9. RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT The City of Peoria is committed to providing meaningful open space and a variety of parks and recreation facilities that provide enjoyment for its residents and visitors of all ages. As the only City in the State to contain a major lake (Pleasant), the City offers a wide range of outdoor opportunities for its many users. The natural characteristics of its landforms, rivers and drainageways presents opportunities to promote a contiguous system of wildlife corridors and recreational linkages to parks, schools, open spaces, neighborhoods and employment areas in the City. The Recreation and Open Space Element is organized in the following manner: 9.a. Introduction 9.b. Goals, Objectives and Policies 9.c. Recreation and Open Space Plan 9.d. Implementation Program 9.a. INTRODUCTION The Recreation and Open Space Element provides a framework to identify, acquire and enhance a system of open space areas and recreation facilities within the Peoria Planning Area. The system is intended to provide an appropriate level of open space and parks acreage. Connectivity and linkages necessary to serve existing and future residents of the City through the rivers and trails corridors, canals, utility corridors and pathways provide both passive and active recreation areas allowing the use of alternative transportation modes that enhance social interaction. Equally important, this element recognizes the value of regional destinations that, linked with neighboring jurisdictions, support a seamless system of open spaces and recreation facilities. The Background Report identified numerous adopted plans relating to parks, trails, open spaces and desert conservation that guide City decision making and implementation. These plans provide substantial supporting analysis, issue identification and policy direction for the development of the Recreation and Open Space element. Policies and strategies are woven into this element, allowing it to respond to the purposes of this section and to achieve the intent of the Growing Smarter/Plus legislation. Upon adoption in 2006, the Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan (PROST) shall serve as the specific planning document for planning, development and provision of facilities for parks, recreation, open space, and trails for the City of Peoria. The PROST shall replace the Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Master Plan (PROSM), adopted in July 2002, and shall supersede the General Plan in the case of a conflict between the two documents. The Park/Open Space (P/OS) designation within the Land Use Map of the General Plan denotes those large areas optimally suited to be maintained or enhanced in their natural condition based on their environmental value or developed with recreation activities within the City. The specific open space and park areas are graphically illustrated on Figure 9-1, Facility Development Plan. Residential development, at densities up to one (1) dwelling unit per acre, is permitted in these areas subject to compliance with the City’s Hillside Development Ordinance, Desert Lands Conservation Ordinance (DLCO) and other applicable regulations involving lands exhibiting environmental significance. One of the unique components of the adopted PROS Master Plan is the identification of the North Planning Area (NPA). This area is delineated on Figure 9-1, Facility Development Plan. Because this area of the City is relatively undeveloped, a specific Goal with Objectives and Strategies has been developed to address the unique characteristics of this area. Approximately 54,900 acres are held under public ownership by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) or Maricopa County (Lake Pleasant. The majority of these lands are located north of State Route (SR) 74 and represent the “dedicated” open space areas. The private and State Trust land designated as Parks/Open Space may be developed subject to applicable planning and zoning regulations unless it is added to the public domain or protected using other methods that respect property rights. The Peoria Desert Lands Conservation Master Plan identified numerous acquisition/preservation techniques to enhance the network of open space areas. The extent to which open space can be added to the public domain or protected depends on the availability of the acquisition/preservation techniques and the public’s commitment to financially support such actions. The provision of park and open space acreage in the city is low compared with national standards. In addition the future growth anticipated in the northern and northwestern regions of the city will create additional demands on park facilities and the need for organized recreation programs and natural area open space. Park land needs should continue to be evaluated in conjunction with public or charter school sites. However the provision of recently adopted impact fees will continue to provide park acreage at the same level of service. If the city wants to increase the park land and recreation programs and open space it must look at additional revenue sources. The foundational goal for park facilities level of service is one park per square mile. This is the standard by which the City begins to plan for developing areas. The Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan includes specific standards for the desired park types and for major recreational facilities to be located within the City in the future. The Level of Service (LOS) standards quantify a community’s expressed provision for park acreage or facilities for a standard population (i.e. 3.5 acres of park land/1,000 persons). The 2002 Peoria Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan included specific standards for the desired park types and major recreational facilities to be located within the City in the future. The City is utilizing these to calculate the need and conceptually locate facilities using a projected 2007 population