1977 09-26C,
Meridian Planning & 'Coning
September 26, 19'7']
Meeting called to or er b the hairman, 'Hillard Row ey
Members present: Do Sh p; Ji Kling
There was no quor u}t it An ette Hinrichs' arriv lat r in he evening
at about '7: 0
The ruestion was a, 'n ra sed b the Commission conc rnin the a sence of
Dr. Pulley, a member of t e Com fission.
Others present: Bob Hilge berg; Fst Collins; H my Fers n;
A. Goa e• Norman Fuller
The Commission disco sed he Se tlers Village propos by Orman Fuller.
_ The Commission re is ered conce n about the entrance from airvi w and
especially left turn haz d.
The Condominium and ero ase c nce t ro osed in th s r osal as
discussed.
The value of o en so ce an d rec eation areas for con entr ted p ulation
areas was discussed.
One concern is who 'll m intai these scattered sm 1 p are s.
It was ointed out t at t ere w 11 be a continual e ense invol ed that
will eventually be sume~ i by t e City Park Departure t fo perp tual
masntenance. _ _
It was thought that mall! 4parks scattered through th for wool benefit
small children ~
. _
i
_ Annett Hinrichs arr_i _ed-a t__thisi time; the matters di cuss d wer reviewed
in her presence.
It was thought that oen pace and should be receiv d fr m Set lens Village
and the Meridian P1 e exati n_ when developed.
There being now a q i
rum
~resen
; Norman Fuller pres
nted
the r
wised
- proposal of Settlers Vill ge wi h an area set aside or a sm commune y
park.
- -- Nr.~'uller indicate that he de fired to place a high r de sity hap e
10 per acre that th Comm ssion recommended.
N,r. Fuller noted th the land is marginal for his ype f dew lopment and
that the costs agai t th prop rt;~ made it necess for him t nee an
increased density
o deve~ .opmen ~.
_
Mrs. Hinrichs desir to have easement for a bike path from is park
area to the one tha is t ~ be-r auired in the I~leridi P1 ce An exertion,
There should be par 'ng s ace c nnected to the park ea.
--- - -_ -
There was considers
e di
cussi
n concernin densit
g y
with the d sire o
p -
maintain the revio ~-
act ---
on of --
the Commission at th dens ity o 10 to
the acre. I ~i
i
The 24otion was
made
y Ann
tte F~inrichs and sec
nded
by Ji
King
__ that the Commission accep the
the City Council wi hap sitiv recommendation that incl des a park area
with some considers ion f_ r an tranc ~_ ,
__ to the north.
-_ Motion passed: ~e ~ D n Shar na
Don Sharp noted tha he d ally elt that this area s ould be he d to
10 density.
---
- i
- -- --
~~
Meridian Planning & Zoning
.2.
September 26, 1977
Art Collins was pre ent r prese ting the APA to disc ss t e are of
Park and Recreation
P ks (Providing)
_ Rec eatio 0 en ace
user) (giv n)
0 n S ace Functions
?teso
Prot ce
tion
from Conservation
vironmental llazard
_ Prot
Givi tion
fo of Un
tom nue Environmental fe
mad environme tore
ovid'
n fo
arks ;and R creation
Characteristics of k, ecrea ion and Open Space C mpre ensiv Plan:
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PARKS
RECREATION
AND
,
,
OPEN SPACE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Is long range in concept
Provides a broad, general framework for deicsion making
Is a description and visualization of needs and
references
p
Is
f
hi
i
a way o
ac
ev
ng general benefits and the greatest good for the
greatest number
_- __
- ---
--
- Is a flexible guide (not a fixed, unchanging blueprint)
Is meant to be used as a continual ongoing process _
_ Provides a way to balance, adjust, and interrelate tendencies and concerns --
--- Involves close cooperation and coordination among public agencies
Depends upon reliable facts and information ---
Must have a broad base of support
Is a technique for dealing with change
Is based upon the assumption that private development is motivated primarily
by self interest and that the general public benefit can be assured only as a
guiding or restraining hand is applied when necessary
Is concerned with areas and regions
~ ~
A;eridian City Planning & Toning .3. September 26, 19']7
Should there be sepdratio of c ncerns and when sho d co solid tion be
concerne , arrangem n s weer ~, a omms.ssion ann ng a es ern
Ada Recreation Dist ict s ould a consideredi
Acquisition
Management
f Reference - Meridiarj iaark$ Mode Assessment Plan on #'ile ~ith tk~e City
ELEMENTS OF A PARKS , RECREATION , AND OPEN SPACE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
1. An inventory and analysis of existing parks , recreation and open spaces;
2. An overall goal;
3. Objectives (such describes the direction which a community wishes to move);
4. Policies (such indicates how the adopting agency will act to reach the
objectives);
5. Standards and categories;
6. Map and supporting narrative;
7. A description of what is or what is being planned regarding an implementing
management system (in this context, the term "management" refers to
acquisition, development, maintenance, and programming);
_ 8. A summarization of a scientific sample survey of citizen needs and
preferences (optional);
9. Identificaation of short and long term management priorities; and
10. Description of alternative funding to implement short and long term
priorities .
