Recreation & Open Space Plan-1989

DCM COPY I
Please do not remove.
Division of Coastal Management Copy
Town of Atkinson
Recreation `? Open Space Plan
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Technical Assistance
Howard T. Capps Q Associates
Landscape Architect • Land Planner
Wilmington. North Carolina

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Town of Atkinson
Recreation 0 Open Space Plan
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1989
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11e preparation of this document was financed in
part through 'a grant provided by the North Carolina
Coastal Management Program, through funds provided
by the CoaaW Zone Mamgement Act of 19729 as
amended,, which is administered by the Office of
Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National .
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Recreation and Open Space Plan
Atkinson, North Carolina
1989
Table of Contents
I. Recreation and 1987 Land Use Plan Policy
II. Existing Recreational Facilities
III. Recreation Standards and Population Projections
IV. Existing Hoggard Park and Proposed Improvements
V. Atkinson Middle School
VI. 1912 Atkinson Bank
VII. Implementation Alternatives
VIII. Public Participation
Appendix
Maps
Location Map
Preliminary Site
Page
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Recreation and Open Space Plan
Atkinson, North Carolina
1 1989
I. Recreation and 1987 Land Use Plan Policy
The 1987 Land Use Plan prepared by Atkinson included as part of the
iplanning process the distribution of a planning questionnaire to Town
citizens. One hundred fifty questionnaires were distributed, with 69
being completed and returned. This represents a 46% response rate which
is considered a very good return. Two questions on the 1987 questionnaire
related directly to the adequacy of existing recreational facilities.
IQuestion 5 asked citizens to indicate the degree they agreed or disagreed
with whether the Town should consider more facilities for recreational
Iuse. The responses showed that 29% agree strongly, 37% agree, 17%
have no opinion, 17% disagree and no one disagreed strongly. Based on
the results of the planning questionnaire, over 66% indicated that the
Town should consider more facilities for recreational use.
Question 5 then asked if citizens would be willing to pay more taxes
for more recreational facilities. Of those responding, 13% agree strongly
that they would pay more taxes, with 49% agreeing. Nine percent had no
opinion, with 23% disagreeing and 6% disagreeing strongly with paying
more taxes.
The 1987 Land Use Plan included a policy statement which reads,
"Programs to provide active organized recreational activities to meet
the needs of the residents of Atkinson will be encouraged." Implemen-
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plementation stragety in the Land Use Plan included the following:
Long Range: a. Existing parks will be developed to their
maximum potential.
b. The possibility of a community center will be
investigated.
c. Possibilities of applying for federal and state
funding to subsidize park and recreational develop—
ment will be investigated.
Short Range: a. Town budget allocations will be emphasized for
park development.
As a follow-up to the 1987 CAMA Land Use Plan, the Town of Atkinson
applied for and received an additional CAMA planning grant to prepare a
Recreation and Open Space Plan. As a first step in preparing this plan,
a recreation questionnaire was prepared and distributed to approximately
75 Atkinson households. A total of 28 questionnaires were completed,
signed and returned, which represents a 37% return. (See Appendix for
copy of questionnaire results.) Based on the results of the question—
naire, 78.6% of those responding felt that Atkinson does not have enough
active recreational opportunities for young people, with 85.2% indicating
that Atkinson does not have enough recreational opportunities for older
citizens. When asked if providing recreational opportunities and
facilities for community citizens is a service the Town should provide,
75% said yes, with 14.3% saying no and 10.7% not sure. Of those respond—
ing to the questionnaire, 85.7% indicated that the Town should spend a
portion of local tax revenue for recreation, with 10.7% disagreeing.
When asked if they would be willing to pay additional taxes if necessary
to develop and operate a recreation program, 57.1% indicated that they
would be willing to pay more taxes, 25.7% would not be willing and 7.2%

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are not sure. When citizens were asked about specific facilities, the
number one priority was to provide organized activities for teenagers.
