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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes No 368PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 368 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE PALM DESERT GENERAL PLAN TO INCORPORATE THE PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT TO THE PUBLIC FACILITIES ELEMENT (IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES). CASE NO. GPA 02-78 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did on the 17th day of May, 1978, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing and a continued hearing on May 30, 1978 and June 14, 1978, to consider an amendment of the Palm Desert General Plan, filed by the City's Parks and Recreation Commission, to incorporate the Parks and Recreation Element into the Public Facilities Element; and, WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of Palm Desert Environmental Quality Procedure Resolution No. 78-32," in that a Negative Declaration filed and the appeal period has expired; and, WHEREAS, at said Public Hearings, upon hearing and considering the testimony and arguments, if any, of all persons desiring to be heard, said Planning Commission did find the following facts and reasons to exist to recommend approval of the General Plan amendment: 1. The Parks and Recreation Element meets the intent and purpose of the Palm Desert General Plan with regard to refining the Parks and Recreation needs of the Community. 2. The Parks and Recreation Element conforms to all require- ments of the California Government Code and the State Planning and Zoning Law. 3. The Parks and Recreation Element provides a logical park program which is compatible with the needs of the Community. 4. The Element provides the framework for the development of necessary park improvements which will ensure the preservation of the public health, safety, and general welfare of the entire community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, as follows: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct and consti- tute the findings of the Commission in this case; 2. That it does hereby recommend approval to the City Council of the General Plan Amendment known as the Parks and Recreation Element, labeled Exhibit A, and all adjustments thereto, labeled Exhibit B, for the reasons set out in this resolution. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Plan- ning Commission, held on this 14th day of June, 1978, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: BERKEY, FLESHMAN, KELLY, KRYDER, SNYDER NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE GEORGE ERKEY, Chairma ATTEST: Q,„\ PAUL A. WILLIAMS, Secretary /ks P.C. Roz®kti®n N. 368 ikd© k- JUNE 14, 1978 Jo o Raz08uogn�®o c INDEX Page Amended Public Facilities Element Parks and Recreation Element Introduction and Purpose . 1 Goals 2 Policies 3 Scope 5 Summary of Findings and Recommendations 6 Standards - Neighborhood Parks 9 - Community Parks 11 - Tot Lots 12 Analysis of Census Data to Determine Parks and Recreational Desires 13 Implementation 14 3 3 1 1 1 7. Public Facilities Element City of Palm Desert General Plan • . ^ IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES GENERAL ELEMENT POLICIES The City shall: PROVIDE FOR POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF REGION SERVING COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL FACILITIES ADJACENT TO PALM DESERT CIVIC CENTER. WORK CLOSELY WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ENCOURAGE THE JOINT USE OF FACILITIES AS NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC SERVICE CENTERS FOR INFOR- MATION, RECREATION AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF JOINT FACILITIES FOR POLICE AND FIRE SERVICE WHERE ACTIVITIES CAN OCCUR ON A NONINTERFERING BASIS. WORK WITH OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES AND LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP MULTIFUNCTIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE CENTERS IN KEY LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. PERIODICALLY SURVEY RESIDENTS TO DETERMINE PERCEIVED LEVELS OF SERVICE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES TO IDENTIFY SHORT- COMINGS. AWARD CONTRACTS TO PUBLIC AGENCIES OR PRIVATE CONTRACTORS IN ORDER TO REDUCE COSTS AND ENCOURAGE INNOVATION IN PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES. CONTRACT WITH OTHER ENTITIES, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, WHEN APPROPRIATE, FOR THE PROVISION OF VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICES WHEN THE SERVICES PROVIDED ARE MORE ECONOMICAL OR SUPERIOR QUALITY, MORE AVAILABLE OR ACCESSIBLE, OR WILL GENERALLY SERVE THE NEEDS OF ALL OR PORTIONS OF PALM DESERT. REQUIRE THAT ALL DEVELOPMENT BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH OTHER CITY PLANS AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS; PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE NECESSARY SERVICES TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THAT DEVELOPMENT. ANY DEVELOPMENT THAT IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CITY PLANS WILL ADDI- TIONALLY PROVIDE FOR THE NECESSARY MODIFICATION OF SERVICES TO ACCOMMODATE THAT UNPLANNED NEED. NOT ALLOW DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT ENSURING THAT COMMUNITY FACILITIES SUCH AS SCHOOLS, POLICE PROTECTION, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, WILL BE AVAIL- ABLE FOR THAT DEVELOPMENT AT A LEVEL REQUIRED FOR THAT DEVELOPMENT. RECREATION ELEMENT POLICIES UTILIZE THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS IN GUIDING PARK AND RECREATION PLANNING: -- THE TERM "NEIGHBORHOOD ?ARK" SHALL MEAN ANY AREA OF LAND SET ASIDE AND IMPROVED SPECIFICALLY AS A HIGH ACTIVITY AREA, THE PRIMARY USE BEING FOR CHILDREN FIVE AND OVER WITHIN IMMEDIATE D711777 DEVEL (icuraiT, . 7.P.1 THE TERM "SMALL PLAY AREA" SHALL MEAN ANY AREA OF LAND THAT HAS BEEN SET ASIDE FOR RECREATIONAL USE, SPECIFICALLY FOR PRE -TEEN CHILDREN. THE TERM "REST AREA" SHALL MEAN ANY AREA OF LAND THAT HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY SET ASIDE AND IMPROVED TO PROVIDE REST AND RELAXATION TO PEDESTRIAN OR NON MOTOR TRAFFIC. REST AREAS CONSIST OF PERMANENT FACILITIES IN HARMONY WITH THEIR CONTIGUOUS ENVIRONMENT. THE TERM "DESERTBELT" SHALL MEAN ANY CONTIGUOUS AREA OF LAND THAT HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY SET ASIDE AND IMPROVED TO PROVIDE FOR PEDESTRIAN AND NON -VEHICULAR PATHS AND TRAILS OR AS PASSIVE LANDSCAPED SPACE. THE TERM "COMMUNITY RECREATION PARK" IS AN AREA SERVING A COMMUNITY AND PROVIDING OUTDOOR AND INDOOR FACILITIES TO MEET A MUCH WIDER RANGE OF RECREATION INTERESTS THAN THE NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION PARK AND IS PRIMARILY AN AREA FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS. -- THE TERM "REGIONAL PARK" SHALL MEAN ANY LARGE OPEN SPACE AREA WHICH MAKES PROVISION FOR RECREATIONAL AND LESISURE TIME ACTIVITIES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY AS WELL AS THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT REQUIRE DEVELOPER DEDICATION OF PARK SPACE OR FEE IN LIEU AT THE RATE OF 4.5 ACRES PER 1,000 POPULATION FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS.. (SEE FIGURE 7-2 ). PURCHASE ADDITIONAL ACREAGES AT THE RATE OF 2.0 ACRES PER 1,000 POPULATION FOR COMMUNITY PARKS. (SEE FIGURE 7-2) ALLOW FLEXIBILITY WITHIN THE HEREIN MENTIONED STANDARDS TO REFLECT THE VARYING NEEDS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS WHEN DETERMINING PARK ACREAGE AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH NEIGHBORHOOD. UTILIZE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR NEIGHBO.R- HOaD�R` EATIONAL PARKS: LAND DEDICATED FOR NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATIOIJ PARK PURPOSES MAY BE DED I C)TT;D, Q-/ C U J Y/)ASSOC I AT ION FOR PRIVATE MAINTEN- ANCE TO=jTHE]:-"C Ij( 'F;612 43L_I C MAINTENANCE, AT THE OPTION OF THE CITY. WHEN SAID NEI"GHB0RHOOD PARKS ARE PRIVATELY OWNED AND MAINTAINED, STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO PUBLIC NEIGH- BORHOOD PARKS SHALL BE APPLICABLE TO PRIVATE OWNED AND MAINTAINED -NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS. DETERMINATION AS TO THE QUALITY OF MAINTENANCE SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE 7.P.2 i NEIGHBORHOOD WITHIN CITY LIMITS FIGURE• 7 - 2 PARK NEEDS COMMUNITY PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK ACREAGE ACREAGE 1 6.4 14.3 2 3.2 7.3 3 3.9 8.7 4 6.7 15.1 5 2.9 6.6 6 2.6 S.9 7 12.2 27.5 8 -- 11 2.9 6.6 WITHIN SPHERE OF INFLUENCE /1-1 T �/ j' '7- /% ✓_ /' 7 8 4.5 9 10.0 10 10. 4 11 18.8 12 /' 15.6 13 / 9.7 14 ! 7.8 15 16 / 3.3 17 7.5 18 8.4 19 9.6 20 1 . 4 21 1.8 22 4.o 23 / 1.8 24 2.7 25 ;' 1.5 10.1 22.5 23.3 42.3 35.2 21.9 17.4 7.5 16.9 18.9 21.6 3.2 4.0 9.1 4.o 6.0 3.4 Total: 159.6 359.3 �l NOTE: The park needs are developed on the basis of projected � populations and may be revised as a result of development of neighborhood specific plans. - ALL IMPROVEMENTS AND FACILITIES SHALL BE MADE AND CONSTRUCTED BY THE DEVELOPER, OR WHEN A FEE IS PAID IN LIEU OF DEDICATION; BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET AND PROVIDE THE SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS. ENTIRE PARK AREAS SHALL BE GRADED AND IMPROVEMENTS SHALL INCLUDE ADEQUATE DRAINAGE, LAWN, SHRUBS, TREES, AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SYSTEMS, CONCRETE WALKWAYS AND WALKWAY LIGHTS. FURTHER, THE DETAILED LANDSCAPE AND EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION EMPLOYED BY THE CITY SHALL BE INCORPORATED. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS SHALL BE LOCATED CENTRALLY TO THE RESID- ENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVED. • WHEN CENTRALIZATION CAN BE ACHIEVED, NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS SHOULD ADJOIN AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OR SCHOOL SITE. SUCH PARKS SHALL'BE A LOGICAL EXTENSION OF THE SCHOOL GROUND. - - MINIMUM SIZE OF EACH NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SHALL BE SIX (6) ACRES AND NOT EXCEED TWELVE (12) ACRES, EXCLUDING TOT LOTS AND DESERTBELTS. SERVICE, A F-N/IGh ORf D KS SHALL BE ONE QUARTER TO ONE HNsP- M I E; 1 N�CAg SELL THE FARTHEST DWELLING UNIT SERVED BE A GREATER DISTANCE THAN THREE QUARTERS OF A MILE. ALL IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ACCORDING TO THESE ADOPTED CRITERIA. MINIMUM IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT NECESSARILY BE LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: ENTIRE AREA SHALL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PROPOSED CHARACTER OF THE AREA AND SHALL INCLUDE GRADING, LANDSCAPING AND PROVISIONS FOR ADEQUATE DRAINAGE FOOTPATHS SHALL BE OF CONDITIONED LOCAL MATERIALS ONE TWO -ACRE SITE WHICH SHALL BE PLANTED AND MAIN- TAINED AS A GRASSY AREA --- /TWO OF THE FOLLOWING: / CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA IN ADDITION TO TOT LOTS SWIMMING POOL (AT THE RATE OF 1/2 SQ. FT. PER PERSON FOR AREA SERVED) TENNIS COURTS (AT THE RATE OF 1 FOR EACH 2000 PERSONS) BASEBALL/SOFTBALL, FOOTBALL AREA (AT THE RATE OF 1 BASEBALL DIAMOND PER 6000 PEOPLE; 1 SOFTBALL DIAMOND FOR EACH 6000 PEOPLE; 1 FOOTBALL/SOCCER FIELD FOR EACH 1500 PEOPLE) \ BASKETBALL/VOLLEYBALL AREAS \ - WHEN A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SERVES A PREDOMINANTLY RETIRE- \ MENT COMMUNITY, A MULTI PURPOSE COMMUNITY CENTER \\ } BUILDING MAY BE PROVIDED IN LIEU OF THE RECREATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED IN THE ABOVE ITEM. , IN PRIVATELY OWNED NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, PUBLIC ACCESS SHALL BE LIMITED TO GREENBELTS, PATHS AND TRAILS/AND ACCESS RESTRICTED TO HOMEOWNERS AND THEIR GUESTS. UNDER AGREEMENT WITH THE HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SUCH AS BUT NOT LIMITED TO CLUBHOUSES, CHANGING ROOMS, POOLS, TENNIS COURTS, BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL COURTS AND OPEN/PLAYFIELD ACTIVITIES MAY BE USED BY THE GENERAL PLY LIC. • / -- 'WHEN DEVELOPMENT IS IMPENDING AND FE,E'S WILL BE PAID IN LIEU OF DEDICATION, THE CITY SHrrL, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, OBTAIN FIXED PRICE OPTIONS TO ACQUIRE THE LAND TO BE DEVELOPED AS A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK. SAID OPTIONS SHALL BE EXERCISED WHEN FEES ARE COL- LECTED. WHEN SUCH OPTIONS ARE HELD BY THE CITY, THE FEES:IN LIEU OF DEDICATION MAY BE DETERMINED BY A PRORATED SHARE OF THE TOTAL OPTION PRICE. _ / ADA `PAT NQ� FA�C'f L I j SHALL BE PROVIDED. /� .„/ .- i UTILIZE. THE FOLLOWING GENERAL' DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR COM- / / SERVICE AREAS OF COMMUNITY PARKS SHALL BE ONE HALF TO THREE MILES OR A MAXIMUM OF FOUR SQUARE MILES WITHIN THE CITY. / / WHENEVER POSSIBLE, COMMUNITY PARKS SHALL BE ORIENTED TOWARDS SERVING THE NEEDS OF ONE OR MORE NEIGHBORHOODS. / COMMUNITY/PARKS SHALL PROVIDE SUCH FACILITIES AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COMPETITION SIZE SWIMMING POOLS, TENNIS COURTS, FIELD ORIENTED ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BASEBALL, FOOTBALL, SOCCER AND OTHER COMPARABLE ACTIVE SPORTS. / -- SUCH PARKS MAY INCLUDE SPECIAL PURPOSE AREAS SUCH AS, BUT :NOT LIMITED TO, ECOLOGICAL PRESERVES, MUNICIPAL_ GOLF COURSES, PICNIC AREAS AND GARDENS, PROVIDING THAT THE PARK AND RECREATIONAL NEEDS AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL, IN / THE EVALUATION OF DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, / HAVE BEEN MET. \\ COMMUNITY PARKS SHALL PROVIDE A RECREATION _CENTER, THE '\ FACILITIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MULTI PURPOSE CLASS AND ASSEMBLY ROOMS, FOOD PREPARATION FACILITIES, GENERAL \.; STORAGE SPACES, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SPACES, REST ROOMS. MUNITY PARKS. AND CHANGE FACILITIES AND/OR GYMNASIUM. ADEQUATE PARKING SHALL BE PROVIDED. ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOT LOTS WITHIN NEIGHBORHOODS ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING GENERAL STANDARDS: ONE MULTI PURPOSE PLAN STRUCTURE SHALL BE INSTALLED IN EACH TOT LOT. TOT / HOOD .PAR',, �, E'A�E NTO DESERTBELTS OR NEIGHBOR-, WHEN TOT.LOTS ARE LOCATED' NEXT TO A PUBLIC STREET, A FENCE WITH VERTICAL MEMBERS -NOT MORE THAN TWELVE INCHES APART SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED. PLAY AREAS SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED OF DRAINED SAND AND/OR GRASS. ALL/SAND AREAS SHALL BE AT LEAST 18 INCHES DEEP. PLAY AREAS SHALL BE ADEQUATELY LANDSCAPED TO PROVIDE SHADE AND RELIEF FROM THE SUN, AND BE IN THE SPIRIT AND INTENT 0 THIS SECTION. A WATERING SYSTEM SHALL BE PROVIDED TO WET THE SAND AND PLANTINGS. �\ A MINIMUM OF TWO BENCHES SHALL BE PROVIDED AND PLACED I . SUCH A MANNER AS TO FACILIATE SUPERVISION OF PLAY WITHIN THE TOT LOT SITE. ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF REST AREAS WITHIN NEIGHBORHOODS ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING GENERAL STANDARDS: MINIMUM SIZE OF EACH AREA SHALL BE ONE QUARTER ACRE. REST AREAS ARE TO BE LOCATED AT THREE QUARTER MILE INTERVALS ACCESSIBLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IMPROVEMENTS SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: BENCHES AT LEAST TWO IN NUMBER LANDSCAPING, CONGRUENT WITH THE SPIRIT AND INTENT OF THIS SECTION WATER FOUNTAIN FACILITIES SHADE PRODUCING FACILITIES OR LANDSCAPING 1 i i 1 1 i i i i I( i CULTURAL AND CIVIC FACILITIES ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REGIONALLY ORIENTED CULTURAL CENTER IN COOPERATION WITH THE COLLEGE OF THE DESERT. CONTINUE WORK TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CIVIC CENTER IN PALM DESERT WHICH WILL SERVE RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND GOVERNMENTAL SERVICE NEEDS. SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO COORDINATE NEIGHaORHOOD AND DISTRICT PLANNING WITH THE DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SO THAT SCHOOL SITES MAY BE RESERVED AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS IN PHASE WITH NEW DEVELOPMENT. LIBRARIES PROVIDE LIBRARY SPACE AT THE RATE OF ONE SQUARE FOOT PER 5 RESIDENTS BY MEANS OF EITHER A COUNTY OR CITY LIBRARY SYSTEM. SEWAGE SYSTEM ESTABLISH A CALENDAR FOR CONVERTING EACH AREA FROM SEPTIC TANKS TO A SEWER SYSTEM. REQUIRE ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION TO PROVIDE SEWER SYSTEM CONNECTIONS TO STREET. ALLOW NEW DEVELOPMENTS ONLY WHERE SEWAGE SYSTEM IS AVAILABLE. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING SOLID WASTE COLLECTIONS AS A CITY SERVICE. COORDINATE THE LOCATION FOR LANDFILL OPERATIONS WITH THE COUNTY TO EXCLUDE THOSE AREAS WHICH WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO EITHER DEVELOPED OR OPEN SPACE AREAS. DEVELOP DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION STUDIES REGARDING THE NEED, TIMING, AND LOCATIONAL CRITERIA FOR TRANSFER STATIONS WITHIN THE PLANNING AREA. WATER ALLOW NEW DEVELOPMENT ONLY WHEN SUFFICIENT WATER IS AVAILABLE TO MEET DOMESTIC USE AS WELL AS FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS. 7.P.6 REQUIRE THE COACHELLA VALLEY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT TO MEET ALL CODE REGULATIONS REGARDING WATER PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMESTIC USE AND FIRE PROTECTION. DRAINAGE SYSTEM DEVELOP A DRAINAGE SYSTEM PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE BY UPDATING AND IMPROVING ON THE "REPORT ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE FOR THE PALM DESERT AREA" PREPARED IN 1968. REQUIRE NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO HAtfDLE DRAINAGE PROBLEMS WITHIN THEIR OWN PROPERTY. POLICE PROTECTION ESTABLISH LOCAL REPRESENTATION OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY IN THE CITY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE AND PURSUE THOSE ACTIONS WHICH WOULD LEAD TO GREATER COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE LOCAL CITIZENRY AND THE PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL OF THE CITY. 7.P.7 PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT OF THE PALM DESERT GENERAL PLAN I. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE Palm Desert, during the last five years, has become a community trans- formed from an underdeveloped dese'r•t town to a city that is feeling the pains of rapid urban development. The City's, once desert, image has now been changed by the evolution from a very open, desert area to the often intense activity found in an active suburb. Almost every piece of relatively flat land has now been committed to an urban use. Because of this increasing shortage of land, Palm Desert, in 1978, is at the critical point where; if additional park sites are ever to be ac- quired the City must act immediately. The City's adopted General Plan provides general direction as to Parks and Recreation under the Public Facilities and Conservation - Open Space Elements. Said direction is stated in terms of goals, policies and generalized standards for optimum recreation development as a part of implementation of the General Plan. The purpose of this element of the General Plan is to design a system of parks and recreation areas to ade- quately serve present and future community needs. The proposed Plan is designed to expand to serve the ultimate population of Palm Desert. Park sites and locations are used herein to mean "land bank for future sites* These shall serve as public parks left basically in their natural underdeveloped state, until specific designs are developed based upon interests of the re- sidents of the area to be served. 