City of Clearlake 2003-2013 Master Plan

Report Prepared by Foothill Associates 2150 Professional Drive, Suite 120 Roseville, Ca 95661 (916) 782-1011 Roy M. Imai, Project Manager

Acknowledgments

Elected Officials Mayor Bob Malley Vice Mayor Sam Sanchez Council Member Jo Bennett Council Member Jim McMurray Council Member Bob Mingori Parks & Recreation Committee Bob Gordon Curt Giambruno Jeanie Norris Russell Perdock Carl Webb City Staff David A. Lane, City Administrator Sharon Goode, Assistant City Administrator Barbara Lysher, Director of Finance Karen Mantele, Director of Community Development Alicia Brundage, City Engineer Faye Gage-Burnett, Management Analyst Funding Funds for this Master Plan were provided by State CDBG Funds through a 2001-2002 Planning and Technical Assistance Grant.

The consultants extend their appreciation to the Parks & Recreation Committee and the City Staff for its understanding, support and assistance during the course of this planning effort.

CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction...... 1 1.1 The Master Plan...... 1 1.2 Organization of the Master Plan...... 1 1.3 Master Planning Process...... 2 1.4 Recommendations ...... 2 2.0 Goals and Policies...... 6 3.0 City of Clearlake ...... 9 3.1 The City of Clearlake and its Park System...... 9 3.1.1 Background...... 9 3.1.2 Geography and Climate...... 11 3.1.3 Archeological and Historical Resources ...... 11 4.0 Park Resources...... 12 4.1.1 Haverty Field...... 12 4.1.2 Highlands Park...... 12 4.1.3 Redbud Park / Thompson Harbor...... 18 4.2 Additional Recreation Resources ...... 18 4.2.1 Borax Lake...... 18 4.2.2 Anderson Marsh State Historic Park...... 18 4.2.3 Clear Lake State Park...... 19 4.2.4 Cache Creek Management Area...... 19 4.2.5 McVicar Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary ...... 19 4.2.6 Mendocino National Forest...... 19 4.2.7 Cow Mountain BLM Recreational Area ...... 21 4.2.8 Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest...... 21 4.2.9 Indian Valley Reservoir...... 21 4.2.10 Blue Lakes Recreation Area ...... 21 5.0 Park Standards...... 23 5.1 Evaluating Current and Future Needs ...... 23 5.2 Park Acreage ...... 23 5.3 Park Service Analysis...... 24 5.4 Planning and Management Considerations ...... 26 5.4.1 Major Barriers...... 26 5.4.2 Schools...... 26 5.4.3 Natural Streams and Flood Plains ...... 28 5.4.4 Adjacent Recreation Facilities ...... 28 5.5 Park Planning Areas ...... 30 5.6 Recreation Needs Survey ...... 32 5.6.1 Existing City Parks:...... 32 5.6.2 Future Park Facilities ...... 32 5.6.3 Policy Questions...... 33 5.6.4 Recreation Preferences...... 33 5.6.5 Information about the Survey Respondents ...... 33 5.7 Trends Affecting Park and Recreation ...... 34 5.8 Facilities ...... 36 5.8.1 Facility Needs...... 37 5.9 Comparison of Park Agencies...... 39 5.9.1 Comparison ...... 39

i CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Table of Contents

6.0 Park System Master Plan ...... 41 6.1 Park and Facility Recommendations...... 41 6.2 Existing Park and Facility Recommendations...... 41 6.2.1 Austin Park ...... 41 6.2.2 Haverty Field...... 43 6.2.3 Highlands Park...... 43 6.2.4 Redbud Park / Thompson Harbor...... 43 6.2.5 Master Plans for Existing Parks...... 44 6.3 Proposed Parks ...... 44 6.3.1 Community Parks ...... 44 6.3.2 Neighborhood Parks...... 46 6.3.3 Planning of Neighborhood Parks ...... 48 6.4 Bike and Multi-Use Trails...... 48 6.5 Park Development Priorities...... 48 6.6 Capital Improvement Program ...... 50 6.7 Proposed Annual Acquisition and Development Program...... 52 7.0 Funding ...... 55 7.1 Grants ...... 55 7.1.1 Federal ...... 55 7.1.2 State...... 57 7.2 Private...... 59 7.3 Low Cost Services...... 60 7.1.3 Federal ...... 60 7.1.4 State...... 60 7.4 Other Services/Materials ...... 60 7.1.5 Federal ...... 60 7.1.6 State...... 60 7.1.7 Other...... 60 Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines ...... 63 A.1 Multiple Objectives ...... 63 A.2 Park Land Use ...... 64 A.3 Potential Recreational Uses...... 65 A.4 Non-Recreational Uses of the Park System...... 68 A.5 Revenue-Generating Activities ...... 68 A.6 Public Access, Roads and Trails ...... 69 A.7 Public Safety...... 71 A.8 Selection of a Park Sites...... 72 A.9 Park Types, Distribution and Facilities...... 72 A.10 Parkland Acquisition, Planning and Development Process...... 76 Appendix B – Planning Area Population...... 79 Appendix C – Park Needs Survey ...... 83

ii CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Table of Contents

List of Tables Table 1 – Park Site Inventory ...... 14 Table 2 – 1999 Park Acreage Comparison ...... 24 Table 3 – Park Acreage...... 24 Table 4 – Facility Needs ...... 39 Table 5 – Comparative Data for Park Agencies ...... 39 Table 6 – City of Clearlake Park Priorities...... 51 Table 7 – Ten Year Capital Improvement Plan ...... 54 Table A-1 – Activities Allowed in Land Use Areas...... 67 Table A-2 – Recommended Guidelines for Various Trail Types...... 71 Table B-1 – Census Tract Block Assessment...... 70 Table B-2 – Park Planning Area Population and Park Need ...... 82

List of Figures Figure 1 – City Location and Boundaries...... 10 Figure 2 – Austin Park ...... 13 Figure 3 – Highlands Park ...... 15 Figure 4A – Redbud Park (West)...... 16 Figure 5 – Regional Recreation Resources...... 20 Figure 6 – Service Areas...... 25 Figure 7 – Major Barriers and Traffic Routes ...... 27 Figure 8 – 100 Year Flood Areas...... 29 Figure 9 – Planning Areas...... 31 Figure 10 – NRPA Facilities Standards...... 38 Figure 11 – City of Clearlake Parks System Master Plan...... 42 Figure 12 – Bike Lanes and Routes ...... 49 Figure B-1 – Census 2000 Block Groups ...... 85

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iv CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 1.0 Introduction

1.0 Introduction

1.2 Organization of the Master Plan

The City of Clearlake Park Master Plan is comprised of eight chapters, with supporting references and appendices. The first chapter provides the background for the Master Plan, organization of the Plan, the Master Planning process, and major recommendations. The Goals and Policies for the Park System are contained in the second chapter. This 1.1 The Master Plan information provides specific guidance for future park acquisition, planning, design, The City of Clearlake Parks Master Plan implementation and management. examines the current parks and open space resources in the City and surrounding areas, Chapter three provides a brief background determines the current and projected park regarding the City of Clearlake, its location and needs of the community, and recommends a boundaries, geography and climate, and history strategy to implement the parks master plan. of the area. The Parks Master Plan works in concert The forth chapter contains an assessment of the with several other City, County and adjacent various parks and recreational resources in the community planning tools. The City General City of Clearlake and the adjacent area. This Plan, neighborhood or community plans, the chapter also addresses the importance of the County’s Park, Open Space, and Trails Plan, Parks for the recreational enjoyment of the and the community plans of the adjacent residents, economy of the community, flood communities to assure trail linkages, to control, and habitat for wildlife. Included in this foster greater cooperation between section are a summary of the existing park communities, and to encourage cooperative features found in the existing Parks. projects between communities. The Master Plan also provides policy direction related to The discussion of park standards, evaluation of management and operation of parks, open current and future park needs, acquisition and space, and trails. development considerations, planning considerations, park service areas, park service The Park Master Plan guides future parkland analysis, facilities, comparison of park agencies, acquisition and improvement, and suggests a results of the recreation needs survey, and trends financing strategy to implement the Master affecting park and recreation are contained in Plan. Chapter 5. Chapter six is the Park System Master Plan which contains the park and facility recommendations; recommendations for future

1 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 1.0 Introduction

parks, trails and open space areas; park Recreation Committee; and preparation of the development priorities; capital improvement City of Clearlake Park System Master Plan. program; acquisition and development costs; park and recreation operation; and additional 1.4 Recommendations considerations in park planning. 1) To Implement the Master Plan: Chapter seven establishes procedures for selection of park sites, suggested park • Adopt this master plan improvements and facilities to be included • Continue to apply for and utilize State in the differing parks. This chapter also and Federal grants to acquire and describes the planning and development improve the City Park System. process, pubic hearings, plan reviews, and • Work closely with other Departments preparation of an annual action plan. and agencies to implement the Master The final chapter, Chapter eight, describes Plan the funding sources that the City of • Adopt the Quimby Parkland Dedication Clearlake may want to pursue in ordinance, a Development Impact Fees, implementing the Parks Master Plan. and a City-wide Landscape Lighting Assessment District to support the The Plan also includes appendices that acquisition, development, and provide further information regarding the maintenance of an adequate park system. City of Clearlake and the park planning process. • Develop Joint Use Agreements with the School Districts for use of school sites 1.3 Master Planning Process and facilities during non-school hours since the implementation of this Master This Clearlake Park Master Plan evolved out Plan and some of the solutions for future of a planning process that included meetings park sites require School District with City Staff to obtain direction and cooperation. information regarding the City and its Park • Prepare and adopt new master plans for System; research and inventory of the the three existing parks to insure that the existing parks and recreation facilities, City will qualify for future grant contacts with local agencies to obtain related programs information; several public hearings to • Make various improvements to the obtain comments and input regarding the existing City parks as described in the park system master plan; survey of the Master Plan. residents to determine their needs, preferences and suggestions regarding the • Plan, acquire, develop, and maintain five future park system; an assessment of the community parks and ten neighborhood community, population characteristics, land parks. use, community resources, and examination • Build a swimming pool in Austin Park of park deficiencies; development of on the south west corner of Olympic funding and implementation strategy; Drive and Uhl Avenue. preparation and distribution of a Draft • Form a community non-profit group Master Plan; review of the Draft Master such as the “Friends of Clearlake Parks” Plan with the City Staff and Park and

2 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 1.0 Introduction

to support and provide volunteers for • Place more resources to upgrade the park and recreation projects. quality of parks and recreation • Work with the County, State Flood opportunities in Clearlake since it is a Control Agencies, FEMA and use vital part in attracting and keeping grant funds to acquire flood prone business. properties within the Burns Valley • Develop additional and new funding Floodplain, remove structures from means to acquire, develop, staff, and acquired parcels, and convert the maintain the needed park and recreation assembled area into a Community facilities. Park and open space preserve. • Train staff to cater to the growing ethnic Creation of a Community Park in diversity, greater awareness of cultural Burns Valley Area in conjunction preferences, sensitivities and needs. with the 100 Year Flood Plain Management could provide the • Cater to the increasing population of greatest park and recreational elderly and retirees who will require new opportunity for the City. and growing level of recreational / educational services. • Work closely with the School Districts and the County Social • Create programs to increase access to Services Agencies to provide parks and recreation programs for those additional cultural, educational, skill with limited means. training, child/adult care programs • Provide adequate park and recreation that would be of great benefit to the facilities and programs as a cost community. effective way of lowering juvenile crime • Develop bike lanes and routes, plus by engaging young people in creative multi-use trail system for safer and healthy activities. pedestrian and bicycle use within the • Become more aware of the long-term City and linked to regional socioeconomic and environmental bikeway/trail system. benefits of parks and recreation. • Annually review the Park Capital • Take advantage of trends in business Improvement Program and particularly in the area of privatization of reprioritize projects as necessary or services which offer greater flexibility, as funding opportunities become help to reduce cost, and improve available. customer satisfaction. 2) Park and Recreation Trends: • Take advantage of ways to create park and open space by utilizing programs • Take an active role in developing, such as reuse of unused utility corridors, maintaining and promoting reuse of unused road right-of-ways, opportunities in local parks and reuse of old landfills, and reuse of vacant recreation. lots obtained via tax foreclosures, etc. • Develop joint marketing campaigns • Take advantage of emerging trend to with the local and regional tourism flexible work schedule and tele-working and convention bureaus for by offering programs catering to the maximum economic benefit. lifestyle and by providing 24-hour facilities.

3 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 1.0 Introduction

• Utilize technology to enable • Give equal importance to rehabilitating residents in suburban areas to take and improving existing park facilities advantage of Park and Recreation while also acquiring and developing new programs offered to decentralized parks. workers in suburban areas. • Place high priority on providing a • Be positioned to take advantage of community swimming pool for the advancing technology and the residents of the City. changing homes of the future which • Pursue the acquisition and development will enable residents to obtain a of Community Park with organized broad range of services via the recreation facilities, more Neighborhood Internet. Parks, preserve natural open space areas, • Develop Park and Recreation and develop greater access to Clear programs that are short, effective, Lake. and highly focused for greater • Ban alcohol in selected parks, and customer satisfaction. require liability insurance from event • Play an important role in helping to sponsors who include alcohol. relieve stress by providing a broad • Ensure that park facilities adhere to range of programs and activities that ADA requirements, and develop deal with stress and lifestyle recreational programs to assist persons management. with disability. • Take advantage of the need for 4) Park and Recreation Operation programs that provide relaxation and fitness benefits while also helping • Initially concentrate on maintaining and people in their careers. upgrading the existing park facilities, • Play a major role in offering and acquire and develop new parks as programs that will provide choices funds permit. for participants concerned with • As funds and staff permits, the City health and the quality of life. should provide a variety of recreation programs to meet the expressed needs of 3) Park Needs Survey Results: the community. • Provide greater attention to • Encourage, support, and work with maintaining athletic fields and play business and private recreation equipment. organizations that provide recreation • Provide signage in the parks to services that are beyond the capability of clearly inform the visitors that, the City. except for parks that offer evening • Work closely with the local school activities, City parks are closed from district to develop and operate portions dusk to dawn. Also request that the of school sites as neighborhood park police provide greater park security resource. Also work with the school at night. district to plan, acquire, develop, and • Improve restroom maintenance, and operate future school/park sites. replace restrooms that are outdated • The City should encourage and support or difficult to clean. the development and improvements to

4 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 1.0 Introduction

nearby Parks and Open Space Areas • Encourage the formation of Park Watch that are managed by others. Program in neighborhoods around parks. 5) Park Security • Restrict park use to dawn to dusk unless organized evening activities are • Provide adequate park security and conducted. work with the community to increase public confidence and support to • Plan and design parks and facilities to counter security issues. discourage vandalism and other antisocial activities. • Provide adequate park security and work with the community to increase • Assure drive by visibility of majority of public confidence and support to the parks for police patrol and general counter security issues. public surveillance. • Inform and educate the public • Maintain parks in clean and orderly regarding the proper use of the parks manner to command respect from park and facilities. Provide signs users. regarding appropriate and inappropriate activities in the park, and provide convenient means to report crime or vandalism.

