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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-02 PRC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet CC RECEIVED OFFICE 5 '.•••. CITY OF PALM DESERT PALM DESERT, CA 3111—N2814 A'JG 28 AM il: 4j PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIOi� b".ice -.0 h POSTED AGENDA R'rs 3 ;°�•� Tuesday, September 2, 2014— 8:30 a.m. Administrative Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Any person wishing to discuss any item not on the agenda may address the Parks and Recreation Commission at this point by giving his/her name and address for the record. This is the time and place for any person who wishes to comment on items not on the agenda. It should be noted that at the Parks and Recreation Commission's discretion, these comments may be deferred until such time on the agenda as the item is discussed. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes, unless additional time is authorized by the Commission. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING OF TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014. Rec: Approve as presented Action: V. NEW BUSINESS A. PDAC ANNUAL REPORT— (PRESENTATION BY STAFF) B. SPONSORSHIP/ NAMING POLICY VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. PICKLEBALL ANALYSIS POSTED AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 2, 2014 VII. OLD BUSINESS A. 2006 CITIZEN SURVEY VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. ACTIVE RECREATION LITERATURE B. PARK USE REPORT - University Dog Park C. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER D. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT - Program Updates - Facilities Use IX. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER COMMENTS X. ADJOURNMENT I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda for the Parks and Recreation Commission was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Dated this 28th day of August 2014. Angie Ma1gn, Recording Secretary 2 CITY OF PALM DESERT .•��� '�: MINUTES 11, ,E• `'_t PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION • t „mp ` REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, June 3, 2014 — 8:30 a.m. Administrative Conference Room — Palm Desert Civic Center 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Rodriguez convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent Chairman Raymond Rodriguez Vice Chair Deborah Hall Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Dean Dowty Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Lynn B. Jutovsky Commissioner Christopher Thomas Commissioner Mary Helen Kelly Commissioner Mike Hardin (Alternate) Ex-Officio Members: Rob Ballew, YMCA of the Desert Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Staff Present: John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Angie Marron, Recording Secretary Guests: Karen Creasy, YMCA of the Desert Jim Foote, Bureau of Land Management Laura McGalliard, Desert Recreation District Robert A. Spiegel, Councilman Van Tanner, Councilman Roger Dash, Planning Commission Liaison 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES June 3, 2014 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. Ryan Stendell introduced Angie Marron as the new recording secretary for the Commission and extended his gratitude to Donna Evans, the previous recording secretary, who now works for the City Manager's office, for her work on the Commission. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 Approve as presented Upon a motion by Commissioner Kelly, second by Commissioner Dawson, and 6-0 vote of the Commission Board, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. NEW BUSINESS A. 2006 CITIZEN SURVEY (EXECUTIVE SUMMARY) As requested at the previous meeting, Mr. Ryan Stendell presented for review the 2006 Citizen Survey. He stated that Commissioner Dawson created an accomplishment list to rate since the report. The Commission believes that the survey will be a good way to create score card and welcomed any recommendations. Commissioner Kelly believes more programs for adults should be created, since there seems to be rise in adult usage and, according to Member Kalman, the 2013 study supports this belief. As a way to introduce the new and old programs, Commissioner Housken suggested holding a Fitness Fair where free passes can be provided. The Commission suggested holding this type of event in conjunction with another large, successful event. Member Kalman noted that the Desert Recreation District hosts the Human Fitness Fair and explained how the event is held and set up. Commissioner Dawson suggested gathering information about what visitors are asking for from other centers like the YMCA, Senior Center and Desert Recreation District. He also suggested that staff evaluate the survey and list the main changes since 2006. Upon the Commission's request, staff will evaluate the report, gather information, and present an update at the next meeting. On a separate note, Vice Chair Housken asked about the usage of the fields and Mr. Stendell responded that the amount of baseball fields is fine, but more soccer fields are needed, since they are used almost daily. 