4.16.1 Introduction

This section assesses how the proposed project, General Plan Amendment No. 960 (GPA No. 960), would affect both existing and future parks and recreational facilities, as well as the physical environment on which these resources are or may be located. Because of its recreational functions, Riverside County’s trail system, which provides non-motorized transport and recreation for pedestrians, bicycle riders and equestrians, is also discussed in this section.

4.16.2 Existing Environmental Setting - Parks and Recreation

Riverside County has a variety of natural and recreational resources, ranging from the mile-high alpine wilderness of San Jacinto State Park to the blistering expanse of the Colorado Desert floor; from historic parks, such as California Citrus State Historic Park, to the rolling hills of the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. Riverside County parks and recreational areas offer residents and visitors a myriad of recreational opportunities while providing valuable buffers within built-up urban spaces. The locations of existing parks and recreation areas in unincorporated Riverside County are shown in Figure 4.16.1 (Map of Existing Parks and Recreational Resources in Riverside County). A summary of all the existing parks within unincorporated Riverside County is also provided in Table 4.16-A (Park and Recreational Jurisdictional Totals Within Riverside County), below. Additional details on these facilities were provided in the 1999 Existing Setting Report, which was prepared for the 2003 General Plan EIR No. 441.

With an increasingly urban population developing in Riverside County, greater demands are being placed upon available parks and recreational facilities. In addition, parks provide valuable buffers between built-up urban spaces and encourage healthy active lifestyles. The County of Riverside currently maintains 35 regional parks, encompassing roughly 22,300 acres. More than half of these parks are located in the western portion of the county, with other facilities scattered in throughout the desert, mountains and Colorado River regions.

Within Riverside County are four park and recreation districts: Beaumont-Cherry Valley, Desert, Jurupa and Valleywide. Together, these four districts provide approximately 27 neighborhood and community parks accounting on approximately 275 acres of parkland. Additionally, some County Service Areas (for example, CSA 134) also provide local park maintenance services, often for parks constructed as part of development projects. The cities within Riverside County also offer numerous park and recreational facilities as well; currently 215 parks over 1,500 acres. However, these city facilities are outside the scope of the County’s jurisdiction. (Note: the City of Jurupa Valley is treated as unincorporated land for the purposes of this chapter since its July 1, 2011, incorporation post-dates this EIR’s NOP date of April 2009.)

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Large swaths of open and recreational lands fall under state or federal jurisdictions within Riverside County. The boundaries of many of these facilities, particularly the National Parks and Forests, typically stretch beyond Riverside County. Table 4.16-A, below, summarizes parks and recreational areas under state or federal jurisdiction. Details on their size and boundaries are also provided in more detail in Table 4.16-B (Existing and Proposed Parks and Recreation in Riverside County).

Table 4.16-A: Park and Recreational Jurisdictional Totals Within Riverside County Type of Parks Number of Parks Total Acres General Description

National Forest, National Park and National Monument National (Federal) 4 1,126,350 lands

State-maintained parks, open space and recreation State of California 8 39,423 areas

Regional park locations offering a wide range of Riverside County1 35 22,317 recreational activities

Neighborhood and community parks offering a wide Riverside County Park Districts2 27 275 range of recreational activities Footnotes: 1. Parks maintained by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District. 2. Accounts for park and recreational facilities in County of Riverside park districts. Source: Riverside County GIS Dept., 2010.

A. Federal Recreational Resources

There are four National Park and Recreation areas that fall within Riverside County, including the Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, the San Bernardino National Forest, the Cleveland National Forest and Joshua Tree National Park. Together, these landmarks provide extensive recreational opportunities for the residents of Riverside County. These resources are as follows:

Santa Rosa / San Jacinto Mountains National Monument: Established by U.S. Congress in 2000 and encompassing two federal Wilderness Areas, the National Monument covers approximately 150,800 acres of federal lands (86,400 acres Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and 64,400 acres United States Forest Service (USFS)). The total area also includes approximately 23,000 acres controlled by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, 8,500 acres controlled by California Department of Parks and Recreation, 34,500 acres controlled by other State of California agencies and approximately 55,200 acres of private land.

San Bernardino National Forest: This large National Forest spans both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Of the National Forest’s 823,816 total acres, approximately 241,600 acres occur within Riverside County, in three discontinuous locations (223,980 acres, 17,453 acres and 167 acres, respectively). The U.S. Forest Service manages this resource.

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SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

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Data Source: Riverside County Parks (2012)

Parks & Forests Highways

Area Plan Boundary

City Boundary

Waterbodies Figure 4.16.1

Disclaimer: Maps and data are to be used for reference purposes only. Map features are PARKS, FORESTS, AND December 16, 2013 approximate, and are not necessarily accurate to surveying or engineering standards. The County of Riverside makes no warranty or guarantee as to the content (the source is often third [ party), accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of any of the data provided, and assumes no RECREATION AREAS IN legal responsibility for the information contained on this map. Any use of this product with Miles respect to accuracy and precision shall be the sole responsibility of the user. RIVERSIDE COUNTY 0 10 20 \\agency\tlmagis\Projects\Planning\SafetyElement\Subsidance.mxd

Table 4.16-B: Existing and Proposed Parks and Recreation in Riverside County Size Park Region Features1 (acres) National Park Service / Federal Lands 4 Cleveland National Forest (USFS) SW 90,749 E, F, HS, HT, OC, ORV, P Joshua Tree National Park (BLM) CV / FE 668,877 E, HT, OC, P San Bernardino National Forest (USFS) NP/ CV / FE 241,600 F, HF, HS, HT, OC, ORV, P Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mtns Nat’l Monmnt. (BLM) CM 271,492 E, HS, HT, OC, ORV, P State Parks (California Dept. of Parks & Recreation) Anza-Borrego Desert State Park CV 38,489 HF, E, HT, OC, P, VC, A California Citrus State Historic Park NW 387 HF, P, VC, M, citrus groves Chino Hills State Park NW 3103 E, HF, HT, OC, P Indio Hills Palms State Park CV 5,661 UNDEV, “No marked access rds” Lake Perris State Recreational Area WV 9,615 B, E,F,HS, HT, OC, P,SW, HF Mount San Jacinto State Park CM 14,020 E, HT, OC, P, VC, NP Salton Sea State Recreational Area CV 9,611 B, F, OC, P, SW, PC, VC San Timoteo Canyon State Park NP ~2,000 UNDEV (not open to public yet) County Parks (County Regional Park & Open Space Agency) (All are “regional parks” unless specified otherwise.) Norton Younglove Reserve NP ~3,000 NP Bogart Park WV 387 E, F, HT, OC, PC, P Box Springs Mountain Reserve NW 3,320 E, HT Double Butte County Park WV 580 UNDEV Gilman Historical Ranch & Wagon Museum NP 170 HF, M , HT, P Goose Flats Wildlife Area FE (Col R) 230 B, F Harford Springs Reserve NW 529 UNDEV, “Limited public access” Hidden Valley Wildlife Area WV 1,510 E, HT, NC, P Humber Park CM 17 HT Hurkey Creek Park CM 120 HT, OC, P, PC, PG Idyllwild Park CM 184 E, HT, NC, OC, P Idyllwild Nature Center CM ~200 HT, NC, OC, P, E, M Jensen Alvarado Historical Ranch & Museum NW 30 HF, M, P Roy W. Kabian Memorial Park WV 640 1 acre - P, PG; rest - E, HT Lake Cahuilla Recreational Area CV 1,888 E, F, HT, OC, SW Lake Skinner Recreation Area WV 6,817 OC, B, HT, F, SW, PG Lawler Lodge Park CM 75 OC, E, HT Louis Rubidoux Park & Nature Center NW 64 HT, NC, P Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park WV 297 E, HT, P, PG Mayflower Park FE (Col R) 24 B, F, OC, P, SW Maze Stone Park SW 6 HF McCall Memorial Park CM 88 E, HT, P, OC McIntyre Park FE (Col R) 87 B, F, OC, P, PC, O-2 Horace Miller Park FE (Col R) 5 Planned (B, F, PC) Pine Cove Park CM 19 P Rancho Jurupa Park WV 350 F, OC, P, PC, PG Santa Ana River Wildlife Area WV 644 E, HT Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve WV 6,930 E, HF, HT, NC, P, NP Trujillo Adobe Historical Area WV 1 HF Crestmore Manor NW 1 P, HF, special event facilities Beaumont-Cherry Valley Recreation & Park District (Only facilities in unincorporated areas are listed) Edgar Canyon Nature Park NP 8 CC, NC Grange Community Center NP 1 CC Desert Recreational District (Only facilities in unincorporated areas are listed) Canal Regional Park CV 369 P, O-3