5 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 2.0 Goals and Policies

2.0 Goals and Policies

The City of Clearlake Park System Master Improvement Program for each park Plan is a policy document that establishes the facility. planning framework for the future acquisition, Goal 2.0 development, and implementation of the City To provide a balanced variety of recreation park system. The Goals and Policies in this facilities and programs for all age groups in master plan provide specific guidance on the community. critical master plan implementation issues so that all aspects of the park system Policies development and operation will be consistent with the agreed upon Goals and Policies. 2.1 City shall conduct a park needs/wants survey of City residents at least every Goal 1.0 five year to assess the changing park To acquire, develop, and maintain an adequate and recreational needs of the number and acres of neighborhood and community. community parks, boating access, trails and 2.2 City shall consult with community recreation facilities for the enjoyment of City organizations and special interest groups residents and visitors. at least every other year to assess how the City is meeting the park and Policies recreational needs of the community. 1.1 City shall designate a Department to 2.3 City shall use the information obtained have primary responsibility for parkland in Policies 2.1 and 2.2 to update its acquisition, development, and operation. plans, activities, and practices. 1.2 City shall annually develop a listing of Goal 3.0 high priority projects and their costs for To develop a park operation practice that is parkland acquisition, deferred efficient, cost effective, and that results in safe maintenance, capital improvement, and and attractive parks. special event needs. 1.3 City shall assess and update at least Policies every five years funding mechanisms 3.1 City shall designate a staff to have needed to acquire, develop and maintain primary responsibility for park the City park system. operation, inspection, and 1.4 City shall develop and distribute improvements. information on how community 3.2 City shall conduct a Park Maintenance organization, business, and volunteers and Safety Survey at least annually. can donate, provide gifts and endowments, or in other ways assist to 3.3 City shall conduct a weekly safety acquire parklands, improve City parks, inspection of each park and recreation and fund special events. facility, identify problems, and implement any required corrective 1.5 City shall develop, maintain, and measures. implement a Five Year Capital

6 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 2.0 Goals and Policies

3.4 City shall periodically evaluate the cost Coordinator with the responsibility to effectiveness of City versus contract oversee the park volunteer program, and maintenance of its parks. provide periodic reports to the Park and Goal 4.0 Recreation Committee. To improve park safety and security. 5.3 City shall develop a park gift catalogue and also put the information on the Policies City’s Web Site. The gift catalogue 4.1 City shall develop and implement a would describe the needs of the City public education program on proper use Park System and how the public could of parks, park rules, and ways to make assist with donations. City parks safer. Goal 6.0 4.2 City shall annually, as part of the Park To work cooperatively with other local and Landscape Area Maintenance and groups, organizations and agencies to Safety Survey, examine all parks and maximize the benefits of the Park System. facilities to identify unsafe or hazardous conditions and undertake corrective Policies measures. 6.1 City staff shall meet at least annually 4.3 City shall have the Police Department with representatives of adjacent park, assist park neighborhoods to establish a recreation, and open space agencies; Neighborhood/Park Watch Program. Konocti Unified School District, Yuba College, and others to foster greater 4.4 City shall request that the Police cooperation, collaboration, and to insure Department provide the Park and coordinated planning of projects that Recreation Committee an annual report affect multi-jurisdictions. on criminal or misdemeanor activities reported on City Park facilities, and 6.2 City staff shall provide an annual report actions being taken to counter such to the Park and Recreation Committee activities. on cooperative efforts being undertaken with other organizations such as Lake Goal 5.0 County, adjacent resource management agencies, school districts, and others for To encourage volunteerism and participation mutual benefit. by individual and community organizations in City Park’s program. 6.3 City shall provide mutual support, cooperate with, and advocate funding Policies for regional parks, trails, and open space 5.1 City shall develop a handbook on ways areas that will be beneficial to the that individuals, groups, and residents and visitors to the City of organizations can assist with Clearlake. recreational activities and park improvement projects, and generally Goal 7.0 encourage volunteerism. To develop, pursue and utilize alternative funding means to supplement City funds for 5.2 City shall appoint a volunteer to assume parkland acquisition, development, and the part-time position of Volunteer operation.

7 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 2.0 Goals and Policies

Policies to require fees or the dedication of land from developers of new residential 7.1 City shall pursue Grant Assistance properties. The revenue generated shall Programs for parkland acquisition, be used for acquisition and development development, and other related of City parks. assistance. 7.4 City shall enact a Park Development 7.2 City shall examine and adjusted its Impact Fee that would enable the City to various park and recreation fees at least collect additional fees from new every other year to adjust for inflation residential construction or additions of and to insure that the fees are reasonable bedrooms to existing dwellings. The and competitive with adjacent entities. funds collected would be used to acquire 7.3 City shall enact the Quimby Parkland and improve parklands. Dedication and In Lieu Fees ordinance

8 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 3.0 City of Clearlake

3.0 City of Clearlake

3.1 The City of Clearlake and its Park System

Lake County, has experienced a significant population growth in the past decade, a rate that exceeds the growth in the state as a whole. This growth has been most noticeable in the urban centers such as Clearlake. Individuals and families continue to locate in Clearlake due to a combination of climate, rural nature of the community, recreational opportunity, and affordable housing. As in most other communities, the number and quality of parks and the availability of open watching, rock hounding, golfing, bicycling, space areas are very important components in soaring, flying, wine tasting, hunting, and determining the overall ‘quality of life’ horseback riding. Water related activities enjoyed by residents of a community. include fishing, swimming, water skiing, and Certainly, the proximity to Clear Lake plays a boating. key role in assessing the desirability of the The present period of growth in Clearlake City of Clearlake and the surrounding began in 1922 with the development of communities. Clearlake Highlands and Clearlake Park If residents of Clearlake are to continue subdivisions. The City’s population continues enjoying the parks and open spaces that to grow and is projected to reach 17,216 by contribute so much to the quality of life in the year 2010. Much of the city’s growth can Clearlake, it is critical that these resources be be attributed to lake-generated recreation and recognized and that plans to preserve, protect, tourism. Agriculture also contributes greatly and enhance these community resources are to the local economy with some walnut adopted. The objective of this Parks Master orchards still remaining in the city limits and Plan is precisely that, to preserve, protect, and grape vineyards increasing in surrounding enhance the City’s park system. areas. 3.1.1 Background The City of Clearlake, incorporated in 1980, is the largest city in Lake County. The City is home to approximately 13,000 residents, but it can grow sizably larger during weekends and during vacation periods. Affordable housing, clean air, open space, and recreation continue to attract a diverse population of young working families to retired seniors. Year- round recreation activities include hiking, bird

9 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 3.0 City of Clearlake

Figure 1 – City Location and Boundaries

10 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 3.0 City of Clearlake

The City includes over 10.5 square miles averages 61ºF and varies from 40ºF to 75ºF. along the southeastern shore of Clear Lake, Air temperatures are also moderate with California’s largest natural freshwater lake, average high and low temperatures ranging from Cache Creek to Windflower Point. To from 32ºF to 60ºF during winter and from the south of the City is the historic community 57ºF to 95ºF during summer. The average of Lower Lake, with the community of yearly rainfall of 25 inches occurs primarily Clearlake Oaks to the north. Clearlake is during the winter and early spring months. easily accessible from Highway 53, a major connector between Highways 20 and 29. 3.1.3 Archeological and Historical Large, urban centers such as Sacramento and Resources San Francisco can be reached in 2 and 3 hours The first settlers to the Clear Lake area respectively, while Napa Valley lies only 45 belonged to Pomo Indian tribes. Other Native minutes away. American tribes from California’s central 3.1.2 Geography and Climate valley region visited to trade and enjoy the abundant natural resources of the area. Clear Lake, formed approximately 2.5 million European immigration in the mid-1800s years ago, is possibly the oldest lake in North reduced the Native American population. America. The surrounding basin was created Presently, American Indians constitute only 2 by a collision of the Pacific and North percent of Lake County’s total population American plates many millions of years (1990 census) but their heritage is central to before. This tectonic activity has created a the area’s culture and history. The Anderson dramatic landscape including the dormant Marsh State Historic Park on the south edge of volcano, Mount Konocti, which rises to 4,300 Clearlake has an Indian village with tule feet above sea level. The City of Clearlake houses and a dance house. A unique Native consists of both relatively flat terrain in the American archeological site is also located at valley along the lake shoreline to rolling hills. Borax Lake. Native American Culture Day and other public events honor the rich culture Clear Lake enjoys clean air and a warm, sunny of the Pomo Indians. climate year-round. Water temperature

11 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 4.0 Park Resources

4.0 Park Resources 4.1.1 Haverty Field Haverty Field, located adjacent to the east Austin Park is a 22.5 acres community park boundary of Austin Park, is located two Little located across the street from City Hall. The League ball fields. portion of Austin Park on the Clear Lake edge provides lake access, picnic areas, and a playground. Located on the other side of Lakeshore Drive are multi-purpose play fields, a lighted tennis court, a recently renovated skate park, volleyball court, a restroom, shade structure, picnicking areas, benches, and a concrete stage. During the summer, Austin Park is the site of free “concerts on the beach,” the beginning of the annual Independence Day parade, and the location of the International Worm Race began in 1966 by C.C. Schoenberger, a descendent of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain). 4.1.1 4.1.2 Highlands Park Highlands Park, a 1.5 acre mini park, includes a stand of mature oak trees which provide abundant shade. Improvements include picnic tables, BBQ grills, a lake viewing area, and a floating boat dock. A small beach area accommodates sunbathing and hand boat launching.

12 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 4.0 Park Resources

Figure 2 – Austin Park

13 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 4.0 Park Resources

Table 1 – Park Site Inventory

Austin Park & Redbud Park & Highland Park Haverty Field Boat Launch Size 22.5 acres 1.5 acres 15.7 acres Type Community Park Special Purpose Community Park Ball Fields X Benches X X Bleachers X Boat Dock X X Boat Launch Ramp X Covered Picnic Shelter X Group BBQ X Lake Access X X X Multi-Purpose Field X Paved Walk X X Picnic Tables X X X Play Area X* Parking Lot (paved) X X Parking Lot (unpaved) X X Restroom (permanent) X* X* Restroom (portable) X Security Lights X X Shade Trees X X X Skate Park X Stage X Storage Building X X Telephone X X Tennis Courts (lighted) X* Volleyball Court (pea gravel) X**

* Requires extensive renovation or replacement ** Safety concern

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Figure 3 – Highlands Park

15 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 4.0 Park Resources

Figure 4A – Redbud Park (West)

16 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 4.0 Park Resources

Figure 4B – Redbud Park (East)

17 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 4.0 Park Resources

4.1.3 Redbud Park / Thompson 4.2.1 Borax Lake Harbor This well-known prehistoric quarry, a source Redbud Park is a 15.7 acres community park of obsidian, is located near the westerly end of which serves to provide the major boating the City. The chemically-variable Borax Lake access to Clear Lake from the City. Facilities flow is one of several obsidian sources include a large fishing pier, bandstand gazebo, associated with Clear Lake’s Volcanic history. event BBQ pit, group eating area, two grass The obsidian glass is of rather variable quality areas with picnic tables, and a restroom / for artifact manufacture and ranges in storage building. Major fishing events such as appearance from a translucent gray-black to a bass tournaments are staged from the park, pumiceous gray. which includes multiple paved boat ramps, This obsidian source is one of the most well- boarding docks, and a large parking area. known in California but much of the quarry Three little league baseball fields with a area has now been obliterated by vacation concession stand and restrooms are located home developments. Intensive use of the adjacent to the park on property located to the source is evidenced by large quantities of east of Golf Avenue. manufacturing debris associated with the flow. The presence of fluted points at the source has also been used to suggest long-term use of this tool stone resource. Obsidian from the Borax Lake has been identified at many sites in the North Coast Ranges, in central California’s Great Valley, and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains 4.2.2 Anderson Marsh State Historic Park The Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located southwest of the City of Clearlake and encompasses approximately 1,000 acres of freshwater marsh, oak woodland, annual 4.2 Additional Recreation grassland, and riparian woodland habitats. Resources The state park has designated approximately 540 acres of the freshwater marsh habitat The City of Clearlake is surrounded by a within its boundaries as a natural preserve that network of parks, wildlife preserves, and other functions to provide shelter, foraging, and natural open space areas that provide great breeding opportunities for various wildlife opportunity for outdoor recreation (see Figure species. 5). These facilities offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, The Anderson Marsh State Historic Park boating, fishing, nature viewing, horseback offers nature viewing and hiking, and supports riding, rafting, picnicking, camping, and several historic cultural viewing areas that swimming. Many of these outdoor were once occupied by the Southeastern Pomo recreational areas described below are within over 10,000 years ago and by Euro-American a short distance of the City. settlers in 1855. An extensive trail system

18 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 4.0 Park Resources

enables visitors to hike and view the various and the Redbud Trail, which runs along Cache habitats present within the historic park. The Creek providing hikers an opportunity to view State recently acquired approximately 12 acres the vegetation and wildlife communities of adjacent property located northeast of the occurring along the watershed. Park which will enable easier access for the public. Future plans for this property include 4.2.5 McVicar Audubon Wildlife a day use area, individual camping spaces, and Sanctuary Highway 53 road access. The McVicar Wildlife Sanctuary, a preserves 4.2.3 Clear Lake State Park of 238 acres of marsh habitat, provides winter roosting sites for bald eagle, a federally Clear Lake State Park includes 565 acres and threatened and state endangered species. The is located on the west side of Clear Lake. The wildlife sanctuary is located directly west of park offers boating access to Clear Lake as the Anderson Marsh State Historic Park and is well as picnicking, cycling, and hiking maintained by the California Audubon opportunities. The Clear Lake State Park Society. A portion of the McVicar Trail, supports four individual campgrounds that which traverses the Anderson Marsh State collectively provide over 140 camping sites Historic Park, extends into the McVicar for park visitors. In addition, two trail Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary providing hikers systems traverse the recreation area providing the opportunity to view the wildlife and plant hikers the opportunity to view the abundant communities occurring within this preserved plant and wildlife communities occurring area. within the park’s boundaries. 4.2.6 Mendocino National Forest 4.2.4 Cache Creek Management Located approximately 30 miles from the City Area of Clearlake, the Mendocino National Forest The Cache Creek Management Area, located offers fishing, picnicking, boating, hiking, directly east of the City of Clearlake, consists horseback riding, wildlife viewing, hang- of approximately 50,000 acres of annual gliding, hunting, and mountain biking. In grassland, riparian woodland, river, chaparral, addition, the national forest supports an off- and oak woodland vegetation communities. road vehicle trail system and over 40 camp The Management Area is administered grounds for visitors wishing to extend their cooperatively by the Bureau of Land stay over-night. Cumulatively, the forest Management (BLM) and the California provides over 500 sites for various Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). The recreational activities. The forest Cache Creek Management Area functions to encompasses approximately 894,000 acres and provide contiguous undisturbed habitat for has designated approximately 137,000 acres wildlife and to protect existing historic and for wilderness use. cultural resources. Additionally, the Management Area provides fishing, equestrian, hiking, river running, hunting, and wildlife viewing opportunities for the public. Trail systems within the Cache Creek Management Area offers hikers spectacular views of Central Valley and the High Sierra,

19 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 4.0 Park Resources

Figure 5 – Regional Recreation Resources

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4.2.7 Cow Mountain BLM 4.2.10 Blue Lakes Recreation Area Recreational Area The Blue Lakes Recreation Area is located The Cow Mountain Recreational Area spans northwest of Clearlake and offers a variety of over 50,000 acres of open space land located outdoor activities including sailing, rowing, northwest of Clearlake. This recreational area swimming, canoeing, windsurfing, and is managed by the BLM and consists of two fishing. Hiking trails and picnic areas are recreational areas: South Cow Mountain Off- interwoven throughout the facility. Camp Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area and sites, RV sites, housekeeping cabins, and North Cow Mountain Resource Area. South motel units are also available. Cow Mountain is primarily utilized for OHV use and supports vehicle and trailer parking, a loading ramp, Red Mountain Campground, and picnic facilities. The North Cow Mountain Resource Area accommodates a variety of outdoor recreational uses including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hunting. 4.2.8 Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest Boggs Mountain State Park spans over 3,400 acres of open space land managed by the State Department of Forestry. This state forest offers 14 miles of trails and outdoor recreational opportunities include hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 4.2.9 Indian Valley Reservoir Located approximately nine miles northeast from Clearlake, Indian Valley Reservoir encompasses 3,800 surface acres and 39 miles of shoreline. The reservoir offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities and campsites and RV parking are available. In addition to its outdoor recreational activities, Indian Valley Reservoir provides habitat for wintering bald and golden eagles as well as numerous other wildlife species.

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22 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 5.0 Park Standards

5.0 Park Standards

5.1 Evaluating Current and population. These standards were compiled on nationwide observations based on the Future Needs number of people living within a given area and the park and recreation facilities offered Effective park planning for the future of therein. These standards, therefore, do not Clearlake’s park system requires an analysis necessarily reflect the recreation needs of the of how well existing parks and facilities are City of Clearlake, however, they are an meeting the needs of the residents, what excellent reference point for developing local additional park and facilities will be needed to standards. meet the demand during the next 10 years, and how the services being provided in Clearlake Another standard for providing adequate compares to services provided in other similar recreation and parks land in a community is communities. In preparation of this Master established by the Land Development Plan, Foothill Associates examined several Ordinance (Title 22), as authorized in the different criteria to help assess the adequacy Government Code by the Quimby Act. This of existing parks and facilities, and to standard determines the amount of park land establish the goals for the future. This dedication or in-lieu fees that are required to assessment included the amount of available be paid on new residential development in a park acreage for each 1,000 residents, the community. The objective of this Code is to number of differing park facilities, park establish a minimum standard of three acres of service areas, need for parks and facilities as neighborhood and community park land per expressed in the Community Survey, an 1,000 residents. examination of recreation trends for the future, and comparisons with other comparable For purposes of this study, the NRPA communities. While none of these factors standards have been utilized to determine the alone is adequate basis for guiding the City’s adequacy or inadequacy of the present park future park system, when considered acreages, and to determine the park needs of collectively they do provide a valuable guide. the City in ten years. 5.2 Park Acreage A comparison of some smaller communities where data was available shows that some In order to asses the park and recreation needs have been more successful in meeting this of the City of Clearlake, it is necessary to guideline than others (Table 2). As illustrated consider a number of factors within and in this table on the following page, some surrounding the City, as well as to consider communities have fewer than 2 acres of park standards adopted by similar agencies. for every 1,000 people while others have more Perhaps the most comprehensive standards are than 6 acres. those developed by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). NRPA recognizes a standard of 3 acres per 1,000 population for neighborhood parks and 2 acres per 1,000 for community parks, resulting in an overall standard of 5 acres per 1,000

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Based on the population projections for the Table 2 – 1999 Park Acreage Comparison City as noted in Table 2, the parkland 1999 Population Community Population Acres deficiency would grow to 45.3 acres by the Total Acres year 2010 if no additional parklands were Arcade Creek 20,000 50 2.50 acquired. On the average, approximately 60% Arden Manor 9,500 21 2.21 of this park acreage is needed for Arden Park 10,000 16 1.60 Neighborhood Parks, and the balance for Carmichael 42,000 200 4.76 Community Park. This would mean that Fair Oaks 41,000 122 2.98 approximately 27 acres of new Neighborhood City of 43,000 275 6.40 Park and 18 acres of Community Park will be Folsom needed by 2010. Fulton-El 28,500 82 2.88 Camino 5.3 Park Service Analysis City of Galt 15,200 95 6.22 North 39,000 59 1.51 To assess park acreage needs, it is also Highlands necessary first to understand the meaning of Orangevale 34,000 198 5.82 the term “Recreation Acreage”. This is that Rio Linda- 21,000 100 4.76 Elverta-RPD land available for "usable" recreation. Usable City of recreation acreage does not include open 13,000 39.7 3.05 Clearlake space, trails, or facilities which have limited use or access. The City of Clearlake currently serves over Neighborhood and community parks, under 13,000 residents and operates three parks ideal conditions, are carefully located to totaling 39.7 acres. This equates to 3.05 acres consider convenience to the users, the of park per 1,000 people. Assuming that the traveling distance involved, and safety City of Clearlake adopts the NRPA’s considerations for the residents. However, in recommended park acreage standards of 5 the case of an established community such as acres per 1,000 residents in a combination of the City of Clearlake, additional park sites neighborhood and community parks, the must be secured where possible and feasible, current park acreage needs to serve the present which will not necessarily mean that the park population would be 65 acres of parkland, or a sites will be ideally located nor be of the exact present parkland deficiency of 25.3 acres. size desired. Table 3 – Park Acreage Neighborhood parks are designed to serve approximately 2,000 – 3,500 people, are (Goal 5 Year Population Existing Deficit ac/1,000) provided with limited parking, and visitors are 2000 13,000 65 39.7 25.3 encouraged to walk or bicycle to the park. A 2005 13,357 67 39.7 27.3 reasonable distance for bicycle or pedestrian 2010 17,216 85 39.7 45.3 travel to such a park is about ½ mile, provided there are no physical barriers such as freeways separating the park from the neighborhood.

