Conneaut parks redevelopment plan for the City of Conneaut, Ohio

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

City of Conneaut

Conneaut Parks
Redevelopment Plan
Conneaut, Ohio

1981
#80-D-C2052

COASTAL ZONE
INFORMATION CENTER

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C57
C6
1981

18253
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C6 #8-D-CZ052
1981

CONNEAUT PARKS REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

FOR THE
FEB 11 1998

CITY OF CONNEAUT, OHIO

Property of CSC Library

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
CHARLESTON, SC 29405-2413

ABSTRACT

TITLE: Conneaut Parks Redevelopment Project

AUTHOR: The Department of Housing, Planning,
and Community Development

SUBJECT: Redevelopment of Lake View and Malek
Parks

DATE: October, 1981

NAME OF PLANNING AGENCY: Ohio Department of Energy
SOURCE OF COPIES: The Department of Housing, Planning,
and Community Development

DOE CONTRACT NO: 80-100

This document was funded in part through
the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1912,
as amended (Coastal Energy Impact Program),
provided by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce,
NOAA, through the Ohio Department of Energy.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to provide an analysis
of coastal energy facilities and their relationship
to recreational facilities. An analysis of existing
conditions and a needs assessment will provide
guidelines for redevelopment of Malek and Lake View
Parks. The redevelopment plan will aid in mitigating
the effects of the energy facilities located adjacent
to an undeveloped area of Lake Erie.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract ................................................. Page i
List of Fisures .......................................... Page iii
List of Tables ........................................... Page iv

CHAPTER I. Introduction

Purpose ................................... Page 1
General Setting ........................... Page 2
Characteristics of the City ............... Page 3
General Goals of the City ................. Page 5
Goals of the City as they relate
to Open Space and Recreation Areas ........ Page 7

CHAPTER II. Activities and Need for Assistance

Energy Facility Description ................ Page 8
Park Description .......................... Page 22

CHAPTER III. Proposed Design

Lake View Park ............................ Page 27
Malek Park ................................. Page 29
Funding Availability ...................... Page 40

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page
1 City of Conneaut ........................... 4

2 Malek and Lake View Parks ................. 23

3 Lake View Park ............................ 31

4 Multi-Purpose Recreation Center ........... 32

5 Multi-Purpose Recreation Center ........... 33

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

Estimate of Cost - Lake View Park ......... 30

2 Estimate of Cost - Malek Park ............... 41

I. INTRODUCTION

Increased awareness by all segments of society of the need

to preserve the natural environment combined with i ncreased

leisure time has focused added attention upon needs for open

space and recreation facilities. Certainly this is the case in

the City of Conneaut. Interest in conservation, beautification,

pollution abatement and ways to improve "livability" combined

with increased leisure time, greater mobility and greater

disposable incomes have added to the demand for facilities for

relaxation.

This report will analyze existing conditions, assess needs

and provide guidelines for redevelopment of two City recreational

areas, Malek Park and Lake View Park. Based on existing condi-

tions, projected growth standards, and potential for development,

recommendations are made for developing these facilities.

A. Purpose

The Coastal Energy Impact Program (CEIP), for the City of

Conneaut, was prepared as part of the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration's CEIP. The CEIP was created by the

1976 amendments to the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1970" and is

a federally funded program designed to assist in the mitigation

of impacts related to coastal energy activity. The Ohio Depart-

ment of Energy (ODOE) has assumied responsibility for development,

implementation and administration of the CEIP within the State of

Ohio. On July 10, 1980 the ODOE awarded a federal grant to the

City of Conneaut to analyze impacts and develop mitigative

measures to offset impacts caused by the development of coastal

energy activities.

B. General Setting

The City of Conneaut, an area covering approximately 27

square miles, is located in Ashtabula County's far northeast

corner. It is bounded on the north by Lake Erie, on the south by

Monroe Township, on the east by a portion of the State of

Pennsylvania, and on the west by Kingsville Township. Conneaut

is geographically situated 30 miles west of Erie, Pennsylvania,

60 miles north of Youngstown, 75 miles east of Cleveland, and

125 miles north of Pittsburgh.

The population of Conneaut according to the 1980 U.S. Census

figures is 13,835 (a decrease of 717 persons or 5 percent from

1970 population figures. The census classified 98.2 percent of

the population as white, and 1.8 percent as non-white minority.

The climate of Conneaut may roughly be classified as

continental, though Lake Erie has some effects. The most

spectacular effect of the lake is seen with the winter snowfalls.

Air masses going over the open water pick up moisture and heat.

As the air is forced to rise over the ridge that parallels the

lake, the excess moisture falls in the form of snow. The effect

of Lake Erie is moderating during the cold periods, and because

of this effect, the growing season is lengthened a few days in

the spring and fall seasons. The average annual precipitation is

35 inches along the coast, and increases to more than 40 inches

at higher inland elevations.

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C. Characteristics of the City

Historically, the community originated on July 4, 1796, when

Moses Cleveland and his party of fifty surveyors from Connecticut

sold the Western Reserve to a party of private developers who

hired Cleveland to survey the land and clear Indian claims. The

group first came to the mouth of Conneaut Creek, and ultimately

named this natural hArbor Port Independence, in honor of the

founding day. The name Conneaut was given to the stream by a

tribe of Seneca Indians, and signifies the "river of many fish."

