MONTE RIO RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT MASTER PLAN 2025
Monte Rio, California April 2006
R OYSTON HANAMOTO ALLEY & ABEY
L ANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We would like to acknowledge the following for their assistance in the preparation of this document: – Suzi Schaffert, Monte Rio Recreation & Park District – Stephanie Felch, Praxis Architects – MRRPD Board – Roberta Pollard, MRRPD – Monte Rio Historical Society – MRRPD Stakeholders – Brent Smith, Sonoma County Community Development Commission – Jonathan Glass, Landpaths – Steve Ehret, Sonoma County Regional Parks
Prepared by: Royston Hanamoto Alley & Abey 225 Miller Avenue Mill Valley, CA 94941 415-383-7900 (p) 415-383-1433 (f)
Cordy Hill, Principal-in-Charge Christine de Chutkowski, Job Captain Lisa Orr
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Acknowledgments
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I. Executive Summary Purpose of Master Plan Planning Process Organization of the Master Plan Ch 1. General History & Background Ch 2. District Character Ch 3. Park Facilities Inventory & Analysis Ch 4. Recreation Resources Ch 5. Current District Revenues & Resources Ch 6. Recreation Needs, Desires, & Demands Ch 7. Mission & Goals Ch 8. Action Plan Ch 9. Funding Strategy Ch 10. Ongoing Planning Appendices Section II. Needs Assessment CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Introduction History Legal Framework District Boundaries Role of District Operations History of Planning Monte Rio Parks and Recreation Master Plan 1974 Other Related Planning Studies
CHAPTER 2 – DISTRICT CHARACTER Socio-Demographic Characteristics Economic Data Future Population Projections Conclusions
CHAPTER 3 – PARK FACILITIES: INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Existing District Facilities I. Monte Rio Beach Site II. Monte Rio Community Center Picnic Area III. Fishing Access & Boat Launch Ramp IV. River Blvd. & Main Street Site V. Outdoor Amphitheater Youth Center Playground Tennis Courts VI. Old School Site VII. Memorial Beach Site
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Table of Contents - TC - 1 VIII. Dutch Bill Creek Site Review of Existing Park Facilities for Compliance with Safety and ADA Requirements Existing Private Facilities Commercial Recreation Establishments Private Resort Recreation Lands Recreation Facilities Owned By Other Public Entities State Facilities Trails Existing Issues
CHAPTER 4 – RECREATION RESOURCES: INVENTORY AND ANALYSES Recreation Programs Events Partnerships & Benefits-based Programs
CHAPTER 5 – CURRENT DISTRICT REVENUES AND RESOURCES MRRPD Funding Current Budget Fiscal Year 2004-05 Grants Table 5-1 Current Grant Applications Maintenance Costs
CHAPTER 6 – RECREATION NEEDS, DESIRES AND DEMANDS Introduction Public Participation in Master Plan Process Community Survey Interviews Community Meeting Policies Physical Improvements Desired Activities Desired Mission Statement Funding Summary of Needs Assessment Programs Desired Table 6.1: Public Input Summary
Section III. Implementation Plan CHAPTER 7 – MISSION, GOALS AND POLICIES Introduction District Mission General Goals Facilities Goals and Policies Open Space and Trails Goals Recreation Program Goals Summary
CHAPTER 8 – ACTION PLAN Introduction Table 8.1: Recommended Policy Action Items Table 8.2: Recommended Existing Recreation Facilities Action Plan
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Table of Contents - TC - 2 New Facility Development Development Priorities Development Methodology Table 8.3: Recommended Recreation Facilities Action Plan Table 8.4: Recommended Recreation Program Action Plan Summary
CHAPTER 9 – FUNDING STRATEGY Introduction Funding Principles MRRPD Funding Funding Strategy District-wide Facility Deficiencies Future Recreation Programs Grants Federal Funding Table 9.1: Grant Funding Sources Table 9.2: Funding Sources Matrix Capital Improvement Costs Renovation of Existing Parks Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Compliance Consumer Product Safety Commission Recommendation Compliance Table 9.3: Estimated Park Improvement Costs Alternate Funding Sources General Sources Pay-as-You-Go Facilities Construction Cooperative Funding Agreements County/State Funding Sale of Public Lands Creation of Local Trusts or Philanthropic Organizations Enterprise Fund Debt Financing Special Assessment Districts Excise Tax Mello Roos Community Facilities District General Obligation Bonds Infrastructure Financing Districts Redevelopment Agency Tax Increment Revenue Bonds Revenue Bonds Summary
CHAPTER 10 – ONGOING PLANNING Introduction Update Methodology Update Schedule Table 10.1 Update Schedule Update Elements Ch 6. Recreation Needs, Desires, and Demands Ch 3. Park Facilities: Inventory and Analysis Ch 4. Recreation Resources: Inventory and Analysis Ch 7. Mission and Goals Ch 8. & 9. Action Plan and Funding Strategy
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Table of Contents - TC - 3 Action Plan Funding Strategy Funding for Ongoing Planning Summary
LIST OF FIGURES Chapter 3 – Park Facilities: Inventory and Analysis Figure 1: MRRPD Lands: Existing Conditions Figure 2: Lower Russian River Region
LIST OF TABLES Chapter 5 – Current District Revenues & Resources Table 5.1: Current Grant Applications Chapter 6 – Recreation Needs, Desires and Demands Table 6.1: Public Input Summary Chapter 8 – Action Plan Table 8.1: Recommended Policy Action Items Table 8.2: Recommended Existing Recreation Facilities Action Plan Table 8.3: Recommended New Recreation Facilities Action Plan Table 8.4: Recommended Recreation Program Action Plan Chapter 9 – Funding Strategy Table 9.1: Grant Funding Sources Table 9.2: Funding Sources Matrix Table 9.3: Estimated Park Improvement Costs Chapter 10 – Ongoing Planning Table 10.1: Update Schedule
BIBLIOGRAPHY
IV. APPENDICES Appendix A: Public Input Community Survey Stakeholder Interviews Community Workshop Handouts Appendix B: Park Construction Cost Estimate Appendix C: LAFCO General Information & Forms Appendix D: MRRPD Current Grant Applications Appendix E: Sonoma County Outdoor Recreation Plan/Draft, March 2003. Section IV. Parkland Classification & Inventory Appendix F: Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District Conservation Projects Appendix G: Sample List of Classes Appendix H: Old Monte Rio School Re-use Plan Appendix I: River Child Care Services: West County Community Needs Assessment
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Chapter 2: District Character PURPOSE OF THE MASTER PLAN Currently, Monte Rio has an estimated population of 1,524. By 2010, the population The Park and Recreation Master Plan is a tool is expected to increase to 2,3021. to guide the Monte Rio Recreation and Park District (MRRPD) in park and recreation According to the census data, relative to the planning for the next twenty years. The plan rest of Sonoma County, the Monte Rio area provides an action plan and goals to serve as has a greater percentage of its population guidance for decision-making. classified in the poverty level, as well as an overall older population. PLANNING PROCESS Chapter 3: Park Facilities Inventory and The Park and Recreation Master Plan process Analysis included first an assessment of the community This chapter provides an inventory of existing needs and then development of a strategy or park facilities within the District. The District implementation plan to meet those needs. has eight park sites and one joint use The planning process included three agreement with the Monte Rio Union significant milestones: Elementary School District: · Administrative Draft Master Plan Of these eight sites, four of them (Old · Draft Master Plan School, Memorial Beach, Dutch Bill Creek · Final Master Plan Beach, and the River Boulevard /Main Street ORGANIZATION OF THE MASTER PLAN site) are not currently developed. The Master Plan is organized into four Chapter 4: Recreation Resources Inventory & sections: Executive Summary, Needs Analysis Assessment, Implementation Plan, and Organized recreation activities and events are Appendices. Much of the baseline data is outlined in Chapter 4. Limited by funding, provided in tabular form for ease of reference available facilities and staff, recreational and updating, as data is subject to revisions. programs have been in short supply in the The following information summarizes each Monte Rio community. chapter of the Master Plan by section. Chapter 5: Current District Revenues and Resources Section II: Needs Assessment This chapter provides an overview of the The Needs Assessment serves as the District’s current finances. The District’s park foundation for recommendations made in the funding is based primarily on the tax base of Implementation Plan. the 460 parcels within its boundaries. Chapter 1: General History & Background Additional sources of income include The Monte Rio Recreation and Park District property leasing and County funds. (MRRPD) was created in 1948 as a county Chapter 6: Recreation Needs, Desires and recreation district. The District’s primary Demands responsibility is to provide recreational Key recreation needs identified in the opportunities for both residents of the area community process are: increased recreational and for vacationers to the area. The MRRPD manages approximately 25 acres of land divided into eight park sites. 1 Sonoma County Outdoor Recreation Plan, Draft - March 2003, Table 23, Chapter VI.
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SECTION I: Executive Summary facilities and programs, additional presented in their full original formats in the opportunities to come together as a appendices: community, and improved and updated - Community Survey facilities. - Stakeholder Interviews Section III: Implementation Plan - Community Workshop Handouts Appendix B: Park Construction Cost Estimate The Implementation Plan defines the goals, Appendix C: LAFCO General Information & policies, and actions for the District. It Forms explores funding mechanisms and potential Appendix D: MRRPD Current Grant costs for desired improvements. Applications Chapter 7: Mission, Goals and Policies Appendix E: Sonoma County Outdoor Recreation Plan/Draft, March 2003. Section This chapter presents the District’s mission IV. Parkland Classification & Inventory and goals. These set the standards for all Appendix F: Sonoma County Agricultural actions to be taken by the District. Preservation & Open Space District Chapter 8: Action Plan Conservation Projects This chapter provides the strategy for the Appendix G: Sample List of Classes District to meet the demand for park and Appendix H: Old Monte Rio School Re-use recreation facilities and programs for the Plan current and future population. The plan Appendix I: River Child Care Services: West includes planned policy implementation, County Community Needs Assessment existing facility refurbishment, new facility development, and recreation program and service enhancement. Chapter 9: Funding Strategy To implement the proposed action items, a funding strategy for the District needs to be established. This chapter identifies the various funding sources available to the District and presents a financing strategy. Chapter 10: Ongoing Plan This Master Plan is a “living document” and will need to be reviewed and revised on a regular basis. The Park and Recreation Master Plan is a means to guide growth and meet the recreational needs of the District as they change over time.
Section IV:Appendices Appendix A: Public Input Public input formed a large component of the Master Plan process. The following, though presented and summarized in Chapter 3, are
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SECTION II: Needs Assessment
1. GENERAL HISTORY & the Pacific Coast, or from the south via the Bohemian Hwy. Adequate recreation BACKGROUND facilities are important to the Town’s economy as tourism is the main industry in INTRODUCTION the Community. The Monte Rio Recreation and Park District (MRRPD) is situated along the Russian River in western Sonoma County. The District’s primary responsibility is to provide recreational opportunities for residents of the area, as well as vacationers to the area.