1 II. GOALS The plan is proposed to achieve three goals: A. Insure that new development will provide the necessary park and re- creation space to serve the needs of the additional population; B. Plan for land acquisition that will make up the present deficiency of park and recreation space; C. Establish a balance of land use for utilizing active, passive and cultural recreational areas, and natural protected areas. • 2 III. POLICIES The plan shall be implemented by the following policies: A. Based upon the desires of the residents of the total community for com- munity level parks and based upon the desires of the neighborhood re- sidents for neighborhood parks, the implementation policies of the Public Facilities Element shall be the guiding standards for park and recreational development in the community and have been incorporated into this plan. B. A balance between generalized and specialized parks shall be maintained throughout the community. C. Park development shall be based upon the recognition of the resort orientation of the community and special emphasis shall be placed upon supplementing private recreational facilities. D. The maintenance of natural areas shall be emphasized at all levels of park development where practical. E. Land for park facilities shall be acquired or reserved as far in ad- vance of development of an area as possible. F. Park facilities should be distributed throughout the entire city as related parts of a unified, balance system, with each site centrally located within its service area and establish as many dual purpose facilities as possible. G. The design of activity areas and facilities shall be regarded as flexible so as to be adaptable to changes in the population served and in the recreation program offered to meet changing needs. H. The planning, acquisition, development and administration of park facilities should reflect the fullest possible co-ordination with other public agencies to insure that the citizens receive the maximum from their public dollars. 3 III. POLICIES (Cont.) I. Parks should be located to erve the recreational needs of residents of various areas and to stimulate social interaction within the area. J. It is the City's intent to function as a co-ordinating agency, through its Parks and Recreation Commission, in the area of recreational services until such time that the Commission may assess the full range of existing services in terms of quantity, quality, conflicts, cross- purposes, etc.; to determine the most appropriate role that the City may take in this area. K. Precise definition of specific facilities at the neighborhood level shall be done in the following sequence: I. Acquire the land on the basis of this study and/or standards specified in other elements of the General Plan. 2. Survey the residents of the service area as to their desires in terms of development within the budgetary constraints of the City. 3. Develop park design. 4. Conduct joint hearing with Planning Commission. 5. Request inclusion of approved design in the City's Capital Improvement Program. L. Wherever feasible, the City shall utilize joint powers agreements with other public agencies and/or non-profit agencies for park develop- ment and other recreational programs to offset long-term maintenance costs to the City. N. Park acquisition and development shall be consistent with and preserve the unique character of the immediate neighborhood area served and the overall community. 4 IV. SCOPE Parks and recreational facilities within the present City limits are pro- posed for land still available. Large city-wide parks are proposed to be located on the present fringe of the City. The ultimate purpose of land acquisition is to provide the citizens with park and recreational facilities to meet present and future needs. The Parks and Recreation Element generally locates land areas to be acquired and makes recommenda- tions for facility use and development to meet anticipated needs. Actual development must depend upon a great deal of input from many sources. Therefore, development ideas must be considered flexible. The proposed system of parks and recreation areas is built upon the re- commendations of citizens, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Plan- ning Commission, and the City Council. Park and recreation area standards of the City's General Plan have been used as guidelines for the amount of land areas to be acquired. Priorities are assigned for land acquisi- tion, park improvements, and facilities. Various ways and means to pre- serve and acquire park and recreation areas are discussed. Emphasis is placed on property acquisition, development, and preservation by adopted plans through all the available tools the City has to accomplish this plan. 5 V. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. The following table lists the park and recreation areas available to the residents of the City and the proposed additions within the pre- sent limits of the City. Of the total of 300+ acres, about 224 acres constitute City parks, 33 acres school grounds, and 33 acres other recreational facilities. This analysis does not include the numerous recreation areas and facilities in planned developments and mobile home parks. Existing Parks Palm Desert Community Park Palm Desert Community Center Washington School Subtotal Proposed Community Parks Ironwood Park Civic Center Park Sand Dune Park Date Palm Preserve Subtotal Neighborhood Parks Catalina Way & San Pascual Deep Canyon & Highway 111 44th Avenue and Palm Valley Channel 8.8 acres 29.0 acres 3.0 acres 40.8 acres 15.0 acres 6.0 acres 120.0 acres 40.0 acres 181.0 acres 3.0 acres 9.5 acres 6.0 acres Subtotal - 18.5 acres Speciality (Existing Facilities in some stage of development) C.O.D./City Project Western City Entrance Middle School Complex Haystack Facility Subtotal 15.0 acres 1.0 acres 15.0 acres 15.0 acres 46.0 acres 6 V. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (Cont.) Quasi Public Facilities Teen Center Fetch Center .8 acres .7 acres Subtotal - 1.5 acres TOTAL 287.8 acres NOTE: Proposed Community and Neighborhood Parks have been listed by priority with the first par;< site listed under each respective title being given the highest level of priority for acquisition. B. The City goal for park and recreation space is 6.5 acres per 1,000 population. Existing public facilities amount to 55.8 acres or 19.4% of the goal. The projected population at full development in the present City limits is estimated at 40,000 persons which means that current resources represent 21.5% of required park and recreational space at full development. Based upon the proposed acquisition, it appears that the City may exceed the recommended standard per 1,000 population. C. Because of the existing and possible private recreational areas and facilities, the major emphasis of park development in the present City will be preservation of natural and unique resources with about 160 acres or 71.4% of proposed City ownership being devoted to this goal. D. The goal of 6.5 acres per thousand population implies that an addi- tional 195 acres should be acquired within the ultimate City limits. This is based upon an ultimate City population of 70,000 persons. E. In the existing City, the location of parks within the center of ser- vice areas is not possible due to existing development. Therefore, the proposed locations are based upon the best feasible alternatives. 7 V. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (Cont.) F. The recently adopted College of the Desert Area Specific Plan provides for the majority of the areas to be acquired and describes the method by which acquisition will occur. The remainder of the park areas will either have been acquired, or expected to be received through the provisions of the Subdivision section of the Municipal Code, or as gifts to the City. Therefore, the highest priority is given to im- plementation of the College of"the Desert Area Specific Plan. G. The following map represents in graphic form the essence of the element existing park and recreation facilities and proposed additions - Phase One. 8 PARKS AN° RECRrA T/ON FAC/Z/77.6-5 W m xa c i o o y op A J J f�c. /'/ // F P scrIt =: _� lY r1 = i ._. vi : _ 'i . l lrcyal oalm,sdl 4 Lt'n ''?111) A33 teCi i1 C� ., =ter- FAA -NA CCI TV SPEC.tt 0 0 l L E G t-+�-.-y .may OF THE F--'- ----.� DE3ER: a: rY OF RIVERSIDE a 1 7 C w ttt � a .r120 AG. �uuU� 4ahC4p F0. /`.. SJnrf4.. fl Vonp �z_sa^Ic raec . —'�` I cctalin 1 n r F I ip I N V• p" a r 0 � d J V g E ( way son n r 'I �aaDE.VI CaN DLEw7. rn 5,1,3,j1 poi GTn 41» .4• p\far—forora- i 2P f ' r_�� -Ctc- ;1G, RIVEf ?� `vaaat � 1 IJ,_a �?� a �l r saaeso ,.<,� a , I�, alL (-- i i > �, ; P v. nY :1Tc U—loIr. k y / CITY OF PALM DESERT PARK 5/TE RECO/f/AIENDAT/DNS PHASE 1 LEG-4—NO: �SI1litifttai� �flf}fiff}fluj 0 2 J Or,,/ER FY/B_' /C F4C/L/77 3 C/TY 014 A/ .2 ci? LEA F4C/ /T/E5 , t-L/OR P"?/[/-ATE REC.C'c-9770w F.9C./4-/7/ES VI. STANDARDS There are a number of nationally recognized standards of which the most prevalent is 10 acres of park for each 1,000 persons of population. The City in developing the Public Facilities Element of the General Plan, utilized 6.5 acres per thousand population on the basis of the large num- ber of private recreation facilities developing in the area. This was further broken down to 4.5 acres per 1,000 persons for neighborhood facilities and 2.0 per 1,000 persons for community parks. In addition to the noted acreage standards the following criteria was used as the basis for site selection in this plan: 1. Sites must adequately meet the needs to which they are related; and 2. The total system must meet or exceed the following standards: A. Neighborhood Parks - Land dedicated for neighborhood recreation park purposes may be