CITY OF COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN

CITY OF COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN Prepared for: 2006 City of Coachella, California Prepared by: PlaySafe, LLC Recreation...
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CITY OF COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN Prepared for:

2006

City of Coachella, California

Prepared by: PlaySafe, LLC Recreational Consulting and Services P.O. Box 66056 Albuquerque, NM 87193 * Phone: 505. 899.9532 * Toll Free: 1.87PlaySafe Fax: 505. 899.2666 * Web Site: http://www.play-safe.com * E-mail: [email protected]

Table of Contents Community Context................................................................................... 1 ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾

Employers .............................................................................................................2 City Government ...................................................................................................3 Budget ..................................................................................................................4 Parks and Recreation Commission.......................................................................5 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee...........................................................5 Recent Activities ...................................................................................................6 Conclusions ..........................................................................................................7

Community Resources.............................................................................. 8 ¾

City Services .........................................................................................................8 • Parks .....................................................................................................................8 • Boxing Club and Karate Club ...........................................................................11 • Senior Center .....................................................................................................12 ¾ Coachella Valley Unified School District .............................................................12 ¾ Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District....................................................16 ¾ Boys / Girls Club of Coachella ............................................................................17 ¾ Parent-Led Sports Programs ..............................................................................17 ¾ Esperanza Youth and Family Center ..................................................................17 ¾ Churches.............................................................................................................18 ¾ Riverside County.................................................................................................18 • Riverside County Library ..................................................................................18 • Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District ............................19 ¾ Apartment Complexes ........................................................................................20 ¾ Master Planned Communities .............................................................................21 ¾ Conclusions ........................................................................................................22

Community Profile ................................................................................... 26 ¾ ¾

Past Growth ........................................................................................................26 Current Population ..............................................................................................28 • Gender ................................................................................................................28 • Age ......................................................................................................................28 • Ethnicity..............................................................................................................29 • Marital Status .....................................................................................................29 • Educational Attainment.....................................................................................31 • Median Income ...................................................................................................32

• Poverty Status....................................................................................................32 • Housing Units.....................................................................................................33 ¾ Future Projections...............................................................................................33 ¾ Conclusions ........................................................................................................35

Community Input ..................................................................................... 37 ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾

Citizen Field Interviews .......................................................................................37 Citizen Field Observations ..................................................................................39 Key Individual Interviews.....................................................................................40 Focus Groups .....................................................................................................44 Public Documents ...............................................................................................46 Conclusions ........................................................................................................47

Community Comparisons ....................................................................... 48 ¾ • • • • ¾ • • • • • • • • • • • • ¾ ¾

Parks...................................................................................................................49 Mini Parks ......................................................................................................49 Neighborhood Parks .....................................................................................50 Community Parks..........................................................................................50 Regional Parks ..............................................................................................50 Recreation Facilities............................................................................................51 Community Center ........................................................................................52 Swimming Pools............................................................................................52 Softball/Baseball Fields ................................................................................52 Soccer/Footballl Fields .................................................................................53 Tennis Courts ................................................................................................53 Basketball Courts..........................................................................................54 Volleyball........................................................................................................54 Skateboard Parks ..........................................................................................54 Golf Courses..................................................................................................55 Other Amenities.............................................................................................55 Comparison Summary ..................................................................................55 Comparison Summary ..................................................................................56 Programs ............................................................................................................57 Conclusions ........................................................................................................58

Implementation Plan................................................................................ 59 ¾ ¾

Parks...................................................................................................................60 Community Center ..............................................................................................67

¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾

Swimming Pool ...................................................................................................69 Softball/Baseball Fields.......................................................................................70 Soccer/Football Fields ........................................................................................71 Tennis Courts......................................................................................................73 Basketball ...........................................................................................................75 Volleyball.............................................................................................................76 Skateboard Park .................................................................................................76 Golf Course.........................................................................................................77 Summary.............................................................................................................79 Policy Actions......................................................................................................80 Program Provision ..............................................................................................80

Community Funding ................................................................................ 85 ¾

Funding Sources...............................................................................................101

Park Classification Plan ........................................................................ 105 Planning Zones ...................................................................................... 111

1 City of Coachella Community Context This document represents the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the City of Coachella for the time period 2006 to 2011 (with recommendations to 2020). The most critical element of this report is the Implementation Plan, consisting of specific recommendations appropriate for the City to consider. Coupled with these recommendations is a priority listing of suggested actions and possible funding options for those recommendations. Preceding the Implementation Plan are several sections of information consisting of data that serves as the justification and basis for the recommendations. These sections are: (1) an analysis of past population patterns, current distribution of residents, and future population projections and estimates of resident growth, (2) an analysis of currently existing parks and recreation resources provided to residents and visitors of the City through City services and by other appropriately considered groups, (3) an analysis of available resources to nationally established parks and recreation standards based on population and distance formulas, and (4) an analysis of public input through a series of citizen-based approaches. In addition, a park classification study was completed to assist the City in determining current and future park needs. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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The City of Coachella was formed in 1946 with the City Hall completed in 1949. What is now the City was originally established in 1901 as Woodspur, a small community that provided wood for railroad trains stopping to acquire necessary fuel. Woodspur was 2 ½ square miles, and by the 1950’s the area began to expand into what is now 32 square miles of incorporated city.

¾ Employers The major employers for residents of Coachella include: • Ernie Ball Company

• Coachella Valley Water District

• County of Riverside

• Sun World

• Coachella Valley Unified School District

• Fantasy Springs Casino

• Armtec Defense

• Western Imperial Products

• Spotlight 29 Casino

• Peter Rabbit Farms

• Cal Pools

• City of Coachella

In addition, new commercial projects have recently been completed including Jackson Square Commercial Center, Plaza Harrison and a variety of food outlets and retail stores.

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¾ City Government There currently is not a constituted parks and recreation department to service residents of the City of Coachella. The City does provide a parks division within the Public Works Department. These workers are to maintain the City parks as well as other duties as assigned. There has been a slight increase in staffing assigned to these duties. These figures represent full time equivalent positions. PARKS

01-02

02-03

03-04

04-05

05-06

Supervisor

.30

.30

.30

.30

.50

Senior Work

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

Maintenance

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

4.50

Total

4.80

4.80

4.80

4.80

6.00

The provision of recreation programs has historically been through the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD). The City residents voted to be within the benefit assessment district of CVRPD and therefore funds are made available to the District to provide services to City residents. City residents pay an annual assessment of $9.90 per household. The City of Coachella is within Division Two of CVRPD and a resident of Coachella is elected to the Board of Directors of CVRPD and represents the geographic area.

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¾ Budget The budget provided to the Parks Division of the Public Works department consists of personnel (39%) and other expenses (61%). The Parks Division is responsible for improvements and maintenance of the City parks. The Division performs repair and maintenance services on structures, pools and landscape in the park areas and public buildings. The following was the 2005-06 budget: Description Regular employees Benefits Overtime Other salary Group insurance Payroll deductions PERS contribution TOTAL SALARY – BENEFITS County administrative charge Professional / Contract services Repair / Maintenance Rental of equipment Communications General supplies Energy charges Machinery / Equipment Miscellaneous TOTAL OTHER EXPENSE TOTAL PARKS BUDGET

2005-06 $71,434 8,400 2,950 4,886 9,436 5,114 10,130 $112,351 5,922 15,000 11,000 7,000 1,000 55,000 25,000 53,741 111 $173,774 $286,125

City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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Fiscal resources from Proposition 12 ($221,691) and Proposition 40 ($272,641) have been partially spent on various park improvement projects. Over the past few years, fees have been collected in lieu of land dedication for future park developments through the Quimby Act Ordinance. The dollars currently (December, 2005) available are $1,232,315.

¾ Parks and Recreation Commission Section 2.28.010 of the City of Coachella Municipal Code authorizes the establishment of a Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission is to consist of five members, three appointed by the City Council and two appointed by Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District. The purpose of the Commission is to: (1) act in an advisory capacity, (2) promote and stimulate interest in recreation programs, and (3) recommend policies for improving parks and playgrounds. This Commission is currently inactive.

¾ Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Resolution 99-06 was passed by the City Council that allows for the establishment of various advisory committees including a Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee is four fold: (1) to assess social and recreational needs of the community, (2) to assist in development and implementation and ongoing evaluation of a master plan for parks and recreation, (3) to advise City Council and City Manager on the development, marketing and evaluation of parks and recreation programs to meet the needs of the community, and (4) to research City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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innovative strategies for financing of parks and recreation facilities and programs for the City. This Committee is currently inactive.

¾ Recent Activities Several resolutions and ordinances have been passed that impact the parks and recreation system in the City of Coachella. They are: Resolution 2001-08: Allocating 20% of Proposition 12 funds to the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District for capital improvements at Bagdouma Park. Ordinance No. 868: An ordinance requiring the dedication of land or the payment of fees in lieu for park and recreation purposes as a condition of tentative or parcel map approval pursuant to the Quimby Act. Resolution 2002-05: Approving the application for funding for per capita grant programs under the Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Act of 2000. Resolution 2003-02: Allocating 20% of Proposition 40 funds to the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District for capital improvements to park facilities within the City. Resolution 2004-92: This resolution adopts portions of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Non-Motorized Transportation Plan that interfaces with City planning areas. Ordinance No. 943: This ordinance establishes and imposes development impact fees to assist in relieving full financial burden for the construction and installation of public facilities and improvements. The current park City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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improvement fee is $3541 per residential dwelling unit. The library fee is currently $298 per residential dwelling unit.

¾ Conclusions • The City of Coachella has increased in both geographic size and population over the past decade with anticipated future growth. • There are a number of employers within the City but many working adults leave the City for employment. • The City government does not maintain a parks and recreation department but does have a park maintenance crew and utilizes, to a certain extent, the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District services. • A Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee has been authorized with specific duties and mission. • A variety of funding activities have been approved over the past few years in an effort to improve parks and recreation services.

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2 City of Coachella Community Resources The City of Coachella residents and visitors have access to a variety of parks and recreation services provided by an array of government and nongovernment resources. Besides City government, the public schools, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District, not-for-profit organizations, private enterprise, churches and parent-led organizations offer programs and facilities.

¾ City Services The City of Coachella owns and maintains seven (7) parks and one (1) tot lot that constitute 48.20 acres. These parks have associated amenities that range from minimal to significant.

• Parks Bagdouma Park: This 34.3 acre park consists of a number of elements. There are seven (7) lighted baseball/softball fields that are in good condition. One (1) field does experience a significant surface water issue. There are three (3) lighted soccer fields with a football field design. There are two (2) lighted multi-use / tennis courts that currently are nonfunctional with an additional hard surface play area. The park site has one (1) outdoor City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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swimming pool with associated dressing rooms that are in fair to good condition. There are four (4) sets of restrooms spread throughout the park that are in poor condition. There is one (1) large picnic pavilion that is in fair condition. There are also smaller amenities such as eighteen (18) picnic tables (fair condition), benches (good condition), bleachers (fair condition), bike rack (good condition) and limited number of grills (good condition). There is adjacent and on-site parking. Dateland Park: This park is 4.0 acres and has multiple open fields that can service soccer practices and games and football practices. These fields are in poor condition with uneven surfaces, holes and surface water issues. There is one (1) lighted soccer field and one (1) lighted baseball/softball field. These fields are in fair condition. There is one (1) basketball court in good condition with lights that are in poor condition. There are three (3) pavilions in good condition with nine (9) picnic tables that are all damaged. There is a non-functioning drinking fountain, dugouts with missing seats, bleachers that are off balance and three (3) park benches in good condition. There is one (1) restroom building that is in poor condition. De Oro Park: This 4.0 acre park has multiple sport practice fields with a baseball/softball backstop. The fields are partially lighted but the light fixture is broken. There is open grass area that consists of dirt/sand/grass and is an uneven surface. The field conditions are poor. There is a playground equipment area in poor condition and one (1) restroom building also in poor condition. There are four (4) picnic tables in fair condition with broken concrete. Sierra Vista Park: This park is 2.6 acres and consists of an open grass area with a baseball/softball backstop. There is one (1) basketball court and a playground equipment area. All of these elements are in poor condition. Also at this park are overhead power lines in the sport field play City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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area, surface holes, standing water, broken fence and litter and trash issues. Veterans Memorial Park: This 1.5 acre park has an outdoor swimming pool with associated dressing rooms. The pool is in fair condition. Within the pool area is a shade structure and two (2) picnic tables. The structure and tables are in poor condition. There is a shaded playground area with a mixture of new and old elements. It is in good condition with new benches around the play area. There is a stage with seating areas. The stage is in good condition. There is one (1) restroom building in poor condition and five (5) picnic tables, also in poor condition. There are electrical boxes, lights and drinking fountains. There are two (2) sets of bleachers in the park that do not meet the Uniform Building Code. Shady Lane: This park is 1.0 acre in size and consists of grass and two (2) picnic tables. There is a non-functioning drinking fountain. The grass area has exposed roots and the concrete support of the picnic tables is cracked and uneven. Ye’we’vichem Park: This .6 acre site is an archeologically significant park. It consists of a small monument area explaining the cultural significance of the site. Park

Type

Acreage

Location

Community

34.3

Southwest

Dateland

Neighborhood

4.0

Southeast

De Oro

Neighborhood

4.0

Northwest

Sierra Vista

Mini

2.6

Northeast

Veterans

Mini

1.5

Central

Bagdouma

City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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Shady Lane Ye’we’vichem Park

Mini

1.0

Southeast

Special Use

.6

Northwest

The tot lot is located at Avenue 53 and Calle Empalme and consists of .2 acres. There is a playground equipment area that is in poor condition.