2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES June 3, 2014 B. SUMMER SCHEDULE Staff suggested cancelling the meetings of July and August and the Commission concurred with an understanding that if something urgent needs to be discussed, a meeting will be scheduled. Upon a motion by Commission Dawson, by Commissioner Lutovsky and 6-0 vote of the Commission Board, the meetings for July and August were canceled with the above stipulation. On a separate note, Chair Rodriguez suggested holding a meeting with previous Commission Chair persons, so the history of the Commission can be discussed and better understood. Mr. Stendell will consult with the City Clerk regarding the rules of having such a meeting without violating any laws (i.e. Brown Act). VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. NONE VII. OLD BUSINESS A. PICKLEBALL ANALYSIS Mr. Stendell presented photographs provided by Commissioner Thomas illustrating wheelchair players playing Pickleball at Cahuilla Hills Park. He stated that Commissioner Thomas, who could not attend this meeting, asked that the Commission refrain from any discussion of Pickleball usage until the next meeting when he is present. Member Kalman mentioned that indoor Pickleball sessions will be held in the Desert Recreation Community Center very soon. Vice Chair Housken asked if Cahuilla Hills Park is able to accommodate this type of large groups, especially when they are handicap and asked if Civic Center Park would be a better location due to the ADA requirements. Councilman Tanner noted that Commissioner Thomas' objection in using the Civic Center Park is that they do not want to use separate parks, since they feel that Pickleball is more of a group sport. For this reason, the Commission has discussed the possibility of building eight Pickleball courts in one location. Mr. Stendell noted the cost to build the courts is approximately $200,000 and currently, the City has no funds available for this type of project. He added that it would be more cost effective if two tennis courts were converted into eight Pickleball courts. The cost for the conversion is about $8,000. The Commission discussed the potential 3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES June 3, 2014 conflict with the tennis players if the Cahuilla Hills Park courts are converted, especially because of how loud the sport of pickleball is. Commissioner Dawson noted how he doesn't understand why pickleball has been allowed to become such a large sport in a small court like Cahuilla Hills Park and asked why it has not been moved to Civic Center Park and/or Freedom Park. Commissioner Jutovsky noted that pickleball seems to have become a very popular sport within private communities and asked if Commissioner Thomas ever consulted with them about using their pickleball courts. None of the Commissioners knew. Chair Rodriguez suggested converting the courts at Cahuilla Hills Park to tennis courts only and having the Civic Center Park courts converted to eight pickleball courts and the Commission agreed. Therefore, upon a motion from Commissioner Dawson, second by Commissioner Housken, and a 6-0 vote from the Commission, staff was requested to present a cost summary and the impact of disbanding the pickleball courts at Cahuilla Hills Park, and converting the two tennis courts to eight pickleball courts, moving them to Civic Center Park and Freedom Park. VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. PARKS AND RECREATION NOT-FOR-PROFIT FOUNDATION At a previous meeting, the Commission asked staff to look into organizing a Park and Recreation Non-profit Organization. Staff is currently reviewing the process and legalities of having such an organization and suggested creating the organization and keeping it idle for future use. The Commission emphasized that a negative was having staff actively requesting funds, which could pose legal concerns. B. BLM ANNUAL REPORT Mr. Jim Foote commented on the recent fires and informed the Commission that the BLM has secured approximately $30,000 in state funds to bring veteran volunteers for about a month to clean the trails. He stated that there will be a parking lot ribbon cutting in the fall for a new trail, and he will be placing new brochures with the City of Palm Desert logo and presenting City staff with the cost to relocate a kiosk. He noted that the Randolph Henderson trail is very popular. 4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES June 3, 2014 Member Ballew stated that it will be beneficial to have an approximate number of trail visitors for future use. Mr. Foote stated that the BLM has started to implement criteria and protocol to take a count, but it is a difficult task due to the open availability of the trails. C. PARK USE REPORT Mr. Stendell informed the Commission that Arbor Day was held at Palma Village Park and with the help of the Girls Scouts three trees were planted. The event was a great success. He noted that at every meeting staff will put the spotlight on one of the parks and welcomed any suggestions/concerns from the Commission. D. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER Mrs. Karen Creasy informed the Commission that the Underwater Easter Egg Hunt held in April was a great success. In May, nine Olympians visited the center and talked to visitors about the importance of swimming. The center's summer programs will start June 16, 2014, with swimming lessons being the most popular. She continued by stating that combo meals have been added to the concession, fountain drinks are being served instead of can drinks, and they have added a larger clothing selection. She noted that sales have increased and should hit the 60% mark next year. Staff is looking forward to entertain swim meets, which target local and outside swim clubs. Mrs. Creasy also stressed the importance of staff and safety. E. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT Mr. Ballew stated that the YMCA is scheduling a number of private informational meetings to discuss the potential expansion of the YMCA facility. He noted that the Jean Benson Preschool Graduation will be held June 7, 2014, the summer programs will kickoff June 16, 2014, Rookies Program will be offered during the summer, and the first camping trip will be on June 21, 2014. Finally, he informed the Commission that the Mayor's Reverse Triathlon will be held in October. F. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Member Kalman stated that the DRD is building new clubhouse that they hope will open in the fall. The DRD has introduced pickleball to the wheelchair population, will start their Summer Camp on June 16, 2014, and the First Tee is coming up. The DRD is also working with CalState to 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES June 3, 2014 meet their recreational needs and hosting the College of the Desert with their summer activities, while they complete their new construction. Vice Chair Housken inquired how the bikers and skateboard usage separation was working out and staff responded that they are kept separate due to safety, but they seem to be working it out great. IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Addressing Commissioner Dawson's inquiry, staff stated that bouncy houses were only allowed at Civic Center Park; however, a permit from the Desert Recreation District is required. The DRD also requires a deposit to insure that the company has proper liability insurance, and verifies that the playhouse is properly installed. X. ADJOURNMENT With no further business or discussion, and with the Commissioners' unanimous concurrence, the meeting was adjourned at 10:02 a.m. Angie Marron, Recording Secretary 6 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION REPORT SUBJECT: Parks Naming Policy SUBMITTED BY: Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst DATE: September 2, 2014 Over the years, staff and the commission have received several requests to change the name of certain facilities or amenities within our existing parks. Staff believes naming rights could also be a way to attract large donations or endowments. Staff was directed by the City Manager to develop a naming policy which could be taken to the commission and city council for review and approval. The attached draft was prepared based on research from various community policies as well as internal discussions of staff. If approved this policy would give clear direction to any future naming request staff receives. CITY OF PALM DESERT Parks Naming Policy: Naming/Renaming of Parks/Recreational and other City Facilities. Background: The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to those who have an interest in naming and/or renaming of the City's parks and/or recreational facilities. The naming or renaming of parks and recreational facilities is complex and sometimes emotionally evocative since assigning a name is a powerful and permanent identity of a public place and/or facility. The naming and renaming of parks and recreational facilities often requires significant resources in terms of changing names on signs, maps, and literature. Renaming of existing parks is discouraged due to excessive/constant name changing can be a source of confusion to the public. Naming Principles: Facilities which may be named include buildings, centers, parks, open spaces, or any other recreational facility or amenity observed by the Parks and Recreation Commission and/or City Council. Facilities may be named for: 1. A distinct geographic, environmental or developmental feature. 2. A neighborhood, community, or access street. 3. A name of historical significance of the facility. 4. A reflection of the ethnic diversity of the community. 5. An individual or family who has contributed significantly to the community or the facility. 6. A significant donation by an individual or corporate entity. Such donations can add considerable value to the City's parks and recreation and therefore will be considered. • Corporate donation requests should not result in the undue commercialization of a park facility or amenity. Naming for Major Donations: As a guideline, the threshold for considering the naming of a facility will include one or more of the following: 1. Land for the majority of the park was deeded to the City. 2. Contribution of a minimum of 50% of the capital expense associated with development of the facility or amenity. 3. Contribution of an endowment equal to a minimum of 20-yearsof maintenance and repair as calculated by the City. Naming/Renaming of Parks and/or Recreational Facilities August 26, 2014 Page 2 Naming Policy Procedure: 1. Naming recommendations can be made by submitting a written request to the City Manager's Office. 2. The City Manager and appropriate staff members will review the proposed name to ensure it is consistent with the principles set forth in this policy. 3. The Parks and Recreation Commission will review proposals and make a recommendation to the City Council based on the request. 