HomeMy WebLinkAboutEGD-07-07
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REPORT
ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: Monday, January 8, 2007 Resolution #: 6PA-o I b" 0 7
Report #: EGD-07 -07
File #:
By-law #:
Subject:
COURTICE SKATE PARK-8ITE SELECTION
Recommendations:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report EGD-07 -07 be received;
2. THAT the Courtice Skate Park be located at the Courtice Community Centre on
the east side of the existing parking lot;
3. THAT the construction of the Courtice Skate Park be referred to the 2007 Capital
Budget process; and
4. THAT interested parties be notified of Councils decision.
Respectfully by,
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Submitted by: A. S. Cannella
Director of Engineering Services
Reviewed by: Franklin Wu
Chief Administrative Officer
ASC/PW~b
December 20, 2006
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379 F 905-623-9282
REPORT NO.: EGD-07-07
Page 2
1.0 BACKGROUND
1.1Council approved funds for the design of a skate park in Courtice in the 2006
Capital Budget. Funding for the construction of the skate park has yet to be
approved by Council. Public Meetings will be held in January and February 2007
to obtain input on the design of the park but before detailed design can begin the
location of the skate park must be confirmed.
Selecting the proper site for a skate park is very import to the future success of
the park. Those located in secluded areas remote from public surveillance often
develop problems with loitering and vandalism. It is usually not the skate park
users who cause the problems but rather those who hang around a skate park
because it is not easily monitored by staff, the public or police. A visible, open
location is essential. Other important factors to consider are;
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A central location, close to potential users
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Good accessibility by public transit and by foot
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Impact on adjacent land uses
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Availability of parking
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Proximity to public washrooms, concession areas and phone
Based on these criteria two municipal sites were identified as appropriate for the
installation of a skate park in Courtice. The Courtice Community Centre on
Courtice Road, and the South Courtice Community Park on Prestonvale Road.
On September 27, 2006 an Open House was held at the Courtice Community
Centre to receive public input on the site selection. The two potential locations
were identified in a notice of Public Open House that was advertised in
Clarington This Week on September 20 and 24. A feature article about the
upcoming Open House and the potential locations also appeared in the
September 24 Clarington This Week.
REPORT NO.: EGD-07-07
Page 3
2.0 ANALYSIS
2.1 SKATE PARKS
Skateboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in Canada with over one
million participants. The demand for additional skate parks is high throughout
North America. The 2005 Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study identified a
deficiency of Skate Parks in Clarington and recommended that a new skate
park be developed in Courtice.
When introduced into established communities the location of skate parks is
often a contentious issue. Some residents fear that skate parks will be magnets
for unwanted activity. Others are concerned about potential noise issues. For
those reasons the majority of recent skate parks in the GTA have been
constructed adjacent to Community Centers where constant traffic flow and
activity create good public surveillance to deter unwanted activity. Also the
amenities associated with a Community Centre facility such as washrooms,
concessions and telephones are complementary to the skate park.
The Courtice Skate Park is proposed to be a 10,000-12,000 square foot poured
concrete park with elements such as half, pipes, rails, boxes, steps and ramps.
Typically skate parks are used year round as weather permits. The noise
generated at these parks comes from voices of users and from the boards
making contact with the concrete or metal elements in the park. The park will not
be lighted so the use of the park will generally extend until dusk.
The two potential sites have been evaluated based on the criteria indicated in
Section 1.
REPORT NO.: EGD-07-07
Page 4
2.2 COURTICE COMMUNITY CENTRE
The Courtice Community Centre currently contains a pool, library, fitness centre,
children’s adventure play area, outdoor soccer field and sand volleyball court.
The Community Centre is located just south of the Courtice High School. The
proposed location for the skate park is on the east side of the parking lot, south
of the access driveway (attachment 1). Immediately north of the proposed skate
park location is the Courtice High School football field, track, and tennis courts.
