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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-05 PRC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet . ,... .a." T -.-.-.,, CITY OF PALM DESERT [ II', ;' PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION I r r AGENDA 3 ' t ri;: -- f�l Tuesday. May 5, 2009 — 8:30 a.m. ; �r � Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III, APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM APRIL 7, 2009 IV. 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 RecreationCommission'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, V. UPDATES OF PROJECTS/SCHEDULES/BUDGETS/MASTERPLAN A. WIND STORM DAMAGE B. AMPHITHEATER UPDATE C. APRIL PARK INSPECTIONS D. CIVIC CENTER OVER-SEEDING SCHEDULE E. ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PARKS AND RECREATION F. I RO N1+ OOD IRRIGATION CLOCK O. LOCAL ARTIST SHOWCASE AT THE CIVIC CENTER PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA MAY 5, 2009 H. PIKLEBALL I. SOCCER PARK FERTIOATION J. STATUS UPDATES K. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT CONTRACT UPDATE (ORAL REPORT) L. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT UPDATE M. NEWS ARTICLES VI, UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION BYLAWS Discussion and recommendation to the City Council to approve changes to the Parks and Recreation Commission bylaws. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. SUMMER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETINGS Discussion and recommendation to go dark in July and recommence meetings in August. VIII. COMMENTS I . 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 9-h day of April 2009. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 2 G.I evprtdcesuteelim mesa Lribtri f3.ua'.ers6Rim LAgrorgas Agerlda.0-5-0.a.do4 CITY OF PALM DESERT �'•� PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION VIC 1‘ • PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 yyT�21Z xv-3yo7,,0 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Barnard convened the meeting at 8:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence Chairman Michael Barnard Commissioner Julie Munson Vice Chair Roger Dash Commissioner Phill Babcock Commissioner Jerry Dawson Commissioner Randy Guyer Commissioner Deborah Hall Commissioner Kim Housken Commissioner Terry Schukart Staff Present: Homer Croy, ACM for Development Services Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst Angelica Chavez, Office Assistant Guests: Bob Spiegel, Mayor Barb Adair, Desert Recreation District Craig De Witt, Desert Recreation District Mike Brazil, Desert Recreation District Patrick Evans, Sluggers Training Center Chris Thomas, Palm Desert Pickleball Player Steve Sims, GoBike USA Gina Tenorio, The Desert Sun III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING FROM MARCH 3, 2009 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Commissioner Housken noted that she had a correction to the second paragraph on page 13. She meant to say "two unexcused absences." Minutes of the meeting from March 3, 2009, were approved with the correction as noted. Motion moved by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Schukart, and carried by an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Patrick Evans, Sluggers Training Center, addressed the Commission. He indicated that they have a 10,000 sq. ft. indoor-turfed facility where they train softball and baseball players in all aspects of the game of baseball. Since they have that facility, he would like to create partnerships with the City of Palm Desert. Mayor Spiegel asked where this facility is located. Mr. Evans answered that they are behind the Sam's Club on Dinah Shore. Mayor Spiegel asked if this is a membership only facility. Mr. Evans indicated that they do have a membership base, but would also be able to offer services a la carte, so that residents could come in and play. He added that he knows Mr. Richard Weintraub, President of the Palm Desert Youth Sports Association, and they could work together. Ms. Steele stated that Staff is always looking for opportunities to create partnerships that would provide recreational activities in the community. Commissioner Schukart asked if Mr. Evans wants the City to donate land that he can use to develop fields. Mr. Evans answered that would great, but he is looking to create a partnership with the City. Mayor Spiegel commented that Commissioner Schukart is the Athletic Director at College of the Desert (COD), and asked if they would be allowed to use the Sluggers training facility. Mr. Evans responded yes. Commissioner Schukart noted that Mr. Evans could use COD's training fields to schedule activities also. Mr. Evans indicated that he is looking at the big picture in terms of drawing business from out of state to the area. He indicated that the goal is to invite people from all states to the desert. 2 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Commissioner Housken asked if Mr. Evans is considering programming for the off-season. Mr. Evans said that he would like to start with a tournament and grow from there. Chairman Barnard thanked Mr. Evans for his comments. V. UPDATES OF PROJECTS/SCHEDULES/BUDGETS/MASTERPLAN A. CIVIC CENTER PARK WATER FEATURE Ms. Janis Steele indicated that the water feature at the Civic Center Park playground was creating a water back up problem. Staff looked for cost- effective solutions to this situation, and in collaboration with the Public Works Department, re-routed the water to the sewer. Ms. Steele noted that this is the most popular feature in the park. Commissioner Guyer asked if someone misjudged the use of the water runoff. Mr. Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager, explained that originally, the water was supposed to percolate in the drywell, but it could not handle the amount of water. It overflows and creates a water nuisance issue. Commissioner Guyer advised that this is an issue that could be planned for in the future. Ms. Steele indicated that the best approach is to re- circulate the water and treat it. Vice-chair Dash asked what the cost of re-circulating the water was. Ms. Steele said that approximately $160,000, which included the addition of some other water features. Due to the current state of the economy, Staff did not consider it prudent to go ahead and opted for the most cost- effective option. Commissioner Guyer added that with the upcoming tier pricing for water rates, it would make sense to take in consideration the cost of water in the future. Ms. Steele concurred that water re-circulation is the best option. B. FREEDOM PARK SKATE PARK Ms. Janis Steele informed the Commission that the skate park at Freedom Park was designed with features that were bolted down. Nonetheless, users move the components around, and after putting them back many times, Staff posted notices indicating that these would be stored away if they continued to be removed. 3 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Ms. Steele added that at conferences that Staff attends, they have seen vendors that provide skate park features. Staff talked to one of these vendors to receive a bid or cost estimate for concrete park features. Chairman Barnard invited questions from the Commissioner regarding this item. Commissioner Dawson asked if the features were rebuilt, would they be the same size. Ms. Steele answered yes. Mr. Niemczak mentioned that Staff thought about replacing the skate park with a water feature instead. He noted that the volleyball sand court is subject to high winds and the sand is spread all over the park due to the high winds. Mayor Spiegel suggested installing cameras in the area. Mr. Niemczak said that Staff could install signs indicating the area is under surveillance. Ms. Steele added that Staff could also talk to Lt. Shouse, Chief of Police. Commissioner Guyer added that penalties could also be imposed on violators or people caught moving the features around. Commissioner Hall asked if Staff knew the reasons why users are moving the features around. Is it to use them? Mr. Niemczak answered that Staff does not know. Commissioner Dawson asked if the sand volleyball court is used much. Commissioner Guyer indicated that it is not. Commissioner Dawson suggested that the skate park could be extended to the volleyball court. Chairman Barnard agreed since they are next to each other. Mr. Niemczak added that Staff could put the skate park components there. He added that right now the sand is blown all over the park. Commissioner Dawson suggested that a gentle skate park could be installed with all gear in place. C. IRONWOOD PARK PLAYGROUND Ms. Steele invited the Commission to visit the Ironwood Park to see the new playground. She expressed that in her opinion, this is one of the nicest playgrounds in the City, and mentioned that the shade structure is very nice too. 4 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Commissioner Babcock commented that he observed that after a dog training session at this park, there were about eight dogs that were allowed to run loose in the park at the end of the session. He thought that was unusual and just wanted to mention it for the Commission's information. D. IRONWOOD PARK PAVILIONS Mr. Niemczak shared with the Commission that Staff noticed that the paint in the pavilions was deteriorating, so a proposal for repainting them was posted, and Zamora Painting was the successful bidder. Mr. Niemczak showed pictures of the newly painted pavilions. E. INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Ms. Steele invited Ms. Barb Adair to report to the Commission. Ms. Adair thanked the Commission and indicated that they work closely with the Tennis Association who wants to change the International Sports Festival to the month of April. She added that this year the event attracted up to 1,100 athletes, but some sports were dropped. Ms. Adair indicated that postage was one of the biggest costs, at $18,000 for mailing the registration packet. She noted that marketing efforts were productive, and that KESQ targeted the local community. Ms. Adair mentioned that this year the there was some staff transition from last year's festival. The District worked with the Living Desert's event coordinator, used volunteers, and local students to help with the festival. Ms. Adair thanked the Commission for their support, and Ms. Steele, who helped work with the City's Marketing Committee. Ms. Adair introduced Mr. Mike Brazil, Desert Recreation District. Mr. Brazil thanked the Commission for their support. He added that it takes many community people to make this event happen, and most people are behind the scenes, such as the Parks and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Schukart noted that COD has hosted the games this year and in years past, and that the gym was donated for games held on Sunday. Mr. Brazil agreed that COD has been a great support. 5 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Commissioner Housken asked what events were held at University Park. Mr. Brazil answered that the 5K run. He added that even though it was a rainy day, people were ready to go. Ms. Adair noted that refunds were issued for those athletes that did not participate because of the rain. Commissioner Guyer asked if they reach out to senior communities like Sun City. Mr. Brazil answered that it was difficult marketing to and holding the games in gated communities. Mr. Brazil stated that they analyzed what was being done in team sports, made some changes, and volleyball turned out to be one of the largest events for Saturday and Sunday both in Indio and Palm Desert. He guessed that this sport alone brought 250 guests. He added that pickleball brought another 200 guests. Commissioner Guyer asked if pickleball players were 50 years old and over. Mr. De Witt indicated that they had individual ranges of 35-40, and the bulk of the players were 50 and over. Mr. Brazil commented that Mr. Chris Thomas did a great job converting the tennis courts at the Civic Center Park into twelve pickleball courts. Mr. Brazil offered his support to COD with equipment or anything that they might need to give back to COD. Mr. Brazil added that volleyball had a big increase this year as well as basketball with the addition of the 35 and older category, which drew teams from Riverside and San Bernardino. Commissioner Guyer asked what the impact of changing the dates to April would be. Mr. Brazil answered that the weather would be the greatest factor because in April it gets hot for most people, but noted that it is hard to say, because most athletes want to compete and if they have a good stage, they will want to compete regardless of the temperature change. Mr. Brazil pointed out that the current economy affected many people, and they were fearful of the impact on this year's games. They are hopeful that next year things turn around, that there is a greater response and the change in weather will have no impact in attendance to the games. Mayor Spiegel thought that the change would be sensational, because it is after all the events that happen in the valley are over, such as the Bob Hope Classic, Dinah Shore, and the tennis tournament. Especially having it after Easter, it could draw a great crowd. Mr. Brazil agreed that those 6 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 other events happening in the valley could be used as a marketing platform to get the word out. Commissioner Guyer mentioned that there are other tournaments scheduled around the same time in April, such as Saint George, which is huge. Ms. Adair answered that tournament is held in October. She indicated that there are other tournaments in San Diego and they are trying to work with the Southern California clusters. Mayor Spiegel asked if there is chance to get the state games. Ms. Adair answered that they are trying to do so. Mr. Brazil added that is why they sanction events so that athletes can record their scores and times. Mayor Spiegel asked what the total number of participants was. Mr. Brazil indicated that approximately 1,137. Commissioner Guyer commented that they were about ten men's volleyball teams. He noted this is the first time that in Southern California there have been these many teams at an event. He added that these team members live in San Diego and Los Angeles, so the District staff did a great job in drawing these players to the valley. Ms. Adair thanked Commissioner Guyer for giving them the contact number for the volleyball organization. She added that they had 17 women's teams as well. Mr. Brazil commented that they were very encouraged with the draw for volleyball. Commissioner Guyer commented that they could build on this response. Mayor Spiegel asked if they have held tennis at Palm Valley Country Club. Ms. Adair answered no, but that it would be a great venue. Mayor Spiegel noted that many players live there that play in the tournament. He added that Vice Chair Dash lives in Palm Valley Country Club. Vice Chair Dash thought that was a great idea and offered to help. Commissioner Housken asked when and where the state games are held. Mr. Brazil said that they are held during the late summer in San Francisco. Ms. Adair indicated that these rotate based on location. Commissioner Housken commented that it would be great to have them here. Commissioner Guyer added that there are national games that require state games qualification. Mr. Brazil indicated that is the ultimate goal, and this type of event would require having the capacity to provide venues in top shape to accommodate the large gathering of athletes. Chairman Barnard thanked Mr. Brazil and Ms. Adair for their presentation. 7 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 F. PARKS MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS Ms. Steele informed the Commission that Staff is requesting bids for the park maintenance contract starting July 1, 2009. Given the size of the parks and in light of the previous contractor declaring bankruptcy, Staff and Parks Inspectors thought that separating the parks into three different areas: North, Central, and South would be a good idea. Ms. Steele explained that a request for bids was posted on March 24, a pre-bid meeting was held on April 1, and an additional pre-bid meeting will take place on April 14. Ms. Steele pointed out that the contract was changed slightly, with the frequency schedules being the main difference in each contract for the various parks based on level of use. Mayor Spiegel asked what was the amount spent last year on the park maintenance contract. Ms. Steele answered that last year Civic Center Park alone cost $190,000 just for maintenance. Mr. Niemczak added that last year the City parks annual maintenance contract was $458,000 plus $51,000 for extras. Ms. Steele indicated that extras are things that come up such as irrigation systems that break, trees that are damaged with windstorms, etc. In addition, Ms. Steele noted that there were separate contracts to clean the basketball and tennis courts. Ms. Steele indicated that the contractors do many things besides park maintenance, such as empty trash very early in the morning, power wash playgrounds and other things. She added that these contractors are very valuable, and Staff is happy with the current contractor but they have to go out to bid per City ordinance. She indicated that the contract goes out to bid every year with the option to extend one year. Mayor Spiegel commented that the City Council is decreasing this year's budget by $8 million. Last year the City's budget was $52 million and they want to bring it down to $44 million. He indicated that maintenance is a big problem, but the City parks are one of the best things going on in the City. He noted that Palm Springs magazine just named the Civic Center Park number one and Freedom Park number two in the whole valley; so there is a lot to be proud of. Yet it is expensive to maintain them; last year the City spent $2 million to maintain the street medians alone, and since this is money coming from the general fund, they could save a dollar or two in 8 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 medians maintenance. However, he would not recommend savings by decreasing the level of maintenance in the City parks. Ms. Steele mentioned that the parks are busier than ever. Given the state of the economy, people are using the parks more than ever. Staff has seen an increase in usage, amount of trash in the park, and vandalism. It is a constant effort to keep the parks nice, clean, and safe. Chairman Barnard asked if there were more bidders for the maintenance contract. Ms. Steele indicated that the bids are due on April 29. Mr. Niemczak added that according to the plan holder's list, there are more people who have received the bid package than last year. Commissioner Babcock commented that this year he has noticed that the parks are neat and clean. People who he has talked to said the same thing. They think it was not like that the year before and in previous years. The parks are in great shape. Ms. Steele commented that it has been a concerted effort. The contractor is good, but the Parks Inspectors have done a lot too. They were reclassified a couple of years ago, and they are now in the right position, doing the right things, and they are working very closely with the contractors. Commissioner Guyer commented that perhaps this is a good time to revisit an issue he has brought back in the past. He indicated that there are many restrictions on money that is collected from developers to build the park. Right now, the City is not allowed to use that money for maintenance once a park is built. He did not understand why this could not be changed with legislation. Mayor Spiegel answered that the City Council cannot change that restriction because the Redevelopment dollars cannot be used for salaries, and that is state law. Commissioner Guyer asked about the developer fees that are targeted towards the development of a park. Ms. Steele asked if he was referring to Quimby fees. Commissioner Guyer answered yes. Ms. Steele indicated that those funds could be gone in five years. Since there is no development happening right now, no fees are being collected, and those funds are spreading thin. Unless development picks up, Staff has to be watching those funds carefully also. Commissioner Guyer pointed out that those funds are restricted as well. He asked when Staff is being careful with Quimby dollars, are those funds 9 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 restricted for development or could they be used for maintenance. Ms. Steele answered that they could be used for capital projects in the parks, not just to develop a park, but also to build projects such as bathrooms, paint projects, and so on. Commissioner Guyer commented that he did not know that a new capital project could be funded with Quimby funds. Ms. Steele indicated that Staff does not do any capital projects with general fund money. They use parks money and special funds instead. Mr. Croy commented that it is not advisable to tie parks projects to Redevelopment Agency (RDA) funds, because the state has full control of that money. He elaborated that it is not recommendable to tie up RDA funds to maintenance programs because the state can take those funds away. In addition, the state regulates heavily and they have never authorized using those funds for maintenance. Commissioner Guyer expressed his concern that as the City gets to be 50 or 60 years old, and there is no more development, these parks and development funds stops coming in. How do we take care of the park maintenance problem, especially when the general funds are so elusive sometimes. Mayor Spiegel commented that hopefully the general fund would get better by then. Commissioner Guyer indicated that there were specifications for the office buildings built in the Civic Center parks area that was directed toward park maintenance, but that can change too. He added that the parks maintenance funds are so elusive that he would like to tie something down a little better than what we have right now. Mayor Spiegel stated that the City Council is aware of the value of the parks, and what they do for the community, so when Ms. Steele presented a preliminary budget to the City Council there was no money taken away for parks maintenance. Commissioner Guyer said that the Commission changed the budget, so they took the money away for the general fund. He added that as a Commissioner member for years, it has been a bit frustrating that they have not been able to move in a direction where they could tie down some money for park maintenance in case there is a Council member who thinks the parks are not that important. 10 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Chairman Barnard said that was a good point, and in planning for future projects the Commission can take into account the issue of maintenance and these could be designed or built so that there is less maintenance involved. Ms. Steele pointed out that Staff is already completing a worksheet that indicates the cost of maintenance over time, additional staff required and the sources of funds. She indicated this worksheet must now be attached to new all projects. Commissioner Housken found the numbers staggering; to think that half a million was spent in maintaining the parks, yet compared to $2 million are spent in maintaining the medians in the City, it is a big difference. Even though the medians are nice to look at, at least people use the parks. Ms. Steele commented that the budget for all the parks are $3 million and for the medians is $4 million. She pointed out that there other contracts in addition to the parks maintenance, for example, the recreation district, the tree pruning and other items that are part of the costs involved in maintaining the parks. Mr. Croy reminded the Commission that the City has experienced the first impact of recession on the government, which causes the City Council to reconsider policies on maintenance and construction of City-owned property and new projects. The City Council could this year or in future years, ask Staff to look at a possible tier modification for the maintenance program for the entire City. He indicated, however, that we are not at that point yet. Some other cities are already making this change across the United States, but Palm Desert has been fortunate to plan well and to design well. He noted that he has already educated Staff on thinking about these venues for the future. One to two years into the future, they could think about what types and what levels of service is necessary for the City to look good, attract people and keep a high level of prestige. He noted that this is something that the City Council will have to work with Staff in the future. It is coming, but it is just not here yet. Commissioner Housken indicated that she would be curious to know the cost per square foot. Ms. Steele answered that they have the cost per acre, and she would bring that information if the Commission requested it. Commissioner Guyer asked what would be a definition of "tiered maintenance." Mr. Croy explained that class A is the level that we currently have; class B would be having schedules and cycles, for 11 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 example, trimming the trees every 5 to 10 years and just do emergency maintenance if a tree fell down on the road. Class C would be the worst- case scenario when there is no money to do maintenance. Mr. Croy pointed out that this is just a very broad overview, but that is the level of maintenance that would be established in a tiered system. Commissioner Barnard asked if there were additional comments on the maintenance contracts. There were no comments. G. STATUS UPDATES Ms. Steele stated that this is a summary of things that Commissioners may see at the parks. She indicated that these reports are given to the City Manager for his information. Ms. Steele invited comments from the Commission. Commissioner Housken mentioned she found interesting to read about the pole that was knocked down at Joe Mann Park. Mr. Niemczak indicated that the contractor is replacing the pole. Ms. Steele indicated that the City Council approved Staff's request to pursue the "Bicycle Friendly Community" designation. Commissioner Housken commented that she thought there were storage containers by the dugouts at Freedom Park. Ms. Steele indicated that the "Freedom Park Storage Building" is for big equipment like a cart to drag the fields. Commissioner Housken asked if there is already a storage room in the snack bar. Mr. Niemczak indicated that it was not designed for this particular type of vehicle; it was designed for City equipment. Ms. Steele indicated that Staff is being watchful of the budget. Even though this project was included in this year's budget, it would be postponed if staff cannot find a good rate for the project. Commissioner Guyer asked the status of the pickleball courts conversion. Ms. Steele answered that Staff is looking at various options. Since the project at Hovley was denied, Staff is looking at an area in the University Park that is currently fenced off. She added that Mr. Niemczak received a proposal for about $20,000. Ms. Steele stated that when the Cahuilla Hills tennis courts were lined for pickleball, Staff received many complaints. When the newspaper publicized that the City Council approved the conversion of the courts at Cahuilla Hills, Staff knew that they were going to start receiving calls. Therefore, they looked for an alternative to make everyone happy and 12 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 thought of having a meeting to inform and give them the opportunity to speak. Ms. Steele added that she understood the Mayor and City Council members received some calls about this issue, because these courts are used a lot. She indicated that Staff hears constantly from users if the courts are not opened on time or if the lights do not come on when the light savings schedule changes, and so on. The bottom line is that Staff is looking at other options. Mayor Spiegel noted that the answer to the problem is to build pickleball courts. Judging by the response that the City Council has received in the mail, this project should be a priority. Ms. Steele commented that the City Council has requested to see a demonstration of pickleball so that they can understand it better. She added that Mr. Niemczak is coordinating with the secretary to the City Council and Mr. Chris Thomas, to get a date that accommodates everyone's schedule. Commissioner Guyer observed that one of the problems is the change of the net. If there were a quick and easy way to change the net, that could help solve the problem. Mayor Spiegel asked if the lines were the problem. Commissioner Guyer answered that users can get used to the lines. However, the change in the net is the issue. He wondered if the tennis association has come up with a net that can be changed quickly. Ms. Steele noted that in her experience, Easter is one of the busiest days in the park. The Desert Recreation District has asked her for help more than once. She noted that the park ambassadors do the best job that they can, but the amount of people in the park is overwhelming. Last year people were walking into the park with their tents and barbecues and there was nothing that the ambassadors could do to get people to follow any guidelines. This year Staff talked to Lt. Shouse in the Police Department and Code Enforcement to try to get additional staff in the park on this day, and she will be on call as well. Ms. Steele indicated that this year Staff would post notices at entrances indicating what the rules are. Park ambassadors will have handouts again this year to pass around. There will be a Code Enforcement Officer on duty and the Police Department will provide some of their bicycle police. 