It is also a goal of this department to provide through events and innovative programs benefits to the individual, the community, and visitors alike.

Further, this department must strive to protect the interest of the citizens of this island by ensuring that all special events are in compliance with the rules and regulations set forth.

The Tybee Island YMCA and Recreation Department have the unique opportunity of partnering within the City of Tybee to provide all recreation services for the City. The Tybee Island YMCA has been a part of the Tybee community since 1998 and is located at 204 5^th Street in Memorial Park.  Parks and Recreation Facilities for Tybee are listed below, as well as the Y facilities which include full cardio and strength training facility, locker rooms, showers, teen center, and plenty of open outdoor space.

         

                              

HOURS OF OPERATION: DAILY DAWN TO DUSK

PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL AND FOLLOW THESE PARK RULES:

1.      There are two dog parks. The one immediately on Fort Street is for small dogs of 20 lbs or less. The larger park, accessible from Van Horn or Fort Street is for larger dogs. Please use the parking spaces on Van Horn and do not park in the police impound lot!

2.      The off-leash dog area is for dogs, their handlers and those accompanying them. No other use is allowed.

3.      All dogs must be legally licensed and vaccinated, and shall wear a visible dog license.

4.      Dogs under 4 months of age and female dogs in heat are prohibited.

5.      Dogs must be on leash when entering and exiting the off-leash dog area.

6.      Dogs must be under the control of their handler and in view of their handler at all times.

7.      Spiked collars are prohibited.

8.      Children 8 years and under are not allowed in the off-leash dog area; children ages 9 - 15 years must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

9.      Handlers must be 16 years of age or older.

10. Handlers must have possession of the dog leash at all times.

11. Handler is limited to a maximum of two dogs.

12. Handlers must "scoop the poop" and fill any holes dug by dogs under their control.

13. Food and drinks in glass containers are prohibited; training treats are allowed.

14. Dispose of trash and recycling in provided receptacles.

15. Dogs must be removed from the off-leash dog area at the first sign of aggression.

16. No animals other than dogs shall be permitted in the area.

17. Handlers are responsible for any injuries caused by the dog(s) under their control.

18. Users of the facility do so at their own risk. The City of Tybee Island is not liable for any injury or damage caused by any dog.

To report immediate safety concerns call TIPD at 912-786-5600.

Comments and suggestions are welcome at dogpark@cityoftybee.org.

• Do not open the outside gate if the inside gate is open. Be patient. One dog should come or go at a time.
• Remove your dog's leash inside the double-gated holding pen. Do not leave a leash on your dog while in the Dog Park. A leashed dog may feel obligated to defend the owner at the other end of  the leash, may be at a disadvantage, and may actually cause an altercation.
• Carry your dog's leash with you in the dog park. A leash is a sure way of gaining control over your dog if needed and may act as an impromptu muzzle in an emergency.
• When you enter the dog park, close the gate behind you and move your dog away from the entrance.
• Remain in control of and in sight of your dog at all times, because you are legally responsible for your dog and your dog's actions while in Tybee Dog Park.
• Puppies under four months of age are at risk of infection, even when vaccinated, because your dogs' immune systems are not fully mature.
• Your dog must have a collar with proper ID and rabies when in the Dog Park. (No spiked, choked, or prong collars, please!)
• Grab a plastic bag from the dispenser provided to clean up after your dog (or someone else's dog, if necessary!)

• Interact with your dog and with other dogs in the park. Have a positive attitude. Everyone will appreciate it!
• Pay attention! Owners must clean up after their dogs, so don't be embarrassed to point it out to an owner that isn't paying attention. It's the right thing to do! Plastic bags and trash receptacles are provided in the park.
• Please, do not bring toys into the park when other dogs are present. Toys may provoke possessive or aggressive conduct, or be destroyed through rough play. Tennis balls may carry disease. No sharing, please!
• Do not leave water bowls at the Dog Park. Community water bowls not allowed to dry out are a breeding ground for many viruses and bacteria.
• Do not bring food into the Dog Park.
• Basic obedience training is a must for safety reasons. Remember that you're responsible for your dog at all times.
• If you bring children into the Dog Park, please teach them how to behave with animals and what to do in an emergency. Be sure you can take care of everyone you bring to the park.

