Colchester Community Recreation Center

Needs Assessment and Master Plan and

Bayside Park Master Plan

October 2016
 Acknowledgements

Administration
DawnFrancis,TownManager
AaronFrank,DeputyTownManagerandCFO
SarahHadd,PlanningandZoningDirector
KathiWalkerOReilly,EconomicDevelopmentDirector
BryanOsborne,PublicWorksDirector

ColchesterSelectBoard
NadineScibek,Chair
HerbDowning
TomMulcahy
JeffBartley
MarcLandry

ParksandRecreationBoard
Dr.RuthBlauwiekel
Dr.AliciaJacobs
AdrianeMartin
LisaLiotta
OwenBanks
SuzanneKelley
DickPecor

ParksandRecreationStaff
GlenCuttitta,ParksandRecreationDirector
DerekMitchell,ParksandRecreationAssistantDirector

ConsultantTeam
PatOToole,PrincipalinCharge,GreenPlay,LLC
TomDiehl,ProjectManager,GreenPlay,LLC
ChuckMusgrave,BRSArchitects
AxelBishop,DesignConcepts
ChrisCares,RRCAssociates

Formoreinformationaboutthisdocument,contactGreenPlay,LLC
1021E.SouthBoulderRoad,SuiteN|Louisville,Colorado80027|Telephone:3034398369
Email:info@greenplayllc.com|www.greenplayllc.com

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TableofContents
ExecutiveSummary.......................................................................................................................1
PurposeofthisPlan......................................................................................................................1
RecommendedSiteandPhasing...................................................................................................1
FinancialAnalysis,OperationalBudget,ProFormaEstimatedConstructionCosts.....................2
I.ThePlanningContext................................................................................................................11
A.PurposeofthisPlan................................................................................................................11
B.ParksandRecreationDepartmentOverview.........................................................................11
C.MethodologyofthePlanningProcess....................................................................................11
II.IdentifyingCommunityNeeds..................................................................................................15
A.SummaryofKeyDemographicsforthisProject.....................................................................15
B.SummaryofInfluencingParksandRecreationTrendsforthisProject..................................17
C.CommunityInput....................................................................................................................19
D.SummaryofCommunityInput...............................................................................................28
III.CommunityRecreationCenterSiteAnalysis............................................................................29
IV.OperationalBudgetandProForma........................................................................................31
OperatingBudgetPurpose..........................................................................................................31
OverallBudget.............................................................................................................................31
V.GreatThingstoComeRecommendationsandActionPlan.....................................................35
A.Recommendations..................................................................................................................35
B.ActionPlan,CostEstimatesandPrioritization........................................................................36
C.Conclusions.............................................................................................................................43

TableofTables
Table1:OperationalandMaintenanceBudgetProjections...................................................................2
Table2:SixYearProforma......................................................................................................................3
Table3:ProjectedProjectBudgetCostEstimates..................................................................................3
Table4:ProjectedBaysideParkProjectCostEstimates.........................................................................4
Table5:ColchesterPopulationprojections,20002020....................................................................16
Table6:ProjectedProjectBudgetCostEstimates................................................................................32
Table7:CommunityRecreationCenterBuildingProgramandCapitalCosts......................................36
Table8:BaysideParkImprovementsTotalConstruction.....................................................................42

TableofFigures
Figure1:ColchesterPopulationAgeDistributionfortheYears2010,2015,and2020.......................16
Figure2:AnnualHouseholdIncomeDistributionComparison(20152020).....................................17
Figure3:ImportanceofProposedFacilities.........................................................................................24
Figure4:PrioritiesfortheCommunityRecreationCenter...................................................................25
Figure5:WillingnesstoSupportFunding.............................................................................................26
Figure6:SuggestionsforImprovementofAmenities..........................................................................27

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan iii


















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ExecutiveSummary

PurposeofthisPlan
TheCommunityRecreationCenterNeedsAssessment
andMasterPlanandBaysideParkMasterPlan
projectprovidestheTownofColchesterwithan
accurateassessmentofthecommunityshealthand
wellnessneeds.Theprocessofferedmany
opportunitiesforpublicinputthroughfocusgroups,
stakeholdermeetings,publicmeetings,aninvitation
survey,andanopenlinksurvey.Theconsultantteam
facilitatedfivefocusgroupswith65participantsand
onepublicforumopentoresidents.

Atotalof3,200surveysweremailedtoarandomsampleofresidents,includinghomeownersand
renters,resultinginstatisticallyvaliddata.Ademographicandtrendsstudywasalsoconductedusing
EnvironmentalSystemsResearchInstitute(Esri)data.In2015,theTownofColchesterhadapopulation
of17,777,whichisexpectedtogrowatanannualrateof0.41percent.TheTownsprojectedpopulation
in2020is18,351.

RecommendedSiteandPhasing
TheresultsofTheCommunityRecreationCenterNeedsAssessmentandMasterPlanandTheBayside
ParkMasterPlanhavebeencompleted.Basedonananalysisofinputreceivedinfocusgroups,
stakeholdermeetings,astatisticallyvalidinvitationsurvey,andanopenlinksurvey,itwasaffirmedthat
residentsoftheTownofColchesterhaveexpressedadesireforaCommunityRecreationCenter.The
recommendationistobuildaCommunityRecreationCenterandpoolinthreePhases.Phase1will
consistofanoutdoorpool(withplanstocoveritinPhase3)andasmallsupportfacilityforlockerrooms
andadministrativeservices.Phase2willaddaCommunityRecreationCenterwithagym,fitness
amenities,arunningtrack,andmeeting/eventspaceadjacenttotheoutdoorpool.Phase3involvesa
roofstructuretocoverthepoolandattachittoTheCommunityRecreationCenter.Thephasingplan
allowstheTowntimetoproperlyidentifysustainableandaffordablefundingsources,conductacapital
fundraisingcampaigntofundtheproject,andpreparenecessaryinfrastructure.

TheconsultantteamrecommendstheBaysideParksiteasthepreferredsitefortheCommunity
RecreationCenter.TheBaysideParkMasterPlandetailsrecommendationsforaddingmanyamenities
toBaysidePark.ConnectingbothsidesofBaysideParkthatarecurrentlyseparatedbyaroadwithan
openandinvitingundertheroadwalkwaywillenhancetheparticipantsenjoymentofthisamazing
facility.TheBayside/HazelettpropertywillalsobeconnectedtoBaysideParkandtransformedwiththe
additionofseveralnewamenities.Aboatdock,amphitheater,lakehouse,greenspaces,skatepark,
meadows,dogpark,indoor/outdoorwaterfeature,volleyball,tennis,pickleball,educationalplay,picnic
areas,bikingtrails,walkingtrails,discgolf,athleticfields,andparkingaresomeofthedesiredamenities.
TheBayside/Hazelettpropertylocationprovidesforanallinoneplaceforanexceptionalparkand
recreationexperiencethattakesadvantageofproximitytoschools,andtheBaysideParkand
Bayside/Hazelettpropertieshavethegreatestpotentialforcombiningalldesiredamenitiesinthemost
costeffectivemanner.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 1
FinancialAnalysis,OperationalBudgetEstimates,ProForma,and
PreliminaryConstructionCosts
GreenPlayconductedafinancialanalysisanddevelopedoperationalandmaintenancebudgetestimates
andasixyearproformaforeachphaseoftheproposeddevelopmentoftheCommunityRecreation
CenterassummarizedinTable1andTable2.Operatingexpensesincludingstaffing,contractual
services,andcommodities.Revenueincludeddailyuserfees,memberships,rentalfees,andprogram
fees.Costrecoverycalculationsarebasedondirectcostsofthefacility.