Centered on the town of Monte Rio, though its boundaries extend beyond town limits, the MRRPD manages approximately 25 acres of land divided into eight park sites. The largest and most popular of these sites is the Monte Rio Public Beach. Additional park sites include: the amphitheater and youth center property, the River Blvd. and Main St. HISTORY property, the Creekside property (also known as the Monte Rio Old School property), the The Monte Rio area was originally home to Monte Rio Community Center (formerly the coastal Miwok and Valley Pomo people. known as the Koret Center), the boat launch The native peoples lived peacefully in this area for centuries until the intrusion of Russian fur and fishing access facility adjacent to the th Community Center (jointly managed with the traders at the start of the 19 century. In time, California Department of Fish and Game), the trappers eventually decimated the local Memorial Beach (a virtually inaccessible piece beaver population. By mid century, the of land on a steep bank of the river), and trappers were mostly gone but settlements by Dutch Bill Creek beach (a small unimproved Caucasians eventually forced out the parcel that provides river access). indigenous population. In the late 1800s, the arrival of the railroad into the area further The main recreational attraction, other than established the growing Caucasian population. the natural scenic beauty of the area, is the Russian River. People come to the area to enjoy the recreational opportunities that the river provides such as: canoeing, kayaking, sunbathing, picnicking, swimming and fishing. Monte Rio’s proximity to San Francisco makes it a favorite weekend getaway for people from the Bay Area. For certain seasonal events, such as the 4th of July celebrations, visitors will come from throughout the state and beyond. Access to the area is from the east via River Road exit
from Santa Rosa which joins Hwy. 116 in Guerneville (connecting to U.S. Highway 1 at
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In 1909 the broad and narrow gauge railroads district. The MRRPD was reorganized in merged in Monte Rio; and with this increased 1960 under the revised State of California access, Monte Rio became known as the Public Resources Code, I Section 5780.11. “Vacation Wonderland.” This area of Sonoma The MRRPD was established with the County was a mecca for vacationers coming mission of fostering and management of from the San Francisco Bay Area. As Monte river-oriented recreation and operation of the Rio grew, hotels, restaurants and other beach areas. The MRRPD is primarily funded businesses sprang up to cater to the people by tax revenues and additionally with usage who built vacation homes there or who came fees, grants, donations and summer boat simply to visit. Monte Rio remained a hugely rental income. popular tourist destination throughout the 1920s, only declining in the 1930’s as a result DISTRICT BOUNDARIES of the increase in automobile use and the The District boundary extends from economic hardship created by the Great Northwood through portions of the Depression. When the last train left Monte Bohemian Grove over to Mesa Grande (see Rio in 1935, the area saw a decrease in map). Currently, there are 460 individually number of visitors to the area; though the area held parcels of land within the District’s remains popular today for river recreation. In boundary. Defining the “community” the recent years, there has been an increase in the District serves however, is an increasingly number of permanent residents in the area difficult task; as the MRRPD provides and a resulting change in recreational needs. recreational opportunities for people from an A recent offering of bingo at the Community increasingly larger area. The District’s sphere Center, for example, has generated a steady of influence is not restricted to the formal turnout of people from the community. boundaries of the District but extends to the entire lower Russian River area as far as out Jenner.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK The MRRPD, established in 1948, is one of the oldest recreation and park districts in California. The MRRPD encompasses an area ROLE OF DISTRICT of approximately 3.5 square miles and extends The District’s role is to manage and maintain along a 2 mile stretch of the Russian River. District property as well as provide for the The District was created under the State of recreational needs of the community, both California Public Resources Code, Article 2, permanent and seasonal. Originally, the Chapter 3, Division 5 as a county recreation District’s primary mission was to encourage
General History & Background - 1 - 2 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 SECTION II: Needs Assessment recreational opportunities for vacationers to coordination and perform duties such as issue the area. Initially these were primarily visitors monthly warrants. The District compensates to the area but, over the years, many of those its seasonal employees on an hourly basis. The visitors have become permanent residents. MRRPD hires local youth to provide services Increasingly the District’s mandate has such as kayak and canoe rentals and sales at expanded to: supporting after-school the food concession stand. programs for local disadvantaged youth, to providing programs for adult recreation such HISTORY OF PLANNING as bingo, and to allowing use of their main Monte Rio Recreation & Park District facility (Monte Rio Community Center) as a Master Plan 1974 meeting place for a variety of community Since its inception in 1948, the MRRPD has groups from the local Fire Department to the had only one master plan, the Parks and Russian River Redevelopment Oversight Recreation Master Plan published in December Committee. 1974. The master plan was completed by Creative Planning & Management based out OPERATIONS of Sacramento, California. The 1974 master The MRRPD has a Board of Directors who plan noted the increasing tendency for handle District policy and administrative conversion of vacation property to permanent matters. The Board is comprised of five residence, and this trend has only increased elected Directors who are not financially over the years. compensated for their participation. Other Related Planning Studies As well as providing recreational Other recent (or fairly recent) planning studies opportunities, the District is also responsible that address recreation issues in Sonoma for maintaining the facilities. In the past, the County include: March 2003 Draft Sonoma District has contracted maintenance services County Outdoor Recreation Plan and the 1989 to an individual. The District is now Sonoma County General Plan, and the 2001 considering hiring a part-time person to do Russian River Redevelopment Plan and Report. strictly facilities maintenance, and a landscape contractor to handle all grounds work. The According to the March 2003 Draft Sonoma maintenance duties include landscape County Outdoor Recreation Plan, the maintenance, basic facilities maintenance, assessment of parkland needs by planning beach cleaning, and irrigation system area lists Community Parks and Open Space maintenance. Because the District’s lands Parks needs as ranking “Very High” in the flood every winter, a major responsibility of Russian River area (Planning Area 3). the maintenance person is to move all of the The March 2003 Draft Sonoma County MRRPD’s equipment from their storage area Outdoor Recreation Plan proposes several to the beach and back with the change of new trails in the Russian River area. These seasons. The District also employs an proposed new trails would provide greater administrator/secretary who handles opportunities for recreation in the lower paperwork and budget issues as well as hiring Russian River area and potentially bring more seasonal employees (e.g. lifeguards, after- users into the MRRPD. Some of the proposed school program leaders, swimming bikeways and trails include: instruction, playground supervision etc.); its administrator is compensated on an hourly • Dutch Bill Creek Bikeway – from basis. The District employs a bookkeeper on Hwy 116 in Monte Rio to Graton an hourly basis to handle all payroll
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Road. The trail would parallel Dutch Bill Creek.
• Russian River Trail – from Monte Rio to the City of Healdsburg. The proposed trail generally parallels the river; the trail would also connect with the Old Cazadero Trail, Armstrong Redwoods Trail, and the West County Trail Extension.
• West County Trail Extension – This proposed trail would extend the existing West County/Rodota Trail. The extension would go from Forestville at Mirabel Road to River Road and Steelhead Beach Regional Park.
• Willow Creek Trail – The proposed trail would go from Sonoma Coast State Beach to Coleman Valley Road.
• Monte Rio to Willow Creek Trail – The proposed trail would extend from Sonoma Coast State Beach at Willow Creek to Monte Rio. The trail would connect Willow Creek State Park, proposed Willow Creek Trail, Duncan Mills, Dutch Bill Creek Bikeway, and Monte Rio.
MRRPD Planning Meeting, January 10, 2004- Representatives of the MRRPD and the local community discussed various issues pertaining to the District’s lands. The outcome of the community meeting was an assessment of facilities and suggestions for potential improvements.
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2. DISTRICT CHARACTER Race: Ethnicity in Monte Rio is broadly SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS defined as 87% white, non-Hispanic, and 7% Hispanic, 4% two or more races, 2% Native According to the US Census 2000, the American, 2% other race, .7% African- population within the Monte Rio area (zip American. code 95462) is categorized as follows.
Income: According to the U.S. Census 2000, Age: The total population listed is 1,524. Of mean income for households is $60,438. The this total, 808 are male and 716 are female, the breakdown according to family type is a mean largest percentage of which fall into the 40-60 income of $103,216 for married-couple age group range. In looking at the male families, $14,485 for households with a female population, the largest numbers fall into the householder only, and $36,898 for non-family 40, 45, and 55 age range. For females, the households. Overall, the mean income for all highest age range distribution is in the 43, 48, family types is $84,854. and 49 categories. This unincorporated area of Sonoma County has a higher percentage of ECONOMIC DATA older people than the rest of the County. The largest areas of employment breakdown
into the following categories: education, Education: Overall, the level of education in health and social services – 25%; arts, the region for the population 25 years old and entertainment, recreation, accommodation over is: 92% are high school graduates; 29% and food services – 24%; professional, have attained a bachelor’s degree; 7% have a scientific, management, administrative, and graduate or professional degree. waste management services – 14%.
Occupation: Of the employed male civilian FUTURE POPULATION PROJECTIONS population 16 and over, 63% are classified as being in the private, for-profit sector; 9% According to the U.S. Census 2000, the non-profit; 13% self-employed. The female current population is 1,524. The MRRPD civilian population lists 62% in the private, estimates that the seasonal population for-profit sector; 11% as state government amounts to an additional 2,000 people on workers; and 14% self-employed workers. weekends and an additional 4,000-10,000 Overall, as of the US Census 2000, 73% of people for special events. According to the the population are classified as employed, 6% March 2003 Draft Sonoma County Outdoor classified as unemployed, and 19% classified Recreation Plan, the projected population for as not in the labor force. Monte Rio in 2010 is 2,302. This number is in keeping with the percentage of population Poverty level: The unincorporated area of Monte growth that has occurred in recent years. In Rio and Sonoma County as a whole vary in the 1974 Parks and Recreation Master Plan the their percentages listed for population below population projection was estimated at 1,250 the poverty level. For the County as a whole it permanent residents with an additional 2,000 is 8%, whereas for the Monte Rio area it is to 2,500 seasonal residents. The permanent 18%. residential population increase from 1960- 1970 was listed at 2%. The current projected Disability: Of the population in the age range population increase, in comparison, has of 16-64, approximately 8% classify slowed somewhat to 1.25%. themselves as being physically disabled.
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By comparison, population projections from the 2003 Sonoma County General Plan Update indicate a 15% population increase from 16,462 individuals in 2000 to 18,960 individuals in 2020. This population projection, however, is for the whole Russian River area, not just the Monte Rio area.
CONCLUSIONS Two striking components of the demographics of Monte Rio, when compared to the rest of Sonoma County, are the high average age for the population and the high percentage below poverty level. The high average age in the population suggests the need to provide for adult recreation programs and activities. With the income of a large percentage of the population at poverty level, there is an apparent need to provide programs and improvements that are not dependent on user fees.
The large influx of tourists to the area seasonally and the dependency of large percentage of the population on tourism suggest that improvements to recreation facilities and programs related to tourism are desirable.
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3. PARK FACILITIES: that are available for use to members of the community free of charge. INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Recreation facilities in Monte Rio consists not only of District owned properties but also commercial enterprises and public facilities owned and operated by other public agencies.
EXISTING DISTRICT FACILITIES The MRRPD has eight existing properties. Descriptions of these facilities are as follows:
II. The Monte Rio Community Center The Community Center building is a central meeting point for the community and for the Monte Rio Historical Society. The building includes a central meeting room, a small office space, restrooms, and a kitchen. In addition to the building on this site are a public restroom
facility, a parking area, and a maintenance I. Monte Rio Beach Site shed. The MRRPD has already been approved The public beach area includes the beach, the by the State for capital improvement funding adjacent parking area, public restroom, lawn to the Community Center and the area, concession area, and community garden. Community Beach/Concessions area. Planned The beach area is open to the public between expansion work will include a new entry lobby May 15 and October 15. Current summertime and renovated kitchen and restroom which uses include: parking, BBQ/picnicking, will be ADA compliant. Renovation work will temporary volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, include upgraded utilities as well as an swimming area, portable food concessions outdoor patio with fencing, and new stage and a structure with canoe and kayaking areas - both interior and exterior. rentals. A fairly recent addition to the beach is a portable boardwalk which makes the river ADA accessible. The beach is the site of large summer events such as the 4th of July “Water Carnival and Fireworks” and the August “Rods at the Rio” car show.
Above the beach is a large lawn area with picnic facilities, parking, a restroom (non- ADA compliant) and a community garden. The community garden area has nine plots
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other unimproved riverfront property on the Picnic area adjacent to Community Center south side of the bridge. Due to the site’s The picnic area includes a grassy hillside recent use as a staging area for road overlooking the water with picnic tables and construction, trees have been removed and BBQ facilities. rough grading has been done.
III. Fishing access and boat launch ramp V. Outdoor amphitheater & arcade site site The boat launch ramp and fishing access The site includes an amphitheater, non-ADA area is jointly managed with the California accessible restrooms, an arcade structure, Department of Fish and Game and provides tennis courts and playground. Drawings have vehicular access down to the water’s edge. been produced and funding secured to Facilities include a boat ramp and parking remodel the amphitheater and the existing area. Design of the ramp creates a persistent Arcade structure, structurally reinforce the build-up of sand which is a constant a existing tennis courts and provide a new maintenance problem. finished playing surface, and renovate the existing practice court and convert it to a new basketball court.
Amphitheater The amphitheater portion of the site includes a large lawn seating area and a stage area with lights. New terraced seating is proposed to improve accessibility on the slope adjacent to the tennis courts as part of the grant improvements. The amphitheater is used for outdoor theatrical productions, primarily during summer months.
Youth center/arcade building IV. The River Blvd. & Main St. site A small building on the amphitheater site is This property is located underneath the being renovated as a Youth Center. The Bohemian Highway Bridge and currently has Center will house a drop- in center for youth, no specified use. The property consists of a restrooms for the amphitheater and an area beach and drive leading to the beach as well as for concessions for the amphitheater.
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VI. The Old School site The Old Monte Rio School site (also known Playground as the Creekside property) is a 3.8 acre parcel The Playground includes a children’s play of land. On the property is a condemned structure and swing set in a school building that is subject to flooding. bark mulch play area. The play structure is in The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation good condition and meets current Consumer & Open Space District has an easement on Product Safety Guidelines. To allow for this site. Structures on the site include the construction of a basketball court to support Gym, which was recently but only partially the Youth center, the play structure and upgraded by the District (upgrades did not swings are to be relocated to the picnic area include handicapped access or restroom adjacent to the Community Center. upgrades); the creek-side wing (which is in a state of extreme disrepair); and the center section, which was used to house offices and classrooms (with non-ADA accessible restrooms).
VII. The Memorial Beach site This property is a steeply sloping site on the North side of the river adjacent to Highway #116 and Crescent Road. Currently this site has no specified use (although there is some use by fishermen) and would be extremely cost prohibitive to make it ADA accessible. The site has no on-site parking.
Tennis courts VIII. Dutch Bill Creek site There are two tennis courts and an existing Dutch Bill Creek is a small parcel of practice court adjacent to the Youth Center. unimproved river front property. This There is currently a funding application to property is adjacent to the mouth of Dutch repave these courts. The District is planning Bill Creek and is currently utilized as a to convert the practice court to a basketball riverside picnic area and provides ADA court. fishing access.
