February 2001ry ell �,e14 a
COMPREHENSIVE PARKS
AND RECREATION
SYSTEM PLAN
MERIDIAN, IDAHO
Prepared by MIG Inc./Draggoo & Associates
February 2001
DRAFT PLAN 2/6/2001
COMPREHENSIVE PARKS
AND RECREATION
SYSTEM PLAN
MERIDIAN, IDAHO
Prepared by MIG Inc./Draggoo & Associates
February 2001
PLANNING TEAM
C/ty Council Robert D. Corrie, Mayor
Ron Anderson, Council Member
Keith Bird, Council Member
Tammy de Weerd, Council Member
Cheri McCandless, Council Member
Parks and Sheri Baker, Chairperson
Recreation Debie Watkins, Vice Chair
Commission Jim Keller
David Moe
Ed Fong
Bruce MacCoy
Creg Steele
Tammy De Weerd, Council Representative
David Moser, School Liason
Parks and Tom, Kuntz, Director
Recreation Staff
MIG, Inc. Portland, Oregon
Consulting Team
Jerry Draggoo, Project Manager
Kevin Apperson, Recreation Planner
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter I INTRODUCTION
1.1
Introduction to the Project
1-1
1.2
Integration with other Planning studies
1-2
1.3
Mission Statement
1-3
1.4
Planning Area
1-3
1.5
Population Growth
1-3
1.6
Existing Recreation Resources
1-4
Chapter PARK AND OPEN SPACE RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 Introduction
2-1
2.2 Facilities Pan
2-1
2.2.1 Mini Parks
2-5
2.2.2 Neighborhood Parks
2-7
2.2.3 Community Parks
2-10
2.2.4 Special Use Areas
2-18
2.2.5 Open Space Areas
2-19
Chapter FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 Trails and Pathways 3-1
3.3 Indoor Recreation Center 3-6
3.4 Sports Fields 3-6
3.5 Specialized Recreational Facilities 3-9
Chapter 4 MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Introduction 4-1
4.2 Staffing Requirements 4-1
4.3 Impact Fees 4-3
Chapter PROJECT FINANCING
5.1
Introduction
5-1
5.2
Project Priorities
5-1
5.3
Funding Sources
5-2
5.4
Financing Strategy
5-4
5.5
Project Lists
5-6
,*—*s
11-N
rag
Contents:
• Introduction to the Project
• Integration with Other Studies
• Mission Statement
• Planning Area
• Population Growth
• Existing Recreation Resources
1.1 INTRODUCTION This report is titled the Action Plan and is a supplement to the
TO THE PROJECT Comprehensive Parks & Recreation System Plan completed in
July of 2000. The intent of this second report is to provide
specific recommendations on a layout plan for parks, open
space, trails and other recreation facilities and to present a
strategy for funding and implementing the Plan.
Once the Action Plan is accepted, it and the original
Comprehensive Parks & Recreation System Plan should be
adopted together. Where inconsistencies appear between the
two documents, the Action Plan should take precedence.
Report Organization The Action Plan has been divided into the following chapters.
Chapter 1 - Introduction: provides an overview of the document
organization, a brief analysis of population growth, and an
inventory of parkland found in the city.
Chapter 2 — Park and Open Space Recommendations: identifies a
concept for parks, trails and open space, provides design standards
and policies for each park type and makes specific
recommendations for each site.
Chapter 3 - Facility Recommendations: provides policies and
recommendations for specialized facilities such as pathways and
trails, indoor recreation space, sports facilities, and other
specialized areas.
Chapter I - Introduction Page I l
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreavon system Plan
1001
Chapter 4 — Administration and Management Recommendations:
includes recommendations and policies for administrating a park
and open space system, establishes policies and recommendations
for staffing the program, and looks at potential changes to the Park
Impact Fee structure.
Chapter 5 — Project Funding: provides a list of potential funding
sources, identifies project priorities, suggests a financing strategy,
and recommends a six-year capital improvement program.
1.2 INTEGRAT/ON
There have been several documents and studies prepared over
I X11TH OTHER
W/TH OTHER
the last several years that influenced the development of the
Action Plan. These documents were reviewed for policies,
STUD/ES
guidelines, and relevant information that could be incorporated
and used to prepare the Action Plan. These documents Include:
• Comprehensive Parks & Recreation System Plan (July 2000)
• City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan - Draft (June 2000)
• Development Monitoring Report (February 2000)
• Local Land Use Planning Act (Seminar, April 2000)
• Park Impact Fee Ordinance (March 1996)
It is also important for the Action Plan to comply with existing land
use regulations as they apply to park and facility development.
Comprehensive Parks &
This planning document was intended to provide the background
Recreation System Plan
information and set policy for managing a park and recreation
/CompietedJ0612000/
program in Meridian. Upon its completion it was decided that
additional studies were needed to provide more direction and
establish a design program for parks, open space and trails. The
original Plan evaluated existing conditions, assessed the need for
park land and established objectives for land acquisition, park
development, and management/operations
City of Meridian This draft plan was completed in June 2000 and is currently
Comprehensive Plan undergoing minor revisions and analysis. Hearings on the Plan
are expected to begin in the spring of 2001. This document
provides policies and direction on how the city should grow and
develop. It includes a profile of the demographic, physical, and
service characteristics of the community, and establishes policies
for urban growth.
Development Monitoring The Ada County Development Monitoring Report provides an
Report overview of development activity in Ada County for the year
1999. This is one of many annual reports prepared since 1980.
It contains information regarding platted subdivisions and
building permits issued for both residential and non-residential
development.
Chapter I - Introduction
Page 1-1
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan 2001
Local Land Use P/anningAct The Idaho Local Land Use Planning Act provides cities with the
authority to plan, protect and implement policies related to the
development of lands within its jurisdiction. This includes the
use of zoning to control land development.
Park Impact Fee Ordinance Title 67,Chapter 82 of the Idaho Code authorizes the imposition
of park development impact fees as an equitable program for
planning and financing park improvements needed to serve new
growth and development. This fee is attached to every new
housing unit developed in the city and can only be used for land
acquisition or development. The current rate is about $530 per
single-family unit and $408 for a multi -family unit.
1.3 Mission
Statement
Meridian Parks and Recreation seeks to provide
opportunities for the citizens of Meridian to
participate in life enhancing activities by offering
quality year round recreation programs, and a well
designed and maintained parks system.
"It is not the parks that we maintain,
or the recreation programs that we
operate, but the value that we add to
people's lives and the memories that
we help create that are most
important."
1.4 Planning Area The Planning Area for this study includes all of the City limits of
Meridian (approximately 12.6 square miles) plus unincorporated
lands that may eventually be annexed to the city. This total area
is called the Area Of Impact and consists of approximately 40.5
square miles. Generally, the boundaries of the planning area
extend from the Chinden Road on the north to Amity Road on
the south and from McDermott on the west to approximately one
half mile east of Eagle Road on the east.
1.5 Population Population growth primarily occurs through three means; 1)
annexations, 2) in -migration and 3) natural growth within the
Growth city. In Meridian, the two primary growth sources are in -
migration and subsequent annexations. Both of these sources
are hard to forecast because they are dependent upon outside
influences such as regional growth, ability to attract growth that
comes to the Boise area, the economy and the cities policies
towards accommodating new growth.
The following population estimates and growth forecasts are
taken from the draft of the city's Comprehensive Plan and
represent the current thinking on how Meridian will grow in the
future.
