Posted: June 28th, 2015

The City of Colfax

Introduction

Purpose of the Plan

The City of Colfax Comprehensive Parks Plan was created to establish a foundation for the future of the City’s parks, recreation, open space and trail system for the entire community. As an element included in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the parks plan provides information on the City’s

History of Colfax

Colfax is the seat of Whitman County, originally home to Native Americans predominantly the Nez Perce Tribe. It wasn’t until July 10, 1870 that non-Native settlers would inhabit and claim the land known today as Colfax. The first of these settlers were James A. Perkins and Thomas Smith who were sent by Anderson Cox, a businessman from Waitburg in Walla Walla County to find a mill site to eventually build a sawmill. In 1873, the first grist mill was built and could produce up to 50 barrels of flour a day. After floods and fires, the grist mill was rebuilt and furthered economic potential in Colfax. By 1883, three rail lines served Colfax which were the Northern Pacific, Oregon-Washington Railroad and Navigation Company, and Union Pacific. Today, Colfax still retains the small town feel and rural character with year round outdoor recreation.

Geographic and Demographic Context

Colfax is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Palouse resting at an elevation of 1,962 feet. The total area of the city is 3.79 square miles. The average yearly temperature is 60°F with an average rainfall of 20 inches per year. The nearest cities from Colfax are Spokane, Pullman, Moscow and Lewiston/Clarkston.

According to the 2010 census, Colfax’s total population was 2,805 with a population density of 740 people per square mile. The median age in the city was 42.7 years old. The gender makeup of the city was 49.7% male and 50.3% female with the majority of the population being Caucasian (95.6%). The total population has stayed around 3,000 since 1910. (Reference to tables).

Figure XXX. DESCRIPTION/NARRATIVE

 

 

 

 

 

NARRATIVE?

Figure XXX.

Year 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 Population 2664 2780 2713 2844 2805 2767-2900 2729-2998 2691-3100 2654-3205

RCO Required Elements

Formerly the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC), the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is a small state agency that is the principle source of funding for park improvements in the state. According to their website, the RCO averages 230 grant awards for $60 million every fiscal year. In order to be eligible for RCO funding, cities must prepare a comprehensive parks plan in accordance with RCO standards. The following is a brief summary of these requirements.

1. Goals and Objectives: The plan must support the applicant’s habitat conservation or park and recreation mission, including the current project, with broad statements of intent, or goals. Goals describe desired outcomes. Objectives, on the other hand, are both measurable and more specific. Include objectives to help describe when a goal has been attained. Goals and objectives should be realistic, supported by resources you can reasonably expect to have available, and reflect the needs in your community or service area, or for habitat projects the needs of species of interest.
2. Inventory: The purpose of an inventory is to provide the context for proposed improvement, renovation, or new projects. RCO requires no specific format for the inventory.

The Inventory refers to:

• A description of the planning or service area, including the physical setting and conditions, and relevant demographic, program, and resource information.
• A list of proposed capital projects (land acquisitions, developments, renovations and restorations.)
• A report on the supply and condition of existing recreational facilities or opportunities, habitat conservation species, or relevant land types.
• A report on the projected annual maintenance and operational costs for each existing recreational or habitat conservation site in the inventory.

3. Public Involvement: Include a description of how the planning process gave the public ample opportunity to be involved in plan development and adoption. Try and select methods that support the planning strategy. The public involvement process should be thorough and suitable to local conditions and the service area.
4. Demand and Need Analysis: The analysis takes your inventory work and public involvement into consideration, balancing public demand with your organization’s capacity. The analysis may indicate that the current inventory is sufficient if certain improvements are made.

RCO recommends that “need” is best determined by assessing multiple criteria or metrics.

5. Capital Improvement Program: Include a capital improvement or capital facility program of at least six years that lists land acquisition, development, renovation, and restoration projects. The capital improvement program should include the list of projects in ranked order of preference, indicate the year of anticipated implementation, and include the plan for financing the projects. Include any capital project submitted to RCFB for funding. RCO considers all capital improvement and capital facility program costs as estimates.
6. Plan Adoption: Include a resolution, ordinance, or other adoption instrument showing formal approval of the plan and planning process by the governing entity. The level of governing entity approval must be equivalent to the plan’s scope. Thus, a city or countywide plan must be approved at the council or commission level. Department heads, district rangers, regional managers or supervisors, etc., as determined by the applicant in coordination with RCO, will approve other plans.

 

Mission Statement

The mission of the city of Colfax Comprehensive Parks Plan is to provide current residents, guests and future generations with a diverse system of park facilities and services to encourage their physical, mental and overall wellbeing. It is the intent of the City to achieve the mission through the following goals, policies and objectives.

Goals, Objectives, and Policies

Goals and policies create the framework for a plan. A goal is a broad statement that provides a sense of direction and desired outcome. Goals are long range and typically do not change over time. Policies provide measurable targets, that when accomplished, help achieve a goal. There are multiple options for achieving goals and therefore policies may change based on new information, changes in priorities, unique opportunities, new technology, or other ideas. As a result, the review and modification of policies is a continuous process that takes into account recent progress, as well as emerging issues, and changes in circumstance.

Goal 1: To improve the quality of life within Colfax by providing safe and adequate parks, recreation and open space opportunities for all individuals in the surrounding area.

Objective 1.1: Ensure the availability of a variety of parks, recreation facilities and services, and open spaces to benefit all aspects in the community of Colfax in a sustainable manner.

Policy 1.1.1: Park and recreation facilities should serve the widest possible range of citizen needs and interests, including handicap accessibility where as possible.