Bathroom facilities at Hoggard Park was the second priority.
When citizens were asked which facilities they would be most interested
in using, the number one priority was a library, with a senior citizens
exercise center being second and a meeting room being third priority.
The results of the recreation questionnaire confirm the results of
the 1987 planning questionnaire. Atkinson citizens are interested in
additional recreational facilities and programs being made available.
II. Existing Recreational Facilities
Existing recreational facilities for Atkinson include Hoggard Park
which is a 1.5 acre park located adjacent to Town Hall. This site (see
site plan map) includes a 20' x 30' picnic shelter, playground equipment,
picnic tables, basketball goal and parking for approximately 14 cars.
This site is primarily a passive recreation area.
Atkinson Middle School site includes.approximately 3.3 acres of
land with a ball field and two basketball goals with paved playing sur-
face and a gymnasium. This site is available for active recreational
use although it is owned and operated by the Pender County School Board.
An abandoned railroad right-of-way running along First and Railroad
Streets has the potential for additional passive recreational use and
possible nature trail, but initial investigation and conversations with
the Board of Aldermen have revealed that much of this right-of-way is
no longer available for public use.
The Hoggard Park and school sites represent over 4.8 acres of
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recreation land presently available for public use.
III. Recreation Standards and Population Projections
With a current population of 319 people as reflected in the 1987 Land
Use Plan, Atkinson presently has adequate land area for recreational use.
Specifically, national standards recommend 1.0 acres of recreation land
for every 100 population, which would be 3.2 acres. With the 1.5
acre Hoggard Park and 3.3 acres of school facilities,. Atkinson has 4.8
acres of recreation land, or 1.6 acres above current needs based on
current population. Based on recent and anticipated growth rates for
Atkinson, this 4.8 acres should be adequate.to meet Atkinson's recreational
land area needs during the next 10 to 20 years.
What is currently needed in Atkinson is more diversified recreational
opportunities. Because of the large number of older residents living in
Atkinson, future recreation facilities should be more passive in nature.
Additional organized recreational opportunities should be provided for
younger people in Atkinson.
IV. Existing Hoggard Park and Proposed Improvements
The existing Hoggard Park consists primarily of passive recreational
opportunities in the form of picnic tables, benches, picnic shelter and.
some playground equipment. This 1.5 acre site also includes some off—
street parking in the form of a grassed parking area along Rankin Street.
The only active recreational facility on the site is a dirt basketball
court and backboard. This is an attractive site located in the center of
Atkinson adjacent to the Town Hall with good access from all areas of
Atkinson.
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The Preliminary Site Plan prepared as part of this study has pro-
posed several facilities to supplement existing facilities. Specifically,
the plan shows a 45' x 85' concrete basketball court with two new
backboards. Approximately 100' of chain link fence is shown at the
property line between the park site and the Town Hall site. A shuffle-
board court has been shown adjacent to the existing picnic shelter, with
new playground equipment being clustered near the center of the site.
A 24' x 24' restroom building with storage space has been shown adjacent
to the existing picnic shelter with connecting terrace area for group
gatherings outside the picnic shelter. Three barbeque grills have been
included on the terrace with additional landscaping on the northern side
of the site. Paved parking for 14 cars and 2 handicapped spaces, with
adjacent concrete sidewalk with access to the picnic shelter and terrace
have been included. The site plan also includes extensive landscaping
along property lines and between the basketball court and play lot.
Preliminary Cost Estimate for Hoggard Park Improvements
Item Quantity Unit Unit Cost Total Estimated Cost
Basketball Court (45'x85')
425
sq.yd.
$12/sq.yd.
$ 5,100
Shuffleboard (10' x 52')
58
sq.yd.
$12/sq.yd.
696
Playground Equipment
Lump Sum
5,000
Barbeque Grills
3
ea.
$150/ea.
450
Chain Link Fence
100
ft.
$9/ft.