Chapter 1 - Introduction page 1- 3
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
Table 1.1
Population Estimates and Growth Forecasts
City of Meridian
Year
Meridian Planning
Acres
Area
1980
5,059
1990
9,596
2000
41,400
2010
62,000
2020
79,200
Source: Intermountain Demographics
1001
The Park Layout Plan presented in the next chapter is designed
to serve the community when fully developed. While there is no
target date for this occurrence, it is expected that it will occur
some time after the year 2020. Taking the amount of available
residential land within the Impact Area calculated in the draft
Comprehensive Plan and multiplying by an average density of
2.8 persons per household derived the expected population at
build -out.
Table 1.2
Population Density
City of Meridian
Density C Available j Density/
Acres
Total Units
Acres
I ( j
The 80,029 housing units multiplied by an average of 2.8
persons per household derives an estimated population of
224,100 at build -out. This number will be used to develop the
Level of Service ratio for parkland.
1.6 Existin Three types of park land are found in Meridian: developed park
Recreation sites owned by the City, developed park sites owned by Western
Resources Ada County Park District, and undeveloped park sites owned by
the City. An inventory of this parkland is shown beginning on
the next page.
Chapter I - Introduction Page 1- 4
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
Table 1.3
Inventory of City Park Land
City of Meridian
Table 1.4
Inventory of Park Land Owned by
Western Ada County Park District
Meridian Area
Park Size e
TYP
Fuller Park 25.0 Community Park
Tammy Street Park 2.10 Mini Park
Swimming Pool 1.0 Special Use Area
Total r28 s1`
Table 1.5
Total Existing Park Land
Meridian Area
2001
Chapter I - Introduction Page 1- 5
Contents:
• Facilities Plan
* Mini -Parks
* Neighborhood Parks
* Community Parks
* Special Use Areas
* Open Space Areas
2.1 INTRODUCTION This section of the plan discusses the recommendations for
specific park and open space lands in Meridian. These
recommendations are divided into the following park categories:
Park Type
Page #
Mini -Parks
2-5
Neighborhood Park
2-7
Community Park
2-10
Special Use Areas
2-18
Open Space Areas
2-19
2.2 FACILITIES PLAN The Facilities Plan shown on page 2-4 is a graphic illustration of
the a concept for meeting future park, open space and trail needs
in Meridian. Some important notes about the Facilities Plan are
discussed below.
Chapter 2 - Parkland Recommendations
1. A letter of the alphabet and number (such as C-2) defines
each site on the Facilities Plan. The number is for site
identification only and corresponds to text in this section.
The letter represents the type of existing or proposed park
The letter symbols are shown on the next page:
Page 2-I
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Ran
IIIIIIIISymbol
t IIIII1®' •"
M
Mini Parks
N
Nei hborhood Parks
C
Community Parks
SU
Special Use Areas
OS
Open Space Area
200!
2. On the Facilities Plan, an asterisk illustrates proposed
park sites. The intent is to only show a general location
of where a park site should be located. The actual
location will be determined based on land availability,
acquisition cost, and the property owner's willingness to
sell.
3. The location and arrangement of the parks is designed to
serve the entire Urban Services Planning Area at build-
out.
4. Future park names are for reference only. It is assumed
that overtime they will be assigned an official name by
the City Council.
Overall Concept The proposed park system for Meridian features the larger multi-
use Community Park as the centerpiece of the city's park system.
These parks have been located on the premise that no resident
will be farther than about one mile from a park. These parks will
provide a wide variety of both passive and structured (sport
fields) activities for the immediate neighborhoods. This "core"
system of parks will provide the basic active and passive
recreational opportunities.
Linking these parks together and with the neighborhoods is a
comprehensive system of off-street trails. This overall concept is
called "the String of Pearls" with the pearls being the parks and
the string being the trail system. Supplementing this string of
pearls will be open space areas, parks serving specialized
functions and private mini and neighborhood parks maintained
by private homeowner groups.
It is important to note here that the City is placing its emphasis
on developing and maintaining Community Parks only. It will
be the responsibility of private homeowner groups to develop
and maintain the smaller mini and neighborhood parks within
their own subdivisions. While the City has several small parks in
its inventory, no more of these park types should be developed
by the City nor should in the future the City agree to assume
maintenance of private mini or neighborhood parks
Park/and Recommend jtions Page 2-2
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System P17n
2001
The parks proposed in this plan are designed to achieve several
objectives. These include:
1. Provide community parks within a reasonable bicycling or
walking distance of most residents.
2. Provide land for specialized facilities such as an indoor
recreation center, special playgrounds and other unique
features.
3. Utilize Linear Parks, canals, and water courses for trails.
I',7rk Index.- The purpose of the table below is to provide a quick reference
locating the discussion on specific park sites.
Table 2.1
Index of Individual Park Recommendations
Meridian Planning Area
Parkland Recommendations Page 2-3
Site Number
i Park Name
Page Number
EXISTING
C-4
Meridian Community Park
2-14
N-6
Chateau Park
2-9
C-7
Tulley Park
2-14
N-8
80 Street Park
2-9
M-10
Tammy Street Park
2-6
C-12
Fuller Park
2-15
SU -14
Generation Plaza
2-18
SU -15
City Hall Park
2-18
C-18
Storey Park
2-15
C-21
Bear Creek Park
2-16
PROPOSED
C-1
McMillan Road Park
2-13
C-2
Ten Mile Road Park
2-13
C-3
North Meridian Road Park
2-13
C-5
Blackcat Road Park
1-14
OS -9
Five Mile Creek Greenway
2-21
C-1 I
Fairview Avenue Park
2-14
C-13
Meridian Junior High School Park
2-15
C-17
Franklin Road Park
2-15
OS -16
Ten Mile Creek Greenway
2-21
OS -19
Rutledge Creek Greenway
2-21
C-20
Overland Road Park
2-16
C -Z2
Thousand Springs Park
2-16
C-23
Locust Grove Road Park
2-17
Parkland Recommendations Page 2-3
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
[Facilites Plan]
Parkland Recommendations
7001
Page 1-4
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation system Plan 2001
2.2.1 MINI -PARKS Definition: Mini -Parks or Tot Lots are small one -lot parks designed to
provide a small playground and open space area within a subdivision.
Because of their size (less than one acre) they are limited to the
facilities they can offer. They are designed primarily for small children.
1. Existing Conditions: Currently, there is one mini -park in the
Meridian area and is owned by the West Ada County Park
A. Existing Inventory. District. It is:
Tammy Street Park (Park District) 2.1 Acres
1. General Land Use Guidelines:
B Design and Development a. The development and maintenance of Mini -Parks should
Policies be left to the responsibility of the land developer and
homeowner groups. Their intent is to provide local open
space and minimal recreation use for a local subdivision.
b. The following policies apply to private developments
who provide mini -parks within their project.
c. The development of mini -parks may also be encouraged
as part of multi -family developments where densities
exceed 20 units per net developed acre.
2. Site Selection Criteria:
a. Mini -Parks should be no smaller than 20,000 square feet.
b. The site should be central as possible to the area it
serves.
c. The site should be mostly flat and usable.
d. If possible, walking distance should not exceed one-
quarter mile, and not require crossing of busy streets.
3. Design and Development Standards:
a. Appropriate facilities include:
• Children's playground
• Open grass play area
• Site amenities (picnic tables, benches, bike
racks, drinking fountains, trash receptacles,
etc.)
b. The site should be visible from a local residential street
and have less than 100 feet of street frontage.
