Grannies vs. game sports
Plan will outline future parks, facilities for all ages
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Little League players from Team Nationals round the bases after a victory on the ball field at Horner Park. The number of children who participate in team sports offered by the county's Parks and Recreation Department is leveling off while recreational needs for seniors are rising.

Not only does the Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Department have to compete with other county departments for funding and resources, there are competing needs within citizen groups the department serves.

Last week, the department began gathering citizen input for its new Public Facilities Plan by holding its first meeting at Clover Hill High School. That plan will determine what kind of future facilities will be added at existing parks and where land for new parks might be purchased.

A contingent of seniors turned out to push their needs, saying they weren't currently being met and emphasizing their numbers are growing as baby boomers begin turning 60. Their top request was for a senior center building following the closing of the Senior Center of Chesterfield. The Lifelong Learning Institute, located in the Watkins School Annex, is partially filling that need, but the building was not designed for a senior center. The size and uses of a potential new building were not discussed.

About 1,500 attended the county's Senior Day last month, and the event is about to outgrow yet another facility. Two years ago, it moved to the Victory Tabernacle Church of God after the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds' building became too small.

"The number of seniors is growing at a faster rate," acknowledged Stuart Connock, chief of parks and construction for the Parks and Recreation Department.

While senior needs are up, the number of kids who participate in Parks and Recreation activities is slowing. Currently, 30,000 kids, 10,000 adults and 10,000 seniors are active in county programs, but those statistics are duplicative: a child, adult or senior is counted for each program that he/she participates in.

"The growth rate [for kids] in organized sports is almost flat," added Parks and Recreation Director Mike Golden. Interest in individual activities like hiking and disc golf is growing.

The demand for team sports is stronger in the western half of the county, causing teams to drive farther to access fields. The new facilities plan will project population growth and help the department decide where to locate new facilities.

Coaches and athletic association leaders voiced their needs for more gymnasium space and athletic fields for youngsters. To meet its growing needs, for example, the Weaver Athletic Association in the Robious Road corridor leases gyms and practice fields from nearby churches. Some seven year olds reportedly arrive home after 10 p.m. following practice on school nights.

Increased usage is also impacting field conditions. Coaches say dirt is becoming more common than grass at some athletic fields due to overuse. Some fields are taken out of use during the summer to allow grass to grow. One of the possible solutions - synthetic turf - is under consideration, but cost will be a factor.

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee will review staff recommendations for public facilities at its August meeting and make its final recommendation by December. That proposal will go to the Planning Commission in January before final approval by the Board of Supervisors. The facilities plan will be used to determine how much funding is needed for the next bond referenda, possibly held in 2012.