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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-18 PRC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet ''" "'•• CITY OF PALM DESERT .7 AIN \ PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION . AGENDA�_ `:: . - Tuesday. November 18, 008 — 8:30 a.m. = -t Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NONE [V. 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 omission's discretion, these comments may be deferred until such time on the agenda as the item is discussed_ Remarks shalr be lirn'ted to a maximum of five minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Commission. V. PRESENTATIONS - NONE VI. NEW BUSINESS A. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT Discussion and recommendation to support an extension of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Palm Desert and the Bureau of Land Management_ VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE VIII. REPORTS AND UPDATES A, ADA ACCESS TO DOG PARKS B. CVRPD GENERAL MANAGER UPDATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA NOVEMBER 18, 2008 C. THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER D. NEWS ARTICLES IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS X. ADJOURNMENT I hereby certify under penalty of perjury uncle( 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 re s than 72 hours prior to the meeting„ Dated this 1 th day of November 2008. Monica laved t T ding Secretary 2 CITY OF PALM DESERT Mil' 4 eph PARKS AND RECREATION �$ 4Sh aza-07,040$ � STAFF REPORT To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: November 18, 2008 Subject: Bureau of Land Management Agreement On July 17, 2008, Staff met with Ms. Frankie Riddle, Director of Special Projects, Ms. Sheila Gilligan, Assistant City Manager for Community Services, Lt. Frank Taylor, former Palm Desert Lt. Chief of Police, and Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst, to review and discuss an existing MOU that exists between the City of Palm Desert and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Ms. Riddle has been the City Staff liaison overseeing the MOU. The MOU is dated 2005 and was written for five years, but funding was only authorized through December 2008. Ms. Riddle and Mr. Jim Foote, BLM Monument Manager, had entered into discussions regarding updating the MOU and seeking funding for the remaining two years. Since the Parks and Recreation Division has the responsibility for providing supervision and maintenance to the trails in the City of Palm Desert, it made sense that we be included in the discussions. The outcome of the discussion was as follows: 1. Update the MOU 2. Shift the MOU oversight to the Parks and Recreation Division. On July 29, 2008, Staff met with Mr. Jim Foote, Mr. Derek Anderson, Mr. Michael DeSanto, and Mr. Scott Kotlowski, all of the BLM to discuss updating the MOU. Mr. Foote had prepared a draft, and it was reviewed, discussed and changes were made. Staff met with representatives of the BLM again on October 22, 2008, to review the updated "draft" agreement. Lt. Andrew Shouse, the City of Palm Desert's new Lt. Chief of Police was also invited to attend the meeting. Attached is a copy of the most updated "draft" MOU. Staff is waiting to receive updated information from Lt. Shouse, and will BLM MOU November 18, 2008 Page 2 of 2 then complete the MOU, including funding information, and present it to the City Council. Mr. Jim Foote will be present to speak to the Commission about the relationship the BLM has had with the City of Palm Desert and what services are provided by the BLM. Staff feels that it is important to extend the MOU, as BLM Rangers provide supervision to the trails in the City, which is especially important on the top portion of the trails. They also provide support to the Palm Desert Police Department on the trails. When the City began building trails, an agreement was entered into with US Fish and Game, the City of Palm Desert, and the BLM. Part of the agreement required that the City provide supervision to the trails. The BLM Rangers are deputized and can write citations for violations. Staff would like the Parks and Recreation Commission to support an extension of the MOU and recommend to the City Council that the MOU with the BLM be extended and funded, but the oversight of the contract be shifted to the Parks and Recreation Division of the City. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2008\Nov 18\BLM Agreement.doc CONTRACT NO. XXXXXX MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING between U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT PALM SPRINGS-SOUTH COAST FIELD OFFICE SANTA ROSA & SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS NATIONAL MONUMENT and CITY OF PALM DESERT CALIFORNIA This Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) is between the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument(hereinafter referred to as "BLM") and the City of Palm Desert, California (hereinafter referred to as "City"). BACKGROUND The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center and related facilities are located on Highway 74 within and adjacent to the City. Visitor Center staff and volunteers disseminate information to the public about environmental and cultural resources and recreational opportunities on federal and nonfederal lands in the National Monument, as well as the Coachella Valley as a whole. It is the mutual objective of the BLM and the City to provide quality visitor experiences for tourists and local residents. On October 24, 2000, federal legislation established the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument to be jointly managed by the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), San Bernardino National Forest (Public Law 106-351), thereby extinguishing the Santa Rosa Mountains National Scenic Area, which was established in 1990 by order of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and comprised only of lands administered by the BLM. Boundaries of the National Monument also encompass lands under the jurisdiction of the City, State of California, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, other local governments, and private citizens and organizations. In addition to cooperating in the operation and maintenance of the National Monument Visitor Center and ancillary facilities, the BLM and the City have a mutual interest in efficiently and effectively managing their respective lands in and adjacent to the Santa Rosa Mountains. In particular, trails and trailhead facilities located on City lands—Homme-Adams Park Trailhead, which provides direct access to the Homestead Trail; Cahuilla Hills Park