Parkland Recommendations Page 2-5
Meridien Comprehensive Perks end Recreation System P1.7n
C. Recommendations:
2001
Table 2.2
Summary of Mini -Park Recommendations
Meridian Planning Area
Note: Bold sites are in public ownership
Existing Acres = 2.1 Acres
Proposed Acres = 0.0 Acres
2. Specific Improvements:
Tammy Street Park is a small park located at the corner of
Jetty Avenue and NW 3151 Street.
Facilities at the site include a playground area, basketball
court, picnic area, restroom building, parking area, and
various site amenities.
Most of the facilities are in good condition. Because it is
owned by the West Ada County Park District, no
recommendations are made for this site.
Parkland Recommendations Page 2-6
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation system Plan
MM
2.2.2NE/GHBORHOOD Definition: Neighborhood parks are a combination playground and
PARKS park designed primarily for non -supervised, non -organized recreation
activities. They are generally small in size and serve an area of
approximately one half -mile radius. Typically, facilities found in a
neighborhood park include a children's playground, picnic areas, trails,
open grass areas for passive use, outdoor basketball courts, and multi-
use practice fields for soccer, youth baseball, etc. Size ranges from 2 to
10 acres, with the optimum size being 5 acres.
A. Existing Inventory 1. Existing Conditions: Currently, there are two neighborhood
parks in the Meridian planning area. They are:
8" Street Park (City) 2.5 Acres
Chateau Park (City) 6.7 Acres
B. Design and Development 1. General Land Use Guidelines:
Policies:
a. In general, neighborhood parks should be acquired and
developed by private developers with maintenance left
to the developer or a homeowners group. The City of
Meridian should not assume maintenance responsibility
for this type of park.
b. A neighborhood park should be developed when the
area it will serve reaches about 50% developed
(measured by either acreage developed, or population
accommodated).
c. If possible, neighborhood parks should be located
adjacent to an elementary school where a sharing of
space and facilities can be achieved. Where this occurs,
the minimum park size may be reduced to about two
acres.
2. Site Selection Criteria:
a. Under most conditions, neighborhood parks should be
no smaller than three acres in size.
b. The site should be reasonably central to the
neighborhood it is intended to serve.
c. If possible, walking or bicycling distance should not
exceed one-half mile for the area it serves. Access routes
should minimize physical barriers, and crossing of major
roadways.
d. The site should be visible from adjoining streets and have
no less than 200 feet of street frontage.
Parkland Recommendations Page 2-7
Mendlan Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Pbn
2001
e. Frontage should be on a local residential street. If
located on a busy street, incorporate buffers and/or
barriers necessary to reduce hazards from passing vehicles.
3. Design and Development Standards:
a. Appropriate facilities may include:
• Unstructured open play areas and practice sports
fields
• Children's playground (tot and youth)
• Basketball courts
• Tennis courts
• Picnic areas
• Shelter building (small)
• Trails and/or pathways
• Natural open space
• Site amenities (picnic tables, benches, bike racks,
drinking fountains, trash receptacles, etc.)
b. Parking Requirements: Minimum of three spaces per
acre of usable active park area to accommodate both
handicap and standard parking. If on -street parking is
available, this standard can be reduced by one car for
every 25 feet of available street frontage. The park
design should encourage access by foot or bicycle.
c. Active and noise producing facilities, such as tennis and
basketball courts, should not be located near adjoining
homes.
C. Recommendations: The following are recommendations for existing and future
neighborhood parks in the Meridian area. The table below
summarizes the recommendations for neighborhood parks.
Table 2.3
Summary of Neighborhood Park Recommendations
Meridian Planning Area
Existing Acres = 9.2 Acres
Parkland Recommendations
Page 2.8
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Pan
2. Specific Improvements:
1001
Chateau Park is located north of Chateau Drive east of Ten
Mile Road. The site abuts the Rutledge Drainage Way.
Approximately 2.7 acres of the site is partially developed but
the City plans on redeveloping this section along with
development of the remaining four acres now undeveloped.
While the City has a commitment to develop this site,
improvements should be kept at a minimum since it does not
meet the definition of a Community Park. Improvements
should include:
• Open multi -use grass area
• Pathways
• Picnic area
• Small shelter area
• Children's playground
8`h Street Park is located directly east of Tully Park and
consists of a playground and open grass areas. It is fully
developed. The City's Water Department shops are found at
the front of the park.
Because of its proximity to Tully Park, no additional
improvements are recommended for this park site.
Parkland Recommendations
Page 1-9
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
2001
2.2.3 COMMUNI%YPARKS Definition: A community park is planned primarily to provide active
and structured recreation opportunities. In general, community park
facilities are designed for organized activities and sports, although
individual and family activities are also encouraged. Community parks
serve a much larger area and offer more facilities. As a result, they
require more in terms of support facilities such as parking, restrooms,
covered play areas, etc. Community parks usually have sport fields or
similar facilities as the central focus of the park. Their service area is
roughly a 1-2 mile radius. Size ranges from 20 to 30 acres, with the
optimum size being 25 acres
A. Existing Inventory 1. Existing Conditions: Currently, there are three community
parks in the Meridian area. They are:
Storey Park(City) 15.0 Acres
Tully Park (City) 18.0 Acres
Fuller Park (Park District) 25.0 Acres
B. Design and Development 1. General Land Use Guidelines:
Policies.
a. The Community Park is to be the primary park type
provided in the city. It is intended to serve local needs as
well as facility needs for sport fields and other structured
and active uses.
b. Because of their size, the acquisition of community
parkland should occur far in advance of its need.
c. A community park should be constructed when the area
it will serve reaches about 50% developed (measured by
either acreage developed, or population accommodated).
d. Wherever feasible, community parks should be
developed adjacent to junior or high school sites.
2. Site Selection Criteria:
a. Minimum size should be roughly 15 acres with optimum
being 25 acres.
b. At least two-thirds of the site should be available for
active recreation use. Adequate buffers of natural open
space or low use should be used to separate active use
areas from nearby homes.
c. If possible, walking or bicycling distance should not
exceed 1 - 2 miles for the area it serves.
Parkland Recommendations Page 2-10
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
Parkland Recommendations
2001
d. The site should be visible from adjoining streets and have
street frontage on at least two sides. Streets on all sides
of the park is preferred. A minimum of 400' of total
street frontage is recommended. Where canals or other
non-residential uses about one side of the park, only one
street frontage is required.
e. Frontage on one side should be on a collector or arterial
street.
3. Design and Development Standards:
a. Appropriate facilities include:
• Designated sport fields - softball, baseball,
soccer, etc.
• Tennis courts
• Sand or grass volleyball courts
• Open multi -use grass area
• Children's playground
• Restrooms
• Picnic area
• Picnic shelters (various sizes)
• Group picnic facilities
• Trails/pathway systems
• Outdoor basketball courts
• Site amenities (picnic tables, benches, bike
racks, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, etc.)
b. Parking requirements: dependent upon facilities
provided. Require 50 spaces per ball field plus 5 spaces
per acre of active use area. On- street parking may
account for some of the parking requirements based on
25 lineal feet of street frontage per automobile.
c. Permanent restrooms are appropriate for this type of park
but should be located in areas that are highly visible and
near public streets.