1

1

1 1 1

18 9 9 9 4 7 2

9 9

9

9

9 9 9 9 9 9 9

3 3 2

1 1

9 9

Stage

Soccer / Football

Open Grass

Parking

Bleachers

9 9

Drinking Fountains

1

Basketball

1 3

Benches

4 1 1

Tables

1

Playground

2

Pavilion

Restrooms

7 1 1 1

Swimming Pool

Bagdouma Dateland De Oro Sierra Vista Veterans Shady Lane Ye’we’vichem

Tennis Courts

Amenities Chart

Baseball / Softball

The amenities currently available at the seven (7) parks are:

1 9 9

9

• Boxing Club and Karate Club The City contracts with and leases an indoor boxing club and fitness facility at the Bagdouma Park area. This site is 5,849 square feet and is in good to excellent condition. Supervision, instruction and competition are available free of charge to residents. The Boxing Club building is currently undergoing a 4,000 square foot expansion. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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The City of Coachella also leases two City-owned classrooms located at 1538 7th Street to the Jack Delgado Karate Club. Classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm for children ages 5 and up.

• Senior Center The City owns and operates the Eleanor Shadowen Senior Citizen Center located in downtown Coachella. The facility is open Monday thru Friday mornings with specifically designed activities and afternoons with open time and free choice activities. Activities include: bingo, ceramics, chorus, exercise, sewing, health checkups, guest speakers, karate club and hot lunches. The facility is clean and well secured. There is a large lunch room which is also used for activities as well as a second large room that is used for arts and crafts activities.

¾ Coachella Valley Unified School District There are six (6) elementary schools, one (1) middle school, one (1) high school and two (2) adult or alternative schools that service the residents of Coachella. Name Bobby Duke

Level K-6

Address 85-358 Bagdad

City Coachella

Cesar Chavez

P-6

49-601 Avenida De Oro

Coachella

Peter Pendleton

K-6

84-750 Calle Rio

Coachella

Valle del Sol

K-6

86-350 Education Way

Coachella

Palm View

K-6

1390 Seventh St.

Coachella

Valley View

K-6

85-270 Valley Rd

Coachella

City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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Cahuilla Desert Academy

7-8

82-489 Avenue 52

Coachella

Coachella Valley

9-12

83-800 Airport Rd

Thermal

--

1099 Orchard

Coachella

Adult School

Alternative Education School -1099 Orchard Coachella There are a number of parks and recreation resources available to the students during school hours and to the general public after school, evenings, weekends and summers. The availability of these resources is on a site specific basis and may be limited in accessibility. Bobby Duke Elementary School: Available at this school are three (3) ball fields with baseball/softball backstops, four (4) baseball fields, open grass field, playground equipment, volleyball area, six (6) shade structures and benches. The condition of these facilities is good to excellent. Cesar Chavez Elementary School: This school has one (1) soccer field, one (1) field with baseball/softball backstop, playground equipment, multiple basketball courts, and shade structures and benches. The condition of these facilities is good to excellent. Peter Pendleton Elementary School: Available at this site is one (1) open field with soccer goals, one (1) basketball court, one (1) field with baseball/softball backstop, two (2) playground equipment areas, and four (4) shade structures with benches. The condition of these facilities is good to excellent. Valley View Elementary School: This school has six (6) basketball courts, one (1) open field, playground equipment, and a shade structure with benches. These facilities are in good to excellent condition.

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Palm View Elementary School: At the school is a Head Start and Day Care facility. A playground equipment area exists for both the preschool children and the school children. Also at the site are basketball courts, tetherball poles, and a large open grass field with soccer goals and backstops for baseball and softball, several shade structures and picnic tables. The facilities are in excellent condition. Valle del Sol Elementary: Available at this school is one (1) indoor gymnasium, six (6) basketball courts, two (2) volleyball areas, one (1) open field with baseball/softball backstop and playground equipment. The condition of these facilities is good to excellent. Cahuilla Desert Academy: At this site is a fitness course, multiple backstops on open grass fields, a track surrounding a full size football field and multiple basketball courts. The condition of these facilities is excellent. Coachella Valley High School: This facility is located in Thermal on the edge of the City of Coachella boundaries. The school has full size gymnasiums, lighted football field, track and field, soccer field, baseball/softball fields, an array of tennis courts, child care facility with playground equipment and a large size indoor swimming pool. The facilities are in excellent condition. Adult / Alternative Education School: This school conducts a non-school hour program that serves elementary, middle school and high school students. This program is entitled Century 21 and provides sites at all the schools in Coachella as well as at the Boys/Girls Club of Coachella. The programs and associated facilities are geared toward academic and enrichment (recreation) experiences.

City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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¾ Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District operates a benefit assessment district that includes the City of Coachella. The District receives $9.90 per household. In addition, the District receives funding from a Lighting and Landscape District (LLD) to support services within the City. The following physical resources are operated by the District within the City: • Coachella Community Center: This building consists of a large open room and two smaller rooms with a small kitchen. The District currently conducts an after school program. The building is available for use on a fee basis for community or family events. The building is located at Bagdouma Park and is in good to excellent condition. The District has operated swim lessons and managed sports teams at the Bagdouma Park site in the past. • Canal Regional Park is located at Pierce Street and Avenue 54 in Coachella. At this point in time, the 221.99 acre land site has been left in its natural state and is used on a limited basis by a model airplane organization. • Placitas de la Paz Parks are located in the housing subdivision at Avenue 50 and Fredrick. These three mini parks consist of picnic areas, shelters, walking trails and playground areas. The parks are in excellent condition. These parks are funded through an LLD.

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• The District contracts with Coachella Valley Housing Coalition to provide a Kids Club (after school program) at three apartment and mobile home complexes in Coachella.

¾ Boys / Girls Club of Coachella The Frank Foster and Palmer Powell Family Clubhouse is located in downtown Coachella and provides both a large indoor facility and associated programs. The facility maintains a lunch room, a computer room with 20 new computers, an open game room, an education center, an arts and crafts room and a large gymnasium with six (6) basketball court zones that double as volleyball zones. In addition, there is a teen center within the complex and also an outside play court. The Club serves youth age 7-18 with about 50% of the attendees being teenagers. There is a Club fee that is modest with scholarship and work off options available. The programs consist of drop in activities, arts and crafts, games, sports and youth leadership. The Club works with the school district and parent-led sports groups to coordinate additional activities. The facilities are in excellent condition.

¾ Parent-Led Sports Programs There are three organizations led by parent volunteers that work to assist youth in sports participation. The organizations provide advertisement, registration, instruction, practice and competition in soccer, baseball, softball, and football. These groups utilize both City and school sites. There is registration and other fees associated with these programs.

¾ Esperanza Youth and Family Center City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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This facility is located in downtown Coachella and provides after school recreation programs for youth as well as health awareness education programs. This building is owned by the City and leased to the Center for a nominal cost. The building has an activity center with games. The population served is age 8-18. Besides after school and summer recreation programs there are parenting classes, mentoring programs, field trips and special events. The facility is in good condition.

¾ Churches Some residents utilize the programs and facilities of local churches to meet recreation program needs. The largest provider is Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church. A youth center is provided for both members and nonmembers and provides computers, games, videos, group discussions and special events.

¾ Riverside County There are two (2) County agencies that provide parks and recreation services to residents of the City of Coachella. One is the County Library system and the other is the County Regional Park and Open Space District.

• Riverside County Library In downtown Coachella is the Coachella branch of the Riverside County Public Library System. This facility is owned by the City and leased to the County. The facility is open daily Monday through Saturday and provides: information assistance, children’s programs, literacy tutoring, internet access, word processors, large print books, audio books, DVDs and videos, music CDs and cassettes, newspapers and magazines, tax forms and copiers. This facility is in excellent condition. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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• Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District Available to residents within the valley area are 30,000 acres of parkland provided by Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District. Some of these resources will be of interest and accessible to residents of the City of Coachella:

Western Valley Bogart Park

Camping / RV

Group Camping

Equestrian

Boating

X

Box Springs Mountain Hidden Valley Wildlife

X

Kabian Park Lake Skinner Recreation Area Louis Robidoux Nature Center

X

X

Historic Parks

Fishing

Hiking

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X X

Camping / RV

X

X

Group Camping

X

Equestrian

Boating

Trails

X

X X

X

X X

Fishing

Day Use

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Hiking

Interpret

Day Use

Gilman Historic Ranch & Museum Jensen-Alvarado Ranch

Mountain Parks

Interpret

X X

Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park Rancho Jurupa Park Santa Rosa Plateau Reserve

X

Trails

X X Camping / RV

Group Camping

Equestrian

Boating

Trails

Fishing

City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

Hiking

Interpret

19

Day Use

Hurkey Creek Park

X

X

Idyllwild Park

X

X

X

Idyllwild Nature Center McCall Memorial Park

Desert Parks Lake Cahuilla

Colorado River Parks

X

X

X

Camping / RV

Group Camping

Equestrian

X

X

X

Camping / RV

Group Camping

Equestrian

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X Boating

Boating

X

Trails

Fishing

Hiking

X

X

X

Trails

Fishing

Hiking

Interpret

X Interpret

P.V.I.D. Fishing Access Mayflower Park

Day Use

Day Use X

X

X

X

X

¾ Apartment Complexes There are twenty (20) apartment complexes in the City of Coachella proper. Within each of these complexes are playgrounds, shade shelters, picnic tables and open grass. In a few of the complexes are swimming pools, tennis courts, soccer fields and basketball and volleyball courts. The conditions of these facilities are good to excellent. Apartment

Number of Units

Resident Qualifications

Pueblo Nuevo

50

Farm workers

Coachella Community

100

Low income

Las Casas 1

50

Farm workers

Las Casas 2

78

Farm workers

Las Casas 3

52

Low / very low income

City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

20

Apartment

Number of Units

Resident Qualifications

Tlaquepaque

76

Low / very low income

Desert Palms

112

Low income

Coachella Valley 1

50

Very low income

Coachella Valley 2

52

Very low income

Casa Maria

58

Low income

Summerwood

50

Low income

Las Palmas

81

Low income

Orchard Villas

82

Low income

Las Palmeras

70

Low income

El Jardin

81

Low income

Cedar Springs

201

Low income

Funete De Paz

37

Low income / farm workers

Orchard Villas

72

Low income

Las Flores

81

Low income

Casa Grande

81

Low income

1,514

Units subsidized

Total

¾ Master Planned Communities Within the City of Coachella are two (2) planned subdivision developments with proposed park features. They are Shadow View and Avalor. There are several other planned subdivision developments in the pre-planning and authorization phases. At the Shadow View site is a proposed 40 acre parcel designed as either a regional sports park or a linear park with park pods. The sports park would provide a cloverleaf designed baseball / softball set of four (4) fields with two (2) soccer field overlays and four (4) City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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tennis courts. The linear park with park pods would have a dog park, group picnic sites, a community building, tot lot, amphitheater, pavilion, skate park, tennis courts, baseball field or some combination of such. At the Avalor site is a proposed four (4) acre park that would be broken into four (4) sites consisting of a trail system, soccer field, spraypark, playground, pavilion, basketball court and restroom.

¾ Conclusions • There are a variety of agencies and groups that provide various types of parks and recreation services to the residents of the City of Coachella. • The City of Coachella provides seven (7) parks that constitute 48.20 acres of land. There are ten (10) baseball / softball fields, two (2) tennis court sites, two (2) outdoor swimming pools, four (4) playgrounds, multiple open grass areas, eight (8) soccer / football fields and two (2) basketball courts. There are also a variety of support amenities such as restrooms, pavilions, picnic tables, bleachers and drinking fountains. Most of the facilities are in poor condition. • The City of Coachella offers free recreation programs and services at the Boxing Club and the Senior Center.

