Bath Township Parks 2017 Year in Review

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Frank Sims
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1 Bath Township Parks 2017 Year in Review Photo by John Landis BATH TOWNSHIP PARKS Since 1968

2 2 CONTENTS Bath Township s Mission Statement..3 Park Director s Annual Report...3 Human Resources. 4 Community Events...5 Visitor Statistics....6 Improvements and Renovations..7 Eagle Scout Projects Maintenance and Operations New Equipment Goals and Objectives.17 Location Map..18 Tamarack Bog Boardwalk 2

3 3 BATH TOWNSHIP S MISSION STATEMENT Bath Township is dedicated to excellence in providing prompt, appropriate public services to its citizens by encouraging honest, responsive, sensitive and professional services to the community and by recognizing the community s history of independence, self reliance and tradition since Park Director s Report Bath Township Parks continue to be a popular destination for residents and visitors of the community. Park personnel were busy assisting with the coordination of activities that included 157 shelter reservations at the Bath Baseball Park, Bath Community Park, and the Bath Nature Preserve, along with 1,028 scheduled field reservations for sporting events that took place in all of the township s four parks. Bath Parks estimates it had over 90,000 visitors for the scheduled sporting events, which included the Al O Leary Hurling Tournament, the Cuyahoga Valley Baseball Tournament, and the Lake Erie Bulldog Tournament. In addition to the shelter reservations and sporting events, park personnel assisted the Bath Park Board with their annual events throughout the year, such as Chillin on the Hill, the State of the Parks, the Rain Barrel Workshop, Fall into Nature, and the 5 th annual 8K Steeplechase/2K Family Fun Run. In June, over 350 people enjoyed music, food, and artwork from 35 artists during the Bath Art Festival. New events this year included the Hillcrest Hustle and the Regal Beagle Ultra; both races took place in the Bath Nature Preserve this fall. Bath Parks continue to play an important role in the local community. Bath Township and the University of Akron renewed their collaborative relationship when both parties signed a new lease agreement for the Bath Nature Preserve that will remain in effect until Additionally, Bath Township was the recipient of two grants this past year. The first was a 2017 Summit County Community Grant from the Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition. This grant will be used to fund six bike racks to be installed at various trailheads throughout the parks and the Heritage Corridors of Bath Wayside Exhibit. The second grant was a NatureWorks grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This grant will partially fund a new shelter near the football concession stand at the Bath Community Park. Bath Township was also awarded 2 nd place in the Natural Resources & Conservation category through the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association for the Tamarack Bog and Boardwalk project. In 2017, Bath Parks saw the completion of several projects, highlighted by the installation of a new restroom unit across from the Regal Beagle. The restroom project was made possible because of the support from the Bath Park Board, Steeplechase Committee, Bath Community Fund, Bath Volunteers for Service, and many other generous donations. At the Bath Baseball Park, a new outfield fence was installed on field five with support from Revere Baseball/Softball Association. The shelter at the Bath Community Park was rehabbed with a new roof and gutters and the Bath Nature Preserve trailhead parking lot was chip and sealed. Also at the Bath Nature Preserve, park personnel completed a new footbridge that crosses Bath Creek, giving the Township and the University of Akron access to the Moore s Chapel wetland from the Bath Nature Preserve. As we venture into 2018, it is shaping up to be another exciting and busy year in the parks. Residents and visitors can look forward to the completion of many projects, which include upgrades to the football concession stand at the Bath Community Park and the opening of the Summit County Astronomy Club s observatory on the Bath Nature Preserve, to name a few. With so many activities, events, and trails, there are many reasons to visit Bath Parks in Sincerely, Alan Garner Park Director/Assistant Service Director 3

4HUMAN RESOURCES A staff of three full-time, a part-time, and several seasonal employees work to provide park visitors with an educational, safe, and enjoyable experience within Bath Township Parks.

Because of this, Bath Township Parks have been recognized both locally and statewide. The Park personnel continue their annual training to develop their skills.

4 4HUMAN RESOURCES A staff of three full-time, a part-time, and several seasonal employees work to provide park visitors with an educational, safe, and enjoyable experience within Bath Township Parks. Park personnel specialize not just in public service, but customer service to the township s residents and all park visitors. Because of this, Bath Township Parks have been recognized both locally and statewide. The Park personnel continue their annual training to develop their skills. This year s workshops attended were Pesticide Recertification, Stormwater Maintenance Seminar, Stormwater Inspector Course, and a Tree Trimming Seminar. Bath Township is very proud of the dedication and skill this team of employees has brought to Bath Parks. VOLUNTEER RESOURCES Several volunteer organizations and committees throughout the course of a year assist the township. The volunteers play an important role in determining the usage of the parks as well as promoting the four parks as a whole. Bath Township Community Development Corporation Inc. (Park Board): An advisory board to the Bath Township Board of Trustees to plan and run the many activities held in Bath Parks. Currently consists of 21 members. Friends of the Regal Beagle : A committee sanctioned by the Board of Trustees to ensure the preservation of the Regal Beagle pavilion and the wood-fired oven in the Bath Nature Preserve. Currently consists of 4 members. Friends of Yellow Creek : A committee sanctioned by the Board of Trustees to ensure the preservation and protection of Yellow Creek and its tributaries. Currently consists of 15 members. In 2017, several organizations volunteered to improve the aesthetics and overall exposure of the parks. We thank them for their continued efforts. Park Board Members at Fall into Nature (2015) 4

