City of Hamlet Systemwide Parks & Recreation Plan

City of HamletSystemwide parks and recreation PLan

January 8, 2013

City of Hamlet Systemwide Parks & Recreation Plan


City of Hamlet Systemwide Parks and Recreation

Plan

City Council

Jeff Smart, Mayor

Tony Clewis, Mayor Pro-Tem

Dewey Brower

Jonathan Buie

Abbie Covington

Pat Preslar

City Staff

Marchell Adams-David, City Manager

Mitchell Bowman, Director of Parks and Recreation

Jerry Lamont, Parks and Recreation


Insert City Council Resolution of Adoption



Table of Contents Section Page # City Council/City Staff

Resolution of Adoption

Introduction

Purpose

1

2

Overview of the Population 3

Registration for Parks and Recreation Programs 4

Description of Park Types 5

Inventory of Existing Parks by Facility Type 11

1. W. D. James Park 12

2. Main Street Park 14

3. Jack Breeden Neighborhood Park 16

4. Hamlet Memorial Neighborhood Park 18

5. Park Street Neighborhood Park 20

6. Boyd Lake Road Park 22

7. Fairground Community Park 24

8. Hamlet Senior Center 26

9. City Lake 28

New Potential Park Sites 30

A. Bridges Street at East Main Street 30

B. East Hamlet Avenue 32

Mission, Goals, and Strategies 34

Park Land Needs Assessment 38

Public Involvement 42

• Parks and Recreation Survey Results 42

• Booster Club/City Staff Meeting 49

• Public Meeting – November 15, 2012 50

• City Council Meeting – December 11, 2012 50

• City Council Public Hearing – January 8, 2013 52

Implementation Plan 55

Appendices 61

Appendix A Demographics 61

Appendix B Parks and Recreation Survey 69

Appendix C Funding Sources, Regulations, and Partnerships 73


Page 1

Introduction The City of Hamlet has a dream and a commitment. City leaders and citizens have dreamed of and are

committed to providing expanded recreation facilities and programs to meet the needs of all the citizens

but especially the needs of the young and the elderly. In 2011, City leaders purchased Boyd Lake Road

Park to expand the city park system and made a financial commitment to study and plan for new park

facilities. In spring 2012, the City began a year-long public planning process to inventory and assess

current park facilities and to determine the priority needs and desires of the citizens. Through this

document, the City is committed to providing opportunities for healthy living through recreation

facilities and programs that meet citizen needs.


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Purpose Why do we need a Systemwide Parks and Recreation Plan?

• To promote community wellness by creating opportunities for residents to pursue active

lifestyles and improve athletic skills

• To provide opportunities for personal growth and

socialization

• To create a sense of community and belonging

• To enhance the city’s built and natural environment

What is Parks and Recreation Planning?

Parks and recreation planning is a process by which a

community considers growth alternatives and sets goals for

the future by establishing policies and priorities to satisfy

community demand for recreation and in general improve the

quality of life of our community. The plan endeavors to

answer three basic questions:

• What are we like today?

• What do we want to be like in the future?

• What steps can we take to move in that direction?

What can our community accomplish through a Systemwide Parks and Recreation Plan?

A parks and recreation plan is a goal-setting guide. Through the planning process, our community

creates a vision for the future, sets standards for the types of parks to be provided, considers where

future parks should be located, examines how the public can best access park facilities, and decides the

types of facilities that are to be made available to the public. This Plan also includes an action plan to

help our City leaders consider and make decisions on how best to fund and budget for park facilities and

programs that meet established goals and standards.


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Overview of Population (see Appendix A for detail) In the 2010 Census, the City of Hamlet had a population of about 6,500 people. The City saw a

population growth of about 8% in the decade from 2000 to 2010, which, if continued in the future,

would result in a population of about 7,000 persons by the year 2020.

In 2010, about half (1,598) of the 3,108 households in Hamlet had both a husband and wife in the

household. Of the households with only one head of household, 469 households were headed by a

female, compared to 203 male head of the household units. The total number of women in Hamlet

outnumbered men approximately 3,500 to 3,000.

In 2010, Hamlet had approximately 1,230 children between the ages of three and eighteen with a total

of about 950 children in preschool, kindergarten and grades 1 through 8. At the other end of the age

spectrum, there were about 755 non-family households, and of these, most lived alone and about half

were composed of persons 65 years of age or older.

In 2010, household incomes in Hamlet were generally lower than those throughout North Carolina as a

whole. The Hamlet median household income (defined as the income where half the households make

less and half make more income) was $30,699. This mean household income figure is about 70% of the

$43,674 median household income for North Carolina as a whole.

Demographic Implications for Parks and Recreation Planning

These population figures indicate a community with:

• a large percentage of single heads of household,

mostly women

• a significant number of children in grade school

• a significant number of elderly people living alone

• household incomes below average for the State of

North Carolina.

All of these demographic indicators reveal the relative

importance of providing public parks and recreation facilities

and programs in the City of Hamlet.


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Registration for Parks and Recreation Programs

A good indicator of interest in parks and

recreation is the number of persons

participating in various sports programs

offered by the City. In Hamlet, registration

has held steady or increased in recent

years.

Table 1: Current Registration Parks and Recreation Programs

Sport Age Group Enrollment

Football 9 – 12 150

Cheerleading 5 – 13 140

Flag Football 6 – 8 130

Soccer 4 – 15 270

Basketball 5 – 15 220

Baseball 5 – 12 240

Source: Hamlet Parks and Recreation Department Fall 2012.

As an indication of need, the parks and recreation program currently has only one indoor basketball

facility located at Hamlet Memorial Park. This facility has one basketball court on which to schedule

practices and games for 22 teams. The present basketball facility is also undersized in seating for parents

and families and parking is limited. Attendees often must park on nearby properties which presents

some problems with parking on private property and also is a safety issue as a major, high traffic

corridor has to be crossed to access the basketball facility.

The City would like to add programs in volleyball, senior aerobics/exercise activities, indoor soccer, and

arts & crafts classes for a variety of ages but current facilities are either not suitable or are already

completed booked up with ongoing programs and activities.


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Description of Park Types The National Recreation and Park Association

(NRPA) is a national organization of recreation

professionals that exists to “advance parks,

recreation, and environmental conservation

efforts that enhance the quality of life for all

people”. The NRPA recognizes five basic types of

parks based on park size, use, and population

served.

Types of Parks:

1. Mini parks (including playlots)

2. Special Purpose Parks

3. Neighborhood Parks

4. Community Parks

5. Linear Parks/Greenways

Additional park categories, not typically provided by or funded by local governments, include regional,

state and national parks. Since there are no regional, state or national parks in the immediate vicinity of

Hamlet, these types of parks are not covered in this report. This Plan focuses on city parks that directly

address local community recreational needs.

1. Mini Parks/Playlots

Mini parks are designed for toddlers through elementary school children as a place to get exercise and

to socialize with other children. Mini parks also serve as places for parents to socialize with other

parents of young children. Playlots generally should have high visibility from surrounding streets for

public safety.

• Location and Access. Playlots should be provided in residential areas within a convenient and

safe walking/biking distance (defined as ¼ mile or a 5-minute walk) of residential areas. Where

possible, playlots should be linked to community greenways and sidewalks and should not be

interrupted by non-residential roads or other barriers.

• Facilities and Features. Play equipment should include swings, slides, sandboxes, and play

equipment. Seating areas, picnic tables and bicycle racks should be provided.

• Desirable Size. 2,500 square feet to one acre.

• Population Served. Playlots should be located in primarily residential areas within a ¼ mile

radius or a 5-minute walk.

• Acres per 1,000 Population. National Recreation and Park Association guideline for mini park is

0.25 to 0.5 acre per 1,000 population which indicates a need for 3.25 acres of mini

parks/playlots to serve Hamlet’s 2010 population of 6,500.


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Special purpose parks are generally small in size

and often are strategically located in high vehicle

traffic/ pedestrian traffic areas – often in

downtown business districts. Special purpose

parks are often closely identified with

community history/legacy. These parks do not

necessarily provide recreational opportunities

for children but rather often represent the

cultural history of a community. There are no

NRPA guidelines/standards for special purpose

parks.


Neighborhood parks are the basic unit of a community park system and often serve as the recreational

and social focus of residential neighborhoods. Neighborhood parks typically provide opportunities for

both formal and informal and both active and passive recreation activities for all ages. Neighborhood

parks should have high visibility from surrounding streets for public safety.

• Location and Access. Neighborhood

parks should be provided in residential

areas within a convenient and safe

walking/biking distance (defined as a ½

mile radius) of residential

neighborhoods. Neighborhood parks

should be linked to community

greenways and sidewalks and should not

be interrupted by non-residential roads

or other barriers.

• Facilities and Features. Neighborhood

parks provide space for more intense

recreational activities including court games, walking trails, picnicking and playgrounds. The

2012 Hamlet Parks and Recreation Citizens Survey identified children’s playgrounds and picnic

shelters as high priorities.

• Desirable Size. 5 to 15 acres

• Population Served. Residential neighborhoods within ½ mile radius.

• Acres per 1,000 Population. The NRPA guideline for Neighborhood Parks is 1 to 2 acres per 1,000

residents which indicates a need for thirteen (13) acres to accommodate Hamlet’s 2010

population of 6,500.

4. Community Parks

Community parks are the most identifiable parks in the system. Community parks meet community-

based recreation and gathering needs.


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• Location and access. Community parks

should be provided to serve two or more

neighborhoods within a ½ mile to 3-mile

radius. Arterial, collector streets and

local streets as well as community

greenways and sidewalks should serve

these park locations.

• Facilities and features. Community parks

may include areas for intense recreation,

such as a gymnasium, a multi-purpose

community center, swimming, or an area

of natural quality for outdoor recreation,

or a combination of various types of recreation. Community parks serve an entire community.

• Desirable size. 25-50 acres or more.

• Population served. Residential areas within a three-mile radius.

