Receive the report and provide direction to Staff as regarding future projects within Encinitas Community Park

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1 MEETING DATE: May 18, 2018 PREPARED BY: Jim O Grady Interim Director DEPT. DIRECTOR: Jim O Grady DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation CITY MANAGER: Karen P. Brust SUBJECT: ENCINITAS COMMUNITY PARK ONE-YEAR UPDATE RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive the report and provide direction to Staff as regarding future projects within Encinitas Community Park STRATEGIC PLAN: This item relates to the Recreation Focus Area in promoting active lifestyles and community health by furthering access to trails, parks, beaches and other recreational opportunities through maintaining, improving, and restoring recreational infrastructure. FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS: This is no direct impact associated with the Staff recommendation. This report identifies a number of smaller short-term projects that are intended to be funded through the Department s annual operating budget. Larger, longer-term projects will be considered as part of the City s ongoing Capital Improvement Program. BACKGROUND: On January 10, 2015, the City of Encinitas officially opened the Encinitas Community Park. This park was the culmination of years of planning and over $40 million dollars for acquisition, design and construction. The park currently includes sports fields, restrooms, a concession area, trails, picnic areas, a dog park, and a skateboard park. The master plan for this park envisions such additional features as an aquatic park, a teen center, and additional elements such as shade structures, an amphitheater and gazebo. These additional features are not currently funded in the City s adopted Capital Improvement program. At the time that the park opened, the City Council requested that the Staff provide a one-year evaluation of the park. The Parks and Recreation Commission first considered this report at its meeting of April 19, The Commission requested additional time to consider the report to provide recommendations to the City Council regarding Encinitas Community Park. This item is scheduled for further consideration at the Commission s May 17, 2016 meeting. Staff will Item 10D 1 of 22

2 provide Council with an oral update regarding the Commission s discussion and recommendations as part of the Staff presentation of this item. ANALYSIS: In the year since the park s opening, the park has quickly become a premier community destination. Observations and field use statistics tell us that the park is well used by the community with over 1,500 visitors per week using the Skate Park, over 1,000 dog owners using the Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park each week, and several hundred participants and spectators using the athletic fields on nearly a daily basis, and dozens more enjoying the tranquility of the paths and picnic areas. Furthermore, the park is a social media hit with nearly 9,000 Instagram impressions every two weeks, and a top rating on Yelp for the Dog Park. In addition to monitoring usage, Staff has talked with numerous people, received over 40 s, and made regular observations regarding the park s operation. As a result, a number of changes have been made to the park to better meet the needs of its users, facilitate maintenance, or improve safety. A detailed listing of these observations is included in Attachment 1, with some of the more significant improvements / maintenance practices as follows: - Installation of a decorative metal fence around portions of the skate park to prevent skaters and skates from entering the sidewalk and drive areas. - Installation of anti-graffiti coatings on park benches. - Installation of automatic gates at the Dog Park to facilitate closure after daylight hours. - Enlarged the small dog area by re-purposing a planter area. - Regular aerification and addition of sand and amendments to improve soil quality in high-traffic areas, such as the dog park and athletic fields. These areas are also closed periodically to allow grass to recover from very high usage. - Installation of lodgepole fencing to help preserve a large coral tree that preceded the park s development. - Installation of temporary fencing to protect a bioswale area in the Dog Park. This also addresses issues raised by dog owners when their dogs would emerge quite muddy after rainfall events. - Planting of additional screening plants near the Dog Park to afford greater privacy for a nearby residence. - Installation of additional, somewhat larger recycling containers at key locations (in progress) Some additional projects that are under consideration include: - Discuss with the sports leagues possible installation of sleeves in the baseball outfields to allow leagues to install temporary fencing during games to designate home runs. - Discuss with sports leagues possible ways to increase use of the concession stand. - Construct a pad or sleeves at the east end of the north soccer field to better secure the large goals. - Consult with Dog Park users to determine the desirability of fencing to prevent dogs from running in the sloped planter areas at the far end of the park. - Install lodgepole fencing to replace the temporary fencing in the Dog Park area and limited other locations to delineate bioswale and drainage areas. - Explore the feasibility of controls to allow dimming and/or turning off selected security lighting to reduce energy use and lighting when the park is closed. - Install pathways where users have demonstrated a desire for a more direct route such as from the northeast parking lot to the nearby park trail and outfield. - Install signs or trail markers to designate distances along the main park trails Item 10D 2 of 22