13 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Mayor Spiegel suggested explaining to the Police Chief what problems are encountered on Easter in years past. Ms. Steele reiterated that Lt. Shouse is most responsive to the needs of the Parks and Recreation Department, and he is willing to help. In addition, he is providing the special team that works on El Paseo with their bicycles and segways. Ms. Steele clarified that Staff is not looking to upset people on Easter or make them angry, but rather to have a safe event at the park with people following the rules. For example, people bring their big coolers and they bring alcohol. Staff wants to prevent any fighting that might go on or any activity that proves to be unsafe in the park. Commissioner Schukart asked if Freedom Park is as busy at Easter. Ms. Steele answered that it probably is. She added that both Freedom Park and Civic Center Park are used the most because they are multi-use parks, good for families with playground areas and sport areas. Ms. Steele indicated that having the police and code officers present would allow park ambassadors to be present at other parks and not just at Civic Center Park. She added that she would be on call that day as well because the police will need someone on duty. Commissioner Guyer noted that there would not be barbecues in the park for everybody. He wondered if there is a way to waive that day and provide a safe way for people to barbecue. Ms. Steele offered to discuss it with the Fire Department to find out ways that Staff can accommodate this situation. Commissioner Guyer offered that perhaps Staff could provide a safe place for hot coals. Ms. Steele will see what they can do. Ms. Steele indicated that the issues at the dog parks seem never to go away, but during the last two months, Staff has met with the Parks Inspectors to discuss issues pertaining to the dog parks in the City; then they met with dog park users to listen to their concerns and suggestions. The meeting went well, and Staff tried to explain to them some of the challenges that Staff faces with the maintenance of the dog parks such as keeping the grass growing. Staff is adding extra aeration in the upcoming parks maintenance contract in hopes that this measure will help the grass stay green longer. Staff has looked at countless ways to keep the grass in the dog park, but due to overuse, it does not last. 14 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 At the meeting, Staff enlisted the help of the dog park users to come up with ideas and solutions to the maintenance problem. Some of the suggestions included switching the University and small dog parks areas periodically (like changing directions on a track). The perception is that the dog parks are the same size, but they are not. Staff is going to see if having the big dogs on different sides could prevent one side from deteriorating. A schedule will be posted and see if this approach works. Another measure is to provide sand barrels so that users can fill in the holes their dogs dig. Mr. Niemczak commented that Staff is pressure washing more often at the user's request. The problem is that the Civic Center Dog Park is centrally located, and people from all over the valley use this park, thus the grass maintenance is problematic. Mr. Niemczak indicated that some of the users suggested talking to an agronomist they knew. According to the agronomist, Staff is already doing everything they can. The problem is overuse. Commissioner Schukart offered that taking in consideration sanitary issues, perhaps it would be prudent to consider installing in at the center area, a combination of sand or wood chips that could be easily replaced. He added that in Oregon, he saw a dog park that had grass and around the perimeter at the center, they had an area with wood chips for the dogs to run. He indicated that the periodic replacement of the chips was of minimal cost. Mr. Niemczak commented that at other agencies where he has worked, some of the parks had wood chips but users complained because these were stuck in the dog's toes. Commissioner Schukart suggested transporting some sand from the Cahuilla Hills area and make a big sand box in the center of the dog park because the sod issue will never go away. Chairman Barnard commented that at the beach people love the have their dogs run in the sand. Commissioner Schukart noted that he has encouraged people to take their dogs to Cahuilla Hills, but it is as if it were 40 miles away. Since people do not want to go to Cahuilla Hills, then bring Cahuilla Hills to the dog park. Ms. Steele noted that the Civic Center Dog Park is a social place for dog owners. It is not only about the dogs, but about the dog owner's place for 15 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 socializing also. The main thing is that the users have agreed to work with Staff in finding solutions to the ongoing grass maintenance problem. Mr. Niemczak added that Staff could ask the Parks Inspectors to conduct an informal survey and find out how they would like to have a portion of the dog park with sand or what surface would they prefer. Ms. Steele indicated that she has found that engaging the users is the best answer. If Staff explains the reasons for doing things, the users are willing to help. Commissioner Housken asked if having another centrally located dog park would be helpful, such as the Magnesia Falls Park. Ms. Steele answered that dogs are not allowed at school sites. She indicated that users have asked for other locations where they could take their dogs while the park is closed for maintenance. Ms. Steele pointed out that she is not advocating building another dog park at this point and to keep in mind that any dog park is going to be used a lot. Commissioner Schukart commented that in his opinion the Joe Mann Dog Park is underutilized. He has noticed that very few people are using it. He wondered if the park is too small or if users do not know where the park is located. Ms. Steele noted that both the Freedom and Joe Mann Dog Parks have their own users. She guessed that people who prefer to have the park to themselves would prefer to go to these parks. Commissioner Dawson wondered what the percentage of dog users is from outside Palm Desert. Ms. Steele indicated she does not have the answer to that question. Mayor Spiegel noted that he has stopped by the large dog park and spoken to various users who are not from Palm Desert. Commissioner Guyer noted that La Quinta has a dog park now, so that should help. Ms. Steele indicated that La Quinta has a small dog park and are working on a larger one. She felt that La Quinta is addressing the issue. Mayor Spiegel observed that is really the answer. Other cities need to address the need of building dog parks in every city. Currently the City of Palm Desert is meeting the demand for dog parks and this was similar with the soccer park. When only Palm Desert had one, everybody was playing here. Now that other cities have built their own soccer parks, the usage is spread all over the valley. 16 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Ms. Steele commented that the Parks Inspectors are looking for cost- saving measures. Dog litter trash bags is one of the big expenses, so they installed tubes and invited dog park users to recycle their bags and put them in the tubes for everybody's use. They also purchased scoopers for all the parks. Commissioner Housken referred to page 91 of the agenda packet; she asked where the Freedom Park Access Gate is located. Mr. Niemczak indicated that it is located on the east side by the industrial complex. He mentioned that representatives from the Oasis Church approached Staff and offered to have an architect design the gate area. Staff did not want to incur expensive engineering or architect costs, so when the church proposed this solution Staff felt it was a win-win solution for people that wanted to use the park. Commissioner Housken referred to the Volunteer Program. She mentioned that youth at the high school are required to volunteer and wondered if this would be a good opportunity to do so. Ms. Steele said that it would be. Commissioner Housken remembered that one of the students created a website with volunteering opportunities for youth and suggested having this information included there. Ms. Steele agreed. Ms. Steele added that Staff was approached by a man who is involved with security officers around the valley who conduct training programs and are interested in giving back to the community by providing volunteer services. She talked about it with Lt. Shouse, and this would be a good program because even though they would not act as security officers on duty, they have already passed a background check. Ms. Steele has already discussed it with Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager, and obtained some information from the JPIA to create an outline for a volunteer program, which she will present to the Commission at a future meeting. Chairman Barnard asked if the information provided in the status reports could be summarized into a monthly format. Commissioner Housken mentioned that she really liked the current format because she could see the progression of the issues and found it very informative. Commissioner Guyer, Schukart and Dawson agreed. Ms. Steele offered to change it as the Commission saw fit. H. UNIVERSITY DOG PARK RESTROOMS Ms. Steele reported that the University Dog Park restrooms are taken care of and are now back open. She explained that Staff had to close them 17 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 down because the sewage was backing up. A plumber was called but could not locate the problem. Later on, the developer was contacted and his workers found out that the sewer line had not been attached to the main line. Once this was done, the problem was solved. I. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT CONTRACT Ms. Steele indicated this was an informational item for the Commission and after being asked frequently about the status of the contract, wanted to provide an update. She noted that the current contract that Staff is working with is outdated. She added that she has worked with Mr. Niemczak, Ms. Adair, Mr. De Witt, and Mr. Kalman from The District to get it updated, but the contract was never signed. The City received a contract from the District that was not acceptable to the City, and thus she, Mr. Niemczak, Mr. Croy, Mr. Dave Erwin, and the then City Manager, Mr. Carlos Ortega, met to discuss the contract. The attorney for the District made some comments that she wanted included, as well as some things excluded, such as the deficiency clause. Mr. Erwin felt that those concessions could be made in the first contract and made the changes. It was agreed that the contract would then be sent back to the District. When Mr. Ortega retired sooner than expected, the Interim City Manager, Mr. Justin McCarthy, sent a letter to Mr. Stan Ford with a copy of the original contract to inform him that the contract the District submitted was not acceptable to the City. Currently the contract is in Mr. Ford's hands. Ms. Steele added that she met with Mr. John Wohlmuth, City Manager, and most likely, Staff will have to start again working on the contract and address the City's and the District's concerns and start anew. Commissioner Dawson asked about the performance indicators in the contract. Ms. Steele explained that all City contracts include a "performance deficiency" clause, so if a contractor does not fulfill their duties as specified in the contract, the City can reduce their fees. Chairman Barnard asked why this clause was taken out if it is included in every contract. Ms. Steele answered that the City made some concessions in an attempt to reach an agreement and have the contract signed. 18 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Commissioner Dawson noted that this approach did not work out. He thought that this type of clause should never be taken out, and recommended putting it back in the contract in order to ensure compliance. Commissioner Housken asked if the City is paying more to maintain the parks or to provide recreational services in the park. Ms. Steele answered that it costs more to maintain the parks. She indicated that there is a purchase order with the District to supervise the Portola Community Center for $53,000 this year, and another for the park ambassadors, skate park, and for cleaning and opening the bathrooms for $330,000. The remainder of the activities such as running the Community Center is included in the District's daily operations, and is not part of the purchase order. In addition, the District may receive additional funds for special events such as the senior games, and in the past, school programs. Commissioner Housken asked what the total cost for the District is for Palm Desert residents. Ms. Steele answered that she could bring the information she received from the Finance Department at the next meeting. Commissioner Schukart noted that since the negotiations with the District are starting over, it would be helpful to him, if Staff could bring from their perspective, what are the top five priorities or what needs to happen in order to make recreation in the City work: to improve and expand it. He would like Staff to bring this information at the next Commission meeting so that they can look at that and weigh on those priorities. He added that he has been with the Commission for about four years and is not sure he has understood what the Commission's priorities with the District are. Commissioner Guyer asked if he was referring to specific activities. Commissioner Schukart answered just general categories for the contract. He indicated that Ms. Steele touched up in a couple of those, but they need to be prioritized so that when it comes to the contract negotiation with the attorneys involved, the attorneys understand what are the Staff's and Commission's points of view on those priorities. Commissioner Dawson asked if information about the Portola Community Center would be included. He said he did not know what events take place at that center. Mayor Spiegel explained that the Portola building used to be the City's library, and when the new library was build at College of the Desert, the 19 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Portola building became a meeting center for nonprofit organizations. The District provides a person that oversees the facility. Mayor Spiegel added that some of the nonprofits rent office space at that building, but the use of facilities if free of charge unless they want to use it after regular business hours. Commissioner Dawson asked if the office rental was for nonprofit organizations exclusively. Mayor Spiegel thought that not necessarily, but most of the organizations are nonprofits. Commissioner Dawson noted that the Portola Community Center is not a walk-in place. Mayor Spiegel answered that it is not, but it is used by many organizations, so the City Council thought it was a good investment. Chairman Barnard commented that it is a very busy place. Chairman Barnard asked if there were further comments on the contract item. He expressed that he would like to see the contract finalized. The Commission has been talking about this item for over two years with the fees, services, and finances involved. Mayor Spiegel indicated that the City Council needs to be satisfied that Palm Desert residents are getting their fair share of money for the property taxes that the District collects. This issue has never totally been resolved. Some Council members feel that it would be better to take those funds and contract with the District for programs and services and all the things that they currently do. After all, Palm Desert is a contract city. Commissioner Guyer stated that one of the problems is that the City does not have access to that money. Mayor Spiegel agreed that it is the District's money right now. Commissioner Guyer indicated that the Commission heard a presentation from the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), about detaching from the District. Mayor Spiegel indicated that if things were to change, and the City received the money the District is getting, the City would still have to deal with running the Portola Community Center, the Senior Games, etc. He added that the City Council thinks that a lot of the money goes down to Indio where they have their main offices, but they he did not know if that was true or not. Commissioner Guyer noted that question has never been answered. 20 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 J. PARK INSPECTIONS Ms. Steele commented that the park inspection sheets are very valuable to Staff. She invited the Commission to inform her if they need additional copies of the park assignment forms. She added that Staff pays attention to the comments and thanked the Commission for their contribution. Commissioner Schukart said that he heard a couple of comments at Joe Mann Park that although he did not write them down, heard twice, so he would like to comment on. He indicated that some residents have been concerned with the number of young people who hangs out by the entrance to the park at the tables by the restrooms. He saw 8-10 late middle school or early high school age boys and girls who sit at the benches, are loud and make people uneasy. He added that even though they are not really doing anything, their loud behavior and appearance is threatening to people who go the park. Ms. Steele commented that within the last four to five months, Staff has received complaints from the manager of the Palm Desert Country Club Community Center. Some neighbors have sent letters to Staff and to the police department as well. In a collaborative effort, Staff has installed cameras and patrolling the area. Staff has taken measures to improve the situation. Things appeared to get better for a while, but within the last week, it seems that vandalism has started again. Staff is directing these reports directly to the police department, but this is an ongoing problem. Commissioner Schukart commented that the youths did not particularly look threatening to him, and that kids need a place to hang out. Ms. Steele commented that some of the people who live in the area have experienced vandalism, and assume these kids are the ones causing it, whether they are or not. She added that Staff has done quite a few things to prevent it such as changing the landscape, adding barriers, removing shrubs and so on. Commissioner Dawson commented that this appears to be an unofficial teen center. It sounds as if the City needs to do something for the teens and provide them with a place to hang out. Commissioner Schukart commented that if the residents of the area feel uncomfortable or intimidated, that is an issue. 21 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Commissioner Babcock asked about putting up more shelters in the Civic Center Park because the amount of people that comes to the park over the weekend. He asked what happened. Ms. Steele answered that the project was put on hold because it was unknown where the Community Center would go. The project was tabled in January. Even though there are plans ready, given the state of the economy, Staff does not consider this the best timing to take this project for City Council consideration. She added that Staff is trying to avoid spending money unless it is necessary. Mr. Niemczak added that Staff is replacing the shelter that was burned. The problem was finding one with roofing tile that would work. This should be replaced soon. K. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT UPDATE Ms. Steele mentioned that the YMCA of the Desert is holding an Easter Egg Hunt and Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 11, at the Civic Center Park in conjunction with the City's Arbor Day Celebration. Mr. Niemczak passed a handout with the Arbor Day schedule of events. Ms. Steele invited the Commission to the event. Commissioner Dawson asked who was involved in the event. Ms. Steele said that Commissioners Housken and Munson were. Commissioner Housken indicated that this would be a great event. They will have demonstrations, tours, and giveaways. The "Tree Huggers" will be playing music, and there will be a tree planting also. Mayor Spiegel asked about the raffle, where will the money go. Commissioner Housken answered that there will be no money involved; it is a free giveaway for attendees. She added that Diane Hollinger ordered some books, t-shirts, and mugs. Ms. Steele explained that this activity is her responsibility, and what it entails is that attendees will be given a passport to encourage them to go to all booths. Once they have their passports stamped, they can be entered into a giveaway. Ms. Steele said that there would be booths to talk about such topics as desert landscape and water conservation. Ms. Steele noted that there would be other events in conjunction with this event. On April 22, Earth Day, they will be planting a tree at Ronald Reagan School. On April 15, a tree will be planted at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, and the Joslyn Senior Center. Ms. Steele added that the committee is making this a 22 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 month-long celebration. Last weekend they had garden tours that began at the Visitor Center. Commissioner Housken commented that hopefully next year the City would be an official tree city. She added that there would have to be a resolution to that effect. L. 1-10 CORRIDOR BIKE PATH (ORAL REPORT) Mr. Niemczak reported that he met on March 19 with the 1-10 Corridor Committee and RRM, the consulting group that is doing the feasibility study for the 1-10 Bike Path Corridor. The consultants presented a layout of what the bike path may look like for the 1-10 Bicycle Path Corridor. They suggest that the project be built in phases. Participants were asked to provide comments, and he suggested having Freedom Park section be done in Phase 1. The consultants will take those comments in consideration and will bring back a plan that includes them. Mr. Niemczak noted that at the next Commission's meeting he would bring a booklet that was distributed at that meeting which shows where the path might go from Washington all the way down to the Agua Caliente Casino. Commissioner Guyer asked if the consultants have a layout. Mr. Niemczak replied that they have a preliminary one and added that they include the comments from the committee, and update the layout with those suggestions and feedback. Commissioner Guyer asked if easements have been already secured. Mr. Niemczak answered that they do not have the easements yet, they were trying to show where the path could go, and to show the tie-ins to existing bike trails. He offered to bring the materials to the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Guyer expressed concern with the loss of funding for this project. Mayor Spiegel offered that the funding was taken away, but that it will be given back next year. He added that plans must be in place before the project can move forward. M. NEWS ARTICLES Chairman Barnard welcomed comments pertaining to the news articles. There were no comments. 