Trailhead, which 1 CONTRACT NO. XXXXXX provides direct access to the Gabby Hayes Trail; the Hopalong Cassidy-Mike Schuler Trailhead located behind the Desert Crossing shopping center; and the Randall Henderson Trailhead located south of the National Monument Visitor Center—require occasional law enforcement presence to protect public facilities, private property(e.g.,parked vehicles), and public safety, as well as enforce current restrictions on access with dogs to the trail network. The BLM and the City have enjoyed an ongoing cooperative relationship in the operation and management of the National Monument Visitor Center and adjacent lands. At its regular meeting of August 25, 2005, the Palm Desert City Council authorized the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between the BLM and the City(attached) for a one-year period retroactive to January 1, 2005, and ending December 31, 2005, and authorized payment to the BLM for that same time period in the amount of$7,000. Execution of the MOU occurred on September 20, 2005, and was identified by the City as Contract No. C24150. In accordance with the MOU, the City would provide a minimum of$5,000 per year to assist the BLM in paying for the operation and maintenance of the National Monument Visitor Center, and a minimum of $2,000 per year towards labor costs for BLM law enforcement patrols of the Santa Rosa sector. At its special meeting of November 17, 2005, the Palm Desert City Council authorized the Mayor to execute an MOU between the BLM and the City(attached) for a three-year period commencing January 1, 2006, and ending December 31, 2008, and authorized payment to the BLM for said time period in the amount of$55,000 per year for a variety of tasks with a focus on operation and maintenance of the National Monument Visitor Center and BLM law enforcement patrols of the Santa Rosa sector. On December 21, 2005, an MOU was approved as to content by the City Attorney after having been approved by the BLM Field Manager, National Monument Manager, and the Mayor, and was identified by the City as Contract No. C24150A. In accordance with the MOU, it would terminate five years from the date of its execution unless extended through mutual agreement of the BLM and the City. Hence, it would terminate on December 21, 2010, which is almost two years beyond the period for which funds were approved by the City Council. During calendar years 2006, 2007, and 2008, the BLM allocated funds contributed by the City as follows: $15,100 per year for operation and maintenance of the National Monument Visitor Center, and$39,900 per year for BLM law enforcement patrols of the Santa Rosa sector. 2 CONTRACT NO. XXXXXX PURPOSE This MOU establishes a cooperative arrangement between the BLM and the City regarding the operation and maintenance of the National Monument Visitor Center and ancillary facilities, and management of BLM and City lands within the National Monument in order to provide quality recreational and educational opportunities for tourists and local residents, to conserve natural and cultural resources, to protect public and private property, and to protect public safety. This MOU revises and replaces the MOU approved by the BLM Field Manager on December 12, 2005, and the City of Palm Desert Mayor on December 13, 2005, which is identified by the City as Contract No. C24150A. AUTHORITIES A. Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (Public Law 94-579). Section 307(b) grants authority to the Secretary of the Department of the Interior to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements, and to provide for management,protection, and development of public lands. Section 307(c) grants authority to accept contributions or donations of money for the management and protection of the public lands. B. Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-351). Section 4(c)(1) grants authority to the Secretaries of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements and shared management arrangements for the purposes of management, interpretation, and research and education regarding the resources of the National Monument. AGREEMENT I. Bureau of Land Management shall: A. Provide staffing for daily operation of the National Monument Visitor Center, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, in coordination with staff provided by the San Bernardino National Forest in such manner consistent with the Service First Agreement between the BLM and the USFS approved on June 19, 2007, and in coordination with staff and volunteers provided by Friends of the Desert Mountains, which is the primary nonprofit support organization for the National Monument. 3 CONTRACT NO. XXXXXX B. Provide funding, as available and in conjunction with funds provided by USFS under the Service first Agreement, for the operation and maintenance of the National Monument Visitor Center, including funds for utilities, repairs, and janitorial service. C. Conduct patrols by Law Enforcement Rangers on both BLM and City lands consistent with the purposes of this MOU and commensurate with funds provided by the BLM and the City for this purpose. Goals relative to this element of the MOU are as follows: 1. The BLM Monument Law Enforcement Ranger will allocate at least 50% of his/her patrol time in the sector of the Monument that includes the City of Palm Desert, i.e., lands within and immediately adjacent to the Monument boundary southward from behind the Desert Crossing shopping center to Coachella Valley Vista Point, generally following the Highway 74 corridor.' Patrols will be conducted on trails as needed. 2. When on patrol duty, the BLM Monument Law Enforcement Ranger will visit trailheads on City property at least once time per day, including the Hopalong Cassidy/Mike Schuler trailhead behind the Desert Crossing shopping center, Gabby Hayes trailhead at Cahuilla Hills Park, Homestead trailhead at Homme-Adams Park, and Randall Henderson trailheads at the Monument Visitor Center and on Highway 74. Patrols of these sites and the associated trails will focus on compliance with rules regarding the use of trails by dogs.2 3. The BLM will direct additional Law Enforcement Rangers, as circumstances warrant, to the sector of the Monument that includes the City of Palm Desert.3 4. The BLM will inform the City regarding issues that require immediate attention by the City, e.g., regulatory signs that require replacement due to vandalism or theft. D. Provide an annual report to the City regarding expenditure of the City's contributed funds in accordance with this MOU. The report will be provided in a timely manner relative to the City's annual budget process. ' The percentage of patrol time allocated to the subject Monument sector is determined,in part,by the level of funding provided by the City to the BLM for this purpose. 