Greenbelt’s Park and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) discussed the community survey regarding Buddy Attick Park on Wednesday evening, November 15. The survey is one of the first steps in the development of a master plan for the park. The results of the survey were presented by Tom McGilloway and Anthony Dye of Mahan Rykiel Associates, the company developing the master plan. This plan will provide a vision for use of the park and serve to guide improvements and management practices.
Survey Results
The survey had 581 respondents, most of whom visited the park daily or once a week and lived near the park. The most common reasons for visiting the park were physical activity, walking and dog walking. Overall, the park was rated in good condition; however, a third of the respondents were concerned about safety.
Emerging Ideas
There were several ideas presented aimed at improving the park. At the main entrance these included a new playground, a path to link amenities in a logical order and changes to the amphitheater to make it multipurpose. The group picnic area could be improved through a covered pavilion or gazebo. In the peninsula area improving the pathway, enhanced plantings and an overlook deck were suggested. In the area of the south cove, one idea for how to manage the standing water often found there was to create a wetland area. Improved signage and more park benches throughout the park were also suggested.
Accessibility and Safety
Given that the main attraction to the park is the trail around the lake, there was much discussion regarding Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and safety. Adding a hard surface to the path would increase its accessibility and make it safer in terms of a walker’s stability. However, some attendees felt it would take away from the natural feel of the park.
Other attendees felt vulnerable along some sections of the path, which led to a discussion on ways to prevent potential wrongdoing. Adding lighting was not well received because it would change the nature of the park and affect wildlife. Cameras would not necessarily improve safety in the area, but at least one attendee suggested getting data on incidents in the park before taking any action.
Keeping It Natural
McGilloway and Dye felt that Buddy Attick Park is composed of two parks. The first is the area around the main entrance and the nearby picnic areas, which rest within the larger park that includes the trail around the lake, the south cove and peninsula. These differences will be considered as the plan is developed.
In general, audience members felt that it was important to make improvements to the park but also to maintain the natural essence of Buddy Attick Park.