clearlake master parks plan 2003-13

8/10/2019 Clearlake Master Parks Plan 2003-13

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City of Clearlake

2003-2013 Master Plan

Report Prepared by

Foothill Associates

2150 Professional Drive, Suite 120Roseville, Ca 95661

(916) 782-1011

Roy M. Imai, Project Manager


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Acknowledgments

Elected OfficialsMayor Bob Malley

Vice Mayor Sam SanchezCouncil Member Jo Bennett

Council Member Jim McMurray

Council Member Bob Mingori

Parks & Recreation Committee

Bob Gordon

Curt GiambrunoJeanie Norris

Russell PerdockCarl Webb

City Staff

David A. Lane, City Administrator

Sharon Goode, Assistant City AdministratorBarbara Lysher, Director of Finance

Karen Mantele, Director of Community Development

Alicia Brundage, City EngineerFaye Gage-Burnett, Management Analyst

FundingFunds for this Master Plan were provided by State CDBG Funds through a 2001-2002Planning and Technical Assistance Grant.

The consultants extend their appreciation to the Parks & Recreation Committee and the

City Staff for its understanding, support and assistance during the course of this planning

effort.


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CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 The Master Plan................................................................................................................... 11.2 Organization of the Master Plan......................................................................................... 11.3 Master Planning Process...................................................................................................... 21.4 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 2

2.0 Goals and Policies....................................................................................................... 6

3.0 City of Clearlake ........................................................................................................ 9

3.1 The City of Clearlake and its Park System.......................................................................... 93.1.1 Background..................................................................................................................................93.1.2 Geography and Climate.............................................................................................................113.1.3 Archeological and Historical Resources...................................................................................11

4.0 Park Resources ......................................................................................................... 12

4.1.1 Haverty Field.............................................................................................................................124.1.2 Highlands Park..........................................................................................................................124.1.3 Redbud Park / Thompson Harbor..............................................................................................18

4.2 Additional Recreation Resources ...................................................................................... 184.2.1 Borax Lake.................................................................................................................................184.2.2 Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.........................................................................................184.2.3 Clear Lake State Park................................................................................................................194.2.4 Cache Creek Management Area................................................................................................194.2.5 McVicar Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary.......................................................................................194.2.6 Mendocino National Forest.......................................................................................................194.2.7 Cow Mountain BLM Recreational Area ....................................................................................214.2.8 Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest............................................................................214.2.9 Indian Valley Reservoir .............................................................................................................214.2.10Blue Lakes Recreation Area ......................................................................................................21

5.0 Park Standards......................................................................................................... 23

5.1 Evaluating Current and Future Needs .............................................................................. 235.2 Park Acreage .....................................................................................................................235.3 Park Service Analysis........................................................................................................ 245.4 Planning and Management Considerations ....................................................................... 26

5.4.1 Major Barriers...........................................................................................................................265.4.2 Schools.......................................................................................................................................265.4.3 Natural Streams and Flood Plains ............................................................................................285.4.4 Adjacent Recreation Facilities ..................................................................................................28

5.5 Park Planning Areas .......................................................................................................... 305.6 Recreation Needs Survey ..................................................................................................32

5.6.1 Existing City Parks:...................................................................................................................325.6.2 Future Park Facilities ...............................................................................................................325.6.3 Policy Questions........................................................................................................................335.6.4 Recreation Preferences..............................................................................................................335.6.5 Information about the Survey Respondents ..............................................................................33

5.7 Trends Affecting Park and Recreation .............................................................................. 345.8 Facilities ............................................................................................................................36

5.8.1 Facility Needs............................................................................................................................375.9 Comparison of Park Agencies ........................................................................................... 39

5.9.1 Comparison ...............................................................................................................................39


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6.0 Park System Master Plan........................................................................................ 41

6.1 Park and Facility Recommendations ................................................................................. 416.2 Existing Park and Facility Recommendations................................................................... 41

6.2.1 Austin Park ................................................................................................................................41

6.2.2 Haverty Field.............................................................................................................................436.2.3 Highlands Park..........................................................................................................................436.2.4 Redbud Park / Thompson Harbor..............................................................................................436.2.5 Master Plans for Existing Parks................................................................................................44

6.3 Proposed Parks .................................................................................................................. 446.3.1 Community Parks ......................................................................................................................446.3.2 Neighborhood Parks..................................................................................................................466.3.3 Planning of Neighborhood Parks ..............................................................................................48

6.4 Bike and Multi-Use Trails ................................................................................................. 486.5 Park Development Priorities.............................................................................................. 486.6 Capital Improvement Program .......................................................................................... 506.7 Proposed Annual Acquisition and Development Program................................................ 52

7.0 Funding ..................................................................................................................... 55

7.1 Grants ................................................................................................................................ 557.1.1 Federal ......................................................................................................................................557.1.2 State...........................................................................................................................................57

7.2 Private................................................................................................................................ 597.3 Low Cost Services............................................................................................................. 60

7.1.3 Federal ......................................................................................................................................607.1.4 State...........................................................................................................................................60

7.4 Other Services/Materials ................................................................................................... 607.1.5 Federal ......................................................................................................................................607.1.6 State...........................................................................................................................................607.1.7 Other..........................................................................................................................................60

Appendix A Park Planning and Development Guidelines ....................................... 63

A.1 Multiple Objectives ........................................................................................................... 63A.2 Park Land Use ................................................................................................................... 64A.3 Potential Recreational Uses............................................................................................... 65A.4 Non-Recreational Uses of the Park System....................................................................... 68A.5 Revenue-Generating Activities .........................................................................................68A.6 Public Access, Roads and Trails ....................................................................................... 69A.7 Public Safety...................................................................................................................... 71A.8 Selection of a Park Sites .................................................................................................... 72

A.9 Park Types, Distribution and Facilities.....................................................................................72A.10Parkland Acquisition, Planning and Development Process............................................... 76

Appendix B Planning Area Population...................................................................... 79

Appendix C Park Needs Survey ................................................................................. 83


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List of Tables

Table 1 Park Site Inventory ............................................................................................14Table 2 1999 Park Acreage Comparison ........................................................................24

Table 3 Park Acreage......................................................................................................24Table 4 Facility Needs ....................................................................................................39Table 5 Comparative Data for Park Agencies ................................................................39

Table 6 City of Clearlake Park Priorities........................................................................51

Table 7 Ten Year Capital Improvement Plan .................................................................54

Table A-1 Activities Allowed in Land Use Areas..........................................................67Table A-2 Recommended Guidelines for Various Trail Types......................................71

Table B-1 Census Tract Block Assessment....................................................................70

Table B-2 Park Planning Area Population and Park Need .............................................82

List of Figures

Figure 1 City Location and Boundaries..........................................................................10

Figure 2 Austin Park .......................................................................................................13

Figure 3 Highlands Park .................................................................................................15Figure 4A Redbud Park (West).......................................................................................16

Figure 5 Regional Recreation Resources........................................................................20Figure 6 Service Areas....................................................................................................25

Figure 7 Major Barriers and Traffic Routes ...................................................................27

Figure 8 100 Year Flood Areas.......................................................................................29Figure 9 Planning Areas..................................................................................................31

Figure 10 NRPA Facilities Standards.............................................................................38

Figure 11 City of Clearlake Parks System Master Plan..................................................42

Figure 12 Bike Lanes and Routes ...................................................................................49Figure B-1 Census 2000 Block Groups ..........................................................................85


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CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 1.0 Introduction

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1.0Introduction

1.1

The Master PlanThe City of Clearlake Parks Master Planexamines the current parks and open spaceresources in the City and surrounding areas,determines the current and projected parkneeds of the community, and recommends astrategy to implement the parks master plan.