of 159,036 (DES) and a buildout population of 395,510 (BRW). The gap or “need” to provide open space and recreation acreage and recreation facilities to enhance the level of service to the existing and future population is presented in Table 9-1, Park Acreage Needs and Table 9-2, Future Facility Needs. See Figure 9-1 FACILITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN TABLE 9-1 PARK ACREAGE NEEDS Based on 2007 Projected Population of 159,036* Facility Type Standard per 1000 Population Size of Facility Service Area Existing Facilities Total Needed by 2007 Service “Gap” Parks (in acres) Neighborhood Parks (NP) 1.75 8.0- 15.0 ½ mile 27 (223.05) 278.25 ac. 55.2 ac. Community Parks (CP) 1.50 40- 120 3 miles 1 (52) 238.50 ac. 186.5 ac. Regional Parks (RP) 3.00 150- 400 ½ hour drive time 1 (141.70) 477.00 ac. 335.3 ac. Open Space (OS) 10.00 Varies 10 miles 316 1590 ac. 1274 ac. Trails (in miles) Hiking/ Equestrian 0.50 -- -- 1.6 79.5 77.9 mi. Bike 0.83 -- -- 1.6 132 130.4 mi. *Based on 2000 Census Information TABLE 9-2 FACILITY NEEDS Number of Facilities Total Number of Facilities Facilities Standard # of Facilities/1000 Population Existing City Facilities (2002) Existing School Facilities (2002) Facilities Needed by 2007 Service “Gap” Service Area (Radius) Baseball 0.08 12.5 6 12.72 1 3 miles Little League 0.08 3 6 12.72 10 3 miles Softball 0.14 4 9 22.26 18 3 miles Multi-Use Fields 0.15 7 24 23.85 17 3 miles Football / Track 0.00 0 3 0.00 0 3 miles Basketball 0.18 18.5 65+ 28.62 10 ½ mile Hand / Racquetball 0.06 0 0 9.54 10 3 miles Volleyball 0.12 8 3 19.08 11 ½ mile Tennis 0.27 21 19 42.93 22 3 miles Picnic Ramadas 0.33 62 13 52.47 0 ½ mile Outdoor Swimming Pools 0.03 2 0 4.77 3 3 miles Community Center 0.01 1 N/A 1.59 1 10 miles Play Areas 0.27 21 23 42.93 22 ½ mile 18 Hole Golf Course 0.01 0 0 1.59 11 10 miles 9 Hole Golf Course 0.01 0 0 1.59 1 10 miles Skateboard Parks 0.01 0 0 1.59 1 10 miles Off-Leash Dog Parks 0.01 0 0 1.59 1 10 miles Gymnasiums 0.01 0 21 1.59 1 3 miles Recreation Centers 0.02 0 0 3.18 3 10 miles Indoor Swimming Pools 0.01 0 0 1.59 1 10 miles The City currently contains a combined total of 416.75 acres of existing and planned Neighborhood, Community, and Regional Parks. Combining the recommended standard for park acreage (6.25 acres per 1,000 population) and the projected 2007 population of the City (159,036), a total of 993.75 acres would be required to bring the City into conformance with the 2007 park acreage needs. Subtracting the existing City park acreage from the 2007 park acreage needs produces a current net deficit of 577 acres of parkland. The recommended allocation of the additional 577 acres required, based on the City’s standard number of acres/1000 population, is as follows: neighborhood park (55.20 acres), community park (186.50 acres), and regional park (335.30 acres). In addition, the City currently is, or will soon be, managing and/or maintaining open space acreage for recreational activities. Open space in the form of drainage ways, retention, and linkages currently exists within some planned area developments. Combining the recommended standard for open space acreage (10.00 acres per 1000 population) and the projected 2007 population of the City (159,036), a total of 1590 acres would be required to bring the City into conformance with the 2007 open space acreage from the 2007 open space acreage needs produces a current net deficit of 1274 acres of open space. It should be realized that the open space acreage dedicated by new and future planned area developments need to account for and provide the service area coverage for the overall City of Peoria population and not just for the populations of the individual communities. Function, activities, and facilities within the proposed Open Space acreage will determine their overall recreational value for the Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces system. The Regional Park and Open Space classifications can provide opportunities to develop Linear, Special Use and/or Conservancy Parks that offer additional recreational resources in the community that are not being met by developing only Neighborhood and Community Parks. Linking parks and other public and commercial uses, providing enhanced opportunities for organized recreation, and preserving the culture and heritage of a community are important components to augment typical parks that enhance the quality of life in the City of Peoria. 9.b. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES GOAL 9.1: DEVELOP AN ACCESSIBLE, COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED, HIGH QUALITY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACES SYSTEM SERVING THE NEEDS OF PEORIA RESIDENTS. ___________ Objective 9.1.A: Coordinate and incorporate principles and policies of the General Plan Recreation and Open Space Element, the Trails Master Plan, the Rivers Master Plan and the Desert Land Conservation Plan and the Northern Peoria Parks and Open Space Plan. ___________ Policy 9.1.A.1: The City shall coordinate with the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) for the designation, disposition and acquisition of lands classified as open space under their management within the Peoria Planning Area. ___________ Policy 9.1.A.2: The City shall provide additional dedicated open space, linear parks, special use parks/conservancy parks and trails along the New River, Agua Fria River, mountain areas and Lake Pleasant basin. ___________ Policy 9.1.A.3: The City shall work with developers during the master planning stage and the plan review process to set aside key contiguous open space areas, corridors and/or linkages through dedications, conservation easements, or open space designations. ___________ Policy 9.1.A.4: The City shall support Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Arizona State Land (ASLD) policies for maintaining areas north of State Route 74 as resource and conservation areas. ___________ Objective 9.1.B: Conduct attitudinal