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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3.2 Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2) CITY OF DUBLIN AGENDA STATEMENT JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION/PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 20, 1991 SUBJECT Parks and Recreation Master Plan Study Session Report by Diane Lowart, Recreation Director EXHIBITS ATTACHED . A. Recreation Facility and Park Standards Comparison B. Projected Recreation and Park Facility Needs C. Park Standards (1) City Park (2) Community Park ( 3) Neighborhood Park (4) Neighborhood Square RECOMMENDATION 1. Receive presentation from Staff/Consultant 2 . Question Staff/Consultant 3 . Open meeting to public; receive public comment 4. Close public comment period 5 . Request input from individual Commissioners 6 . Request input from individual Council members 7 . Consider directing Consultant to move forward with the administrative draft master plan report FINANCIAL STATEMENT : None DESCRIPTION : At the September 24, 1990 meeting of the Dublin City Council , the Council authorized Staff to enter into a contract with David Gates & Associates for development of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the City of Dublin. The purpose of the master plan is to establish goals, policies and standards to guide the future development of park and recreation facilities for the City. BACKGROUND Presently, the City of Dublin has nine parks and open space areas which account for 147.75 acres of parkland. Of this amount only 37% or 57.75 acres are developed. The park land is broken into the following categories: neighborhood parks (5) , 21.75 acres; community parks (3) , 36 acres; and open space, 90 acres. The Dublin community places a high priority on active use of parks . facilities. To meet the current demand for competition ball fields and recreation facilities, the City of Dublin and the Dublin Unified School District are working cooperatively on improvements to school property to provide for greater use by the community. As the population continues to grow the quantity of facilities proposed will be unable to meet the demand. The proposed master plan will define the quantities and type of facilities which will be required to meet the recreation needs of future residents at the level of service currently demanded by the existing population. The plan emphasizes the provision of community facilities to meet the program demands of the Dublin population. ITEM NO. �.y- COPIES TO: Master Plan Advisory Steering Committee David Gates & Associates Agenda File At build-out the proposed plan will encompass a 425 acre park system providing five acres of parkland per 1000 residents based on a projected service population of 85,000. As the existing park system comprises of 148 acres, this plan necessitates the acquisition and development of an additional 277 acres of parkland. PLANNING PROCESS David Gates and Associates, in cooperation with City Staff has gathered information for the master plan through a series of public meetings, interviews, document review, and site visits. Included in this process to date: o Three meetings of the Advisory Steering Committee o One public workshop o Interviews and meetings with City officials, planners and consultants o Document review, including East and West annexation work plans, ERA market analysis, Association of Bay Area Governments Projections '90 data, and Dublin Unified School District data ISSUES Are the recommended Recreation Facility and Park Standards appropriate? Discussion Recreation Facility and Park Standards are guides by which communities may estimate in quantifiable terms the number of acres of facilities required to meet recreation demand. By attaching the standard to a population variable, it is possible to forecast future needs as the population grows. Standards can be an expression of minimum acceptable facilities and areas, and as a guideline to determine land requirements for various types of facilities. Exhibit A contains a Recreation Facility and Park Standards Comparison which compares national standards for sports and park facilities against the standards of neighboring communities. The chart illustrates Dublin's current standards and recommends standards for future development based on national standards and those of our peer communities. Is the emphasis on development of community parks over neighborhood parks appropriate? Are the recommended design standards for City Park, Community Park, Neighborhood Park and Neighborhood Square appropriate? . Discussion The current subdivision ordinance requires a park land dedication of five acres per 1000 population, however it does not indicate how this acreage should be apportioned between community and neighborhood facilities. Through interviews, a community workshop and meetings with the steering committee, a strong need for community facilities (competition fields, indoor facilities, aquatics center, etc. ) was identified. There was also a strong sentiment to not locate community facilities in neighborhood parks as the use of these facilities frequently conflicts with the needs of local homeowners . Thus necessitating the foresight to set aside a significant portion of land for community facilities . Additionally, it