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REVIEW OF EXISTING PARK FACILITIES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY AND ADA REQUIREMENTS Accessibility of district facilities is one key factor to be evaluated for needs assessment. As the result of litigation against the MRRPD for ADA violations, the District is currently addressing the following issues to bring their properties into compliance (deadline indicated is from court date of March 9, 2004):
• Signage must be posted indicating that a key is available to gain vehicular (ADA accessible) access to Dutch Bill Rio Theater – The Rio Theater is thought of Creek Beach. (Deadline – within 90 by many as the landmark that defines the days) (unincorporated) town of Monte Rio. The • ADA accessible parking spaces must Theater is a significant entertainment resource be made available in front of the for the members of the community. Outdoor Amphitheater (path of travel to first row at amphitheater). (Deadline – within 10-120 days) • Community Center – chopping table in kitchen must be adjusted to the correct height. (Deadline – within 2 years) • Monte Rio Beach – must be ADA accessible (Deadline – within 1 year) A boardwalk was added in 2004, to bring it into compliance. • Old School site – modifications, once
decided upon, must be done with oversight by Praxis Architects. Pegasus Hall – Pegasus Theater Company is a non-profit theater company that produces a EXISTING PRIVATE FACILITIES variety of plays from classic to contemporary The Monte Rio area has a number of private for the enjoyment of the Russian River recreation facilities that add additional community. The hall is also used for private recreational opportunities for visitors as well event and parties. as members of the community. Private Resort Recreation Lands Commercial Recreation Establishments The following establishments provide Northwood Golf Course – Northwood is a 9- camping and/or lodging accommodations, hole golf course, on the eastern edge of some with river access. Monte Rio. The course was originally created for the Bohemian Club in 1928. Highland Dell Lodge (Monte Rio) Rio Villa Beach Resort (Monte Rio) Rien’s Sandy Beach Area (Monte Rio)
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Casini Ranch Family Campground headlands and extends 17 miles from Bodega (Duncan Mills) Head to Vista Trail. Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, and horseback RECREATION FACILITIES OWNED BY OTHER riding. PUBLIC ENTITIES Monte Rio Elementary School – The school Willow Creek Environmental Camp playfields are available for use by the public The only State Park campground on the during non-school hours. The playfield is used Russian River, sites are shaded by willows and for flag football, ultimate Frisbee, and close to a large beach for swimming and volleyball. There are also two basketball fishing. courts, swings and a tetherball available after school. Fort Ross State Historic Park This state park offers visitors a chance to see State Facilities reconstructed buildings based on the original There are a variety of recreational fort. Fort Ross was established in 1812 by opportunities in adjacent regional recreation Russians as an outpost for sea otter hunters lands. People in the community as well as and as a permanent trade base. Visitor visitors to the area enjoy hiking, biking, facilities include: exhibits, fishing, guided swimming, and boating in many of the local tours, hiking trails, primitive camping, scuba facilities. In addition, a number of small diving, and picnicking. private and state organizations frequently work together to increase the recreational services in the area either through land TRAILS acquisition or coordination of land easements. Although hiking and nature walks ranked very Land easements are frequently used as a way high in the community survey, there are no of creating trail connections. official trails in the area. Use of existing fire roads serve as unofficial trails for many Austin Creek State Recreation Area residents of the community. (5,683 acres) Austin Creek State Recreation Area is adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods EXISTING ISSUES Low-flow Initiative State Reserve. Austin Creek has open woodlands, rolling hills, and meadows. Its One issue that could potentially have major topography offers a strong contrast to the impacts on recreation in the District is the dense, primeval redwood forest below. low-flow initiative for the Russian River – Facilities are available for hiking, camping, currently (summer 2005) being considered picnicking and horseback riding. by the Sonoma County Water Agency and the Mendocino County Russian River Flood Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve Control and Water Conservation The Reserve preserves 805 acres of Sequoia Improvement District. sempervirens, the coast redwoods. Visitor facilities include hiking trails, horseback trails, The proposed low-flow initiative would and picnic areas. There is no camping allowed seasonally lower water levels in the Russian at the Reserve. River to create better conditions for salmon and steelhead as well as to reduce flooding in Sonoma Coast State Beach the area. According to the document, Flow The Sonoma Coast State Beach is actually a series of beaches separated by rock bluffs and
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Proposal1, impacts to recreation in the area Access to additional restroom facilities would primarily affect boaters (canoes and scored high in community surveys. By kayaks). Figures in the study show an providing increased public access to estimated 68% decline in use by boaters. restroom facilities close to the river, the According to the study, the impact to beach District would be providing an amenity to users and swimmers, however, would be the community. negligible. Another, perhaps more important Because the river is the main source of consideration, is the fact that this new recreation for residents and tourists, the low- system will result in new development in the flow initiative could have a significant area. This new development will, in time, impact on the Recreation District. The impact the Recreation District by increasing Recreation District should consider (and population. Additional households will add plan for) how it would continue to provide users and therefore recreation demands, but recreational opportunities to the residents will also provide additional income by and tourists of the area under such a increasing the tax base. An additional program. income source that could be beneficial to the District would be recreation fees on new Department of Fish & Game Parking Lot construction. The Department of Fish & Game leases certain facilities (the boat launch ramp; two Amphitheater/Youth Center Land sets of stairs – one from the parking lot to Acquisition the restroom and one from the parking lot to There is a small parcel of land (an old the boat launch; and a restroom facility) that railroad easement) adjacent to the Youth are on District lands. The Department of Center that is owned by the County and Fish & Game pays no money to the District maintained by the Department of Regional for this lease. Currently the Department of Parks. Because the Department of Regional Fish & Game is engaged in a lawsuit that Parks only maintains this land infrequently, requires them to upgrade these facilities the District has already spent $22,000 of its even though it doesn’t own them. One plan own money to patch the road. In time, as the that the District has tried to pursue, and District develops more programs at the should continue to pursue, is for the Amphitheater, it would benefit the District Department of Fish & Game to deed the to acquire the land or gain the rights to parking lot via deed transfer to the District stewardship over the land. so that the facilities and land are all under the same ownership. Monte Rio Bridge Caltrans has plans to replace the Monte Rio Sewer Project Bridge which is located on District land. With the (summer 2005) approval of the Because the construction of a new bridge new sewer project in Monte Rio, the will create both constraints and Recreation District should consider how best opportunities for the District, the District to take advantage of this new system. should make sure that they are involved early on in the design process.
1 Preliminary Recreation Assessment for the Flow Perhaps the most important issue is that the Proposal, prepared for the Sonoma County Water Agency by Entrix, Inc., January, 2004. new bridge structure should be made wide
Park Facilities: Inventory & Analysis - 3 - 6 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 SECTION II: Needs Assessment enough to provide ample room for safe bicycle and pedestrian crossing. A second issue would be coordination with Caltrans for construction to take place so that it does not impact seasonal recreation.
Maintenance Yard One facility needed by the District is a maintenance yard. Because District lands flood seasonally, the District is obligated to move its equipment to higher ground. At present, the District moves its equipment to two different locations, but neither of them functions as an adequate storage facility. In future, the District should look into the possibility of acquiring a piece of property (through a gift or purchase), to use as a permanent location for housing its equipment.
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Park Facilities: Inventory & Analysis - 3 - 7
SECTION II: Needs Assessment
4. RECREATION RESOURCES: is expressed. In response to the comments received by the recreation needs survey, the INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS District has plans to hire an events programmer for the amphitheater to increase This chapter assesses organized recreation programming of this facility. activities, events and services. Both recreation programs and facilities contribute not only to Monte Rio’s social infrastructure by promoting community bonding, but also help the town’s long-term economic growth by attracting tourists to the area. Limited by funding, available facilities and staff, recreational programs have been in short supply in the community of Monte Rio. The community survey and workshops indicated desire for more recreational programs in Monte Rio.
RECREATION PROGRAMS EVENTS The following MRRPD recreation programs There are several special District events. are currently offered: These include:
Tennis Lessons – currently 10 children Memorial Day BBQ Bingo – currently 5-20 adults per week (Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce) Stamping – currently 5-7 adults/children
Yoga – currently 12-15 adults Water Carnival and Fireworks Watchers of Weight (WOW) – currently 12-15 (July event – estimated attendance 5000 / co- adults sponsored by MRRPD, Fire District, New programs that have been approved by Chamber of Commerce) the District but not started include a youth drop-in program and expanded special events Annual Variety Show calendar. The anticipated renovation of the (July event – estimated attendance 1500 / youth center will allow the District to open a sponsored by the Bohemian Club) drop in-center for teens. Classes associated with the youth center will be added as interest Rods at the Rio (August event – estimated attendance 500 / sponsored by the Santa Brigade)
Chamber BBQ (annual event)
Fire Dept. BBQ (annual event)
PARTNERSHIPS AND BENEFIT-BASED PROGRAMS The community of Monte Rio encourages collaborative relationships between local
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Recreation Resources: Inventory & Analysis - 4 - 1 SECTION II: Needs Assessment entities and park agencies to help create and During the Summer Session, some of the support recreation opportunities. classes are held on District property (the Partnerships and benefits-based programs Monte Rio Beach), such as “Wonderland at with such entities as the school district can the River” – a program where children learn help support recreation resources for the about river life and the river environment. community. Other offering include: “Ocean Wonderland” – a class focused on studying the local coastal Currently there are several partnership environment. programs, both for events and for special District needs. The first with the Monte Rio Union Elementary School District allows joint-use of school playfields and buildings for classes. The second type is sponsorship of special events by other civic organizations including the Annual Variety Show by the Bohemian Club and the Fourth of July celebration with the Chamber of Commerce and the Fire District. Other organizations that the District might consider collaborating with include: West County Community Services, Russian River After School Program, Sonoma County Regional Parks/Agricultural Preservation & Open Space, Stewards of the Coast & Redwoods, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, Sonoma County State Beach, Sonoma County Recreation & Parks Department, California Dept. of Fish & Game, Landpaths, Bay Area Barns & Trails.
The Monte Rio Historical Society holds a monthly board meeting in the Koret Club on the second Tuesday of the month. The Society also hosts quarterly potlucks, each with a particular theme, sometimes featuring a speaker.
One major provider of recreation in the District is the Monte Rio School-Age Center, a state funded program that offers before and after school programs for local children throughout the year. A typical selection of classes includes: homework club, gardening, cooking and nutrition, drama, art and set- building, gymnastics, art and culture, art and crafts, science, tutoring, and sports.
Recreation Resources: Inventory & Analysis - 4 - 2 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
5. CURRENT DISTRICT Sonoma County Redevelopment Agency provides funding for special projects related REVENUES & RESOURCES to economic development and housing - including funding for this report. As noted MRRPD PARK FUNDING below, the Redevelopment Agency also uses a Current park funding for the MRRPD is considerable portion of the District’s budget based on several sources including taxes, to help fund improvement projects. With a property leasing, and County funds. The fairly small tax base, the District must District’s primary source of funding since its carefully consider its ability to fund any inception has been from the tax base of the increase in services. 460 parcels within its boundaries. Other primary sources of revenue include County In the following list, numbers in the far left funds, usage fees and service fees. The column refer to County finance categories.
MRRPD - FINAL BUDGET 2005/2006
BUDGET REVENUES 1000: Property taxes $125,000.00 1008: Redevelopment increment (35,000.00) 1011: SB2557 Property tax administration ( 1,400.00) 1020: Property taxes - current year supplemental 5,000.00 1040: Property taxes - current year unsecured 4,700.00 1042: Cost reimbursement – collection delinquent current year unsecured (75.00) 1044: Property tax-current year unsecured 4.00 Total Character 10 taxes: subtotal $98,229.00
1700: Interest on pooled cash $3,200.00 1800: Rents-canoes 29,000.00 1801: Rent-real estate 5,500.00 1900: Concessions-food/beverages 14,000.00 Total Character 17 use of property: subtotal $51,700.00
2440: ST-Homeowners property tax reimbursement $700.00 Total Character 20 intergovernmental: subtotal $700.00
3500 Park/Recreation services $2,000.00 Total Character 30 charges for services subtotal $2,000.00
4100: Workers comp insurance refund $500.00 4116: Insurance reimbursement 1,700.00 Total Character 40 miscellaneous revenue subtotal $2,200.00
Total income $154,829.00
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Current District Revenues & Resources 5 - 1 SECTION II: Existing Conditions
EXPENDITURES 5910: Permanent positions $45,000.00 5911: Extra help 10,000.00 5922: FICA 11,000.00 5935: Unemployment insurance 1,800.00 5940: Workers comp 7,500.00 Character 50 total payroll $75,300.00
6060: Food-promo $300.00 6084: Janitorial supplies 1,200.00 6100: Insurance 1,500.00 6140: Maintenance-equipment 7,500.00 6180: Maintenance-building 1,500.00 6280: Memberships 400.00 6400: Office expense 1,500.00 6500: Professional services (County counsel) 2,179.00 6521: County services 2,800.00 6540: Contract services (MRUSD) 0.00 6565: Independent contractors 14,000.00 6587: LAFCO charges 200.00 6589: Permits 500.00 Subtotal $33,579.00
6630: Audit/accounting services 7,800.00 6631: Bookkeeping 6,000.00 6800: Public/legal services 2,000.00 6820: Rents/leases - equipment 3,000.00 6880: Small tools/instruments/kayaks 450.00 7005: Election expense 4,800.00 7030: Recreational supplies (concessions/food) 9,000.00 7302: Travel expenses 900.00 7320: Utilities + pager 12,000.00 Subtotal $45,950.00 Character 60-70 Total - services/supplies $79,529.00
8560: Equipment $0.00 Character 80 Total $0.00
Total expenditures $154,829.00
Current Finances 5 - 2 Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
GRANTS are selective, rely on matching funds, and are Several grants are in the process of being competitive for limited funds. secured to assist with facility renovation in the Grants with a check mark in the Anticipated District. column are not approved at this date but are Following is a table outlining some of the expected to come through and be funded. various grant opportunities currently being Approved grants are ones that have been pursued by the MRRPD. Some of the grants secured. are based on population and need, while some Current applications for grant funding for MRRPD properties include the following:
CURRENT GRANT APPLICATIONS (TABLE 5.1)
Application Anticipated Approved Grant Program Submitted Funding
Youth Center, Sports Complex,
Amphitheater
Sonoma County Partnerships for x $90,541.67 Youth Phase II California Department of Parks & Recreation x $34,000.00 (per capita) Monte Rio Recreation & Park x $6,807.00 District
Gifts/Donations in kind x $6,800.00
Total of match funding $138,148.67 approved:
Project Total $138,148.67
Monte Rio Community Center
(formerly Koret Club) Matching grants from: State of California Department of Parks and x $120,000.00 Recreation (per capita) Matching grants from: Sonoma x $240,000.00 County Redevelopment Agency
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Current District Revenues & Resources 5 - 3 SECTION II: Existing Conditions
Application Anticipated Approved Grant Program Submitted Funding
Total of match funding $360,000.00 approved:
State Parks Roberti-Z’berg-Harris x x $314,000.00
Project Total: $674,000.00
Dutch Bill Creek Coho Habitat
Improvement Project
California Dept. of Fish & Game x x x $78,023.00
Sonoma County Water Agency x x x $9,500.00
Dragonfly Restoration x x x $3,300.00
Project Total: $90,823.00
The following are final budgets for two projects for which funding has been secured. The projects are the Koret Club/Beach renovations and the Youth Center/Recreational Complex renovation.
