5.4.21 Parks and Rec PresentationWhy invest in
Parks & Rec?
images from Prattville’s Parks
Who We Are
Parks and Recreation Staff
23
full-time
35
concession/scorekeeper
35
lifeguards
4
part-timeEMPLOYEES
What We Do
image from Candy Walk
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Who We Reach
Recreation for everyone.
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How We
Contribute
image from Whetstone Complex
“
Just as water, sewer, and public safety are considered
essential public services, parks are vitally important
to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in a
community, ensuring the health of families and youth,
and contributing to the economic and environmental
well-being of a community and a region.
NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION
image from Overlook Park
Youth Development
▪“Children who are active in
sports are more likely to be
physically active in
adulthood” (Eime et al.,
2013).
▪“Students who participate
in at least one hour of
extracurricular activities
per week are 49% less
likely to use drugs” (Witt
and Caldwell, 2010).
image from Girls’ Softball Program
Mental Health
▪“In a nationwide survey,
parents of kids with ADHD
rated after-school activities
in outdoor settings as
significantly more helpful
than those not in these
settings” (NRPA, 2010).
▪“Time spent in the lushness
of green environments […]
reduces sadness and
depression” (NRPA, 2010).
image from Heritage Park
Physical Health
“While exercise trends come
and go, people tend to stick
with physical activities that
they enjoy most. Parks provide
the venues for these
activities-organized sports,
running, biking, gardening,
hiking, swimming, among
many others” (NRPA, 2010).
image from North Highland Park
Tourism
Each year we transform
Downtown Prattville into a
holiday destination, with
visitors from all over the
state coming in and
enjoying dinner at our
restaurants and holiday
shopping in our stores.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
“Places that possess a high quality of life-including
a wealth of recreational amenities-are more likely
to attract highly skilled, entrepreneurial workers.
The presence of these workers, in turn, attracts
companies” (NPRA, 2018).
image from Overlook Park
Economic Impact
80% of families
spend $100 or more
per month per child
on youth sports,
with 7% spending
$1000+ (TD
Ameritrade, 2019).
image from Girl’s Softball Program
Progress in Prattville
Sports Tourism
image from Upper Kingston Soccer Fields
112tournaments
hosted since taking over
the youth baseball and softball
programs in 2019
image from Whetstone Park
$311,240.53
2019
Soccer, Baseball, and Softball Program Revenue
(includes registration fees and concession sales)
image from Upper Kingston Park
$330,974.39
2020
Soccer, Baseball, Softball, and Football Program Revenueeven while competing with COVID-19
(includes registration fees and concession sales)
image from Mac Gray Park
$203,338.00
2021
Soccer, Baseball, Softball, and Football Program Revenueto date, with 6 months left in fiscal year
(includes registration fees and concession sales)
image from Whetstone Park
2020
~$650,000
Economic Impact
▪216 boats, 432 anglers
including out-of-state
participants
Alabama Bass Trail at Cooters Pond
2021
May 8
Next Tournament
▪225 boats, 450 anglers
expected to compete
2019
$649,271
Economic Impact
▪Participants spent $360
each per day on food, fuel,
lodging, and more
*City of Prattville Sponsorship of this Event is $7500
Taking notes from our neighbors
▪Sports tourism event attendance has grown by 107%since the City of
FOLEY opened the Foley Event Center in 2017.
▪DOTHAN has seen rapid growth since investing in sports tourism and
expects $12 million in visitor spending and 45,000 hotel rooms booked
due to sports events in 2021.
▪July 15-20, 2019, COASTAL MISSISSIPPI hosted a softball tournament
that brought in 130+ teams from 18 states.
▪VICKSBURG, MS,constructed a new sports facility in 2019 that is
expected to generate $24 million in direct sales and tourism annually.
▪JACKSON, MS,hosts many youth sports tourism events and has seen
an increase in families coming to the area as they also have other
family attractions.
