Draft as of 5-3-06

Transcription

Draft as of 5-3-06
CITY OF COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA
PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Prepared for:
2006
City of Coachella, California
Prepared by:
PlaySafe, LLC Recreational Consulting and Services
P.O. Box 66056 Albuquerque, NM 87193 * Phone: 505. 899.9532 * Toll Free: 1.87PlaySafe
Fax: 505. 899.2666 * Web Site: http://www.play-safe.com * E-mail: [email protected]
Table of Contents
Community Context................................................................................... 1
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Employers .............................................................................................................2
City Government ...................................................................................................3
Budget ..................................................................................................................4
Parks and Recreation Commission.......................................................................5
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee...........................................................5
Recent Activities ...................................................................................................6
Conclusions ..........................................................................................................7
Community Resources.............................................................................. 8
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City Services .........................................................................................................8
• Parks .....................................................................................................................8
• Boxing Club and Karate Club ...........................................................................11
• Senior Center .....................................................................................................12
¾ Coachella Valley Unified School District .............................................................12
¾ Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District....................................................16
¾ Boys / Girls Club of Coachella ............................................................................17
¾ Parent-Led Sports Programs ..............................................................................17
¾ Esperanza Youth and Family Center ..................................................................17
¾ Churches.............................................................................................................18
¾ Riverside County.................................................................................................18
• Riverside County Library ..................................................................................18
• Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District ............................19
¾ Apartment Complexes ........................................................................................20
¾ Master Planned Communities .............................................................................21
¾ Conclusions ........................................................................................................22
Community Profile ................................................................................... 26
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Past Growth ........................................................................................................26
Current Population ..............................................................................................28
• Gender ................................................................................................................28
• Age ......................................................................................................................28
• Ethnicity..............................................................................................................29
• Marital Status .....................................................................................................29
• Educational Attainment.....................................................................................31
• Median Income ...................................................................................................32
• Poverty Status....................................................................................................32
• Housing Units.....................................................................................................33
¾ Future Projections...............................................................................................33
¾ Conclusions ........................................................................................................35
Community Input ..................................................................................... 37
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Citizen Field Interviews .......................................................................................37
Citizen Field Observations ..................................................................................39
Key Individual Interviews.....................................................................................40
Focus Groups .....................................................................................................44
Public Documents ...............................................................................................46
Conclusions ........................................................................................................47
Community Comparisons ....................................................................... 48
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Parks...................................................................................................................49
Mini Parks ......................................................................................................49
Neighborhood Parks .....................................................................................50
Community Parks..........................................................................................50
Regional Parks ..............................................................................................50
Recreation Facilities............................................................................................51
Community Center ........................................................................................52
Swimming Pools............................................................................................52
Softball/Baseball Fields ................................................................................52
Soccer/Footballl Fields .................................................................................53
Tennis Courts ................................................................................................53
Basketball Courts..........................................................................................54
Volleyball........................................................................................................54
Skateboard Parks ..........................................................................................54
Golf Courses..................................................................................................55
Other Amenities.............................................................................................55
Comparison Summary ..................................................................................55
Comparison Summary ..................................................................................56
Programs ............................................................................................................57
Conclusions ........................................................................................................58
Implementation Plan................................................................................ 59
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Parks...................................................................................................................60
Community Center ..............................................................................................67
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Swimming Pool ...................................................................................................69
Softball/Baseball Fields.......................................................................................70
Soccer/Football Fields ........................................................................................71
Tennis Courts......................................................................................................73
Basketball ...........................................................................................................75
Volleyball.............................................................................................................76
Skateboard Park .................................................................................................76
Golf Course.........................................................................................................77
Summary.............................................................................................................79
Policy Actions......................................................................................................80
Program Provision ..............................................................................................80
Community Funding ................................................................................ 85
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Funding Sources...............................................................................................101
Park Classification Plan ........................................................................ 105
Planning Zones ...................................................................................... 111
1
City of Coachella
Community Context
This document represents the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the
City of Coachella for the time period 2006 to 2011 (with recommendations
to 2020). The most critical element of this report is the Implementation
Plan, consisting of specific recommendations appropriate for the City to
consider. Coupled with these recommendations is a priority listing of
suggested actions and possible funding options for those
recommendations.
Preceding the Implementation Plan are several sections of information
consisting of data that serves as the justification and basis for the
recommendations. These sections are: (1) an analysis of past population
patterns, current distribution of residents, and future population projections
and estimates of resident growth, (2) an analysis of currently existing parks
and recreation resources provided to residents and visitors of the City
through City services and by other appropriately considered groups, (3) an
analysis of available resources to nationally established parks and
recreation standards based on population and distance formulas, and (4)
an analysis of public input through a series of citizen-based approaches. In
addition, a park classification study was completed to assist the City in
determining current and future park needs.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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The City of Coachella was formed in 1946 with the City Hall completed in
1949. What is now the City was originally established in 1901 as
Woodspur, a small community that provided wood for railroad trains
stopping to acquire necessary fuel. Woodspur was 2 ½ square miles, and
by the 1950’s the area began to expand into what is now 32 square miles
of incorporated city.
¾ Employers
The major employers for residents of Coachella include:
• Ernie Ball Company
• Coachella Valley Water
District
• County of Riverside
• Sun World
• Coachella Valley
Unified School District
• Fantasy Springs
Casino
• Armtec Defense
• Western Imperial
Products
• Spotlight 29 Casino
• Peter Rabbit Farms
• Cal Pools
• City of Coachella
In addition, new commercial projects have recently been completed
including Jackson Square Commercial Center, Plaza Harrison and a variety
of food outlets and retail stores.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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¾ City Government
There currently is not a constituted parks and recreation department to
service residents of the City of Coachella. The City does provide a parks
division within the Public Works Department. These workers are to
maintain the City parks as well as other duties as assigned. There has
been a slight increase in staffing assigned to these duties. These figures
represent full time equivalent positions.
PARKS
01-02
02-03
03-04
04-05
05-06
Supervisor
.30
.30
.30
.30
.50
Senior Work
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
Maintenance
3.50
3.50
3.50
3.50
4.50
Total
4.80
4.80
4.80
4.80
6.00
The provision of recreation programs has historically been through the
Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD). The City residents
voted to be within the benefit assessment district of CVRPD and therefore
funds are made available to the District to provide services to City
residents. City residents pay an annual assessment of $9.90 per
household. The City of Coachella is within Division Two of CVRPD and a
resident of Coachella is elected to the Board of Directors of CVRPD and
represents the geographic area.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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¾ Budget
The budget provided to the Parks Division of the Public Works department
consists of personnel (39%) and other expenses (61%). The Parks Division
is responsible for improvements and maintenance of the City parks. The
Division performs repair and maintenance services on structures, pools and
landscape in the park areas and public buildings. The following was the
2005-06 budget:
Description
Regular employees
Benefits
Overtime
Other salary
Group insurance
Payroll deductions
PERS contribution
TOTAL SALARY – BENEFITS
County administrative charge
Professional / Contract services
Repair / Maintenance
Rental of equipment
Communications
General supplies
Energy charges
Machinery / Equipment
Miscellaneous
TOTAL OTHER EXPENSE
TOTAL PARKS BUDGET
2005-06
$71,434
8,400
2,950
4,886
9,436
5,114
10,130
$112,351
5,922
15,000
11,000
7,000
1,000
55,000
25,000
53,741
111
$173,774
$286,125
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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Fiscal resources from Proposition 12 ($221,691) and Proposition 40
($272,641) have been partially spent on various park improvement
projects.
Over the past few years, fees have been collected in lieu of land dedication
for future park developments through the Quimby Act Ordinance. The
dollars currently (December, 2005) available are $1,232,315.
¾ Parks and Recreation Commission
Section 2.28.010 of the City of Coachella Municipal Code authorizes the
establishment of a Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission is
to consist of five members, three appointed by the City Council and two
appointed by Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District. The purpose
of the Commission is to: (1) act in an advisory capacity, (2) promote and
stimulate interest in recreation programs, and (3) recommend policies for
improving parks and playgrounds. This Commission is currently inactive.
¾ Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Resolution 99-06 was passed by the City Council that allows for the
establishment of various advisory committees including a Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee is four fold:
(1) to assess social and recreational needs of the community, (2) to assist
in development and implementation and ongoing evaluation of a master
plan for parks and recreation, (3) to advise City Council and City Manager
on the development, marketing and evaluation of parks and recreation
programs to meet the needs of the community, and (4) to research
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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innovative strategies for financing of parks and recreation facilities and
programs for the City. This Committee is currently inactive.
¾ Recent Activities
Several resolutions and ordinances have been passed that impact the
parks and recreation system in the City of Coachella. They are:
Resolution 2001-08: Allocating 20% of Proposition 12 funds to the
Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District for capital improvements at
Bagdouma Park.
Ordinance No. 868: An ordinance requiring the dedication of land or the
payment of fees in lieu for park and recreation purposes as a condition of
tentative or parcel map approval pursuant to the Quimby Act.
Resolution 2002-05: Approving the application for funding for per capita
grant programs under the Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Act of 2000.
Resolution 2003-02: Allocating 20% of Proposition 40 funds to the
Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District for capital improvements to
park facilities within the City.
Resolution 2004-92: This resolution adopts portions of the Coachella
Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Non-Motorized Transportation
Plan that interfaces with City planning areas.
Ordinance No. 943: This ordinance establishes and imposes development
impact fees to assist in relieving full financial burden for the construction
and installation of public facilities and improvements. The current park
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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improvement fee is $3541 per residential dwelling unit. The library fee is
currently $298 per residential dwelling unit.
¾ Conclusions
• The City of Coachella has increased in both geographic size and
population over the past decade with anticipated future growth.
• There are a number of employers within the City but many working
adults leave the City for employment.
• The City government does not maintain a parks and recreation
department but does have a park maintenance crew and utilizes, to a
certain extent, the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District
services.
• A Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee has been authorized
with specific duties and mission.
• A variety of funding activities have been approved over the past few
years in an
effort
to
improve
parks and
recreation
services.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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2
City of Coachella
Community Resources
