Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2006-063 2006 - 2011 Parks & Recreation Comprehensive PlanRESOLUTION NO. R-2006-63 A RESOLUTION adopting a new comprehensive plan for the City of Yakima parks system. WHEREAS, the City of Yakima operated and maintains an extensive parks system and conducts a substantial program; and WHEREAS, since 1984 the City of Yakima has had a formally adopted Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan; and WHEREAS, at its regularly scheduled meeting on the 4th day of April , 2006, the City of Yakima reviewed and generally approved the proposal new City of Yakima Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan; and WHEREAS, the proposed new Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan complies with the 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, there- fore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA: The Yakima City Council hereby adopts the attached City of Yakima Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan. ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 18th day of A. i1 2006. 0 ATTEST: David Edler, Mayor City Clerk City Council Transmittal March 23, 2006 To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council City Manager Dick Zais From: ChrisWaarvick, Director of Public Works Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager Per your request following this week's public hearing, for the 2006-2011 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, several additions have been drafted. Attached are pages where the changes, shown in italics, have been inserted. • Attachment 1: A summary of the comments presented at the public hearing inserted on page 6 of Chapter VII/The Client: Community Input and Comment. • Attachment 2: Insertion of an objective and accompanying policies referring to public art in public spaces and parks at the bottom of page 5 and continued on the top of page 6 of Chapter V/The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives. • Attachment 3: Insertion of the 40`" Avenue and Fruitvale Trail Linkage on the list of capital improvement needs on line 4 of page 6 of Chapter IX/A Blueprint: Recommendations for the Future. City Council Transmittal April 6, 2006 To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council City Manager Dick Zais From: Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager Attached are revisions proposed at Tuesday evening's conclusion of the public hearing for the Parks and Recreation 2006-2011 Comprehensive Plan. The changes are as follows: • Chapter V, page 2: In the second objective and in the first policy under that objective, develop was changed to establish. The same change was made in the policies listed under the third objective listed on page 2 • Chapter V, page 3: Strive for was stricken from the first four policies under the first objective on that page and stronger verbs were substituted. • Chapter V, page 8: In the third policy under the second objective on that page, establish and implement were substituted for develop. • Chapter VII, page 6, a brief summary of the April 4 Council meeting were added. There was also a lot of discussion at your Tuesday meeting about the current and future development of Gardner Park. Staff wants to assure Council that, if there comes a time in the future when the community desires a four -field fastpitch facility at -Gardner Park or any other city park, proper established review procedures would be required and followed. The ultimate decision about what might happen rests with you, the Yakima City Council. In addition, you have directed staff to hold the monthly Parks and Recreation Commission meetings in the Council Chambers to facilitate televising those proceedings on the city's Public Affairs Cable channel. There is a current conflict with using the space on the second Monday of each month. Staff will work with the Commissioners to look at alternate dates and times. RECREATION SERVICES 4 5/06l PRIMARY GOAL: To continue to provide active recreation programs which meet the leisure time interests and needs of the community and offer the oppor- tunity for a wide variety of satisfaction for all citizens of Yakima. Objective: Enhance program opportunities and program quality within exist- ing recreation service units. Policy: Work cooperatively with local agencies, organizations and special interest groups to support recreation programs which enhance city recreation programs and services. Policy: Encourage recreation staff to keep abreast of recreation trends by at- tending professional conferences and workshops as budget allows. Policy: Continually identify community interests and needs relating to rec- reation programs and services. Policy: Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and activities through the use of questionnaires, surveys and participant evaluation forms. Objective: Policy: Policy: Develop Establish recreational programs and services that meet the needs of the City's special populations. Dcl clop Establish new programs to meet the changing and expand- ing needs of our older citizens and those with special needs. Work with the S.E. Community Center and Police Athletic League/ Miller Park Activity Center to establish recreational programs and services at those sites. Policy: Offer programs directly or by working cooperatively with the Ya- kima School District and other local agencies to provide a variety of activities for youth and teens with special emphasis on programs during after school hours and during summer months. Objective: Establish recreation programs to meet the needs and interests of the city's Hispanic population. Policy: Dm/clop Establish, coordinate and direct recreation programs for the City's Hispanic population. Policy: Develep Establish and offer adult and youth special interest classes that are taught by bilingual individuals. Policy: Develop -Establish bilingual promotional materials to encourage the participation of Hispanic citizens in Parks and Recreation programs. Chapter V • Page 2 • The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives Objective: Establish realistic, achievable annual level of self-support for each of the recreation service units. Policy: Strive-te Make adult recreation programs 100% self-supporting when- ever possible but especially in the areas of sports and special interest classes. Policy: 8trivc for Set a goal of 80% lcvcl of self-support for combined pro- grams and services for senior citizens. Policy: Strivc for Set a goal of 50% lcvcl of self-support for the City's com- bined aquatic programs. Policy: Strivc for a Set a goal o f 100% level of self-support for the Fisher Golf program. 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. Objective: Develop an effective variety of resources to support city Parks and Recreation Services. Policy: Establish collaborations, partnerships and sponsorships with commu- nity service organizations and businesses to maximize the effective- ness of existing resources, to increase the affordability of programs and services and to bring Parks and Recreation services within the financial reach of all members of the community. Policy: Develop opportunities for volunteer support of Parks and Recreation services and programs. Policy: Develop sponsorship programs such as ballfield signs and tee spon- sorships to provide program and facility enhancements. Policy: Develop scholarship programs for youth and low income families. Objective: Facilitate and support recreational services offered throughout the community by nonprofit groups, service agencies and/or faith -based organizations. Policy: Share professional and, when available, financial resources to enhance recreational services to the citizens of Yakima. Policy: Promote citizen access to community recreational services by acting as a clearing house and promoting those services. Policy: Create service delivery collaborations and partnerships with commu- nity groups and agencies. The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives • Page 3 • Chapter V effectiveness. Policy: Explore feasibility of cooperative maintenance agreements with Ya- kima School District and other appropriate agencies to provide ser- vice when parks are located adjacent to schools. Policy: Develop program for volunteer support for beautification projects. 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, federal and others grants. Policy: Promote private, public and non-profit partnerships for capital im- provements to parks whenever possible. Objective: Enhance the visual image and public appreciation of city parks, rec- reation facilities and the downtown Central Business District (CBD) by making them cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing. Policy: Continually evaluate the effectiveness of park employees and programs to ensure the consistent delivery of quality services. Policy: Provide on-going training for parks employees that relates to mainte- nance and landscaping practices, proper use of equipment and repair and upkeep of park facilities. Policy: Continually upgrade the downtown planting areas and encourage the participation of local businesses, civic groups and schools in the care and upkeep of the CBD. Policy: Implement and / or work with allied groups to implement programs to provide development, upgrading and maintenance of park lands, recreation facilities and the downtown area according to needs. Policy: Develop and implement a plan for tree planting, maintenance and re- planting throughout the City's park system, the CBD and rights-of- way. Objective: Expand the presence of art throughout the community, particularly in public spaces and parks to enhance the community and its quality of life. The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives • Page 5 • Chapter V e� Policy: Foster relationships with local arts organizations such as Allied Arts to encourage the addition of art to public spaces and parks. Policy: Seek innovative and strategic approaches to expand public art. Policy: Encourage diversity of high quality of public art that includes a variety of materials, styles, approaches and artists. Policy: Encourage responsible stewardship for public art to assure proper mainte- nance and oversight. Objective: Develop/construct new neighborhood parks within the City using property currently owned by the City. Policy: Work closely with neighborhood residents to insure park develop- ment in their area reflects their needs and interests. Policy: Include construction costs for owned but undeveloped park prop- erty in any future city Parks Bond Issue. Policy: Apply for state and federal grants to help with overall funding of new park construction. Objective: Establish a priority for future land acquisition and park develop- ment 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 acquisitions. Policy: Review the City and its neighborhoods and identify needs according to that standard. Policy: Meet with local neighborhood associations and residents to identify their needs and interests. Policy: Consider existing school facilities and grounds and their current use by the public in future land acquisition and park development. Policy: Consider safe pedestrian and bicycle access in future land acquisi- tion 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 acquisition and development of future park property whenever possible. Policy: Establish a Parks Fund dedicated to the acquisition of land for future neighborhood and community parks within the City of Yakima. Chapter V • Page 6 • The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives => TAHOMA CEMETERY Objective: Create and implement a long-range plan and program for the pres- ervation of prime open space areas in or adjacent to the City of Yakima. Policy: Support continued expansion of the Yakima Greenway. Policy: Support the fostering of a strong relationship between the Greenway and abutting city neighborhoods. Policy: Advocate incorporation of greenbelts into future residential, com- mercial, and industrial development to minimize the impacts of lo- cating less than incompatible land uses next to one another. Policy: Preserve open space through means other than ownership, such as transfer of development rights, tax obligation relief and land dona- tions to non-profit open space preservation organizations. Objective: Continually strive work 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 equipment and materials including those designed to facilitate use by citizens with special needs. Policy: Develop Establish and implement a set of best practices for pesti- cide and herbicide programs to insure protection of workers, citi- zens and the environment. Policy: Establish and implement standards for lighting in parks and along pathways. Policy: Establish and implement standards for upgrading and replacement 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. Chapter V • Page 8 • The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives The Yakima City Council held a public hearing March 21 to allow citizens to comment on Parks 2006-2011 Comprehensive Plan and heard from several individu- als: Legal Notices CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE 2006-2011 YAKIMA PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Yakima will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the 2006 Parks and Recreation Plan. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at 7:00 p m , in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 129 North 2nd Street, Yakima, Washington. Any citizen wishing to comment on this request is welcome to attend the public hearing or contact the City Council in the following manner 1) Send a letter via regular mail to "Yakima City Council. 129 N. in the City. Contact Denise Nichols (575-6005) for further information or if special accommodations are needed to attend the public hearing. (09538342) March 10, 2006 PARKS and RECREATION COMMISSION • A representative of the William O. Douglas Trail Committee expressed grati- tude for the plan as it relates to trails and pathways and optimism for the potential system of trails and pathways that can be developed throughout the Yakima Valley. She referred to the plans references to linkages and connec- tions that can be established to tie systems such at the Powerhouse Canal Path- way and the Greenway to trails extending along the Naches River and up the Cowiclie Canyon including the already funded connection at 40th and Fruit - vale. (See Appendix E: William O. Douglas Trail.) • Two representatives from Allied Arts proposed inclusion of public art in the parks plan. They called for policies to support public art in public places and cited the success that smaller communities like Walla Walla, Edmonds, Wenatchee and LraConner have had in encouraging investment in art for pub- lic spaces. They cited an online survey that found art can be as an important as open space in bringing people together and said public art can also contribute to the revitalization of the community. • A resident of Northeast Yakima called for development of pathways on the eastside of Yakima, specifically east of Fifth Avenue. The Council asked that both the 40th Avenue and Fruitvale trail linkage and a public art element added to the plan and agreed to extend the period for public comment an additional two week. April 4, the Council reopened the public and the resident of Northeast Ya- kima repeated her desire for development of pathways in East Yakima. She said she wanted a definite written plan and she wanted it to be to be made a priority. She cited the plan drafted by the Bicycle Pedestrian Committee, which Parks and Recreation supports. With that, the meeting was closed, and the Council approved changes in the wording of several goals and objectives (Chapter V). They also approved a motion to move the Park Commission meetings to the City Council Chambers at City Hall so the meetings can be transmitted via the Yakima Public Affairs Cable televi- sion channel. In addition, while supporting a citizen's written request to convert an abandoned railroad right-of-way in Northeast Yakima into a pathway for pedestrian and bicycle use. the Council Members suggested expanding the proposal to include not just the specific location but sites throughout the area. At its October, 2005, meeting the Parks and Recreation Commission drafted a set of priorities for the future Parks and Recreation development: • Preservation of existing park infrastructure including repair and main- tenance, updates and enhancements. Chapter VII • Page 6 • The Client: Community Input and Comment PRIORITY PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMARY OF 2006-2011 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS PROJECT FUNDING Acquisitonl FACILITY SOURCE Development/ Renovation TYPE 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 A � A Gateway/4th Ballfield L D BS 600K Park Land Acquisition L/M A NPK Miller/MLK Park Water Playgrounds L D NPK 250K A A 40th Avenue/Fruitvale William 0. Douglas Trail Linkage FUNDED D TP 200K Chesterley Park: Expand Skatepark Kiwanis Park Redevelopment D/L/M D/L/M D R NKP NKP 50K 2M A Tennis Court Repair L R T 10K 10K A Various Parks - Playground Equipment L R PE 20K 30K 20K 20K 20K 20K A Elks Park Restroom Replacement L R NPK - 100K A Milroy Restroom Replacement L R NPK - - 125K A Lions Pool Bulkhead and Repairs L R SI 75K 25K 15K 15K 15K A Randall Park Irrigation Canal Cover L R NKP 50K A General Park Improvements L R NPK 15K 15K 15K 20K 20K 20K including fencing, playground sof-fall, landscaping A General Park Tree/Shrubs L R NPK 20K 20K 20K 25K 25K 25K pruning, removal and replacement A Southeast Community Center Improvements L R CC 25K 25K 25K 25K 25K 25K A Tahoma Cemetery Improvements L R Cemetery 20K 70K 70K 20K A/B Pool Improvements and Repairs L R SO/SI 25K 25K 15K including shaded entry at Franklin A/B Fisher Golf Course Improvements L R G - 15K 20K - 15K enlarging starter house and maintenance shed B Franklin Park: New Shelter L R NPK 15K B Canal Pathway: Landscape 16-20th/McGuinness Park Section L/M D TP 20K 75K C Various Parks: Parking Lot/Sidewalk Improvements L R NPK 10K 35K 35K 20K Funding Source Codes: L = Local Funds, D = Donation, M = Matching Grant, B = General Obligation Bonds, 0 = Other Bonds, 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 Count NKP = Neighborhood Park, OS = Open Space/Greenway, P= Picnic/Day Use, PE = Play Equipment, SI = Swimming Pool/Indoor, SO = Swinuning Pool/Outdoor, T = Tennis Court, TP = Trail/Pedestria ITEM TITLE: SUBMITTED BY: BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. For Meeting of April 18, 2006 Consideration of Resolution Authorizing Adoption of the 2006-2011 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Denise Nichols, 575-6020 SUMMARY EXPLANATION: The City Council held public hearings for the purpose of receiving comments regarding the 2006- 2011 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan at its March 21 and April 4, 2006, meetings. Information received at those meetings has been incorporated into the plan. Included in this item is a Resolution submitted for the Council's consideration. Adoption of this Resolution will finalize the plan and will ensure Yakima Parks and Recreation compliance with the State's Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation grant funding requirements through the year 2011. Resolution XX Other (Specify) 3/24/06 and 4/6/06 Transmittals to Council Funding Source: APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL ity Manager STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff respectfully requests authorization of the resolultion. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved recommendation to Council for adoption of the plan at its February 13, 2006, meeting. COUNCIL ACTION: Resolution adopted. RESOLUTION NO. R-2006-63 Yakima Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan 2006-2011 Futu RESOLUTION NO. R-2006-63 A RESOLUTION adopting a new comprehensive plan for the City of Yakima parks system. WHEREAS, the City of Yakima operated and maintains an extensive parks system and conducts a substantial program; and WHEREAS, since 1984 the City of Yakima has had a formally adopted Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Pian; and WHEREAS, at its regularly scheduled meeting on the 4th day of April, 2006, the City of Yakima reviewed and generally approved the proposal new City of Yakima Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan; and WHEREAS, the proposed new Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan complies with the 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 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan. ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 18th day of April, 2006. ATTEST: IS/ KAREN S. ROBERTS Karen S. Roberts, City Cler /S/ DAVID EDLER David Edler, Mayor Certified to be a true and correct copy of the original filed in my office. 5- 3 -;ax, CITY CLERK Deputy CITY OF YAKIMA ADOPTED April 18, 2006 YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL Dave Edler, Mayor Neil McClure, Assistant Mayor Ron Bonlender Susan Whitman Micah Cawley Norm Johnson Bill Lover YAKIMA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Bob Busse, Chairman Tom Gates, Vice Chairman Rod Bryant Jackie Meyer Mike Nixon 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 Associate Bruce Benson, Associate Planner, Community Development • Blue Prints for the Future: Yakima Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan 2006-2011 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 2005 Chapter IV The Contractor: Parks and Recreation 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. Map: Schools, Parks and Planning Areas B. Map: Existing and Proposed Pathways C. Map: Schools, Parks and Vacant Lands D. Survey and Results E. William O. Douglas Trail F. Report on 2000-2005 Priorities Blue Prints for the Future: Yakima Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan 2006-2011 • Getting Started: What We Want to Build The purpose of this Comprehensive Plan is to provide a document to outline objectives, goals and recommended courses of action for the future of Yakima Parks and Recreation. If we think of the future as a house that we want to build, then we can look at this plan as the 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 with specifications — it will allow us to make alterations to adapt it in the future to meet our wants and desires as they change and to make the best use of resources. Generally speaking, parks and recreation are considered good things. Parks contribute to our landscape and to our quality of life. Recreation al- lows us to use our leisure time creatively and to make it work on behalf of the community. It takes resources, however — money and time — to create parks and recreational opportunity, and, because resources come with a cost and usually a limit, we need to plan ahead for their use. Because of Yakima's wide 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, however, has changed that notion just as invention and technology have changed the way people use their time. Over the decades, the demand for leisure activities increased dramati- cally and the community took note. For the past half a century the residents of the City of Yakima have recognized the need for a parks and recreation program. Not content to plop a ballfield here or to hold a soccer camp there, they also recognized the program needs a plan to direct it — a plan identify- ing the needs for public green spaces and recreation and then addressing ways to meet those needs. The plan must address the challenges that the future brings. Without planning, land will be eaten up by development and will become unavail- able for public use. Price and scarcity are making it increasingly difficult for Parks and Recreation to acquire property for parks as the urban area contin- ues to grow. Aging facilities and properties require repair and renovation to stay safe, efficient and functional. Public recreation needs additional facili- ties and innovation to meet the wide and increasing range of ages, interests and desires of the community. Why the Plan is needed Getting Started: What We Want to Build • Chapter 1 • Page 1 Construction Methods In addition to directing planning, guiding resource use and assessing community assets, this 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 identifies both broad and specific issues. It considers not only public recreation facilities and, in some cases, programs but also present and future demand for those assets and services. The Plan considers the citizens' desires for recreation: who wants it, where do they want it, when do they want it and how do they want it packaged, To construct this informational structure, the Plan provides these elements: • A site description: a history and depiction of the community. • 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. • The blueprint: priorities for the future. These elements provide the tools that enable us to become acquainted with existing recreation resources as well as the present and future recreation needs of the City of Yakima and its adjacent urban area. As a practical plan of action, these elements provide focused direction for future maintenance, ac- quisition, development, programming and administration to guide activities on a variety of levels: • Identification and prioritization of the City's parks and recreation needs. • Identification and prioritization 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 organi- zations. • 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 that includes historical in- formation, demographics, an inventory of community park facilities and recreation opportunities. Chapter I s Page 2 9 Getting Started: What We Want to Build • Phase II: Assessment of park and recreation interest, needs and de- sires. Review of the preceding five-year comprehensive plan. 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 citizens. 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. Getting Started: What We Want to Build • Chapter 1 • Page 3 Located in south central Washington State, Yakima lies in a historic and beau- tiful agricultural valley. The City of Yakima, the county seat, is a multi-purpose hub for its 80,000 residents and for the rest of Ya- kima County's 230,000 inhabitants. Before the arrival of the white man, a loose confederacy of tribes and bands of Indians controlled the vast area now known as Central Washington. Two prin- ciple groups headquartered in the Yakima area: the Pah-guy-ti-koot-lema, "People of the Mountain Heads Coming Together," resided where Union Gap is now and the Atahurn-leman, "creek by the long mountain," lived along the banks of Ahtanum Creek. Their primary land use activities were hunting, gathering, fish- ing and camping. Allied by blood, speech and common interest, these Indians became known as the Yakama Nation. The first white men to glimpse the Yakima Valley were members of the 1805 Lewis and Clark Expedition. Their reports brought trappers, traders and miners to the area and, as early as 1847, Catholics who established a mission near Ahtanum. By the late 1850's, permanent settlers began to arrive and military units were called in to settle hostilities between the Indians and the newcomers. In a comparatively short time, permanent and honored treaties were signed with the Yakama Nation. The pioneers' need to educate their children led F. Mortimer Thorp to estab- lish the first school in the Yakima valley. It was located across the river from present-day Union Gap just above a 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. Early settlers in this semi -arid climate relied mainly on raising livestock for a living. 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. A new dawn broke and a network of irrigation ditches brought the area's rich, volcanic soil to life. During this period, settlers established farms mostly along the river banks while a settlement named Yakima City, located at the present site of Union Gap, served as a commercial center. There were only 432 pioneers in the County in 1870, but the miracle of irrigation raised that numbers to 3,000 by 1880. BRIEF HISTORY Note: Information in this chapter has been provided by the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, Yakima Valley Historical Society, League of Women's Voters, Yakima County Development Association„ City of Yakima Planning Division, 'Washing- ton State Office of Financial Management, cilydata.com and U. S. Census 2000 The Site: A Description of the Commuiiy • Page 1 • Chapter 11 PIONEERS, PARKS and RECREATION In 1884 the Northern Pacific Railroad extended its iron horse service into the 14,-.) . c.vc,- the r „t, and fell ;,,to (-lisp-0e -with .,f tt,,, residents ..f Val -4-71a 512'S_. --' YY' �, the iii__---_-- -'fl J SJJJ .J_L' .Y _isome '- 6_-' -'S_'_-.-'_ _-&SSS.L_-. City when those residents refused to grant certain concessions to the railroad. As a result, the Northern Pacific bypassed the town, established its terminal four miles further north and named the stop North Yakima. Once the terminal was established on North Front Street, the railroad offered to move buildings free of charge from Yakima City to North Yakima. It was an offer not to be refused by many of the residents and fifty to sixty buildings — the courthouse, banks, general stores, blacksmith shops, saloons and homes — abandoned Yakima City and liter- ally moved north on huge timber rollers to surround the new railroad terminal. Incorporated on January 27, 1886, North Yakima, 159 blocks on the east side of the railroad, was designated as the county seat. The old Yakima City was re- ferred to as "Old Town" by some or as "Union Gap" by others but, when Yakima officially dropped "North" from its name in 1918, the older community legally adopted Union Gap as its official name. 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. The only trees and green grass in semi -arid early North Yakima grew along the rivers and creeks of the area. So 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 Yakima Avenue and east of the downtown area. At Sumac, they swam in the river, played baseball, pitched horseshoes, picnicked and enjoyed band concerts and local sporting events until 1933 when flood wa- ters devastated Sumac Park. If the people felt the need for a real outing, they made a trip westward to- wards Tampico to Soda Springs, a popular camping and picnic area. Its lush trees and grass provided a welcome and refreshing change from hot, dusty North Ya- kima. Yakima _vas rumble tumble town. Its early residents exercisedcfthm .aa they walked the streets for they never knew when they would find themselves in the muddle of a horse race. It seems that, while they were refreshing 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 Park Property Listing when its fifteen landscaped blocks were platted in 1885. South 2nd Street Park, a half -acre at the intersection of South 2nd and Race Streets, was established in 1908. By the Twenties, Lions, Miller and Portia Parks were on the books and, in 1933, the City established a Parks Department to oversee the main - Chapter 11 • Page 2 m The Site: A Description of the Community' tenance and operation of the its parks. A decade later, in 1943, alert to funding advantages available to independent park districts, the citizens of Yakima peti- tioned and subsequently voted to establish an independent Metropolitan Park District. An adequately funded parks system flourished and grew by leaps and bounds. In 1951, however, the State Legislature readjusted the rate of taxation 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 in order to raise the necessary revenue for maintenance and opera- tions. 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 Dis- trict now found itself in a constant funding crisis. Finally in 1968, the mainte- nance and operations levy failed. Dissolution of the District became an increas- ingly logical solution. Within a year the new Park Director did just that — dissolved the Park District — but he also managed to convince the City Council that the City should assume responsibility for the Park System. The security and direction that accompanied the new relationship not only raised staff morale and effectiveness but also in- creased public appreciation and participation in the park system. Although a 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 override the recommendation of the Park Commission and made Parks and Recreation a divi- sion of the Public Works Department. The following year the division moved its operations from an old trolley barn location on south Fourth Avenue to the Public Works complex on Fruitvale Boulevard in north central Yakima. Voters again supported their parks with a 1987 $2.25 million bond issue that resulted in expansion of the North Sixth Street Senior Citizen's Center, installa- tion of new irrigation systems in several parks, Chesterley Park's Phase I devel- opment and renovation of both Franklin and Washington Pools, work that was all completed in 1990. Voters, however, turned their backs on supplemental park funding in 1994. They defeated a five million dollar bond with a wide range of proposals so soundly that no plans to resubmit the proposal to the voters were launched. A lack of bond revenue did not preclude park development, however. Suc- cessful grant applications and an unusual series of donations set the scene for a period of park development and expansion that extended to 2004. The mid -1990's saw the construction and development of McGuinness Park, the J.M, Perry co-op soccer complex and initial sections of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway. Grants secured in 1999 provided the means for additional' Pathway sections and comple- tion of Chesterley Park. That same year Yakima's service clubs — Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary — became Note: information in This chapter has been provided by the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, Yakima Valley Historical Society, League of Worrren's voters Y.ikirna County Development Association, City of Yakima Planning Division, Washing- ton. State Office of Financia! Management, citydata.com and U S. Census 2000. The Site: A Description of the Commuity 9 Page 3 • Chapter ii CLIMATE interested in uniting forces to develop a sports complex at Kiwanis Park. Aided by half _.;n_Y;-Tde_ii_.grant _f_,. -_2L 1__l,_n -tate"- T_.