4. The naming proposal will be presented to the City Council for final review and approval. For naming of facilities that have a significant interest citywide, the Council may appoint a working group of council members, commissioners and/or community members to further review a naming request. Signage: The City reserves the right to approve appropriate signage consistent with the City's signage policies. CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION REPORT SUBJECT: Follow-up: Pickleball Analysis SUBMITTED BY: Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst DATE: September 2, 2014 During the June commission meeting staff was directed to research costs associated with converting two tennis courts at either Civic Center Park or Freedom Park into eight dedicated pickleball courts. The recommendation also included resurfacing Cahuilla Hills Park back to two tennis courts. Based on the conversations staff believed the commission favored Freedom Park over Civic Center based on the high amount of tennis play at Civic Center and compatibility issues. Staff has contacted a surfacing vendor, who is comfortable with a budget figure not to exceed $17,000 for the entire project. Pricing for the project is shown below: Resurfacing of courts: 3 @ $5,100 EA = $15,300 New Nets* 4 @ $ 800 EA = $ 3,200 $18,500 * We own four nets currently @ Cahuilla Hills Park that can be moved, which allows us to only have to purchase an additional 4 nets. Staff would recommend a budget not to exceed $20,000 if the commission wished to proceed with a project. 2006 Citizen Survey Follow-Up: Below please find a listing of specific needs identified throughout the 2006 report and progress that has been made to date. 1. Walking and Biking Trails: City staff has long supported providing accommodations for walking/bicycling within parks, streets, and open spaces. Parks: Inherent in most parks is the desire to provide for a perimeter pathway which can be utilized by walkers, bicycles, etc. Most every park provides these amenities and is heavily used for this purpose. Streets/Transportation: Public Works maintains approximately 70-miles of bike lane within the City and are supportive of additional mileage. Any new construction includes provisions for bike lanes whenever feasible. The City has also adopted CVAG's Non-Motorized Transportation Plan which is another tool used in developing safe multimodal transportation. The City has also supported the efforts of the CV Link project which would provide an extensive network of off street walking and bicycling path. Open Spaces: The City has developed a good stock of open space properties along the urban edge of the city. Several of these properties have been formalized into open space parks where patrons can walk through native undisturbed desert areas. Also Included on these properties is a hiking trail network which is inclusive of hiking, bicycling, and equestrian uses. 2. Outdoor Amphitheater: The Civic Center Amphitheater has long been an extremely successful venue for fundraising events and small concert/movie series. The aging structure was remodeled in 2008-2009 which provided a fresh look. With the fresh new look, staff used this as an opportunity to increase programming, specifically targeted at local residents. Our special programs division has developed a great spring and fall concert series which are in the shoulder seasons. The concerts have been quite successful in attracting our residents to the park in the months of May and October. 3. Nature Trails & Nature Center: During the 2006 survey the City's hiking trail network was under construction and has since been completed. In partnership with the BLM the City helps fund the Monument Visitor Center which serves our area as a nature center. 4. Small Neighborhood Parks: Small Neighborhood Parks can provide an identity to a neighborhood, a place to gather, and give a sense of pride within a community. While the City does have several small neighborhood parks, I do believe this is one area we can always be looking to improve upon. In all new development in the north sphere, provisions for small neighborhood parks are being implemented. 5. Performing Arts Center: This is not an area which we have seen a great amount of interest and has not been pursued. 6. Large Group Picnic Areas & Shelters: Picnic shelters are an integral part of park design in the desert. We do our very best to provide shaded space within our parks. Staff has not heard an outcry of a lack of shaded shelter space within the City. 7. Large Regional Parks: The City currently offers two regional parks (Civic Center/Freedom Park), and has land acquired for the development of the final regional park in the north sphere. Regional parks are an important part of a City's parks portfolio as they are generally the areas where large sports fields can be accommodated. This City has planned accordingly for the final regional park and has a plan in place for its design and development. 8. Indoor Fitness & Exercise Facilities: The City currently leases two indoor community centers to the Desert Recreation District and Family YMCA of the Desert respectively. We currently do not have any plans to construct additional indoor spaces. 9. Senior Center The City supports the Joslyn Center for its senior center services. We have a good relationship with their organization and believe they are doing well in their efforts. 