Open Space Master Plan Inventory

INDEPENDENCE PARKS & SECTION I: OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN INVENTORY

CITY

INDEPENDENCE : PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 PLAN SYSTEM PARKS : To continue this commitment, theCityinitiated the Parks System Plan2015,a integrated system ofparks andnatural areas andawealth ofrecreation opportunities. The CityofIndependenceiscommitted to providing its community witha strong, INTRODUCTION 1.1 Oregon, islocated about10milesto thenortheast ofIndependence. Willamette River and immediately east ofMonmouth,Oregon. Salem,the capital of Ash Creek andtheWillamette River. TheCityislocated onthe west bankofthe is located onrelatively flat terrace andfloodplain areas between the Forks ofthe wildlife habitat aswell asrecreation andtransportation opportunities.Independence Independence, isadominant feature ofthecity’s landscape, providing fishand Willamette Valley. TheWillamette River, flowing alongthe eastern edge of The CityofIndependenceislocated inPolk County, inthecentral partofthe accessible parksystem for allcitizens to enjoy. strategic guidanceandrecommendations onhow to develop aninterconnected and developed facilities andtrails, anda well maintained park system. ThisPlanprovides to provide creative recreation programs, new parks andopenspacesites, well- In short,thePlangives theCityaspecific strategy to meet future challenges inorder facilities, andintroduces policies to improve theprovision of recreation services. the development offuture parks andtrails, recommends improvements to existing and development, creates awayfinding strategy, recommends general locations for It updates theparkclassification system, establishes guidelines forparkplanning natural areas andwilldescribeastrategy for meeting thesefuture community needs. and facility needs.Theplanwillexplore thecommunity’s visionfor parks, trails, and recreation, areas ofgrowth in recreation participation, andchanging communitypark Independence Parks andOpenSpaceMaster Plan1996by identifying new trends in and future recreational trends. purposeofthisPlanis Theprimary to update the its larger, more diverse population to ensure that thecity’s facilities reflect current comprehensive planningeffort that willaddress thechanging recreational needsof PURPOSE OF THE PLAN LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION SECTION I: SECTION

INVENTORY 3 INVENTORY INVENTORY HISTORY (LCDC). The statewide planning goals that have the most applicability to the planning Independence was founded by pioneers who migrated from Independence, Missouri. efforts for the Parks System Plan are as follows: Elvin A. Thorp arrived in the Independence area in 1845 and staked a claim north GOAL 5: Natural Resources, Scenic & Historical Areas & Open Spaces OAR 660-015- of Ash Creek in June of that year. He platted a small townsite that later became 0000(5) known as “Thorp’s Town of Independence” or the “Original Town of Independence” Local governments shall adopt programs that will protect natural resources now known as “Old Town.” It was named by Mrs. Thomas Burbank, wife of one of and conserve scenic, historic, and open space resources for present and future the earliest pioneers, who settled 2 miles south of the city. Thirty square blocks of generations. These resources promote a healthy environment and natural the oldest part of downtown forms the Independence Historic District listed on the landscape that contributes to Oregon’s livability. National Register of Historic Places. Fish and wildlife areas and habitats should be protected and managed in Historically, the agriculture and forest products industries have been the mainstays accordance with the Oregon Wildlife Commission’s fish and wildlife management of the local economy. Independence thrived as a shipping point, by both rail and plans. Stream flow and water levels should be protected and managed at a level boat, for agricultural products and lumber until the 1950s. The city was known for adequate for fish, wildlife, pollution abatement, recreation, aesthetics, and its hops production from the 1890s through the 1940s, hosting a festival called the agriculture. Significant natural areas that are historically, ecologically or scientifically “Hops Fiesta” from the early 1930s to the mid-1950s. Hops no longer dominate local unique, outstanding or important, including those identified by the State Natural agricultural production. Area Preserves Advisory Committee, should be inventoried and evaluated. Plans 1.2 RELATED PLANNING EFFORTS should provide for the preservation of natural areas consistent with an inventory There are several plans, studies, and reports that influence the direction of the City of of scientific, educational, ecological, and recreational needs for significant natural Independence Park System Plan 2015. This summary of the planning efforts reviewed areas. Local, regional, and state governments should be encouraged to investigate during this inventory stage of the process describes the purpose of these documents and utilize fee acquisition, easements, cluster developments, preferential and how they relate to the Park System Plan 2015. The City of Independence has assessment, development rights acquisition and similar techniques to implement completed several initiatives to plan for the future, ranging from large scale system this goal. planning to specific master plans and neighborhood plans. The related planning GOAL 8: Recreational Needs OAR 660-015-0000(8) efforts include a review of statewide planning goals, Oregon Parks and Recreation Local governments shall adopt programs that will satisfy the recreational needs Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, Willamette River Water Trail, and of the citizens of the state and visitors and, where appropriate, provide for local planning efforts. the siting of necessary recreational facilities including destination resorts. The requirements for meeting such needs, now and in the future, shall be planned STATEWIDE PLANNING GOALS for by governmental agencies having responsibility for recreation areas, facilities, Since 1973, Oregon has maintained a strong statewide program for land use planning. and opportunities: (1) in coordination with private enterprise; (2) in appropriate The foundation of that program is a set of 19 Statewide Planning Goals. These proportions; and (3) in such quantity, quality, and locations as is consistent with the goals express the state’s policies on land use and related topics, such as citizen availability of the resources to meet such requirements. State and federal agency involvement, housing, and natural resources. Most of the goals are accompanied by recreation plans shall be coordinated with local and regional recreational needs guidelines, which are suggestions about how a goal may be applied. Guidelines are and plans. Specific guidelines for recreation planning are provided by the statewide not mandatory. planning goal as follows: Oregon’s statewide goals are achieved through local comprehensive planning. State • An inventory of recreation needs in the planning area should be made law requires each city and county to adopt a comprehensive plan and the zoning and based upon adequate research and analysis of public wants and desires. land-division ordinances needed to put the plan into effect. The local comprehensive plans must be consistent with the Statewide Planning Goals. Plans are reviewed for such consistency by the state’s Land Conservation and Development Commission

4 CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 CITY

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review ofrecreation plans by affected local agencies. All state andfederal agencies developing recreation plansshouldallow for acquired. recreational needs requirements shouldbeinventoried andprotected or Unique areas orresources capable ofmeeting oneormore specific priority to areas, facilities, andusesthat meet: Planning andprovision for recreation facilities andopportunitiesshould give recreational activities shouldbe preferred over motorized activities. considered, andto thegreatest extent possiblenon-motorized typesof When developing recreation plans,energy consequences shouldbe facilities. anddeveloping acquiring, when planning, recreation resources, areas, and The State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan could beusedasaguide uses shouldincludeprovision for appropriate recreation opportunities. The planningfor landsandresources capable ofaccommodating multiple by eachagency responsible for developing comprehensive plans. plans andactionprograms to meet recreational needsshouldbe developed in coordination witheachotherandtheprivate interests. Long range standards, roles andresponsibilities shouldbedeveloped by allagencies Recreation landuse to meet recreational needsand development are available to meet recreation needs. adequate research andanalysis oftheresources intheplanningarea that An inventory ofrecreation opportunitiesshouldbemadebasedupon INDEPENDENCE . Needsofvisitors to thestate. f. Areavailableto thepublicatnominalcost, and e. Minimize environmental deterioration, d. Recreational needsrequirements whileproviding themaximum c. Recreational needsofpersonslimited mobilityandfinances, b. Recreational needsrequirements for highdensitypopulation a. facility orareaandintherecreationaluseitself, ofenergy bothinthetransportationconservation ofpersonsto the centers, : PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 PLAN SYSTEM PARKS : Division, may determine sites appropriate for purchase. the Greenway law, isthat theOregon Department ofTransportation, State Parks of useordevelopment withintheGreenway boundaries.Oneofthe features of ordinance, requiring acompatibility review permit for any intensification, change indicate areas ofpotential acquisitionalong the Greenway andadopt provisions, by to adopt Greenway usespermitted boundaries,specify within thoseboundaries, not applyto water-related orwater-dependent uses.Goal15requires localities recreational qualities of theWillamette River Greenway. The setbacklinedoes to protect, maintain preserve, andenhancethenatural, scenic,historic, and A setback lineisrequired to keep structures separated from theriver inorder The Greenway includesalllandswithin150’ofordinary boundary low water. historical, agricultural, economic, andrecreational qualities. out protection andenhancement oftheGreenway, includingitsnatural, scenic, sets forth theoverall framework withinwhich state andlocal governments carry and theState ofOregon. Statewide PlanningGoal15,Willamette River Greenway, Willamette River Greenway isa valuable natural asset oftheCityIndependence qualities oflandsalongtheWillamette River astheWillamette River Greenway. The maintain thenatural, scenic,historical, agricultural, economic, andrecreational Local governments shall adopt programs to protect, conserve, enhance,and GOAL 15:WillametteRiver GreenwayOAR 660-015-0005 • • planning area shouldconsider asamajordeterminant, thecarrying Plans that provide for satisfying the recreation needsofpersons inthe waterways, andOregon Recreation Trails. especially onexisting andpotential state and federal wildandscenic recreation opportunitiesonthepublic waters andshorelands ofthe state Comprehensive plansshouldbedesignedto give ahighpriorityto enhancing exceed thecarrying capacity ofsuchresources. conservation anddevelopment actions provided for bysuchplansshouldnot capacity oftheair, landandwater resources oftheplanningarea. Theland 5 INVENTORY INVENTORY OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT “Outdoor Recreation in Oregon: The Changing Face of the Future” Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) 2008-2012 The current Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) for Oregon was completed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and accepted by the National Park Service (NPS) in January 2008. “Outdoor Recreation in Oregon: The Changing Face of the Future” SCORP constitutes Oregon’s basic five- year plan for outdoor recreation. The purpose of the plan is to provide guidance for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program and information and recommendations to guide federal, state, and local units of government, as well as the private sector, in making policy and planning decisions. The plan also provides guidance for other OPRD-administered grant programs and recommendations to the Oregon State Park System operations, administration, planning, development, and recreation programs. Each state is required to develop a SCORP to be eligible for matching grants from the LWCF grant program. In this plan, OPRD has taken a proactive approach to addressing a limited number of important demographic and social changes facing outdoor recreation providers in Oregon including a rapidly aging population, fewer youth learning outdoor skills, an increasingly diverse population, and physical inactivity within the population. The planning process included a series of studies designed to provide outdoor recreation managers and planners across Oregon with usable knowledge to proactively address key statewide demographic and social changes. The plan includes separate chapters for each of the four demographic and social changes. These chapters include an issue introduction, a description of how the issue will affect recreation providers, a review of current literature related to the issue, a summary of key SCORP research findings, and a set of key planning recommendations for assisting recreation providers across the state to proactively address the issue. The key planning recommendations are provided for the following issues: • A Rapidly Aging Population • Fewer Oregon Youth Learning Outdoor Skills • An Increasingly Diverse Oregon Population • Oregon’s Physical Activity Crisis For each of these topic areas, OPRD provided local recommendations for Oregon communities, including Independence, to consider in their park planning and programming. Each of these topics are highlighted on the following pages.

6 CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 CITY following recommendations we madeinOPRD’s 2008-2012SCORP: proactively prepare for changes associated withanagingOregon population. The undertaken aneffort to examine how recreation providers across the state can facilitating their involvement inactive outdoor recreation activities.OPRDhas in promoting andpreserving thehealthofolderadultsthrough encouraging and have thefacilities and programs inplaceacross the state to take aleadership role her cognitive andmental wellbeing. Clearly, Oregon’s parkand recreation providers that volunteering increases an older adult’s physical health and agility as well as his/ In addition to providing direct benefits tothe community, studies have alsoshown communities orbecome involved inmeaningfuland purposeful volunteer activities. and healthierlives. Boomers willalsohave more time to “give back” to their some relatively simple steps to minimize theriskof they falling, could live longer society. Ifolderadultsincrease physical activity, improve eating habits,and take we are to effectively address thehealthand economic challenges ofanaging focus onpromoting andpreserving thehealthofolderadultsisessential if age of65andby 2030that numberwillgrow to nearly20percent. Anenhanced Within thenext decade, 15percent ofOregon’s total population will be over the A RapidlyAgingOregonPopulation

INDEPENDENCE : PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 PLAN SYSTEM PARKS : POPULATION FOR A RAPIDLY AGING OREGON KEY PLANNINGRECOMMENDATIONS • • • • • in remote settings inclose proximity tourban areas ofthe state. Statewide Recommendation #5: senior walking clubs throughout Oregon. Statewide Recommendation #4: Oregon. match Boomervolunteers withrecreation ornatural resource projects in volunteer information web site orother communications medium to Statewide Recommendation #3: encourage Boomeroutdoor recreation participation. Statewide Recommendation #2: facilitate recreational trail use by Oregon’s Boomerpopulation. Statewide Recommendation #1: i Local Recommendation #2:Plananddevelop regionaltrailsystems ii. Local Recommendation #1:Greater priority for trailacquisition and i. Analysis project. as identified by theSCORP Boomer andPre-Boomer Relocation 79 agerangeinCoastal, SouthernandCentral Oregoncommunities in areasofthestate havinghighest relocation intensity inthe40to Rapidly AgingPopulation) inOPRD-administered grant programs. identified by thePopulation Research Center (undertheheadingA development projectsinhigh-prioritycounties andcommunities as

Identify ways to fundaccessibletrails Facilitate thedevelopment oflocal Create astatewide interagency Develop astatewide marketing plan to Develop astatewide trails web site to

7 INVENTORY INVENTORY KEY PLANNING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FEWER OREGON YOUTH LEARNING OUTDOOR SKILLS

Fewer Oregon Youth Learning Outdoor Skills • Statewide Recommendation #1: Develop a statewide youth Although Oregon is a state with abundant natural resources, there is growing outdoor programming framework and funding source to focus youth evidence that Oregon’s youth are gravitating away from outdoor experiences and programming efforts across Oregon towards addressing a specific set of towards a virtual indoor reality. Analysis of past SCORP survey results indicates that key measurable objectives. participation in traditional outdoor recreation activities such as camping, fishing, • Statewide Recommendation #2: Develop a menu of after-school and hunting have dramatically decreased. It could be argued that because of a programs which are linked to current education standards and that variety of societal changes, Oregon has “lost a generation”of outdoor recreation address key objectives of the statewide youth outdoor programming participants. Research has shown that people who do not participate in outdoor framework. recreation as youth are less likely to participate in those activities as adults. By providing Oregon’s youth with opportunities to learn outdoor recreation skills in • Statewide Recommendation #3: Develop a “Let’s go Camping” outdoor settings, we have the opportunity to rebuild the foundation for future marketing campaign targeting Oregon adults with children with the outdoor recreation participation, reestablish personal connections with nature objective of getting parents outdoors with their children. and their public lands, and improve not only health and well being of future • Statewide Recommendation #4: Create a new Outdoor Recreation youth and adults, but also instill a passion for nature that may parlay into nature Section within the Oregon Recreation and Park Association (ORPA) stewardship. This can be accomplished by engaging Oregon parents in outdoor addressing the areas of outdoor recreation and environmental skill/development activities or engaging youth directly. OPRD’s SCORP presents the education. following recomendations for increasing youth learning outdoor skills: i. Local Recommendation #1: Provide funding and assistance for innovative park designs to connect youth with nature in high- priority counties and communities as identified by the Population Research Center (under the heading Fewer Youth Learning Outdoor Skills) in OPRD administered grant programs.

8 CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 CITY increasing participation inoutdoor recreation activitis by diverse groups: their outdoor recreation needs. The following recommendations were made for recreation activities,andthe constraints that limittheirparticipation to better serve critical to understand how different ethnicand racial groups participate in outdoor important group ofsupporters. AsOregon’s population continues tochange, itis while natural areas, andtheagencies that manage them,loseapotentially populations forego thehealth,social,andotherbenefits ofoutdoor recreation, participate inoutdoor recreation inthe U.S.Asa result,theseunder-represented Research hasidentified that in general, minorities areless likely thanwhites to Asian, andAfrican-American population willmake up22%ofthe state’s population. The face ofOregon ischanging.By theyear 2020,Oregon’s combined Hispanic, OregonPopulationAn IncreasinglyDiverse

INDEPENDENCE : PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 PLAN SYSTEM PARKS : OREGON POPULATION FOR AN INCREASINGLY DIVERSE KEY PLANNINGRECOMMENDATIONS • • • • increasingly diverse population. module related totheoutdoor serving recreation needsofan Statewide Recommendation #4: use ofoutdoor recreation facilities and programs. addressing language barriers to encourage under-represented population Statewide Recommendation #3: increase under-represented population access to outdoor sportsfields. Statewide Recommendation #2: address thediversity issue. change within publicrecreation agencies/organizations to effectively Statewide Recommendation #1: i. Local Recommendation #3:Develop andimplement aregional iii. Local Recommendation #2:Develop andimplement astrategic ii. Local Recommendation #1:Create priorityfor developing group i. and investments inschool-based recreationclubs. participation inoutdoor recreationactivitiesthroughpartnerships youth framework to encourage under-represented youth information to underrepresented populationsinOregon. regional marketing modeldesignedto deliveroutdoor recreation home camping. day-use facilities, recreationaltrails,outdoor sportsfields,close-to-

Create acustomer training service Develop recommendations for Create apilotproject to identify how to Encourage organizational cultural 9 INVENTORY INVENTORY OREGON’S PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CRISIS

Oregon’s Physical Activity Crisis • Statewide Recommendation #1: Develop a statewide marketing plan According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), rates of physical in-activity to encourage Oregonians to become physically active by using park and and obesity in the U.S. have reached epidemic proportions. Overweight and recreation facilities and services. obesity are associated with increases in several chronic diseases such as coronary • Statewide Recommendation #2: Develop and institutionalize the heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and various cancers. Regular, moderate exercise statewide trails web site and add information about physical activity has been proven to reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke, related recreation programs and facilities following completion of the colon cancer, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity and depression. Public recreational trails work. facilities such as trails, swimming pools and parks that are conveniently located have been found to be positively associated with vigorous physical activity in a • Statewide Recommendation #3: Work with the medical community to number of studies, among both adults and children. By providing facilities and get outdoor recreation participation information into medical offices programs which encourage physical activity, parks, and recreation providers can and physician referrals. directly contribute to the battle on physical inactivity, obesity, and rising health • Statewide Recommendation #4: Identify ways to fund recreation costs in Oregon. maintenance and facility development on school grounds. • Statewide Recommendation #5: Develop a strategy to strengthen the role of parks and recreation agencies in the state’s Safe Routes to Schools grant program. • Statewide Recommendation #6: Create a pilot program to identify how to increase under-represented population access to outdoor sports fields. • Statewide Recommendation #7: Identify ways to fund and maintain bicycle trails on Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) right-of- ways which are separated from the road using excess corridor. i. Local Recommendation #1: Greater priority for close-to-home non- motorized trail acquisition and development projects in high-priority counties as identified by the Population Research Center (under the heading A Physical Activity Crisis) in OPRD-administered grant programs.

10 CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 needs targeted by thekey recommendations outlinedinSCORP. development may beableto make thecase that thecity’s population meets the to OPRDfor financial assistance for parkacquisition, master planningandpark As thedemographics change inIndependenceandPolk County, applications for grants as oneofthehighprioritycounties for the following projected categories: expectations ofthefuture. Polk County was notidentified intheappendicesof SCORP report are basedonassumptions developed from analysis ofhistorical trends and specific areas ofthe state where theseissuesare most relevant. The forecasts inthis information isintended to helpOPRD strategically focus resources and efforts toward demographic characteristics suchasage, race/ethnicity, andhealth status. This and projection tables for Oregon counties andselected communities forspecific And finally, theappendicesofSCORP document includespopulation estimates CITY SCORP PRIORITY COUNTIES

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Islander race diversity orBlackrace diversity Increase inpopulation diversity: Hispanic ethnicity diversity, Asian/ Pacific Increase inyouth population between theages of6-17 Increase inagingpopulation 60 years andolder INDEPENDENCE : PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 PLAN SYSTEM PARKS : November, 2012 by RandallRosenberger andKreg Lindberg, Oregon State University College ofForestry:12 2017 Oregon Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan SupportingDocumentation Source: Oregon Resident Outdoor Recreation DemandAnalysis –Polk County Summary, 2013- Seciton I:Table 1-Top Ten ActivitiesinPolk County, 2011 observation / forest /wildflower Other nature /wildlife Bird watching streets /sidewalks /runningon Jogging motorcycling for pleasure Sightseeing /drivingor /sidewalks Bicycling onroads, streets dog parks / off-leash areas Dog walking /going to paths Walking onlocal trails / playground neighborhood park/ General play at a escaping heat /noise,etc. Relaxing, hangingout, sidewalks Walking onlocal streets / User Occasions Where ActivityOccurred Activity Occasions 1,069,213 1,222,461 1,245,124 1,318,295 4,768,423 491,826 570,821 608,756 858,899 924,021 User Car camping with atent Picnicking playground neighborhood park/ General play at a non-local trails /paths Walking /day hiking on motorcycling for pleasure Sightseeing /drivingor escaping heat /noise,etc Relaxing, hangingout, concerts, fairs, festivals Attending outdoor paths Walking onlocal trails / Beach activities–ocean sidewalks Walking onlocal streets / % Population Participating Activity % Population Participating 43.0 44.9 48.2 51.3 54.6 57.8 61.8 64.6 68.0 74.5 11

INVENTORY INVENTORY Section I: Table 2 - Priorities for the Future, What Park and Forest Agencies Should Invest In, Polk County— Mean For 5-Point Likert (1 = “Lowest priority need” to 5 = “Highest priority need”)

OREGON RESIDENT OUTDOOR RECREATION DEMAND ANALYSIS – POLK Item Mean COUNTY SUMMARY Dirt / other soft surface walking trails and paths 3.9 OPRD conducted statewide surveys of Oregon residents regarding their 2011 outdoor recreation participation in Oregon, as well as their opinions about parks and Public access sites to waterways 3.6 recreation management. Surveys were collected and categorized by county. The key Children’s playgrounds and play areas made of natural materials (logs, 3.5 findings of the survey for Polk County are represented in Table 1 - Top Ten Activities water, sand, boulders, hills, trees) in Polk County, 2011. Nature and wildlife viewing areas 3.5 SCORP Polk County: Priorities for the Future Picnic areas and shelters for small visitor groups 3.3 Survey participants were asked about their opinions on priorities for the future in and near their community. Table 2 - Priorities for the Future reports Polk County Off-street bicycle trails and pathways 3.2 results, with items listed in descending order by mean priority ratings. The top Paved / hard surface walking trails and paths 3.1 priority needs for Polk County residents are soft surface walking trails, access to Children’s playgrounds and play areas built with manufactured structures waterways, playgrounds with natural materials (Natural Play Areas) and nature and 3.0 wildlife viewing areas. Picnic areas for small groups, paved walking trails, off-street like swing sets, slides, and climbing apparatuses bicycle trails and nature and wildlife viewing areas rated high as well. Outdoor Community gardens 3.0 tennis and basketball courts and baseball / softball fields rated the lowest on Off-leash dog areas 3.0 priority investments. Picnic areas and shelters for large visitor groups 2.9 Designated paddling routes for canoes, kayaks, rafts, driftboats 2.9 Multi-use fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, etc. 2.6 Baseball / softball fields 2.5 Off-highway vehicle trails / areas 2.5 Basketball courts 2.4 Outdoor tennis courts 2.3

Source: Oregon Resident Outdoor Recreation Demand Analysis –Polk County Summary, 2013- 2017 Oregon Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Supporting Documentation by Randall Rosenberger and Kreg Lindberg, Oregon State University College of Forestry:12 November, 2012

12 CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 Forestry:12 November, 2012 Outdoor Recreation PlanSupportingDocumentation byRandall Rosenberger and KregLindberg, Oregon State University College of Source: Oregon Resident Outdoor Recreation DemandAnalysis –Polk County Summary, 2013-2017Oregon Statewide Comprehensive Section I:Table 3-Value andDelivery for Benefits ofParks andRecreation Polk Services, County CITY Promote tourism Help attract new residents andbusinesses Provide opportunities for socialinteraction Increase property values inyour community Enhance asenseofplaceandcommunity Preserve historical features inyour community Improve mental healthandreduce stress Help reduce crime Preserve openspaceandtheenvironment Make your community amore desirable placeto live Improve physical healthandfitness Value For Benefits ofParks andRecreation Services—Mean for 5-point Likert (1=”Least valued” to 5=“Most valued”)

INDEPENDENCE Benefit : PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 PLAN SYSTEM PARKS : Mean Value 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.5 3.7 3.8 3.9 4.1 4.3 4.3 4.3 Help attract new residents andbusinesses Increase property values inyour community Promote tourism Improve mental healthandreduce stress Help reduce crime Enhance asenseofplaceandcommunity Provide opportunities for socialinteraction Preserve historical features inyour community Preserve openspaceandtheenvironment Make your community amore desirable placeto live Improve physical healthandfitness forServices—Mean 5-point Likert (1=”Currently does notdeliver at all”to 5=“Currently delivers Delivery ofBenefits ofParks andRecreation extremely well”) Benefit Delivery Mean 2.8 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.3 parks andrecreation services. overall preferences for values andbenefits of Recreation Polk Services, County Value andDelivery for Benefits ofParks and the highest delivered inPolk County. desirability andpreserving openspacerated with improving physical health,community ranged from ameanscore of2.8to 3.3, for socialinteraction. Delivery ofbenefits / businessesandproviding opportunities promoting tourism, attracting new residents Lowest valued benefits in Polk County included space rated thehighest valued inPolk County. community desirability andpreserving open the 5-point scale, improving physical health, Ranging from ameanscore of3.1to 4.3on provided by parkandrecreation agencies. asked theiropinionsrelated to thebenefits in outdoor recreation activities were also Polk County residents that participated Benefits of andRecreationServices Parks SCORP Polk for County:Value andDelivery presents the Table 3- 13

INVENTORY INVENTORY OPRD: WILLAMETTE RIVER WATER TRAIL Section I: Figure 1 - Willamette Water Trail Map: Miles 97-93 The Willamette River Water Trail was developed by a core partnership consisting of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the American Heritage Rivers Initiation, the National Park Service’s Rivers and Trails Program, and the Willamette Riverkeeper. Water trails are rivers that act as corridors or “trails.” Water trail facilities are legal and safe put-ins and take-outs, parking, restrooms and camping, all designed for kayaks, canoes, drift boats and other small, motor-free water craft. Some of Oregon’s water trails were completely grassroots driven and some were developed by a coalition of private groups and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The need for water trails grew out of several issues including: • A need to address conflicts between motorized and non-motorized boaters. • The need for more public access to Oregon’s waterways. • The need for consistent information including signs and maps. The Willamette River Water Trail (shown inFigure 1 and Figure 2) is an assemblage of properties that provide access for paddlers to the Willamette River, or afford opportunities to camp along the river. The trail also has two key guides that enable people to identify campsites, track river features, and that offer a bit of history and information on what can be found as you travel the river. At its core, the Water Trail helps enable paddlers to enjoy the Willamette River for a short trip, or a multi-day trip along the river. The Trail covers 187 miles of the mainstem Willamette River, and several miles of the river on the Coast Fork Willamette, Middle Fork Willamette, and the McKenzie River. With a host of parks and natural areas, especially Willamette Greenway Sites, administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the Water Trail maintains a host of opportunities to access the Willamette River.

14 CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 Section I:Figure 2-Overall Willamette Water Trail Map CITY

INDEPENDENCE : PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 PLAN SYSTEM PARKS : The following system planswilldirectly relate to Parks System Plan: The CityofIndependenceplansandoperates many different systems across thecity. CITY SYSTEMS PLANNING • • • • • • Parks andOpenSpaceMaster Plan1996 City ofIndependenceComprehensive Plan1993 Ash Creek Trail Plan2005 City ofIndependence:UrbanRenewal Plan2001 Independence ActionPlan Independence 2020VisionPlan 15

