DRAFT 1/17/17

Parks
Improvement Plan
Mentor-on-the-Lake, OH

PREPARED FOR
The City of
Mentor-on-the-Lake,
Lake County, OH

8150 Sterling Court

Mentor, Ohio 44060
440.951.9000
www.ctconsultants.com

ISSUED: January 2017

PARKS IMPROVEMENT PLAN
MENTOR-ON-THE-LAKE, OH
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 3
City Overview............................................................................................................. 5
Existing Park Facilities ............................................................................................... 8
Park Concept Plans .................................................................................................... 16
Cost Estimates............................................................................................................ 22
Appendices ................................................................................................................ 24

Acknowledgements
City of Mentor-on-the-Lake

Administration Council Parks and Recreation Board

Mayor David Eva David Chabut Harry Burt
Hollie Bartone, Director of John Hawkins Jennifer Jakosh
Administration and Finance Robert Johnson Ryan Jakosh
Christa M. Parisi, Secretary Jim Lunder Robert Johnson
Brent Moore, Service Director Paul Morris Michelle Moore
Joyce Saxe Dorinda Myers
Jim Sayles, P.E., City Engineer
Desirea Thompson Catherine Roos
Preston Wolk

CT Consultants
Joyce Bond
Kristin M. Hopkins
Mary Jo Stark

This project was made possible through the generous support of the Lake County Plan4Health Initiative, the
American Planning Association and American Public Health Association Affiliates with funding from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Introduction

The City of Mentor-on-the-Lake is one of 13 Lake County

communities participating in the Lake County Plan4Health
initiative to create a local plan targeting one or more specific
health-based project. Plan4Health is a national effort to link
land use planning with public health goals spearheaded by
the American Planning Association Chapters and American
Public Health Association Affiliates with funding from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Plan
4Health works with local communities to help Americans live
healthier lives by increasing opportunities for active living
where people live, learn, work, and play.

Mentor-on-the-Lakes Plan4Health project is a master plan for

improvements for the Citys three city parks that will increase
park use and foster more active living. Parks and public
green space are community amenities that have attracted
much attention recently. Research shows that there are
numerous societal, health, environmental and economic
benefits that come from community investments in natural
environments and recreational spaces. Indeed, for over a
decade, the National Recreation and Park Association and
American Planning Association have touted the power of
parks to shape successful communities.1

Purpose of the Plan

The City of Mentor-on-the-Lakes citywide parks - Overlook
Beach Park, City Hall Park and McMinn Park - are in need of
renovation in order to meet the citywide recreational needs
of residents. As land is finite, those spaces are increasingly
important in providing respite, recreation and gathering
spots.

The purpose of the Plan is to provide guidance to the City in

the overall long range planning of the citys three parks. This
Plan sets out to provide a framework for improvement to these sites. In addition, the Plan serves as a
guide for pursuing outside funding opportunities as well as for making strategic investments with tax
payer money.

1
Levits, D. The Role of Parks in Shaping Successful Cities: A White Paper. May 2014.

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The concept plans for each of the parks identifies various improvements that can be undertaken
incrementally over the next several years. The benefit of having a concept plan is to ensure that as
individual projects are implemented, they are done so in a way that fits with the Citys priorities and does
not jeopardize the ability to construct the remaining projects.

While cost estimates are provided for the various improvements, they are intended to provide general
information to help prioritize projects to determine which improvements should be (could be) done in
the short-term verses initiatives that may be pursued in the long-term. More detailed engineering is
required for some of the improvements, which has been factored into the cost estimates.

Planning Process
The planning process began in July 2016. To prepare the plan, CT Consultants conducted the following
activities:
Visited the parks to inventory the existing facilities, document (photograph) and assess their
current condition.
Reviewed the site's constraints and surrounding residential development.
Met with city staff to understand use patterns, maintenance issues and improvement plans.
Prepared and distributed an assessment of each facility.
Presented.
Prepared draft concept improvement plans and cost estimates and reviewed them with the City
administration.
Prepared a draft and the final plan for review by the city.

On September 13, 2016, CT presented a progress report to City Council on the MOL Park Improvement
Plan initiative, which included an assessment of each facility. At the end of the council meeting, CT held a
public forum giving attendees the opportunity to comment on the three city parks: how often they
visited each of the parks, what they liked about the parks and what types of improvements they would
like to see made (if funding were not an issue). CT then presented a summary of the comments to the
Parks and Recreation Board on October 27, 2016 and obtained feedback from the Board on priorities for
improvements to each park. CT further consulted the City in December to review the revised concepts
and priorities.

This Master Plan has been revised

to incorporate the comments and
recommendations made during
the review meetings.

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City Overview

Mentor-on-the-Lake is located in the central portion of Lake County, Ohio along the shore of Lake Erie. It
is comprised of approximately 1.6 square miles of land area and is surrounded by the City of Mentor on
the east and south and the City of Willoughby on the west.

