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CITY OF MORAINE

PARKS AND RECREATION

The Moraine community has expressed various opinions regarding Parks and Recreation Centers. Some residents highlighted the potential benefits of their parks and enhancing walkability. However, concerns exist about park maintenance, particularly the lack of attention to existing parks, resulting in poor conditions and limited awareness of available activities. 


The City has a large amount of park acreage for its population compared to national benchmarks.  However, some residents would like to see more investment in specific parks, while others prefer more passive open spaces, such as off-road bike trails. Moraine officials also need to weigh the long-term sustainability of maintaining numerous parks, with flooding issues and the costs of long-term property management of these parcels. 


Despite different opinions on the types of amenities parks should offer, there is a shared belief in the necessity of a new, well-designed recreational center to cater to Moraine’s recreational needs. Additional residents felt that current facilities, including the Civic Center, may not effectively serve the community and should be repurposed. Ultimately, the community acknowledges the need for thoughtful planning and investment to create appealing and functional spaces for residents.

RELEVANT GOALS

  • Promote a balanced development pattern to meet the community’s needs. 

  • Balance active recreation needs with the City’s changing demographics.

  • Enhance property maintenance.

  • Revitalize and “right-size” parks and recreation facilities.

Objectives 

  • Enhance collaboration and shared spaces.

    • STRATEGY: Foster partnerships with neighboring cities to establish shared parks and recreational hubs that encourage community interaction and connectivity.

    • STRATEGY: Collaborate on joint events and programs that leverage shared spaces to benefit residents.

  • Continue park maintenance and communication of events.

    • STRATEGY: Implement a robust maintenance schedule for all parks, addressing issues promptly to ensure well-kept facilities.

    • STRATEGY: Establish clear communication options to inform the public about park maintenance efforts, closures, update park activities, public festivals, and
      recreational activities.

  • Enhance equipment, maintenance, and diversity.

    • STRATEGY: Invest in upgrading equipment and amenities in parks, focusing on diversity to cater to a wide range of interests and age groups.

    • STRATEGY: Regularly assess and enhance maintenance practices to ensure park facilities remain in excellent condition. 

    • STRATEGY: Initiate beautification projects to improve the aesthetics of current parks, enhancing their appeal to residents.

  • Ensure budget efficiency and sustainability.

    • STRATEGY: Develop strategies for optimizing budget allocation to maintain parks effectively while exploring alternative funding sources.

    • STRATEGY: Identify opportunities for revenue generation through partnerships, sponsorships, and community engagement initiatives.

  • Repurpose current underutilized facilities with new facilities.

    • STRATEGY: Explore the potential repurposing of the current Civic Center to serve the community’s evolving needs better.

    • STRATEGY: Consider incorporating innovative features that enhance the recreational experience and require less maintenance and passive participation, such as meditation gardens and walking paths.

  • Develop a Parks and Recreational Master Plan that aligns with community needs and financial capabilities.

    • STRATEGY: Develop a comprehensive long-term plan for the City’s parks and recreation facilities, focusing on community input and sustainability.

    • STRATEGY: Undertake a park assessment of all existing facilities to determine which ones should be maintained, repurposed, or replaced based on usage, condition, and community input.

What Did We Hear?

Key themes from stakeholder meetings, surveys, public events, and ad hoc committee meetings:

  • Many residents emphasize the value of shared parks and recreational hubs, promoting collaboration among cities and improving walkability for community benefit.

  • Concerns were raised about the long-term maintenance of certain parks, and respondents wanted increased communication about available activities and amenities.

  • There is a common desire for enhanced equipment, better facilities, and diversified events to attract families and residents to the parks. The community emphasized clean-up efforts and beautification initiatives.

  • Concerns were raised about the lack of ADA-compliant facilities, the need for dedicated nature spaces, and inefficient layouts impacting user experience.

  • The community expressed the need for a comprehensive assessment of existing facilities, considering what should be retained, repurposed, or replaced to serve the community’s needs best.

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