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

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Parks, Facilities, Trails and Open Space Master Plan May 17, 2022 Page 3 10-Year Recommendations Santa Ana is anticipated to grow to a population of 362,591 over the next 10 years. In addition to adding parks to meet the needs of new growth, the community is demanding a significant increase in parkland to support improved park access for all. The recently adopted General Plan sets a long-range goal to provide three acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents in the future. As a 10-year investment strategy and action plan, the PMP provides detailed guidance and priorities to take the first step: increasing the City's parkland to 1.5 acres per 1,000 residents. This acquisition strategy includes acquiring many smaller Neighborhood Parks and Pocket Parks, as well as acquiring or expanding existing Community Parks and Citywide Parks. If feasible, the greatest acreage would stem from acquiring the Willowick Golf Course and converting it to a multiuse Citywide Park. While focusing on new acquisitions, the PMP also recommends a variety of improvements and enhancements to existing sites. Cost And Investment Strategy If park acquisition requires purchasing new parkland at market rates, the total cost for all park acquisition, development, enhancements, and improvements could be $679 million. Adding new land and facilities could increase park maintenance costs to $5.2 million annually. These costs do not include the maintenance and development of trail corridors, which are identified in conjunction with transportation planning. It does not include costs associated with increased park activation, programming, administration, and operations. To implement these recommendations, the PMP identifies potential funding sources, prioritization tools, and a 12-step action plan for the next 10 years. Action Plan 1. Prioritize maintenance and asset management. 2. Increase park impact fees for new development. 3. Redirect other funds to parks. 4. Explore voter -approved tax measures and other public and private support. 5. Create a park opportunity fund. 6. Pursue key land acquisition opportunities. 7. Develop the Golden Loop and Key trail corridors. 8. Evaluate additional park acquisition opportunities. 9. Explore other acquisition mechanisms as an alternative to direct purchase. 10. Update joint -use agreements with SAUSD. 11. Evaluate the return on investment before proceeding with major facility development. 12. Extend cost recovery recommendations to new programs and services. The PMP is a community -driven document, created because of the significant community interest in enhancing Santa Ana's park and recreation system. While the level of service recommended in this plan is not as high as some residents would like to see, a substantial investment will be necessary to provide 1.5 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, plus the quality facilities, trails, programs, events, and services desired. To achieve this vision, elected officials, voters, businesses, community organizations, volunteers, donors, and