The arterial streets within the City include Reynolds Road and Andrews Road, the north-south commuter
routes that provide access to Lakeshore Blvd and SR 2. Lakeshore Blvd is the primary east-west route.

Based on 2015 population estimates, there are 7,432 people in living in Mentor-on-the-Lake, which is a
slight decline from 2010 when the US Census Bureau reported 7,443 people, and an 8.4% reduction from
2000 when there were 8,127 people. Between 2000 and 2010, the City experienced a 3.2% decline in the
number of households (from 3,304 to 3,197), but in the last 5 years, the number of households has
actually increased by 5%. Since 2000, the population in the City has aged, as evidenced by an increase in
median age (from 35.1 to 42.9), an increase in the number of residents who are 65 years and older, and
significant decline in the number of residents who are under 18.

Table 1. Mentor-on-the-Lake Demographics Overview

Change Change
from from
2000 2010 2015
2000 to 2010 to
2010 2015
Population 8,127 7,443 -8.4% 7,432 -0.1%

Median Age 35.1 40.3 14.8% 42.9 6.5%

Persons under 18 1,997 1,616 -19.1% 1,269 -21.5%

% under 18 24.6% 21.7% -11.6% 17.1% -21.3%

Persons 65 and Older 852 1,051 23.4% 1,150 9.4%

% 65 and Older 10.5% 14.1% 34.7% 15.5% 9.7%

Households 3,304 3,197 -3.2% 3,357 5.0%

Median Household
$44,871 $47,982 6.9% $49,353 2.9%
Income
Housing Units 3,405 3,461 1.6% 3,459 -0.1%

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Reviewing demographic data helps identify current trends in population and households, and provides a
useful profile of potential park visitors, which can help in making informed decisions about the types of
facilities to provide to best serve the needs of visitors. For example, parks that are more likely to attract
families with young children should be equipped with playground equipment, while parks geared more
toward senior citizens should provide amenities that fit their needs and desires. :

Looking more closely at the age characteristics of the neighborhoods surrounding each park reveals that
less than 20% of the residents in the vicinity of Overlook Beach Park and City Hall Park are children
compared to the neighborhood surrounding McMinn Park where nearly 25% of the population is under
18, see Table 2. In contrast, less than 5% of the neighborhood residents around McMinn Park are 65 years
or older. The neighborhood around City Hall Park has the highest percentage of residents who are 65 or
older over 21.2% which is higher than the overall percentage for the City and the County. Based on
these statistics, it makes sense to locate facilities that are popular with older residents at City Hall Park.
Maps 1 and 2 illustrate the percentages of neighborhood population that are under 18 and 65 and older
to show the differences among the neighborhoods.

Table 2. Population Age Characteristics

% of Population Under 18 % of Population Age 65 and Older

Lake County 21.5% 17.0%

City of Mentor-on-the-Lake 21.7% 14.1%

Park Neighborhoods

Overlook Beach Park 19.6% 18.0%

City Hall Park 17.5% 21.2%

McMinn Park 24.6% 4.2%

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 Map 1. Percent of Population Under 18 Years Old (between 2010 and 2014)

15.51% or less
15.52% - 20.49%
20.50% - 24.53%
24.54% - 29.35%
29.37% or more

Map 2. Percent of Population Age 65 and Older (between 2010 and 2014)

7.55% or less
7.56% - 11.54%
11.55% - 15.47%
15.48% - 20.78%
20.79% or more

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Existing Park Facilities
There are three city parks in Mentor-on-the-Lake2: Overlook Beach Park, which is located along Lake Erie in
the northwestern portion of the City, City Hall Park, located on Andrews Road behind city hall with shared
parking, and the John R. McMinn Memorial Park (named for a former Recreation Board member) in the
southeastern portion of the city, see Map 3.

Based on their size, each park falls into the category of a Table 3. City Parks
Neighborhood Park. Neighborhood parks typically have
a service area of to mile, enabling residents to walk Park Address Acres
to the park in about 10 minutes or less, and are Overlook Beach Park Thunderbird/Reynolds 3.3
generally between 5 and 15 acres in size.3 As shown in
City Hall Park 5860 Andrews Rd 3.1
the Park Access Map, the majority of city residents are
within a 10-minute walk (approximately mile) to a McMinn Park Marine Parkway 10.2
Mentor-on-the-Lake city neighborhood park. Total 19.2

Map 3.

2
Mentor Beach Park, though located in Mentor-on-the-Lake, is owned by the city of Mentor.)
3
As reported by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing
parks, recreation and environmental efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people.

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Typical amenities offered at neighborhood parks are facilities such as basketball, playgrounds, picnic
tables, and other features that attract the surrounding neighborhood residents.

