Exeter City Council
July 22, 2025

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-4
Table 7-2
Required and Optional Park Amenities by Park Designation

Pocket Park
Neighborhood
Park
Community
Park
Trailways
Specialty
Park
Open Turf & Landscape  
Park Signage
Benches & Seating
Trash Receptacles
Drinking/Fill Stations   
Picnic Tables/Shelters    
Barbecue Pits & Containment   
Shade Trees 
Security Lighting
Pet Waste Stations  
Restrooms    
Bike Racks & Storage    
Internal Walking Paths 
Children’s Play Areas 0–5 yr  
Children’s Play Areas 5–12 yr 
Off-street Parking  
Basketball/Tennis/Pickleball Courts   
Soccer/Football/Baseball/Softball Fields  
Sand or Grass Volleyball Courts  
Lighted Competitive Sports Fields  
Concession Stand & Storage  
Splash Pad/Water Feature  
Outdoor Performance Venue  
Nature Activity or Demonstration Area    
Community Garden and/or Kitchen  
Community Center/e-Games Venue  
Dog Play Area   
Disc Golf  
Horseshoes, Chess Tables, Cornhole   
Skatepark/Pump Track  
July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-5

7.6 - Individual Site Recommendations
The following site improvement recommendations are made for each existing park based on observations, public involvement, and staff comments. In an effort to improve overall branding and identity, it is suggested that all parks get updated signs showing the name of the park facility on a uniform sign approved by the City of Exeter. Estimated costs for proposed improvements are at the beginning of each park site’s recommendations. Detailed costs can be found in the appendices of this document. Due to funding constraints, it will not be possible to accomplish all these improvements right away. However, these lists can be used to develop reasonable CIPs that can succeed over time. Equity in the distribution of funding for parks shall be evenly distributed throughout the City. All park locations are identified below in Figure 7-1. The CIP should be reasonably based upon the suggested prioritization of projects listed in the appendix of this document.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-6

Figure 7-1
Dobson Field Master Plan
July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-7

DOBSON FIELD
Total Improvement Costs + 20% Contingency $8,773,318
Park Access & Hardscape $3,364,548
Irrigation System Improvements $1,422,000
Electrical Improvements $1,000,000
Signage and Amenities $1,107,800
Landscaping $416,750
Contingency (20%) $1,462,220

1. High Priority
• Improve irrigation function:
o Head-to-head coverage.
o Upgrade controllers, wiring, and valves, and install a six-inch main from both points of connection and laterals needed.
• Field areas are to have grading, seeding, and weed control. o A landscaping company is needed due to better weed control. • Make ADA improvements and ADA-accessible parking.
• Add locking gates to the electrical and Lions Stadium.

Opportunity: Improving the water distribution flow will allow for more proper watering and irrigation and will improve the quality of the landscaping. Leveling the ground and moving the soil around will allow for fresh grass growth and improvement to the current network.

Challenge: Improving irrigation flows will require soil and equipment interruptions.

Leveling the ground will make the fields inoperable for the duration of the work being done.

It will take some time for the regrowth of the grass if sod is not used. The use of sod can be expensive.

2. Function and Community Events
• Add sidewalks leading to sports fields/spectator areas. • Increase available parking.
• Improve concessions to a centralized location. Consider something with seating and air conditioning (long term).
o Increase the number of restrooms.
o Increase storage space for Little League and City maintenance.

Opportunity: Improving the pedestrian network will reduce mowable surfaces and provide ADA-compliant access to ballfields and concessions. Adding restroom facilities will allow all visitors to enjoy the park without being hurried to leave for emergency needs. If access to restrooms and improved concessions are available, people may be more likely to host events and tournaments and rent facilities. Some newer restrooms on the market are now vandalresistant and may provide fewer opportunities for vandalism.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-8
Challenge: Concrete replacement and installation can be expensive. Concrete must be installed to withstand use and ensure longevity, minimizing cracking and lifting by adjacent objects such as trees. Concrete should be added once the park’s final design concept is approved to reduce any reworking of concrete. Staffing concessions stands will require additional staff on behalf of the City. Restrooms are often vandalized by people suffering from homelessness or drug use. The cost of maintaining and repairing restrooms can be costly if not minimized.

3. Constructed Item Improvements/Amenity
• Improve lighting.
• Update the walking trail and add a rest station area. • Replace and upgrade drinking fountains.

Opportunity: Improving and enhancing safety-related features, such as lighting, makes the park feel safer at or around sundown. Enhancing the quality of facilities like the trail and water fountains increases the park’s quality and may attract more visitors. Providing them with a place to rest and water to drink is minimal in cost and goes a long way to improving the quality of the facilities.

