Recreation & Open Space Plan-1988

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1988 Richlands
Recreation �? Open Space Plan
Technical Assistance
Howard T. Capps �Q Associates
Wilmington. North Carolina
PROPERTY OF
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

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� 1988 Richlands
� Recreation 'W Open Space Plan
Technical Assistance
Howard T. Capps 0 Associates
Wilmington. North Carolina
The preparation of this document was financed in part through a grant pro-
vided by the North Carolina Coastal Management Program, through funds pro-
vided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, which is ad-
ministered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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1988 RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Richlands, North Carolina
Table of Contents
Page
I.
Introduction
1
II.
Relationship of Land Use Plan Policy, Capital Improvements
Plan, Subdivision Ordinances to Recreation Development
1
III.
Existing Recreational Facilities
8
IV.
Environmental Character of Area
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V.
Recreational Standards and Population Projections
9
VI.
Current and Future Demand for Recreation and Results
of Recreation Questionnaire
10
VII.
Proposed Facilities
11
VIII.
Cost Estimate
12
IX.
Implementation Alternatives
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1988 Recreation and Open Space Plan
Richlands, North Carolina
I. Introduction
Richlands' 1981 and 1987 Land Use Plans discussed the desire to
provide more and better recreational opportunities for Richlands
citizens. Since beginning the 1987 Land Use Plan, Richlands has
adopted a Subdivision Ordinance which addresses the need to provide
for recreation and open space in new subdivisions or make payment in
lieu of dedication into a park/recreation/open space fund. Richlands
officials are also planning or establishing an Extraterritorial Planning
Jurisdiction (ETJ) to allow for planning and guidance of growth in areas
surrounding the current corporate limits of Richlands. All of these
factors make this an ideal time to -be looking at not only active
recreation facilities and needs, but also potential open spaces that could
be preserved for passive recreational uses. This open space, primarily
along existing creeks, streams and small tributaries, would make an
excellent greenway system for current and future generations of Richlands
citizens. Prior to looking at existing recreational facilities, a
review of the 1987 CAMA Land Use Plan and Subdivision Ordinance was made.
This review was made to determine the impact of local plans and ordinances
on recreational development.
II. Relationship of Land Use Plan Policy, Capital Improvements Plan and
Subdivision Ordinance to Recreation Development
A. 1987 Land Use Plan Update
The 1981 Land Use Plan established a goal to continue to cooperate
with local school officials in the use of school recreational
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facilities. The 1981 Plan also established a goal to apply for
Federal grant assistance to help the Town acquire land for the
construction of a community -wide park.
The 1987 Plan Update notes the fact that Richlands has com-
pleted a park in the CBD area since the 1981 Plan was completed.
This new facility provides both passive and active recreational
opportunities; specifically, two tennis courts, two basketball
courts and play equipment for younger children.
Under the Goals and Policies section of the 1987 LUP Update,
Richlands officials propose to continue the policy of working to pro-
vide more and better recreational opportunities and facilities
for Richlands citizens. The plan also stated that Town officials
will continue to work to secure any Federal or State funds available
for implementation of the recreation plan.
B. Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
The CIP includes construction of two basketball courts on the
Trexler School property. The CIP calls for Richlands paying for
stone base and goals with the County providing paving of the
courts. This is shown as a FY88 project at an estimated cost of
$13,315.
C. Subdivision Regulations
The Subdivision Regulations for Richlands define several terms
that directly or indirectly relate to recreational open space.
1. Open Space is defined as an area (land and/or water) generally
lacking in man-made structures and usually reserved for outdoor
enjoyment.
2. Pedestrian walkways are dedicated public right-of-way limited
to pedestrian use.
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3. Planned Unit Development (PUD) includes in its definition the
requirement that common open space must be an element of the plan.
4. Public Way - An alley, avenue, boulevard, bridge, channel,
ditch easement, express freeway, highway, land, parkway, right-of-
way, road, sidewalk, street subway, tunnel, viaduct, walk or other ways
in which the general public or a public entity have a right, or
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which are dedicated, whether improved or not.
S. Right -of -Way - A strip of land taken or dedicated for use as
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public way. In addition to the roadway, it normally incorporates
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the curbs, lawn strips, sidewalks, lighting, water and sewer lines,
and drainage facilities, and may include special features (required
by the topography or treatment) such as grade separation, landscaped
areas, viaducts and bridges.
6. Section 9-3-23 (c)(7) allows for public use of any park sites
shown on plat being approved unless otherwise noted. Public use does
not constitute or imply a responsibility to open or maintain such
facilities or public ways until the Board of Aldermen determines
that it is in the public interest to do so.