2 Dogs are prohibited on the Mike Schuler trail,Herb Jeffries trail,Hopalong Cassidy trail north of its intersection with the Gabby Hayes trail and south of its intersection with the Homestead trail,Art Smith trail,and Randall Henderson trail.Dogs are allowed on the Homestead trail,Gabby Hayes trail,and the Hopalong Cassidy trail where it connects these two trails(thereby making a loop connecting Homme-Adams and Cahuilla Hills Parks). 3 Funding for these Law Enforcement Rangers may,in part,be derived from funds provided by the City to the BLM under this MOU.Patrol time by such Rangers may be counted in achieving the commitment described in I.C.1. 4 CONTRACT NO. XXXXXX II. City of Palm Desert shall: A. Provide funding, as available, to the BLM to assist with paying for the operation and maintenance of the National Monument Visitor Center, and for providing visitor services to include, but not limited to, interpretive and environmental education programs. B. Provide funding, as available, to the BLM to support its Law Enforcement Rangers in their patrols of roads, trails, trailheads, facilities, and lands within the National Monument. Patrols conducted with funds contributed by the City will occur on lands within the City, as well as on adjacent unincorporated areas of Riverside County. (See I.C. for details.) C. Provide funding, as available, in support of inter-operability with the City Law Enforcement contingency plan(held at the Riverside County Sheriff's Department), and ensuring radio/data communications capability with and for BLM Law Enforcement Rangers to both the Riverside County Sheriff's and Palm Desert Police Depai lnients, including the provision of sufficient radios for use by BLM Law Enforcement Rangers, as well as all radio leasing coverage and backbone usage requirements. D. Provide landscape maintenance services—not to exceed $15,000 annually—at the National Monument Visitor Center as coordinated with National Monument staff. Services include,but are not limited to, pruning, thinning, removal and replacement of plants; disposal of associated debris and cuttings; and maintenance of the irrigation system. Landscaping costs incurred by the City may offset, whether in whole or in part, financial contributions made to the BLM for the operation and maintenance of the National Monument Visitor Center as provided for under this MOU. III.Bureau of Land Management and City of Palm Desert shall: A. Jointly participate in monthly meetings to review conformance by each party to the agreements made through this MOU, including review of BLM law enforcement patrol reports. B. Coordinate trail and trailhead management issues, as applicable to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Plan element of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan,through the Trails Management Subcommittee of the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission. 5 CONTRACT NO. XXXXXX HOLD HARMLESS The BLM and the City agree to defend, indemnify, protect, and hold each other and their agents, officers, and employees harmless from and against any and all claims asserted, or liability established, for damages or injuries to any person or property, including injury to BLM and City employees, agents, or officers, which arise from or are connected with, or are caused or claimed to be caused by, the acts or omission of the BLM or the City and its agents, officers, or employees in performing the work or services herein described, and all expenses of investigating and defending against same,provided, however, that the BLM's and the City's duty to indemnify and hold harmless shall not include any claims or liability arising from the established sole negligence or willful misconduct of the other party, its agents, officers, or employees. TERMS AND MODIFICATIONS A. This MOU shall be in effect for one year from the date of approval or until modified by the parties in writing, whichever occurs first, and may be renewed on an annual basis upon approval by the BLM and the City. B. Funding provided to the BLM by the City shall be annually reevaluated for cost of living increases. C. Terms of this MOU are negotiable at any time at the option of either of the parties. Either party may terminate the agreement upon giving the other party 60 days advance notice. D. This MOU does not in any manner affect the City's commitments as a signatory to the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Plan. The remainder of this page is intentionally blank. 6 CONTRACT NO. XXXXXX SIGNATURES Approved by: Date: JOHN R. KALISH Field Manager BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office Approved by: Date: JEAN BENSON Mayor City of Palm Desert Approved as to content: Date: DAVID J. ERWIN Attorney City of Palm Desert 7 CITY OF PALM DESERT . .„44r, win 0-7 4 PARKS AND RECREATION �$ 0$ � INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Date: November 18, 2008 Subject: ADA Access to Dog Parks Each year Parks Staff routinely closes Civic Center dog park for the purpose of overseeding. During this time, Joe Mann and Freedom Park dog parks remain open. A person that normally used the Civic Center dog park attempted to use the Freedom Park dog park during the overseeding shutdown at the Civic Center. The person informed Staff that she uses a wheelchair, and could not access the dog park at Freedom Park because there was no sidewalk in the dog park. Parks Staff requested bids for the installation of sidewalks at Freedom Park and Joe Mann dog parks. Contreras Construction was awarded the bid in the amount of $7959.10, and the project was completed the first week of November. 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". -,..7.''..3 _ -,- A ' •f Z :6.) 11111._,... .11111 II 1111 ....10... - .,...;27, 4:X: . • ii .0>d y a, 4 M lie. i 1 rt r- i CITY OF PALM DESERT .K:kilt tillill 144h PARKS AND RECREATION N14 $ � STAFF REPORT To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: November 18, 2008 Subject: Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District General Manager Update Attached is a copy of the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District's (CVRPD) November 5, 2008, update, prepared by Mr. Stan Ford, General Manager. • • • • • . at. . . . • •A I I I kb * • • _ DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Date: November 5, 2008 To: Board of Directors From: Stan Ford, General Manager Subject: Update The new name and logo may look foreign but staff has embraced it and will champion its use. General Information 1. Kathy Strong and Ron Hale raised approximately $2,800 for The First Tee during Dancing with Our Stars. This amount earned The First Tee second place among the competing charities. 