• Acres per 1,000 Population. The NRPA guideline is 5 to 8 acres per 1,000 residents which

translates into a need of 52 acres to serve Hamlet’s 2010 population of 6,500. Services provided

at nearby school sites should be considered when determining location and facilities for

community parks.


Linear parks/greenways are areas typically developed for non-motorized modes of travel such as

walking, hiking or biking, but linear parks can also

include play areas. Linear park characteristics

include walkways parallel to road infrastructure

(sidewalks/paths) and multi-purpose trails along

natural stream or drainage corridors where

pathways are usually constructed within sewer or

utility easements. Linear parks often link

community facilities or other components of

recreational system, providing safe, off-road

access to park facilities.

• Location and Access. By their nature,

linear parks/greenways are created

where stream corridors or utility easements exist. Connections to adjacent neighborhoods are

essential for linear parks to serve the function of connecting residents to park facilities.

• Facilities and Features. Linear parks often provide direct physical and visual access to natural

areas within a community. To function as intended, linear parks must connect to residential

neighborhoods and, ideally, to other parks within the system.


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Page 9

Insert Park Facilities Map


Page 10


Page 11

Inventory of Existing Parks by Facility Type An inventory of existing parks by facility type was conducted in the fall of 2012. Current park locations

are shown on the Park Facilities Map (page 9). On the following pages, each existing park is located and

described in terms of facilities and use. Some park facilities are owned by the city; others are used and

maintained by the city under lease agreements with Richmond County Public Schools, and one park,

Hamlet Memorial Park, is privately-owned but designated for public park use.

Each existing park is categorized by type and a service area is shown by a shaded green circle. Mini parks

(W. D. James) serve a ¼ mile service area; neighborhood parks (Jack Breeden, Hamlet Memorial, Park

Street) serve a ½ service area, and community parks (Boyd Lake Road Park) serve a 3-mile area. Service

areas are not shown for Main Street Park, a special purpose park which serves the entire community,

the Senior Center which also serves the entire community, or for Fairgrounds Park which is currently

being used as a practice facility.

Service areas shown on the Park Facilities Map indicate that there are some residential areas of the city

that are not currently served by mini parks and neighborhood parks. These areas are identified and

addressed in the Action Plan.

Private Facilities

There are no private, for-profit recreation facilities in the City of Hamlet. The City does have two private

church supported schools – 2nd Baptist Church Day School and Hamlet Presbyterian Weekday School. 2nd

Baptist serves children age 3 through 5th grades. The school has a new gymnasium and runs its own

recreation programs but the facilities are not available to the public. Hamlet Presbyterian, which

recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, serves children age preschool through 3rd grade. The school has

a children’s playground area, but it is not open to the public.


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1. W.D. James Mini Park The W.D, James Mini Park (Map 1), located at the intersection of Oak Avenue and NC 177, is

0.75 acre in size. The park is accessible by foot to the Pinecroft neighborhood but there are no

sidewalks within the neighborhood. Most of the nearby streets are low traffic volume,

residential traffic streets which provide for some non-motorized accessibility; however, public

sidewalk connections are preferable.

Facilities:

• Playground equipment (toddler to 12 year old)

• Shelter on concrete pad

• Gravel/sand parking

Observations:

• Popular and well used park

• No water fountain or restrooms (convenience store next door)

• Some space available for enlargement/addition

• Addition of sidewalks, at least along the more heavily traveled streets, would make the

park more accessible.


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2. Main Street Park Main Street Park (Map 2) is comprised of 0.52 acres on Main Street immediately across the

street from the historic train depot (Hamlet Amtrak Station) and just on the north side of the

main railway tracks. Main Street Park is a valued asset to the city as a whole and to the

downtown business district in particular. Main Street Park hosts the city’s community Christmas

tree lighting ceremony each year

Facilities include:

• A train engine and caboose that are not currently open/accessible but that are being

refurbished and modified for accessibility in May 2013

• Large shelter

• Benches

• Off street parking for 14 vehicles

• Trail connection to South Hamlet neighborhood

Observations:

o The park is well landscaped and well maintained – a visual asset to downtown

o There is an opportunity to build on community history by adding train-themed

playground equipment

o The park could serve as a location for a community farmers’ market.


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3. Jack Breeden Neighborhood Park Jack Breeden Neighborhood Park (Map 3), located at the intersection of Lackey and Bridges

Streets, contains 4.16 acres. The park is accessible by foot to most of the South Hamlet

neighborhood including a public housing authority complex adjacent to the east side of the park.

There are limited sidewalks within the South Hamlet neighborhood to provide safe pedestrian

access to the park.

Facilities:

• Soccer/football field (lighted)

• Baseball field (lighted)

• Softball field (lighted)

• 2 Basketball courts (asphalt)

• Playground (toddler to 12 years old)

• Concessions/restrooms

• Off street parking

Observations:

• A picnic shelter would be good additions

• New gravel parking lot across Bridges Street has reduced need to park on-street.

• The new parking lot has some storm water/drainage issues that need to be addressed.


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4. Hamlet Memorial Neighborhood Park Hamlet Memorial Neighborhood Park (Map

4), located at the intersection of King

Street/NC 177 and Spring Street and

Washington Street, contains 7.93 acres. The

park is located across the street from and in

the Monroe Avenue Elementary School

neighborhood.

Facilities:

• Gymnasium with basketball court;

limited seating

• Soccer/football field

• Baseball field

• 2 concrete tennis courts

• Asphalt basketball court

• Parking:

� Lower paved parking lot off Spring

Street

� Upper gravel parking lot off Washington Street

� Overflow parking at Monroe Avenue Elementary (upper level)

� Overflow parking temporarily using old Fiesta Bravo restaurant site (lower level)

Observations:

• The City has just completed a new restroom/concessions building on the lower lever of

the park to replace an older facility that was inconveniently located. The City had been

losing concession sales to a nearby Burger King and Dollar General. Having the new

concessions on site also reduces the likelihood of pedestrians crossing high traffic

volume King Street which is difficult and dangerous to cross.

• The NCDOT has planned for several years to install sidewalks on King and Spring Streets

which will improve pedestrian safety in the area.

• There is a need to improve safety, lighting and site attractiveness, both visual and

convenience, to capture concession sales.

• Fields are not usable for two or more days after heavy rains. The fields need to be

refurbished and upgraded.


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5. Park Street Neighborhood Park The Park Street Neighborhood Park (Map 5), located at the corner of Park Street and Fairview

Avenue, contains 4.58 acres. Park Street Park is across the street from the rear of Fairview

Heights Elementary School. The City leases the park space from Richmond County Schools. Park

Street is no longer used for formal games/league play but serves as a practice facility for the

park system.

Facilities include:

o Two practice baseball fields (upper and lower level fields)

o Concessions/restrooms/press box

o Walking track on school property (accessible to the public after school hours)


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6 Boyd Lake Road Park Boyd Lake Road Park (Map 6),

located on the west side of Boyd

Lake Road (also known as

Veterans Drive) has great

potential as a community park.

The park consists of 7.49 acres

and already hosts two baseball

fields and a

restroom/concession building.

The City also owns another 10.4

acres on the east side of Boyd

Lake Road where the American

Legion Post 49 building, two

baseball fields, a volleyball court

and a portion of the City Lake

greenway trail are located. The Legion has use of the building and shares use of the parking lot.

Boyd Lake Road Park has room for new recreation facilities on land the city already owns and

there is great potential for future expansion. The City would like to acquire the National Guard

Armory site to the south and the property to the north where a mostly abandoned mobile home

park is currently located. The City has also made contact with CSX Railroad which owns

significant land west of the current park – initial discussions are going well.

A review of the National Wetlands Inventory initially indicated the presence of wetlands along

the northern property boundary of the 7.49 acres. However, on November 20, 2012, the

Wilmington office of the US Army Corps of Engineers inspected the site and determined there

were no jurisdictional wetlands on the site.

Facilities include:

• West side

o 2 lighted baseball fields

o Concession

stand/restrooms

o Sand/grass parking lot

•

• East side (American Legion)

o 2 lighted baseball fields

o Sand volleyball court

o Restrooms

o Grass parking

Observations:

o The park has great potential for growth/expansion of facilities on the west side of Boyd

Lake Road.

o Park is accessible primarily by vehicle only; however there is a greenway trail along City

Lake to the south that has potential for pedestrian access/connection across Boyd Lake

Road.

o There is more limited opportunity for expansion on the east side of Boyd Lake Road near

City Lake as much of the City-owned property shows as potential wetlands on the

National Inventory of Wetlands maps.


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7 Fairground Community Park The Fairground Community Park (Map 7), located along the north side of Hendersonville Street

between E. Main Street and E. Hamlet Avenue, contains 12.23 acres. The City owns the land and

the Hamlet Lions Club hosts the Richmond County Agricultural Fair on the site each fall. The site

is bordered on the north by Marks Creek that flows below the dam for City Lake. Almost the

entire park is located within the 100-year floodplain of Marks Creek which limits the park’s

utility. The potential for flooding reduces the amount of time the land can be utilized and

increases the cost of maintenance.

Observations:

• Potential Uses include Baseball, football, soccer, and cheerleading practice fields.

• Teams played baseball here until the 2012 season

• Most of the land is in the floodplain


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8. Hamlet Senior Center The Hamlet Senior Center (Map 8) is located at the intersection of Lakeside Drive/Boyd Lake

Road and Spring Street, immediately adjacent to City Lake. Although not budgeted within the

Hamlet Parks and Recreation Department; the Senior Center serves an important recreation

function for the community.

Programs provided include:

o Dance

o Aerobics

o Cheerleading (youth)

o Boxed games

o Wheelchair volleyball

o Bocce courts

o Benches

o Walking trail

Observation:

• Asphalt parking lot off Lakeside Drive is not sufficient

• Lower asphalt parking lot at City Lake is close but not accessible for older citizens

• An accessible connection to the greenway trail along City Lake is needed (current access

is by stairs)


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9. City Lake Greenway City Lake (Map 9), a graceful, scenic symbol of the City of Hamlet, is highly visible from US

Business 74/E. Hamlet Avenue and Spring Street – heavily traveled streets into and through the

city. The lake is approximately 40 acres in size (not including wetland areas) and serves as a back

up reservoir drinking water supply for the city.