The Parks Master Plan works in concertwith several other City, County and adjacentcommunity planning tools. The City General

Plan, neighborhood or community plans, theCountys Park, Open Space, and Trails Plan,and the community plans of the adjacentcommunities to assure trail linkages, tofoster greater cooperation betweencommunities, and to encourage cooperativeprojects between communities. The MasterPlan also provides policy direction related tomanagement and operation of parks, openspace, and trails.

The Park Master Plan guides future parklandacquisition and improvement, and suggests afinancing strategy to implement the MasterPlan.

1.2 Organization of the

Master Plan

The City of Clearlake Park Master Plan iscomprised of eight chapters, with supportingreferences and appendices. The first chapterprovides the background for the Master Plan,organization of the Plan, the Master Planningprocess, and major recommendations.

The Goals and Policies for the Park System arecontained in the second chapter. This

information provides specific guidance forfuture park acquisition, planning, design,implementation and management.

Chapter three provides a brief backgroundregarding the City of Clearlake, its location andboundaries, geography and climate, and historyof the area.

The forth chapter contains an assessment of thevarious parks and recreational resources in theCity of Clearlake and the adjacent area. This

chapter also addresses the importance of theParks for the recreational enjoyment of theresidents, economy of the community, floodcontrol, and habitat for wildlife. Included in thissection are a summary of the existing parkfeatures found in the existing Parks.

The discussion of park standards, evaluation ofcurrent and future park needs, acquisition anddevelopment considerations, planningconsiderations, park service areas, park service

analysis, facilities, comparison of park agencies,results of the recreation needs survey, and trendsaffecting park and recreation are contained inChapter 5.

Chapter six is the Park System Master Planwhich contains the park and facilityrecommendations; recommendations for future


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parks, trails and open space areas; parkdevelopment priorities; capital improvementprogram; acquisition and development costs;park and recreation operation; and additional

considerations in park planning.

Chapter seven establishes procedures forselection of park sites, suggested parkimprovements and facilities to be includedin the differing parks. This chapter alsodescribes the planning and developmentprocess, pubic hearings, plan reviews, andpreparation of an annual action plan.

The final chapter, Chapter eight, describesthe funding sources that the City of

Clearlake may want to pursue inimplementing the Parks Master Plan.

The Plan also includes appendices thatprovide further information regarding theCity of Clearlake and the park planningprocess.

1.3 Master Planning Process

This Clearlake Park Master Plan evolved out

of a planning process that included meetingswith City Staff to obtain direction andinformation regarding the City and its ParkSystem; research and inventory of theexisting parks and recreation facilities,contacts with local agencies to obtain relatedinformation; several public hearings toobtain comments and input regarding thepark system master plan; survey of theresidents to determine their needs,preferences and suggestions regarding the

future park system; an assessment of thecommunity, population characteristics, landuse, community resources, and examinationof park deficiencies; development offunding and implementation strategy;preparation and distribution of a DraftMaster Plan; review of the Draft MasterPlan with the City Staff and Park and

Recreation Committee; and preparation of theCity of Clearlake Park System Master Plan.

1.4 Recommendations

1) To Implement the Master Plan:

Adopt this master plan

Continue to apply for and utilize Stateand Federal grants to acquire andimprove the City Park System.

Work closely with other Departments

and agencies to implement the MasterPlan

Adopt the Quimby Parkland Dedication

ordinance, a Development Impact Fees,and a City-wide Landscape LightingAssessment District to support theacquisition, development, andmaintenance of an adequate park system.

Develop Joint Use Agreements with theSchool Districts for use of school sitesand facilities during non-school hourssince the implementation of this MasterPlan and some of the solutions for futurepark sites require School Districtcooperation.

Prepare and adopt new master plans for

the three existing parks to insure that theCity will qualify for future grantprograms

Make various improvements to theexisting City parks as described in theMaster Plan.

Plan, acquire, develop, and maintain fivecommunity parks and ten neighborhood

parks.

Build a swimming pool in Austin Parkon the south west corner of OlympicDrive and Uhl Avenue.

Form a community non-profit groupsuch as the Friends of Clearlake Parks


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to support and provide volunteers forpark and recreation projects.

Work with the County, State FloodControl Agencies, FEMA and use

grant funds to acquire flood proneproperties within the Burns ValleyFloodplain, remove structures fromacquired parcels, and convert theassembled area into a CommunityPark and open space preserve.Creation of a Community Park inBurns Valley Area in conjunctionwith the 100 Year Flood PlainManagement could provide thegreatest park and recreational

opportunity for the City.

Work closely with the SchoolDistricts and the County SocialServices Agencies to provideadditional cultural, educational, skilltraining, child/adult care programsthat would be of great benefit to thecommunity.

Develop bike lanes and routes, plusmulti-use trail system for safer

pedestrian and bicycle use within theCity and linked to regionalbikeway/trail system.

Annually review the Park CapitalImprovement Program andreprioritize projects as necessary oras funding opportunities becomeavailable.

2) Park and Recreation Trends:

Take an active role in developing,

maintaining and promotingopportunities in local parks andrecreation.

Develop joint marketing campaignswith the local and regional tourismand convention bureaus formaximum economic benefit.

Place more resources to upgrade thequality of parks and recreationopportunities in Clearlake since it is avital part in attracting and keeping

business. Develop additional and new funding

means to acquire, develop, staff, andmaintain the needed park and recreationfacilities.

Train staff to cater to the growing ethnic

diversity, greater awareness of culturalpreferences, sensitivities and needs.

Cater to the increasing population ofelderly and retirees who will require new

and growing level of recreational /educational services.

Create programs to increase access toparks and recreation programs for thosewith limited means.

Provide adequate park and recreationfacilities and programs as a costeffective way of lowering juvenile crimeby engaging young people in creativeand healthy activities.

Become more aware of the long-termsocioeconomic and environmentalbenefits of parks and recreation.

Take advantage of trends in businessparticularly in the area of privatization ofservices which offer greater flexibility,help to reduce cost, and improvecustomer satisfaction.

Take advantage of ways to create parkand open space by utilizing programssuch as reuse of unused utility corridors,

reuse of unused road right-of-ways,reuse of old landfills, and reuse of vacantlots obtained via tax foreclosures, etc.

Take advantage of emerging trend toflexible work schedule and tele-workingby offering programs catering to thelifestyle and by providing 24-hourfacilities.


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Utilize technology to enableresidents in suburban areas to takeadvantage of Park and Recreationprograms offered to decentralized

workers in suburban areas. Be positioned to take advantage of

advancing technology and thechanging homes of the future whichwill enable residents to obtain abroad range of services via theInternet.

Develop Park and Recreation

programs that are short, effective,and highly focused for greatercustomer satisfaction.

Play an important role in helping torelieve stress by providing a broadrange of programs and activities thatdeal with stress and lifestylemanagement.

Take advantage of the need forprograms that provide relaxation andfitness benefits while also helpingpeople in their careers.

Play a major role in offering

programs that will provide choicesfor participants concerned withhealth and the quality of life.

3) Park Needs Survey Results:

Provide greater attention tomaintaining athletic fields and playequipment.

Provide signage in the parks toclearly inform the visitors that,except for parks that offer eveningactivities, City parks are closed fromdusk to dawn. Also request that thepolice provide greater park securityat night.

Improve restroom maintenance, andreplace restrooms that are outdatedor difficult to clean.

Give equal importance to rehabilitatingand improving existing park facilitieswhile also acquiring and developing newparks.

Place high priority on providing acommunity swimming pool for theresidents of the City.

Pursue the acquisition and developmentof Community Park with organizedrecreation facilities, more NeighborhoodParks, preserve natural open space areas,and develop greater access to ClearLake.

Ban alcohol in selected parks, and

require liability insurance from eventsponsors who include alcohol.

Ensure that park facilities adhere toADA requirements, and developrecreational programs to assist personswith disability.

4) Park and Recreation Operation

Initially concentrate on maintaining andupgrading the existing park facilities,and acquire and develop new parks as

funds permit. As funds and staff permits, the City

should provide a variety of recreationprograms to meet the expressed needs ofthe community.