900
Restroom Facilities
576
sq.ft.
$40/sq.ft.
23,040
Terrace
165
sq.yd.
$12/sq.yd.
1,980
Benches
5
ea.
$400/ea.
2,000
Trash Receptacles
5
ea.
$200/ea.
1,000
Concrete Sidewalk
160
sq.yd.
$12/sq.yd.
1,920
Asphalt Paving (160' x 25')
450
sq.yd.
$15/sq.yd.
6,750
Landscape Material
Lump Sum
10,000
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Preliminary Cost Estimate Continued
Estimated Cost
Sub -Total $58,836
15% Contingency 8,826
Total Estimated Cost $67,661
V. Atkinson Middle School
The Atkinson Middle School has a baseball field and asphalt basket-
ball court on approximatly 3.3 acres of land. The school building includes
an auditorium, gymnasium and cafeteria which all have potential for
community use. This is particularly important considering the fact
that current School Board plans call for the replacement of this facility
with a new school facility on another site, leaving the possibility of
this facility being used by the Town of Atkinson to provide several of
the facilities discussed in the recreation questionnaire. The school
library could be used as a community library, with the gymnasium being
used for a senior citizens exercise center. If this facility could
t be donated to the Town as surplus property, it could be a real asset
to the Town of Atkinson in providing many of the facilities local
residents would like to have. Obviously, such a facility would require
a great deal of planning for its use and long-term maintenance; however,
it would be a real asset for the community rather than having a vacant
school building which would become subject to vandelism if not put to
good use.
VI. 1912 Atkinson Bank
The Atkinson Bank building located at the intersection of First
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Street and Main Street is an important part of the history of Atkinson.
' This brick building which was built in 1912 is located on the original
"Main Street" of the community and could serve as a community center
with meeting room, or community library, or both. Although the
building is currently in poor condition, it has interesting architectural
' lines and details. This two story building contains approximately 1,600
' square feet and has potential of designation as an Historic Landmark.
If designated as an historic structure, 20% of the rehabilitation cost
would be eligible for rehabilitation tax credits. Based on the present
condition of the building, it may cost from $15 to $25 per square foot
' to rehabilitate, which would mean a cost of from $24,000 to $40,000.
' Preservation of the building for passive recreational use would be a very
positive step in providing such facilities and at the same time saving
Ian important part of Atkinson's history.
VII. Implementation Alternatives
With the preliminary plans and cost estimates completed as part of
1 i this Recreation and Open Space Plan, Atkinson officials must now set
priorities for plan implementation. Expansion of facilities at the
' existing Hoggard Park can be carried out by allocating funds each year
in the Town's budget. Town officials or a Recreation Committee can also
help by promotion of the park and fund raising activities. If a citizens'
group is formed to support development of the Town's park facilities,
they could be instrumental in encouraging contributions or donations of
benches, playground equipment or landscape material from local residents
and businesses.
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Town officials should contact the Pender County School Board to
indicate interest in the Atkinson Middle School Building if and when
it is no longer needed as a school building. Now is the time to plan
for and budget for the use of this potential asset for the Town of
Atkinson.
The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Division may provide
assistance to Atkinson through their Land and Water Conservation Funds
program. This is a 50% matching grant program requiring local funds to
match the grant. Letters announcing this program are usually mailed to
communities in October or early November of each year. In addition
to the Land and Water Conservation Funds program, several foundations
may provide financial assistance to Atkinson to develop recreational
opportunities. A list of these foundations is provided in the Appendix.
Because of limited funds, Atkinson may wish to use a combination
of these methods to bring about the implementation of these facilities.
The most important thing is to begin the process to implement the plans
as financially feasible for Atkinson.
VIII. Public Participation
A Recreation Questionnaire was distributed to Town residents and the
results were tabulated and considered in the preparation of this plan.
