Cat. 71/917	Recreation Master Plan	Adopted	Res. No. 01-191	Apr. 23/01
		Updated	Res. No. 03-403	Nov. 24/03
		Updated	Res. No. 04-389	Dec. 13/04
		Updated	Res. No. 06 -119	Mar. 27/06

Introduction...................................................... 1

Future Challenges................................................1

Planning Objectives............................................. 1

Services and Administration.................................. 2

Financial........................................................... 2

Parks, Open Space and Natural Areas..................... 2

Facilities........................................................... 3

Cultural Development.......................................... 4

Regional Initiative............................................... 4

Programs.......................................................... 4

Tourism............................................................ 5

Policy Direction.................................................. 5

1.0       Services and Administration.........................5

2.0       Financial ................................................ 5

3.0       Parks, Open Space and Natural Areas........... 6

4.0       Facilities..................................................8

5.0       Culture................................................... 9

6.0       Programs............................................... 10

7.0       Regional Initiatives.................................. 10

8.0       Tourism................................................. 11

   

Introduction

In 1999 a new Recreation Master Plan was developed to reflect the growth in the population and development in the community, annexation of lands to the north and west, new and updated facilities, new related planning documents and a refocusing of operations for Recreation, Parks and Culture.   (Amended 12/13/04).

Other plans and documents developed or in the process of development have and will impact this plan and provide further detail in specific areas.  These documents include:

•  Lacombe Sidewalk/Trail Development Plan (2000, 2004) (Amended 12/13/04)

• Open Space Plan (2003) (Amended 12/13/04)

• Natural Spaces Management Plan (2002) (Amended 12/13/04)

•  Recreation Services Marketing Plan and subsequent updates (1998, 1999) (Amended 12/13/04)

•  Communities in Bloom Strategic Plan (2001) (Amended 12/13/04)

•  North Area Structure Plan

•  Southeast Area Structure Plan

•  West Area Structure Plan

This plan will provide an overview of the issues relating to recreation, parks and cultural and provide guidelines for policy development, programming direction, operating and capital initiatives.

Future Challenges

A number of issues will continue to create challenges for the delivery of Recreation Services in Lacombe.  The community continues to experience consistent levels of growth which places pressure on the financial and human resources of the organization.   The recent increase in energy and utility costs will affect operating costs and subsequently user fees.  Although these increases may subside somewhat it is not anticipated that utility prices will return to former levels.   There is still uncertainty of the impact of the changes in the demographics as the Baby Boomers age and whether or not Lacombe’s population distribution will remain somewhat the same as a result of in migration as a result of growth. There is strong sentiment in the community that existing natural areas, green spaces and trees need to be protected.  There will be a fine balancing act to meet these public needs as well as accommodating the development needs in new subdivisions that are presently undeveloped and seen as a public resource.   The sense of distrust with government, generally, makes the decision process on these issues difficult as the overall interests of the community are addressed. 

 

Planning Objectives

• improve and develop cultural programs and opportunities in Lacombe

• create opportunities that will foster Lacombe as a tourist destination

• undertake a major renovation, upgrading and expansion of the existing Lacombe Memorial Centre beginning in 2006 and completing in 2007 to include refurbished and expanded event space, development of a new library facility meeting/multipurpose rooms and offices space for FCSS.  This enhanced facility will provide  for numerous community events, cultural activities, meetings and small conferences. (Amended 03/27/06)

• continue a strong marketing approach in the development and promotion of Town of Lacombe recreation, parks and cultural programs, facilities and services

• develop amenities at Michener Recreation Area and the North West Recreation Area that will generate additional revenues that will help to subsidize other recreation opportunities

• greater emphasis on less structured, informal recreation opportunities for the general public (ie. trails, passive park space, recreation hockey)

 

Services and Administration

With the development of the Recreation Services Marketing Plan the operations of Recreations Services has made dramatic shifts in its approach to offering services.  Marketing initiatives continue to promote the excellent facilities with the goal to increase capacities of the various facilities.  New opportunities are being sought and pursued that in some cases move out of the traditional realm of municipal recreation.  These opportunities provide increased revenues and new financial opportunities that will reduce the dependence or maintain municipal taxation dollars while at the same time maintain or improve the level of services.

