Staff Photo by Steven Marsh:
Catcher Trent Whittaker with the Callaway Reds tags Marcos Eanes of the Dudley Undertakers at home plate in a recent game. The new recreation plan calls for more parks and upgraded facilities across the county. |
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
By CHARLES BOOTHE - Staff Writer
Franklin County has for the first time developed a comprehensive plan related to recreation, and that plan includes facilities and programs for all ages spread across the county.
The county's 15-year parks and recreation plan is not based solely on staff recommendations and studies, though, said Scott Martin, the county's director of commerce and leisure services.
"This project began 18 months ago," he said of deciding what services are needed and where they will be located.
To find the answers, the county teamed with CHA Sports, a design and planning firm, and public input was sought. Extensive surveys were sent to county residents, and public meetings and focus groups were held. About 150 students were also interviewed.
More than 1,200 county residents participated in the initiative, Martin said, adding that he knows of no other parks and recreation study that involved as many residents.
"The plan is authentic to Franklin County," he said. "It does not seek to build a Botetourt, Bedford or Roanoke county system. It proposes, from the input citizens provided, to build a uniquely Franklin County system."
According to residents, that system should include items such as better beach/lake access, campgrounds, more hiking and biking trails, an indoor recreation/community center, neighborhood parks with picnic areas and shelters, and more outdoor festivals.
Martin said 85 percent of the residents said parks and open spaces are important in future land use decisions, and only 45 percent are satisfied with the amount of park sites and recreation programs now offered.
According to survey results, most residents (75 percent) want more programs and activities in parks.
Martin said expanding facilities and adding programs cost money, but residents think it's a good investment.
Survey results showed that 95 percent of participants said county residents should have the opportunity to vote on a bond referendum to fund park land acquisition and recreation facility improvements, and 73 percent said they would vote "yes" on such a referendum.
The current "tough economic environment makes the (survey) results even more telling," Martin said.
Several new parks are included in the plan's recommendations, including two regional parks on Smith Mountain Lake.
Penn Hall park would be located near Penhook and include two beaches, a marina, multiple boat launches, athletic fields and camping.
Smith Farm park would be on the lake off Burnt Chimney Road and feature a nature conservation and education area, an open space for fairs and festivals, athletic fields and an equestrian facility.
Neighborhood/community parks would include locations at Hardy, Westlake, Boones Mill, Dillons Mill, Callaway, Ferrum and Glade Hill.
Existing parks would be upgraded with restrooms, concession stands, dugouts and maintenance facilities.
Blackwater and Pigg River Blueways would be enhanced and would include more access points.
"Water access is a recurring theme," Martin said.
New trails would include Rocky Mount to Waid Park, Waid Park to Ferrum and Philpott Lake to Smart View Recreation area on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The community center could provide a place for large gatherings, classes and other activities, Martin said. The center would not compete with the two YMCA facilities in the county, he added.
Although the population is aging in this county and elsewhere, Martin said Franklin County residents are not the "sit on a porch" types.
"They're active. They want to do things," he said.
If a price tag were to be put on everything that is in the plan now, it would be between $70 million and $80 million, Martin said.
But it's a 15-year plan that can be implemented in phases, tackling individual projects as money becomes available. Funding could include state and federal grants for many projects, he said.
Martin also emphasized that it is simply a plan, which provides a guideline for the board of supervisors as well as the Town of Rocky Mount.
"This becomes an addendum to the county (comprehensive) plan," he said. "It's a tool that will save us money" because the county will know what residents want. It's also a plan that can be changed, adapting to the interests and needs of residents.
"Ten years ago, who would have projected how big wakeboarding would be?" Martin asked, adding that such events as wakeboarding and fishing tournaments bring people and money into the county.
"This is the plan we want that's uniquely Franklin County," he said. "Let's figure out a way to get it done." |
