Billings Parks and Recreation Annual report 2014

2014 Annual Report2014 Annual ReportBillings Parks, Recreation and Public LandsBillings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands

2014 Annual ReportBillings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands

We create community through people, parks, and programsWe create community through people, parks, and programsWe create community through people, parks, and programs

ContentsContentsContents

Image: Riverfront Park

1. Director’s Message........................ 1-22. Department Overview.................... 3-53. Major Accomplishments................ 6-75. Embracing Technology.................. 8-96. Parks Division................................ 10-167. Urban Forestry & Natural Resource Division.......................... 17-208. Recreation Division........................ 21-299. Planning & Construction Division. 30-3210. Community Outreach Division...... 33-3511. Cemetery Division.......................... 36-3812. On the Horizon................................ 39-40

Outreach Division – Citation of Merit for Agency ExcellenceBillings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department's Community Outreach Division began in May of 2013 with the hiring of a Volunteer Coordinator. The Outreach Division focused on three main areas; Volunteer Coordination, Partnerships, and Grants. During the first year of the volunteer program, over 2,000 volunteers completed more than 9,000 hours of work with a financial impact of $141,577 to the Department. Several notable accomplishments include the creation of a Volunteer Park Ranger Program, the establishment of annual community volunteer cleanup events, the mulching of over 350 trees, the creation of a volunteer graffiti removal program, the establishment of a community garden as well as many park enhancements and improvements done by volunteers. The partnership focus of the Outreach Division included establishing relationships with local universities to complete skills based projects such as GPS mapping trails and partnering to create a large community cleanup event called Refresh the Rims. Other key partnerships included establishing a relationship with Bright n’ Beautiful to collaborate on a tree planting project using $5,000 grant to purchase and maintain 300 trees planted by volunteers at Coulson Park. The final component of the Outreach Division was grant funding which included receiving $75,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program to renovate playground equipment at South Park.

Director’s messageDirector’s messageDirector’s message

DEAR BILLINGS RESIDENTS:I'm proud to announce that the City of Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department (BPRPLD) and two staff members from the department have been recognized by the Montana, Trails, Recreation and Parks Association for outstanding achievement in the parks and recreation field. Mark Jarvis, Park Planner, has been named 2014 PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR and Chris Waite, Volunteer Coordinator, was named 2014 NEW PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR. Our Department's OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP series and our new OUTREACH DIVISION were awarded 2014 CITATION OF MERIT FOR AGENCY EXCELLENCE.

Mark Jarvis, Park Planner – Professional of the YearMark has a Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture from Utah State University and has been employed with the City of Billings as a Park Planner for little over 9 years. During that time, Mark completed over $18 million in construction projects (Dehler Park, several miles of paved multipurpose trails, Yellowstone Family Park and new waterslides at Rose Pool) and facilitated several neighborhood and community park master plans. Mark is currently supervising the design and construction of a playground and spraypark at South Park, 4 tennis courts at Castle Rock Park, 3 tennis courts at Pioneer Park and 2 multipurpose trail projects.

Chris Waite, Volunteer Coordinator – New Professional of the YearChris has a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts from Brigham Young University – Idaho and has been employed with the City of Billings as a Volunteer Coordinator for 1 1/2 years. Chris was instrumental in the creation of Billings Parks and Recreation Department's Outreach Division. While working as the Volunteer Coordinator, Chris developed annual volunteer community events (“Refresh the Rims” and “Cache in Trash Out”), a community garden, served as a grant writer for the department, recruited and coordinated volunteers and implemented a Volunteer Park Ranger/Ambassador Program.

Chris WaiteMark Jarvis

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Outdoor Adventure Camp – Citation of Merit for Agency ExcellenceThe Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department Adventure Camp series has completed its third successful summer in serving 8-15 year olds with ample outdoor recreation exposure. This camp has filled a need within the area for parents looking for affordable summer child care that was beyond indoor activities. Our success can be defined by the value parents and participants have found throughout our summer program and in the growing popularity Adventure Camp has gained, as our department now has waiting lists of those interested in enrolling.Our Adventure Camp series hires quality staff, certified in CPR/First Aid and Wilderness First Responder, to work with 40 participants per week in high risk outdoor activities. Our campers are exposed to overnight camping, white water rafting, rock rappelling, rock climbing, canoeing, paddle boarding, horseback riding, hiking and much more! Though the challenges are great and our participants often small, our staff has witnessed the growth in each child throughout their summer enrolled in Adventure Camp. The Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department identified a need within our community for 8-15 year olds to explore their local treasures. Over the last three years, our staff has continued to build their skill sets, education and flexibility in order to meet the increasing demand for more adventure. Our camp moto is borrowed from the Pixar film, UP, “Adventure is out there!”. Staff continues to strive to find that adventure and ensure our first priority is to the children at camp. Respectfully,

Michael WhitakerParks, Recreation and Public Lands Director

2 Swords Rimrock Park

Department OverviewDepartment OverviewDepartment Overview

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The Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Department (PRPL) is comprised of six Divisions: Parks, Urban Forestry & Natural Resources, Recreation, Cemetery, Planning & Construction and Community Outreach. Additionally, the Department has administrative services that assist in the operations and functions of the divisions. The department has a budget of 7.3 million dollars (see page 4). Parks Division:The Parks Division is responsible for managing over 2,500 acres of parkland which represents approximately 10% of land in the City of Billings.