Technology has impacted the operations in that day-to-day operations increasingly depend on computer technology.  The Internet provides the opportunity to promote programs and services to the general public and well as reach a larger potential tourism market.  With the development of the new prospect of the Lacombe Civic Centre access to the provincial or western Canadian market will be increasingly important.    (Amended 03/27/06) 

Recreation Services administrative staffing levels within Recreation Services have remained relatively constant over the last five years.  Increased staffing levels are needed to keep pace with the new marketing initiatives, increased usage of recreation facilities, year round operation of the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre and development of cultural programs.  Increasing support and facility staff has been considered and will continue to be addressed.

Financial

The long term goal for Recreation Services is to build self sufficiency into sectors of the department's operations.  Further development of Michener Park Campground provided an opportunity to assemble a series of revenue sources and the potential to recover Michener Recreation operating costs. 
(Amended 12/13/04)

Revenue from the campgrounds has steadily increased over the last number of years.  Initially the contributing factor was the long term use by the construction workers at the nearby petrochemical plants.  With the completion of the plants long term use has decreased, but this has provided a window of opportunity to expose the campground to the general public.  The objective would be to provide up to 100 sites between the existing sites at the old Michener campground, new site development at the new Michener Park and the North West Recreation Area.  The demand in Central Alberta for campground sites would support [providing sites in Lacombe. (Amended 12/13/04)

Funding from surplus campground revenues would be reinvested in upgrading and the expansion of the campground areas. This reinvestment coupled with grant dollars and work provided by public works could make these improvements a reality.

The deregulated environment for the supply of electric power and natural gas supply in Alberta coupled with continuing high international prices for energy is expected to keep utility costs for facilities at present or higher levels.  The costs of utilities will be passed on to the users. Opportunities to reduce energy consumption and mitigate energy costs will continue to be investigated and implemented when financially feasible (Amended 03/27/06)

 

Parks, Open Space and Natural Areas

Impending growth of the Town and new development on stream will be increasing the green space under the authority of the Town and with it increased maintenance considerations.  Through a community development process the priority for the community is the need to expand and enhance Lacombe’s natural areas, green spaces, parks and (hiking/biking) trails.  As a result of this initiative the Natural Space Management Plan has been initiated by the Town. 


In the provincial recreation survey walking continues to be the number one recreation activity of Albertans.  The development of a trail system meets the needs of a large percentage of the population in an unstructured, informal way.  The Trail/Sidewalk Development Plan has projected the long-term development of trails for the community.  The main objective of the plan is to provide an integrated trail system that will eventually encircle the community.   Annual municipal financial commitments, contributions by developers in new subdivisions, and grants will all contribute to the overall development of the trail system. 

 

Facilities

Lacombe has assembled an extensive array of recreation facilities with the development of Michener Recreation Area, the upgrading of Lacombe Sports and Leisure Complex, the addition of Kinsmen Aquatic Centre, and Kinsmen Ball Park.  The emphasis in facility development over the last number of has been focused on organized sports groups, in particular youth sports. 


The focus for future development will be placed on facilities that meet a broader, more universal need in the community such as the development of trails and passive park space, the development of the North West Recreation area, and the reconstruction and enhancement of the existing Lacombe Memorial Center.   (Amended 03/27/06)


A third ice surface has been an area of contention between the Town and user groups for a number of years.  User groups feel the need for another ice surface, the Town administration and the Recreation Board question the need.  Standards established indicate that the existing ice surfaces are adequate for the needs of Lacombe residents.  The 1999 - 2000 statistics for the arena users indicated that 33% of the users are County residents with an additional 6% coming from outside the County.  Prior to further contemplation of creating another ice surface or the Town undertaking to operate and program the outdoor rink, the following parameters would have to be met: (Amended 03/27/06)

• funding provided by the County for both capital and operations of another facility

• population figures in the primarily youth group would warrant need (demographic projections indicate that the youth user groups will be dwindling creating a reduced demand on facilities such as arenas)

