Completion of our amenities including a concrete skatepark makes us a regional draw. The revitalization of the Gary New Duluth Recreation Area into a fully functioning Community Center and Recreation Area will provide a activity hub for people from “8 to 80”. Although the Gary New Duluth Recreation Area and Birchwood Park are designated as parks, the Gary New Duluth community does not have a “park
”. It is understood that the City has implemented a “hub” philosophy for City parks which does not include Gary New Duluth. The values provided by a functioning Community Center and Recreation Area include, but are not limited to:
• Strengthening the “sense of community”
• Effective use of currently designated park property for the benefit of the community
• Improvement in health
• Reducing impacts of storm water
• Improvement in property values
• Increased tourism
The Gary New Duluth community and the private sector are working together to redevelop the building and area into a fully functioning Community Center and Recreation Area that will become the center of the community. Numerous business and organizations have been solicited to provide support for the project with very positive responses. The City will have to approve project plans and sanction the project. Introduction
The Gary New Duluth neighborhoods are located in the far west portion of Duluth. Figure 1 identifies the location of the neighborhoods and shows the overlapping geographic characteristics of Census Tract 38 (orange) and Zip Code 55808 (purple) in which the community is located. The community has been severely affected by the closure of the U.S. Steel plant in the mid 1970’s and has not fully recovered from the loss of local jobs. The community is served by Stowe Elementary School which provides elementary school education for approximately 360 students from the Fairmont area (Spirit Valley) all the way west to Fond du Lac. Additionally, there is a functioning business district that is looking to grow. Global foundry is expanding as is the Atlas Industrial Park, i.e., Ikonics, which is actively seeking new businesses. Additionally, the Vintage Acres trailer park is located adjacent to Stowe School. There are 300 home sites in the park. The population in Vintage Acres fluctuates between 600 – 800 people. It is estimated that approximately 50% of the home sites have pets. Gary New Duluth does not have a true community center or a “functioning” recreation area that serves the community. With the revitalization of the Gary New Duluth Community Center and Recreation Area, Stowe Elementary School including the school district’s soccer field and the recently restored and enhanced Veterans Memorial will provide the center for the community activities. Market
The Gary New Duluth community is designated as Census Tract 38. 2010 Census data has provided the following data. 2000 census data was used for comparison purposes. The “local” market is addressed in the data provide by the U.S. Census Bureau. However it is envisioned that the planned project will attract people from surrounding communities and potentially throughout the State of Minnesota based on the planned skate park. Justification
The value of having a community park has been proven in many studies conducted nationwide. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
Strengthening the “Sense of Community”
• By effectively using of currently designated park property for the benefit of the community, the people of the community will become stronger, safer and interaction and relations will improve for all. Direct Use Value
• This category includes team sports, skateboarding leagues, ice skating, various programs and social interaction for people of all ages, special events, picnicking, “benchsitting”, enjoying nature, gardening, off lease dog park and more. Health Value
• The site will promote an increase in physical activity which addresses society’s problems with obesity and improve cardiovascular health. Having a site where an individual can relax in a pleasant environment and increase social interaction leads to improved mental wellbeing. Reduce Cost of Managing Storm Water
• Extensive landscaping per the new designed will facilitate improved management of storm water by capturing and slowing runoff. Property Values
• Property values traditionally increase the closer they are to a well maintained, functioning recreation area. Tourism Value
• The site that is envisioned will draw people to the community. This is very positive for local business and the City as a whole. The Gary New Duluth Recreation Area has not received City support or upgrading since 2008 when the existing building was shut down. See Photos of Current Site, regarding the condition of existing facilities. The City hired a consultant in 2012 to evaluate what should be done with the designated Gary New Duluth Recreation Area. The consultant’s report made the following recommendations:
• Remove existing metal building
• New skateboard equipment, basketball court & bituminous pad
• Soil / drainage improvements to create an open turf play area and to allow the potential for an ice skating rink
• Construct a three sided enclosure for a park shelter with grills and picnic tables to accommodate picnicking and skate changing
• Construct a 3-sided enclosure for a portable toilet
• Plant trees near the new shelter for picnicking
• 18 car bituminous parking lot and driveway access off of 101st Ave West
• Install a paved pathway through the park
• Install security lighting and camera
• Use softball field as an open turf play area.
• Add a storm water pond and drainage improvements.
• Use the park land east of 101st Ave West for a community garden
The Community evaluated the report and has developed the following proposal.
