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Park & Recreation Plan - April 2006
City of Spokane Valley, Washington Park and Recreation Plan A plan of action for meeting future park and recreation needs in Spokane Valley April 2006 PREFACE The Plan presented in this document provides the foundation for a park and recreation program for Spokane Valley, Washington. This plan is somewhat unique in that it is for a new city that was incorporated in March 2003. Instantly becoming a city of nearly 84,000 people, the Park and Recreation Department faced the task of maintaining an aging park system and developing policies for the delivery of leisure services. The challenge for this Plan has been to define a strategic position for the City in park and recreation services. Until the City's incorporation, Spokane County offered limited parks in the area, and the YMCA, private sport groups and the City of Spokane provided most recreation and organized sport programs. The City of Spokane Valley has assumed primary responsibility for providing parks. Spokane County manages the adult softball program and leases several of the sport fields owned by Spokane Valley. Youth sports are still primarily provided by the YMCA and private youth sport groups. This brings up the following questions: • What programs and services should Spokane Valley provide? • What would be the most efficient makeup of a park and recreation program? The major factors that determine the efficiency of a park and recreation program are: 1) the ability to generate revenue from services rendered; and 2) the cost to maintain facilities. While good design can help reduce operating costs, the greater impact usually comes from facilities and activities that generate revenue. The chart below illustrates the potential revenue from three basic types of leisure services: Parks Only �]5% Programs Only 90% Major Facilities 1 150% Financial Return for Services 4 kk Y� y'Si This Plan recommends a balance between parks, recreation programs, and major facilities. The Plan has identified several key issues and actions the City should address in the near future. These are: Community Support: The park and recreation program in Spokane Valley is new and, as a result, has had little direct contact with interest groups within the community. The Department needs to develop an advocacy group to champion the benefits of park and recreation services. The Plan identifies a number of actions to take to meet this goal. • Park Rehabilitation: The current park system is not only limited in terms of the areas it serves, but also faces a great need for facility improvements. A program of park rehabilitation to address the years of deferred maintenance should be initiated. Aquatics: The City owns three outdoor swimming pools. While they are in adequate condition, the pools do need some upgrades to meet safety codes and operational requirements. The County has earmarked $1.6 million dollars for the City of Spokane Valley to build a swimming pool. While this is enough money to build a very modest outdoor pool, it is not enough to build a suitable public indoor pool. As a result, the Plan recommends upgrading the three pools to meet standards and develop a major water playground at Valley Mission Park. In the long term, the City may wish to pursue the development of an indoor aquatic center, although the anticipated development of a major aquatic center in Coeur d'Alene could impact that decision. New Parks: Many neighborhoods in Spokane Valley are not conveniently located near a park. Meeting park needs should be one of the highest priorities for the City. This will be a challenge in some neighborhoods where little vacant land exists. However, the Plan addresses how this can be achieved. Of most importance is for the City to acquire parkland while some parcels exist. This is particularly true for the Greenacres Neighborhood. Recreation Programs and Services: Recreation classes and programs provide a considerable benefit and reach a significant number of city residents. Because some of the cost of these services can be offset by program fees, the net cost to the City can minimal. Because of these factors, the Parks and Recreation Department should develop a comprehensive recreation program that serves all age groups and abilities. Partnerships: The City cannot and should not provide all of the recreation services needed in the community. It is important for the City of Spokane Valley to monitor community needs and note where overlap and voids exist. One way of efficiently providing park and recreation services is to partner with private and non- profit organizations. • Plan Update: Because The City of Spokane Valley was recently incorporated, the Plan should be reviewed and updated in approximately four years. This will give the community time to establish its roles and responsibilities and reflect on the recommendations of the Plan. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Mike Jackson, Parks and Recreation Director Karen Parson, Senior Center Coordinator Carol Carter, Administrative Assistant SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL Diana Wilhite, Mayor Rich Munson, Deputy Mayor Dick Denenny Michael DeVleming Bill Gothmann Gary Schimmels Steve Taylor David Mercier, City Manager Nina Regor, Deputy City Manager PREPARED BY: Moore lacofano Goltsman, Inc. 815 SW 2nd Avenue, Suite 200 Portland, OR 97204 (503) 297 -1005 www.migcom.com Jerry Draggoo Cindy Mendoza Robert Litt Andrea Goldsberry CHAPTER 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION PAGE 1.1 Introduction 1 -2 1.2 Public Involvement 1 -3 1.3 Report Organization 1 -4 1.4 Goals, Policies and Objectives 1 -5 CHAPTER 2: PLANNING CONTEXT 2.1 Regional Context 2 -2 2.2 Planning Area 2 -3 2.3 Demographic Characteristics 2 -3 2.4 Land Use 2 -9 2.5 Housing 2 -11 2.6 Population Growth 2 -11 CHAPTER 3: EXISTING PARKS AND FACILITIES 3.1 Park Land Definitions 3 -1 3.2 Park Land Inventory 3 -2 3.3 Park Site Analysis 3 -10 3.4 Summary of Recreation Facilities 3 -22 CHAPTER 4: EXISTING OPERATIONS Organized Sports Questionnaire 4.1 Organizational Structure 4 -2 4.2 Staffing Levels 4 -5 4.3 Operations 4 -6 4.4 Maintenance Operations 4-11 4.5 Recreation Participation 4 -11 CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT 5.1 Household Recreation Survey 5.1 5.2 Public Visioning Workshop 5 -3 5.3 Focus Group Meetings 5 -3 5.4 Telephone Survey 5 -4 5.5 Organized Sports Questionnaire 5 -4 5.6 Summary of Park Land Needs 5 -5 5.7 Summary of Recreation Facility Needs 5 -12 CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS PAGE 6.1 Parkland 6 -1 6.2 Trails, Pathways, and Bikeways 6 -30 6.3 Administration and Management 6 -34 6.4 Maintenance 6 -40 6.5 Recreation Programs and Services 6 -41 6.6 Riverfront Access 6 -43 CHAPTER 7: AQUATIC FACILITIES 7.1 Current Swimming Opportunities 7 -1 7.2 Demand for Outdoor Pools 7 -1 7.3 Leisure Pool Concept 7-2 7.4 Demand for Indoor Family Leisure Pool 7 -3 7.5 Aquatic Recommendations 7 -9 CHAPTER 8: IMPLEMENTATION 8.1 Funding Sources 8 -1 8.2 Capital Projects 8-5 8.3 Preliminary Project Priorities 8 -6 8.4 Basis for Estimating Costs 8-7 8.5 Capital Costs 8-8 8.6 Current Funding Availability 8 -8 8.7 Financing Strategy 8-9 APPENDICES City Park and Recreation Areas A Park Land and Recreation Facility Inventory B Demand Analysis C Design Guidelines D Park and Recreation Plan 1 -6 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION In the Spring of 2004, the City of Spokane Valley initiated a study to assess community needs for parks and recreation facilities and develop a vision for meeting those needs. The outgrowth of this study is a 20- year Park and Recreation Plan that assesses public demand for park and recreation facilities, establishes policies and guidelines for park planning and development, proposes future parks and trails, recommends improvements to existing facilities, and describes a financing strategy for funding the actions. The City of Spokane Valley was incorporated in March 2003, and with a population of 83,950, became the eighth largest city in Washington State. The City encompasses approximately 38.5 square miles of land area. For a new city, Spokane Valley already has a large service area and population in need of park and recreation services. Within its boundaries, the City of Spokane Valley contains 543 acres of parks, open space, and recreation areas located at 18 sites within the community. Of that amount, the City owns 163 acres. Nearly 380 acres include natural areas and corridors owned by the State of Washington. Most sports fields and facilities in Spokane Valley are provided by the three school districts —West Valley, Central Valley, and East Valley. At this point, the City has a limited recreation program and contracts out park maintenance and the operation of the three swimming pools. Today, the City has taken steps to position itself as a regional leader in recreation. For example, CenterPlace which was opened in the Fall of 2005, will combine with the recently completed Mirabeau Meadows Park and Mirabeau Springs to form a conference and cultural center with regional appeal. Great opportunities exist for the development of a comprehensive park and recreation program in Spokane Valley. The Park and Recreation Plan will help identify those opportunities and create an overall vision for the community's future. As Spokane Valley grows, the City will need clear direction on how to balance community needs for parks, facilities, programs, and services. These needs include improvements to existing parks, the acquisition of neighborhood and community parks, the development of sports fields, swimming opportunities, and trails, and the expansion of program and recreation services. This plan provides guidance on how to address these divergent needs while developing an innovative park system to represent the new city. 1 -1 Park & Recreation Plan CHAPTER 1 4,-, *qr Y :�1;L1 AIN01 1 .1 PLAN DEVELOPMENT The planning process for developing the City's Park and Recreation Plan was made up of four phases (Figure 1.1). Figure 1 -1: Planning Process Phase I: To establish a framework for the plan, Phase I included an inventory and analysis of existing recreation resources in the Spokane Valley planning area. This information incorporated a community profile, a review of population growth patterns, an inventory of the City's existing parks and recreation facilities, and an analysis of park and recreation operations, maintenance, and programs. Phase II: A comprehensive assessment of recreation needs in the Spokane Valley area was conducted by measuring public opinion, recreation patterns, and perceived needs through several public involvement venues. These included a household survey, a public visioning forum, input from staff and stakeholders and a survey of organized sports organizations. Based on community demand, needs were determined for park land, open space, facilities and recreation programs. • Phase III: In Phase III, recommendations were developed for improving existing parks and acquiring and developing new parks, trails, and recreational facilities. In addition, strategies were proposed to expand programming and to bring park maintenance in line with community expectations. • Phase IV: The final phase involved creating an action plan to implement recommendations and developing a financing strategy to fund priority improvements. Park and Recreation Plan 1 -2 CHAPTER 1 1 .2 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT To develop a solid foundation for the Park and Recreation Plan, Spokane Valley residents contributed to the development of the plan through five public involvement venues: • Household Recreation Survey: A city -wide survey of public attitudes, recreation interests, and recreation participation was conducted in Fall 2004 and Spring 2005. Questionnaires were distributed to selected households in the City limits of Spokane Valley, and 398 completed returns were received. • Public Visioning Workshop: Approximately 33 residents participated in a community workshop on November 4'h, 2004, to discuss their vision for parks, recreation facilities, and programs and services in Spokane Valley. Focus Group Meetings: Eight focus group meetings were held to obtain additional input from special interest groups, including youth sports, adult sports, cultural arts, SCOPE, trails /open space, seniors, Green Acres Neighborhood, Ponderosa Neighborhood, and representatives from the Planning Department and Planning Commission. Detailed findings of these meetings are found in Appendix C (Demand Analysis) but some of the key points were: • More emphasis should be placed on City managed facilities rather than relying entirely on school facilities. • There is a lack of programs, services and facilities for the youth (age 5 -12). • The City should raise the awareness of benefits of park and recreation activities and build public support for its programs. • The City should develop partnerships with other cities, Spokane County, schools, service organizations, and the public in general to share in the cost of service delivery. • Telephone Survey: A citywide telephone survey was conducted in the Spring of 2004. This survey was conducted for the City's Comprehensive Plan and provided valuable park and recreation information. All totaled, 1 -3 Park & Recreation Plan CHAPTER l 409 responses were received from 3,775 attempted calls. The survey addressed many City services, including questions regarding the delivery of park and recreation services. • Sports Group Survey: During the Fall of 2004, organized sport questionnaires were sent to all organized sport groups providing services within Spokane Valley. In addition to the public processes described above, key staff members met regularly throughout the planning process to discuss critical issues. 1.3 REPORT ORGANIZATION The Park and Recreation Plan is organized into eight chapters and four appendices: • Chapter 1: Introduction describes the purpose of the report, the planning process, the public involvement activities, and the organization of this document. • Chapter 2: Community Context discusses the profile of Spokane Valley that provides the framework for the Plan. This includes a discussion of the planning area, the regional context, natural features, climate, and demographic characteristics. • Chapter 3: Existing Parks and Facilities summarizes the park and facility inventory and analyzes the City's park land according to a park classification system. • Chapter 4: Existing Operations analyzes the organizational structure of the Park and Recreation Department and presents an assessment of staffing, operations, maintenance, and programs. • Chapter 5: Needs Assessment presents an overview of the methodology and results of the park and recreation facility needs assessment process. • Chapter 6: Recommendations includes recommendations for improvements to existing parks and for the acquisition and development of new sites and specialized facilities. It also introduces strategies for recreation programming and the administration and maintenance of parks and facilities. • Chapter 7: Aquatic Facilities contains a market analysis for aquatic facilities in Spokane Valley, including cost estimates and recommendations for design. Park and Recreation Plan 1 -4 CHAPTER 1 • Chapter 8: Implementation identifies potential funding sources and financing strategies for priority capital improvements. • Appendix A: City Park and Recreation Areas provides a summary description of existing City parks, along with their facilities, condition, and planned improvements. • Appendix B: Park and Recreation Facilities Inventory contains a detailed inventory of park land by provider, private facilities, and sports fields, tennis courts, gymnasiums, and pools within the Spokane Valley planning area. • Appendix C: Demand Analysis is a compilation of data from the Recreation Survey. • Appendix D: Park Design Considerations presents acquisition guidelines and design standards for park development In addition to the above appendices, a series of background reports called Discussion Papers were prepared. 1.4 GOALS, POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES The goals, planning policies, and objectives listed below create a framework for implementing the Park and Recreation Plan. The goals are statements about Spokane Valley's desired future. These goals are supported by policies that guide plan implementation and objectives that provide realistic, achievable, and measurable steps toward reaching the goals. Together, the goals, policies, and objectives can be used to help measure the plan's success. Goal 1: To develop a balanced, diverse, and accessible park and recreation system that meets the specific needs of the residents of Spokane Valley. Policy 1 -A: The City of Spokane Valley will endeavor to provide park land and recreation facilities equitably throughout the city at conveniently located and easily accessible sites. Objective 1 -A (1): Establish and regularly update a comprehensive inventory of existing park and recreation resources. Objective 1 -A (2): Consider all options, including partnerships and collaborations, to acquire and develop neighborhood parks and community parks in unserved or underserved areas, as identified in the Recreation Needs Assessment. 7-5 Park $ Recreation Plan CHAPTER Objective 1 -A (3): Prioritize the acquisition and development of park and recreation facilities that contribute to community identity and community pride in Spokane Valley. Policy 1 -B: The City of Spokane Valley will attempt to provide equitable and diverse recreation opportunities and activities for the benefit of Spokane Valley residents and visitors to our community. Objective 1 -B (1): In the near term, offer a limited recreation program that builds public interest and support. In the long term, offer comprehensive program services to all ages, abilities, and economic and cultural backgrounds. Objective 1 -B (2): Adapt programming to meet community needs and desires as identified through community questionnaires, focus group meetings, and public meeting processes. Objective 1 -B (3): Periodically and systematically monitor, evaluate, and revise existing programs and services to ensure quality programming. Objective 1 -B (4): Identify anticipated service areas (neighborhood, community, city -wide, regional) for future parks and recreation programs to equitably serve all users. Objective 1 -B (5): Maximize the use of existing facilities and programs to support local needs, while encouraging tourism and regional use. Goal 2: To maintain and manage the appropriate social, cultural, physical, and natural resources required to maintain and improve the quality of life in Spokane Valley. Policy 2 -A: The City of Spokane Valley will strive to design and maintain parks and recreation amenities and facilities in a safe, attractive manner, to contribute to the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Objective 2 -A (1): Adopt and utilize Design Guidelines for site selection and development in the acquisition and /or development of parks within each park classification. Objective 2 -A (2): Prioritize the renovation and upgrade of existing facilities to improve site safety and encourage facility use. Park and Recreation Plan 1 -6 CHAPTER 1 Objective 2 -A (3): Periodically assess the condition of park amenities and facilities. Objective 2 -A (4): Establish a program and budget for addressing deferred maintenance. Objective 2 -A (5): Embrace environmentally sound practices as natural resource stewards. Policy 2 -B: The City of Spokane Valley will work to define and standardize maintenance procedures for park land and significant City resources. Objective 2 -13 (1): Establish minimum maintenance standards for the park system and establish a goal for minimum maintenance cost per acre. Policy 2 -C: Within budget resources, the City of Spokane Valley will seek to acquire park land with unique natural features or significant natural resources in order to protect or preserve them for present and future generations. Objective 2 -C (1): Seek to acquire riparian corridors where feasible to protect these natural resources and to offer potential sites for trail development. Objective 2 -C (2): Develop effective natural resource management plans for significant natural areas within parks and other City -owned or controlled lands to identify management priorities and to guide development and restoration decisions. Objective 2 -C (3): Directly and /or cooperatively acquire and protect land within the flood zone of the Spokane River and other drainage corridors. Plan park and recreation facilities and public access to these areas where appropriate. Objective 2 -C (4): Prioritize critical natural resource areas within Spokane Valley, including wetland areas, fish and wildlife habitat areas, floodways /floodplains, and geologic hazard areas. Goal 3: To coordinate park and recreation planning, services, and development to provide the highest level of service in a cost - efficient and fiscally responsible way. 1-7 Park & Recreation Plan CHAPTER 1 Policy 3 -A: Generally, the City will not duplicate service nor compete with private organizations in the delivery of park and recreation services, unless other service providers are not meeting the unique and specific needs of Spokane Valley residents. Policy 3 -13: The City of Spokane Valley will continue to foster cooperative development of park and recreation resources and the provision of services through private and public collaborations. Objective 3 -13 (1): Work closely with the City Manager, City Council, and other City departments to achieve mutually beneficial objectives. Objective 3 -13 (2): Work in cooperation with governmental agencies, educational institutions, private and regional recreation organizations, and citizen interest groups to maximize the provision of parks and services. Objective 3 -13 (3): Pursue partnerships as a key means for leveraging resources to meet community needs for park land, sports facilities, and services, while minimizing duplications of effort. Goal 4: Spokane Valley will continue efforts to provide an efficient level of park and recreation services based on current financial resources and the ability of residents to pay for those services Policy 4 -A: The City of Spokane Valley will strive provide facilities, programs, and qualified personnel in a fiscally responsible and cost effective manner. Objective 4 -A (1): Pursue cost sharing and cost recovery mechanisms where appropriate. Objective 4 -A (2): Weigh the costs and benefits of Departmental services and facilities to assist in decision - making regarding programming and facility development. Objective 4 -A (3): Establish equitable fee structures for facilities and programs to help ensure the long -term maintenance and operation of facilities while ensuring affordability. Objective 4 -A (4): Establish more revenue - generating programs to increase program funding and to help fund or subsidize other programs and services. Park and Recreation Plan 1 -8 CHAPTER 1 Objective 4 -A (5): Offer programs at a range of costs (free, low -cost, full price) and implement other strategies to ensure program affordability, while meeting city financial goals. Policy 4 -13: The City of Spokane Valley will strive to provide the highest level of service possible within identified budget parameters. Policy 4 -C: The City of Spokane Valley will periodically update and revise the Master Plan to meet changing fiscal conditions. Objective 4 -C (1): Identify funding options for all proposed projects. Objective 4 -C (2): Make fiscally reasonable recommendations for the development of facilities and services that reflect community desires and needs. Policy4 -D: Encourage the acquisition, maintenance and preservation of public art that inspires and enriches citizens of Spokane Valley. Objective 4 -D (1): Identify public art opportunities that highlight the cultural and historical connections of Spokane Valley through local history, environmental systems and visual symbols. Objective 4 -D (2): Reflect community identify using public art to create unique community places, define or re- define public spaces, or suggest experiences that evoke a strong sense of orientation. Objective 4 -D (3): Use public art to create visible landmarks and artistic points of reference. These projects should serve as a source of community pride and reinforce and further define community identify. Objective 4 -D (4): Encourage public art in private development by providing incentives to include works of art in private development. Objective 4 -D (5): Utilize public art in Spokane Valley to attract visitors to the City. 1 -9 Park & Recreation Plan CHAPTER 2 PLANNING CONTEXT CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 2: PLANNING CONTEXT This chapter provides a profile of Spokane Valley, Washington, in the planning context of parks, recreation facilities, and programs. This profile includes a description of the region, planning area and sub- areas, natural resources, climate, demographics, land use, housing, and population projections. Key Findings The following key findings emerged from an evaluation of the planning context: • Several natural resource areas in Spokane Valley are important for recreation. These lands may be environmentally sensitive and have limited development potential, but they are often conducive to park, open space, and recreation uses. The most notable natural resource in the city is the Spokane River and its adjoining riparian corridor and flood zone. • Spokane Valley has a four - season climate that supports diverse recreation opportunities year- round. Indoor and outdoor facilities should be considered to take advantage of this climate. • Spokane Valley is the eighth largest city in Washington and the second largest in Spokane County, with an estimated 2005 population of 85,010. • Demographic characteristics often provide insights regarding recreation demand, interests, and participation. Since Spokane Valley was incorporated in 2003, there is no specific historical data to illustrate demographic variations. However, population characteristics for the area can be derived from regional population statistics. • Based on the assumptions developed in Spokane Valley's draft Comprehensive Plan, the build -out population (year 2025) is expected to reach over 107,000 people within the current city limits. Park and Recreation Plan 2-1 CHAPTER 2 2.1 REGIONAL CONTEXT The City of Spokane Valley is located near the eastern border of the State of Washington in an inland valley that stretches from the west plains in Eastern Washington, eastward through Spokane and Spokane Valley to Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Spokane Valley is located in the heart of Spokane County. In general, the City is bordered on the west by the City of Spokane and on the east by unincorporated Spokane County, with the newly formed City of Liberty Lake nearby. The City is located approximately 15 miles west of the Idaho border and 110 miles south of the Canadian border. Figure 2- 1 illustrates this regional context. Figure 2 -1 Regional Context a C � L 3 a v_ 0 6 = v a N N h� Long Lake _ Interstate 90 My of Coeur d'Alene SPokone River City of Spokane City of Liberty Lahe Liberty Lake City of Spokane Valley¢�� t�¢CP A Coeur dAtene Lake x � 2 -2 Park and Recreation Plan 2.2 PLANNING AREA The planning area for the Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan includes land within the city limits plus land within the City's urban growth area (UGA) (Figure 2 -2). The City of Spokane Valley encompasses roughly 38.5 square miles (24,640 acres) and generally follows the boundaries described below: • North: the City is bounded by the Town of Millwood, the Spokane River, and Swanson Avenue /Foster Road. • East: Spokane Valley is bordered by Hodges Road, with the City of Liberty Lake nearby. • South: the City has an irregular boundary on the south but generally located in the vicinity of 32nd Avenue. • West: Havana Street is the primary divider on the western side of the City. 2.3 DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS Demographic characteristics often provide insights assessing recreation needs. The existing population base in Spokane Valley serves as the foundation for park and facility demand. Factors such as age and income significantly affect the level of participation and overall interest in recreational activities. Employment, education and ethnicity also play a role. Spokane Valley is the eighth largest City in Washington and the second largest in Spokane County with an estimated 2005 population of 85,010. Table 2.1 illustrates population growth in Spokane County and the State of Washington. There is no historical data prior to city incorporation in 2003. Since no 2000 Census data is available for Spokane Valley, it is assumed that the age distribution of the City of Spokane Valley is Park and Recreation Plan 2 -3 CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 2 similar to the rest of Spokane County. As illustrated in Table 2.3, approximately 25% of the population in Spokane Valley is expected to be under the age of 18. Between 12 -14% of City residents are likely over the age of 65. Seniors in Spokane Valley are better represented demographically than in the State of Washington overall. In general, the older the population, the less they participate in active or competitive recreation activities. In contrast, youth tend to participate in recreation activities more frequently than any other age group and favor more active and competitive activities. These activities historically have included basketball, baseball, soccer, and swimming. However, an emerging trend has been toward non - competitive extreme sports, including skateboarding, in -line skating, mountain biking and rock climbing. Young adults (ages 18 -35) are also an active age group and typically form the core of adult competitive sports. While college students represent a large percentage of Spokane Valley's overall population, particularly for this age group, they may not reflect the needs or desires of the community as a whole. Furthermore, universities and colleges typically provide recreation programs and facilities to meet most of the recreation needs of students. This dramatically reduces the demand for City - provided programs and facilities for this age group. Older adults (ages 35 -65) typically have less time to devote to recreational activities and tend to have a more passive interest in recreation programs. They may, however, participate in parent /child activities or spend time as a spectator at youth events. Personal recreational time is at a premium and often limited to weekends and evenings. 2 -4 Park and Recreation Plan Table 2.1 Historical Population Growth 1900 -2000 City of Spokane Valley, Spokane County and Washington Year City of Spokane Valley % Spokane Ages 18 o 64 . . . 1900 57,542 -- 518,104 -- 1910 139,404 142.3% 1,141,990 54.6% 1920 141,289 1.4% 1,356,621 15.8% 1930 150,477 6.5% 1,563,396 13.2% 1940 164,652 9.4% 1,736,191 10.0% 1950 221,561 34.6% 2,378,963 27.0% 1960 278,333 25.6% 2,853,214 16.6% 1970 287,487 3.3% 3,143,250 9.2% 1980 341,835 18.9% 4,132,353 23.9% 1990 361,333 5.7% 4,866,669 15.1 % 2000 417,349 15.5% 5,894,121 17.4% Table 2.2 Age Distributions - 2000 Selected Geographic Areas Area Ages Under 18 Ages 18 o 64 Age 65 and Over Median State of Washington 25.7% 61.1 % 11.2% 35.3 Spokane County, WA 25.7% 61.9% 12.4% 35.4 Spokane MSA, WA 1 25.7% 61.9% 12.4% 35.4 Spokane CCD, WA 2 25.2% 61.2% 13.6% 35.5 rCi_ City of Coeur d'Alene, ID 24.9% 60.3% 14.8% 34.8 City of Kennewick, WA 29.6% 60.2% 10.2% 32.3 City of Spokane, WA 24.8% 61.2% 14.0% 34.7 City of Yakima, WA 29.4% 56.6% 14.0% 31.4 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Spokane Metropolitan Statistical Area (1), and Spokane Valley Census District (2) (MSA: Metropolitan Statistical Area, CCD: Census County Division) Income levels also reveal important recreation participation characteristics. In general, higher income groups tend to be more active and participate in more expensive types of recreation. Low Park and Recreation Plan 2 -5 CHAPTER 2 NoI:1aIaINN income groups may rely on the provision of subsidized programs or free facilities, such as play areas, trails, and non - scheduled sports fields. Income levels within the region are lower than the state as a whole, but they are higher than many of the surrounding communities. A comparison of the 2000 household incomes is shown in Table 2.3. Income characteristics for Spokane Valley are not available prior to 2003. Table 2.3 Median Household Income Levels - 2000 Selected Geographic Areas Area 2000 Household Income 2000 Per Capita Inca e State of Washington $45,776 $22,973 Spokane County, WA $37,308 $19,233 Spokane MSA, WA $37,308 $19,233 Spokane CCD, WA $35,432 $19,168 Ci eot ok ne ,' afle' YEA OWN NA t M A City of Coeur d'Alene, ID $33,001 $17,454 City of Kennewick, WA $41,213 $20,152 City of Spokane, WA $32,273 $18,451 City of Yakima, WA $29,475 $15,920 Source: U.S. Census Bureau An analysis of the labor force in the region reveals the largest class of employment is "management, professionals and related occupations." This employment class was followed closely by "sales and office occupations." Table 2.4 summarizes employment classifications around Spokane Valley and in comparable cities. Major employers in the Spokane region are listed in Table 2.5. 2 -6 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 2 Table 2.4 Employment Classification - 2000 Selected Geographic Areas Source: U.S. Census Bureau Table 2.5 Major Employer - 2003 Spokane Areas Employer CI- • • . LO • LO • • Cn • LL- • r • CL CL E • State of Washington 35.6% 14.9% 25.9% 1.6% 9.4% 12.7% Spokane County 33.0% 16.9% 28.4% 0.4% 8.6% 12.7% Spokane MSA 33.0% 16.9 % 28.4% 0.4% 8.6 % 12.7% Spokane CCD 32.2% 17.4% 29.1 % 0.3% 8.2% 12.7 % Government URM Stores, Inc 1,314 Food service Avista Corp 1,300 Utility Ci ofS°oka e9 lle' W 'KA M ~ City of Coeur d'Alene, ID 27.8% 19.4% 28.2 % 0.5% 11.9 % 12.2 % City of Kennewick, WA 32.4% 16.3% 26.4% 1.5 % 10.5% 12.9% City of Spokane, WA 32.4% 18.7% 28.5 % 0.4% 7.9% 12.2% City of Yakima, WA 28.0% 18.2% 23.1 % 5.7% 8.4 % 16.5 % Source: U.S. Census Bureau Table 2.5 Major Employer - 2003 Spokane Areas Employer Fairchild Air Force Base 4,969 Military Spokane School District 81 3,147 Education Sacred Heart Medical Center 2,950 Health care State of Washington 2,522 Government Empire Health Services 2,092 Health care City of Spokane 2,083 Government Spokane County 1,961 Government Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. 1,628 Aluminum products U.S. Postal Service 1,482 Government Community Colleges of Spokane 1,458 Education U.S. Government 1,401 Government URM Stores, Inc 1,314 Food service Avista Corp 1,300 Utility Park and Recreation Plan 2 -7 CHAPTER 2 An analysis of race and ethnic background in the region revealed that the ethnic composition of Spokane Valley is largely Caucasian white. Ethnicity is important in terms of recreation interests. Some ethnic groups have a higher participation level in specific types of recreational activities, which would increase the demand for certain types of recreational facilities. A breakdown of race is listed in Table 2.6. Table 2.6 Race - 2000 Selected Geographic Areas Area • .0 r State of Washington 81.1 % 4.6% 5.5% 3.2 % 1.6% 0.4% Spokane County, WA 91.4% 0.8% 1.9% 1.6% 1.4% 0.2% Spokane MSA, WA 91.4% 0.8% 1.9% 1.6% 1.4% 0.2% Spokane CCD, WA 91.0% 0.8% 2.0% 1.6% 1.5% 0.2% wG of"S� okdn_ ekWl NA. _ City of Coeur d'Alene, ID 95.8% 0.6% 0.6% 0.2% 0.8% 0.1 % City of Kennewick, WA 82.9% 9.4% 2.1 % 1.1 % 0.9% 0.1 % City of Spokane, WA 89.5% 0.9% 2.2% 2.1 % 1.8% 0.2% City of Yakima, WA 68.8% 22.0% 1.2% 2.0% 2.0% 0.1 Source: U.S. Census Bureau Note: Approximately 3% of the white category are Hispanic Table 2.7 presents a summary of total population of Hispanic or Latino descent. As can be seen, Spokane Valley maintains a relatively low percentage of residents of Hispanic /Latino descent compared to other jurisdictions. 2 -8 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 2 Table 2.7 Percentage Hispanic /Latino by Jurisdiction - 2000 Selected Geographic Areas Geographical Selected Hispanic State of Washington 7.5% Spokane County, WA 2.8% Spokane MSA, WA 2.8% Spokane CCD, WA 2.8% Ci o0 okane,9dIWWAW N/V '. City of Coeur d'Alene, ID 2.7% City of Kennewick, WA 15.5% City of Spokane, WA 3.0% City of Yakima, WA 33.7% Source: U.S. Census Bureau An analysis of education levels revealed a majority of the adult residents in the Spokane area (88 percent) have a high school degree or higher level of education (Table 2.8). Over a quarter of the residents (24 percent) have a bachelors, or graduate degree. Overall, the breakdown of the educational attainment would suggest a fairly educated community. 