Challenge: Lighting can be expensive to purchase, install, and operate.

4. General Characteristics
• Dobson Field is located along a high-priority ADA-recommended improvement corridor (Rocky Hill Drive).
• Update signage throughout the park.
• Improve overall parking layout and function.
o Fix the flow of vehicles into/out of Dobson Field, rearranging fields as needed. o Name all the playing fields and provide a wayfinding map, so the public can easily identify field locations.
• Fields should be graded, and a pest control program should be established. • Consider acquiring an abandoned railroad spur (50 feet) east of active tracks on the north side of the park.
• Rocky Hill Drive, a popular destination for bicycle riders, is to be developed as a bikeway. The bikeway will connect with the trail surrounding Dobson Field and with the proposed rest area. Improvement to the trail around Dobson Field is highly recommended to enhance safety components and minimize dirt stirring and weed control.
• Improve existing drive/alley approaches, including needed ADA upgrades.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-9

Figure 7-2
Dobson Field Master Plan
July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-10

EXETER CITY PARK
Total Improvement Costs + 20% Contingency $3,416,881
Park Access & Hardscape $498,848
Irrigation System Improvements $645,945
Electrical Improvements $45,000
Signage and Amenities $1,520,000
Landscaping $137,608
Contingency (20%) $569,480

1. High Priority
• Landscaping improvements:
o Ground maintenance improvement:
▪ Grading and leveling improvements.
▪ New irrigation main, valves, laterals, and sprinkler heads needed after leveling the park.
o Hardscape:
▪ Reducing turf in hard-to-maintain spaces.
o Foliage/tree replacement and proper maintenance.
• Irrigation system:
o Watering timer/scheduling improvements:
▪ Relocate the irrigation timer from inside the Carnegie Building’s basement to the new electrical room.
❖ Recommend a new Hunter ACC2 controller.
o Replace new valves and decoders; replace 14 irrigation valves. ▪ Recommend valve boxes that have locking lids and can withstand the weight of a vehicle.
▪ Install a master valve, flow sensor, and moisture sensor. o Repair the sprinkler box in the west park strip.
o Install two backflow preventers.
• Reduce public access to the stairwell at the back of the Carnegie Building.

Opportunity: Leveling the ground and moving the soil around will allow for fresh grass growth and improve the current irrigation network. Adding hardscape (DG and concrete) will reduce the amount of land that needs to be watered while concurrently allowing for the installation of adequate irrigation. Adding hardscape will make the park ADA accessible. The City can partner with the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Lions Club, and other service groups to make some of these improvements possible. Improving the watering timer/scheduling will allow City maintenance staff to focus their time on the necessary proactive duties rather than turning on or off the sprinklers at scheduled times. Making the irrigation timer more accessible will enable easy programming, troubleshooting, and more accurate watering. Removing public access from the stairwell at the back of the Carnegie Building will prevent squatters or unwanted park loitering.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-11
Challenge: Leveling the ground will make the park inoperable for the duration of the time the work is done. It will take some time for the regrowth of the grass if sod is not used. Sod can be expensive. Tree replacement can be expensive, and if younger trees are used, it may be a few years before they produce shade. Relocating the irrigation timer will require relocating the wiring. Replacement and repair of improperly functioning irrigation components will improve the quality of the park’s landscaping. Closing off public access to the stairwell will be needed to ensure that the improvements comply with fire/safety standards so that the exit remains available for emergencies.

2. Function and Community Events
• Install a new driveway and walkway network around the park. o Make the public gathering spaces accessible (arbors, amphitheater, drinking fountains, and playgrounds).
o Replace the existing driveway in the southwest corner of the park with one that runs the width of the park and is at least six inches deep to withstand the weight of a vehicle and provide vehicle access in the park. Future community events may use it for food trucks, vendor staging, or AV equipment at the amphitheater. • Increase lighting throughout the park.
• Add a restroom (minimize vandalism opportunity).

Opportunity: Improving the pedestrian network will reduce mowable surfaces and provide ADA-compliant access to various amenities around the park. Installing a driveway that can withstand the weight of a vehicle will allow for emergency services and maintenance on site as needed. An improved driveway can also provide the opportunity for ADA-accessible food truck events, as well as ease of setup and access for events such as the Fall Festival. In addition, improving lighting in the park will allow park visitors to feel safer visiting the park in the winter months when daylight is limited. Lighting will enhance and encourage evening events and community activities. Adding permanent restrooms will provide visitors with the ability to enjoy the park without being hurried to leave for emergency needs. If there is access to restrooms, people will be more likely to host events and rent facilities at the park.