10.Playground Equipment Every formal park within the City has a child's playground. The challenge we face currently is adequately planning for the future maintenance and eventual capital replacement costs. This was a major topic of consideration during the recently approved Strategic Plan, and staff is charged with reviewing this annually with the budget cycle. 11.Dog Parks Since 2006, two dog parks were in existence (Civic Center & Joe Mann). Since 2006, both Freedom Dog Park and University Dog Park have been added. Staff also provides dog use in our open space parks and on designated hiking trails. The City far exceeds the national average of dog offerings for a jurisdiction of our size. 12.Outdoor Tennis Courts Staff has not had any requests for additional courts within the City and believes our existing courts are adequately used. 13.Indoor Swimming Pool An indoor pool proved to be cost prohibitive during the design process of the PDAC. 14.Indoor Ice Skating Rink Staff does not believe there is a need for a facility in Palm Desert. 15.Outdoor Basketball/Volleyball Courts With the addition of Freedom Park and University Park East, we gained four basketball and two additional sand volleyball courts. Staff will continue to add these amenities where they make sense. 16.Outdoor Public Swimming Pools The completion of the PDAC was a monumental accomplishment for the City and has proven to be a successful facility. The strategic planning process laid out steps to re-evaluate the facility for expansion in future years while keeping cost recovery as a key principle. 17.Indoor Basketball/Volleyball Courts No new indoor facilities have been added since the 2006 study. 18.Youth Soccer Fields Soccer fields are arguably the most demanded facility type. Staff is hopeful to look to the north sphere regional park for adding a few more soccer/flex space fields which can accommodate numerous sports (soccer, lacrosse, rugby, football). 19.Youth Baseball and Softball Fields With the addition of three additional fields at Freedom Park, staff believes we have an adequate amount of fields in the City. 20.Teen Center No progress or requests for a teen center has surfaced since the 2006 report was drafted. 21.Skateboarding Park Freedom Park added another small skate zone within the City, which does get used, however not nearly as frequently as Civic Center. 22.Disc Golf Based on requests by users, there was a disc golf course installed at the soccer park, which has a good amount of use. This is a good example of how to flex use in parks during off-peak hours. 23.Adult Softball Fields Our existing fields can accommodate adult play, and currently the DRD sponsors a Senior Softball league which plays in the winter/spring months. We do not have too much demand for organized adult play on our fields. 24.Youth Football/Lacrosse/Rugby Fields As stated above we are hopeful in the design for the north sphere park to accommodate some flex field space which could provide facilities for these users. 25.Pickleball Courts Since 2006, we have installed four dedicated pickleball courts and have an additional five dual striped courts within various parks throughout the City. Staff believes we have done a good job accommodating this emerging new sport. Playground catering to seniors opens in La Marque - San Antonio Express-News Page 1 of 1 NEWS ALERT Two dead in morning shooting Playground catering to seniors opens in La Marque BY ASSOCIATED PRESS:AUGUST 15,2014 LA MARQUE,Texas(AP)-A certain park in E-mail Print Recommend y127I Tweet 29 gel 2 2 Southeast Texas caters to more than just children. .� ► A senior playground targeting the exercise needs of older residents opened Thursday in La Galveston County Parks&Senior Services GaIV Styr(p1r11 P:l;[:f' Marque(luh-MARK'). r .a .f ,� _ Galveston County spent$36,000 for special --, 1 ti I • n equipment at Carbide Park.Organizers tout the playground as the first of its kind in Texas with i a"motion wellness system"for older adults. -_,r 1 Exercises are set up to help seniors maintain their coordination and balance. I mil' The senior playground unit uses components I such as low chin-up bars,fitness steps and a rope type walking bridge. Other features are a stretching board, knobs and bolts and a wavy balance beam. Photo By Courtesy/Galveston County Parks and Senior Services 7 of 8 Galveston County Commissioner Stephen An adult playground built to address the exercise needs of older residents opened Thursday at Carbide Park in La Marque. Holmes says he's hoping to see seniors gather at the playground as another social aspect for • Iiiii them. Online: http://www.galvestoncountytx.gov/ps/Pages/CarbidePark.aspx http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Playground-catering-to-seniors-opens-in-... 8/28/2014 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION REPORT SUBJECT: Park Use Report—University Dog Park SUBMITTED BY: Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst DATE: September 2, 2014 Staff has been working diligently to keep the turf at University Dog Park in excellent condition. Staff recently took a photograph from above the facility which shows how well the turf is holding up. The remodel to the Freedom Dog Park seems to be helping, through the summer we are seeing good amounts of use at both facilities. We have not had any parking issues through the summer and we are hopeful this trend continues into the fall/winter months. _ 4Air t4ri"j ;alas " L--w whatiiikimm - - �x .. ~f „I►,w.�...: � YaA . Via. --�...-`'�'.'��'`'�1..t. 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