Policy 1.1.2: New parks, recreation, and open space facilities should be located where they will best preserve, enhance, sustain and protect important habitat areas, corridors and linkages, natural amenities, unique landscape features (e.g., cliffs and bluffs), or other outstanding natural feature.

Policy 1.1.3: Respond to the diversity of public needs by offering an array of recreational opportunities from passive to active, and from unstructured activity to organized recreation.

Policy 1.1.4: Encourage a citizen involvement program to ensure opportunity for public input in all phases of the planning process.

Policy 1.1.5: Develop effective partnerships with community groups and local jurisdictions to coincide with parks and recreation opportunities and operations.

Goal 2: To provide parks, recreation and open space system that is well maintained and effectively managed to meet current needs.

Objective 2.1.: There shall be design standards for parks, recreation, and open space that ensure safety, security, cleanliness, accessibility and ease of maintenance.

Policy 2.1.1: Parks, recreation, and open space should be designed and located to provide ease of access for pedestrians, handicapped persons, bicycles and automobiles.

Policy 2.1.2: To the greatest extent possible, retain the natural features of current and proposed parks and recreation areas. Also encourage designs that incorporate the use of native plants and grasses.

Policy 2.1.3: Each park, recreation, and open space should have designated and adequate signage to assist in locating parks, recreation and open space from main arterials.

Policy 2.1.4: Encourage the exploration of the feasibility to develop new recreational facilities and park features.

Objective 2.2: Colfax should develop and improve its recreation facilities in the manner it reduces maintenance and operation costs.

Policy 2.2.1: Maintenance of existing parks, recreation, and open space facilities shall take priority over acquisition of new facilities.

Policy 2.2.2: Create a monthly or annual inspection routine of existing facilities to ensure they are safe for public use.

Policy 2.2.3: The City of Colfax shall work closely with the mayor, City Council and Planning Commission to prepare a budget for maintenance/operation and capital outlay with funds set aside for park purposes.

Policy 2.2.4: Development and updates of new and current parks, recreation, and open space facilities, whether public or private, shall be consistent with the City of Colfax’s Comprehensive Plan and the Parks Plan or other adopted plans.

Goal 3: To preserve and protect existing and designated open space areas and greenways throughout the City to maintain a physical and functional system which protects environmental resources, enhances visual aesthetics, critical areas, ensures adequate separation and buffers between various land uses.

Objective 3.1: Create awareness of the environmental landscape to help conserve the natural image of the community.

Policy 3.1.1: Monitor change in the open space and natural feature qualities to evaluate the cumulative impacts on the existing system of open space and natural features over time, and take the necessary steps to ensure open space and natural features are protected.

Policy 3.1.2: The protection or acquisition of outstanding scenic outlooks and areas of unique features should be encouraged in order to safeguard their recreational value. Any documented historical or cultural sites should be protected as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory

The following is an inventory and assessment of the existing conditions of each park. The assessment was conducted in April of 2015. The management issues were identified based on the analysis of existing conditions and conversations with city staff. Each park was classified as a pocket park (2,500 square feet- 1 acre), a neighborhood park (5 acres- 10 acres), a community park (30-50), a special use park, or sports complex using the NRPA’s Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Guidelines. (Are there any parks 30-50 acres?). All park size notations are approximate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

McDonald Park

2708 Cedar Street.
McDonald Park is city owned and covers 19 acres. It has one baseball field, two soft ball fields, a utility field, a soccer field and a t-ball field.

McDonald Park

Type of Facility

·         Baseball

·         Softball/Tee Ball

·         Benches/Picnic Table

·         Bleachers

·         Concessions

·         Drinking Fountain

·         Lights (Security)

·         Lights (Athletic)

·         Parking

·         ADA Accessible

·         Restroom

·         Sign (Park ID)

·         Soccer

·         Trails

·         Other: Club House

Top Left: Map of McDonald Park. Bottom Left: Open space on the north end of the park which can be used for a variety of things such as a soccer field. Bottom Right: Movable soccer goals.

Located on the north end of town beyond the golf course, McDonald Park is the second largest city owned park. Both the City of Colfax and the Colfax School District split maintenance costs for McDonald Park and the Colfax Golf Course is responsible (contract with?) for the lawn maintenance. This park includes two softball fields, one baseball field, one utility field, a soccer area and a t-ball field. The park has a lighted walking jogging path around the facilities with an exercise station at the entrance. There are also bleachers on site for sitting to watch games as well as a club house with restrooms.

Top Left: Exercise equipment at the south end of the park near the car park. Bottom Left: Dugout for baseball players on the main field. Above: Identification sign at the entrance.

Completed in 2003, this park could not have been done without the help of numerous volunteers, donations from the community, and a grant from IAC (now Recreation and Conservation Office-RCO).

Right: Main baseball field. Bottom: Club house, located in the middle of the four fields which includes concessions and restrooms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management Issues

Current and Future Issues:

McDonald Park
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Baseball
Softball/Tee Ball
Bleachers
Concessions
Drinking Fountain
Lights (Security)
Lights (Athletic)
Parking
ADA Accessible
Restroom
Sign (Park ID)
Soccer
Trails
Other: Club House

1. Sporadic vandalism to the baseball club house.
2. Poor way finding making it difficult to find park if not familiar with the area.
3. Park identification sign in need of improvement.
4. No picnic tables to sit down and eat at (unless stored away in the club house).
5. No playground equipment (only exercise/workout equipment).
6. Only has one drinking fountain and its current location is out of the way on the far end of the park.
7. Explore long-term partnership agreement with the golf course for the maintenance of the park.
8. No signage to direct people to trail.

