented with the master plan for it consideration and review. A public hearing was held as part of the meeting providing the public with an additional opportunity to comment on the plan. A summary of public and commissioner comments is included in this Appendix. All comments received prior to January 5, 2014 were reviewed in their entirety by parks and recreation staff and where feasible and appropriate, integrated into the final plan. City Commission: On January 21, 2014 the Battle Creek City Commission held a public hearing for the purpose of receiving comment on the parks and recreation master plan. On February 4, 2014, the City Commission approved a resolution adopting the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for 2014-2018. The public was given additional opportunities during that meeting to comment on the plan including during the general public comment period and at the time that commissioners debated the resolution of approval. Commission comments, and those offered by the public are summarized in this Appendix. Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Five-Year Master Plan 2014-2018 Pending Public Approval Documents
Press release on Open House and public approval period (December 5, 2013 January 4, 2014) Community Open House ad(s) Citizen comments from the Open House and public approval period Notice of Public Hearing Battle Creek Planning Commission Planning Commission Agenda (December 18, 2013) Planning Commission staff report Parks and Recreation Master Plan Planning Commission meeting minutes from December 18, 2013 Certified resolution from the Planning Commission indicating approval of the Master Plan Notice of Public Hearing Battle Creek City Commission, City Commission Agenda (January 21, 2014) City Commission meeting minutes from January 21, 2014 City Commission Agenda (February 4, 2014) City Managers report (February 4, 2014) Resolution and Action Summary supporting adoption of the Master Plan City Commission meeting minutes from February 4, 2014 Certified resolution from the City Commission indicating approval of the Master Plan Community meeting schedule
APPENDIX C
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Page |
Continuation of last section.
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City of Battle Creek APPENDIX D: ARTICLES
APPENDIX D
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City of Battle Creek Park and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018

Draft of Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department 2014-2018 Master Plan

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Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018

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Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018

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Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018

MASTER PLAN 2014-2018

Section 2: Community Description

Section 3: Administrative Structure

List of Figures/Tables/Maps Section 3: Administrative Structure (continued)

Map 3-3 Map 3-4 Table 3-7 Table 3-8

Section 4: Recreation Inventory

City of Battle Creek

Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018

SECTION 1: PLANNING & PUBLIC INPUT

Management Learning Laboratories

NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY

ACTION PLAN (GOALS/OBJECTIVES/STRATEGIES)

PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS

PUBLIC REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS

City of Battle Creek PUBLIC APPROVAL AND PLAN ADOPTION

Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018

SECTION 1: PLANNING & PUBLIC INPUT

City of Battle Creek

Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018

SECTION 2: COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

City of Battle Creek

Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018

SECTION 2: COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Population by Race 2000-2010

PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE

Source: U.S. Census Bureau for 2010

Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Preliminary Population Forecast

Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Developed and Undeveloped Land

Source: City of Battle Creek Comprehensive Plan

City of Battle Creek

Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018

SECTION 2: COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

City of Battle Creek

Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018

Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Non-Motorized Transpotation Network

SECTION 2: COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION

City of Battle Creek

Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014-2018

SECTION 3: RECREATION INVENTORY

Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Parks and Facility Summary

CITY-OWNED PARKS AND FACILITIES

NON-MUNICIPAL LEISURE PROVIDERS

Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Parks and Facilities Grid

Flower Gardens/Land Scaping

Amenities: Signs, Benches

Ice Skating/Fishing (F)

Play Equipment - APA

City of Battle Creek