The first resident was an individual by the name of Halsted,

who was found residing here at the time the surveyors arrived in

1796. His cabin was located in East Conneaut, on a farm about

one-fourth mile from the State line. The first permanent settle-

ment originated in 1798, with the arrival of Thomas Montgomery,

his family, and Aaron Wright.

The first government of the area was Salem Township, organ-

ized in 1804, and was also the first organized township in

Ashtabula County. In 1834, the Village of Conneaut was incorpor-

ated, and the first mayor elected. The geographic boundaries of

the City remained fairly constant until the merger with the

Village of.Lakeville in 196'2.. The City now includes all of the

area which was designated as Conneaut Township, as shown in

Figure 1. Within this area, in addition to Conneaut, there were

two other villages, Amboy and Farnham, although Farnham is far

less evident at this time.

The early history of Conneaut is closely related to the

Conneaut Harbor. The harbor, once not navigable, is now one of

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the deepest and most important harbors on the south shore of Lake

Erie. The harbor was the catalyst for much of the early

industrial.development that occured in the City. The construc-

tion of the Nickle Plate Railroad in 1881 helped Conneaut secure

the Nickle Plate shops, a major employer for many ye .ars. The

following year, the Bessemer Railroad was built, the docks were

reconstructed, and the channel widened and deepended in prepara-

tion of the great ore and coal trade. The harbor is presently

operated by the Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company, and is a

port-of-call for the St. Lawrence Seaway-Great Lakes System, and

is a port-of-entry into the United States, for Canadian and

overseas vessels.

The completion of the railroads had the effect of taking

some of the shipping business away from the harbor, but at the

same time, complimented the transportation of coal and ore into

and out of the harbor. Since the mid 1900's, growth has been

slow and erratic in Conneaut, with the community retaining its

small town and rural atmosphere.

D. General Goals of the City

In order for the City of Conneaut to plan for a better

future, all proposed plans and programs must be evaluated by a

.set of ideas which comprise the desired type of community that

the City should strive to become. The goals themselves are

viewed as the cornerstone of the planning process, for in theory,

they form the framework for both public and private decision-

making. The broad, overall goal of the Conneaut Planning Program

is to promote the well-being of City residents by helping to

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create an increasingly better, more healthful, convenient,

efficient, and attractive environment. This is the basic goal

upon which all subsequent goals rest. It is the most abstract of

all goals, and could be argued to be too vague to be of utility.

However, it is a goal that may be forgotten unless stated -- the

details of what constitutes "well-being" are subject to varying

interpretation. Overall, the goals beneficial for the City of

Conneaut include:

1. To encourage and facilitate the use of vacant areas

and revise deteriorating areas within the community.

2. To ensure growth will be facilitated and guided

contiguous to the development areas, and all

possible means will be used to ensure that any

development that is not contiguous to the development

area will be provided with a,full compliment of

services.

3. To further the development of the social, cultural,

spiritual, aesthetic, and economic values of the

community.

4. To minimize the danger and damage created by

flooding.

5. To preserve historical, scenic, and aesthetic

values of the City.

6. To encourage the most appropriate uses of land and

aid in conserving and protecting property values.

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E. Goals of the City as they relate to Open Space and Recreation
Areas.

The open space available in a City is the counterpart of

development. What is done with open spaces will affect the

character of development, and what is done with the development

will likewise affect open space. Open space and recreation areas

must be seen not just as space vacant from development, but as an

essential element determining the character and quality of the

urban environment. To promote this type of development, the

recreation goals for the City of Conneaut include:

1. To provide a sufficient amount of land for open

space and recreation to meet human needs, both

physically and psychologically.

2. To enhance and protect the resource base -- the

air, water, soil, plants, and in turn, the animals.

3. To improve the quality of the environment by

coordinating recreation development with other

development.

These goals are discussed in the City of Conneaut, Alterna-

tive Future Plan published in 1978. This document is the

adopted Comprehensive Plan for overall development for the City

of Conneaut.

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II. ACTIVITIES AND NEED FOR ASSISTANCE

The need for this study is based on the significant effect

of coastal energy facilities on the recreational resources of

Conneaut. The two energy facilities, the Pittsburgh a nd Conneaut

Dock Company coal expansion project and the energy related

facilities of the proposed United States Steel Mill are identified

on the Ohio CEIP Coastal Energy Facilities Inventory. The coal

expansion project is presently operative while the proposed steel

facility has not begun construction as of yet. The expansion and

site improvements,involving these energy facilities has resulted

in the loss of active recreational areas east of the dock inlet.

Among the recreational activities displaced are hiking, hunting,

and fishing. This Redevelopment Plan is intended to propose

improvements to Lake View and Malek Parks which would aid in

mitigating the effects of the loss of waterfront access.

A. Energy Facility Description

The Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company began as an ore

dock in 1892 and was incorpo rated on March 8, 1893. The early

ore dock was served by a branchline of the Pittsburgh, Shenango,

and Lake Erie Railroad (latter to become the Bessemer and Lake

Erie Railroad). Completion of this southerly railroad make it

possible for steelmakers to ship iron ore from the Mesabi Range

.Ln Minnesota directly to the steel mills in the Monongahela

River Valley. The same railroad then carries bituminous coal

from mines primarily in Pennsylvania and West Virginia to

Conneaut. The coal arrives in Bessemer and Lake Erie trains to

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The Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company operates one of
the busiest harbor facilities on the Great Lakes. The
storage of coal, limestone, and iron ore make Conneaut a
vital break point for materials needed in the steel
producing industry.