2.4 LAND USE Land use plays an important role in the location, distribution, and availability of park and recreational facilities. An evaluation of land use patterns in the Spokane Valley area helped identify the most effective means of meeting the City's park and open space needs. For example, residential areas need near -by, highly accessible parks to serve the people who live in each neighborhood. Industrial areas may need open space or natural area buffers and parks for employee use during the day. High - density commercial areas are more likely to require plazas and small areas for passive recreation. Based on geographic information supplied by the City, the total land area of the City of Spokane Valley is 24,640 acres. Only 21,405 acres within the City are considered to be buildable. A majority of this.land is zoned for residential use (67.4 percent), industrial use (21.8 percent), and commercial /mixed use (10.8 percent). Park and Recreation Plan 2 -9 CHAPTER 2 Table 2.8 Educational Attainment -2000 Selected Geographic Areas Area •. . • . , ID ,� CI 0 ,� State of Washington 4.3% 8.6% 24.9% 26.4% 8.0% 18.4% 9.3% Spokane County, WA 2.9% 8.0% 26.8% 27.2% 10.1 % 16.3% 8.7% Spokane MSA, WA 2.9% 8.0% 26.8% 27.2% 10.1 % 16.3% 8.7% Spokane CCD, WA 3.0% 8.2% 26.9% 27.0% 10.0% 16.1 % 8.7% City of Spokane Valley, WA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA City of Coeur d'Alene, ID 3.9% 10.5% 28.9% 28.7% 8.5% 13.2 % 6.3 % City of Kennewick, WA 6.6% 10.1 % 25.0% 26.1 % 10.1 % 14.7% 7.4% City of Spokane, WA 3.1 % 8.8% 26.3% 26.7% 9.7% 16.2% 9.2% City of Yakima, WA 16.0% 14.6% 26.6% 21.6% 5.3% 10.1 % 5.9% Source: U.S. Census Bureau Since most of the developed land in the City is classified residential, the proximity and location of parks and support facilities within neighborhoods were important criteria to consider for park planning. Also, the overall level of development within the City was particularly important in terms of locating future park and recreation facilities. The challenge in developing a comprehensive park system in Spokane Valley is the lack of available vacant land. According to the Available Lands Study prepared by the City of Spokane Valley, there are few totally vacant sites. There are many partially developed sites (i.e., a house on a 1 -5 acre lot), but few parcels of 15 acres or more in size. This land use pattern makes it difficult to acquire larger sized parcels for park use. 2 -10 Park and Recreation Plan 2.5 HOUSING CHAPTER 2 Based on the 2000 census data, a majority of the households in the Spokane area are 1 -unit detached households. Such residential development is less dense than apartment complexes, mobile home parks, etc., and would allow a larger service area for parks than more densely populated areas. Table 2.9 Housing Units 2000 City of Spokane Valley Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2.6 POPULATION GROWTH In most cities, significant population growth occurs because of new development or the annexation of existing developed areas. Based on the assumptions developed in Spokane Valley's draft Comprehensive Plan, the build -out population (year 2025) is expected to reach over 148,000 people. Within the current city limits, this number is expected to reach 107,000. Table 2.10 shows the population projection for the City of Spokane Valley through the year 2025, based on growth at the County rate. Park and Recreation Plan 2-1 7 CHAPTER 2 Table 2.10 Population Projections City of Spokane Valley Year Spokane Pooulaflon .. kane Valley �.. % of Tota 2000 417,939 2003 432,000 83,950 19.4% 2010 509,327 98,976 19.4% 2015 555,873 108,022 79.4% 2020 606,802 117,919 19.4% 2025 657,946 148,523 22.6% 'Source: Washington State Office of Financial Management 2 Source: Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan. Note populations forecasts between the Comprehensive Plan and the Park and Recreation Plan may vary slightly. 2 -72 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 3 EXISTING PARKS AND FACILITIES CHAPTER 3: EXISTING PARKS AND FACILITIES The City of Spokane Valley is the one of the primary providers of park and recreational facilities in the city. Other public and private providers also contribute parks and open space in the area. Three school districts (West Valley, Central Valley and East Valley) provide a variety of athletic facilities that contribute to the diversity of facilities available in the City. This chapter summarizes the proposed park classification system, along with key findings regarding existing parks, open space, and recreation facilities. A complete inventory of park land and recreation facilities in the Spokane Valley Planning Area is included in Appendices B. 3.1 PARK LAND DEFINITIONS In order to address specific planning needs for park, open space, and recreational areas, park classifications have been proposed. Each park class provides a distinct type of recreational opportunity. The ideal community park system is made up of several different types or classifications of parks. Design guidelines for each park type is found in Appendix D. The classification system proposed for Spokane Valley is as follows: Neighborhood Parks: Neighborhood parks are designed primarily for non - supervised, non - organized recreation activities. They are generally small in size (about 3 -7 acres) and serve people living within approximately one -half mile of the park. Since these parks are located within walking and bicycling distance of most users, the activities they offer serve the entire neighborhood, including children. Typical facilities found in a neighborhood park include: playgrounds, picnic areas, trails, open grass areas for passive use, outdoor basketball courts, restrooms, picnic shelters, and multi -use open grass areas for practice field sports. Community Parks: A community park is planned primarily to provide active and structured recreation opportunities for young people and adults. Community park facilities are designed for organized activities and sports, although individual and family activities are also encouraged. Community parks can also provide indoor facilities to meet a wider range of recreation interests. Community parks serve a much larger area and offer more facilities. As a result, they require more support facilities, such as parking, restrooms, and covered play areas. Community parks Park and Recreation Plan 3-1 CHAPTER 3 i III I .r CHAPTER 3 usually have sport fields or similar facilities as the central focus of the park. Their service area has roughly a 1 -2 mile radius. Large Urban Parks: Large urban parks are parks designed to serve the entire community. Generally, they provide a wide variety of specialized facilities, such as sports fields, indoor recreation areas, and large picnic areas. Due to their size and facilities offered, they require more in terms of support facilities, such as parking, restrooms, and play areas. Large urban parks usually exceed 50 acres in size and should be designed to accommodate large numbers of people. • Regional Parks: Regional parks are large recreation areas designed to serve an entire region beyond the city limits. Often they are acquired to provide a specific and sometimes unique recreation opportunity. • Special Use Areas: Special use areas are sites often occupied by a specialized recreation facility. Some uses that fall into this category include waterfront parks, boat ramps, botanical gardens, community gardens, single purpose sites used for a particular field sport, or sites occupied by recreation buildings. • Linear Parks: Linear parks are developed landscaped areas and other lands that follow linear corridors such as rivers, creeks, abandoned railroad rights -of -way, canals, powerlines, and other elongated features. This type of park usually contains trails, landscaped areas, viewpoints, and seating areas. • Natural Open Space: Natural open space is defined as undeveloped land primarily left in its natural form with recreation uses as a secondary objective. It is usually owned or managed by a governmental agency and may or may not have public access. This type of land may include wetlands, steep hillsides, or other similar spaces. In some cases, environmentally sensitive areas are considered open space and can include wildlife habitats, stream and creek corridors, or unique and /or endangered plant species. • Undeveloped Land: This land is undeveloped and has not yet been designated for a specific park use. 3.2 Park Land Inventory The City of Spokane Valley is joined by the State of Washington and Spokane County in providing park land in the planning area. This section summarizes the parks, open space, and recreation areas provided by these entities. The Plan recognizes that there are several park and open space sites located just outside the Urban Growth Park and Recreation Plan 3 -2 CHAPTER 3 Boundary, such as the Dishman Hills Conservation Area. These sites are not included in the parkland inventory shown on Table 3.1 Figure 3 -1 on following page illustrates the location of the existing parks and open space areas in the Spokane Valley Planning Area. • The park system managed by Spokane Valley consists of active and passive recreational areas. There are 5 neighborhood parks, 1 community park, 1 large urban park, 3 special use areas and 3 undeveloped sites in the park system. In total, the city owns 13 parcels representing more than 163 acres of land. • In terms of overall design and site utilization, most of the parks provide a balance between active use areas and general open space. However, several of the sites are undeveloped and one (Castle Park) is only minimally developed. • In general, the City parks are well maintained but many of the facilities are in need of renovation. Many playgrounds, picnic shelters, and restrooms, while functional, are old and need to be modernized. • Park amenities, such as signage, picnic tables, trash receptacles, bike racks, etc., are either deficient or in poor condition in most City parks. • There are a number of County and State parks sites that either border the City or are nearby. These nearby recreation resources are noted in Appendix B and should be recognized as contributing to the open space character of the community. • In total, 543 acres of parkland, open space, and recreation areas are located in18 sites within the planning area. This land is managed by the City of Spokane Valley and the State of Washington (See Table 3.1). Spokane County manages several sites that are located just outside the city limits. • The current ratio of park land to the community population is 6.46 acres per 1,000 population. This ratio for Spokane Valley is low when compared to similar communities in Oregon and Washington. Park and Recreation Plan 3 -3 CHAPTER 3 Table 3.1 Summary of Parks and Facilities (All Agencies) Spokane Valley Planning Area N- MI21M Cityof Spokane Valley Parks and Facilities Neighborhood Parks 27.58 5 Community Parks 21.91 1 Large Urban Parks 41.91 1 Special Use Areas 20.16 3 Linear Parks 0 0 Natural Open Space 0 0 Undeveloped Land Undesignated 51.89 3 Total City Areas 163.45 13 State of Washington Linear Parks 113.48 1 Natural Open Space Areas 260.94 3 Undeveloped Land Undesignated 5.13 1 Total State Areas 379.55 5 QTotal=, .. . z .. ` 543 00 , .' `. ;�' <... 18'': Table 3.2 Summary of Current Ratios (All Agencies) Spokane Valley Planning Area Park and Recreation Plan 3 -6 �4 :< Elxistin - Park, -nd e--,r attton ,Resources oIA LEGEND Ea tle II Y -_ 1 � Middle . , I _ pp iD� U rb an Growth Boundary nthEas II v ryd High City Limits T entwood AEI Plants 's Ferry mentary Elementary Neighborhood Parks i Camp p Eena Park ��1 -- Sekani •• Elem�nlary Park r; _ _ Community Parks Park - - - - Myrtle Paint - C] Large Urban Parks Shields Park .. • • .Pak 7 ern _ Linear Park Areas (Minneli Rocks) OrcAard - Avenue - - - EI menlary _ Park - West Valley �L. Mirabeau `r. ® Special Use Areas n N Hgh - 7 Millwood ry, _ ark Undeveloped Areas O E to Open Space lord L1NR euterPlace : -. EI memory Sullivan _ W Valley Mission _ I ark - - 0 Private Lands v.r Pak Senior Center DNR 0 Elementary Schools seth P. d d - Valley Mission Element y south - _ 0 MiddlelJUnlor High School8 samma Arthur eN I,. Elementary Progress I� High Schools Park Road Centennial �EI a la BWadw y North Pines ■Elementary f' IMiddle n y - i�.lnnlor HlghG nacres / PflVafe $ChDDIs Pool Elementary . - lorHigh NR _ city Middle Balfour ••••• Existing Trails w t vane G P2tt Y •Park - -- Ad m Central Valley -' -■EI Mary - - - Elemenlary _EFlonk ry Hgh �K Ystone !! �. •. I ` amp - '- Elementary _ .•� - — Edgeclff Caro - Park �rvers ty Center DPP n nitY - �EI -a ry Eveg v `McOOnald WJuni High E 16th Are. �Eemenlmy mU arsity - Dill man ills Elementary Consery e y a hg Tomace S m F'l_.'. V13—dish M w111w '. ew I■ai _J ,, S th Pines Park Browres E . azed A D .sity■P rk DNR QCastle High Ch P DNR ,` ParkI zon EI I rya, iL J 'r High _ f• I.N. t tl Elementary Painted rse Goff Ccu 7— Park and Recreation Plan I Morrow Conservancy' �CDnseryancy_,� -r` ! Existing Park & Recreation /J ) Resources Map City of Spokane Valley, Washington e ,eea <e September 2005 Base data provided by City of Spokane V k I Table 3.3 Total Parkland Comparisons with Other Agencies Agency (Acres Ratio per 1,000 People) Spokane Valley 6.46 Spokane 18.01 Pasco 16.15 Boise 15.87 Washington 30 cities 34.27 Oregon 45 cities 15.96 Montana 6 cities 20.61 Nevada 2 cities 6.76 Source: MIG database Park and Recreation Plan 3 -7 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 3 Table 3.4 Summary of Parks by Type (City Only) Spokane Valley Planning Area Park and Recreation Plan 3 -8 MOW 000 W-1, Neighborhood Parks Balfour Park 2.86 Developed Browns Park 8.03 Developed Castle Park 2.71 Minimally Developed Edgecliff Park 4.74 Developed Terrace View Park 9.24 Developed Subtotal 27.58 Community Parks Valley Mission Park 21.91 Developed Subtotal 21.91 Large Urban Parks Mirobeou Point Park 41.91 Developed Subtotal 41.91 Special Use Areas Park Road Pool 2.00 Developed Sullivan Park 16.07 Developed Valley Senior Center 2.09 Developed CenterPlace 13.60 Developed Subtotal 33.76 Natural Open Space Areas 0.0 None Subtotal 0.0 Linear Parks 0.0 None Subtotal 0.0 Undeveloped Park Land Myrtle Point Park 31.07 Undeveloped Valley Mission Park South 7.22 Undeveloped Subtotal 38.29 Total 163.45 Park and Recreation Plan 3 -8 CHAPTER 3 Recreation Areas Park Area -6 Services Matrix 0 0 a) U -0 • iLn Neighborhood Park Balfour Park (2.86 acres) I 1 1 .n I 1 35 Browns Park (8.03 acres) ( 1 4 1 1 1 83 Castle Park (2.71 acres) ( I I I Storage building Edgecliff Park (4.74 acres)I 2 1 1 1 1 35 ` Storage building Terrace View Park (9.24 acres) x 1 1 1 100 f ( Pool, bathhouse, horseshoe pit Community Parks Valley Mission Park (21.91 acres)" t " 2 1 1 1 2 225 ( Pool, bathhouse, riding arena Large Urban Parks ( I Mirobeau Point Park (41.91 acres) x 2 1 81 1 Stage, viewing platform, trailhead Special Use Areas Park Road Pool (2.00 acres 1 50 j Pool, bathhouse Sullivan Park (16.07 acres) sji` 1 3 1 37 1 r Dance hall, I gazebos, radio control car area Valley Senior Center 2.09 acres I 1 . 75} Reception hall Linear Park Areas None Natural Open Space Areas None I Undeveloped Lands Centerplace (13.60 acres Myrtle Point Park (31.07 acres Valley Mission Park South 7.22 acres Park and Recreation Plan 3 -9 CHAPTER 3 3.3 Park Site Analysis BALFOUR PARK Address: 105 N. Balfour Road Size: 2.8 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (35 spaces, 1 of which is accessible), restroom building, playground area, sand volleyball court, open turf area, site amenities (park sign, drinking fountain, 14 trash receptacles, 13 picnic tables) Condition: Overall, the site is in good condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g., curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along Main and Balfour Streets; deteriorating edge restraint around playground and volleyball courts; no permanently affixed picnic tables; no ADA access (ramp) to the playground area; parking surfacing is showing signs of age; perimeter fencing limits access to site; absence of typical neighborhood park facilities (e.g., internal pathways, shelter, permanent picnic tables and sport courts for basketball) and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: Water playground area, new park signage Comments: Park lies adjacent to Fire Station. Some consideration should be given to expanding the site to the west on currently vacant land. Park and Recreation Plan �w 3 -10 BROWNS PARK CHAPTER 3 Address: 3019 S. Pines Road Size: 8.2 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (83 spaces), softball field, restroom building, shelter building, playground area, sand volleyball courts (4), open turf area, site amenities (park sign, drinking fountain, 7 trash receptacles, 15 picnic tables -6 of which are permanent on concrete pad, 2 barbeques) Condition: Overall, the site is in good condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g. curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along Cherry Street; traffic and congestion associated with parking along adjacent residential neighborhood streets; parking surfacing is showing signs of age; picnic shelter is old and showing signs of age; playground area is old; playground safety material is gravel; no accessible routes to the playground area, picnic areas or restrooms; property damage from fly balls associated with softball play; poor ball field drainage; deteriorating edge restraint around playground and volleyball courts; picnic tables are old and showing signs of wear; perimeter fencing limits access to site; absence of typical neighborhood park facilities (e.g., internal pathways and sport courts for basketball) and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: The site is located across 32nd Avenue from University High School Park and Recreation Plan 3-1 7 CHAPTER 3 CASTLE PARK Address: 3415 S. University Road Size: 2.7 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed (minimally) Existing Facilities: Parking area (undetermined size), open turf area, storage building, site amenities (3 picnic tables, 2 trash receptacles) Condition: Overall, the site is in good condition Deficiencies /Problems: General absence of neighborhood park facilities (playground, picnic shelters, sports courts, pathways, etc.), drainage problems, no permanently affixed picnic tables, parking is not clearly defined or improved and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: This site provides a nice setting. Park and Recreation Plan 3-12 CENTERPLACE Address: 2426 N Discovery Place Size: 13.6 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Completed in September 2005 Planned Improvements: 54,000 square foot building (includes senior center, meeting space, classrooms, auditorium, great hall, student lounge) Comments: This site lies adjacent to Mirabeau Park, close to the Centennial Trail and the Spokane River. 4. r"h T - 4`cn.fi a�# t Park and Recreation Plan 3 -13 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 3 EDGECLIFF PARK Address: 800 S. Park Road Size: 4.8 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (35 spaces), softball field, restroom building, tennis courts (2), basketball court on tennis court, shelter building, playground area, open turf area, storage building, site amenities (park sign, 2 drinking fountains, 13 trash receptacles, 25 picnic tables — 9 which are on a permanent concrete pad) Condition: Overall, the site is in good condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g., curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along 6 t Street, Park Avenue and 8" Street; parking surfacing areas showing signs of age; concrete area behind softball field is deteriorated; restroom is old and is showing signs of age; playground safety material is gravel; picnic shelter is old; picnic tables are showing signs of wear; tennis courts surfacing is completely worn; fencing around tennis courts is too low and damaged; playground area is old; no accessible routes to the playground area; restroom building; softball fields and tennis courts; perimeter fencing limits access to site; absence of typical neighborhood park facilities (e.g., internal pathways and sport courts for basketball) and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: This site provides a nice setting. Park and Recreation Plan 3 -14 MIRABEAU POINT PARK CHAPTER 3 Address: 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway Size: 41.9 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (81 spaces), restroom building, shelter building (2), stage, site amenities (park sign, 15 trash receptacles, 18 picnic tables — 3 which are on a permanent concrete pad; 5 benches, bike rack) Mirabeau Meadows: Large shelter with utilities Mirabeau Springs: Small shelter, viewing platform, boardwalk, pond, waterfall, Centennial Trailhead Condition: Overall, the site is in excellent condition Deficiencies /Problems: None Planned Improvements: Playground area Comments: This is the newest the park facility developed in the City of Spokane Valley. 'V W Park and Recreation Plan 3-15 CHAPTER 3 MYRTLE POINT PARK Address: 12300 E. Upriver Drive Size: 31.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Undeveloped Existing Facilities: None Condition: Not applicable Deficiencies /Problems: No vehicular access Planned Improvements: None at this time Comments: This site is only accessible from the Centennial Trail. It is bordered by the Spokane River on one side and undeveloped land on the other. The adjacent property presents an excellent opportunity to develop a greenbelt along the Spokane River. r t �4 r Park and Recreation Plan 3 -16 PARK ROAD POOL Address: 906 N. Park Road Size: 2.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed CHAPTER 3 Existing Facilities: Parking area (50 spaces), restroom building, swimming pool (25 yard x 6 lane), bathhouse, site amenities (park sign, 2 picnic tables, trash receptacles, drinking fountain) Condition: Overall, the site is in fair condition Deficiencies /Problems: Parking surfacing is old and showing signs of repair; fencing and decking is showing sign of age Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: Site lies adjacent to Centennial Middle School and offers some opportunity for expansion. Park and Recreation Plan 3-17 CHAPTER 3 SULLIVAN PARK Address: 1901 N. Sullivan Road Size: 10.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley (portion leased to private concessionaire) Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (37 spaces, of which 2 are ADA accessible), restroom building, shelter building (3), gazebo (2), playground area, open turf area, Western Dance Hall, caretaker, radio control car course, site amenities (park sign, 9 trash receptacles, 12 picnic tables, 3 drinking fountains, barbeque) Condition: Overall, the site is in fair condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g., curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along Sullivan Road; lack of parking area improvements (tree, landscaped areas, etc.); parking surfacing is showing signs of age; site is not current connected to the city's infrastructure (e.g., sewer, water); no accessible routes to connect park facilities; shelters are old and deteriorating; irrigation system is antiquated; playground is old and lacks diversity; absence of external restroom building, internal pathways and sport courts for basketball; lack of access to the river front; and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage. Comments: This site offer river access to the Spokane River Park and Recreation Plan 3-13 TERRACE VIEW PARK Address: 13525 E. 24" Avenue CHAPTER 3 Size: 9.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (100 spaces), softball field, restroom building, playground area, open turf area, basketball court in parking lot, horseshoe pits, swimming pool (25 yard x 6 lane), bathhouse, site amenities (park sign, 10 trash receptacles, 31 picnic tables - 8 of which are permanent on concrete pad, 3 drinking fountains, 3 barbeques) Condition: Overall, the site is in fair condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g., curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along 24" and Blake Streets; parking surfacing is showing signs of age; shelters are old and deteriorating; playground area is old; playground safety material is gravel; no accessible routes to the playground area, restroom, softball field; deteriorating edge restraint around playground; absence of typical neighborhood park facilities (e.g., internal pathways; shelters and sport courts for basketball); pool fencing and decking is showing sign of age;, perimeter fencing limits access to site; and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: None Park and Recreation Plan 3 -79 CHAPTER 3 VALLEY MISSION PARK Address: 11123 E. Mission Avenue Size: 17.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley (portion leased to private concessionaire) Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (225 spaces), softball field, restroom building (2), tennis courts (2), basketball court, shelter building, playground area, open turf area, swimming pool (25 yard x 6 lane), bathhouse, riding arena, waterslide, site amenities (park sign, 17 trash receptacles, 38 picnic tables - 10 of which are permanent on concrete pad, 2 drinking fountains) Condition: Overall, the site is in fair condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g., curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along Mission Avenue and Bowdish Street, lack of parking area improvements (tree, landscaped areas, etc.), parking surfacing areas showing signs of age, restroom is old and is showing signs of age, playground area is old, no accessible routes to park facilities (e.g., playground area, shelters, restrooms); playground safety material is gravel; picnic shelter is old and showing signs of age; picnic tables are showing signs of wear;, tennis courts and basketball court surfacing is completely worn; irrigation system is antiquated, absence of internal pathways and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: A new master plan should be prepared prior to any additional public investment in this site. As part of this study, some consideration should be given to removing the horse arena and converting it to another recreational use. Splashdown, a private water park, is located within this park. Park and Recreation Plan 3 -20 VALLEY MISSION PARK (SOUTH) CHAPTER 3 Address: E. Mission Avenue Size: 10.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Undeveloped Existing Facilities: None Condition: Not applicable Deficiencies /Problems: Not applicable Planned Improvements: None at this time Comments: This site lies across Mission Avenue from Valley Mission Park. Due to its size it offers a number of opportunities for future development Park and Recreation Plan 3 -21 3.4 SUMMARY OF RECREATION FACILITIES The following key findings emerged from the evaluation of existing recreation facilities: The City of Spokane Valley provides comparatively few sports facilities. With the exception of four ball fields, four tennis courts and 9,900 square feet of outdoor swimming pool area, most facilities in the planning area are provided by the school districts or by private recreation providers. Some facilities are highly developed and meet the design standards for their individual sports, while others are minimally developed and are only suitable for practice. Individual facilities range from good to poor condition. • Table 3.6 presents the inventory of sports facilities within the Spokane Valley Planning Area. Table 3.6 Summary of Recreational Facilities (All Agencies) Spokane Valley Planning Area Facility Total Number of Facilities Baseball Fields 16 4 12 Softball Fields 26 5 21 Soccer Fields 29 2 27 Football Fields 16 -- -- Tennis Courts 76 Gymnasiums 47 Pool Space (sq. ft.) 13, t. sq. ft. Park and Recreation Plan 3 -22 CHAPTER 4 EXISTING OPERATIONS CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 4: EXISTING OPERATIONS This chapter reviews the existing operations and management of the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department. The review includes an analysis of the Department's organizational structure, staffing levels, and operations, including the operating budget, revenue and expenditures, and maintenance costs. The chapter also discusses current program participation. Key Findings The following key findings emerged from the analysis of park and recreation operations and management. • Park and recreation services in Spokane Valley are grouped within one department, the Parks and Recreation Department. Within the department, aquatics and park maintenance operations are privately contracted. • For its first full operating year, The City budgeted four full time positions. With the completion of CenterPlace, this number was increased to seven positions in 2005. • In 2004, park and recreation services accounted for 6.2% of the City's General Fund. For 2005, expenditures will increase to 7.1 %. For most cities studied by MIG, the average amount spent for park and recreation services is about 10 -12% of the General Fund. • The ratio of cost to revenue for park and recreation services in Spokane Valley is 7.6 %. Based on comparisons of more than 50 cities studied by MIG, this ratio ranges from a low of 25% to a high of 75 %. The reason for the low ratio for Spokane Valley is that few facilities or programs are offered that generate revenue. • Spokane Valley spends approximately $5,822 per acre of developed parkland for maintenance. Based on comparisons of more than 50 cities studied by MIG, this amount is slightly above average for cities east of the Cascades but low for cities on the western side of the State. Park and Recreation Plan 4 -1 CHAPTER 4 hu f1�:1� ry 4.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The organizational structure of the Parks and Recreation Department, along with its position within the government of the City of Spokane Valley, affects the management and provision of park and recreation services. City Structure In Spokane Valley, there are six separate departments that provide municipal services to Spokane Valley residents: Executive and Legislative Support, Community Development, Police, Public Works, Operations and Administration, and Parks and Recreation. Each of these departments reports to the City Manger /CEO, who in turn transmits information to the Mayor and City Council and ultimately the citizens of the community. Currently, several City services are contracted out to private businesses or agencies. These include street maintenance, park maintenance, and aquatic operations. Figure 4 -1 presents the organization of the City of Spokane Valley. Parks and Recreation Department Within the Parks and Recreation Department there are six primary areas of responsibility: Park Administration, Parks Maintenance, Recreation, Aquatics, Senior Services, and CenterPlace. Each of these areas is managed and /or supervised by the Parks and Recreation Director. • Park Administration: The Park Administration division is responsible for implementing the City Council's goals and objectives for providing park and recreation services. • Park Maintenance: This division is primarily responsible for monitoring the general upkeep of parks and public areas throughout the City, consistent with the goals and objectives set forth by the City Council. Currently, park maintenance services are contracted with a private operator. • Recreation: The Recreation Division is responsible for coordinating and /or providing park and recreation services within the City. Currently, programs include a summer day camp, indoor gym for tiny tots, free playground programs, and limited special events. • Aquatics: This division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Ciys three swimming pools. The City of Spokane Valley contracted with the YMCA to operate and maintain the three pools starting in 2005. 4 -2 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 4 Spokane Valley Citizens City Council City I Manager /CEO Deputy City { Manager COO j Executive & Community Police Public Works Parks & Operations & l Legislative Development ______... j Administration `°� Recreation Support (Contract) — - Planning, Building and Engineering, Stormwater Finance, Legal and Code Compliance and Transportation Administration ............................... ............................... - ..........................., Park Administration, Parks Maintenance, Aquatics, Recreation Programs, Senior [ Center and CenterPlace Figure 4 -1: City Organizational Structure Park and Recreation Plan 4 -3 CHAPTER 4 Park Maintenance ........................... ............................... Contracted Services • Senior Services: The Senior Services Division is responsible for coordinating services at the Spokane Valley Senior Center. The Senior Center programs and services was moved from its original building to CenterPlace. • CenterPlace: This division is responsible for the operation and management of the CenterPlace community building. Figure 4.2 illustrates the organization of the Parks and Recreation Department. Parks & Recreation Director (1 FTE) Administrative Assistant (1 FTE) Recreation Aquatics Senior Center CenterPlace Operation Operation Center Place Contracted Coordinator Services (1 FTE) Recreation [Senior Center Admin Assistant Coordinator Specialist (1 FTE) (1 FTE) (1 FTE) Figure 4 -2: Parks and Recreation Department Organizational Structure 4 -4 Park and Recreation Plan Maintenance I (1 FTE) 4.2 STAFFING LEVELS CHAPTER 4 In order to meet the demand for park and recreation services, the City has budgeted for a staff of seven full time positions. Table 4.1 below shows the number of employees (full time equivalents) since the City's incorporation in 2003. Table 4.1 Staffing Levels since Incorporation City of Spokane Valley (') 9 Month Actual (Z) Amended Budget iii Budgeted The table above illustrates a low ratio of employees for park and recreation services. This is primarily attributed to the lack of a developed recreation program and the fact that the City contracts out park maintenance and aquatics operations. Based on the 2004 amended budget, the ratio of FTE's to population is 1 employee per 16,790 population. This is up slightly from 2003 where there was 1 park and recreation employee per 20,501 population (Table 4.2). In communities with an extensive park system and an established recreation program, it is common to see a ratio of park and recreation employees to population in the 5,000 -7,000 range. While Spokane Valley's ratio is much lower, the City was incorporated in 2003 and has yet to expand is current range of services. Park and Recreation Plan 4 -5 CHAPTER 4 Table 4.2 Ratio of FTE to Population City of Spokane Valley (1) 9 Month Actual i'l Amended Budget M Budgeted 4.3 OPERATIONS Full Time, Part Time and Seasonal Employees Staffing in Spokane Valley for fiscal year 2004 included four full -time employees and some seasonal /hourly employees. Many communities are increasingly utilizing seasonal employees to meet peak demand needs and reduce operating costs. The City of Spokane Valley utilizes seasonal employees for recreation programs and CenterPlace operations. City Operating Budget Table 4.3 shows the City's General Fund budget and the budget for parks and recreation services. Recognizing that the 2003 budget represented a start -up budget when the City was incorporated, there is little data available to provide a historical perspective on budgetary items. In 2003, park and recreation services accounted for a small fraction of the City's overall General Fund budget. For the 2004 year, 6.2% of the City's General Fund was allocated for park and recreation services. For 2005, the figure is expected to increase slightly to 7.1 %. 4 -6 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 4 Table 4.3 Budget Allocations — 2003 - 2005 City of Spokane Valley Year City General Fund Budget (1) (2) Parks and Recreation Percentage of Totai_.: 0• •00 $1,601,780 .' City of Coeur d'Alene, ID $19,445,214 $1,752,575 9.0% 00 :. $2,862,000 9.1% t't Excludes Capital Outlay (2) Excludes Debt Service 0) 9 Month Actual (4) Amended Budget (5) Budgeted Table 4.4 below illustrates the comparisons of General Fund and Park and Recreation Fund for selected cities. Table 4.4 General Fund and Park and Recreation Fund Selected Communities — 2004 Agency City General Fund .. Parks .. . . City of Spokane Valley $25,804,125 $1,601,780 6.2% City of Coeur d'Alene, ID $19,445,214 $1,752,575 9.0% City of Kennewick, WA $31,200,000 $2,862,000 9.1% City of Spokane, WA $122,107,903 $13,300,000 11.9% City of Yakima, WA $48,335,133 $4,200,000 8.7% t't Excludes Capital Outlay and Debt Services (2) Adopted Budget In communities that offer a full range of park and recreation services, MIG has found that the ratio of General Fund to Park and Recreation Fund ranges from 10 -12 %. Park and Recreation Plan 4 -7 CHAPTER 4 When compared to other communities in the region (Table 4.4), the total share of resources allocated to park and recreation services in Spokane Valley (2004) is below average of the selected communities. However, because the City is newly incorporated, it has yet to develop a comprehensive park and recreation program. Departmental Expenditures Table 4.5 illustrates Departmental expenditures for each area of service. In 2004, Administration and Park Maintenance received a majority of the budget. This was because expenditures were attributed to the maintenance contract for the park system and swimming pools. In 2005 these budget items were separated to better reflect cost centers. Table 4.5 Park and Recreation Services Budget Breakdown City of Spokane Valley Division 2004 Amended Budget Expenditures Total 2005 Budgeted Expenditures Percent of Total Parks Administ $980,262 61.2% $215,425 Park Maintenance $854,837 44.2% Recreation $103,433 6.5% $158,215 8.2% Aquatics N $263,074 16.4% $255,818 13.2% Senior Center $129,371 8.1% $126,592 6.5% CenterPlace (4) $125,640 7.8% $321,299 16.6% TOT - 31= 1 780 , ,.1'000% =... 