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HomeMy WebLinkAbout025102 ORD - 11/19/2002AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI BY ADOPTING THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI PARKS, RECREATION, & OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE. WHEREAS, the Park and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning Commission have forwarded to the City Council their reports and recommendations concerning adopting City of Corpus Christi Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan, as an element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus Christi; and WHEREAS, in accordance with proper notice to the public, a public hearing was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2002, during a meeting of the Planning Commission and on Tuesday, November 12, 2002, during a meeting of the City Council, in the Council Chambers at City Hall in the City of Corpus Christi allowing all interested persons to appear and be heard; and WHEREAS, under the laws of the State of Texas and the City Charter of the City of Corpus Christi, the City Council shall adopt the comprehensive plan and amendments to the comprehensive plan by ordinance; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the adoption of the City of Corpus Christi Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan, as an element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus Christi, would best serve public health, necessity and convenience and the general welfare of the City of Corpus Christi and its citizens; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS: SECTION '1. That the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas is amended by adding the City of Corpus Christi Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan, as an element of the Comprehensive Plan. A copy of City of Corpus Christi Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan has been marked as Exhibit A, filed with the City Secretary, and is attached to, incorporated into, and made a part of this ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus Christi for all purposes. SECTION 2. That the City of Corpus Christi Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan establishes the City of Corpus Christi's policies for growth and development of parks and recreation services and the acquisition and preservation of open spaces within the City. The City of Corpus Christi Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan is a portion of the master and general plan of the City. SECTION 3. That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby expressly repealed. Where any provision of this ordinance imposes standards or R22866A2.doc 025,1 O2 2 restrictions different from those imposed by any other provision of any other City ordinance, rule, or regulation, the provisions of this ordinance shall control. SECTION 4. If for any reason any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, word or provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid or unconstitutional by final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect any other section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, word, or provision of this ordinance, for it is the definite intent of this City Council that every section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, word or provision of this ordinance be given full force and effect for its purpose. R22866A2.doc 3 That the foregoing ordinance was read for the fir~st time and passed to its second reading on this theI ~-~,~"~ day of ¥/~.~,~t'~?:L/1,2002, by the following vote: Samuel L. Neal, Jr.. (: t~F-, Rex A. Kinnison Brent Chesney ~ / John Longoria (! z t~r .; Javier D. Colmenero Jesse Noyola Henry Garrett Mark Scott Bill Kelly That the f~oregoing ordinance was rb ~d for the second time and passed finally on this the , ,l~'ay of ~ 0~.~ , 2002 by the following vote: Samuel L. Neal, Jr. ~ Rex A. Kinnison _ ~ Brent Chesney ,~~- John Longoria ~ Javier D. Colmenero L~F,~ Jesse Noyola ~{{ Henry Garrett /"~. Mark Scott ~ Bill Kelly I~, J~-~ ~ SSED AND APPROVED, this the ~. day of t /.~,~/~002. City Secretary APPROVED: The 6th day of November, 2002: James R. Bray. Jr. City Attorney By: /'~'~ R. ~'ay~ining / First Assi' 'stant City Attorney R22866A2.doc 025102 Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan E. Summary of Key Parks Master Plan Findings and Recommendations (For Final Approval) This report is a summary of the key findings of the Citywide Parks Master Plan. This report includes comments received during the formation and review of the recommendations. These comments have come from the Corpus Christi City Council, Planning and Zoning Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, other boards, staff and the citizens of Corpus Christi. A. Purpose of the Parks Master Plan The purpose of this Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan is to establish goals and priorities while providing an assessment of Corpus Chdsti's parks system. Above all, the Park Planning process allows the citizens of Corpus Christi to determine what their preferred park and recreation priorities should be. This plan: · Points out deficiencies in the system and recommends alternatives to address and correct those deficiencies; · Looks at the potential growth of the city over the next 5 to 10 years, and assesses where additional facilities will be needed as the city grows, and what types of facilities are most needed; · Guides city staff in acquiring land to meet current and future park and open space needs; · Pdoritizes key recommendations of the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan so that the most significant deficiencies are addressed as quickly as possible; · Is intended to guide city staff and city leaders in determining where and how parks funding should be allocated over the next five years; · Allows the City to compete for much needed grant assistance from the State (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department) and the Federal Government (Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program). Over the past few years, Corpus Christi has been at