PROPOSED PROCESS FOR PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
Inventory & Analysis of Existing Parks , Recreation ,
and Open Space Features ~
_~
-- Formulation of Goals and Objectives
_ Exploring Different Management Alternatives Regarding
Acquisition, Development, and Maintenance
1 Formulation of Standards for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
Meridian Planning &
(Cont'd)
.4.
FCR PARKS,
Formulation
September 26, 19'77
Developing a Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Map which identifies:
Neighborhood Areas; Community Areas; Parks, Recreation, and Open
Space Areas; Proposed Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
Areas and Facilities (existing and proposed); and
Schools (existing and proposed} ,
Indentifying short and long term priorities regarding acquisition,
development and maintenance
of Alternative Funding Options
First Draft - (As reviewed by Planning and Zoning Commission,
City Officials, and selected citizens)
Second Draft - (Public
Incorporation of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Section
within the City Comprehensive Plan
Adoption of City Comprehensive Plan by the Elected Officials
There was also a
policies pis
There b_eingno _o
stood adjourned.
cc: >P f.- Z Qommission;Mayor &
~erning the possible oals ob"e tives,
,iopen space toget?~er 'th tern tives.
e with these minutes
t come before the Com isG' n th meetin¢
hairman
AL1n;Heln;AlU;AYA; AG k1U;Gentral Health;Ada Commissioners; Ada Zoning;
Nampa-Meridian,lrrig;Fitzgeral;J-U-B;A",inutes;Settlers Village;
Comprehensive Plan (Park & Rec.)
i
~.~ ~_9 y ~
~~
Aefore: IS;IuL "' rL~:1iP~i~ v~'D G?• ; ";, LC°' SS:;IC-M1
Time: .':^~ Comp,-ehensive Finn
f.. ~.
.. `cnr_rr, -thee discussion
Dates ;erte^.
_~, _
~t!~er .Getters ae rgty re ren
sired.
.e....,id J, Cor.
~i.tV ''%iv1'ri
.„-.
_ ~
~~ •
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PARKS, RECREATION, AND
OPEN SPACE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
- Is long range in concept
- Provides a broad, general framework for deicsion making
- Is a description and visualization of needs and preferences
- Is a way of achieving general benefits and the greatest good for the
greatest number
- Is a flexible guide (not a fixed, unchanging blueprint)
- Is meant to be used as a continual ongoing process
- Provides a way to balance, adjust, and interrelate tendencies and concerns
- Involves close cooperation and coordination among public agencies
- Depends upon reliable facts and information
- Must have a broad base of support
- Is a technique for dealing with change
- Is based upon the assumption that private development is motivated primarily
by self interest and that the general public benefit can be assured only as a
guiding or restraining hand is applied when necessary
- Is concerned with areas and regions
ELEMENTS OF A PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
1. An inventory and analysis of existing parks, recreation and open spaces;
2. An overall goal;
3. Objectives (such describes the direction which a community wishes to move);
4. Policies (such indicates how the adopting agency will act to reach the
objectives) ;
5. Standards and categories;
6. Map and supporting narrative;
7. A description of what is or what is being planned regarding an implementing
management system (in this context, the term "management" refers to
acquisition, development, maintenance, and programming);
8. A summarization of a scientific sample survey of citizen needs and
preferences (optional);
9. Identificaation of short and long term management priorities; and
10. Description of alternative funding to implement short and long term
priorities .
•
PROPOSED PROCESS FOR PARKS , RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
inventory & analysis of l;xlsting Parks , Recreation,
and Open Space Features
Formulation of Goals and Objectives
Exploring Different Management Alternatives Regarding
l Acquisition, Development, and Maintenance
Formulation of Standards for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
I Formulation of Policies I
Developing a Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Map which identifies:
Neighborhood Areas; Community Areas; Parks, Recreation, and Open
Space Areas; Proposed Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
Areas and Facilities (existing and proposed); and
Schools (existing and proposed) .