0140 32,186 0) 9 Month Actual (3) Amended Budget (3J Budgeted t'l Excludes capital outlay P) Prior to 2005, parks administration and maintenance were combined as one budget. In most communities, park maintenance (excluding administration) receives about 40 % -50% of the total operating budget for park and recreation services. Similarly, administration usually accounts for roughly 10% and the remaining budget is divided among other recreation programs and services. 4 -8 Park and Recreation Plan Based on the 2005 budget information, the various divisions in Spokane Valley appear to receive an appropriate amount relative to the overall allocation of resources. Department Revenues Aside from local taxes (property tax, retails sales and use tax, excise tax), some parks and recreation services can generate a considerable amount of revenue through fees and charges associated with recreation programs and facility rentals. When compared to the total budget, revenues from park and recreation services in Spokane Valley account for only 9.3% of the total operating budget (Table 4.6). For most communities, studied by MIG, the rate of return for services range from a low of 25% to a high of 75 %. Some of the revenue sources for the various areas of service include: • Park Administration can generate revenue through grants and donations. The collection of park impact fees is also another source of revenue. • Park Facilities can generate revenue through reservations and facility rentals. However, at the present time, this potential is minimal due to the lack of facilities in the existing parks. • Recreation Programs can generate significant revenues from class fees and services. Currently, this revenue source is very limited due to the lack of classes offered. However, much of the cost can be recovered through the registration fee. • Aquatic operations generate revenue through admission fees and swim lessons. Revenues from this operation could be increased by adding facilities and activities that generate more usage. • Senior Services operations generate revenues from user fees associated with programs and services. • CenterPlace, once fully operational, will generate revenue through admissions, lease of space, rentals and sale of concession items. One means of analyzing revenue production is to compare operating costs on a per capita basis. The gross cost per capita is the total cost of the services divided by the number of persons in the service area. However, this is not necessarily the true cost to the taxpayer because it does not reflect the net cost after revenue is deducted. Park and Recreation Plan 4 -9 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 4 Since. parks and recreation services in Spokane Valley generate very little revenue, the gross and net cost of services is fairly similar. However, in some communities, the difference can be more than twofold due to the amount of revenue generated from fees and charges. Table 4.6 shows the comparison of revenue and costs for the various service areas of the Department. Table 4.7 compares Spokane Valley with other communities. Table 4.6 Revenue /Expenditures 2004 & 05 City of Spokane Valley Division 2004 Expenditures 0) a Percent of Total Parks Administraiion $16,625 $960,961 1.7% Park Maintenance Recreation $25,379 $77,332 32.8% Aquatics $74,930 $249,547 30.0% Senior Center $12,100 $77,726 15.6% CenterPlace $0 $14,675 0.0% City of Yakima, WA 79,480 $4,200,000 $52.84 T ;TA $129;03 $13802411 9 3Yo: t'i Amended budget Table 4.7 Cost Per Capita — Selected Cities 2004 City of Spokane Valley city Population Operating City of Spokane Valley 83,950 $1,601,780 $19.08 $17.63 9.3% City of Coeur d'Alene, ID 36,259 $1,752,575 $48.33 $44.66 7.6% City of Kennewick, WA 58,970 $2,862,000 $48.53 NA NA City of Spokane, WA 197,400 $13,300,000 $67.38 $49.64 26.3% City of Yakima, WA 79,480 $4,200,000 $52.84 4 -10 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 4 4.4 MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS Table 4.8 compares the cost of maintenance for selected cities. Table 4.8 Maintenance Cost Per Acre - 2004 City of Spokane Valley city Parks Maintenance -Budget-OT.. Maintained Acres (21 Cost Per Acre City of Spokane Valle M $649,539 111.56 $5,822 City of Coeur d'Alene, ID $841,180 156.30 $5,382 City of Kennewick, WA $1,456,000 312.00 $4,667 City of Spokane, WA 141 $7,500,000 1,035.20 $7,245 City of Yakima, WA $1,300,000 330.38 $3,935 0) Excludes capital outlay (2) Excludes open space and undeveloped park land i31 Park maintenance services contract i °I Excludes golf course maintenance In communities throughout the Northwest, cities spend on average $6,000 -$7000 per acre for parks maintenance. Some Northwest cities and park districts spend as much as $8,000- 10,000 per acre. Spokane Valley spends approximately $5,822 per acre of developed parkland for maintenance. Based on comparisons of more than 50 cities studied by MIG, this amount is slightly above average for cities east of the Cascades but low for cities on the western side of the State. 4.5 RECREATION PARTICIPATION Listed below is a summary of the recreation programs and services offered by the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department. Park and Recreation Plan 4 -11 CHAPTER 4 Table 4.9 Participation in City Sponsored Recreation Programs - 2004 Participant Hours represents the total hours of attendance for the class or activity. For example, if a class is offered 3 times a week for an hour for 10 weeks, then there are 30 participant hours per person. Based on the statistics above, there are 0.69 participations per capita for the City of Spokane Valley sponsored programs. Typically, communities with an average participation level that offer a full range of program and services have per capita participation ranging from 2.5 to 4.0. Some communities with high levels of participation have per capita participation levels of 6.5 or higher. 4 -72 Park and Recreation Plan Recreation Division Day Camp 258 11,610 Indoor Playground 29 580 Play Camp 14 210 Supervised Playgrounds 135 1,626 Subtotal 436 74,026 Aquatics Division Swimming Lesson 1,012 5,060 Recreation Swim 16,083 32,166 Subtotal 77,095 37,226 Senior Center Health Services 204 72 Lectures 142 342 Wellness 64 2,136 Arts and Crafts 132 352 Trips/Tours 481 4,192 Subtotal 1,023 7,094 TfiTOTA� 18;551= r 58,346' Participant Hours represents the total hours of attendance for the class or activity. For example, if a class is offered 3 times a week for an hour for 10 weeks, then there are 30 participant hours per person. Based on the statistics above, there are 0.69 participations per capita for the City of Spokane Valley sponsored programs. Typically, communities with an average participation level that offer a full range of program and services have per capita participation ranging from 2.5 to 4.0. Some communities with high levels of participation have per capita participation levels of 6.5 or higher. 4 -72 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 5 NEEDS ASSESSMENT CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT This chapter discusses the need for parks, facilities and other recreation services within the city. It contains a summary of the findings from the household survey, the public visioning workshop, focus group meetings, an earlier city -wide telephone survey, and an organized sports questionnaire. From this information, Table 5.1 summarizes park and facility needs. A more detailed analysis of the survey process and results is found in Appendix C and the quantification of park and facility needs in Discussion Paper #5 (Needs Assessment). 5.1 HOUSEHOLD RECREATION SURVEY A survey of public attitudes, recreation interests and recreation participation characteristics was made in the City of Spokane Valley during Winter of 2004 and Spring of 2005. Questionnaires were distributed to randomly selected households within the City limits of Spokane Valley. Each member of the household age 10 and over was asked to fill out a separate questionnaire. CHAPTER 5 The survey results reflect resident opinions city -wide within a margin of error of plus or minus 5% at a 95% confidence level. In other words, it is 95% certain that these results should vary no more than 5% from the results if everyone in the city had been surveyed. A total of 398 surveys were returned. Key findings from the recreation survey include: • Overall, school recreation areas receive the most usage by Spokane Valley residents with "a park near my home" as second highest. Centennial Trail was third. • When asked by residents who do not use Spokane Valley parks, 31 % stated that they had no desire to use the facilities. "Don't have facilities I'm interested in" was the second rated reason. • The most common reason residents traveled outside the City of Spokane Valley to participate in recreation activities was for organized sports. • Residents indicated that acquiring additional land along the Spokane River was very important. Park and Recreation Ylan ')- i :HAPTER 5 • When asked if more parkland was needed, slightly less than half (46 %) supported the idea. • When asked what projects should have the highest priority, an indoor swimming pool, the development of a city -wide trail system and acquisition of riverfront property were cited most often. • Over 37% of respondents cited a multi -tank, indoor swimming pool as the preferred option for meeting future swimming needs. • When asked what programs should be offered, "after- school activities for youth ", and "summer youth activities" received the most support. • Over 81% of the respondents indicated there are not adequate programs for the teenage youth in Spokane Valley. • Roughly 78% of the residents indicated there is a need for before and after school programs. • When asked what cultural arts programs are most needed, "performances or concerts in the parks" and "community art festivals and special events" received the most support. When asked where the City should place its emphasis in park services, the most frequently cited response was "upgrading existing park facilities ". "Acquire new parks sites and open space areas" also received strong support. 72% of the respondents indicated they would support some type of tax measure for additional park and recreation facilities. However, this support would depend on the amount and type of projects. • Participation in 40 identified recreation activities by Spokane Valley residents is roughly 58% higher than the MIG average. • The activities with the highest latent demand (defined as activities they would like to participate in if the facilities were more available) were: o Arts • Drama (attending) • Dancing (social) • Arts (Painting /Sketching) • Crafts (Pottery/Ceramics) o Basketball 5 -2 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 5 o Tennis o Concerts (attend) o Museums /Galleries o Swimming in a lake or river 5.2 PUBLIC VISIONING WORKSHOP In November, 2004, a Public Visioning Workshop was held. Approximately 33 residents participated in the meeting, which was held at the Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene. The following key findings emerged from the visioning workshop: • Vision for City: Provide a balanced and dispersed network of parks (large and small) and trails. Integrate with other public facilities. • Most Needed Facilities: Participants identified a need for indoor facilities (recreation center, aquatic center and outdoor facilities (trails, skate parks, sport fields and river frontage). • Improvements to Existing Parks: Improvements are needed to existing facilities including the horse arena and more park amenities. • Emphasis on Park and Recreation Services: Participants felt the Parks and Recreation Department should place an emphasis on the acquisition of land, trail development, park improvements and program development. • Role of City in Programs /Services: The City should coordinate and support existing service providers and provide additional programs and services in areas of identified need. 5.3 FOCUS GROUP MEETINGS Several focus group meetings were held to obtain additional input from special interest groups. Specific groups included youth sports, adult sports, cultural arts, SCOPE, trails /open space, seniors, Green Acres Neighborhood, Ponderosa Neighborhood, and planning representatives (Planning Department and Planning Commission). The following key findings emerged from the focus group meetings: Park and Recreation Plan 5 -3 '.HAPTER 5 • Vision for City: The City should offer a wide range of programs and services. Responsibility should be shifted away from the schools to the Parks and Recreation Department. • Role of City in Programs /Services: The role of the City should be to provide parks and facilities and coordinate programs and services. • Issues: Participants noted several issues, including priority of park and recreation services relative to other City services; partnerships; funding for park and recreation services; land acquisition; and the development of park impact fees. • Needs: Identified needs included indoor facilities (community center space, day care space) and outdoor areas (local parks, sport fields, trails /bike lanes, pool, gardens, garden plots, equestrian facilities, etc). 5.4 TELEPHONE SURVEY A citywide telephone survey was conducted in the Spring of 2004. All totaled, 409 responses were received from 3,775 attempted calls. The survey addressed many City services, including a few questions regarding the delivery of park and recreation services. The following pertinent findings emerged from the citywide telephone survey: • New Parks: Only 14% of the respondents indicated that building new parks was a high priority, but 42% felt that it was a medium priority. • Quality of Recreation Facilities: On a 5 -point rating scale, 71 % of the respondents rated facilities as good, very good, or excellent. • Proximity to Recreation Facilities: Only 59% of the respondents indicated that there were park /recreation facilities in close proximity to their neighborhood. 5.5 ORGANIZED SPORTS QUESTIONNAIRE During the Fall of 2004, organized sport questionnaires were sent to all organized sport groups providing services within Spokane Valley. Key findings include: • Overall, a majority of the sport groups indicated there are sufficient fields to meet the demand of their leagues. However, field condition in some cases is an issue. 5 -4 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER S 5.6 SUMMARY OF PARK LAND NEEDS The detailed methodology for assessing park and facility needs is found in Discussion Paper #5. Stated below is a summary of the findings stated in quantifiable terms. These needs are based on the vision set forth by the community and the demand for recreation opportunities measured in various public involvement venues. The Needs Assessment provides the information necessary to make informed decisions on how many acres of parks and number of facilities are needed to meet current and future needs. However, not all needs can be or should be provided by the City. Some community needs can be met by other agencies, schools, the County, private organizations and public service organizations such as the YMCA. The community needs identified in this chapter were used to develop recommendations for the park system presented in Chapter 7. Methodology Developing a statement of need for parks and open space areas depends on localized values, availability of land, financial resources, and desired service levels. To determine specific park land needs for the Spokane Valley Planning Area, several analytical methods were used. These include: • Recreation demand (measured through public involvement activities) • National trends and standards • Land availability • Geographical deficiencies for parks and open space areas In synthesizing this information, park land standards were developed for each park classification. These standards are based on a ratio of park acreage to population, expressed in terms of number of acres per 1,000 people. The standard indicates a level of service necessary to meet the park and recreation needs of all residents in Spokane Valley. The level of service standard developed in this Plan is based on local conditions and does not reflect national standards. As a result, they vary somewhat from the standards developed in the Comprehensive Plan. The analysis looks at the existing ratio of park land in comparison to the city's existing population. By establishing a recommended level of service, a demand standard can be calculated based on a model developed by MIG. Applying the demand standard to the existing and Park and Recreation Plan 5 -5 'HAPTER 5 future population forecast, existing and future parkland needs can be determined. Adopted Level of Service Standards The following level of service standards (LOS) were used to calculate park needs: • Mini -Parks (no LOS was established since this type of park is not recommended. • Neighborhood Parks — Service area of'h mile radius • Community Parks — Service area of 1 mile radius Summary of Parkland Needs Table 5.1 summarizes existing and forecasted park land needs for the Spokane Valley Planning Area. These needs are based on an adopted level of service standard based on a service area, density or other factor adopted by the City. The following terms are used in the analysis: • Existing ratio is the amount of existing park land divided by the existing population. The existing ratio is expressed in terms of acres per 1,000 people. • Proposed demand standard is the desired amount of park land based on an adopted level of service. It is also expressed in terms of acres per 1,000 people. The standard is derived by calculating the total amount of park land or facilities needed and divided by the build -out population of the planning area. • Total need (year 2005) is the number of acres needed in Spokane Valley to meet today's needs of all City residents. • Net need (year 2005) takes into account Spokane Valley's existing park sites and determines if more acreage is needed to meet current community needs. If additional parks are needed, the number of acres and sites needed are noted in the table. • Total need (year 2025) is the park acreage that will be needed in Spokane Valley at build -out (the year 2025) to serve the City's future population. • Net need (year 2025) is the amount of park acreage that will be needed at build -out in addition to existing sites. Based on the analysis, there is a need for additional park land in all categories, particularly for neighborhood and community parks. Figures 5.1 and 5.2 illustrate the underserved areas for neighborhood parks and community parks respectively. However, meeting park 5 -6 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 5 needs in some of the neighborhoods will be difficult because of the lack of available land. Chapter Six addresses this issue and suggests ways those needs might be met. Table 5.1 Summary of Park Land Needs Spokane Valley Planning Area I Park . Total Land (in Exiisfing Ratio Proposed Demand Standard Total Year 2005 Year 2005 .. Neighborhood Parks 27.58 0.33 1.39 116.69 89.11 177.78 150.20 Community Parks 21.91 0.26 1.74 146.07 124.16 222.55 200.64 Large Urban Parks 41.91 0.50 0.72 60.44 18.53 92.09 50.18 Special Use Areas 20.16 0.24 1.64 137.68 117.52 209.76 189.60 Linear Parks 113.48 1.35 1.36 114.18 0.70 173.94 60.46 Natural Open Space 260.94 3.11 3.21 269.48 8.54 410.56 149.62 Undeveloped Land 54.30 TOTAL 543.00 6.47 10.06 844.54 358.56 1,286.68 800.70 (1) Ratio of park land to an existing population of 83,950 persons (2) Expressed in acres per 1,000 population (3) Based on forecasted population of 127,900 persons Park and Recreation Plan 5 -7 CP #2 IP #4 lei h borhooa, Park, _r O NP #1 i i �Y# von• , �i t iq�n CP #1 L�1 1 ( E. wIf4 ey,25 �le#,te Yo °y �•� Q�Ie —Pa Pork ry Plante's Ferry ark e. ' NP #2 e. vem a � •••.. .••• • • •' y PCke Poi • • pppp s) Pafknue ve t voney `L �rementnry r _ ©�II i Nlirpbeau 0 �b Area Ala a rvi �� P LEGEND NP #27 '!� ielwoo y NP #7 �dA and F e�tory j lace CP 10 NP #28 P # ull, # ar NP #6 ��. ga or rnreemre NP #29 genio so Cent r 0� %tmh ft do.d # all fission II,,��`` r NP 9 oufvh _ Po I Rob r�i�ebiennini t ®ntaryNeSS �b��" 1y g�lor PAPS'# iemen ory CP #8 [Xr°9anmrylJP 23 �NP #30 g # �O�Juni'or wi NP #8 �lT� sss gt my un", eentary i apceemns NP d r �entrai van _ e—tory Iemenie M—to y •rNP 31 CC ory is #22 dgecliff are NP #11 NP #20 NP #21 '�- ark I e-ity center ETPePrnenia'ty q� DP i- IX"HPgh YY \ F. I611 Ave. enfarY rt �_ � Al mer #5 ishma Hills Kamen Y ,n onsery ncy owo�sn. Terrac ise ens w QView Nntary q NP #12 iemela�nes Park _ V Y grown's P E. 32,e ark NR \ astle g j DNR � ark Ei nen�t•r _ � '- / NPJornd �gh�_ 1 NP #16 �' UNR N�e`owi� Goifte8d Hill f�� ourse CP #5 NP #17 1 I er onservoney i Base data provided by City of Spokane Valley i Urban Growth Boundary - - - City Limits 0 Neighborhood Parks I� Community Parks Large Urban Parks 0 Linear Park Areas ® Special Use Areas 0 Undeveloped Areas Open Space 0 Private Lands Elementary Schools 0 Middle/Junior High Sche ® High Schools 0 Private Schools eoe.• Existing Trails LEGEND Exlsting Neighborhood Park Service Area (112 Mile Radius) 1 Park and Recreation Plan Neighborhood Park Service Area Map City of Spokane Valley, Washington 6 1—' ae, � March 2005 I 1 �- c-ommi it Park e �a #S vouE DNRE. I DNR, CP #t wessesley Ave t d A S ry LJ Q�lemenia °ry °rk —��— ••�•� Plante's Ferry ` ;� • Park i�. Trenl Ave ••••••• Mytle Poi er�i�ceJ�t Area M a p LEGEND Urban Growth Boundary �ot s oronnra ner - lementary —�— City Limits 'memory - - 0 Neighborhood Parks +� Community Parks Large Urban Parks •. •. •.• ..• rk .� 9 Linear Park Areas Shjelds� Parr _ _ - 1 Inne aha ocks orchard T- Aveknue nmry _ PPPar Special Use Areas 'eft Volley eau �j�1eiwoo y r °rk Undeveloped Areas �l.e(era me6tery Centerploce 0 Open Space e. ma;ono Avc. JV- CP #1 C - Private Lands ar �all�y Mission �neersmee n Izll � Elementary Schools ar p DNR n woodord enter I 0 MiddlelJunlor High Schools �i•msntnry �ry . �1 I I - ®High Schools thu, Q1 me asnnsol � t p Roo fe y Private Schools oo n y a fo go IL t DNR ••s•• ExlslingTralls pwYt Mva n f IV *al o IIFI menire ar ery rAtla en yHi lral Vall l ntory Elden tar glemeni° omp my Edgkecliff Caro \ Par �r,wersity center P?n°en{a,t�' \ CP #3 C ponaldunioroFllyh CP I_ - -� F, Aye. [– Elementary i ishma Hills EVnelt�`v �t�� onsery ncy des Terrace rs nr sa! nN;yn QPar I�iementory� - �__ - stn pines Park _ _ �- � �lementery - ar NR -- -� 9 DNR - A\ castle Elemen€o�r m P .EEio °y, Pt8ed Hills � NR o i ourse 1 CP #s�� ( \ + r \� _ 111er �✓ Morrow J-/ ,l j onservan y I Conservancy Base data provided by City of Spokane V lie �� y IWW NW 41W LEGEND 0 Existing Community Park Service Area (1 Mlle Radius) Park and Recreation Plan Community Park Service Area Map City of Spokane Valley, Washington roeµ... March 2004 CHAPTER 5 5.7 SUMMARY OF RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS Similar to the discussion of park land needs, community needs for recreation facilities such as sport fields, trails, etc., are described in terms of an existing ratio and suggested demand standard based on an adopted level of service. Methodology The need for sport fields, pools, and trails was calculated using several analytical approaches. Methodology included an analysis of present recreation participation levels derived from the surveys, facility needs expressed in the public involvement processes, play and practice time requirements for sports leagues as indicated in a sport group survey, and mathematical models developed over the years from other studies. To determine the need for sport fields, a demand model was created that compared the supply of fields against the demand created by the number of teams using them. Within this demand model, there are many variables (or service levels) that will affect the eventual need statement. These variables include: Demand variables: These include the number of teams in the community, along with the number of games and practices permitted per team per week. Supply variables: These include the number of fields, number of games and practices permitted per field per week, and the existence of lighted or unlighted fields. Factors such as weather, playing season, and field constraints affect the supply of fields. For most sports in Spokane Valley, teams come from both within and outside the The facility needs described city limits. As a result, it was difficult to in this document represent a demand based determine the exact number of players or the population of Spokane Valley. teams generated within the community. However, it is recognized that To forecast the number of teams many teams in the area are generated by the population of Spokane formed by both resident and Valley, MIG relied on a database of non- residents players. team - generating data collected from 79 different communities over the years. The assessment of need presented in this report is for Spokane Valley only, as if the City was completely separated from other communities. In this manner, facility needs are forecasted based on the demand created by city residents only. 5 -10 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 5 Table 5.2 summarizes the existing and future needs for recreation facilities. These needs are based on an adopted level of service standard previously described. Table 5.2 Summary of Existing and Future Facility Needs Spokane Valley Planning Area _ ___. Recreation Facility _.__ -.___ Existing .. _ .__ , Existing - - __1 _ _,.- _.. Proposed - _._ _...-..__. Total .._ -__ Net Need - _ ,,__ . __ - Total ___._�_ __ Net Need -' Total Ratio I'I ',' Demand Need Year 2005 pl Need Year Year 2025 X21 Facilities :' Standard 1 �1 Year 2005 _ _ _ . _ 2025 POP. -. Softball -. 1,300 Soccer •00 •. - - 48.6 17A per 000 000 .-.. people (1) Current number of people served per facility, based on an existing population of 83,950 persons (2) Suggested guideline for number of people served per facility (3) Based on forecasted 2025 population of 127,900 persons (4) Includes 12 adult and 4 youth fields, along with 54 multi -use fields. (5) While the need appears to be high for softball fields, many of the multi -use fields which are in poor condition are presently being used. Also, it is anticipated that much of the adult softball program is played at County sites and at the site in Post Falls. As a result, the overall need presented in this table for softball fields may not be as great as the table indicates. (6) Includes 29 fields, along with 54 multi -use fields. (7) Includes the Centennial Trail Some of these multi -use fields should be considered for upgrades, and others that are unused may be considered to address the shortage of softball fields. Currently the City does not have some of the recreation resources found in many communities such as recreation centers, indoor aquatic facilities, teen centers, arts center and a comprehensive range of recreation programs. The development of these types of facilities and services will generate more interest and participation in recreation activities. In the next plan update (in 4 -6 years), a new assessment should be made to determine if the above standards are still valid. Park and Recreation Plan 5 -11 CHAPTER b RECOMMENDATIONS CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS This chapter provides recommendations for developing and managing a park and recreation program in the City of Spokane Valley. These recommendations were developed from staff input, public input, a community survey, and a comprehensive analysis of park land conditions and current maintenance operations. Recommendations are organized into the following sections: Section 6.1 presents recommendations for parkland including a summary of the planning concept that underlies the proposed Facility Plan. Section 6.2 presents a trails plan, l sn a d bikeways. recommendations for trails, p ay CHAPTER b Section 6.3 summarizes recommendations for administration and management of a park and recreation program. Section 6.4 presents preliminary recommendations for park maintenance Section 6.5 offers recommendations for recreation programs and services. 6.1 PARKLAND Planning Concept Spokane Valley has a park system that was inherited from Spokane County and consists of neighborhood parks, special use areas and larger day -use parks. However, much of the community is not served by any public park or open space area. The following is a description of a park system for Spokane Valley. The ideal park system for Spokane Valley should be one made up of a hierarchy of various park types, each offering certain types of recreation and /or open space opportunities. Separately, each park type may serve a primary function, but collectively, they will meet the needs of the entire community. By recognizing this concept, Spokane Valley can develop an efficient, cost effective, and comprehensive park system. Park and Recreation Plan 6 -7 - HAPTER 6 The basic concept of the park system for Spokane Valley is to provide park and open space areas within convenient walking distance of most neighborhoods. This will be a challenge because much of the community is already developed. To achieve this goal, the City should seek partnerships with the school districts to provide playground and park amenities that can be available to residents during non - school hours. Depending upon the level of development proposed, the concept may mean that the City should assist in funding improvements and maintenance of the outdoor play areas. In order to achieve the goal of a park within convenient walking distance of most residents, a total of 12 additional parks will be needed, of which six could be located on school playgrounds. Because of the developed nature of the community, locating suitable land for some of the remaining six neighborhood parks will be a challenge. One option is to develop small mini -parks consisting of one traditional residential lot. This type of park provides very limited recreational opportunity (usually a small playground and an open grass area) and caters primarily to small children. They are expensive to maintain on a per -acre basis. The issue the City must address is whether this type of park is more suitable than no park at all. In addition to neighborhood parks, three community parks should be developed to provide space for sports fields and other active uses. The Plan also suggests that neighborhood and community parks be supplemented with other recreational resources, such as special use sites, linear parks, and natural open space areas. With the City mostly developed, additional population growth will primarily come from infill and conversion to higher density housing. The traditional neighborhood park recommended in the plan will provide recreation resources and open space character to a population of 5,000- 10,000 people. However, if the City chooses to permit some neighborhoods to exceed housing densities of 15 units per acre or more, additional parkland will be needed. Under these situations, it is recommended in the Plan that developers provide additional recreation resources and open space for their specific projects. One approach to acquiring parkland and open space is to permit reduced lot sizes and compensate with additional park space. This concept is often utilized under the provisions of a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The planning concept also includes a comprehensive recreation trails system utilizing the Centennial Trail along the Spokane River as the backbone element. A loop trail is proposed that would encircle the outer portions of the community. In total, it represents about 21.5 6_2 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 miles of trail including off- street trails, on- street trails, and trails through parks and open space areas. The planning concept is designed, in part, to provide facilities that will accommodate new programs and services, as the City expands its role in providing recreation programs and services to the community. Park Layout Plan The Park Layout Plan is a graphic representation of the proposed park system for Spokane Valley. Figure 6.1 illustrates the conceptual location and routing of proposed park sites and trails, along with the location of existing facilities. The map does not pinpoint specific locations for future parks. Exact locations will come at a later time when actual acquisition occurs. Some important notes about the Facility Plan include: 1. Each site is coded with letters and numbers (such as NP -12). The letter represents the park type such as Neighborhood Park. The number is for site identification only and refers to a specific discussion in the text of the report. The letter code is as follows: NP Neighborhood Park CP Community Park LU Large Urban Park RP Regional Park SU Special Use Area OS Natural Open Space Trail T 2. On the Proposed Park Layout Plan map, colored asterisks indicate proposed parks and open space areas. The symbols show a general location for each proposed park or recreation area. The final location of park sites will be determined later in the development of City plans and will be influenced by land availability, acquisition costs, and property ownership. 3. Names for proposed sites are for reference only and have not been approved by City staff or the City Council. Major Park Decisions Two decisions on park location and their function will be determined by outside conditions not directly related to the park itself. These two parks are discussed on the next page with the options presented later in this section. Park and Recreation Plan 6 -3 '.HAPTER 6 Valley Mission Park: The swimming pool option discussed in Chapter 7 will dictate how this park should be developed. The two options are: If the Valley Mission Pool is developed into a major outdoor aquatic center, some or all of the existing Valley Mission Park located on the northwest side of Mission Avenue should be developed for additional parking. All of the ten acre site located directly south of Mission Avenue including the existing parking area should then be developed into a small community park. If the decision is made to make only minor improvements to Valley Mission Pool, the existing park site located on the northwest side of Mission Avenue should remain as it is. The undeveloped area on the south side of Mission Avenue should be developed into a neighborhood park. North Green Acres Park: Recently, the School District purchased a ten acre site for an elementary school in this area. Approximately five additional acres are available that could be used for park use. The Park Layout Plan has identified a need for both a 20 acre community park and a five acre neighborhood park in this area. Acquiring the five acres of parkland and combining it with a portion of the school playground would create a small community park. While not desirable, this may be the better option than searching for a larger community park site. Design Guidelines Detailed design guidelines for each park type recommended in the Plan are found in Appendix D. Park and Facility Recommendations Preliminary recommendations for park land are listed by park classification. Both existing and proposed parks are listed by park number (e.g., NP -12). Table 6.1 and 6.2 are provided to quickly locate the page number where a specific park or open space area is discussed. 