Page 2-11
,*—N
Meridian Comprehens/ve P7rks and Recreation System Pian
C. Recommendations
Parkland Recommend mons
200/
1. Summary of Recommendations:
Table 2.4
Summary of Community Park Recommendations
Meridian Planning Area
Number
ark
I
Site
Existing
I Acres/
Proposed
Acres
Action
C-1
McMillan Road Park
20.0 (P)
Acquisition/Development
C-2
Ten Mile Road Park
30.0 (P)
Acquisition/Development
C-3
North Meridian Park
30.0 (P)
Acquisition/Development
C-4
Meridian Community Park
56.0 (E)
Development
C-5
Blackcat Road Park
20.0 (P)
Acquisition/Development
C-7
Tulley Park
18.0 (E)
No Changes
C-1 1
Fairview Avenue Park
30.0 (P)
Acquisition/Development
C-12
Fuller Park
25.0 (E)
No change
C-13
Meridian Junior High Park
-
Development on school site
C-17
Franklin Road Park
25.0 (P)
Acquisition/Development
C-18
Storey Park
15.0 (E)
No Change
C-20
Overland Road Park
20.0 (P)
Acquisition/Development
C-21
Bear Creek Park
19.0 (E)
Development
C-22
Thousand Springs Park
24.0 (P)
6.2 (E)
Acquisition/Development
C-23
Locust Grove Park
30.0 (P)
Acquisition/Development
(P) - Proposed Site
(E) - Existing Park
Existing Acres = 139.2 Acres
Proposed Acres = 229.0 Acres
Page 2- 12
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plbn
2. Specific Improvements:
200!
This proposed park site is located in the northwestern corner
of the planning area and is intended to serve all of the area
between McDermott Road, Blackcat Road, Chinden Road
and Rutledge Creek. The best location would be along the
north side of McMillan Road.
Because this park will serve a somewhat smaller area, the site
could be as small as 20 acres. It is anticipated that this park
site will also serve residents to the west and north who are
not part of the City.
Please refer to the Design and Development Policies for
Community Parks for the appropriate land use, site selection, and
design/development criteria.
This proposed park site is designed to serve most of the
northern sections of the city between Chinden Road and Ten
Mile Creek. The ideal Location would be along Ten Mile
Road.
Due to the large area it must serve, this park site should be
no smaller than 30 acres. As with the proposed McMillan
Road Park, this site will also serve unincorporated areas to
the north.
Please refer to the Design and Development Policies for
Community Parks for the appropriate land use, site selection, and
design/development criteria.
The northeastern section of the planning area will be served
by this proposed park site. The best location would be along
the east side of Meridian Road. Because the existing
Meridian Community Park site is located nearby, the
proposed park site should be equally located between
Chinden Road and McMillan Road.
Please refer to the Design and Development Policies for
Community Parks for the appropriate land use, site selection, and
design/development criteria.
Parkland Recommendations Page 2-13
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
Parkland Recommendations
2001
This site was recently purchased by the City with the
intention of it becoming primarily a sports field complex.
However, there is also the need to provide passive and local
facilities as well. Because of its central location and size (56
acres) this would also be a good park site for specialized
recreation facilities such as an indoor recreation center,
special playground, floral gardens, large group picnic areas,
or other unique features.
A master plan has been completed for this site but space
should be reserved for these added facilities.
< A tom.
yrs
This proposed park site is found on the west side of the
planning area and should be located between Rutledge
Creek and Ten Mile Creek. Because Fuller Park is in the
same general area, only about 20 acres are needed for the
proposed Blackcat Park site.
Please refer to the Design and Development Policies for
Community Parks for the appropriate land use, site selection, and
design/development criteria.
This existing site is located directly east of Linden Road
between Ustick Road and Fairview Avenue. Five Mile Creek
borders the property on the north and 8`h Street Park is found
at the southeast corner.
This park was recently developed and includes two youth
baseball fields, a soccer field, large picnic shelter and
playground. This park represents the type being proposed in
the Community Park system. The only improvements
needed in this park are more trees.
This proposed park site is intended to serve the central
eastern portion of the planning area. An ideal location
would be at the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Eagle
Road. There are only several parcels large enough to meet
the park needs of this area so it is critical to acquire land in
this area while it is still available.
Please refer to the Design and Development Policies for
Community Parks for the appropriate land use, site selection, and
design/development criteria.
Page 2-14
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System PlOn
Parkland Recommendations
2001
This existing park site is owned by the West Ada County Park
District and is located south of Cherry Lane in the middle of
a residential neighborhood. It borders Five Mile Creek on
the south. Facilities include two baseball fields, picnic
facilities, restrooms and large open grass areas.
While this site is not owned by the City, it does provide
recreational facilities and open space for the community. No
recommendations are made for this park site.
A major park offering a wide variety of recreational
opportunities is needed in the central existing portion of the
city. The only site of potential use are the grounds of
Meridian Junior High School.
It is recommended that the City work with the School District
to develop formal sport fields and passive recreation uses on
the school playground.
The proposed Franklin Road Park is proposed to serve the
southwestern corner of the community. An ideal location
would be at the intersection of Franklin Road and Blackcat
Road. Because some of the land in this area will be non-
residential a smaller park site of 25 acres is recommended.
Please refer to the Design and Development Policies for
Community Parks for the appropriate land use, site selection, and
design/development criteria.
This existing site is located near the entrance of the city and
east of Meridian Road. Four public uses are found in the
immediate area. They include Storey Park, an outdoor
swimming pool owned by the Western Ada Park District, the
Chamber of Commerce building and the Meridian
Speedway.
Access to the park site is poor and the parking lot tends to
divide the area. The swimming pool appears to be part of
Storey Park because there is no physical separation between
the two properties. The Park also looks out on the back of
the raceway. Approximately five acres at the back of the
park is undeveloped and used by the Speedway.
Page 2-15
Meridian Comprehensive Pmks and Recreation System Plan
Parkland Recommendations
2001
Because of these problems, a master plan should be
developed for this site that addresses these features. In the
long run, the City should attempt to acquire more land to the
south.
This proposed par site is intended to serve the area south of
Overland Road. Much of this land is made up of 1-2 acre
parcels. Because of this, it is doubtful if this area will ever
achieve a standard residential density. Because of this, a
smaller park site is possible.
Please refer to the Design and Development Policies for
Community Parks for the appropriate land use, site selection, and
design/development criteria.
This existing undeveloped site contains 19 acres of land and
is found between Victory Road and Amity Road. Once
developed, it will serve the area south of Five Mile Creek
between Locust Grove Road and Linden Road.
Please refer to the Design and Development Policies for
Community Parks for the appropriate land use, site selection, and
design/development criteria.
Two small undeveloped city -owned parcels are found at the
south end of the proposed High School adjacent to the
Thousand Springs Subdivision. It is recommended that about
24 acres of additional land be acquired directly north of the
Thousand Springs Subdivision and east of the school site. By
combining these three parcels together, a 30 acre park site
can be created. However, access to the site will be
important since it will not abut an arterial street. Either a
collector along the east side of the school or along the north
side of the Thousand Springs Subdivision should be
provided.
Please refer to the Design and Development Policies for
Community Parks for the appropriate land use, site selection, and
designidevelopment criteria.
Page 2-16
Mendian Comprehensive Perks and Recreation System Rin
Park/and Recommendations
7001
This proposed park site is intended to serve the most
southerly portion of the community. An ideal location
would be at the intersection of Locust Grove Park and
Victory Road. Five Mile Creek will pass through this site and
make good pedestrian access to the park.
Please refer to the Design and Development Policies for
Community Parks for the appropriate land use, site selection, and
design/development criteria.
Page 7-17
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan 2001
2.2.4 SPECLAL USE Definition: Special use areas are miscellaneous public recreation areas
AREAS or land occupied by a specialized facility. Some of the uses that fall
into this classification include single purpose sites, sport field
complexes, or sites occupied by recreation buildings, swimming pools,
flower gardens, architectural features, etc.