Encourage, support, and work withbusiness and private recreationorganizations that provide recreationservices that are beyond the capability ofthe City.

Work closely with the local schooldistrict to develop and operate portionsof school sites as neighborhood parkresource. Also work with the schooldistrict to plan, acquire, develop, andoperate future school/park sites.

The City should encourage and supportthe development and improvements to


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nearby Parks and Open Space Areasthat are managed by others.

5) Park Security

Provide adequate park security andwork with the community to increasepublic confidence and support tocounter security issues.

Provide adequate park security andwork with the community to increasepublic confidence and support tocounter security issues.

Inform and educate the publicregarding the proper use of the parksand facilities. Provide signsregarding appropriate andinappropriate activities in the park,and provide convenient means toreport crime or vandalism.

Encourage the formation of Park WatchProgram in neighborhoods around parks.

Restrict park use to dawn to dusk unlessorganized evening activities are

conducted.

Plan and design parks and facilities todiscourage vandalism and otherantisocial activities.

Assure drive by visibility of majority ofthe parks for police patrol and generalpublic surveillance.

Maintain parks in clean and orderly

manner to command respect from parkusers.


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CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 2.0 Goals and Policies

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2.0Goals and Policies

The City of Clearlake Park System Master

Plan is a policy document that establishes theplanning framework for the future acquisition,development, and implementation of the Citypark system. The Goals and Policies in thismaster plan provide specific guidance oncritical master plan implementation issues sothat all aspects of the park systemdevelopment and operation will be consistentwith the agreed upon Goals and Policies.

Goal 1.0

To acquire, develop, and maintain an adequatenumber and acres of neighborhood andcommunity parks, boating access, trails andrecreation facilities for the enjoyment of Cityresidents and visitors.

Policies

1.1 City shall designate a Department tohave primary responsibility for parklandacquisition, development, and operation.

1.2 City shall annually develop a listing of

high priority projects and their costs forparkland acquisition, deferredmaintenance, capital improvement, andspecial event needs.

1.3 City shall assess and update at leastevery five years funding mechanismsneeded to acquire, develop and maintainthe City park system.

1.4 City shall develop and distributeinformation on how community

organization, business, and volunteerscan donate, provide gifts andendowments, or in other ways assist toacquire parklands, improve City parks,and fund special events.

1.5 City shall develop, maintain, andimplement a Five Year Capital

Improvement Program for each park

facility.Goal 2.0

To provide a balanced variety of recreationfacilities and programs for all age groups inthe community.

Policies

2.1 City shall conduct a park needs/wantssurvey of City residents at least everyfive year to assess the changing parkand recreational needs of thecommunity.

2.2 City shall consult with communityorganizations and special interest groupsat least every other year to assess howthe City is meeting the park andrecreational needs of the community.

2.3 City shall use the information obtainedin Policies 2.1 and 2.2 to update itsplans, activities, and practices.

Goal 3.0To develop a park operation practice that isefficient, cost effective, and that results in safeand attractive parks.

Policies

3.1 City shall designate a staff to haveprimary responsibility for parkoperation, inspection, andimprovements.

3.2 City shall conduct a Park Maintenanceand Safety Survey at least annually.

3.3 City shall conduct a weekly safetyinspection of each park and recreationfacility, identify problems, andimplement any required correctivemeasures.


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3.4 City shall periodically evaluate the costeffectiveness of City versus contractmaintenance of its parks.

Goal 4.0

To improve park safety and security.

Policies

4.1 City shall develop and implement apublic education program on proper useof parks, park rules, and ways to makeCity parks safer.

4.2 City shall annually, as part of the Parkand Landscape Area Maintenance andSafety Survey, examine all parks and

facilities to identify unsafe or hazardousconditions and undertake correctivemeasures.

4.3 City shall have the Police Departmentassist park neighborhoods to establish aNeighborhood/Park Watch Program.

4.4 City shall request that the PoliceDepartment provide the Park andRecreation Committee an annual reporton criminal or misdemeanor activities

reported on City Park facilities, andactions being taken to counter suchactivities.

Goal 5.0

To encourage volunteerism and participationby individual and community organizations inCity Parks program.

Policies

5.1 City shall develop a handbook on ways

that individuals, groups, andorganizations can assist withrecreational activities and parkimprovement projects, and generallyencourage volunteerism.

5.2 City shall appoint a volunteer to assumethe part-time position of Volunteer

Coordinator with the responsibility tooversee the park volunteer program, andprovide periodic reports to the Park andRecreation Committee.

5.3 City shall develop a park gift catalogueand also put the information on theCitys Web Site. The gift cataloguewould describe the needs of the CityPark System and how the public couldassist with donations.

Goal 6.0

To work cooperatively with other localgroups, organizations and agencies tomaximize the benefits of the Park System.

Policies

6.1 City staff shall meet at least annuallywith representatives of adjacent park,recreation, and open space agencies;Konocti Unified School District, YubaCollege, and others to foster greatercooperation, collaboration, and to insurecoordinated planning of projects thataffect multi-jurisdictions.

6.2 City staff shall provide an annual reportto the Park and Recreation Committeeon cooperative efforts being undertakenwith other organizations such as LakeCounty, adjacent resource managementagencies, school districts, and others formutual benefit.

6.3 City shall provide mutual support,cooperate with, and advocate fundingfor regional parks, trails, and open spaceareas that will be beneficial to the

residents and visitors to the City ofClearlake.

Goal 7.0

To develop, pursue and utilize alternativefunding means to supplement City funds forparkland acquisition, development, andoperation.


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Policies

7.1 City shall pursue Grant AssistancePrograms for parkland acquisition,development, and other relatedassistance.

7.2 City shall examine and adjusted itsvarious park and recreation fees at leastevery other year to adjust for inflationand to insure that the fees are reasonableand competitive with adjacent entities.

7.3 City shall enact the Quimby ParklandDedication and In Lieu Fees ordinance

to require fees or the dedication of landfrom developers of new residentialproperties. The revenue generated shallbe used for acquisition and development

of City parks.

7.4 City shall enact a Park DevelopmentImpact Fee that would enable the City tocollect additional fees from newresidential construction or additions ofbedrooms to existing dwellings. Thefunds collected would be used to acquireand improve parklands.


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CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 3.0 City of Clearlake

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3.0City of Clearlake

3.1 The City of Clearlake and its

Park System

Lake County, has experienced a significantpopulation growth in the past decade, a ratethat exceeds the growth in the state as awhole. This growth has been most noticeablein the urban centers such as Clearlake.Individuals and families continue to locate inClearlake due to a combination of climate,rural nature of the community, recreationalopportunity, and affordable housing. As inmost other communities, the number andquality of parks and the availability of openspace areas are very important components indetermining the overall quality of lifeenjoyed by residents of a community.Certainly, the proximity to Clear Lake plays akey role in assessing the desirability of theCity of Clearlake and the surroundingcommunities.

If residents of Clearlake are to continue

enjoying the parks and open spaces thatcontribute so much to the quality of life inClearlake, it is critical that these resources berecognized and that plans to preserve, protect,and enhance these community resources areadopted. The objective of this Parks MasterPlan is precisely that, to preserve, protect, andenhance the Citys park system.

3.1.1 Background

The City of Clearlake, incorporated in 1980, is

the largest city in Lake County. The City ishome to approximately 13,000 residents, but itcan grow sizably larger during weekends andduring vacation periods. Affordable housing,clean air, open space, and recreation continueto attract a diverse population of youngworking families to retired seniors. Year-round recreation activities include hiking, bird

watching, rock hounding, golfing, bicycling,soaring, flying, wine tasting, hunting, andhorseback riding. Water related activitiesinclude fishing, swimming, water skiing, andboating.