was recommended that a minimum size of five acres for neighborhood parks be maintained due to the maintenance cost associated with smaller parks. There was also a desire to develop a 'signature' park, a high profile city park which. would be an integral part of Dublin's image. Based on the current demographic and growth projections for a population of 85,000 , the Consultant has developed a "build-out" parks and recreation facilities program that reflects the needs of the Dublin Community. The program is detailed in Exhibit B but briefly summarized, it reflects a community priority for sports fields. In order to accommodate the program shown in Exhibit B it is recommended that the following community park facilities be created: o City Park (80-100 acres) with community facilities and a central focal element o Sports Park (55-85 acres) o Community Park (40-65 acres) Standards for these facilities are attached in Exhibit C. The standards include size, location, character and components of each facility type. The facilities standards are provided to guide the systematic development of park and recreation facilities to meet the - City's current and projected needs. Where should community facilities be located? Discussion Selection of park sites should be an integral part of the land planning process. Parks should not be located on "left-over" pieces of land. Where possible, park sites should be selected to relate to natural features such as creeks or open space. Further it is recommended that sites are avoided that are removed from major circulation corridors and subject to strong winds. The park system is an integral park of the community's image thus, the view of recreation and park facilities from roadways is critical not only to encourage use, but to enhance the "look" of the City. The Consultant has prepared a series of alternative site location studies for the community park facilities which will be available for review by the Council and Commissioners at the meeting. How should the Parks and Recreation Master Plan address Camp Parks lands? Discussion The Federal military facility, Camp Parks, occupies a significant portion of the undeveloped land in the Dublin sphere of influence. This large area of land separates the existing Dublin community from the proposed east side development. The Consultant has identified three options for consideration. 1. Identify potential park facilities and trail linkages on Camp Parks property. At this time it will be difficult to insure City recreation use of Camp Parks and consequently might negatively impact achieving park facility goals if land is "counted on" . However, adopted park goals for Camp Parks may serve as a basis for negotiations with the Federal Government as a long range goal . 2. Separate Dublin from the impact of Camp Parks . Continue to 'create a landscape/berm screen which visually buffers the City from Camp Parks. 3. Explore mutually beneficial recreation opportunities either through leases or joint development. Recreation facilities such as gymnasiums or a golf course buffer may have benefits for both the City and the Federal Government. However, the lease terms to federal lands may be limited and not conducive to large capital expenditures for improvements. MEETING FORMAT As this is a joint meeting of the City Council, Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission, if- will be chaired by the Mayor; however each Councilmember and Commissioner will be seated at the dais. This is not a public hearing but is an opportunity for public participation and involvement as required by Government Code 65351. Staff recommends the following procedure: Mayor opens the study session. Staff outlines the procedure to be followed, stressing that this is not a public hearing, that no decision on the master plan will be made and that the focus of the meeting is on explaining the proposed master plan concepts and receiving public comment on them. No vote is to be taken and no consensus is to be reached. Consultant presents proposed master plan concepts. Commissioners and Councilmembers ask questions of Staff and the Consultant. Mayor opens the discussion for public comment. Any member of the public may step forward and present comments. Mayor closes the public input period. Mayor asks for individual Commissioner comments on the master plan concepts and/or issues raised in the Staff report or by members of the public. Mayor asks for individual Councilmember comments on the master plan concepts and/or issues raised in the Staff report or by members of the public. Staff describes the next steps in the process. Mayor adjourns the study session. Comments and discussion should focus on the issues presented in the staff report. No vote or consensus on the issues may be taken by the Council or Commissions. The purpose of the study session is to receive input from the public and the Council and Commission members on the issues raised by Staff and the Consultant. CONCLUSION The key issues for discussion are the Recreation and Park Facility Standards, the emphasis on development of community parks over neighborhood parks, the location of community facilities, and the Camp Parks lands. Staff recommends that the Council consider directing the Consultant to move forward with the administrative draft master plan report