Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2012-050 2012-2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive PlanRESOLUTION NO. R-2012-50 A RESOLUTION adopting the 2012-2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. WHEREAS, the City of Yakima operates and maintains an extensive parks system; and WHEREAS, since 1984 the City of Yakima has had a formally adopted Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the plan has been available for public review and comment on the Parks and Recreation website; and, WHEREAS, SEPA Environmental Review is completed and a Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) was issued on February 14, 2012; and, WHEREAS, at its meeting on February 8, 2012, the City of Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed and recommended approval of the plan; and WHEREAS, the proposed plan complies with the state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) requirements, and WHEREAS, adoption of the plan will permit the City to apply for state RCO funding; and WHEREAS, at a public hearing during its regularly scheduled meeting on April 17, 2012, the City Council received and reviewed the 2012-2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, together with the recommendation for approval by the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the record herein; and WHEREAS, the City Council deems it to be in the best interest of the people of the City of Yakima that the proposed plan be approved and adopted, now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA: The Yakima City Council hereby approves and adopts the 2012-2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 17th day of April, 2012 Micah Cawley, ayor BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No For Meeting of April 17. 2012, ITEM TITLE SUBMITTED BY CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE SUMMARY EXPLANATION Public Hearing and Resolution for Council consideration and adoption of the 2012 2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Chris Waarvick Director of Public Works Ken Wilkinson Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson Parks and Recreation Manager 575 6416 Joseph Calhoun Parks Planner 575 6162 The 2012 2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan has been through an extensive review process and is hereby submitted for Council consideration and adoption The plan was reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission on February 8 2012 where a recommendation for approval was rendered by the Commission A significant effort was put into conducting a city wide public survey in mid year 2011 The results provide important guidance in the plan submitted for your adoption Please bring your copy of the draft 2012 2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan previously distributed on March 20 2012 Resolution X Ordinance Contract Mail to Contract Tenn Amount Insurance Required'? No Funding Source APPROVED FOR Draft 2012 2017 Parks and Recreation Other Comprehensive (specify) Plan and Recommendation from Parks Commission Expiration Date Phone City Manager SUBMITTA L 70/./017--z, STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff requests the City Council to conduct the Public Hearing and subsequently adopt the 2012 2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan pursuant to the attached Resolution BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The City of Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission recommended approval of the Plan on February 8 2012 ATTACHMENTS Clickto dovnload ❑Parks PIan Resolution ❑ Survey Results P ovierpoint ❑ P ark Commission Recommendation ID 2012-2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Yakima ftttrehonnmOutB¢ «vi I2012-2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Update Survey Results In June 2011, 4,300 survey's were mailed to random City of Yakima residents The survey was 4 pages long and contained a variety of questions dealing with park usage, media, park facilities, recreation programs, customer service, future planning, and demographic/background information. The survey was provided in English and Spanish. Included in the mailer were: I coupon for a free swim (for up to 5 people) and I coupon good for $2 off a round of golf at Fisher (for up to 4 people). 868 surveys were mailed back and tabulated (20.1% return). In addition to the random mailer, the survey was available for pickup, printout on the city website, and to take online with Survey Monkey. 354 people took the survey online with Survey Monkey, and an additional 70 were filled out and brought in. The total survey return was 1,292. Y� l V..o.,ah Background Information Do you live within the Yakima City Limits? 1% O Yes ✓ No How long have you lived in Yaklima? ■ Lessthan lyear ■ 1 to 3 years ✓ 4 to 8 years Y 9 to 13 years O 14 to 18 years Y More than 18 years Park Usage Which Yakima City Parks do you visit regularly? Southeast Community Center,3.9% Summitview Park, 2.6% Raymond Park, 1.0% Cherry Park, 1.1% West Valley Community Park, 25.1% Elks Memorial Park, 6.5% Fairbrook Park, 1.4% Fisher Park Golf Course, 19.6% Randall Park, 58 2% Powerhouse Canal Pathway, 12.3%. Perry Soccer Complex, 7.4% Milroy Park, 6.3% Miller Park, 9.1% McGuinness Park, 0.6% Martin Luther King Park, 5.0% Franklin Park, 65 4% Larson Park, 7.7% Kiwanis Park, 11.2% Gailleon Park - Harman Center,10.7% Gardner Park, 2.3% Top 3: Franklin Park — 65.4% Randall Park — 58 2% Kissel Park— 33 4% l Park Usage What type of park and recreation amenities do you and your family use the most? Walking/Nature Trails, 60.7% Volleyball Courts, 5.9% Tennis Courts, 15.6% Baseball Fields, 13.9% Miller or MLK Spray Park, 6.1% Softball Fields, 7.7% Skatepark, 6.1% Top 3: Walking/Nature Trails — 60.7% Pathway — 53 2% Open Space — 41 1% Wila A alatifftl Park Usage On average, how often do you visit parks? ye, y Neve, l.'< :ately, 6.0% Less than 5 times per \year, 9.9% Once per month, 6.6% 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% What brings your family to the park? 1 Location Amenities Organized Number of people at activities/events the park Park Usage N Harman Center Have you visited the Harman Center? No Yes 0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Have you volunteered at the Harman Center? No Yes r I 0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Harman Center usage/participation Billiards, 1.9% Coffee Bar, 13.8% Saturday Breakfast, 8.0% Media Questions 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% How do you receive your information regarding parkfacilities a ncl recreation programs? Seasonal Program Newspaper Guide Program Facebook Website Brochure How would you like to receive your park and recreation information in the future? Seasonal Newspaper TV/Radio Program Facebook Website Direct mail Program Advertising Brochure Guide What method do you prefer for the registration of park programs and facility rentals? Terippo'e ' of o n, 31.5 v'a I ;a egis7atan, 32.2°a ta A co..O.r ntiffns2 Media Questions Have you watched the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings on YPAC? Y Yes V No If you have watched meetings on YPAC, did you find them informative? O Yes ✓ No Have you ever attended a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting live at City Hall? O Yes V No Are you in favor of the Parks and Recreation Division selling advertising space in our Seasonal Program Guides to decrease printing costs? • Yes NI No Iriddina earirss Parks Facility Opinion Questions How important are City Parks and Recreation Facilities to you and your family? Not No Opinion, 4.0% Important, 4.4 % Important, 27.3% 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% How do you rate park maintenance? (such as cleanliness, field and equipment condition, mowing, etc.) � V Excellent 11111111 Good Average Poor No Opinion How do you rate park structures and features? (such as lighting, tables, parking, playgrounds, restrooms, etc.) Excellent Good Average Poor No Opinion YrAirma arodeMtlf Parks Facility Opinion Questions When you visit City Parks, do you feel safe? Y Yes YNo Li Don't Know Y Undecided Of the Yes answers, there were a number of residents who qualified their 'Yes' answer with saying that it is dependent on the Park and the Time of Day Are Yakima's Parks meeting your family's local recreational needs? Y Yes Y No .J Don't Know Y Undecided Parks Facility Opinion Questions What Parks and Recreation Amenities would you like to see more of? Volleyball Courts, 10.5% Baseball Fields, 6.6% Walking/Nature Trails, 57.3% • `Tennis Courts, 8.7% Swimming Ilkures, 56.0'Y, Pathways, 46.3% Softball Fields, 4.3% Skateparks, 7.6% Soccer Fields, 11.3% Top 3. Walking/Nature Trail s — 57.3% Swimming Pools/Water Features — 56.0% Pathways —46.3% ta A coitalatifftl Parks Facility Opinion Questions Please rate the following facilities on how important they are to you and your family? 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Qoo" Qoo� o`er 9.7 -es J�Se \e+ e\ay a\as \e+ Q o5 Le ie Lo oFA `F. ��� f coo �.o a° C. o\� c. �e "0a� c, Na F a 0 `t1 o` e •a. if alp Qo e,5 v �ecc qar e`fel a,5 �e�� 0, 4 �`r `ea" S., \Qa 0a Se ,t-. V Very Important u Important W Somewhat Important Id Not Important Yakima Re -croak"' Parks Facility Opinion Questions Tahoma Cemetery is owned and operated by the City of Yakima. Do you have a family member buried at Tahoma? V Yes - No If yes, please rate the burial services that were provided for you and your family. ✓ Excellent Y Good u Average Y Poor V No Opinion Recreation Program Questions Have you or any members of your family participated in ANY recreation programs? II Yes SI No Would you or your family members participate in the programs again? How would you rate the quality of the recreation program? 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Excellent Good Fair Poor Y Yes V No Recreation Program Questions Which Recreation Programs have you or your family participated in? Hydro Fit, 4.7% Flag Football, 3.2% Beyond the Bell after school program, 3.2% dult Soccer League, 6.9% Adult Basketball League, 6 5% Adult Volleball League, 8.1% Dodgeball, 2.3% Youth Soccer League, 29.9% Halloween Haunted Trail, 10.9% Friday Night Glowball Outings, 4.2% Trekn Travel Trolley, 4.0% Tennis Lessons, 11.6% Golf League, 2.9% If Tournaments, 6.2% Wood Working, 1.7% Fitness Boot Camp, 2.2% Top 3• Swim Lessons -41 8% Youth Soccer League — 29 9% Harman Center Programs — 29 4% l co.. atifftl Customer Service Please rate your telephone interactions with park and recreation staff. N/A Poor Fair Average Good Excellent 0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Please rate your response to an email question. N/A Poor Fair Average Good Excellent I I I I 0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Please rate your face to face interactions with park maintenance staff. N/A Poor Fair Average Good Excellent 0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% It Ab Istar_% eters, nti Future Planning Questions 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Do you think the Yakima Parks and Recreation Division should become a Metropolitan Parks District, if no additional tax dollars are used? Yes istassi 59.5% No Undecided Y Future Planning Questions 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Would you be willing to pay a small tax increase that could only be used for Parks and Recreation? Yes No Undecided VIM l arrifillilHar +, Future Planning Questions 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Would you and yourfamily support a small tax increase for a specific new park facility? E.g. Aquatic Center Yes No Undecided ta A alantrfll Future Planning Questions 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Do you think that the costs for recreation programs should be subsidized with tax dollars? Yes No Undecided ta A Future Planning Questions 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Do you think our community should continue providing quality of life services funded by general government revenues? Yes No Undecided ea A alantrfll Future Planning Questions 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Do you think that the Parks and Recreation Division should build a larger swimming pool in the future? Yes No Undecided 51.6% Future Planning Questions 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% Do you think that land should be purchased for the future development of more parks? Yes No Undecided ta A alantrfll Future Planning Questions What kinds of new parks should be developed? Mint Parks (less than 2 acres), 16 7% Wma arodeMi Future Planning Questions How should new parks be developed? ma A Demographic Information What is your age? 19.2% 20.0% 17.2% 15.3% 9.7% 11.4% 1 0.7% 1.0% 5.5% 14 or 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+ Younger 26.8% Mak What is your gender? 69.2% 3.9% Female I choose not to answer Demographic Information How many people live in your house or apartment? 38.8% 14.4% 13.3% 9.8% .3% 4111 1.1% 0.9% 0.6% 0.0% 0.1% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+ 58.2% How many children live in your home underthe age of 18? 12.1% I 16.7% 8.4% 3.5% 0.7% 0.5% None 1 2 3 4 5 6 o more Wma A Demographic Information 1.0% 1.7% 1.7% o C What is your ethnic origin? African American American Indian 14.3% 0.4% 78.9% 6.4% Asian Hawaiian or Pacific Hispanic or Latino White/Caucasian I choose not to Islander answer Wma A Demographic Information What is your yearly family income? 18.6% 15.2% 13.8% 11.6% 11.0% 9 2% 10.1% 6.2% O ti • O O ~1OO a0 0 O O 00OOOO0we 0yy�y00yti``yry, 1yy�y OOOO�ra OO•0O�`a¢0Oy' PO P y' 0 O1 Oto eO%).(‘yyyyy sir What is your highest level of education? 31.1% 20.4% 12.0% 3.1% 2.7% 3.6% 2.1% Grade 8 or Some High High Some College Post Some Technical I choose less School School College Graduate Graduate Technical School not to Graduate Courses Degree School Graduate answer Courses w ima strarkLiA —ffeAtttliffat Additional Information The final question on the survey was a request for additional information from citizens. There were 279 responses submitted. Responses were mostly positive, however there were several valid points made which will help us improve parks in the future. Yak jma ap,;w14, b YAKIMA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO THE YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL FOR 2012-2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan February S, 2012 WHEREAS Under the provisions of YMC 1 35 the Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission is authorized to review and to recommend the approval or modification of the plan, and, WHEREAS The 2012-2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan has been reviewed at monthly Commission meetings in 2011 and 2012; and, WHEREAS The Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission, at its regularly scheduled meeting on February 8, 2012, held an open -record public hearing to consider the 2012-2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan; and, WHEREAS Suggested edits, as noted in the minutes, will be implemented as requested; now therefore, The City of Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission presents the following motion to the Yakima City Council: MOTION The City of Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission recommends APPROVAL of the 2012- 2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, as modified Rod GBr ant hafrm an Date Bryant, t February 8, 2012 Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes for February 8, 2012 Commissioners Present. Rod Bryant, Chair, Sam Karr Vice Chair, Robert Busse, Tom Hinman, Paul Williams, Jo Miles, and Alec Regimbal. Absent and Excused• Commissioner Mike Nixon and Tim Pettingtll; Maureen Adkison, Yakima City Council Liaison Staff present: Ken Wilkinson, Parks & Recreation Manager, Joseph Calhoun, Planner; and Melynn Skovald, Public Works Office Assistant. Call to Order. Chairman Rod Bryant called the February 8, 2012 meeting to order at 5 30 p m with a quorum present at City Hall in the Council Chambers, 129 North 2nd Street, Yakima, Washington. There was a motion to approve as written the minutes of the January 11, 2011 Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved Yakima Valley Disc Golf Association Proposal Ken Wilkinson reported that since the initial presentation last November to the Parks Commission, Parks and Recreation staff met with disc golf proponents to identify how funds could be raised for equipment for the disc golf program Jesse Ingram with Yakima Valley Disc Golf Association described the proposed "sponsoring a hole" fund raising effort, explaining they will approach local businesses and ask them to be a sponsor or to donate equipment, including baskets, tee pads and signs Legends Casino will also be asked for a grant to help fund the cost of the course. Ken Wilkinson noted that if this proposal is approved to go forward, a public meeting would be held to gather public input. Businesses could make a "tax deductible" donation directly to Parks with such donations to be dedicated for the Yakima Valley Disc Golf Association Proposal. Mr. Ingram also provided a general overview of what the sport is, explaining that scoring for disc golf is the same as ball golf. He also outlined a tentative timeline, if this proposal moves forward, to build a temporary 9 -hole disc golf course at Randall Park with the potential to expand to an 18 -hole course sometime in the future Ken Wilkinson also added that if the proposal is approved, Yakima's Park Maintenance would like Yakima Valley Disc Golf Association to partner with them on temporary course design which would be helpful before finalization of how a permanent course would go in and let everyone see just how the round would play Installation will also involve volunteer work parties to help build the course. Also available was Shawn Hadley, Coordinator with Washington State Disc Golf Tournament Series, who provided a handout and explained that disc golf has developed a large following and they play in their own age group from novice on up. In an effort to attract more players, Washington State Disc Golf Tournament Series in conjunction with Yakima Valley Disc Golf Association is offering to host a one -day, 18 hole disc golf charity event at Sarg Hubbard Park at the end of March to benefit Northwest Harvest and local food banks Chairman Rod Bryant pointed out that this would be a great opportunity to show how the game is played and what a disc golf course would actually look like. Shawn Hadley added that a second fund raising series event is also proposed for late August which would provide an additional opportunity to see how the game is played and how the course would work Temporary baskets will be used at both charity events Questions from Parks Commission members were entertained and discussion followed about temporary course lay out location at Randall 1 Park north of Wide Hollow Creek and handling parking access on a case by case basis during tournaments similar to how parking is handled during summer concerts in the park It was moved by Tom Hinman, seconded by Alec Regimbal, to give the Yakima Valley Disc Golf Association the go ahead to continue looking at this Disc Golf proposal and planning of the course; let them go ahead and start their fund raising; to have the authority to go forward with course planning and to start talking with businesses about raising funds, and then go ahead and send a letter out to the neighbors and do a press release to make sure residents are informed about this possibility and then they get to weigh in on it The motion was unanimously approved. Comprehensive Master Plan — Open Record Public Hearing Joseph Calhoun gave a brief presentation on the updated final draft 2012 — 2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan that includes edits from the last Parks Commission meeting as well as research text on history and wildlife sections for the community settings chapter The Comp Plan is a master planning/reference document and provides guidance to staff for the City's parks system and recreational programs for the next five to ten years. There are a number of chapters in the plan document, including target projects and programs that meet grant funding eligibility guidelines through RCO and other grant funding agencies. Essentially, unless there are any modifications that would require additional hearing or testimony, the next step would be a recommendation from the Parks Commission to City Council for review and approval and then the Plan would be on file with RCO to begin a new 6 -year timeline for grant application. RCO provides a manual that includes a number of essential elements to have an approved plan through them for the upcoming grant cycle A draft plan was sent to RCO in January 2012 for preliminary review and there were no deficiencies and everything appears to be in order with them Staff recommends that the Parks Commission approve the draft Comp Plan and then submit it to the City Council for approval For the sake of readability, Parks Commissioner Jo Miles offered several park name/map text correlation format suggestions. Joseph indicated that there will be several editing and format tracking changes that will be done in the format finalization process and the maps will be on 11 x 17 full size maps It was moved by Williams, seconded by Hinman, to recommend that the draft 2012-2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan with all the changes outlined in red incorporated into the document go to City Council for approval. The motion carried unanimously. The Commission thanked Joseph Calhoun for all his hard work and complimented him on the fine Job he's done on this document Commissioner Jo Miles also pointed out that the comp plan is a valuable planning tool to meet basic national quality of life standards for the amount and type of park facilities for communities with the population size similar to Yakima Parks & Recreation Manager's Report. Ken Wilkinson explained that due to budget reductions we won't be able to do the number of movies we had last year; probably going to do three and then try and raise funds for an additional six The cost is about $600 a piece. Letters will be sent out asking the community to sponsor a movie for the Summer Outdoor Movies Series held at Randall and Gilbert Parks These movies are shown on the inflatable screen Full sponsorships are available for $600; half sponsorships are available for $300. Sponsors will receive recognition for their donation. A memorandum about this will be sent to City Council. 2 Kiwanis Park Project. Recognizing a very well written article by a teacher at Eisenhower High School, Ken Wilkinson explained that he was recently interviewed along with some of the partners involved with the Kiwanis Park Project. The Kiwanis Park Project is ready to start up again on March 1, with the contractor pushing through to completion. A ribbon cutting grand opening is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 22, 2012 Seniors, Inc. Seniors, Inc. will be having their monthly meeting on February 9, 2012. This group is our not for profit organization that raises funds for us at the Harman Center. Their spaghetti feed is on February 16, 2012 at the Harman Center at 5 00 p m The cost is $8.00. Good of the Order. Park Commissioner Bob Busse reported that the presentation made to the Sunrise Rotary Club about the pavilion at Franklin Park was well received by the group. National Partnership Award. A nomination of the Kiwanis Park Project is being submitted for the National Partnership Award presented by the National Recreation Park Association This project is noteworthy for the fantastic partnership of the Kiwanis Park Project and should be recognized nationally. 2013 Parks & Recreation Fees. Increased fees are being considered for use of City park facilities and participation in City recreational programs and activities, including contracted services, facility rentals, picnic shelters, swim lessons and maybe the Harman Center Tahoma Cemetery fees will be re- evaluated this summer WRPA Video — Gang Prevention A short 3 minute video from WRPA was shown about parks and gang prevention, explaining just how critical after school involvement opportunities are to kids and the many benefits recreational activities provide to youth. Ken Wilkinson thanked the Commission for telling the story every chance they get about benefits recreational activities provide to youth He also thanked Parks Commissioner Jo Miles for doing his monthly highlight that does just a great job of telling the story and selling the positive image about Parks and Recreation benefits. Ken Wilkinson also encouraged Parks Commissioner Alec Regimbal to continue to write articles, like the great article he wrote about Tahoma Cemetery. Adjournment Chair Rod Bryant reminded everyone that there is no Parks Commission meeting next month; the next meeting will be April 11, 2012 at 5.30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. 3 Yaarina Kee on, re tan, CITY OF YAKIMA 2012-2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan YAKIMA CITY COUNCIL Micah Cawley Mayor Maureen Adlu son Assistant Mayor Sara Bristol Kathy Coffey Rick Ensey Dave Ettl Bill Lover YAKIMA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Rod Bryant Chairman Sam Karr Vice Chairman Bob Busse Tom Hinman Jo Miles Mike Nixon Tim Pettingill Alec Regimbal Paul Williams CITY MANAGER Michael Morales PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Chris Waarvick PARKS AND RECREATION STAFF Ken Wilkinson Manager Tami Andnnga Recreation Supervisor Traci Bennett Recreation Supervisor Joseph Calhoun Planner Randy Murphy Superintendent SPECIAL THANKS TO Gabby Wilson Sylvia Corona June Smith and Jill Ballard 2012 2017 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan written and compiled by Joseph Calhoun City of Yakima PARKS AND RECREATION Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction 3 Chapter 2: Community Setting 6 Chapter 3: Park Inventory 15 Chapter 4: Needs and Opportunities 33 Chapter 5: Goals and Objectives 56 Chapter 6: Public Participation 68 Chapter 7: Industry Standards, Demands and Needs 88 Chapter 8: Capital Improvement Program 95 Appendix A: Maps 101 Appendix B: Survey 105 2 ram Chapter 1 —INTRODUCTION ]/fission Statement Our mission at City of Yakima Parks and Recreation is to provide and promote community leisure as well as recreational and cultural activities for all citizens This is accomplished through professional staff who provide recreational programs and activities and who maintain facility standards making 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 Overall Vision Parks and recreation facilities are considered to be great community assets Parks contribute to our visual landscape and enhance our quality of life Recreation activities allow us to use our leisure time creatively and to make it work on behalf of the community Park and Recreation opportunities require both for the maintenance of existing facilities and the planning for future facilities that an adequate plan be set forth to guide the process Previous Plans This plan prepared in 2011 12 builds on previous comprehensive planning efforts by updating the 2006 2011 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan The plan considers parks recreation and opens pace land facilities and programs collectively referred to as the park system The City of Yakima continues to grow and change as a community There have been several significant changes and updates to the park system since the last comprehensive plan update The park system is attracting a greater number of users than ever before Flexibility in the park system to respond to current trends and changes is paramount to maintaining a vibrant park system This plan outlines general goals objectives and policies specific recommendations and includes an implementation plan to expand and enhance Yakima s park system to be a vital part of the quality of life for the residents now and in the future Plan Obj ectives The specific objectives of this Comprehensive Plan are to • Community Setting Establish the framework within which park recreation and open space facilities should be provided including natural features wildlife habitat historical context land use regulations current recreation trends and demographics 3 • Existing Park System. Update the existing park system inventory in the Yakima area. This includes parks owned and operated by the city or other public agencies within the planning area. • Needs and Opportunities. Analyze the needs for future park, recreation, and open space facilities or programs and develop recommendations for meeting those needs. • Goals and Objectives. Identify the goals and objectives to carry out those goals as the plan is implemented. • Level of Service. Based on the existing park system and the recommendations of the community, establish proposed level of service standards to help guide future development and maintenance of the park system. • Implementation Plan. Establish the overall estimated cost of achieving the proposed level of service, based on the community's recommendations, prioritize those recommendations, and develop a plan to implement those recommendations through a 6 year Capital Improvement plan (CIP) and general strategies to be considered through the year 2032. Public Involvement and Process: Public involvement throughout this process has been extensive and beneficial. To begin, a survey was mailed to 4,000 residents. The survey was also available online, at Public Works, City Hall, the Harman Center, and other public places. Once the surveys were returned and compiled, two public meetings were scheduled during the month of September. 