6 -4 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 Table 6.1 Index of Existing Park Recommendations City of Spokane Valley (1) CL Inside City Limits Outside Outside the Urban Growth Boundary Park and Recreation Plan 6 -5 'HAPTER 6 Table 6.2 Index of Proposed Park Recommendations city of Spokane Valley (1) Area Location divided by 184 for north -south and Pines Street for east -west 6 -6 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 Mini -Parks Currently the City does not own any mini - parks. The acquisition of mini parks requires careful consideration. These small parks typically have a greater maintenance cost per area, and their size limits their recreational value. Since their size limits facilities and activities that can be offered, they usually contain only a small children's playground. However, in the case of the City of Spokane Valley, where parkland is needed but larger parcels will be difficult to obtain, small mini -parks may offer the best alternative. Before embarking on this approach, the City should seriously consider the maintenance ramifications. This is not to say that mini -parks should not be considered in developments where private parties build and maintain them. In addition, where high density projects will over - impact the capacity of a neighborhood park, developers should be required to provide their own park and recreation facilities. At the current time, no recommendations are made for developing future mini parks. Neighborhood Parks The Neighborhood Park should be central to the City's park system. It should provide most of the open space and passive use within local neighborhoods. If possible, they should be located within easy walking distance without crossing major barriers or arterial streets. The optimum size for neighborhood parks should be about 5 acres. In Spokane Valley, the average size is 5.5 acres. However, in cases where the optimum size is not available because of current development or where land costs prohibit acquisition of large sites, smaller parcels may be considered. The Neighborhood Park Service Area Analysis identified in Figure 5.1 in Chapter 5 identifies current neighborhoods that are served by a neighborhood park. This drawing illustrates the need for additional park land. The Plan recognizes the difficulty the City will have in meeting the goal of a park in every neighborhood of the City. As a result, the Plan proposes a compromise between need, and the City's ability to acquire land. 6 -8 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 In some cases, the best option is for the City to partner with the school districts and upgrade school playgrounds to offer recreational facilities that will also serve the local neighborhood. Starting below is a discussion on neighborhood park sites West Valley Park (Proposed) Site NP -1 This site is proposed in the northwest segment of the city in the vicinity of Pasadena Park Elementary School. It should be designed to serve all of the residents north of the River. A site of 3 -5 acres is proposed and should contain the facilities typical of a neighborhood park. Trentwood School /Park (Proposed) Site NP -4 This proposed park site is located to serve central Spokane Valley north of Trent Avenue. Because very little undeveloped and available land exists in this area, it is proposed that additional recreation facilities be added to the existing Trentwood Elementary School. As an alternative, a school /park could be developed at East Valley Middle or East Valley High School. Improvements to the school playground should include an additional children's playground, upgrade of the play fields and addition of a small picnic shelter and picnic area. ,wood Park (Proposed) Site NP -6 This proposed park site is located in the small neighborhood just north of the Spokane River in the vicinity of Donwood Road. Because it is anticipated that this park will serve a limited population, the size could be reduced to an area as small as three acres and contain many of the facilities of a typical neighborhood park. Barker Park' (Proposed) Site NP -8 This site is proposed in the general vicinity of the Barker Community Learning Center. This site should contain all of the facilities typically found in a neighborhood park. Park and Recreation Plan 6 -9 CHAPTER b Orchard Avenue Park Site NP -14 Orchard Avenue Park is a County owned site located adjacent to but outside the City's incorporated boundary. It is located north of Orchard Center Elementary School at the intersection of Bridgeport and Park Avenues. The site is five acres in size and contains a children's playground and ball field. Since it is not owned or managed by the City, no recommendations are made for the site. Edaecliff Park Site NP -17 • Replace playground and safety surfacing • Upgrade or replace restroom building • Park needs better ADA access Park Road Pool /Park (Expansion A park is needed in this area to serve the neighborhood. While some area exists within the site to add park facilities, it may be possible to acquire nearby land for park expansion. If this is possible, the site should be developed to offer typical neighborhood park facilities. 6 -70 • Replace picnic tables • Color coat the tennis courts • Add Basketball court • Add pathways • Upgrade the dugouts in the baseball field • Replace tennis court fence Site NP -19 Park and Recreation Plan r,l , ass �i°able ° >� � �I r _ - I I - ° rban Growth Boundary LEGEND NP 1 -7 � east a Cry r,a rY .ele, r ''- vmiey High nel menmry NR Proposed i e y- ert C L L PI/ Leap Trail - Trenlwood City Imps Plante s Camp : Pa* L - -�_ T_ Ferry Park Elementary _sky.;e., Existing Parks Facilities Sekani •["'I'm I menry _ _ (NP -4;) Elemenm.y __ •• " Park_ may" - - Proposed Open Space (RP. � r.w Aven • • • • ortl NP -6 Open Space h)elds Pork - �... "Park 0 P p (SMlnnehaha Rocks) _ SU 13 - Orchard s !`, !r_ Trent) ° - - 1�• '• School Facilites fit= Po : • • • • • Hen daiey Eiementmy® 12u Park - - - •••• sting Trails (NP 14) .'. DNA— _ - Proposed Trails. _ rennin entmry. yy. D . k. Eimenthr - .,DNR enterplace Sullivan '' I - Y .•• E I'�B19�'19) " Park SU -1D NP 8_ .. ley'�iission " tie e - - • I Special 0 Val Senior CP 9 _ Use Area Center Par - - -- a - "(� • �_1 - • • .. r. L DNR Proposed Seth -W Y. - Valley MISSIan - 1 -'w- EI ent' y_ - _ - - - -- ._`.__ ' . - -' Community Park cent and - South ( -SU 11) Summit- FQrHent pro regress - - - ->~ Park Road• A th r e - r -NP 31 - 9 Ir ..ISeano N - - ff, adw N- m P e. ( ) 3' ' Elementar 1' U/ Proposed Pool (NP -19), EI y y �� q , - y GreenacYes Junior _- I Neighborhood Park s weet v n y ® Elgment y J �o H n (NP -32) h O;� 9 « NP 3 RSdh -I .Bolfour-;Park sc ogne s�.. _ _ .. - - (NP- c3)nnue. 7717 a- - High EI t r {NP -22) -� - .Pratt �J Central V II y -. -.Ele tary • ': ',�SU 2,3 -. - - Keys)one fie ntary a - Ed eeliff: Park Camp Coro - Elementary .• T' 9 _ p . - (NP -3C) , •C 3 - L -J (NP -17) (SU -18) �] _may„ rety center ocp tnity _ OS 35 CP -1 -,} - _ der g tarn _v • •`� _ Everg • ®MI meanta unt Nqh c - ,V` •• _ E 16th Are. y i a versify - Dishma Nllls� - ®EI me<, ry - -�• '\ - I Conser oncy r.. -..L J S ®th Pork �rJ .._ p rrbb -(NP-2 ) Eh OS -2`d}, Castle �ntirow s Park .r NR7 -_ J - Park E. d NP, T -7 " • • • • • NR l f J t I HDNR �AAAgAAA ch ni EI 't _ I -- i J�alnt d Hills 11 NR Pond a _ - Elemnrrt y =�i olf Course,- I NP-26 L� NP -2 ) l _ j� Park and Recreation Plan . Iller - \ Morrow\ I - CConservancy I Conservaney� \ _ Proposed Park i Layout Plan I City of Spokane Valley, Washington September 2005 Base data provided by City of Spokane Vallay CHAPTER b Balfour Park Site NP -22 Vacant land exists to the west that could be used for park purposes. Should this land be acquired, this site could be developed for many purposes. For the immediate future, the following improvements should be made: • Replace deteriorating edge restraint around the playground and volleyball court • Provide an ADA access (ramp) to the playground • Resurface the parking lot • Add additional recreational facilities, i.e., shelter, basketball court and signage • Replace picnic tables Castle Park Site NP- 25 Castle Park is a maintained open space area without recreational facilities. To support the local neighborhood needs, additional recreational facilities should be added. These improvements should include: Park and Recreation Plan 6-7 7 CHAPTER 6 • Provide typical neighborhood park facilities, i.e., children's playground, small shelter, paved pathways, picnic sites, etc. • Develop and formalize the parking areas. • Address the drainage problems in portions of the park. • Add signage. • Replace picnic tables Chester Creek Park (Proposed) Site NP -26 The Plan recommends an open space corridor that runs along Dishman Road. A park site is proposed within this corridor that is located west of the Painted Hills Golf Course. Because of the wetlands in this area, the proposed park could be part of a larger open space corridor and a trailhead for a proposed trail system. Painted Hills Park (Proposed) Site NP -27 This park site should be located south or southeast of the Painted Hills Golf Course. The hilly terrain in this area may only permit a small portion of the site for park development. Based on site constraints, an open grass area, playground and a small picnic area may be the only suitable facilities. oven's Park Site NP -28 • Meet with representatives of the local Kiwanis to determine their interest in upgrading the site. • Replace small picnic shelter with one suitable for large groups (150 persons or more). 6 -12 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 • Replace the playground. • Pave area within the dugouts and replace benches. • Upgrade volleyball court; needs edging. • Develop large paved areas to support the picnic shelter and local neighborhood functions. • Replace picnic tables Terrace View Park ! Site NP -29 Terrace View Park contains the typical neighborhood park facilities including a softball field and an outdoor swimming pool. With over 100 parking spaces, there is much more parking than is needed. It is recommended that the east bay of parking be removed and converted into a reserved area for group picnics. Other improvements should include: • Remove east bay of parking and replace with group picnic area. Add a large picnic shelter to the proposed group picnic area. • Add picnic shelters. • Replace playground including safety surfacing. • Provide ADA access to the playground. • Add paved pathways throughout the park. • Add a sport court for basketball and other park activities. • Recommendations for swimming pool improvements are found in Chapter 7. • Consider removing some portions of the exterior fencing to provide more direct access. • Add park signage. • Replace picnic tables Park and Recreation Plan 6 -13 CHAPTER 6 Keystone School /Park (Proposed) Site 'NP -3&! This proposed school /park is intended to serve central Spokane Valley south of Broadway Avenue. Because very little, if any undeveloped suitable land exists in this area, it is proposed that additional recreation facilities be added to the existing Keystone Elementary School. Improvements to the school playground should include an additional children's playground, upgrade of the play fields and addition of a small picnic shelter and picnic area. Summit School /Park. (Proposed) Site NP-31 This proposed school /park is intended to serve central Spokane Valley north of Broadway Avenue. Because very little, if any undeveloped suitable land exists in this area, it is proposed that additional recreation facilities be added to the existing Summit Elementary School. Improvements to the school playground should include an additional children's playground, upgrade of the play fields and addition of a small picnic shelter and picnic area. Progress School /Park (Proposed) Site NP -32 This proposed school /park is also intended to serve central Spokane Valley south of Broadway Avenue. Because very little, if any undeveloped suitable land exists in this area, it is proposed that additional recreation facilities be added to the existing Progress Elementary School. Improvements to the school playground should include an additional children's playground, upgrade of the play fields and addition of a small picnic shelter and picnic area. c ( Pr000sed) S4 NP -33 This proposed school /park is intended to serve east central Spokane Valley south of Broadway Avenue. Because very little, if any undeveloped suitable land exists in this area, it is proposed that additional recreation facilities be added to the existing Greenacres Junior High School. Improvements to the school playground should include an additional children's playground, upgrade the play fields and addition of a small picnic shelter and picnic area. 6 -14 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 South Barker Park (Proposed) Site NP -34 This site is proposed south of Sprague Avenue in the vicinity of Barker Road. This site should contain all of the facilities typically found in a neighborhood park. 32 "d Avenue Park (Proposed) Site NP -37 This proposed site is located in the Hills north of 32nd avenue between Sullivan Road and the extension of Flora Road. The proposed site is currently located outside the City Limits but within the Urban Growth Boundary. A 40 -acre parcel of Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property exists nearby and it may be possible to locate the two sites next to each other. This site should contain all of the facilities typically found in a neighborhood park. Community Parks While the neighborhood park system is designed to provide convenient Recommendations for community parks include: Park and Recreation Plan 6 -75 CHAPTER 6 Green Acres Community Park (Proposed) Site CP -9 Currently no parks are located between the Spokane River and the Freeway in the eastern part of the community. Acquiring a larger multi -use community park in this area will be important for providing sport fields and other structured activities. This could also be a park where special recreation uses could be accommodated. This is one of the few areas in Spokane Valley where land exists to acquire a suitable site. Because of the overall community needs for this kind of park, a site of 30 acres or more should be considered. The general recommended location is in the vicinity of Mission Avenue between Flora Road and Barker Road. Recently the School District purchased a site for an elementary school in this general area. Two options exist for developing a park in this area: Option A Develop a small community park in conjunction with the elementary school. Maximum size of the park including the school playground would be no more than 10 acres. This size is less than recommended but may be more realistic than acquiring a 30 acre site. Under this condition, recommended facilities would include: • 2 -3 Sport fields • Small group picnic area with shelters • Typical neighborhood park facilities • Large multi -use open play area • Restroom • Parking for 100 cars Option B Develop the site as a neighborhood park and acquire a large 30 acre community park in the vicinity. Potential facilities could include: • Sport field complex of 4 -6 fields • Large group picnic area with shelters • Typical neighborhood park facilities • BMX Track • Large multi -use open play area for large group gatherings and activities • Restroom • Parking for approximately 300 cars • Special use facilities 6 -76 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER b Southwest Hills Park (Proposed) Site CP -16 A community park is needed to serve the southwest portion of the community. While flat developable land is difficult to find, suitable sites appear in the area around 15th Avenue between the extensions of Carnahan Road and David Street. If possible a suitable site should contain enough land to develop 2 -3 sport fields. Valley Mission Park Site CP -20 Splashdown is a privately managed water park located in Valley Mission Park. Splashdown leases the site from the City that is in effect until 2012. It has its own entrance but visitors often use the parking lot in front of the Valley Mission Pool. The Splashdown parking lot is located directly south across Mission Avenue. Two improvement options exist for Valley Mission Park and Valley Mission Pool depending upon how the City's Valley Mission Pool will be developed. Option A Option A assumes that Valley Mission Pool will be developed into a small outdoor aquatic complex utilizing the majority of the $1.6 million County allocation. Because the Water Park is nearby, The City should consider merging the operation of these two facilities together and create one entrance. Park and Recreation Plan 6 -17 CHAPTER 6 One of the current problems with the Water park is parking. Visitors to the park either use the parking lot in front of Valley Mission Pool or are required to use the parking lot on the opposite side of Mission Avenue. To reduce the amount of pedestrian crossings, it is recommended with this option to expand the parking on the north side where the recreation facilities now exist and develop a new park on the south side of Mission Avenue. With this option, the following improvements are recommended: • Create a single entrance to Valley Mission Pool and the Water Park. • Expand parking to the west to accommodate the parking needs of both the Water Park and Valley Mission Pool • Remove the parking lot on the south side of Mission Park and develop the entire 10 acre site into a park as described in SU 21. Create a dog park between the arena and the senior center. Consider community gardens in the lower portion near the arena. Develop a viewpoints and gazebo at the top of the slope Create some small intimate picnic areas below the senior center Develop a paved trail that starts at the arena and ends on top of the slope. Consider moving the radio controlled car club to the flat area above the arena. Option B Option B assumes that Valley Mission Pool will remain as it now exists with the $1.6 million County allocation, equally divided between the three pools. As a result, only minor improvements are needed to the Park. These include: 6 -18 No improvements are needed to the park west of the parking lot. Develop the improvements suggested above for the area between the swimming pool and the arena. The parking lot on the south side of Mission Avenue would remain to accommodate parking for Splashdown. Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 Shelly Lake Park (Proposed) Site CP -36 Currently a drainage corridor exists that runs from Shelly Lake up into the hills. An open space corridor is proposed along this drainage way that protects the wetlands areas. On the south side of the wetlands area in the vicinity of the extension of Flora Road is a proposed community park. Depending upon site conditions, this proposed park should contain 3 -4 sport fields, a large group picnic area and the normal neighborhood park facilities. Large Urban Parks Large urban parks are park areas designed to serve the entire community and differ primarily from community in their size. Mirabeau Point Park Site LU -12 Mirabeau Point Park is a new, 5 r. 54 acre site that includes The ' F Meadows, "` which is a ten acre fully developed park site; Mirabeau Springs which is a waterfall, pond, and picnic area; and CenterPlace which is a new event center. The entire Mirabeau complex is linked with paved trails and includes an abundance of natural open space. Recommendations include: The Meadows • Add children's playground • Add a band shell to existing stage • Add lighting to the stage and parking lot • Develop a parking plan for large events Mirabeau Springs • Renovate or replace boardwalk • Construct universal playground Park and Recreation Flan o- 1 5 CHAPTER 6 Natural Open Space Area • Prepare an open space management plan Regional Parks Regional Parks are large day -use parks designed to serve the entire region. There are no regional parks in the City, although Plante's Ferry Park is located on the edge of the City limits. Plantes Ferry Park Site RP -2 ' This park is owned and managed by Spokane County. While the park has significant importance to the community, Spokane Valley has no jurisdiction over its operation. Special Use Areas Special use areas typically are single - purpose areas or sites occupied by specialized facilities. Because they can vary in character and use, specific site requirements and facilities offered will vary. Sullivan Park Site SU -5' ' While Sullivan Park meets local neighborhood park needs, its major focus is the Dance Hall. Currently the 4= ry Dance Hall is leased to The Western Dance Association who pays for its use and maintains the facility. Under the current agreement, the City is also entitled to use the facility. A portion of the Park by the River that contains the shelter is owned by the State. A formal agreement should be made for City use of this property. By written agreement, the City also provides space to a radio - controlled car club. A discussion on these leases can be found on page b -39. 6 -20 Park and Recreation Flan CHAPTER 6 This site also provides direct access to the Spokane River. The site is connected to the City's sanitary sewer system but potable water is provided by a well. The City should seek to connect to a more reliable water source. Improvements to the park itself should include: • Add trees and landscaping to the parking lot • Resurface the parking lot • Add paved pathways to connect the parking lot to the facilities • Connect to a public water source • Replace and /or upgrade the irrigation system • Replace the children's playground • Construct a restroom building for park users • Add a sport court for basketball and general public use • Provide better access and a viewpoint to the River • Add park signage • Replace picnic tables and benches • Replace the two existing picnic shelters with a large one Mission Avenue Trailhead (Proposed) Site SU -10 An informal and undeveloped trailhead now exists at the west end of Mission Avenue near the Spokane River. It is recommended that a site be acquired in this location and formally developed into a trailhead. Improvements should include: Parking for approximately 25 cars Small staging area with a small shelter and grass area Informational kiosk Centerplace is a new regional community center opened in the Fall of 2005. Since the site has no outdoor recreation areas, no recommendations are made for this site. Park and Recreation Plan 6 -21 CHAPTER 6 Myrtle Point Park Site SU -13 This site is located on the south side of the Spokane River and is only accessible from the Centennial Trail. The large rocks in this portion of the river attract swimmers and sun - bathers who prefer a more natural setting. An uplands area along the south bank of the river in the vicinity of these rocks could offer a pleasant area for picnicking and general passive use. This area has the potential to flood during high water conditions and thus improvements should recognize this condition. • Develop a master plan for this park. • Search for an access from the south • Consider a boat launch on the south side of the river • Clear and grade an open area for picnicking and general passive use • Develop a paved trail from the Centennial Trail into the site • Construct a small restroom building if a site can be found above the potential flood level. Note: the design should reflect the potential for vandalism Camp Caro '(Proposed) ;Site SU -18 Dishman Hills is a 518 acre park site owned and managed by the Dishman Hills Conservancy and Spokane County. Camp Caro is a small developed portion of the site that contains a lodge, small open grass area and playground. The site, and particularly the lodge, is situated in a quiet and peaceful setting that offers a relaxing respite from the development nearby. Currently with an agreement with the County, the City of Spokane Valley has access to the lodge for programs. 6-22 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 In exchange, the City offers Spokane County access to its sports fields. A City sponsored summer camp was offered in summer of 2005. Since the site is found adjacent to the City of Spokane Valley, the City should open talks with the County to discuss other possible partnerships. Valley Mission Park - South (Proposed) Site SU -21 This existing site located across the street from Mission Park, has been used as overflow parking AL AL for the Water Park in the past. This has caused safety concerns because of J pedestrians crossing Mission Avenue., Development of this r 4. site is dependent upon the development of Valley Mission Park to the north (Site CP -20. Under Option A of Valley Mission Park (North), the existing parking on Valley Mission Park South would be removed. With Option B, the parking lot would remain. Option A • Add one softball field, 1 baseball field and 2 -3 soccer fields Develop a group picnic area with two shelters • Add a skate park (Note: If the Senior Center is converted to a teen center, the skate park should be located next to it • Construct a restroom building Develop a large children's playground Develop a small community center building • Add parking for approximately 100 cars Option B Develop a small children's playground Develop a multi - purpose soccer baseball field • Create an multi -use open play area • Develop approximately 10 picnic sites • Construct a small picnic shelter Park and Recreation Plan 6 -23 HAPTER 6 Add parking for approximately 25 cars Town Center Site (Proposed) Site SU -23 An indoor aquatic center and recreation center is recommended to be included within the proposed Town Center site. See the discussion on aquatic facilities (in Chapter 7) and the recreation center (page 6 -26). Natural Open Space Areas While natural open space opportunities are somewhat limited in the City, some opportunities still exist. The Spokane River corridor offers the greatest opportunity although minor drainage corridors exist. The extent of development in the open space areas should be limited to trails and trailheads. The City should assume responsibility of these areas with management to include reducing fire hazards, control of invasive vegetation, and removal of safety hazards. When the City has acquired several open space sites, an open space management plan should be developed. Recommended open space sites include: Table 6.3 Recommended Open Space Sites Spokane Valley Planning Area OS -3 Progress Road Open FCurrently a wetlands area 3S -7 Space Spokane River Open Located on the south side of the Spokane S ace River OS-15 Broadway Open OS -24 S ace Chester Creek Open A small drainage corridor with several S ace small ponds OS -35 Shelly Lake Open Located from Shelly Lake up into the hills . C-- to the south 6 -24 Park and Recreation Plan Specialized Facilities Aquatic Facilities CHAPTER 6 See Chapter 7 for a discussion on swimming needs and recommendations. Water Playgrounds The Plan recommends the placement of water playgrounds in some or all of the existing city - owned outdoor pools. In addition, the City should consider developing several small self - administered water playgrounds. Suggested sites are the proposed community park (site CP -9) located in the North Green Acres Neighborhood; just south of the Spokane River; the proposed neighborhood park (site NP -34) located in the easterly portion of the city south of Sprague Avenue; and Balfour Park, if it can be expanded (site NP -22)). Youth'Activity Center The recreation survey and the workshop meeting indicated interest in providing more services for the youth. While some youth services will be provided in the new CenterPlace facility, MIG has found that the youth prefer their own facility away from adults. A potential site is the old senior center. The senior activities were recently moved to CenterPlace. While the old building is larger than needed for youth activities, the upper floor would be ideal for the youth. The lower level, which shows signs of significant settling, could then be used for storage. If youth activities can be accommodated within this building, a skatepark on the site should be considered. If the entire building is condemned and removed, a new youth activity center should be built on the site. Park and Recreation t'ian o -z-� CHAPTER 6 Indoor Recreation Center In the long term, the City should consider developing an indoor recreation center. Currently the City does not offer indoor sport activities such as basketball and volleyball. These sports are conducted in the schools through the private youth sport organizations. Adult indoor sports are offered by the City of Spokane and by a private club. While the City does not offer sport or other indoor recreation programs, this is an activity that the City should consider in the future. While access to school facilities is often available, MIG has found that City- sponsored programs are often bumped from the school's schedule at the last minute. This tendency makes it difficult to manage a program. CenterPlace will provide space for meetings and large group gatherings but is not ideally suited for the more active uses. The YMCA is the primary facility in the community that provides space for gymnasium activities, health and fitness programs, swimming and other active activities. Because of the above conditions, it is recommended the City examine the feasibility of developing a new multi - purpose indoor recreation center. The ideal location would be within the proposed Town Center (site SU -23). The proposed recreation center could help support the Town Center concept and be located within a retail and high density residential area. This location would also provide convenient indoor recreation space in the southern portion of the City. Recommended spaces and facilities for a recreation center in Spokane Valley include: • Indoor 25 yard (American Short Course) swimming pool and water park • Gymnasium space for basketball, volleyball and other similar activities and organized sports • Fitness space (exercise /aerobics areas and weight training rooms) • Small meeting rooms and classrooms • Specialized activity areas 6 -26 Park and Recreation Plan Public Restrooms CHAPTER 6 Public restrooms in parks are expensive to construct and maintain, yet they provide a convenience to the park user. Currently, there are no policies in place as to where and which type of park restrooms should be developed. Most of the larger neighborhood parks in Spokane Valley contain restrooms, although they are old and need upgraded. There are several options the City could take in meeting restroom needs: • Provide no new restrooms in any of the parks. • Provide a full - service restroom in only the larger, heavily used parks. • Provide a full- service restroom in most city parks. • Provide seasonal and portable restrooms in most of the parks. In terms of type of restrooms, several options are available: • The typical restroom with one gender located on each side of the building. • Single occupancy unit contained within a building of 4 -8 units. • Porta Potties. If these were to be provided, they should be enclosed within a permanent shell. Based on the above options, the following policies are recommended: • Provide permanent restrooms in all community parks. • Provide permanent or portable restrooms in neighborhood parks of high use. • Provide permanent restrooms in specialized parks where high use is expected. • Discourage restrooms of any type in remote sites, small parks or linear parks. • Restrooms should be of the single occupancy unit type Park and Recreation Plan 6 -27 APTER 6 orts Fields The need for sport fields in Spokane Valley is not great at this time because the City of Spokane, Spokane County, and a private sports complex is meeting the need for most types of sport fields in the region. However, as the community grows, there will be a greater need for additional sport fields. This is noted in Table 5.2 on page 5- 11. Youth sports utilize school fields and private sport groups and the YMCA manage youth sports. The following recommendations and policies are recommended for the development and management of sports fields: General Role and Responsibilities The City and schools should be the provider of sport fields. The City should develop the quality fields suitable for games and tournaments and school fields should be primarily used for practice. The City should not become involved in managing sport programs except for the offering of sport camps and introductory level play instruction. • The City in conjunction with the sport groups should schedule field use including those on school playgrounds. Field Development The City should work with partner agencies, especially schools, to help meet demand for indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Develop and maintain inventories and evaluations of shared sports facilities. 6 -28 The City should construct sport fields in all of the proposed community parks. Develop fields for multi -use. The City should assess existing and proposed sites for the feasibility of developing additional sports fields, Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER b particularly adult softball fields, youth baseball /softball fields, and adult and youth soccer fields. Management and Operations Consider a 3 -tier maintenance schedule for sport fields with tournament fields receiving the highest level of maintenance and practice fields receiving the lowest level of maintenance. Create a field scheduling committee to maintain the most efficient use of fields. This committee should be headed by City staff, but include representatives of the user groups and school officials. The procedure for scheduling should follow the methodology created in the Needs Assessment. To maintain the fields for quality playing conditions, a rest and rotation schedule should be developed and followed. BMX Track The Needs Assessment revealed some interest in a bicycle (BMX) track. If an organized group expresses interest in this type of facility, the City should provide the space but require the group to develop and maintain it. Potential sites include any of the proposed community parks Valley Mission Horse Arena The Valley Mission Horse Area consists of a riding arena and a number of covered stalls. Currently the stalls and the arena are only in marginal condition. Several riding groups rent the site about 11 times a year. Currently the two primary issues with the site are: who should pay for the repairs and how it should be managed. The following policies are recommended for this site: User fees should be increased to reflect the cost of maintenance and custodial needs. (The A -frame building and the stalls need major improvements). A surcharge should be initiated with the user groups. The funds should be dedicated to improvements to the facility. Park and Recreation Plan 6 -29 CHAPTER 6 Radio Controlled Car Track Currently the Spokane Radio Control Car Club has a temporary agreement with the City for a site in Sullivan Park to operate their track. While the site is managed and maintained by the Club, its condition and appearance is substandard. Recommended policies for this facility are as follows: • A formal lease should be developed with the provisions identified below. • Site improvements should be made based on a plan approved by the City. The site should be open and made available to the general public. Camping may occur for special events based on the policies described in "Camping in Parks" on page 6 -38. Western Dance Hall The Western Dance Hall is located in Sullivan Park and is leased to the Western Dance Association. The Association maintains the facility. Under the current agreement, the City is also entitled to use the facility. It is recommended that as long as the two above conditions are met the use should continue. 6.2 TRAILS, PATHWAYS, AND BIKEWAYS Trail Linkage Concept The proposed trail system described below is primarily an off- street recreation trails system although it will also serve as a mode of transportation throughout the community and to regions beyond. A major community system of pathways is proposed to provide linkages between parks, community facilities, residential areas, schools, and open space areas utilizes the Centennial Trail as its centerpiece. 