Table1:OperationalandMaintenanceBudgetProjections
TownofColchester,VermontCommunityRecreationCenter
PreliminaryDraftOperationalBudget
PhaseIOutdoorAquatics14,771sq.ft.
TotalExpenses $349,420
TotalRevenue $166,290
TotalNet $183,130
CostRecovery 48%
PhaseIIOutdoorAquatics14,771sq.ft.and
CommunityCenter35,853sq.ft.Total50,624sq.ft.
TotalExpenses $1,017,884
TotalRevenue $1,231,422
TotalNet $213,538
CostRecovery 121%
PhaseIIICommunityRecreationCenterwithIndoor
Aquatics60,121sq.ft.
TotalExpenses $1,529,894
TotalRevenue $1,399,860
TotalNet $130,034
CostRecovery 92%

2 Town of Colchester, Vermont

Table2:SixYearProforma
TownofColchester,VermontCommunityRecreationCenter
SixYearProForma
PhaseI PhaseII PhaseIII
Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4 Year5 Year6
Expenses
Personnel $177,689 $183,020 $516,883 $532,389 $843,143 $868,437
ContractualServices $70,581 $71,993 $348,102 $358,545 $506,251 $521,439
Commodities $101,150 $103,173 $152,900 $155,958 $180,500 $185,915
TotalExpenses $349,420 $358,185 $1,017,885 $1,046,893 $1,529,894 $1,575,791
Revenues
Passes $118,110 $121,653 $748,910 $771,377 $772,900 $796,087
DailyAdmissions $7,600 $7,828 $102,000 $105,060 $117,300 $120,819
Rentals $4,000 $4,120 $30,020 $30,921 $35,020 $36,071
RecreationPrograms $32,080 $33,042 $200,420 $206,433 $322,568 $332,245
CustomerService $4,500 $4,635 $150,072 $154,574 $152,072 $156,634
TotalRevenue $166,290 $171,279 $1,231,422 $1,268,365 $1,399,860 $1,441,856
Net $188,130 $186,907 $213,537 $221,472 $130,034 $133,935
CostRecovery 48% 48% 121% 121% 92% 92%
*Estimatesarein2016costs.

Table3:ProjectedProjectBudgetCostEstimates
TownofColchester,VTCommunityRecreationCenter
TotalProjectBudgetCostEstimates
PhaseIOutdoorAquatics14,771sq.ft.
FacilityBudget $4,644,243
SiteBudget $1,123,114
SoftCosts $2,038,073
TotalBudget $7,805,430
Phase2OutdoorAquatics&CommunityCenter=50,624sq.ft.
FacilityBudget $8,763,732
SiteBudget $1,040,652
SoftCosts $3,450,107
TotalBudget $13,254,491
Phase3CommunityRecreationCenterwithIndoorAquatics=60,121sq.ft.
FacilityBudget $3,306,000
SiteBudget $1,047,087
SoftCosts $4,438,087
TotalBudget $4,438,087
TotalProjectBudget $25,498,008

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 3
Table4:ProjectedBaysideParkProjectCostEstimates
Colchester,VTConceptualLandscapePlan
Summary
PARCEL SUBTOTAL
BAYSIDEPARKLOWERAREA
ConstructionSubtotal $3,863,507.50
DesignContingency $463,620.90
AdditionalCostFactors $1,254,867.24
SUBTOTALBAYSIDEPARKLOWER $5,581,995.64
BAYSIDEPARKUPPERAREA
ConstructionSubtotal $4,105,027.50
DesignContingency $492,603.30
AdditionalCostFactors $1,333,312.93
SUBTOTALBAYSIDEPARKUPPER $5,930,943.73
BAYSIDE/HAZELETTAREA
ConstructionSubtotal $1,497,607.00
DesignContingency $179,712.84
AdditionalCostFactors $486,422.75
SUBTOTALBAYSIDE/HAZELETT $2,163,742.59
SUMMARYALLTHREEAREASCOMBINED
ConstructionSubtotalCOMBINED $9,466,142.00
DesignContingencyCOMBINED $1,135,937.04
AdditionalCostFactorsCOMBINED $3,074,602.92
GRANDTOTALCOMBINED $13,676,681.96

Tomaximizethewonderful
attributesofBaysidePark
andtomeettheexpressed
needsanddesiresofThe
TownofColchester
residents,the
enhancementofBayside
Parkandthe
Bayside/Hazelettproperty
andtheconstructionofa
CommunityRecreation
Centerarenecessaryto
providetheproper
amenities.Atrue
recreationalexperience
intheBaywouldbe
achievedbycompleting
therecommended
projects.TheCommunity
RecreationCenterwouldbelocatedintheheartofthecommunity.TheBaysideParkjewelwould
becomeevenmoreenhancedandimportanttotheTownofColchester.

4 Town of Colchester, Vermont

Phase1OutdoorPool(WithPlanstoCoverintheFuture)

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 5
Phase2CommunityRecreationCenterLowerandUpperLevelsWithGymandFitnessAmenities
AdjacenttotheOutdoorPool

6 Town of Colchester, Vermont



Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 7
Phase3LowerandUpperLevelsCoverthepoolwithastructuretoattachtoandmatchthe
CommunityRecreationCenter

8 Town of Colchester, Vermont



Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 9
ConceptualPlanofBaysideParkandtheBayside/HazelettPropertyalongwiththeCommunityCenter

10 Town of Colchester, Vermont

I.ThePlanningContext

A.PurposeofthisPlan
Thisplanprovidesrecommendations,whichhelpdeterminehowtheParksandRecreationDepartment
canmeettheidentifiedneedswhilemaintainingthenaturalresourcesandcharacteroftheTown.The
CommunityRecreationCenterNeedsAssessmentandMasterPlandeterminedthatacommunitycenter
isneeded,alongwithprogrammingandfacilitycomponentsthatshouldbeincluded.TheBaysidePark
MasterPlanprojecttransformstheBaysideParksiteintoavibrant,yearrounddestinationformembers
ofthecommunity,attractingwaterfrontusageofmanyvarieties.Preliminarycapitalcostestimates,as
wellasoperationalandmaintenancebudgetprojections,weredevelopedforimplementationofthe
MasterPlansincludingalternativefunding,phasing,partnershipopportunities,andotherinvestment
strategies.Theneedsassessmentandmasterplanningprocessinvolvedmembersofthecommunity
thatweregivenampleopportunitytoparticipatethroughacommunitywidesurvey,focusgroups,and
publicmeetings.TheCommunityRecreationCenterNeedsAssessmentandMasterPlanandBayside
ParkMasterPlanhavebeendesignedtobeactionableplans.

B.ParksandRecreationDepartmentOverview
Colchester,Vermont,locatedonLakeChamplainsMallettsBay,isadiverse,civicmindedcommunity
endowedwitharichheritageofcommercial,agricultural,recreational,andeducationalgifts.Proudof
thequalityoflifealreadyenjoyedhere,thepeopleofColchesterseektobuilduponthisfoundationto
ensureeconomicprosperity,variedrecreationopportunities,andanentrepreneurialspiritforfuture
generations.KnowingthishistoryoftheTownandtheParksandRecreationDepartmenthelpedguide
thedevelopmentoftheprocessandthefinalrecommendations.

C.Methodologyofthe
PlanningProcess
GreenPlay,LLC,inconjunctionwith
BRSArchitects,DesignConcepts,and
RRCAssociates,workedwiththe
staffandresidentsoftheTownof
Colchesterindevelopingthis
CommunityRecreationCenterNeeds
AssessmentandMasterPlananda
MasterPlanforBaysidePark.The
processofferedmanyopportunities
forpublicinputthroughfocus
groups,stakeholdermeetings,public
meetings,aninvitationsurvey,and
anopenlinksurvey.Manyconsider
BaysideParktobeajewelinColchester,withabeautifullocationthatoverlooksLakeChamplain.The
CommunityRecreationCenterNeedsAssessmentandMasterPlandeterminedthatacommunity
recreationcenterwasneededandshouldconsistofanaquaticfacility,gymnasium,fitnesscenter,and
otheridentifiedamenities.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 11
TheTownofColchesterconstituentsprovidedinputtotheconsultingteamthroughouttheplanning
process.Thiscollaborativeeffortcreatedaplanthatfullyutilizestheconsultantsexpertiseand
incorporatesthelocalknowledgeandinstitutionalhistorythatonlytheTownofColchestercommunity
canprovide.

