Committee Chair - Virginia Bedford
Committee Members - Robert Smith, Jamie Devine, Tiaa Rutherford, Winkie Player, Julie Boller, Jim Lewismoss, Paige Mills
COMMITTEE REPORT on Earlewood Park and Marshall Park
The Chair of the Quality of Life Committee, Martha Mason, was asked by the ECCO Executive Council to form a Parks Subcommittee that would be part of the Quality of Life Committee. The purpose of the subcommittee is to focus on issues concerning Earlewood Park and Marshall Park. The Parks Subcommittee of the Quality of Life Committee is responsible for “working with the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Columbia to improve the appearance and services in Earlewood Park and Marshall Park.” The Parks Subcommittee of the Quality of Life Committee has met and submits the following report to the membership of ECCO to improve the appearance and services of Earlewood Park and Marshall Park.
The Parks Subcommittee of the Quality of Life Committee recognizes the use of Earlewood Park has changed in the past several years. The change in use is primarily due to a shift in staff and programs from Earlewood Park to the newer recreation center at Hyatt Park. As a result of this shift of resources by the City, Earlewood Park has become more of a “passive use” park in recent years. “Passive use” parks are known for their views of nature, seasonal interest, hiking or walking trails and individual activities. A “passive use” park is defined as having mainly “unprogrammed space.” The two baseball fields would be considered “organized space” but the majority of Earlewood Park allows for individual activities. There are two groups that use Earlewood Park on a regular basis - Midlands softball leagues and disc golfers. The walking course near Main Street is also popular with individuals. The recommendations of the Parks Subcommittee will enhance the “passive use” characteristics of our parks.
The Parks Subcommittee of the Quality of Life Committee acknowledges there are problems with Earlewood Park and Marshall Park that need to be addressed. Since its completion the Amphitheater has been used infrequently, in part due to the lack of public restrooms. The Recreation Center at Earlewood Park is not staffed except when groups reserve it for a function. There are no pictures of Earlewood Park or Marshall Park or the Earlewood Amphitheater on the web site of Parks and Recreation. In short, it is the position of the Parks Subcommittee of the Quality of Life Committee that Earlewood Park and Marshall Park have been neglected by the Parks and Recreation Department in recent years. It is hoped that if the recommendations in this Report are adopted, the appearance of Earlewood Park and Marshall Park will improve and that, when the recommended amenities are added, the parks will be used by more people.
The members of the Parks Subcommittee of the Quality of Life Committee will work with the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Columbia and partnering organizations to achieve the recommendations in this Report. Subcommittee meetings will be held monthly and reports will be submitted to the Chair of the Quality of Life Committee.
In order to achieve these objectives, the Parks Subcommittee of the Quality of Life Committee recommends the membership of ECCO adopt the goals in this Report for the parks in Earlewood. These goals are prioritized according to the City of Columbia’s fiscal year. The Parks Subcommittee of the Quality of Life Committee recognizes the funding for these projects must be requested and appropriated for each fiscal year. The budgeting process for the City of Columbia begins in September and the budget is approved in June.
The Parks Subcommittee has identified four general objectives for Earlewood Park and Marshall Park.
General Objectives For Earlewood Park and Marshall Park
- To increase city-wide awareness and use of Earlewood Park and Marshall Park and the Earlewood Park Amphitheater.
- To continue to improve the appearance and maintenance of Earlewood Park and Marshall Park.
- To increase city-wide awareness and use of the disc golf course in Earlewood Park.
- To add amenities and activities at Earlewood Park and Marshall Park that enhance the spirit of friendship and community among Earlewood residents.
Goals to be achieved in Fiscal Year 2007-2008
- Renovation of the Earlewood Recreation Center according to the plans approved by the ECCO membership in 2005.
- Addition of public restrooms on the north side of the Earlewood Recreation Center according to the plans approved by ECCO membership in 2005.
- Cover Sewage Pipe with bridge or fence or plant materials.
- Return of fountain now in front of Township Auditorium to Earlewood Park.
- Install more benches and trash cans throughout the parks.
- Improve the children’s playground area in both parks by replacing and adding equipment.
- Replace sand in children's playground area in Marshall Park with a synthetic material and treat the area for red ants on a regular basis.
- Replace picnic tables in the picnic shelters in Earlewood Park.
- Create and print one-page brochure about the history and amenities offered by Earlewood Park. (5000 copies)
- Place information and pictures about Earlewood Park and Marshall Park on the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation web site.
- Repair or replace dislodged stones in Amphitheater
- Protect wood on amphitheater by applying polyurethane.
- Create a one-page brochure on Earlewood Park. (5000 copies)
Goals to be achieved in Fiscal Year 2008-2009
Design and construct a Natural Surface Trail that goes throughout Earlewood Park. The trail would closely follow the disc golf course layout and would be used by the disc golfers as well as other visitors to the park. This Report recommends improvements to the trail in coming years that will result in more people using the trail and park. This report recommends the Parks and Recreation Department hire a professional to design and construct the trail and work with input from residents.
Goals to be achieved in Fiscal Year 2009-2010
Design and construct a Health and Fitness Trail in Earlewood Park in partnership with the Sports Management Department of USC. Initially, the Health and Fitness Trail should have a minimum of eight exercise stations along the natural surface trail built the previous year in Earlewood Park. In future years, more exercise stations may be added. A Health and Fitness Trail would further enhance the use of the park and the natural surface trail. It would also offer an opportunity for residents to improve their health and physical well-being in a natural environment. The sylvan character of Earlewood Park is particularly suited to low-keyed, individualistic forms of exercise and recreation.
Residents of communities that have a Health and Fitness Trail near them report the trail has increased the value of their property and improved the quality of neighborhood life and the spirit of community. The benefits considered most important were safe opportunities for recreation, health, and fitness pursuits.
Goals to be achieved in Fiscal Year 2010-2011
Design and plant a South Carolina Native Plant Trail in partnership with the Midlands Chapter of the SC Native Plant Society. The trail will follow the natural surface trail that also serves the disc golfers and those who use the Health and Fitness Trail. Native plants that grow in our soil and climate will be planted along the trail with identifying markers and information about the plant. The Native Plant Trail will require very little maintenance and will be both enjoyable and educational.