+L_LgLncy f'._., rr_r 1SttSce fel- Out door Recreation, the service organizations initiated an ambitious property acqui- sition project that ended with the addition of more than ten new acres on the southern border of the park. Sale of Larson Park's four ballfields to neighboring Yakima Valley Community College provided the seed money to construct the new Kiwanis ballfields and parking lot and the long awaited 17 -acre Kissel Park with its 12 -court tennis campus. Unusual good fortune in the form of a donation from a private foundation resulted in the new 16,000 square foot Harman Center that opened in May, 2004 and the completion of its site, Gailleon Park. Everything was not coming up roses, however, Flat and declining sales and property tax collections ate into the City of Yakima's 1999 general fund. Thus was compounded by the voters' approval of Initiative 695 which reduced the motor vehicle excise tax, another source of municipal funding, to $30 per vehicle. The loss of revenue to Parks and Recreation in 1999 alone totaled just over $380,000 and prompted cuts in community enrichment, bilingual and aquatics programs, maintenance and personnel. Subsequent initiatives, also approved by the elector- ate, continued to diminish public financing, in general, and Parks and Recreation's funding, in particular. The closing of the downtown mall devastated sales tax collections and in the early 2000's annual budget planning -was punctuated by contingency reduction plans. By the start of 2005, Car rnunity Recreation and Youth Sports and Activities had been all but eliminated and the decrease in maintenance personnel contin- ued. That spring, the City Council reviewed the City's aquatics facilities. The pools had been losing over $450,000 annually in its operations and a critical needs assessment indicated approximately $500,000 in repairs would be required dur- ing the coming three years. The City Council took swift action to staunch the financial hemorrhage and voted to close Miller and Eisenhower Pools prior to the 2005 summer season and Washington Pool at the season's end. At the sarne time, the Council took a stand to support future aquatic facilities for its City's residents by planning installation of water playgrounds and by calling for a feasibility study of a new aquatic center with multiple features and amenities. Resilient, Parks and Recreation continued to operate at a high standard. Parks and Recreation maintained active programs at Fisher Golf Course as well as for adult sports and athletics. Maintenance Operations finessed its resources and know-how and park land, which had increased by almost 45 acres, continued to be well tended. Yakima's generally mild and dry climate is well suited for outdoor recre- ation. Located between the wet, mild West Coast and the dry Rocky Mountains, the area has four distinct seasons and presents opportunity for a stimulating di- versity of recreation. The severe temperature ranges of the Rocky Mountain and Chapter 11 Page 4 The Site: A Description of the Community Plains areas are moderated by the generally westerly flow of marine air masses from the Pacific. Furthermore, these air masses lose most of their moisture over the Cascades before dropping down into the Yakima Valley. The result is an annual average of 300 days of sunshine and outdoor recreation that is rarely hindered by extreme temperatures or precipitation. Winters are cool and the area experiences heavy snowfall and extreme low temperatures infrequently. Temperatures (December -February) average highs of 40.7 degrees and lows of 23.1. The average total annual snowfall is 24.3 inches although the depth of the snow on the ground (December -February) 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 sunset, and nights are pleasantly cool with summertime minimums of approximately 51.3 degrees. Total amounts of precipitation are small — approximately 8.3 inches of pre- cipitation 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 and Au- gust, average a mere .4 inch of rain a month. As a result, irrigation is required for nearly all agriculture activities and makes good use of water from the Cascades' snowmelt which is stored in reservoirs and slowly released throughout the dry, summer months. Winds, generally from the west and northwest, are light, maintaining a yearly average of seven m.p.h. and becoming somewhat greater in the late spring and lesser in winter. How- ever, the complex topography of the area results in marked varia- tions within a short distance in air drainage, winds and maxi- mum and minimum temperatures. The Yakima Park Planning Area lies on the broad, gently slop- ing flood plains of the Yakima and Naches Rivers between par- allel ridges that gradually extend eastward from the Cascade foot- hills. As these ridges slowly emerged through geologic time, the Yakima River, which runs south, cut through 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 side of the city. The Naches and Yakima Rivers are only partially controlled by dikes set back from the river's edge and the meandering, braided river channels change posi- tion with ahnost every spring flood. The soils of the bottom lands adjacent to these river areas have slopes of less than three percent 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 Conser- vation Service reports areas with more gravel and sand are subject to occasional City of Selah Selah Gap City of Yakima City of Union Gap Union north Gap LANDSCAPE The Site: A Description of the Cornmul y = Page 5 = Chapter 11 flooding from the rivers and the Corps of Engineers confirms this. The Corps has n-,neT+� T1 lo.>ol� Jnr+tea ora, ,n near -7 -into a nno_lmnj- rnA_<>orr 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. In west Yakima, the slopes increase gradually and, while the soils there be- come silt loams with increased water -holding qualities, 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 primarily to agriculture al- though residential development is on the increase. Agriculture continues 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 steeply ridged slopes run north and south and the streams of the gently slop- ing Valley nm east and west to intercept the Yakima River. WILDLIFE Birds Common tothe Area Golden Eagles Mallards Pintails Mergansers Teas Canadian Geese Swan Pheasant Quail Doves Chukar Turkey Grouse Partridge Hummingbirds Robins Hawks (many varieties) Starlings, House Sparrows House Finches Rock Doves (pigeons) Oregon Juncos In the past, the Yakima area supported a great variety of wildlife. What wild life that remains is dependent upon its habitat's ability to provide food, water, and cover. Before the establishment of large settlements of white men and the advent of irrigation, the Yakima area provided a variety of habitats: dense brush and groves of deciduous trees along the streams, range land grasses and shrubs in 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 coy- ote. However, the landscape that attracted this variety of wildlife also attracted the white man. As the new arrivals cleared land for agriculture, irrigated the fertile soil, and built villages, their hunger for orchard and cattle grazing land consumed acres of native vegetation. Swamps were drained, streams were diked and dammed, and the ponds and potholes, normally filled by annual flooding, eventually dried up. To keep elk and deer from interfering with orchard growth and competing with cattle for available forage, ranchers erected fences which, in turn, altered natural annual migration patterns. Removal of the native cover re- duced the natural food supply which again, in turn, decreased the density and variety of wildlife that the land could support. Species, that could adapt, remained and competed with man for the land's bounty. Today 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 Chapter 11 ® Page 6 0 The Site: A Description of The Community and raccoon are found in the region's streams where the abundance of fish and stream bank vegetation are to their liking. The variety of birds in the area is amaz- ing and ranges from the little Hummingbird to the Golden Eagles. Other factors complete this description of the community. Social and eco- nomic characteristics help sketch a picture of the residents Yakima Parks and Rec- reation aims to serve. Among those considered most important in recreation and park planning are economics, population, age, income, education and special needs. 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. In 2001, Yakima County's agriculture ac- counted for 24 percent of all of the agriculture and forestry employment in Washington state. The county produces 75 percent of the nation's hops, nearly half the nation's supply of apples, 29 percent of the country's cher- ries, 42 percent of the nation's pears and 38 percent of the U.S.'s concord grapes. Yakima County is first in the state in its number of cattle and calves, 305,700 head in 2001. The emerging wine industry occupied 9,650 acres in 2001, a figure that can be expected to grown since by 2005 Wash- ington was second only to California in U.S. wine production and new vineyards continued to develop. SOCIO- ECONOMIC FACTORS ECONOMICS Yakima County Top 10 Employers in 2003 Memorial Hospital 1,100 Yakima School District 1,001 Yakima County 1,000 Provident Healthcare ..... .. 941 City of Yakima . . 623 Washington Beef 620 Y V.C.0 590 Legends Casino 573 Snokist Growers .. 521 Western R.V. 515 The 2000 Census tells us 58 percent of the people 16 years old and older in the City of Yakima or 30,862 residents were employed in 2000. The largest number of those people worked in educational, health and social service occupa- tions. The next two largest groups were retail trade and manufacturing personnel. City of Yakima Employment by Industry EducationaVHealth/Social Services Retail Trade Manufacturing Arts/Entertainment/Hospitaiity Wholesale trade Professional Construction Agriculture/Mining/Forestry/Fisheries Public Administration 45% Transportation 4.0% Finance/Insurance/Real Estate 111111111..MM 3.8% Information 1.896 Other 5.2% 12 3% 12.096 23.146 0.046 5.046 10.096 15.0% 20.096 25.096 The Site: A Description of the Comrnuity ' Page 7 • Chapter 11 POPULATION Ironically, one of the smallest of industries in terns of employment is the one that in�lvtriac aax it i�ii�ira — thc, mnci fmn»c anri inf rn-.4ial ;ndust,-.. The 2000 U. S. Census showed a dramatic increase in the City of ;akima's population. In the ten years between 1990 and 2000, the city grew over 30 percent from 54,843 to 71,845. The State Office of Financial Management estimated Yakima's 2004 population to be 79,480, an increase of an additional 10 percent since 2000 and attributable, in part to an annexation of 1,500 West Valley resi- dents in 2002. A subsequent 2005 West Valley annexation brought an additional 1,600 residents into the City bringing the total population to over 80,000 The urban area, served by the City of Yakima and used as a broad context for this plan, includes unincor- 16 " " ' porated portions of East Val- ley (Terrace Heights) and West Valley and the City of Union Gap to the south. The 2000 U. 5. Census reported the urban planning area's population to be 112,816, all of whom resided within ur- banized areas. An estimated ten percent increase places the urban area's 2004 popu- lation at roughly 124,100. Seventeen sub -areas or census tracts were targeted for the purposes of this plan_. Their 2000 populations ranged from 2,463 to 10,560 with the average at 6,423. If growth continues at the rate indicated in the 2000 census, those figures climb to 2,783 and 11,933 for 2025 with the average at 7,244. (Appendix D lists these projected population estimates by area.) Planning ,gees by_Nurrt- i 3 444 �m4 28 4- f 4 - City lium Urban area POPULATION DENSITY i1 There are two areas of particular interest when studying population. The first is the actual number of people dwelling within the area. The second is the density of this population. Combined, the two provide important indicators of the need for the size and location of park and recreational programs and facili- ties. Density figures provide a measure of an area's degree of development and land availability. Park and Recreation's land use view differs somewhat from that of other City departments: it must look into the future well in advance of Chapter 11 9 Page 8 $ The Site: A Description of the Community' annexation to identify suitable land for acquisition and park development. By the time an area has reached 50 per cent of its designated population density, most of the lands best suited for recreation may well have been taken for other purposes. The total acreage of the urban planning area studied for this Plan is 31,162.5 acres. In 2000, the urban area population was 112,816 which indicates an overall population density of 3.6 people per acre. Four years later with the population estimated to grow about 10 percent, the overall density is almost exactly four people per acre. The density of the indi- vidual subject planning areas varies from a low of .06 to a high of 27.7. 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 6, 7, 12 and 15. Located west of 16th, area 10 was an exception with the third highest population density. Relative rates of growth varied, however. Areas 3, 6, and 9 experienced between 31 and 34 percent increases in population while areas 8 and 10 actually showed declines. The West Valley areas 9 and 28 showed large increases — 33 and 29.5 percent respectively — as did the two areas extending east into East Valley. Those areas, 14 and 16, demonstrated of increases of 11.7 and 28.9 percent. Two areas stand out. Area 6 is the smallest of the 17 with only 234 acres. It is, however, the most densely populated area with an average of 27.7 people living each of those acres. At the other end of the scale is area 16. The largest, by far, of all the areas, its 164,525 acres are home to 8,487 people. The average population per acre in this area is minuscule, a mere .05, or in other words, this area has almost 20 acres for every person living in it! 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 park land and recre- ation services demanded is directly related to the number of people demanding the given services, changes in both the number and com- position of that local population affects local government planning. A youthful population makes different demands on parks facilities than a much older popu- lation does, and an increase in certain cultural groups — Hispanics, for example — can create yet another set of demands. Births, deaths and migration drive the direction and magnitude of popula- tion change. Each can change independently of the others and, consequently, should be considered separately. The number of births minus the number of U S Census 2000 Yakima Facts Population: 71,845 Sex and age Male Female Median age Race Two or more races Hispanic Caucasian Household Average family size Owner -occupied Renter occupied Same house since 1995 48.9% 51 1% 31 4 3.9% 33.7% 59.8% 3.29 people 53.2% 46.8% 46.6% Education (25 years and older) Less than 9th grade 9th -12th grade/no diploma High school grad or GED Some college/no degree Associate degree or higher Bachelor's degree Graduate/professional degree Language spoken at home English only Spanish Other Family Income in 1999 Median family income Less than $25,000 $25,000-49,999 $50,000-99,999 More than $100,000 16.0% 14.6% 26 6% 21 6% 5.3% 10.1% 5.9% 69.5% 28.1 % 1.2% $34,798 33.9% 33.4% 25.1% 7 6% 1 POPULATION CHANGE The Site: A Description of the Cornmuity 3 Paye 9 . Chapter t; Note: Information in this section is based on census statistics obtained Through the 2000 U. S. Census, the Washington State Office of Financial Manage- ,mgnt and the city of Yakimn's Planning Department deaths is equal to the natural change, and, when added to migration of people into nr not of an area yields nverall nnno nlatinn rhanoe - , r - - Historically Yakima's natural rate of change has been high in comparison to the rest of the state. 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 depen- dent on migrant workers specifically. Since the migrant work force is dominated by people of Hispanic origin, and those people are often from large families, the higher fertility rate may be explained, in part, by this factor. 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 traditionally heavily in- fluenced the economy. Between 1990 and 2000, Yakima County's population increased 12.4 percent from 188,823 to 212,300, The balance of the population change or net movement was a migration of an additional 590 people. This contrasts somewhat sharply with the changes experienced between 2000 and 2003 when Yakima County's population increased 1.5 percent. This was the result of a negative 1.8 percent net migration and a 3.3 percent natural increase. In contract, Washington's statewide population 11LLIeaae 013..] percent was due W'5IlJ 1UVe -.0 percent migration 1aL101t alLu. a 1.8 percent natural increase. RACE In terme of ethnicitiec the census tells and us a few things about the area's residents. ETHNICITYThere are relatively few African-Americans, American Indians and Asian/ Pacific Island- ers among those counted in 2000. All told, White Black American Indian Asian/Pacific Islander Other Total City/; Urban Area/% 49,409/ 69% 1,433/ 2% 1,435/ 2% 102/>1% 18,606/26% 71,845/100% 84,684! 75% 1,710/ <1% 1,962/ >2% 1,397/ 1% 23,063/20% 112,816/100% these races comprise less than five percent of the total population. The census leaves us guessing, however, about the sizeable number of individuals classified as "Other." Yakima's Hispanic Population 80,000, ' .__.P.__ _.-- - .-- - - 70.000 60,000 50.000 40,000 30,000 20.000 10,000 1990 a Hispanics 8,914 24,213 ® Total Population 54,843 71,845 Hispanics do not appear in this breakdown because they are considered an ethnicity — not a separate race. The census counted Hispanics in a different cat - Chapter 11 Page 10 ' The Site: A Description of the Community egory and tells us, in 2000, the City of 'Yakima was home to 24,213 Hispanics, 34 percent of the city's total population. That was up 172 percent from 1990 when Hispanics numbered 8,914 or 16 percent. During the same period the non -His- panic population increase only four percent from 45,913 to 47,632. The largest growth was among students, ages five to 17, and the Younger Workforce, ages 18 to 44. Yakima County saw similar increases. In 1980, the Census Bureau counted 25,387 Hispanics in Yakima County. In 1990, the Census count increased to 45,114, a 43.7% increase. In 2000 the number of Hispanics had grown again — up 56% — to 79,905 or over one third of the county's population. Park and recreation administrators should also consider special groups when planning for facility needs as well as programming. Minority populations, par- ticularly those who are foreign born or the children of foreign born, can consti- tute unique challenges, as well as, opportunities for recreation planning. One group of particular interest to Parks and Recreation Division planners is the handicapped. There are many categories of handicap (health impaired, vi- sion impaired, hearing impaired, motor disability, mentally retarded, emotion- ally disturbed, etc.) and all pose special challenges to administration, program- ming and facility design. These people often have considerable leisure but are limited in the types of activities they can enjoy. They must be able to access recreational locations. One of the greatest difficulties in serving these special groups is connecting with them. Although good data on the handicapped popu- lation is difficult to come by, Washington State's handicapped population is esti- mated to be approximately 11 percent of the total population. Age is a very important factor for recreation planning because interest and participation in many activities is tied to age. The 2000 Census tells us Yakima's population is skewed to the young side with almost one third under 19 years of age and another third 20 to 44 years old. Older workforce folks make up about one fifth of the population with retirees and the elderly only about 14 per- cent or less than one sixth of the local population. SPECIAL GROUPS AGE Marl), Retirees (65-74) Older Workforce (45-64) Younger Workforce (20-44) Student; (5-19) Preschoolers (0-4) Yakima Age Groups 7% 6% 6% 8% �Ktex�'t 20% - i ate.. .1111.11111111111111111111111 Ate. x w 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111 8% 9 29% 24% 3596 35% 096 596 10% 1596 2096 i' City of Yakima. M Urban Area 25% 3096 3596 4096 The Site: A Description of the Commuity Page 11 i Chapter 11 EDUCATION Education has also repeatedly been shown to have a high correlation with taicnre activity- The higher the educational attainment, the more activities par- ticipated in and the more frequent the participation. Again the 2000 Census pro- vides some measure of the population being served by Yakima Parks and Recre- ation. This chart illustrates and compares the level of educational attainments for residents age 25 and older. In general_, we an see the city's population has slightly more residents at the lower end of the education scale and tends to lag slightly behind at the higher end. 504 - - - - Educational Attainment for Residents Over 25 45% 40% 35% 30% " 25% .. K :• 20%' N - t as :■ ; 0 -grade 5 grade 5-9 grade 8- 12/no diploma diploma/GED Some college Bachelor's degree Post Graduate 1 Caty of Yakima 3% 11% 1 5% 1 26% 29% 9% 6% MYakma County 1 7% i 10% 14% 27% 26% 10% 6% j cI Washington State i 1% 3% 9% 25% 34% 18% j 9% FAMILY INCOME Income is also tied to recreation participation, the higher the income, the more active people are in outdoor recre- ational pursuits. In part, income also represents the ability to pay for rec- Yeation activities and to travel to recreation areas. According to the 2000 U. S. Census, Yakima's annual pay ranks among the lowest of the state's and the nation's metropolitan areas. In 1999, the City of Yakima's median family income of $34,798 was just 70 percent of the statewide median of $50,046. In terms of per capita income, Yakima fares only slightly bet- ter. Its per capita income of $15,920 is 73 percent of the state's $21,587. The con- trast is even more apparent in terms of poverty. Just over 17 percent of the City of Yakima's families live be- low the poverty level while the statewide per- centage is 12.4. The aver- age per capita income is $15,920. The average in- come for male, full-time, year-round workers is $29,647. Female only about 20 percent less or an average full-time, year-round`^income of $23,629. $200,000 or more $ 150,000-199,999 $100,000-149,999 $75,000-99,999 $50,000-74,999 $35,000-49,999 $25,000-34,999 $15,000-24,999 $10,000-$14,999 Less than $10,000 Family Income 0.0% 5.0% 10,0% 15.0% 20.0% 25 0% 30.0% El Washington State ■ City of Yakima 1 Chapter H s page 12 ' The Site: A Description of the Community Reviewing the zoning designations for the City of Yakima and the urban plan- ning area, we see the greatest portion of land is designated residential. That area is largely single-family but also includes areas zoned two-family and multi -fam- ily residential. Of the total number of acres in the urban planning area, approxi- mately 60 percent are residential. The 2000 census counted 28,743 housing units in the City of Yakima. Sixty percent of those were single -unit dwellings; 7.5 percent had two units. An addi- tional seven percent of the structures accommodated three and four units; five percent, five to nine units. Approximately 8.6 percent of the housing units con- tained 20 or units. RESIDENCE Note: information in this chapter has been provided by the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, Yakima Valley Historical Society; League of Women's Voters, Yakima County Development Association, City of Yakima Planning Division, Washing- ton State Office of Financial Management, citydufacorn and U. 5. Census 2000. The Site: A Description of the Commuity • Page 13 • Chapter ll CAH A m TE e %%l The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 This inventory lays the foundation for the future of parks and recreation in the City of Yakima. It describes existing park or open space and recreation resources in the Yakima Park Planning Area in 2005. COMMUNITY PARKS: usually twenty 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): Formerly a Department of Agriculture farm labor camp, Ahtanum Youth Park is located just south of the Yakima city limits. Well equipped, the park has a large number of picnic sites with grills, three picnic shelters, playgrounds, parking areas, restrooms and two buildings available for rentals. The park has multiple soccer fields, two ten- nis courts, six basketball courts, a 4-H Ropes Challenge Course, horseshoe pits, an outdoor equestrian arena and a BMX track. Yakima County closed its Parks and Recreation Department in 2004 but continued to maintain this park while the Greenway processed reservations for the various facilities. In Feb- ruary, 2006, the City of Union Gap agreed to assume ownership and respon- sibility of the youth park and operation and maintenance. Chesterley Park (31.2 acres/city-owned/serves community): The origi- nal portion of Chesterley Park with four soccer fields, restroom/ storage build- ing, play equipment and picnic shelter opened in September, 1990. The 10,000 - square -foot skate park was added ten years later. The remaining 12 acres with two more soccer fields and parking for approximately 120 vehicles were completed in 2004. The park is located in the northwest portion of the city on River Road near the 40th Avenue exit just off State Route 12. It is in generally good condition although the high content of volcanic ash in the soil creates maintenance problems and aging irrigation equipment requires repairs. 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 Av- enue near Fruitvale Boulevard and serves as home fields for Yakima National Little League. Amenities include six youth ballfields with dugouts and back- stops, a concession stand building, tether ball pole, picnic tables and grills, a picnic shelter and restrooms. The park is also noted for its numerous horse- shoe pits (26). The east end parking lot was paved in 1996 but parking along Hathaway remains unpaved and out of compliance with city codes. Addi- tional parking is needed to accommodate the large numbers of families at- tending youth baseball activities. Little League officials and parks staff have expressed a desire to upgrade the ballfields for their programs. The play- ground equipment was updated in 1998. The park has an open appearance, dominated by the ballfields, and, except for restrooms that need renovation or replacement, is in relatively good condition. Grant money funded instal- lation of automated irrigation in 2000. Yakima National Little League assists with day-to-day maintenance of the ballfields. COMMUNITY PARKS 20+ acres Note: While we have used NRPA standards to defined the various faclities here we have grouped Yakima's parks by The area they serve rather than by strict definition. The Foundation; An inventory of Facilities in 2005 • Page 1 • Chapter 111 Franklin Park (17.66 acres/city-owned/serves community): Located at Smith 71ct AveniiP and Tipton Drive- Franklin Park is Hart of an nldar, wall established, middle class neighborhood in central Yakima. The park lies ad- jacent to Franklin Middle School property and provides a picnic shelter with electricity, picnic tables and grills, restrooms, six tennis courts and an out- door Swimming pool (25 x 30 yards) with a water slide and shallow water training pool. The park's playground equipment was updated in 1997. The park's gently sloping site is planted with a variety of mature specimen trees and is well maintained. Funds are needed to repair all six tennis courts, to repair the pathway and to add a second picnic shelter. The Yakima Valley Atrrce.um a hicfnrirai mrrce.nm is alcn lnrafe.rl within the. nark The. mns,ein i DILt11e, ULC LILY -owned parking lUL which is inadequate for many V1 the well - attended concerts and events held at this location. Kissel Park (17 acres/city owned/serves community): Located on the south side of Mead Avenue between 29th and 32nd Avenues, Kissel Park waited 30 years for the development that was finally completed in 2003. Its most prominent feature is the 12 -court tennis campus that filled the void left when Larson Park's 12 courts were sold to Yakima Valley Community Col- lege. Kissel's amenities also include a restroom/storage building, a picnic shelter, basketball courts, .6 mile asphalt pathway,. a large piece of play equip- ment with a triple slide and parking for about 80 vehicles. The property was graded into a gently rolling landscape with a large Hat area toward the street on its northern border. Originally an orchard, the park was found to have lead arsenate in its soil. Construction of the park included an elaborate plan to remediate the soil, partly with deep tilling and partly with protective bar- riers. The clean-up was accomplished in accordance with Department of Ecol- ogy guidelines and financial assistance. Surrounded on three sides by single- family residences. Kissel has proven popular and attracts visitors throughout the day and week. Kiwanis Park (32.4 acres/city-owned/serves community): Located at Fair Avenue and East Maple Street in the neighborhood north of the Sun Dome, Kiwanis Park is a major east -side park. It is naturally divided into three areas. Upper Kiwanis lies adjacent to Fair Avenue with passive park amenities, an aging restroom and mature shade trees. Lower Kiwanis lies east of this area and the City's old incinerator building and a slope that naturally divides the park. It includes the three ballfields — two lighted and one unlighted — that have served as a primary site for the City's softball program for many years. The third area, the Gateway Complex, is land acquired between 1999 and 2002. In 2004 and 2005 three new bailfields were constructed on the property along with up-to-date field lighting, parking for 300 vehicles, a restroom/ concession building, tournament director's office, picnic shelter and play equipment. The addition of the three new fields — and a fourth one, sched- uled for construction in 2006 — immediately attracted the attention of tourna- ment directors from around the state and the fields were fully scheduled dur- ing its first season. Parks and Recreation and local organizers continued de - Chapter 111 e Page 2 e The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 velopment plans for the park by identifying the older sections for refurbish- ments for neighborhood recreational use, including a skate park, and the un- lighted ballfield in the northwest portion of the park as a location for youth ballfields. With a financial commitment in hand from local service organiza- tions to serve as a grant match, the City anticipates additional redevelop- ment at the park in the coming years. Perry Soccer Complex (15 acres/city-leased/serves community): The Perry Soccer Complex with its six soccer fields is located at South 16th and Washington Avenues. Portable goal posts allow users to change the size of the fields so youth as well as adult play is accommodated. The fields with their automated irrigation were developed in 1992 and are in good condi- tion. There is no permanent restroom structure. The land is leased long term from J. M. Perry Institute and maintained by Parks and Recreation. No fur- ther development of this site is anticipated, 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 south of the creek on 48th Avenue remain undeveloped. Randall Park fea- tures a nature area and trail, two bird -watching towers, a duck pond, rest - rooms, 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 excellent condition, but the facili- ties need improvement. Additional parking for concerts and special events and a second restroom on the west end of the park would be welcome. Con- struction of a gazebo/ picnic shelter near 48th Avenue was scheduled for 2006. Sarg Hubbard Park (28 acres/community-owned/serves community): Located on city -owned land, Sarg Hubbard Park is operated by the Yakima Greenway Foundation. Bordering the Yakima River, it is one of three primary parks located along the Greenway's 10 -mile pathway and is the principal site for many of the Greenway's special events. Well-equipped, Sarg Hubbard Park has parking, restrooms, a large playground area, picnic shelter, nature area, observation tower, fishing ponds with piers, fitness stations, outdoor amphitheater and stage, large open spaces and an extensive pathway system throughout the park and access to the 10 -mile greenway corridor along the Naches and Yakima Rivers. A visitor and member center at this park also serves as the Greenway Foundation Office. Sherman Park (6 acres/community-owned/serves community): The Ya- kima Greenway Foundation also operates Sherman Park, which lies along The Foundation: An inventory of Facilities in 2005 • Page 3 • Chapter 111 the Greenway Pathway on the Yakima River adjacent to the Arboretum. Sherman has two picnic shelters, barbecues, nature trails, children's play area. bocci ball court, Robertson Landing boat ramp and parking. West Valley Park (26.2 acres/county-owned/serves community): Owned by Yakima County and maintained by neighborhood volunteer organizations, West Valley Park lies adjacent to West Valley Middle and junior High Schools in an area annexed into the City of Yakima in 2002. With the demise of Ya- kima County Parks and Recreation in 2004, dependence on volunteers for maintenance of the park became increasingly important. Then in early 2006, the Lions Club approached the County Commissioners and the Yakima City Council to consider their request for relief. The park originally had two ten- nis courts, two playground areas, a soccer field, horseshoe pits, an outdoor living classroom trail and parking. In 1999 the County received funding for an additional 92 acres and, the following year, completed replacement of restroom facilities, a new playground, a regulation -sized soccer field, sand volleyball court, a roller hockey/ basketball/ ice rink, nature trails, paved path- ways, a large community picnic shelter and three smaller family picnic shel- ters. Yakima Greenway (3,600 acres/community-owned/serves community): 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 recre- ation, the Greenway connects recreation areas, four boat landings, paths, three large parks, two fishing lakes and ponds, water access locations and natural areas. Its ten -mile -long asphalt pathway starts at Harlan Landing, ends at Valley Mall Boulevard and links the Noel and Jewett Pathways and the Sun- rise/Rotary Park/ McGuire's Children's Playground. The popular pathway is accessible from a number of points along its route. Yakima Area Arboretum (40 acres/community-owned/serves commu- nity): The Arboretum — a living museum and botanical garden — is eleven acres of natural riparian wetland enhanced by twenty-nine acres of exotic woody Tants. Located at the intersection of Interstate 82 and Nob Hill Bou- levard, 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 supported entirely by donations. The Parks and Recreation Division supports the Arbo- retum by providing, at no cost, weekly mowing of the Arboretum grounds. Yakima Sportsman State Park (247 acres/state owned/serves commu- nity and visitors to the area): Sportsman Park was created by 1940 by the Yakima Sportsman Association to promote game management and the pres- ervation of natural resources. Tt lies on the Yakima River floodplain and is an irrigated "green zone" in an otherwise desert environment. It has a large num- Chapter 111 s Page 4 ® The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 ber of mature shade trees and a wealth of wildlife. Open throughout the year for overnight camping and day use, it has a well-equipped kitchen/ picnic shelter, 120 unsheltered picnic tables, stocked ponds and lakes for fishing, an outdoor classroom and two miles of unpaved roadway for hiking. The ulti- mate future of Sportsman Park is unknown and may be subject to the out- comes of regional stormwater planning. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS: Three or more acres with multiple focused active and passive recreational opportunities. Serves immediate area or spe- cial interest patrons. Eisenhower Park (2.36 acres/city-owned/serves community): One out- door pool (25 yards) and six outdoor tennis courts occupy virtually all of this park at South 44th and Arlington. Built in 1972, years of wear and tear from patron use and from Yakima's seasons, the pool demanded increasingly ex- pensive repairs well into the late 1990's. In 2005, faced with the costs of op- eration coupled with the costs of repairs expected to become necessary in the next five years, the City Council voted to close Eisenhower Pool. The two parcels of land comprising Eisenhower Park were originally deeded to the City of Yakima by the Yakima School Distict to be used for construction of tennis courts and a swimming pool. In accordance with the original deed restrictions and with the closure of the pool, ownership of the property re- verted to the district. Gardner Park (9.13 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located at Pierce Street and Cornell Avenue, Gardner Park has historically served both as a neighborhood park with picnic tables and grills, restroom, sand volley- ball court and trees and as a community park with its two softball fields and a concession stand. The play equipment was updated in 1997. The restroom needs renovation or, better yet, replacement. Lighting the ballfields would increase their usability significantly and would add to Gardner's attractive- ness as a community park. The unpaved parking areas do not meet City codes and need improvement as well as expansion. The park lies next to a city elementary school and is used by the school for sports activities. Additional needed improvements include replacement tree plantings, permanent picnic tables and benches, a multi -use outdoor court and a picnic shelter. In 2005, however, the Yakima School District and the City of Yakima began prelimi- nary discussions about the possibility of converting the ball fields into a girls fastpitch complex. In early 2006, the school district implemented $100,000 in improvements to the fields and restroom to provide home fields for the district's girls' fastpitch program. 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 various mature trees. The park's centerpiece is the com- munity -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 NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS = 3+ acres The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 • Page 5 Chapter III resurfaced in 1997. Concrete sidewalk along Lincoln Avenue was constructed in 1999 and a labyrinth pathway wag added in 20(11 has hapn categn- rized 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. Larson Park (4.4 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): The period be- tween 1998 and 2005 brought significant changes to Larson Park as the park shrank from 16.5 acres to 4.4. Significant portions of the property —12 tennis courts and four softball fields — were sold to its neighbor to the south, Yakima Valley Community College. The property transfer allowed the college to de- velop the Deccio Higher Education Center and replacements for Anthon and Glean ldl_s along the school's northern oLiuer, enabled the school to meet Title IX requirements for its women's fastpitch program and provided start- up money for major developments at Kiwanis and Kissel Parks. As a result, Larson's focus changed from community to neighborhood which its serves with a permanent picnic shelter, large open green space and a restroom that was constructed in 2001. Lions Park and Pool (438 acres/city-owned/serves community): 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 poor was renovated and covered in 1986 and completely recaulked in 1997. It is used year-round for a wide variety of aquatic 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 during the school year. Martin Luther King Park, Jr. (4.01 acres/city-owned/serves neighbor- hood): Martin Luther King Park, Jr. at South 8th and East Beech Streets is located next to Washington Middle School in the neighborhood northwest of the Sundome. Largely passive, the park provides picnic tables and grills, play- ground equipment, two basketball courts and two tennis courts. The 2005 City Council derision to close three of the City's aging pools included MLK Park's Washington Pool. Council voted to close Washington at the end of the 2005 season and recommended construction in 2006 of a water playground as a replacement. 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 provides picnic tables and grills, bocce ball court, two horseshoe pits, volleyball and basketball courts. A gazebo was constructed in 1992 and the play equipment was updated in 1999. The park has many mature shade trees which contribute to the its 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 Chapter 111 9 Page 6 3 The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities ties in 2005 were removed and replaced with new trees in 1999. Heavily used, the park would benefit from overall general renovation including additional tree main- tenance and turf replacement. Miller Pool was the third of three pools to fall to the City Council's 2005 closure decision. The pool did not open for the 2005 season and the City proceeded with plans for its demolition and re- moval later that year. The pool was replaced by outdoor basketball courts in 2005 and with a water playground to be added in 2006. Milroy Park (3.36 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located at North 16th Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, Milroy Park is located west of down- town Yakima in one of the park's most densely populated neighborhoods. The park is characterized by mature shade trees, and provides a variety of recreation facilities including picnic tables and grills, playground equipment, volleyball courts, three horseshoe pits, a tether ball pole and restrooms. An out-of-date wading pool was removed and new play equipment was installed in 2001. Other renovation needs include replacement of the antique restrooms. The park is heavily used by its neighbors especially during the summer when it has been the site of a successful summer playground program for many years. Southeast Community Park (3.63 acres/city-owned/serves neighbor- hood): Situated at South 8th Street and East Arlington Avenue next to the community center, Southeast Community Park provides playground equip- ment, picnic tables, a grill and volleyball court. A well worn wading pool was removed in 2002. Some of the park's trees need replacement, and heavy use has diminished the condition of the park. Basketball courts would be a wel- come addition. MINI PARKS: Three acres or fewer of passive park with a concentra- tion 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 neighbor- hood park with updated play equipment installed in 2000. Except for one permanent picnic table, a grill and 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): One of Yakima's newer parks, McGuinness is located at North 14th and Swan Avenues in one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the City. Dedicated in 1999, it is handicapped accessible and features a picnic shelter, play equipment, a basketball court, picnic tables and grills and over 75 trees. Block grant money funded lighting improvements also in 1999. McGuinness MINI -PARKS = less than 3 acres The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 • Page 7 • Chapter 111 Park serves as the eastern -most terminus for the Powerhouse Canal Pathway. Wear and tear on this nark has }leen extreme as vandals reguiariy i flirt .aam- age on equipment and vegetation. Portia Park (.52 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Portia Park is a small triangular pocket park west of downtown at Yakima and 12th Avenues. 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. Raymond Park (2.35 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located at South 1st Avenue and Arlington with residential neighborhood to the west and a railroad yard and industrial area to the east, Ray infsr,'l P .rk is a passive park with picnic tables, a barbecue grill and playground equipment. The park needs renovation to improve its playground equipment and turf condi- tion. The park could also benefit from additional landscaping. Rosalma Garden Club Park (.31 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Rosalma 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 other than providing green space with little visual interest to the neighborhood. It has mature plantings and two stone park benches. South 2nd Park (.52 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): A sma1i tri- angular park located at South 2nd and Race Streets, South 2nd Park is used primarily as a lunch site or place for neighbors to gather to visit with friends. The park has no facilities other than picnic tables and a grill but provides much needed public green space for its largely commercial surroundings. Summitview Park (.76 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Similar in nature to Portia Park, Summitview Park is a small rectangular pocket park at the intersection of Summitview and llthAvenues. Due to the generosity of a descendent of the park's original owners, Summitview is well equipped with picnic tables that are often used during the noon hour. Located on Sum- mitview Avenue, the park provides mature shade trees and is a pleasant con- trast to the busy neighborhood and streetscape. Sunrise Rotary Park (3.63 acres/community=owned/sser`r'es 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 notable for the expansive McGuire Community Playground constructed by volunteers in 1994. A labyrinth was added in 2001. Tieton Terrace Park (.42 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Tieton Terrace Park is a small pocket park located at the intersection of South 26th Avenue and West Walnut Street. Developed facilities in the .42 -acre park are limited to picnic tables, a park bench and a swim set which was installed in 1999. The park is in good condition. Chapter Ili m Page 8 a The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 Yakima Avenue and 2nd Street (.30 acres/privately owned%serves CBD): This piece of property is a privately -owned vacant lot that was turned into a small downtown park in 2003 or 2004. Improvements include automated ir- rigation, turf, crosswalks and two wooden supports for a future covered area. Except for the Millennium Plaza, this is the only open green space in down- town Yakima. Development of a permanent public park in the Central Busi- ness District would be an asset for this area. 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 no future development is planned, Naches Parkway (5.86 acres/city-owned/serves neighborhood): Located on North and South Naches Avenue, the Naches Parkway is a 15'/, block - long parkway of center planting islands. The oldest of the City's park proper- ties, 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 for 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. Com- munity donations and state grants funded a significant replanting program in 1993 and 1994 and those trees are coming of age. One of Yakima's few public statutes — a depiction of Spanish-American War Col. John J. Weisenburger — is located on the first parkway island south of Yakima Av- enue. Additional picnic tables and benches would increase citizen enjoyment of the parkway. North 44th Avenue Park (.69 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): North 44th Avenue Park is an open space area providing neighborhood ac- cess via a pathway from Uplands Way 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 (8.0 acres/city-owned/serves community): The first two sections of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway were constructed in 1996 along irrigation canal right-of-way. Funding secured in 1999 continued the pathway through Chesterley Park to River Road while transportation en - GREENWAYS The Foundation: An inventory of Facilities in 2005 ' Page 9 ° Chapter iii UNDEVELOPED LAND SPECIAL USE PROPERTY hancement grant funding awarded to Parks and Recreation in 2000 allowed construction of three additional sections: McGuinness Parte southwest to 16th 16th to 20th Avenue and Englewood to Lincoln Avenue. The property includes automated irrigation, park benches and landscaping and extends 2.45 miles from 40th and River Road on the west to McGuinness Park on the east. Well used,the pathway 3Cco�^v'�tes pedestrian and other non motorized forms S of transportation and offers safe off-street passage in portions of the City no- ticeably deficient in sidewalks. One sections, 16th to 20th, needs landscaping improvements. South 6th Avenue Parkway (.17 acre/city-owned/serves neighborhood): A block -long median parkway with trees, South 6th Avenue Parkway sepa- rates 6th Avenue's northbound and southbound traffic. No improvements are planned for this area. Walter Ortman Parkway (.70 acre/city-owned/series neighborhood): The Walter Ortman Parkway on Willow between North 10th and 6th Avenues consists of four blocks of median parkways with turf, small ornamental trees and a few picnic tables. Combined with McGuinness Park, the parkway pro- vides open green space in one of Yakima's most densely populated areas. UNDEVELOPED: Dedicated park lands with no recreational facilities or improvements. Construction of new and improved facilities between 2000 and 2005 de- pleted Parks and Recreation's inventory of land available for future park fa- cility development. The only piece of land remaining available is an ap- proximately 4.5 acre piece on the southwest corner of Randall Park. While possibilities for the property are mentioned from time to time, no specific plans for it have been identified. 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 and strips that have been maintained by Parks and Recreation since 1998. It also includes a small park on the southeast corner of Yakima Avenue and 2nd Street and the Millennium Plaza across from the Capitol Theatre in 3rd Street. The CBD is bordered by First Street on the west, Lincoln Avenue on the north, Naches Avenue 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 contribute to the area's need for continuing attention. In spite of these issues, the district's landscaping has matured and created an attractive Chapter 111 = Page 10 = The Foundation: An inventory of Facilities in 2005 setting for downtown businesses. In 2005, the state legislature allocated over $5 million for new landscaping and street work to revitalize the downtown core including North Front Street and Yakima Avenue to Ninth Street. 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 Di- vision, the beautifully landscaped and maintained course is well used and has a starter house, small maintenance building and a practice driving net. The restrooms were refurbished in 2005 and a new patio and trellis were planned for outside facing the course. A perennial request for a small rest- room on the 38th Avenue side of the course has never found funding. 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. Harman Center at Gailleon Park (16,000 square feet/city owned/serves community): The Harman Center, constructed by a private foundation and donated to the City, opened in May, 2004. The center is dominated by a 1,200 - square -foot lounge with a wide stone fireplace that reaches to the top of the 18 -foot ceiling. The lounge accommodates areas for visiting, reading, televi- sion viewing and coffee. In addition, the center has classrooms for arts and crafts and other activities, a fitness room, a computer lab, a billiards room and offices for staff. It also has a multi-purpose room suitable for a variety of events and available for rentals. The center is heavily used by seniors for a wide range of self-improvement, leisure and social activities. Southeast Community Center (city-owned/serves community): Owned by the City of Yakima and located at Southeast Community Park, the Com- munity Center is operated by the Yakima Valley OIC (Opportunities Indus- trialization Center). The facility consists of a number of large and small meet- ing and office rooms, a kitchen and dining area, reception area, a gym with a large stage area and a small library outreach branch. 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 and plumbing systems. Tahoma Cemetery (66 acres/city-owned/serves community): Located along South 24th Avenue, Tahoma Cemetery is the City's oldest cemetery with graves dating back to 1867. Its landscape is dominated by mature silver maples, a mausoleum and a Veteran's section with a memorial monument. Its single building houses an office and a maintenance shop. 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 even- tually require removal and replacement. The City Council approved construe - The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 s Page 11 . Chapter 18 SCHOOL Ar LITIE r tion of a five -foot -high ornamental aluminum fence with masonry pillars along 24th Avenue in fall, 1999, and its construction was completed the fol- lowing year. The cemetery converted its automated irrigation system to lo- cal irrigation water in 2001 and 2002 and then expanded its operations into an undeveloped nine -acre section between the office and older existing sec- tions in 2004. The expansion added 8,000 new burial sites to Tahoma's in- ventory and promised an ongoing revenue stream for operations well into the future. Miller Park Activity Center (city-owned/serves community): Located at 602 North 4th Street, the Miller Park Activity Center was Yakima's origi- nal senior center, one of the first in the state. Built in 1974, the center has been remodeled twice since then. Located on Miller Park's northeast cor- ner, the center provides a full commercial kitchen, pool tables, classrooms and a multipurpose room. in 2004 when senior activities moved to the new Harman Center at uatlleoiPark, the Farm Workers Clinic and Yakima's fledgling Police Athletic League moved in. Its role redefined, the center re- mains a hub of activity. Yakima School District: The Yakima School District's facilities repre- sent a considerable indoor and °Litticc,i' recreational asset for the commu- nity. in addition, Union Gap, East Valley, West Valley schools and Yakima Valley Community College also lie within or overlap Yakima's urban plan- ning area. Among there, 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. Ath- letic 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 seating for 500. Chapter 111 s Page 12 • The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 • Ten baseball fields including one four-piex 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 are to able to accommodate 34 volleyball courts or 22 basketball courts. • Fifteen playfields. 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/ conunons 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. Yakima Parks and Recreation and Yakima School District have a long- running agreement to share use of each other's facilities and the City is de- pendent 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 cross country, track and middle school soccer programs to a lesser extent. It is anticipated 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 inher- ent 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 Recreation programs. It becomes difficult to generate reliable basketball or volleyball league schedules due to unexpected cancellations of gym time. As popula- tion growth continues to occur, demand for these facilities will increase and, most likely, exacerbate scheduling difficulties. Yakima Valley Community College owns Parker Field, a semi -pro base- ball field with permanent dugouts, seating for 2000, concession stands and storage. The field is in excellent condition and used for regional and state- wide American Legion events. The college has also retained Dunbar Field for its women's fastpitch program, property it acquired during the late 1990's from Parks and Recreation. Other YVCC facilities include a weight room, fitness facility, wrestling room and various classrooms. The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 ' Page 13 • Chapter III RECREATION SEDvICES AQUATICS For many years, the City of Yakima has operated an extensive program for recreation and leis re services However, 1999 changes in taxes r 1lrtailerl a number of City services including Recreation. The division continued to operate most of its programs, but community enrichment and leisure activi- ties were severely cut back that year and in subsequent years. Aquatics Unit: Until 2005 Parks and Recreation had five pools, a high number for a city the size of Yakima, and operated aquatics programs year round. in 2005, however, the City Council weighed declining attendance, costs of operations and anticipated repairs that would be required in coming three to five .,.1 opted to .,lose three of +1.....,,+,d1....« .,.....1., Miller and Eisen- hower�rcLI1Q (1!111 vY«.1 to MVOs. 1111 L, of the outdoor YIJVIJ- IVI 11 ICI 0111.1 LIJCI 1' hower Pools before the 2005 season and Washington at season's end, Only Franklin and Lions, the indoor year-round pool, were destined for continued operations. Franklin, constructed in 1957, employs a 10 -week summer season while, Lions, constructed in 1972 and renovated in 1986, is open approxi- mately 325 days a year. Operation of the pools, including Lions, has been heavily subsidized by the City. Both of the remaining pools are aging and the list of critical needs established in 2005 listed pipes, boilers, filters and other essential equipment as likely to require significant repairs within the coming five years. The City's Council's decision to close three pools brought with it a mandate that water playgrounds be installed at Miller and MLK Parks and IIICII feasibility- v1 n regional aquatic center he explored. 2005 Programs and Services for Yakima Pools Instances of Participation Category Program Examples Recreational Swimming Indoor and outdoor sessions, family night, handicapped swims Lions Pool 5,931 Franklin Pool 24,524 Washington Pool 5,711 Total 36,166 Lap Swims Special sessions for adults Lions Pool 20,925 Franklin Pool 1,252 Washington 152 Total 22,329 Lessons Learn -to -Swim, water safety, diving, lifeguard training, competi- tive diving, semi -private lessons Lions Pool 3,825 Franklin Pool 1,683 Washington Pool 2,292 Total 7,800 Water Fitness / Exercise Arthritis exercise, aquacize, hydro - fit, swimnastics, waterwalking Lions Pool 2,013 Franklin Pool 228 Washington 13 Total 2,254 Chapter ill 0 Page 14 0 The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 Pool Rentals/Private parties Lions Pool Franklin Pool Washington Total 8,693 2,620 54 11,367 School District Swim team practices and meets Lions Pool Franklin Pool Washington Total 4,857 101 78 5,036 TOTAL for 2005 84,952 (The 2004 total attendance at five pools was 114,353 of which 16,117 was at Eisen- hower and Miller Pools, which did not open in 2005. Total 2005 attendance for Lions and Franklin Pools, the two that will remain open in 2006, was 76,652, about 85 per- cent of 2004 and evidence of continuing erosion of swimming pool attendance,) The athletic program with its adult and youth sections sponsors a variety of leagues, tournaments, special events and clinics. Popular and close to self- supporting, the adult program provides organized annual leagues and tour- naments for adults in basketball, softball and volleyball with additional spe- cial or seasonal programs. The number of program participants units in this area has shown a gradual decline in the past three or four years. However, the new Gateway Complex at Kiwanis Park is expected to increase adult soft- ball numbers and the addition of a youth recreation specialist will enable the division to enhance youth programming. 2005 Programs and Services Instances Category Program Examples of Participation Adults Sports Basketball, volleyball, slow pitch softball leagues and tour- naments, co-rec programs 49,170 Youth Sports Youth baseball, tot shots, tiny tykes soccer, mini -hoops, sports, camps 5,273 TOTAL 54,443 The Community Recreation Program has traditionally provided educa- tional and leisure programs as an alternative to competitive athletics. In 1998 over 340 classes and activities were offered, with over 5,700 individual regis- trations and 65,246 instances of participation. Budgetary erosion of staffing level has drastically affected Parks and Recreation's ability to provide these services and Community Recreation has been reduced to primarily summer playgrounds and concerts. ADULT and YOUTH ATHLETICS COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 • Page 15 • Chapter 111 21 174411 gwd/11. GOLF COURSE SENIOR PROGRAMS 2005 Community Recreation Programs and Services Instances Program Examples of Participation Free, supervised summer play programs for youth (5 to 12), tennis lessons, self-improve- ment classes Category Playgrounds 1,917 Special Events TOTAL Summer concerts 2,675 4,592 Fisher fGoIf Course presents nine hales of afforriable par three golf m urban setting. Well -used, Fisher is open March through mid-November, de- pending on the weather, and has no tee time requirement. Nationally, golf attendance, in general, spiked in 1996 but has fallen off since then and atter- dance at Fisher has followed the pattern. Total recorded instances of partici- pation in 1999 were 33,221, twice the attendance recorded in 2005. 2005 Fisher Golf Course Programs and Services Instances Category Program Examples of Participation Rounds of golf Recreational golf/ all ages 8,520 Daily Specials Early bird specials 387 Lessons Lessons and clinics for begin- ners, intermediates, all ages 1,050 Passes Used Monthly or 20 -round 4,254 Special Programs Moonlight golf, employee golf 2,106 TOTAL 16,317 Yakima's senior activities moved to the Harman Center in May. 2004. The programs are numerous, varied and highly valued by the clientele. When recreation reductions were instituted in 1999, staunch vocal support from se - mors prevented cuts m semor programming and operations. i he Center is partially supported by revenues from its programs, especially the popular tours. The spacious new center has proven attractive to seniors and partici- pation swelled to 99,421 in 2005. Five years earlier it had totalled 61,315. 2004 Senior Programs and Services Category Social Service Programs Program Examples Blood pressure, footcare clinics, loan closet, lunch program, library, medication review, hearing screening Instances of Participation 23,057 Educational Classes Computer classes, ceramics, Chapter Ill 3 Page 16 e The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 quilting, driver refresher, fitness 25,286 Recreation/ Social Dances, potluck dinners, bridge 29,622 Drop -In Pool, social recreation 3,950 Clubs Dinner Club, TOPS, Golden Orator, Jam Session 13,073 Tours Day trips, week -end trips, out- of-state tours 1,652 TOTAL PARTICIPATION 70,831* * plus 20,143 volunteer hours or the equivalent of almost 10 full- time employees for special duties around Center 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 activities for youth including soccer, football, school dances and theatrical productions and, generally, its programs complement rather than compete with City pro- grams. The City of Selah offers year-round leisure activities to people of all ages. Selah's sports programs include basketball, soccer, aquatics and other activi- ties for youth and adults. Many of this community's sports programs take place at Carlon Park which has tennis courts, three softball fields and a base- ball stadium, While the City of Union Gap does not coordinate recreation or athletic programs, it does operate a summer day camp and a Senior Center with a full -range of crafts, movies, dances, games, tours, and other activities for se- niors. The State Fair Park 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 music con- certs. Other major events include the Vintiques, Fourth of July Celebration and Columbia River Circuit Rodeo and finals. The fairgrounds can accom- modate 70 food vendors, 400 commercial exhibits, 3,000 spectators in the grandstands and 8,000 m the Yakima County Stadium. Fully equipped with lighting, sound systems, dressing rooms, a stage and concession stands, the Sundome can provides a venue for a variety of events including high school graduations and major entertainment 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 OTHER PUBLIC RECREATION OPTIONS The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 , Pagel: e Chapter 111 THE ARTS of the Blues and All That Jazz concert in August and Earth Day activities. The visitor and member center with a gift shop was established at Sarg Hubbard Parkin 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 pub- lic, the Warehouse, as it is caked, is a renovated and remodelled fruit ware- house 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 including a family and middle school theater series, concert series, school and summer ArtsVan, gallery exhibits, weekend workshops, summer theater and arts. in 1999, Al- lied Arts added Adventures in Growth and Enrichment (AGE) for senior adults. The Capitol 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 presents a five - concert series each year.. Active over 130 days per year, the theater's annual attendance exceeds 85,000. The Larson Gallery on the campus of Yakima Valley Community College exhibits contemporary art by local, regional and national artists in a unique and spacious setting. The galley is free and open Tuesdays through Satur- days 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, the Children's Underground Hands -On Activity Center, a 1930's art deco soda fountain and a collection 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 Val- ley. A restored log cabin, a railroad exhibit and a trapper's cabin are among the 23 buildings on the 15 -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, blacksmith shop and stationary diesel engine collection. Chapter ill Page 18 The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 YMCA: Child care and early childhood 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, several meeting rooms and Camp Dudley Retreat Center in the Cascades. The YWCA is located next door to the YMCA and focuses its re- sources on support services for women and children including legal and cri- sis services. Yakima Athletic Club: A full-service fitness club with training rooms, racquetball courts, free weight areas, locker rooms, year-round swimming pool, sport courts, four tennis courts and refreshment bar. Little League: A non-profit baseball organization for youth ages eight through 17. Approximately 70 teams with a total of over 900 players annu- ally. The season runs from April through October 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 June through September and with division, depai tuient and regional championship games on Yakima Valley Connmunity College's Parker Field, Davis, Ilse and Lewis and Clark school fields. Greater Yakima Girls Softball Association: A non-profit girls fast pitch organization for girls up to 18 years of age. Games are played at Selah's Carlon Park and the season runs from May until the end of June with tournaments in early July. 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 junior highs. 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's, women's 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. Teams play throughout the spring and fall. Team Yakima: A competitive Yakima organization for volleyball enthu- siasts ten to 19 years old divided into developmental, competitive and elite CLUBS and ASSOCIATIONS The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 • Page 19 ' Chapter 11/ teams. Its team participants play winter and spring. Yakima Tennis Club: Offers ply tt and ,IUUp 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, and Halloween Family Night. Yakima Valley Community Tennis Club: An organization for people who love the sport of tennis for its own sake. Com rdtted to providing recreational tennis and quality instruction for all ages at an affordable price using the City's Kissel Park tennis courts. Endorsed by the USTA. Cascadians: Provides opportunities for safe and informed non -motor- ized outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, back -packing, 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 fitness riding, recreational rides and sanctified races. Mount Adams Bicycie Club: iPeueauoiato rgaiuzaioifor local cyclists of all ages. In addition to weekly bike rides, it sponsors half a dozen longer rides throughout the summer months. YAC Swimming: a non-profit swim team using the Yakima Athletic Club to provide competitive swiming instruction through competition for all ages (five through college) and abilities in a goal -oriented environment. Yakima Family YMCA Swim Team: Fast -paced, highly motivated and enthusiastic year-round swim team open to all swimmers. Qualified coaches with individualized attention. Yakima Valley Society of Artists: Valley artists join forces for demon- strations, Central Washington State Fair and Arboretum exhibits, awards ban- quet, 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 program for girls five through 17. Emphasizes character, conduct, patriotism and ser- vice. 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 resi- Chapter 111 Page 20 The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 dent camping, outdoor education, babysitting programs and drop-in pro- grams. 4-H Clubs; Educational, recreational and career exploration programs with an emphasis on citizenship and conservation. Activities include fair, con- tests, meetings and special activities. Memorial Hospital: Current programs include those with a safety and wellness focus for children of all ages, monthly forums and weekly 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 houses a complete cancer care unit with traditional and alternative options for treatment. Yakima Regional Medical Center: Offers community education classes in many areas. Topics include diabetes, home health, nutrition and rehabilitation. Bowling: The area has several bowling establishments: Eagle Lanes, Minda Lanes, Nob Hill Bowling and Valley Lanes. Gymnastics Plus: Year -around instruction to both children and adults in gymnastics and cheerleading. Health and Fitness: Various programs are available at Fitness by Gale, Gold's Gym, Curves, West Valley Fitness and Yakima Athletic Club. Martial Arts: Yakima has several commercial schools of martial arts includ- ing Kempf Tae Kwon Do, Pro -Action Martial Arts and Yakima School of Karate. Skating, roller: Skateland Fun Center has equipment rental, a beginner area, outdoor skate patio and full-sized rink. Skating, ice: Yakima Ice Arena has public and private sessions, hockey club, figure skating and broom ball. Open November to March. Suntides Golf Course (4 miles west of Yakima at 231 Pence Road): Pub- lic 18 -hole, par 70 golf course with cafe, pro shop, cart rentals, water hazards, driving range, putting course and lessons. Apple Tree Golf Course (8804 Occidental Avenue): Challenging public 18 -hole, par 72 golf course with restaurant, pro shop, driving range, sand bunker, 11,000 -square -foot putting green a_nd lessons. Ranked among the top ten courses in the Northwest. Westwood Golf Course (6408 Tieton Drive): Public 9 -hole, par 35 course with covered driving range, cart and club rentals. Open year round, weather permitting. HEALTH CARE AGENCIES COMMERCIAL RESOURCES PUBLIC GOLF COURSES The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 • Page 27 • Chapter 111 OTHER River Ridge Golf Course (295 Golf Course Loop, Selah): Public 9 -hole, par 31 course m nautral setting. Restaurant/ club house, pro shop, four -acre s_sr... and bride s club and cart rentals. Yakima Bears: Minor league baseball team established in 1990 and affili- ated 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 Association which brings NBA caliber action to the Sundor e 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. Yakima Reds: Affiliated with the U. S. Soccer sanctioned United Soccer Leagues, the Reds play in the Northwest Division of the Premier Develop- ment League. Their home field is at Marquette Stadium and their seasons runs from early May through July. 