Theprojectconsistedofthefollowingtasks:

ProjectCoordination,StrategicKickOff,andDeterminationofCriticalSuccessFactors
InitialStrategicKickOffmeetingheldviaconferencecall
DetailedWorkPlandiscussedandfinalized
InitialStartupDocumentPackagereviewed
CriticalSuccessFactorsidentified
ProjectScheduleapproved

PublicandStakeholderEngagement
StaffFocusGroupMeeting
StaffSWOTAnalysis
PublicFocusGroupMeetings(5)
StakeholderGroupMeetings
ParkandRecreationBoardMeeting
StaffDebriefingMeeting
OpenPublicForumMeetingwithallstakeholderstosharefindings,preliminary
recommendations,andtogatheranyremainingthoughtsandconcerns

StatisticallyValidRandomInvitationCommunityWideSurvey
SurveydevelopedbasedoninformationgatheredduringInputWeekandfeedbackfromTown
ofColchesterstaff
3,200Surveyswererandomlymailed(14.6%returnrate)
Anopenlinkwebsurveywasavailabletoresidents

MarketAssessment
DemographicsandPopulationProjections
TrendsAnalysis
PotentialProgramAnalysis

SiteAnalysisandConceptualPlansforCommunityRecreationCenter
FacilityDesignConcepts(Interior/Exterior)
Potentialprogrammingcomponents
Potentialcostsforconstruction
Potentialcostsforoperations
Potentialprioritiesandphasingoptions
Sitediscussionandpreliminaryanalysis
SiteSizeversusProgram
FacilityExpansionPotential
AccesstoSite
CompatibilitywithNeighboringUses

12 Town of Colchester, Vermont

 LandandUtilityInfrastructureCosts
SiteCharacterandContext
OtherSiteAmenities/Intangibles

SiteAnalysisandConceptualPlansforBaysideParkandtheBayside/HazelettProperty
FacilityDesignConcepts
Potentialprogrammingcomponents
Potentialcostsforconstruction
Potentialcostsforoperations
Potentialprioritiesandphasingoptions
Sitediscussionandpreliminaryanalysis
FacilityExpansionPotential
AccesstoSite
CompatibilitywithNeighboringUses
SiteCharacterandContext
OtherSiteAmenities/Intangibles

FinancialAnalysis,OperationalBudget,andProForma
Managementrecommendations
Operationalcostprojections
Designguidelines

FinalPlan,Presentations,andDeliverables
ResultsofthePublicInputProcess
ResultsoftheStatisticallyValidRandomInvitationSurvey
Summaryofconditionsandanalysesforthesite
SummariesoftheSitePlanningprocess
Appropriatewrittenmaterialsandgraphics,PowerPointpresentations,slides,andphotographs
thatcanbeusedforpublicpresentations
Presentationofthefinalplan

Detailsforthemajortasksaresummarizedinthefollowingsections.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 13


















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II.IdentifyingCommunityNeeds

Toengagethecommunity,theconsultant
teamfacilitatedfivefocusgroupswith65
participantsandonepublicforumopento
residents,mostofwhomfrequentlyuse
thesportsfacilitiesand/orprograms
locatedintheTownofColchester.The
informationgatheredisveryimportantto
determinepublicfeedbackontheTownof
Colchesterparksandrecreationfacilities,
services,andprograms.Thesepublicinput
sessionsandsubsequentanalyseswere
designedtoassisttheTownofColchester
andtheprojectteamingathering
informationtosupporttheColchester
CommunityRecreationCenterNeeds
AssessmentandMasterPlanandthe
BaysideParkMasterPlan,andfullresults
havebeenprovidedasaStaffResource
Document.Theresultinginformation
enabledtheTowntoproperlydetermineif
aCommunityRecreationCenterisneeded
andtoproperlyplanforthefutureof
BaysideParkandColchestersparkand
recreationfacilities.

SummaryofKeyDemographicsforthisProject
Understandingcommunitydemographicsandneedsisanimportantcomponentofmasterplanning.The
populationdatausedinthisdemographicprofilecomesfromEsrifor2015,basedonthe2000and2010
U.S.CensusdatafortheTownofColchester.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 15
Table5:ColchesterPopulationprojections,20002020
USCensus(2000and2010)andEsriProjections
2000Population 17,197
2010Population 17,280
2015Estimated 17,777
2020Projected 18,351

In2015,theTownofColchesterhadapopulationof17,777,whichisexpectedtogrowatan
annualrateof0.41percent.Theestimatedpopulationin2020is18,351.ThestateofVermont
hasasimilargrowthrate.
Theaveragehouseholdsizewas2.38people,withthemedianagebeing36.9yearsold.
In2015,Colchesterhad7,495housingunitswitha63.4percentowneroccupiedhousingrate.
Thetotalvacancyin2015was10.8percent.
Thegenderdistributionin2015was49.6percentmaleand50.4percentfemale.
Esriestimatesthat93.7percentofthepopulationin2015wasCaucasian,followedbyAsians
with2.5percentandAfricanAmericansat1.40percent.Inthenextfiveyears,thepopulationof
Caucasiansisexpectedtodecrease,buttheAsianandAfricanAmericanpopulationisexpected
toincrease.
ThepopulationofHispanicorigin(irrespectiveofrace),wasat1.6percentin2010,butis
expectedtogrowto2.3percentofthepopulationby2020.EsrisforecastsfromtheU.S.Census
estimatethatthehighestrankingeducationalcohortsinColchesterarethoseresidentswitha
BachelorsDegree(27.2%),highschoolgraduates(23%),andthosewithsomecollege,butno
degree(17.8%).

Figure1:ColchesterPopulationAgeDistributionfortheYears2010,2015,and2020

18.00%
16.00%
14.00%
12.00%
10.00%
8.00%
6.00%
4.00%
2.00%
0.00%
04

1519

2024

2534

3544

4554

5564

6574

7584

85+
(59)

(1014)

2010 2015 2020

ThepercentageofColchesterresidentsinthe6574agecohortisexpectedtoincreasefrom
2010to2020by4.4percent,makingitthefastestgrowingcohort.The4554agegroupis
decreasingmostrapidly,from15.5percentto12.10percentofthepopulation.

16 Town of Colchester, Vermont

Figure2:AnnualHouseholdIncomeDistributionComparison(20152020)


$200,000+
$150,000$199,999

$100,000$149,999

$75,000$99,999
$50,000$74,999

$35,000$49,999

$25,000$34,999
$15,000$24,999
<$15,000


0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0%
2015 2020



Theestimated2015medianhouseholdincomeforresidentsofColchesteris$68,627,anditis
expectedtogrowto$80,228by2020.

B.SummaryofInfluencingParksandRecreationTrendsforthis
Project
Thefollowinginformationhighlightsrelevantregionalandnationaloutdoorrecreationtrendscompiled
fromvarioussources.Thesetrendsalongwiththeresultsofthepublicengagementandthesurvey
determinedtherecreationplansforTheTownofColchesterParksandRecreationDepartment
comprisedinthisreport.
TheMillennialGeneration,generallyconsideredtorepresentthosebornbetweenabout1980
and2000,represented33.9percentofColchesterspopulationin2015.
Eightyonepercent(81%)ofMillennialsnowparticipateonsocialnetworkingsites.
CommunityisessentialtoMillennials;urbanhubsaresoughtoutfortheirampleplacemaking
activities,publicspaces,festivals,publicart,educationopportunities,andtransportation
options.
ConnectivityisextremelyimportanttoMillennials,whoareusingbicyclesandotheralternative
modesoftransportationmorethananyothergenerationforregulartravel.
BabyBoomersaredefinedasindividualsbornbetween1946and1964,asstatedinLeisure
ProgrammingforBabyBoomers.1
Colchestersdemographicprofileindicatesthat28.1percentofthecurrentpopulationfalls
withintheBabyBoomeragerange(thoseapproximately4564yearsofage).
In2011,thisinfluentialpopulationbeganitstransitionoutoftheworkforce.
AsBabyBoomersenterretirement,theywillbelookingforopportunitiesinfitness,sports,
outdoors,artsandculturalevents,andotheractivitiesthatsuittheirlifestyles.