INVENTORY INVENTORY CITY OF INDEPENDENCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1993 Fish and Wildlife Policies: While several related planning efforts will influence the direction and outcomes 1. Independence shall preserve the riparian vegetation along the of the Parks System Plan, most important of these is the City of Independence Willamette River and Ash Creek. Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is mandated by the state to be in 2. Independence shall seek available funding to study feasibility of conformance with 19 Oregon Statewide Planning Goals, including those related to development of Ash Creek floodplain as a nature center, park and land use planning, open spaces, historic resources and natural areas, and parks and wildlife sanctuary. recreation. Land development and related activities, including the City’s development ordinances, must be consistent with goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. 3. Independence shall maintain the sewage treatment lagoons as de facto Other plans, such as those related to parks, recreation and natural areas also must waterfowl sanctuary by limiting public access. be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Comprehensive Plan focus areas that are 4. Independence shall encourage other agencies and responsible private relevant to the formation of the new Parks System Plan are as follows: groups in any effort to improve wildlife habitat long the Willamette River and Ash Creek. Natural Hazards and Disasters Goal: To protect life and property from natural disasters and hazards. Waterfront Area Policies: 1. Independence shall encourage existing waterfront activities that retain Policies: the characteristics of previous uses of the river. 1. Independence will not permit development other than open space park uses within the floodway. 2. Independence shall preserve present riparian vegetation along the Willamette River through setback requirements. Natural Resources Willamette Greenway Goal: To preserve and encourage wise use of available natural resources. Goal: To protect, conserve, enhance, and maintain the scenic, historical, agricultural, economic and In order to preserve and encourage wise use of available natural resources, recreational quality of land along the Willamette River. all development within the City of Independence will comply with applicable state environmental rules, regulations, and standards. Policies: 1. Independence will cooperate with governmental agencies and special Open Space Policies: districts to protect all Willamette Greenway lands and resources. 1. Independence shall develop and implement an amendment to the subdivision ordinance requiring parkland dedication or payment in lieu 2. Independence encourages agricultural uses within the Willamette River of dedication. Greenway. 2. Independence shall encourage a buffer of open space where feasible 3. Independence considers existing aggregate uses within the Willamette between Monmouth city limits and shall encourage and coordinate with Greenway. Monmouth to do the same. 4. Independence considers publicly owned land in the Greenway to have 3. Independence shall maintain the Ash Creek and Willamette River recreational value and will encourage its use as such. floodway as open space. 5. Independence recognizes the confluence of Ash Creek as an archaeological significant area, a wildlife habitat, a park expansion Scenic Resources Policies: area, a scenic area, a flood proves area, and protects it with Greenway 1. Independence shall encourage preservation of scenic views through implementation tools. building height limitations along the Willamette River. 6. Independence recognizes the importance of vegetation to the resource quality along the river and will encourage the preservation of it within the greenway.

16 CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 Department, amemberofyouth, theHispanicpopulation andneighborhood groups. Committee included representatives from theCityCouncil, ParkBoard, the Police informed andinvolved citizens. People invited to participate intheCitizen Advisory team in acquiringinputfrom thepublicat large andcontributed theiropinionsas process. Themembers provided guidanceandassistance to themaster plan A Citizen Committee Advisory was formed atthebeginningofmaster planning as atool to secure grants andprivate fundingfor parkimprovements. plan was usedasaguideto develop theCapital Improvement program for parks and recreational opportunities forallitscitizens andimprove qualityof life. The master desires oftheresidents andaconcrete step intheCity’s continued efforts to provide master planwas undertaken at that timeasa response to growth andthe expressed In 1996,Independenceadopted theParks andOpenSpaceMaster Plan.Theten year CITY CITY OF INDEPENDENCE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN 1996 Recreation Public Facilities: Schools Policies: surrounding areas. Goal: To forthecitizensofIndependenceand visitors from provideadequaterecreation opportunities

OF 4. 3. 2. 1. 2. 1.

INDEPENDENCE recreational facilities. Independence shallencourage usage ofpublicparks andother Park (formerly Polk MarinePark) whenfundingbecomes available,. Independence shallencourage acquisitionoflandnorthRiverview activities forseniorcitizens and youth. Independence shallassist inmaintaining programs ofleisure time condition, usage, andadequacyofthepresent park system. Independence shallseekavailable fundingorassistance to evaluate the and neighborhoodparks. should begiven to multi-usesofschoolproperty suchasopenspace facilities that may be expanded astheneedarises.Encouragement The future schoolsites shouldbesufficiently large to provide school program having adirect bearingontheschoollocation orcityservices. between thecityand district regarding any development or However, theCityshallencourage andpromote cooperative planning Central SchoolDistrict to planallelements they provide. oftheservices The Cityofindependencerecognizes theneedandabilityof : PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 PLAN SYSTEM PARKS : with several community members includingtheChamberofCommerce Director, the were heldto solicitsuggestions from citizens. Inaddition, interviews were conducted distributed doorto doorby aCitizen Committee Advisory member. Public workshops were alsodistributed by theCityManager at aschoolassembly;Spanishversion was of IndependenceNewsletter to allpeoplewithanIndependenceaddress. Surveys A parksystem survey was created anddistributed asaninsertto thequarterly City recommendations includedthe following Goals: the recommendations that more smallparks becreated. The overall park system in locations withoutparks within walking distance. Thisdeficiency was reflected in development occurringandanticipated to occurintheprojected ten years willbe within five minutes withoutcrossing amajorarterial. Almost allofthenew residential mile ofthefacility. At the time,onlyalittle over halfthe residents can walk toapark gardens andhistoric exhibits are usedmost highlyby peoplewholive withinonehalf people wholive withinonequarter mileofthefacility. Bicycling, skating, botanical Walking andrunning trails, playgrounds, andswimming poolsare usedmostly by factor whenpeopledecidewhether ornotto participate in recreational activities. (Statewide Comprehensive Recreation Plan)andother studies, distance was amajor below recommended guidelines.Theplanunderscored that according to SCORP population, distance from parks, actualparkspace,anddiversity of facilities were the Cityofindependencemet theminimumstandard for acres ofparkpercapita 50,000 donothave thesameapplicability to theCityofIndependence.At thetime, The national park standards for park system planning for cities withapopulation of for larger citiesonto rural citieswithsmallerpopulation size suchasIndependence. The Parks Master Planacknowledged thedifficultyofapplying national park standards Chief ofPolice, andtheFacilities Director for theSchoolDistrict. • • • neighborhood functions. children andadolescents, seniors, andonesthat willaccommodate small Corvallis Road). Includefacilities for young children andparents, older Avenue, GunClubRoad, Hoffman Road, Polk Street, Highway 51or without having to cross themajor arterials inthecommunity (Monmouth park/playground oramini-neighborhood parkandcan reach that park residents are nomore thanafive minute walk from aneighborhood Establish mini-neighborhoodparks sothat asnecessary most ofall Include intense usefacilities for individualand team sports. Monmouth Avenue between Corvallis Road and the western City limits. Avenue between Highway 51andGunClubRoad; onesouthof Establish two neighborhoodpark/playgrounds: onenorth ofMonmouth accommodate large groups andavariety ofactivities. Develop acommunity parkandcommunity center whichcan 17