The City of Coachella residents and visitors have access to a variety of
parks and recreation services provided by an array of government and nongovernment resources. Besides City government, the public schools,
Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District, not-for-profit organizations,
private enterprise, churches and parent-led organizations offer programs
and facilities.
¾ City Services
The City of Coachella owns and maintains seven (7) parks and one (1) tot
lot that constitute 48.20 acres. These parks have associated amenities that
range from minimal to significant.
• Parks
Bagdouma Park: This 34.3 acre park consists of a number of elements.
There are seven (7) lighted baseball/softball fields that are in good
condition. One (1) field does experience a significant surface water issue.
There are three (3) lighted soccer fields with a football field design. There
are two (2) lighted multi-use / tennis courts that currently are nonfunctional
with an additional hard surface play area. The park site has one (1) outdoor
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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swimming pool with associated dressing rooms that are in fair to good
condition. There are four (4) sets of restrooms spread throughout the park
that are in poor condition. There is one (1) large picnic pavilion that is in fair
condition. There are also smaller amenities such as eighteen (18) picnic
tables (fair condition), benches (good condition), bleachers (fair condition),
bike rack (good condition) and limited number of grills (good condition).
There is adjacent and on-site parking.
Dateland Park: This park is 4.0 acres and has multiple open fields that can
service soccer practices and games and football practices. These fields are
in poor condition with uneven surfaces, holes and surface water issues.
There is one (1) lighted soccer field and one (1) lighted baseball/softball
field. These fields are in fair condition. There is one (1) basketball court in
good condition with lights that are in poor condition. There are three (3)
pavilions in good condition with nine (9) picnic tables that are all damaged.
There is a non-functioning drinking fountain, dugouts with missing seats,
bleachers that are off balance and three (3) park benches in good
condition. There is one (1) restroom building that is in poor condition.
De Oro Park: This 4.0 acre park has multiple sport practice fields with a
baseball/softball backstop. The fields are partially lighted but the light
fixture is broken. There is open grass area that consists of dirt/sand/grass
and is an uneven surface. The field conditions are poor. There is a
playground equipment area in poor condition and one (1) restroom building
also in poor condition. There are four (4) picnic tables in fair condition with
broken concrete.
Sierra Vista Park: This park is 2.6 acres and consists of an open grass
area with a baseball/softball backstop. There is one (1) basketball court
and a playground equipment area. All of these elements are in poor
condition. Also at this park are overhead power lines in the sport field play
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area, surface holes, standing water, broken fence and litter and trash
issues.
Veterans Memorial Park: This 1.5 acre park has an outdoor swimming
pool with associated dressing rooms. The pool is in fair condition. Within
the pool area is a shade structure and two (2) picnic tables. The structure
and tables are in poor condition. There is a shaded playground area with a
mixture of new and old elements. It is in good condition with new benches
around the play area. There is a stage with seating areas. The stage is in
good condition. There is one (1) restroom building in poor condition and
five (5) picnic tables, also in poor condition. There are electrical boxes,
lights and drinking fountains. There are two (2) sets of bleachers in the park
that do not meet the Uniform Building Code.
Shady Lane: This park is 1.0 acre in size and consists of grass and two (2)
picnic tables. There is a non-functioning drinking fountain. The grass area
has exposed roots and the concrete support of the picnic tables is cracked
and uneven.
Ye’we’vichem Park: This .6 acre site is an archeologically significant park.
It consists of a small monument area explaining the cultural significance of
the site.
Park
Type
Acreage
Location
Community
34.3
Southwest
Dateland
Neighborhood
4.0
Southeast
De Oro
Neighborhood
4.0
Northwest
Sierra Vista
Mini
2.6
Northeast
Veterans
Mini
1.5
Central
Bagdouma
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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Shady Lane
Ye’we’vichem Park
Mini
1.0
Southeast
Special Use
.6
Northwest
The tot lot is located at Avenue 53 and Calle Empalme and consists of .2
acres. There is a playground equipment area that is in poor condition.
1
1
1
1
1
18 9
9 9
4
7
2
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
3
3
2
1
1
9
9
Stage
Soccer /
Football
Open Grass
Parking
Bleachers
9
9
Drinking
Fountains
1
Basketball
1
3
Benches
4
1
1
Tables
1
Playground
2
Pavilion
Restrooms
7
1
1
1
Swimming
Pool
Bagdouma
Dateland
De Oro
Sierra Vista
Veterans
Shady Lane
Ye’we’vichem
Tennis Courts
Amenities
Chart
Baseball /
Softball
The amenities currently available at the seven (7) parks are:
1
9
9
9
• Boxing Club and Karate Club
The City contracts with and leases an indoor boxing club and fitness facility
at the Bagdouma Park area. This site is 5,849 square feet and is in good to
excellent condition. Supervision, instruction and competition are available
free of charge to residents. The Boxing Club building is currently
undergoing a 4,000 square foot expansion.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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The City of Coachella also leases two City-owned classrooms located at
1538 7th Street to the Jack Delgado Karate Club. Classes take place on
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm for children ages 5 and up.
• Senior Center
The City owns and operates the Eleanor Shadowen Senior Citizen Center
located in downtown Coachella. The facility is open Monday thru Friday
mornings with specifically designed activities and afternoons with open time
and free choice activities. Activities include: bingo, ceramics, chorus,
exercise, sewing, health checkups, guest speakers, karate club and hot
lunches. The facility is clean and well secured. There is a large lunch room
which is also used for activities as well as a second large room that is used
for arts and crafts activities.
¾ Coachella Valley Unified School District
There are six (6) elementary schools, one (1) middle school, one (1) high
school and two (2) adult or alternative schools that service the residents of
Coachella.
Name
Bobby Duke
Level
K-6
Address
85-358 Bagdad
City
Coachella
Cesar Chavez
P-6
49-601 Avenida De Oro
Coachella
Peter Pendleton
K-6
84-750 Calle Rio
Coachella
Valle del Sol
K-6
86-350 Education Way
Coachella
Palm View
K-6
1390 Seventh St.
Coachella
Valley View
K-6
85-270 Valley Rd
Coachella
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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Cahuilla Desert Academy
7-8
82-489 Avenue 52
Coachella
Coachella Valley
9-12
83-800 Airport Rd
Thermal
--
1099 Orchard
Coachella
Adult School
Alternative Education School
-1099 Orchard
Coachella
There are a number of parks and recreation resources available to the
students during school hours and to the general public after school,
evenings, weekends and summers. The availability of these resources is
on a site specific basis and may be limited in accessibility.
Bobby Duke Elementary School: Available at this school are three (3)
ball fields with baseball/softball backstops, four (4) baseball fields, open
grass field, playground equipment, volleyball area, six (6) shade structures
and benches. The condition of these facilities is good to excellent.
Cesar Chavez Elementary School: This school has one (1) soccer field,
one (1) field with baseball/softball backstop, playground equipment,
multiple basketball courts, and shade structures and benches. The
condition of these facilities is good to excellent.
Peter Pendleton Elementary School: Available at this site is one (1) open
field with soccer goals, one (1) basketball court, one (1) field with
baseball/softball backstop, two (2) playground equipment areas, and four
(4) shade structures with benches. The condition of these facilities is good
to excellent.
Valley View Elementary School: This school has six (6) basketball courts,
one (1) open field, playground equipment, and a shade structure with
benches. These facilities are in good to excellent condition.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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Palm View Elementary School: At the school is a Head Start and Day
Care facility. A playground equipment area exists for both the preschool
children and the school children. Also at the site are basketball courts,
tetherball poles, and a large open grass field with soccer goals and
backstops for baseball and softball, several shade structures and picnic
tables. The facilities are in excellent condition.
Valle del Sol Elementary: Available at this school is one (1) indoor
gymnasium, six (6) basketball courts, two (2) volleyball areas, one (1) open
field with baseball/softball backstop and playground equipment. The
condition of these facilities is good to excellent.
Cahuilla Desert Academy: At this site is a fitness course, multiple
backstops on open grass fields, a track surrounding a full size football field
and multiple basketball courts. The condition of these facilities is excellent.
Coachella Valley High School: This facility is located in Thermal on the
edge of the City of Coachella boundaries. The school has full size
gymnasiums, lighted football field, track and field, soccer field,
baseball/softball fields, an array of tennis courts, child care facility with
playground equipment and a large size indoor swimming pool. The facilities
are in excellent condition.
Adult / Alternative Education School: This school conducts a non-school
hour program that serves elementary, middle school and high school
students. This program is entitled Century 21 and provides sites at all the
schools in Coachella as well as at the Boys/Girls Club of Coachella. The
programs and associated facilities are geared toward academic and
enrichment (recreation) experiences.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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¾ Coachella Valley Recreation and Park
District
Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District operates a benefit
assessment district that includes the City of Coachella. The District
receives $9.90 per household. In addition, the District receives funding from
a Lighting and Landscape District (LLD) to support services within the City.
The following physical resources are operated by the District within the
City:
• Coachella Community Center: This building consists of a large open
room and two smaller rooms with a small kitchen. The District
currently conducts an after school program. The building is available
for use on a fee basis for community or family events. The building is
located at Bagdouma Park and is in good to excellent condition. The
District has operated swim lessons and managed sports teams at the
Bagdouma Park site in the past.
• Canal Regional Park is located at Pierce Street and Avenue 54 in
Coachella. At this point in time, the 221.99 acre land site has been
left in its natural state and is used on a limited basis by a model
airplane organization.
• Placitas de la Paz Parks are located in the housing subdivision at
Avenue 50 and Fredrick. These three mini parks consist of picnic
areas, shelters, walking trails and playground areas. The parks are in
excellent condition. These parks are funded through an LLD.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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• The District contracts with Coachella Valley Housing Coalition to
provide a Kids Club (after school program) at three apartment and
mobile home complexes in Coachella.
¾ Boys / Girls Club of Coachella
The Frank Foster and Palmer Powell Family Clubhouse is located in
downtown Coachella and provides both a large indoor facility and
associated programs. The facility maintains a lunch room, a computer room
with 20 new computers, an open game room, an education center, an arts
and crafts room and a large gymnasium with six (6) basketball court zones
that double as volleyball zones. In addition, there is a teen center within the
complex and also an outside play court. The Club serves youth age 7-18
with about 50% of the attendees being teenagers. There is a Club fee that
is modest with scholarship and work off options available. The programs
consist of drop in activities, arts and crafts, games, sports and youth
leadership. The Club works with the school district and parent-led sports
groups to coordinate additional activities. The facilities are in excellent
condition.
¾ Parent-Led Sports Programs
There are three organizations led by parent volunteers that work to assist
youth in sports participation. The organizations provide advertisement,
registration, instruction, practice and competition in soccer, baseball,
softball, and football. These groups utilize both City and school sites. There
is registration and other fees associated with these programs.
¾ Esperanza Youth and Family Center
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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This facility is located in downtown Coachella and provides after school
recreation programs for youth as well as health awareness education
programs. This building is owned by the City and leased to the Center for a
nominal cost. The building has an activity center with games. The
population served is age 8-18. Besides after school and summer recreation
programs there are parenting classes, mentoring programs, field trips and
special events. The facility is in good condition.
¾ Churches
Some residents utilize the programs and facilities of local churches to meet
recreation program needs. The largest provider is Our Lady of Soledad
Catholic Church. A youth center is provided for both members and nonmembers and provides computers, games, videos, group discussions and
special events.
¾ Riverside County
There are two (2) County agencies that provide parks and recreation
services to residents of the City of Coachella. One is the County Library
system and the other is the County Regional Park and Open Space District.
• Riverside County Library
In downtown Coachella is the Coachella branch of the Riverside County
Public Library System. This facility is owned by the City and leased to the
County. The facility is open daily Monday through Saturday and provides:
information assistance, children’s programs, literacy tutoring, internet
access, word processors, large print books, audio books, DVDs and
videos, music CDs and cassettes, newspapers and magazines, tax forms
and copiers. This facility is in excellent condition.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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• Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District
Available to residents within the valley area are 30,000 acres of parkland
provided by Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District.
Some of these resources will be of interest and accessible to residents of
the City of Coachella:
Western Valley
Bogart Park
Camping
/ RV
Group
Camping
Equestrian
Boating
X
Box Springs Mountain
Hidden Valley Wildlife
X
Kabian Park
Lake Skinner
Recreation Area
Louis Robidoux Nature
Center
X
X
Historic Parks
Fishing
Hiking
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Camping
/ RV
X
X
Group
Camping
X
Equestrian
Boating
Trails
X
X
X
X
X
X
Fishing
Day
Use
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hiking
Interpret
Day
Use
Gilman Historic Ranch
& Museum
Jensen-Alvarado
Ranch
Mountain Parks
Interpret
X
X
Martha McLean-Anza
Narrows Park Rancho
Jurupa Park
Santa Rosa Plateau
Reserve
X
Trails
X
X
Camping
/ RV
Group
Camping
Equestrian
Boating
Trails
Fishing
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
Hiking
Interpret
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Day
Use
Hurkey Creek Park
X
X
Idyllwild Park
X
X
X
Idyllwild Nature Center
McCall Memorial Park
Desert Parks
Lake Cahuilla
Colorado River
Parks
X
X
X
Camping
/ RV
Group
Camping
Equestrian
X
X
X
Camping
/ RV
Group
Camping
Equestrian
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Boating
Boating
X
Trails
Fishing
Hiking
X
X
X
Trails
Fishing
Hiking
Interpret
X
Interpret
P.V.I.D. Fishing Access
Mayflower Park
Day
Use
Day
Use
X
X
X
X
X
¾ Apartment Complexes
There are twenty (20) apartment complexes in the City of Coachella proper.
Within each of these complexes are playgrounds, shade shelters, picnic
tables and open grass. In a few of the complexes are swimming pools,
tennis courts, soccer fields and basketball and volleyball courts. The
conditions of these facilities are good to excellent.
Apartment
Number of Units
Resident Qualifications
Pueblo Nuevo
50
Farm workers
Coachella Community
100
Low income
Las Casas 1
50
Farm workers
Las Casas 2
78
Farm workers
Las Casas 3
52
Low / very low income
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
20
Apartment
Number of Units
Resident Qualifications
Tlaquepaque
76
Low / very low income
Desert Palms
112
Low income
Coachella Valley 1
50
Very low income
Coachella Valley 2
52
Very low income
Casa Maria
58
Low income
Summerwood
50
Low income
Las Palmas
81
Low income
Orchard Villas
82
Low income
Las Palmeras
70
Low income
El Jardin
81
Low income
Cedar Springs
201
Low income
Funete De Paz
37
Low income / farm workers
Orchard Villas
72
Low income
Las Flores
81
Low income
Casa Grande
81
Low income
1,514
Units subsidized
Total
¾ Master Planned Communities
Within the City of Coachella are two (2) planned subdivision developments
with proposed park features. They are Shadow View and Avalor. There are
several other planned subdivision developments in the pre-planning and
authorization phases. At the Shadow View site is a proposed 40 acre
parcel designed as either a regional sports park or a linear park with park
pods. The sports park would provide a cloverleaf designed baseball /
softball set of four (4) fields with two (2) soccer field overlays and four (4)
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
21
tennis courts. The linear park with park pods would have a dog park, group
picnic sites, a community building, tot lot, amphitheater, pavilion, skate
park, tennis courts, baseball field or some combination of such. At the
Avalor site is a proposed four (4) acre park that would be broken into four
(4) sites consisting of a trail system, soccer field, spraypark, playground,
pavilion, basketball court and restroom.
¾ Conclusions
• There are a variety of agencies and groups that provide various types
of parks and recreation services to the residents of the City of
Coachella.
• The City of Coachella provides seven (7) parks that constitute 48.20