1
LindaCochran,AnneRoshschadl,andJodiRudick,LeisureProgrammingForBabyBoomers,HumanKinetics,2009.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 17
 Withtheirvariedlifeexperiences,values,andexpectations,BabyBoomersarepredictedto
redefinethemeaningofrecreationandleisureprogrammingformatureadults
Tomeetthatgrowingneed,amajorityoftheparksandrecreationagenciessurveyedby
RecreationManagementmagazine(69%)reportedthattheyhaveplanstobuildnewfacilitiesor
makeadditionsorrenovationstotheirexistingfacilitiesoverthenextthreeyears.
Nearlyonethird(32.5%)ofsurveyedagenciesstatedthathaveplanstobuildnewfacilities,and
28.9percentsaidtheyplantoaddtotheirexistingfacilities.
Morethanhalf(52.2%)areplanningrenovationstoexistingfacilities.
Thecurrentnationaltrendistowardonestopindoorrecreationfacilitiestoserveallages.
Large,multipurposeregionalcentershelpincreasecostrecovery,promoteretention,and
encouragecrossuse.
AgenciesacrosstheU.S.areincreasingrevenueproductionandcostrecovery.Multiuse
facilitiesversusspecializedspaceisatrend,offeringprogrammingopportunitiesaswellasfree
playopportunities.Onestopfacilitiesattractyoungfamilies,teens,andadultsofallages.
AccordingtoRecreationManagementmagazines2014StateoftheIndustryReport,national
trendsshowanincreaseduserbaseofrecreationfacilities(privateandpublic).
Additionally,parksandrecreationprovidersrespondingtothesurveyindicatedanaverageage
of23.8yearsfortheircommunityrecreationfacilities.
AccordingtotheNationalSportingGoodsAssociation(NSGA),swimmingrankedthird
nationwideintermsofparticipationin2014.2Outdoorswimmingpoolsarenottypicallyheated
andopenyearround.Swimmingforfitnessisthetopaspirationalactivityforinactivesinsixof
eightagecategoriesintheSports&FitnessIndustryAssociation(SFIA)2013Sports,Fitness,
andLeisureActivitiesToplineParticipationReport,representingasignificantopportunityto
engageinactivepopulations.Nationally,thereisanincreasingtrendtowardindoorleisureand
therapeuticpools.
Additionalindoorandoutdooramenitieslikespraypadsarebecomingincreasinglypopularas
well.Insomecitiesandcounties,spraypoolsarepopularinthesummerandareconvertedinto
icerinksinthewinter.Inthismaturingmarket,communitiesarelookingforatmosphere,an
extensionofsurroundingseithernaturalorbuilt.
Dogparkscontinuetoseehighpopularityandhaveremainedamongthetopplannedaddition
toparksandrecreationalfacilities.
Fitnessprogramsforolderadultswillremainstrongin2015.
AccordingtoRecreationManagementmagazines2015StateoftheIndustryReport,3the
mostcommonprogramsofferedbyparksandrecreationsurveyrespondentsinclude:holiday
eventsandotherspecialevents(79.6%);youthsportsteams(68.9%);daycampsandsummer
camps(64.2%);educationalprograms(63.8%);adultsportsteams(63.4%);artsandcrafts
(61.6%);programsforactiveolderadults(56.2%);fitnessprograms(55%);sportstournaments
andraces(55%);andsportstrainingsuchasgolfortennisinstruction(53.8%).
TheNationalSportingGoodsAssociation(NSGA)surveyonsportsparticipationin20124found
thatthetopfiveathleticactivitiesrankedbytotalparticipationincluded:exercisewalking,
exercisingwithequipment,swimming,camping,andaerobicexercising.

22014ParticipationRankedbyTotal,NationalSportingGoodsAssociation,2015.
3EmilyTipping,2015StateoftheIndustryReport,TrendsinParksandRecreation,RecreationManagement,June2015.
42012Sport/RecreationActivityParticipation,NationalSportingGoodsAssociation,2013,http://www.nsga.org.

18 Town of Colchester, Vermont

 The2013SFIAsportsparticipation
reportindicatesthatin2012youth
(ages612)participationwashighest
foroutdoor(63.1%),team(53.1%)and
individualsport(49.8%).Childrenin
thisagegrouphaveincreasedinterest
incamping,whileyoungadultsages
1824arebecomingmoreinterestedin
running/jogging.
TheNSGAYouthSportsParticipation
Reportfrom20012011indicatesthat
specificofferingsforchildrensfitness
areslowlyincreasinginhealthand
fitnessfacilities.
Noadultrecreationalsportistakingofffasterthanpickleball.5
Fortrailrelatedrecreationactivitiessuchashiking,bicycling,andrunning,the2015Outdoor
RecreationToplineReportindicatesapositivethreeyeartrendfortrailrunning,
running/jogging,hiking,mountainbiking,andBMXbiking.

C.CommunityInput
StakeholderFocusGroups
Fivefocusgroupswereconductedwith65participants,alongwithonepublicforumopentoresidents,
mostofwhomfrequentlyusethesportsfacilitiesand/orprogramslocatedintheTownofColchester.
Theinformationgatheredisveryimportanttoidentifytheparkandrecreationalneedsofthe
community.Thefollowingisasummaryofthefocusgroupsandpublicforuminput.
Focusgroupparticipantswereaskedaseriesofquestions.Thetop10responsesforeachquestionare
indicatedbelow:

WhatarethestrengthsofBaysidePark?Theseweretheresponses,listedinorderofmoststated
listedfirst:
Centrallocation/Hub
Proximitytoschool
Wateraccess
Tenniscourts
Playground
Pavilions
Bikepaths
SkatePark
Paths
Historicalallegiancetoareacommunitygatheringplace

5ChrisGelbach,NeverStopPlaying:TrendsinAdultRecreationalSportsRecreationManagement,September2013,

http://recmanagement.com/feature_print.php?fid=201309fe02,AccessedJanuary2015.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 19
WhataretheweaknessesofBaysidePark?Theseweretheresponses,listedinorderofmoststated
listedfirst:
Traffic
Parkdividedbymajorroad
Waterquality
Transportation,sewer,stormwaterissues
Accesstopark
Slope/Sightline
Treacherousbicycle/pedestrianroute
Notenoughparkingforspecialevent
Oldfacilities
ADAAccessibility

WhatadditionalactivitiesshouldbeofferedatBaysideParkthatarecurrentlynotavailable?These
weretheresponses,listedinorderofmoststatedlistedfirst:
Boating Entertainment/Concerts
ViewofLake Winterrecreationalactivities
WeddingReceptions FoodTruckRallies
Gatewayoneachsideofroadtomarry ChildrenActivities
thetwosidestogether Pedestriansafe
Revenuefromrentalpavilions365days
ayearindoor/outdoor

WhatnewamenitieswouldyouliketoseeColchesterParkandRecreationDepartmentprovideat
BaysidePark?Theseweretheresponses,listedinorderofmoststatedlistedfirst:
SprayPad(coulddoubleasicerink)
TransientDock100footdockhasrecentlybeeninstalled
FloatingBargePerformanceStage
IceSkatingRink
WarmingHut/FirePit
RestaurantontheLake
FishingPier(rentalequipment)
RentalPavilion
ConcertShell
FoodSnackBar,IceCream,Beer

20 Town of Colchester, Vermont

Whoarethekeypartnersandstakeholdersinthecommunitywithregardtoassistingwiththeplansfor
BaysidePark?Theseweretheresponses,innoparticularorder:
Restaurateur Transportation
BikeShop AdjacentPropertyOwners
Fishing/BaitShop Voters
LocalBusinesses Fish&Wildlife
LakesideHotel UVMMedicalCenter
SenateandHouseTransportationChairs BoatingAssociations
Schools LocalSeniorGroups
EmergencyResponders EnvironmentalCommunities
StateRegulators

WhatactivitiesshouldbeofferedatanewCommunityRecreationCenterthatarenotcurrently
available?Theseweretheresponses,listedinorderofmoststatedlistedfirst:
GymCourts
WellnessProgramming(WeightLoss,Nutrition,SmokingCessation,HeartHealth,Diabetes,etc.)
Foodcourt
Walkingtrack
WiFi
FitnessEquipment
DividableMultipurpose
YogaRoom,Pilates,martialArtsMultiuse
PerformanceSpaceMeetingSpacewithstage
Dance

WhatnewwellnessamenitieswouldyouliketoseeColchesterParkandRecreationDepartment
provideatanewCommunityRecreationCenter?Theseweretheresponses,listedinorderofmost
statedlistedfirst:
Gymnasiums
FitnessEquipment
MultipurposeClassroomSpace
Stage
CateringKitchen
CommercialKitchen
ChildCare
Fitness/WorkoutSpace
Fitness/DanceStudio
Walking/JoggingTrack