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be placed in temporary ground storage with the coal ultimately

being loaded into lake vessels for shipment to Great Lakes ports

in the Unites States and Canada. Coal is delivered in bottom

dump hopper cars, which are pulled over an unloading pit-by

locomotives remotely controlled from a nearby tower. The coal is

moved to various storage areas over a conveyor belt system, being

weighed and sampled enroute to storage. The modern coal handling

and storage system permits coal to be shipped for storage on a

year around basis. This concept alleviates many problems

previously encountered in attempting to match vessel availability

with coal train arrivals. A small percent of the coal is loaded

directly from the trains to the vessels without going into storage.

Owned by the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad, and operated

for it under contract by the Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company,

the coal facility was successful from the outset and has since

been expanded several times. The most recent expansion project

was started in the fall of 1975 and was completed in the spring

of 1979. The project was aided by the State of Ohio's Development

Financing Commission, which authorized the issuance of $23 million

in tax-exempt bonds for financing. The coal expansion project was

undertaken, when it became apparent that additional capacity would

be required at Conneaut, based upon traffic projections for lake

vessel coal movements. The project will aid in eliminating

surges, delays, and shut-downs in the coal and railroad industries.

No further land was available at dock,-level for coal storage, thus

it was necessary to locate the new storage area on a bluff to the

east of the original coal facility. The area is served by the

As no further land was available at dock-level, it
was necessary to locate the new storage area on a
bluff to the east of the original coal facility.

The newly-constructed railroad bridge crossing
Conneaut Creek provides access for coal trains to
the'railroad's expanded coal handling and storage
facility.

railroad's relocated Conneaut Spur, which crosses Conneaut Creek

by way of a new bridge. Modern facilities have been provided for

car dumping, including a thaw shed, a high-capacity rotary dumper,

track scale, extensive railroad yards, and a personnel building.

A second bridge constructed across Conneaut Creek permits the

movement of coal handling and maintenance equipment, such as

bulldozers, cranes and trucks, between.the dock-level coal storage

area and the new bluff storage area. The Dock Company does not

buy and sell the coal but acts as an agent of the Bessemer and

Lake Erie Railroad providing service for the transhipment of these

materials.

.The proposed U.S. Steel Mill facility,as of yet, has not

been constructed. U.S. Steel is continuing the formal permit

process but has revised its construction start until approximately

1985. This time frame is expected to be flexible depending on the

economy and the future government incentives for this type of

.industrial development. The following quote made at a news

conference in June of 1979 by U.S. Steel Chairman David M.

Roderick indicates the feasibility of the project. Mr. Roderick

was in Conneaut to accept the granting of a permit by the U.S.

Corps of Engineers for the initial stages of construction of the

steel mill when he said, "approval of a building permit satisfies

the first of two principal requirements stated in our original

.proposal, the second requirement which will determine when

construction gets underway is to solve the serious and complex

problems which govern the economics of steelmaking. You will

notice I did not say if the Conneaut plant will be built. I said

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when it will be built, and the when will be dictated by the hard

facts of economic life facing U.S. Steel and all other domestic

steel producers", he added.

When this coastal energy facility is completed it will be

capable of producing 7.5 million tons of steel on an annual basis.

The proposed Lakef ront plant represents an application of steel-

making technology not attempted in the United States. Although

each process unit of the proposed plant has been utilized in

various facilities, no domestic company has integrated the process

units to the extent proposed. The resultant plant would demon-

strate a new level of productivity in the United States steel-

making industry. Construction of the proposed steel mill would

include approximately 2,760 acres of Lakefront land. Within

Conneaut, the combined direct, indirect, and plant-induced.

employment would reach a peak of about 6,000 jobs of the 16,800

total projected jobs for the regional area. The overall impact

is expected to increase the population 10,000 to 12,000 people

giving Conneaut a population of 23,800 to 25,800 by the mid 1990's.

This assumption is based on the project commencing by 1985 with a

ten year construction period. Plant-induced development during

the construction phase would significantly increase demand on

existing recreational facilities. Beginning with the start up of

plant operations, utilization of recreational areas would rise.

Approximately 5,300 operations related new residents would occupy

the area placing increased pressure on public athletic fields,

beaches, picnic areas, private recreational facilities, and avail-

able land for hunting, hiking, and fishing. Increased usage of

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existing public and private boat launching facilities would tend

to aggravate the already overcrowded conditions experienced during

the boating season. Since small boat launching areas and beaches

are inadequate to meet present demand, overcrowding can be

expected to continue.

The development of the steel mill would result in the

following primary impacts as identified in the Environmental

Impact Statement completed for this project. A majority of these

primary impacts will have either a direct or indirect effect on

the quality of existing recreational facilities.

