Mackin prepared a Comprehensive Recreation, Park, & Open Space Plan for Moon Township, a western suburb of Pittsburgh, located along the Ohio River and near Pittsburgh International Airport.
The plan was developed to reflect the community’s wishes and direct the Township’s efforts to provide affordable and quality recreational opportunities. This effort included analyzing existing conditions and offering recommendations to enhance and coordinate the efforts of the various recreation programs. The implementation strategies complimented Moon Township’s recreation goals to provide recreation services to all residents. The plan addressed and met State, Regional, County, and local priorities about recreation, preservation, and conservation. The plan also offered recommendations, fostered new partnerships, and developed strong community-based leadership. In addition, new and proposed parks, community centers, facilities, and services were analyzed to determine feasibility and anticipated levels of participation.
Specific aspects on the project included:
- Defining plan purpose & goals
- Analyzing administration procedures
- Identifying township personnel responsibilities
- Conducting a facility & open space inventory & analysis
- Determining effectiveness of existing recreation programs & identifying new programs
- Determining financing options
- Coordinating public participation
This project also included developing a concept plan for Olsen Park, a new 100-acre park, located in a wooded area centered within a residential neighborhood of Moon Township. In contrast to other existing parks within the community, Olsen Park was conceived to be a passive recreation area for activities including picnicking, walking/hiking, mountain biking, nature observation, fishing, open field play, small group camping, and winter activities including sledding and cross-country skiing. Applicable facilities include trails, picnic areas, tot-lot play area, outdoor classroom site, primitive camping sites, ponds, stream crossings (foot bridges), nature area/interpretive site, a warming hut, and a parking area.
