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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS-44-90V TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT File #f!4 Res. # By -Law # MEETING: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION DATE: , DECEMBER 3, 1990 REPORT #: CS -44 -90 FILE #: SU&JECT. PROGRAM /COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIVISION - REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose & Administration Committee recommend to Council; 1. That Report No. CS -44 -90 be received for information. 1.0 BACKGROUND: 1.1 In the past, the Community Services Department has provided Members of Council with up -to -date information regarding the activities and programs of the Program/ Community Relations Division. Since the last report (October 1989), there have been a number of changes within this Division that will have an impact on its operations. For this reason, the format of this report has been designed to allow Council to become familiarized with the directions and goals of the Program /Community Relations Division for the remaining portion of 1990 and the first quarter of 1991. 1.2 In addition to outlining the future direction, we will review the operation of programs and special events from January 1990 to present. Facility use statistics will also be presented to illustrate the current use of Town maintained facilities by community groups, organizations and individuals. ../2 REPORT NO. CS -44 -90 - 2 - DECEMBER 3, 1990 2.0 STAFF: 2.1 Since October 1989 there has been significant changes in the staff compliment for the Program/ Community Relations Division. To begin, the vacated position of Division Superintendent, has been filled by Jennifer Cooke. Jennifer has experience in the areas of facility scheduling, community development and programming which she brings to the Department. Jennifer will focus on the development and maintenance of a positive image within the community for the Town of Newcastle. She will be working with community /volunteer organizations to enhance the communication links and working relationships that have long been the strength of Newcastle's volunteer network. Jennifer will also be working on developing a promotional strategy that will assist the Department in increasing the community's awareness of the programs and services either offered and /or supported by the Town. 2.2 During the budget deliberations of 1990, a new position was approved as part of the Community Services Department's overall budget. The filling of this position was delayed due to the resignation of the then Superintendent. As of the writing of this report the position of Program Manager has been filled. Mr. Scott Rose has joined the Community Services Department team as of Tuesday, October 9, 1990. Scott comes to Newcastle from Simcoe County where he has been employed as a Program Supervisor. He brings to Newcastle a wealth of knowledge and experience in many areas of programming including fitness, playgrounds, day camps and a variety of general interest topics. The Manager will work closely with other community organizations (such as the Y.W.C.A. ) to ensure that the residents of the Town have a full schedule of recretional /leisure opportunities in which to participate. ../3 REPORT NO. CS -44 -90 - 3 - DECEMBER 3, 1990 Scott will work with various committees, such as the Newcastle Program Council, to ensure that Department programs and services are not offered in direct competition with existing operations and that all areas within the Municipality have equal opportunity to access programs of their choice. 2.3 Scott and Jennifer join Carol Gonder and George Kennett, to complete the current Program /Community Relations staff complement. Mr. Kennett, continues to co- ordinate the operational schedules of the various facilities operated under the jurisdiction of the Community Services Department. These facilities include the two arenas ( Bowmanville Recreation Complex and Darlington Sports Centre), meeting /banquet space at the Bowmanville Recreation Complex and the various outdoor facilities used by local community groups and organizations. Joe will also be involved in assisting the Program Manager in the development and implementation of new program initiatives throughout the municipality. 2.4 Carol Gonder, Recreation Co- ordinator, continues to plan, organize and evaluate the full schedule of programming at the Newcastle Fitness Centre (year- round) and at the two outdoor pools (Newcastle Lions Pool and Orono Park Pool) during the summer months. To Carol's credit the aquatic programs operated by the Community Services Department continue to be successful and well received by the residents and other members of the community. Carol has been working on new program initiatives for the Newcastle Fitness Centre including fitness classes and squash programs whereby residents will be encouraged to pursue a healthy lifestyle by participating in one or more of the programs available at this popular facility. Carol has become the Department's liaison with the special needs population within the Town of Newcastle. ../4 REPORT NO. CS -44 -90 - 4 - DECEMBER 3, 1990 She is working with the Sledge Hockey program organizers to encourage the development of a similar program within our community and futher is co- ordinating the Special Olympic Swim Team project to name just two ongoing programs. 2.5 The Program/ Community Relations Division has five (5) major areas of responsibility. These are: o Programs o Special Events o Facility Scheduling o Community Relations o Community Development The remainder of this report will focus on these areas, reviewing past activities and providing information as to future directions and goals. 