5 5 Community Events CHILLIN ON THE HILL: February 12, 2017 Bath Township hosted with Bath Park Board at the Bath Nature Preserve Assisted by four park employees and the University of Akron STATE OF THE PARKS: March 16, 2017 Bath Township and the University of Akron hosted with the Bath Park Board Assisted by three park employees RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP: April 8, 2017 Hosted by Bath Park Board Clean Water Initiative Assisted by two park employees PROJECT PRIDE: April 22, 2017 Community Clean-Up Day Assisted by two park employees PIZZA NIGHT: June 11, 2017 Bath Township hosted with the Friends of the Regal Beagle Assisted by six park employees BATH ART FESTIVAL: June 10, 2017 Bath Township hosted with Renee Flynn Assisted by 6 park employees BATH STEEPLECHASE: June 17, 2017 Bath Township hosted with the Steeplechase Committee Assisted by six park employees HILLCREST HUSTLE: October 1, 2017 Bath Township hosted with the Hillcrest Elementary PTA Assisted by three park employees FALL INTO NATURE: October 14, 2017 Bath Township hosted with the Bath Park Board and University of Akron Open House Assisted by three park employees REGAL BEAGLE ULTRA: December 1, 2017 Bath Township hosted with Jennifer Douglas Assisted by one park employee 5

6 6 Visitor Statistics Scheduled Events 2017 Baseball 593 Cross Country 55 Football 78 Lacrosse 64 Soccer 238 Shelter Reservations 157 TOTAL 1,185 How is this estimate derived? Baseball : For one team there is an average of 13 players. Each player has an average of two parents that attend each game. Consequently one baseball team has an average of 39 visitors per event. 39 visitors x 593 scheduled events = 23,127 visitors Football : For one team there is an average of 26 players. Each player has an average of two parents that attend each game. Consequently one football team has an average of 78 visitors per event. 78 visitors x 78 scheduled events = 6,084 visitors Soccer : For one team there is an average of 11 players. Each player has an average of two parents that attend each game. Consequently one soccer team has an average of 33 visitors per event. 33 visitors x 238 scheduled events = 7,854visitors. The total combined for the three sports is 37,065 visitors per year. Multiply this number by two to replicate the opposing teams visitors and this equals 74,130 visitors per year. All other scheduled events estimates were derived by estimating a minimum of 55 visitors at each event. 55 visitors x 276 scheduled events equals 15,180. In 2017, the Bath Township Parks has estimated over 89,000 visitors through its parks gates. 6

7 7 Improvements and Renovations 2017 BATH BASEBALL PARK Implemented field renovations with clay bricks and Turface. Installed new outfield fence on field five. Installed new outfield fence safety caps on field two. Installed new knock down posts at field access points. Upgraded all handicap parking spaces with new signs and striping. Painted all outfield foul poles. Service Department crews performed approximately 250 linear feet of ditching to help control storm water. Playgrounds received continued safety standard improvements. BATH COMMUNITY PARK AED installed at the football concession stand. Shelter was rehabbed with a new roof, gutters, and down spouts. Park personnel performed approximately 60 linear feet of ditching along the main driveway to help control storm water. Eagle Scout, David Warburton, rehabbed the horse shoe pits and sand boxes. Eagle Scout, Joe Hathaway, re-set all the pavers around the football concession stand, painted the restroom, and constructed three lost and found boxes. The playgrounds received continued safety standard improvements. BATH HILL PARK Park personnel installed new siding on the restroom. Park personnel installed a decorative rock edging to the park entry flower bed. The playground received continued safety standard improvements. BATH NATURE PRESERVE New restroom was installed across from the Regal Beagle. Park personnel constructed a new footbridge across Bath Creek. Eagle Scout, Brandon Erden, painted all the picnic tables, re-set the horse tie-up posts, and improved the walking path at the trailhead on Ira Rd. The trailhead parking lot on Ira Rd. was chip and sealed. The Summit County Astronomy Club constructed a new observatory located south of the Bath Community Garden. The following pages highlight some of the improvements and renovations performed within Bath Parks during

8 8 Bath Baseball Park Improvements and Renovations New outfield fence. Ditching to control storm water. 8

9 9 Bath Community Park Improvements and Renovations New roof and gutters on shelter. Ditching to control storm water. 9

10 10 Bath Hill Park Improvements and Renovations New siding on restroom. Re-landscaping front bed. 10

11 11 Bath Nature Preserve Improvements and Renovations New restroom at Regal Beagle. Chip and seal of trailhead parking lot. 11