The lake dam is located at the southern end of the lake parallel to E. Hamlet Avenue. Visitors to

the lake are served by a large asphalt parking lot accessible from E. Hamlet Avenue. The lake

hosts an historic red train caboose, park benches, a pier, and an asphalt greenway trail along the

southern and western edges of the lake. Much of the lake edges are wooded wetlands that are

undisturbed both for scenic beauty and to protect water quality.

Hamlet Senior Center is located at the southwest corner of the lake at the intersection of Spring

Street and Lakeside Drive/Boyd Lake Road.


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New Potential Park Sites The City has identified two new potential park sites of interest for future development. (Note: The City is

also interested in expanding the Boyd Lake Road Park which is not included here as a new potential site.)

A. Bridges Street at East Main Street – South Hamlet Neighborhood As part of the South Hamlet Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in the early

2000s, the City of Hamlet acquired and demolished several vacant dilapidated buildings facing E.

Main Street at the Bridges Street intersection. Removal of these blighted buildings greatly

improved the appearance of this major gateway into downtown Hamlet.

Acquiring additional properties within the area (Map 10) would present an opportunity to create

a new mini park/special purpose park to serve the South Hamlet neighborhood. A park at this

site would also enhance the historic train depot/downtown business district. The site is wooded

and the terrain is hilly so the site is not appropriate for larger active space recreation, but could

be ideal for a mini park including a children’s playground and a picnic shelter.


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B. East Hamlet Avenue Park Site In searching for a potential site (Map 11) for a new multi-purpose gymnasium, the city identified

several parcels located on East Hamlet Avenue near City Lake. This site had the potential to

encompass up to 10 parcels of property totaling 3.38 acres in size. One parcel hosts an older

block building (an old ice plant) that would most likely need to be demolished and removed

from the site.

The properties are located on the west side of East Hamlet Avenue just north of Marks Creek as

it flows below the City Lake dam. The southern portion of the area lies within FEMA identified

100-year and 500-year floodplains of Marks Creek. Early analysis of the National Wetlands

Inventory also indicated the potential presence of wetlands along Marks Creek. In the fall of

2012, the current property owners agreed to have the properties inspected by the US Army

Corps of Engineers to determine the extent and presence of protected wetlands. The results of

the jurisdictional determination are shown on Map 11.


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Mission, Goals and Strategies A mission statement along with goals and strategies are needed to guide future parks and recreation

decision-making. Together, these statements express a unified vision for future investment and other

community efforts geared towards building a more comprehensive and responsive park system for the

citizens of Hamlet.

Mission Statement To provide a variety of recreation programs and facilities to encourage citizens to participate in and

enjoy physical activities that lead to more fulfilling, healthy lifestyles.

Goals and Strategies The following goals and strategies are intended to provide an operational framework for future

decisions related to providing recreation programs and facilities. These goals and strategies should be

reviewed on a regular basis and modified as necessary to meet changing needs and priorities.

Goal #1 The City of Hamlet will strive to provide parks and recreation facilities conveniently

located to provide opportunities for active and passive recreation, socialization and wellness.

Strategies

• Establish a comprehensive system of parks that include:

o Mini parks, including playlots

o Neighborhood Parks

o Community Parks

o Greenways/Trails

• Provide both active and passive recreation facilities and programs for all ages

• Within the park system, strive to provide those facilities identified by citizens as most desired:

o Multi-purpose gymnasium/

community recreation center

o Water park, including a

splash park with facilities for

water play, and a swimming

pool when the population

and tax base can support

such a facility

o Network of walking-jogging

paths/trails to connect parks,

children’s playgrounds and

picnic shelters to schools and

residential neighborhoods

o Children’s playgrounds and

picnic shelters that are


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conveniently located and accessible by walking/biking for the majority of residential

neighborhoods

o Senior citizen facilities and programs

o Active recreation facilities for tennis, baseball and softball, soccer, football and

basketball

Goal #2: Provide high quality parks and recreation facilities that preserve open space and

provide access to and seek to preserve cultural and historic resources.

Strategies:

• Use local history elements in new

facility design and improvements

• Maintain and update park

equipment and facilities as needed,

including playground equipment,

hard pavement surfaces, and

landscaping.

• Develop and implement

standardized park design elements

for all public parks, including

signage, lighting, benches, and waste

receptacles.

• Take greater advantage of City

Lake’s natural beauty in providing

recreational opportunities.

Goal #3: Create a community of healthy residents by providing opportunities that promote

and encourage active lifestyles

Strategies

• Increase non-motorized

transportation connections between

parks, historic sites, community

facilities and shopping districts that

allow residents to bike, walk and run

as alternatives to vehicular travel.

• Promote programming that

contributed to active lifestyles for all

ages

• Provide facilities that are

conveniently located and easily

accessible to encourage active

lifestyles


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Goal #4: Provide recreation programming and facility opportunities that meet the needs and

interests of citizens.

Residents have indicated through the 2012 Parks and

Recreation Citizens’ Survey that recreation facilities and

activities are important to their quality of life. Providing well-

balanced activity choices and conveniently located facilities

while being responsive to changing needs are essential.

Strategies

• As a priority, build a multi-purpose center that

supports a variety of organized activities including

basketball, volley ball, indoor soccer, dance classes,

aerobics, and arts and crafts classes

• Pursue opportunities and locations to create mini and

neighborhood parks within residential neighborhoods

that are currently under served

• Provide picnic shelters and bathrooms in parks, as

appropriate

• Continue to monitor the use of athletic fields and facilities to determine additional needs

• Increase the variety and amount of programs offered for senior adults and for children

Goal #5: Create a Sense of Community and Belonging.

Strategies

• Continue to encourage volunteer

efforts, such as the Hamlet Boosters

Club and other groups and individuals

who have an interest in working with

youth sports leagues

• Offer programming that is targeted to

families and households with limited

resources and support services

• Continue to celebrate the community

by participating in and sponsoring

festivals and community functions and

events, such as the annual Seaboard

Festival and the Annual “Meet Me at

The Lake” community clean-up day

• Consider requiring new residential

development to make payments in lieu of park land dedication to assist in funding the

acquisition of additional recreational space

• Within residential areas that are under served, identify potential sites and set aside funds to

purchase future park properties


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Goal #6: Use existing community resources efficiently and demonstrate fiscal responsibility.

Struggling state, national and global

economies have resulted in loss of

employment and a decrease in local tax base

and in state and federal shared revenues. It is

more essential than ever that limited local

government resources be managed and used

efficiently to provide quality parks and

recreation programs and services for

residents.

Strategies

• Explore opportunities with other local

government agencies including

Richmond County and Richmond

County Schools to jointly provide

desired services and facilities

• Maintain open dialogue with the City of Rockingham regarding opportunities to improve,

expand and share quality public recreation facilities and programs

• Recruit civic and business organization financial support and resource assistance for park

improvement and maintenance projects

Goal #7: Ensure that the parks and recreation department is staffed and equipped to provide

excellent customer service.

Strategies

• Expand web based marketing efforts to

inform residents of available programs

and events

• Monitor the need for additional

support staff

• Review the systemwide parks and

recreation plan annually as part of the

capital improvement planning process

to establish priorities, responsibilities,

and funding


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Park Land Needs Assessment These guidelines are based results of the Hamlet Parks and Recreation Citizen Survey; input from the

Hamlet Booster Club, citizens at public meetings, city staff and city council; on National Recreation and

Parks Association and North Carolina Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan standards; and

a survey of selected parks and recreation plans from other North Carolina communities.

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) guidelines are a national standard used to

estimate minimum community needs in terms of location and access, facilities and features, desirable

size of parks, radius of population served and acres per 1,000 population. The guidelines are generally

reliable except for the guideline of acres per 1,000 population, which may not reflect a specific local

community’s needs and priorities.

The NC Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan standards were also considered in

establishing guidelines for community needs and priorities. Throughout North Carolina and within the

Hamlet community there is a growing awareness of the need to conserve and protect important natural

resources and open spaces. The City of Hamlet is also keenly aware of the need to improve recreation

resources and services as a way to improve public health and fitness. The citizens of Hamlet also

identified and agreed that parks and recreation facilities improve a community’s quality of life and

support economic growth.

As a smaller community in an area of the State not experiencing rapid growth and development, the City

of Hamlet is financially challenged to meet the recreation needs of community citizens. In recent years,

the City has faced the challenges of a slowing economy, a tighter local budget, and fewer resources to

meet citizens’ needs. However, City leaders are well aware of not only the need but also the

attractiveness of good parks and recreation programs and facilities on attracting both business and

residential growth.

In setting priorities for future recreation facilities, the results of the 2012 Hamlet community survey on

parks and recreation, analysis of City parks and recreation programming registration records/growth,

and discussions with citizens, City staff and City Council were the primary drivers in setting parkland

guidelines and in determining community needs and priorities.

Proposed Parkland Guidelines

This section compares existing Hamlet parks to proposed parkland guidelines.

Types of parks:

1. Mini Parks/Playlots



4. Community Parks


Facilities and programs available in regional, state or national parks are typically included in parks and

recreation plans; however, there are no regional, state or national parks in the immediate vicinity of

Hamlet. Thus, the plan focuses on parks that directly address local community needs while encouraging

opportunities to cooperate with other local governments.


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Mini Parks

The W.D. James Park, at 0.75 acre, is Hamlet’s only stand alone mini-park/playlot. However,

playgrounds/playlots are provided at larger neighborhood parks (Hamlet Memorial and Jack

Breeden) and at two elementary schools – Fairview Heights Elementary (near Park Street Park), and

Monroe Avenue Elementary (near Hamlet Memorial Park). School facilities are generally not

available to the public during school hours so there remains a need to provide either more

standalone mini parks/playlots or to add play equipment at larger neighborhood or community

parks, particularly those that are in close proximity to residential neighborhoods.