• full capacity is reached among the surrounding communities ice facilities

The immediate need for a third ice surface has been addressed by the construction of an outdoor rink by Lacombe Minor Hockey adjacent to the existing facilities.  (Amended 03/27/06)

In 2004 the Lacombe Curling Club constructed an addition to its portion of the facility and upgrades were also completed to the entrance to the arena and indoor pool.   (Amended 12/13/04)              

Further improvements and upgrades of Lacombe Sports and Leisure Complex will be to continue to improve the efficiencies of the operation such as energy conservation methods, increasing the quality of finish in the ice surfaces, and beginning a series of upgrades in the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre including a spray park as an extension of the existing facility.  (Amended 12/13/04)

Further developments at Michener Recreation Area will include improvements to enhance the tourist potential for the area.   These would include

• relocation of the horseshoe pitches to the west side

• expanding the campground area with serviced sites providing power, water and sanitary

• upgrade and expand the campground sites in the lower campground and provide water and power servicing

• in the event that the Information Centre is expanded that it accommodate washrooms and showers for the lower campground.
  

Cultural Development

Cultural activities are an important expression of the vitality of any community.  The cultural climate in Lacombe is active and vibrant as is evident with approximately 30 community organizations and a number of private individuals or businesses that contribute to the various activities and opportunities in the community.

In recent years the Lacombe & District Recreation Parks and Culture Board has encouraged a greater emphasis in cultural development by Recreation Services.  Over the last six years new cultural programs have been gradually added as financial and human resources have allowed.  Initially summer youth arts programs were offered and continue to be well attended.  The Lacombe Art Exhibit and Sale after six years has become a unique and well-attended Central Alberta event. 

As there did not appear to be other individuals or organizations offering ongoing arts programs, in 2005 Recreation Services offered new art programs for both adult and youth in the fall and winter.  The success of these programs indicates that there was an unmet need.

Also bringing recognition to the arts has been the annual Arts Gala fundraiser which has generated funds for the newly establish Lacombe Arts Endowment Fund.  The Lacombe Arts Endowment committee will be established to market the endowment fund and establish guidelines for the dispersal of the funds generated from the endowment.

There are indications that the above initiatives will foster the development of an arts association/organization that will further promote the visual arts in the community.

A focus group meeting of cultural stakeholders held in 2003 identified the need for marketing and communication of cultural activities in the community to create a greater awareness of cultural happenings in the community.  To address this need a cultural brochure was produced by Recreation Services in the fall of 2004.  It provided an overview of many of the yearly cultural events.  This publication has been met with a very positive response and groups offering events and activities have noted an increase in their attendance as well as groups have come forward requesting their events in the brochure. This publication has the potential to be enlarged to provide more information and possibly be printed twice a year.  

Over the last number of years a very successful alliance with the City of Red Deer Cultural Services has developed through the sharing of staff for summer arts programs.  The City hires qualified fine arts staff for their programs but are not able to provide employment for the full two summer months.  By working together we have been able to provide full time summer employment between the two municipalities, which has been mutually advantageous.  During the summer of 2005 the staffing for the four Lacombe youth arts workshops was expanded to offering a drama workshop.  The opportunity to share resources has the potential to expand to programming throughout the year.

A needs assessment conducted in 2003 with various cultural groups and individuals indicated that the facilities being used included the Lacombe Memorial Centre, schools and churches and other community buildings.  Those groups affiliated with a church or school reported the facilities were reasonable or adequate for their immediate needs.  Community groups and organizations not affiliated with a church or school on the other hand reported experiencing difficulty in meeting their facility requirements.  In all cases there was a recognized need for a new and modern cultural centre in the community.  The loss of the auditorium at the Lacombe Composite High School will create a facility deficit in the community for performing arts facilities.

The Lacombe Memorial Centre renovation and expansion has the potential to bring new life to the cultural happenings in the community.  It is anticipated that with a larger and better quality facility it will encourage local groups to offer additional cultural opportunities for the community as well as provide a tourism potential.  The multipurpose spaces lend themselves well to either Recreation Services or other organizations offering new programs.  Gallery space in the new facility will provide an opportunity to expose to local and non local talent.