a distinct disadvantage because of the lack of a citywide parks master plan. Executive Summary ~ NOTE: The complete copy of the ~ City of Corpus Christi Parks, E - I Recreation and Open Space Master Plan is filed with the Reports and ~tl,di~ Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan Planning Areas - The city has been divided into three general planning Areas. Each of the three general planning area incorporates several of the Area Development Plans (ADP's), where land use and transportation plans have been prepared by the City Planning Department over the past 10+ years. These three general areas are shown below. Execut ve Summary Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan B. Goals of the Park Master Plan The following goals are derived from previously adopted policy plans adopted by the City Council over the past 10 years. These goals have been updated to reflect current issues, and continue to reflect the interests of the citizens of Corpus Christi. Goal #1 Provide a diversity of recreation activities at appropriate locations throughout the city, not just in certain parts of the city, based on a systematic evaluation of the parks system and adopted park standards. Goal #2 Preserve and protect unique natural open spaces, selected historic sites, river corridors, drainage corridors and green spaces within the city. Goal #3 Develop a network of pedestrian and bicycle ways for hiking, jogging, and cycling throughout Corpus Christi. Include an interconnected system of paths, trails, lanes, and routes that are multipurpose, accessible, and convenient and that connect neighborhoods, parks, schools, workplaces, shopping, major open spaces, tourist points, and other destinations. Goal #4 Continue to maintain all C!ty of Corpus Christi parks and recreation facilities to the highest level possible. C. Corpus Christi's Demographics The future growth of the city and its five-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction (ET J) plays an important role in understanding where park facilities are most needed. The table below summarizes the projected population growth of the city as a whole over the next five plus years. Executive Summary Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan Year 2000 Population (Per Census) 285,873 End of Year 2001 Starting Population (estimated) 288,901 Year 2005 Projected Population 299,726 Year 2007 Projected Population 305,716 Year 2010 Projected Population 315,089 Significant population growth through the year 2007 is projected to occur in the Southside, south of Padre Island Drive, as well as in the Flour Bluff, Padre island and the far North sectors of the city. These areas are anticipated to add almost 14,000 residents over the next 5 years. Little or no growth is projected in the near Westside (just west of the Crosstown Expressway) and in the Southeast side of the city (between Padre Island Drive and the bayfront). D. Methodology Used to Assess Key Parks Needs Three techniques were used in evaluating Corpus Christi's current and future parks needs, These techniques follow general methodologies accepted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for local park master plans and by the Department of the Interior for local park system Recovery Action Plans (RAP). 1. -- = . . , "~i - uses standards established by Corpus Christi to determine the quantity of park facilities required to meet the city's needs at a given population. Standards usually are expressed as the quantity of park facilities needed to adequately serve every 1,000 citizens of the city. For example, the city's standard for neighborhood parks might be one acre for every 1000 residents of the city. Executive Summary Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan 2. ~~1~"'"'~1~ - uses participation rates, league usage data, and surveys to determine how much the population uses and desires certain types of recreation facilities. For example, the Padre Soccer League has grown from just under 1000 participants in 1998 to over 2500 participants in 2001. Such growth indicates a need for additional facilities. 3. . ~ . .a.s~ - is based on the usefulness of available physical resources to provide recreation opportunities. For example, the Oak Mott area near the Packery channel area is a unique habitat area only found in a few places in and around the city, and should be considered for preservation. Other resource based recreational opportunities exist along Oso Creek, the Nueces River, the Lacuna Madre and along the Gulf of Mexico. All three methods are important in their own way, but individually do not represent the entire story. This assessment, and the recommendations resulting from it, uses findings from all three methods to determine what types of recreation facilities are needed in Corpus Christi. E. Needs AsSessment Summary Spatial standards for parks and recreational areas are established so that sufficient area is available to allow for all the outdoor recreation needs of a community. These standards will allow Corpus Christi to plan ahead, so that parkland can be targeted and acquired before it is developed. These spatial standards are expressed as the number of acres of parkland per 1,000 inhabitants. The recommended spatial standards for Corpus Christi are shown below. Executive Summary Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan Park Acreage Guidelines for Corpus Christi Home based parks · Neighborhood Parks - Recommended Standard - 1.5 acres per 1,000 populationLocally based Community Parks - Recommended Standard - Other City Wide Parks · District Parks (large community parks) - Recommended standard 2 acres per 1000 population, and every citizen should be within 3 miles of a large district park. · Regional Parks - Suggested standard 3 acres per 1000 population · Special Purpose Parks - Variable standard, none established · Linear Parks/Linkage Parks - Variable standard, recommended goal of 2 to 4 acres per 1000 population · Open Space Preserves - Variable standard, recommended 9oal of 5 to 10 acres per 1000 population ~ Neighborhood Parks - The standard of 1.5 acres of neighborhood parks for every 1000 residents is an average ratio, and