1. The proposed action would result in the replacement

of 7,500 feet of Turkey Creek channel with 5,600

feet of culvert. The culvert would be installed in

.the mainstem starting from a point 1,500 feet upstream

of Lake Erie and extending to State Line Road. This

would reduce the overall stream length from 91,000

feet to 89,100 feet. The difference of 1,900 feet

results from straightening meanders. Aquatic habitat

utilized by resident warm water fish species and

migratory cold water species entering from Lake Erie

would be permanently reduced in this reach.

2. Construction and operation of the proposed lakefront

facility may adversely affect public use of the beach

fishing area at the mouth of Turkey Creek since the

applicant will allow access only by boat. Fencing at

the site perimeter would restrict fishermen access to

the lake shoreline and US East,Breakwater Extension

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bordering Conneaut Harbor. The applicant's mitigation

plan specifies habitat improvements downstream of the

culvert with continued stocking of salmonids by the

State of Ohio, while Pennsylvania Fish Commission

personnel would be allowed to manage the upper water-

shed of Turkey Creek. Stream flow augmentation to

facilitate passage of salmonids is also being consid-

ered. However, the mitigative actions are still

subject to refinement by the applicant and appropriate

State resource agencies.

3. Construction of the proposed steel mill would affect

1,766 acres of the 2,760 acres comprising the Lakefront

site. This area would be cleared of riparian and

upland habitat composed of various seral stages. All

wildlife including important game species and non-

consumptive species of recreational value would be

adversely effected. The herpetefauna. population would

probably be destroyed during the construction phase.

Other more mobile wildlifewould move to other areas

where stress, starvation and disease could ultimately

eliminate these individuals. Migrating wildlife which

formerly used this area would encounter habitat

reductions, increased potential for collisions with

tall structures such as exhaust stacks and transmission.

lines and possible contamination from use of such areas

as ash-settling ponds. Noise and other disturbances

during plant construction and operation may reduce the

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wildlife utilization of surrounding areas.

4. During the construction phase blasting may be

required to effect the installation of the intake

and discharge structures. Detonation of explosive

charges may injure or kill fish in the immediate

vicinity of the worksite. In any case, blasting and

dredging operations could cause resident and migra-

tory fish species to avoid the area as long as such

activities are in progress.

5. Land surface erosion would occur during the construe-

tion of the proposed plant and to a lesser degree

during facility operations. The erosion would be

reduced by application of the erosion control plan

for the entire Lakefront site.

6. Dust generated during onsite construction activities

would have a minor adverse impact on air quality.

7. Emissions,from the proposed Lakefront plant would

cause some deterioration of regional air quality.

Major operational impacts on air quality are those

associated with increased concentrations of sulfur

dioxide (S02), nitrogen dioxide (N02), carbon

monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons, and total suspended

particulates. All emissions are expected to be

within allowable Class II non-degradation limits and

would occur throughout the projected life of the

facility.

8. Sulfur dioxide and the various oxides of.nitrogen

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produced by the Lakefront facility could react

synergistically to cause damage to sensitive agricul-

tural crops, nursery stock, and native vegetation at

lower concentrations than would otherwise'occur.on an

individual basis. Available data are not sufficient

to predict the synergistic effect or long-term effect

of low concentrations of plant emissions on area

vegetation or wildlife. The applicant has agreed to

initiate a monitoring program to identify and define

the effects on vegetation.

9. The formation of sulfates from sulfur dioxide emitted

by the proposed plant may, under worst conditions,

contribute to adverse health related effects when

added to already high ambient levels.

10. Runoff from the plant site during the construction and

operation phase would contain oxygen demanding sub-

stances, dissolved nutrients, and suspended solids

which could adversely impact Lake Erie water quality

or other receiving water bodies.

11. Dredging activities and construction associated with

the extension of the Conneaut Harbor East Pier and

unloading dock would have a short-term adverse impact

on harbor water quality. To reduce the commitment of

aquatic habitat and improve water circulation in

Conneaut Harbor, the applicant has redesigned the pier

and unloading dock so that it is supported by a system

of individual steel sheet pile cells spaced approxi-

matey 50 feet apart.

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12. During construction, surface water runoff from

disturbed and undeveloped sections of the Lakefront

site, if controlled, could enter Turkey Creek and

Conneaut Creek causing erosion. Should this occur,

sediment laden water would enter the creeks and

eventually Lake Erie. Under high flow conditions

increased solids and BOD levels would be expected.

Utilization of an effective management plan for

erosion control at the Lakefront site would reduce

sediment loading significantly.

13. Once the culvert is installed, some surface water

runoff from the developed areas of the site could

enter the open sections of Turkey Creek above and

below this structure along with water from that

portion of the Turkey Creek watershed undisturbed

by the proposed project. Under low flow conditions,

the introduction of contaminated runoff that is not

impounded could significantly affect water quality

in the creek. During high flows scouring would

occur which would tend to flush accummulated

contaminants from the plant surface water runoff

into the creeks and eventually Lake Erie. Proper

diversion, collection, and treatment of contaminated

runoff would eliminate these potential impacts.

14. Under typical conditions plant effluent is expected

to meet Ohio Water Quality Standards for all

parameters except phenols and total dissolved solids.

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Even though the dissolved solids.concentration added

by the Lakefront facility is relatively small it can

exceed standards when combined with the already high

ambient levels which typically occur in Lake Erie.