Special Purpose Parks

Special purpose parks are generally small in size and strategically located in high traffic/pedestrian

areas – often in downtown business districts. Special purpose parks are often closely identified with

community history/legacy. The City of Hamlet has one Special Purpose Park – Main Street Park,

located on S. Main just opposite the large railroad terminal/Amtrak Station which is a great source

of community pride.

Special purpose parks often provide a gathering space, focal point for community wide activities and

festivals. These parks do not necessarily provide recreational opportunities for children, but Main

Street Park would be a possible site for a railroad themed play equipment to complement the two

train cars and to attract more regular attendance by families with small children who could then

access downtown businesses located close by.

Neighborhood Parks

Neighborhood parks are the basic unit of the park system and serve as the recreational and social

focus of neighborhoods. The focus for neighborhood parks is on providing informal active and

passive recreational opportunities for all ages. Neighborhood parks should have high visibility from

surrounding streets for public safety.

Hamlet has four neighborhood parks - Jack Breeden Park (4.16 acres), Memorial Park (7.93 acres),

Park Street Park (4.58 acres), and the Fairgrounds (12.23 acres) for a total of 28.70 acres. Compared

to national standards, Hamlet actually has a surplus of 3.67 acres in neighborhood parks. These

parks are located in central and northern Hamlet indicating that future neighborhood park locations

should be considered for northwest and southwest residential areas of the city.

Community Parks

Community parks are the most identifiable

parks in the system. Community parks meet

community-based recreation and gathering

needs in larger park settings where a variety

of activities can be provided.

Hamlet has one community park - Boyd Lake

Road Park consisting of 7.49 acres on the

west side of Boyd Lake Road. The City also

owns the 10.4 acre Field of Dreams on the

east side of Boyd Lake Road. The east side is

commonly referred to as the American Legion


Page 40

site. The City also owns the Fair Grounds (12.23) but is not currently using this facility since the Boyd

Lake Road Park opened in 2011. The parks and recreation survey identified as a strong priority a

community center to include a multi-purpose gymnasium and a water park.

Linear Parks

Linear parks are areas developed for non-motorized modes of travel such as walking, hiking or biking

but linear parks can also include play areas.

Typical characteristics include walkways

parallel to road infrastructure and trails along

natural stream or drainageway corridors

where pathways are typically built along

sewer or utility easements. Linear parks link

community facilities or other components of

a recreational system.

Hamlet has one greenway located along the

dam and the western shore of City Lake. The

trail is approximately 3, 230 feet in length.

The 2012 Hamlet Parks and Recreation

Citizens Survey identified the creation of a

system of walking/jogging trails as a high priority.


Page 41

Table 2: Summary of Existing Hamlet Park Acreage Compared to NRPA guidelines

Type of Park Desirable

Size / Actual

Size

Acres per

1000

population

per NRPA

guideline

Acres

Needed to

Meet

Guideline

Current

Acres

Comparison

Mini Parks 2,500 sq ft

to 1 acre

2.5 to 5

acres

W.D. James 0.75 acre

Main Street

Special Purpose

Park

0.52 acre

Total 1.27 acres 3.5 acres 1.27 acres 2.23 acre

deficit

Neighborhood

Park

15+ acres 1-2 acres

Jack Breeden 4.16 acres

Memorial Park 7.93 acres

Park Street 4.58 acres

Fairgrounds 12.23 acres

Total 28.90 acres 13 acres 16.67 acres

(without

Fairgrounds)

3.67 acre

surplus

Community

Parks

25 - 50 acres 5-8 acres

Boyd Lake Road

Park/American

Legion

17.9 acres

Total 17.9 acres 25 - 50 acres 17.9 acres 7.1 to 32.1 acre

deficit

With only one stand-alone mini park, there is a deficit of playlots in Hamlet. There are no playlots

serving the southwest, west or northwest portions of Hamlet which host residential neighborhoods.

These appear to be the most appropriate areas to establish new mini parks/playlots. There is a

surplus of total acreage devoted to neighborhood parks, although no single neighborhood park is of

the size recommended by NRPA guidelines. There is a deficit of acreage devoted to community

parks with Boyd Lake Road Park/American Legion the only park with sufficient acreage to be

considered a community park.


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Public Involvement

Early in the planning process, the City set a goal of providing multiple opportunities for public

involvement in planning for future parks and recreation programs and facilities. The plan was to

conduct a written citizen survey to gage public interest and involvement in current programs

and the need/desire for additional programs and facilities. The second step was to share the

results of the survey and to garner input from the Hamlet Booster Club consisting of citizens,

parents, and volunteer coaches who had a particular and involved interest in parks and

recreation programs and facilities. Once this initial input was received, the planning process

became more focused on setting priorities for new recreation programs and facilities to meet

identified citizen needs and desires and on providing opportunities for the public to review and

comment on the draft plan and priorities for new programs and facilities.

Parks and Recreation Survey Distribution and Results – June/July 2012 (Note: Total respondents reported for each category are based on actual responses; not all

survey respondents answered all questions.)

In June 2012, the Hamlet Parks and Recreation Department distributed a parks and recreation

survey (see Appendix B) to citizens. Surveys were distributed through the parks and recreation

department, the senior citizens center, the city utilities department and the city administration

office. Approximately three hundred surveys were distributed. Fifty-nine (59) surveys

representing 165 persons (2.5% of the total city population) were returned.

The first section of the survey asked what current facilities families of respondents used and

how likely the respondents would be to use other facilities if they were provided. Respondents

were asked to check one answer for each listed facility.

There were seventeen (17) facilities listed on the survey with space provided for respondents to

write in other facilities they would like to have provided. Please note that not all respondents

indicated their current or potential use for each facility, so for most facilities, the total responses

are less than the total number of surveys submitted.

It is believed that a good indication of demand is from

families that indicated they currently use or would use

facilities if available (see Potential Strong Demand column

in Table B-1 below). Facilities that ranked the highest

included:

1) Jogging paths,

2) A multi-purpose community center,

3) A gymnasium,

4) Picnic shelters,

5) A water park,

6) Children’s playground and

7) Open areas for informal play.

These facilities continue to have the greatest potential demand when the respondents who

responded that they “might use the facilities if they were provided” are included.


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Table 3: Results of Citizen Survey on Current and Potential use of Facilities

Facility Type

I or a family

member

currently

use

I or a family

member

would use if

available

Potential

strong

demand (first

two columns)

I or a family

member

might use if

available

I or a family

member would

not use even if

available

1. Tennis Court 14 9 23 7 9

2. Volleyball Court 6 17 23 13 9

3. Softball Field 3 10 13 16 11

4. Baseball Field 15 14 29 11 10

5. Batting Cage 8 15 23 17 8

6. Soccer Field 13 7 20 11 6

7. Football Field 10 8 18 10 11

8. Outdoor

Basketball Ct.

6 17 23 11 9

9. Children’s

Playground

17 15 32 7 5

10. Multi-Purpose

Community

Center

7 29 36 11 3

11. Water Park

(swimming pool,

water play)

3 32 35 10 6

12. Gymnasium 12 24 36 8 3

13.

Walking-Jogging

Path/Trail

20 20 40 9 5

14. Bike Trails 7 16 23 13 5

15. Picnic Shelters 14 22 36 9 5

16. Open Area for

Informal Play

11 21 40 17 2

17. Restroom

Facilities

17 25 23 7 2

Write in Facilities

18. Bocce Courts 1 4 5

19. Shuffleboard

Courts

1 3 4

20. Horseshoe Courts 3 3

21. Racquet Ball

Courts

22. Badminton

23. Croquet 1 1

24. Handicapped

Facilities

25. Senior Games 2 2

26. Amphitheater

Source: 2012 Citizen Survey.


Page 44

The facilities that more respondents indicated they would “not use even if they were made

available” included football, baseball and softball fields, outdoor basketball, and tennis and

volleyball courts. One note - restroom facilities also had a high potential for use, but they are

not a facility in themselves, but rather an amenity at a facility. Therefore, restroom facilities are

not included in the list above.

Ranking Survey respondents were also asked to rank (Table 4) the five facilities that they want or would

use the most. Three sets of figures are provided in the columns in the table. The first, number of

times ranked, is an indication of how many of the respondents felt that that facility was one of

their top five choices or how popular they were in general.

The second set indicates the average ranking, adding the rankings then dividing them by the

number of times they were ranked. This is an

indication of the priority that the respondents who

chose those facilities placed upon them.

There are cases where the facilities were highly ranked,

but only by a few respondents. For example, volleyball

courts received the highest average ranking of 2.0;

however, only four respondents ranked volleyball

among the top five. Conversely, picnic shelters

received an average ranking of 3.7, but were ranked in

the top five by 22 respondents. This could be because

picnic shelters are typically an amenity in a park, not

necessarily a main component of a park, and the

respondents may have felt the need for the other

facilities outweighed the need for picnic shelters.

The facilities that were ranked by more than 15 respondents include children’s playground,

multi-purpose community center, water park, gymnasium, walking-jogging path/trails and picnic

shelters. All of these facilities had an average ranking of 2.5 or higher, except for picnic shelters,

which were ranked at 3.7.

The third column provides a score for each facility, awarding five points for each first priority,

four points for each second priority, three points for each third priority, two points for each

fourth priority and one point for each fifth priority. This is a good indication of the popularity

and the priority of each facility among the respondents. The highest score were as follows:

101 for a multi-purpose community center

86 for a water park

84 for walking-jogging path/trails

60 for a gymnasium

59 for children’s playgrounds

56 for picnic shelters

These facilities are shown in bold letters in Table 4.


Page 45

Table 4: Rankings and Score for Each Type of Facility.