3 - Developing designs and cost estimates for 36-inch box trees or shade structures to provide shade in key areas such as the dog park and playground areas. - Explore with the sports leagues the feasibility of installing storage areas. Such storage would need to be in keeping with the quality and overall design of the park. - Install additional signage for maintenance, security and education in strategic locations. - Review the effectiveness of, and alternatives to, the current Park Host program at Encinitas Community Park. - Re-energize efforts to secure community donations including re-activation of the donor brick program. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines. The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1 Encinitas Community Park First Year Summary Report Attachment 2 PowerPoint Presentation Item 10D 3 of 22

4 Attachment 1 ENCINITAS COMMUNITY PARK FIRST YEAR SUMMARY Since the park opening on January 10, 2015, the park has become a popular destination, as exhibited by the high level of daily activity, with an average of 8,976 Instagram impressions every two weeks, and a top rating on Yelp for the Maggie Houlihan Dog Park. Park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The Skate Park, Dog Park and Athletic Fields operate 8 a.m. to sunset, an average of 10 hours per day. The Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) provides diverse recreational opportunities and programs for people and pets within a structured and unstructured setting at Encinitas Community Park (ECP). Through programming and the permit process, staff balances varied community uses that provide recreational opportunities supporting active lifestyles and community health while serving community needs and interests. PRD staff completed park site visits Monday through Friday from January to December 2015, twice a day (morning and afternoon), spending on average 15 to 25 minutes per visit in each area, observing and documenting use. During site visits, staff interacted with the public, observed all areas and amenities of the park and documented information. Daily documentation included a random hourly sampling of visitor counts in the various park areas. Weekly drop-in visitor estimates include: 1,591 visitors are patronizing the Skate Park, 1,004 dog owners and 1,318 dogs are patronizing the Dog Park, and typically, several hundred visitors are patronizing the athletic fields each day. Seven youth leagues (SCORE) shared athletic field use for a total 4,993 hours or 57% of the calendar year. The following summaries categorize findings by park area and include observations, comments, actions and/or recommendations for addressing issues. 1. Skate Park 1 Observations and/or Public Comments Skating out of the plaza into pedestrian and traffic areas 2 Excess trash and litter 3 4 Damaged tree in the volcano element Riding of BMX bikes in skate park 5 Skating on park sidewalks Actions for Addressing Issues Fencing added at the north entrances for increased Safety Skate Stoppers installed on parking lot curbs Added trash and recycling containers near the concrete and turf viewing gallery Communication with skate park stakeholders requesting their influence to positively encourage disposing of trash and recycling materials Removed the tree at the request of the skating community and covered the soil area for safety Posted signs prohibit the use of bikes Posted signs prohibit skating outside of skate park Staff communicates with skate park stakeholders requesting their influence to positively encourage compliance Citizens are directed to report incidents to the Sheriff s Department Item 10D 4 of 22