dedicated to a community association for private maintenance or to the City for public maintenance, at the option of the City. Standards applicable to public neighborhood parks shall be applied when said neighborhood parks are privately owned and maintained. - Entire park areas shall be graded and improvements may include adequate drainage, lawn, shrubs, trees, automatic irrigation systems, concrete walkways and walkway lights. - Further, the detailed landscape and equipment specifications em- ployed by the City shall be incorporated. - Neighborhood parks shall be located centrally to the residential development served. - When centralization can be achieved, neighborhood parks should ad- join an elementary school or school site. Such parks shall be a logical extension of the school ground. 9 VI. STANDARDS (Cont.) A. Neighborhood Parks (Cont.) - Minimum size of each neighborhood park shall be one (1) acre and not exceed twelve (12) acres. - Service area of neighborhood parks shall be one quarter to one half mile; in no case shall the farthest dwelling unit served be a greater distance than three quarters of a mile. - All improvements shall be authorized by the Parks and Recreation Commission services according to these adopted criteria. - Examples of minimum improvements could include the following: 1. Entire area shall be consistent with the proposed character of the area and shall include grading, landscaping and provisions for adequate drainage. 2. Foot paths shall be of conditioned local materials. 3. One two -acre site which shall be planted and maintained as a grassy area. 4. Two of the following: Children's play area in addition to tot lots; baseball/softball, football area (at the rate of 1 baseball diamond per 6,000 people; 1 softball diamond for each 6,000 people; 1 football/soccer field for each 1,500 people); and, basketball/ volleyball areas. 5. When a neighborhood park serves a predominantly retirement com- munity, a multi -purpose community center building may be provided in lieu of the recreational improvements required in the above item. - In privately owned neighborhood parks, public -access shall be limited to greenbelts, paths and trails, and access restricted to homeowners and their guests. Under agreement with the homeowners' association, 10 VI. STANDARDS (Cont.) A. Neighborhood Parks (Cont.) recreational facilities such as, but not limited to clubhouses, changing rooms, pools, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts and open playfield activities, may be used by the general public. - When development is impending and fees will be paid in lieu of dedi- cation, the City shall, whenever possible, obtain fixed price options to acquire the land to be developed as a neighborhood park. Said options shall be exercised when fees are collected. When such options are held by the City, the fees in lieu of dedication may be determined by a prorated share of the total option price. - Adequate parking facilities shall be provided. B. Community Parks General development standards for community parks: - Vary in size from as small as ten (10) or six (6) acres if combined with another facility, to as large as thirty (30) acres. - Service areas of community parks shall be one half to three miles or a maximum of four square miles within the city. - Whenever possible, community parks shall be oriented towards serving the needs of one or more neighborhoods. - Community parks should provide such facilities as: 1) Gym; 2) passive open space; 3) bicycle motorcross; 4) field oriented activities such as baseball, football, soccer and other comparable active sports. - Such parks may include special purpose areas such as, but not limited to, ecological preserves, municipal golf courses, picnic areas and gardens, providing that the park and recreational needs at the community level, in the evaluation of Parks and Recreations Commission, have been met. 11 VI. STANDARDS (Cont.) B. Community Parks (Cont.) - Community Parks can provide a recreation center, the facilities including but not limited to multi -purpose class and assembly rooms, food preparation facilities, general storage spaces, administrative office spaces, rest rooms and change facilities and/or gymnasium. - Adequate parking shall be provided. C. Tot Lots - Less than one acre Encourage the development of tot lots within neighborhoods according to the following general standards: - One multi -purpose plan structure shall be installed in each tot lot. - When tot lots are located next to a public street, a fence with verti- cal members not more than twelve (12) inches apart shall be constructed. - Play areas shall be constructed of drained sand and/or grass. All sand areas shall be at least 18 inches deep. - Play areas shall be adequately landscaped to provide shade and re- lief from the sun, and be in the spirit and intent of this section. - A watering system shall be provided