• PROPOSED Change of Plan
– Community Center and Recreation Area
The Community does not have a true Community Center (currently the Community Club uses the firehall which is less than adequate for community activities). The Center would be run by a non-profit to provide programming and overall coordination for the site. The focus being on “PLAY” Promoting Lifetime Activities for Youth that would include interaction with all ages up to and including seniors. Our plan includes the following:
• Install new waterline
A new water line is required to revitalize the area including the Community Center, a functioning community garden, ice skating and general irrigation for the grounds.
• Renovate existing building – Community Center
The existing building is structural sound with functioning electrical. It will be renovated to facilitate community activities / programing, ice skating, organizational meeting place
• Dog park
A fenced dog park with a separate fenced area for small dogs is desired. The community is very pet friendly and is supportive. The dog park would be used extensively by the people living in Vintage Acres along with the community at large.
• Ice skating
Pleasure skating would be instituted but not hockey. Three hockey rinks are located in Morgan Park.
• Baseball field becomes soccer field
The baseball field is not being utilized for organized baseball. Soccer, lacrosse and rugby organizations are all in need of field time for practice and games.
• Youth 8 soccer field or ropes course with climbing wall
Our preference would be for a ropes course with climbing wall to truly differentiate the area from others in the City. We are aware that the Duluth Zoo is also considering a similar facility. However, Zoo management has not yet made a final decision. There is also the question of whether their potential facility would be an “attraction” requiring an admission fee or a learning activity center utilized by Duluth Public School students, UMD students, the Courage Center and businesses to promote leadership, teamwork and develop self-esteem.
• Open turf play area
There will be expansive open turf play areas for a variety of non-organized and organized activities.
• Picnic area
A picnic area with tables, grills and a small pavilion is high on the community’s list.
• Skateboard park
A skateboard park utilizing a nationally recognized skatepark designer, Mark Leski aka “The Wizard” is envisioned for the site. The existing skateboard ramps are in poor condition but are constantly in use. Conversations with many participants in the skateboard community indicate that the proposed skatepark would attract people from the City and the region.
• Play court
The existing basketball court is not fenced nor is the blacktop pad in good condition. It is envisioned that a fenced multi-purpose play court including basketball be built.
• Community garden
The community does not have easy access to fresh fruit and vegetables. The ability to grow fruits and vegetables would provide some relief and in addition teach young people about gardening.
• Disc golf
The tax forfeited land administered by St. Louis County adjacent and north of the designated GND Recreation Area would be used for disc golf and walking trails with benches.
• Additional Parking
Parking would be necessary for the expanded, functioning facilities and Stowe School would also benefit as parking is in general short supply when the school has events. Additionally, the traffic situation regarding 101 st Ave West in front of Stowe School and the project site requires basic modification to slow down traffic and provide a safe environment for children and people walking and using the area. Sustainability is the key to success and for the purposes of this section we will focus on use of the site. The basic points include, but are not limited to:
• Utilization
– Stowe School
– The Public – elementary to seniors
– Community Organizations
• Programing
– “PLAY” - Promoting Lifetime Activities for Youth
– Partner with non-profit to manage
– Summer programs
• Physical activities for youth
• Outdoor, physical learning activities for youth
– League activities – Soccer, lacrosse, rugby, skateboard, etc.
– Seminars / social activities
The community has been actively engaged in conversations to determine the specific programing desired. Development, Operation and Maintenance
It is understood that the City is financially limited and has minimal resources to support development, operation and maintenance of the project. Also it is understood that the current City philosophy of park “hubs” does not include the Gary New Duluth Community Center and Recreation Area. However, it is hoped that the City would be able to provide support for the project in a variety of ways such as:
• Sanctioning the project
• Providing guidance and expertise to the project team
• Streamline the permitting process including prompt review and elimination of the building permit fees
• Add the site to the City’s insurance as the City is self-insured
• Attend events and provide publicity for the project; i.e., attend community meetings, attend fundraisers, promote the project on the City’s website, allow the use of the City of Duluth logo in promoting the project and other appropriate means.
• Furnish manpower, equipment and materials for the Center
• Provide utilities to the site including phone/internet service
The Project Team is actively seeking support from the private sector and has received strong support. The Community is prepared to hold fundraisers to benefit the project including future operational requirements. The Project Team will actively seek grants for funding. Future general maintenance is expected to be done by community volunteers and contractors depending on the City’s commitment. Conclusion
The community is in a period of transition with many new people moving to the community. There is not a gathering place to bring the community together a foster a true sense of “community”. This project would provide the catalyst for bringing the community together, benefiting children through seniors and instilling an overall sense of pride throughout the community. Additionally, the City at large would be greatly enhanced by this development. Project success is defined as development of a site that promotes interaction and provides an inviting venue that strengthens the social fabric of the entire community. This plan clearly demonstrates the need and value to the far west communities of the City.