3.0 PROGRAMS: 3.1 The Community Services Department currently operates a full schedule of aquatic programs for all ages. During the Winter and Spring sessions (January to June) aquatic programs are offered at the Newcastle Fitness Centre while Summer programs (July and August) utilize the Orono Park and the Newcastle Lions pools in addition to the Fitness Centre. Schedule I provides the participation statistics for the programs offered from January 1990 onward. 3.2 With the addition of the Program Manager, residents in the Town of Newcastle can expect to see an expansion in the number of programs available for participation. Plans are underway to operate lunch -time and after -work fitness classes and instructional squash programs at the Fitness Centre. The information that is becoming available from the Master Plan process will be instrumental in the Division's plan to develop and operate new programs initiatives based on demonstrated community needs. .../5 REPORT NO. CS -44 -90 - 5 - DECEMBER 3, 1990 The Department will continue to work with other community agencies to ensure that there is a co- ordinated effort in the area of programming to prevent any duplication and /or gapping of services. This liaison/ networking activity will encourage the development of a balanced schedule of programs throughout the municipality. Specialized programs, such as summer day - camps and playground programs, are being considered for the 1991 year. General interest programs (such as youth sports or adult craft programs) are also included in the program plans for the new year. 4.0 SPECIAL EVENTS: 4.1 Special events are an integral part of the schedule of direct program services operated by the Community Services Department. These activities are offered when area children and youth are out of school and looking for something new and different to do. Special public skating and swimming sessions are offered on a regular basis during Professional Development days. The March Break Bonanza program continues to be a very popular program with the children and youth of Newcastle. This program was developed in co- operation with the Visual Arts Centre and the Newcastle Public Library. The program includes a variety of activities that both interest and challenge participants. 4.2 Participaction Day is another special event hosted by the Community Services Department. This program is part of the National Participaction Day Challenge. Newcastle was in the challenge again this year with Ajax and Pickering. Unfortunately, Newcastle was unsuccessful in its bid to remain area Participaction Champion. The Program/ Community Relations Division staff will be investigating and planning methods to increase the community's participation in this worthwhile event. ../6 REPORT NO. CS -44 -90 - 6 - DECEMBER 3, 1990 4.3 The general purpose of operating special events is to promote a specific happening - such as a Participaction Day Challenge. By operating and promoting these activities, the Community Services Department encourages the participation in a healthy lifestyle as well as the use of Town facilities as a community focal point. A secondary benefit of these programs is the creation and maintenance of a positive community awareness for the programs and services of the Town of Newcastle. Schedule II presents the participation statistics for those special events operated since January 1990. Plans for upcoming Professional Developments Days and the Christmas vacation are currently underway. 5.0 SCHEDULING OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: 5.1 The Program/ Community Relations Division is responsible to receive, approve and process permit applications for the various facilities (indoor and outdoor) that are operated /maintained by the Community Services Department. Division staff administer the permit process, invoice user groups and co- ordinate other services (such as bartenders) for user groups to ensure that the experience of renting a Town of Newcastle facility is positive. Indoor facilities include meeting and banquet space at the Bowmanville Recreation Complex and community space at the Newcastle Fitness Centre. 5.2 Outdoor facilities, including 27 baseball diamonds, 24 soccer pitches and picnic facilities at Orono Park, are co- ordinated and managed by the Program /Community Relations Division. Staff work with community organizations on an ongoing basis to resolve facility issues and to assist them in the provision of the quality programs that Newcastle has come to expect and enjoy. ../7 REPORT NO. CS -44 -90 - 7 - DECEMBER 3, 1990 5.3 The permit process continues to be reviewed and refined to ensure that the community is provided barrier -free access to the facilities available. Schedule III provides some statistical information for permits issued to date for Town - owned or operated facilities. 6.0 COMMUNITY RELATIONS: 6.1 This is a relatively young part of the Division's operation. Activities in this area include co- ordinating and planning a promotional strategy for the Department. Some special activities that would come under this category would include the recent openings of the Highland Gardens Park and the new Enniskillen Fire Hall (Station No. 5). 6.2 The production of the bi- annual Activity Guide as well as the creation of new promotional pamphlets will continue to be the major source of promoting and encouraging community residents to participate /utilize the programs and services provided by the Community Services Department. The use of co- ordinated press releases /display ads in the local news media and utilizing the newsletters distributed by local schools will constitute a secondary method of keeping the community up to date and informed about upcoming events and activities. 