Based on the types of facilities offered at each park, McMinn Park, and to a lesser extent City Hall Park,
also function as community parks. Community parks are generally parks that provide more intense
recreation facilities such as sports complexes and ball fields that are used for league sports and attract
users from beyond the neighborhood. Because community parks attract people from farther distances,
they generally require more parking spaces and therefore are located on larger sites, typically 15 or more
acres. Both McMinn Park and City Hall Park have available parking nearby that is shared by other facilities.

Surrounding Land Uses and Natural Features

Overlook Beach Park
Overlook Beach Park is located on Lake Erie, at the northern terminus of Reynolds Road, where Salida
Road and Thunderbird Road intersect. It is surrounded by single-family houses. The terrain is flat until it
reaches the lake bluff, then it drops steeply down to a beach. There are few trees and the vegetation is
grass. The park is a resting point on the high school running teams typical training route.

City Hall Park

City Hall Park is located behind City Hall, at 5860 Andrews Road. It is surrounded by single-family houses
to the north, west and south. The park is flat, with a few shade trees at the northern end, and along the
southern boundary; the rest of the park is grass.

McMinn Park
John McMinn Park is located on Marine Parkway, north of Plains Road. The surrounding area was
developed in the late 1980s, with single-family houses to the north and apartments located directly east
and south of the park. There is a neighborhood shopping center directly to the west that was built in
2002-2003.

It park site is flat and has several shade trees along the north and south perimeters. The rest of the park is
grass. Before the site was developed it was heavily wooded, but most of the trees were cleared for the
construction of the baseball field and basketball court.

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Existing Structures and Potential Park Improvements
CT conducted a detailed inventory and assessment of the facilities at each park. A summary of each park
is provided below, while the detailed inventory and assessment of the facilities is presented in Table 5
and the existing conditions are illustrated further in Maps 4, 5 and 6.

Overlook Beach Park

The park currently has a parking lot for approximately 20 cars, a
bike rack, several benches and picnic tables, grills, a gazebo, a
set of swings and a climber for ages 2 5, a set of swings and a
climber for ages 5 12, an undersized basketball court and a
wood deck with steps leading down to the beach. The deck is
currently closed due to beach erosion. However, park users still
access the beach by the sloped area east of the deck, where it is
not as steep. There are also trash receptacles located
throughout the park, and a port-a-potty. See Map 4.

There is an Identification Sign for the park, and signage stating the park rules, a mutt mitt sign with bags,
and a security camera sign. The park is ADA accessible and parking is provided for handicapped patrons.

Overlook Beach Park is visited primarily because of its access to Lake Erie and the beach and as a passive
recreation area in enjoyment of sunsets and views to the lake. Possible improvements include:
restore/improve access to the beach and
improve seating for sunset/lake viewing.

City Hall Park

City Hall Park has shared parking with City Hall, 2 tennis courts, 2
baseball fields, a climber for ages 5 12, and a paved path that
connects the far ball field to the parking lot. See Map 5.

There is no park identification sign but there is signage stating

the park rules. The park is ADA accessible and parking is
provided for handicapped patrons.

The tennis courts are heavily used during summer months and
this year the baseball fields started being used again after a
period of inactivity. The playground is also frequently used.

Potential improvements include:

add pickleball courts to provide an activity for older
residents in the nearby area,
add a walking path,
improve the tennis courts,
expand the playground
provide additional seating and
consolidate and screen the service department facilities.

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McMinn Park
The park has a parking lot for approximately 60 cars, 3 baseball fields, 1 soccer field, a slide for ages 2 5,
a climber for ages 5 12, and a set of swings for ages 5 12. The small slide and swings do not have
appropriate base materials beneath them. There is an undersized basketball court. There is security
lighting and a security camera between two of the baseball fields. There are benches and picnic tables,
and trash receptacles. The fence adjacent to the apartment complex to the south and southeast has breaks
in it to allow those residents access to the park. See Map 6.

There is a park identification sign on Marine Parkway facing

towards traffic coming from the south. There is signage
stating park rules and a mutt mitt sign with bags.

McMinn Park is used primarily for recreational league

baseball, ages 4 18 and the park is heavily used during the
summer months. The park is also visited for its playground.
There has been a history of vandalism at this park, including
incidences of the playground being spray painted and the
port a potty being tipped over. The City removes the spray
paint as soon as it appears and generally keeps up
maintenance and provides a good appearance to the park.

Improvements requested include:

improve the playground,
add concessions/restrooms and
provide more benches/picnic tables.