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Size Park Region Features1 (acres) Planned Archeological Park with 123 Coral Mountain Regional Park CV 600 acres to be public; rest - OS Mecca Community Park & Community Center CV 5 CC, P, SW, SF Mecca Hills Mini Park CV N/A P, PG Thousand Palms Park & Community Center CV 9 CC, P, PG, SF Desert Regional Park CV 280 Planned Jurupa Area Recreation & Park District (All Community Parks unless specified otherwise) Harvey Field at Agate Park NW 9 P, PG, SF Avalon Park NW 10 GYM, P, PG, SF Centennial Park Planned 23 UNDEV Clay Park NW 6 P, PG, SF Glen Avon Heritage Park NW 13 P, PG, SF, Splash Grounds Horseshoe Lake Park NW 13 UNDEV Knowles Athletic Park NW 6 SF Laramore Park & Arena NW 5 E, P, PG Limonite Meadows Park NW 4 P, PG Rancho Mira Loma Park NW 6 P, PG, SF Veterans Memorial Park / Community Center NW 10 CC, P, PG, SF, SW Wineville Park NW 5 P, PG Jurupa Community Service District (JCSD) Cedar Creek Park NW 10 B, P, PG Deer Creek Park NW 9 P, PG, SF Harada Heritage Park NW 31 D, P, PG, SF, O-1, O-4 James C. Huber Park NW 13 P, PG, SF, T, O-4 McCune Family Park NW 12 P, PG, SF, T Orchard Park NW 10 P, PG, SF, O-4 Providence Ranch Park NW 13 P, PG, SF, American Heroes Park NW 19 P, PG, SF, D Eastvale Regional Park NW N/A Planned Mountain View Park NW 8 P, PG, SF, T Riverwalk Park NW 13 P, PG, T Dairyland Park NW 9 P, D, Splash Grounds Eastvale Trail NW 4.77 E, HT Halfmoon Park NW 5 P, PG, SF Valleywide Park & Recreation District Abelia Sports Park WV 17 P, PG, SF, T, HT Adeline’s Farm WV 1 P, PG Avignon Park WV 0.5 SF Brookfield Park (12 ac) & Open Space (62 ac) WV 74 P, PG, SF, HT, OS (UNDEV) Butterfield Park WV 5 PG, SF Cottonwood Park WV 10 GYM, P, PG, SF, HT Crown Valley Park WV 7 P, PG, SF, T Emerald Park WV 7 PG, SF Fieldview Park WV 7 P, PG, SF, HT Kona Park WV 1 PG Leon Park WV 5 P, PG, SF, HT Louis Jackson Park WV 10 P, PG, SF Primrose Park WV 3 P, PG, SF Rancho Bella Vista Park & Community Center WV 7 GYM, P, PG, SF Sheffield Park WV 14 SF, HT Spencer’s Crossing WV 11.5 P, PG, SF, HT Off Road Vehicle Parks Cahuilla Creek Motocross Park Private 67 ORV

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Size Park Region Features1 (acres) Lake Elsinore Motocross Park Private 90 ORV Milestone Ranch Motocross Park Private 55 ORV Perris Raceway Private 23 ORV Starwest Motocross Park Private 120 ORV Others (Operating entity) PVID Fishing Access FE (Col R) 2 F Diamond Valley Aquatic Center & Sports Park (Priv) WV 128 PG, P, SF, SW, T Highgrove Community Park (EDA CSA 126) NW 9 P, PG, T, HT, CC Jurupa Mountains Cultural Center NW 82 M, P The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens CV / FE 1800 G, P, VC, NC, HT, NP, PG, ZOO Blythe Marina Recreational Area (Private) FE (Col R) 14 B, F, OC, P, SW, PC Indio Hills Park CV ~2,200 P, PG, SF Footnotes: 1. Facilities Key: A Archeological features NC Nature / interpret. center Other B Boating & water rec NP Nature preserve O-1 Roller hockey rink CC Community center OC Overnight camping O-2 Canoe rental D Dog park / dog rec. area ORV Offroad vehicle rec area O-3 Radio-control plane field E Equestrian facilities / trails P Picnic facilities O-4 Skate Park F Fishing PC Primitive Camping GYM Gymnasium PG Playground / tot lot HF Historical features SF Sports fields / facilities PLANNED Site identified only HS Hunting / shooting SW Swimming UNDEV Undeveloped site HT Hiking trails T Tennis court(s) M Museum VC Visitor center 2. Regions Key: NW Riverside metro region (Riverside, Corona, Eastvale, etc.) SW SWAP and Temescal Valley region (including Wine Country, Menifee, etc.) WV Western valley region (Perris, San Jacinto, etc.) CM Central mountains region (San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild, etc.) NP Northern Pass region (Cherry Valley, Banning, Beaumont, etc.) CV Coachella Valley region (Indio, Coachella, Salton Sea areas, etc.) CR Far east region (along Colorado River, Blythe, Stateline, etc.) 3. Acreage listed is that within Riverside County only; in total, the park covers 14,100 acres , most in San Bernardino County. 4. Acreage listed for portions within Riverside County only. See Section 4.14.2 for full details. Source: Riverside County GIS Dept., RCLIS, 2011.

Cleveland National Forest: The Cleveland National Forest covers a total of 566,866 acres and is the southernmost National Forest in California. It spans across three counties, including San Diego, Orange and Riverside. The portion within Riverside County totals approximately 90,750 acres and is under U.S. Forest Service management.

Joshua Tree National Park: This BLM-managed National Park encompasses a total of approximately 1,017,750 acres spanning Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Approximately 794,000 acres are within Riverside County.

B. State Recreational Resources

The California Department of Parks and Recreation manages and operates eight state parks within Riverside County, including the California Citrus State Historical Park. They also have State Recreation Areas at Lake Perris and the Salton Sea. These resources are as follows:

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: This 600,000-acre park is the largest state park in California. The park is home to various plant and animal species, as well as a number of camp sites and trails. The park also encompasses a rich Native American History. Approximately 38,489 acres of the Anza-Borrego Desert falls within Riverside County.

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California Citrus State Historic Park: The 387-acre California Citrus State Historic Park opened as a museum in 1993. The park is a tribute to the citrus industry and its importance to the State of California. The park features a number of recreational activities including, but not limited to, wildlife viewing, picnic areas as well as 186 acres of citrus groves.

Chino Hills State Park: Chino Hills State Park is a 14,102-acre park containing over 65 miles of trails. The park offers camping, walking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing to its visitors. Approximately 310 acres of Chino Hills State Park falls within Riverside County.

Indio Hills Palms Park: Indio Hills Palms Park is a part of the Coachella Valley Reserve and is directly adjacent to the preserve. The 5,661-acre park is known for its abundance of fan palms, which are native to California.

Lake Perris State Recreation Area: Our Nation’s bird, the bald eagle, can be seen from the Perris State Recreation Park. This 9,615-acre park provides recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, camping and bird watching as well as numerous recreational water activities on Lake Perris.

Mount San Jacinto State Park: Mount San Jacinto is the second highest mountain range in Southern California. And, at 10,834 feet above sea level, Mount San Jacinto is the highest point in Riverside County. This park covers approximately 14,000 acres and is easily accessible from both eastern and western Riverside County. Visitors enjoy a number of recreational resources, including hiking and camping. The better portion of Mount San Jacinto State Park is located within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Salton Sea State Recreation Area: Man-made Salton Sea lies at 227 feet below sea level and was created roughly 100 years ago from water diversions and is maintained mainly by agricultural runoff today. Its perimeter features approximately 130 miles of shoreline, and water covers approximately 9,611 acres. The sea is reached from Highway 111. A variety of recreational activities are available including hiking, kayaking and camping.

San Timoteo Canyon Park: San Timoteo Canyon Park is currently an undeveloped State park and is not open to the public at this time. Once completed, San Timoteo Canyon Park is planned to cover approximately 2,000 acres.

C. Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District

The Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District (Park District) acquires, manages, develops and maintains 27 neighborhood and regional parks throughout Riverside County. The Park District maintains approximately 71,700 acres of land including 150 miles of multi-purpose recreational trails, seven archaeological sites, 16 wildlife reserves and natural areas. It also operates one boxing facility, manages four nature centers, patrols six historic sites and provides annual interpretive programs to more than 82,000 students. The District’s park and open space resources provide enjoyment to residents of Riverside County and visitors alike.

The Park District also supports an Advisory Commission founded by the Board of Directors in 1994 for the purpose of advising and making recommendations to the Board concerning the planning, acquisition, development and use of parks and open space in unincorporated portions of Riverside County. The Commission also advises the Board on matters relating to the acquisition, development, maintenance and promotion of regional recreation trails in the county, and matters relating to the conservation and propagation of fish and game in Riverside County. Additionally, the Park District houses the Riverside County Historical Commission and Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation (OHVR) Commission. The Historical Commission is charged with discovering and identifying persons, events and places of historical significance in Riverside County and advises the Board of Supervisors in historical matters. The OHVR Commission advises the Board of Directors concerning the

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planning, acquisition, development and use of OHVR parks within the Regional Park District. There are also a number of off-road vehicle (ORV) parks within Riverside County operated by the USFS and BLM on federal lands, as well as numerous private recreational facilities throughout the county.

D. Park and Recreation Districts Within Riverside County

Beaumont-Cherry Valley Recreation and Park District (BCVRPD): The BCVRPD was formed in 1971 to provide, manage and maintain recreation and park facilities and activities for the Beaumont/Cherry Valley region of Riverside County. The District includes the incorporated cities of Beaumont and Calimesa, as well as unincorporated Cherry Valley and other areas west of the cities. Boundaries of the BCVRPD service area are shown in Figure 4.16.1; the three BCVRPD facilities within unincorporated Riverside County are indicated in Table 4.16-B. BCVRPD has an adopted service standard of 5 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents.

Desert Recreation District: The Desert Recreation District (DRD), formerly known as the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District, encompasses the cities of Indio, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Coachella and Palm Desert, as well as unincorporated Riverside County regions of Thermal, Thousand Palms, Mecca and the surrounding areas. The DRD manages five community centers in the Coachella Valley region and a skate park in Palm Desert, as well as a number of parks, ball fields, pools and community centers. The District also has an archeological resource area that encompasses approximately 600 acres, 123 acres of which are planned to be developed for public access as part of Coral Mountain Park. Boundaries of the DRD are shown in Figure 4.16.1.

Valleywide Recreation and Park District: The Valleywide Recreation and Park District (VWRPD) provides recreational and park services to residents within an approximately 800-square mile area that includes the cities of Hemet, San Jacinto and Menifee, in addition to unincorporated territory in the region. Boundaries of the VWRPD are shown in Figure 4.16.1. Among the facilities managed by VWRPD are over 40 community parks, sports parks, tot lots and pockets parks, as well as four community centers and an aquatic park. There are also approximately 16 parks either planned or under development within the VWRPD.

Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District: The Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District (JARPD) formed in 1984 to provide parks and recreational facilities for “current and future families in the 91752 and 92509 zip code areas.” The District’s boundaries are shown in Figure 4.16.1. The JARPD manages approximately 20 parks and recreational facilities, including a skate park and several pools and equestrian arenas.

E. County Service Areas

County Service Areas (CSAs) are managed by the Riverside County Economic Development Agency (EDA) and provide focused government services, such as fire protection, street lighting, parks and recreational facilities, or maintenance activities for localized portions of the county. CSA facilities operated by the County of Riverside include 22 County-owned and maintained parks and five community centers. In addition, CSAs will be responsible for 45 new parks that are currently in the planning/development stage and four planned regional sports parks. These new facilities are not a part of GPA No. 960 however. These CSAs provide the following local park maintenance: CSA 145 – La Ladera Park; CSA 152B – Temescal Valley Adopted Master Park Plan; CSA 143 – Willows Park, Morgan Hill Park, Silverhawk Park and Trail System; CSA 134 – Sycamore Creek Community Park. Boundaries of the relevant CSAs are shown in Figure 4.16.1.

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F. Other Recreation Facilities

Off-Road Vehicle Parks: As noted in Table 4.16-B, there are a number of off-road vehicle (ORV) parks that operate within unincorporated Riverside County. These parks provide areas for the safe off-road operation of motorized vehicles, such as motorcycles (dirt bikes) and 3- and 4-wheeled all-terrain vehicles. Off-road vehicle parks within unincorporated Riverside County are located in the Cleveland National Forest, the San Bernardino National Forest and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monuments. These off-road parks are operated by the USFS and the BLM.

Private Facilities: This category only includes recreational facilities that are run by private entities on lands leased from or controlled by Riverside County. Countless other private recreational opportunities exist throughout the county, including golf courses, polo and equestrian centers, water parks, amusement parks, sports arenas and stadiums, among others, that are not included here.

An additional type of private recreational facilities is found primarily in planned communities and apartment complexes. Such facilities typically include playgrounds, tennis or basketball courts, pools and hot tubs, and often small turf areas for play or picnicking. However, these existing facilities are generally small and are so few in number that they have a minor effect on the overall provision of recreational facilities within Riverside County. Rather, they are designed to serve the residents of the multi-family units with which they are associated. There are also a number of existing and commercial recreational facilities within Riverside County that are privately owned and operated, and thus not listed here.

G. Trails, Bikeways and Paths

Trails are located throughout Riverside County and come in a variety of designs for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians to enjoy. The General Plan features a map of the “Trails and Bikeway System” envisioned for Riverside County at build out. Figure C-7 in the General Plan provides an overview of the county system with corresponding figures in each of the Area Plans for more detailed, local maps. See Figure 4.16.2 (Countywide Trails and Bikeways Map), below. The mapped system reflects a combination of both existing and proposed trails and alignments. Due to the complexity and sheer size of the trail system, no separate map exists of just the existing trails and paths.

1. Existing Trails System

At present, the system includes a wide variety of formal and informal trails. In some areas, formal trails have been built and are maintained by the County of Riverside or other responsible entity, such as a homeowners association, community service area or local park and recreation district. Formal trails are normally built according to County of Riverside (or park district or other agency) standards on identified easements with, where applicable, appropriate signage and maintenance provided by the responsible agency. In terms of formal trails, Riverside County currently has one developed trail that it maintains, the Santa Ana River Trail. The Santa Ana River Trail is part of a planned regional trail extending across multiple jurisdictions from the Pacific Ocean in Orange County to the San Bernardino Mountains in San Bernardino County.

Historical trails, created prior to the inception of county or park district standards, also exist but may not conform to current standards. Lastly, there are also many informal trails within Riverside County used by pedestrians, bicyclists and others for recreational and transportation purposes as well. Such trails are generally not formally mapped, especially if they do not coincide with planned county trail system alignments. These types of trails may cross public or even private lands, run along utility easements, abandoned railroad tracks, unmaintained dirt roads,

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etc. Often such trails lack connectivity to the Riverside County trail system, resulting in fragmentation and increasing difficulties for planning and implementation of the formal system.

2. Existing County Trail and Bikeway Standards

The General Plan includes a county trail system to provide connectivity among various existing recreational areas and regional trails, as well as policies to ensure coordination of trails with future development. The General Plan Circulation Element contains standards for two basic types of county trails: regional trails and community trails. Typical trail cross-sections are presented in General Plan Figure C-8 (see also Figure 4.16.3 (Existing Countywide Trails and Bikeways Map), below). Functions for these two existing General Plan trail types are outlined below. For a description of the revisions to these trail standards proposed as part of GPA No. 960, see Section 4.16.5.A, later in this chapter.

Regional Trails: Regional trails represent the “primary long-distance trails within the county” and are intended to provide linkages between communities, regional parks and open space areas. County regional trails also provide connectivity with federal and state parks, forests and recreational areas. They are generally maintained and operated by the Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District.

Community Trails: Community trails are designed to connect to the regional trail system as well as provide connectivity throughout communities. They are designed for trail users preferring a soft trail surface, for example, equestrians, pedestrians, joggers and mountain bikers. Community trails are typically maintained by a local parks and recreation district or other governmental entity.

The Riverside County trail system also addresses bicycle use by providing three types of bike paths, plus a combination trail (bikes and pedestrians). The General Plan Circulation Element contains specifications and cross-sections on each of these trails, as well as standards for their construction and maintenance. In general, each bikeway type provides the following:

Class I Bikeways: Class I bikeways provide a separate right-of-way for the sole use of bicyclists and pedestrians. Class I bikeways may include landscape buffers and may also be designed to permit golf carts.

Class II Bikeways: Class II bikeways are provided within paved areas of roadways intended for preferential usage by bicycles. These one-way lanes follow the flow of motor vehicle movement.

Class III Bikeways: Class III bikeways are intended to provide continuity to the bikeway system by connecting Class I and Class II bikeways that are not contiguous.

Combination Trails: Combination trails provide both a Class I bikeway and a regional trail in one alignment. These trails serve as connectors that link together urban and rural communities along with other recreational resources such as various bodies of water and parks. Combination trails are ideal for users looking for long- distance trails.

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4.16.3 Policies and Regulations Addressing Parks and Recreation

A. State and Federal Regulations

The following existing regulations are intended to protect existing parks and recreational resources. These regulations are not a part of the proposed GPA No. 960. Rather, they are regulations that have been enacted by the federal and state governments under separate actions.

1. General Management Plans

The strategic long-term vision, management and visitor use for National Park and Recreational areas is often guided through General Management Plans. These plans establish the foundation for protecting the respective park while also providing for memorable experiences for its visitors.

2. Quimby Act

Passed in 1975, this State of California law (CGC, Section 66477) enables the County of Riverside to require that developers set aside land, donate conservation easements or pay fees for park improvements as condition of approval for a tract or parcel map. The goal of the Quimby Act is to require developers to help mitigate the impacts of development that introduces new users for park and recreational facilities. The revenues generated through the Quimby Act, however, cannot be used for the operation or maintenance of park facilities. The Quimby fees must be paid and/or land directly conveyed to the local public agency that will provide the community’s park and recreation services. For Riverside County, Ordinance No. 460 (Regulating the Division of Land) includes Section 10.35 addressing park and recreation fees and dedications related to Quimby Act and other issues; see below.

B. Riverside County Regulations

The following existing regulations and policies are intended to protect existing parks and recreational resources within Riverside County. These policies are not part of the proposed GPA No. 960. Rather, they are policies that have been approved by the County of Riverside as separate discretionary actions.

Ordinance No. 460 - Regulating the Division of Land: This ordinance establishes the key provisions addressing the division of land in Riverside County. Among other things, in Section 10.35, it specifies that: “Whenever land that is proposed to be divided for residential use lies within the boundaries of a public agency designated to receive dedications and fees pursuant to this section, a fee and/or the dedication of land shall be required as a condition of approval of the division of land.” It further specifies that dedication of 3 acres of parkland per 1,000 population, or payment of a fee in-lieu of such dedication, is necessary for the “public interest, convenience, health, welfare and safety.” The fee and/or land dedications or improvements can only be used to provide neighborhood and community parks that would serve the proposed development.

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Ä62

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CITY OF MURRIETA

ÄÄ371 111 CITY OF Ä TEMECULA Ä86S Ä78 SALTON Ä79 SEA ¦¨§15 Ä86

LA PAZ COUNTY, AZ

SAN DIEGO COUNTY IMPERIAL COUNTY PACIFIC OCEAN

Data Source: Riverside County Parks (2013)

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Regional Trail: Urban/Suburban ! ! Design Guidelines Trail Highways

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Community Trail ! ! Historic Trail (Southern Immigrant Trail, Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail) Area Plan Boundary

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Combination Trail (Regional Trail / Class I Bike Path) ! ! Non-County Trail (Public and Quasi-Public Lands) City Boundary

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Class I Bike Path ! ! RCHA Trail Waterbodies

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Class II Bike Path ! ! Private Trail

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Regional Trail: Open Space Figure 4.16.2 Note: Trails shown in non-county jurisdictions for informational/coordinate purposes only.

Disclaimer: Maps and data are to be used for reference purposes only. Map features are December 16, 2013 approximate, and are not necessarily accurate to surveying or engineering standards. The County of Riverside makes no warranty or guarantee as to the content (the source is often third RIVERSIDE COUNTY [ party), accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of any of the data provided, and assumes no legal responsibility for the information contained on this map. Any use of this product with Miles respect to accuracy and precision shall be the sole responsibility of the user. TRAILS AND BIKEWAY SYSTEM 0 10 20 Path: \\agency\tlmagis\Projects\Planning\CindysPurpleMapGallery\Fig4.16.2-BikewaysandTrails.mxd Data Source: Riverside County Transportation (2003); RCIP General Plan, Figure C-8, (2003) Figure 4.16.3

Disclaimer: Maps and data are to be used for reference purposes only. Map features are December 16, 2013 approximate, and are not necessarily accurate to surveying or engineering standards. The County of Riverside makes no warranty or guarantee as to the content (the source is often third [ party), accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of any of the data provided, and assumes no EXISTING TRAIL DETAILS legal responsibility for the information contained on this map. Any use of this product with Miles respect to accuracy and precision shall be the sole responsibility of the user. 0 10 20 Path: \\agency\tlmagis\Projects\Planning\CindysPurpleMapGallery\Fig4.16.3-ExistingTrailDetails.mxd

Ordinance No. 328 - Rules and Regulations for the Government of County or District Owned or Operated Parks and Open Space Areas: This ordinance prescribes rules and regulations for parks and open space areas within Riverside County for the purpose of maintaining the integrity and effective use of such areas for recreational purposes. The ordinance also regulates the following: those uses allowed in parks/open space areas, the circulation of vehicles throughout the recreational areas and the maintenance and protection of landscaped areas.

C. Existing Riverside County General Plan Policies

The following policies are already part of the General Plan and are not part of the proposed project, GPA No. 960. Rather, these policies are those considered to play a role in ensuring any potential environmental impacts are further reduced through their application on a case-by-case basis when a given development proposal warrants their use.

1. Multi-Purpose Open Space (OS) Element Policies

Policy OS 20.3: Discourage the absorption of dedicated park lands by non-recreational uses, public or private. Where absorption is unavoidable, replace park lands that are absorbed by other uses with similar or improved facilities and programs.

Policy OS 20.5: Require that development of recreation facilities occur concurrent with other development in an area.

Policy OS 20.6: Require new development to provide implementation strategies for the funding of both active and passive parks and recreational sites.

2. Circulation (C) Element Policies

Policy C 16.1: Implement the Riverside County trail system as depicted in the Bikeways and Trails Plan, [General Plan] Figure C-7.

Policy C 17.2: Require bicycle access between proposed developments and other parts of the county trail sys- tem through dedication of easements and construction of bicycle access ways.

3. Land Use (LU) Element Policies

Policy LU 9.2 (Previously LU 8.2): Require that development protect environmental resources by compliance with the Multipurpose Open Space Element of the General Plan and federal and state regulations, such as CEQA, NEPA, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.

Policy LU 25.1 (Previously LU 19.1): The County of Riverside shall develop and maintain a regional park system that provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of Riverside County.

Policy LU 25.3 (Previously LU 19.3): Require that park facilities be accessible to the community, regardless of age, physical limitations or income level.

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4. Noise (N) Element Policies

Policy N 1.4: Determine if existing land uses will present noise compatibility issues with proposed projects by undertaking site surveys.

Policy N 13.1 (Previously N 12.1): Minimize the impacts of construction noise on adjacent uses within acceptable practices.

D. Proposed New or Revised Riverside County General Plan Policies

The following revisions to existing General Plan policies are included as part of GPA No. 960. The revisions are intended to enhance the policies’ implementation and comprehensive use.

1. Land Use (LU) Element Policies

Policy LU 25.2 (Previously LU 19.2): Provide for a balanced distribution of recreational amenities. in Open Space, Rural and Community Development land uses.

Policy LU 25.4 (Previously LU 19.5): Require that new development meet or exceed the parkland requirements as established in the Quimby Act and County enabling ordinances.

2. Circulation (C) Element Policies

Policy C 4.9 (Previously C 4.10): Review all existing roadways without pedestrian facilities when they are considered for improvements (whether maintenance or upgrade) to determine if new pedestrian facilities are warranted. New roadways should also be assessed for pedestrian facilities.

Policy C 15.1: Implement a two-tiered system of trails, and later expand it into an effective non-motorized transportation system.

Policy C 15.2: Seek financing to implement an effective non-motorized transportation system. This funding can include such potential sources things as state and federal grants, Riverside County transportation funds, “in-lieu” fees, special assessments, parking meter revenues, other public and non-profit organization funds, developer contributions and other sources.

Policy C 15.3: Develop a trail system which connects County parks and recreation areas while providing links to open space areas, equestrian communities, local municipalities and regional recreational facilities (including other regional trail systems), and ensure that the system contains a variety of trail loops of varying classifications and degrees of difficulty and length.

Policy C 15.4: Periodically Rreview and update the Trails and Bikeways Plan ([General Plan] Figure C-7) Regional Trail Map in accordance with the review procedures and schedule of the General Plan, in order to ensure its assure compatibility with the other elements components of the Riverside County General Plan and with the similar plans of agencies, such as Western Riverside County Council of Governments (WRCOG), Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), Regional Conservation Authority, Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency and all jurisdictions within and abutting Riverside County. This shall in- clude consistency with the WRCOG and CVAG non-motorized planning documents.

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Policy C 16.2: Develop a multi-purpose recreational trail network with support facilities which provide a linkage with regional facilities, and require trailheads and staging areas that are equipped with adequate parking, bicycle parking, rest- rooms, informative signage, interpretive displays, maps, and rules of appropriate usage and conduct on trails accessed from such facilities.

Policy C 16.7 (Previously C 16.6) Adhere to the following trail-development guidelines when siting a trail:

a. Permit urban trails to be located in or along transportation rights-of-way in fee, utility corridors, and irrigation and flood control waterways so as to mix uses, separate traffic and noise, and provide more services at less cost in one corridor. Require, where feasible, trails in urban areas to be located either outside of road rights-of-way or within road rights-of-way with the additional dedication right-of-way or easements in fee title to the County requiring dual use of utility corridors, irrigation and flood control channels so as to mix uses, separate traffic and noise, and provide more trail services at less cost.

b. Secure separate rights-of-way for non-motorized trails when physically, financially and legally feasible. Where a separate right-of-way is not feasible, maintain recreation trails within the County of Riverside or Flood Control right-of-way, where feasible.

c. Develop and implement Use trail design standards which will minimize maintenance due to erosion or vandalism.

d. Maximize visibility and physical access to trails from streets and other public lands.

e. Provide a trail surface material that is firm and unyielding to minimize erosion and injuries.

f. d. When a trail is to be reserved obtained through the development approval process, base the precise trail alignments on the physical characteristics of the property, assuring connectivity through adjoining properties.

g. e. Consider the use of abandoned rail lines as multipurpose “rail-trails” corridors through the “Rails-to-Trails” program. for multi-purpose trails

h. f. Place all recreation trails a safe distances from the edges of active aggregate mining operations and separate them by physical barriers, such as fences, berms or other effective separation measures. i) Avoid placing a trail where it will cross an active mined materials haul route.

i. g. Install warning signs indicating the presence of a trail at locations where regional or community trails cross public roads with high amounts of traffic. Design and build trail crossings at intersections with proper signs, signals, pavement markings, crossing islands, and curb extensions to ensure safe crossings by users. Install trail crossing signs at the intersections of trail crossings with public roads to ensure safe crossings by users.