City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

Sport Backstops

9

Palm View Valle del Sol Cahuilla Desert High School

9

9 9

9

9 9

9

9 9

9 9

9

Indoor Pool

9

9

Cesar Chavez Peter Pendleton Valley View

Tennis Courts

Basketball Courts

9

9

Track / Field

Soccer/Football Fields

9

9

9

Fitness Course

Benches

9

9

Bobby Duke

School Amenities

Indoor Gymnasium

Shade Structures

9

Playgrounds

9

Open Grass

9

Baseball/Softball Fields

Volleyball Area

• Coachella Valley School District provides nine (9) school sites with a significant variety of parks and recreation features. These resources are available to the public on a site specific basis and include:

9

9

9 9

9

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Adult School

• Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District owns and operates an indoor community center, a regional park and three mini neighborhood parks. Limited recreation program services are provided. • The Boys and Girls Club of Coachella provides an indoor complex with multiple features and a significant youth programming element. Parent-led sports programs also provide youth services as does Esperanza Youth and Family Center and some of the local churches. • Riverside County makes available a large array of parks, some of which are appropriate for use by Coachella residents. Also, the County operates a public library branch in downtown Coachella. • Apartment complexes and

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residential subdivisions do or will provide a number of features that help to meet the free time interests of residents.

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3 City of Coachella Community Profile The City of Coachella has experienced significant growth over the past few years and this pattern is projected to continue. Riverside County as well as the State of California have likewise experienced rapid growth and the County and State population patterns are estimated to rise in the future.

¾ Past Growth The City of Coachella increased in population during the past 50 years, from 2,755 in 1950 to 22,724 in 2000, an increase of 19,969 residents.

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Population - 1950 - 2000 22,724

25,000 20,000

16,896

15,000 10,000 5,000

2,755

4,854

8,353

9,129

0 1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

The growth from 1990 to 2000 represented a 34.5% increase or a difference of 5,828 residents. This past population growth pattern continued from year 2000 to year 2005 with a resident base growth from 22,724 to 30,764 or 8,040 residents. Population - 2000 - 2005 30,764 28,714

30,000 26,700 25,000

22,724

23,369

24,432

2001

2002

20,000 2000

2003

2004

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2005

27

¾ Current Population The most accurate description of resident characteristics comes from the 2000 U.S. Census. Where newer data is available (City of Coachella, California State Department of Finance), that has been used to more accurately describe the population. The population characteristics of gender, age, ethnicity, income and housing may influence recreation programming choices of citizens.

• Gender The percent of population male and female sits at about 50% each. The following table compares the gender distribution of the City to that of the State of California and to the U.S. as a whole: Gender Male

Coachella 49.8

State 49.8

Nation 49.1

Female

50.2

50.2

50.9

It can be noted that the City of Coachella residents mirror that of the State and Nation as a function of gender distribution.

• Age

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The age distribution for Coachella residents indicates that the majority of residents are in the 15 years of age or younger bracket. This percent is much higher than both the State (23.0%) and National average (21.4%) for this age category. The following chart displays population by age: 45 - 64 12.8%

65+ 5.0% 15 or younger 34.4%

25 - 44 28.8% 16 - 24 19.1%

The population of residents in Coachella on the average is younger (26.70 average years) than the State average (34.60) and the National average (36.22). The senior population (5.0%) is half the size of both the State (10.6%) and the Nation (12.4%) for that age category. The median age of Coachella residents is 23.3.

• Ethnicity The percent of Coachella population by race indicates that 97.4% of the residents are Hispanic or Latino. This compares to a State Hispanic population of 32.4% and a National Hispanic population of 12.5%.

• Marital Status City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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The issue of marital status is important only as it speaks to current family structure within the community. The following table displays percent male and percent female populations that are currently married. A comparison to State and National averages is provided. Married with Spouse

Coachella

State

Nation

Male

47.2

48.5

52.9

Female

47.7

47.2

49.5

The percent male is lower than both State and National averages while the percent female for the City is between the State and National average.

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• Educational Attainment The residents of Coachella 25 years of age and older have the following Bachelor's Degree, 1.0%

High School, 18.8% Beyond Bachelor's, 0.9%

Some College, 11.1% No High School, 68.2%

educational attainment: Coachella residents are lower in high school completion (18.8%) compared to both State (20.1%) and National averages (28.6%). This is true of other levels of educational attainment. Level

Coachella

California

U. S.

Some College

11.1

30.0

27.4

Bachelor’s Degree

1.0

17.0

15.5

Beyond Bachelor’s

.9

9.5

8.9

Percent of Coachella residents currently in school for all levels is reflected in the following table: City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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School Enrollment

Coachella

State

Nation

Preschool / Kindergarten

11.5

10.9

11.9

Grades 1 – 12

80.0

63.9

65.3

College

8.5

25.2

22.8

Percent of students in college is lower than both the State and National average while the percent in grades 1 – 12 is much higher than State and National averages. The issue of college attendance may be a function of location of college and if the student is able to claim local residency.

• Median Income Median household income helps in understanding residents’ ability to expend dollars for private resources versus the need to use public services. For the City of Coachella, median household income is lower than both State and National medians. This average is lower not only for all groups but also for each age group breakdown. The per capita income is likewise lower than State and National per capita income levels. For the 2005 year, the median income was $28,590 and the per capita income was $7,416. the average annual household income was $41,745.

• Poverty Status In the City of Coachella, 29.1% of the families are at or below federally designated poverty levels. This compares to a National average of 9.2%. Individuals (as opposed to families) who are at or below the poverty level is City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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28.9% compared to the National average of 12.4%. The difference between City residents and the Nation as a whole is significant.

• Housing Units Residents of the City of Coachella reside in either owner-occupied or renter-occupied housing units. The majority of Coachella residents live in owner-occupied housing (58.1%). This percent is higher than the State average (53.6%) but lower than the National average (60.2%). The renteroccupied housing for Coachella residents (37.8%) is lower than the State average (40.6%) but higher than the National average (30.8%). The average number of persons per household is 4.85.

¾ Future Projections It is difficult to project population figures for the future, in that many variables influence accuracy. Preliminary estimates of projected growth are available that, given a certain level of confidence, are helpful for consideration. The State of California is expected to grow in population over the next few years. This is also true of Riverside County, Coachella Valley and the City of Coachella. From 2004 to 2005 the California state population increased 1.5% and Riverside County increased 3.8%. Some sources suggest that the City will increase 9.3% in population. The following is the expected Population Projections - Riverside County 5,000,000

4,305,161 3,717,961

4,000,000 2,675,648

3,000,000

3,180,411

2,165,148

City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006 2,000,000

2010

2020

2030

2040

2050

33

growth of Riverside County over several decades: The following is the expected growth of the greater Coachella Valley area over several time points: Population Projections - Coachella Valley 800,000

684,700

700,000

547,500

600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000

353,500

395,714

2003

2005

440,600

496,500

2010

2015

318,125

200,000 2000

2020

2030

The City of Coachella anticipates that 600 new housing units will be completed each year with a 4.72 person per household occupancy rate. Therefore, the following are projections for several years based on these assumptions: Population Projections - 2004 - 2008 - City of Coachella 45,000 40,138 40,000

37,282

35,000 30,000

31,570

34,426

28,714

25,000 2004

2005

2006

2007

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2008

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Population Projections 2008 - 2020 - City of Coachella 74,420

80,000 70,000

60,140

60,000 50,000 40,000

40,138

30,000 20,000 2008

2015

2020

Significant to the City of Coachella future population growth will be land build out and future land annexation opportunities.

¾ Conclusions The following conclusions seem appropriate: • The City of Coachella, Riverside County and the State of California have experienced continuous and stable population increases over past years. • The City of Coachella increased in resident base from 1950 to 2000 by 19,969 residents and by 5,828 residents from 1990 to 2000. From 2000 to 2005 the population increased by 8,040 residents. • Currently, the City of Coachella has 35,207 residents as of January 1, 2006 per California Department of Finance City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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• Coachella has an equal percent of males and females, generally consistent with State and National averages. The age of Coachella residents is much younger than State and National averages. • The 65+ age bracket is about one half the size in percent of both the State and National average. • The ethnicity of Coachella residents is primarily Latino, with marital status about the same as both State and National averages. To the extent there is a difference, the younger age of the total population is an influence. • The percent of Coachella residents in grades 1 – 12 is much higher than both State and National averages while the percent in college is much lower. Residents are lower in high school completion as well as other levels of educational attainment as compared to State and National averages. • Residents of the City of Coachella have median incomes lower than State and National averages. The percent of residents at or below the federal poverty level is higher than State or National averages. • Future population projections for the City of Coachella suggest growth and perhaps rapid growth. This is true of the County and generally true of the State. Factors affecting the City’s growth will be land build out and future land annexation. • Future demographic characteristics are likely to change with fewer persons per household and a shift in youth age brackets.

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4 City of Coachella Community Input City of Coachella residents, elected and appointed officials, and key citizen groups took an opportunity to share thoughts, insights and perceptions regarding parks and recreation issues, needs and priorities. Four citizen input methods were used to collect this valuable information, including: field interviews, field observations, key individual interviews and a series of focus groups. Additionally, an array of public documents was consulted.

¾ Citizen Field Interviews During the month of January 2006, one hundred and eight (108) users of the seven City parks and other parks and recreation sites in Coachella (schools, library, centers, clubs, churches, apartments) were interviewed and asked both open ended questions as well as specific questions regarding the parks and recreation opportunities in Coachella. Multiple age groups, ethnicities, genders and circumstances were involved in the field interviews. The following are summary statements from these interviews:

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• Both youths and adults consider a skateboard park an important new feature for the City, allowing youth an exciting venue and parents a sense of security and safety for the community. • Drinking fountains are considered essential within the parks where the water is clean, fresh and the fountains operate and are appealing. • Additional basketball courts are desired at the park sites or open use is made available at the school locations. • Open fields that are grass covered with even surfaces are desired where sports practices and pick up games could occur. • Some playground equipment was felt to be unsafe, old, dirty and uncomfortable for use. Newer playground equipment was much appreciated. • The sports fields within the parks were felt to be unusable due to surface water, open holes, uneven surfaces and dirt and sand rather than grass. Additionally, most lighting was felt to be inadequate. • Any new programs would need to be affordable so that cost is not a barrier. In addition, locations of programs should consider safety of travel to the sites. • Significant and strong feelings existed concerning the lack of quality of the parks and associated amenities. Many felt that various elements of the parks are old, unsafe, undesirable and unusable.

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¾ Citizen Field Observations Also during the month of January 2006, observations were made of user behaviors at the various parks and recreation sites. The following is a summary of hundreds of field observations: • Middle age residents and particularly seniors enjoy walking around parks and school sites. This activity occurs during the day and early evening but not at night. • Walking dogs at these same sites is popular; however, dog clean up was not a regular habit. The citizens did have their dogs leashed as opposed to numerous dog packs that run unattended. • Standing water was present at most of the park sites and was a significant concern for proper and safe activity use. Sprinkler heads were also broken or dysfunctional at a number of park sites. • Parks were used during the day primarily by seniors for talking and card playing. The sports fields were used in the afternoon and evening by sport groups. Playgrounds were used by school age children immediately after school. • Individual uses were occurring at various park sites such as reading, music, picnicking and visiting. • Some of the parks were not used at all during the day, evening or early evening timeframes.