Where is
the need?
image from Cooters Pond Park
“
Existing parks […] need to be maintained
over time, improvements made for ADA
accessibility and, in some cases,
substantially renovated or re-programmed.
PROJECT PRATTVILLE 2040
image from Wilderness Park
“
During the visioning process, community
participants indicated their desires for enhancing
Prattville’s parks and recreation system, […
including] building on existing sports programs and
facilities to create a stronger sports tourism draw.
PROJECT PRATTVILLE 2040
image from Mac Gray Park
Whetstone
Complex
Building on success.
Goal: Improve
upon current
successes.
The youth baseball
program has been a
huge success,
prompting the need for
more fields and parking.
Additional Fields $1,446,100
Existing Fields
Whetstone fields are over used and our leagues are
out-growing our current facility.
Proposed Additional Fields
2 Tee-Ball Fields, 1 Dixie Youth Field
Concessions Area and Bathrooms
Additional Batting Cages $41,025
Existing Cages
Additional cages are needed for the growing
baseball program.
Additional Cages
Additional cages would be located on the west side
of the complex.
Improved and Expanded Parking
$1,021,230
Existing Parking
Major drainage issues have caused massive erosion
in the parking lot.
Proposed Parking
The current BMX park would be relocated and
expanded to maximize parking.
New BMX Park $741,850
Existing BMX Park
To be converted to parking.
Proposed BMX Park
Relocated and expanded with parking added.
The Proposal
$3,234,705
PROJECT BUDGET
WHETSTONE SPORTS COMPLEX
AND BMX PARK
Why Whetstone?
The growth of the baseball
and BMX facility will
increase the availability of
these sports to young
citizens of Prattville.
Additionally, it would open
up opportunities to host
travel tournaments and
state meets.
Pratt Park
Preserving “America’s Favorite Park” with
modern technology.
Goal: Preserve the
park for future
generations.
Existing park features
can be improved upon
with modern
technologies and
upgrades or renovations.
Preserve A Child’s Place Playground
The Existing Park uses materials that have to be
replaced frequently due to deterioration and
vandalism.
The Proposed Park would be made of materials that
require less upkeep and has a fresh, modern appeal.
Other Features
New and exciting playground features
would populate the area and create a
more accessible, all inclusive playground,
for children of all abilities.
Pavilion at Splash Pad
Existing Splash Pad
Needs more shaded areas and seating.
Proposed Pavilion
Would provide shade and facilitate birthday parties.
The Proposal
$1.3 million
PROJECT BUDGET
PRATT PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Why Pratt Park?
One of the most popular of
Prattville’s parks,
improvements and upgrades
will keep Pratt Park a fun
and safe place for
generations to come.
Upper Kingston
Upgrading for the future.
Goal: Prepare
facilities for
program growth.
Eliminate growth
restriction caused by
inadequate facilities,
parking, and drainage
issues.
Improve and Expand Fields $1,025,837
Existing Soccer Fields
Need turf replacement and fencing.
Proposed Soccer Fields
Renovate Turf (Natural Grass)
Add 4 New Fields and Upgrade Lighting
Add Fencing Around Fields
Existing Soccer Fields Without Fencing are
overused and misused. Vehicles drive onto the fields
and damage the grass.
Proposed Fenced Fields allows for fields to be put
on rest, properly seeded, and aerated to create safe
playing surfaces for our leagues and tournaments.
Renovate Community Center $200,000
Existing Community Center Proposed Community Center Renovations
Image from Deep Gap Fire Station
Improve/Expand Walking Track $320,000
Existing Walking Trail
Path is in need of repairs in some areas.
Proposed Walking Trail
Repaved paths would go around parking area.
Bathrooms/Concessions/Pavilions
$800,875
Existing Bathrooms and Concessions
Concessions building and bathrooms are too small
to accommodate crowds.
Proposed Renovations
Add a pavilion/concessions/bathroom facility and
two additional pavilions.