Indentifying short and long term priorities regarding acquisition,
development and maintenance
Exploring of Alternative Funding Options
First Draft - (As reviewed by Planning and Zoning Commission,
City Officials, and selected citizens)
r ___
I Second Draft - (Public Hearing)
Incorporation of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Section
within the City Comprehensive Plan
Adoption of City Comprehensive Plan by the Elected Official
,,~` ADA PLANNING ASSOCIATION
~,
~ 150 N. Capitol Boulevard
I P. O. Box 500
3 Boiu, Idaho 83701
(20813844310
ME1110RANDUM
TO: Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: Arthur V . Collins , Parks/Recreation/Open Space Planner
RE: Parks/Recreation/Open Space Examples from Eagle Comprehensive Plan
DATE: September 26, 1977
Enclosed are examples from the City of Eagle's Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
Comprehensive Plan for your review .
AVC: seg
Enclosures
Page 3
GOAL
To create ample areas and facilities for our citizen's diverse indoor and outdoor
park and recreation interests and to protect open space within the Eagle area
of influence.
Objectives (Objectives describe the direction which a community wishes to move)
1. Provide and encourage the provision for parks and recreation programs
which meet the different needs , interest and age levels of our citizens
who reside in both the rural and urban areas.
2. Protect and maintain soil, water, air and other natural qualities so that
they may be used and enjoyed by this and later generations.
3. Protect and improve natural and man-made waterways and so preserve
their natural resource and recreational value.
4. Set aside for perpetual public enjoyment an adequate amount of open
spaces such as natural river frontage, creeks, drainageways, buffers,
flood plains, wooded areas and viewpoints.
5. Preserve existing trees and natural growth wherever practicable and
establish appropriate landscaping as a part of major new developments.
6. Encourage the provision of habitat areas which are rich in fish and
wildlife .
7. Incorporate compatible and separate trailways within the city area and
rural planning areas. Care should be given that the trailways allow for
the maximum enjoyment of the chosen recreation interest.
8. Protect historical and geological sites or monuments and archaeological
areas in the Eagle area of influence.
9. Respect the limitations of the land and insure that development avoids
steep , unstable and poorly drained soils .
10. Prohibit development in identified flood plains. This will preserve the
wildlife habitat associated with ground water as well as protect life and
property from flood hazard. (See the "flood plain district ordinance" of
the City of Eagle.)
11. Work with city, county, State, agencies of the United States, special districts,
and other political incorporations to provide parks, recreation, and open
space which have both regional and local benefits.
Page 4
POLICIES (Policies indicate how the adopting agency will act to reach the
stated objectives.)
1. Existing parks and recreation areas and facilities should be expanded,
improved, and fully utilized so that they receive maximum use.
2. Sites for needed future parks, recreation, and open spaces should be
acquired as far as in advance as possible to avoid rising land costs and
the risk of having the land put to some other use.
3. The provision of park and recreation programs geared to all segments
of the population including senior citizens , handicapped and all socio-
economic groups in the community should be encouraged.
4. The City , County , State , United States' agencies , school districts , and water ,
sewer, irrigation, and local improvement districts should be cooperatively
involved in the acquisition, development, maintenance of local parks,
recreation, and open space resources.
5. Standards should be adopted to insure that adequate provision is made for
park, recreation, and open spaces.
6. A variety of financial, legal, and administrative techniques should be explored
for the acquisition , development , and maintenance of parks , recreation , and
open space--recreation district, purchase of development rights or easements,
U . S . Bureau of Outdoor Recreation funds , user fees , bond issues , HUD
Community Development Act, Revenue Sharing funds, and other State park
and recreation funds.
7. The development of non-motorized paths should be an integral part of the
transportation plan for Eagle's area of influence. Such paths may utilize
roan-made water right-of-ways , flood plains , creek and river banks , green-
ways, and utility easements.
8. All fish and wildlife species and habitats should be protected and maintained
along the Boise River and Dry Creek. Local developmental governmental
programs which provide for fish and wildlife protection should be encouraged.
If additional public access is needed, consideration should be made for the
land uses in these areas and for the risk of pollution.