A public meeting was held in February, 1989, to discuss the results of
the Recreation Questionnaire and to review the plan. In April a presen-
tation was made to the Pender County Commissioners during a regular
Commission meeting to review the project and to request possible financial
assistance from the County.

Town of Atkinson
Recreation `ZQ Open Space Plan
COMBINED TOTALS
QUESTIONNAIRE
The Town of Atkinson has received a planning grant through the Coastal Area Management
Program to prepare a Recreation and Open Space Plan. This additional planning process
is a follow-up to goals and policies established for recreation as part of the 1987 Land
Use Plan for Atkinson. Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions and
return the questionnaire to the Town Hall by Tuesday, February 7, 1989. Thank you in
advance for your assistance. .
Sincerely,
Ms. Muriel Rivenbark
Town Clerk
1. Where do you presently live in relation to Atkinson? [Check One]
28 Inside Town Limits Within one mile of Town Limits
More than one mile from Town Limits
2. If you live in Atkinson, how long have you lived here?
_Less than one year 2 Five to ten years
4 One to two years 21 Over ten years
1 Two to five years,
t 3. Do you rent or own your home? 28 Own
4. Please check the age group you are in. 1 20-30
3 41-50 4 51-50 16 Over 50
5. Do you think the Town of Atkinson presently
opportunities for young people? 4 Yes
14.3%
Rent
4 31-40
has enough active recreational
22 No 2 Not Sure
78.6% 7.1%
B. Do you think the Town of Atkinson presently has enough recreational opportunities
for older citizens? 3 Yes 23 No 1 Not Sure
11.1% 85.2% 3.7%
7. Do you think providing recreational opportunities and facilities for community citizens
is a service the Town should provide? 21 Yes 4 No 3 Not Sure
75.0% 14.3% 10.7%

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... uu yuu GunK Lne sown
or /aLmnson snould spend
a portion of local tax revenue tor
recreation? 24 Yes
3 No
1
Not Sure
85.7%
10.7%
3.6%
9. Would you be willing to
pay additional
taxes if
necessary to develop and operate
a recreation program?
16 Yes
10 No
2 Not Sure
57.1%
35.7%
7.2%
10. Have you used any of the facilities at Haggard Memorial Park? 16 Yes 11 No
11. If the answer to the previous question was "Yes" please indicate what facilities.
12. Of the following recreational facilities. number the five you would like to see
developed, if any. with 1 being the most important and 5 being the least important.
3/1/3/3ZD_Tct Lot (play area for very small children) _Picnic Grills 0/0/3/4/2
0/3/4/042_Children's Play Area (Climbing equipment
for pre -teens) _Picnic Tables 0/0/0/3/3
7/7/1/0[j_Orgenized Activities for teenagers _Physical Fitness Course 0/1/2/1/1
0/0/1/0Lj_Hcrseshoes _Jogging Trails 2/1/1/0/0
6/1/0/1L2—Bathroom facilities at Haggard Park _Nature Trails System 1/2/1/1/3
0/0/0/140 _Barbeque Pit _Bicycle Path System 0/1/1/2/1
13. If the following facilities were provided, check the three you would be most interested
in using with Number 1 being first priority and 3 being third priority.
0/0,LL Ping Pang 0/0/0 Soccer Field _Senior Citizen Exercise Center 1/7/3
2/01.Q_Billiards 0/1LQ_Volleyball _Library 10/1/2
0/0/1_Shuffleboard 3/3LL—Meeting Room _Others Skating 1/0/0
2/2(2_Picnic Area 2/1L2_Tenniis 0/2/0Art Center Teen Ron venter 0/0/1
Raquetball 0/0/1
14. Are you presently using any or the existing recreation facilities at Atkinson Middle
School? 2 Yes 26 No
15. If the answer to the previous question was "Yes" please indicate what activities.
16. Please use this space to make any comment you wish about recreational opportunities
in Atkinson.
Thanks again for taking time to complete questionnaire and returning it to Town
Hall by Tuesday. February 7. I9S9.
