HomeMy WebLinkAbout16-Parks and Recreation
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CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
From: Kevin Hawkins, Director
Subject: Set workshop for
Monday, November 17, 2008,
at 5:00 p.m. - in the Economic
Development Agency
Boardroom for a presentation
of the Parks, Recreation,
Trails and Open Space Master
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Dept: Parks, Recreation and
Community Services
Date: October 20, 2008
Council Meeting Date: Nov. 3, 2008
Synopsis of Previous Council Action:
February 20, 2007 - Council adopted Resolution No. 2007-51 authorizing execution of a
Professional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc. for the purpose of
developing a Park, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Facilities Master Plan.
Recommended motion:
That a workshop be set for November 17, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. in the Economic
Development Agency Boardroom for a presentation of the Parks, Recreation, Trails and.
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Open Space Master Plan. ~~" .. .~ 1/... ;~
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Contact person: Kevin Hawkins
Phone: 5233
Supporting data attached:
None
Ward:
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount: None
Source: (Ace!. No.) DNA
(Ace!. Description)
Finance:
Council Notes:
Agenda Item No. J (p
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CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Staff Report
Subject:
Set a workshop for November 17, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. in the Economic Development
Boardroom for a presentation of the Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space
Master Plan.
Background:
On February 20, 2007, Council authorized the execution of a Professional Services
Agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc., for the purpose of developing a Park,
Recreation, Trails and Open Space Master Plan.
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Over the past eighteen months, the consultant has inventoried the department's
facilities and programs. Community input was acquired through a series of
workshops and a community-wide telephone survey. The consultant has analyzed
demographic data, evaluated parks and recreation facility maintenance and operation
standards, and evaluated recreation programs offered. The Park, Recreation, Trails
and Open Space Master Plan Executive Summary is attached (Attachment "A").
The purpose of the workshop is to share with the Mayor and Council the resulting
Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Master Plan which provides a framework
of goals and policies for open space and recreation resources in the City. Council
will be asked to adopt the Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Master Plan
following review and discussion at the November 17,2008 Council meeting.
Financial Impact:
None by this action.
Recommendation:
That a workshop be set for November 17,2008 at 5:00 p.m. in the Economic
Development Agency Boardroom for presentation of the Parks, Recreation, Trails
and Open Space Master Plan.
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.. What is the Master Plan?
The Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Master
Plan is based on the guiding principle that recreation
facilities, programs, trails, and open space are
important assets within the City of San Bernardino.
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The purpose of the Master Plan is to provide a
realistic guide for the creative, orderly
development and management of recreation
facilities and programs for the City, now and
into the future.
Who was involved?
Attachment "A"
The development of the Master Plan was built
upon community input. Hundreds of residents of all ages participated in the
planning process. This included community workshops, a staff focus group,
stakeholder interviews, workshop surveys, and a community wide telephone
survey. Additionally, community data from the 2005 General Plan was also
utilized in the document.
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What was the process?
The Master Plan process is illustrated by
the Master Plan document which is
organized into sections that mirror the
process:
Section One: Introduction. This
summarizes the Master Plan purpose, process,
demographic context, and related documents.
Section Two: Existing Recreation Resources.
Understanding existing conditions in the
community is an essential step in the Master Plan
process. Section Two provides an inventory of
recreation facilities within and surrounding the City limits.
Section Three: Recreation Facility Needs Assessment. Section Three
provides a detailed assessment of the recreation facility needs of the San
Bernardino community. Data from the community was obtained to develop an
understanding of the demand for a variety of facilities. Both qualitative and
quantitative information sources are discussed. The assessment utilizes the
following needs identification tools:
. Community Outreach (workshops, focus group, stakeholder interviews,
questionnaires, sports group survey)
. Citywide Telephone Survey
. Recreation Demand and Needs Analysis (a statistically valid needs
calculation)
. Service Area Analysis
. Acreage Analysis
. Maintenance and Operations Analysis
. Program Needs Analysis
. Trends and Implications Report
Section Four: Recreation Programs. Section Four provides an inventory of
City recreation programs and services and a discussion of other recreation
programs and services open to the public through private and non-profit
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providers. Using similar needs
identification tools and prioritization
processes as outlined in Section Three
(for facilities), program needs are
discussed and prioritized.