Item

No. Rankings and scoring of Facility Type

Number of

times

ranked

Average

ranking

(rankings/

number of

times

ranked)

Score (5

points for

every #1

ranking, etc.

1. Tennis Court 7 2.3 26

2. Volleyball Court 4 2.0 16

3. Softball Field 7 2.1 20

4. Baseball Field 11 2.7 45

5. Batting Cage 9 2.4 32

6. Soccer Field 10 3.0 30

7. Football Field 7 3.3 19

8. Outdoor Basketball Court 5 3.4 13

9. Children’s Playground 16 2.3 59

10. Multi-Purpose Community Center 28 2.2 101

11. Water Park (swimming pool, water play) 24 2.4 86

12. Gymnasium 16 2.5 60

13. Walking-Jogging Path/Trail 24 2.5 84

14. Bike Trails 12 3.2 32

15. Picnic Shelters 22 3.7 56

16. Open Area for Informal Play 12 3.5 29

17. Restroom Facilities 14 3.8 31

18. Bocce Courts 3 2.3 11

19. Shuffleboard Courts 2 3.5 5

20. Horseshoe Courts 3 4.0 6

21. Racquet Ball Courts 1 4.0 2

22. Badminton 1 5.0 1

23. Croquet 0

24. Handicapped Facilities 0

25. Senior Games 0

26. Amphitheater 0


Park Use and the Environment

Respondents were asked to indicate to what extent they agree or disagree with statements

regarding user fees, priorities, location and access to facilities, the importance of parks to our

community, the role new residential development should play in providing land or funds for

parks, and publicity for parks. For simplicity, those that agree and strongly agreed are totaled

together, as are those who disagreed and strongly disagreed.

1. 95% of respondents agreed that park user fees should be kept to a minimum to serve all

members of the community (56 agreed, three disagreed).


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2. 81% of respondents agreed that a priority should be placed on senior facilities and

programs, although eight respondents disagreed. (48 agreed, 8 disagreed and three

responded don’t care).

3. 76% of respondents agreed that priority

should be placed on youth facilities and

programs, although seven respondents

did not care. (45 agreed, two disagreed

and seven responded don’t care).

4. 58% of respondents agreed that open

space preservation should be a top

priority in park planning, but almost one-

quarter of the respondents did not care

about open space preservation. (34

agreed, five disagreed and 14 responded

don’t care).

5. 75% of respondents agreed that easy

access by pedestrians and those without

cars should be a high priority, although

seven respondents did not care. (44

agreed, six disagreed and seven responded don’t care).

6. 98% of respondents agreed that quality parks and recreation programs and facilities are

important to the quality of life in our community. (58 agreed, 2o disagreed).

7. 86% of respondents agreed that quality parks and recreation programs and facilities are

helpful in attracting new business and industry investment to our community. (51

agreed, two disagreed and one responded don’t care).

8. 68% of respondents agreed that recreational facilities should be located as conveniently

as possible to residential neighborhoods. (40 agreed, three disagreed and four

responded don’t care).

9. 88% of respondents agreed that quality parks and recreation programs reduce crime

and can help bring a community together. (52 agreed, two disagreed and five responded

don’t care).

10. 68% of respondents agreed that new residential development should provide land or

funds to help meet community recreational needs. It should be noted that the number

that strongly agreed, 16, was less than those who merely agreed, 24. (40 agreed, six

disagreed and seven responded don’t care).

11. 88% of respondents agreed that there needs to be better publicity about what programs

and activities are available. (52 agreed, three disagreed and three responded don’t

care).


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Table 5: Park Use and the Environment Responses

No. Statement

Strongly

Agree Agree

Don’t

Care Disagree

Strongly

Disagree

1. Park user fees should be kept to a

minimum to serve all members of the

community.

46 10 0 2 1

2. Priority should be placed on senior

facilities and programs. 28 20 3 7 1

3. Priority should be placed on youth

facilities and programs. 29 16 7 0 2

4. Open space preservation should be a

top priority in park planning. 15 19 14 3 2

5. Easy access by pedestrians and those

without cars should be a high priority. 24 20 7 3 3

6. Quality parks and recreation programs

and facilities are important to the

quality of life in our community.

43 14 0 1 1


and facilities are helpful in attracting

new business and industry investment

to our community.

33 18 1 0 2

8. Recreational facilities should be

located as conveniently as possible to

residential neighborhoods.

28 12 4 2 1


reduce crime and can help bring a

community together.

26 26 5 1 1

10. New residential development should

provide land or funds to help meet

community recreational needs.

16 24 7 3 3

11. There needs to be better publicity

about what programs and activities are

available.

31 21 3 2 1


Several citizens wrote in comments in the space provided on the survey. Comments included:

1. Youth sports should be the focus

2. Adult tennis not a priority

3. Pool for my kids to swim

4. The City does a good job of public notification

5. Need more facilities for people with handicaps

6. P&R should be responsible for local Senior Games program (4 respondents)


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Survey Respondents There was almost an even split between the number of people who lived within and outside city

limits. (City recreation programs are open to non-residents.) There was also an even split in the

number of male (30) and female (29) respondents – very close to the 2010 Census report of

46.9% male and 53.1% female population.

The racial diversity of respondents also closely reflected the 2010 Census which reported 55.2%

white and 36.6% black persons. However, a larger percentage of survey respondents were of

Hispanic origin – 13.7% - compared to Census data of 6.2%. The percent of responding

households reporting a member of the household disabled – 23.5% - very closely tracked the

American Community Survey 2009-2011 data on disabled population for Richmond County –

22.3% (disability data is available only at the county level).

Table 6: Summary of Personal Information for Survey Respondents

Category Number Percent

Live inside city limits 29 55%

Live outside city limits 24 45%

Male 30 51%

Female 29 49%

Disabled Person in Household 12 23.5%

No Disabled Person in Household 39 76.5%

African-American 18 35.3%

Hispanic 7 13.7%

White 22 43.1%

Other 4 7.8%

Average Number of Persons in Household 2.8

Table 7: Age of Respondents in All Households

Age of all members in households Number Percent

4 yrs old or younger 9 5.9%

5 - 8 yrs old 12 7.8%

9 - 12 yrs old 12 7.8%

13 - 15 yrs old 13 8.5%

16 - 18 yrs old 7 4.6%

19 - 30 yrs old 14 9.2%

31 - 40 yrs old 17 11.1%

41 - 50 yrs old 19 12.4%

51 - 60 yrs old 14 9.2%

61 - 70 yrs old 24 15.7%

71 yrs old or older 12 7.8%

Total 153 100%


Page 49

Booster Club/City Staff Meeting – July 26, 2012

The Booster Club and City staff met on Thursday, July 26th to receive and review the findings of

the citizen survey and to review the inventory and analysis of current park facilities. Based on

feedback from that meeting, the current inventory was expanded and corrected and two areas

in the west and southwest portion of the city were identified as potential search sites for future

mini/neighborhood parks.

The group also identified three

potential park sites to be considered

for future park development – a site

at the corner of East Main Street and

Bridges Street, a site on East Hamlet

Avenue near the Senior Citizens

Center, and the existing Boyd Lake

Road Park. It was determined that

the East Main/Bridges Street site was

more suitable for a mini park with

passive, less intense activities due to

topography and the wooded nature

of the site. The City currently owns a

portion of the area but additional land would need to be acquired to accommodate a future

park.

The second potential site on East Hamlet Avenue consists of ten separate privately owned

properties totally approximately 3.38 acres. The site is limited in size but well located and very

visible from East Hamlet Avenue/Business US 74 and Spring Street. It was suspected; however,

that the site hosted substantial wetland areas based on a review of the National Wetlands

Inventory and the site’s proximity to Marks Creek which forms the southern boundary of the

site. It was decided to request the US Army Corps of Engineers conduct a wetland jurisdictional

determination on the site to confirm the presence and extent of wetlands.

The third site, Boyd Lake Road Park, consisting of approximately 7.49 acres on the west side of

Boyd Lake Road, is owned by the City and currently hosts two ball fields and a restroom/

concession facility. The complex includes another 10.4 acres on the east side of Boyd Lake Road

but that side of the road has less potential for future expansion due to wetlands and proximity

to City Lake. The initial analysis of the Boyd Lake Road property indicated possible presence of

wetlands based on a review of the National Wetlands Inventory maps so it was decided to

request the US Army Corps of Engineers also conduct a wetland jurisdictional determination on

this site to confirm the presence and extent of wetlands.


Page 50

Public Meeting – November 15, 2012

On November 8, 2012 the City

published a meeting notice

informing citizens of a public

meeting at City Hall at 6:00 pm

on November 15, 2012 to discuss

parks and recreation master

planning. The meeting was

attended by nine persons. The

meeting agenda included a power

point presentation on and

discussion of the inventory and

analysis of existing parks and the

results of the citizen survey.

There was a general discussion of

the identified needs/desires of the citizens and general consensus to move forward with plans

for a new multi-purpose recreation center.

The group reviewed a map showing the location of current park facilities and potential park

sites. The attendees also reviewed a preliminary floor plan for a multi-purpose recreation center

including a gymnasium, catering kitchen, several meeting rooms, office space, lobby, and

restroom facilities. The general consensus was to move forward with placing the preliminary

building footprint on the Boyd Lake Road Park site to ensure adequate space for the building

and required parking.

City Council Meeting – December 11, 2012

At the regularly scheduled monthly city council meeting held on December 11, 2012, the City

Council reviewed the systemwide parks and recreation

master plan and the Boyd Lake Road Park Master Plan.

At the meeting the Council reviewed population

demographics, recreation program registrations, and

the inventory and analysis of existing parks.

The Council was informed that the US Army Corps of

Engineers had determined there were no wetlands on

the Boyd Lake Road Park property. The Council

reviewed the building floor plan for an approximate

10,560 square foot building and the site plan showing

the location of the building, the required parking for

125 cars, and a preliminary alignment for an

approximate 2,200 LF walking/jogging trail.