5 6 Parents complaining about drug use, altercations between skaters and homeless persons and feeling unsafe Observations and/or Public Comments Attachment 1 Staff communicates with skate park stakeholders requesting their influence to positively encourage compliance Citizens are directed to report incidents to the Sheriff s Department Recommendations for Addressing Issues 7 Lack of shade Shade structures will be addressed during the Parks Master Planning process and/or CIP budget In summary, staff has successfully mitigated minor skate park related issues as detailed in the table above. Recommendations for further consideration include: continued collaboration with the Sheriff s Department on public safety issues, continued communication with skate park stakeholders and address the addition of shade structures in the citywide Parks Master Planning process and/or the CIP budget. 2. Dog Park Observations and/or Public Comments Small dog area under-utilized 1 due to size Patrons not picking up after 2 dogs Excess noise from gates 3 slamming shut 4 After-hours use 5 6 Observations and/or Public Comments Flooding of the small retention basin resulting in a mud area accessible to dogs Heavy use, strong urine smell and reclaimed water use 7 Lack of shade in the Dog Park 8 Dog waste not picked up in the planter areas with mulch 9 Turf Condition Actions for Addressing Issues Area was redesigned increasing the size of the small dog area Posted signage addressing dog park rules Added dog waste dispensers Installed a new spring mechanism for a softer close Posted signage address hours and rules Added an automatic locking gate at entrance Recommendations for Addressing Issues Added temporary fencing based on user requests and additional safety; permanent fencing is needed Area closes Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for turf cleaning, maintenance and odor control treatment Shade structures will be addressed during the Parks Master Planning process and/or CIP budget Separate the planter areas preventing dog access for environmental health Consider addition of an agility feature to replace the current hillside areas Dog Park closes May 2-27 and two weeks in September for scheduled turf renovation & ground maintenance Public notification will be provided In summary, staff has successfully addressed several areas of concern as detailed in the table above. Recommendations for further consideration include: installation of permanent fencing to prevent access to the retention basin, replacement of the entrance gates with a lighter weight product for quieter closures, separation of the planter areas to prevent dog access and address the addition of shade structures in the citywide Parks Master Planning process and/or the CIP budget. Additionally, due to the high level of daily activity, staff will continue to evaluate the Item 10D 5 of 22

6 Attachment 1 condition of the turf on a regular basis and determine the best maintenance practices necessary for optimal use. 3. Athletic Fields Observations and/or Public Comments Actions Addressing Issues 1 No dugout gates Installed baseball field dugout gates 2 Patrons did not comply with field closure signs 3 Off leash dogs on fields 4 Non permitted user groups 5 After-hours use Staff provides education and request for compliance with posted signs Posted signage to address park rules Citizens are directed to report incidents to the Animal Control Provided patrons the EMC requirements and contact information for future use Posted signage to address park rules User groups reminded of park hours 6 Vendors selling goods in Staff provided vendors with EMC requirements park Observations and/or Public Comments Recommendations for Addressing Issues 7 No outfield fences Work with leagues to explore temporary outfield fencing options 8 No soccer fence on the Preliminary discussion with leagues indicate that this is not an west end of Field 4 issue at this time and staff will continue monitoring 9 Limited storage space for Staff is strategizing with SCORE on options and this may be a user groups possible CIP project Encinitas Community Park Field 2 Closed: month of August 10 Field Conditions Field 1 and 4 Closed: month of May Field 3 and Practice Site Closed: month of July Explore soil aerification and amendments Explore relocation of soccer goals In summary, with a high demand for field space, continued collaboration between SCORE and staff is essential in maintaining a balance between field use and maintenance needs. Recommendations for further consideration include: working with SCORE to explore temporary fencing options, address limited facility storage, and continue to work to improve field conditions in high use areas. 4. Other Park Amenities Amenity Observations and/or Public Comments Actions for Addressing Issues 1 Playground After-hours use 2 Driving and Parking Vehicles speeding Requested additional patrols from Sheriff s Department Informed citizens to report incidents to the Sheriff s Department Informed citizens to report incidents to the Sheriff s Department Signs are being evaluated Item 10D 6 of 22

7 Attachment 1 3 Park Hours Inconsistent hours Established hours per the EIR Amenity Observations and/or Public Comments Recommendations for Addressing Issues 4 Picnic Areas Lack of shade 5 Playground Lack of shade 6 Restroom Lack of facilities 7 Park Egress 6 Security Lighting 9 Large retention basin on east side 10 Walking Trails 11 Pedestrian Crossing Blind spot when leaving the facility Desire for more control options Water not draining properly Pathways from parking lots Access ramp from MacKinnon 12 General Areas Information Signs Shade will be addressed during the Parks Master Planning process and/or CIP budget Shade will be addressed during the Parks Master Planning process and/or CIP budget Portables provided during major special events and heavy holiday use Restroom facilities will be addressed during the Parks Master Planning process and/or CIP budget Planning and PRD staff are researching this issue for a solution and creating an enhanced entrance Completed lighting repairs and investigating system control options Engineering completed repairs on the east side of park due to pipeline failure Add lodge pole fencing and signs around area Explore options for pathways from parking areas and mileage signs along the walking path Review additional cost and liability during the CIP process ~ possibly in conjunction with school/park accessibility project Additional small signs at the restrooms and other key locations providing contact information for maintenance and security issues Recommendations for further consideration include: addressing playground shade and sufficient restrooms in the citywide Parks Master Planning process and/or the CIP budget, reviewing options to address the blind spot when exiting the park, assessing pedestrian access from MacKinnon Avenue, installing signage to address vehicle speed and evaluating security lighting to determine the best scheduling options. 5. Special Operations Permits Encinitas Municipal Code 6.11 requires groups of 25 or more to obtain a special event permit to hold a gathering in public recreational areas. The PRD processed three minor use permits ( people) in Non-City Event Date/Time Estimated Attendance Public Comments 1 Coastal Dragons Youth Rugby Tournament June 27, am to 8 pm 350 in the am 350 in the pm One neighboring resident unhappy with the loud spectator cheering and parking on neighboring streets Item 10D 7 of 22