KORET/BEACH PROJECT FINAL BUDGET 2005/2006
PROJECTED REVENUES 2530 State Department of Parks per capita 2000 bond $181,077.00 2900 Other government agencies (Roberti Z-Burg grant) $313,356.00 2901 County grant — Russian River Redevelopment $240,000.00
Total income $734,433.00 Cash on hand (853)
Total available financing $733,580.00
PROJECTED EXPENSES 6100 Insurance $4,000.00 6140 Maintenance of equipment 500.00 6500 Professional special services $79,147.00 6589 Permits $4,000.00
Current Finances 5 - 4 Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
Character 60 Total $87,647.00
8510 Buildings/improvements $10,093.00 8511 Construction $560,840.00 8560 Equipment (new concession stand) $75,000.00 Character 80 Total $645,933.00
Total Expenditures $734,433.00
YOUTH CENTER/RECREATIONAL COMPLEX FINAL BUDGET 2005/2006
PROJECTED REVENUES 2530 State Parks per capita 2000 bond $34,000.00 2901 Community-Partnership-for-Youth grant $90,542.00
Total Income $124,542.00 Cash on hand (648) Total Available Financing $123,894.00
PROJECTED EXPENSES 5910 Payroll Expenses (administration) $1,000.00 Character 50 Total $1,000.00
6140 Maintenance of equipment $500.00 6400 Office expenses $500.00 6500 Professional special services $25,000.00 6589 Permits $2,000.00 6800 Public/Legal notices $800.00 Character 60 Total $28,800.00
8510 Buildings/improvements $54,094.00 8511 Remodel/Rehabilitation $40,000.00 Character 80 Total $94,094.00
Total Expenditures $123,894.00
MAINTENANCE COSTS Variety Show. In the past, the District has Maintenance costs are not capital costs but hired a part-time worker, increasing his hours must be factored into any budget planning. in the summer. Currently the District is Monte Rio’s costs vary greatly seasonally, exploring hiring some part-time help and including setting up and dismantling the contracting out for other services (such as Monte Rio Beach park facilities, as well as landscape maintenance) as a more cost preparation for the seasonal events such as effective way to maintain District facilities. the Fourth of July celebration and the Annual
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Current District Revenues & Resources 5 - 5 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
6. RECREATION NEEDS, Own – business 15 Rent – residence 13 DESIRES AND DEMANDS Rent – business 4
INTRODUCTION: Age Group The Needs Assessment is an important part under 21 18 of the Master Plan. The intention of this 21-35 9 section is to catalog the existing needs and 36-55 58 desires specific to the community within the 56-above 67 boundary of the MRRPD and its sphere of service to arrive at goals and objectives for the Full-time resident 91 District. The available data from public input Part-time resident 10 come from a variety of sources. In analyzing such a diverse inventory, we seek to District name preference understand all the varying needs of residents LRRRPD1 29 in the community in order to have the most WRRRPD 24 suitable park and recreation programs and WCRPD 22 facilities within the District. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE MASTER Recreation PLAN PROCESS Favorite recreational activity - Monte Rio Beach This chapter catalogs and analyzes public Beach 79 input data from a community survey, Fishing/boating 42 telephone interviews and a public workshop. Concessions 31 COMMUNITY SURVEY Lawn area 24 Horseshoe 8 The following survey was included in a Community Garden 10 mailing of 2,600 copies of the Russian River Picnic area 24 Monthly published December 1, 2004. In the Volleyball 7 far right-hand column is the number of votes Canoe/Kayak 24 for each category. A total of 104 surveys were BBQ 12 returned. Community Koret Club Where are you from? Restroom 43 Monte Rio 52 Parking lot 36 Cazadero 25 Meeting room 35 Duncan Mills 8 Picnic 20 Villa Grande 7 Northwood 4 River + Fishing Access Monte Cristo 3 Other 10 Riens Beach 6 Bridgehaven 1 1 Lower Russian River Recreation & Park District Montesano 1 Western Russian River Recreation & Park District Jenner 2 West County Recreation & Park District Depending on the approval of the District’s annexation Your living/working situation plans, & if so the extent of lands to be annexed, the Own – residence 84 District may come up with alternate new names to better reflect the communities it serves.
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Recreation Needs, Desires & Demands - 6 - 1 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
Dutch Bill Creek beach 7 list of MRRPD stakeholders2. RHAA staff talked informally with 15 individuals about Amphitheater/Park park and recreation needs in the community. Amphitheater 40 The following nine questions were asked: Tennis Courts 18 1) The District currently has eight sites and Playground 14 the following facilities: Practice Courts 7 Beach Arcade 2 Koret Club Boat launch & fishing access What would you like to see added? Amphitheater Playfields 22 Tennis courts & youth center Basketball 20 Playground Volleyball 19 Climbing Wall 15 Are there specific items that you would like to Play areas 21 see added and/or changed to these facilities? School age play area 32 • 1/3 responded no Fishing access 21 Picnic 42 • 2/3 responded that changes &/or Swimming 42 additions should be made Circus 8 Suggested changes and additions included: Skate park 17 • hire events promoter for amphitheater Water park 10 Dock/slides 30 • strong desire to see Koret Club Floats 32 renovations completed Other 14 • upgraded restrooms (District-wide) Exercise 49 • upgraded facilities (parking, bleachers, Canoe shuttle 35 restroom) at amphitheater Hiking 60 Nature trail 54 • shuttle system for kayakers & canoeists Nature walk 44 ( District has hired vendor for summer Creek restoration 47 of 2005 in response to this comment) Bike riding 35 Horseback riding 24 Additional programs and facilities desired that Public shows 23 are not currently being offered on the Restrooms 44 developed District properties included: Dog walk 45 Museum/educational 39 • field sports (soccer, baseball) at Old Art Center 43 School site Amphitheater events 46 Other 10 2 15 Stakeholders were interviewed, representing the following groups: Monte Rio Unified School District, MONTE RIO RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT Northwood Golf Course, Northwood Homeowners Association, Sonoma County Development MASTER PLAN INTERVIEWS Commission, Creekside Committee, Monte Rio During the month of February 2005, master Foundation, Russian River Redevelopment Oversight plan consultants Royston Hanamoto Alley & Committee, Russian River Jewish Community, resident Abey (RHAA), conducted interviews with a representatives of: Duncan Mills, Jenner, Villa Grande, Cazadero, Monte Rio.
Recreation Needs, Desires & Demands - 6 - 2 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
• connection between Old School site and • update existing facilities Main Street site • pool • restoration of the entire riparian area • trailhead at Old School site, include 4) What kind of recreational activities and picnic area, food (healthy, not junk), programs should we provide? restroom, play structure • activities for children & teens • watershed ecology center • educational program with a focus on • hiking trails natural history
• exercise classes 2) In the survey that was recently circulated • activities for entire families in the community, many people strongly agreed that the MRRPD’s facilities could be • hiking/biking improved and additions made. The greatest • organized activities for children areas of interest for recreation were: beach • crafts education access, fishing & boating, picnicking, swimming, hiking and amphitheater events. • kayak/canoe/swimming instruction Do you agree with this? • programming of amphitheater events
• 60% responded yes • nature programs for kids
• 40% had no opinion • volleyball at the beach
Further suggestions about facilities: • tennis lessons
• greater emphasis on trails, both bike & • eco-tourism pedestrian • activities that are a tourism draw • restroom renovation including changing • organized kayak trip with a naturalist room, outdoor shower, feet washing station 5) For reuse of the Old School site, would • additional picnicking areas you prefer to see the building reused or • expanded playground torn down? • open & free access for all • 46% respondents advocated reuse • improved visibility – better signage • 26% respondents said tear it down
• 28% respondents expressed no opinion 3) What other public facilities should be or couldn’t decide added to the community? Further suggestions about the Old School: • hiking/biking • several respondents advocated multiple- • museum/visitor center – focus on use development history, natural history • several respondents felt that the • develop the little triangle at the Gymnasium building was probably the intersection of the Bohemian Hwy., only salvageable structure Hwy. 116, and Church Street (not a • other significant factors involved the District Property) Open Space District’s easement on the • existing renovation projects completed site, site is subject to flooding, parking is inadequate
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Recreation Needs, Desires & Demands - 6 - 3 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
• desire to make the site profitable • 26.6% of respondents said $50.00 - $70.00 6) Many community members have expressed • 26.6% of respondents said $75.00 - an interest in a community swimming $95.00 pool. Do you think the MRRPD should • 3% of respondents disagreed with the pursue this idea? idea
• 46% of respondents said yes
• 46% of respondents said no Additional input:
• 8% of respondents were undecided • the taxes, if imposed, should be on improved parcels only Other considerations about the pool: • bond would be difficult to pass as there has recently been a hospital tax, a school • concern raised about cost, liability, tax, and a sewer tax insurance • pool could create a central focus for the 8) When asked about a name change for the community MRRPD, the greatest number of respondents • one viable site is the Koret Club site voted for the Lower Russian River Recreation because it doesn’t flood & Park District. Do you think this would be • new pool technology is less expensive & an appropriate new name for the district? can be programmed to close down
when flood waters rise • 60% of respondents said yes
• river currently provides enough • 40% of respondents said no swimming opportunities in summer;
although, if new restrictions are put into place to reduce the river’s flow, a pool Additional thoughts on renaming the District: would certainly fill the need • no identity in Lower Russian River • employees who operate canoe rentals name should also be certified as lifeguards • Lower Russian River name would further their goals of expanding the 7) If the MRRPD decided to make District improvements like these, they could cost millions of dollars. The actual amount 9) Do you have any additional comments that needed would depend on the type of you’d like to add? facilities desired. If a bond was approved, how much would you be willing to pay • annexation/expansion would be per year? beneficial
• youth center important, more activities ___ $25.00 - $45.00 for families with children important ___ $50.00 - $70.00 • revitalize tourism industry ___ $75.00 - $95.00 • collaboration between adjoining towns, districts • 26.6% of respondents said $25.00 - $45.00 Recreation Needs, Desires & Demands - 6 - 4 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
• financial support for big events (4th of • Start website July), rather than relying on volunteers • Bulletin board only • Better interaction between Russian • Koret Club should retain its name in River Redevelopment Oversight some form as Koret Foundation Committee (RRROC), Chamber of originally endowed the building Commerce, legal reps. Have • would like to see a focus on eco-tourism representatives from MRRPD exchange meeting minutes with RRROC and Chamber of Commerce. COMMUNITY MEETING – Increase educational opportunities The third component of community outreach for the Needs Assessment was done through – Align boundaries of the District more a workshop conducted on March 12, 2005 at closely with users, through Local Agency the Koret Club. Attended by 24 people, the Formation Commission (LAFCO) annexation workshop was a forum for residents to of areas within Fire or School District discuss recreation needs and desires. Key boundaries. issues raised in the workshop were the need for stronger community identity, for a balance Physical Improvements Desired: of activities for residents and tourists, and the – Existing Facility Improvements: need to communicate better with other public • Upgrade & enhance community garden agencies and groups. Although these are fence issues that extend beyond recreation, they • Beautify triangle at the intersection of relate to the recreation desires of the Church Street, Hwy. 116 & Bohemian community. Hwy. & relocate & redesign sign (triangle is not District Land) Policies Specific policy action items requested in the • Install directional signage on District workshop included the following: lands • Provide more activities for teens: – preservation and interpretation of the expand use of school for District history & the natural history of the area to programs create more identity for Monte Rio by: • Construct an off-leash dog run area • development of a flood museum • Provide Amphitheater parking (& picnic • programs to increase eco-tourism in the area) at River Street site area – Provide trails with connections to other regional recreation areas such as the Willow – Create more of an identity/focus for the Creek Site: community: (physical & social) • Construct trailhead at Creekside site / acquisition of R.O.W. & easements to – Develop Old School/Creekside site to connect to Willow Creek open space support identity of Monte Rio as: • Develop trail to community garden • Artist community behind theater from bridge • Eco tourism • Explore facilities to support bicycle racing – Coordinate /communicate better
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Recreation Needs, Desires & Demands - 6 - 5 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
Activities Desired community, and improved and updated • Develop additional special events such existing facilities. These needs point to the as Shakespeare Festival, Big Band larger issue of the overall benefits of park and Festival recreational facilities and the role that the
• Start a Farmers Market on District lands District plays in community bonding and social infrastructure - a crucial factor in Monte • Provide activities for youth Rio’s long-term development and economic viability. Mission Statement – Add a statement regarding stewardship of The following briefly outlines improvements the land owned by the District desired at the existing District’s facilities. 1) Monte Rio Beach The current statement is: Provide recreational facilities and activities Physical Improvements to residents and visitors year round. To • ADA accessibility for restroom work cooperatively with all community • restroom upgrade (move above flood agencies, public and private, to insure that plane) all available park and recreation resources are utilized to their fullest. Monitor any • improved concessions actions and/or policies that will affect • improved signage
water quality, water flow and beach use • upgrades to community garden fence and take appropriate actions to protect, preserve and enhance the recreational • trail from bridge to Community Garden values of the Russian River, a significant Program Improvements: resource. • shuttle for boaters ( Russian river outfitter started this activity this Funding summer) Explore alternate sources of funding for improvements from the following • programmed activities for kids – organizations: swimming lessons, volleyball, etc. – Contact Bohemian Club regarding possible • organized kayak trip with a naturalist additional funding. (The Bohemian Club • paid staff to support existing group of currently donates proceeds from its annual volunteers for organization and crowd show to the MRRPD.) control at special celebrations such as – Sonoma County Regional Park & Trails 4th of July funds
– Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District 2) Monte Rio Community Center Physical Improvements: • Upgrades to the existing building SUMMARY OF NEEDS ASSESSMENT including: plumbing, electrical, HVAC, The key recreation needs identified from the windows/doors, insulation. survey, interviews, and workshop include: increased recreational opportunities, a balance • Renovations to administrative office and of facilities and programs that meet the needs tenant spaces of residents and tourists, additional opportunities to come together as a
Recreation Needs, Desires & Demands - 6 - 6 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
• New stage and presentation facilities; • events programmer for amphitheater new addition housing new entry, kitchen • programs for kids at the renovated and restrooms youth center • New exterior patio area, landscaping • youth program director and garden • additional special events such as Big • New ADA parking Band Festival or Shakespeare Festival • New children’s play area with picnic tables 6) Old School Site (also known as Creekside Programming Improvements: Property) • conferences Physical Improvements: • eco-tourism • flood museum, art center or ecology • community presentations center to create community identity
• renovation of gym to serve unmet 3) Fishing Access and Boat Launch Ramp recreation needs
• ADA access to boat launch area • trailhead
• Replacement of the existing restroom • restroom facility
• concession facility 4) The River Blvd. and Main St. Site • playfields Physical Improvements: Other Improvements: • improved river access
• picnic area • safe pedestrian access between Old School site & downtown Monte Rio • event parking • storage facility area (A site near the • parking to support amphitheater events elementary school may be available for this use.) 5) Outdoor Amphitheater and Arcade Site Physical Improvements: 7) Memorial Beach
• bleacher seating Physical Improvements:
• paths for ADA accessibility • ADA accessibility
• upgraded concessions • fishing access • upgraded restrooms that are ADA The costs of making such improvements are a accessible major constraint to development of this site.
