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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2000-061 Comprehensive Plan for City Parks SystemRESOLUTION NO. R -2000- A RESOLUTION adopting a new comprehensive plan for the City of Yakima parks system. WHEREAS, the City of Yakima operates and maintains an extensive parks system and conducts a substantial program; and WHEREAS, since 1984 the City of Yakima has had a formally adopted Comprehen- sive Parks and Recreation Plan; and WHEREAS, at its regularly scheduled meeting on the sixth day of June, 2000, the City Council reviewed and generally approved the proposed new City of Yakima Compre- hensive Parks and Recreation Plan; and WHEREAS, the proposed new Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan complies with Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) requirements; and WHEREAS, adoption of the proposed new Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan will permit the City to apply for IAC state funding; and WHEREAS, the City Council deems it to be in the best interest of the people of the City of Yakima that the proposed new Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan be adopted, now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA: The Yakima City Council hereby adopts the attached City of Yakima Compre- hensive Parks and Recreation Plan. ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this sixth day of June, 2000. Mary Place, Mayor ATTEST: 'KCi`(_.B V -L .>A 499'1 City Clerk To: Yakima Parks and Rec Yakima City Council From: Anne Bounds 1510 S. 28th Ave. Yakima, WA 98902 Re: Kissel Park proposal RECEIVED ED CTY of YAKiaaA MAY 31 2000 OFFICE CITY COUNCIL I am a tennis enthusiast (player and high school coach) and know the value of public courts tennis. And as a coach and high school toumament director, the twelve courts at Larson Park are a perfect site for tournaments --convenient because all the matches are in one place and thus there's a great tennis atmosphere. (I realize thay have been sold ---as it must be--- but I would hope that at least 8 of them would be replaced.) I am also a homeowner on South 28th Ave. and have property that adjoins the proposed Kissel Park. PROBLEM: A park with primary use as a sports complex does not belong in my peaceful, residential area. RATIONALE: • The roads in the area cannot handle much more traffic, and a sports complex park would definitely mean more out -of -area traffic. • The surrounding neighbors want a passive park, not a sports complex. Listen to us! • Facilities for food/drink are important for tournament participants and fans. Such facilities are not nearby. We're residential! • Society is changing. Many parks now attract undesirables. (Just in our recent May 20 high school tennis tournament, we witnessed a group drinking alcohol in the park as well as a man being hauled away in handcuffs. Two hours after the end of the tournament, I returned to retrieve a player's jacket and discovered part of our garbage out of the cans and on the ground as well as the water forced on endlessly with some contraption.) Large activity parks (large parking lots, lights, driveways in, and just "stuff' to mess wiith) invite undesirables; a residential area should not have to put up with such park prey. • It's ironic that a park could cause much more stress than relieve stress. • Why must the idea of parks be always associated with sport? Examine the "European" concept of park ---pathways, flowers, grass, fountains, trees, benches, all meticulously maintained ---and in France, some elderly men playing their game of "boules." And why don't we see more senior citizens in our parks? • This should not be a Kissel family vs. neighborhood battle. I'm most appreciative of Mr. Kissel's passion for and years of work in the development of Yakima parks. He worked for the Parks Dept. at a time when parks complemented the neighborhood. However, consider how he might feel today. Mr. Kissel, himself, I'm sure, would be aghast at the trashing of parks which now takes pace. I'm sure he would also not back down in parks development or maintenance. And the family man that he was, he would most likely develop a passive park for a residential area and a sports -emphasis park (lots of competition and out -of -area folk) in a non-residential area. SOLUTION: • Listen to the people of the Kissel Park area. • Build a passive park ---a daylight -use only park. Listen to the ideas that Carol Masterson and her hundreds of fellow "neighbors" have for the development of this park. Quite inexpensive and innovative.......And it would take care of all ages • Continue to utilize part of the land for educational purposes ---as an agricultural lab for Eisenhower H.S. • Build at least 6 more tennis courts where 6 already exist and where there is room ---at Franklin Park (important to be close to YVCC) or somewhere on the Whitney/Wilson complex. (Schools are the primary users of these courts.) • And call the park Kissel Park ---unless the Kissel family desires a sports complex park. Sincerely, Anne Bounds 678-4161 (work) 452-5521 (home) ITEM TITLE: SUBMITTED BY: BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. 1-7 For Meeting of: June 6, 2000 Public Hearing to Consider Resolution Adopting the Yakima Parks and Recreation Five -Year Comprehensive Plan 2000-2005 Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Denise Nichols, 575-6020 SUMMARY EXPLANATION: The Parks and Recreation Division has spent the past four months updating and re -writing the Five -Year Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan is to provide a planning document to outline objectives, goals and recommended courses of action for the future of Parks and Recreation. Ample opportunity has been given for public input and comments through a series of public meetings, surveys, written comments, study sessions and concluding with a public hearing. A summary of citizen responses is included within the Plan. Once adopted, the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan will be published and available to the public. Resolution X Ordinance Other: Parks and Recreation Five -Year Comp Plan 2000-2005 Contract Mail to (name and address): Phone: Funding Source: Parks and Recreation APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: \, City Manager STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff respectfully requests City Council conduct the Public Hearing and subsequently consider adoption of the attached Resolution adopting a new Parks and Recreation Five -Year Comprehensive Plan. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the Plan on May 8, 2000 and supports it adoption. COUNCIL ACTION: Agenda Statement Melynn Skovald RESOLUTION NO. R-2000:` 1 A RESOLUTION adopting a new comprehensive plan for the City of Yakima parks system. WHEREAS, the City of Yakima operates and maintains an extensive parks system and conducts a substantial program; and WHEREAS, since 1984 the City of Yakima has had a formally adopted Comprehen- sive Parks and Recreation Plan; and WHEREAS, at its regularly scheduled meeting on the sixth day of June, 2000, the City Council reviewed and generally approved the proposed new City of Yakima Compre- hensive Parks and Recreation Plan; and WHEREAS, the proposed new Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan complies with Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) requirements; and WHEREAS, adoption of the proposed new Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan will permit the City to apply for IAC state funding; and WHEREAS, the City Council deems it to be in the best interest of the people of the City of Yakima that the proposed new Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan be adopted, now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA: The Yakima City Council hereby adopts the attached City of Yakima Compre- hensive Parks and Recreation Plan. ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this sixth day of June, 2000. ATTEST: is/ KAREN S. ROBERTS, CMC City Clerk SI MARY PLACE Mary Place, Mayor c; e u.; :?, ;� ^.• t. ,_ s , �a < a �.. t' ee, �?, - ---...... .,. (.:� --/-2 CMJ CITY CITY OF YAKIMA ADOPTED JUNE, 2000 YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL Mary Place, Mayor Larry Mattson, Assistant Mayor Clarence Barnett Henry Beauchamp Lynn Buchanan John Puccinelli Bernie Sims YAKIMA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Mike Nixon, Chairman Bob Busse, Vice Chairman Lola Amos Rod Bryant Tom Gates Phil Hoge Tom Hurson CITY MANAGER Richard A. Zais, Jr. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Chris Waarvick PARKS AND RECREATION MANAGER Denise Nichols COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TEAM Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager Lynn Quesenbury, Parks and Recreation Administrative Specialist Bruce Benson, Associate Planner, Community Development City of Yakima PARKS AND RECREATION Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents Chapter I Getting Started: What We Want to Build Chapter II The Site: A Description of the Community Chapter III The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 Chapter IV The Contractor: Parks and Recreation Administration Chapter V The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives Chapter VI The Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Chapter VII The Client: Community Input and Comment Chapter VIII Industry Standards Chapter IX The Blueprint: Recommendations for the Future Appendices A. Planning Area Demographics B. Acreage and Population C. Map: Schools, Parks and Planning Areas D. Map: Existing and Proposed Pathways E. Map: Vacant Public Lands F. Survey and Results G. City Park Inventory Drafting a Blueprint for the Future WHY THE PLAN IS NEEDED The purpose of this Comprehensive Plan is to provide a planning docu- ment to outline objectives, goals and recommended courses of action for the future of Parks and Recreation. If we think of the future as a house that we would like to build, then we can look at this plan as a blueprint. It shows us what we want the future to look like and how we want to shape it. And because it is a blueprint — a plan — it will allow us to make alterations to adapt it in the future should our wants and desires change and to make the best use of resources. Generally speaking, parks and recreation are considered good things. Parks contribute to our landscape and quality of life and recreation al- lows us to use our leisure time creatively and beneficially. It takes resources, however — money and time — to create parks and recreation, and, because resources come with a cost and usually a limit, we need to plan ahead for their use. SCOPE OF WORK Because of Yakima's open topography and agricultural landscape, for many years residents felt little need to develop parks and public green spaces. Development and urbanization of farm land has changed that notion. At the same time invention and technology changed the way people used their time and the demand for leisure time activities increased dramatically. The community took note. For more than three decades the residents of the City of Yakima have recognized the need for a parks and recreation pro- gram. Not content to plop a ballfield here or to hold a soccer camp there, they recognized a program needs a plan to direct it — a plan that identifies the needs for public green spaces and recreation and then addresses how to meet those needs. The plan must discuss the challenges the future brings. Price and avail- ability will make it increasingly difficult for Parks and Recreation to acquire property for parks as the urban areas continue to grow. Aging facilities and properties will require repair and renovation to stay safe, efficient and func- tional. Public recreation will need additional facilities and innovation to meet the wide and increasing range of ages, interests and desires of the commu- nity. And all of this is framed by a fiscally conservative environment. In addition to directing planning, guiding resource use and assessing community assets, the Plan and the process of its formation will serve as an information resource, encourage public support, corroborate budget requests and strengthen strategies for land protection. By design, the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan is both spe- cific and very broad. It considers not only the public and recreation areas, Chapter I • Page 2 • Getting Started: What We Want to Build facilities and programs but also present and future demand for those ser- vices. The Plan considers the citizens' desires for recreation: who wants it, where they want it, when they want it and how they want it packaged. To establish this information, the Plan provides these elements: • A site description: a history and depiction of the community and area. • A foundation: an inventory of existing recreation areas, facilities and programs. • A contractor: Parks and Recreation Commission, administration and staff. • Building blocks: a set of goals and objectives. • Design elements: analysis of citizen desires and directives. • A blueprint: recommendations for the future. These elements provide tools enabling us to become acquainted with the existing and potential recreation resources as well as the present and future recreation needs of the City of Yakima and its urban planning area. As a practical plan of action, they provide direction for future maintenance, acquisition, development, programming and administration to guide future activities on a variety of levels: • Identification of the City's parks and recreation needs. • Identification of community interests and desires. • Assistance in obtaining funds and support for capital improvements and program services. • Maximization of resource use efficiency. • Improved coordination with other community agencies and orga- nizations. • Preservation and protection of the environment. This Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan is the product of a three -phased process: • Phase I: Collection of background material including historical in- formation, demographics, an inventory of community park facilities and recreation opportunities. • Phase II: Assessment of park and recreation interest, needs and de- sires. Review of the preceding five-year comprehensive plan. CONSTRUCTION METHODS Getting Started: What We Want to Build • Chapter 1 • Page 3 Community assessment through a survey mailed to 900 randomly selected utility account holders and three community public work- shop meetings. Input from and review by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Input from and review by City staff. Input from and review by citizen advisors. As a result, the recommendations contained in this plan represent a consensus opinion developed during these forums and meetings. • Phase III: Review and adoption by the City Council. Chapter I • Page 4 • Getting Started: What We Want to Build Seattle Olympia AREA HISTORY* • Much of the material in this section was pro- vided by the Yakima Chamber of Commerce. WASHINGTON Wenatchee • Ellensburg *YAKIMA Spokane • a Located in south central Washington State, Yakima is a richly historical and beautiful agricultural valley with a dramatic physical setting. The area is the trading center for its 85,000 residents who enjoy a marvelous climate year round. Before the arrival of the white man, a loose confederacy of tribes and bands of Indians controlled the vast area of what is now central Washing- ton. Allied by blood, speech and common interest, these Indians became known as the Yakama Nation. Two principle groups headquartered in the Yakima area: the Pah-guy-ti-koot-lema, "People of the Mountain Heads Com- ing Together," resided where Union Gap is now and the Atahum-leman, "creek by the long mountain," lived along the banks of Ahtanum Creek. The first white men to glimpse the Yakima Valley were members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1805. Their reports brought trappers, trad- ers and miners to the area and, as early as 1847, Catholics established a mis- sion near Ahtanum. By the late 1850's, permanent settlers began to arrive and military units were called in to settle white -Indian hostilities. In a com- paratively short time, permanent and honored treaties were signed with the Yakama Nation. The pioneers' need to educate their children led F. Mortimer Thorp to establish the first school in the Yakima Valley. It was located across the river from present-day Union Gap just above the prehistoric bog on Birchfield Road. The area was referred to as "Moksee" which meant bad land or bog. This bog has been preserved today as a sanctuary of a prehistoric butterfly species. The first settlers relied mainly on raising livestock for a living in this semi -arid climate. Then in the late 1860's, the first non -Indian irrigation ditch was built from the Yakima River to a five -acre field between present- day Yakima and Union Gap. This was the first of a series of irrigation ditches which brought the area's rich, volcanic soil to life. During this period, set- tlers established farms mostly along the river banks while a settlement named Yakima City, located at the present site of Union Gap, served as a commer- cial center. There were only 432 pioneers in the County in 1870, but the miracle of irrigation had raised their numbers to 3,000 by 1880. Chapter II • Page 2 • The Site: A Description of the Community The Northern Pacific Railroad extended tracks into the area and fell into dispute with some of the residents of Yakima City. The residents refused to grant certain concessions to the railroad and so, bypassing the town, North- ern Pacific established its terminal four miles further north and named it North Yakima. Once the terminal was established, the railroad offered to move buildings free of charge from Yakima City to North Yakima. It was a convincing argument to many of the residents and fifty to sixty buildings — blacksmith shops, saloons and homes the courthouse, banks, general stores, .+..+ • shops, - - abandoned Yakima City and moved north on rollers to surround the new railroad terminal. North Yakima was incorporated on January 27, 1886, and named the County Seat, but the prefix "North" was not dropped until 1918. The old Yakima City was referred to as "Old Town" by some or as "Union Gap" by others but, when Yakima officially adopted its shortened name, Union Gap became the legally recognized name of the older community. By the turn of the century, there were nearly 15,000 residents in the area as growth in population followed the rapid development of large irrigation systems. About this time, the Federal Government entered the irrigation field under the Reclamation Service and started building several large irri- gationL_ Ya : Valley which were crucial in deter- mining the development of the area. The only trees and green grass in semi -arid early North Yakima grew along the rivers and creeks of the area. When the residents felt the need for a break from their barren, new town, they took the streetcar to Sumac Park on the Yakima River, just south of the present East Yakima Avenue. At Sumac, they swam in the river, played baseball, picnicked and enjoyed band con- certs and local sporting events. If the people felt the need for a real outing, they made a trip up towards Tampico to Soda Springs, a popular camping and pialic area. Its lush trees and grass provided a welcome and refreshing change from hot, dusty North Yakima. Yakima was a rumble tumble town and its early residents exercised cau- tion as they walked the streets for they never knew when they would find themselves in the midst of a horse race. It seems that, while they were re- freshing themselves in one of the local saloons along East Yakima Avenue, cowboys would often fall into disagreement over the quality of horseflesh. They would usually settle the argument by dashing out, jumping on their mounts, and racing down Naches Avenue and back. That Naches Avenue, in fact, became the oldest parcel on the Yakima's landscaped blocks 4n Park Property Listing when its fifteen Landscaped were platted PIONEERS, PARKS and RECREATION** Much of the informa- tion in this section came from the Yakima Valley Historical Society and the League of Women Voters of Yakima. The Site: A Description of the Community • Page 3 • Chapter II Drafting a Blueprint for the Future 1885. By the Twenties, Lions, Miller, Portia and South 2nd Street Parks were on the books and, in 1933, the City established a Parks Department to over- see the maintenance and operation of the its parks. A decade later, in 1943, alert to funding advantages available to independent park districts, the citi- zens of Yakima petitioned and subsequently voted to establish an indepen- dent Metropolitan Park District. An adequately funded parks system flour- ished. In 1951, however, the State Legislature readjusted the millage allocation to the detriment of park districts. Although the City supported the District with a two -mill contribution, the District now had to submit special levies to the voters every two years to raise necessary supplemental revenue for maintenance and operations. Obligated to maintain and operate the system at an adequate level and to acquire and develop new areas and facilities for its growing population, the District found itself in a constant funding crisis. Finally in 1968, the maintenance and operations levy failed. Dissolution of the District became an increasingly obvious solution. Within a year the new Park Director had done just that — dissolved the Park District — but he had also managed to convince the City Council that the City should assume the responsibility for the Park System. The new- found security and direction as a City department not only raised staff mo- rale and effectiveness but also increased public appreciation and participa- tion in the park system. Although the first bond issue in 1970 barely failed with a vote of 59%, the Department staff and Park Board rallied back, and the issue passed in 1971. Parks and Recreation continued operations as a City Department until 1982 when, responding to budget short falls, the City Council voted to over- ride the recommendation of the Park Commission and made Parks and Rec- reation a division of the Public Works Department. The following year the division moved its operations to the Public Works complex on Fruitvale Boulevard in north central Yakima. A 1987 bond issue, for 2.25 million dollars, resulted in expansion of the Senior Citizen's Center, the installation of new irrigation systems in several of the areas' parks, Phase I of Chesterley Park development and the renova- tion of both Franklin and Washington Pools, work that was completed in 1990. A five million dollar bond with a wide range of proposals, including park development and improvements, was soundly defeated by the City's voters in 1994. No plans to resubmit the proposal to the voters were launched. A lack of bond revenue did not preclude park development, however. In 1993 a private donation funded the purchase of a small piece of addi- tional property for the expansion of Swan Park and a State grant enabled completion of engineering and design for the Powerhouse Canal Pathway. That same year, Parks and Recreation struck a cooperative agreement with Chapter II • Page 4 • The Site: A Description of the Community J.M. Perry Institute and Yakima Youth Soccer Association (YYSA) for devel- opment of the school's 15 acres of vacant land at 16th and Washington Av- enues. Perry leased the land long-term to the City for a nominal fee and the YYSA provided funding and in kind services for construction of youth soc- cer fields while Parks and Recreation agreed to provide future maintenance of the property. Swan Park, renamed McGuinness Park in 1996, was dedicated in June, 1999. The first sections of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway between 40th and Englewood Avenues were constructed the same year. Transportation en- hancement grants approved in 1999 and 2000 provided funding for further pathway construction: Powerhouse to River Road, Swan Avenue to 16th Avenue and Lincoln to Englewood. A 1999 Interagency Committee for Out- door Recreation grant provided the means to complete Chesterley's unde- veloped 12 acres the following year. Interest in development of a sports complex in the Kiwanis Park neigh- borhood prompted the Kiwanis and Rotary organizations to initiate a prop- erty acquisition program in 1999. Lots adjacent to Kiwanis were purchased for Parks and Recreation as they became available. This, in turn, provided a source for matching dollars for Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recre- ation and other grants. In contrast to Washington States good financial health, the City of Yakima's 1999 general fund suffered the effects of flat and declining sales and property tax collections. That November, Washington state voters ap- proved Initiative 695 that lowered the motor vehicle excise tax to $30 per vehicle, which significantly decreased the city's general fund revenues. The loss of funding to Parks and Recreation in 1999 alone totaled just over $380,000 and yielded cuts in community enrichment, bilingual and aquatics programs, personnel and maintenance. In spite of these setbacks, proactive manage- ment and dedicated staff balanced resources to meet the community's park and recreational needs and desires. Yakima's general climate is ideally suited for outdoor recreation. Lo- cated between the wet, mild West Coast and the dry Rocky Mountains, the area has four distinct seasons and provides for stimulating diversity of rec- reation. The severe temperature ranges of the Rocky Mountain and Plains areas are moderated by the generally westerly flow of marine air masses. Furthermore, these air masses lose most of their moisture over the Cascades before dropping down into the Yakima Valley. The result is an annual aver- age of 300 days of sunshine and outdoor recreation that is rarely hindered either by extreme temperatures or by precipitation Winters are cool and the area experiences heavy snowfall and extreme low temperatures infrequently. Temperatures (December -February) average CLIMATE* • Weather statistics were obtained through the University of Wash- ington Atmospheric Sciences website. The Site: A Description of the Community • Page 5 • Chapter II Drafting a Blueprint for the Future LANDSCAPE highs of 40.3 degrees and lows of 22.8. The average total annual snowfall is 24.3 inches although the depth of the snow on the ground (December -Feb- ruary) averages only two inches. Summers are dry and very warm. Afternoons are hot and average 84.3 (June -August), but the dry air results in a rapid temperature fall after sun- set, and nights are pleasantly cool with summertime minimums of approxi- mately 51.3 degrees. Total amounts of precipitation are small — approximately 8.3 inches of precipitation per year, 3.3 inches or 40 percent of which falls during the winter months of December, January and February. The summer months, June, July andAugust, average a mere .4 inch of rain a month. As a result, irrigation is required for nearly all vegetation and uses water from the Cas- cades' snowmelt which is stored in reservoirs and slowly released through- out the dry, summer months. Winds are generally light, maintaining a yearly average of seven m.p.h., becoming somewhat greater in the late spring and lesser in winter. How- ever, the complex topography of the area results in marked variations within a short distance in air drainage, winds and maximum and minimum tem- peratures. The Yakima Park Planning Area lies on the broad, gently sloping flood plains of the Yakima and Naches Rivers between parallel ridges that gradu- ally extend. eastward. As these ridges slowly emerged through geologic time, the Yakima River, which runs south, cut through the tough basalt to form the Selah and Union Gaps. Flowing east from the mountains, the Naches River bounds the area along the north while the Yakima River creates a natural barrier along the eastern portion of the city. The Naches and Yakima Rivers are only partially con- trolled by dikes set back from the river's edge and the river channels are meandering and braided, changingposition with almost every spring flood. The soils of the bottom lands ad- jacent to these river areas have slopes ofless than three per- cent and consist of riverwash which varies from loam to sandy loam to very gravelly sandy loam. Much of the urban area of Yakima and Union Gap is made up of these soils. The Soil Conservation Service reports that the areas with more gravel and sand are subject to occasional flooding from the rivers and the Corps of Engineers confirms this. The Corps has computed flood levels for the area and predicts that a one City of Selah Selah Gap NACHes. Rrt�E7q 3 City of Yakima City of Union Gap Union Gap hundred year flood would be generally confined within the dikes or the freeway roadway. More severe floods would inundate large portions of the low-lying areas of both Yakima and Union Gap. Chapter II • Page 6 • The Site: A Description of the Community In west Yakima, the slopes generally increase gradually