acres of land. There are ten (10) baseball / softball fields, two (2)
tennis court sites, two (2) outdoor swimming pools, four (4)
playgrounds, multiple open grass areas, eight (8) soccer / football
fields and two (2) basketball courts. There are also a variety of
support amenities such as restrooms, pavilions, picnic tables,
bleachers and drinking fountains. Most of the facilities are in poor
condition.
• The City of Coachella
offers
free
recreation
programs and services at
the Boxing Club and the
Senior Center.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
22
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
Sport Backstops
9
Palm View
Valle del Sol
Cahuilla
Desert
High School
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
Indoor Pool
9
9
Cesar Chavez
Peter
Pendleton
Valley View
Tennis Courts
Basketball Courts
9
9
Track / Field
Soccer/Football
Fields
9
9
9
Fitness Course
Benches
9
9
Bobby Duke
School
Amenities
Indoor
Gymnasium
Shade Structures
9
Playgrounds
9
Open Grass
9
Baseball/Softball
Fields
Volleyball Area
• Coachella
Valley
School
District provides nine (9)
school sites with a significant
variety
of
parks
and
recreation features. These
resources are available to the
public on a site specific basis
and include:
9
9
9
9
9
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
23
Adult School
• Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District owns and operates an
indoor community center, a regional park and three mini
neighborhood parks. Limited recreation program services are
provided.
• The Boys and Girls Club of Coachella provides an indoor complex
with multiple features and a significant youth programming element.
Parent-led sports programs also provide youth services as does
Esperanza Youth and Family Center and some of the local churches.
• Riverside County makes available a large array of parks, some of
which are appropriate for use by Coachella residents. Also, the
County operates a public
library branch in downtown
Coachella.
• Apartment complexes and
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
24
residential subdivisions do or will provide a number of features that
help to meet the free time interests of residents.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
25
3
City of Coachella
Community Profile
The City of Coachella has experienced significant growth over the past few
years and this pattern is projected to continue. Riverside County as well as
the State of California have likewise experienced rapid growth and the
County and State population patterns are estimated to rise in the future.
¾ Past Growth
The City of Coachella increased in population during the past 50 years,
from 2,755 in 1950 to 22,724 in 2000, an increase of 19,969 residents.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
26
Population - 1950 - 2000
22,724
25,000
20,000
16,896
15,000
10,000
5,000
2,755
4,854
8,353
9,129
0
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
The growth from 1990 to 2000 represented a 34.5% increase or a
difference of 5,828 residents.
This past population growth pattern continued from year 2000 to year 2005
with a resident base growth from 22,724 to 30,764 or 8,040 residents.
Population - 2000 - 2005
30,764
28,714
30,000
26,700
25,000
22,724
23,369
24,432
2001
2002
20,000
2000
2003
2004
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
2005
27
¾ Current Population
The most accurate description of resident characteristics comes from the
2000 U.S. Census. Where newer data is available (City of Coachella,
California State Department of Finance), that has been used to more
accurately describe the population. The population characteristics of
gender, age, ethnicity, income and housing may influence recreation
programming choices of citizens.
• Gender
The percent of population male and female sits at about 50% each. The
following table compares the gender distribution of the City to that of the
State of California and to the U.S. as a whole:
Gender
Male
Coachella
49.8
State
49.8
Nation
49.1
Female
50.2
50.2
50.9
It can be noted that the City of Coachella residents mirror that of the State
and Nation as a function of gender distribution.
• Age
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
28
The age distribution for Coachella residents indicates that the majority of
residents are in the 15 years of age or younger bracket. This percent is
much higher than both the State (23.0%) and National average (21.4%) for
this age category. The following chart displays population by age:
45 - 64
12.8%
65+
5.0%
15 or younger
34.4%
25 - 44
28.8%
16 - 24
19.1%
The population of residents in Coachella on the average is younger (26.70
average years) than the State average (34.60) and the National average
(36.22). The senior population (5.0%) is half the size of both the State
(10.6%) and the Nation (12.4%) for that age category. The median age of
Coachella residents is 23.3.
• Ethnicity
The percent of Coachella population by race indicates that 97.4% of the
residents are Hispanic or Latino. This compares to a State Hispanic
population of 32.4% and a National Hispanic population of 12.5%.
• Marital Status
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
29
The issue of marital status is important only as it speaks to current family
structure within the community. The following table displays percent male
and percent female populations that are currently married. A comparison to
State and National averages is provided.
Married with Spouse
Coachella
State
Nation
Male
47.2
48.5
52.9
Female
47.7
47.2
49.5
The percent male is lower than both State and National averages while the
percent female for the City is between the State and National average.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
30
• Educational Attainment
The residents of Coachella 25 years of age and older have the following
Bachelor's Degree,
1.0%
High School, 18.8%
Beyond Bachelor's,
0.9%
Some College, 11.1%
No High School,
68.2%
educational attainment:
Coachella residents are lower in high school completion (18.8%) compared
to both State (20.1%) and National averages (28.6%). This is true of other
levels of educational attainment.
Level
Coachella
California
U. S.
Some College
11.1
30.0
27.4
Bachelor’s Degree
1.0
17.0
15.5
Beyond Bachelor’s
.9
9.5
8.9
Percent of Coachella residents currently in school for all levels is reflected
in the following table:
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
31
School Enrollment
Coachella
State
Nation
Preschool / Kindergarten
11.5
10.9
11.9
Grades 1 – 12
80.0
63.9
65.3
College
8.5
25.2
22.8
Percent of students in college is lower than both the State and National
average while the percent in grades 1 – 12 is much higher than State and
National averages. The issue of college attendance may be a function of
location of college and if the student is able to claim local residency.
• Median Income
Median household income helps in understanding residents’ ability to
expend dollars for private resources versus the need to use public services.
For the City of Coachella, median household income is lower than both
State and National medians. This average is lower not only for all groups
but also for each age group breakdown. The per capita income is likewise
lower than State and National per capita income levels. For the 2005 year,
the median income was $28,590 and the per capita income was $7,416.
the average annual household income was $41,745.
• Poverty Status
In the City of Coachella, 29.1% of the families are at or below federally
designated poverty levels. This compares to a National average of 9.2%.
Individuals (as opposed to families) who are at or below the poverty level is
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
32
28.9% compared to the National average of 12.4%. The difference between
City residents and the Nation as a whole is significant.
• Housing Units
Residents of the City of Coachella reside in either owner-occupied or
renter-occupied housing units. The majority of Coachella residents live in
owner-occupied housing (58.1%). This percent is higher than the State
average (53.6%) but lower than the National average (60.2%). The renteroccupied housing for Coachella residents (37.8%) is lower than the State
average (40.6%) but higher than the National average (30.8%). The
average number of persons per household is 4.85.
¾ Future Projections
It is difficult to project population figures for the future, in that many
variables influence accuracy. Preliminary estimates of projected growth are
available that, given a certain level of confidence, are helpful for
consideration.
The State of California is expected to grow in population over the next few
years. This is also true of Riverside County, Coachella Valley and the City
of Coachella. From 2004 to 2005 the California state population increased
1.5% and Riverside County increased 3.8%. Some sources suggest that
the City will increase 9.3% in population. The following is the expected
Population Projections - Riverside County
5,000,000
4,305,161
3,717,961
4,000,000
2,675,648
3,000,000
3,180,411
2,165,148
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
2,000,000
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
33
growth of Riverside County over several decades:
The following is the expected growth of the greater Coachella Valley area
over several time points:
Population Projections - Coachella Valley
800,000
684,700
700,000
547,500
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
353,500
395,714
2003
2005
440,600
496,500
2010
2015
318,125
200,000
2000
2020
2030
The City of Coachella anticipates that 600 new housing units will be
completed each year with a 4.72 person per household occupancy rate.
Therefore, the following are projections for several years based on these
assumptions:
Population Projections - 2004 - 2008 - City of Coachella
45,000
40,138
40,000
37,282
35,000
30,000
31,570
34,426
28,714
25,000
2004
2005
2006
2007
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
2008
34
Population Projections 2008 - 2020 - City of Coachella
74,420
80,000
70,000
60,140
60,000
50,000
40,000
40,138
30,000
20,000
2008
2015
2020
Significant to the City of Coachella future population growth will be land
build out and future land annexation opportunities.
¾ Conclusions
The following conclusions seem appropriate:
• The City of Coachella, Riverside County and the State of California
have experienced continuous and stable population increases over
past years.
• The City of Coachella increased in resident base from 1950 to 2000
by 19,969 residents and by 5,828 residents from 1990 to 2000. From
2000 to 2005 the population increased by 8,040 residents.
• Currently, the City of Coachella has 35,207 residents as of January 1,
2006 per California Department of Finance
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
35
• Coachella has an equal percent of males and females, generally
consistent with State and National averages. The age of Coachella
residents is much younger than State and National averages.
• The 65+ age bracket is about one half the size in percent of both the
State and National average.
• The ethnicity of Coachella residents is primarily Latino, with marital
status about the same as both State and National averages. To the
extent there is a difference, the younger age of the total population is
an influence.
• The percent of Coachella residents in grades 1 – 12 is much higher
than both State and National averages while the percent in college is
much lower. Residents are lower in high school completion as well as
other levels of educational attainment as compared to State and
National averages.
• Residents of the City of Coachella have median incomes lower than
State and National averages. The percent of residents at or below the
federal poverty level is higher than State or National averages.
• Future population projections for the City of Coachella suggest
growth and perhaps rapid growth. This is true of the County and
generally true of the State. Factors affecting the City’s growth will be
land build out and future land annexation.
• Future demographic characteristics are likely to change with fewer
persons per household and a shift in youth age brackets.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
36
4
City of Coachella
Community Input
City of Coachella residents, elected and appointed officials, and key
citizen groups took an opportunity to share thoughts, insights and
perceptions regarding parks and recreation issues, needs and priorities.
Four citizen input methods were used to collect this valuable
information, including: field interviews, field observations, key individual
interviews and a series of focus groups. Additionally, an array of public
documents was consulted.
¾ Citizen Field Interviews
During the month of January 2006, one hundred and eight (108) users of
the seven City parks and other parks and recreation sites in Coachella
(schools, library, centers, clubs, churches, apartments) were interviewed
and asked both open ended questions as well as specific questions
regarding the parks and recreation opportunities in Coachella. Multiple
age groups, ethnicities, genders and circumstances were involved in the
field interviews. The following are summary statements from these
interviews:
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
37
• Both youths and adults consider a skateboard park an important new
feature for the City, allowing youth an exciting venue and parents a
sense of security and safety for the community.
• Drinking fountains are considered essential within the parks where
the water is clean, fresh and the fountains operate and are appealing.
• Additional basketball courts are desired at the park sites or open use
is made available at the school locations.
• Open fields that are grass covered with even surfaces are desired
where sports practices and pick up games could occur.
• Some playground equipment was felt to be unsafe, old, dirty and
uncomfortable for use. Newer playground equipment was much
appreciated.
• The sports fields within the parks were felt to be unusable due to
surface water, open holes, uneven surfaces and dirt and sand rather
than grass. Additionally, most lighting was felt to be inadequate.
• Any new programs would need to be affordable so that cost is not a
barrier. In addition, locations of programs should consider safety of
travel to the sites.
• Significant and strong feelings existed concerning the lack of quality
of the parks and associated amenities. Many felt that various
elements of the parks are old, unsafe, undesirable and unusable.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
38
¾ Citizen Field Observations
Also during the month of January 2006, observations were made of user
behaviors at the various parks and recreation sites. The following is a
summary of hundreds of field observations:
• Middle age residents and particularly seniors enjoy walking around
parks and school sites. This activity occurs during the day and early
evening but not at night.
• Walking dogs at these same sites is popular; however, dog clean up
was not a regular habit. The citizens did have their dogs leashed as
opposed to numerous dog packs that run unattended.
• Standing water was present at most of the park sites and was a
significant concern for proper and safe activity use. Sprinkler heads
were also broken or dysfunctional at a number of park sites.
• Parks were used during the day primarily by seniors for talking and
card playing. The sports fields were used in the afternoon and
evening by sport groups. Playgrounds were used by school age
children immediately after school.
• Individual uses were occurring at various park sites such as reading,
music, picnicking and visiting.
• Some of the parks were not used at all during the day, evening or
early evening timeframes.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
39
¾ Key Individual Interviews
Eighty two (82) elected and appointed officials and other key citizens were
interviewed seeking their well informed thoughts. These individuals were in
positions of critical knowledge, exposure to important issues and contact
with larger segments of the population. These individuals were from:
Mayor’s office
Neighborhood Services
Boys & Girls Club
City Council
Senior Center
Youth leaders
Planning office
Catholic church
Esperanza Center
Public Works
Developers/Land Owners Public schools
Planning Commission
Youth and Adult sports
Riverside County
Finance office
CVRPD
Coachella Valley
Housing Coalition
Architect – Engineers
City Manager’s office
Parks Division
Police Department
Code Enforcement
Palm Desert City
Indio City
La Quinta City
Thermal
The following is a summary of the results from these key interviews:
• Parks and recreation sites and programs need to be sensitive to the
unique cultural and ethnic traditions of residents in the community.
• Current park sites need new features that make the park attractive,
exciting, usable and inviting.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
40
• New parks and recreation resources are necessary as residents and
housing developments increase.
• There is a need for additional practice and game fields for all types of
youth and adult sports.
• A major City park is needed that provides a multitude of pavilions,
barbecues, open space and amphitheater that could accommodate
large scale community and family special events.
• Additional soccer fields are of particular interest in the community and
well lighted, safe and high quality fields are essential.
• Shade structures, shaded benches and spray elements are important
to help citizens feel comfortable with park use and quality of life in the
community.
• There is a strong sense that Coachella residents are leaving the City
boundaries, particularly to Indio to have their parks and recreation
needs met.
• Walking paths should encircle all of the existing and new parks and
linkages should be put in place, where appropriate, to connect
pathways together.
• The number, size and amenities at the existing parks are below the
number and quality needed by the current population.
• A City wide trails plan should be developed and put in place. All
future developments, both City sponsored and private sector
sponsored, should develop connections to this trail system.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
41
• An aggressive “land bank” should/must be developed to set aside
land for future parks and recreation needs. City funds should be used
now rather than wait until land is more expensive.
• The time has come when the City should put in place a Parks and
Recreation Director position to oversee current park maintenance,
plan future resources and coordinate with other providers.
• An indoor facility that can provide high quality day care with
enrichment, recreation and sport options and instruction is needed.
• Retention basins are not acceptable as park land and the City should
no longer accept these sites as developer offered resources.
• City and school joint design, use, maintenance and management
agreements are critical for both agencies. Greater citizen use and
quality can be achieved through these types of agreements.
• Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District is not currently