Some pre-manufactured restrooms are now vandal-resistant, which may provide less opportunity for vandalism.

Challenge: Concrete replacement is expensive. The installation of DG may make the park inaccessible during the duration of construction. Lighting may make the park’s hours unclear without appropriate signage and automatic light timing. The cost of installing lighting can be pricey. If lighting is not automated, it may take personnel resources to operate. Restrooms are often vandalized by people suffering from homelessness or drug use. The cost of maintaining and repairing restrooms can be costly if not minimized.

3. Constructed Item Improvements/Amenity
• Gazebo removal (current configuration is not ADA); replace it with an amphitheater with electric access.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-12
• Make arbor improvements more aesthetically pleasing and raise their height when feasible.
o Replace the large arbor, as its structural integrity is questionable. Replace it with a higher roof arbor adjacent to a barbecue that is more vandal-resistant and remove existing electric and water connections.
o Install flag shade structures over any new/additional seating area. o Add barbecue pit(s) by additional picnic areas/arbors with pits/grills that minimize vandalism.
• Remove electrical outlet posts throughout the park area. • Revise horseshoe pits to an updated amenity like cornhole. • Upgrade/replace drinking fountains.

Opportunity: Removing the gazebo will allow space for a modern amphitheater with a more open-concept design and built-in seating. A stage will be more likely to be used by performers and will allow for more airflow. Modernizing the location with access to upsized electrical connections will make it a destination for performers. Removing the existing gazebo will allow for a more open space, deterring unauthorized camping and sleeping. Nice arbors will make the space more inviting and may result in higher use and interest in rentals, resulting in additional revenue for the City. The arbors should be themed or named to be easily identified. The arbors can be sponsored or funded with donations and/or community service.

Challenge: The gazebo was a community donation from a service club and may hold sentimental value. There is likely a time capsule located under the gazebo. Routine maintenance will need to occur on the arbors to keep them aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

4. General Characteristics
• Improve electrical infrastructure.
o Remove electrical lines running to the gazebo and arbor and relocate the panel to the electrical room.
o Remove the power pole in the middle of the park.
o Move the electrical main service and the former restroom panels to the electrical room.
o Fix electrical connections in the pull box.
• Preserve the City pool’s history by adding a bridge and a center shade structure.

Improve the pool’s water filtration system and convert it to a usable water feature. • Play area needs curbing/weed control.
o Play areas recommended for combining into the same enclosure and adding shaded seating areas.
• More seating areas are needed (replace existing benches and picnic tables, and add additional ones).
• Improve shading throughout the park via greenery/trees.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-13
Opportunity: Recommended improvements will reduce tripping hazards, electrical hazards, and vandalism from forced entry. Improvement of the electrical infrastructure will provide an opportunity for reconfiguring the park’s amenities. Restoring and preserving the City pool will provide a usable water feature that the community will enjoy. Improve the aesthetic appearance of the playground area and provide a safe, enclosed space for children and their families to enjoy playing at the park, minimizing potential vehicle conflicts.

Challenge: Removing and moving electrical lines, connections, and power poles will require excavation and skilled labor. The timing of the excavation should be planned well in advance so that any improvements made from this point forward will not be affected. The improvement to the City pool, regardless of the option chosen, will be costly up front and require ongoing monetary contributions to maintain. The playgrounds are already installed, and the reinstallation may be costly.

5. Access Improvements as Listed in the Complete Streets with ADA Compliance and Active Transportation Safety Enhancement Plan for the City of Exeter • Provide an accessible route to interior park features (horseshoe pits, gazebo/amphitheater, picnic shelters, wading pool, play structures, swings, etc.). • Provide accessible parking stalls and signage at street parking. • Storm drain grate replacements on the north side of the park (x3). • Sidewalk replacement is needed throughout the perimeter of the park (locations:
various).
• Repair is needed for curb ramps that need ADA upgrade (ADA Compliance Plan). • Provide a compliant ADA ramp to the Carnegie Building – Senior Center. • Staging areas/bike parking is desired to help further the recreational tourism aspect of biking and walking in Exeter and to serve as a bike rest area for bicyclists in the community.
• Add bicycle parking.
• Listed as a priority location in the ADA Compliance Plan.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-14

Figure 7-3
City Park Master Plan
July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-15

SCHROTH PARK
Total Improvement Costs
(includes 20% Contingency)
$1,581,960

Park Access and Hardscape – $165,800
• Improve access to playgrounds.
• The sidewalk needs expansion joints or to be replaced when possible. • Improve access to drinking fountains.
• Sidewalk upgrades needed to be ADA-compliant (curbs at the eastern corners). • Provide an accessible route to park features (play structures, picnic shelters, and park benches).
• Provide accessible street parking stalls and signage, and an accessible route to the park entrance.