2. Another note about our dancing, Foundation board member - Kathy Strong. Kathy was recently honored in Palm Desert with an Athena Award recognizing her accomplishments and contributions to the community. Congratulations Kathy! 3. The District Gymnastics Academy had a breakout year. All ten of the girls qualified for sectionals. At the sectional meet, seven of the girls earned a medal in at least one event and three of them qualified for the state championships. We had our first- ever competitors in Level 6 (three girls) with one qualifying for state. Congratulations to the team and coaches. They are excellent representatives of our program and proud ambassadors of The District. Business and Operations 1. The treadmills for the Coachella Valley Boxing Club have arrived. The equipment is being engraved to indicate donation by the District. Once ready, we will schedule a ceremony to celebrate the donation. 2. Membership in The First Tee has reached 260. This is up from the 154 at the time of staffs' last status report. Last week, we executed the agreement with the city of Indio to become an affiliate of our program. Since Indio is our first affiliate, we will plan a grand opening celebration, at the appropriate time. Once scheduled, we will let you know. 3. Unless the Board disagrees, I plan on delaying merit increases for this year. I believe we should wait until the RSG report is received and analyzed. Your actions regarding classifications and compensation may impact the salary structure and how we reward meritorious performance. Additionally, staff continues to be cautious with ongoing financial obligations and would like to continue to explore options beyond the typical merit increases. 4. During my recent performance evaluation, you indicated a desire for the District to have a "regular presence" with our partner cities. To help accomplish this, I have temporarily assigned Tatiana Hinkle to the manager's office and relocated Craig DeWitt to the Indio Community Center. This will not only help with our outreach, communication and backlog of work, but allow Craig to focus on operational needs in the community centers. 5. The inaugural pet parade was unique and a lot of fun for those who participated. Although the parade was not as well attended as planned, the activities in the park were very popular. Staff estimates 400 people attended the activities in the park. See attached photos. 6. Recently, I mentioned we are seeing activity with residential development. Today we received $187,000 in-lieu fees for a project in Mecca. FYI: The adopted FY09 Budget projected $100,000 in fees for the entire year. Board Requests Alvarez: Request for staff to make presentations to Mecca Community Council regarding the adjustment to the assessment district. Status: Not yet scheduled but will be immediately. Alvarez: Request to have Barb Adair make presentations about summer camps to various community councils. Status: Presentations delayed due to Barb being unavailable. Staff will schedule as soon as possible. McGalliard: Recommendation to request "shopper hopper" vehicles from the city of Palm Desert. Request was made several months ago and discussed with the city manager and two council members, at that time. Status: Waiting for SunLine staff to provide promised information regarding the condition of the vehicles. That is, SunLine management indicated a desire to assess the operational condition of the vehicles prior to the District taking delivery. Board Meeting Agenda Preview (Tentative) November 19 1. Reorganization of the Board for 2009 2. Selection of Board committees for 2009 3. Status report on regional trails study 4. Discussion of cost savings for program catalog, etc. 5. Joint resolution with the city of Coachella for transfer of A.D. 02-1 6. Discussion/recommendation regarding Mecca swimming pool ongoing operation 7. Resolution declaring surplus property (vehicles) 8. Resolution amending budget to purchase replacement vehicles December 9 1. Approval of Board meeting calendar for 2009 2. Presentation of regional trails study 3. Discussion/revision to District's nepotism policy 4. Approval of MOU with the city of Coachella 5. Discussion of participation with the city of Palm Desert to purchase new lighting for Olsen Field. CITY OF PALM DESERT . ..„Adri* PARKS AND RECREATION �$ 0$ � STAFF REPORT To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: November 18, 2008 Subject: The California Park Planner Attached is a copy of the October edition of The California Park Planner newsletter. Staff feels that there is valuable information in the newsletter and is providing it as an informational item. • It v y. THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER Formerly known as "Bear Facts" Topics and trends for park professionals • California State Parks 'fanning Division October 2008 L�FaI� Assessing trends in nature-based recreation p PsL At the State Parks Planning Division we are always interested in news about trends in nature-based (or"nature-related") recreation. Two items In this issue recently caught our attention. Assessing trends in nature-based • An article in a scientific journal attesting that nature-based recreation recreation 1 is declining in developed countries (including the United States). California's population growth 7 • A presentation by a U.S. government scientist, in response to the California State Parks programs above article, claiming that nature-based recreation in the U.S. is respond to statewide trends 8 increasing. Public and private sectors invest to keep California parks vital 10 To explain how experts such as these can reach such different Other recreation trends 11 conclusions, we look at attendance trends at California State Parks and Bear Facts is now The California National Parks, and compare the article and the presentation mentioned Park Planner 12 above. Along the way, we share information about trends and statistics The Central Valley's changing that may help you better interpret attendance statistics. demographics 12 Continued on next page. How park planners assess trends (Improvements or changes to data online at the Outdoor Recreation collection methodology also can Planning page.California State Parks Planners at park agencies regularly use a affect trends.) is currently conducting surveys of variety of methods to help ensure that state residents and State Park users park amenities meet attendees'needs. • Regularly reviewing demographic throughout California. Selected Some of the most common are: data and related research. results will be published in a future Demographic information documents