reaching the population most in need and greater efforts are needed
by the District to meet citizen needs.
• Existing parks are in disrepair, unattractive and unwelcoming to
citizens and their use. Improvement of current resources is just as
important as the need for new venues.
• Park and recreation resources represent a symbol of community
pride, assist in community identity and speak to the traditions of
quality of life.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
42
• Parks placed in new subdivisions by developers must be “turn key”
parks completely designed, built and ready for full citizen use.
• As new parks are brought into the City by developers, the operation
and maintenance costs for these sites need to be built into the City
budget.
• There is a gap in services for teenagers who are not part of the
school sports teams. Also, all agencies close on the weekend,
leaving few options for youth on these days.
• Transportation is a critical issue for senior citizens and families that
struggle economically. In town and cross town assistance is needed.
• Policies need to be put in place regarding park use, reservations,
special event use and large group and family uses.
• Developer guidelines are essential to define parks, size, purpose,
amenities and quality control components.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
43
¾ Focus Groups
Five (5) focus groups were conducted in which highly committed and well
informed citizens had the opportunity to discuss key issues regarding parks
and recreation. The focus groups consisted of:
Group
Day/Time
Stakeholders
Jan 23 / 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Youth / Adult Sports
Jan 24 / 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Boys and Girls Club
Keystone Teens
Jan 25 / 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Senior Citizens
Jan 26 / 9:00 – 10:30 am
Concerned Citizens
Jan 27 / 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Location
Council
Chambers
Senior
Center
Boys/Girls
Club
Senior
Center
Community
Center
Attendees
14
12
12
24
12
The following is a summary of the results from these focus groups:
• The City, schools and private sector need to work together in the
planning, funding, maintenance and use of parks and recreation
system services.
• Both regional, large scale parks hosting sport venues as well as
neighborhood parks, with amenities sensitive to residents are
needed.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
44
• Linear parks coupled with park pods may be an appropriate design
for the future. This model highlights trails, resting places and
traditional park uses.
• The use of Community Facilities Districts is necessary to financially
support facilities, programs and maintenance of park and recreation
features, as well as developer impact fees.
• The City needs to encourage the private sector to contribute to the
park system by offering incentives that reward businesses going
beyond the required ordinances.
• Existing parks and recreation resources do not meet the sports
specific competition and field requirements. Local groups struggle to
meet the standards for cross community competition.
• More play areas are needed so that fields may have a necessary rest
period so that the turf can regrow and strengthen.
• Adjacent communities have parks and recreation systems that could
serve as models for the City of Coachella to consider, specifically
Indio, Palm Desert and La Quinta.
• Residents living in close proximity to parks express concern about the
lack of sensitivity of users and the impact of the lights, noise, litter
and parking has on the neighborhood.
• Lack of parking at or around parks prevents parks from being utilized
to their full extent.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
45
• Recreation programs for adults are lacking. Programs for elementary
age and middle school age seem to be well in place. Non-sport based
programs are needed for teenage youth.
• Cultural designs to parks would be a unique attribute to the existing
parks with a central plaza surrounded by plant life and flowers.
• Parks should not be an embarrassment to the City, diminish the
quality of life for residents or limit options for citizens.
¾ Public Documents
A review was made of several documents prepared by various government
agencies. Some of these planning documents report findings from public
input elements that were part of their planning process. The results are
similar to responses reported here. The documents consulted were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
CVAG Non-Motorized Transportation Plan
City of Coachella General Plan 2020
CVRPD Parks and Recreation Master Plan
City of Coachella Municipal Code
The Quimby Act
City of Coachella Annual Levy Report
City Attorney Memorandum
Internal City Reports
Development Status Report
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
46
¾ Conclusions
• A multitude of citizens, elected and appointed officials and others
shared thoughtful responses regarding parks and recreation issues.
• Field interviews were conducted with one hundred and eight (108)
citizens. Field observations were made of hundreds of users of parks
and recreation sites, interviews were conducted with eighty-two (82)
key community leaders and five (5) focus groups were conducted
where seventy-four (74) citizens shared insights and perceptions.
• A significant volume of thoughts were collected and the general
themes were:
Existing
New
Essential
•significant repairs,
improvements and
renovations needed
•facilities are old
and undesirable
•unsafe surfaces
•standing water
•CVRPD needs
new agreement
•transportation
lacking
•Non-compliance
with sport standards
•lack of parking
•skateboard park
•basketball courts
•open fields
•walking paths
•parks
•sport fields
•practice fields
•Parks & Recreation
Director
•park use policies
•regional and
neighborhood parks
•adult and teen
programs
•trail system
•drinking fountains
•safe playgrounds
•lighting
•cultural sensitivity
•park amenities
•shade structures
•cooling elements
•day care
•joint agreements
•additional budget
•CFD’s
•field rest periods
Concern
•unusable sports fields
•affordability
•safety, security
•dog clean up
•use of other cities’
resources
•future land bank
•retention basins
•community image
•developer controls
•program gaps
•resident behavior at
park sites
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
47
5
City of Coachella
Community Comparisons
The National Recreation and Park Association, in conjunction with local
communities across the country, have established parks and recreation
standards that are based on resource, population and distance formulas.
These standards are an attempt to help local communities have some
indication of the number, type, size and perhaps location of parks and
recreation resources appropriate to meet citizen needs. It is noted that
these standards are meant to be suggestive and serve as an indicator
helpful for comparison purposes. Also of importance to the City of
Coachella is the Quimby Act. This piece of California legislation allows local
municipalities to create ordinances that require developers of subdivisions
to dedicate land or pay fees in
lieu, or a combination of both, for
parks and recreation facilities.
The Quimby Act serves as an
additional set of standards.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
48
¾ Parks
The national standards for parks provision classify parks into five types with
suggested size, service radius and population reference. The direct
application of these standards to the City of Coachella is helpful. The City’s
existing parks are classified as: mini, neighborhood and community. The
following table displays the suggested national park standards:
Park Type
Mini-park
Neighborhood
Community
Regional
Reserve
Suggested
Size
1 acre or less
15+ acres
25+ acres
200+ acres
1000+ acres
Service
Radius
¼ to ½ mile
¼ to ½ mile
1 to 2 miles
1 hr. drive
1 hr. drive
Acres Per 1000
Residents
¼ to ½ acre
1 to 2 acres
5 to 8 acres
10+ acres
Variable
These standards represent the ideal benchmark for public parks and
recreation service. The Quimby Act (Government Code Section 66477)
calls for a standard of 3 acres of parkland per 1,000 persons as a function
of a formula that incorporates dwelling unit size.
•
Mini Parks
The City of Coachella provides four parks that are classified as mini parks:
Sierra Vista, Veterans, Ye’we’vichem and Shady Lane. These parks range
in size from .6 acre to 2.6 acres with an average acreage of 1.43 and a
total acreage of 5.70. For a population the size of Coachella, these
standards suggest 7.69 to 15.38 acres of parkland at this level. At this point
in time, the City of Coachella provision of mini parks by park size and
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
49
population is below the national standard. Coachella Valley Recreation and
Park District does provide three mini parks in the City limits.
•
Neighborhood Parks
The City of Coachella provides its residents two neighborhood parks:
Dateland and DeOro. These parks are both 4 acres and constitute a total of
8. For a community the size of Coachella, standards recommend between
30 and 60 acres of parkland at this level. At this point in time, Coachella’s
provision of neighborhood parks by park size and population is below the
national standard.
•
Community Parks
The City of Coachella has one park that meets the criteria of a community
park: Bagdouma, which consists of 34.3 acres. For a community the size of
Coachella, standards recommend about 150 acres of parkland at this level.
At this point in time, Coachella provisions of community parks by size and
population is below the national standard.
•
Regional Parks
The City of Coachella does not currently provide a park site that meets the
criteria of a regional park. For a community the size of Coachella,
standards would recommend one park in the 400 acre range.
The Quimby Act calls for 3 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, given a
formula driven by unit standards. Using that standard, the City of Coachella
should provide about 92 acres of parkland. At this point in time, the City is
below this localized standard.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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¾ Recreation Facilities
In addition to parkland standards, the National Recreation and Park
Association has created recreation facility benchmarks based on population
units and service area radius. These standards are calculated for the basic
types of facilities that would either be an amenity within parks or in a
separate facility provision.
Facility Type
Badminton
Basketball
Handball
Hockey
Tennis
Volleyball
Baseball
Football
Soccer
Softball
Archery
Golf course
Swimming pools
Community Center
Service Radius
¼ to ½ mile
¼ to ½ mile
15-30 min. drive
30-60 min. drive
¼ to ½ mile
¼ to ½ mile
¼ to ½ mile
15-30 min. drive
1-2 miles
¼ to ½ mile
30 min. drive
½ to 1 hour drive
15-30 min. drive
15-30 min. drive
Population Units
1 per 5,000
1 per 5,000
1 per 20,000
1 per 100,000
1 per 2,000
1 per 5,000
1 per 5,000
1 per 20,000
1 per 10,000
1 per 5,000
1 per 50,000
1 per 50,000
1 per 20,000
½ to 1 square foot per resident
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
51
•
Community Center
The City of Coachella does not provide an indoor recreation center. The
standard would recommend, for a community the size of Coachella, a
facility in the 30,000 square foot range. There are indoor facilities that are
made available to different segments of the population. They include: Boys
and Girls Club of Coachella, Coachella Valley High School, Coachella
Valley Recreation and Park District Community Center, Esperanza Youth
and Family Center, Our Lady of Soledad Youth Center, Riverside County
Library, the Eleanor Shadowen Senior Center and the Boxing Club. To the
extent that these facilities are open and accessible to the residents, the
standard is met.
•
Swimming Pools
There are two outdoor swimming pools in the City of Coachella and one
indoor swimming pool at Coachella Valley High School. The two outdoor
pools are in good condition. The indoor pool is in excellent condition. The
outdoor pools are available for use during the summer months. The
national standard recommends one to two pools for a community the size
of Coachella. With the addition of the high school pool, the national
standard is met.
•
Softball/Baseball Fields
Softball and baseball fields can be used as common sites if the initial
design is such that the area meets both sports’ specific distance and
design criteria. The City of Coachella provides ten fields at four locations.
These fields are at Bagdouma, Dateland, DeOro and Sierra Vista Parks.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
52
The fields are in poor to good condition. There are stand alone
softball/baseball fields at Bobby Duke School and at Coachella Valley High
School. In addition, there are baseball backstops and fields at Bobby Duke,
Cesar Chavez, Peter Pendleton, Palm View, Valle del Sol and Cahuilla
Desert Academy. For a community the size of Coachella, the standard
recommends six fields. The standard is exceeded but quality concerns
exist at the City provided fields.
•
Soccer/Football Fields
Soccer and football fields can be used as common sites if the initial design
meets both sport field specifications. Standards recommend more soccer
field overlays than football in a typical community. The City of Coachella
provides 8 soccer/football fields at 3 locations. There are 3 fields at
Bagdouma Park, 3 fields at Dateline and 2 fields at DeOro Park. The fields
are in poor to good condition. Six school sites have soccer/football field
overlays. They are Cesar Chavez, Peter Pendleton, Palm View, Valle del
Sol, Cahuilla Desert and CV High School. These fields are in excellent
condition. For a community the size of Coachella, the standard
recommends 3 to 4 fields. The community exceeds the standard.
•
Tennis Courts
There are two multi-use / tennis courts at Bagdouma Park that are in
disrepair. There are tennis courts at Coachella Valley High School that are
in excellent condition. The national standard for tennis courts is an
aggressive benchmark and suggests that Coachella should have about
fifteen courts. The current number and condition of courts places the City
below the standard.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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•
Basketball Courts
There are three basketball courts, one each at Dateland, Sierra Vista and
Bagdouma parks. These courts are in poor condition. There are basketball
courts at six school sites including Cesar Chavez, Peter Pendleton, Valley
View, Palm View, Valle del Sol, Cahuilla Desert and at the High School. All
of these courts are in excellent condition. The standard recommends six
courts for a community the size of Coachella. At this point in time, the City
provided courts are below standard in both number and quality. The public
school courts balance out the standard requirement.
•
Volleyball
The City of Coachella does not provide any volleyball courts but both
Bobby Duke and Valle del Sol schools have outdoor courts. Indoor courts
are available at the High School and the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella.
For a community the size of Coachella, six courts would be appropriate. It
is not uncommon that multiple portable stands are made available at park
sites.
•
Skateboard Parks
The skateboard industry standard for skateboard parks is one park per
30,000 residents. However, the facilities can range from small parks
constituting 2,500 square feet to full dimension facilities of 15,000 square
feet. Coachella does not currently provide a skateboard park.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
54
•
Golf Courses
The national standard for public play golf courses is one eighteen hole
course per 50,000 residents in a ½ to 1 hour driving radius. The City of
Coachella does not provide a course; however, within the use radius are a
number of public play courses.
•
Other Amenities
The number and size of playground equipment is not set by populationservice distance benchmarks. However, playgrounds are guided by safety
and design requirements set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission and the American Safety Testing Materials. In addition, the
number of park pavilions, picnic shelters, restrooms and concession stands
are left to the discretion of local communities.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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•
Comparison Summary
The application of national park and facility standards is helpful in gaining a
better understanding of local resources to national benchmarks. The
following chart summarizes some of these key factors for the City of
Coachella:
Resource
Parks
Coachella
Standard
Provision
Other
48.2 acres
6-10 acres per
1,000
Not Met
County, CVRPD
-
½ square foot per
resident
Not Met
B/GC, EYFC,
CVRPD, Church,
CVHS, Senior
Center, Boxing
Club
Swimming Pool
2 outdoor
1 pool per 20,000
Exceeds
CV High School
Softball/Baseball
10 fields
1 field per 5,000
Exceeds
Public Schools
Soccer/Football
8 fields
1 field per 10,000
Exceeds
Public Schools
Tennis Courts
2 courts
1 court per 2,000
Not Met
CV High School
Basketball
3 courts
1 court per 5,000
Not Met
Volleyball
-
1 court per 5,000
Not Met
Skateboard
-
1 park per 30,000
Not Met
-
Golf Course
-
1 course per
50,000
Met
1 private course
Community
Center
B/GC, Public
Schools
Boys/Girls Club,
CV High School
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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¾ Programs
Use standards for programs are difficult to create and apply in that so much
of the delivery of leadership based programs are driven by local interests,
available facilities, weather patterns, customs and traditions, other provider
groups and local leadership skill. An overlay of diversity of opportunities,
service to various age categories and program delivery methods can be
studied. The following program overlay applies to City of Coachella
provided programs:
Open
Recreation
Lessons /
Clinics
City of Coachella
9
9
Boxing Club
9
9
Senior Center
9
9
CVRPD
9
CV Unified School
District
9
9
9
9
Boys/Girls Club
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
Program
Non-profit Sports
Esperanza Center
9
Churches
9
County Library
9
Leagues /
Tournaments
Special
Events
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
57
¾ Conclusions
The physical resources and program provisions have been compared to
nationally accepted space standards to better understand the relationship
of local provision to recommended benchmarks. The following conclusions
seem appropriate:
• The provision of parks by number, location and acreage are below
the nationally accepted standard for parkland. The City provisions are
also below the Quimby Act formula.
• The City does not provide a community center, volleyball courts,
skateboard park or golf course. The golf course is not needed by
standard.
• The swimming pool, softball/baseball and soccer/football provisions
