Apple Valley Parks Plan

parks and recreation master plan

Final Plan | May 2013

PARKSANDRECREATIONMASTERPLANFinal Plan May2013Preparedby:MIG,Inc.815SW2ndAvenue,Suite200Portland,Oregon97204503.297.1005www.migcom.com

TABLEOFCONTENTSACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EXECUTIVESUMMARY

1.OURTOWN........................................................................1ABetterWayofLifeOurPast,PresentandFuturePlanningforOurCommunityPlanOrganization

2.OURVISION ..................................................................... 5 CoreValuesVisionMissionGoals

3.OURNEEDS..................................................................... 11ParksFacilitiesPrograms

4.OURFUTURESYSTEM................................................... 29ProposedParkSystemRecreationProgramsandEventsRecommendationsforKeyServices

5.OURHIGHDESERTDESTINATIONS ..............................49CommunityParksNeighborhoodParksMiniParksSpecialUseParksRecreationFacilities

6.OURINVESTMENT.........................................................69ParksandRecreationFundsAdHocCommitteeRecommendationsNeededInvestmentCapitalProjectsPrioritizationCriteria

7.ABETTERWAYTOPLAY................................................ 79CommunityPrioritiesThePathtotheFutureABetterWaytoPlay

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICESAppendixA:ParkInventorybyClassificationAppendixB:PublicInvolvementFindingsAppendixC:ParkDesignandDevelopmentGuidelinesAppendixD:CapitalandOperationsCostModelAppendixE:PotentialFundingSourcesAppendixF:Parks&RecreationImplementationSurveyLISTOFFIGURES,MAPSANDTABLESFigure1:StrategicPlanningFrameworkMap1:ExistingResourcesMap2:ProposedParkSystemTable1:CommunityParticipationTable2:ParkInventoryTable3:ParkLandLevelofServicebyClassificationTable4:ExistingParkLOSComparisonTable5:ProposedStandardsandNeedsforDevelopedParkLandTable6:OutdoorRecreationFacilityInventoryTable7:IndoorRecreationFacilityInventoryTable8:IndoorandOutdoorRecreationFacilityNeedsTable9:PerCapitaExpendituresforParksandRecreationTable10:EstimatedParkSystemCapitalCostsTable11:EstimatedAnnualMaintenanceandReinvestmentCostsTable12:OverviewofPriorityFundingStrategies

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSTheTownofAppleValleygreatlyappreciatestheeffortsofcommunitymembers,Townstaff,officialsandprofessionalswhocontributedtothisplanningeffort.Yourinterestandsupportwillcontinuetofosterthesuccessofourparkandrecreationsystem.

TOWNCOUNCILCurtEmick,MayorArtBishop,MayorProTemBarbStanton,CouncilmemberScottNassif,CouncilmemberLarryCusack,Councilmember

PARK&RECREATIONCOMMISSIONDonaldTatera,ChairmanJilesSmith,ViceChairmanMikeHinkle,CommissionerMikeMartin,CommissionerRichardCambridge,Commissioner

STAFFCOORDINATIONTEAMRalphWright,ParksandRecreationManagerKathieMartin,MarketingandPublicAffairsOfficerJosephRamos,RecreationSupervisorLenaQuinonez,RecreationSupervisorChristinaRudsell,AdministrativeSecretary

TOWNMANAGERFrankRobinson

AppleValleyParksandRecreationMasterPlanPagei

EXECUTIVESUMMARYInFebruary2010,theTownofAppleValleybeganupdatingitsParksandRecreationMasterPlantoobtaincommunitysupporteddirectionsfordevelopingasustainablesystemofparks,recreationfacilities,programsandcommunityevents.Morethan900residentsparticipatedintheplanningeffort,sharingtheirprioritiesforparksandrecreationandtheirvisionforthefuture.Theplanningprocessincludedatechnicalanalysisofparks,facilities,operationsandservices,aswellasaGISassessmentofcommunityneeds.Theresultisa20yearmasterplan,which: Presentsthecommunityslongrangevisionandgoalsforparksand

recreation; Describescurrentandfuturerecreationneeds,aswellascommunity

preferencesforparks,recreationfacilities,programs,andevents; Identifiespolicies,strategiesandthelevelofinvestmentthatwouldbe

neededtosustainandimproveparksandrecreationservicesinalignmentwiththeTownsvision;and

Providesconservative,shortandlongtermstrategiesfortheParksandRecreationDepartmenttouseinmakingdecisionsaboutmanaging,maintaining,andimprovingtheTownsparksandrecreationsystem.

THEVISIONFORPARKSANDRECREATIONThroughoutAppleValleyshistory,TownleadersandresidentshavepromotedAppleValleyasahealthyandattractivecommunitywithauniquelandscape,apleasantclimateandavarietyofoutdoorrecreationopportunities.Parksandrecreationhavebeenintegralelementsofthecommunitysheritageandvisionforthefuture.Asaresult,theTownhasworkedforyearstoexpandandenhanceparksandrecreationtosupportABetterWayofLife.ThistransitionbeganinearnestwhentheTowntookovertheAppleValleyRecreationandParkDistrictandcontinuestoday.

Executive Summary

PageiiExecutiveSummary

Transition from a Park District Since1947,parksandrecreationserviceshadbeenprovidedbytheAppleValleyRecreationandParkDistrict(theDistrict).Fundedthroughapropertytax,thisDistrictservedallresidentswithinitsboundaries,anareaapproximatelytwiceaslargeasthetown.In2001,theTownofAppleValleypetitionedtodissolvetheDistrictinanefforttoimproverecreationservicesforitsresidents.AssetforthinaresolutionbytheLocalAreaFormationCommission(LAFCO),theTownofAppleValleyabsorbedtheDistrictsparkpropertiesandpropertytaxrevenuestobeabletosimplify,improve,enhanceandexpandtheparkandrecreationalservicesforTownresidents.Inaddition,theTownagreedtouseaportionofthepropertytaxallotmenttoprovidethecurrentlevelandrangeofservicestoformerDistrictresidentswholivedoutsideoftownboundaries.SincetheLAFCOdissolution,theTownofAppleValleyhasallocatedapproximately$500,000annuallyfromtheTownsGeneralFundtoimproveandenhanceparks,recreationfacilities,programs,eventsandservicesforresidentsasplanned.ThisinvestmenthelpedtheTownproceedwithprojectssuchasthedevelopmentofCivicCenterPark,whichattractspeoplefromaroundtheareawithhighqualityfacilities,communityeventsandprograms.Transition to a Premier Destination ThesamevisionthatpromptedahigherlevelofinvestmentinparksandrecreationserviceoverthelasttenyearswasdefinedmoreformallyinAppleValleysVision2020StrategicPlan.Adoptedin2009,theStrategicPlancalledouttheTownsgoaltoprovideampleparklandanddiverserecreationopportunities.Itnotedobjectivestoexpandandenhanceparksandrecreation,andtoexpandandenhancesignatureeventstopositionAppleValleyastheHighDesertspremierdestination.ThesegoalsandobjectiveswerecrosscheckedthroughpublicoutreachaspartoftheParksandRecreationMasterPlanupdate,whichbeganin2010.Avarietyofpubliceffortswereplannedtocollectfeedbackfromabroadspectrumofthecommunity.Throughstakeholderinterviews,focusgroupmeetings,youthandadultquestionnaires,intercepteventsandacommunityvisioningworkshop,participantsidentifiedtheirvisionandprioritiesforthefuture.

AppleValleyParksandRecreationMasterPlanPageiii

Throughcommunityfeedback,thisvisionemerged:Weenvisionaninterconnectedandsustainablesystemofsafe,

attractiveparks,premierrecreationfacilities,anddiversespecialeventsandprogramsthatpreserveourcommunitys

character,supportourhealthandeconomy,fosteropportunitiesforallages,andpromoteABetterWayofLife.

IMPACTOFTHERECESSIONMuchhaschangedsincethebeginningofthisplanningprocess.Whilethecommunitysvisionhasremainedthesame,anextendedeconomicrecessionhasaffectedfundingforparkandrecreationoperationsandcapitalprojects.Mostnotably,fundsassociatedwiththepropertytaxbasewhichtheTowntookoverfromtheParkDistrictareconsiderablylessbecauseofadecreaseinpropertyvalues.Also,theTownrealizedthatitcouldnotcontinuetouseGeneralFundReservestocoverthecostoftheenhancedservicesitwantedtoprovide.AsofFiscalYear12/13,thishascreatedanegativefundbalanceofmorethan$5.5million.

PageivExecutiveSummary

InJuly2011,CouncilestablishedtheParksandRecreationAdHocCommitteetoevaluatepotentialcostsavingsandserviceefficienciestoaddressthefundingdeficit.TheCommitteedevelopedseveralshorttermrecommendationsthatwereimplementedinFY2012/13,suchasclosingCramerFamilyParkandincreasingprogrammingfeesbytenpercent.Atthesametime,theParksandRecreationDepartmentalsodecreaseditsspendingonparkmaintenance,deferredneededrepairsandimprovements,postponedplannedequipmentpurchases,andcutotherserviceswherefeasibletooperateonareducedbudget.Ifthesituationcontinues,theparksystemwillslowlydeteriorateandtherecreationsystemwillnotbeabletomeetcurrentdemandsforrecreationopportunitiesletalonegrowinthefuture.Therearealreadysignsofstressatparksandfacilitiesasroutinemaintenanceisreducedanddeferred.Promptedbytheeconomicrecession,AppleValleyalsoreviseditsVision2020StrategicPlanin2012.ParksandRecreationstillremainsinthetopeightprioritiesoftheTown.However,revisedparkandrecreationobjectivesfocusonmaintainingcurrentprogramsandfacilities,seekingpartnerships,andidentifyingandsecuringfundingforparks,recreationfacilities,programsandevents.

THEFUNDINGQUESTIONTheParksandRecreationMasterPlanisa20yearplantoguidefuturedecisionandservices.Itrecognizesthatshorttermservicecutsandefficienciesareneededtoaddressdecreasedfundinglevelsduringtherecession.However,theplanalsoraisesquestionsabouthowtheTownwillmeetthefutureneedsofthecommunity.Theplanningprocesshasaffirmedthevisionheldbythecommunity:oneofimprovedparks,engagingcommunityeventsandcelebrations,increasedrecreationtosupporthealthandwellness,agreatervarietyofopportunitiesforpeopleofallages,safeandinvitingplacestoplay,programstobringfamiliesclosertogether,andenhancedrecreationexperiencesforallresidentsinAppleValleytosupportabetterwayoflife.However,thisleadstothebiggestquestionofall:wheredoesthemoneycomefromtoprovideenhancedandexpandedservices?InNovember2011,communityprioritiesweretestedinastatisticallyrepresentative,randomsampleParksandRecreationImplementationSurvey.Thesurveywasdesignedtotestpublicpriorities,includingwhereservicescouldbecut

AppleValleyParksandRecreationMasterPlanPagev

andwhereadditionalinvestmentisneeded.Thesurveyalsotestedsupportforavarietyofpotentialfundingmechanisms.Surveyresultssuggestedthatamajorityofresidentswerewillingtosupportincreasingfeestosupportpriorityservices.Theseincludedfacilityusefees,nonresidentfees,commercialimpactfees,andtoalesserextent,feesforprograms,classes,andsportsleagues.Slightlylessthanhalfresidentsshowedsupportforincreasingthesalestaxbyonehalforonequarterpercent(4647%).Thislevelofsupportishigh,consideringrespondentswerenotgivenanyinformationaboutwhyadditionalfundingwasneeded.TheresultsoftheImplementationSurveysuggestthatresidentsmaybewillingtoconsideradditionalfees,fundingmechanisms,andrealignedservicestobeabletosupportpriorityprojectsandservices.Asnotedinthesurvey,thesewerenotbigticketitemssuchasanewcommunitycenter.Instead,thefollowingprojectsandserviceswereratedasmediumandhighprioritiesbythepercentageofrespondentsnotedinparenthesis: Continuingtoadequatelymaintainandrepairparksandrecreation

facilities(96%); Maintainingthenumberandvarietyofrecreationprogramsandclasses

foryouth(87%); Addingorimprovingrestroomsatexistingparkswhereneeded(85%); Upgradingorreplacingwornoutrecreationandplaygroundequipment

(83%);and Continuingtoprovideavarietyofspecialcommunityeventssuchas

moviesinthepark,concerts,andfestivals(82%).