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Figure 6 – Service Areas

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Community parks provide facilities and to add approximately ten new Neighborhood activities that serve 20,000 – 30,000 people, Parks totaling approximately 27 acres. Three and typically serve residents within a 2 mile Neighborhood Parks in Area 1, two in area 2, area. Since majority of the Community Park at least one in Area 3, and possibly 4 in Area visitors will be coming by automobile or 4. Depending on availability of the school public transportation, physical barriers such as sites for joint use, some of these freeways or rivers, separating the park from Neighborhood Park needs may be part of the service area, is not a detriment supplemented in Area 1 at the Pomo unlike a neighborhood park. Elementary School, Burns Valley Elementary School in Area 2, and Oak Hill Middle School Figure 6 on the previous page illustrates the in Area 4. The recommended facilities to be half mile radius drawn around existing included in these park sites are further neighborhood parks indicating the potential described in Chapter 6. area served by each park, and the Community Parks are shown with both the half mile and 5.4 Planning and Management two mile radius, since Community Parks often serve a dual function as a neighborhood park Considerations for nearby residents while also serving the The following are some additional park site Community Park function for more distant selection, planning and design considerations users and for organized activities. Utilizing for evaluating alternative park sites. these standards, the following paragraphs provide an assessment of the Neighborhood 5.4.1 Major Barriers and Community Park need for the City of Clearlake. Accessibility and location of proposed park site to major barriers such as a freeway or a From the Community Park perspective, it is rail road crossing must be a part of the quite clear from a review of Figure 6 that the evaluation process. If a typical neighborhood easterly half of Area 1, most of Area 2, most park can be safely "walked to," it is of Area 3, and the westerly half of Area 4 are considered accessible. Parks should be presently served by the existing two accessible to all residents, particularly community parks. This Figure also shows younger children. See Figure 7 illustrating the that, in order to adequately provide barriers that exist within the City of Clearlake. Community Park services, the City needs to develop additional Community Parks in mid 5.4.2 Schools portion of Areas 1, the mid to easterly portion Unlike barriers, schools complement parks of Area 2, and the mid to easterly portion of and provide recreational opportunities. Area 4. If the School District is agreeable to Schools in many ways function similarly to a joint use of Oak Hill Middle School, some of park in neighborhoods that lack a formal park. the Community Park needs in Planning Area 4 They provide many of the same recreational could be satisfied. The park acreages needed facilities and play opportunity. in each of these planning areas are further described in section 5.5 of this Chapter. The assessment of the Neighborhood Park need within the City is much more serious. As indicated in Figure 6, there will be a need

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Figure 7 – Major Barriers and Traffic Routes

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Where possible, school sites and parks should help prepare a master plan for the future be located adjacent to each other, there should Community Park and Parkway. When also be joint or coordinated planning to more significant numbers of parcels are acquired, all effectively complement each other’s role and dwellings, unwanted structures and unwanted avoid duplication of facilities. In portions of vegetation from such sites should be removed the City that are fully or nearly fully and the sites returned to open space. As funds developed, and acquisition of a new park site become available and the City is able to is not feasible, joint use of an existing school manage additional parklands, selected portions site during non-school hours should be of the acquired floodplain should be investigated with the School District. developed into a community park with Cooperation between allied agencies and amenities such as athletic facilities, habitat multiple use of public facilities would greatly protection areas, and trails in conformance benefit the public. with the adopted master plan. Planning and design of the park should be done in such a 5.4.3 Natural Streams and Flood manner to accommodate periodic flooding. Plains The remainder of the property not presently There are three creeks of significance in the needed for park or preserved for habitat and City of Clearlake, Molesworth Creek, Cache wildlife protection could be leased for Creek, and Burns Valley Creek (see Figure 8). compatible agricultural uses to generate some While Molesworth and Cache Creeks possess revenue. natural habitat and possible routes for future 5.4.4 Adjacent Recreation Facilities trail corridors, Burns Valley Creek and its associated flood plain provides a rare As noted in Chapter 4, the City of Clearlake is opportunity for the City to convert portions of located in a region that offers a multitude of the 100 Year Flood Plain to open space and outdoor recreational opportunities provided by recreation resource. The Burns Valley Creek the County, State and Federal Agencies. Most drainage corridor and flood plain is an prominent of which is the adjacent Clear excellent natural resource and wildlife habitat. Lake. Parks, open space areas and preserves The adjoining flood plain could provide the located in close proximity to the City of City the badly needed space for a sizable Clearlake provide an additional level of community park, athletic facility, habitat recreational opportunities to the residents of protection areas, and a linear parkway with Clearlake. Although the City’s focus and the multi-use trails running the length of the intent of this Master Plan is principally on the Creek from the City limit to Clear Lake, a City’s Parks and facilities, the activities of the distance of approximately three miles. other parks and open space agencies with park resources in close proximity to Clearlake The City working with Lake County should should be of keen interest to the City since actively pursue funding from FEMA and the these facilities greatly enhance the quality of State to acquire flood prone properties from life for the residents of Clearlake, and account willing sellers in the Burns Valley Creek’s for significant part of the local tourist 100 Year Flood Plain. Once the boundaries of economy. the properties within the flood plain to be acquired have been determined, a natural resource assessment of the area should be conducted. This information would be used to

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Figure 8 – 100 Year Flood Areas

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5.5 Park Planning Areas Planning Area 3, Highlands Harbor, is located south of Lakeshore Dr. and west of The four Park Planning Areas, as illustrated in State HWY 53. This area is presently served Figure 9, have been established with City by the 15.7 acres Redbud Park and Boat Staff for the purpose of planning the City Park Launch. This Area had a population, based on System. The boundaries of the Planning the 2000 census, of 3,048 people which Areas were chosen as a way of defining translates to a total park acreage need of 15.2 neighborhoods within the City. acres of which 9.1 acres should be Neighborhood Park and 6.0 acres should be Planning Area 1, Clearlake Park, is located Community Park. Presently, Planning Area 3 north of Olympic Drive and west of Burns is meeting the park acreage requirements Valley Road. There is presently no statistically, though many more Neighborhood neighborhood or community park in the Park type improvements need to be provided Clearlake Park Area. Planning Area 1 had a at Redbud Park. population, based on the 2000 census, of 2,632 people which translates to a total park Based on population projection for the next 10 acreage need of 13 acres of which 7.9 acres years, this planning area’s population should should be Neighborhood Park and 5.1 acres grow to 3,993 with an associated park acreage should be for a Community Park. need of 20 acres. Based on population projection for the next 10 Planning Area 4, Chapman Track, is located years, this planning area’s population should east of State HWY 53 and south of Hayes grow to 3,448 with an associated park acreage Ave. There is presently neither a need of 17 acres. neighborhood nor a community park in the Chapman Track Area. This Area had a Planning Area 2, Clearlake Highlands, is population, based on the 2000 census, of located between Olympic Dr. and Lakeshore 2,811 people which translates to a total park Dr., and north of Hayes Ave. and east of acreage need of 14.0 acres of which 8.4 acres Burns Valley Rd. This area is presently should be Neighborhood Park and 5.6 acres served by the 22.5 acres Austin Park and should be Community Park. Except for the Harvey Field, and the 1.5 acres Highland existence of Oak Hill Middle School and Park. This Area had a population, based on Yuba College site, this area is presently the 2000 census, of 4,651 people which deficient of 14 acres of park land. translates to a total park acreage need of 23 acres of which 13.8 acres should be Based on population projection for the next 10 Neighborhood Park and 9.2 should be years, this planning area’s population should Community Park. Presently, Planning Area 2 grow to 3,682 with an associated park acreage has a total of 24 acres of park land, indicating need of 18 acres. that the Planning Area 2 is present adequately served park acreage wise. Based on population projection for the next 10 years, this planning area’s population should grow to 6,093 with an associated park acreage need of 30 acres.

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Figure 9 – Planning Areas

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In total, there is a current need of 65 acres of percentage (25%-30%) of “no opinion” in park land in the City of Clearlake whereas questions 7-10 regarding this park may there exists presently 39.7 acres, or a deficit indicate that this park is generally not well currently of 25.3 acres of parkland. Further used. more, in ten years, the City population is 3) Redbud Park / Boat Launch – From projected to increase from 13,142 to 17,216 72%-78% of the respondents indicated that with the need for 85 acres of total park land. the park was maintained in a fair or better 5.6 Recreation Needs Survey condition; the 36% of the respondents concerned about visiting the park at night During the Spring of 2002, City Staff may also include the fishing/boating contacted individuals, community groups, segment of the residents who feel unsafe organizations and school classes to fill out a after dusk. The high rate of dissatisfaction Park Needs Survey, a copy of the survey (48%) with the cleanliness of the restroom questionnaire is located in Appendix C. must he addressed. Approximately 350 survey questionnaires 5.6.2 Future Park Facilities were completed and returned. Professor Lyons of the Yuba College and his class 1) While the respondents indicated very little assisted to tabulate the results of the survey. support for joint use of school facilities for recreational purpose (4.6%), they were Survey questions were structured to elicit much more supportive of developing new responses from City residents regarding their facilities on park land and school sites opinions on the existing City parks, felt needs together (58%). and concerns, recreation preferences, and 2) On the question of the City placing its information regarding the survey participants. emphasis on future park development, The following is the result of the Survey: there appears to be strong support (58%) 5.6.1 Existing City Parks: for improving the existing parks while also acquiring new park lands for new 1) Austin Park – 60-70% of the respondents facilities. indicated that the park was maintained in a fair or better condition; over 40 % of the 3) Regarding what types of parks and natural respondents felt that the athletic fields and areas are most needed in the City, there play equipment were poorly maintained; was no clear indication that any one type 40% of the respondents were concerned of park or natural area was most needed. about visiting the park at night (this park is Community Park with organized park not intended for night time use); as with facilities came out on top with most park needs survey, the cleanliness of Neighborhood Park second, third was the restroom was rated poor or worse by natural open space areas, forth greater 60% of the respondents. access to Clear Lake, and lastly small mini parks. 2) Highland Park – Well over 50% of the respondents rated the maintenance of this 4) On the question of which age group should park as fair or better. This park also is the City place its future emphasis for park considered unsafe to visit at night by 22% improvements, the ranking was as follows: of the respondents, though it is not teenagers (27%), youth (25%), preschool intended for such use. The high

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(18%), adults (16%), and lastly seniors responses, the most frequently mentioned (14%). in descending order: 117-recreational activities, 41- activities for children, 40- 5.6.3 Policy Questions public pools, 35-mainenance, 30- 1) There was 70% support for prohibiting security/unsafe, 20-bathrooms, 18-bike alcoholic beverages from certain parks, trails, 17-basketball courts, 14-activities while 23% disagreed. On the question of for teen’s, 14- landscape trees, 12-BMX requiring liability insurance for use of track, 10-hikingtrails, 10-roller skate rink alcohol, there was 64% for and 21% 4) When residents were asked if the against, with 15% no opinions. respondent or their family would visit 2) Respondents supported having the City Clearlake’s parks more frequently if the parks open from dawn to dusk, excepting above suggested service/improvements for parks with lighted facilities, by a were provided, of 163 responses, 96% margin of 72% to 23%. responded affirmatively. 3) Regarding user fees, the respondents were 5.6.5 Information about the almost equally divided with 46% for and Survey Respondents 42% against. Respondents indicated by a margin of 40% to 50% that they did not 1) Based on the survey results, the support reservations and deposits for use respondents were 40% male and 60% of some park facilities. female. 6% had lived in the City for less than one year, 26% had lived in the city 5.6.4 Recreation Preferences for 1-5 years, 22% from 6-10 years, 31% 1) When residents were asked what their from 11-20 years, and 14% over 20 years. most popular recreation activities were, of 2% of the respondents were 12 years or 37 differing responses, the most frequently less, 48% were 13-18 years old, 8% were mentioned in descending order were: 127- 19-25 years old, 16% were 26-35 years Swimming, 85-biking, 63-hiking, 64-BBQ old, 21% were 36-55 years old, and 5% picnic, 58-fishing, 55-basketball, 49- were over 55 years old. The respondents boating, 49-baseball, 45-camping, 42- represented a good cross section of the football, 26-soccer, 23- rollerblading, 20- community with 24% from Planning Area jogging, 20-Tennis, 19-roller skating, 18- 1, 33% from Planning Area 2, 15% from volley ball, 16-dirt bike, 13-swinging, 11- Planning Area 3, and 28% from Planning water sports. Area 4. 2) When residents were asked what City, 2) Data indicated that 20% of the respondents county or Regional park their families visit lived in a household that had someone 12 most frequently, of 221 differing years or younger, 25% in a household with responses, 40% said Austin and its skate 13-18 years old, 25% in a household that park, 27% Redbud Park, 1% Highland included 19-40 years old, 20% in a Park, 1% Anderson State Park, and 31 % household with 41-55 years old, and 10% others. from a household with a person 56 years or older. 4% of the respondents came 3) When residents were asked what from a household of one, 19% came from recreation facility or park improvement a household of two, 26% came from a they think is most lacking, of 426 household three, 16% came from a

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household of four, and 35% came from a Industry that accounts for over $30 billion household of five or more. of California’s annual economy. As such, Parks and Recreation Agencies need to 3) 21% of the respondents came from a develop joint marketing campaigns with household with a person requiring special the local and regional tourism and accommodations for the disabled. convention bureaus for maximum 4) For the income year 2000, respondents economic benefit. indicated that 17% came from a household with an income less than $13,000, 20% Community Economic Vitality and Other from a household with income between Economic Impacts $13,001-$19,300, 19% from household Park and Recreation is a Critical Factor in with income between $19,301-$30,900, community economic vitality and particularly 12% from household with income between in competing with other communities for $30,901-$38,600, 11% from household desirable industries. Some of the quality of with income between $38,601- $46,300, life factors that most businesses consider in and 21% from households with income business retention and relocation include greater than $46,301. physical environment, recreation amenities, cultural amenities, and climate. The quality of 5.7 Trends Affecting Park and parks, recreation, and open space Recreation opportunities in Clearlake is a vital part in attracting and keeping business. The VIP (Vision, Insight, Planning) Project conducted by the California Park and Demographic, Social, and Cultural Trends Recreation Society’s (CPRS) “Creating 1) Population growth and increased park Community in the 21st Century” report looked usage will place greater burdens on the at the trends affecting parks and recreation State, regional, and local park agencies to field. This summary is based on that report, maintain existing parks and develop “Trend Analysis for Park and Recreation: additional parks and recreation facilities to 2000 and Beyond” written by Tapan Munroe, meet the growing demand. This will Ph.D. In this report, Dr. Munroe looks at the consequently require additional and new emerging trends and issues that will be funding means to acquire, develop, staff, shaping the future and the implications for the and maintain the needed park and park and recreation industry in California. recreation facilities. California Economy 2) Growing ethnic diversity of the State and 1) Parks and Recreation are a critical local population will require greater component of California’s growing understanding of cultural preferences, economy, and communities such as sensitivities, needs, and the need of trained Clearlake which relies so much on tourism staff to cater to the changing cliental. Park as an integral part of the local economy facilities will need to be user-friendly to a needs to take an active role in developing, diverse population. maintaining and promoting local parks and 3) The increasing population of elderly and recreation opportunities. retirees will be more active, more 2) Parks and Recreation activities is a part of financially secure, will be very influential, the larger Tourism and Hospitality and will be more demanding of services.