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¾ Key Individual Interviews Eighty two (82) elected and appointed officials and other key citizens were interviewed seeking their well informed thoughts. These individuals were in positions of critical knowledge, exposure to important issues and contact with larger segments of the population. These individuals were from: Mayor’s office

Neighborhood Services

Boys & Girls Club

City Council

Senior Center

Youth leaders

Planning office

Catholic church

Esperanza Center

Public Works

Developers/Land Owners Public schools

Planning Commission

Youth and Adult sports

Riverside County

Finance office

CVRPD

Coachella Valley Housing Coalition

Architect – Engineers

City Manager’s office

Parks Division

Police Department

Code Enforcement

Palm Desert City

Indio City

La Quinta City

Thermal

The following is a summary of the results from these key interviews: • Parks and recreation sites and programs need to be sensitive to the unique cultural and ethnic traditions of residents in the community. • Current park sites need new features that make the park attractive, exciting, usable and inviting. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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• New parks and recreation resources are necessary as residents and housing developments increase. • There is a need for additional practice and game fields for all types of youth and adult sports. • A major City park is needed that provides a multitude of pavilions, barbecues, open space and amphitheater that could accommodate large scale community and family special events. • Additional soccer fields are of particular interest in the community and well lighted, safe and high quality fields are essential. • Shade structures, shaded benches and spray elements are important to help citizens feel comfortable with park use and quality of life in the community. • There is a strong sense that Coachella residents are leaving the City boundaries, particularly to Indio to have their parks and recreation needs met. • Walking paths should encircle all of the existing and new parks and linkages should be put in place, where appropriate, to connect pathways together. • The number, size and amenities at the existing parks are below the number and quality needed by the current population. • A City wide trails plan should be developed and put in place. All future developments, both City sponsored and private sector sponsored, should develop connections to this trail system. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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• An aggressive “land bank” should/must be developed to set aside land for future parks and recreation needs. City funds should be used now rather than wait until land is more expensive. • The time has come when the City should put in place a Parks and Recreation Director position to oversee current park maintenance, plan future resources and coordinate with other providers. • An indoor facility that can provide high quality day care with enrichment, recreation and sport options and instruction is needed. • Retention basins are not acceptable as park land and the City should no longer accept these sites as developer offered resources. • City and school joint design, use, maintenance and management agreements are critical for both agencies. Greater citizen use and quality can be achieved through these types of agreements. • Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District is not currently reaching the population most in need and greater efforts are needed by the District to meet citizen needs. • Existing parks are in disrepair, unattractive and unwelcoming to citizens and their use. Improvement of current resources is just as important as the need for new venues. • Park and recreation resources represent a symbol of community pride, assist in community identity and speak to the traditions of quality of life. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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• Parks placed in new subdivisions by developers must be “turn key” parks completely designed, built and ready for full citizen use. • As new parks are brought into the City by developers, the operation and maintenance costs for these sites need to be built into the City budget. • There is a gap in services for teenagers who are not part of the school sports teams. Also, all agencies close on the weekend, leaving few options for youth on these days. • Transportation is a critical issue for senior citizens and families that struggle economically. In town and cross town assistance is needed. • Policies need to be put in place regarding park use, reservations, special event use and large group and family uses. • Developer guidelines are essential to define parks, size, purpose, amenities and quality control components.

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¾ Focus Groups Five (5) focus groups were conducted in which highly committed and well informed citizens had the opportunity to discuss key issues regarding parks and recreation. The focus groups consisted of: Group

Day/Time

Stakeholders

Jan 23 / 5:00 – 6:30 pm

Youth / Adult Sports

Jan 24 / 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Boys and Girls Club Keystone Teens

Jan 25 / 5:00 – 6:30 pm

Senior Citizens

Jan 26 / 9:00 – 10:30 am

Concerned Citizens

Jan 27 / 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Location Council Chambers Senior Center Boys/Girls Club Senior Center Community Center

Attendees 14 12 12 24 12

The following is a summary of the results from these focus groups: • The City, schools and private sector need to work together in the planning, funding, maintenance and use of parks and recreation system services. • Both regional, large scale parks hosting sport venues as well as neighborhood parks, with amenities sensitive to residents are needed.

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• Linear parks coupled with park pods may be an appropriate design for the future. This model highlights trails, resting places and traditional park uses. • The use of Community Facilities Districts is necessary to financially support facilities, programs and maintenance of park and recreation features, as well as developer impact fees. • The City needs to encourage the private sector to contribute to the park system by offering incentives that reward businesses going beyond the required ordinances. • Existing parks and recreation resources do not meet the sports specific competition and field requirements. Local groups struggle to meet the standards for cross community competition. • More play areas are needed so that fields may have a necessary rest period so that the turf can regrow and strengthen. • Adjacent communities have parks and recreation systems that could serve as models for the City of Coachella to consider, specifically Indio, Palm Desert and La Quinta. • Residents living in close proximity to parks express concern about the lack of sensitivity of users and the impact of the lights, noise, litter and parking has on the neighborhood. • Lack of parking at or around parks prevents parks from being utilized to their full extent.

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• Recreation programs for adults are lacking. Programs for elementary age and middle school age seem to be well in place. Non-sport based programs are needed for teenage youth. • Cultural designs to parks would be a unique attribute to the existing parks with a central plaza surrounded by plant life and flowers. • Parks should not be an embarrassment to the City, diminish the quality of life for residents or limit options for citizens.

¾ Public Documents A review was made of several documents prepared by various government agencies. Some of these planning documents report findings from public input elements that were part of their planning process. The results are similar to responses reported here. The documents consulted were: • • • • • • • • •

CVAG Non-Motorized Transportation Plan City of Coachella General Plan 2020 CVRPD Parks and Recreation Master Plan City of Coachella Municipal Code The Quimby Act City of Coachella Annual Levy Report City Attorney Memorandum Internal City Reports Development Status Report

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¾ Conclusions • A multitude of citizens, elected and appointed officials and others shared thoughtful responses regarding parks and recreation issues. • Field interviews were conducted with one hundred and eight (108) citizens. Field observations were made of hundreds of users of parks and recreation sites, interviews were conducted with eighty-two (82) key community leaders and five (5) focus groups were conducted where seventy-four (74) citizens shared insights and perceptions. • A significant volume of thoughts were collected and the general themes were: Existing

New

Essential

•significant repairs, improvements and renovations needed •facilities are old and undesirable •unsafe surfaces •standing water •CVRPD needs new agreement •transportation lacking •Non-compliance with sport standards •lack of parking

•skateboard park •basketball courts •open fields •walking paths •parks •sport fields •practice fields •Parks & Recreation Director •park use policies •regional and neighborhood parks •adult and teen programs •trail system

•drinking fountains •safe playgrounds •lighting •cultural sensitivity •park amenities •shade structures •cooling elements •day care •joint agreements •additional budget •CFD’s •field rest periods

Concern •unusable sports fields •affordability •safety, security •dog clean up •use of other cities’ resources •future land bank •retention basins •community image •developer controls •program gaps •resident behavior at park sites

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5 City of Coachella Community Comparisons The National Recreation and Park Association, in conjunction with local communities across the country, have established parks and recreation standards that are based on resource, population and distance formulas. These standards are an attempt to help local communities have some indication of the number, type, size and perhaps location of parks and recreation resources appropriate to meet citizen needs. It is noted that these standards are meant to be suggestive and serve as an indicator helpful for comparison purposes. Also of importance to the City of Coachella is the Quimby Act. This piece of California legislation allows local municipalities to create ordinances that require developers of subdivisions to dedicate land or pay fees in lieu, or a combination of both, for parks and recreation facilities. The Quimby Act serves as an additional set of standards.

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¾ Parks The national standards for parks provision classify parks into five types with suggested size, service radius and population reference. The direct application of these standards to the City of Coachella is helpful. The City’s existing parks are classified as: mini, neighborhood and community. The following table displays the suggested national park standards: Park Type Mini-park Neighborhood Community Regional Reserve

Suggested Size 1 acre or less 15+ acres 25+ acres 200+ acres 1000+ acres

Service Radius ¼ to ½ mile ¼ to ½ mile 1 to 2 miles 1 hr. drive 1 hr. drive

Acres Per 1000 Residents ¼ to ½ acre 1 to 2 acres 5 to 8 acres 10+ acres Variable

These standards represent the ideal benchmark for public parks and recreation service. The Quimby Act (Government Code Section 66477) calls for a standard of 3 acres of parkland per 1,000 persons as a function of a formula that incorporates dwelling unit size.



Mini Parks

The City of Coachella provides four parks that are classified as mini parks: Sierra Vista, Veterans, Ye’we’vichem and Shady Lane. These parks range in size from .6 acre to 2.6 acres with an average acreage of 1.43 and a total acreage of 5.70. For a population the size of Coachella, these standards suggest 7.69 to 15.38 acres of parkland at this level. At this point in time, the City of Coachella provision of mini parks by park size and City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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population is below the national standard. Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District does provide three mini parks in the City limits.



Neighborhood Parks

The City of Coachella provides its residents two neighborhood parks: Dateland and DeOro. These parks are both 4 acres and constitute a total of 8. For a community the size of Coachella, standards recommend between 30 and 60 acres of parkland at this level. At this point in time, Coachella’s provision of neighborhood parks by park size and population is below the national standard.



Community Parks

The City of Coachella has one park that meets the criteria of a community park: Bagdouma, which consists of 34.3 acres. For a community the size of Coachella, standards recommend about 150 acres of parkland at this level. At this point in time, Coachella provisions of community parks by size and population is below the national standard.



Regional Parks

The City of Coachella does not currently provide a park site that meets the criteria of a regional park. For a community the size of Coachella, standards would recommend one park in the 400 acre range. The Quimby Act calls for 3 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, given a formula driven by unit standards. Using that standard, the City of Coachella should provide about 92 acres of parkland. At this point in time, the City is below this localized standard.

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¾ Recreation Facilities In addition to parkland standards, the National Recreation and Park Association has created recreation facility benchmarks based on population units and service area radius. These standards are calculated for the basic types of facilities that would either be an amenity within parks or in a separate facility provision. Facility Type Badminton Basketball Handball Hockey Tennis Volleyball Baseball Football Soccer Softball Archery Golf course Swimming pools Community Center

Service Radius ¼ to ½ mile ¼ to ½ mile 15-30 min. drive 30-60 min. drive ¼ to ½ mile ¼ to ½ mile ¼ to ½ mile 15-30 min. drive 1-2 miles ¼ to ½ mile 30 min. drive ½ to 1 hour drive 15-30 min. drive 15-30 min. drive

Population Units 1 per 5,000 1 per 5,000 1 per 20,000 1 per 100,000 1 per 2,000 1 per 5,000 1 per 5,000 1 per 20,000 1 per 10,000 1 per 5,000 1 per 50,000 1 per 50,000 1 per 20,000 ½ to 1 square foot per resident

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Community Center

The City of Coachella does not provide an indoor recreation center. The standard would recommend, for a community the size of Coachella, a facility in the 30,000 square foot range. There are indoor facilities that are made available to different segments of the population. They include: Boys and Girls Club of Coachella, Coachella Valley High School, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District Community Center, Esperanza Youth and Family Center, Our Lady of Soledad Youth Center, Riverside County Library, the Eleanor Shadowen Senior Center and the Boxing Club. To the extent that these facilities are open and accessible to the residents, the standard is met.



Swimming Pools

There are two outdoor swimming pools in the City of Coachella and one indoor swimming pool at Coachella Valley High School. The two outdoor pools are in good condition. The indoor pool is in excellent condition. The outdoor pools are available for use during the summer months. The national standard recommends one to two pools for a community the size of Coachella. With the addition of the high school pool, the national standard is met.



Softball/Baseball Fields

Softball and baseball fields can be used as common sites if the initial design is such that the area meets both sports’ specific distance and design criteria. The City of Coachella provides ten fields at four locations. These fields are at Bagdouma, Dateland, DeOro and Sierra Vista Parks. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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The fields are in poor to good condition. There are stand alone softball/baseball fields at Bobby Duke School and at Coachella Valley High School. In addition, there are baseball backstops and fields at Bobby Duke, Cesar Chavez, Peter Pendleton, Palm View, Valle del Sol and Cahuilla Desert Academy. For a community the size of Coachella, the standard recommends six fields. The standard is exceeded but quality concerns exist at the City provided fields.



Soccer/Football Fields

Soccer and football fields can be used as common sites if the initial design meets both sport field specifications. Standards recommend more soccer field overlays than football in a typical community. The City of Coachella provides 8 soccer/football fields at 3 locations. There are 3 fields at Bagdouma Park, 3 fields at Dateline and 2 fields at DeOro Park. The fields are in poor to good condition. Six school sites have soccer/football field overlays. They are Cesar Chavez, Peter Pendleton, Palm View, Valle del Sol, Cahuilla Desert and CV High School. These fields are in excellent condition. For a community the size of Coachella, the standard recommends 3 to 4 fields. The community exceeds the standard.



Tennis Courts

There are two multi-use / tennis courts at Bagdouma Park that are in disrepair. There are tennis courts at Coachella Valley High School that are in excellent condition. The national standard for tennis courts is an aggressive benchmark and suggests that Coachella should have about fifteen courts. The current number and condition of courts places the City below the standard. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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Basketball Courts

There are three basketball courts, one each at Dateland, Sierra Vista and Bagdouma parks. These courts are in poor condition. There are basketball courts at six school sites including Cesar Chavez, Peter Pendleton, Valley View, Palm View, Valle del Sol, Cahuilla Desert and at the High School. All of these courts are in excellent condition. The standard recommends six courts for a community the size of Coachella. At this point in time, the City provided courts are below standard in both number and quality. The public school courts balance out the standard requirement.



Volleyball

The City of Coachella does not provide any volleyball courts but both Bobby Duke and Valle del Sol schools have outdoor courts. Indoor courts are available at the High School and the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella. For a community the size of Coachella, six courts would be appropriate. It is not uncommon that multiple portable stands are made available at park sites.