8 Attachment Private Event - Birthday Party Private Event - Picnic May 24, None received July 26, None received Major special events were deliberately not scheduled during the first year unless previously approved by the City Council and began with the park opening as described in the table below. City Event Date/Time Estimated Attendance Public Comments 1 Grand Opening 2 Spring Egg Hunt 3 Arbor Day 4 Pet Health Expo 5 Special Olympics Host Town Celebration 6 EXPOSURE Skate 7 Spring Egg Hunt Jan 10, , am to 2 pm April 4, am to 1 pm 3,000 May 16, am to 1 pm 200 June 13, am to 1 pm 750 July 23, :30 am to 3 pm 150 Nov 7, am to 5 pm Mar 26, am to 12 pm 5,000 2,500 Comments positive No complaints received Comments positive One neighboring resident unhappy with event street parking in front of their home None received Comments positive No complaints received Comments positive No complaints received Comments positive No complaints received Comments positive from attendees No complaints received All events and organized activity must comply with the EIR mitigation measures that include amplified sound, hours of operation, traffic and parking. Commercial Use Permits EMC Chapter 6.14 regulates commercial use or professional instruction on public recreational property. The permit application process provides City staff an opportunity to review the Commercial Operator s proposed plan and provide a balance between public use, private use, commercial use, as well as maintenance and operations. Through observations and community feedback staff learned of unauthorized commercial use activity and asked users to leave or, if eligible, obtain a permit. The Parks and Recreation Department issued one-commercial use permit during the first year of operations in accordance with the EMC Chapter 6.14 for the week of July for a soccer camp of 60. Staff received no public comments. In summary, observations and public comments received demonstrate that community members expect access to park amenities on a daily basis. Moving forward, staff will review special operations permit applications to best balance unstructured community daily use, commercial use, and private use of the park site Item 10D 8 of 22

9 Attachment 1 6. Park Maintenance The Parks and Recreation Department contracts for maintenance services at all park facilities. One Park Supervisor assigned to the park hours per week addressed landscape and maintenance issues and provided observations/feedback. Janitorial service consists of two janitorial laborers, seven days a week performing janitorial services including but not limited to restroom cleaning/sanitizing, trash pick-up, floor maintenance, waterless toilet maintenance, and odor control. Currently one service a day is provided except during the summer months when two services a day are provided. Due to the high facility use, recommendations going forward include servicing the restrooms twice a day all year long. Landscape maintenance service consists of three landscape laborers, seven days a week performing landscape maintenance including but not limited to trash pick-up, irrigation maintenance and repairs, plant replacement, mowing and trimming. Other miscellaneous contracted activities include, but are not limited to tree trimming, pest control and parking lot sweeping. The FY Parks Division maintenance budget is $1.795 million for all parks. First year of operations for ECP, including water, electricity and sewer, accounted for $377,000 of the total maintenance budget or 21 percent. In addition to regularly scheduled maintenance operations, completion of several unanticipated park improvements occurred during the first year totaling $23, Funding for these projects came from CP04G Park Improvement Projects fund. Described below is a summary of the projects. The total cost per acre is $8,568 compared to $6,134 per acre citywide. The overall maintenance cost is in keeping with projected budget estimates. Park Area Completed Improvements 1 Entrances Installed a park monument sign at MacKinnon entrance Installed a bike rack at south end of park 2 Trees Installed lodge pole fence around Coral tree due to tree decline and public safety 3 All Completed repairs to three recycled water mainlines 4 Restrooms Floor sealer applied to protect grout from staining 5 Irrigation Programmed runtimes on 372 irrigation stations after plant establishment period 6 Playground Three warranty items replaced on various playground equipment in the 5-12 year-old section 7 All Installation of additional (larger) recycling containers is in progress 7. Park Supervision The Parks and Recreation Department currently utilizes a Park Host at Encinitas Community Park on a full-time basis. The primary role of a Park Host is to have a visible presence in the park and serve as the eyes and ears for City staff and the Sheriff s Department. This is an unpaid position; however, the Park Host is provided space for a recreational vehicle, utility hook up and service at no cost. The current Park Host agreement states the Park Host is to be onsite between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily through December Due to the type of visitor questions received, it appears visitors do not understand the role of a Park Host. Listed on the entrance Item 10D 9 of 22