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They will require new and growing level socioeconomic and environmental benefits of recreational / educational services while of parks and recreation programs. also being a reservoir of potential 7) Increased focus on choice and personal resources for community service that autonomy by customers via technology Parks and Recreation agencies should means that the park and recreation field utilize. must also learn to customize and 4) Income inequality and urban and rural personalize services to effectively compete poverty continues to grow even as with private business. This means that majority of Californians continues to Park and Recreation must embrace prosper. This new inequality is based on information and computer technology in lack of training, education, and the design and delivery of programs and inflexibility to changing workplace. Park services, customize programs with and recreation facilities and programs need customer need in mind, and embrace to be sensitive to this trend and create technology that would help to run more programs to increase access to those with cost-effective programs and operations. limited means. Recreation programs that 8) Emerging trends in business particularly in also help to build work related skills and the area of privatization of services offer job mobility should be encouraged. greater flexibility, help to reduce cost, and 5) Meeting the challenge of crime, violence, improve customer satisfaction. Most Park and concern for personal safety will and Recreation agencies are already continue to be a major issue. The utilizing private contractors for program traditional response of more police, longer instructors and team officials. Some jail terms, and more prisons is not solving communities are using contract park the problem. There is also considerable maintenance effectively. Privatization of evidence that crime rate drops when open other aspects of park and recreation space and recreation opportunities are services may also become more common expanded and improved. Communities in the future. must understand that providing a higher 9) If opportunities exist, communities should level of park and recreation programs can take advantage of ways to create park and be a cost effective way of lowering open space by utilizing programs such as juvenile crime by engaging young people decommissioning of military bases, reuse in creative and healthy activities. Park and of unused utility corridors, reuse of unused Recreation agencies can play an important road right-of-ways, reuse of old landfills, role in collaborating with police, and reuse of vacant lots obtained via tax community development department, foreclosures, etc. community organizations, and business to enhance community livability. Changing Technology and the Communications Revolution 6) Quest for economic sustainability and environmental stewardship becomes a 1) Technology is changing how people view greater and greater issue as Californians where they live and work. For many now, become more concerned with the where they live and work is the same sustainability of their communities and place. Also for senior employees of lifestyles. Park and Recreation needs to companies, time spent away from the become more aware of the long-term office working is increasing. Park and

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recreation needs to take advantage of this related activities is becoming blurred. flexible schedule by offering programs for Many recreational skills are taking on the teleworkers and by providing 24 hour status of career and job related factors. facilities. Park and Recreation needs to take 2) Technology will mean that many advantage of this trend by offering businesses will no longer need to be in programs that provide relaxation and urban centers, employees will be able to fitness benefits while also helping people function in separated, dispersed locations in their careers. linked via computers. The consequence of 4) Park and Recreation can play a major role this will be that cities will change from in educating the public about the dangers employment centers to centers of culture of the couch potato syndrome. Alternative and possibly recreation. With the use of choices should be available through Parks technology, park and recreation can be the and Recreation which can have significant link that prevents isolation and loneliness benefits on health and the quality of life of the decentralized workers by providing for the participants. flexible programs that caters to suburban 5) Time deepening and increasing stress areas where people will live and work. being experienced by majority of 3) Technology and the changing homes of Americans means that Park and Recreation the future will also provide yet another can play an important role in helping to opportunity for providing services to the relieve stress by providing a broad range residents. Homes of the future will be of programs and activities that deal with more than a place to relax, rest, and stress and lifestyle management. entertain friends, it will also be a place to 6) Recreation as a status symbol means that obtain a broad range of services via the the separation between work and leisure- Internet. Parks and Recreation needs to be related activities is becoming blurred. positioned to take advantage of this up- Many recreational skills are taking on the coming change. status of career and job related factors. Time Use Patterns Park and Recreation needs to take 1) Speeding up of American Life and advantage of this trend by offering increasing concerns about “Leisure programs that provide relaxation and Productivity” means that Park and fitness benefits while also helping people Recreation programs that are short, in their careers. effective, and highly focused will meet 7) Park and Recreation can play a major role with greater customer satisfaction. in educating the public about the dangers 2) Time deepening and increasing stress of the couch potato syndrome. Alternative being experienced by majority of choices should be available through Parks Americans means that Park and Recreation and Recreation which can have significant can play an important role in helping to benefits on health and the quality of life relieve stress by providing a broad range for the participants of programs and activities that deal with 5.8 Facilities stress and lifestyle management. 3) Recreation as a status symbol means that Since this is the first Parks Master Plan for the the separation between work and leisure- City of Clearlake and park facilities standards

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have not been adopted, the following Figure There also may be charges associated with use 10, “Suggested Park Facilities Standard for of some of the school facilities that must be City of Clearlake,” is recommended as the assessed for recreational programs. In any starting point for establishing the recreational event, it is to the interest of the City and the facility needs for the City of Clearlake. These School Districts to cooperate and develop a standards have been adopted by many local workable joint use arrangement for school communities to identify the types and facilities since the property owners and numbers of recreational facilities that should residents are party to and fund both entities. be available in their community based on the number of people residing in the area. Analysis of recreation needs based upon overall acreage requirements is only part of When considered with the existing determining the ultimate park needs and recreational facilities available in the existing requirements of the City of Clearlake. City Parks, the school sites, and the Yuba Additional factors must be considered such as Community College Campus, and service area population densities, population standards, this information will help to characteristics, accessibility of available sites, identify what facilities need to be considered and the perceived needs of the community. for inclusion in new park developments and for renovation of existing parks and possibly 5.8.1 Facility Needs for school sites. Facility needs were determined using the This park/facility analysis and the City’s need NRPA standards as guidelines as illustrated in to fund parkland acquisition and development Figure 10. These standards should always be can be greatly influenced by joint use of used with due considerations for the school sites. The joint-use agreements that the community’s unique characteristics, needs, City maintains or is able to develop with the interests, and traditions. In addition, it is School Districts can greatly affect the City’s important to note that these standards need for additional parklands and facilities in represent the average and any community can Planning Areas 1, 2 and 4. This is not a elect to exceed or have lower standards. salvation for all of the City’s Neighborhood In addition to a handful of facilities at the and Community Park needs, but by sharing three City parks, more recreational facilities turf areas, sports fields, facilities and multi- are available at area schools. However, purpose rooms at school sites, the City may be contacts with the local school district did not able to satisfy some of the park facility standard, and utilize whatever funds that may be available or secured to acquire or develop other facilities that are otherwise not available. However, access to school facilities is often limited by school activities and may not continue in perpetuity as school district’s need change. Certain school facilities, such as gymnasiums, may not be available to City’s recreation programs at all due to the scheduling demands of scholastic or sports activities.

37 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 5.0 Park Standards

Figure 10 – NRPA Facilities Standards SUGGESTED PARK FACILITY STANDARDS FOR CITY OF CLEARLAKE BASED PARTLY ON N.R.P.A. STANDARDS City Need To be provided by Need Standard has Facility in To (#/pop.) In Private 2013 City Schools Provide 2003 Provider Basketball 1/5,000 0 3 1 S 0 1 Handball 1/20,000 0 0 0 0 P 0 Tennis 1/2,000 1 9 4 S P 3 Volleyball (sand or 1/5,000 1 3 2 S P 1 indoor) Baseball 1/5,000 0 3 0 S 0 0 Softball 1/5,000 2 4 5 S 0 0 Softball (lighted) 1/30,000 0 0 0 S 0 0 Football 1/20,000 0 0 0 S 0 0 Soccer (youth) 1/5,000 2 3 3 S 0 1 Soccer (Regulation) 1/10,000 0 1 1 S 0 1 ¼ Mile Running 1/20,000 0 0 0 S 0 0 Track Community / 1/10,000 0 1 1 S 0 1 Recreation Center Multi-Use Hard 1/10,000 0 1 1 S 0 1 Surface Court Trail System 1 system/ 0 1 1 0 0 1 region Archery Range 1/50,000 0 0 0 0 0 N Skeet and Trap 1/50,000 0 0 0 0 P N Field Golf: 9 Hole 1/25,000 0 0 0 0 P 0 Golf: 18 hole 1/50,000 0 0 0 0 P 0 Swimming Pool 1/20,000 0 1 1 S 0 1 Dog Park 1/25,000 0 1 1 0 0 1 Skate Park 1/30,000 1 1 1 0 0 0 Group Picnic Area 1/10,000 1 2 2 0 0 1

Symbols: N = Facility of this type not needed through the year 2013 P = To be provided by private recreation provider S = Facility to be provided entirely or partly on school sites thereby reducing the need to duplicate them on park sites City population projected as of 2013 = 18,480 Foothill Associates 1/3/03

38 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 5.0 Park Standards

generate any information regarding the 5.9 Comparison of Park inventory of specific facilities available at each school site. It should also be Agencies understood that school facilities, under best of arrangements, cannot completely fill the 5.9.1 Comparison need for public recreation facilities since In February of 2002, the California Parks public access to school sites are restricted and Recreation Society’s (CPRS) District II generally to non-school hours. Ideally, the conducted a survey of its Agencies. The joint use of school facilities should be data from that survey and information looked upon as supplementing those regarding the City of Clearlake and its park available in the City parks. system were compared, as illustrated in Table 5 below. The comparative Using the NRPA standards as a guide, noted information of the five small communities is below are the recreational facility needs for indicative of the level of park services being the City of Clearlake for the next ten years: offered in these communities. Table 4 – Facility Needs Population

Quantity Facilities While the population of the City of 1 swimming pool Clearlake is the smallest of the five communities compared, the overall 3 basketball courts comparison is still valid since the 3 soccer fields comparison is based on per population. 21 additional softball field 4 tennis courts

1 multi-use trail system 1 multi-purpose recreation center 1 hard surface court (multi-use) 1 volleyball court

Table 5 – Comparative Data for Park Agencies

Acres of Acres of Staff Budget $ Agency Population Developed Parks per/1,000 per Person Parks per/1,000 Arcade Creek Recreation and Park District, 21,000 49 2.3 .23 $23.80 Sacramento County City of Clearlake, Lake County 13,000 39.7 3.0 .15 $8.15 Fulton El-Camino Recreation and Park District, 30,000 80 2.6 .43 $46.60 Sacramento County North Highlands Recreation and Park District, 35,000 60 1.7 .22 $40.00 Sacramento County Rio Linda & Elverta Recreation and Park District, 23,000 35 1.5 .22 $26.90 Sacramento County

39 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 5.0 Park Standards

Acres of Developed Park Lands Equivalent staff presently to maintain As illustrated in Table 4, there is quite a and operate the City Parks. variation in the acres of developed parks Budget Dollars Per Person provided by the selected communities. Although most communities use the NRPA Most telling data in this table is the standards of three acres of Neighborhood Park budget dollars spent per person. In the and two acres of Community Park per 1,000 case of Clearlake, with a 2002 Park residents, very few communities are able to Budget of $105,914, this translates to attain that standard. Therefore, the 39.7 acres of $8.15 budgeted per City resident for developed parks presently provided by the City Park Operation. The average of these of Clearlake should not be alarming by it self. five communities in this comparison However, if the NRPA Standards are to be comes to a budget amount of $29.09 per adopted, the City is 25 acres deficient of park person, or a need for a Park Operation land presently and that acreage deficiency will Budget presently for the City of grow to 45 acres in ten years should be a matter $378,170, if it were to raise its budget to of concern. the average level of these communities, or approximately three times the current Acres of Parks Per 1,000 budget. As indicated in Table 4, City of Clearlake Most telling data in this table is the compares favorably with the other communities budget dollars spent per population. In in the acres of developed parks per 1,000 the case of Clearlake, with a current population. However, it should also be noted Parks Budget of $105,914 for the fiscal that all of these communities fall significantly year, this translates to $8.15 budgeted below the NRPA standard of five acres of park per resident for Park Operation. The land for Neighborhood and Community Parks. average of these five communities in this Staffing Per 1,000 comparison comes to a budget amount of $29.09 per person, or a need for a Park In the area of staff per 1,000, the City of Operation Budget presently for the City Clearlake is definitely below the other of Clearlake of $378,170 if it were to communities. An average of the five raise its budget to the average level of communities would come to .25 staff per 1,000 these communities, or approximately population or a need for 3.25 Full Time three times the current budget amount.

40 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

6.0 Park System Master Plan

This chapter includes recommendations to 6.2 Existing Park and Facility implement the Park System Master Plan, park development priorities, and the Ten-Year Recommendations Capital Improvement Program. 6.2.1 Austin Park 6.1 Park and Facility Austin Park is a Community Park of Recommendations 22.5 acres that provides a variety of park and recreational features as noted in The graphic master plan, Figure 11, on the Table 1 – Park Site Inventory. This park following page illustrates the proposed Park also serves as a Neighborhood Park for System Master Plan for the City of Clearlake. the adjacent neighborhood and provides The plan also includes location of existing Community Park service to portions of school sites and other facilities managed by the Planning Areas 1, 2 and 3. City or other agencies. The Master Plan indicates an eventual need for 5 Community Parks in the City. Two of the parks exist while the other three are proposed. The proposed Community Parks are located in Planning Areas 1, 2, and 4. For Neighborhood Parks, the City may ultimately need ten additional parks, of which six are presently needed and the other four will be needed as the City continues to grow. Naturally, these projections are based on the present City boundaries. Should the City annex additional lands in the future, these parkland deficiencies Some of the recommended will need reevaluation. improvements for this park include: Except for the existing three parks and the • New playground and equipment proposed school/park joint use facilities, the • Replace existing restroom locations of future Community and • More picnic tables and BBQ’s Neighborhood Parks are defined in very general terms and their locations should be considered • A Dog park flexible. The exact location of future parks will • Improve the tennis courts dependent on various factors such as availability • Plant more shade trees of land, availability of willing sellers, proposed • Pave the parking lots area developments, the development of other • Upgrade the irrigation system related public facilities, and park sites that may be dedicated by developers in the future.

41 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

Figure 11 – City of Clearlake Parks System Master Plan

42 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

• Replace pea gravel volleyball court • Build a swimming pool on the south west corner of Olympic Drive and Uhl Avenue.

