VILLAGE OF PERRY - Seneca Falls



TOWN OF SENECA FALLS

PARKS & RECREATION SERVICES

FIVE-YEAR MASTER PLAN

AUGUST 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CATEGORY PAGE

Officials, Committee, Staff………………………………………………………. 1

Purpose of Master Plan and Mission Statement………………………………….. 2

Introduction and Overview………………………………………………………. 3

Resources and Recommendations……………………………………………….. 5

A. Community Center ………………………………………………………. 5

B. Kids Territory…………………………………………..………………… 6

C. Vince’s Park……………………………………………………………… 7

D. Firemen’s Field…………………………………………………...……… 9

OFFICIALS

TOWN COUNCIL

Peter Same, Supervisor

James Terryberry Lucille Cook

Joseph Peone Thomas David

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

Charles Luffman, Chairman

Members

Robert Brown Frederick Capozzi Tammy Clark

David Baker Elizabeth Becht Steven Gray

Advisory Board

Gerard Galusha Stephen Guererri Daryl Bentley

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

James Spina, Commissioner

Wendy Caraher, Asst. Recreation Director

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PURPOSE OF THE MASTER PLAN

The purpose of this Parks & Recreation Master Plan is to establish a citizen-driven five-year plan for developing and improving parks and recreation programs within the Town of Seneca Falls. The intent of the plan is to establish a schedule for implementing identified park and recreation enhancements over a continual five year period commencing in 2003 with the plan being updated on a yearly basis. The plan takes into consideration currently existing parks and recreation facilities and programs, and identifies or recommends development of new facilities and services.

A survey was conducted during March 2003 to identify the parks and recreation needs and preferences of the citizens of the Town of Seneca Falls. In addition to clearly identifying the present characteristics of the park facilities in the Town, the plan presents recommendations, based on the results of the citizen survey, which provides a clear vision for the future of parks and recreation services in this community.

The information in this document provides the Town of Seneca Falls officials with an action plan to be implemented, which will expand the Town’s parks and recreation availability and usage for citizens of all ages and abilities.

MISSION STATEMENT

It is the Mission of the Town of Seneca Falls Parks & Recreation Commission to provide all residents of Seneca Falls the opportunity to lead a healthy, more active lifestyle, through a lifetime of effective and affordable recreation and leisure programs.

The Town of Seneca Falls Parks and Recreation Department strives to give the best of leisure services and experiences to all of its residents and visitors.

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INTRODUCTION and OVERVIEW

The Town of Seneca Falls faces many challenges in its effort to establish its Parks and Recreation assets to that which promote demographic accessibility and utilization by all of our citizens.

The Town of Seneca Falls, established in 1829, has a current population of 9,347 (2000 Census). As an older established community, the Town Council is committed to updating and improving all facets of Town infrastructure, including water, sewer, streets, erosion control, housing, economic and industrial development, and all municipal services. In this regard, the Town Council has committed its efforts to likewise improve the Parks and Recreation facilities and services.

The Town Council presents a vision to enable the growth and vitality of the entire Town…..through the development of connected parks, trails and recreation services.

• Recreation and Education Services

• Connect parks, recreational opportunities, trails, and business districts

• Through the connected park and recreation resources, to enhance economic development

• To support the growth of tourism in the Town and surrounding areas

Seneca County has targeted the Town of Seneca Falls, along with two other Communities, for enhanced tourism as many businesses have moved on to other locations or down-sized their workforces.

The Town was originally driven as a “Mill town” with multiple businesses located along the Seneca River and Seneca-Cayuga Canal. In the mid-1800’s, Goulds Pumps Inc. opened its doors for business and became the prime employer for not only Seneca Falls but Seneca County as well. Sylvania also served as a major employee for many years.

However, in recent years, Goulds Pumps has seen a sizeable decrease in employment as consolidation of services and products became necessary for them to compete at the national level. Prior to that, Sylvania completely closed its doors and eliminated many jobs in the area. It was then that Seneca County and its communities decided to target tourism and quality of life as its main focus.

Over the past 30 years, the Town of Seneca Falls has served as a center for tourism and recreational activity for Seneca County. The National Women’s Rights Park and Hall of Fame is located in downtown Seneca Falls and draws multiple visitors to Seneca Falls each year. Also, many festivals and other activities (sports tournaments especially) occur annually in Seneca Falls that draw many locals and visitors to the downtown area. The Parks & Recreation Commission estimates that over 10,000 people (both local and tourists) attend these events each year.

In the Town, there are currently three parks that serve local residents and visitors to this community.

The Community Center, situated on the banks of the Seneca-Cayuga Canal Waterway, takes advantage of its opportunity for sports and leisure activities. Kids Territory and Vince’s Park are open area recreational facilities, both having naturally shaded leisure areas and amenities.