Urban Forestry & Natural Resources Division:The Urban Forestry team manages the approximately 8,800 trees in developed parks, City Tree Ordinances, Natural Forests and other city-wide management.

The Recreation Division:The Recreation Division offers over 115 recreation programs a year, operates a community center as well as two major aquatics facilities. These services are offered to residents of all ages.

Cemetery Division:The Cemetery Division operates a full service 64 acre cemetery which is the oldest and longest continually operated cemetery in Billings.

Park Planning/Construction Division:Planning/Construction is responsible for overseeing park planning and development, trail construction, and deferred maintenance projects. Community Outreach Division:Community Outreach is responsible for the volunteer program and assists with marketing and communications. Additionally, Community Outreach works on partnerships and grants.

Administrative Services:Administrative Services is responsible for budget oversight, payroll, long-term planning, department communications and general administration.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Billings

Volunteers Cleaning Swords Park

Adventure Camp

City Operating

Budget

General Fund Revenue 14% $ 1,024,562

Where it comes from

$7,385,234

Where it Goes

Administration 5% $ 384,310

Cemetery 6% $ 433,412

Park Maintenance District 14%$ 1,004,407

General Fund Parks 35% $ 2,557,020

Recreation 15% $ 1,104,928

Deferred and Ongoing Maintenance 26% $ 1,895,000

$7,397,077

Miscellaneous 1% $ 81,840

General Fund Contribution 46% $ 3,379,425

35 Individual Park Maintenance Districts 14% $ 1,004,407

City-Wide Park District 26%$ 1,895,000

The Billings Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands (PRPL)

Department budget represents only 3% of the total city budget. The funds come from four major sources: General Fund Contributions, 35 Park Maintenance Districts, the City-Wide Park District, and Fees and Charges. As stewards of public funds, the department strives to operate efficiently and effectively to best use the resources available.

Fiscal Year 2014/15 Financial Summary

Parks, Recreation & Public Lands 3% $ 7,397,077

$277,427,633

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Parks, Recreation, Public Lands Dept.Director: Michael Whitaker

Administrative Support I Administrative Support II

Volunteer Coordinator Park Planner

RecreationParksCemetery

Parks SuperintendentCemetery Superintendent Recreation Superintendent

Recreation Supervisor

(2)Recreation Specialist

Admin. Support I

Facility Maintinence Support II

Forestry/Natural Resource

Supervisor

Parks Supervisor

(1.5) Arborist

(3) Equpment Operator/Maintenance

Workers

Area 1 Sr. Equp. Operator/

Maintenance Worker


Maintenance Worker


Maintenance Worker


Maintenance Worker


Maintenance Worker


Maintenance Worker-

Playground Safety

Inspector

Weekend Sr. Equipment Operator/

Maintenance Worker

Equip. Operator/

Maint. Worker

(Mechanic)

(1) Equp. Operator/

Maintenance Worker

(1.5) Equp. Operator/

Maintenance Worker

(2) Equp. Operator/

Maintenance Worker

(1) Equp. Operator/

Maintenance Worker

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Major AccomplishmentsMajor AccomplishmentsMajor Accomplishments

2014 Highlights:

$1.2 million Deferred maint. projects

completed

2.4 million Park visits annually

$128,000 Volunteer labor completed

$75,000 Playground replacement

grant received

1.3 millionFacebook impressions

2,000Cemetery records updated

59% Increasein Rose Pool water slide

usage. First full season of new water slides

45% increase in award winning Adventure

Camp participation Adventure Camp Participants

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Awards, Recognition & Grants

Arbor Day Gold Leaf Award:

Billings was awarded the 2014 Gold Leaf Award for the outstanding Arbor Day program from the ISA Rocky Mountain Chapter. The Rocky Mountain Chapter consists of four states: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Arbor Day was celebrated on April 25, 2014 at Pioneer Park. According to ISARMC, “The Arbor Day Activity Award is given to individuals, organizations or municipalities that have orchestrated, hosted or promoted an Arbor Day event that has drawn the support of the community to promote the education and support of the care and preservation of arboriculture.”

Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant:The Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Department was the

recipient of a 2014 Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant. The department received the highest awardable

amount of $75,000 for a South Park Playground Renovation Project. The $75,000 will be used to augment existing funds allocated for the project to increase the play value of the playground and make it a destination park. The renovation will be undertaken in the spring of

2015 and will compliment the newly renovated gazebo and the upcoming sprayground project at South park.

Montana Trails Recreation and Parks Association (MTRPA) Awards:MTRPA is the state association for parks and recreation agencies that includes cities, state, and federal agencies located in Montana. The Billings Parks, Recreation, and Public

Lands Department was the recipient of 4 State level awards in 2014. The awards included Professional of the Year and New Professional of the Year. Additionally the department received two Citation of Merit for Agency of Excellence awards for the Outdoor Adventure Camp Program run by the Recreation division and for the creation of the Outreach Division. For more details about the awards see pages 1 & 2.