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 Cen- ter, the Yakima Valley Folklife Association, numerous garden clubs, the Horse- shoe Club, snowmobilers and the Volksport Club. Chapter ii{ e Page 22 ' The Foundation: An Inventory of Facilities in 2005 The Contractor: Parks and Recreation For many years Yakima's parks were owned and operated by the indepen- dent Metropolitan Park District, a municipal corporation with its own commis- sioners and funding levy. The district began operations in 1944 with these parks in its inventory: Milroy Park, Miller Park, Washington Park, Lions Park, Triangle Park, Owyhee (Cherry) Park, Naches Avenue Park, Tieton Terrace Park, Larson Park, Sixth Avenue from Pine Street south to Division, the triangle at 12th Avenue and Summitview, the triangle at South 2nd and South 3rd, and Firemen's Park at 6th and Chestnut. In December, 1969, however, when the Metropolitan Park District's source of funding became critically eroded, the district deeded its properties to the City of Yakima and dissolved. Assuming responsibility or the various parks, Yakima cre- ated the current Parks and Recreation Department with enactment of Ordinance No. 1184. The City's Municipal Code provides the following direction: "Under the supervision of the park and recreation manager, this division shall plan and implement parks and recreation programs and maintain and operate public facilities for use and enjoyment of the public. Specifically-, this division shall: a. Operate city swimming and aquatics programs; b. Conduct recreational programs and coordinate athletic events in the public parks and playgrounds; c. Operate the senior citizens center and its programs; d. Maintain all city parks, and the Naches Avenue Boulevard and central busi- ness district street trees; e. Maintain and operate Tahoma Cemetery; keep a correct record of all inter- ments 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 facilities; h. Perform such other services as may be required by law or by the director of public works." Ordinance 135 established the Park and Recreation Commission to advise the City Council, City Manager and Parks and Recreation Manager regarding the division's policies, plans and programs. Appointed by the City Council, the mem- bers serve six-year terms without compensation. City Ordinance 1368 increased the Commission's membership from five to seven in January, 1974. PARK COMMISSION The Contractor: Parks and Recreation Page 1 • Chapter IV PARKS and RECREATION PARK MAINTENANCE OPERATONS The Municipal Code provides the following direction for the Parks and Rec- reation Commission: "A. The commission generally shall serve in an advisory capacity to the city coun- cil, city manager and director of public works concerning formulation 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 section, the commission shall advise and assist the city council, city manager and direc- tor of public works in specific areas including, but not limited to, the follow- ing: 1. Reviewing of parlks and recreation budgets; 2. Promoting park and recreation programs to the community; 3. Setting standards for park maintenance; 4. Setting goals for short-term and long-term future of the city park system; 5. Serving as citizens' input concerning parks and recreation, generally; 6. Monitoring and evaluating the park system. Such duties shall be coordinated to assist the city in carrying out a program of recreation for the general welfare of the people of the city, and to assist the divi- sion 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 Depart- , me it have been divided and concentrated into two primary units: Park Mainte- nance Operations and Recreation Services. Working under the supervision of the Public Works Director, the Parks and Recreation Manager oversees these units and carries out the goals, objectives and policies set down by the City Council with recommendations from the Park and Rt'L1CQiiS'li Commission. 11. Improvement of park standards became a driving force for Park Maintenance Operations during the 1990's and, as standards improved, citizens came to ex- pect that level of service to be maintained. A combination of management poli- cies, on-going and planned maintenance and periodic renovation of grounds and structures ensured continued safe, attractive, well maintained facilities. In spite of 1999 city budget shortfalls, the City Council demonstrated its agreement with this operational priority by limiting, as much as possible, cutbacks during the budget process. While Maintenance suffered personnel losses from reductions of Cha iter iv m Page 2 = The Contractor: Parks and Recreation vacant positions, the supply and equipment portion of its budget was less seri- ously impacted as the division moved into the early years of the new millen- nium. The Park Operations Service Unit is responsible for the care and upkeep of 35 pieces of property including parks as small as a half an acre or as large as 40 as well as 16 blocks in the Central Business District, a reservoir site and a golf course. All told, Park Maintenance provides daily care and upkeep plus general park maintenance and repair for 273 acres of land as well as coordination of major park and facility construction. The assistance provided for the 66 -acre historic cemetery brings the total to 339 acres. The community's ever-increasing needs for recreation means a lot of wear and tear on the City's parks and facilities. Renovation has been identified as an important on-going need and has been incorporated into the park's development of maintenance management plans. Safety concerns, structural deficiencies, ap- pearance, functionality and resource conservation dictate the selection of projects. Play equipment, irrigation, swimming and wading pools, athletic courts and pic- nic facilities all meet the criteria. Demands on Park Maintenance Operations grew dramatically during the pe- riod between 1999 and 2004 as new projects abounded and were incorporated into the inventory of assets: • Twelve acres of turf with two new soccer fields, a skate park and additional parking were added at Chesterley Park. • The Powerhouse Canal Pathway grew by almost two miles. • A 16,000 -square -foot senior center with parking and landscaping were added at Gailleon Park. • Kissel Park's 17 acres were developed with a 12 -court tennis campus, pic- nic shelter, restroom, .6 -mile pathway and parking. • Kiwanis Park grew by over 10 acres that were then equipped with three modern, lighted baseball fields, a concession/ restroom building and park- ing for 300 cars. In early 2005, however, the City Council, attuned to the high costs of operat- ing aging, poorly attended swimming pools, voted to close three of the outdoor summer pools, leaving only year-round indoor Lions and popular outdoor Frank- lin Pools. After ownership of the last of the ballfields at Larson Park was trans- ferred to Yakima Valley Community College, that park dwindled from its origi- nal 15 -plus acres to 4.5. This changing inventory proved to be a challenging juggling act for Mainte- nance Operations whose crew totaled just over 15 FTE full-time equivalent em- ployees at the beginning of 2005 and whose duties included the operation and mainteance of 264 acres of parkland and 66 acres of historic cemetery. The Contractor: Parks and Recreation • Page 3 • Chapter /V RECREATION Creating the Parks and Recreation Department in 1969, the City Council di- rected the department to carry out a program of recreation for the general wel- fare of the people of the City. That program grew to include adult city leagues for basketball, volleyball, free summer playground programs at various City parks, youth sports and athletic, bilingual programs and a extensive list of leisure time activity classes and programs. After working diligently to develop the recreation and community enrich- ment section, the City of Yakima retrenched in 1999 when dwindling motor ve- hicle tax revenues curtailed a number of city services including Recreation. By 2005, changes in recreation continued. Although the aquatics section suf- fered a setback with the closing of three outdoor pools, many thought that event s ty , of new facilities such lt; would serve as a catalyst for development PSlt in�.1.iS1.lSG7 as a multi-fea- tured i�. i.i�ti- ca- tured aquatic center. Adult athletics experienced a resurgence as the Kiwanis Park ballfields opened and youth activities, limited primarily to youth baseball in the spring, after school programs during the school year and playgrounds in the summer, were expected to expand somewhat with the addition of a youth recre- ation speciahst to the staff. Reflecting national trends, Fisher Golf Course's gradu- ally declining attendance bounced back slightly in 2005 with the addition of spe- cial programing. Community enrichment services were already virtually elimi- nated as a result of staffing shortages but, on the other hand, participation swelled with the opening of the new Harman Center at Gailleon Park as new seniors joined the activities there and previous users increased their attendance. Chapter IV Page 4 - The Contractor: Parks and Re-creation Park and _ Recreation Commission Administrative Associate PARKS AND RECREATION ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE CITIZENS OF YAKIMA City Council City Manager Public Works Director Parks and Recreation Manager Park Superintendent Park Superintendent Park Maintenance Irrigation Mowing Central Business District Fisher Golf Course S.E. Center Pool Maintenance Rovers Arborist Major Repairs Park Reservations Cemetery Operations Aquatics Supervisor 1 Indoor Pool 1 Outdoor Pool Lessons Programs Recreation Supervisor Adults Sports Youth Sports Ballfield Maintenance Fisher Golf Course Programs Community Enrichment Harman Center Supervisor Senior Activities and Programs Volunteers The Contractor: Parks and Recreation s Page 5 Chapter IV The MISSION of the Yakima Parks and Recreation Division is to provide and promote community leisure, recreation and cultural opportunities for all citizens ofYakima. This is accomplished through a professional staff who provide recreation programs 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. 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 Comprehen- sive Plan, they allow us to measure our progress in the development and imple- mentation 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 commu- nity 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 communi- cation, it is important to understand the terms being utilized. Simply stated, the goal is both the starting and the finishing point — the future we envision that we want to build for tomorrow. To be effective, goals must be realistically achievable. Typically, they are long-range and remain unchanged throughout the active life of the comprehensive plan. They may, however, evolve and change over time in response 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 they are alone, objectives are solid contributions to the goal. They comprise specific measurable tasks to be completed and represent points at which operations are directed. Typically a goal is broken down into a number of objectives that are sequential in nature. When all objectives are accomplished the long range goal will have been achieved and "the house will be built." Defined as a course of action, policies are the building blocks — or the direc- tions that specify how an objective is to be met. Policies provide the details and guidance system for administrators and ensure consistent action throughout the department and the community GOALS and OBJECTIVES for 2006-2011 The Building Blocks; Goals and Objectives • Page 1 • Chapter V RECREATION cRifl r -cc Goals 1 objectives 1 1 P0l Cies 1 Pians 1 Action I Completion PRIMARY GOAL: To continue to provide active recreation programs which ,v`ooi-tlio loic_:ra tiro interactc and nPoric of the rnm,rn,n tll and nffar tha nnnnrt,- nity pr a wide variety of satisfaction for all citizens of Yakima, Objective: Enhance program opportunities and program quality within exist- ing recreation service Policy: Work cooperatively with local agencies, organizations and special interest groups to support recreation programs which enhance city recreation programs and services. Policy: �'nco:lrage recreation staff to keop ahreast of rerreatinn tranrlc by at- tending professional conferences and workshops as midget aiiows, Policy: Continually identify community interests and needs relating to rec- reation programs and services. Policy: Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and activities through the use of questionnaires, surveys and participant evaluation forms. Objective: Establish recreational programs and services that meet the needs of the City's special populations. Policy: Establish new programs to meet the changing and expanding needs of our older citizens and those with special needs. Policy: WvrC with the S.E. Community Center and Police tliuEtic League/ Miller Park Activity Center to establish recreational programs and services at those sites. Policy: Offer programs directly or by working cooperatively with the Ya- kima School District and other local agencies to provide a variety of activities for youth and teens with special emphasis on programs dur- ing after school hours and during summer months. Objective: Establish recreation programs to meet the needs and interests of the city's Hispanic population. Policy: Establish , coordinate and direct recreation programs for the City's Hispanic population. Policy: Establish and offer adult and youth special interest classes that are taught by bilingual individuals. Policy: Establish bilingual promotional materials to encourage the partici- pation of hispanic citizens in Parks and Recreation programs. Chapter V • Page 2 • The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives Objective: Establish realistic, achievable annual level of self-support for each of the recreation service units. Policy: Make adult recreation programs 100% self-supporting whenever possible but especially m the areas of sports and special interest classes. Policy: Set a goal of 80% self-support for combined programs and ser- vices for senior citizens. Policy: Set a goal of 50% self-support for the City's combined aquatic programs. Policy: Set a goal ofPolicy: Provide users easy access to park facilities and, when feasible, support to those offering special events. Policy: Encourage staff to become familiar with community programs and services in order to provide referrals and options to citizens. Objective: Develop an effective variety of resources to support city Parks and Recreation Services. Policy: Establish collaborations and sponsorships with community ser- vice 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 members of the community Policy: Develop opportunities for volunteer support of Parks and Rec- reation services and programs. Policy: Develop sponsorship programs such as ballfield signs and tee sponsors to provide program and facility enhancements. Policy: Develop scholarship programs for youth and low income fami- lies. Objective: Facilitate and support recreational services offered throughout the community by nonprofit groups, services agencies and/or faith -based organizations. Policy: Share professional and, when available, financial resources to enhance recreational services to the citizens of Yakima. Policy: Promote citizen access to community recreational services by acting as a clearing house and promoting those services. Policy: Create service delivery collaborations and partnerships with com- munity groups and agencies. Policy: Provide users easy access to park facilities and, when feasible, support to those offering special events. The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives • Page 3 • Chapter V PARK OPERATIONS Policy: Provide users easy access to park facilities and, when feasible, sup- port to those offering special events. Policy: Encourage staff to become familiar with community programs and services in order to provide referrals and options to citizens. Objective: Support efforts to promote tourism relating to Parks and Recre- ation. Policy: Work with the Sports Comlriission to offer sporting tournaments and events at city park facilities. Policy: Provide professional management, services and, when available, fi- nancial resources to support tourism activity. This may also include promotion, marketing, registrations and concessions. Policy: Explore options for networking to provide community events includ- ing the establishment of a Special Events Coordinator. PRIMARY GOALS: To maintain existing parks and recreation facilities 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 current and fu- ture demands and needs of both individual city neighborhoods and the commu- nity at large. Establish and implement a long-range plan for the development of parks, open space, green belts and pathways within the City of Yakima and the greater urban growth area. Objective: Adequately fund the annual maintenance and operation require- ments of park services. Policy: Establish acceptable levels of maintenance 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 develop- ment through both public and private grant funding. Policy: Examine feasibility and appropriateness of privatizing certain main- tenance functions. 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. Policy: Explore feasibility of cooperative maintenance agreements with Ya - Chapter V • Page 4 • The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives kima School District and other appropriate agencies to provide ser- vice when parks are located adjacent to schools. Policy: Develop program for volunteer support for beautification projects. 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, federal and others grants. Policy: Promote private, public and non-profit partnerships for capital im- provements to parks whenever possible. Objective: Enhance the visual image and public appreciation of city parks, recreation facilities and the downtown Central Business District (CBD) by making them cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing. Policy: Continually evaluate the effectiveness of park employees and pr grams to ensure the consistent delivery of quality services. Policy: Provide on-going training for parks employees that relates to main- tenance and landscaping practices, proper use of equipment and re- pair and upkeep of park facilities. Policy: Continually upgrade the downtown planting areas and encourage the participation of local businesses, civic groups and schools m the care and upkeep of the CBD. Policy: Implement and/ or work with allied groups to implement programs to provide development, upgrading and maintenance 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, the CBD and rights-of- way. Objective: Expand the presence of art throughout the community, particularly in public spaces and parks to enhance the community and its qual- ity of life. Policy: Foster relationships with local arts organizations such as Allied Arts to encourage the addition of art to public spaces and parks. The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives • Page 5 • Chapter V Policy: Seek innovative and strategic approaches to expand public art. Policy: Encourage diversity of high quality of public art that includes a vari- ety of materials, styles, approaches and artists. Policy: Encourage responsible stewardship for public art to assure proper maintenance and oversight. Objective: Develop/construct new neighborhood parks within the City using property currently owned by the City. Policy: Work closely with neighborhoodpresidents to insure park develop- ment in their area reflects their needs and interests. Policy: Include construction costs for owned but undeveloped park prop- erty in any future city Parks Bond Issue. Policy: Apply for state and federal grants to help with overall funding of new park construction. Objective: Establish a priority for future land acquisition and park develop- ment 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 acquisitions_ Policy: Review the City and its neighborhoods and identify needs according to that standard. Policy: Meet with local neighborhood associations and residents to identify their needs and interests. Policy: Consider existing school facilities and grounds and their current use by the public in future land acquisition and park development. Policy: Consider safe pedestrian and bicycle access in future land acquisi- tion 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 acquisition and development of future park property whenever possible. Policy: Establish a Parks Fund dedicated 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 planning for future development of city parks and green spaces. Chapter V • Page 6 • The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives Objective: Create a unique and positive image for the City through establish- ment and development of green belts and pathways within the City of Yakima. Policy: Continue to cooperate and, when possible, share resources to develop and expand 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 Trans- portation (YVT) corridors for pathways. Policy: Develop interpretive signage, trailheads and connections to pathways and trails extending beyond the urban area. Policy: Ensure that bikeways and pedestrian pathways are made a consider- ation in surface transportation planning for the City of Yakima. Policy: Establish landscaping standards for implementation along major city streets, arterials and city pathways and at urban gateways that is com- patible with area uses and maintainable by existing city resources. Policy: Incorporate, whenever possible, greenbelts and pathways into all fu- ture residential, commercial and industrial developments and keep these trails, as much as possible, separate from streets and arterials. Objective: Develop innovative approaches to creating new park facilities. Policy: Promote private, public and private non-profit partnerships for capi- tal improvements to parks. Policy: Encourage creation of a centrally located outdoor performing arts stage or facility through a public, private and/ or business partner- ship. Policy: Encourage development of non-traditional recreation venues includ- ing a white water park, BMX track, skate parks and other facilities for emerging sports and activities. 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. Policy; Establish level of service standards for city park properties to pro- vide guidelines for their appropriate use by the public and for special events. The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives • Page 7 • Chapter V 1 TAHOMA CEMETERY Objective: Create and implement a long-range plan and program for the pres- ervation of prime open 3puLe aie4-i3 in Ut adjacent IJ the City oI Yakima. Policy: Support continued expansion of the Yakima Greenway. Policy: Support the fostering of a strong relationship between the Greenway and abutting city neighborhoods. Policy: Advocate incorporation of greenbelts into future residential, com- mercial, and industrial development to miniinize the impacts of lo- cating less than incompatible land uses next to one another. Policy: Preserve open space through means other than ownership, such as transfer of development rights, tax obligation relief and land dona- tions to non-profit open space preservation organizations. Objective: Continually work 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 equipment and materials including those designed to facilitate use by citizens with special needs. Policy: Establish and implement a set of best practices for pesticide and her- bicide programs to insure protection of workers, citizens and the en- vironment. Policy: Establish and implement standards for lighting in parks and along pathways. Policy: Establish and implement standards for upgrading and replacement 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 fixture of the cemetery for perpetuity. Objective: Provide appropriate maintenance and operations to meet the needs of Tahoma Cemetery. Chapter V • Page 8 • The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives Objective: Adequately fund the Cemetery's maintenance operations. Policy: Improve operational efficiency. Policy: Reduce dependence upon the Parks and Recreation subsidy. Policy: Implement revenue options to improve the Cemetery's revenue stream. Objective: Enhance and preserve the historical importance of Tahoma Cem- etery. Policy: Maintain the cemetery in a manner that protects the cemetery's his- torical nature. Policy: Ensure preservation of the cemetery's historical value is addressed in the development of operations and maintenance standards. Policy: Develop improved service for the public in the areas of historical and genealogical research. PRIMARY GOAL: To offer professional administrative services to the citizens 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: Stay abreast of developments, changes and advances in park mainte- nance and operations. Policy: Anticipate and prepare for future staffing needs that may arise due to retirements, budget and other changes. Objective: Establish a process for annual review and update of division goals, objectives and policies. Policy: Annually draft service unit goals, objectives and policies for recre- ation 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 The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives • Page 9 • Chapter V Objective: Provide and develop an effective community and public relations program., Policy: Implement a program to educate the community about the benefits of parks and leisure service. 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 agencies and program providers whenever possible. PPolicy: Address citizen concerns I a timely manner. olicy: �uulr.uu ... 1oliv• Promote Parks and Recreation Division accomplishments. Objective: Develop marketing policies and practices to solidify and enhance agency identity. Policy: Create recognizable agency brand/ identity. Policy: Establish promotional practices that are consistent and supportive of agency mission. Objective: Seek and develop additional sources of funding and support for park and program development and delivery. P ohcy: Examine feasibility of Metropolitan Park C Distn Policy: Explore establishment of a Parks Foundation. Policy: Continue to identify and apply for appropriate private and public grants. Policy: Explore and develop underwriting partnerships with the private sec- tor and with service organizations. Policy: Develop an advertising program for itnplementation in park facili- ties. Policy: Develop practices that seek sponsorships, donation and financial sup- port for Parks and Recreation. Policy: Continue to develop operational efficiencies to reduce dependence on tax support for services. Objective: Establish a volunteer corps to assist Parks and Recreation in ser- vice delivery. Policy: Develop, coordinate and direct a comprehensive volunteer program. Policy: Recruit and retain volunteers wherever possible for assistance m park and recreation operations and programs. Chapter V • Page 10 • The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives Policy: Provide opportunities for citizens to support parks and recreation services through volunteerism. PRIMARY GOAL. AND OBJECTIVE: To advise the City Council, City Manager and Director of Public Works regarding formulation of policy and plans for de- velopment, management and operations of the City's Parks and Recreation Pro- gram. Policy: Annually review budgets, programs and services. Policy: Assist in establishment of standards for park maintenance. Policy: Monitor and evaluate the park system. 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: Endorse Commission membership that is representative of the com- munity. Long-range objectives present a special challenge from the standpoint of fi- nancing because municipal funding cycles typically run in increments of one to two years. Recognizing the uncertainty and the limitations that short-term bud- gets 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 unprepared to take advantage of opportunities when they become available. Aquatic Center • Establish task force to lead feasibility study of an aquatic center. • Draft design and development options • Identify funding options. Fisher Golf Course • Upgrade course • Increase parking • Replace the clubhouse • Improve golf and ancillary activities. PARKS and RECREATION COMMISSION LONG RANGE OBJECTIVES FACILITIES The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives • Page 11 • Chapter V Indoor Ice Skating Facility • Local demand for a newer and larger facility. •J • 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 (Franklin or Randall Parks) require expan- sion of parking facilities. City Community Centers • Designed to meet the recreational needs of the City's various neighborhoods including those in northeast, north central, west and south central Yakima. • Bring recreational opportunities within the reach of less mobile citizens in- cluding youth and seniors. • Coin to house 't. b. .a in addi- tion to providing recreation opportunities. Develop New Mini -Parks • Size: up to three acres. • Locations throughout the city but particularly in areas where population den- sity is the greatest. Develop New Neighborhood Parks • Minimum size: three acres. Recommendation: three to five acres. • Locations north central: south central, northeast and west Yakima. Develop New Community Parks • Size: 20 acres or more. • Potential locations: west of 40th Avenue, south of Nob Hill, Terrace Heights, north of Barge -Lincoln School, south of Washington Avenue Bike and Walking Pathways Abandoned Yakima Valley Transportation (YVT) corridors, as well as recently covered irrigation canals, provide a natural system for development of pathways throughout the City with the following objectives: Chapter V • Page 12 • the Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives • 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. • Connecting with trails and pathways that extend beyond the urban growth area Refurbishment of Existing City Parks • Kiwanis Park: completion of the Gateway Complex, redevelopment of older Upper Kiwanis and construction of youth baseball fields. • Gardner Park: development of girls' fastpitch complex. • Randall Park: expand south towards Washington Avenue, add second rest- I MOM. • Lions Park: improve parking. • Elks Park: improve parking and upgrade ballfields. • Renovation or replacement of aging restrooms throughout the system 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 activities. • Late night organized team sports play. • Summer playgrounds in each city neighborhood. • Neighborhood -based recreation centers utilizing school facilities. • Conununity special events organized around local, regional and national cel- ebrations 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 pro- gram targeted towards city parks, open space and green belt. 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 nursery and greenhouse for plant and tree propaga- tion. SERVICES The Building Blocks: Goals and Objectives • Page 13 • Chapter V Existing Inventory and Recommendations for the Future This chapter provides an inventory of public recreation facilities in each of the planning areas along with basic demographic information describing the resi- dents. Population estimates for 2025 are based on an estimated intermediate growth projection of 13 percent provided by the City of Yakima urban area planning project. Planned capital improvements referred to throughout this section are revolv- ing capital improvement plans updated annually by staff to respond to needs that arise and to include special projects and improvements. Responses to the survey mailed out for the purposes of this plan provide some general direction for the future (Chapter VII). Participants indicated gen- eral preferences for the following: • Additional parks west of 40th Avenue. • Parks within one-half to one mile of each Yakima resident. • Small neighborhood parks (three to ten acres). • Green belts and pathways. • An aquatic center/ water park and trails/ pathways, equally. • Amenities such as new restrooms, a concert shell/ band stage, picnic shelters, trees and park lighting. The Parks and Recreation Commission also identified a number of priorities to guide future park development (Chapter TV/ Appendix E). With reference to park and open green space, the Commissioners considered the following impor- tant in future park facility operations: • Repair and maintenance of existing facilities, • Acquisition and development of new property. • Development of "brick -and -mortar" facilities. • Development of pathways and bike lanes. • Development of nontraditional sports parks. Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Page 1 a Chapter VI NOTE: Numbers in parentheses on the diagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses fisted in the Public Recreation Facility on the adacentpOge, Planning Area #1 north '7 Jto {1) PLANNING r AREA #1 (2) 700 acres i 037 housing units N 1.3 housing units/acre (3) i Mead\ General nature of the area: Commercial (Central Business District) DensitJ Population Year Population (persons per acre) Change 1990 2,430 3.2 2000 2,822 3.9 + 16% 2025 3,189 Al + 13% 2000 Census Data Age Family Income Education 0-9 14.4% Less than $9,999 35.0% Less than 10th grade 29.5% 10-19 1t7% $10,000-14,999 21.3% 10th -12th, no diploma 21.6% 20-29 24.2% $15,000-24,999 25.3% High School Graduate 25.0% 30-39 20.4% $25,000-34,999 7.9% Some College 20.8% 40-49 12,3% 35,000-49,999 6.3% Associate Degree 1.6% 50-59 6.5% $50,000-74,999 4.2% Bachelor Degree 1.0% 60-69 3.5% $75,000-99,999 0.0% Graduate/Professional .5% 70-79 2.8% $100,000 or more 0.0% 80 + 4.2% Chapter VI o Page 2 Design Clements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreation Facility Inventory Park Facilities: Naches Parkway (1) (five of the Parkway's 15 islands) • Tree -lined parkway • Park benches/ tables Yakima Avenue and 2nd Street (2) (.30 acre) • Turf with crosswalks (temporary park) South 2nd Street Park (3) (.52 acre) • Picnic tables • Grill Community Facilities: Capitol Theatre • Year-round performing arts program Season Music Festival • Year-round performing arts venue Millennium Plaza • Fountains, trees and artistic displays Future Needs: • Continue Naches Parkway tree replanting program. • Install additional park benches in parkway. • Develop and maintain flower beds in the parkway. • Repair Naches Avenue Parkway sidewalks as needed. • Develop permanent Central Business District park. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcility Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the dlagram/map on The preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 3 • Chapter VI Planning Area #2 NOTE: Numbers In parentheses on the diagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation Facility on the adjacent page, F y,' PLANNING AREA #2 north 560 acres 1816 housing units 3.2 housng units/acre + 4. Gen General nature of the area: Residential/ CBD Support/ Professional Office/ industrial Year Population Density (pertarrs per acre) Population Change �nnn 1771/ 4,217 7.5 2000 5374 9.6 +27 % 2025 6,073 10.8 + 13% 2000 Census Data Age Family Income Education 0-9 22.8% 10-19 17.4% 20-29 17.1% 30-39 14.5% 40-49 10.3% 50-59 7.0% 60-69 5.3% 70-79 3.1% 80 + 2.5% Less than $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 18.7% 17.2% 23.2% 18.5% 10.7% 5.6% 1.1% 5.0% Less than 10th grade 10th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/ Professional 36,4% 11.6% 26,9,E 15.3% 3.2% 4.5% 2.0% Chapter VI Page 4 * Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreation Facility Inventory Park Facilities Miller Park (1) (3.46 acres) • Playground • Gazebo • Picnic tables • Horseshoe pits • Parking Ivliiler Park Activity Center (1) • Multipurpose facility for Farmworkers Clinic and the Police Athletic League. Naches Parkway (2) (five of the 15 islands) • Tree -lined parkway • Picnic tables/ benches School Facilities • Outdoor basketball courts (4) • Volleyball sand pit • Grills • Bocce ball court • Water playground (2006) Barge -Lincoln Elementary School • Outdoor basketball court • Indoor volley/ basketball court • Two multi-purpose fields Future Needs • Soccer field • Gymnasium • Construct water/ spray playground Miller Park (2006). • Make planned improvements to Miller Park. • Develop Powerhouse Canal Pathway/ Naches Avenue connector us- ing irrigation rights-of-way. • Continue Naches Parkway tree replanting. • Repair Naches Avenue Parkway sidewalks as needed. • Acquire and develop a five- to ten -acre neighborhood park, Recom- mended amenities: youth sports field and playground. Note: Acquisition of a five- to ten -acre site in this arca may be difficult as the area is both commercially and residentially dense. Alternatively, a number of smaller parcels could be acquired separately for use as mini -parks throughout the neigh- borhood 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 lo- cated 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. Fur- ther 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 residen- tial property in the future. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcility Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the diagram/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires * Page 5 • Chapter VI NOTE: Numbers in parentheses on the dlagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Pub/lc Recreation Facility on the adjacent page, Planning Area #3 iNaches River PLANNING AREA #3 907 acres 2,146 housing units 2.4 housing units/acre 4-1 0 se En Iewood Ave. JO 43) Fruitvale Blvd. north General nature of the area: light industrial/ multi -family residential. Year 1990 2000 2025 Population 2,903 cin; 4,413 Density (persons per acre) 3.2 4.3 4.9 2000 Census Data Population Change + 13% Age Family income 0-9 12.6% 10-19 8.9% 20-29 15.1% 30-39 11.3% 40-49 9.8% 5U-59 11.0% 60-69 9.1% 70-79 10.8% 80 + 11.4% Less than $9,999 $10,000-14,999 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 35,000-49,999 ern'nnn r-7,4 non Jil.,u'v $75,000-99,999 $100,000 or more 10.2% 7.6% 13.710 28.0% 15.5% 13.5% 4.7% 6.6% Education Less than 10th grade 10th -12th, no diploma nigh School Gradu= to Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/ Professional Chapter VI Page 6 4 Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires 22.7% 12.8% 26,0x,;%, 21.9% 3.1% 7.1% 6.5% Public Recreational Facility Inventory Chesterley Park (I) (31.2 acres) • Six soccer fields • Picnic shelter • Playground • Pathway • Restroom/ storage building Powerhouse Canal Pathway (2) (3. • Asphalt pathway (.6 mile) Elks Memorial Park (3) • Six youth baseball fields • 26 horseshoe pits • Play equipment • Tether ball pole • Parking/ paved and unpaved School Facilities EPIC Note: When EPIC purchased the Castlevale School building from Yakima School District, the district retained ownership of the surrounding open space and playing fields. • Four baseball fields which double as soccer practice field Discovery Lab School (Yakima School District) Future Needs • Purchase additional property adjacent to Elks Park to support Yakima National Little League's growing needs for fields. • Acquire and develop a neighborhood park north of Englewood Av- enue and east of 40th Avenue. Recommended amenities: playground, picnic area, walking path and restroom. Note: Development in this area warrants development of a new neighborhood park. Proximity to Chesterley Park with its multiple amenities would allow this park to remain relatively passive in nature. • Construction of tennis courts atop the Englewood Reservoir. The reser- voir was originally designed 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 neigh- borhood park at the former Castlevale School site. • Expand Chesterley skate park. • Replace restroom at Elks Park. • Develop connectors to area trail systems including the Greenway. • Make planned improvements to Chesterley and Elks Parks. • Skate park • Picnic tables • Grills • Parking 1 acres) • Park benches • Restroom • Picnic shelter • Picnic tables • Grills NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAclllty Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed In the diagram/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires a Page 7 + Chapter VI NOTE. Numbers in parentheses on the diagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation Facility on the adjacent page, Planning Area #4 North 661:h Ave. Summftview Ave. PLANN?NG AREA #4 2,444 acres 2,848 housing units 1.2 housing units/acre i�)yr (21•` North 40th Abe. General nature of the area: suburban/ one- and two-family residential. Year Population Density (persons per acre) Population Change 1990 6,354 2.6 2000 6,543 2.7 2025 7,394 3.0 + 13% 2000 Census Data Age Family Income Education 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80 + 9.1% 14.3% 6.8% 9.1% 14.9% 18.6% 10.7% 10.1% 6.4% Less than $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 1.9% 1.0% 4.9% 7.7% 12.8% 26.8% 16.6% 28.0% Less than 10th grade 10th -12th, no diploma Hiatt School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/ Professional 4.0% 4.5% 21.3% 27.7% 6.0% 21.4% 15.2% Chapter firi Page 8 ° Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreational Facility Inventory: Gilbert Park (1) (11.62 acres) • Open space • Labyrinth • Picnic tables • Parking North 44th Avenue Parkway (2) (,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 neighborhood or community park. Rec- ommended facilities: sports fields/ courts. • 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. It will be important to acquire property for future green space or park land before appropriate locations are con- sumed by development. • Repair 44th Avenue Parkway. • Develop pathway connectors to area trails including the Power- house Canal Pathway and the Cowiche Canyon Trail, particularly in the 40th and Fruitvale area. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAciilty Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the diagram/map on the preceeding page Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires = Page 9 • Chapter vi NOTE: Numbers in parentheses an the diagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation Facility on The adjacont page, Planning Area #5 4 north I� 10 Englewood Curmitv1ew Fruitvale `���/e, t.t7!lI(1) ly► i17/1Ni71t11t\U\1111 43 Crs y '4) 1 riI 1 I PLANNING AREA #5 437 acres 2,103 housing units 4.8 housing units/acre General nature of area: single-family and multi -family residential. Year Population Density f e -sons per acre) Population Change 1990 4,943 11.3 2000 +1% 2025 5,662 13.0 + 13% 2000 Census Data Age Family Income Education 0-9 13.8% Less than $9,999 10-19 12.1% $10,000-14,999 20-29 11.1% $15,000-24,999 30-39 12.6% $25,000-34,999 40-49 12.4% 35,000-49,999 50-59 9.2% $50,000-74,999 60-69 6.2% $75,000-99,999 70-79 8.2% $100,000 or more 7.5% 80 + 14.4% 5.4% 1.9% 15.5% 16.0% 20.8% 22.7% 10.0% Less than 10th grade 10th -12th, no diploma 1-Iigh School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/ Professional 8.9% 11.5% 28.2% 22.2% 6.9% 14.9% 7.4% Chapter VI = Page 1^ 9 Design dements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreational Facility Inventory • Powerhouse Canal Pathway (1) 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 • 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 cooperatively with the Yakima School District to enhance use of Robertson Elementary School prop- erty 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. • Landscape Canal Pathway between 16th and 20th Avenues. • Powerhouse Canal Pathway connector between 24th and Loth on Lincoln Avenues and to Greenway at Berglund Lake. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcilify Inventory correspond with numbers In parentheses listed in the diagram/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements:: Community Needs and Desires a Page 11 ° Chapter er VI NOTE: Numbers in parenthFses on the diagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recmation Facility on the adjacent page Planning Area #6 PLANNING AREA #6 I East I 1 Fruitvale Blvd. 234 acres 2) ail IL 2,116 housing units 9.0 housing units/acre .,(3) SummiivieW north General nature of area: dense single-family and multi -family residential. Year Population Density (persons per acre) Population Change 1990 4,958 21.2 2000 6,485 27.7 +31% 2025 7,3328 31.3 + 13% 2000 Census Data Age Family Income Education 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80 + 26.0% 18.2% 19.0% 15.1% 8.9% 5.9% 3.3% 1.9% 1.5% Less than $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 18A% 11.5% 26.8% 23.7% 13.2% 0.9% 0.8% Less than 10th grade 10th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate / Professional 463;% 12.8% 24.6% 10.3% 2.5% 3.1% .5% Chapter 0 a Page 12 s Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreational Facility Inventory Milroy Park (1) (3.36 acres) • Playground • Horseshoe pits • Picnic tables • Restrooms McGuinness Park (2) (1.91 acres) • Picnic shelter • Playground equipment • Basketball court Cherry Park (3) (.44 acres) • Playground equipment • Grill Powerhouse Canal Pathway (2) Walter Ortman Parkway (2) (.70 acre) • Picnic table School Facilities Garfield Elementary • Outdoor basketball court • Two t -ball fields Future Needs • Volleyball court • Tether ball pole • Grills • Parking • Picnic tables • Grills • Park benches • Picnic tables • Two multi -use play fields • Gymnasium • 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 accom- plished through the purchase and development of small residential lots. In addition, 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 option is for the City and the School District to work cooperatively to acquire property adjacent to the school for development of a school/ park play field. • Complete Powerhouse Canal Pathway through McGuinness Park and the Walter Ortman Parkway to 6th Avenue. • Construct new restroom at Milroy Park. • Make planned improvements to Milroy, McGuinness and Cherry Parks and the Walter Ortman Parkway. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcility Inventory correspond with numbers In parentheses listed in the diagram/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires = Page 13 • Chapter VI Planning Area #7 NOTE: Numbers in parentheses on the diagram/map correspond with !tams with numbers in parentheses listed in the Pubic Recreation Facility on the adjacent page, (7) Summitview Yakima like; • (3)wi..ANNiNv AREA #7 N tt {5) 391 acres`6;(15 2,862 housing units 7.3 housing units/acre7 rte Nob Hill Blvd. north X 0 i General nature of the area: residential, central and business district support with professional offices. Year 1990 2000 Population Density (persons per acre) Population Change 6,447 16.5 6,684 17.1 + 25% 2025 7,553 19.3 + 13% 2000 Census Data Age Family Income Education 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40_.19 50-59 60-69 70-79 80 + 18.8% 15.3% 17.3% 14.8% 13.54 S0/ 7.6% 5.0% 4.7% 4.2% Less than $9,999 $10,000-14,999 $15,000-24,999 $25,000-34,999 q5,000-49,999 $50,000-74,999 $75,000-99,999 $100,000 or more 12.5% 8.7% 16.1% 13.9% 21 .4(-,;". 16.7% 6.4% 4.2% Less than 10th grade 10.IL-1.2t1C, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/ Professional 19.5% 11.1% 31.1% 21.2% 5.1% 7.9% 3.7% Chapter 14 = Page 14 • Design Elements: Comrnunity Needs and Desires Public Recreational Facility Inventory Larson Park (1) (4.4 acres) • Picnic Shelter • Playground • Picnic tables • Grills • Horseshoe pits • Restrooms • Parking Lions Park (2) (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 (4) (2.35 acres) • Playground • Picnic tables • Grill Rosalma Park (5) (.52 acre) • Park benches South 6th Avenue Parkway (6) (.17 acre) • No facilities Summitview Park (7) (.76 acre) • Park benches • Picnic tables 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) • Dunbar Field (girls fastpitch) • Weight room • Wrestling room • Three indoor volleyball/basketball courts • Fitness facility • Softball field Future Needs • Make planned capital improvements to Lions and Raymond Parks. • Make a major update to Lions Pool. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcility Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses Ilsted in the diagram/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires ' Page 15 ' Chapter VI NOTE Numbers in parentheses an the diagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation Facility on the adjacent page, Planning Area #8 Summitview north PLANNING AREA #8 416 acres 1,97 housing units 4.8 housing units/acre (2) Tifton {fir General nature of the area: single family residential. Year Population Density (persons per acre) Population Change 1990 4,822 11.6 2000 4,614 11.1 -4% 2025 5,214 12.5 + 13% 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80 + 10.8% 14.3% 9.4% 12,5% 16.1% 13.2% 7.9% 9.9% 5.8% Fn,mily Tnv(trn' Less than $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 1.7% 1.8% 5.2% 8,8% 16.8% 29.6% 6.4% 4.2% Fduoatioin Less than 10th grade 10th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/ Professional 4.3% 4.3% 20.0% 2.5.2% 7.2% 23.6% 15.5% Chapter VI s Page 16 = Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreational Facility Inventory Franklin Park (1) (17.66 acres) • Outdoor pool with waterslide • Six tennis courts • Playground • Pathway • Parking lot Tieton Terrace Park (2) (.42 acres) • Small play equipment School Facilities Roosevelt Elementary School • Two t -ball fields • Picnic Shelter • Picnic tables • Grills • Restrooms • Picnic table • Playground • Outdoor basketball court • Two multi-purpose fields • Gymnasium: indoor volley/basketball court Franklin Middle School • Baseball field • Track • Football/ soccer field • One t -ball field • Three outdoor basketball courts • Gymnasium: two basketball/ four volleyball Future Needs • Make planned capital improvements to Franklin and Tieton Terrace Parks and Franklin Pool. • Acquire land west of 32nd Avenue between Summitview and Tieton Avenues for open green space or park development. 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 in Planning Area #10 on the south, warrants establish- ment of additional parks in this area. There is little vacant property in this area so it is unlikely any new parks will be large. With that in mind Parks and Rec- reation will need to weigh the need for park Iand in this area against the costs of maintaining small neighborhood or mini -parks. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcillty inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the diagram/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 17 = Chapter VI NOTE: Numbers in parentheses on The dlagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed /n the Public Recreation Facility on the adjacent page, Planning Area #9 north PLANNING AREA #9 Nob Hill 1,935 acres 4,303 housing units 2.2 housing units/acre -(2) A co Summitview 1) Congdon Property ss Washington Avenue General nature of area: largely single-family residential/ agricultural Density Population Year Population (persons per acre) Change 1990 7,935 4.1 2000 10,560 5.5 + 33% 2025 11,933 6.2 + 13% 2000 Census Data Age Family Income Education 0-9 15.0% Less than $9,999 3.8% Less than 10th grade 3.8% 10-19 14.7% $10,000-14,999 2.4% 10th -12th, no diploma 6.3% 20-29 11.0% $15,000-24,999 9.8% High School Graduate 26.S% 30-39 13.7% $25,000-34,999 12.9% Some College 30.1% 40-49 14.8% 35,000-49,999 20.6% Associate Degree 8.9% 50-59 12.1% $50,000-74,999 29.1% Bachelor Degree 16.8% 60-69 7.5% $75,000-99,999 9.2% Graduate/ Professional 7.1 % 70-79 6.9% $100,000 or more 11.8% 80+ 4.1% Chapter VI ' Page 18 a Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreational Facility Inventory Gailleon Park (1) (3.5 acres) • Harman Center West Valley Community Park • Two tennis courts • One soccer field • Two playgrounds • Outdoor living classroom trail • Parking (county park - 26.2 acres) • Picnic areas • Restroom • Horseshoe pits • Unpaved parking School Facilities Summitview Elementary School • Soccer field • Large play field Wide Hollow Elementary School • Soccer field •Gymnasium • Playground • Gymnasium • Two multi-purpose fields • Outdoor basketball court West Valley Middle School/junior High • Baseball field • Softball field • Two gymnasiums • Football field • Numerous outdoor basketball hoops Apple Valley Elementary School • Outdoor basketball court • Gymnasium Holy Family Parish • Marquette soccer stadium • Baseball field • Two multi -use play fields • Playground • Gymnasium: indoor volley/basketball court NOTE: These sports facilities are not available for general public use. Future Needs • Make planned improvements to Harman Center and Gailleon Park. • Acquire additional land for open green space and park development. Note: At an open house in April, 2005, Yakima County Planners met with West Valley residents to discuss future development in the area. In addition to mo- bility and housing, discussion centered on the need to set aside or provide prop- erty that would eventually be available for public park use. The considerable and rapid development of this rural area creates an urgency for property ac- quisition before suitable land becomes unavailable. Citizens responding to this plan's survey (Chapter VII) also indicated development of open green space and parks west of 40th Avenue was an important priority for the future. • Acquire rights-of-way for frail and pathway development and connec- tions. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed In the Public Recreation FAciity Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the diagram/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 19 • Chapter VI NOTE: Numbers in parentheses on the diugrarn/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Rublic Recreation Facility on The adjacent page, Planning Area #10 north d OD Tiatnn flr PLANNING AREA #10 396 acres (1) 2,535 housing acres 6.4 housing acres/acre (2) Nob Hill Blvd. General nature of area: largely single-family residential. Year Population Density (persons per acre) 1. upulation Change 14.6 14.5 -1% Age 2000 Census Data Family income n 'In (yr!U 7 Gv.0/o 10-19 14.8% 20-29 17.2% 30-39 14.4% 40-d9 11,6% 50-59 8.3% 60-69 5.5% 70-79 5.4% 80 + 3.7% t,�Ila, Liss $9,999 $10,000-14,999 9,9 - $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 4,8% 2.5% 18.1% 16.7 20.3% 19.0% 7.2% 11.3% Education Less than 10th grade 10th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/ Professional 5.3% 7.9% 27.1% 29.3% 6.6% 15.6 8.3% Chapter VI image 20 9 Design < €,emerts: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreational Facility Inventory Eisenhower Park (1) - • Six to Deeded back to School Districtcommissioned pool Fisher Golf Course (2) (18.2 acres) • Nine -holes of golf • Starter/ club house School Facilities Nob Hill Elementary • Four t -ball fields • Two multi -use fields • 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 property for open green space or park development. 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 six tennis courts, there are no parks or public open green spaces in this urban- ized area although there is considerable open school property concentrated near 40th between Tieton and Nob Hill. Absence of vacant land, however, will limit sizable park development. • Upgrade Fisher Golf Course with planned improvements • Repair Eisenhower tennis courts. • 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 ad- ditional parking, golf instruction classes and a larger club house. A large club house would, in turn, provide opportunity for an expanded resale revenue from both golf merchandise and food service. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcility Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the diagram/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires 0 Page 21 • Chapter VI NOTE: Numbers In parentheses on the diagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation Facility on the adjacent page: Planning Area #1 7 411. north CD 4 17. CO 71- 11(.(1) r - (1) Washington Nob Hill Blvd. ilk (2) v PLANNING AREA #11 (4 1,728 acres 2,597 housing units 1.5 housing units; acre Airport General nature of area: single-family and two-family residential and light industrial. Includes Yakima Airport. Year Population Density (persons per acre) Population Change 1990 5,874 3.4 2000 6,418 3.7 + 9% 2025 7,252 4.3 + 13% 2000 Census Data Age a r-. ,i a u<aii;i aaiviisi Patio 0-9 13.5% 10-19 15.1% 20-29 12.4% 30-39 13.6% 40-49 15.1% 50-59 11.5% 60-69 7.7% 70-79 6.7% 80 + 4.3% Less than $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 4.0% 2.6% 8.7% 12.3% 22.9%,r 33.1% 9.1% 7.3% Less than 10th grade 10th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/ Professional 8.8% 7.4% 30.4% 25.4% 7.9 13.0% 7.1% Chapter VI a Page 22 Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreational Facility Inventory Randall Park (1) (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 Fairbrook Park (2) • No amenities Emil Kissel Park (3) (17 acres) • 12 -court tennis campus • Basketball court • Restroom/ storage building • Picnic shelter • Large play equipment • .6 mile pathway • Parking Perry Soccer Complex (4) • Soccer fields with portable goal posts 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 and Kissel Parks. • Develop southwest portion of Randall Park. • Lease and develop a portion of airport property located just south of Randall Park for sports fields. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcility Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the diagram/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires 4 Page 23 • Chapter VI NOTE: Numbers in parentheses on the diagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation Facility on the adjacent pane, Planning Area #12 9-13 Nnh Hi!! B!vd. PLANNING AREA #12 703 acres 3,526 housing units 5.0 housing units/acre (1) Washington Ave ai -E Alk north Gena rat i of area: t::'o -family residenHtai V �.1 Lt.1 H1 2LitltlrV vi u . +� Year Population Density (persons per acre) Population Change 1990 7,939 11.3 2000 9,048 12.9 + 14% 2025 + 13% 2izO0 Census Data Age Family Income Education 0-9 20.0% Less than $9,999 6.8% 14.8% $10,000-14,999 4.9% 20-29 17.2% $15,000-24;999 23.3% 30-39 14.4% $25,000-34,999 22.8% 40-49 11.6% 35,000-49,999 16.3% 50-59 8.3% $50,000-74,999 18.1% 60-69 5.5% $75,000-99,999 4.7% 70-79 5.4% $100,000 or more 3.0% 80 in 10 2 7O-' Less than 10th grade 10th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate / Professional 15.0% AM 14,8% 35.1% 20.6% 6.4% 4.5% 3.6% Chapter Vi ° Page 24 ' Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreation Facility Inventory Gardner Park (1) (9.13 acres) • Two adult softball fields • Playground • Outdoor volleyball court • 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 land for additional park development. NOTE Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcility Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the diagram/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 25 • Chapter VI NOTE: Numbers in parentheses on the diagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation Facility on the adjacent page, Planning Area #13 Washington PLANNING AREA #13 ,sr(1) s north co Ahtanum 1,335 acres 984 housing units 7 housing units/acre General nature of area: Yakima Co, �nt`� and City of T r..: 1 y vi viuvii vap. Year 1991) 2000 2025 Population Density Population (persons per acre) Change 2,269 1.7 2,463 1.8 + 8.5% 2,783 2.1 + 13% ru 2000 Census Data Age Family Income Education 0-9 16.4% Less than $9,999 6.6% Less than 10th grade 26.6% 10-19 14.1% $10,000-14,999 7.6% 10th -12th, no diploma 20.7% 20-29 12.0% $15,000-24,999 26.1% High School Graduate 32.5% 30-39 15.1% $25,000-34,999 17.0% Some College 13.0% 40-49 13.0% 35,000-49,999 17.2% Associate Degree 1.9% 50-59 10.8% $50,000-74,999 16.8% Bachelor Degree 2.2% 60-69 7.5% $75,000-99,999 4.9% Graduate/ Professional 2.4% 70-79 6.5% $100,000 or more 3.6% 80 + 4.5% Chapter Vi , Page 26 0 Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreation Facility inventory Ahtanum Youth Park (1) (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 • Work with appropriate jurisdictions to acquire rights-of-way for trail and pathway development and connections. • No further recommendations are made for City of Yakima park devel- opment in this planning area. The majority of Planning Area #13 lies within the County and the city limits of Union Gap and in an area where overall development is agricultural with occasional residential devel- opment. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcility inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the diagram map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 27 • Chapter VI NOTE: Numbers in parentheses on the diagram/map correspond with Items with numbers in parentheses listed In the Public Recreation Facility on the adjacent page Punning Area # 14 Mead Ave • ci .NInilnir Ag 1 --TA ;#1 -r 1,739 acres 1,318 housing units .8 housing units/acre north General nature of arca: Yakima County and City of Union Gap Density Population Year Population (persons per acre) Change 1990 2,957 1.7 2000 3,303 1.9 2025 3,732 2.1 2000 Census Data + 11.7% + 13% Age Family Income Education 0-9 16.7% Less than $9,999 9.6% Less than 10th grade 27.4% 10-19 l2•V% $10,000-14,999 6.2% i nth-12..thy diploma 17.9% 20-29 15.0% $15,000-24,999 15.2% High School Graduate 31.0% 30-39 14.3% $25,000-34,999 18.9% Some College 16.4% 40-49 12.1% 35,000-49,999 22.6% Associate Degree 1.7% 50-59 9.4% $50,000-74,999 22.6% Bachelor Degree 2.0% 60-69 7.5% $75,000-99,999 2.2% Graduate/Professional 3.6% 70-79 6.5% $100,000 or more 2.6% 80 + 4.8% Chapter VI 9 Page 28 0 Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreational Facility Inventory Cahalan Park (City of Union Gap - 8 acres) • No facilities Loudon Park (City of Union Gap - 5 acres) School Facilities Martin Luther King Elementary School • One baseball field • Three multi -use fields • One outdoor basketball court • Gymnasium: indoor volley/basketball court Union Gap School • Gymnasium • One t -ball field • Open playfield Future Needs No recommendations are made for City of Yakima park development 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 is commercial and industria with intermittent residential areas. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcility Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the dlagram;rnap on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires • Page 29 • Chapter VI Planning Area #15 NOTE: Numbers in parentheses on the diagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation Facility on the adjacent page, /ff/ north • , •(1) (3) PLANNING AREA #15 724 acres 2,972 housing units 4.1 housing units/acre (4) 1 Nob Hill Blvd. Mead General nature of area: central business district support. Includes Cen- tral Washington State Fairgrounds. Density Population Year Population (persona per acre) Change 1990 8,032 11.1 2000 9,617 13.3 + 19.7% 2025 10,867 15.0 + 13% 2000 Census Data i-ibc Family income Education 0-9 24.7% Less than $9,999 20.6% Less than 10th grade 50.5% 10-19 19.9% $10,000-14,999 7.8% 10th -12th, no diploma 11.1% 20-29 16.9% $15,000-24,999 30.0% High School Graduate 21.7% 30-39 13.6% $25,000-34,999 14.2% Some College 10.8% 40-49 10.1% 35,000-49,999 14.8% Associate Degree 2.2% 50-59 5.9% $50,000-74,999 9.9% Bachelor Degree 2.6% 60-69 4.5% $75,000-99,999 2.2% Graduate/ Professional 1.1% 70-79 2,7% $100,000 or more 0.4% 80 + 1.6% Chapter VI Page 30 2 Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreation Facility Inventory Naches Parkway (1) (five of 15 islands) • Park benches • Picnic tables Martin Luther King Park (2) (4.01 acres) • Water playground (2006) • Picnic tables • Two outdoor basketball courts • Grills • Two tennis courts • Playground Kiwanis Park (3) (22.3 acres) • Three adult softball fields (new) • Fourth new softball field (2006) • Picnic pavilion • Two playgrounds • Small basketball court • Sand volleyball court • Pond • Two adult softball fields (old) • Restroom/ concession stand • Picnic tables • Grilis • Old restroom building • Old city incinerator • Paved and unpaved parking Southeast Community Park (4) (3.63 acres) • Playground • Picnic tables • Outdoor volleyball court • Grill 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 • Two indoor volley/basketball courts • Track Future Needs • Make planned capital improvements to Martin Luther King Jr., Kiwa- nis and Southeast Conununity Parks. • Redevelop Upper Kiwanis and Field #3 into neighborhood park with youth sports fields, skate park, new restroom and other amenities. • Develop Kiwanis Park/ Sarg Hubbard Park pedestrian connector. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses fisted in the Public Recreation FAcility Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed In the diagram/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Page 31 • Chapter VI Planning Area 16 NOTE: Numbers in parentheses an the diagram/map correspond with items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation Facility on the adjacent page, 4e 'ima Rii vet 111111111111 Terrace Heights Dr. PLANNING AREA #16 164,525 acres 3,359 housing units > 1 housing units/acre Nob Hill Blvd i y 1 Arboretum 47///it, north General nature of the area: business district support, single-family residential and much open space. includes many of the Yakima Greenway facilities. Year Population Density (persons per acre) Population Change 1990 6,581 0.04 2000 8,487 0.05 + 18.9% 2025 9,590 0.06 + 13% 2000 Census Data Age Family Income Education 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80 13.3% 14.7% 9.3% 14.1% 17.0% 13.7% 8.4% 6.7% 2.8% Less than $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 2.3% 3.3% 10.4% 11.6% 16.4% 29.4% 12.7% 13.7% Less than 10th grade 10th -12th, no diploma High School Graduate Some College Associate Degree Bachelor Degree Graduate/ Professional 10.8% /.0% 30.0% 25.0% 5.2% 15.3% 6.7% Chapter VI Page 32 s Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreation Facilities Inventory Sarg Hubbard Park (Greenway/ 28 acres) • Amphitheater • Picnic shelter • Playground • Boat launch/ river access • Ponds • Fitness course Sherman Park (Greenway/ 10 acres) • Playground • Pathways • Bocci ball court • Pathways • Nature area • Restroom • Parking • Picnic shelter • Parking Sunrise Rotary Park (Greenway/ 3.63 acres) • McGuire playground • Picnic areas • Pathway Yakima Arboretum (18.72 acres) • Interpretive Center • Japanese Garden • River shore line • Natural area • Vaulted pit toilets • Arboreal collection • Pathways • Pond with fountain • Parking Yakima State Sportsman Park (247 acres) • Kitchen Shelter w/ electricity • 120 unsheltered picnic tables • Fishing ponds • Outdoor classroom School Facilities Terrace Heights Elementary School • Four soccer fields • Basketball court Future Needs • Hiking trails • Camp sites • Baseball field • Playground • Work with appropriate jurisdictions to acquire rights-of-way for trail and pathway development. • No further recommendations are made for City of Yakima park devel- 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 Exten- sion to the Greenway Regional Pathway. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcilily Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the diagrarn/map on the preceeding page, Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Page 33 • Chapter VI NOTE: Numbers parentheses on diagram/map corres with items with num parentheses llste • {� e Public Recreatlo lity on the adjac • age, Piuning ilea art 8 Summitview north Zco PLANNING AREA #28 12 miles across 3.539 housing units General nature of the area: residential and rural Density Population Year Population (persons per acre) Change 1990 7,824 .31 2000 10,133 40 + 29.5% 2025 11,450 .45 + 13% 2000 Census Data Age Family Income Education 0-9 13.4% Less than $9,999 1.8% Less than 10th grade 8.7% 10-19 17.9% $10,000-14,999 3.0% 10th -12th, no diploma 11.4% 20-29 8.6% $15,000-24,999 5.7% High School Graduate 28.7% 30-39 13.8% $25,000-34,999 10.9% Some College 24.5% 40-49 18.7% 35,000-49,999 21.1% Associate Degree 6.5% 50-59 13.8% $50,000-74,999 26.1% Bachelor Degree 12.4% 60-69 7.1% $75,000-99,999 16,3% Graduate/ Professional 7.8% 70-79 4.8% $100,000 or more 15.1% 80 + 1.9% Chapter VI e Page 34 0 Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires Public Recreation Facilities Inventory School Facilities West Valley High School • Football field/ track with spectator seating • Baseball field • Gymnasium • Tennis courts • Practice football field Cottonwood Elementary • Playground • Four soccer fields Mountainview Elementary • Playground • Large playfield Ahtanum Elementary • Play ground • Large playfield • Gymnasiums • Gymnasium • Gymnasium Future Needs • Acquire land for open green space and public park development. Note: At an open house in April, 2005, Yakima County Planners met with West Valley residents to discuss future development in the area. In addition to mo- bility and housing, discussion centered on the need to set aside or provide prop- erty that would eventually be available for public park use. The considerable and rapid development of this rural area creates an urgency for property ac- quisition before suitable land becomes unavailable. Citizens responding to this plan's survey (Chapter VII) also indicated development of open green space and parks west of 40th Avenue was an important priority for the future. • Acquire rights-of-way for trail and pathway development and connec- tions. NOTE: Items with numbers in parentheses listed in the Public Recreation FAcillty Inventory correspond with numbers in parentheses listed in the diagram/map on the preceeding page Design Elements: Community Needs and Desires 9 Page 35 • Chapter VI The Client: Community Input and Comment 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 constructed. Soliciting ideas and opinions from the citizens took several forms. First, Parks and Recreation hosted a trio of public meetings in May, 2005. The meetings were advertised in the Yakima Herald -Republic and were cov- ered by the news media. They were held in the evening at various locations — the City Council Chambers at City Hall, the training room at Public Works and McClure Elementary School — to encourage a representative cross-sec- tion attendance. These meetings occurred soon after the City Council's deci- sion to close Miller, Eisenhower and Washington Pools and a number of at- tendees preferred to comment on that decision. Because the Council demonstrated a firm desire to move forward with other aquatic and recreation options, comments protesting the closures have not been considered relevant for this re- port. Otherwise, no single issue stood out and comments were relatively diverse. The following summarizes the input from the May; 2005, meetings: Facility Development: more parks and green space, neighborhood playfields and pocket parks, a network of greenways and pathways, pedestrian links to the Greenway and a girls fastpitch complex. Features and Amenities: more youth baseball fields, a combination aquatic/ ice center, playgrounds, a downtown plaza suitable for lunching and visiting, a regional park, a BMX bicycle track, an aquatic center, pools for children, band shell or performance stage, adult baseball fields, an aquatic facility capable of hosting a state meet, community center and three -wall handball courts at Miller and/ or Kissel Parks. PUBLIC MEETINGS Help Yakima Parks and Recreation build a blue print for the future. Come to a public meeting. Hear about the new Five -Year Comprehensive Plan. Share your ideas on how your city parks should be developed. •• Three meetings have been scheduled: Thursday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers, 129 N. 2nd St. Monday, May 16, 5:15 p.m. Public Works, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd. Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 p.m. McClure Elementary, 1222 S. 22nd Ave. •. • It you are unable to attend one of these meetings, please send your written comments to Parks Comp Plan, Yakima Parks and Recreation, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima WA 98902. Specific Locations: • Gardner Park: keep this park as a neighborhood park with recreation features and mature trees. • Franklin Park: protect the nature and character of the park as is. • Elks Park: retain the adult baseball field, develop additional adult fields, additional parking. • Randall Park: additional parking on west end of park, new restroom The Client: Community Input and Comment # Page 1 Chapter VII OPINION SURVEY on west end, concert or band shelf, terrace west end bank for concert seating. • 44th and Nob Hill: convert the old drive-in movie into open green space. Lincoln/ Summitview/ Englewood and 72nd Avenue area: develop a new neighborhood park Community Development: preserve historic portions of the City such as Miller Park, develop the area as a sports destination, include parks as an element of community revitalization and keep recreation opportunities eq- uitable between east and west portions of town. Maintenance: more maintenance for parks, additional funding for main- tenance, create volunteer opportunities and develop a youth leadership corps to help with maintenance and enhancements. Recreation: safe summer playgrounds, supervised after school programs, learn -to -swim lessons, more activities for children, non -athletic youth activi- ties and week-long summer camps. Funding: identification of additional sources of funding, prioritization of spending, identification of internal cost controls, development of profit- making ventures to help fund parks and formation of a Parks and Recreation foundation. Park Commission: membership that is representative of the community and video -access to the Commission meetings via the City's cable television services. In addition, a survey was mailed to 854 randomly selected City utility account holders. The survey focused on people's opinions about what kinds of future park development, if any, should occur. A total of 224 surveys - 26 percent of those mailed out - were returned. The survey was available in Spanish and a notice advising people of this was included in the mailing. Two copies were requested but neither was returned. Tabulation of the re- sponses to the survey are included in the appendix. Generally speaking people told us the following things: • About half (49%) of those who responded believe Yakima needs more open green space and parks. About a third (32%) were neutral on the issue and the balance (195) felt the city needs no additional park land. • When asked where additional parks should be located, respondents cast the largest number of votes (44%) for the portions of the city west of 40th Avenue. The next largest number of votes (17%) indicated no opinion and was followed by votes (10%) for the section of the city lying south of Ya- kima Avenue between 1st Street and 16th Avenue. The fewest votes (1%) were cast for the portion of Yakima north of Yakima Avenue, between ist Cha, pt er Vii 4 Page 2 The e Client: Community' Input and Comment Street and 16th Avenue. The next fewest (5%) selected the area south of Yakima Avenue and east of 1st Street. • Just under a third of the respondents (30%) felt Yakima's residents should live within one half to one mile of a city park. A similar number (31%) had no preference. A quarter of the group (26%) thought one to two miles was an appropriate measure. • A third of the responses (35%) indicated small neighborhood parks (two to ten acres) would be the most popular addition to Yakima s park sys- tem. A slightly smaller group (29%) favored green belts and pathways. A smaller group (14%) opted for no opinion or no new parks. • An aquatic center/ water park matched trails/ pathways for the most in- terest (19% each) and were followed by new swimming pools (12%). (The desire for swimming pools, however, may have been influenced by the City Council's decision to close three of the city's pools just prior to the survey being mailed out.) • Respondents cast votes for a number of amenities. Most attractive were restrooms (14%), concert shell/ band stage (12%), picnic shelters (12%), trees (11%), and park lighting (11%). • About half the respondents (53%) indicated interest in more pathways and trails. A third was neutral (31%) and the rest (16%) felt no need for additional paths and trails. However, the group, as a whole (95%), had no difficulty identifying why they or members of their family might be likely to use a pathway. Drawing the largest responses were exercise (32%) and walking with family and friends (27%) but accessing the Greenway, get- ting away from the city, bicycling and walking man's best friend were also mentioned. • When it comes to paying for new parks, the most votes (28%) were cast for private donations and grants. The next largest number of votes (27%) was no need for new parks. The next two funding choices were govern- ment/private business partnerships (22%) and profit-making programs and services operated by Parks and Recreation (22%). • With regard to paying for maintenance and operation of existing parks, profit-making programs and services operated by Parks and Recreation was the first choice (32%) of those answering the survey. That was fol- lowed by government/ private business partnerships (25%) and increased user fees (12%). • When asked about returning to a Metropolitan Park District for park man- agement, the response was less definitive. One quarter (26%) said yes, one quarter (25%) said no and the remaining half had no opinion. just over half (51%) indicated they would be unwilling to pay an ongoing levy or tax to fund a metropolitan park district. Substantially fewer (28%) said they would be willing to pay a tax or levy and fewer still (21%) said they had no opinion. The Client: Community Input and Comment • Page 3 • Chapter VII YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL NOTE: Members of the Yakima Kayak Club attended the City Council's June 7, 2005 meeting with a presentation and a request for support for construction of a future white water park on the Neches or Yakima Rivers. A follow-up meeting between City officials and representatives of the Kayak Club occurred in March. 2008, and produced an agreement for Yakima Parks and Recreation, as a municipality with a complete parks plan, to act as a co- sponsor for grant applica- tions for devefopment of a Whitewater park. A copy of the survey as it was mailed and information detailing and sum- marizing the responses are included in Appendix D: Parks and Recreation Planning Survey and Results. The mission of the City of Yakirnna is to govern responsively with leader- ship committed to enhancing the quality of life, continually improving ser- vices and embracing the diversity of its community. The vision for the City of Yakima is to build a modern responsive govern- ment, to provide cooperative, diverse leadership, to promote a regional ap- proach to services, to focus on improving public infrastructure and to act as a catalyst for economic development. As an extension of the mission and vision statements, the Council's 2006 four primary areas for emphasis outline in the City's 2006 budget forecast set the direction for the city's courses of action: • Increased Community Involvement. Improve and strengthen commu- nity involvement, citizen participation and the understanding and trust of city governrnent through proactive communication, responsive ac- tions and effective public relations/ education programs. • Economic Improvement. Promote; stimulate and foster economic im- provements, investments, partnerships and job creation through eco- nomic development and downtown revitalization, annexation, tourism and the City's own investments in the community. • Community Image, Build, sustain and strengthen the city's public im- age as a clean, safe, attractive and progressive COiil+lliinity which is re- spected as a desirable place to live and work. • Regional Government Services. Lead, pursue and encourage oppor- tunities for greater regionalization and coordination of public services and intergovernmental cooperation which best serves all citizens. In addition, the Yakima City Council has established a numbers of as- signments for Council Committees. Those related to aprks and rec1- tLLVr ari. as follows: • Intergovernmental Committee: Explore potential of a metropolitan parks district. • Public Safety Committee: Review and update graffiti ordinance. • Aquatics Task Force: Coordinate research and study by the Regional Aquatics Task Force to evaluate the feasibility of an aquatics facility in the Upper Yakima Valley. Chapter VP 0 Page 4 e The Client: Community Input and Comment In May, 2004, the Parks and Recreation Commission joined the City Coun- cil in a meeting to acquaint the Council with Parks and Recreation and to talk about maintenance challenges, youth programs, aquatics and future direc- tion. While no decisions or recommendations were forthcoming, these topics discussed at that meeting: • The establishment of a Metropolitan Park District, an independent park district operating with its own board of directors and funding stream. • The lack of undeveloped park land resulting from a five-year period of rapid development and how to acquire it. Suggestions from those present included seeking donations, requiring developers to set aside land or pay impact fees which could be used to purchase land, bonds, increased utility tax and a levy lid lift. • Relatively low maintenance staffing levels. • The future of the aquatics program. In anticipation of a public hearing of the Parks and Recreation Compre- hensive Plan, the Yakima City Council held a study session February 28 to review a draft of the plan with staff. Following a overview of the document, Yakima's parks and recreation programming, the Council Members asked questions and shared some observations. Among the issues touched up were the following: • Including youth comment and opinion in the future planning. • Improving security in the parks so that people feel safe using them. • Paving the portion of South 44th Avenue that leads to the entrance to Randall Park. • Cleaning up the small pieces of property, primarily at intersections near South Fair Avenue and planting grass and a occasional tree. • Reviewing the City's options with respect to West Valley Community Park. • Discussing establishment of funding for parks. • Enhancing the Concerts in the Parks program to include events in the downtown area. • Studying the feasibility of a metropolitan park district. • Educating the public about the cost of providing public services. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION and PUBLIC HEARING The Client: Community Input and Comment Page 5 a Chapter VIl i ne Yaiuma i ity L..vuitCII iI.efu a puD is nearing iviarcn z1 t^v allow :.11.1ZCiLS to comment on Parks 2006-2011 Comprehensive Plan and heard from several CITY OF YAKIMA, WASHINGTON PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE 2006-2011 YAKIMA PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Yakima will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the 2006 Parks and Recreation Plan. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at 7 00 p m ; in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 129 North 2nd Street. Yakima, Washington. Any citizen wishing to comment on this request is welcome to attend the public hearing or contact the City Council in the following manner 1) Send a letter via regular mail to "Yakima City Council. 129 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, W. a. 98901; "or 2) E-mail your comments to ccouncil@ci yakima. wa. us. Include in the e-mail subject line. "Parks Plan " Please also include your name and mailing address. A copy of the Plan is available for review at several locations in the City. Contact Denise Nichols (575-6005) for further information or if special accommodations are needed to attend the pubic hearing (09538342) March 10, 2006 • A representative of the William D. Douglas Trail Committee expressed gratitude for the plan as it relates to trails and pathways and optimism for the potential system of trails and pathways that can be developed throughout the Yakima Valley. She referred to the plan's references to linkages and connections that can be established to tie systems such at the Powerhouse Canal Pathway and the Greenway to trails extending along the Naches River and up the Cowiche Canyon including the al- ready funded connection at 40th and Fruitvale. (See Appendix E: Will- iam 0. Douglas Trail.) • Two representatives from Allied Arts proposed inclusion of public art in the parks plan. They called for policies to support public art in public places and cited the success that smaller communities like Walla lAralla, Edmonds, Wenatchee and LaConner have had in encouraging invest- ment in art for public spaces. They cited an online survey that found art can be as an important as open space in bringing people together and said public art can also contribute to the revitalization of the commu- nity: • A resident of Northeast Yakima called for development of pathways on the eastside of Yakima, specifically east of Fifth Avenue. The Council asked that both the 40th Avenue and Fruitvale trail link- age and a public art element added to the plan and agreed to extend the period for public comment an additional two week. April 4, the Council reopened the public and the resident of North- east Yakima repeated her desire for development of pathways in East Ya- kima. She said she wanted a definite written plan and she wanted it to be to be made a priority. She cited the plan drafted by the Bicycle Pedestrian Committee, which Parks and Recreation supports. With that, the meeting was closed, and the Council approved changes fka .Arms. r. ..6 Se4,aval creinic nr,ei rthiP'fi P (Chor,+;?r STI Thn<> alar, 7,lrtrnvrd a motion to move the Park Commission meetings to the City Council Cham- bers at City t meetings be tt Yakima �.ity Hall so the can transmitted via file Public Affairs Cable television channel. In addition, while supporting a citizen's written request to convert an abandoned railroad right-of-way in Northeast Yakima into a pathway for pedestrian and bicycle use. the Council Members suggested expanding the proposal to include not just the specific location but sites throughout the area. Chapter Vll s Page 6 • The Client. Community input and Comment At its October, 2005, meeting the Parks and Recreation Commission drafted a set of priorities for the future Parks and Recreation development: • Preservation of existing park in frastructure including repair and main- tenance, updates and enhancements. • Establishment of a permanent funding source for park capital projects and endowment for the cemetery. • Property for expansion of existing parks and for future new develop- ment. • Construction of new recreational fa- cilities such as an aquatic center, ice rink and a community center. • Community partnerships and vol- unteer programs • Diversified, community -oriented programming. • Trails and pathways. • Non -sports/ activity parks such as an operating farm interpretive cen- ter, nature preserve or dog agility course. PARKS and RECREATION COMMISSION 40 - 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 Commission Priorities by Relative Importance Throughout 2005, the City of Yakima's Planning Division held a series of public meetings and workshops in preparation of its update of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. Discussions in these meetings reflected opinions about the many varied and complex factors affecting growth and development of the City and its greater urban area. However there were a number of comments that provide insight into the community's desires for its park system. Perhaps most notable of the park -related comments was the repeated desire for a pedestrian -friendly environment. Ideas proposed in this series of meetings included the following: • Walk -able areas without impediments (traffic, missing or buckling side- walks or missing curbs) • Use of irrigation canal rights-of-way for a walking path system. • Emphasis on pedestrian traffic in the downtown corridor. • Extension of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway east to Naches Avenue via public rights-of-way. • Pedestrian access to the Greenway from the City center and other loca- URBAN AREA COMP PLAN MEETINGS The Client: Community Input and Comment • Page i • Chapter VII BICYCLE and PEDESTRIAN PLAN tions west of the freeway. Attendees also suggested additional facilities: an aquatic or water center in the downtown area and an additional indoor pool so one indoor pool could be used for competitive swimming and the other for exercise and therapy and a new ice skating rink. Among the features they considered desirable for neigh- borhoods were aesthetics, green space, pedestrian pathways, meeting places, community gardens, parks with water features and street trees. 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 recommendations with those of Yakima Parks and Recreations. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (1996) outlines the then current efforts to reinforce Washington state communities desire to improve bicycle and pedes- trian access. By and large, the plan remains relevant. • The Washington State Growth Management Act (1990 with amendments in 1991) requires cities and counties to pian 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 advantage of recreational opportunities and provide for different degrees of recre- ational skills. • 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. • Evaluate the impact of new development and improvements upon bike and pedestrian facilities. New development located along designated bike routes may be required to provide bike facilities as designated in this plan. In 2005 the City of Yakima submitted to the state a list of priority bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects for the next 20 years. included on that Chapter VII • Page 8 • The Client: Community input and Comment List were the following: • Improved pedestrian conditions and bicycle lanes. • Connections to the Greenway at North 6th Avenue, North 16th Av- enue and North 40th and Fruitvale and from Fair Avenue via a pedestrian bridge over the freeway. • Extensions to the Powerhouse Canal Pathway: the William O. Dou- glas Pathway from Davis High School north via 6th Avenue to the Greenway and additional pathway east from McGuinness Park via irrigation rights-of- way to Naches Avenue. Parks and Recreation presented an overview of the Comprehensive Plan at a meeting of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee in March, 2006. While the committee deals more specifically with trails, pathways and pedestrian rights-of-way, their questions related to parks in general. Are there recom- mendations for the number of parks in relation to population? What plans are in place for future parkland acquisition in West Valley for example? Can the city buy land outside the city limits for future use? Has Braille been imple- mented on park signs? Yakima County eliminated its Parks Department in 2004. However, the County's park's comprehensive plan for 2015, published in 1995, identified development and improvement options that remain relevant ten years later. Among those proposed recreation developments or enhancements within the county's 43,000 square miles and within the City of Yakima Urban Planning Area general neighborhood are the following: • Weikel Community Park, a proposed 20 -acre community park to serve the northwesterly portion of the Yakima urban area near the Cowiche Canyon. Suggested facilities include a major trailhead for the Cowiche Canyon Trail, large picnic shelter/ interpretive center building, restroom, large multi -use grass area, picnic sites and parking. • Terrace Heights Community Park, located outside the urban area bound- ary northwest of ivloxee City. The Country pian identifies a need in Ter- race Heights for a large -multi -use park to serve the urbanized portions of Terrace Heights. Recommended facilities include two to four multi -use sports fields for baseball, softball or soccer, a group picnic area, picnic shel- ters, children's playground, large open green space, a paved pathway, rest- room and parking. • Ahtanum Creek Open Space and Trail System, located outside the current urban area boundary southwest of Wiley City. The County plan recom- mends leaving this area in a natural state primarily for passive recreation. YAKIMA COUNTY'S PLAN for 2015 The Client: Community Input and Comrnent • Page 9 m Chapter VII V ; vALLC PLAN Trails and spurs including the 27.5 -mile Yakima iOOp which . follows off- street trails along the freeway and Naches River on the north, the Greenway and Yakima River on the east, Ahtanum Creel: nn the smith and then mif- fing north through the City along 64th and 40th Avenues. Existing and planned offshoots of the Yakima Loop provide additional recreation and transportation alternatives inside and outside the urban area. Among those extending into the urban area and beyond are the Selah Extension (2.1 miles), South Naches Loop (3.1 miles), Cowiche Canyon Trail (5.0 miles) and Terrace Heights Extension (6.2 miles). In 2005, Yakima County began to lay the groundwork for discussions of future development in rapidly growing West Valley, the area generally de- fined as the portion of the Urban Growth Area lying west of the Yakima City limits. At a preliminary meeting that April county planners proposed three key issues for consideration in future West Valley development; mobility, hous- ing obiltv,hous- ing and parks and open space. Among the criteria suggested for future devel- opment were overall aesthetics and pedestrian- and bicycle -friendly neigh- borhoods. In particular, the County's planners cautioned the meeting's attendees that, without planning, options for parks may be lost to development. Ad- equate land, they emphasized, for future parks and trail systems needs to be available as development occurs. To measure the amount of future park land that will be needed, the County used the total amount of city -owned and community -owned park and recre- ation land within or contiguous to the City of Yakima to create a local stan- dard. In addition to City parks, West Valley Park (26.2 acres), Sarg Hubbard Park (28.0 acres), Sherman Park (6.0 acres) and Randall Park's undeveloped acreage (5,0 acres) were included in this comparison. To maintain the level of public park and recreational service existing in Yakima, West Valley should seek to develop the following: 83.3 acres community park 22.5 Neighborhood park 2.3 Mini -park 8.4 Greenways and pathways 8.3 Municipal golf course An important element in the West Valley plat -wing discussions was the search for incentives that would encourage developers to include open green space in their projects. Among the suggestions were smaller lot sizes and higher density developments. Chapter V11 ® Page 10 • me Client, Community Input and Comment Located directly north of Yakima but outside Yakima's urban area bound- aries, is the City of Selah. While many of its 6,700 residents commute to Ya- kima, the town is geographically isolated from it by the Naches River and a steep bluff (Look Out Point) on the river's north side. Be that as it may, park and recreational interests of both communities overlap and, should regionalization of services develop, those interests may provide a common ground for future cooperation. Selah's 2006-2011 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan details eight priorities for future action: 1. Creation of a bicycle -friendly community. 2. Development of a multi -use trail system. 3. Support of soccer in the community. 4. Completion of a premier regional youth athletic facility (Carlon Park.) 5. Increased recreational programming. 6. Promotion of positive leisure activities for teens. 7. Enhancement of existing parks. 8. Enhancement of aquatic opportunities for the community. In 1992 more than 300 Yakima citizens — all with different backgrounds, employment, finances, education and experiences — came together to con- sider the future and to create a vision for how the community should look n 20 years. They identified nine central issues confronting the community and, dividing themselves into committees, pooled their opinions and ideas to sketch a picture of how they thought Yakima should appear in the year 2010 and to provide strategies for achieving that condition. The following are comments relating to parks, recreation and related responsibilities: • Economic Development. Improve the aesthetic features of the downtown area by keeping the area well-groomed at all times and extending landscaping. Attract and improve retirement, tourist, recreational and convention business to Yakima by promoting local attractions, developing more annual events and researching the possibility of additional public golf courses. Supplement the existing inventory of attractions with various features including a water park close to the Greenway. • Education and Employment Training. Encourage support for extra programs (non -curricular and not funded by school district) from parents and communities for various programs CITY of SELAH VISION 2010 The Client: Community Input and Comment • Page 11 • Chapter Vii 1 11LCiUUL £d_l__IliQLU rC11Caiiiipivgiuui, Allied Arts and youthsportsprograms. • F.nvirnnment. Water usages including recreational should be managed more effectively. • Growth Planning. Manage diverse use of land by identifying areas for specific uses in- cluding recreation, identifying areas to be preserved in their present state and identifying areas to be enhanced. • Housing. Enhance recreational opportunities by using schools as after school, �. an evening, weekend and SUlnffifier recreation/ community centers for all ages. Plan bicycle and jogging trails in the community to serve local needs and link neighborhoods. • Quality of Life. Develop a Comprehensive Park Plan to provide for consistent park stan- dards for facilities, safety and maintenance, establishment of a metro- politan park district, formulation of recreational guidelines, incorpora- tion of new parks into growth planning, integration of the Yakima Greenway into the city park system and establishment of additional passive recreation sites/ opportunities. Promote private/public and private/ non-profit partnerships to com- bine private, business and city/ county finances for capital improve- ments in the parks as well as underwriting arts/ entertainment activi- ties. Create an outdoor performing arts park in a central location with aid from a private/ public partnership. Make entertainment/ performing arts accessible and affordable by pro- viding transportation for youth, the elderly and people with handicaps, providing opportunity to earn admission, establishing a Warehouse Theatre type building in a more centralized location, taking arts / enter- tainment to where people are and providing creative funding. Expand youth activities by developing a year-round ice rink and devel- oping youth centers and programs. Implement a downtown park including establishment of a downtown park. Chapter ill! • Page 12 • The Client. Community Input and Comment More recently, in 2001, another group of about 175 citizens, again repre- senting a broad and diverse range of backgrounds and qualifications, came together. Titling their effort "For a Better Tomorrow," they identified a list of ten priority issues facing Yakima and, again, a vision, this time for 2022. While all of the priorities are ultimately interdependent, the following ones and their accompanying strategies relate most directly to parks and recre- ation: • Economic Development. Increase the curb appeal or "looks" for our area. • Quality of Life. Implement a comprehensive Upper Valley recreation and parks mas- ter plan. • Infrastructure. Maintain all public facilities to protect and enhance their serviceabil- ity and value. Revitalize and beautify the eastside of Yakima, The Yakima Greenway Master Plan Update (1995) encouraged conser- vation, enhancement and maintenance of the Greenway as a continuing, living resource for future generations. In addition to documenting the his- tory and inventory of the Greenway, it addressed land use within its bound- aries with general and specific design standards relating to the site, build- ings, landscaping, open space and parking. The Greenway Foundation was in the process of updating its master plan at the same time this plan was being developed and, unfortunately, changes to the 1995 document were not available. The previous master plan spoke to a vision of the future where the Greenway concept might find applications beyond its boundaries. Among the suggestions were the following: • Leveraging the Greenway's attributes to the benefit of new devel- opments between it and downtown Yakima. • Development of circulation routes between downtown and the Greenway. • Extension trails and connectors around the Upper Valley and to lo- cal destinations such as Naches, Selah and Moxee. • Implementation of railroad and canal rights-of-way for trail exten- sions. FOR A BETTER TOMORROW GREENWAY MASTER PLAN The Client: Community Input and Comment • Page 13 • Chapter Vil SOCIAL and ECONOMIC FACTORS Note: information provided by Office of Financial Management and the 2000 Census. The community can sometimes make its needs known in a more subtle fashion. Its population's socio-economic characteristics provide indicators. If the lneal nnnialatinn is diffara at from what might be considered a "standard" population, it can be assumed that their recreation needs will be different from the standards needs. Population, education and other socio-economic factors all provide clues to gauge the amount and type of recreation needs of the community. The tables contained in Chapter VI show the age, income and educational characteristics of the city's population broken out by plarining areas. These tables are useful not only for planning, but also for administration and pro- gramming. Comparing information between the different planning areas al- lows us to determine how each planning area differs and assists in adjusting parks and recreation services to better serve each area. ® Population. We learned Yakima's population grew dramatically — over 30 percent — between 1990 and 2000 and that the most densely populated areas tend to lie on the east side of the city. The eastern and western portions of the urban planning area present a striking contrast with low population densities. 1\Int nn!y as overall population grown during the last decade and a half, , but it has changed. In 1990 Hispanics comprised 16 percent of the population. By 2000, their numbers had doubled and they made up a third of the popula- tion. Observation tells us Hispanics are frequent users of the parks for family events and would take advantage of additional park space and picnic shel- ters. We have also learned Yakima's population is generally skewed toward the young. One third of the population is 19 years old or younger. Another third is between 20 and 44 years of age. We know that younger citizens tend to seek more active forms of recreation while those at the other end of the age range gravitate toward more passive or less active pastimes. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent the Baby Boom generation, now making its way toward retirement, is much more active that its predecessors and previ- ous assumptions may need revision. • Occupation. In Chapter II, we learned a few things about Yakima's residents. Almost everyone is affected one way or another by agriculture which, it turns out, directly employs relative few residents. In fact, the largest indus- try in terms of employment is education, health and social services with retail trade and manufacturing in second and third place. At the other end of the scale are public administration, transportation, information and finance, in- surance and real estate. Generally, occupation reflects educational attainment and income and in- dicates the amount of leisure time a population will have to spend on recre- Chapter 1711 • Rage 14 • The Client: Community input and Comment ation, and it largely determines the type of recreation a population will pre- fer. Due to their higher income, professional people and skilled workers gen- erally demonstrate greater participation in recreation, particularly outdoor activities. • Income. We have learned Yakima's family income is low when com- pared to the state average and that Yakima has more people living below the poverty level than the state as a whole. To some extent, income indicates the ability of a population to engage in various forms of recreation. As income increases, families find it possible and desirable to spend more time and money for recreational pursuits, especially for outdoor recreation. However, the affordability and proximity of public programs and facilities can bring recre- ation within the reach of populations with more modest incomes. • Education. The educational level of a population provides another indicator of demand for a variety of recreational pursuits. Studies indicate a strong relationship between recreation participation and levels of education attainment. The higher the educational level of a population, the more so- phisticated and varied its recreational interests. Again, census information helps give us a picture of the community. Generally speaking, Yakima's edu- cational attainment is lower than the state average but slightly higher than Yakima County's. Among residents 25 years old and older, almost one third of the population have less than a complete high school education. One quar- ter of Yakima's population has a high school education. A second quarter has some college and the balance of the residents over 25 have a bachelor's de- gree or better. • Residence. Suburbanites generally tend to be more active and pursue a greater variety of recreation pursuits than urban dwellers, who may, in turn, be expected to have a more active participation rate than do those living in rural areas. In Chapter II we learned approximately 60 percent of the city is residential or urban and suburban which would indicate a need for a variety of recreational opportunities. The Client: Community Input and Comment Page 15 a Chapter VII Yakima Parks and Recreation has a long-standing policy supporting 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 relies on industry standards to guide and measure what development is needed and to ensure adequate service levels. Park and recreation standards have traditionally focused on space needs for recreation areas. N ational Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) stan- dards were used in Yakima's 1995 and 2000 Parks and Recreation Compre- hensive Plans. Originally published in 1991, they continue to represent a benchmark for space standards at the national and state levels. A set of guide posts were adopted and published in 1973 by the Wash- ington State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC). Similar to the NRPA measures, these "localized" standards served for a while. How- ever, recognizing the different recreational "personalities" of communities within the diverse geographic extremes of Washington state, IAC has, in recent years, directed grant applicants to demonstrate a more relative need for particular services and facilities by basing that need on the desires of their own communities. Be that as it may, there are a couple of factors that can help provide di- rection determining the need for park and recreation facilities: Service Radius: Service radius varies from neighborhood to neighbor- hood. Travel in neighborhoods of high population density can be difficult 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. The average population density of Yakima's urban area in 2000 was 8.35 people per acre. That number is estimated to climb to 9.40 by 2025. How- ever, a large amount of the urban area acreage is rural and omitting West Valley, Terrace Heights, Union Gap and Area 13 (south of Washington Av- Industry Standards a Page 1 s Chapter VIII NRPA STANDARDS Community Parks 20-30 acres 5 acres/1,000 people Neighborhood Parks 3 -acre minimum 1 to 2 acres/1,000 people Softball Fields 1/5,000 people (1/4-112 mile travel) Baseball Fields - Lighted 1/30,000 people Rettll Fields - Unlighted 1/5,000 people (1/4-1,2 mile travel) Soccer Fields 1/10,000 people (1-2 miles travel) Football Fields 1/20,000 pep!e (1/41/1 hour travel time) Tennis Courts 1/2,000 people (1/4-1/2 mile travel) Basketball Court - Indoot 115 ,1.700 people (1/41/2 mile travel) Volleyball Court - Indoor 115,000 people (114-1;2 mile travel) Ice Hockey/Skating Rink 1/100,000 people (1/2-1 hour travel time) Goff Courses - 9 holes 1/25,000 people (1/2-1 hour travel) Goff Courses - 18 hopes 1/50,000 people (112-1 hour travel) Goff Driving Range 1/50,000 people (1/2 hour travel time) Swimming Pool - Outdoor 1/20,000 people (1/41/2 hour travel) Swimming Pool - indoor No requirement Note: Population estimates are based on the State Office of Financial Management and the City of Yakima Planning presentation dated January 27, 2004. enue) reduces the land mass from 204,705 acres to 11,636 acres.' The 2000 popu- lation density for that smaller, more urbanized area is 10.6 people per acre, a figured estimated to rise to 11.9 in 2025. With this in mind, it might be fair to extend the service radius for most of Yakima's parks and recreational facilities. Space and Number Required: Recommended minimums for the amount of park space run between 2 acres and five acres per 1,000 people depending on the size and purpose of the park or facility. Nationally, recommendations range from a minimum of three acres for neighborhood parks to 20 to 30 acres for a community park. Yakima Parks and Recreation's inventory also includes mini -parks or pocket parks which are generally smaller than two acres. Generally speaking, Yakima falls short of the recommended ratio of park acreage to resident. Using the established guides, we observe the following: In 2005, the City of Yakima was estimated to have 83,864 residents. That being the case, at 2 acres per 1,000 residents, the City should have 168 acres of mini-/ neighborhood parks. In fact, it has only 50.04 acres or slightly less than one third of the recommendation. Yakima fares better in terms of community parks. Its 218.72 acres of community and special use parks is about half the recommended 420 acres. The 2005 story is similar in the urban area which also includes the city. Accepted standards call for 192 acres of mini-/ neighborhood parks for the popu- lation of 96,515. The actual number in existence is 50.04 acres, only about a quarter of the standard. However, an abundance of community parks in the urban area — 474.87 acres — combines with the city's inventory for a total of 654.66 acres, this time, and exceeds the standard of 480 acres by 36 percent. Using population estimates, the overall picture appears to change little by 2025. The city's population is expected to increase 93,815 who will warrant 188 2005/2025 Park Acreage Comparison 1000 400 200 0 -200 -400 -600 City Urban Area 2005 City IUrban Area 2025 NI Existing Acreage 270 655 270 655 17 Recommended Acreage i O Difference 588 -316 672 -17 658 -338 840 -185 Chapter VIII 9 Page 2 Industry Standards acres each of mini-/ neighborhood parks and 470 acres of community parks. The city would need to develop 138 acres of mini-/ neighborhood parks and 251.32 acres of community and special use parks to meet the standard. The 2025 urban area population is expected to climb to 119,641 and the standard to 240 acres each of mini- / neighborhood and 600 acres of commu- nity parks. Without construction of new parks, the urban area will be 190 acres short of mini-/ neighborhood parks. Again, the picture is brighter when we talk about community parks in the urban area. The 2005 surplus disap- pears, but the urban area is close to the standard — only eight percent short of it. A comparison of Yakima's park land inventory with those of other Washington cities with a similar pop- ulation makes the need for addition- al parks and recre- ational facilities even more appar- ent. The City of Ya- kima has 3.13 acres of park land for ev- ery 1,000 residents while the City of Kent has 17.84, Federal Way 10.55 and Bellingham a breath- taking 39.37. How to fund a significant increase in park land is a question, indeed. At a conservative estimate of $35,000 per acre, it would cost more than $20 mil- lion just for the land needed to bring the city and the urban area up to NRPA standard. Development and construction of facilities would be an additional challenge. In the past Yakima Parks and Recreation has drawn its funding from a variety of resources — its own budget, lines of credit, contributions, grants and the incredible generosity of the community, particularly the ser- vice clubs. However, most of these revenue sources are unpredictable and dependent on the economics of the time. Another option is impact fees which the State of Washington allows for the purpose of park development. How- ever, when this topic has been suggested in the past, Yakima city govern- ment has been hesitant to implement such fees and risk discouraging devel- opment within the city. Because of this policy to not entertain impact fees, they are not considered as a revenue source for needed capital improve- ments. Municipal Park Land Comparison 3,000 7,-- 2,500 ---2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 Neighborhood Parks 50.04 442.74 ®Yakima (pop. 83, 864) ® Kent (pop. 84,560) Community Parks Open Space /Other 39 72 345.50 179 68 721.79 TOTAL ©Federal Way (pop. 83,590) 133.00 230.00 521.80 ❑Bellingham (pop. 71,080) 66.25 1,662.00 1,071.02 269.44 1,510.03 884.80 2,799.27 Even if financial resources do come available, finding adequate and ap- propriate property within the city limits or urban area will be difficult. Va- Note: The City of Spokane Valley with its population of 83,950 was omitted from this comparison because That municipality was just incorporated in 2003 and its limited park land inventory is in its infancy Industry Standards a Page 3 Chapter VIII cant land is at a premium and available usually in small isolated parcels. Ac- quiring several adjacent pieces of property to combine into even a small mini - park would not only re h --t t di -Flit -lilt, Fortunately, the ovien nature of Yakima's geography and its generally sunny skies temper the need to develop the vast park acreage that the national standards recommend or other commu- nities require. It has been noted that the demand for public recreational activities in Ya- kima is considerably higher than the national standards. This is due, no doubt, to a combination of factors including a history of community recreational ac- tivity, a relatively young population, a climate conducive to such activities and Yakima's reputation as a regional activity center. This high demand for activi- ties can be seen in the heavy use experienced by the city's existing recreation facilities. in terms of specific types of facilities, we have observed the follow- ing: a' Softball Fields: For many years, Parks and Recreation has experienced a need for additional and updated fields as evidenced by the numbers of teams signing up for city leagues and the number relegated to waiting lists or turned away for lack of facilities. Nevertheless, the number of softball fields in the City's inventory has decreased from nine in 1998 to eight in 2005 with the pos- sibility of further reductions in the future. However, the addition of the Gate- way Complex with its four lighted fields and superior playing surfaces offsets the effects of fewer fields with improved scheduling capacity. While NRPA standards suggest Yakima should have 17 softball fields for its population size, in 2005, the number of fields currently appears to meet demands. Baseball Fields: Yakima currently has one public baseball field suitable for adult baseball. It is unlighted and is located within the Little League com- plex at the city's Elks Park. At the May, 2005, public meetings, adult baseball players asked Parks and Recreation to retain that field and, if possible, provide an additional one. NRPA standards call for 17 unlighted and three lighted baseball fields. However, participation in adult baseball m Yakima has declined over the past several decades. The somewhat limited league includes teams from communities up and down the Yakima Valley and the need for additional fields is -balanced by the fields in those particular areas. Soccer Fields: The city's inventory of soccer fields grew by two in 2000 as the second phase of Chesterley Park was completed. Generally speaking, the combination of Chesterley fields, Ahtanum Youth Park, J.M.Perry and school district fields appears to meet the soccer community needs for league and tour- naments. However, while youth teams are able to access the Ahtanum, Perry and school district fields for practices, there is a shortage of other sites suitable for practice, particularly for adult teams. In addition, Parks Maintenance Op- erations customarily closes one of the Chesterley fields each year for rest and rehabilitation so the number of fields available at the park at any given time is usually five. Staff reports the one-year closures are not sufficient time for the Chapter VIII • Page 4 • Industry Standards fields to recover from their heavy use. Additional fields could allow for a longer down time by permitting more than one field to be out of play at a time. Football Fields: The football fields provided by the Yakima School Dis- trict appear to meet the current community need. Tennis Courts: The City of Yakima has 32 tennis courts including a new 12 -court campus at Kissel Park that opened in 2003. Unfortunately, the con- dition of the older courts is deteriorating and cracks in courts at Eisenhower have rendered those courts virtually unusable. While NRPA standards pro- pose a need for 42 courts, there has been no public outcry for additional courts and it appears the combination of private and public tennis courts meets demand. Basketball/tlolleybail Courts: Yakima Parks and Recreation relies on existing community indoor basketball/ volleyball courts located at school district facilities for operation of its basketball and volleyball leagues. While the school district's number of gy nasiaLms exceeds NRPA standards, Parks and Recreation would benefit greatly from owning its own facilities. The school gyms have limited availability due to staffing requirements and a preference for -youth programs. Unanticipated last-minute cancellations due to school functions occur from time to time disrupt team and referee sched- ules. Ice Hockey/Skating Rink: The City currently has one privately owned sheet of ice. However, community interest in a larger year-round public fa- cility would indicate the need for a second publicly -owned rink. Golf Courses/Driving Ranges: The City -owned nine -hole course in com- bination with privately -held courses appears to meet current public need. In fact, local interest in golf has diminished somewhat since the late 1990's and municipal golf course attendance has gradually declined. Outdoor/Indoor Swimming Pools: Declining attendance and rising re- pair costs prompted the City Council's decision to stage the closure of three of its five pools beginning in 2005. This left the city with one indoor (Lions) and one outdoor pool (Franklin). The Council also decided to install water playgrounds at Martin Luther King and Miller Parks in 2006 as an alterna- tive water experience for neighborhood youngsters. In addition, the Council approved funding for a feasibility study for an aquatic center and estab- lished a committee to oversee the process. Industry Standards m Page 5 Chapter Vil 1vlilii-parks: green space, usually- less than three acres, used primarily by resi- dents residing within a quarter mile for limited passive recreation: cherry Park .... .49 acres Fairbrook Addition Islands 2.05 Naches Parkway 5.86 North 44th Avenue Parkway 69 Portia Park c9 Raymond Park 2.17 Rosali»a Garden Club 45 S. 2nd Street Park 52 S. 6th Avenue Park 17 Suminitvicw Park 7b Tieton Terrace Park 47 Walter Ortman Parkway 70 (South 2nd Street and Yakima " 30) TOTAL 14.80 acres South 2nd Street and Yakima Park is a temporary park on prinvately owned property and is not included in the Mini -Park total. its replacement with a permanent park is recommended.) Neighborhood parks: open space developed as a park, generally three acres or more, usually used by neighbors within a half -mile radius for picnicking and passive recreation: Eisenhower Park 2.36 acres Gilbert Park 11.62 Larson Park 4.40 Martin Luther King Park 4.00 McGuinness Park 1 91 Miller Park 3.96 Milroy Park 3.36 Southeast Community Park 3.63 TOTAL 35.24 acres Community parks: well developed park space, usually twenty acres or more, with specific recreational amenities that attract visitors from throughout the region: Chesteriey Park 31.20 acres Elks Park 12.66 Emil Kisses Park 17.00 Franklin Park 17.66 Gardner Park 9.13 Kiwanis Park 32.40 Lions Park 4.38 Perry Soccer Complex 15.00 Chapter V!!! = Page 6 = Industry Standards Randall Park 40.25 TOTAL 179.68 Finally, Yakima has four special use parks/ areas: Central Business District 10.00 acres Powerhouse Canal Pathway/2.45 miles 8.00 Harman Center at Gailleon Park 3.52 Fisher Golf Course 18.20 TOTAL 39.72 acres In addition, there are several non -city community parks that serve the Ya- kima Urban Area: West Valley Community Park 26.20 acres Sarg Hubbard Park/Greenway 28.00 Sherman Park/Greenway 6.00 Sportsman State Park ** 247.00 Sunrise Rotary Park/Greenway 3.63 Ahtanum Youth Park/County 74.00 Yakima Area Arboretum 40.00 TOTAL 424.83 acres Yakima Parks and Recreation takes care of several pieces of property that were not included in the various total because they do not serve as active or passive park land. Englewood Reservoir 3.31 acres River Road Pump Station 48 TOTAL 3.79 acres " Sportsman Park's future was dependent upon the outcome of regional stormwater planning efforts. Industry Standards Page 7 • Chapter Vial A Blueprint: Recommendations for the Future n a t h Trails & Pathways Lakes / Reservoirs Railroad Line Yakima City Limits 0 = Urban Service Area Park Areas School Areas Greenway Path Proposed County Trail System Powerhouse 2000 Altof Yo4, la o 44 (Won $64 Scale —lin = 4800ft 0 2400 4800 Created: April 28, 2006 These priorities represent the principal elements that we want to use to define Parks and Recreation's future. They provide us with a basic structure but leave room for change orders — additions and deletions — that may be needed as time passes. These priorities will serve as a framework upon which to base decisions on issues yet to arise and will allow us to make those deci- sions in a focused, well -directed fashion that responds to the needs and de- sires of the community as a whole. While these priorities are identified by numbers one through five, it should not be construed that this is a mandate to accomplish them in that order. A thoughtful, balanced approach to meeting all the priorities using resources available at the time will maximize resources as well as opportu- nity for a greater benefit. A Repairs, renovations and enhancements to existing developed city parks and facilities. Parks and Recreation's inventory of assets presents a valuable and vir- tually irreplaceable investment. Repair and maintenance of those assets and their infrastructure will insure their continued service to the citizens of Ya- kima well into the future. In addition, renovations, updates and enhance- ments will keep property, equipment, facilities and amenities attractive and current so that citizens and their guests will want to visit city parks and use them for their activities. This priority calls for capital repair and maintenance of fundamental park elements such as restrooms, tennis courts, pathways and parking lots. It also mandates periodic renovation of facilities including sports fields and swimming pools that can lose their appeal and serviceability over time with- out updates. In addition, enhancements like park lighting, play equipment, drinking fountains, additional picnic shelters and landscaping will, again, keep the facilities current as well as attractive and inviting. (References to specific improvements are included in Chapters VI and VII.) Inherent in this priority are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ac- commodations. As improvements to park facilities are initiated, they will be designed to make sure ballfields, restrooms, picnic areas and playground equipment are as accessible as possible to individuals with physical handi- caps. Recommended Priorities for Parks and Recreation for 2006-2011 PRIORITY #1 The Blue Print: Proposals for the Future = Page 1 • Chapter IX s'rfa=a — - Parks' irrigations systems warrant special attention in terms of repairs, renovations and enhancements. As maintenance demands and costs have climbed in recent years, so has the cost of water and the importance of effi- dent Ater us has .l e ise acceleLated. T# ,,rv'e .i'i portant to to develop improvements in water usage through research and analysis of appropriate water sources, irrigation tecluuques, equipment replacement, Capital improvements and long-range cost-effectiveness studies. ❑I0,IVn 01 the pCIlIl maintenance opeIdLIoII budget oyer the last J1[ to seven years had led to considerable concern on the part of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Attractive parks are integral to the overall health t l'' and vitality- of our community They are an essential element of the overall health and vitality of the community. They are an essential element of the community image, help set an attractive stage for economic development and offer citizens a tangible municipal benefit, Ln that light; the Park Com- missioners speak for the citizens they represent and call for secure, stable funding to ensure, at a minimum, continuation of the 2006 levels of service and to prevent further reducations m manpower, equipment and supplies. By placing repair, maintenance and enhancement of existing city parks and IdLliI&ICJ as 11.7 IIUIIILJCr one priority iiy ivi the future, InC Commission urges the City Council and the City Management to provide the financial resources r_.. this valuable of necessary to Cabe iV1 this vaiuAElie inventory assets. A Acquisition and development of new parks and recreation facilities. At the time this plan was drafted, the only piece of undeveloped land remaining lSirl Lulu ilE Yakima's Parks mid A\i LL CQLiiJ1L J I11L e1 LtViy l^.'aJ LA 1C Ci`1yro.'�i- mately 4.5 acres of land lying just south of Randall Park on its 48th Avenue side. As Yakima's city limits and the urban planning area's population growth CrntiynluP the need for additional park lands and recreation facilitieS will increase. This is particularly noticeable in the West Valley neighborhoods where annexation and development combine to create new city neighbor- hoods and greater demands for parks and recreation facilities. At the same time, growing population density in a number of existing city neighborhoods '1�.. .1__ 1 park and deficiencies become similarly leads to greater open space that eveiL more apparent when contrasted with Washington cities of similar size. The need to acquire property for future park and open space develop- ment is critical as property is consumed by new development and changing land uses. Vacant land within the City has become increasingly scarce, a con- dition likely to be exaggerated in the western reaches of the urbanized area as development of that area accelerates. It will be essential to identify re- sources for property acquisition so Parks and Recreation will be in position ------- --- to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. In the cur - Chapter IX: Page 2 m The Blue Plink: Proposals for Me Future rent environment's limited funding resources, it may become important to consider acquisition of public park and open green space through less tradi- tional means such as creation of incentives to encourage developers to in- clude open space in their planning. Future parks may not look like the ones we are accustomed to seeing. On the one hand, with urban land available only at a premium, neighbor- hood parks of three or more acres like Larson, Miller or Southeast Commu- nity Parks may be unrealistic and mini -parks like Tieton Terrace and Sum- mitview that require just a single parcel of land may become a more viable options. Development of mini -parks along trails like the Powerhouse Canal Pathway or the Yakima Loop may provide yet another alternative means of bringing recreational space within reach of our citizens. On the other hand, as maintenance costs become an increasingly important budgetary consid- eration, it may become necessary to focus development on larger commu- nity or regional parks with a variety of active and passive elements to con- centrate maintenance needs in a few large locations rather than spread out among many smaller ones. The I-82 Corridor and West Yakima are two areas that have been identi- fied in particular need of park and recreation facility development. With the number of considerations that will need to be accommodated in future de- velopment, this priority also requires strategic thinking on the part of Parks and Recreation in order to be prepared for opportunities that may be come available in the future. Going hand in hand with property acquisition is property development. In addition to public park and open green space, proposals for major capital development have included an aquatic center, a public ice rink, a downtown gathering center or plaza, a band shell or performance venue and Fisher Park expansion. A Development of urban pathways. Responses to the 2005 survey and comments in the 2005 Urban Area Comprehensive Plan meetings underscored the community's interest in a pathway system and old trolley/ rail and irrigation canal rights-of-way pro- vide a convenient framework for urban pathways throughout the City of Yakima and the urban planning area. These pathways, in addition to pro- viding walking and bicycle riding corridors, will link citizens to city parks, commercial businesses, the Yakima Greenway Regional Pathway and other regional trails via environmentally -friendly, non -motorized transportation routes. Additions to the existing urban pathway system, including the intra- city portions of the William O. Douglas Trail and a extension of the Power- house Canal Pathway east to the Naches Avenue Parkway, are highly desir- able as are improved connectors to the Greenway at North 40th, North 16th, Priority 3 The Blue Print: Proposals for the Future • Page 3 • Chapter IX rievit J 4 s aaaraaa g ei North 6th and Fair Avenues. Because many jurisdictions and agencies are involved in development of trails and pathways throughout the Yakima Val- ley and extended locations, it will be important for Parks and Recreation to work cooperatively with other agencies and organizations to insure opti- mum regional development and continuity. Li.iVe rc,1!°reiv'nlsSLA. U1&.a 41.1,43t866.6... ei..15aiu L&flSssni1ee. In spite of budgetary shortfalls and scale hacks, relatively strong recre- ational programs continue to exist in athletics, golf, aquatics and senior ac- tivities. Programming for youth has continued to a lesser degree although the addition of a recreational specialist in 2005 spurred new growth in this area. Calling for preservation of 2005 service levels at a minimum, this prior - it urges expansion of services in the future to ensure attractive and afford- able leisure opportunities for Yakima's citizens and to enhance the community's overall quality of life. Programs for youth of all ages should be expanded to bring safe and appropriate ectivities within reach of all youth, , but particularly icuiariy those within n distressed or disadvantaged neighborhoods. Sports and athletic activities should be expanded and coordinated to help attract out-of-town tourism. dollars via special events and tournaments. Ser- vice outreach for seniors should be developed for the city's eastside neigh- borhoods. The future of aquatic programming will be determined when the City Council's Aquatic Task Force completes its studies and reports its find- ings. While financial support and commitment on the part of the city is essen- tial for growth in this service area, it can be augmented with user fees and effortsotherter cooperative with agencies andorganizations to ensure greater availability of recreational services throughout the community nevelnp and implement resource management programs. During the late 1990's and early 2000's, dramatic changes in Parks and Recreation's asset inventory — completion of Chesterley Park and its 10,000 - square -foot skate park, the addition of Kissel Park and its 12 -acre tennis campus, the Gateway Complex and the 16,000 square -foot Harman Center — were offset by significant erosion in Park Operations manpower. The result, a delicate balance between service needs and the ability to provide them, is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. Without an infusion of fund- ing for operations for upward adjustments in staffing, Parks and Recreation Chapter In, a Page 4 ° The Blue Print: Proposals for the Future will need to persist and be successful in its efforts to augment human pro- ductivity with equipment updates, capital improvements and long-range program cost effectiveness to maintain the 2005 levels of service. In addition, Parks and Recreation should plan for its future and develop strategies for permanent funding and for establishment of a volunteer corps. Formation of a parks foundation would encourage philanthropy and pro- vide a subsidiary mechanism for saving, investing and expending funds for capital improvements. A structured volunteer organization could recruit and retain individual volunteers and organizations for effective and continued assistance in maintenance, special projects and community programming. A Cross -jurisdictional coordination of services. In 2004, the Yakima City Council established four strategic priorities to guide its future decisions. Among those is regional government service where the Council seeks to lead, encourage and pursue opportunities for greater regionalization and coordination of public service and intergovernmental cooperation which best serves all citizens. Indeed, regionalization of parks and recreation services through the organization of a metropolitan park district is a topic that was discussed at an early 2004 joint meeting of the Yakima City Council and the Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission. The need for some sort of cooperative effort became even more apparent when the county park depart- ment was eliminated from the county budget and organization in 2004 and county parks were left without a care -taking organization. The opinion survey conducted for this purposes of this plan, however, indicates either ambivalence or confusion among the respondents with re- gard the formation of a metropolitan park district. Half of those who re- sponded had no opinion at all on the issue. The other half was evenly split between pro and con. Without knowing how much it would be, half of the respondents indicated they were unwilling to pay the levy or tax that would be required for the operation of a park district. Substantially fewer — 28 per- cent — said they would be willing to pay the tax and the balance had no opinion. In light of the resounding thumbs down that Yakima voted gave to the tax proposals for both the Big League Dreams and the port district in the early 2000's, voter -approved tax support for a park district cannot be antici- pated with certainty. Should formation of a metropolitan park district be approved by the voters, however, its continued operation would be more secure than that of the previous Metropolitan Park District which was dis- solved in 1969 when voters failed to approved the necessary operating levy (Chapter II). New legislation passed in 2002 give metropolitan park districts a maximum levy of 75 cents per thousand dollars assessed valuation. Now that levy is voted on by the legislative body and is permanent — not requir- ing voter approval at regular intervals. Priority 6 The Slue Print: Proposals for the Future s Page 5 s Chapter IA Whether or not a regional or metropolitan park district becomes a reality, tio.... Parks and Recreation, iSUii, by 2005, had already established "partnering" iitg" Lid a viable means of achieving objectives in project and programming develop- ment. irt'vvi tpartnershipslikethose'rvithLit l League, the Salvation Army, Yakima School District and local Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs produced a u tomated irriga tion you th ball field systems, s ummer playgro and programs, after school programs and the Gateway Complex at Kiwanis Park. in Yakima's fiscally conservative climate of the late 1990's and early 2000's, cooperating agencies were able to combine their vaned and sometimes broad - ranging resources to produce synergistic results often far exceeding what any would have been able to accomplish independently. Clearly, partner- ships will provide effective operating procedures for the future. Chapter IX: Page 6 The Blue Print: Proposals for the Future PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMARY OF 2006-2011 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS FUNDING Acquisiton/ FACILITY PRIORITY PROJECT SOURCE Development/ TYPE 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 A Park Land Acquisition L/M A NPK A Miller/MLK Park Water Playgrounds L D NPK 250K A Gateway/4th Ballfield L D BS 600K A 40th Avenue/Fruitvale William O. Douglas Trail Linkage FUNDED D TP 200K g. A Chesterley Park: Expand Skatepark D/L/M D NKP - - - - 50K A Kiwanis Park Redevelopment D/L/M R NKP - - 2M A Tennis Court Repair L R T - 10K - 10K A Various Parks - Playground Equipment L R PE 20K 30K 20K 20K 20K 20K A Elks Park Restroom Replacement L R NPK 100K A Milroy Restroom Replacement L R NPK - - 125K A Lions Pool Bulkhead and Repairs L R SI - 75K 25K 15K 15K 15K A Randall Park Irrigation Canal Cover L R NKP - 50K A General Park Improvements L R NPK 15K 15K 15K 20K 20K 20K including fencing, playground sof-fall, landscaping A General Park Tree/Shrubs L R NPK 20K 20K 20K 25K 25K 25K pruning, removal and replacement A Southeast Community Center Improvements L R CC 25K 25K 25K 25K 25K 25K A Tahoma Cemetery Improvements L R Cemetery 20K 70K 70K 20K A/B Pool Improvements and Repairs L including shaded entry at Franklin R SO/ SI 25K 25K 15K A/B Fisher Golf Course hnprovements enlarging starter house and maintenance shed L R G 15K 20K 15K B Franklin Park: New Shelter L R NPK 15K B Canal Pathway: Landscape 16-20th/McGuinness Park Section L/M D TP - 20K_ 75K C Various Parks: Parking Lot/Sidewalk Improvements L R NPK 10K 35K 35K - 20K Funding Source Codes: L = Local Funds, D = Donation, M = Matching Grant, B = General Obligation Bonds, O = Other Bonds, 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/Pedestria f;k .• .• E&I9 Appendix A: Map: Schools, Parks and Planning Areas • '1 N. 1 1 N MI 1 • /Aril • WIDE HOLLOW RD 1 1 9 t. 1 A MI Am • Legend City Limits e •• .. I • urbanreserve parkarea schools streets Vacant/Undeveloped Lands Appendix B: Map: Existing and Proposed Pathways 1 1 1 Roe Rime "me am • MINN 111111111,1M IL MI H TERRACE HOTS D 1 • 1 • • • III I 1 1 1 1 1. -_- -- 1 P — — — — — • so se 1 •__1 OCCIDENTAL AVE r r OM an" rim 1 MI III Aft— —r O0 1140-11,104 4 1 13 ` 17 1 • Darks iNf 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 OAILLEON PARK 10 GARDNER PARK 11 GILBERT PARK 12 JOHN F CHESTERLEV PARK 13 KISSEL PARK (UNDEVELOPED) 14 KIWANIS PARK 15 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 NACHES PARKWAY 24 NOEL PATHWAY 25 PORTIA PARK 26 RANOALL PARK 27 RAYMOND PARK 26 ROBERTSON LANDING 29 6 2ND PARK 30 S 6TH PARKWAY 31 SARO HUBBARD PARK & LANDING 32 SHERMAN MEMORIAL PARK 33 SOUTH EAST COMMUNITY CENTER 34 SOUTH EAST COMMUNITY PARK 35 SUMMITVIEW PARK (UNDEVELOPED) 36 SWAN AVE PARK (UNDEVELOPED) 37 TIETON TERRACE PARK 38 WALTER ORTM AN PARKWAY 39 WEST VALLEY COMMUNITY PARK 40 KIMA AREA ARBORETUM 41 YAKIMA SPORTSMANS STATE PARK URBAN AREA SCHOOLS 42 ADAMS 43 AHTANUM VALLEY 44 APPLE VALLEY 45 BARGE -LINCOLN 46 DAVIS 47 EISENHOWER 46 FRANKLIN 49 OARFIELD 50 GILBERT 51 HOOVER 52 LEWIS & CLARK 53 MARTIN LUTHER KING 54 MCCLURE 55 MCKINLEY 56 MOUNTAINVIEW 57 NOB HILL 58 RIDGEVIEW 59 ROBERTSON 60 ROOSEVELT 61 SUMMITVIEW 62 TERRACE HEIGHTS 63 UNION OAP SCHOOL 64 WASHINGTON 65 WEST VALLEY 66 WEST VALLEY H.S 67 WHITNEY 68 WIDE HOLLOW 69 WILSON 70 YAKIMA ALTERNATIVE H.S. 71 YVCC Gr.. way Path 1990 Carious Tracts Yakima City Limits Urban Araa Boundary t Y04, rw w Scale -lin = 4800ft 0 2400 4800 Created: April 28, 2006 $64 Appendix C: Map: Schools, Parks and Vacant Lands 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Appendix D: 1 Survey and Results Parks and Recreation Survey. Following is a summary of the responses to the survey mailed to 854 randomly selected City of Yakima utility account holders in May, 2005. A total of 224 surveys or 26 percent were returned. Response rates vary from one question to another because not everyone answered every question and because sometimes responders were invited to select multiple listed choices. 1. Yakima needs more open green space and parks. Strongly Agree 1 2 Neutral 3 4 Strongly Disagree 5 47 responses 46 responses 61 responses 16 responses 20 responses 190 responses 25% 24% 32% 8% 11% 100?0 2. If you think Yakima needs more parks, where should the be located? i i AM/hr ! She ; htariamas `► #4 #1 Englewood Galleon cnestenay gr.'''. '�.. Pnat athway 1 Na.aaawf Mart #2 #3 i AA 1 •••' mamnww'...V. Tleton MLK nramrey l` a� Myrnai moons* v.4 7#8 Franklin i akSoufieam i i(arn n Raymond Commundy #6 1i #7 k Ii 6senhowar Nob 11111 Blvd #5 Randall Fisher GoCou, se Kissel GarWa �Communrly Park A Neighborhood Pak t &Int -Park acres Section 1 48 responses 20% Section 2 15 responses 6% Section 3 2 responses 1% Section 4 23 responses 9% Section 5 59 responses 24% Section 6 16 responses 7% Section 7 25 responses 10% Section 8 13 responses 5% No opinion 42 responses 17% 243 responses 99% 3. Generally speaking, residents of the City of Yakima should live within what distance of a park 1/ 2 mile or less 1/ 2-1 mile 1-2 miles More than 2 miles No preference 19 responses 62 responses 55 responses 8 responses 66 responses 210 responses 9% 30% 26% 4% 31% 100% 4. What kinds of parks do you think should be added to the city's park system? Large parks (10 acres or more) 22 responses Small neighborhood parks (2-10 acres) 99 responses Mini -parks or pocket parks (smaller than 2 acres) 30 responses Green belts and pathways 82 responses No new parks 24 responses No opinion 16 responses Other 12 responses 285 responses 8% 35% 10% 29% 8% 6% 4% 100% Page 1 Items listed under Other included bike paths, water parks (2), soccer and baseball (2) f fields, o.f-leash dog parks (3), parks on west side of town and skate park. 5. What kinds of facilities or parks would you like added to the city's park system? An aquatic center/ water park Trails .....,J . at1.. vv a-ys 11CA.i_fJ and ti Ct fill VV Cly3 Softball fields Regional sports complexes A golf driving range Large open green spaces New s,a'nn ring pools A community center Soccer fields Youth baseball fields A second _municipal golf course No new parks needed No opinion ether 87 responses V'/ re.5pliti3-3 13 responses 23 responses 17 responses 41 responses 54 responses 26 responses 16 responses 21 responses 25 responses 22 responses 9 responses 17 responses 4F8 responses 19% 190A l i (G 3% 5% 4% 12% 6% 3% 5% 5% 4% 2% 1n0% Items listed under Other included bike paths, dog parks (3), skate park (2), playgrounds (2), ice rink (2), basketball courts, adult baseball fields, medium green spaces and bold shell at Randall na rk. 6, What other features would you like added to Yakima city parks? Trees Basketball courts Drinking fountains Park lighting Wadiingr pools Non-traditional sports facilities (skate park, BNS track, etc.) Concert shell / outdoor stage Playground and play equipment Picnic shelters Restrooms Tennis courts Water spray toys None Other 71 responses 33 responses 55 responses 73 responses 29 responses 20 responses 75 responses 56 responses 78 responses 90 responses 16 responses 25 responses 22 responses 7 responses 650 responses Items listed under Other included fenced grass for kids and pets, off -leash do" facility, public art, dance floor. 001' jG 12% 14% 2% 4% 3% 1/ 99% Page 2 7. Yakima needs more pathways and trails. Strongly agree 1 2 Neutral 3 4 Strongly disagree 5 58 responses 55 responses 66 responses 17 responses 16 responses 212 responses 27% 26% 31% 8% 8% 100% 8. You or members of your family would be most likely to use a pathway for what reasons? As an alternative to motorized transportation To access shopping or professional offices To go to school To walk with family or friends For exercise For river/ nature access To get away from the city To get to the Greenway or other trail Not likely to use pathway Other 23 responses 6 responses 5 responses 145 responses 169 responses 67 responses 27 responses 50 responses 28 responses 10 responses 530 responses 4% 1% 27% 32% 13% 5%O 9% 5% 2/0 99% Items lited under Other included bicycling (4), dog walking and a suggestion to acquire property for a greenway along Wide Hollow Creek before all the property is developed. 9. Which of the following do you prefer as reasonable and effective funding sources for acquisi- tion and development of new park facilities? An increase in the utility tax Government/private business partnerships Profit-making programs and services operated by Parks and Recreation Private donations / grants Public bonds No new parks needed No opinion Other 16 responses 79 responses 78 responses 101 responses 29 responses 27 responses 14 responses 12 responses 358 responses 4% 22% 22% 28% 8% 8% 4% 4% 100% Items listed under Other included user fees (2), casino profits, fundraisers (3), developer fees and tax breaks for businesses willing to sponsor parks. 10. Which of the following do you prefer as additional means of support for the maintenance and operations of existing city parks? Increased user fees 39 responses Government/private business partnerships 81 responses Eliminating other park and recreation services to redirect funds to maintenance6 responses 12% 25% 2% Page 3 Profit-making programs and se ices operated by Parks and Recreation A temporary park operating levy An increase in the utility tax No new parks needed No opinion Other 104 responses 27 responses 18 responses 18 responses 18 responses 13 responses 374 responses [terns listed under Older included maintenance level reduction, grants and donations (2), fiindiaising, improved efficiency and business sponsorships. 11. Since 1959 the City of Yakima has owned and operated Yakima's city parks. Before that time, they belonged to and were maintained by an independent Metropolitan Park District that was man- aged by its own board of commissioners. Would it be better to return to a Metropolitan Park District for management of Yakima's parks? yes no no opinion 56 responses 53 responses 105 responses 214 responses 26% 25% 49% 7 nave_ I_ vv jV 12. The Metropolitan Park District used a tax levy on its residents to raise the money required to operate and maintain its parks. Would you be willing to pay an ongoing levy/tax to fund an indepen- dent park district? yes no no opinion 62 responses p.._. 114 responses 46 responses 222 responses Information about the respondent. 1. Age range 2. Sex 3. Level of education 20-29 30-44 45-59 60 and older male female Grade 8 or less Some high school 14 responses 47 responses 85 responses 77 responses 223 responses 107 responses 112 responses 219 responses 2 responses 4 responses 6% 21% 38% 35% 100% 49% 51% 100% Page 4 4. Annual household income High school graduate 43 responses 20% Some college 49 responses 22% College graduate 76 responses 35% Postgraduate degree 45 responses 21% 219 responses 101% Less than $14,999 24 responses 12% $15,000-24,999 19 responses 9% $25,000-34,999 18 responses 9% $35,000-49,999 33 responses 16% $50,000-74,999 58 responses 29% Greater than $75,000 50 responses 25% 202 responses 100% 5. Are you and/or members of your family regular park users? yes 131 responses 60% no 87 responses 40% 218 responses 100% Please add any other ideas or comments you might like to share about future Parks and Recreation development. Parks are part of what snakes the conununity family oriented and beautiful. You do a great job at maintaining the parks we have. More concerts in the parks could be a great source of income. The government entities in this city are unable to firnction financially in the community's hest interest. If Parks and Rec could get out from under the city, it might thrive. Less talk and more action — it takes way too long for things to happen. There should be more emphasis on non -sport participation, such as dancing, archery, public speaking and a commu- nity center needs to he built to facilitate these programs. I am a 90 -year-old senior citizen. I never go to the park or swimming pool. I also resent paying on all my bills a fee for both oa'them. Why do seniors have to support these? Maybe a mid-sized park with a petting zoo inside, water slides like in Oregon, have customers pay an entry fee. The closest one, I think, is in Seattle that would bring in more nioney for maintaining the parks around here. We need more/better summer youth programs. Free to residents. More activities (supervised) for youth an teens. Free. I don't believe parks should be a profit-making enterprise. Open all the pools! Sake and BMX parks pay big dividends to keep youth satisfied and busy. Maybe "Pearl Jam" would kick in some funding. They've donated money for other skate parks in the Seattle area. Bikes jog/skate paths are always heavily used once the public finds out about them. I think we need more tennis courts and an Olympic -sized pool so swim team members can practice in a regulation - Page 5 sized pool. It ;:fakes no sense that little towns like ?h'apato and Selah can have thein and Yakin(a doesn't. Wo all want tha hlara d -i, hart Moro is nnly cn mvah mMivir Nmn hmn is fho hocf 717ai1 to spend nY !14770C1 if tt 11110c14'1 make sense to close pools because of shortage of funds and yet open a new park. Plus, it is cheaper to maintain pools than deal with the kids who have nothing better to use up their time. Let some of our folks in jail earn early -out credit for doing good things for our city. They might learn some pride along the way. Thanks. Let those who use them take care of them. The newer pathways (canal) are wonderful! Chesterley Park and Kissel are great!! Chestnut Avenue between 16th and 48th Avenues is much like a pathway with heavy use by pedestrians. Any citylpark partnership to enhance this well -used Seiiii -ill%t avenue would be IILiiLh appreciated. My persons opinion on this park issue is that, if Yakima is going to succeed in every aspect. (sic) Bringing in new honey from out- ftown tourists, basketball games, etc.... Is that a water park/go-.'art/miniature golfcenter would be awesome for the entire family. 1 know and understand that it's very costly, but it will draw people in from all over the state and all business will benefit in the long -run. Eve;y young person that I've asked in my neighborhood showed great interest in this idea. It would be a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday with your entire family. This would bring good times back to Yakima. I've been to some really nice water parks in California. I was in envy of Oil/ Yakima couldn't have one of these. I think our city is in Rreat need of a water theme park. Thanks for your time. Yakima kis more impartant needs far available f rnds than more parks, like fixing roads or streets, etc. and necessary services. BBQ areas, car and bike shows to raise money, animal access, maybe a petting zoo. r tv'eratio;is and maintenance of Laarks shouldbe funded with a taxsimil`a tv Sates taxes combi:teK with fo v' otic services. Service vendors in the "for profit" arena should share gross revenue with operations and maintenance. Quality recreational 1infrastructure r1 1.1 i-.,t;„g .1.,,,,,.t,, t,. V 1 ; t,, attract 1,.....; 1 ti La iviu IrLu ii inlClRCLtri� advantage to luKinit(. 4V LaIL![tCL business u,us convention traffic. More playgrounds for small children. 1 think it would be a great idea to have a few parks and pathways in this city. Everyone's always complaining about howboredt ^re all the brie and t era . ot1,in,) tr,. do in Y'ii i am T1r c z,1 r ld ben rt ty improve- ment. they z.. �zz .-.z,, z.. Z, 5 : e.: a:zz::� . .. � , ...., 0.1 i,..: greatippo:.ur:z.� Jrfir Zrizl,r,...,. ment. Skate parks are needed or at least a place to skate. The skate parks we have now 1 hear are not that great. I also have a dog and there aren't many places to take him. How neat would it be if Yakima developed a dog park? That's be really cool. 1 need a part-time/full-time job from June 1 to September 20. Do you have anything available for me? If so, you may call me at this number ... . 1. Work within the present budget to operate the existing parks and pools! 2. Propose "new” projects when and only when this is done. Provide doggie -do bags for people to dispose of let droppings with and signs reminding pet owners (of which 1 am one) to please pick up after your pet. Nothing is more annoying than to go out to play catch or some other activity and have to completely scope out your area for animal mess. Page 6 We don't use them as much because we are so busy. When the kids were little, we used the parks two or three times a week! I really appreciated that time with my kids at the parks. We rode bikes, played on the equipment and went for family walks. Thank you for providing the parks and maintaining them so well. Lighted tennis courts and basketball courts at Kissel would be great. Even if people using them had to pay to turn the lights on. (Quarter machines/dollar machines.) There needs to be a better system for soccer games. It would be great to have a sports complex. Use you budget to save three Yakima area pools, you all want to close down in the next few years. Once they are closed down, the other Yakima pools will be more crowded. How about a lame fenced area where dogs can run free. I know that it is not in the control of the City of Yakima but YVCC keeps gobbling up open space and softball fields and turning it into buildings and asphalt. Not good for the neighborhood. I would like to say that the restrooms at the parks are discusting and need more care and less used by drogies and gang members (sic). (1) Please listen to people when they petition ideas. (2) Take the survey to heart. (3) Make Yakima "the" regional sports destination. (4) Bid for "national tournaments." There are more pressing and important issues in Yakima than the development of new parksltrails. Indoor aquatic center!!! We need safe, positive, constructive places for kids and their families. Water park!!! The city should keep and maintain at least 3 swimming pools — to cover both the poorer areas of Yakima and the middle area. (a) Maintain existing parks and facilities on shared use. All parks should be multiple use. For children through seniors. (b) Parks must be structured for low maintenance and shared multiple use. They should not be for special interest groups. (c) Be conservative when spending finds. We are disappointed that the Eisenhower Pool will be closed this year. The Franklin Pool is too far away, too crowded and has restrictive hours (i.e., if you time it wrong, it will close and you have to pay again.) We use Union Gap's Fullbright Park and county parks for dog events now because they are very cooperative and encourage our use our use for a fee of $50.00 per day. The city was not cooperative at all. I ani a new first time property owner. As a citizen with no children, I find it kind of irritating that after paying for schools and constantly hearing about "our kids" in the media and society, which I have "no kids," that I am con- stantly asked to give more — while those with kids keep burdening with over population and are rewarded with more money from the government, being the same folks who keep whining about "their kids" not having stuff to do (i.e. parks/pools) perhaps gov. as a whole can redirect these "earned income credits" to things like parks for their kids — instead of trips to Disneyland and other wasteful uses of this "given " funds that parents spend this on instead. (sic) Page 7 Appendix E: William 0. Douglas Trail WILLIAM O. DOUGLAS HERITAGE TRAIL: YAKIMA TO MOUNT RAINIER The Washington State Heritage Trails project connects Eastern Washington to Western Washington through the William O. Douglas Trail, Cowlitz Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, and the Upper Nisqually Heritage Trail to create a multi -modal recreational system that recognizes the state's cultural heritage, diverse natural landscape, and scenic beauty. Combined, the trails tell the story of the significant role of historic paths in our state's cultural heritage and how these historic trails have linkages that are important to this day. The William O. Douglas Trail (W.O.D. Trail) is a 75 -mile recreational pathway which courses through the City of Yakima, traverses Yakima County, and reaches portions of Lewis and Pierce Counties, connecting to Mount Rainier National Park. It is named after influential Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, perhaps the most famous person to grow up in Yakima and who was the longest serving Justice in the United States history. Stricken with polio as a boy and in a weakened physical state, William O. Douglas frequently walked along the trail to strengthen his legs. As the most prolific author in the history of the Supreme Court, Douglas wrote several books about the historical, cultural, and natural features of Washington State. This trail interprets numerous historic and natural sites that Douglas visited and wrote about. The W.O.D. Trail connects Douglas's boyhood home site to the Wilderness Area that bears his name by Act of Congress. Because of the Cascade Mountain rain -shadow effect coupled with rapid changes in elevation and precipitation along the 75 -mile trail route, the Trail passes through twelve different ecosystems from steppe to forest to alpine zones, and contains some of the greatest biological diversity found in the U.S. over a comparable distance. The trail is 90% complete based upon the linking of existing public trails and lands. The W.O.D. Trail will be open to all forms of muscle -powered users, including pedestrian, bicycle, equestrian, snowshoeing, and skiing. This Trail also follows many miles along the ancient Cowlitz Pass Indian Trail .where thousands of moccasins have passed through the centuries across Yakima County and the Cascade Crest near Mount Rainier. The Mountain figures prominently in the state's history and natural environment, serves as an icon of the region, and connects Eastern Washington to Western Washington. The William O. Douglas Trail offers many ways to interpret the significant cultural heritage sites as related to Douglas himself and other individuals, communities, events, and Native American history. Trail users can learn about our heritage through interpretive projects such as trailhead signs, information kiosks, brochures, and a website. Students and teachers in the Yakima Valley are already using the Trail as a significant "on the ground" educational resource by integrating hiking with important aspects of natural history, literature, and social studies. 'W. IEt AS, tfw City of Yakima is the childhood (tome of the fate V. S. Supreme Court justice William O. Douglas. As a boy, Douglas walked many times along North 5th and 6th Avenues from 'Yakima to the Selah Gap fzil(to conquer the physical challenges associated with the disease of polio. Ire knew poverty first hand and struggled to survive 6y picking fruit and gathering scrap metal to self for food .71e overcame these challenges to become a tenacious and brilliant scholar, the longest -serving member of the 'United States Supreme Court, and a passionate defender of Constitutional -rights, civil rights, andfreedom of speech. .71-e was an conservation pioneer who left a legacy that callsfor protecting our nation's natural -resources and providing recreation areas forfuture generations; and 'WJf!EREAS, the Wifam O. Douglas Trai(wi(lconnect trails walked by Justice (Douglas, using existing public lands, pathways, trails, and conservancy lands that form a continuous 75 -mile long route from tfue City of 'Yakima to Mt. Rainier. The `Wifane O. Douglas Trail wil(provide a muscle powered recreation route for anyone wishing to walkin the footsteps of Wif ant O. Douglas and behold the natural beauty of the 'Yakima Valley, and will serve as an catalyst for tourism and economic development; and WJ EREAS, the actual historic walking route of William O. Douglas includes the 'Yakima 'Valley Interurban Trolley railway and bridges that served the historic fruit growing area around 'Yakima and the Snow Mountain Ranch where he visited close friends and organized recreational trips and WI E REAS, the partners working on this project include local and national private non-profit organizations, including the Greenway rFourufation, the William O. Douglas Trail Foundation, Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, andfedera(, state and local agencies, including the 'Yakima SchoolDistrict, State <Parks Department, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and- the State Department of Transportation, Bureau of Land Management, 'Forest Service, the City of (Yakima and 'Yakima County; and WRE'.EAS, it is 6eneficia(to all -persons, young and old, resident and visitor alike, to become familiar with and to enjoy the 75 -mile trail route from downtown'Yakinza to Mt. Rainier, that includes the Greenway Tatfzway, Cowicfze Canyon Trail, existing trails on Forest Service andBLM lands, allfacets of significant, historic and cultural interpretive sites, including breathtaking scenery, abundant wilflfe, and excellent fishing streams and fakes, and that provides access, recreation, and habitat conservation as a vita(part of the quality of fife for present and _future generations, and NOW, TE'E FOE, I, Taut. B. George, Mayor of the City of'Yakimna and on behalf of the 'Yakima City Council do hereby proclaim Septem6er 9, 2005, as airy during which all'Yakima citizens and visitors are encouraged to take part in the William O. Douglas Trai(hike to learn how, as a boy growing up in 'Yakima, Douglas overcame adversity to go onto nationalprominence, and to experience this valuable, natural -recreation resource which contributes greatly to the quality of life in the 'Yakima Walley. Dated this 6th day of Septe r 2005 ar-S Paula George, Mayor 5 ri010101-3 c_Pciff a L Map Legend Mount Rainier National Park Boundary William 0. Douglas Wilderness Area USFS Boundry shown at Trail Crossing Interstates, State Routes, US Highways Water Bodies Water Courses City of Yakima Boundary Existing Trails County Boundaries Proposed Douglas Trail NLCD 2001 Land Cover ■ Open Water nPerennial Ice / Snow Low Intensity Residential High Intensity Residential ■ Commercial / Industrial Bare Rock / Sand / Clay Quarries / Gravel Pits ■ Transitional Deciduous Forest ■ Evergreen Forest Mixed Forest Shrubland Orchards / Vinyards / Other Grasslands / Herbaceous r ■ Pasture / Hay Row Crops Small Grains Fallow Urban / Recreational Grasses The Opportunity to Foster Economic Development Through Recreation - Enhancing the Outdoor Experience - Increasing Home Values - Providing a New Tourism Draw - Connecting Communities - Hiking, Biking, Running, Ski Touring, Birding Nature Study, etc - Attracting New Business Through Enhanced Recreation Opportunities 0 D 0 D 0 0 0 0 (ID 35000 Douglas Boyhood Home. Douglas lived at 111 North Fifth Avenue. The only source of family income was odd jobs by William and his sister Martha doing neighborhood yard work, washing windows, picking fruit, and searching garbage bins for scrap iron. He frequently left his house and walked north on Fifth and Sixth Avenues to go hiking in the sagebrush hills and mountains around Yakima. Yakima (Davis) High School Douglas graduated first in his class from high school in 1916 and received a full scholarship to attend Whitman College. He wrote about the high quality of education that he received from the Yakima School System. He later returned to Yakima High School as a teacher in English, Latin, and Public Speaking from 1920 to 1922. YVT Trolley Barn Douglas frequently used railroad transportation as part of his hiking adventures. The Yakima Interurban Electric Railway line passes immediately adjacent to Yakima (Davis) High School on its northern route to Selah. Naches River Bridge Douglas hiked across the railroad bridge many times on his way to climb the 500 -foot hill adjacent to Selah Gap. The YVT bridge was installed across the river in 1912. He spent much time with the hoboes near this railroad bridge, where he was offered food and philosophical discussion. Selah Gap Climb Douglas decided that in order to overcome the debilitating effects of polio, he would execise by hiking the sagebrush foothills around Yakima. Selah Gap was only two miles from his home, and he frequently left his house, crossed the railroad bridge, and tested his legs and lungs against the Selah Gap hillside. In this way, he eventually overcame the weakened condition brought on by polio. Indian Painted Rocks An ancient Indian site near the confluence of the Naches River and Cowiche Creek. Snow Mountain Ranch Home of Douglas's best friend, Elon Gilbert. Douglas frequently visited this ranch during the Supreme Court summer recesses and hiked or rode horses with Elon Gilbert in the vicinity of Cowiche Mountain. The Supreme Court Justice sometimes slept in the barn. Kloochman Rock Douglas climbed Kloochman Rock in 1913 with Doug Corpron, who later became a Yakima physician. They climbed a steep vertical wall and almost suffered a fatal fall off the treacherous face of Koochman Rock. Indian Creek Douglas took lessons in spearing salmon from an Indian and conversed extensively about cultural issues and philosophy. 1914 Sheepherder Camp At the beginning of World War I, Douglas camped with a mountain sheepherder and discussed the gathering storm of war and the potential involvement of the U.S. Cowlitz Pass Indian Trail An historic cross -state trail used heavily by Native Americans for hundreds of years as the main cross -cascade route, now called Sand Ridge/Shellrock Lake Trail. Fish Lake Camp Douglas, at age 16, wrote to his mother about an extended camping trip in the Fish Lake area with cold/rainy conditions, mosquitoes, and difficulty catching fish for his meals. Mt. Rainier National Park / Pacific Crest Scenic Trail 17 500 7.300 3,650 0 4 2 June 23rd, 2005 7,300 veers 35000 _ •=4 FM The Vision to Connect Existing Trail Systems over 75 Miles From the City of Yakima to Mount Rainier - City Sidewalks and Pathways - Yakima Valley Trolley Corridor - Greenway Pathway System - Cowiche Canyon Trail - BLM Trails - Snow Mountain Ranch - State Wildlife Lands - Forest Service Lands (including existing trails) - U.S. Park Service Lands (including existing trails) - 90% of 75 mile trail intact "My love of the mountains, my interest in conservation, my longing for the wilderness all these were lifetime concerns that were established in my boyhood in the hills around Yakima and in the mountains to the west of it." - William O. Douglas - Go East, Young Man William O. Douglas spent most of his youth in Yakima and attended Columbia Grade School and Yakima High School. He was raised in a very poor, single -parent family. He was stricken with polio as a child, and developed a life-long passion for hiking to strengthen his weakened legs. Douglas became an influential justice on the U. S. Supreme Court, where his opinions were characterized by a fierce commitment to individual rights and a powerful distrust of govemment power. Franklin D. Roosevelt came close to picking Douglas as his running mate in the 1944 presidential election, which would have made Douglas President upon Roosevelt's death in 1945. Douglas wrote 32 books, several about hiking in and around the Yakima Valley and hiking from Yakima to the.Cascades. 121'0'0'W / ss iss! ter Trait a► Rectified Aerial Photo 04/0112004 ro, .rAr rah, r 1'} !., v a 1 E WOO?) AVE. wiwro,tinw srr.AM,TVII: /AVE i Rt1Q VA LCV, lbnr Cap Mout Ramo, ,rt, Suuwr Coal Kytr'i e. af Mount Tranr t9 See Inset Map YAKIMA reel, Trai 97 Appendix F: Report on 2000-2005 Priorities MEMORANDUM July 22, 2004 To: Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager From: Lynn Quesenbury, Parks and Recreation Administrative Associate Subject: Parks and Recreation Priorities Without a doubt, the years 1990 to 2004 have been a dynamic period for Yakima Parks and Recreation. An unusually generous donation from a private foundation, keen community interest in development of a softball complex and Yakima Valley Community College's need for land for expansion and development combined with the City's ability to manage its resources and success in obtaining grants to create an unprecedented interval of park enhancement in Yakima. At the same time, while development of new facilities emerged as a high priority, the need to maintain existing and aging parks, pools, buildings and amenities was also a critical function. Juggling diminishing resources, Yakima Parks and Recreation met the challenges ably and is able to report the state of Yakima's park facilities at the end of 2004 is good. As we look forward and begin to think about a Parks and Recreation comprehensive plan for 2006-2011, it is fitting to reflect on these recent developments within the context of the 2000-2005 Comprehensive Plan. That plan detailed five recommended priorities for the future and now is an appropriate time to review how the events of the past four years correspond with these objectives. Priority 1: Repairs, renovations and enhancements to existing developed city parks and facilities. (Continued from the 1995-2000 plan.) • Repairs, renovations and enhancements to existing facilities. Cherry Park: new playground equipment. Chesterley: see Priority 4, mini picnic shelter. Eisenhower Pool: replacement main pump, re -tubed main boiler, energy efficient pool cover. Elks Park: new automated irrigation system. Fisher: new drinking fountain, updated interior (new counter, carpeting), new raised landscaped planted beds. Lions Pool: new lockers, energy efcient pool cover, (see below). Franklin Pool: energy efficient pool cover, new shower boiler and hot water holding tanks, "fun-brella," complete refurbishment of men's locker room. Gilbert Park: labyrinth, updated parking lot lights. Kiwanis: see Priority 4. Miller Pool: replacement boiler_ bathhouse shower repairs. mechanical room completed. 11 iillnr Pnrk • new playground equinrnent. Milroy Park: new playground equipment. Powerhouse Canal Pathway: mini picnic shelter, (see Priority 3). Randall Park: refurbished nature trail, new fencing south of the restroom and naturalized plantings along the creek bank. Southeast Community Center: new gymnasium floor. Summitview Park: two new picnic tables. Washington Pool: replacement boiler with heat exchanger. All pools: conversion to pulsar chlorine delivery systems. Tahoma: new 24th Avenue fence, new fence along south side of Veterans' Section, rewired mausoleum, added automated irrigation to Section C, constructed 12' x 8' storage building, (see Priority 2). Trees planted at Gilbert, Chesterley, Fisher, Franklin, Millenium Plaza, > Tieton r Ortman Summitview,f iFt�lYl Terrace; Waiter Carr�ivai%. Powerhouse Canal Pathway. Replacement of recreational facilities (bailfield and tennis courts) lost through the sale of a portion of Larson Park to YVCC. Kissel Park: 12 new tennis courts'. KiwanisPark: three new ballfields replaced four fields lost at Larson. However, new lighting offset net loss of one field with increased scheduling opportunity. Larson Park: construction of replacement restroom and storage unit. Renovations to existing park to provide ADA accessibility. Lions Pool: automated entry door, self -operated lift chair. Franklin Pool: two permanent wheelchair accessible picnic tables. New facilities — the Chesterley completion, Kissel Park, Kiwanis Park, the Harman Center at Galilean Park, the Powerhouse Canal Pathway all provided handicapped access to Park Facilities including curbiess parking, automated doors, water fountain, restrooms and playgrounds. • Development of a plan for efficient water usage. Elks Park (12.5 acres): automated irrigation (partnered with Little League for Youth Athletic Facilities grant). Conversion from domestic to irrigation water at Chesterley (12.5 acres), Gailleon (3.5 acres), Kissel (17 acres) and Tahoma (57 acres). Between April and October, Tahoma, alone, avoided using 71,820,000 gallons of domestic water. Priority 2: Development of existing City -owned property. (Continued from the 1995-2000 plan.) • Development of Chesterley Park's remaining 12.5 acres (two soccer f fields, pathway, skate park, parking lot, kiosk, landscaping and automated irrigation.). • Development of 17 acres at Emil Kissel Park: soil remediation, 12 tennis courts, picnic shelter, restroom/storage building, play equipment, basketball court, pathway, parking and naturalized plantings along southern edge of park. Subsequent stormwater drainage dry wells. • Development of nine acres (7,000 graves) at Tahoma Cemetery with turf, trees and automated irrigation. (This new inventory of gravesites will enable Tahoma to make sales for decades to come.) • Development of 3.5 acres at Gailleon Park: new 16,000 square foot senior center with parking lot and landscaping. (Senior center at Miller Park turned over to Yakima Valley Farmworkers and Police Athletic League in 2004.) • The southwest corner of Randall Park remains Parks and Recreation's only piece of undeveloped property. Priority 3: Development of urban pathways. (Continued from the 1995-2000 plan. The first two sections of the pathway running from Englewood and 30th to Powerhouse and 40th were developed during this period.) • 34th Avenue sidewalk improvement. • Swan Avenue to 16h. • 16th to 20th Avenue. • 25th and Lincoln to Englewood at 30th (past Robertson). v .. 114.4 L. :...: J�:.1,5 YYi... ..�. 1143 .. Priority 4: Acquisition and development of new parks and recreation facilities. (f r,ntinneri from the. 1 QQ527(111(1 pine Mrrfninnacs Park in nlnimina aria A wac i-1PVP1nnPr1 rhirin❑ this period.) • Establishment of mini -parks (two acres or less) recommended for planning areas 6, 8, 10 and 12. None accomplished. • Establishment of new neighborhood parks (two to 10 acres) recommended for planning areas 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 13 and 15. None accomplished. • Establishment of community parks (ten acres or more) recommended for planning areas 4 and 9. None accomplished in Planning Area 4. Kissel Park (17 acres) was developed in Planning Area 9. • Establishment of a major sports complex recommended in area 15. Kiwanis Park in Planning area 15: acquisition of 10.5 acres (partnership with service clubs), three new state-of-the-art ballfields, restroom/concession stand, plaza, landscaping, parking and street improvements along 13" ` and Beech. Priority 5: Implementation of future manpower (staffing) needs. (Continued from the 1995-2000 plan.) Reorganization of division staff. • To reflect current staff practices and assignments. • To create a more flexible internal organization to meet the fi€ture challenges which, during 2000 to 2004, included declining property taxes and a significant reduction, over the preceding ten years, in force. Planning Areas 2000-2005 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Priorities Improvements Central Business District: new trees at Millenium Plaza. Miller Park: new play equipment Miller Pool: replacement boiler, bathhouse shower repairs, mechanical room competed, conversion to pulsar chlo- rine delivery system. Chesterley Park: developed remaining 12.5 acres with two soccer fields, skate park, parking lot, kiosk, landscaping, automated irrigation and handicapped access. Converted entire park to irrigation water. New trees. Powerhouse Canal Pathway: Chesterley section, 34th Avenue sidewalk improvement. Handicapped access. Elks: automated irrigation for entire park. a CanYVn PLANNING AREA #4 Gilbert Park: labyrinth, updated lighting in parking lot. New trees. Fruitvale fi z Englewood ri PLANNING AREA #5 5ummitvlew Powerhouse Canal Pathway_ : three new sections — 30th and Fngl,-wonrl to PohPrtson Crhnnl 11Qntlana -r ',1 anti irri- gated), Robertson to 24th and Lincoln and 20th and Lincoln to 16th and Englewood. New traffic signal on 16th Avenue. Handicapped access. Fruitvale Blvd. ai PLANNING Walter Ortman Parkway: new trees, irrigation and turf in `; AREA #6 L J easternmost island. 0 East Sq�6 1 Cherry Park: new play equipment. Milroy: new playground equipment. Su mmitview Sulralrltvlew..s.. . YakiRuQ - ai f or rl PLANNING AREA #7 Nob Hill Blvd. 4- o Lions Pool: new lockers, energy efficient cover, automated entry door and self -operated lift chair, conversion to puls chlorine delivery system. Larson Park: new restroom b=uilding with storage unit. Summitvlew PLANNING AREA #8 Tleton Dr. Franklin Pool: energy efficient cover, new shower boiler and hot water holding tanks, "fun-brella," completely refur- bished men's locker room, two new wheelchair accessible permanent picnic tables, conversion to pulsar chlorine delivery system. Tieton Terrace: new trees. 0 Summitview PLANNING AREA #9 Washington Avenue Gailleon Park: new 16,500 square -foot Harman Center, landscaping, parking for 95 vehicles. Handicapped access. Irrigation water for turf. Tieton Dr. PLANNING AREA #10 Nob Hill Blvd. Eisenhower Pool: pool replacement main pump, re -tubed main boiler, new energy efficient pool cover, conversion to pulsar chlorine delivery system. Fisher: New drinking fountain, updated clubhouse interior. new raised landscaped beds. New trees. Nob Hill Blvd. Washington PLANNING AREA #11 aact'efq,.Cre� Randall Park: refurbished nature trail, new fencing south of restroom, naturalized plantings along creek bank. Tahoma: new 24th Avenue sign, new fence along south side of Veterans Section, new wiring in mausoleum, automated irrigation in Section C, new 8' x 12' storage building. Conversion to irrigation water. New pump. Kissel: 17 acres of new park. Soil remediation, 12 tennis courts, picnic shelter, restroom/storage building, play equipment, basketball court, pathway, 250 trees. Handi- capped access. Irrigation water. Drainage dry wells. Nob Hill Blvd. PLANNING AREA #12 Washington Ave. No prioritized improvements. 1 1 4 tr Washington Ahtanum P AREA #13 No prioritized improvements. PLANNING j\ AREA #14 l oa !I \ \1 N No prioritized improvements. Kiwanis Park: acquisition of 10.5 acres. three new state -of- \ the -art balifields, restroomiconcession stand, plaza, land- \ scaping, street improvements on 13th and Beech. PLANNING Southeast Community Center new gymnasium floor. AREA #15 Southeast Community Park: new trees. Nob Hill Blvd. Washington Pool: replacement boiler with heat exchanger, conversion to pulsar chlorine delivery system. Mead Ittn itv/4,, a PLANNING AREA #16 *14 �g',ME4Terrace Heights Dr � Arboretum Vie/ Nob Hill Blvd No prioritized improvements.