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 21
HowshouldtheCommunityRecreationCenterbefinanciallysupported?Theseweretheresponses,
listedinorderofmoststatedlistedfirst:
UserFees PrivateDonation/Sponsorship
Private/PublicPartnerships Bonds
OnepercentLocalOptionTax NamingRights
Memberships FundRaisingCampaign
Rentals RecImpactFeeforCapitalProjects
PropertyTax

Whoarethekeypartnersandstakeholdersinthecommunitywithregardtoassistingwiththewellness
programsatanewCommunityRecreationCenter?Theseweretheresponses,listedinorderofmost
statedlistedfirst:
UVMMedicalCenter
ColchesterSchoolDistrict
LocalYouthSportsOrganizations
Library
LocalBusinessCommunity
LocalCivicGroups
SocialServicesOrganizations
Police
SilverSneakers
Developers
PropertyOwners
Clergy

WhatarethekeyissuesandvaluesthattheColchesterParkandRecreationDepartmentneedsto
considerforanewCommunityRecreationCenter?Theseweretheresponses,listedinorderofmost
statedlistedfirst:
CapitalandOperationalFunding
FindingtheRightLocation
Transportation
Sewer/Stormwater
Affordability
Inclusivity
PreK1SchoolAdjacency
FortheCitizens
EconomicSustainability
GreenLEEDBuilding
SenseofCommunity
CommunityHub
Addoutdooramenities/createaparksetting

ThisinformationwasusedtodeveloptheStatisticallyValidRandomInvitationCommunityWideSurvey.
Additionally,thisinformationwasusedbytheGreenPlayTeamtodeveloptheconceptualplansforthe
CommunityRecreationCenterandBaysidePark.AcompletesummaryoftheFocusGroupswere
providedasaStaffResourcedocument.

22 Town of Colchester, Vermont

StatisticallyValidRandomInvitationCommunityWideSurvey
ThepurposeofthissurveywastogatherrepresentativepublicfeedbackontheTownofColchester
parksandrecreationfacilities,services,andprogramsfrombothpotentialusersandnonusersinthe
community.TheinformationgatheredwillallowtheTownofColchestertoproperlydetermineifa
CommunityRecreationCenterisneededandtoproperlyplanforthefutureofBaysideParkand
Colchestersparkandrecreationfacilities.

Atotalof3,200surveysweremailedtoarandomsampleofresidentsincludinghomeownersand
renters.Aninvitationpasswordprotected,mailbacksurveyandanonline,invitationonlywebsurvey
weresenttothoseresidentswithinthedefinedinvitationsample.Anidenticalopenlinkonlinesurvey
formembersofthepublicwhowerenotpartoftheinvitationsamplewasalsoprovided.Theanalysis
primarilyfocusesonresponsesfromthestatisticallyvalidinvitationsample.

Afteraccountingforundeliverableaddresses(59total),3,141surveysweredelivered,and469
responseswerereceived,resultinginaresponserateof14.6percent.Thisisconsideredagreat
response,as10percentisthetargetreturnrate.Themarginoferrorforthe469statisticallyvalid
responsesisapproximately+/4.5percentagepointscalculatedforquestionsat50percentresponse.
Theopenlinksurveyreceivedanadditional161responsesforatotalof630completedsurveys.
Asageneralcomment,itmaybemoreappropriatetofocusattentiononthegeneraltrendsand
patternsinthedataratherthanontheindividualpercentages.

Theunderlyingdatawereweightedbyageandannualhouseholdincometoensureappropriate
representationoftheTownofColchesterresidentsacrossdifferentdemographicgroupsinthe
invitationsample.

Thesurveyresultedinthefollowingfindings:
Sixtyeightpercent(68%)ofinvitationsamplearefemale.
Sixtysixpercent(66%)ofinvitationrespondenthouseholdsearnslessthan$75,000peryear.
Thirtyninepercent(39%)ofinvitationrespondentslivewithchildrenintheirhouseholds.
Fiftyeightpercent(58%)ofinvitationrespondentsreportedbeingacouple.
Respondentsovertheageof55weremorelikelytoselectprotecting/preservingnatural
areas/environment,accessforalltoparksandprograms,andsafetyandsecurity,while
respondentsbetweentheagesof35and54valuedpromotingactivelifestyleandhavingasense
ofcommunity.
Frequentlymentionedamenitiestobeimprovedamonginvitationrespondentsincludedtrails,
accessibility,communitycenter,indoorcourtsandfields,andconcessions.
Regardingamenitiestobeadded,improved,ormaintainedatBaysideParkrespondentsfavored
bathroomandshowerfacilitiesandimprovedwateraccessandweremorelikelytoutilize
BaysideParkifpedestrianaccessandfamilyfriendlyoptionswereaddressedbythetown.
Seventythreepercent(73%)ofinvitationrespondentsselectedcommunityeventsincluding
concerts,festivals,andtriathlonsasthemostneededprogramintheTownofColchester,
followedbyoutdoorrecreationprograms(63%)andfitnessclasses(59%).Openlink
respondentsrespondedwithsimilarresults.
AsseeninFigure3,61percentofinvitationrespondentsidentifiedexerciserooms;60percent
exerciseequipment;and63percentanindoorpoolasthemostimportantfacilities,amenities,
andprogramstobeofferedatafutureColchesterCommunityRecreationCenter.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 23
Figure3:ImportanceofProposedFacilities

Openlinkrespondentsselectedagymnasiumforbasketball,volleyball,pickleball,etc.,andfitness
classesasimportantfutureamenitiestobeofferedataColchesterCommunityRecreationCenter.
ThemostimportantcurrentfacilitiesinColchesterarecommunityparks(84%),trailsand
pathways(81%)openspaceandnaturalareas(80%),publicwateraccess(77%)andBaysidePark
beach(74%).
Thehighestratedprogramiscommunityeventssuchasconcerts,festivals,triathlons,(73%),
followedbyoutdoorrecreationprograms(63%).
Communityeventswerelistedasoneoftheirtopthreeprogramsdesiredby48percentof
invitationrespondents,21percentselectedcommunityeventsastheirnumberonepriority.
AfutureCommunityRecreationCenterwithexerciseroomsandequipmentandanindoorpool
areimportantamenitiesidentifiedbyinvitationrespondents.
Invitationrespondentsidentifiedthemostimportantprogramstobeofferedatafuture
CommunityRecreationCenterincludedyoga,martialarts,spin,andfitness.
Invitationrespondentsidentifiedexerciseequipmentincludingcardiovascularmachinesand
weights,andanindoorpoolastheirmostimportantfeatureinfuturefacilities.

24 Town of Colchester, Vermont

Figure4:PrioritiesfortheCommunityRecreationCenter

Wheninvitationrespondentsidentifiedtheirtopthreeprioritiesforanewfacility,anindoor
poolreceivedthehighestratingof43percent,followedbyexerciseequipment(30%).Apoolis
clearlyacommunitypriority.
Trailsandpathwaysforwalkingandbicyclingaretopamenitiestobeadded,improved,or
maintainedatBaysidePark.
Openspace/naturalareasandpedestrianaccesstothebeachwerealsomentionedfrequently.
Fiftypercent(50%)ofinvitationrespondentsindicatedthattheywouldbemorelikelyto
increasetheiruseatBaysideParkifadditionalfacilitiesandamenitieswereavailable.
Residentshighlyvalueprotectingwaterqualityofthebay,rivers,creeks,andwetlands.Ninety
onepercent(91%)ofinvitationrespondentsidentifiedprotectingwaterqualityofthebay,
rivers,creeks,andwetlandsasahighlyimportantforColchestersopenspaceandnaturalareas.
Fiftyonepercent(51%)ofinvitationrespondentsindicatedapreferenceforanequalbalanceof
preservation/protectionandrecreation/useefforts.
Fifteenpercent(15%)ofinvitationrespondentsstronglyfavorpreservation/protection,and12
percentstronglyfavorarecreationemphasis.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 25
Figure5:WillingnesstoSupportFunding

Fiftysixpercent(56%)ofinvitationrespondentsand68percentofopenlinkrespondents
expressedsupportforacurrentlocaloptionsalestaxtofundcapitalcosts.
Twentyninepercent(29%)ofinvitationrespondentsand42percentofopenlinkrespondents
supportanewpropertytaxfundedbond.
Fiftysixpercent(56%)ofinvitationrespondentsand49percentofopenlinkrespondentswere
morewillingtosupportuserfeestofundoperationsandmaintenancecoststhanpropertytax
basedtechniques.
Sixtyonepercent(61%)ofinvitationrespondentsidentifiedtheColchesterParks&Recreation
Guideasthebestmethodofcommunication,followedbytheTownofColchesternewsletter
(45%)andemailfromtheTownofColchester(37%).
Socialnetworkingisveryimportanttothoseundertheageof35yearsandmuchlesssofor
olderrespondents.