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2014Facebook

Likes

42% increase in Facebook likes

In 2014 the Billings Parks and Recreation Department continued efforts to engage citizens and improve the customer experience by embracing new technologies. These ranged from increasing communication channels to utilizing new technologies to make the payment process more streamlined.

Facebook:The Parks and Recreation Facebook page experienced tremendous

growth in 2014. There were and 1,301,805 622 new likesimpressions. The social media platform was used to promote programs, update citizens on park projects, thank and recruit volunteers and give real time updates to openings and closures of facilities.

Website Re-design:The Park and Recreation website went through a re-design in 2014. One of the biggest changes is the site became responsive, meaning the site scales to be more easily viewable for mobile devices and tablets. Additional changes include a social media feed on the home page, a rotating news feed that can hold up to six items and a direct link to the department’s YouTube channel. The changes make the site more friendly for users that access the site through mobile

devices. The site had 85,860 sessions. Of those sessions, 65% were new visitors.

E-Newsletter:To further improve communication with customers, the Parks and Recreation Department started a monthly e-newsletter in August of 2014. The newsletter features updates on construction projects, upcoming recreation programs, volunteer opportunities and news items from the various divisions.

By the Numbers:

1,301,805 Facebook

Impressions

222,215 Website Page Views

4,177 E-newsletter Subscribers

3,309 Twitter Impressions

315YouTube Views

Embracing TechnologyEmbracing TechnologyEmbracing Technology

Facebook Impression Growth

20142013

32% 30% 44%

431,491

1,301,805Likes V.S. Impressions

Likes: The # of people actively connecting with a Facebook pageImpressions: The # of times a post from a Facebook Page is displayed.

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DID YOU KNOW...The Parks and

Recreation website is now

responsive so it re-sizes to be mobile device

friendly! These images compare the

traditional site (left) to the mobile

site (right)

Online Transactions vs. Other Transactions

20142011 2012 2013

32% 30% 37% 44%

Web Transactions Other Transactions

Volunteer Online Registration:In January of 2014, the Outreach Division implemented an online volunteer registration platform where citizens can view and sign up for volunteer opportunities. The platform allows volunteers to browse opportunities, select and schedule themselves for service from home and apply for positions.

Other Progress: Throughout the year the Parks and Recreation Department also began using YouTube, Twitter and Instagram to share and promote information about the department. In the first year, the twitter

account gained , Instagram received , and the youtube channel had 90 followers 43 followers315 views. Additionally, the Recreation Department purchased a GoPro to film and produce videos about programs.

DID YOU KNOW...Online

Transactions have increased

12% since 2011, showing

the greater importance of

having a customer

friendly web presence.

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ParksParksParks

By the Numbers:

2.4 Million Total visitors to major parks

annually

640 Acres Largest Park in the Billings

Park System (Riverfront Park)

1,508 Sq. Ft Smallest Park on the corner of Clark Ave. and Division St.

(Baptist Park)

2,580 Acresof land is managed and

maintained by Billings Parks and Recreation Department

10% of the land in Billings

is Parkland

120+ parks total

7.5 Miles

of Parkland along the Rims

4.3 miles of parkland along the

Yellowstone RiverPioneer Park: The most visited park in Billings

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Parks and Public Land Division Overview

Parks and open spaces have played a major role in the livability of Billings since its inception. The City is fortunate to have almost 10% of the lands throughout the city preserved in perpetuity for the recreation and enjoyment of current and future citizens.

Parks, open space and natural areas within the community hold scenic, scientific, educational, and recreational value which benefit us all. They are wild areas where we preserve and protect native plant and animal life and unique landscapes. They are also areas where we create and maintain manmade landscapes with imported trees, turf, irrigation and facilities that provide an oasis for citizens to picnic, play and socialize. Parks, open space and natural areas enrich the quality of life of everyone who experiences them.

Core ServicesThere are several key themes that encompass the essential services that the Parks and Public Lands Division offer the citizens of Billings:

1. Park Lands Management and Maintenance 2. Facility and Building Management and Maintenance 3. Heritage Trail Management and Maintenance 4. Environmental Stewardship and Conservation 5. Community Partnerships and Events


Park Lands Management and Maintenance

For over a hundred years, we have been creating and maintaining Billings' public open space and protecting our natural environment. Today, the park

and open space system consists of 2,580 acresof developed, undeveloped, natural area, green space and greenway parks woven throughout the city. There are 1,183 acres of developed parks which include major parks such as Pioneer, Rose, Castlerock, North and South parks. There are 176 acres of undeveloped parks which include Lampman, Rimpoint, Sahara, and Rush parks. There are over 800 acres of diverse natural area parks such as the Rims, Swords, Pow Wow, Riverside and Phipps parks. PRPL also manages 420 acres of lands that we do not own but manage as open space for public access and use.

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In 2014, 295 acres of turf grass was sprayed for nuisance weeds such as

dandelions.

During the season, staff operates over 120 irrigation systems which draw water from irrigation canals, 26 wells and 136

city water services

In 2014, Over 800 acres of parkland were mowed each week. This is the equivalent

of 4,256 average size residential lots.

In 2014

325 acres of turf grass were fertilized to improve health and appearance.

In 2014, noxious weeds were sprayed at 87 locations.

Ninety new picnic tables were purchased in 2014 and placed in parks. Over 275 picnic table are now available throughout the park system.