California Park Planner newsletter. • Monitoring attendance.Attendance changes in the population(such as data is valuable,but sources of average age,ethnic composition and • Paying attention to other relevant variances in attendance can be population size). research conducted by park staff,at difficult to identify due to the wide local universities and by experts varietyofpossible causes.For • Using results of surveys,conducted worldwide.In the U.S.,changes in example,factors such as fuel prices, by parks or third-party vendors, recreation habits,such as the changes in admission fees,severe which provide valuable feedback increasing popularity of indoor weather,a fluctuation in nearby directly from the public. The electronic pastimes and a related or the introduction of California State Parks Planning population decrease in physical activity other recreation opportunities nearbyDivision reports on recreation often pp use survey data to monitor recreation outdoors,can have great significance can affect attendance. to park planners. trends.Recent reports are available 1 THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER October 2008 Assessing trends,continued California State Parks total attendance compared to Attendance trends at California California population, 1978-2007 100 - State Parks and U.S. National Parks 90 Analyzing decades of attendance data for 8O parks in the California State and National Parks reveals long-term trends for both 70 systems. 60 California State Parks total-attendance C 50 attendance trend Figure 1 shows total attendance at parks in • 40 the California State Park System over a ao• 30 30-year period. Total attendance appears - Attendance to have increased at a similar rate to 20 - — Population California's population. 10 Linear(Attendance) Therepr Attendance 0 - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I e attendanceline datainFig reportedure1 for I I I I I I I each fiscal year(from July 1 through June 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2007 30). We can make an informed analysis Year that an upward attendance trend beginning Figure 1.California State Parks total attendance compared to California population,1978-2007. in about fiscal year 1999-2000 was likely due to a decrease in the admission fee. Attendance for the period increased from Why per capita attendance values matter about 56.3 million in 1978 to about 79.4 million in 2007—an increase of about 23.1 Simply looking at the total number of attendees does not reveal the million,or a total percentage increase of whole story of park attendance.For example,if more people visit a park o this year than last,this might be because the population increased in the about 41 . The Linear(Attendance)line surrounding area.If the per capita value decreases as population shows this trend. increases,this may mean a decrease in the number of visits per person, The Population line indicates the steady which might translate into less support for park initiatives. increase in the State's population, from Calculating per capita values 22.8 million in 1978 to 37.8 million in The term per capita comes from the Latin"by heads."A per capita 2007—an increase of about 15 million rate(or value)is calculated by dividing a figure such as total income, people, or a percentage increase of about total number of crimes or total attendance,by a population figure such 66%. as a city,state or nation,and represents an average per person in a California State Park System per-capita defined subgroup.Per capita values are often used to compare different attendance trend groups of different sizes. Example: When comparing the 66%increase in 35,000 crimes were recorded in 2004 in a county with a population of 500,000.The crime rate per capita for the county for 2004 is obtained by dividing the number of crimes by the county population: 35,000/500,000 = .07 2 THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER October 2008 population against the 41%increase in attendance for 1978-2007,the data suggest Per capita attendance at California State Parks, 1978-2007 that per capita attendance at parks in the California State Park System has declined 3.00 slightly for the period. Figure 2 demonstrates this trend. The Per capita 2.50 visits line represents the actual number U, of recorded visitor days to California 2.00 State Parks. The black linear Trendline shows the trend. Per capita visitation was 2.46 in 1978,but only 2.10 in 2007, a 1.50 — Per capita visits — Trendline decrease of 14.7%. 1.00 U.S.National Park Service total- attendance trend I I I I I I I 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2007 Figure 3 compares attendance at National Park Service parks and the U.S. Year population; the total of park"recreation Figure 2.Per capita attendance at California State Parks,1978-2007. visits"attendance closely matches that of the population of the United States. Between 1980 and 2007,park attendance increased approximately 25% (from 220.5 million visits to 275.6 million),while the Total National Park Service parks attendance compared to population increased approximately 33% U.S. population, 1980 2007 (from 226.5 million people to 301.1 Population (millions) million) as of July 1,2007. Conclusions 350 While attendance at parks within the 300 California State Parks and National Parks 250 is significant and has increased over recent decades,per capita attendance appears to 200 ' have decreased.As shown later, in this 1980 1990 2000 2007 article,many factors can cause attendance variations. — National Park Service visits Next we look at an article and a presentation that present opposing views U.S.Population on park attendance trends. Figure 3.Total National Park Service parks attendance compared to U.S.population,1980-2007. Continued on next page. 3 THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER October 2008 Assessing trends,continued Two views of nature-based natural resources may be negatively recreation trends affected in the future. The following two studies reach different The study included primarily attendance conclusions about nature-based recreation. data,using four data types: public lands visitation, game licenses, camping and Pergams and Zaradic study shows backpacking/hiking. decrease in per capita attendance The authors report that nature-based Oliver Pergams,Ph.D.,and Patricia recreation declined in developed nations Zaradic,Ph.D.,two scholars at the between 18 and 25 percent since about University of Illinois, claim that 1980. The decline occurred after decades participation in nature-based recreation has of"steady increase."The trend is seen in been declining in the U.S. and other the article's main graph,Figure 4. (See the developed nations. Their findings were original article for more information on published in February 2008 in the online this figure.)The authors analyze per Proceedings of the National Academy of capita recreation visits at U.S.National Sciences. Park Service parks (shown in Figure 4 as The article obtained widespread publicity NPV),U.S.National Forests(NFV),U.S. in newspapers,television and online,not State Parks(SPV,parks were not only because of its conclusion but also for specified),U.S. BLM sites(BLMV), its suggestion that if children are not Japanese National Parks (JapanNPV)and exposed to nature (and therefore do not Spanish National Parks (SpainNPV). learn to appreciate it), efforts to conserve World per capita Public Land Visitation About the symbols: 3.5 -,y--0.0424x+5.7376 The colors of the solid circles • NPV ' -•,is may be hard to distinguish. 