10 Attachment 1 signs, is the Parks Department telephone number; however, additional small signs at the restrooms and other key locations providing contact information for maintenance and security issues have been requested. The City contracts with the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services for animalrelated law enforcement, sheltering, medical, and adoption services. During the first year of operation, the County reported (7) activities, (25) patrols and (6) citations issued for dogs being at large. The San Diego County Sheriff s Department Calls for Service (CFS) report describes the service calls generated at ECP from January through December CFS is broken down per month and day of week and there is a listing of all CFS and their respective dispositions (Attachment A). The Sheriff s Department provided 143 calls for service from January to December Due to the newness, size and nature of the park, the number of calls for service was higher than other city parks. When compared with other parks containing somewhat similar elements to Encinitas Community Park, the 2015 CFS are about average. (Attachment B) Recommendations for further consideration include: conducting further research to include discussions with the Sheriff s Department and other communities with similar programs in determining best practices for park supervision, and installation of additional signs at key locations providing the public with contact numbers for maintenance and security concerns. Attachments Attachment A Sheriff Calls for Services Attachment B Comparison of Calls For Service on a per-acre basis Item 10D 10 of 22

11 Attachment A CALLS FOR SERVICE REVIEW Location: Encinitas Community Park 425 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, CA January 1st, December 31st, 2015 Source: CAD The following is a review of Calls for Service (CFS) generated at Encinitas Community Park, located at 425 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, CA The time period reviewed was January 1st, December 31st, Calls for Service were broken down by CFS per month and day of week. A listing of all CFS and their respective dispositions was also provided. Peak Time of Day Item 10D 11 of 22

12 Attachment A 2015 CFS ACCIDENT NON INJURY 1 Information Only 1 ARMED SUSPICIOUS PERSON 2 Gone on Arrival 1 Unfounded 1 ASSISTANCE NEEDED 2 Information Only 1 Checks OK 1 BATTERY 1 Report to Follow 1 CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT 1 Unable to Locate 1 CONTRIBUTING TO A MINOR 2 Cited 2 DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM 1 Unfounded 1 DISTURBANCE 3 Cited 1 Gone on Arrival 1 Will Cooperate 1 DISTURBANCE, ARGUMENT 5 Gone on Arrival 1 Information Only 1 Settled 3 DISTURBANCE, FAMILY 1 Report to Follow 1 DISTURBANCE, GROUP 5 Will Cooperate 5 DISTURBANCE, JUVENILES 30 Gone on Arrival 4 Information Only 2 Checks OK 4 Quiet on Arrival 1 Settled 1 Will Cooperate 16 Extra Patrol 2 DISTURBANCE, NOISE 5 Information Only 1 Checks OK 1 Quiet on Arrival 2 Will Cooperate 1 DISTURBANCE,DOG 1 Checks OK 1 DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE 1 Will Cooperate 1 EXHIBITION OF SPEED 1 Gone on Arrival Item 10D 12 of 22