THEIMPLEMENTATIONAPPROACHTobeabletorespondtothesecommunitypriorities,theParksandRecreationDepartment,TownCouncilandtheParksandRecreationCommissiontogetherarestrivingtofindwaystomostefficientlyandeffectivelyincreasetheinvestmentinparksandrecreation.Asnotedinthisplan,theseeffortsmayinclude: UpdatingQuimbyrequirementstomatchtheexistingparkland

inventory; Developingaformalcostrecoverypolicyforprograms,events,and

services;

PageviExecutiveSummary

Involvingpartners,sponsors,stakeholders,andlocalbusinessesincollaborativeeffortstosupportparks,recreation,healthandwellness;

IdentifyinganappropriatelevelofGeneralFundinvestmentasproposedbytheParks&RecreationCommissionandAdHocCommittee;and

Identifyingcommunitysupportedcapitalandoperationsfunding,suchasacentsalestax,impactfees,landscapemaintenancedistricts,etc.

Thesefundingmechanisms,aswellasthepriorityprojectstheymayhelpfund,arenotedinthefinalchapterofthisplan.

THEPARKSANDRECREATIONMASTERPLANimplementingtheParksandRecreationMasterPlanwillrequirethecoordinatedeffortsofTownleaders,residents,stakeholders,businessesandstaffeveryoneintheAppleValleycommunityworkingtogethertoachievetheirvisionforthefuture.CommunitysupportwillbeneedediftheTownistoprovideabetterwaytoplay.TheParksandRecreationMasterPlanupdatesthe2004MasterPlanofParkandRecreationServices.Itiscompliantwiththe2009AppleValleyGeneralPlanandincorporatesthegoalsoutlinedintheTownsVision2020StrategicPlan,includingthe2009planandthe2012update.TheParksandRecreationMasterPlancontainssevenchapters: Chapter1:OurTownintroducestheplanandtheplanningprocessin

thecontextoftheTownslongtermrecreationheritage; Chapter2:OurVisiondescribestheTownscorevalues,vision,mission

andgoalsforparksandrecreation; Chapter3:OurNeedsprovidesanoverviewofexistingparks,facilities,

andprogramsandidentifiescurrentandfuturecommunityneeds; Chapter4:OurFutureSystemdescribestheproposedparkand

recreationsystem,includingrecommendedpoliciesforparkandfacilitydevelopment,programming,maintenance,funding,partnerships,marketing,andcustomerservice;

Chapter5:OurHighDesertDestinationspresentsspecificrecommendationsforeachexistingandproposedpark;

Chapter6:OurInvestmentdescribesthefundingsituationandthelevelofinvestmentthatisneededtoachievethecommunitysvision;and

AppleValleyParksandRecreationMasterPlanPagevii

Chapter7:ABetterWaytoPlayproposesfutureinvestmentstrategiesformeetingprioritycommunityneeds.

Sixappendicesprovidecriticalbackgroundinformation: AppendixApresentstheTownsparkandfacilityinventoryby

classification,includinganinventoryofrecreationfacilitiesownedbytheSchoolDistrictthatsupportlocaluse;

AppendixBsummarizesallpublicoutreachactivitiesconductedduringtheplanningprocess,aswellaskeyfindings;

AppendixCintroducesnewparkdesignanddevelopmentguidelinesbyparkclassificationtoenhancethequalityofparkdevelopment;

AppendixDpresentsacapitalandoperationscostmodelthatcalculatescapital,maintenance,andreinvestmentcostsforallrecommendedprojects;

AppendixEprovidesalistofpotentialcapitalandoperationsfundingsources;and

AppendixFpresentsthefindingsoftheParks&RecreationImplementationSurvey.

Themasterplanprovidesguidancefortheshortandlongtermforenhancingandexpandingparksandrecreationservices.

Chapter 1: Our Town

AppleValleyParksandRecreationMasterPlanPage1

CHAPTER1:OURTOWNTheTownofAppleValleyisanoasisintheHighDesert,knownforitsdramaticlandscapes,exquisitesunsets,andstrongsenseofcommunity.TheplacethatRoyRodgersoncecalledhomehasgrown.AppleValleynowhasmorethan70,000residents,andtheHappyTrailsHighwayisafourlaneexpressway.Insteadofridingoffintothesunset,residentsaremorelikelytospendeveningsenjoyinganoutdoorconcertoragameofkickball.Evenwiththesechanges,AppleValleycontinuestoofferabetterwayoflife,andparksandrecreationareanintegralpartofthatvision.

ABETTERWAYOFLIFEForyears,residentshavebeenattractedtoAppleValley.In1893,thisareawaspromotedastheGatewaytotheGoldenLandofOpportunity.Bythemid1940s,itwasactivelydevelopedasarecreationalresortandretirementcommunity.TheAppleValleyInnandAppleValleyGolfCoursewerebuiltduringthistime,andinthe1960s,RoyRodgersandDaleEvansretiredhere.Fromtheirhomenexttothegolfcourse,theKingoftheCowboysandQueenoftheWestenjoyedAppleValleysequestriantrails,expansivevistas,outdoorrecreationopportunities,andhealthfuldesertair.Today,AppleValleycontinuestocelebratethisheritage.Sinceitsincorporationin1988,theTownhaschampionedthequalitiesofAppleValleythatsupportitssuccessasahealthyandattractivecommunity.TheVision2020StrategicPlancallsoutitsgoalofprovidingampleanddiverserecreationopportunitiesandhighqualitycommunityevents,aspartoftheTownseffortofbecomingthepremierdestinationoftheHighDesert.FromitsHealthyAppleValleyInitiativetoitsmissiontoprovideABetterWayofLife,AppleValleyhassteadilyworkedtopreserveandsupportparksandrecreation,includingtherecreationamenitiesandlandscapesthathaveattractedpeoplefordecades.Forexample,theTownrecentlyacquiredtheAppleValleyGolfCourse.ItbuiltanewConferenceCenter,sothatitsciviccenternowincludesTownHall,library,recreationcenterandcommunitypark.AdestinationplaygroundwasaddedtoCivicCenter

Our Town of Apple Valley

Chapter1:OurTown

Park,whereanaquaticcenter,amphitheater,andoutdooreventspaceattractresidentsandvisitorswithvarietyofspecialevents,festivalsandprograms.

OURPAST,PRESENTANDFUTURECleanair,openspace,andastrongsenseofcommunityallowAppleValleytosupportresidentswhoareseekingabetterwayoflife.However,theTownisatacrossroads.Whilethecommunitycontinuestogrowandfacilitiescontinuetoage,economicchallengeshavedecreasedthefundingavailableforparks,recreation,andotheressentialservices.Withadecliningbudget,theTownissearchingfornewwaystosupportcommunityfacilitiesandspecialeventsthatdrawresidentstogetherandpromotethespiritofAppleValley.Fundingisneededtorestoreagingfacilities,suchastheJamesWoodyCommunityCenter.Moreprogrammingspaceisneededtosupportthesports,recreationclasses,specialeventsandequestrianprogramsdesiredbythecommunity.IfAppleValleywantstobecomethepremierdestinationoftheHighDesert,Townleadersandcommunitymemberstogethermustdecidehowbesttoinvestinparksandrecreationservicesintheshortandlongterm.InJuly2011,aParksandRecreationAdHocCommitteewasestablishedtoevaluatepossibleoptionstominimizethegapinparksandrecreationfunding.TheCommitteemetonfouroccasionstodeveloprecommendationsthatcouldbeimplementedinupcomingyears.Theseremediesareneededtobeabletomaintainexistingassetsinacosteffective,sustainableway.TheyareimportantshorttermelementsofalongertermvisiontocontinuetoenhanceparksandrecreationopportunitiesinAppleValley.Inboththeshortandlongterm,theTownneedsastrongvisionandpracticalsetofrecommendationstodeterminehowbesttoallocatefundingforparksandcommunityservices.Inthiscontext,theParksandRecreationMasterPlanisaroadmapthatwillprovideguidanceonthestepsneededoverthenext20yearsandbeyondtomaintainthelegacyofthepastandachievethecommunitysvisionforthefuture.


OURPLANFORTHEFUTURETheParksandRecreationMasterPlanpresentsstrategiesandactionsfortheTownofAppleValleytocontinuetosupporthighqualityparksandrecreationopportunitiesnowandinthefuture.Thisplan: Presentsthecommunitysvisionandgoalsforparksandrecreation; Describescurrentandfutureneeds,aswellascommunity

preferencesforparks,recreationfacilities,programs,events,andtrails;

Identifiespolicies,implementationstrategiesandaninvestmentprogramtoenhanceandsustainparksandrecreationservicesasintegralelementsofalivablecommunity;and

Providesconservative,shortandlongtermdirectionsfortheParksandRecreationDepartmenttorelyonduringthesedifficulteconomictimesandwhentheeconomyreboundsinthefuture.

TheParksandRecreationMasterPlanupdatesthe2004MasterPlanofParkandRecreationServices.Itiscompliantwiththe2009AppleValleyGeneralPlanandincorporatesthegoalsoutlinedintheTownsVision2020StrategicPlan,includingthe2009adoptedplanandthe2012update.

Community Vision

Plan to Achieve this

Vision

Community Needs for Parks, Facilities,

& Programs

Community Assets & Resources

Implementation & Funding

Chapter1:OurTown

PLANNINGFOROURCOMMUNITYTheParksandRecreationMasterPlanwasdevelopedthroughtheactiveparticipationofmanyresidents,interestgroups,stakeholders,TownstaffandmembersoftheParks&RecreationCommissionandTownCouncil.Theseindividualsandgroupsprovidedfeedbackthroughavarietyofmeetings,interceptevents,interviews,surveys,questionnairesandworkshops.Thesediverseoutreachactivitiesweredesignedtocollectfeedbackfromasmanypeopleaspossible,includingdifferentdemographicandinterestgroups.Morethan900peopleparticipatedindevelopingthisplan,asnotedinTable1.Asaresult,thisMasterPlanreflectsthemanydifferentprioritiesandpreferencesoftheAppleValleycommunity.ItsdesignedtobeflexibletobeabletorespondtochangingcommunityneedsasAppleValleyevolves.ItisalsodesignedtogiveTownstaffandleaderstheinformationandtoolstheyneedforgooddecisionmaking.

PLANORGANIZATIONTheParksandRecreationMasterPlancontainssevenchaptersandsixappendices.Thechaptersintroducetheplan,describetheTownsvisionandgoalsforparksandrecreationservices,identifycommunityneeds,describepoliciesforthefuture,presentspecificrecommendationsandguidelinesforparksandrecreationfacilities,andproposeinvestmentoptionsformeetingcommunityneeds.Theappendicesprovidecriticalbackgroundinformationfortheplanningprocess,suchastheparkandfacilityinventory,publicinvolvementfindings,parkdesignanddevelopmentguidelines,capitalandoperationscosts,alistofpotentialfundingsourcesandimplementationsurveyresults.Also,thePlanisbuiltonafoundationofseveralinterimreports,whichareavailableunderaseparatecover: PlanningContextSummaryMemo(May2010); ExistingRecreationResourcesSummaryMemo(August2010); QuestionnaireSummaryMemo(August2010); CommunityNeedsAssessment(February2011);and ImplementationSurveyReport(January2012).