Staff plowed and removed snow at 85 locations throughout Billings including sidewalks, parking lots, park roads and 35 miles of the Heritage Trail.

Rose Park

20122011 20142013

397

472496

580Growth in Picnic Shelter and Neighborhood Center Rentals

Facility and Building Management & Maintenance

The Billings park system has a vast array of facilities and buildings in order to serve the public. The Parks Division is responsible for the management and maintenance of all facilities and buildings in the Billings Parks System.

By the Numbers:

6 neighborhood centers

1 professional baseball stadium

4 spray grounds

40 playgrounds

24 picnic shelters

26 tennis courts

25 basketball courts

20 restrooms

136 water services to buildings and

irrigation systems

1 Skate Park

1 dog park

22 sports fields

22 baseball fields

16 softball fields

2 Disc Golf courses

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46% increase in rentals since 2011

DID YOU KNOW...In 2014, Park Division

had 21 soundstage rentals 108 and issued

Alcohol permits

Photos clockwise from top left: Dehler Park, Terry Park Spray Ground, Yellowstone Family Park Shelter, Veterans Park Playground

Heritage Trail Management & Maintenance

The Heritage Trail now consists of 47 miles of paved multi-use trails throughout the community, 10 miles of mapped and maintained soft surface trails and many miles of undedicated informal trails in natural area parks. Many miles of paved trails have been established through developed and natural area parks or serve to link those parks together. As the Heritage Trail system develops throughout the Billings community, it will provide recreational opportunities as well as an alternate transportation corridor. Benches, picnic tables, shelters, trailheads, signage and restrooms are in place or being added to enhance the trail.

In 2014: 35 miles of paved trails were swept once each month. Volunteers, the Montana Conservation Corp and staff made major repairs to the Phipps Park

natural area trails that were damaged from severe erosion. Amenities such as garbage cans, signs, benches, signage were inventoried and mapped. Vegetation was cleared from the sides of the natural area trails in Riverfront Park. Mowing along the edges of trails was completed once per month during the growing season. Repairs were made to the six tunnels on the Heritage Trail system. Snow was removed on all paved multi-use trails throughout the winter months.


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Paved Multi-Use Trails:Park Trails-21miles, Subdivision Trails-12 Miles

Roadway Trails- 14MilesYearly Maintenance Cost per mile $4,109.00

Riders enjoying the trail system

Environmental Stewardship & Conservation

The Parks Divisions' role in environmental stewardship and conservation is broad, on-going, multi-faceted and mandated by the Billings Municipal Code.

City Ordinance Section 19-203. Nature preserves states:All property under control of the city as park property and all dedicated parks are designated and declared to be nature preserves.

City Ordinance Section 19-204. Future development states:Overall park development shall retain natural areas for the study and enjoyment of plants and animals in a natural environment to the extent consistent with park and public needs. Where terrain and accessibility are factors, the preservation of natural areas shall be a prime factor in park development.

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Russian Olive Removal at Riverfront Park

Volunteers planting tree seedlings at Coulson Park in partnership with Bright n’ Beautiful

Aerial photo of Lake Josephine at Riverfront Park

In 2014:

A volunteer inventoried the native plant species in Swords Rimrock Park.

Thousands of non-native Russian Olive trees were removed from the riparian woodlands in Riverfront Park.

A new turf weed sprayer was used which strictly regulates the amount of herbicides used reducing environmental impacts.

380 native tree seedlings were planted in Coulsen Park to enhance the natural park area.

Weeds were mowed at 87 properties throughout Billings.

Through a partnership with the Yellowstone County Weed Management District, noxious weeds were sprayed in many park locations.

Park mowing schedules and travel routes between parks were reorganized that saved travel time and reduced fuel usage.

92% of Billings’ Residents Visit Parks Annually

Park Use in Billings

20122011 20142013

64 61

76

141Growth in Use Permits by Year

Community Partnerships & Events

DID YOU KNOW... In Billings, 64% of residents attend a special event in a park at least once per year, 78% participate in

passive recreation and 61% participate in sports and athletic activities.

120% increase in use permits since 2011

The Parks Division works with over 65 Partners to provide parks, facilities, personnel, equipment and resources to support and facilitate hundreds of activities, events and programs for tens of thousands of park users each year.

In 2014: The Park Maintenance Division provided staff and resources to support soccer, baseball, softball,

football, lacrosse, rugby and other team sports on 22 athletic fields, 22 baseball fields and 16

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softball fields located in Billings Parks. Many large events took place in City parks

including Symphony in The Park, Magic City Blues, Saturday Live, Ales for Trails, Summer Faire, Billings All Original Car Show and the Celebrate Freedom 4th of July event.

Many large sport events occurred in City Parks such as Big Sky State Games, the Montana Marathon, Montana Youth Soccer Association State Tournament, Heart and Sole Run and High School and University Cross Country track meets.

