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Home My WebLink AboutR-4866 General Plan Parks and Recreation Element adoptionl ry ^mot i RESOLUTION NO 4866 (1982 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ADOPTING A GENERAL PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT WHEREAS, Section 6503 of the California Government Code provides for the the adoption of "permissive elements" to a..community's general plan including A recreation element- 'shbwning a comprehensive system of areas and public sites for recreation," ; and WHEREAS, The City Council retained the consultant firm SEDES Inc. in January 1980 to conduct a series of technical studies and produce a draft Parks and Recreation Element; and WHEREAS, after publishing two technical reports which were reviewed by the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council,`.:�. the consultant working with city staff published the first draft of the Parks and Recreation Element in November 1981; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. held public.hearings in %February 1982 to review the draft Parks and Recreation Element and review and consider its EIR and have forwarded recommendations to the City Council; and WHEREAS, on March 9. 1982 the City Council considered the recommendations of the Planning Commission and Parks and.Recreation_Commission; and WHEREAS, on March 9 and May 11 the City. Council reviewed the draft element and made a number of changes to the wording of the element's goals, policies and program statements; and WHEREAS, on May 11 the City Council authorized staff to publish a hearing draft of the Parks and Recreation Element and schedule a public hearing to consider its adoption. WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Element presents a comprehensive program for providing . recreation.fAcilities.to'.serve the needs of community- residents during the 40 years. R 4866 A -. :WAGE 2 - Resolution No; 366 t. . NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: (1) The Parks and Recreation Element of the City of San Luis Obispo General Plan,and enabled by Section 7503 of the California Government Code is adopted. The text of the adopted element is attached as Exhibit A; (2) Changes have been incorporated into the draft Parks and Recreation Element which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects identified in the final Environmental Impact Report. (3) The Community Development Department shall publish and make available to the public the adopted element and shall distribute copies to appropriate members of City government and other appropriate agencies and local libraries. (4) The adoption of this element shall take effect thirty days from the date of adoption of this resolution. On a motion of Councilperson Dun-in , seconded by Councilperson Settle and on the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Dunin, Settle, Dovey, Griffin and Mayor Billig NOES: None ABSENT: None The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 15th day of. -June 1982. ATTEST: Pal Voges, City erk APPROVED "AS TO FORM George Thacher, City Attorney AP 0 CONTENT ; Paul Lanspery, 'City 4ministrative officer ��._ D d R 4866 r5 le _ CGz} . F4,�) vlYor7rnen7�-a C v ri BARK nr7l"%ri . 1,+TrRn rl lr a+lIIL� .............. !fie ,a��="�■ mr►rn�mmn f•r.— . ; Za SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL Melanie Billig, Mayor Ron Dunin, Vice -Mayor GlennaDeane Dovey Robert Griffin Allen Settle CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO PLANNING COMMISSION Sylvia.Drucker, Chairperson Mark Bailey Randal Bullock Patrick Gerety William Howard Penelope Rappa Jerry Reiss DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Toby Ross, Director Terry Sanville, Project Coordinator CONSULTANTS SEDES, Landscape Architects and Planners Dale Sutliff, Principal -In -Charge Jerry Emery, Assisting Principal David Foote, Project Assistant Denise West, Report Typing COVER ILLUSTRATION Marguerite Costigan PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT FOR THE city or san Luis osispo PREPARED BY: THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND site and environmental design services 1041 chorro street a Ran luis obispo o california 93401 (805) 544.8400 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE *LAND PLANNING ADOPTED June 15, 1982 City Council Resolution No. 4866 (1982 Series) TABLE OF CONTENTS A. INTRODUCTION B. PARK & RECREATION GOALS C. DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES D. PLANNING AND DESIGN STANDARDS E. DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE AND GUIDELINES F. DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES G. FINANCING & MANAGING THE PARK SYSTEM H. RECREATION PROGRAMS I. RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARRYING OUT THE PLAN J. TYPES OF PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES K. APPENDIX L. ADOPTION RESOLUTION #4866 TABLES AND MAPS Page 2 3 4 7 13 14 17 18 19 23 25 Table 1: Parks Development Program 1981-2020 8 Table 2: Financial Participation Responsibilities for the Building