and the soils become silt loams with increased water -holding qualities and many of the orchards found here are interlaced with irrigation canals. South of Wide Hollow Creek and west of the Yakima River, the land is devoted mostly to agriculture with a sprinkling of residential development. Agriculture con- tinues up the ridges until water is no longer available from irrigation canals or until the slopes become too steep and the soil broken and stony. Elevations range from 950 feet on the river at Union Gap, to 1,060 at the airport, up to around 2, 000 feet on the ridge tops. Drainage -ways on the steep ridge slopes run north and south and the streams of the gently sloping Valley run east and west to intercept the Yakima River. The Yakima area supported a great variety of wildlife in the past. Some of it remsins today and is dependent upon habitat: appropriate life -supporting food, water, and cover. Cover includes anything from a specific type of breeding ground to protection from predators and from the elements. Before the coming of irrigation and the large settlements of white men, the Yakima area provided a variety of habitats: dense brush and groves of deciduous trees along the streams, range land grasses and shrubs m the valleys and sagebrush and wildflowers in the foothills and ridges. These habitats encouraged a variety of wildlife. Insects flourished and countless bird species and small mammals inhabited the area. These, in turn, provided a food source for larger predatory species such as hawks, owls, bobcat, cougar and coyote. Bear found the native berries growing thick and numerous along the watercourses. The low elevation of the area provides a snow -free wintering area for the native mule deer. Aquatic furbearers, such as otter, beaver, muskrat, mink and raccoon are found in the region's streams where the abun- i b_nk _ g_t_tio ..i. to their l:l,ing aance UI lisll 2iIlU bLrCa1u mulls. VegCLil1,1V11 are m'all;u LV uuGu liniu�. The landscape that attracted this variety of wildlife also attracted the white man. As he cleared land for agriculture, irrigated the fertile soil, and built villages which grew into towns, his hunger for orchard and cattle grazing land consumed acres of native vegetation. Swamps were drained, streams were diked and dammed, and the ponds and pot- holes normally filled by annual flooding eventually dried up. Habitat areas changed and no longer supported many of its former species. Adaptable species remained and attempted to compete with man for the fruits of the land. To keep elk and deer from interfering with orchard g1Vw-t u and competing -g.lau cattle .for QYClcAG forage, ranchers erected WILDLIFE The Site: A Description of the Community • Page 7 • Chapter II fences which, in turn, altered natural annual migration patterns. Re- moval of the native cover reduced the natural food supply which again, in turn, decreased the density and variety of wildlife that the land could support. ECONOMICS * * Economic information was obtained through the Yakima County Development Associa- tion (YCDA) and the Chamber of Commerce The variety of birds in the area is amazing and ranges from the little Hummingbird to the Golden Eagles. Marshy, wet areas along the rivers and streams around Yakima are resting places for migratory waterfowl and there are many farm fields where they can feed while migrating. Ducks and Geese are abundant throughout the area. Mallards, Pintails, Mergansers, Teal and Canada Geese are common and an occa- sional Swan can be seen in the vicinity of Yakima. Upland game birds such as Pheasant, Quail and Doves are fairly common throughout the valley where orchards and brushy areas provide habitat. Chukar, Tur- key, Grouse and Partridge are found more commonly in the scattered timber of the foothills to the west. The most common birds in the populated areas are Robins, many varieties of Hawks, Starlings, House Sparrows, House Finches, Rock Doves (Pigeons) and, in the winter, many Or- egon Juncos. With the development of game reserves in the region, most of these birds have a chance for sur- vival — if they are able to adapt and survive there. But even with the reserves, there is still the need for local habitat areas if we are to con- tinue to enjoy the aesthetic pleasure of their presence. Agriculture dominates the economy of the Yakima Valley and, in one way or another, affects almost everyone who lives in the area. The county is the largest producer of agricultural products in the state and ranks 16th in the nation for the value of its agricultural production and fifth in the nation for all fruit production. The leading crop is apples and its 1996 production was valued at nearly $300,000,000. Chapter II • Page 8 • The Site: A Description of the Community Yakima County is first in the state in its number of cattle and calves which were valued in 1996 at $185,000,000. Rounding out the top five agricultural products are dairy ($83,000,000), hops ($80,000,000) and grapes ($42,000,000). r.> r Trade comprises approximately 30 percent of the county's nun -farm employment. Even here, though, agriculture's pervasiveness is felt as a result of the high volume of food product warehousing and wholesaling. The service industry employs 25 percent of the non-farm workforce with health care, the largest single component, drawing over 7,000 workers. The third sector is governmental — federal, state and local including the elementary and secondary school system — and the fourth is manu- facturing. Agriculture again makes its weight felt as food processing rep- resents about 40 percent of the manufacturing sector. Other local prod- ucts include lumber and wood products, non -electrical machinery, paper and allied products, transportation equipment, plastics and fabricated metal products. Within this total urban service area, 16 sub -areas were identified for recreation plan- ning purposes. (Appendix B contains a map of the Parks Planning Area showing the 16 planning areas and each area's parks and schools.) Based upon census tracts located within the City of Yakima and the surround- ing L. �__ _ _7 L L O 500 and d O x700 ing urban area, the muavauUaf sou -meas have between. G,uvv alio o, �vv persons and are relatively homogeneous with respect to population char- acteristics, economic status, and living conditions. The spatial size of census tracts varies widely from the smallest with 233 acres to the larg- est with over 16,000 acres. Use of census tracts as individual planning areas was chosen to facilitate statistical comparisons from one census to another over extended periods of time. The distribution of the characteristics of an area's people are of prime importance to planning. The following demographic characteristics are considered to be the most important in recreation planning: population, age, income, education and special groups. NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ADAC The Site: A Description of the Community • Page 9 • Chapter II POPULATION* • Information in this section is based on census statistics obtained through the Washington State Office of Financial Management. POPULATION DENSITY At the time this document was drafted, Census 2000 questionnaires had just been mailed to citizens across the country and information on individual planning areas was not expected to be available for several years. For the purposes of discussion and planning we have multiplied the 1990 popula- tion figures by 1.01 to reflect the one percent per year increase historically experienced by the City of Yakima. In 1999(2000) the population within the Yakima city limits was projected to be 65,500, up nearly 20 percent from 54,843 in 1990. That figure reflects both population increases due to natural growth, migration and annexations. Estimates in the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan estimate that popu- lation will grow to approximately 67,250 in 2005, 70,000 in 2010 and 75,000 in 2015. The urban area, used as a broader context for this plan, includes unin- corporated portions of East Valley (Terrace Heights) and West Valley and the City of Union Gap to the south. Using Office of Financial Management figures, the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan predicts ranges of popu- lation for the urban planning area for the future: 1998 2005 2010 2015 Estimated range - low 76,657 84,746 89112 93718 Estimated range - high 78,987 102,933 108,231 113,812 The 1999(2000) populations of the individual planning areas range from 2,496 to 8,835. The 1999 average population for the 16 areas is 5,802 per area with the median population at 5,908. Using the 1.01 per year growth factor, those figures climb respectively to 2,746 and 9,719 for 2010 with the average at 6,382 and the median at 6,498.5. The tables in Appendix D give those projected population estimates for the 16 neighborhoods and similarly based figures for the year 2010. There are two areas of concern when studying population. The first is the actual number of people dwelling within the area. The second is the density of this population, or how closely the actual number of people ap- proaches the number planned for during the zoning process. Combined, the two provide important indicators of the need for the size and location of park and recreational programs and facilities. Density figures provide a measure of an area's degree of development and land availability. Park and Recreation's land use view differs some- what from that of other City departments: it must look into the future well in advance of annexation to identify suitable land for acquisition and park development. By the time an area has reached 50% density, most of the choice recreation lands may well have been taken for other purposes. Chapter II • Page 10 • The Site: A Description of the Community The total acreage of the urban planning area studied for this Plan is 31,162.5 acres. In 1999(2000) the population was estimated at 92,830 which produces an overall population density of three people per acre. The den- sity of the individual planning areas varies from a low of .04 in the expan- sive 16,450 -acre East Valley area to a high of 21.2 in the smallest of the 16 areas, the 233 -acre neighborhood just southeast of the intersection of Fruitvale and North 16th Avenue..7 As can be expected the areas of greatest density are located in the older portions of Yakima east of 16th Avenue, this corresponds with planning areas 1, 2, 6, 7, 12 and 15, with housing densities averaging between four and twelve units per acre. Proceeding west, development density becomes less and less to a point west of 36th Avenue where densities of less than two housing units per acre is very common. While the Yakima Comprehensive Parks Plan is called a five-year plan, in reality it is a vision for the next 20 years. Even so, to keep the plan in proper perspective, we must remember we are planning for people, not time. Since the level and quantity of parks and recreation services demanded is directly related_ to the number of people demanding the given services, changes in both the number and composition of that to -cal population affects - local government planning. A youthful population makes different demands on parks facilities than a much older population does, and an increase in certain cultural groups — Hispanics, for example — can create yet another set of demands. Since est"irriates of population change are crucial to planning, budgeting and financing park improvements, they are essential to this Comprehensive Plan. the direction and...ag itude pop99- tsirths, deaths and migration drive u«g+u�u"`- of popu- lation lation change. Each is subject to change independent of the others and, con- sequently, should be considered separately. The number of births minus the number of deaths is equal to the natural change, and when added to migra- tion of people into or out of Yakima, yields overall population change. Of the three variables, migration is the element of population change which is least predictable. Changes in the economy or social values can lead to extended periods of either in -or -out -migration. Historically, this has been the case in the Yakima Valley, where migrant agricultural workers have tra- ditionally heavily influenced the economy. --4 1111'9 TL0i� D.L ri rc I DEATHS and MIGRATION The Site: A Description of the Community • Page 11 • Chapter II NEIGHBORHOOD POPULATION Drafting a Blueprint for the Future SPECIAL GROUPS Between 1990 and 1999, Yakima County's population increased 12.4 per- cent from 188,823 to 212,300. During this period there were 38,016 births and 15,129 deaths or a natural increase of 22,887. The balance of the popula- tion change or net movement was 590. Historically Yakima's fertility rate, measured in terms of births per woman, has been high in comparison to the rest of the state. In 1990, the State of Washington's birth rate was approximately 2.0 while Yakima's was approximately 3.0. The difference in birth rates between Yakima County and the State of Washington, may be in part attributable to a cultural difference. Yakima County's economy has historically been based in agriculture — agriculture dependent on migrant workers specifically. Since the migrant work force is dominated by people of Spanish origin, and those people are often from large families, the higher fertility rate may be explained, in part, by this factor. In 1980, the Bureau of the Census counted 25,387 Hispanics in Yakima County. In 1990, the Census count increased to 45,114, a 43.7% increase. An Office of Financial Management estimate in 1998 projected 75,500 persons of Hispanic origin or a increase of 67 percent since 1990. The changing cultural face of Yakima is also reflected in the Yakima School District. In 1981, the School District was 11.4% people of Spanish descent; by 1991, it was 32.7%. This may be the most dramatic characteristic of change in Yakima's future. In the absence of 2000 census figures, we fall back on 1990 statistics for a multi -cultural headcount. Using 1990's percentages and 2000 projected population estimates, we estimate the following for the City of Yakima and the Urban Planning Area (low range): City Urban Area White 82.5% 54,037 63,525 Black 2.4% 1,572 1,848 American Indian 2.0% 1,310 1,540 Pacific/Asian Islander 1.3% 852 1,001 Other 11.8% 7,729 9,086 Total 100.0% 65,500 77,000 Included but not measured separately by the 1990 census were two additional clas- sifications: Hispanic Origin 16.3% 10,676 12,551 Non -White and White Hispanic 21.6% 14,148 16,632 Special groups must be taken into consideration in terms of special ad- ministration, programming, and facility needs. Minority populations, par - Chapter II • Page 12 • The Site: A Description of the Community ticularly those who are foreign born or the children of foreign born, can con- stitute unique challenges, as well as, opportunities for recreation planning. One group of particular interest to Parks and Recreation Division plan- ners (health Hers are the handicapped. There are many categories of handicap ��...c.�.h impaired, vision impaired, hearing impaired, motor disability, mentally re- tarded, emotionally disturbed, etc.) and all pose special challenges to ad- ministration, programming and facility design. These people often have considerable leisure but are limited in the types of activities they can enjoy. One of the greatest difficulties in serving these special groups is in merely finding them. Although good data on the handicapped population is diffi- cult to come by, Washington State's handicapped population is estimated to be approximately 11 percent of the total population. Age is a very important factor for recreation planning because interest and participation in various activities is considerably dependent on age. Continuing this use of expanded 1990 census figures , we estimate age ranges: City Urban Area 0-4 8.6% 5,633 6,622 5-9 7.7% 5,043 5,929 1049 13.4% 8,777 10,318 20-49 42.5% 27,838 32,725 J0_64 11.4% 7,467 8,778 Over 65 16.4% 10,742 12,628 Total 100.0% 65,500 77,000 Education has also repeatedly been shown to have a high correlation with leisure activity. The higher the educational attainment, the more ac- tivities participated in and the more frequent the participation. Yakima School enrollment in the 1999-2000 academic year topped out at 13,617. Using the 1.01 per year multiplier and the 1990 census ratios estimates 69.8 percent or 45,719 of the 1999(2000) City of Yakima population had a high school di- ploma or higher and 14.6 percent or 9,563 held a bachelor degree or higher. Income is also tied to recreation participation, the higher the income, the more active people are in outdoor recreational pursuits. In part, income �s^ represents the ability to for recreation activities and to travel to ai�t, r�prc�t.., � pay recreation areas. According to the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, Yakima's AGE EDUCATION HOUSEHOLD and FOMTI V INCOME The Site: A Description of the Community • Page 13 • Chapter II Drafting a Blueprint for the Future annual pay ranks among the lowest of the state's and the nation's metro- politan areas. In 1996, the City of Yakima's median family income of $26,900 was 80 percent of the statewide median of $33,625. Defined as 50 percent of the median wage, the poverty level within the city was at $16,800. Addi- tional surveys placed the annual median income of farmworker families at only $10,600. The City of Yakima's 65,500 residents live in 28,130 housing units or approximately 2.3 individuals per unit. Again, in the absence of 2000 census information, we fall back on what we knew in 1990. Housing units are al- most equally split between those occupied by renters (46.7 percent) and those occupied by owners (53.3 percent). Approximately 44.1 percent of the occu- pants have lived in the same resident at least five years and 4,320 house are over 50 years old. HUD data from a decade ago ranked 25 percent of Yakima's households at a "very low income" level, one where the household income was less than 30 percent of the area median income, and another 18 percent were considered low income with household income between 51 and 80 percent of the median income. All told, HUD said 45 percent of the households earned less than 80 percent of the area's median income. In light of this information, the need for public park and recreation fa- cilities and programs become greater and more apparent. Chapter II • Page 14 • The Site: A Description of the Community COMMUNITY PARKS = 10+ ACRES Drafting a Blueprint for the \ Future This inventory lays the foundation for the future of parks and recre- ation in the City of Yakima. It describes existing park or open space and recreation resources in the Yakima Park Planning Area in 2000. COMMUNITY PARKS: ten or more acres with multiple facilities for organized recreational/sport activities. Serves entire service area. Ahtanum Youth Park, also known as the Youth Activity Park (74 acres/ county-owned/serves community): This is a Yakima County Park located just south of the Yakima city limits. Ahtanum Youth Park has a large num- ber of picnic sites with grills, three picnic shelters, playgrounds, parking areas, restrooms and two buildings for use as rental facilities. The park has multiple soccer fields, two tennis courts, six basketball courts, a low ele- ment ropes course, horseshoe pits, equestrian arena and a BMX track. The County Parks Department office is located at this park. Chesterley Park (31.2 acres/city-owned/serves community): Chester - ley Park at North 40th and River Road, is one of Yakima's newest parks. Phase I of the park opened in September, 1990. Construction of Phase II is scheduled to begin in 2000. The park is located in the northwest portion of the city on River Road near the 40th Avenue exit off State Route 12. Initial development of the park included four soccer fields, playground equipment, picnic tables and grills, restrooms, pathway, parking, and a large picnic shel- ter. In Phase II, enhancement of 12 of the park's 31 acres will add a skate park, two more soccer fields, additional parking and continuation of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway which meets the park at its southwest corner. The park is in generally good condition although the high content of volca- nic ash in the soil creates irrigation and maintenance problems. Top soil was added and sod replaced on one of the original fields in 1999. Lack of park- ing is a major problem at the park during soccer games and tournaments, a situation expected to be improved by the Phase II construction. Elks Memorial Park (12.66 acres/city-owned/serves community): Elks Park lies in the northern portion of the city at Hathaway and North 8th Avenue near Fruitvale Boulevard and serves as home fields for Yakima Na- tional Little League. Amenities include six youth ballfields with dugouts and backstops, a concession stand building, tether ball pole, picnic tables and grills, a picnic shelter and restrooms. The park is also noted for its nu- merous horseshoe pits (26). The east end parking lot was paved in 1996 but parking along Hathaway, however, remains unpaved and out of compli- ance with city codes. The playground equipment was updated in 1998. The park has an open appearance, dominated by the ballfields, and, except for restrooms that need renovation, is in relatively good condition. Grant money funded installation of automated irrigation in 2000. Yakima National Little League assists with day-to-day maintenance of the ballfields. Franklin Park (17.66 acres/city-owned/serves community): Located at South 21st Avenue and Tieton Drive, Franklin Park is part of an older, well Chapter III • Page 2 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 established, middle class neighborhood in central Yakima. The park lies adjacent to Franklin Middle School property and provides a picnic shelter with electricity, picnic tables and grills, a fitness trail, restrooms, six tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool (25 x 30 yards) with a water slide (112 feet) and shallow water training pool. The park's playground equip- ment was updated in 1997. The park's gently sloping site is planted with a variety of mature specimen trees and is well maintained. Three of the tennis courts were resurfaced in 1998 but the park needs funds to do the remaining three, to repair the pathway and to add a second picnic shelter. The Yakima Valley Museum, a historical museum, is also located within the park. The museum shares the city -owned parking lot which is inadequate for many of the well -attended concerts and events that the museum holds. Kiwanis Park (22.3 acres/city-owned/serves community): Located at Fair Avenue and East Maple Street in the neighborhood north of the Sundome, Kiwanis Park is home to the city's primary softball field complex. In addi- tion to two lighted ballfields and one unlighted field, the park has a pond, picnic tables and grills, a picnic shelter, playground equipment, basketball court, volleyball court and two sets of restrooms. The park is naturally sepa- rated into two levels by a slope with the upper one providing the more pas- sive recreation area with mature shade trees and the lower level providing the active recreation area with the playing fields and play equipment. The condition of the park is relatively good, but the swing set-in the upper area needs improvement and the pond, which has been classified as a wetland, has considerable algae growth. The restrooms were renovated and a new play structure in the lower area was replaced in 1998. Block grant money funded lighting improvements in 1999. Although the ballfields are in rela- tively good condition, they have become outdated to the point that they do not attract state tournaments as they did in the past. Expansion and renova- tion of the ballfields could potentially regain this market, which would pro- vide direct and indirect economic benefits to the City. Local organizers have identified Kiwanis as a potential cornerstone for a proposed sports complex purchased and to Kiwanis Park's resources and several lots have been added Park's ..-.-��---..--- for future development. The newly acquired property will provide much- needed parking until further developed. Larson Park (16.5 acres/city-owned/serves community): Lo- cated at South 16th Avenue and West Arlington Street adjacent to Ya- kima Valley Community College, Larson Park has an open nature and provides a wide range of developed recreational facilities including four ballfields, three of which are lighted, 12 tennis courts, two horseshoe pits, a volleyball sandpit, outdoor handball courts, picnic tables and grills, picnic shelter, restrooms, tether ball pole and playground equipment including a sand toy that was added in 1998. The park is fairly open in character. Needed improvements to the park include renovation of the sports fields, the per- manent concession stand%bleachers at Dunbar Field, play equipment and pathways. Improved lighting of the ballfields and an additional picnic shel- r The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Page 3 • Chapter III Drafting a Blueprint for the Future ter are also in demand at Larson Park. In 1998 an agreement for the sale of the park's 12 tennis courts and the one unlighted ballfield was struck be- tween the City and YYVC. That sale and its effect on the park necessitated construction of a new restroom building which was to be funded through the purchase price. That money was also designated for construction of re- placements for the 12 tennis courts and the ballfield. Perry Soccer Complex (15 acres/city-leased/serves community): The Perry Soccer Complex has six soccer fields located at South 16th and Wash- ington Avenues. The fields vary in size and accommodate youth as well as adult play. The fields with their automated irrigation were developed in 1992 and are in good condition. There is no permanent restroom structure. The land is leased long term from J. M. Perry Institute and no further devel- opment of this site is planned. Randall Park (40.24 acres/city-owned/serves community): Located at South 48th Avenue and West Viola Avenue, Randall Park was constructed in 1974 along the north side of Wide Hollow Creek. Five of the park's acres lie undeveloped south of the creek on 48th Avenue. Randall Park features a nature area and trail, two bird -watching towers, a duck pond, restrooms, play structure, a basketball court, walkways, picnic tables and grills, and a picnic shelter. The restrooms were renovated and the basketball court and half -mile asphalt pathway were resurfaced in 1999. The small residence on the southeast corner of the park near the restrooms is currently used as storage. The mature trees, creek, nature area and topography add variety to the park and make it a favorite place for walking. The Community Band uses the park's bowl -shaped creek picnic area for a regular summer concert series and interest in construction of an amphitheater at the park surfaces from time to time. The park is generally in good condition, but the facilities need improvement, such as additional parking for concerts and special events. A second restroom and a second picnic shelter are warranted due to the size, type of use and layout of Randall Park. Sarg Hubbard Park (28 acres/community-owned/serves community): The Yakima Greenway Foundation operates Sarg Hubbard Park. Bordering the Yakima River, it is one of three primary parks located along the Greenway's 10 -mile pathway and is the primary site for many of the Greenway's special events. Well-equipped, Sarg Hubbard Park has park- ing, restrooms, a large playground area, picnic shelter, observation tower, fishing ponds with piers, fitness stations, outdoor amphitheater and stage, an extensive pathway system throughout the park and large open spaces. A visitor and member center at this park also serves as the Greenway Founda- tion Office. Sherman Park (6 acres/community-owned/serves community): The Yakima Greenway Foundation also operates Sherman Park, which lies along the Greenway Pathway on the Yakima River adjacent to the Arboretum. Sherman has two picnic shelters, barbecues, nature trails, children's play Chapter III • Page 4 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 area, Robertson Landing boat ramp and parking. West Valley Park (26.2 acres/county-owned/serves community): Owned and maintained by Yakima County, West Valley Park lies adjacent to West Valley Middle and Junior High Schools The park has two tennis courts, two and Junior High ---- park playground areas, a soccer field, horseshoe pits, an outdoor living classroom trail and parking. The County received funding in 1999 to complete the currently undeveloped 9.2 acres in 2000. The plans called for replacement of restroom facilities, a new playground, a regulation -sized soccer field, sand volleyball court, a roller hockey/basketball/ice rink, nature trails, paved pathways, a large community picnic shelter and three smaller family picnic shelters. Yakima Greenway (3,600 acres/community-owned/serves com- munity): The Greenway is a protected green -belt along the Yakima River, extending from the Union Gap north to the Selah Gap and then west along the Naches River to the North 40th Avenue exit. Dedicated to conservation and recreation, the Greenway connects recreation areas, paths, three large parks, fishing lakes and ponds, water access locations and natural areas and is supported by a private nonprofit foundation. Its ten -mile long asphalt pathway starts at Harlan Landing, ends at Valley Boulevard and the Noel and Jewett Pathways and the lvlall links Sun- rise/Rotary Park/McGuire's Children's Playground. The popular path- way is accessible from a number of points along its route. Yakima Area Arboretum (40 acres/community-owned/serves community): The Arboretum is eleven acres of natural riparian wet- land enhanced by twenty-nine acres of exotic woody plants. Located at the intersection of Interstate 82 and Nob Hill Boulevard, the Arboretum has a Japanese Garden, a Trees of Washington Exhibit, bird sanctuary, butterfly garden, Jewett Pond, parking lots, and walking paths. The Jewett Interpretive Center houses a gift ship, a meeting/banquet room and Yakima Valley's only horticultural library. The property is owned by the City of Yakima but managed by a non-profit organization that is ,__ by donations. The Parks and Recreation Division SiAppoTteQ entirely Parks sup- ports the Arboretum by providing, at no cost, weekly mowing of the Ar- boretum grounds. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS: Two or more acres with multiple focused active and passive recreational opportunities. Serves immediate area or special interest patrons. Eisenhower Park (2.36 acres/city-owned/serves community): One out- door pool (25 yards) and six outdoor tennis courts occupy all of this park at So..tl. 44th and Arlington. Bu It in 1977, the pool feels the effects of the pass- ing years and requires continuing maintenance and repair. Gardner Park (9.13 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located Neighborhood Parks = 2+ acres The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Page 5 • Chapter III Drafting a Blueprint for the Future at Pierce Street and Cornell Avenue, Gardner Park serves both as a neigh- borhood park with picnic tables and grills, restroom, sand volleyball court and trees and as a community park with two softball fields and a concession stand. The play equipment was updated in 1997. The restroom needs reno- vation or replacement. Lighting the ballfields would increase their usabil- ity significantly and would add to Gardner's attractiveness as a community park. The unpaved parking areas do not meet City codes and need improve- ment as well as expansion. The park adjoins a city elementary school and is used by the school for sports activities. Additional improvements needed include replacement tree plantings, permanent picnic tables and benches, a multi -use outdoor court and a picnic shelter. Gilbert Park (11.62 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located on Lincoln Avenue at North 49th Avenue, Gilbert Park is notable for its large expanse of lawn and a variety of mature trees. The park's centerpiece is the community -owned Allied Arts building which is used for theater, fine arts classes, and exhibition space. The park is in good condition and the parking lot was resurfaced in 1997. Concrete sidewalk along Lincoln Avenue was constructed in 1999. Gilbert has been categorized as a neighborhood park rather than a community park because of its decidedly passive nature. It has remained relatively undeveloped over the years largely in response to neighborhood wishes. Lions Park and Pool (4.38 acres/city-owned/serves commu- nity): Located west of the downtown area on South 5th Avenue and Pine, Lions Park is the site of the City's indoor swimming pool (25 yards). The pool was renovated and covered in 1986 and completely recaulked in 1997. It is used year-round to near capacity for a wide variety of aquat- ics programs which also include school district swim activities. The park provides picnic tables and grills, playground equipment, six tennis courts, four horseshoe pits and a spray pool. The restrooms were renovated, playground equipment updated and basketball hoops installed in 1998. Block grant money funded lighting improvements the following year. The park is heavily used by students from the adjacent high school dur- ing the school year. Martin Luther King Park (4.01 acres/city-owned/serves neighbor- hood): Martin Luther King Park at South 8th and East Beech Streets is lo- cated next to Washington Middle School in the neighborhood northwest of the Sundome. In addition to an outdoor swimming pool (25 x 16 yards), the park provides picnic tables and grills, playground equipment, two basket- ball courts and two tennis courts. Miller Park (3.96 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located north of downtown at the intersection of North 4th Street and East "E" Street, Miller Park borders the Yakima Senior Center. Constructed in 1923, Miller's pool (30 x 15 yards) was the City's first public swimming pool. The pool received major repairs in 1997 when the water supply line that runs the Chapter III • Page 6 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 length of the pool was replaced. The park also provides picnic tables and grills, bocce ball court, two horseshoe pits, volleyball and basketball courts, and restrooms. A gazebo was constructed in 1992 and the play equipment was updated in 1999. The park has many mature shade trees which contrib- ute to the park's character. However, a number of these trees are close to 90 years old and nearing the end of their life span. Some of these trees were removed and replaced with new trees in 1999. Heavily used, the park is in need of overall general -e ovation including additional tree maintenance and turf replacement. Milroy Park (3.36 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located at North 16th Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, Milroy Park is located just west of downtown Yakima in one of the park's most densely populated areas. The park is characterized by mature shade trees, and provides a variety of recre- ation facilities including picnic tables and grills, playground equipment, volleyball courts, three horseshoe pits, a tether ball pole, a wading pool, and restrooms. Block grant money funded wading pool improvements in 1999. Other renovation needs include the restrooms and playground equipment. The park is heavy used by its neighbors especially during the summer. Raymond Park (2.35 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located at South , st Avenue and Arlington between a residential neighborhood and l�� a railroad yard and industrial area, Raymond Park is primarily passive with picnic tables, a barbecue grill and playground equipment. The park needs renovation to improve its playground equipment and turf condition. The park also needs a restroom and could benefit from additional landscaping. Southeast Community Park (3.63 acres/city-owned/serves neighbor- hood): Located at South 8th Street and East Arlington Avenue next to the community center, Southeast Community Park provides playground equip- ment, picnic tables, a grill, volleyball court and a well -used wading pool. Some of the park's trees need replacement, and heavy use has diminished the condition of the park. The park is also in need of a basketball courts to provide for neighborhood demand. Block grant money funded lighting and wading pool improvements in 1999. MINI PARKS: Two acres or less of passive park with a concentration of casual recreation use on a small site. Cherry Park (.49 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located at North 4th Avenue and Cherry Street, Cherry Park is a small pocket neigh- borhood park with a multi -use wooden playground structure which is old and needs to be replaced. Except for one permanent picnic table, a grill and MINI -PARKS = LESS THAN TWO ACRES The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Page 7 ® Chapter III \ Drafting a Blueprint for the Future various portable picnic tables, there are no other facilities in this park. The park is surrounded by densely populated single and multi -family housing and is currently under-utilized. McGuinness Park (1.91 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): The city of Yakima's newest park is McGuinness Park located at North 14th and Swan Avenues. Dedicated in 1999, it features a handi-capped accessible pic- nic shelter, play equipment, a basketball court, picnic tables and grills and over 75 trees that were planted the preceding year. Block grant money funded lighting improvements also in 1999. McGuinness Park is on the planned route for the Powerhouse Canal Pathway and construction of the section between the park and North 16th Avenue at Cherry was scheduled in 2000. Portia Park (.52 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located at South 12th Avenue and West Yakima Avenue, Portia Park is a small triangu- lar pocket park west of downtown Yakima. Because of its location, this park provides visual interest and green space to the neighborhood rather than serving as a recreation resource. The park has mature shade trees and lawn with some picnic tables. Roselma Garden Club Park (.31 acre/city-owned/serves neigh- borhood): Roselma Garden Club Park lies on the southeast corner of the intersection of South 16th and Tieton Avenues. Like Portia Park, this small triangular park does not function as a recreational resource but does provide green space and visual interest to the neighborhood. It has mature plantings and two stone park benches. South 2nd Park (.52 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): A small triangular park located at South 2nd and Race Streets, the South 2nd Park is used primarily for lunch or as a place for neighbors to visit with friends. The park has no facilities other than picnic tables and a grill. The park provides much needed public green space for its commer- cial surrounding. Summitview Park (.76 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Similar to Portia Park, Summitview park is a small rectangular pocket park at the intersection of Summitview and llth Avenue. The only fa- cilities in the park are a grill and picnic tables which are often used during the noon hour. Located between two busy streets, the park pro- vides mature shade trees and is a pleasant contrast to the busy neigh- borhood and streetscape. Sunrise Rotary Park (3.63 acres/community-owned/serves community): The Yakima Greenway Foundation operates and maintains this park which is north of Terrace Heights Drive on the Greenway Pathway. It is equipped with picnic areas, drinking fountain and a vaulted pit toilet but is most no- table for the expansive McGuire Community Playground constructed by volunteers in 1995. Tieton Terrace Park (.42 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Tieton Chapter III • Page 8 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 Terrace Park is a small pocket park located at the intersection of South 26th Avenue and West Walnut Street neighborhood. Developed facilities in the .42 -acre park are limited to a picnic table and a swing set which was in- stalled in 1999. The park is in gond condition GREENWAYS: Landscaped boulevards with pedestrian facilities suit- able for passive recreation or linear stretches of vegetation or natural fea- tures which serve as connectors or wildlife corridors. Fairbrook Park (2.05 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Fairbrook Park is four individual open green space islands with trees that are located within the Fairbrook Park residential neighborhood, south of Nob Hill and north of Randall Park between 44th and 48th Avenues. There are no park amenities at these sites and, in keeping with current neighborhood's wishes, no future facilities are planned. Naches Parkway (5.86/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located along North and South Naches Avenue, the Naches Parkway is a 151/2 block - long parkway with a center planting island. The oldest of the City's park properties, the parkway stretches from "1" Street to Race Street, crossing through the downtown -at Yakima Avenue. The parkway is covered with lawn all of its length except the Hatfield block between Yakima and "A" streets, which has brick paving and picnic tables. Most notable about the parkway is its stand of mature shade trees, including sycamore, silver maples, red maples, oaks and crab apples. Many of the trees are almost 100 years old and the City has begun selective replacement with new red oaks and red maples. Community donations and state grants funded a significant replant- ing program in 1993 and 1994. Additional picnic tables and benches would increase citizen enjoyment of the parkway. North 44th Avenue Park (.69 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): VUrtl 44th nVC-ue Park is an open space area providing neighborhood orhood ac- cess via a pathway from 44th Avenue to Lincoln Avenue. Except for the needed replacement of the asphalt walkway, there are no plans for improve- ments to this property. Powerhouse Canal Pathway (3.10 acres/city-owned/serves community): The first two sections of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway, which will mea- sure approximately nine miles when completed, were constructed in 1996 along irrigation canal right-of-way. That .6 miles length of 12 -foot -wide as- phalt trail extends east from 40th and Powerhouse Road to Englewood at about 30th on the east. The property includes automated irrigation, park benches and landscaping. Funding secured in 1999 will continue the path- way through Chesterley Park to River Road. That construction is expected to be completed by 2001. As additional funding becomes available, the City /`RrPMWAVC /1 Y N The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Page 9 e Chapter III Drafting a Blueprint for the Future UNDEVELOPED PARK PROPERTY plans to add more sections until the pathway extends east along Lincoln Avenue then north to 16th Avenue and then over through McGuinness Park to an eastern terminus at Berglund Lake on the Greenway Regional Path- way. Transportation enhancement grant funding awarded to Parks and Rec- reation in 2000 allowed construction of two additional sections: McGuinness Park southwest to 16th Avenue and Englewood to Lincoln Avenue. South 6th Avenue Parkway (.17 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Ablock-long median parkway with trees, South 6th Avenue parkway sepa- rates 6th Avenue's north and southbound traffic. No improvements are planned for this area although the Inter -Urban Trolley Association has indi- cated interest in future landscaping. Walter Ortman Parkway (.70 acre/city-owned/serves neigh- borhood): The Walter Ortman Parkway on Willow between North 10th and 6th Avenues consists of four blocks of median parkways consisting of turf, small ornamental trees and a few picnic tables. All but one of the islands have irrigation. That island is adjacent to McGuinness Park and will require further development as the Walter Ortman Parkway is a planned section of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway. UNDEVELOPED: Dedicated park lands with no recreational facili- ties or improvements. Gailleon Park (4.5 acres/city owned/undeveloped): Located at North 65th and Summitview Avenues, Gailleon Park is situated adja- cent to an existing school play field creating an unusually large open space in the western portion of the city. The irrigation canal, which runs through the north side of the property, was topped with a wooden cover provided with funds from the 1987 voter -approved bond. The neighborhood resi- dents are interested in keeping the park as a passive recreation area, and are concerned that its development has yet to occur, as is the family that do- nated the property to the City in 1974. Kissel Park (17 acres/city-owned/undeveloped): Located at West Mead and South 30th Avenue, Emil Kissel Park has remained undeveloped for the past 30 years. However, discussions regarding its development as a pos- sible site for replacements for Larson Park's 12 tennis courts got underway in 2000. It has been utilized by Yakima School District for agricultural classes and by the City as a nursery. Surrounded by new and established residen- tial neighborhoods in the southwest portion of the city near the airport, the park is relatively flat and open except for the south side which is adjacent to Wide Hollow Creek and vegetated with various riparian shrub species. Chapter III • Page 10 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 SPECIAL USE: Parks and Recreation facilities that serve a special dedi- cated function within the community such as a golf course. Central Business District (10 acres/CBD): While not a park, the 16 blocks in the Central Business District has a variety of planting areas Mn_ strips tht have been maintained by Parks and Recreation since 1998. The area is bor- dered by First Street on the west, Lincoln Avenue on the north, Naches Av- enue on the east and Walnut Avenue on the south. In addition to annual beautification and maintenance needs, the CBD has a number of trees that have overgrown their location, buckled sidewalks and strangled irrigation, all of which contributed to the CBD's need for continuing attention. Fisher Golf Course (18.2 acres/city-owned/serves community): Located at South 40th Avenue and West Arlington, Fisher Golf Course is a nine -hole, par three course. Operated and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Division, the beautifully landscaped and maintained course is well used and has a starter house, small maintenance building and a practice driving net. Harlan Landing (4 acres/community owned/serves community): Part of the Greenway system, Harlan Landing is located west of the Rest Haven Road off I-82. Its facilities include a boat ramp, volleyball court, picnic area, fishing piers, restrooms and parking. Southeast Community Center (community-owned/serves com- munity): Owned by the City of Yakima and located at Southeast Commu- nity Park, South 8th and Arlington, the Community Center is operated by a neighborhood Board of Directors. The Board is totally responsible for the operation of the Center including its finances. The facility consists of a num- ber of large and small meeting and office rooms, a kitchen and dining area, reception area, a gym with a large stage area and locker facilities. The center also has parking lots located on the north and south ends of the facility. As a result of a period of limited upkeep, the building is in need of general building repairs and major improvements, especially to the heating, cooling The floor and ed lighting needs and plumbing systems. gymnasium livor exposed •�.----•• to be replaced. In 1998, $25,000 was spent repairing and renovating the kitchen and repainting the exterior and other parts of the building. Services provided by the Center include a computer lab established in 1999, alterna- tive middle and high school education classes, a small public library annex, day and evening classes for English as a second language, and a full service restaurant operation. The center is also the main office for the Yakima County Substance Abuse Coalition and the Gang Prevention and Intervention Coa- lition. Tahoma Cemetery (57 acres/city-owned/serves community): Located along South 24th Avenue, Tahoma Cemetery is one of the City's oldest cem- eteries with graves dating back to 1867. The Cemetery is a City -owned and operated facility. Its landscape is nominated by large silver mates, a mau= soleum and a Veteran's section with a memorial monument. Its single build - SPECIAL USE PROPERTY The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Page 11 • Chapter III Drafting a Blueprint for the Future SCHOOL DISTRICT FACILITIES ing houses an office and a maintenance area. Located north of the airport, Tahoma is in relatively good condition with the exception of its roads which need repaving and some aging or diseased trees which will eventually re- quire removal and replacement. The City Council approved construction of a five -foot -high ornamental aluminum fence with masonry pillars along 24th Avenue in fall, 1999, and its construction was completed the following year. A master plan has been drafted for an additional undeveloped nine acres; their development could provide a source of revenue for other improve- ments for the cemetery. Yakima Senior Citizens Center (city-owned/serves community): Lo- cated at 602 North 4th Street, Yakima Senior Center was one of the first in the state. Built in 1974, the center has been remodeled twice since then. Next to Miller Park, the center provides a full commercial kitchen and din- ing room, pool tables, a reading/television area, an arts and crafts room, a health screening room, computer lab and multipurpose rooms used for aero- bics, dance, music, meetings and other activities. The center and its meet- ing rooms are heavily used by seniors as well as other groups. Yakima School District: The School District's facilities represent a con- siderable indoor and outdoor recreational asset for the community. In addi- tion, Union Gap, East Valley, West Valley schools and Yakima Valley Com- munity College also lie within or overlap Yakima's urban planning area. Among them, they provide a sizable inventory of basketball/volleyball courts and baseball, softball, t -ball, soccer, track, football, multi-purpose fields and meeting rooms. With 14 elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools, Yakima School District has the most extensive inventory of facilities. Athletic interests are served by the following facilities. • Zaepfel Stadium, a semi -pro quality stadium/track with seating for 5000 spectators. • Two semi -pro quality soccer fields (Davis and Eisenhower HIgh Schools). • Four combination semi -pro football/soccer fields with bleacher seat- ing (Franklin, Lewis and Clark, Washington and Wilson Middle Schools). • Two recreational grade soccer fields (Lewis and Clark and Stanton schools). • Three tracks. • One semi -pro quality baseball field with permanent dugouts and seat- ing for 500. Chapter III • Page 12 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Ten baseball fields including one four-plex and one two-plex. • Three softball fields. • Twenty-four hardwood -floored gymnasiums ranging in size from one large enough to accommodate 3,200 spectators to two small gyms with no spectator seating at all. Collectively, the gyms to able to accommo- date 34 volleyball courts or 22 basketball courts. • Fifteen p layfields. In addition, Yakima School District has a large inventory of general and specialized classrooms in addition to the following: • Ten multi-purpose rooms, four of which have stages. • Four cafeterias/commons with seating capacities ranging from 250 to 900. • A round -theater meeting room which seats 250. • A Little Theater which seats 375. • A large auditorium with 1500 seats. Parks and Recreation and Yakima School District have an agree- ment to share use of each other's facilities and the City is dependent upon the School District's facilities — especially indoor — to run its recreation programs. In turn, the School District depends on City facilities for its aquatic, girls' fastpitch and tennis programs and teams to a large extent and its middle school soccer, cross country and track programs to a lesser extent. It is an- ticipated that the City and the School District will continue their joint use of facilities to benefit public and recreational needs. One persistent difficulty for Parks and Recreation, however, is the in- herent unreliability of scheduling school facilities, particularly gymnasiums, on a regular basis. School functions such as plays, concerts or graduations occur throughout the school year and take precedence over Parks and Rec- reation programs. It becomes difficult to generate regular basketball or vol- leyball league that c n be relied upon over extended periods of iea�juc schedules uia� ..a,..,� ...�.......r,.,...,..._ ..,...._..-_.,. r _- time. As population growth continues to occur, demands for these facilities will continue to grow. Parks and Recreation also has a shared use of facility agreement with Yakima Valley Community College which allows the City to use the college's gymnasium for various volleyball and basketball events. In addition, the college owns Parker Field, a semi -pro baseball field with permanent dug- outs, seating for 2000, concession stands and storage. The field is in excel- lent condition and used for regional and statewide American Legion events. Other YVCC facilities include a weight room, fitness facility, wrestling room and various classrooms. The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Page 13 • Chapter III PARKS and RECREATION LEISURE SERVICES AQUATICS Continuously expanding the number of and experimenting with the va- riety of its programs, the City of Yakima developed an extensive program for recreation and leisure services until 1999. That year budget shortfalls curtailed a number of City services including Recreation. Both the Alley Cat/ Bilingual Programs and Community Enrichment fell victim to the budget reduction process. While the bilingual programs were completely eliminated, the City Council retained a small budget for community enrichment and that service unit continued to provide programs on a limited basis. Recre- ation services are organized into the five following service units. Aquatics Unit: Parks and Recreation has five pools, an unusually high number for a city the size of Yakima, and operates aquatics programs year round. Constructed in 1972 and renovated in 1986, the City's indoor Lions Pool is open approximately 325 days a year and scheduled to full capacity with learn -to -swim, exercise, recreational and rental programs. In addition, the School District contracts for pool time at Lions Pool for instruction and for swimming and diving team practice. Lions Pool recorded 76,576 instances of use during 1999. The other four City -owned pools — Eisenhower, Miller, Franklin and Washington — are outdoor pools. Traditionally, these pools were open ap- proximately twelve weeks each summer until 2000 when the seasons were shortened to ten weeks. Attendance tends to be weather-related and was recorded at 84,775 in 1999 for these four pools. All of the pools, including Lions, are heavily subsidized by the City. Washington and Miller Pools are the most dependent on this supplemental funding while Lions is the least. All of the pools are aging and require im- portant maintenance dollars to remain operational. 1999 Programs and Services for All Pools Combined Category Instances Program Examples of Participation Recreational Swimming Indoor and outdoor sessions, family dime night, handicapped swims 83,356 Lap Swims Lessons Special sessions for adults 32,446 Learn -to -Swim, water safety, diving, lifeguard training, competi- tive diving, semi -private lessons 12,638 Water Fitness/Exercise Pool Rentals School District Other Arthritis exercise, aquacize, hydro - fit, swimnastics, waterwalking Private parties Swim team practices and meets Special themed events 5,913 16,216 9,941 841 TOTAL 161,351 Chapter III • Page 14 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 The athletic program with its adult and youth sections sponsors a vari- ety of leagues, tournaments, special events and clinics. Popular and virtu- ally self-supporting, the adult program provides organized annual leagues and tournaments for adults in basketball, softball and volleyball with addi- tional special or seasonal programs. The number of program participants units in this area has steadily grown. Youth athletics was added as a specific program area in 1995 and has gained in popularity each year. 1999 Programs and Services Instances Category Program Examples of Participation Adults Sports Basketball, volleyball, slow pitch softball leagues and tour- naments, co-rec programs 61,141 Youth Sports Youth baseball, roller hockey, tot shots, tiny tykes soccer, soccer camps, instructional bowling, sports sampler 10,674 TOTAL 71,815 The Community Recreation Program has traditionally provided educa- tional and leisure programs as an alternative to competitive athletics. In 1998 over 339 classes and activities were offered, with over 5,700 individual registrations and 65,246 instances of participation. In 2000, Community Enrichment cut back its number of activities and focused on an abbreviated agenda that included summer playgrounds and summer concerts. 1999 Programs and Services Instances Category Program Examples of Participation Fitness, hobbies and home crafts, personal enrichment, self-im- provement, money matters and business, music and dance, art and other activities for youth adults 1,807 Enrichment Classes Playgrounds Free, supervised summer play programs for youth (5 to 12) Special Events Summer concerts, Halloween Festival 2,910 1,558 TOTAL 6,275 ADULT and YOUTH ATHLETICS COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Page 15 • Chapter III FISHER GOLF COURSE SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER Fisher Golf Course presents nine holes of affordable par three golf in an urban setting. Well -used and self-supporting, Fisher is open March through mid-November, depending on the weather, and has no tee time requirement. Total recorded instances of participation in 1999 were 33,221, up from 22,000 in 1983 and 25,000 -plus in 1993. 1999 Fisher Golf Course Programs and Services Instances Category Program Examples of Participation General Admission Recreational golf/all ages 22,262 Daily Specials Early bird specials 952 Lessons Lessons and clinics for begin- ners, intermediates, all ages 1,844 Passes Used Monthly or 20 -round 7,598 Special Programs Moonlight golf, employee golf 565 TOTAL 33,221 Yakima Senior Center is a hub of activities for the fifty -five -plus set. Its programs are numerous, varied and highly valued by its clientele. When recreation reductions were instituted in 1999, vocal support from seniors prevented cuts in operations at the Center. The Senior Center is partially supported by revenues from its programs, especially the popular tours. Total instances of participation in senior programs totaled 53,317 in 1999. 1999 Programs and Services Instances Category Program Examples of Participation Social Service Programs Blood pressure, footcare clinics, loan closet, lunch program, library, medication review, hearing screening 12,530 Educational Classes Computer classes, ceramics, quilting, driver refresher, fitness 2,455 Recreation/Social Dances, potluck dinners, bridge 13,564 Drop -In Pool, social recreation 15,939 Clubs Dinner Club, TOPS, Golden Orator, Jam Session 1,393 Day Care Adult day care services 570 Tours Day trips, week -end trips, out- of-state tours 1,792 Volunteers Special duties around Center 5,074 TOTAL 53,317 Chapter III • Page 16 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 In addition to City of Yakima Parks and Recreation program, a variety of other recreation options exist within the Yakima Park Planning Area. Yakima School District offers a full range of athletic and other activi- ties youth including soccer, football cchnnl Glances and theatrical for _, _ pro- ductions and, generally, its programs complement rather than compete with City programs. The City of Selah offers year-round leisure activities to people of all ages including teen activities, dance, aerobics, tiny tot tumbling, woodshop, Spanish and aerobic weight training. Approximately 300 people participate each year. Selah's sports programs include basket- ball, soccer, softball, volleyball and karate for both youth and adults and annually draw approximately 1,000 participants. Many of the community's sports program take place at Carlon Park which has a min- iature golf course, eight tennis courts, three softball fields and a baseball stadium. While the City of Union Gap does not coordinate recreation or athletic programs, it does operate a Senior Center with a full -range of crafts, mov- ies, dances, games, tours, and other activities for seniors. The County Parks Department does not coordinate any recreation pro- grams or services and, instead, focuses its resources on its physical assets. Instead, the County encourages and supports its municipalities and organi- zations in their efforts to provide recreational services and, whenever pos- sible, serves as a information resource. The Central Washington State Fairgrounds boasts 365 days of events annually with a million people participating. The largest event is the nine -day agricultural Central Washington State Fair following the fall harvest. Approximately 300,000 people visit the exhibits, midway, rodeo and pop and country entertainment. Other major events include the Vintiques, Fourth of July Celebration and Columbia River Circuit Rodeo and finals. The fairgrounds can accommodate 70 food vendors, 400 com- mercial exhibits, 3,000 spectators in the grandstands and 8,000 in the Yakima County Stadium. Fully equipped with lighting, sound systems, dressing rooms, a stage and concession stands, the Sundome can accommodate a variety of events including high school graduations and major entertain- ment and sporting events and exhibitions. In addition to its extensive pathway system along the Yakima River, the non-profit Yakima Greenway Foundation organizes and hosts programs such as the annual Gap -to -Gap Relay Weekend for participants ages eight through adult, Winter Walk, "Something for Everyone" summer concert series, A Case of the Blues and All That jazz concert in August and the Great Yakima Duck Race. The Environmental Awareness Greenway Led Educa- tion (EAGLE) Program teaches kindergarten through eighth grade children OTHER PUBLIC RECREATION OPTIONS IA\ PRIVATE and NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Page 17 • Chapter III THE ARTS Drafting a Blueprint for the Future about the environment with educational and Earth Day activities. The new visitor and member center with a gift shop was established'at Sarg Hubbard Park in 1997. The Allied Arts Council of Yakima Valley owns and operates a multi- purpose arts facility located at Gilbert Park in West Yakima. Open to the public, the Warehouse, as it is called, is a renovated and remodelled fruit warehouse that houses a 232 -seat theater, basement dance studio/reception room, community conference room, board meeting room, arts gallery and classroom. The Allied Arts Council operates a number of programs includ- ing a family and middle school theater series, concert series, school and sum- mer ArtsVan, gallery exhibits, Summer Festival of the Arts, weekend work- shops, summer theater and arts. In 1999, Allied Arts added Adventures in Growth and Enrichment (AGE) for senior adults. The Capital Theatre is a fully furnished and equipped theater in down- town Yakima with a year-round program of performing arts including a five -event Broadway series, major concerts and special events. Carefully restored to its 1920's splendor following a disastrous fire in 1975, it is home now to the nationally recognized Yakima Symphony Orchestra which pre- sents a five -concert series each year. Active over 130 days per year, the theater 's annual attendance exceeds 60,000. The Larson Gallery on the campus of Yakima Valley Community Col- lege exhibits contemporary art by local, regional and national artists in a unique and spacious setting. The gallery is open weekdays and on the week- ends and, in addition to its exhibits, sponsors artist workshops and special events. The Yakima Valley Museum chronicles Yakima's natural, cultural, pio- neer and agricultural history. Among its exhibits are a collection of horse- drawn vehicles, a reconstruction of Supreme Court Justice William O. Dou- glas' office, an interactive children's center and a garden of historic neon advertising signs. The museum also operates the H. M. Gilbert Homeplace, a late Victorian home representative of the turn -of -the -century farmhouse built in the Yakima Valley. A restored log cabin, a railroad exhibit and a trapper's cabin are among the 29 buildings on the 14 -acre Central Washington Agricultural Museum. Located in Union Gap, the agricultural museum has an extensive collection of antique farm machinery and implements. Special attractions include an operating fruit -packing line and an operating windmill. Chapter III • Page 18 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 Located in southeast Yakima, the Southeast Community Center pro- vides a hub of activities for its surrounding neighborhoods. All of the pro- grams offered through the Southeast Community Center are free. "Kids Place" offers five through 12 -year-olds karate, boxing, sewing, sports, youth volunteer corps, movies, arts and crafts. "Night Action" provides 13 through 19 -year-olds with enrichment offerings such as drama group, movies, box- ing, wrestling, sports tournaments, leadership workshops, campouts and field trips The Community Learning Center makes tutorial assistance in reading, math and homework available while the Eastside Youth Sports Pro- gram brings baseball, basketball and track opportunities to youngsters five through 13. The center also provides a number of other services such as a Senior Lunch Program three times a week, a summer playground program with free lunch for youth, a computer lab, Library Annex, facilities for meet- ing and rental office space. Composed of twelve community agencies, including the City of Yakima, the Yakima Gang Prevention and Intervention Coalition uses school fa- cilities to provide after school recreation programs for local youths ages five through 19. During the summer, the Coalition also operates a number of outdoor programs for youth using local school parks. YMCA: Child care and Latchkey programs, indoor swimming pool, multi-purpose facility with fitness machines, free weight room, racquetball courts, two gymnasiums, locker rooms, indoor running track, youth activi- ties room and several meeting rooms. Current membership is nearly 6,500. The YWCA is located next door to the YMCA and focuses its resources on support services for women and children including legal and crisis services. Yakima Athletic Club: A full service fitness club with training rooms, racquetball courts, free weight areas, locker rooms, year around swimming pool, four tennis courts and refreshment bar. Current membership is nearly 2,000. Yakima National Little League: A non-profit baseball organiza- tion for youth ages eight through 17. Approximately 70 teams with a total of over 900 players annually. The season runs from April through Oc- tober at the City's Elks Park youth baseball fields. Yakima Youth/American Legion Baseball: A non-profit youth baseball organization comprised of three different leagues: "Babe Ruth" (ages 13 through 15), Junior Legion (ages 16 and 17) and Senior Legion (ages 17 and 18). The season runs from June through September and with division, department and regional championship games on Yakima Ike _n Lewis Clark fields. College Parker Field, Davis, txe and ,..cand �.-c.=a. school Greater Yakima Girls Softball Association: non-profit girls SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS CLUBS and ASSOCIATIONS The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Page 19 • Chapter III Drafting a Blueprint for the Future fast pitch organization for girls up to 18 years of age comprised of approxi- mately 50 to 75 teams. Games are played at Union Gap's Calahan Park and the season runs from May until the end of June with tournaments in early July. Yakima Flag Football Association: Anon -profit organization that orga- nizes and coordinates an adult flag football league during October and No- vember. Grid Kids Football: Structured youth football to youth ages nine through 12 from Grandview to Naches. The season starts in mid-August and runs into the fall with eight regular season games plus playoffs. Practices are held at the local middle schools and games are normally played at West Valley Junior High. AAU Basketball: Youth basketball program with approximately 2,700 second-grade through high school participants. The season runs October through July. Yakima Youth Soccer Association: A non-profit sports association that organizes and coordinates recreational and competitive soccer leagues and tournaments for youth ages six to 19. Teams play both spring and fall. Yakima Adult Soccer: A non-profit adult soccer association that orga- nizes and coordinates soccer leagues and tournaments for adult men, women, and coed teams. Teams play both spring and fall. La Liga Mexicana: A non-profit soccer association that organizes soccer leagues and tournaments for mostly Hispanic male players. Team play throughout the spring and fall. Team Yakima: A competitive Yakima organization for volleyball enthusiasts ten to 19 years old. Its 100 participants play winter and spring. Cascade Volleyball: A competitive West Valley program for volley- ball enthusiasts 11- to 18 -years old. Its 80 participants play winter and spring. Yakima Tennis Club: Offers private and group tennis lessons to both youth and adults. The club holds many indoor (October through March) and outdoor (April through September) leagues and tournaments during the year for both youth and adults. They also host family events such as Calcutta Family Night, an Easter Egg Hunt, Junior BBQ, a Christ- mas party and Halloween Family Night. Yakima Valley Community Tennis Club: An organization for people who love the sport of tennis for its own sake. Committed to pro- viding recreational tennis and quality instruction for all ages at an af- fordable price using City -owned tennis courts. Endorsed by the USTA. Cascadians: Provides opportunities for safe and informed non -mo- torized outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, back -pack - Chapter III • Page 20 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 ing, climbing, bicycling, snow -shoeing and cross-country skiing. Cascadians also work for the preservation of the environment. They meet monthly and have approximately 300 to 400 members. Chinook Cycle Club; This is a non-profit organization of approximately 100 members that organizes activities for bicyclists. Activities include fit- ness riding, recreational rides and sanctified races. Yak -ma Valle.. Bodety of Artists: Valley artists join forces for demon- _ strations, Central Washington State Fair and Arboretum exhibits, awards banquet, workshops and scholarships. Boy Scouts of America: Citizenship training, character development and personal fitness for boys ages six to 18 and young men and women 14 to 21. Programs include Tiger Cubs (first graders), Cub Scouting (second to fifth grade), Boy Scouting (sixth through 12th grade), Varsity Scouting (eighth through 12th grade and Exploring (high school). Girl Scouts (Mid -Columbia Council): Contemporary leadership pro- gram for girls five through 17. Emphasizes character, conduct, patriotism and service. Deepens awareness of self and others, builds self-esteem and increases the ability of girls to succeed and impact on the community. Camp Fire (Yakima Valley Council): Kindergarten through senior high school students -learn decision-making, self-reliance, personal and social re- sponsibility and self-esteem. Programs include organized clubs, day and resident camping, outdoor education, babysitting programs and drop-in programs. 4-H Clubs Educational, recreational and career exploration programs with an emphasis on citizenship and conservation. Activities include fair, contests, meetings and special activities. Current programs include those with a safety Memorial Hospital: programs wellness focus for children of all ages to monthly forums and weekly walking programs for seniors and fitness classes for all age groups. The off -campus Children's Village, opened in 1997, consolidates a variety of children's services and the North Star Cancer Center, under construc- tion in 1999, will house a complete cancer care unit with traditional and alternative options for treatment. Providence Medical Center: Offers community education classes in many areas. Some of the many classes include Health Habits, Wellness, Child Bearing, Pre- and Post -Natal Care, Diabetes Care, Heart Care, Family Relations such as parent skills and how to talk to your teen, "55 Alive," which is a driver education class for the senior 55 and over. HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Page 21 • Chapter III COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS and BUSINESSES PUBLIC GOLF COURSES OTHER Gymnastics Plus: Year -around instruction to both children and adults in gymnastics, and cheerleading. A unique basic climbing class with an actual man-made rock wall for learning. When the weather turns warm enough to use their outdoor pool, they offer swimming classes for ages 18 months on up. Their Kids Castle soft play area is the largest in Yakima. Health and Fitness: Various programs are available at Fitness by Gale, Gold's Gym, Mid -Valley Nautilus, Valley Racquet and Fitness Club, and Yakima Athletic Club. Martial Arts: Yakima has several commercial schools of martial arts including Dacascos Kung Fu Academy, Park's Tae Kwon Do, Pro - Action Martial Arts and Yakima School of Karate. Skating, roller: Skateland Fun Center has equipment rental, beginner area, outdoor skate patio and full-sized rink. Skating, ice: Yakima Ice Arena has public and private sessions, pro shop, hockey club, figure skating and broom ball. Open November to March. Suntides Golf Course (4 miles west of Yakima at 231 Pence Road): Public 18 -hole golf course with cafe, pro shop, cart rentals, water hazards, driving range, putting course and lessons. Apple Tree Golf Course (8804 Occidental Avenue): Challenging pub- lic 18 -hole golf course with restaurant, pro shop, driving range and lessons. Ranked among the top ten courses in the Northwest. Westwood Golf Course (6408 Tieton Drive): Public 9 -hole course with covered driving range, cart and club rentals. Open year round, weather per- mitting. Yakima Bears: Minor league baseball team established in 1990 and af- filiated with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Plays 38 home games annually June through Labor Day at the Yakima County Stadium on the fairgrounds. Af- fordable admission. Other teams in this division include Portland, Spokane, Boise, Everett, Eugene, Salem -Keiser and Southern Oregon. Yakima SunKings: A member of the Continental Basketball Associa- tion which brings NBA caliber action to the Sundome on the Fairgrounds along with national, regional entertainment acts. Season runs November into March. Opponents include LaCrosse, Fort Wayne, Idaho, Quad City, Connecticut, Sioux Falls, Rockford, LaCrosse and Grand Rapids. Chapter III • Page 22 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 In addition, there are a number of clubs and associations that bring Yakima residents together for recreational activities and interests. Among them are Chess Club, the Chrysanthemum Society, various car clubs, the Bridge Center, the Yakima Valley Folklife Association, numerous garden clubs, the Horseshoe Club, snowmobilers and the Volksport Club. The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2000 • Page 23 • Chapter III Drafting a Blueprint for the Future \- In December, 1969, the Metropolitan Park District dissolved and the City of Yakima created the current Parks and Recreation Department with enact- ment of Ordinance No. 1184. The City's Municipal Code provides the fol- lowing direction: "Under the supervision of the park and recreation manager, this divi- sion shall plan and implement parks and recreation programs and maintain and operate public facilities for use and enjoyment of the public. Specifi- cally, this division shall: a. Operate city swimming and aquatics programs; b. Conduct recreational programs and coordinate athletic events in the pub- lic parks and playgrounds; c. Operate the senior citizens center and its programs; d. Maintain all city parks, and the Naches Avenue Boulevard and central business district street trees; e. Maintain and operate Tahoma Cemetery; keep a correct record of all interments in the cemetery; and collect and remit to the city finance director all money due the city from the sale of cemetery lots and other sales and services for which a fee is charged; f. Operate and maintain Fisher Golf Course; g. Maintain city -owned swimming pools and appurtenant aquatics facili- ties; h. Perform such other services as may be required by law or by the direc- tor of public works." Ordinance 135 establishes the Park and Recreation Commission to ad- vise the City Council, City Manager and Parks and Recreation Manager re- garding the division's policies, plans and programs. Appointed by the City Council, the members serve six-year terms without compensation. City Or- dinance 1368 increased the Commission's membership from five to seven in January, 1974. The Municipal Code provides the following direction for the Parks and Recreation Commission: "A. The commission generally shall serve in an advisory capacity to the city council, city manager and director of public works concerning formu- lation of policy and plans for development, management and operation of the city parks and recreation program. B. In addition to the general duties specified in subsection A of this sec- tion, the commission shall advise and assist the city council, city man- ager and director of public works in specific areas including, but not limited to, the following: 1. Reviewing of parks and recreation budgets; 2. Promoting park and recreation programs to the community; Chapter IV • Page 2 • The Contractor: Parks and Recreation Administration 3. Setting standards for park maintenance; 4. Setting goals for short-term and long-term future of the city park system; 5. Serving as L1LlLelb input concerning parks and rccrcatioi , gener- ally; ally; 6. Monitoring and evaluating the park system. Such duties Ji aut be coordinated =-...s.,. +.he.. city in c-arrJ'"O - pro-gram of recreation for the general welfare of the people of the city, and to assist the division of parks and recreation in performing its duties as required by law or by the city manager." The major areas of responsibility in the Yakima Parks and Recreation Department have been divided and concentrated into two functioning units: Park Maintenance Operations and Recreation Services. Working under the supervision of the Public Works Director, the Parks and Recreation Manager carries out the goals, objectives and policies set down by the City Council with recommendations from the Park and Recre- ation Commission. Creating the Parks and Recreation Department in 1969, the City Council directed the department to carry out a program of recreation for the general welfare of the people of the City. That program grew to include adult city leagues for basketball, volleyball, free summer playground programs at vari- ous City parks, youth sports and athletic, bilingual programs and a exten- sive list of leisure time activity classes and programs. After working diligently to develop the recreation and community en- richment section, the City of Yakima retrenched in 1999 when budget short- falls curtailed a number of city services including Recreation. At the begin- ning of 2000, Recreation was organized into the following five service units: • Aquatic facilities and programs. • Adult and youth athletics. • Fisher Golf Course operations. • Yakima Senior Center programs and services. • Limited Community Enrichment services. DIVISION ORGANIZATION RECREATION Improvement of park standards became a driving force for Park Main- PARK tenance Operations during the 1990's and, as standards improved, the citi- MAINTENANCE zens came to expect that level of service to be maintained. A combination of OPERATIO N S management policies, on-going and planned maintenance and periodic reno- vation of grounds and structures ensured continued growth and develop - The Contractor: Parks and Recreation Administration • Page 3 • Chapter IV ment. In spite of 1999 city budget shortfalls, the City Council demonstrated its agreement with this operational priority by limiting, as much as pos- sible, cutbacks during the 2000 budgetary process. While Maintenance suf- fered personnel losses from cuts in vacant positions, the balance of its bud- get remained largely in tact. The Parks Service Unit has the responsibility for the care and upkeep of 36 pieces of property including parks as small as a third of an acre or as large as 35 acres as well as 16 blocks in the Central Business District, a reser- voir site, a golf course, a 57 -acre historic cemetery and three yet -to -be devel- oped sites. All told, Park Maintenance provides daily care and upkeep plus general park maintenance and repair for 325 acres of land as well as coordi- nation and supervision of major park and facility construction. The community's ever-increasing needs for recreational facilities wears on the City's parks and facilities. Renovation has been identified as an im- portant on-going need and was incorporated into the park's development of maintenance plans. Safety concerns, structural deficiencies, appearance, functionality and resource conservation dictated the selection of projects and play equipment, irrigation, swimming and wading pools, athletic courts and picnic facilities all met the criteria. Completion of the Chesterley Park Phase II project, continuing devel- opment of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway, Kiwanis Park property acquisi- tion, development of Kissel Park and replacement of the Larson Park tennis courts represented formidable challenges as the division entered the year 2000. Chapter IV • Page 4 • The Contractor: Parks and Recreation Administration Park and Recreation Commission PARKS AND RECREATION ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE CITIZENS OF YAKIMA City Council City Manager Public Works Director Administrative Specialist Parks and Recreation Manager ••• 49.7 Full -Time Equivalents Aquatics Supervisor ••• 14.3 FTE 1 Indoor Pool 4 Outdoor Pools Lessons Programs Athletics Supervisor ••• 4.88 FTE Adults Sports Youth Sports Ballfield Maintenance ••• 2.57 FTE Fisher Golf Course 11 ••• 1 1 1.15 FTE Community Enrichment Based on 2000 Staffing Levels Senior CeiLter Supervisor ••• 2.38 FTE Senior Activities and Programs 1 Park Operations Supervisor Tahoma Cemetery Supervisor ••• 4.35 FTE Burials Maintenance Park Supervisors (2)1 ••• 18.07 FTE C.B.D. City Parks Tennis Courts Pools Golf Course Spraying Litter Control The MISSION of the Yakima Parks and Recreation Division is to provide and pro- mote community leisure, recreation and cultural opportunities for all citizens of Ya- kima. This is accomplished through a professional staff who provide recreation pro- grams and activities and maintain facilities to standards that make them aesthetic and desirable for use. Through our services, we strive to enhance personal well-being and to improve the quality of life that makes Yakima a great place to live, work and play. Drafting a Blueprint for the Future The goals, objectives and policies set forth in this section are a blend of goals and objectives carried forward from the preceding plan with review, comment, additions and deletions recommended by staff and commission. Serving as the bench marks on this blue print that we call the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, they allow us to measure our progress in the development and implementation of the plan and enable us to make alterations as needed to meet the community's ever-changing and dynamic nature. Through an exchange of visions and ideals, the desires of the entire com- munity are brought into focus. Once this happens an action plan can be drafted to turn goals, policies and objectives into solid accomplishments. Because setting forth any idea or plan begins first as an exercise in com- munication, it is important to understand the terms being utilized. Simply stated, the goal is the finishing point — the future we want to build. To be effective, goals must be realistically achievable. Typically, they are long-range and remain unchanged throughout the active life of the com- prehensive plan. They may, however, evolve and change over time in re- sponse to altered circumstances. If a goal can be compared to a house, then the objectives can be likened to the rooms. More meaningful as part of the whole than alone, objectives contribute to the goal. They comprise specific measurable tasks to be com- pleted and represent points at which operations are directed. Typically a goal is broken down into a number of objectives that are sequential in na- ture. When all objectives are accomplished the long range goal will have been achieved and "the house is built." Defined as a course of action, policies are the building blocks — direc- tives that specify how an objective is to be met. Policies provide the details and form a guidance system for administration and ensure con- sistent action throughout the department and the community. Chapter V • Page 2 • Purpose: Why We Need a Blue Print PRIMARY GOAL: To continue to provide active recreation programs which meet the leisure time interests and needs of the community and offer the opportunity for a wide variety of satisfaction for all citizens of Yakima. Objective: Enhance program opportunities and program quality within existing recreation service units. Policy: ii__ Continue a,.work rnnperatively with local agencies; organiza- tions and special interest groups to support non -city funded or coordinated recreation programs which supplement city recre- ation programs and services. Policy: Encourage recreation staff to keep abreast of recreation trends by attending professional conferences and workshops. Policy: Continually strive to identify community interests and needs relating to recreation programs and services. Policy: Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and activities through the use of questionnaires, surveys and participant evalua- tion forms. Policy: Research and plan development of a major aquatic center to replace aging facilities to consolidate activities and opera- tions and to eliminate the need for travel to other communi- ties -for the enjoyment of modern water recreation activities. Policy: Plan expansion of Fisher Golf Course to upgrade course, to increase parking, to replace the clubhouse and to improve golf and ancillary activities. Objective: Develop recreational programs and services that meet the needs of the City's special populations, Policy: Develop new programs to meet the changing and expanding needs of our older and/or handicapped citizens. Policy Evaluate the community need and interest to establish a recre- ation facility for senior programs and services west of 16th Av- enue. Policy: Work with the S.E. Community Center to establish on site recre- ational programs and services for senior citizens as a supple- ment to the daily senior nutrition program currently being of- fered. Policy: By offering programs directly or by working cooperatively with the Yakima School District and other local agencies, provide a variety of activities for youth and teens with special emphasis on programs during after school hours and during summer months. RECREATION SERVICES Goals Objectives Policies Plans I 1 Action Completion Why We Need a Blue Print • Page 3 • Chapter V Drafting \ a Blueprint for the , Future PARKS SERVICES Objective: Establish recreation programs to meet the needs and interests of the city's Hispanic population. Policy: Develop, coordinate and direct recreation programs for the City's Hispanic population. Policy: Develop and offer adult and youth special interest classes that are taught by bilingual individuals. Policy: Develop bilingual promotional materials to encourage the par- ticipation of Hispanic citizens in Parks and Recreation programs. Objective: Establish a level of self-support for each of the recreation ser- vice units that is realistic and achievable on an annual basis. Policy: Strive to make adult recreation programs 100% self-supporting whenever possible but especially in the areas of sports and spe- cial interest classes. Policy: Strive for an 80% level of self-support for combined programs and services for senior citizens. Policy: Strive for a 50% level of self-support for the City's combined aquatic programs. Policy: Use city funds to underwrite programs and services for youth, in part or in total, when it is unreasonable to expect youth to fully support programs and services through fees and charges. Policy: Strive for a 130% level of self-support for the Fisher Golf pro- gram. Objective: Develop an effective variety of resources to support city Parks and Recreation Services. Policy: Establish collaborations, partnerships and sponsorships with community service organizations and businesses to maximize the effectiveness of existing resources, to increase the affordability of programs and services and to bring Parks and Recreation services within the financial reach of all mem- bers of the community. PRIMARY GOALS: To maintain existing parks and recreation facili- ties at a level that meets the public's desire for safe, clean, and enjoyable parks and facilities. To develop existing city parks and open space areas to meet the cur- rent and future demands and needs of both individual city neighborhoods and the community at large. Chapter V • Page 4 • Park and Recreation Goals and Objectives Establish and implement a long-range plan for the development of parks, open space, green belts and pathways within the City of Yakima with reference to the greater urban growth area. Objective: Adequately fund the annual maintenance and operation require- ments eq i e- ments of park services. Policy: Establish acceptable levels of service through identification of basic standards for maintenance, service, appearance and safety. Policy: Provide appropriate resources to maintain that level of service, Policy: Explore opportunities for leveraging local money for park de- velopment through both public and private grant funding. Policy: Develop and implement a plan for an efficient water usage within City parks through research and analysis of appropriate water sources, equipment replacement, capital improvement and long-range cost-effectiveness. Objective: Establish an on-going six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Parks and Recreation facilities. Policy: Establish a six-year CIP for annual review and revision and adoption by the City Council. Policy: Fund capital improvements through the City's general fund, parks cash balance and, whenever possible, state and federal grants. Policy: Promote private, public and non-profit partnerships for capital improvements to parks whenever possible. Objective: Enhance the visual image and public appreciation of city parks, recreation facilities and the downtown Central Busi- ness District (CBD) by making them cleaner and more aes- thetically pleasing. Policy: Continually evaluate the effectiveness of parks employees and programs to ensure the consistent delivery of quality services. for Policy: Provide on-going trainingnor parks employees that relates to maintenance and landscaping practices, proper use of equipment and repair and upkeep of park facilities. Policy: Continually upgrade the downtown planting areas and en- courage the participation of local businesses, civic groups and schools in the care and up -keep of the CBD. Policy: Develop a six-year CIP for the repair and renovation of the CBD irrigation system. Policy: Develop and implement a plan to establish a new downtown park. Policy: Implement and/ or work with allied groups to implement pro- grams to provide for the development, upgrading and mainte- Parks and Recreation Goals and Objectives • Page 5 • Chapter V Drafting a Blueprint for the \ Future nance of park lands, recreation facilities and the downtown area according to needs. Policy: Develop and implement a plan for tree planting, maintenance and replanting throughout the City's park system and the CBD. Objective: Develop/construct new neighborhood parks within the City us- ing property currently owned by the City. Policy: Work closely with neighborhood residents to insure park de- velopment in their area reflects their needs and interests. Policy: Include construction costs for owned but undeveloped park property in any future city Parks Bond Issue. Policy: Apply for state and federal grants to help with the overall funding of new park construction. Objective: Establish a priority for future land acquisition and park devel- opment based on neighborhood as well as the overall City's needs. Policy: Draft a city standard for public open and green space. Policy: Develop and maintain an up-to-date park land acquisition plan that targets and sets priorities for future park acquisi- tions. Policy: Review the City and its neighborhoods and identify needs ac- cording to that standard. Policy: Meet with local neighborhood associations and residents to iden- tify their needs and interests. Policy: Consider existing school facilities and grounds and their cur- rent use by the public in future land acquisition and park development. Policy: Consider safe pedestrian and bicycle access in future land acquisition and park development. Policy: Identify potential sites and plan for a series of neighborhood parks in Yakima's Urban Growth Area. Policy: Promote private, public and nonprofit partnerships for ac- quisition and development of future park property whenever possible. Policy: Establish a Parks Fund dedicated solely to the acquisition of land for future neighborhood and community parks within the City of Yakima. Policy: Factor future ongoing maintenance needs and funding into plan- ning for future development of city parks and green spaces. Chapter V • Page 6 • Park and Recreation Goals and Objectives Objective: Create a unique and positive image for the City through the establishment and development of green belts and pathways within the City of Yakima. Policy:and sharing, Continue to support through cooperation aairc�vuri2 where possible, the development and expansion of the Yakima Greenway. Policy: Work with the city Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathway Committee to use existing irrigation canal rights-of-way and Yakima Valley Transportation (YVT) corridors for pathways. Policy: Ensure that bikeways and pedestrian pathways are made a con- sideration in surface transportation planning for the City of Yakima. Policy: Establish landscaping standards for implementation along ma- jor city streets, arterials and city pathways and at urban gate- ways that is compatible with area uses and maintainable by ex- isting city resources. Policy: Incorporate, whenever possible, greenbelts and pathways into all future residential, commercial and industrial develop- ments and keep these trails, as much as possible, separate from streets and arterials. Objective: Develop innovative approaches to creating new park facili- ties. Policy: Promote private, public and private non-profit partnerships for capital improvements to parks. Policy: Encourage creation of a centrally located outdoor performing arts stage or facility through a public, private and/or business partnership. Policy: Expand the use of school facilities to meet the City's need for new playgrounds. Policy: Use city cultural and historical landmarks as a cornerstone for park development whenever possible. Objective: Create and implement a long-range plan and program for the preservation of prime open space areas in or adjacent to the City of Yakima. Policy: Continue to support the expansion of the Yakima Greenway. Policy: Support the fostering of a strong relationship between the Greenway and abutting city neighborhoods. Parks and Recreation Goals and Objectives • Page 7 • ChapterV Drafting a Blueprint for the Future TAHOMA CEMETERY Policy: Strive to incorporate greenbelts into future residential, commer- cial, and industrial development in order to minimize the nega- tive impacts associated when incompatible uses are located next to one another. Policy: Preserve open space through other means than ownership, such as transfer of development rights, tax obligation relief, land do- nations to not-for-profit open space preservation organizations. Objective: Continually strive to achieve the highest standards of safety and accessibility in City parks. Policy: Consider handicapped, pedestrian and bicycle accessibility when planning future land acquisition and park development. Policy: Stay abreast of current developments in park and play equip- ment and materials including those designed to facilitate use by the handicapped. Policy: Establish and implement standards for lighting in parks and along pathways. Policy: Establish and implement standards for upgrading and re- placement of aging park amenities for safety and handicapped access. PRIMARY GOAL: To maintain Tahoma Cemetery at a standard that meets the public's desires for a burial site for loved ones and as an important historical Yakima landmark. To guarantee the future of the cemetery for perpetuity. Objective: Provide appropriate maintenance and operations to meet the needs of Tahoma Cemetery. Policy: Establish and implement standards for the daily, weekly and annual maintenance of the property. Policy: Draft and implement a plan for the future care and replace- ment of aging trees and facilities. Policy: Provide on-going training for cemetery workers in the areas of maintenance and landscaping, safety, proper use of re- quirement and upkeep of cemeteries. Policy: Develop and implement a six-year Capital Improvement Plan. Policy: Develop and implement a plan to streamline customer rela- tions and service. Objective: Adequately fund the Cemetery's maintenance operations. Policy: Strive to improve the efficiency of operations. ChapterV • Page 8 • Park and Recreation Goals and Objectives Policy: Strive to reduce dependence upon the Parks and Recreation subsidy. Policy: Improve the Cemetery's revenue stream through development of the remaining acreage. Objective: Enhance and preserve the historical importance of Tahoma Cerri- Objej Policy: Maintain the cemetery in a manner that protects the historical nature of the cemetery. Policy: Ensure preservation of the cemetery's historical value is ad- dressed in the development of operations and maintenance stan- dards. Policy: Develop improved service for the public in the areas of historical and genealogical research. PRIMARY GOAL: To offer professional administrative services to the citi- zens of Yakima and the Parks and Recreation Service Units, Objective: Maintain and increase staff proficiency. Policy: Establish and implement standards for on-going training for program safety and job performance, Policy: Strive to stay abreast of developments, changes and advances in park maintenance and operations. Policy: Anticipate and prepare for future staffing needs that may arise due to retirements, budgetand other changes. eT+ Objective: Establish a process for annual review and update of division goals, objectives and policies. Policy: An ual?y draft service mit goals, objectives and policies for recreation and maintenance operations and review them for compatibility with departmental and city priorities. Policy: Annually review and evaluate progress in meeting service unit goals. Policy: Review goals, objectives, policies and performance annually with Park Commission. ADMINISTRATION Parks and Recreation Goals and Objectives • Page 9 • ChapterV PARKS and RECREATION COMMISSION Objective: Provide and develop an effective community and public rela- tions program. Policy: Implement a program of community awareness that relates the benefits of parks and leisure service. Policy: Encourage the recruitment and retention of volunteers wher- ever possible for assistance in park and recreation operations and programs. Policy: Incorporate a public relations element into plans of actions for park development, facilities, services and programs. Policy: Strive to work with and coordinate services with other agen- cies and program providers whenever possible. Policy: Address citizen concerns in a timely manner. Policy: Promote the accomplishments and successes of the Parks and Recreation Division. Objective: To search out and develop additional sources of funding and support for park and program development and delivery. Policy: Continue to identify and apply for appropriate private and public grants. Policy: Explore and develop underwriting partnerships with the pri- vate sector and with service organizations. Policy: Pursue development of an advertising program for imple- mentation in park facilities. PRIMARY GOAL AND OBJECTIVE: To advise the City Council, City Manager and Director of Public Works regarding formula- tion of policy and plans for development, management and op- erations of the City's Parks and Recreation Program. Policy: Annually review budgets, programs and services. Policy: Assist in establishment of standards for park maintenance. Policy: Assist in the establishment of short-term and long-term goals for Parks and Recreation. Policy: Promote parks and recreation programs to the community. Policy: Provide citizen input regarding parks and recreation. Policy: Monitor and evaluate the park system. Chapter V • Page 10 • Park and Recreation Goals and Objectives The Parks and Recreation goals and objectives are consistent with the priorities and strategic issues adopted by the City Council in February, 1999, and listed as follows: HIGHEST PRIORITIES A. Economic Development with Emphasis on Literacy and Education. Economic, development includes attracting and retaining businesses in the area, development of an industrial park site and providing educa- tional opportunities for the citizens in the community. B. Law Enforcement/Public Safety and Well Being. This area includes an emphasis on community and traffic safety and preventing violent criminal acts, combating gangs and illegal drugs, etc. Emphasis should also focus on training to improve public responsive- ness and cultural sensitivity. C. Enhancing Visual and Governance Image of the City. This priority deals with improving the City's appearance/ aesthetics and enhancing community respect, pride and confidence in City government. Continue efforts to maintain the City parks system and to revitalize neigh- borhoods. Public Impact o f �l, Unfunded Mandates: inform the PuVu� on the Cost .. Un- funded Federal, State and Local Agencies' Mandates. A special effort will be made to inform the public and taxpayers on the impact that state, federal and local agenc1Ps' mandates have on increas- ing the cost of City services. E. Money/Resources: Manage Existing Resources Effectively/ Identify Revenue Sources. The cost of fixed, mandated and contractual expenditures for municipal ser- vices has become increasingly difficult to firnd each budget year. Examine alter- nate ways to contain costs, maximize existing resources and identify alterna- tive revenues to maintain future financial stability. NEXT HIGHEST PRIORITIES A. Infrastructure: Maintain and Enhance Public WorksPUtility Capital Facilities. The City will continue to plan and explore alternatives for financing and constructing capital improvements to the City's basic public fa- cilities: sewer, water, irrigation, parks, streets, public safety and other public facilities. B. Communications: Enhance City Communications Internally and Ex- ternally. Citizens' ideas complaints and su gestions should he openly solicited and will- CITY ideas, 1. V./tt/a�.sa•.•✓ ..••... .•••�------�-- ----' COUNCIL PRIORITIES and STRATEGIC ISSUES * NOTE: Underlined, italicized material relates directly to Parks and Recreation goals and objectives. Parks and Recreation Goals and Objectives • Page 11 • Chapter V Drafting a Blueprint \ for the Future LONG-RANGE OBJECTIVES COMMUNITY FACILITIES ingly accepted. Superior communication between and within City departments and divisions are also important and will enable the City. to better meet its customers' needs. C. Cooperative Partnerships. Cooperative partnerships between City government, other public agencies, busi- nesses and citizens groups needs to be nurtured and developed to meet the future challenges facing our community. ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES. A. Workforce Development/Customer Relations. The City is committed to the enhancement of employee productivity, teamwork and service to the public which promote efficient, effective and courteous deliv- ery of quality municipal services to citizens. The City needs to train and de- velop skilled workers to better serve customer needs. B. Cultural/Ethnic Diversity. Broaden ethnic/cultural diversity and representation in City employment and business activities. The City should utilize all available community resources and seek diversity and ethnic representation in City employment and public contacts. C. Youth Involvement. Empowering the Community to become more involved in seeking opportuni- ties for youth is encouraged. Ethnic and gender balanced internships, mentoring programs and employer cooperation with citizen groups and government are needed to encourage more youth involvement in the community. Long-range objectives present a special challenge from the stand- point of financing because municipal funding cycles typically run in in- crements of one to two years. Recognizing the uncertainty and the limi- tations that short-term budgets place on long-range objectives, we begin by planning today for facilities that we know we want and will need but cannot presently afford. With no vision for the future, we will be unpre- pared to take advantage of opportunities when they become available. Major Sports Complex Community leaders and sports complex supporters have endorsed the concept of a sports complex within the City of Yakima and have recom- mended Kiwanis Park and the area south of it as the location. Property ac- quisition began in 1999 with purchases through Rotary, the Kiwanis Trust ChapterV • Page 12 • Park and Recreation Goals and Objectives and Interagency Committee grant funding. Preliminary plans call for base- ball and soccer fields with concession stands and green space. In addition, the sports complex will meet other community needs: • Local demand for additional sports facilities. • Enhancement of local tourism through an ability to host regional tourna- ments and other sports related programs. • Addition of a regional park to the City. Indoor Ice Skating Facility • Local demand for a newer and larger facility. • Enhancement of local tourism through an ability to host regional tournaments, competitions and related commercial events. • Public, private enterprise or a partnership. • Excellent addition to a year-round sports complex. Outdoor Performing Arts Stage • Ideal location west of 16th Avenue. • Utilization of existing park facilities would be possible but would require expansion of parking facilities. City Community Centers • Designed to meet the recreational needs of the City's various neighbor- hoods including those in northeast, north central, west and south central Yakima. • Bring recreational opportunities within the reach of less mobile citizens including youth and seniors. • Could be used to house various community based service providers in addition to providing recreation opportunities. Develop New Mini -Parks • Size: up to two acres. • Locations throughout the city but particularly in areas where population density is the greatest (Planning areas # 6, 7, 10, 5, 8, 12 and 15.) Develop New Neighborhood Parks • Minimum size: two acres. Recommendation: three to five acres. • Locations north central, south central, northeast. Develop New Community Parks • Development size of ten to 15 acres or more whenever possible. • Potential locations: west of 44th Avenue, south of Nob Hill, Terrace Heights, north of Barge -Lincoln School, south of Washington Avenue. Parks and Recreation Goals and Objectives • Page 13 • ChapterV COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Expansion of Existing City Parks • Kiwanis Park. • Randall Park: expand south towards Washington Avenue. • Miller Park/Senior Center: additional parking. • Lions Park: improved parking. • Elks Park: improved parking. Establish a Youth Service Unit within the Parks and Recreation Division This service unit would enable additional program opportunities: • Open gymnasium facilities for drop-in and organized recreational ac- tivities. • Late night organized team sports play. • Summer playgrounds in each city neighborhood. • Neighborhood based recreation centers utilizing school facilities. • Community special events organized around local, regional and national celebrations and holidays as well as cultural events. Establish a Funded Urban Forestry Program The Urban Forestry Program is a community -wide tree care and replanting program targeted towards the following: • City boulevards and major arterials. • City parks, open spaces and green belts. • The Central Business District. Other facets of this program include: • Establishment of a volunteer community tree pruning force. • Development of a City Tree Ordinance. • Establishment of a funding source to maintain and care for the City's trees. • Establishment of a Park and Recreation nursery and greenhouse for plant and tree propagation. Bike and Walking Pathways Abandoned Yakima Valley Transportation (YVT) corridors, as well as recently covered irrigation canals, provide a natural system for devel- opment of paved pathways throughout the City with the following objec- tives: • Linking new pathways with existing city bike routes. • Linking major city parks where possible. • Beginning or ending city pathways with links to the Greenway. • Establishing greenbelts in conjunction with city pathways. ChapterV • Page 14 • Parkand Recreation Goals and Objectives EXISTING INVENTORY and RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS PLANNING AREA #1 north eN• ` st Planning Area #1 General nature of the area: Commercial (Central Business District) Park Facilities: Naches Parkway (five of the Parkway's 15 islands) • Tree -lined parkway • Park benches/tables South 2nd Street Park (.52 acres) • Picnic tables • Grill Loudon Park (5 acres) School Facilities: Union Gap School Community Facilities: Capitol Theatre • Year-round performing arts program Future Needs: • Continue Naches Parkway tree replanting program. • Install additional park benches in parkway. • Develop and maintain flower beds in the parkway. • Continue Central Business District flower bed refurbishment. • Continue CBD irrigation system update. • Repair CBD sidewalks as needed. Actual locations for each of these planning areas are identified on the Parks and Schools Lands Map in the Appendix. Demo- graphic information is detailed in Appendix A. ChapterVl • Page 2 • Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Planning Area #2 General nature of the area: Industrial Park Facilities Miller Park (3.46 acres) • Outdoor pool • Outdoor basketball court • Volleyball sand pit • Horseshoe pits • Bocce ball court • Parking Yakima Senior Citizens' Center • Multipurpose facility for seniors (55+). Naches Parkway (five of the 15 islands) • Tree -lined parkway • Picnic tables/benches School Facilities Barge -Lincoln Elementary School • Outdoor basketball court • indoor volley/basketballcourt • Two multi-purpose fields Future Needs • Make planned capital improvements to Miller Park. • Provide additional parking at Senior Center. • Expand Senior Center facility. • Continue Naches Parkway tree replanting. • Acquire and develop a five- to ten -acre neighborhood park, Rec- ommended amenities: youth sports field and playground. Note: Acquisition of a five- to ten -acre site in this area may be difficult as the area is both commercially and residentially dense. Alterna- tively, a number of smaller parcels could be acquired separately for use as mini -parks throughout the neighborhood as much as possible. Another critical need in this Neighborhood Area is the establishment of youth sports facilities for soccer and baseball. No such facilities exist other than those located at Barge -Lincoln. Elementary School. The school was remodeled in 1998 and the project resulted in an indoor sport court and a new soccer fields. Further development of outdoor recreation would benefit this neighborhood greatly. Another alternative could be a joint venture with the Yakima School District should it decide to expand the school's grounds by acquiring adjacent residential property in the future. Yakima • Playground Z • Gazebo rr • Picnic tables N ; vn PLANNING AREA #2 , e north c�^ • Grills • Restrooms • Soccer field • Gvmnasiuim Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 3 • ChapterVI Drafting a Blueprint for the Future r Yakima River PLANNING AREA #3 Fruitvale Blvd. Englewood Ave Planning Area #3 General nature of the area: light industrial/multi-family residential. Park Facilities: Chesterley Park (31.2 acres) • Six soccer fields • Picnic shelter • Playground • Pathway • Restroom/storage building Powerhouse Canal Pathway (3.1 acres) north • Skate park • Picnic tables • Grills • Parking • Asphalt pathway (.6 mile) Elks Memorial Park • Six youth baseball fields • 26 horseshoe pits • Play equipment • Tether ball pole • Parking/paved and unpaved School Facilities • Park benches • Restroom • Picnic shelter • Picnic tables • Grills EPIC Note: When EPIC purchased the Castlevale School building from Yakima School District, the district retained ownership of the surrounding open space and play- ing fields. • Four baseball fields which double as soccer practice field Discovery Lab School (Yakima School District) Future Needs • Completion of Chesterley Park's Phase II. • Make planned capital improvements to Elks Park. • Purchase additional property adjacent to Elks park to support East % Yakima National Little League's growing needs for fields. • Acquire and develop a 3.5 -acre park north of Englewood Avenue and east of 40th Avenue. Recommended amenities: playground, picnic area, walking path and restroom. Note: Development in this area warrants development of a new neigh- borhood park. Proximity to Chesterley Park with its multiple amenities would allow this park to remain passive in nature. • Construction of tennis courts atop the Englewood Reservoir. The reservoir was originally planned to accommodate at least four courts which would easily serve residents of Planning Areas 3 and 5. • Work cooperatively with the Yakima School District to establish a neighborhood park at the former Castlevale School site. ChapterVl • Page 4 • Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Planning Area #4 General nature of the area: suburban/two-family residential. Park Facilities: Gilbert Park (11.62 acres) • Open space • Picnic tables • Parking North 44th Avenue Parkway (.69 acre) • Asphalt walkway School Facilities Gilbert School • Two soccer fields • Three t -ball fields • Gymnasium/indoor volley/basketball court Community Facilities Warehouse Theatre • Performing arts theater • Class rooms • Art Gallery Future Needs: • Acquire and develop- a 30 -acre community park. Recommended facilities: sports fields/courts, indoor pool. Note: Planning Area #9 would be another option for location of a new indoor pool. • Acquire and develop three five -acre neighborhood parks. Note: Planning Area #4 does not have any park facilities other than the open space that exists at Gilbert Park. This is one of the fastest growing areas in the urban planning area. s Canvn., 3 Y� 0 u nor• th Summitview Ave. ai 0 t 0 z PLANNING AREA #4 Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 5 • ChapterVI Drafting a Blueprint for the Future Planning Area #5 General nature of area: single-family and multi -family residential. Park Facilities None School Facilities Robertson Elementary School • Outdoor basketball court • One soccer field • Four t -ball fields • One multi -use field • One indoor gymnasium/volley/basketball court Future Needs • Development of two more sections of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway. a. Englewood to Lincoln at Robertson. b. Robertson to 24th and Lincoln. Development will turn the weedy canal right-of-way into a park- like thoroughfare that would allow residents and visitors to travel to a wide variety of professional, shopping and recreational des- tinations. • Acquire and develop a five -acre neighborhood park. Note: there are no existing park facilities in this neighborhood and available vacant land is limited. One option would be to work coop- eratively with the Yakima School District to enhance use of Robertson Elementary School property for neighborhood recreational use after school, on weekends and during the summer. Picnic areas, shade trees, additional play equipment and sport field improvements could be added to existing facilities. MIL Plans call for development of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway along Robertson Elementary between Lincoln and Englewood Avenues. north Chapter VI • Page 6 • Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Planning Area #6 tial. General nature of area: dense single-family and multi -family residen- Park Facilities Milroy Park (3.36 acres) • Playground • Volleyball court • Tether ball pole • Restrooms • Parking McGuinness Park (1.91 acres) • Picnic shelter • Playground equipment • Basketball court Cherry Park (.44 acres) • Playground equipment • Grill Walter Ortman Parkway (.70 acre) • Picnic table School Facilities Garfield Elementary • Outdoor basketball court • Two t -ball fields • Wading Pool • Horseshoe pits • Picnic tables • Grills • Picnic tables • Grills • Park benches • Picnic tables north Fruitvale Blvd. PLANNING AREA #6 Sum • Two multi -use play fields Future Needs • Make planned improvements to Milroy Park. • Develop Powerhouse Canal Pathway from 16th Avenue at Cherry/Englewood to Swan Avenue at McGuinness. = Make planned vait l ianprovemonts to Cherry Park. • Acquire and develop two additional mini -parks similar to Cherry and McGuinness Parks. Note: Population density in this neighborhood is among the highest in the city. The need for additional park facilities is critical even if can only be accomplished through the purchase and development of small residential lots. Garfield Elementary is one of the oldest and smallest schools in the Yakima School District and its playing area, the only youth sports field in this area, is equally limited in size and amenities. One op- tion is for the City and the School District to work cooperatively to ac- quire property adjacent to the school for development of a school/park play field. -nitview Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 7 • ChapterVI Drafting a Blueprint for the \. Future north Summitview .......................... Yakima AVe• Planning Area #7 General nature of area: multi -family residential, central and support business district with professional offices. Park Facilities Larson Park (16.50 acres) • Four adult ballfields, one with grandstand/concession stand • 12 tennis courts • Picnic Shelter • Three outdoor volleyball courts • Picnic tables • Outdoor handball courts • Grills • Horseshoe pits • Playground • Sand play area • Restrooms • Parking Lions Park (4.38 acres) • Indoor swimming pool • Picnic tables • Spray pool • Grills • Six tennis courts • Park benches • Four horseshoe pits • Playground • Basketball court • Restrooms • Parking lot Portia Park (.52 acres) • Picnic tables • Barbecues Raymond Park (2.35 acres) • Playground • Picnic tables • Grill Roselma Park (.52 acre) • Park benches South 6th Avenue Parkway (.17 acre) • No facilities Summitview Park (.76 acre) • Park benches PLANNING QJ AREA #7 > > Ea ;M Nob Hill Blvd. School Facilities McKinley Elementary • Outdoor basketball court • Three t -ball fields • Two soccer fields • Playground Davis High School • Baseball field • Soccer field • Kumler Field (track/football) • Four indoor volleyball/two basketball courts Yakima Valley Community College • Parker Field (baseball) • Fitness facility • Weight room • Wrestling room • Three indoor volleyball/basketball courts Future Needs • Make planned capital improvements to Larson Park. • Make planned capital improvements to Lions Park. • Make planned capital improvements to Raymond Park. ChapterVI • Page 8 • Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Planning Area #8 General nature of the area: single family residential. Park Facilities Franklin Park (17.66 acres) • Outdoor pool with waterslide • Six tennis courts • Playground • Pathway • Parking lot Tieton Terrace Park (.42 acres) • Play equipment School Facilities Roosevelt Elementary School • Two t -ball fields • Playground • Outdoor basketball court • Two multi-purpose fields • Gymnasium: indoor volley/basketball court Franklin Middle School • Baseball field • Football/soccer field • Three outdoor basketball courts • Gymnasium: two basketball/four volleyball Future Needs • Make planned capital improvements to Franklin Park. • Make planned capital improvements to Tieton Terrace. • Acquire and develop two small mini -parks similar to Tieton Terrace to be located west of 29th Avenue between Summitview and Tieton Avenues. NOTE' Both Franklin and Tieton Terrace Parks are located in the southeastern portion of Planning Area #8. The area, however, extends west to 48th Avenue and contains no other park or school facilities. This, combined with the fact that currently there are no park facilities in the Planning Area #5 on the north and no open park space m Planning Area CO on the south, warrants establishment of additional parks in this area. Because there is little vacant property in this area, it is likely new parks will be mini -parks. • Picnic Shelter • Picnic tables • Grills • Restrooms • Picnic table • Track • One t -ball field Summitview PLANNING AREA #8 nort▪ h Tieton Dr. ai L Y ri Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 9 • Chapter V! Drafting a Blueprint for the \\ Future north ai r 0 ao Planning Area #9 General nature of area: largely single-family residential. Park Facilities Gailleon Park (4.5 acres) • Undeveloped West Valley Community Park (County park - 17.2 acres + 9.2 unde- veloped) • Two tennis courts • Picnic areas • One soccer field • Restroom • Two playgrounds • Horseshoe pits • Outdoor living classroom trail • Unpaved parking School Facilities Summitview Elementary School • Soccer field • Playground • Large play field • Indoor basketball court Wide Hollow Elementary School • Soccer field • Two multi-purpose fields • Indoor volley/basketball court • Outdoor basketball court West Valley Middle School/Junior High • Baseball field • Softball field • Indoor volley/basketball courts • Football field • Numerous outdoor basketball courts Apple Valley Elementary School • Outdoor basketball court • Two multi -use play fields • Indoor volley/basketball court • Playground Holy Family Parish • Marquette soccer stadium • Baseball field • Indoor volley/basketball court NOTE: These sports facilities are not available for general public use. Future Needs • Develop Gailleon Park as a neighborhood park. • Acquire and develop a 30 -acre community park. • Acquire and develop three five -acre neighborhood parks. NOTE: The Yakima County Parks and Open Space Plan calls for tennis court repair, horseshoe pit replacement and restroom renovation in addition to construction of a variety of new park facilities on the undeveloped 9.2 acres at West Valley Commu- nity park. A 2000 IAC grant provided funding for that devel- opment. The county plan also recommends trails to link the park with existing, developing and proposed trails, pathways and parks throughout the greater urban planning area. Summitview PLANNING AREA #9 Washington Avenue Chapter VI • Page 10 • Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Planning Area #10 General nature of area: largely single-family residential. Park Facilities Eisenhower Park (2.36 acres) • Outdoor pool • Six tennis courts Fisher Golf Course (18.2 acres) • Nine -holes of golf • Starter/ club house School Facilities Nob Hill Elementary • Four t -ball fields • Two multi -use fields 2 iWith Tieton Dr. PLANNING EG #10 tel Nob Hill Blvd. • Playground • Outdoor basketball court Whitney Elementary/Wilson Middle Schools • Football/two soccer fields • One multi -use field • Four baseball fields • One t -ball field • Track • Playground • Gymnasium: three volleyball/basketball courts • Three outdoor basketball courts Eisenhower High School • Three outdoor basketball fields • Football/track stadium • Two baseball fields • Three softball fields • One soccer field • 4/3 indoor volley/basketball courts Future Needs • Acquire and develop two mini -parks similar to Tieton Terrace and Cherry Parks. NOTE: The justification for this proposed development is similar to that talked about in Planning Area #8. Other than Fisher Golf Course and Eisenhower Park's outdoor pool and six tennis courts, there are no parks or open green spaces in this urbanized planning area. Absence of vacant land, however, will limit sizable park development. • Acquire vacant property located on the southeast corner of Fisher Golf Course for future course expansion. NOTE: Acquisition of this property would provide space for much needed additional parking, golf instruction classes and a large club house. A large club house would, in turn, provide opportunity for an expanded resale revenue from both golf merchandise and food service. Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 11 • ChapterVI Drafting a Blueprint ' for the Future A. north Planning Area #11 General nature of area: single-family and two-family residential and light industrial. Includes Yakima Airport. Park Facilities Randall Park (35.42 acres + 5 undeveloped acres) • One outdoor basketball court • Picnic shelter • Pathway • Picnic tables • Playground • Grills • Nature area with trail • Restrooms • Parking (2 lots) • Residential/storage facility Emil Kissel Park (17 acres) • Undeveloped School Facilities McClure Elementary School • One soccer field (limited use) • Outdoor basketball court • One softball field • Gymnasium: indoor volley/basketball court Future Needs • Make planned capital improvements to Randall Park. • Develop southwest portion of Randall park. • Lease and develop a portion of airport property located just south of Randall Park for youth sports fields. NOTE: The need for additional youth soccer and baseball fields make it important that additional facilities be built wherever possible. This loca- tion would be ideal. • Develop Emil Kissel Park. Nob 1-1111 Blvd. Washington PLANNING AREA #11 Airport � achelo,, t=ree\. ChapterVI • Page 12 • Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Planning Area #12 General nature of area: two-family residential. Park Facilities Gardner Park (9.13 acres) • Two adult softball fields • Outdoor volleyball court • Playground • Picnic tables • Restroom% storage/ ConceSSion stand • Unpaved parking School Facilities Hoover Elementary School • Two soccer fields • Playground • Two t -ball fields • One multi -use field Ridgeview Elementary School • One soccer field • Playground • One t -ball field • Outdoor basketball court • One multi -use field • Gymnasium: indoor volley/basketball court Lewis and Clark Middle School • Baseball fourplex • Football/soccer field • Two outdoor basketball courts • Three soccer fields • Two gymnasiums: indoor volley/basketball courts Future Needs • Make planned capital improvements to Gardner Park. • Acquire and develop two small mini -parks similar to Tieton Ter- race and Cherry Parks. north Nob Hill Blvd. < PLANNING .c AREA #12 co Washington Ave. Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 13 • ChapterVI Drafting a Blueprint for the Future Planning Area #13 General nature of area: Yakima County and City of Union Gap. Park Facilities Ahtanum Youth Park (74 acres) • Multiple soccer fields • Two tennis courts • Six outdoor basketball courts • Low ropes challenge course • BMX track • Two playgrounds • Parking School Facilities Stanton School • Three baseball fields • Soccer field Future Needs • Activities Building • Barn meeting room • Equestrian arena • Two picnic shelters • Picnic areas • Two restrooms • Multi -use field • Acquire and develop a five- to ten -acre park. Yakima County's Parks and Open Space Plan recommends im- provements for Ahtanum Youth Park: a new master site plan, re- pair or replacement of tennis court surfacing, paving entrance roadway and parking areas, an additional picnic shelter, two sports fields (girls' fastpitch) and acquisition of land for creek ac- cess to nearby trails. The plans also proposes a trail system to link Ahtanum Youth Park with existing, developing and proposed pathways and trails and parks throughout the greater urban plan- ning area. Washington north m a• -12 Ahtanum PLANNING AREA #13 ChapterVI • Page 14 • Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Planning Area #14 General nature of area: Yakima County and City of Union Gap Park Facilities Cahalan Park (City of Union Gap - 8 acres) • Four youth softball fields • Parking • Restrooms School Facilities Martin Luther King Elementary School • One baseball field • One t -ball field • Three multi -use fields • One outdoor basketball court • Gymnasium: indoor volley/basketball court Future Needs No recommendations are made for City of Yakima park develop- ment in this planning area. The majority of Planning Area #14 lies within the city limits of Union Gap and in an area where overall development appears to be commercial and industrial. PLANNING AREA #13 Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 15 • ChapterVI Planning Area #15 Drafting a Blueprint for the Future S north PLANNING AREA #15 Nob Hill Blvd. General nature of area: central business district support. Includes Cen- tral Washington State Fairgrounds. Park Facilities Naches Parkway (five of 15 islands) • Park benches Martin Luther King Park (4.01 acres) • Outdoor pool • Two outdoor basketball courts • Two tennis courts • Playground Kiwanis Park (22.3 acres) • Three adult softball fields • Basketball court • Volleyball court • Two playgrounds • Pond • Picnic tables • Picnic tables • Grills • Pathways • Picnic shelter • Picnic tables • Grills • Two restrooms • Unpaved parking Southeast Community Park (3.63 acres) • Wading pool • Picnic tables • Outdoor volleyball court • Grill • Playground School Facilities Adams Elementary School • Football/soccer field • Two multi -use fields • Gymnasium: indoor volley/basketball court • Playground Washington Middle School • Football/soccer field • Baseball field • Track • Two indoor volley/basketball courts Mead cure Needs • Make planned capital improvements to Martin Luther King Jr. Park. • Make planned capital improvements to Kiwanis Park. • Make planned capital improvements to Southeast Community Park. • Explore development of Kiwanis Park as a regional sports com- plex. • Acquire and develop one five -acre park for youth sports fields. NOTE: With little vacant property available in this planning area, the best solution might be to purchase and develop property adjacent to Ki- wanis Park. ChapterVI • Page 16 • Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Planning Area #16 General nature of the area: business district support, single-family resi- dential and open space. Includes many of the Yakima Greenway Iltl111111W0 Park Facilities \ • Sarg Hubbard Park (Greenway/20 acres) 1 Picnic L l = Fitness Course 74•�- • Playground • Pathways • Boat Launch • Amphitheater • Ponds • Restroom • River Shore Line • Parking Sherman Park (Greenway/10 acres) • Playground • Picnic shelter • Pathways • Parking Sunrise Rotary Park (Greenway/3.63 acres) • McGuire playground • Picnic areas • Pathway • Vaulted pit toilets Yakima Arboretum (18.72 acres) • Interpretive Center • Japanese Garden • River shore line • Natural area a•/%//m{ Iii 11Th {F,�(%/j. Terrace Heights Dr PLANNING AREA #16 • Arboreal collection • Pathways • Pond with fountain • Parking School Facilities Terrace Heights Elementary School • Four soccer fields • Baseball field • Basketball court • Playground Nob Hill B Future Needs City Yak devel- opment o recommendations are made for of Yakima park ua. � �• opment because this planning area lies outside the city limits on county land. Yakima County's Park and Open Space Plan proposes a 30 -acre multi -use park for the urbanized Terrace Heights area with multi -use sports fields, picnic facilities, a playground, pathways and a restroom. The county's plan also recommends a 6.2 mile Terrace Heights Extension to the Greenway Regional Pathway. i north A Arboretum /////ell Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 17 • ChapterVI Drafting a Blueprint for the Future In the processing of putting this document together, we have spent a lot of time measuring what we have and drawing up lists of things we think we need. Now it is time to talk to the client — the Citizens of the City — to see how they want the future of their parks and recreation built. Soliciting ideas and opinions from the citizens took several forms. First, a series of public meetings were held in April, 2000. They were held at various locations — the Yakima Senior Center, the Southeast Com- munity Center and the Yakima Valley Museum — to encourage a representa- tive cross-section attendance. In addition, copies of the draft of the comprehensive plan were placed at eight locations throughout the City and the citizens were notified through ads and an newspaper article that the copies were open for review and com- ment. The City Council reviewed the draft plan at a public study session May 16 and held a public hearing June 6 prior to adoption of the plan as a formal document The suggestions and opinions provided during these meetings and through written or phone contact with staff addressed a vari- Help Yakima Parks and Recreation build a blueprint for the future. Come to a public meeting. Hear about the new Six -Year Comprehensive Plan. Share your ideas on how your city parks should be developed. ••• Three meetings have been scheduled: Monday, April 10, 5:15 p.m. Yakima Senior Center, 602 N. 4th St. Tuesday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Dr. Wednesday, April 19, 6:30 p.m. Southeast Community Center, 1211 S. 7th St. ••• If you are unable to attend one of these meetings, please send your written comments to Denise Nichols, Yakima Parks and Recreation, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima WA 98902. ety of park and recreation issues summarized by the follow- ing topics and features: Security and a Desire to Feel Safe Using Parks. • Appropriate and creative lighting to discourage mischief. • Patrols — police, bike and/or volunteers with radios. • Park locations selected with security in mind. • Screening to make mischief less attractive. • Increased employee presence to serve as a deterrent to mischief. Open Space • Large open spaces like at Franklin. • Attractive views with a long line of sight. • Room for informal games and athletics. Landscaped Areas • Attractive elements include trees, flowers, gardens, ponds and seasonal planting. • Sidewalks and trails for pedestrians with separate facilities for bicyclists and skaters. • Art and sculpture. • Natural areas to retain native habitat for urban wildlife with wa- ter and appropriate bird houses. Chapter VII • Page 2 • The Client: Community Input and Comment Quiet Areas • Ben ches with vistas. • Nooks and contemplative areas. • Passive areas. • Berms to gently separate quiet areas from more active park space. Picnic Areas • int; of picnic tables and barbecues • Covered and uncovered picnic shelters of various sizes not neces- sarily constructed on concrete slabs. • Water and electricity availability. • Easy access to parking and restrooms. Activity Areas • Age specific areas geared for different groups. • Areas that integrate the needs of its users. For example play equip- ment for youngsters accompanied by picnic tables or park benches for parents. • Lots of walking trails. • A nature trail between Kissel and Randall Parks. • An in-line skating/hockey rink. • Increased summer playgrounds. Parking Areas • Smaller lots placed at several locations around a park to provide multiple access points and reduce traffic congestion. • ADA accessibility. Special Areas • A bandstand for amphitheater with shelter for the entertainers and a windbreak for the audience. • A central gathering area for socialization and special events. • An aquatic center complete with pools, diving areas, a zero -depth beach, spray fountains and other water amenities. • Dedicated space for dog owners to exercise their pets. • A labyrinth. Maintenance • Elimination of graffiti and litter. • High standards for general upkeep. • Clean restrooms. • More garbage cans. • signs to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets or to even leave them at home. 11 Yakima Parks and Recreation invites you to review and comment on the draft for its Five -Year Comprehensive Plan. The plan includes an inventory of community recreational facilities, goals and objectives and re- commendations for the future. It will be available at any of the following sites through the month of May Parks and Recreation 2301 Frultvale Blvd. City Clerk's Office 129 N. 2nd St. City Planning Department 129 N. 2nd St. Yakima Senior Center 602 N. 4th St. City Housing Office 112 S. 8th St. Fisher Golf Course S. 40th and Arlington Yakima Valley Regional Library 102 N. 2nd St. Summitview Branch Library 5709 Summitview Visitors and Convention Center 10 N. 8th St. If you have questions or need further information, call Parks and Recreation at 575-6020. The Client: Community Input and Comment • Page 3 • Chapter VII Drafti a Blueprint for the Future OPINION SURVEY Recreation • Something for the "over the hill" folks. • Sports. Music. Educational day camp. • Physical and cultural activities for young people and adults. • Programs to meet the needs of the community. • Innovative programs to reflect current trends. • Something for each age group. • Instructional as well as sports venues. • Opportunity for meditation and enjoyment of peace and quiet of nature. Specific Parks • A climbing toy with a slide for Larson Park. • Development of Gailleon Park. • A gathering place for the community at Chesterley Park — similar to Seattle Center's fountain and appropriate for summer concerts. In addition, a survey was mailed to 900 randomly selected City utility account holders. The survey asked some basic questions about park and facility usage and the City's overall ability to provide basic park and recre- ation services. Its general focus was on people's opinions: what they think the City needs to add to its park inventory and how development should proceed. A total of 269 surveys — 30 percent of those mailed out — were re- turned. Tabulation of the responses to the survey are included in the appen- dix. Generally speaking people told us the following things: • Many more people than not believe Yakima's parks meet their needs. • More people than not believe Yakima has an appropriate amount of open green space and public parks. • Many more people than not believe Parks and Recreation has improved the visual image of the city parks, recreation facilities and Central Busi- ness District. • Many more people than not believe Parks and Recreation has contributed to a positive image of the City through the development of green belts and pathways within the City of Yakima. • More people than not believe Parks and Recreation has assured safety and accessibility in city parks. • Slightly more people than not like to use bicycle/pedestrian pathways as an alternative to motorized transportation although overwhelmingly more people support development of an urban trail/pathways system. Chapter VII • Page 4 • The Blue Print: Proposals for the Future • Almost all respondents view trees as important to the urban/city setting. • More people than not think Yakima needs to develop more parks. Gener- ally, they identified the need for additional parks throughout the City with slight preference northwest of Yakima and west of 40th a sugnt for �,v��...�..� (north Av- enue) ------- and south central Yakima (south of Yakima between 40th Avenue and First Street). • Respondents expressed interest in park enhancements in the following order, starting at the top: restrooms, park lighting, trees, drinking foun- tains, pathways, picnic tables and benches, picnic shelters, playgrounds and equipment, open green space, non-traditional sports facilities, base- ball/softball fields, basketball courts and, finally, soccer fields. • Slightly more people than not think the city pools are adequate as they are and more people than not believe Yakima needs an aquatic complex with a variety of special water features. • Very few people think Yakima has too many pools while more people than not think the city's current number of neighborhood pools — five — is just right. • More people than not think Fisher Golf Course is adequate as it is while the respondents were almost evenly divided on the need for a second city golf course. - • Respondents who believe Fisher would benefit from enhancements voted for increased off-street parking, a driving range, expanded food conces- sions and expanded deck area, in that order. • More people than not believe Yakima needs a second senior center. • About three times as many people believe Yakima needs a corn unity center for all ages or a fitness center for seniors as those who do not. • A large majority of the respondents believe Parks and Recreation should focus on maintaining or adding/improving the facilities it already has. Parks and r a:,.,.. should land • More people than not believe P aric5 i�ek.ica�rvri acquire for additional parks, pathways and facilities. • The respondents are fairly evenly split about the need for Parks to de- velop/maintain a new regional sports complex. • In general, the respondents agree Yakimna's need for recreation should guide the development of new parks. • Slightly more than half the respondents think advertising in the parks is an acceptable revenue source for Parks. • About 20 percent of the respondents think no new parks are needed. The balance of the respondents prioritized possible funding sources for new parks with profit-making programs and business operated by Parks and The Blue Print: Proposals for the Future • Page 5 • Chapter VII THE BICYCLE and PEDESTRIAN PLAN Recreation ranked nearly equal with public-private partnerships followed by a general voter -approved bond and increased user fees in that order. A copy of the survey as it was mailed and information detailing and summarizing the responses are included in Appendix F: Parks and Recre- ation Planning Survey and Results. We also consulted recommendations in other area comprehensive plans including the Urban Area Comprehensive Plan and the Bicycle Pedestrian Plan to capitalize on their endeavors and to integrate their recommenda- tions with Yakima Parks and Recreations'. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (1996) outlines current efforts to rein- force Washington state communities desire to improve bicycle and pedes- trian access. • The Washington State Growth Management Act (1990 with amendments in 1991) requires cities and counties to plan for multi -modal (variety of street users) transportation systems. • The Commute Trip Reduction Act urges alternative forms of transporta- tion to reduce peak hour, single occupancy vehicle trips to the work place. • The Upper Yakima Valley Visioning Report (1992) provides support for the improvement of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan calls for implementation of a number of objectives. Among those are the following: • Establish routes and pathways for recreational use which take advan- tage of recreational opportunities and provide for different degrees of skill. • Establish a path and route network that promotes continuity throughout the Yakima Urban Area and links communities with the Greenway path, population centers and state and federal path systems. • Provide support facilities for path users such as safe bicycle parking, water and rest facilities along recreational routes. • Adopt a map which identifies designated paths and routes recommended for recreational and commuter bicycle use. Chapter VII • Page 6 • Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires The City of Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan (1997-98) includes Parks and Recreation Five -Year Comprehensive Plan (1994) as part of its document with its five priorities: and en.hanccm en is to developed City parks • Repairs, renovations ��u,�.�v.�.d.,d., .., existing --- � , . and facilities. • Development of existing City -owned park property. • Development of urban pathways. • Acquisition and development of new parks and recreation facilities. • Impiementation of future manpower (staffing) needs. Topping the Urban Area Comprehensive Plans list of land use goals is, "Respect the land." The plan also calls for promoting greenbelts between urban and rural areas and municipalities, seeking opportunities for com- mon use of school/park sites as a means of creating neighborhood public centers, landscaping surface parking lots so they become a visual amenity for the CBD, establishing non -motorized transportation facilities, encourag- ing development of paths and trails, encouraging low profile landscaping along major street rights-of-way, Yakima County's Comprehensive Plan for 2015 proposes a variety of development and improvement options including community parks, regional parks, recreational open space, trails and trailheads, sports fields and in- door facilities. Of all the park and recreation resources in the county's 4,300 square miles, future developments or enhancements within the City of Yakima Urban Planning Area include the following: • Weikel Community Park, a proposed 20 community park to serve the northwesterly portion of the Yakima urban area near the Cowiche Can- yon. • West Valley Community Park, a 26 -acre community park in West Valley. The county plan recommends that, "when this park is either annexed to the City of Yakima or a new city is formed, the park be turned over to the appropriate agency." • Trails and spurs including the 27.5 -mile Yakima Loop which cuts through the City along 64th and 40th Avenues and the Inner City Loop that con- nects with the Powerhouse Canal Pathway and the nine -mile Chestnut Avenue Bike Path. YAKIMA URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN YAKIMA COU NTY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN for 2015 Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 7 • Chapter VII GREENWAY MASTER PLAN LOCAL SOCIAL and ECONOMIC FACTORS The Yakima Greenway Master Plan Update (1995) encourages commer- cial development standards that would not only be compatible with but would also enrich and be enriched by the Greenway's natural, riparian set- ting. The plan identifies recreation, conservation and natural areas as part of its master plan: a natural area, Valley Mall Community Center, Greenway Island group camp, Riverside group camp, Nob Hill Auto Wrecking, Park Lake area, the Hartford property, Rovetto property, Boise Cascade property, Berglund Lake, the Smith property, gravel pit ponds and Myron Lake. The City of Yakima's Kiwanis Park is also included as an existing element of the Greenway's master plan. The Greenway's idealized long-term vision or dream for the future includes a greenbelt west along Ahtanum, create sce- nic entrances to the community and connect to the Cowiche Canyon form- ing a loop around the upper valley. Another way to measure citizen needs is to study the socio-economic characteristics of the area's population. If the local population is different from what might be considered a "standard" population, it can be assumed that their recreation needs will be different from the standards. The follow- ing socio-economic characteristics can help gauge the amount and type of recreation needs of the community. The tables contained in Appendix D show the age, income and educa- tional characteristics of the city's population broken out by planning areas. These tables are useful not only for planning, but also for administration and programming. Comparing information between the different planning areas allows us to determine how each planning area differs and assists in adjusting parks and recreation services to better serve each area. Averaging the demographic information in Appendix A allows us to sketch a picture of the citizens in our urban planning area. 1. Age. Generally an older population will demand different types of recreation than a younger population, as its interests change from active to passive forms of recreation. Furthermore, a middle-aged population will O O 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 I 2,000 0 0 to 9 10 to 19 20 to 29 30 to 39 40 to 49 50 to 59 60 to 69 70 to 79 Age 80+ Chapter VII • Page 8 • Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires generally demand less recreation than a younger population, or an older population that is in retirement. Using an average of the ages in all 16 of the individual planning areas tells us that the population in the urban planning area is skewed to the young side. Age Percentage # of people Age Percentage # of people 0-9 15.7 10-19 13.5 20-29 15.6 30-39 15.3 40-49 11.7 14,574 12,532 12,481 14,203 10,861 50-59 7.7 60-69 8.3 70-79 7,5 80+ 4.3 7,148 7,705 6,962 3,992 2. Income. Generally income indicates the ability of a population to en- gage in various forms of recreation. Higher income populations can more easily afford more expensive forms of recreation and also more easily afford to travel to reach their recreational pursuits so their participation is gener- ally higher. Again we have averaged the demographics for all 16 individual area to get a picture of the population. Family Income Percentage to $4,999 5.3 $5,000-9,999 11.8 $10,000-14,999 10.4 $15;000424,999 21.4 $25,000-$34,999 17.8 $35,000-49,999 17.1 $50,000-74,999 11.3 $75,000-99,999 3.3 $100,000+ 2.7 34.9% = $25,000 to $49,999 48.9% = $24,999 or less 3. Education. The educational level of a population generally indicates its demand for a variety of recreational pursuits. The higher the educational level of a population, the more varied are its recreational interests. Again, averaging the demographic information gives us an overall sketch of this residents 25 years old and older: Education Percentage Less than 9th Grade 15.3 9th-12th/no Diploma 17.3 High School Graduate 26.9 Some College 19.9 Associate Degree 6.5 Bachelor Degree 9.5 Graduate/Professional 4.7 30.0% 17.3% = $50,000 or more Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 9 • Chapter VII Drafting a Blueprint for the Future 4. Occupation. Generally, occupation indicates the amount of leisure time a population will have to spend on recreation, and' it largely deter- mines the type of recreation a population will prefer. People in prestigious occupations frequently seek more prestigious forms of recreation. Our demographic information does not address occupation but we know from Yakima County Development Association that agriculture and agri- culture -related operations dominate the economics of this area with trade, service and government following in that order. 5. Residence. Suburbanites are generally more active and pursue a greater variety of recreation pursuits than do urban dwellers, who may in turn have a more active participation rate than do those who live in rural areas. Reviewing zoning designations for the City of Yakima and the urban planning area, we see the greatest portion of land is designated residential. That area is largely single-family but also includes areas zoned two-family residential and multi -family residential. Of the total 19,350 acres in the plan- ning area, nearly 11,800 or 61 percent are residential. Outside the residential areas, lies districts for light manufacturing, which also includes the airport and central business district support area and small portions of the City given over to heavy industry and central business district. The City of Yakima's Urban Area Comprehensive Plan measured the amount of park or public use plan and found the following: Public Use Percentage Total Acreage or Parks of Parks Low Density Residential Areas 8,132 745 9% Medium Density Residential Areas 2,526 555 22% High Density Residential Areas 1,185 48 4% Total 11,843 1,348 11% The residential -park acreage ratio provides an important indicator of the areas of need for park acquisition and development. Chapter VII • Page 10 • Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Drafting a Blueprint for the Future Yakima Parks and Recreation has a long-standing policy calling for ac- quisition and development of park and recreations areas and facilities on a neighborhood, community and city-wide scale. The Division has a similar policy advocating supervised recreation both on its own and in cooperation with other local agencies. Determining appropriate levels of service is one of the elements of putting together the plan or blueprint for the future. How many parks should there be? How big is big enough? Where are they needed? What recreation is relevant to this community? Is there already enough or do we need more? Like contractors every where, Parks and Recreation re- lies on industry standards to guide and measure what development is needed and to ensure adequate service levels. Standards are guides — not requirements — for communities to estimate the demand for recreation in their area. As mentioned in Chapter VII, stan- dards were first established nationally and then modified at state and local levels to suit local needs and desires. Committees of professionals attempted to establish standards in an understandable format based on their practical experience in the field. Park and Recreation standards have traditionally focused on space needs for recreation areas and have evolved over the last 75 years. In 1964 the President's Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission conducted a massive and comprehensive study of outdoor recreation in the United States. Since then recreation research has been conducted with increasing frequency and quality. National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards were used in the 1995 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. Published in 1991, they represented the most recent consensus on space stan- dards at the national and state levels. In 1969 the Washington State Planning and Community Affairs Agency published a technical report on park and recreation standards. Developed on the basis of actual user participation, this report attempted to provide standards that would more accurately meet the needs of Washington State and local park districts. Anew updated plan was adopted and published in 1973 by the Washington State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recre- ation. These standards are similar in format to the NRPA standards and serve as more localized guides than the national standards. Recognizing the dif- ferent recreational "personalities" of communities within the diverse geo- graphic extremes of Washington state, the IAC has, in recent years, directed grant applicants to demonstrate the need for particular services and facili- ties within their own community. The standards used in drafting this plan's predecessor suggested con- sideration of the following criteria: Chapter VIII • Page 2 • Industry Standards Service Radius: Service radius varies from neighborhood to neighbor- hood. In neighborhoods of high population density, the number of people can soar to 30 to 50 people per acre. Travel in these neighborhoods is diffi- cult with many stop signs, little on -street parking and generally slow travel speeds. It is estimated the service radius within these neighborhoods may be one quarter to one half a mile. In less densely populated neighborhoods, the number of people may reach ten to 15 people or even fewer per acre. In these areas the desirable travel or service radius may extend further to as much as one mile. The general consensus is that travel time as opposed to distance is the important factor to consider. Space and Number Required: Recommended minimums for the amount of park space run between 2.5 and five acres per 1,000 people depending on the size and purpose of the park. Recommended sizes ranges from 2.5 acres for neighborhood parks to 20 to 30 acres for a community park. Other rec- ommendations call for .25 acres per 1,000 people for general open green space sometimes called urban squares and malls and 2.5 acres for urban pathways. It can be noted that the demand for community activities in Yakima is considerably higher than the national standards: This is due, no doubt, to a combination of factors including a history of community recreational activ- ity, a climate conducive to such activities and Yakima's reputation as a re- gional activity center. This high demand for activities can be seen in the extremely heavy use experienced by the city's existing community facilities. In terms of specific types of facilities, we have observed the following: Softball Fields: Parks and Recreation has experienced a consistent need for additional fields as evidenced by the numbers of teams signing up for city leagues and the number relegated to waiting lists or turned away for ' J leagues of facilities. In addition, the City's inventory will decline from rine fields to eight when Field #2 at Larson Park is turned over to the Yakima Valley Community College for development as expanded student parking. Fur- thermore, the existing softball fields are, in many cases, substandard and no longer attractive to out-of-town teams for weekend tournaments. Baseball Fields: The number of baseball fields appears to meet local community demand at this time. Soccer Fields: The city's inventory of soccer fields grows by two in 2000 as the second phase of Chesterley Park is completed. The combination of Chesterley fields and J.M.Perry fields appears to meet the needs of the soc- cer community. Football Fields: The football fields provided by the Yakima School Dis- NRPA STANDARDS" Community Parks 20-30 acres 2.5 acres/1000 people N-: hb--f.00d Parks 3 acre minimum 2.5 acres/1000 people Softball Fields 1/5 n00 people Baseball Fields - Lighted 1/30,000 people Baseball Fields - Unlighted 1/5,000 people Soccer Fields 1/10,000 people Football Fields 1/20,000 people Tennis Courts 1/2,000 people Basketball Court - Indoor 1/5,000 people Volleyball Courts - Indoor 1/5,000 people Ice Hockey/Skating Rink 1/100,000 people Golf Courses, 9 -hole 1/25,000 people Golf Courses - 18 holes 1/50,000 people Driving Range 1/50,000 people Swimming Pool - Outdoor 1/20,000 people Swimming Pool - Indoor No requirement Excerpted from Parks and Recration 1995 Comprehensive Pian. Industry Standards • Paae 3 • Chapter VIII Drafting a Blueprint for the Future trict appear to meet the current community need. Tennis Courts: The City of Yakima has 32 tennis courts although 12 will need to be replaced after Yakima Valley Community College assumes own- ership of the 12 at Larson Park. Replacement of these courts will provide 12 new courts but the remaining 20 are in desperate need of major repairs. Basketball/Volleyball Courts: Existing community indoor and outdoor basketball courts are located at school district facilities. As schools are built or renovated, it is anticipated the number of courts will increase as well. Ice Hockey/Skating Rink: The City currently has one privately owned sheet of ice. However, community interest in a year-round public facility is apparent and the Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission has received various proposals for a private -public partnership to construct a rink. Golf Courses/Driving Ranges: The City -owned nine -hole course in combination with four private course appears to meet current public need. Outdoor/Indoor Swimming Pools: The City -owned public pools ap- pear ample for the current populations needs. However, average age of the pools is 30 to 35 years and their maintenance needs are significant. In addi- tion, none have the multitude of attractions and amenities, such as zero - depth beaches, toys, diving areas and fountains that users are finding at- tractive at new aquatic centers. Chapter II • Page 4 • Purpose: Why We Need a Blue Print Recommended Priorities for Parks and Recreation for 2000-2005 PRIORITY 1 PRIORITY 2 These recommended priorities are the principle elements that we want to incorporate into our blueprint for the future. They provide us with a basic structure and yet leave room for change orders — additions and deletions — as needed. As we incorporate these features into our design for the next decade, these priorities furnish Parks and Recreation with a plan that ac- commodates the desires and needs of our constituents and that directs staff and administration on how to put the plan into action. A Repairs, renovations and enhancements to existing developed city parks and facilities. This priority addresses the need to repair and renovate aging park fa- cilities in existing parks. These facilities include restrooms, play equipment, tennis courts, sports facilities lighting, pathways, drinking fountains, fences, picnic shelters, sports fields and parking lots. Of particular note is the need to replace recreational facilities lost through the sale of a portion of Larson Park to Yakima Valley Community College in 1999. The 12 Larson Park Tennis Courts and Larson Ballfield #2 need to be replaced. Planning for those projects should take into consideration the com- petitive and maintenance advantages derived through developing these types of facilities in clustered or multiple units at single sites. Additional renovations to City parks are mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act requires City park facilities such as restrooms, picnic areas and playground equipment to be accessible to indi- viduals with physical handicaps. In addition, a plan for efficient water usage within City parks should be developed through research and analysis of appropriate water sources, equip- ment replacement, capital improvements and long-range cost-effectiveness. Park enhancement is also included in this priority and encompasses the addition of new facilities to existing city parks based on existing public use or anticipated future public use of these parks. Park enhancement items in- clude such facilities as new parking lots, outdoor basketball courts, installa- tion of additional sports field lighting, additional permanent picnic tables and picnic shelters. Chapter VI details proposed enhancements area by area. A Development of existing City -owned park property. Currently the City owns four undeveloped pieces of park property. De- pending on finance availability, the recommended order of development is as follows: Chapter IX • Page 2 • The Blue Print: Proposals for the Future A. Development of 17 acres at Emil Kissel Park. B. Development of nine acres at Tahoma Cemetery. C. Development of 4.5 acres at Gailleon Park. D. Development of approximately five acres on the southwest corner of Randall Park A Development of urban pathways. Old trolley/rail and irrigation canal rights-of-way provide an appropri- ate framework for urban pathways throughout the City of Yakima and the urban planning area. These pathways, in addition to providing walking and bicycle riding corridors will link citizens to City parks, commercial busi- nesses and the Yakima Greenway Regional Pathway. Development of two sections of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway is complete and three more are due for construction in 2000. The next sections targeted for development lie between Robertson School on Lincoln Avenue and between North 16th Av- enue and Englewood/Cherry Avenues. As the Greenway's and Yakima County's combined trail system develops, it will be important to plan City pathways to links with those systems. A Acquisition and development of new parks and recreation facilities. As the Yakima urban planning area's growth continues, the need for additional park lands and recreation facilities will grow also. In addition, a number of existing city neighborhoods are currently deficient in adequate park and open space. The need to acquire and develop property in these neighborhoods is critical as neighborhood density increases and nears maxi- mms vacant land with the City becomes increasingly scarce, it may become necessary to consider land outside the City but within the urban planning area to accommodate future needs for park property as the City boundaries grow and change. Establishment of mini -parks (two acres or less) is recommended for plan- ning areas 6, 8, 10 and 12. Establishment of new neighborhood parks (two or more acres up to ten acres) is recommended for planning areas 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 13 and 15. Establishment of community parks (ten acres or more) with picnic ar- eas, playgrounds, sports fields or aquatic centers is recommended for plan- ning areas 4 and 9. Establishment of a major sports complex to serve local and regional sports events in area 15. , PRIORITY 3 PRIORITY 4 The Blue Print: Proposals for the Future o Page 3 e Chapter IX PRIORITY 5 A Implement future manpower (staffing) needs. As the City's park and recreation facilities inventory increases to meet the needs of the community, it will require staffing adjustments to provide operational maintenance and to ensure facilities and services are maintained at appropriate levels of service. Chapter IX • Page 4 • The Blue Print: Proposals for the Future PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMARY OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS 2000-2005 FUNDING Acquisiton/ FACILITY Development/ PRIORITY PROJECT SOURCE Renovation TYPE 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 200 A Chesterley Park Phase II Completion including skate park and soccer fields D/L/M D NKP/FS 580K A Tennis Court Replacement L/M R T 300K A Kissel Park Development L/M D NPK - 500K A Powerhouse Canal Pathway Development L/M D TP 320K 200K 200K 200K 200K 200K A Various Parks - Playground Equipment L R PE 15K 15K 15K 20K 20K 20K A Elks Park Restroom Renovation L R NPK 30K A General Park Improvements including lighting, picnic shelters L R NPK 45K 30K 40K 40K 50K 50K A General Park Tree/Shrubs L R NPK 30K 20K 20K 25K 25K 25K pruning, removal and replacement A Senior Center Improvements including paint wall panels, carpet L R CC 12K 30K 30K 30K 30K 30K A Southeast Community Center Improvements L R CC 25K 25K 25K 25K 25K 25K A Tahoma Cemetery Improvements including irrigation and new fence L R Cemetery 20K 70K 70K A/B Pool Improvements and Repairs L R SO/SI 15K including shaded entry at Franklin A/B Fisher Golf Course Improvements L R G 15K 15K including fencing extensions B Tahoma Cemetery Development L D Cemetery of remaining nine acres 500K 500K C Gailleon Park Development L/M D NPK 200K C Various Parks - Parking Lot Improvements L R NPK C Park Land Acquisiton L/M A NPK Hinging source lodes: L = Local t'uncs, 1) = 1Jonation, M = Matcmng Urant, B = general obligation Bonds, u = utner minas, u = unknown Facility Type Codes: AM = Administration/Maintenance, BB = Basketball/Other Courts, BS = Baseball/Softball Fields, CC = Community/Senior Center, FS = Football/Soccer Fields, G = Golf Course, NKP = Neighborhood Park, OS = Open Space/Greenway, P = Picnic/Day Use, PE = Play Equipment, SI = Swimming Pool/Indoor, SO = Swimming Pool/Outdoor, T = Tennis Court, TP = Trail/Pedestrian Planning Area 1 Year 1990 2000 2010 Density Population (Persons per Acre) 2,430 2,673 2,940 3.2 3.5 3.9 Age % 0-9 14.8 10-19 11.9 20-29 25.7 30-39 16.2 40-49 9.4 50-59 5.5 60-69 5.3 70-79 4.6 80+ 6.2 Family Income Less than $4,999 $5,000-9,999 $10.000-14,999 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 $35,000-49,999 $50,000-74,999 $75,000-99.999 $100,000 or more Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) 13.3 Less than 9th grade 34.9 9th -12th, no diploma 16.7 High School Graduate 19.9 Some College 7.2 Associate Degree 4.6 Bachelor Degree 3.1 Graduate/Professional 0 0 30.0 24.3 25.4 13.8 1.6 3.7 1.0 Planning Area 2 Year 1990 2000 2010 Population 4,217 4,639 5,103 Density (Persons per Acre, 7.5 8.3 9.1 PLANNING AREA #2 Age % 0-9 20.8 10-19 13.3 20-29 20.7 30-39 13.4 40-49 9.1 50-59 7.0 60-69 6.2 70-79 5.5 80+ 3.4 Family Income Less than $5,999 $5,000-9,999 $10,000-14,000 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 $35,000-49,999 $50.000-74,999 $75,000-99,999 $100,000 or more Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) 11.3 Less than 9th grade 25.0 9th -12th, no diploma 18.3 High School Graduate 19.3 Some College 14.1 Associate Degree 8.2 Bachelor Degree 2.3 Graduate/Professional 0 0 31.9 24.3 25.8 9.6 4.3 2.9 1.2 Planning Area 3 Yew 'in 1 ..1. -• a opuaauv.0 Density /Porcnnv par Arry 1990 2000 2010 2,903 3,193 3,512 3.2 3.5 3.9 North 40ti Ave. Neches River PLANNING AREA #3 Fruitvale Blvd. Englewood Ave. Age % Family income 0-9 12.7 Less than $4,999 10-19 9.9 $5,000-9,999 20-29 16.7 $10,000-14,999 30-39 13.0 $15,000-24,999 40-49 10.3 $25,000-34,999 50-59 9.3 $35,000-49,999 60-69 9.7 $50,000-74,999 70-79 12.2 $75,000-99,999 4.1 13.4 8.4 36.3 22.5 7.1 6.1 Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) Less than 9th grade 9th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/Professional 15.5 20.1 28.5 18.2 3.3 9.1 5.4 0 80+ 6.2 $100,000 or more 2.2 Planning Area 4 e Canyon Density Year Population (Persons per Acre, 1990 6,354 2000 6,984 2010 7,682 2.6 2.9 3.1 v PLANNING AREA #4 Summitview Ave. North 40th Abe. Age % 0-9 10.8 10-19 14.8 20-29 7.2 30-39 12.3 40-49 17.8 50-59 5.8 60-69 12.1 70-79 8.8 Family Income Less than $4,999 $5,000-9,999 $10,000-14,999 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 $35,000-49,999 $50,000-74,999 $75,000-99,999 L,uuca�ivii (persons 25 yrs. and older) % 1.2 Less than 9th grade 2.5 9th -12th, no diploma 2.4 High School Graduate 7.7 Some College 12.7 Associate Degree 20.1 Bachelor Degree 30.2 Graduate/Professional 8.2 3.7 7.6 18.1 28.2 9.7 19.6 13.2 OVA' 4.1 Q 1 nn nnn mnrA Asn Planning Area 5 Fruitvale Year 1990 2000 2010 Population 4,943 5,437 5,981 Density (Persons per Acre) 11.3 12.4 13.7 Englewood L PLANNING AREA #5 z Summitview N. 16th Ave. Age % Family Income 0-9 12.8 Less than $4,999 10-19 11.0 $5,000-9,999 20-29 12.7 $10.000-14,999 30-39 13.9 $15.000-24,999 40-49 10.8 $25,000-34,999 50-59 7.3 $35,000-49.999 60-69 8.6 $50,000-74,999 70-79 10.6 $75,000-99,999 80+ 12.5 $100,000 or more Planning Area 6 3.9 8.1 7.4 21.5 16.0 21.3 15.5 1.8 4.6 Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) Less than 9th grade 9th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/Professional % 9.7 14.9 21.7 21.5 8.6 17.1 6.6 Year Population Density (Persons per Acre) 1990 2000 2010 4,958 5,454 5,999 21.2 23.3 25.6 East I Fruitvale Blvd. PLANNING AREA #6 Lincol Pie Summitview Age % 0-9 22.8 10-19 14.0 20-29 22.0 30-39 14.6 40-49 8.5 50-59 5.4 60-69 5.2 70-79 5.0 80+ 2.6 Family Income Less than $4,999 $5,000-9,999 $10,000-14,999 $15.000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 $35,000-49,999 $50,000-74,999 $75,000-99,999 $100,000 or more Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) 15.9 Less than 9th grade 21.9 17.3 9th -12th, no diploma 25.3 12.3 High School Graduate 31.5 18.7 Some College 14.1 19.0 Associate Degree 3.9 11.2 Bachelor Degree 2.3 5.1 Graduate/Professional 1.0 0.6 0 Planning Area 7 n, -n city b.. .a Year Population (Persons per Acre, 1990 6,447 16.5 2000 7,092 18.2 2010 7,801 20.0 Summitview , ......................... Yakima Ave. PLANNING AREA #7 > Nob Hill Blvd. ai 7.2 Age % Family Income 0-9 15.3 Less than $4,999 10-19 11.7 $5,000-9,999 20-29 18.5 $10,000-14,999 30-39 16.9 $15,000-24,999 40-49 9.8 $25,000-34,999 50-59 6.4 $35,000-49,999 60-69 7.4 550,000-74,999 70-79 7.3 $75,000-99,999 80+ 6.8 $100,000 or more 7.9 10.9 8.4 27.9 20.2 14.1 9.9 Education (persons 25 yrs. and older Less than 9th grade 9th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/Professional 14.7 14.7 29.1 21.7 7.3 8.4 2.6 0 0.6 Planning Area 8 Density Year Population (Persons per Acre, 1990 4,822 11.6 2000 5,304 12.8 2010 5,834 14.0 Summitview PLANNING AREA #8 Tieton Dr. Age % Family Income 0-9 13.4 Less than $4,999 10-19 12.2 $5,000-9,999 Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) <0.1 Less than 9th grade 1.2 9th -12th, no diploma 20-29 10.2 $10,000-14.999 2.9 High School Graduate 30-39 15.5 515,000-24,999 40-49 14.5 525,000-34,999 50-59 9.2 $35,000-49,999 11.9 Some College 24.9 Associate Degree 23.2 Bachelor Degree In_A9 > LR 550.000-74.999 20.1 Graduate/Professional 5.3 8.7 23.7 20.8 7.7 20.8 13.0 70-79 9.0 $75,000-99,999 7.4 80+ 4.3 $100,000 or more 7.8 Planning Area 9 Year Population Density (Persons per Ac. 1990 2000 2010 7,935 8,729 9,602 4.1 4.5 5.0 Summitview PLANNING AREA #9 ai Washington Avenue Age % 0-9 15.2 10-19 15.7 20-29 10.4 30-39 17.3 40-49 15.6 50-59 8.6 60-69 9.1 70-79 6.4 80+ 1.8 Family Income Less than $4,999 $5,000-9,999 $10,000-14,999 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 $35,000-49,999 $50.000-74,999 $75,000-99,999 $100,000 or more EdEducation % (persons 25 yrs. and older) 1.9 Less than 9th grade 3.1 9th -12th, no diploma 1.8 High School Graduate 14.0 Some College 17.9 Associate Degree 30.8 Bachelor Degree 22.7 Graduate/Professional 5.6 2.1 2.7 8.7 30.7 27.7 7.4 16.4 6.5 Planning Area 10 Year Density Population (Persons per Acre) 1990 2000 2010 5,784 6,362 6,998 14.6 16.1 17.7 Q s CO Tieton Dr. PLANNING AREA #10 Nob Hill Blvd. Q s Age % 0-9 14.9 10-19 13.7 20-29 17.7 30-39 16.9 40-49 12.2 50-59 6.3 60-69 8.1 70-79 7.2 80+ 3.0 Family Income Less than $4,999 $5,000-9,999 $10,000-14,999 