26 Town of Colchester, Vermont

Openlinkrespondentsresultsweresimilartoinvitation
respondents.
Openlinkrespondentsplacedsimilarlevelsof
importanceoncurrentfacilities,identifying
communityparks,trailsandpathways,open
spacesandnaturalareas,publicwateraccess,
andBaysideParkbeachashighlyimportant.
Bothinvitationandopenlinkrespondentsrated
thesefacilitieswithover4.0averageratingson
a5.0scale.
Openlinkrespondentsalsoidentifiedsimilar
programsandactivitiesdesired,havesimilar
viewsonopenspaceandnaturalareas,andhadcomparablelevelsofsupportfordifferent
fundingmechanisms.

Thereareafewnotabledifferencesbetweeninvitationandopenlinkrespondentsincludingtopvalues
theTownofColchestershouldfocuson:
Invitationrespondentsidentifiedprotecting/preservingnaturalareas/environment(51%)asa
toplongtermfocuswhile,openlinkrespondentsweremorelikelytoselectaccessforallto
parksandprograms(47%),investinginyouth(45%),andpromotingactivelifestyles(42%)as
topareasoffocus.

Figure6:SuggestionsforImprovementofAmenities

AcompletesummaryoftheSurveywasprovidedasaStaffResourcedocument.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 27
D.SummaryofCommunityInput
Ananalysisofinputreceivedinfocusgroups,stakeholdermeetings,astatisticallyvalidinvitationsurvey,
andanopenlinksurveyaffirmsthattheTownofColchesterresidentshaveexpressedadesirefora
communityrecreationcenter.AsstatedbyaColchesterstaffmember,thecommunityrecreationcenter
willserveasahubforcommunitygatheringsandactivities.Addingtheseamenitiestothetownwill
provideforgreatercrossgenerationalinteractionsandahappymorevibrantcommunity.Theresidents
indicatedthataCommunityRecreationCentershouldinclude:
Aquaticsarea FoodCourt
Gymnasium IndoorTurfSpace
Fitnessexercisearea Meeting/Conferencerooms
Fitness/danceroom CommunityArea
Indoorwalking/joggingtrack Arts&Crafts
Multipurposedividable IndoorAquaticCenter
meeting/classroom/eventspace ClimbingWall
Stage SportsPerformanceSpace(Wellness)
Catering/TeachingKitchen PerformingArts
ChildCare
SnackBar

DuringFocusGroupMeetingsresidentsstatedthatBaysideParkhastremendoushistoricalimportance
andhasservedasasocialcommunitygatheringplaceforgenerations.ResidentsindicatedthatBayside
ParkiswhatgivestheTownofColchesteritsidentityandsenseofcommunity.Residentsexpressedan
interestinandthefollowingamenitiestoBaysidePark:
SprayPad(coulddoubleasicerink) Passiverecreationviewing
TransientDock100footdockisbeing RestRooms
built Gatewaytowater
FloatingBargePerformanceStage BocceBallCourts
IceSkatingRink LargeDestinationPlayground
WarmingHut/FirePit BikeRentals
RestaurantontheLake PickleBallCourts
FishingPier(rentalequipment) Waterwalkwaytoconnectnewproperty
RentalPavilion Bayside/Hazelett
ConcertShell SomethingonwaterIndoorProgramSpace
FoodSnackBar,IceCream,Beer IndoorRentalSpace(500persondividable)
WeddingRentals/TentLocation MultipurposeCourtsPickleBall,Tennis
Showers Kayak/Canoe/SUPsDropOff&Dock
ViewingAreaofthebaywithseating Dogparks
Boardwalk
FoodTruckspace

28 Town of Colchester, Vermont

III.CommunityRecreationCenterSiteAnalysis

Fivesiteswereconsideredinthecommunitycenteranalysis.SiteFeatures,Usability/Services,
AnticipatedCosts(SoftCosts)andCommunityPlanningwereratedforeachoftheinitialfivesites.
SoftCostsinclude:
Furniture,Fixtures,andEquipmentforbuildingsandsite
Contingencyamountof15percentoftotalcosts
OtherCosts
Architectureandengineeringcosts
AdditionalConsultants
Groundwaterinvestigation
SepticSystemDesign
ArchaeologyConsulting
Sewer&Watertapfees
Reimbursableexpenses
PlanreviewandPermits
CommissioningofMechanicalandAquaticEquipment

AfterreviewanddiscussionwiththeColchesterTeam,twositeswereshortlisted
Site1SeveranceCorners,Site2BaysidePark.
SeveranceCornershasthefollowingadditionalcosts
LandCosts(phaseoneonly)
MorePaving
LessTimetoPermit

BaysideParkhasthefollowingadditionalcosts
SepticSystems(bothphases)
AddedEngineering
IncreasedCostforPermitdelays($132,665)

BasedonthisinformationthefollowingsitescorematrixwasdevelopedshowingBaysideParkhasthe
higherscoringandwasthereforedeterminedtobethepreferredsite.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 29

SITECOMPARISONSCORES
SEVERANCECORNERS BAYSIDEPARK
SITEFEATURES 59 64
USABILITY/SERVICES 46 34
ANTICIPATEDCOSTS 14 22
COMMUNITYPLANNING 26 48
TOTALSITESCORE 145 168

30 Town of Colchester, Vermont

IV.OperationalBudgetEstimatesandProForma

GreenPlayconductedafinancialanalysisanddevelopedoperationalbudgetsandproformabudgetsfor
eachphaseoftheproposeddevelopmentoftheCommunityRecreationCenter.Operatingexpenses
includingstaffing,contractualservices,andcommodities.Revenueincludeddailyuserfees,
memberships,rentalfees,andprogramfees.

OperatingBudgetPurpose
Theoperatingbudgetisdrivenbytheoverallservicephilosophy,whichshoulddefinethefacilitys
purposes,includingwhomthefacilityisgoingtoserveandatwhatleveltheserviceisgoingtobe
provided.Theoperatingbudgetwillbedevelopedforallthreephasesofthisproject.
Anoperatingbudgetdevelopedineachofthesephasesservesseveralpurposes:
Assistsinhelpingtoestablishgoalsandexpectationswithoperationstomatchthedesiretoobtain
thehighestcostrecoverypossible.
Providesafoundationforunderstandingwhatwillbenecessarytomeetbudgetexpectationsand
guideshowmarketingplansandstrategiesaredevelopedandimplemented.
Offersaguideforfutureprojectdecisionsbyprovidingaframeworkforunderstandingtheimpact
ofdecisionsaboutfees,operationsystems,staffinglevels,etc.
DemonstratespotentialoverallimpactstotheTownsbudget.

OverallBudget
ItisagoaltominimizetheamountoftaxsubsidynecessarytooperatetheCommunityRecreation
Center.Normallyitisextremelydifficultforpublicrecreationfacilitiestoberunwithoutsubsidyand
solelyfromthecollectionoffeesandchargesandalternativefundingsuchasgrants,philanthropicgifts,
orvolunteers.Withthismind,theoperationalbudgetplanningforthisfacilityusesaconservative
approachtoestimatingreasonableexpensesandmoderateapproachtoprojectingrevenues.Since
recoveringalloftheoperatingexpensesthroughrevenuesgeneratedbythefacilityisnotthenormand
theenvisionedoutcome,revenuesshouldbeviewedasgoalsasmuchastheyareconsidered
projections.

WhilethisinitialbudgetprovidesabaselineduringPhase1,itisanticipatedthatrevenuesandexpenses
willchangeasthisprojectentersPhase2andPhase3.
Leadinguptoandduringthefirstyearofoperation,marketingandpromotioneffortsandcosts
willbeelevatedtoattractanexpandedpopulation.
Particularlyinyearoneandtwo,theattractionofthefacilitywillbehigherthaninsubsequent
yearsuntilPhase2andPhase3arecompleted.