Ohio standards are projected to be exceeded for a

total distance of about 1,500 feet from the Lakefront

plant outfall. Beyond this point, phenols are

expected to meet the designated standard of Wl

mg/liter.

15. Construction of permanent and temporary access roads

and railroad spur would require the permanent commit-

ment of 76 acres of wildlife habitat.

16. The combination of plant-related sulfur dioxide

emissions with water in the atmosphere may increase

the potential for acid rain precipitation downwind

of the facility.

17. Clearing,.grubbing, and grading activities would

cause some increased siltation,and sedimentation on

site creeks, watercourses adjacent to the Lakefront

site and Lake Erie. High levels of solids and

s-iltation could cover benthos, decrease primary

productivity and result in some mortality of

ichthyoplankton, young-of-the-year fish, and

zooplankton.

18. The originally planned construction of the unloading

dock and extension and the east harbor entrance pier

would have resulted in the elimination of 45,000

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square feet of benthic habitat. However, the

applicant has revised the design so that the dock

would be supported by individual steel pile cells

spaced at intervals of about 50 feet. Under these

circumstances the commitment of benthic habitat

would -be reduced to 22,132 square feet.

19. Pile driving, dredging, and filling associated

with the construction of offshore structures would

lead to a temporary increase in turbidity levels

and subsequent siltation of adjoining aquatic

habitat. Periodic maintenance dredging of about

220,000 square feet of lake bottom could render

these areas less suitable for spawing and inhibit

reestablishment of diverse benthic macroinvertebrate

communities.

20. During plant operations aquatic organisms entrained

in the intake stream would incur nearly 100 percent

mortality. The loss of ichthyoplankton may have a

measurable local impact on future year classes of

certain Lake Erie species. The applicant will

perform additional ichthyoplankton sampling to

determine if the operation of the intake at the

selected site would minimize losses. The resultant

data will be evaluated by the USEPA and the appro-

priate State agencies prior to final approval of

the intake structure during the INPDES permit review

process.

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21. Heavy metals, organics, and trace elements would be

discharged from the plant. After mixing with lake

water for a relatively short period of time, the

concentrations of most of these constituents would

be within limits acceptable to aquatic organisms.

However, some heavy metals and trace elements can

accumulate at sublethal levels in the tissues of

aquatic organisms. In the high.velocity portions

of the wastewater plume ammonia levels could reach

levels lethal to certain fish species.

22. The spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), which is

endangered under Ohio law, occurs most frequently

in the shallow pools and ditches of the Lakefront

site paralleling the southern edge of the Norfolk

and Western Railroad right-of-way. This habitat

could have been eliminated through changes in

surface drainage resulting from the originally

proposed diversion of Turkey Creek. However, the

diversion plan has been rejected by the applicant

and the habitat indicated above is now included in

an area that would be managed as a wildlife miti-

gation area. A limited number of spotted turtles

have been observed at other locations which would

be developed on the Lakefront site. Access to the

site would be provided should the Ohio Department

of Natural Resources decide to capture and relocate

these individuals.

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23. Although there is a potential for impingement of

fish at the intake structure, the proposed instal-

lation of wedge wire screens, or an equivalent

system defined as Best Available Technology,

should minimize losses of young-of-the-year and

adult fish species.

B. Park Description

The City of Conneaut realizes the importance of open space

and park lands. Open space and recreation areas must be seen

not just as space vacant from development, but as an essential

element determining the character and quality of the urban

environment.

As part of its park development plan, two specific parks

have been targeted for improvement, Malek Park and Lake View

Park as shown in Figure 2.

Lake View Park is a recreation center and is a not-for-

profit corporation, under the laws of the State of Ohio. Lake

View Park provides a lighted ballfield, tennis courts, child

play apparatus and picnic facilities. Also on this six acre

site is one building, a roller skating rink. The condition of

this building is very poor and is scheduled for replacement.

This location offers a scenic vantage point of Lake Erie, and

therefore is one of the busier parks in the City. The present

Lake View Park configuration and condition compromise effective

use of the site. Parking stalls are present at the southeast

corner, but accommodate only 20 cars. The softball field is the

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Afalek Park Lake View Park

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site's major use, with up to 1,000 spectators in attendance on

occasion. The existing wooden bleacher sections are moved

yearly to and from the.high school for football spectators, and

have reached their life expectancy. Restroom and con cession

functions are in very small shelters in very poor and unsanitary

conditions. There is a road loop which arbitrarily bisects the

site. This road provides parking, but is uncontrolled and an

element contributing to traffic congestion and usafe land use

during peak use periods. The existing tennis court is in poor

condition. The site features a number of very large trees which

in competition with each other for natural light, have developed

to exhibit imbalanced head development. Limbs are overextended

and many trees have suffered from branch loss due to wind impacts.

The western portion of the site is utilized as a trailer court

which provides income to the Recreation Board. With improvements

to the shore embankment adjacent to the softball diamond, it is

proposed that the trailer court remain to continue to generate

operating monies. It is recommended that the Recreation Board

require some parameter of trailer maintenance in the lease

agreements.

Malek Park is a newly dedicated city park, and has the

potential of being one of the better parks in the Conneaut park

system. The City was donated thirty acres of land to be

developed for recreational purposes. This land, now known as

Malek Park, was donated by Mr. Edward Malek, a local businessman..