j. h. Design and construct trails that properly account for Take into consideration such issues as sensitive habitat areas, cultural resources, flooding potentials, access to neighborhoods and open space, safety, alternate land uses and usefulness for both transportation and recreation. when designing and constructing trails.

k. i. Coordinate with other agencies and/or organizations (such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and the California Department of Transportation) to en- courage the development of multi-purpose trails. Potential joint uses may include historic, cultural resources

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and environmental interpretation, access to fishing areas and other recreational uses, opportunities for education and access for the disabled.

l. j. Work with landowners to address concerns about privacy, liability, security and trail maintenance.

m. Regional Urban, Regional Rural and Regional Open Space trails should be designed to be compatible with the community contexts in which they are being sited.

n. Driveway crossings by trails should be designed and surfaced in a manner compatible with multipurpose trails usage. Except for local, neighborhood-serving trails that are not intended as primary community linkages, select routes for trails that minimize driveway crossing.

o. Benches, fencing, water fountains, trees and shading, landscape buffers, rest stops, restrooms and other trail-related amenities shall be provided where appropriate.

p. All trails along roadways shall be appropriately signed to identify safety hazards, and shall incorporate equestrian crossing signals, mileage markers and other safety features, as appropriate.

q. Information about the County’s trail system shall be provided at the Riverside County Park and Open Space District and online in order to make the public aware of the County’s trail system.

r. Trails designed to accommodate equestrians shall not be sited along sound walls, project boundary walls and other walls that effectively obstruct visibility beyond the edge of a trail.

s. All trail surfacing shall be appropriate to an array of users of the trail. Soft-surfaced trails shall have smooth, firm, slip- resistant surfacing so as to minimize foot and ankle injuries.

t. Use already available or disturbed land for trails wherever possible for new or extended trails.

u. Use pervious pavement or bio-swales along paved trails to assist in maintaining water quality.

Policy C 17.3: Ensure that the bikeway system incorporates the following:

a. Interconnection throughout and between of cities and unincorporated communities.

b. Provision of Appropriate lanes to specific destinations such as State or County parks.

c. Provision for Appropriate opportunities for recreational bicycle riding and bicycle touring. ; and

d. Support of Encouragement of Opportunities for bicycle commuting and golf cart commuting within communities, as appropriate for the terrain, traffic levels and proximity to surrounding destinations.

e. Bikeways connecting to all urban transit centers and systems (bus stops, Metrolink stations, etc.) in the vicinity.

f. Bicycle parking at transit stops and park-and-ride lots.

Policy C 18.1: Trail Acquisition:

a. Promote public/private partnerships for trail acquisition.

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b. Seek ways to build a trail system affordably and seek partners in doing so within a reasonable time frame, possibly in stages, to serve all trail communities and upgrade system of linkages/destinations.

c. b. Determine which public and/or private agencies have existing easements or existing, unused rights-of- way, which potentially could be incorporated as trail linkages throughout Riverside County. Such agencies may include the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, regional and local park districts and transportation entities, various utility companies/districts and railroad companies. Leverage uUse roads, dirt roads, and other easements as trail routes. , to fFoster partnerships, get which serve to facilitate the siting, building and managing of trails built and managed, etc.

d. c. Evaluate the potential use of private-landowner tax credits for acquiring necessary trail easements and/or rights-of-way. A system such as this would allow a landowner to dedicate an easement for trail purposes in exchange for having that portion of the property assessed as open-space instead of a higher land-use category.

e. Seek to connect existing cul-de-sacs to each other, and to trail networks. In rare occasions, this may entail purchasing homes at the end of streets, constructing the connections and reselling the homes.

f. Wherever possible and to the extent consistent with overall trail system objectives, use trail designs and locations that minimize construction and maintenance costs.

Policy C 18.2: Trail management and maintenance:

a. Implement maintenance options such as the use of volunteers, associations, or private landowner main- tenance agreements, and/or adopt-a-trail programs sponsored by various groups.

b. Implement methods to discourage unauthorized use of trails by motorized vehicles, which may cause trail deterioration, create an unsafe environment, and/or disrupt the enjoyment of the trails by legitimate trail users. These methods may include the installation of gates and motorcycle barriers, posting signs prohi- biting unauthorized activities, or implementing educational programs to encourage the proper use of trails.

c. Research the potential for, and consider establishing, a countywide trail management entity that will facilitate the acquisition of adequate funds for trial maintenance.

d. Research the potential for, and consider establishing, a separate agency within the County to manage and maintain the county’s trails system.

e. Use trail designs that remove or limit injury/safety liability concerns.

f. Use trail designs that minimize trail maintenance costs.

Policy C 18.3: Trail Funding:

a. Solicit all possible sources of funding to plan, acquire, and construct recreational trails. Sources can include, but not be limited to, development mitigation fees, private foundation grants, and/or funds or assessments from local, regional, state and or federal government entities.

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b. Persuade local communities to finance their own community trail systems through the use of special tax assessment districts. If applicable, these districts should also provide adequate regulation for the keeping of horses.

3. Air Quality (AQ) Element Policies

Policy AQ 4.7: To the greatest extent possible, require every project to mitigate any of its anticipated emissions which exceed allowable emissions as established by the SCAQMD, MDAQMD, SOCAB SCAB, the Environ- mental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board.

4.16.4 Thresholds of Significance for Parks and Recreation

The proposed project would result in a significant impact on parks or recreation if it would:

A. Cause growth that increases the use of existing neighborhood parks, regional parks or other recreational facilities resulting in or accelerating substantial physical deterioration of the facility.

B. Trigger growth that results in the need for new or physically altered park or recreation facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios or other performance objectives.

C. Trigger the need for construction or expansion of recreational facilities or uses that would have a signifi- cant adverse physical effect on the environment due to their provision.

4.16.5 Effect of GPA No. 960 on the General Plan and on Parks and Recreation

This section discusses the changes proposed in the General Plan related to parks and recreation. After this, the effects of the proposed project on parks and recreation are analyzed. Specific impacts and mitigation, as well as their level of significance, are evaluated in the subsequent section.

A. Proposed Changes to the General Plan

The existing General Plan addresses park and recreation resources in the Land Use (LU) Element and, in particular, in the Circulation (C) Element. As part of the project review process, park and recreation policies in the General Plan were reviewed and updated where necessary. In particular, this included an extensive revamping of the standards and specifications for both trails and bikeways, as described below. The changes were made to permit trail types to better suit the level of connectivity needed. For text of relevant General Plan policies, including those revised as part of GPA No. 960, see Section 4.16.3.C.

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1. Revisions to County Trail Standards

As described above, the existing General Plan includes two basic types of trails: regional and community. As part of the General Plan update, these categories were revamped and expanded to provide a greater range of options for trail planning. The proposed trail sub-types would distinguish between suburban and open space areas, allowing for fewer amenities where trails serve merely to connect open or undeveloped areas. In more developed areas, trail standards may call for more elaborate trail construction, surfaces, amenities or other features approp- riate to a park-like setting or community connectivity function. The proposed revisions also note that, “the Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District has prepared and adopted a Trails Development Standards Policy Manual, which is anticipated to be used in all trails planning, construction and maintenance activities.” Accordingly, GPA No. 960 proposes to revise the existing “regional trail” standard to include two trail sub-types, as follows and as shown in Figure 4.16.4 (New Trail and Bikeway Cross-Sections).

Regional Urban and Rural Trails: This trail type is intended primarily to connect communities, parks and open space areas. They are to feature unpaved, soft surfaces and generally be 10-12 feet wide within 20-foot easements (though width may vary). These trails would typically be maintained by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District, the Transportation Department through a Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District or by other entities subject to approval by the County of Riverside.

Regional Open Space Trails: This trail type is intended for both open space areas associated with private developments and for public and quasi-public open space areas. The key emphasis of this trail type is on mini- mizing the effect of human usage on the landscape and the need for trail maintenance (and the associated disturb- ances). These trails generally already exist, although some new trails may be built. Typically, the Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District or the public or quasi-public entity owning the open space containing the trails would be responsible for their maintenance. Alternatively, one of these agencies would maintain them under agreement with the landowner.

Other, more minor changes made to trail standards in this section include right-of-way widths for community trails and expansion of the definition of “non-county public land trails” to include trails on other public and quasi-public lands besides National Forests and BLM lands. Wording was also added to acknowledge the role individual area design guidelines play in local trail planning.

2. Revisions to County Bikeway Standards

Text was added and policies updated to reflect Riverside County’s plans for bikeways and other routes suitable for bicycle use. The standards more clearly specify when grade separation is needed between bikes and cars, as well as ensuring adequate separation between pedestrians and bikes, horses, golf carts, etc., to accommodate the various non-vehicular transportation modes used within these routes. In addition to revisions to Class I and II bikeways, a third type, Class II bikeways, is proposed to “provide continuity within the bikeways systems, usually by connecting discontinuous segments of Class I and Class II bikeways.” As “bike routes” this class of bikeway would be marked by signage, but not marked on pavement or by grade separation.

3. Revisions to Trails Mapping

As part of GPA No. 960, Figure C-7, Bikeways and Trails Plan, was updated to include the new trails plan. This master map provides a countywide overview of the trails system. See Figure 4.16.2. To reflect these revisions, the corresponding trails and bikeways exhibits for each Area Plan were also updated. Also see Figure 4.16.4 for the changes made to the trail cross-sections in the General Plan.

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B. Analysis of GPA No. 960 Effects on Parks and Recreation

The General Plan is concerned mainly with the physical build out of Riverside County; many of the changes associated with GPA No. 960 would affect planned land usage. The proposed project’s update to the General Plan includes land use overlays, land use designation (LUD) changes and new or revised policies that would allow for the conversion of rural, semi-rural, agricultural and vacant lands into suburban or urban uses in areas throughout Riverside County. As with the current General Plan, future development accommodated by GPA No. 960 has the potential to introduce people, property and structures into previously undeveloped areas; all of which would require adequate park and recreation services to ensure compliance with state and county regulations.

Table 4.16-C (Theoretical Parkland Needs With and Without the Project), below, provides a summary of the theoretical needs for park and recreation facilities within the county according to the theoretical estimate of need associated with existing land uses, as well as that for build out of the known spatial components of GPA No. 960 (i.e., site-specific LUD changes, policy area and study area changes, etc.). The table shows all three separate scenarios.

It should be noted that the following projections are based on the assumption that all of the changes proposed under GPA No. 960 actually result in future development and fully build out, that is, the theoretical, worst-case scenario that likely over-states the actual development potential in the real world. The actual future development of the individual parcels and areas affected by GPA No. 960 proposals are subject to the discretion of many hundreds to thousands of individual property owners, including both private individuals, business entities and even various public agencies and other entities. The County of Riverside has little to no control over the decision to propose development (new or re-developed) on a given site although the County of Riverside is the entity with discretion for review and approval of such development applications for most cases within unincorporated Riverside County. Demand for additional development is often a result of many interrelated factors, including population growth and economic demand, as well as location, local supply (i.e., existing home inventory) and even infrastructure availability (water supply, electricity, etc.).

For land use policy changes without currently assigned locations (Indian fee lands, incidental rural commercial, etc.), specific effects on park, trail and other recreational needs cannot be delineated at present as they are location-dependent. For the sake of comparison, however, Table 4.16-C shows the theoretical park and recreation needs at build out for both the current General Plan and the General Plan as it would be if amended pursuant to proposed GPA No. 960.

Table 4.16-C summarizes projected theoretical needs for park acreage, as an indicator of the need for recreational opportunities and facilities, for three scenarios. Again, these calculations are all labeled “theoretical” because they use the same basic set of assumptions and factors to allow for valid comparisons between and amongst scenarios. The first scenario shows demand associated with the existing (baseline) level of development currently estimated to be present on the portions of Riverside County directly affected by proposed land use-related changes as compared to full build out of the same areas as permitted under the updated General Plan (e.g., pursuant to the changes proposed in GPA No. 960).

Because much of the area addressed by GPA No. 960 includes regions for which future development potential is being eliminated (e.g., deletion of Rural Village Study Areas), the first scenario includes many areas where the build out scenario under the updated General Plan is the same as that which would occur under the existing (current General Plan’s) mapped LUDs. As such, these areas do not represent new areas of growth attributable to the project, GPA No. 960, but rather simply reflect the anticipated build out of the Riverside County General Plan that would occur with or without the project.

County of Riverside Environmental Impact Report No. 521 4.16-24 Public Review Draft . March 2014 Data Source: Riverside County Transportation (2012); Riv.Co. Gen.Plan Figure C-8 (2013)

Figure 4.16.4

Disclaimer: Maps and data are to be used for reference purposes only. Map features are December 16, 2013 approximate, and are not necessarily accurate to surveying or engineering standards. The County of Riverside makes no warranty or guarantee as to the content (the source is often third PROPOSED TRAIL [ party), accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of any of the data provided, and assumes no legal responsibility for the information contained on this map. Any use of this product with Miles respect to accuracy and precision shall be the sole responsibility of the user. TYPE DETAILS 0 10 20 Path: \\agency\tlmagis\Projects\Planning\CindysPurpleMapGallery\Fig4.16.4-ProposedTrailDetails.mxd

Thus, in order to focus on the areas where the proposed project would actually result in new development potential (i.e., potential impacts), and hence population increases or shifts, a second scenario was developed for just the areas proposed for a change that would result in a future population increase.

Lastly, the third scenario included in the table shows a “plan-to-plan” comparison between the build out condi- tions of the General Plan as it currently exists and then as it would be if GPA No. 960 were approved and fully implemented. This scenario demonstrates the relative effects of the project on long-range planning, rather than environmental impacts per se, and is provided for informational purposes and to allow comparison between build out outcomes.

Table 4.16-C: Theoretical Parkland Needs With and Without the Project Existing Condition2 Revised Condition Service Item Generation Factors1 Difference (No Project) (With Project) Scenario 1: Existing Conditions / Updated General Plan Build out, Full Project Spatial Area3 Population1 16,520 persons 46,370 persons + 29,840 people 3.0 acres per Quimby Standard4 49.6 acres 139.1 acres + 89.5 acres 1,000 people Scenario 2: Existing Conditions / Updated General Plan Build out, Areas of New Development Potential Only5 Population1 6,590 persons 19,610 persons + 13,020 people 3.0 acres per Quimby Standard4 19.8 acres 58.8 acres + 39.0 acres 1,000 people Scenario 3: Build out of Current General Plan / Updated (per GPA No. 960) General Plan, Countywide6 Population7 1,736,700 persons 1,599,000 persons - 137,800 people 3.0 acres per Quimby Standard4 5,210 acres 4,800 acres - 410 acres 1,000 people Footnotes: 1. Populations calculated as per General Plan Appendix E-1 standards. See Section 4.1 (Environmental Assumptions and Methods) for more information. All results rounded to the nearest 10 for population in scenarios 1 and 2, and nearest 100 for everything else. 2. Existing condition parkland acreages represent the countywide totals considered appropriate for the given population value; they do not represent actual acreages present. 3. Theoretical population estimated for the land uses associated with the 111,440-acre area of known spatial project changes. Existing condition is the current uses of land within these areas. Revised condition is the build out (development) of the same areas pursuant to the General Plan as updated per GPA No. 960. 4. As reflected in Section 10.35 of Riverside County Ordinance No. 460. 5. Encompasses just the 10,690 acres proposed for new or increased development intensity or density under GPA No. 960. Eliminates growth effects from areas that would develop per the existing General Plan, isolating the effects of the proposed project. Existing condition is the current uses of land within the limited area. Revised condition is the build out of the same area per the General Plan as updated per GPA No. 960. 6. Existing condition is the build out of unincorporated Riverside County pursuant to the existing (2008) General Plan. Revised condition is build out of the same pursuant to the General Plan as updated by GPA No. 960. 7. Population data provided by Riverside County Center for Demographic Research, 2010. Source: Riverside County General Plan, 2008. Riverside County Planning Dept., project land use data, 2011. Parkland standards from Section 10.35 of Riverside County Ordinance No. 460.

In regards to the planning, siting and development of new parks and other recreational facilities, it should be remembered that all such decisions are made by the applicable park and recreation district or other management entity. In some cases, such development is instigated solely by the entity. In most cases, however, such improvements are associated with new development projects undertaken by private developers. In such cases, the park and recreation entity typically reviews and approves proposals made by the developer. The entity’s master plan is used to guide such development decisions. Nevertheless, all such future actions would require the appropriate level of environmental analysis and review, as warranted.

When built out pursuant to the existing (2008) General Plan, as shown in Table 4.16-C, Riverside County’s popu- lation as a whole would require roughly 5,200 acres of parkland to serve its recreational needs. Under the updated General Plan, amended per GPA No. 960, this build out total would decrease roughly 8% to 4,800 acres because of the reduced population capacity associated with the proposed revisions.

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Thus, on a comparative basis the proposed project would result in fewer environmental impacts due to the reduced need for park and recreational facilities. Such a reduced need would be reflected in any of several ways, including through a reduction in the capacity needed within existing parks and recreational facilities, by delaying the need for construction of new parks or, by reducing the size of new parks constructed.

In terms of future development, however, as indicated in the table under scenario one, future development accommodated by the project would introduce a total of just under 30,000 new residents to Riverside County. These residents would trigger the need for a total of approximately 90 acres of new parklands. This total represents demand across Riverside County, however. The actual increases would be spread throughout the 19 Area Plans of unincorporated Riverside County, plus the remainder area of eastern desert not in an Area Plan. As such, the adverse effects on any single area would be small to negligible. Also, these increases would occur incrementally over the next several decades, allowing ample time for long-range planning and provision of necessary services.

In terms of actual development, however, as indicated in the first scenario in Table 4.16-C, the existing theoretical population of Riverside County within the lands potentially affected by the project requires roughly 50 acres of parklands. These needs are currently met by the roughly 22,500 acres of parks and recreational facilities within Riverside County that are operated and managed by the various park and recreation districts and other entities located throughout Riverside County (inclusive of cities). Build out of the same area pursuant to the updated General Plan would result in the need for just under 90 acres of additional parklands. Much of this growth, however, is already planned for in the existing General Plan and was analyzed under EIR No. 441, which was certified for the 2003 RCIP General Plan.

Scenario two of Table 4.16-C isolates just the areas of growth associated with GPA No. 960 that would potentially be greater than that originally planned under the existing General Plan. Once areas planned merely for growth according to the existing General Plan are removed, the resultant scenario indicates that the future new development potential arising from GPA No. 960 would result in a population capacity of roughly 13,000 additional people over existing conditions. To serve this population, an additional 40 acres of parkland would be needed overall; roughly two 20-acre community parks or four 10-acre neighborhood parks, for example. To determine where in the county these new parks would be needed, the same data was broken down by region (Area Plan).

The regional analysis indicated that approximately one new 12-acre park would be needed for the area within the Elsinore Area Plan and one new 8-acre park within the Palo Verde Valley Area Plan. Smaller amounts of parkland would be needed for three other regions: Jurupa Area Plan (6 acres), Mead Area Plan (5 acres) and Western Coachella Valley Area Plan (4 acres). Increases of less than 1 acre would also occur for the San Jacinto Valley, Southwest and Temescal Canyon Area Plans. The increased needs of the Elsinore Area Plan region as a result of GPA No. 960 would be due primarily to future development of the proposed Meadowbrook and Good Hope Rural Village Land Use Overlays. The LUD changes associated with achieving ALUP consistency around the Blythe Airport would increase park demands within the Palo Verde Valley Area Plan. The remaining increases would result from the various Riverside County-initiated LUD changes proposed under GPA No. 960, plus the LUDs being adjusted within the Jurupa Area Plan to ensure consistency with the Flabob and Riverside Municipal Airport ALUPs.

In terms of General Plan changes, the project would only incrementally affect most of Riverside County’s Area Plans and regions in amounts not large enough to trigger the need for a full additional park in most areas. Not surprisingly, the increased demand for parks shows up most clearly in the areas being planned for urbanization – the Meadowbrook and Good Hope Rural Village Overlays in particular. In terms of environmental effects, future development accommodated by GPA No. 960 would contribute incrementally to the need for additional parks

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and recreational opportunities throughout Riverside County. The environmental impacts and mitigation implications of these increases are discussed in the section that follows below.

In regards to trails, the revisions proposed are expected to improve trail planning and implementation by providing trail standards that more accurately reflect and address the needs of the various types of development that will occur in Riverside County over time. This will enable trails, pathways and bikeways to continue to be constructed as required to provide connectivity both within new development and between new and existing uses, as well as connections to the existing and proposed trail system.

Future development accommodated by the project would increase demand for additional trails and bikeways within new development and also increase the use of existing trails and bikeways, particularly those that connect new uses to existing destinations (schools, bus stops, retail areas, etc.).

4.16.6 Parks and Recreation - Impacts and Mitigation

A. Would the project cause growth that increases the use of existing neighbor- hood parks, regional parks or other recreational facilities resulting in or accel- erating substantial physical deterioration of the facility?

Impact 4.16.A – Increase the Use of Existing Parks or Other Recreational Facilities Resulting in Their Substantial Physical Deterioration: Future development accommodated by GPA No. 960 changes would result in population growth in certain areas within Riverside County, incrementally increasing the number of resi- dents using existing neighborhood and regional parks, as well as other recreational facilities, including trails and bikeways, in localized areas. This use would contribute slightly, but not significantly, to the wear and tear on existing facilities. Moreover, compliance with existing state and county regulatory programs and General Plan policies would further ensure that project-related effects on existing parks or recreation facilities are less than significant.

1. Analysis of Impact 4.16.A

The changes to General Plan land use plans and policies proposed in GPA No. 960 would result in a reduction of expected residential capacity at build out, thus accommodating a smaller county population than previously forecasted (scenario three in Table 4.16-C). Nevertheless, some components of GPA No. 960 would generate an incremental net increase in park needs. Specifically, this encompasses the various Riverside County-initiated land use designation changes, as well as those associated with the Blythe, Riverside Municipal and Flabob Airports; the Good Hope and Meadowbrook Rural Village Overlays; revisions to accommodate fish farms around the Salton Sea; and, lastly, the revisions to the Lake Elsinore Environs Policy Area related to Lakeland Village. See EIR Section 3.0 (Project Description) for further details.

The growth generated by each project component identified in Table 4.16-C (scenarios one and two) would increase the number of people utilizing existing recreational resources and necessitate the provision of new facilities to maintain adequate levels of service, at minimum those set forth under the Quimby Act. However, the incremental increase of 13,000 people associated with the project would be spread over the entire county in various amounts and occur over roughly 50 years. As such, this increase is an insignificant increment (0.8%) of the total expected county growth over the same period.

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2. Regulatory Compliance for Impact 4.16.A

As detailed and explained below, compliance with existing regulations and General Plan policies are sufficient to ensure that impacts associated with increased use and potential deterioration of park and recreation facilities, including trails and bikeways, due to growth as a result of GPA No. 960 would be less than significant.

a. Compliance with State and County Regulations

Compliance with the following state and Riverside County regulations would prevent significant impacts associated with increased use and potential deterioration of park and recreation facilities, including trails and bikeways.

Quimby Act: The Quimby Act (CGC Section 66477) allows local jurisdictions, through an ordinance, to require developers to dedicate land, pay fees or a combination of both for park and recreational purposes as a condition of approval of tract and parcel maps. The land, fees or combination thereof would be used for the development of new, or rehabilitation of existing, park and recreation facilities to serve the associated population. Implementation of Quimby Act standards would provide for additional park and recreational resources throughout the county, which in turn would lessen impacts related to overuse and overcrowding at existing facilities in the affected region.

Ordinance No. 460 - Regulating the Division of Land: In regards to parks and recreation, Section 10.35 of Ordinance No. 460 details the methods by which Quimby Act compliance is achieved (i.e., land dedication, in-lieu fee payment or combination of both) for residential projects approved within unincorporated Riverside County. The ordinance requires developers to dedicate, at a minimum, 3 acres of land for each 1,000 persons that may reside within Riverside County. In lieu of dedicating land, a developer may choose to pay fees, at an amount determined by the County of Riverside, for park and recreational purposes in order to satisfy Ordinance No. 460 and Quimby Act regulations. The fee and/or land dedications or improvements can only be used to provide neighborhood and community parks that serve the proposed development. Implementation of Ordinance No. 460 ensures that an adequate amount of park and recreational facilities are available to the residents of Riverside County.

Ordinance No. 328 - Rules and Regulations for County Parks and Open Space Areas: This ordinance prescribes rules and regulations for parks and open space areas within Riverside County to maintain their integrity and effective use for recreational purposes. By regulating those uses allowed in parks and open space areas, regulating the circulation of vehicles throughout such areas and prohibiting the destruction of landscaped areas, the regulations found in Ordinance No. 328 would effectively reduce the potential wear and tear that facilities may experience due to population growth accommodated by to GPA No. 960, thereby helping reduce potential adverse impacts to existing recreational resources.

b. Compliance with Existing Riverside County General Plan Policies

The following existing policies of the Riverside County General Plan would further reduce the insignificant impacts associated with increased use and potential deterioration of park and recreation. See Section 4.16.3.C for the full text of each of these policies.

Policy OS 20.3: Discourages the encroachment of public or private non-recreational uses on dedicated recreational lands, thereby preserving existing recreational resources.

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Policies OS 20.5 and 20.6: Requires recreational facilities be developed (or funded) concurrently with other development in a given area. Developing recreational facilities in conjunction with development proposals would help ensure that additional populations do not have excessive impacts on existing neighborhood and regional parks or recreational facilities.

c. Compliance with Proposed New or Revised Riverside County General Plan Policies

The following revised policies of the Riverside County General Plan will prevent significant impacts associated with increased use and potential deterioration of park and recreation facilities. See Section 4.16.3.C for full text of each of these policies.

Policy LU 25.2: Provides for a balanced distribution of recreational amenities for all land uses so as to not over burden existing recreational resources and reduce potential impacts to those existing resources.

3. Finding on Significance of Impact 4.16.A

With the implementation of, and compliance with, the above listed regulations, Riverside County ordinances and General Plan policies, potential adverse impacts to existing parks and recreational facilities, including trails and bikeways, would be limited to insignificant levels. As such, the growth associated with the project would not increase population levels in a manner that would cause significant impacts on existing parks or recreational facilities; nor would it result in or accelerate substantial physical deterioration of facilities.

B. Would the project trigger growth that results in the need for new or physically altered park or recreation facilities, the construction of which could cause sig- nificant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios or other performance objectives?

Impact 4.16.B – Trigger Growth Effects Resulting in the Need for Additional Parks or Recreational Facilities: Future development accommodated by GPA No. 960 changes would result in population growth in certain areas within the county, triggering the need for expansion of existing or development of new recreational facilities and opportunities. This need, however, would be incrementally small (less than 1%) of the overall growth expected in the county over the next 50 years and would be spread throughout Riverside County for the most part. As such, impacts would be less than significant. In a few areas, population increases would be large enough locally to potentially trigger the need for a new park, trail or other recreational facility. For such locations, compliance with existing state and Riverside County regulatory programs (the Quimby Act, specifically), as well as existing General Plan policies, would ensure project-related affects to parks, trails and other recreation would be less than significant.