incorporating the comments put forth by the Council and Commission members. EXHIBIT A Recreation Facility and Park Standards Comparison • Sports NRPA 1 Livermore Pleasanton Recommended Existing Facilities Standards Standards Standards Dublin Standards Dublin Service Ballfields 1:5,000 1:2,000 1:1,100 1:1,600 1:6,375 Soccer Fields 1:10,000 1:2,000 1:1,100 1:2,000 1:2,833 Softball Fields 1:5,000 None 1:5,000 1:5,000 1:12,750 Swimming 1:20,000 1:35,000 1:13,000 1:20,000 1:25,500 Tennis 1:2,000 1:2,500 1:2,000 1:2,500 1:12,750 Basketball Crts. 1:5,000 None 1:5,000 1:5,000 1:12,750 Volleyball Courts 1:5,000 None 1:5,000 1:5,000 0 Park NRPA Livermore Pleasanton San Ramon Recommended Existing Facilities Standards Standards Standards Standards Standards Service Neighborhood 1-2 A/1,000 2 A/1,000 2 A/1,000 4.5 A/1,000 1.75A/1,000 .85 A/1,000 Community 5-8 A/1,000 2 A/1,000 3 A/1,000 2 A/1,000 3.25A/1,000 4.9 A/1,000 Regional 5-10 A/1,000 15 A/1,000 400 A/1,000 None (Variable) Special Use Variable 3 A/1,000 1 A/1,000 None Total 6-10 A/1,000 4 A/1,000 5 A/1,000 6.5 A/1,000 5 A/1,000 2.3 A/1,000 (Neighborhood/ Community) Note: Data in acres per 1,000 population. 1 National Parks and Recreation Association(NRPA)standards are intended to be overall guidelines. Each unique community should tailor these standards to reflect the character and interest of the community. I PROJECTED RECREATION DEMANDS facilities current Inventory additional facilites DISTRIBUTION OF ADDITIONAL FACILITIES needed city community sports park civic planned school neighborhood neighborhood total facilities pop 85,000 park park park renovations parks squares at bulldout outdoor Baseball _ little league 3 16 4 4 8 0 0 0 0 35 Pony/Babe 1 6 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 13 Practice 0 26 0 2 0 0 10 14 0 52 Soccer Pee Wee 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 5 10's/8's 4 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 12 Regulation 4 6 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 16 Practice 0 21 2 2 0 0 8 9 0 42 Softball 2 15 4 4 5 0 2 0 0 32 Tennis Courts 2 32 4 4 6 0 8 6 4 66 rn Swimming Pool 10,000 20,000 20,000 0 0 0 0 0 50,000 H td Basketball Courts 2 15 2 2 2 0 0 6 3 32 H Volleyball 0 17 5 4 2 0 0 ` 6 0 34 Equestrian Staging 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 Golf Course 0 1 (18 hole) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Skateboard Park 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Indoor Community Center 12,178 38,800 20,000 18,000 0 0 0 0 0 88,978 sf Senior Center 6,600 12,000 0 0 12,000 0 0 0 30,600 of Recreation Center 0 51,000 51,000 0 0 0 0 102,000 of Community Theatre 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 Historical/Museum N/A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 EXHIBIT C-1 City Park Stanton A park that offers a variety of recreational opportunities that attract a wide range of local age groups and interests. The park should feature large open space areas or unique natural or cultural areas as well as group picnic areas, interpretive centers, bicycling and hiking trails, sports facilities, aquatics facility, community center, senior center and other unique features or facilities of wide attraction. Size: 80 to 100 acres. Acreage Ratio: 1 park per 50,000 to 80,000 residents Service Area: Centralized within the entire City of Dublin. Site Characteristics: Level area portions to accommodate active sports uses. Interesting natural or visual characteristics such as meadows, existing trees, creeks, vistas. Access/Location: Located on a major arterial or collector road; with high visibility. Twenty minute driving time radius. Park Design: . Memorable landmark public destination point which would be a source of pride for the City., Destination that will serve the diverse needs of the entire City. Facilities that maximize the recreational and leisure experience of all citizens. Provide an inventory or versatile facilities that respond to the changing demographics of the community. Link via non-vehicular trails to other parks and city destinations. Play Area: High quality and innovative play structures. Water feature specifically designed for children's play. Separate facilities for tots from those for older children. Sports Facilities: Two lighted clusters of four baseball fields,graded and maintained for practice and competitive baseball. Spectator amenities. Informal sports facilities should be provided creating activity spaces for a variety of sporting activities. Park should include field area(s) for informal softball, soccer and football. Outdoor basketball courts. Outdoor volleyball courts. Four lighted tennis courts. Picnic Facilities: Shaded and secluded picnic areas with tables for 5 to 8 people located throughout the park providing available areas for spontaneous picnic use. Group picnic facilities. Picnic tables of durable vinyl-coated mesh or concrete should be provided with barbecues located down wind of picnic tables, on rotating pedestals. city Park Stan4 rd5 Natural Areas: Open meadow zones that provide soft, green use areas for picnics, informal sports as well as passive group and individual uses. Nature center for interpretative programs. Special Features: Senior Center Water feature and lake. May include unique features including a petting zoo, education