13 Attachment A EXTRA PATROL 4 Checks OK 2 Extra Patrol 2 FOUND PROPERTY 4 Information Only 2 Report to Follow 2 HAZARD SITUATION 1 Unfounded 1 LOST PROPERTY 2 Information Only 2 MISSING JUVENILE 1 Checks OK 1 ORDINANCE VIOLATION 2 Gone on Arrival 1 Will Cooperate 1 POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA 2 Gone on Arrival 1 Information Only 1 PRESERVE THE PEACE 1 Will Cooperate 1 RECKLESS DRIVING 1 Will Cooperate 1 REPORT - BATTERY 1 Information Only 1 REPORT - BURGLARY VEHICLE 4 Report to Follow 4 REPORT - VANDALISM 3 Information Only 2 Report to Follow 2 SUSPICIOUS PERSON 10 Field Interview 1 Gone on Arrival 4 Information Only 2 Checks OK 2 Unable to Locate 1 TELEPHONE CALL 2 Information Only 2 THROWING OBJECTS AT MOVING VEH'S 1 Gone on Arrival 1 TRESPASSING 20 Gone on Arrival 4 Information Only 1 Checks OK 2 Will Cooperate 12 Extra Patrol Item 10D 13 of 22

14 Attachment A UNDER THE INFLUENCE DRUGS/ALCOHOL 20 Arrest-Misdemeanor 2 Cited 1 Field Interview 3 Gone on Arrival 6 Information Only 1 Checks OK 2 Unfounded 2 Unable to Locate 1 Will Cooperate 1 Extra Patrol 1 WELFARE CHECK 1 Checks OK 1 Grand Total Item 10D 14 of 22

15 Sheriff Calls For Service Comparison on a per Acre Basis Attachment B PARK # CFS PARK ACREAGE CALLS PER ACRE Leucadia Oaks Park Oakcrest Park Encinitas Community Park Cottonwood Creek Park Glen Park Average Item 10D 15 of 22

16 Attachment 2 5/13/2016 Encinitas Community Park a One + Year Perspective January 10, May 18, 2016 Jim O Grady Parks & Recreation Interim Department Director Purpose 1. Inform Usage, successes & issues 2. Guide A continuing conversation Item 10D 16 of 22

17 Attachment 2 5/13/2016 A Picture is Worth 10,000 Words A Picture is Worth 10,000 Words Item 10D 17 of 22

18 Attachment 2 5/13/2016 A Picture is Worth 10,000 Words By the Numbers $43 million acquisition, design, construction $377,000 annual operations weekly counts Top rated dog park and skatepark on Yelp.com HUNDREDS of playground users 7 1,500 skatepark users 345 drop-in field users and the busiest playground in town! days a week 365 days a year (give or take) Item 10D 18 of 22

19 Attachment 2 5/13/2016 By the Numbers CONTINUED 4,993 OVER 1,000 trees of all shapes and sizes a number that keeps GROWING hours of shared athletic field use Encinitas Sheriffs 143 Calls For Service = 3.3 Per Acre Dog Stats (Woof) Over4,000 Happy dog visits per Month 5 Star Rating Park Improvements Decorative skate park fencing Soil quality improvements in high-traffic areas Automatic gates at the Dog Park Enlarged small dog area Item 10D 19 of 22

20 Attachment 2 5/13/2016 Park Improvements (Continued) Temporary fencing to protect a bioswale area Additional screening plants Large Coral Tree protection Additional recycling containers Projects Under Consideration Fencing to prevent dogs from running into planter areas Lodgepole fencing to delineate bioswale and drainage areas Improved security lighting controls Item 10D 20 of 22

21 Attachment 2 5/13/2016 Projects Under Consideration Continued Additional pathways for more direct routes Markers to designate distances along main park paths Explore shade trees and structures even more Projects Under Consideration Discussions with sports leagues: Installation of fencing sleeves Increase use of concession facilities Relocate and better secure soccer goals Storage areas keeping with the quality and overall design of the park Item 10D 21 of 22

22 Attachment 2 5/13/2016 still more Projects Under Consideration Improved entry signage and educational signage Review Park Host program at ECP Re-energize community donations (pavers and others) Questions and Direction To Staff Item 10D 22 of 22