and Maintenance of Parks 13 Neighborhood Park Service Area Map 5 District Park Service Area Map 6 Urban Trail System Map 11 Parks & Recreation Element Map (Inside Rear Cover) A. Introduction This Parks and Recreation Element --- one of several elements, or sections, of San Luis Obispo's general plan --- is a 40-year master plan for a balanced park and recreation system. The city believes a good municipal park system is vital for maintaining the uniquely livable quality of our community and providing worthwhile recreation close to home. Up to now, there has been no detailed plan for developing parks in San Luis Obispo. As a result, park development hasn't kept pace with other types of development in many parts of the city. It's important to have a plan that will help correct that imbalance as well as assure adequate park development as the city grows. Thus, the two major issues this Parks and Recreation Element deals with are meeting the need for parks in already -developed neighborhoods and planning for new parks in growth areas. Providing new parks in the built-up sections of the city is often diffi- cult because vacant land is scarce and expensive. Therefore, this element's main thrust in those areas is to improve existing parks and make it easier for people to get to them. For growth areas at the edge of the city, this element will establish new standards for park dedication, development and maintenance. The technical information on which this element's policies are based is contained in documents previously published under separate cover, Tech- nical Reports 1 and 2. Technical Report 1 analyzes how city parks are used, and develops park standards on the basis of residents' replies to a questionnaire that was delivered to most households in the community. Using the information in the first report, Technical Report 2 evaluates possible park sites, offers two alternative park master plans, and analyzes costs and fundings. Both Technical Reports #1 and #2 are important resource documents that should be reviewed to fully understand the provisions of this element. Copies of the reports are available at the San Luis Obispo Community Development Depart- ment, the City -County Library and at the Cal Poly University Library. 1 B. Park and Recreation Goals This Element augments other parts of the City Is General Plan to help maintain the quality of life now enjoyed and the freedom of choice of leisure activities now experienced by the residents of the City of San Luis Obispo. To accomplish this goal, a number of general objectives through this Element are-seught: — - - - a. Provide a range of basic recreation opportunities in each neighborhood such as, but not limited to, playgrounds, picnic areas and grass play fields. b. Provide some specialized recreation opportunities such as, but not limited to, play courts, ball fields and swimming pools in various districts of the city. (Boundaries of "district" and "neighborhood" park service areas are shown on , r n—A pu6,,moo�J culu v ) c. Provide a wide range of recreational activities and creative experiences for all age groups, designed to encourage and educate participants in today's leisure society while still striving to achieve their desired degree of self- fulfillment. d. Provide a variety of community facilities that take advantage of the unique cultural and natural features of the city. e. Provide some access to and limited appropriate use of important natural features that will insure the conservation of these assets for posterity. A view from the proposed Edna Park site towards the center of the city. Planning for new parks in the growth areas of the city is a provision of this Element. 2 Els pin al Where development of new parks isn't feasible, existing park and recreation facilities must be improved to meet the needs of the city's growing population. C. Development Priorities 1. To meet those goals, priorities for developing park and recreation facilities are: * FIRST: Build new neighborhood parks in parts of San Luis Obispo that do not have them. * SECOND: Improve existing neighborhood parks. * THIRD: Complete recreation facilities in existing district and community parks. * FOURTH: Build new district parks and special recreation facilities. (Definitions of "neighborhood", "district", and "community" parks are given on pages lg through 20 of this report) . 