For the purposes of clarification the following definition of culture will be used:

Culture – is a broad term that refers to the expression of ideas, experiences and customs of Canadian or groups of Canadians through the arts and its heritage.

Arts – the arts refers to the expression of ideas, the appreciation and the experiences through the fine arts.  The arts can be enjoyed, experienced as an educational opportunity, as entertainment, as a hobby, as a profession.  The arts include literary arts, performing arts and visual arts.

Literary arts are activities that involve the enjoyment of words and self-expression through works with the use of imagination and/or creativity

Performing arts are activities that involve self-expression through dance and movement, drama and/or music

Visual arts are activities that involve self-expression the creation of and appreciation of artistic objects

Heritage refers to ideas, experiences and customs of Canadians or groups of Canadians that are passed on to future generations, and to the means of their preservation, recollection and expression of cultural diversity. (Amended 03/27/06)

 

Regional Initiative

There are arena facilities and playing fields in a number of smaller communities in the surrounding area that local groups access.  In the interests of maximizing all the ice facilities and playing fields in the area it may be appropriate to review on an ongoing basis the usage regionally and where appropriate, support Lacombe and area users to use these smaller facilities which are relatively close. This would defer or cancel the need to add additional facilities until they are fully warranted.

Programs

The role of Recreation Services has been to facilitate the development of new programs in the community.  Over the last three years there has been a focus to provide less structured programs (ie recreation youth hockey) and cultural programs.  The youth hockey has been very popular and needs additional ice time during suitable time to satisfy the demand. 

Growth in the programming area has been focused in the cultural area.  Initial programs included the annual Lacombe Art Exhibit and Sale and the summer youth visual arts programs.  In 2005 new programs included a youth summer drama program and youth and adult winter and fall programs.  Each of these areas have met with success as a growing number of  participants take advantage of these new  opportunities.  

Recreation Services staff have been working with other agencies such as FCSS and Neighbourhood Place in the establishment of the Lacombe Youth Council and children's summer day camps.   (Amended 03/27/06)

Recreation Services staff have been working with other agencies such as FCSS and Neighbourhood Place in the establishment of the Lacombe Youth Council and summer children's day camps.   (Amended 03/27/06)

In its initial 10 year operation Kinsmen Aquatic Centre is now a year round operation and programming is reaching capacity. New programs have been initiated including the P.D. Day Camps and advanced lifesaving courses.  To meet an unmet need in the community new areas of development will be in youth and fitness programming.   (Amended 03/27/06)

A pass partnership has been initiated with Lacombe Fitness which allows patrons to use their passes for both pool use and the fitness facilities.  This has resulted in increases in revenue.  The "Active8 Pass" provides the aquatic centre and fitness facilities at a group discount.   (Amended 03/27/06)

School use of the pool has seen a consistent increases in the number of schools including the pool as part of their programs.   (Amended 03/27/06)

With the number of indoor pools in the region, including a second facility in the community, staffing continues to be an ongoing issue as there is a shortage of qualified aquatics staff.   (Amended 03/27/06)

Tourism

Over the last few years the Lacombe Regional Tourism Marketing Committee has been established and has undertaken an number of initiatives with the support of the Town of Lacombe and Lacombe County.  A tourism marketing plan has been developed to provide direction for the various initiatives. 

As a provider of recreation services and facilities that facilitate tourists coming to Lacombe, Recreation Services will continue to play a role in the tourism initiative.  Recreation Services is planning the Lacombe Centennial Community Centre, upgrades to camping facilities and amenities at Michener Recreation Area and the development of the North West Recreation Area with the tourist potential in mind.  (Amended 12/13/04) (Amended 11/28/05)

 

Policy Direction

1.0     Services and Administration

1.1               Recreation Services will continue to seek opportunities to automate services as financial resources are made available.  Areas could include on line registration, point of sale automation (Amended Nov.24/03 Resolution 03-403) and upgrading of the recreation facility booking and program registration software.  (Amended 03/27/06)
 

1.2              The Recreation Board shall constantly review the efficiency of customer service and the communication of services with the community and where feasible, based on availability of staffing and budget resources, seek to improve contact with the community and provide effective service.
 