6.2.2 Haverty Field

• Designate site as a “Senior Park” and provide amenities such as bacchi ball and horse shoe courts, etc. • Pave the parking lot • Provide additional benches and picnic tables Suggested improvements include: • Restroom between Skate Park and Haverty 6.2.4 Redbud Park / Field Thompson Harbor • Drinking fountain Redbud Park is a 15.7 acres community • New turf for baseball fields with irrigation park which provides the City’s primary system boating access to Clear Lake. Redbud • Dug-outs for the ball diamonds Park is the host site of the International • Plant more shade trees Worm Races begun in 1966 by C.C. Schoenberger, a descendent of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain). Park facilities 6.2.3 Highlands Park include a large fishing pier, Highlands Park, 1.5 acre mini park, includes a bandstand/gazebo, group BBQ pit and stand of mature oak trees, picnic tables, BBQ eating area, two grass areas with picnic grills, a lake viewing area, and a floating boat tables, and a restroom/storage building. dock. Also a small beach area for sunbathing Major fishing events such as bass and hand boat launching is at this park. tournaments are staged from this site. Thompson Harbor includes multiple Suggested improvements to this park include: paved boat ramps, boarding docks, and a • A permanent restroom facility large parking area. Three little league baseball fields with a concession stand • Drinking fountain and restrooms are located across Golf • Tot lot and play apparatus Avenue. • Turf and irrigation system

43 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

6.3 Proposed Parks

6.3.1 Community Parks Proposed Community Park A in Planning Area #1 – A community park of approximately 20 acres is recommended in Planning Area #1, possibly adjacent to or with access to Borax Lake and connected to adjacent open space areas. The main features of the park could be Borax Lake and park

facilities may include: • Turf meadows for multi-purpose use • Groves of trees • Group picnic areas • Trails • Playground • Restroom • Parking lot and access road • Dog park

Suggested improvements suggested for this site Proposed Community Park B in include: Planning Area #2 – Develop a Community Park utilizing the Burns • Children’s playground Valley Floodplain and Burns Valley • Replace the restroom Creek. The City, working with the • More picnic tables County Water Resources, State Flood • Upgraded irrigation system Control Agencies, and FEMA should purchase flood prone properties within • More shade trees the Burns Valley Floodplain, remove structures from the purchased parcels, 6.2.5 Master Plans for Existing and convert the assembled area into an Parks open space conservation area. Areas that are least prone to flood damage in A new master plan for Austin Park and Haverty this area could be developed into a Field, Highlands Park, and Redbud Park / Community Park with improvements Thompson Harbor incorporating these and other that would be designed to withstand desired improvements should be prepared and periodic inundation, while the remainder adopted by the City as soon as possible to of the open space area could be retained justify any improvements or changes and to in natural state or restored with native qualify for future grant funds. plantings. Once there is a consensus on acquiring the flood prone properties for flood protection and open space, a

44 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

resource management study should be • Those areas of the future Community conducted to define the exact boundary of the Park that are not needed immediately area that should be purchased and an assessment for park use should be lease out for of the natural resources to be preserved in the compatible agricultural uses such as area. As funds become available, the City and grazing or crop production. its partners should proceed to acquire the targeted properties to assemble the open space Proposed Community Park C in conservation area and the Community Park. Planning Area #4 – The need for a Community Park in Planning Area #4 In the meantime, following the resource could possibly be partially met through a management study, the entire area to be Joint Use Agreement between the City ultimately acquired should be master planned to and the Konocti Unified School District determine how the open space conservation area for the joint uses of the Oak Hill Middle and the Community Park will be managed. For School site. The joint use of the athletic the Community Park portion, some of the types fields, multi-use facility, library, and of recreational features that the City may wish some of the class rooms during non- to include are: school hours would enable the City to • Multi-purpose fields/meadows for outdoor conduct a variety of recreation / cultural events and festivities programs without the need to expend • Lakes and ponds large amounts of capital for acquisition • Equestrian center/pastures and trails and facility development. The school district would benefit by having the City • Multi-use trails offset a significant portion of the • Living farm, botanical garden, food and maintenance and operation costs. The beverage concessions public would benefit from having a • Habitat mitigation/restoration areas facility quickly available to meet many • Outdoor amphitheater pressing park and recreation needs. • RV Campground This school/park facility could also be

• Group picnic facilities combined with Adult Education program • Multi-purpose recreation center during evenings, weekends, and summer • Lighted soccer, softball, and tennis complex months. A child care program could be • Restrooms, access road, parking lots, included to enable parents to attend these security lighting, etc. recreation and Adult Education • Dog park programs without concern for off-site • Water park child care. The program could even include skill training where the school • Park office and corporation yard could be the practical laboratory for a number of job skill programs that could serve the school, recreation, and child care program. With appropriate commitment and cooperation between the City, School District, and County Social Services Agencies, the residents of Clearlake and

45 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

surrounding communities could receive the maintenance service for the park and benefits of additional recreation, education, skill school site for the right to use a portion training, and social services without the need for of the school for recreation programs additional capital investment in new facilities. during non-school hours. Otherwise The City could provide recreation leaders to acquisition and development of a 2 acres oversee the recreation programs, the School site with some basic improvements such District could provide the facilities and as a playground, turf, irrigation system, instructors to conduct the Adult Education shade trees, walkway, and a basketball courses, and the County Social Services court are recommended. Agencies could fund skills training and child care programs. This also could establish a Proposed NP 8 and 9 are low priority model for developing future middle and high with acquisition and development slated schools in conjunction with City and Social beyond the ten year master plan period. Service Agencies. The City should use Quimby Parkland Dedication requirements, and negotiate If the above joint use arrangement cannot be with future land developers in these worked out, the City would need to acquire and neighborhoods for park land. Beyond develop an approximately 20 acres Community that, the City may have to acquire park Park site with a variety of recreation facilities sites with future grant funds, or utilize such as: Development Impact Fees for this purpose. • Soccer and softball complex • Multi-purpose fields. NP 8 and 9 are recommended to be 3 • Multi-use trails and 5 acres respectively with some basic • Tennis complex improvements such as playground, turf, irrigation system, shade trees, walkways, • Group picnic facility a basketball/sports court, and multi-use • Recreation center large turf area. • Dog park • Restrooms, access road, parking lots, etc. Planning Area #2 – In addition to the existing Austin and Highland Parks,

three additional Neighborhood Parks are 6.3.2 Neighborhood Parks recommended in Planning Area 2. Planning Area #1 – There may eventually be a Austin Park need for three Neighborhood Parks in Planning Area #1: Neighborhood Parks (NP) 1, 8 and 9. Depending on circumstances, acquisition of park land could be unnecessary for NP 1 if a joint use agreement could be worked out with the School District for joint use of a portion of the existing Pomo Elementary School. A portion of the school site, that may be unnecessary for school use, could be improved to serve as NP-1. The joint use arrangement could require the City to improve the school site and provide turf

46 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

Highland Park meadow in the center, with a multi –use trail surrounding the meadow, between the trail and the edge of the park would be an area of wood mulch and shade trees providing a buffer to the adjacent residences. The central portion could also include a play apparatus area, group picnic shelter, and scattering of picnic tables around the edge of the meadow. Due to the size of the park and the intent to serve primarily the surrounding neighborhood, parking would be limited to on-street spaces available in the NP-2 and NP-7 are recommended to be five neighborhood thereby encouraging acres each with NP-2 having a medium priority walking or bicycling to the park. A while NP-7 has a low priority. Also, it is small restroom or portable chemical recommended that a joint use agreement be toilet could be provided on the School developed on the Burns Valley Elementary District parking lot. School site for development of a portion of the play ground to serve the NP-11 area. This joint Planning Area #4 – Although four use arrangement would be similar to the Neighborhood Parks are eventually discussion of proposed NP 1 earlier. The NP-2 needed in Planning Area 4, if the School and NP-7 sites should be secured through District is willing to cooperate on joint Quimby Land Dedications from future land use of the Oak Hill Middle School for a developers in the neighborhoods, or otherwise Community Park, the need for one of the acquired with future grants or Development NP-4 could be satisfied with the Impact Fees. development of a playground / neighborhood type park improvements at NP 2 and 7 are recommended to have some this site. Otherwise, the City would basic park improvements such as playground, have to acquire and develop four park turf, irrigation system, shade trees, walkways, a sites. basketball court, and multi-use grass play fields. Of the remaining three Neighborhood Planning Area #3 – In addition to the existing Parks, NP-5 and NP-6 are of moderate 15.7 acres Redbud Park, the plan includes a new priority and should be acquired and Neighborhood Park, NP-3, in Planning Area 3. improved with Grant funds, Quimby This Neighborhood Park could be provided fund, or Development Impact Fees through a cooperative agreement with the (DIF). NP-10 site should be secured, if School District to improve and maintain the possible, through negotiations with triangular, undeveloped school property, of future land developer in the approximately 3.4 acres located between neighborhood, through Quimby Land Woodside Drive, Stonybrook Drive, and Dedication, use of future grants, or the Meadowbrook Drive. use of Development Impact Fees. Some of the suggested improvements for this NP-5, 3 acre site – Suggested park site would include multi-purpose open play improvements would include turf play

47 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

field, paved trail, play apparatus, shade trees, Austin Park to the City limits along basketball court, benches, picnic tables, Burns Valley Greenway. Appropriate, chemical toilet. safe crossings of roads and trail connections to adjacent open space areas NP-6, 5 acre site – Suggested park should be provided for pedestrians, improvements would include multi-purpose turf bicyclists, and equestrians. play field, paved trail, play apparatus, shade trees, basketball court, tennis courts, dog park, Beyond the Class I Trails, an on street benches, individual picnic tables, group picnic Bike Lane and Bike Routes for aiding shelter and tables, restroom, and parking lot. bicyclists to travel more conveniently within and beyond the City is NP-10, 5 acre site – Suggested park recommended. In most cases these bike improvements would include multi-purpose turf lanes and routes are designed to provide play field, paved trail linked to trail system a safer avenue of bicycle travel by along Cache Creek, play apparatus, shade trees, warning the motorist using the same basketball court, dog park, benches, individual road to expect bicyclists along these picnic tables, group picnic shelter and tables, routes. In the case of a bicycle lane, a restroom, and parking lot. separated lane is provided for bicycle 6.3.3 Planning of Neighborhood traffic, while a Bike Route is a designation that bicyclists will be Parks sharing the road with motorists. As soon as any of the park sites are acquired, or in the case of school sites, joint use agreement is 6.5 Park Development secured, a master plan of the park should be Priorities prepared and adopted by the City to justify any proposed improvements and to qualify for future Noted in the following paragraphs and in grant funds Table-6 is the suggested priority for the various park and trail projects required 6.4 Bike and Multi-Use Trails to implement this master plan. The information contained in Table 6 Presently, there are no Class I Bike Trails, illustrates some of the major activities separated, paved trails for pedestrian and that must be undertaken, their sequence bicycle use, in the City of Clearlake. There are and approximate years within which the bike lanes and routes designated in the City, see activities are required to be undertaken Figure 12. However, in addition to the bike to implement this Master Plan. routes and lanes on existing roads, and trails within existing parks, the City should develop a Based on Table 6, the general priority system of interlinked on and off street trail for implementing the master plan system to enable residents to walk and bicycle follows in the descending order noted: safely around the City. 1) Upgrade or improve the existing With the possible development of the parks which are most heavily used or Community Park and Greenway in Burns needed by the public. Valley, Class I trails and walking path should be developed within the park and along the length of Burns Valley Creek from Clear Lake at

48 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

Figure 12 – Bike Lanes and Routes

49 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

2) Develop joint use agreements and help make This CIP assumes a level of Neighborhood Park improvements on school improvement and acquisition program sites in Planning Areas that are not presently that is aggressive, but achievable served by a City park; and plan, adopt, and assuming that the Quimby Ordinance implement bike lane/route system on City and the Development Impact Fee are streets. established, that the City continues to 3) Develop joint use agreements with School actively compete for State and Federal District for development and maintenance of Grants, and takes advantage of outside recreation/education/job training programs funding opportunity such as FEMA at Oak Hill Middle School. funds to acquire flood prone properties and convert such lands to parks and open 4) Improve Highland Park, pursue acquisition space areas. Should the City decide to and development of Community Park in pursue an even more aggressive funding Burns Valley Area, and plan a City Wide strategy of using local bond issue or the Trails System. implementation of a benefit assessment 5) Work to acquire and develop Neighborhood district, the net result will be a faster Parks 4, 5, and 8. realization of this master plan and enhancement of quality of life for the 6) Work to acquire and develop Community residents of Clearlake. Park A. In the long run, the City cannot rely 7) Acquire and develop Neighborhood Parks 2, solely on outside funding means such as 6, 7, 9, and 10. the State and Federal Grants to acquire By prioritizing the park projects and the work to and develop a quality park system. The be undertaken, the City can more efficiently City and its residents must accept that implement this Ten Years Master Plan. The some of the burden of purchasing and acquisition and development projects can be improving their park system must be undertaken at a pace suitable for the City’s born by the community. Once enacted, financial and staff capabilities. funding mechanisms such as the Quimby Parkland Dedication (QPD) or in-lieu Finally, the City should annually re-evaluate the fees and Development Impact Fees priorities and alter the priorities as needed to (DIF) will enable the City to gain needed take advantage of changing circumstances, funds and or additional park lands. opportunities, and availability of outside funds Properly planned and managed, the fees to implement this Ten Year Master Plan. collected through the QPD and DIF will help to provide the matching funds that 6.6 Capital Improvement Program are often required for grant funds and help to reduce the reliance on general The Ten-Year Capital Improvement Program fund for park land acquisition and (CIP), Table 7, illustrates an approach to development. carrying out the necessary improvements to existing parks, undertake the joint improvement / use of school sites, and the acquisition and development of new parks in a systematic manner to address the current and future park and recreation needs of the City.

50 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

Table 6 – City of Clearlake Park Priorities

EXISTING AND PROPOSED PARKS, AND TRAILS Planning Areas Priority Park Acreage Renovate or Upgrade Joint Use Agreement Jointly Improve School Site Secure Funding Prepare Improvement Plans Apply for Grants Develop Education / Recreation Programs Acquire Property Work with Developers Work with Other Agencies Assess Site and prepare Master Plan Austin Park / Haverty 2 H 22.5 2 1 1 1 1 Field (existing) Highland Park 2 H 1.5 2 2 2 2 1 (existing) Redbud Park 3 M 15.7 3 1 2 1 2 (existing) Senior Community 2 H Center (existing) Community Park A 1 L 20 6 4> 4> 6 Community Park B 2 H 60 1-2 3 1-2 4 2-5 2> 1> 2 Community Park C 4 M 20 1* 3 2 3 2 2 1 1 Neighborhood Park 1 1 H 2 1* 1 1 1 1 1 Neighborhood Park 2 2 M 5 3 4 2 3 2> 2> 3 Neighborhood Park 3 3 H 4.3 1* 2 1 2 1 1 Neighborhood Park 4 4 H 2 1* 2 1 2 1 3 1 Neighborhood Park 5 4 M 3 3 4 2 3 2> 2> 3 Neighborhood Park 6 4 M 5 4 5 3 4 3> 3> 4 Neighborhood Park 7 2 L 5 6 6 4 6 3> 3> 6 Neighborhood Park 8 1 L 3 5 6 4 4> 3> 3> 4 Neighborhood Park 9 1 L 5 6 6 5 5> 4> 4> 5 Neighborhood Park 10 4 L 5 6 6 5 6 4> 4> 6 Neighborhood Park 11 2 M 1 1* 2 2 2 1 2 Recreation Trails All M 3-4 2 3-4 1 2> 1> 2 Bike Lane / Route All H 2-3 2 2 1 1> 1

Schedule: 1 = 1-2 years, 2 = 2-4 years, 3 = 5-6 years, 4 = 7-8 years, 5 = 9-10 years, 6= beyond 10 years. Symbols: * = This schedule assumes that joint use agreement can be reached with School District; > = Years and beyond. The priority and the schedule indicated herein should be adjusted annually for changing circumstances and opportunities.

51 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

6.7 Proposed Annual • Neighborhood Park 1 – $50,000 targeted for tot lot, and picnic tables. Acquisition and • Neighborhood Park 3 – $100,000 Development Program targeted for more walk ways, trees, and group picnic shelter. This final section provides details of the fist • Neighborhood Park 4 – $100,000 five rears of the CIP’s Annual Acquisition targeted for turf and irrigation upgrade, and Development Program. shade trees, and picnic tables. 2003 2006 • Austin Park – $287,000 estimated to • Austin Park – $96,000 targeted for Rest build new tot lot and pre-teen play area, room between Skate Park and Harvety new restroom, and redo the basketball Field, drinking fountain, and tennis court court. upgrade. • Senior Community Center – $ 80,000 • Highland Park – $ 60,000 targeted for estimated for staff and senior programs. paving parking lot. • Bike Lane/Route – $50,000 estimated • Community Park B – $250,000 for for bikeway signage and lane stripping. access road, parking lot, irrigation, turf, trees, and park furniture. • Restroom at Rosebud estimated at $150,000. • Neighborhood Park 4 – $100,000 targeted for playground, walkway, shade 2004 shelter, and park furniture. • Austin Park – $123,000 estimated for • Neighborhood Park 11 – $50,000 more picnic facilities, BBQs, irrigation targeted for playground, walkway, and and turf upgrade, planting shade trees, shade trees. park furniture and other improvements. 2007 • Highland Park – $ 96,000 targeted for restroom and playground. • Austin Park – $1,500,000 targeted for development of a swimming pool. • Neighborhood Park 1 – $50,000 targeted for turf, irrigation upgrade, path • Community Park B – $250,000 targeted improvements, and shade trees. for installation of irrigation system, multi-purpose turf field, trees, and trails. • Neighborhood Park 3 – $200,000 targeted for walkway, turf and irrigation, • Community Park C – $100,000 targeted play ground, group picnic shelter, and for partial acquisition payment. portable restroom station. • Neighborhood Park 4 – $50,000 targeted for hard surface play court and park 2005 furniture. • Austin Park – $144,000 targeted for • Recreation Trails – $100,000 targeted parking lot improvements, park for installation of trail segments. furniture, and dog park. • Bike Lane/Route – $50,000 targeted for • Highland Park – $ 60,000 targeted for bike lane and sign maintenance and Senior Park improvements. upgrade. • Redbud Park - $50,000 targeted for playground for youth and pre-teen.