surveys to ensure that recreational needs and degree of satisfaction are incorporated into future system planning. ___________ Policy 9.1.B.1: The City shall conduct a statistically valid Household Resident Survey between updates of the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan that is designed to assess changing interests, needs, and level of satisfaction pertaining to parks, recreation and open spaces. ___________ Objective 9.1.C: Establish consistent measurable standards and designate appropriate levels of service to ensure that future parks and recreational facilities are designed and located in conformance with accepted service area and population standards. ___________ Policy 9.1.C.1: The City shall achieve the park level of service standards outlined in Table 9.1, Park Acreage Needs, of this General Plan. ___________ Objective 9.1.D: Explore and adopt new, innovative revenue sources to acquire land, redevelop, construct new facilities, maintain existing and new facilities, and provide diverse recreational programs for all ages. ___________ Policy 9.1.D.1: The City shall encourage the use of innovative methods of property acquisition, including scenic and special purpose easements, purchase or transfer of development rights and tax incentives for private landowners. ___________ Policy 9.1.D.2: The City shall establish and/or reinforce mutually beneficial partnerships with public agencies such as the Corps of Engineers, Maricopa County, State Parks and private land developers that can provide financial support for on-going parks, recreation and open space facilities. ___________ Policy 9.1.D.3: The City shall encourage the use of Foundations and Gifts as significant non-profit, tax exempt, revenue sources for promotion of specific recreation and open space causes, activities or issues. ___________ Objective 9.1.E: Provide a coordinated process to prioritize land acquisition, design, and the construction and operation of all new parks and recreational facilities in the City. ___________ Policy 9.1.E.1: The City shall respond to the highest priority needs identified in the Household Resident Survey, including open space acquisition and conservation, trails development and community recreation centers. ___________ Policy 9.1.E.2: The City shall utilize the Implementation Program developed as a part of this Master Plan, which identifies specific action priorities, responsibilities and potential funding mechanisms. ___________ Policy 9.1.E.3: The City shall continue to integrate the prioritized parks, recreation and open space needs identified in this Master Plan with the City’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP). ___________ Policy 9.1.E.4: The City shall continue to utilize developer agreements that specify their dedication of land, development of park land and/or payment of fee in lieu to the City. ___________ Policy 9.1.E.5: The City shall continue to coordinate its conceptual locations for park acreage with the Peoria Unified School District (PUSD), the Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) and/or any other school district located within the city limits, in an effort to provide joint use recreation facilities and programming throughout the City. ___________ Objective 9.1.F: Upgrade and enhance existing parks and recreation facilities to respond to current and anticipated future needs. ___________ Policy 9.1.F.1: The City shall monitor the physical condition of existing park facilities and repair , remove, and/or replace damaged or worn elements to continue to provide a well maintained and attractive parks and recreation system. ___________ Policy 9.1.F.2: The City shall incorporate new park facilities for existing, older elements that address changing recreational interests and trends. ___________ Objective 9.1.G: Promote the development of parks and recreational facilities, which encourage and support economic development throughout the City. ___________ Policy 9.1.G.1: The City shall integrate parks, recreation and open space with new Planned Area Development and mixed-use development projects, such as the Peoria Sports Complex, Rio Vista Community Park and environmental conservation areas that provide unique and high quality opportunities to attract new residents and tourism. GOAL 9.2: DEVELOP A SAFE, FUNCTIONAL, AND ENJOYABLE PARK SYSTEM. ___________ Objective 9.2.A: Design and construct all new and redeveloped facilities in conformance with local, state, and national building codes, ordinances, and acts. ___________ Policy 9.2.A.1: The City shall utilize the most currently adopted Uniform Building Code, Peoria Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to design and construct all park improvements. ___________ Policy 9.2.A.2: The City shall evaluate all new park equipment and site amenities to minimize safety hazards in their selection for new and existing City park sites. ___________ Policy 9.2.A.3: The City shall coordinate with Parks Maintenance staff to ensure a frequent schedule of park maintenance and safety inspections. ___________ Policy 9.2.A.4: The City shall consider Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) guidelines in the planning and design of parks and recreation facilities. ___________ Objective 9.2.B: Manage all park facilities in a manner that is fiscally responsible and maintains appropriate service levels for all types of users. ___________ Policy 9.2.B.1: The City shall promote community volunteer programs that can assist in the on-going implementation and maintenance of parks, recreation and trails facilities. ___________ Policy 9.2.B.2: The City shall identify and develop an on-going park facilities replacement and updating program to ensure that existing parks facilities maintain appropriate service levels. ___________ Objective 9.2.C: Include tailored site amenities within park facilities that are based on resident feedback and will enhance the user experience. ___________ Policy 9.2.C.1: The City shall develop a