Skateboard Parks

The skateboard industry standard for skateboard parks is one park per 30,000 residents. However, the facilities can range from small parks constituting 2,500 square feet to full dimension facilities of 15,000 square feet. Coachella does not currently provide a skateboard park.

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Golf Courses

The national standard for public play golf courses is one eighteen hole course per 50,000 residents in a ½ to 1 hour driving radius. The City of Coachella does not provide a course; however, within the use radius are a number of public play courses.



Other Amenities

The number and size of playground equipment is not set by populationservice distance benchmarks. However, playgrounds are guided by safety and design requirements set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Safety Testing Materials. In addition, the number of park pavilions, picnic shelters, restrooms and concession stands are left to the discretion of local communities.

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Comparison Summary

The application of national park and facility standards is helpful in gaining a better understanding of local resources to national benchmarks. The following chart summarizes some of these key factors for the City of Coachella: Resource Parks

Coachella

Standard

Provision

Other

48.2 acres

6-10 acres per 1,000

Not Met

County, CVRPD

-

½ square foot per resident

Not Met

B/GC, EYFC, CVRPD, Church, CVHS, Senior Center, Boxing Club

Swimming Pool

2 outdoor

1 pool per 20,000

Exceeds

CV High School

Softball/Baseball

10 fields

1 field per 5,000

Exceeds

Public Schools

Soccer/Football

8 fields

1 field per 10,000

Exceeds

Public Schools

Tennis Courts

2 courts

1 court per 2,000

Not Met

CV High School

Basketball

3 courts

1 court per 5,000

Not Met

Volleyball

-

1 court per 5,000

Not Met

Skateboard

-

1 park per 30,000

Not Met

-

Golf Course

-

1 course per 50,000

Met

1 private course

Community Center

B/GC, Public Schools Boys/Girls Club, CV High School

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¾ Programs Use standards for programs are difficult to create and apply in that so much of the delivery of leadership based programs are driven by local interests, available facilities, weather patterns, customs and traditions, other provider groups and local leadership skill. An overlay of diversity of opportunities, service to various age categories and program delivery methods can be studied. The following program overlay applies to City of Coachella provided programs: Open Recreation

Lessons / Clinics

City of Coachella

9

9

Boxing Club

9

9

Senior Center

9

9

CVRPD

9

CV Unified School District

9

9

9

9

Boys/Girls Club

9

9

9

9

9

9

9

Program

Non-profit Sports Esperanza Center

9

Churches

9

County Library

9

Leagues / Tournaments

Special Events

9 9 9

9

9

9

9

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¾ Conclusions The physical resources and program provisions have been compared to nationally accepted space standards to better understand the relationship of local provision to recommended benchmarks. The following conclusions seem appropriate: • The provision of parks by number, location and acreage are below the nationally accepted standard for parkland. The City provisions are also below the Quimby Act formula. • The City does not provide a community center, volleyball courts, skateboard park or golf course. The golf course is not needed by standard. • The swimming pool, softball/baseball and soccer/football provisions exceed the standard by number but not by quality and dimensions. • A variety of agencies within the community support the City in providing a number of critical parks and recreation needs. The most significant resource provided is CV Unified School District. • Program provision is provided by an array of agencies within the community but the City itself does not have a direct program provision arm.

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6 City of Coachella Implementation Plan Described within this section of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan are those strategies recommended for City of Coachella consideration. The rationale for these recommendations is based on the careful analysis and combined influences of: • The unique characteristics of the City of Coachella, its government structure, budgetary resources, available personnel, and cultural and historic context. • The physical resources and program provisions made available by the City and by other appropriately considered groups. • The population of the City of Coachella, its past growth patterns, current distribution and description as well as future population growth projections and estimates. • The identifiable parks and recreation use patterns of residents, their thoughtful insights and perceptions, comments of elected, appointed and professional officials as well as observations of residents’ behavior. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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• The comparison of existing resources and programs to nationally established standards and benchmarks for those resources and programs, establishing some balance between national and local norms. • The overlay of a City of Coachella specific parks classification study that identifies park types, sizes, locations, purposes and amenities. It should be noted that the recommendations fall into three categories: (1) physical resources, (2) policy actions, and (3) program provision.

¾ Parks The City of Coachella provides a limited number, type and variety of parks. The parks and associated amenities are in poor to good condition. The number and acreage of the parks is below both the nationally established standard as well as the Quimby Act standard per population. Residents view the parks as vital to quality of life, community identity and for meaningful use; however, the current parks are viewed as unfriendly, in disrepair and of low quality. Some of the amenities found at the City parks are also available at school sites, though these options are not always open and accessible to the public.

RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY HIGH

Significant investment in the improvement, repair and upgrade of the existing park system

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It is recommended that: • The City of Coachella establish as a high priority the improvement, repair and upgrade of the existing six city parks excluding the City’s newest park, Ye’we’vichem. • A daily, weekly, monthly, semi-annual and annual maintenance schedule be created specific to each park given size, purpose, use and amenities. The following resource may be helpful: www.playsafe.com. • A playground equipment and surface area safety audit be conducted to assure the City that existing and any new playgrounds are in compliance with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and American Safety Testing Materials requirements. The following resource may be helpful: www.cprs.org. It should be noted that California State Law (AB 1055) requires this review. • A joint senior level City professional staff team be organized as consultants to this endeavor with each team member contributing their expertise. Members of the team should include: Public Works Director, City Police Chief, City Fire Chief, Director of Finance, City Manager, Director of Planning and led by a staff member specifically responsible for parks and recreation. • The City of Coachella Park Classification component of this Master Plan be used as the guiding principle for the type, purpose and amenities of existing park improvements, repair and upgrades.

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• Signage unique to the City of Coachella be developed and placed at each City park to enhance park recognition, image, purpose, usefulness and City resource pride. • Art in the Park, unique to the image of the City of Coachella, be a prevailing component of the parks enhancement soliciting financial support through sponsorships and other funding mechanisms. The Funding Section of the Master Plan may prove helpful in the identification of possible funding opportunities. • The City should review and consider becoming a Keep America Beautiful Community using the City park system as the premier and marquee elements of that endeavor. The following resource may prove helpful in this regard: www.kab.org. • The City Police Department consider the placement of a Police Substation at Bagdouma Park utilizing some portion of the swimming pool building or working in conjunction with the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District to have access to their community building. Bagdouma Park is a critical City resource and protection of this resource by increased police presence would assist in community pride and respect for the park. • Developers of already approved and completed subdivisions that were not able to participate in the Quimby Act land or fee contributions to the City be approached and encouraged to assist the City in funding portions of the park enhancement effort. Developers as responsible stakeholders of the community, interested in long term quality relationships, should appreciate the opportunity to be involved in improving current park resources.

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The City of Coachella is experiencing rapid growth in new residential housing and will continue to expand until City build-out or until annexation properties are full. With each of these proposed developments, the City should require of the developers compliance with the Quimby Act, which specifies land or fees for land for park development. It is essential that the City work with these developers to ensure quality neighborhoods with associated public resources. RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY HIGH

Development of “Developer Guidelines for City of Coachella Park Standards and Requirements”

It is recommended that: • The City of Coachella develop a document entitled, “Developer Guidelines for City of Coachella Park Standards and Requirements”. The purpose of this guidebook would be to set standards, requirements, definitions and procedures for developers of new subdivisions to follow as they contribute parks, park land or other related amenities as part of compliance to the Quimby Act. These guidelines would assure that residents receive quality resources and would clarify for both City government and the developer precise operating goals and end tasks. The following resource may be helpful in the creation of an outline for this guidebook: www.play-safe.com. • The City of Coachella require developers, when providing parks, park land or other amenities as part of compliance to the Quimby Act, a “turnkey” park in which all components of the park as well as the park itself can be turned over to the City as a completed project. This would allow the developer to make efficient use of work crews, City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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equipment and suppliers and allow the City a completed project that has met compliance to the guidelines of the “Developer Guidelines for City of Coachella Park Standards and Requirements”. • The City of Coachella establish a work crew per park acres standard that ensures that all existing and future parks have sufficient staffing patterns to maintain the quality of the “turnkey” parks. The previously mentioned maintenance schedule would be a critical component of this endeavor. The following resource may be helpful: www.nrpa.org. • The Quimby Act is vital to the future success of park development in the City of Coachella, and as such should implement the conditions and policies of this Act. Ordinance No. 868 provides for development of park and recreation facilities through land dedication and/or payment of fees. Specifically, each subdivider of land for residential uses may be required to dedicate lands or pay fees in lieu thereof, or do a combination of both for park or recreational purposes as a condition to the approval of a parcel map or tentative tract map. Dedication of Land The Quimby Act provides a park dedication formula related to densities and dwelling unit types. The amount of land required to be dedicated shall be based upon the population generated by the subdivision, and shall be computed on the basis of 3 acres of park land per one thousand persons in accordance with the following formula: DUs x Population Density x Park Ratio = Amount of Park Land to be Dedicated Where: DUs = Number of Dwelling Units Population Density = Population per dwelling unit as set forth below Ratio = 3.0California acres perParks 1,000and persons CityPark of Coachella, Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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Per Ordinance No. 868, Population Density is set at 4.72 persons per dwelling unit. The City of Coachella should accept, as a minimum, 5 acre usable parks, establishing critical land mass as a guiding principle of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Where the amount of park land to be dedicated is less than 5 acres, the Developer should be required to pay in-lieu fees. Payment of fees When a fee is to be paid in lieu of land dedication, the amount of such fees shall be based upon the current fair market value of the amount of land which would otherwise be required for dedication. The fee shall be determined as referenced in Resolution 2005-69. The Quimby Act provides that land, fees, or a combination thereof, are to be used to serve the subdivision from which they emanated or bear a reasonable relationship to the use of any future recreation facility by the future inhabitants of the subdivision.

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The City of Coachella currently provides seven (7) parks that constitute 48.20 acres of park land. The existing parks are in poor to good condition. The number, size, style and associated amenities of the existing parks are below both the national standards for park land as well as the Quimby Act. Residents feel that parks are important to their quality of life and they desire additional park land and associated amenities of high quality. The population of Coachella relies on public provided resources and the population base is expected to grow rapidly in the future. CVRPD does provide some mini parks and Riverside County does manage additional park land that may or may not be available to all residents. RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY HIGH

Development of new parks within current City areas as well as new subdivisions that are designed to meet the needs of all residents.

It is recommended that: • The City of Coachella add new parks to the City inventory to meet existing citizen needs. These parks need to be placed in already existing residential areas. The amount of total additional park acreage should be in the 170 to 285 acre range to bring the City up to current standards based on population and current park resources. • The City of Coachella add new parks to the City inventory to meet new citizen needs. These parks should be placed in new subdivision areas as they are approved and completed. The amount of total new park acreage will depend on future population growth. If current estimates are accurate, then 70 acres to 115 acres are needed by City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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year 2008 minus any earlier purchased acreage and from 360 to 600 acres are needed by the year 2015 minus any earlier purchased acreage. Quimby Act lands or fees should be used to assist in these park efforts. • The City of Coachella start a measured land bank program acquiring these needed park lands. Quality land should be the criteria and retention basins, water ways and less usable lands should be avoided. It is suggested that developers of subdivisions that did not have the opportunity to assist the City with park land using the Quimby Act provide a parcel(s) of land in the near completed subdivisions as their contribution to the land bank. • The City of Coachella use the Park Classification component of this Master Plan as the guiding principles for the type, purpose and amenities of these new park sites.

¾ Community Center The City of Coachella does not provide a specific recreation community center. There is a small classroom/activity area at the Bagdouma Park site. There are a number of groups within the City that maintain indoor recreation based facilities. They include: the Boxing Club, Senior Center, Coachella Valley Unified Schools, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District, Boys and Girls Club of Coachella, Esperanza Youth and Family Center, Churches, and the County Library. A city the size of Coachella should have available about 30,000 square feet. Citizens felt that the existing facilities met the needs of children, youth, seniors and of some adults. The facilities are in good to excellent condition and are generally open and accessible to the public though there might be some site specific City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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restrictions. The population is expected to grow and move out from the location of these existing facilities. RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY LOW

Development of a community recreation center that is full service and open and accessible to all citizens.

It is recommended that: • The City of Coachella negotiated to have the CVRPD Community Center provide early ownership to the City of Coachella and then the City lease the facility to an outside agency that specializes in youth programming (for example, Boys and Girls Club) for a small ($1.00 per year) fee on a long term basis. This agency should then manage the program components of the Center as well as provide maintenance. The small center at Bagdouma Park should be viewed as a possible site for City provided high quality day care uses. • The City of Coachella in conjunction with developers of new subdivisions set aside sufficient funds for a new Community Recreation Center. The facility should be available between the year 2012 to 2015 and consist of approximately 60,000 square feet. The location should be in the area of greatest population growth and on the exterior of residential areas in proximity to public thoroughfare. • The City of Coachella consider a full service center with features such as gymnasiums, fitness equipment areas, classrooms for education, arts and culture, kitchen and service rooms and indoor track. Outside ancillary features should include appropriate parking, lighting and City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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open grass areas. The City should investigate unique features such as a child care center with associated rooms, play areas and perhaps rock climbing wall.