The present period of growth in Clearlakebegan in 1922 with the development ofClearlake Highlands and Clearlake Parksubdivisions. The Citys population continues

to grow and is projected to reach 17,216 bythe year 2010. Much of the citys growth canbe attributed to lake-generated recreation andtourism. Agriculture also contributes greatlyto the local economy with some walnutorchards still remaining in the city limits andgrape vineyards increasing in surroundingareas.


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Figure 1 City Location and Boundaries


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The City includes over 10.5 square milesalong the southeastern shore of Clear Lake,Californias largest natural freshwater lake,from Cache Creek to Windflower Point. To

the south of the City is the historic communityof Lower Lake, with the community ofClearlake Oaks to the north. Clearlake iseasily accessible from Highway 53, a majorconnector between Highways 20 and 29.Large, urban centers such as Sacramento andSan Francisco can be reached in 2 and 3 hoursrespectively, while Napa Valley lies only 45minutes away.

3.1.2 Geography and Climate

Clear Lake, formed approximately 2.5 millionyears ago, is possibly the oldest lake in NorthAmerica. The surrounding basin was createdby a collision of the Pacific and NorthAmerican plates many millions of yearsbefore. This tectonic activity has created adramatic landscape including the dormantvolcano, Mount Konocti, which rises to 4,300feet above sea level. The City of Clearlakeconsists of both relatively flat terrain in thevalley along the lake shoreline to rolling hills.

Clear Lake enjoys clean air and a warm, sunnyclimate year-round. Water temperature

averages 61F and varies from 40F to 75F.Air temperatures are also moderate withaverage high and low temperatures rangingfrom 32F to 60F during winter and from

57F to 95F during summer. The averageyearly rainfall of 25 inches occurs primarilyduring the winter and early spring months.

3.1.3 Archeological and Historical

Resources

The first settlers to the Clear Lake areabelonged to Pomo Indian tribes. Other NativeAmerican tribes from Californias centralvalley region visited to trade and enjoy theabundant natural resources of the area.

European immigration in the mid-1800sreduced the Native American population.Presently, American Indians constitute only 2percent of Lake Countys total population(1990 census) but their heritage is central tothe areas culture and history. The AndersonMarsh State Historic Park on the south edge ofClearlake has an Indian village with tulehouses and a dance house. A unique NativeAmerican archeological site is also located atBorax Lake. Native American Culture Day

and other public events honor the rich cultureof the Pomo Indians.


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CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 4.0 Park Resources

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4.0Park Resources

Austin Park is a 22.5 acres community park

located across the street from City Hall. Theportion of Austin Park on the Clear Lake edgeprovides lake access, picnic areas, and aplayground. Located on the other side ofLakeshore Drive are multi-purpose play fields,a lighted tennis court, a recently renovatedskate park, volleyball court, a restroom, shadestructure, picnicking areas, benches, and aconcrete stage. During the summer, AustinPark is the site of free concerts on thebeach, the beginning of the annual

Independence Day parade, and the location ofthe International Worm Race began in 1966by C.C. Schoenberger, a descendent ofSamuel Clemens (Mark Twain).

4.1.1

4.1.1 Haverty Field

Haverty Field, located adjacent to the eastboundary of Austin Park, is located two Little

League ball fields.

4.1.2 Highlands Park

Highlands Park, a 1.5 acre mini park, includesa stand of mature oak trees which provideabundant shade. Improvements include picnictables, BBQ grills, a lake viewing area, and afloating boat dock. A small beach area

accommodates sunbathing and hand boatlaunching.


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Figure 2 Austin Park


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Table 1 Park Site Inventory

Austin Park &

Haverty FieldHighland Park

Redbud Park &

Boat Launch

Size 22.5 acres 1.5 acres 15.7 acres

Type Community Park Special Purpose Community Park

Ball Fields X

Benches X X

Bleachers X

Boat Dock X X

Boat Launch Ramp X

Covered Picnic Shelter X

Group BBQ X

Lake Access X X X

Multi-Purpose Field X

Paved Walk X X

Picnic Tables X X X

Play Area X*

Parking Lot (paved) X X

Parking Lot (unpaved) X X

Restroom (permanent) X* X*

Restroom (portable) X

Security Lights X X

Shade Trees X X X

Skate Park X

Stage X

Storage Building X X

Telephone X X

Tennis Courts (lighted) X*

Volleyball Court (pea gravel) X**

* Requires extensive renovation or replacement

** Safety concern


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Figure 3 Highlands Park


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Figure 4A Redbud Park (West)


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Figure 4B Redbud Park (East)


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4.1.3 Redbud Park / Thompson

Harbor

Redbud Park is a 15.7 acres community park

which serves to provide the major boatingaccess to Clear Lake from the City. Facilitiesinclude a large fishing pier, bandstand gazebo,event BBQ pit, group eating area, two grassareas with picnic tables, and a restroom /storage building. Major fishing events such asbass tournaments are staged from the park,which includes multiple paved boat ramps,boarding docks, and a large parking area.Three little league baseball fields with aconcession stand and restrooms are located

adjacent to the park on property located to theeast of Golf Avenue.

4.2 Additional RecreationResources

The City of Clearlake is surrounded by anetwork of parks, wildlife preserves, and othernatural open space areas that provide greatopportunity for outdoor recreation (see Figure5). These facilities offer a wide variety ofrecreational opportunities including hiking,boating, fishing, nature viewing, horsebackriding, rafting, picnicking, camping, andswimming. Many of these outdoorrecreational areas described below are withina short distance of the City.

4.2.1 Borax Lake

This well-known prehistoric quarry, a sourceof obsidian, is located near the westerly end of

the City. The chemically-variable Borax Lakeflow is one of several obsidian sourcesassociated with Clear Lakes Volcanic history.The obsidian glass is of rather variable qualityfor artifact manufacture and ranges inappearance from a translucent gray-black to apumiceous gray.

This obsidian source is one of the most well-known in California but much of the quarryarea has now been obliterated by vacationhome developments. Intensive use of the

source is evidenced by large quantities ofmanufacturing debris associated with the flow.The presence of fluted points at the source hasalso been used to suggest long-term use of thistool stone resource. Obsidian from the BoraxLake has been identified at many sites in theNorth Coast Ranges, in central CaliforniasGreat Valley, and the foothills of the SierraNevada Mountains

4.2.2 Anderson Marsh State

Historic ParkThe Anderson Marsh State Historic Park islocated southwest of the City of Clearlake andencompasses approximately 1,000 acres offreshwater marsh, oak woodland, annualgrassland, and riparian woodland habitats.The state park has designated approximately540 acres of the freshwater marsh habitatwithin its boundaries as a natural preserve thatfunctions to provide shelter, foraging, andbreeding opportunities for various wildlifespecies.

The Anderson Marsh State Historic Parkoffers nature viewing and hiking, and supportsseveral historic cultural viewing areas thatwere once occupied by the Southeastern Pomoover 10,000 years ago and by Euro-Americansettlers in 1855. An extensive trail system


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enables visitors to hike and view the varioushabitats present within the historic park. TheState recently acquired approximately 12 acresof adjacent property located northeast of the

Park which will enable easier access for thepublic. Future plans for this property includea day use area, individual camping spaces, andHighway 53 road access.

4.2.3 Clear Lake State Park

Clear Lake State Park includes 565 acres andis located on the west side of Clear Lake. Thepark offers boating access to Clear Lake aswell as picnicking, cycling, and hikingopportunities. The Clear Lake State Park

supports four individual campgrounds thatcollectively provide over 140 camping sitesfor park visitors. In addition, two trailsystems traverse the recreation area providinghikers the opportunity to view the abundantplant and wildlife communities occurringwithin the parks boundaries.