exceed the standard by number but not by quality and dimensions.
• A variety of agencies within the community support the City in
providing a number of critical parks and recreation needs. The most
significant resource provided is CV Unified School District.
• Program provision is provided by an array of agencies within the
community but the City itself does not have a direct program
provision arm.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
58
6
City of Coachella
Implementation Plan
Described within this section of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan are
those strategies recommended for City of Coachella consideration. The
rationale for these recommendations is based on the careful analysis and
combined influences of:
• The unique characteristics of the City of Coachella, its government
structure, budgetary resources, available personnel, and cultural and
historic context.
• The physical resources and program provisions made available by
the City and by other appropriately considered groups.
• The population of the City of Coachella, its past growth patterns,
current distribution and description as well as future population
growth projections and estimates.
• The identifiable parks and recreation use patterns of residents, their
thoughtful insights and perceptions, comments of elected, appointed
and professional officials as well as observations of residents’
behavior.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
59
• The comparison of existing resources and programs to nationally
established standards and benchmarks for those resources and
programs, establishing some balance between national and local
norms.
• The overlay of a City of Coachella specific parks classification study
that identifies park types, sizes, locations, purposes and amenities.
It should be noted that the recommendations fall into three categories: (1)
physical resources, (2) policy actions, and (3) program provision.
¾ Parks
The City of Coachella provides a limited number, type and variety of parks.
The parks and associated amenities are in poor to good condition. The
number and acreage of the parks is below both the nationally established
standard as well as the Quimby Act standard per population. Residents
view the parks as vital to quality of life, community identity and for
meaningful use; however, the current parks are viewed as unfriendly, in
disrepair and of low quality. Some of the amenities found at the City parks
are also available at school sites, though these options are not always
open and accessible to the public.
RECOMMENDATION
PRIORITY
HIGH
Significant investment in the improvement, repair
and upgrade of the existing park system
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60
It is recommended that:
• The City of Coachella establish as a high priority the improvement,
repair and upgrade of the existing six city parks excluding the City’s
newest park, Ye’we’vichem.
• A daily, weekly, monthly, semi-annual and annual maintenance
schedule be created specific to each park given size, purpose, use
and amenities. The following resource may be helpful:
www.playsafe.com.
• A playground equipment and surface area safety audit be conducted
to assure the City that existing and any new playgrounds are in
compliance with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and
American Safety Testing Materials requirements. The following
resource may be helpful: www.cprs.org. It should be noted that
California State Law (AB 1055) requires this review.
• A joint senior level City professional staff team be organized as
consultants to this endeavor with each team member contributing
their expertise. Members of the team should include: Public Works
Director, City Police Chief, City Fire Chief, Director of Finance, City
Manager, Director of Planning and led by a staff member specifically
responsible for parks and recreation.
• The City of Coachella Park Classification component of this Master
Plan be used as the guiding principle for the type, purpose and
amenities of existing park improvements, repair and upgrades.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
61
• Signage unique to the City of Coachella be developed and placed at
each City park to enhance park recognition, image, purpose,
usefulness and City resource pride.
• Art in the Park, unique to the image of the City of Coachella, be a
prevailing component of the parks enhancement soliciting financial
support through sponsorships and other funding mechanisms. The
Funding Section of the Master Plan may prove helpful in the
identification of possible funding opportunities.
• The City should review and consider becoming a Keep America
Beautiful Community using the City park system as the premier and
marquee elements of that endeavor. The following resource may
prove helpful in this regard: www.kab.org.
• The City Police Department consider the placement of a Police
Substation at Bagdouma Park utilizing some portion of the swimming
pool building or working in conjunction with the Coachella Valley
Recreation and Park District to have access to their community
building. Bagdouma Park is a critical City resource and protection of
this resource by increased police presence would assist in community
pride and respect for the park.
• Developers of already approved and completed subdivisions that
were not able to participate in the Quimby Act land or fee
contributions to the City be approached and encouraged to assist the
City in funding portions of the park enhancement effort. Developers
as responsible stakeholders of the community, interested in long term
quality relationships, should appreciate the opportunity to be involved
in improving current park resources.
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62
The City of Coachella is experiencing rapid growth in new residential
housing and will continue to expand until City build-out or until annexation
properties are full. With each of these proposed developments, the City
should require of the developers compliance with the Quimby Act, which
specifies land or fees for land for park development. It is essential that the
City work with these developers to ensure quality neighborhoods with
associated public resources.
RECOMMENDATION
PRIORITY
HIGH
Development of “Developer Guidelines for City of
Coachella Park Standards and Requirements”
It is recommended that:
• The City of Coachella develop a document entitled, “Developer
Guidelines for City of Coachella Park Standards and Requirements”.
The purpose of this guidebook would be to set standards,
requirements, definitions and procedures for developers of new
subdivisions to follow as they contribute parks, park land or other
related amenities as part of compliance to the Quimby Act. These
guidelines would assure that residents receive quality resources and
would clarify for both City government and the developer precise
operating goals and end tasks. The following resource may be helpful
in the creation of an outline for this guidebook: www.play-safe.com.
• The City of Coachella require developers, when providing parks, park
land or other amenities as part of compliance to the Quimby Act, a
“turnkey” park in which all components of the park as well as the park
itself can be turned over to the City as a completed project. This
would allow the developer to make efficient use of work crews,
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
63
equipment and suppliers and allow the City a completed project that
has met compliance to the guidelines of the “Developer Guidelines for
City of Coachella Park Standards and Requirements”.
• The City of Coachella establish a work crew per park acres standard
that ensures that all existing and future parks have sufficient staffing
patterns to maintain the quality of the “turnkey” parks. The previously
mentioned maintenance schedule would be a critical component of
this endeavor. The following resource may be helpful: www.nrpa.org.
• The Quimby Act is vital to the future success of park development in
the City of Coachella, and as such should implement the conditions
and policies of this Act. Ordinance No. 868 provides for development
of park and recreation facilities through land dedication and/or
payment of fees. Specifically, each subdivider of land for residential
uses may be required to dedicate lands or pay fees in lieu thereof, or
do a combination of both for park or recreational purposes as a
condition to the approval of a parcel map or tentative tract map.
Dedication of Land
The Quimby Act provides a park dedication formula related to
densities and dwelling unit types. The amount of land required to be
dedicated shall be based upon the population generated by the
subdivision, and shall be computed on the basis of 3 acres of park
land per one thousand persons in accordance with the following
formula:
DUs x Population Density x Park Ratio = Amount of Park Land to be Dedicated
Where: DUs = Number of Dwelling Units
Population Density = Population per dwelling unit as set forth below
Ratio = 3.0California
acres perParks
1,000and
persons
CityPark
of Coachella,
Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
64
Per Ordinance No. 868, Population Density is set at 4.72 persons per
dwelling unit.
The City of Coachella should accept, as a minimum, 5 acre usable
parks, establishing critical land mass as a guiding principle of the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Where the amount of park land to
be dedicated is less than 5 acres, the Developer should be required
to pay in-lieu fees.
Payment of fees
When a fee is to be paid in lieu of land dedication, the amount of such
fees shall be based upon the current fair market value of the amount
of land which would otherwise be required for dedication. The fee
shall be determined as referenced in Resolution 2005-69.
The Quimby Act provides that land, fees, or a combination thereof,
are to be used to serve the subdivision from which they emanated or
bear a reasonable relationship to the use of any future recreation
facility by the future inhabitants of the subdivision.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
65
The City of Coachella currently provides seven (7) parks that constitute
48.20 acres of park land. The existing parks are in poor to good condition.
The number, size, style and associated amenities of the existing parks are
below both the national standards for park land as well as the Quimby Act.
Residents feel that parks are important to their quality of life and they
desire additional park land and associated amenities of high quality. The
population of Coachella relies on public provided resources and the
population base is expected to grow rapidly in the future. CVRPD does
provide some mini parks and Riverside County does manage additional
park land that may or may not be available to all residents.
RECOMMENDATION
PRIORITY
HIGH
Development of new parks within current City
areas as well as new subdivisions that are
designed to meet the needs of all residents.
It is recommended that:
• The City of Coachella add new parks to the City inventory to meet
existing citizen needs. These parks need to be placed in already
existing residential areas. The amount of total additional park
acreage should be in the 170 to 285 acre range to bring the City up
to current standards based on population and current park
resources.
• The City of Coachella add new parks to the City inventory to meet
new citizen needs. These parks should be placed in new subdivision
areas as they are approved and completed. The amount of total new
park acreage will depend on future population growth. If current
estimates are accurate, then 70 acres to 115 acres are needed by
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66
year 2008 minus any earlier purchased acreage and from 360 to 600
acres are needed by the year 2015 minus any earlier purchased
acreage. Quimby Act lands or fees should be used to assist in these
park efforts.
• The City of Coachella start a measured land bank program acquiring
these needed park lands. Quality land should be the criteria and
retention basins, water ways and less usable lands should be
avoided. It is suggested that developers of subdivisions that did not
have the opportunity to assist the City with park land using the
Quimby Act provide a parcel(s) of land in the near completed
subdivisions as their contribution to the land bank.
• The City of Coachella use the Park Classification component of this
Master Plan as the guiding principles for the type, purpose and
amenities of these new park sites.
¾ Community Center
The City of Coachella does not provide a specific recreation community
center. There is a small classroom/activity area at the Bagdouma Park site.
There are a number of groups within the City that maintain indoor
recreation based facilities. They include: the Boxing Club, Senior Center,
Coachella Valley Unified Schools, Coachella Valley Recreation and Park
District, Boys and Girls Club of Coachella, Esperanza Youth and Family
Center, Churches, and the County Library. A city the size of Coachella
should have available about 30,000 square feet. Citizens felt that the
existing facilities met the needs of children, youth, seniors and of some
adults. The facilities are in good to excellent condition and are generally
open and accessible to the public though there might be some site specific
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
67
restrictions. The population is expected to grow and move out from the
location of these existing facilities.
RECOMMENDATION
PRIORITY
LOW
Development of a community recreation center
that is full service and open and accessible to all
citizens.
It is recommended that:
• The City of Coachella negotiated to have the CVRPD Community
Center provide early ownership to the City of Coachella and then the
City lease the facility to an outside agency that specializes in youth
programming (for example, Boys and Girls Club) for a small ($1.00
per year) fee on a long term basis. This agency should then manage
the program components of the Center as well as provide
maintenance. The small center at Bagdouma Park should be viewed
as a possible site for City provided high quality day care uses.
• The City of Coachella in conjunction with developers of new
subdivisions set aside sufficient funds for a new Community
Recreation Center. The facility should be available between the year
2012 to 2015 and consist of approximately 60,000 square feet. The
location should be in the area of greatest population growth and on
the exterior of residential areas in proximity to public thoroughfare.
• The City of Coachella consider a full service center with features such
as gymnasiums, fitness equipment areas, classrooms for education,
arts and culture, kitchen and service rooms and indoor track. Outside
ancillary features should include appropriate parking, lighting and
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
68
open grass areas. The City should investigate unique features such
as a child care center with associated rooms, play areas and perhaps
rock climbing wall.
¾ Swimming Pool
The City of Coachella currently provides citizens two outdoor swimming
pools and Coachella Valley High School maintains a large indoor swimming
pool. The outdoor pools are in good condition, the indoor pool is in
excellent condition. The combination of the three pools exceeds the
national standards for pools by both number and size given current
population. The City pools are open and accessible (during season) to the
general public and the school pool has some site specific restrictions.
Residents are concerned about the availability of the outdoor pools and
records indicate limited use. This may be a function of interest or limited
and inconsistent availability.
RECOMMENDATION
PRIORITY
LOW
Development of an outdoor swimming program
and a joint use agreement with the school district
for public use of the high school pool.
It is recommended that:
• The City of Coachella create and manage a full summer swimming
pool program consisting of swim team, swim lessons, open swim,
water fitness classes and competition. The staffing of the City
program could come from students and faculty of Coachella Valley
High School, which currently trains lifeguards.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
69
• The City of Coachella enter into a joint use contract with Coachella
Valley Unified School District to open the school pool for public use.
This would require agreements of fees, times and purposes.
• The City of Coachella need not plan for future outdoor or indoor
swimming options until the current facilities reach use capacity. That
point is anticipated at year 2020.
¾ Softball/Baseball Fields
The City of Coachella currently provides residents and visitors ten (10)
softball/baseball fields with additional and multiple backstop open grass
options. The current fields are in poor to good condition. The public schools
provide two baseball/softball fields with additional and multiple backstop
open grass options. The conditions of the school fields are good to
excellent. The number of City facilities exceeds the national standard as
well as the availability of school sites. Citizens spoke of concern for the
quality of the existing City sites and consider many of them unusable.
RECOMMENDATION
PRIORITY
MEDIUM
Significant investment in the upgrade of existing
fields, support of the CVRPD sport facility and
support of the Shadow View proposed project.
It is recommended that:
• The City of Coachella establish as a high priority the improvement,
repair and upgrade of the existing softball/baseball fields located in
the City parks.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
70
• The City of Coachella work with the existing parent-led volunteer
sports organizations concerned with softball/baseball to inventory
specific aspects of the facilities in need of repair such as field
evenness, lighting, bleachers and water surface concerns.
• The City of Coachella establish a softball/baseball field maintenance
schedule that is specific to each of the fields, use levels, amenities
and capacity.
• The City of Coachella work with the Coachella Valley Recreation and
Park District in support of their proposed regional sport complex. It
may be appropriate to recommend that the funds received from
Coachella through the benefit assessment district be pledged to the
development of this facility rather than the existing CVRPD services.
• The City of Coachella work with the developers of the Shadow View
subdivision concerning their proposed development of a large scale
sports complex. The proposed sports field development is in direct
line with this recommendation. It may be appropriate for the City of
Coachella to work to link the proposed sports field of CVRPD and of
Shadow View together in a joint venture.
¾ Soccer/Football Fields
The City of Coachella currently provides eight (8) soccer/football fields at
three different locations. These fields are in poor to good condition. The
public school provides five (5) soccer/football fields at different sites and
these fields are in good to excellent condition. The number of City provided
fields exceeds the national standards for number and size, but not for
