Looking to meet community needs, O’Fallon aims to improve city park facilities

Replacing the community swimming pool, creating an all-inclusive playground, adding community space for gatherings, more hiking and biking trails, completing the Family Sports Park, and putting new parks in underserved areas are among the improvements highlighted in the O’Fallon Parks Master Plan.

Making the transition from wish list to reality is the goal, said Parks and Recreation Director Andrew Dallner.

Some of the projects are among those in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2023-27, but will not happen unless funding is secured, and in some cases, grant money is available.

Major upgrades are needed at existing parks, but identifying new park land and facility needs throughout the city is something the department plans to do as well, Dallner said.

In the Parks Master Plan — which has been approved by the O’Fallon City Council — a series of trail improvements for bicycle usage is identified. The Metro East Park and Recreation District, which covers Madison and St. Clair counties, has been developing local trails as part of their Greenway Systems Plan.

These plans are to enhance the quality of life in the city and the needs expressed by the community. Last year, the park sought input from residents in an online survey, and at public meetings, Dallner said.

“There are a lot of great plans for the community. It is about providing the amenities that they want,” he said.

The heaviest usage is at Family Sports Park, the Community Park and Rock Springs Park among the city’s 11 parks.

For 2023, a multi-use facility for increased community activities is forecast.

Dallner said the Katy Cavins Community Center is limited size-wise for events of more than 100-plus people.

“In our surveys, people said they want a bigger place to get together. They like to get together. It’s something that’s needed,” he said, citing the success of the annual City Fest that takes place in August.

Building On Family Sports Park Success

Dallner said the economic impact of teams that come to town for sports tournaments — staying overnight and eating at local restaurants — will continue to grow, generating income for the city.

In a recent economic impact report to the council’s Parks and Recreation Committee, tournaments generated over $2.5 million from August-December 2021.

Summary:

• SLSG (St Louis Scott Gallagher, two tournaments): $830,760
• Metro Alliance (two tournaments): $531,760
• Girls College Softball Showcase: $470,400
• Gateway Rush: $386,920
• USSSA September Softball: $188,600
• USSSA October Girls Softball: $162,840
• ARCH Invitational Softball (Adult) $10,120

Installing new turf so teams aren’t subject to rainouts has been a priority, and new lights are being installed this year, too.

Dallner said people who book tournaments seek places where rainouts won’t affect play.

“It’s very much requested,” he said. “We want to position ourselves as a sports town. We don’t want to lose people.”

Community Memorial Swimming Pool Needs

Built in 1959, the pool has become inadequate. Today’s expectations for an outdoor aquatic facility have drastically changed over the past 60 years, their study found.

A prepared report by Planning Design Studio stated recreational water has taken a more freeform shape as opposed to the traditional rectangular pools of the 1960s. It’s common for these pools to have multiple zones that include a zero-beach entry, waterslide plunge areas, moving water such as a current channel or lazy river, inflatable crossing activities and deep-water amenities such as climbing walls, drop slides and diving boards or platforms.

With the upgrades, adults can enjoy the experience and closely monitor their children, the report said.

The pool also has physical issues that need to be repaired. In addition, the two sets of exit stairs are not ADA compliant and needs to be accessible with a ramp or handrails to be easily manageable for all pool users.

Upgrades to restrooms are also needed, as are locker rooms with amenities.

ADA-Accessible Playground

A playground where children with special needs can play along with others has been a growing movement, but it’s not an easy plan to put into place, he said.

Dallner said these types of facilities are costly, estimated around $500,000, which includes installation and labor.

“They are so expensive, depending on the labor. We’re hoping to get grant funding,” he said.

And if community service organizations would be willing to get involved with helping to pay for certain items, that will speed up the process, too, he noted.

Plans Beyond 2022

A 500-space parking lot at the Family Sports Park is identified for 2023, and there are things like an equipment storage shed, and genuine upkeep.

Dallner said it’s important to listen to residents and plan for the growth and future needs of the city.

With ongoing coronavirus pandemic issues, Dallner said being flexible is crucial. They are monitoring and following the Illinois Department of Public Health protocols, he said. Because of vaccines, booster shots and COVID-19 testing being readily available, that marks a shift from what they did when the pandemic first hit in 2020.

“We try to manage the situation as best we can,” he said. “We try to see what we can do instead of canceling everything.”

The Department Moving Forward

When Dallner assumed heading the department this past summer, he said making information easily accessible was his goal.

“I try to make sure there are no surprises,” he said, noting he prepares Power Point presentations to the committee that are “easy to read, informative and helpful.”

He complimented the department employees and its stability.

“We have a really good staff, and everyone is really supportive of each other and our vision,” he said.

Furthermore, when faced with challenges last year in programming the soccer fields, they worked with the leagues and ironed things out.

“The wheels didn’t come off the bus,” he said.