52 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

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53 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 6.0 Park System Master Plan

Table 7 – Ten Year Capital Improvement Plan

54 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 7.0 Funding

7.0 Funding

Implementation of the Master Plan will future facility operation as part of the funding require considerable funding for parkland requirements for the project. It is important not acquisition, planning, design, and capital to develop new facilities unless the financial improvements. A wide variety of potential resources are available to maintain and operate funding sources and in-kind services must the facility. While grant funds are typically be pursed to support the development of the available for parkland acquisition, capital Park System including general fund subsidy, improvements, and some programs, grants are implementation of park dedication ordinance rarely ever available for park maintenance and and development impact fees, grants, operation. donations, sponsorships, volunteer services, user fees, concessionaire fees, facility The following are some of the funding sources rentals and other means. that should be pursued to implement the City of Clearlake’s Park Master Plan. The ability of the City to attract financial support for the Park System will also greatly 7.1 Grants rely on public support for the system based on the quality of the park facilities and 7.1.1 Federal programs offered to the residents, and the 1) Department of Transportation Intermodal perceived role that parks / open space / Surface Transportation Efficiency Act recreation play in the quality of life in (ISTEA) Clearlake and economy of the community. Grants, sponsorships, endowments, The Act allows a portion of the donations, and other forms of outside transportation funds to be used to build funding will also become more of a reality bicycle paths along federal-aid highways, with the adoption of this Master Plan and a roads, trails or parkways. strong community organization that 2) Watershed Assistance Grants Program advocates the development of a quality park (WAG) and recreation system as an integral, vital part of the community. The Clean Water Action Plan calls for the creation of a dedicated source of funding to Funding for the Park System must be build the capacity of existing or new planned for two general purposes. The first watershed partnerships to protect and restore is operating expenses, which are ongoing, their watershed. These partnerships would somewhat predictable, and include serve as national demonstrations or models administration, maintenance, programs, of how to bring together diverse interests to planning, and debt financing for land achieve watershed protection and restoration acquisition. The second category of and of how to ensure diversity in watershed expenditure is for major capital partnerships. improvements. Capital costs are typically discretionary unless major equipment and 3) Cooperative Endangered Species facility replacement or renovation is Conservation Fund required. Proposals for new development in the Park System must consider the cost of

55 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 7.0 Funding

Granted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and riparian resources. Minimum match of Service to a State agency with a 25% of total project cost is required. cooperative agreement with the Secretary of the Interior to assist in the 7) North American Wetlands Conservation development of programs for the Fund conservation of endangered and Granted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife threatened species – including habitat Service, funds are available for wetlands protection, restoration, management and conservation projects to be matched one on acquisition; and public education. Up to one by U.S. non-federal dollars. Special 75% of program costs may be received. consideration is given for migratory bird habitat and other key wildlife habitat. 4) Wildlife Conservation Fund (Partnership Beneficiary eligibility is available to any For Wildlife) organization or individual. Granted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Available for actions to 8) Urban Park and Recreation Recovery conserve fish and wildlife species and Program their habitats; and to provide Funded by the National Park Service, funds opportunities for the public to use and are available for the rehabilitation of enjoy fish and wildlife through non- recreation areas and facilities, demonstration consumptive activities. Eligible for any of innovative approaches to improving fish and wildlife agency in partnership recreation opportunities, and development of with State agencies and private improved recreation planning. These grants organizations and individuals. Up to are matching grants (50% Federal – 50% 33% of program costs may be received local). and private funding match required. 9) Recreational Trails Program 5) Water Banks Program Granted by the Department of Granted by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Agriculture’s Natural Resources Administration, this grant is available to Conservation Service, landowners are develop and maintain recreational trails and eligible for funds to conserve surface trail-related facilities for both non-motorized waters; preserve and improve wetlands and motorized recreational trail uses. A and preserve important nesting, breeding State agency must be designated by the and feeding areas of migratory Governor to receive the funds. waterfowl. Annual payments for 10 years will be made for $7 to $75 per 10) Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, acre. Development and Planning (Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants) 6) Wetlands Grants Grants provided by the National Park Granted by the EPA’s Office of Water, Service to acquire and develop outdoor funds are available to States, local recreation areas and facilities for the general government and not-for-profit public, to meet current and future needs. organizations to develop the capacity to Not more than 50% of the project cost may protect, manage and restore wetlands be federally financed.

56 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 7.0 Funding

11) Environmental Education Grants (EEG) Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP)-Grants offered to local, For grants provided by the EPA’s Office state or federal agencies or non-profit of Environmental Education, funds are entities to provide enhancement or available to support projects to design, additional mitigation related to eligible demonstrate, or disseminate practices, transportation facilities. Eligible projects methods, or techniques related to include highway landscaping and urban environmental education and training. forestry, acquisition restoration or Federal funds will not exceed 75% of the enhancement of resource lands, and project cost. acquisition and/or development of roadside 7.1.2 State recreation opportunities. 1) California’s Department of Conservation 5) Department of Fish and Game Resource Conservation District (RCD) Inland Fisheries Division Grant Project Assistance Program/Grants provides funds for fishery restoration work. This grant annually provides $120,000 to support conservation education and on- The Cigarette and Tobacco Tax Benefit the-ground projects promoting Fund (Proposition 99) provide funds to conservation with landowners and restore fish habitat. The Commercial communities within watersheds. Land Salmon Stamp account provides funds for restoration, fish and wildlife habitat projects directed at restoring salmon enhancement, water quality populations through habitat enhancement or conservation, and public outreach and fish rearing, and for projects designed to education are all eligible actions educate the public on the importance and the supported with this grant. A 25% local ecology of salmon. Action projects are match is required. preferred to studies, evaluations or monitoring. 2) State Lands Commission 6) Wildlife Conservation Board (Generally Can acquire land through Land Bank administers the Federal Land and Water funds and/or exchange. Conservation Fund) 3) Department of Transportation Proposition 19 (1984 Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Bond Act) provides funds to Proposition 116 - Bicycle trails funding. correct the more severe deficiencies in fish 4) Resources Agency and wildlife habitat. Funds may be used only by public agencies to enhance, develop State Environmental License Plate Funds or restore flowing waterways for the – Grants are offered to state agencies, management of fish outside the coastal zone. city or county agencies, or private non- Proposition 70 funds are available for profit organizations to support a variety endangered species and for native trout of projects that help to preserve or habitat restoration. protect environment. Eligible projects include acquisition, restoration or 7) Department of Water Resources enhancement of resource lands and Urban Streams Restoration Program offers endangered species, and development of grants for local street restoration projects for interpretive facilities.

57 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 7.0 Funding

prevention of property damage by floods with protecting water quality in the State of and bank erosion and to restore the California, the State Water Resources natural value of streams. Under the Control Board (State Board) is committed to Proposition 13 - Safe Drinking Water, promoting implementation projects that Clean Water, Watershed Protection and reduce NPS pollution in water bodies of the Flood Protection Act, the grants can State. The February 1987 amendments to fund simple projects such as organizing the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) include volunteer help to monitor and clean up Section 319, which establishes the streams or can fund complex stream framework for non-point sources (NPS) restoration work. Cities, counties, activities on the State level. Implementation districts and nonprofit organizations may projects to reduce NPS loading from various apply for grants. Small unincorporated sources are eligible. NPS implementation community organizations or consulting activities include demonstration projects, firms may apply but must find a non- technology transfer, training, public profit organization or a local government education technical assistance, ordinance to sponsor this proposal. This grant development, and other similar activities program stresses community associated with control of NPS pollution. participation. Water Quality Planning – The State Water 8) Department of Forestry and Fire Resources Control Board provides water Protection quality management planning grants to state, local, and regional agencies to address a The Urban Forestry Grant Program wide variety of surface and ground water (Proposition 12 Tree Planting Grant) quality problems. These funds are provided was created by the Watershed, Wildlife, by the federal government under Sections and Parks Improvement Bond Act. 205 and 604(b) of the Clean Water Act. Cities, counties, districts and nonprofit These grants require a 25% non-federal organizations may apply for grants. match. The funding emphasis is on projects Eligible projects include planting trees that focus directly on corrective or along streets, in dedicated open space preventive actions for water bodies areas, and in public parking lots and identified as "impacted" in the State's Water school yards. Quality Assessment. Forest Stewardship Program - Funded by EPA’s State Wetland Program Development Federal dollars and administered by the – Under the Clean Water Act (CWA) State for private land owners only. Section 104 (b)(3), grants are given to Grants are provided to protect, restore various wetland projects include "multi- and improve wetlands and riparian areas objective river corridor management" to maintain water quality and enhance projects that address multiple use of rivers habitat. and adjacent areas, such as recreation habitat 9) State Water Resources Control Board protection, water quality and open space. Funds are available to assist states, and local The Nonpoint Source Pollution Control government in implementing new programs Program – Non-point sources (NPS) are relating to wetlands preservation and the major cause of water pollution in enhancement. California. As the state agency charged

58 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 7.0 Funding

10) Department of Parks and Recreation matching program. The match must come Land and Water Conservation Fund – from a non-State source. This program has funds available for the Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program – acquisition or development of Eligible applicants include cities, counties, neighborhood, community or regional eligible districts, and eligible local agencies parks or facilities supporting outdoor formed for park purposes, and federally recreation activities. Eligible applicants recognized California Indian tribes. This include counties, cities, recreation and competitive grant program funds the park districts, special districts with development, improvement, rehabilitation, public park and recreation areas. This is restoration, and enhancement of non- a 50/50 matching program. The motorized trails and associated interpretive applicant is expected to finance the facilities for the purpose of increasing public entire project and will be reimbursed access to, and enjoyment of, public areas for 50% of the costs, up to the amount of the increased recreational opportunities. grant. 7.2 Private Riparian and Riverine Habitat Grant Program – To provide funds on a 1) The Conservation Fund – American competitive basis to increase public Greenways Grant Program recreational access, awareness, understanding, enjoyment, protection, Provides grants in recognition of and restoration of California's accomplishments in successful and creative irreplaceable rivers and streams. approaches to developing California Includes the acquisition, development, or Greenways, particularly through overcoming improvement of recreation areas, open obstacles and creative problem-solving. space, parks, and trails in close 2) National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s proximity to rivers and streams. All Grants projects must include a Riparian or Riverine habitat enhancement element A private non-profit established by Congress and also provide for public access. in 1984, the foundation fosters cooperative partnerships to conserve fish, wildlife, Habitat Conservation Fund – This plants, and the habitats on which they program provides funds for a variety of depend. The Foundation works with its habitat conservation projects. Eligible grantees and conservation partners to applicants include counties, cities, or stimulate private, state, and local funding for districts as defined in Subdivision (b) of conservation through challenge grants. the Public Resources Code. Eligible Through a challenge grant, each dollar projects include: deer and lion habitat, awarded by the Foundation must be matched including oak woodlands; habitat for with one non-federal dollar. Projects that rare and endangered, threatened and benefit multiple species, achieve a variety of fully protected species; wildlife corridors resource management objectives, and/or and urban trails; wetlands; aquatic lead to revised management practices that habitat for spawning and rearing of reduce the causes of habitat degradation. A anadromous salmonids and trout species; special emphasis is placed on larger projects and riparian habitat. This is a 50/50 that demonstrate a landscape-level approach

59 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 7.0 Funding

and produce lasting, broad-based results valuable open space, and develop trail and on the ground. Numerous grants would greenway networks. All Rivers & Trails apply to the Dry Creek Parkway projects are locally led and managed, and including “Bring Back the Natives,” begin with an invitation from local agencies “Native Plant Conservation Initiative,” and/or organizations to help. and habitat conservation plans focusing on migratory bird populations. 7.1.6 State 1) Department of Forestry 7.3 Low Cost Services Sells low-cost native trees. Must be 7.1.3 Federal purchased in quantities of 10, habitat and erosion control, but not for landscaping. 1) U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Can also provide discounts if jurisdiction Conservation Service, Resource provides own seed. Ordering requires Conservation District advance planning for availability during Interest is in preserving site-specific proper season. plants. Will collect and propagate seeds 2) Conservation Corps if project approved by local Resource Conservation District. Provides plant materials to any public agency at cost. Prefer 1 to 1-1/2 year lead 7.1.4 State time for preparation of plant materials. 1) Conservation Corps Planting projects do not have to have Corps workers. Provides low cost services for brush clearance and trail building. Sponsor 3) Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention must provide materials, but Corps Technical Assistance Program provides supervision and some tools, and crews often work alongside volunteers. 7.1.7 Other 7.4 Other Services/Materials 1) Special Tax The State constitution permits local 7.1.5 Federal governments to levy taxes for specific purposes if approved by a two-thirds vote of 1) National Parks Service the electorate. The tax must also be Rivers and Trails Conservation authorized by state law. While cities have a Assistance Program – Under the broad choice of taxes which may be used in National Center for Recreation and this manner, counties are much more Conservation. The program provides restricted. A county may, however, use the technical assistance for corridor transient occupancy tax (hotel/motel tax) for conservation plans, statewide general or specific purposes. Some local assessments, conservation workshops, governments in California earmark this tax consultation and information exchange. or a portion of it for recreation and tourism Rivers & Trails staff work on the activities. The County may wish to consider grassroots level with local citizens a new kind of broad tax that could raise park groups and state and local governments revenue with minor impact on any group of to revitalize nearby rivers, preserve taxpayers. Legislative authorization might

60 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 7.0 Funding

be required before such a tax could be file protests. Evolution of the law will presented to the voters. determine whether a County-wide benefit assessment to fund Parkway facilities 2) Benefit Assessment maintenance and development could be Traditionally, benefit assessments have implemented. been used to fund specific Public Works

facilities which directly benefit the 3) In-Kind and Other Funding Sources property assessed and increase its value. Private contributions of materials or Streets, sidewalks, and street lighting are equipment, volunteers and similar types of examples of such facilities. Since assistance are "funding" sources which Proposition 3 was approved, assessments should play a role in future Parkway have been authorized by the Legislature maintenance, development, and for new facilities on a broader scale. In interpretation. Community groups could some cases, voter approvals are required assist with a variety of activities including which make the assessment differ little patrolling, safety programs, maintenance, from a special tax. But in other cases, a tree planting, vegetation management, and vote is not required unless a certain docent tours. percentage of affected property owners

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62 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

A.1 Multiple Objectives Passive Recreation Passive Recreation is defined as any leisure The multiple objectives of Park Planning activity that can be performed by an individual include: or small number of people in non-organized • providing a variety of recreational manner; does not involve motorized recreation opportunities for the public by taking vehicles; and has minimal impacts on the advantage of and protecting local, natural surrounding environment. Examples include resources and features; picnicking, hiking, nature study, fishing, and • providing facilities and spaces to conduct casual bicycling. recreational and community activities while being a good neighbor to adjacent Active Recreation property owners; Active Recreation is defined as any leisure • enhancing the visual, aesthetic and activity which requires one or more environmental quality of the park and individuals to participate in an organized surrounding area; activity with a potential for spectators; which • protecting wildlife habitat, preserving can involve motorized recreational vehicles; unique and endangered species, and and which, due to the type of activity, has a protecting the public from natural hazards; potential for adverse impacts on the natural • accommodate all of the above in a safe environment, nearby park users, or adjacent and economic manner. land uses. Examples include baseball, soccer, skate park, dog park, concerts, festivals, The realization of these objectives requires fishing derby, and bicycle races. careful consideration of the facilities and Group Activity activities to be included in a Park System. Because a Park System Master Plan is Most recreational activities permitted in a intended to guide current and future park parks can involve a group. While Group planning and implementation decisions, the Activities are a recognized use of most Park plan provides specific standards and Systems, they may impact the neighborhood guidelines for the Park System and evaluates a and could conflict with the habitat goals of number of potential recreation activities for some natural parks depending on the type of their suitability within each type of parks in a activity and the size of the group. For this community. reason, park facility and activity areas and scheduling of group activities must be thought The discussion of planning a Park System out with the potential conflicts in mind. includes a number of terms related to recreation and planning that are widely used Special Event but have varying interpretations. These terms A Special Event is defined as an organized are defined herein so that the intent is clear activity that is not normally provided for in a and that future park planning decisions are park, but is permitted in a park subject to consistent with an adopted Master Plan. issuance of a special use permit. Special Events shall occur only in specified areas of the Park System, and limited in frequency to

63 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

avoid potential adverse impacts on the park. Together these Land Use Categories surrounding neighborhood and or the natural describe a continuum from non-disturbed land environment. to the most intensely developed portions of park land. The five categories are: Open Charitable Event Space Preserve; Nature Study Area; A Charitable Event is defined as a type of Historic/Cultural Resource; Limited Public Special Event in which the purpose of Use; and Developed Public Use. The five conducting such an event benefits a charity land use categories are further defined below. that has a 501(c) 3 or other charitable classification from the State or Federal Open Space Preserve governments and where all profits, if any, are This designation is utilized for special areas donated to the charity. A Charitable Event that will be preserved as open space because also requires a special use permit. they are valuable in their present or potentially restored natural state, or because some form of Natural/Habitat Area natural hazard associated with the area Natural or Habitat Area refers to portions of a precludes development and active park use. park that, due to its natural resource and Mitigation, restoration, and limited/controlled wildlife habitat value, has been set aside for public access may occur in this area. the protection and preservation of the resource and or the wildlife. These areas will normally Nature Study Area be off limits to development and active This designation is applied to special habitat recreational use. Public access to these areas areas that can sustain light to moderate public may be restricted and controlled. Open Space access, but would be easily disturbed by heavy Preserve, Nature Study Area, and use. This includes those areas with special Historic/Cultural Resources Area can be characteristics of flora, fauna, topography, and synonymous with Natural/Habitat Area. available surface water. This category is intended to permit only those limited activities Developed and Undeveloped Area and improvements that would not be Developed and Undeveloped Park Areas detrimental to the environmental qualities or refers to portions of a park that has been features. Nature Study Areas are to be set improved with some form of park or aside for study of the natural environment, and recreational development (Developed), and any proposed activities or facilities should be areas of a park intended to be developed for in agreement with the interpretive and some park/recreational use in the future, but educational policies of the park. not yet developed (Undeveloped). In many cases, undeveloped areas may be used for Historic/Cultural Resource Area some related, compatible interim use such as This designation is applied to areas for the crop production, animal grazing, and overflow purpose of preservation and interpretation of parking. historical and cultural resources. Cultural resources may include historical and A.2 Park Land Use archaeological settings, sites, buildings, features, artifacts and/or areas of ethnic, For planning of future parks, especially historical, religious or socio-economical community parks with unique site features, importance. Public use near or upon known five general Land Use Categories are historic sites should be undertaken only when suggested to describe the land uses within the