7. Section 9-3-42 Easements - Drainage Way Easements - Where a sub-
division is traversed by a drainageway, a storm water easement or
drainage right-of-way conforming substantially with the lines of
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such drainageway shall be twenty (20) feet wide or of such further
width as necessary and shall generally follow rear and side lot lines.
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8. Section 9-3-43 (b) Blocks - Pedestrian walkways, not less than
twenty (20) feet wide, shall be required across blocks where the
iPlanning
Board deems
that pedestrian access to schools, playgrounds,
shopping centers, transportation, and other community facilities is
necessary.
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9. Section 9-3-58 Street Trees - Although not required by these
regulations, the planting of street trees is considered a duty of the
subdivider as well as good business practice. Street trees are a
protection against excessive heat and glare and enhance the
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attractiveness and value of property.
10. Section 9-3-94 Official Plans and Community Facilities -
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(a) Purpose - The purpose of these requirements is to insure
that growth and development are carried out in a manner
and that adequate community
consistent with official plans
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facilities are provided to serve new development.
(b) Thoroughfares - When a tract to be subdivided includes any
part of a thoroughfare plan, collector street plan, or official
transportation plan, such part of the planned public way
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shall be platted and dedicated by the subdivider in the
location and at the width planned.
(c) Recreation and Open Space - When a tract is subdivided for
residential pruposes, the subdivider shall dedicate a portion
of such land for the purpose of park, recreation and/or
open space in accordance with the following requirements:
(i) Area required - The minimum area to be dedicated shall
be determined by the following formula:
Total Average Family .008 density
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Number X Size, Last X acres/ X multiplier
of Lots Official Census person
Average Acres/Lot Density Multiplier
.0 - .1 1.2
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.1 - .2 1.0
.2 - .3 0.9
.3 - .5 0.7
.5 - .99 0.5
Over 1.0 0.0
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(ii) Standards - The proposed park, recreation or open space
must be considered by the Town to be usable for the required
purpose, shall abut or have adequate access to a public
street, shall ordinarily consist of no more than one-half
flood plain, wetlands, severe slopes, or otherwise restricted
lands, and may be outside the area being subdivided if
sufficiently close to serve the area. When the area includes
a planned community recreation site, the dedication shall help
establish the planned facility.
(iii) Acceptance, Maintenance, Development - The Town reserves
the right to accept, develop and maintain the dedicated park,
recreation or open space in accordance with its determination
of public needs.
(iv) Payments in Lieu of Dedication - When the area to be pro-
vided would be less than one acre, the subdivider may be re-
quired to make a contribution to a park/recreation/open space
reserve fund to help provide recreation or open space for the
additional residences being developed. The contribution shall
be equal to the value o the raw land which would be required under
the area requirement formula (if the subdivider and Town cannot
agree on the amount, the amount shall be set by the County tax
assessor or a qualified appraiser). Subdividers who would be
required to dedicate at least one acre may make a contribution
in lieu of land dedication with the approval of the Town.
(v) Private Recreation Alternative - Subdividers may pro-
vide equivalent private recreation space and/or facilities
to meet the needs of the area being developed. Such areas
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and/or facilities shall be approved by the Town, and such
approval shall specify the specific number of lots or units
for which the private area/facilities may be counted as
adequate to meet neighborhood needs. Private recreation
areas shall meet the area requirements of this ordinance,
except that additional credit may be given for improvements
and intensive facilities. Private recreation areas must
' have provisions for continuing operation and maintenance
and for dedication to the Town if they are not maintained
and kept available to meet the neighborhood's recreation/
open space needs.
11. Conservation Areas - The conservation areas are the Town's poorly•.
drained areas along its small streams mainly in its ETJ, although
some are in the Town. These are areas that have critical habitats
' or are considered fragile areas. It is these areas that are set
aside because of their natural characteristics and their long
lasting contribution to the citizens of the community. These
areas can be considered greenways or buffer areas which allow a
separation of land uses without conflict between them. Consequently,
they are to be protected or managed so that they will remain essentially
unaltered for generations to come.
12. 4.1 Pedestrian Crosswalk - Where deemed necessary by the Board
of Aldermen, a pedestrian crosswalk at least fifteen (15) feet in
width may be required to provide convenient public access to a public
area such as a park or school, to a water area, or to areas such as
shopping centers, religious or transportation facilities.
13. 4.3 Easements - Easements shall be provided as follows:
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Drainage Easements - Where a subdivision is traversed b a stream or
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drainage way, an easement shall be provided conforming with the lines
of such stream and of sufficient width as will be adequate for the
purpose.
14. Buffer Strip - A solid fence, wall, street, or a planted strip at
least five (5) feet in width composed of deciduous and/or evergreen
trees spaced not more than ten (10) feet apart, and not less than
one (1) row of dense shrubs spaced not more than five (5) feet apart,
which shall be established and maintained in perpetuity by the owner
of the property whenever required under the terms and provisions of
this ordinance.