3 • NFV .• ...• ♦ 114711,� The long line of circles is ■ SPV ••■•• '• ►►►►■ •A► ■A,. JapanNPV,the short line is 2.5 a BLMV •• ■ ►•A • '. ~` SpainNPV. A A • JapanNPV A A <—The trend in per capita • SpainNPV •■ U.S. State Parks visits(SPV) 2 • • is shown by red triangles. ■ 1.5 •.•• • .f. • i� ..c. 1 • • ■ . ..1.0f8:mo..iew••wf--4,-at♦a*may ► •• ■■ `■�++n♦t ' y=-0.0113x+1.72 5 ■' w <—The trend in per capita .• ■•.#♦*S U.S.National Park Service 0.5 ■•• ■�♦•' parks visits(NPV)is shown •;♦♦■ti" �tf�t■■ ►.►►►►.► ►■ .■it;;t;;t• by blue diamonds. 0 uC�7} a�es7 ii U) CO) CO Fs', m m 19 h n h FD 0�0 Fa) rn rn C)m 5 ,., O) • CA 0, 0) 0) O) 6) a, a, C) a) cn cn cn Q7 (3) 0) Cl) C O r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r CV CV Figure 4.Decline in nature-based recreation as shown by Pergams and Zaradic. 4 THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER October 2008 The graph shows similar downward trends pretty much assures observing a for per capita recreation visits at U.S. downward trend(cost of transportation State Parks and Japanese National Parks; has been rising, choices of places to per capita recreation visitation at U.S. recreate are getting slimmer,...)." National Park Service parks is also down. • The study uses a"very narrow set of U.S. government researcher claims indicators"(public lands visitation, increase in U.S. nature-based game licenses, camping, and recreation backpacking/hiking). In a 2008 presentation at the University of • The"more authoritative U.S. Georgia,Pioneering Recreation Trends, nationwide surveys"on attendance RWU-4953,Dr. H. Ken Cordell, of the were excluded—the Fishing,Hunting U.S. Forest Service, argues that U.S. and Wildlife-Associated Survey nature-based recreation is increasing. (FHWAR), and a federally and state- sponsored U.S. Forest Service survey, Cordell indicates that U.S. Forest Service the National Survey on Recreation and research methods on outdoor recreation the Environment(NSRE). involve using surveys of"households and on-site visitors, "broad-scale Increase in attendance in U.S.for ... assessment of societal and natural specific types of recreation resources trends,"and"looking across a Dr. Cordell uses NSRE figures to broad array of data sources."In document an increase in nature-based disagreeing with the Pergams and Zaradic recreation from 1960 to 2000-2001 for study results, Cordell makes the following eight recreation activities(see Figure 5). assertions: Citing national and state park attendance • "Solely choosing a per capita measure Continued on next page. Popularity of selected activities in zgbo and Z000-ZOOi NSRE has shown that demand 127.0 for recreation has been growing over the years cni 80.0 28 2 7" 4 0— 01.3 c 43.1 40.0 23.3 28.0 27.7 20.0 20.0 11.7 13.0 19.0 12.1 0.0 2.0 9-6 1 i Bicycling Hunting Swimming Sailing Horseback Riding Camping Fishing Canoeing/Kayaking n 1s80 2000-2001 Source:NSRE.The first NSRE was done in 1960 and has continued since as the U.S. National Recreation Survey(1960,1965,1972,1977,1982,1994,1999 to now) Figure 5.Popularity of selected activities in 1960 and 2000-2001 as shown by H.Ken Cordell. 5 THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER October 2008 Assessing trends,continued for various recreation activities from 1994- 2008 (not shown),he also argues that Total Annual Visitation to U.S. National Parks "demand for recreation"is up during that period, except for hunting and fishing. 400 Increase in total attendance at National 350 Park Service parks 300 250 -*++ Dr. Cordell provides graphic documentation of the increase in 200 attendance at National Park Services parks 150 (see Figure 6). He does not include per 10o capita attendance in his presentation. 50 Summary 1979 1982 1985 1988 1991 1994 1997 2000 2003 2006 Trends in total attendance and per capita attendance, as well as survey data and Same 'hr""" unp`g°° ffm other information, deserve the close attention of park planners. A myriad of Figure 6.Increase in annual total attendance at U.S.National Park Service parks,1979-2006,as shown by H.Ken Cordell. factors can affect attendance. Here are just a few: • A continuing increase in total attendance, as suggested by National Park Service and California State Parks attendance data, could be due to an increase in population or to the addition of parks and facilities. • A continuing decrease in per capita visitation values,as shown by Drs. Pergams and Zaradic, and by California State and National Parks data,might indicate adverse consequences for support of public parks, especially if continuing support depends on approval by the populace as a whole. • Changes in recreation preferences, such as those suggested by Dr. Cordell's presentation,by California State Park System demographic and survey data and by other research, may indicate the need for modifications to park facilities and/or amenities. 6 THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER October 2008 Sources Rock Institute website. For State Parks California State Parks database(for data data,the authors used the Statistical on attendance at California State Parks). Abstracts of the USA website, Cordell,Kenneth H. "Pioneering http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/. Recreation Trends Research,RWU-4953," U.S. Census Bureau website, PowerPoint slide show presented at the http://www.census.gov(for U.S. University of Georgia,Athens, Georgia population data).Note: For 2007, a July (2008). 