Movies in the Park

Urban ForestryUrban ForestryUrban Forestry

By the Numbers:

8,833 Trees in developed Parks

Park Trees valued at $28 Million Dollars

Over 1 Million dollars in environmental benefits each year

In 2014:636 trees pruned

542 trees planted

79 trees removed

159 weed abatements

The Urban Forestry/ Natural Resources Division plans, coordinates and carries out the enforcement of Billings' ordinances regarding tree care and maintenance. Responsibilities include planning, developing, implementing and managing comprehensive Urban Forestry and Natural Resources programs, grants, contracts and in-house projects in parks, natural area parklands, public open spaces and other public facilities and properties. Programs include park and tree management and maintenance, Horticulture programs, tree inventories and GIS tree mapping, tree and landscape installations, natural resources management, nuisance weed mowing and other city-wide vegetation management programs.

Our Arbor Day program held in Pioneer Park received the Gold Leaf Award for the outstanding Arbor Day program for 2014 International Society of from the Arboriculture Rocky Mountain Chapter which includes the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.

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Urban Forestry

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” -Anonymous

Colorado Spruce 15.2%1,332

Green Ash 11.7%1,026

Ash 8.7%758

Honeylocust 6.7%586

Cottonwood 5.9%519

Juniper 4.6%402

Austrian Pine 4.5%398

Crabapple 3.7%321

Spruce 3.5%311

Littleleaf Linden 3.5%

310

Other 32%2800

Trees by Species in Billings Parks

Dollars Per Capita Spent on Urban Forestry

$14.00

$12.00

$10.00

$8.00

$6.00

$4.00

$2.00

Bozeman Kalispell Great Falls Helena Missoula Butte Billings $0.00

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Awards and Accomplishments

Billings was presented with the Gold Leaf Award for best Arbor Day by the ISA Rocky Mountain Chapter .

In partnership with Bright n’ Beautiful 380 small bare root trees were planted in Coulson Park including 200 Narrowleaf Cottonwoods from Special K Ranch.

Billings celebrated it's th30 year as an Arbor

Day Foundation Tree City USA

DID YOU KNOW...Park trees reduce the need to collect storm water saving $151,496 each year for Billings

In 2014 the Urban Forestry Division was responsible for pruning 636 trees and

removing 48 trees

Billings, Montana: Tree City USA

In 2014, in City Parks; 138 542 Trees where plantedby Forestry Staff, 380 by partnership, 18 memorial trees, and 6 cost share trees. In addition, Forestry Staff completed 159 weed abatements.

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Urban Forestry Programs

Trash for Trees Memorial Trees

Arbor Day

Cost Share

Since 1980, 4 million pounds of newspapers and 75 tons of aluminum cans have been collected. $127,060.00 has been earned to purchase and

plant 2,994 trees in City Parks. In 2014, the program earned $15,922. All proceeds are used to purchase trees to plant in City Parks.

The Memorial Tree Program saw 18 trees planted by forestry staff. That is up 5 from the previous year.

The Cost Share Program is designed to provide trees along City streets at a shared cost between Billings homeowners and the City of Billings Forestry Division. In 2014, we saw 6 street trees planted by residents In it's first year of implementation.

This Years Arbor Day held in Pioneer Park had over attended and 300 4 grade th studentsaround also showed up to 100 volunteershelp beautify, prune trees, remove hazardous trees, mulch, revamp planting beds, paint buildings, and plant 21 trees.

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RecreationRecreationRecreation

In the last year, the City of Billings has experienced great growth and the Recreation Division has felt the ripples of change in interest and needs throughout the community. As a local resource for an outlet to various special interest, adult sports, youth sports, youth camps, active senior adults and early learning, the Recreation Division provides a wide range of opportunities for everyone. With a wide range of education and special interests of their own, the Recreation staff takes pride in the fact that they can provide affordable programs.

By focusing on quality, the Recreation Division has seen recent successes in many of their youth camps, special interest programs, facility updates and staff growth. Through the support of the community, 2014 was considered a success due to the increase in participation, programs and full time staff. It is the Recreation Staffs’ pleasure to share with the City of Billings, a breakdown of the year.

Our Adventure Camp series received the 2014 Citation of Merit Award for Agency Excellence - “Connecting Children with Nature” from The Montana Trails Recreation and Parks Association (MTRPA)

Recreation Programs

Revenue and Budget

Aquatics

Aquatic Facilities

Strike Zone Batting Cages

55+ Senior Services

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Recreation Programs

The Recreation Division is responsible for a broad number of Programs ranging from toddlers to

aging adults. Staff strive to provide an all-encompassing

offering of affordable, high quality programs to fit the needs of all

individuals in the Billings Community. Here’s a look at the

Programs!

Adult Fitness 6%311 Participants

Youth Sports 22%1130 Participants

Aquatic Programs* 10%489 Participants

Adult Sports 32%1624 Participants

Senior Classes* 3%166 Participants

Special Interest 8%426 Participants

Youth Camps 19%943 Participants

*Aquatic Programs do not include pool attendance *Senior Classes do not include Senior Service Social/ Recreation

Activities

RecreationPrograms

ARCHERY CAMPADVENTURE CAMP

PLAYHOUSE

DID YOU KNOW...The Recreation Division offers

over 115 different recreational programs.