reflects the existence of a significant amount of neighborhood parks already in the city. Corpus Christi currently has approximately 280 acres of neighborhood parks for a year 2001 population of 288,901. By the year 2007, as much as 177 additional acres might be needed, or up to 35 additional 5 -acre neiohborhood harks. A significant fact is that most of the city's neighborhood parks are very small. In fact, over one third of the city's parks are under three acres in size, and many of those are no more than 1 acre in size. In addition, many of the smaller parks are largely undeveloped or significantly underdeveloped, having only one or two pieces of park equipment in the entire park. The table below summarizes the current neighborhood park acreage on a citywide basis. Execut ve Summary Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan Neighborhood Parks In Corpus Christi Today · Currant Acres - 280 Acres +/- · Current Ratio of Neighborhood Parks to Population - 0.97 acres per 1000 population · Recommended Standard - 1.5 acres per 1,000 population · Current 2001 Needs with 288,901 estimated population - 433 acres (deficit of 153 acres) - Existing acres are 65% of total currently recommended · Year 2007 Needs with 305,716 projected population - 458 acres +/- · Year 2015 Needs with 330,453 projected population - 495 acres +/- Community parks - Corpus Christi has a network of smaller community parks that are well located. However, those parks are often underdeveloped and as a result are often poorly utilized. Corpus Christi currently has 744 acres of developed community parks for a year 2001 population of 288,901. The table on the following page summarizes the citywide community park supply in Corpus Christi today. Community Parks in Corpus Christi Today · Current Acres - 744 Acres +/- · Current Ratio of community parks to population - 2.58 acres per 1000 population · Recommended Standard - 4 acres per 1000 population · Current 2001 Needs with 288,901 population - 1,t52 acres (deficit of 408 acres) - Existing acres are 64% of total recommended · Year 2007 Need with 205,716 projected population - 1220 acres +/- · Year 2015 Need with 330,453 projected population - 1,322 acres +/- Executive Summary Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan Needs based on Citizen Input - Citizen input from a citywide survey, public meetings and discussions with leagues and key user groups were also used to determine key needs within the city. The table below summarizes the key recreation desires and needs expressed by the citizens of Corpus Christi. Type of Facility TOP TEN FACILITIES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL PICNIC PLAYGROUNDS/NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS ADDITIONAL TRAILS CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SOCCER FIELDS CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SKATEBOARD PARK CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SENIOR CENTERS DEVELOP NATURAL HABITAT/NATURE AREAS CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BASKETBALL COURTS CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SWIMMING POOLS CONSTRUCTION OF YOUTH SOFTBALL FIELDS Level of Ratio of Support Support to cltywide Opposition 90% 12.9 to 1 89% 12.1 to 1 86% 9.6 to 1 80% 7.3 to 1 83% 6.9 to 1 83% 6.9 to I 82% 6.3 to 1 82% 6.8 to 1 82% 6.8 to 1 80% 6.2 to 1 OTHER 11. 12. 13, 14. 15. HIGHLY RANKED DESIRED FACILITIES VOLLEYBALL COURTS BASEBALL FIELDS RENTAL PICNIC/REUNION PAVILIONS TENNIS COURTS ADULT SOFTBALL FIELDS 78% 78% 79% 74% 75% 6.0 to 1 5.6 to 1 5.3 to 1 4.6to 1 4.2 to 1 Executive Summary Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan F. Guiding Concepts and Philosophy The following concepts serve as the basis and foundation for the Parks Master Plan recommendations. They are derived from the needs assessment and citizen comments throughout the process. 1. The target standards developed in this document are not excessive, and in fact arc average for a city the size of Corpus Christi. The recommendations of this Parks Master Plan reflect a commitment to "quality of Dark. not lust ouantity. In the past, the city has securcd significant amounts of park lands but has not had the resources or the will to develop those park lands. As a result, many of the parks in the city today are underdeveloped, and the city's athletic facilities are poor compared to many other cities. 2. From an overall standpoint, the city's park system is generally in poor condition. The rccent years of drought, coupled with the lack of automatic irrigation systems, has contributed to the poor condition of many of the city's parks. The need for immediate and increased funding to address the park needs is critical. 3. The waterfront is an incredible tourism magnet and a unique resource for all citizens of the city. However, the city must strike a balance between exDenditurcs for waterfront parks and inland parks. The city should insure that other less visible but just as important parts of the parks system are adequately taken carc of. 4. Corpus Christi generally has an adequate overall supply of park lands. This supply by no means exceeds or even comes close to the recommended target standards, but it is judged to be generally adequate given the limited rcsources of the city. 5. Land for larAe parks is one of the few key land needs of the city. These parks should serve large sectors of the city, and the city should aggrcssively pursue the acquisition of several large tracts of land. 6. The bay front and waterfront areas throughout the city are incredibly precious resources, and as such should be both prcserved and developed with an eye to their use and enjoyment by all in the city, not just the few who can purchase waterfront locations. Creative development and cost-sharing between the private and public sectors can make this happen. 7. Land acquisition of waterfront lands for open space and trails, even in close proximity to development, should remain a hi(~h priority. 