This Plan represents a

commitment to our Town, our vision for the

future, and our desire to

enhance Apple Valley through people, parks,

and programs.

Table 1: Community Participation Activity #

Adult Questionnaire 287

Youth Questionnaire 37

Focus Groups 26

Intercepts Events 102

Stakeholder Interviews 5

Visioning Workshop 22

Implementation Survey 400

Staff Team 5 Park & Recreation Commission

10+

Town Council 7+

Total 901+ *Additional residents and staff provided comments at Commission and Council meetings.

Chapter 2: Our Vision


CHAPTER2:OURVISIONThevaluesandthecommunityaspirationsfortheTownofAppleValleyaretheguidingforcesfortheParksandRecreationMasterPlan.Throughpublicinvolvement,aCommunityVisioningWorkshop,andmeetingswiththeParksandRecreationCommission,thesevaluesandaspirationswereidentifiedandintegratedintoastrategicplanningframework.Theframeworkincludesfourkeyelements(Figure1): CoreValues Vision Mission GoalsTheseelementsareconsistentwiththeAppleValleysVision2020StrategicPlan.TheStrategicPlancontainssimilarcorevaluesandstrategiestoenhanceTownservices.TheimplementationoftheParksandRecreationMasterPlanwillhelpachievemanyoftheTownsgoals,includingthoserelatedtoparksandrecreation,sustainability,communityenhancement,publicsafety,economicdevelopment,andpremierdestination.

COREVALUES Corevaluesarethesharedbeliefsandqualitiestreasuredbythecommunity.ThesevaluesguidetherecreationservicesprovidedbytheTown.ThroughpublicinvolvementactivitiesandaVisioningWorkshop,residentsidentifiedthefollowingcorevaluesforparksandrecreation: Excellence:Wevaluehighqualityparks,recreationfacilitiesand

programsandwillstriveforexcellenceinallrecreationservices. Teamwork:Wevaluethepowerofteamworkandtheabilitytowork

cooperativelyatalllevelstoachieveourcommonvision. Connectivity:Wevalueaninterconnectedcommunity,enhancedbya

networkofparksandtrailsthatprovideaccesstoournaturalenvironmentandkeydestinationsinTown.

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Safety:Wevaluesafe,secure,andinvitingparks,recreationfacilitiesandprogramsthatfostersocialinteractionandenjoyment.

CommunityCharacter:WevalueAppleValleysheritage,openspace,andhistory,contributingtooursenseofcommunityandcivicpride.

Sustainability:Wevalueefficientandeffectivemanagementofourassetsandstewardshipofourparksandrecreationresourcestosustainthemforfuturegenerations.

FiscalResponsibility:Understandingthatpublicserviceisapublictrust,wevaluehonesty,integrity,accountability,andsustainablefiscalpractices.

VISIONThecorevaluessharedbythecommunitysupportourTownsvisionforapreferredfuture.Thisvisionpaintsapictureoftheparksandrecreationsystemthecommunitywantstoachieve.Throughthepublicinvolvementprocess,thefollowingvisionemerged:

MISSIONAmissionstatement,congruentwiththecommunitysvisionandvaluesforparksandrecreation,describestheapproachthatParks&Recreationstaffwilltakeinprovidingparks,recreationfacilities,andprogramsforAppleValley.ThemissionoftheParks&RecreationDepartmentis:

Providingabetterwaytoliveandplay.

Weenvisionaninterconnectedandsustainablesystemofsafe,attractiveparks,premierrecreationfacilities,anddiversespecialeventsandprogramsthatpreserveourcommunityscharacter,supportourhealthandeconomy,fosteropportunitiesforallages,andpromoteABetterWayofLife.

Chapter2:OurVision

GOALSGoalsarethedesiredoutcomestobeachievedbyimplementingtheParksandRecreationMasterPlan.GoalsreflectthesedesiredoutcomesorkeydirectionsfortheTownsfuture.Tengoalsemergedduringtheplanningprocess,reflectingkeydirectionsfortheTownsfuture. Safe,AmpleandAttractiveParkland:TheTownofAppleValleywill

expandandenhanceAppleValleysnetworkofparklandandrecreationalopportunities,providingcleanandattractiveparksandthatareconvenientlylocatedforeasyaccessthroughouttown.

PremierFacilities:TheTownofAppleValleywillprovidehighquality,signaturefacilitiesthatfostercommunityprideandhelpensurethattheTownisadestinationforresidentsandvisitorsseekinghighqualityeventsandamenitiesintheHighDesert.

HighQualityProgramsandEventsforAll:TheTownofAppleValleywillprovideengaging,accessible,affordablerecreationeventsandprogramsthatmeettheneedsofourdiversecommunity,includingresidentsofallages,abilities,familycompositionsandeconomicandculturalbackgrounds.

Connectivity:TheTownofAppleValleywillconnectcommunitymemberstogetherviaanetworkofparks,recreationfacilitiesandtrails.Bylinkingkeydestinations,thesystemwillsupportcommunityhealthandstrengthenthefabricofthecommunity.

FundingandFiscalManagement:Parks&Recreationstaffwilldemonstratefiscalresponsibility,accountability,andlongtermfinancialstabilitythroughtheirwork,makingthebestuseoflimitedpublicfundsforparkacquisition,development,maintenance,andprogramming.

SustainabilityandStewardshipofAssets:Parks&RecreationstaffwillbearesponsiblestewardofAppleValleysenvironmental,cultural,andfinancialresources.Throughsoundmanagementandbestpractices,staffwillcreatealegacyforfuturegenerations.

Partnerships:Parks&Recreationstaffwillworkcollaborativelywithresidents,businesses,otherdepartments,andneighboringcommunitiestocollectivelyuseourenergy,creativityandresourcestoenhanceourcommunity.

CommunityCharacter/History:Throughitsparks,recreationfacilities,andprograms,Parks&RecreationstaffwillworktopreserveAppleValleysheritage,enhanceitsneighborhoods,strengthencommunity


identity,andcreateapremierdestinationintheHighDesert. HealthyLiving:Healthandwellnessarecriticalelementsofalivable

community.TheTownofAppleValleywillsupportactivelifestylesandpromotelifelonglearningbyprovidingparks,facilities,eventsandprogramsthatsupporthealthylifestylesforallages.

CustomerService:Parks&Recreationstaffwillberesponsive,accountable,andcreativeinmeetingpresentandfuturecommunityneeds,reflectingthedesiresofresidentsandsharingcommunitypriorities.Staffwillcontinuetodemonstrateexcellenceincustomerservice.

STRATEGIESANDACTIONSStrategiesandactionsarestatementsthatdescribehowtheTownsgoalswillbeachieved.Theydescribetheimprovements,projects,programs,andpoliciesthattheTownwouldliketoseeimplementedandaccomplishedinthenext20years.Thesestrategiesandactionsincluderecommendationsforparkacquisition,development,maintenance,operations,andprogrammingwhicharepresentedinChapters4and5ofthisplan.

Chapter 3: Our Needs


CHAPTER3:OURNEEDSAppleValleyresidentsenjoymanyrecreationopportunitiesprovidedbyparks,facilities,andprograms.Playingonplaygrounds,swimming,picnicking,playingsports,participatinginsummercamps,andattendingcommunityfestivalsenhancelifeforallwhoparticipate.Tocontinuetoprovidetheseservices,theTownmustbeabletomaintainandrestoreitsexistingfacilities,addnewparksandfacilitiesasthecommunitygrows,andimproveitsrecreationfacilitiesandservicesasthecommunityattractsnewresidents,businessesandvisitors.Thischapteridentifiescurrentandfutureneedsforparks,facilities,andprogramsforthenext20years.Itidentifiescommunitywideneedsthatmayrequirethesupportofresidents,businesses,recreationgroupsandotherserviceproviderstomeet.ThechapterfocusesontheparksandfacilitiesneededtoserveAppleValleyinthefuture,whilerecognizingthatfunding,maintenanceandserviceneedsalsomustbeaddressedwhileimprovingtheparkandrecreationsystem.RecommendationsandimplementationstrategiestomeettheseneedsarepresentedinChapters46ofthisplan.

PARKSTohelpidentifyparklandneeds,AppleValleysparksandrecreationresourceswereinventoried,classified,andevaluated.TheTowncurrentlyprovides370acresofparksandopenspaceat17sites.ThisincludestheAppleValleyGolfCourse,whichisanimportantrecreationamenity,butisnotfundedwithParksandRecreationFunddollars(Table2).Map1illustratesthelocationsoftheseparks.TheentireinventoryispresentedinAppendixA.IntheTownsGeneralPlan,parksandrecreationfacilitieshavebeenclassifiedinfourcategories,whichwererefinedasnotedbelow: MiniParks:Miniparksaresmallparksthatservenearbyneighbors

withbasicplayfacilitiesandasmallgreenspace.Theyarelocatedwithinwalkingdistanceofmostusers.

Our Park & Recreation Needs

Chapter3:OurNeeds

NeighborhoodParks:Neighborhoodparksaremoderatelysizedparksthatservenearbyneighborswithbasicrecreationopportunitiesandplayspace.

CommunityParks:Communityparksarelarger,multipurposeparksthatprovidebothactiveandpassiverecreationopportunitiesandspecializedfacilitiesthatappealtotheentirecommunity.Thesesitestypicallysupportorganized,activerecreation(suchassportsoraquatics)andopportunitiesforlargegroupgatherings.

SpecialUseParks:Specialuseparksaresiteswithspecializedfacilitiesthatprovideuniquerecreationopportunities.TheseparksoftenserveaspecializedaudienceTownwide.

Inadditiontotheseparktypes,theTownhasfourundevelopedparkpropertiesthatcouldbedevelopedasparksinthefuture.Whilethesesitesprovideopenspace,theyarenotcurrentlymanagedasexistingparksornaturalareas.

Table 2: Park Inventory

Mini Parks AcresCorwin Park 3.7 Lion's Park 1.6 Mendel Park 3.5 Norm Schmidt Park 2.4 Virginia Park 4.0 Yucca Loma Park 2.0 Subtotal 17.1

Neighborhood Parks

Sycamore Rocks Park 4.1 Thunderbird Park 6.3 Subtotal 10.4

Community Parks Civic Center Park 21.2

James Woody Park 23.0

Lenny Brewster Sports Center 38.6 Subtotal 82.8

Special Use Parks Apple Valley Golf Course

149.3

Horsemen's Center 80.2 Subtotal 229.6

Undeveloped Parks Cramer Family 2.8 Sitting Bull 2.1 Standing Rock P

20.0 Stoddard Wells

P 5.1

Subtotal 29.1 Total Park Land 369.8

BEAR VALLEY

COUNTY

TUSSING RANCH

SITTING BULL RD

YUCCA LOMA

15

18

APPLE VALLEY18

CORW

IN RD

WAALEW

THUNDER BIRD

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WA

NA

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JO

DEEP

CREEK

DA

VE E

VA

NS P

KW

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ALE

MBIC

NA

VA

JO

JOHNSON

GLENDON

CORWIN

DEL ORO

Horsemen'sCenter

Apple ValleyGolf Course

Lenny BrewsterSports Center

Civic CenterPark

James WoodyPark

Thunderbird Park

VirginiaPark

Mendel Park

CorwinRoad Park

SycamoreRocks Park

Lion'sPark

YuccaLoma Park

NormSchmidt

Park

APPLEVALLEY HS

ACADEMY OF ACADEMIC

EXCELLENCE(AAE)

GRANITEHILLS HS

SANDIA ES

SITTING BULLACADEMY

MARIANA ES

WILLOWPARK HS

YUCCALOMA ES

RANCHOVERDE ES

RIOVISTA ES

DESERTKNOLLS ES

VANGUARDACADEMY

SYCAMOREROCKS ES

PHOENIXACADEMY

AAE CORWINCAMPUS

AAE THUNDERBIRDCAMPUS

StandingRock Site

StoddardWells Site

SittingBull Site

MOJAVE NARROWSREGIONAL PARK

SPRING VALLEY LAKECOUNTRY CLUB

HESPERIA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

ASHWOODGOLF COURSE

CramerFamily

Park

APPLE VALLEYCOUNTY A IRPORT

0 0.5 1 Miles

Prepared 10.25.2012

Parks & RecreationMaster Plan

Data Source: Town of Apple Valley, CaSIL, ESRI & USGSNAD1983 StatePlane California V FIPS 0405 Feet

This product is for illustrativepurposes only; it is not a survey.