12 12 Eagle Scout Projects David Warburton Brandon Erden Joe Hathaway 12

13 13 Maintenance and Operations Maintenance is the most important job performed by park personnel. The following maintenance procedures are performed throughout the year: Grounds/field maintenance, which includes mowing, trimming, planting, edging, weeding, mulching, tree/brush/leaf removal, remove trash, and maintain all sports related playing areas. Trail maintenance, which includes mowing, trimming, tree/brush/leaf removal, sign repair and replacement, drainage corrections, maintain trail surface, and monthly inspections. Building/structure maintenance, which includes painting, minor electrical repair, pressure washing shelter floors and restrooms, maintain/repair exterior of buildings, and set up for shelter reservations. Playground maintenance, which includes monthly inspections, painting, cleaning, minor repairs to play equipment, maintain playing surface, and trash removal. Vehicle and equipment maintenance. Snow and ice control of walkways, trails, parking lots, and driveways. Berming Hickory Farm Lane. The following pages highlight some of the additional maintenance procedures performed within the Bath Parks during

14 Maintenance and Operations BATH BASEBALL PARK Implemented field renovations with clay bricks and Turface. Re-built all of the pitching mounds.

Park personnel spent on average 640 hours, preparing the fields over an eight month period. The fields were at a 85% playability with 45 days of rain through the baseball season.

14 14 Maintenance and Operations BATH BASEBALL PARK Implemented field renovations with clay bricks and Turface. Re-built all of the pitching mounds. Repaired the sun shades on fields three and seven. Scrubbed and pressure washed the playground. Painted all of the bollards. Park personnel spent on average 640 hours, preparing the fields over an eight month period. The fields were at a 85% playability with 45 days of rain through the baseball season. BATH COMMUNITY PARK Painted the lookout fence and all of the bollards. Scrubbed and pressure washed the playgrounds. Pressure washed the tennis courts. Repaired the basketball rims and replaced the nets. Repaired the football scoreboard. Over-seeded the soccer field and football field turf. 14

BATH NATURE PRESERVE Park personnel spent approximately 175 hours mowing the trails, open fields, and overflow parking areas.

15 15 Maintenance and Operations BATH HILL PARK Tree stump grinding. Scrubbed and pressure washed the playground. Repaired the basketball rim and replaced the nets. Re-graded sections of the Revere Woods trail. Painted all the bollards. BATH NATURE PRESERVE Park personnel spent approximately 175 hours mowing the trails, open fields, and overflow parking areas. Park personnel filled out 50 trail inspection logs in 2017 where some action was taken. Park personnel painted all the bollards. Repaired the exhaust fan on the restroom. 15

16 16 New Equipment The following was purchased during 2017 for use by the Parks. Henderson TGS-6 Salt Spreader and Fisher 9 MC Snow Plow: $9, Spreader and Plow on 2011 F550 1-ton Dump Truck 16

17 17 Goals and Objectives 2018 Bath Park System Continue the landscape installation throughout all the parks. This plan was approved and started in 2001 and has been continued through Use GPS unit and other software to update the Park s trail maps. Integrate a calendar on the Township website for shelter reservations. Install bike racks at all of the trailheads and the Wayside Exhibit. Scheduled replacement purchase of new pick-up truck. Bath Baseball Park Continue to implement field renovations by rebuilding the mounds, over seed the outfields, and use infield conditioners to improve playability. Improve the boardwalk between the main parking lot and fields two and three. Rehab and paint the concession stand. Regrade all the gravel walkways in between the fields. Improve the drainage system for the infields. Install new safety fence caps on the outfield fences of fields 6, 7, and 8. Bath Community Park Install new shelter south of the football concession stand between the football and soccer fields. Expand the storage garage attached to the football concession stand. Upgrade the football score board. Upgrade all of the swings on the playgrounds. Upgrade all the soccer goals with new nets. Paint the light poles on the tennis courts. Bath Hill Park Continue to make improvement to the Revere Woods Trail. Install new basketball back board and rim. Install new shelter near playground. Bath Nature Preserve Continue working on the Bath Pond Path Trail. Expand parking near the Regal Beagle for large events. Rehab the switchback fence on the North Fork trail. Rehab the covered picnic tables overlooking the Sled Ride Hill. Work with the University of Akron on future restoration projects. Follow the Preservation and Use Plan. 17

18 18 All of Bath Township Parks are denoted by color. Bath Baseball Park located at 4600 Everett Rd. Bath Community Park located at 1615 N. Cleve/Mass. Rd. Bath Hill Park located at 763 N. Revere Rd. Bath Nature Preserve located at 4160 Ira Rd. 18

AGENDA MEMORANDUM Community Services Department. CSAB Meeting Date: April 10, 2018

AGENDA MEMORANDUM Community Services Department CSAB Meeting Date: April 10, 2018 To: Community Services Advisory Board From: Dana A. Souza, Director Date: April 4, 2018 Legislative Quasi-Judicial SUBJECT: