Loading...
RPVCCA_CC_SR_2011_12_20_07_Skate_ParkCITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES TO: FROM: DATE: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL CAROLYNN PETRU,DEPUTY CITY MANAGERIINTERI~ RECREATION AND PARKS DIRECTOR DECEMBER 20,2011 SUBJECT:SITE ANALYSIS CRITERIA FOR A SKATE PARK AND A DOG PARK REVIEW~D:CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER GY--. Staff Coordinator:Katie Howe,Administrative Analyst I~ RECOMMENDATION (1)Approve site analysis criteria for a Peninsula skate park;and,(2)Approve site analysis criteria for a Peninsula dog park. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City Council gave prior direction to staff to work with a consultant to conduct site analyses to identify potential locations on the Peninsula for the placement of:1)a skate park;and,2)a dog park.As a part of the project,staff was tasked with conducting research on both types of park facilities and engaging the public through a community outreach process.In this report,the results of staff's and the consultant's needs assessment for both types of facilities in the community is presented,along with the draft site analysis criteria that are proposed for the evaluation of potential sites throughout the Peninsula.Information is also provided regarding the planned public outreach program and the project's timeline and significant milestones.At this stage, staff is seeking Council approval of the site analysis criteria for the skate park and the dog park.The final results of the evaluation and public outreach processes are scheduled to be presented to Council in early April 2012. BACKGROUND Skate Park In 2010,the City initiated the Lower Hesse Park and Grandview Park Improvement Project.Staff worked with consultant Mia Lehrer &Associates (ML +A)to develop 7-1 Skate Park and Dog Park Site Analysis Criteria December 20,2011 Page 2 conceptual designs for each of the parks to improve public access and provide new recreational opportunities for the community.During the November 16,2010,City Council meeting,when the Council was considering conceptual designs for Lower Hesse Park,Ellen November,representing the local grassroots organization Skatepark PV,addressed the City Council.She noted the popularity of skateboarding on the Peninsula and asked the City to include a skate park in the park's design.Ms. November indicated that if the City Council approved a skate park as part of the improvements for Lower Hesse Park,Skatepark PV would raise funds for the final design and construction of the facility.The Council then agreed to re-open the public outreach process to consider whether a skate facility should be located at Lower Hesse Park. Subsequently,on June 7,2011,City Council directed staff to conduct a broader site analysis.In addition to Lower Hesse Park,staff was instructed to consider multiple public,private,and leased locations throughout the Palos Verdes Peninsula for the possible placement of a skate park,and to perform related community outreach and research on a Peninsula-wide skate park facility.ML +A was retained to assist staff with the assignment,based on the firm's familiarity with the community,its experience with the previous park designs and community outreach efforts,and its qualified staff with specific skate park design experience and knowledge. Dog Park In mid-200B,during the preparation of the Coast Vision Plan,the Council received the first community requests for a dog park.On February 17,2009,former Councilman Larry Clark requested that an item be agendized regarding the provision of a dog park on the Peninsula.On September 15,2009,Palos Verdes Estates residents Bruce and Maureen Megowan presented the City Council with a petition signed by over BOO Peninsula residents,requesting a dog park in the community,and specifically requesting the City Council's support for the development of a dog park at the County- owned former Palos Verdes Landfill in Rolling Hills Estates.The inclusion of a dog park was "folded into"the conceptual designs considered and the public outreach conducted for the Grandview Park and Lower Hesse Park Improvement Project.In addition,on August 3,2010,the Council directed staff to send a letter of support to County Supervisor Don Knabe for the development of a regional dog park at the former Palos Verdes Landfill.The Supervisor's Office responded that the County was in the design phase of the County's first dog park in La Crescenta,and that after it was constructed and evaluated as a pilot program,the Board of Directors would be in a better position to consider a dog park at the former landfill site. Through the park design and public outreach