Recommendations are provided that
address identified programming needs.
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Section Five: Recreation Facility
Recommendations. Section Five
provides recommendations with respect
to existing and proposed parks, trails,
and joint use and collaborative or partnering
opportunities.
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Funding 8< Implementation/Strategic
Business Plan. As a separate document in
the Appendix sources for funding capital
costs, as well as operations and maintenance
costs are identified, and current funding
strategies are briefly discussed. Capital costs are assigned to the proposed
recommendations discussed in Section Five and suggested funding sources are
identified to assist the City in implementing the proposed Master Plan
recommendations.
Existing Recreation Resources
What Recreation Facilities Exist in San Bernardino?
Within San Bernardino uniq'ue and diverse recreation opportunities are available
in City facilities:
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. Two (2) Regional Parks totaling 113 acres
. Ten (10) Community Parks totaling 214 acres
. Sixteen (16) Neighborhood Parks totaling 78 acres
. Eleven (11) Mini-Parks
. Four (4) Special Use Facilities
. Three (3) Partnership Sites
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In addition, there are private recreation facilities, facilities outside the City, and
schools that all contribute to the recreation opportunities for San Bernardino
residents.
An accurate quantification and evaluation of existing resources is the foundation
of the needs assessment effort of Section Three of the Master Plan.
What is the Condition of Park and Recreation Facilities?
The Master Plan process included an evaluation of
maintenance and operation standards as well as an
assessment of current maintenance conditions. While
some recreation facilities are in good condition, it is
clear that lack of adequate maintenance and poor
facility conditions are significant, key issues in San
Bernardino. It is worthwhile to note:
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. 55% of San Bernardino telephone survey
respondents rated recreation facilities as having fair
to poor maintenance (August 2007). The
response rate for "Poor" (23%)
establishes a record high compared with
previous studies, well above the 4%
median.
. Residents in San Bernardino that rated
facility maintenance as excellent (8%) is
the lowest level recorded in previous
studies in other communities, well below
the 42% median.
. 98% of the San Bernardino telephone
survey respondents, state that
maintenance is very important or
somewhat important in choosing to use parks.
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Maintenance and poor
facility conditions are
significant, key Issues.
Almost all (98%) of
San Bernardino
residents indicate that
maintenance quality is
important when
deciding whether or not
to recreate and where.
ImportancC' of necrc~.tion Facilitil'''i,
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Facility Needs Assessment
A diverse set of needs assessment tools provides both
qualitative and quantitative information that leads to an
understanding of recreation needs in San Bernardino.
Community Outreach: What do Residents say
about Recreation Needs?
The need for
improved
maintenance and
safety was a
persistent theme In
all three Community
Workshops. .
Information was gathered from residents and stakeholders
through a variety of methods.
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Community Workshop #1: When asked to
identify the most important facility
improvements needed, workshop participants
indicated:
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. Maintenance (restrooms, landscaping)
. Safety (fencing, lighting, security)
When asked about their vision for the year 2017, top responses included:
. All parks are green, clean and well-maintained
. More community centers are built and older ones are renovated
. Staff is well-trained and has money needed to run the Department
Community WorkShop #2: Sports user groups were invited to discuss park
issues. When asked to identify the top sports facilities, top responses were:
. Perris Hill Park (multi-use facility for all ages)
. San Bernardino Soccer Complex (brings non-residents, revenue generating)
. Arrowhead Credit Union Stadium (well maintained, multi-use)
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The worst sports facilities
were:
. Seccombe Lake Park (poorly
maintained little league fields,
homeless)
. Delmann Heights Park (not safe, run
down)
Top sports facility needs are:
. Better maintenance (grounds
and graffiti)
. Swimming pools (additional
pools, year round use)
When asked about opportunities to
meet needs, participants identified
the following:
. Larger budget for parks and
recreation
. Partnerships with community based organizations, private organizations, and
schools
. Publicity/Update information to the public
Community Workshop #3: Fifty-one (51) attendees participated in a
prioritization and consensus process. Top recreation facility needs are:
. Restroom Maintenance*
. Maintenance Improvements*
. Lighting in Parks*
. Baseball Fields
. Teen Youth Center
· Skating / Skateboarding Facility
. Safety Improvements *
. Bike Trails
"Note: 50% of the "top recreation facility needs' relate to maintenance & safety.