• Be aware that dogs have different play styles. Behavior that concerns some dog owners may simply be a rambunctious play style.
• Always respect another dog owner's wishes if they are not comfortable with how your dog is interacting with theirs. Simply move to another part of the park for awhile.
• Leash up and leave if your dog is acting in an aggressive manner or having a bad day.
• Move around! Walking defuses defensive behaviors and keeps the off-leash area a neutral territory. This means your dog is more likely to pass by another dog with just a sniff rather than a stare-down.
• Interact with all dogs in the park! Sometimes, when people stand around, their dogs may become protective of their people and their space, making scuffles more likely to occur.
• Spay or neuter your dog. This can sometimes help to curb aggressive tendencies in addition to helping decrease overpopulation problems in our communities.
• Keep learning! Be a responsible dog owner. Help others become responsible dog owners.

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Ad Hoc Committee for Memorial Park Comprehensive Planning Recommendations

Final Report

March 13, 2008

This committee, the Ad Hoc Committee for Memorial Park Comprehensive Planning, was established by Mayor and Council on 8.9.07 by a resolution, a copy of which has been provided to Council in your packets. Our committee used this resolution as a "job description" for the work we were charged to do and the resolution served as a continuous guide for us.

Briefly, the resolution provided for us to locate within Memorial Park the Veterans' Memorial and 4,000 sq ft skateboard park, location for the helicopter landing pad, an efficient parking plan and pedestrian/bicycle trail, possibility of a future swimming pool, comprehensive landscaping plan and an overall comprehensive plan for the park to address the current and potential needs. Additionally, consideration was to be given to the possibility that a future public safety buildinq may be built in Memorial Park and to possible expansion of City Hall. The resolution specifically set forth the committee membership and the term of this committee, which was initially three months. In December, our committee came before Council requesting an extension, which was granted for three additional months.

Committee Members:

         · Janice Bentley, Resident At Large (Chairman)

         · Deb Barriero, Dog Park

         · Jimmy Carter, Veterans Memorial

         · Mimi Ferrelle, Garden Club

         · Wayne Harper, Park Neighbor

         · Allan Jones, Tybee Beautification Assn.

         · Tim Malins, Resident Skate Boarder

         · Libby Bacon, Planning Commission (non-voting member)

         · Gary Sanders, Architect (volunteer advisor & non-voting)

Committee meetings were held as follows:

In 2007 - 9/6,9/20,9/28, 10/4, 10/12, 10/18, 10/26, 11/2,11/7, 11/15, 1217, 12/15;

In 2008, 1/11, 1/26 (3 hrs), 1/30 (2 hrs), 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/29, 3.4, 3/11 with estimated volunteer hours in excess of 250 hours. The volunteer hours of our architect, Gary Sanders is estimated at approximately 50 hours.

In formulating these recommendations, the committee considered the DCA plan and report (3/06) and the Master Plan Survey results relative to the park, preservation of green space and recreational facilities. It is felt that our recommendations reflect the intent of the DCA Plan and specifically addresses the recommendations made in the DCA Plan. Additionally, our recommendations reflect the wishes of citizens and property owners as demonstrated by those who responded to the Master Plan Survey (8/07).

In response to the resolution by the Mayor and City Council, the committee addressed the issues as follows:

Drainage - During this process, it was recognized that drainage in the park is a significant problem and greatly affects the usage and functionality, to include recreational activities and usage for potential disaster/emergency events. Drainage is a major concern and drainage should be addressed in the initial phase of any improvements. Use of pervious materials when possible is recommended; however, ADA accessibility should be addressed with the appropriate surfaces. Incorporation of rain gardens, swales or other environmental/landscaping measures should be instituted to address the drainage problems in the park.