process,the dog park element was eventually removed from the conceptual design for Grandview Park due to size constraints and topographic concerns.On November 16,2010,the City Council was presented with two design concepts for Lower Hesse Park,one which included a dog 7-2 Skate Park and Dog Park Site Analysis Criteria December 20,2011 Page 3 park element and one that did not.The Council selected the "Pacific"conceptual design for the park,which included a "family fun zone"in place of a dog park.Nevertheless, community support for a dog park has not waned,as evidenced by numerous favorable emails received following the August 16,2011,meeting at which the possible establishment of a dog beach at Rancho Palos Verdes Beach below Founders ParklTrump National Golf Course was discussed.Community feedback received also indicated that,even if an off-leash dog beach was established at this location,there was still a desire for a more accessible dog park elsewhere in the community. Ultimately,on September 6,2011,the City Manager suggested adding a dog park site analysis and community outreach effort to ML+A's scope of work for the Skate Park Site Analysis as an effective use of resources by conducting the skate park and dog park studies simultaneously.The City Council concurred and approved the contract with ML +A for this combined project.Subsequently,the contract was amended on November 15,2011'to adjust the timeline for the project to end on April 30,2012,rather than the initial deadline of February 28,2012. DISCUSSION Needs Assessment The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA)has published defined formulas for cities to apply in order to determine the type and quantity of park and recreation elements that should be provided for the public (e.g.,1 tennis court per 2,000 residents, etc.).However,NRPA has recently shifted its approach and now suggests that the previous formulas be used only for guidance.Instead,NRPA recommends that the amount of park,open space,and recreation be defined by individual communities, resulting in a systems approach to park planning that focuses on local values and needs rather than the application of strict formulas.Given this shift in professional practices, the following research is provided for Council's information regarding the potential construction of a dog park and/or skate park on the Peninsula. •Dog Park In assessing the need for a dog park on the Palos Verdes Peninsula,staff examined three factors:1)the estimated number of dogs in the community;2)the closest existing dog parks;and,3)what facilities comparable cities provide for their residents. 1.Dog Ownership The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)offers a formula based on nationwide statistics to provide an estimate of dog-owning households in a community. The formula estimates that 9,023 households of the 24,255 on the Peninsula are dog- owning households.Particularly,5,789 out of 15,561 households in Rancho Palos 7-3 Skate Park and Dog Park Site Analysis Criteria December 20,2011 Page 4 Verdes are estimated to be dog-owning households.Whether considering just Rancho Palos Verdes or the entire Peninsula,applying the AVMA formula estimates that 37%of households in the community own one or more dogs.Staff also obtained dog licensing data from the Los Angeles Department of Animal Control (serving Rancho Palos Verdes,Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates)and the City of Palos Verdes Estates. The combined data indicates that there were 4,134 licensed dogs within the four Peninsula cities in 2010.However,not all dogs have valid licenses,and some California cities report that as few as 25%of dogs within a community have valid licenses.Therefore,based on valid licenses,the number of household with dogs on the Peninsula is perhaps as low as 17%.However,this percentage could possibly be as high as 68%if unlicensed animals are included.Given the uncertainty of using dog licensing as a measure,the AVMA estimate appears to be more realistic,with at least one in three households owning dogs in the Peninsula community. 2.Existing Dog Parks The two dog parks closest to the Peninsula are Knoll Hill Dog Park in San Pedro and the Redondo Beach Dog Park.Knoll Hill Dog Park is located at 705-711 Front Street, across the street from the San Pedro Harbor,and is managed by the Port of Los Angeles.This %-acre park has separate areas for large and small dogs,and is surfaced with wood chips.It has benches,shade structures,a portable restroom,and drinking fountains with dog bowls.The Redondo Beach Dog Park,managed by the City of Redondo Beach,is located at the intersection of 190th Street and Flagler Lane.This 3-acre dog park has turf and dirt surfacing,with separate areas for small and large dogs.Amenities include benches and drinking fountains with dog bowls.Both the San Pedro and Redondo Beach dog parks are heavily used by the South Bay community. 