1998-162-RES WHEREAS, PARKS AND RECREATION MASTERPLAN FOR COP

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Surrounding neighborhood: Bounded on the north by Kaufman and Coke Plant, on the east by the Lamar County Historical Society Museum, on the south by Sherman St., and bounded on the west by the City of Paris Historical Transportation Depot Museum and the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Public Participation At a public hearing on October 8, 1998, residents expressed interest in the following parks and recreation needs. These needs should be included with the original needs in the 1995 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. I) A lack of adequate baseball and softball diamonds. There is substantial demand for a multipurpose facility, designed for use by a wide range of ages, as well as different genders. Current facilities are not capable of serving the growing participation of these programs in the city. 2) The equipment at Record Park is aged and obsolete. None of the playground equipment or pavilion areas are accessible to the handicap. 3) The participant parking, concessions and field space is inadequate for the growing participation of the local soccer program. Currently, over 600 participants play on only 6 fields. Re-prioritized List of Recommended Projects: I. Multipurpose Sports Complex Many participants voiced concern over a lack of slow pitch and fast pitch softball facilities for youth and teens. There are current~ on~ 4 lighted softball diamonds available for this age group. The city has an abundance of baseball and softball activities taking place which forces very strict schedules for field usage. Review of these needs raised the possibility of also providing additional practice backstops and green space for practice times. Estimated Cost (Exclusive of Land)......................................................................................................................... .$250,000-500,000 2. Record Park Improvements Record Park is one of the largest, most active parks in the city. All of the facilities and equipment in the park are damaged or obsolete. Parking is limited to curbside parking near the existing playground equipment and asphalt parking on the far north end at the softball diamond. None of the facility is handicap accessible. The current pavilion is not adequate for the participation and special events held in the park each year. Therefore, the pavilion, parking and playground equipment should be upgraded or replaced. Estimated Cost (Exclusive of Land).................................................. ......... ......... ................. ................. ........... ............... ..$200,000 3. Dralon Park Improvements Dragon Park is a new park to the Parks and Recreation Department. This park was leased from Paris Junior College in December 1997. The park consist of approximately 52 acres on the far south-east side of the city. Current improvements include a I mile walking track, stretch stations and a small restroom facility that should all be upgraded. Parking is very limited to participants. Most of the land has never been utilized. This facility borders the current soccer association complex, therefore adding soccer fields, parking, concessions and restrooms, keeping the appropriate green space should complete this area appropriately. The city is currently working with the Army Reserves to build approx. 15 soccer fields although, lighting, parking, irrigation, restrooms and concessions should be pursued in the future. Estimated Cost........................................................ .................................. .......... ............... ...... ... .......$250,000-350,000 4. lake Crook Recreation Area Development Lake Crook has never been developed to its fullest potential. The existing boat ramp is dilapidated and needs replacement but even so is inaccessible because of uneven ground and erosion. Restrooms in the small picnic area were destroyed years ago and the old swimming area needs vegetation removal and cleanup. The development could be enhanced through the installation of new picnic areas and group picnic pavilion, paved parking, hike and bike trails, restrooms, playground equipment, and recreational vehicle camping pads with utility hook ups. However, such