• additional parking Consider selling site (possibly to owners across Highway 116 for beach access). • new youth center
• new tennis court & full-size volleyball & basketball courts 8) Dutch Bill Creek Beach Physical Improvements Programmatic Improvements:
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Recreation Needs, Desires & Demands - 6 - 7 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
• Creek restoration (The MRRPD recently • exercise programs received a grant from the California • craft programs Dept. of Fish & Game for creek restoration from the mouth of Dutch Bill Creek to Tyrone.) With the expressed interest in more community and neighborhood park facilities • picnic facilities and programs comes the need for additional funding, possibly from non-profit philanthropic organizations. Overall Programs Desired: The following table summarizes the results • Special events such as Big Band or from the public input process. The table Shakespeare Festival indicates what comments were made and/or • Additional adult and youth recreation repeated in which forums. programs
• educational programs
Recreation Needs, Desires & Demands - 6 - 8 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 SECTION II: Needs Assessment
Public Input Summary (Table 6.1) Monte Rio MRRPD MRRPD Community Stakeholder Community Survey Interviews Workshop
Facilities Facility for general youth activities such
as Saturday classes, parties, pool tables, X X etc.
Facility for multi-purpose community and family (incl. Seniors) activities such X X as weddings, celebrations, etc.
Facility for special activities for children, X teens and tots
Multi-purpose parking area X X Baseball Field X
Soccer Field X X
Playgrounds X Picnic Tables & BBQs X
Team Sports Facilities X X
Trail Access and Connection X X X Trail Staging area X X X
Programs
Organized classes and events/ programs X X for select activities Policies
Preservation of Monte Rio’s history and X identity
Joint recreation resources between X school facilities and community
Better communication X
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Recreation Needs, Desires & Demands - 6 - 9 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
7. MISSION AND GOALS Provide opportunities for recreation through development of facilities and INTRODUCTION activities for residents and visitors while insuring stewardship of the land and This chapter identifies the mission and goals water. of the District. These overarching ideas provide direction for all specific actions to be GENERAL GOALS taken by the District - actions that are detailed During this parks master planning process, in Chapter 8. the community and the District have
expressed the following general goals for their This chapter discusses the following items: parks, open space, and trail system: · District Mission · General Goals 1. Enhance the quality of life in the · Facilities Goals community through multiple recreation · Open Space & Special Recreation Areas opportunities. Goals 2. Make all recreation facilities and activities
· Recreation Programming Goals accessible to all individuals, regardless of race, DISTRICT MISSION age, gender, religion, disabilities, or income level. The Monte Rio Recreation and Park District exists to enhance a long-established 3. Encourage economic growth in the area by community and to serve the public in a increasing recreational opportunities that will friendly, efficient, and responsive manner. attract tourists to the District. 4. Increase revenue for the District by Up to now, the District’s mission statement expanding the District through annexation of has been: adjacent areas now being served by the District (but not currently in this District or Provide recreational facilities and activities other adjacent recreation districts). to residents and visitors year round. To work cooperatively with all community 5. Celebrate the special community history agencies, public and private, to insure that and character of Monte Rio. all available park and recreation resources 6. Maximize park and recreation resources are utilized to their fullest. Monitor any through positive working relationships, actions and/or policies that will affect partnering, and collaborative efforts with water quality, water flow and beach use other public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and take appropriate actions to protect, and the private sector. preserve and enhance the recreational 7. Pursue a variety of financing mechanisms values of the Russian River, a significant for the acquisition, development, long-term resource. operations and maintenance of the parks, trails, and recreation system. Consensus at the Community Workshop was that this mission statement was appropriate 8. Monitor any actions and/or policies that but could be updated. Through discussion at will affect water quality, water flow and beach the workshop, the mission statement was use and take appropriate actions to protect, revised as follows: preserve and enhance the recreational values of the Russian River.
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Mission and Goals - 7 - 1 SECTION IV: Implementation Plan
9. Work cooperatively with all community 4. Protect unique resources in certain open agencies, public and private, to insure that all space areas by restricting or prohibiting use. available park and recreation resources are utilized to their fullest. RECREATION PROGRAMMING GOALS 1. Encourage community identity through FACILITIES GOALS AND POLICIES increased opportunities for community Through this process, the community and the interaction. Monte Rio Recreation and Park District expressed the following goals for park 2. Meet the recreational program needs of a facilities. diverse resident and tourist population. 1. Provide attractive, well- maintained park SUMMARY facilities. The District will endeavor to provide varied 2. Develop new facilities to respond to unmet facilities and activities, from small children’s Community recreational needs. play areas to a multi-purpose recreation center, in order to meet the diverse needs of 3. Make the most of park resources through the District’s population. The District will also the planning and development of multi-use preserve and protect the area’s unique natural park and recreation facilities. resources when necessary, and will encourage 4. Manage community parks with sensitive sensible development that supports the long- natural resources such as the Monte Rio term health and welfare of the West County Beach and the Dutch Bill Creek Property in a community. Thorough and thoughtful manner that provides for appropriate public planning for MRRPD’s future is imperative, access but also enhances and protects the and all viable opportunities and partnerships natural environment. will be explored. The District’s park and recreation development goals hinge upon 5. Meet the indoor recreational needs of all acquiring adequate funding, especially the segments of the community, including the required fees for any new developments. senior population.
6. Establish special purpose parks or facilities to meet special needs such as off-leash dog areas and trails.
OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS GOALS 1. Provide a safe recreational and transportation trail system linking open space, community parks and recreation centers, schools, public transportation nodes and commercial areas. 2. As a primary goal in open space development, maintain the mission of the District as a steward for the land. 3. Minimize impacts of future development in the river area to maintain the environmental health of the natural systems.
Mission and Goals - 7 - 2 Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
8. ACTION PLAN opportunities will provide an economic stimulus to the community. INTRODUCTION This chapter will present the plan of action, This chapter provides a strategy for the framed within the following categories: Monte Rio Recreation and Park District to • Policies meet the demand for parks and recreation facilities and programs for the West County • Existing Facilities population. The chapter discusses how policies, facilities, and programs staff can best • New Facilities be managed to meet the District’s recreational • Recreation Programs needs. The following recommendations for policies, Many improvements of the Master Plan not existing facilities, new facilities and programs only will greatly improve recreation in the (Tables 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4) are provided with area, but will also benefit the community as a a time frame for implementation. Each whole. Increased tourism to the area in element is prioritized based on the estimated response to expanded recreational need and available funding.
RECOMMENDED POLICY ACTION ITEMS (TABLE 8.1) POLICY WHY RECOMMENDED ACTION TIME FRAME 1) Increase community Need for strong - Interpret history & natural 1-10 yrs identity through expanded community identity to history of area recreation programs increase community awareness and to - Increase special events 1-2 yrs expand economic through hiring of special impacts of recreation event coordinator
- Improve signage 1-2 yrs
- Increase recreational 1-2 yrs opportunities
- Add classes, programs and special events that appeal to a wide range of people. 2) Expand District to meet Existing parks to date - Develop Old School/ ongoing unmet needs do not meet needs of Creekside site to meet needs the existing population, nor the projected -Identify new recreation lands 1-2 yrs community in the year desired for future acquisition 2025 - Explore partnership 1-2 yrs
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 Action Plan 8 - 1 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
POLICY WHY RECOMMENDED ACTION TIME FRAME opportunities with school district, adjacent recreation districts, philanthropic and private enterprises
- To finance, institute Park 1-10 yrs Dedication In Lieu Fees for new development or Developer Fees on new construction 3) Expand District through Lack of funding for - Complete annexation 1-2 yrs annexation of adjacent areas desired programs. process through LAFCO to now being served by District boundaries not add property tax revenues District (but not currently in aligned with service that currently go to the another recreation district) area; tax revenues not County going to District - Use Fire District as 1-2 yrs boundary to avoid cost of survey
- Change name to reflect 1-2 yrs service area 4) Develop additional Desire for expanded - Increase special events 1-2 yrs recreation programs for recreation programs for through hiring of special both residents and tourists both residents and events coordinator tourists - Consider hiring of recreation 1-10 yrs program manager
- Expand use of existing 1-25 yrs facilities
- Explore joint use of school 1-2 yrs facilities and private community businesses to meet unmet needs.
- Coordinate with the Sonoma ongoing County Regional Parks Department 5) Improve existing facilities Lack of suitable land for - Improve Old School/ 1-10 yrs and explore acquisition of desired recreation Creekside property to meet additional property facilities identified unmet needs such as sports fields, trail head and
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Action Plan 8 - 2 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
POLICY WHY RECOMMENDED ACTION TIME FRAME cultural/ interpretive center.
- Pursue joint use agreements 1-2 yrs with school district
- Consider multiple uses for ongoing open space land (i.e. land use buffer zones and green-ways for trails and linear parks, flood control basins) for joint use to maximize funding opportunities and use of land
- Coordinate planning and ongoing development efforts with local school districts, Caltrans and the county flood control district. Participate with them, whenever feasible, in the construction, maintenance, and operation of joint use facilities
- Explore the possibility of 1-10 yrs having the Dept. of Fish & Game deed the parking lot to the District through a deed transfer.
- Acquire land for a 1-5 yrs maintenance yard
- Acquire land adjacent to 1-10 yrs Youth Center to ensure continued unhindered use of the land
- Consider purchase of school 1-10 yrs land by the MRRPD if Monte Rio & Guerneville School Districts are combined
- Add recreation facilities into 1-10 yrs new parts of expanded district if District is expanded
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 Action Plan 8 - 3 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
POLICY WHY RECOMMENDED ACTION TIME FRAME 6) Plan for impacts of Impacts on recreation - Institute a recreation 1-2 yrs growth resources of any facilities fee for new projected growth construction to offset need for additional improvements 7) Establish public river Lack of public access to - Identify key points of access 1-2 yrs access at regular intervals many parts of the river - Explore acquisition of along the Russian River R.O.W. or purchase land for 1-25 yrs access 8) Create financing Improved financial - Provide a tax base for the 1-2 yrs mechanisms for the resources to meet District through expansion of acquisition, development, recreation needs District long-term operation and maintenance of the parks, - Create a financial reserve 1-2 yrs trails, and recreation fund. systems - Actively pursue federal, ongoing state, regional, and corporate/private grant funding.
- Explore creation of 1-2 yrs assessment districts for major facility installations such as a swimming pool 9) Improve community Community outreach -Periodically conduct a ongoing outreach community survey to identify recreation needs
- Explore additional signage 1-2 yrs to advertise events
- Develop website for District 1-2 yrs 10) District will encourage Lack of facilities and Encourage local business 1-2 yrs private businesses to funding development by offering support or provide facilities supporting programs and needed to satisfy unmet services needs 11) District will encourage It is essential to make - Pursue additional partnering ongoing philosophy of partnership the most of available opportunities with adjacent with other local agencies resources recreation districts and the County of Sonoma - Revise existing joint use 1-2 yrs. agreement with school district
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 Action Plan 8 - 4 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
RECOMMENDED EXISTING RECREATION FACILITIES ACTION PLAN (Table 8.2)
POLICY WHY ACTION TIME RECOMMENDED FRAME 12) Make all facilities Need for universal - Comply with the Americans With 1-2 yrs accessible to all access Disabilities Act and Title 24
- Develop all new facilities to be fully ongoing accessible. 13) Make all Playground safety - Inspect playground at the 1-2 yrs playgrounds compliant amphitheater site for conformance to with new safety codes U.S. Consumer Product Safety of the CPSC Commission (CPSC) guidelines for (Consumer Product potential safety hazards Safety Guidelines) - If playground is moved to 1-2 yrs Community Center/Koret Club site, ensure installation is in compliance with ADA and CPSC 14) Maintain facilities Facility refurbishment - Avoid deferred maintenance ongoing in a safe and attractive fashion - On an annual basis, inspect facilities ongoing for maintenance needs
- Develop facility refurbishment fund 1-10 yrs for needed repairs
- Explore use of maintenance 1-2 yrs contract in addition to part-time District employees 15) Renovate existing Lack of space for - Complete renovation of Community 1-2 yrs facilities to meet unmet recreation programs Center/Koret Club needs. - Decide on best option for 1-2 yrs renovation/development of Old School/Creekside Site.