2011 The public meetings were a great avenue to speak with citizens about individual concerns. SEPA Environmental review was completed. The draft Plan was circulated online prior to the open record hearing with the Parks and Recreation Commission. Following receipt of a recommendation from the commission, the plan went to City Council for final approval and adoption. See Chapter 6 for more information on the Public Participation process. Planning Area Boundary: The planning area for this process includes the Yakima City Limits. The Yakima Urban Growth Area (UGA) is shown on Map 1-1 for reference. The park system areas which are not within the City limits or maintained by the City are referenced: however, future planning and recommendations of areas outside the City are not included with this plan. 4 I 111,41101V0 siting jI1 If IIl81E , ti:'r][�I�IIICt a�ilitl ��► ►►+10004. 1.0 •Lit>� ►i ►�i�i�s u !11 iiit�lul�an tl t 1 ■II IElluiil!i►s4fd ►nannaslt ((��eeli� :t�rnffiiP. Ij tt It.:,i►►un M! ffiL" -� N� n !10 �I ,�ml; �Itnn �� Map 11 5 Yakima &phi= \ R�CrP Ifi n Chapter 2 - COMMUNITY SETTING History The Yakima Valley is an area rich with history The first white men to see the Yakima Valley were members of the fur trade after 1811 Prior to that, the valley was populated by a loose confederacy of tribes and bands of Indians Their primary land use activities were hunting, fishing and gathering These Indians eventually became known as the Yakama Nation Subsequent to the arrival of fur traders in 1811, the valley beckoned to trappers, trades and miners By year 1852, Catholics had established a mission near Ahtanum By the late 1850s permanent settlers began to arrive and military units were called in to settle hostilities between the Indians and the newcomers In 1859 Congress ratified the treatywith the Yakama Nation The pioneers' need to educate their children led F Mortimer Thorp to establish the first school in the Yakima Valley It was located across the river from present-day Union Gap, Just above a prehistoric bog on Birchfield Road Early settlers in this semi -arid climate relied mainly on raising livestock for a living By the late 1860s the first non -Indian irrigation ditch was built from the Yakima River to a five -acre field between present- day Yakima and Union Gap Soon thereafter, a network of imgation ditches brought the area's rich, volcanic soil to life During this period, settlers established farms along the river banks while a settlement named Yakima City, located at the present site of Union Gap, served as the commercial center The 432 pioneers in the area in 1870 surged to over 3,000 by 1880 Courtesy of Yakima Valley Museum In 1884, the Northern Pacific Railroad extended its iron horse service into the area However, the railroad fell into dispute with some of the residents of Yakima City when those residents refused to grant certain concessions to the railroad As a result, the Northern Pacific bypassed the town and established its terminal four miles to the north The stop was named 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 As a result, fifty to sixty buildings including the courthouse, banks, general stores, blacksmith shops, saloons, and homes abandoned Yakima City and moved north on timber rollers to surround the new railroad terminal 6 Incorporated on January 27 1886 North Yakima consisted of 159 blocks on the east side of the railroad and was designated as the county seat The old Yakima City was referred to as Old Town by some or as `Union Gap by others When Yakima officially dropped `North from its name in1918 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 the semi and early North Yakima grew along the rivers and creeks in the area Before it was destroyed by the 1933 flood residents would go to Sumac Park which lied along the Yakima River just south of present day Yakima Avenue At Sumac they swam in the river played baseball pitched horseshoes picnicked and enjoyed band concerts The Naches Avenue Parkway consisting of 15 landscaped blocks went on to become the City s oldest Park property in 1885 In 1908 South 2th Street Park was created at the intersection of South 2"d and Race Streets By the 1920s Lions Miller and Portia parks were created and in 1933 the City established a Parks Department to oversee the maintenance and operation of its parks A decade later in 1943 the citizens of Yakima petitioned and subsequently voted to establish an independent Metropolitan Park District In 1951 however the State Legislature readjusted the rate of taxation much to the detriment of park districts Although the City supported the District with a two million dollar 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 operations Obligated to maintain and operate the system at an adequate level and to acquire and develop new areas and facilities for its growing population the District now found itself in a funding crisis Finally in 1968 the maintenance and operations levy failed Dissolution of the District became an increasingly logical solution Within a year the new Park Director dissolved the Park Distnct and convinced 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 increased public appreciation and participation in the park system Although a bond issue in 1970 failed with a 59% vote the department staff rallied back the next year and the issue passed in 1971 Parks and Recreation continued operations as a City Department until 1982 when responding to budget shortfalls the City Council voted to override the recommendation of the 7 Park Commission and made Parks and Recreation a division of the Public Works Department. Voters supported parks in 1987 with a $2.5 million bond issue that resulted in the expansion of the North 6th Street Senior Citizen's Center, installation of new irrigation systems in several parks. Chesterley Park's Phase I development and renovation of the Franklin and Washington pools. A new $5 million bond issue which would have supported a wide range of proposals was rejected by voters in 1994. No bonds have been put forth to voters since. A lack of bond revenue did not preclude park development. Successful 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-1990s 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 completion of Chesterley Park. Also in 1999, Yakima's service clubs — Lions. Kiwanis, and Rotary — became involved in the development of a sports complex at Kiwanis Park. Aided by a half million dollar grant from the state's Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation, the service organizations initiated an ambitious property acquisition project that ended with the addition of more than ten new acres on the southern border of the park. The sale of Larson Park's four ballfields to the 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. A generous private donation resulted in the 16.000 square -foot Harman Center that opened in May 2004, along with the completion of Gailleon Park. Many things have happened since the 2006-11 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan update. The final planning stages are complete for the development of upper Kiwanis Park, and construction has begun. With a grant secured from state RCO funds, partnership with the Yakima School District, and donations from the Service Club Consortium, a new facility consisting of 3 softball fields, a concessions building, parking and walkways will come to life. Some development has already occurred including a Skatepark, new playground, new basketball hoops and a bathroom facility Upon completion, the Kiwanis Park/Gateway Complex will have 7 fields to attract softball and baseball teams from throughout the state and Pacific Northwest Region. Other upgrades around the city parks include smaller improvements to some of the parks including a new picnic shelter at Miller, the expansion of the grassy area at Franklin pool, and various tree -plantings at other parks. Some preliminary work has been done on replacing two bridges at Randall Park that were removed in the fall of 2010 due to safety concerns. The bridges, when replaced, will provide access to the nature area at the north of the park. A grant was secured for a portion of the William 0 Douglas Trail which extends north on 6th Avenue from Fruitvale. The remaining city portion of the trail from Davis High School has been 8 1.1enmfied An thei giant us .rued f.n the Janet L rtman Path vv which viii e::te Avenue m Jill. meet east fan McGninne_ Fmk Climate . alma eeneiab; mild mirky climate is vell meed f.n .imb ecteati.th L. ated between the vet awl nill.crest.a:t awl the 11.tVF ekv 13„wrtatn: the ateals 6w. Lytict :ea: m. atul pie:encs a lien; f 1Lvreee iecteamm 99 imine- The se -Tete tenpetanue tange- f the F ekv I3„wrtan atul Plains ata. se a delated by the eeietallv vestem ffl.finmme an masse- ft -in the Pacific The an masse- L se tn. e f then m.e Tel the asp mle F age Lef.n e.1t gpme um the . aklim alley The result is an annual awnage .f -.1111 f sunshine ant .md. n tecteammthat is l ately hmletedbv enneme teliyetanue- n ptecipitati n o5lrter 1 awl them e::pelietne- hewn v. vfall sol enneme L temper/me- ndleyumrtl Fenn Pei emhet t, Febmsv the mrelaee high is Au l degiee- sol the mrelaee I. deeiee- The u• e t tal sip vfall i. niche 1111111M 'ale MLT sol rely Aftevu s ale Lrt sol se :4 degtee- f.n a high teliyetanue fnmn June tlm,neh August The .Ly sl te.udt in a C apel temper anue deuea:e ; hen the sunn e ' M. Mei the mrelaeeI e `,1 .legtee- T tal m „wrt: f pteciprtan.matemini - al9nmtel; niche- annually - vith ab .m 411” f that falling in Pei em et Ilm:: sneh Febmar, The mrelaee pteciprtan.m frvm June tlm,ueh August m the Chet haw' ea v e 114n A niche- pet in -nth A- a tegdt ieamm tegwlen 1 f. neatly all aelise odnual tns Heaw, sip ipack in the m..wrtatn: pn.m le ample sn„wrt: f ittigati.th utet in all but the (nest f venter A significant atn„wrt fpmk Ian.' is reteDvrth • vhmlueymle- nmlease l summer ateline Landscape • akimaLe m the head gmrtl; sl..ping fL 1 latn: f the .aknm awl liache- F wee between patallel lidee-that etal ally extend eaommdfn.m the! ai mle f. tWll: A' these lidee- y emeteed the .akma I wet ruttW„neh n.neh basalt s f.wn the elan sol Uni.m Gap FL vine east from the mountains, the Naches River bounds the area along the North of Yakima while the Yakima River, which flows south, creates a natural barrier along the east 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 position with almost every spring flood. The soils at the bottom lands adjacent to these river areas have slopes of less than three percent and consist of riverwash which varies from sandy loam to very gravelly sandy loam. Much of the urban area of Yakima and Union Gap is made up of these soils. The Soil Conservation Service reports areas with more gravel and sand are subject to occasional flooding from the rivers. The Corps of Engineers has computed flood levels for the area and predicts a 100 -year flood would be generally confined within the dikes or the freeway roadway More severe floods would inundate large portions of the low-lying areas of both Yakima and Union Gap In west Yakima, the slopes increase gradually and, while the soils there become 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, although residential development is increasing. Agriculture continues up the ridges until water is no longer available from the irrigation canals or until the slopes become too steep Elevations range from 950 feet on the river at Union Gap to 1.060 at the airport, and up to 2.000 and above on the ridge tops. Drainage -ways on the steeply ridged slopes run north and south and the streams of the gently sloping Valley run east and west to intercept the Yakima River Wildlife: A number of wildlife species that once inhabited the Yakima city limits and urban growth area have been displaced by modern development, agriculture, business and human population. Some natural habitats continue to exist in populated areas, including brush, grasses, and trees lining creeks, rivers, ponds and open spaces that support an appreciable number of birds, small mammals, fish and insects. Adjacent to the urban area, expansive acreages within L.T Murray and Oak Creek Wildlife areas, and the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy have been set aside to attract and support varieties of wildlife that inhabited the region prior to development. Some species, particularly elk, have exceeded population levels compared to 150 years ago Alterations to the landscape that occurred from irrigation, fencing and overgrazing have been countered with modern conservation management practices on public, non-profit and private lands. Government sponsored clean water and salmon recovery programs have helped improve habitat and enabled fish populations to increase throughout the Yakima River basin's waterways. Within Yakima's planning area, mammals and birds can be observed including rabbits, deer, coyote, beaver, hawks, eagles, quail, ducks, geese, doves, and hummingbirds, among others. Within a few minutes' drive from Yakima, recreationists can access trailheads and gateways 10 leading to state and federally owned habitats containing elk, bighorn sheep, cougar, otters, marmots, porcupine, grouse, raven, vultures and other species. Economics: 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 products in the state and ranks 16th in the nation for the value of its agricultural production and fifth in the nation for all fruit production. The county produces 75 percent of the nation's hops, nearly half the nation's supply of apples, 29 percent of the country's cherries, 42 percent of the nation's pears and 38 percent of the nation's concord grapes. Yakima County is also first in the state in its number of cattle and calves. The robust wine industry now occupies approximately 12,000 acres of premium wine grapes. Major employers in Yakima include Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, Yakima School District, Wal-Mart, Washington State Social and Health Services, Yakima County, Del Monte Foods, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center, Yakima Training Center, and Washington Beef. Demographics: The 2010 Census listed the City of Yakima's population at 91.067 people, which is 19.222 people (or 26.7°o) higher than the 2000 Census count of 71.845 This figure has put Yakima back into the top 10 cities in the state. Since the year 2000. approximately 60°o of the population growth (11.556 people) came by way of annexation. The rest of the new residents (7.666 people) can be attributed to natural population growth. It is interesting to note that while the population has increased by almost 20.000 people since the last census, the basic demographic characteristics of Average Family Size and Median Age have seen very little change. This tells us that family activities in Parks are still going to be important both now and in the future. The 2011 Office of Financial Management report showed a slight increase from the 2010 Census data, which increased the City population to 91.196 The Urban Growth Area (UGA), served by the City of Yakima and used as a broad context for this plan, includes unincorporated portions of East Valley (Terrace Heights) and West Valley Union Gap is not part of the City'County UGA, but is contiguous with the Yakima City limits. The 2010 Census reports the UGA, including Union Gap, Terrace Heights, and Unincorporated West Valley, is 109.219 11 2000 2010 Population 71.845 91.067 Average Family Size 3.29 3.3 Median Age 31.4 32.7 Owner Occupied 53.2°o 54.1°o Renter Occupied 46.8°o 45.9°o Two or more races 3.90o 4.40o Hispanic 33 7°o 41.3°o Caucasian 59 8°o 52.2°o UGA, but is contiguous with the Yakima City limits. The 2010 Census reports the UGA, including Union Gap, Terrace Heights, and Unincorporated West Valley, is 109.219 11 91,067 While the City of Yakima Comprehensive Parks Plan is called a five year plan in reality it is a vision for the next 20 years 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 recreation services demanded is directly related to the number of people demanding the services changes in both the number and composition of that local population affects local government planning Differences in age or cultural groups for example can create different demands in the type of provided services Births deaths and migration drive the direction and magnitude of population change Each can change independently of the others and consequently should be considered separately The number of births minus the number of deaths is equal to the natural change and when added to migration of people yields overall population change Total 2 or more Other Asian/Pacific Islander American Indian Black or African American White Population by Race al 3,962 21,216 1,430 1,838 1,556 S I 61,065 In terms of ethnicities the census tells us a few things about the areas residents There are relatively few African Americans American Indians and Asian/Pacific Islanders among those counted in the 2010 Census All told these races comprise a little over 5% of the total population Hispanics do not appear in the Population by Race breakdown because they are considered an ethnicity not a separate race The census counts Hispanics in a different category In 2010 Hispanics totaled 41 3% of the population This is up from 33 7% in the 2000 census which is a 55% increase in 10 years This increase continues a population trend over the last 20 years which saw continual increases in Yakima s Yalama's Hispanic Population 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 2000 2010 ■ Hispanics 24 213 37 587 ■ Total Population 71,845 91,067 12 Hispanic population Similar increases were seen in the Yakima County Hispanic population as well Age is a very important factor for recreation planning because interest and participation in many activities is directly linked with age The 2010 census data dells us Yalnma s population as related to age is relatively the same as in 2000 The median age increased by a little over 1 year The age ranges didn t change a lot from 2000 either The Younger Workforce population group accounts for almost 34% of the total population Students and the Older Workforce are the 2th and 3rd largest with around 22% each Elderly 75+ Retirees 65-74 OlderWorkforce 45-64 YoungerWorkforce 20 44 Students 5 19 Under5 years Population by Age MS 6 8% MS 6 3% 21 9% IIIII 8 6% 22 8% 33 7% Education has also repeatedly been shown to have a high correlation with leisure activity The higher the educational attainment the more activities participated in and the more frequent the participation The chart below shows the educational attainments of Yakima citizens 25 and older In general when compared to the rest of the state Yakima has more citizens in the lower end of the educational scale and less in the higher end 13 300% 25 0% 200% 150% 100% 50% 00% Educational Attainment for Residents Over 25 — ■ Lessthan 9th Grade 9th to 12th grade no diploma High School Grad Some College no degree Associate s degree Bachelor's degree Graduate or professional degree YYakimaCity 141% 123% 255% 230% 69% 107% 75% ■Yakima County 16 9% 12 5% 26 8% 21 8% 6 7% 9 0% 6 2% Y WA State 4 1% 6 2% 23 8% 25 6% 9 3% 19 9% 11 1% 13 $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% GI WA State r7 Yakima City Income is also tied to recreation participation, the higher the income, the more active people are in outdoor recreation pursuits In part, income also represents the ability to pay for recreation activities and to travel to recreation areas According to the 2010 Census, Yakima's annual pay ranks among the lowest of the state's and nation's metropolitan areas In 2010, Yakima's median family income of $43,536 was just 63% of the statewide median of $69,096 In terms of per capita income, Yakima fares only slightly better Its per capita income of $20,244 is 68% of the state's $29,420 The contrast is even more apparent in terms of poverty 16 9% of the City of Yakima's families live below the poverty level while the statewide percentage is 8 4% 14 2010 Census Data 2012 Population Estimate 2017 Population Estimate 2022 Population Estimate 2027 Population Estimate 2032 Population Estimate Additional Population New Housing Units Yakima Urban Service Area 95,437 96,064 100,867 105,910 111,206 116,766 20,702 8,281 City of Yakima 91,067 91,650 96,233 101,044 106,096 111,401 19,751 7,315 Unincor- porated WV 4,370 4,414 4,634 4,866 5,109 5,365 951 380 Union Gap Service Area 6,845 6,913 7,259 7,622 8,003 8,403 1,490 514 Terrace heights Service Area 6,937 7,006 7,357 7,725 8,111 8,516 1,510 604 Total 109,219 109,984 115,483 121,257 127,320 133,686 23,702 8,813 1 Growth rate for all service areas estimated at 1% annually 2 Persons per housing unit based on 2010 data City of Yakima 2 7 pop/du, Union Gap 2 9 pop/du, Unincorporated 2 5 pop/du 14 Vilna Chapter 3 — PARK INVENTORY This inventory includes the existing park or open space and recreation resources in the City of Yaluma and surrounding vicinity This inventory is broken down by park size and includes parks in the City of Yakima along with other parks in the general vicinity COMMUNITY PARKS Community Parks are generally 20 or more acres in size with numerous facilities for active and passive recreation These parks serve the entire community and may or may not be located within the City limits While a number of the parks are less than 20 acres the amenities available attract users from all over the community not just the immediate neighborhood and are therefore included as a Community Park Ahtanum Youth Park 74 Acres (City of Umon Gap) The Ahtanum Youth Park is located to the south of the City of Yakima in Union Gap The park contains a variety of community amenities including picnic sites playgrounds and rentable buildings There are lots of recreation opportunities including soccer fields basketball courts tennis courts a 4 H challenge course horseshoe pits an outdoor equestrian area and a BMX track Chesterley Park — 312 Acres The original portion of Chesterley Park with four soccer fields restroom/storage building play equipment and picnic shelter opened in 1990 By 2004 two more soccer fields a 10 000 square foot skate park and parking for 120 vehicles were added The park is located in the northwest part of the City on North 40th Avenue with easy access to Highway 12 It is in generally good condition although high amounts of volcanic ash in the soil create maintenance problems and the irrigation system is in frequent need of repair Elks Memorial Park —12 66 Acres Elks Memorial Park is located in the north/central part of the City on Hathaway and North 8th Avenues and serves as the home fields of the Yakima National Little League The City of Yakima has a use agreement with Yaluma National Little League for the use and maintenance of the Elks Memorial Park ball fields Amenities include seven youth ball fields with dugouts and backstops a concession stand building a tether ball pole picnic tables 15 and grills a playground a picnic shelter and restroom facilities The park also includes 26 horse shoe pits Due to the high volume of visitors to the park during the little league season parking is often problematic There is some paved parking along North 8th Avenue on the east end of the park however the majority of the parking is a gravel strip along Hathaway Franklin Park —17 66 Acres Franklin Park is located at South 21st Avenue and Tieton Drive in the central part of the City The park lies adjacent to Franklin Middle School to the east and the Yakima Valley Museum to the South Park amenities include picnic tables and grills restrooms six tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool with water slides and a shallow water training pool The pool at Franklin Park is the City s only outdoor swimming pool In 2009 the fence around the pool was extended to the south to incorporate additional area In 2011 the fence in the northern area of the pool was extended to provide additional grassy area for pool patrons As a result of this expansion an aged playground facility that was prone to graffiti and vandalism due to its location was removed It is anticipated that a new playground will be installed but funding has not been secured Also in 2011 Sunrise Rotary of Yakima approached the City Parks and Recreation staff with a proposal to remove the old picnic shelter and replace it with a new state of the art shelter The size of the old shelter (21X21 feet) made usefulness difficult The new picnic shelter (303C40 feet) is much more versatile Without the help of Sunrise Rotary such a project would have been very difficult to undertake Parking is provided at the south end of the site but at times is inadequate depending on activities at the park and museum Kissel Park —17 Acres Kissel Park is located in the south central part of the City on Mead Avenue Kissel park includes 12 tennis courts a restroom/storage building picnic shelter basketball courts 0 6 mile asphalt pathway play equipment and 80 parking spaces The property was graded into a gently rolling landscape with a large flat area toward the street on its northern border Kissel Park is surrounded primarily by single family residences The park amenities make it a viable asset to the immediate neighborhood and the community as a whole 16 Knvams Park — 34 3 Acres Kiwanis Park is located at Fair Avenue and East Maple Street on the East side of the City Its numerous amenities and visibility from I 82 make Kiwanis Park one of the highest use parks in the city The eastern portion of Kiwanis Park includes the Gateway Complex which includes 5 lighted softball fields with scoreboards a concessions/restroom building play equipment and plenty of seating area for patrons including bleachers and grassy areas The Gateway Complex attracts many users from both inside and outside the City in the form of leagues and tournaments The western portion of Kiwanis Park is home to a brand new skate park restroom facility basketball courts volleyball court and playground This area also includes the Incinerator Building which was constructed in 1936 In 2007 the City acquired several parcels along Fair Avenue that will become part of Kiwanis Park There is an on going development plan for the central and northwesterly portions of the park which will include three new state of the art lighted softball fields a concessionfrestroom building and additional parking The new fields will be separated from the Gateway Complex by an existing 1 8 acre pond It is anticipated that upon completion of these new fields the Kiwanis Park/Gateway Center complex will be one of the premier softball complexes in Washington State Construction of the new fields is underway with atarget completion date of spring/summer 2012 The grass will take some time to grow so the fields won t actually be playable until the 2013 season Perry Soccer Complex -15 Acres The Perry Soccer Complex is located near 16th And Washington Avenues The land is leased from Perry Technical College and contains six fields Portable goals allow the various users to change field sizes so both children and adult leagues can utilize the fields The fields are maintained by Parks and Recreation In 2011 Perry Technical College paved the existing gravel parking lot and constructed an asphalt walkway going from the parking lot to the school Randall Park — 40 24 Acres Randall Park is located at South 48th and West Viola Avenues in the southwestern area of the City The majority of the Park lies to the north of Wide Hollow Creek there are 5 acres of undeveloped land to the south Randall Park is pnmarily a passive park which includes many acres of green space walking trails and a nature area on the north part of the park The nature area includes a duck pond and nature trails Two bndges which link the walking trails with the 17 rest of the park were demolished in the fall of 2010 due to safety concerns Those badges will be replaced in 2011 and 2012 to re establish access The park also includes a gazebo playground basketball courts picnic tables and grills and a restroom facility Randall Park is a popular destination for the immediate neighborhood and resident nature lovers alike Randall Park is the potential site for a new Disc Golf course in the City A local interest has been presented and a plan is currently in the works to discuss this further Sarg Hubbard Park — 28 Acres Sarg Hubbard Park is owned by the City of Yakima but operated and maintained by the Yakima Greenway Foundation The park includes a playground area picnic shelter nature area with observation tower fishing ponds with piers fitness stations and outdoor amphitheater with a stage large green spaces and connections to the Greenway Path The park also includes a visitor center and the offices for the Greenway Foundation Sarg Hubbard Park attracts numerous users from in and outside the City West Valley Community Park — 26 2 Acres West Valley Community Park is located adjacent to West Valley Middle and Junior High Schools with access off of South 80t Avenue The park property was transferred from Yakima County to the City in 2008 Amenities at the park include playground areas a soccer field nature trails paved pathways green space a sand volleyball court horseshoe pits and a multi use court There are two tennis courts that are in disrepair at the east end of the park The area of these courts is being transferred to West Valley Middle School to accommodate their new athletic field project Yakima Greenway The Greenway is a protected green belt along the Yakima River extending from Union Gap north to the Selah Gap and then west along the Naches River to the North 40th Avenue exit Dedicated to conservation and recreation the Greenway connects recreation areas four boat landings paths three large parks two fishing lakes and ponds water access locations and natural areas The ten mile pathway links the Noel and Jewett Pathways and the Sunrise Rotary Park/McGuire s Children s Playground The popular pathway is accessible from a number of points along its route 18 Yakima Area Arboretum The Arboretum is located at the intersection of Interstate 82 and Nob Hill Boulevard and contains eleven acres of natural riparian wetland and twenty nine acres of exotic woody plants. The Arboretum has a Japanese Garden, a Trees of Washington exhibit, bird sanctuary, butterfly garden. Jewett Pond, walking paths and a parking area. The Jewett Interpretive Center houses a gift shop, a meeting/banquet room and Yakima Valley's only horticultural library The property is owned by the City of Yakima by managed by a non-profit organization. The Parks and Recreation Division supports the Arboretum by providing weekly mowing at no cost. Yakima Sportsman State Park Sportsman Park was created in 1940 by the Yakima Sportsman Association to promote game management and the preservation of natural resources. It lies on the Yakima River floodplain and is an irrigated green zone in an otherwise desert environment. It has a large number of mature shade trees and a wealth of wildlife. State funding for parks such as this has been reduced in recent years and the future of this park is unknown at this time. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS Neighborhood Parks are generally 3 or more acres in size with smaller scale areas for active and passive recreation. These parks serve their immediate neighborhoods and certain destination users. Gardner Park — 9.13 Acres Located at Pierce St and Cornell Avenue, Gardner Park has historically served as both a neighborhood park with picnic tables and grills, restroom, sand volleyball 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 replacement. Lighting the ballfields would increase their usability significantly and would add to Gardner's attractiveness 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 preliminary discussions about the possibility of converting the ballfields 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. 19 Gilbert Park — 11 62 Acres at North 49th Avenue and is also home to the Allied Arts of Yakima building Park amenities include expanses of grassy area mature trees picnic tables and a labyrinth Gilbert Park is popular with immediate neighborhood residents and city wide users as a result of the Allied Arts building The limited park amenities are a result of use restrictions placed on the park by its creators Gilbert Park s use was intended and always will be for passive recreation uses Gilbert Park is located on Lincoln Avenue Larson Park — 4 4 Acres Larson Park is located adjacent to Yakima Valley Community College The primary users are from the immediate neighborhood and the college Amenities include a picnic shelter mature shade trees open space and a restroom facility Lions Pool and Park — 4 38 Acres Lions Pool and Park is located west of the downtown on South 5th Avenue and Pine and is the site of the City s only indoor swimming pool The 25 yard pool is used year-round for a vanety of aquatic programs including school district swim activities and senior use The park provides picnic tables and grills playground equipment six tennis courts four horseshoe pits and a spray pool Martin Luther Km g Jr Park — 4 01 Acres Martin Luther King Jr Park is located at South 9th and East Beech Streets next to Washington Middle School The park is mostly passive and provides picnic tables and gnlls playground equipment two basketball courts and two tennis courts The park also provides shade trees and green space for the school and neighborhood Miller Park — 3 96 Acres Miller Park is located north of the downtown area at North 4th Street and East CEI Street Miller park provides picnic tables and gnlls bocce ball court two horseshoe pits volleyball court four basketball courts and a water spray feature 20 Milroy Park — 3.63 Acres Milroy Park is located at North 16th and Lincoln Avenues, west of downtown in one of Yakima's most densely populated areas. The park is characterized by mature shade trees and provides a variety of amenities including picnic tables and grills, playground equipment, volleyball courts, three horseshoe pits, a tether ball pole and restrooms. Southeast Community Park — 3.63 Acres The Southeast Community Park is located at South 8th Street and East Arlington Avenue, next to the Southeast Community Center The park provides playground equipment, picnic tables, a grill and a volleyball court. MINI -PARKS Mini -Parks are generally less than 3 acres in size and mostly passive in nature. These small parks serve a small number of vicinity users. Cherry Park — 0.49 Acres Cherry Park is located at North 4th Avenue and Cherry Street. The park contains play equipment, one permanent picnic table and grill, and several portable picnic tables. The park is surrounded by single and multi -family housing. McGuinness Park — 1.91 Acres McGuinness Park is located at North 14th and Swan Avenues in a densely populated neighborhood. The park includes a handicap accessible picnic shelter, play equipment, a basketball court, picnic tables and grills, and over 75 trees. McGuinness Park serves as the eastern terminus of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway Wear and tear on this park has been extreme as vandals regularly inflict damage on equipment and vegetation. Portia Park — 0.52 Acres Portia Park is a small triangular pocket park west of downtown at Yakima and 12th Avenues. Because of its location. Portia Park provides visual interest and green space to the neighborhood. The park contains mature shade trees and lawn with some picnic tables. Rosahna Garden Club Park — 0.31 Acres The Rosalma Garden Club Park is located at the southeast corner of the Tieton Drive and South 16th Avenue intersection. This small triangular shaped park provides green space, mature plantings and stone benches. Raymond Park — 2.35 Acres Raymond Park is located at South 1st and Arlington Avenues with residential neighborhoods to the west and an industrial area to the east. The park is mostly a passive park with picnic tables, a 21 grill, and trees and open space. An aged playground was removed. It is anticipated that a new playground will be constructed when funds allow South 2"d Park — 0.52 Acres A small triangular park located at South 2nd and Race Streets, South 2nd Park is used primarily as a lunch site or place for neighbors to gather The park has no facilities other than picnic tables and a grill but provides much needed public green space in the largely commercial neighborhood. Summitview Park — 0.76 Acres Summitview Park is a small rectangular pocket park located at the intersection of Summitview and 11th Avenues. Due to the generosity of a descendent of the park's original owners, Summitview Park is well equipped with picnic tables. The park provides mature shade trees and green space. Sunrise Rotary Park — 3.63 Acres 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, toilets, a labyrinth, and the McGuire Community Playground. Tieton Terrace Park — 0.42 Acres Tieton Terrace Park is a small pocket park located at the intersection of South 26th Avenue and West Walnut Street. Developed facilities are limited to picnic tables, a park bench and a swing set. GREENWAY/PATHWAY Greenways are landscaped boulevards with pedestrian facilities suitable for passive recreation or linear stretches of vegetation or natural features which serve as connectors or wildlife corridors. Fairbrook Park — 2.05 Acres Fairbrook Park consists of 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. There are no park amenities. Minimal future development may include xeriscaping one of the islands. Naches Parkway — 5.86 Acres Located on North and South Naches Avenue, the Naches Parkway is a 15.5 block long parkway of center planting islands. The oldest of the City's park properties, the parkway stretches from "I" Street to Race Street and crosses through the downtown at Yakima Avenue. The parkway is covered with lawn for all of its length except for the Hatfield block between Yakima Avenue and 22 "A" Street which has brick paving and picnic tables. Most notably, the parkway contains stands of mature shade trees including sycamore, silver maple, red maple, oak and crab apple trees. Many of the trees are almost 100 years old and the City has begun selective replacement with new red oaks and red maples. One of Yakima's few public statues — a depiction of Spanish- American War Col. John J Weisenburger — is located on the first parkway island south of Yakima Avenue. North 4 -eh Avenue Park — 0.69 Acres North 44th Avenue Park is an open space area providing neighborhood access via a pathway from Uplands Way to Lincoln Avenue. The green space provides an asphalt pathway and shade trees. Powerhouse Canal Pathway — 8.0 Acres The first two sections of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway were constructed in 1996 along the irrigation canal right-of-way Funding secured in 1999 continued the pathway through Chesterley Park to River Road while transportation enhancement grant funding awarded to Parks and Recreation in 2000 allowed construction of three additional sections. McGuinness Park southwest to 16th Avenue. 16th to 20th Avenues, and Englewood to Lincoln Avenue. The property includes automatic irrigation, park benches and landscaping. The pathway extends 2.45 miles from 40th Avenue and River Road on the west to McGuinness Park on the east. The well - used pathway accommodates pedestrian and other non -motorized forms of transportation and offers safe off-street passage in portions of the City lacking in sidewalks. South 6m Avenue Parkway — 0.17 Acres A block -long median parkway with trees. South 6th Avenue Parkway separates 6th Avenue's northbound and southbound traffic in between Tieton Drive and Division Street. Walter Ortman Parkway — 0.70 Acres The Walter Ortman Parkway is located on Willow Street between North 10th and North 6th Avenues. The four block long median parkway includes grass, ornamental trees, and picnic tables. A grant award will allow us to put in an asphalt pathway which will go along the existing alignment in Willow and connect through McGuinness Park to the Powerhouse Canal Pathway SPECIAL USE PROPERTY Central Business District The Central Business District (CBD) is not a park, but the downtown area does contain a variety of planting areas that are maintained by the Committee for Downtown Yakima. The CBD contains a small park on the southeast corner of Yakima Avenue and 2" Street, Millennium Plaza on 3`d Street across from the Capitol Theater, and the new Performance Park on North 2nd and "A" Streets. The CBD is bordered by Front Street on the west, Lincoln Avenue on the north. 23 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 been removed and replaced buckled sidewalks in need of repair and failing irrigation systems Fisher Golf Course —18 2 Acres Fisher Golf Course is a 9 hole par 3 course located on 40th Avenue across from Eisenhower High School Operated and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Division the beautifully landscaped and maintained course is well used and has a starter house putting green small maintenance building and a practice dnvmg net Harlan Landing — 4 Acres Part of the Greenway system Harlan Landing is located west of 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 The Harman Center located at 65th and Summitview was constructed by a private foundation and donated to the City and opened in 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 television viewing and coffee In addition the center has classrooms for arts and crafts and other activities a fitness room computer lab billiards room and offices for staff There is a multi-purpose room with attached commercial kitchen that is available for rentals The center has been heavily used by seniors for a wide range of self improvement leisure and social activities An electronic changing message sign was added in 2007 Seniors Inc plays a large part in helping with the operation of the Harman Center Miller Park Activity Center (YPAL) Located at 602 North 4th Street the Miller Park Activity Center was Yakima s original senior center The center is adjacent to Miller Park and provides a full commercial kitchen pool tables 24 classrooms, and a multipurpose room. The building is used by the Yakima Police Athletic League. Southeast Community Center The Southeast Community Center is located at Southeast Community Park. The center is operated by the Yakima Valley OIC (Opportunities Industrialization Center). The facility contains large and small meeting rooms and offices, a kitchen and dining area, reception area, gym with a stage, and a small library outreach branch. The center also has parking lots located on the north and south ends of the facility Tahoma Cemetery 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 The cemetery is in relatively good condition with the exception of its interior roads and certain aging or diseased trees. SCHOOL FACILITIES Yakima School District: The Yakima School District's facilities represent a considerable indoor and outdoor recreational asset for the community In addition. Union Gap, East Valley, West Valley schools and Yakima Valley Community College also lie within or overlap Yakima's urban planning area. Among them, they provide a sizable inventory of basketball,'volleyball courts and baseball, softball, t -ball, soccer, track, football, multipurpose fields and meeting rooms. With 14 elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools, Yakima School District has the most extensive inventory of facilities. Athletic interests are served by the following facilities. Zaepfel Stadium, a semi -pro quality stadium'track with seating for 5.000 spectators. Two semi -pro quality soccer fields (Davis and Eisenhower High Schools). • Four combination semi -pro football, soccer fields with bleacher seating (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 • Ten baseball fields including one four -plea and one two -plea. • 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 able to accommodate 34 volleyball courts or 22 basketball courts. • Fifteen playfields. 25 In addition. Yakima School District has a large inventory of general and specialized classrooms in addition to the following: Ten multi-purpose rooms, four of which have stages. Four cafeterias, commons with seating capacities ranging from 250 to 900 • A round -theater meeting room which seats 250. • A Little Theater which seats 375 • A large auditorium with 1500 seats. 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 dependent upon the School District's facilities — especially indoor — to run its recreation programs. In turn, the School District depends on City facilities for its aquatics, girls' fastpitch and tennis programs 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 inherent 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 population growth continues to occur, demand for these facilities will increase and, most likely, exacerbate scheduling difficulties. ITC(' Yakima Valley Community College owns Parker Field, a semi -pro baseball field with permanent dugouts, seating for 2000, concession stands and storage. The field is in excellent condition and used for regional and statewide 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 West Valley School District: Annexations completed since the previous Comprehensive Plan update have brought in a larger portion of the West Valley School District. Sitting adjacent to West Valley Neighborhood Park, the West Valley Middle and Junior High School is now within the Yakima City Limits. A recent project at the Middle,'Junior High School added two softball fields and a soccer field to their complex which includes a baseball field, softball field and football :soccer field. 26 THE ARTS The Allied Arts Council of Yakima Valley owns and operates a multipurpose arts facility located at Gilbert Park in West Yakima. Open to the public, the Warehouse, as it is called, is a renovated and remodeled fruit warehouse that houses a 232 -seat theater, basement dance studio/reception room, community conference room, board meeting room, arts gallery and classroom. The Allied Arts Council operates a number of programs including a family and middle school theater series, concert series, school and summer ArtsVan, gallery exhibits, weekend workshops, summer theater and arts. In 1999, Allied Arts added Adventures in Growth and Enrichment (AGE) for senior adults. The Capitol Theatre is a fully furnished and equipped theater in downtown 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 concert series each year Active over 130 days per year, the theater's annual attendance exceeds 85.000 The Capitol Theatre recently opened its 4th Street Theatre which is a smaller venue for rental and productions. 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 gallery is free and open Tuesdays through Saturdays and, in addition to its exhibits, sponsors artist workshops and special events. The Yakima Valley Museum chronicles Yakima's natural, cultural, pioneer and agricultural history Among its exhibits are a collection of horse drawn vehicles, a reconstruction of Supreme Court Justice William 0 Douglas' 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 Valley 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. CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS 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 activities room, several meeting rooms and Camp Dudley Retreat 27 Center in the Cascades. The YWCA focuses its resources on support services for women and children including legal and crisis services. Yakima Athletic Club: A full-service fitness club with training rooms, racquetball courts, free weight areas, locker rooms, year-round swimming pool, sport courts, four tennis courts and refreshment bar Yakima National Little League: A non-profit baseball organization for youth ages eight through 17 Approximately 70 teams with a total of over 900 players annually 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, department and regional championship games on Yakima Valley Community College's Parker Field, Davis. Ike and Lewis and Clark school fields. Greater Yakima Girls Softball Association: A non-profit girl's fast pitch organization for girls up to 18 years of age. Games are currently played at Selah's Carlon Park and the season runs from May through the end of June with tournaments in early July It is anticipated that games could occur at the new Kiwanis Park ballfields once they are completed. Grid Kids Football: Structured youth football to youth ages 9 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. The YYSA is currently raising funds for a proposed 13 - field complex at 91st and Wide Hollow Yakima Adult Soccer: A non-profit adult soccer association that organizes 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. 28 Team Yakima: A competitive Yakima organization for volleyball enthusiasts ten to 19 years old divided into developmental, competitive and elite teams. Its team participants play winter and spring. Yakima Tennis Club: Offers private and group tennis lessons to both youth and adults. The club holds many indoor (October through March) and outdoor (April through September) leagues and tournaments during the year for both youth and adults. They also host family events such as Calcutta Family Night, an Easter Egg Hunt, and Halloween Family Night. Yakima Valley Community Tennis Club: An organization for people who love the sport of tennis for its own sake. Committed to providing recreational tennis and quality instruction for all ages at an affordable price using the City's Kissel Park tennis courts. Endorsed by the LISTA. Cascadians: Provides opportunities for safe and informed non -motorized 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 Bicycle Club: A recreational organization for 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 swimming 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 exhibitions at the Central Washington State Fair and Arboretum, awards banquets, 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). 29 Girl Scouts (Mid -Columbia Council): Contemporary leadership program for girls five through 17 Emphasizes character, conduct, patriotism and service Deepens awareness of self and others, builds self-esteem and increases the ability of girls to succeed and impact the community 4-H Clubs: Educational, recreational and career exploration programs with an emphasis on citizenship and conservation Activities include fair, contests, meetings and special activities HEALTH CARE AGENCIES 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 Memorial Hospital recently completed its application with the City to become an Institutional Overlay/Master Planned Development The development plan calls for a closed -campus and anticipates future development over the next 30+ years In recent years, Memorial has come to represent state-of-the-art, quality -of -life health care services, such as the addition of the award-winning Children's Village facility, world-class cancer care available at North Star Lodge, the comprehensive occupational and return -to - function services available at The Springs or 'Ohana, Memorial's Mammography and women's health care center Whatever comes to mind, hopefully it is far more than the main building at 2811 Tieton Drive Through innovative community collaborations, Memorial has built a network of support encompassing primary health care and health education that's second to none for a community of our size Whenever you think of Memorial, we hope you'll see us as a committed member of the community for past, present and future generations of Yakima Valley's residents (www yakimamemorial org) Yakima Regional Medical Center: Nationally recognized in the treatment of heart attacks and heart disease, Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center's accredited Chest Pam Center offers Central Washington's most advanced technology for elective angioplasty and open heart surgery The hospital's imaging technology, including the valley's only 64 -slice CT scanner, providing the highest quality images available, and state-of-the-art Siemens Avanto 1 5T, enables patients to schedule advanced MRI, CT and nuclear imaging procedures here in Central Washington without sacrificing image quality Yakima Regional's CARF-accredited inpatient 30 rehabilitation program is ranked in the Top 10% of the nation, and for patients suffering with sleep disorders, Yakima Regional's Accredited Sleep Disorder Center is the only hospital-based program that goes beyond treating sleep apnea to include all sleep disorders Yakima Regional shares Level III trauma center coverage, and provides a full complement of medical services, including advanced neurosurgical procedures, home health and hospice, same day surgery, and the very latest in technology advancement in mammography and women's breast health services (www yakimaregional com) COMMERCIAL RESOURCES 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 Keepin' it Fit, Gold's Gym, Curves, West Valley Fitness, Anytime Fitness and Yakima Athletic Club Martial Arts: Yakima has several commercial schools of martial arts including Kempo 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 PUBLIC GOLF COURSES Suntides Golf Course (4 miles west of Yakima at 231 Pence Road): Public 18 -hole, par 70 golf course with cafe, pro shop, cart rentals, water hazards, drivmg range, putting course and lessons Apple Tree Golf Course (8804 Occidental Avenue): Challenging public 18 -hole, par 72 golf course with restaurant, pro shop, drivmg range, sand bunker, 11,000 -square -foot putting green, signature apple -shaped hole, and 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 31 River Ridge Golf Course (295 Golf Course Loop, Selah)• Public 9 -hole, par 31 course in natural setting. Restaurant, club house, pro shop, four -acre setting and bridges, club and cart rentals. PROFESSIONAL SPORTS Yakima Bears: Minor league baseball team established in 1990 and affiliated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Plays 38 home games annually June through Labor Day at the Yakima County Stadium on the fairgrounds. Affordable admission. 32 VI'S ilea Chapter 4 — NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES This chapter builds on the inventory provided m Chapter 3 In this chapter we identify needs and opportunities for each park and identify future projects The City is broken up into Planning Areas which are correspondent with Census Tract boundaries The data provided herein displays the location of Parks within each Planning area along with basic population and density data Responses to the survey mailed out for the purposes of this plan provided some general direction for the future Participants indicated general preferences for the following • GreenwaysfPathways • Neighborhood Parks (3 10 acres) • Open Spaces • Spray Park on West side of town • Playgrounds Plannmg Area 1 Census Tract 1 (760 acres) Largely commercial with areas of residential and industrial Itis composed of much of the downtown area Year Population Density 2000 2 822 3 9 2010 3 095 4 1 Naches Parkway • Tree lmed parkway • Picnic Tables • Benches Future Needs • Replace broken sidewalk sections/ramps • Cut down and replace dead/problem trees • Tie in with future Boise Cascade Mill Development Millennium Plaza • Fountains • Artistic Displays 33 Performance Park (County') • Picnic Tables South 2nd St • Picmc Tables • Grill Planning Area 2 Census Tract 2 (560 acres) Mostly residential and commercial, with scattered industrial uses throughout The vacant Boise Cascade Mill Property hes on the eastern end of Planning Area 2 Year Population Density 2000 5,374 9 6 2010 5,553 9 9 Miller Park (23) • Playground • New Picmc Shelter • Picmc Tables • Horseshoe Pits • Outdoor Basketball Courts • Volleyball Sand Pit • Grills • Bocce Ball court • Water Playground/Spray Park Future Needs • New Sign • Renovate Old Pool Building School Facilities Barge-Lmcoln Elementary (1) • Outdoor basketball court • Indoor volleyball/basketball court • Two multi-purpose fields • Soccer field • Gymnasium • Playground 34 Planning Area 3 Census Tract 3 (907 acres) Composed of light industrial uses along the highway, commercial uses towards the west and east, and transitioning to residential toward the south Year Population Density 2000 3,905 4 3 2010 4,521 5 0 • Expand Skatepark • Remove bleacher pads on fields 1-3 • Remove trees on fields 1-3 • Add permanent tables and benches Elks Memorial Park (6) • Six youth baseball fields • Storage/Concessions Building Chesterley Park (4) • Six soccer fields • Picnic Shelter • Playground • Pathway • Restroom/storage building • Skatepark • Picnic Tables • Gnlls • Parking Future Needs • New Sign 35 • 26 horseshoe pits • Playground • Tether Ball Pole • Parking — paved and unpaved • Restroom • Picnic Shelter • Picnic Tables • Gills • Bleachers Future Needs • Upgrade power to storage/concession building • Run power to sconng buildings • Demo Yell ow Field • Upgrade fence sections as needed/Replace outfield fence on Green Field • New Sign • Upgrade Parking Lot • Remove old restroom building Powerhouse Canal Pathway • Asphalt Pathway • Park Benches Future Needs • Permanent benches along pathway • Landscape pathway from 20th to 16th Avenues • Add workout stations School Facilities EPICIDiscovery Lab (35/36) • Four baseball fields which double as a soccer practice field Plannmg Area 4 Census Tract 4 (2,444 acres) Dommatedby single family residential uses with small commercial nodes throughout Year Population Density 2000 6 543 2 7 2010 7 423 3 0 Gilbert Park ( 13) • Open Space • Picnic Tables • Labyrinth • Parking Future Needs • Replace picnic tables as needed • New Sign 36 • Restripe Parking Lot • Replace Parking Lot Lights • Tree pruning andreplacement North 44th Avenue Parkway (25) • Asphalt Walkway • Shade Trees Future Needs • Gnnd/Overlay asphalt path • Replace trees as needed School Facilities Gilbert Elementary School (5) • Two soccer fields • Gymnasium • Playground • Outdoor basketball courts • T ball fields Plannmg Area 5 Census Tract 5 (437 acres) Mostly residential with commercial uses along arterial streets Year Population Density 2000 5 011 11 5 2010 5 202 11 5 Powerhouse Canal Pathway • Asphalt Pathway • Park Benches Future Needs • Perm anent bench es along pathway 37 • Landscape pathway from 20th to 16th Avenues • Add workout stations School Facilities Robertson Elementary School (4) • Outdoor basketball count • Playground • Four t -ball fields • Gymnasium • One soccer field • One multi -use field Planning Area 6 Census Tract 6 (234 acres) Largely medium and lugh-density residential uses, with some commercial and industrial uses further north One of the highest density areas of the City i i i Year Population Density 2000 6,485 27 7 2010 6,953 30 0 re,„ -AL `` 24T Cherry Park (3) • Playground Equipment • Picmc Tables • Gnll • Swings Future Needs • Replace Playground Equipment • Prune/Replace Trees • New Park Sign 38 Milroy Park (24) • Playground • Swings • Horseshoe pits (remove) • Picmc Tables • Restrooms • Volleyball Court • Tether Ball Pole • Grills • Parking Future Needs • Re -stripe parking lot • New sign • New lights • Replace drinking fountain • Replace bathroom structure • Replace swings McGuinness Park (22) • Picmc Shelter • Playground Equipment • Basketball Count • Picmc Tables • Gnlls • Bike racks • Park Benches Future Needs • Replace playground equipment • New sign • New lights • Redo planters around trees • Re surface basketball court • Replace fence • Exercise Equipment • Umbrellas for spray ground users • Tree removal/pruning Powerhouse Canal Pathway • Asphalt Pathway • Park Benches Future Needs • Perm anent bench es along pathway • Landscape pathway from 20th to 16th Avenues • Add workout stations Walter Ortman Parkway • Picnic Table Future Needs • Continue trail to the east along Willow Street School Facilities Garfield Elementary School (2) • Outdoor basketball court • Two t ball fields • Two multi use play fields • Gymnasium • Playground Plannmg Area 7 Census Tract 7 (391 acres) Mostly single-family and two-family residential with commercial uses along arterial streets and a central area zoned for office type uses Larson Park (18) • Picnic Shelter • Picnic Tables • Horseshoe Pits • Parking on street • Gnlls • Restroom Building • Swings • Monkey Bars • Asphalt Walkway Future Needs • New Sign Year Population Density 2000 6 684 17 1 2010 7 072 18 1 • Grind/Overlay walkway sections • Replace the removed playground as needed • New Sign • New Small Playground • Paint Restroom Building Rosalma Park: • Replace Picnic Shelter • Park Benches • Replace sand under play equipment with wood chips South 6th Avenue Parkway. • Tree pruning • Grass and trees • Sell to YVCC Future Needs. Lions Park Pool (19): • Replace broken sidewalk sections as needed. • Indoor Swimming Pool • Six Tennis Courts Summitview Park (35): • Four Horseshoe Pits • Park benches • Basketball Court • Picnic tables • Parking Lot • Picnic Tables School Facilities. • Grills Davis High School (10/47) • Park Benches • Baseball field • Playground • Soccer field • Restrooms • Kumler Field (track -football) Future Needs. • Four indoor volleyball two • New bulk head for pool basketball courts • New Sign • Remove old spray ground DIcKinley Elementary (14): • Remove or renovate restroom • Outdoor basketball court • Tree removal, pruning • Two soccer fields • Three t -ball fields Portia Park (28): • Playground • Picnic tables • Barbecues Future Needs. • Tree removal, pruning Raymond Park (30): • Picnic Tables • Grill • New Trees Future Needs. 40 Yakima Valley Community College (19): • Parker Field (baseball) • Weight room/Fitness facility • Indoor volleyball and basketball courts • Dunbar Field (fastpitch) • Wrestling room • Softball field Plannmg Area 8 Census Tract 8 (416 acres) Centrally located within the City Limits Mostly single-family residences with commercial uses along north/south arterial streets and at major intersections I1 • III11ISs huuH ufl I! ;llI Year Population Density 2000 4,614 111 2010 4 495 10 8 Franklin Park (9) • Outdoor pool with watershde • Five umbrellas in the pool area • Expanded fencing/green space in the pool area • Six tennis courts • Pathway • Parking lot • Picnic Shelter • Picnic Tables • Gnlls • Restrooms • Benches Future Needs • Replace sign • Re do snack shack update restrooms in pool area • Paint extenor of pool building • Replace playground that was removed due to safety issues • Replace/Enlarge picnic shelter • Increase parking • New watershde 41 • Repair tennis courts • Landscape along Stanley Blvd • New trees Tieton Terrace Park (37) • Picnic Tables and Benches • Swing set Future Needs • Replace swing set • Possibly locate a small playground • Sign • Picnic shelter School Facilities Franklin Middle School (11) • Baseball field • Football/soccer field • Track • Outdoor basketball courts • Gymnasium Roosevelt Elementary School (6) • Two t ball fields • Outdoor basketball court • Playground • Gymnasium • Two multi-purpose fields Planmng Area 9: Census Tracts 9-1 and 9-2 (1,935 acres) Mostly single-family residential with areas of two-family and multi -family Isolated commercial strips are located along arterial streets This area contains large parcels of vacant and undeveloped land that is transitioning from farmland and orchard Year Population Density 2000 10,560 5 5 2010 11,216 5 8 Galleon Park/Harman Center (11) • Open Space • Parking Area • Harman Center Building Future Needs 42 • Paint intenor and extenor of Harman Center • Re -stripe parking lot • New Secunty Camera System West Valley Community Park (38): • Covered Picnic Areas • One Soccer Field • Two Playgrounds • Outdoor Living Classroom Trail • Basketball Courts • Benches • Restroom • Horseshoe Pits • Walking Trails • Paved Parking Future Needs. • New Sign on East Side • Additional Picnic Shelters • Grind/Overlay Walking Trails • Parking Lot Lights • New filtration system for irrigation • New spray ground • New paved pathways for walkers School Facilities. Apple Valley Elementary (9): • Outdoor basketball court 43 • Gymnasium • Two multi -use play fields • Playground Summitview Elementary School (7): • Soccer field • Large play field • Playground • Gymnasium West Valley Middle School, 'Jun ior High (23): • Outdoor basketball hoops • Two Softball fields • Baseball field • Soccer field • Football field • Two gymnasiums Wide Hollow Elementary School (17): • Soccer field • Gymnasium • Two multi-purpose fields • Outdoor basketball court Planning Area 10 Census Tract 10 (396 acres) Mostly single family residential with areas of two family and isolated multi family residential Some commercial uses along attenal streets 513 i ttTP!IUiiui ��■���IM1 Y111�l�� OP le OF III VI III Year Population Density 2000 5,725 14 5 2010 5,885 14 9 Fisher Golf Course (8) • Nine hole golf course • Starter/club house • Dnving range net • Umbrella and patio area Future Needs • Taller Fence • Re do roof and concrete pad for maintenance building • Increase Parking • Re roof starter house • Create entrance off Parking Lot • Golf Carts • Remodel/Relocate starter house School Facilities Eisenhower High School (13) • Three outdoor basketball courts • Two baseball fields • One soccer field 44 • Zaepfel Stadium (football/track) • Three softball fields • Indoor volleyball and basketball courts Nob Hill Elementary (15) • Four t ball fields • Two multi use fields • Playground • Outdoor basketball court Whitney Elementary / Wilson Middle School (16/18) • Football field / Two soccer fields • Four baseball fields • Track • One multi use field • One t ball field • Playground • Gymnasium • Outdoor basketball courts Planning Area 11: Census Tract 11 (1,728 acres) The portion within the city contains residential, commercial and industrial uses The airport takes up a majonty of this planning area In addition, the majority of the southern portion of this area is outside city limits in the Urban Growth Area 1 1 LAHTANUM RD -•^�L- -+- ---u-r r-1-1r-nr-1r7 - • Year Population Density 2000 6,418 3 7 2010 6,931 4 0 45 Fairbrook Islands (7): • Grassy area islands area Future Needs. • Xeriscape one of the islands n res dent al Kissel Park (16): • 12 -court tennis campus • Restroom/Storage building • Play equipment • Swings • Parking area • Basketball court • Picnic Shelter • Picnic Tables • Benches • 0 6 mile pathway Future Needs. • _Mother picnic shelter • Expand basketball court • Upgrade portions of the irrigation system • Screened area for trash bins • Add permanent benches around pathway • Shade structures between tennis courts Perry Soccer Complex: • Soccer fields with portable goals • Parking lot • Walkway Randall Park (29): • Basketball Court • Pathway • Playground 46 • Nature area with trail • Pond and wetland areas • 2 Paved Parking Lots • Picnic Shelters • Picnic Tables • Grills • Restrooms • Storage facility Future Needs. • Grind/Overlay Pathway • New Restroom on East and West Sides • New Signs,Planters • Replace Bridges • Clean up Nature Area • Re -do Access Points at Parking Lots • Re -stripe Parking Lots • New Lights in Parking Lots • Terrace hillside for concerts in the park • Replace Tables by Creek • Permanent benches along pathway • Replace fence south side • Viewing platform next to pond • Install irrigation, parking area and hydro seed undeveloped Randall Park south of creek School Facilities. McClure Elementary (20): • One soccer field • One softball field • Gymnasium • Outdoor basketball court • Playground Plannmg Area 12 Census Tracts 12-1 and 12-2 (703 acres) Contains a variety of residential uses with industrial on the east and south Areas of commercial uses mixed in along arterial streets 27 W WASHINGTON AVE Year Population Density 2000 9 048 12 9 2010 12,246 17 4 Gardner Park (27) • Two softball fields • Volleyball Court • Restroom/storage/concession building • Gravel Parking • Playground • Picnic Tables • Swing set Future Needs • Pave the gravel parking • Fence entire east side of park • Replace restroom building • Replace playground 47 • Food Cart • Golf Carts • New Park Sign • Drinking Fountain School Facilities Hoover Elementary (21) • Two soccer fields • Two t ball fields • Playground • Multi use field Lewis and Clark Middle School (25) • Baseball fourplex • Outdoor basketball courts • Two gymnasiums • Football / Soccer field • Three soccer fields Ridgeview Elementary (Union Gap) • One soccer field Planning Area 13 Census Tract 13 (1,335 acres) The majority of this tract lies in Union Gap The only small portions of the City of Yakima in this tract are zoned for Auport Support and Industrial/Commercial uses This area contains mixed uses including residential, industrial and commercial • One t -ball field • One multi -use field • Gymnasium • Playground • Outdoor basketball court Year Population Density 2000 2,463 18 2010 2,731 2 0 Ahtanum Youth Park (Union Gap) (1) • Multiple soccer fields • Two tennis courts • Outdoor basketball courts • Low ropes challenge course • BJVIX Track 48 • Two playgrounds • Activities buildings • Equestrian arena • Picnic shelters • Restrooms Planning Area 14: Census Tract 14 (1,739 acres) The only City areas in this tract are zoned for commercial and industrial uses The majonty of this area is in Union Gap and is largely commercial, with areas of residential and industrial uses AS ID lEn1 N 2 1 Year Population Density 2000 3,303 19 2010 3,444 2 0 49 Cahalan Park (City of Union Gap) (2) • Softball field • Parking area Loudon Park (City of Union Gap) (20) • Tennis court • Playground • Restroom • Picnic facilities School Facilities Martin Luther King Elementary (26) • Baseball field • Multi -use fields • Outdoor basketball court • Gymnasium Union Gap School • Gymnasium • Open playfield Planning Area 15 Census Tracts 15-1 and 15-2 (724 acres) Mostly commercial with some industrial and residential mixed throughout. Washington State Fair Park occupies a arge portion of this area Year Population Density 2000 9,617 13 3 2010 9,795 13 5 Kiwanis Park (17) • Gateway Complex — 4 softball fields • Picnic Pavilion • Two playgrounds • Basketball Court • Volleyball Court • Pond/Nature Area • Restroom/Concessio n Stand • Picnic Tables • Grills • Historic Incinerator • Skatepark • Future softball fields Future Needs • Finish softball field project • Xeriscape hillside and planter areas around parking lot • Improve pond — aeratrng fountain • Replace parking lot lights • Re -stripe parking lot • Look for opportunities for future property acquisition • Gateway Complex o New towable bleachers The Central 50 o Netting over bleacher areas o Storage unit for ball field maintenance o Temporary Fences o Trees around field 4 o Batting Cages Martin Luther King. Jr. Park (21): • Water Playground • Two Basketball Courts • Two Tennis Courts • Picnic Tables • Grills • Playground Future Needs. • New sign • Demo building • Convert Tennis Courts to Mini - Soccer • New Picnic Tables Naches Parkway. • Tree -lined parkway • Picnic Tables • Benches Future Needs. • Replace broken sidewalk sections, ramps • Cut down and replace dead/problem trees Southeast Community Park (34): • Playground • Volleyball Court • Picnic Tables 51 • Grill • Tetherball • Parking Area • Drinking Fountain Future Needs. • Replace parking lot lights • Re -stripe parking lot • New Playground • Tree pruning removal School Facilities. Adams Elementary (12): • Football/Soccer field • Gymnasium • Two multi -use fields • Playground Washington Middle School (8): • Football Soccer field • Gymnasium • Baseball Field • Track Plannmg Area 16 Census Tract 16 (164,525 acres) A small portion of this tract lies within city limits that area being on the west side of the Yakima River Development is very sparse with some commercial areas The east side of the aver is the Terrace Heights area which is largely residential with areas of commercial and industrial development Year Population Density 2000 8 487 0 05 2010 9 267 0 06 Sarg Hubbard Park (Greenwav operated) (32) • Amphitheater • Playground • Boat launch river access • Ponds • Fitness Course • Picnic shelter • Pathways • Nature area • Restroom • Parking Sherman Park (Greenwav operated) • Playground • Pathways • Bocce ball court • Picnic shelter • Parking Sunnse Rotary Park (Greenway operated) • McGuire playground • Pathway • Picnic areas • Restroom 52 Yakima Arboretum un (39): • Interpretive center • Japanese Garden • River shore line • Nature area • Pathways • Pond • Parking Yakima State Sportsman Park (40): • Fishing ponds • Outdoor classroom • 120 picnic tables • Hiking trails • Camp sites • Kitchen shelter 53 Planning Area 28 Census Tracts 28-1 and 28-2 (30,143 acres) Mostly agricultural and residential Very few isolated areas of commercial and industrial The 2011 West Valley Neighborhood Plan includes future plaruung designations for this area (*note — density calculation from previous plan only included density within City limits, not the tract as a whole) Tract 28 Continues West Year Population Density* 2000 10,133 0 40 2010 13,241 2 27 w w a w 0 D >11 819 anp LI 0 aDOEIPCAND000i� D D CI 0,0 (1! z N0 CO 54 Y �+�ICpl9L ��.;.`? � fil llr�1 311 111 =------F ur►,�. rt. l0�11111 1E .� ■1 dl ■uuJ 1171 5 2 l "II arrah tI y mn ai ■Q■.esll _ all �. _. rl Kid" t 'r E.pparr "IIIL III.i1■ I011 �, I�q�giu 3AA11 �j iiL1 - 1 rriJI!z CilS elluil i. i uiin !4 HIA711 [?II. Gig ur...wcn Or L=, 11■11Lr 1 1.1 to .111.I1■f■ rr :...,�� vi'Mill TIMM IMMO TM a AVANT MITA 55 • WAIT ▪ ITT ALT C2o..anws Comprehensive Park Plan Map A-2 Parks S Schools Chapter 5 — GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Our f1,SS'ION is to provide N and promote community leisure, recreational and cultural activities for all citizens This is accomplished through professional staff who provide recreational programs and activities and maintain facility standards making 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 Chapter are carried forward from the preceding plan with review comment additions and deletions recommended by staff and Park Commission These goals and objectives allow us to measure progress in the development and implementation of the plan and o make alterations as needed to meet the community s dynamic ever changing nature Through an exchange of visions and ideals the desires of the entire community are brought into focus and an action plan can be drafted to turn Goals Objectives and Policies in to solid accomplishments Goals must be realistically achievable to be effective Typically they are long range and remain largely unchanged throughout the life of the comprehensive plan They may however evolve and change over time in response to altered circumstances The Objectives comprise measurable tasks to be completed as part of each overall Goal and represent points at Jwhich operations are directed dictate how each Objective will be accomplished Policies provide the system for Administrators to ensure consistent action throughout the community RECREATION SERVICES Policies specifically details and guidance department and the Goal To continue to provide active recreation programs that meet the leisure interests and needs of the community and offer a wide variety of other recreation opportunities to all citizens of Yakima Objective Enhance program opportunities and program quality within existing recreation service units Pohcy Work cooperatively with local agencies organizations and special interest groups to support and enhance city recreation programs and services 56 Policy: Encourage recreation staff to keep abreast of current and future recreation trends by attending professional conferences and workshops as budget allows. Policy: Continually identify community interests and needs relating to recreation programs and services. Policy: Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and activities through the use of questionnaires, surveys, and participation 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 older citizens and those with special needs. Policy: Work with the Harman Center, 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 Yakima 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: 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 participation of Hispanic citizens in Parks and Recreation programs. Objective: Establish a realistic, achievable annual level of self-support for each of the recreation service units. Policy: Make adult recreation programs 100°o self-supporting whenever possible, but especially in the areas of sports and special interest classes. Policy: Set a goal of 80°0 self-support for combined programs and services for senior citizens. Policy: Set a goal of 50°0 self-support for the City's combined aquatic programs. Policy: Provide users easy access to park facilities and, when feasible, support those offering special events. 57 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 service organizations and businesses to maximize the effectiveness of existing resources, to increase the affordability of programs and services and to bring Parks and Recreation services within the financial reach of all 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 sponsors to provide program and facility enhancements. Policy: Develop scholarship programs for youth and low income families. Policy: Provide advertising space within the Seasonal Program Guides. 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 community groups and agencies. Objective: Support efforts to promote tourism activities relation to Parks and Recreation. Policy: Work with the Sports Commiss city park facilities. Policy: Provide professional management, resources to support tourism activity This registrations and concessions. Policy: Explore options for networking to establishment of a Special Events Coordinator on to offer sporting tournaments and events at 58 services and, when available, financial may also include promotion, marketing, provide community events ncluding the PARK OPERATIONS: Goal: Maintain existing parks and recreation facilities at a level that meets the public's desire for safe, clean, and enjoyable parks. Goal: Develop existing city parks and open space areas to meet the current and future demands and needs of both individual city neighborhoods and the community at large. Goal: 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 requirements 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 development through both public and private grant funding. Policy: Examine feasibility and appropriateness of privatizing certain maintenance functions. Policy: Develop and implement a plan for efficient water usage within City parks through research and analysis of appropriate water sources, equipment replacement, capitol improvement and long-range cost effectiveness. Policy: Explore feasibility of cooperative maintenance agreements with Yakima School District, West Valley School District, and other appropriate agencies to provide service when parks are located adjacent to schools. Policy: Develop a program for volunteer support for beautification and maintenance 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 renewal, revision, and adoption by the City Council. Policy: Fund capital improvements through the City's general fird, parks cash balance and state, federal and other grants. Policy: Promote private, public and non-profit partnerships for capital improvements to parks. 59 Objective: Enhance the visual image and public appreciation of city parks, recreation facilities 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 maintenance and landscaping practices, proper use of equipment and repair to upkeep of park facilities. Policy: Implement and, or work with allied groups to implement programs to provide development, upgrading and maintenance of park lands and recreation facilities according to needs. Policy: Develop and implement a plan for tree planting, maintenance and replanting throughout the City's park system 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. Policy: Foster relationships with local arts organizations such as Allied Arts, the Giving Circle, and the Arts Commission to encourage the addition of art in public spaces and parks. Objective: Establish a priority for future land acquisition and park development 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 acquisition and park development. Policy: Identify potential sites and plan for a series of neighborhood parks in Yakima's Urban Growth Area. Policy: Promote private, public and nonprofit partnerships for acquisition and development of future parks within the City of Yakima. Policy: Establish a Parks Fund dedicated to the acquisition of land for future neighborhood and community parks within the City of Yakima. 60 Policy: Factor future ongoing maintenance needs and funding into planning for future development of city parks and green spaces. Objective: Create a unique and positive image for the City through establishment and development of green belts and pathways within the City of Yakima. Policy: Continue to cooperate and share resources to develop and expand the Yakima Greenway Policy: Work with the city Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathway Committee to use existing irrigation canal rights-of-way and Yakima Valley Transportation (YVT) corridors for pathways. Policy: 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 consideration 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 are compatible with area uses and maintainable by existing city resources. Policy: Incorporate, whenever possible, greenbelts and pathways into all future residential, commercial, and industrial developments and keep these trails, as much as possible, separate from streets and arterials. Policy: Establish connectivity with the William 0 Douglas Trail portion which goes through the City of Yakima. Policy: Explore possibilities for establishing pathway connections between existing and future parks. Objective: Develop innovative approaches to creating new park facilities. Policy: Promote private, public and non-profit partnerships for capital improvements to parks. Policy: Encourage creation of a centrally located outdoor performing arts stage or facility through a public, private and, or business partnership Policy: Encourage development of non-traditional recreation venues including a water park. BMX track, skate parks, disc golf, 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 provide guidelines for their appropriate use by the public and for special events. 61 Policy: Create mixed-use parks which cater to a variety of recreational uses, needs. Objective: Create and implement a long-range plan and program for the preservation of prime open space areas in or adjacent to the City of Yakima. Policy: 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, commercial, and industrial development to minimize impacts of locating potentially 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 donations 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 herbicide programs to ensure protection of workers, citizens 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. TAHOMA CEMETERY: 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. Goal: To guarantee the future of the cemetery for perpetuity Objective: Provide appropriate maintenance and operations to meet the needs of Tahoma Cemetery Objective: Adequately fund the Cemetery's maintenance operations. 62 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 Cemetery Policy: Maintain the cemetery in a manner that protects its historical 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 areas of historical and genealogical research. ADMINISTRATION: 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 advancements in park maintenance and operations. Policy: Anticipate and prepare for future staffing needs that may arise due to retirements, budget, or 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 recreation and maintenance operations and review them for compatibility with departmental and city priorities. Policy: _-manually review and evaluate progress in meeting service unit goals. Policy: Review goals, objectives, policies, and performance annually with Park Commission. 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. 63 Policy: Incorporate a public relations element into plans of action for park development, facilities, services, and programs. Policy: Strive to work with and coordinate services with other agencies and program providers whenever possible. Policy: Address citizen concerns in a timely manner Policy: 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. Policy: Utilize new technology via the internet and social media to reach a broader number of park users. Objective: Seek and develop additional sources of funding and support for park and program development and delivery Policy: Examine feasibility of a Metropolitan Park District. 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 sector and with service organizations. Policy: Develop an advertising program for implementation in park facilities. Policy: Develop practices that seek sponsorships, donation, and financial support 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 service delivery Policy: Develop, coordinate, and direct a comprehensive volunteer program. Policy: Recruit and retain volunteers wherever possible for assistance in park and recreation operations and programs. Policy: Provide opportunities to support parks and recreation services through volunteerism. 64 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Goal: To advise the City Council, City Manager, and Director of Public Works regarding formulation of policy and plans for development, management, and operations of the City's Parks and Recreation Program. Policy: Annually review budgets, programs, and services. Policy: Assist in establishment of standards for park maintenance. Policy: 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 community LONG RANGE OBJECTIVES Long-range objectives present a special challenge from the standpoint of financing because municipal funding cycles typically run in increments of one to two years. Recognizing the uncertainty and the limitations that short-term budgets place on long-range objectives, we begin by planning today for facilities that we know we want and will need but cannot presently afford. With no vision for the future, we will be unprepared to take advantage of opportunities when they become available. Aquatic Center: • Establish a task force to lead feasibility study of an aquatic center • Draft design and development options • Indentify funding options Fisher Golf Course: • Upgrade course • Increase parking • Replace the clubhouse • Improve golf and ancillary activities • New fencing/netting Outdoor Performing Arts Stage: • Ideal location west of 16th Avenue • Utilization of existing park facilities (Franklin or Randall Parks) require expansion of parking facilities 65 Develop New mini -Parks: • Size Up to 3 acres • Locations throughout the city but particularly in areas where population density is the greatest, and West Valley Develop New Neighborhood Parks: • Minimum size of 3 acres. • Locations north central, south central, northeast and west Yakima, and West Valley 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 Ave, and West Valley 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. • 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 — completing the Gateway Complex, redevelopment of older Upper Kiwanis and construction of youth baseball fields • Franklin Pool — new slide, move snack shack off deck and incorporate into guard room, paint exterior of building • Franklin Park — replace the playground that was removed in the summer of 2011 • Gardner Park — development of girls fastpitch complex • Harman Center — paint interior and exterior of building, re -stripe parking lot • Lions ParkPool — improve parking, new bulk head for pool • Elks Park — improve parking and upgrade ballfields • Renovation or replacement of aging restrooms throughout the system Establish a Youth Service Unit: This service would enable additional program opportunities. • Open gymnasium for drop-in and organized recreational activities 66 • Late night organized team sports play • Summer playgrounds in each city neighborhood • Neighborhood -based recreation centers utilizing school facilities • Community special events organized around local, regional, and national celebrations and holidays, as well as cultural events Establish a Funded Urban Forestry Program: The Urban Forestry Program is a community -wide tree care and replanting program targeted towards city parks, open space, and green belt. • Establishment of a volunteer community tree pruning force • Develop 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 propagation Vacant Land Survey: • Work with owners, developers of large tracts of vacant land such as the Gateway Mill District (formally the Boise Cascade Mill Property) and the Congdon Property to implement Parks Planning as a part of their overall development plans. 67 Aa stealZolon Chapter 6 — PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The process of putting this plan together included various opportunities for public input This plan will help guide the future of Parks and Recreation and we wanted to ensure that what we will be doing is consistent with public need The public participation process included four main opportunities — public meetings park commission SEPA review and community survey Public Meetings There were two public meetings which were held on September 19 and 20 2011 at the SECC and the Harman Center The purpose of these meetings was to share the survey results data Park Commission The City of Yakima Park Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month A portion of time was dedicated at every meeting held in 2011 to discuss the progress of this Comprehensive Plan update The Park Commission approved the draft survey that was sent out and was presented with the data when it was compiled Additionally drafts of each chapter were discussed at length prior to the public hearing Eventually the Park Commission held an Open Record Public Hearing on this Comprehensive Plan update on February 8 2012 A legal notice was provided in the Yaluma Herald to notify the public of the meeting date The Commissioners moved to approve the plan subject to some minor changes The final step will be to go before City Council for approval and adoption SEPA A SEPA Environmental Review has been completed A Notice of Environmental Review was issued on January 23 2012 which requested comments during a 20 day comment penod A Determination of Non Significance was issued on February 14 2012 no appeals were filed Community Survey In June 2011 a 4 -page survey was mailed to 4 300 random city residents The survey was pro nded in English and Spanish and included a postage paid return envelope To encourage participation and thank citizens for taking the time to fill out the survey each mailer included a coupon for $2 off a round of golf at Fisher (up to 4 people) and a coupon for a free swim at Franklin (up to 5 people) 868 surveys were mailed back (20 1%) thus making the results scientific The survey contained a variety of questions dealing with park usage media park facilities recreation programs customer service future planning and demographic/baclkground information 68 The survey results provided a vast amount of information that was paramount in the crafting of this comprehensive plan update. If there is a single trend that can be derived from the survey results it would be that the citizens of Yakima care very much for their parks. The complete results will be tabulated at the end of this chapter Some of the underlying themes are as follows. • 92°o of respondents indicated that Parks and Recreation facilities are important to their family • 70°0 of respondents said that they feel safe when visiting City Parks. • People would like to see more Walking Nature Trails. Swimming Pools, Water Features. and Pathways. • 62°o of respondents have participated in recreation programs. and 81°o of those people will participate in the future. • 91°o or respondents are in favor of selling advertising space in the seasonal program guides to help off -set costs. • 46.6°0 indicated they would support a small tax increase that could only be used for Parks and Recreation. • 50.3°0 are in favor of implementing online registration for programs and facility rentals. Following is a summary of the responses to the survey which was mailed to 4300 random city residents. A total of 868 surveys were returned (20°o). Response rates vary per question as not everyone who took the survey answered every question. and certain questions provided for multiple answers. See Appendix B for the Survey and additional comments received. Note — lMIost questions in the survey allowed multiple responses. 69 Do you live within the Yakima City Limits? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 99 1% 801 No 0 9% 7 answered question 808 skipped question 60 How long have you lived in Yakima? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Less than 1 year 2 1% 18 1 to3years 67% 58 4to8years 137% 118 9 t 13 years 11 0% 95 14 to 18 years 65% 56 More than 18 years 59 9% 515 answered question 860 skipped question 8 Which Yakima City Parks do you visit regularly/ Please check all boxes that apply Answer Options Cherry Park Chesterley Park Elks Memorial Park Fairbrook Park Fisher Park Golf Course Franklin Park Galleon Park Harman Center Gardner Park Gilbert Park Kissel Park Response Response Percent Count 1 1% 9 26 2% 208 6 5% 52 1 4% 11 19 6% 156 65 4% 519 107% 85 2 3% 18 15 1% 120 33 4% 265 70 Kiwanis Park 11 2% 89 Larson Park 7 7% 61 Lions Park and Pool 21 3% 169 Martin Luther King Park 5 0% 40 McGuinness Park 0 6% 5 Miller Park 9 1% 72 Milroy Park 6 3% 50 Perry Soccer Complex 7 4% 59 Powerhouse Canal Pathway 12 3% 98 Randall Park 58 2% 462 Raymond Park 1 0% 8 Southeast Community Center 3 9% 31 Summitview Park 2 6% 21 West Valley Community Park 25 1% 199 Other (please specify) 29 answered question skipped question What type of park and recreation facilities do you and your family use the most/ Please check all boxes that apply 794 74 Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Baseball Fields 13 9% 112 Golfing at Fisher Golf Course 21 1% 170 Miller or MLK Spray Park 6 1% 49 Open Space 41 1% 332 Pathway 53 2% 429 Picnic Facilities 38 5% 311 Playground 40 3% 325 Skatepark 6 1% 49 Soccer Fields 16 7% 135 Softball Fields 7 7% 62 Swimming Pools 41 0% 331 Tennis Courts 15 6% 126 Volleyball Courts 5 3% 43 Walking/Nature Trails 60 7% 490 Other (please specify) 23 71 answered question 807 skipped question 61 On average, how often do you visit parks? Answer Options 10+ times per month 5-10 times per month 2-5 times per month Once per month 5-10 times per year Less than 5 times per year Very rarely Never What brings your family to the park? Response Response Percent Count 183% 155 19 7% 167 24 5% 208 6 6% 56 14 7% 125 9 9% 84 6 0% 51 1 8% 15 answered question 848 skipped question 20 Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Location 73 9% 569 Amenities 46 8% 360 Organized activities/events 40 9% 315 Number of people at the park 7 9% 61 Other (please specify) 78 answered question 770 skipped question 98 Have you visited the Harman Center? Answer Options Yes No Response Response Percent Count 51 0% 419 49 0% 402 answered question 821 skipped question 47 72 If you have visted the Harman Center, what programs or events did you participate in? Please check all that apply Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Cards 7 4% 28 Games 4 5% 17 Dances 12 5% 47 SocialNisiting 27 3% 103 Computer Room & Classes 13 8% 52 Saturday Breakfast 8 0% 30 Lunch 11 1% 42 Dinner 5 6% 21 Trips and/or Tours 25 7% 97 Enrichment Classes 9 5% 36 Rental 35 8% 135 Billiards 1 9% 7 Coffee Bar 13 8% 52 Organized Groups 10 6% 40 Other (please specify) 83 answered question skipped question Have you or a family member ever volunteered at the Harman Center? 377 491 Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 7 4% 62 No 92 6% 772 answered question 834 skipped question 34 How do you receive your information regarding park facilites and recreation programs? Answer Options Seasonal Program Guide Newspaper Response Response Percent Count 66 6% 490 52 9% 389 73 Program Brochure Facebook Website Other (please specify) 170% 31% 12 9% 125 23 95 68 answered question skipped question How would you like to receive your park and recreation information in the future? Answer Options Seasonal Program Guide Newspaper TV/Radio Advertising Program Brochure Facebook Website Direct mail Other (please specify) Response Percent 58 6% 35 1% 172% 145% 8 3% 19 2% 288% answered question skipped question 736 132 Response Count 485 290 142 120 69 159 238 36 827 41 What method do you prefer for the registration of park programs and facility rentals? Answer Options Mail in registration Online registration Walk in registration Telephone registration Other (please specify) Response Percent 32 2% 503% 26 8% 31 5% answered question skipped question Response Count 247 385 205 241 2 766 102 Have you watched the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings on YPAC? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count 74 Yes 9 2% 77 No 90 8% 758 answered question 835 skipped question 33 If you have watched meetings on YPAC, did you find them informative Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 77 2% 61 No 22 8% 18 answered question 79 skipped question 789 Have you ever attended a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting live at City HaII9 Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 3 0% 25 No 97 0% 797 answered question 822 skipped question 46 Are you in favor of the Parks and Recreation Division selling advertising space in our Seasonal Program Guides to decrease printing costs? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 90 6% 685 No 9 4% 71 answered question 756 skipped question 112 How important are City Parks and Recreation facilities to you and your family? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Extremely Important 35 7% 300 Very Important 29 0% 244 Important 27 3% 229 75 Not Important Not Important No Opinion Other (please specify) 4 4% 4 0% 37 34 3 840 28 answered question stripped question How do you rate park maintenance? (such as cleanliness, field and equipment condition, mowing, etc ) Answer Options Excellent Good Average Poor No Opinion Other (please specify) Response Response Percent Count 24 7% 207 51 8% 435 193% 162 2 4% 20 3 7% 31 16 answered question skipped question How do you rate park structures and features? (such as lighting, tables, parking, playgrounds, restrooms, etc ) Answer Options Excellent Good Average Poor No Opinion Other (please specify) When you visit City Parks, do you feel safe/ Answer Options Yes No Response Percent 9 4% 48 6% 31 9% 6 2% 5 1% answered question skipped question Response Percent 697% 7 7% 839 29 Response Count 78 402 264 51 42 34 827 41 Response Count 568 63 76 Don't Know 8 6% 70 Undecided 14 0% 114 In No, please tell us why 152 answered question 815 skipped question 53 Are Yakima's Parks meeting your family's local recreational needs? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 72 2% 580 No 10 8% 87 Don't Know 6 1% 49 Undecided 10 8% 87 If No, how can we better serve your recreation needs? 119 answered question 803 skipped question 65 What Parks and Recreation amenities would you like to see more of/ Please check all boxes that apply. Answer OptionsResponse Response Percent Count Baseball Fields 6 6% 50 Open Spaces 22 8% 174 Pathways 46 3% 353 Picnic Facilities 41 3% 315 Playgrounds 38 1% 290 Skateparks 7 6% 58 Soccer Fields 11 3% 86 Softball Fields 4 3% 33 Swimming Pools/Water Features 56 0% 427 Tennis Courts 8 7% 66 Volleyball Courts 10 5% 80 Walking/Nature Trails 57 3% 437 Other (please specify) 88 answered question 762 skipped question 106 77 Please rate the following facilities on how important they are to you and your family Very Somewhat Response, Answer Options Important Important Important Not Important Count Franklin Pool 314 189 118 125 746 Lions Pool 223 162 126 177 688 Harman Center 203 181 136 181 701 Tahoma Cemetery 169 142 115 220 646 Fisher Park Golf Course 183 150 146 194 673 Gateway Sports Complex 91 125 159 218 593 Chesterley Soccer Fields 152 127 144 216 639 Elks Baseball Fields 96 131 132 259 618 Kissel Park Tennis Complex 129 137 134 219 619 answered question 832 skipped question 36 Tahoma Cemetery is owned and operated by the City of Yakima Do you have a family member buried at Tahoma? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 31 8% 270 No 68 2% 579 answered question 849 skipped question 19 If yes, please rate the burial services that were provided for you and your family Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Excellent 23 1% 68 Good 42 7% 126 Average 6 8% 20 Poor 1 0% 3 No Opinion 26 4% 78 Other (please specify) 9 answered question 295 skipped question 573 78 Have you or any members of your family participated in ANY recreation programs'? Answer Options Yes No Response Percent 62 4% 37 6% answered question skipped question Would you or your family members participate in the programs again'? Answer Options Yes No If No, why not' Which Recreation Programs have you or your boxes that apply Answer Options Adult Softball League Adult Soccer League Adult Basketball League Adult Volleball League Golf Lessons Dodgeball Free Summer Playground Program Wood Working Swim Lessons Fitness Boot Camp Harman Center Programs Golf Tournaments Golf League Tennis Lessons Response Count 502 302 804 64 Response Response Percent Count 83 4% 492 16 6% 98 69 answered question 590 skipped question 278 family participated in'? Please check all Response Response Percent Count 19 5% 116 6 9% 41 6 5% 39 8 1% 48 19 3% 115 2 3% 14 25 8% 154 1 7% 10 41 8% 249 2 2% 13 29 4% 175 6 2% 37 2 9% 17 11 6% 69 79 Trek n Travel Trolley 4 0% 24 Water Walking 22 8% 136 Friday Night Glowball Outings 4 2% 25 Halloween Haunted Trail 10 9% 65 Youth Baseball League 24 0% 143 Youth Soccer League 29 9% 178 Youth Swim Lessons 26 7% 159 Flag Football 3 2% 19 Hydro Fit 4 7% 28 Beyond the Bell after school program 3 2% 19 Other (please specify) 28 answered question 596 skipped question 272 How would you rate the quality of the recreation program? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Excellent 48 4% 209 Good 45 1% 195 Fair 5 3% 23 Poor 1 2% 5 Write in Program Name 205 answered question 432 skipped question 436 Please rate your telephone interactions with park and recreation staff. Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Excellent 11 2% 88 Good 26 7% 209 Average 7 9% 62 Fair 31% 24 Poor 0 8% 6 N/A 50 3% 394 answered question 783 skipped question 85 80 Please rate your face to face interactions with park maintenance staff Answer Options Excellent Good Average Fair Poor N/A Please rate your response to an email question Answer Options Excellent Good Average Fair Poor N/A Do you think the Parks District, if no additional separate from the City acquire park facilities. Answer Options Yes No Undecided Response Percent 13 4% 268% 9 6% 3 0% 1 1% 459% answered question skipped question Response Count 106 212 76 24 9 363 790 78 Response Response Percent Count 2 3% 17 6 4% 48 4 1% 31 2 8% 21 0 7% 5 83 7% 626 answered question skipped question 748 120 and Recreation Division should become a Metropolitan Park tax dollars are used/ [A Metropolitan Park District would be The distict would manage, control, improve, maintain and It would also operate recreation programs.] Response Response Percent Count 30 1% 236 10 4% 82 59 5% 467 answered question 785 skipped question 83 81 Would you be willing to pay a small tax increase that could only be used for Parks and Recreation? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 46 6% 386 No 26 2% 217 Undecided 27 3% 226 answered question 829 skipped question 39 Would your and your family support a small tax increase for a specific new park facility? E.g. Aquatic Center Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 49 6% 413 No 27 1% 226 Undecided 23 3% 194 answered question 833 skipped question 35 Do you think that the costs for recreation programs should be subsidized with tax dollars? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 44 8% 365 No 26 7% 217 Undecided 28 5% 232 answered question 814 skipped question 54 Do you think our community should continue providing quality of life services funded by general government revenues? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 62 8% 501 No 71% 57 Undecided 30 1% 240 answered question 798 82 skipped question 70 Do you think that the Parks and Recreation Division should build a larger swimming pool in the future? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes 55 8% 459 No 17 7% 146 Undecided 26 5% 218 answered question 823 skipped question 45 Do you think that land should be purchased for the future development of more parks? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Yes Yes 51 6% 425 No 17 0% 140 Undecided Undecided 31 4% 259 answered question 824 824 skipped question 44 What kinds of new parks should be developed? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Community Parks (20+ acres) 27 5% 199 Neighborhood Parks (3+ acres) 47 6% 344 Mini Parks (less than 2 acres) 16 7% 121 Greenways/Pathways 47 3% 342 No New Parks 13 3% 96 Other (please specify) 60 answered question 723 skipped question 145 If you identified the need for new parks, how should they be developed? Answer Options Response Response Percent Count 83 Open Space 21 6% 142 Athletic Fields 12 5% 82 Playground 33 1% 218 Trails/Nature Areas 401% 264 Multi -Use 68 1% 448 Other (please specify) 55 answered question 658 What is your age? skipped question 210 Answer Options Percent Response Percent Count 14 or Younger 07% 6 15-19 1 0% 8 20-29 9 7% 81 30-39 19 2% 160 40-49 15 3% 128 50-59 20 0% 167 60-69 17 2% 144 70-79 11 4% 95 80+ 5 5% 46 answered question 835 How many people live in your house or apartment? skipped question 33 Answer OptionsResponse Response Percent Count 1 14 4% 115 2 38 8% 310 3 13 3% 106 4 16 8% 134 5 9 8% 78 6 4 3% 34 7 11% 9 8 0 9% 7 9 0 6% 5 84 10 0 0% 11+ 0 1% answered question skipped question How many children live in your home under the age of 18? Answer Options None 1 2 3 4 5 6 or more What is your gender? Answer Options Male Female I choose not to answer What is your ethnic origin? Please check all home Answer Options African American American Indian Asian Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Hispanic or Latino Response Percent 58 2% 12 1% 16 7% 8 4% 3 5% 0 7% 0 5% answered question skipped question Response Percent 26 8% 69 2% 3 9% answered question skipped question boxes that apply for those Response Percent 1 0% 1 7% 1 7% 04% 14 3% 0 1 799 69 Response Count 492 102 141 71 30 6 4 846 22 Response Count 225 581 33 839 29 living in your 85 Response Count 8 14 14 3 118 White/Caucasian I choose not to answer Other (please specify) What is your yearly family income? 78 9% 6 4% answered question skipped question 651 53 19 825 43 Answer Options Response Response Percent Count Under $20,000 9 2% 76 $20,001-35,000 13 8% 114 $35,001-50,000 15 2% 126 $50,001-65,000 11 6% 96 $65,001-85,000 110% 91 $80,001-100,000 10 1% 84 $100,001-115,000 4 5% 37 Above - $115,000 6 2% 51 I choose not to answer 18 6% 154 answered question 829 skipped question 39 What is your highest level of education? Answer Options Percent Response Percent Count Grade8orless 21% 18 Some High School 3 1% 26 High School Graduate 12 0% 101 Some College Courses 23 7% 200 College Graduate 31 1% 263 Post Graduate Degree 20 4% 172 Some Technical School Courses 1 4% 12 Technical School Graduate 2 7% 23 I choose not to answer 3 6% 30 answered question 845 skipped question 23 86 I cal avian Pangs Dens I I, le ..... 4 \if ...7....2 reary-it 4 so I.;;;4.4 ...4,..).. :::;1:5 .4.147 ..- 1 r 4q ii ' I.��yI� IL-. i'('i .9i• • J ......."2 n ... y�j i,. t. '• -t:• ~' •+2'L 1 •�}--,,2'.-;*e • '' .‘ I • •.r' ;1- a,... ' �a 1 a} Ti�L '/ '• t -.1„,....,1,,,.., � t' ,.. � 1 .� ' .: • •1` .2 DJ• r 9 J • i• , •-a : — L :- 1 •le I ••[[ 1 ,t • '•1; ti'• Y •'SS • •:1r -•.ter ..5. ?Diu' • ‘3. WL.,. � 4 ' '=.' I• L I 41 41 ks - {• 4 • ^• Y 4 1 1 87 Chapter 7 — INDUSTRY STANDARDS, DEMANDS, AND NEEDS Yakima Parks and Recreation has along standing policy supporting acquisition and development of park and recreation 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 the community? Is there already enough or do we need more? Like contractors everywhere 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 National Recreation and Park Association (NAPA) standards were used in Yakima s Comprehensive Plan s since 1995 The NAPA standards which have been published since 1991 continue to represent a benchmark for space standards at the national and state levels A set of guide posts were adopted in 1973 by the Washington State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) which is now the Recreation and Conservation Organization (RCO) Similar to the NAPA measures these localized standards served for a while However recognizing the different recreational personalities of communities within the diverse geographic extremes of Washington State RCO has 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 direction determining the need for park and recreation facilities Service Radius This vanes from neighborhood to neighborhood 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 10 to 15 people or even fewer per acre In these areas the desirable travel or service radius may extend further to as much as one mile The general consensus is that travel time as opposed to distance is the important factor to consider Space and Number Required Recommended minimums for the amount of park space run between 2 and 5 acres per 1 000 people depending on the size and purpose of the park or facility National recommendations for park size range from a minimum of 3 acres for Neighborhood Parks to 20 30 acres for a Community Park (See NAPA Standards below) Yakima Parks and Recreation s inventory also consists of Mini Parks which are smaller than 3 acres but still 88 included in the calculation with Neighborhood Parks Generally speaking Yakima falls short of the recommended ratio of park acreage to resident The following chart shows the minimum acreage of Mini/Neighboihood Parks and Community Parks compared to actual acreage Yakima has 27% of the minimum acreage for MimlNeighborhood Parks and 48% of the minimum acreage for Community Parks The chart also shows the future acreage needs based on 25 year population estimates which show an increase in population to 106 096 As the population continues to grow so will the need to develop additional park lands and facilities As the city continues to expand into the urban growth area it will be important to identify potential areas for park development 600 500 400 E 300 a 200 100 0 Park Acreage Companson Minimum Acreage Actual Acreage Future Need O Mini/Neighborhood Parks 182 50 212 O Community Parks 455 218 530 Municipal Park Land Companson ■Total Acres 353 813 1094 3440 Yakima Renton Federal Way Bellingham (91 196) (90 927) (89 306) (80,885) A comparison of Yakima to other cities in the state of similar size shows Yakima on the lower end of the spectrum The three cities with the closest population to Yakima are Renton (90 927) Spokane Valley (89755) and Federal Way (89 306) (Source 2010 Census) However Spokane Valley is still a relatively new city with a limited amount of park land so Bellingham would be the next closest at 80 885 and will be used instead of Spokane Valley for the purposes of comparison How to fund a significant increase in park land is a major hurdle At a conservative estimate of $35 000 per acre it would cost more than $20 million just for the land needed to bring the city up to NAPA standards Development and construction of facilities would be an additional challenge In the past Yakima Parks and 89 Recreation has drawn funding from a variety of resources — its own budget, lines of credit, contributions, grants and the generosity of the community and local service clubs. However, most of these revenue sources are unpredictable and dependent on the strength of the economy The only other funding source would be impact fees, which is allowed in the State of Washington for purposes of park development. This method has not been used in the past and is not proposed to be used any time soon. Even if financial resources do become available, finding adequate and appropriate property within the city limits will be difficult. Vacant land is at a premium and generally only available in small isolated parcels. Acquiring several adjacent pieces of property to combine into even a mini -park would not only be expensive, but difficult. Fortunately, the open nature of Yakima's geography and its generally sunny skies temper the need to develop a vast park acreage that the national standards recommend or other communities require. It has been noted that the demand for public recreational activities in Yakima is considerably higher than national standards. This is due, no doubt, to a combination of factors including a history of community recreational activity, a relatively young population, a climate conducive to such activities and Yakima's reputation as a regional activity center This high demand for activities 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 following: 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 of relegated to waiting lists or turned away for lack of facilities. The on-going expansion of the Gateway Complex at Kiwanis Park will help to remedy this solution. The 3 new fields that are currently under construction will bring the Gateway Complex total to 7 lighted fields. All together, there will be 10 fields in the City NRPA standards require 18 fields, so Yakima will still be below standards: however the additional fields help us get closer Baseball Fields: Yakima currently has one public baseball field suitable for adult baseball. It is unlighted and located within the Little League complex at Elks Park. Adult baseball leagues are no longer offered due to a lack of interest. Elks does have 4 additional fields suitable for youth baseball. Soccer Fields: The city's inventory of soccer fields are utilized on a consistent basis. The fields at Chesterley and Perry Tech see thousands of soccer players each year Fields at local schools and at Ahtanum Youth Park fill in with additional need. While youth teams are able to access fields for practices, there is a shortage of other site suitable for adult teams. Heavy use of the fields makes it difficult for maintenance to keep the fields in playable condition. Additional fields could allow for a longer down time by permitting more than one field to be out of play at a 90 time. NRPA standards only call for 9 fields: however, given the popularity of soccer in Yakima (ranked #2 in recreation program usage from the survey), additional fields would be welcome. Tennis Courts: The City of Yakima has 32 tennis courts. Older courts at places like Franklin Park and Lions are in bad repair The courts do receive a generous amount of use, and with the 12 -court campus as Kissel and additional school courts being built, the inventory should be sufficient. The courts at Lions Park will be rebuilt during the Davis High School renovation project. Basketball/Volleyball Courts: Yakima Parks and Recreation relies on existing community indoor basketball and volleyball courts located at school district facilities for operation of its basketball and volleyball programs. While the school district's number of gymnasiums 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. Ice Hockey/Skating Rink: The City currently has one privately owned ice rink. It would not be economical at this time to have an additional publicly owned facility Golf Courses/Driving Range: The City -owned 9 -hole course, in combination with privately held courses, appears to meet the current public need. A driving range net was erected at Fisher Golf Course in the summer of 2011 and has received ample use. Outdoor/Indoor Swimming Pools: The City has one indoor pool at Lion's which is open year- round and one outdoor pool at Franklin which is open during the summer months. Spray parks at Miller and MILK Parks round out the Cities only water -themed offerings. There was a large amount of need expressed in the survey for additional spray park and pool facilities. Swim lessons were the number one answer for recreation programs at 42° o. Pools and spray parks are difficult to fund due to limited resources and high maintenance costs. Summary of Park Facilities: Mini -Parks: Usually less than 3 acres, these parks consist of greenspace and minimal amenities such as picnic tables or benches. Mini -Parks are primarily used for passive recreation by residents residing within' a miles. 91 Park Acres Cherry Park 0 49 Fairbrook Islands 2.05 North 44th Avenue Parkway 0 69 Portia Park 0.52 Raymond Park 2.65 Rosalma Garden Club 0 45 South 2nd Street Park 0.52 South 6th Avenue Park 0 17 Summitview Park 0 76 Tieton Terrace Park 0 42 TOTAL 8.72 Neighborhood Parks: Generally greater than 3 acres, these parks consist of open space and can contain additional amenities such as a playground, picnic shelter, or limited active recreation areas such as a basketball or tennis court. These parks are used mostly for passive recreation, but active recreation does take place as well. Most users who frequent these parks live within a '2 mile radius. Park Acres Gilbert Park 11 62 Larson Park 4 66 Martin Luther King Park 4 01 McGuinness Park 1.91 Miller Park 3.96 Milroy Park 3.36 Southeast Community Park 3 63 TOTAL 33.15 Community Parks: Usually 20 acres or more, these are well-developed parks which contain a variety of available area for active and passive recreation. Included in this list are several parks which fall below 20 acres: however, the amenities available attract users from throughout the community which is the main intent of a Community Park. 92 Park Acres Chesterley Park 31.20 Elks Park 12.66 Emil Kissel Park 17 00 Fisher Golf Course 18.20 Franklin Park 17 66 Gardner Park 9 13 Harman Center'Gailleon Park 3.52 Kiwanis Park 33 66 Lions Park 4.38 Perry Soccer Complex 15 00 Randall Park 40.25 Tahoma Cemetery 66 West Valley Community_ Park 26.20 TOTAL 29-4.86 Greenway/Pathways: These areas cons consist of linear asphalt paths. st of established tra Is and parkways which generally Pathway Miles Acres Naches Parkway 1.35 5 86 Powerhouse Canal Pathway 2.55 8.85 Walter Oilman Parkway 0.31 0 70 William 0 Douglas Trail 2.09 -- TOTAL 6.30 15.54 Summary: While the amount Yakima's Parks and Recreation facilities, for the most part, lie below industry standards, we strive to maintain high quality and availability in park lands. As additional funds become available and projects present themselves, we will do our best to bridge the gap between current numbers and optimal standards. Paramount in our effort will be implementing those projects which received the greatest amount of input from our survey (see chapter 6) such as Walking/Nature Trails, Swimming Pools/Water Features, and Pathways. Even with the lower numbers presented above. Yakima citizens do have the advantage of being close to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities with easy access to the Cascade Mountains to the west and multitude of River and Lake access to the east. In addition, a generally favorable climate in the spring, summer and fall months provide greater opportunity to recreate outside than other cities west of the mountains which receive a substantially greater amount of rain. 93 NRPA Standards: The following standards are from the National Recreation and Parks Association. 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 4-1'2 mile travel Baseball Fields,Lighted 1'30.000 people Baseball 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 people 1 4-1'2 hour travel time Tennis Courts 1'2.000 people 1 4-1'2 mile travel Basketball Court Indoor 1 5.000 people 1 4-1'2 mile travel Volleyball Court Indoor 1 5.000 people 94 1 4-1 '2 mile travel Ice Hockey 'Skating Rink 1 '100,000 people 1 '2-1 hour travel time Golf Course/9 hole 1'25.000 people 1 '2-1 hour travel time Golf Course 18 hole 1 50.000 people 1 '2-1 hour travel time Swimming Pool'Outdoor 1'20.000 people 1 4-1 '2 hour travel time Swimming Pool'hidoor No requirement Chapter 8 — CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM These priorities represent the principal elements that we want to use to define the future of Parks and Recreation They provide us with a basic structure for operation but leave room for modifications that may be needed as time passes These priorities will serve as a framework upon which to base decisions on future issues and will allow us to make those decisions in a focused well directed manner that responds to the needs and desires of the community as a whole While these pnonties are identified by numbers one through six it should not be construed that this is a mandate to accomplish them in that order A thoughtful balanced approach to meeting all the pnonties using resources available will maximize outcome as well as opportunity for a greater benefit Pizonty #1 Repairs, renovations and enhancements to exrstmg developed city parks and facilities Parks and Recreation s inventory of assets presents a valuable and virtually irreplaceable investment in our community Repair and maintenance of those assets and their infrastructure will insure their continued service to the citizens of Yakima well into the future In addition renovations updates and enhancements will help 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 without updates In addition those enhancements such as park lighting play equipment drinking fountains additional picnic shelters and landscaping will help keep facilities current as well as attractive and inviting Inherent in this priority are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations 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 handicaps Parks irrigation 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 95 of water and the importance of efficient water usage through research and analysis of appropriate water sources, irrigation techniques, equipment replacement, capital improvements and long- range cost effectiveness studies. Erosion of the park maintenance operations budget of the last few years has led to considerable concern on the part of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Attractive parks are integral to 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. In that light, the Park Commissioners speak for the citizens they represent and call for secure, stable funding to ensure, at a minimum, continuation of the 2011 levels of service and to prevent further reductions in manpower, equipment and supplies. By placing repair, maintenance and enhancement of existing city parks and facilities as the number one priority for the future, the Commission urges the City Council and City Management to provide financial resources necessary to care for this valuable inventory of assets. Priority #2 Acquisition and development of new parks and recreation facilities. Responses to our survey indicated that 51°0 or respondents think land should be purchased for development of more parks. Of those respondents. 4700 want new developed parks to be in the "Neighborhood Park" category of 3+ acres. In addition, the vast majority of respondents want to see multi -use parks developed. As Yakima's city limits and the urban planning area's population growth continue, the need for additional park lands and recreation facilities will increase. This is particularly noticeable in the West Valley neighborhoods. Since 2006, approximately 1,900 acres have been annexed into the city, with the vast majority of that land being in the West Valley area. A significant increase in single-family home subdivisions has occurred in the last 5 years, vastly increasing the population in West Valley Park development in West Valley, however, has not kept up with residential increases. West Valley Neighborhood Park, now under City ownership, has no room for physical expansion. West Valley Middle School and Junior High has created new ballfields, but this does not create new park facilities in other areas which have seen significant population increases. The need to acquire property for future park and open space development is critical as property is consumed for new development and changing land uses. Vacant land within the City has become increasingly scarce, a condition likely to be exaggerated in the western reaches of the urbanized area as development continues. It will be essential to identify resources for property acquisition so Parks and Recreation will be in a position to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. In the current environment's limited funding resources, it may become 96 important to consider acquisition of public park and open green space through less traditional means such as creation of incentives to encourage developers to include 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, neighborhood parks of three or more acres like Larson. Miller, or Southeast Community Park may be unrealistic and mini -parks like Tieton Terrace and Summitview that require just a single parcel of land may become 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 consideration, it may become necessary to focus development on larger community or regional parks with a variety of active and passive elements to concentrate 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 identified in particular need of park and recreation facility development. With the number of considerations that will need to be accommodated in future development, this priority also requires strategic thinking on the part of Parks and Recreation in order to be prepared for opportunities that may come available in the future. Large tracts of vacant land such as the Gateway Mill District (formally the Boise Cascade Mill Property) and the Congdon Property are potential areas for large-scale (Community Park) future developments. Priority #3 Development of Urban Pathways. Responses to the survey also included interest in the development of urban pathways and walking trails. As noted in Priority #2. 51°0 of respondents would like to see additional land purchased for park development. An equal number to those who would like to see Neighborhood Parks developed, which was 47°0, would also like to see the development of Greenways and Pathways. The development of greenways and pathways provides walking and biking corridors, and links citizens to parks, businesses and the greenway Additions to the existing urban pathway system, including the intercity portions of the William 0 Douglas Trail and an extension of the Powerhouse Canal Pathway east to the Naches Avenue Parkway, are highly desirable as are improved connectors to the Greenway at North 40th. North 16th, and Fair Avenues. Because many jurisdictions and agencies are involved in development of trails and pathways throughout the Yakima Valley and extended locations, it will be important for Parks and Recreation to work cooperatively with other agencies to insure optimum regional development and continuity 97 With the help of grant funding, a portion of the William 0 Douglas Trail has been completed on North 6th Avenue, and work should begin soon on the new Walter B. Ortman pathway which will extend east from McGuinness Park. Priority #4 Preserve and enhance recreational services and programming. In spite of budgetary shortfalls and scale backs, relatively strong recreational programs continue to exist in athletics, golf, aquatics, and senior activities. Programming for youth has continued to a lesser degree although the addition of a recreational specialist spurred new growth in this area. Calling for preservation of 2011 service levels at a minimum, this priority urges expansion of services in the future to ensure attractive and affordable 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 activities within reach of all youth, but particularly those within 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. Service outreach for seniors should be developed for the city's eastside neighborhoods. While financial support and commitment on the part of the city is essential for growth in this service area, it can be augmented with user fees and cooperative efforts with other agencies and organizations to ensure greater availability of recreational services throughout the community Priority #5 Develop and implement resource management programs. The five years has seen significant growth in Yakima's park assets. Parks and Recreation took over control of West Valley Neighborhood Park from the county, significant work has been completed or is still ongoing at Kiwanis: and several parks have seen smaller upgrades in the form of a new picnic shelter, upgraded restroom, or other enhancements. In this midst of significant park additions have been an erosion in Park Operations manpower The result is a delicate balance between service needs and the ability to provide them. Without an infusion of funding for operations for upward adjustments in staffing. Parks and Recreation will need to persist and be successful in its efforts to augment human productivity with equipment updates, capital improvements, and long-range program cost effectiveness to maintain the 2011 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 98 encourage philanthropy and provide 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 project and community programming. Priority #6 Continue partnerships with local jurisdictions and organizations. Given the current economic times, it is rare to see a park project go forward solely on general fund revenues. The vast majority of projects undertaken in the last 5-10 years have been funded by a myriad of combinations including city dollars, grant money, and donations. The recent and ongoing development of Kiwanis Park is a prime example of this. The Kiwanis project is only being realized through a partnership which includes the City. Yakima School District, State RCO grant funding, and local service club donations. It is through these great partnerships that projects will be completed now and into the future. Achievement of this priority will be the main driver behind accomplishment of Parks and Recreation's future capital improvement projects. 99 Summary of 2012-2017 Capital Improvement Needs Priority Project Funding Source Acquisition Development 'Renovation _n,, _013 2014 _015 _016 '017 A Park Land Acquisition UM A - - - - - - A Gateway field K2 L/ISI D - 600k - - - - A Kiwams Park Redevelopment LAID D/R 2 SM - - - - - A Chesterley Park Expand Skatepark LAID R - - 50k - - - A Tennis Court Repair L R 20k -20k -20k - A Various Parks Playground Equipment LD R 20k 20k 20k 20k 20k 20k A Milroy Restroom Replacement L R - 125k - - - - A Lions Pool Bulkhead and Repairs L R - 75k 25k 15k 10k 5k A Randall Park Irrigation Canal Cover L R - 50k - - - - A Randall Park Bridge Replacement LD R 2(1 ik - - - - - A General Improvements Fencing, Landscaping L R 15k 15k 15k 15k 15k 15k A Tree/Shrubs pruning, removal and replacement L R 10k 10k 10k 10k 10k 10k A SECC Improvements L R 25k 25k 25k 25k 25k 25k A Tahoma Cemetery Improvements L R 10k 10k 10k 10k 10k 10k A WVCP East Parking Lot Paving L/M R 100k - - - - - AB Franklin Pool Improvements and Repair new slide L R - 25k 25k 125k 15k 10k AB Fisher Golf Course Improvements L R 15k - 2(1k - 2(1k - B Develop Randall Park South L R - 250k - - - - B Franklin and Randall Parks New Shelter LD R 30k - - 30k- - - B New Walkway Pathway opportunities L AIR 25k - 25k - 25k - C Parking Lot 'Sidewalk Improvements L R 10k 10k 10k 10k 10k 10k C Park Sign replacement L R 10k 10k 10k 10k 10k 10k C Spray Park at WVCP L R - - - - 1(10k - C Storage Building at hiwams L R - - 60k - - - C Randall Park — New Restroom L R - - - - 110k - Funding Source Codes L = Local Funds, D = Donation, M = Itlatching Grant 100 YPLeiratorrhA42 APPENDIX A Maps 101 2 1X :af0 ,LW GPS Shoda _ Pati Ama¢ Yakima City Limit QYet Ma u khan Grout Area Land --1C Az a d1n pr vnien: 'Value 313 000 i Yakima Parks Comprehensive Plan Map A 1 Parks & Schools V ,� j r �1Eta ME EPA' � 'r ilk 1t,0ito" !ANNE: Eng ." ""Nitta Ir1Yir..•iilII11!o'—"'••'; III II IIIE 3 1 IirsuE:'_a i ... IIIIEI�' sc! 1 ^II� " ei iiIrk' r+ 11Wy� 1i111�91N R C1� wm� 7S�!•� it ■ rM w 1aN111;!1 I Ep -' -IF 11�InnuMu �I lal■ III _ j - Its■ Ili III. �i� e� 111�.I1�:�� i Saa _ ..aa.en salaam ®r Creaked 1,20:012 • Saba MS COMM relarear Mil I Mai. 103 Yalurna Parks Com prehenswe Plan MAP A-2 Parks & Schools l ir ANN .re I�. "4:1;0171111,F)-4 IL 110I ' _ IE ai Infl111�I1E�i el_i:kr�pa ��s� In 1111461 i[ .i--Iu'�dl�r II�ra'' �� ' • ii LES 'tPIL I ' rpi gui: °w-•:, a an iifi .J ghli$ ricEdi S IMI �,ff !I jI111t1111§11 >I 1 ! I iv II Bifid rt ' trail I III `e • sitl I,"iii in li tl II I of 11 ni ' !!J a IY irrur r - • ' I is MYI{IM>fJ �v' N off: VAYii UI 11 9 f umssa US -OL MO> -er Ycklma C.tt•/ Limit GYakima Jrban Growth Area Cry of Yakima Powerhouse ;Al I-1 YaWMa Urban Growth Kea Greenwsy Pat, Wil hen 0 :touts*Taii Oute4Ee Urban Growth Mea 104 Yakima Parks Comprehensive Plan MAP A-3 Pathways & Trails Ibkima APPENDIX B Survey and Additional Comments Received 105 YAKIMA PARKS AND RECREATION - 2011 CUSTOMER SURVEY SECTION 1- Background Information 1 Do you live within the Yakima City limits? Yes U No 2 How long have you lived in Yakima? less than one year ! 4 to 8 years? 1 1 to 3 years? : 9 to 13 years? SECTION 1f General Park and Recreation Questions - Tell us about your park usage. 1 Which Yakima City Parks do you visit regularly? Please check all boxes that a Chevy Park Gilbert Park 1 Chestertev Park t Kissel Park I Elks Memorial Park I Kiwanis Park I . Fairview Park Larson Park 1 Fisher Park Golf Course Lions Park & Pool ! - Franklin Park Martin Luther King Park Gallleon Park Harman Center , McGuinness Park Gardner Park Miller Park 14 to 18 years? More than 18 years? PPIY- • Milroy Park U U U U 0 Perry Soccer Complex Powerhouse Canal Pathway Randall Park Raymond Park Southeast Community Center Summitview Park West Valley Community Park 2 What type of park and recreation facilities do you and your family use the most? Please check all boxes that apply Baseball Fields Picnic Facilities I Swimming Pools Golfing at Fisher Golf Course Miller or MLK Spray Park Open Space • Pathway 1 Playground ! Skatepark I Soccer Fields 1 Softball Fields 3 On average how often do you visit parks? ! 10+ times per month 5 10 times per month 2 5 times per month Once per month 5 10 times a year Less than 5 times a year 4 What brings you and your family to the park? Location Organized activities/events I , Amenities Number of people at the park ! Tennis Courts Volleyball Courts 1 Walking/NatureTrails Very rarely Never 5 Have you visited the Hannan Center? Yes No Ii yes, what programs or events did you participate in? Please check all that apply Cards Saturday Breakfast I Rental wedding axo:ption. banquet etc Games Lunch I Dances I Dinner SocialMsiting Tnps and/or Tours Computer Room & Classes Enrichment classes panting, we. I Billiards I Coffee Bar I . Organized Groups Quimby 1.nlrong, etc I • 6 Have you or a family member ever volunteered at the Harman Center? ❑ Yes ❑ No SECTION III Media Questions 1 How do you receive your information regarding park facilities and recreation programs? I Seasonal Program Guide Program Brochure .wooer rcnWn.etc. Website I Newspaper Facebook 2 How would you like to receive your park and recreation information In the future? Seasonal Program Guide Program Brochure soccer softball. etc I Newspaper Facebook 1 1V/Radio Advertising I Website Direct mail 3 What method do you prefer for the registration of park programs and facility rentals? Mail In Registration I Walk In Registration F Telephone Registration I Online registration I 4 Have you watched the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings on YPAC? Yes No If Yes, did you find the meeting informative? t Yes No 5 Have you ever attended a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting live at City Hall? Yes No 6 What did you find most informative from watching Parks and Recreation Commission on YPAC television? 106 7 What information would you like discussed at Park Commission meetings? 8 Are you in favor of the Parks and Recreation Division selling advertising space in our Seasonal Program Guides to decrease printing costs? L. Yes No SECTION IV - Parks Facility Opinion Questions 1 How important are City Parks and Recreatiun facilities to you and your (aunty? I Extremely Important Important I No Opinion I Very Important Not Important I 2 How do you rate park maintenance? (such as cleanliness, field and equipment condition, mowing, etc.) I Excellent I Average I No Opinion I Good I Poor I 3 How do you rate park structures and features? (such as lighting, tables, parking, playgrounds, restrooms, etc.) I Excellent Average I No Opinion I Good Poor I 4 When you visit City Parks, do you feel safe? Yes ! No 1 Don't Know I Undecided If No please tell us why 6 Are Yakima's Parks meeting your family's local recreational needs? I Yes I No ! Don't Know I ' Undecided If No How can we better serve your recreation needs? 6 What Parks and Recreation amenities would you like to see more of? Please check all boxes that apply I Baseball Fields I Skateparks Volleyball Courts l Open Spaces Soccer Fields Walking/Nature Trails ( Pathways Softball Fields f • Picnic Facilities Swimming PoolsNVater Features (, Playgrounds Tennis Courts 7 Of the parks and recreation amenities in the previous question, which ONE is most im portant to your family? 8 Please rate the following facilities on how important they are to you and your family Very Important Important Somewhat Important Not impor'Jnl Franklin Pool lions Pool Harman Center Tahoma Cemetery Fisher Park Golf Course Gateway Sports Complex Cliesterley Soccer Fields Elks Baseball Fields Kissel Park Tennis Complex 9 Tahoma Cemetery is owned and operated by the City of Yakima. Do you have a family member buried at Tahoma? Yes I No 10 H yes, please rate the burial services that we provided for you and your family I Excellent • Average I No Opinion I Good • Poor i SECTION V- Recreation Programs Questions - Tell us about the recreation programs that you have enjoyed 1 Have you or any members of your family participated in ANY recreation programs? Cl Yes ❑ No 2 Would you or your family members participate in the programs again? ! J Yes U No 3 If no, why not? 4 If you do not participate In any recreation programs, please tell us why? 107 5 Which Recreation Programs have you I Adult Softball League I Adult Soccer League i Adult Basketball League i Adult Volleyball League Golf Lessons Dodgeball I Free Summer Playground Program Wood Working or your family participated in? Swim Lessons Fitness Boot Camp Harman Center Programs Golf Tournaments Golf League Tennis Lessons Trek n Travel Trolley Water Walking Please check all boxes that apply Friday Night Glow Ball Outings I I Halloween Haunted Trail I ' Youth Baseball League I Youth Soccer League Youth Swim Lessons I Flag Football Hydro Fd Beyond the Bell" after school program 6 How would you rate the quality of the recreation program? (Please rate up to 3 Programs) Program 1 write in program name Program 2; write in program name Program 3. write in program name Excellent Good Fair Poor Excellent Good Fair Poor Excellent Good Fair Poor SECTION VI Customer Service 1 Please rate your telephone interactions with park and recreation staff I Excellent Good Average Fair I Poor ; N/A 2 Please rate your face to face interactions with park maintenance staff. Excellent : Good Average I Fair I Poor I N/A 3 Please rate your response to an email question. I Excellent : Good Average Fair I Poor t N/A SECTION VII - Future Planning Questions - What direction should the Parks and Recreation Division go? 1 Do you think the Parks and Recreation Division should become a Metropolitan Park District, if no additional tax dollars are used? (A Metropolitan Park District would be separate from the City The district would manage. control, improve. maintain and acquire park facilities It would also operate recreation programs.) Yes I No I Undecided Would you be willing to pay a small tax Increase that could only be used for Parks and Recreation? Yes I No I Undecided Would you and your family support a small tax increase for specific new park facility? E.g. Aquatic Center Yes I No I Undecided Do you think that the costs for recreation programs for youth should be subsidized with tax dollars? :. Yes I No I Undecided 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Do you think our community should continue providing quality of life services funded by general government revenues? Yes ; No I Undecided Do you think that the Parks and Recreation Division should build a larger outdoor swimming pool in the future? : Yes I No ; Undecided Do you think that land should be purchased for the future development of more parks? Yes I No I Undecided What kinds of new parks should be developed? . Community Parks (20+ acres) Neighborhood Parks (3+ acres) GreenwayslPathways No new Parks 9 If you identified the need for new parks, how should they be developed? Open Space Playground Athletic Fields ' Multi -use Mini Parks (less than 3 acres) Trails/Nature Areas OPTIONAL SECTION VIII - Demographic Information - Tell us about yourself. Alt answers are optional. 1 What is your age? t 14 or younger ' 30-39 60-69 15.19 40-49 I 70-79 20-29 t 50-59 80+ 2 How many people live in your house or apartment? 1 1 2 13 1 4 ; 5 6 ; 7 18 19 10 111 + 108 3 How many children live in your home that are under the age of 18? None ! 1 1 2 1 3 I4 1 5 16 or more 4 What is your gender? J Male U Female U. I choose not to answer 5 What is your ethnic origin? Please check all boxes that apply for those living in your home. I African American Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Other Amencan Indian Hispanic or Latino I choose not to answer I - Asian White / Caucasian 6 What is your yearly family Income? I Under $20.000 i $50,001.65,000 $100,001 $115,000 I 520.001 35,000 I $65.001-85,000 Above $115,000 $35.001.50,000 I 585.001 $100,000 I I choose not to answer 7 What is your highest level of education? 1 Grade 8 or less I Some College Courses I Some Technical School Courses t Some High School I College Graduate ! Technical School Graduate 1 High School Graduate I Post Graduate Degree . I choose not to answer SECTION IX - Recreation Interests What do you and your family do In your free time? 1 Please check all boxes that apply walking cooking/baking I miniature golf readingtravel I basketball TV play cards baseball movies- at home go to the movies 1 softball visiting family shopping weightlifling listen to music fishing t photography swimming play a musical instrument I hiking bike riding sing I knitting/sewing/crocheting gardening bowling football surf the web golf I running/jogging watch sports go to concerts I scrap booking exercise crafts i dance cross country skiing downhill skiing I tennis painting/drawing personal watercraft i target shooting sculptingsower I horseback riding woodworking hunting I water skiing/wake boarding electronicstelling I broadway shows Rower arranging collecting I hockey canoe/kayak snowmobiling I fantasy sports teams sailboat martial arts 1 boxing power boat opera/ballet 1 dog walking home repair camping 1 sledding spend time with grandchildren social networking facebook 1 church activities board games going out to eat 1 horseshoes snowshoeing 1 SECTION X - Additional Information Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation 109 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date Response Text 1 Aug 24, 2011 8 44 AM 2 Aug 24, 2011 8 31 AM 3 Aug 24, 2011 8 15 AM I think we should have some community gardens around town for people who cannot afford to buy fruits and vegetables (they can work in the garden in return for food) Also we need more free activities for children I also believe we should plant fruit trees along the roads instead of other trees that have to be replaced every couple of years, so the homeless can eat I would love to take my children to the sprinkler park but it is in a neighborhood with high gang activity and numerous registered sex offenders I'm not just guessing either My husband works for YPD Please build a sprinkler park in a safer area Perhaps Kissel or Chesterley Kids need the parks with pools, organized activities in a neighborhood environment where they can play with friends close to home These opportunities have been taken away from kids today so they roam, get into trouble, meet with people they normally wouldn't "hang with" and lack the funds to be involved in "high end" projects 4 Aug 24, 2(11 8 07 AM No new taxes! Stay out of our lives! That government is best which governs least! Aug 24, 2011 8 04 AM The destruction of hfiller and Washington pools and their replacement in the form of "spray pools" - then the push for an all-purpose "aquatic center" was the worst political decision foisted on the children and taxpayers of Yakima in the history of this city There will never again exist in the future of this city the "quality of life" recreational swimming opportunity those misguided by political ambition destroyed, nor the political will and method of finance to replace them Thanks for the passes to Franklin Pool 6 Jul 28, 2011 4 56 PM We love our parks and look forward to spending much time at them with our grandchildren 7 Jul 19 2011 2 36 PINI It would be nice to have a fenced area at Gilbert Park for a dog park It was donated for people and their pets Thanks 8 Jul 14, 2(111 4 24 PINI I would like to see more parks personnel in the parks for safety 9 Jul 14, 2(111 4 09 PM None at this time, though thank you for the opportunity 10 Jul 14, 2011 3 04 PM There should be mores security and more lighting Sometimes bathrooms are locked There is a lack of picnic tables and shade Iv1any people drink alcohol and there vandalism The community can work on these issues for the good of all 11 Jul 14, 2(111 1 18 PINI The parks are a great way for families to unite! 12 Jul 14, 2011 1 13 Pv1 Yakima needs an indoor pool with a water playground These places are amazing and with how little activities are available, especially in winter, it 110 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date Response Text 13 Jul 14, 2011 10 43 AM 14 Jul 14, 2011 1029 AM 15 Jul 14, 2011 9 59 MI 16 Jul 14, 2011 9 48 MI 17 Jul 14,2011 9 17 AM would do great Moved here from SLC Utah and miss all the activity centers for children Thanks for the survey -very thorough, informative -very professional You re doing a good job of publicizing events Thanks for the swim and golf discount cards good to attract new users Tough to do, but have some visible security at bigger parks, use police cadets in uniform Some people avoid parks because of different nationality Have a police cruiser pass through Kissel Park after posted closing hours, or have existing gate closed as was specified when the park was developed Too much late activity transpires after closing time Especially with no lighting in the area Although no longer raising a family I did have children and grandchildren in Yakima for 35 years I feel it is vitally important to provide recreation facilities for all youth in the City with consideration of size and income of families regardless of location I would gladly contribute taxes for parks or pools accessible to all children and youth Not aquatic center The neighborhoods are not pedestrian friendly and the parks meet this need Also, there are very few safe parks for small children This is apparent by about 1 i lam at Kissel park when the tows are swarmed by too many children b/c mothers have few outdoor options to entertain children and meet up w other community neighborhood mothers Although I didn t rate some of the pool facilities as important as my children get older, I would like to use them some day I have to say that I love Kissel park and we use it mostly for dog walking, however, it would be nice to add a longer swing for the grandkids and for me I would love to see exercise stations aroung the path and maybe another shelter spot for more than one Thank you P S -Thank you for the free swim 18 Jul 14, 2011 8 58 AM Boxwood derby s -Contests down Franklin Street (19TH Ave) Father and son working together to build a derby car Entry and prizes for the fastest and best 19 Jul 14, 2011 8 49 MI 20 Jul 14, 2011 8 32 AM Although my age has slowed me down some, I really believe Parks and Rec are a vital part of my community -including ours It s one of the good things in Yakima It seems like there are not enough places for families and places for our kids to be and be safe from gangs and bad people -there is nothing for poor family s to do or have for their children We get tired of hearing about all the bad things nothing about the good things and spendie things When I was a kid it was hard for parents to come up with 75 cents to go swimming if you have more than one child $2 even if it's a full day is hard to come up with Yakima has poor 111 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 21 Jul 13, 2011 4 52 PM 22 Jul 13, 2011 4 47 PM 23 Jul 13, 2(111 4 42 PM 24 Jul 13, 2011 4 30 PM 25 Jul 13, 2011 4 27 PM 26 Jul 13, 2011 423 PM 27 Jul 13, 2011 4 19 PM 28 Jul 13, 2011 4 10 PM 29 Jul 13, 2011 4 09 PM 30 Jul 13, 2(111 4 04 PM 31 Jul 13, 2011 3 54 PM Response Text people -they cant take food out of their mouths to pay for non important things No new or increased taxes to property owners! Thanks for swim and golf coupons! It is important for the city to have vision for the future and quality of life amenities! I live next to Elks Park and the parking during little league baseball needs immediate attention as I have had important social security letters and payments delivered late because people block my mail box every time there is a baseball game and I have had my driveway blocked on numerous occasions as well Would like to see "line dancing" classes at Harman Center Our parks are over ran by Mexicans Can't go to Franklin pool without being spit at, called names, and as a tax payer it is flat out rude They wouldn't have the parks or pool if it wasn't for my taxes I pay We have scheduled parties at parks to find our space has been taken over by Mexicans when asked to leave they refused How sad!! Our town needs to keep our Parks departments running and maintained We need an aquatic center like Moses Lake Yakima s citizens are driving to Moses Lake Increase the shady area Add more trees Add more ponds Parks should be the place that can cool you off during summer time, and make you feel in tough with nature Please, add the name of the trees I also wonder what the name of each of the trees are This will help educate people I think the loss of Eschbach park is the saddest thing for families who enjoyed a family outing at such a peaceful setting Guess the County is responsible for this move The stuff at 'Beyond the Bell' program (Roosevelt Elementary) was very good! Thank you very much They were good role models for youth My child felt safe and always looked forward to spending time at the program I would love to see a water park here We go to the one in Moses Lake and it is wonderful Yakima deserves a fun place like that and I believe it would generate enough revenue to pay for itself We all need parks so we can enjoy the outdoors I think Yakima needs a big water park The closest one is Moses Lake Yakima is a big town we need something to keep our youth entertained This will also create revenue and jobs for our community 112 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 32 Jul 13, 2011 3 52 PM 33 Jul 13, 2011 3 47 PM 34 Jul 13, 2011 3 31 PM 35 Jul 13, 2011 3 06 PM 36 Jul 13, 2011 2 26 PM 37 Jul 13, 2011 2 18 PM 38 Jul 13, 2011 1 51 PM 39 Jul 13, 2011 1 45 PM 40 Jul 13, 2011 1 35 PM 41 Jul 13, 2011 11 57 AM 42 Jul 13, 21111 11 38 AM 43 Jul 13, 2011 10 52 AM 44 Jul 13, 2011 10 34 AM 45 Jul 13,21 111 9 57 MI Response Text We are Anti Hunting!! Against any "Recreation" of killing animals including fishing and poisoning of birds Please keep this in mind when maintaining your parks Thank you We would like to see a water park and soccer fields built on the mill property We have enough shopping malls, etc And maybe a golf course or a field for the Bears Gilbert Park has no playground It is large enough for a shade facility Thank you for sending this survey I (14 years old) took my time to try to help our community parks 1-Womens volleyball is huge here How about some large grassy areas and special sand court for outside volleyball" 2 -Yakima needs a 5(1 meter pool We were very interested in attending the music at Franklin Park - however, could not attend during the week Would love it if activities like this were offered during the weekend Thanks Make the parks safer and remove all graffiti Don't let the graffiti stay in the parks! ! ! Randall Park had trees with graffiti right by the parking lot the last time I visited It has been there for a while It no longer feels safe We need a dog park fenced so dogs could run and play without a leash I take my dog to the park daily I always clean up after hims, but I have to keep him on a leash He would love to run Consider that many senior citizens are low income Charging people who are just occupying a chair to knit with friends is not fair There is no instruction They should put a water park here for the kids it will be fun for them and a zoo park in Yakima These are the things that the kids should be doing next summer and this summer Although we do not use the parks and recreational activities I think that they are very important for the health and attractiveness of the community Programs to get young people moving on healthy ways I'm a volunteer driver for low income people who can't drive I make hats and lap blankets for northstar I make hats and scarves for 2 elementary schools I do mailings each month for the Union Gospel Ivhssion I know we need parks, but the cost is what we need to look at I can not afford more taxes, we will have to live with what we have and try to keep them up It is one we can see a return for our limited tax dollars Thanks for asking - you have my support 113 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 46 Jul 13, 21111 9 52 MI 47 Jul 13, 2(011 9 36 MI 48 Jul 13, 21111 925 MI 49 Jul 13, 21111 9 12 MI 5(1 Jul 13, 2011 8 55 AM 51 Jul 13, 2011 8 39 AM 52 Jul 13, 2011 825 AM 53 Jul 13, 21111 8 15 AM 54 Jul 13, 2011 8 10 AM 55 Jul 12011 4 46 PM 56 Jul 12, 2011 426 PM 57 Jul 12011 4 19 PM 58 Jul 11, 2011 1 47 PM 59 Jul 11, 21111 12 09 PM Response Text Don't sell city parks - county been selling there s, big lost to sell Once its gone, never come back Keep kids busy and respect others property Yakima has closed too many swimming pools I tried the Franklin Pool with my grandson once The wait was an hour long and we got to use the pool for less than one hour - it was a thoroughly disgusting experience We think Ken Wilkinson is doing a great job! Keep up the great work One park is Cherry Park that has a traffic situation There is heavy traffic down 4th Ave Speeding etc with no consideration for children Drivers often speed straight through 4th Ave and Cherry stop sign Think about dead ending at least one road at small neighborhood parks for child safety If the city would dead- end the street at 4th Ave and Cherry on the north side traffic would have to go around outside streets It makes for a good community for everyone to be able to use the parks and rec to the utmost There should be some kind of education regarding how to keep safe and clean our parks People who break, tag, and litter should have drastic consequences My family and I live very close to Franklin Park and I would love to say that the concerts that happen during the summer are excellent, but are too short I believe there should be more activities like this that last longer than a week Maybe all summer long so the youth have something to do Thank you I love and enjoy our parks, you are doing extremely good jobs keeping them clean and we feel safe Thank you I think it would be great if there was more water activities and volleyball areas Also, more camping and picnic areas Thank you Add more tables and bbq sections add more lighting Our family is for an aquatic center We ae driven to Moses Lake to use that one Its a great destination stop for people living outside Yakima We need to save Eschbach Park -the city should find a way to take it over The county has no common sense! They would rather spend money on putting kids in jail than giving them a safe place to enjoy nature If the City of Yakima ever builds a water park, include mini -golf and/or indoor amusements so it can operate year round Please place signage at Franklin stating that those with passes may come to the front or form a separate line 114 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date Response Text 60 Jul 11, 2011 10 46 AM 61 Jul 11,20111029 AM 62 Jul 11,20111023AM 63 Jul 11,2011 9 53 MI 64 Jul 11, 2011 928 MI 65 Jul 11,21 111 9 15 MI 66 Jul F, 2011 2 00 PM 67 Jul 8, 2011 1 38 PILI 68 Jul F, 2011 11 53 AM 69 Jul F, 2011 11 45 AM 70 Jul F, 2011 11 15 MI Without it, we get dirty looks and one of my kids was physically accosted by an elderly patron who thought we were cutting All parks should have a couple drinking fountains and maintained restrooms Thank you very much for sending me this survey I'm closest to Lion s Park -we both smoke (my husband -he s a disabled vet with a stroke) we are not allowed to smoke there during school Davis HSS hours -not even in our car, which severely limits our use According to your letter you sent out even 4300 surveys ( cost 1 08 44cents return postage per survey) with expected minimal returns) –My opinion- money could be better spent on keeping and upgrading existing parks Could also save money without having to print (21 survey s or any literature This is the United States of America, not United States of Mexico Wouldn t Yakima be a better city if known as the City of Parks then the City of Gangs! Before we launch into any new park projects we must be sure to be able to financially maintain the facilities we now have—i e Fisher Park which not only serves as a fun golf course, but as a treasured and coveted green space! ) I love the fact that we can go out and have an option on what parks to go to I also have my respects and appreciate that the Parks are very well maintained Thank you! Whenever we visit cities with water parks we treat our kids Several municipality pools with extra features that give discounted rates for in -district residents and higher rates for out of district I'd like to see the same here We would be able to frequent more often if cost of gas and hotels, etc weren t factored in We need something for the kids to do! Flake it affordable and draw tourism! Swimming pools or an aquatic center first Hey -we got half way through this and gave up It s way too long -and reminds us, in part, of a warranty magazine subscription Nice try though Too many Hispanic gang influences in the area Not safe to go to the parks Nobody likes getting stared down when you re trying to walk your dogs with family I think parks are very important to any growing city I think also that Spokane has many beautiful parkas and wish Yakima parks could have been financed and managed as they have! 115 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 71 Jul F, 2011 11 07 MI 72 Jul F, 2011 1025 AM 73 Jul 8, 2011 10 12 AM 74 Jul 8,20111005AM 75 Jul 72011 4 OF PM 76 Jul 72011 4 00 PM 77 Jul 7 2(111 3 54 PM 78 Jul 7 2(011 3 42 PM 79 Jul 7 2(011 3 37 PM 80 Jul 7 21111 3 32 PM 81 Jul 7 2011 11 50 AM Response Text That dog owners clean up after their pets With the few years I've lived here, I'm still getting to know Yakima Moved here from Rockville, IVID check out City of Rockville s website and programs People lined up for programs thru the city but at contracted locations- gymnastics thru gymnastics plus, dancing -melody lane, karate -yak school of karate I was on the council for 25 years and feel that parks are a necessary component of City living Just because I am not in favor of participating in team sports does not mean they should not be there We need swimming pools, softball fields, for those that do want them! The more of them the better, just have a few places for me to ride the bicycle! More summer activities for children, more info on events on or flyers on events going on like at Memorial or at the parks We don't spend much time at our City Parks - but we always enjoy having them available Some parks on the east side of town seem unsafe to me when I drive by them, I wouldn't picnic there All the parks add to the beauty of our town They give it a special appeal - especially because of the desert that surrounds our city So many orchards are gone - so we need the trees to help keep the air clean I used to eat lunch at Elks Park when I was working - that was always a nice way to interrupt a busy workday More shade and picnic tables would improve Kissel Park, as well as the bathrooms getting help Also, I love movies in the park and music in the park I would attend every one and encourage more of that The existing parks and pools add to quality of life for Yakima residents Public access is important All great cities have good public libraries, museums, and recreation facilities Staff does a good job in Yakima Enforce the "all dogs on a leash" sign at Kissel Park so loose dogs stop attacking my leashed dog when we're running or walking through the park I have nothing to say but that the parks are great I would like to see a new baseball stadium for semi -pro baseball - or better yet, the field we have now improved - so we can keep the Bears here in town We need a better booster club for the Bears Too many managers Just need one overall Too many supervisors who walk around - not busy More staff needed to maintain the parks the way they should be Lions Park'Pool area severely neglected 116 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 82 Jul 7 2(111 11 43 AM 83 Jul 7 2(111 11 34 A1v1 84 Jul 7 2(111 8 52 A1v1 85 Jul 7 2011 8 48 AM 86 Jul 7 2(111 8 33 AM 87 Jul 7 2(111 8 25 AM 88 Jul7 2(I11815AM 89 Jul 7 2011 8 01 AM 90 Jul7 2(111758 AM 91 Jul7 2(111 750AM 92 Jul 7 2(111 7 47 MI 93 Jul 7 2(111 7 42 MI 94 Jul 6, 2(111 4 58 PILI 95 Jul 6, 2(111 4 49 PILI 96 Jul 6, 2(111 4 43 PM Response Text We need a waterpark with slides, wave pool, etc Kissel Park would benefit from lights along the walking trail - it gets dark around 4 30 - 5 (0(1pm in the winter and it makes it difficult to be active Water, shade, lush green plants and flowers, fountains It's time we invest in this community s future Note - Lions pool has too much chlorine So much that it bleaches out your suit Let's work on more things for teens dollar movies, more skateboard parks, water parks - planned activities Thanks for all you do! Lynne Greene Davis HS Teacher Librarian - 949-116(1 We need more programs for young people, particularly during school vacations Overcrowding and limiting admission to the only public pool is a shame for our city The Harman Center trips and tours could stand a close looking at and a good shake up Feature teen bands and groups for teen dances Have picnic Saturdays in summer for families Please keep Fisher Golf Park going It is a much needed outlet It is a disgrace that there is no playground at Franklin, the most used park in Yakima Would love to see a dog park in town - not at the Greenway We really enjoy the concerts at Franklin Park in the summer My kids are still fairly young, so we haven't taken advantage of a lot of the programs Some parks aren t clean and sometimes my kids can t play comfortably because dogs are barking at them or there s poop in the grass Also, there aren t enough picnic tables or benches because some people take them although they don t need them Instead of new parks, we need more playgrounds -swings, slides, etc Taxes need to take care of the property not pay the entrance fees for someone who can t afford it Unfortunately too many people get screwed because money has to be spent on something that if the family really wants they'll work for it Have the money spent on maintaining or making Yakima better I would like to see if somehow the summer program could obtain a building so kids could still attend when weather is super hot Also, would like for Yakima 117 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 97 Jul 6,2011 4 35 PM 98 Jul 6, 2(111 4 28 PM 99 Jul 6, 2011 4 18 PM Inn Jul 6, 2011 4 09 PM 101 Jul 6,2011 4 07 PM 102 Jul 6, 2011 4 00 PM 103 Jul 6, 2011 3 49 PM 104 Jul 6, 2011 3 44 PM 105 Jul 6, 2(111 3 32 PM 106 Jul 6, 2(111 3 28 PM 107 Jul 6, 2(111 3 27 PM 108 Ju16, 2(111 3 04 PM Response Text to invest in a waterpark and basketball indoor complex (support AAU basketball like it supports Little League baseball) It's important not to lose any more parks or pools! Ike area needs another Keep Fisher! Open areas are needed for a city to provide family activities of all kinds Unfortunately I think a lot of the problems w our parks and recreational activities is that crime ( specifically gang activity) is prevalent in many of them Feel very strongly that a water park would bring in lots of tourism for the valley and would provide a local facility for children and families to attend Better park maintenance is needed There are weeds in the beds, mud on the sidewalks, dry spots on the lawn, cars driving on the lawn, etc We need more open spaces, not swimming pools I don t think PR should look to expand considering the trends -financial and participatory- the organization should look for ways to tighten its belt and make sure the City s public spaces are secure- even at the expense of City operated recreation programs Keep Lyons Pool open N (any seniors use this pool for exercise Planning for the parks needs to be better For example, the design on Kissel Park created an area where water pooled -they had to make an area full of rock to solve the problem Enforce the dog on leash and clean up after dogs At Kissel Park have groups sign up to use basketball court so Mexicans don't dominate every day all day - same with rest of the park Make them clean up after themselves I feel it is important for swimming pool at Eisenhower is more available for that local area on a day-to-day basis through the summer One central waterpark is more a planned trip and not available to the Western end of town except for those willing to make a long drive or bus ride I don't want that at the expense of local pools Keep our kids busy Good luck! There can always be more done, but not always is more needed Do the best with what budget you have, but stay on budget I think it s important to the community to have activities available -although the fund raising required by kids should not be mandatory Puts added stress on some that many need the activity to lessen the stress of a broken home life The Yakima Parks and Recreation should have more programs in which kids can go kayaking, snowboarding, and horseback riding for a small fee Or during 118 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 109 Ju16, 201129 PM 110 Ju16, 2011 2 21 PM 111 Ju16, 2011 2 08 PM 112 Ju16, 2011 2 02 PM 113 Ju16, 2011 2 01 PM 114 Jul 6, 2011 1 13 PM 115 Jul 6,2011 11 14 AM 116 Ju16, 2011 11 07 AM 117 Jul 6, 2011 10 59 AM 118 Jul 6, 2011 10 28 AM 119 Ju16, 2011 9 23 AM Response Text summer every day It would be so nice if in the winter, when it gets dark so early to have a safe outdoor area to walk, well -lit, for example around Chesterley Park I have always though Chesterley Park would be a prime location for a large fountain and music such as Seattle Center We certainly have the warm summer evenings to take advantage of this The concerts in the park at Franklin and Randall are something I look forward to every year They are wonderful entertainment for family gatherings and friends Would love to see at least one more indoor pool for year round swimming Better night lighting in the Gilbert Park Parking lot - Car break -ms are up I'd like for the park restrooms to be clean and for there to be soap available I'd like to go to the programs and that you have more rules for security at the Parks I would appreciate more dog clean up bags, always replenished, in our parks I use my own, but I think greater availability will encourage others to clean up after their dogs I would enjoy more walking areas - longer' larger ones - for safe walking not on city streets Would enjoy more music in parks - not just symphony like concerts, but bands of different types of music Harman Center was supposed to be free activities for the seniors The Harmans would not like the idea that seniors have to pay to play there or attend activities met to be free for seniors Who keeps track of the money seniors pay to play and attend their activities (participate )° Even the volunteers pay to play cards, etc I meet at the parks weekly when the weather is nice In fact I've organized a large play group that rotates parks once a week In the summer we get really brave and go to the TALK water park and or McGuinness and Kiwams new park - they are each such nice parks but I only feel safe w' large groups of people and in the daytime ( morning really) Yakima has many wonderful things to offer but so many are catered to the poor - what about us middle income families that have the need - we would treat the park with respect and value its location I'd like to see more diversified activities - cooking classes, language classes, crafts - look at the very successful Spokane model [Park Mamt Staff] Taking breaks and smoking in parks troubles us! (bad message to youth) The quality of life benefits of a solid, well -funded, diverse parks program are extremely important to us We strongly support the expansion of the parks 119 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 120 Ju16, 2011 9 22 AM 121 Ju16, 2011 9 11 A1v1 122 Jul 6, 2011 8 58 AM 123 Jul 6, 2011 8 49 AM 124 Jul 6, 2011 8 40 AM 125 Jul 6, 2011 8 38 AM 126 20118Jul 826 AM 127 Jul 6, 2011 8 03 AM 128 Jul 6,2011 749 AM 129 Jul5 2011 5 05 PM 130 Jul5 2011 9 54 AM 131 July 2011 9 45 AM 132 July 2(111932 AM Response Text department to improve the lives of all Yakima residents! I would like to see more playgrounds for kids because there are hardly any for them It could be very nice to get some playground equipment back at Franklin My two year old son and I frequently walk there to play Now there are no swings or slides to enjoy Why were they removed" I love to take my kids to the park I go to regularly (Kissel) is very clean and safe to take my kids to Thanks for taking the time to send me this survey and for considering us to send it in Spanish To be flexible for renting or borrowing the soccer fields Sometimes fields are open to use and nobody plays on them I would like there to be more parks that had more playground areas and picnic tables I'd also like more pools I am a Sr (widow) - children grown and most live out of town Though we don't use the parks much I think they are very important to a city and I don't mind being taxed to keep them We need a place where teens can go and not get involved with drugs They have nothing interesting to do and it would need to be inexpensive, everyone wants to go to the YMCA, but they don t have the money to pay We need activities for after school and in the winter time I really appreciate Kissel Park! We really need an aquatic center I think we need more things to keep kids and teens busy and out of trouble More family activities perhaps We would like a park that has a swimming pool with water slides and different water features to enjoy and it wouldn t matter if there was a fee for it We d like it if there were more playground equipment for kids 1-3 years of age I think that if they fenced or made camping areas along the canyon towards Ellensburg more secure it would be fantastic They are not safe and it s scary to camp out there It would be nice to have some swimming pools with water slides for adults Thanks for the nice and fun park on Fair Avenue I would like it if the people who visit the parks would be more attentive with their doggies when they poop because you re walking along when suddenly you step on it Please be more cautious Thanks 120 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 133 Jul 1, 2011 3 03 PILI 134 Jul 1, 2011 2 57 PM 135 Jul 1, 2011 2 41 PM 136 Jun 30 2011 4 41 PM 137 Jun 30 2011 3 53 PM 138 Jun 3(1 2011348 PM 139 Jun 30 2011 3 38 PM 140 Jun 30 2011 3 21 PM 141 Jun 30 2011 3 18 PM 142 Jun 30 2011 3 17 PM 143 Jun 30 2011 3 08 PM 144 Jun 30 2(111 3 00 PM Response Text There is a need for a park where dogs can run without being restrained by a leash Appreciate the opportunity to comment Would be great if there was enough interest to build an equestrian center Otherwise would settle for a waterpark similar to Pendleton, OR It would be nice to see police offers stop by more There is a lot of drug dealing in the Randall Park parking lots I also frequently see older men without children or grandchildren with them watching little kids playing Very unsettling when this goes on in broad daylight I would never go to any city park in Yakima alone without taking a dog and pepper spray Yakima is in strong need to provide more for our children, water parks have been promised for years Why is it that places like Moses Lake or Tn-Cities had the chance for a water park, but Yakima gets denied" No wonder gangs are so big It wouldn t solve the gang problem, but it would certainly help give our kids something to do and keep them safe There is something wrong with leadership Get the word out more effectively about programs, activities More obvious security patrols - increase that presence When we have family reunions we pay for public park rental space It is not free We would love to see an aquatics center come to Yakima Both for personal use - swim and exercise, and fun a big water slide:park We would love a fence dog park within a family park where we can let dogs run and visit with other pet owners More wood shop Less parks! A town or city s parks and social network for lack of! 1 defines it They are building entire metropolitan/urban areas in the south and back east so that people can be together, when Yakima can no longer support its families and athletes and youths positive interactions and activities it will fall prey to gang violence and separation and segregation We won t be a community I would like more playgrounds suitable for toddlers who are a little bit too small for the regular playground equipment Need have police monitor the skate parks more often Extreme foul language No respect for parents w small children (Chesterley) Felt that the park was basically taken over by the same group of kids all summer Keep current parks safe We are at tough economic times Budgets should be kept trim and no extra development until economy improves Government 121 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date Response Text needs to have a budget just like all citizens and families, no grown until resources stabilize 145 Jun 3(( 2011 2 49 PM More sports for young children ages 1(( -under Get them started young and keep them involved Then they're less likely to join a gang 146 Jun 30 2011 2 48 PM I think the Yakima area would be more attractive and put people of all cultures on the same page if there were more diverse activities for families beyond baseball and soccer -such as adding more clean, safe parkways for thinks like those underlined above as examples (dance, miniature golf, etc ) Better advertising/access for all community activities 147 Jun 302((112 33 PINI Great cities have great parks! It isn t just quality of life - it s life to our family to be outdoors 148 Jun 30 2011 2 27 PM 149 Jun 30 2011 2 24 PM 150 Jun 3(1 2011 2 20 PM 151 Jun 3(1 2011 2 14 PM 152 Jun 30 2011 2 07 PM 153 Jun 30 2011 2 02 PM 154 Jun 30 2011 1 58 PM 155 Jun 3(121 2011 1 50 PM Parks and Rec does a great job on a limited budget I hope City Council members realize that Parks and Rec not only improves quality of life but makes Yakima a more attractive area and hence provides an important 'hidden' economic benefit I would like to express my dismay at the removal of the playground from Franklin Park The area is full of children Very surprising and odd decision We used to go there 3 or 4 times per week Now we don't go at all I am really tired of paying for other people's activities and I am especially tired of paying for information to be printed in Spanish If people want to be American's let them learn the language We love Franklin Park for walking, swimming and listening to music! Yakima deserves a safe place to play in the summer The current splash parks are not safe and because of past issues, we will not be using them this summer Please build one in a safe part of our community!! I would rather travel over an hour to the Tn-Cities so I don't fear for the lives of my children Our family is into soccer and I would love a soccer complex built in our city Our both daughters play and its a wonderful sport to keep kids active I also love all the parks in our community Do not take out Franklin's grass area to put a music venue there We have the terraces that can be used for seating Do not put a parking area on the 23 ave side of the Franklin Park We really need more off leash dog parks that are more conveniently located 156 Jun 3(( 2((11 1 26 PM more free things for kids, more bathrooms 122 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 157 Jun302011 1 19 PM 158 Jun 30 2011 1 15 PM 159 Jun 30 2011 12 15 PM 160 Jun 30 2011 11 34 AM 161 Jun 302011 11 33 AM 162 Jun302011 11 18 AM 163 Jun 302011 1055 AM 164 Jun 302011 1048AM 165 Jun30 2011 1040AM 166 Jun 302011 1030AM 167 Jun 30 2011 10 11 AM 168 Jun 302011 1005AM Response Text I spend a lot of time with my 3 grandchildren ages 9 10 and 11 - we enjoy the parks We do our swimming m Naches as it is not so crowded Your survey tends -- in my opinion -- to pit old against young and white against Hispanic We (older whites) put in the work and money that paid for these parks, why do we no longer feel comfortable, safe and welcome in them" I don t believe that we need a lot of parks but the more amenities the better Thanks for the free Franklin Pool coupon -we'll use it! More lighting and picnic facilities at MILK park YPR does a very good job of maintaining our parks and facilities Kissel Park was recently graffitied and I was glad to see it removed promptly I think we need more lighted tracks for walking!! I also think Yakima City can make a lot of money with a water park Kids and adults need something to do in summer Maybe that would help with gangs giving kids more activity! I am very concerned about the number of dogs running off -leash at Kissel Park, as well as the overwhelming take-over of the park on weekends by throngs of Latinos, many of whom dress in gangwear - the police are conspicuously absent, by the way The trees at the Tahoma cemetery are graffiti-ised, and there is considerable gang activity at the site In other words, the Yakima citizenry is losing its parks to the gangs!! Park program, information on what is happening and inform general public Not everyone has cable tv or computers! Children need access to pools and swimming lessons Earlier generations had these benefits while many children today don t I'd be willing to pay a tax specifically to support this cause Other cities have common garden space, is that in our purview There s not enough offered west of 4( tth Not everyone wants to go to the east side of town where the majority of gangs hang out I would go to parks more often if they weren t so far Suggest a dog park at Franklin Owners let dogs off leashes making it uncomfortable to utilize the park I mostly use Randall Park because of its location (close to home) and the measured walking path, pond, and bird life, also, in summer, because of the weekly band concerts I formerly lived in Hawaii where there are a number of city pools and gyms available year round I am disappointed that there are almost no aquatic facilities in Yakima — only 1 pool year round I miss being 123 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 169 Jun302011 9 34 AM 170 Jun 30 2011 9 23 AM Response Text able to swim! Please enforce dog leash laws It is currently scary for kids and small dogs because large dogs are running free Maybe open a dog park for off leash and make sure people know it is the only one allowed Even though our kids are grown, I think it is critical that we provide Parks & Rec for our community We absolutely should be able to have an aquatic center woo sacrificing the other pools - especially lions because we need both in/outdoor facilities We need to keep Fisher golf available for kids and families 171 Jun 30 2011 9 22 AM People should pick up their own dog's poop 172 Jun302011 9 09 MI 173 Jun 30 2011 8 42 AM 174 Jun 30 2011 8 41 AM 175 Jun 30 2011 8 28 AM v1ore swing sets, basketball courts, horse shoe pits, and pools, water features would be great Enclosed heated pool for seniors with arthritic conditions with supervised instructor Dog walking with poop clean up dispenser like Kissel Aquatic Center would be great Appreciate prompt attention given graffiti and damages to flag and rest rooms Also keeping up w,garbage, thrash and lawns Also encouraging to see police patrol, the more the better!! Iv1ost people appear to clean up after their dogs 176 Jun 30 2011 8 10 AM Yakima's "best" parks are the arboretum and the greenway 177 Jun30 2011 7 57 MI It would be great to see more classes offered - for example, photography yoga, water colorpainting classes, gardening, etc Maybe volunteers would teach them Please keep Lions Pool! ! ! 178 Jun 30 2011 7 48 ANI Thanks for the passes - but I would have filled this out anyways! I love these! 179 Jun 29 2011 5 00 PM Yakima could use a water park, given the hot summers and large population I believe would use it 180 Jun 29 2011 4 51 PM 181 Jun292011 4 38 PM Parks are necessary in a community I have visited aquatic parks in other cities while travelling — sometimes just for a good shower They are wonderful especially in winter months I have a son that s 14 months every time we go to any park I notice there aren t many activities or toys he can play on Union Gap park is the only park that have swings he can use Also, it'd be nice to take him to a park w; water features that s not Miller or Milroy The neighborhood is dangerous, and I don t feel safe at all 124 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date Response Text 182 Jun 29 2011 4 28 PM It would be nice if they would build an mdoor outdoor swimming pool with slides 183 Jun292011 4 o5 pm 184 Jun292011 3 42 PM 185 Jun292011 3 37 PM 186 Jun292011 3 30 PM 187 Jun292011 3 19 PM 188 Jun292011 2 59 PM Lions pool dressing rooms and shower are a disgrace! Did not agree with closing our good swimming pools We paid for them to be constructed Maintenance costs should be calculated Appropriations should have been in place for maintenance Security at all parks should be emphasized Maybe the churches should maintain Tahoma cemetery like the church does at Calvary I do not understand why you would tear up a good swimming pool like Ike then want to build a new one If you do anything - build a new indoor pool for everyone in winter as well as summer Lions is older than Ike was So replace it Thank you I go to parks as City Parks tennis instructor - 16 years Was Larson Park, then Franklin, and now Kissel I feel Ken is on the right track It will take money Parks don't make money we support parks - give the voters a chance to support parks I'm a very old ex park worker and I feel Ken is like Ed Putnam, he has vision, but his hands are somewhat tied Good luck The city and county need to create more activities for the youth of the valley so they don t get into trouble or turn to gangs, that is why I think a water park would be one solution, but will not solve everything Maybe we should be asking the kids what they would like to see as far as activities they would like I would need more info about the metropolitan district change to support such a change If the change reduces bureaucracy but maintains an equal accountability and access to tax payers I would be for it It seems a high # of park uses have dogs, but compared with other cities there are no "dog parks" Dog Parks attract users of all ages, ethmcrties, and cultures in a very "neighborly" and collegial way I would like to see a quality Dog Park in Yakima and would volunteer labor to construct it A FB, twitter, or text update system would be great to notify the public of events Thank you for soliciting the opinion of the taxpayers Great idea I hope it is useful 189 Jun 29 2' )11 2 47 PM Thank you for the free pass to the pool and $2 00 i off Fisher Golf - That gave me the incentive to complete this survey! 190 Jun292011 2 28 PM We just want to feel safe at our parks I go to Randall a lot, and there always seems to be drug dealing and gang members hanging out We have not been going there much, as well as West Valley Park 191 Jun 29 2011 2 07 PM We plan to do tennis, after we get the rackets! Thank you for sending us this form I'll send back the extra! 125 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 192 Jun292011 1 57 PM 193 Jun292011 1 33 PM 194 Jun292011 1 28 PM 195 Jun292011 1 24 PM 196 Jun292011 1 11 PM 197 Jun292011 11 50 AM 198 Jun29 2011 11 47 AM 199 Jun 29 2011 11 22 AM 200 Jun29 2011 10 11 AM 201 Jun 292011 1006 AM 202 Jun292011 9 35 AM 203 Jun292011 9 05 AM 204 Jun29 2011 8 33 AM 205 Jun292011 8 29 AM 206 Jun292011 8 26 AM Response Text Please forward think We keep losing things in Yakima The variety of things to do in Yakima on a regular basis is getting small Water Park Yes! We love P.4;RI! With no off leash areas it is not fair to those of us who feel it is in the good health of their dog to exercise and learn to socialize with other dogs The areas need not be large, but fenced & divided in two areas, large dogs and smaller dogs It should have a gravel base with waste stations for each section Thanks you The parks are great but some parks need major restroom upgrades and cleaning It would be nice to have something different like an outdoor water for parks Have lived in Yakima all my life Parks were for everyone now only for Rich ( who buy what they want) or Hispanics who demand get anything they want or they destroy it Gangs own the parks and the town!! SORRY Keep up the good work, Thanks you Great survey one of the best I have ever seen Direct and to the point A park for dogs, one that the owner's still must clean up after their pet! As I have already stated, Yakima needs a new safe ice arena in a safer part of town Hockey would really generate revenue for Yakima Please give hockey a go Thank You! v1ore mtn bike trails needed Frisbee golf courses I v1ore picnic tables/benches/garbage cans would be appreciated I P .4 Recreation should have fish and wildlife connection, because there should be a place close where they are at All fishing place should be known and how to get to them For disabled people to drive down to so they don't have to walk Do not send me stuff in Mexican I'm a American Parks and Rec should be more advertised to the community I had no idea there were so many parks! Great Job! We are both 84 years old and in poor health, but 3 times a year our children and their family come for a several day visit and practically live at Kissel Park playing tennis and at Fisher Park playing golf My husband usually plays golf with them Thank you for not having to close Fisher Park I love the many opportunities that are available through the Parks Dept Can a hikmg/bikmg trail through the City (such as new William 0 Douglas 126 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date Response Text trail) be part of the parks dept" Need more roads in town that are friendly to bikes More parks with benches to watch and sit while hikers/bikers go by on trails Parents with small children need more wading pools'fountams to take children to play 207 Jun 29 2011 8 13 AM Our family lives out of state We have few ties to the community 208 Jun 29 2011 8 10 AM 209 Jun 29 2011 8 06 MI 210 Jun 29 2011 8 01 AM 211 Jun 29 2011 7 54 AM 212 Jun292011 7 43 MI 213 Jun28, 2011 4 42 PMI 214 Jun 28, 2011 4 18 PMI 215 Jun 28, 2011 4 13 PMI 216 Jun 28, 2011 4 02 PM 217 Jun272011 406PMI 218 Jun 27 2011 3 50 PMI Strongly consider more evening, weekend programs for working families Your programs seem to be tailored towards homes that have a stay at home parent I feel the parks system to a great degree defines the experience of the city residents with the government We need more free active programs for our youth They need something to do 8-14 I love all the options for the elderly! A dog park west of 16th or 40th would be great! Our biggest concern regarding Yakima parks is the presence of graffiti at Franklin and Tieton [Terrace] parks including the trees, sidewalks, and park benches as well as glass and other garbage on the ground We are also disappointed by the 40+ cars parked on the top of the Franklin Park hill on the lawn as people are sledding Perhaps a temporary fence could be up in the winter' People should not be allowed to drive their cars on a city park Thank you for the survey! Our children are young still so playgrounds are the best thing for them now Once they are older they will most likely participate in other activities Right now we enjoy running on pathways and on the open spaces We live near Franklin and would go there more if there was a nice playground I don't always feel comfortable going to the parks without my husband because of the questionable people that are sometimes there, such as gangs Communities need green spaces and lots of trees to be a livable community Younger families benefit from sports and activities available to children Parks are an essential part of cities large and small Volunteer watch dog and help service -identifiable vests Thank you for asking our opinion! Illy children are very upset with the removal of playground at Franklin That is the park within walking distance of our house I think we can use some older parks or parks with large acreage for future projects I have 6 grandchildren, I don t feel safe no more taking them to the parks - 127 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date Response Text bathrooms no clean, a lot of pets poopoo — gang activities 219 Jun 27 2011 2 57 PM Put Gilbert Park to use Never see more than 4 people there Needs playground 220 Jun27 2011 2 06 PM 221 Jun 27 2011 1 57 PM We need to have some parks with less activities particularly organized events These parks should be designated as passive parks even though like Franklin, there are tenors courts and a swimming pool The tenors and swimming are in a confined area not interrupting people just lounging or walking in the park Clean up the town of gangs & crime and it would be a great place to live I believe if our town did that more business would come to town Parks and schools are a big draw for families to move into an area So stop the crime and I would support more Parks Eschbach Park should have stayed open & been maintained I spent many wonderful hours there with my kids, sad it is gone! 222 Jun272011 1 40 PINI I feel that the adult basketball league needs to be extended in the amount of games 223 Jun 272011 10 43 AM I love the idea of small neighborhood parks with a bit of play equipment The decision to tear out the playground at Franklin has totally impacted our time there — we used to go frequently now next to zero even though we live in the neighborhood Love your parks — keep up the great work! 224 Jun 27 2011 9 51 AM I love the new park on "d St — great place for lunch downtown 225 Jun 24, 2011 1 15 PM Our parks are wonderful and much needed! Keep up the good work! Thank you! 226 Jun 24, 2(111 11 29 AM City parks add to the quality of life for us all Thank you for all you have provided in the past and for planning for the future 227 Jun 24, 2011 9 36 AM I feel we need more things for kids, water parks, zoos, chucky cheese, American Girl Store, more playground toys 228 Jun 23, 2011 4 14 PM Please do a better job of enforcing the dog leash law at Franklin Park and other parks and of enforcing the law requiring owners to pick up their poop 229 Jun 23, 2011 4 05 PM Make some of the unused tennis courts into pickelball courts Very fast growing activity for all ages 230 Jun 23, 2011 3 55 PINI As a parent I like the idea of the spray parks but after visiting several times I have found the areas to be poorly maintained or taken care of I have seen garbage scattered throughout park and piles of feces Unfortunately this is related to users abusing facilities I won t take my children there anymore 231 Jung 3, 2011 11 3 46 PM Some parks such as Miller Park and MILK Park are the ones located in not very 128 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 232 Jun 23,2011 3 13 PM 233 Jun23, 2011 2 36 PM 234 Jun23, 2011 1 36 PM 235 Jun 23, 2011 11 55 AM 236 Jun 23, 2011 11 45 AM 237 Jun 23,2011 11 11 AM 238 Jun 23, 2011 9 08 AM 239 Jun23, 2011 904 AM 240 Jun 23, 2011 8 48 AM 241 Jun 23, 2011 8 34 AM Response Text good areas (ghetto) These are the ones who have the worst graffiti on picnic tables which we should try harder to decrease Children attend the park for the most part, and are learning to read at a faster pace, and almost everything written on the tables is inappropriate Volleyball league - it would be nice to have 10 additional minutes before both games to warm up If a game is cancelled due to the gym not being available, please notify the teams We supply shut sizes at the begmnmg of the season, so get them right To develop the Boise Cascade property into a multifunctional aquatics center )mot just a water park) with extra land after parking for athletic fields and/or better yet amphitheater My family and I recently moved to the area from Lewis County If you have any mformation/brochures of activities or information on local parks please send Bicycle cops, park workers on electric segway's or electric vehicles It's okay with me to charge a fee for services or activities so long as the service or activity is wanted, needed and used by the community Keep working hard - our community needs your help! Parks are a quality of life issue and should definitely be a priority Large water parks should be self supporting All materials should only be printed in English This would save sufficient $ $ all by itself I think the park with restrooms should be opened at all times because there always seem to be locked everywhere I go We really need an aquatic center to draw in more revenue and so we don't need to always drive to Moses Lake We also need more swings at our existing parks Thank you for putting in swings at Kissel Park Could Parks and Recreation do any kitchen/cooking projects" They did back in the late 1960s and 1970s I use the parks for walking and walking my dog )many people walk at Tahoma Cemetery) My grandchildren love to swim at Lions Pool and when the price to get in is reduced, it is very crowded I would support an aquatic center that has "year round" pools in addition to outdoor water areas A nice aquatic center like the ymca in Spokane for west valley area would be awesome! Thank you for coupons to golf and swim - nice touch!! There needs to be more available programs after 5pm I am a single mom and would love to do more with my son but don't get off work until 5pm 129 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date Response Text 242 Jun 23,2011 825 AM As a senior citizen, I answered some of the questions based on when my children were growing up and now as my grandchildren I firmly believe that we need parks and recreation for our children We definitely need swimming pools or a water park 243 Jun 23, 2(111 8 08 AM I walk on scenic - I would use the pathway if there was secure parking 244 Jun 23, 2011 7 52 AM The present director has greatly improved the attitude of the employees toward the residents of Yakima 245 Jun 2011 4 17 PM We have been very disappointed in the maintenance of Randall Park It is our favorite park and has the potential to be so beautiful Please consider working on the cleanup and presentation of the marsh areas, secret trails and ponds Maybe use volunteers for some clean up activities 246 Jun 22, 2011 4 (32 PM Would love to see more trails and a playground return to Franklin Park 247 Jun 2011 3 59 PM 248 Jun 2011 3 56 PM Water park sounds nice, but not if it means closing Franklin and Lions pools I don't want my kids 17 and 19 or future grandkids taking the lousy bus service to the north east side of town Franklin and Lions are within bike, boarding and walking distance Invest money and improve what we have Develop and fund raising programs, community wide and centerpiece a particular park enhancement or development As well a recreation program could be a focus 249 Jun 22, 2(111 3 52 PM More lighting in the parking area 25(1 Jun 22, 2011 3 17 PM We need a swimming facility in West Yakima Franklin pool is nice, but extremely crowded Please keep prices low for summer programs like sports and swimming lessons We love the concerts and movies in the park 251 Jun 22, 2011 3 07 PM Advertise more via mail so that people new to the area would know what is available through Parks and Recreation 252 Jun 22, 2011 3 32 PM I think Kissel Park has the room to put in a water feature Have you been to the one in the Tn-Cities at Columbia Park" Would be nice to have one in our town I have never been to the one at Miller Park and I never will It is not a safe area We need a water feature on the west side of town 253 Jun 22, 2011 2 52 PM We must have a water park - Continue venues such as arts in the park, outdoor movies, concerts Need more covered picnic spots at each park 254 Jun 22, 21111 2 49 PM I had zero idea of many of the programs offered This is a shame, there should be more advertising Studies show people with access to green spaces are healthier Anything we can do to make our community healthier has my vote! 130 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date Response Text 255 Jun 22, 2011 2 45 PM We have five adult married children, so it is not likely we would be as concerned for all the amenities presently our 5 families live in Seattle and Portland They have access to a surplus of recreation! It is rather boring in Yakima! Whatever I choose to participate in, I do not mind making my share! Just tired of paying tax $ for those not willing to pay their share! 256 Jun 22, 2011 2 38 PM I do not approve of the expense of printing anything in a language other than English That certainly includes ballots for voting If people come to our country they should accept our values and our language If not, they should return to their own country 257 Jun 22, 2011 2 35 PM I have had a stroke and cannot drive But when my children or grandchildren come to visit, I love to go to local parks for picnics and just to enjoy an area where we can enjoy the outdoors, walk the dogs, etc Parks are important to the welfare of a city and I will continue to support them 258 Jun 22, 2011 2 32 PM Try to make a better program or info blitz on the urgent need for dog owners to pick up their dogs poop while they are using the parks 259 Jun 22, 2011 229 PINI Enforce the leash law at all parks Enforce the cleanup of all pets, picnics and parties 260 Jun 22, 2011 2 27 PINI The parks were a great value to our family of 7 children We are in our 80's now but still want children to have the parks to use 261 Jun22, g01124 PM I grew up in the town of Tieton, WA We had nothing No parks other than the little one in the square It was grass with a few trees Nothing anywhere for kids, we all hated it There is not much to do in Yakima as is We need our Parks I think more outdoor summer movies in the park Allow some vendors in the parks, they will be there observing what is happening, making it safer and bring in revenue Have a dog free park! 262 Jun 22, 2(111218PM 263 Jun 22, 2(111 2 12 PM 264 Jun 22, 2(111 2 OF PM We have 9 grandchildren here in Yakima and they all love to be outdoors - They love to go to Randall Park (the duck pond) Chesterley and Franklin Park They like to swing and slide - 2 oldest grandchildren are in high school and they play baseball and football and swim competitively 92 year old mother has played cards at Harman Center for year I thank you for all you do Billy I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help I do believe parks are very important but unfortunately those children who would benefit most probably wouldn't utilize them I'm referring to gangs Are there any facilities where basketball, baseball, etc can be played in competition without cost to players" I'm kind of "out -of - the -loop" since I'm a great grandmom so these may already be in place We really enjoy and appreciate the parks in Yakima We need a splash park in West Valley for young kids to enjoy There is nothing out here like it I don't want to drive 20 minutes to a scary neighborhood, and take my two 131 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date Response Text 265 Jun 22, 2011 2 03 PM preschoolers - alone - to the two splash parks Middle class kids need activities too Thank you! They need to be kept cleaner and safer Bathrooms and grounds in general need to be maintained better Garbage cans and picnic areas need cleaned Franklin Park is very nice but dog owners need to clean up after their dogs or ticketed! 266 Jun 22, 2011 1 57 PM I would like for there to always be a program, parks It makes Yakima so much nicer if there are non-commercial public places to be 267 Jun 22, 2011 1 51 PM 268 Jun 22, 2011 1 43 PM 269 Jun 22, 2011 1 38 PM 270 Jun 22, 2011 1 34 PM 271 Jun22, 2011 1 32 PM 272 Jun 22, 2011 1 22 PM 273 Jun22, 2011 12 30 PM 274 Jun22, 2011 12 01 PM It is important the Yakima Parks and Recreation board of Park Commissioners appoint Hispanic board members We need to understand your vision, mission, goals and objectives We need to participate 'be involved in development of your Comprehensive Plan Community needs to be part of setting up your activity calendar for the year Your organization needs to better contract with other organizations Summary the Yakima Community as a whole needs to support financially your organization, but you need to be accountable to the community Call me if you need more information Larry Sanchez 966-0800 u i I've used the parks lots when I had a family Neighbor kids need a place for kids and to swim in summer - not a huge, expensive aqua center I think we've always had nice parks Thank You Dog parks are sorely needed in this city!! Way behind any place we've ever lived ( which is considerable number of cities ) Please vote no on division of Yakima Co I spend a lot of time at Yakima Parks with my 3 grandkids We lobe to play frisbee, baseball, hoops, and also enjoy play equipment We love walking the paths and trails and picmcing We celebrate birthdays and other holidays at the Yakima Parks One of our favorites is the "Haunted Trail" and we've been very disappointed not to have had it last year I like to walk my dog off leash - so it would be great to have a large park for dogs I believe the more activities available to children and teens and parents will help develop responsible citizens We used soccer for over 15 years and have been proud to show off our parks to visitors!! Good Job!!! I would like to see some kind of water park in a better neighborhood I do not feel safe going with my children to those parks I think it is NTLI: park that currently have water features Not including Franklin Park and Lions pool Need more water spray parks — more playgrounds especially at Franklin — more bike trails, community gardens, research Ft Collins, CO they have an excellent park dept and lots of bike trails A lot of these things I'd love to do but I just 132 Please feel free to add any additional thoughts or ideas you have to enhance Yakima's Parks and Recreation. # Response Date 275 Jun 2011 11 47 AM 276 Jun 2011 11 31 AM 277 Jun 2011 11 09 AM 278 Jun 22, 2011 10 53 AM Response Text don t have the money Just being able to keep and maintain the parks already here with hopefully no tax increases! I don t feel the parks need to be mowed as often as they do At least not West Valley Community Park — seems like sometimes I see them mowing unnecessarily often Wages and gas being used I also will say I and my family enjoy the park a lot and our son appreciates the basketball court and nets being maintained! Please replace the bridges at Randall Park to make access to the nature trail possible Also — replace or repair the bridge at West Valley Parks so kids can play on north side of the creek — also fish from the bridge More swings at playgrounds, big swings like you see at schools, big swings for kids 7-10 years old The swings area being removed or there are only 2 swings and 15 kids want to play with them Have a hard time finding parking at Fisher 133