9. For purpose of fish rearing and spawning, 240 cfs should be maintained in
the Boise River during May -February from Barber Dam to Notus. For
water fowl nesting, it is recommended that 4,500 cfs in the Boise River
should be maintained for the first two weeks of March and a 1,000 cfs
minimum for the rest of March and April. It is recommended that a maxi-
mum of 5,000 cfs should be maintained in the Boise River during the
Page 8
PARKS , RECREATION , AND OPEN SPACE AREAS: STANDARDS > FACILITIES , AND
INTENT.
As recommended by the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department, a common acreage
standard for park lands is 10 acres for each 1,000 population. Such an acreage
standard applied to the following types of areas should be used as a guideline
in achieving a complete and balanced system of parks, open space and recreation
facilities .
Mini-Park
Category A: An area which because of size and location provides limited
recreation use, but serves to enhance community structures. Such areas
are generally associated with other public facilities, i.e. water towers,
street triangles, and are managed as green spaces with appropriate
plantings and, where indicated, rest benches.
Category B: An area of less than 2 acres which otherwise satisfies the
criteria for a neighborhood park in established or small subdivisions where
large tracts are not available and which, in spite of its size, is deemed safe,
useful and esthetically acceptable. Two examples of Category BMini-Parks
are:
Tot Park - An area which will usually permit supervised play of
small children from the immediate vicinity.
Small Urban or Suburban Park - An area intended for those established
neighborhoods without park area walking distance from its citizens.
Evaluation of age factor and potential space available will determine
the desired recreation facilities needed in each case, i.e. play-
grounds for a very young neighborhood, handball or tennis courts
for middle-aged neighbors , suitable activity and rest areas for older
adults, or whether space will permit a combination of activities.
Neighborhood Park
An area of 2-20 acres in size located within 5-10 minutes walk of the primary
users. Purpose of the site is to provide space and facilities for a variety of
active and passive recreation in a pleasant environmental setting.
Neighborhood Park/School Playground: A combined facility at an
elementary school site. In urban areas, it should be in the center of a
neighborhood away from arterial traffic and within 1/4 to 1/2 mile walking
distance of homes which it serves. The park should be at least 10 acres
in size including the playground. The park portion of the joint facility
should provide for the passive pursuits of older persons, while the play-
ground space provides for the active play of youngsters.
Page 9
Community Park
An area 20-200 acres in size located within a few minutes of the primary users.
Such an area generally provides active and passive recreation to serve an entire
community. Such facilities as recreation centers , swimming pools , intensely
developed ball facilities and auditoriums in a pleasing environment are common.
Community Park/High School Playfield: A combined facility at a high
school, serving an area equivalent to the high school attendance area.
The community park/playfield should be at least 20 acres including high
school play areas. Both active and passive areas will be included.
Appropriate facilities are: tennis court, swimming pool, sports field,
picnic area, landscaped walk, benches, fountains, and gardens. Each
of the major cities of the County should have its own swimming pool,
preferably covered and within a community park complex.
Urban Park
Designed to meet recreation needs of urban residents, this area might encompass
up to 300 acres and meet the needs of 30,000 people. It should be within 15-20
minutes driving time of the users.
District Park
Intended to supply spatial and recreation needs of one or more urban areas , 300-
500 acres and within 1/2 hour driving time of its users.
Regional Park
An area several hundred acres in size attracting users which may drive several
minutes to reach the area. Such an area would have a mixture of developed and
non-developed recreation facilities. This site may have a unique natural
characteristic which would provide a recreation experience not commonly found
in the region, and thus attract visitors from other areas. Some facilities could
duplicate those found in previous type areas.
Resource Park
A unique area of Statewide significance located at the site of a natural resource,
its size dependent on that physical resource.
Question: What standards does the City of Eagle want to set for open space
areas such as greenways along canals , ditches , river and creek
banks?
•
Page 13
PARK, RECREATION, OPEN SPACE ALTERNATIVES: (In all alternatives the
term "management" refers to acquisition, development, and maintenance.)
1. A park, recreation, and open space management system ;vhich is
characterized by a dispersal of small sites (1 to 2 acres) among each
of the subdivisions and planned unit developments.
Such a system would feature mini park and open space areas
for active or gassive recreation activities, could be inter-
connected by either motorized or non-motorized trailways ,
and could be managed by a municipality, recreation district
or a county-city cooperative structure.
Advantage:
*The park, recreation, and open space sites would be
dispersed through Eagle's area of influence and be
readily accessible to residents.