2. These priorities will guide preparation of the parks portion of the city's annual capital improvement program (CIP). The precise scheduling of park projects will be influenced by financial conditions that change from year to year. 3. The city will review the Parks and Recreation Element at least every three years to consider changing priorities and schedules for acquisi- tion and development. M D. Planning and Design Standards The following standards and criteria will be used by the city, other agencies and developers in establishing new parks and changing existing ones: 1. Park Service Areas: The basic unit for planning park and recreation facil- ities shall be the park service area (PSA). Neighborhood and District PSA's are sbawn. -an. the following- maps._ 2. Park Size (Space): The following criteria will be used to determine the size for new parks and to evaluate the adequacy of existing parks. * 2.5 acres of neighborhood park should be provided for each 1,000 people in a given neighborhood PSA. (See page 18 for the definition of neigh- borhood park.) * 2.5 acres of district park should be provided for each 1,000 people in a given district NSA. (See page 18 for the definition of district park.) * 5.0 acres of community park should be provided for every 1,000 city resi- dents. (See page 19 for the definition of district park.) 3. Types of Park Space: The following criteria will be used to determine how land within parks generally will be developed: * In neighborhood parks, half of the area will be developed for active recreation like ball fields and ball courts; half will be developed as "passive" space such as open areas and walkways. * In district parks, one-third of the area should be developed for active recreation and two-thirds as passive park space. 4. Passive Parkland: In considering the passive/active ratios as specified in paragraph #3 above, the following credit will be given to different types of land for "passive" space: Lwidsua e Character Credit Steep Hillsides - over 20% slope 50% Drainageways 25% Flat Rolling Land 100% Flood Plain Land 150% Major Creeks 200% Hill Top 200% 4 0 .5- 1.0 NEIGHB "HOOD PARK SERVICE AREAb ONE MILE city Of PARKS & RECREATION ELEMENT 21ML San Luis OBispO DISTRICT PARK SERVICE AREAS 0 .5 1.0 ONE MILE FOOTHILL/SAN LUIS MTN i CAL POLY CALIFORNIA/DOWNTOWN k , I � � r� i �lU r ` I ,JOHNSON/ORCUTT LAGUNA LAKE A I1 ♦ \ f � ��`'` =.• m i V VIA* we • r F46 SOUTH STREET.._._ HILLS TANK FARM RD a; EDNA/ISLAY COUNTY AIRPORT NORTH city of PARKS & RECREATION ELEMENT �rr.�j San Luis omspo 6 E. Development Schedule and Guidelines Table 1 and the Parks and Recreation Element Map (at the end of this report) show the schedule the city hopes to follow in developing parks over 40 years to meet the goals stated in Section B. The schedule is consistent with the priorities established in Section C-1. The following guidelines were used to formulate the development schedule. They will also be used to guide future park planning, acquisition and development. 1. Joint Use of Schools: The city will continue to develop parks and recreation programs in cooperation with the San Luis Coastal Unified School District. 2. Improvement to Existing Parks: The city will make improvements to existing parks that will better serve people living near them and enlarge the effective service area of the park. This will include carrying out projects which overcome access barriers to existing parks. 3. Inclusion in City's Capital Spending -Plan: The city's annual and five-year capital improvement program will include park and recreation projects. These projects must be found consistent with this element and reflect overall development priorities. 4. Annual Review of Proposed Acquisitions: The acquisition of land by the city need not precisely follow the order of park projects shown in Table #1. The city will annually review the status of the parks program to determine which, if any, vacant land designated for parks might be acquired either by purchase or dedication that year. S. Relationship to the Land Use Element: The Parks and Recreation Element Map is an overlay for the adopted Land Use Element Map which establishes the development potential for all areas in the city, including new park sites. The zoning of potential park sites must be consistent with the Land Use Element Map. The Land Use Element designation of a new park site will be changed to "Public Facility" and the site zoned PF (public facility) only after the city acquires the site (either through purchase or dedication). rA TABLE 1: PARKS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 1981-2020 Development Ill Project Park Period NLmiber* Name Type 1981-1991 N39EIN40 Stoneridge Pk F South Hills Trail Neighborhood Park F., Trail N7,N24 Montalban St. F, Flora St. Trails Trail N31 McMillian Avenue Trail Trail N26 Emerson School/Park (joint use} Neighborhood Park/School N13 Pachiern School Park j joint use) Ne-igbborliwd Park/School N47 San Adriano Park Neighborhood Park N18 Mission Plaza Exp./Cultural Fac. Neigh. Pk/Comm. Fac. NW0 N51 C.L. Smith School/Pk (joint use) Neighborhood Park/School N14 Jack House Garden Neighborhood Pk/Special Facility N21 Mill St/Hission Field Pk/School Neighborhood Park/School N3 Bishop's Peak School/Park Neighborhood Park/School N41 Margarita Park Neighborhood Park D5 Veteran's Hall Park (joint use) Mini Park/Special Facility D1 Throop Field/Teach School (jt.use) District Park D6 San Luis Creek Trail Trail C3 Recreation Center Community Facility 1991-2001 N36 N35 N37 N49 N29 N52 Nil D12 D9 D8 D2 Cl 2001-2020 N45 N46 N34 N33 N25 N30 D11 D10 D4 D7 Cl C5 Islay Park Edna Park Edna/Islay Trails Laguna Shores Sin5heimer Park Meadow Park Redevelopment Santa Rosa Park Redevelopment Margarita Park Laguna Lake Park Terrace hill Park Santa Rosa Park Laguna Lake Park Dalidio Park Irish Hills Park Orcutt Park Sequoia Park Mitchell Park Redevelopment Johnson Park Redevelopment Orcutt Park Orcutt/Edna Trails Cuesta Park Sinshevner Park Laguna Lake Park Reservoir Canyon Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park Trails Special Facililty/Passive Park Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park District Park District Park District Park District Park Community Park Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park Neighborhood Park District Park Trails District Park District Park Connnunity Park Community Park TOTAL PLAN COST 1981-2020 $14,750,000 (1981 dollars) *A description and schematic plan for each park is contained in Technical Report 2 or the appendix of this report. The location of each park is shown on the map at the end of this report. 6. Readiness to Accelerate Acquisition of Land: If a subdivision, development project, general plan amendment, or rezoning is proposed on land which is earmarked by this element for potential park use, before any development entitlements, permits or other approvals are given, the City Council will at the first available public meeting: * Determine the feasibility of accelerating public acquisition of the property. * Authorize an appraisal of the property if acquisition is contemplated. * Initiate eminent -domain proceedings and negotiate the purchase of the property if acquisition is desired. If the City Council determines that acquisition of the property for park use won't occur within one year the processing of the development plan or subdivision may proceed without further delays. 7. Develop Parks Within New Subdivisions: When a site designated for a park is part of a subdivision map submitted to the city, the city may require the subdivider to dedicate the park area and prepare plans for its phased development. The park proposal must be judged consistent with the intent of this element. Park plans will be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission and must receive approval by the City Council. 8. Develop Parks Within Major Growth Areas: Specific plans for the major growth areas of the city must include designs for neighborhood or district parks. The specific plans may propose park locations and designs other than illustrated in this element, provided that they satisfy the planning and design standards of this element and are shown to perform as well or better than those proposed in this element. 9. Use of Schematic Designs of Parks: The park plans shown in Technical Report #2 will be used as guides for preparing final park designs. The general allocation of land for passive and active areas should be as portrayed by these schematic plans. Final plans should ensure that new parks are compatible with surrounding residential areas. E 10. Planning Special Park and Recreation Facilities: The following policies will direct the planning and development of other recrea- tion facilities in San Luis Obispo: * Laguna Lake Park: The city will adopt a master plan for Laguna Lake Park. The park will be designed to function as a community -f at s� �c1�J iLg GS,i Gle.t,ts .of Sa"u s_0 ' spo Uie_paxk-w i 1 also. contain facilitieswhich -meet the neighborhood park needs of people living in PSA's #14 and #1S. * Recreation Center: The city will continue to provide a centralized recreation building in downtown San Luis Obispo. For now, the city will update and remodel the existing building at the corner of Mill and Santa Rosa Streets. It a new structure is needed at some point in the future, the following alternatives (listed in order of priority) will be considered: - Build a new recreation center at the existing site - Expand the existing site and build a new facility - Select a new site in the downtown that function as well and hui1d a new facility there. * Golf Course: The city will continue to own and operate the 9-hole Laguna Lake Golf Course. * Mission Plaza/Cultural Facilities: The city will proceed with the extension of Mission Plaza along San Luis Obispo Creek between Broad and Nipomo Streets. This project may be done separately or combined with city or county construction of other public facilities on property fronting the creek. * Urban Trail System: A map of the urban trail system is included -- shown on page 11. As part of the development review process or in separate city actions, the city will attempt to secure access rights needed to carry out the trail plan. The city will continue to refine the urban trail plan and develop precise design standards that control the type of access to and use of specific sections of the trail system. * Public Utility Easements, Rights -of -way , and Other Public Lands: should be maintained in a safe and orderly state and, where appropriate, used as part of the city's open space and recreation system. 