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 Table 4. Inventory and Assessment of Park Facilities
Overlook Beach Park City Hall Park McMinn Park
Amenity Condition Amenity Condition Amenity Condition
RECREATION FACILITIES
Baseball Fields -- 2 Fair 3 Good
Bleachers -- y Good Y (Ball & Soccer fld) Good
Undersized, no lines Undersized, no
Basketball Court 1 -- 1
or color lines or color
Erosion of shoreline;
Beach y wood deck/stairs to -- --
beach
Fitness Trail -- -- --
Pickle Ball -- -- --
Sand Volleyball -- -- --
Soccer Field -- -- 1 Good
Tennis Courts -- 2 Poor --
PLAY APPARATUS
Swings 3 Good -- 1 Fair
Large Climber With Slide 1 Good 1 Fair 1 Good
Small Climber With Slide 1 Good -- 1 Fair
Benches For Observers yes Good 2 Good --
Rubber None under slide/small
Wood mulch,
Surfacing mulch, with Good Fair swings; wood under Poor
with curb
curb larger climber
BUILDINGS/ STRUCTURES
Gazebo/Pavilion 1 Good, decorative -- --
Concession Stand -- -- --
PICNIC FACILITIES
Picnic Tables yes Good, variety of types 1 Poor 1 Good
Grill 1 Fair -- 2 Fair
COMFORT FACILITIES/OTHER
Benches y Good -- --
Dog Waste Pick Up Bags 1 -- 1
Drinking Fountains -- -- 2 Good
Along border Along border w
Fence Along Park Perimeter Partial
with houses houses/apartments
Lighting security -- security
Parking Lot 20 spaces Fair - Poor City hall lot Good ~ 60+/- spaces Good
Paved Walk y Fair - Poor y Poor y Fair
Port - A - Potty 1 1 2
Restrooms -- in City Hall --
Security Camera 1 -- 1
Trash Cans y Good y Good y Good
SIGNAGE
Good, visible
Park Entrance Sign y Good -- y, one sided from only one
direction
y, tennis
Park Rules And Hours y Good Good y Good
court only
OTHER AMENITIES
View Of Lake and Sunsets y -- --
Adjacent to Along north and
Wooded Area/Shade Trees Minimal y y
playground south borders

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Map 4.

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 Map 5.

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 Map 6.

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Park Concept Plans
Based on the communitys input and meetings with staff and the parks committee, concept plans were
developed for each park. Realizing that it will take a number of years to implement the entire list, the
improvements were prioritized by need.

A goal of the Plan4Health project is to increase physical activity within the communities awarded grants.
These concept plans include a number of ways to achieve that goal.

Overlook Beach Park

Overlook Beach Park is a unique park with desirable access to Lake Erie. Its small size lends itself to easy
access to Lake Erie, picnicking, and passive recreation opportunities such as walking.

The concept plan, illustrated on Map 7, incorporates relocated playground structures with an existing
structure, a new walking path with fitness stations, a court area for either basketball or sand volleyball, an
enlarged parking area, and improved access to the beach. A view area is to be maintained to preserve
views of the lake. A boardwalk and additional benches are added along the bluff to provide seating and
encourage visitors to linger while enjoying the lake and sunset views. Picnic tables adjacent to the
existing gazebo are added to enlarge the picnic area, and to provide additional seating to view the lake.
Permanent restrooms can be added as an optional item. The preferred location for the restrooms is near
the parking lot.

Included as part of the concept plan and estimate, but not part of the Plan4Health is shore erosion
control, which is a critical component to the park property. The existing wood deck and steps to the
beach are currently unusable due to shoreline erosion. Since this is the only property within Mentor-on-
the-Lake that has public access to Lake Erie, it is important to continue to provide lake access for city
residents.

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 Map 7. Overlook Beach Park Concept Plan

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City Hall Park
This concept plan, illustrated on Map 8, maintains the two existing baseball fields and adds concrete pads
underneath the benches and bleachers, refurbishes the two existing tennis courts, adds two new pickle
ball courts, adds a new asphalt walk around the entire park with fitness stations, refurbishes the existing
playground and adds additional new play equipment, and adds landscaping to create an identifying park-
like entrance.

Included as part of the concept plan, but not part of the estimate or the Plan4health project, is
consolidating the Service Department facilities into one area on the City Hall property. Separating the
recreational use from the maintenance use allows the park to be more user-friendly and the maintenance
facilities to be more efficient.

Proposed location for the Pickle Ball Courts requires consolidating the Service Departments storage facilities
with the rest of the service area behind City Hall.

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 Map 8. City Hall Park Concept Plan

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McMinn Park
The concept plan, illustrated on Map 9, maintains the three baseball fields but adds concrete pads
underneath the benches and bleachers, maintains the one soccer field, expands the existing playground
by adding new equipment, rebuilds the basketball court, and adds an asphalt walking path with
pedestrian safety lighting, and a concessions/restroom facility.

One of the main issues with this park is a concern for vandalism. The park is heavily used by the
recreational baseball leagues during the summer months but is minimally used the remainder of the year.
Vandalism appears mostly in the form of spray painted graffiti on the playground equipment or turned
over port-a-potties. The City moves quickly to fix the vandalism and keeps the park clean and in good
condition. The vandalism is most likely the product of unsupervised, bored juveniles.