center or museum. Outdoor amphitheater. Comprehensive Community Center building. Skateboard park. Aquatics center. Equestrian staging. Teen Center Restrooms: Permanent restroom structure. Parking: Major parking lot to accommodate demand during high use periods. Lighting: A strong lighting concept is important and can establish facility presence and orient users to the site. Provide lighting at the park entry and parking lots to promote safe night use of the areas. EXHIBIT C- 2 • Community Park Standards A park or facility developed to meet the requirements of a large portion of the City. In addition to neighborhood park elements a community park might include large landscaped area, community center, swimming pool, lighted sports fields. Size: 25 acres minimum; 40-70 acres more desirable. Development Criteria: 3.75 acres per 1000 population. Service Area: Dublin community. Site Interesting natural or visual characteristic such as existing trees, creek, Characteristics: vistas. Access/Location: Locate on a major arterial or collector road; preferably with high visibility. Park Design: Each park should have a unique character. Design should create a sense of arrival and place. Link to nearby parks, schools and city destination with trails. Play Area: High quality and innovative play structures. Separate facilities for tots from those for older children. Water play features and sand area. Sports Facilities: Regulation sports facilities for organized league practice and game play Competition baseball, softball and soccer fields. Recreational swimming pool and related amenities. Basketball courts. Volleyball courts. Tennis courts Jogging or walking loop, minimum distance one mile, with par course. Picnic Facilities: Family picnic areas with tables for 6 to 8 people. Group picnic area for 50-100 people. Locate proximate to play areas and restrooms Provide separation between group use and more passive use. Provide barbecue facilities. Shade structures and secluded, wind protected areas. Natural Areas: Habitat for plants and small wildlife. Water feature, ie. lake with overlook Equestrian staging. Community Park Standards Special Features: Gymnasium. Outdoor performance space such as amphitheater or bandstand. Special use activity space for specialized activities such as lawn bowling, bocce ball and putting green. Teen Center. Restrooms: Permanent restroom structure. Parking: Provide parking for 100 cars or an adequate number to meet planned uses of the park. Lockable bicycle parking for 35. Lighting: Lighting for sports fields, building, parking and surrounding areas. Mitigate spill over lighting that may impact adjacent residential. EXHIBIT C-3 ighborhood Park Standards A park developed to serve the recreation needs of a neighborhood or cluster of residential units. The park improvements are oriented toward the recreation needs of all ages. Size: 5 to 7 acre minimum. Development - Criteria: 1.75 acres per 1,000 person or one park per 4,000 to 6,500 residents. Service Ares: Area defined by major arterials. Adjacent to elementary schools on major collector roads. Site Characteristics: Major percentage of the site should be level to accommodate active recreation uses. Natural or visual qualities to enhance the character. Access/Location: Minimum of 2 public street frontages; additional frontage is desirable. On collector or residential streets; no major arterials. Park Design: Landscaped park. Shade structures. Play Area: Tot Lot for children 2-4 years. Apparatus play area adjacent to Tot Lot. Parents seating area. Sports Facilities: Turf field graded and maintained for practicing softball(minimum 250' outfield) and soccer(minimum 180'). Lighted tennis courts. Volleyball courts. Outdoor basketball courts. Picnic Facilities: Tables and secluded space for informal family picnics up to 6-8 people Barbecue facilities in family-sized,picnic areas. Natural Areas: Open space meadow for informal sports, games and passive activities. Parking: Off street parking for 10-20 cars where minimum street frontages are not provided. Lockable parking for 6-10 bicycles. Lighting: Provide lighting for security purposes. Avoid penetration of unwanted light into adjacent neighborhood. EXHIBIT C-4 Neighborhood Sgnarc Standard Specialized facilities that serve a concentrated or limited population or specific group such as tots or senior citizens. Size: 3 acres. Development Criteria: Locate in town center near urban areas with multi-family, high density residential. Service Area: Less than 1/4 mile radius. Site Characteristics: Predominantly level site. Access/Location: Prominent location preferably at cross street. Within neighborhoods and in close proximity to apartment complexes, townhouse development or housing for the elderly. Linked with trails and pedestrian walkways. Park Design: Each park should have unique characteristics such as public art, sculpture, formal gardens etc. to create a focal point for high density areas. Play Area: Small scale, high quality play structures. Parents seating area. Sports Facilities: One tennis court. One half basketball court. - Picnics Facilities: Tables and benches with limited open space for individual use. Natural Areas: Views and vistas are desirable. Restrooms: Not provided. Parking: Street parking. Lighting: As necessary security only.