10 0 .5 1.0 URBAN TRAIL SYSTEM ONE MILE city of PARKS & RECREATION ELEMENT famAg san Luis OBIspO 11 * Reservoir Canyon and Lopez Canyon: Public access to these sensitive areas will be allowed when consistent with sound resource management. Minimal facilities might be provided. These areas should be preserved in their natural states. Local nature groups and other organizations that use the canyons should be asked to help provide periodic clean up. * Access Improvements: The city will work on improving access to existing city recreation facilities. Examples of these types of projects include: - Building sidewalks and bike paths to join housing areas with schools and parks. - Creating creek -side rails to corlllel 1. hous hIg areas wi U1 parks while avoiding major arterial strepts and the railroad tracks. * Open -Space Planning: As part of its Hillside Planning Program, the city will develop specific programs to preserve scenic hillside areas. Similar programs will be developed for major creeks in San Luis Obispo. The city's creekways provide routes to parks and schools for many people. The city should seek to develop safe, maintainable creek access points and paths wherever possible. 12 In the older parts of the city, vacant land that could be developed as a park is becoming scarce. Consequently, opportunities to meet park area standards are diminishing. F. Development Responsibilities The cost of building and maintaining the park system will be shared by the city, people who use the facilities, developers and other government agencies. Table 2 establishes how each of these groups will participate in park projects. TABLE 2: FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE BUILDING AND MAINTAINING OF PARKS TYPE OF BM PA.SM .. MILD I�'T roc Tm Pi,3pd S'i;AT14 LAND 1MPRt9V5M 5 DV0VEA0M5- MAMENt1 M Community Existing/ City City/Developer City/Developer City/User Fees Park New District Park Existing City Citv City/User Fees District Park New (In Sub- City/ City/Developer City/Developer City/User Fees division) Developer Neighborhood Citv/Neighbor- City/Maint. Park Existing -- City hood Assessm't District Neighborhood New (in Sub- City/Neighbor- City/Maint. Park division) Developer Developer hood Assessm't District Neighborhood New (Free- City/Neighbor- City/Neighbor- City/Neighbor- City/Maint. Park standing*) hood Assessm't hood/Assessm't hood/Assessm't District *Freestanding Parks are those which are not associated with the city's approval of a development plan or subdivision. 13 G. Financing and Managing the Park System 1. Capital Program The city will help finance the construction of new parks and the improve- ment of existing parks in various ways including, but not limited to, the following: a. In -Lieu Fee Program: Collecting park fees when subdivisions are approved in major growth areas (Neighborhood PSA's #9, 10, 12 and 14). Generally, fees would not be collected from subdivisions in built-up neighborhoods. In -lieu fees may be increased to accurately represent a proportionate share of new nark costs in these areas. b. Construction Tax Program: Collecting construction taxes when housing projects are approved within built-up neighborhoods. Council will consider increasing this tax, when legally possible, so that it accurately represents a proportionate share of new park costs in the city. Con- struction tax funds may be used to help pay for park projects at any location in San Luis Obispo. c. Neighborhood Assessments: Establishing assessment areas in all city neighborhoods. Revenues collected from an assessment area may be used for park projects within that area. d. Subdivision Improvements: Requiring the dedication of land and con- struction of passive park improvements (such as picnic areas and land- scaping) when subdivisions are approved in major growth areas. The developer may be required to pay up -front costs while construction taxes or in -lieu fees may pay back a share of these costs. e. Grants: Establishing an on -going grant program. The city may use grant money for neighborhood and conmiunity park projects where the anticipated demand for these facilities is high. f. Revenue Sharing: Planning the use of revenue sharing funds for five years in the future. Consistent with federal legislation, revenue sharing funds may be used for park projects that require funding during more than one fiscal year. 14 g. Concessionaires: Possibly allowing concessionaires to develop and operate some of the city's more specialized sports facilities as one way of deferring some capital or operating costs. h. Taxes and Service Fees: Using taxes and service fees to help maintain city parks and only secondarily for capital projects. i. Citizen Participation: Encouraging service organizations and citizens to contribute money or labor to help develop parks. The city may identify the types of projects for appropriate citizen participation. j. Creative Financing: Investigating other creative methods of financing the construction of park and recreation facilities. 2. Maintenance Program The City may consider the following options for funding the maintenance of its park and recreation system: a. User Fees: To pay for a share of maintaining and operating city park facilities. b. Citywide Maintenance District: Annual assessment from the district could be used to pay for the maintenance of parks and public land- scaped areas. c. Use of General Fund Revenues: park and recreation facilities. 