4.2.4 Cache Creek Management

Area

The Cache Creek Management Area, locateddirectly east of the City of Clearlake, consistsof approximately 50,000 acres of annualgrassland, riparian woodland, river, chaparral,and oak woodland vegetation communities.The Management Area is administeredcooperatively by the Bureau of LandManagement (BLM) and the CaliforniaDepartment of Fish and Game (CDFG). TheCache Creek Management Area functions toprovide contiguous undisturbed habitat forwildlife and to protect existing historic andcultural resources. Additionally, theManagement Area provides fishing,equestrian, hiking, river running, hunting, andwildlife viewing opportunities for the public.Trail systems within the Cache CreekManagement Area offers hikers spectacularviews of Central Valley and the High Sierra,

and the Redbud Trail, which runs along CacheCreek providing hikers an opportunity to viewthe vegetation and wildlife communitiesoccurring along the watershed.

4.2.5 McVicar Audubon Wildlife

Sanctuary

The McVicar Wildlife Sanctuary, a preservesof 238 acres of marsh habitat, provides winterroosting sites for bald eagle, a federallythreatened and state endangered species. Thewildlife sanctuary is located directly west ofthe Anderson Marsh State Historic Park and ismaintained by the California AudubonSociety. A portion of the McVicar Trail,

which traverses the Anderson Marsh StateHistoric Park, extends into the McVicarAudubon Wildlife Sanctuary providing hikersthe opportunity to view the wildlife and plantcommunities occurring within this preservedarea.

4.2.6 Mendocino National Forest

Located approximately 30 miles from the Cityof Clearlake, the Mendocino National Forestoffers fishing, picnicking, boating, hiking,horseback riding, wildlife viewing, hang-gliding, hunting, and mountain biking. Inaddition, the national forest supports an off-road vehicle trail system and over 40 campgrounds for visitors wishing to extend theirstay over-night. Cumulatively, the forestprovides over 500 sites for variousrecreational activities. The forestencompasses approximately 894,000 acres andhas designated approximately 137,000 acresfor wilderness use.


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Figure 5 Regional Recreation Resources


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4.2.7 Cow Mountain BLM

Recreational Area

The Cow Mountain Recreational Area spans

over 50,000 acres of open space land locatednorthwest of Clearlake. This recreational areais managed by the BLM and consists of tworecreational areas: South Cow Mountain Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area andNorth Cow Mountain Resource Area. SouthCow Mountain is primarily utilized for OHVuse and supports vehicle and trailer parking, aloading ramp, Red Mountain Campground,and picnic facilities. The North CowMountain Resource Area accommodates a

variety of outdoor recreational uses includinghiking, horseback riding, mountain biking,and hunting.

4.2.8 Boggs Mountain

Demonstration State Forest

Boggs Mountain State Park spans over 3,400acres of open space land managed by the StateDepartment of Forestry. This state forestoffers 14 miles of trails and outdoorrecreational opportunities include hiking,

biking, and horseback riding.

4.2.9 Indian Valley Reservoir

Located approximately nine miles northeastfrom Clearlake, Indian Valley Reservoirencompasses 3,800 surface acres and 39 milesof shoreline. The reservoir offers boating,fishing, and swimming opportunities andcampsites and RV parking are available. Inaddition to its outdoor recreational activities,Indian Valley Reservoir provides habitat for

wintering bald and golden eagles as well asnumerous other wildlife species.

4.2.10 Blue Lakes Recreation Area

The Blue Lakes Recreation Area is locatednorthwest of Clearlake and offers a variety of

outdoor activities including sailing, rowing,swimming, canoeing, windsurfing, andfishing. Hiking trails and picnic areas areinterwoven throughout the facility. Campsites, RV sites, housekeeping cabins, andmotel units are also available.


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CITY OF CLEARLAKE 2003-2013 MASTER PLAN 5.0 Park Standards

23

5.0Park Standards

5.1 Evaluating Current and

Future Needs

Effective park planning for the future ofClearlakes park system requires an analysisof how well existing parks and facilities aremeeting the needs of the residents, whatadditional park and facilities will be needed tomeet the demand during the next 10 years, andhow the services being provided in Clearlakecompares to services provided in other similarcommunities. In preparation of this MasterPlan, Foothill Associates examined severaldifferent criteria to help assess the adequacyof existing parks and facilities, and toestablish the goals for the future. Thisassessment included the amount of availablepark acreage for each 1,000 residents, thenumber of differing park facilities, parkservice areas, need for parks and facilities asexpressed in the Community Survey, anexamination of recreation trends for the future,and comparisons with other comparable

communities. While none of these factorsalone is adequate basis for guiding the Citysfuture park system, when consideredcollectively they do provide a valuable guide.

5.2 Park Acreage

In order to asses the park and recreation needsof the City of Clearlake, it is necessary toconsider a number of factors within andsurrounding the City, as well as to consider

standards adopted by similar agencies.Perhaps the most comprehensive standards arethose developed by the National Recreationand Park Association (NRPA). NRPArecognizes a standard of 3 acres per 1,000population for neighborhood parks and 2 acresper 1,000 for community parks, resulting in anoverall standard of 5 acres per 1,000

population. These standards were compiled

on nationwide observations based on thenumber of people living within a given areaand the park and recreation facilities offeredtherein. These standards, therefore, do notnecessarily reflect the recreation needs of theCity of Clearlake, however, they are anexcellent reference point for developing localstandards.

Another standard for providing adequaterecreation and parks land in a community isestablished by the Land DevelopmentOrdinance (Title 22), as authorized in theGovernment Code by the Quimby Act. Thisstandard determines the amount of park landdedication or in-lieu fees that are required tobe paid on new residential development in acommunity. The objective of this Code is toestablish a minimum standard of three acres ofneighborhood and community park land per1,000 residents.

For purposes of this study, the NRPA

standards have been utilized to determine theadequacy or inadequacy of the present parkacreages, and to determine the park needs ofthe City in ten years.

A comparison of some smaller communitieswhere data was available shows that somehave been more successful in meeting thisguideline than others (Table 2). As illustratedin this table on the following page, somecommunities have fewer than 2 acres of park

for every 1,000 people while others have morethan 6 acres.


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Table 2 1999 Park Acreage Comparison

Community1999 Population

Total AcresPopulation Acres

Arcade Creek 20,000 50 2.50Arden Manor 9,500 21 2.21

Arden Park 10,000 16 1.60

Carmichael 42,000 200 4.76

Fair Oaks 41,000 122 2.98

City ofFolsom

43,000 275 6.40

Fulton-ElCamino

28,500 82 2.88

City of Galt 15,200 95 6.22

NorthHighlands

39,000 59 1.51

Orangevale 34,000 198 5.82

Rio Linda-Elverta-RPD

21,000 100 4.76

City ofClearlake

13,000 39.7 3.05

The City of Clearlake currently serves over13,000 residents and operates three parkstotaling 39.7 acres. This equates to 3.05 acresof park per 1,000 people. Assuming that theCity of Clearlake adopts the NRPAs

recommended park acreage standards of 5acres per 1,000 residents in a combination ofneighborhood and community parks, thecurrent park acreage needs to serve the presentpopulation would be 65 acres of parkland, or apresent parkland deficiency of 25.3 acres.

Table 3 Park Acreage

Year Population(Goal 5

ac/1,000)Existing Deficit

2000 13,000 65 39.7 25.3

2005 13,357 67 39.7 27.3

2010 17,216 85 39.7 45.3

Based on the population projections for theCity as noted in Table 2, the parklanddeficiency would grow to 45.3 acres by theyear 2010 if no additional parklands were

acquired. On the average, approximately 60%of this park acreage is needed forNeighborhood Parks, and the balance forCommunity Park. This would mean thatapproximately 27 acres of new NeighborhoodPark and 18 acres of Community Park will beneeded by 2010.

5.3 Park Service Analysis

To assess park acreage needs, it is also

necessary first to understand the meaning ofthe term Recreation Acreage. This is thatland available for "usable" recreation. Usablerecreation acreage does not include openspace, trails, or facilities which have limiteduse or access.