quality. The availability of the school sites is on a site specific basis.
Citizens feel that the existing fields are in disrepair and are at times
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
71
unusable. The popularity of soccer is very high in the City and is
considered one of the premier sports activities.
RECOMMENDATION
PRIORITY
MEDIUM
Significant investment in the upgrade of existing
fields, support of both CVRPD and Shadow View
proposed projects.
It is recommended that:
• The City of Coachella establish as a high priority the improvement,
repair and upgrade of the existing soccer/football fields located in the
City parks.
• The City of Coachella work with the existing parent-led volunteer
sports organizations concerned with both youth and adult
soccer/football to inventory specific needs of the facilities such as
field evenness, lights, water surface concerns and other ancillary
areas.
• The City of Coachella establish a soccer/football field maintenance
schedule that is specific to each field, use levels, amenities and
capacity.
• The City of Coachella work with both Coachella Valley Recreation
and Park District and Shadow View Developers on their proposed
sports field complex. Perhaps a three-way partnership may serve the
community most efficiently.
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• The City of Coachella should plan
of new subdivision based park
Classification component of this
Additional fields will be a function
2015 timeframe is anticipated.
on additional soccer fields as part
development. Use of the Park
Master Plan may prove helpful.
of future population growth and a
¾ Tennis Courts
The City of Coachella makes available to residents two (2) multi-use /
tennis courts at Bagdouma Park. Both courts are in disrepair and are not
functional. Additional tennis courts are available at the high school. The
tennis court provision is not met by City or school provisions. Citizens did
not speak of the interest in a need for replacement tennis courts.
RECOMMENDATION
PRIORITY
LOW
The multi-use / tennis courts should be
transformed to serve a more specific purpose.
It is recommended that:
• The City of Coachella remove from inventory the existing tennis court
structure. They are in disrepair, unusable and of little interest to
residents.
• The City of Coachella should work with Coachella Valley High School
in support of tennis programs at that site. The City should encourage
instruction and competition at the school site using high school
students and faculty. The City should encourage both summer and
year round opportunities including instruction at the child, youth and
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73
adult age levels. The City should consider a contract agreement with
the school to support tennis instruction, competition and open use.
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¾ Basketball
The City of Coachella provides three (3) outdoor basketball courts. These
courts are in poor condition. The public school provides outdoor courts at
six school sites. These courts are in good to excellent condition. Indoor
basketball courts are available at the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella and
at the high school. Citizens did not speak of interest in these types of
facilities; however, there was considerable interest at the youth level. City
provision is below the national standard for both number and quality of
courts.
RECOMMENDATION
PRIORITY
LOW
Addition of outdoor basketball courts as an
amenity to any new parks.
It is recommended that:
• The City of Coachella repair, upgrade and improve the existing
basketball courts at the three park sites. Significant attention is
needed at both courts.
• The City of Coachella add new basketball courts to new park
developments according to the guidelines established in the Park
Classification component of this Master Plan.
• The City of Coachella encourage the public schools and the Boys and
Girls Club to offer instruction, competition and open play at their sites.
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• The City of Coachella contract with the school district to provide
instruction, clinics, teams and competition using the students and
faculty of the high school as instructors and coaches.
¾ Volleyball
The City of Coachella does not provide outdoor or indoor volleyball
resources. The Boys and Girls Club of Coachella can convert their indoor
basketball courts to a volleyball arrangement. This is true of the high school
as well. The standard for volleyball courts is not met. Citizens expressed
little concern or interest in this activity except as a function of normal park
use.
RECOMMENDATION
PRIORITY
LOW
The installation of outdoor volleyball courts at new
or existing parks in accordance with the Park
Classification component of this Master Plan.
It is recommended that:
• The City of Coachella install outdoor volleyball courts at new and
existing parks in accordance with the Park Classification component
of this Master Plan.
¾ Skateboard Park
The City of Coachella does not provide a skateboard park or facility as a
City service. No other agencies or groups provide a skateboard option for
resident use. The national standards call for a park given the population
size of the City. Community leaders, parents and youth spoke of the
interest in and need for a skateboard park or facility.
RECOMMENDATION
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Significant investment for the provision of a
skateboard park as a service to residents and
HIGH
visitors to the City.
It is recommended that:
PRIORITY
• The City of Coachella set as a high priority the provision of a
skateboard park or facility as a service to residents and visitors of the
City.
• The City of Coachella turn the tennis court and adjacent black top
areas at Bagdouma Park into a small skateboard park. This facility
should be in the 2,500 to 5,000 square foot range and consist of
portable and movable skill elements.
• The City of Coachella support the proposed sport parks of CVRPD
and Shadow View subdivision that both recommend a full size
skateboard park as a component of their future plans.
• Both facilities should provide for lighting, parking, safety and security
elements. A helpful resource is: www.tonyhawkfoundation.org.
¾ Golf Course
The City of Coachella does not provide a public play golf course. The
standards do not suggest a facility given the City population. Within the
service radius of the standard are several courses. Citizens were
unconcerned about City provision of this type of resource.
RECOMMENDATION
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PRIORITY
NO ACTION
It is not necessary for the City to consider the
provision of a public play golf course as a City
provided resource or service.
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¾ Summary
It is recommended that the City of Coachella consider thirteen actions each
with a priority setting. They are:
High
PRIORITY: Physical Resources
Medium
Low
•improvement of
existing parks
•provision of
baseball/softball
fields
•new park
development
•swimming pool
•provision of
soccer/football fields •tennis courts
•creation and
implementation of
developer
guidelines
•development of
pedestrian lineages
to connect parks
•new community
center
No Action
•golf course
•basketball courts
and volleyball
courts
•implementation of
the Quimby Act
requirements
•provision of a
skateboard park
facility
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¾ Policy Actions
The following policy actions seem necessary, appropriate and timely for
City of Coachella consideration:
• The provision of appropriate office and associated resources
(phones, computers, professional training, etc.) to allow the staff and
department to function.
• The Parks and Recreation Department mission to consist of three
broad elements:
o Quality maintenance of existing and new parks and recreation
resources.
o Short and long term community planning to assure appropriate
resources and services to the community
o Facilitation of and collaboration with non-city agencies and
resources to provide recreation experiences for citizens.
¾ Program Provision
Citizens desire high quality recreation program options that are appealing,
accessible, affordable and consistently offered. In this regard, the following
recommendations are offered:
• The creation of a City professional staff position to oversee the parks
and recreation functions, systems and resources of the City. The
population growth and complexity of issues have moved the City to
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the point where full time professional staff level attention is
necessary.
• The creation of a Parks and Recreation Department that is
responsible for the quality of existing parks and recreation resources,
planning of new and future resources, creating funding sources,
management of program collaborations and communication with
residents and others.
• The creation of a Parks and Recreation staff and associated budget.
The staff would consist of the Parks and Recreation Director (full time
position), the current park maintenance staff within the Parks
Division, a full time administrative assistant, several part time /
contract employees as needed, and the associated budget as
required to properly operate the functions of the Department.
• The new Department leader should adopt the “facilitator” role
concerning the provision of recreation programs. In this approach the
Department does not work to become the direct provider of recreation
programs but serves as a facilitator or collaborator of existing
programs and services. The leader works with existing groups such
as Senior Center, County Library, Esperanza Youth and Family
Center, Boxing Club, Boys and Girls Club, churches and parent-led
sports groups to assist those organizations in meeting the needs of
citizens. The Department provides or maintains the associated City
facilities as needed and monitors quality of programs, open access,
safety and security concerns.
• The new Department leader should adopt the “contractor” role
concerning new recreation program options. The leader contracts
with agencies such as CVRPD or Coachella Valley Unified School
District to provide new programs options for City residents. The
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Department does not work to become the direct provider of recreation
programs, but determines what services would be meaningful for
residents. The leader then enters into a contract with an appropriate
agency or individual to provide that service. Generally, a “pass along”
fee is collected by the City and given to the providing agency or
individual. A small administrative fee is captured by the Department.
The Department provides what resources are needed, if any, and
monitors quality of program offering, open access, safety and security
concerns.
• The Department leader should investigate and attempt to create a
favorable school-City joint use and program agreement. The schools
have facilities, trained teachers and a desire to better serve the
community. It appears that both school and City resources and
school and City program leadership can benefit from a series of joint
agreements that highlight the unique contributions of each agency.
• The Department should consider serving as the clearinghouse for all
recreation programs that are available to residents and visitors of the
City. A quarterly booklet or newspaper insert that identifies all
program options, descriptions and contact numbers could be
distributed under the leadership of the Department. A use fee for the
service would be appropriate.
• The Department should consider hosting quarterly summits, bringing
together leaders from all groups that provide services to residents of
Coachella. The purpose would be to coordinate intended programs,
avoid duplication and address common issues and concerns.
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• The Department should closely monitor the impact of programs and
existing and new City facilities and create staffing models to maintain
quality of service delivery.
• The Department should create various policies that allow proper
service to the community such as: a park use reservation system,
utilization of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, creation
of a youth advisory group, and coordination with special event
sponsors in the community.
• The Department should consider affordable child care programs as a
service of the parks and recreation system.
• The Department should conduct such studies as necessary to
properly serve the community such as: citizen focus groups,
charettes, Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliance study,
school-park concept planning studies, trails plans and open space
studies.
• The Department should develop a budget and strategy for expending
funds collected through the Quimby Ordinance and Developer Impact
Fees.
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7
City of Coachella
Community Funding
Besides existing fiscal resources that are available to assist in the provision
of these recommendations, additional funding models are available. The
following is an overview of possible funding options that may be aligned
with the implementation plan:
¾ The Quimby Act - Subdivisions
o The Quimby Act (Ordinance No. 868) provides for development
of park and recreation facilities through land dedication and/or
payment of fees. Each subdivider of land for residential uses
should be required to dedicate lands, or pay fees in lieu of or a
combination at the rate of 3 acres of parkland per one thousand
persons according to an established formula for land value.
¾ The Villaraigosa – Keeley Act
o The Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and
Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 (Proposition 12) provides
funds to preserve open space and repair and improve safety of
neighborhood parks in the State of California. The City of
Coachella has been utilizing Prop 12 monies.
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¾ The California Clean Water, Clean Air, and Safe Neighborhood
Parks and Coastal Protection Act of 2002 (Proposition 40)
o This act allows California to continue to acquire, develop,
restore and protect parkland, following the impetus of
Proposition 12. The City of Coachella has been utilizing Prop
40 monies.
¾ Lighting and Landscape Districts
o An area of a City may be designated as a lighting and
landscape district and receive services in direct proportion of a
special fee assessed to that district. The City of Coachella has
approved the use of LLDs to assist in City services.
¾ Trusts for Public Lands
o This is a national, non profit land conservation organization that
works to conserve land for people and nature ensuring livable
communities for future generations. Contact www.tpl.org.
¾ USDA Forest Legacy Program
o This agency provides federal funding to states to assist in
securing conservation easements on forest lands threatened
with conservation to non forest uses. Contact www.fs.us.
¾ Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program
o This USDA program provides matching grants to states, local,
tribal and non profit entities for the purchase of agricultural
conservation easements. Contact www.nrcs.usda.gov.
¾ National Trails Fund
o This fund is sponsored by the American Hiking Society with
funds ranging from $500 to $10,000 per project. Contact
www.americanhiking.org.
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¾ Reverse Annuity Purchase
o Property owners interested in releasing their land holdings to
the community for parks, recreation and public use may join
forces with the City and enter into a reverse annuity purchase.
The community agency purchases the property by paying
installments to the seller throughout the seller’s lifetime. Upon
the seller’s death, the community agency receives title to the
property. The seller is provided income and significant tax
reduction and the community is able to preserve for future use
key land sites.
¾ Murray-Hayden (Urban Youth Service) Program
o This $47 million matching program is designed to help fund
such capital projects as parks, park facilities, environmental
enhancement programs, youth centers, and environmental
youth centers.
¾ Urban Park Act of 2001
o This $130 million grant program awards funds for acquisition or
development or both of new parks, recreation areas, and
facilities in neighborhoods that are currently least served by
parks and recreation.
¾ Per Capita Program
o Fiscal year 2003/04 of the state budget anticipates $326.7
million to be allocated on a per capita basis.
¾ Roberti-Ziberg-Harris Program
o There are three elements to this funding source: $155 million in
block grants, $28 million in competitive non-urban areas and
$3.7 million competitive urban areas. These monies are
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earmarked for new parklands, recreation facilities
rehabilitation of existing parks and recreation areas.
and
¾ California Youth Soccer and Recreation Development Program
o The purpose of these funds is to help communities to develop
soccer, baseball, softball, and basketball facilities. Funds are to
be available in late 2004.
¾ State Urban Parks and Healthy Communities Grant Program
o The purpose of these funds is for the acquisition or
development or both of projects for active recreational
purposes. The funds will be available late 2004.
¾ California Parklands Act of 1980
o To the extent that funds are remaining, this act provides for the
development, acquisition, or restoration of real property for
park, beach and historic resource preservation purposes. The
program funds 100% of eligible development costs and 75% of
eligible acquisition costs.
¾ The California Community Foundation
o This not-for-profit organization serves as a clearing house for
additional potential funds within the State of California. The
Center assists communities in identifying and applying for
grants both government and private foundation based.
¾ State of California Resources Agency
o This State agency provides funding for natural resource
projects which may include parks, river-ways, flood control and
the like. Projects are usually limited to $100,000 per project.
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¾ California Department of Transportation
o Within this State organization is the State Office of Bicycle
Facilities which oversees and encourages bicycle commuter
facilities, including building bike paths, striping lanes and
constructing parking facilities. Funds are available for planning
and construction but not maintenance. The California
Transportation Development Act, Section 4, managed by the
COG, should also be considered.
¾ Certificates of Participation
o The COPs are lease revenue bonds, the purposes of which are
to acquire equipment, buildings and make improvements in
which a revenue stream is present. The revenue makes the
lease payment on the certificate. Common to California local
governments, the COPs are used for rather large projects.
¾ Historic Preservation Grants-in-Aid