1.3              With the overall growth of the community, new development, increased activity, additional facilities and parks and the increasing demands on the human resources of the Town the following staffing increases will need to be considered:

a)  replace the recreation secretary position;

b)  increase the recreation facility staff by one additional position;

c)  increase the parks staff, full time and seasonal to at least the 2002 levels.  
(Amended Nov.24/03 Resolution 03-403)

1.4       On an annual basis the Recreation Board will review the Recreation Services Master Plan, Open Space Plan and Marketing Plan.             

     

2.0     Financial

 

2.1              Recreation Services will continue to explore other potential sources of funding including grants, foundations, revenue sources that may be applicable to the departments operations and capital projects.
 

2.2              Wherever possible, user fees will be used to meet wholly or partially the cost of operating the facilities and programs offered.  The fee structure will reflect the financial requirement of the facility or program, public acceptance, regional competitiveness and market.   User fees cannot unduly discourage participation in recreation and leisure activities, however they should not over subsidize an activity.

           Groups using taxpayer supported facilities during their regular season will not receive any additional support from the Town of Lacombe for special events or fundraisers. Organizations that meet the criteria of the Facility Rental Financial Assistance Grant may have facility fees further subsidized or waived through an application to the Lacombe & District Recreation Parks and Culture Board.    (Amended 03/27/06)

2.3              Fee structures will be established based on one or more of the following criteria: 

a)       Local and regional markets

b)       Recovery of certain fixed rates of operating costs for differing classes of users

c)       Specified cost recovery levels

d)       Meeting specified funding appropriations
 

2.4               With the undetermined increases in utility costs and its trickle down effect on overall facility operating costs, these additional costs will be reflected in the user fees. 
 

2.5               User rates for youth sports and activities will be set at levels sufficient to recover 65% of the facility operating costs. .   (Amended Nov.24/03 Resolution 03-403) (Amended 03/27/06)
 

2.6              The surplus funds generated from the 1989 Team Parkland Trials have been placed in a reserve for use toward local sport development.  The Recreation Board will solicit applications from the community and provide a recommendation to Council for the dispersement of the remaining funds by 2003. 
 

2.7               General revenue funding for the subsidization of the operation of recreation facilities and programs will be lessened gradually over the next decade.  A means of providing service delivery at the same level for a lower cost than at present, Recreation Services will continue to improve efficiencies in its operation and expand cooperative approaches with other agencies, organizations or businesses. On an ongoing basis and as opportunities arise the Recreation Board and Recreation Services will review and identify: 

a.             Potential areas where opportunities for privatization of  
    recreation services and facilities may occur

b.             Develop new public/private partnerships

c.             Identify additional revenue sources (ie. vending machines,
    signage)

d.             Identify department services which could be sold to other
    public sector organizations or to the public

e.             Make greater use of volunteer services for the delivery of
    all leisure services by working

f.       With groups that need fundraising opportunities or community
    service projects (outsourcing by community groups with
    individuals to assist with special projects).

3.0     Parks, Open Space and Natural Areas

3.1               Recreation Board input will be sought regarding the location of green space, natural areas and trails in the planning stages of new developments.
 

3.2               The Recreation Board and Recreation Services will continue to evaluate potential recreation open spaces within and around the vicinity of Lacombe to meet future recreation needs.
 

3.3               In future planning of open space the Recreation Board and Recreation Services will consider/identify appropriate areas for potential winter use (ie toboggan hills, cross country skiing), trails, and “passive” park areas.
 

3.4               The focus for capital development and spending will be for:   
 (Amended Nov. 24/03, Resolution 03-403)

3.4.1  Michener Recreation Area

The focus for Michener Recreation Area will be to continue to provide services that enhance major events, tourism, and tournaments.   Improvements will include

a)     Upgrading lower campground area to include full power and water, increase and upgrade sites, move the day use area to the centre of the bowl

b)     Expand upper campground area to the north with full power and water and sanitary hookups
 

3.4.2          Kinsmen Ball Park 

Further development of trails, playgrounds and passive areas be completed in the south portion of the park as funds are available.
(Amended Nov. 24/03, Resolution 03-403)

3.4.3          North West Recreation Area