One municipality that had a similar problem tried a community service program, in which the juveniles
had to remove the graffiti. The program successfully reported a 90% reduction in graffiti reports. Another
way to combat vandalism is to organize a neighborhood watch program or an adopt a park or street
program. Other communities have had success by engaging the neighborhood by holding a community
meeting on vandalism to discuss its victims, costs and solutions.

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 Map 9. McMinn Park Concept Plan

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Cost Estimates
Conceptual cost estimates were developed for each park concept plan. These costs can be used to
develop budgets and apply for funding to implement project items as money becomes available. The
cost estimates are based on 2016 prices. Variations to costs are expected and can result from inflation,
material selection, timing of construction, and various other factors that will be addressed during the
design stage.

Total Improvements
$2,073,000

Overlook Beach Park City Hall Park McMinn Park

$1,039,000* $408,800 $625,000

The cost estimates for each park are summarized separately below by project. More detailed cost
breakdowns are included in Appendix C.

Overlook Beach Park

1. Shore erosion control $ 653,100
2. Expanded parking lot $ 113,800
3. Court area either refurbished basketball or sand volleyball $ 57,200
4. Asphalt walk $ 33,400
5. Board walk $ 237,100
6. Gravel walk $ 16,900
7. Expanded playground $ 34,500
8. Fitness stations (4 total) $ 22,100
Total for Overlook Park Improvements $ 1,039,000
*Total for Overlook Park with Optional Restroom Improvements $ 1,136,700

City Hall Park

1. Pickle ball courts $ 96,100
2. Refurbished tennis courts $ 99,200
3. Asphalt walk $ 94,600
4. Expanded playground $ 93,700
5. Refurbished baseball fields $ 25,200
Total for City Hall Park Improvements $ 408,800

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McMinn Park
1. Basketball court $ 128,200
2. Asphalt walk $ 95,800
3. Expanded playground $ 127,900
4. Refurbished baseball fields $ 34,400
5. Restroom facilities $ 238,700
Total for McMinn Park Improvements $ 625,000

Summary
According to a publication by the American Planning Association parks are a good financial investment for
a community. They provide intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and recreation benefits. Research shows
that they are also a source of positive economic benefits - they enhance property values, increase
municipal revenue, bring in homebuyers and workers, and attract retirees. Yet, the ultimate goal of the
Plan4Health initiative is to help Americans live healthier lives by increasing opportunities for active living.
Therefore, it is important to actively market and promote these public assets on the Citys website.

Currently the website does not include any mention of the city parks, any park and recreation programs,
or other recreational services, though there is information on the parks committee, including minutes of
their meetings.

Information about the City Parks, hours they are open, the various amenities at each park, as well as other
recreation information should be included on the Citys website as a resource for residents. For example,
once fitness equipment is installed, it would be beneficial to post this news as well as some helpful
information about the benefits of the equipment. Likewise, a link to the McMinn Baseball League should
be available, and if the City collaborates with other recreational leagues, those links should be included as
well. Collaboration with area civic organizations and agencies should be noted and linked. Park and
recreation information should also be added to the Mentor-on-the-Lake Facebook page along with their
calendar/current event information. Posting this information will also help promote a more active
lifestyle.

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Appendices

Appendix A Park Audits

Appendix B Detailed Cost Estimates
Appendix C - Potential Funding Sources

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Appendix A Park Audits

There was a six-page audit completed for each of the three parks.

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Overlook Beach Park Audit

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Overlook Beach Park Audit

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Overlook Beach Park Audit

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Overlook Beach Park Audit

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Overlook Beach Park Audit

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Overlook Beach Park Audit

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City Hall Park Audit

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City Hall Park Audit

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City Hall Park Audit

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City Hall Park Audit

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City Hall Park Audit

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City Hall Park Audit

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McMinn Park Audit

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McMinn Park Audit

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McMinn Park Audit

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McMinn Park Audit

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McMinn Park Audit

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McMinn Park Audit

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Appendix C Detailed Cost Estimates

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Mentor-on-the-Lake Parks Improvement Plan January 2017 45
lMentor-on-the-Lake
ic Meeting Results
Parks Improvement Plan January 2017 46
Mentor-on-the-Lake Parks Improvement Plan January 2017 47
Mentor-on-the-Lake Parks Improvement Plan January 2017 48
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Mentor-on-the-Lake Parks Improvement Plan January 2017 50
Mentor-on-the-Lake Parks Improvement Plan January 2017 51
Appendix D Potential Funding Sources
Recreation Funding Opportunities
Complied by CT Consultants Inc.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources -Natureworks