The building floor plan included a high school regulation size basketball court with bleacher

seating for 300 persons, vestibule, restrooms, storage, catering kitchen and 3 activity rooms.

The estimated construction was $1.9 million.


Page 51

There was discussion of connecting the new trail with an existing walking trail on the east side of

Boyd Lake Road along City Lake. A potential marked crosswalk across Boyd Lake Road would

need to be explored with NCDOT.

There was also a general discussion about acquiring additional property over time including the

National Guard Armory, some of the CSX Railroad land to the west of the park, and possibly the

older mobile home park situated to the north.

Other potential future recreation improvements discussed included the possibility of a public

swimming pool. Since a city of 8,000 persons is small to sustain operations and maintenance of a

public pool, the Council discussed the possibility of a future water splash park as an amenity that

could generate operating revenue.

There was a question about

plans for the existing Memorial

Park. Mitch Bowman, Parks &

Recreation Director, indicated

that the existing gym at that

park would remain and be

used for practices. The Council

also discussed the need for

future mini or neighborhood

parks in the northwest and

southwest residential areas of

the city.

The Council agreed to hold a

public hearing at the January 8,

2013 meeting to discuss the

systemwide parks and

recreation plan and the master plan for Boyd Lake Road Park.


Page 52

City Council Public Hearing – January 8, 2013

The City Council advertised and held a public hearing on the Systemwide Parks and Recreation

Plan and the Boyd Lake Road Park Master Plan at the regularly scheduled council meeting on

January 8, 2013.

The City Council discussed the updated Systemwide Parks and Recreation Plan. The plan was

expanded to more fully describe the public’s involvement in the planning process by adding

descriptions of all previous meetings. A description of the January 8th meeting will also be

added. The Council also reviewed a fold-out map that shows the need for future neighborhood

parks in two residential areas of the city.

The Council had two actions to consider: 1) a resolution adopting the Systemwide Parks and

Recreation Plan and 2) a resolution adopting the Boyd Lake Master Plan and authorizing the city

manager to apply for a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant for improvements to the

park.

For the Boyd Lake Road Park, the council considered the costs for constructing a 10,560 square

foot multi-purpose recreation center/gymnasium, 2,200 linear foot paved walking trail, and

asphalt/gravel parking for 125 vehicles. The Council also considered the cost of an expanded +/-

13,000 square foot center which could host two half courts in addition to the full regulation size

court.

Mayor Smart advised Council they had two actions to consider, the Systemwide Parks and

Recreation Plan and the Boyd Lake Master Plan. The mayor opened the floor for the public

hearing. No one approached to comment and the public hearing was closed.

Councilman Preslar noted that the City does not have to purchase land for the project.

Councilwoman Covington made the motion to adopt the Systemwide Plan as presented. Mayor

Pro Tem Clewis gave the second and the motion was approved unanimously.


Page 53

Mayor Smart continued with the Boyd Lake Master Plan saying it identifies a new recreation

center/gymnasium and parking that will go hand in hand with existing ball fields that will share

parking. He also advised another entity may donate additional land to expand Boyd Lake Park in

the future.

There was a motion to approve the Boyd Lake Road Park Master Plan including the larger

building, the paved trail, paved drive and gravel parking. The motion was approved

unanimously.


Page 54


Page 55

Implementation Plan

The Hamlet City Council annually reviews town goals and initiatives as part of the capital

improvement planning process. This process provides an opportunity to examine progress and

to re-focus on strategic decision-making and direction for future capital expenditures.

In 2011, the Council made the decision to examine current parks and recreation programs and

facilities to determine what services were needed and what facilities were required to provide a

more comprehensive parks and recreation program. The goal of the systemwide parks and

recreation program was to inventory and analyze existing facilities, poll citizens on use of

programs and facilities, and to determine what facilities and programs were needed to meet

citizen needs.

In order to effectively support the

goals and policies of the Systemwide

Parks and Recreation Plan, it is

necessary to identify facility needs,

priorities for funding, and potential

sources of funding in addition to

general funds.

Funding Sources Potential funding sources include NC

Parks and Recreation Trust Fund

(PARTF) grants and the Land and

Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – a

program that was established by

Congress almost 50 years ago but which has been under funded or unfunded in recent years.

Appendix C includes more detailed information about various funding sources.

A potential partner source is the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program which seeks to protect

sensitive ecological lands through restoration or mitigation which retains these natural areas for

passive enjoyment. Partnerships among local government agencies – municipalities, counties,

and public school systems – provide avenues for co-use and co-funding of recreational programs

and facilities. Local governments can also use land use regulations to require future residential

development to set aside land for recreation or to pay a fee in lieu that can be used to purchase

and develop recreational facilities.

Future Recreational Needs For planning purposes, future recreational needs are divided by priority into three date ranges –

Short Term Actions (1 to 5 years); Mid Term Actions (6 to 10 years); and Long Term Actions (11

to 15 years). Ongoing needs that do not require specific capital outlay are also considered and

listed in Ongoing Needs.


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Short-Term Actions (1 to 5 Years)

• Boyd Lake Road Park

o Seek immediate PARTF funding assistance to construct a multi-purpose

recreation center/gymnasium with associated parking, and walking/jogging

track minimum ¼ mile in length

o Consider future addition of picnic shelters/grills and practice fields for other

sports

• Main Street Special Purpose Park

o Add a train themed children’s playground

o Consider creating a Farmer’s Market at this location

• Hamlet Memorial Neighborhood Park

o Replace

concession/restrooms with

new facility on the lower level

to help capture concession

sales

• Connect with community partners

o Begin dialog with Richmond

County about opportunities

to improve the quality and

expand the supply of public

recreation programs

o Start a dialog with Richmond

County Schools to share in

the construction and use of

Richmond County school

recreational facilities

o Reach out to community organizations and businesses that can support and

help staff parks and recreation facilities and programs

• Consider city staffing needs as recreation programs grow and facilities to operate and

maintain expand

Mid-Term Actions (6 to 10 Years)

• Identify sites for future mini/neighborhood parks to serve northwest and southwest

residential areas (see Park Facilities Map page 59)

o Begin process of identifying/acquiring sites for future development

o Seek land donations and financial support from citizens and businesses to support

development of sites

• Identify site for future water park

o Identify/acquire land sufficient for future expansion into full water park


Page 57

o As first phase, build splash park that will generate operating revenue

o Seek funding assistance through PARTF or other grant programs

• Jack Breeden Neighborhood Park

o Pave parking lot/correct drainage issues

• Hamlet Memorial Neighborhood Park:

o Improve safety, lighting and attractiveness, both visual and convenience, to capture

concession sales.

o Refurbish the fields, including adequate drainage to ensure that fields are usable

more quickly after rain storms

• Hamlet Senior Center

o Expand parking lot to accommodate

demand

• Acquire additional land for park on Bridges

Street at East Main Street and/or on East

Hamlet Avenue

• Park Design

o Develop and implement a standardized

park design including signage, lighting,

benches, picnic tables and waste

receptacles

• Develop a master plan for greenways/trails

o Consider use of public street sidewalks as part of the system

o Prioritize locations to improve connectivity between residential neighborhoods and

parks, both existing and planned

Long-Term Actions (11 to 15 Years)

• W.D. James Park

o Consider possible upgrade/expansion of park through purchase of adjoining land

• Develop mini/neighborhood parks to serve northwest and southwest residential areas

o Seek land donations and financial support from citizens and businesses to support

construction

• Fairgrounds Park

o Consider use of fairgrounds for less structured play - pick up baseball, volleyball, etc.

where older youth can play in a large open area

o Consider establishing practice fields - baseball (2), football, soccer, cheerleading

o Consider hosting other activities in addition to Richmond County Agricultural Fair


Page 58

• Consider reinstating the Coltrane Jazz Festival

o Designate/recognize John Coltrane birthplace

o Build on potential within the area to co-share or co-locate park facilities with

McLaurin Industries which provides training/services/employment for

developmentally disabled adults

• Seek funding assistance for development of a water park to include swimming pool

o Consider the cost of construction and long term operation and maintenance as

critical factors in providing such a major recreation facility

• Development regulations

o Amend development regulations to require that new residential development

provide recreation open space or make a payment in lieu to help support city parks

and recreation facilities

Ongoing Needs

• Improve pedestrian

connections

o Inventory and

repair sidewalks

and construct

missing links to

provide safe

pedestrian access

to priority locations

o Prioritize

sites/locations for

sidewalk

improvements

concentrating on

improving access

from downtown

business district and residential neighborhoods to public parks


Page 59

Insert 2nd Park Facilities Map with brown search rings


Page 60


Page 61

Appendix A: Demographics Population As of the 2010 Census, the US Census now only collects information pertaining to the number of

people and houses and the American Community Survey collects information pertaining to how

people live. The American Community Survey does not use exact counts as the Census does; but

rather uses survey samples over a period of time. There are three data sets available through

the American Community Survey – 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year data sets. The availability of data

sets is based on a community’s total population. The most current data set for Hamlet is the

2006-2010 5-Year Estimates.

As of the 2010 Census, the City of Hamlet had a population of 6,495. The population had

decreased between 1990 and 2000 from 6,196 to 6,018 but increased almost 8% between 2000

and 2010.

In the 2010 Census, females outnumbered males by 3,498 (54%) to 2,997 (46%). Compared to

the State of North Carolina, Hamlet had an overall younger population as a whole, with a

median age of 37 years compared to the statewide median of 42 years.

Households According to the 5-Year Estimate produced by the American Community Survey (ACS), there

were 3,108 households in Hamlet in 2010. Of these, 1,598 (51%) households were classified as

families, and of family households, over half, 926, consisted of married couples. Of the

remaining households, 203 were headed by a male head of household and 469 were female

head of household. Of the 3,108 households, 1,528 (49%) had children in the household.

Family Households

Town of Hamlet 2010 ACS 5-Year Estimate

1,598

926

203

469

672

Family households

Married couple

Male householder

Female householder

Source: American Community Survey 2010 5-Year Estimate.