Maintenance and Drainage $241,300
Current Drainage Problem Add Drainage in Parking Area
Improved Parking $230,464.44
Existing Parking is comprised of dirt, grass, gravel,
and paved areas.
Proposed Paved Parking with Lighting
Improved Playground $75,000
Existing Playground Playground Expansion
Would better serve the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Proposal
$3,870,802
PROJECT BUDGET
UPPER KINGSTON PARK
AND SOCCER FIELDS
Why Upper
Kingston?
Cramped concessions stand and
bathrooms, drainage issues that
wash out parking areas, and lack of
shaded areas make Upper Kingston
a top priority for renovations to
create a more visitor-friendly park
for the 26% of U.S. children ages 3-8
who play soccer (Silverman, 2021).
U.S. high school soccer programs
reached an all-time high in 2019
with over 850 thousand participants
(Lange, 2020).
Newton Park
An opportunity for a true tennis complex.
Goal: Develop a
tennis-centric
facility.
With the new Mac Gray
facility, two softball fields
can be removed to create
more tennis courts and add
pickleball courts.
Additionally, current drainage
issues can be corrected.
Court Additions/Improvements $674,337
Existing Courts Add Courts
8 Hard Courts
4 Pickleball Courts
Potential Shaded Courts
Existing Courts Add Courts
Potential to add sunshades to courts for SPF
protection.
Bathrooms/Concessions $606,300
Existing Concessions Proposed Bathrooms and Concessions
Additional maintenance building needed.
Walking Paths $152,000
Existing Paths
In need of maintenance in many areas. Some paths
are paved, some are not.
Proposed Paths
Parking $196,275
Existing Parking
Only gravel parking is available currently.
Proposed Parking
Improved Playground $65,000
Existing Playground
Playground is in need of updates and additional
features.
Proposed Playground
Proposed Skate Park
Existing Area
Current detention area.
Proposed Skate Park
Potential to construct skate park features in this
undeveloped area.
The Proposal
❑Add 8 Hard Courts for a total of 13 Courts
❑Add 4 Pickleball Courts
❑Renovate Bathrooms and Concessions
❑Add Paved Walking Paths
❑Pave Parking and add Lighting
❑Playground Improvements
❑Correct Drainage Issues and add Maintenance Building
$2,263,816
PROJECT BUDGET
NEWTON PARK TENNIS COMPLEX
Why Newton Park?
Improvements and additional
courts would allow for
competitive recruiting of tennis
tournaments which would bring
in tourism revenue. Tennis
appeals to a wide range of
participants, from youth to
seniors. Additional courts allow
for additional participation.
Stanley Jensen
Stadium
A bright future for an aging facility.
Goal: Develop a
state-of-the-art
facility in phases.
The current stadium
structures and facilities are in
need of updates that will
assist in revenue
opportunities.
New Home Grandstand
Existing Grandstand
Current Home side would become Guest side.
Proposed Grandstand
Includes a press box and booster box.
South Viewing Platform
Current Structures Proposed Viewing Platform
Includes locker rooms and a multipurpose banquet
room with a capacity of 150 for rental.
The Proposal
$10 million
PROJECT BUDGET
STANLEY JENSEN STADIUM
(COULD BE COMPLETED IN PHASES)
Why Stanley
Jensen?
As the top sports revenue
generator in the state
(Sports Alabama, 2019),
football is a worthy
investment with a high
chance of returns.
Additional
Projects
image from Kiwanis Park
“The community desires a well-distributed parks
system […] and a balance among parks facilities
between passive recreational use and organized
sports and other active recreational uses. Because
most parks are west of Memorial Drive, in the
coming years the City will develop additional parks
to better serve the growing east side.