15. Open Space.- An area (land and/or water) generally lacking in man-
made structures and reserved for enjoyment in its unaltered state.
16. Recreation Area or Park - An area of land or combination of land
and water resources that is developed for active and/or passive
recreation pursuits with various man-made features that accommodate
such activities.
17. Freeway, Expressway or Parkway - Divided multilane roadway designed
to carry large volumes of traffic at relatively high speeds. A freeway
is a divided highway providing for continuous flow of vehicles with
no direct access to abutting property or streets and with access to
selected crossroads provided via connecting ramps. An expressway
is a divided highway with full or partial control of access and
generally with grade separations at major intersections. A parkway
is a highway for noncommercial traffic, with full or partial control
of access, and usually located within a park or a ribbon of parklike
development.
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III. Existing Recreational Facilities
Katherine Venters Memorial Park is located on Wilmington Street in the
downtown area of Richlands. This facility consists of a small gazebo,
children's play equipment and two basketball courts. This is the only
recreation facility owned and operated by the Town of Richlands.
Additional recreational facilities include a baseball field, open play
field and playground equipment at Trexler School. The ball field is a
lighted facility with adequate adjacent parking.
Richlands Senior High includes a lighted football field with bleachers
and a baseball field.
As discussed earlier, two basketball courts will be constructed at
Trexler School through the cooperation of the Town and County.
Existing Facilities
Katherine Venters Memorial Park (Town)
Gazebo
Children's Play Equipment
Two Basketball Courts
Benches
Trexler School (County)
Baseball Field (lighted)
Open Play Field
Playground Equipment
Parking
Two Basketball Courts
Richlands Senior High (County)
Football Field (lighted)
Baseball Field
Tennis Courts
IV. Environmental Character of the Area
Inside the Town Limits of Richlands, the environmental character of
the community consists of primarily residential and commercial areas
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with some open space in the form of agricultural land, and wooded areas
along existing streams and creeks. As discussed in the 1987 CAMA Land Use
Plan, nearly 60.2% or 404 acres of the 672 acres inside the Town Limits
are either agricultural or undeveloped.
Outside the Town Limits of Richlands the area becomes predominantly
agricultural, with a continuation of wooded areas along existing streams
and creeks, with some commercial and residential land uses along the
major highway corridors.
Protecting the environmental character of Richlands, both inside the
Town Limits and inside the proposed Extraterritorial Planning Jurisdiction
of the community, can be one of the major benefits of this Recreation and
Open Space Study. Establishing a greenway system that can provide passive
recreational opportunities while at the same time protecting area streams
and creeks from urban run—off can provide major environmental benefits to
the community.
V. Recreational Standards and Population Projections
Based on the,1987 Land Use Plan, slightly more than 900 people live
in Richlands, with a projected population for the year 2000 of 1,179
people. Based on this current and projected population, Richlands should
currently have 9.0 acres of recreation land with a need for 11.7 acres
by the year 2000. Based on current state and national standards, the
1.0 acres at Katherine Venters Memorial Park is 8.0 acres under current
standards for a community the size of Richlands. When the Richlands
High School facilities and Trexler School facilities are added, Richlands
exceeds current standards by 1.8 acres.
Katherine Venters Memorial Park 1.0 acres
Richlands High School 5.6 acres
Trexler School 3.2 acres
Total Acreage 9..8 acres
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Minimum Acreage and Facility
Standards
Minimum Acres and Facilities
Existing
Proposed
Facility Type
per Thousand People
Facility
Facility
Play Lot
4 acre per 1,000
Venters Park
1 facility per 800
1 play lot
Baseball
1 field per 6,000
1 field High School
Diamond
(3 acre minimum)
1 field Trexler
(1 facility)
Softball
1 field per 3,000
1 field Trexler
Diamond
(2 acre minimum)
(over 3 acres)
Neighborhood
1 acre per 1,000
Venters Park
Park
(6 acre minimum)
1.0 acre
Tennis Courts
1 facility per 2,000
Tennis Court
( 2 acres for battery
(2 tennis courts)
of 4 courts)
Multi -purpose
1 per 1,000 population
2 courts Trexler
Courts
2 courts Venters
Neighborhood
1'i acres per 1,000
Trexler School
Playground
(4 acre minimum)
Venters Park
(3.2 + 1.0 = 4.2 acres)
Environmental
1 acre per 1,000
Greenway
Areas
System
VI. Current and Future Demand for Recreation and Results of Recreation
Questionnaire
Based on the results of the Recreation Questionnaire, 27 of 46
people responding indicated that they would like to see a greenway
system established in Richlands. When asked what type of recreational
facility they would like to see developed, the highest priority was
for tot lot (play area for very small children), children's play
area (climbing equipment for pre -teens), bicycle path system and
nature trails.