3.Comparable Cities For many years,the City has used a list of comparable California cities to update its salary survey.To gauge what other cities are providing in the way of dog parks for their residents,staff examined sixteen cities on this list of 38 that were the most similar to Rancho Palos Verdes.All of the cities are located in Southern California (primarily in Los Angeles and Orange Counties)with similar population and/or median household incomes to those in Rancho Palos Verdes.With the exception of one (Manhattan Beach),all are contract cities,and several are located along the coast.Staff surveyed these cities and found that half provide some type of public dog park facility: •One city has two dog parks (Claremont); •Four cities have one dog park (Calabasas,Laguna Niguel,Lake Forest,Malibu); •One city has a dog park under construction (San Juan Capistrano);and, •Two cities provide multiple small "dog runs"(Dana Point,Manhattan Beach). A matrix presenting the details of the research is attached for the Council's information. 7-4 Skate Park and Dog Park Site Analysis Criteria December 20,2011 Page 5 As discussed in the Background section,the City has received a number of requests for a dog park in recent years.The comments frequently note that there are only two existing dog parks in the general area which,depending on where a dog owner lives on the Peninsula,are not particularly convenient and are already heavily used by the residents of the communities in which they are located.In addition,the estimated number of dog owners in the Peninsula community is 1 in 3 households and 50%of comparable cities surveyed provide some form of dog park facility in their communities. Given this information,staff concludes that there is a valid need for a dog park on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.Further,considering the geography of the Peninsula,the City Council may wish to consider whether multiple facilities of different sizes and configurations might better serve the public.This analysis would be conducted once the site location study is completed. •Skate Park In assessing the need for a skate park on the Palos Verdes Peninsula,staff examined three factors:1)the estimated number of skaters in the community;2)the closest existing skate parks;and,3)what facilities comparable cities provide for their residents. 1.Number of Skaters The Public Skate Park Development Guide,composed of recommendations from skate park advocates including the Tony Hawk Foundation,offers a formula to estimate the number of skateboarders in a community and the corresponding skate park needs.The Guide estimates that 16%of youth between the ages of 5 and 24 are skateboarders. The 2010 Census Data reports a total of 15,769 youth between the ages of 5 and 24 within the four cities on the Peninsula,equating to approximately 2,523 skateboarders. Moreover,of the 10,060 youth in Rancho Palos Verdes,roughly 1,609 are estimated to be skateboarders. 2.Existing Skate Parks Skate parks in proximity to the Peninsula are the Hermosa Beach Skate Park,Carson Skate Park,Wilmington Skate Park and Channel Street Skate Park (San Pedro).The first three are designed with more realistic "street"elements and some transitional elements,which include curved and angled features.The Channel Street facility is a vertical skate park design with a concave "bowl"or "swimming pool."The first three parks are approximately 11-14 miles from the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.The Hermosa Beach Skate Park is located at 710 Pier Avenue and is approximately 8,000 square feet in size.The Carson Skate Park is located in the Veterans Sports Complex and is 10,000 square feet in size.The Wilmington Skate Park is located at 325 Neptune Avenue and is 10,000 square feet in size.The Channel Street Skate Park,which is located under the 110 Harbor Freeway and is the closest facility to the Peninsula,is slated for a one-year closure beginning in November 2012 to accommodate roadway 7-5 Skate Park and Dog Park Site Analysis Criteria December 20,2011 Page 6 improvement projects in the area.However,the City of Los Angeles is considering a 10,000 square foot skate park project at Peck Park,located at the corner of Western Avenue and Summerland Drive,to replace or augment the Channel Street facility.If the Peck Park project continues to move forward,it may be completed as early as fall 2012. 