8. The Oso Creek Parkway plan remains a tremendous open space and trail linkage corridor for much of the non-waterfront portion of the city. The implementation of the Oso Crcek Parkway plan should be continued and should rcmain a high priority. However, the cross-section of land that is being acquired should be grcatly increased to turn the corridor into a major parkland corridor as the city grows. Executive Summary Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan 9. The city's athletic facilities are below par. The funding resources of private non- profit organizations are not sufficient to develop and maintain quality ballfields and soccer facilities, and the city should re-focus on providing these key recreation facilities. 10. The quantity of smaller nei.qhborhood parks continues to be more than th~ resources of the city can care for. Divestment of a few more small park spaces may be feasible, but is not an answer for all of the smaller parks. Rather, the greater focus should be on developing a neighborhood by neighborhood plan for converting some of the unused parks in lower maintenance green spaces. Recommendations to address this are contained in this chapter. 11. DrainaRe ways and utility corridors, and key boulevards should be used for trail and Rreen space parkways across the city. Corpus Christi lacks major creeks or natural corridors in the heart of the city, and so must create artificial green corridors that cut across the city. 12. Immediate attention should be Riven to phasinR out older and substandard ~)lavoround equipment throuqhout the city, and/or installing safety fall zone materials as needed around the remaining play equipment. 13. The pursuit of creative fundin.q solutions to stretch limited fundinR should remain a hi.qh priority. The city should aggressively pursue grant opportunities, joint development partnerships, and co-sharing agreements with the area school districts and other governmental entities. 14. Permanent Ion~l rancle revenue sources for parks improvements and operations should be pursued. If other funding needs can be met, a sales tax mechanism, even if only a 1/8 or 1/4 cent percentage, can be an excellent source of revenue for matching grant opportunities. 15. Develop a Iona ranae strateRy for ,Rrant candidate sites. By understanding the key requirements of a successful TPWD or transportation enhancement grant, strategic land acquisitions (through non-city and non-park related sources) and partnerships can be developed well in advance. This will ensure a higher degree of success in a very competitive grant environment. 16. The Park Land Dedication ordinance should be updated immediately. The ordinance provides very little real land or funding for parks, and as a result is spreading the City's limited funding resources even further. In many cases, the city receives very small amounts of funding, and must wait until other funding sources can be generated. In some cases, land dedicated for new neighborhood parks are not developed for many years. The Parkland Dedication Ordinance should be reviewed immediately to assess ways in which it can become a better mechanism under which to develop new neiqhborho0d park facilities in a more timely and yet fair method. The Parks Advisory Board, the Planning and Zoning Board and the City Council should all be actively involved in the review of the Parkland Dedication Ordinance. Executive Summary E - 10 - Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan G. Major system wide recommendations Using the needs assessment approaches noted above, the following are the key Parks Master Plan recommendations for the next 5 to10 years. Park Classification - Adopt a "district" park classification system. The current system in the city is: · Pocket and Neighborhood parks, with a service area diameter of ~ to I mile; · Community parks, such as South Guth Park, with a service area diameter of 5 miles; · Special purpose parks, such as the golf courses or the Hans Suter Wildlife Area. · Regional park facilities, such as the Mustang Island State Park or Padre Island National Seashore. The master plan recommends that the city add an additional category of park, called the District Park. These will be existing larger parks that currently serve broad sectors of the city. These include West and South Guth Parks, Dr. Hector P. Garcia Park, and Bill Witt Park. These parks are all largely developed, but more diverse recreation facilities need to be added to each of those parks. ReconfiRure nei,qhborhood parks in portions of the city- instead of a series of very small, largely undeveloped neighborhood parks serving a neighborhood, adopt the strategy of the "super" neighborhood park. On a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis (with each area having logical boundaries no greater than one mile by one mile square), and with siRnificant neighborhood resident input, select one key park to be further developed in each area, and transform that park into the key neiqhborhood park for that area. Where appropriate, reclassify other neighborhood parks in the same neighborhood into green spaces with fewer or no recreation amenities, but with more Iow maintenance landscaping and trees. This is intended to reduce the maintenance burden for the parks department, but still maintain a high level of scenic appeal. Adoot a district approach to facilities - past philosophy has been to build smaller facilities that serve discreet neighborhoods and communities. The recommended approach is to be district-wide facilities that are more efficient to build and operate, and with more diversity of facilities that attract greater amounts of usage. Executive Summary E - 11 - Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action H, AIternativeApproaches to Implement Needed Improvements Plan The following approaches to address significant parks needs throughout the city can be used. Each has positive and negative implications. Incremental approach - divide potential funding among many different needs. Can address many different areas of concern, but often spreads funding out too much, and improvements are not readily apparent. In essence, this chips away at problem areas and doesn't produce major improvements. This approach has been used in the past to address parks improvements, most notably in the 2000 bond program. (or) One at a time