23 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE VII. NEW BUSINESS A. LOCAL ARTIST SHOWCASE AT THE CIVIC CENTER PARK Discussion and recommendation to the City Council concerning the concert series in the Civic Center Park. Ms. Steele briefed the Commission that Mr. Aaron White, who was an intern in the Public Works Department last summer, came to her at the end of the summer to do a local showcase of artists in the park. She added that Staff wants to start the process right from the beginning to ensure that the event is successful. Mr. White wanted to complete another internship with the City this summer, but the program may not be available. At any rate, Mr. White still wants to provide his efforts and those of 1201 Collective, an organization in the process of getting their 501(c)(3) status to showcase artists and local talent. Mr. White would like to provide the series again with a few concerts in August and September. Mr. White presented a proposal to Staff. Ms. Steele indicated that at this point she did not know where the "Concerts in the Park" series stand right now, if they will take place or not. Ms. Steele added that in her opinion, Mr. White's proposal is one of the opportunities Staff looks for in terms of partnerships to create recreational opportunities for the City. She added that she would like the Commission's support to take this proposal to the City Council for their approval. Ms. Steele noted that the costs involved would be insurance only, which was $300 last year, and indicated that Staff has funds set aside for contracted staff to provide programs. This would be a minimal fee to provide five or six different concerts. She added that the groups would bring their own equipment and would do most of their advertisement. Staff would like to ask City Council for approval to advertise the concerts in the Bright Side and make this a City sponsored event. Ms. Steele commented that there was an article in the Los Angeles Times where the City of Los Angeles in an attempt to keep vandalism down, organized some concerts in the parks, and they saw a drop in the amount of vandalism in the parks. Ms. Steele offered to bring this article to the Commission at the next meeting. Ms. Steele added that Staff believes this represents an opportunity to give adolescents something to do. Staff is always looking for different 24 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 programs, not sports only. She indicated that this age group seems to always be missed, so Staff is recommending taking this proposal to City Council and asking for their support. Ms. Steele noted that Staff is willing to work with Mr. White to make this program happen. She added that Staff would meet with all the bands to review their lyrics and make it very clear that no profanity will be tolerated. Ms. Steele indicated that if the City Council approves this request, she would bring more information to the Commission. Mayor Spiegel asked what the turnout for the concerts was last summer. He understood that it was not that good. Ms. Steele said that it actually was, and they had three concerts before they were cancelled. She indicated that the concerts received a lot of coverage from the newspaper and Staff received many calls inquiring about them. Mayor Spiegel asked who pulled the plug on the concerts last summer. Ms. Steele answered that she was out of town and was not certain. She indicated that Staff is willing to start again and go through the approval process. Mayor Spiegel noted that City Council would convene on April 24 to go over the programs and concerts in the park such as the 4th of July, Golf Cart Parade, etc. Ms. Steele clarified that this program would not fit in that category, as Staff is not looking for that type of funding. Commissioner Dawson moved to approve Staff's recommendation to present this proposal to the City Council for approval. Commissioner Guyer pointed out that he would like to consider some support on the security aspect of the event, especially if the concerts become popular, and there is no charge for attending, the Commission and Staff would not want to go to City Council and ask for money to make the events safe. He thought this was worth considering. Commissioner Schukart seconded the motion. Commissioner Schukart reiterated that he agreed that security is highly recommended. In his experience at College of the Desert with this type of events, he has seen 99% of the kids behaving well, but it only takes one or two to misbehave. He thought that it would be wise to have one or two security officers present. Chairman Barnard asked if there were other comments or discussion. 25 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Commissioner Housken asked if there was paid security in the past at the Thursday night summer concerts. Staff answered no. Mr. Craig De Witt commented that at the District concert events they have police and private security. Commissioner Guyer commented that the Thursday summer concerts were very casual. Commissioner Schukart offered to talk to Mr. Clayton Mace, the Director of the Public Safety Academy. They have students who are in the program to become sworn officers, who are currently cadet students. As part of their educational requirements, they are assigned work-study hours, and this could be a good program for them because they are uniformed but they do not carry weapons. Ms. Steele offered to join Commissioner Schukart to talk to Mr. Mace. Ms. Steele thought this would be a good start and offered to discuss it with Lt. Shouse also before taking this item to City Council. Vice Chair Dash asked who would be ultimately responsible; he commented that he heard the word "raucous" twice, and wondered who would be present either before or after at these events. Ms. Steele answered that Staff would be present and will review the wording and the lyrics. She welcomes anyone else who may like to be present and share the responsibility of making sure the concerts are safe. She added that she was present in the past concerts except for the last one when she was out of town. She noted that there will be a City Staff person present as well, and there will be clear guidelines of what is expected from the performers and attendees. Mayor Spiegel suggested making sure someone gives them the "ground rules". Ms. Steele indicated that she would do that by having them sign a waiver, and that if there are any violations, they would not be allowed to perform again. Chairman Barnard asked if there were additional comments. There was none. Commissioner Dawson moved to approve Staff's recommendation to present the 1201 Collective proposal for a Summer Concert Series to the City Council for approval, and for Staff to include security at the 26 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&Rec\Minutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.nun.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 concerts. Commissioner Schukart seconded the motion that passed with an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. VIII. COMMENTS Commissioner Schukart commented that he heard rumors about the reemergence of the aquatic/community center. He asked if there were any facts associated with these rumors that he may need to be aware of. Mayor Spiegel answered that he did not know of any. Commissioner Guyer asked if Commissioner Schukart meant start discussing it again. Commissioner Schukart answered yes. Commissioner Guyer joked that he did not know of any, but would like to start that rumor. Commissioner Schukart heard someone say that the City was going to build a pool, but not the whole community center concept in the park. On a second occasion, someone else said that the City would receive some "stimulus funds" for the pool project. He heard these two comments in the same week, so he thought he would ask. Ms. Steele answered that she knows that the stimulus money indicates very clearly that the funds cannot be used for aquatic facilities. She has not heard of any discussions taking place. Commissioner Dawson asked about the bylaws. Ms. Steele answered that Ms. Monica Loredo was getting them ready and they will be included in the next agenda. IX. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Schukart, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 27 G:IDevServices\Monica LoredolWord DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes14-7-09.min.docx NMNN, CITY OF PALM DESERT ya \ : PARKS AND RECREATION 'g14 r �`..... STAFF REPORT egT�9 3yo��f To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: Wind Storm Damage On Sunday March 29, 2009, the City of Palm Desert experienced severe winds that caused the new playground shade cloth at Ironwood Park to be ripped. In addition, a small tear in the Civic Center Amphitheater shade structure. The shade cloth at Ironwood Park was repaired under warranty by the installation contractor, and staff requested quotes for the repair of the shade cloth at Civic Center Park. On April 14, 2009, the City experienced another severe wind storm that required several trees to be removed or trimmed. The following is the list of damaged trees in City Parks: Civic Center Park: • Three trees removed $1,300.00 • Removal of broken branches on four trees $ 525.00 Hovley Soccer Park: • Removal of five trees $ 950.00 In addition to the tree damage, the entire shade cloth at the Civic Center Amphitheater was severely damaged. Staff is working with the City's Risk Manager and a local vendor to provide quotes for removing and replacing the damaged cloth. During the wind storm the shade cloth fabric struck a nearby light pole damaging one of the attached light fixtures. Staff has a replacement fixture in stock, and has scheduled the replacement of the fixture with a local electrician. 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NMNN, :11 -----tfi.-1.4-1W-r � CITY OF PALM DESERT : PARKS AND RECREATION �`�7°��'� STAFF REPORT egT�9 3yo��f To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: Amphitheater Update On April 14, 2009, during a wind storm, the shade structure at the amphitheater in the Civic Center Park was damaged beyond repair (refer to Wind Damage Staff Report). Staff received costs to remove the remaining (hanging) structure and to replace it. The cost is $215,000. This does not include any structural damage that might have occurred. Staff will not know until a structural engineer evaluates the structure. Staff also spoke to Mr. Ashley Donde, Shade Structures Inc., about the last amphitheater design prepared for the Amphitheater Sub-committee (see attachment). This design would provide additional shade, and would include a ten-year warranty for a cost not to exceed $500,000. There is $1,500,000 in the CIP budget for this project. 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' - asi _ , • - .•• ._ . _ • - _ - . . :••3 1:—,S—•117--N- t-_-;_s_. __. , onus 'moats . , . k . 1 _ _ I I Y OF H L N't I) I- Fic,1 AA/111-11T HFA1 Fi-(--fir'7---`----- CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS AND RECREATION e • . 4444.. 04t • STAFF REPORT To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: April Park Inspections Attached is a copy of the April park inspections. City of Palm Desert Park Inspection Report-April 2009 Date Park Commissioner Date Deficiency Corrected Corrective Action 1. Ironwood/Haystack Dawson 4/14/2009 1. Recommend signs to show the trail 4/15/2009 1. Staff will investigate installing route and distance. signs with distance &trail info. 2. One of the fence boards is falling.The 4/15/2009 2.The board was repaced back board is located on the south side. with adhesive. 3.The playground looks fantastic! Well 3.All playground equipment used. working properly. 2. Homme/Adams Dawson 4/14/2009 Couldn't get enough water to flow into 4/15/2009 2 months ago,the flow was Cahuilla Park the dog dish to take a drink! lowered so that the "person" side did not overshoot.This made the dog dish side lower. (Park is well used. Visitors and Economy! 3.Joe Mann Park Housken 4/16/2009 1. Bench next to big kid playground is 4/20/2009 1. Replaced with new seat we had missing plastic on seat. in stock. 2.Trash can next to bench is "tagged". 4/20/2009 2. Grafitti removed. 3.Tagging on poles of shade structure in 4/20/2009 3. Grafitti removed. dog park. 4. Remedy the large concrete base? 4/20/2009 4. Contractor knocked down light pole. Waiting on P.O.to replace. 5. Slide cracked and roped off. 4/17/2009 5. Ordered new section. 6. Play structure needs to be washed. 4/20/2009 6. Contractor asked to pressure Also, fence around playground is dirty. wash the structure and fence around it extra carefully. 4. Palm Desert Schukart 4/11/2009 1. Mud in goal area of Fields 2, 3 and 4. 4/14/2009 Times for irrigation in goal areas Soccer Park lowered. 2. Move trash cans to mid-field 1-5 4/14/2009 Trash cans cannot be moved to sidelines where specatators gather. sidelines because they fill with water and become smelly, especially in the summer. 5. Palma Village Babcock 4/21/2009 Some trashed noted at 8:37 a.m. 4/21/2009 Talked to contractor.Trash pick up Park at Palma Village is 11:00- Noon. 6. University Parks Barnard (Dog & East) City of Palm Desert Park Inspection Report-April 2009 7. Magnesia Falls Guyer City Park 8. Washington 1 Hall Charter Park 9. Civic Center Park Dash 3/24/2009 Pool of water at tree adjacent to 4/3/2009 The turf area was aerated on pavilion, by basketball court. 4/2/2009, and two pop-up spray heads were raised. Spray nozzles needed to be higher. 10. Freedom Park Dash 4/20/2009 Tot Lot: 1. Playground is pressure 1. Parent suggested adding 4/21/2009 washed 2x/month. more shade over play equipment 2.There is not enough safe 2. Add more swings clearance for additional swings. 3. Pressure/steam clean the spongy 3.Asked contractor to clean surface in play equipment area. spongy surface more thoroughly. Picnic Areas/Pavilions: 4/21/2009 There is a scheduled for pressure There should be a regular schedule washing.Tables, benches, and for pressure/steam cleaning the tables hardscapes are pressure washed and floor surfaces.They are inconsistant on Tuesdays of every week. with the otherwise beauty of the park. . �s CITY OF PALM DESERT if AiIts, • A PARKS AND RECREATION g4r9 3so�;:. STAFF REPORT yNN•• To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: City Parks Over-seeding Schedule The City of Palm Desert's sports fields and parks are annually over-seeded in the fall. Over-seeding schedules are developed based on intricate park schedules for sports teams and events. The following is the 2009 schedule for City parks closures due to over-seeding: Location I Closure Dates Freedom Park Baseball & Multi-Use Fields 8/30/09 — 9/30/09 Civic Center Baseball Fields 10/19/09 — 11/13/09 Olson Field (Thanksgiving Break) I 11/23/09 — 11/30/09 Washington Charter (Thanksgiving Break) I 11/23/09 — 11/30/09 All other parks will be over-seeded in September and October, but will remain open. At dog parks, the dog park will be over-seeded first and closed. The following is the over-seeding schedule for the remaining parks: Location Over-seeding Dates Freedom Park (Multi-Use, Ball Fields, & Play Area) 8/30/09 — 9/11/09 Civic Center Park: Phase 1: Pavilion 1, Amphitheater, & Lagoon Areas 9/14/09 — 9/18/09 Phase 2: Playground Area to Ball Fields 9/7/09 — 9/11/09 Date Grove & Skate Park Area 9/21/09 — 9/25/09 University Park 9/28/09 — 10/2/09 Palma Village Park 10/5/09 — 10/7/09 Magnesia Falls City Park 10/8/09 — 10/9/09 Joe Mann Park 10/12/09 — 10/14/09 Haystack 11/2/09 — 11/6/09 Ironwood Park 11/9/09 — 11/13/09 City Parks Over-seeding Schedule May 5, 2009 Page 2 of 2 Dog park(s) closing schedules: Location Closure Dates Freedom Park 9/7/09 — 9/28/09 1 Civic Center Park 9/7/09 — 9/28/09 University Dog Park I 9/28/09 — 10/23/09 L Joe Mann Park I 10/12/09 — 11/6/09 The above schedule for dog parks allows a large and a small dog park to remain open at all times. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Parks Overseeding schedule.doc NMNN, �' � CITY OF PALM DESERT : PARKS AND RECREATION .44.�'. STAFF REPORT To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: Economic Impact of Parks and Recreation We already know that in the current economic climate, parks serve a vital need to the community. The parks are busier than ever, as families are choosing to stay closer to home, and utilize community resources. The economic impact of parks and recreation in any community goes so much further. Attached are some articles that identify economic impact and other benefits of parks on the community. • How cities use parks for... Economic Development From: The City Parks Forum of the American Planning Association • How cities use parks to... Promote Tourism From: The City Parks Forum of the American Planning Association • The NYS Park System: An Economic Asset to the Empire State • The Focus-Grouped Park From: The Wall Street Journal online, June 29, 2007 • San Carlos Parks and Recreation: Parks and Recreation Supports Economic Development • What Others are Saying • Benefits for the City Beyond the Boundaries of the Parks • Parks and Recreation Takes Initiative to Work with Hotels • San Carlos Trail Connections • Community Benefits and Repositioning From: Characteristics of companies that considered recreation/parks/open space to be important in (re)location decision. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. • Memo re: July Fourth Blast: Economic Impact on Foster City • Community Wide Benefits of Parks and Recreation: Economic Development • Measuring Economic Impacts of Tourism: City of Roseville From: PowerPoint presentation that was used by Director of Parks and Recreation to re-position Roseville. Impact of Parks and Recreation May 5, 2009 Page 2 of 2 Staff realizes that this is a great deal of information to receive at one time, but would like to challenge each of you to identify two or three key points that you feel are important or could be utilized in Palm Desert to market our parks, community, or programs. Staff will compile this list and bring it back to the Commission for further review and priority identification. Either bring your ideas to the meeting on May 5, 2009, or get them to Staff (Janis Steele) no later than May 15, 2009. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Economic Development\Economic Development and Parks.doc v " ice r:: 4_' [ . t. laii% . 41.6, J - :-..;07: L',,~s_ „0-i,,, ' '. - CITY PARKS FORUM di r - �' 1* •t� '11Z, `- BRIEFING PAPERS '-r- �'All .� %:',4,,`,sl; ;; F ^p• r �'1. " ` �.=..�..r •.n• .r�► - . ;��{;J•. �� it T.I.- ,F`4 'AP t 0:- - ..:- '''. 1.,./-.,;"- ''. ' - 7" ' jvt/ rj _1 .use cl- c = w 1 , .. , =- P Economic Development Executive Summary Real property values are positively affected. Parks provide intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and recreation benefits to our cities. They are also a source of positive economic benefits.They enhance property values, increase municipal revenue, bring in homebuyers and Municipal revenues are increased. workers, and attract retirees. At the bottom line, parks are a good financial investment for a community. Understanding the economic impacts of parks can help deci- retirees are attracted and retained. sion makers better evaluate the creation and maintenance of urban parks. Knowledge workers and talent are attracted to live and work. Homebuyers are attracted to purchase homes. The City Parks Forum is a program of the American Planning F, I American Planning Association Association funded by the Wallace-Reader's Digest Funds and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Making Great Communities Happen 03 CITY PARKSINGFORUM conomic Development BRIEFING PAPERS KEY POINT #I : KEY POINT #2: Real property values are Municipal revenues are increased. positively affected. More than 100 years ago, Frederick Law Olmsted conducted Another component of the Central Park study was an a study of how parks help property values.From 1856 to assessment of increased tax revenue as a result of the park. 1873 he tracked the value of property immediately adjacent The annual excess of increase in tax from the $209 million in to Central Park,in order to justify the $13 million spent on its property value was$4 million more than the increase in annu- creation. He found that over the 17 year period there was a al debt payments for the land and improvement.As a result of $209 million increase in the value of the property impacted building Central Park, New York City made a profit. by the park. Increased property values and increased municipal revenues As early as the 19th century the positive connection between go hand in hand.Property tax is one of the most important parks and property values was being made.Olmsted's analysis revenue streams for cities. By creating a positive climate for shows the real dollar amount impact of parks. His study was increased property values,the tax rolls will benefit in turn.As not a unique situation,however.Several studies conducted shown with Central Park,parks can both pay for themselves over the last 20 years reaffirm his findings,in cities across the and generate extra revenue. In addition,tax revenues from country.Below are more examples of how proximity to a increased retail activity and tourism-related expenditures fur- park setting is connected to property values. they increase municipal monies. Chattanooga,Tennessee:In the early 1980s this city was Property Tax Benefits facing rising unemployment and crime,polluted air,and a dete Chattanooga:Improvements in Chattanooga resulted in an riorating quality of life.To lure middle-class residents back,local ncrease in annual combined city and county property tax rev government,businesses,and community groups decided to enues of$592,000 from 1988 to 1996,an increase of 99 per improve the quality of life by cleaning the air,acquiring open cent. (Lerner and Poole, 1999). space,and creating parks and trails.As a result,property values Boulder:The presence of a greenbelt in a Boulder neighbor- rose more than $I I million,an increase of 127.5 percent. hood was found to add approximately$500,000 in property tax revenue annually. Atlanta:After Centennial Olympic Park was built,adjacent condominium prices rose from $1 15 to $250 a square foot. Sales Tax Benefits As noted on the Centennial Olympic Park website, Oakland,California:The presence of the East Bay Regional "Thousands of people who have made the move to down- Park District is estimated to stimulate about$254 million town Atlanta have chosen Centennial Olympic Park as their annually in park related purchases,of which $74 million is front yard"www.centennialpark.com. spent in the local East Bay economy. Shopping Districts:Surveys indicate that prices for prod- Amherst,Massachusetts:Cluster housing with dedicated ucts in districts with trees were on average about 11 percent open space was found to appreciate at an annual rate of 22 greater than in no tree districts;the quality of products were percent,compared to a comparable conventional subdivision's rated 30 percent higher than in areas with no sidewalk rate of 19.5 percent.This translated in 1989 dollars to a landscaping. difference of$17,100. Tourism-Related Benefits Atlanta:Centennial Olympic Park has an estimated 1.5 million visitors each year,attending 175 public events. San Antonio,Texas: Riverwalk Park,created for$425,000,is lined with outdoor cafes,shops,bars,art galleries,and hotels, and has overtaken the Alamo as the most popular attraction for the city's $3.5-billion tourism industry. 2 of 4 AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION 03 CITY PARKSINGFORUM conomic Development BRIEFING PAPERS KEY POINT #3: KEY POINT #4: Affluent retirees are attracted and Knowledge workers and talent are retained. attracted to live and work. "There is a new,clean growth industry in America today— "...cities are characterized by a sense of place,beauty in the The industry is retirement migration" (Foreward in Longino, natural environment,a mixed-use transportation system and a 1995,7). 24-hour lifestyle.These are the characteristics that will attract the creativity and brainpower that undergird the new econo- By the year 2050,according to the U.S.Census Bureau, my." Steven Roulac,futurist,The Roulac Group. approximately I in every 4 Americans will be 65 years of age or older,creating an affluent group of retirees with financial A significant change has occurred in the American economy. benefits,including Social Security,military benefits,and pension Industry today is composed of smokeless industries,high tech- plans.With an average life expectancy of between 75 and 83 nology,and service-sector businesses,collectively referred to years,this is a significant population group,both in size and as the "New Economy."The workers in the New Economy are affluence. selling their knowledge,as opposed to physical labor,as the main source of wealth creation and economic growth. These They are also mobile,moving to various locations across the employees,referred to in studies as "knowledge workers" or country—places as diverse as northern Wisconsin and "talent,"work in a"footloose" sector—companies are not tied Michigan,the mountains of Colorado and Montana,and New to a certain location in order to achieve a competitive advan- England.Members of this mobile retiree cohort have been tage. termed "GRAMPIES":(Growing [number of] Retired Active Monied People In Excellent Shape). What the companies are attached to is retaining their talent and attracting more talent.As a result,several studies have GRAMPIES want communities that provide leisure and been conducted to determine what factors are important to recreation amenities.In a study by Miller et al. (1994),a retiree talent when they are making employment decisions. sample was asked to review 14 features and indicate their importance in the decision to move.The first three in rank A survey of 1,200 high technology workers in 1998 by KPMG order were scenic beauty,recreational opportunities,and mild found that quality of life in a community increases the attrac- climate. tiveness of a job by 33 percent. Retirees bring expendable income into their communities.If Knowledge workers prefer places with a diverse range of out- 100 retired households come to a community in a year,each door recreational activities,from walking trails to rock climb- with a retirement income of$40,000,their impact is similar to ing.Portland,Seattle,Austin,Denver,and San Francisco are that of a new business spending$4 million annually in the among the top cycling cities;they also are among the leaders community. (Crompton,p.65). in knowledge workers. They increase the tax base and are "positive"taxpayers,using Workers attracted to an area are then positioned fewer services than they pay for through taxes.For example, to put money back into the local economy through jobs, they pay taxes to school districts but do not send children housing,and taxes,which then contribute to parks. there. Retirees transfer significant assets into local investment and banking institutions,expanding the local deposit base that can be used for commercial and industrial financing. 