 It is strongly suggested that the services of an environmental biologist (Tara Merrill, author of Department of Natural Resources Green Growth Guidelines, Chapter 3, Stormwater Management section) be obtained to develop on-site drainage without stormwater being moved to negatively affect nearby residents, businesses, roadways or marshes. Usage of rain barrels to collect rain water/rain water run-off should be considered. The drainage plan should be most conscious of the environment with the goal of safeguarding the environment.

We recommend that preference be given to designs using surface drainage, vegetation, and infiltration rather than buried pipes, man-made materials and facilities. We also recommend the use of pervious materials, when possible and practical, in order to avoid additional drainage issues. The incorporation of a rain garden in the park's overall design can be used as an educational tool to help residents understand the value of using native vegetation to facilitate in the absorption of standing water. The use 01' swales is encouraged to deter ponding and redirect stormwater flow towards more desirable areas (i.e.: rain gardens).

ADA Accessibility - Americans with Disabilities Act - All improvements in the park must be given careful consideration in order to comply with ADA requirements. Resources are available on the website, www.ada.gov, which specifically address requirements and issues, and provides a tool kit for state and local governments. Of significance in the review of the documents on the website is the statement "Facilities constructed or altered after 1/26/92 must comply with ADA standards for accessible design."

1.)    We recommend the appropriate ADA guidelines be followed to include, but not limited to, designated handicapped parking, ramps for access to picnic pavilions, surfaces appropriate for wheelchairs (pathways/sidewalks), etc. It is recognized that the presence of the Veterans Memorial will likely increase the number of handicapped persons who visit the park, as well as the increase in the aging population.

2.)    Appropriate ADA modifications should be made to the restroom facilities in the park. [It should be noted that there are wheelchair accessible picnic tables in the larger pavilion, but no ramp in which to access the pavilion.]

3.)    Our plan does not address every requirement as specified in requirements. The ADA accessibility requirements shall be left to the City Manager and City Staff to ensure compliance for all elements of the park.

Parking Plan - The existing concrete pad adjacent to Jones Avenue is to be removed. The recommendation is to make a parking lot (22 spaces) in that area (as drawn on plan) with access only from park entrance driveway. It is recommended that this lot be of a previous surface, preferably pavers. This will be the only parking location permitted INSIDE of the park. This exact location is delineated in the plan.

Access further into the park using the current driveway will cease at the point of the turnaround (as identified on the plan). There will be no parking allowed along this driveway inside of the park. Further access shall be blocked utilizing a gate, fencing or any appropriate manner as determined by the City of Tybee to allow for access for city maintenance, utility maintenance, or other vehicles as determined by the City Manager in keeping with the original intent of this access location.

It is the position of this committee that further vehicular access poses a safety concern with the driveway and circular turn-around area in such close proximity to the playground equipment and could easily result in serious injury to children utilizing the playground equipment. Additionally, vehicular access in this area is unsafe for persons utilizing the pavilion and the rest rooms. The resulting removal of the driveway will be converted to a plaza area for additional recreational usage, which is preferred; however, this area can be maintained as a grassy area.

As per the plan, parallel parking will be designated along Jones Avenue, with the expressed purpose for bus parking and other park-related parking. This proposal was discussed with Chief of Police and he supports this plan and no safety/traffic problems have been identified. It is expected to slow down traffic on Jones Avenue.

Parking meters and/or pay and display units in the parallel parking areas will to be placed at the discretion of the City Manager/City Staff. It is recommended that there be no charge for parking in the 22-space parking area; however, if parking is charged, it is recommended that the pay and display unit is erected as it will be less obtrusive than individual parking meters. It is our recommendation that this lot be specifically designated for park patrons only, and not be utilized for persons going to the beach for the day.

Vehicular access - Access into the park is based on the plan.

Vehicular access into the park will be from Jones Avenue only at the site of the current driveway access. This driveway access will be shortened as per the drawing to prohibit vehicular access near the playground area and larger pavilion area. This is strongly recommended as a safety measure to prevent children from wandering into the driveway, and will also provide safe access to bathroom facility from playground and large pavilion area.