Positive attributes of Courtice Community Centre site
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Close to Durham Transit and Go bus routes
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Central to residential development in Courtice
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Proposed location is very open and visible
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Washrooms, concessions and phones are available within the building
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Ample parking is available
Negatives
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Requires the removal of the existing sand volleyball courts
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Adjacent residential is approximately 55m (180 feet) south of the proposed
skate park site
2.3 SOUTH COURTICE COMMUNITY PARK
South Courtice Community Park/Arena currently contains two ice pads, a mini-
gym, a lighted soccer field and an outdoor basketball court. The master plan for
the park includes 2 additional soccer fields, walking trails and a children’s play
area. The proposed location for the skate park is north of the arena, east of the
soccer field (attachment 2)
REPORT NO.: EGD-07-07
Page 5
Positives attributes of South Courtice Community Park Site
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There is currently no adjacent residential development. The closest homes
are on the west side of Prestonvale Road.
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Ample parking is available
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Washrooms, concessions and phones are available within the building
Negatives
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Infrequent weekday bus service and no current weekend service
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The site is not easily accessible by foot from the majority of residential
areas in Courtice
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The proposed location is farther from the street and access road making it
less visible for public surveillance
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The land abutting the north edge of the park is designated for future
residential. The future lots will be approximately 45m (148 ft) from the
skate park site.
2.4 PUBLIC INPUT
The September 27, 2006 Site Selection Open House was attended by 9 people.
Six comment sheets were received at the meeting and four e-mail responses
were received after the meeting. Below is a synopsis of the comments received.
Two respondents favoured the South Courtice site because it was closest to their
home.
Two others favoured the South Courtice site because they live near the Courtice
Community Centre and are concerned about increased noise and traffic.
Three respondents had no preference for the site but are pleased that a park is
being proposed.
REPORT NO.: EGD-07-07
Page 6
One respondent preferred the Courtice Community Centre site because of its
central location and availability of public transit.
One respondent was concerned that construction at the Courtice Community
Centre location would negatively impact the infiltration of ground water and
ground water re-charge.
The principal of Courtice High School supports the installation of a skate park at
the Courtice Community Centre. She indicated that it will provide a positive
recreation outlet for students.
No residents of the adjacent condominium complex attended the Open House or
submitted comments.
3.0 CONCLUSION
Considering both the public comments and the site evaluation criteria the
Courtice Community Centre is recommended as the proposed location for the
Courtice Skate Park. Most users of the skate park will come by foot or public
transit. The Courtice Community Centre location is easier to access by bus and
is central to the urban areas of Courtice. The proposed location along the south
side of the access road into the Courtice Community Centre assures good
visibility and public surveillance.
The park could also be designed to ensure that rain water and snow melt is not
directed into the storm sewer system but rather onto the permeable areas around
the concrete park resulting in no impact on infiltration of ground water.
The existing sand volleyball courts were not programmed for use often in 2006
and could easily be re-located if desired. Staff has discussed this with the
primary user of the courts and they have no concerns.
No residents from the homes immediately adjacent to the site attended the site
selection Open House or submitted comments. The typical concerns of residents
REPORT NO.: EGD-07-07
Page 7
adjacent to skate parks are noise, loss of privacy, and fear that the park will lead
to increased loitering and vandalism. These concerns can be mitigated
somewhat with the construction of earth berms and tree planting on the south
side of the skate park. Good access and visibility from the driveway on the north
side of the skate park will reduce the potential for loitering or vandalism.
The Courtice Community Centre is a multi-use facility for individuals and families.
It has also been one of the frequent locations for the municipality’s mobile skate
park. Its location and complementary facilities make it the recommended location
for the proposed Courtice Skate Park.
Attachments:
Attachment #1 - Key Map Courtice Recreation Centre
Attachment #2 - Key Map South Courtice Arena
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DRAWN BY: E.L.
DATE: December 20,2006
REPORT EGD-07 -07
ATTACHMENT NO.1
G:\Attachments\SkateBoard 1.mxd
COURTICE
KEY MAP
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DRAWN BY: E.L.
DATE: December 20,2006
REPORT EGO-07 -07
ATTACHMENT NO.2
G:\Attachments\SkateBoard2.mxd