PROJECT PRATTVILLE 2040
Cooters Pond Park
❑Remove lower pavilion
❑Add bathrooms near the
boat docks
❑Add parking across from
the silo
❑Repair underwater
portion of boat ramp
❑Repair upper pavilions
❑Split dog park for large
and small dogs
❑Add new features to dog
park
❑Add pavilion near dock
for fish return chute
❑Add camping spots and cabins
Overlook Park
❑Update pavilion and
bathrooms
❑Add dog park
❑Update and add park
benches
❑Resurface and restripe
parking lot
❑Add new playground
features
Bell Park
❑Remove fencing to
create football/soccer
fields
❑Replace field lights
❑Add pavilion with bathrooms and storage
❑Make drainage ditch safe with fence or pipe
❑Remove existing
bathroom structure to
create more parking
Miller Park
❑Add prefabricated
concrete bathrooms
❑Add new playground
features
❑Add pavilion
❑Resurface walking path
Allenville Park
❑Purchase toilet trailer
for special events
❑Purchase outdoor movie
equipment for Movies
Under the Stars events
❑Replace bathroom
❑Update playground
equipment
❑New basketball goals
❑Resurface and restripe
basketball courts
❑Remove tennis court and convert to basketball court
North Highland Park
Wilderness Park
❑Add picnic area just
inside the gates
❑Widen entrance and exit
to parking lots
❑Repair parking lot
❑Resurface walking path
❑Add prefabricated concrete restrooms
❑Repave walking path
❑Add and update
playground equipment
in the lower area
❑New bathrooms for
upper and lower areas
❑Stripe the upper basketball court
Coach Lorenzo
“Lo” Pickett Park
Spinners Park
❑Repair and replace
fencing
❑Repair lights
❑Add new restrooms
❑Add playground equipment
Mac Gray Park
❑Add playground
❑Extend netting on
backstops past dugouts
❑Irrigate fields 1 and 2
❑New fencing on fields 1
and 2
Pratt Pool
❑Explore opportunities
with our YMCA partners
to develop a state-of-
the-art aquatic center
for joint use.
❑Add HVAC and sprinkler
system
❑Renovate middle
building, add restrooms
❑Portable volleyball nets
and basketball goals
❑Aerate and overseedexisting ground for possible practice fields
❑Tournament meeting
space
Fairgrounds
Buildings
Questions?
Images from Prattville’s Parks
Resources
Boozer, Benjamin B, and Hooie, Jeffrey G. “An Economic Impact Study of the 2019 Tournament Series and the Freshwater
Fishing Industry on the State of Alabama.” Jacksonville State University of Alabama, 2020.
Eime, R.M., Young, J.A., Harvey, J.T.et al.A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in
sport for children and adolescents: informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport.Int J Behav Nutr
Phys Act 10,98 (2013).
Gillette, Becky. “Youth Sports Tourism a Home Run.” Sports Force Parks, 2019.
Lange, David. “Soccer in the U.S.-Statistics & Facts.” Statista, 2020.
National Recreation and Park Association. “Promoting Parks and Recreation’s Role in Economic Development.” 2018.
National Recreation and Park Association. “Synopsis of 2010 Research Papers.” 2010.
National Recreation and Park Association. “Why Parks and Recreation are Essential Public Services.” 2010.
“Project Prattville 2040.” City of Prattville, 2020.
Riley, Sable. “Dothan’s tourism bureau focusing on team sports events to bring in more revenue in 2021.” Dothan Eagle,
2021.
Silverman, Alex. “Beyond Gen Z: What the Parents of Generation Alpha Say About Their Kids’ Interest in Sports.” Morning
Consultant, 2021.
Sports Alabama. “Sweet Home Alabama: A Sporting Utopia.” Alabama Sports Guide, 2019.
TD Ameritrade. “Sports Parents Survey.” 2019.
Townley, Paige. “Sports tourism market continues to thrive.” Convention South, 2020.
Template by Slides Carnival.
Witt, Peter A., and Caldwell, Linda L. “The Rationale for Recreation Services for Youth: An Evidenced Based Approach.”
National Parks and Recreation Association, 2010.