3.Comparable Cities Using the same list of comparable cities examined for dog parks,staff's research yielded the following: •Seven cities have public skate parks (Claremont,Cypress,Hermosa Beach,La Canada/Flintridge,Laguna Hills,Laguna Niguel,Lake Forest);and, •On'e city is relocating a facility that was on private property (Malibu). A matrix presenting the details of the research is attached for the Council's information. As discussed in the Background section,the City has received a request for a skate park from a local grassroots organization,Skatepark PV.Representatives from this group indicate that there is a strong local skateboarding population and have submitted a petition and letters from various organizations supporting a skate park on the Peninsula.Given this information,the estimate that approximately 16%of the Peninsula's youth are skateboarders and staff's research that 50%of comparable cities surveyed provide skate park facilities for their communities,a fair argument can be made that a skate park facility would be of benefit to the Peninsula community. The Public Skate Park Development Guide mentioned above also offers a formula to calculate a community's skate park needs.The formula indicates that the Peninsula would be best served by 32,000 square feet of skate park,likely comprised of one regional skate park,one or more neighborhood parks,and several smaller skate spots. As Skatepark PV is currently requesting a 10,000 square foot plaza-style facility,this development guideline will be vetted as the site location study is completed. Site Analysis Criteria Drawing from a number of sources,draft site analysis criteria for both types of facilities have been developed by ML +A.Staff has provided the consultant with feedback on the draft criteria,and in the case of the skate park,feedback has also been provided by Skatepark PV.The site analysis criteria for each type of park facility are attached to this report and include the following categories: 1.Land Use -Compatible zoning and general plan designations; 2.Site Conditions/Existing Use Compatibility -Current physical conditions and existing use compatibility with a skate park and/or dog park; 3.Location -Where the site is located and adjacent uses; 7-6 Skate Park and Dog Park Site Analysis Criteria December 20,2011 Page 7 4.Accessibility -Accessibility to the park and accessibility within the park (skate park site analysis criteria only); 5.Neighborhood Compatibility -Facility compatibility with neighboring uses; 6.Health and Safety -Levels of health and safety within the park and accessing the park;and, 7.Amenities/Infrastructure -Utility needs,parking needs,and desirable amenities (e.g.drinking fountains,shade,and restrooms). Once the potential site list is compiled,these criteria will be applied to each site,and the sites will be weighted and ranked in order to suitability and compatibility with the site criteria.While it is likely that no site may contain all ideal criteria listed above,staff and the consultant will identify the strengths and weaknesses of each site considered. Public Outreach Since the outcome of the skate park and dog park site analysis may have a profound affect on the Peninsula community,staff is encouraging participation from stakeholders throughout the project process.Stakeholders include neighboring Peninsula cities,the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD),dog owners,skateboarders who might use the facility,Skatepark PV,and neighborhoods surrounding the potential facilities (once the sites are identified).At this stage in the project,copies of this staff report and the draft site analysis criteria have been provided to the neighboring cities, the School District,Skatepark PV and Mr.and Mrs.Megowan.As further described below,as the project continues,the stakeholders and the public at-large will have several opportunities to provide input on the project. Project Milestones and Timelines Skate park and dog park site analysis is taking place simultaneously,so that the stages in each project mirror each other.The significant project milestones and associated timelines are presented below: •Development of Skate Park and Dog Park Site Criteria (October -early December) The consultant has developed draft site criteria that for Council's consideration that will be used to analyze various sites to gauge their suitability for a skate park and a dog park. •City Council Reviews Skate Park and Dog Park Site Criteria (December 20th) This evening's agenda item -staff is seeking City Council approval of the site criteria that will be applied to potential skate park and dog park sites. •Skate Park CharettelWorkshop (Saturday,January 21 st) The consultant and staff will conduct a public charette targeting Peninsula skateboarders to gather information on what makes a great skate park,and what features local skaters want in a skate park.Information gathered at this workshop 7-7 Skate Park and Dog Park Site Analysis Criteria December 20,2011 Page 8 will be used to help validate site criteria and assist in the development of skate park design criteria.The workshop will be held in the auditorium at Ridgecrest Intermediate School from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. •Development of Skate Park and Dog Park Design Criteria (January) Consultant will develop design criteria for a potential skate park based on current best practices and the feedback received at the skate park charette.Consultant will also develop design criteria for dog parks based on best practices and the input received thus far from the public. •Development of a Potential Site List for a Skate Park and Dog Park (January) Staff "Yill develop a list of public,private,and leased sites on the Peninsula to be measured and analyzed using the site criteria to determine the best sites for a skate park and a dog park.Individual lists will be created for the skate park and dog park projects. •Site Evaluations by Staff and Consultant (February-March) The consultant and staff will apply site criteria to potential site lists to determine the best locations on the Peninsula for the placement of a dog park and a skate park. Sites will be weighted using the site criteria and will be analyzed to measure benefits and constraints. •Field visits to various sites with Council members (late February) Once the site criteria are approved,the draft park design criteria are developed,the potential site lists are created and the preliminary site evaluations are completed, Council members will be invited to visit the sites under consideration individually with staff. •Skate Park/Dog Park Community Workshops (Saturday,March 10th) Staff and ML +A will hold community workshops to elicit community input and feedback on the projects.Both workshops will take place March 10,2012 in the Hesse Park Multipurpose Room.The dog park workshop will take place 10:00 a.m. -noon,and the skate park workshop will take place 2:00 -4:00 p.m. •Presentation to City Council (April 3rd City Council Meeting) Staff and ML +A will present to Council for direction:the weighted,analyzed sites; recommendations for facilities designs;research on maintenance and operation of skate parks and dog parks;information on determining a need for the facilities;cost information;community and stakeholder feedback,and consideration of Skatepark PV's Business Plan.If at this time,a location is selected,next steps will be discussed. 7-8 Skate Park and Dog Park Site Analysis Criteria December 20,2011 Page 9 CONCLUSION As an important first step in analyzing potential sites for a skate park and/or a dog park on the Peninsula,the site criteria must be identified,vetted and then established. Working together,staff and the project consultant have developed draft site analysis criteria for Council's consideration.The purpose of this agenda item is to vet this list and incorporate any changes as directed by the City Council.Staff is seeking Council approval of each set of criteria so that they can be uniformly and objectively applied to the sites that will be under consideration. FISCAL IMPACT The total'amount of the consulting contract with ML +A is $24,400.The project is currently on time and within budget.There is no fiscal impact from approving the skate park and dog park site criteria. Attachments: Skate Park Site Analysis Criteria Dog Park Site Analysis Criteria Comparable Cities Analysis Public Correspondence 7-9 Attachment 1 Skate Park Site Analysis Criteria 7-10 SKATE PARK SITE SELECTION CRITERIA LAND USE Compatible zoning and general plan designation SITE CONDITIONS/EXISTING USE COMPATIBILITY Adequate space for 10,000 sf minimum skate park Suitable soil and geology (e.g.water table depth) Does not damage natural or cultural resources Does not displace an existing recreational element or program Minimal conflict with other users/activities (e.g.pedestrians)or other sports (e.g.soccer/ball games) Flat to gentle,rolling topography * Positive drainage into natural or existing drainage system (canyon or existing storm drain system) Appropriate surfaces (minimal demolition required) *Dependent on skate park type LOCATION Site centralized to where users congregate Close to commercial and/or institutional activity (e.g.schools and libraries) ACCESSIBILITY Existing bus access (near bus route or existing stop) Skateboarding proximity to skate park