The park is in the northwest corner of the City of Conneaut,.

west of the intersection of Parrish Road and Chamberlain

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Boulevard. The location is bounded by the industrial plants

Norton Plastics Company and Eemo-Wheaton to the east, Conrail

tracks on the south, property of Charles Weaver on the west, and

Allied Corporation on the north. The site is a fraction.of an

eighty-six acre tract of land which was acquired by Cummins

Canning Company on February 19, 1919. The previous use of the

site has been for agricultural purposes and in recent years has

remained virtually vacant. There is heavy residential develop-

ment within one-half mile to the east, north, and south of,the

park site. In the event that the City of Conneaut becomes the

site of the proposed United States Steel Mill, it is anticipated

that this area and the land to the west of the proposed site

will receive the heaviest initial amounts of residential

expansion.

The park, in order to be properly utilized, was graded, and

the natural creek at the westerly property line was protected

from any topographical changes that would adversely affect the

flow of surface water as well as the natural springs that feed

it.

Funding for site development of Malek Park was initiated in

1978 through an agreement with the United States Department of

the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Land and Water

Conservation Funds. The conditions of the agreement are that

the City of Conneaut will accept a donation of the land as an

established gift credit from the Brueau of Outdoor Recreation.

The gift credit will be used for development of the site to

include playground equipment, parking lot, restrooms, ball

-25-

diamond, and support facilities. This agreement dictates that

the property shall not be used for any use other than public

outdoor recreation uses.

In addition to the gift credit obtained, the City has been

successful in obtaining a five-thousand dollar grant from the

Ohio Department of Energy, Coastal Energy Impact Program under

environmental/recreational resource loss funds. The following

list of equipment has been purchased with this grant;

(4) 6' permanent steel leg bench with clear aluminum slats

(2) 10' double faced bike racks

(2) bigger n' better permanent grills

(3) permanent all steel park stoves

(2) 8' tables with clear anodized aluminum plating

(6) permanent catch alls with plastic containers

(1) spring horse

(1) spring duck

(1) spring hound

(1) two-unit see-saw

(1) standard swing 4 unit 10' high with belt seats

(4) silver picnic tables with 2' x 101 top and seats

The acquisition of this equipment has enhanced the use of

the park for all City residents. It is generally acknowledged@

among the citizens of the community that additional types of

recreational facilities are immediately neede d.

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III. PROPOSED DESIGN

The proposed plan for the redevelopment of Lake View and

Malek Parks represent improvements which will respond positively

to recreational needs and objectives.

A. Lake View Park

The present Lake View Park configuration and condition

compromise effective use of the site. Parking stalls are present

at the southeast corner, but accommodate only 20 cars. To maxi-

mize effective land use of Lake View Park, the Redevelopment

Master Plan proposes that:

1. The baseball diamond be retained and improved with

new fencing, lighting, and bleacher sections.

2. A multi-purpose building be constructed for social

and recreational activities.and to consolidate

support shelter needs (concession, restrooms).

3. Active play areas be expanded to accommodate tennis,

ice skating, shuffleboard, basketball, toboganning,

children play and unstructured open activities

(frisbee, football, catch, etc.)

4. Pedestrain paths be expanded for walking access,

and have destinations and opportunities to rest,

chat, and be passive observers of other site

activities. Provide curb cuts for handicapped

access.

5. Parking areas be expanded to the maximum without

consuming significant portions of this valuable

site.

-27-

6. Distressed trees be removed and the park replanted

with hardy plant materials to develop shaded walking

and sitting areas as well as to define activity

areas or zones.

7. A shelter be provided near the embankment edge for

sunset and harbor viewing, limited picnic activity

and tobogganing support functions.

8. A child play area be developed near the multi-

purpose building and restroom/concession support

facilities.

9. Site illumination be developed to extend use of the

park areas and develop an appropriate parameter of

security.

10. The bank on the northern edge of the park be cleared

and replanted. Picnic tables be provided in this

area for increased usage of the park facility.

The resulting plan groups active play/game areas to the east

side of the site to provide open unstructured recreational lawn

areas between the two defined activity zones (softball to the

west). The Multi-Purpose Social Center is proposed at the

southeast corner for legibility and accessibility as on-street

parallel parking on streets to the south will still be needed to

meet parking needs. A surface lot is proposed at the northeast

bluff, accessible from Sandusky Street. Expanded parking is

proposed with stalls at 900 to Sandusky Street and Erie Avenue

in the interest of area efficiency.

_28-

The Multi-Purpose Social Center is proposed as a simple

utilitarian.building with a masonry bearing wall-steel bar joist
structure. A large room, 601 x 120' with a 25 foot ceiling

height is the major element. This room is intended to support

such activities as tennis, badmitton, basketball, volleyball,

banquets, dances and other assem bly functions such as lectures,

public meetings, flea markets and the like. Smaller lounge

rooms are intended to support ping pong, billards and small

study groups.

The walk development which surrounds the unstructured open

recreational areas are intended to function as pedestrain

thoroughfares for the booth/concession functions in conjunction

with the City's annual Fourth of July Festival. The open areas

are therefore able to support amusement ride functions in an

organized and efficient manner.