7.0 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 7.1 The Program/ Community Relations Division is responsible to work with the over -150 community and volunteer organizations operating within the Town of Newcastle. The Division establishes and maintains ongoing working relationships with many of these key groups. Through this activity, the Department strives to achieve the following objectives: MW REPORT NO. CS -44 -90 - 8 - DECEMBER 3, 1990 a) co- ordination of programs between community organizations /agencies; b) assistance in the promotion of programs and recreation opportunities; c) co- ordination and assistance in the operation and promotion of special community events; d) consultative /trouble- shooting services as requested by the community organization; e) organizational /Board development activities to assist groups in conducting the business of their organization; and f) development and operation of training opportunities for volunteers and community organizations. 7.2 The division has identified a number of key community organizations and are busy establishing strong communication and co- operative relationships. Meetings with community organizations to resolve common concerns and issues allows the Community Services Department another avenue to gain community input. Bringing groups offering similar services together to discuss and resolve mutual concerns (eg. ice allocation meeting) are intended to encourage the development of communication links between these groups and the Department. 7.3 Community Development is a mechanism through which the Division can establish and maintain healthy lines of communication and co- operation between the Community Services Department and the community in general. As the Town continues to grow and expand, the availability of community development activities and resources will become an integral part of the Community Services Department and the success that it enjoys in responding to the needs of the community. ../9 REPORT NO. CS -44 -90 - 9 - DECEMBER 3, 1990 8.0 SUMMARY: 8.1 With the new Master Plan in progress, it is anticipated that a review of the services provided by the Community Services Department will provide the Program /Community Relations Division with the information it requires to plan for the future. With the information collected to date it is apparent that the character of our community is changing and that the volunteer corp will be effected by the influx of the commuter population. In light of this, the Division will continue to grow and expand its area of responsibility to meet the growing needs for quality programs at reasonable costs. 8.2 With the growth of the Municipality, facility development will continue to grow as will the development of programs and services that will respond to the needs of the specific communities within the Town - if a program works in Orono that does not necessarily mean that it will meet equal success in Courtice. 8.3 Over the next few months, the Division will be undertaking intensive planning sessions so that all will be ready for the new year. The development and promotion of new program initiatives is viewed as an exciting opportunity for the Community Services Department. Respectfully submitted, Recommended for presentation to the Committee JosepK P. Caruana, Director Lawrence Department of Community Services Chief Ad JPC:JJC:sda wz ti� a, Kotseff strative Officer H H l7 O H H m�.I H � O y�y H t� H C� H Ln �P b 0 try N o0 0 H O Z In N iP .-. w W w N W m 00 r w N Ii—� r O 1-4 00 W O v N O O O O N W m w 0) Ln iP -1 O Cl) �F �F �F t0 N N 01 �F 01 N &P O t0 01 N N N �F 00 N N N N w �F & W Ln 00 N l® >F �F �F �F 01 Ln >F w w W dA sF w N 01 Ln O �A O 01 01 N of lT1 L* n Ln w co kOrJ sF Co Lo N 1 00 �F �F �F of �F H N �F 00 Ul t0 w � N N N O Q1 v 01 w & En H z D l'A D� �cn D t�1 Db �H D 7 0H 0, 7� I U O 0 O 10 N N N t0 hj O �! Cl LTir1 H ►—� O W N 0) 00 N (A Ln w W 00 w I U SCHEDULE I continued.... Page 2. 2. RECREATION PROGRAMS (# of participants) PUBLIC SKATING PARTICIPATION Bowmanville Recreation Complex January - April September - December Total Darlington Sports Centre January - March October - December Total 1990 1989 2273 3604 2869 1790 5142 5394 1689 2031 2475 1492 4164 3523 NOTE: Participation statistics for the month of December 1990 are projected based on statistics from the same period in 1989 and current participation rates recorded in the months of September, October and November 1990. PUBLIC SWIMMING 1990 1989 Newcastle Lions Pool - general 3,887 2,015 - members 12 6 Orono Pool - general 4,547 3,530 - members 8 20 Newcastle Fitness Centre - general 15,132 10,590 - members 250 115 SQUASH Newcastle Fitness Centre - general 2,458 2,098 - members 43 49 SCHEDULE II SPECIAL EVENTS PARTICIPATION EVENT PARTICIPATION 1990 1989 March Break Bonanza 1,480 11082 Participaction Day (39% of total population) 16,478 13,537 Staff Sneaker Day 6 15 Special Olympics Swim Meet 127 146 TOTAL BANQUET HALL Jan. - Dec. Party /Dance /Wedding Rentals Meeting /Misc. Rentals Total Hours DARLINGTON SPORTS CENTRE Arena Ice January - December Arena Floor Total Hours OUTDOOR DIAMOND IN HOURS 1990 18,091 14,780 PERMITTED HOURS 1990 1989 1,278. 320 2,897.5 2,806.5 4,175.5 3,126.5 Tournaments Spot /One Time 200 217 10 3 6 284 189 1,894.5 1,455 9 1,894.5 1,464 Sept. TOTAL 179.5 May June JulV Aug. Season /League 546 970 1,027 792.5 Tournaments 0 201 84 249 Spot /One Time 3 6 0 24 549 1,177 1,111 1,065.5 Soccer Pitches in Hours 1990 May June July Aug. Season /League 200 217 271 183 Tournaments Spot /One Time 200 217 10 3 6 284 189 1,894.5 1,455 9 1,894.5 1,464 Sept. TOTAL 179.5 3,515 305 839 9 42 493.5 4,396 Sept. TOTAL 0 871 10 20 9 10 900 ../2 SCHEDULE 11 continued.... Page 2 There are 25 fields being used in the Town of Newcastle. The figures used were from the game schedules supplied to this Department. They do not indicate the time allotted for practice or playoff games. Picnic Permits (Orono Park_) Picnics Picnics and Ball Diamonds FACILITY SCHEDULING Bowmanville Recreation Complex Arena Ice January to December Arena Floor 1990 1989 79 67 28 22 107 89 Permitted Hours 1990 1989 2,653.5 290 2,943.5 2,496.5 _ 310 2,806.5 Included in the floor time is the 45 hours that is given to the Kinsman Club for their Home Show.