comprehensive listing of site amenities, for presentation to residents in the park service area, that users desire and the City supports. GOAL 9.3: DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE AND DIVERSE RECREATION PROGRAM. ___________ Objective 9.3.A: Conduct attitudinal surveys to measure program participant satisfaction and make necessary adjustments to programs and activities. ___________ Policy 9.3.A.1: The City shall continue to conduct recreational program satisfaction surveys at the completion of its recreation programs and strive to make adjustments that will help meet changing needs. ___________ Policy 9.3.A.2: The City shall continue to administer recreational program satisfaction surveys designed to address specific facilities and activities at regular intervals. ___________ Policy 9.3.A.3: The City shall be responsive to the high need identified for teen recreational programs in the Household Resident Survey. ___________ Objective 9.3.B: Evaluate the need for parks and recreation facilities and designate specific facility types and service areas based on current and future programming opportunities. ___________ Policy 9.3.B.1: The City shall continue to be responsive to current and changing needs identified through program satisfaction surveys and the Household Resident Survey conducted for the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan. ___________ Policy 9.3.B.2: The City shall continue to evaluate growing and changing recreational needs and opportunities presented by large scale, Planned Area Development currently being planned for northern Peoria. ___________ Objective 9.3.C: Develop public and private partnerships to enhance joint sharing of recreational resources. ___________ Policy 9.3.C.1: The City shall continue building a partnership with Maricopa County and the use of the Lake Pleasant Regional Park recreational facilities to conduct diversified programs that can help augment the City’s Parks and Recreation System and benefit the County through increased Park user fees. ___________ Policy 9.3.C.2: The City shall continue building a partnership with all School Districts located within the City limits to augment the City’s parks and recreational system through coordination of the School Districts’ master planning process and the City’s parks development program. ___________ Objective 9.3.D: Develop a system of fees and charges that provides access to all programs and services regardless of age, income level or resident status. ___________ Policy 9.3.D.1: The City shall continue to implement the current fees and charges system that includes a federal subsidy to help provide financial assistance to those who are unable to pay the full fees and charges to participate in the City’s recreational programs. ___________ Objective 9.3.E: Provide citywide opportunities for integration of future recreational trends. ___________ Policy 9.3.E.1: The City shall engage in research, such as professional recreational society networking and surveys, that identify current and potential future recreational trends and incorporate the findings with future recreation programming and master planned development. ___________ Policy 9.3.E.2: The City shall stipulate that master planned development projects in the undeveloped areas of the City provide for open space dedication that provides for variably sized, contiguous land areas, within the development to allow for future integration of recreational facilities. GOAL 9.4: DEVELOP AN OPEN SPACE SYSTEM THAT IS ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AND SELF-SUSTAINING. ___________ Objective 9.4.A: Preserve the many ecological, cultural and scenic values provided by park and open space environments. ___________ Policy 9.4.A.1: The City shall develop and implement a Mountain Preserve program that identifies preservation, conservation and management of significant natural areas such as hillsides, floodplains, rivers, and wash corridors. ___________ Policy 9.4.A.2: The City shall identify and promote a contiguous system of natural features (such as slopes, peaks, ridges, rock outcroppings, stands of vegetation and washes) for protection and/or preservation through means including, but not limited to TDRs ('Transfer of Development Rights'), as part of land trusts, as conservation easements, or incorporation into developments as design features. ___________ Policy 9.4.A.3: The City shall encourage the preservation of significant natural features such as hillsides and floodplains and the re- vegetation of rivers and washes to enhance their recreational attraction, preserve wildlife habitats, and enhance their aesthetic value. ___________ Policy 9.4.A.4: The City shall stipulate that open space, required as a component of Planned Area Developments, should be protected by Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions or by agreement with the City or other public entity. ___________ Objective 9.4.B: Utilize appropriate vegetation types and water conserving principles to ensure climatic relief and minimize the demands of the City’s water supply. ___________ Policy 9.4.B.1: The City shall follow the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) guidelines for water conservation by advocating for the Departments list of acceptable, low water use plant materials. ___________ Objective 9.4.C: Develop appropriate architectural and structural criteria that mitigate climatic extremes, protect adjacent flora and fauna, and reflect the contextual regional aesthetics. ___________ Policy 9.4.C.1: The City shall require site contextual solutions for development projects that occur in mountainous regions, major river corridors and lake or impoundment basins. Specific design criteria for all design elements shall be provided to the City for review and approval prior to the master plan process. These design criteria shall be established to guide the design process for these specific project areas. ___________ Policy 9.4.C.2: The City shall protect