- Complete renovation of 1-2 yrs Amphitheater site. 16) Upgrade access at Improved river access - Install seasonal-use accessible entry 1-2 yrs Dutch Bill Creek to water
- Use portion of site for environ- 1-10 yrs mental and flood education program
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 Action Plan 8 - 5 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
NEW FACILITY DEVELOPMENT Maintenance Resources: Ability of the District to In addition to the need for facility continue the expected levels of maintenance refurbishment and correction of facility for existing and new facilities. deficiencies, the need for new facilities will One-of-a-Kind-Facility: Deficiency of unique emerge over time. As properties change area-wide facilities. There can be more than ownership, new residents may create a one “one-of-a-kind” facility. The quantity is demand for different facilities and programs. determined by the need and ability of a facility The District should anticipate this need, plan to be supported by the population of the and develop new facilities according to this District. Master Plan. A suggested development priority and methodology discussion follows, Development Methodology after which is a table of the recommended The basic methodology recommends three “action items” for the development of new fiscal years to develop a project, whether it is facilities. a park, park rehabilitation, facility renovation or other type of capital improvement. This time period allows the funds needed for Development Priorities capital improvement to be spread across three In developing new facilities over the next 18 fiscal years, and gives sufficient time to years, the District will need to make decisions achieve the required tasks necessary for capital based on a variety of factors, including: improvements. The three-year/three-phase Funding: Cost of facilities and availability of approach works as follows: funds for development. • Fiscal Year One: Planning, including Demographics: Demands of population growth, master planning, public input, and development agreements, residents’ needs and environmental review. school development. • Fiscal Year Two: Design development Frequency of Use and Community Benefit: Need for and preparation of construction neighborhood and town-wide facilities such as documents basketball, tennis, volleyball, and softball • Fiscal Year Three: Physical site facilities, as well as one-of-a-kind facilities development and initiation of on-site such as an amphitheater or swimming pool, maintenance and operation of new and their distribution and community benefit. facilities. Revenue Generation: Opportunities for proposed facilities to generate revenue.
RECOMMENDED NEW RECREATION FACILITIES ACTION PLAN (TABLE 8.3)
POLICY WHY RECOMMENDED ACTION TIME FRAME 17) Implement a feasibility Lack of year round - Explore funding sources 1-2 yrs study for Community Pool recreation facilities in West including possible special County assessment district to include wider base of
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Action Plan 8 - 6 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
POLICY WHY RECOMMENDED ACTION TIME FRAME residents who might use the facility
- Survey residents of 1-2 yrs proposed assessment district to see if they would support pool construction
- Identify possible sites 1-2 yrs
- Identify development and 1-2 yrs maintenance cost 18) Develop facilities for Lack of adult recreation - Expand use of existing 1-2 yrs adults facilities facilities including Community Center/Koret Club
-Explore development of 1-10 yrs Old School/Creekside site for active recreation facilities
- Pursue additional joint use 1-2 yrs agreements with School District and private partners
- Complete renovations at 1-10 yrs Community Center/Koret Club site
- Complete renovation at 1-2 yrs amphitheater site
- Upgrade facilities at 1-2 yrs Monte Rio beach 19) Explore development of Potential to increase tourism - Consider use of Old 1-2 yrs facilities to translate the with environmental School/Creekside Site and natural and cultural history education/ history center Dutch Bill Creek properties of Monte Rio for interpretation
- Install environmental 1-2 yrs graphics to interpret selected themes
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Action Plan 8-7 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
POLICY WHY RECOMMENDED ACTION TIME FRAME - Investigate ongoing Redevelopment Agency funding 20) Install an Lack of trails - Identify possible trails 1-10 yrs interconnecting system of within District Boundaries trails and pathways throughout the community. - Maximize regional 1-10 yrs recreation opportunities by implementing trail heads and connections to regional trails
- Create safe pedestrian 1-2 yrs route between District lands
- Encourage and coordinate ongoing efforts with Sonoma County Regional Parks including implementation of Willow Creek Trail connection to Sonoma Coast State Beach
- Identify desired routes 1-2 yrs and needed land or right- of-way acquisition
21) Upgrade existing Community expressed - Consider relocation of 1-2 yrs facilities to meet perceived desire for improvements to play structure to needs existing facilities Koret/Community Center property as a more central location
- Install signage for better 1-2 yrs visibility
- Replace fence at 1-2 yrs Community Garden
- Replace existing restroom 1-2 yrs at Monte Rio Beach
- Install parking at River 1-10 yrs
Action Plan 8 - 8 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
POLICY WHY RECOMMENDED ACTION TIME FRAME Blvd./Main St. site to provide overflow parking for amphitheater 22) Establish special To meet community’s - Create fenced dog park 1-2 yrs purpose parks or facilities to demand for special needs area meet special needs such as off-leash dog areas and trails
RECOMMENDED RECREATION PROGRAM ACTION PLAN (TABLE 8.4)
TIME POLICY WHY RECOMMENDED ACTION FRAME 23) Improve - Comply with the Americans - Assess the level of accessibility 1-2 yrs program With Disabilities Act and Title 24 in current recreation programs accessibility - Need for universal access - Require that accessibility must ongoing be provided in all programs developed for public use 24) Expand special - Continued interest/desire for - Hire special events 1-2 yrs events programs special events by residents coordinator as planned
- Provides opportunity for - Solicit community volunteers ongoing community gathering with special talents to assist in event planning and - Attracts tourism participation
- Improves quality of life - Promote public-private ongoing partnerships 25) Expand - Enhances quality of life - Expand cultural and art events 1-2 yrs cultural and art programs and - Attracts tourism events
26) Family events - Opportunity to bring families - Expand programs and events 1-2 yrs and program together for social activities and events 27) Adult - Current lack of adult leisure - Increase quantity of adult 1-2 yrs Programming activities and sport leagues activities and sport leagues
- Interest/need expressed by - Develop joint use agreement 1-10 yrs
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 Action Plan 8 - 9 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
TIME POLICY WHY RECOMMENDED ACTION FRAME community with school district for use of fields/facilities 1-10 - Use Creekside/Old School yrs property to meet needs - Generally self-supporting ongoing programs - Develop joint-use agreements with local organizations such as: West County Community Services, Russian River After School Program, Sonoma County Regional Parks/Agricultural Preservation & Open Space, Stewards of the Coast & Redwoods, Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District, Sonoma County State Beach, Sonoma County Recreation & Parks Dept., California Dept. of Fish & Game, Landpaths, Bay Area Barns & Trails 28) Children’s Respond to changing - Annually evaluate children’s ongoing programs demographics and community programs. Review attendance needs. for programs
- Solicit community interest in ongoing alternate programs 29) Evaluate Serve all segments of the - Provide materials in multiple 1-2 yrs programming community languages needs for a culturally diverse - Identify recreation desires for 1-2 yrs community all population groups
-Celebrate special events tied to 1-2 yrs cultures of population base 30) Senior Respond to increased senior - Increase quantity and variety ongoing Program population and changing of senior programs demographics
31) Website Immediate dissemination of - Keep it active and updated ongoing information to the community 32) Encourage Enhances quality of life and - Sponsor activities that take ongoing community environmental awareness place on or near the Russian
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Action Plan 8 - 10 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
TIME POLICY WHY RECOMMENDED ACTION FRAME identity through river such as boating or increased swimming races or fishing opportunities for contest community interaction through - Sponsor environmental ongoing activities that are and/or flood education unique to Monte programs Rio
Many of these action items are linked together throughout this framework. Some items may be combined with others as part of a logical progression. Chapter 9 (Funding Strategy) charts a course for funding anticipated facility improvements and ongoing maintenance and operations. Chapter 10 (Ongoing Planning), summarizes the methodology that the District can use to update this master plan as facilities, needs, priorities and desires change over time.
SUMMARY The District has many and varied priorities for its parks and recreation program. These priorities are discussed in depth throughout this master plan, but the action plan outlines the tight timeframes needed to accomplish the District’s goals and meet the needs of residents. It has been established that the District is deficient in parks and open space. The action plan takes a step-by-step look at how the District can remedy this situation and prepare for the future.
The District must work quickly to enlist the help of the advisory board, secure financing, and ensure the safety and accessibility of all its park and recreation facilities. Future priorities will include expansion of community-wide facilities such as swimming pools, athletic fields, and recreation centers.
Action Plan 8 - 11 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
9. FUNDING STRATEGY MRRPD FUNDING As is detailed in Chapter 5, current funding INTRODUCTION for the MRRPD comes from several sources In order to implement the various action including taxes, user fees and property leasing. items listed in Chapter 8, a funding strategy Additional funds can be anticipated in all for the MRRPD needs to be established. This three of these areas with expansion of the chapter will present this information under District and improved facilities and programs. the following subsections: A primary source for improvements in the · Funding Principles District will be the proposed annexation of · MRRPD Funding additional area into the District to match the · Funding Strategy user group. This expansion will increase the · Capital Improvement Costs amount of funds that are distributed to the · Grant Funding Sources District from property taxes. Funds currently · Estimated Park Improvement Costs going to the County of Sonoma will be · Alternate Funding Sources distributed to the Recreation District - as the · Summary District expects to serve this area as its prime recreation provider. FUNDING PRINCIPLES No matter what improvements are ultimately User fees can also be a major source of constructed as part of the Master Plan, there funding for the District. It can be anticipated are three basic principles that should guide that additional fees will result from the future decisions regarding financing expansion of special events with the hiring of mechanisms. These principles are: an events coordinator. In addition, some 1. Costs should be equitably distributed additional user fees can be anticipated with based on benefit received. Costs for new expanded programming possible due to the infrastructure and public amenities should be planned improvements to the Community the responsibility of developers, property Center/Koret Club and future improvements owners, and where appropriate, the public. to the Old School/Creekside Property.