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Based on current active recreational facilities available and the
questionnaire results showing a desire for more passive recreational
facilities, the Recreation and Open Space Plan has concentrated on
establishment of a Greenway System around Richlands that meets this
demand. (See questionnaire and results in Appendix.)
VII. Proposed Facilities
Based on an inventory of existing recreational facilities, Richlands
has many of the active recreational facilities needed for a community of
this size. The existing park provides both active and passive recreational
opportunities, with the two schools providing active recreational
facilities such as baseball, softball and open play fields. For that
reason, the Plan has concentrated on the establishment of a Greenway
System that could provide more passive recreational opportunities and at
some
the same time help protect the character of Richlands and provide
environmental benefits by reducing urban run-off into existing streams
and tributaries. Before any construction activities take place within
this environmentally sensitive area, local officials should contact the
Army Corps of Engineers to identify any regulated 404 wetlands or CAMA
regulated areas to be protected.
The Greenway System will be a linear park network left primarily
in its natural state, except for the introduction of a connector system
of trails for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. Some of its benefits
and functions are:
1. To preserve the natural attributes -- trees and other plant life,
water courses, natural terrain, open spaces -- that make Richlands
a pleasant place to live.
2. To provide Richlands citizens with recreational opportunities
ranging from quiet enjoyment of natural areas to hiking, jogging
and bicycling.
3. To make available to school children and others areas where local
flora and fauna and ecological relationships can be studied.
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4. To influence growth patterns by:
a. Conserving open spaces in the Richlands area;
b. Separating and buffering conflicting land uses while
connecting compatible land uses along the greenway's perimeter;
and
c. Producing an active commitment among all involved with
Richlands' growth to planning for and implementing open -space
networks in developing areas.
5. To increase the value of nearby property.
6. To help control soil erosion and stream siltation.
7. To help reduce water pollution caused by runoff.
S. To improve air quality by adding oxygen to, filtering dust and
air -borne pollutants from, and cooling the Town's air.
9. To help reduce noise pollution.
10. To help control flooding and act as a natural extension of the Town's
storm sewer system.
11. To preserve a means for Richlands citizens to have a closer relation-
ship to nature.
VIII. Cost Estimate
The Greenway Plan consists of 9.8 miles of trails with passive
recreation amenities such as picnic shelters, trash receptacles, picnic
tables, jogging and bicycle paths and foot bridges. The following represents
a Preliminary Cost Estimate to implement the Greenway Plan. It has been
assumed that land will be donated to the Town of Richlands as part of
the Subdivision Regulations requirements, or simply donated.
Item
Clearing for nature trail
5' wide asphalt trail
5 Picnic shelters (20' x 40')
Picnic tables
Total
Quantity
Unit Cost
Estimated Cost
5.8 acres
$2,000/ac.
$ 11,600.00
28,800 s.y.
$10/s.y.
288,000.00
4,000 s.f.
$10/s.f.
40,000.00
40
$200/ea.
8,000.00
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Total
Item Quantity
Unit Cost
Estimated Cost
Fitness Exercise Area 2
Lump Sum
$ 8,000.00
Foot Bridge 2
$10,000
20,000.00
Trash Receptacles 30
$200/ea.
6,000.00
Landscaping
Lump Sum
10,000.00
Major Entrance Sign 6
$200/ea.
1,200.00
Minor Entrance Sign 4
$100/ea.
400.00
Directional Signs 10
$50/ea.
500.00
Sub -Total
$ 393,700.00
10% Contingency
39,370.00
Total Estimated Cost
$ 433,070.00
IX. Maintenance and Operation Needs
Richlands has recently completed a
Capital Improvements Plan which
addresses anticipated capital improvements
needs. With only one recrea-
tion site available, the maintenance and
operational
costs are limited
but would expand as the greenway system
is developed.
Operational costs
would include trash collection, building
and grounds
maintenance, sign
maintenance and occasional trail and path
resurfacing
or repair. As the
system is developed, these costs would need
to be added to the Town's
operational budget or coordination with
the County Recreation Department
in cooperative maintenance and operation
of the facility could be con-
sidered.
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X. Implementation Alternatives /Financing the Project
The recently adopted Subdivision Ordinance for Richlands has
established a requirement that future subdividers may be required to
make a contribution to a park/recreation/open space reserve fund to
help provide recreation or open space for additional residences being
developed. Having established that requirement, the next step in
implementation of the greenway or open space network could be carried
out by following these steps:
1. The Planning Board, Council Members and other interested
groups should discuss the advantages of establishing a greenway system
with real estate agents, developers, surveyors and land owners. Efforts
should be made to show the advantages of developing such an amenity
for the community. If groups and individuals are supportive of such
a greenway system, Richlands officials should consider establishing
a Greenway Committee to pursue this concept further, and that could
serve as a future Greenway Commission.