3of4 AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION 03 CITY PARKSINGFORUM Economic Development BRIEFING PAPERS KEY POINT #5: Homebuyers are attracted to purchase homes. "Parks,ponds,bike paths." "Nearly five acres of woodland The National Association of Home Builders found that 65 protected as a nature sanctuary" "My lake...my park...my percent of home shoppers surveyed felt that parks would home." seriously influence them to move to a community. All around the U.S.real estate brokers and homebuilders are According to Economics Research Associates (ERA),a I 99 I advocating parks as one of the top residential selling points. survey in Denver found that 48 percent of residents would The desire to live near parks also translates into real dollars. pay more to live in a neighborhood near a park or greenway. A 2001 survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) One of the most popular planned community models today is revealed that 57 percent of voters would choose a home golf-course residential development.However,surveys have close to parks and open space over one that was not. shown that the majority of people who live in golf course communities don't play golf regularly—as many as two-thirds, In addition,the NAR survey found that 50 percent of voters according to ERA.They are attracted to the dedicated open would be willing to pay I 0 percent more for a house located space,the expansive views,and the guarantee that both ele- near a park or protected open space. ments will stay the same.By promoting,supporting,and revi- talizing urban parks,cities can help attract a significant portion of the homebuying community. Resources Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate.December I I,2000."Ten U.S. National Park Service. 1995.Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers,Trails,and Cities Among 20 in the World Poised to Reap Benefits of New Economy." Greenway Corridors:A Resource Book. Washington,D.C.:NPS Rivers,Trails and Press Release:The Roulac Group. Conservation Assistance.Fourth Edition. Center for Urban Horticulture.November 1998.'Trees in Business Districts: Phillips,Patrick L.n.d.ERA Issue Paper:Real Estate Impacts of Urban Parks.Los Positive Effects on Consumer Behavior!" Seattle,Wash.:University of Angeles:Economics Research Associates. Washington. Urban Land Institute. 1994.Golf Course Development and Real Estate. Crompton,John L.November 2001.Parks and Economic Development. PAS Washington,D.C.:Urban Land Institute. Report No.502.Chicago:APA. For further information on this paper,please contact the author,Megan Florida,Richard.January 2000."Competing in the Age ofTalent:Quality of Lewis,AICP,Assistant Director of The City Parks Forum,312-786-6363; Place and the New Economy"Prepared for the R.K.Mellon Foundation, mlewis@planning.org Heinz Endowments,and Sustainable Pittsburgh. Cover photo:San Antonio Riverwalk,courtesy of Alexander Garvin Foster,Mary.November 6, 1999."Better homes have gardens,parks."New Orleans Times-Picayune. Mir Handley,John.September 5, 1999."Gold Medal."Chicago Tribune,Section 16, Real Estate. ?t, .76 76 76 76 7 6:F ;�; i;" a�, Harnik,Peter.2000.Inside City Parks.Washington,D.C.:Urban Land Institute. THE CITY PARKS F,n[KU MsM Lerner,Steve and William Poole. 1999.The Economic Benefits of Parks and A reuov ship !or Mayors, their Park Advisors, and Comm"nsty Leaders Open Space:How Land Conservation Helps Communities Grow and Protect the City Parks Forum Briefing Papers Bottom Line.The Trust for Public Land. This is one in a continuing series of briefing papers on how cities Longino,C.F.Jr. 1995.Retirement Migration in America. Houston:Vacation can use parks to address urban challenges.We hope the information Publications. here helps you to create great urban parks in your city. MacKay,Ned.December 21,2000."Putting a price on the value of open Please visit our website at www.planning.org/cpf to learn more space."Contra Costa Times,Oakland,Cal. about The City Parks Forum. Miller,W.,et al. 1994.Retirement In-Migration Study. Mississippi State,Miss.: Copyright©2002 by American Planning Association Southern Rural Development Center. 122 S.Michigan Ave,Suite 1600,Chicago,IL 60603; www.planning.org. 4of4 AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION •y .r'•” a K yam. __ .'�,•.Fri .. �' .. • — t i 'k 1ii � CITY PARKS FORUM - BRIEFING PAPERS - - 40111111211011111:t O'er d - Promote Tourism Executive Summary Key Point #1 Public parks are often the "engine"that drives tourism in many communities. In a simplified tourism model,visitors use some mode of transportation to leave their homes and travel to attractions,which are supported by various kinds of services, such Key Point #2 as hotels/motels, restaurants, and retailing.The attrac- tions and support services provide information and promote their offerings to target groups they have identified as potential visitors. Attractions activate this tourism system. Rarely do Key Point #3 people leave their homes and travel some distance because they want to stay in a particular hotel or dine at a particular restaurant in a different locale. Most of the time,the desire to go to a destination on a pleasure trip is stimulated by its attractions. Key Point #4 Many of these attractions are located in parks,while some parks are themselves attractions.This leads to are recognized as"living works of art" can be the conclusion that in many communities, parks drive ourist attractions. the tourism industry. The City Parks Forum is a program of the American Planning ,i,I AI American Planning Association Association funded by the Wallace Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Making great communities happen 09 CITY PARKS FORUM Promote Tourism BRIEFING PAPERS KEY POINT #I: KEY POINT #2: Parks are sites for special events Parks provide sites for sports and festivals that attract tourists. tournaments, which can be major sources of tourism and economic benefits, especially for smaller cities. Tourists are defined as visitors who come to a community Consider the scenario in which a city hosts a junior soccer from outside of it.In this context,they come specifically to tournament.Twenty-four teams from out of town play visit a park or to engage in activities that take place in a park. in its parks over a weekend.The economic impact scenario Since the mid-1980s,there has been unprecedented growth of these tourists is likely to resemble the following: in the number of festivals and events.Communities organize, host,and promote festivals and special events whose objectives • Each team has a squad of 15 players who are all supported frequently include attracting tourists.They are perceived by their families,so a total of 360 families (I 5 x 24) come to create a new form of tourism attraction,which is transient to the community. and flexible,so it can be used to extend or create a com- munity's tourism season.Parks are frequently the location of • They stay Friday and Saturday nights and return home choice for festivals and events because they are often cen- late in the day on Sunday. trally located,gathering places that are intended to facilitate recreation and can accommodate temporary infrastructure • On average each family spends $300 in the community without major disruption of their normal functions. for accommodations,food,entertainment,and gas during the weekend,so total expenditure in the community from When evaluating the tourism impact of festivals and events the tournament visitors is$108,000 (360 families x$300). in parks,the following points should be considered: The tourism and economic impact of such tournaments I. Large numbers of participants and spectators do not is maximized when all teams/players in a tournament come necessarily equate to a large number of tourists. Most from outside the community,and the number of nights people at community festivals and events are from within they have to stay in the community is high.This exemplifies the community.A mega-event is likely to attract more the retailing principle that the longer people remain in tourists to a community than multiple smaller events. Its an area,the more they are likely to spend. Increasing visitors' attraction power is likely to stimulate interest from a average length of stay is the most efficient way to increase much larger geographic area. the impact of an event on a community. 2. Many people from outside the community at these In most cases,sports tournaments will generate a greater events are"casuals"and"time-switchers""Casuals"are economic impact for local communities than special visitors who were already in the community,attracted events and festivals,because most attendance at the latter by other features,visiting friends and relatives,or for other (unless they are"mega-events") is likely to be from locals. reasons.The event or festival was not the reason they came to the city."Time-switchers"are visitors who had been planning a visit to the community for some time, but scheduled the timing of their visit to coincide with the event.In both cases,the tourism impact of these visitors on the community would have occurred without the event. 3. It is difficult to estimate the number of tourists at many festivals and events because they are not gated events and do not charge admission.Thus,total attendance counts, proportion of tourists to locals,and proportions of casuals and time-switchers are simply guesses,which may be wildly inaccurate.For example,a study of Fiesta San Antonio, which is comprised of multiple events that take place over a three-week period,many of them in parks,concluded the economic impact was $16 million.If locals from within the city,casuals,and time-switchers were included, this would lead to the economic impact being wrongly inflated to $136 million. 2 OF 4 American Planning Association 09 CITY PARKS FORUM Promote Tourism BRIEFING PAPERS KEY POINT #3: Large urban parks with zoos, memorials, museums, cultural and heritage artifacts, and historical sites can attract tourists Cumulative attraction,an accepted principle in tourism In contrast to the cultural,historical and terrestrial focus development,says that a cluster of proximate facilities is likely of Balboa Park,Mission Bay,San Diego focuses on to result in greater visitation.Cumulative attraction recog- contemporary,sporting,and water-oriented activities.It covers nizes that much tourism business is shared.An attraction 4,600 acres between Mission Beach,the San Diego Sports secures its visitors as a result of its own generative power and Arena,and Sea World.Approximately half the acreage is as a result of the generative power of proximate attractions. land,and its 27 miles of shoreline include 19 miles of sandy Clusters of recreational facilities offer a critical mass that beaches with restrooms and shower facilities.The park is not present when facilities are widely scattered.As this offers a variety of landscapes and supports all types of boating critical mass becomes greater,people will travel from a activities including sailing,waterskiing,windsurfing,jetskiing, more extensive geographical area to visit them,visitors will rowing,and swimming. Bicycle paths shared with hikers and stay longer in the area,and they will spend more dollars. inline skaters wind all around the bay. Hermann Park in Houston attracts 5.5 million visitors each year.The original 410-acre park site was obtained from George Hermann's estate in 1914.George E.Kessler,one of America's greatest park designers,was retained to design it,and it was completed by 1933.Over the years a host of attractions were added either in the park or on its periphery,including the Houston Zoo;Garden Center and Botanical Garden; Houston Museum of Natural Science; Miller Outdoor Theater; Planetarium;Aquarium;various monuments;and the first desegregated golf course in Texas. The cumulative impact of these attractions,together with the beauty of Kessler's original park design,have made Hermann Park a primary destination for visitors to Houston. Balboa Park,San Diego was developed on a 1,400-acre tract of land set aside for a public park by the city of San Diego in 1870.The park is renowned for its brilliant displays of seasonal flowers,shady groves of trees,and meandering paths.However,its ability to attract tourists today owes much to the legacy of the Panama-California Exposition of 1915-16, and the California International Exposition of 1935-36. Balboa Park hosts 15 museums,which display internationally significant art treasures,exotic animal species,unique model railroads,world folk art,sports memorabilia,and rare aircraft. Many of the museums are housed in magnificent Spanish colonial revival buildings,originally constructed for the 1915-16 Exposition.Other attractions in the park include the San Diego Zoo;the Old Globe Theater;a sports complex with championship tennis courts,athletic fields, velodrome,and swimming pool;a golf course;Starlight Bowl;and an array of institutions that reflect San Diego's diversity,including the Centro Cultural de la Raza,the World Beat Center,the Japanese Friendship Garden,and the House of Pacific Relations.Balboa Park attracts more than 14 million visits a year. 3 OF 4 American Planning Association 09 CITY PARKS FORUM Promote Tourism BRIEFING PAPERS KEY POINT #4: Parks with landscape planting and design that are recognized as "living works of art"can be tourist attractions. Prospect Park in Brooklyn is widely considered to be In the east part of the park are The Conservatory of Flowers, the finest park designed by Olmsted and Vaux.Within the aVictorian greenhouse built around 1880 modeled after boundaries of the 526-acre park are a variety of natural and the Palm House at Kew Garden in London;the Japanese Tea planned landscapes.The principal features of their design Garden,which covers five acres;and the M. H.DeYoung are the Long Meadow,a heavily wooded area they called the Museum,which has a diverse collection of fine art.These latter Ravine,and a 60-acre lake. two attractions were legacies of the 1894 Midwinter International Exhibition.Other attractions in the park include The park became so dilapidated due to lack of maintenance the Buffalo Paddock; Planetarium;Asian Art Museum; that by 1984,attendance had fallen to a historically low Aquarium;and a 70-acre arboretum.The park's meadows 2 million visits a year.In the 1990s,more than $100 million are used extensively for picnicking.The attractions within of private and city investment successfully renovated the park, Golden Gate add to its cumulative impact,but it is the inher- restoring much of its original glory.Attendance rebounded ent beauty of the park that mainly attracts its 12 million to 6 million visits a year as Prospect Park again became one annual visitors. of the most popular attractions for tourists in NewYork City. Grant Park in Chicago is often referred to as Chicago's Golden Gate Park in San Francisco covers 1,013 acres. "front yard" Renowned architect Daniel H. Burnham envi- It is approximately three miles long and one-half mile wide. sioned the 320-acre park as a formal landscape with museums William Hammond Hall designed the park in 1870,but John and civic buildings.His geometric design borrows from the McLaren,his successor as park superintendent,implemented great parks of Europe.A series of bridges cross railroad tracks, the design.Hall,inspired by the OlmstedNaux design and the park is divided into sections with public walkways, of Central Park in New York City,created a hilly park with lawns,trees,and monuments.The park's centerpiece is the a varying landscape of lakes,meadows,ridges,and winding Clarence Buckingham Fountain,built in 1927,which is roads.The park now contains more than one million trees, enhanced at night with a choreography of colored spotlights. nine lakes,several fly-casting pools,and a lily pool within its borders. In 2004,the park was extended by 24.5 acres acres when Millennium Park was added to its northern border;con- structed over active railroad beds.Millennium Park has quickly become a major Chicago attraction,with interactive public art,ice-skating,dining,and free classical music presen- tations by the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus. Resources Crompton,John L. 1999.Measuring the Economic Impact of Visitors to Sports This briefing paper was written by John L.Crompton,Distinguished Tournaments and Special Events.Ashburn,Virginia:National Recreation Professor of Recreation,Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University. and Park Association. Dr.Crompton's primary interests are in the areas of marketing and financing public leisure and tourism services.Questions regarding this briefing paper Hermann Park Houston: may be directed to him at jcrompton@tamu.edu www.hermannpark.org Balboa Park,San Diego: City Parks Forum Briefing Papers www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/balboa/index.shtml This is one in a continuing series of briefing papers on how cities Mission Bay,San Diego: can use parks to address urban challenges.We hope the information wwwsandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/missionbay/index.shtml; here helps you to create great urban parks in your city www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com/missionbay.htm Please visit our website at www.planning.org/cpf to learn more Prospect Park,Brooklyn,NewYork City: about The City Parks Forum. www.prospectpark.org/hist/main.cfm?target=history Copyright©2005 by American Planning Association Golden Gate Park,San Francisco: 122 S.Michigan Ave,Suite 1600,Chicago,IL 60603; www.sfmuseum.org/hist2/ggpark.html www.planning.org. Grant Park Chicago: Photo of the Pedestrian Bridge in Millennium Park,Chicago. Photo www.chicagoparkdistrictcom/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.home.cfm courtesy of Chicago Park District,Caroline O'Boyle. 4 OF 4 • Y+' ` `I l3F: 'i' V 4 ;. '' I� _ f' TRT 'c Itti... k. a .n'`iE ,- . • 1 1. : ! L l� ' ram' r;Iii! .. 1 _. •-r.-.7.,..L ' e. , NW•—,' i THE NYS PARK SYSTEM: AN ECONOMIC ASSET TO THE EMPIRE STATE Executive Summary Prepared for: Parks&Trails NEWYORK Prepared by: POLMCAL ECONOMY RESEARCH INSMIME Urmversity of Massachusetts Amherst James Heintz Robert Pollin Heidi Garrett-Peltier March 2009 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The New York State Park System makes a valuable contribution to the quality of life in New York State. This report documents another contribution of the State Park System - its impact on the state and regional economies. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) operates and maintains 178 state parks and 35 state historic sites, covering a total of 325,000 acres. The park system represents a valuable col- lection of natural and recreational assets, including 1,350 miles of hiking trails, over 8,000 campsites, numerous swimming pools, beaches, boat launches, nature centers and golf courses. New York State Parks generate substantial net economic benefits for the peo- ple and economy of the Empire State. On a statewide basis, direct spending by OPRHP and spending by visitors to state parks supports up to $1.9 billion in output and sales, $440 million in employment income, and 20,000 jobs. These benefits are distributed among the 11 regions that constitute the State Park System according to the number, size, and nature of the parks and historic sites in the various regions. Clearly,the impact of the State Park System on New York's economy is sizeable: the benefits exceed the direct costs of maintaining the state parks many times yx over. The benefit-to-cost ratio is more than 5-to-1—more than $5 in benefits for uy every$1 in costs. The State Park System in 2008-2009 is supported by$341 million in state gov- ernment expenditures, including$253 million in operating budget and $88 mil- lion in capital investments. This study focuses on two key channels through which the State Park System Chittenango Falls impacts New York's economy: public spending on parks for operations and State Park capital improvements and spending by visitors in parks and surrounding areas. Last year,the NYS Park System had 55.7 million visitors. Through these two channels—public spending and spending by park visitors—we estimate the following economic benefits to New York's economy: BUSINESS SALES IMPACT • The state parks produce about$1.9 billion in annual sales for pri- vate businesses in the areas around the parks • About$744 million of visitor expenditure—i.e. around 40 percent of total visitor spending of$1.9 billion—comes from visitors living out- side the communities in which the parks are located. This non-local spending is key for generating net benefits for the parks, since local businesses would not have gained these customers without the presence of the parks to attract visitors to the area. • The $1.9 billion in economic activity generates revenues for the state through sales, business and income taxes. The NYS Park System:An Economic Asset To The Empire State/Page 2 JOB CREATION AND COMPENSATION '� • • The State Park System generates about 20,000 jobs (in addition to OPRHP employees) • State spending produces about 6,600 jobs . 71 ~I . Visitor spending produces about 13,500 jobs ..- : . - ' w • The total compensation to the roughly 20,000 people whose jobs are generated by the parks amounts to about$440 million per year } • The average compensation from these jobs is about$50,000 per `, year, including benefits ESTIMATED IMPACT OF STATE OPERATING EXPENDITURES, CAPITAL }'• - INVESTMENTS, AND VISITOR EXPENDITURES, NEW YORK STATE PARKS. . -7N.^ ; y REGION Employment Sales/Output ` 'i-6":,, - r: Upper bound 4 ;�„ll #jobs ($ millions) p 3T Allegany 860 $62 Taughannock Falls State Park Capital/ 2,929 $249 Saratoga Central 1,620 $134 Finger Lakes 1,776 $141 Genesee 675 $58 Long Island 3,992 $410 New York City 716 $61 Niagara Fron- 4,701 $569 tier Palisades 1,052 $94 Taconic 957 $102 Thousand Is- gg2 $63 lands STATE 20,159 $1,942 ources: ee appen.ix. ADDITIONAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS The State Park System generates significant additional economic benefits to the state, including maintaining the natural environment, providing an escape for millions of New Yorkers and others from around the world, and protecting the state's heritage for future generations. Because of these additional bene- fits, our assessments of the economic impact of the State Park System under- estimate the parks' true economic contribution. The NYS Park System:An Economic Asset To The Empire State/Page 3 Additional economic benefits include: . Maintaining the state's ecosystem and biodiversity . Providing opportunities for recreation !Wm ,„ • Reducing the negative effects from pollution • Improving health outcomes r,. . Preserving areas of historic importance • Influence business location decisions by contributing to a better qual- p ity of life for employees This report challenges the presumption that there are stark trade-offs between generating jobs and protecting the environment. We specifically estimate the size of the economic contributions of the park system to the economies of each of the 11 regions and to the New York State economy as a whole. We show that the state spending of$341 million to maintain the State Park System generates Jones Beach economic benefits to the regional and state economies that dramatically ex- State Park ceed this investment. The direct state spending increases employment, sup- ports local businesses, and generates numerous ripple effects throughout the regional economies. State Parks also attract visitors from outside the local com- munity. These visitors spend money on food, shopping,transportation, recrea- tion, and lodging, all of which contribute significantly to New York's local and state economies. In addition, the State Park System improves the quality of life in New York and thereby influences business location decisions and the ability of the state to attract a high-quality workforce. Many of these long-term economic benefits are not easy to value. Nevertheless, research studies that have attempted to quan- tify these benefits suggest that the total contribution of the State Park System to the state economy would exceed the estimates of the impact of government and visitor spending presented in this report. The primary focus of this report is the State Park System. However, the activi- ties of OPRHP, as a state agency, are not restricted to state parks and historic sites. They include organizing the Empire State Games; administering the state recreational boating program; oversight of over 10,000 miles of snowmobile trails; administrating local grants-in-aid programs which support park and rec- reational trail development by community groups and municipalities; and over- seeing the state's historic preservation programs. All of these activities gener- ate economic benefits for local and state economies - from promoting tourism to raising property values. ` .. i; _ '11* •( • • - Chenango Valley State Park • The NYS Park System:An Economic Asset To The Empire State/Page 4 The Focus-Grouped Park- WSJ.com Page 1 of 5 WALL STREE FORMAT FOR JOURNAL. PRINTING TOSHLISM. sponsored by ooiiscaPyc L.ad.` _ ONLINE June 29, 2007 The Focus-Grouped Park DOW JONES REPRINTS This copy is for your personal, Cities are building new parks at a rate not seen for 100 years. non-commercial use only.To order Jon Weinbach on the increasingly heated debate about what to presentation-ready copies for g Y distribution to your colleagues, put in them. clients or customers, use the Order Reprints tool at the bottom of any By JON WEINBACH article or visit: June 29,2007;Page W1 www.djreprints.com. •See a sample reprint in PDF There's a new status symbol for American cities and it's not a format. soaring office tower or retro stadium. To many civic leaders, •Order a reprint of this article now. nothing says progressiveness and prosperity like an elaborate urban park. inXr On a scale not seen since the "City Beautiful" movement . t "'{� r ''" . of the late 19th century,public green spaces are _ = :.