to wet the sand and plantings. -- A minimum of two benches shall be provided and placed in such a manner as to facilitate supervision of play within the tot lot site. 12 VII. ANALYSIS OF CENSUS DATA TO DETERMINE PARKS AND RECREATIONAL DESIRES In February of 1976 the City conducted a special census which did provide useful information regarding the composition of the population and interest in the area of parks and recreation. A. Population Profile The median age of the community is 37 years old and the average age is 39.61 years. This differs substantially between the north and south side of Highway 111 with the median age on the north side being 28 years old and on the south side being 53 years old. It would appear, there- fore, that the recreational desires may differ between the north and south sides. In addition, 61.4% of the population is not in the work force. This is broken down into 20% under the age of eighteen, 32% over the age of 55 years (potential retirement age), 4.4% adult students, and 5% early retirees and unemployed housewives. Finally, 92.5% of the population consider themselves permanent residents. B. Assumptions Dervied from Census 1. A majority of the population has a great potential for the volun- tary use of discretionary time. 2. Major emphasis should be placed upon development of facilities for young people on the north side and senior citizens on the south side. 3. The existence of a number of private recreational facilities in the community appear to be meeting most of the needs of potential retirees. Accordingly, improvements to the existing Palm Desert Community Center may meet the immediate needs of this segment of the Community. How- ever, it should be noted that the center is available to anyone in the lower valley. Therefore, demands on this facility may be ex- pected to increase in future years and a supplemental facility needed. 13 VIII. IMPLEMENTATION A. Adopt this Parks and Recreation Element as a sub element to the Public Facilities Element (Implementation Policies) of the City's General Plan and include the following deletions (will become part of adopting Resolu- tion and will not be a part of published document): Page 7.P.2 7.P.2.a 7.P.3 7.P.4 7.P.5 Description - delete last two paragraphs - delete total page - delete total page - delete total page - delete all but last paragraph B. Land Acquisition All possible methods of land acquisition will be used to add to the park and recreation resources within the City. 1. Dedication of Land or Payment of Fee in Lieu Thereof The City of Palm Desert Subdivision Provisions of the Municipal Code states that, in accordance with the adopted General Plan, the City Council may condition approval of a final map as follows: a sub- division "shall dedicate land, pay a fee in lieu thereof, or combi- nation thereof, at the .option of the Council, for park or recreation purposes"... The land to be dedicated for park or recreational pur- poses shall be found to be suitable as to size, location, and topo- graphy. 2. New Construction Tax All new construction shall pay a tax equivalent to twenty cents per square foot. These funds are to be used for the acquisition and development of such public facilities as parks, playgrounds and 14 VIII. IMPLEMENTATION (Cont.) B. Land Acquisition (Cont.) 2. New Construction Tax (Cont.) public structures. 3. Acquisition in Fee Purchase, condemnation, donation, and dedication processes may be used to obtain property for parks and recreation areas. 4. Existing Resources It shall be the policy of the City to attempt to acquire any phased out existing resources in order to implement this element. C. Land Development While priority will be given to acquisition over full development, the City will make every effort to encourage the full development to all existing areas and that they be utilized according to the park and recreational needs of the citizens of Palm Desert. D. Maintenance The City will pursue all available revenues to guarantee a high level of maintenance of all park and recreational facilities. Major consider- ation will be given to joint projects with other public agencies and/or recreation -oriented, non-profit organizations to provide for the park and recreation needs while keeping the maintenance costs at the lowest possible level. 15 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 368 EXHIBIT B A. Required revisions to the Public Facilities Element: Page 7.P.2 7.P.2.a 7.P.3 7.P.4 7.P.5 Description - delete last two paragraphs - delete total page - delete total page - delete total page - delete all but last paragraph B. Other Changes: Parks and Recreation Element - Page Description 6 -Proposed Community Parks Reduce number of acres from 150 to 120 on the San Dune Park 6 -Neighborhood Parks Delete Shadow Mountain park Revise subtotals and totals to reflect above changes Map -Change boundaries on the Sand Dune Park