2. Contact the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department to
1 arrange a field trip to Raleigh for a site visit to their greenway
system. Contact person: Mr. Jack Duncan, P. 0. Box 590, 222 West
Hargett Street, Room 608, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27602.
3. Arrange a joint meeting with the County Recreation Commission
and County Recreation Director to discuss cooperative efforts in
development of a greenway as part of a possible regional park in the
Richlands area of Onslow County.
4. Draft revisions to Subdivision Ordinance to encourage
voluntary donation of land or greenway easement that would permit
development of the greenway*within the 100-year flood zone or
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A zone as shown on the official Flood Insurance Maps. Establish a
minimum width for the greenway, possibly 50' as measured from each
bank of a stream, creek or tributary. See example below:
oz '
feat
O0.
5. Revise Subdivision Ordinance to require 20' minimum access
trail from cul—de—sacs or roads adjacent to greenway. See example below:
20' Access Easement
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6. The Town Administrator or Planning Board members could contact
land owners along creeks, streams and tributaries to encourage donation
of land or easements within the A flood zone that could be used for
the greenway system. Information on the tax benefits of such donations
should be made available to land owners.
7. The Town of Richlands could establish a fund that could be
used for the purchase of key parcels of land, easements or leases in
an effort to implement the greenway plan.
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6. The Town Administrator or PlanningBoard members
s could contact
land owners along creeks, streams and tributaries to encourage donation
of land or easements within the A flood zone that could be used for
the greenway system. Information on the tax benefits of such donations
should be made available to land owners.
7. The Town of Richlands could establish a fund that could be
used for the purchase of key parcels of land, easements or leases in
an effort to implement the greenway plan.
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Minimum Facility Guidelines
Population
Facility
Guidelines
10,000 or less
Athletic Fields
Football/Soccer
1/10,000
1-2
Softball
1/3,000
2-4
Baseball
1/6,000
1-4
Swimming Pool
25 yard
1/10,000
1
50 meter
1/20,000
1
Tennis Courts
2/4,000
1-2
Multipurpose Courts
(Volleyball, basketball,
badminton, etc.)
1/1,000
10
Public Golf
(18-hole)
1/25,000
1
Trails
Fitness/Jogging
1 mile/25,000
1 mile
Outdoor Amphitheater
1/20,000
1
Handball/Racquetball
1/10,000
1
Play Apparatus Area
1/1,000
10
Community Center (with gym)
1/25,000
Use school for
recreation
Neighborhood -type Center
(no gym) 1/10,000 1
Campgrounds sites
Group 1/25,000
Individual (family) 15/1,000 10-20
Picnic Area with Support
Facilities 1 acre/6,000 1 acre

Nam MMONOWWO
Regional or
Similar to activities for a
Similar to standards or reouirements
MINIMLIM !0 7AL R.4CREATION STANDARDS
County Parks
Major Park.
for a Major Park.
Environmental
Scenic enjoyment and green
Can include medians, triangles,
Facilities 1
Activities
Other Standards or Reouirements
Areas
space within densely -populated
walkways, riverfront development,
areas.
Squares, corner rest parks.
Play lot
Play for preschool child
(unsupervised or volunteer).
Swings, other elementary play
apparatus; benches, spray pool
Recreation
Meetings, teen group activities,
Used as substitute for full comudty
for high density & apartment-
Building
recreation information center,
game room, pre-school, senior-
center; designed for immediate
neighborhood small group activities;
house neighborhoods; where
neighborhood playground not
citizen meeting place, crafts.
should include snack area and
available; not applicable in
storage.
low -density areas.
Playfield
Serves ages 15 and over for
Serves several neighborhoods.within
Neighborhood
Play area for children,
Apparatus area, informal play
competitive activities requiring
more apace than provided by
a community; designed to provide
indoor and outdoor activities;
Playgrowd
age 6-15
space, field for games and sports,
neighborhood park or play-
desirable to include community center.
Shaded apace for passive
ground.
or Jr. or Sr. High School on the site.
recreation, shelter building.
Baseball
Diamonds
"Pick-up" neighborhood
901 base lines - 3501 outfield;
Skating Rinks,
Artificial
Supervised skating activities;
hockey, speed, figure, "free"
Adequate parking, concessions,
dressing area, centrally located
games, neighborhood leagues;
multiple -use open space,
maximum distance away from
streets and residence.
(outdoor or
skating. Multiple -use for off-
equipment storage.
indoor)
season activities.
Softball
Diamonds
"Pick-up" neighborhood boys and
girls team games; supplement
60' base lines - 275' outfield;
maximum distance away from
Skating Rinks,
Neighborhood skating and free
Warming shelter, aid station, and
reg. playground programs;
streets and residence.