2007 estimated population of 301,139,947 Pergams, Oliver R. W., and Patricia was used. Zaradic. "Evidence for a fundamental and National Park Service Public Use Statistics pervasive shift away from nature-based Office website, recreation,"Proceedings of the National http://www.nature.nps.gov/stats/park.cfm Academy of Sciences 105 (2008): 2295- (for data on National Park Service parks 2300. Notes: The article is available at the visitation).Note: "Recreation visits"data authors' Videophilia website. Related were used. articles are available on the authors' Red California's population growth over the last century In 1901,the first 2,500 acres of what would later become Big Basin State Park were acquired(at a cost of$100 per acre). At around that time, only about 1.5 million people called California home. Today, almost 38 million people do. This graph shows the state's population decade by decade. (Source: California Department of Finance.) Population, State of California, 1900-2007 40.0 - 35.0 - 34.1 N 30.0 - 29.8 25.0 - 23.8 = 20.0 - 20.0 al15.0 15.9 0 10.0 - 10.6 7.0 5.0 - 6 • 0.0 00 ,,O (15) rb0 O 4) 00 AO (60 °50 00 O'1 NO NO NO \O \O \O \°) NO NO 00 ry0 Year t Population 7 THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER October 2008 California State Parks programs respond to statewide trends Four important trends affect California State Parks (CSP) group campgrounds are a growing and desirable amenity. planning and operations: The CSP Planning Division is researching new ideas and • Demographic trends,especially the continued concepts to help improve design of group picnic areas increase in the state's population and the projected and campgrounds to meet and better address the evolving dramatic rise in the population of Latino and Asian use. ethnic groups (see demographic research). The Office of Community Involvement offers a variety of Health trends, especially the increasingly sedentary programs for nontraditional park users and underserved • lifestyle of Californians of all ages, and the increase communities, including: in the percentage of overweight and obese children. • FamCamp® (in cooperation with the California State Recreation trends, such as the decrease in how Parks Foundation)and the associated Outdoor • much time children spend outdoors and the decrease Recreation Leadership program. Trips include all in overnight camping(also see the California camping equipment, group activities, outdoor Outdoor Recreation Plan). leadership and skills training. • State Budget trends,such as the ongoing State '. := 4 ----- deficit. = - " Here are a few examples of how CSP and other park agencies are responding to these trends. (For related Planning Division reports, see the division home page.) •'• ' r`��. � , x , 4. .. Serving the needs of urban Californians 3 rc .- CSP is investing heavily in parks in and near urban areas, 'where most Californians live. For example: tee ''' �{_., .; , • At Rio de Los Angeles State Park, creation of Participants in an Office of Community Involvement program wetlands bordering the river allows visitors an opportunity to enjoy hiking trails surrounded by • Outdoor Youth ConnectionTM and Youth Leadership native plants and returning wildlife. Institute. For youth ages 14 through 17,this program enables youth to experience outdoor activities, • Because of its 32 acres of open space directly camping,teambuilding, and leadership. They develop adjacent to Chinatown,visitors to Los Angeles State life skills so that they can organize and lead their own Historic Park will be able to wander pathways, enjoy outdoor trips and projects for peers and the a view of downtown and discover and celebrate the community. natural and cultural heritage of Los Angeles. • State Parks Police Activities League(SPPAL). This Improving amenities and meeting the needs of organization works with cities and counties to create non-traditional users and underserved groups partnerships that enhance individual PAL programs Californians belonging to Latino and Asian ethnic groups with special event opportunities like Beach Play Day, typically visit parks in large extended family groups for Camporees and kayaking programs. day-long gatherings,prepare food on-site and need large • Health and Wellness Initiatives. These include Take picnic areas with cooking facilities. For overnight stays, A Hike! and City Walks. 8 THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER October 2008 on or in an animal sculpture or climb on a boat. A Encouraging outdoor activities for children resource-based play area is planned at Carpinteria SB. Here are just a few ways to reconnect kids with nature. Adding alternative camping facilities Children in Nature campaign. CSP's Children in Recent surveys indicate that nearly half of park visitors Nature Campaign and the related California Children's are interested in - ... . ' f Outdoor Bill of Rights help parents and teachers identify using cabins,yurts `.. . = ;, 'x ';'; and tent cabins. " ' . enriching experiences at State Parks. The efforts are a � ._ f�`�- �:.. . • --- � - -�,' ' response to research showing that today's children spend Where available, these alternative r . far more time indoors and are involved in sedentary camping facilities i•tF i • activities more than ever before. The program's mission ~ ;��_.� are often booked at •is to"energize, educate and engage public,private and ,_, i� 11/' nonprofit entities to increase the number and variety of near capacity during _ the summer,while - - opportunities for California children to experience and benefit from interacting with the natural world." coastal cabins are at _ or near capacity all - - ' I, Asi _ _ More activities for children.Junior Rangers,PORTS g year. The CSP and the Junior Lifeguard Program are just a few other Planning Division is - programs initiated at CSP headquarters and by districts. researching Accessible cabin at McArthur-Burney Falls Play areas.Kids gravitate towards opportunities to sustainably built, Memorial State Park climb,play and use their imaginations. To help create energy efficient and positive experiences for kids, some parks operated by reasonably priced structures to help meet current and other outdoor recreation agencies include play structures future alternative camping demand. with a nature component. These structures help young Supplementing park budgets children learn about nature. Young children enjoy To maximize park budgets,parks have the opportunity to "being"the animal by climbing in their burrows partner with entities such as agencies, associations, and (tunnels), or inside an animal sculpture. foundations for additional funding, in-kind donations, and Park and recreation providers may consider adding, volunteer staff. For example, at Los Angeles SHP, where appropriate, "nature oriented"recreational play partnerships with educational institutions and community areas to some of their organizations allow for creative and innovative public parks: events, including the Red Nation Pow Wow and the Latino Health Expo with Mayor Villaraigosa. • Creative or unstructured play CSP operates two programs to help parks augment areas,which employ budgets: natural resources at the V • The Office of Grants and Local Services(OGALS) park, such as sand, -_= administers grant programs that provide funds to local driftwood and �` and state agencies and other organizations. boulders. Children use -— • - • The Cooperating Associations Program consists of 82 their imaginations to construct and create. associations that contribute millions of dollars annually to fund critical staff positions, exhibits, • Resource-based playCarpinteria State Beach visitor center developments,junior ranger and nature areas,which use the park's natural and cultural walk programs, living history demonstrations, special resources as subject matter and themes. Children play events and many other exciting projects. 