Recommendations:

1. Have better security lights to mitigate possible future vandalism or provide someone with a caretaker responsibility to look over the park.
2. Have a uniform style of signage for all parks that is easily identifiable and helps direct people, especially out of town people, to the park.
3. Short term: repaint the identification sign. Long term: replace identification sign.
4. Purchase picnic tables for people to sit and eat at, especially in between games and after buying concessions.
5. Add onto the already existing exercise equipment with playground equipment close by.
6. Look into the feasibility of adding an additional drinking fountain close to the club house in a more centralized location.
7. Continue open communications with the golf course about the maintenance of the park.
8. Add signs to direct people to trail that leads to Schmuck Park with route signs at the trail head.
9. Consider planting trees to provide shade and rest areas during summer months.

 

INCLUDE PHOTOS?

 

 

 

Eells Park

Eells Park

Type of Facility

·         Benches/Picnic Table

·         Lights (Security)

·         Parking

·         ADA Accessible

·         Water Fountain

·         Basketball Court

·         Slide

·         Teeter Totter

·         Bathrooms

400 N West Street.
Named after Mr. Cushing Eells, a local Lutheran Church Minister (when), Eells Park is a 0.63 acre pocket park that is located in central Colfax and owned by the City. The park features a historic fountain dedicated in 1916 by Mr. and Mrs. Julius Lippitt as a memorial to their daughter Clare Frances.

 

 

 

 

The centralized location of Eells Park makes it a frequently used lunch area for people who work in the downtown area. Offering only on-street parking, this half acre park contains restrooms, playground equipment, and a half-court basketball court. There are also four picnic benches on location, ample grass for picnicking, as well as a historic water fountain in the center of the park.

 

 

 

Top left: Map of Eells Park. Bottom Left: Water fountain located in Eells Park.

 

 

 

Top Right: Playground equipment. Bottom Right: Basketball hoop and ½ court playing area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management Issues

Eells Park
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Benches/Picnic Table
Lights (Security)
Parking
ADA Accessible
Water Fountain (monument)
Basketball Court
Slide
Teeter Totter
Bathrooms

Current and Future Issues:

1. Current fountain is not in use as it needs to be repaired. It also uses fresh water but does not recycle the used water.
2. Playground equipment is outdated with the potential lifespan of the equipment coming to an end.
3. Restrooms are not all weather and do not work in the winter/colder months. They are also fairly off putting to many users.
4. There is minimal lighting in the park and no athletic lighting for potential late afternoon use of the basketball court.
5. There are no identified parking areas for the park aside from on street parking around the edges of the park, or right next to the unused railway tracks.
6. There is no identification sign for the park.
7. There is a footpath going diagonally through the park. The footpath accessibility to get to the park is in very poor condition with sidewalks needing repairs.
8. No drinking fountain.
9. No trash cans or dog poo clean up.
10. Way finding to the park can be improved.

Recommendations:

1. Look into the feasibility of repairing the water fountain monument. Also, look at the recycling of water within the fountain so no water is being wasted.
2. Have the City insurance carrier assess the current play equipment to see if it is up to standard. Establish timeline and funding strategy to update the equipment.
3. Short term: repaint and spruce up the restrooms to make them more appealing to users. Long term: look at the cost of making it an all-weather restroom.
4. Add additional security lighting throughout the park and look into having lighting for the basketball court for longer use (LED lights).
5. Identify a location (most likely near the railroad tracks) where parking can be identified and marked for users.
6. Purchase or make a sign to identify what park it is to users.
7. Update footpath routes to the park to aid in better accessibility.
8. Whilst looking at all weathering the restrooms and the water fountain monument, research the feasibility in adding a drinking fountain to the park.
9. Add trash cans and dog poo clean-up bags to the park to help maintain it.
10. Have a uniform style of signage for all parks that is easily identifiable and helps direct people, especially out of town people, to the park.
11. BENCHES- do the parks have enough and is it better that they are moveable or should they be set in place? (this is for all parks in their management issues and also needs mention in the needs and assessment portion).

 

INCLUDE PHOTOS?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Codger Pole Park
400 S. US-195.
Codger Pole Park is a 0.18 acre pocket park that is located just off Main Street in downtown Colfax. The park was dedicated in 1991 to the participants in the 1938 football game between Saint John and Colfax. The park is home to the sixty foot high Codger Pole that was created by master carver, Jonathan LaBenne, as a memorial.

Codger Pole Park

Type of Facility

·         Benches/Picnic Table

·         Lights (Security)

·         Parking

·         ADA Accessible

·         Sign (Park ID)

·         Trails

 

 

Left: Codger Pole with the faces of each player who participated in the football match. Above: Map of Codger Pole Park. Bottom Right: Identification and description of the park and its legend.

This park is located in the heart of downtown Colfax on Main Street. The Codger Pole was created because of a 1938 football game that was finished fifty years later. In 1988 the game was replayed and a totem pole structure was created with the faces of all of the participants. The Codger Park has a plaque in the entrance describing the poles significance, the pole in the center and park benches around the pole on a patio area. It is city owned.                   Top Left: A look toward the park with the pole and picnic area in view. Left: Some much needed maintenance work on the pathway around the pole.

Management Issues

Current and Future Issues:

Codger Pole Park
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Benches/Picnic Table
Lights (Security)
Parking
ADA Accessible
Sign (Park ID)

1. Vandalism to Codger Pole and monument sign.
2. Codger Pole is made of wood and is subject to weathering. Potential safety hazard in the future.
3. Current pavement around the pole is unfinished and torn up on the south side.
4. Way finding to the park is poor.
5. No trash cans.
6. Make lighting LED.