approach - target a few selective projects at a time. Allows greater amount of funding to be targeted to specific projects, and permits greater degree of solving key issues in specific parts of the city, but other needs will be delayed. (or) Little of both approach - selectively target a few major projects, as well as several minor projects at one time. May cover more ground, but also still dilutes effectiveness of funding approach. I, Other General Funding Considerations Grant levera.qe - adopt a g0al of trying to leverage all improvements funding with outside grant sources. Plan for matching grant funding in every year's fiscal budget. A(mressively pursue private partnerships - continue to build partnerships with leagues, user groups, educational institutions and other entities that may participate in funding projects. Resource combination - continue to work with other entities to combine resources, especially when targeting grants. School districts, County, govemmental institutions can all provide supplemental funding. Executive Summary E - 12 Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan J. Facilities Priorities for Citywide Parks Master Plan Based on the needs assessment, a list of the highest priority recreation facility needs over the next 5 years has been identified, and is shown on the following page. Note that these represent needs throughout the city, and represent a top "ten" list that should be addressed in all grant candidate projects. 1. Soccer fields (severe deficiency in west central portion of the city (State School area) 2. Trails (add 3 to 5 miles of trails in the city) - trails were heavily requested by citizens, and are used by all segments of the population, young, active and senior. 3. Picnic Pavilions - heavily requested by citizens, especially for passive recreation, family gatherings and outdoor picnics and to enjoy parks during the hot summer months. Add 10 to 15 throughout the city. This might include additional waterfront sites (with good rental potential), 1 to2 in Dr. Hector P. Garcia Park, 2 in Bill Witt Park, 2 in South Guth Park, and additional pavilions in other community parks throughout the city. Playgrounds (all sectors Of the city) - heavily requested by citizens. Practice facilities for baseball/softball (citywide) - can be addressed in school properties or unused parks, as well as in new parks, but requires facilities such as backstops. 6. Practice soccer/football fields - can be addressed in school properties or unused parks, as well as in new parks, but requires facilities such as goals. 7. Skating facilities (freestyle skate park) - very high interest among citizens of Corpus Chdsti. Consider adding second facility once initial facility along Greenwood Road is built. Enhanced aquatics facilities - most of the city's pools are smaller neighborhood type facilities. Swimming is very popular during the summer, and two additional pool facilities are recommended. Outdoor covered basketball pavilions - continue to add to key parks within each neighborhood. The city and school districts should partner to jointly construct covered basketball pavilions that are readily accessible from adjacent neighborhoods. t0. Nature habitat or nature areas (parks and preserves) - city has some excellent facilities, but additional preserves are needed, especially in the rapid growth sectors of the city. Executive Summary E - 13 Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan K. Priorities for Open Space Acquisition or Preservation Natural areas are a major component of Corpus Christi's unique environment, and the City should continue to take an active and assertive role in preserving key open space areas. Once key open space areas are developed, impacted by adiacent inappropriate development, or closed to public access, they cannot be replaced. Open space areas, in addition to their appeal as a tourism attraction, create green spaces within the city itself, and add to the visual appeal of the city. Key open space areas in the city include the bayfrent, waterfront areas along Cayo del Oso, river and creek greenbelts, and tidal wetlands throughout the area. Mechanisms to preserve key open space areas include outright acquisition by the city, acquisition by other non-profit entities, purchase of development dghts, or agreements with pdvate landowners to not develop or minimally develop key tracts. It is understood that not every potential tract of open space in the city will or should be preserved, but in general, key areas to be targeted for open space preservation include: · Tracts along the waterfront for beach and waterfront access- bayfront, along the Gulf, along the Laguna Madre, and along Cayo del Oso. In particular, recreational lands near and around the Packery Channel project should be included as an integral part of that project. · Green areas along the Oso Creek corridor- already endorsed by the City Council, special attention needs to continue to focus on the preservation of greenbelt areas along Oso Creek. This greenbelt may be the only significant green area in the interior of the city, and as such is a vital preservation corridor. Care should be given to acquire a wide enough area so that the greenbelt is visually significant. · Areas of unique habitat throughout the city - these may include small wetlands areas, or unique areas such as the Oak Mott covered lands on Padre Island near the Nueces County Park and in Flour Bluff. Most unique areas such as the Oak Mott lands are in private ownership, and will require development agreements to preserve those areas. · Lands along the Nueces Bay and along the Nueces River - since the river areas within the city proper are largely fronted by industrial facilities, they are often forgotten. However, preserved tracts can coexist well with refinery and industrial uses, and the industrial users may be brought in as partners to preserve some of their lands as habitat or as open space. Executive Summary E - 14 Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan Finally, open space tracts should be included in all major new parks, especially through acquisition of sensitive areas or drainage ways. Inclusion