Waupaca assesses parks, playgrounds
By Angie Landsverk
Consistent signage, restroom updates and an assessment of all play apparatus in Waupaca’s parks are among the general recommendations in the city’s updated outdoor recreation plan.
Others include ADA accessibility compliance, creating an “Adopt a Park” program, developing a lighting plan and also a tree and landscaping program, placing benches near all playgrounds and adding an aquatic feature if feasible.
The Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) is a five-year action plan for 2021-2025.
Recently adopted by the common council, the plan identifies the community’s future recreational needs.
It includes ideas and recommendations for each of the city’s parks and public spaces.
Setting priorities
Parks and Recreation Director Andrew Whitman said the plan sets priorities for things the city wants to see happen “sooner rather than later.”
A bike plan, more trails, nature viewing, a splash pad and restroom access are among the plan’s high points, he told the council last month.
Adding a splash pad at Swan Park, as well as replacing the playground and adding a small restroom there, are included in this year’s capital improvements plan.
The proposal is to revamp the area in partnership with Friends of Waupaca Parks.
The overall project is budgeted at $1.4 million and contingent on funding.
The city would borrow for half the cost, and Friends of Waupaca Parks would raise funds for the other half.
If the group is unable to reach its fundraising goal, the city intends to only replace the playground this year.
In addition to a splash pad, a pool also surfaced as an addition some residents want to see in the city.
The CORP recommends completing a master plan that includes a financial impact study since maintenance of a pool is a concern.
Whitman said updating the city’s CORP was a year-long process facilitated by Trish Nau, of East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.
The plan’s recommendations are based on present needs.
Funding
The updated plan allows the city to seek grants and funding opportunities over the next five years, he said.
This includes matching funds available through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Stewardship Program.
“Having those things in the CORP will help get those grants,” Whitman said.
Waupaca’s original plan was created in 2011.
Updating plan began with an inventory of Waupaca’s current park system and seeking feedback on its strengths and challenges through an online survey.
There are more than 260 acres of public parks and open space areas in Waupaca.
The city has 16 parks/open spaces and about 30 miles of trails.
About 340 people participated in the online survey, Whitman said.
Ninety percent of them said the city currently has enough facilities to meet the need.
Among the strengths identified during the process were South Park’s beach, water resources, the trail system, rec programs, the rec and senior centers, playgrounds, access from surrounding towns, walkability from neighborhoods, cleanliness, landscaping, skate park, storybook walks and partnerships.
Identifed as weaknesses were the underutilized Waupaca Eco Park, maintenance of the trail system, equity and accessibility to rec programs, a lack of winter programs, the logistics of the skating rink and not having a pool.
Opportunities identified were an outside classroom at Waupaca Eco Park, more kayak and canoe launches, a water trail, rec program promotions, master planning for a pool, silent sports, a riverwalk connection and low intensity activities.
The updated CORP notes the city provides its neighborhoods with a range of convenient recreational opportunities.
About 93% of the city’s population base is within a half mile of a park and in walking distance of one.
That compares to the national average of 54%.
Trends
The CORP also refers to the need to understand broad outdoor recreational trends.
The top five trends in Wisconsin that are adding participants are birding and wildlife watching from home; picnics, tailgating and cookouts; visiting nature centers; hiking, walking and running on trails; and visiting beaches and walking on them.
Based on those who completed the city’s citizen survey, the top recreational activities predicted to grow here during the next five years are walking trails, a pool facility, hiking trails, adult exercise, bicycle trails, youth sports, paddle boarding, dog parks, winter sports and visits to the beach.
Five goals were developed to serve as a guide for the type of park and recreation system residents would enjoy.
Goals
• Establish a community-wide system of parks, open spaces and park facilities that provide residents with adequate recreational opportunities.
• Offer recreational programs that meet the needs of all residents.
• Facilitate developing a comprehensive system of bicycle and pedestrian trails and routes throughout the city.
• Support developing public riverside green space and habitat restoration on the shore of the Waupaca River and parts of the Crystal River.
• Encourage cooperation with adjacent municipalities, the Waupaca School District and local groups and organizations to be cost effective.
Whitman said the five-year action plan will be very helpful to him and his staff.
He described it as an “easy document for us to follow as we go through the next five years.”
Mayor Brian Smith said the plan hits on many things.
“It’ll be a nice plan moving forward,” he said.