-. n� #� �, �; f } ,,1, proliferating. In Irvine, Calif, work has begun on a $1.1 - • =-rrt = r , { ' billion recreational area that will be 60% larger than New -_ ,. : ; York's Central Park. Private donors in Houston financed _ _: -� the bulk of a$93 million downtown greensward, while } - the mayor of Louisville, Ky., wants to ring the city's borders with 100 miles of trails. In all, 29 of the nation's ' E • . .: ► biggest cities have added nearly 14,000 acres of new ' ± ; ` -� '~ parkland in two years -- the equivalent of about 11,000 Hudson River Park, New York;550 acres; football fields. Opened 2003 Construction,partly on top of old piers,is continuing along Manhattan's West Side. But even grass and trees can be complicated. Citizens and Its the largest open-space development in New York since Central Park,with green spaces,trails planners across the country are getting tied up in a larger for bikers and Rollerbladers,and free wireless debate about what a park should be -- one that often pits Internet. people who believe in peace and quiet and the soulful contemplation of nature against those who prefer zip lines, Frisbee golf and hang-gliding. In the Twin Cities, some residents don't agree with the decision to build a public sports field with artificial turf. Park builders in Dallas are trying to find room in one new project for a backgammon area. And an effort to rehabilitate Manhattan's Washington Square Park has been met by three lawsuits so far-- including an attempt by preservationists to keep the city from moving the central fountain about 15 feet to the east. "You'd think we were proposing to build a nuclear waste dump," says Adrian Benepe, the city's commissioner of parks and recreation. At a public meeting earlier this month in Louisville, about 150 people came to weigh in on Floyd's Fork Greenway, a 27-mile stretch of parks,bike paths and canoe launches to be built along a scenic creek. After the presentation, http://online.wsj.com/article print/SB118307543875952266.htm1 6/29/2007 The Focus-Grouped Park- WSJ.com Page 2 of 5 residents furiously scribbled suggestions on project maps • - that hung around the room. Among them: "A nature trail +. }'- - can't run along a highway!"; "Leave an area large enough for a hot air balloon launch"; and from one particularly agitated person, "Many people were not notified of this meeting." Ralph Stanton, a goateed tile contractor in his • . mid-50s, was concerned that the park plans didn't include ., • • .. ,�, •_ � • -� a trail wide enough to accommodate all three of his ••'k ,___ horses. "Kentucky is the home of the Derby, but we've got ; to go to Indiana to ride," said Mr. Stanton, clutching his Ben c i" cowboy hat. "They ought to get the horse people more Gold Medal Park,Minneapolis;7.5 acres; involved." Opened 2007 Built on a set of old parking lots, site aims to foster quiet activities like picnics and strolls rather than sports. It was financed by a$5 Symbols of Democracy million donation from former United Health Care chief executive William McGuire. For decades, local and federal governments had cut back on park budgets as funding needs grew for education, health care and safety. That marked a change from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when urban parks were held up as symbols of democracy,public health and progressive social planning -- and received generous government support. There was another surge of park building during the "Great Society" era of President Lyndon Johnson, but as more city residents fled for the suburbs, many urban parks were not properly maintained-- and green spaces deteriorated or disappeared. Federal money is still hard to come by. The Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program that provides grants for state and national parks, will receive about$28 million this fiscal year, down nearly 80% from 2002. Another initiative, the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program, has not been funded in five years. ` -• - _ . -- % - • . A number of factors are spurring the current parks boom, • r '- - = . ; ; ; :..----•-�. from research about the health benefits of green space to - - y-.m�--: w .-y�""",-: - interest from private donors and corporate sponsors. .n ..• - =•,. Developers who once fought with conservationists are .M ry�f --. * '~A ... -.r - now pushing the idea, after discovering that successful Z. parks -- such as Manhattan's Bryant Park and Atlanta's {! Piedmont Park-- can dramatically increase property Tilis values. { City leaders are also using parks as a marketing tool. In an ins Trust tar Pub M1. :.and Ar h Nee effort to draw young professionals and graying BeltLine,Atlanta;Over 1,200 acres;Opening suburbanites, a number of cities including Denver, unknown The initiative,which awaits funding, Philadelphia and San Diego have gentrified their would double Atlanta's park acreage. It calls for downtowns recently. Butpoliticians are findingthat most converting this former quarry into the city's largest park. of the new residents grew up with access to running trails, sports fields and the like -- and expect to have the same access in the city. The largest increases in park space over the last two years took place in sprawling municipalities like Houston and Jacksonville, Fla., but even densely packed older cities such as Cleveland(with 187 new acres) and Philadelphia(22 acres) are finding ways to create new open space, often on former military bases or industrial sites. Seattle's nine-acre Olympic Sculpture Park, opened earlier this year, was built on a former oil-transfer site. Other cities have focused on building http://online.wsj.com/article print/SB118307543875952266.html 6/29/2007 The Focus-Grouped Park- WSJ.com Page 3 of 5 parks on reclaimed brownfields -- industrial or commercial sites tainted by pollution -- especially near valuable waterfront or downtown real estate. Pittsburgh, the long-time hub of the U.S. steel industry, redeveloped a 283-acre slag dump along the Monongahela River a few years ago, converting it into a residential complex and 200 acres of green space. New York is in the midst of"the biggest period of park construction and redevelopment since the 1930s," says Mr. Benepe, the parks commissioner. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who sat on the boards of two local park foundations before taking office, recently increased the parks department's operating annual budget to about$355 million-- double the total in 2000. The city's most ambitious projects are building a park on top of an abandoned elevated railway line in Manhattan and converting the Fresh Kills landfill in Staten Island to a 2,315-acre recreation area. As cities increasingly rely on corporate donors, real-estate developers and private, not-for-profit entities for park funding, they're facing some criticism. When Chicago's Millennium Park, opened in 2004, named prominent areas after corporate sponsors such as SBC, Boeing and British Petroleum, some traditionalists cried foul. Several cities have recently devised guidelines for sponsorship and naming rights -- in Denver, a company has to contribute 50% of all capital costs to get its name or logo on a new park. But in most cases, the arguments revolve around one issue: the purpose of a park. In Chico, Calif., work on the , city's new master plan for Bidwell Park has been - hamstrung by a fight between preservationists and disc �'a J° golfers who have been using a remote part of the park to _ . ti : ,' . - =i- -- play the Frisbee-inspired sport. Environmental advocates fli: ' . `r + say the golfers are damaging trees and compacting the r soil. At a meeting earlier this month, two golfers said their - - course should not be treated any differently than bike or hiking trails. Alerry Millennium Park,Chicago;24.5 acres;Opened 2004 Some have criticized the park for naming Planners for downtown Houston s 12-acre, $93 million prominent areas--including the Frank Gehry- Discovery Green park, which is set to open next year, designed BP Bridge, pictured here--after wanted to create a "critical mass of activities" to generate corporate sponsors. buzz in a long-forgotten area of town, says Philip Myrick, vice president of Project for Public Space, a New York nonprofit that helped conceive the park's programs. Throughout 2005, the group conducted about a dozen small meetings with different "stakeholders" -- ranging from Hispanic community leaders to downtown employees to elementary-school students -- and held workshops for anyone interested in contributing ideas. The Hispanic community wanted open space for events,while the students proposed adding a "zip line" ride, a pulley suspended from a cable wire that allows thrill seekers to fly through the air. The final park plans included a dog area, a jogging trail, a puppet theater and a "birthday veranda" for parties -- but no zip line. Bocce Ball and Dogs "Just having a baseball diamond, a grove of trees and a couple soccer fields is really the old model," says landscape architect James Burnett, whose firm is designing a $80 million park in downtown Dallas that will cover a sunken eight-lane freeway. The current plans for the site, tentatively called Woodall Rodgers Park, include a bocce ball court, a backgammon area, spaces for leashed and unleashed dogs and a botanical garden. "The program list can get very long," he http://online.wsj.com/article print/SB118307543875952266.htm1 6/29/2007 The Focus-Grouped Park- WSJ.com Page 4 of 5 says. "The discussion is always heated." - - In some ways, the skirmishes over space mirror previous ;µ : - controversies over park land. After Central Park opened in the 1800s,New York City commissioners were - overwhelmed by public requests for boat rides and more activities, even though landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted imagined the park as "purely passive space," _ . says Witold Rybczynski, a professor of urbanism at the •• `' University of Pennsylvania and author of a 1999 Great Park of Orange County,Orange County, biography of Mr. Olmsted. Calif.; 1,347 acres;Opening 2009(projected) Plans for the$1.1 billion project,on a former But now that prime urban real estate is much more scarce military base,include a 2.5-mile man-made canyon and a massive wildlife corridor. Most and expensive, ,,it,s much more challenging to satisfy visitors will need to drive there,since it's far from everyone's notion of what a park should be," he says. As a residential neighborhoods. result, many of the new projects share a theme-park quality, with neatly organized areas catering to different groups. "You want to please as many people as possible, but we've become so different," he says. Few parks today match the cost or scope of the Great Park of Orange County in Southern California, on the site of the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. The decision to build the park came after years of battles over the fate of the base, which closed eight years ago. In 1994, county voters narrowly approved a plan to convert the base into an airport, but opponents stalled the effort until 2002,when voters approved a measure overturning the airport plan in favor of a park. The Navy handled the sale of the base, dividing it into four parcels. In 2005, Lennar Corp., the nation's second-largest home builder, bought all four lots for about $650 million. In order to build on the site, Lennar had to turn over a chunk of the land to the public for park development, contribute $200 million toward the creation of the park, and spend another$201 million on infrastructure. For its part, Lennar plans to create a sprawling, 3,400-unit residential development around the park, as well as a 750-acre "Lifelong Learning" area that's slated to include a college campus and senior housing. The park won't begin to open until 2009, though its first attraction, a balloon ride that will take riders 500 feet in the air, is scheduled to debut on July 14. (The balloon will be orange, naturally.) Last March, the park's designers announced a projected cost of about $1.1 billion-- not including the funds needed to construct a planned set of museums or a botanical garden. No to Advertising To generate revenue, the park is exploring sponsorship, naming rights and sublease options, as well as charging fees for parking and certain events and activities, like evening softball games. However, earlier this month the park's board of directors voted not to put advertising on the new balloon ride, despite estimates that it could bring in as much as $250,000. (Visitors may be charged for parking though.) Like most park projects, this one has youth sports organizations and enthusiasts of every stripe angling for prime turf. Last year, the board asked for suggestions how to develop the park's 165- acre sports area-- and got an avalanche of proposals. The list http://online.wsj.com/article print/SB118307543875952266.htm1 6/29/2007 The Focus-Grouped Park- WSJ.com Page 5 of 5 includes a "casting pond" to teach aspiring fly fishermen, a . research center to study children's exercise habits, and a "California Sports Hall of Fame" honoring local athletes. Mike Meier, a 56-year-old hang-glidingmanufacturer from Orange, •.., ..:'.: :3 .! g � -�_�'•' • _ .: . Calif., concedes his request for hang-gliding space probably t •}z;. 4 won't get top priority. Nonetheless, he spent "about 30 or 40 ` '� .. r ' hours" putting together a 12-page proposal,which included .� sketches of a bowl-shaped hill beginner-level pilots could '4• ;• c i learn how to take off. "It wasn't t a Madison Avenue-like production," he says. "I'm not holding my breath." s,g Hadley In contrast to most urban green spaces, which are centered Discovery Green, Houston; 12 acres; Opening 2008 The park--located around pedestrian access, few people will be able to walk to the between the city's two recently built Great Park-- aside from residents in Lennar's new homes. (The sports venues,the Toyota Center and site is in a remote area a few miles northeast of Interstate 5, far Minute Maid Field is expected to cost $93 million. from anything resembling a neighborhood.) There are plans to create a light-rail service that will connect an enlarged train station in Irvine with stops at the park and a nearby shopping center, but even Roy Cooper, the park's operations director, admits that transportation is a major obstacle. "If we provide alternative, convenient transportation, we might have a shot at getting people out of their cars --but this is Orange County," he says. Write to Jon Weinbach at jonathan.weinbach@wsj.coml URL for this article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118307543875952266.html Hyperlinks in this Article: (1)mailto:jonathan.weinbach@wsj.com Copyright 2007 Dow Jones&Company, Inc.All Rights Reserved This copy is for your personal,non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. http://online.wsj.com/article print/SB118307543875952266.html 6/29/2007 SAN CARLOS PARKS and RECREATION Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs Parks and Recreation Supports Economic Development (Partial Listing) California Park and Recreation Society Award of Excellence for Economic Development. - Encouraging community members into the downtown during the 2003 Downtown Improvement construction project. Specialty Shops: • 80% of businesses surveyed reported an increase in people entering their business during the block parties. • 60% responded favorably that the events supported an increase in sales from new traffic returning for purchases Restaurants: • 60% of restaurants surveyed reported an increase in sales on the event days Property values are 5 — 22% higher if you live within 500 feet if a well-maintained park. Property values are increased up to 30% if your property is adjacent to open space. A January 2006 analysis documented a property value increase for homes within 500 feet of our parks of$1,103,457 resulting in an additional $121,374 in property tax revenue. The Youth Development Unit partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to create the "Young Consumer Champions" Award to recognize youth friendly business and encourage youth in San Carlos to shop locally. Young people between the ages of 14- 19 have the largest percentage of disposable income of any demographic in the country. Parks and Recreation is one of the top revenue producing departments in the City government. We are one of the City's largest employers with more than 100 full and part time staff. Customer Service training was conducted for the Chamber of Commerce by Director Weiss. The focus of the training was creating an environment that values and emphasizes customer service, resulting in increased business. Examples from Parks and Recreation resulting in a three year 79% revenue increase were noted. San Carlos is on the tenniswelcome.com web site for travelers wanting to play tennis. The major factor considered by tourists when they make a decision about which communities to visit on a pleasure trip is the attractions that are available. Creating Community through People, Parks And Programs 1 We sent a letter to all hotels belonging to the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce explaining what we had to offer for their guests to make them a more attractive destination. Radisson Villa Hotel in San Mateo responded asking if we would connect them with user groups to promote their hotel. In exchange for providing the contact information, the hotel agreed to give us their data so we can show how we impact economic development. San Carlos United Soccer Club, conducting their annual Hot August tournament, promoted the Radisson Villa Hotel resulting in $3,494.86 in revenue as a result of this past weekend's tournament. This is only the tip of the iceberg. We do not know how much money was spent on gasoline, meals, snacks, or other hotels. The national average spent for a youth activity involving an overnight stay is approximately $85.00 per day per person. Parks and Recreation facilitates youth sports tournaments and adult sports programs all of which result in players, families and spectators visiting local businesses while they are in San Carlos. Non-resident visitors generate jobs. The look of the downtown business district was enhanced in April 2007 with new colorful flower baskets on Laurel Street and added flowers and colorful vegetation in the planters on Laurel Street and San Carlos Avenue. Previously color plantings at Holly Street and El Camino Real were done to enhance the entry to the downtown shopping district. Studies show that more shoppers enter an attractive shopping area. Studies show the longer a person is in a shopping area, the more money they spend. Laurel Street Park retains customers as they relax in the park before continuing their shopping or even eat at a restaurant table in the park. The park is also used as part of Art and Wine Faire, Hot Harvest Nights, taste of Italy and other events that attract people to the downtown business district. Trees were pruned away from storefront signage on San Carlos Avenue allowing customers to easily see the store signage and be attracted to the shopping area. Parks staff completed staking the power boxes in place on Laurel Street and San Carlos Avenue. We are working with Public Works staff to fix the grates and receptacles in the shopping district. "San Carlos- a beautiful place for a memorable event". This new brochure and marketing effort is designed to attract additional rental business and increased revenue and jobs. The "Save Energy, Visit a Park" program during the 2001 California energy crisis, saw us partner with the Chamber of Commerce encouraging people to patronize local merchants, turn off your TV and stove and go eat at a park. We encouraged them to purchase their picnic supplies from our merchants. Creating Community through People, Parks And Programs 2 We saved $62,212, over twelve months, with the new city hall heating, ventilation and air conditioning system installed a little over one year ago. This savings comes even with a slight increase of 2.1% in electric demand. Picnic Site improvements implemented for increased revenue and jobs In December 2003 Park staff had lights installed in the Laurel Street Park. This facilitates events held in our downtown commercial district. Parks staff also noted the many beautiful pictures of various San Carlos Parks that graced the 2004 San Carlos Business and Community Guide. This publication is intended to help grow our local economy and it conveys the importance of our beautiful parks in this process. Week of The Family Committee worked with eight local restaurants to offer discounts on family meals. The committee hopes that families took advantage of the coupons to gather as a family and dine out in San Carlos. Youth Center Staff and The Youth Advisory Council conduct a Teen Job Fair. Businesses are invited to look at San Carlos youth as prospective employees for their companies at the Youth Center. In using an Integrated Pest Management approach, 40,000 lady bugs were released as well as 10,000 green lace wings to control an insect infestation in the trees along the 600, 700, and 800 blocks of Laurel Street. The entry lights to the City at Holly Street were repaired as were the lights on the median at El Camino and San Carlos Avenue. Burton Park has been the location of the annual Fall Family Mixer for the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce. The event, held at the North end of the park, featured live music, food & beverage, entertainment, and socializing. We value our partnership with the Chamber and enjoy hosting this popular event. Creating Community through People, Parks And Programs 3 What Others Are Saying Owners of small companies ranked recreation/parks/open space as the highest priority in choosing a new location for their business. (John L. Crompton, Lisa L. Love, and Thomas A. More, "An Empirical Study of the Role of Recreation, Parks and Open Space in Companies' (Re) Location Decisions,"Journal of Park and Recreation Administration (1997), 37-58.) Corporate CEOs say quality of life for employees is the third-most important factor in locating a business, behind only access to domestic markets and availability of skilled labor. (National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, "Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers, Trails, and Greenway Corridors," 4th ed. (Washington, DC: National Park Service, 1995), 7-3) A 1992 decision by the City of Fort Collins, CO to preserve open space and protect quality of life as a means to attract and maintain a healthy economy has resulted in the City's ability to attract new jobs at a rate higher than the national average without using tax breaks as an incentive (Wall Street Journal). A City's quality of life is more important than purely business-related factors when it comes to attracting new businesses, particularly in the rapidly growing high-tech and service industries. (Joint Economic Committee, United States Congress) The United States Census special survey (Impact of Travel on State Economies 2000, Travel Industry Association of America) reports California is ranked #1 in US spending on domestic overnight trips & day trips of 50 miles or more, one way, away from home. Foster City estimates their city brought in an average of $208,000 from non-residents during their 2006 July Fourth Blast. The City of Moreno Valley realized a $1,004,480 economic impact when their Parks and Recreation Department hosted a national ASA Softball tournament for 860 registered athletes and another 2,200 coaches, spectators, families and tournament officials visiting and lodging for eight days in Moreno Valley. Rock Hill, South Carolina for the one week 2003 NSA Girls World Series for 400 teams realized 20,000 + hotel room nights and an economic impact of$16 million The top four suburban communities rated by Sunset, February 2007, have master plans for significant open space and miles of multi-use trails. The American Planning Association (APA) states that parks support economic development by: 1. Positively affecting real property values 2. Increasing municipal revenues 3. Attracting and retaining affluent retirees 4. Attracting knowledge workers and talent to live and work in the community 5. Attracting homebuyers to buy in the community Creating Community through People, Parks And Programs 4 BENEFITS FOR THE CITY BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF /THE PARKS The value of a park system extends beyond the boundaries of the parks themselves.In fact,the excellent city park system is a form of natural infrastructure that provides many goods for the city as a whole: • cleaner air,as trees and vegetation filter out pollutants by day and produce oxygen by night; • cleaner water,as roots trap silt and contaminants before they flow into streams,rivers and lakes; • reduced health costs from sedentary syndromes such as obesity and diabetes,thanks to walking and running trails, sports fields,recreation centers,bike-ways,golf courses,and other opportunities for physical fitness; • improved learning opportunities from"outdoor classrooms"in forests,meadows,wetlands and even recovering brownfields and greyfields(previously used tracts); • increased urban tourism based on attractive,successful parks,with resulting increased commerce and sales tax revenue; • increased business vitality based on employer and employee attraction to quality parks;and • natural beauty and respite from traffic and noise. While each individual factor may be too diffuse to measure,taken collectively good parks have been shown to increase the property value of residences up to a radius of about two-fifths of a mile. (Of course,troubled parks can have the opposite result.)The sophisticated park agency regularly collects financial data(or contracts with a university or other entity)in order to know which of its parks are positively impacting the surrounding neighborhood.It also informs the media,the tourism and real estate industries,and even the mayor's office at budget time.Unfortunately,few agencies maintain this economic database. EXCELLENT PRACTICE MEASURING PROPERTY VALUES INDIANAPOLIS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION In the future, all cities will regularly measure changes in property values near parks. For now,the best example comes from Indianapolis' Department of Parks and Recreation. A former railroad line that was converted into a park for bicycling,skating and walking,the Monon Trail has proved valuable to its neighborhood.In a study carried out by Indiana University's Eppley Institute,66 percent at property owners living near the trail felt that it increased the resale value of their property,while only 5 percent felt the opposite. Sixty-four percent felt the trail made their property easier to sell while 10 percent felt the opposite. The$60,000 study.which also included research into railroad tracks outside the city,was partially paid for by the state departments of transportation and natural resources. The initial survey did not elucidate detailed economic information,but the next version will. Using computerized mapping,census data and property sales records,researchers will study the precise impact of all six of the city's major greenways upon housing prices.A future version of the study could conceivably carry out a similar analysis tot the rest of the park system. Contact:Ray Irvin,Administrator of Greenways and Bike Routes,Indianapolis Dept of Parks and Recreation, 900 E. 64th St.,Indianapolis,IN 46220;317-327-7431. were constructed in the U.S. in the 1990s. Developers include golf courses to increase the land values in their projects; to accelerate the absorption of real estate, i.e., to sell their lots more quickly; or to respond to physical planning or ecological conditions. Contemporary golf courses integrated into real estate developments typically exemplify the important role of"edge" in maximizing proximate residential lot values. The favored designs are linear because they can accommodate much more real estate frontage than traditional circular or rectangular courses. The magnitude of the premium associated with golf courses appears to be in the 25 to 30 percent range which is substantially higher than the proximate premiums associated with parks and open space. but lower than that accruing from water features. However, the premium is mostly limited to homes abutting the course. Those located two or three blocks away are unlikely to