¾ Swimming Pool The City of Coachella currently provides citizens two outdoor swimming pools and Coachella Valley High School maintains a large indoor swimming pool. The outdoor pools are in good condition, the indoor pool is in excellent condition. The combination of the three pools exceeds the national standards for pools by both number and size given current population. The City pools are open and accessible (during season) to the general public and the school pool has some site specific restrictions. Residents are concerned about the availability of the outdoor pools and records indicate limited use. This may be a function of interest or limited and inconsistent availability. RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY LOW

Development of an outdoor swimming program and a joint use agreement with the school district for public use of the high school pool.

It is recommended that: • The City of Coachella create and manage a full summer swimming pool program consisting of swim team, swim lessons, open swim, water fitness classes and competition. The staffing of the City program could come from students and faculty of Coachella Valley High School, which currently trains lifeguards. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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• The City of Coachella enter into a joint use contract with Coachella Valley Unified School District to open the school pool for public use. This would require agreements of fees, times and purposes. • The City of Coachella need not plan for future outdoor or indoor swimming options until the current facilities reach use capacity. That point is anticipated at year 2020.

¾ Softball/Baseball Fields The City of Coachella currently provides residents and visitors ten (10) softball/baseball fields with additional and multiple backstop open grass options. The current fields are in poor to good condition. The public schools provide two baseball/softball fields with additional and multiple backstop open grass options. The conditions of the school fields are good to excellent. The number of City facilities exceeds the national standard as well as the availability of school sites. Citizens spoke of concern for the quality of the existing City sites and consider many of them unusable. RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY MEDIUM

Significant investment in the upgrade of existing fields, support of the CVRPD sport facility and support of the Shadow View proposed project.

It is recommended that: • The City of Coachella establish as a high priority the improvement, repair and upgrade of the existing softball/baseball fields located in the City parks.

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• The City of Coachella work with the existing parent-led volunteer sports organizations concerned with softball/baseball to inventory specific aspects of the facilities in need of repair such as field evenness, lighting, bleachers and water surface concerns. • The City of Coachella establish a softball/baseball field maintenance schedule that is specific to each of the fields, use levels, amenities and capacity. • The City of Coachella work with the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District in support of their proposed regional sport complex. It may be appropriate to recommend that the funds received from Coachella through the benefit assessment district be pledged to the development of this facility rather than the existing CVRPD services. • The City of Coachella work with the developers of the Shadow View subdivision concerning their proposed development of a large scale sports complex. The proposed sports field development is in direct line with this recommendation. It may be appropriate for the City of Coachella to work to link the proposed sports field of CVRPD and of Shadow View together in a joint venture.

¾ Soccer/Football Fields The City of Coachella currently provides eight (8) soccer/football fields at three different locations. These fields are in poor to good condition. The public school provides five (5) soccer/football fields at different sites and these fields are in good to excellent condition. The number of City provided fields exceeds the national standards for number and size, but not for quality. The availability of the school sites is on a site specific basis. Citizens feel that the existing fields are in disrepair and are at times City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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unusable. The popularity of soccer is very high in the City and is considered one of the premier sports activities.

RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY MEDIUM

Significant investment in the upgrade of existing fields, support of both CVRPD and Shadow View proposed projects.

It is recommended that: • The City of Coachella establish as a high priority the improvement, repair and upgrade of the existing soccer/football fields located in the City parks. • The City of Coachella work with the existing parent-led volunteer sports organizations concerned with both youth and adult soccer/football to inventory specific needs of the facilities such as field evenness, lights, water surface concerns and other ancillary areas. • The City of Coachella establish a soccer/football field maintenance schedule that is specific to each field, use levels, amenities and capacity. • The City of Coachella work with both Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District and Shadow View Developers on their proposed sports field complex. Perhaps a three-way partnership may serve the community most efficiently. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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• The City of Coachella should plan of new subdivision based park Classification component of this Additional fields will be a function 2015 timeframe is anticipated.

on additional soccer fields as part development. Use of the Park Master Plan may prove helpful. of future population growth and a

¾ Tennis Courts The City of Coachella makes available to residents two (2) multi-use / tennis courts at Bagdouma Park. Both courts are in disrepair and are not functional. Additional tennis courts are available at the high school. The tennis court provision is not met by City or school provisions. Citizens did not speak of the interest in a need for replacement tennis courts. RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY LOW

The multi-use / tennis courts should be transformed to serve a more specific purpose.

It is recommended that: • The City of Coachella remove from inventory the existing tennis court structure. They are in disrepair, unusable and of little interest to residents. • The City of Coachella should work with Coachella Valley High School in support of tennis programs at that site. The City should encourage instruction and competition at the school site using high school students and faculty. The City should encourage both summer and year round opportunities including instruction at the child, youth and City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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adult age levels. The City should consider a contract agreement with the school to support tennis instruction, competition and open use.

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¾ Basketball The City of Coachella provides three (3) outdoor basketball courts. These courts are in poor condition. The public school provides outdoor courts at six school sites. These courts are in good to excellent condition. Indoor basketball courts are available at the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella and at the high school. Citizens did not speak of interest in these types of facilities; however, there was considerable interest at the youth level. City provision is below the national standard for both number and quality of courts. RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY LOW

Addition of outdoor basketball courts as an amenity to any new parks.

It is recommended that: • The City of Coachella repair, upgrade and improve the existing basketball courts at the three park sites. Significant attention is needed at both courts. • The City of Coachella add new basketball courts to new park developments according to the guidelines established in the Park Classification component of this Master Plan. • The City of Coachella encourage the public schools and the Boys and Girls Club to offer instruction, competition and open play at their sites.

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• The City of Coachella contract with the school district to provide instruction, clinics, teams and competition using the students and faculty of the high school as instructors and coaches.

¾ Volleyball The City of Coachella does not provide outdoor or indoor volleyball resources. The Boys and Girls Club of Coachella can convert their indoor basketball courts to a volleyball arrangement. This is true of the high school as well. The standard for volleyball courts is not met. Citizens expressed little concern or interest in this activity except as a function of normal park use. RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY LOW

The installation of outdoor volleyball courts at new or existing parks in accordance with the Park Classification component of this Master Plan.

It is recommended that: • The City of Coachella install outdoor volleyball courts at new and existing parks in accordance with the Park Classification component of this Master Plan.

¾ Skateboard Park The City of Coachella does not provide a skateboard park or facility as a City service. No other agencies or groups provide a skateboard option for resident use. The national standards call for a park given the population size of the City. Community leaders, parents and youth spoke of the interest in and need for a skateboard park or facility. RECOMMENDATION City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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Significant investment for the provision of a skateboard park as a service to residents and HIGH visitors to the City. It is recommended that: PRIORITY

• The City of Coachella set as a high priority the provision of a skateboard park or facility as a service to residents and visitors of the City. • The City of Coachella turn the tennis court and adjacent black top areas at Bagdouma Park into a small skateboard park. This facility should be in the 2,500 to 5,000 square foot range and consist of portable and movable skill elements. • The City of Coachella support the proposed sport parks of CVRPD and Shadow View subdivision that both recommend a full size skateboard park as a component of their future plans. • Both facilities should provide for lighting, parking, safety and security elements. A helpful resource is: www.tonyhawkfoundation.org.

¾ Golf Course The City of Coachella does not provide a public play golf course. The standards do not suggest a facility given the City population. Within the service radius of the standard are several courses. Citizens were unconcerned about City provision of this type of resource. RECOMMENDATION City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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PRIORITY NO ACTION

It is not necessary for the City to consider the provision of a public play golf course as a City provided resource or service.

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¾ Summary It is recommended that the City of Coachella consider thirteen actions each with a priority setting. They are:

High

PRIORITY: Physical Resources Medium Low

•improvement of existing parks

•provision of baseball/softball fields

•new park development

•swimming pool •provision of soccer/football fields •tennis courts

•creation and implementation of developer guidelines

•development of pedestrian lineages to connect parks

•new community center

No Action •golf course

•basketball courts and volleyball courts

•implementation of the Quimby Act requirements •provision of a skateboard park facility

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¾ Policy Actions The following policy actions seem necessary, appropriate and timely for City of Coachella consideration: • The provision of appropriate office and associated resources (phones, computers, professional training, etc.) to allow the staff and department to function. • The Parks and Recreation Department mission to consist of three broad elements: o Quality maintenance of existing and new parks and recreation resources. o Short and long term community planning to assure appropriate resources and services to the community o Facilitation of and collaboration with non-city agencies and resources to provide recreation experiences for citizens.

¾ Program Provision Citizens desire high quality recreation program options that are appealing, accessible, affordable and consistently offered. In this regard, the following recommendations are offered: • The creation of a City professional staff position to oversee the parks and recreation functions, systems and resources of the City. The population growth and complexity of issues have moved the City to City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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the point where full time professional staff level attention is necessary. • The creation of a Parks and Recreation Department that is responsible for the quality of existing parks and recreation resources, planning of new and future resources, creating funding sources, management of program collaborations and communication with residents and others. • The creation of a Parks and Recreation staff and associated budget. The staff would consist of the Parks and Recreation Director (full time position), the current park maintenance staff within the Parks Division, a full time administrative assistant, several part time / contract employees as needed, and the associated budget as required to properly operate the functions of the Department. • The new Department leader should adopt the “facilitator” role concerning the provision of recreation programs. In this approach the Department does not work to become the direct provider of recreation programs but serves as a facilitator or collaborator of existing programs and services. The leader works with existing groups such as Senior Center, County Library, Esperanza Youth and Family Center, Boxing Club, Boys and Girls Club, churches and parent-led sports groups to assist those organizations in meeting the needs of citizens. The Department provides or maintains the associated City facilities as needed and monitors quality of programs, open access, safety and security concerns. • The new Department leader should adopt the “contractor” role concerning new recreation program options. The leader contracts with agencies such as CVRPD or Coachella Valley Unified School District to provide new programs options for City residents. The City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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Department does not work to become the direct provider of recreation programs, but determines what services would be meaningful for residents. The leader then enters into a contract with an appropriate agency or individual to provide that service. Generally, a “pass along” fee is collected by the City and given to the providing agency or individual. A small administrative fee is captured by the Department. The Department provides what resources are needed, if any, and monitors quality of program offering, open access, safety and security concerns. • The Department leader should investigate and attempt to create a favorable school-City joint use and program agreement. The schools have facilities, trained teachers and a desire to better serve the community. It appears that both school and City resources and school and City program leadership can benefit from a series of joint agreements that highlight the unique contributions of each agency. • The Department should consider serving as the clearinghouse for all recreation programs that are available to residents and visitors of the City. A quarterly booklet or newspaper insert that identifies all program options, descriptions and contact numbers could be distributed under the leadership of the Department. A use fee for the service would be appropriate. • The Department should consider hosting quarterly summits, bringing together leaders from all groups that provide services to residents of Coachella. The purpose would be to coordinate intended programs, avoid duplication and address common issues and concerns.

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• The Department should closely monitor the impact of programs and existing and new City facilities and create staffing models to maintain quality of service delivery. • The Department should create various policies that allow proper service to the community such as: a park use reservation system, utilization of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, creation of a youth advisory group, and coordination with special event sponsors in the community. • The Department should consider affordable child care programs as a service of the parks and recreation system. • The Department should conduct such studies as necessary to properly serve the community such as: citizen focus groups, charettes, Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliance study, school-park concept planning studies, trails plans and open space studies. • The Department should develop a budget and strategy for expending funds collected through the Quimby Ordinance and Developer Impact Fees.

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7 City of Coachella Community Funding Besides existing fiscal resources that are available to assist in the provision of these recommendations, additional funding models are available. The following is an overview of possible funding options that may be aligned with the implementation plan: ¾ The Quimby Act - Subdivisions o The Quimby Act (Ordinance No. 868) provides for development of park and recreation facilities through land dedication and/or payment of fees. Each subdivider of land for residential uses should be required to dedicate lands, or pay fees in lieu of or a combination at the rate of 3 acres of parkland per one thousand persons according to an established formula for land value. ¾ The Villaraigosa – Keeley Act o The Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 (Proposition 12) provides funds to preserve open space and repair and improve safety of neighborhood parks in the State of California. The City of Coachella has been utilizing Prop 12 monies.