2. Sources of both capital and on-going FUNDING STRATEGY maintenance revenue should be The financing strategy depends upon the considered as a part of any financing implementation of the following policies: strategy to ensure that all improvements can be adequately maintained. · Requiring developers to commit land and/or in-lieu fees along with payment of 3. Development fees and assessments impact fee for new development should be structured so that they distribute costs equitably among various · Utilizing debt financing for the expansion land uses, and do not serve as a disincentive of community-wide facilities and facility to uses desired by the MRRPD. renovation These principles provide some element of · Prioritizing capital improvements costs for certainty to the District and property owners those park sites that are currently highly in terms of what types of facilities and/or fees non-compliant to safety and health codes they will be expected to provide in including ADA and CPSC standards. conjunction with future development. The funding strategy described below is divided into three principal components. The
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Funding Strategy - 9 - 1 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
first is directed to District-wide facility neighboring recreation districts of Sonoma deficiencies, the second deals with new County to determine appropriate charges and development, and the third deals with future fees. program function and design. · Evaluate the possibility of acting as a District-wide Facility Deficiencies contract agency for other public agencies such as the County or School District in terms of To meet the community’s request for new parks and recreation programs and services. community-wide facilities and to meet the Sonoma County Outdoor Recreation Plan’s · Pursue a program in conjunction with utility requirements for parkland and facilities, billing that allows residents to round utility bill additional facilities must be developed and payments up, directing the marginal amount maintained within the existing District to parks and recreation services. boundary. This master plan recommends that · Establish program pricing that sets a the capital facilities be generated and renewed program cost and allows residents to receive a through a combination of the following: discount when enrolling. · Continued applications for Grants to · Evaluate appropriateness of percent-of-cost improve existing facilities and to fund new recovery mandates for recreation and senior capital improvements and land acquisition programs. · District-wide debt financing through · Establish scholarship programs and subsidy measures such as an excise tax for District- programs for youths, low-income people and wide facilities such as the Community Center. youths-at-risk. · The establishment of a series of renovation · Pursue public-private partnerships to funds within the Parks and Recreation budget coordinate the promotion of economic designed to anticipate the long-term development, tourism, recreation, a website replacement or repair of facilities on a and special events in Monte Rio. systematic basis. These funds could be generated through an annual contribution of Grants the General Fund and possibly debt financing As outlined in Chapter 5, the District has through a special account. Once established, done an outstanding job in securing grants for they would become a predictable fixture of the community. Proposed improvements to each annual budget. They may be most of the major properties of the District supplemented through a program rental fee or will be done by grant funding. facilities-use surcharge dedicated to the Grant sources include the State of California, continuing renewal of facilities. Federal Government, Sonoma County · The development of bikeways by fee Community Development Commission, and dedication and grant funds available from Sonoma County Community Partnerships for transportation programs within the Youth, and private philanthropic groups. county/region, state and federal governments. Private groups include such varied organizations as Landpaths - currently Future Recreation Programs working on trails in the Willow Creek Flexibility in future programs design can be Watershed - and the Bohemian Club. promoted by utilizing the following recommendations: Federal Funding Federal Funding has been used for bikeway · Conduct a comparative analysis of similar projects, from a variety of federal funding recreation programs provided in the
Funding Strategy - 9 - 2 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 SECTION III: Implementation Plan programs including the Congestion Mitigation are based on population and need, while some and Air Quality (CMAQ) program, the are selective, rely on matching funds, and are Surface Transportation Program (STP), and competitive for limited funds. Two very the Transportation Enhancement Activities useful websites for further research are: (TEA) program. The Transportation for http://getgrants.ca.gov/ Livable Communities Program, a grant program offered by the Metropolitan http://www.grantproposal.com Transportation Commission with federal The first one provides information on grant funds, also has been used for bikeway programs in California through a single projects. search. The second website offers resources Following is a table outlining some of the for both experienced and inexperienced grant additional grant opportunities currently writers. available to the MRRPD. Some of the grants GRANT FUNDING SOURCES (TABLE 9.1) Grant Program Grant Program Funding Priorities Need Identified Funding available Habitat Conservation annually until July 1, Wetland, riparian, trails Open space acquisition and 2020 land acquisition preservation
Calif. Dept. of Parks & $2.2 million Acquisition & development Recreation – Provides for 80% of Trail improvements of trails Recreational Trails Program project cost
Trails & greenway planning National Park Service – Rivers, Federal Program Open space protection Trails, and Conservation Trail improvements River conservation Assistance Program Watershed planning U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Federal Program Terrestrial & aquatic wildlife Habitat conservation Services – Conservation habitat, coastal resources Partnership Initiative Endangered species State Program - $300 State of California Wildlife Clean water, clean air, safe recovery, Linkages & million Conservation Board – Prop 40 neighborhood parks, coastal corridors, Public access, Applications accepted Funding protection Significant natural on a continuous basis landscapes
USDA Land & Water Trails, picnic areas, natural Federal Program Open space Conservation Fund areas for recreational use
Rehabilitation of park & California State Parks Roberti- recreation facilities State Program Rehabilitation of facilities Z’berg Harris Special major maintenance of park & rec lands & facilities
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Funding Strategy - 9 - 3 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
Grant Program Grant Program Funding Priorities Need Identified
Sonoma County Community Housing, economic Economic development, Ongoing Development Commission development tourism expansion
Privately supported American Hiking Society national grants Acquisition & development Trail improvements National Trails Fund program of trails $500-$10,000
Grants for field Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation Ongoing Playfield improvements refurbishment costs
Development of Bikes Belong Coalition Quarterly deadline Bike/pedestrian paths bicycle paths
State program California Department of Fish & Federally listed or threatened Conservation grant Salmon Game $7.3 million species
California Department of Transportation State program Bicycle & pedestrian routes Bike trails (Caltrans)
FUNDING SOURCES MATRIX (TABLE 9.2)
FUNDING Park Recreation Tennis Soccer Baseball/ Trails & Programs New SOURCES Facility Center Courts Fields Softball Bicycle Parkland Develop- Fields Facilities Acquisition
ment 3 Primary
2 Secondary
NPS Rivers, 3 Trails & Conservation Assistance CP&R* 3 Recreational Trails Programs CP&R* 2 Habitat Cons. Fund
Funding Strategy - 9 - 4 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
FUNDING Park Recreation Tennis Soccer Baseball/ Trails & Programs New SOURCES Facility Center Courts Fields Softball Bicycle Parkland Develop- Fields Facilities Acquisition ment 3 Primary
2 Secondary
Caltrans 3 Mello Roos 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 CFD General 3 3 Obligation Bonds Excise Tax 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Redevelop- 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 ment Agency Volunteers & 2 2 2 2 3 Donations Roberti- 3 3 3 3 Z’berg Harris * California Park & Recreation
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT COSTS access to public facilities. The MRRPD’s To meet the current and future demand as lands vary in their accessibility and stated in the Needs Assessment and listed in requirements for upgrades. In a preliminary the Action Items in Chapter 8, the District evaluation done in October of 2004, common will need to anticipate and budget for the access problems include the path of travel, costs associated with capital improvements play equipment and picnic facilities. Existing and maintenance. These costs include restrooms at the beach and in the Community upgrades to existing parklands, construction Center/Koret Club have been identified as of new facilities on existing parkland, owned being in need of upgrades. Some issues have or leased by the District. already been addressed, such as access to the Beach by installation of a seasonal boardwalk. Renovation of Existing Parks Funding for improvements for accessibility is part of the funding packages identified in this Many of the MRRPD’s lands are in need of chapter. updates for accessibility and safety as well as routine maintenance. In many instances, If new facilities are added, cost of maintaining issues of access and public safety overlap, these facilities must be incorporated into the such as in the play areas. Specific issues are District budget. Special facilities, such as identified in Chapter 8 in the Needs fishing access points, will have to be evaluated Assessment. General issues include the on a case-by-case basis and can be estimated following: using current district cost for similar facilities. Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Maintenance costs can be projected for more Compliance common recreation facilities, such as trails or playing fields, using average cost per acre or The Federal Americans with Disabilities Act per square foot of other recreation districts (ADA) and State Title 24 mandate disabled
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Funding Strategy - 9 - 5 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
Consumer Product Safety Commission the Consumer Product Safety Commission Recommendation Compliance (CPSC). The District needs to have a formal As required by Senate Bill No. 2733, it is evaluation done by a certified playground mandatory that all playgrounds follow the inspector. standards established on playground safety by
Funding Strategy - 9 - 6 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
ESTIMATED PARK IMPROVEMENT COSTS (TABLE 9.3)
EXISTING PARK IMPROVEMENTS ESTIMATED COST Monte Rio Beach Lawn/picnic area - Irrigation improvements $60,000/acre Renovate restroom & make it ADA accessible $75,000-100,000 New concessions facility $55,000 ( trailer) New fence around community garden @ $19.52 per linear feet chain link, installed $500 for 3-4’ gate Install outdoor shower (attached to new restroom) $2,000.00 Signage @ $300-500/sign Community Center/Koret Club Facility renovations $673,500.00 River Blvd/Main St. site Develop site as overflow parking for amphitheater Asphalt @ $2.79 per SF Lighting @$1.26 per SF Amphitheater site Make restroom ADA accessible $75,000 Provide additional seating, stabilize hill, new basketball court $413,000 Create small dog run on east side of Dutch Bill Creek @ $19.52 per linear feet chain link, installed
$500 for 3-4’ gate Create bridge over Dutch Bill Creek for access to dog run & new $100,000.00 path along Bohemian Hwy. Move play structure to Community Center/Koret Club site (cost $10,000.00 to move & install) Signage @ $300-500/sign Old School/Creekside site Preserve gymnasium (& make ADA accessible) $100,000 Create parking lot for trailhead asphalt @ $2.79 per SF Parking lot lighting @$1.26 per SF
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Funding Strategy - 9 - 7 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
EXISTING PARK IMPROVEMENTS ESTIMATED COST New concessions building/restroom structure $150,000.00 Playfields/ sod @ $0.99/SF installed Irrigation @$1.14-$1.43/SF installed Athletic field lighting (typical large soccer field) @$180,000/lump sum Signage @ $300-500/sign Dutch Bill Creek site Fishing deck $100/SF Picnic facilities 6’ table + benches @ $1,351.68 District-wide improvements Asphalt path @ $2.43 per SF (materials & installation) General landscape maintenance costs $5,000/acre Development of active parkland: planting, irrigation, pathways $225,000/acre
ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SOURCES County / State Funding General Sources This is one of the most variable and volatile Pay-as-You-Go Facilities Construction areas of future financing. Dependent on a combination of voter-approved initiatives and MRRPD can construct or reconstruct facilities state programming, grants are available to fund through current fund balances. This method, a broad combination of programs and facilities, while reducing interest burdens associated with often in combination with other public projects long-term financing, greatly constrains the size such a water facilities, transportation facilities, and efficiency of any facilities that might be redevelopment and tree planting. developed. Facilities are built using funds from the General Fund or trusts that have been Most grant programs require a local match of allowed to grow over time. funds in combination with an adopted parks and recreation master plan. They tend to Cooperative Funding Agreements emphasize the importance of the contribution Other agencies such as schools may at any given made by redevelopment and reflect the need for time possess greater access to funds either in a continuing five-year capital improvements the form of bonds or direct construction plan for parks facilities. One of the most likely contributions. An example would include a beneficiaries of grant funds in the future may be school district that is intending to build a play the trail/bikeway system, which can show a area which will also be utilized by the District. nexus between parks, recreation and open In this case, the District can take advantage of space, and transportation demands. the development of the school facility and arrange to pay the financing either through a Sale of Public Lands future bond issue or through the imposition of In order to continue to meet future demands future homeowner charges. for parks and facility development, the MRRPD could evaluate current property holdings for potential as park and facility development and Funding Strategy - 9 - 8 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
related maintenance costs. This evaluation may Furthermore, special assessments cannot be suggest that the District sell less-desirable, levied against those that do not benefit from the fragmented, or small parcels of land to generate improvements being financed. Conversely, funds to acquire more desirable, contiguous, property within an assessment that benefits large parcels of land for park development. from the improvements being financed must pay a portion of the assessment. These districts Creation of Local Trusts or Philanthropic are commonly used for such things as landscape Organizations and lighting maintenance in an area of rapid The District may pursue the creation and growth. This is a potential mechanism for development of a based trust dedicated to parks funding of a community swimming pool. A or open space land acquisition. Variations special assessment district could be formed for include the possibility of nature preserve residents within a reasonable radius from the support, and trail maintenance by local civic proposed pool site but who are outside the organizations. The local trusts could raise funds District Boundaries. and provide for volunteer contributions. The The Improvement Bond Act of 1915 does not Bohemian Club is an example of a philanthropic authorize assessments, but instead provides a organization that currently provides support for vehicle for issuing bonds (including variable District special events. interest bonds) to be repaid through Enterprise Fund assessments levied under the 1913 Act (as well as a number of other benefit assessment Enterprise Funds are generated through self- statutes). Assessment bonds are not a direct supporting programs utilizing District facilities. obligation of the issuing agency, and are not This type of funding provides the District with considered a personal or corporate indebtedness the management option to offer desirable of the respective property owners paying the services without being subsidized by the assessments. The bonds are secured by a public General Fund. Excess revenue received through lien on the individual parcels (i.e. property the operation of these programs remains in the benefiting from the improvements). Under the fund and can be used for capital improvements 1915 legislation, the local legislative body may of facilities supported by the Enterprise Fund. also issue “bond participation” notes prior to A common use of this type of fund is children’s actual bond sale – in effect borrowing money daycare. against the assessment bonds being proposed Debt Financing for sale. Special Assessment Districts Proposition 218 requires all new assessments or A special assessment is a charge imposed on increases to existing assessments (and even real property for a public improvement (or some existing assessments) to meet the service) directly benefiting that property. The following four conditions: rationale for a special assessment is that the · First, local governments must estimate the assessed property has received a special benefit amount of “special benefit” a landowner over and above that received by the general would receive from a project or service. If a public. Special assessments are distinguished project provides both special and general from real property taxes by a number of factors. benefits, a local government may charge Unlike taxes (including special taxes, such as landowners only for the cost of providing the Mello Roos taxes), the sum of a special special benefit, and must use general revenues assessment cannot exceed the cost of the to pay the remaining portion of the project or improvement or service it is financing. service cost.
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Funding Strategy - 9 - 9 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
· Second, local governments must ensure that calculation of specific benefit) are considered no property owners’ assessment is greater potentially litigious at the present time. than the cost to provide the improvement or service to the owner’s property. This requires Excise Tax local governments to examine assessments in Requiring a two-thirds majority vote, a special significant detail, potentially on a parcel-by- tax can be applied. Funds generated from this parcel basis. tax are dedicated for a specific purpose, for a · Third, local governments must charge specified period of time. This is a “user tax” not schools and other public agencies their fair a property tax, but it can be collected through share of assessments. (Previously, public property taxes. This type of tax could be agencies did not pay assessments.) established to develop community park facilities such as a community swim center. · Finally, local governments must hold a mail- in election for each assessment. Only property Mello Roos Community Facilities District owners and renters responsible for paying The Mello Roos Community Facilities District assessments are eligible to vote. Ballots cast in (CFD) Act was initially passed in 1982, and has these elections are tallied based on the subsequently had a series of legislative proportionate share of the assessment of the amendments. Mello-Roos can be used by cities, respective property owner. For example, if a counties, special districts and school districts to business owner’s assessment were twice as finance public improvements, equipment, high as that of a homeowner, the business services and acquisitions of rights-of-way. The owner’s vote would count twice as much as bonds issued by a Mello Roos CFD are repaid the homeowner’s vote. (Previously, most of through the levy of a special tax that must be the statutes required no popular vote. Rather, approved by a two-thirds vote within the a resolution of intention to form a district was District. In general, a broader range of considered at a noticed public hearing and improvements can be financed through a Mello affected landowners were provided with the Roos than through an assessment district, opportunity to protest the proposed including: assessment. A majority protest by the landowners might stop the project, but many · Streets, water, sewer and basic infrastructure; of the statutes allowed for an override of · Local parks, recreation, parkway and open protests by four-fifths vote of the legislative space facilities; body.) · Elementary and secondary school sites; In addition to these specific provisions, this · Libraries; initiative shifts any “burden of proof” to local government. In other words, in lawsuits · Natural gas pipeline facilities, telephone lines challenging property assessments, the courts and facilities for the transmission or distribution previously placed any burden of proof on of electrical energy; taxpayer(s), and allowed local government · Fire and police protection services; significant flexibility in determining assessment amounts. This measure shifts the burden of · Governmental facilities which the legislative proof in these lawsuits to local government. body creating the CFD is authorized by law to construct, own or operate. As a result of these various changes, many municipalities have been reluctant to initiate The primary advantage of the special tax is that proceedings to form special assessment districts, it is not subject to the “special benefit” rules since many of the requirements (i.e. precise that govern the allocation of assessment liens.