Page 62

There were 755 households that were not classified as families. 98% of these households (741)

were single person households and almost half of the single person households (45.8%) were

age 65 or older.

Nonfamily Households


98%

46%

Householder living alone

65 years and older


Planning Implications

Demographic statistics indicate a need for recreational facilities to serve households with

children under the age of 18. A large number of single parent households indicate a need for

affordable after school care programs and for convenient locations that are within safe

walking distance of low and moderate income residential neighborhoods.

A high number of older single person households may indicate a special need to serve an

aging population that may be isolated by lack of transportation or inability to drive. Older

single adults also need opportunities for social interaction.

School Enrollment

The 2010 ACS provides information on the number of children three years old and older who are

enrolled in nursery, preschool, kindergarten, grades 1-8, high school and college or graduate

school. Approximately 13% of these children are in nursery, preschool or kindergarten. 43.6% of

children were in elementary or middle school, 16.4% were in high school and 26.8% were in

college or graduate school.


These statistics indicate a need for tot lots and playgrounds for children under grade 8, plus

a need for athletic facilities for middle school, high school and college students.


Page 63


Language Spoken at Home

97% of Hamlet households speak English only at home. Less than 3% of total households do not

speak English at home, and of these, about 59% speak English less than “very well”.

Language spoken at home Households

English spoken less

than "Very Well"

English only 5,765

Language other than English 162 95

Spanish 114 70

Other Indo-European 25 25

Asian and Pacific Islander 23 0

Total, over 5 years old 5,927 95



There is a limited need for bilingual services in the form of interpreters for parents and

English as a second language for school age children.

School Enrollment


5.40% 7.70%

43.60%16.40%

26.80%Nursery and preschool

Kindergarten

Grades 1-8

High School

College or graduate school


Page 64

Housing Occupancy

In 2010, the housing vacancy rate for Hamlet was 15.7%. The vacancy rate for rental units (6.5%)

was almost three times the vacancy rate of owner-occupied units (2.5%).

Housing Occupancy


84.30%

15.70%

Occupied housing units

Vacant housing units


Housing Types

Of the total housing units in Hamlet in 2010, 73.6% were single family detached houses, 5.5%

were attached single family or duplex units, 12% were multi-family and about 8.5% were mobile

homes.


Page 65

Units in Structure


73.60%

0.40%

5.50%

12.00%

8.50%

Detached single family

Attached single family

Duplexes

Multi-family

Mobile homes



A high percentage of single-family homes would indicate a high percentage of families may

have private yards of sufficient size for recreational activities for younger children. As

children get older; however, they would need opportunities for interaction with other

children and organized sports. There may be a greater need to locate public recreational

facilities in areas with high concentrations of multi-family housing, especially where no on-

site facilities are provided by the owner/landlord.


Page 66

Age of Housing

About 77% of the housing in Hamlet was built before 1980. The greatest decade of housing

construction occurred between 1970 and 1980 when 26.5% of housing units were built. The last

three decades (1980 – 2010) saw more moderate growth in housing, resulting in construction of

approximately 23% of the housing units in Hamlet.

Year Structure Built

-

100.00

200.00

300.00

400.00

500.00

600.00

700.00

800.00

Nu

mb

er

of

Un

its B

uil

t

Number

Number 194.00 229.00 214.00 738.00 380.00 573.00 213.00 249.00

2000-

2010

1990-

1999

1980-

1989

1970-

1979

1960-

1969

1950-

1959

1940-

1949

1939 or

earlier

Source: US Census.


Over half the housing stock in Hamlet is 32 years old or older. Older homes and

neighborhoods are typically occupied by the elderly and low and moderate income families

who may not have the funds needed to maintain their homes and yards. These households

could depend more heavily on the city to provide for family needs. The relatively high

percentage of vacant housing may also indicate poor housing conditions.


Page 67

Housing Tenure

About 62.2% of the occupied housing units in Hamlet are owner-occupied with the remaining

37.8% renter-occupied. Average household size for owner-occupied units in 2010 was 2.49

persons per household. Renter-occupied units had a larger average household size of 2.92

persons per household.

Housing Tenure Number Percent

Owner-occupied 1,463 62.2%

Renter-occupied 890 37.8%

Total 2,353 100%


Household Type Household Size

Average Household Size – Owner-Occupied 2.49

Average Household Size – Renter-Occupied 2.92



A high percentage of renter-occupied households may indicate a higher reliance on the city

to provide recreational opportunities than in communities with a lower percentage of

renter-occupied housing. Renter-occupied units also have larger average household sizes

possibly indicating higher number of children per household.


Page 68

Household Income

In the 2010 Census, over 19.3% of households in Hamlet earned less than $10,000 per year.

Another 22.1% made less than $25,000 a year. About 27.6% of households earned between

$25,000 and $50,000 a year and the remaining 31.0% earned more than $50,000 a year. The

median household income for Hamlet was $30,699 – about 70% of the $43,674 median

household income for North Carolina as a whole.

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

14.0%

16.0%

18.0%

20.0%

Household Income

Percent

Percent 19.3% 6.9% 15.2% 16.3% 11.3% 16.1% 5.9% 7.1% 1.3% 0.6%

Less

than

$1000

10k to

14999

15k to

24999

25k to

34999

35k to

49999

50k to

74999

75k to

99999

100k

to

14999

150k

to

19999

200k

or

more

Source: 2010 Census.


The combination of a high percentage of renter-occupied units plus modest incomes

indicates a demand for no-cost or low-cost accessible recreation opportunities.


Page 69

Appendix B: Parks and Recreation Survey


Page 70

Parks and Recreation Citizens Survey

June/July 2012

The City of Hamlet is undertaking the development of a systemwide parks and recreation plan to plan for recreation facilities for the next 15 years. The city would like to get citizen input and opinions on recreation needs for both facilities and programs. We hope you will take a few moments to complete the following survey. If you feel an important item or issue has been left out, please write in comments in the places provided. 1. Facility Use

Please check one answer for each facility listed.

Item No.

Facility Type I or a family

member currently

use

I or a family

member would use if available

I or a family

member might use if available

I or a family

member would not use even if available

1. Tennis Court 2. Volleyball Court 3. Softball Field 4. Baseball Field 5. Batting Cage 6. Soccer Field 7. Football Field 8. Outdoor Basketball Court 9. Children’s Playground 10. Multi-Purpose Community Center 11. Water Park (swimming pool, water play) 12. Gymnasium 13. Walking-Jogging Path/Trail 14. Bike Trails 15. Picnic Shelters 16. Open Area for Informal Play 17. Restroom Facilities 18. Other? 19. Other?

2. Facility Priorities From the list above, choose the five facilities that you want or would use most. Use the item number from the first column to indicate your priorities.

Your Priorities #1 #2 #3 #4 #5

Facility Number (from list above)

______

______

______

______

______


Page 71

3. Park Use and the Environment Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statements. No.

Statement

Strongly

Agree Agree Don’t

Care Disagree Strongly

Disagree

1. Park user fees should be kept to a minimum to serve all members of the community.

2. Priority should be placed on senior facilities and programs.

3. Priority should be placed on youth facilities and programs.

4. Open space preservation should be a top priority in park planning.

6. Easy access by pedestrians and those without cars should be a high priority.

7. Quality parks and recreation programs and facilities are important to the quality of life in our community.

8. Quality parks and recreation programs and facilities are helpful in attracting new business and industry investment to our community.

9. Recreational facilities should be located as conveniently as possible to residential neighborhoods.

10. Quality parks and recreation programs reduce crime and can help bring a community together.

11. New residential development should provide land or funds to help meet community recreational needs.

12. There needs to be better publicity about what programs and activities are available.

Comments:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________


Page 72

1. Personal Information

Residence _____ Live inside city limits _____ Live outside city limits

Sex _____ Male _____ Female Anybody disabled in your household? _____ Yes _____ No Race _____ African-American_____ Hispanic_____ White_____ Other_______ Number of members in your household _____ Number and Age of all members in your household _____ 4 yrs old or younger _____ 5-8 yrs old

_____ 9-12 yrs old _____ 13-15 yrs old _____ 16-18 yrs old _____ 19-30 yrs old

_____ 31-40 yrs old _____ 41-50 yrs old

_____ 51-60 yrs old _____ 61-70 yrs old _____ 71 yrs old or older Optional Name _____________________________ Address _____________________________________________ Thank you for participating in this very important survey. If you include your name on the survey form you will be entered in a random drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate to the Seaboard Station.

Fold and mail (pre-addressed below), fax to 910-582-5815, or drop off at city hall by Friday, July 13, 2012. Thank you for your time!

Parks and Recreation City of Hamlet P.O. Box 1229 Hamlet, NC 28345-1229

Place

stamp

here


Page 73

Appendix C: Potential Funding Sources, Regulations and Partnerships There are several funding sources that can be considered to assist with park/open space

acquisition and facility construction.

STATE RESOURCES

North Carolina Parks and Recreation Fund (PARTF)

The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) provides dollar-for-dollar matching

grants, up to a maximum of $500,000, to local governments for parks and recreational projects

to serve the general public. Counties, incorporated municipalities and public authorities, as

defined by G.S. 159-7, are eligible applicants. A brief description of the program is included here;

more information is available at http://www.ncparks.gov/About/grants/partf_main.php

How PARTF grant recipients are selected

The Parks and Recreation Authority, a 15-member board appointed by the Governor and the

General Assembly, selects which applicants will receive funding. The factors considered by

the Authority as it selects grant recipients include, but are not limited to:

� The criteria published in the scoring system

� The geographic distribution of projects across the state

� The presence or absence of other funding sources

� The population of the applicant

� The level of compliance with prior grant agreements

� The grant amount being requested by the applicant

� The total pool of PARTF funds available for all grant applications

Each project application is evaluated and scored by a team of PARTF staff and regional

consultants from the Recreation Resources Service. These ranked applications are then

forwarded to the Parks and Recreation Authority for consideration.