Disadvantages:
*Dispersal of parks, recreation, and open space areas
involves much costs concerning maintenance.
*Such a system encourages the fragmentation of a community
into little units as the integrating provision of community
gatherings and exchanges are played down.
2. A park, recreation, and open space management system which has a large
centralized community park which is intended to service the different ages
and interest levels regarding parks, recreation, and open space.
Of 10 to 20 acres in size, the community park could house such
facilities and areas an an indoor swimming pool , ballfields , picnic
shelter and areas, bandshell, several outdoor tennis courts, and
pathways. Such a centralized facility and area could be located to
minimize travel time and emphasize access by alternative recreation
transportation systems of walking, bicycling, and horseback riding
through the utilization of canals , ditches , flood plains , greenways ,
utility easements and open areas between enjoining urban developments.
As a unit, such a centralized facility could be managed by a muni-
cipality, county, recreation district.
•
Page 14
Advantages:
*A centralized facility which houses large facilities and
areas allows for active and passive recreation activity
which are not as easily initiated by individual ingenuity.
*Maintenance of such a facility would be accomplished with
relative ease because of the accessibility of the Facilities
and areas which would be in need of constant maintenance.
*With this alternative, parks, recreation and open space
serves to integrate the community and build up its identity.
Disadvantages:
*Such a management system involves a considerable initial
capital outlay and much energy to mobilize the area's
financial resources.
*Park and open space facilities are not as accessible to the
residents of Eagle's area of influence as in Alternative 1.
3. A park, recreation, and open space management system which utilizes
central community facilities and areas and additional neighborhood park
and open space areas.
With such a system , the community park would serve as the
central park, recreation, and open space facility and area as
it could house such features as an indoor swimming pool, ball-
fields, community picnic shelter, bandshell. Each of the neigh-
borhood parks could feature active and passive recreation
opportunities that are not emphasied at the central community
park such as tennis courts, tot lots, small picnic areas, and
open space play areas that are grassed.
Depending upon the location of the community and neighborhood
parks, such an alternative could emphasize the primary access
by alternative recreation transportation systems of walking,
bicycling, horseback riding and indirect access by the automobile.
As a system , such could be managed by a municipality , recreation
district, or a cooperative arrangement between city and county.
Advantages:
*Such a system provides for both dispersed and centralized
parks, recreation, and open space opportunities. Accessibility
is emphasized as well as integrative community benefits.
•
Page 15
Disadvantages:
*Such a system takes a considerable time period to develop
because both the community and neighborhood parks involve
significant and strategic acquisitions and much energy is
spent to promote and justify the phased capital outlays .
4. A parks, recreation, and open space system which is integrated with public
school sites .
To insure proper management and control as well as smooth operations,
the school district should be the prime source of authority of such a
management system. Acquisition, development, and maintenance
could be a cooperative venture between school and city, school and
recreation district , or school and county .
Park, recreation, and open space features that could be located at
school sites and be accessible for use by the general public could
be the following:
Indoor swimming pool
Tennis courts
Grassed playfields
Picnic areas
Tota lots
All weather surfaced playground areas
Ballfields
Access to the school park areas and facilities could be serviced by motorized
and non-motorized transportation routes.
As the above features are possible and compatible with school purposes ,
each park-school site could serve a geographic area's needs and preferences
regarding parks, recreation, and open space.
Advantages:
*Such a system utilizes the additional financial resources
of a school district and better enables acquisition and
developments to materialize.
*The system allows for the accessibility benefit of parks ,
recreation and open space facilities and areas which are
dispersed.
Page 16
*The professional expertees of educators are utilized in
the parks ,and recreation programming.
Disadvantages:
*The access of general public to the park and recreation features
is somewhat limited due to school scheduling and emphasis.
*Because of financial limitations, the maintenance resources,
manpower, and equipment of school districts often have
severe constraints , and personnel are more custodian
rather than park maintenance orientated. Thus, park,
recreation, and open space facilities are often under-
maintained .
CONCLUDING COMMENTS RE: ALTERNATIVES:
Each of the alternatives hae some distinct features . Additional alter-
natives may be developed as thought is given to the parks, recreation,
and open space needs of Eagle's area of influence.
Whatever alternative, careful consideration should be given to the
maintenance structure that will be needed for purposes of enhance-
ment, development, operation, redevelopment, and preservation.
Inadequate maintenance provisions can only be detrimEntal to a parks,
recreation, and open space management system.