2.4 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT

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2.4 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT

The Parks and Open Space Element details how open space, recreational areas and natural resource areas will be preserved and managed. 2.4.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS The 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan addresses Parks and Open Space in two separate elements. It is proposed that these two elements be combined under one comprehensive Parks and Open Space Element as part of the General Plan Update. Therefore, the following is a brief overview of both the Parks and Open space elements of the 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan.

Parks Parks are generally categorized as either “local” or “regional” in the 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan. Local parks generally range from 1 to 2.5 acres for mini-parks, 5- 10 acres for neighborhood parks, and approximately 30 acres for community parks. Regional parks, on the other hand, can range anywhere from 20 to 1,000 acres and may serve a population living within a one–hour drive (about 50 miles).

Historically, park facilities in the planning area have been provided by the City of Bakersfield, Kern County, the North of the River Recreation and Park District (NORRPD), Bear Mountain Recreation and Park District, school districts, colleges, and, most recently, private developers. Regional parks have been the responsibility of Kern County.

The City of Bakersfield and Kern County operate regional, community and neighborhood parks and trails, along with community centers and other recreational facilities. The park system under the jurisdiction of the City of Bakersfield includes more than 50 parks, recreation facilities and trails such as the Kern River Parkway (see Figure 2.4.1-1 Existing Parks in Metropolitan Bakersfield, below, and Table 2.4.1-1 Existing Parks in Metropolitan Bakersfield, located at the end of this chapter, for a listing of all parks in the Metropolitan Bakersfield area). The NORRPD operates numerous park facilities, as well as year–round recreational programs, and encompasses just under one-quarter of the Metropolitan Bakersfield planning area. Kern County is currently preparing a Master Plan to address the improvement and management of parks in the unincorporated area.

Open Space The 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan identifies “open space” as any lands that serve the following purpose:

ƒ Preserve natural resources,

ƒ Manage production of resources,

ƒ Provide outdoor recreation, or,

ƒ Serve public health and safety

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FIGURE 2.4.1-1 EXISTING PARKS

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Under this broad definition, the topic of open space is addressed in several General Plan elements, including Land Use, Circulation, Conservation, Parks and Safety. The Open Space Element deals only with the following open space issues, which are not covered in other elements:

ƒ Trails

ƒ Public parks

2.4.2 ISSUES In order to make better use of existing parks and open space features as well as create a more cohesive system of open space amenities, the General Plan’s goals and policies of the General Plan should be clear and concise.

Specific issues have been identified that inhibit implementation of the Parks and Open Space goals for the Metropolitan Bakersfield area and need to be further addressed by the General Plan Update. These issues were derived from public input received through the May 2007 Phase I Town Hall Meetings and various surveys conducted in conjunction with the KernCOG Regional Blueprint process and from input received through discussions with City of Bakersfield and Kern County staff. Comments received were consolidated into the following issues, which are discussed in this section:

ƒ Parks and Open Space

ƒ Trails

An evaluation of each issue was conducted and specific challenges were identified. These challenges must be addressed through the General Plan Update process to better achieve the City’s and County’s parks and open space goals. Recommendations for changes to the General Plan are provided at the end of this section.

Parks and Open Space The 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan established the “Resources” concept of development, which emphasizes the placement of development to reflect the planning area’s many natural and visual resources: foothills, rivers, canals and other water features. One component of the Resources concept is to encourage linkages to these unique resources to urban areas.

In general, the Metropolitan area lacks a cohesive system of open space amenities, with many of the area’s major amenities including the Kern River, bluffs and foothills being under-utilized as open space resources. Compared to widely used national standards, the Metropolitan Bakersfield area has a shortage of local parks. Compared to the 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield park standards, neighborhood parks fall short; however, overall park and recreational spaces are in excess of the standard (see Table 2.4.2-1 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield Existing Park Standards Comparison).

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TABLE 2.4.2-1 2002 METROPOLITAN BAKERSFIELD EXISTING PARK STANDARDS COMPARISON

Local Park Type Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan Standard National Standard Area (acres per 1,000 (acres per 1,000

(acres per 1,000 residents) residents)

residents) Mini-parks .0663 NA .25-.5 Neighborhood 1.88 2.5 1-2 Parks Community Parks 4.94 NA 5-8 Regional Parks 4.7 NA 100 acre minimum2 Park and Recreational 11.5863 4.0 NA Space1 1Park and recreational space includes mini-parks, neighborhood parks, community parks and regional parks. 2The national park standard for regional parks is not based on an acreage/persons standard but a minimum acreage.