A. Existing Inventory., 1. Existing Conditions: Currently, there are three special use
areas in the Meridian area. They are:
Generation Plaza (City) 0.1 Acres
City Hall Park (City) 0.2 Acres
Outdoor Pool (Park District) 1.0 Acres
B. Design and Development 1. General Land Use Guidelines:
Policies.
a. Dependent upon the type of facilities proposed.
2. Site Selection Criteria:
a. Prior to the addition of any special use area, the City
should prepare a detailed feasibility and cost/benefit
analysis for each proposed site being considered.
b. Size and location of facility will be dependent upon the
function of the facility being considered.
3. Design and Development Standards:
a. Design criteria will depend upon the facilities and
activities proposed.
b. Parking requirements: dependent upon the activities
offered.
C. Recommendations: 1. Summary of Recommendations:
Table 2.5
Summary of Special Use Area Recommendations
Meridian Planning Area
Park/and Recommendations Page 2-J8
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan 7001
2.2.5 OPEN SPACE Definition: Natural open space is defined as undeveloped land
AREAS primarily left in its natural environment with recreation uses as a
secondary objective. It is usually owned or managed by a
governmental agency and may or may not have public access. This
type of land often includes wetlands, environmentally sensitive areas,
wildlife habitats, and stream, canal and drainage corridors.
A. Existing Inventory. 1. Existing Conditions: Currently, there are three drains that
pass through Meridian in a southeast to northwest fashion.
These include:
Ten Mile Creek 6.7 lineal miles
Five Mile Creek 7.8 lineal miles
Rutledge Creek 8.5 lineal miles
B. Design and Development 1. General Land Use Guidelines:
Policies:
a. An open space system may be small individual parcels or
parcels combined to create a long continuous linear
pattern such as along a canal or drainage way. These
lands are suitable for minimal wildlife habitat, trail
corridors, or the preservation of environmentally
sensitive lands. For. Meridian, these lands will only
minimally serve to create a sense of seclusion or
separation of neighborhoods.
b. Natural open space should be properly managed and
maintained.
c. Natural open space may be owned and managed by the
City of Meridian or other responsible party approved by
the City.
2. Site Selection Criteria:
a. Emphasis on acquisition should be for those areas
offering unique features or trail opportunities.
b. An analysis should be made to determine if unique
qualities and conditions exist that warrant the acquisition
and/or preservation of this type of land.
c. Prohibiting urban development should not be a reason
for acquiring natural open space.
3. Design and Development Standards:
a. Natural open space areas should be primarily used for
passive and trail related activities. Maintenance levels
should reflect the character of natural open space.
Parkland Recommendations Page 2- / 9
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
2001
b. Encourage passive recreation uses that are compatible
with the preservation of the natural areas. Where
feasible, public access and use of these areas via trails
should be permitted, but sensitive areas should be
protected from degradation and overuse.
c. Improvements should be kept to a minimum, with the
natural environment, interpretive, and educational
features emphasized. Such improvements should be
limited to the following, although other uses or sites
may permit more intensive development.
• Pathways
• Seating
• Informational/Directional Signs
• Viewing Areas
d. Parking should be limited to parks and trailheads and at
a size the area can accommodate.
e. The location and construction of trails and other
features should avoid canal or stream banks, significant
plant populations, and other sensitive features, while
maintaining an acceptable experience and adhering to
the trail development guidelines. In addition, there
may be certain sensitive areas where recreation
activities, even low impact activities, should not be
permitted.
f. Non-native plant species should be removed and
native indigenous species re -introduced in open space
areas. Steps should be taken to eliminate non-native
plant invasion.
4. Management Policies
a. If no specific management practice is currently
developed, the policy should be the accepted standard of
State and Federal agencies.
b. Additions to the open space system should include a
report documenting management recommendations
specific to that site as well as impact on overall
management resources.
Policies should be developed for assessing responsibility
for vegetation encroachment onto private property. In
general, control of invasive plant materials should be the
responsibility of the adjacent property owner. If plants
originate from private property and inhabit an open
space area, or originate in the open space area, it will be
the homeowner's responsibility to remedy the problem
or shoulder the burden of cost.
Parkland Recommendations Page 2-20
Meridian Comprehensive P7rks and Recreation System Plan
2001
Recommendations.• 1. Summary of Recommendations:
Table 2.6
Summary of Open Space Recommendations
Meridian Planning Area
Site
Site
... -.
Action
Nurnbe
Acres
OS -19
Five Mile Creek Greenway
70.5
Trail development
OS -16
Ten Mile Creek Greenway
68.8
Trail development
OS -19
Rutledge Creek Greenway
77.3
Trail development
Note: acres based on a an average width of 75 feet
Existing Acres = 0.0 Acres
Proposed Acres =216.6 Acres
Parkland Recommendations Page 2-21
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation system Plan
2. Site Selection Criteria:
2001
a. The primary purpose of recreation trails is to provide a
recreation experience. Transportation to other parts of
the community should be a secondary objective.
Wherever feasible, recreation pathways and trails should
be located off-street. However, streets can be used in
order to complete connection, whenever needed.
b. Trails should be located and designed to provide a
diversity of challenges. Wherever possible, trails should
encourage accessibility, particularly within loop or
destination opportunities.
c. Trails should be developed throughout the community to
provide linkages to schools, parks, and other destination
points. Each proposed trail should be reviewed on a
case-by-case basis to determine if it should be part of the
City's trail network.
3. Design and Development Standards:
Trail alignments should take into account soil conditions,
slopes, surface drainage, and other physical limitations
that could increase construction and/or maintenance
costs.
b. Trails should be planned, sized, and designed for
multiple uses, except for dedicated nature trails, and/or
areas that cannot be developed to the standard necessary
to minimize potential user conflicts.
c. Centralized and effective staging areas should be
provided for trail access. They should include parking,
orientation and information, and any necessary
specialized unloading features. Primary trailheads
should have restrooms and trash receptacles; secondary
trailheads might only have some parking and signage.
d. Trail widths and clearances: .
Minimum
Standard
Off -Street Multi-
Off -Street Hiking
Purpose Trai I
Trail
Surfacing Paved
Paved/Unpaved
Surface width 8-12'
b'
Minimum R/W 30'-35'
25'
Vertical clearance 10'
10'
Horizontal clearance 2'
2'
Appropriate Use Walking, bicycling,
in-line skating
Hiking
Chapter 3 - Facility Recommendations Page 3-3
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan 2001
C. Recommendations. In this plan, Recreational Trails and Pathways are
emphasized. The primary purpose of this trails system is to
provide recreational walking, bicycling, and hiking
opportunities. That is not to say that these same trails may
also meet some transportation needs as well.
The trails plan identifies the primary trails within the
community and is called the Trail Network. It is the Network
in which the City will be responsible for developing and
maintaining.
In addition, it will be important to also create a secondary
trail system that connects to the Network. It will be up to the
development community to develop and maintain this
system. These trails should be located to minimize the
number of street crossings, limit crossings at street
intersections and provide direct access to the City's Trail
Network.