1. Analysis of Impact 4.16.B

As discussed in Impact 4.16.A above, development activities accommodated by GPA No. 960 would facilitate additional population growth within the county compared to existing conditions. This anticipated growth would necessitate the provision of new park and recreational facilities to maintain adequate levels of service, at minimum those set forth under the Quimby Act and Section 10.25 of Riverside County Ordinance No. 460. As indicated in Table 4.16-C, the land use changes associated with GPA No. 960 would trigger the need for approximately 40 acres of additional parklands. Additional trails and bikeways would also be needed to provide for recreation and

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non-motorized transportation connectivity both within new developments (internally) and externally between other uses offsite, as well as to the existing trails network per General Plan Figure C-7.

The growth generated by each project component identified in Table 4.16-C (scenarios one and two) would increase the number of people utilizing existing recreational resources and necessitate the provision of new facilities to maintain adequate levels of service, at minimum those set forth under the Quimby Act. However, the incremental increase of 13,000 people associated with the project would be spread over the entire county in various amounts and occur over roughly 50 years. As such, this increase is an insignificant increment (0.8%) of the total expected county growth over the same period. This growth level is in line with that expected in Riverisde County over time and it is anticipated that it would be readily accommodated by the policies and plans of the General Plan. See Section 5.3 for further details on growth effects specifically.

GPA No. 960 does not alter or affect the existing park service ratios for Riverside County, including those that would apply to any future development accommodated by GPA No. 960. Existing fiscal plans for Riverside County, particularly Quimby Act requirements for provision of a minimum level of park acreage or payment of equivalent in-lieu fees, would continue to provide or fund adequate new facilities to support new areas of growth within Riverside County. Through this means, any population growth associated with new development from the project would be reduced to less than significant levels. As such, the potential effects of project-related population growth on the need for new or altered recreation facilities would be less than significant.

2. Regulatory Compliance for Impact 4.16.B

As discussed under Impact 4.16.A, the State of California Quimby Act, Ordinance No. 328 and Ordinance No. 460, as well as the various General Plan policies detailed for Impact 4.16.A would reduce the adverse impacts of potential growth on the need for additional recreation facilities as well. Through implementation of these regulations and policies, the County of Riverside would be able to address the potential funding and open space needs triggered by project-related growth as it occurs. Such regulatory measures and General Plan policies would be sufficient to ensure that impacts resulting in the need for additional recreational facilities as a result of GPA No. 960 would be less than significant.

3. Finding on Significance of Impact 4.16.B

With the implementation of the above-listed existing regulations and General Plan policies, particularly Section 10.35 of County Ordinance No. 460, GPA No. 960 would have a less than significant impact on the need for new or physically altered park, trails, bikeways or other recreation facilities.

C. Would the project trigger the need for construction or expansion of recreation- al facilities or uses that would have a significant adverse physical effect on the environment due to their provision?

Impact 4.16.C – Result in Significant Adverse Environmental Effects Due to the Need for Additional Parks or Recreational Facilities: Future development accommodated by GPA No. 960 would increase rural, suburban and urban uses in the county, resulting in a small overall population increase that would contribute incrementally to the need for an additional parks and recreational uses (including trails and bikeways) within Riverside County. Where these needs are localized due to specific policy and land use changes, increased popula- tions could result in the need for an additional park or other recreational use, the construction or expansion of which could have an adverse physical effect on the environment. However, compliance with existing regulations,

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County ordinances, mitigation measures from EIR No. 441 and General Plan policies, as outlined throughout this EIR, would be sufficient to ensure that resultant environmental impacts are less than significant.

1. Analysis of Impact 4.16.C

As described above, development consistent with GPA No. 960 would necessitate the provision of new recreational facilities and the expansion of existing facilities to accommodate expected population growth for those areas featuring additional residential populations. As outlined in the prior section, GPA No. 960 changes would disproportionately affect population growth for the Elsinore, Palo Verde Valley, Jurupa, Mead and Western Coachella Valley Area Plan regions. As such, it is possible that the Elsinore and Palo Verde Valley areas would each need an additional community park (of 12 acres and 8 acres, respectively). The remaining areas would potentially need an additional neighborhood or smaller park (of 6 acres, 5 acres and 4 acres, respectively). All of these areas would also need walkways, trails and bikeways, as appropriate, to provide recreational opportunities as well as connectivity for non-motorized transportation within new sites and externally to the existing trails network, as well as to existing and future new uses offsite (e.g., bus stops, schools, retail, etc.).

To ensure adequate parks and recreational uses are provided along with new residential development that introduces additional populations, the Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space Department and the Riverside County Planning Department enforce the Quimby Act standards enacted under Riverside County Ordinance No. 460 as they review development and building plans. The County of Riverside requires develop- ment applicants to provide specific levels of new recreational development (parks, recreational areas, etc.) and/or pay a specific amount of in-lieu fees that would then be used by the applicable public park and recreation entity to construct new or expanded facilities. Trail requirements and offsite improvement contributions are also handled similarly (through mandatory Conditions of Approval).

In the case of development-level applications (particularly, specific plans and specific plan amendments), parks and recreational facilities may be sited, planned and designed as part of the overall project. In other cases, such work may be performed separately as unrelated actions (as part of the implementation of a Parks Master Plan, for example). In either case, full environmental analysis, review and the formulation of all necessary mitigation would be required.

Where development of new or expanded facilities would occur on previously vacant land, the potential exists for construction to impact the physical environment. In particular, these physical impacts may include loss of open space and agricultural lands, loss of natural biological habitat and effects to plants and animals on a given site, the potential for effects to known or previously unknown cultural resources, as well as increasing use of various resources, such as water, energy, law enforcement patrols, etc. Similar impacts and related mitigation are addressed generally in their respective chapters of EIR No. 441, which was certified in conjunction with the 2003 RCIP General Plan. This EIR, EIR No. 521, also provides additional mitigation measures when deemed neces- sary to mitigate a potentially significant environmental impact.

2. Regulatory Compliance for Impact 4.16.C

Compliance with the following regulations, policies and existing mitigation measures from prior EIR No. 441 would reduce or minimize impacts associated with the need for new or expanded parks, trails or other recreational facilities.

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a. Compliance With Federal, State and County Regulations

The State of California and Riverside County regulations, programs and ordinances outlined for Impacts 4.16.A and 4.16.B, as well as throughout both this EIR and EIR No. 441, which was certified for the 2003 RCIP General Plan, would serve to ensure that the roughly 40 acres of additional parks and recreational uses necessitated by project-related population growth would be developed without significant environmental impacts. Given the small areas involved (12 acres maximum) and the large inventory of vacant, undeveloped land available within Riverside County, it is reasonable to assume that significant physical impacts can be avoided through careful site selection, in many cases. For the remaining cases, a combination of site selection, appropriate design, construction and management measures, as well as implementation of the various mitigation measures associated with EIR No. 441 and this EIR would be sufficient to ensure no substantial impacts result from the construction of necessary new or physically altered park or recreational facilities to serve the project.

b. Compliance with Existing General Plan Policies

As outlined previously for the prior two impact discussions, a variety of existing policies of the Riverside County General Plan would help prevent significant impacts resulting from the construction or expansion of recreational facilities or uses. These include Policies OS 20.5 and 20.6, C 4.9, 16.1 and 17.2, and LU 25.1-25.3. See Section 4.16.3.C for the full text of each of these.

Policy LU 9.2: Requires new development, including any recreational facility construction, to comply with the Multipurpose Open Space Element of the General Plan as well as federal and state regulations, such as CEQA, NEPA, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, in order to protect environmental resources.

c. Compliance with Proposed New or Revised County General Plan Policies

The following proposed new or revised policies of the Riverside County General Plan would prevent significant impacts resulting from the construction or expansion of recreational facilities or uses. Policies LU 25.2, 25.4, C 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 16.2, 16.7, 17.3, 18.1 and 18.2 provide mitigation for impacts associated with environmental effects of recreational facility construction. See Section 4.16.3.C for the full text of each of these policies.

3. Finding on Significance for Impact 4.16.C

With the implementation of the above-listed General Plan policies, ordinances and regulations, as well as the existing mitigation associated with EIR No. 441 in general, GPA No. 960 would have less than significant impacts associated with the need for construction or expansion of new or physically altered parks or recreational facilities.

4.16.7 Parks and Recreation – Level of Significance After Mitigation

Implementation of, and compliance with, the above regulations and General Plan policies would ensure that significant impacts to park and recreation resources, including trails and bikeways, are either avoided or mini- mized to less than significant levels. Compliance with existing State of California and County of Riverside laws and regulatory compliance measures would ensure that parks and recreation facilities are developed concurrently with other development in a given area and in accordance with the minimum amount of acres prescribed by both the Quimby Act and County Ordinance No. 460. Compliance with existing laws, regulatory programs and

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policies would minimize impacts to existing parks and recreation facilities and conflicts associated with the expan- sion of existing or new facilities. Together these measures ensure that any significant adverse impacts to parks, trails, bikeways and other recreational resources resulting from future development accommodated by GPA No. 960 would be less than significant.

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