Provides funds for a variety of recreation related projects, from developing trails, purchase of playground equipment,
to securing land to create green spaces, even outdoor recreation programming activities; fishing, boating, archery,
hunting. The program provides up to 75% reimbursement assistance for the acquisition, development, and
rehabilitation of recreational areas. http://realestate.ohiodnr.gov/outdoor-recreation-facility-grants
Eligibility: local governments, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts
Amount: $ varies by county
Deadline: June 1

Ohio Department of Natural Resources -Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
This program provides up to 50% reimbursement assistance for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of
recreational areas. http://realestate.ohiodnr.gov/outdoor-recreation-facility-grants
Land and Water Conservation Fund http://www.nps.gov/lwcf/index.htm
The LWCF program gives matching grants to States and local governments to acquire and develop public outdoor
recreation areas and facilities. The programs intent is to create and maintain a legacy of high quality recreational
areas and facilities and to stimulate non-federal investments to protect and maintain recreational resources across
the United States.
Eligibility: local governments, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts
Amount: $300,000
Deadline: next round 2018 (Recently this has become a biennial program).

Ohio Department of Natural Resources -Recreational Trail Program (RTP) - Clean Ohio Trail Fund (COT)
Recreational Trail Program (RTP) - reimbursement grant that provides up to 80% of funds to local governments,
special districts, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations Although the program does not typically
fund fitness equipment by itself, this can be included as a component of the overall project.
New recreational trail construction (non-motorized and motorized)
Trail maintenance/restoration
Trailside and trailhead facilities (for example, parking restrooms, potable water, etc.)
Purchase/lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment
Acquisition of easements and property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors
Educational programs promoting trail safety and environmental protection (These projects cannot exceed
5 percent of Ohios annual RTP apportionment.)
Clean Ohio Trail Fund (COT) - reimbursement grant that provides up to 75% of funds to local governments, park
and joint recreation districts, conservancy districts, soil and water conservation districts, and non-profit
organizations.
New recreational trail construction. Emphasis is on linear trails.
Acquisition of property and easements for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors. Trailhead
facilities may be considered if a relatively small component of a trail construction project.
Planning, appraisals, title work, surveys, engineering design costs, environmental research, and
archaeological surveys associated with a specific recreational trail project may be eligible. These costs are
not eligible as a standalone project.
Deadline: February 1, 2017 http://realestate.ohiodnr.gov/outdoor-recreation-facility-grants
Amount: RTP $150,000 COT $850,000

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Housing Urban Development - Community Development Block Grant
Both the Formula allocation program and the Neighborhood Revitalization ($500,000) program are opportunities.
Communities need to apply directly through the County.
Deadline: early spring applications

Ohio Dept. of Transportation -Transportation Alternatives Program

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act authorized the Transportation Alternatives Program to
fund programs and projects defined as transportation alternatives. This includes construction, planning, and design
of on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized forms of transportation,
including sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, traffic calming techniques, lighting and
other safety-related infrastructure, and transportation projects to achieve compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.) https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/guidance/guidetap.cfm
Eligibility: Local governmental entities, Regional Transportation Authorities, Transit Agencies, and Natural
Resource or Public Land Agencies.
Amount: varies, 2015 as high as $1.8 million awarded
Local governments apply for these funds through the MPO (NOACA)

Ohio Dept. of Transportation Congestion Mitigation Air Quality

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program funds transportation projects designed to
improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion.
Bicycle and Pedestrian projects are explicitly recognized at the federal level as eligible. Eligible projects include
new bike and walking facilities and promotion projects. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_quality/cmaq/
Eligibility: Local governmental entities work with MPO or Regional Transportation Authorities in areas with high air
quality levels
Amount: varies
Local governments apply for these funds through the MPO (NOACA)

Ohio Public Works Commission

OPWC provides financing for local public infrastructure improvements through both the State Capital
Improvement Program (SCIP) and the Local Transportation Improvement Program (LTIP). SCIP is a grant/loan
program for roads, bridges, water supply, wastewater treatment, storm water collection, and solid waste disposal.
LTIP is a grant program for roads and bridges only.
Deadline: June
http://www.pwc.state.oh.us/District7.html

Clean Ohio - Natural Resource Assistance Council (NRAC) Green Space Conservation Funding
There are two types of applications (Open Space and Riparian Corridor) available to local communities and non-
profit organizations to preserve natural areas, protect streams, and create outdoor recreational opportunities.
Deadline: Applications are accepted from your district.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources -Project Learning Tree Greenworks

Grants are awarded to conduct environmental neighborhood improvement projects. These learn-by-doing
projects combine academics with community service. They partner students with local businesses and community
organizations and provide opportunities for student leadership.
https://www.plt.org/greenworks
Eligibility: schools, youth groups, and non-profit organizations
Amount: $1,000 to $3,000