Recommendations:

1. Make sure security lighting is appropriate to help mitigate future vandalism.
2. Look into the cost for the restoration of Codger Pole as it ages and if it needs to be taken down to do so, look into new potential locations.
3. Finish of the paving of the footpath and clean up the edging and weeds.
4. Have a uniform style of signage for all parks that is easily identifiable and helps direct people, especially out of town people, to the park.
5. Add trash cans.
6. Replace current lighting with more efficient LED lights.

 

INCLUDE PHOTOS?

 

 

 

 

 

Henry Little League Park

Henry Little League Park

Type of Facility

·         Baseball

·         Softball/Tee Ball

·         bleachers

·         Drinking Fountain

·         Lights (Security)

·         Parking

·         ADA Accessible

·         Restroom

·         Sign (Park ID)

·         Trails

2100 Cedar Street.
Owned and maintained by the Rotary Club, the park serves as three fields for little league play with the main field being in great condition. Donated in 1950, Henry Little League Park is a 3 acre special use park. The park was dedicated to Dr. Daniel W. Henry, who practiced in Endicott, by son Bo Henry and daughter-in-law Mary Henry.

Top Left: Identification sign. Bottom: Map of the Little League Park.

Located at the north of town adjacent to the Colfax Golf Course, the Little League Park provides the community with a regulation little league field and an area for soccer games. The three acre is used throughout the spring and summer for youth league baseball and soccer matches. The park offers a small amount of bleachers for fans to root on their little ones, as well as ample grass behind the field to set up picnic areas. Top: The main ball field looking from outside the boundary. Right: Looking from the car park at the two auxiliary fields.

 

Left: Identification of Rotary International who own and maintain the park. Bottom: The main ball field used for games.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management Issues

Henry Little League Park
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Baseball
Softball/Tee Ball
Bleachers
Drinking Fountain
Lights (Security)
Parking
ADA Accessible
Restroom
Sign (Park ID)
Trails

Current and Future Issues:

1. Current identification sign for the park is in an unsuitable location making it difficult for passersby to identify the park.
2. Poor lighting for security purposes and there are no athletic lights.
3. Current restrooms are not all weather and are not welcoming.
4. Way finding to the park is poor.
5. No trash cans.
6. No signage to direct people to trail.

Recommendations:

1. Relocate the current sign closer to the road so people can easily identify the park or additionally add another sign closer to the road.
2. Add more security lighting and look into the feasibility of adding security lights for potential late afternoon/night time games.
3. Short term: repaint and maintain the restrooms to make them more welcoming. Long term: make the restrooms all weather.
4. Have a uniform style of signage for all parks that is easily identifiable and helps direct people, especially out of town people, to the park.
5. Add trash cans.
6. Add signs to direct people to trail that leads to Schmuck Park with route signs at the trail head.

 

Include Photos?

 

 

 

Golf Course
2402 North Cedar Street.
BREIF DESCRIPTION.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golf Course
Type of Facility
·         Benches/Picnic Table	·         Parking
·         Concessions	·         ADA Accessible
·         Drinking Fountain	·         Restroom
·         Golf	·         Sign (Park ID)
·         Lights (Security)	·         Trails

Top: A look at the course from above. Middle: A map of the golf course.

Colfax Golf Course features a nine hole course located right on the Palouse River. The land is owned by the City and leased to the Golf Club. The Course lies along the north fork of the Palouse River and covers forty acres of land. In mild winters, the course remains open year round attracting frequent play from areas as far away as Spokane, sixty miles north of Colfax. 48 acres. Top Right: Looking down one of the fairways toward the green. Bottom Right: A look inside the golf shop where you can purchase a variety of different items for golf.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management Issues

Current and Future Issues:

Golf Course
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Benches/Picnic Table
Concessions
Drinking Fountain
Golf
Lights (Security)
Parking
ADA Accessible
Restroom
Trails

1. Course is only nine holes long.
2. Way finding is not consistent with other parks.
3. No identification sign.

Recommendations:

1. Look into the feasibility of adding an additional nine holes with purchasing of surrounding land.
2. Have a uniform style of signage for all parks that is easily identifiable and helps direct people, especially out of town people, to the park.
3. Add an identification sign.

 

Include Photos?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goode Park
804 S East Street.

Goode Park runs along Spring Flat Creek between Poplar Street and James Street at the southern entrance to the City. The 0.34 acre pocket park offers an open space for a variety of outdoor activities. As a Colfax High School Senior Project, Kristyn Pearson established the foot bridge from James Street across the flood control canal to the park.

Goode Park

Type of Facility

·         Benches/Picnic Table

·         Lights (Security)

·         Parking

·         ADA Accessible

·         Sign (Park ID)

 

 

 

 

Left: Map of Goode Park. Bottom: View of picnic area.

 

NARRATIVE?

 

 

 

 

                                                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

Top: West view of Goode Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management Issues

Current and Future Issues:

Goode Park
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Benches/Picnic Table
Lights (Security)
Parking
ADA Accessible

1. Current space is under-utilized and not used frequently.
2. No identification sign.
3. No trash cans.
4. No security lighting.
5. No way finding.

Recommendations:

1. Look into alternatives for the space such as selling it, making it into a community garden, or possible pumpkin patch.
2. Add identification sign.
3. Add trash cans.
4. Add security lighting.
5. Have a uniform style of signage for all parks that is easily identifiable and helps direct people, especially individuals not familiar with the area on parks.
6. Look into the feasibility of the park becoming the future location of Codger Pole given its location at the entrance of town.