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¾ The California Clean Water, Clean Air, and Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Act of 2002 (Proposition 40) o This act allows California to continue to acquire, develop, restore and protect parkland, following the impetus of Proposition 12. The City of Coachella has been utilizing Prop 40 monies. ¾ Lighting and Landscape Districts o An area of a City may be designated as a lighting and landscape district and receive services in direct proportion of a special fee assessed to that district. The City of Coachella has approved the use of LLDs to assist in City services. ¾ Trusts for Public Lands o This is a national, non profit land conservation organization that works to conserve land for people and nature ensuring livable communities for future generations. Contact www.tpl.org. ¾ USDA Forest Legacy Program o This agency provides federal funding to states to assist in securing conservation easements on forest lands threatened with conservation to non forest uses. Contact www.fs.us. ¾ Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program o This USDA program provides matching grants to states, local, tribal and non profit entities for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements. Contact www.nrcs.usda.gov. ¾ National Trails Fund o This fund is sponsored by the American Hiking Society with funds ranging from $500 to $10,000 per project. Contact www.americanhiking.org. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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¾ Reverse Annuity Purchase o Property owners interested in releasing their land holdings to the community for parks, recreation and public use may join forces with the City and enter into a reverse annuity purchase. The community agency purchases the property by paying installments to the seller throughout the seller’s lifetime. Upon the seller’s death, the community agency receives title to the property. The seller is provided income and significant tax reduction and the community is able to preserve for future use key land sites. ¾ Murray-Hayden (Urban Youth Service) Program o This $47 million matching program is designed to help fund such capital projects as parks, park facilities, environmental enhancement programs, youth centers, and environmental youth centers. ¾ Urban Park Act of 2001 o This $130 million grant program awards funds for acquisition or development or both of new parks, recreation areas, and facilities in neighborhoods that are currently least served by parks and recreation. ¾ Per Capita Program o Fiscal year 2003/04 of the state budget anticipates $326.7 million to be allocated on a per capita basis. ¾ Roberti-Ziberg-Harris Program o There are three elements to this funding source: $155 million in block grants, $28 million in competitive non-urban areas and $3.7 million competitive urban areas. These monies are City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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earmarked for new parklands, recreation facilities rehabilitation of existing parks and recreation areas.

and

¾ California Youth Soccer and Recreation Development Program o The purpose of these funds is to help communities to develop soccer, baseball, softball, and basketball facilities. Funds are to be available in late 2004. ¾ State Urban Parks and Healthy Communities Grant Program o The purpose of these funds is for the acquisition or development or both of projects for active recreational purposes. The funds will be available late 2004. ¾ California Parklands Act of 1980 o To the extent that funds are remaining, this act provides for the development, acquisition, or restoration of real property for park, beach and historic resource preservation purposes. The program funds 100% of eligible development costs and 75% of eligible acquisition costs. ¾ The California Community Foundation o This not-for-profit organization serves as a clearing house for additional potential funds within the State of California. The Center assists communities in identifying and applying for grants both government and private foundation based. ¾ State of California Resources Agency o This State agency provides funding for natural resource projects which may include parks, river-ways, flood control and the like. Projects are usually limited to $100,000 per project. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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¾ California Department of Transportation o Within this State organization is the State Office of Bicycle Facilities which oversees and encourages bicycle commuter facilities, including building bike paths, striping lanes and constructing parking facilities. Funds are available for planning and construction but not maintenance. The California Transportation Development Act, Section 4, managed by the COG, should also be considered. ¾ Certificates of Participation o The COPs are lease revenue bonds, the purposes of which are to acquire equipment, buildings and make improvements in which a revenue stream is present. The revenue makes the lease payment on the certificate. Common to California local governments, the COPs are used for rather large projects. ¾ Historic Preservation Grants-in-Aid o This program provides federal funds channeled through the National Park Service to the State Department of Parks and Recreation. Up to 50% of eligible costs are matched for acquisition, rehabilitation and preservation of sites that are currently listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places or are eligible for such inclusion. ¾ General Fund Appropriation o One of the most frequently used methods of obtaining money for the annual operating budget is to receive an appropriation from the general fund of the overall governmental unit. The money from the general tax fund is usually levied on the taxable City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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property of the taxing district. The general fund appropriation is the most common funding source. ¾ Special Tax Levy o The Special Tax levy is a special tax earmarked for parks and recreation and is spent only for the specified earmarked source. A special tax levy alleviates pressure from the general fund and eliminates competition for special projects with other community agencies. As an example, Texas has a cigarette tax of $.01 per pack and generates a multi-million dollar amount for local parks, recreation and open space projects. In California, Proposition 4 sets maximum limits for special tax levies and also requires a 2/3 majority voter approval. ¾ Special Assessment o Similar to special assessments used to finance improvements for streets, curbs, sidewalks, sewers, and other project improvements or additions, a parks and recreation assessment to specific community areas could be approached in a special assessment basis. In Maryland, there exists a tax on transfer of real estate that provides funds for open space acquisition. This .05% tax generates multi-million dollar funding, which assists in paying off parks and recreation bonds. There are also special assessment districts for specific parks and recreation resources. In California, Proposition 218 sets special election requirements related to any special assessments. ¾ Zoning and Subdivision Fees o Special assessment fees could be placed in specified zoned areas, where extensive subdivision is occurring to pay for needed parks and recreation resources for that area. The City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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subdivision fee is paid by the developer to insure public construction of the needed resources. Various city ordinances in California allow a $3000 per building permit fee on all new housing construction, which is earmarked for park development and recreation program provision for that subdivision area of the community. The amount of total dollars generated is dependent upon building growth. ¾ Fees and Charges o Pay as you play is a vital and acceptable method of funding parks and recreation resources, programs, and facilities. The assessment is placed upon the user to help defray overall cost of the provision. Only realistic fees and charges can be established and must reflect the ability of the user to pay for those provisions. Several approaches from entry fees, fishing and hunting license fees, and registration charges to Indiana’s approach of registration fees on recreation equipment are examples of this method. ¾ Land and Water Conservation Fund o Established in 1965, the LWCF’s purpose is to provide federal funds for the purpose of financing the current outdoor recreation needs of the American public. The two primary purposes of the LWCF are to provide funds for existing federal managing agencies and to provide grant-in-aid funds to states to be passed on to local units of government. These funds must be dispersed on a 50/50 match basis with the local unit. Contact the State Parks and Recreation Agency or the Regional National Park Service office. ¾ Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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o This program is on its last phase of provision but its primary purpose is to provide rehabilitation grants, innovation grants, and recovery action program grants. The federal funds processed through the National Park Service are to provide for rebuilding and remodeling, as well as personnel, equipment and supplies, and also for community assessment and planning. ¾ Community Development Block Grant o The Open Space Program of the CDBG is important to parks and recreation provisions. The primary purpose of the CDBG program is to use federal funds to assist local government in dealing with the problems of urban blight and to benefit low and moderate income groups. These funds cannot be used for maintenance of parks and recreation facilities but can be utilized for acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of parks and recreation facilities. ¾ Corporate Giving o Corporations may choose to sponsor various parks and recreation programs, as well as provide major funding for new projects. As an example, the “Adopt-a-Park” program, where a corporate group agrees to pay the operation and maintenance costs of a park for a specific period of time as a contribution to the local community. An additional approach is the “5% Program”, which is based on the IRS rule allowing a 5% writeoff for corporate gifts to community service agencies. ¾ Private Foundation Grants o Private foundations and other philanthropic organizations are excellent sources of financing local programs. A specific City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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example is the Hershey Track and Field Program or the Wells Fargo Fitness Trail Program. The Mott foundation provides funds for community school education efforts, as well as other foundations providing funds for special efforts. The state of Indiana has the National Heritage Protection Fund with the purpose of providing money for land acquisition for future nature preserves. Several examples are given in this report. Other examples include: 9 The Tony Hawk Foundation This foundation supports the conceptualization, development, construction and access to skate park projects. The foundation’s specific interest is to support projects in underserved communities that plan free, accessible and permanent parks. It also provides technical assistance on design, promotion and training. Visit: www.tonyhawkfoundation.org. 9 Baseball Tomorrow Fund The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association. The mission of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund is to promote and enhance the growth of baseball in the United States, Canada and throughout the world by funding programs, fields and equipment purchases to encourage and maintain youth participation in the game. Grants from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund are designed to be sufficiently flexible to enable applicants to address needs unique to their communities. The funds may be used to finance new programs, expand or improve existing programs, undertake a new collaborative effort, or obtain facilities or equipment necessary for youth baseball or softball programs. The Baseball Tomorrow City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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Fund is intended to provide funding for incremental programming and facilities for youth baseball and not as a substitute for existing funding or fundraising activities or to provide routine or recurring operating costs or funding for construction or maintenance of buildings. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund supports equal opportunity in its grant making. The opportunities that prospective grantee organizations provide for minorities and women are considered in evaluating proposals. Visit: www.baseballtomorrowfund.com. 9 Finish Line Youth Foundation Youth athletics and wellness programs are the focus of the Finish Line Youth Foundation. The Foundation provides funding to organizations in the communities in which company stores are located. Finish Line operates over 410 stores in 41 states. Visit: www.finishline.com. 9 Foundation Center Bulletin: Athletics & Sports The RFP (Request for Proposals) Bulletin is published weekly by the Foundation Center. Each RFP listing provides a brief overview of a current funding opportunity offered by a foundation or other grantmaking organization. Interested applicants read the full RFP at the grantmaker’s Web site or contact the grantmaker directly for complete program guidelines and eligibility requirements. Visit: http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_athletics.jhtml. 9 Hasbro Children’s Foundation The mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged children through age 12 by supporting innovative, model, direct-service programs in the areas of City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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health education and social services. The Foundation also funds universally accessible play spaces. Most often, local grants for model community programs range from $500 to $35,000. For multi-site expansions, awards are from $35,000 and up, granted over a period of one to three years. Priority is given to economically disadvantaged areas for playground refurbishment and/or new construction. Visit: http://www.hasbro.org. 9 NRA Foundation The NRA Foundation National and State grants are focused on the following general categories: Youth Programs, Ranger Improvement and Development, Public Safety, Education and Training, Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation and Constitutional Research and Education. Visit: http://www.nrafoundation.org. 9 Tiger Woods Foundation Founded in 1996 by Earl and Tiger Woods, the Tiger Woods Foundation empowers young people to reach their highest potential by initiating and supporting community-based programs that promote the health, education and welfare of all of America's children. Through junior golf clinics, educational programs and benevolent giving, the Foundation has interacted with over 85,000 children across America. Visit: http://www.tigerwoodsfoundation.com. 9 Potential Resources For Playground Safety Funding This website, sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa National Program for Playground Safety, identifies funders who City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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may assist in providing safer playground equipment for schools and other public facilities. Visit: http://www.uni.edu/playground/resources/funding.html. 9 United States Handball Association Funding for youth handball projects is available through the United States Handball Association. Any person or group interested in starting a handball program for youngsters may submit a proposal. Programs may be organized within school instruction, after-school programs, or community or club/Y programs. Visit: [email protected]. 9 United States Soccer Federation Foundation The United States Soccer Federation Foundation, Inc. has established a new web site to distribute grant application information nationally and provide the latest foundation news, including grant recipient profiles, annual reports, and director and officer profiles. Visit: http://ussoccerfoundation.org. 9 Women’s Sports Foundation Funding Opportunities Grant programs provide girls and women with educational materials and scholarships, research on issues related to women in sports, leadership development and also opportunities to participate in sports and fitness. Visit: http://womenssportsfoundation.org. 9 -

Coachella Valley Specific Foundations Spotlight 29 Casino (www.spotlight29.net) Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (www.aguacaliente.org) Morongo Band of Mission Indians (www.morongonation.org) Fantasy Springs Casino (www.fantasyspringsresort.com)