Streets

General Plan Annexation

Public Schools

Other School District Property

Major Roads

Freeway/Highway

Community Park

Other Resources

Mini Park

Neighborhood Park

Undeveloped

Special Use

BLM Lands

Town Limits

Mojave River

Water Feature

Planning Area

Map 1: Existing Parks& Recreation Resources


ParkLevelofServiceOnewaytomeasuretheamountofparklandprovidedbytheTownofAppleValleyisbycalculatingitslevelofservice.Thelevelofservice(LOS)forparklandisaratioofthenumberofdevelopedparkacresprovidedbytheTownincomparisontothenumberofresidentsserved.Thisratioisexpressedintermsofacresper1,000residents.AppleValleysexistinglevelofserviceis4.6acres/1,000residents.1ThisLOSincreasedsignificantlyin2011withtheacquisitionoftheAppleValleyGolfCourse,whichisconsideredasarecreationamenityeventhoughitisoperatedseparatelythroughanenterprisefund.WhiletheTownprovidesavarietyofparksandrecreationamenities,morethan67%oftheexistingparklandisprovidedinspecialuseparks,includingtheGolfCourseandHorsemensCenter(Table3).Currently,AppleValleyslevelofserviceforparklandissimilartootherbenchmarkingcommunities(Lancaster,Temecula,andHesperia).2The1ThecalculationisbasedontheTownscurrentinventoryanda2009populationof74,266residents.Itdoesnotincludeundevelopedparks.2ThesecommunitieswerechosenbytheParks&RecreationCommissionforcomparisontoAppleValleybecauseoftheirproximity,demographiccharacteristics,andsimilartypeofparksystem.Theyalsorepresenthighqualityparksandrecreationsystems,similartowhatAppleValleywantstoprovide.

Table 3: Park Land Level of Service by Classification Classification LOS*

Mini Parks 0.23 Neighborhood Parks 0.14 Community Parks 1.11 Special Use Parks 3.10 Total Existing LOS 4.6

*Level of service is measure in acres per 1,000 residents.

Chapter3:OurNeeds

TownofAppleValleyprovidesahigherLOSfordevelopedparklandthanLancasterandTemecula,butalowerLOSthanitsneighbor,Hesperia(Table4).ItisimportanttorecognizethatAppleValleysservicelevelwithouttheGolfCourseisconsiderablylessthantheamountofdevelopedparklandincomparablecommunities.3PublicDemandforParksInadditiontotheamountofparkacreageprovided,communityexpectationsplayanimportantroleindefiningparkneeds.Severalcommunityprioritiesareoutlinedbelow,basedonpublicinvolvementfindings.(SeeAppendixBfordetailsonthemethodologyandkeyfindingsfromthepublicinvolvementprocess.)Townparksprovidemanybenefits,butresidentsvalueparksmostbecauseoftheircontributionstohealthandwellness.InAppleValley,communityparks,whichsupportactiverecreationopportunities,arevisitedmostfrequently.Neighborhoodparksranksecondintermsofvisitation,drawingfarmoreusersthanminiparksorspecialuseparks.ThetoprecreationfacilitiesusedbybothyouthandadultsincludetheAquaticCenter,JamesWoodyCommunityCenter,JamesWoodysportsfields,andTownHallRecreationCenter,suggestingthattheTownsrecreationprogramsareeffectiveindrawingparticipation.Residentsreportthattheyvisitparksprimarilytotakeadvantageofsocialopportunities,suchasattendingcommunityeventsandhangingoutwithfamilyandfriends.Notsurprisingly,recreationfestivalsandspecialeventsarethemostpopulartypesofprogramsinAppleValley.Throughouttheplanningprocess,respondentsraisedconcernsabouttheTownsagingfacilities,thelackofdiversityinrecreationopportunities,andtheincapacityofexistingparksandfacilitiestomeetgrowingneeds.Specificissuesnotedbycommunitystakeholders,focusgroupparticipants,andTownleadersinclude:thesize,age,andconditionofJamesWoodyCommunityCenter;thedistanceyouthhavetotraveltoparksandrecreationfacilities;thelackofsupportamenitiesatseveralsites(e.g.,restrooms,shade,picnictables,pathways);andthedesireforhighqualityparksandvariedrecreationopportunitiestosupportAppleValleysgoalofbecomingapremierdestination.3ThereremainsapossibilitythattheGolfCoursecouldbesoldinthefuture.Withoutthisrecreationamenity,theTownsservicelevelforparklandis2.6acres/1,000residents.

Table 4: Existing Park LOS Comparison

Jurisdiction Existing LOS*

Lancaster 3.4

Temecula 4.3

Apple Valley 4.6

Hesperia 7.3 Average of Comparable Communities 5.0 *Acres/1,000 residents. Sources: Hesperia General Plan (2010); Lancaster Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Cultural Arts Master Plan (2007); City of Temecula Parks and Recreation Department, (2009).

The top two priorities for

improving the park system:

1) Repairing or replacing old,

run-down facilities in

existing parks; 2) Adding

more amenities and facilities

to parks.


Whilemoreparklandandfacilitieswillbeneededinthefuture,thetoppriorityformanyresidentsnowistakingcareof(repairingandreplacing)existingfacilities.Thesefindingsareimportantbothforunderstandingthecommunitysshorttermpriorities,butalsoforsettinggoalsandguidelinesforparkacquisitionanddevelopmentinthefuture.ParkAccessAnotherwaytoevaluateparkneedsisbyconsideringparkaccess.UsingGIS,parkaccesscanbemeasuredintermsofthedistancepeoplemusttraveltoreachparks.Fewerparksmeanthatpeoplemusttravelfarthertoplay.Aparkaccessanalysiswasconductedaspartofthisplanningeffort.DetailsarepresentedintheCommunityNeedsAssessmentReport.Therearemanyfactorsthatinfluencethedistancepeopletraveltoparks,suchasresidentialdensity,transportationmodes,barrierstoparkaccess(topography,highways,fencing,etc.),andtheattractivenessand/oruniquenessofrecreationamenities.Giventhesefactorsandcommunitydemandsforparkland,TownstaffandtheParkandRecreationCommission(PRC)determinedthatparksshouldbeprovidedinAppleValleywithinthefollowingtraveldistances: 1miletoreachbasicoressentialrecreationamenities4forresidents

inhigherdensityresidentialareas,wherethelotsizesaresmallerthanacre;

22milestoreachbasicoressentialrecreationamenitiesforresidentsinlowerdensityareas,wherelotsizesaregreaterthanacre;and

23milestoreachacommunitypark,whereavarietyofrecreationopportunitiesareprovided.

Thesetraveldistancesaregreaterthantypicalwalkingdistances(mile),reflectinglandusepatternsandcommunityexpectationsinAppleValley.TheaccessanalysisdocumentedseveralareasinAppleValleywhereresidentsdonothaveaccesstoessentialrecreationamenitiesand/orcommunityparkswithindesiredtraveldistances.WhileparksprovidedbyHomeownersAssociationsareanticipatedtoserveseveralplannedneighborhoodsinthefuture,three(3)newcommunityparksandsix(6)4Essentialrecreationamenitiesincludeplaygrounds,picnicshelter/tables,andopenlawns.Theseamenitiescanbefoundinmini,neighborhoodandcommunityparks.

Chapter3:OurNeeds

To maintain the desired level

of service, 6 neighborhood

parks, 3 community parks and 1 special use park will be

needed in the future.

newneighborhoodparkswillbeneededinthefutureifAppleValleydevelopsasplanned.ParkLandStandards&FutureNeedsToprovideneighborhoodandcommunityparksinunservedareas,AppleValleywillneedmoreparkland.ThisMasterPlanconservativelyproposesanewparklandstandardof4.5acres/1,000residentsslightlylowerthanthecurrentlevelofservice.However,theproposedstandardrepresentsafairlydramaticincreaseinlandneedsforcommunityandneighborhoodparksthetwomostfrequentlyvisitedparktypesinAppleValley.Table5notesthestandardsandacreageneedsbyparktype.Table 5: Proposed Standards and Needs for Developed Park Land

Park Type Existing LOS 1

(acres/1,000)

Proposed Standard

(acres/1,000)

Future Acres

Needed2

Mini Parks 0.23 0.2 --

Neighborhood Parks 0.14 0.5 47.6

Community Parks 1.11 1.8 126.1

Special Use Areas 3.10 2.0 2.5

Total Existing LOS 4.6 4.5 176.2 1The existing level of service (LOS) is based on a current population of 74,266. 2Future needs are based on a 2029 population estimated at 116,041.

Byapplyingthesestandards,parklandneedsarenotedbelowbytype: MiniParks:Nonewminiparksareneeded.Thesesmallersitesarenot

ascosteffectiveorassuccessfulinprovidingthetypesoffacilitiesthatwoulddrawpeoplefrom12milesaway.

NeighborhoodParks:Six(6)newneighborhoodparksareneeded.ThiscouldincludethedevelopmentofStoddardWellsPropertyandtheacquisitionanddevelopmentoffivenewparksinunderservedareasaroundTown.

CommunityParks:Three(3)newcommunityparksareneeded.ThiscouldincludethedevelopmentoftheStandingRocksite,plusnewparksintheNorthPointeareaandinSouthAppleValley.

SpecialUseParks:One(1)newspecialuseparkisneeded.Thisneedmaybemetbydevelopingatrailhead/natureparkattheSittingBullproperty.


FACILITIESHavingtherightamountofparklandisimportantinasuccessfulparkandrecreationsystem.However,residentsalsoneedavarietyofrecreationamenitiesandfacilitiesthatareingoodcondition.TheTownofAppleValleycurrentlyprovidesamixofrecreationfacilitiesrangingfromsmallscaleplaygroundstolargescaleaquaticfacilitiesandcommunitycenters.Tables6and7summarizetheinventoryofindoorandoutdoorfacilities.(SeeAppendixAforafullinventoryoffacilitiesbysite.)AsnotedinTable6,theTownprovidesalotofsportsfieldsandplaygrounds,butfarfewerofothertypesofoutdoorfacilities.AsnotedinTable7,italsoprovidesavarietyofindoorfacilitieswithmeetingrooms,generalactivityspace,anauditorium,andagymnasium.However,theTowndoesnothavealarger,multipurposerecreationandcommunitycenterwithspecializedindooractivityspace.Indoorprogrammingspaceandagreatervarietyofoutdoorrecreationfacilitiesareneeded.

Table 6: Outdoor Recreation Facility Inventory Facility #

Soccer Field 15 Backstop 12 Playground 12 Baseball/Softball Field 9 Picnic Shelter 4 Basketball Court 3 Tennis Court 2 Amphitheater 1 Campground 1 Dog Park 1 Hard Surface Trail 1 Horseshoe Complex 1 Skatepark 1 Soft Surface Trail 1 Swimming Pool 1 Volleyball Court 0 Water Play Area 0

Chapter3:OurNeeds

Table 7: Indoor Recreation Facility Inventory

Facility Act

ivit

y R

oom

Gym

nasi

um

Kit

chen

Mee

ting

Roo

m

Stag

e

Other Apple Valley Golf Course 1 2 Banquet Room, Pro Shop James Woody Community C

2 1 1 1 Offices Town Hall Conference Center 12 Town Hall Recreation Center 3 1 02 Offices 1Includes maintenance office space. 2Room can be divided into two separate rooms by partition. 3Activity rooms can be divided into four separate meeting rooms.