 

Include Photos?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Niehenke Park

571 N Mill St.
Donated by the family of Henry Niehenke, Niehenke Park is located south of the Rosauers Grocery Store. The 0.1 acre pocket park is a popular lunch destination for people and workers around Mill Street.

Niehenke Park

Type of Facility

·         Acres

·         Picnic Table

·         Lights (Security)

·         Parking

·         ADA Accessible

 

 

 

Left: Map of Niehenke Park.                                                                                         Bottom Right: Open space with picnic                                                                                   area.

 

 

 

NARRATIVE?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                            

 

Management Issues

Niehenke Park
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Picnic Table
Lights (Security)
Parking
ADA Accessible

Current and Future Issues:

1. Only one picnic table.
2. Way finding to park is poor.
3. No trash cans.
4. There is no identification signage for the park.

 

Recommendations:

1. Add more picnic tables
2. Have a uniform style of signage for all parks that is easily identifiable and helps direct people, especially out of town people, to the park.
3. Add trash can.
4. Add identification signage.

 

Include Photos?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maggie Cain Park

Parkview Drive
Maggie Cain Gardens is a 0.3 acre pocket park located at the northern entrance to the City. It has a number of picnic tables spread across its small area and was donated by the Athenaeum Club.

Maggie Cain Park

Type of Facility

·         Acres

·         Benches/Picnic Table

·         Lights (Security)

·         Parking

·         ADA Accessible

·         Sign (Park ID)

·         Trails

 

 

Top left: Map of Maggie Cain Park. Bottom: Maggie Cain Park identification sign.

 

 

Left: Entrance sign into Colfax. Bottom: Looking west at the park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management Issues

Current and Future Issues:

Maggie Cain Park
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Benches/Picnic Table
Lights (Security)
Parking
ADA Accessible
Sign (Park ID)

1. There is only one light on west side Colfax sign.
2. No trash cans.

Recommendations:

1. Add more appropriate lighting to highlight signs/monument/garden (entry point to Colfax).
2. Add trash cans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schmuck Park

E 6^th St. and N. Morion Drive.
Schmuck Park is City owned and covers 8.4 acres. It has a swimming pool, bike racks and picnic area as well many other ameneties

Schmuck Park

Type of Facility

·         Benches/Picnic Table

·         Lights (Security)

·         Parking

·         ADA Accessible

·         Restroom

·         Sign (Park ID)

·         Volleyball

·         Trails ·         Track ·         Pool ·         Skate Park ·         Tennis

Top Left: Map of Schmuck Park. Right: Grassy Knoll.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schmuck Park is rooted in the history of Colfax. Established in 1916, Schmuck Park is considered the “Crown Jewel” of the Colfax parks system. It is the City’s largest park, which accommodates family, class reunions, large events and group activities. The city is currently in the process of updating the Schmuck Park Master Plan. Much of the play equipment is in need of replacement or repair. Specific issues are addressed in the Schmuck Park Master Plan (see appendix)?

The park is adjacent to the Colfax School District facilities and is the location of the city’s municipal swimming pool that also includes a kiddie-pool. Schmuck Park has two tennis courts, a skate park, an outdoor grass volleyball court, horseshoe pits and plenty of playground equipment. The park has one large group picnic shelter and one smaller shelter for smaller group picnics. There are also restroom facilities as well as ample parking spots available for visitors. The school facilities that are located within Schmuck Park include an outdoor track, football field, baseball field and an area used for softball and soccer play. The field area is used extensively in the spring, summer and fall by the high school.

Top Left: Merry-go-round. Bottom Left: Newly installed playground equipment. Bottom Right: Bike racks near the pool entrance.

Right: High School track (in need of resurfacing). Bottom: Park identification sign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management Issues

Current and Future Issues:

Schmuck Park
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Benches/Picnic Table
Lights (Security)
Lights (Athletic)
Parking
ADA Accessible
Restroom
Sign (Park ID)
Volleyball
Trails

1. Current mix of wood and aluminum picnic tables.
2. Restrooms located in back of park and in need of new septic system.
3. Pool is uneven and leaks, kiddie pool has operation problems.
4. No direct access to trail.
5. There are a number of very old playground equipment (slides, swings, teeter totter).
6. Running track surface is outdated asphalt.
7. Track and football field seem to be separate from park.
8. Outdated bike rack.
9. Houses north of park use park road to access homes.
10. Park is big enough for individual plan.
11. No way finding.
12. No drinking fountains.
13. Few trash cans.
14. Septic Tank Systems

Recommendations:                                                                       

1. Develop master plan.
2. Update picnic tables (currently wooden).
3. Look into relocation and update of restrooms.
4. Look into alternatives for public pool and baby pool (caulking/relocation).
5. Make park access to trailhead more direct and feasible.
6. Update and possible remove outdated/unsafe playground equipment.
7. Resurface the track.
8. Transfer ownership of track and football field to school in return for ownership of Hamilton Park.
9. Update bike rack.
10. Future layout of park (roads).
11. Have a uniform style of signage for all parks that is easily identifiable and helps direct people, especially out of town people, to the park.
12. Install drinking fountains.
13. Trash cans.
14. Explore the feasibility of installing a splash pad to replace one or both pools.

Hamilton Park
601 Meadow St.

