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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-24 - AGENDA REPORTS - WHITES CYN PARK MP APPROVAL (2)Agenda Item: J CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT NEW BUSINESS City Manager Approval: Item to be presented by: Wayne Weber DATE: February 24, 2004 SUBJECT: WHITES CANYON PARK MASTER PLAN APPROVAL - PROJECT NUMBER: P3002 DEPARTMENT: Parks, Recreation & Community Services RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council approve the Whites Canyon Park Master Plan - Project Number: P3002. BACKGROUND The approval of the Weston/Landmark Project in 1991 included the dedication of approximately 32 acres to the City of Santa Clarita as a public park. The park site is located north of Canyon High School and consists of steep topography with a number of ridges and valleys. As part of the project approval, the developer made a financial commitment of $700,000 to the City for park site development. The development agreement made provisions for an annual increase in the fee amount based on the Consumer Price Index, and fees in the amount of $796,559 were paid. The land donation and the fee payment satisfied the developer's parkland obligation for the project. Consistent with City policy and all park master plans, a public participation process was held to obtain community input. The public participation process for this project consisted of three main components. The three components included: (1) evaluation of existing site conditions, (2) Community site awareness tour and workshops, and (3) conceptual design development. This process provided for the necessary site evaluations and the folding together of Community input consistent with the City's park development standards. The master planning process for this project began in June 2002, with technical data collection and a site analysis by the consultant and staff. On May 17, 2003, residents attended a site awareness tour and planning workshop facilitated by the consultant team of RIM Design. The City's outreach program for this meeting exceeded the City's standard approach, and consisted of newspaper advertisements, posting on two sign boards on site, and a mass mailing of meeting notices to over 900 residents and community organizations. A good cross-section of organized sports and general recreational users were represented at this workshop as well as the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission members and City staff. From this workshop, staff worked with the consultant to develop a draft Master Plan. Due to the steep topography and cost associated with grading, the Master Plan calls for a passive park which would follow the existing topography. Other features of the park would include a small passive turf area, play area, restrooms, picnic shelter, walking paths, and overlook areas offering sweeping views of the Santa Clara River and the Santa Clarita Valley. The draft Master Plan was presented for public review at a second public meeting on June 26, 2003. Meeting announcements were sent to all of those attending the first meeting workshop and others who requested to be notified. This meeting was well attended by residents, staff, and a member of the City Council. Several questions were raised regarding budget status, the original developer's design plan, and joint use with Canyon High School. A third public meeting was held on September 17, 2003, to address the Community's questions raised at the previous meeting. The budget history and a complete analysis of the developer's original plans were explained. RIM Design presented the Master Plan for review and comment. Residents attending this community meeting expressed their general satisfaction that the plan accurately represents a consensus of their input. The Whites Canyon Park Master Plan was presented to and approved by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission on November 6, 2003. The William S. Hart Union High School District expressed interest early on in developing a portion of the site. The Master Plan presented to the City Council has provisions to allow the school district to address their parking and future community facility needs along Nadal Street. A subsequent agreement will likely be presented to the City Council addressing these issues at a later date. Based on current estimates, and the attached park Master Plan, Whites Canyon Park will cost approximately $2.75 million to design and construct. Council approval of the Whites Canyon Park Master Plan will allow the staff to refine its estimates for design and environmental work for future budget consideration. In the future, upon completion of an environmental analysis in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project will be brought to the Planning Commission and City Council for review and approval of the design and any impacts which may result from the construction and operation of the park facility. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Other action as determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT No fiscal impact by this action. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A - Whites Canyon Park Master Plan Attachment B - Proposed Whites Canyon Park Fact Sheet 41 , 49, mcm To :rA uj V) cn IL ATTACHMENT B PROPOSED WHITES CANYON PARK FACTSHEET Origin of the Proiect • In 1991 the City took ownership of the 32 -acre site as part of a development agreement. • In 1998, also pursuant to the development agreement, a subsequent owner paid to the City the sum of $796,559 toward park improvements. • City Council allocated $100,000 for the master planning of the site in the Fiscal Year 2001-02 Budget. Site Features • The site features steep topography with two major ridge lines and an elevation change of 200'. • Easements for sewer and storm drain facilities are located along Whites Canyon Road. • Preliminary technical information indicates there are unstable landslide areas on site. Master Plan Features Approximately 5.5 acres of developed park area with the remaining acreage retained in a natural state with existing trails. Other features to include: • A 150' deceleration/turning lane on Whites Canyon turning into the park. • Passive turf areas. • Restroom facility with sewer connection. • Picnic shelter. • Parking for approximately 20 vehicles. • Shade structures. • Fully accessible children's play area/tot lot. • Concrete walkways and natural trails. • Open turf areas. • Scenic overlook areas. • Natural open space areas. • A future parking/facility area accessible from Nadal Street.