Thereisnoguaranteethattheestimatesandprojectionswillbemet,andtherearemanyvariablesthat
cannotbeaccuratelydeterminedduringthisconceptualplanningstageormaybesubjecttochange
duringtheactualdesignandimplementationprocess.

Thebudgetestimatesshouldberevisitedinmoredepthatthenextphaseoftheprojectbybuildinga
groundupcostsandrevenueprojectionusinglocalexperience.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 31
Assumptions
Budgetiscalculatedin2016figures
Phase1OutdoorAquaticFacility:85hours/weekx20weeks4weeksfor
training/opening/closing(average13hours/day)=1,840hoursperyear
Phase2OutdoorAquaticFacility:85hours/weekx20weeks4weeksfor
training/opening/closing(average13hours/day)=1,840hoursperyear
CommunityRecreationCenter:95hours/weekx51weeks1weekfordeepcleaning/repairs
plus3Holidays/Shutdown(average13hours/day)=4,845hoursperyear
Phase3CommunityRecreationCenterwithIndoorAquaticFacility:
95hours/weekx51weeks1weekfordeepcleaning/repairsplus3Holidays/Shutdown
(average13hours/day)=4,845hoursperyear

Expenditures
Generally,personnelcostsmakeupthesinglehighestexpenseformostmultipurposerecreation
facilities,oftenupto65percentoftheoperationalbudget.

Table6:ProjectedProjectBudgetCostEstimates
TownofColchester,VTCommunityRecreationCenter
ProjectedExpenditures%Summary
Phase1OutdoorAquatics
Personnel 59%
Services 25%
Supplies 16%
Phase2OutdoorAquaticsandCommunityCenter
Personnel 60%
Services 30%
Supplies 10%
Phase3CommunityRecreationCenterwithIndoorAquatics
Personnel 63%
Services 28%
Supplies 9%

Theestimatedutilitycostsforthevolumeofspacewithinthefacilityaccountsforahighpercentageof
theservicesbudgetandneedstobeverifiedbythedesignteam.Othertypicalservicesinclude
contractedinstructionalservices,marketingandadvertising,printingandpublishing,travelandtraining,
subscriptionsandmemberships,telephone,bankchargesandadministrativefees,miscellaneousservice
charges(permits,licenses,taxes,fees),buildingandequipmentmaintenance(contractualorrental
services),othercontractedservices(custodialservices,securityandfiresystems,elevator,garbagepick
up,etc.),utilities,propertyandliabilityinsurance,buildingmaintenance,andrepair.

32 Town of Colchester, Vermont

Expenditureestimatesarebasedonthetypeandsizeoftheactivityandsupportspacesinthefacility
andtheanticipatedhoursofoperation.Whenpossibleandwhereveravailable,calculationsarebased
onactualbestpracticeormethodology.Allotherexpensesareestimatedbasedonourresearchand
reportedexperienceatsimilarfacilities.
CapitalReplacementFundisincludedinthebudgetatapproximatelytwopercentofexpense
budgettopurchasecapitalreplacementitemsforthefacilitywhennecessary.
EquipmentReplacementFundisincludedinthebudgetatapproximatelyonepercentof
expensebudgettopurchasereplacementornewfitnessequipmentforthefacilitywhen
necessary.
Allcomputers,registrationssystem,software,etc.willbeincludedintheFurniture,Fixtures,and
Equipment(FFE)listandfundedthroughthecapitalbudgetandisnotincludedinthe
operationalandmaintenancebudget.

Revenues
RevenuesareforecastinthreePhasestomatchthethreePhasesofconstructionofthefacility.
Revenuesareforecastbasedonanticipateddropinfees,punchcardandpasssales,andrentalsaround
anticipatedscheduledprogramming.Thepreliminarybudgetprojectsprogramrevenueat100percent
costrecoveryfordirectcosts(seedetailedinformationbelow).Revenueprojectionstakeintoaccount
programandfacilitycomponents,multipleadmissionandagediscounts,andpoliticalandeconomic
realities.

Revenueforecastsarebasedonthespacecomponentsincludedinthefacility,thedemographicsofthe
localservicearea,andthecurrentstatusofalternativeprovidersintheservicearea.Actualfigureswill
varybasedonthefinaldesignofthefacilityandtheactivityspacesincluded,themarketatthetimeof
opening,thedesignatedfacilityoperatingphilosophy,theaggressivenessoffeesandusepolicies
adopted,andthetypeofmarketingeffortundertakentoattractpotentialuserstothefacility.The
revenueforecastwillrequireadevelopedmarketingapproachbystaffinordertomeetrevenuegoals.
Passholderscanparticipateinselfdirectedactivitiesandmustpayadditionallyfortheclasses.
Therewillbenocontracts,initiationfees,orregistrationfeesassociatedwiththepasses.
Automaticdebitsfromcheckingaccounts,savingsaccountsorcreditcardswillbeanoptionand
notmandatoryforpasses.
DropInchildWatch/Babysittingforpassholdersandprogramparticipantsisbasedon28hours
perweekat$4perhour.A50percentdiscountisgivenforadditionalchildren.
Minimalmerchandiseresaleitemsaretobesoldatthefrontdeskincludingswimcaps,swim
goggles,noseplugs,earplugs,swimdiapers,etc.Revenueiscalculatedat200percentofdirect
costs.
Vendingrevenueiscalculatedat200percentofdirectcosts.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 33
 Allprogramrevenuesarecalculatedat100percentrecoveryofdirectcostsatapproximately60
percentcapacityofprimetimeprogrammablespace.Asthisfiguremightfluctuate,itwillhave
minimalimpactthenetcostrecoveryofthefacilitybasedonthedirectcostofexpensesequals
therevenuesduetothe100percentcostrecoveryofdirectcosts.Thedirectcostsincludeall
thespecific,identifiableexpenses(fixedandvariable)associatedwithoperatingafacility,
providingaserviceorprogram.Theseexpenseswouldnotexistwithouttheprogramorservice
andoftenincreaseexponentially.Directcostsincludethefollowing:
Contractualservicesforinstructors,leaders,aides,officials,coaches,etc.
Hourlywagesforprogrammersandsupervisorspereachprogramarea.
Consumableequipmentandsupplieslikeballs,paper,crafts,andartsuppliesprovided
byinstructororagency.
Uniforms,teeshirts,forparticipants.
Nonconsumable equipment purchased only for the program that require periodic,
continualreplacementorarenecessaryforthestartoftheprogram.
Entryfees,tickets,admissionsforparticipantsandleaders/instructors.
Rentalorprofessionalfeesforfacilities,spaces,custodians,chargebacks,etc.
Equipmentrentalorrepairforprogramsorfacilities.
Advertisementassociatedwithaspecificprogram.
Anyothercostsassociatedorattributedspecificallywiththeprogramorservice.

AcompletesummaryoftheProjectedBudgetsandaProFormaBudgetwereprovidedasaStaff
Resourcedocument.

34 Town of Colchester, Vermont

V.GreatThingstoComeRecommendationsand
ActionPlan

Ananalysisofinputreceivedinfocusgroups,
stakeholdermeetings,astatisticallyvalid
invitationsurvey,andanopenlinksurveyaffirms
TownofColchesterresidentsdesirefora
CommunityRecreationCenter.TheGreenPlay
DesignTeamrecommendstheBaysideParksite
asthepreferredsitefortheCommunity
RecreationCenter,asdetailedintheDesign
TeamsSiteEvaluationPresentation.Thislocation
providesforanallinoneplaceforanexceptional
parkandrecreationexperience,takesadvantage
ofproximitytoschools,andtheBaysideParkand
Bayside/Hazelettpropertieshavethegreatest
potentialforcombiningalldesiredamenitiesin
themostcosteffectivemanner.

A.Recommendations
TherecommendationistobuildaCommunityRecreationCenterin3Phases:
Phase1Outdoorpool(withplanstocoverinthefuture)
Phase2CommunityRecreationCenterwithgymandfitnessamenitiesadjacenttotheoutdoor
pool
Phase 3 Cover the pool with a structure to attach to and match the Community Recreation
Center

RationaleforPhasingallowstheTowntimetoproperlypreparenecessaryinfrastructureandraise
fundingfortheproject.