Neighborhood and community parks, underideal conditions, are carefully located toconsider convenience to the users, thetraveling distance involved, and safetyconsiderations for the residents. However, in

the case of an established community such asthe City of Clearlake, additional park sitesmust be secured where possible and feasible,which will not necessarily mean that the parksites will be ideally located nor be of the exactsize desired.

Neighborhood parks are designed to serveapproximately 2,000 3,500 people, areprovided with limited parking, and visitors areencouraged to walk or bicycle to the park. A

reasonable distance for bicycle or pedestriantravel to such a park is about mile, providedthere are no physical barriers such as freewaysseparating the park from the neighborhood.


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Figure 6 Service Areas


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Community parks provide facilities andactivities that serve 20,000 30,000 people,and typically serve residents within a 2 milearea. Since majority of the Community Park

visitors will be coming by automobile orpublic transportation, physical barriers such asfreeways or rivers, separating the park frompart of the service area, is not a detrimentunlike a neighborhood park.

Figure 6 on the previous page illustrates thehalf mile radius drawn around existingneighborhood parks indicating the potentialarea served by each park, and the CommunityParks are shown with both the half mile and

two mile radius, since Community Parks oftenserve a dual function as a neighborhood parkfor nearby residents while also serving theCommunity Park function for more distantusers and for organized activities. Utilizingthese standards, the following paragraphsprovide an assessment of the Neighborhoodand Community Park need for the City ofClearlake.

From the Community Park perspective, it isquite clear from a review of Figure 6 that the

easterly half of Area 1, most of Area 2, mostof Area 3, and the westerly half of Area 4 arepresently served by the existing twocommunity parks. This Figure also showsthat, in order to adequately provideCommunity Park services, the City needs todevelop additional Community Parks in midportion of Areas 1, the mid to easterly portionof Area 2, and the mid to easterly portion ofArea 4. If the School District is agreeable tojoint use of Oak Hill Middle School, some of

the Community Park needs in Planning Area 4could be satisfied. The park acreages neededin each of these planning areas are furtherdescribed in section 5.5 of this Chapter.

The assessment of the Neighborhood Parkneed within the City is much more serious.As indicated in Figure 6, there will be a need

to add approximately ten new NeighborhoodParks totaling approximately 27 acres. ThreeNeighborhood Parks in Area 1, two in area 2,at least one in Area 3, and possibly 4 in Area

4. Depending on availability of the schoolsites for joint use, some of theseNeighborhood Park needs may besupplemented in Area 1 at the PomoElementary School, Burns Valley ElementarySchool in Area 2, and Oak Hill Middle Schoolin Area 4. The recommended facilities to beincluded in these park sites are furtherdescribed in Chapter 6.

5.4 Planning and Management

Considerations

The following are some additional park siteselection, planning and design considerationsfor evaluating alternative park sites.

5.4.1 Major Barriers

Accessibility and location of proposed parksite to major barriers such as a freeway or arail road crossing must be a part of theevaluation process. If a typical neighborhood

park can be safely "walked to," it isconsidered accessible. Parks should beaccessible to all residents, particularlyyounger children. See Figure 7 illustrating thebarriers that exist within the City of Clearlake.

5.4.2 Schools

Unlike barriers, schools complement parksand provide recreational opportunities.Schools in many ways function similarly to apark in neighborhoods that lack a formal park.They provide many of the same recreationalfacilities and play opportunity.


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Figure 7 Major Barriers and Traffic

Routes


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Where possible, school sites and parks shouldbe located adjacent to each other, there shouldalso be joint or coordinated planning to moreeffectively complement each others role and

avoid duplication of facilities. In portions ofthe City that are fully or nearly fullydeveloped, and acquisition of a new park siteis not feasible, joint use of an existing schoolsite during non-school hours should beinvestigated with the School District.Cooperation between allied agencies andmultiple use of public facilities would greatlybenefit the public.

5.4.3 Natural Streams and Flood

PlainsThere are three creeks of significance in theCity of Clearlake, Molesworth Creek, CacheCreek, and Burns Valley Creek (see Figure 8).While Molesworth and Cache Creeks possessnatural habitat and possible routes for futuretrail corridors, Burns Valley Creek and itsassociated flood plain provides a rareopportunity for the City to convert portions ofthe 100 Year Flood Plain to open space andrecreation resource. The Burns Valley Creek

drainage corridor and flood plain is anexcellent natural resource and wildlife habitat.The adjoining flood plain could provide theCity the badly needed space for a sizablecommunity park, athletic facility, habitatprotection areas, and a linear parkway withmulti-use trails running the length of theCreek from the City limit to Clear Lake, adistance of approximately three miles.

The City working with Lake County should

actively pursue funding from FEMA and theState to acquire flood prone properties fromwilling sellers in the Burns Valley Creeks100 Year Flood Plain. Once the boundaries ofthe properties within the flood plain to beacquired have been determined, a naturalresource assessment of the area should beconducted. This information would be used to

help prepare a master plan for the futureCommunity Park and Parkway. Whensignificant numbers of parcels are acquired, alldwellings, unwanted structures and unwanted

vegetation from such sites should be removedand the sites returned to open space. As fundsbecome available and the City is able tomanage additional parklands, selected portionsof the acquired floodplain should bedeveloped into a community park withamenities such as athletic facilities, habitatprotection areas, and trails in conformancewith the adopted master plan. Planning anddesign of the park should be done in such amanner to accommodate periodic flooding.

The remainder of the property not presentlyneeded for park or preserved for habitat andwildlife protection could be leased forcompatible agricultural uses to generate somerevenue.

5.4.4 Adjacent Recreation Facilities

As noted in Chapter 4, the City of Clearlake islocated in a region that offers a multitude ofoutdoor recreational opportunities provided bythe County, State and Federal Agencies. Most

prominent of which is the adjacent ClearLake. Parks, open space areas and preserveslocated in close proximity to the City ofClearlake provide an additional level ofrecreational opportunities to the residents ofClearlake. Although the Citys focus and theintent of this Master Plan is principally on theCitys Parks and facilities, the activities of theother parks and open space agencies with parkresources in close proximity to Clearlakeshould be of keen interest to the City since

these facilities greatly enhance the quality oflife for the residents of Clearlake, and accountfor significant part of the local touristeconomy.


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Figure 8 100 Year Flood Areas


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5.5 Park Planning Areas

The four Park Planning Areas, as illustrated inFigure 9, have been established with City

Staff for the purpose of planning the City ParkSystem. The boundaries of the PlanningAreas were chosen as a way of definingneighborhoods within the City.

Planning Area 1, Clearlake Park, is locatednorth of Olympic Drive and west of BurnsValley Road. There is presently noneighborhood or community park in theClearlake Park Area. Planning Area 1 had apopulation, based on the 2000 census, of

2,632 people which translates to a total parkacreage need of 13 acres of which 7.9 acresshould be Neighborhood Park and 5.1 acresshould be for a Community Park.

Based on population projection for the next 10years, this planning areas population shouldgrow to 3,448 with an associated park acreageneed of 17 acres.

Planning Area 2, Clearlake Highlands, islocated between Olympic Dr. and Lakeshore

Dr., and north of Hayes Ave. and east ofBurns Valley Rd. This area is presentlyserved by the 22.5 acres Austin Park andHarvey Field, and the 1.5 acres HighlandPark. This Area had a population, based onthe 2000 census, of 4,651 people whichtranslates to a total park acreage need of 23acres of which 13.8 acres should beNeighborhood Park and 9.2 should beCommunity Park. Presently, Planning Area 2has a total of 24 acres of park land, indicating

that the Planning Area 2 is present adequatelyserved park acreage wise.