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Ohio Department of Natural Resources Project WILD - Ohio Div. of Wildlife
Offers small grants to establish outdoor classrooms, funds can be used for materials, equipment and activities.
Projects should be integrated into the classroom curriculum, state education standards and/ or organizational
programming. Applicants must demonstrate student/youth involvement in the planning, design, implementation
and maintenance/monitoring of all projects.
Eligibility: Park Districts, schools, nonprofits
Amount: $500.00

OEPA Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF)

The program funds projects that raise awareness and educate the public about important environmental issues
that impact the state. They are targeting funds towards pre-school through university students and teachers, the
general public, and the regulated community, including farmers. While projects may target more than one of these
audiences, OEEF prefers to support projects that focus on a specific audience segment or limited range of ages.
http://epa.ohio.gov/Portals/42/documents/2015GeneralGrantGuidelines.pdf
Eligibility: Private companies and trade associations, 501(c)(3) nonprofit groups, Watershed groups (with local
government sponsorship, State agencies, Municipalities, counties, townships and local government units such as
health and park districts, soil and water conservation districts, solid waste management districts and regional
planning agencies, Schools and universities, outdoor education facilities, nature centers, zoos
Amount: Mini grants from $500 - $5,000 and general grants up to $50,000 each

State Capital Budget Request

Contact your State Representative for guidance; usually it is through their office that requests are made, they than
consolidate them and submit to the state, as well as advocate for you. This past year this process involved the local
Chamber of Commerce. So the process changes, our best advice is to remain in contact with your State
Representative, apprise them of your project goals and ask for any paperwork that would need to be completed.
Deadline: there is a budget developed every even year

First Energy Foundation Grants

The FirstEnergy Foundation traditionally provides funding to: Help improve the vitality of communities they serve
and support key safety initiatives, promote local and regional economic development and revitalization efforts,
support FirstEnergy employee community leadership and volunteer interests, advance an educated workforce by
supporting professional development and literacy, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
education initiatives. The FirstEnergy Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Applicants are
encouraged to discuss grant inquiries with the local management of FirstEnergy companies and the staff of
FirstEnergy's Community Involvement Department.
Eligibility: must be in the service area, work with nonprofits; CICs, CDCs, chambers of commerce
Amount: not disclosed

Dominion East Ohio Gas Foundation

Environmental Stewardship Grants Program
The Dominion Foundation annually awards up to $1.2 million in environmental stewardship grants to nonprofit
501(c) (3) organizations in communities served by Dominion companies. The Dominion Foundation considers grant
requests up to $50,000 that focus on specific, short-term projects that promise measurable results to improve the
environment. The projects should support one or more of the following priorities: Protecting and preserving
natural habitats, Monitoring and enhancing water quality, Preventing pollution and improving open spaces,
Making nature accessible, Educating the public about environmental stewardship

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Captain Planet Foundation
The Foundation supports high-quality, hands-on environmental stewardship projects across the U.S. and around
the world to make significant environmental improvements to their schools or communities.
Inspire youth and communities to participate in community service through environmental stewardship activities.
http://captainplanetfoundation.org/about/#sthash.l8yFVsSM.dpuf
Eligibility: sponsoring agencies must be exempt from federal taxation under the Internal Revenue Code Section
501, in order to be eligible for funding
Amount: $500 to $2,500

KABOOM
Not for profit organization that provides a variety of grant programs to initiate playgrounds and recreational
opportunities. Organization specifically likes to participate in Community Build playgrounds primarily aimed at
disadvantaged neighborhoods. Check website often for introduction of new grant programs.
https://kaboom.org/grants
Eligibility: Municipalities, schools, youth groups, and non-profit organizations

Project WET Foundation

Developed children and community water education resources, organize special water events, manage a
worldwide network of local implementing partners and advocate for the role of water education in solving the
world's most pressing water issues. Interesting website.
http://www.projectwet.org/who-we-are

State Farm Education Grants

Support efforts to provide all children with an education that will allow them to reach their greatest potential and
prepare them to participate in a nation and economy that continues as a global leader. We fund three types of
grants for K-12 public schools.
Teacher Development
Service-Learning - hands on approach in classroom and out.
Education Reform/Systemic Improvement
Grant amount requested must be $5,000 or more.