An increase in the number of parks and a more cohesive open space system were guiding principles of the 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan. Metropolitan Bakersfield residents also identified the need for additional parks and open space, particularly in northeast Bakersfield, at the May 2007 public workshops.

After the 2002 General Plan, the City of Bakersfield updated its Recreation and Parks Master Plan in 2007 which identified needed park facilities and recreation programs to serve projected growth in the City as identified in the General Plan. Areas in the County located beyond the City of Bakersfield’s Sphere of Influence are addressed in the County Parks and Recreation Master Plan and North of the River Recreation and Park District Plan.

How Does The General Plan Currently Address Parks And Open Space? In addition to containing policies that provide development standards for parks in Metropolitan Bakersfield, the General Plan Parks Element and Open Space Element contains the following policies which set more specific direction and guide actions for development of parks and open space.

The policies identified are not an exhaustive list of applicable policies. Rather, they are representative of the existing policies contained in the 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan in relation to parks and open space. The General Plan also includes a number of implementation measures that provide further direction on the necessary actions to implement policies. See the 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan for a complete list of existing General Plan policies and implementation measures.

Parks Policy 2: Allow the formation of special park districts which provide higher park standards than the minimum stated in Policy 1 (I-1).

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Parks Policy 3: Require developers to dedicate land, provide improvements and/or in-lieu fees to serve the needs of the population in newly developing areas (I-1).

Parks Policy 4: Require developers of new subdivisions to show and adhere to park locations (depicted on the Land Use Element). Park locations identified in master plans approved prior to adoption of this general plan are reflected in this plan. Variations may be allowed based on certain constraints. See Policy 6 (I-9).

Parks Policy 7: Provide mini-parks in developed residential areas where neighborhood standards are not met and where it is impossible to acquire sufficient acreage for neighborhood facilities. Use the same funding mechanisms indicated in Policy 6 (I-1).

Parks Policy 9: Allow neighborhood park requirements to be met by community parks when community parks are situated within or at the boundaries of neighborhoods and when they provide equivalent facilities (I-9).

Parks Policy 14: Plan for and expand regional recreation opportunity in connection with the development and conservation of appropriate areas along the Kern River (I-4, I-8).

Parks Policy 25: Promote the preservation of existing parks and encourage the development of other facilities near downtown (I-8).

Parks Policy 34: Encourage coordination in the acquisition, development and use of parks and schools to avoid duplication of facilities and provide economic use of public funds (I-3, I-5).

Parks Policy 43: Encourage the development of private and commercial recreation facilities under lease or concession agreements where such facilities are consistent with planned development and offer expanded recreation opportunities to the public (I-2).

Parks Policy 46: Permit major traffic generating activities on community park sites only (I- 3).

Parks Policy 47: Community parks should be located adjacent to or near arterials. Neighborhood parks should be located adjacent to collector or local streets, rather than arterial streets (I-1, I-3). (CC 11/6/91)

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Parks Policy 49: Design vegetation, earth form and activity areas to buffer noise, light, etc., from adjacent residents (I-3).

Parks Policy 50: Allow the physical integration of canals in park areas where design measures can be incorporated to ensure public safety (I-3).

Parks Policy 53: Coordinate the provision of park facilities with other public services and facilities, especially schools and public roads (I-7, I-8).

Parks Policy 57: Central Park should be expanded to facilitate the City of Bakersfield in identifying and recognizing its historical heritage, the heart of historic Bakersfield, and to enhance the urban environment of the downtown area. (I-12)

Open Space Policy 15: Encourage the establishment of public neighborhood parks in or adjacent to the North Bakersfield Open Space Area (NBOSA) as subdivisions are approved. (I-8)

Challenges ƒ The policies should incorporate recent updates to the City of Bakersfield Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

ƒ The Parks and Recreation Master Plan addressed areas in the City’s Sphere of Influence only.

ƒ The City of Bakersfield and Kern County currently have different parks standards.

ƒ Policies refer to the North Bakersfield Open Space Area (NBOSA), but there is no map identifying its location or boundaries.

ƒ Lack of cooperation with programs between the City, County and the North of the River Recreation and Park District.

Recommended Changes to the General Plan 1. Incorporate policies identified in the updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan to promote consistent application throughout the planning area.

2. Identify the location of the North Bakersfield Open Space Area (NBOSA) to aid in implementation of policies relating to the area.