CANOE GEOCACHING

5089 Participants

“Recreation's purpose is not to kill time, but to make life, not to keep a person occupied, but to keep them refreshed; not to offer an escape from life, but to

provide a discovery of life.” Author Unknown

ROCKET CAMPTINY TYKES

Youth ScholarshipsBillings Parks and Recreation is pleased to have a community partner like the Billings Parks, Recreation, and Preservation foundation that provides youth scholarships for under-priveledged children to participate in Parks and

Recreation Programs. In 2014, the foundation provided $903.50 in Scholarships allowed that

34 Kids to participate in programs they may have not been able to afford otherwise.

DID YOU KNOW...People who live outside of Billings can

also participate in our programs? Anyone who lives outside of city limits can still enjoy our programs by paying

an additional $10 non-resident fee.

DID YOU KNOW...The Recreation

Division employs over 200 seasonal

and temporary employees annually?

Recreation Programs

Recreation Programs Revenue by Year

2014 2013 2012

$323,921.81

$270,982.75

$228,082.50

The Recreation Division has seen sizeable growth in recent years. We have continued to expand our offerings to the community to provide an extensive range of programs that include toddlers to the aging adult. Due to the increase in programs and program participation,

we have been able to increase our program revenue by $95,839 since 2012.

Youth Camps

Youth Sports

Early Learning

Aquatics

Adult Sports

Outdoor Recreation

Special Interests

Adult Fitness

Senior Classes

“If bread is the first necessity of life, recreation is a close second” -Edward Bellamy

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Recreation Revenue and Spending

Recreation Programs 48%

$290,825

Buildings Rentals 3%

$19,399

Batting Cages 7%$40,333

Vending Machines 0%

$1,347

Administrative 3%$16,484

Billings Community Center 5%

$30,503

Aquatics 34%$204,947 $603,838

Revenue

Batting Cages 3%$30,902

Billings Community Center 20%

$212,474

Aquatics 24%$266,082

Other 0%$2,141

Sound Stage 0%$1,466

Administrative 24%$263,850

Facilities 2%$20,444

RecreationPrograms 22%

$239,462

Where it Goes

$1,094,298

All numbers based on the 2014calender year not fiscal year*

DID YOU KNOW...The Recreation

Division is able to recover 55% of it’s operating costs by collecting fees for

Programs and Facilities.

DID YOU KNOW...95% of our Recreation

Programs are Self-Sustaining (cover all direct costs)

“Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than

learning” -Thomas Jefferson

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Aquatics

$183,985 General Admissions Revenue $20,337 in Season Passes Sold $36,532 in Waterslide Wristbands Sold $45,865 in Concessions Sold 42,542 Visitors to Rose and South Pools 18,823 Visitors in July 2014 Alone 375 Participants Enrolled in Swim Lessons

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The Recreation Division oversees the staffing and operations of The Rose Park and South Park Pools,

as well as the Pioneer Park and Hawthorne Park wading pools. We employ 50-60 lifeguards annually, all of which receive rigorous American Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR/ AED training before the pools open. We ensure each guard receives the proper training they need to respond to any situation

that arises. This year our lifeguards supervised over 42,000 visitors at Rose and South Park Pools and thousands more visitors at Pioneer Park and Hawthorne Park Wading Pools.

Aquatics Facilities

ROSE PARK POOL

PIONEER PARK WADING POOL

HAWTHORNE PARK

WADINGPOOL

SOUTH PARK POOL

Both of the wading pools are staffed by 2 lifeguards 90 during hours of operation. Around

seasonal aquatic employees are employed at the Aquatic Facilities annually. Many of these employees are school district 2 employees, college students, and high school students. We see a high retention rate of returning employees every year.

Pioneer Park Wading Pool is one of two wading

pools that we operate free of charge for the public to use. These facilities are extremely popular for small children, and wildly used by day care programs throughout the community.

Rose Park Pool saw over 36,000 visitors in 2014with almost alone. 16,000 visitors in July

In 2014, we issued 3,497 reduced price pool passes help at South and Rose Pools to

residents in low-income households cool off on hot summer days.

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Strike Zone Batting Cages

2014 was a great year for the Strike Zone Batting Cages. Through Park District Deferred Maintenance Funds, we were able to replace our 8 pitching machines and ball retrieval machines, which hadn’t been replaced since the construction of the facility in the early 1990’s. The new pitching equipment provides more consistent pitches providing a better batting experience. Batters can choose between pitch speeds ranging from a slow lob to a 70 mph fastball. 2014 was the Strike Zone’s best year in history for revenue, generating $42,381 and averaging $8,980 a month.

353,266 Pitches in 2014!

DID YOU KNOW...In 2014 The Strike Zone sold 24,218 tokens

generating and $42,381 in revenueapproximately 353,266 pitches.

27

Billings Parks and Recreation partners with The Billings Senior Citizens, Inc., a 501-C-3 non-profit group which is housed at the Billings Community Center. They have been an excellent community partner with the City of Billings Recreation Department providing additional support for the facility and programs which are not covered by city budget.

In this partnership, the Billings Parks and Recreation provides the

facility, utilities and small staff of three. The organization senior covers all the direct costs of their own recreational and social activities through their various fund-raising efforts 100 senior volunteers . The center has over that donate time to the center in many areas of operation from front desk greeting, calling, mailings, decorating, assisting with activities, as well as fund-raising events.

55+ Senior Services

“People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness”

The Billings Community Center

360 North 23rd Street

Over 21,000 Annual Visits to the

Community Center

Over 1,800 individual visits per month – an

average of 82participants per day.