3. Management Program To pay for maintaining and operating The City will develop and carry out a cost-effective program for managing its parks system. Key elements of this program may include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Facility Design: Design of parks and recreation facilities to require limited maintenance and at the same time provide adequate service. b. Building Materials: Use of durable building materials for construction of recreation facilities, to reduce frequent maintenance. is c. Shared Management: Sharing with other government agencies, developers and home owner associations the cost of management and maintenance of joint -use facilities. d. Selective Landscaping: Use of plant materials which require limited maintenance and water. e. Water Conservation: Where feasible, develop on -site water supplies to - provide i.x ;. r ation to park zantiseaping-. (isx: mpze� Rv ter r rv.r� on measures are Listed in the appendix of this report.) f. Student Assistance: To help whenever feasible with maintenance of public landscaped areas. g. Re-evaluation of Maintenance Levels: To determine whether the amounts spent in money and effort could be minimized without reduction in adequate service. h. Staffing: Evaluation of the cost effectiveness of hiring more city maintenance staff compared to contracting for specific services. i. Information and Training: A system where key personnel have access to the latest information on effective ways to maintain public facilities, plus an on -going training program. Important natural features of the city should be preserved and enhanced to provide recreation opportunities. This picture looks southward from the top of Terrace Hill near Sinsheimer Park. 16 • ` r ' � r School yards can provide needed park land when they are made accessible and developed to provide recreation for various age groups. This picture shows Emerson School yard from outside the chain -link perimeter fence. H. Recreation Programs The following principles are guidelines for the development of recreation programs: 1. The city will develop a balanced recreation program that provides activities for all age groups. 2. The city will increase cooperation with the San Luis Coastal Unified School District and the county and promote joint use of school and county facilities for recreation. 3. The city will continuously evaluate its park system and recreation programs to determine the extent of their use, and will support and expand recreation programs for which there is a large demand. The more specialized a recreation program, the more financially self-supporting it should become. 17 1. Responsibility for carrying out the Plan The following city departments and commissions will be responsible for carrying out the policies and programs included in this element: �'I1 to NM - R& mation Dc art 11011 E aT1C} � ]il�i C:i�r3 ti bn Comm�i _ s ; cn will be responsible for: * Preparing proposals for park projects to be included in the city's annual capital improvement program. * Applying for grants to help pay for park projects. Reviewing detailed park plans and making recomilendatioiis to L11e r lculti-Lag - Commi s s ion -and- City -Council. * Administering a wide range of recreation programs. Z. The Community Development Department and Planning Commission will be responsible for: * Updating and amending this element (with advise and guidance from the Parks and Recreation Department and Commission). * Interpreting the meaning of policies and programs. * Processing development projects which include the dedication of park land or the payment of in -lieu fees or construction taxes. * Preparing required environmental documents. 3. The Parks Division of the Public Services Department will be responsible for: * Planning and carrying out a continuing parks and community landscape maintenance program. * Suggesting ways to design parks and recreation facilities to make maintenance more efficient. Reviewing detailed park plans and making recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Commission. 100 J. Types of Parks and Recreation Facilities The following definitions will be used to interpret the provisions of this element and carry out the proposed park development program: 1. Neighborhood Parks: a. Neighborhood parks are the basic park planning unit in San Luis Obispo. b. The purpose of a neighborhhod park is to provide convenient and accessible active and passive recreation space to residents within a prescribed service area. c. The site of neighborhood parks should be from 2.5 acres (less becomes a mini -park) to 10 acres (more becomes a district park). d. Neighborhood parks should include the following basic elements: * Turf playfield. * Playground. * Landscaped picnic/seating area. e. Other essential elements should be determined by the unique character and needs of the neighborhood. These might include: * Hard -surface courts. * Ball Diamond. * Restrooms. * Group barbeque. * Incorporation of natural or cultural features. * On -site parking. f. Development of a neighborhood park should consider related noise and traffic factors and not be developed so intensely that it creates undesirable problems for adjacent residents. 