Planning Area 3, Highlands Harbor, islocated south of Lakeshore Dr. and west ofState HWY 53. This area is presently servedby the 15.7 acres Redbud Park and Boat

Launch. This Area had a population, based onthe 2000 census, of 3,048 people whichtranslates to a total park acreage need of 15.2acres of which 9.1 acres should beNeighborhood Park and 6.0 acres should beCommunity Park. Presently, Planning Area 3is meeting the park acreage requirementsstatistically, though many more NeighborhoodPark type improvements need to be providedat Redbud Park.


Planning Area 4, Chapman Track, is locatedeast of State HWY 53 and south of HayesAve. There is presently neither aneighborhood nor a community park in theChapman Track Area. This Area had apopulation, based on the 2000 census, of2,811 people which translates to a total park

acreage need of 14.0 acres of which 8.4 acresshould be Neighborhood Park and 5.6 acresshould be Community Park. Except for theexistence of Oak Hill Middle School andYuba College site, this area is presentlydeficient of 14 acres of park land.



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Figure 9 Planning Areas


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In total, there is a current need of 65 acres ofpark land in the City of Clearlake whereasthere exists presently 39.7 acres, or a deficitcurrently of 25.3 acres of parkland. Further

more, in ten years, the City population isprojected to increase from 13,142 to 17,216with the need for 85 acres of total park land.

5.6 Recreation Needs Survey

During the Spring of 2002, City Staffcontacted individuals, community groups,organizations and school classes to fill out aPark Needs Survey, a copy of the surveyquestionnaire is located in Appendix C.

Approximately 350 survey questionnaireswere completed and returned. ProfessorLyons of the Yuba College and his classassisted to tabulate the results of the survey.

Survey questions were structured to elicitresponses from City residents regarding theiropinions on the existing City parks, felt needsand concerns, recreation preferences, andinformation regarding the survey participants.The following is the result of the Survey:

5.6.1

Existing City Parks:

1) Austin Park 60-70% of the respondentsindicated that the park was maintained in afair or better condition; over 40 % of therespondents felt that the athletic fields andplay equipment were poorly maintained;40% of the respondents were concernedabout visiting the park at night (this park isnot intended for night time use); as withmost park needs survey, the cleanliness ofthe restroom was rated poor or worse by60% of the respondents.

2) Highland Park Well over 50% of therespondents rated the maintenance of thispark as fair or better. This park also isconsidered unsafe to visit at night by 22%of the respondents, though it is notintended for such use. The high

percentage (25%-30%) of no opinion inquestions 7-10 regarding this park mayindicate that this park is generally not wellused.

3)

Redbud Park / Boat Launch From72%-78% of the respondents indicated thatthe park was maintained in a fair or bettercondition; the 36% of the respondentsconcerned about visiting the park at nightmay also include the fishing/boatingsegment of the residents who feel unsafeafter dusk. The high rate of dissatisfaction(48%) with the cleanliness of the restroommust he addressed.

5.6.2

Future Park Facilities1) While the respondents indicated very little

support for joint use of school facilities forrecreational purpose (4.6%), they weremuch more supportive of developing newfacilities on park land and school sitestogether (58%).

2) On the question of the City placing itsemphasis on future park development,there appears to be strong support (58%)

for improving the existing parks while alsoacquiring new park lands for newfacilities.

3) Regarding what types of parks and naturalareas are most needed in the City, therewas no clear indication that any one typeof park or natural area was most needed.Community Park with organized parkfacilities came out on top withNeighborhood Park second, third wasnatural open space areas, forth greater

access to Clear Lake, and lastly small miniparks.

4)

On the question of which age group shouldthe City place its future emphasis for parkimprovements, the ranking was as follows:teenagers (27%), youth (25%), preschool


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(18%), adults (16%), and lastly seniors(14%).

5.6.3 Policy Questions

1)

There was 70% support for prohibitingalcoholic beverages from certain parks,while 23% disagreed. On the question ofrequiring liability insurance for use ofalcohol, there was 64% for and 21%against, with 15% no opinions.

2) Respondents supported having the Cityparks open from dawn to dusk, exceptingfor parks with lighted facilities, by amargin of 72% to 23%.

3)

Regarding user fees, the respondents werealmost equally divided with 46% for and42% against. Respondents indicated by amargin of 40% to 50% that they did notsupport reservations and deposits for useof some park facilities.

5.6.4 Recreation Preferences

1)

When residents were asked what theirmost popular recreation activities were, of37 differing responses, the most frequently

mentioned in descending order were: 127-Swimming, 85-biking, 63-hiking, 64-BBQpicnic, 58-fishing, 55-basketball, 49-boating, 49-baseball, 45-camping, 42-football, 26-soccer, 23- rollerblading, 20-jogging, 20-Tennis, 19-roller skating, 18-volley ball, 16-dirt bike, 13-swinging, 11-water sports.

2) When residents were asked what City,county or Regional park their families visitmost frequently, of 221 differing

responses, 40% said Austin and its skatepark, 27% Redbud Park, 1% HighlandPark, 1% Anderson State Park, and 31 %others.

3)

When residents were asked whatrecreation facility or park improvementthey think is most lacking, of 426

responses, the most frequently mentionedin descending order: 117-recreationalactivities, 41- activities for children, 40-public pools, 35-mainenance, 30-

security/unsafe, 20-bathrooms, 18-biketrails, 17-basketball courts, 14-activitiesfor teens, 14- landscape trees, 12-BMXtrack, 10-hikingtrails, 10-roller skate rink

4)

When residents were asked if therespondent or their family would visitClearlakes parks more frequently if theabove suggested service/improvementswere provided, of 163 responses, 96%responded affirmatively.

5.6.5

Information about theSurvey Respondents

1) Based on the survey results, therespondents were 40% male and 60%female. 6% had lived in the City for lessthan one year, 26% had lived in the cityfor 1-5 years, 22% from 6-10 years, 31%from 11-20 years, and 14% over 20 years.2% of the respondents were 12 years orless, 48% were 13-18 years old, 8% were19-25 years old, 16% were 26-35 yearsold, 21% were 36-55 years old, and 5%were over 55 years old. The respondentsrepresented a good cross section of thecommunity with 24% from Planning Area1, 33% from Planning Area 2, 15% fromPlanning Area 3, and 28% from PlanningArea 4.

2) Data indicated that 20% of the respondentslived in a household that had someone 12years or younger, 25% in a household with

13-18 years old, 25% in a household thatincluded 19-40 years old, 20% in ahousehold with 41-55 years old, and 10%from a household with a person 56 yearsor older. 4% of the respondents camefrom a household of one, 19% came froma household of two, 26% came from ahousehold three, 16% came from a


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household of four, and 35% came from ahousehold of five or more.

3) 21% of the respondents came from ahousehold with a person requiring specialaccommodations for the disabled.

4) For the income year 2000, respondentsindicated that 17% came from a householdwith an income less than $13,000, 20%from a household with income between$13,001-$19,300, 19% from householdwith income between $19,301-$30,900,12% from household with income between$30,901-$38,600, 11% from householdwith income between $38,601- $46,300,

and 21% from households with incomegreater than $46,301.

5.7 Trends Affecting Park andRecreation

The VIP (Vision, Insight, Planning) Projectconducted by the California Park andRecreation Societys (CPRS) CreatingCommunity in the 21st Century report lookedat the trends affecting parks and recreation

field. This summary is based on that report,Trend Analysis for Park and Recreation:2000 and Beyond written by Tapan Munroe,Ph.D. In this report, Dr. Munroe looks at theemerging trends and issues that will beshaping the future and the implications for thepark and recreation industry in California.

California Economy

1) Parks and Recreation are a criticalcomponent of Californias growing

economy, and communities such asClearlake which relies so much on tourismas an integral part of the local economyneeds to take an active role in developing,maintaining and promoting local parks andrecreation opportunities.

2) Parks and Recreation activities is a part ofthe larger Tourism and Hospitality

Industry that accounts for over $30 billionof Californias annual economy. As such,Parks and Recreation Agencies need todevelop joint marketing campaigns with

the local and regional tourism andconvention bureaus for maximumeconomic benefit.