Membership of over 1,700 current

members

HOLIDAY LUNCHES ART CLASSES

COMPUTER CLASSES BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

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Over 100 recreational & social activities offered every month including fitness and computer

classes, as well as our health and fitness

room!

The Center provides 12 health programs per month such as blood pressure screening,

foot care clinics, health speakers, hearing aid tests, visiting nurses, flu shot clinics, and

chair massages.

Center Fitness classes include: Strong & Fit

Strength Training, Yoga, Fitness by

Design, Nia, Tai Chi, Balance Training and Restorative Exercise.

Other center activities include: Investment Club, Writers Group,

Dances, Line Dancing, Book Club,

Woodcarvers, Trips and more!

DID YOU KNOW...The Senior

Organization covers all the direct costs of

their own recreational and social activities through fund-

raising activities?

55+ Senior Services

FITNESS BY DESIGN

HEALTH AND FITNESS ROOM

HEALTH CLINICS

TAI CHIWOODCARVERS

GROUP

BLOOD PRESSURE

29

Planning / constructionPlanning / constructionPlanning / construction

By the Numbers:

22 Playgrounds

received new fall protection

9 Restrooms

upgraded

10 Tennis courts

re-surfaced

1New restroom

1Trail project

completed

1Batting cage

equipment replacement project

completed

5 Memorial

benches

Over $1,280,000 in projects completed

The Billings Parks and Recreation Department has accomplished over $1,280,000 in projects during the period from January 1 to December 31, 2014. Some of these projects were identified as deferred maintenance items by the Parks and Recreation staff along with the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Board and approved by Billings City Council. Others of these projects were accomplished through a public/private partnership where user groups and service organizations worked with the Parks and Recreation Department to provide funding to install the projects.

Swords Rimrock Park Trailhead RestroomThanks to generous donations from Yellowstone Rim Runners, Billings Parks Recreation and Preservation Foundation, Billings Rotary Foundation and BikeNet (including donations from St. Vincent Heart and Sole Run and a Recreational Trails Grant), a new restroom facility was installed at the Swords Rimrock Park Trailhead. This concrete modular facility is a welcome addition for hikers and bikers using the Heritage Trail system along the rims.

30

New Restroom at Swords Rimrock Park

Aronson Bypass Trail at Swords Park

Swords Park is a natural and environmentally sensitive area with a strong historical significance. This project connects to the existing Heritage Trail north of Alkali Creek Road and west of Aronson Avenue. It extends eastward under the existing Aronson Avenue Bridge through parkland along Alkali Creek and then parallel to Swords Lane, connecting to the existing sidewalk along the north side of Airport Road. With the completion of this trail section, trail users can travel from the Billings Airport all the way to the Yellowstone River utilizing the Heritage Trail System. Also there are connections to other existing trail segments including the Alkali Creek, Aronson and the Heights Kiwanis Trails.

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Playground Fall Protection ReplacementThe existing material under and around 22 playgrounds was replaced with a wood fiber product called Engineered Wood Fibers (EWF). In the past sand or pea gravel was used to help cushion the impact if a child were to fall from playground equipment. Current Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSI) guidelines require more effective fall protection from greater heights. Also these previously used products are not compliant to new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for accessibility to play equipment. EWF is a cost effective product that provides an added measure of protection from falls and allows persons with disabilities to safely access play equipment.

9 Restroom Facility UpgradesNine restrooms at North, Pioneer, Central, Optimist, Sacajawea, Gorham, Stewart, Veterans Parks and Mountview Cemetery were either refurbished or replaced. Of these restrooms, Central and Sacajawea Parks and Mountview Cemetery received new restroom buildings. They are concrete modular facilities with stainless steel fixtures that were delivered on trucks and lifted into place with a crane. Also, the refurbished restrooms and multi-use room at Veterans Park now has central heating allowing this facility to be rented for events year round. With this work completed, these restroom facilities are now compliant to all ADA Guidelines.

Batting Cage Equipment Upgrade at Stewart Park With the batting cage at Stewart Park over 25 years old, the automatic pitching equipment was worn out. Over the winter new pitching machines, ball retrieval system and computerized operation and control equipment was installed in time for the 2014 spring baseball season. Resurfacing 10 Tennis Courts at Rose and Pioneer Parks10 tennis courts, 4 at Rose Park and 6 at Pioneer Park, were resurfaced with new acrylic surfacing material. As a result of this project the courts were dramatically improved for tennis play.

Memorial Benches The Parks and Recreation Department has a memorial bench program that provides an opportunity for people to memorialize loved ones by sponsoring a bench in one of the City's parks. The benches cost $1,200 and if a plaque is desired, it can be provided for an additional $300. This year we have installed 5 memorial benches in various parks. This program provides much needed seating in our parks.