Hamilton Park

Type of Facility

·         Benches/Picnic Table

·         Lights (Security)

·         Parking

·         ADA Accessible

·         Sign (Park ID)

·         Trails

Hamilton Park is a 1.1 acre neighborhood park located on the south end of town and owned by the City. The park gets its namesake from the Hamilton School which was located on the grounds that the park now occupies.

Top Left: Sign at the entrance to Hamilton Park Bottom: Map of Hamilton Park.

Hamilton Park is a neighborhood park located toward the south end of town. It sits on the former site of the Hamilton School. There is a half-court basketball area, playground and benches Hamilton Park is located in the southwest area of town.  This one acre park has new playground equipment, restrooms, an area used for t-ball, and a half court for basketball. This is a great neighborhood park but it lacks adequate parking.     Top Left: A look toward the park with the pole and picnic area in view. Bottom Left: Identification and description of the park and its legend. Top Right: Some needed maintenance work on the pathway around the pole.

Management Issues

Current and Future Issues:

Hamilton Park
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Benches/Picnic Table
Lights (Security)
Parking
ADA Accessible
Sign (Park ID)

1. Identification sign paint is faded.
2. Stairs leading up to park are broken and retaining wall is cracked.
3. Outdated restrooms.
4. No way finding.
5. Outdated basketball hoop.
6. No lighting for athletics.
7. No water fountains.
8. Back stop is location is
9. Some playground equipment is outdated.
10. No security lighting.
11. No designated parking.
12. No trash cans.

Recommendations:

1. Update identification sign (repaint).
2. Fix/restore stairs and retaining wall leading up to park.
3. Update restroom.
4. Way finding to park is poor.
5. Update basketball hoop.
6. Lighting for basketball court.
7. Install water fountains.
8. Find alternatives to possibly relocate kickball field.
9. Update playground equipment.
10. Update security lighting (LED).
12. Trash cans.

 

Include Photos?

 

 

Fireman’s Park

Full Address
Fireman’s Park is located on the south end of town. The 0.08 acre pocket park is dedicated to all past, present, and future Colfax Firefighters.

Left: Map of Fireman’s Park Bottom Left: Dedication plaque for the Colfax Firefighters. Bottom Right: Look at Fireman’s Park from the North end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fireman Park

Type of Facility

·         Lights (Security)

·         Parking

·         ADA Accessible

 

Management Issues

Current and Future Issues:

Fireman Park
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Lights (Security)
Parking
ADA Accessible

1. There is no identification sign for the park.
2. Way finding to park is poor.
3. No lights in the park.
4. No trash cans.
5. Odd location.

Recommendations:

1. Add identification sign.
2. Have a uniform style of signage for all parks that is easily identifiable and helps direct people, especially out of town people, to the park.
3. Add security lights (LED).
4. Add trash cans.
5. Research the feasibility of relocating park to current Chevron location on north side of town.

Include Photos?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stan McClintock Lookout Park

684 E Valley View Ave.

Lookout Park is located atop a hill in the southeast portion of the City with a nice view the South Fork Palouse River. In addition to playground equipment, the 1.2 acre pocket park has a lighted basketball court and large play field located on the east end.

Lookout Park

Type of Facility

·         Benches/Picnic Table ·         Lights (Security) ·         Parking ·         ADA Accessible ·         Sign (Park ID) ·         Basketball ·         Playground Equipment ·         Restrooms

 

Top Left: Map of Lookout Park. Bottom Left: Outdoor basketball court.

 

Top Left: View over the South Fork Palouse River from the park. Bottom Right: Looking west toward open field and backstop for ball games.

NARRATIVE NEEDED

 

 

 

 

 

Management Issues

Lookout Park
Type of Facility	Poor	Fair	Good
Benches/Picnic Table
Lights (Security)
Parking
ADA Accessible
Sign (Park ID)
Basketball
Playground Equipment
Restrooms

Current and Future Issues:

1. Way finding to park is poor.
2. Missing basketball rim.
3. Crack in base of basketball hoop pole.

Recommendations:

1. Have a uniform style of signage for all parks that is easily identifiable and helps direct people, especially out of town people, to the park.
2. Add new rim.
3. Replace basketball hoop pole.

Include Photos?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colfax Trails

Address/Location.
The (trail name?) trail runs south from McDonald Park along the west side of the golf course. It then shifts east of Little League Park and follows the Palouse River to Schmuck Park. Whether jogging or biking, the trail provides scenic views of the landscape around Colfax.

Who owns and maintains? Paved? Multi-use? Distance?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management Issues

Current and Future Issues:

1. There is no identification sign for the park.
2. There is no lighting along parts of the trail.
3. Difficult to determine how to access trail.

Recommendations:

1. Have a uniform style of signage for all parks that is easily identifiable and helps direct people, especially out of town people, to the park.
2. Add lighting to most used area of trail that does not have lights.
3. Add trail heads that include parking, identification sign and location map.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Involvement

The City of Colfax’s Parks Board traditionally meets on every third Monday of each month at 6 pm. The Board discusses current park issues and engages with the public to influence parks and recreational decisions in the community. The duties and responsibilities of the Parks Board is to “Act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in the management and development of parks facilities and recreation programs.”

The Parks Board designed and issued a recent survey to determine public opinion in a number of parks and recreational areas. The discussions included current park conditions, improvements, and future needs with specific issues involving the Schmuck Park swimming pool. The survey along with the results is located in the appendix section.