Table 3.1
Summary of Trail Recommendations
Meridian Planning Area
Chapter 3 - Facility Recommendations Page 3-4
Trail
N
Trail
Length (in 1
.-
Miles)
T-1
Meridian Loop
12.65
Multi -Purpose Trail
T-2
Bear Creek Connection
1.06
Hiking Trail
T-3
Ridenbauch Trail
11.34
Hiking Trail
T-4
Five Mile Creek Trail
7.75
Multi -Purpose Trail
T-5
Rutledge Creek Trail
2.50
Hiking Trail
T-6
Ten Mile Creek Trail
7.57
Multi -Purpose Trail
T-7
Settlers Creek Trail
3.49
Hiking Trail
T-8
South Slough Trail
3.93
Hiking Trail
Chapter 3 - Facility Recommendations Page 3-4
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
(Trails Planj
2001
Chapter 3 - Facility Recommendations Page 3-5
Mendian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
2001
.-� 3.3 INDOOR Input from the City staff, the Parks and Recreation
RECREATION Commission and from the earlier Park and Recreation Plan
CENTER study, revealed strong interest and need for an indoor
recreation center to conduct recreation classes, offer
basketball and volleyball programs, meet the need for
meetings and large group gatherings, and provide equipment
and space for health and fitness training. While the YMCA
has a large swimming pool nearby, there was also some
interest for the City to provide its own indoor swimming
pool.
More and more Northwest communities are building
recreation centers because of the long winters and need to
provide indoor recreation activities during this period.
Nampa recently constructed a major facility that provides a
very wide range of facilities including aquatics. If designed
correctly, recreation centers can offer a wide variety of
community and youth activities at a reasonable cost. To help
offset the operating costs, some recreation centers also
provide event space as well as areas for recreation. This
includes rooms for receptions, meetings, large group
gatherings and trade shows.
Meridian is quickly growing to the point where the
population base is large enough to support a recreation
center. Some of the potential spaces that could be located in
a facility include:
• Multi-purpose gymnasium (2 courts)
• Space for teen and senior activities
• Multi-purpose reception room
• Large and small meeting rooms
• Climbing wall
• Exercise and weight training room
• Running/walking track
• Support facilities
It may also be feasible to provide some indoor swimming
and children's water playground facilities as well. The
recommended site is at the proposed Meridian Community
Park. Because of the cost to build and maintain this type of
facility, the project should be preceded by a feasibility study
to identify the specific need, develop a design program and
forecast the cost to build and maintain.
3.4 SPORTS FIELDS Field sports are an important recreation activity in Meridian.
At the current time field sports are managed as follows:
Adult Softball
• Managed by the City
• Field Supply: 3 fields
• Current Need 5 fields
Chapter 3 - Facility Recommendations Page 3-6
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
Youth Baseball
• Managed by PAL, Meridian Little League Association
• Current Supply:
• Current Need 19 fields
Youth Soccer
• Managed by PAL, Capitol Youth Soccer Association
• Current Supply:
• Current Need 8 fields
2001
Recommendations: The above needs are based on normal amounts of league play
and practice and reflect demand standards developed from cities
throughout the Northwest.
Chapter 3 - Facility Recommendations
1. Sports Council: As the city grows and more teams are
formed, the City should take on a leadership role in
overseeing how the various fields are used. To manage such
a program and assure that all sports are equally represented,
a sports council should be formed representing the City, the
School District and the various sport groups. Some of the
policies and responsibilities this sports council should
address include:
• Establish the amount of practice time and games permitted
per team per week
• Establish policies to protect fields from overuse
• Establish minimum design standards for game and practice
fields
• Turn field scheduling in the city (city and school fields)
over to a "scheduling czar" or a Sports Council.
• The City should be responsible for building the number of
fields based on its population base only. Each city in the
region should assume its own responsibility of meeting a
share of field needs.
• The City should charge a minimum fee for field
maintenance. Increase the fee schedule for non resident
teams or mixed resident teams.
2. Field Scheduling: One of the primary reasons for field
shortage is improper field scheduling. Often it is left to sport
representatives who want as much field time as they can get
and with school principles who do not understand how
much time is actually needed.
To balance need with actual amount of time needed, it is
recommended that a scheduling committee be formed made
up of a school district representative, a representative from
Page 3-7
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
Chapter 3 - Facility Recommendations
2001
the City Parks and Recreation Department and one
representative each from youth soccer, baseball and adult
softball. Working as a group they should set up the field
schedules for the entire year.
3. Field Priority: As more sport fields are developed, it will
become difficult for the City to keep up with field
maintenance. Recognizing this, it is recommended that
fields be developed and maintained according to an
expected level and type of use. This is called a tiered field
system and is utilized as follows:
Level 1 Practice Fields: Locate these fields on school
playgrounds and some future Community Parks: Their quality of
development will be lower than the level 2 and 3 fields and
include the following design standards:
backstops only for baseball fields
open grass areas for soccer fields
soccer fields may overlay other fields
Level 2 Game Fields: These are fields used for league play and
some limited practice. They will be located in future Community
Parks. Their quality of development should be higher than the
Level 1 fields and meet the following design standards:
• backstops and outfield fencing for most baseball fields
• multi -use fields for baseball and softball
• open grass areas for soccer
• most fields constructed in clusters
• Because of their location within neighborhoods, most
fields will not be lighted
• Restrooms will be provided within the community park but
most likely not within the complex of fields.
Level 3 Tournament Fields: These are fields used for
tournament play and limited league play. Practice will not be
permitted on these fields. It is recommended that the fields at the
proposed Meridian Community Park (C-4) be used for this purpose.
The quality of this complex should be high and meet the following
design standards:
• backstops, foul line and outfield fencing required for all
baseball and softball fields
• field lighting
• dedicated fields for soccer, baseball, and softball
• Support facilities such as restrooms, concessions, etc.
Page 3-8
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan 2001
3.5 SPEC/AL/ZED The following are recommendations for special use recreational
RECREATIONAL facilities.
FACIL /TIES
In-line skating and in-line hockey have become popular
activities as well as a competitive sport. By giving the youth
a place to play rather than using the streets or other public
places, it relieves conflicts with the general public. The
difficulty is finding a place that will have local neighborhood
acceptance and one that is easy for the youth to reach.
A skate park should offer a wide range of youth activities, is
highly visible, and is easy for the youth to reach. A good
design program is a facility that contains:
• In-line skate area with jumps and ramps
• Possible half pipe
• In-line hockey rink
• A small shelter building
• Nearby restroom building
In an effort to geographically balance skate facilities within
the community, it is recommended that two sites be located.
The Suggested sites are:
• Meridian Community Park (Site C4)
• Proposed Thousand Springs Park (Site C-22)
Currently, Meridian does not have any facilities that easily
accommodate large groups. Aside from meeting the need for
large groups, these types of facilities can also generate
revenue to help offset the park maintenance cost.
A group picnic area usually requires a large site in order for
the group area to be separated from the rest of the park. In
addition, support facilities and a sport field is also desirable.
While any community park will do, two suggested sites are
C-21 and C-4 A group picnic area should contain 1-2 large
shelter buildings equipped with barbecues and an outdoor
patio area. In order to insure some privacy, this area should
be somewhat separated from the other parts of the park by
trees and landscaping.
Chapter 3 - Facility Recommend 7tions Page 3-9
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
Chapter 3 - Fac//Vi), Recommendations
Most of the children's playgrounds in Meridian are
somewhat basic and designed to meet the local
neighborhood needs.
200!
It is recommended that a major playground be developed in
one of the future parks that contains a wide variety of
children's play facilities. It should be unique enough to
warrant a drive across town to visit and hold a child's
attention for several hours. Any of the proposed community
parks will fit this need.
A new type of outdoor water feature that has become very
popular is an outdoor water playground. The size can vary
considerably but usually contain water fountains, small
splash pool and sometimes a water slide. Depending upon
their size they can be either managed with guards and
charged a fee to use or not managed and visited like any
other children's playground.
The City could either develop one large facility and locate it
near the center of the city or develop two smaller ones at
either end of the city. Constructing one large one would
more efficient to operate but not be as convenient to city
residents.