Community Economic Vitality and Other

Economic Impacts

Park and Recreation is a Critical Factor incommunity economic vitality and particularlyin competing with other communities fordesirable industries. Some of the quality oflife factors that most businesses consider in

business retention and relocation includephysical environment, recreation amenities,cultural amenities, and climate. The quality ofparks, recreation, and open spaceopportunities in Clearlake is a vital part inattracting and keeping business.

Demographic, Social, and Cultural Trends

1) Population growth and increased parkusage will place greater burdens on theState, regional, and local park agencies to

maintain existing parks and developadditional parks and recreation facilities tomeet the growing demand. This willconsequently require additional and newfunding means to acquire, develop, staff,and maintain the needed park andrecreation facilities.

2) Growing ethnic diversity of the State andlocal population will require greaterunderstanding of cultural preferences,sensitivities, needs, and the need of trainedstaff to cater to the changing cliental. Parkfacilities will need to be user-friendly to adiverse population.

3) The increasing population of elderly andretirees will be more active, morefinancially secure, will be very influential,and will be more demanding of services.


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They will require new and growing levelof recreational / educational services whilealso being a reservoir of potentialresources for community service that

Parks and Recreation agencies shouldutilize.

4) Income inequality and urban and ruralpoverty continues to grow even asmajority of Californians continues toprosper. This new inequality is based onlack of training, education, andinflexibility to changing workplace. Parkand recreation facilities and programs needto be sensitive to this trend and createprograms to increase access to those withlimited means. Recreation programs thatalso help to build work related skills andjob mobility should be encouraged.

5) Meeting the challenge of crime, violence,and concern for personal safety willcontinue to be a major issue. Thetraditional response of more police, longerjail terms, and more prisons is not solvingthe problem. There is also considerableevidence that crime rate drops when open

space and recreation opportunities areexpanded and improved. Communitiesmust understand that providing a higherlevel of park and recreation programs canbe a cost effective way of loweringjuvenile crime by engaging young peoplein creative and healthy activities. Park andRecreation agencies can play an importantrole in collaborating with police,community development department,community organizations, and business to

enhance community livability.6) Quest for economic sustainability and

environmental stewardship becomes agreater and greater issue as Californiansbecome more concerned with thesustainability of their communities andlifestyles. Park and Recreation needs tobecome more aware of the long-term

socioeconomic and environmental benefitsof parks and recreation programs.

7) Increased focus on choice and personalautonomy by customers via technologymeans that the park and recreation fieldmust also learn to customize andpersonalize services to effectively competewith private business. This means thatPark and Recreation must embraceinformation and computer technology inthe design and delivery of programs andservices, customize programs withcustomer need in mind, and embracetechnology that would help to run morecost-effective programs and operations.

8)

Emerging trends in business particularly inthe area of privatization of services offergreater flexibility, help to reduce cost, andimprove customer satisfaction. Most Parkand Recreation agencies are alreadyutilizing private contractors for programinstructors and team officials. Somecommunities are using contract parkmaintenance effectively. Privatization ofother aspects of park and recreation

services may also become more commonin the future.

9) If opportunities exist, communities shouldtake advantage of ways to create park andopen space by utilizing programs such asdecommissioning of military bases, reuseof unused utility corridors, reuse of unusedroad right-of-ways, reuse of old landfills,and reuse of vacant lots obtained via taxforeclosures, etc.

Changing Technology and the

Communications Revolution

1) Technology is changing how people viewwhere they live and work. For many now,where they live and work is the sameplace. Also for senior employees ofcompanies, time spent away from theoffice working is increasing. Park and


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recreation needs to take advantage of thisflexible schedule by offering programs forteleworkers and by providing 24 hourfacilities.

2)

Technology will mean that manybusinesses will no longer need to be inurban centers, employees will be able tofunction in separated, dispersed locationslinked via computers. The consequence ofthis will be that cities will change fromemployment centers to centers of cultureand possibly recreation. With the use oftechnology, park and recreation can be thelink that prevents isolation and lonelinessof the decentralized workers by providingflexible programs that caters to suburbanareas where people will live and work.

3) Technology and the changing homes ofthe future will also provide yet anotheropportunity for providing services to theresidents. Homes of the future will bemore than a place to relax, rest, andentertain friends, it will also be a place toobtain a broad range of services via theInternet. Parks and Recreation needs to be

positioned to take advantage of this up-coming change.

Time Use Patterns

1) Speeding up of American Life andincreasing concerns about LeisureProductivity means that Park andRecreation programs that are short,effective, and highly focused will meetwith greater customer satisfaction.

2) Time deepening and increasing stress

being experienced by majority ofAmericans means that Park and Recreationcan play an important role in helping torelieve stress by providing a broad rangeof programs and activities that deal withstress and lifestyle management.

3) Recreation as a status symbol means thatthe separation between work and leisure-

related activities is becoming blurred.Many recreational skills are taking on thestatus of career and job related factors.Park and Recreation needs to take

advantage of this trend by offeringprograms that provide relaxation andfitness benefits while also helping peoplein their careers.

4)

Park and Recreation can play a major rolein educating the public about the dangersof the couch potato syndrome. Alternativechoices should be available through Parksand Recreation which can have significantbenefits on health and the quality of lifefor the participants.

5)

Time deepening and increasing stressbeing experienced by majority ofAmericans means that Park and Recreationcan play an important role in helping torelieve stress by providing a broad rangeof programs and activities that deal withstress and lifestyle management.

6) Recreation as a status symbol means thatthe separation between work and leisure-related activities is becoming blurred.

Many recreational skills are taking on thestatus of career and job related factors.Park and Recreation needs to takeadvantage of this trend by offeringprograms that provide relaxation andfitness benefits while also helping peoplein their careers.

7) Park and Recreation can play a major rolein educating the public about the dangersof the couch potato syndrome. Alternativechoices should be available through Parksand Recreation which can have significantbenefits on health and the quality of lifefor the participants

5.8 Facilities

Since this is the first Parks Master Plan for theCity of Clearlake and park facilities standards


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have not been adopted, the following Figure10, Suggested Park Facilities Standard forCity of Clearlake, is recommended as thestarting point for establishing the recreational

facility needs for the City of Clearlake. Thesestandards have been adopted by many localcommunities to identify the types andnumbers of recreational facilities that shouldbe available in their community based on thenumber of people residing in the area.

When considered with the existingrecreational facilities available in the existingCity Parks, the school sites, and the YubaCommunity College Campus, and service area

standards, this information will help toidentify what facilities need to be consideredfor inclusion in new park developments andfor renovation of existing parks and possiblyfor school sites.

This park/facility analysis and the Citys needto fund parkland acquisition and developmentcan be greatly influenced by joint use ofschool sites. The joint-use agreements that theCity maintains or is able to develop with theSchool Districts can greatly affect the Citys

need for additional parklands and facilities inPlanning Areas 1, 2 and 4. This is not asalvation for all of the Citys Neighborhoodand Community Park needs, but by sharingturf areas, sports fields, facilities and multi-purpose rooms at school sites, the City may beable to satisfy some of the park facilitystandard, and utilize whatever funds that maybe available or secured to acquire or developother facilities that are otherwise not available.However, access to school facilities is often

limited by school activities and may notcontinue in perpetuity as school districts needchange. Certain school facilities, such asgymnasiums, may not be available to Citysrecreation programs at all due to thescheduling demands of scholastic or sportsactivities.

There also may be charges associated with useof some of the school facilities that must beassessed for recreational programs. In anyevent, it is to the interest of the City and the

School Districts to cooperate and develop aworkable joint use arrangement for schoolfacilities since the property owners andresidents are party to and fund both entities.

Analysis of re

clearlake master parks plan 2003-13

Documents