64 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

adequate security is available to protect the recreation trends and changing community site and its resources. Permitted development needs will generate new ideas for park and activities in this area should avoid or activities and facilities that will need to be minimize any adverse effects to such evaluated for consistency with the vision for resources. This land use designation can both the Park System. Table A-1 identifies many preserve resources and provide community of the recreational uses that could be proposed benefits by linking the present with the past in for different park land use areas. dynamic cultural resource management and historic preservation activities. Limited Public Use Area The Limited Public Use Area designation is applied to lands on which passive recreation may take place without development of extensive facilities. The Limited Public Use Areas generally have unique site features, vegetation, and wildlife habitat which require public access control and limit to park improvements. Such areas may serve as buffers between developed recreation areas and more restrictive areas. Developed Use Area The Developed Use Area designation is the most intensive land use category, and is applied to areas able to withstand extensive development and heavy use. The purpose of the Developed Use Area is to identify areas appropriate for active recreational development so that more sensitive areas can be retained in their more naturalistic state. Developed Use Areas are expected to attract the largest concentration of park users. To minimize adverse impacts to adjacent natural areas, it may be necessity to limit and control some activities in the Developed Use Area through the controlled issuance of Special Use Permit or scheduling. A.3 Potential Recreational Uses A variety of potential recreational uses and activities can occur within a Park System. However, not all of these are compatible with the Agency’s policies or desirable for the neighborhood. In addition, evolving

65 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

Table A- 1 – Activities Allowed in Land Use Areas

Activity Open Space Preserve Area Study Nature Area Use Public Limited Area Use Developed Agricultural Area Resource or Cultural Historic Area Amphitheater • Arboretum ••• • Archery Range •• Baseball • Basketball • Bicycling (Designated Trails) •••••• BMX/All Terrain Cycling • Botanical Garden ••• Camping (Group - Day) •• • Camping (Group - Overnight) •• Boating (Non-motorized) •• Boat Launch •• Community Center (Youth, Teen, Senior, etc.) • Chess/Checker Tables •• • Children's Play Area • Dog Park • Dog Trials • Equestrian Center • Food Service (Mobile) •• • Food Service (Permanent) • Farmers' Market ••• Fishing Access ••• Fishing Piers ••• Football • Frisbee Golf •• Hiking/Nature Trails (Designated) •••••• Horseback Riding (Designated Trails) ••••••

66 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

Table A-1 – Activities Allowed in Land Use Areas (continued)

Activity Open Space Preserve Nature Study Area Area Use Public Limited Developed Use Area Agricultural Area Historic or Cultural Resource Area Horseshoe Pits ••

Kite Festival • Memorial Grove ••• • Natural History Museum • Native Plant Nursery •• Nature Center Building •• Nature Study Area •••••• Painting/Sketching •••••• Photography •••••• Picnicking (Group & Family) •• •

Recreation Rental & Retail • Restoration/Mitigation ••

Shuffel Board • Skateboard Park • Skateboards (on paved trails) ••••••

Special Events Staging (bike races, triathalons, etc.) • Special Use Facility (weddings, parties, etc.) •• Soccer • Staging Area (unpaved) •• Swimming Pools • Tennis Courts • Volleyball •• Walking/Jogging ••••••

67 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

A.4 Non-Recreational Uses of public property, and to insure the appropriateness of the business to the park and the Park System surrounding neighborhood. Although there While the focus of a Park System Master Plan are many potential commercial activities that is to provide public recreation opportunities, could take place in a park, many are open space, and trails, certain commercial inconsistent with the agency’s vision for the activities and public utility functions may be parks, some may be objectionable to the allowed that complement these objectives or community, while many others may be address an essential pubic need. unprofitable and become a burden on the agency. Any business allowed on a park Commercial Activities should be required to pay for all costs incurred If it is determined to be in the public interest by the agency to allow the concession, costs and is approved by the Jurisdiction, associated with maintenance, cleanup, commercial activities could be permitted to monitoring, policing, and any liability occur in a park and be operated by a private associated with allowing the business in the concessionaire, a non-profit foundation, or by park. a public entity. Concessions are generally Public Utilities operated for a profit with the authorization of the Jurisdiction. Concessions are awarded to a Installation of any required public utilities business or an organization when a public within a park shall be consistent with the goals service can be performed more efficiently by and policies of the park master plan and such entities rather than by the property approved by appropriate jurisdictions. The owner, or when the public entity does not evaluation of proposed installations shall want to compete against the private sector. consider the impacts to the specific park, surrounding neighborhood, as well as Commercial activities can be divided into two potential mitigations required. Potential categories and should be consistent with a impacts to be considered include, but are not Master Plan: limited to restricting park development and use opportunities, diminished habitat value, 1) Commercial Services include provision of and impacts to scenic/aesthetic values. services, such as maintenance of grounds and structures, professional recreation A.5 Revenue-Generating instruction, and rental of bicycles. Activities 2) Commercial Sales include the selling of products, such as food and beverages, Fiscal constraints are realistic issues to be recreation equipment, "convenience considered when creating a new park or items,” and other merchandise. renovating an existing park. The costs of maintaining and operating a park can be high. The potential for other types of commercial In light of on-going struggle for limited public activities to occur within a park is not limited funds in most communities, the inclusion of to those mentioned above. However, all revenue-generating activities to offset some of proposed commercial activities should be the maintenance and operation expenses in a closely scrutinized by the agency to determine park is a practical consideration. The list their value to the public, that reasonable below identifies potential revenue-generating concession fee is paid to the agency for the activities that may be appropriate for a park: right to conduct a commercial business on

68 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

The final decision whether any or all the appropriate clearance and separation from following and many more are appropriate vehicular traffic. shall rest with the jurisdiction. Pedestrian/Bicycle Access 1) Concessions for food and beverage Pedestrian and bicycle access points shall be 2) Rental and sales of fishing gear and other designed to provide safe access and egress for consumable recreational equipment both activities including adequate visibility and clearance. Materials used to construct this

3) Fee to attend special events. type of access shall be all-weather and 4) Bike Rental shop appropriate for the specific land use designation. Parking area is not normally 5) Fees for booth at fairs and special events required. 6) Rental fees for reservation of facilities in the park Emergency/Service Vehicle Access 7) Fees for community garden plots This access type can lead to trails and activity areas, and parking areas may be required. 8) Recreation program fees Signage may be required for safe egress to All potential revenue-generating activities on public roads, and to indicate limited usage. a public parks must be approved by the Gates, bollards, or other access control jurisdiction and be consistent with the devices may be required. objectives, goals and policies of the Park Parking Master Plan. Parking can be accommodated within or A.6 Public Access, Roads and adjacent to a park. Parking lots shall be appropriately located for convenience, to Trails minimize adverse impacts to the adjacent Parks require one or several access points, neighborhood, and shall be sized and designed roads, and trails for proper access and appropriate for the specific park use movement within and out to adjacent areas. It designation and activities anticipated. is important that these features be designed in Transit Linkages a manner that will facilitate the intended uses of the parks while minimizing the adverse Transit linkages and accommodations for impacts on habitat, wildlife, vegetation, water alternate modes of transportation shall be quality, flood conveyance, and adjacent land encouraged for the Park System, including the uses. For these reasons and for the sake of coordinated planning of bus stops at major economy, access points, roads, and trails Park access points. Areas designated as should support multiple uses wherever capable of accommodating special events shall possible. also have public transit linkages planned in order to ease parking requirements. Pedestrian Access Points Fishing/Boating Access Pedestrian access points generally require few improvements such as minimal signage, Fishing and boating access to Clear Lake is an walkway or linkage to hiking trails or activity important part of the City Park program for areas. Safety considerations include visibility, residents, but especially for visitors. Effort needs to be made to develop additional

69 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

boating access points and improve the existing both pedestrian and bicyclist will jointly use access areas. Boating and fishing access to the trail with due consideration for each other. Clear Lake provides minimal conflict with In the case of parks with opportunities for trail other park users since optimal fishing linkages to adjacent areas, every effort shall conditions occur in early mornings and late be made to coordinate and plan the park trail evenings while the majority of other Park uses system to tie to the adjacent or regional trail occur during the mid-morning to the mid- system. As such, the trails within the each afternoon hours. Park shall be designed to be consistent with commonly recognized standards for public Roads trails as described herein or as designed by the Vehicular access to Parks shall be convenient, regional trail provider in the area. In planning safe, and result in minimal conflict with and designing trails for the Park, the following adjacent land uses. Roads within Parks shall issues should be considered: be minimized due to cost of installation and maintenance. However, adequate road 1) Compatibility of trail types as they affect provisions shall be provided for maintenance public safety, aesthetics and the natural and emergency access requirements. Paved environment. roads shall be allowed, where appropriate, in 2) Appropriate trail surfaces, widths, and "Developed Recreation Areas" only. These clearance. roads shall be paved, clearly marked, maintained, and vehicles restricted to 3) Type of trail to accommodate need (i.e. authorized routes. multi-use trail versus specific use trail). 4) Combining emergency and maintenance Trails roads with compatible trail types. Each Park should have some form of a The following are the recommended pedestrian and bicycle trail. In some cases, the guidelines for the various types of trails. pedestrian and bicycle trails will be separated and in others they will be combined. In cases where there is only one trail, it is assumed that

Table A- 2 – Recommended Guidelines for Various Trail Types Type Width Surface Terrain Separate Speed Pedestrian Trails 6' Wide, Variable, 8%, Separated from other recommended; 3' compacted soil to maximum types of trails when Wide, minimum paved (wheel chair possible accessible) Bicycle Trails 2-Way – 12' Paved ( AC, 5%, Separated from other 15 MPH, minimum, with concrete, maximum types of trails when maximum minimum 2’ D.G. cemented soil, possible shoulder for etc.) pedestrian use

70 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

Access for Disabled Persons Emergency Vehicle Access Access for persons with disabilities shall be To minimize conflicts between emergency provided whenever feasible. The disabled vehicle access, public vehicle access, and park user shall be offered a wide range of other users of the Park, the designation of opportunities throughout the park. The main emergency and maintenance routes is routes to major facilities and/or events shall be necessary. Development and maintenance of accessible by people with disabilities. Such emergency access and maintenance routes access shall consider adequate widths, within the Parks shall be consistent with the appropriate grades, turning areas, landings, goals and policies of the Park Master Plan. surface materials, and handrails. Proposed facilities and accesses shall conform to the Fire Breaks Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Adequate fire breaks shall be provided along (ADA). the edge of each park. Fire breaks shall be created and maintained to reduce the fire fuel Bridges supply for a distance of 20' - 40' inside of the Where necessary, provide vehicular and or Park property line. pedestrian/bicycle bridges to safely cross creeks, drainage ways, and other unsafe areas. Fire breaks shall provide a cleared separation These bridges shall be structurally sound, between structures and open space functional, sensitive to the surrounding (grasslands) areas, park and adjacent property, environment, aesthetic, incorporate native as well as a division between grasslands, materials where feasible, be easy to maintain, dense brush, and trees. The visual impact of and be in keeping with the design theme fire breaks can be disturbing within a natural adopted for the park. environment; however, to minimize such impacts, consideration should be given to Pedestrian bridges shall consider the same combining fire breaks with maintenance / design considerations as with vehicular emergency routes, access roads, and trails. bridges as they are often required to The installation of fire breaks in a natural line accommodate horses, bicycles, and in some in keeping with the contour of a property will cases maintenance/emergency vehicles. also help to minimize its visual impact. A.7 Public Safety Secondarily, though of equal importance, is vegetative fuel management to reduce the Safety and security measures are an integral potential damage from grass fire. These part of the planning, development, and include 1) pruning practices of trees and management of the Park System. These shrubs to prevent a "ladder" for fire movement measures include the activities of the police from ground level to tree crowns; 2) reduction and fire departments and other emergency or the elimination of low hanging tree limbs agencies are essential to the success and which hang over fire breaks and pose a security of the Park System and park users. potential hazard; and 3) reduction of As with all human uses and activities within accumulated vegetative fuel from park edges the Park, public safety and security operations and below trees. Controlled grazing of cattle, should be conducted in a manner sensitive to horses, sheep, and goats along the edges of the goals and policies of the Park System, and parks with expansive natural areas could help in compliance with existing applicable agency to lessen this fuel load. regulations.

71 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

A.8 Selection of a Park Sites 5) Site Features – Are the natural features of the site desirable for the intended type of a A Park System Master Plan suggests the need park? to locate a number of Neighborhood and 6) Cost of Acquisition and Development – Community Parks in differing in differing Are the costs to acquire and develop the parts of the community. The plan, however, site reasonable, or is the site so unique to rarely identifies specific sites for acquisition be infeasible to acquire and develop? since the inclusion of such information in an adopted Master Plan may be interpreted as 7) Opportunities for Expansion – If the site is inverse condemnation. Rather, the areas of not of ideal size for the type of a park the community that are deficient in parklands envisioned, will there be future may be noted for identifying future park sites. opportunities to add adjacent parcels to In selecting a park site, there may be greater expand the park to the desired size ? or lesser importance placed on the various 8) Joint Use/Development/Multi-Use factors that are listed below, however, Opportunities – Are there some evaluating potential park site against these advantages to the site due to opportunities factors will aid the agency to assess the for Joint Use, Joint Development, and or suitability of the alternative sites for a Multi-Use for compatible uses with other Neighborhood or Community Park: entities? 1) Size, Configuration, Infrastructure – Is the 9) Protection, Preservation of Natural property large enough and of a Resources, and Protection of the Public configuration that would be suitable for from Hazards – Does the selection of this the intended activities and facilities to be site for a park help to protect and preserve included in the park, and are their important Natural Resources or Habitat; or necessary, adequate infrastructure and does converting the site to park or open utilities to serve the proposed park? space area help to protect the public from potential hazards? 2) Distribution in the City/Planning Areas – Is the location of the site suitable to 10) Resource and Environmental Analysis – provide the necessary distribution of the Has an adequate resource inventory and type of park in the City, and is it located in environmental analysis been conducted to proximity to the neighborhood or make reasonable judgment of the community to be served? suitability of the site for the intended park use? 3) Adjacent Land Use – Is the land use surrounding the proposed park site compatible with the proposed park uses or A.9 Park Types, Distribution and will there be unavoidable conflicts? Facilities 4) Access, Linkages or Barriers – Is there The purpose of the following section is to adequate and convenient access to the review the differing types of parks found in a proposed park site; are there necessary or community, their recommended distribution desirable linkages to adjacent trails or and recreation facilities to serve the varied other resources; and are there physical needs of a community. barriers to reaching the site that would discourage or endanger the public?