Irrigation System Improvements – $389,500
• Readjust sprinkler alignment to ensure head-to-head coverage. • Increase booster pump size.
• Switch the controller to a new Hunter ACC2.
• Replace 23 valves in the park with new valves with decoders. • Valve boxes need locking lids to withstand being driven on. • Valve boxes need a master valve.
• Valve boxes need a flow sensor.
• Valve boxes need a moisture sensor.
• Irrigation piping and sprinkler heads around playgrounds need adjustments and relocation.

Electrical – $285,000
• Conduit will be needed for all wire runs for the irrigation system to prevent pest damage.
• Install light poles along concrete walk areas.

Signage and Amenities – $467,000
• The shade cover is ripped and needs to be replaced.
• Consider replacing wood chips with soft rubberized flooring. • Replace and upgrade drinking fountains.
• Add a permanent restroom.
• Increase lighting.
• Add bicycle parking.
• Consider adding swings or a teeter-totter type of amenity to keep kids entertained and from inappropriately using exercise equipment.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-16
Landscaping – $11,000
• Mix in compost material to soften turf.
• Two trees are sick or dying in the planter area.
• Pest control is needed (gopher and squirrel damage).

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-17

UNGER PARK
Total Improvement Costs
(Includes 20% Contingency)
$517,482

Park Access and Hardscape – $105,400
• Provide an accessible route to the playground and benches from the sidewalk. • Provide accessible routes to frisbee golf tee areas.
• ADA improvements are needed at curbs/intersections.

Irrigation System Improvements – $304,835
• Water flow and distribution:
o Install a booster pump to help sprinkler head-to-head coverage. o Adjust and relocate irrigation piping and sprinkler heads around the playground. o Upgrade controllers and reduce from two to one.
o Upgrade wiring and valves (recommend new Hunter ACC2 controller). • Valve box improvements:
o Locking lids are needed to withstand being driven on. o Valve boxes need a master valve, flow sensor, and moisture sensor. o Valve box decoder.

Electrical – $5,000
• Loose wiring (various) needs to be terminated at locations.

Signage and Amenities – $6,000
• Improve signage regarding the disc golf course.
• Add benches or bike rest areas.
• Add bicycle parking.
• Update park signage to include Unger Park and be uniform with all City parks.

Landscaping - $10,000
• Pest control (gopher) is needed on the south edge of the park along the back of the curb.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-18

BRICKHOUSE PARK
Total Improvement Costs
(Includes 20% Contingency)
$342,000
Park Access and Hardscape – $54,000
• The sidewalk is raised in one location.
• Storm drain potential hazard (x2).
• Accessible street parking and signage.
• Add an accessible route to park features (covered picnic shelter, barbecue, brick structure).

Irrigation System Improvements – $5,000
• Replace the existing controller with a new Hunter controller. • This park is the site for Well 6.
• There is a sewer manhole on the northwest corner of the park that will be abandoned and filled in during our sewer line relocation project. (Completed 2025) Electrical – $38,000
• Increase lighting at the park; power is available in the brick building.

Signage and Amenities – $187,500
• The brick building’s roof and walls appear okay. There are a few grout issues to be addressed. The windows are boarded up and rotten. Suggest pulling out the window frames and installing metal inserts to avoid future intrusion by homeless people. • Replace the door to the brick structure and the metal slider. • Some cement pads where the old barbecue, tables, and benches were located should be removed and filled in.
• Add a basketball/pickleball court.
• Add a drinking fountain.
• Install bicycle parking.

Landscaping – $500
• Trees (mostly pine) can use some trimming.
• Improve the landscaping area around the phone company distribution box.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-19

JOYNER PARK
Total Improvement Costs
(Includes 20% Contingency)
$209,400

Park Access and Hardscape – $67,000
• Sidewalk replacement is needed around the majority of the perimeter of the park. • Add a walkway and courtyard.
• Install missing ADA curb ramp.
• Provide an accessible route in the park to features (picnic shelter, drinking fountain, and benches).
• Provide accessible features (drinking fountain, benches, and picnic table).