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The current Town Parks and Recreation facilities include:

Seneca Falls Community Center (Water St.) – approx. 5 acres

Kids Territory (Bayard St.) – approx. 10 acres

Vince’s Park (Rts. 5 & 20) – approx. 23 acres

The Town has likewise identified plans to develop new park and recreation facilities, including:

Firemen’s Field (Ovid St.) – approx. 4 acres

HISTORY OF PARKS DEVELOPMENT IN THE TOWN OF SENECA FALLS

The Seneca Falls Community Center is a new structure that opened in 2001. It was built to replace an original structure built in 1960. It has served mainly as a Youth Center but the new building has enabled the Town to offer many multi-age programs and thus serve as a true “Community Center.”

The development of Kids Territory was based on the opportunity to offer a multi-field facility to accommodate the Town’s many youth sports programs that, at the time of their development, were forced to use school facilities due to lack of space. It now contains 7 different playing fields that can accommodate baseball, softball, lacrosse, kickball and soccer on a yearly basis.

Vince’s Park was initially developed by Goulds Pumps Inc. to serve its many employees and their families. However, at the same time as their down-sizing, they decided to donate the park to the Town for use by residents of not only Seneca Falls, but Seneca County and the rest of the Finger Lakes.

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT CONDITIONS

Currently, with the boom of youth sports affecting Seneca Falls as well as the rest of the country, Kids Territory cannot accommodate the number of young people involved in our programs. We are still using school facilities for practices and games and need 3-5 more fields at Kids Territory to handle the overload. Currently, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, kickball are accommodated on a yearly basis at Kids Territory.

Vince’s Park is a 45 year old facility in dire need of attention. The pool needs a complete revamping of its infrastructure. There are opportunities for expansion on approximately 10 acres of undeveloped property as well.

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RESOURCES and RECOMMENDATIONS

Seneca Falls Community Center

Water Street, Seneca Falls, New York 13148

The Community Center is approximately 5 acres. This park facility was originally built in the 1960’s, and the current facility completed in October 2001. The original use of this park facility was for children’s programs, youth activities, and passive leisure pursuits.

Existing Facilities at the Seneca Falls Community Center

• Three basketball courts (two indoors, one outdoors)

• One multi-purpose recreation activities room

• Restroom and locker facilities

• Kitchen facility

• Community conference room (can be divided into two areas)

• Open space lounge / activity area

• Adult fitness room, including eight pieces of exercise equipment

• Parks & Recreation staff offices

• Skatepark facility (outside)

• Canoe / kayak launch area (to the Seneca – Cayuga Canal)

• Canal-side promenade / walkway

Parking:

• Two lots accommodate 180 cars

Area Highlights and Acreage:

The Seneca Falls Community Center is bordered along its south border by the Seneca-Cayuga Canal, businesses along its north border, the Bridge St. Bridge to the east, and private residence to the west. The facility is used by Town-sponsored programs, and by local Catholic Youth Organization basketball leagues, local Amateur Athletic Union Basketball program, Special Olympics, Mynderse Athletics programs.

Expanded Acreage Potential:

At this time, the Seneca Falls Community Center does not have plans for expansion into new properties.

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Increased Access Potential:

An outdoor skatepark was constructed in 2003. Outdoor basketball courts were added in 2004.

Recommendations for Expanded / Additional Facilities:

• None at this time.

Revenue Generation:

The Seneca Falls Community Center is able to raise revenue for its operations through the following events / activities:

• Rental of the conference room to local / regional groups. Groups are encouraged to schedule use of the room in advance, and a fee of $50.00 - $100.00 is charged based on the group’s use of the facility’s kitchen

• User fees are charged to individuals and/or families as registration for basketball leagues, wrestling programs, adult programs, aerobics classes, Tai Chi instruction, kick boxing classes, scrap book classes, cooking classes, etc

• The Community Center plans various community trips which include a fee for participants

Kids Territory

West Bayard Street

Seneca Falls, New York

The Kids Territory is approximately 10 acres. This park facility was developed in the 1960’s. Prior to development as a park, this property was open, undeveloped land. During the 1980’s, this park facility was upgraded and improved.

Existing Facilities at the Kids Territory

• Three baseball / softball fields

• Three soccer fields

• Concession / restroom / maintenance facility

• Wooden-style creative playground (children ages three to 14)

• Perimeter fitness trail

Parking:

Two lots that can handle 120 automobiles, plus additional parking along the entrance roadway, and along California Avenue (west boundary of the park);

Area Highlights and Acreage:

Kids Territory is located adjacent to the Tudor Village Housing Complex, which includes many

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families with young children. This park facility is within walking distance of the south side neighborhoods of the Village of Seneca Falls, and a short drive from many other Town-based

neighborhood regions. The soccer and baseball / softball fields draw many regional tournaments and competitions, including Little League, Seneca Falls United Soccer Club, Shamrocks Soccer Club, Town-sponsored leagues, Finger Lakes Rec Lacrosse League, and Mynderse Academy Athletics programs.

Expanded Acreage Potential:

To the south of this facility is a parcel of land which is for sale. The Parks & Recreation Commission has evaluated the potential to acquire this property and recommends that the Town purchase this property for potential expansion of practice fields/facilities.

