Item 14 - Parks, Facilities, Trails and Open Space Master Plan

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PRECEDENT PLANNING DOCUMENTS The PIMP builds on findings from several previous plans and studies. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND EIR (2022) The PIMP was developed concurrently as the City of Santa Ana completed its General Plan update, a process that extended from 2015- 2022. The General Plan sets forth the City's long-range goals and policies that reflect the aspirations and values of residents, landowners, businesses and organizations within the community. The Open Space Element of the General Plan defines policies and actions to guide the provision and future development of parks and open space. In doing so, it recognizes the critical role open space plays with regards to quality of life, environmental impacts due to climate change and urbanization, neighborhood character, and balancing the city's overall health. Since parks and recreation is integral to many City services, the Community Element, Mobility Element, and Conservation Element of the General Plan also include policies related to the City's park and recreation system. PARKS RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES AGENCY SERVICE & FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY STUDY (2020) In an effort to continually improve and enhance services and overall organizational effectiveness, City staff and community members participated in a comprehensive process to address financial sustainability of the park and recreation system through the creation of a Resource Allocation and Cost Recovery Philosophy, Model, Policy, and a Services Assessment. This process and its outcomes will serve to guide the City in evaluating service provision strategies to ensure they are running at optimal levels, and the system is sustainable in the long term. SANTA ANA ZOO FACILITIES MASTER PLAN (2018) Adopted in 2018, the Santa Ana Zoo Facilities Master Plan identifies the goals and principles that will guide the development and enhancement of the Santa Ana Zoo over the next 15-20 years. Findings were based on a facility inventory, evaluation, and review of development concepts to define the City's approach for site management and improvements. COMMUNITY ARTS AND CULTURAL MASTER PLAN (2016) Santa Ana's first Arts and Cultural Master Plan was completed following the 2014 formation of the City's Arts Commission. This plan identifies the infrastructure and resources needed to support and promote Santa Ana's heritage and identity through the arts, by fostering cultural and creative industries in the city over the next ten years. SOUTH MAIN VISION PLAN (2016) The South Main Vision Plan re -imagined the south Main Street corridor, a 2-mile segment from First Street to Warner Avenue with direct adjacencies to six park -deficient neighborhoods. Although the plan's objectives were to revitalize the area, encourage redevelopment, and foster local businesses, two other priorities emerged: increasing walkability and protecting open space. Plan recommendations pointed to opportunities to provide greenspace within the right-of-way and a via a public -private "pop-up" park collaborative. THE IMPORTANCE OF PARKS AND RECREATION Until now, Santa Ana has not had a Parks Master Plan to help prioritize investment. While the City offers less park acreage than many neighboring cities, Santa Ana has not had a cohesive strategy to improve existing parks and increase green space. Today, the City of Santa Ana is looking to adopt a new approach to ensure that all residents have access to quality parks and recreation opportunities. The approach responds to the realization that parks are integral to our quality of life. CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 0