of open space in all parks that are candidates for grants can make those grant applications more competitive. L. An Implementation or Action Plan for Parks To address the needs identified above, a list of recommended actions, along with possible funding strategies for each action is identified below. With the pdority ranking assigned to each item, the City has a "roadmap" to follow over the next few years to begin to address key parks deficiencies, and to strategize on what items can best be funded. Addressing items on this action list may also make grant applications more competitive. High Priority Action Items (to be initiated within next 5 years, and if feasible completed within 1 to 7 years) 1. "District" Park Network - Enhance and upgrade the city's "district" park network, with a goal of one major 50 to 100 acre district park within 3 to 5 miles of every resident of the city. Because of the lack of athletic facilities elsewhere, these major parks today are largely athletic complexes, serving only one facet of the Corpus Christi community. New and different recreation opportunities are needed in each of these parks. Dr. Hector P. Garcia Park - (high priority) - construct initial phase proposed master plan, including play fields, enhanced playgrounds, picnic facilities, walking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, and parking access infrastructure. Reason for including this facility - the park is the major park for a significant sector of the city, but in fact is largely undeveloped. Development would provide much needed general recreation oppodunities in this area of the city. Estimated Cost for this phase - $2,000,000 to $3,000,000 Potential fundin.q sources - TPWD Grants, UPARR Grants, Bonds, limited school district participation, donations or sponsorships, brownfield conversion grants (because of old landfill site). bo South Guth Park - (high priority) - implement current master plan to add more diverse park facilities, including reunion pavilions, enhanced playgrounds, parking improvements, and landscaping throughout the park. Consider land acquisition to expand the park if feasible. Executive Summary E - 15 Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan Reason for includinR this facility - the park is the major park for a significant sector of the city, include the Southeast sector and even currently Flour Bluff. The park is largely developed with only ballfields at this time, and needs to offer much more diverse recreation opportunities. Estimated Cost for this phase - $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 Potential fundin,q sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, limited school district participation, donations or sponsorships. Bill Witt Park - (high priority) - renovate and expand athletic and recreation facilities in this park. Reason for includinq this facility - the Southside, along with Flour Bluff, is the fastest growing segment of the city. Bill Witt Park will serve as the key "metro" park for that area. Current facilities in the park focus largely on athletics. Support facilities such as the parking and concession/restreom buildings are sub-par or non-existent. The land is available to expand and enhance the park. Estimated Cost for this phase - $2,000,000 to $3,500,000 Potential fundin,q sources - TPWD Grants, UPARR Grants, Bonds, limited school district padicipation, donations or sponsorships, brownfield conversion grants (because of old airport site). Cole Park - (high priority) - add more open-air pavilions, additional trails, landscaping, and enhance the existing building. Renovate and upgrade the shoreline to reduce ongoing and serious erosion. Reason for including this facility - Cole Park is perhaps the city's most visible park. While it already has some excellent facilities, attention needs to be given to continue to enhance Cole Park so that it offers a variety of recreation opportunities and continues to serve as the city's signature park. Estimated Cost for this phase - $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 Potential fundin,q sources - TPWD Grants, UPARR Grants, Bonds, limited school district participation, donations or sponsorships, Total estimated cost for these items - $5,500,000 to $9,000,000 2. Athletic Facilities - the current system of "metro" parks is overwhelmed by athletic facilities. Develop or enhance athletic facilities to relieve strain and overuse of current facilities. AirportJState School Youth Sports Complex (Phase 1) - (high priority) - construct initial phase proposed master plan, including play fields, enhanced playgrounds, picnic facilities, walking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, and parking access infrastructure. Executive Summary E - 16 Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan Reason for includin.q this facility - provides much needed soccer and ballfields in the central part of the city. Estimated Cost for this phase - $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 Potential funding sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, limited school district participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds. bo Flour Bluff Sports Complex - Phase 1(development) (high priority) - provides enhanced athletic facilities for the Flour Bluff and Padre Island communities. Reason for includin.q this facility - Population of these two areas currently exceeds 27,000 residents (the size of a good size city elsewhere), and athletic facilities in the area are limited. Estimated Cost for this phase - Land (if purchase is required) $500,000 to $1,000,000 for 50 acres+/-. Development - $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 Potential fundinq sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, limited school district participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds. Navy site/Oso Soccer Fields (enhancement of exist, facility) - Investigate and address long term usage issues with Federal government. If longer-term lease or acquisition can be arranged, enhance parking infrastructure, add signage, and add more diverse recreation facilities. Reason for includin.q this facility - provides relief