FacilityEvaluationInMarch2010,parkandrecreationfacilitieswereevaluatedtoidentifycurrentissuesandopportunitiesrelatedtotheircondition,development,maintenance,andmanagement.Findingsincluded: JamesA.WoodyCommunityCenter:BuilttoserveAppleValleywhen

theTownspopulationwas7,000people,the60yearoldJamesWoodyCommunityCenterprovidesindooractiverecreationspace(agymnasium),anauditoriumandtwoactivityrooms.Thisfacilitywasneverintendedtoprovidesufficientindoorrecreationspacetoserveatownof74,266people.5Althoughseveralelements(e.g.,kitchen,gymlighting)havebeenupgradedinrecentyears,asignificantinvestmentinimprovementsorreplacementisneeded.

PlaygroundAge/Condition:AppleValleyhassixplaygroundsbuiltintheyear2000orbefore.Playgroundequipmenthasanestimated1020yearlifespan,dependingonitsmaterials,intensityofuse,climate,andotherfactors.Playgroundsafetyandaccessibilitystandardsalsohavechangedsignificantlyinthelast15years.Giventhesecircumstances,playgroundreplacementwillbeneededatthesesixsitesinthefuture.

5GeneralindooractivityspaceisprovidedattheTownHallRecreationCentertohelpmeetneeds,butnootherspecializedindoorprogrammingspaceisavailable.


Facility/DevelopmentQuality:WhileAppleValleyhasseveralnewparksandfacilitiesinexcellentcondition,italsohassiteswithamenitiesandfacilitiesthatareinconsistentwiththecommunitysvisiontobeapremierdestination.Severalparksareunderdevelopedandlackingrestrooms,shadestructures,anduniqueandvariedrecreationfacilities.Highdemand,agingfacilities,andadecreasingmaintenancebudgetarecontributingtothespeedatwhichfacilitiesneedrenovation,repair,andreplacement.

AmenityandFacilityDemandCommunityfeedback,obtainedduringthepublicinvolvementprocess,wasusedtoidentifythemostessentialtypesofrecreationamenitiesandfacilitiesthataredesiredinparks,suchasshade,restrooms,opengrassareas,playgrounds,activerecreationopportunities,andsocialgatheringplaces.Theexistingparksystemwasevaluatedincomparisontotheseessentialfacilities.Theanalysisnoted: Shade:Eventhoughshadeisimportanttocommunityhealth,alackof

shadeisanissueatseveralAppleValleyparks.NewpicnicstructureshavejustbeeninstalledatMendel,Corwin,andThunderbirdParks.However,sitessuchasCivicCenterParkandLennyBrewsterSportsCenterneedshadeshelters.Otheropportunitiestoimprovetheavailabilityofshadeincludeprovidingcoveringsattheswimmingpool,concessionareasandplaygrounds,aswellasmaintainingandnurturingshadetreesinallparks.

Restrooms:ThedistancethatresidentstypicallytraveltoparksinAppleValleycreatesaneedforrestroomsatmostsites.Sevenexistingminiandneighborhoodparkslackpermanentrestrooms.Portablerestroomsareprovidedatseveralsites.Incommunityparks,CivicCenterParkneedsarestroom,andbothJamesWoodyParkandLennyBrewsterSportsCenterneedmorerestroomstallstosupportthehighlevelofsiteuse.

ActiveuseFacilities:Activerecreationencouragesexercise,whichalsocontributestoindividualandcommunityhealth.WhilemanyTownparkshavesportsfieldsormultipurposebackstops,onlyoneminiorneighborhoodpark(ThunderbirdPark)includesasportscourt.CorwinParkdoesnothaveanytypeofactiveusefacilities.

Trails:Despitethecommunitysinterestinanddemandfortrails,fewparksprovidewalkingtrailsorareconnectedtotheTownstrailnetworktomakethesesiteseasilyaccessiblebyfoot,bike,orhorse.

Chapter3:OurNeeds

SpecializedFacilityComparisonSpecializedfacilityneedswereevaluatedthroughacomparisonofAppleValleytothebenchmarkingcitiesofLancaster,HesperiaandTemecula.Sincethisisnotanapplestoapplescomparison,theassessmentlookedatthetypeandscaleoffacilitiesprovidedinthosecommunities. Lancaster:TheLancasterParks,RecreationandArtsDepartment

stronglyinvestsinspecializedfacilities,suchastheLancasterPerformingArtsCenter,theLancasterMuseum/ArtGallery,theWesternHotelMuseum,fiveindooractivitycenters,a35fieldsoccercomplex,tournamentqualityadultsoftballcomplex,baseballstadium,highdesertnatureinterpretivecenter,twopools,andfourjointusegymnasiums.Itservesapopulationof135,225residents.6

Temecula:TheTemeculaCommunityServicesDepartment,RecreationDivision,providesarecreationcenter,communitycenter,seniorcenter,ChildrensMuseum,library,CommunityTheater,HistoryMuseum,chapel,threeswimmingpools,anoutdooramphitheater,askatepark,andgymnasiumtoserveapopulationof105,029residents.7

Hesperia:TheCityofHesperiaandtheHesperiaRecreationandParkDistrict(HRPD)providefourcommunitycenters,ayouthactivitycenter,rollerrink,pool,countryclub/golfcourse,fishingarea,campground,museum/naturecenter,andslotcar/RCcartrackstoserveapopulationof88,184residents.8

TheTownofAppleValleyhasaddedoracquiredseveralspecializedfacilitiesinrecentyearstoenhanceitslevelofservice,suchastheGolfCourse,ConferenceCenter,AquaticCenter,Amphitheater,andTownHallRecreationCenter.However,continuedinvestmentisneededtoprovidethenumberandvarietyofspecializedfacilitiesfoundinthosecomparablecommunities.FacilityNeedsTable8summarizesneedsforindoorandoutdoorrecreationfacilities,takingintoaccountrecreationtrendsandparticipation,unservedareas,aswellcommunitypreferences.Accordingtofindingsfromtheanalysis,AppleValleyneedsthefollowingamenitiesandfacilitiesinthenext20years:6CityofLancaster,2007Parks,Recreation,OpenSpace&CulturalMasterPlan.7CityofTemecula,2009DevelopedParkandRecreationalFacilities.8CityofHesperia,2010HesperiaGeneralPlan.

Lancaster, Temecula, and Hesperia offer

more and a wider variety of specialized facilities than Apple Valley.


Playgrounds:Nine(9)newplaygroundswillbeneededtoprovideplayopportunitiesinproposednewneighborhoodandcommunityparks.

SportsCourts:Nine(9)newsportscourtsofvarioustypes(e.g.,basketball,tennis,volleyball,bocce,shuffleboard,horseshoes)willbeneededtoincreaseactiveuseopportunitiesinnewneighborhoodandcommunityparks.

SportsFields:Nine(9)newbaseball/softballfieldsandeight(8)soccerfieldswillbeneededinthenext20yearstomeetsportfieldguidelinesproposedintheNeedsAssessmentReport.Also,two(2)multiuseturffieldswillbeneededtosupportfootball,lacrosse,rugby,andsoccer.

EventSpace/LargeGroupVenues:TocontinuetoprovidetheTownshighlysuccessfulspecialeventsandopportunitiesforlargegroupgatherings,three(3)largegroupvenuesoreventfacilitieswillbeneeded.Thisrepresentsoneineachproposednewcommunitypark.

Skatepark:One(1)additionalskateparkorseveral(24)smallerskatespotsdistributedaroundtownwillbeneededtoprovideskatingvarietyandchallengeandimproveaccesstoskateelementsasthecommunitycontinuestogrow.

BMXFacilities:One(1)separateBMXFreestyleFacilitywillbeneededinthelongtermtominimizethesafetyconcernsassociatedwithconflictingusesattheThreeDiamondSkatepark.

WaterPlay:Atleasttwo(2)waterplayopportunitieswillbeneeded.TheseareappropriateattheAquaticCenter(asplanned)andatacommunitypark.

MultiPurposeRecreationCenter:Alargecommunityrecreationcenter(40,000+sf)willbeneededtoprovideindoorprogrammingandactiverecreationspace,includingspaceforteensandseniors.

TrailNeedsThepublicinvolvementprocessfortheParksandRecreationMasterPlannotedastrongdemandfortrailsinAppleValley.Infact,ninetyone(91%)percentofquestionnairerespondentsand79%ofintercepteventparticipantsindicatedthatAppleValleyneedsmoretrailsandpathways.IntheGeneralPlan,theTownofAppleValleypresentsitsadoptedplanforaninterconnectedtrailsystem.Itincludes: BikePaths:ClassI,II,andIIIbikepathsincludeonstreetandoff

streetroutes.

Table 8: Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Facility Needs* Facility #

BMX Facility 1 Baseball/Softball Field 9 Event/Group Venue 4 Trails (hard/soft) 1 Multi-Purpose Recreaton Center 1 Multi-use Turf Field 2 Playground 9 Skatepark 1 Soccer Field 8 Water Play Area 2

*The number recreation amenities, such as restrooms and shade shelters, and sports courts, will be determined by park design and development guidelines.

Chapter3:OurNeeds

LifelineTrails:Morethan102milesofmultiuseLifelineTrailsareplannedforwalking,bicycleriding,horsebackriding,andotherformsofhumanpropulsion.

BridleEasements:Existingbridleeasements,althoughnotdevelopedormarked,aremappedasridingtrails.

Atthistime,theParksandRecreationDepartmentdoesnotplayaroleintraildevelopmentoutsideofparks.However,theTownneedsastrongerstrategytocreatethisinterconnectedtrailsystemtomeetcommunityneedsforrecreation,connectivityandnonmotorizedtransportation.Inthemeantime,theParksandRecreationDepartmentcanfocusonaddressingtrailneedsthroughparkdevelopment,andensuringthatnewparksareconnectedtothetrailsystemwherefeasible.BeyondADArequirementsforinterconnectedfacilities,softsurfacedtrailsareneededinparkstosupportjogging,mountainbiking,natureinterpretation,andequestrianuse.Hardsurfacedtrailsareneededtosupportopportunitiesforwalking,biking,skateboarding,rollerblading,andscooteruse.NeedsforOtherAmenitiesNeedsforadditionalparkamenities,suchaspermanentrestrooms,shadestructures,andopenturfplayareas,arenotedinparkdesignanddevelopmentguidelinespresentedinAppendixC.Theseguidelinesnoteswhattypesofamenitiesandfacilitiesarerequiredbyparktype.

More trails are needed in

Apple Valley, according to

participants in the public outreach process.


PROGRAMSANDEVENTSTheTownofAppleValleysParksandRecreationDepartmentprovidesafullrangeofrecreationprogramsforallages.Itsprograms,specialevents,classesandsportsleaguesarehighlysuccessful,attractingnearly65,000participantsannually.9ProgramAreaNeedsCurrently,AppleValleyoffersrecreationprogramsineightmajorprogramareas.Asthecommunitygrows,theTownwillneedtoprovidemorerecreationprogramsandspecialeventsintheseareastoaddressanincreaseddemandforservices.Theseareasinclude: AfterSchoolActivitiesProgram Aquatics Classes(e.g.,artsandcrafts,danceandmusic,fitnessandwellness

classesforyouthandadults) SpecialEvents SportsLeagues(adult,youthandpeeweesports) ActiveAdultandSeniorPrograms TherapeuticRecreation VolunteerOpportunities

9FY2008/09participationdata.