INVENTORY INVENTORY • Establish a Linear Park along Ash Creek from Central School District at the INDEPENDENCE ACTION PLAN western Edge to Ash Street on the east. The planning process for Independence 2020 Vision Plan resulted in a list of projects • Preserve some land along Ash Creek as a conservation area. that when implemented, will move the community towards a shared vision. The action plan provides a road map for accomplishing Independence’s 2020 vision. The plan recognized the need to address three priority areas in the city: The plan is shaped by the values and ideas of the community. Specific actions are 1. Creating access to Wildfang Park identified, and a timeline, lead partner, and supporting partners are identified to ensure implementation. The action plan contains three pieces: community values, 2. The Gun Club Road- Ash Creek Neighborhood was one of the more a 2020 vision statement, and an action plan. With a clear picture of the future densely inhabited areas of town and was without convenient access to articulated in the vision statement, community members developed a set of actions a park. The neighborhood association was active in efforts to get a park to help them realize their vision. These initial actions were organized these into built near them and focused their attention on the site deeded to the emphasis areas and identified seven goals: City by the Northgate subdivision developers. • Enhance Independence’s Historic Character 3. Riverview Park needs renovation for aesthetic and economic reasons as well as recreation. • Develop a Vibrant Downtown • Create an Accessible Community INDEPENDENCE 2020 VISION PLAN Independence 2020 is a community-wide visioning process sponsored by the City • Focus on Youth of Independence in cooperation with several community partners. The goal of • Improve and Promote Community Assets Independence 2020 is to set a road map for the future with input from those that • Sustainability at Work live, work, and play in the community. The plan provides an opportunity for the community to continue to shape the kind of city that future generations will be • Promote Economic Vitality proud to call home. Independence 2020 is not a “City” of Independence plan but rather a community plan with the benefits and responsibility of development and Goal: Create an accessible community implementation shared among a broad range of partners. Independence is a diverse City that values people of all ages and cultures. The City should continue to be welcoming in its services and at its facilities. Services The year-long vision plan process began in the summer of 2008 with the objective should be accessible to all regardless of ethnicity or age. Facilities should provide of updating the City’s vision statement and developing an action plan to implement opportunities for all residents and be ADA accessible. Finally the City should be this vision. In addition as part of Independence 2020, existing market conditions were easy to navigate whether walking, biking, or taking public transit. Independence analyzed, a retail business development strategy was identified, a code audit of the will remain a great place to live far into the future if opportunities are made existing zoning ordinance was performed, and development and design standards available to all people living in the City. and guidelines were created as the necessary regulatory framework to implement the vision. Top Strategy 1: Provide/champion more transportation options. If it is easy to get around the City of Independence, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy all the City has to offer. Independence is the perfect size to travel on foot or by bike. Currently, however, the public realm is not inviting and residents take unnecessary trips by car as a result. More opportunities should be provided to get people out of their cars and promote community members interacting with one another. The Ash Creek Trail serves as a multi-modal path that will connect the residential neighborhoods with the historic downtown. Creating additional connections will help stimulate the downtown economy.

18 CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 CITY Actions: Top Strategy 3: Actions: Paddle andCycle Oregon participants. system willalsoactasaneconomic engine,attracting visitors from the regionand and waterways, includingAshCreek andtheWillamette River. A strong park improved parks willallow residents to take advantage oftheCity’s natural setting provide high-qualityparks that offer its residents a range ofactivities.Existing and to play, andfamilies to spendtime together outdoors. Independenceshould Parks are akey partofany City, providing aplacefor residents to gather, kids Top Strategy 2: Actions:

3. 2. 1. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. 4. 3. 2. 1. OF

Build accessibleplayground inRiverview Park Continue current sidewalk repair program businesses Improve accessibilityto community buildings,events anddowntown Build/improve skate park withMonmouth Continue to develop Mountain FirNature Park Update Parks &OpenSpaceMaster Plan Build adogpark Create more baseball,softballandsoccerfields Improve neighborhood parks Complete AshCreek Trail Riverfront Park SportComplex Include cross-country runningTrail anddisc-golf course inNorth Independence (lookat developing arubber-tired trolley system) Increase frequency between ofbusservice Monmouthand Work to create more north-southandeast-west collectors Create aMonmouthStreet “CommunityCorridor” (emphasize accessibility) Promote andprovide opportunities for walkability andbikability INDEPENDENCE Improve ADA accessibility Provide more opportunities for alltypesof recreation inparks. : PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 PLAN SYSTEM PARKS : Goal: Focusonyouth likely to move away from thearea. of thecommunity. Ifthere are opportunities for employment, youth willbeless access to healthy activities,they will get into less trouble andbecome more apart and safe thingsto do, placesto gather, and opportunities for jobs. If youth have In order to ensure that Independenceisa great placefor youth, there must befun Top Strategy 4: Independence andraise families of theirown. goal, Independencemust alsobeagreat placefor youth sothat they willstay in a great placefor peopleto live and raise afamily. Inorder to accomplish this play locally are key to thefuture successoftheCity. Independenceshouldbe City andcommunity shouldhelpyouth stay healthy. Opportunities to work and Everyone agrees that youth andfamily should beacommunity priority. The 5. 4. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. maintenance Launch education program onproperty owner responsibility for sidewalk program. UseCentral Plaza asanexample Use 2008sidewalk inventory to develop sidewalk acitywide repair Increase soccerleagues/teams Increase Hispanicinvolvement inCentral Youth Sports Organize, re-start, orbetter promote 4-Hprograms Organize andcollaborate youth work force development activities Develop Parks &Recreation support “staff” level Start aHighSchoolage sportsleagues - “city league” - typecompetition Create more youth groups andclubs Encourage development ofaYMCAorBoys andGirlsClub-typefacility Build new swimming pool/aquatic center Provide more locations andopportunities for youth. 19

INVENTORY INVENTORY Goal: Improve and promote community assets Natural areas should be increased and maintained along Ash Creek and the In order to be a great place to live for generations to come, Independence must Willamette River. These areas could provide key educational and conservation have high-quality infrastructure — streets, water, sewer, and parks. The City must opportunities. plan ahead for the growth of these systems while also ensuring that they meet current needs. Valuable community assets like sidewalks, parks, and the airport Actions: should be safe and attractive and continue to benefit residents and the region. 1. Develop soft surface jogging trails along the river 2. Restore riverbank in Riverview Park and protect the Willamette River Top Strategy 5: Find ways to utilize Riverview Park more often. from erosion Riverview Park is an exceptional resource for the city. Seen as a community 3. Complete riparian restoration projects on Ash Creek treasure, the park should be programmed with more activities on weekends and more facilities such as picnic shelters and tables. In addition, Riverview Park should 4. Add more shade trees be marketed to the larger region in order to attract visitors and bolster efforts to 5. Organize volunteer groups to pull invasive weeds along creeks and river redevelop the downtown. CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: URBAN RENEWAL PLAN 2001 Actions: The City of Independence: Urban Renewal Plan was adopted in 2001. The Urban 1. Work with WOU and Pentacle Theater to put on outdoor theater Renewal Plan outlined the goals and objectives as follows: productions 2. Provide more picnic shelters Goal One: To diversify economic base and family wage jobs within the district. 3. Develop an amphitheater events committee to organize larger events. Goal Two: To maintain effective, efficient and safe traffic systems for vehicular and pedestrian users. Consider the need for an Event Coordinator/Amphitheater Manager Goal Three: To improve and retain existing businesses, 4. Actively program Riverview Park to generate ongoing downtown activity, enhance downtown’s identity as an entertainment destination and to Goal Four: To improve attractive visual amenities for customers and community members throughout the increase sales to businesses district. 5. Advertise events and attractions Goal Five: Provide user friendly and eye pleasing streets, pedestrian ways and greenways throughout the 6. Investigate a larger stage for the amphitheater district.

Goal Six: Furnish new and improved pedestrian areas and parks through out the district. Goal: Sustainability at work Parks, Recreation, Pedestrian and Bike Corridors and Other Amenities were Sustainability is an important goal for the City of Independence in terms of recognized in the Urban Renewal plan to allow the Urban Renewal Agency to acquire natural resource protection, community involvement, and policies and programs. and improve land or buildings for public parks, open space, bicycle and pedestrian Good stewardship of natural and community resources is tied to the continued uses, construct facilities for public use and fund planning and engineering activities as development of a successful local economy as Independence continues to grow. needed to carry out these activities. Top Strategy: Increase and maintain natural areas along creeks and rivers. Situated along the banks of the Willamette River and Ash Creek, residents of Independence feel a connection with the waterways in their community. Not only do community members want to protect and enhance these water resources, but they also would like better access to these areas for recreational opportunities.