Maximum grant amount

Applicants can request a maximum grant of $500,000 with each application.

Matching requirement

An applicant must match the grant dollar-for-dollar for a match of at least, 50% of the total

cost of the project. A local government applicant may contribute more than the minimum

50%. The appraised value of land to be donated to the applicant can be used as part of the

local match. The value of in-kind services, such as volunteer work, cannot be used as part of

the local match.

Land donations

A local government can use the appraised value of donated land as part of the 50% local

match for the grant. The donor of the land must be a private organization or individual. The

applicant must provide a five-year history of conveyance for the property. Land that is

transferred to the applicant due to a statute or rule is not considered a donation.

The value of capital improvements that will be used for public recreation can be included in


Page 74

the value of the donation. If a landowner is proposing to sell land to the applicant for less

than the appraised value, the amount of the donation is the difference between the

appraised value and the amount paid by the applicant.

Costs to build or renovate facilities

Construction or renovation cost estimates are required as part of the PARTF grant

application. Local governments are advised to get accurate estimates from contractors,

architects, or planners who have experience developing parks and recreational facilities. It is

advisable that the local government consider the impact of inflation since the project will be

completed over a 3-year period after the grantee signs a contract with the state. More

information about the PARTF program can be seen at:

Costs to acquire land

In the cost estimates, a local government applicant will use the appraised value of the land

that it proposes to buy or that will be donated. Applicants must submit real estate

appraisals with the grant application.

Reimbursement Type Grant

PARTF grants are based on reimbursement of eligible expenses. Requests for

reimbursement are based on a pro-rata basis with expenditure of local match funds.

Requisitions for reimbursement may be submitted on a quarterly basis.

FEDERAL RESOURCES

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

The LWCF was established in 1964 by Congress to help fund the creation of parks and open

space, to protect wilderness, wetlands, and refuges, to preserve habitat, and to enhance

outdoor recreational opportunities. The fund is principally supported through receipts from

oil and gas drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf. In most years, Congress makes an LWCF

appropriation to each state. States receive individual allocations of LWCF grant funds based

on a national formula, with state population being the most influential factor. Website:

http://www.ncwf.org/Docs/LWCF%20North%20Carolina%20Coalition%20Factsheet.pdf

The National Park Service within the U.S. Department of the Interior administers the

program. Authority for the program at the state level is vested in the N.C. Department of

Environment and Natural Resources and the State Liaison Officer (SLO) appointed by the

Governor. To be eligible for LWCF assistance, every state must prepare and regularly update

a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The SCORP website can be

found at: http://www.ncparks.gov/About/plans/scorp/main.php

The SCORP includes inventories or assessments of current recreation resources (local, state

and federal) within a state, identifies needs and new opportunities for outdoor recreation

improvements and sets forth a 5-year action agenda to meet the goals identified by its

citizens and elected leaders. Historically, North Carolina's LWCF annual allocation has been

split 60/40 between local governments and state agencies.

Eligible LWCF Projects

Local government and state agencies can apply for land acquisition and/or development


Page 75

projects at a single site. Property can be acquired for public outdoor recreation or to protect

outstanding natural or scenic resources. Development projects can include new or

renovated outdoor recreational facilities and support facilities.

All applications must be in accord with the priorities listed in the state's SCORP action plan.

To make the connection between the SCORP and project proposals, the state has an Open

Project Selection Process (OPSP) that contains a set of project ranking selection criteria and

a timetable for funding availability and application deadlines.

NORTH CAROLINA ECOSYSTEM ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

The North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP) is responsible for providing

ecologically effective compensatory mitigation in advance of permitted impacts associated with

road projects and other development activities. The fundamental mission of the program is to

restore, enhance and protect key watershed functions in the 17 river basins across the state.

This is accomplished through the implementation of wetlands, streams and riparian buffer

projects within selected local watersheds. The vital watershed functions that NCEEP seeks to

restore and protect include water quality, floodwater conveyance and storage, fisheries and

wildlife habitat.

The NCEEP is not a grant program but can implement its restoration projects cooperatively with

other state or federal programs such as the Section 319 Program. Combining NCEEP-funded

restoration or preservation projects with 319 or other local watershed initiatives (e.g., those

funded through the Clean Water Management Trust Fund or local/regional Land Trusts)

increases the potential to improve the water quality, hydrologic and habitat functions within

selected watersheds.

The selection of optimal sites for NCEEP mitigation projects is founded on a basinwide and local

watershed planning approach that results, respectively, in the development of River Basin

Restoration Priorities and Local Watershed Plans.

REGULATIONS – LAND DEVELOPMENT

There are two major land development regulation options available to local governments in

North Carolina to help counties and municipalities enhance local supply of parkland and open

space.

Open Space Requirement for Subdivisions. NC General Statutes allow local governments to

require dedication of open space to serve the recreational needs of a local government. As a

part of this process, local governments can require that a payment in lieu of dedication be

made where the amount or location of land that could be dedicated is not appropriate to

create or add to a park. The money must be spent in a location that serves the subdivision

that made the payment. This provision can supplement a local government open space

acquisition program.

Cluster Subdivisions or Planned Developments. Local governments can provide an

alternative option to the conventional lot-by-lot development of subdivisions where the lot

sizes are reduced from the nominal minimum lot size, provided that the reduction is offset

by open space dedication. This is an excellent way to lessen land-disturbing activities,


Page 76

encourage the conservation of significant natural or cultural resources, to provide a pleasant

environment, and lessen the development and maintenance costs of roads and utilities.

PARTNERSHIPS

Local governments can expand and leverage local park programs by creating or enhancing

partnerships with other local government agencies or non-profits. The City of Hamlet could

explore more co-use/co-funding options with Richmond County, Richmond County Public

Schools, the City of Rockingham and/or non-profit organizations.

When public schools systems acquire land for new schools, there is often an option to purchase

a tract that is larger than required just for school use. It may be possible to joint venture with

the public school system to buy extra land for a local government park or open space use.

Non-governmental organizations such as the Trust for Public Land can be effective partners to

acquire open spaces. They can often purchase land from the property owners who want to sell

now, and then sell it to a local government when money is available.

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JEFFERSON ST

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AUSTIN ST

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FREEMAN MILL RD RICE ST

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N NC 177 HWYE US 74 HWY

CHERAW RD

HYLAN AV

McDONALD AV

WIRE GRASS RD

COUNTY HOME RD

W. D.JamesPark

JackBreeden Park

MemorialPark

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ParkStreet

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PublicWorks

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DobbinsHeights

Rockingham

RICHMOND COUNTY

City Lake

MonroeAvenue ES

FairviewHeights ES

Hamlet MS

Boyd La

ke Base

ball Complex Service Area Boundary - 3 Miles

0 1,000 2,000500Feet

IPark FacilitiesCity of Hamlet

January 2013North Carolina

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GLORY RD

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SHORT ST

SHAW

RD

ALLEY ST

ORTON LN

STUTTS LN

PATRICK LN

E US 74 HWY

SELLERS DR

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g Dr

BROOKS DR

LAUREL AV

SCOTT LN

CARR ST

AXLE LN

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DARIAN DR

HOWELL RD

SANB

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REID AV

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DAR

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BRANTLEY AVROSEMONT AV

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DUNCAN RD

PINECREST DR

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K ST

SANFORD ST

HERMAN ST

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DR

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OR AV

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SIGNAL ST

WARE ST

WILL

ARD

ST

LUEVORA LN

B R ADFORD ST

DORSEY SMITH RD

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IN VIE

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DUNGEON ST

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DR

BEL AIR ST

GRACE HAVEN DR

VANCE ST

ABRAMS DR

BOBO ST

DENNIS ST

GORDON ST

ELLEN DRKING DR

HAMLET L

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ENDO

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LEATHA LN

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L UMBEE LN

WILLIAMS ST

SWITCH R D

AIRPORT ST

FUSSY LANE

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SPEARS ST

QUAIL HOLL OW DR

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PARKER ST

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PEEDEE AV

GINGER LN

KEVIN ROLLER LN

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WEBB DR

LITTLE CHARLES RD

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MCKINLEY AV

KENT ST

CLOU

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CORNING ST

DANIELS LN

DURHAM ST

DEERING ST

RABBIT H ARE R

D

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DAKOTA DR

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BASS

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OAKLAND AV

McARTHUR ST

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HORSESHOE DR

WASHINGTON ST

HEND

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N ST

KING ST

VETERANS DR

JEFFERSON ST

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PINE LODGE RD

AUSTIN ST

MARLBORO ST

BALDWIN RD

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FREEMAN MILL RD RICE ST

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McDONALD AV

WIRE GRASS RD

COUNTY HOME RD

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W. D. JamesPark

JackBreeden Park

MemorialPark

Boyd LakeRoad Park

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MainStreetPark

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- East Hamlet

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Path: \\TWC-MAIN\ArcGIS\Richmond_County\Hamlet\Citywide\Political\LU\ParkPlan\RevisedSeries\MXD\ParkSitesIndex11x17.mxd

Date Saved: 1/7/2013 1:22:57 PM

DobbinsHeights

Rockingham

RICHMOND COUNTY

City Lake

MonroeAvenue ES

FairviewHeights ES

Hamlet MS

Boyd La

ke Base

ball Complex Service Area Boundary - 3 Miles

0 1,000 2,000500Feet

IPark FacilitiesCity of Hamlet

January 2013North Carolina

LegendPark Type

!( Mini Park

!( Neighborhood Park

!( Community Park

!( Special Purpose Park

^̀ Points of Interest

k Schools

US RouteNC RouteRail Roads1/4 Mile Distance Ring1/2 MileNeighborhood Park Distance Ring1/2 MileSearch Area Distance Ring3 Mile Distance Ring

20' ContoursCreeks/StreamsPonds/LakesHamletParcelsCity of Hamlet Property

Documents

City of Hamlet Systemwide Parks & Recreation Plan