Chapter3:OurNeeds

Inadditiontotheseserviceareas,publicinvolvementfindingshighlightedaneedforincreasedprogrammingintwootherareas:1)Fine/DramaticArts,and2)HealthyLiving.WhileAppleValleycurrentlyprovidesclassesforyouthandadultsinarts,crafts,anddance,culturalartsisnotamajorserviceareafortheTown.Thereisanopportunitytoincreaseindoorandoutdoortheaterprograms,usingtheCivicCenterParkAmphitheaterandJamesA.WoodyCommunityCenterstage.Toexpandthisprogramarea,specialtyindoorprogrammingspacewillbeneeded,suchasartstudios,musicstudios,dancestudios,artgallery,etc.Thisneedcouldbemetatanewcommunitycenter,orpotentiallyinpartnershipwithanotherprovider.TheTownofAppleValleyhasbeenawardedagrantbytheCountyofSanBernardinoDepartmentofPublicHealthinsupportoftheHealthyAppleValleymissionofimprovingthehealthandwellbeingofresidentsthroughthepromotionofhealthyeating,education,cookingprograms,andphysicalactivity.Throughprogramsandevents,AppleValleyhassuccessfullypositioneditselfasacenterforhealthyliving,whichhasemergedasasignificantnewservicearea.AneedexiststocontinueandexpandtheseprogramsbeyondtheTownscurrentgrantfunding.Inaddition,thereisapotentialtotiethisprogramareatotrailrelatedprograms,takingadvantageoftheTownsproposalsfortraildevelopmentinsideparksandacrosstown.TargetPopulationsTheAppleValleyParksandRecreationDepartmentprovidesprogramsandeventsforpeopleofallages.Whilemanydemographicgroupsarewellservedbyexistingrecreationprograms,publicinvolvementfindingssuggestthatseveralgroupshavedistinctneedsthatshouldbeaddressed.Needsforthefollowinggroupswerespecificallynoted: Youth:Whileyouthdevelopmentisakeyfocusincurrent

programming,publicinvolvementfindingssuggestthatprogramssupportingyouthintegration,safety,andpositiveoutcomes/behaviorarestillneeded.Expandedyouthskillsprogramsandvolunteeropportunitiesmayhelpaddressthisneed.AnotherpossibilityistobringrecreationopportunitiestounderservedyouththroughtheuseofaMobileRecreationProgram,offeringfreerecreationactivities(e.g.,games,crafts)attargetedparkandschoolsites.


Teens:AppleValleyteensareinneedofbothprogrammedandselfdirectedrecreationtime.Theyouthfocusgroupnotedadesireformoredropinopportunitiestoplay,socialize,andbeentertained.Desireswerealsonotedfordropinandorganizedsports,volunteeropportunities,computerclasses,safepartiesandsocialevents,andtours/travel(busexcursions).Also,improvedcommunicationwithteensisdesired.SuggestedopportunitiesincludedaFacebookyouthpageandTeenZonewebpageontheTownswebsite(whichisnowavailable).WhileneedsforteendropinspacemaybepartiallyaddressedinanexpansionofthePALCenter,ayouth/teenroomintegratedintoamultipurposecommunity/recreationcenterwouldprovideindoorspacetosupportteenrecreationandprograms.

Seniors/ActiveAdults:Nearlyonequarter(24.2%)ofAppleValleyspopulationisoverage55.TheSouthernCaliforniaAssociationofGovernments(SCAG)expectsthisagegrouptocontinuetogrowoverthenextseveralyears.WhiletheDelWebbSolera/SunCityplannedcommunitycaterstothisdemographicwithrecreationfacilitiesandprograms,theTownmayneedtoexpandprogramsforolderadultsandseniorslivingthroughoutAppleValley.Programsforactiveadultsandseniorsinfitnessandhealthylivingcouldbetiedtothehealthylivingprogramarea.

YoungerWorkers:ThepopulationofyoungadultsfocusedonjobsisexpectedtoincreaseinAppleValley,accordingtoSCAGdata.Theseresidentsoftenhavelessfreetimeforrecreationbecauseofjobrelatedcommutesandafocusonworkproductivity.However,activeandsocialeveningprograms,suchassportleaguesandsocialevents,orflexibledropinprograms,suchasopengymtime,oftenappealtothisdemographic.Thisincludesbothtraditionalsportsprograms,suchassoftball,aswellasemergingadultsports,suchaskickballanddodgeball.

MultigenerationalProgramming:Accordingtopublicinvolvementfindings,oneofAppleValleysstrengthsisitsmultigenerationalprogramming.AppleValleysspecialeventspromotecommunityconnections,providecommunitybuildingandfamilyactivities,andmeetdiverseneeds.SCAGprojectsthatmiddleageandschoolagepopulationwillcontinuetodominatetheTownspopulationinthenextseveralyears.Consequently,therewillcontinuetobeastrongneedforparent/child,family,andmultigenerationalprogramming.

Chapter 4: Our Future System


CHAPTER4:OURFUTURESYSTEMTherearemanyneedstobemetinachievingthecommunitysvisionforparksandrecreation,andevenmoretoaccomplishiftheTownwantstoberecognizedastheHighDesertspremierdestination.Evenwiththesegoals,theTownmustbalanceprioritieswhilecreatingtheparksystemofthefuture.Thischapterpresentsrecommendationstoenhanceservicessystemwide,whilefindingabalancebetweenTownresourcesanddesiresfor: Parkandfacilitydevelopment Recreationprogrammingandevents Maintenance Funding Partnerships Marketing CustomerServiceTherecommendationsinthischapterprovideguidancefordevelopingtheparkandrecreationsystemintheshortandlongterm.SpecificrecommendationsforenhancingparksandfacilitiesarepresentedinChapter5.ImplementationstrategiestoachievepriorityrecommendationsaredescribedinChapter6.ProposedParkSystemTheTownofAppleValleyisauniquecommunitywithlargelots,openspace,mountainvistasanddesertvalleys.TheTowntakesprideinitsequestrianheritage,whilelookingforwardtothetypeofspecializeddevelopmentthatwillpositionAppleValleyasapremierdestination.Greenparks,multiusetrails,andspecializedrecreationvenuesareanimportantpartoftheTownsvisionforthefuture.Toachievethisvision,theproposedparkandrecreationsystemwillimproveaccesstocommunityparks,wherespecialevents,organizedsports,andothercommunitygatheringscanbeheld.Thetraveldistancetoneighborhoodandminiparkswillbeaddressed,sothatmostresidentialareashave

Our Future System

Chapter4:OurFutureSystem

accesstoclosetohomerecreationopportunities.Inaddition,allresidentswillhaveaccesstoavarietyofspecialuseparksthatprovideuniquerecreationopportunities,suchasgolfing,camping,andparticipatinginequestrianorBMXevents.AppleValleyscurrentparksystemprovidesastrongfoundationtosupportthisvision.However,therearemanyresidentialareasthatlackessentialparkopportunities,andservicesshouldbeimprovedintheseareas.Inaddition,parksandfacilitiesshouldbeaddedtounservedresidentialareasasAppleValleygrows.ThisisespeciallytrueinsouthAppleValley,wherefournewneighborhoodparksandonecommunityparkwillbeneeded.ProposedParkConceptMap2illustratestheproposedparksystemofthefuture.Themappresentsthegenerallocationofexistingandproposedparksitestocreateanimageofwhattheparksystemmaylooklikeatbuildout.BuildoutisthepointatwhichtheTownisfullydevelopedaccordingtoitlanduseplanningstrategies.SomeimportantnotesabouttheProposedParkSystemMapinclude: EachproposedTownparkiscodedwithlettersandnumbers(suchas

CP2).Thelettersnotethetypeofparktobedeveloped:NP NeighborhoodParkCP CommunityParkSU SpecialUseArea

Coloredasterisksindicatethegenerallocationofproposedparks.InadditiontoTownownedsites,whicharecodedonthemap,therearethreeuncoded,lightpurpleasterisks.Accordingtocurrentplans,parkstobemanagedbyHomeownersAssociationsareproposedfornewdevelopmentsintheseareas.

Whiletheproposedparksystemtakesintoaccountcurrentlanduseandanticipatedgrowthanddevelopmentplan,themapdoesnotillustratepreciselocationsforproposedparksites.Thesedetailswillbedeterminedlaterbasedonfactorssuchastheavailabilityofland,therateofgrowthanddevelopment,landcosts,andneighborhoodandcommunitypreferencesatthetimetheparklandisacquiredanddeveloped.

More parks will help position

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VirginiaPark

Mendel Park

CorwinRoad Park

SycamoreRocks Park

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ACADEMY OF ACADEMIC

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Prepared 10.25.2012

Parks & RecreationMaster Plan

Data Source: Town of Apple Valley, CaSIL, ESRI & USGSNAD1983 StatePlane California V FIPS 0405 Feet

This map is for illustrative purposes only.The actual locations of the proposed

parks have not been determined.

General Plan Annexation

Public Schools

Other School District Property

Community Park

Other Resources

Mini Park

Neighborhood Park

Undeveloped

Special Use

BLM Lands

Mojave River

Water Feature

Planning Area

Town Limits

Major Roads

Streets

Freeway/Highway

Residental > .75 acre(R-VLD,R-LD,R-E,R-E3/4)

Residental < .75 acre(R-SF,R-M,MHP,SP)

Proposed Special UseParkk

Proposed CommunityParkk

Proposed NeighborhoodParkk

Proposed HOA ParkkMap 2: Proposed Park System


ProposedParkandFacilityDevelopmentNewparkdevelopmentisrecommendedtoachievethecommunitysvisionforthefuture.Recommendationstoimprovetheplanning,design,anddevelopmentofnewparksandrecreationfacilitiesarenotedbelow.MorespecificdesignanddevelopmentguidelinesforeachparktypearelistedinAppendixC. Applyparkdesignanddevelopmentguidelinesthataddressfactors

suchasrequiredamenities,siteaccessandcirculation,theprovisionofrestrooms,andappropriatedevelopment.(SeeAppendixC.)

Enhanceparkimagethroughminorupgradesovertime.o Provideattractivesiteidentificationsignageatmainentrances.o Developparklocatorsignstodirectthepublictolocalparksand

facilities.Createastandardsetofguidelinesfortheirdesignandplacement.

o Inthelongterm,replacecurrentparkamenities(benches,trashcans,picnictables,drinkingfountains,etc.)withstandardsetofhighergradeamenitiesthroughouttheparksystem.Forexample,replacebarreltrashcanswithcoveredreceptacles.Useaconsistentstyleforamenitieswithineachpark.


o Provideconcretepadsunderpicnictables,benches,drinkingfountains,kiosks,andotherhightrafficareaswhereturfdamagewilloccur.

o Implementacomprehensiveproactiveturfmanagementprogramtoensurethatallfieldsandturfareasareprovidedataconsistentlyhighlevel.

FostertheTownsnaturalandculturalheritagethroughparkdesignanddevelopment:o Whenmasterplanninganddesigningparks,beresponsivetolocal

conditions,includingtopography,sitecontext,andneighborhoodcharacter.

o Includepublicartand/orhistoricandenvironmentalinterpretiveelementswherepossibletocontributetoparkidentityandcharacter.

o Considerdistinctthemesforeachcommunityparksitetoestablishauniquecharacterandidentity.Themesmaybehighlightedthroughtheuseofcolors,materials,furnishings,equipmentandplantselections.

o EncourageartinparksbyeitherdevelopinganArtinPublicPlacesprogramordesignateareasintheparkssystemforpossibleartinstallationsinthefuture.

o Promotewesternheritageandequestrianculturethroughparkdesign.

o Protectthequalityandcharacterofnaturalandhistoricresourcesthroughparkacquisitionorfacilitypreservation.

Emphasizepublicsafetyandsecurityinparkdevelopment.o Whereapplicable,applyCrimePreventionthroughEnvironmental

Design(CPTED)guidelinesinthedesignandoperationofparksandfacilities.Somepubliclysupportedguidelinesincludetheappropriateuseoflightstodetercrime,landscapingtoallowunobstructedviewsofsurroundingareas,andthelocationofplayequipmentandotherrecreationfacilitiesinareasthatarehighlyvisiblefromthestreet.

o Utilizeparkfencingtoseparateplayareasfromroadwayswhereneeded.Forexample,encloseplayareasthatarecloserthan25toarterialorcollectorstreetsandparkingareaswith3highnonclimbablefence.Avoidfencingentireparks.