20 CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 ‘quiet’ minorroads designedto besafe andattractive forbicyclists orpedestrians. neighborhoods, andotherdesirable destinations. They may alsoinclude stretches of roadways andothertrail systems, aswell asto parks andopenspaces,schools, non-motorized users to othernetworks, suchasbicycle lanesandsidewalks onlocal Greenways provide direct connections for walkers andrunners, bicyclists, andother centers that are reserved for non-motorized usesandenvironmental preservation. Greenways are undeveloped corridors, usuallyalongwater bodiesorbetween urban and securitymeasures for thefour-mile corridor. alignment, environmentally-sensitive trail design features, trail amenities,and safety space preservation opportunities. Themaster plananalyzes and recommends a trail neighborhoods southofOR51,aswell as provide additional recreational andopen provide accessto areas outsidethecorridor, suchascommercial retail areas and linking neighborhoods,schools,andparks alongthecorridor. Thetrail willalso Creek Trail willserve asamajortransportation connection between thecities, of IndependenceandMonmouth.Asthecommunities continue to grow, theAsh alternative to Oregon 51andHoffman Road forlocal trips withinthe communities The AshCreek Trail willalsoprovide aconvenient, non-automotive transportation off, suchaspesticides, animal effluent, oil,andother toxic liquids. creekside vegetation; andthe water is contaminated with agricultural andurbanrun- overrun withinvasive plants; garbage and yard debris litter thecreek bedandlodge in been dredged for flood control; muchofitsriparian corridor hasbeen removed andis ecological andeducational asset to the community. Itisalsoacreek indistress. Ithas picturesque inareas that have notbeenimpacted by development, andserves asan and Dallas(at itsfarthest reaches). Itishometo listed threatened fishspecies,is River. Today, AshCreek isasignificant drainage that links Monmouth,Independence, toward alarger drainage, what isknown today asAshCreek, andonto theWillamette area resembled boggy, “braided marsh” withnumerous smalldrainages, allspilling for andsettlement. agriculture, Before logging, thisperiod,thecreek andsurrounding Two hundred years ago, earlysettlers drained andleveled wetlands andriparianareas of humandevelopment. cultural, andhistoric resources ofthecorridor. AshCreek isanevolutionary product spur trails to locations outsidethegreenway, protecting andenhancingthebiological, The proposed AshCreek Trail willtravel roughly parallel to AshCreek andprovide visitors anon-motorized travel alternative between IndependenceandMonmouth. restoration opportunitiesand create a trail that (2) offers all community residents and The vision for the Ash Creek Trail Master Plan is two-fold: (1) to create open space and CITY ASH CREEK TRAIL MASTER PLAN APRIL 2005

INDEPENDENCE : PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 PLAN SYSTEM PARKS : biological, cultural, andhistoric resources ofthecorridor. TheCityhasdeveloped spur trails to locations outsidethegreenway, whileprotecting andenhancingthe and visitors. TheAshCreek Trail willtravel roughly parallel to AshCreek andprovide travel alternative between IndependenceandMonmouth for all community residents corridor asagreenway anddevelop amulti-use trail that provides anon-motorized The over arching visionfor theAshCreek Trail Master Planisto designate thecreek further develop concepts for thesite’s future. a State Transportation andGrowth Management (TGM) Quick Response grant to operation andputting the propertyitselfup forsale.TheCity wasable tosecure owner, expressed aninterest inrelocating Valley Concrete’s ready-mix concrete would bolster Independence’s restored Downtown. Oldcastle Materials, thesite’s concepts for housingandmixed-use development ontheValley Concrete site that mix concrete operation. TheCity’s 2020VisionPlan(adopted in2009)included Valley Concrete site, an18-acre, industrially-zoned property that ishometo aready- Adjacent to Downtown –between MainStreet andtheWillamette River –isthe businesses. Park), andanew CivicCenter; andprivate investments inDowntown buildingsand new streetscape for MainStreet, apremiere Cityparkandamphitheater (Riverview revitalization –spurred on by aseriesofadopted plans;municipalinvestments ina Over thelast 15years, Downtown Independence,Oregon, hasexperienced a 30 MAY 2014 reports andstudies that directly relate to theParks System Planinclude: system plandecisionsandhelpestablish thefoundation for future planning.Planning Special studies andreports can provide agreater level ofanalysis to inform thepark STUDIES AND REPORTS 1.3 a large tilemosaicdepictionofthe creek. the AshCreek andfeatures ashelter withinterpretive signsaboutthe community and Creek between 16thStreet andGunClub Road. Thebuiltpath hasexcellent views of Phase 1oftheAshCreek Trail system, ahalfmileconcrete path runningalongAsh VALLEY CONCRETE SITE CONCEPT PLAN & REPORT: INDEPENDENCE, OREGON • • • North Riverview Park Report Southwest IndependenceUGBConcept Plan Valley Concrete Site Concept Plan&Report 21

INVENTORY INVENTORY The Valley Concrete site is a potentially transformative location for new housing and listed the property for sale. Following this relocation and site restoration efforts, commercial uses that will further the city’s rejuvenation by bringing new businesses Oldcastle plans to work with the City of Independence to secure Comprehensive and residents to downtown and better connect the community to the Willamette Plan and zoning amendments for the property to allow the proposed mix of housing, River. The proximity of the site to both Riverview Park and the Willamette River itself commercial, hotel, and open spaces as recommended in this plan. make it an attractive location for parks, open space, and an extension of the riverfront trail network. The 100-year and 500-year floodplains cover significant portions of SOUTHWEST INDEPENDENCE CONCEPT PLAN JUNE 2012 the site; the seasonal floodway also covers the eastern part of the property. A more The Southwest Independence Concept Plan area includes approximately 270 acres recent survey of the property by the owners suggests that a sizable piece of the site of land located at the southwest corner of Independence. This land was brought into could be removed from the floodplains through land reclamation and filling. Any the city’s urban growth boundary (UGB) in 2008 with the intention of providing the future development would require a more extensive topological and geological survey long-term capacity for more residential development for Independence, specifically a to better understand these issues. mix of housing types with a greater emphasis on multi-family residences. The area is comprised mostly of agricultural land with a few scattered houses. It is split in half by During the planning process, a preferred conceptual alternative was created for the Ash Creek, which runs generally north-south through the area. site to foster a partnership between the City and Old Castle Materials for the site’s transformation (Figures 3 and 4). In the concept plan, open space and parks in the The planning process for this Southwest Independence Concept Plan began in site concept are organized around a transect that connects the natural, riverfront summer of 2011. The Concept Plan identifies future land uses, including a mix of zone adjacent to the Willamette on the east with more formal parks, plazas, and housing types and densities; a transportation system, including collector and arterial landscaped greenway streets that provide stormwater management towards the roadways and bicycle and pedestrian connections; and an approach to creating an central and western portions of the site. Gardens, landscaping, event spaces, seating, open space and parks system which also protects important natural resources in the recreation facilities, and water spray pads are among the amenities that would be area. The approach for creating the parks and open space in this new growth area will woven in between buildings and along the development edge to provide gathering be integrated into the Parks System Plan. The Southwest Independence Concept Plan and activity spaces for residents, hotel guests, and visitors. Smaller open spaces near was adopted as an ancillary document to the city’s Comprehensive Plan and will be residences could be communal gardens, playgrounds, plazas, and outdoor dining and used to guide growth and development in the Planning Area. gathering locations. Cultural & Recreational Resources Roughly seven acres of the site are within the river floodway; this zone will support There are several existing parks in Independence and Monmouth that would native habitat and restoration, an extension of the trail system, and other features serve future development in portions of the Planning Area. At the time, the that can withstand seasonal high water. This restoration zone will conform to State Independence Parks and Open Space Master Plan 1996 identified a potential mini- and Federal mitigation standards and can vary in width to respond to the determined neighborhood park in the northwestern portion of the Southwest Independence floodway line. The riverfront restoration zone creates a strong north-south connection Planning Area (see Figure 5). In addition, based on the proximity of existing between developable and natural areas that can be improved with natural surface facilities, one neighborhood park of approximately 10 to 15 acres was desirable trails, interpretive features, gathering locations, viewpoints, and river access spots. in the Planning Area, though this need may be met by a proposed greenway and linear park along the South Fork Ash Creek. There are no identified cultural Additional design considerations for open spaces on site include: or historic resources located in the within the Southwest Independence UGB expansion area limits. • Spaces oriented to provide sunlight exposure and views towards the river. • Hearty, native species that are well-suited to the Willamette Valley climate Natural Resources and will not require excessive maintenance. The topography within the Southwest Independence Planning Area is generally flat. The South Fork Ash Creek flows diagonally across the Planning Area from southwest Oldcastle Materials is currently evaluating options for relocating the Valley Concrete to northeast, bordered by a vegetated riparian corridor. A 25-foot setback from ready-mix facility away from its current location in central Independence and has either side of the creek is protected from development by City code. The creek’s