facility for soccer for Southeast, Flour Bluff, and Padre Island. Estimated Cost -$500,000 to $750,000 Potential fundin.q sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds. Far North area Sports facilities (Labonte Park) - provide additional athletic facilities in the northwest and Far North sectors of the city. Work with Nueces County to joint venture facilties. Reason for includin.q this facility - provides additional active recreation. Estimated Cost -$1,000,000 to $1,750,000 Potential fundin.q sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government participation, Nueces County contributions or in-kind donations, donations or sponsorships, city general funds. Total estimated cost for these items - $4,500,000 to $7,000,000 Executive Summary E - 17 Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan 3. Trails- a. Develop additional Bay Trail segments to connect Oso Creek and Bill Witt Parks to the Bay Trail Phase III trail. The estimated length of this segment is over six miles in length. Estimated Cost -$1,500,000 to $2,000,000 Potential fundin.q sources- TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds. Pursue the adaptive re-use of the Oso Railroad trestle for hiking, biking and fishing, and include connective links in the Southside and in Flour Bluff. Estimated Cost -$1,000,000 to $2,000,000 Potential fundin,q sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds. Develop I to 2 miles of easily accessible trails in the Far North area. Estimated Cost -$500,000 to $750,000 Potential fundinq sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds. Renovate the Hans Suter Park trail. Estimated Cost -$500,000 to $750,000 Potential fundin.q sources - TPWD Grants, Bonds, federal government participation, donations or sponsorships, city general funds. Total estimated cost for these items - $4,000,000 to $5,500,000 4. Neighborhood Parks - address enhanced development of key neighborhood parks. Redevelop package of five key neighborhood parks. Select one neighborhood per year for neighborhood park enhancement, and continue for 10-year period. Reason for includin.q this component - begins to address continued maintenance burden of excessive small pocket or neighborhood parks in the Southeast sector of the city. Estimated Cost -$500,000 annually for the next 10 years. Potential fundin.q sources - UPARR Grants, Bonds, donations or sponsorships, neighborhood partnerships, city general funds. Total estimated cost for this item - $2,500,000 over 5 years. Executive Summary E - 18 Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan Recreation Center - Construct one new major recreation center to replace an aging facility. Select a prominent and highly accessible site that can serve multiple neighborhoods. A location within the heavily populated center of the city, and that is not adequately served by a Boy's and Girls Club or other non-profit center is recommended. Reason for includin.q this component - begins to address indoor recreation needs as well, and provides indoor venue for programming. Estimated Cost -$3,000,000 to $6,000,000 (may be higher if land acquisition is required) - cost varies based on size of facility. Potential fundin.q sources - TPWD indoor grants, partnerships with local and national non-profit groups such as YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, etc., other grants, bonds, donations or sponsorships Total estimated cost for this item - $3,000,000 to $6,000,000 - consider beginning within 5 years, but completing within 10 year period. 6. Unique recreation opportunities - Develop unique recreation or nature observation facilities that offer different recreation opportunities. a. Windsurfing "park" - in partnership with windsurfing groups, consider acquisition and development of first class park to provide safe access for windsurfers. Reason for includinq this component - reinforces city's status as major windsurfing center nationwide. Estimated Cost -$250,000 to $500,000 (may be higher if land acquisition is required. Potential funding sources - TPWD Boat ramp grants, partnerships with local and national windsurfing groups, other grants, bonds, donations or sponsorships, city general funds. Packery Channel project - Develop Recreational Improvements associated with the Packery Channel Project. As the Packery Channel project progresses, federal, state and local entities involved with the project should work together to develop new beach and water access facilities. These include: a. Bath houses and parking; b. Boat ramps; c. Shade structures and pavilions; d. Facilities for recreational fishing; e. Beach maintenance and operations facilities; and f. Other associated recreational facilities. Executive Summary E - 19 Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan Total estimated cost for this item - unknown at this time, and cost will be shared with other local, state and federal agencies as well as private development interests. The plan recommends that the city allocate $500,000 to provide city portion of partnership. 7. Open Space/Unique area preservation - acquire or preserve key tracts of wetlands, sensitive habitat, or other unique areas. Work with County, State, and Federal entities to jointly pursue key sites. Reason for includin;] this component - actively preserves key areas. Estimated Cost.unknown at this time, cost varies based on type of acquisition and methodology used. Significant public and pdvate partnership opportunities may exist. Total estimated cost for this item - unknown at this time, allocate $500,000 to provide city portion of partnership. Total ;__=t_!matsd Cost for all hlah I~rloritv components - approximately $20 to $30 million. Note that improvements to even two thirds of the elements shown above would significant enhance the recreational facilities within the city. 8. Downtown - Create si.qnature parks within the downtown area, with the greater goal of enhandng the urban environment of the downtown area. · Create a major waterfront park in the downtown area - the Downtown Improvement District has advocated the idea and may be willing to be a key partner with the city in studying ideas for a major waterfront