1. Neighborhood Park Workshop
Village of East Syracuse
Neighborhood Park Workshop

2. agenda Welcome + Introductions Overview of the BOA
Parks + Recreation Analysis
Characteristics of a Neighborhood Park
Let’s Start Designing!
Next Steps
Photo: Lismore&nimbin Tourism

3. Overview of the BOA

4. BOA = Brownfield Opportunity Area
What is a BOA?
BOA = Brownfield Opportunity Area
A state funding program that provides financial and technical assistance to complete area-wide planning efforts to support community revitalization in areas that have been impacted by the presence of brownfields and/or underutilized sites.

5. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 BOA 3-Step Process
Preliminary understanding of Study Area to identify opportunities & constraints
Step 1
In-depth planning level studies & analysis aimed at furthering redevelopment / revitalization projects
Step 2
Detailed strategies for achieving the vision of the BOA, including Site Assessments
Step 3

7. Strategic Sites

8. Implementation Strategy
Action item
Timeframe
Responsible party
Potential funding sources

9. Benefits of the BOA Program
Identify strategies for business attraction and investment
Add predictability to site clean-up and redevelopment
Ensure future plans reflect vision of the community
Identify funding resources / pursue grants
Identify roles and responsibilities
Position the Village for reinvestment

10. Parks + Recreation
Analysis

12. VILLAGE of EAST SYRACUSE
NRPA Level of Service
NRPA
PARK METRICS
VILLAGE of EAST SYRACUSE
1 park per 2,266 residents
1 park / 3,084 residents
9.6 acres per 1,000 residents
1.64 acres / 3,084 residents
1 playground per 3,633 residents
2 playgrounds / 3,084 residents

13. (3 miles per hour translates to ¼ mile in 5 minutes)
The 5-minute walk is a standard that is best described as the average distance that a pedestrian is willing to walk before opting to drive, and is often represented by a radius measuring ¼ mile (TND)
(3 miles per hour translates to ¼ mile in 5 minutes)

16. W. Ellis Street N. Center Street Village-owned
Just over ¼ acre (~13,500 SF)
Centrally located
Pedestrian-friendly
Adjacent to the municipal building
Shovel-ready

18. 483 total parcels within ¼ mile of the park
171 parcels in the BOA
74 residential
69 commercial

19. Characteristics
of a Neighborhood Park

20. Neighborhood + Community Parks
Range in size up to ~ 30 acres
Owned and maintained by the local municipality
Often serve as the focal point for neighborhoods, and are the basic unit of the park system
Generally include a mix of passive and active recreation
Accessible by foot or public transportation, within a 5-10 minute walk (1/4 mile)

21. Neighborhood + Community Parks
“Greenscape” is a landscaped park that is primarily for passive recreation (not programmed)
Credit: Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects

22. Neighborhood + Community Parks
“Recreation Center” is facility that serves active functions, such as organized sports and playgrounds
Carpenter Recreation Center, Thornton, CO, Landscape Structures

23. Neighborhood + Community Parks
Other types include “pocket” parks which are the smallest neighborhood park and “squares” or “plazas” which are hardscaped public areas

24. Design Considerations
Who is the park for?
People go to parks and recreation areas to relax and have fun
Therefore, plans should be developed to enhance the enjoyment for the user
Planning should support the work of those who operate and manage park facilities

25. Successful Planning of a Park Consists of 3 things:
Technical Knowledge
Example: Slopes and Contours
You do NOT need to know everything about planning, in fact, you shouldn’t…
Common Sense
Example: A trail adjacent to smooth-bark tree such as a beech. Don’t be surprised when…
Be able to explain in simple terms how and why your design will function
Creativity
Most difficult part
Tip: Put yourself in the user’s place!

26. Local Example

27. Let’s Start Designing!

28. Break into 4-5 groups
Each group is given a basemap and set of markers
Develop a design concept for the site (30-45 minutes)
Identify top 3 “wish list” items
Each group will present their final designs
Wrap-up discussion

29. Next Steps
Project team will compile results from the workshop and create a preliminary design
Conceptual design will be presented to the public at a follow-up meeting (date TBD)
Project team will work with the Village to develop final design and cost estimates
Funding applications will be submitted for the final design