2010-025 - Create the Urban Neighborhood Land Use Designation

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LAND USE ELEMENT OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION "1'he Open Space land use designation covers a variety of public and private land uses including, but not limited co, parkland, golFcourses, cemeteries, railroad rights-of--way, riverbeds and creek beds. "I-hc common theme among these properties is that they contain little or no development and provide opportunities for the active or passive enjoyment oFan open space. Open spaces are further discussed in the Open Space and Recreation Element. "1'he City has i8 parks and recreation facilities, and operates playgrounds at several school sites. 'I"hc City parks cover approximately 358 acres.'I'he City also maintains three senior citizen centers and two community service centers. Kcy issues considered in the f~rmulacion of this Land Use Element include the Following: Open Space Standards.'I'hc City's current standard for parkland is 2.0 acres per 1,000 residcncs.'l~his standard is relatively conservative. By comparison, die National Parks and Recreation Association recommends a standard of between 2.5 to S.O acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents- The parkland co population ratio is currently at 1.2 acres per thousand population. In 1980, the parkland ratio was 1J acres pertliousand population, butwith substantial increases ofchc City's population during the 1980'x, new parks have notbcen developed at a rate sufhicicnt to maintain or increase the City's parkland ratio. Open Space Nced. Based on the City's current 200J-1~9~17 population of 355.(62_'_'~o residents (State of California DcpartmcncoFFinance), a coral 7116'}-3 acres of parkland would be required to meet the 2 acre per 1,000 residents standard. '['he City currently has 35ti9 acres ofparkland. Park Utilization. Park use is very heavy during the late afternoon and early evening hours throughout most of the week particularly during the summer months. Because ofchc heavy use and the lack offunds available for capital improvements and routine maintenance, there is presently a need to replace and improve eyuipmcnt at all existing pa rks, espccia Ily children's playground eyuipmcnt. The City has a park acquisition development fund which is utilized for new park development. • Joint Use. Regional parks near the City ofSa nra Ana which may be utilized by residents include the \~ilc Square Regional park in Fountain Valley and Fairview Regional Park in Costa Mcsa. Mile Square Regional Park is located on a 640-acre site near the southwest boundary of the CGity. The Fairview Regional ['ark is locatcxl southwest oFSanca Ana, and includes 210 acres of park land. In addition, the City of Santa Ana and the school districts have joint use agreements for school play fields and parks. Also, Newport Beach which has excellent public access and facilities is Icss than 20 minutes from Santa Ana. Resolution No. 20'10-025 Page 106 of 107 v. t .rc CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN A-63 ~J f i _' Y S..t 9 ~.