have a view and, unlike a park. frequently they do not have access since casual use for purposes other than golf is often aggressively discouraged. Although the evidence is sparse, there is general agreement among studies and reports that approximately 70 percent of households residing in golf communities have no members who play golf regularly at the course. These data when aligned with the substantial cost of developing a golf course and the lack of developer interest in operating it, suggest more developers may consider creating a similar pre- mium for their lots by using prime attractive, ambient open space rather than building a golf course. The developers' use of golf courses in developments mirrors the rationale that public parks and open space has used for over a century and a half, i.e.. parks are an investment not a cost because they generate more property taxes for a community than it costs to service the annual debt charges incurred in creatln2 the amenities. The high visibility, large num her, and success of these golf course deve lopments demonstrates by analogy to governmental stakeholders and decision-makers the viability of the proximate principle in the context of park land and open space. The Role of Park and Open Space Lands in Reducing Taxes It is often argued by developers and elected officials that in addition to acquisition and development costs. and operating and maintenance costs. there is a substantial opportunity cost associated with allocating land for public parks and open space. Because such land is publicly owned, it is exempt from property taxes. Hence, the opportunity cost is the loss of property tax income that jurisdictions would have received if the land had been developed for other purposes. The conventional wisdom which prevails among many decision-makers and taxpayers is that development is the "highest and best use" of vacant land for increasing municipal revenues. This conventional wisdom is reinforced by developers who claim their projects pay for themselves and then some." They exhort that the developments will increase a base and thereby lower each existing resident's property tax payments. However, in the past two decades a number of communities have commissioned a type of fiscal impact analysis which has become known as a cost of community services study. Findings from these analyses have challenged conventional wisdom. They have consistently shown that the public costs associated with new residential development exceed the public revenues that accrue from it. The 98 cost of community services studies reviewed showed that for every $1 million received in revenues from residential developments, the median amount the communities had to expend to service them was $1.16 million. There was not a single instance among the 98 communities where taxes from residential development were sufficient to cover the costs of servicing them. New houses mean more children have to be enrolled and bused to school, additional roads built and maintained, extension of police and fire protection and so on. While supposed benefits of growth are loudly and widely proclaimed by a community's growth coalition, its associated costs are rarely discussed. The results from these studies refute the notion that development of land is invariably its "highest and best use"which sometimes thwarts park and open space initiatives. The evidence clearly indicates that preserving open space can be a less expensive alternative to development. Hence, a number of communities have elected to purchase paik and open space land, rather than allow it to he used for residential development, because this reduces the net tax deficit for their residents which would occur if new homes were built on that land. The conclusion is that a strategy of conserving parks and open space is not contrary to a community's economic health, hut rather it is an integral part of it. San Carlos Chamber of Commerce October 2005 Newsletter Parks & Recreation Takes Initiative to Work with Hotels San Carlos Parks and Recreation, with economic development as part of their mission, contacted all hotels belonging to the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce explaining what parks, facilities and recreational opportunities are available to their guests to make the hotel a more attractive destination. Parks and Recreation Director Barry Weiss noted the Radisson Villa Hotel in San Mateo was the only hotel to respond. They asked if Parks & Recreation would connect them with user groups to promote their hotel. San Carlos United Soccer Club, conducting their annual Hot August tournament, promoted the Radisson Villa Hotel as a destination, resulting in $3,494.86 in revenue as a result of a recent tournament. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Much more was spent on gasoline, meals, snacks, or other hotels. The national average spent for a youth activity involving an overnight stay is approximately $85 per day per person. Did YOU miss out on an opportunity? Weiss noted they only provide contact information of those organizations that are interested and authorize the contact. While $3,494.86 is not huge, it does show the economic impact of the Parks and Recreation as well as the potential revenue increases if hotels and Parks and Recreation work together. Contact Barry Weiss at 650-802- 4286 orbweiss@cityofsancarlos.org San Carlos Trail Connections Economic Benefits: • Increases Personal Property Values: Proximity to Greenways can increase proper- ty values more than 10%. National Recreation and Park Association article,"Measuring the Impact of Parks of Property Values"by Sarah Nicholls, Ph.D. • City becomes more desirable place to live: The top four suburban communities rated by Sunset, February 2007, have master plans for significant open space and miles of multi-use trails. Environmental Benefits: • Preservation of Wildlife Habitat: The bay area is predicted to grow by over 2 million people in the next 20 years. If cities and counties do not change their development patterns, thousands of acres of open space will be lost. The ensuing loss of habitat could threaten 257 imperiled species in the bay area. "Sprawl Endangers Hundreds of Nation's Imperiled Species", January 2005 Greenbelt Alliance • Urban Hiking and Biking right from your door reduces traffic and greenhouse gases: "The cars and trucks contribute 44% of all the Bay Area's greenhouse gas emissions. We can reduce emissions through more compact development". `Turning up the Heat on Sprawl: Fighting Global Warming with Better Land Use', Greenbelt Al- liance Personal Health and Quality of Life • Access to Trails encourages more Physical Activity: 'A 2004 study quantifies the benefits of money spent on trail development from a health standpoint. The conclusion is that for every dollar spent on trails nearly three dollars of public health benefits are produced.' Journal: Health Promotion Practice April2005 • Builds community: Neighbors meet and greet on the trail while local non-profits and businesses unite together towards a common goal. In Anchorage the trail system un- ites diverse users and activities. Outdoor recreational groups and businesses have partnered with the City building, maintaining and advocating trails throughout the re- gion. `American Pathways: Case Studies in Successful Partnering for Trails and Greenways', American Hiking Society and the National Park Service 1997. COMMUNITY BENEFITS AND REPOSITIONING: The Keys to Park and Recreation's Future Viability First Edition, 2007 John L. Crompton Distinguished Professor Texas A &M University Page 134 The importance of park, recreation, and open space amenities was reported in a study of key decision makers from 174 businesses that had relocated, expanded, or been launched in Colorado in the previous five years.* Small-business decision makers were influenced particularly strongly because they reported that quality of life was their main reason for locating there. Among six elements that were used to measure quality of life, these small-business decision makers ranked the element of park, recreation, and open space amenities as being the most important. The located their businesses where they could enjoy a preferred lifestyle. This finding is especially salient because analysts constantly reiterate that future growth in the United States' economy is likely to come primarily from small businesses. * Crompton, J.L., Love, L.L., &More, T.A. (1997). Characteristics of companies that considered recreation/parks/open space to be important in (re)location decisions. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration 15(1), 37-38 Memo To: Kevin Miller, Director of Parks and Recreation Via: Manny Hernandez, Recreation Superintendent Mary Bates, Recreation Superintendent From: Jessica Markillie, Recreation Coordinator Date: July 20, 2006 Topic: July Fourth Blast 2006; Economic Impact on Foster City It is estimated that the city brought in an average of$208,000 from nonresidents during the July Fourth Blast 2006. The estimated low end of the range is $128,000, and the high end is $288,000. While there is no exact formula for calculating the economic benefits to Foster City for this special event, many aspects were considered when coming to this conclusion. First, the total number in attendance was calculated. The parking structure, Parkside Towers Garage, has 4800 parking spaces. Every space was filled on July 4, 2006. With an estimated 2 people per vehicle, the total comes to 9,600 people. With additional street parking, around 1000 spaces, add 2,000 more to the attendance. And lastly, many residents are within walking distance of Leo Ryan Park, to add another 5,000 people. Total estimated attendance is upwards of 16,000 people. According to other studies done for large Special Events and Sporting events, it is best to calculate the economic impact from nonresidents. Since residents' tax dollars help fund the event and with the likelihood of them already spending their money in the city, calculations of nonresidents are best applied. Other studies have shown that approximately 40-50% of attendees are nonresidents at a Special Event such as a festival or fair like the July Fourth Blast. At a total of 16,000 in attendance, 40% is equal to 6,400 people. (Crompton, Lee & Shuster, 2001) Average costs for the daily activities vary depending on length of time and age of the participants attending. It is safe to say that the average attendee will purchase between $10-$25 worth of food, beverages, rides and activities throughout the day. An additional $10-$20 may be spent on other items such as souvenirs, groceries, picnic supplies, other retail stores, gas and transportation. This is a range of$20-$45 per person for the day. This is an average cost of$32.50 per person. At 6,400 people spending an average of$32.50 per person, it is estimated that nonresidents brought in $208,000 to Foster City on July 4th, 2006. Reference Crompton, John L., Lee, Seokho & Shuster, Thomas (2001)A Guide for Undertaking Economic Impact Studies: The Springfest Example. Journal of Travel Research, Vol. 40 Community Wide Benefits of Parks and Recreation Economic Development By Dr. John Crompton, Distinguished Professor, Texas A & M University Economic development is widely viewed as being central to a community's economic prosperity because it is viewed as a means of enhancing the tax base. The enhancement is perceived to provide additional tax revenues which governments can use either to improve the community's infrastructure, facilities and services, or to reduce the level of taxes that existing residents pay. It is seen also as a source of jobs that provide income which enables residents to improve their quality of life. Park and recreation agencies can be a central contributor to economic development. That role may take the form of: (i) Attracting Tourists: The major factor considered by tourists when they make a decision about which communities to visit on a pleasure trip is the attractions that are available. In most cities, those attractions are dominated by facilities and services operated by park and recreation agencies and their non-profit partners (parks, beaches, events, festivals, athletic tournaments, museums, historical sites, cultural performances, etc.). Without such attractions, there is no tourism. (ii) Attracting Businesses: The viability of businesses in the highly recruited high-technology, research and development, company headquarters, and services sectors, in many cases is dependent on their ability to attract and retain highly educated professional employees. The deciding factor of where these individuals choose to live is often the quality of life in the geographic vicinity of the business. No matter how quality of life is defined, park and recreation opportunities are likely to be a major component of it. (iii) Attracting Retirees: A new clean "growth industry" in America today is the growing number of relatively affluent, active retirees. Their decisions as to where to locate with their substantial retirement incomes is primarily governed by two factors: climate and recreational opportunities. (iv) Enhancing Real Estate Values: People frequently are willing to pay more for a home located close to a park or natural area than they are for a comparable home elsewhere. The enhanced value of these properties results in their owners paying higher property taxes to governments, reflecting the benefits they receive from their proximate location. When the incremental amounts of taxes paid by each property that is attributable to the park are aggregated, they are likely to be sufficient to pay a substantial proportion of the debt charges required to retire the bonds used to acquire, develop or renovate, the park. (v) Reducing Taxes: There is a prevailing myth that development is the "highest and best use" of vacant land. Consequently, growth is perceived to be the key to enhancing the tax base and keeping property taxes low. The reality is that while residential development is likely to generate significant tax revenue, in most developments the cost of providing services and infrastructure, especially schools, to service the development is likely to exceed the tax revenue emanating from it so the taxes of existing residents will increase. Creating parks and natural areas is likely to be a less expensive alternative to taxpayers than residential development. (vi) Stimulation of Equipment Sales: Manufacturers and retailers of recreational equipment, and others who sell related services (equipment repairs and leasing, outfitters, et. al.) depend on there being recreation facilities at which people can use the equipment. This creates jobs and income for residents, and sales tax revenues for government. MeasuringImpactsEconomic of Tourism . _ 1111‘i ,_ Preste1Ly by V4.10_ 0 Jan S I I i to & Dad.-- ,..--/- :_ . - '•-tr iiiik* N-.8.- - -::::.:-.11 './... . ....... . f-11 .'. : .1 4 i ..1 ' - + \ - i k 5y f - is ROSEVI dij it IT •4-. "dill if " 1, . CLIFORNIA A Anything is possible... Tourism is Economic Development • New dollars infused into the economy • Generates sales tax impact • Generates employment impact • Diversifies economic base Tourism is the third largest industry employer in California 709,000 employees What is Tourism • It ' s more than Disneyland . . . „.„ Jr Arts: theaters, galleries, museums, concerts Heritage Places: historical sites, factory tours Parks: national, state, regional, city Recreation: festivals, sports, golf, fitncss Recreation as Tourism Engine ". . . in most communities, pleasure travel is a business that the public sector drives , and park and recreation agencies are . . . the engines of tourism" ova.: .. . ��� 07,, --: � John Crompton v,-,Q- "Measuring the Economic Impact... " pay taxes & park fees for businesses & residents who 7 • • • to the City who. . . creating income & jobs Tourism Cycle Z111* supports park & rec facilities who spend money in local economy that attract visitors Competitive Repositioning Demonstrate tourism as an economic development engine: • Create calendar of events • Provide number of visitors and spending I 14.1.00 AGRO ART FF5114AL Communication Key Identify Audiences • Community — residents — sports orgs • Businesses • Elected officials I. ffcdl?cx the Perspective How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb? Golden retriever: "The sun is out, the day is young and you ' re worrying about a stupid light bulb?" Border collie : "Just one. And then I' ll replace any wiring that' s not up to code." Lab : "Oh, me! Me! Please let me change the bulb! Can I? Can I?" Rottweiler: "Make me." Old English sheepdog: "Light bulb? I don' t see a light bulb." k._ Cat: "Dogs do not change light bulbs. People i.) •.6:1.,C change light bulbs. So the question is, how long will it be before I can expect light?" Roseville ' s Model • Business travel mainstay for hotels • Vacancies on weekends • Economy of 2002/Corporate downsizing f • ' f 5 41. •ti 1 5,„AF . • laini:400.00,- Ili . Abil .. .: . 771. ill 1 ..:J_...\40r„.....-.)..".....1 divii.,,, ,' % I ! . ..do. . . • yy. `+ . ' 1 • !! .. 'i.i I roH ' .I • � ' x _ I Roseville ' s Model • Sports tourism steadily growing • Fill weekend vacancies Sports Tourism Participants 30000 I. 20000 ' 10000 0 2 30 2 01 2002 • Total Participants • Out of town participants Tourism Spending in Roseville Direct Spending Generated 2002 4$6,5`36,684I 2001 $5,4 1 ,758 2000 $4,27 ,652 0 1,000,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 4,000,000 5,000,000 6,000,000 7,000,000 Collecting Data Example . . . Cutting Edge Marketing Tournament ??% response rate qualifies as valid survey sample? Doing the Math 1 . Tally and total visitor spending 2 . Calculate average per event 3 . Sum all events to calculate average spending per group 4 . Multiply average spending by total groups a 1 1 Averages $Restrnts: $Grocery: $12.00 $20.00 $0.00 14, ............... $0.00 $200.00 $40.00 � , 0 $40.00 $0.00 -~ + $0.00 $0.00 A� $0.00 $0.00 $75.00 $0.00 r $0.00 $0.00 $60.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $50.00 $0.00 $65.00 $0.00 . . $130.00 $25.00 $40.00 $0.00 $20.00 $0.00 -- / $8.00 $0.00 $20.00 $0.00 --- ' $280.00 $0.00 k__ $2.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $100.00 $0.00 ', .- \ $160.00 $0.00 $35.00 $0.00 1 $400.00 $0.00 Ste• tl $1 $65.00 1 Averages SAS AAU February Basketball Tournai.:nt - I 100I Jut of town participants --- Average Projected Visitors* Number in group 4.13 413 Amounts Spent: Restaurant Ofirl0 $7,154.00 Grocery . 1 $271.00 Movies $0.00 $0.00 Recreation $1.63 $163.00 Alcohol $4.79 $479.00 Sporting Goods $13.13 $1,313.00 Clothing $17.83 $1,783.00 Misc. $8.13 $813.00 Lodging $77.46 $7,746.00 Auto (fuel) $30.92 $3,092.00 Totals: Avg. spending per participant group 41agroo $22,814.00 direct spending by all visitors Roseville Totals 4 ct alo jli'dqP , cA •U '-' i •. hi c, fa, o 0 0 0 .� 0 U ct W r- P-+ 4--1 bA bA a) H O ' H ' 2000 15920 11761 2.6 30,579 $363.80 $4,278,651 .80 2001 20293 11551 3.26 37,656 $474.57 $5,481 ,758.07 2002 28058 17239 : 3.8 65,508 $379.161 $6,536,684.02 CAUTION M _re; ; � Garbage Out IMPLAN Pro . . . • software for impact analysis • calculates multiplier effect to measure : - Tax impacts - Employment impacts 9 ?sources Measuring the Economic Impact . . . ‘ 4\11 by John L Crompton L. Minnesota IMPLAN Group Phone: 651 -439-4421 www. implan . com Visitcalifornia.com/research d packer@rosevi I I e.ca. us CalTour@commerce.ca.gov jitoroseville.ca. us www.roseville.ca.us cir�ror ROSEVILLE msu.edu/course/prr/840/econimpact/reports.htm CALIFORNIA What kind of Tater are you ! Some people can put up a front and pretend to be someone they are not: they are called "Emma Taters". Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the work: they : ,';.6 , are called "Spec Taters" if_ . . Others do what they say they will, are always prepared to lend a helping ge la hand: they are called "Sweet Taters". NMNN, :A -- CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS AND RECREATION 0`�7°��'� STAFF REPORT e.N.T9 3yo4f To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: Ironwood Irrigation Clock In early May, Staff will be retrofitting Ironwood Park with Calsense irrigation controllers. The Calsense irrigation controller is a computerized irrigation system operated from a central computer. This allows one person to control the scheduling of all parks and sports fields irrigation activities from one location. The Calsense system will also detect and alert the operator of broken irrigation lines and electrical problems in the field. The Calsense system is currently utilized in the Civic Center Park, Hovley Soccer Park, Freedom Park, and Palma Village Park. In addition to the installation of the new irrigation clock, Staff is working with Public Works to install an additional Calsense transmitting antenna at Ironwood Park. The additional antenna would allow all areas of City-owned landscaping to communicate with and utilize the Calsense irrigation system. NMNN, .�'�_ . CITY OF PALM DESERT : PARKS AND RECREATION ,4,.... STAFF REPORT e.N.T9 3yo� f To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: Local Artist Showcase at the Civic Center Park Update At the April 7, 2009, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, the Commission supported the recommendation that Staff ask the City Council to approve a "Local Artist Showcase" program in the Civic Center Park as part of the City's parks and recreation services, and act as a co-sponsor with the 1201 Collective. This item will be taken to the City Council on May 21, 2009. After the April 7 meeting, Staff received a phone call from a local band representative, Mr. Mike Aspell. He read about the item in the newspaper, and mentioned that he was very interested in assisting with the event. Staff met with Mr. Aspell on April 20, 2009. He has a local band, numerous sound and lighting contacts, and a "probable" sponsor with a Coachella Valley music store. A member of his band is a "sound tech," and they have offered their services free of charge. They just want the opportunity to play at a local venue. Staff has spoken with both Mr. Aspell and Mr. Aaron White (1201 Collective representative), and they are excited to work together on this event. Staff feels that it is a good fit since they represent different genres of music and vastly different age groups. NMNN, .�'�_• . CITY OF PALM DESERT : PARKS AND RECREATION �`....� STAFF REPORT egT�9 3yo��f To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: Pickleball On February 26, 2009, Staff presented to the City Council a request for approval of a design/build project at Hovley Soccer Park and University Park East. The design included pickleball courts, a petanque court, community gardens (at University Park East and at Hovley Soccer Parks), a shaded picnic area, landscaping, and horseshoe pits. The Council rejected the request and directed Staff to look into the recommendation of Mr. Chris Thomas, a Palm Desert resident and pickleball player. Mr. Thomas recommended converting the two tennis courts at Cahuilla Hills Park into four permanent pickleball courts due to the "under-utilization" of the courts by tennis players. He stated that this could be completed at a cost of approximately $3,000.00. See attached minutes. Since the February Council meeting, Staff has received numerous negative telephone calls from local tennis players that utilize Cahuilla Park tennis courts. The area tennis players voiced their concerns about the court conversion and the statement that the courts were under-utilized. Staff also received numerous complaints from tennis players approximately a year ago when pickleball lines were painted on the courts. If the Cahuilla Hills conversion is pursued, Staff would recommend scheduling a public meeting to allow all citizens to voice their opinions prior to converting the courts. As an alternative, Staff has identified an area at University Park East that will accommodate a new pickleball court without any conversion of the courts at Cahuilla Park (see attached photo). The court would be located at the site originally designed for a community garden. Staff has requested bids for the work and the cost of this project is $19,999.00. Pickleball Court Page 2 of 2 May 5, 2009 The option of building a pickleball court at the University Park site would provide the pickleball players with a dedicated court, and would not encroach on the tennis players at Cahuilla Hills Park. It would also help City officials determine if there is enough usage to necessitate the development of future pickleball courts. Councilmember Jean Benson also requested that Staff look at the possibility of painting pickleball lines on the courts at Freedom Park. Staff is getting costs for this, and will be posting notices to notify users that it will be happening. The Mayor requested that this item be taken to the City Council as soon as the cost for the court was received. It is on the agenda for the May 7, 2009, City Council meeting. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Pickleball\Picklball court.doc PICKLEBALL LOCATION rillgill. . - - ... . . . .i: • . •'' " ..4... , ii. . • ,.-•- • 4. :1. t • ,. . .... 7 • 6 : 'R-..! •• . : ..' 7: ;-. • i•- ••:111L, Ss• . , - , . . .° l• 1 6:. • . .•:'_ . • •.Q1 .. -,... • '4' ' • ._z - Ak:"T7i. inir 11.I' -... ' ' PROPOSED PIGKrtuALL usu .. 0 L -.1'W.,,,,.. tillftlitkvA ,r.... .' •'.. ...,•• ; .-..d '''''' '....•-' ',.. . ' „4.!X. ' •''-i-E • — .. . ••••.., 7--.•••••, •r•••• ,-*t .-1-•i••• ,. . ---- -— '•-• .----__ ° WM _...1...'---- ,...,_• .,, ' ' 141 ' ----------1\---_. ... ,....' d c..7 r Jc •8 ! 0 I r 'I 1... . 