A facility not now found in Meridian is a place for outdoor
wedding receptions and other large group gatherings. This
kind of space should be in high demand in Meridian and can
also be a source of revenue through its rentals. Often they
are developed in conjunction with a floral garden.
Almost any of the proposed community parks would fit this
need except for Meridian Community Park (C-4) because of
the sports fields and expected amount noise and activity at
the site.
Page 3- 10
CHAPTER 4 -MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Contents:
• Staffing Requirements
• Park Impact Fees
4.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter of the report covers several operational issues related
to improving services. This includes analysis and
recommendations for staffing and a review of the park impact fee
structure.
4.2 STAFFING The current cost to maintain the present park system in Meridian
REQUIREMENTS is about $428,332 per year which excludes the salary of the
Parks and Recreation Director. While one might argue that this
cost should be included, in most communities it is not included
in the maintenance budget.
According to Table 1.2 there are 44.2 acres of park land now
maintained by the City. From this amount, four acres should be
deducted from Chateau Park which is not yet developed. If one
were to then divide the $428,332 by 40.2 acres, the annual cost
per acre to maintain the park system is $10,665 per acre. This
amount is high when compared to other communities we have
studied. There are, however, several reasons on why this
number may be high.
First, the city has graduated from a small city with basically one
park to one of several large parks but continues to look at
operations as a small park system. An example is that the City
continues to mow the parks with small mowers. Purchasing a
large mower would eliminate one person from that position.
Chapter 4 - Administration and Management Recommendations Page 4-1
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Pan
r41rn
The second reason is that as the park system grows, the ratio of
park land per maintenance employee should go up because no
additional support and management personnel will be needed.
As a goal, the Maintenance Division should seek a maintenance
budget that reflects a cost of approximately $8,000 per
maintained acre.
Currently the Maintenance Division consists of the following
positions:
Table 4-1
Current Park Maintenance Staff
Maintenance Level Full Time Seasonal
Superintendent 1
Full Time Employees 4
7 month employees 2
4 month employees 1 2
nmms
Total equivalent full time employees: 6.83
This amounts to an existing ratio of 5.9 acres per maintenance
employee. Using the $8,000 per acre as the target amount to
pay for park maintenance, the recommended ratio is 7.9 acres
per employee. This is illustrated below.
Current ratio of acres per employee 5.9
Recommended ratio of acres per employee 7.9
While the recommended ratio of park land per employee is
higher than what now exists, the City should be able to maintain
its parks at a quality level. This standard, however, will require
approaching maintenance in a different fashion, developing
parks that are easy to maintain and using equipment that makes
maintenance more efficient.
The number of future employees will be based on how fast the
park system is developed. However, using the current ratio of
park land to population and applying to the growth forecasts, the
following maintenance staff needs are forecasted.
Current park maintenance staff
6.8 FTE's
Year 2000 needs
5.1 FTE's
Year 2010 needs
7.6 FTE's
Year 2020 needs
9.7 FTE's
Chapter 4 -Administration and Management Recommendations
Page 4-2
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Pbn
2001
4.3 IMPACT FEES Impact fees are development fees charged to new homes built in
Meridian. As a rule, they are charged at the time of securing the
building permit. While the developer or builder pays this fee, it
is generally passed on to the homebuyer through the cost of the
house purchase. In theory, park impact fees are intended to pay
for the cost of all new park land acquisitions and development.
As a practical point the fee rate imposed by a city seldom reflects
the true costs, which means existing residents must share the
cost through property taxes.
The current impact fee rate for parks is about $530 per single
family home and $407 per multi -family unit. It is our contention
that this rate does not reflect the true cost of developing the park
system for Meridian.
The cost to develop the park system reflected in the Plan and
summarized in Table 5.3 is $41,997,000. Deducted from this
amount should be $4.5 million for the cost of the recreation
center. The total new growth between the year 2000 and 2020
is forecasted at 37,800 persons which reflects about 13,500 new
households. If the number of new households is divided by the
cost to build the park system, it amounts to $2,778 per
household. It will be up to the City Council to decide how
much of the true cost should be borne by new development.
Chapter 4 - Administraaon and Management Recommendations Page 4-3
CHAPTER 5 -PROJECT FINANCING
Contents:
• Project Priorities
• Funding Sources
• Financing Strategy
• Project List
5.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter of the Action flan identifies a strategy for funding
park and facility improvements. This strategy identifies specific
actions that should occur as well as potential sources of funding.
The summary of this planning process is shown in the five-year
capital improvement plan identified in Table 5.2. Some of these
funding sources are new to the City whereas others have been
utilized in the past.
The following criteria are recommended for prioritizing projects
5.2 PROJECT in the capital improvement plan. They are listed in terms of the
PRIORI TIES highest priority first.
Acquisition of Parkland: Because of the high rate of growth in
Meridian it will be important to acquire parkland while it is
still available. The difficulty the City will face is finding money
in the short term to pay for this acquisition. While Park Impact
Fees are designed for this purpose, as a practical point the fee
schedule is not high enough to pay for all of the acquisition
and development cost. In addition, the money comes in at the
time of residential development which is usually too late to
acquire the land in the vicinity.
2. Development of Meridian Community Park (Site C-4) This site
was recently acquired by the City and a master plan has been
approved. Due to the interest to this project, it should also
have a high priority.
Chapter 5 - Project Financing Page 5-1
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
5.3 FUND/NG
SOURCES
7001
3. Development of Trails: Trail development should have a
medium to high priority because of the interest in trails and the
fact that some opportunities now exist for trail development.
4. Upgrade of Existing Parks: Capital money has already been
approved to upgrade Chateau Park. This project plus other
existing park improvements should have a medium priority.
5. Development of a Recreation Center: Provision of indoor
recreation space and a place for major indoor events should
have a medium priority.
6. Development of Sports Fields should be an on-going process
as new community parks are developed.
7. Development of Specialized Facilities: Development of
specialized facilities such as a skate park, outdoor water
playground, adventure playground and other features should
occur as community interests demonstrate the support.
8. Development of New Parks: Developing new parks should
have a medium to low priority and reflect the rate of
community growth.
The following are possible funding sources for the planning,
acquisition, development and maintenance of parks, open space,
and recreational areas.
1. Capital Facilities Fund: Many communities have a separate
budget item for major capital projects. It is usually called a
Capital Facilities Fund and reflects major capital expenditures
for the next 5-6 years. Meridian does not have this type of
Fund but looks at capital expenditures at each budget year.
3. General Obligation Bond: These are voter -approved bonds
with the assessment placed on real property. The money can
only be used for capital improvements and not maintenance.
This property tax is levied for a specified period of time
(usually 20-30 years). Passage requires a two thirds majority
approval by the voters. One disadvantage of this type of levy is
the interest costs.
4. Revenue Bonds: These bonds are sold and paid from the
revenue produced from the operation of a facility. This
approach requires voter approval.
5. HUD Block Grants: Grants from the Federal Department of
Housing and Urban Development are available for a wide
variety of projects. Most are distributed in the lower income
areas of the community. Grants can be up to 100% of project
cost. Only a few areas of the community would be eligible for
this grant program.
Chapter 5 - Project Financing Page 5-1
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
Chapter 5 - Project Financing
1001
6. Park Impact Fees: Park Impact Fees are fees imposed on new
development caused by the impacts their project has on the
City's infrastructure. Park impact fees can only be used for
parkland acquisition and/or development. Meridian has this
mechanism in place but the rate is quite low and does not
accurately reflect the true cost. The City's current rate is about
$482 per single family residence and $371 per multi -family
residence.