Biking proximity to skate park Driving proximity to skate park Proximity to a major arterial road or collector road Potential for auto drop-off (or space to drop off) Site ADA compliant NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY Minimal conflict with neighborhood uses (e.g.avoiding noise and physical conflicts) No obstruction of protected views HEALTH AND SAFETY Protected from major arterial roads Emergency vehicle access (fire and ambulance) Maintenance crew accessibility Good visibility for public surveillance and safety Restricted night access to vehicles to prevent skateboarding by car lights 7-11 AMENITIES/INFRASTRUCTURE Access to utilities (water,power,sewer,phone) Ease of auto ingressjegressjdrop-off area Suitable to fence if required (e.g.where skate bowl is sited) Parking Associated amenities (listed below)existing or cost-effective to provide *Restrooms *Shade *Drinking fountains *Seating *Existing staffed building at facility 7-12 Attachment 2 Dog Park Site Analysis Criteria 7-13 DOG PARK SITE SELECTION CRITERIA LAND USE Zoning and general plan designation SITE CONDITIONS/EXISTING USE COMPATIBILITY Adequate space for 2-acre minimum dog park (1 acre for small dogs/2 acres for large dogs)-3 acres ideal Suitable soil and geology Does not damage natural or cultural resources Minimal conflict with other users/activities (e.g.pedestrians)or other sports (e.g.soccer/ball games) Does not displace an existing recreational element or program Flat to gentle,rolling topography Positive d.rainage into natural or existing drainage system (canyon or existing storm drain system) Appropriate surfaces (minimal demolition required) LOCATION Site centralized in community near greatest population density Site centralized to where users congregate Proximity to a major arterial road or collector road NEIGHBORHOOD COMPATIBILITY No obstruction of protected views Minimal conflict with neighborhood uses (e.g.avoiding noises and physical conflicts) HEALTH AND SAFETY Protected from major arterial roads Emergency vehicle access (fire and ambulance) Maintenance crew accessibility Good visibility for public surveillance and safety Safe environment for dogs and owners (no obstacles to injure dogs/owners or poisonous plants) AMENITIES/INFRASTRUCTURE Access to utilities (water,power,sewer,phone) Ease of auto ingress/egress Suitable to fence (4'-6'high fence) Parking Associated amenities (listed below)exist or cost-effective to provide *Shade *Seating *Drinking fountains *Restrooms 7-14 Attachment 3 Comparable Cities Analysis 7-15 Dog Park and Skate Park Research:Comparable Cities Median Coastal Household Proximity Population Income Miscellaneous Residents tend to use Laguna Hills skate park and Laguna Niguel dog Inland 47,823 $93,208.00 park and skate park. •..••Los Angeles Inland 34,926 $78,379.00 i Los Angeles Inland 23,058 .Orange Inland 47,802 *Dana Point has dog fun .zones rather than dog ...parks to meet zoning .regulations.They are long narrow exercise areas.A maximum of three dogs are allowed at Coastal 33,351 $78,125.00 one time. Coastal 19,506 $99,976.00 Ijl::Los Angeles Inland 20,246 Inland 30,344 Coastal 62,979 Inland 77,264 *Malibu Jack's Skate Park ..is currently being relocated,because it was previously on a private .developer's land.A new location has not yet been Los Angeles Coastal 12,645 $125,202.00 identified. *Manhattan Beach has dog runs,which are ::-;..:.....South Bay Coastal 35,135 $126,103.00 smaller than dog parks. Coastal 13,438 $163,542.00 Coastal 41,643 South Bay Coastal 8,067 *Council approved dog park and location in March 2011.The project is underway.Local skaters go to the Ladera Orange Coastal 34,593 Ranch skate park. Walnut··Los Angeles Inland 29,172 Population Source:US.Census Bureau,2010 Census Median Household Income Source:US.Census Bureau,2008-2010 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates ~Median Household Income Source:US.Census Bureau,2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 7-16 Attachment 4 Public Correspondence 7-17 ~atie Howe :rom:SunshineRPV@aol.com )ent:Tuesday,December 06,2011 6:46 PM ·0:parks@rpv.com )ubject:Dog park site analysis :ollow Up Flag:Follow up :Iag Status:Blue Be sure to consider the Upper Point Vicente Park educational dry farming activity as proposed by the Open Space Planning and Rec &Parks Task Force.Dry farming uses the land from around November 1 to around March 31 depending on when the rain comes.That would leave the five acres designated in the NCCP available as a large dog,off-leash park for the rest of the year. Is the road next to St Paul's Church really in the nature Preserve? Sunshine 310-377-8761 2/14/2011 Page 1 of 7-18