1 . . . .1 • . . i, I r.. i _ . • FC4 i r., —. jtitf.AYE-Artna CU-, 1110ft MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2009 if Palm Desert had any permanent pickleball courts, and the answer was no. He said people shared tennis courts at Cahuilla Hills, which the City agreed to paint for dual purpose. On Monday,Wednesday, and Thursday mornings, those pickleball courts are fully occupied with people waiting to play. He said tennis courts were under-utilized and believed it was time for pickleball to get at least two permanent courts. He understood these were hard economic times and that the proposed courts were part of a larger proposal, which had a significant dollar expenditure. However, in light of that, he provided a one-page article about how people got together in Middletown, Ohio and took two public tennis courts that were un-utilized and converted them into six beautiful courts for a total cost of $3,000. He said if his proposal failed in terms of Hovley Park, he would suggest the Council direct staff to convert the two tennis courts at Cahuilla Hills into four permanent pickleball courts. Ms. Riddle noted that the existing two Community Gardens were 100% occupied and each had a waiting list; San Pablo had 38, Freedom park had 16, and Hovley Park had 34, which was the garden being planned. University Park didn't have a waiting list because it hadn't been advertised. Councilmember Benson was in favor of converting the Cahuilla Hills tennis courts into pickleball courts because those courts had never been a success. Mayor Pro Tem Finerty stated this was not the proper time to be spending $175,000 for this request. If there are two tennis courts that are under-utilized that could be converted into pickleball courts at a nominal expense, the City should pursue that option. She said this plan could be kept on file, but she could not support the project at this time. Councilman Ferguson and Councilman Kelly agreed with Councilmember Benson and Mayor Pro Tem Finerty. Mayor Spiegel noted that these funds were budgeted and more than $5 million was taken out of the budget for the remainder of the year. He said people want to grow their own produce, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc., and this gave them the opportunity to do so. He said Ms. Riddle had just given the number of people on the waiting list for the community gardens, and to deny low-income people who lived moderately, and those in the new homes near the back of the soccer fields, was wrong. He felt the City was taking away something from people during a time when they couldn't afford to do anything; they couldn't afford to play horseshoes, pickleball, or barbeque outside. He said it was the right project, at the right time, and for the right reasons. 17 MINUTES REGULAR PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2009 Councilman Kelly stated he participated in the Community Gardens for two years and thought they were wonderful. He had seen them all over in other cities and they were not nearly as expensive as Palm Desert. His biggest problem, that while he was there for two years, he was one of three people that grew anything and most other pots had weeds. He was in favor of the San Pablo Community Garden because it would provide landscape for the entrance to City Hall, but he was disappointed in the two years he participated there and thought it was a high expense in this day and age. Councilman Ferguson moved to, by Minute Motion deny the recommendation but authorize staff to take a look at converting the Cahuilla Hills Park tennis courts into Pickleball Courts in a total amount not to exceed $5,000, further directing that it contact Middletown, Ohio, for how it accomplished a similar project. Motion was seconded by Finerty and carried by a 4-1 vote, with Spiegel voting NO. B. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE 2009 ART OF FOOD & WINE PALM DESERT, NOVEMBER 5 - 8. Marketing Manager Kristy Kneiding noted the staff report that outlined a budget in the amount of$375,000, which represented a 39.5% reduction in the budget to produce the Art of Food & Wine this year. Staff worked with Kemper Sports at trying to maintain the integrity of the event,while still taking into consideration the City's strict budget concerns for the upcoming year. Staff felt the event was extremely important to the City because it provided a reason for people to come to Palm Desert. Staff recommended approval of this budget and noted Event Director Amy Harris and Controller for Kemper Sports John Clark were present to answer any questions. MR. LEON BENNET, 48350 Crestview Drive, Palm Desert, stated he was a resident of Palm Desert for 22 years. He was in support of the Art of Food & Wine event because it continued to keep Palm Desert before the region, the nation, and possibly the world; it brought visitors, vendors, and tourist to the Valley, and the event helped the City maintain a vital sales tax and Transient Occupancy Tax (T.O.T.) base. He had seen many events mature and a few that had failed. He noted that Palm Springs Film Festival was one of those successful events that was recognized among the world's best, but it didn't happen in a two or three year period or without the support of the City of Palm Springs. The City of Palm Springs supported their event on a risk budget for the past 19 years, and in 2008 Palm Springs supported the event with $350,000 because ittgave them an image, tourist, sales tax, and T.O.T. Another successful event was the Southwest Art Festival that was now 23 years old and brought in nearly$1 million in art sales, but it started small and struggled for years. He said the owners of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden stadium had the vision and tenacity to build the new facility here in the Valley, 18 CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKS AND RECREATION nor INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Jay Niemczak, Parks Facilities Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: Soccer Park Fertigation With the increased use of all sports fields in the City, Staff will be requesting bids to purchase a fertigation system to enhance and possibly eliminate the use of granular fertilizer at Hovley Soccer Park. Fertigation is the process of injecting liquid fertilizer directly into the irrigation water lines whenever fertilization is needed. This system allows for a more uniform application of fertilizer, and eliminates growth spikes in the turf associated with the application of granular fertilizer. With regular use, the cost of fertilizing the turf should be reduced due to the lower application rates used with fertigation systems. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Fertigation.doc ' � CITY OF PALM DESERT diet •: PARKS AND RECREATION 7°��'e STAFF REPORT gT�9 3yo��f To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: Status Updates Attached is a copy of the status updates provided to the City Manager on the following dates: • April 6, 2009 • April 13, 2009 • April 20, 2009 • April 27, 2009 STATUS REPORT Updated: April 6, 2009 PARKS & RECREATION ITEM # PROJECT/LOCATION NAME STATUS 1 Park Maintenance Contract(s) Contracts posted (out to bid 3/24/09). Pre-bid meeting April 1st. Tours on April 1st and 2nd Bid opening is scheduled for April 29, 2009. *One additional pre-bid meeting will be held on April 14, 2009. 2 Civic Center Park: YMCA Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Fest; City Arbor Day celebration, all in April 11, 2009 Civic Center Park. Arbor Day celebration — 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. 3. Easter— April 12, 2009 Code Enforcement officer scheduled to work 7 — 3; and Sheriff's department will provide officers as well. 4. Concerts in the Park - Fridays The concept will go to the P & R Commission on April 6 and to Council the 2nd meeting in April if recommended by the Commission. 5. Amphitheater Shade Structure As a result of the high winds on March 23, 2009, the amphitheater shade structure suffered a tear in the canopy. Staff will get costs to replace the structure. 6. Water Feature — Civic Center Park The nuisance water created by the Civic Center Park Water feature was diverted to the sewer line located at the restroom near the playground. The project was completed on March 26, 2009. 7. Mike Schuler Trail Turn Outs Mike Schuler continues trail repairs for the City of Palm Desert. When repairs are complete, Mike will begin constructing turnouts on the Mike Schuler Trail. The turnouts will be funded by the City of Ranch Mirage in the amount of $ 21,000.00. This was approved by the City Council on October 23, 2008. 8. Southern California Edison Invoice Public Works Staff brought an invoice for $42,000 to Staff on Friday, April, 3. It appears to be a line extension at Freedom Park. Staff is investigating why we are receiving the invoice at this time, as the park was complete 2 years ago. 9. Civic Center Park Bridge The bridge that enters the east side of Civic Center Park was deteriorating and becoming a hazard. The wooden planks on the bridge were replaced the week of March 23, 2009. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status Reports\April 6 Status report.doc STATUS REPORT Updated: April 6, 2009 10. Joe Mann Park Vandalism Joe Mann Park experienced a great deal of vandalism, mostly graffiti, during the week of March 30th, 2009. 11. I Wind damage — March 22-23, 2009 On Sunday March 22, 2009, a cable on the new Ironwood Park shade structure snapped due to high winds. The contractor completed repairs the week of March 23, 2009. At 8:45 a.m. Staff discovered downed trees and a power outage at the Soccer park. Crews worked to clean up downed trees and debris. Work was completed on March 23, 2009. On March 30, 2009, Park Staff noticed a large tear at the very top of the amphitheater due to the recent wind storm. Staff will get costs to repair and replace the structure. 12. Tree removal The yearly city-wide tree pruning contract will begin on April 6, 2009. Pruning will is scheduled to begin in the parks and then move to other areas of the City. Currently contractors are removing dead or hazardous trees throughout the City. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status Reports\April 6 Status report.doc STATUS REPORT Updated: April 13, 2009 I PARKS & RECREATION ITEM # PROJECT/LOCATION NAME STATUS 1 Park Maintenance Contract(s) Bid opening is scheduled for April 29, 2009. 2nd pre-bid meeting will be held on April 14, 2009. 2 Fertigation System at Hovley Soccer Staff is requesting bids to purchase a liquid fertilizing system that is injected into Park the irrigation system rather than the granular type that is now used. The new system will reduce the cost of fertilizer and apply fertilizer more uniformly. 3. Easter— April 12, 2009 Code Enforcement officer and Sheriff's department officers assisted in the park on this day. Their assistance was greatly appreciated and really helped with making Easter in the parks (Civic and even Freedom) go much more smoothly and incident free. 4. Concerts in the Park - Fridays The concept went to the P & R Commission on April 6. It was unanimously supported. Will take it to Council the 2nd meeting in April. 5. Amphitheater Shade Structure Staff will get costs to replace the structure. 6. Upcoming events Met with groups holding events in the park: 1. April 15, 5:30 — 7:30 pm (Americans for America); 2. BLM (monthly contract meeting); 3. Arbor Day celebration — April 22, Ronald Reagan Elementary— 9:30 am. 4. Autism Walk scheduled for April 25th; 5. Jeffrey Frankel - Holocaust Remembrance — scheduled for April 21st at 3:30 pm. It was scheduled at 5:30 but they had a marketing glitch and needed to move it up. We warned about lack of parking; 6. Mr. Norman Haines — Run event at Hovley Soccer Park. Called the Recreation District to encourage their involvement. Scheduled a meeting for 4/14/09 to discuss with them. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status ReportsWpril 13 update.doc STATUS REPORT Updated: April 13, 2009 7. Desert Recreation District 1. Attended Board meeting 4/8/09 — 6:00 pm. 2. Met with Recreation and Center's Superintendents. 3. Attended staff meeting at the Palm Desert Recreation Center. 4. Scheduled contract meeting with Mr. Ford and Mr. Kalman at 10:00 am on April 30, 2009. 8. Southern California Edison Invoice Public Works Staff brought an invoice for $42,000 to Staff on Friday, April, 3. It appears to be a line extension at Freedom Park. Staff is investigating why we are receiving the invoice at this time, as the park was complete 2 years ago. 9. Ironwood Park Computerized Staff will be installing the Calsense Irrigation Controller at Ironwood Park. The Irrigation Clock calsense controller is a computerized irrigation controller operated from City Hall via radio communication. The system is now installed in Civic Center Park, Freedom Park, University Parks, Palma Village Park and Haystack Park. 10. Joe Mann Park Vandalism Joe Mann Park experienced a great deal of vandalism, mostly graffiti, during the week of March 30th, 2009. 11. Tree removal The yearly city-wide tree pruning contract will begin on April 6, 2009. Pruning will is scheduled to begin in the parks and then move to other areas of the City. Currently contractors are removing dead or hazardous trees throughout the City. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status Reports\April 13 update.doc STATUS REPORT Updated: April 20, 2009 PARKS & RECREATION ITEM # PROJECT/LOCATION NAME STATUS 1 Park Maintenance Contract(s) Bid opening is scheduled for April 29, 2009. 2nd pre-bid meeting was held on April 14, 2009. There were 10 landscape companies represented. 2 Fertigation System at Hovley Soccer Staff is requesting bids to purchase a liquid fertilizing system. Fertilizer is injected Park into the irrigation system rather than the granular type that is now used. The new system will reduce the cost of fertilizer and apply fertilizer more uniformly. 3. Legend Field Oak Trees 12 oak trees were removed from Legends Field in Civic Center Park last week. This was necessary due to overcrowding as the trees matured, which impairs the growth of all the trees. Staff will cap off irrigation at the individual tree sites (where trees were removed) and fill sidewalk tree planting areas with concrete. 4. Concerts in the Park - Fridays The concept went to the P & R Commission on April 6. It was unanimously supported. Staff will take it to Council the on May 7. Staff received a call from another party interested in assisting with the concerts (providing sound system free of charge etc.). Staff has a meeting scheduled for 4/20/09 to speak with him as well. 5. Amphitheater Shade Structure Staff is getting estimates to replace the structure. The structure was damaged in the wind storm on 4/14/09. Half the structure is missing. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status Reports\April 20.doc STATUS REPORT Updated: April 20, 2009 6. Upcoming events Met with groups holding events in the park: 1. Arbor Day celebration — April 22, Ronald Reagan Elementary — 9:30 am. Led by Parks and Recreation Staff in conjunction with Ronald Reagan Elementary School, a Brownie Troop from Ronald Reagan Elementary School and all second-graders! The Mayor will be attending. 2. Autism Walk scheduled for April 25th; set up is 6:30 a.m. on that date. 3. Jeffrey Frankel - Holocaust Remembrance — scheduled for April 21st at 3:30 pm. It was scheduled at 5:30 but they had a marketing glitch and needed to move it up. We warned about lack of parking. 7. Desert Recreation District 1. Staff (Jay Niemczak) met with Recreation District Staff and Mr. Norman Haines (4/14) to discuss a running event to be held with joint sponsorship (City and Recreation District). 2. Scheduled contract meeting between City Staff (Jay Niemczak and Janis Steele), and Mr. Stan Ford and Mr. Kevin Kalman at 10:00 am on April 30, 2009. 8. Southern California Edison Invoice Public Works Staff brought an invoice for $42,000 to Staff on Friday, April, 3. It appears to be a line extension at Freedom Park. Staff is investigating why we are receiving the invoice at this time, as the park was complete 2 years ago. On 4/17/09 Staff spoke to Mr. Jeremy Edwards, a Planner for Edison. Mr. Edwards will assist Staff to identify what exact work this invoice represents. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status Reports\April 20.doc STATUS REPORT Updated: April 20, 2009 9. Pickleball Update Staff (Jay Niemczak) met with Recreation District Staff and pickleball representative Chris Thomas regarding a pickleball court possibility at University Park and to evaluate the pickleball portion of the International Sports Festival. It was explained to Mr. Thomas by City Staff that there are numerous tennis players at Cahuilla Hills tennis courts, and that we've received numerous complaints from them since the Council meeting where he recommended converting the tennis courts to pickleball courts. Staff anticipated these calls based on the calls received when we painted pickleball lines on the courts. If the court at University Park is not approved by Council (the Mayor requested it be taken to Council), Staff will recommend holding a community meeting regarding the Cahuilla Hills tennis court conversion. We would not recommend the conversion at this time, without holding a public meeting. Mr. Niemczak and Recreation District Staff felt that the meeting was productive, but received a very negatively toned email from Mr. Thomas the following day. It is the second such email City Staff has received from Mr. Thomas; and the Recreation District has also received negative comments from Mr. Thomas, thus prompting the scheduling of this meeting in the first place. Staff is more than willing to work with him to bring pickleball to Palm Desert, and has. 10. Freedom Park Vandalism Freedom Park bathrooms experienced vandalism, mostly graffiti, on April 10, 2009. Two girls were identified and the police have their information. Staff (Janis Steele) received calls and requests from Mr. McLauglin (Ronald Reagan Elementary School Principal) and Ms. Jonathan (RR Teacher) that we prosecute the 2 girls. They feel that they are very dangerous and out of control. They vandalized classrooms a week before, and were on suspension for 1 week. They returned to school the SAME DAY they vandalized the park. The Police Department was notified of their requests, and Deputy Ramirez is following up with the incident. Staff received cleanup costs from the City's graffiti removal team as per requested by Deputy Ramirez. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status Reports\April 20.doc STATUS REPORT Updated: April 20, 2009 11. Wind Damage on April 14, 2009 Civic Center park Removal of trees and damaged branches: 1. 30' Palo Verde - $450.00 2. Ash Tree — remove top broken branches - $125.00 3. Ash tree remove top broken branches - $125.00 4. Ash tree by mother child Remove some weight and branches - $125.00 5. 40' Eucalyptus remove branch - $150.00 6. 35' Eucalyptus tree removal - $450.00. Note: Out of the 3 ash Trees, one (1) is so damaged that it needs to be removed, which will cost an additional $400.00. 12. YMCA of the Desert Staff (Janis Steele) attended an Ex-Officio Board meeting with the YMCA of the Desert on 4/15/09. This meeting has representatives from all valley cities, school districts, Supervisor Wilson's office, etc. Staff is preparing a report for the City Manager regarding city responsibilities for parks and recreation in valleywide cities. 13. Sluggers (as a potential partner) Staff (Janis Steele) met with Mr. Patrick Evans (Marketing/Training Pro) and Mr. Chris Clapinski (an Owner) regarding partnering on programs and tournaments with Sluggers. They are a local organization who provides programs revolving around baseball and who also teaches "Positive Coaching" — a national not-for- profit program similar to First Tee. I have scheduled a meeting with myself, Recreation District Staff, Mr. Evans and Mr. Clapinski for 4/23/09, to discuss implementation of programs. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status Reports\April 20.doc STATUS REPORT Updated: April 20, 2009 14. Opera in the Park A meeting is scheduled on 4/23/09 with Ms. Arlene Rosenthal, Janis Steele, Jay Niemczak, Sheila Gilligan and Pat Scully regarding an "Opera in the Park" event. Ms. Rosenthal made a presentation to the Parks and Recreation Commission who unanimously supported her proposition. She wants the event to be free, as she will solicit sponsorships. She would like to partner with the City by waiving fees to reserve the amphitheater, and would like us to advertise for the event. Mayor Spiegel asked that a meeting be scheduled with Ms. Gilligan and Ms. Scully to discuss the possibility of assisting with marketing of the program. 15. Ironwood Park Sidewalks Many areas of the sidewalks entering Ironwood Park are beginning to be lifted to an unsafe level by tree roots. Staff is requesting bids to remove the lifted sections of the sidewalks, and replace them with new concrete sidewalk areas. 16. Soccer Park Playground Surface The majority of the surfacing under the playground at the soccer park is sand. Sand is not an acceptable ADA surface. In Early March, Staff will be replacing the sand surfacing with ADA accessible engineered wood fiber. 17. University Park(s)/CVWD Took a check and "applications of service" paperwork on all the water meters (5) at University Park East and the University Dog Park to CVWD on 4/17/09 to ensure service is not shut off. Service has been in the Palm Desert Funding Company's name (paid by Hover Development), but there were some glitches in the transfer. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status Reports\April 20.doc STATUS REPORT Updated: April 27, 2009 PARKS & RECREATION ITEM # PROJECT/LOCATION NAME STATUS 1 Park Maintenance Contract(s) Bid opening is scheduled for April 29, 2009. 2. Concerts in the Park - Fridays The concept went to the P & R Commission on April 6. It was unanimously supported. Staff will take it to Council the on May 7. Staff received a call from another party interested in assisting with the concerts (providing sound system free of charge etc.). Staff met with the Palm Desert resident on 4/20/09. He and his band are also interested in assisting with the concerts in terms of donating equipment. They have a contact with a local music store as well that he believes will be a sponsor. 3. Amphitheater Shade Structure Staff received estimates to replace the structure. The structure was damaged in the wind storm on 4/14/09. Half the structure is missing. The cost to replace it is $215,000+. This does not include any structural damage. The structure will have to be evaluated by a structural engineer. A design was developed by a consultant 9 months ago. It includes replacing the entire structure with a structure that provides a bit more shade. Cost for total replacement is less than $500,000. This will be taken to Council on May 7. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status Reports\April 27.doc STATUS REPORT Updated: April 27, 2009 4. Events in the Parks Met with groups holding events in the park: 1. Arbor Day celebration — A celebration was held on April 22, at Ronald Reagan Elementary. It was led by Parks and Recreation Staff in conjunction with Ronald Reagan Elementary School, a Brownie Troop from Ronald Reagan Elementary School and all second-graders! Received great press coverage. 2. Autism Walk was held on April 25th 3. May 2 — A wedding is scheduled in the amphitheater. 4. April 24-26 — There was a soccer tournament at Hovley Soccer Park. 5. April 18 — 19, Palm Desert Youth Sports held a baseball tournament at Civic Center Park. 5. Desert Recreation District Scheduled contract meeting between City Staff (Jay Niemczak and Janis Steele), and Mr. Stan Ford and Mr. Kevin Kalman at 10:00 am on April 30, 2009. 6. Southern California Edison Invoice Public Works Staff brought an invoice for $42,000 to Staff on Friday, April, 3. It appears to be a line extension at Freedom Park. Staff is investigating why we are receiving the invoice at this time, as the park was complete 2 years ago. On 4/17/09 Staff spoke to Mr. Jeremy Edwards, a Planner for Edison. Mr. Edwards will assist Staff to identify what exact work this invoice represents. _ 7. Pickleball Update. A pickleball recommendation will come to Council on May 7, 2009. 8. ' California Parks and Recreation The annual CPRS State conference is being held in March 2010, in Palm Springs. Society (CPRS) 2010 Conference Staff is part of the local host committee. Committee meetings will be held in Palm Desert on April 30, 2009 from 1:00 — 5:00 pm and on May 1, 2009 from 8:30 — Noon. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status Reports\April 27.doc STATUS REPORT Updated: April 27, 2009 9. User Group Meetings A meeting has been scheduled on May 5, 2009, for all the user groups for sports fields in the City of Palm Desert. This is an annual meeting and includes Palm Desert Youth Sports (baseball & softball), Palm Desert Youth Soccer, Palm Desert/La Quinta Football, the YMCA, Recreation District, Disc Golf, and Desert Sands Unified School District. The meeting is designed to review 2008-09 scheduling, look forward to 2009-10 scheduling and review all policies and procedures, as well as address any concerns. This year, Staff is requesting all users to schedule and individual meeting with Staff (Janis Steele) and the Desert Recreation District field scheduler (Brenda Nutcher). This will be used to address individual issues. 10. Sluggers (as a potential partner) Staff (Janis Steele) met with Mr. Patrick Evans (Marketing/Training Pro) and Mr. Chris Clapinski (an Owner) regarding partnering on programs and tournaments with Sluggers. A meeting was held with Mr. Evans, Recreation District Staff and myself on 4/23/09, to discuss implementation of programs, partnerships and tournaments. 11. Opera in the Park A meeting was held on 4/23/09 with Ms. Arlene Rosenthal, Janis Steele, Jay Niemczak, Sheila Gilligan and Pat Scully regarding an "Opera in the Park" event she would like to hold on April 11, 2010, in Civic Center Park. Ms. Rosenthal made a presentation to the Parks and Recreation Commission who unanimously supported her proposition. If approved by the Council, the event will be free, as she will solicit sponsorships. She would like to partner with the City by waiving fees to reserve the amphitheater, and would like us to advertise for the event in the Brightside and on our website. A request will be taken to the Council in May. 13. Soccer Park Playground Surface The majority of the surfacing under the playground at the soccer park is sand. Sand is not an acceptable ADA surface. In Early May, Staff will be replacing the sand surfacing with ADA accessible engineered wood fiber. 14. Joe Mann and Ironwood Park Both Joe Mann and Ironwood Parks will be closed on April 27 — May 4, 2009, to Restroom Restoration complete painting, partition replacement, ADA upgrades, etc. They will open earlier if complete. Notices have posted for 10 days. G:\DevServices\Janis Steele\Word Files\Commission\Updates\2009\May 5\Status Reports\April 27.doc it lNMNN, •C- CITY OF PALM DESERT : PARKS AND RECREATION ''S%' /fin, • 6 �`�7°��'� STAFF REPORT To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: Family YMCA of the Desert Update Attached is a copy of the most recent press releases provided by the Family YMCA of the Desert regarding upcoming events. From: Family YMCA of the Desert [aelsner@desertymca.org] Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 4:11 PM To: Steele,Janis Subject: Shape Up at PS YMCA with Mariano - It's a "No Embarassment Zone"! You're receiving this email because of your relationship with Family YMCA of the Desert. Please confirm your continued interest in receiving email from us. You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT 0 PALM SPRINGS YMCA FITNESS and HEALTH- April,2009 RECEIVE A T PERSONAL FITNESS FREE FITNES . TRAINING Fees ire ' off: Springs YMCA SESSION IF YOU at the Palm v4rn-i TV1 AR IAN 0 SATOR 2111. ;.:.d 31.ile: SE1 IF CERTIED FreNtESS TR4]r4J1 R COME IN [ h, FR fitnes,e4a uahgn m.