Provideaninternalsitecirculationsystemineachparkthatmeets

ADArequirementsandimprovesaccesstofacilities.o Providesdirectaccesstorestrooms,playareasandsportsfields,

butpermituserstobypassotheramenities.Forexample,provideadirectpathoftravelfromtheparkingareatomajorfacilities,suchasplaygrounds.

o Provideadirectpathoftravelfrommajorfacilitiestorestrooms. Pursueopportunitiestocreatepedestrianandbikefriendlyparks.

o Identifyandprovideappropriategatesorentriesfornonmotorizedaccesstoparks.Wherepossible,locatetheparksentrynearabusstoporcrosswalk.

o LocateparksnearproposedLifelineTrailsandClassIbikewaystoenhancecommunityconnectivity.WorkwithotherDepartmentstoconnectparkstothesetrailsandpathways.

Integrateshadeintoallparks.Considerthefollowing:o Providecoveredpicnictablesinareaswithouttreecover.o Considerplaygroundcoversoradjacentshadeshelterstoprolong

play.


o Selectandplantcanopytreestocreatemaximumshadedareasinparks.

ImplementawaterefficiencyprogramincompliancewiththeUpdatedModelWaterEfficientLandscapeOrdinanceAB1881,andtheIrrigationAssociationsTurfandLandscapeBestManagementPractices.Considerthefollowing:o Incorporatewaterefficientfixturesinallrestroomsandwater

fountains.Exploretheopportunitytoretrofitwashroomswithlowflushtoiletsandwaterlessurinals.

o SelectandpurchaseproductswiththeEPAWaterSenselabelmeetingEPAwaterefficiencycriteria.

o Developwaterefficientirrigationsystemslinkedtoacentralized,irrigationcontrolsystem.

o Useweatherbasedirrigationcontrollerscapableofreceivingrealtime,internetbasedpagingsignaloronsiteETdata.

o Establishamonthlywaterbudgetfornormalweatherconditionsandadeficitirrigationwaterbudgetfordroughtconditions.

o Usewaterefficienttechnologies,includingbutnotlimitedtocheckvalves,sprinkler/valvepressureregulation,rainsensors,mastervalves,andrealtimeflowmonitoringtofurtherassistinreducingpotentialwaterwaste.

o Explorethepotentialtoretrofitirrigationdistributionequipmentwithnozzlesthatprovidehigherdistributionuniformities.

o Userecycled(reclaimed)waterforparkirrigationwhereappropriatewhenthereclamationfacilityisconstructed.

o Periodicallyandannually,evaluateirrigationsystemperformance.o Useadapted,lowwateruse,anddroughttolerantplantswhere

appropriate.o Uselocalnativeplantcommunitiesasplantpalettemodels.o Minimizeturfareasthatarenotdesignedtosupportactiveor

passiverecreationuse.Uselawnsubstitutes(rocks,woodchips,plantings,etc.)thatrequirelesswaterconsumption,fertilizers,andmowingthantraditionallawnswherelawnisnotrequiredforrecreationpurposes.

o Provideaminimummulchdepthof2inchesinplantbedsandtreeringstohelpconservewaterandsuppressweeds.


Supportsustainableandenvironmentalstewardshipinparkdesign,development,andimprovements.o PursueLEEDcompliantconstructioninthedevelopmentofnew

indoorfacilities.ThisdoesnotrequireLEEDcertification.o Increaseenergyefficiencythroughtheinstallationofenergy

efficientlighting.o Uselocalandrecycledmaterialsinbuildingsandparkfurnishings.o ConsiderarecyclingprogramforTownparksandevents,in

conjunctionwiththeTownsGreenAppleValleycampaign.o Incorporateinterpretivesignageinparkstoeducatethe

communityabouteffortstousenative,droughttolerantplants,aswellaslimittheamountofturfinnewconstruction,aspartoftheTownswaterconservationprogram.

Preservehabitatandnaturalareaswithinparks.o Designnomowzoneswithinparkswherehabitatispresent,or

wheredevelopedparksabutthenaturaldesertlandscape.o Preservenaturalareasandfeatureswhendesigningnewparks

andrenovatingexistingones.o Incorporatehabitatfornativespecies,whereappropriate.

Addressrecreationprogrammingneedsduringparkdesignanddevelopment.o Lookforopportunitiestocreatesocialspacesinparks.For

example,providepicnictables,restrooms,andaconcessionstandgroupedinonegatheringarea.

o Phaseparkdevelopmentsothattheconstructionofsupportamenities,suchasrestrooms,accompaniesthedevelopmentofmajorfacilities.

o Providefacilitiestosupportrecommendedprogramexpansion.


RECREATIONPROGRAMSANDEVENTSOneofAppleValleysgoalsistoprovideengaging,accessible,affordablerecreationeventsandprogramsthatmeettheneedsofadiversecommunity,includingresidentsofallages,abilities,familycompositionsandeconomicandculturalbackgrounds.Thissectionpresentsrecommendationstoachievethatgoal.CoreProgramAreasPublicinvolvementfeedbacksuggeststhattheParksandRecreationDepartmentshouldcontinuetoprovidehighqualityprogramsandeventsineightmajorprogramareas(asnotedinChapter3).AstheTowncontinuestogrow,theTownrecreationprogrammingopportunitieswillneedtobeexpandedineachoftheseareastomaintainAppleValleyscurrentlevelofservice.Recommendationsfortheseeightprogramareasincludethefollowing: Implementonlineregistrationforallprogramming.Thiswould

significantlyimprovetheregistrationprocessforthecommunity. Continuetosupportoutdoorspecialeventssuchas,fairs,festivals,

sportstournaments,races,walkingevents,equestrianevents,and


othercommunitygatheringopportunitiesforspecialinterestsandallagestoenhanceTownidentityandculture.

Continuetoprovideaseriesoffamilyevents/nightstopromotefamilyvaluesandmultigenerationalrecreationopportunities.

Supportthecommunitysheritageandcharacterthroughspecialevents.

Provideadiversemixofclassesbasedonpublicfeedback,recreationtrends,communityneeds,anddefinedusesofparksandfacilities.

Seekopportunitiestoprovideevents,tournaments,etc.,thatdrawpeopletoAppleValleytosupporttheTownseconomy.

Increasethenumberofindooreventsandrevenuegeneratingopportunities,usingtheAppleValleyConferenceCenter.

RepositionLionsParkasareservablevenueforsmallscaleoutdoorevents,suchasfarmersmarkets,fleamarket,craftfairs,gatherings,etc.

ContinuetoevaluateneedsfortheAfterSchoolActivitiesProgramonasitebysitebasis.

Continuetoengageandexpandtheopportunitiesforyouthvolunteersinallrecreationprogramareas.

Partnerwithneighborhoodwatchandpublicsafetygroupstocreateaneyesintheparkvolunteergroupwhocancalltoreportbehavioralormaintenanceproblemsinparks.

DevelopandpromoteanAdoptaParkprogramandstrengthentheAdoptaTrailprogram,especiallyfornewparksandtrails.

ProposedProgramAreasInadditiontocurrentprogramareas,expandingprogrammingopportunitiesareneededintwoadditionalareas:artsandhealthyliving.Aspartofhealthyliving,theParksandRecreationDepartmentmaycoordinatewithotherstosupporttrailrelatedprogramming.Recommendationsinclude: Expandprogramsinfine/cultural/dramaticarts.

o IncreaseoutdoortheaterprogramsattheCivicCenterParkAmphitheater.


o ConsiderrenovationoftheJamesA.WoodyCommunityCenter(stageandassociatedspace)tosupportdance,artsandcrafts,theaterprograms,andculturalarts.

SupporttheHealthyAppleValleyinitiativewithprogramsandeventsthatpromotehealthylivingandphysicalactivityandcontributetoahealthycommunity.ProgramsmayrangefromFarmersMarketstofitnessclassesandevents.

Aidthecommunityincoordinatingavarietyoftrailclubs,suchaswalkingandjoggingclubs,equestriangroups,birdwatchers,bikeclubs,andothers.

WorkwiththeEquestrianCommitteetopromoteequestrianandtrailrelatedspecialevents,ridesandraces.

PartnerwiththeLewisCenterforEducationalResearchtodevelopandimplementinterpretiveprogramsattheproposedSittingBullTrailheadontheMojaveRiver.

Providebikesafetycoursesforallages,particularlyasmoretrailsandbikewaysaredeveloped.Promotehelmetuse,handsignaling,bikeetiquette,andappropriatebehavioraroundhorsebackriders.

DemographicGroupsInadditiontotheseexistingprogramareas,thereareseveraldemographicgroupsthatneedimprovedprogramopportunitiesandservices.Specificrecommendationsforprogramsforteens,seniors,andyoungadultsarenotedbelow. Providemoredropinopportunitiesforteens,suchasdropingym

time(freeplay),ateencenter,anddropinsportprograms(e.g.,indoorsoccer,basketball,tennis,etc.).OneopportunityistopartnerwiththePoliceActivitiesLeaguetoexpandtheircurrentofferings.

Partnerwithappropriateproviders,suchasthePoliceActivitiesLeague,toincreasethenumberofprogramssupportingyouthintegration,safety,andpositiveoutcomes/behavior.Considercomputerclasses,jobreadinessprograms,andleadershipclassesforyouthandteens.

CreateaMobileRecreationProgram,offeringfreerecreationactivities(e.g.,games,crafts)atparkandschoolsitestoinvolvekidswhowouldnototherwiseparticipateinrecreationprograms.


Continuetoexpandeventsandprogramsforteens,suchasskateparkprograms,talentshows,BMXprograms,golfing,tennis,andextremesports.

ConsideraddingaFacebookyouthpageandTeenZonewebpageontheTownswebsite.

Offermoreopportunitiesfortours/travel(busexcursions)forallages,butspecificallytargetingseniorsandteens.

CollaboratewithrecreationcoordinatorsatDelWebbSolera/SunCitytoproviderecreationopportunitiesforseniors.

Engagemoreseniorsinvolunteeropportunities. Providemorefitnessopportunitiesforseniorsandactiveadults. Focusonprogramneedsofyoungerworkers,withopportunitiessuch

asactiveandsocialeveningprograms,opengymtime,andcompetitivesportingevents,includingtraditionalsportsaswellasemergingadultsports,suchaskickballanddodgeball.


KEYSERVICESAspartofthebalanceinprovidingparkandrecreationservices,thedevelopmentofnewparks,facilities,andrecreationprogramsmustbeaccompaniedbyenhancementsinthekeysupportservices.Theseincludemaintenance,funding,partnerships,customerservice,andmarketing.ParkandFacilityMaintenance WorkwithTownstafforaconcessionairetoimplementatiered

maintenanceprogramtoallocatemaintenanceeffortswherethesearemostneeded,suchascommunityparksandspecialuseparks.

Determinethemaintenanceneedsofallnewparksandmajorpublicfacilitiespriortodevelopment,identifyingcostsandfundingsources.

Providearoutinepreventivemaintenanceprogramforallparks,facilities,equipment,vehicles,andotherassets.

Regularlyassesslongtermmaintenance,repair,andreplacementneedsforallparks,facilities,vehiclesandequipment.o Createacapitalreinvestmentprogramandfundtoreplaceaged,

deterioratingfacilities.Aspartofthiseffort,conductasafetyandaccessibilityevaluationofolderplayequipmentandcreateareplacementschedule.

o Budgetandscheduleasystemwiderevitalizationprogramtoenhanceparkimageandupdatefeaturesinagingparks.

o Developavehicleandequipmentreplacementprotocolandfundtobeableaffordnewequipmentwhenneeded.