Natural (out;-
door)
skating; instruction usually
offered on natural rinks of
lights for night use; number of
facilities required decreases with
multiple -use open space.
smaller size.
available artifical ice.
Neighborhood
Parks
Passive and supervised recre-
ation, such as a playground-
Lawn, shrubs, picnic and shade
areas park -like area for unsuper-
g
Swim instruction; competitive,
Separate entrace, parking, Spectator
park.
wised play, open field areas,
l
Pooe (in-
recre- room; soma with state health steamier
free, handicapped therapy, ply
desirable to combine park, play-
door)
ational, and school.
usually connected with school p.-ogra-_.
ground, school or community center.
Ong
Scala instruction; cospetitive.
Conform to state health standards;
Recreation
Centers
indoor recreation
Serves several neighborhoods within
Poole (out-
door)
free, special group activities,
sun-bathing, diving, recreational.and
bathhouse should include concession
control facilities, lighted; locate
Programs for
programs for people of all ages,
a community, provides compatible
Community,
at park, playfield, or communitycenter;
available for other compatible
social services; central pre-
outdoor activities, includes gym,
social and craft rooms, lounge,
minimum 25 meter pool; bath -
gramning for area neighbor-
offices, staff space and madmum
house and pool designed for off-
season activitleS-such as ice skating.
hoods.
storage; may be located at facility.
Auditorium
Theater, dance, forums, concerts,
Hack -stage areas designed to be
Tennis
Courts
Instruction, tournament, free
play, clubs.
Not an isolated facility, but located
with community center, school, park o:
community events, instruction
and performance the arts,
used for co=unity meeting, work-
shop and ga a rooms.
playfield; concrete or bituminous
community group meeting place.
me
surfacing; well drained.
Major Park
Group picnicking, day camping,
Should make effective use of natural
nature study, horseback riding,
developments, open meadow, water or
boating, swimming, fishing,
WoodlotS which offer attractive
winter sports, golf, arboretum,
setting for activities not possible
zoo, botanical gardens, resident
in a small recreation area; several,"
camp, bike trails, cance trails.
such parks s-ou?d be available to
serve regional an! local metropolitan
community needs.

RECOMMENDED STANDARDS
NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION
1,000 POPULATION SERVICE
rT AQQTVTrATTn?J Amr(%LET:f)VTr CT7r AAWYM (ZrMUT.T) AREA
Plavlots or.
Vest Pocket Park.
Contains children's
2,500 sq. ft
500-2,500
Sub -Neighborhood
play areas, quite
N/A
to 1 acre
game ageas, land-
scaping and
benches
Neighborhood Parks
Includes sitting
area, shuffleboard,
horseshoes, table
2.5
Min. 5 acres
2,000 -
1/4 - 1/2 Mile
games, picnic area,
to 20 acres
10,000
ballfield, multi-
purpose courts, etc.
District Park
Includes tennis
courts, swimming
pool, multi -purpose
2.5
20-100 acres
10,000 -
1/2 - 3 Miles
courts, comman ty %-
50,000
center, parking, etc
Large Urban Park
Wooded area,
varying topography,
water, picnic area,
5.0
100+ acres'
One for eacr�
Within 1/2 hour
swi.�aing, nature
50,000
driving time
trails, sports
facilities - not
formal.
Regional Parks
Campgrounds,
picnic area, nature
trails, water areas,
20.0
250+ acres
Serves entire
Within 1 hour
golf courses, nature
population ir
driving time.
center.
small towns.

RECOMMENDED DIMENSIONS FOR CAME AREAS*
Games
Elementary
Junior High
High School
Area size
School
School
(Adults)
(Includin
Buffer
Space
Basketball
40'x 60'
50'x 84'
50'
x 84,
7,200 sq.
ft.
Basketball
50'
x 94'
8,600 sq.
ft.
(College)
Volleyball
25' x 50'
25' x 50'
30'
x 60'
2,800 sq.
ft.
Badminton
20'
x 44'
1,800 sq.
ft.
Paddle Tennis
20'
x 44'
1,800 sq.
ft.
Deck Tennis
18'
x 40'
1,250 sq.
ft.
Tennis
36' x 78'
26'
x 78'
6,500 sq.
ft.
Ice Hockey
85'
x 200,
17,000 sq.
ft.
Field Hockey
180'
x 300,
64,000 sq.
ft.
Horseshoes
10' x 40'
10'
x 50'
1,000 sq.
ft.
Shuffleboard
6'
x 52'
640 sq.
ft.
Lawn Bowling
14'
x 110'
1,SW sq.
ft.
Boccie
15'
x 75'
1,950 sq.
ft:
Tetherball
10' circle
12' circle
12'
circle
400 sq.
ft.