6 -30 . I he system Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 From this segment, a loop trail system encircles the entire community utilizing park and open space areas, and streets where no public land exists. Since much of the community is developed, an aggressive approach will be needed to connect individual segments. In the public workshop, the community expressed a preference for off - street, paved pathways for pedestrian and bicycle use. However, where trail segments cannot pass through public land, it may be necessary to construct on- street bike lanes to complete specific segments. It also will be necessary to coordinate with adjoining cities and the County to make connections to their trail systems. Potential Trail Types The purpose of the proposed trails plan is to connect residential areas with parks, open space and other recreational areas. The proposed plan identifies conceptual routes for pathways and trails. A more specific trails plan will be needed later to locate specific routes and design requirements. Paths within Public Street Rights -of -Way These are the easiest to build because they are located within the public street rights -of -way. These paths include three types: • Sidewalks and on- street bicycle lanes: Pedestrian /bicycle ways within public street rights -of -way are typically sidewalks and on- street bicycle lanes. All new streets must have sidewalks and all new major streets must have bicycle lanes. Paths within street rights -of -way but separated: Paths that are within street rights -of -way but separated by a curb or painted line have two major concerns: (1) the bicycle rider or pedestrian is not safely separated from automobile traffic, and (2) these pathways require a much wider right -of -way. The separated paths are also undesirable because they are not perceived as a sidewalk, yet they cross many driveway and street intersections. These paths require very detailed design for even minimal safety. Pathways that are along a continuous road or street can be safer since there are few crossings. These routes are ideal within linear parkways. However, they are unsafe for cyclists because they do not have suitable locations to enter or exit from the street without causing the cyclist to ride against traffic. Additional on- street bicycle lanes are needed when a path abuts a major street to avoid conflicts between walkers and faster cyclists. This results in the need for a very wide right -of -way that can be nearly impossible to acquire in a developed area. A separated path along a street, Park and Recreation Plan 6 -37 CHAPTER 6 if necessary, can be accommodated more easily in undeveloped areas and would have to be coordinated very closely with street design engineers. • Accessways: Accessways are short public paths that serve as connections for non - vehicular travel. Accessways are sometimes used to connect a cul -de -sac with an adjoining street or where there are overly long blocks. They are also useful to provide access to parks and schools if they do not abut a street. Paths Outside a Street Rights -of -Way Rights -of -ways for paths that are not within streets are very difficult to acquire unless done at the time of initial land planning and development. Property owners are usually reluctant to grant or sell easements of land and often object to the public near their property if not on a street. These issues can be reduced if a detailed trail plan is adopted prior to any development. Studies have shown that properties near paths and trails have higher values. Paths should not be crossed frequently by at -grade intersections, so the best locations are along linear features that have few access points or crossings such as creeks, freeways, airports, railroads, etc. Since most of Spokane Valley is developed, obtaining significant portions of trail segments of this type will be difficult to acquire. Paths in Open Space Corridors Pathways within open space corridors are ideal because in addition to a transportation route, they provide a passive and peaceful setting. At the same time, most of the proposed open space sites recommended in the Plan contain wetlands or have other environmentally sensitive conditions. Specific design approaches need to be addressed under these conditions. Trails Plan Figure 6.2 illustrates the proposed Trails Plan, including existing trails and conceptual routes for proposed multi -use pathways, planned sidewalks, and planned bicycle lanes. Note that bike lanes not only provide connections where off- street pathways are not possible, but they also support commuter bicycle travel. Table 6.4 lists the proposed trails /pathways that are noted in the Trails Plan. Each trail should be assessed for its suitability as part of the overall trail system. 6 -32 Park and Recreation flan Dail Clanentic ` _ Q-R `rte a Parks & Recreation Plan - c Mfandelev = Proposed Trail Map , -- v NI 1 -gfit 3{ u _ = rcnow CI - I - Ylxnte's 90 Legend mn Of i •� •_ E — I f}c PDiut Spokane k��— rc i Community Park � � ty ~'�• 3 : fnnsr�n•a6 - - - a „sstuu 1 - � ®Conservation Land Shields Park_ cl _ - ' • •-•• • • • • - .i y,uu la,u_ �i _ _ . 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K � Talrc sleiin; � u �'y Date: 6129/06 - ^n ail o z J NP 26 4fl tip , ., s� .h?arie ( n NP -27i °•N� - f 1 c 4Sh A i S� 3 - -�✓ IL f, l�l ' I f y 0 0.5 1 2Mites - o h tea, ^' Abu- The - f tb h wn on this map is compitedfroin tattoos and t s bject t¢ constant revsron. The Crry makes no claims goat S aba the acc—y or carreng, ofthis map and -I- V antee rt n�. t expressly disclaims 71abrRryf¢r errors and anissrons in its contents 1 ` r� o t+ ,° tiler / _ - - >✓• ° - u, a '� Conservation - To co firm accuracy -fact the City o S o! ne Ira11e Communi rl Cartservation —_ Y• 9' r Development Department Division ofPlammmg (509) 921-1000. Pmductofthc Cityafsp'".' Valley, Community ne"lapment Department CHAPTER 6 Table 6.4 Proposed Trail System City of Spokane Valley 1 11 K1___ I onnth Comments Park and Recreation Plan 6 -33 Trail is existing and managed T -1 Spokane River Centennial Trail 11'2 miles b a consortium of public and y private organizations This is an abandoned rail line. T -2 Burlington Northern Trail 2.9 miles It is unclear whether this is owned by the City or County Begins at the BN Trail and T -3 Spokane Loop - Eastern Segment 5.1 miles travels south to Sullivan Road An east -west segment that Spokane Loop — Southern 3.3 s starts at Sullivan Road and T -4 Segment mile ends at Dishman Road. Route qenerally follows 32 "d avenue A northerly segment that lies within the proposed Chester Spokane Loop — Southwestern 3.2 miles Creek Open Space corridor; T -5 Segment then turn westerly through Camp Caro ending at Park Road. A north -south segment that lies mostly within Park Road. Trail eventually turns east to connect T -6 Spokane Loop — Western Segment 3.5 miles to Argonne Road where it crosses the River and connects to the Spokane River Centennial Trail A segment connecting the Spokane Loop at 32nd Avenue T -7 Chester Creek Connection 1.1 miles with Chester Creek Park (Site NP26 A segment that begins at the Myrtle Point Park Trailhead T -B Spokane River Trail Extension 1.0 mile and travels along the north bank of the Spokane River to Plantes Ferry Park Park and Recreation Plan 6 -33 CHAPTER 6 6.3 ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT With the City of Spokane Valley becoming an instant city of 84,000 people, the Parks and Recreation Department has been challenged to develop policies and procedures and establish its role in providing park and recreation services. The following recommendations are for administering a program of leisure services. Management and Services Consider the financial impact of offering park and recreation services: The major factors that determine the efficiency of a park and recreation program are 1(the ability to generate revenue from services rendered and 2) the cost to maintain facilities. While good design can help reduce operating costs, the greater impact usually comes from facilities and activities that generate revenue. The chart below illustrates the potential revenue from three basic types of leisure services: Parks Only 5% Programs Only 90% Major Facilities 50% Financial Return Ratio for Services Figure 6.3 on the next page illustrates the overall cost impacts of offering various levels of leisure services. Starting at the basic level of maintaining parks only (Level 1), very little revenue, if any, is created. At Level 5, which offers a comprehensive recreation program, revenue is created to help offset the operating cost. As a result, the net cost to the City is minimal. For example, the City of Edmonds has a revenue rate for the entire Parks and Recreation Department of 60 %. This means that for every dollar budgeted, it only costs the City approximately $0.40. The question for Spokane Valley is: where does the City see itself in the future in terms of offering park and recreation services? Currently, the City is at a level 1. While the operating budget may be higher at Level 4 than at Level 1, the net financial cost to the taxpayer may be nearly the same. This means that if the City were to raise recreation services to a level 4, the net cost may not be any more than what is now being spent. With this in mind, there are four basic approaches Spokane Valley could take in providing a leisure services program: 6 -34 Park and Recreation Plan COST OF SERVICE CHAPTER 6 OPTIONS FORA LEISURE SERVICES PROGRAM 1. Maintain the current level of park development. 2. Develop a more elaborate system of parks, trails and other recreational facilities. 3. Downgrade the importance of parks and place the emphasis on recreation programs. 4. Provide a balance between parks and recreation programs. RECREATION SERVICE COST MODEL Cost of Service /4 'J 3 `... Major and Programs Offered _ ........ ____ —. Limited Recreation Programs LEVEL OF SERVICE E Expanded Park System Additional Personnel Limited Park Figure 6.3 Comparison of Cost of Service to Level of Service • Recommended roles and responsibilities: Prior to incorporation, Spokane County was the primary provider of parkland and adult sports in the City. Youth sports were and continue to be offered and managed by private sport groups and the YMCA. A private club in the community provides space for additional indoor sports, Park and Recreation Plan 6 -35 CHAPTER 6 although schools continue to be the primary provider of gymnasiums for youth sports. Currently the City of Spokane Valley has assumed ownership and maintenance responsibilities for most of the parks in the City. The City now offers a limited summer program. In the long term, the Parks and Recreation Department should establish a more dominant role in park and recreation services in the community. In general, the City's role should include: Be responsible for assessing park and recreation needs in the community, and help coordinate service delivery efforts with the various organizations. Develop a quality park system. Provide a level of recreation programs and services that meets needs not filled by other leisure service providers. Create an identity and improve visibility: In the past, the Parks and Recreation Department has had a very low profile because the Department offered few programs to the public and Spokane County maintained the parks. The Department should make an effort to become more visible and prominent in the community. This in turn will create a following of supporters for park and recreation services. Some of the actions the Department should take are: • Offer special events that attract large numbers of participants and promote City services. • Offer recreation programs to both youth and adults. • Publish articles in the City newsletter and other forums promoting the benefits of park and recreation. • Advertise special events and programs in the media • Offer sustained, year round programs • Create a Park and Recreation Advisory Committee: Currently the City Council acts on all park and recreation issues. Over time and as the City grows in responsibility, the Council will find it more difficult to devote adequate time to these issues. At that time a parks and recreation advisory board should be created to develop advisory policies related to park and recreation services, assess park and recreation needs, and generally provide a forum for public input. • Promote park and recreation services: To help promote the park and recreation program and make the Department more visible, 6 -36 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER b promotional and informational brochures should be developed. In addition, Department staff should make presentations to neighborhood and service groups, display information at community events, host special programs and informational events. Encourage volunteerism: Volunteers can not only provide much needed assistance but involve the public in programs as well. Potential volunteer projects could include: • Assist in administrative duties. • Conduct maintenance tasks. • Assist in special events. • Assist in recreation programs. • Offer internships to college students • Prepare a marketing plan: To efficiently offer services, the Department should develop a marketing plan that describes how services will be provided and how the services will be marketed. • Form partnerships: The City cannot and should not provide all of the park and recreation services needed in the community. As a result, it should seek partnerships with other providers to help meet the needs and distribute the responsibilities and costs. • Offer staff training: To help manage a park and recreation program more efficiently, staff should be encouraged to attend special training classes, schools and other technical seminars. • Camping in parks: When large multi -day events are held in a park (the riding arena is an example), participants often camp on the site. While this is a convenience to the participant, none of the parks in Spokane Valley are designed to accommodate campers. The problem can become acute when trash is left on the site or campers abuse the privilege by staying extended periods of time. Because of these problems, it is recommended that the City initiate the following policy related to camping in parks. Park and Recreation Plan 6 -37 CHAPTER 6 Camping will only be permitted in a City park when a special event is being held. A camping permit will be required of the event sponsor and can only be given under the following conditions: • Adequate restroom facilities must be available. If it is found that the facilities are inadequate, the event sponsor will provide portable restroom facilities. • The camping area will be limited to a small area so to not disrupt other park users. • Camping will only be permitted during the event and one day prior to the event. • Campers not associated with the event will not be permitted • The Parks and Recreation Director will make final decisions on issuing a camping permit. • A camping fee should be imposed to cover the cost of cleanup and other expenses. Park Facility leases: Currently three private user groups lease space at city parks. This includes the radio car club and the Western Dance Association at Sullivan Park and Splashdown at Valley Mission Park. Leases assure access by private groups to a specialized facility. This is particularly important if the private group has spent substantial money to develop the facility. On the other hand, park facilities should be made available to all residents. Sometimes, leaseholders tend to assume that their facility is only available to their members. Based on this background, it is recommended that the following policy apply: 6 -38 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 Private user groups may lease park property under the following conditions: • The use will meet a recreation need that is not provided by the City. • The use should be a suitable recreation use. • The use will not impact the enjoyment and use of the park or nearby property owners, • The user group must pay for the construction, management and maintenance of the facility. • The general public will have access to the facility except when the user group is hosting a special event. • The user group maintains the facility in a well kept appearance comparable to the rest of the park. • The user group will post a deposit or some other means of assuring that the facility will be removed and replaced to the original condition when the facility is no longer in use. • The City may charge a fee for the lease. Financial Resources /Funding Consider Park Dedication Requirements: Conceptually dedication can be required to meet the needs of the community that are attributable to new development. Dedication is not limited to the dedication of land, but may also provide for money in lieu of land or some combination of land and money. Where private recreational facilities are provided, a system of credits can be considered. While popular in most Washington cities, the City of Spokane Valley does not currently collect these fees. The issue is, "Who should pay for park improvements; the residents who already live in the community or the new residents moving into the community ?" The City should consider collecting this type of fee to help pay for the cost of expanding the park system. • Seek grants: Adoption of the Park and Recreation Plan will make the City eligible for State and Federal park and recreation grants. The City should actively seek grants to help leverage local contributions. • Create a foundation: The City should create a foundation for donations of park and recreation facilities. Park and Recreation Plan 6 -:ty CHAPTER 6 6.4 MAINTENANCE Maintenance Management: Until recently, parks in Spokane Valley were maintained by Spokane County under a contract with the City. Recently, The City issued a contract to a private contractor to maintain the park system. While contracting out park maintenance services may be a more efficient means of maintaining parks and eliminates the cost of purchasing equipment, there are other issues that should be considered. Some of these issues are: Contracting out maintenance still requires some staff administrative time to check on the work being performed. It is hard to forecast time requirements and address emergency maintenance requirements • Park maintenance personnel will be in more contact with the public than anyone else in the City. Their actions and relationships will reflect on the City. On the positive side of contracting, it eliminates the front -end costs of financing an extensive equipment inventory. Also, contract labor costs are usually less than that of a city. In the future, the Department should conduct a cost /benefit analysis to determine the most appropriate way to maintain parks in Spokane Valley. • Maintenance Funding: The City should establish a maintenance - funding goal calculated on a per -acre basis and define minimum maintenance service levels. Integrated Pest Management Plan: The Department should develop an integrated pest management plan to define use of herbicides and pesticides in parks and open space areas. • Deferred Maintenance and Long -term Maintenance Requirements: Deferred maintenance is a common and continual problem for park operations. The Department should continue an assessment of replacement and upgrade needs for all parks and facilities. 6 -40 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 Once completed, an annual budget should be prepared for addressing the deferred maintenance issue including irrigation and drainage, tree pruning, dead tree removal, pathway repair and overlays, restroom repairs, landscaping, and other deferred maintenance items. 6.5 RECREATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Currently, the Department offers a limited recreation program. Many of the special interest groups in the community are satisfied with managing their own programs and <t do not want the City involved. a However, in the long term, the Department should consider expanding its range of recreation programs and services. In the short term, the Department should be conservative in its approach and build a program based on past experiences. Some of the roles the City should assume are: Program Coordination: While recreation programs and classes should be delivered by a number of agencies in the community, Spokane Valley should serve as the overall coordinator to assure that community needs are met. This could be done by creating a city -wide task force representing the various recreation providers and interest groups. The City's role should be to help establish this group and provide administrative support. • Short Term Recreation Programs: The City should offer recreation programs and classes in the following areas: • Aquatics • Summer playground programs • Senior programs • Youth programs • Special events (limited) Cost Recovery: For the Recreation Program in general, the Parks and Recreation Department should seek a 100% cost recovery target based on direct costs only. Park and Recreation Plan 6 -41 CHAPTER 6 • Long Term Recreation Program: As the recreation program is established, the City should consider expanding the program to include: • Instructional classes • Special interest programs • Outdoor /interpretive programs • Special events (expanded) • Limited indoor adult sports Senior Age Programs: The City of Spokane Valley is responsible for the space used for senior programs, but the Spokane Valley Senior Citizens Association offers specific programs from 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday. The specific terms of this arrangement are spelled out in a written agreement. With the move of the senior program to CenterPlace, additional senior programs and services should be considered. Some of the programs and services to consider are: • Additional active recreation programs and activities such as aerobics, health and fitness and senior competitive sports. • Intergenerational activities and programs in addition to the more traditional age -group oriented programming. • Provide more special interest classes. Youth Programs: The Plan recommends that the existing senior center building be converted to a youth activity center. If the building is found to be unsuitable, a new youth activity center should be built on the site. With that move, a youth and teen program should be initiated. Two options for managing youth programs are possible: the first would be to partner with the Boys and Girls Club to manage a program. This has the advantage that this agency has the experience and would not require involvement of the City. The second option is for the City to run a youth program. If this were to occur, some of the programs should include: • Drop in program for the youth to just "hang out" • Special interest programs and classes • Life skill classes • Limited recreation level sports • Tours and field trips • Job skill classes 6 -42 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 6 The City could pattern its program after the Boys and Girls Club model as well as other youth programs. Arts and culture: The survey revealed a significant latent demand for arts, drama and dancing. The City has initiated a step in this direction by providing a stage in the Great Room, and an auditorium at CenterPlace. In addition, many of the classrooms can be made available for art classes. The City has also constructed an outdoor stage in Mirabeau Point Park. In the future, the City's role in cultural arts could include: • Provide space for cultural arts activities such as art in park, theatre concerts, and art shows • Provide small grants to cultural oriented organizations for special events, classes and other activities. • Assist the Arts Council in grant applications and other administrative tasks. • Partner with other local or regional art providers • Compile an artist /instructor resource list 6.6 RIVERFRONT ACCESS The Spokane River offers a unique recreation resource to the City. While some public land exists along the River, attempts should be made to acquire additional property as it becomes available. Barker Bridge is an example of a potential site that could offer a boating access point. Park and Recreation Plan 6 -43 CHAPTER 7 QUATIC FACILITIES CHAPTER 7: AQUATIC FACILITIES This chapter analyzes the nef in Spokane Valley and addre Currently, the City owns and pools (6 -lane, 25 -yard tank c three pools by the ORB Orgc deficiencies. However, overt 7.1 CURRENT SWIMMING Table 7.1 notes the five existi Valley: Existi Spokan Within the region, but outside outdoor pools in the City of The Spokane River and nearl opportunities. 7.2 DEMAND FOR OUTD The following is a summary c by the ORB Organization an, on the recreation survey rece swimming rate in Spokane V However, it is estimated that will occur in a public pool. E 84,000 people in Spokane V pools can be calculated as fc CHAPTER 7 M Park Road Pool 6 -lane Terrace View Pool 6 -lane Valley Mission Pool 6 -lane Spokane Valley YMCA Leisure Splashdown Outdo Within the region, but outside outdoor pools in the City of The Spokane River and nearl opportunities. 7.2 DEMAND FOR OUTD The following is a summary c by the ORB Organization an, on the recreation survey rece swimming rate in Spokane V However, it is estimated that will occur in a public pool. E 84,000 people in Spokane V pools can be calculated as fc CHAPTER 7 CHAPTER 7 2.98 x 84,000 x 20% = 50,100 swims It is a fact that 75% of all swims takes place in shallow water (water less than 5 feet deep). Using this information, shallow water demand and deep water demand can be determined: Shallow Water Demand Multiply 50,100 monthly swims by 75% Divide by 30 days per month Multiply by 60% peak load factor Multiply by 12 sq. ft. per swimmer Deep Water Demand Multiply 50,100 monthly swims by 25% Divide by 30 days per month Multiply by 60% peak load factor Multiply by 27 sq. ft. per swimmer demand Total Pool Area Demand: Less Credit for Existing Facilities: Net Outdoor Pool Demand: = 37,575 shallow swims = 1,296 daily swims = 752 peak swimmers = 9,024 sq. ft. water area demand = 12,525 deep water swims = 418 daily swimmers = 251 peak swimmers = 6,777 sq. ft water area 15,801 sq. ft. water area 13,900 sq. ft. water area' 1,901 sq. ft. water areal There is currently not enough demand to warrant the development of an additional outdoor pool. 7.3 THE LEISURE POOL CONCEPT The difference between a Family Leisure Pool and a Conventional Swimming Pool is presented in the following definitions: A Family Leisure Pool is generally free -form in shape and often varies from 0 to 5 or 6 feet in depth. These pools often include moving water that may be in the form of waves or a current. They usually contain a shallow area for small children, along with free play area and special effects facilities, such as water slides, bubble pool, rapids channel, swirl pool, or water playground. The family leisure pool, as the name implies, is a. place for fun and water play rather than competitive swimming. ' Credit for existing facilities included 9,900 sq. ft. for the three City pools; 2,000 sq. ft. credit for the YMCA pool; and, 2,000 sq. ft. for Splashdown. 7 -2 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 7 2 A standard 6 -lane, 25 -yard pool has 3,300 sq. ft. of water area. The Conventional Swimming Pool is usually rectangular in shape (although it may be "T" or "U- shaped) and usually constructed in lengths appropriate for competitive swimming. These pools range in depth from 3.5 -12 feet and often have a diving board. The true competitive pool, such as the 50 -meter pool, may have a shallow depth of five feet. The two types of pools attract different interest groups and age profiles. As a result, they have different operating requirements and user capacities. For a conventional swimming pool, use is divided between competitive swimming, lap swimming, and general recreation swimming. The maximum capacity is about 30 -40 annual swimmers per square foot of surface water area. A family leisure pool stresses the recreational swimming element and has a majority of its pool area with depths of four feet or less. The shallow water permits more people in the pool at one time and is more conducive to play and general recreation swimming, rather than lap or competitive swimming. Due to its shallow depth, this type of pool can accommodate as much as 45 -60 swimmers per square foot of surface water area over the course of a day. Surveys by the ORB Organization and MIG have shown that family leisure pools draw from 2 -3 times more annual swimmers than the conventional pool. According to one of their recent surveys, the average annual swims per capita was 2.5 for the indoor conventional swimming pool. For the family leisure pool, this number increases to about 6.5 swims per capita. 7.4 DEMAND FOR AN INDOOR FAMILY LEISURE POOL The primary market area for a swimming pool is the area generating most of the paid admissions. For this analysis, the primary market area is assumed to be the same, regardless of the specific design selected. The exception is a 50 -meter competitive pool that would attract competitive swimmers from the entire region. The primary market area includes all those residents living within an approximate five -mile radius or 15 minutes driving time. Using the proposed Town Center as the center point of a radius, the primary market area includes all of the City of Spokane Valley. The capture rate is the expression of the market support generated by the population within that area. Within the primary market area, the Park and Recreation Plan 7 -3 11"M In, 2 A capture rate will vary, because some portions of the primary market area will be closer to a facility. The secondary market area was considered to be all areas within a 20- minute driving time of a pool facility. This included some portions to the west of the City and the community of Liberty Lake to the east. Attendance Potential Comparisons made by ORB for family leisure pools in British Columbia and the Northwest revealed an annual per capita usage ranging from a high of 5.5 to a low of 3.2. Assuming some competition from the YMCA family leisure pool, a factor of 3.7 occasions was used for the primary market area and 1.0 occasions for the secondary market area. From the assumptions, the following usage is calculated: 25 -yard pool configuration Primary Market Area (67,000 population) x 2.7 = 247,900 occasions Secondary Market Area (33,000 population) x 1.0 = 33,000 occasions Total = 280,900 occasions 50 -meter pool configuration Primary Market Area (67,000 population) x 2.7 = 247,900 occasions Secondary Market Area (33,000 population) x 2.0 = 66,000 occasions Total = 313,900 occasions FINANCIAL ANALYSIS An analysis of potential operating costs and revenues has been prepared for a family indoor leisure pool with two configurations: 1) a standard 8 -lane, 25 -yard main tank; and 2) a 8 -lane, 50 -meter main tank. History has shown that a family leisure pool tends to have a high initial level of participation but then decreases somewhat after the unique qualities wear off. Therefore, the cost /revenue analysis described below is for the third year of operation. Excluded from the cost is a building reserve fund, start -up costs, or any city overhead applications. The intent of this financial analysis is to provide parameter -based estimates from which a more detailed projection can be made as the concept details become more final. The cost - revenue assumptions are based on today's conditions, recognizing that a facility will be developed at an undetermined point in the future. Most of the cost and revenue data reflect operating characteristics of similar projects. Most are located in the general Denver area and include Brighton Recreation Center, Breckenridge Recreation Center, East Boulder Community Center, Golden Community Center, Bob Burger Recreation Center, Parker Recreation Center, and the Westminister City Park Center. 7 -4 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 7 Design Program Two design programs are presented in the cost /revenue analysis. These are: Alternative A (25 -yard pool configuration): • 25 -yard, 8 -lane pool • Leisure /wave pool • Warm water pool (15'x30') • Lazy River • Water slide • Spa /Swirl pool • Large multi -use deck • Steam room • Sauna • Multi- purpose room • Two meeting rooms • Dressing rooms • Administrative space • Total floor area: 38,800 square feet Alternative B (8 lane, 50 -meter pool configuration) • Same configuration except for the 50 -meter main pool • Total floor area: 48,400 square feet Operating Income Operating income includes the following: • Paid Admissions: For this study, a per capita expenditure rate was based on the population of the market area. For the standard 25- yard tank configuration, the 334,500 annual occasions noted above was used. For the 50 -meter tank configuration, total annual occasions in the secondary market area was increased to reflect added usage by competitive swimmers. Total annual occasions for this configuration was set at 367,500. The assumed average paid admission based on individual gate passes and annual memberships is $3.5 per visit. This is based on 75% youth @ $3.00 and 25% adult @ $5.00. Park and Recreation Plan 7 -5 CHAPTER 7 Concessions: Revenue from concessions typically ranges from as small as $8,000 to as high as $90,000 annually. The North Clackamas Wave Pool in Portland collects nearly $200,000 annually. Ultimately the three factors that will determine gross concessions revenue for the proposed project are the total number of visitors, size of the concession area, and the hours of operation. Total visitation includes aquatic and general recreation program use. Swim Lessons: The City currently derives a significant portion of its outdoor pool revenue from swim lessons. Revenue for swim lessons at a traditional indoor pool in a large urban area ranges from a low of $40,000 to as much as $100,000 annually. Because of the existence of the YMCA pool and the three existing outdoor pools, it is assumed that revenue from lessons for the proposed family leisure pool would be approximately $40,000. • Recreation Classes: This would include revenue from room rentals, exercise classes, and general recreation classes. • School District Use: This assumes that the three school districts in the City would pay a flat fee for swim team use, intramural swimming, and other uses. A flat fee of $10,000 for each district was used. • Swim Team Rentals: This revenue includes fees paid by private swim clubs. For the 25 -yard pool configuration, the amount is based on a flat fee of $10,000 annually. For the 50 -meter pool configuration, that amount has been raised to $20,000 annually. • Warm Water Pool Rentals: It is assumed that in addition to general public use, the facility will also be available for rental use by local hospitals and physical therapists. Assumed use is an average of 8 hours per week at a rate of $120 per hour. • Miscellaneous Income: This revenue is from rental of meeting rooms, aquatic facilities, and other spaces. Operating Expenses Pool operating expenses include: • Salaries and benefits • Swim instructors • Insurance (may be included under a city blanket policy) • Professional services and training • Maintenance and repairs 7 -6 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 7 • Supplies and chemicals • Concessions (includes non -food items) • Utilities • Miscellaneous items • Building Reserve Fund (not included as a cost) • City overhead cost (Not included as a cost but would include charges applied to the facility from other departments) Tables 7.2 and 7.3 present the estimated revenue and costs for 25- yard and 50 -meter pool configurations. Table 7.2 Cost /Revenue Statement 25 -Yard Pool Configuration (3rd year of Operation) Income and - Cost Operating Income Paid Admissions (Aquatics) @ $3.50 per user $980,000 Concessions 280,900 annual visits @ $0.10 per visit $28,100 Swim Lessons $20,000 Recreation Classes $5,000 School District Use $30,000 Swim Team Rentals allowance $10,000 Warm Water Pool Rental $50,000 Miscellaneous Income $5,000 TOTAL $1,128,100 Expenses Salaries and Benefits @ $2.75 per visit $772,500 Instructors @ 70% of swim lesson income $14,000 Insurance allowance $50,000 Professional Services @ $0.43 per sq. ft. floor area 1 $16,700 Maintenance and Repairs @ $1.70 per sq. ft. floor area $66,000 Supplies and Chemicals @ $1.00 per sq. ft. floor area $38,800 Concession @ 50% of concession income $14,050 Utilities @ $15.30 per sq. ft. water area 2 $149,300 Miscellaneous costs @ $0.45 per sq. ft. floor area $17,500 Building Reserve Fund NIC City Overhead Cost NIC Start-up Costs NIC TOTAL $1,138,850 OPERATING DEFICIT $10,750 (1) Assumes a building size of db,bUU sq. tt. of floor area Park and Recreation Plan 7 -7 CHAPTER 7 (2) Assumes water area of 9,760 sq. ft. Table 7.3 Cost /Revenue Statement 50 -Meter Pool Configuration (3rd year of Operation) (1) Assumes a building size of 48,400 sq. ft. of floor area (2) Assumes water area of 15,040 sq. ft. 7 -8 Park and Recreation Plan Income and • Operating Income Paid Admissions (Aquatics) @ $3.50 per user $1,098,600 Concessions 313,900 annual visits @ $0.10 per visit $31,400 Swim Lessons $20,000 Recreation Classes $5,000 School District Use $30,000 Swim Team Rentals allowance $20,000 Warm Water Pool Rental $50,000 Miscellaneous Income $5,000 TOTAL $1,260,000 Expenses Salaries and Benefits @ $2.75 per visit $863,200 Instructors @ 70% of swim lesson income $14,000 Insurance allowance $50,000 Professional Services @ $0.43 per sq. ft. floor area 1 $20,800 Maintenance and Repairs @ $1.70 per sq. ft. floor area $82,300 Supplies and Chemicals @ $1.00 per sq. ft. floor area $48,400 Concession @ 50% of concession income $15,700 Utilities @ $15.30 per sq. ft. water area 2 $230,100 Miscellaneous costs @ $0.45 per sq. ft. floor area $21,800 Building Reserve Fund NIC City Overhead Cost NIC Start-up Costs NIC TOTAL $1,346,300 OPERATING DEFICIT $86,300 (1) Assumes a building size of 48,400 sq. ft. of floor area (2) Assumes water area of 15,040 sq. ft. 7 -8 Park and Recreation Plan 7.5 AQUATIC RECOMMENDATIONS Currently the City has $1.6 million to spend on aquatic improvements. This money is to be transferred to the City from Spokane County. Originally intended to be used to fund an indoor pool, the amount was found to be inadequate for that purpose. It is assumed that the money could also be used for improvements to the existing outdoor pools. However, additional research is needed to confirm this assumption. For this study, outdoor and indoor concepts to meeting aquatic needs were studied. Three concepts are depicted on the following pages. The first two concepts are provided as short -term options and the third concept is a long -term solution for development of an indoor aquatic complex. • Concept #1: Upgrade and add leisure component to three existing outdoor pools • Concept #2: Add large waterplay component to one existing outdoor pool and per basic upgrades to two existing outdoor pools • Concept #3: Indoor aquatic complex Concept #1: Outdoor Pool Upgrades and Small Leisure Component For a short -term solution, several alternatives were studied. One option was to develop a new fourth pool in the eastern quadrant of the city. It was found that the available money for construction was not adequate. In addition, the needs assessment did not reveal enough demand to warrant another outdoor pool. For this reason, Concept #1 was developed to divide the available $1.6 million between the three pools and use it to upgrade the facilities and add a small leisure component (such as a waterslide) to each (see illustration of Concept #1 on the following page). Improvements to each of the three outdoor pools would be: • Upgrade of existing facilities • Add Lazy River • Add large sun deck Estimated Cost of Improvements: $1,574,000 Park and Recreation Plan 7 -9 CHAPTER 7 CHAPTER 7 11ME- of 2E Krsrfq G -. ----- N ?rJ'ami" M.. b !o zo Wo ADD SEVERAL AQUATIC FEATURES TO EACH EXISTING OUTDOOR POOL COST - $1,574,000 CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY 7-10 Concept # 1 Park and Recreation Plan Concept #2: Outdoor Pool Upgrades and Large Water Play Component Concept #2 has a higher cost than Concept #1. In this concept, the City would upgrade two of the existing outdoor pools as shown in Concept #1, but use the majority of the $1.6 million for a large water play component at Valley Mission Pool. The improvements would be located north of the bathhouse and require removal of the tennis courts. Because the new revised Valley Mission Pool may compete with the existing Splashdown, the City should consider a partnership with the manager of that facility. Specific facilities and improvements recommended for the Valley Mission Pool include (see illustration of Concept #2 on following page): • Upgrade existing facilities • Add Lazy River • Add zero depth entry pool • Add spray park • Add large sun deck Cost of Improvements: $2,630,000 Park and Recreation Plan 7- 7 1 CHAPTER 7 CHAPTER 7 i ,, �{ r 7-12 �r Concept #2 Park and Recreation Plan b 10 �o Ho NEW OUTDOOR ZERO -DEPTH POOL AT VALLEY MISSION POOL COST - $2,630,000 CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY 7-12 �r Concept #2 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 7 Concept #3: Indoor Aquatic Complex In the long term, the Plan recommends the development of an indoor aquatic complex to be located within the proposed City Center. A specific site within this area has yet to be determined, and the recommended design program will determine if the main pool will be a 50 -meter competitive pool or a 25 -yard competitive /multi -use pool (American Short Course Pool). The recommended activity spaces for this facility should contain the following components: • 25 -yard, 8 -lane pool (or 50- meter, 8 -lane pool) • Wave pool • Water slide • Steam room and sauna • Spa or water swirl • Lazy river • Warm water pool • Multi- purpose room and two meeting rooms • Dressing rooms • Administration space Total Floor Area: 38,800 sq. ft. (25 -yard pool component) Total Floor Area: 48,400 sq. ft. (50 -meter component) Cost of Improvements: $9,900,000 (25 -yard pool) Cost of Improvements: $12,400,000 (50 -meter pool) According to the demand analysis conducted in Section 8.4, the City could expect annual visitation to a 25 -yard configured leisure pool to be about 280,000 occasions. This is compared to about 100,000 to 140,000 visits for a standard 25 -yard pool. Park and Recreation Plan 7-13 CHAPTER 7 I"1EG NAN I GAL 1 e \ ,N > �a.Is"Kv -\ -POC4. i (25 �ARD POOL) T. 1 I STAN . TuxeosE.. '� V MAUS CBM 9 4 � Ii� }I�/ 4AIIAt NEW INDOOR AQUATIC y FACILITY AT CITY CENTER 25 YARD POOL COST - $9,900,000 CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY 'DOES NOT INCLUDE LAND Concept #3 7-14 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 8 IMPLEMENTATION CHAPTER 8: IMPLEMENTATION CHAPTER 8 This chapter discusses an implementation strategy for funding the improvements recommended in the Park and Recreation Plan. It includes a capital facilities plan, which identifies costs and revenue sources for the next six years. 