1 STAFF REPORT
PARKS AND
RECREATION
DATE: December 17, 2024
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Marisa Garcia, Park, Recreation and Community Services Director BY: Diego Cevallos, Assistant Park, Recreation and Community Services Director
SUBJECT: Approval of Phase II of the George Izay Park Master Plan
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve the George Izay Park Master Plan (Master Plan) Architectural Program Analysis
2. Authorize the City Manager to direct staff to proceed with Phase III of the Master Plan, including schematic design and design development.
BACKGROUND
The City of Burbank (City) Parks and Recreation Department (Department) strives to be the heart of the community by providing enriching opportunities through dedicated people, beautiful parks, and inspiring programs. As part of the Department’s strategic plan to continue offering welcoming, valuable and safe parks and facilities, the George Izay Park (Park) Master Plan (Master Plan) was developed to assess facilities and amenities. The Park’s many facilities and amenities include the Olive Recreation Center , Joslyn Adult Center, Burbank Little Theater, Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, Burbank Athletics Walk of Fame, four softball fields, a batting cage, two handball courts, two tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, a concessionaire space, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, playground, outdoor restrooms, and the F-104 Starfighter Aircraft.
In developing the Master Plan, staff conducted outreach and public engagement soliciting community input to help identify and determine the needs of the City and stakeholders regarding future improvements at the Park. The Master Plan represents a summary of extensive community input, investigations, and professional analysis, culminating in the development of recommendations for current and future park development.
2 On October 11, 2022, the Master Plan was approved by City Council (Council) (Attachment 1). The Master Plan incorporates all background research, community input results, outreach efforts, plans, estimates, key strategies, and recommendations.
Additionally, it provides detailed recommendations on future phased improvements, parking analysis, building feasibility study recommendations, a Conceptual Master Plan, and an Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate based on the Master Plan final recommendations.
At the October 11, 2022 Council Meeting, Council authorized the City Manager to oversee the strategic implementation of Phase II, which includes the development of an aerial topographic and field survey , phasing feasibility studies for the Park, an architectural programming analysis, and 3D renderings.
DISCUSSION
On August 28, 2023, RJM Design Group (Consultant) was authorized to proceed with the preparation of an architectural program analysis, topographic survey, and 3D renderings.
The scope of service aimed to develop recommendations for a Phase II of the Master Plan, that included a new Olive Recreation Center building, a new Performing Arts building, an interior parking lot, a pedestrian plaza, and a covered breezeway.
Phase I - Architectural Programming Analysis
A summary of all preliminary program elements and features envisioned for the new park buildings was completed and served as the basis for the preliminary design studies.
Based on the approved program, site and building floor plans were developed to reflect programming relationships, square footage allocations, and scaled building elements, including;
• New Olive Recreation Center: 50,660 Gross Square Feet (gsf’),1st floor: 28,745 gsf’ 2nd floor: 20,405 gsf’, Observation Deck: 1,510 gsf’ • New Burbank Performing Arts Center: 12,850 gsf’
• Park restroom renovation recommendations
Thereafter, preliminary design elevation studies were prepared based on information developed in the Master Plan, consultation with staff, and further community engagement.
The Architectural Programming Analysis was then completed for the new Olive Recreation Center and Burbank Performing Arts Center (Attachment 2).
Phase II - Site Topographic Aerial Survey
A 20 -scale aerial survey was prepared identifying the park boundaries, above ground amenities and infrastructure, and existing trees. Tree canopy elevations and drip line locations were also identified. This information was augmented by in-person field survey to verify join locations and existing conditions.
3 The site boundary was plotted with record maps and/or legal descriptions were identified prior to completing the Site Topographic Aerial Survey ( Attachment 3). Existing easements were also plotted as title reports were provided. Additionally, the Consultant provided a field survey, identifying existing tree locations and elevations.
Phase III – 3D Renderings
3D renderings were developed to provide a realistic visual representation of the project, helping stakeholders, residents, and park users understand how the final building design will integrate with the Park (Attachment 4). These renderings clarify complex designs, enhance communication, and facilitate early feedback, allowing for adjustments before construction begins. This will result in saving time and costs for the project. Additionally, the renderings set the desired tone for the project and ensure the design aligns with the community's vision and values.
On October 10, 2024, the 3D renderings and floorplans of the new p erforming arts building were presented to the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission (Commission). The Commission unanimously supported the design with a 5-0 vote. Thereafter, on October 14, 2024, the City’s Executive team reviewed the Architectural Programming Analysis and 3D renderings, offering feedback and support. During the November 14, 2024, Parks and Recreation Board Meeting, the Board provided staff with unanimous support of Phase II of the Master Plan.