Croquet
38' x 60'
38' x 60'
38'
x 60'
2,200 sq.
ft.
Roque
30'
x 60'
2,400 sq.
ft.
Handball
18' x 26'
18' x 26'
20'
x 40'
1,200 sq.
ft.
(Single -wall)
Handball
231
x 46'
1,058 sq.
ft.
(Four -wall)
Baseball
210' x 210'
300' x 300'
400'
x'400'
160,000 sq.
ft.
Archery
50' x 150'
50'
x 300'
20,000 sq.
ft.
Softball
150' x 150'
200' x 200'
275'
x 275'
75,000 sq.
ft.
(12" Bell) —
Football
160'
x 360'
80,000 sq.
ft.
Touch Football
120' x 300'
160'
x 360'
80,000 sq.
ft.
Games Elementary Junior High Hi$h School Area Si+e
School School (Adults) (Including Buffer
Space)
6-Man Football 120' x 300' 54,000 sq. ft.
Soccer (Men) Minimum 165' x 300' 65,000 sq. ft.
Maximum 240' x 360' 105,000 sq. ft.
Soccer (Women) 120' x 240' 40,000 sq. ft.
* Table covers a single unit; many of above can be obtained.
** Dimensions vary with size of ball used.

1988
Richlands Recreation Plan
QUESTIONNAIRE
The Town of Richlands 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 e9tablish-
ed for recreation as part of the 1987 Land Use Plan for Richlands. Please
take a few minutes to answer the following questions and return the ques-
tionnaire to the Town Hall by Friday, March 18, 1988. Thank you in advance
for your assistance.
S cerely,
�i, re
Annette Cray-Haftett
Mayor
1. Where do you presently live in relation to Richlands? (Check One)
33 Inside Town Limits 12 Within one mile of Town Limits
4 More than one mile from Town Limits
2. If you live 1n Richlands, how long have you lived here?
Less than one year 3 Five to ten years
One to two years 24 Over ten years
_Two to five years
3. Do you own or rent your home? 43 Own 6 Rent
4. Please check the age group you are in. 2 20-30 17 31-40
_1�,__41-50 7 51-60 10 Over 60
5. Do you think the Town of Richlands presently has enough active recreational
opportunities for young people? 7 Yes 35 No 7 Not Sure
6. Do you think the Town of Richlands presently has enough recreational
opportunities for older citizens? 5 Yes 34 No 10 Not Sure
7. Do ,you think providing recreational opportunities and facilities for
community citizens is a service the Town should provide?
32 Yes 9 No 8 Not Sure
8. Do you think the Town of Richlands should spend a portion of local tax
revenue for recreation'? 28 Yes 9 Yo 9 Not Sure
9. Would you be willing to pay additional taxes if necessary to develop and
operate a recreation program? 14 Yes 22 No 10 Not Sure
10. Do you think the Town of Richlands should establish a recreation program
separate from Onalow County or cooperate with the County program?
29 Cooperate 11 Separate Program 6 Not Sure
11. Of the following active recreational facilities, number the five you
would like to see developed, if any, with 1 being most important and
5 being least important.
• 5/7/0/1/2/15 Tot Lot (play area for Handball Courts 0/0/0/1,14/
very small children)
Racquetball Courts 0/0/2/3,14/
7/8/4/3/1/2 _Children's Play Area (Climbing
equipment for pre -teens) Physical Fitness Course 2/0/3/5'3;1
0/3/2/l/4/jQ_Horseshoes Jogging Trails 2/5, 46 1,_
7/l/3/3/3/jLSwiming Pool Nature Trails System 4/3/3/3,'2i1
Bicycle Path System 7/615/3, 5,2
12. If the following facilities were provided, check the three you would
be most interested in using.
14 Ping Pon& 3 Soccer Field 7 Art Center
5 Billiards 10 Volleyball 13 Senior Citizen Exercise
Center
2 Shuffleboard 10 Meeting Room Exercise classes, pooU,
8 Others indoor pool, skate ramp,
17 Library 24 Picnic Area crafts, senior citizems
center, dominoes and card playing, tennis coLrts
13. Richlands is considering establishing a greenway or natural area system
along existing creeks, streams and tributaries. This greenway would be
available for jogging, bicycle and walking trails. Would you support
the development of a greenway system?
27 Yes 9 No 10 Not Sure
14. Are you presently using any of the existing recreation facilities
in Richlands? 23 Yes 24 No
15. If the answer to the previous question was "No" please explain why.
*Numbers between slashes represent responses by priority (1-5) with last number
being total number of responses.

Comments in answer to question 15:
What's available other than a playground. I am 40 years old.
Age.
Do not play organized sports. Usually jog along Town R/O/W's and DOT
R/O/W's. Very interested in nature trails.
Nothing that interests us.