8.1 FUNDING SOURCES The following are possible funding sources for acquiring, developing and maintaining parks and other recreational areas in the City of Spokane Valley. 1. General Fund: This is the City's primary source for operating revenue. Most of this revenue comes from taxes levied on property and the sale of merchandise within the City's boundary. 2. Municipal Capital Improvement Program Funding: This is a six year financing program for major capital expenditures funded from the General Fund. The current CIP amounts to approximately $28.4 million for the period 2006 to 2012. Of this amount, $5.7 million is allocated to parks. 3. General Obligation Bond: These are voter - approved bonds with the assessment placed on real property. The money may only be used for capital improvements. This property tax is levied for a specified period of time (usually 15 -20 years). Passage requires a two- third's majority approval with 50% of the voters voting. Major disadvantages of this funding option are the high approval requirement and the interest costs. 4. Special Serial Levy: This is a property tax assessed for the construction and /or operation of park facilities. This type of levy is established at a given rate for 3 -5 years and requires a simple majority for voter approval. The advantage of this type of levy is that there are no interest charges. 5. Revenue Bonds: These bonds are sold and paid for from the revenue produced from the operation of a facility. The City does not have any recreational facilities funded in this manner. Park and Recreation Plan 8 -7 CHAPTER 8 6. Donations: The donation of labor, land, or cash by service agencies, private groups or individuals is a popular way to raise small amounts of money for specific projects. Service agencies, such as Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Clubs, often fund small projects, such as playground improvements. 7. Exchange of Property: If the City has an excess parcel of land with some development value, it could be traded for private land more suitable for park use. 8. Joint Public /Private Partnership: This concept has become increasingly popular for park and recreation agencies. The basic approach is for a public agency to enter into a working agreement with a private corporation to help fund, build, and /or operate a public facility. Generally, the three primary incentives a public agency can offer are free land to place a facility (usually a park or other parcel of public land), certain tax advantages and access to the facility. While the public agency may have to give up certain responsibilities or control, it is one way of obtaining public facilities at a lower cost. 9. Lifetime Estates: This is an agreement between the City and a land owner, where the City gives the owner the right to live on the site after it is sold. 10. Park Impact Fees: Park Impact Fees are fees imposed on new development because of the impacts the projects have on the City's infrastructure. While common in most Washington cities, Spokane Valley has not imposed this fee yet. 11. Certificates of Participation: This is a lease- purchase approach where the City sells Certificates of Participation (COPs) to a lending institution. The City then pays the loan off from revenue produced by the facility or from its general operating budget. The lending institution holds title to the property until the COPS are repaid. This procedure does not require a vote of the public. Public /Government Grant Programs: 12. HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): These grants from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development are available for a wide variety of projects. Most are distributed in the lower income areas of the community. Grants can cover up to 100% of project costs. 13. Land and Water Conservation Fund: This is a federal grant program that receives its money from offshore oil leases. The 8 -2 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 8 money is distributed through the National Park Service and is administered locally by the Washington State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC). In the past, this was one of the major sources of grant money for local agencies. In the 1990s, funding at the federal level was severely cut, but in recent times more money has become available. In the current proposed federal budget, a small amount of money has been allocated to this program. The funds can be used for acquisition and development of outdoor facilities and requires a 50% match. 14. Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA): Through the years, Washington has received considerable revenue for trail - related projects. Originally called The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), this program funded a wide variety of transportation related projects. In 1998, it was modified and is now referred to as TEA21. These funds can generally be used for landscape and amenity improvements related to trail and transportation projects. 15. Youth Athletic Fund: The Youth Athletic Fund is a grant program designed to provide funding for new, improved, and better maintained outdoor athletic facilities serving youth and communities. This program was established by State Statute (RCW 79A.25.800 -830) as part of the State Referendum 48, which provided funding for the Seattle Seahawks Stadium. Applicants must provide matching funds of at least 50 percent. 16. Boating Facilities Program: This is a grant program funded through the IAC. Projects eligible under this program include acquisition, development, planning, and renovation projects associated with launching ramps, transient moorage, and upland support facilities. Grants are distributed on an annual basis and require a 25 percent match. 17. Aquatic Land Enhancement Account: This program is administered by the IAC and is intended to provide support for the purchase, improvement, or protection of aquatic lands for public purposes and access to these resources. Applicants must provide a minimum of a 50 percent match. 18. Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program: This program is administered by the IAC. There are two accounts under this program: 1) Habitat Conservation; and 2) Outdoor Recreation. Projects eligible under this program include acquisition and development of parks, water access sites, trails, critical wildlife Park and Recreation Plan 8 -3 CHAPTER 8 habitat, natural areas, and urban wildlife habitat. Applicants must provide a minimum of a 50 percent non -IAC match. 19. Exactions: Costs of necessary public improvements are passed onto the adjacent landowners. 20. Public Land Trusts: Private land trusts, such as the Trust for Public Land, Inc. and the Nature Conservancy will acquire and hold land for eventual acquisition by a public agency. 21. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW): USFW may provide technical assistance and administer funding for projects related to water quality improvement through debris and habitat /vegetation management, watershed management and stream bank erosion, and sediment deposition projects. Other Potential Sources: 22. Partnerships: The City is in a unique position to develop additional partnerships with other jurisdictions or agencies to implement projects identified in the plan. Some potential partners include the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, private sport groups, neighborhood organizations, Spokane County, and the City of Spokane. 23 .Private Grants and Foundations: Private grants and foundations provide money for a wide range of projects. They are sometimes difficult to find and equally difficult to secure because of the open competition. They usually fund unique projects or ones of extreme need. 8 -4 Park and Recreation Plan 8.2 CAPITAL PROJECTS Table 8.1 lists all projects identified in the Plan along with their potential development costs. Table 8.1 Estimate Costs for Capital Projects (All Projects) P-A, —4 Fnrilifv I Inrfrade NP -4 No Action Trentwood School /Park NP -14 5.0 Orchard Avenue Park 0 CP -12 17.3 Mirabeau Park 0 SU -18 518.0 Camp Caro 0 SU -23 NP -29 Town Center Site 0 SU -11 13.6 CenterPlace 0 $353,000 CP20 17.0 Valley Mission Park P-A, —4 Fnrilifv I Inrfrade NP -4 2.0 Trentwood School /Park $125,000 NP -19 2.0 Park Road Pool Park $375,000 NP -17 4.8 Edgecliff Park $374,000 NP -22 2.8 Balfour Park $88,000 NP -29 9.0 Terrace View Park $516,000 NP -28 8.2 Brown's Park $353,000 CP20 17.0 Valley Mission Park 190,000 SU -5 10.0 Sullivan Park $520,000 :. $2,541,000 Park NP NP NP NP -'A NP4 N P-: NP NP NP NP NP-: NP CHAPTER 8 CHAPTER 8 Table 8.1 (continued) Purl. Develonmanf (rnn'ti CP -9 10.0 Green Acres Park $1,875,000 CP -16 20.0 Southwest Hills Park $3,750,000 CP -36 20.0 Shelly Lake Park $3,750,000 SU -10 2.0 Mission Ave. Trailhead $375,000 SU -13 31.0 Myrtle Point Park $469,000 SU -21 10.0 Valley Mission South $1,805,000 NP -35 4.0 32nd Avenue Park $18,180,000 Dr e:# nn NP -1 4.0 West Valley Park $250,000 NP -6 4.0 Donwood Park $250,000 NP -8 4.0 North Barker Park $250,000 NP -26 4.0 Chester Creek Park $75,000 NP -27 4.0 Painted Hills Park $250,000 NP -34 4.0 South Barker Park $250,000 NP -35 4.0 32nd Avenue Park $250,000 CP -9 10.0 Green Acres Park $625,000 CP -16 20.0 Southwest Hills Park $1,250,000 CP -36 20.0 Shelly Lake Park $875,000 SU -10 2.0 Mission Avenue Trailhead $125,000 OS -3 65.0 Progress Road O.S. $65,000 OS -7 27.0 Spokane River O.S. $27,000 OS -15 104.0 Broadway O.S. $104,000 OS -24 194.0 Chester Creek O.S. $194,000 OS -35 164.0 Shaney Lake O.S. $164,000 $5,004,000.00 Total ;; $25,725,000 8.3 PRELIMINARY PROJECT PRIORITIES The total cost for all the improvements identified in Table 8.1 is nearly $26 million. This is more than the City can, or will, finance in the near term. To be able to direct funding toward the most significant projects in terms of meeting community needs, all projects recommended in the Plan were prioritized. The recommended actions listed in priority order are: • Upgrade existing park facilities: The City should show some action. Since all of the parks need some improvements, this is a place where immediate action could occur. Upgrading of park sites should be a six year program. 8 -6 Park and Recreation Plan CHAPTER 8 • Make aquatic improvements: Since the money is available, these improvements could occur immediately. • Acquire park land: It is important to acquire park land while it is available. The highest acquisition should be the proposed community park site in Green Acres. • Upgrade school /park sites: This should be an on -going action. • Acquire natural open space sites: Most or all of the land designated in the Plan are environmentally sensitive parcels that will probably not be developed in the near future. As a result, these properties may be given to the City as dedications from adjoining land development. 8.4 BASIS FOR ESTIMATING COSTS Development costs can vary widely depending on the location, facility type, construction method, off -site costs, quality of development, and other constraints on the project. For purposes of estimating cost, the following assumptions were made: • Land Acquisition: For development, land prices were estimated at $50,000 per acre. In some areas of the City, land acquisition could well exceed this amount. For open space acquisition, costs were placed at $1,000 per acre. This assumes that most of the land acquired will be undevelopable because of environmental constraints. • Development: Potential costs were established for each element of park development for each park site. These costs excluded street improvements and any other off -site costs. For typical neighborhood and community parks, an assumption of $150,000 per acre was used. • School Park Improvements: An estimated cost of $100,000 per site was used. • Park Upgrade: Each site was estimated individually. A separate spreadsheet is available. • Design: The figures assume a project designed by a professional design firm and bid through a competitive public bidding process. Design costs were estimated at 10% of construction cost. • Contingency: A contingency of 15% was utilized. Park and Recreation Plan 8 -7 CHAPTER 8 8.5 CAPITAL COSTS Table 8.2 summarizes probable construction costs of all the projects listed in the Plan. Table 8.2 Summary of Probable Cost for Recommended Improvements Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan 8.6 CURRENT FUNDING AVAILABILITY The City has an adopted Capital Improvement Program that will be primarily funded through the General Fund. For parks, the funding allocation is as follows: Table 8.3 Funding Allocation for Parks, Year 2006 -2012 Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan -. Year 2006 $1,300,000 Land Acquisition $5,004,000 Park and Facility Upgrade $1,916,000 School Park Upgrade $625,000 Park Development $18,180,000 Year 2011 $100,000 TOTAL $25,725,000.00 8.6 CURRENT FUNDING AVAILABILITY The City has an adopted Capital Improvement Program that will be primarily funded through the General Fund. For parks, the funding allocation is as follows: Table 8.3 Funding Allocation for Parks, Year 2006 -2012 Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan -. Year 2006 $1,300,000 Year 2007 $2,550,000 Year 2008 $500,000 Year 2009 $500,000 Year 2010 $580,000 Year 2011 $100,000 Year 2012 $200,000 Total $5,730,000 Even with this level of funding ($5,730,000), the City has a significant deficit of financial resources to implement the improvements recommended in the Plan. 8 -8 Park and Recreation Plan 8.7 FINANCING STRATEGY It is recommended that the City embark on a conservative park capital development plan. While community needs exist to warrant a more aggressive financing strategy, the City should first demonstrate the ability to develop several smaller park projects before embarking on a much larger one. The short -term capital improvement plan presented below represents the current City CIP plus some additional outside sources. However, recognizing the magnitude of need, a more aggressive funding plan, including a tax - supported measure, should be considered in approximately year 4. This larger funding package would be used to acquire land and develop several of the large community parks. Capital Improvement Plan Table 8.4 summarizes the recommended projects and funding sources for the first phase. Table 8.4 Summary of Funding and Expenditures (First Phase of Seven Years) Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan Pro7ect 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total Expenditures Park Land Acquisition $1,000 $1,000 Park Improvements $300 $950 $500 $500 $580 $100 $200 $3,130 Swimming Pool Improvements $1,600 $1,600 Total $1,300 $2,550 $500 " $500 $580 $100 $200 $5,370 Revenue Sources General Fund $1,300 $300 $1,600 REET #1 $450 $400 $400 $400 $100 $200 $1,950 Grants $200 $100 $100 $180 $580 Spokane County $1,600 $1,600 Total $1,300 $2,550 $500 $500 $580 1 $100 $200 $5,730 Note: Amounts are in 000's. Park and Recreation Plan 8 -9 CHAPTER 8 APPENDIX A: CITY PARK AND RECREATION AREAS Beginning on the following page is a summary and site image of each existing park and recreation area under the jurisdiction of the City of Spokane Valley. The summary descriptions contain the following information for each park: • Address • Size (in acres) • Ownership • Status (developed, undeveloped, partially developed) • Existing Facilities (based on a 2004 inventory) • Condition • Deficiencies /problems • Planned Improvements • Comments Park and Recreation Plan A-7 APPENDIX A APPENDIX A BALFOUR PARK Address: 105 N. Balfour Road Size: 2.8 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (35 spaces, 1 of which is accessible), restroom building, playground area, sand volleyball court, open turf area, site amenities (park sign, drinking fountain, 14 trash receptacles, 13 picnic tables) Condition: Overall, the site is in good condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g., curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along Main and Balfour Streets; deteriorating edge restraint around playground and volleyball courts; no permanently affixed picnic tables; no ADA access (ramp) to the playground area; parking surfacing is showing signs of age; perimeter fencing limits access to site; absence of typical neighborhood park facilities (e.g., internal pathways, shelter, permanent picnic tables and sport courts for basketball) and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: Water playground area, new park signage Comments: Park lies adjacent to Fire Station. Some consideration should be given to expanding the site to the west on currently vacant land. A -2 Park and Recreation Plan BROWNS PARK Address: 3019 S. Pines Road APPENDIX A Size: 8.2 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (83 spaces), softball field, restroom building, shelter building, playground area, sand volleyball courts (4), open turf area, site amenities (park sign, drinking fountain, 7 trash receptacles, 15 picnic tables -6 of which are permanent on concrete pad, 2 barbeques) Condition: Overall, the site is in good condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g. curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along Cherry Street; traffic and congestion associated with parking along adjacent residential neighborhood streets; parking surfacing is showing signs of age; picnic shelter is old and showing signs of age; playground area is old; playground safety material is gravel; no accessible routes to the playground area, picnic areas or restrooms; property damage from fly balls associated with softball play; poor ball field drainage; deteriorating edge restraint around playground and volleyball courts; picnic tables are old and showing signs of wear; perimeter fencing limits access to site; absence of typical neighborhood park facilities (e.g., internal pathways and sport courts for basketball) and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: The site is located across 32`d Avenue from University High School Park and Recreation Plan A -:3 APPENDIX A CASTLE PARK Address: 3415 S. University Road Size: 2.7 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed (minimally) Existing Facilities: Parking area (undetermined size), open turf area, storage building, site amenities (3 picnic tables, 2 trash receptacles) Condition: Overall, the site is in good condition Deficiencies /Problems: General absence of neighborhood park facilities (playground, picnic shelters, sports courts, pathways, etc.), drainage problems, no permanently affixed picnic tables, parking is not clearly defined or improved and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: This site provides a nice setting. CENTERPLACE Address: 2426 N Discovery Place APPENDIX A Size: 13.6 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Under Development (Anticipated completion date July 2005) Existing Facilities: None Condition: Not applicable Deficiencies /Problems: Not applicable Planned Improvements: 54,000 square foot building (includes senior center, meeting space, classrooms, auditorium, great hall, student lounge) Comments: This site lies adjacent to Mirabeau Park, close to the Centennial Trail and the Spokane River. Park and Recreation Plan A -5 APPENDIX A EDGECLIFF PARK Address: 800 S. Park Road Size: 4.8 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (35 spaces), softball field, restroom building, tennis courts (2), basketball court on tennis court, shelter building, playground area, open turf area, storage building, site amenities (park sign, 2 drinking fountains, 13 trash receptacles, 25 picnic tables — 9 which are on a permanent concrete pad) Condition: Overall, the site is in good condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g., curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along 6t' Street, Park Avenue and 8th Street; parking surfacing areas showing signs of age; concrete area behind softball field is deteriorated; restroom is old and is showing signs of age; playground safety material is gravel; picnic shelter is old; picnic tables are showing signs of wear; tennis courts surfacing is completely worn; fencing around tennis courts is too low and damaged; playground area is old; no accessible routes to the playground area; restroom building; softball fields and tennis courts; perimeter fencing limits access to site; absence of typical neighborhood park facilities (e.g., internal pathways and sport courts for basketball) and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: This site provides a nice setting. A -6 Park and Recreation Plan MIRABEAU POINT PARK Address: 13500 E. Mirabeau Parkway APPENDIX A Size: 17.3 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (81 spaces), restroom building, shelter building (2), stage, site amenities (park sign, 15 trash receptacles, 18 picnic tables — 3 which are on a permanent concrete pad; 5 benches, bike rack) Mirabeau Meadows: Large shelter with utilities Mirabeau Springs: Small shelter, viewing platform, boardwalk, pond, waterfall, Centennial Trailhead Condition: Overall, the site is in excellent condition Deficiencies /Problems: None Planned Improvements: Playground area Comments: This is the newest the park facility developed in the City of Spokane Valley. Park and Recreation Plan A -i APPENDIX A MYRTLE POINT PARK Address: 12300 E. Upriver Drive Size: 31.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Undeveloped Existing Facilities: None Condition: Not applicable Deficiencies /Problems: No vehicular access Planned Improvements: None at this time Comments: This site is only accessible from the Centennial Trail. It is bordered by the Spokane River on one side and undeveloped land on the other. The adjacent property presents an excellent opportunity to develop a greenbelt along the Spokane River. PARK ROAD POOL Address: 906 N. Park Road APPENDIX A Size: 2.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (50 spaces), restroom building, swimming pool (25 yard x 6 lane), bathhouse, site amenities (park sign, 2 picnic tables, trash receptacles, drinking fountain) Condition: Overall, the site is in fair condition Deficiencies /Problems: Parking surfacing is old and showing signs of repair; fencing and decking is showing sign of age Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: Site lies adjacent to Centennial Middle School and offers some opportunity for expansion. Park and Recreation Plan A -9 APPENDIX A SULLIVAN PARK Address: 1901 N. Sullivan Road Size: 10.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley (portion leased to private concessionaire) Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (37 spaces, of which 2 are ADA accessible), restroom building, shelter building (3), gazebo (2), playground area, open turf area, Western Dance Hall, caretaker, radio control car course, site amenities (park sign, 9 trash receptacles, 12 picnic tables, 3 drinking fountains, barbeque) Condition: Overall, the site is in fair condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g., curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along Sullivan Road; lack of parking area improvements (tree, landscaped areas, etc.); parking surfacing is showing signs of age; site is not current connected to the city's infrastructure (e.g., sewer, water); no accessible routes to connect park facilities; shelters are old and deteriorating; irrigation system is antiquated; playground is old and lacks diversity; absence of external restroom building, internal pathways and sport courts for basketball; lack of access to the river front; and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage. Comments: This site offer river access to the Spokane River A -10 Park and Recreation Plan TERRACE VIEW PARK Address: 13525 E. 24'h Avenue APPENDIX A Size: 9.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (100 spaces), softball field, restroom building, playground area, open turf area, basketball court in parking lot, horseshoe pits, swimming pool (25 yard x b lane), bathhouse, site amenities (park sign, 10 trash receptacles, 31 picnic tables - 8 of which are permanent on concrete pad, 3 drinking fountains, 3 barbeques) Condition: Overall, the site is in fair condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g., curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along 24'h and Blake Streets; parking surfacing is showing signs of age; shelters are old and deteriorating; playground area is old; playground safety material is gravel; no accessible routes to the playground area, restroom, softball field; deteriorating edge restraint around playground; absence of typical neighborhood park facilities (e.g., internal pathways; shelters and sport courts for basketball); pool fencing and decking is showing sign of age;, perimeter fencing limits access to site; and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: None Park and Recreation Plan A -I I APPENDIX A VALLEY MISSION PARK Address: 11123 E. Mission Avenue Size: 17.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley (portion leased to private concessionaire) Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (225 spaces), softball field, restroom building (2), tennis courts (2), basketball court, shelter building, playground area, open turf area, swimming pool (25 yard x 6 lone), bathhouse, riding arena, waterslide, site amenities (park sign, 17 trash receptacles, 38 picnic tables - 10 of which are permanent on concrete pad, 2 drinking fountains) Condition: Overall, the site is in fair condition Deficiencies /Problems: Lack of street improvements (e.g., curbs, sidewalks, street trees) along Mission Avenue and Bowdish Street, lack of parking area improvements (tree, landscaped areas, etc.), parking surfacing areas showing signs of age, restroom is old and is showing signs of age, playground area is old, no accessible routes to park facilities (e.g., playground area, shelters, restrooms); playground safety material is gravel; picnic shelter is old and showing signs of age; picnic tables are showing signs of wear;, tennis courts and basketball court surfacing is completely worn; irrigation system is antiquated, absence of internal pathways and absence of park signage (rules and regulations). Planned Improvements: New park signage Comments: A new master plan should be prepared prior to any additional public investment in this site. As part of this study, some consideration should be given to removing the horse arena and converting it to another recreational use. Splashdown, a private water park, is located within this park. A_ 12 Park and Recreation Plan VALLEY MISSION PARK (SOUTH) APPENDIX A Address: E. Mission Avenue Size: 10.0 Acres Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Undeveloped Existing Facilities: None Condition: Not applicable Deficiencies /Problems: Not applicable Planned Improvements: None at this time Comments: This site lies across Mission Avenue from Valley Mission Park. Due to its size it offers a number of opportunities for future development Park and Recreation Plan A-13 APPENDIX A VALLEY SENIOR CENTER Address:: 1423 E Mission Avenue Size: Unknown Ownership: City of Spokane Valley Status: Developed Existing Facilities: Parking area (75 spaces), restrooms, reception hall, site amenities (drinking fountain) Condition: Overall, the site is in fair condition Deficiencies /Problems: Parking lot remains unpaved, no accessible routes Planned Improvements: Senior center will be moving to a new facility as part of the Centerplace project Comments: With relocation of the senior center, there are several opportunities for the redevelopment of this site. Due to its location adjacent to Valley Mission Park, this site could conceivable support uses or function in this site. A -74 Park and Recreation Plan APPENDIX B APPENDIX B: PARK LAND AND RECREATION FACILITY INVENTORY Appendix B presents the inventory of park land and recreation facilities in the Spokane Valley Planning Area. The City of Spokane Valley, the State of Washington, and School Districts are major providers of parks, open space, recreation areas, and recreation facilities. See Chapter 3 for a summary of parkland by classification and recreation facilities by type. B.1 Park Land in Spokane Valley The following public and private entities provide park land within the Spokane Valley Planning Area: • City of Spokane Valley: Table B.1 summarizes the park land provided by the City of Spokane Valley by site, including the facilities provided at those locations. Table B.2 summarizes the acreage provided within each park classification. • Spokane County: Table B.3 summarizes the park land provided by the Spokane County. • State of Washington: Table B.4 summarizes the park land provided by the State of Washington. • School Districts: Schools are an important resource for recreation facilities, such as sport fields, playgrounds, and gymnasiums. Access to these facilities is limited, however, when school is in session. Table B.5 summarizes the park land provided by public schools within the Spokane Valley Planning Area. The sites represent 3 school districts: West Valley, Central Valley, and East Valley. • Private Providers: Table B.6 summarizes private park and recreational facilities in the Spokane Valley Planning Area. Park and Recreation Plan B- 1 APPENDIX B Table 13.1 Summary of City Parks, Open Space, and Recreation Areas Spokane Valley Planning Area Park Area i CL Cd Neighborhood Park Balfour Park (2.86 acres) Browns Park (8.03 acres) Castle Park (2.71 acres) I I Storage building Edgecliff Park (4.74 acres Storage building Terrace View Park (9.24 acres) I Pool, bathhouse, horseshoe pit Community Parks Valley Mission Park (21.91 acres) Pool, bathhouse, riding arena Large Urban Parks I I Mirobeau Point Park (41.91 acres) Stage, viewing platform, trailhead Special Use Areas Park Road Pool (2.00 acres Pool, bathhouse Sullivan Park (16.07 acres) Dance hall, gazebos, radio control car area Reception hall Valley Senior Center 2.09 acres Linear Park Areas None Natural Open Space Areas None Undeveloped Lands Centerplace (13.60 acres Myrtle Point Park (31.07 acres) Valley Mission Park South 7.22 acres B -2 Park and Recreat APPENDIX B Table 13.2 Summary of Parks by Type (City Only) Spokane Valley Planning Area Park and Recreation Plan B -3 Neighborhood Parks Balfour Park 2.86 Developed Browns Park 8.03 Developed Castle Park 2.71 Minimally Developed Edgecliff Park 4.74 Developed Terrace View Park 9.24 Developed Community Parks Valley Mission Park 21.91 Developed Subtotal 21.91 Large Urban Parks Mirobeau Point Park 41.91 Developed Subtotal 41.91 Special Use Areas Park Road Pool 2.00 Developed Sullivan Park 16.07 Developed Valley Senior Center 2.09 Developed Subtotal 20.16 Natural Open Space Areas 0.0 None Subtotal 0.0 Linear Parks 0.0 None Subtotal 0.0 Undeveloped Park Land Centerplace (future Special Use Area /Facility 13.60 Undeveloped Myrtle Point Park 31.07 Undeveloped Valley Mission Park South 7.22 Undeveloped Subtotal 51.89 Total 163.45 Park and Recreation Plan B -3 APPENDIX B Table B.3 Summary of Sites Owned by Spokane County Spokane Valley Planning Area Park Site Ac :.. Linear Parks Linear Parks Centennial Trail (See State Lands 0.0 Management Only Centennial Trail 113.48 Trailheads, pathway, viewpoints Table B.4 Summary State Owned Sites Spokane Valley Planning Area B -4 Park and Recreation Plan Linear Parks Centennial Trail 113.48 Trailheads, pathway, viewpoints Natural Open Space DNR - Green Acres Site 120.76 Open Space DNR - Mirobeau Site 100.26 Open Space DNR - Pasadena Park Site 39.92 Open Space Undeveloped and Undesignated Plantes Ferry Park South 5.13 Open Space Totalr k ' 37,955 B -4 Park and Recreation Plan APPENDIX B Table 6.5 Summary of Public School Facilities Spokane Valley Planning Area Park and Recreation Plan B -5 Central Valley School District Central Valley High Baseball field (2), softball field, multi -use field, soccer field, football field (stadium lighted), football /soccer field, track, tennis courts (10, all lighted), gym University Center Baseball field, softball field, multi -use field, football field (stadium lighted), football /soccer field, track (cinder), tennis courts (5), basketball court (2 on tennis courts, gym University High Baseball field (2), softball field (2), soccer fields (2), football field (stadium lighted), track, tennis courts 10, all lighted), gym East Valley School District East Valley High Baseball field, soccer fields (2), football field (lighted), track, tennis courts (12), basketball courts 2, 2 —' /2 courts), gym West Valley School District West Valley High Baseball field, youth baseball field, soccer field, football field (stadium lighted), track, tennis courts (8), gym Spokane Valle High Basketball courts 1, 1 -' /z court e, Central Valley School District Bowdish Middle Baseball field, multi -use field, football /soccer field, tennis courts (4), basketball courts 3 -' /s courts), gym Evergreen Middle Multi -use fields (2), football /soccer field, track (cinder), tennis courts (4), gym Greenacres Middle Baseball field, softball field, multi -use fields (2), soccer field, football /soccer field, tennis courts (6), basketball court 1 -' /s court), gym Horizon Middle Baseball field, softball field (2), football /soccer field, tennis courts (5), gym North Pines Middle Multi -use fields (3), football /soccer field, tennis courts (4), gym Park and Recreation Plan B -5 APPENDIX B Table B.5 (continued) ,IBM- Table B.5 (continued) Park and Recreation Plan 8 -7 East Valley School District Skyview Elementary Softball field, multi -use field, basketball courts 4, 4 -' /s courts), gym Trent Elementary Multi -use fields (2), soccer field (overlay), basketball courts (4, 1 full & 3 -' /z courts), gym Trentwood Elementary Multi -use fields (3), soccer field (overlay), football /soccer field, basketball courts (3, 3 -' /s courts), gym West Valley School District Seth Woodard Elementary Softball field, soccer field (2, both overlays), basketball courts (5, 1 full & 4- 1/2 court), gym Pasadena Park Elementary Youth baseball field, basketball court (2, 2 full Orchard Center Elementary Youth baseball field, multi -use field, soccer field (overlay), basketball court (1, 1 full court Arthur B. Ness Elementary Softball fields (2), soccer field (overlay), basketball courts 1 , 1 full), gym Millwood Kindergarten Softball fields (3), multi -use field, soccer field (overlay), gym Park and Recreation Plan 8 -7 APPENDIX B Table B.6 Summary of Private Facilities Spokane Valley Planning Area Location . 