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 $35,000-49,999 $50,000-74,999 $75,000-99.999 $100,000 or more Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) 1.7 Less than 9th grade 4.3 9th -12th, no diploma 8.3 High School Graduate 19.1 Some College 23.7 Associate Degree 25.5 Bachelor Degree 12.7 Graduate/Professional 2.2 2.6 4.9 7.8 30.0 27.5 7.4 14.0 8.4 Planning Area 11 Year 1990 2000 2010 Population 5,874 6,461 7,107 17 GliJl l�' (Persons per Acre, 3.4 3.7 A 1 "1.1 Nob Hill Blvd. Washington PLANNING AREA #11 Airport gachelo,. creeN' Age % 0-9 15.6 10-19 14.6 20-29 11.4 30-39 18.0 40-49 13.9 50-59 9.4 60-69 8.6 70-79 6.2 Family Income Less than $4,999 $5.000-9,999 $10,000-14,999 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 $35,000-49,999 $50,000-74,999 $75,000-99,999 Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) <0.1 Less than 9th grade 3.9 9th -12th, no diploma 5.6 High School Graduate 19.5 Some College 22.8 Associate Degree 33.9 Bachelor Degree 10.4 Graduate/Professional 1.9 % 7.3 10.7 28.4 26.9 9.8 13.0 3.9 80+ 2.6 $100,000 or more 1.6 Planning Area 12 Year 1990 2000 2010 Population 7,939 8,679 9,547 Density (Persons per Acre, 11.3 12.4 13.6 Nob Hili Blvd. PLANNING AREA #12 Washington Ave. v a Age 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 Family Income 17.2 Less than $4,999 13.7 $5,000-9,999 17.9 $10,000-14,999 15.1 $15,000-24,999 10.6 $25,000-34,999 7.0 $35,000-49,999 7.8 $50,000-74,999 'In in /V-17 77 0-7C 1111/1 00 000 3.8 13.8 14.3 29.1 17.7 15.1 5.3 <0.1 Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) Less than 9th grade 9th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/Professional 13.5 22.4 33.6 16.3 7.5 4.2 2.5 80+ 3.0 $100,000 or more <0.1 Planning Area 13 Year 1990 2000 2010 Population 2,269 2,496 2,746 Density (Persons per Acre, 1.7 1.9 2.1 Washington > r Ahtanum PLANNING AREA #13 Age % 0-9 14.5 10-19 14.4 20-29 14.9 30-39 14.5 40-49 12.2 50-59 8.7 60-69 8.6 70-79 9.0 80+ 3.4 Family Income Less than $4,999 $5,000-9,999 $10,000-14,999 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 $35,000-49,999 $50,000-74,999 $75,000-99,999 $100,000 or more Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) % 6.1 Less than 9th grade 8.1 9th -12th, no diploma 17.8 High School Graduate 33.8 Some College 16.4 Associate Degree 11.4 Bachelor Degree 2.6 Graduate/Professional 2.5 1.4 20.8 21.0 28.9 19.7 5.7 2.4 1.5 Planning Area 14 Year 1990 2000 2010 Population 2,957 3,253 3,578 Density (Persons per Acre, 1.7 1.9 2.1 PLANNING AREA #14 Age % 0-9 15.0 10-19 13.0 20-29 14.5 30-39 15.4 40-49 9.9 50-59 9.3 60-69 9.0 70-79 9.0 80+ 5.2 Family Income Less than $4,999 $5,000-9,999 $10,000-14,999 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 $35,000-49,999 $50,000-74,999 $75,000-99,999 $100,000 or more Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) 2.9 Less than 9th grade 14.3 9th -12th, no diploma 13.8 High School Graduate 24.9 Some College 21.3 Associate Degree 17.0 Bachelor Degree 4.3 Graduate/Professional 1.4 19.7 27.1 28.7 14.2 4.9 4.0 0.1 0 spe Planning Area 15 Year 1990 2000 2010 Population 8,032 8,835 9,719 f en'iiv (Persons per Acre, 1L1 12.2 HA 4 PLANNING AREA #15 Nob Hill Blvd. \ Mead Age % 0-9 21.4 10-19 17.3 20-29 18.9 30-39 14.0 40-49 8.3 50-59 6.5 60-69 6.3 70-79 5.0 Family Income Less than $4,999 $5,000-9,999 $10,000-14,999 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 $35,000-49,999 $50,000-74,999 $75,000-99,999 % 10.4 24.2 17.1 24.6 12.1 7.8 4.4 Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) Less than 9th grade 9th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/Professional 37.8 25.0 16.9 11.9 5.1 2.6 1.5 80+ 2.4 $100,000 or more 0 Planning Area 16 Year Population Density (Persons per Acre, 1990 2000 2010 6,581 7,239 7,963 0.4 0.4 0.5 1 PLANNING AREA # 16 /i44/111111111111114 Terrace Heights Dr. Nob Hill Blvd. Arboretum 411/0 Age % 0-9 14.5 10-19 14.8 20-29 11.5 30-39 17.7 40- 49 14.3 50-59 10.8 60-69 9.7 70_79 5.7 Family Income Less than $4,999 $5,000-9,999 $10,000-14,999 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 $35,000-49,999 $50,000-74,999 $7; nnn-99999 Education (persons 25 yrs. and older) <0.1 Less than 9th grade 5.7 4.0 9th -12th, no diploma 13.5 10.1 High School Graduate 29.5 14.7 Some College 25.7 16.4 Associate Degree 7.6 22.0 Bachelor Degree 11.7 23.4 Graduate/Professional 6.3 3.7 80+ 1.7 $100,000 or more 5.2 Park Planning Areas: Acreage and Population 5/24/00 199 2000 (1999) 2010 Planning/�raa l Acreage 759i4 562.3 Rank l'� AcreageDensity Rank by eooihy*^ tie 11/12 8 Population Density Population 2,6732 4 639 3,193 Density Population Density '940 3.9 8 11 2/430 4,217 2,903 6,354 4,958 6,447 4,822 7,935 5,784 5,874 7,939 �� 2,957 8,032 6,581 3.2 3.5 7.5 3.2 8.3 5i103 9.1 ' 2 --'-- ------- 3 3.5 3,512 3.9 907.2 7 tie 11/12 13 6,984 2.9 7,682 3.1 4 -- -----'----- 5 ------- _ 6 7 8415.7l3 ---' - - - 9 10 11 2,443.9 2 12 2.6 12.4 _- 5,981 13.7 437.4 --- 233.9 390.7 ' --5 1,935.4 396.2 1,727.6 702.6 --- ----��21 1,334.7 tie4,9435,43711.3 16 15 3 14 5 10 1 2 4 21.2 16.5 11.6 4L1 14.6 3.4 11.3 1.7 1.71.9 11.1 0.4 2.7 5,4545,999 7,092 5,304 8,729 6,362 6/461 8,679 2,496 3,253 8,835 7,239 92,830 23.3 18.2 12.8 '999 25 .6 7,80 5,834 9,602__ 6,998 7,107 9,547 20_____ � ______ 17.7 4.1 4.5 16.1 3.7 12.4 1.9�� 9 3 10 tie 5/6 13.6 12 -------------- 13 ------ ---- 14 15 16 TOTAL 3,578 6 4 9 1 tie 14/15 12.2 0.4 3 2.1 1,739.4 723.6 16,452.5 31,162.5���� bel4/15 7 16 9,719 7,963 102,112 13.4 0.5___ 3.3 * From most acreage to least acreage/** from most dense to least dense. 5/24/00 ( • 6.4 \imam Troll Irmitwom rziwata .:,07 • biz 1,11'111111 ,11111114 1 MN mo Emi ■ 1 1 1 1 1 r = M >J OCCIDENTAL ATE ABM .116 parks IN. 1' Park & School Lands URBAN AREA PARKS 1 AHTANUM YOUTH PARK 2 CAHALAN PARK 3 CHERRY PARK 4 EISENHOWER 5 ELKS MEMORIAL PARK 6 FAIRBROOK PARK 7 FISHER GOLF COURSE 8 FRANKLIN PARK 9 GAILLEON PARK 10 GARDNER PARK 11 GILBERT PARK 12 JOHN F CHESTERLEY PARK 13 KIESEL PARK (UNDEVELOPED) 14 KIWANIS PARK 16 LARSON PARK 16 LIONS PARK 17 LOUDON PARK 18 MARTIN LUTHER PARK 19 MCGUINNESS PARK 20 MILLER PARK 21 MILROV PARK 22 N 44TH AVE PARK 23 MACH ES PARKWAY 24 NOEL PATHWAY 25 PORTIA PARK 26 RANDALL PARK 27 RAYMOND PARK 28 ROBERTSON LANDING 29 5 2ND PARK 30 6 6TH PARKWAY 31 SARG HUBBARD PARK & LANDING 32 SHERMAN MEMORIAL PARK 33 SOUTH EAST COMMUNITY CENTER 34 SOUTH EAST COMMUNITY PARK 35 SUMMIT -VIEW PARK (UNDEVELOPED) 36 SWAN AVE PARK (UNDEVELOPED) 37 TIETON TERRACE PARK 38 WALTER ORTMAN PARKWAY 39 WEST VALLEY COMMUNITY PARK 40 KIMA AREA ARBORETUM 41 YAKIMA SPORTSMAN& STATE PARK URBAN AREA SCHOOLS 42 ADAMS 43 AHTANUM VALLEY 44 APPLE VALLEY 45 BARGE -LINCOLN 46 DAVIS 47 EISENHOWER 48 FRANKLIN 49 GARFIELD 50 GILBERT 51 HOOVER 62 LEWIS & CLARK 63 MARTIN LUTHER KING 54 MCCLURE 56 MCKINLEY 56 MOUNTAINVIEW 67 NOB HILL 58 RIDOEVIEW 59 ROBERTSON 60 ROOSEVELT 61 SUMMITVIEW 62 TERRACE HEIGHTS 63 UNION OAP SCHOOL 64 WASHINGTON 66 WEST VALLEY 66 WEST VALLEY H.S 67 WHITNEY 68 WIDE HOLLOW 69 WILSON 70 YAKIMA ALTERNATIVE H.S. 71 YVCC Greenway Path 1990 Census Tracts Yakima City Limits Urban Area Boundary Scale- 1m=4800ft 2400 4800 Created: August 01, 2000 Appendix . ID: AND R.ECREATJO PLANNING AREAS: xisting and Proposed Trails and Pathways nat hwa vs Trails & Pathways City Limits • Urban Area 1990 Census Tracts Railroad Line Lakes / Reservoirs Park Areas 11111 School Areas Greenway Path Proposed County Trail System Powerhouse 2000 Powerhouse Proposed of Yeg* Cr „Co• °no a1,4 Scale - lin = 3800ft 0 1900 3800 Created: August 01, 2000 Appen .ix E $ AND ECREATION PLANNING. AREAS:: • Vacant Public Lands. . 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 vacant parks City of Yakima Vacant Land Urban Area Lakes / Reservoirs City Limits - Urban Area Railroad Line Vacant Lands Numerical identification on following page ,4,4 of Y 4 Cko C 114 aft,M 4 4t Dos Scale - lin = 4800ft 0 2400 4800 Created: August 15, 2000 PARCEL # OWNER ACREAGE 1. 181310-31001 YAKIMA CITY 62.00 2. 181310-31004 YAKIMA CITY 4.00 3. 181310-32003 YAKIMA CITY 4.00 4. 181334-22003 YAKIMA CITY 36.41 5. 181334-22004 YAKIMA CITY 2.00 6. 1 91 31 5-42009 YAKIMA CITY 5.75 7. 191320-44003 YAKIMA CITY 2.37 8. 191328-33002 YAKIMA CITY 0.68 9. 191328-32003 YAKIMA CITY 32.21 10. 191328-32004 YAKIMA CITY 2.31 11. 191330-14445,14448,14454 YAKIMA CITY 2.21 12. 191330-14456,14532,14533,14542,14545 12. 181309-24002 YAKIMA COUNTY 18.80 13. 181329-33005 YAKIMA COUNTY 6.35 14. 191307-31002 YAKIMA COUNTY 14.00 15. 191307-32407 YAKIMA COUNTY 8.90 16. 191307-43002 YAKIMA COUNTY 31.00 17. 191318-11002 YAKIMA COUNTY 70.12 18. 1 91 31 8-41 002 YAKIMA COUNTY 14.50 19. 191320-31002,41417,41418,41419,32022 YAKIMA COUNTY 2.25 20. 191322-11421 YAKIMA COUNTY 1.05 21. 1 91 320-1 2009 YAKIMA COUNTY 2.25 Appendix F. PARKS AND RECREATION PLANNING SURVEY D RESULTS - Parks and Recreation Survey Please take a few minutes to respond to this survey. Your opinions are very important to us and the results will help us plan Parks and Recreation facilities that will reflect the interests and desires of our citizens. As you read through these questions and statements, you may think of other things that you would like to tell us. Feel free to use the blank space on the other side of this page - it has been left blank so you can do just that. When you are done, please retum the survey to us in the enclosed addressed, stamped ertvelope. Thank you. 1 How many times, if any, did you and/or a family member visit a Yakima city park last year? ❑ Never 0 Rarely 0 Monthly 0 Weekly 0 Daily 2. How far do you normally travel to use a Yakima city park? 0 Do not go ❑'/Z mile or less 0'/2 1 mile 0 1-2 miles 0 More 3. If you did not use one of the City's parks in the past year, please indicate why not. (Mark all that apply.) 0 Too busy 0 Too inconvenient 0 Not interested 0 Not accessible 0 Don't like them 0 Don't feel safe 0 Other 4 Generally speaking, Yakima's parks meet my needs. Apr. Strongly stn.fqtr Dhpr.. AP.* 2 3 4 5 One of Yakima Parks and Recreation's goals is providing parks and facilities that meet the needs of the community. 5. You think the City of Yakima has an appropriate amount of open green space and public parks. 6. Generally speaking you think Parks and Recreation has improved the visual image of city parks, recreation facilities and the Central Business District. 7 You think Parks and Recreation has contributed to a positive image for the City through the development of green belts and pathways within the City of Yakima. 8. You think Parks and Recreation has assured safety and accessibility in the city parks. 9. You or a member of your family like to use bicycle/pedestrian pathways as an altemative to motorized transportation. 10. You support development of an urban trail/pathway system. 11 You consider trees important to the urban/city setting. 12. You think Yakima needs to develop more parks. North #1 -F. m #2 < min Yakima #3 Ave. #5 #6 13. If you agreed with statement #12, please indicate on the diagram to the left which section of the city needs more park space the most. 14 What amenities or features would you like to see improved or added to Yakima city parks? (Mark all that apply.) 0 Pathways 0 Basketball courts ❑ Picnic tables/benches ❑ Park lighting 0 Open green space 0 Playgrounds/equipment 0 Soccer fields 0 Drinking fountains 0 Non-traditional sport facilities (skate parks, inline skate rinks, etc. 0 Other ❑ Trees 0 Baseball/softball fields 0 Picnic shelters ❑ Restrooms 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 The City of Yakima has five pools: Lions indoor pool operates year round and Eisenhower, Franklin, Miller and Washington outdoor pools are open during the summer. 15. Generally speaking, you think the pools are adequate as they are. 16. You think Yakima should have an aquatic complex with pools, diving, zero -depth "beach," play areas, classrooms and other aquatic features. 17 If you or a member of your family have not used any of the city pools, please tet us why. (Mark all that apply.) ❑ Did use a city pool: skip to next question ❑ Too inconvenient 0 Too expensive ❑ Not interested 0 Don't like them ❑ Other ❑ Too crowded 0 Don't feel safe ❑ Can't swim 0 Use private pool 18. The city supports five neighborhood pools. Do you think that is 0 Too many 0 Just right 0 Too few 2 2 3 3 Nwtral Dhq.. Apr.. Continued on the back. '"°"p4 °be"9h Dap,. 4 4 5 5 DN-e9r•14 ACw Itzenply Stnrr, Disprw fpr. Fisher Golf Course is a nine -hole par 3 golf course owned and operated by Yakima Parks and Recreation. 18. How often have you or a member of your family used Fisher Golf Course in the past 12 months? 0 Never 0 Rarely 0 Monthly 0 Weekly 0 Daily 19. Generally speaking, you think Fisher Golf Course is adequate as it is. 1 2 3 4 5 20 You think tho City needs a se.cend city "Jeff emcee 1 2 3 4 5 21 Which of the following enhancements would benefit golfers at Fisher? 0 No enhancements needed: skip to next question 0 Increased off-street parking ❑ A driving range 0 Expanded food concessions 0 More retail golf merchandise 0 A new starter house 0 Expanded deck area ❑ Other Located on North 4th Street next to Miller Park, Yakima Senior Center serves the 55+ population's social and recreational needs and Interests. 22. You think the City of Yakima needs a second senior center. 1 2 3 4 5 23. You think Yakima needs a community center for all ages. 1 2 3 4 5 24. You think Yakima needs a fitness facility for seniors. 1 2 3 4 5 information for this survey will be used for Parks and Recreation planning and development. 25. You think Parks and Recreation should focus on maintaining facilities it already has. 1 2 3 4 5 26. You think Parks should add/improve features in parks it already has. 1 2 3 4 5 27 You think Parks should acquire land for additional parks, pathways and facilities. 1 2 3 4 5 28. You think Parks should develop/maintain a new regional sports complex. 1 2 3 4 5 29. You think the private community should develop/maintain a regional sports complex. 1 2 3 4 5 30. You think Yakima's need for recreation should guide the development of new parks. 1 2 3 4 5 31 You think advertising in the parks is an acceptable revenue source for Parks. 1 2 3 4 5 32. Overall, you think Parks and Recreation is effective. 1 2 3 4 5 33. Which of the following do you think provides reasonable and effective funding sources for additional parks in the future? 0 No new parks needed: skip to next question 0 Increased user fees ❑A general voter -approved bond 0 Public/private partnerships 0 Enterprise (profit-making) programs and services operated by Parks and Recreation Now we would like to ask a few questions about you. 34. Your age range? 0 14 or younger ❑ 15-19 years old ❑ 20-29 ❑ 30-44 ❑ 45-59 0 Over 60 35. Your sex. ❑ male ❑ female 36. Your level of education. 0 Grade 8 or less 0 Some hioh school 0 High school graduate 0 Some college 0 College graduate 37. Your employment status. ❑ Current unemployed 0 Seasonally employed 0 Employed part-time ❑ Employed full-time 0 Retired 38. Your yearly household income. 0 Less than 514,999 0 515,000-524,999 0 525,000-534,0000 0 535,000-549,999 0 550,000 or more Is there anything you would like to add? Please use this space for comments, ideas or suggestions not addressed in the preceding sections. If you have a lot to say, feel free to use another piece of paper FECCO Thank you for taking the time to respond to this survey. Please use the enclosed stamped addressed envelope to return this to Parks and Recre- ation Survey, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima WA 98902, by April 25. Parks and Recreation Survey. Following is a summary of the responses to the survey that was mailed to 900 randomly selected City of Yakima utility account holders in April, 2000. A total of 269 surveys or 30 percent were retumed. Response rates vary from one question to another because not everyone answered every question. Percentages do not always total 100% due to mathematical rounding. 1. How many times, if any, did you and/or a family member visit a Yakima city park last year? Never 33 responses or 13% Rarely 101 responses or 38% Monthly 64 responses or 24% Weekly 55 responses or 21% Daily 11 responses or 4% Total 264 responses or 100% 2. How far do you normally travel to use a Yakima city park? Do not go 39 responses or 15% 1/2 mile or less 41 responses or 16% 1/2-1 mile 46 responses or 17% 1-2 miles 74 responses or 28% More than 2 miles 64 responses or 24% Total 264 responses or 100% 3. If you did not use one of the City's parks in the past year, please indicate why not. Too busy 27 responses or 23% Too inconvenient 6 responses or 5% Not interested 21 responses or 18% Not accessible 5 responses or 4% Don't like them 5 responses or 4% Don't feel safe 29 responses or 25% Other 25 responses or 21% Total 118 responses or 100% 4. Generally speaking, Yakima's parks meet my needs. Strongly disagree 10 responses or 5% Disagree 22 responses or 10% Neutral 67 responses or 31% Agree 95 responses or 44% Strongly agree 21 responses or 10% Total 215 responses or 100% One of Yakima Parks and Recreation's goals is providing parks and facilities that meet the needs of the community. 5. You think the City of Yakima has an appropriate amount of open green space and public parks. Strongly disagree 19 responses or 7% Disagree 44 responses or 17% Neutral 81 responses or 32% Agree 89 responses or 35% Strongly agree 23 responses or 9% Total 256 responses or 100% 6. Generally speaking you think Parks and Recreation has improved the visual image of city parks, recreation facilities and the Central Business District. Strongly disagree 10 responses or 4% Disagree 36 responses or 15% Neutral 62 responses or 26% Agree 114 responses or 47% Strongly agree 20 responses or 8% Total 242 responses or 100% Survey Results • Page 1 7. You think Parks and Recreation has contributed to a positive image for the City through the development of green belts and pathways within the City of Yakima. Strongly disagree 9 responses or 5% Disagree 16 responses or 8% Neutral 41 responses or 22% Agree 86 responses or 45% Strongly agree 38 responses or 20% Total 190 responses or 100% _ O. You think Parks __d RRe . �„t;• • • . :Insured rsafety and acessibility in the city parks. u�... .++•- i - h-- - - Strongly disagree 12 responses or 5% Disagree 44 responses or 19% Neutral 81 responses or 34% Agree 90 responses or 38 3% Strongly agree 8 responses or Total 235 responses or 99% 9. You or a member of your family like to use bicycle/pedestrian pathways as an alternative to motorized transporta- tion. Strongly disagree 27 responses or 11% responses Disagree 43 or 18% Neutral 83 responses or 34% Agree 60 responses or 25% Strongly agree 29 responses or 12% Total 242 responses or 100% 10. You support development of an urban trail/pathway system. 11. You consider trees important to the urban/city setting. 12. You think Yakima needs to develop more parks. Strongly disagree 7 responses or 3% Disagree 18 responses or 7% Neutral 51 responses or 20% Agree 109 responses or 42% Strongly agree 72 responses or 28% Total 257 respe. se. or 100% Strongly disagree 6 responses or 2% Disagree 2 responses or 1% Neutral 9 responses or 4% Agree 76 responses or 30% Strongly agree 159 responses or 63% Total 252 responses or 100% Strongly disagree 20 responses or 8% Disagree 24 responses or 9% Neutral 71 responses or 28% Agree 69 responses or 27% Strongly agree 74 responses or 29% Total 258 responses or 101% 13. If you agreed with statement #12, please indicate on the diagram to the left which section of the city needs more park space the most. North #1 44 -et 44 responses or 23% 28 responses or 15% #2 i#5 28 responses or 15% YaKIma AVO. 51 responses or 27% #3 16 responses or 8% 23 responses or 12% Total 190 responses or 100% Survey Results • Page 2 14. What amenities or features would you like to see improved or added to Yakima city parks? (Mark all that apply.) Open green space 73 responses or 6% Trees 127 responses or 10% Pathways 111 responses or 9% Playgrounds/equipment 77 responses or 6% Baseball/softball fields 40 responses or 3% Basketball courts 39 responses or 3% Soccer fields 29 responses or 2% Picnic shelters 106 responses or 9% Picnic tables/benches 108 responses or 9% Drinking fountains 122 responses or 10% Restrooms 161 responses or 13% Park lighting 140 responses or 11% Non-traditional sports facilities (skateparks, inline skate rinks. etc.) 65 responses or 5% Other 43 responses or 3% Total 1,241 responses or 99% The City of Yakima has five pools: Lions indoor pool operates year round and Eisenhower, Franklin, Miller and Washington outdoor pools are open during the summer. 15. Generally speaking, you think the pools are adequate as they are. Strongly disagree 19 responses or 8% Disagree 46 responses or 12% Neutral 83 responses or 34% Agree83 responses or 24% Strongly agree 14 responses or 23% Total 245 responses or 101% 16. You think Yakima should have an aquatic complex with pools, diving, zero -depth "beach," play areas, classrooms and other aquatic features. Strongly disagree 14 responses or 6% Disagree 28 responses or 12% Neutral 79 responses or 34% Agree 56 responses or 24% Strongly agree 52 responses or 23% Total 229 responses or 99% 17. If you or a member of your family have not used any of the city pools, please tell us why: (Mark all that apply.) Did use city pool: skip to next question 49 responses or 17% Too inconvenient 11 responses or 4% Not interested 32 responses or 11% Too crowded 63 responses or 22% Can't swim 11 responses or 4% Too expensive 16 responses or 6% Don't like them 9 responses or 3% Don't feel safe 19 responses or 7% Use private pool 35 responses or 12% Other 38 responses or 13% Total 283 responses or 99% 18. The city supports five neighborhood pools. Do you this that is Too many 5 responses or 2% Just right 137 responses or 58% To few 95 responses or 40% Total 237 responses or 100% Survey Results • Page 3 Fisher Golf Course is a nine -hole par 3 golf course owned and operated by Yakima Parks and Recreation. 18. How often have you or a member of your family used Fisher Golf Course in the past 12 months? Never 1R responses or Rarely 54 responses or Monthly 29 responses or Weekly 11 responses or Daily 2 responses or Total 258 responses or 19, Generally speaking, you think Fisher Golf Course is adequate as it is. Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree Total 20. You think the City needs a second city golf course. Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree Total 21. Which of the following enhancements would benefit golfers at Fisher? No enhancements needed: skip to next question Increased off-street parking A driving range Expanded food concessions More golf merchandise A new starter house Expanded deck area Other Total 4 responses or 11 responses or 92 responses or 85 responses or 16 responses or 208 responses or 26 responses or 27 responses or 70 responses or 42 responses or 39 responses or 204 responses or 63 responses or 66 responses or 51 responses or 15 responses or 6 responses or 8 responses or 12 responses or 9 responses or 230 responses or 63% 21% 2% 5% 44% 41% 8% 100% 13% 13% 34% 21% 19% 100% 27% 29% 22% 7% 3% 3% 5% 4% 100% 4th Street next Miller Park, on North to Miller . .+. .., population's social and recreational needs and 22. You think the City of Yakima needs a second senior cente 23. You think Yakima needs a community center for all ages. Yakima Senior Center serves the 55+ interests. r. Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree Total Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree Total 16 responses or 35 responses or 86 responses or 66 responses or 40 responses or 243 responses or 15 responses or 21 responses or 92 responses or 67 responses or 45 responses or 240 responses or 7% 14% 35% 27% 16% 99% 6% 9% 34% 32% 19% 100% Survey Results Page 4 24. You think Yakima needs a fitness facility for seniors. Strongly disagree 14 responses or 6% Disagree 22 responses or 9% Neutral 83 responses or 34% Agree 79 responses or 32% Strongly agree 47 responses or 19% Total 245 responses or 100% Information for this survey will be used for Parks and Recreation planning and develop- ment. 25. You think Parks and Recreation should focus on maintaining facilities it already has. Strongly disagree 5 responses or 2% Disagree 12 responses or 5% Neutral 50 responses or 20% Agree 123 responses or 48% Strongly agree 64 responses or 25% Total 254 responses or 100% 26. You think Parks should add/improve features in parks it already has Strongly disagree 7 responses or 3% Disagree 5 responses or 2% Neutral 42 responses or 17% Agree 137 responses or 55% Strongly agree 57 responses or 23% Total 248 responses or 100% 27. You think Parks should acquire land for additional parks, pathways and facilities. Strongly disagree 22 responses or 9% Disagree 24 responses or 10% Neutral 71 responses or 29% Agree 74 responses or 30% Strongly agree 57 responses or 23% Total 248 responses or 101% 28. You think Parks should develop/maintain a new regional sports complex. Strongly disagree 29 responses or 12% Disagree 41 responses or 17% Neutral 90 responses or 37% Agree 43 responses or 18% Strongly agree 40 responses or 16% Total 243 responses or 100% 29. You think the private community should develop/maintain a regional sports complex. Strongly disagree 23 responses or 9% Disagree 35 responses or 14% Neutral 95 responses or 38% Agree 56 responses or 23% Strongly agree 38 responses or 15% Total 247 responses or 99% 30. You think Yakima's need for recreation should guide the development of new parks. Strongly disagree 8 responses or 3% Disagree 20 responses or 8% Neutral 58 responses or 24% Agree 109 responses or 45% Strongly agree 46 responses or 19% Total 241 responses or 99% Survey Results • Page 5 31. You think advertising in the parks is an acceptable revenue source for Parks. Strongly disagree 30 responses or 12% Disagree 33 responses or 13% Neutral 67 responses or 27% Aaree 80 responses or 32% Strongly agree 39 responses or 16% Total 249 responses or 100% 32. Overall, you think Parks and Recreation is effective. Strongly disagree- '] _ ,son or 10/ Disagree 12 responses or 5% Neutral 52 responses or 21 % Agree 152 responses or 62% Strongly agree 28 responses or ii % Total 247 responses or 100% 33. Which of the following do you think provides reasonable and effective funding sources for additional parks in the future? No new parks needed: skip to next question 54 responses or 16% Increased user fees 23 responses or 7% A general voter -approved bond 67 responses or 20% Public/private partnerships 96 responses or 28% Enterprise (profit-making) Parks and Recreation programs 99 responses or 29% Total339 responses or 100% Now we would like to ask a few questions about you. 34. Your age range? 35. Your sex. 36. Your level of education. 37. Your employment status. 14 or younger 0 responses or 0% 15-19 years old 2 responses or 1% 20-29 years old 24 responses or 9% 30-44 years old 52 responses or 20% 45-59 years old 96 responses or 38% Over 60 81 responses or 32% Total 255 responses or 100% Male 90 responses or 37% Female 152 responses or 63% Total 242 responses or 100!0 Grade 8 or less 0 responses or 0% Some high school 10 responses or 4% High school graduate 46 responses or 18% Some college 101 responses or 40% College graduate 97 responses or 38% Total 254 responses or 100% Currently unemployed 16 responses or 6% Seasonally employed 0 responses or 0% Employed part-time 31 responses or 12% Employed full-time 132 responses or 52% Retired 75 responses or 30% Total 254 responses or 100% Survey Results Page 6 38. Your yearly household income. Less than $14,999 17 responses or 7% $15,000-24,999 28 responses or 12% $25,000-34,999 46 responses or 20% $35,000-$49,999 52 responses or 23% $50,000 or more 88 responses or 38% Total 231 responses or 100% Is there anything you would like to add? Please use this space for comments, ideas or suggestions not addressed in the preceding sections. Eighty-nine people took advantage of this opportunity to comments on a wide variety of issues relating to City of Yakima Parks and parks in general. The range of topics was wide and included the following: • Get rid of the graffiti. • Concem about personal safety in some of the parks. • Interest in an aquatic center. • Keep Lions Pool open year round. • Special activities are needed for senior and teens. • Establish a special area in the parks for dogs. • Clean up after you dogs. • More parks and greenbelts are needed. • Develop Kissel Park. • Finish the skate park. • We need a BMX bicycle track. • Install more play equipment for children. • Plant more trees. • Build more restrooms and take better care of them • Keep up the good work. • The parks look good. Survey Results • Page 7 ems.. -lx INVEl TORY An inventory of City of Yakima Parks is available for review**. Stored in a large binder, the inventory includes a map of each City park, a list of each park's physical assets - fixed and portable - and digital photographs of important features. Copies of the inventory are housed at two locations: 1. Parks and Recreation, 2301 Fruitvale Boulevard, Yakima. 2 The City Finance Office at City Hall, 129 N. 2' Street in Yakima. ** The inventories are available for review at these locations.