Recommendations for Expanded / Additional Facilities:

An expanded playground facility on the current footprint will become necessary as the wooden playground ages. Since the wooden playground structure has a projected lifespan of fifteen years, and since it was completed in 1990, the Parks & Recreation Commission recommends that the Town look into replacing the playground as soon as possible, preferably in the Fall of 2006. It has also been suggested that we consider adding an outdoor basketball court and additional fencing (between the playground and parking lot) for safety reasons at Kids Territory.

Also, the current parking situation at Kids Territory is less than adequate. With the addition of further lacrosse programming and other spring activities, parking has become a problem. In Spring 2005, cars were witnessed parking along Bayard St. while attending games at Kids Territory. To alleviate this dangerous situation, it is imperative that the Town explore the possibility of providing additional parking areas as soon as possible.

Revenue Generation:

The Town of Seneca Falls Parks & Recreation Department charges a user fee for Town-sponsored programs, e.g. baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse programs. Also the Summer Soccer and Lacrosse Camps also charge a fee for participation.

Separate from the Town’s programs, each respective organization may use these facilities as a fundraiser during their scheduled leagues and competitions

Vince’s Park

Corner of Rts. 5 & 20, and Rt. 318

Seneca Falls, New York

Vince’s Park is approximately 23 acres. This park facility was developed by the Gould’s Pumps company in the 1960’s for their employees, and the property was donated to the Town in 1994.

Existing Facilities at the Vince’s Park

• Olympic size swimming pool, with bathhouse facilities

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• Two softball fields

• Newly renovated (2005) indoor group activity pavilion with attached bathroom facilities which can accommodate approximately 150 people

• Two outdoor pole barn picnic shelters which can accommodate 100 people per site

• Maintenance facility

• 10 acres of undeveloped land that is within the park property

Parking:

Two lots which can accommodate 280 automobiles.

Area Highlights and Acreage:

Vince’s Park is located in an agricultural area. All park users must use a car to access this facility. The park hosts men’s softball leagues, and both a men’s and women’s softball tournament is scheduled annually at this facility. Special Olympics also use the facility each year. The indoor pavilion was completely renovated (with additional bathroom facilities) in 2005.

Expanded Acreage Potential:

The Town has determined that Vince’s Park has over 10 acres of undeveloped parkland, which can be developed into a wide range of athletic fields or other park and recreation use. There is a need to develop expanded playground and picnic facilities at this site.

Increased Access Potential:

Vince’s Park draws from families, adult athletic organizations, and various leagues and special events. The Parks & Recreation Commission may decide to expand facilities on the undeveloped 10 acres to meet the needs of citizens based on significant suggestions from the survey.

Recommendations for Expanded / Additional Facilities:

A re-development of the pool and its infrastructure as well as a water spray park, added practice fields, nature trails, a children’s playground and an outdoor ice skating facility is possible at Vince’s Park. A recent survey showed interest in all of these areas. Also, despite the addition of over 75 new spots in 2004, parking congestion is still a problem on busy weekends. Additional parking is an area of concern that should be immediately addressed.

Revenue Generation:

The Town generates revenue from non-resident family and individual memberships for use of the pool as well as daily-use fees. It should be noted that as of May 2005, all Town residents are allowed to use the swimming facility at no charge. However, fees are charged for all swimming lessons. Rental fees are charged to groups for use of the two pole barn picnic shelters and use of the pavilion. Fees are also charged for planned tournaments and use of the ball fields.

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Firemen’s Field

Ovid Street

Seneca Falls, New York

Firemen’s Field is approximately 4 acres. This park facility was acquired by the Town in 2000.

Existing Facilities at the Firemen’s Field

• This park facility is currently undeveloped. It has an open field area, which is used by the Seneca Falls Junior Football Program and Lacrosse Program for practices only. It is also utilized annually over the Labor Day weekend by the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival for additional parking

• The former Fire Department Clubhouse sits idle at this time. It is currently utilized as additional storage for the Parks and Recreation Department.

Parking:

Limited parking is available for 30 automobiles (on the former Town Highway Department site).

Area Highlights and Acreage:

This undeveloped property is not currently used by the Seneca Falls Parks & Recreation Commission for organized programs or events. The Parks Department maintains the property. Neighborhood youth do use the open areas for pick-up ball games, etc.

Expanded Acreage Potential:

There is a lone house which is completely surrounded by the Firemen’s Field property. It currently is not for sale by the owner but could be attainable in the future.

Increased Access Potential:

The neighborhoods surrounding the Firemen’s Field do not currently have a municipal park available for their use. An enhancement of this property would directly benefit the neighborhoods and their residents.

Recommendations for Expanded / Additional Facilities:

A 2003 survey has shown an interest in developing this area as practice fields, public gardens, a playground and an ice skating facility. It is possible, with the potential purchase of additional acreage at Kids Territory, that Fireman’s Field could be liquidated and the funds used for development of future Parks & Recreation facilities.

Revenue Generation:

Currently, the property does not generate any revenue for the Town. A swimming facility and/or public ice skating facility would generate added revenue in the future.

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