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. Baseball
. Before and After School Programs
. Boxing
. Graffiti Arts
. Improved Youth/Senior Transportation
. Softball
. Family Fitness Programs
. Teen and Preteen Programs
Top program needs are:
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Workshop Participant Questionnaires:
During the first and third community
workshops, participants were asked to
complete a questionnaire soliciting their input
on the Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Master Plan Update. Findings include:
. Facilities desired the most include:
community center in the northern area of
the City, more bike trails, basketball and
volleyball courts, exercise equipment
. Programs desired the most include: senior programs, exercise classes,
gardening, jobs, social programs, sports, and aquatics
· Safety in the parks was rated as Poor to Fair due to vandalism, gangs, drugs,
homeless, and poor lighting
Focus Group: Staff members participated in the focus group meeting and
provided diverse and wide-ranging input. Findings include:
. Provide attractive, safe, well-staffed parks with modern equipment
. Programs desired the most include: family oriented inter-generational
programs, improved public relations and marketing, upgrade class
registration and facility reservation system
. Improve park maintenance
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Stakeholder Interviews: Ten' (10)
interviews with community stakeholders
were conducted. When asked "What are
the most important recreation issues
facing the City in the next 10 years?", the
most common responses included:
. Inadequate funding
. Degradation of parks and facilities
. Lack of needs assessment and master plan
. Consider demography/interests/access in
parks
. Need for long term vision
. Keeping San Bernardino parks clean, safe, and green
Suggestions for how the Department could improve in
providing recreation services include:
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. Park maintenance
. Improve security and provide more prevention
programs
. Staffing improvements
. Reduce vandalism and graffiti in parks
. Better marketing of programs and facilities
. Create more community partnerships
Interviewees expressed their vision for recreation in 2017, with the most
common responses including:
. More pride in the City through parks
. Improved park maintenance
. Safe and secure parks and facilities
. Youth involved in volunteerism and more productive activities
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Sports Organization Survey: Nineteen (19) sports
organizations responded to a questionnaire designed to
gather information about participation, needs, and
facilities used. Issues identified include:
. Condition of all fields (gopher holes,
homeless, poor irrigation, broken lights,
graffiti
Facility Needs include:
. Little league fields, softball fields for
tournaments, football fields in the north
area
. Better turf maintenance
. Lighting for fields (baseball, football,
soccer), better lighting in Hernandez
Center gym
. Additional water [drinking} fountains
· Restroom and Concession maintenance and repairs
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Community Wide Telephone Survey
A total of 300 interviews were completed, through use of a random digit dial
.sample. The purpose was to provide a statistically valid basis for determining
how residents participate in recreation activities. Highlights include:
. One-third (33%) of households are frequent users of park and recreation
facilities (utilizing facilities at least three times per month)compared to 44%
on average among other cities surveyed
. Perris Hill Park was reported as the most-often used facility by the highest
percentage of households
. Picnicking, trail use, play equipment, recreation swim, and dog park were the
most popular activities over the last year
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. Reasons the respondents felt the
maintenance of parks was poor, included:
o Dirty parks
o Dirty bathrooms
o Crime concerns
o Graffiti
o Broken equipment
o Unkept grass
o Locked bathrooms
. More than half of residents reported being
willing to pay an additional $55 to fund
recreation improvements in the City
Recreation Facilities
'Iaint.nancc Complaints
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A key element of the telephone survey is actual recreation activity information
that generates participation rates in each of ten recreational activities analyzed
in the Facility Demand and Needs Analysis.