view corridors through the generous buffering or screening, judicious placement of structures, as well as the imposition of reasonable height limitations on structures and signs. ___________ Policy 9.4.C.3: The City shall require a visual assessment for new developments identifying areas with a high degree of visual quality and including methods of protecting and/or mitigating impacts. GOAL 9.5: DEVELOP A SAFE, MULTI-USE AND INTER-CONNECTED TRAIL SYSTEM THROUGHOUT THE CITY. ___________ Objective 9.5.A: Design and Construct a multi-use and inter-connected trails system along river corridors major washes, canals, utility corridors and major ridgelines. ___________ Policy 9.5.A.1: The City shall utilize the Trails Master Plan, the Rivers Master Plan, the Peoria Desert Lands Conservation Master Plan, the Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Master Plan, the Northern Peoria Parks and Open Space Master Plan and the General Plan to coordinate with master planned development projects to identify appropriate public corridors, open space linkages and trail head locations. ___________ Policy 9.5.A.2: The City shall utilize appropriate regional planning documents such as but not limited to the West Valley Recreation Corridor Plan (MCFCD, 1999), The West Valley Multi-Modal Transportation Corridor Master Plan (MAG, 2001) and the Maricopa County Regional Trail System Plan (Maricopa County Trail Commission, 2002). ___________ Policy 9.5.A.3: The City shall coordinate the provision of river trails linkages with the Cities of Glendale, Phoenix, Surprise, Maricopa County, MAG and the Maricopa County Flood Control District. ___________ Policy 9.5.A.4: The City shall develop a system of trails that connects major recreational, educational and economic centers throughout the city and adjacent cities. ___________ Policy 9.5.A.5: The City shall support and actively plan the use of canal systems such as the Central Arizona Project canal (CAP) and the Beardsley Canal as recreation corridors to link parks, natural/preserved open space, and trail corridors. ___________ Policy 9.5.A.6: The City shall support and actively plan connections of the trail system to City and Valley Metro transit system routes and access nodes. ___________ Policy 9.5.A.7: The City shall strive to support the use of canal systems, such as the Central Arizona Project Canal (CAP) and Beardsley Canals, as recreation corridors that link regional parks. ___________ Policy 9.5.A.8: The City shall strive to support the use of utility corridors, such as power lines, as recreation corridors that help link city and regional parks, recreation and open spaces. ___________ Policy 9.5.A.9: The City shall strive to provide public access to open space and river corridors wherever possible. __________ Objective 9.5.B: Establish a management plan for the development and upkeep of the total trail system. ___________ Policy 9.5.B.1: The City shall strive to encourage and promote the benefits of volunteer labor and material donations for trails development and maintenance to help expedite the development of the City’s trail system and its linkages with adjacent landowners. ___________ Policy 9.5.B.2: The City shall coordinate trail development and on-going maintenance as part of the City’s CIP and operational budget process. GOAL 9.6: DEVELOP A PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACES SYSTEM THAT PRESERVES AND ENHANCES CULTURAL RESOURCES. ___________ Objective 9.6.A: Preserve, protect, enhance and promote local historical and cultural resources in the design and development of existing and new facilities. ___________ Policy 9.6.A.1: As a Certified Local Government, authorized by the Federal and State governments, the City shall coordinate the preservation and conservation of cultural resource areas located in the northern Peoria reaches of the Agua Fria and New River corridors and surrounding mountain areas with the State Historic and Preservation Office (SHPO), and current and future private development projects. ___________ Policy 9.6.A.2: The City shall require site contextual solutions and require appropriate design character for architecture and site amenities for private and public development projects that draws upon the specific cultural resources or historical heritage within or adjacent to the development area. ___________ Objective 9.6.B: Develop management agreements with public and private entities to ensure appropriate use and preservation of cultural and historical resources for future generations. ___________ Policy 9.6.B.1: The City shall develop new or amended Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGA) with the State Land Department, Maricopa County, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bureau of Land Management to incorporate provisions for preservation, conservation and interpretation of unique cultural resource sites in northern Peoria as identified in the Peoria Rivers Master Plan and Peoria Desert Lands Conservation Master Plan. ___________ Policy 9.6.B.2: The City shall develop new management agreements with private landowners in cultural and historic resource areas in northern Peoria to preserve, or dedicate these areas for future potential interpretive uses and protection. ___________ Objective 9.6.C: Enhance community awareness and increase public support of local cultural opportunities through appropriate park and recreational programs and activities. ___________ Policy 9.6.C.1: The City shall continue to provide cultural activities through its recreation programming and tailor specific activities to the needs of its residents. ___________ Policy 9.6.C.2: The City of Peoria shall strive to pursue corporate sponsorship of its art/culture series and public group participation (i.e., Kiwanis, Boy and Girl Scouts) to enhance historic or landmark properties in the City. GOAL 9.7: APPROPRIATELY PLAN THE UNIQUE RECREATIONAL RESOURCES OF THE NORTH PLANNING AREA OF PEORIA THROUGH FUTURE MASTER PLANNED DEVELOPMENT. ___________ Objective 9.7.A: Provide contiguous open space through close coordination between master planned development projects. ___________ Policy 9.7.A.1: The City shall discuss the Goals, Objectives and strategies outlined in this Chapter with developers during early planning coordination meetings to emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship of their project(s) to various City and regional master planning documents, guidelines, and standards, and to explain the specific planning and design criteria that will be required for their project(s). ___________ Policy 9.7.A.2: The City shall stipulate that master planned development projects in the North Planning area provide designated unrestricted public open space and public access to the open space; and that the open space areas provide diverse opportunities including, but not limited to, parks, recreation and trail development. ___________ Policy 9.7.A.3: The City shall require that areas designated for parks and recreation facilities be appropriately sized and effectively configured to meet minimum spatial criteria. In cases where topography and drainage conditions restrict opportunities for planning and implementation of large contiguous open space areas that can be used for required park facilities, the developer shall provide the required facilities in alternate compatible areas of the City or provide cash in lieu of development of the facilities for future implementation by the City. ___________ Objective 9.7.B: Incorporate topographic and drainage opportunities and constraints with master planned development. ___________ Policy 9.7.B.1: The City shall stipulate that master planned development projects in the mountainous areas of the North Planning Area provide funding for unrestricted public parks, recreation and open space in lieu of providing like facilities where topographic and/or drainage constraints are prohibitive. ___________ Policy 9.7.B.2: The City shall stipulate that development projects adjacent to the Agua Fria and the New River designate and coordinate full public access to public open space, trails, continuous linkages and corridors to surrounding conservation areas, foothills and mountains. 9.c. RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 9-c.1 GENERAL In terms of open space, the existing and planned inventory of open space amounts to only 430 acres which does not account for the golf course acreage or portions of Lake Pleasant Regional Park. If the City desires to establish an open space standard of 10 acres per 1,000 population, an additional 1,274 acres would be necessary. This acreage could be comprised of environmentally sensitive areas located within the northern region of the City; additional landscaped retention basin areas within PADs; water recharge areas; open space buffers adjacent to Lake Pleasant Regional Park; the West Valley Recreation Corridor; and New River Dam retention area as identified on Figure 9-1, Facility Development Plan. 9-c.2 NORTH PLANNING AREA Specific park types and locations are not shown for the North Planning Area. These facilities and their locations will be determined on a project specific basis utilizing the Goals, Objectives and Policies outlined in the specific parks, recreation and open spaces standards contained in this document and the Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Master Plan. The development program for park facility types within future parks has been identified in Chapter 6.0 of the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan. Goal 7.0 addresses the North Planning Area as a whole. The North Planning Area, as indicated in Figure 9-1, Facility Development Plan, will comprise the majority of open space located within the City boundaries. 9-c.3 PARK CLASSIFICATIONS The classification of all existing and planned Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces (PROS) acreage, by their size and function, provides the basis for determining the existing and future PROS acreage needed. PROS facilities generally conform to the size and use requirements of the facility types listed below in Table 9.3, Park Classifications. TABLE 9-3 PARK CLASSIFICATIONS Facility Type Desirable Size (Acres) Service Area (Radius) Park Classifications Neighborhood Parks (NP) 5.0 - 10.0 ½ mile Community Parks (CP) 60 - 100 3 mile Regional Parks (RP) 100 - 400 ½ hour drive time Open Space (OS) Varies 10 mile Joint Use Facilities Elementary School Facilities Varies ½ mile High School Facilities Varies 3 mile County Facilities Varies ½ hour drive time Other Described Below City Facilities include Parks, Recreation and Open Space acreage that are typically developed to serve the general active and passive recreational needs of the population. Neighborhood and Community Parks range in size from 5.0 to 100.0 acres and typically serve one or more neighborhoods. Regional Parks generally provide activities that attract users from a large geographic area and may include some or all of the following park classification types within (i.e. Regional Parks). Other park classifications that complete mature, diversified, park recreation and open space systems include: areas that provide a sense of natural or improved openness in the community as defined in the Recreation and Open Space Element of the Peoria General Plan and the Peoria Desert Lands Conservation Master Plan (i.e. Dedicated Open Space); greenways, multi-use path and trail corridors, linkages, etc. (i.e. Linear Parks); specific uses such as sports complexes, golf courses, gun ranges, amphitheaters, etc. (i.e. Special Use Parks); and protected areas for cultural, historic or archaeological resources (i.e. Conservancy Parks). Standards for size do not generally exist for these types of facilities, so they rely upon their function and facilities within to differentiate them from Neighborhood and Community Parks. Joint Use Facilities include those facilities that have been developed by a public or quasi- public entity that are also available to the public on a full or part time basis to fulfill recreation acreage and facility needs within the community. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS The existing neighborhood parks range from 1 to 23 acres, are typically centrally located within neighborhoods, and are easily accessible to residents on foot or bikes. The majority of existing neighborhood parks also provides adequate area for a variety of recreational activities that serves the diverse interests of the adjacent neighborhoods. Neighborhood Parks generally serve a population within a 1/4 to 1-mile radius. For the City of Peoria Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan, the service radius will be 1/2 mile. COMMUNITY PARKS Community Parks should be accessible to many neighborhoods and their service area, providing parking, safe bike and pedestrian access and intensive recreation opportunities. These parks usually include all of the uses contained in Neighborhood Parks but have additional acreage for athletic fields, courts, and special use facilities such as urban lakes, skate parks, large group facilities, recreation centers, etc. Community Parks typically serve a larger area and population within a 1 to 3 mile radius. For the City of Peoria Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan, the service radius will be 3 miles. REGIONAL PARKS Regional Parks can provide a specific use or a wide range of active, passive and natural areas/open space that attract users from the entire City as well as the Valley and/or other States, serving as a destination point. Regional Parks typically contain a large amount of acreage that exhibits characteristics where openness, natural features, or planned improvements are served by arterial roadways, adequate parking, and compatible adjacent land uses. Regional parks generally range in size over 100 plus acres and serve a population within a 30-minute drive time. For the City of Peoria Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan, the service radius will be a 30-minute drive time. OPEN SPACE Dedicated Open Space within the City is currently composed of land that is a component of Planned Area Developments (PAD), which provide natural or landscaped areas that enhance the feeling of openness within the community. While these areas range in size, their basic function serves as natural or landscaped spaces that enhance visual, environmental or aesthetic quality and may provide some linkages throughout the development. While the current open space exists as a PAD component, the implementation of a Mountain Preserve program as identified in the Peoria General Plan, and partnership with other land managers and agencies will provide publicly accessible open space areas for a variety of future recreational trend opportunities as well as protect and manage the City’s valued cultural, historical or archaeological resources. For the City of Peoria Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan, the service radius for publicly accessible dedicated Open Space will be 10 miles. JOINT USE FACILITIES Joint Use Facilities include the recreational acreage and facilities within the boundaries of Peoria Unified School District (PUSD) and Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) school sites located within the City of Peoria. In 1999, the City entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Development Processing and General Cooperation with PUSD in which, “the City and District serve citizens and desire to further the public interest by permitting common use of their facilities, personnel, equipment and services in order to minimize expense to their common citizens, improve service delivery, and provide enhanced resources to the community for the benefit of their common citizens”. The intent of the Agreement is to establish a firm commitment by the City and PUSD to the community in the provision of quality educational, recreational and cultural opportunities through the maximum utilization of all existing and future resources. COUNTY FACILITIES County Facilities include the recreational acreage and facilities within the boundaries of county-owned lands. Lake Pleasant and White Tank Regional Parks provide a wide variety and numerous recreational opportunities for the City of Peoria residents. Being a regional desert lake resource and destination point, Lake Pleasant Regional Park serves to provide those opportunities for water- related sports, activities, habitats, and wildlife. Additional resources include family, group, and individual camping and picnicking; hiking and backpacking; and an indoor Environmental Education Center. White Tank Regional Park provides similar resources with the exclusion of a lake and an indoor multi-use facility. Partnership and/or an inter-governmental agreement with these county facilities would provide important resources for future programming needs. OTHER The park facility types identified above reflect the current types within the City of Peoria park and recreation system at this time. As every community begins to build their park, recreation and open space resources, the spectrum of resources allows diversification of facility types as the community grows. While the City of Peoria currently provides neighborhood, community, regional and open space facilities, more facility types (i.e. Linear Parks, Special Use Parks, Conservancy Parks, etc.) should be developed as the resources allow and the community grows. From a competitive quality of life standpoint, the City should strive to diversify the park facility types as additional parkland acreage is developed. The City currently does not have Linear Parks; however the river corridors, canals, utility corridors, etc. provide many opportunities for future Linear Parks. Potential facilities for recreational travel include walking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife and bird watching, and would provide access to adjacent neighborhoods and contain areas