park. · Artesian Park - redevelop as urban park · Broadway Bluff and Overlook - redevelop as walkway, restaurant zone, consider street closure and walkway enhancement · Histodc area streetscape and park- continue development and enhance linkage to downtown along Waters Street. Medium Priority Action Items (to be initiated after 5 years, and if feasible completed within 10 years) 1, Unear Parkways - Fund initial parkway beautification project within next five years. Consider Louisiana Parkway as first model linear parkway/trail project. Use city funding as seed money for grant opportunities. Executive Summary E - 20 Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan 2. Metro Park Network - Continue to enhance and upgrade the city's metro park network, with one major 50 to 100 acm regional park within 5 miles of every resident of the city. Select two for major upgrades as high priority upgrade candidates. · Redevelop West Guth · New Oso Creek Regional Park adjacent to current landfill site (after landfill is closed) 3. Trails - Develop additional internal trail segments along drainage ways throughout the city. Collaborate with newly created linear drainage ways to convert those into linear trail corridors. 4. Neighborhood Parks - Continue to address the enhanced development of key "super" neighborhood parks. Include a redevelopment package of five key neighborhood parks in years 6 through 10. Detailed Studies for Specific Park Related Components The Parks Master Plan provides overall goals and implementation strategies at citywide level of detail. However, several additional studies are recommended that will provide a greater level of detail on specific areas of interest. These include: 1. A conceptual plan for a downtown bayfl'ont park- a significant amount of new improvements are planned for the downtown waterfront over the next few years. These include improvements to the seawall and improvements to the sidewalks along the waterfront. As these improvements take place, the possibility of re-aligning Ocean Drive so as to combine the grassy median and the pedestrian walkways along the waterfront into a major new downtown linear ~Bayfront Park" should be investigated. This study should consider the costs of each alternative as well as potential impacts on tourism and traffic flow in the area. The Downtown Improvement Distdct may be willing to spearhead such an effort in partnership with the City of Corpus Christi. 2. A Detailed Open Spaces Plan - planning and zoning board members have recommended that the city conduct a mom detailed assessment of it's open spaces. This plan would identify key types of open space to be acquired throughout the city, and target certain areas for open space acquisition emphasis. This plan will be critically needed as the city continues to develop, and as waterfront and wetland areas continue to be highly desirable development targets, 3. A Detailed Trails and Cycling Master Plan - trails are one of the most heavily emphasized recommendations of the master plan. The master plan recommends major trail corridors along Oso Creek, Cayo del Oso, the Bay front and along the Executive Summary E - 21 -- Corpus Christi's Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan Nueces River corridor. It also recommends that new trails be planned along drainage ways throughout the city to provide cross-town access. However, a more detailed analysis, costing and priodtization of trail corridors will be needed to guide the continued development of trails throughout the city. Therefore, a detailed citywide trails plan is recommended. 4. A Special Events area(s) - new special events areas, either in conjunction with the waterfront, the proposed minor league ballpark or in some other area should be investigated. Cost estimates and the impacts of each alternative should be considered. The cost of each of these studies will vary based on the level of detail that is programmed into the effort. Parks Department Planning Staff To further assist in implementing the ideas of this master plan, parks planning staff should be added back to the Parks Department. Budget constraints earlier in the 1990's resulted in the elimination of the Park's Department's planning staff, and as a result the Department has had to rely on outside help and the assistance of other departments to meet its planning needs. The addition of parks staff with expertise in park design and planning can allow the department to more aggressively pursue grants, evaluate land opportunities as they adse, and work with development interests and other public entities to address the city's parks needs in a more cost effective manner. The addition of one to two park planning positions as early as the 2003-2004 fiscal year or even before should be considered. Executive Summary E - 22 State of Texas County of Nueces PUBLISHER'S AFFIDAVIT SSi CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI Ad # 4378468 PO # Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, this day personally came Diana Hinoiosa, who being first duly sworn, according to law, says that she is Credit Manager of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, a daily newspaper published at Corpus Christi in said City and State, generally circulated in Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria and Webb Counties, and that the publication of, NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF ORDINANCE NO. which the annexed is a true copy, was inserted in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and on the World Wide Web on the Caller-Times Interactive on the 25TH day(s} of NOVEMBER, 2002. $58.78 TWO (2 } Time(s} Credit Manager Subscribed and sworn to me on the date of NOVEMBER 26, 2002. Notary Public, Nueces County, Texas ROSA MARIA FLORES Print or Type Name of Notary Public My commission expires on 04/23/05. Caller-Times, Monday, November 25, 2002 Comprehensive Plan Christi b~y adopting the City of Corpus Christi Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master P an; repeal of ordinances. ordinar~ce was passed and approved by the City Councir of the City of Corpus Christ on ' November 19, 2002. i,/s/A~rnando Chapa