Considerneedsforsatellitemaintenancestorageatlargercommunityparksandspecialusesites.AddressthisneedattheLennyBrewsterSportsCenterwhentheexistingmaintenancebuildingisremoved.

Implementstrategiestodecreasethelevelofeffortneededforsystemwidemaintenance,suchasstandardizingparksitefurnishings(withinarangeofchoices)andintegratinglowmaintenanceplantings,nonturf(nomow)areas,andvandalismresistantstructures.

Developalandscapingmanualandplantpalettetoaddresstypesoflandscapingandplantmaterialsusedtoensureeaseofmaintenance.

Implementmaintenancetechniquesthatprotectnaturalresourcesandminimizedisturbancetonaturalvegetationandhabitat.


FundingGeneralrecommendationsforfundingparksandrecreationarenotedbelow.Specificfundingstrategies,pendingdirectionfromtheTownCouncil,arediscussedinChapter7.Capital Funding

Expandorcapitalizeonexistingfundingsourcestosupportparkandfacilitydevelopment,suchasincreasingparkimpactfeesforresidentialdevelopment.

Continuedevotingstaffresourcestosecuringoutsidegrants,cashorinkinddonations,andothersourcesofcapitalprojectfunding.

Increaseeffortstoobtainlanddonations.OnlyacceptdonationsthatmeetthegoalsandintentofthisPlan,orsitesthatcanbesoldorexchangedtobenefitthepublic.

UpdateQuimbyrequirementsforlanddedicationbasedontheexistingparklandinventoryandthe2010U.S.CensusData.

Whenthetimingisright,considerasalestaxmeasure,bondpackageorothercapitalfundingsourcesaspossiblefinancingtoolsforpriorityprojects.

Operations Funding

ConsiderprovidingadditionalGeneralFundsupportforparks,recreationprograms,andparksmaintenanceasintegralelementsoftheTownsvisionandgoals.

Ensurethatalldesignatedparksandrecreationrevenuesarereinvestedintheparksandrecreationsystem.Thisshouldincludeallrevenuegeneratedinparks(e.g.,facilityrentalsandcellphonetowerleases)andbyrecreationprogramming.

Ifnewrevenuestreamsareintroducedinlieuofcurrentfundingmechanisms,assurethesefundswillcontinuetosupportparksandrecreation.

ReviewtheTownsfeephilosophytodeterminepricingguidelinesforrecreationinconsiderationofcostrecoverygoalsandpublicbenefit.Reviewfacilityusefees,rentalfees,programmingfees,andeventfeesandadjustthemasneededaccordingtothisphilosophy.


Developfinancialoperationsplansformajorfacilities(e.g.,aproposednewrecreationcenter),includingbothcostrecoveryandparticipationgoals.Regularlyevaluateperformancebasedonthesemetrics.

Evaluateleasesrelatedtorecreationservicestoestablishafairmarketcostforeach.Evaluateeachleaseagreementinconjunctionwithassociatedoperatingandmaintenancecosts,theTownsfeephilosophy,andcostrecoverygoalsforthefacility.

Seekwaystoincreasetherevenuegeneratingcapacityoftheparkandrecreationsystem,suchas:o Sellnamingrightstomajorfacilities.o Chargevendorfeesfortournamentsandspecialevents,according

totheTownspricingstrategy.o Chargemarketvaluepricesforfacilityreservationanduse.o Identify/developfeeopportunitiesforservices,suchasevent

parkingfees,Townprovidedorleasedconcessions,reservablebanners/marqueeadvertisinginparks,etc.

Continueseekingoutsidefunding,suchassponsorshipsandcashorinkinddonations,fromindividuals,foundations,andcorporationsforrecreationprogramsandfacilitydevelopment.

Considernewfundingsourcesandprogramstosupportahigherlevelofparkmaintenance.Thesemayincludemaintenancesponsorships,adoptaparkprograms,andtheestablishmentoflandscapemaintenancedistrictsforparksinnewresidentialdevelopments.Alsoconsiderjointmaintenancedistrictsforthemaintenanceoftrailsandparks.

Partnerships Pursuepartnershipsasakeymeansforleveragingcommunity

resourcesandminimizingduplicationsofeffort. ContinuetoworkwithpartnersintheHealthyAppleValleyCoalition

topromotehealthyeatingandcooking,physicalactivity,andhealtheducation.

Continuetopartnerwithhospitalsandmedicalgroupstofostercommunityhealthandwellnessthroughprograms.

Improvepartnershipswithavarietyofsportsorganizationstosupport


traditionalandemergingsportsasafieldandgymnasiumprovider. Continuetoengageandexpandpartnershipsupportofequestrian

andtrailrelatedrecreationprogramareas. WorkwiththePoliceActivitiesLeaguetoexpandlowandnocost

activitiesatJamesWoodyPark,suchasdropinactivitiesandopengymtimes.

Partnerwithneighborhoodwatchandpublicsafetygroupstocreateaneyesintheparkvolunteergroupwhocancalltoreportbehavioralormaintenanceproblemsinparks.

CollaboratewiththeAppleValleySeniorCentertomeetrecreationneedsforseniorsandolderadults.

StrengthenpartnershipswiththeSchoolDistricttoaddressneedsforindoorprogrammingspace.

ConsidercollaborativeeffortswiththeSchoolDistricttocreateschoolparksinareaswherelandacquisitionopportunitiesarelimitedandnewneighborhoodparksareneeded.Designanddevelopthesesitestoaddressneedsforrecreationandoutdooreducation.

InvolvetheSchoolDistrictinthedevelopmentofnewparkslocatedadjacenttoornearschools,suchastheproposedStandingRockCommunityPark(CP2)andSittingBullNeighborhoodPark(NP4).

Createapolicyontheprovisionofconcessionstandsinparkstoensurethatthesestructuresareprovidedinasimilarstyleanddesignasotherelementsinthepark.IndicatewhetherconcessionstandswillbemanagedandoperatedbytheTownorbyotherentities,andifrunbyotherentities,spellsoutthefinancialresponsibilitiesofthosegroups.

Provideprogramdevelopmentadvicetohelpnonprofitandvolunteerbasedorganizationsbecomemoreproficientattherecreationserviceprovision.

Marketing Implementapublicinformationprogramtoincreaseawarenessof

thebrandandbenefitsofAppleValleyparks,facilitiesandprograms.o IncludeABetterWaytoPlayinallmarketingmaterials,emails,

brochures,etc.


o CommunicatewithTownleadersandresidentstherangeofbenefitsprovidedbyparksandrecreation,includingindividual,community/social,environmental,andeconomicbenefits.

Increaseawarenessofrecreationprograms,events,parks,andfacilities.o Continuetosupportonlineannouncementsofprogramsand

eventsthroughtheTownswebsiteandsocialmedia.o Consideraddinganelectronicmarqueesignattheentranceto

CivicCenterParkorTownHallthatcanbeseenfromDaleEvansParkway.

o Increasediversityinprogramparticipationbyprovidingpublicinformation,suchasflyers,brochures,maps,andsignage,inSpanish.

o ContinuetopublicizeeventsandprogramsthroughtheAppleValleyUnifiedSchoolDistrict.

o Continuetoexpanddepartmentpublicitythroughnontraditionalavenuessuchasadvertisementsontrashbills,bannersdisplayedatprominentcommunitylocations,programfliersdistributedatallcommunityevents,boothsatcommunityevents,etc.

o Strengthenrelationshipswithalllocalmedia.o Implementmarketingstrategiestoincreaseprogramawareness

andparticipationamongtargetedgroups,suchasyouthandseniors.

EncouragetheParksandRecreationCommissiontobecomemoreengagedinpoliticalandcommunityoutreachforparksandrecreation.o Encourageinformalannualorbiannualmeetingswithindividual

TownCouncilorstohighlightaccomplishmentsandneedsforparksandrecreation.

o Considerhostingcommunityopenhousesorgivingpresentationstoneighborhoodgroups,schoolgroups,businesses,etc.todiscussthebenefitsofparksandrecreationandcommunityneeds.

o Considermeetingwithbusinesses,potentialpartners,andsponsorstodiscussopportunitiesforcollaborationthatareconsistentwiththegoalsofthisplan.


CustomerService Implementanonlineregistrationandfacilityreservationsystem. Usethewebsitetohighlightthelocationofparks,developedtrails,

andequestrianeasementsinAppleValley. Establishcustomerserviceprotocolsforallemployeesandconduct

inhousetraining. Developandimplementconsistentuserfeedbackmethodsfor

programsandclasses.Continuetheannualresidentsatisfactionsurveytomeasureoverallsatisfactionwiththeparksandrecreationsystem.

Improveprogramsandservicesfordiverseparticipants,suchasdevelopingprogramsandoutreachmaterialstoattractSpanishspeakers.

Developworkcreditprograms,scholarships,andothermechanismstosupportrecreationaccessanddefraycostsassociatedwitheventanduserfeesforresidentsinneed.

Expandexchangeofserviceandworkcreditprogramsfornonprofitstodefraycostsassociatedwithfacilityreservationanduse.

Chapter 5: Our High Desert Destinations


CHAPTER5:OURHIGHDESERTDESTINATIONSAspartofitsefforttobecomethepremierdestinationoftheHighDesert,theTownofAppleValleywillstrivetoenhanceparksandfacilitiesthroughouttown.Potentialimprovementsincludereplacingwornandagedamenities,renovatingandrefreshingparks,andacquiringanddevelopingnewparks.Giventhedistancemostresidentsmusttraveltoparksites,theoverallgoalistoprovidehighqualityparksandfacilitiesthatareviewedasrecreationdestinations,attractingpeoplefromafewmilesaway,acrosstown,orfromsurroundingareas.Thechapterpresentssitebysiterecommendationsforexistingandproposedcommunityparks,neighborhoodparks,miniparksandspecialuseparks.Parkrecommendationsarefollowedbyrecommendationsforvarioustypesoffacilities.AllparkdevelopmentshouldbeconsistentwiththedesignanddevelopmentguidelinespresentedinAppendixC.

COMMUNITYPARKSCommunityparksarelarger,multipurposeparksthattypicallysupportorganized,activerecreationandlargegrouprecreationopportunitiesthatdrawpeoplefromthroughoutthecommunity.Thesesitesmayalsoincludeuniquelandscapesandnaturalareas.RecommendationsforcommunityparksincludeenhancementsatCivicCenterPark,JamesWoodyParkandtheLennyBrewsterSportsCenter,aswelltheacquisitionanddevelopmentofthreeproposednewparks.CivicCenterParkLocatedinthecenterofAppleValleyoffofDaleEvansParkway,this21.2acremasterplannedparkincludestheCivicCenterParkAquaticCenter,Amphitheatre,TownHallRecreationCenter,aplayground,dogpark,opengrassarea,andlooppathway.Thenextphaseofdevelopmentisanticipatedtoincludearestroomandshade/picnicshelter.The2004sitemasterplanalsoincludedtwotenniscourts,avolleyballcourtandsmallcommunitycenter(10,000squarefeet).TheAquaticCenterfeaturesa25meterx25yardJuniorOlympicsizepoolequippedwithanADAcompliantchairtransfer,lockerrooms(with

Our High Desert Destinations

Chapter5:OurHighDesertDestinations

restroomsandshowers),andwaterandsnackvendingmachines.Originalplansalsoincludedaproposedsprayground/splashpad.TheTownHallRecreationCenterprovides2,372squarefeetofprogramspace.Itincludesalargemultipurposeroomthatcanbedividedintofourseparaterooms,aswellasakitchenandrestrooms.Recommendationsforthissiteinclude: Proceedwiththedevelopmentofplannedsiteelements,withthe

exceptionofthecommunitycenter.(Seetherecreation/communi

Apple Valley Parks Plan

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Transcript of Apple Valley Parks Plan