Public participation along with the coordination of local jurisdictions, property and business owners, and community interest groups is an important aspect to the City’s decision making and planning process. The Parks Board and City of Colfax will continue and improve community outreach approaches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Needs and Assessment

Current Level of Service

Figure XXX: Travel Distance Buffers from Parks

 

In Figure XXX there are two separate buffers that show the travel distance from the perimeters of the parks. There is .25 mile buffer and 1 mile buffer, and the distance use the street layout to determine the travel distance. The recommended distance for parks from residential areas is .25 miles from residential areas. According to data obtained from the 2010 Census, Colfax has approximately 1240 residents within .25 mile of the parks, this represents 44.3% of the population. When the travel distance is extended to 1 mile, there are approximately 2567 people who reside in this buffer zone, or 91.6% of the population. These distances were chosen because of the time is usually takes to walk them, with .25 miles taking 5 minutes and 1 mile taking 20 minutes, based on average walking speed on flat surfaces.

According to the public survey, the pocket parks of Goode, Fireman’s, and Maggie Cane are highly underutilized. If Colfax were to designate those areas as not being parks, it should consider the desired level of service be lower than the current level of service.

There is a total of 82 acres of parkland in Colfax including the golf course (48 acres) or 29 acres per 1000 people (12 acres per 1000 without the golf course). The current national standard is 6.25 to 10.5 acres per 1000 people is typical national standard set by the National Park and Recreation Association (NPRA).

The City is not projected to grow a significant amount. However, the City should set aside land for any future parks to service the un-serviced part of Colfax if growth were to occur in the rural zoned areas, or require that any developers with a significant subdivision dedicate a portion of their land to recreation purposes.

PLACE HOLDER-For Colfax to Decide on

Desired Level of Service

Projects for Current Parks

Swimming Pool – Temporary Fix
Swimming Pool – Relocation
Bathroom Updates – Hamilton & Eells Park
New Play Equipment – Eells Park
Septic Tank Replacement – Schmuck Park
Water Fountain Repair
Increased Signage and Way finding – All Parks
Future Codger Pole Maintenance
Replace Kiddie Pool with Splash Pad – Schmuck Park
Consider the recommendation for each park in the Inventory Chapter of this document

 

There is some pressing need for maintenance and modifications to the parks in Colfax. These projects could greatly improve the quality of each park. While there are several more ways that each park could be improved, the ones listed in the table should be prioritized as the most important.

• The swimming pool needs to be eventually be relocated to a site further away from the river in XXX years, but it needs to have a temporary fix to it in the year 2015 so that it does not continue to leak chlorinated water into the river.
• The bathrooms of Hamilton and Eells Park are somewhat dilapidated and need to be either replaced or significantly modified. They are in need of lighting, painting, and some general repair.
• The play equipment in Eells Park is over 40 years old and is past its useful life. The equipment may pose a liability to the City if the equipment breaks down while children or playing on it. The City should purchase the same type of playground equipment but the modern versions of them.
• The septic tank needs to be replaced in Schmuck Park.
• In Eels Park there is a beautiful historic fountain. It is currently not functioning but would add significantly to the quality of the park if it were operating during non-winter months. When repairs are being considered, the city should look into a system that recycles water instead of using fresh drinking water.
• Some of the parks and trails are not marked well, all parks and trails should have signage that gives direction to other area parks and trails. All parks should also have a sign that gives the name of the park.
• Codger Pole is made of wood and if no maintenance is done it will eventually fall into disrepair. The City should set aside funds for the inevitable needed repair of Codger Pole. Especially since codger pole is a great asset to Colfax that attracts visitors who want to see this unique piece of Colfax history.
• The City should take the opportunity if it eventually relocates the pool to replace the kiddie pool with a splash pad. Splash pads offer younger children who may not be old enough to swim a greater interactive playing experience than a shallow pool has to offer.
• In the Inventory Chapter of this document, there is list of maintenance issues and recommendations for each of the parks. These recommendations go into greater detail with suggestions such as lighting and water fountains. Some of these issues are of lesser concern but should be considered to add greater value to the parks for the community.

Future Projects

Path Network Extension

There is one trail that connects McDonald Park, the golf course, Little League Park, and Schmuck Park with one another. The City has a unique opportunity because some the railways that run through Colfax are no longer in operation and could be vacated and transformed into paved trails. Jogging and biking trails were often listed as priority for Colfax residents when brought up at town meetings.

Colfax should take any possible opportunity to connect the current trail system with the abandoned rail line that runs north to southeast through Colfax. The trail should extend to at least Eels Park, with even possible future expansion in mind.

Figure XXX: Proposed Paved Trail in Colfax, WA

 

 

Figure XXX: Possible Future Bicycle network

This same abandoned rail line extends all the way to Pullman, WA. Colfax should work with Whitman County, City of Pullman, and the Washington State Department of Transportation (Current owners of the rail line) to make a possible connection between the existing Bill Chipman Palouse Trail and proposed trail in Colfax come to fruition. The connection would be 19 miles and would offer greater recreation opportunities to the people of Colfax. This trail which highlights some of the best scenery the Palouse has to offer could very well bring in more traffic to Colfax from the immediate area and beyond. This project would depend on several factors. The first being if Washington State Department of Transportation would consider the transformation, the second being how operating cost would be split between Whitman County and the Cities of Colfax and Pullman, and another being how stakeholders such as property owners would feel about a path going through their land.

 

Indoor Community Center

The idea of an Indoor Community Center has been supported at various town meetings and by the online survey. It has been considered an alternative to relocating the outdoor pool in favor of an indoor one that can be used year around and allow things such as swim meets and other pool activities to be feasible. The Indoor Community Center may exist with or without the pool that would be determined at a later date. As it is right now, there is need for public space that can be utilized in the cold winter months. The center could be used for a variety of different activities that should aim to have recreation for a broad range of age groups.