3. Promote the joint use of facilities for park and recreation services with other agencies, such as school districts, while recognizing that some school districts may not want facilities or parks adjacent to schools due to potential crime.

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4. Promote the coordination of programs between the City, County and the North of the River Recreation and Parks District.

5. Include policies to assist in the public use of the Kern River, bluffs and foothills open space resources.

Trails In March of 1996 the City of Bakersfield adopted the Specific Trails Plan to satisfy policies and implementation measures contained in the Kern River Plan Element. Kern County adopted the Kern River Specific Trails Plan in 2003, which complements the City of Bakersfield’s plan. The plans were prepared to identify alignments and address provisions for dedications, acquisitions, improvements, maintenance, and development standards of multiple use trails.

The City of Bakersfield also adopted the Specific Parks and Trails Plan for Northeast Bakersfield in 2003. The plan was intended to provide more specific direction for implementing parks and trails in the northeast portion of the planning area. A number of other plans also identify trail alignments including the Western Rosedale Specific Plan Trails Plan as well as the Rosedale Ranch, McAllister Ranch, West Ming, Old River Ranch, Riverlakes, and Ashe No. 4 Plans.

In addition to the goals and policies of the various plans identifying trail alignments, the residents of Metropolitan Bakersfield expressed numerous times during the May 2007 workshops a desire for better connectivity as well as alternatives to automobile travel through additional walking and bicycle paths.

Development of trails throughout the Metropolitan Bakersfield area is a key component to the implementation of the Building Blocks and resources concepts, identified in Section 2.1 of this report.

How Does The General Plan Currently Address Trails? Due to the range of elements that address trails and connectivity, many of the policies contained throughout the General Plan provide direction on trails in the Metropolitan Bakersfield area. The following sections of this report identify many of these policies:

ƒ Section 2.1 Land Use Element – Connectivity

ƒ Section 2.2 Circulation Element – Alternate Commuting Options

In addition to policies identified in the above-referenced sections, the Parks Element and Open Space Element include the following policies focused on trails.

The policies identified are not an exhaustive list of applicable policies. Rather, they are representative of the existing policies contained in the 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan in relation to trails. The General Plan also includes a number of implementation measures that provide further direction on the necessary actions to

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implement policies. See the 2002 Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan for a complete list of existing General Plan policies and implementation measures.

Parks Policy 26: Encourage the further development of the City of Bakersfield’s specific trails plan (I-11).

Parks Policy 27: Encourage pedestrian and bicycle linkages between residential and commercial uses (I-11).

Parks Policy 28: Encourage the establishment of equestrian trials where they link residential development to the Kern River in areas of the northeast and northwest where horses are permitted by zoning (I-2, I-11).

Parks Policy 29: Design equestrian trails, hiking and bicycling rights-of-way to minimize user conflicts between them (I-2, I-11).

Open Space Policy 16: Establish linkages between North Bakersfield Open Space Area (NBOSA) and adopted trail systems. (I-8) (I-9)

Challenges ƒ The policies should incorporate recent updates to the City of Bakersfield Specific Trails Plan and the Kern County Specific Trails Plan.

ƒ Trails and trail alignments have been identified in multiple plans, which results in a lack of consistency for improvements, design, prioritization or maintenance of these trails.

Recommended Changes to the General Plan 1. Incorporate policies identified in the City and County Specific Trails Plans to promote consistent application between the jurisdictions.

2. Update policies to reflect actions completed through development of subsequent plans.

3. Promote the joint use of facilities for trails with other agencies, including public utility agencies.

4. Promote connectivity through the trail system to amenities such as the river and foothills.

5. Coordinate trail system to provide connectivity to major activity centers to promote alternative modes of transportation.

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6. Create a master trails plan for the Metropolitan Bakersfield planning area to include trails and trail alignments identified in the various plans. This may include recission of some existing plans that would no longer be necessary.