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- Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (www.bhcc.com) - Berger Foundation (www.hnberger.org) ¾ Parks and Recreation Foundation o A Parks and Recreation Foundation provides a vehicle for receiving gifts and endowments from individuals and organizations, which are interested in assisting the parks and recreation agency. A foundation established with the interest of improving the overall community can attract donations from citizens, businesses, and other foundations. ¾ Public Improvement Districts o A public improvement district is a mechanism for providing services above and beyond the normal services in locations where business or citizens are willing to pay additional property taxes for those services. The City of Amarillo, Texas is a good example of the use of multiple PID’s in various areas of the City in which greenways, boulevards, residential and commercial districts received special services. ¾ Citizen and Neighborhood Funding Groups o Local neighborhoods in which a sensitive parks and recreation need exists can be organized to help meet that need which might be financial in nature. Fund-raising events, as well as donations to be utilized to meet the local neighborhood Parks and Recreation can be established. Neighborhood groups living adjacent to city parks have raised funds for construction of desired equipment or services for that park, such as tennis courts or play apparatus that could not be funded otherwise. ¾ New Membership Program City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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o Individuals or organizations join the Parks and Recreation Department program through purchase of a membership. The membership provides special benefits to the member, such as entry into facilities, free park reservations, invitations to special events, and calendar of upcoming events. A recent national survey indicates approximately one-fourth of the cities in the U.S. have some sort of Parks and Recreation Membership Program, usually associated with the provision of recreation centers. ¾ Venue Taxes o This is a concept where, through state legislation, a city may build a sports, recreation and community venue, and levy certain taxes and issue bonds to finance the venue. Venues have traditionally been arenas, stadiums or coliseums that are used for larger scale events. Grand Prairie, Texas has used the “Brimer Bill” for such ventures. ¾ Gift Catalog o A gift catalog is an attractive brochure that lists a wide variety of needed equipment, facilities, and programs that might be sponsored by individuals and organizations in the community. For each item listed, a price tag is attached, so that a potential donor may choose from the shopping list. In Arizona, an individual, family, service group, or business may select a tree, park bench, sport tournament, or equipment from a gift catalog and then purchase that item and donate it back to the government entity. For many companies, it has become a fun employee experience searching for just the right community gift. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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¾ General Obligation Bond o Bonding is the process of a government entity borrowing money to make major improvements and then paying back the borrowed money over a period of years. A tax is levied on all taxpayers, on their taxable property, using the taxable property of the governmental body as security for the repayment of the debt. The obligation is spread over all community residents through an increased tax for the period of time that the bond repayment is in effect. General obligation bonds are voted for by registered voters at a special or general election and are a common method of funding major acquisition and development projects. ¾ Tax Increment Financing o This is a financing tool that allows local governments to use public finances to make improvements to structures and infrastructure within a defined geographic area. A tax increment financing district is created by the city and the cost of improvements is repaid by the contribution of future tax revenues levied against the property in the district. Chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code provides an example of how to accomplish this method of funding. ¾ Revenue of Enterprise Bond o A revenue bond is an obligation of the borrowing agency to repay the principal and interest to the investor for financing of a revenue-producing enterprise or facility. Revenues to repay the bond issue must come solely from revenue of the enterprise. What factors make a specific project profitable and hence, eligible for non-voter-approved revenue bonds, is specific to the City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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dynamics of the community. Projects that are commonly successful are golf courses. ¾ The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act o The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) authorizes a broad spectrum of conservation, environment, planning, transportation, and energy investments, which could aid recreation. Section 133, the Surface Transportation Program, addresses these “enhancements”, which include: pedestrian and bicycle facilities; acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites; historic highway programs; landscaping and beautification; historic preservation; rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation structures or facilities; preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including their conversion and use for pedestrian or bicycle trails); control and removal of outdoor advertising; archaeological planning and research; and mitigation of water pollution due to highway runoff. ¾ Park Dedication Ordinance o Some communities, such as City of College Station, Texas, have established city ordinances that create guidelines that allow the city to identify and acquire land for health, safety and general welfare of the public. The land may be nuisance land that can at the same time eliminate a hazard and provide a reasonable recreation outlet. ¾ American Hiking Society National Trails Fund o American Hiking is a recreation-based conservation organization that promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience. With thousands of individual members and City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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over 150 member organizations, American Hiking represents more than half a million outdoors people and serves as voice for America’s hikers. American Hiking Society, in partnership with Cascade Designs, supports the National Trails Fund, which provides financial support to hiking groups, land trusts and other not-for-profits to establish, protect and maintain wilderness foot trails. Visit www.AmericanHiking.org. ¾ Tire-Derived Product (TDP) Grant Program o The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) is offering the Tire-Derived Product (TDP) Grant Program to promote markets for recycled-content products derived from waste tires generated in California. $1,792,818 is available for fiscal year 2005-06, with up to $100,000 per qualifying public entity. If more grant funds are requested than available, a random selection process is conducted. Visit: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Tires/Grants/Product/default.htm.

¾ Funding Sources The following chart may prove helpful in determining which funding sources seem most appropriate for each of the recommended implementation items: Funding Sources Implementation Plan

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Lighting/Landscape Dist.

z   

Programs

Policies

Golf Course

Skateboard Park

Volleyball

Basketball

Tennis Courts

Softball/Baseball Fields Soccer/Football Fields

Swimming Pool

New Parks

Community Center

z   







Farm and Ranchland National Trails Fund Murray-Hayden Urban Park Act



  

  

 

 

 

   

Per Capita Program Roberts-Ziberg-Harris



  

California Youth Soccer

 z

 z



  z















State Urban Park California Parklands









California Comm. Found. State of Cal. Resources Cal. Dept of Trans. Cert. of Participation Historic Preservation General Fund

z  z z



Forest Legacy Program

     

z  z z

z z z z

Trusts for Public Land

Reverse Annuity

Trails

Proposition 40

z  z z z z z z z

Open Space

Proposition 12

Developer Guidelines

Park Improvements Quimby Act

        z z z z z

























z

z

z z z z

City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

z z

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Special Tax Levy Special Assessment Zoning/Subdivision Fee Fees and Charges Land and Water Fund Urban Recovery Program CDBG Corporate Giving

  

  z   z  z z z  z z  z  z  

Public Improvement Dist. Citizen Funding Groups New Membership Tax Increment Financing Gift Catalog General Obligation Bond Venue Taxes Revenue Bond Intermodal Act Park Dedication Ord Trails Fund

 z  z

z z z 

     z z      z z z z     z         z

  z z

  z z

  z z

z 

 z 

 z 

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

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 z   z   

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  z



 z  

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City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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Trails

Open Space

Programs

Policies

Golf Course

Skateboard Park

Volleyball

Basketball

Tennis Courts



Private Foundation Parks & Rec Foundation

Softball/Baseball Fields Soccer/Football Fields

Swimming Pool

Community Center

New Parks

z Primary  Secondary

Developer Guidelines

Funding Sources

Park Improvements

Implementation Plan

Funding Sources z Primary  Secondary

TDP Grant



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Trails

Open Space

Programs

Policies

Golf Course

Skateboard Park

Volleyball

Basketball

Tennis Courts

Softball/Baseball Fields Soccer/Football Fields

Swimming Pool

Community Center

New Parks

Developer Guidelines

Park Improvements

Implementation Plan

Appendix A City of Coachella Park Classification Plan The City of Coachella Park Classification Plan is an appendix to the City of Coachella Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This park planning model integrates existing park resources and planned future park opportunities. This park planning process should help to avoid duplication of resources and provide a better utilization of efforts. The Park Classification Plan consists of three components:

Development of a park classification system unique to the City of Coachella that highlights best use of culture, resources, identity and needs.

The City of Coachella has a unique culture, community identity, current and future citizen needs coupled with existing and future resources. The basis of the park classification is to develop park types with associated acre ranges, population radius, distance radius and general amenity characteristics that set the stage for existing and future park efforts.

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Development of Citywide community planning zones that highlight the unique features of life in Coachella and current and planned efforts.

Integration of the parks by classification, size and purpose into the community planning zones to best utilize existing and potential park resources to meet citizen needs.

The City of Coachella has unique zones within the City that are highlighted by residential living, business corridors, industrial sections, planned commercial, entertainment, manufacturing, research and development efforts. The City is divided into planning zones that best capture the purpose and intensity of the zone.

Blending the existing and future parks by type into the community planning zones that best match the unique features of that park is integral to avoiding duplication of resources and to more effectively utilize the resources in that community area.

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The City of Coachella’s current and future parks are classified into eight park types. Each park type has a specific acre range, population radius that should be served by the park, distance radius that represents the distance or time of travel appropriate for park placement and a characteristics list that details types of amenities that should exist at the park. PARK TYPE

ACRE RANGE

POPULATION RADIUS

DISTANCE RADIUS

Mini Park

1–3 acres

Not population radius sensitive

Within walking distance of immediate area

Plaza Parks

1–3 acres

Not population radius sensitive

Close to entertainment and business support areas

Neighborhood Parks

About 3 – 20 acres

6 – 10 acres per 1000 population

About a 2.5 mile radius in developed area

Community Park

About 15 – 45 acres

One site per 25,000 residents

About a 5 to 10 mile service radius

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS Parks that exist primarily in residential areas or adjacent to light business zones and have features such as grass, shade, trees, passive areas, green space, shelters, native plant life, limited play structures. Use limited to the localized neighborhood. Plazas are unique to the City of Coachella and represent a connection to the culture of the community. Features include a center plaza with either a large gazebo or water feature with pedestrian corridors that emanate from the center piece. Other features include: trees, shade, performance area, public artwork and enhanced landscapes. Parks located in residential areas that include features such as: grass, trees, restrooms, tot lots, picnic and shade shelters, grills, playground equipment, open fields, informal sport areas, swimming pool, neighborhood center. Parks located in large areas that are compatible to surrounding uses with features such as: large grass areas, large picnic and shelter areas, restrooms, on-site parking, swimming pool, community center, sport areas/complexes, lights, entertainment areas, special features such as skateboard areas, outdoor theatres, disc golf, BMX, exercise station, ponds, water features.

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ACRE RANGE

POPULATION RADIUS

DISTANCE RADIUS

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Special Use Park

50+ acres

One site per 50,000 to 200,000 population

About a 25 mile service radius

Parks not located in residential areas. Features might include: large scale sports complex, special event site (such as fairs, festivals, gardens, concessions, trails, natural/open space, lakes, animal uses).

Open Space

As resources available (usually large)

Not population radius sensitive

As natural resource areas are available

Areas generally free from development or developed at low intensity uses that respect natural environmental characteristics that serve as preservation of natural, cultural, archaeological resources; passive outdoor recreation, public safety and health and shape urban form.

Trails

As resources are available

Not population radius sensitive

Distance is a function of in and between park options

Trails may consist of walking, biking, hiking, equestrian, greenway, long distance, off road, rail, canal, and waterway with the purpose to meet passive or active recreation, informal or formal transportation.

Linear Park

Trails and linear park should connect

Not population radius sensitive

Tied to neighborhood entries and park sites

Purpose is to connect parks, entry ways, transportation routes and unique features. May be concrete, asphalt, crusher fine.

PARK TYPE

The City of Coachella, for the purpose of the Park Classification Study, has been divided into four planning zones (see maps in Appendix B). It should be noted that these planning zones are for the Park Classification System only and may or may not be applicable to other plans. The four planning zones are: northwest (Avenue 51 north and Fredrick Street west), southwest (Avenue 51 south and Fredrick Street west), northeast (Avenue 51 north and Fredrick Street east), and southeast (Avenue 51 south and Fredrick Street east). The purpose to this design is to better reflect current: developed land, developing land, and yet to be developed land. In this scheme, the northwest zone is developed or developing, the southwest zone is developed or developing, the northeast zone is developed or yet to be developed and the southeast zone is developed or developing. City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

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Northwest Zone: Of high priority in this zone are one Community Park in the 15 to 45 acre range and four Neighborhood Parks in the 12 to 80 acre range. Of medium priority is a Plaza Park in the 1 to 3 acre range and of low priority is a Mini Park in the 1 to 3 acre range. This represents the addition of 29 to 131 acres of new parkland for this zone. There are currently no City parks in this zone. Trails and linear parks should be highlighted interconnecting the park system as available and appropriate. Southwest Zone: Of high priority in this zone is three Neighborhood Parks in the 9 to 60 acre range. Of medium priority is one Plaza Park in the 1 to 3 acre range and of low priority is a Mini Park in the 1 to 3 acre range. This represents the addition of 11 to 66 acres of new parkland for this zone. There are currently no City parks in this zone. Open space should be captured as available. Trails and linear parks should be highlighted interconnecting park systems. Southeast Zone: Of high priority in this zone are one Community Park in the 15 to 45 acre range and three Neighborhood Parks in the 9 to 60 acre range. Of low priority is a Mini Park in the 1 to 3 acre range. This represents the addition of 25 to 108 acres of new parkland. There is currently one City provided community park, one neighborhood and one mini park in this zone. Open space should be captured as available. Northeast Zone: Future development in this planning zone is undefined. Additional study will be necessary as development activities are proposed and approved. There are currently three City provided mini parks in this zone. Open space should be captured as available and appropriate.

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Zone Northwest

Southwest

Southeast

Northeast

High Community Neighborhood Trails Linear Parks Neighborhood Trails Linear Parks Community Neighborhood Trails Linear Parks

Medium

Low

Plaza

Mini

Plaza

Mini

-

Mini

-

-

Open Space

Total new parkland recommended for all zones is from 65 acres to 305 acres. This represents the timeframe 2006 to 2011.

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Appendix B City of Coachella Planning Zones

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