72 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

1) Mini Park – A park of less than two variety of facilities. An example would be acres, provided with minimal park the City’s Highland Park. Special Purpose improvements. Some of the features Park should have some minimal found on such parks are: improvements: • Walkways • Site sufficient to accommodate the • Turf, shade trees, and flower beds intended use and activities • Paved sports and multi-use court • Appropriate access and parking for the required functions and activities • Small play apparatus area • Required utilities • Some benches and picnic tables • Minimal park amenities to make the Chemical toilets • site functional and appealing to the 2) Neighborhood Parks – A park of two to public ten acres, serving an area of approximately • Located in an area of the City for ease one half mile radius with a population of of access, avoid conflicting adjacent approximately 2,000-3,500. A land uses, and sited to take advantage Neighborhood Park is intended to serve of features important to the intended the adjacent neighborhood and generally uses does not have organized sport facilities. 4) Community Park – A Community Park is a park of twenty to eighty acres, serving a • Some Neighborhood Parks may have a Recreation Center for indoor and two mile area with a population of outdoor recreational programs approximately 20,000-30,000 residents, providing facilities for a variety of • On-street or a combination of on-street organized activities and special events. It and off-street parking is intended to serve several neighborhoods • Larger parks have a restroom while and generally provides specialized smaller parks may have chemical recreational opportunities such as for toilets natural resource protection, interpretation, • Turf, shade trees, and flowerbeds and can be staging ground for multi-use trails that may go beyond the park. • Play apparatus area for youth and pre- Community Parks often have features such teens as: • Group and family picnic areas • Sports complexes and fields for • Multi-purpose open play field(s), ball competitive events fields, and soccer fields • Large multi-use fields for large events, • Pedestrian and bicycle trails festivities, concerts • Hard surface play area • Water features such as ponds, lakes, • Tennis courts and river frontage for fishing and • Dog park boating • Equestrian centers and bridal trails 3) Special Purpose Park – A park of any • Multi-use recreational trails size created for a special purpose or activity and not intended to provide a • Group and family picnic facilities

73 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

• Large play grounds with variety of provided with large parking lot, and equipment should be easily accessible from a • Natural areas for preservation and highway or a major boulevard. Careful protection of habitat and wildlife planning, design, and management of Sports Complexes are necessary to • Amphitheaters and outdoor stages for minimize conflicts with adjacent musical and theatrical performances neighborhood regarding noise, light glare, • Community Center building for traffic and debris. If administration and conducting variety of programs, scheduling can be arranged, joint community activities development and use of such facilities • Restrooms, access roads, parking lots, with a high school, college, or other and administrative offices or agencies can be cost effective. Examples corporation yard of Sports Complexes are: • Botanical garden • Baseball or Softball Complex 5) Regional Park – A Regional Park, in this • Soccer Complex context, is a park of several hundred to • Tennis Complex several thousand acres or more that is managed by the County, State, or Federal • Equestrian Center Agency. Though they primarily serve • Swimming Complex other functions, they also function as a • Gymnasium for variety of indoor Regional Park to the residents of the activities including basketball, surrounding area. The purpose of volleyball, gymnastics Regional Parks is often for habitat • Track and Field facility protection and management, cultural resource preservation, and for limited recreational use. Residents of Clearlake 7) Parkways – A linear park, including are fortunate to have many Regional Parks natural areas with isolated areas of in close vicinity to their home such as the development to accommodate passive Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, recreation, provided with multi-use trails, Cache Creek Management Area, McVicar and often found along rivers, creeks, lake Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, Mendocino edges, or along the ocean. Parkways often National Forest, Cow Mountain BLM provide trail linkages between Recreation Area, Boggs Mountain communities or special interest areas. The Demonstration State Forest, Indian Valley primary purpose of Parkways is to help Reservoir, and the Blue Lake Recreation protect and preserve the riparian and Area. wildlife habitat associated with water bodies, provide a corridor for migration of 6) Sports Complex – A park or a portion of wildlife, and accommodate passive a park developed for the purpose of recreation primarily in the form of conducting one or more specialized, pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian trail organized sports activities which usually use. Parkways can also include areas of require accommodations for teams, the community that are flood prone, areas officials and spectators. A Sports that present hazards to the public, or have Complex is often lighted, fenced to control unique natural features that must be access, fees charged for spectators, protected from development. Some of the

74 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

planning and management issues related to the Parkway such as crop production Parkways are: and grazing. • Need to secure adequate property and • Need to deal with operational issues buffer to minimize conflicts with such as grass fire, litter, vandalism, adjacent neighbors. over use, conflicting uses, non-native plant species, feral cats and dogs, • Need to inventory and assess the flooding, erosion, trespass, etc. natural resources involved in the Parkway early. 8) Open Space/Habit Areas – A park or • Need to develop and implement a portions of a park set aside for the Management Plan for the Parkway that protection of the public by providing open has gone through environmental space buffer, protection of natural review process and has been adopted resources, or the need to protect habitat to by all jurisdictions involved. preserve flora or fauna. Limited public • Need for funding for acquisition, access and use of such areas may be development/restoration, and operation seasonally permitted. Open Space/Habitat of the Parkway. Areas should be large enough to sustain • Need to have means to control public the flora and fauna involved and access and use. connected to adjacent open space or a • Need to have a public education and parkway to avoid being land locked by signage program. urban development. The management issues related to Open Space/Habitat Areas • Need to address safety, security, and are similar to Parkways previously emergencies. described in Subsection 7. • Need to have adequate maintenance 9) Trails – A paved or unpaved designated, and operation staff and budget. linear corridor intended for the use of • Need to protect wildlife and their pedestrian, bicyclists, and equestrian to habitat. travel through parks and natural areas. • Need to involve the community and These trails may be single purpose or volunteers in the management, multi-purpose. Users are encouraged to protection, and restoration of the stay on the trail to avoid creating Parkway. indiscriminate paths that destroy habitat, • Need to work closely with, coordinate increase erosion, and can lead to hazards. with all involved jurisdictions in the The primary purpose of trails is to enable funding, management and monitoring park users to move from one area of the of the Parkway. park to another in a safe and convenient manner. Some of the planning and • Need to establish and manage an management issues related to Trails are: ongoing Parkway Oversight Committee with representatives from • Need to plan the trail system to all involved agencies and select minimize conflicts with existing park community representatives. resources, minimize conflicts with • Need to accommodate compatible adjacent property owners, provide safe interim uses in permitted portions of and convenient route for the public to travel, and do it in a manner that

75 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

provides an interesting and pleasant A.10 Parkland Acquisition, experience that takes advantage of the unique resources of the park or the Planning and Development natural area. Process • Need to be sensitive to and incorporate the policies of the Management Plan The City of Clearlake Parks Master Plan for the Park in which the trail is being guides planning, acquisition and development planned and maintained. of the park system for the next ten year period. Upon its adoption by the City, the Parks • Need for funding for development and Master Plan becomes a part of the City maintenance of the Trail System. General Plan. The following is the suggested • Need to have means to control public process for future park projects: access and use of the Trail System. 1) Acquisition Process – Depending on the • Need to have a public education and project and circumstances, the acquisition signage program regarding the use of process may vary. In addition, properties the Trail System. for parkland may be obtained through • Need to address safety, security, and many different ways including donation, emergencies. exchange, grant from another agency, • Need to involve the community and through some joint use agreement, volunteers in the management and arrangement with a land developer, gift, maintenance of the Trail System. etc., so the process can also differ. The process outlined below is a traditional • Need to work closely with, coordinate purchase approach. with Trail User Groups in the funding, management and monitoring of the Trail System. • Depending on the type of parkland • Need to provide supporting facilities property that is being considered, such as access road, parking lot, review the above sections on Selection staging areas, restrooms, rest areas, of Park Site and Park Facilities and drinking water, picnic tables, evaluate the property related to the informative signage, and trash selection criteria and insure that there receptacles. is sufficient land to accommodate the planned uses and facilities. • Need to deal with operational issues such as trail resurfacing, control of • Review the potential acquisition adjacent vegetation, litter, vandalism, project with affected City Departments over use, conflicting uses, accidents, and other related agencies and emergencies, fist aid, trail patrols, etc. community groups to obtain comments. • Present the proposed acquisition project to the Park and Recreation Committee for comment and support. • Determine how the property will be acquired.

76 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

• Conduct initial investigation regarding and activities to be accommodated at the property including Phase I Toxic this park. Survey, conduct preliminary review of • Conduct a public meeting to inform the project and Initial Study pursuant participants about the features of the to CEQA guidelines, and have a title proposed park site, obtain comments search and appraisal conducted on the or suggestions on the uses and property to determine fair market activities that could be developed on value. the site, and develop a Park Program • Hold a public hearing before the describing facilities and activities to be Planning Commission regarding the included in the park. proposed property acquisition for a • Utilizing the site analysis information, park, possible zoning change, and public and Committee comments, and invite adjacent property owners and the Park Program, prepare alternative interested parties to comment on the conceptual plans illustrating how the proposed acquisition. site could be planned. Conduct a • Assuming that the property is suitable public meeting to review and receive for the intended use, there is a willing comments on the alternative concept seller at a fair market price, there is plans. funding available, there is • Based on public comments and overwhelming support within the City comments of the Park and Recreation and community for the acquisition, Committee on the alternative concept proceed with acquisition. plans, prepare a Draft Master Plan 2) Master Planning – Once the property is incorporating the suggested changes acquired and there is general agreement from the public and the Committee. within the Park and Recreation Committee Prepare a brief summary report and the City Staff for the intended park regarding the Draft Master Plan with and recreational use of the site, then preliminary estimate of cost. If partial proceed with the master planning process. funds are available or anticipated, The process of master planning most parks prepare a phased development are similar, but unique circumstances and schedule illustrating how the park controversial projects may require that could be developed. different approaches are taken. The • Submit the Draft Master Plan with process outlined below is a traditional support information for environmental process for non controversial park project. determination and public comments. • Designate a knowledgeable staff or • Based on environmental assessment select a consultant to conduct the and public comments to the project, master plan process. make required changes or develop • Plan the master planning process, mitigation measures as appropriate and obtain site information, obtain a finalize the Master Plan and Master topographic map of the site if one is Plan Report with cost estimate and not available, gather additional data, phased development analyze the site, and develop a recommendations. Present the Final program describing the requirements Master Plan and Report to the Park and

77 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix A – Park Planning and Development Guidelines

Recreation Committee and the City operational consideration to the Council for adoption. designer. • Utilize the Master Plan and Report to • Monitor, oversee, review progress of apply for additional grant funds and the construction documents, and keep aid. the Park and Recreation Committee and Public Works Department 3) Design Development and Construction appraised of project status and the of the Park – Following the Master Plan anticipated bid schedule. and the availability of funding, prepare • Review pre-final construction park design and construction documents to documents with Public Works and build all or portions of the park local utility companies to insure improvements as funds permit. Continue compliance with all local codes, to improve the park in phases to ordinances, and building requirements. completion. Thereafter, operate and • Based on comments received on the maintain the park and periodically pre-final documents, complete the renovate portions of the park to construction documents. Present the accommodate changing needs or to replace construction documents to the City outdated facilities. Council for authorization to bid. Turn • Work with the City Public Works over all construction documents to Department or retain a consultant to City Public Works Department for provide design services to prepare the bidding, award, and construction of the construction documents. park. • Provide guidance regarding budget, design guidelines, facility use, programmatic activities, and

78 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix B – Planning Area Population

Appendix B – Planning Area Population

Background census tract blocks for the City indicates that The 2000 census indicated that the City of census tract blocks 7-1 and 7-2, as illustrated Clearlake had a population of 13, 142 people. in Figure B-1 covers areas beyond the City of The assessment of the census tract blocks Clearlake. For the purposes of determining the within the City indicated that there were 13, populations of the Planning Areas, the 234 376 people, our assumption is that 234 people people residing outside of the City were in the census tract blocks involving the City equally divided and subtracted from these two resided outside of the City. A review of the census tract blocks

Table B- 1 – Census Tract Block Assessment

Census Population Adjustments for Adjustments for Revised Tract 2000 Census Adj. Adjoining Adjoining Population Blocks Tract Blocks Planning Areas Planning Areas

7-1 1,707 -117 1,590 PA#1 – 6% = 954 PA#2 – 4% = 636

7-2 1,161 -117 1,044 PA#2 – 15%= 157 PA#4 – 85% = 887

7-3 1,198

7-4 770 PA#1 – 55% = 423 PA#2 – 45% = 347

7-5 1,062

7-6 862

8-1 1,154

8-2 1,154

8-3 1,134 PA#1 – 5% = 57 PA#2 – 95% = 1,077

8-4 2,517 PA# 2 – 5% = 126 PA#3 – 95% = 2,391

8-5 657

Based on the previous assessment, the population estimates for the City’s Park Planning Areas are calculated as follows:

79 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix B – Planning Area Population

Table B- 2 – Park Planning Area Population and Park Need

Portion of Acres of Total Acres of Total Census Planning Census Total Park Land Park Land Tract Population Area Tract Population Need Need in Block Block Currently 10 Years 1 7-1 954 7-3 1,198 7-4 423 8-3 57 2,632 13 3,448* 17

2 7-1 636 7-2 157 7-4 347 8-1 1,154 8-2 1,154 8-3 1,077 8-4 126 4,651 23 6,093* 30

3 8-4 2,391 8-5 657 3,048 15 3,993* 20

4 7-2 887 7-5 1,062 7-6 862 2,811 14 3,682* 18

Total Currently 13,142 65 Total in10 17,216 85 Years

Population projection in 10 years based on Lake County’s projected growth of 31%.

80 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix B – Planning Area Population

Figure B- 1 – Census 2000 Block Groups

81 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix B – Planning Area Population

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82 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix C – Park Needs Survey

Appendix C – Park Needs Survey

83 CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Appendix C – Park Needs Survey

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CITY OF CLEARLAKE’S PARK NEEDS SURVEY Return to the City of Clearlake by: March 1, 2002 14050 Olympic Dr., Clearlake, CA 95422 If assistance is needed in completing the survey, please contact city staff at 994-8201 ext. 102

The following questions are designed to elicit your response to the park services offered by the City of Clearlake. Please indicate your response to each question with an “X” or provide the appropriate written response. PLEASE RATE THE CITY OF CLEARLAKE’S PERFORMANCE IN CARING FOR ITS PARKS:

AUSTIN PARK A B C D E Excellent Good Fair Poor No Opinion 1. Maintaining park turf, paved areas, and park † † † † † fixtures

2. Keeping park clean of paper and trash † † † † †

3. Maintaining athletic fields and play equipment † † † † †

4. Keeping park safe to visit at night † † † † †

5. Keeping park safe to visit during the daytime † † † † †

6. Maintaining clean restrooms in the park † † † † †

HIGHLANDS PARK A B C D E Excellent Good Fair Poor No Opinion 7. Maintaining park, and park fixtures † † † † † 8. Keeping park clean of paper and trash † † † † †

9. Keeping park safe to visit at night † † † † †

10. Keeping park safe to visit during the daytime † † † † †

REDBUD PARK/BOAT LAUNCH A B C D E Excellent Good Fair Poor No Opinion 11. Maintaining park turf, paved areas, boat launch † † † † † ramp and park fixtures

12. Keeping park clean of paper and trash † † † † †

13. Keeping park safe to visit at night † † † † †

14. Keeping park safe to visit during the daytime † † † † †

15. Maintaining clean restroom in the park † † † † †

16. If additional park facilities such as gyms, swimming pools or community recreation centers are needed, how should they be provided? † A. Use school facilities during unused hours. † B Develop new facilities on park land. † C. Combination of A and B.

Clearlake Survey Form 02-20-02 1 of 3 17. Where should the City of Clearlake place its emphasis for park development in the future years? † A. Maintain, redesign, or rehabilitate existing parks or facilities. † B. Purchase new park lands for construction of new park facilities. † C. Combination of A and B.

18. What types of parks and natural areas do you think are most needed in the City? (Please check all that apply.) † A. Mini Parks (less than an acre) at many locations in the City. † B. Neighborhood Parks (5-10 acres) within easy bicycle ride for residents. † C. Community Parks (25-75 acres) in several areas of the City with organized recreational facilities. † D. Parks for greater boating, fishing and swimming access to Clear Lake. † E. Natural open space areas for passive recreation, trails, and wildlife protection.

19. In which age group should the City place its future emphasis for park improvements? (Please check all that apply.) † A. Preschool, Age 1-4 † B. Children, Age 5-12 † C. Teenagers, Age 13-18 † D. Adults † E. Senior Citizens

PLEASE INDICATE YOUR LEVEL OF AGREEMENT OR DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING POLICY QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE USE OF CITY PARKS:

A B C D E Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly No Agree Disagree Opinion 20. Use of alcoholic beverages should be prohibited † † † † † in certain parks. 21. Use of facilities that includes alcohol should † † † † † require liability insurance by the user.

22. Parks should only be open for public use from † † † † † dawn to dusk, except for parks with lighted facilities.

23. Special programs and activities should be † † † † † supported by user fees.

24. Reservations and deposits should be required † † † † † for use of some park facilities.

RECREATION PREFERENCES:

25. Please list your family’s five most popular recreation activities:

26. What City, County or Regional Park does your family visit most frequently and why?

Clearlake Survey Form 02-20-02 2 of 3 27. What recreation facility or park improvement do you think is most lacking in the City of Clearlake?

28. Would you or your family visit Clearlake’s parks more frequently if Yes † No † the above suggested service/improvements were provided?

NOW WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR HOUSEHOLD THAT WILL ASSIST US IN PLANNING FUTURE PARK SERVICES. PLEASE BE ASSURED THAT ALL RESPONSES ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND ARE FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES ONLY.

29. What is your gender? † A. Male, † B. Female

30. What are the age groups of persons living in your household? (Please check all that apply.) † A. Under 12 years of age † B. 13 – 18 years of age † C. 19 – 40 years of age † D. 41 – 55 years of age † E. 56 years or over

31. How long have you resided in the City of Clearlake? † A. Less than one year † B. 1 – 5 years † C. 6 – 10 years † D. 11 – 20 years † E. Over 20 years

32. Does any person in your household require special accommodations for the disabled? † A. Yes † B. No

33. Taking all members of your household into account, what income group did your family belong to in the year 2000? † A. Below $13,000 † B. Between $13,001 and $19,300 † C. Between $19,301 and $30,900 † D. Between $30,901 and $38,600 † E. Between $38,601 and $46,300 † F. Greater than $46,301

34. Please indicate the number of people in your household.

† A. One, † B. Two, † C. Three, † D. Four, † E. Five or more

35. Age of individual completing this form. † Under 12, † 13-18, † 19-25, † 26-35, † 36-55, † Over 55

36. Using the following planning area map, please indicate the area where you reside. † A. #1, † B. #2, † C. #3, † D. #4

THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO ASSIST US WITH THIS IMPORTANT SURVEY. PLEASE RETURN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE TO THE CITY OF CLEARLAKE BY MARCH 1, 2002.

Clearlake Survey Form 02-20-02 3 of 3