I didn't know we had it. Leymon White
My health is not good enough to participate in any of the activities.
Town park offers limited recreation and, unfortunately, is located next
to the basketball court where teenagers are loud and vulgar.
Need to serve the senior citizens with equipped building.
I do have time.
not the spare
The facilities we desire do not exist.
Not necessary.
Full—time employment does not leave a lot of time for use of recreational
facilities.
Library hours aren't convenient. I work CLNC and use base library. I'm a
new resident of Richlands and really don't know what you have to offer except
for childrens' park which my grandson uses, but no shade. Too hot in
summer.
Because I don't know what they are. What are existing recreation facilities
in Richlands? I already use the Library. Lillian Ruth Cox
We definitely do not want our taxes raised. We want the town taxes to go
toward the water and sewer projects and better streets.
Conflict of time.
Young people need to get out and find jobs and work and make their own money.
There is already too much free service.
Elderly and not able to participate.
Don't have time.
Additional comment:
If I can be of any assistance in this matter please let me know. Ted Crane
1
I

� ate. �•
State of North Carolina
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development
Division of Parks and Recreation
512 North Salisbury Streit 0 Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
James G. Martin, Governor Dr. William W. Davis
S. Thomas Rhodes, Secretary April 12, 1988 Director
Mr. Howard T. Capps
Capps and Associates
Post Office Box 4095
Wilmington, North Carolina 28406
Dear Mr. Capps:
Subject: Town of Richlands Recreation and Open Space Plan
HTCA #105-002
The Natural Heritage Program is the State's central repository of information
about the locations of rare and endangered species, exemplary and unique
natural areas, and other important natural ecosystems. The inventory of -
those resources is incomplete, and no comprehensive resource survey has been
done in the area of the proposed project.
We compliment the recreation and open space plan for Richlands. We have no
records indicating the presence of rare species or other special natural
features in the project vicinity. However, this does not dismiss the
potential that rare species or other special natural features may occur in
Richlands. Detailed planning for alignment of the greenway system should
attempt to avoid impacts on potentially natural habitats --such as relatively
undisturbed wetlands and mature forest habitat.
We enclose additional information about our program's data services. We
appreciate your request for project review.
Sincerely,
&L
6zoe--
Charles Roe, Head
N.C. Natural Heritage Program
CR:jh
Enclosure
H/27
P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh. North Carolina 276II.768, Telephone [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer

I
1
I
North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James G. Martin, Governor
Patric Dorsey, Secretary
April 12, 1988
Howard T. Capps, ASLA
Howard T. Capps & Associates
P.O. Box 4095
Wilmington, N.C. 28406
Re: Town of Richlands Recreation and Open Space
Plan, HTCA #105-002, Onslow County, ER 88-7923
Dear Mr. Capps:
Division of Archives and History
William S. Price, Jr., Director
Thank you for your letter of March 9, 1988, concerning the above project.
We have reviewed our records in regard to the project area and find no
recorded archaeological sites. However, no systematic archaeological
survey has been conducted in the area.
There is a low probability that potentially significant archaeological
sites exist within the two school sites and the park site. We recommend
that no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with
those parts of the proposed project.
The proposed nature trail primarily follows various stream courses around
the town.of Richland, including areas which have a high probability for
containing potentially significant archaeological sites. However, it is
unlikely that the nature trail development will affect significant
archaeological sites unless extensive ground disturbance activity takes
place. We recommend that as your project planning develops you inform us
of the type of ground disturbing activities which might occur and the
specific location of these activities.
A review of our records also
indicates the
presence of three small
cemeteries
near the proposed route of the
nature trail.
The nature trail will
provide
increased pedestrian traffic
into the areas
where these cemeteries
are
located, which may increase
the chances of
vandalism. We recommend
that
protection of the cemeteries
be considered
in your planning effort
if
they are threatened.
1
109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
[phone]

Howard T. Capps
April 12, 1988, Page Two
It i our understanding that two existing school sites are being considered
s g g
as components of the project. One of these complexes, the Richland
Elementary School (formerly Richlands High School) on Foy Street is of
historical and architectural interest because of its WPA buildings.
However, we are of the opinion that since the school site will only be
used for access to the bike paths, nature trail, and the like, the project
as currently planned will have no effect on the historic school property.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at
36 CFR Part 800, and to Executive Order 11593, "Protection and Enhance-
ment of the Cultural Environment."
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Ms. Renee Gledhill -Earley,
environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.
Sincerely,
`bavi Brook, Deputy State
Historic Preservation Officer
DB:slw
cc: Haskell Rhett
1
I

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1988 Richlands
Recreation `8? Open Space Plan
P10-d 0
Howard T. Capps 0 Associates
LaadrraPe hr&W • Land P/aa ur_
321 North Front Street
Wilmington, North Carolina