New fall protection at Sacajawea Park

Restroom upgrade at Veteran’s Park

Batting cage equipment upgrade

Tennis court resurfacing at Rose Park

Project Summary

32

OutreachOutreachOutreach

By the Numbers:

2,022 Total volunteers

8,146.75 Total hours volunteered

$128,418 Financial impact

4Eagle Scout Projects

1E-newsletter established

1Community garden

established

2Fundraiser events

The Outreach Division received the 2014 Citation of Merit Award for Agency Excellence from The Montana Trails Recreation and Parks Association (MTRPA)

33

Refresh the Rims 2014

Outreach Introduction

The Outreach Division started in 2013 with the hiring of a Volunteer Coordinator. The program began with the focus of connecting community members with volunteers experiences in the Parks and Recreation Department. The duties quickly evolved into the broader focus of community outreach. The Outreach Division’s work focuses on four main areas: 1. Volunteer Projects & Programs 2. Community Gardens 3. Community Outreach 4. Communications & Awareness.

Photos: (Left) Volunteers cleaning during Refresh the Rims, (Center) participants competing in the Scarecrow Fun Run community garden fundraiser, (Right) volunteers mulching trees at South Park

34

Volunteer Project and Programs:Volunteer projects range from individual service

opportunities and large group projects to a

Volunteer Park Ranger Program. Volunteers represent a variety of clubs,

businesses, churches and schools. Projects included fence installation, tree planting, trail

cleanups, painting and graffiti removal.

Community Garden:The community garden at Amend Park started as an Americorps Vista project. The garden

has open to community members. 44 plotsIn 2014 there were and over 29 clients700lbs of produce was harvested.

$7,865.65 was raised through fundraisers, donations, and in-kind contributions.

Communications & Awareness:2014 marked the development of a monthly

department . Additional e-newsletterawareness efforts included special events such

as the , presentations to Parade of Gardenslocal clubs and groups and the beginning of an

Awareness Campaign with MSU-Billings as a service learning project.

Outreach:Outreach efforts included establishing partnerships to further the Parks and

Recreation goals. The parnterships varied

greatly from projects such as the High Sierra Disc Golf fundraiser

Tournament to engaging the local colleges

in skills based Service Learning Projects

Volunteers contributed over $128,000 in labor

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By the Numbers:

118 Total burials and

columbaria services

42 Total grave spaces sold

2,000 Records updated

1New public restroom

13 tonsOrganic fertilizer

applied

1Chip seal project

completed

CemeteryCemeteryCemetery

36

The City of Billings Mountview Cemetery is a historical cemetery receiving its first burial in1891, a year before the community of Billings was started. It is the largest and oldest continually operated cemetery in the region. It was, at one point, the only operating cemetery in Billings, but now it is just one of ten cemeteries in Billings. Mountview's mission has been, and continues to be, to strive to provide a meaningful, economical service to the citizens of Billings, MT.

Cemetery Overview

37Deer in the Cemetery

The cemetery is used by walkers and joggers throughout the year

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Mountview Cemetery Graves Sold

Graves purchased for at-need use Graves purchased for future use

Graves put on contract for deed

The Cemetery provides a beautiful surrounding for the grieving public as well as casual visitors and walker and joggers. This year the staff assisted families with 117 burial and columbaria services. The Cemetery Office sold 42 grave spaces and assisted countless requests for grave locations and information about the people buried in Mountview Cemetery. Approximately 2,000 records were updated and corrected on the online database. A new public restroom was added for visitors' convenience.

DID YOU KNOW...Mount View

Cemetery is the oldest continually operated cemetery

in Billings

New Cemetery Restroom

Memorial Day 201438

On the horizonOn the horizonOn the horizon

Technology Improvements for

2015:

Mobile Registration: In 2015 the Recreation

Division plans to go through an upgrade to make the registration process more mobile

friendly.

Park Maintenance Tracking Software:

The Parks Division plans to start using software to

track maintenance for improved efficiency.

Increased Use of Social Media:

The Department will continue to use social

media to promote programs and recruit

volunteers.

2014 was a year of growth and improvement for the Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Department. Moving into 2015 there are many exciting changes on the horizon. These improvements focus on improved safety and convenience for park users and program participants.

What to look for in 2015

South Park Playground Replacement Project: New playground equipment will be installed late spring/early summer of 2015 that will include a giant climber and a 15 foot slide among other exciting play features.

Pioneer Park Playground Replacement Project: Similar to South Park, Pioneer Park will also receive new playground equipment upgrades. It too will have a signature play feature along with age appropriate play equipment for children of all abilities.

Tennis Court Replacement: Four courts at Castle Rock and three courts at Pioneer will be reconstructed with state of the art techniques to provide tournament quality playing surfaces.

South Park Spray Ground: To replace the wading pool removed in 2010, a new spray ground will be constructed. The spray ground will be comprised of spray and splashing features for children to play and cool off during hot summer months.

39

Scarecrow Fun Run

On the Horizon Continued

40High Sierra Disc Golf Fundraiser TournamentPhoto Courtesy of Andre Al

Looking forward, 2015 promises to be a year of great accomplishment and progress for the Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Department on par with the successes of 2014.

2015 Projects: Stewart Park irrigation upgrade

Stewart Park traffic and pedestrian circulation and parking study Replace fall protection material at 5 playground sites

Yellowstone Kelly’s Grave Site at Swords Rimrock Park Amend Park Irrigation Upgrade Urban Forestry Master Plan

Repairs to park sidewalks, parking lots and trails High Sierra Disc Golf Course

Documents

Billings Parks and Recreation Annual report 2014