9 THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER October 2008 Public and private sectors invest to keep California parks vital Public agencies,volunteer citizens,private corporations and organizations across the state work hard to help ensure that Californians can continue to enjoy outdoor activities. Here are just a few of the parks benefitting from ,�, the efforts of public and private sector groups: ' • The Green Visions Plan for the 21 st Century was developed by PEI Southern California's state land conservancies and the University of Southern California's Center for Sustainable Cities and GIS Research Laboratory. The plan promotes habitat conservation,watershed health and recreational open space. l'GREEN VISIONS PLAN • The American River Parkway,managed by Sacramento County far 2f 5 gee*..y rH•Ihern ceGA... Green Visions Plan logo Regional Parks, is 23 miles of park hugging the American River as it wends through populated suburban and urban areas. California State Parks and Regional Parks jointly operate the Jedediah Smith Memorial w Trail, one of the longest paved bike trails in the nation. A myriad of a` non-profit and private groups donate time and money;the American .-4* ' '' .- River Parkway Foundation is the hub. "Y `j 4 ',' Eastshore State Park is 2,000 acres of tidelands and uplands along 8.5 miles of shoreline on the San Francisco Bay. The park, dedicated in 2002,is the result of many years of advocacy,negotation and planning by activists, citizens, environmental organizations,the East Bay 0,4 Regional Park District(which leads planning, development and lb,litr management), cities and California State Parks.About 2 million people Y visit annually. On a bluff overlooking the American River Parkway ; o. Eastshore State Park,along the San Francisco Bay 10 THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER October 2008 Other recreation trends Number of U.S. golfers down More golf statistics Millions of American golfers have left In 1,800 U.S. golf facilities surveyed,the the sport in recent years, according to a number of rounds of golf played in 2007 2008 New York Times article by Paul was down 0.5% from 2006. But rounds Vitello. The total number of U.S. golfers played rose 2.5%in April 2008 versus April has decreased from about 30 million to 2007. (Source: NSGA Research about 26 million since 2000. Overall,the Newsletter,June 9,2008.) article reports a"gradual but prolonged" slump in the hobby's popularity. Americans spend free time indoors Vitello identifies a number of possible Parks have plenty of competition for the causes for the decline, including average American's leisure time: changing family dynamics;young fathers . After sleep and work,TV is the#1 consumer of[Americans'] free time. } • Children ages 5 through 12 spend more .; -.- F vi leisure time watching TV and movies than playing with toys; 14.9%vs. 9.4%. • On any given day, 83%of Americans t - don't exercise at all. Source: TrendSCAN(December 2007 and March 2008 issues). Published by the No time for golf? California Park&Recreation Society. are spending more time driving kids to Experts to kids: "Play outside!" soccer games and less time on the golf Numerous articles in California papers tout course. Club owners are feeling the pinch the benefits of outdoor activities. Here is from lost business—some are remarketing their facilities to family one. events, including weddings. Kids are losing touch with the great Vitello indicates that the sport's decline outdoors. Jason Eberhart-Phillips,M.D., in popularity is"part of a broader decline bemoans the phenomenon of"nature-deficit in outdoor activities."He refers to a disorder"and its implications. To encourage study by the United States Tennis more outdoor activity,he recommends that Association that determined that time parents encourage kids to explore nearby spent with electronic games is one factor natural spaces, set limits on their children's in the decline in the popularity of tennis. "technology time"and avoid over- Source: Vitello,Paul. "More Americans scheduling kids' time with indoor activities. Are Giving up Golf,"New York Times, (Sacramento Bee,April 3,2008.) 21 Feb. 2008 (online edition). 11 THE CALIFORNIA PARK PLANNER October 2008 The California Park Planner October 2008 Bear Facts is now The California Park Planner Sara Baldwin,editor Bear Facts has been updated and renamed The California Park Planner. The newly titled publication's goal is to provide Planning Division ees employees of CaliforniaStateParks andia parkagencies with California State Parks p y P.O.Box 942896 information on trends and developments affecting park planning. Sacramento,CA 94296-0001 Please share your thoughts. We would like your ideas for The Email questions or comments to: The Planning Division,at California Park Planner. Here are a few questions for starters: Planning@parks.ca.gov • What topics would you like to read about? This publication is also available on the Planning Division website,http:// • How useful is the newsletter to you? www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=795 • What can we do to improve the newsletter? , SINC41864 This publication is available in N . 7'E F NC- alternate formats by calling(916) Please email comments and ideas to: 653-9901,711 TTY Relay Service. The Planning Division, Planning@parks.ca.gov ©2008 by California State Parks. The Central Valley's changing ethnic composition, 2000-2050 The article on pages 8-9 highlights how California State Parks is responding to state demographic, health, recreation and budget trends. This graph shows population projections by ethnic group for California's Central Valley. (Source: California Department of Finance.) Population Projections for Central Valley Counties, by Ethnicity (in millions) 14 12 0 10 E 8 Total Populations O 6 Hispanic 115 —White o 4 Asian/PI o_ 2 — — Black 0 Multirace 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 Year 12