The estimate of costs for items included in the redevelop-

ment program are identified in Table 1. Figure 3 provides a

sketch drawing of the proposed redevelopment. The main element

of the redevelopment package is the multi-purpose recreation

center, exhibited in Figures 4 and 5.

B. Malek Park

The present Malek Park configuration and condition comp-

promise effective use of the site which allow for expansion of

the park. Approximately fifteen acres is presently being

utilized with playground equipment, parking lot, restrooms, ball

diamond, and support.facilities. The redevelopment plan

-29-

TABLE 1

ESTIMATE OF COST - LAKE VIEW PARK

DESCRIPTION ESTIMATE OF COST

1. Multi-Purpose Recreation Center
Building ..................................... $1,180,000.00

2. Additional Parking per Design Plan ........... 52,000.00

3. Tree Removal 14,400.00

4. New Landscaping per Design Plan .............. 40,000.00

5. Geri-eral Demolition, Clearing"
Grubbing, Repairs to Embankment .............. 21,000.00

6. Tennis Courts and Lighting per
Design Plan .................................. 32,000.00

7. General Site Lig hting ........................ 40,000.00

8. Softball Field Improvements:
new backstop, fencing, bleachers ............. 52,000.00

@9. New Walks, Curbs, Benches .................... 6.7,800.00

10. "Arcade" Shelter per Design Plan ............. 151,200.00

11. Basketball Court and Lighting ................ 10,400.00

12. Children Play Lot Equipment .................. 16,000.00

13. Relocation of Overhead Utilities to
Underground .................................. 15,0do.00

14. Resurfacing of Sandusky Street
Access Road to Lakefront ..................... 20,000.00

15. Picnic .Tables ................................ 10,000.00

Estimated Total Co st of Improvements ......... $1,713,400.00

_30-

FTGURE 3

Lake View Park z

LEGEND
A PARKING
M-7w
0 TENNIS 4wz
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C BASKETBALL
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* (jrjSTRUCTUREO PLAY w -i
* ARCAOE-PICNIC AREA 5WIL
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H CHILD PLAY AREA wo>-
I SOFTBALL 4w@-
J EXISTING TRAILER COURT

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FIGURE 4

Multi-Purpose Recreation Center

V- I
3 1
Jyl A. MULTI - PURPOSE
B. YARD STORAGE
- ------- C. CONCESSION @(3u
El MECHANICAL W.J IL
>W
E. EGUIPMENT STORAGE >0
Imw
F. WOMEN'S TOILET Q>
13. ME"S TOILET lwl-
A E H. MEN'S LOCKERS JC10
1. WOMEN'S LOCKERS
'i*ACTIVITY ROOM
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C

L. OFFICE
M. LOBBY

K M
F

FLOOR RLAN

CONNEAUT RECREATIONAL CENTER
CONNEAUT OHIO son
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FIGURE 5

Multi-Purpose Recreation Center

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NORTH

identifies uses for the remaining undeveloped fifteen acres of

park land. To maximize effective land use of Malek Park, the

Redevelopment Master Plan proposes that:

1. The development of two tennis courts adjacent to

the existing.childrens play area.

2. Active play areas be expanded to accommodate

suffleboard, basketball, and unstructured open

activities (frisbee, football, catch, etc.).

3. The baseball diamond be improved with new lighting

and bleacher sections.

4. A tree planting program be undertaken along the

southern side of the park to provide a buffer from-

the adjacent railroad tracks.

5. A shelter be provided near the childrens play area

for picnic activities.

6. A drainage system be installed to eliminate surface

water accumulation due to poor surface drainage.

7. The development of an 18 station EXER-TRAIL for the

purpose of physical development.

The resulting plan groups active recreational areas to the

eastern side of the site and the placement of the EXER-TRAIL to

the west side of the site. -The tennis courts will be adjacent

to the existing childrens play area. The major improvement for

111alek Park is the development of the EXER-TRAIL on the western

part of the site. The EXER-TRAIL is a series of eighteen

exercise stations wh ich have been carefully designed and

researched to assure the development of the four components of

-34-

total fitness: cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, muscular

endurance, and strength. Signs at each station illustrate the

correct form and explain each exercise so that everyone can

perform the exercise properly with no supervision.* EXER@TRAIL

is an advanced outdoor system that makes it simple to receive a

good workout no matter what a persons level of fitness. It is

a self-paced, outdoor physical training facility based on sound

educational principles and recent exercise physiology. It is

suitable for casual recreational use, as an educational facility,

or for practical scientific assessment. The EXER-TRAIL has been

designed so participants can self-test their fitness level and

compare those scores to validated men's and women's norms. The

EXER-TRAIL combines the two principles of aerobic training (done'

between exercise stations) and circuit training (done at the

exercise stations). Aerobic (heart pumping) training, done

between exercise stations, develops cardiovascular endurance.

Ideally, aerobic training should be individualized according to

each participant's physical condition and should follow a gradual

progression from lower to higher intensity levels. Graduated

levels of interval training to assure that participants progress

in a systematic way according to proven aerobic guidelines. The

EXER-TRAIL utilizes a circuit of selected exercise stations

through which persons exercise at each station until the entire

circuit has been completed. The major advantage over other

methods of calisthenics or exercise programs is that circuit

training stresses continuous activity. Other major advantages

of this program include the following:

-35-

1. Each participant can begin circuit training at an

easy pace and enjoy some degree of success in the

program.