22 CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 CITY Parks, OpenSpace, NaturalAreasandTrails Recommendations of awatershed whilefostering alivable community. of openspace,parks, andtrails inthisnetwork can deliver vital at services thescale an essential element ofinfrastructure for thefuture community. The combination The openspacenetwork identified intheSouthwest IndependenceConcept Plan is enhanced andbecome partoftheopen spacenetwork. development, someadditional existing wetland areas may befurther restored or wetland delineation. Dependingonhow wetlands are treated onthesite during enhancement. Thefinalamount ofdevelopable landwillbedetermined by formal wetland delineations andproposals for wetland avoidance, restoration and studies. However, theirlocation may change pendingthe results offuture the wetland study findingsidentified duringthe planning processand previous The Planalsoidentifies two potential drainage/ wetland corridors basedon management, amulti-usetrail, andlinearmini-neighborhoodparkareas. resources, opportunities for wetland mitigation, flood storage, stormwater will meet multiplepurposesincludingprotection ofriparianandother natural on theSouthFork AshCreek stream/ floodplain/wetland corridor. This corridor The Southwest IndependencePlanincorporates anopenspacesystem centered Open Space&NaturalResourcesManagement natural features withinthePlanningArea. supported by aseriesofoff-street multi-use paths alongAsh Creek andother network ofeast-west andnorth-southconnections. These facilities wouldbe roadways would includestriped bicycle lanesandsidewalks, providing acontinuous area aswell asaccommodate regional connectivity. Alloftheproposed collector pedestrian facilities to servefuture Southwest IndependenceUGB expansion The Southwest IndependenceConcept Planincludesanetwork ofbicycle and Bicycle &Pedestrian Network freshwater pondsintheSouthwest IndependenceUGBexpansion area. that may beimpacted. There are alsotwo drainage ditches andtwo man-made development, andpreservation and/or mitigation willbe required for any wetlands throughout thesite. Formal delineation of wetlands willbe required prior to to theriparian/floodplainarea andin swales anddepressional areas located wetlands were identified during preliminary wetland surveys in areas adjacent 100-year floodplain covers approximately 29acres ofthePlanning Area. Potential

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of riparianarea protection, flood storage capacity, wetland preservation corridor alongtheSouthFork ofAsh Creek to provide for acombination Ash Creek RiparianCorridor:TheCitywillestablish anopenspace INDEPENDENCE : PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015 PLAN SYSTEM PARKS : • • • • • process. However, asillustrated intheConcept Plan(Figure 6),thepark of thisparkshallberefined through themaster planandsubdivision established withintheConcept Planarea. Thespecificlocation andsize Park Development: Aminimumofonemini-neighborhoodparkwillbe development. and enhancement, stormwater management andlinearpark trail west oftheSouthFork AshCreek and alonganintermittent stream are located withinan east-west drainage andpotential wetlands area Concept Planidentifies two other potential openspace corridors. They Intermittent drainages: Inaddition totheSouth ForkAsh Creek, the easements to accommodate the development ofthe trail system. permit process, theCityofIndependencemay require dedication or management/trail corridors. Through thesubdivisionanddevelopment corridor, otheropenspacecorridors andwithinproposed stormwater area, includingdevelopment oftrails within theSouthFork AshCreek Trails: Alinked trail system shallbedeveloped withintheplanning Ash Creek. enhancement orrestoration of wetlands adjacent to theSouth Fork of Concept Planarea, thecityplacesaparticularlyhigh priority on mitigation payment-in-lieu program. Within the Southwest Independence existing wetlands andparticipation inthe State of Oregon’s wetland a combination of avoidance, on-site enhancement or restoration of Wetlands: Thecitywillencourage mitigation of wetland impactsthrough create opportunities for education, amenities,and recreational activities. parks andalonglineartrail corridors to reduce landneedsand costs and development approaches, including co-location of stormwater swales in Open SpaceandNatural Resources: TheCitywillsupport“green” provide Mini-NeighborhoodPark to service partofthestudy area. to thepark.Mount FirPark, PioneerPark andMount FirVillage Park community itserves. Itrequires nothaving to cross anarterial for access Neighborhood Park must beaccessiblewithin¼mileradius ofthe and aneighborhoodpark/playground (15ormore acres). The Mini- Plan 1996.Itfillsthe gap between amini-park(oneacre orless) Park isahybrid category created for theIndependenceParks Master Independence Park andRecreation Master Plan.AMiniNeighborhood shall meet standards for amini-neighborhoodparkasdetailed inthe South Fork AshCreek riparian/floodplain/wetland corridor. Thepark site shallbegenerally located adjacent to and/or partiallywithinthe 23

INVENTORY INVENTORY corridor and potential wetland area running northwest to southeast, west and north of South Fork Ash Creek as shown in Figure 7. The City encourages designs that provide a linear drainage corridor combined with stormwater management features and recreational trails that connect with the corridor along South Fork Ash Creek. At a minimum, a 50-foot wide drainage with a 30-foot wide stormwater/trail corridor on one side, for a total 80-foot wide corridor, is the preferred design for these areas.

NORTH RIVERVIEW PARK REPORT The City of Independence partnered with Olsen Agriculture and the State Transportation and Growth Management program to create a conceptual design for the development of Olsen’s 66 acre property north of town. Eighty percent of the property lies within the floodplain of the Willamette River, rendering those areas unbuildable. The conceptual design process will explored possible uses for the buildable portions of the land, and also examined the feasibility of developing the low land for use as city ballfields. The Quick Response team worked with the City, Olsen Agriculture and the public to develop a conceptual design for the property that was compatible with area land uses and provides the maximum potential for public benefit and return on the owners’ investment. The concept plan was finalized (See Figure X). The City was able to receive assistance from the State Marine Board to build the access road, boat ramp, vault toilet and parking lot for the new boat launch facility and is currently working to continue develop the North Riverfront Ballfield Complex as funding is available.

24 CITY OF INDEPENDENCE: PARKS SYSTEM PLAN 2015