How Many Fields, Courts, Pools, and other Recreation Elements
Does San Bernardino Need Now and in the Future?
Recreation demand is evaluated based on actual participation rates as
determined via the telephone survey of San Bernardino residents. Demand for
each recreation element type (i.e. soccer field) is then compared to supply in
order to generate a need for that element. Of the activities surveyed, current
(2007) deficits are indicated for:
. Baseball Fields (1.5)
. Soccer Fields (1.3)
. Indoor Basketball Courts (2)
. Picnic Tables (222)
. Playgrounds/Tot Lots (63)
. Swimming Pools (2 recreation pools)
. Trails (47 miles)
. Off Leash Dog Areas (3)
These deficits will increase over time as the population grows, unless additional
facilities are provided.
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Are Parks Conveniently and
Appropriately Distributed
throughout the City?
In addition to providing appropriate
quantities and types of recreation facilities,
the City strives to provide them in useful
and appropriate locations. Service Area
Analysis was conducted with respect to
neighborhood recreation, to sports facilities,
and to community centers.
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Neighborhood Parks. One-half (.5) mile is
approximately a 20-minute walk for most people. It is
generally considered a significant threshold in distance,
beyond which some segments of the population will
tend to decline walking opportunities.
There are seve':~{ '"'
residential areas that are '
not within convenient
walking distance
to a park
Most residences should be within one-half mile, a convenient walking distance
for most people, of a neighborhood park or other park that may satisfy common
recreation needs. This.s mile radius around parks and recreational facilities is
defined as a "service area". Service area analysis demonstrates that several
residential areas are outside of the established .5 mile service radius of a park.
Community Center Distribution. Since transportation to community centers
is often by car or bike, the idea of a fixed service radius figure is not as useful
as it is for neighborhood parks where convenience and walking distance are
factors. However, it is still helpful to analyze community center locations in
geographically large cities such as San Bernardino in order to determine if
distribution is generally equitable and effective. Distribution analysis. suggests
that Northwest San Bernardino does not have a community center in reasonable
proximity.
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Is There Sufficient Parkland Acreage in San Bernardino?
The City's General Plan establishes a parkland acreage
goal of 5 acres per 1000 residents. Using this goal, a
current deficit of 294 acres exists. A future deficit of 650
acres will occur if no new parkland is added and the City
continues to grow as anticipated. These are significant
shortages.
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f Parkland acreage 1
shortages are 1
significant and will I
Increase as the City
grows, If no new
facilities are added.
What Facility Improvements are
Needed to Improve Maintenance?
The City's General Plan includes provisions
calling for effective park design and
maintenance "...to maximize safety,
function, beauty, and efficiency." Towards
this end, the City has undertaken
preparation of two reports evaluating
maintenance conditions and operations
issues, included in the appendix. These
reports suggest possible changes in
maintenance standards and practices and
could lead to significant capital improvement projects, significant repair projects,
and changes in daily maintenance activity. Report recommendations suggest
improvements in elements such as:
· FieldjTurf maintenance
· Park roads and parking areas
. Rodent and pest management
· Lighting in parks
. Structures
· Playground equipment
. Restrooms
. Trees
Overall, San Be.rnardino parks have a very significant baCklog of deferred
maintenance that has been the result of under-funding of park maintenance.
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This deferred maintenance should be
corrected as soon as possible (1) to
protect park resources from further
deterioration and increasing maintenance
as well as capital replacement costs, and
(2) to improve the safety, usability and
visual attractiveness of parks and park
facilities.
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What Are the Top Priority Facility
Needs?
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Combining all needs identification
tools, indicates which recreation
elements are needed in San
Bernardino. Top priority needs
include:
. Maintenance and Safety
Improvements
. Baseball Fields
. Community Center (in northern San Bernardino)
. Neighborhood Parks
. Tennis Courts
. Trail System Development and Citywide Connectivity
. Swimming Pool
. Playgrounds/Tot Lots
. Teen/Youth Center
. Off Leash Dog Area
. Senior Facility
. Skateboard Park
. Soccer Fields (adult)
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Recreation Programs and Services
Toward its goal of "Creating Community through
People, Parks, and Programs", the San Bernardino
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Department provides a wide range of recreation,
social, and cultural programs and events.