o This program provides federal funds channeled through the
National Park Service to the State Department of Parks and
Recreation. Up to 50% of eligible costs are matched for
acquisition, rehabilitation and preservation of sites that are
currently listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places or
are eligible for such inclusion.
¾ General Fund Appropriation
o One of the most frequently used methods of obtaining money
for the annual operating budget is to receive an appropriation
from the general fund of the overall governmental unit. The
money from the general tax fund is usually levied on the taxable
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property of the taxing district. The general fund appropriation is
the most common funding source.
¾ Special Tax Levy
o The Special Tax levy is a special tax earmarked for parks and
recreation and is spent only for the specified earmarked source.
A special tax levy alleviates pressure from the general fund and
eliminates competition for special projects with other community
agencies. As an example, Texas has a cigarette tax of $.01 per
pack and generates a multi-million dollar amount for local
parks, recreation and open space projects. In California,
Proposition 4 sets maximum limits for special tax levies and
also requires a 2/3 majority voter approval.
¾ Special Assessment
o Similar to special assessments used to finance improvements
for streets, curbs, sidewalks, sewers, and other project
improvements or additions, a parks and recreation assessment
to specific community areas could be approached in a special
assessment basis. In Maryland, there exists a tax on transfer of
real estate that provides funds for open space acquisition. This
.05% tax generates multi-million dollar funding, which assists in
paying off parks and recreation bonds. There are also special
assessment districts for specific parks and recreation
resources. In California, Proposition 218 sets special election
requirements related to any special assessments.
¾ Zoning and Subdivision Fees
o Special assessment fees could be placed in specified zoned
areas, where extensive subdivision is occurring to pay for
needed parks and recreation resources for that area. The
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subdivision fee is paid by the developer to insure public
construction of the needed resources. Various city ordinances
in California allow a $3000 per building permit fee on all new
housing construction, which is earmarked for park development
and recreation program provision for that subdivision area of
the community. The amount of total dollars generated is
dependent upon building growth.
¾ Fees and Charges
o Pay as you play is a vital and acceptable method of funding
parks and recreation resources, programs, and facilities. The
assessment is placed upon the user to help defray overall cost
of the provision. Only realistic fees and charges can be
established and must reflect the ability of the user to pay for
those provisions. Several approaches from entry fees, fishing
and hunting license fees, and registration charges to Indiana’s
approach of registration fees on recreation equipment are
examples of this method.
¾ Land and Water Conservation Fund
o Established in 1965, the LWCF’s purpose is to provide federal
funds for the purpose of financing the current outdoor
recreation needs of the American public. The two primary
purposes of the LWCF are to provide funds for existing federal
managing agencies and to provide grant-in-aid funds to states
to be passed on to local units of government. These funds must
be dispersed on a 50/50 match basis with the local unit.
Contact the State Parks and Recreation Agency or the
Regional National Park Service office.
¾ Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program
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o This program is on its last phase of provision but its primary
purpose is to provide rehabilitation grants, innovation grants,
and recovery action program grants. The federal funds
processed through the National Park Service are to provide for
rebuilding and remodeling, as well as personnel, equipment
and supplies, and also for community assessment and
planning.
¾ Community Development Block Grant
o The Open Space Program of the CDBG is important to parks
and recreation provisions. The primary purpose of the CDBG
program is to use federal funds to assist local government in
dealing with the problems of urban blight and to benefit low and
moderate income groups. These funds cannot be used for
maintenance of parks and recreation facilities but can be
utilized for acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of parks
and recreation facilities.
¾ Corporate Giving
o Corporations may choose to sponsor various parks and
recreation programs, as well as provide major funding for new
projects. As an example, the “Adopt-a-Park” program, where a
corporate group agrees to pay the operation and maintenance
costs of a park for a specific period of time as a contribution to
the local community. An additional approach is the “5%
Program”, which is based on the IRS rule allowing a 5% writeoff for corporate gifts to community service agencies.
¾ Private Foundation Grants
o Private foundations and other philanthropic organizations are
excellent sources of financing local programs. A specific
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example is the Hershey Track and Field Program or the Wells
Fargo Fitness Trail Program. The Mott foundation provides
funds for community school education efforts, as well as other
foundations providing funds for special efforts. The state of
Indiana has the National Heritage Protection Fund with the
purpose of providing money for land acquisition for future
nature preserves. Several examples are given in this report.
Other examples include:
9 The Tony Hawk Foundation
This foundation supports the conceptualization, development,
construction and access to skate park projects. The
foundation’s specific interest is to support projects in underserved communities that plan free, accessible and permanent
parks. It also provides technical assistance on design,
promotion and training. Visit: www.tonyhawkfoundation.org.
9 Baseball Tomorrow Fund
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is a joint initiative between Major
League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players
Association. The mission of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund is to
promote and enhance the growth of baseball in the United
States, Canada and throughout the world by funding programs,
fields and equipment purchases to encourage and maintain
youth participation in the game. Grants from the Baseball
Tomorrow Fund are designed to be sufficiently flexible to
enable applicants to address needs unique to their
communities. The funds may be used to finance new programs,
expand or improve existing programs, undertake a new
collaborative effort, or obtain facilities or equipment necessary
for youth baseball or softball programs. The Baseball Tomorrow
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Fund is intended to provide funding for incremental
programming and facilities for youth baseball and not as a
substitute for existing funding or fundraising activities or to
provide routine or recurring operating costs or funding for
construction or maintenance of buildings. The Baseball
Tomorrow Fund supports equal opportunity in its grant making.
The opportunities that prospective grantee organizations
provide for minorities and women are considered in evaluating
proposals. Visit: www.baseballtomorrowfund.com.
9 Finish Line Youth Foundation
Youth athletics and wellness programs are the focus of the
Finish Line Youth Foundation. The Foundation provides funding
to organizations in the communities in which company stores
are located. Finish Line operates over 410 stores in 41 states.
Visit: www.finishline.com.
9 Foundation Center Bulletin: Athletics & Sports
The RFP (Request for Proposals) Bulletin is published weekly
by the Foundation Center. Each RFP listing provides a brief
overview of a current funding opportunity offered by a
foundation or other grantmaking organization. Interested
applicants read the full RFP at the grantmaker’s Web site or
contact the grantmaker directly for complete program guidelines
and eligibility requirements.
Visit: http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_athletics.jhtml.
9 Hasbro Children’s Foundation
The mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life
for disadvantaged children through age 12 by supporting
innovative, model, direct-service programs in the areas of
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health education and social services. The Foundation also
funds universally accessible play spaces. Most often, local
grants for model community programs range from $500 to
$35,000. For multi-site expansions, awards are from $35,000
and up, granted over a period of one to three years. Priority is
given to economically disadvantaged areas for playground
refurbishment and/or new construction.
Visit: http://www.hasbro.org.
9 NRA Foundation
The NRA Foundation National and State grants are focused on
the following general categories: Youth Programs, Ranger
Improvement and Development, Public Safety, Education and
Training, Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation and
Constitutional Research and Education.
Visit: http://www.nrafoundation.org.
9 Tiger Woods Foundation
Founded in 1996 by Earl and Tiger Woods, the Tiger Woods
Foundation empowers young people to reach their highest
potential by initiating and supporting community-based
programs that promote the health, education and welfare of all
of America's children. Through junior golf clinics, educational
programs and benevolent giving, the Foundation has interacted
with over 85,000 children across America.
Visit: http://www.tigerwoodsfoundation.com.
9 Potential Resources For Playground Safety Funding
This website, sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa
National Program for Playground Safety, identifies funders who
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may assist in providing safer playground equipment for schools
and other public facilities.
Visit: http://www.uni.edu/playground/resources/funding.html.
9 United States Handball Association
Funding for youth handball projects is available through the
United States Handball Association. Any person or group
interested in starting a handball program for youngsters may
submit a proposal. Programs may be organized within school
instruction, after-school programs, or community or club/Y
programs. Visit: [email protected].
9 United States Soccer Federation Foundation
The United States Soccer Federation Foundation, Inc. has
established a new web site to distribute grant application
information nationally and provide the latest foundation news,
including grant recipient profiles, annual reports, and director
and officer profiles. Visit: http://ussoccerfoundation.org.
9 Women’s Sports Foundation Funding Opportunities
Grant programs provide girls and women with educational
materials and scholarships, research on issues related to
women in sports, leadership development and also
opportunities to participate in sports and fitness. Visit:
http://womenssportsfoundation.org.
9
-
Coachella Valley Specific Foundations
Spotlight 29 Casino (www.spotlight29.net)
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (www.aguacaliente.org)
Morongo Band of Mission Indians (www.morongonation.org)
Fantasy Springs Casino (www.fantasyspringsresort.com)
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- Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (www.bhcc.com)
- Berger Foundation (www.hnberger.org)
¾ Parks and Recreation Foundation
o A Parks and Recreation Foundation provides a vehicle for
receiving gifts and endowments from individuals and
organizations, which are interested in assisting the parks and
recreation agency. A foundation established with the interest of
improving the overall community can attract donations from
citizens, businesses, and other foundations.
¾ Public Improvement Districts
o A public improvement district is a mechanism for providing
services above and beyond the normal services in locations
where business or citizens are willing to pay additional property
taxes for those services. The City of Amarillo, Texas is a good
example of the use of multiple PID’s in various areas of the City
in which greenways, boulevards, residential and commercial
districts received special services.
¾ Citizen and Neighborhood Funding Groups
o Local neighborhoods in which a sensitive parks and recreation
need exists can be organized to help meet that need which
might be financial in nature. Fund-raising events, as well as
donations to be utilized to meet the local neighborhood Parks
and Recreation can be established. Neighborhood groups living
adjacent to city parks have raised funds for construction of
desired equipment or services for that park, such as tennis
courts or play apparatus that could not be funded otherwise.
¾ New Membership Program
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o Individuals or organizations join the Parks and Recreation
Department program through purchase of a membership. The
membership provides special benefits to the member, such as
entry into facilities, free park reservations, invitations to special
events, and calendar of upcoming events. A recent national
survey indicates approximately one-fourth of the cities in the
U.S. have some sort of Parks and Recreation Membership
Program, usually associated with the provision of recreation
centers.
¾ Venue Taxes
o This is a concept where, through state legislation, a city may
build a sports, recreation and community venue, and levy
certain taxes and issue bonds to finance the venue. Venues
have traditionally been arenas, stadiums or coliseums that are
used for larger scale events. Grand Prairie, Texas has used the
“Brimer Bill” for such ventures.
¾ Gift Catalog
o A gift catalog is an attractive brochure that lists a wide variety of
needed equipment, facilities, and programs that might be
sponsored by individuals and organizations in the community.
For each item listed, a price tag is attached, so that a potential
donor may choose from the shopping list. In Arizona, an
individual, family, service group, or business may select a tree,
park bench, sport tournament, or equipment from a gift catalog
and then purchase that item and donate it back to the
government entity. For many companies, it has become a fun
employee experience searching for just the right community
gift.
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¾ General Obligation Bond
o Bonding is the process of a government entity borrowing money
to make major improvements and then paying back the
borrowed money over a period of years. A tax is levied on all
taxpayers, on their taxable property, using the taxable property
of the governmental body as security for the repayment of the
debt. The obligation is spread over all community residents
through an increased tax for the period of time that the bond
repayment is in effect. General obligation bonds are voted for
by registered voters at a special or general election and are a
common method of funding major acquisition and development
projects.
¾ Tax Increment Financing
o This is a financing tool that allows local governments to use
public finances to make improvements to structures and
infrastructure within a defined geographic area. A tax increment
financing district is created by the city and the cost of
improvements is repaid by the contribution of future tax
revenues levied against the property in the district. Chapter 311
of the Texas Tax Code provides an example of how to
accomplish this method of funding.
¾ Revenue of Enterprise Bond
o A revenue bond is an obligation of the borrowing agency to
repay the principal and interest to the investor for financing of a
revenue-producing enterprise or facility. Revenues to repay the
bond issue must come solely from revenue of the enterprise.
What factors make a specific project profitable and hence,
eligible for non-voter-approved revenue bonds, is specific to the
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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dynamics of the community. Projects that are commonly
successful are golf courses.
¾ The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
o The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA)
authorizes a broad spectrum of conservation, environment,
planning, transportation, and energy investments, which could
aid recreation. Section 133, the Surface Transportation
Program, addresses these “enhancements”, which include:
pedestrian and bicycle facilities; acquisition of scenic
easements and scenic or historic sites; historic highway
programs; landscaping and beautification; historic preservation;
rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation structures
or facilities; preservation of abandoned railway corridors
(including their conversion and use for pedestrian or bicycle
trails); control and removal of outdoor advertising;
archaeological planning and research; and mitigation of water
pollution due to highway runoff.
¾ Park Dedication Ordinance
o Some communities, such as City of College Station, Texas,
have established city ordinances that create guidelines that
allow the city to identify and acquire land for health, safety and
general welfare of the public. The land may be nuisance land
that can at the same time eliminate a hazard and provide a
reasonable recreation outlet.
¾ American Hiking Society National Trails Fund
o American Hiking is a recreation-based conservation
organization that promotes and protects foot trails and the
hiking experience. With thousands of individual members and
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
100
over 150 member organizations, American Hiking represents
more than half a million outdoors people and serves as voice
for America’s hikers. American Hiking Society, in partnership
with Cascade Designs, supports the National Trails Fund,
which provides financial support to hiking groups, land trusts
and other not-for-profits to establish, protect and maintain
wilderness foot trails. Visit www.AmericanHiking.org.
¾ Tire-Derived Product (TDP) Grant Program
o The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB)
is offering the Tire-Derived Product (TDP) Grant Program to
promote markets for recycled-content products derived from
waste tires generated in California. $1,792,818 is available for
fiscal year 2005-06, with up to $100,000 per qualifying public
entity. If more grant funds are requested than available, a
random selection process is conducted. Visit:
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Tires/Grants/Product/default.htm.
¾ Funding Sources
The following chart may prove helpful in determining which funding sources
seem most appropriate for each of the recommended implementation
items:
Funding Sources
Implementation Plan
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
101
Lighting/Landscape Dist.
z