7`1' Day Adventist Church /School NA Multi- purpose field, youth soccer fields (2) Curves NA Fitness Fitness Surround for Her NA Fitness Giorgio's NA Fitness Jazzercise NA Fitness Knox & Sargent Site NA Open turf area Pointed Hills Golf Course NA Golf Course Pasadena Park Church of the Nazarene NA Multi- purpose field, basketball court (1, 1 full Players and Spectators NA Bowling Sit and Be Fit NA Fitness Splashdown NA Waterslides Spokane Soccer Center NA Indoor soccer field Sports USA NA Gymnasiums (5), weight room, fitness area St Paschal Church NA Multi- purpose field, soccer field (overlay), basketball court 1, 1 full), playground area Stroh's NA Fitness Valley Bowl NA Bowling Valley Christian Church /School NA Multi- purpose field, soccer field, basketball court (4, 2 full courts & 2 -'/2 courts on parking area, gym Valley Fitness Center+ NA Fitness Vertcleer & 29 " Site NA Open turf area YMCA NA Indoor (6 lane) pool, recreation pool with slide; gymnasium, outdoor basketball court, climbing wall, meeting space B -8 Park and Recreation Plan APPENDIX B B.2 Nearby Parks and Facilities Table B.7 summarizes the significant parks and recreation facilities near Spokane Valley, which help meet community recreation needs. In parentheses next to each site is the location of the recreation facility. Table B.7 Summary of Nearby Facilities Spokane Valley Planning Area Park Vite 24 -Hour Fitness Spokane AM Cannon Park Spokane Swimming pool, tennis courts Antler Springs Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Camp Caro Spokane Co. 7.23 Camp Chester Creek Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Chewelah Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Comstock Park Spokane Swimming pool, tennis courts Deer Meadows Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Deer Park Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Dishman Hills Conservancy Spokane Co. 521.41 Open Space Dominion Meadows Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Downriver Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Dwight Merkel Sports Complex Spokane Sports complex Eagle Ridge Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course East Central Community Center Spokane Community center Esmeralda Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Fairways at West Terrace Spokane Co. Golf course Franklin Sports Complex Spokane Sports complex Global Fitness Spokane Fitness center Gold's Gym Spokane Fitness center Hangman Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Harrington Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Hillyard Park Spokane Swimming pool, community center Holmburg Park Spokane Swimming pool Iller Conservancy Spokane Co. 807.76 Opens ace Indian Canyon Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course It Figures Spokane Fitness center JJ's Greater Functions Deer Park Fitness center Ladies Fitness Center Spokane Fitness center Liberty Lake Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Liberty Lake Pool Liberty Lake Swimming pool Liberty Park Spokane Swimming pool Marrow Conservancy (Spokane Co.) 39.85 Open space Park and Recreation Plan 8 -9 APPENDIX B Table B.7 (continued) B -10 Acreage Meadowwood Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Montego Bay Training Company Spokane Fitness center Neighborhood Fitness for Women Spokane Fitness center Orchard Avenue Park Spokane Co. 3.83 Peaceful Valley Community Center Spokane Community center Phytt Plus Health and Fitness Spokane Fitness center Pine Acres Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Plantes Ferry Park (Spokane Co.) 93.78 5 softball fields, 13 soccer fields, restroom /concession /storage building Qualcahn Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Renaissance Fitness for Women's Spokane Fitness center Salvation Army Community Center (Spokane) Swimming pool, community center Serendipity Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Shadle Park Spokane Swimming pool Shields Park (Spokane Co. 12.64 Sinto Senior Center Spokane Senior center Southside Sports Complex (Spokane) Sorts complex Southside Community Center Spokane. Community center Spokane Swim Pool (Spokane) Swimming pool St. John Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Sun Dance Golf Course Spokane Co. Golf course Touchet Valley Golf Course (Spokane Co. Golf course Trailhead Golf Course (Spokane Co. Golf course Veteran's Memorial Golf Course (Spokane Co. Golf course Wandermere Golf Course (Spokane Co. Golf course West Central Community Center Spokane Whititer Park Spokane Swimming pool Wild Waters (Post Falls) Water park Total B -10 APPENDIX B B.3 Recreation Facilities in Spokane Valley Table 6.8 list the sports facilities provided in Spokane Valley Planning Area by category. Facility categories include: • Regulation baseball fields • Youth baseball fields • Adult softball fields • Youth softball fields • Multi -use fields • Soccer fields • Football fields • Tennis courts • Gymnasiums (indoor courts) • Swimming pools Table B.8 Summary of Recreation Facilities by Type Spokane Valley Planning Area Regulation Baseball Fields Number 1 Bowdish Middle School 1 Centennial Middle School 2 Central Valley High School 1 East Valley High School 1 East Valley Middle School 1 Greenacres Middle School 1 Horizon Middle School 1 University Center 2 University High School 1 West Valley High School - lx, Q s M� ' y.`._.Yw �[k i '..'.11 :y,..•.. nK�� . x. TX, w�i h� �. Park and Recreation Plan B- 1 7 APPENDIX B Youth Baseball Fields C.O. Flow ments 1 Orchard Center Elementary 1 Pasadena Elementary School 1 Ponderosa Elementary School 1 West Valley High School WR Adult Softball Fields Number Comments 2 Arthur B. Ness Elementary School 1 Browns Park 1 Central Valley High School 5 East Valley Middle School 1 Edgecliff Park 1 Greenacres Middle School 2 Horizon Middle School 1 Skyview Elementary School 1 Terrace View Park 1 University Center 2 University High School 1 Valley Mission Park 2 West Valley High School 21 Total Youth Softball Fields 3 Millwood Kindergarten 2 Centennial Middle School B- 12 Park and Recreation Plan APPENDIX " Multi -Use Fields Number_ Location Comments 2 Adams Elementary School 1 Bowdish Middle School 4 Broadway Elementary School 1 Central Valley High School 3 Chester Elementary School 2 East Valley Middle School 2 Evergreen Middle School 2 Greenacres Elementary School 2 Greenacres Middle School 2 Keystone Elementary School 1 McDonald Elementary 1 Millwood Kindergarten 3 North Pines Middle School 2 Opportunity Elementary School 1 Orchard Center Elementary School 1 Pasadena Park Church of Nazarene 1 Ponderosa Elementary School 3 Progress Elementary School 1 Skyview Elementary School 3 South Pines Elementary School 1 St. Paschal Church 2 Summit Elementary School 2 Sunrise Elementary School 2 Trent Elementary School 3 Trentwood Elementary School 1 University Center 2 University Elementary School 1 Valley Christian Church /School 1 West Valley City Middle School 1 7'h Day Adventist Church K4.) Yd�iM Park and Recreation Plan B- 7 3 .e APPENDIX B Soccer Fields Number Location 1 Adams Elementary School Overlay 1 Arthur B. Ness Elementary School Overlay 1 Broadway Elementary School Overlay 1 Central Valley High School 2 East Valley High School 1 Keystone Elementary School Overlay 1 Millwood Kindergarten Overlay 1 opportunity Elementary School Overlay 1 Orchard Center Elementary School Overlay 1 Ponderosa Elementary School Overlay 1 Progress Elementary School Overlay 2 Seth Woodward Elementary School Overlay; small 3 South Pines Elementary School Overlay 1 St. Paschal Church Overlay 1 Summit Elementary School Overlay 1 Sunrise Elementary School Overlay 1 Trent Elementary School Overlay 1 Trentwood Elementary School Overlay 1 West Valley High School 1 University Elementary School Overlay 2 University High School 1 Valley Christian Church /School 2 Ph Day Adventist Church 29 Total B- 7 4 Park and Recreation Plan APPENDIX B Football Fields Tennis Courts Number .. Cofi Comments 1 Bowdish Middle School Football /soccer 1 Centennial Middle School Football /soccer 2 Central Valley High School Lighted stadium, practice 1 East Valley High School Lighted stadium 2 East Valley Middle School Football /soccer 1 Evergreen Middle Scholl Football /soccer 1 Greenacres Middle School Football /soccer 1 Horizon Middle School Football /soccer 1 North Pines Middle School Football /soccer 1 Trentwood Elementary School Football /soccer 2 University Center Lighted stadium; football /soccer 1 University High School Lighted stadium 1 West Valley High School Lighted stadium lb ,Total 0 W " k' Tennis Courts Number Location Comments 4 Bowdish Middle School 4 Centennial Middle School 10 Central Valley High School Lighted 12 East Valley High School 2 Edgecliff Park 4 Evergreen Middle Scholl 6 Greenacres Middle School 5 Horizon Middle School 4 North Pines Middle School 5 University Center No standards 10 University High School Lighted 2 Valley Mission Park 8 West Valley High School 0,01 _. MOM Park and Recreation Plan B -75 APPENDIX B Gymnasiums Locaflon 1 Adams Elementary 1 Arthur B. Ness Elementary 2 Bowdish Middle 1 Broadway Elementary 2 Centennial Middle 2 Central Valley High 1 Chester Elementary 2 East Valley High 2 East Valley Middle 2 Evergreen Middle 1 Greenacres Elementary 2 Greenacres Middle 2 Horizon Middle 1 Keystone Elementary 1 McDonald Elementary 1 Millwood Kindergarten 2 North Pines Middle 1 Opportunity Elementary 1 Orchard Center Elementary 1 Pasadena Park Elementary 1 Ponderosa Elementary 1 Progress Elementary 1 Seth Woodard Elementary 1 Skyview Elementary 1 South Pines Elementary 1 Summit Elementary 1 Sunrise Elementary Park and Recreation Plan B- 7 7 APPENDIX B City of 5pohane Valley APPENDIX C: RECREATION DEMAND ANALYSIS Contents: Part A— Household Recreation Survey Results • Sample Design and Selection • Demographic Results • Opinion Results (all ages) • Opinion Results (age 50 and over) • Current Recreation Participation • Preferred Recreation Participation Part B — Public Visioning Workshop Part C — Focus Group Meetings Part D — City Wide Telephone Survey Part E — Organized Sports Questionnaire Introduction Park and Recreation Plan This report summarizes the results of the demand analysis (which includes, household survey and public workshop). Each of these is discussed in detail on the following pages: Key Findings Household Recreation Survey: • Overall, school recreation areas receive the most usage by Spokane Valley residents with Centennial Trail receiving the second most use. • When asked by residents who do not use Spokane Valley parks, 31 % stated that they had no desire to use the facilities. "Don't have facilities I'm interested in" was the second rated reason. • The most common reason residents traveled outside the City of Spokane Valley to participate in a recreation activity was for organized sports. • Residents indicated that acquiring additional land along the Spokane River was very important. • When asked what projects "type of trails" should have the highest priority, off- street trails were cited most often. • When asked what projects should have the highest priority, an indoor swimming pool, the development of a city -wide trail system and acquisition of riverfront property were cited most often. Park and Recreation Plan C -1 Park and Recreation Plan City of Spokane Valley • Over 37% cited a multi -tank, indoor swimming pool as the preferred option for meeting future swimming needs. • When asked what programs should be offered, "after- school activities for youth ", and "summer youth activities" received the most support. • Over 81 % of the respondents indicated there are not adequate programs for the teenage youth in Spokane Valley. • Roughly 78% of the residents indicated there is a need for before and after school programs. • When asked what cultural arts programs are most needed, "performances or concerts in the parks" and "community art festivals and special events" received the most support. • When asked where the City should place is emphasis in park services, the most frequently cited response was "upgrading existing park facilities ". "Acquire new parks sites and open space areas" also received strong support. • 72% of the respondents indicated they would support some type of tax measure for additional park and recreation facilities. However, this support would depend on the amount and type of projects. • Participation in the 40 identified recreation activities by Spokane Valley residents is roughly 58% higher than the MIG average. • The activities with the highest latent demand (defined as activities they would like to participate in if the facilities were more available) included: * Arts * Drama (attending) * Dancing (social) * Arts (Painting /Sketching) * Crafts (Pottery/Ceramics) * Basketball * Tennis * Concerts (attend) * Museums /Galleries * Swimming in a lake or river * Tennis Public Visioning Workshop: • Vision for City: Provide a balanced and dispersed network of parks (large and small) and trails. Integrate with other public facilities and systems • Most Needed Facilities: Indoor (recreation center, aquatic space) and outdoor facilities (trails, gardens, skate parks, sport fields and river frontage) • Improvements to Existing Parks: Improvements to existing facilities (restroom, horse arena) and more park amenities (restrooms, trees, parking) • Emphasis on Park and Recreation Services: Acquisition of land, trail development, park improvements and develop programs. • Role of City in Programs /Services: Coordination and support of existing service providers and provide some programs and services. Park and Recreation Plan C -2 City of Spokane Valley Focus Group Meetings: Park and Recreation Plan • Vision for City: Wide range of programs and services. Shift responsibility away from school districts to Parks and Recreation Department. • Role of City in Programs /Services: Provide parks and facilities; and coordination of programs and services. • Issues: Priority of park and recreation services relative to other City services; partnerships; funding for park and recreation services; land acquisition; and impact fees. • Needs: Indoor (community center space, day care space) and outdoor areas (local parks, sport fields, trails /bike lanes, pool, gardens, garden plots, equestrian facilities, etc). Citywide Telephone Survey:_ • New Parks: Only 14% of the respondents indicated building of new parks was a high priority. • Quality of Recreation Facilities: 71 % of the respondents indicated the parks were good or better. • Proximity to Recreation Facilities: Only 59% of the respondents indicated there were park /recreation facilities in close proximity to their neighborhood. Organized Sports Questionnaire: • Overall, a majority of the sport groups indicated there are sufficient fields to meet the demand of their leagues. Park and Recreation Plan C -3 City of Spokane Valley Sample Design and Selection Parka and Recreation Plan A survey of public attitudes, recreation interests and recreation participation characteristics was made in the City of Spokane Valley during November of 2004. Questionnaires were distributed to selected households in the City limits of Spokane Valley. Each member of the household aged 10 and over was asked to fill out a separate questionnaire. Based on the random sample method used, community -wide results are statistically accurate within an expected maximum error range of approximately five - percent (95% confidence interval). In other words, if the sample were randomly selected 100 times, it would be expected that for 95 times, the results would vary no more than 5 percent from the results if everyone in the City were surveyed. For this survey a total of 398 questionnaires were returned which exceeded the minimum amount to achieve the above desired results. Household Survey Results by Area City of Spokane Valley Area (N=275) Number of Returns Percent West Valley 27 6.8% Millwood 28 7.0% Green Acres — North 43 10.8 Trentwood 21 5.3% Dishman 23 5.8% Veradale — North 39 9.8% Opportunity - North 1 0.1% Veradale — South 95 23.9% Green Acres — South 14 3.5% Opportunity - South 39 9.8% South Hills (Ponderosa) 56 4.1% Unknown Origin 12 3.0% T.o . ... 398. a 00_0 %.. Demographic Results (General Population) Park and Recreation Plan C -4 City of Spohone Valley QUESTION I. AGE OF RESPONDENT: Park and Recreation Plan This question is used primarily as a means to cross -tab responses to other questions by age category or age group. Table C -1 Age Distribution with Census Data City of Spokane Valley Observations of Table C -1: ■ The highest percentage of responses was obtained from the "35 -44" and "45 -54" age groups. The results closely follow the Census information. QUESTION 2, LENGTH OF RESIDENCY: Typically, new residents bring new values and recreation interests into a community. The intent of this question is to use it as a cross -tab to measure responses to other questions related to length of residency. Table C -2 Length of Residency City of Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan C -5 Park and Recreation Plan City of 5pohone Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -2: ■ 65% of the respondents have lived in Spokane Valley "1 1 + years ". This indicates a fairly stable population base of long -term residents. QUESTION 3. GENDER OF RESIDENT: i The intent of this question is to use it as a cross -tab to measure responses to other questions related to gender. Table C -3 Gender of Respondent City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -3: 2000 US Census' About 55% of the responses originated from female respondents. This ratio of returns by gender closely follows other MIG surveys. ■ The sample closely follows census data, the sampling achieved a slightly higher response rate for female respondents and a lower response rate for male respondents. Park and Recreation Plan C -6 City of Spokane Valley Opinion Results (General Population) Park and Recreation Plan QUESTION 4. HOW OFTEN DID YOU VISIT THE FOLLOWING PARKS OR FACILITIES WITHIN THE PAST 12 MONTHS? Table C -4 Visitation Rates City of Spokane Valley Resp.ns. Mean Visits (1) .. School recreation areas (play fields, playgrounds, gyms, etc.) 21.4 9.0 A park near my home 11.8 4.6 Centennial Trail 13.5 3.5 Valley Mission Horse Arena 10.9 2.4 Splashdown 2.27 1.5 Western Dance Hall 40.2 2.0 (1) Average number of visits (2) Median midpoint of all responses. This is a more reliable number because the mean number reflected some extreme high numbers of visitations. OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -4: • Based on the results, "school recreation areas" receive the most usage. With a median of 9.0 visits per year.1 annual per capita visits, we would expect this facility to receive roughly 1,083,795 visits annually. • "Centennial Trail" also received a fair amount of usage. Four respondents indicated they used the trail more than 100 times a year. Park and Recreation Plan C -7 Park and Recreation Plan City of Spokane Valley QUESTION 5. IF YOU SELDOM OR DO NOT USE THE PARKS IN THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, WHATARE YOUR MAIN REASONS? Table C -5 Reasons for Not or Seldom Using Parks City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -5: • About 31 % of the respondents indicated they have no desire to use parks in the City Spokane Valley. • "Don't have facilities I'm interested in ", "not conveniently located ", and "don't know where the parks are located" were all cited as reasons for not using the City's parks. ■ The "feel unsafe" reason is fairly low when compared to other MIG surveys. QUESTION 6. WHAT SPECIFIC IMPROVEMENTS, IF ANY, ARE NEEDED IN THE SPOKANE VALLEY PARK YOU USE MOST FREQUENTLY? Table C -6 Improvements to Specific Parks City of Spokane Valley I'am anu fTCUIGdUVI/ City of 5polzane Valley better maintenance Castle Park shelter Centennial Trail Keep trail free of debris Better maintenance in front of restrooms More and better trails to the River Need drinking fountains Concern for personal safety Need vehicle security Edgecliff Park community center swings 2 more lights more tables needs water activities Mirabeau Point Park playground more parking drinking fountains Myrtle Point Park None Park Road Pool need shade & benches Sullivan Park more secure needs water activities graffiti removal Terrace View Park flowers sprinkler for kids more swings & seating sliding hill / mound different ground cover (gravel) updated play equipment open restrooms playground for under 3 Valley Mission Park better restrooms 2 Better pool maintenance 2 update pool (make bigger) safer crosswalks fence for softballs training toddler area play equipment for older children playground for under 3 more tables more swings more toys Valley Senior Center None Western Dance Hall Park and Recreation Plan G -9 Parr and Recreation Plan City of Spohane Valley Use for dancing only; it is NOT a gym Was built for dancers by dancers Parl; and Recreation Plan QUESTION 7. HOW OFTEN IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS DID YOU LEAVE THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY TO VISIT OTHER PARKS OR PARTICIPATE IN RECREATION PROGRAM? Table C -7 Frequency of Visiting or Participating in Program outside the City of Spokane City of Spokane Valley (1) Average number of visits (2) Median midpoint of all responses. extreme high numbers of visitations. OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -7: This is a more reliable number because the mean number reflected some • Based on the results, organized sports (sports programs, gymnasium activities) were the most frequently cited facilities people traveled outside the City to participate in. • Open space areas and park were also cited as a facility residents travel outside the City to utilize. Trail and cultural activities were the least respondents. Park and Recreation Plan C -10 City of Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan QUESTION 8. IN YOUR OPINION, ARE MORE PARKS NEEDED IN THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY? Table C -8 Need for More Parks City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -8: The greatest "Yes" response came from Green Acres North (69.0 %) and Green Acres South (75.0 %). The areas showing the least support were Millwood (71.4 %) and opportunity (68.6 %). Areas suggested needing more parks were: o Greenacres (7) o Ponderosa area south of the Freeway (4) o Dishman Hills area (4) o Northeast Valley (3) o South area (3) o Sprague /Pines and south (3) o Between Baker and Sullivan (3) o Between Havana and Carnahan (2) o Chester (2) o Spokane River area (2) QUESTION 9. HOW WOULD YOU RATE (ON A SCALE OF 1 -5) THE SERVICES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS? Table C -9 Rating of Services City of Spokane Valley Response AV Ratings Rating Ratings (Percent) Rafings Ratings ------ Park Facilities Condition of park grass and plantings Removal of graffiti Keeping parks clean of paper and trash Maintaining play equipment and picnic 3.8 3.7 3.7 3.5 68 82 58 47 144 116 144 114 99 73 103 118 14 26 20 29 7 13 8 14 areas Cleanliness of restrooms 3.0 23 79 117 54 29 Park and Recreation Plan C -11 City of Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -9: • As a group, Park facilities received a slightly better rating than average. • They were most satisfied with the "condition of park grass" and "keeping parks clean of paper and trash ". • For park facilities, cleanliness of restrooms received the lowest rating although it was still at average. • There appears to be a slightly higher response to "dissatisfied" when it comes to restroom cleanliness. • Aquatic facility operations also received an above average rating. QUESTION 10. ON A SCALE OF 1 -5, WITH 1 BEING NOT IMPORTANT AND 5 BEING VERY IMPORTANT, HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU FO RHTE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY TO PRESERVE LAND ALONG THE SPOKANE RIVER FOR PUBLIC USE? Table C -10 Importance of Acquiring Additional Land Along The Spokane River City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -10: ■ Based on the information above, respondents indicated acquisition of additional land on Spokane River had a high level of importance. The average rating was 4.4 on a scale of 5. Park and Recreation Plan C -12 City of Spokane Valley Parh and Recreation Plan QUESTION 1 1. WHAT TYPE OF PATHWAY OR TRAIL IS MOST NEEDED IN THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY? Table C -11 Type of Trail Most Needed City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -1 1: ■ About 31 % of the respondents indicated "off- street trails for bicycling, walking, in -line skating, etc." were the most needed type of pathway or trail. ■ This was followed by "on- street bike trails or bike lanes ". ■ 15.6% indicated unpaved trails for equestrian use were the most needed. ■ About 15.6% of the respondents did not feel that additional trails were needed. QUESTION 12. OF ALL YOUR RECREATION NEEDS AND DESIRES, PLEASE PRIORITIZE YOUR TOP 3 NEEDS FROM THE LISTE BELOW BY WRITING A # 1 NEXT TO YOUR FIRST CHOICE, A #2 NEXT TO YOUR SECOND CHOICE, A #3 NEXT TO YOUR THIRD CHOICE.) Respondents to this question were asked to prioritize a list of projects. Listed below is a table showing the number of times an action was picked as the number one response. Park and Recreation Plan C -13 City of Spokane Valley Table C -12 Most Needed Projects (I" Choice) City of Spokane Valley Response .(N=Vories) Number of I' Choices Percent at I" Choices An indoor swimming pool 106 56.4% Development of a city -wide trail network 51 38.1% Acquisition of riverfront property 38 28.1 % Golf course 29 45.3% New park development 28 26.3% Other (please list) 25 46.1 % Acquisition of land for future parks 21 19 .1 Acquisition of open space 20 23.3% Another outdoor swimming pool 15 17.9% -o 33 Parh and Recreation Plan Responses under the Other category include: Equestrian trails, area for horseback riding (4), basketball courts (3), dog park (3), community center, multi - purpose, like Sports USA (2), park improvement 2), volleyball 2), baseball, little league park, bike park, currently go outside the city for recreation, Dishman Hills, more Fishing in river, football field, Land acquisition for bike park, Library, keep open, safer walking trails, shooting rang, public, skate park OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -12: • Based on this method of analysis, "an indoor swimming pool" was the number one choice. • Another outdoor swimming pool received the least support. A debate often occurs over the appropriate method of analysis for questions that prioritize. Another analysis method is to weigh the answers by giving more value to a #1 response and less value to the last response. The following table shows the total score of each response after giving the responses a weighted value. Responses were ranked according to priority, with a first choice response assigned a score of "9," a second choice assigned a score of "8," and third choice assigned a score of "7 ". Park and Recreation Plan C -14 City of Spokane Valley Table C -13 Most Needed Projects (Weighted) City of Spokane Valley Response Weighted Choices An indoor swimming pool 1537 Development of a city -wide trail network 1082 Acquisition of riverfront property 1065 Acquisition of land for future parks 849 New park development 822 Acquisition of open space 676 Another outdoor swimming pool 762 Golf course 504 Other (please list) 436 Tofiat,_ _ Responses under the Other category include: No Comments OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -13: ■ Priority of projects appear similar when using the weighted approach. Park and Recreation Plan QUESTION 13. HOW SHOULD THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY MEET FUTURE SWIMMING NEEDS? Table C -14 Meting Aquatic Needs City of Spokane Valley Response Percent Construct a family aquatic center featuring a multi -tank indoor swimming pool complex for recreation swimming, lessons, etc. 37.4% Develop several small water playgrounds with spray equipment in 1 to 2 parks 26.3% Develop a family aquatic center featuring a multi -tank outdoor swimming pool complex for recreation swimming, lessons, etc. 19.4% Develop a large Olympic -sized pool primarily for competitive swimming 8.5% More swimming facilities are not needed 8.3% " To al a Park and Recreation Plan C -15 City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -14: Parb and Recreation Plan • A family indoor aquatic center received the most support with over one third of the responses. • The "development of several small water playgrounds with spray equipment in the parks" also received strong support as a means of meeting the future swimming needs. • Only 8.8% of the respondents indicated additional swimming facilities were not needed. QUESTION 14. IN GENERAL, ARE ADDITIONAL RECREATION AND SPORT PROGRAMS NEEDED IN THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY? Table C -15 Need for Additional Recreation Program City of Spokane Valley Parka and Recreation Plan City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -16: • Based on the responses, nearly a third of the respondents indicated the City of Spokane Valley should be the preferred agency to provide recreation and sport programs. • "Spokane County" and "a partnership with school district (and the City)" were also cited as agencies that could provide these services. QUESTION 16. IF YOU FEEL THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OFFERING A FULL SERVICE RECREATION PROGRAM, WHAT TYPE OF ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE OFFERED? Table C -17 Type of Programs and Activities Offered City of Spokane Valley Response 0• Percent After - school activities for the youth 15.9% Summer youth activities 15.3% Youth organized sports 13.8% Recreational and instructional swimming 10.9% Adult organized sports 10.1% Education and special interest classes 9.1% Outdoor education and nature programs 8.5% Performing and cultural arts programs 8.4% Outdoor adventure /extreme sport programs 8.0% .. u 00 OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -17: ■ The top three preferred programs and activities are youth oriented. By contrast, there was very little support for "outdoor education and nature programs" and "outdoor adventure and extreme sports programs ". QUESTION 17. IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THERE ADEQUATE PROGRAMS FOR TEENAGE YOUTHS IN THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY Table C -18 Adequate Programs for the Teenage Youth City of Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Tian r Park and Recreation Plan City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -18: ■ Respondents overwhelming indicated there are not enough programs for teenage youth. QUESTION 18. IF NOT, WHAT TYPES OF TEEN PROGRAMS OR FACILITIES ARE MOSTE NEEDED? Table C -19 Needed Teen Programs or Facilities City of Spokane Valley Response Percent A place for teens to gather or hang out 20.0% Job training / Career placement 14.4% Organized sports /leagues 14.3% Special interest classes 13.3% Dances, social activities, special events 11.9% Drop -in sport activities 11.9% Outdoor education 7.5% Health education programs 6.7% Tota 100°0%- OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -19: ■ The most frequently cited response was "a space for teens to gather or hangout ". This was followed by "job training" and "dances, social activities and special events ". ■ By comparison, there was very little support for "outdoor education ". QUESTION 19. IS THERE A NEED FOR BEFORE - SCHOOL AND AFTER- SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS IN THE CITY FO SPOKANE VALLEY? Table C -20 Need for Before and After School Program City of Spokane Valley Park and Recreation man L;-7d City of Spohone Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -20: Park and Recreation Plan ■ Respondents overwhelming (78.0 %) indicated there is a need for before and after school programs for children and teens in the City of Spokane Valley. QUESTION 20. HOW SATISFIED ARE YOU WITH ORGANIZED SPORTS (SOCCER, SOFTBALL, ETC.) IN THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY IN TERM SOF THE QUALITY AND RANGE OF OFFERINGS? Table C -21 Satisfaction with the Organized Sports Program City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -21: ■ Over a third of the responses are very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with organized sports offerings in Spokane Valley. ■ Slightly over 11 % were somewhat or dissatisfied with organized sports. QUESTION 21. WHAT DO YOU FEEL ARE THE THREE (3) MOST NEEDED RECREATION FACILITIES OR ACTIVITIES IN SPOKANE VALLEY? This was an open -ended question where respondents were asked to form their own list of facilities or activities. Park and Recreation Plan C -19 OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -22: ind Recreation Plan By far, the most listed facility related to swimming. A place for the youth to hang out was second. Nam ana Kecreauurl r-1a11 City of 5pokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan QUESTION 22. WHAT TYPES OF LOCAL CULTURAL ART PROGRAMS ARE OF MOST INTEREST TO YOU? j Table C -23 Types of Cultural Arts Programs City of Spokane Valley Response Percent Performances or concerts in the park 24.1% Community art festivals and special events 18.1% Cultural activities for children 13.0% Performing arts classes (Music drama, dance) 12.0% Visual arts class or instruction 11.5% Art in public places, such as murals, sculpture, statues, etc. 11.0% Literary arts programs 5.0% Cultural art programs are not of interest to me 3.6% Other (please list) 1.7% Responses under the Other category include: Computer centers, flea markets, Libraries OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -23: ■ The most frequently cited response was "performances or concerts in the parks ". This was followed by "community art festivals and special events ". ■ Only 1.7% of the respondents indicated that "cultural art programs are not of interest to me ". QUESTION 23. WHERE SHOULD THE CITY PLACE IT EMPHASIS IN PARK SERVICES? I Respondents to this question were asked to prioritize a list of projects. Listed below is a table showing the number of times an action was picked as their number one response. Table C -24 Emphasis of Park Services City of Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan C -21 Park and Recreation Plan City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -24: ■ Based on the count of 1 '' choices, "upgrade existing park facilities" was the number one choice. This choice was for ahead of the 2 "d choice which was to acquire new park and open space sites. Another analysis method is using the weighted method as described in Table 4 -14 Table C -25 Most Needed Projects (Weighted) City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -25: Using either method of analysis, "upgrade existing park facilities" was the number one response. QUESTION 24. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL PARK AND RECREATION BUDGET SHOLD GO TO THE FOLLOWING SERVICES? Table C -26 Desired Percentage of Budget City of Spokane Valley Response (N=Vories) Medium Percent age of Budget Park maintenance 19.8% Youth services 15.4% Park and facility development 15.2% Recreation programs 15.0% Land acquisition 13.0% 12.2% Aquatics Senior services .�' ., ..• : .rat .., ,> '. 10.3% Park and Recreation Tian L -« City of Spok2ane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -26: Parka and Recreation Plan ■ Of all the services, respondents indicated "park maintenance" should receive the highest percentage of the budget with 19.8 %. Aquatics received the least amount of the budget. QUESTION 25. WOULD YOU SUPPORT SOME TYPE OF TAX MEASURE TO PAY FOR ADDITIONAL PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES? Table C -27 Support for Tax Measure to Pay for Park and Recreational Facilities City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -27: ■ With 28.0% stating the would not support a tax measure, it means that up to 72% could vote favorably if the amount and list of projects were suitable. QUESTION 26. IF YOU ANWSERED "YES" TO THE ABOVE QUESTION, WHAT IS THE MOST YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO PAY? Table C -28 Amount of Support City of Spokane Valley Comments under the "other" category include: No Comments Park and Recreation Plan c; -Zs Park and Recreation Plan City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -28: • The majority of respondents favored a cap of $25 per year. • In order to solicit a voter - approved bond measure, the amount willing to pay would need to be between $25 and $50. QUESTION 27. RECOGNIZING IT MAY INCREASE THE COST OF NEW HOUSING, SHOULD THE CITY CHARGE DEVELOPERS A FEE TO PAY FOR NEW PAR AND RECREATION FACILITIES? Table C -29 Charge Developers a Fee to Pay for Park and Recreation Facilities City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -29: ■ It appears that the public supports the concept. Opinion Results (Population 50 Years and Older) QUESTION 28. IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THE RECREATION NEEDS OF THE SENIORS IN SPOKANE VALLEY ADEQUATELY SERVED? Table C- 30:Recreation Service Adequacy for Seniors City of Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Tian L,-c4 City of Spokane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -30: Park and Recreation Plan ■ Opinion on whether Seniors are adequately served is mixed. QUESTION 29. HOW SHOULD SENIOR SERVICES IN THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY BE OFFERED? Table C -31 Provision of Senior Services City of Spokane Valley The City should manage the program at the Senior Center 35.8% _j The City should finance the program but leave the management to a 36.4 % The City should not be involved in a senior program 19.1% Other (please list) 8.6% Comments under the "other" category include: City should provide income for Sr. Services, but let them run it, community center, City should support, but not take full responsibility for program, county should manage OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -31: ■ Opinions are evenly split between the city and a private group managing the program. QUESTION 30. IF YOU ATTEND THE SENIOR CENTER, HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS? Table C -32 Participation in Activities at the Senior Center City of Spokane Valley Utilizes Base of 145 Senior Respondents Park and Recreation Plan C -25 ParlR and Recreation Pion city of Spolzane Valley OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -32: ■ While approximately 169 survey respondents were age 50 and older, only 14 responded to this question. QUESTION 31. IF YOU DO NOT USE THE SPOKANE VALLEY SENIOR CENTER, WHAT ARE YOUR REASONS? Table C -33 Reasons for Not Using Senior Center City of Spokane Valley Reason I do not consider myself a senior citizen Percent 33.9% Too busy with other activities 26.3% Not familiar with programs offered 14.3% Center is not conveniently located 8.4% They don't offer activities I am interested in 4.0% Use programs offered by the other service providers 2.8% 1.2 % Don't have transportation Do not feel welcome 1.6% Other (please list) 7.6% OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -33: While over the age of 50, a third of the respondents do not consider themselves a senior citizen. The other major reason for not using the Senior Center is "Too busy with other activities" (26.3 %). This was an open -ended question where respondents were asked to form their own list of facilities or activities. City of Spokane Valley Table C -34 Activities that Attract Users at the Senior Center City of Spokane Valley Number Response 5 Art or craft lessons 5 Day outing in or out of town; excursions; outside activities 5 Exercise class 4 Dance & stretch 3 Music (training) 2 Hiking 2 Potlucks 2 Social events 2 Swimming; indoors Activities Aerobics Bible study classes Bingo Bonsai program Computer classes Drawing Education classes offered thru community college Friendlier place - don't feel welcome Fun runs 50+ Games played sitting down Health services Horseshoes Job fairs Live music Miscellaneous presentations Newsletter Performing arts Photography club Pinochle Pottery class Sewing Sports, more active Tennis, indoors Things you can get involved in Weekly social events Park and Recreation Plan C -27 Parkr and Recreation Plan City of Spokane Valley Current Recreation Participation Park and Recreation Plan One element of measuring recreation demand is to identify current recreation participation patterns. To help track this type of information, MIG began tracking participation levels in communities throughout the western United States. An average level of participation for any one recreation activity is called the MIG AVERAGE. This information gives us an idea of whether the level of that activity is above or below the norm. However, keep in mind that many factors influence participation levels. These include: • Population profile • Lack or condition of facilities • Climate • Current recreation trends • Fad or trend activities • Cost of using facilities and programs • Present economic conditions • Level of recreation programs and services offered Starting below are participation rates for a variety of recreation activities now occurring in Spokane Valley. The per capita occasion for a 30 -day period refers to the average amount of participation per person in 30 days, when the activity is in season. These activities are ranked so the most popular activities in the City of Spokane Valley appear first. The survey questionnaire listed 40 activities. Rank 1 Compute 2 Walking 1 3 Exercisir 4 Gardenir 5 Bicycling 6 Swimmir 7 Wildlife \ 8 PlaygroL 9 Campinc 10 Sports E 11 Boating 12 Jogging, 13 Swimmi 14 Nature 1 15 Swimmi 16 Picnickii 17 Fishing 18 Photogr 19 Concert 20 Musical Table C -35 Existing Recreation Participation Activities City of Spokane Valley - Park and Recreation Plan City of Spokane Valley Rank Activity Spokane Valley NW AVERAGE 21 Bicycling (unpaved) 2.33 1.35 22 Golf (play) 2 2 4 1.55 23 Baseball 2.17 1.70 24 Hiking /Backpacking 2.16 2.10 25 Football 2.14 1.67 26 Basketball 2.07 1.96 27 Soccer 1.88 1.56 28 Softball 1.88 1.40 29 Cultural Arts (attend) 1.76 1.51 30 Crafts (Pottery, Ceramics) 1.70 1.29 31 Arts and crafts 1.66 1.56 32 Golf (driving range) 1.58 1.35 33 Museums /Galleries 1.49 1.53 34 Water skiing 1.38 1.38 35 Dancing (Social) 1.28 1.01 36 Hunting 1.28 1.62 37 Roller Skating /In -Line Skate 1.28 1.09 38 Drama (attend) 1.24 1.09 39 Tennis 1.20 1.11 40 Group day trips 1.00 0.88 41 Dirt Bike /ATV Riding 0.99 0.99 42 River Rafting 0.93 0.92 43 Horseback Riding 0.86 0.71 44 Volleyball (outdoor /sand) 0.86 0.91 45 Volleyball (indoor) 0.83 0.86 46 Horseshoes 0.75 0.58 47 Rock Climbing 0.64 0.79 48 Handball /Racquetball 0.53 0.44 49 Skateboarding 0.48 0.87 50 Drama (Participate) 0.30 •69 OBSERVATIONS OF TABLE C -35: • Participation in Spokane Valley is higher (58 %) than the MIG average. 33 of the activities listed had a higher participation average than the MIG Average. • With the exception of soccer, all of the competitive sports (e.g., baseball, basketball, softball and football) have a higher average participation. Preferred Recreation Activities Respondents were also asked to rank their top 10 preferred recreation activities, if facilities were available. The activity rankings were then scored with a weighted value, by giving a first choice a value of ten, a second choice a value of nine, etc. The total weighted score was then added up for each activity. The 20 Park and Recreation Plan C -29 City of Spohane Valley Parka and Recreation Plan highest- ranking activities are shown below in Table C -36. The weighted score is shown only for ranking purposes. The last column lists the current participation ranking from Table 4 -38. While not directly comparable to the ranking of preferred activities, it does help to give an idea of activities showing strong differences between desired participation and current participation. This difference between what people are currently doing and what they would like to be doing is called latent demand. The activities with the highest latent demand are screened. Table C -36 Top 20 Preferred Recreation Activities All Age Groups Cit of S okane Valle Weighted Parficipciflon L, Rapking 1. Arts Paintin /Sketchin 106 284 2. Camping 57 B. 3. Crafts (Pottery/Ceramics ) 53 30. 4. Dancing social 53 35. 5. Concerts (attend) 48 22. 6. Computers Personal 42 1 7. Photography 36 16. t 8. Drama (attending) 29 40. 9. Exercising/Aerobics 26 1 10. Gardening 24 4. 11. Walking for pleasure 23 2 12. Basketball 22 234 13. Drama (participate) 21 14. Swimming, Indoor 21 15. 15. Museums /Galleries 19 32. 16. Swimming, Outdoor 16 16. 174 Swimming, Lake or River 16 5. 18. Tennis 16 38. 19. Bicycling for Pleasure 15 6. 20 Cultural events (attend. ) 15 29. Screened activities are those with a latent demand (difference of 1 to 9) Screened activities are those with a latent demand (difference of 10 or more) On November 4th, 2004, the City of Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department held a Public Visioning meeting. Approximately 33 residents actively participated in the meeting, which was held from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene. The objectives of the meeting were to: Park and Recreation Plan G30 City of Spohane Valley Park and Recreation Plan ■ Begin to develop a framework for the City's Parks and Recreation and Plan, using feedback from community members. ■ Gather resident opinions on the current state of Spokane Valley's Parks and Recreation, where improvements are needed, and what services and programs should be emphasized or prioritized. After a brief introduction and discussion, residents were broken up into separate groups for small group discussions. Each group had a facilitator and a recorder comprised of Park and Recreation Commissioners and the consultant team. The purpose of the discussions was to gather information and feedback from the community on a series of questions that will help formalize recommendations for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Each group had approximately 70 minutes to discuss seven key questions. After the discussion, the facilitator of each group reported back to the attendees the general comments for each question to the large group. Following is a detailed account of the responses given by all groups to the discussion questions. Workshop Results QUESTION 1. What vision do you see for park and recreation services in the City? Following is a complete list of ideas generated by residents. Table C -37 Vision for Park and Recreation Services City of Spokane Valley Comments Balance of large and smaller parks Dispersed network of parks and trails Equitable distribution of facilities city -wide Focus on developing neighborhood facilities, particularly in new areas Integrate with other public facilities Maintain and fully utilize existing facilities Provide a balanced program Treat other interest as well as golf is treated...I st class Park and Recreation Plan C -31 City of 5pokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan QUESTION 2: What park and recreation facilities are most needed in the Spokane Valley area? Table C -38 Most Needed Park and Recreation Facilities City of Spokane Valley QUESTION 3. What improvements are most needed in the existing parks? Table C -39 Needed Park Improvements City of Spokane Valley QUESTION 4. Where should the City emphasize its park and recreation services? Park and Recreation Plan C -32 City of 5polzane Valley Pariz and Recreation Plan Table C -40 Emphasize Park Services City of Spokane Valley I Acquisition of land for future Develop sports and recreation programs Emphasize developer fees Maintenance Recreation center and programs Trail development Upgrade and /or renovation QUESTION 5. How should local parks be developed in the City of Spokane Valley? Table C -41 Approach to Local Park Development City of Spokane Valley Comments Acquire 5 -10 acres parks 1/2 to 1 mile apart Develop existing park property and pursue other available lands Develop neighborhood parks with some natural areas Joint use in coordination with school districts Purchase land while it is still available Park and Recreation Plan C -33 City of Spokane Valley Parh and Recreation Plan QUESTION 6. Should the City actively pursue the acquisition of land along the Spokane River? Table C -42 Acquisition of the Land Along Spokane River City of Spokane Valley Acquire land and develop trailheads City should pursue Investigate land availability Need more trailheads Not at this time Other priorities currently River should be a center piece of the City's park system QUESTION 7. What should the City's role be in recreation and sport programs? Table C -43 City Role in Recreation and Sports Programs City of Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Priorities In order to assess which Parks and Recreation services Spokane Valley residents would like to see prioritized, residents at the meeting were asked to examine a list of facilities on a large chart and place a dot next to the recreation area or facility they felt the City should develop. Residents were given four dots and instructed to place their dots on one facility or a combination of facilities. The tally from residents' votes, as well as their comments are listed on the next page. Park and Recreation Plan C -34 City of 5pokrane Valley Table C -44 Types of Facilities Desired City of Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan Park & Recreation Facilities Number of dots Specific Comments Mission Arena 30 Improvements to Mission Arena Additional local parks (neighborhood parks) 19 Green acres area General Recreation Programs 17 Indoor aquatic center (leisure pool, water play area, etc.) 14 City -wide trail system 13 North south connectors Another outdoor swimming pool 12 Open Space 12 Other (please specify) 8 Sport field complex (baseball, softball and soccer) 7 PART C. FOCUS GROUP MEETINGS Introduction Several focus group meetings were held to obtain additional input for special interest groups. Specific groups included youth sports, adult sports, cultural arts, SCOPE, trails /open space, seniors, Green Acres Neighborhood, Ponderosa Neighborhood and planning representatives (Planning Department and Planning Commission). Comments received include the following: 1. VISION FOR SERVICES: • Sports oriented (youth, adult, etc.) • Shift of responsibilities from School District to Parks Departments to provide sport programs and facilities. • Lack of programs for families and the 5 -12 age group • Wide range of cultural art offerings 2. ROLE: • City to provide facilities and parks • Provide a range of facilities to accommodate practice, league and tournaments • Coordination programs and services (sports council) • Raise awareness for parks and recreation • Meet community needs for programs and services • Be receptive to good ideas! • City support cultural arts programs • Coordination with school districts Park and Recreation Plan C -35 City of Spokane Valley 3. ISSUES: • Priority of park and recreation services relative to other services • Awareness for park and recreation services • Build community support /marketing and advertisement • Economic benefits of park and recreation • Consider charging impact fees • Develop partnerships • Lack of funding for park and recreation services • Transportation to /from facilities and /or program locations • Space for cultural arts programs and storage of materials • Lack of public support • City support of senior center (advertising, promotion, etc) • City's endorsement of neighborhood plans • Land acquisition • Land dedication requirements subdivision and multi - family developments • Impact fees • Urban forestry 4. NEEDS: • Local parks • Sport fields /athletic facilities • Indoor facilities • Open space (general purpose) • Summer programs • Daycare • "Entry' feeder programs for various sports • Space for programs (e.g., Centerplace opportunities) • Picnic area close to senior center • Trail connections • Senior programs • Picnic pavilion • Community center in Edgecliff area • Bridal trails • Bike lanes • Dog or "bark" park • 50 -meter pool • Formal gardens (rose, botanical, etc.) • Garden plots • Signage program PART D. CITYWIDE TELEPHONE SURVEY Introduction Parka and Recreation Plan A City -wide telephone survey was conducted in the Spring of 2004. All totaled, 409 responses were received 3,775 attempts. While this survey addressed many City services, a few dealt with the delivery of park and recreation services. Park and Recreation Plan C -36 City of Spokane Valley 1. PRIORITY LEVEL: BUILDING MORE PARKS: Poriz and Recreation Plan Response 00 Low 44% Medium 42% High 14% Total 100.0% OBSERVATIONS: ■ Only 14% of the respondents indicated building more parks was a high priority. 2. QUALITY OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN SPOKANE VALLEY: ■ 71 % of the respondents indicated the parks were good to excellent quality.. ■ Only 5% of the respondent indicated the parks had poor quality 3. RECREATION FACILITIES IN OR CLOSE TO NEIGHBORHOOD: Park and Recreation Plan C -37 City of 5pokane Valley OBSERVATIONS: Park and Recreation Plan ■ Only 59% of the respondents indicated there were parks in close proximity to their neighborhood. 4. PRIORITY LEVEL: BUILDING MORE RECREATION FACILITIES: OBSERVATIONS: ■ Only 12% of the respondents indicated building more parks was a high priority. Introduction During the Fall of 2004, organized sport questionnaires were sent to all organized sport groups providing services within the Spokane Valley area. Listed below is a summary of their comments. Baseball: Inland Men's Baseball has 20 teams and plays at high schools and college fields throughout the Spokane area. Currently, only one field in Spokane Valley is used to facilitate this program. They have indicated there is a need for a new regulation field not affiliated with the high school programs or American Legion. No comments have been received from Spokane Valley Youth Baseball. Softball: Spokane County offers the adult softball program. Currently, there area 296 adult (men's, women's and coed) softball teams originating from all over Spokane County. Currently, the league utilizes four fields in Spokane Valley. The county has indicated there are an adequate number of fields for this league and the fields are in good condition. No comments have been received from the Spokane's Girls Softball organizations. Soccer: No comments have been received for any adult league in the Spokane Valley area. The Spokane Valley Junior Soccer association has 188 boys and girls teams. 90% of these teams originate from with in the valley area. The league utilizes 16 fields in the Central Valley School District, 5 fields in the West Valley School District and 5 fields within the East Valley School District. The league has indicated there are an adequate number of fields. Football: No comments have been received for any football teams. Park and Recreation Plan C -38 City of Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan Basketball: Spokane County offers the adult basketball program. Currently, there are 112 men's teams originating from all over Spokane County. Currently, the league utilizes gyms in Spokane Valley. The county has indicated there are an adequate number of courts for this league. No comments have been received from organizations providing youth basketball. Volleyball: Similar to basketball, Spokane County offers the adult coed volleyball program. Currently, there area 160 teams originating from all over Spokane County. Currently, the league utilizes gyms in Spokane Valley. No comments have been received from organizations providing youth volleyball. In general, it appears existing fields are sufficient to meet the demand for field space within the City. Park and Recreation Plan C -39 City of 5pohane Valley APPENDIX D: DESIGN GUILDELINES Contents: Design Guidelines for parks, open space and trails Parh and Recreation Plan The following design guidelines apply to the acquisition and /or development of parks within each park classification. Each park classification includes a description of the park type, site selection and development guidelines, features to consider, and features to avoid. Mini parks, while not part of the City's existing park classification system, are included to provide options in the event that recommendations for neighborhood parks cannot be met. Mini Parks Description: Mini parks are small one -lot parcels that provide a limited amount of open space and recreation opportunity. Because of their cost to maintain, they are usually discouraged unless developed and maintained by a private organization. In Spokane Valley, where most of the community is developed, providing parks in some areas will be difficult. While it is recommended that neighborhood parks be combined with a school playground, in some instances this will not be possible. Because of the high cost of acquiring developed land for a typical neighborhood park of three acres or more, the choices are to either not develop a park or build a small park on the scale of a mini -park. Park and Recreation Plan D -1 City of Spohane Valley Parka and Recreation Plan Development Recommendations • Where adequate land is not available, and development on a school playground is not an option, the City may consider the development of a mini -park. • Mini -parks are appropriate in private developments where homeowner associations or others are responsible for their maintenance. User Characteristics • The typical mini park user: • Usually consists of small children and a mother. • Comes from within a quarter mile to half mile of the park. • Arrives on foot or by bicycle. • Visits the park on a short time basis. Site Selection and Development Guidelines: • Typical size is 1 to 2 acres. • Access to the site should be provided via a local street with sidewalks. Mini parks fronting on arterial streets should be discouraged. • The site should have a minimum of 100 -150 feet of street frontage. • Parking Requirements: On- street parking should be provided as street frontage allows. Features and Amenities to Consider: • Open turf area for unstructured play • General landscape improvements (including tree planting) • Children's playground or tot -lot • Pathway connecting park elements • Picnic tables Features to Avoid: • Permanent restrooms • Horticultural or annual plantings, unless sponsored and maintained by a neighborhood or community group • Indoor recreation facilities • Basketball courts or other activities that create noise • Wading pools and similar types of amenities that require staff supervision or highly specialized maintenance Park and Recreation Plan D -2 City of 5pokane Valley Neighborhood Parks Description: • Neighborhood parks provide nearby residents with access to basic recreation opportunities. These parks should be designed to enhance neighborhood identity, preserve or provide neighborhood open space, and improve the quality of life of nearby residents. They are designed for passive and unstructured activities. Development Recommendatons: Parr and Recreation Plan Neighborhood parks should be located within easy walking distance of most residents (usually a half mile) without crossing major streets or other barriers. • Where neighborhood parks are needed and land is not available, the City should partner with the school district to develop recreation areas on school playgrounds. User Characteristics • The typical neighborhood park user: • Comes from within one -half mile of the park. • Arrives on foot or by bicycle. • Visits the park on a short time basis. Site Selection and Development Guidelines: • Optimum size is 3 to 7 acres, but can vary depending upon the availability of land. • At least 50% of site should be relatively level and usable, providing space for both active and passive uses. • The site should have at least 200 feet of street frontage. • Access to the site should be provided via a local street with sidewalks. Neighborhood parks fronting on arterial streets should be discouraged. • Parking Requirements: A minimum of three spaces per acre of usable active park area. Generally, if on- street parking is available in front of the park, this guideline can be reduced by one car per 25 feet of street frontage. • Active and noise producing facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, should be located at least 100 feet from nearby homes or property zoned for a residential use. Features and Amenities to Consider: • Open turf area for unstructured play • General landscape improvements (including tree planting) • Children's playground • Basketball (full or half) court • Pathway connecting park elements • Picnic tables • Small picnic shelter Park and Recreation Plan D -3 City of Spolzane Valley Parks and Recreation Plan • Volleyball court • Multi -use fields for practice • Interpretive signage • Natural area /greenspace • Restrooms (only for the larger parks or parks that contain community -wide facilities) Features to Avoid: • Horticultural or annual plantings, unless sponsored and maintained by a neighborhood or community group • Indoor recreation facilities • Wading pools and similar types of amenities that require staff supervision or highly specialized maintenance • Sports fields for league play Community Parks Description: Community parks provide visitors with active and passive recreation opportunities. These parks often accommodate large group activities and include major recreation facilities, such as sports fields. Community parks should be designed to enhance neighborhood and community identity, preserve open space, and enhance the quality of life of community residents. Development Recommendatons: Community parks will be the most difficult to acquire in Spokane Valley because of their size requirements. As a result, few community parks are recommended and only in the more undeveloped portions of the community. User Characteristics • The typical community park user: o Come from within one to two miles of the park. • Arrive by auto, bus, bicycle or foot. • Visit the park for 1 to 3 hours. Site Selection and Development Guidelines: • Minimum site size should be 15 acres with the optimum at 20 -30 acres. • Whenever possible community parks should be located adjacent to middle or high schools. • At least two- thirds of the site should be available for active recreation use. Adequate buffers or natural open space areas should separate active recreation areas from nearby homes. • The site should be visible from adjoining streets and have a minimum of 400 feet of street frontage. • Parking Requirements: Dependent upon facilities provided. Generally, 50 off - street spaces per ball field are required, plus 5 spaces per acre of active use areas. Park and Recreation Plan D -4 City of Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Plan • Access to the site should be provided via a collector or arterial street with sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Facilities and Amenities to Consider: • Tot and youth playground • Designated sports fields for baseball, softball, and soccer. Fields may be in a complex within the park • Open turf area for unstructured play • General landscape improvements • Looped pathway system • Picnic shelters, including one for small groups (25 -50 people) and a large group picnic site capable of accommodating groups of 250 to 300 people • Permanent restrooms • Volleyball courts • Tennis courts • Basketball courts • Horseshoe pits • Other sporting facilities (lawn bowling, croquet, bocce court) • Field lighting • Community scale skate park • Water playground • Off -leash dog area or designated dog park • Community gardens • Concessions or vendor space • Interpretive signage • Natural area /greenspace • Indoor recreation center or other indoor recreation space Special Use Areas Description: • Special use areas are unique sites often occupied by a specialized facility. Some uses that fall into this category include riverfront parks, boat ramps, botanical gardens, memorials, community gardens, single purpose sites used for a particular field sport, or sites occupied by buildings. Development Recommendatons: • Requirements for special use parks vary considerably because each have a unique set of conditions and facilities. Because of their unique character, an impact analysis should be made for each park prior to its development. User Characteristics • The typical special use park user: • May come from throughout the city or beyond (depends on site). • Arrives by auto, bus, bicycle or foot. Park and Recreation Plan D -5 City of Spokane Valley Parb and Recreation Plan o Depend on site: May visit the park for one hour to more than three hours. Site Selection and Development Guidelines: • Site criteria depend on the types of facilities proposed. • Size will depend upon the facilities provided. • Site should front on a public street. • Parking Requirements: Depends on facilities provided. Facilities and Amenities to Consider: • Facilities and amenities will depend on the proposed activities and site use. Natural Open Space Description: • Natural open space is publicly owned or controlled natural resources that are managed for conservation, environmental education, and passive recreational use, such as walking and nature viewing. This type of land may include wetlands, steep hillsides, or other similar spaces. Environmentally sensitive areas are considered open space and can include wildlife habitats, stream and creek corridors, or areas with unique and /or endangered plant species. Development Recommendatons: • Natural open space opportunities are limited in Spokane Valley. There are a number of wetlands and environmentally sensitive lands that have been identified. When available, the City should assume management of these areas if they are considered significant and of suitable size. Acquisition of open space should not be considered for individual lots or small areas where the primary objective is to prevent urban development. User Characteristics • The typical user of natural open space areas: • Comes from throughout the city. • Arrives by auto, bus, bicycle or foot. • Enjoys the area for its vistas and open space characteristics. • Visits the site to observe the wildlife and flora. • Uses a trail within the open space corridor. o Visits the area for an extended time. Site Selection and Development Guidelines: • Site size should be based on natural resource needs. Acreage should be sufficient to preserve or protect the resource. No site designated as public open space to be managed by the City should be less than five acres. Park and Recreation Plan D -6 City of Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan • The City should consider alternative ways of preserving natural open space besides outright purchase, such as acquiring conservation easements, encouraging donations of land, land trades, etc. • Emphasis for acquisition should be on lands offering unique features that have the potential to be lost to development. • Areas difficult or impossible to develop should have a lower priority for acquisition. • An analysis should be made to determine if unique qualities and conditions exist to warrant acquisition. • Development and site improvements should be kept to a minimum, with the natural environment, interpretive and educational features emphasized. • Natural open space areas should be managed and maintained for a sense of solitude, separation, or environmental protection. • Parking and site use should be limited to the numbers and types of visitors the area can accommodate while still retaining its natural character and the intended level of solitude. • Where feasible, public access and use of these areas should be encouraged, but environmentally sensitive areas should be protected from overuse. Facilities and Amenities to Consider: • Interpretive signage • Off - street parking if a trail is located within the site • Small picnic shelter • Limited picnic areas • Trail and pathway system • Trailhead or entry/ kiosk • Viewpoints or viewing blinds • Interpretive or educational facilities Facilities and Amenities to Avoid: • Turf areas • Ornamental plantings • Active use areas Recreation Pathways and Trails Description: • Recreation pathways and trails, as described here, provide off - street bicycle and pedestrian links to parks, with recreation emphasized. These include paths within natural open space areas. Guidelines are not presented for on- street bikeways or trails intended mainly for transportation. Park and Recreation Plan D -7 City of Spohane Valley Parka and Recreation Plan Development Recommendatons: • Development of a trails system in Spokane Valley will require the placement of trails within street right -of -ways in order to complete major segments. User Characteristics • The typical user of trails: o Are local residents. o Use the trail as a means of transportation from one part of the community to the other. • Enjoy the outdoors, wildlife and views. • Enjoy walking and its health benefits. • Desire the peaceful setting and solitude that open space can offer. Site Selection: • The primary purpose of recreation pathways and trails is to provide a recreation experience. However, pathways many also provide important transportation links for bicyclists. • Trails should be developed to provide linkages to parks, schools, and other destination points. • Whenever possible, recreation pathways and trails should be located outside street rights -of- ways. • Paths that are within street rights -of -way but separated should be designed, when possible, along continuous features, so that they do not pose hazards when crossing driveways and intersections. • Pathways and trails may need to utilize street rights -of -way in order to complete a segment link. • Since trails are so difficult to provide after an area has been developed, advanced detailed trail planning for developing areas is essential. Facilities and Amenities to Consider: • Staging areas for trail access • Picnic sites • Seating areas • Trailhead or entry/ kiosk • Interpretive signage • Orientation and information signage • Amenities should be site specific Additional Trail Guidelines: • Trail alignments should take into account soil conditions, steep slopes, surface drainage and other physical limitations that could increase construction and /or maintenance costs. • Trail alignments should avoid sensitive environmental areas such as wetlands, riparian vegetation, large trees, etc. • Trails should be planned, sized, and designed for non - motorized multiple uses, except for dedicated nature trails, and /or areas that cannot be developed to the standard necessary to minimize potential user conflicts. Park and Recreation Plan D -8 City of Spokane Valley Park and Recreation Plan • Centralized and effective staging areas should be provided for trail access. Trailheads should include parking, orientation and information, and any necessary specialized unloading features. • Trails should be looped and interconnected to provide a variety of trail lengths and destinations. They should link various parts of the community, as well as existing park sites. • Trails should be located and designed to provide a diversity of challenges. Enhance accessibility wherever possible. • Linkages and trail location and orientation should encourage users to walk or bicycle to the trail, depending upon the expected and desired level of use. • If possible, recreation pathways should be separated from the street right -of -way. Where routes use street rights -of -way, the street should be designed to minimize potential conflicts between motorists and pedestrians and bicyclists. If possible, trail crossings by streets should occur at signalized intersections. • Developers should be encouraged to provide public pathways through their development to connect to the main trail system. Park and Recreation Plan D -9