for rest or play. Many of these future Linear Parks will provide linkages to adjacent communities’ river and greenway corridors such as the Sun Circle Trail system, Glendale’s Skunk Creek Linear Park corridor, and Phoenix’s Rio Salado corridor. Special Use Parks dedicated to specific or single purpose recreational activities such as golf, nature centers, equestrian staging areas, amphitheaters or sports complexes, in addition to Recreation Centers that provide a variety of special events and activities such as gymnastics, arts and crafts, karate, basketball, racquetball, weight lifting, games, and culinary arts etc., would enhance the multi-use, year-round recreational opportunities of the City. Site characteristics for Open Space, Linear Parks, and Special Use Parks include arterial road access, adequate parking, and compatible adjacent land uses. All of these are important components of the overall Parks, Recreation and Open Space system that provide access and diverse recreational opportunities to the City of Peoria residents. 9.d. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM The Implementation Program for the Recreation and Open Space Element of the Peoria General Plan is presented in Table 9-4, Recreation and Open Space Implementation Program. The table is presented under the following four headings: Implementation Measure Lists the action necessary to carry out the Open Space and Recreation Element of the General Plan. Lead Department/Agency Identifies the responsible City department for accomplishing that particular measure. Projected Timeframe Identifies and prioritizes the timeframe for the measure to be initiated. Potential Funding Sources Lists the potential funding, City staff, volunteer or other community resource necessary to carry out the implementation action. TABLE 9-4 RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM Implementation Measure Lead Department/ Agency Projected Timeframe (Years) Potential Funding Sources 1. Construct Neighborhood Parks (NPs) / Elementary School Category Community Services Department 0-5 1.a. NP #7: Terramar (75th Avenue & Happy Valley) Community Services Department ? Dedication / Development Fees ? General Fund ? Arizona Heritage Fund 1.b. NP #5: 75th Avenue & Greenway Park Community Services Department ? Dedication / Development Fees ? Arizona Heritage Fund 1.c. Country Meadows Park Improvements Community Services Department ? Dedication / Development Fees 1.d. NP #8: West Wing Park (87th Avenue and West Wing Pkwy) Community Services Department ? Dedication / Development Fees ? General Fund ? Arizona Heritage Fund 1.e. Field Lighting – Country Meadows Elementary School Community Services Department ? General Obligation Bonds ? TSA Grant TABLE 9-4 RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM (CONTINUED) Implementation Measure Lead Department/ Agency Projected Timeframe (Years) Potential Funding Sources 1.f. NP #4: Scotland Avenue and Cortez Street (NODAL PARK) Community Services Department ? General Obligation Bonds ? General Fund ? Arizona Heritage Fund 1.g. NP #1: 99th Avenue, South of Northern West of Aqua Fria River (NODAL PARK) Community Services Department ? General Obligation Bonds ? General Fund ? Arizona Heritage Fund 1.h. NP #2: 95th Avenue & Butler Community Services Department ? General Obligation Bonds ? General Fund ? Arizona Heritage Fund 1.i. NP #3: 97th Avenue & Mountain View (NODAL PARK) Community Services Department ? General Obligation Bonds ? General Fund ? Arizona Heritage Fund 1.j. NP #6: Camino a Lago Park Community Services Department ? Dedication / Development Fees ? General Fund ? Arizona Heritage Fund TABLE 9-4 RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM (CONTINUED) Implementation Measure Lead Department/ Agency Projected Timeframe (Years) Potential Funding Sources 2. Construct Community Park (CP) / High School Category Community Services Department 2.a. Community Park #1: Rio Vista Community Services Department ? Dedication / Development Fees ? General Obligation Bonds ? General Fund ? Arizona Heritage Fund ? Other Grants 2.b. Sunrise Mountain High School Pool Community Services Department ? General Obligation Bonds ? General Fund ? Arizona Heritage Fund ? Other Grants 2.c Community Park #2: (83rd Avenue & Northern) Community Services Department ? Dedication / Development Fees ? General Obligation Bonds ? General Fund ? Arizona Heritage Fund ? Other Grants TABLE 9-4 RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM (CONTINUED) Implementation Measure Lead Department/ Agency Projected Timeframe (Years) Potential Funding Sources 2.d. Field Lighting – Sunrise Mountain High School Community Services Department ? General Obligation Bonds ? General Fund ? Other Grants 2.e. Community Park #3: 99th Avenue between Dynamite and Dixileta Community Services Department ? Dedication / Development Fees ? General Obligation Bonds ? General Fund ? Arizona Heritage Fund ? Other Grants 3. Regional Park/Open Space Category 3.a. Acquire Open Space / Land Community Services Department Ongoing ? Dedication / Development Fees ? General Obligation Bonds ? General Fund ? Heritage Fund Source: 2002 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan The Planning and Zoning Commission and Parks Board should review and provide recommendations to the City Council for revisions to the Implementation Program on an annual basis in order to continue to pursue implementation of the Peoria General Plan. The Director of the Community Development Department and staff persons responsible for the General Plan implementation should monitor the status of each implementation action throughout the year and provide a general recommended framework to the Planning and Zoning Commission for annually updating the General Plan’s Implementation Program. 9. RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT PEORIA GENERAL PLAN PEORIA, ARIZONA 9-19 9. RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT PEORIA GENERAL PLAN PEORIA, ARIZONA 9-1