RV/Campsite

During Washington State University football games there is a large influx of overnight visitors to Colfax. Hotels in the surrounding area, including Colfax, often fill up. Because of the limited capacity of lodging, the City of Colfax sees an opportunity to have a campsite or a RV Park located within the city limits. These sites would provide cheap lodging alternatives to anyone wanting to stay overnight in Colfax. There are two proposed sites that the city would consider if this were to occur; north of McDonald Park or on Schmuck Park ground east of the Swimming Pool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure XXX: Schmuck Park Location

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure XXX: Northeast of McDonald Park Site

Enhanced Downtown Experience –
Area Adjacent to Eels Park

Depending on the Washington State Department of Transportation’s decision on what can happen with the abandoned railway lines, the City should consider obtaining the tracks that are adjacent to Eells Park for possible redevelopment of a downtown plaza or park. This should also function as the starting point or terminus of the proposed bike trail inside of Colfax

 

 

 

 

Capital Improvement Program

The purpose of having a capital improvement plan is to have a clear direction for projects, maintenance and improvements of the parks system. It gives guidance for funding priorities. Here is an inventory of recurring maintenance and future improvements.

Required Maintenance

Schmuck Park: 8 hours a week of lawn mowing is required to keep the park in ideal fashion. Daily watering of the largest park in town is split between the City and the school district. Trash removal as well as restroom maintenance is also done regularly.

Hamilton Park: Weekly lawn mowing as well as regular watering of the lawn is required. Trash removal and restroom maintenance is also done regularly.

Fireman Park: Regular mowing and watering is required.

Eells Park: Weekly lawn mowing as well as regular watering of the lawn is required. Trash removal and restroom maintenance is also done regularly.

Codger Pole Park: Trash removal as well as weed-eating is done regularly.

Henry Little League Park: Regular lawn mowing as well as watering of the fields is required. Trash removal and restroom maintenance is also done regularly.

Golf Course: Extensive lawn-mowing and watering is required to keep greens in ideal fashion. The golf course is responsible for all maintenance for the course.

Goode Park: Weekly lawn mowing as well as regular watering of the lawn is required.

Niehenke Park: Weekly lawn mowing as well as regular watering of the lawn is required.

Maggie Cain Park: Weekly lawn mowing as well as regular watering of the lawn is required.

McDonald Park: Extensive lawn-mowing and watering is required to keep fields in ideal fashion. The golf course is currently responsible for all lawn maintenance for the park. Trash removal as well as restroom maintenance is also done regularly.

 

Improvement Needed for Existing Facilities

Schmuck Park: Pool needs to be addressed as soon as possible. River flooding has caused the pool foundation to be uneven, causing leakage of over 40,000 gallons of chlorinated water into the river every year. Outdated playground equipment is also a need to be addressed. Ideally, replacement of potentially dangerous equipment should be the next step taken. Restroom interiors as well as septic system needs to be repaired or replaced.

Hamilton Park: Park sign is faded and barely readable. Stairs leading into park need to be fixed, and/or completely replaced. Minimal outdated playground equipment should be updated. Restrooms also need to be updated to higher standards.

Fireman Park: No outstanding improvements need to be addressed at this time.

Eells Park: Large historical fountain needs to be repaired before operational. All playground equipment should be replaced with up-to-date equipment. Restroom interiors need updating and repair for optimal efficiency and all-weather usage.

Codger Pole Park: Vandalism to sign needs to be removed/covered. Brick walkway around Codger pole should be completed to achieve full use of area. Possible weather-proofing of the wooden pole should be addressed for possible future implications.

Henry Little League Park: Restrooms need to be updated and restored. Lighting around the field should be increased for better suitability for nighttime games.

Golf Course: No outstanding improvements need to be addressed at this time, besides possible signage to better direct customers to the course.

Goode Park: No outstanding improvements need to be addressed at this time.

Niehenke Park: Park identification sign should be installed.

Maggie Cain Park: No outstanding improvements need to be addressed at this time.

McDonald Park: Vandalism to club house needs to be removed or covered. More drinking fountains to better serve the high amount of users during summer months. Increase amount of playground equipment to better serve a wide range of users.

 

Here is a summary table of estimated costs for improvements and equipment the city may wish to undertake in the future.

Equipment	Estimated Costs
Playground Equipment:	$30,000-$50,000
Schmuck Park	$7,000
Hamilton Park	$8,000
Eells Park	$8,500
McDonald Park	$4,500
Sports Equipment: (basketball hoop)	$50-$150
Splashpad: (Schmuck Park)	~$160,000
Trash Recepticals: (all parks)	~$1,400
Picnic Tables:	~$1900
Schumck Park
Neihenke Park
McDonald Park
Park Signage: (all parks)	$1,000-$5,000
Lighting: (replace all current with LED)	~$200-$400 per light
Park Restrooms:	costs vary
Eells Park
Little League Park
Schmuck Park
Hamilton Park

 

 

 

 

Plan Implementation

It is highly recommended that current maintenance needs are addressed and met before any additional projects are pursued. This is helpful because it will allow the City to meet the needs of the community without spreading itself too thin.

Once the current needs and issues are met, then the City can begin the process of starting new capital projects based on the needs of the community. It is highly recommended that there be coordination between local stakeholders. An open dialogue is critical to the success of the plan as well as the success of the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about the City of Colfax parks and recreation please contact Mike Rizzitiello,

City of Colfax City Administrator: (509) 397-3861