2. Circuit training can be organized to involve a

large number of participants in a relatively

conf ined area.

3. Participants are motivated by seeing their progress

from day-to-day.

4. Progression is assured if the participant exercises

regularly.

5. With circuit training, the exercise is continuous,

thus, stress is placed on the cardiovascular system.

6. Circuit training provides for individualized self

competition. Each participant competes only against

himself and works at his own individual rate.

At each EXER-TRAIL station the following supplemental

information is provided.

1. Exercise Sign - shows the illustration, description,

and recommended repetitions for different levels of

performance.

2. Thotograph- shows the participant using exercise

apparatus with good form.

3. Background - provides practical information about

the exercise station.

4. Points to Emphasize outlines a few reminders which

will help persons perform the exercise correctly and

safely.

-36-

5. Developmental Exercises - shows an exercise that can

be performed on the EXER-TRAIL apparatus when a

person has difficulty in performing at the beginner's

level.

6. Home Exercises - illustrates a related exercise that

can be done at home to develop those muscles that

need additional conditioning.

The general layout of the EXER-TRAIL should reflect the

following practical considerations.

I.- GENERAL LAYOUT

A. Accessibility

1. The trail should be located on a well-established

area such as a park, playground, or similar

recreation center.

2. Sufficient space should be allowed to permit at

least two people to run abreast.

3. The area should be of sufficient length to allow a

minimum of one (1) linear mile.

4. The start and finish area should be located together.

To accomplish this, three course designs are

recommended: A loop trail for an area with a large

perimeter; a figure-eight configuration for a limited

area; or an out-and-back pattern for a primarily

linear area.

B. Aesthetics

1. The course should be integrated into the environment.

2. Shade should be utilized where possible.

-37-

3. Existing landscaping should be included to create

further visual interest.

C. Topography

1. Utilize variety in terrain.

2. Be wary of severe changes in elevation. Start and

finish signs should be sited on level terrain.

II. PATH OR TRAIL CONDITION

1. Crowned for adequate drainage.

2. Sufficiently wide to allow two or more to run

abreast (81-101).

3. Sufficiently wide to allow maintenance by small

tractors.

4. Constructed wider on turns so that speed could be

maintained.

5. Free of stairs which would limit use by wheel chair

participants.

6. When constructing a trail, there are five options

available as outlined by the President's Council on

Physical Fitness and Sports. Possible surfaces

include:

a.. Grass/dirt - Little or no cost, blends with

natural surroundings. Could be slippery when

wet, coul d rut with heavy use. Mowing would be

required, and capacity of parks department

mowing equipment should be considered in planning

the width of a grass trail.

-38-

b. Wood chips If the parks department or any

other facility uses a woodchipper to grind up

twigs and branches, and stockpiles the chips

for use on paths, this could be an excellent

@source of trail surfacing material because of

its resilient surface and natural look. Chips

would be laid down the path at a 41' depth and

would be compacted by runners and rain.

C. Cinders - Delineates path better than grass,

would drain well with gravel base, would pack

to smooth running surface. However, could also

powder and create dust.

d. Gravel - Could use 3/41' base and 3/811 top gravel,.

rolled to smooth surface. Good drainage,

delineation. Could also use powdered stone for

smoother, cushiony running surface.

e. Asphalt - Most expensive, could use 2" of rock

base and 211 of asphalt for running track. If

trucks or tractors would run over path 4" rock

base would be needed.

The following recommendations are important in assuring

continuing use of the EXER-TRAIL.

III. PUBLICITY PACKAGE

1. Keep it clean and safe.

2. Keep reminding people it's there.

3. Publicize the trail opening through newspapers,

phamplets, and radio.

-39-

4. Invite schools, special interest groups, organiza-

tions, and the public.to use it.

5. Develop a brochure, map, or low cost hand-out for

use.

6. Hold competitions individually or have special

fitness days by giving away awards.

7. Conduct periodic tours and workshops.

8. Use it for testing and training of physical educa-

tion classes, organizations and teams.

The estimate of costs for items included in the redevelop-

ment program are identified in Table 2.

C. Funding Availability

The implementation of any program such as this redevelopment

project is dependent on the availability of adequate funds. The

City will attempt to seek all potential sources of funding,

including:local capabilities. The City is soliciting funds from

City organizations and interested groups for this purpose. This

may provide the necessary matching funds for a State or Federal

grant.

-40-

TABLE 2

ESTIMATE OF COST - MALEK PARK

The values noted below are projected for
Spring, 1982 bidding and include 1076
contingencies and pro-rated Architecturai/
Engineering costs.

DESCRIPTION ESTIMATE OF COST

1. Tree Planting Program ........................ $ 7,500.00

2. General Clearing and Grubbing ................ 2,500.00

3. Picnic Shelter ............................... 4,600.00

4. Baseball Bleacher Sections .................... 4,800.00

5. 18 Station EXER-TRAIL ........................ 9POO0.00

Estimated Total Cost of Improvements ......... $28,400.00

-41-

I- UA7E DUE

I 1 1

GAYLORD No. 2333 PRINTED IN U.S.A

I I @ I Ill 11111111 vil I IN @l 1@ 1111 ll
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