Programs
Policies
Golf Course
Skateboard Park
Volleyball
Basketball
Tennis Courts
Softball/Baseball
Fields
Soccer/Football
Fields
Swimming Pool
New Parks
Community Center
z






Farm and Ranchland
National Trails Fund
Murray-Hayden
Urban Park Act











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Per Capita Program
Roberts-Ziberg-Harris

  
California Youth Soccer

z

z
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 
z

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
State Urban Park
California Parklands




California Comm. Found.
State of Cal. Resources
Cal. Dept of Trans.
Cert. of Participation
Historic Preservation
General Fund
z

z
z

Forest Legacy Program
 
  

z

z
z
z z z z
Trusts for Public Land
Reverse Annuity
Trails
Proposition 40
z  z
z
z
z
z
z
z
Open Space
Proposition 12
Developer Guidelines
Park Improvements
Quimby Act


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z z z z z


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z
z
z z z z
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
z z
102
Special Tax Levy
Special Assessment
Zoning/Subdivision Fee
Fees and Charges
Land and Water Fund
Urban Recovery Program
CDBG
Corporate Giving



 
z 
 z 
z
z
z

z z

z
 z  
Public Improvement Dist.
Citizen Funding Groups
New Membership
Tax Increment Financing
Gift Catalog
General Obligation Bond
Venue Taxes
Revenue Bond
Intermodal Act
Park Dedication Ord
Trails Fund

z 
z
z
z
z
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z z
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z z z
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City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
z z
z
 z



103
Trails
Open Space
Programs
Policies
Golf Course
Skateboard Park
Volleyball
Basketball
Tennis Courts

Private Foundation
Parks & Rec Foundation
Softball/Baseball
Fields
Soccer/Football
Fields
Swimming Pool
Community Center
New Parks
z Primary
 Secondary
Developer Guidelines
Funding Sources
Park Improvements
Implementation Plan
Funding Sources
z Primary
 Secondary
TDP Grant

City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006

104
Trails
Open Space
Programs
Policies
Golf Course
Skateboard Park
Volleyball
Basketball
Tennis Courts
Softball/Baseball
Fields
Soccer/Football
Fields
Swimming Pool
Community Center
New Parks
Developer Guidelines
Park Improvements
Implementation Plan
Appendix A
City of Coachella
Park Classification Plan
The City of Coachella Park Classification Plan is an appendix to the City of
Coachella Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This park planning model
integrates existing park resources and planned future park opportunities.
This park planning process should help to avoid duplication of resources
and provide a better utilization of efforts.
The Park Classification Plan consists of three components:
Development of a
park classification
system unique to the
City of Coachella that
highlights best use of
culture, resources,
identity and needs.
The City of Coachella has a unique
culture, community identity, current and
future citizen needs coupled with existing
and future resources. The basis of the
park classification is to develop park
types with associated acre ranges,
population radius, distance radius and
general amenity characteristics that set
the stage for existing and future park
efforts.
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Development of Citywide community
planning zones that
highlight the unique
features of life in
Coachella and
current and planned
efforts.
Integration of the
parks by
classification, size
and purpose into the
community planning
zones to best utilize
existing and potential
park resources to
meet citizen needs.
The City of Coachella has unique zones
within the City that are highlighted by
residential living, business corridors,
industrial sections, planned commercial,
entertainment, manufacturing, research
and development efforts. The City is
divided into planning zones that best
capture the purpose and intensity of the
zone.
Blending the existing and future parks by
type into the community planning zones
that best match the unique features of
that park is integral to avoiding
duplication of resources and to more
effectively utilize the resources in that
community area.
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The City of Coachella’s current and future parks are classified into eight
park types. Each park type has a specific acre range, population radius that
should be served by the park, distance radius that represents the distance
or time of travel appropriate for park placement and a characteristics list
that details types of amenities that should exist at the park.
PARK TYPE
ACRE
RANGE
POPULATION
RADIUS
DISTANCE
RADIUS
Mini Park
1–3
acres
Not population
radius sensitive
Within walking
distance of
immediate area
Plaza Parks
1–3
acres
Not population
radius sensitive
Close to
entertainment
and business
support areas
Neighborhood
Parks
About 3 –
20 acres
6 – 10 acres
per 1000
population
About a 2.5
mile radius in
developed area
Community
Park
About 15
– 45 acres
One site per
25,000
residents
About a 5 to 10
mile service
radius
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Parks that exist primarily in residential areas or
adjacent to light business zones and have
features such as grass, shade, trees, passive
areas, green space, shelters, native plant life,
limited play structures. Use limited to the
localized neighborhood.
Plazas are unique to the City of Coachella and
represent a connection to the culture of the
community. Features include a center plaza
with either a large gazebo or water feature with
pedestrian corridors that emanate from the
center piece. Other features include: trees,
shade, performance area, public artwork and
enhanced landscapes.
Parks located in residential areas that include
features such as: grass, trees, restrooms, tot
lots, picnic and shade shelters, grills,
playground equipment, open fields, informal
sport areas, swimming pool, neighborhood
center.
Parks located in large areas that are compatible
to surrounding uses with features such as: large
grass areas, large picnic and shelter areas,
restrooms, on-site parking, swimming pool,
community center, sport areas/complexes,
lights, entertainment areas, special features
such as skateboard areas, outdoor theatres,
disc golf, BMX, exercise station, ponds, water
features.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
107
ACRE
RANGE
POPULATION
RADIUS
DISTANCE
RADIUS
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Special Use
Park
50+ acres
One site per
50,000 to
200,000
population
About a 25 mile
service radius
Parks not located in residential areas. Features
might include: large scale sports complex,
special event site (such as fairs, festivals,
gardens, concessions, trails, natural/open
space, lakes, animal uses).
Open Space
As
resources
available
(usually
large)
Not population
radius sensitive
As natural
resource areas
are available
Areas generally free from development or
developed at low intensity uses that respect
natural environmental characteristics that serve
as preservation of natural, cultural,
archaeological resources; passive outdoor
recreation, public safety and health and shape
urban form.
Trails
As
resources
are
available
Not population
radius sensitive
Distance is a
function of in
and between
park options
Trails may consist of walking, biking, hiking,
equestrian, greenway, long distance, off road,
rail, canal, and waterway with the purpose to
meet passive or active recreation, informal or
formal transportation.
Linear Park
Trails and
linear park
should
connect
Not population
radius sensitive
Tied to
neighborhood
entries and
park sites
Purpose is to connect parks, entry ways,
transportation routes and unique features. May
be concrete, asphalt, crusher fine.
PARK TYPE
The City of Coachella, for the purpose of the Park Classification Study, has
been divided into four planning zones (see maps in Appendix B). It should
be noted that these planning zones are for the Park Classification System
only and may or may not be applicable to other plans. The four planning
zones are: northwest (Avenue 51 north and Fredrick Street west),
southwest (Avenue 51 south and Fredrick Street west), northeast (Avenue
51 north and Fredrick Street east), and southeast (Avenue 51 south and
Fredrick Street east). The purpose to this design is to better reflect current:
developed land, developing land, and yet to be developed land. In this
scheme, the northwest zone is developed or developing, the southwest
zone is developed or developing, the northeast zone is developed or yet to
be developed and the southeast zone is developed or developing.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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Northwest Zone: Of high priority in this zone are one Community Park in
the 15 to 45 acre range and four Neighborhood Parks in the 12 to 80 acre
range. Of medium priority is a Plaza Park in the 1 to 3 acre range and of
low priority is a Mini Park in the 1 to 3 acre range. This represents the
addition of 29 to 131 acres of new parkland for this zone. There are
currently no City parks in this zone. Trails and linear parks should be
highlighted interconnecting the park system as available and appropriate.
Southwest Zone: Of high priority in this zone is three Neighborhood Parks
in the 9 to 60 acre range. Of medium priority is one Plaza Park in the 1 to 3
acre range and of low priority is a Mini Park in the 1 to 3 acre range. This
represents the addition of 11 to 66 acres of new parkland for this zone.
There are currently no City parks in this zone. Open space should be
captured as available. Trails and linear parks should be highlighted
interconnecting park systems.
Southeast Zone: Of high priority in this zone are one Community Park in
the 15 to 45 acre range and three Neighborhood Parks in the 9 to 60 acre
range. Of low priority is a Mini Park in the 1 to 3 acre range. This
represents the addition of 25 to 108 acres of new parkland. There is
currently one City provided community park, one neighborhood and one
mini park in this zone. Open space should be captured as available.
Northeast Zone: Future development in this planning zone is undefined.
Additional study will be necessary as development activities are proposed
and approved. There are currently three City provided mini parks in this
zone. Open space should be captured as available and appropriate.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
109
Zone
Northwest
Southwest
Southeast
Northeast
High
Community
Neighborhood
Trails
Linear Parks
Neighborhood
Trails
Linear Parks
Community
Neighborhood
Trails
Linear Parks
Medium
Low
Plaza
Mini
Plaza
Mini
-
Mini
-
-
Open
Space
Total new parkland recommended for all zones is from 65 acres to 305
acres. This represents the timeframe 2006 to 2011.
City of Coachella, California Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Year 2006
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Appendix B
City of Coachella
Planning Zones
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