It is recommended that appropriate barriers (fencing, chain, plant material) shall be in place to prevent unauthorized vehicular access into park area (to include grassy areas and other recreational areas) so as to provide for safety of persons/animals in park and to prevent damage of the park grounds by vehicles.

It is recommended that some type of penalty in the form of violation tickets be issued for unauthorized vehicular access/transit in park area and for illegal/inappropriate parking.

Loading/unloading of vehicles for park events on an extremely limited basis shall be left to the discretion of the City Manager and/or City Staff.

Veterans' Memorial - The location for the Veterans' Memorial has been selected as drawn on the plan, which is the site between the cemetery and Jones Avenue. It is recommended that no existing trees (primarily palm trees) be removed. This site was initially selected as the preferred location by the Veterans' Memorial representative, accepted by the representative to this committee, and received unanimous approval from the Veterans' Memorial group. By putting the memorial in this location, next to the cemetery, it was felt that the mood of quiet reflection was maintained, and was preferred over the Butler Avenue location. The monument will have illumination for the flag and for the monument, which will be addressed in the lighting section of this report. The height of the flag pole is planned to be 50 feet

Skate Board Park - The selected location for the 4,000 square foot skate board park is as drawn on the plan, which is in east of the gymnasium adjacent to the dog park. The border/edge of the skate park coordinates with the side of the gymnasium. By choosing this site for the skate board park, relocation of the dog park closer to the property line to the south of the park (next to the duplex residence at the corner of Butler Avenue and s" Street) is necessary, which is agreeable with the representative for the dog park serving on this committee.

It is recommended that the skate park area be enclosed with a 6 ft fence and a gate that is locked during non-operating hours of the park. Appropriate city staff will lock and un-lock the skate park on a daily basis.

In reviewing the official site survey of Memorial Park, it was noted that the residence on the corner of Butler Avenue and 5th Street encroaches approximately 15 feet into Memorial Park. This is approximately 12 x 80 on the north side of the park which contains a free-standing deck and fence, and an additional 1 0 x 60 feet on the western side of the park, which is currently being used as a driveway off of 5th Street. This issue has been brought to the attention of the City Manager, Mayor, City Attorney and some members of council. It is expected that this situation will be rectified expeditiously with "reclaiming" of the city property - whether or not this portion of the plan is adopted and implemented.

Pedestrian/Bike Trail - It is recommended to install al multipurpose path along the perimeter of the park along Jones Avenue on the inside of the existing tree corridor. This path would be approximately 10 feet wide, as determined by the geography of the location, which would allow for two way pedestrian/bike traffic.

The surface of this path will be of such material that is ADA compliant and be of permeable material, if possible, and does not exclude that this surface be concrete or pavers. It is recommended that the materials utilized will require minimal maintenance, and the surface will be durable and acceptable for wheelchairs, bicycles, strollers and pedestrians.

 Appropriate signage for the path is to be erected, especially for areas where there is vehicular traffic, i.e. at the driveway at the entrance to the park, or other areas that could pose a possible safety hazard. It is recommended to have a "speed bump" or raised area at the entrance driveway into the park to slow down vehicular traffic and the path/trail location.

Lighting - Lighting is to be provided in areas where safety and security are concerns. We also recommend that all new lighting consider the following guidelines:

All lighting fixtures shall be task oriented and their light will be directed to facilitate the specific purpose of the lighting fixture (i.e. low to ground lighting for walking paths). All lighting will comply with the City of Tybee Land Development Code with particular attention to Sec. 3-230 - Turtle nesting protection of the lighting ordinance.

Electrical feeds to lighting standards should be installed underground, not overhead, and that all current overhead wiring be placed underground. It is recommend that the electrical pole with no light be removed. It is used for electrical access for Christmas decorations in the park. This pole is unsightly, and we recommend that power supply for this purpose be reconfigured.

The protection of neighbors and the night sky from nuisance glare and stray light from poorly aimed, placed, shielded or applied light sources is strongly recommended. Vegetation screens shall not be employed to serve as the primary means for controlling glare. Rather, such control shall be achieved primarily through the use of sharp cut off fixtures, the appropriate application of moun