7. Certificates of Participation: This is a lease -purchase
approach in which the City sells Certificates of Participation
(COP'S) to a lending institution. The City then pays the loan off
from revenue produced by the facility or from its general
operating budget. The lending institution holds title to the
property until the COP'S are repaid. This procedure does not
require a vote of the public but is subject to court approval.
8. Donations: The donations of labor, land or cash by service
agencies, private groups, or individuals is a popular way to
raise small amounts of money for specific projects. Such
service agencies as the Kiwanis, Rotary, etc., often fund small
projects such as playground improvements.
10. Exchange of Property: An exchange of property that is
between a private landowner and the City can occur. For
example, the City could exchange an unneeded water reservoir
site for a potential park site currently under private ownership.
11. Joint Public/Private Partnership: This concept is relatively
new to park and recreation agencies. The basic approach is for
a public agency to enter into a working agreement with a
quasi -public or private corporation to help fund, build, and/or
operate a public facility. Several options exist:
One option is for the City to enter into an agreement with a
private for-profit organization that would manage and/or build
a facility. The City benefits in that it does not front the cost of
construction and may receive a concession fee. The private
operator benefits in that the land is free (usually leased by the
city for a nominal fee) and often can receive certain tax
benefits. While the City would give up certain responsibilities
or control, it is one way of obtaining public facilities at a lower
cost.
A second option if for the City to partner with another public
agency or quasi -public agency. An example would be for the
City to enter into an operation agreement with say, the Boys
and Girls Club to operate a youth center. A similar partnership
is for the City and private sport groups to share in the operation
and maintenance of sport fields.
Page 5-3
Meridian Comprehensive P74s and Recreation System Plan 2001
�-- 12. General Fund: This fund accounts for revenues and
expenditures that result from ongoing operations of City
functions. The City currently funds some park development
through this fund..
13. Hotel/Motel Tax: While this is not a major source of revenue
to the city, some communities fund projects from this funding
source that help promote tourism.
14. Utility Fee: This is a tax on electric, water, telephone, gas and
cable TV services.
5.4 FINANCING The cost to implement all of the recommendations in the
STRATEGY Plan exceeds $37 million. This is a significant amount
although not excessive considering that this cost is for
ultimate development of the community.
Financing the entire $37 million at one time would be nearly
impossible. In addition, many of the projects are not needed
at this time. As a result, for budgeting purposes a short term
(five -years) financing strategy is proposed. This strategy is
presented as :The Capital Facilities Plan (CFP). This plan lists
projects in priority and their funding source.
The proposed CFP is intended to meet the immediate park
and recreation needs of the community and to acquire park
land while it is still available.
Two major funding sources form the centerpiece of the
Capital Facilities Plan. One is the Park Impact Fees. This is
fees charged to residential development for the acquisition
and development of park sites, trails and other recreation
facilities. The CFP is based on the current rate which is
about $530 for a single family household and $407 for a
multi -family household. The City should undertake an
analysis to determine if this rate should be increased to
reflect the cost of developing the park system.
The second major part of funding strategy is the approval of a
general obligation bond for the acquisition of land and the
development of an indoor recreation center. The cost to the
taxpayer for a $10 million bond paid over 30 years @ 5%
interest would be about $0.43 per $1,000 of assessed
valuation.
Chapter 5 - Project Financing Page 5-4
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
Expenditures.
2001
Table 5.1
Five Year Expenditures Program
Comprehensive Park and Recreation System Plan
. The funding sources for the CFP are listed on the next page.
Chapter 5 -Project Financing Page 5-5
Site
Project
Cost
Land Acquisition
C-3
North Meridian Park
$600,000
C-13
Fairview Avenue Park
$900,000
C-21
Overland Road Park
$600,000
C-24
Thousand Springs Park
$720,000
Park Development
C-4
Meridian C. Park - Phase 1
$1,900,000
N-6
Chateau Park - Phase 1
$240,000
N-6
Chateau Park - Phase 2
95,000
C-23
Bear Creek Park - Phase 1
440,000
C-23
Bear Creek Park - Phase 2
150,000
Trail Development
T-1
Meridian loop Trail
217,000
T-4
Five Mile Creek Trail - Phase 1
90,000
T-4
Five Mile Creek Trail - Phase 2
90,000
Park Upgrades
C-19
Storey Park -Phase 1
70,000
C-19
Storey Park - Phase 2
125,000
C-19
Storey Park - Phase 3
350,000
SU -16
Generation Plaza
15,000
Miscellaneous Projects
Skatepark
150,000
Group Picnic Area
155,000
Adventure Playground
260,000
Water Playground
310,000
Recreation Center Study
40,000
Recreation Center Const.
4,500,000
TOTAL PACKAGE
$1 2.017.000'
. The funding sources for the CFP are listed on the next page.
Chapter 5 -Project Financing Page 5-5
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
Funding Sources:
5.5 PROJECT L/ST
1001
Table 5.2
Five Year Funding Program)
Comprehensive Park and Recreation System Plan
A list of all projects listed in the Plan are shown below.
Table 5.3
Al Projects to Complete the Plan
Sources
Amount
General Obligation Bond
$10,000,000
Impact Fees
$1,517,000
General Fund
$250,000
Grants
$150,000
Donations ($20,000 per year
S100,000
OJ
Total Funding Sources
S 12,017,000
M-10
Tammy Street Park
A list of all projects listed in the Plan are shown below.
Table 5.3
Al Projects to Complete the Plan
(P) = Proposed
Chapter 5 — Project Financing Page 5-6
U
OJ
OJ
OJ
Mini Parks
M-10
Tammy Street Park
Neighborhood Parks
N-6
Chateau Park (
X
X
N-8
80 Street Park
Community Parks
C-1
McMillan Road Park (P)
X
X
X
C-2
Ten Mile Road Park (P)
X
X
X
C-3
North Meridian Park (P)
X
X
X
C-4
Meridian Community Park
X
C-5
Blackcat Road Park (P)
X
X
X
C-7-
Tulley Park
X
C-1 1
Fairview Avenue Park (P)
X
X
X
C-12
Fuller Park
C-13
Meridian Jr. High Park
X
X
(P) = Proposed
Chapter 5 — Project Financing Page 5-6
Meridian Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan
Table 5.3 (Con't)
2001
Site
Facility
CL
CL
C-17
Franklin Road Park (P)
X
X X
C-19
Storey Park
X
X X
C-20
Overland Road Park (P)
X
X X
C-21
Bear Creek Park
X
X
C -ZZ
1 Thousand Springs Park (P)
X
X X
C-23
Locust Grove Park (P)
X
X X
Special Use Areas
SU -14
Generation Plaza
SU -15
City Hall Park
SU-
Outdoor Swimming Pool
Open Space
OS -9
Five Mile Creek Greenway
X
OS -16
Ten Mile Creek Greenway
X
OS -19
Rutledge Creek Greenway
X
Trail Systems
T-1
Meridian Loop (P)
X
X
T-2
Bear Creek Connection (P)
X
X
T-3
Ridenbauch Trail (P)
X
X
T-4
Five Mile Creek Trail (P)
X
X
T-5
Rutledge Creek Trail
X
X
T-6
Ten Mile Creek Trail
X
X
T-7
Settlers Creek Trail
X
X
T-8
South Slough Trail
X
X
Specialized Facilities
Sports Field Complex (1)
X
Skate Park #I
X
X
Skate Park #2
X
X
Group Picnic Area (1)
X
Adventure Playground (1)
X
Water Playground (1)
X
Outdoor Reception Area (1)
X
Recreation Center
X
X
(P) = Proposed
Chapter 5 — Project Financing Page 5-7
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