ColchesterStaffSiteEvaluations

BaysidePark
Closeproximitytoschools,lake,bikepaths,residences,andbusinesses.
PossiblesharingoffacilitieswithSchoolDistrict.
OpportunitytodevelopBayside/HazelettpropertywithamenitiesfromBaysidethatwouldneed
tobemoved.
WouldcreateatruerecreationalexperienceintheBay.
CommunityCenterwouldbelocatedintheheartofthecommunity.
PlacingtheCommunityCenteratBaysidemayaddtotrafficcongestion.Trafficwouldneedtobe
mitigated.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 35
SeveranceCorners
State Downtown Board would prefer the community investment in a new facility to be in the
SeveranceCornersareatomaintainthetowncenter/growthcenterdesignation.
Accesstosewerlineandpublictransportation.
Nottheheartofthecommunity.
Nobike/pedestrianconnectionstotheschools.
NosignificantcostsavingsinlocatingtheCommunityCenteratSeveranceCorners.
DoesnotcreatetheRecreationDestinationfeeling.

B.ActionPlan,CostEstimatesandPrioritization
Thefollowingrecommendationsaredrawnfrompublicfocusgroupandstaffinput,statisticallyvalid
survey,findings,andtheinformationgatheredduringtheprocessofdevelopingtheCommunity
RecreationNeedsAssessmentandMasterPlanandBaysideParkMasterPlan.Allcostestimatesarein
2016figureswhereapplicable.Mostcostsaredependentontheextentoftheenhancementsand
improvementsdeterminedorknownatthistime.

Table7:CommunityRecreationCenterBuildingProgramandCapitalCosts
TownofColchester,VTCommunityRecreationCenter
TotalProjectBudgetCostEstimates
PhaseIOutdoorAquatics14,771sq.ft.
FacilityBudget $4,644,243
SiteBudget $1,123,114
SoftCosts $2,038,073
TotalBudget $7,805,430
Phase2OutdoorAquatics&CommunityCenter=50,624sq.ft.
FacilityBudget $8,763,732
SiteBudget $1,040,652
SoftCosts $3,450,107
TotalBudget $13,254,491
Phase3CommunityRecreationCenterwithIndoorAquatics=60,121sq.ft.
FacilityBudget $3,306,000
SiteBudget $1,047,087
SoftCosts $4,438,087
TotalBudget $4,438,087
TotalProjectBudget $25,498,008

36 Town of Colchester, Vermont

CommunityRecreationCenterConceptualDrawings

CommunityRecreationCenterin3Phases
Phase1Outdoorpool(withplanstocoverinthefuture)

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 37
Phase2CommunityRecreationCenterlowerandupperlevelswithgymandfitnessamenities
adjacenttotheoutdoorpool

38 Town of Colchester, Vermont



Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 39
Phase3LowerandUpperLevelsCoverthepoolwithastructuretoattachtoandmatchthe
CommunityRecreationCenter

40 Town of Colchester, Vermont



Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 41
Table8:BaysideParkImprovementsTotalConstruction
Colchester,VTConceptualLandscapePlan
Summary
PARCEL SUBTOTAL
BAYSIDEPARKLOWERAREA
ConstructionSubtotal $3,863,507.50
DesignContingency $463,620.90
AdditionalCostFactors $1,254,867.24
SUBTOTALBAYSIDEPARKLOWER $5,581,995.64
BAYSIDEPARKUPPERAREA
ConstructionSubtotal $4,105,027.50
DesignContingency $492,603.30
AdditionalCostFactors $1,333,312.93
SUBTOTALBAYSIDEPARKUPPER $5,930,943.73
BAYSIDE/HAZELETTAREA
ConstructionSubtotal $1,497,607.00
DesignContingency $179,712.84
AdditionalCostFactors $486,422.75
SUBTOTALBAYSIDE/HAZELETT $2,163,742.59
SUMMARYALLTHREEAREASCOMBINED
ConstructionSubtotalCOMBINED $9,466,142.00
DesignContingencyCOMBINED $1,135,937.04
AdditionalCostFactorsCOMBINED $3,074,602.92
GRANDTOTALCOMBINED $13,676,681.96

42 Town of Colchester, Vermont

BaysideParkConceptualDrawing

C.Conclusions
Thereisademandandneedformorerecreationfacilitiesandgroupgatheringspacewhichwas
confirmedbysurveyandParksandRecreationstaffwhofieldstherequestsfortheseuses.
ThedemographicsinColchesterrepresentayoungerandmoreactivepopulationthanbefore.
Businesseswouldbenefitfromayearroundrecreationfacilitybringingpeopletoacommunityhuband
commercialcenter.ArevitalizedBaysideParkareawoulddrawmoretourismandboatersontoland.
Increasedrecreationopportunitiesareimportantforacommunityshealth,economy,andsocialfabric.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 43
TomaximizethepotentialofBaysideParkandtheBayside/HazelettpropertyforallTownofColchester
residentsandtomeettheirexpressedneedsanddesires,renovationsandenhancementstotheexisting
BaysidePark,developmentoftheBayside/HazelettpropertyandconstructionofanewCommunity
RecreationCenterarenecessarytocreatetheneededamenities.Thislocationprovidesforanallinone
placeforanexceptionalparkandrecreationexperience,takesadvantageofproximitytoschools,and
theBaysideParkandBayside/Hazelettpropertieshavethegreatestpotentialforcombiningalldesired
amenitiesinthemostcosteffectivemanner.

ThenewCommunityRecreationCenterwill
includeanaquaticsfacility,gymnasium,
runningtrack,meeting/eventspace,and
fitnessspacenecessarytoprovideenough
indoorrecreationspacefortheTownof
Colchesterresidents.

TheenhancedBaysideParkand
developmentoftheBayside/Hazelett
propertieswillprovidetheneededoutdoor
fieldspace,openspace,andamenitiesto
provideoutstandingoutdooractivitiesto
theentireTownofColchestercommunity.
ConnectingbothsidesofBaysideParkthat
arecurrentlyseparatedbyaroadwithan
openandinvitingundertheroadwalkway
willenhancetheparticipantsenjoymentof
thisamazingfacility.TheBayside/Hazelett
propertywillalsobeconnectedtoBayside
Parkandtransformedwiththeadditionof
severalnewamenities.Aboatdock,
amphitheater,lakehouse,greenspaces,
skatepark,meadows,dogpark,
indoor/outdoorwaterfeature,volleyball,
tennis,pickleball,educationalplay,picnic
areas,bikepumptrails,walkingtrails,discgolf,athleticfieldsandparkingaresomeofthedesired
amenities.

ThecombinationofanewCommunityRecreationCenterandanenhancedBaysideParkalongwiththe
developmentoftheBayside/HazelettpropertywillallowtheTownofColchesterParksandRecreation
Departmenttoprovideyearroundrecreationopportunitiesforallresidents.Thedesignsofthese
facilitieswerecompletedusingthemostcosteffectivestrategiesavailable.TheTownwouldnothaveto
duplicateinfrastructurecostsnorstaffingcostswiththisplanduetothestrategicconsolidationofthe
facilitiesandthedifferenttypesofparkamenitiesprovidedattwodifferentlocations.

44 Town of Colchester, Vermont

Therecommendednextstepsincludeadditionalpublicinputtoreacttoandprovidefurtherinputonthe
conceptualplansthathavebeendeveloped.Prioritizationofamenitiesandphasingofwhatshouldbe
developedfirst,withcommunitysinput,isneeded.Furtherrefinementofcostestimatesanddesigns
willneedtooccurastheprocessofcontinuedcommunityinputrefinesthedesignoftheseconceptual
plans.Explorationofpermittingrequirementsandtrafficmitigationwillbeneededalongwith
coordinationwiththeDPWsscopingstudyfortheLakeshore/Blakelyintersection.Plansforfinancing,
incorporationintocapitalplanandexplorationofcapitalfundraisingcampaigncapacitywillbeneedto
bedeveloped.Inordertomovetheseconceptualplansfromdreamstoreality,communityinterest,and
supportisessential.TheColchesterstaffcannotdothisalone.

Community Recreation Center Needs Assessment and Master Plan | Bayside Park Plan 45