Ancillary Spaces

1. Ancillary Spaces chapter 18

2. Overview • Facilities are supported by ancillary spaces, areas that support the core product. • In most facilities, the core product could not be made available to users if the supporting ancillary areas were not there. • Ancillary areas do not exist as sources of revenue; the spaces that support the core product and generate revenue are called core product extensions.

3. Parking • Fundamental to almost all recreation facilities is the availability of parking for users and employees. • As an ancillary area, parking provides users and employees with a place to leave their vehicle and can be a convenience. Inadequate parking facilities can have a negative impact on the use and revenue generation of a recreation facility.

4. Parking Options • Three types of parking options are typically offered at recreation facilities: 1. Self-parking 2. Gated parking 3. Valet parking • The nature of the core product typically determines which parking option will be used and to what extent.

5. Surface Parking

6. Parking Structures

7. Parking Operations • Recreation facilities should provide some form of parking as part of the facility or at least nearby. • Usually, community-planning agencies require facilities to provide on-site parking to prevent congestion and overflow on local streets. • The efficiency of a parking area projects a message about the management of the facility. • This can be reflected in parking access, signage, maintenance, and security.

8. Parking Signage

9. Three Considerations for Maintenance • Attend to structural needs of the parking facility. This requires management to respond to harsh conditions, extreme weather, vehicle weight, and general wear and tear on the parking area. • Keep up with the daily maintenance functions to keep a parking facility in working order. These tasks include ensuring that the surface is in good shape, parking lines and signage are visible, and meters and gates are operational. • Attend to the appearance of the parking area by keeping the area clean and attractive.

10. Security • Parking operators need to be concerned for the safety of users and prevention of vehicle theft and damage. • Special attention is required to provide complete protection of vehicles and personal property. • Courts could hold an agency liable for damage and criminal acts if adequate security is not provided. • A key factor in parking security is the provision of proper lighting.

11. Parking Design • It is vital that time and effort be devoted to the design of the parking area during the planning phase of parking operations. • A variety of details must be considered in parking design: shape, angles, codes and ordinances, space size and number of spaces, sidewalks, landscaping, and drainage.

12. Perimeter Parking Options • Parking areas should be located close to the facility. • Typically, users do not want to walk far to access a facility. • In instances where there is inadequate space or an event where a large number of vehicles need to park, management should provide perimeter parking options, which require a longer walk or even a shuttle service to and from the facility.

13. Sidewalks • Sidewalks are essential for safety, especially with large parking lots. • Sidewalks should be distinguished from the roadway and parking areas and should be raised 3 to 6 inches (8-15 cm). • In situations where sidewalks are not raised, they should be properly painted, placing adequate emphasis on them for easy visibility, especially in crosswalks.

14. Landscaping: Shading, Screening, and Buffer Zones • Landscaping contributes to the appearance of a parking area and can even increase property value. • Landscape design can help control traffic and increase safety in a parking area. • Vegetation is useful in screening neighboring areas and creating buffer zones from the parking area.

15. Drainage • Parking areas should have proper drainage to prevent pooling and flooding from rainwater. • The parking area should have a flat surface with a slight slope (1 to 4%) to allow for water runoff. The slope should be minimal and not create a hazard for users.

16. Reception Area • A reception area is an ancillary area that can be vital to recreation facility usage and product success. • The reception area is an extension of the administration and delivery operations, creating initial contact with customers and providing a first impression of the facility. • A reception area should establish a comfortable, noncongested, and nonconfusing atmosphere that helps users gain access to the product.

17. Initial Appearance • An aesthetically pleasing reception area creates a favorable first impression by being well maintained and organized. • A positive image projected by the reception area can recruit new users and help maintain repeat use from current users.

18. Efficiency • The efficiency of a reception area may be more important than its appearance. • Efficiency refers to how well the staff communicates with users. • A knowledgeable staff that is properly trained and understands organization procedures is vital in order to maintain consistency at the front desk and share correct information with users.

19. Attitude • Attitude of reception desk staff is as important as the appearance of the reception area. • Guests should feel as though staff members are friendly and helpful. • A smile and a warm greeting go a long way in making users feel welcome.

20. Functions of Reception • Access control • Fee collection • Information and communication • Schedules

21. Contributing Areas • Reception areas vary in function, size, and location. • Several areas contribute to the reception area: • Lobby • Administration offices • Showcases • Child care area

22. Reception Area Design • Recreation facility managers should be aware of the importance of a reception area and how its design enhances the functionality of the facility. • Most important in the design of the reception area is its location, especially if the area is for numerous functions. • Reception areas should be in the center of activity so that users can easily identify it.

23. Locker and Shower Area • As an ancillary space, locker and shower areas could be a support service that is a key to the success of the core product. • Locker and shower areas are usually a service provided to users and employees. • They require specialized knowledge and attention to detail that should not be taken for granted.

24. Functions of Locker and Shower Areas • Certain locker and shower functions are compared with other areas of a recreation facility. • This space should be secure, private, and supervised to protect the users. • Many locker and shower functions will vary from facility to facility. (continued)

25. Functions of Locker and Shower Areas (continued) • Hygiene • Grooming • Lockers • Therapy • Showers • Restroom areas • Information and communication

26. Locker and Shower Area Design • Each subarea of a locker and shower area has unique needs in terms of its function. • These factors should be addressed in the design phase of a facility project. • Proper circulation of the areas and user safety should be a primary consideration in the overall design. (continued)

27. Locker and Shower Area Design (continued) • The activities of a locker and shower area, by their nature, create odors, humidity, and other by-products, so ventilation is critical. • Appropriate ventilation should be maintained at all times with regulated temperature and humidity checks to prevent odor and moisture containment. (continued)

28. Locker and Shower Area Design (continued) • The surfaces in a locker and shower area are important for maintenance and safety. • Showers can create wet surfaces that are hazardous for walking. • Where wet conditions exist, slip-resistant surfaces should be incorporated. • Management must be particularly sensitive to floor surfaces in this area because they can be a liability if not designed and maintained properly. (continued)

29. Locker and Shower Area Design (continued) • Security needs should be a top priority in locker and shower areas since users will be storing personal belongings, showering, and changing. • Valuable belongings are often stored in lockers, so security measures should be implemented to minimize theft. • Locker areas should have open sight lines and provide easy angles for observation from facility staff to help minimize inappropriate activities.