Invalid unless signed
Signature
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FOUNDATIONS FUNDING RECREATION PROJECTS
The Florence Rogers Charitable Trust
P. 0. Box 36006
Fayetteville, North Carolina (45,000 — 650)
Giving primarily in Fayetteville, Cumberland County and southeastern N.C.
Support for art programs, education, recreation, child welfare, and general
quality of life in the area. Preference is given to seed money for new
ideas. Matching funds, operating budgets, renovation projects.
Application information: initial approach — letter or telephone
copies of proposal — 1
board meeting dates — monthly
final notification — 3 months
write — JoAnn M. Barnette, Administrator
K. H. Hofmann Foundation
1035 Detroit Avenue
P. 0. Box 907
Concord, California 94522
(98,695 — 125)
Giving primarily for health and social services, recreation and higher
education. '
Brockway Glass Company Foundation
One Enterprise Center
225 Water Street, Suite 1609
Jacksonville, Florida 32202 (21,573 — 100)
Grants for community funds, higher education, health and welfare, youth
agencies, recreation and church support.
Application information: initial approach — letter
copies of proposal — 1
deadlines — submit proposal preferably in September
board meetings — as required
write — William H. Weed, Treasurer
Louis W. and Dol ha Baehr Foundation
c/o Miami County National Bank
South Pearl Street
Paola, Kansas 66071 (15,000 — 250)
Emphasis on youth programs, including recreation, education and hospitals.

The Coles Foundation
983 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10028
(80,250 - 25)
Grants largely for higher education and religious welfare funds, principally
Jewish; support also for the arts and public recreational park facilities.
Operating budgets, seed money, equipment, land acquisition.
No grants for matching gifts. Applications for grants in excess of $5,000
are not considered; major gifts awarded at the initiative of the trustees.
Application information: initial approach - letter
copies of proposal - 1
deadline - none
board meetings - semi annual
write - Jerome S. Coles, M.D., Managing Trustee
Gilder Foundation, Inc.
912 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10021
(25,000 - 250)
Emphasis on education, recreation and the handicapped; some support also
for cultural institutions.
Jackson Hole Preserve, Inc.
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Rm. 5510
New York, New York 10112
(300,000 - 2,500)
A private operating foundation; makes grants to restore, protect and
preserve for the benefit of the public the primitive grandeur and natural
beauties of the landscape in areas notable for• picturesque scenery.
9 Land acquisition, matching funds.
Application information: initial approach - letter or proposal
copies of proposal - 1
deadline - submit preferably early in year
board meetings - Sept. or Oct., executive committee
meetings frequently
write - George R. Lamb, Executive Vice President
Edwin H. Mosler, Jr. Foundation
307'Fifth Avenue, 12th fl.
New York, New York 10016
(72,500 - 3,500)
Emphasis on support for the U.S. Olympic Committee, sports and recreation
activities, youth agencies, Jewish welfare agencies.

Firan Foundation
1115 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44301
(74,500 — 500)
' Grants primarily for hospitals and medical research; support also for
education and recreation.
' Land acquisition
Application information: .initial approach — proposal
deadline — none
write — C. J. Goldthorpe
Fohs Foundation
' P. 0. Boa 1001
Roseburg, Oregon 97470 (50,000 — 1,000)
' To promote science, art, education, health, healthful recreation . . . .
Application information: initial approach — letter
copies of proposal — 1
deadlines — none
board meetings — April or May
write — Mrs. Frances F. Sohn, Chairman
National For a Fougendation
c o National ForCompany
Irvine, Pennsylvania 16329
(40,000 — 500)
Grants primarily for recreation, higher education in areas of company
operations, and community funds.
Application information: initial approach — proposal
copies — 1
board meetings — quarterly
write — J. G. Koedel, Jr., Secretary

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Recreation 'cQ Open Space Plan
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Recreation '�Q Open Space Plan
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