Funding Strategy - 9 - 10 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
The Act allows flexibility in the structuring of Infrastructure Financing Districts (IFD) the special tax. For example, the tax can be The IFD can only be used to fund structured so that it varies depending upon the improvements of community-wide benefit such zoning or development intensity of the property as water supply and distribution, wastewater being assessed. The only limitation is that it may collection, or community or regional parks. not be based on the property tax. Similar to Redevelopment Agency financing, the The Mello Roos Act also allows latitude with Infrastructure Financing District draws funds respect to drawing CFD boundaries. from the property tax increment increases in Improvement areas can be formed within the land and building values for properties within CFD to segregate certain areas of the the District. The funds generated by the development into, mini districts. There is no incremental increase in property tax values, less requirement that the CFD be contiguous. amounts committed to school districts, can be Consequently, CFD boundaries can be drawn in used to pay off improvement bonds over a such a way as to exclude recalcitrant property period of up to 30 years. It can also be owners. combined with other types of bonds such as Mello Roos or 1915 Improvement Act Bond for A CFD may be applied within areas of new additional leverage. Given the current status of home construction where the per-unit cost property taxes, this financing instrument is not could be built into the pricing of the home, likely to see wide usage in the near term. rather than the same amount being put onto the tax bill, although builders generally do not deal Redevelopment Agency Tax Increment with the Mello Roos obligation this way. This is Revenue Bonds primarily due to the fact that interest rates for Redevelopment agencies may issue bonds financing Mello Roos levies as general against future tax increment revenues to be obligation bonds are low and exempt from both collected. The proceeds of bonds may be used state and federal income taxes on the interest for a broad array of improvements approved by they earn and therefore are sold to investors as the agency in their overall plan. “tax-free municipal bonds”. In either scenario, the cost is passed onto the consumer either Revenue Bonds through up-front purchase costs or through tax Revenue bonds are generally issued to construct assessment over several years. public facilities that will, in turn, be paid for by A Mello Roos CFD could provide a viable future revenues generated by the facility. They financing option for the proposed are considered self-liquidating and are outside improvements in the Parks and Recreation of the provisions of the constitutional debt Master Plan. Communities are enriched by the limitation. prudent application of Mello Roos funds. SUMMARY General Obligation Bonds To implement the Parks and Recreation Master Communities may issue bonds with a two-thirds Plan action items, a funding strategy for the vote of the electorate to acquire, construct, or District needs to be established. Various improve real property. The proceeds of these funding sources are available to the District bonds may not be used for the purchase of such as government grants, developer fees, equipment or to pay for maintenance and corporate sponsorship, and debt financing. operations. Public improvements include Using these mechanisms, a financing strategy community buildings, schools, parks, libraries, must be implemented that requires developers and street and road improvements. to commit land, Park Land Dedication In-Lieu fees, and/or Park Development Impact Fees
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Funding Strategy - 9 - 11 SECTION III: Implementation Plan for new development. Debt-financing methods could also be used for the expansion of community-wide facilities and facility renovation. In general, adherence to the long- term goal of less dependence on the General Fund should be sought, although the actual payment methods or funding sources will vary over time.
Funding Strategy - 9 - 12 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan – 2005 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
10. ONGOING PLANNING so that the District can update the existing documents. INTRODUCTION The MRRPD Master Plan has been developed UPDATE SCHEDULE to guide growth and change by providing The District should update the Recreation and baseline data, policies, standards and Park District Master Plan a minimum of every recommendations. Ongoing planning is three years and/or concurrently with any required to meet the changing needs of the significant modification to the District land District. Specific elements of the Master Plan use allocation. Chapters 5, 8 and 9 should be must be re-evaluated and updated on a regular updated annually, since they relate directly to basis. fiscal year budgets. Based on a three-year minimum interval for the first ten years and The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the the need for annual revisions, the update current methodology and to develop a time process would occur during the fiscal years as frame for the specific elements vital to this shown in Table 10.1 on the next three pages. ongoing planning and funding.
UPDATE METHODOLOGY Each chapter of the Master Plan focuses on a different topic. Areas covered include:
· General History and Background (Chapter 1) District Character (Chapter 2) · Park Facilities Inventory and Analysis (Chapter 3) · Recreation Resources Inventory and Analysis (Chapter 4) · Current District Revenues and Resources (Chapter 5) · Recreation Needs, Desires and Demands (Chapter 6) · Missions and Goals (Chapter 7) · Action Plan (Chapter 8) · Funding Strategy (Chapter 9) · Ongoing Planning (Chapter 10)
In any update of the Master Plan, the District should follow the chapter-by-chapter structure of this Master Plan and update each chapter as necessary. The Master Plan documents are available via electronic media
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UPDATE SCHEDULE (Table 10.1)
Chp Title 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 District 2 Character X Park Facilities: Inventory & 3 Analysis Baseline Data X X X X X X Facility Inspection X X X X X X Comprehensive Facility Analysis X X Recreation Resources Inventory & 4 Analysis Baseline Data X X X X X X Facility Inspection X X X X X X Current District Revenues & 5 Resources X X X X X X Recreation Needs, Desires & 6 Demands Program analysis X X X X X X Demographic data X X Recreation Trends X X Missions & 7 Goals X 8 Action Plan Funding X 9 Strategy X X X X X Ongoing 10 Planning X X X X X X
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UPDATE SCHEDULE -- CONTINUED (Table 10.1) Chp Title 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 District 2 Character X X Park Facilities Inventory 3 & Analysis Baseline Data X X X X X X Facility Inspection X X X X X X Comprehensiv e Facility Analysis X X X X X X Recreation Resources: Inventory 4 & Analysis Baseline Data X X X X X X Facility Inspection X X X X X X Current District Revenues & 5 Resources Recreation Needs, Desires & 6 Demands Demographic data X X X X X X Recreation Trends X X Missions & 7 Goals X X 8 Action Plan X X X X X X Funding 9 Strategy X X X X X X Ongoing 10 Planning X X X X X X
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Ongoing Planning - 10 - 3 SECTION III: Implementation Plan
UPDATE SCHEDULE -- CONTINUED (Table 10.1)
Chp Title 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2022/23 2024/25 District 2 Character X Park Facilities Inventory and 3 Analysis Baseline Data X X X X X Facility X X X Inspection X X Comprehensive Facility Analysis X X X X X Recreation Resources: Inventory & 4 Analysis Baseline Data X X X X X Facility Inspection X X X X X District Revenues & 5 Resources: X X X X X Recreation Needs, Desires & 6 Demands Program analysis X X X X X Demographic data X X X X X Recreation Trends Mission and 7 Goals X 8 Action Plan X X X X X Funding 9 Strategy X X X X X Ongoing 10 Planning X X X X X
UPDATE ELEMENTS Recreation Needs, Desires and Demands The following discussion will outline the (Chapter 6) issues most likely to require updates as part of The analysis of public input provides valuable the ongoing planning process. data and forms the basis for all Master Plan objectives and implementation guidelines. The goal of analysis of public demand is to
Ongoing Planning - 10 - 4 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 SECTION III: Implementation Plan confirm that the District is providing appropriate recreation facilities and programs. · An annual tally of program units of service The public’s needs and desires for different including: types and quantities of facilities and programs · Annual percentage of non-resident should also be assessed. participation Park Facilities: Inventory and Analysis · Annual tally of waiting lists (Chapter 3) · Cost efficiency · Cost recovery As Sonoma County implements its regional · Identification of trends in program trail systems, the District should update all participation information, particularly that on the interconnection of regional trail systems with An annual analysis of program user local trail systems to provide various evaluations, including: recreational access and opportunities. Similar to Chapter 4, this chapter should have annual · Annual meeting of District staff to inspections and reports to be current with the evaluate programs and deficiencies and District’s development and identify qualitative discuss direction inadequacies or potential safety hazards. · Annual review of District policies that Recreation Resources: Inventory and Analysis affect programs (Chapter 4) · Annual review of schedule of fees and This chapter will require updating of the facility charges existing baseline data as the District · Analysis of demographic data and refurbishes facilities, develops new facilities, recreation trends in relation to programs and adds other resources through land (every five years) acquisition or other processes. The District Mission and Goals (Chapter 7) should also identify any qualitative This chapter is one that addresses long-term inadequacies and deficiencies. issues for the District, and therefore should The tables shown in Chapter 4 should be not be expected to change frequently. This updated annually to keep pace with the Master Plan recommends updating of the District’s development. Annual updates of District’s mission, goals and policies every five this data can be derived from an analysis of years or whenever the Sonoma County the previous fiscal year’s capital improvement General Plan is amended. programs and approved development Action Plan and Funding Strategy agreements. To identify qualitative (Chapter 8 and 9) inadequacies or potential safety hazards, each facility should be subject to an annual These chapters should be adjusted each year inspection and report. as part of the preparation of each fiscal year budget. Other aspects of these chapters may The District should perform a comprehensive be impacted by the five-year update of analysis of facilities deficiency at least every individual sections of the Master Plan. Both three years. chapters’ updates should be based on a careful The update process for recreation programs is needs assessment, public commentary, and part of an ongoing operation, rather than policy direction. something that is performed every five years. The inventory of the recreation programs should include a computer database of user information that summarizes the following:
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Ongoing Planning - 10 - 5 SECTION III: Implementation Plan Action Plan revisions over time to accurately reflect the The Action Plan update should focus on District’s changing needs. Baseline data changes in facilities, programs and District regarding the status of parks and recreation staff organization. facilities should be collated annually. In addition, the District should plan to update Funding Strategy the entire Recreation and Park Master Plan a The Funding Strategy update should include the minimum of every three years and/or following: concurrently with any significant modification to the District’s land use allocation. · Review of existing District financing, land acquisition, and facility development · Future demand and capital improvement costs · Special facility program revenues (i.e. swim center) · Maintenance and operations costs · Funding alternatives · Financing strategies · Development fees
FUNDING FOR ONGOING PLANNING Most of the annual updating of demand, programs, facilities, standards, action plan and funding strategy can be accomplished by the District. Other updating efforts that can be completed by the District include:
· Mission, Goals and Policies · Summary of Undeveloped Facilities and Related Costs These updates, which will be necessary as a result of changes in land-use allocations, may necessitate consultation with professional park planners, as changes in land-use allocation could potentially affect the entire Master Plan.
If the need to update the Master Plan is a result of changes in land-use zoning, then the District should consider requiring the land developers requesting changes to land-use zoning to fund the cost of hiring a consultant to prepare the update.
SUMMARY The Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan will require periodic updates and
Ongoing Planning - 10 - 6 Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005
APPENDIX A
Public Input Community Survey Stakeholder Interviews Community Workshop Handouts
This information not available in digital format
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Appendices
APPENDIX B
Park Construction Cost Estimate
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Appendices
Neighborhood Park Construction Cost Estimate (3 acres)
Description Quantity Unit Unit Price Extension Site preparation Demolition, clearing, & grubbing 130,000 SF $0.15 $19,500.00 Rough grading 130,000 SF $0.10 $13,000.00 Drainage (on-site collect & convey) 130,000 SF $0.28 $36,400.00 Utilities Potable water service 1” 1 EA $20,000.00 $20,000.00 Electrical service 1 EA $5,500.00 $5,500.00 Irrigation water well 1 EA $75,000.00 $75,000.00 Site Hardscape Concrete paths & surfaces 9,000 SF $4.85 $43,650.00 Asphalt paths & surfaces 5,000 SF $2.50 $12,500.00 Quarry waste paths & surfacing 8,000 SF $3.00 $24,000.00 Fencing (perimeter chain link) 2,000 LF $21.00 $42,000.00 Landscaping Soil preparation & fine grading 95,000 SF $0.18 $17,100.00 Irrigation – large scale 80,000 SF $0.66 $52,800.00 Irrigation – small scale 15,000 SF $0.84 $12,600.00 Hydroseeded turf 80,000 SF $0.22 $17,600.00 Groundcovers 15,000 SF $0.40 $6,000.00 Shrubs #1 125 EA $13.00 $1,625.00 Shrubs #5 40 EA $27.00 $1,080.00 Trees #15 50 EA $120.00 $6,000.00 Mulching 15,000 SF $0.56 $8,400.00 Landscape establishment 95,000 SF $0.25 $4,750.00 Site Amenities Litter receptacle w/ concrete pad 3 EA $660.00 $1,980.00 Picnic tables w/ concrete pad 3 EA $1,800.00 $5,400.00 Barbecues 2 EA $650.00 $1,300.00 Pathway bench – 6’ w/ concrete pad 3 EA $1,100.00 $3,000.00 Lighting – pathway & safety 15 EA $2,000.00 $30,000.00 Drinking fountain w/ sump 1 EA $4,500.00 $4,500.00 Bike rack 1 EA $1,200.00 $1,200.00 Play Areas Toddler play area 1 LS $45,000.00 $45,000.00 Toddler play surfacing & curbing 1,500 SF $13.00 $19,500.00 Youth play area 1 EA $55,000.00 $55,000.00 Youth play surfacing & curbing 1,500 SF $13.00 $19,500.00 Sand box 1 EA $10,000.00 $10,000.00
Construction subtotal $615,885.00 Administrative Construction mobilization 2% $12,317.70 Subtotal $628,202.70 Design, engineering, plan check, 20% $125,640.54
Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005 Appendix B
construction administration Construction TOTAL $753,843.24 Project Development TOTAL $753,843.24 Cost per acre $251,281.08
Cost estimate is based on: 1. Saylor Publications, Inc., 2005 Current Construction Costs, 42th Annual Edition, 2005 2. RHAA estimate based on bids received through June 2005.
Appendix B Monte Rio Recreation & Park District Master Plan - 2005
APPENDIX C
LAFCO – General Information & Forms
This information not available in digital format
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Appendices
APPENDIX D
MRRPD 2004-2005 Grant Applications
This information not available in digital format
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Appendices
APPENDIX E
Sonoma County Outdoor Recreation Plan 2003
This information not available in digital format
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Appendices
APPENDIX F
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District
This information not available in digital format
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Appendices
APPENDIX G
Sample List of Classes
This information not available in digital format
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Appendices
APPENDIX H
Old Monte Rio School Re-use Plan
This information not available in digital format
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Appendices
APPENDIX I
River Child Care Services: West County Community Needs Assessment
This information not available in digital format
Monte Rio Recreation and Park District Master Plan - 2005 Appendices