The Master Plan recommends several future phases including:
• Playground, picnic areas, spectator viewing zones, natural turf , and landscape improvements.
• Olive Ave parkway, landscaping, pedestrian walkway, exercise stations, and right of way improvements.
• Parking lot improvements, including additional trees and EV charging stations. • Joslyn Adult Center, horseshoe pits and parking improvements. • Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center Improvements.
These improvements will be completed in phases at a later date.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a categorical exception (CE) is determined by evaluating whether a proposed project fits within specific classes of projects that are generally exempt from environmental review due to their natur e, which, by convention, is deemed to not have a significant impact on the environment (CEQA Guidelines, Article 19, §§15300-15333).
4 For purposes of determining the appropriate CEQA documentation for George Izay Park, two CEs were considered: Class 2 - Replacement or Reconstruction (§15302) and Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (§15303). A Class 2 CE allows replacement and reconstruction of industrial, institutional, and public structures and facilities so long as the new structure is built on the same site and with, ostensibly, the same function. A Class 3 CE allows minor modifications to existing structures and/or construction of new structure(s) that do not exceed 2,500 square feet in floor area. While either CE fits most of the proposed development of the Park site, the addition of the new Performing Arts Building (approximately 3,500 square feet) is a disqualifying element for any CE.
Therefore, the proper level of documentation would be an Initial Study (IS)(§15063). The purpose of the IS is to evaluate potential effects on the environment and decide the appropriate level of environmental documentation required, if any. It involves a comprehensive list of potential environmental factors that might be affected by the Park project, such as air and water quality, biological resources, cultural resources, noise, and traffic. An evaluation of how the project might affect each factor is based on an approved checklist that indicates whether impacts are potentially significant, less than significant, or no impact. Based on the analysis, the IS concludes whether a Negative Declaration (ND), Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), or an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is necessary.
The current requested approval of 3D renderings does not have an environmental impact.
As the Project develops into future phases, it is expected that the IS would be a simple, straightforward evaluation and would likely conclude with a ND. An IS would require 4-6 months to complete and be certified by the City. Upon completion of the IS, staff will present this item to Council for approval.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
The total cost for schematic design and design development is $1,300,000. There will be no fiscal impact resulting from the recommended action, as Phase III of the Master Plan was approved in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024- 25 Budget. Sufficient funds are available in the following accounts: 127.CD33E.70003.0000.23468 (Public Improvements, Park improvements, George Izay Park Master Plan), 127.PR28A.70003.0000.23468 (Public Improvements, Park Administration, George Izay Park Master Plan), 370.PR21A.70003.0000.23468 (General City Capital Project, Facility Planning and Development, Park Improvements, George Izay Park Master Plan) 534.PR21A.70003.0000.23468 (Municipal Infrastructure, Facility Planning and Development, George Izay Park Master Plan).
5 Staff will request funding to complete the CEQA requirements during the FY 2025- 26 Budget Process.
Funding strategies to complete the project are currently be researched and developed. It should be noted that the Master Plan also provides a decision-making framework for staff to strategically pursue grant opportunities, secure funding for on going maintenance, prioritize renovations, and plan for future capital projects.
As previously noted, a n Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate was prepared as part of the Master Plan in 2022. Further design development studies will need to be conducted to confirm the construction cost of this project. As additional studies are performed, the preliminary cost estimate from 2022 will be updated for accuracy. Notably, over the last 18 months, the construction industry has seen a 17% increase in costs. If directed by Council to proceed with implementation of the Master Plan, staff will initiate the design development and construction document plan process which will provide more accurate estimate costs.
CONCLUSION
The City’s parks and recreation facilities play a crucial role in fostering community connection and enhancing quality of life, as they provide spaces for recreation and relaxation. Community engagement guides the Department’s decisions to ensure improvements benefit residents and visitors. The George Izay Park Master Plan was created through strong collaboration with the community, ensuring that the voices and needs of residents were prioritized. This engagement led to a comprehensive reflection of the community's values and priorities reflected in the Master Plan, and the development of the proposed new Olive Recreation Center and Performing Arts Building.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – City Council: October 11, 2022 – Staff Report Attachment 2 – Architectural Programming Analysis
Attachment 3 – Aerial Topographic and Field Survey
Attachment 4 – 3D Renderings