2. District Parks: a. District parks are to provide facilities beyond the scale and scope normally offered at a neighborhood aprk. b. The service area of a district park includes several neighborhoods. 19 c. The district park systems should include a balance of both in- tensified active facilities, such as lighted ballfields and tennis courts, and passive space, which should include unique natural features such as creeks and hilltops whenever possible. d. District parks should be 10 to 30 acres in size. e . On -site parking is normally prove ec ed at as district park . 3. Communit Parks: a. Community parks should include a tuiique natural or cultural feature as an attraction. L n� ' +.. 1... 1... 1 A l .1 n o -9 -Pnri 1 i ti oc not normai1 7 U. �.vi1=1 1 EL Ly parna Siivuiu inciuuC a rang, vl iuw.i ii ...iw y available in smaller parks. c. Community parks should he at least 30 acres in size. d.. On -site parking is provided at a community park. e. May be located on city -owned land outside the city limits. 4. Related Park Types and Facilities: a. Schools: Schools should be considered as part of the city park system only if a joint -use agreement is in effect for the particular school. It is recognized that schools provide recreation opportunities for certain age groups. However, credit for schoolyards as park space is given on a one-to-one basis only when they are used jointly by the school and the city Parks and Recreation Department. b. Centers: Three types of centers should be recognized: 1) Small multi -use centers in neighborhoods. 2) Larger centers which provide for organized activities for all city residents and are strategically located to serve the exist- ing and future city population. 3) Community centers which serve the entire city and which provide for specialized activities in the cultural or creative arts. ME c. Sports Complexes: A sports complex should concentrate intensive, active recreation facilities in one place to serve the entire community. A sports complex is not a park since it does not provide the range of recreation options present in parks. A large park could contain a sports complex. d. Golf Courses: Golf courses are special facilities which help meet overall community recreation needs. A very large community park might contain a golf course. On easily developable land, the minimum effective size for a 9-hole course is 50 acres and for an 18-hole course is 125 acres. e. Trails and Bikeways: Footpaths and bikeways should be: 1) Developed as separated paths as a recreation experience in themselves. 2) Developed as key links from isolated neighborhoods to parks. f. Passive Park Space: These are areas that can be used for things like walking, picnic, reading, jogging, sunbathing and free play. g. Active Park Space: This includes areas that can be used for things like organized sports, playgrounds, swimming, spectator areas, tennis and parking. h. Sensitive Areas: 1) As it relates to this element, the term "sensitive area" includes: (a) Open space which has particular scenic, aesthetic or historic values; or includes significant natural, historic or archeo- logical resources which should be conserved; 21 (b) Historic sites which may include areas or facilities with limited park or recreation potential; and (c) Major creeks (which include San Luis Obispo, Stenner, Old Garden and Prefumo creeks) , lakes and wetlands. 2) Open space easements should be used to secure appropriate public use of sensitive areas with scenic or recreation value. Scenic open space and buffers, as well as rights -of -way for paths and trails, may also be obtained through open space easements or more permanent land transfers. 3) Sensitive areas may have limited potential for active or passive park uses when consistent with sound resource management. Buffers created between adjacent land uses may also have active or passive park/recreation potential. i. Private Open Space: Private open space is not considered park space. Requirements for open space in developments is a zoning issue. Developers should be encouraged to include useable recreation space in high -density housing projects to offset the lack of private yard space normally used for family recreation. This would vary according to the number of children expected to live in the development. All of the above park types and areas add up to create a complex pattern of neighborhood, district and community facilities in San Luis Obispo. Under- standing how they can all be made to work together to satisfy community needs is an important key to implementing a successful park and recreation program. 