State Farm Youth Advisory Board Service-Learning Grants

State Farm Youth Advisory Board funds up to $5 million to youth-led service learning projects to solve issues
important to State Farm and communities across the United States. Grant requests are completed online ONLY
through the Youth Advisory Board website, found here: statefarmyab.com/apply.
Funding areas include:
Financial literacy
Access to higher education/closing the achievement gap
Community safety and natural disaster preparedness
Environmental responsibility
Societal health and wellness issues
Arts and Culture
Eligibility: Educational institutions, Government entities, 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organizations, 501(c)(4)
volunteer fire companies, 501(c)(6) chambers of commerce
Amount: $25,000 to $100,000

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Melinda Fray Ardia Environmental Foundation
The grant program support educators in developing and implementing holistic environmental curricula that:
Integrate field activities and classroom teaching, and incorporates basic ecological principles and problem solving.
To empower and encourage students to become involved in solving environmental and social problems
To promote thoughtful and appropriate analysis and understanding of the natural world
To train students as informed decision makers through the emphasis and application of basic ecological
principles.
Eligibility: Any organization is eligible to apply, including schools, non-profits, governmental agencies and others.
Amount: $1,500

American Hiking Society National Competition

http://www.americanhiking.org/national-trails-fund/ 2016 Nat'l Trails Fund; Funding Focus: Outdoors, physical
activity, children, youth;
Geographic Focus: National;
Eligibility: Nonprofits focusing on protecting foot trails. Created to address waning federal and state funding for
hiking trails, the Trails Fund gives community organizations, such as volunteer-led trail clubs and local land trusts,
the resources necessary to build or repair new or existing trails, protect trail corridors and support trail outreach
and volunteer programs. Youth efforts have won in the past. For example, Trails4All, Paramount, CA
(www.trails4all.org) won a grant for a graffiti removal, youth leadership program.
Amount: Varies, up to $5,000 each
Deadline: Feb. 19.
Info: 1422 Fenwick Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910; 301/565-6704.

American Trails
http://www.americantrails.org/
American Trails is the only national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interests. American Trails
support local, regional, and long-distance trails and greenways. Their goal is to support America's trails by finding
common ground and promoting cooperation among all trail interests.
http://www.americantrails.org/resources/fedfund/index.html

Home Depot Building Healthy Communities Grant Program

http://homedepotfoundation.org/page/applying-for-a-grant
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can register for grants of up to $5,000. Public schools or tax-exempt
public service agencies in the U.S. who are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their
community may also register. Grants are made in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase or tools
or materials. Only grants applications submitted online will be considered for funding. All unsolicited donation
requests received via mail, phone or e-mail will be referred to this online grant program.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline: Program reopened and was accepting applications starting February 1, 2016

Kaiser Permanente
http://share.kaiserpermanente.org/group/grants/
We support innovative efforts to bring safe, physical activity to local schools, workplaces and neighborhoods. A
healthy community is an environment that supports the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of those who
live, work, and play there. It could be a safe route for kids to walk or bicycle to school, a neighborhood grocery
store stocked with fresh produce, or parks and playgrounds that welcome families and workplaces that promote
wellness and physical activity.
Deadlines: Review grant application son a quarterly basis throughout the year
Contact: [email protected]

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L.L. Bean Conservation and Recreation Grants
http://www.llbean.com/customerService/aboutLLBean/charitable_giving.html
Conservation and outdoor recreation were chosen as the primary focus of L.L Beans corporate charitable giving
program, based on their heritage and ongoing commitment to ensuring quality outdoor experiences for their
customers, L.L.Bean has given more than $14 million to local, state, regional and national conservation
organizations in the last 10 years. Grants are only made in the flowing four categories: 1) Conservation and
Outdoor Recreation; 2) Health and Human Services; 3) Education; 4) Culture and the Arts.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Check website
Contact: [email protected]

People for Bikes

http://www.peopleforbikes.org/pages/grant-guidelines
The PeopleForBikes Community Grant Program assists in supporting bicycle infrastructure projects and advocacy
initiatives that will make it easier and safer for people to ride. Grant applications for PeopleForBikes are accepted
from non-profit organizations with a focus on bicycling, active transportation, or community development.
PeopleForBikes only funds US projects. PeopleForBikes focuses most grant funds on projects such as:
Bike paths, lanes, trails, and bridges
Mountain bike facilities
Bike parks and pump tracks
BMX facilities
End-of-trip facilities such as bike racks, bike parking, and bike storage
We also fund some advocacy projects, such as:
Programs that transform city streets, such as Ciclovas or Open Streets Days
Initiatives designed to increase ridership or the investment in bicycle infrastructure
PeopleForBikes will accept requests for funding up to $10,000. They will not consider grant requests in which
funding amounts to 50% or more of the budget.
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: Check website

Wells Fargo Corporate Giving Grants

https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/charitable/oh_guidelines
Wells Fargo is proud to support organizations in 40 states that work to build up and strengthen our communities.
Grant requests are reviewed throughout the calendar year. Local decisions are typically made within 90 to 120
days of application. Wells Fargo will consider cause-related sponsorship requests submitted through its online
application system. Please submit sponsorship requests at least 60 days prior to the event.
Amount: Award amounts vary
Deadline: Varies

American Express
http://about.americanexpress.com/csr
One of the three divisions of American Express grant program includes community service which could be a good
fit for playground installations. Check out their website to learn more about projects that have been funded,
initiatives and how to apply.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Rolling

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