TABLE 2.4.1-1 EXISTING PARKS IN METROPOLITAN BAKERSFIELD

1 Park Name Agency Acreage 1 Solera Garden City of Bakersfield 3.7 2 Kern River Parkway Park City of Bakersfield 1138.2 3 University Park City of Bakersfield 10.8 4 Siemon Park City of Bakersfield 8.2 5 Mesa Marin Ball Diamonds City of Bakersfield 17.7 6 Jefferson Park City of Bakersfield 8.0 7 Joshua Park City of Bakersfield 0.6 8 Weill Park City of Bakersfield 1.7 9 Central Park City of Bakersfield 11.2 10 Yokuts Park City of Bakersfield 16.4 11 Jastro Park City of Bakersfield 8.7 12 Centennial Plaza City of Bakersfield 1.1 13 MC Murtrey Aquatic Center City of Bakersfield 2.0 14 Martin Luther King Park City of Bakersfield 14.0 15 Saunders Park City of Bakersfield 9.1 16 Beale Park City of Bakersfield 6.4 17 Lowell Park City of Bakersfield 10.2 18 Centennial Park City of Bakersfield 9.0 19 Quailwood Park City of Bakersfield 10.6 20 Future Park City of Bakersfield 38.0 21 The Park at River Walk Park City of Bakersfield 33.2 22 Bill Park Greens Park City of Bakersfield 2.7 23 River Oaks Park City of Bakersfield 20.0 24 Windsor Park City of Bakersfield 6.0 25 Kroll Park City of Bakersfield 4.2 26 Wayside Park City of Bakersfield 14.0 27 Deer Peak Park City of Bakersfield 6.0 28 Patriots Park City of Bakersfield 20.0

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1 Park Name Agency Acreage 29 Amberton Park City of Bakersfield 2.7 30 Wilson Park City of Bakersfield 6.8 31 Haggin Oaks Park City of Bakersfield 8.9 32 Westwold Park City of Bakersfield 8.0 33 Castle Park City of Bakersfield 10.6 34 Pin Oak Park City of Bakersfield 16.8 35 Windermer Park City of Bakersfield 6.2 36 Corvallis Park City of Bakersfield 8.8 37 Garden Park City of Bakersfield 5.7 38 Planz Park City of Bakersfield 8.3 39 Campus Park N. City of Bakersfield 11.1 40 Tevis Park City of Bakersfield 10.7 41 Grissom Park City of Bakersfield 11.3 42 Campus Park S. City of Bakersfield 12.1 43 Stiern Park City of Bakersfield 7.9 44 Silver Creek Park City of Bakersfield 14.4 45 Coral Keys Park City of Bakersfield 2.3 46 Wilderness Park City of Bakersfield 4.9 47 Seasons Park City of Bakersfield 9.8 48 Challenger Park City of Bakersfield 5.1 49 Stone Creek Park City of Bakersfield 6.1 50 Beach Park City of Bakersfield 21.6 51 Weston Park City of Bakersfield 6.0 52 Tradewinds Park City of Bakersfield 7.9 53 Greystone Park City of Bakersfield 10.4 54 Granite Point Park City of Bakersfield 4.0 55 Hart Memorial Park County of Kern 451.2 56 Kern River Golf Course County of Kern 182.1 57 Lake Ming County of Kern 496.6 58 College Park County of Kern 17.1 59 Panorama Park County of Kern 30.7 60 Wilkins Park County of Kern 1.1 61 Metropolitan Recreation Center County of Kern 99.5

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1 Park Name Agency Acreage 62 Heritage Park County of Kern 19.3 63 Pioneer Park County of Kern 9.5 64 Potomac Park County of Kern 4.4 65 Virginia Avenue Park County of Kern 9.5 66 Belle Terrace Park County of Kern 20.7 67 Kern Delta Park County of Kern 12.1 68 Greenfield Park County of Kern 4.8 69 Bear Mountain Park County of Kern 9.1 70 Lamont Park County of Kern 7.9 71 Rexland Acres Park County of Kern 4.5 72 North Highland Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 15.0 73 North Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 4.5 74 McCray Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 1.7 75 Sears Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 2.1 76 Fruitvale Norris Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 17.1 77 Standard Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 15.4 78 North Beardley Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 6.6 79 Olive Park West North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 2.5 80 Olive Park East North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 2.5 81 Riverview Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 20.0 82 Emerald Cove Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 10.0 83 North Rosedale Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 13.0 84 Greenacres Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 15.1 85 Westdale Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 8.1 86 Liberty Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 21.7 87 Mondavi Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 9.1 88 Almondale Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 11.5 89 San Lauren Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 8.1 90 Madison Grove Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 11.0 91 North Meadows Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 8.8 92 Rasmussen Center North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 1.3 93 Riverlakes Ranch Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 25.7 94 Polo Community Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 38.3

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1 Park Name Agency Acreage 95 Rosedale Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 19.6 96 Silver Oak Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 8.9 97 Austin Creek Park North Bakersfield Parks and Recreation District 4.8 98 Kern County Soccer Park Soccer Park Foundation 134.0 99 Kern River State Recreation Area State of California 130.7 Total Acreage 3,606.6 1 Does not include water banks, private facilities or the Kern County Fairgrounds

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