22 K. Appendix 1• The following park projects that are shown in Technical Report 2 have been amended or revised as follows: N3 Bishop's Peak School/Park: Seek joint -use agreement to allow development of better ballfield and play lot, and picnic facili- ties for weekend use. Revised cost estimate is $200,000. No land purchase. N13 Pacheco School/Park: Seek joint -use agreement to allow development of additional play equipment, planting and site furnishings. Re- vised cost estimate is $30,000. No land purchase. N24 Flora Street Mini -Park and Trail: Trail easement and .5 acre turf play area to be developed and maintained by developer. No cost to city. N47 San Adriano Park: Actual size of dedicated land is about 4 acres. Omit city purchase of adjacent lot. Revised cost $131,000. N52 Meadow Park: Redevelopment at future date to keep up with changing needs. Revised cost $200,000. D4 Cuesta Park: Reduce scope of project. Additional land costs are $125,000 for parking and park expansion. Development of facilities is estimated at $400,000. DS Veteran's Hall: Acquisition of county property omitted. No develop- ment cost change. D6 Creek Trail: Reduced scope of development. Concentrate improvements at access points. Revised cost is $103,000, including land purchase. 2. Examples of water conservation measures for the city park system: a. Drill wells to be used only for watering of planting in new and existing parks. b. Use water from Laguna Lake to irrigate the proposed Laguna Lake Community Park and the existing golf course on Los Osos Valley Road. C. Use effluent from the city's wastewater treatment plant to irrigate community landscaped areas. 23 d. Use some water from San Luis Creek and Stenner Creek to irrigate adjacent park areas. e. Develop a "gray water" system at existing and future parks which could be used for selective landscaping. f. Install sprinkler systems which provide irrigation only when the g. Consider changing the maintenance schedules for mowing turf area - let the grass grow longer so that it retains more moisture. h. Retain existing native landscaping. Use drought tolerant shrubs. and trees where possible. i. For some passive park areas the city could use ground covers which require less irrigation than turf. 24 RESOLUTION NO 4866 (1982 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS Oi'ISPO ADOPTING A GENERAL PLAN PARKS AND RECREATION ELE.IE ;T WHEREAS, Section 6503 of the California Government Code provides for the the adoption of "permissive elements" to a community's general plan including " A recreation element showning a comprehensive system of areas and public sites for recreation," ; and WHEREAS, The City Council retained the consultant firm SEDES Inc. in January 1980 to conduct a series of technical studies and produce a draft Parks and Recreation Element; and WHEREAS, after publishing two technical reports which were reviewed by the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council, the consultant working with city staff published the first draft of the Parks and Recreation Element in November 1981; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission held p;iblic hearings in February 1982 to review the draft Parks and Recreation Element and review and consider its EIR and have forwarded recommendations to the City Council; and WHEREAS, on :larch 9. 1982 the City Council considered the recommendations of the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission; and WHEREAS, on March ) and May 11 the City Council reviewed the draft element and made a number of changes to the wording of the element's goals, policies and program statements; and WHEREAS, on May 11 the City Council authorized staff to publish a hearing draft of the Parks and Recreation Element and schedule a public hearing to consider its adoption. WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Element presents a comprehensive program for providing recreation facilities to serve the needs of community residents durinc; the 40 vears. 25 R 4366 n PAGE 2 - Resolution No ,66 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: (1) The Parks and Recreation Element of the City of San Luis Obispo General Plan and enabled by Section 7503 of the California Government Code is adopted. The text of the adopted element is attached as Exhibit A; (2) Changes have been incorporated into the draft Parks and Recreation Element which mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effects identified in the final Environmental Impact Report. (3) The Community Development Department shall publish and make available to the public the adopted element and shall distribute copies to appropriate members of City government and other appropriate agencies and local libraries. (4) The adoption of this element shall take effect thirty days from the date of adoption of this resolution. On a motion of Councilperson Dunin , seconded by Councilperson Settle and on the following roll call vote: AYES: Co,incilmembers Dunin, Settle, Dovey, Griffin and Mayor. Billig NOES: None ABSENT: None The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 15th day of June 1982. ATTEST: i Para Voges, City G erk Melhn e Billig, Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM AP XZO'ED AS CONTENT George Thacher, City Attorney Paul Lanspery, rCity Apministrative officer 26 =C'— � R 4866