��.nagCa.YF+ersc-i&li-=:: ANYTIME Ork-o u wrll,.08rIanal r.0 ition plans ensure aI ii r� p rai °Se 1an hi 1101 i111W...W11 DURINGTHE aenaPJ7allcsfieTJ'd�Q eltthia, . I,s t rrie to fey MONTH OF goad about yauJ^sef m _ .,�. . and your health. It u1 r�rulr 1": 7. } starts yr s so loam� hi9highly . A P R I L! yet Marianoano o stow : �(Nil bie—r. iiiil Ts yoJ haw In &mo - 7 : ' alish what you want • i without feeling Call 7 32 F3ato schedule 1 embarassed of your FREE hiatiad e it. -- intimidated i 11) . IA #AftaIre e FOR AGE s 5- 1 05 ' r . • ` Indr..idual Fitneaa 5eaaiai,a. Group Fiinsaa 3eaaiona: m• Forieeos,Arils.&seniors For tees.alit,a senors r. 16 and more 16 arm aboie • r�rrr Mariano Sator H.raiteeriPErtiewle> +eeiyarth kbnday,'annenda old Friday r=,e�axiu��msax!core -'05-4'4�prnaixl5:Da-5.-05pin O. be deve 7pM ,mi.Sig.!. ��r� w.:ra says d xmk a 45 s perRa2t1 12..M.Eerie:: ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer --.6.y./painrmert yMiriam- sau xr 0 Rirtatrinanbei 6 Z Kida Fit For Lif3: Fat Fitrwaa: r , a'2'id,h • . i .5!le]N Y..hen I.Ij � N Ja r3••_ _5 CIFErUde7• ^:_:af•_= hx teb E.o--�ytesrtuxtn r,Cy_ -. .s•Mf_tist•ut.....s•--,..- t141*-44.-.211H Banes trrho R.X.IlW and rjslcs. Tne9dap$ aye If you sign up for one or Farrrids5-f5 ,, 6210_E ,�, and more training session(s) 4a -ter f -zn with Mariano during Q Wiliffneri" er� , „ �, ,�. AApril }i,� rrWA �" pril, r #ir mu•�mertes Sri Pee r,m�n rrt7naK N h� YOU WILL RECEIVE ONE CC FREE 30 MINUTE CALL 760_ 20-6430 TO SIGN UP PERSONAL TRAINING palm SrrrrnnI'lAGf"MOIL Metsqu1le ni.I J alm Sp kaaa.GA..92291 SESSION TO BE REDEEMED BY YOU OR A GUEST, WHENEVER YOU WANT! Americäl- tyre 4., .. .. . move ' [1:: , TOP TEN LIST TOP TEN REASONS TO NOT SIGN UP FOR FITNESS TRAINING : 1 . You think high blood pressure and heart disease are fun. 2. You want less energy throughout the day. 3. You don't want to look good. 4. You want a shorter life. 5. You don't want to stay healthy for your family. 6. You don't care about setting a good role model for your kids or grandkids. 7. It's fun to be negative and not try. 8. You want to continue to put your life and dreams on hold. 9. It's cool to waste money on clothes that don't fit. 10. You don't want to feel good about yourself or give yourself the tools to make yourself the best you can be. (Come on...we know this isn't you! GO FOR IT and take a positive step in your life this week by checking out the PS YMCA Fitness Training program with Mariano!) WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU! DI ! you Tow... ... the Family YMCA the Desert RENTS FOR EVE TS! YMCA locations in PALM DESERT and in PALM SPRINGS are sparkling clean and have affordable rates and plenty of parking! ideal for events of a#sizes. WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAYS, RECEPTIONS, JOB Fi4IRS. FAMILY CELEBRATIONS. BCARD MEETINGS. FUNDRAISERS, OFFICE PARTIES, CHURCH EVENTS, AND MORE Palm Desert YMCA features Palm Springs YMCA€eaLures: • Lea al Palm aesErS it c rn 'Prix i. loave.1 al we t Or d of Ca .ei Park d: 0 Ean Pattlgenae Pan Base ,LA BLrgl 95,7r E.Plesql.ile& r .Pan 5c9., a& 13226,1 Fd.ItFPurppe Racer 511 X 70'.mar R � xrr e Rtc 60 X 7OR 5OQ6 Muth .il. h Fi ifl IT: SO X FGS�.A. NWn-PIr-]52 Raw: $S 7S 6'. 2iall Eq.it ' rlh REM"#2: SD X 2' SINN.A. alsgrani I tcI I#I: 21 IC:a. P535q KCnl:n: 15X 12. 'b}S¢R Aitunr. i d I 1 Er. 223 aq.it Calf 7 34f-'622�fi book yorurr #alb 2LealtdFwovhlawc+xl!t I o oorp �iurcar Call 7sf-320-6d30 to book your rentail FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT PALM DESERT LOCATION: PALM SPRINGS LOCATION: 43-930 San Pablo Avenue 3601 E. Mesquite Avenue Palm Desert, CA. 92260 Palm Springs, CA. 92264 760-341-9622-phone 760-320-6430-phone 760-779-9651-fax 760-320-1679-fax www.ymcaofthedesert.org Forward email Email Marketing by ®SafeUnsubscribe ' F * This email was sent to jsteele@ci.palm-desert.ca.us by aelsner@desertymca.org. Update Profile/Email Address I Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribeTM I Privacy Policy. Constantantacf TRY IT FREE Family YMCA of the Desert 143-930 San Pablo Avenue I Palm Desert I CA 192260 From: AllAlis@aol.com Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2009 6:08 PM To: AllAlis@aol.com Subject: UNCLE DON'S HOBBIES MAKES PALM DESERT YMCA KIDS SMILE-APRIL 17, 2009 NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Contact: Alison Elsner,760-320-6430-work, 760-413-5053- cell, April 11, 2009 760-416-1789-fax, aelsner(a,desertvmca.org UNCLE DON'S HOBBIES MAKES YMCA KIDS SMILE (Palm Desert, CA) Uncle Don's Hobbies of Palm Desert will be generously donating several hundred model toy sets to kids participating in the Family YMCA of the Desert's spring break camps in Palm Desert on Friday April 17, 2009. Toys will be handed out at an end of the week celebration barbecue from 6:00—8:00pm at the Palm Desert YMCA located at 43-930 San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert. Kevin Koch, owner of Uncle Don's,will be presenting demonstrations of remote control toy cars and airplanes throughout spring break week,April 13—17, at lunchtime during the week's day camps as a way to showcase the latest toys and encourage kids to attend the giveaway. Approximately 10 Boy Scouts from Troop 377 will participate in the event at the YMCA as volunteers, helping to distribute the toys. This will be the first time that Uncle Don's Toys Hobbies, under its current ownership,has collaborated with a local non-profit to benefit the valley's youth. Uncle Don's is looking forward to continuing to work with the YMCA to create giveaway opportunities in the future, especially for kids and families in need and/or as a reward for children's good citizenship and creative efforts at camp and other organized activity programs. Kevin Koch said, "We are big believers in doing good to get good. That's exactly what happens when we support our young people, especially when they distinguish themselves through outstanding efforts and sincere displays of character,both of which is form the basic foundation of the YMCA." Uncle Don's Hobbies is located at 44250 Town Center Way in Palm Desert. The store is a direct descendent of the original Uncle Don's Toys which was known as a Palm Springs landmark from 1955—1990. For many years,Uncle Don's attracted a celebrity clientele,including Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Today, Uncle Don's Hobbies is still recognized among the top retailers of model toy sets by hobbyists and collectors. More information about Uncle Don's Hobbies may be obtained by calling the store at 760-346-8856 or by visiting their website at: www.uncledonshobbies.com. Toys will be given to children who attend YMCA day camps or childcare programs during spring break at the Palm Desert YMCA. Five day camps will be presented during spring break week for kids ages 8—14 (depending on the camp),including Wii Camp,Mythbusters Camp,Project Runway,Cooking Camp, and Movie Camp. The YMCA Childcare program will also be offering a spring break week with enrichment and recreational activities at four YMCA sites for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade. Those interested in signing up for spring break week activities, making them eligible for the final toy giveaway, are asked to call the Palm Desert YMCA to sign up as soon as possible at 760-341-9622 or to visit in person at 43-930 San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert. For more information about Uncle Don's Hobbies' collaboration with the Family YMCA of the Desert,please contact Alison Elsner at 760-413-5053. -more- Uncle Don's Hobbies Donates to Family YMCA of the Desert-April 17, 2009 Page 2 FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT: The Family YMCA is the largest provider of licensed childcare in the valley,with facilities from Palm Springs to Thermal,having celebrated its 25th Anniversary in the desert in 2007. Nearly 2400 kids and families each day are served at thirty-four sites,with many opportunities in youth and family programming. The primary focus of the Family YMCA is to reinforce caring, honesty, respect,and responsibility while allowing kids to develop social skills,confidence,leadership, and fitness. The Family YMCA is excited to be part of the national YMCA's"America on the Move/Activate America"initiative which strives to collaborate with community organizations to help families live healthier lifestyles and focus on health and wellness. One current showcase program based on the "Activate America" model is the"Y Be Fit"healthy eating and anti-obesity partnership for 50 students at Two Bunch Palms Elementary School in Desert Hot Springs,funded by the Desert Healthcare District and operated by the Family YMCA. Also being integrated into the Y's national focus on fitness is the"Healthy Family Home"initiative,supported by Eli Lilly& Company,which encourages family members to achieve balance in their lives as well as to make incremental improvements in physical activity and nutritional choices. During the past two and a half years,special partnerships between the Family YMCA and various local elementary and middle schools within Palm Springs Unified and Desert Sands Unified School Districts were launched to provide free,on-site after school care as part of the state of California's recently enacted Proposition 49/After School Education and Safety(ASES)Act. Programming at both the Palm Desert and the Palm Springs YMCA locations includes after-school care,a fitness center, dance and performing arts,walking and running clubs,graphic arts and computers,basketball and flag football, sports,and fitness,youth and government, karate, gymnastics,senior activities,swimming, and Y Rookies Sports Leagues. The Palm Springs YMCA opened in January,2004,after transitioning from the Palm Springs Youth Center, and now offers a full variety of programs for children,teens,adults, and seniors. The Family YMCA of the Desert conducts an annual fund-raising campaign to support its financial assistance programs, making YMCA activities accessible to everyone. In 2008, funds raised reached over $440,000 through generous community support. Major YMCA events throughout the year to support programs, childcare, and financial assistance include: the Desert Bicycle Giveaway, an annual YMCA Golf Tournament, and the Hoedown at Sundown. More than one third of the children participating in the YMCA of the Desert programs receive financial assistance, making community support a vital element in the ability to offer help to kids and their families. No child or family will be denied services because of an inability to pay. Van Tanner(President,Desert Empire Insurance Services,Inc.) serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Family YMCA of the Desert, and Rob Ballew is the YMCA's valley-wide Executive Director and C.E.O. Congresswoman Mary Bono(45th district, California) serves as the Honorary Chair. The Board's current emphasis is on continuing and growing childcare and development of a programming at the Palm Desert and Palm Springs YMCAs. -more- Uncle Don's Hobbies Donates to Family YMCA of the Desert-April 17, 2009 Page 3 The Family YMCA of the Desert is one of 2500 YMCA'S nationwide, all of whom work towards building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. For more information please visit: http://www.desertymca.org. The Family YMCA of the Desert has two primary locations: Palm Desert/Administrative Offices: Palm Springs: 43-930 San Pablo Av. 3601 E. Mesquite Av. Palm Desert, CA. 92260 Palm Springs, CA. 92264 760-341-9622-phone 760-320-6430-phone For more information regarding YMCA events, activity programs,fundraising, or volunteer opportunities please contact Alison Elsner at 760-320-6430-work, 760-413-5053-cell, or aelsner(d,desertymca.org. # # # cub Qii ALISON ELSNER Associate Executive Director and Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Family YMCA of the Desert Director, Palm Springs YMCA 3601 E. Mesquite Av. Palm Springs, CA. 92264 r 2009E ari .COltj ournarnent 1 � rI1amei1 IF - ^•,•' N dnrf f die FAIITLI F3fC,A OF THE Jr ESe.a7 in Pam Springs to bencfil the FAIHLYMICAOF THE DESERT in Pain Springs I REGISTRATION FORM I Thu[sdat May $, 0e.9 I Please complete the Following: „ I Name: I J.W Marriott 5 I . :•Resort ,..•.:. r J I Address I 74855 Counkry Cub Drive-Palm DescrL Cam, 1 city auk,ZiP: 1 ^-�_ ■� Phone: T ` I F--'�i:31 he I Ea-mail address: 1 Followed by awards atter-prry it Castais I I M inning lris flames mall M- t eoektals 1 Handicap: ■ I I CIEdterlcbeedfoe_S lanotri) I Four player scramble'Build your own team or enter on your own for a draw Cast $1251persnn(Golf and after-party) Tee Prizes ' Games ' On-course fan ' Aet.ardf: I or $451persm(After-oartyon/A 1 I Pleaseliole check to'Family YMCAd the Eeserr 1n3sI26I perm kw: awnds andafer-partr 1 We wit email}nu xilha omit-melon or your reservation,so it s I .Or:-$451 rsauhr awards iltur•' reds impormn[tha[w�e recevre your e-mail address.lTlank soul! ;�. . . ' � I please oho.:ire ei a foursome Iwth ,IIrr f1 µµ,,me� `` I�1,r� �T� r' 1 c I '1_ . _..L rL-.,, I ••attachrrd._L LL_s.__LE.YTiii..'T'L'x. '•'JT I..LtiLLt .,i ,r.. F,�:x:Tr:: 7ri0�-20- I(set d ::: i i-ll fl- e:. 1r 7te,:.3. 1 • • 13- 1 w-'6 - i-iA,I_Ti=>: Fmilyr.Y i@Ai the E:e-e t 3t i 1 E. F 12 iu r".: i Fa.I I.. -.'1t;5.'. r+. '.-[k 4 I (gaud player must submit separate registration form) A !_ri -LI®N.:i i=,_F F.E'3EF.V.".-I0N I OR I _ - I prefeF for she'MICA to awe-me in a foursome_ Reservation I payment must be received by Wednesday,,lua lay-l ' nil Prom Ihalals t 1 ut m r.mram gwar al 1 For question ,please call the Palm Springs YMCA 4, Palm Swims NICK I FAX TO: reoszo-1s9(send patrneraseparxe-,ho I NAIL T0-Family YMCA of die Desert a17fi -32(3643G or 760 41 5i753 or • YOU programs�youth i I ssal E.rnesquhe A.1.,P spdrrgs,CA szaEe 1 CIBEIktEISEI •.., normal aid. ATTntALISCIWGCN_FRESEINAMCC I BY MAY 20 I L J r 2409 YMCA Charity Colt TnuraamcrtC -IU yr JIMINIIIIIMIL 1 -SPOK5o smut.FORM- I a 1 Sonamar6onor'sHame: I a -SPONSORSHIP LEVELS-- Ail Title: Iri 1 •Title Sponsor $5.000 I Cum a I V2 t -aorpara:a name l logo prided CC relation and tornarne program rt Proam ocuer P m -Two Foasarirs t Aetdreew: I e Ir �nJEiliur anal printed materials,in muriateed program,and on Family YMCA wetJIe 3 ._grn It n -Two-Claim tee signs on ow 5-m rLL -Claim to include a proonoirmaliem in golfer tee hags I Phone: Fax: I -0 0 A •Corporate Sponsor $2.000 I E-mail address: I .n=a -Ctrs szme fi m a Recognition or al pr rued materials,in connoted program.aid on Farru}y YMCAnettire I Contact Heine(if differ enti: I raw '-- -ere I.L.E.s gn in m:2 1 -Cplla,to nande a ins roiional Nem in golfer tee hags I HOW-WOOED Y4U LIKE YOUR COMPANY NAME 9R I ., o Er 2 •Munch-a-Bunch Sponsor $t500 I ORGANIZATION TO BE LISTED IN OUR PROGRAM: I el'S 6— 5 .Flag d'oeuvres at post-Loumameritpads al Code C -One Twosome 5,1°cpcp' -Recogilliin on all primed materials and rn tournament irrrgrarn,and an Family YMCAwehsite -Sigr•banner in Costa's after Vie rent LCIEMONIONit I m ikli -Cos ice sign Ill Title Sponsor($5000) ' 2 2' •Wale ring Dole Sponsor $ 750 x Carporale Il29ll) Munch-A-Bunch 1S15101 I 2 kz y -Name En ke.srage Toff earl -Rscomidon or al prated materials and in tournament program.and on Family YMCA wank r Waterlog Hde 1535dJ Ge Rs-e tshll I 2 e+-v -GHEE 1E-2 s gn n. 1 iea8panaor PHI Hole or Fan isir, I ini c •Goiter Batt Bay Sponsor S 500 Other L•usl of Support Amount; E...,.'t? -Company name ir.cr on all a-t hags ( I e gi s -RE-ccanibon cn ail patted maer-ols aid in tournarent uograrn and an Family YMCA weasite Ex °'F -Gigs ire s.gn r •tee Sponsors $ 150 ttlusrrreehe Hers by May al?. - - - I `a ' � 40.�0c -Namem pin cv[resign • t o`r -Recogiiuo'in tournament program I I l _is ••On Course Prize Hole Sponsors S 75 T.I. •' i, -Name a:IocaGdvi ant recognrerr inlwmarrnrEtprogram i r •Cite to the Pin-Ater]and prier trest VALUE:r 'Longest Drive-Men and Winer; •rioted Fun I $a .Reiner the Lines •M fee circle 1 Please return tills farm by May Bth to: n. •Baffle Prae Donors $sift certificate or item FRnTQ; 75C3m-rc79teenepaymanlaoparate1ylor • rbciione railedrnaterails.intomamna -Recast p pnxram,and on-on y vr,1C:.5YPClI:? MAIL r 1.Family YMCA of do Desert I „E avidimp»E.iquay.l Palm spnngu.ce.5usa [y Please complete and return the attached sponsor form including logo submission 1 ATTN:OUF EiN GOLF RESERVATION I `w tsy May SM. For additional questions or sponsorship information, Please arise check to'Family YMCA of the Desert' EA.r please con tact Alison Elsner at 760-413-5053 or aeisneratdesertymca.org. L J NMNN, il ' � CITY OF PALM DESERT : PARKS AND RECREATION ,4,...�'� STAFF REPORT eaT 9 3yo� f To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: Parks and Recreation Commission Bylaws Staff has incorporated the changes (highlighted in yellow) in the bylaws identified by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Attached is a copy for your review and approval. Staff compared the wording of the "Absence Section," and changed it to match the wording regarding absences in the City's municipal code. The City Clerk and City Attorney have reviewed and approved the bylaws as well. Staff is requesting that the Parks and Recreation Commission approve the updates. If approved, Staff will take the bylaw updates to the City Council for final approval. Resolution No. EXHIBIT A TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ARTICLE I: Mission Statement 2 ARTICLE II: Implementation Measures 2 ARTICLE III: Membership/Compensation/Terms/Vacancies 2 ARTICLE IV: Absence 2 ARTICLE V: Voting 2 ARTICLE VI: Officer Appointments 2 ARTICLE VII: City Personnel 3 ARTICLE VIII: Meetings Section 1. Regular Meetings 3 Section 2. Adjourned Meetings 3 Section 3. Special Meetings 3 Section 4. Notice of Meetings 3 Section 5. Meeting to be Public 3 ARTICLE IX: Order of Business Section 1. Agenda 3 Section 2. Agenda Deadline 4 Section 3. Roll Call 4 Section 4. Approval of Minutes 4 Section 5. Presentation by Commission Members 4 Section 6. Roberts Rules of Order 4 ARTICLE X: Addressing the Commission Section 1. In Person 4 Section 2. Written Correspondence 5 ARTICLE XI: Duties Section 1. Master Plan 5 Section 2. Citizen Input 5 Section 3. Public Access 5 Section 4. Commissioner Inspections 5 Section 5. Commissioner Liaisons 5 Section 6. Advise/Recommend to City Council 5 1 of 5 Resolution No. ARTICLE I: Mission Statement Parks and Recreation Commission shall have the power to make recommendations to the City Council in all matters pertaining to the creation, planning, acquisition, operation, maintenance, coordination, management, and control of all parks and recreation activities and facilities within the City of Palm Desert. All statements contained within this document will presume to pertain to the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Palm Desert and hereafter referred to as "Commission." ARTICLE II: Implementation Measures Commission shall be consulted in ample time to give their opinion on parks and recreation programs and funds. The Commission prior to adoption shall review all parks and recreation plans. Any substantive questions or issues brought before the City Council relating to parks and recreation should be referred to the Commission for review and comment. ARTICLE III: Membership/Compensation/Terms/Vacancies Nine residents from the City of Palm Desert shall be appointed Commissioners and no more than two (2) alternates may be appointed without compcnsation by the City Council to serve a four-year (4) term, unless appointed to complete the term of a Commissioner who has vacated the position. All members serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed reasonable expenses in accordance with City policy. Any or all members of any City committee or commission may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by a vote of the City Council. ARTICLE IV:Absence Three (3) unexcused absences from regular meetings in any one year (January 1 — December 31) shall constitute an automatic resignation of members holding office on a City commission or committee that meets monthly. ARTICLE V: Voting Each appointed Commissioner shall be entitled to one (1) vote in all matters. ARTICLE VI:Officer Appointments At the first meeting in January of each year, the Commissioners shall elect a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson. It is intended through this yearly rotation to allow everyone (who has not served in either position) to serve as Chairperson or Vice Chairperson. If the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson is not available, members present may elect a Chairperson Pro Tem to preside over the meeting. 2 of 5 Resolution No. ARTICLE VII: City Personnel A City Secretary will be made available at every Commission meeting to record the minutes. A Staff member will be present to keep the Commission current on all issues via written reports distributed with the agenda and minutes. A Council Member may attend to act as a liaison between the Commission and the City Council. Additionally, a representative from the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District, Family YMCA of the Desert, and any other organization that has an interest in parks and recreation are encouraged to attend. ARTICLE VIII: Meetings Section 1. Regular Meetings Commission shall hold regular meetings at City Hall, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California, on the first Tuesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. When any regular meeting of the Commission falls on a legal holiday, no meeting shall be held on such holiday, but a regular meeting may be held at the same hour on the next succeeding Tuesday. Commission may change the date and time of their regular meetings. Section 2. Adjourned Meetings Any meetings may be adjourned to a certain time, place, and date; but not beyond the next regular meeting. Once adjourned, the meeting may not be reconvened. Section 3. Special Meetings On twenty-four (24) hours' notice, the Chairperson or a majority of Commissioners may call special meetings. Only matters contained in the notice may be considered. Section 4. Notice of Meetings United States Postal Service (USPS) mail, City e-mail, or personally delivered notice is required of all regular, adjourned, and special meetings. If by e-mail, City staff shall have on file a written waiver from each Commissioner desiring transmission by such electronic means rather than USPS mail or personal delivery. Section 5. Meeting to be Public All regular, adjourned, study sessions, and special meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public. ARTICLE IX:Order of Business Section 1. Agenda Order of business at each meeting shall be contained in the agenda prepared by the secretary. Items may not be taken out of order except with the unanimous consent of the Commission; otherwise, the agenda shall be a listing of subjects 3 of 5 Resolution No. by topic, of subjccts which will be taken up for consideration and disposition in the following order: Call to Order Roll Call Oral communications Approval of Minutes Unfinished Business New Business Reports and Updates Commissioner Comments Adjournment Section 2. Agenda Deadline Any person wishing to place an item on the agenda shall provide sufficient information to the secretary seven (7) days prior to the next scheduled meeting. Commission shall act upon no matters other than those on the agenda. Section 3. Roll Call Before proceeding with the Commission business, the Chairperson shall call the roll of the Commissioners and those present shall be entered into the minutes. Section 4. Approval of Minutes Unless the reading of the minutes of the previous Commission meeting is requested by a majority of the Commissioners, such minutes may be approved without reading, if the secretary has previously furnished each commissioner with a copy thereof. Section 5. Presentation by Commission Members The Chairperson or any Commissioner may bring before the Commission any new business under the comments portion of the agenda subject to the law of the State of California governing public meetings and appointed boards and commissions. Section 6. Robert's Rules of Order Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. ARTICLE X: Addressing the Commission Section 1. In Person Any person desiring to address the Commission shall wait to be recognized by the presiding officer. After being recognized, the person shall state name and city 4 of 5 Resolution No. of residence for the record and shall limit remarks to the question under discussion. All remarks and questions shall be addressed to the chair and not to any individual Commissioner, staff member, or other person. No person shall enter into any discussion without being recognized by the presiding officer. Section 2. Written Correspondence The secretary is authorized to receive and open all mail addressed to the Commission as a whole and give it immediate attention to the end that all administrative business referred to in said communications and not requiring Commission action may be disposed of between Commission meetings. Any communication requiring Commission action will be reported to the Commission at the next regular meeting at which time the secretary can have a report and recommendation on the matter. ARTICLE XI: Duties Section 1, Master Plan Commission shall develop and maintain a City master plan for parks and recreation. Section 2. Citizen Input Obtain continuous citizen input as a means to quantifying the needs of the community. Section 3. Public Access Ensure convenient access and usability by all the citizens of the community. Section 4. Commissioner Inspections Each Commissioner will inspect an assigned park and report the condition and observations regarding improvements to City Staff prior to the next scheduled meeting of each scheduled month. City staff will ensure reported problems are properly addressed. Section 5. Commissioner Liaisons Commissioners may be appointed by the Commission or City Council to serve as a liaison with other counties, districts, cities, agencies, commissions, committees, organizations, or groups as may be appropriate. Section 6. Advise and Recommend to City Council Advise and make recommendations to the City Council on any park and recreation matters. All recommendations approved by the Commission shall be officially forwarded to the City Council by City staff. Date Adopted: 5 of 5 NMNN, (11 -----tfi"--.44- � CITY OF PALM DESERT : PARKS AND RECREATION 04.... STAFF REPORT e.N.T9 3yo. f To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager Date: May 5, 2009 Subject: Summer Commission Meetings In order to allow Commissioners to make summer plans, Staff is requesting that the Commission identify the meeting schedule for the summer. In the past, the Parks and Recreation Commission have gone dark during the second meeting in July and the first meeting in August. Staff is recommending that the Commission consider going dark for the meeting on July 7, 2009, and resume meetings on August 4, 2009.