What Programs and Services Are Needed?
A variety of needs assessment tools were utilized to
determine what additional programs
and services are needed in San
Bernardino. Workshops,
questionnaires, staff focus group,
interviews, and a community wide
telephone survey provided qualitative
and quantitative information that
helped establish the top priority
program needs, they are:
. Youth Enrichment / Personal
Development Activities
. Swimming / Aquatics Programs
. Theater / Drama Classes
. Youth and Adult Sports
. Outdoor Adventure / Trips / Hiking
. Older Adult or "Boomer" Programs
. Dance Classes
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Recreation Facility Recommendations
Recommendations are organized
according to key issues identified
throughout the Master Plan process, as
follows:
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. Facility Maintenance
. Safety and Crime Prevention
. Facility Accessibility
. Funding for capital improvements
and maintenance
. Community Centers that serve
as focal points for the
community, especially in the
northern portion of the City
. Trail System Development and
Citywide Connectivity
. Provision of Parkland Acreage
Quantities consistent with the
General Plan goal of 5 acres
per 1,000 residents,
particularly in neighborhoods
not currently served by park
facilities
. Provision of sports facilities in quantities appropriate to the current
population, to include:
o Baseball fields
o Soccer Fields
o Indoor Basketball Courts
. Provision of swimming facilities in quantities appropriate to the current
population
. Addition of off-leash dog areas
. Addition/renovation of children's playgrounds/tot lots
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What Overall Strategies are Recommended to Address Identified
Needs?
A new focus on .
renovating and I
managing existing
facilities Is
i suggested for the
short term .
It is suggested that the City pursue satisfaction of
current facility needs using the following key strategies
and improvements:
. Renewed emphasis on maintaining and managing
existino facilities at a higher level, functionally and
visually
· Expanding and reno.vating existino facilities to take advantage of existing
underdeveloped properties
. Pursuing a goal of making communitv centers and community parks a safe,
prideful, vital part of local populations by expansion, renovation, and
increased community outreach and staffing.
. Develop an off-street recreational trail svstem that combines hiking,
equestrian, and bike trails into multi-purpose trails. Some trails are currently
in the planning stages and this section will assist their integration into the
overall Park Master Plan. The trail system should interconnect our parks,
schools, and civic facilities with each other and with the surrounding area.
. Increasing defensibilitv and safetv by encouraging more activity in facilities
and parks
. Developing new fundino sources and an emphasis on pursuing grants with
designated grant writing professionals
. Renewed efforts to more efficiently use existing community resources,
especially public schools, in DartnershiD aoreements for increased public
benefit
. Focus on meetino current needs rather than the ultimate needs at
community build-out. Future recreation needs could be addressed later
through developer dedication and by efficient joint use of schools
These strategies do not emphasize ultimate needs at build-out. (potentially
decades away), or on acquisition of new parkland that would add to the
overall maintenance burden. Instead, for the time being, it is suggested that
the City address immediate and basic safety, community identity, usability, and
functional issues that would allow greater and better use of existing facilities.
This is reflective of the reality that funds for capital improvements and
maintenance is limited at this point in time. When appropriate, the City can
then continue to address future needs.
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What Specific Projects Should be Pursued?
Keeping in' mind that funds for capital improvements and maintenance is
limited, Section Five makes very detailed suggestions for improvements to
existing facilities and also provides concept diagrams to illustrate feasibility.
There are also suggestions for a few new facilities, and for neighborhood parks
in underserved areas. As funding becomes available, if these recommendations
in existing and proposed facilities are implemented the City will be able to meet
current 2007 identified needs.
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Key to most of the recommendations are increases in maintenance, safety,
security, defensibility, and accessibility. The Maintenance and Operations report
(found in the Appendix) points out that funding for park maintenance is
inadequate, significantly lower than other jurisdictions, and suggests a.
significant funding increase.
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