Irrigation System Improvements – $8,500
• Replace the existing controller with a new Hunter controller. • Need a master valve.
• Need a flow sensor.
• Need a moisture sensor.
• Replace existing valves with new valves and wiring.
• Replace existing valve boxes with a new locking lid to withstand a vehicle’s weight.

Electrical – $49,500
• Add park lighting.
• Adjacent traffic circle irrigation comes from the park.

Signage and Amenities – $48,000
• Add park benches.
• Demo and replace concrete park benches.
• Demo and replace the drinking fountain.
• Install bike parking.

Landscaping – $1,500
• Remove and replace three myrtles on the east side of the park. • Add hardscape through the park from the curb to the arbor and other proposed sitting areas.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-20

EXETER BARK PARK
Total Improvement Costs
(Includes 20% Contingency)
$113,160

Park Access and Hardscape – $21,600
• Upgrade to an ADA-compliant access gate and pathway.
• Concrete walk needed throughout—if bricks are to be used, the ground should be leveled before installation.
• Add a missing sidewalk adjacent to the park.
• Add accessible street parking and signage.

Irrigation System Improvements – $9,200
• Replace the existing controller with a new Hunter controller. • Need a master valve.
• Need a flow sensor.
• Need a moisture sensor.
• Replace existing valves with new valves and wiring.
• Replace existing valve boxes with a new locking lid to withstand a vehicle’s weight.

Electrical – $0
Signage and Amenities – $59,000
• The gate gap on the internal gate is likely due to the ground settling. A pool noodle was used to close the gap.
• Upgrade and replace drinking fountains.
• Replace solar lights with new ones.
• Additional signage could be helpful.

Landscaping – $4,500
• Improve leveling and drainage to minimize mud puddles and poor drainage. Poor drainage currently exists in the park area.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-21

DALE SALLY PARK (WATER TOWER PARK)
Total Improvement Costs
(Includes 20% Contingency)
$61,080

Park Access and Hardscape – $20,500
• Provide accessible parking, signage, and an accessible route from the parking to the park entrance.
• Provide an accessible route to park benches.

Irrigation System Improvements – $7,900
• Replace the existing controller with a new Hunter controller. • Need a master valve.
• Need a flow sensor.
• Need a moisture sensor.
• Replace existing valves with new valves and wiring.

Electrical – $0
Signage and Amenities – $22,500
• Add a seating area with benches in the middle rear of the park, closer to the parking lot.
• Add bicycle parking.

Landscaping – $0

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-22

ROSE GARDEN PARK
Total Improvement Costs
(Includes 20% Contingency)
$41,820

Park Access and Hardscape – $26,250
• The concrete sidewalk is broken in multiple locations and needs replacing; the north end of the sidewalk/curbing has been newly replaced.
• Storm drain is a potential hazard.

Irrigation System Improvements – $8,600
• Replace the existing Orbit controller with a new Hunter controller. • Need a master valve.
• Need a flow sensor.
• Need a moisture sensor.
• Three irrigation valves.
• Replace existing valves with new valves and wiring.
• Replace existing valve boxes with a new locking lid to withstand a vehicle’s weight. • Need a backflow preventer.

Electrical – $5,000
• Existing conduit stub-ups in multiple locations need to be removed, along with the wiring still in them.
• The switch gearbox needs repair work, it is lifting and leaning, or may need to be replaced.

Signage and Amenities – $0
Landscaping – $0
• Small rose bushes look slightly over-trimmed, and some are malnourished.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-23

MIXTER PARK
Total Improvement Costs
(Includes 20% Contingency)
$30,240

Park Access and Hardscape – $12,000
• When an amphitheater is added, add an access ramp to the stage. • Provide accessible street parking and signage (two stalls).

Irrigation System Improvements – $7,200
• Replace the sprinkler controller with a new Hunter ICC2. • Raise the valve box to grade.
• Recommend that the valve box have a locking lid to withstand a vehicle’s weight. • Install a master valve.
• Install a flow sensor.
• Install a moisture sensor.

Electrical – $2,000
• Install zone-specific/controlled speakers.
• Provide electrical connections for potential concerts or live music.

Signage and Amenities – $4,000
• Add bicycle parking.
• Update park signage to include Mixter Park and be uniform with all City parks.

Landscaping – $0

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-24

SCHELLING PARK
Total Improvement Costs
(Includes 20% Contingency)
$69,240

Park Access and Hardscape – $18,500
• Provide an accessible route to the picnic shelter.
• Provide an accessible drinking fountain.
• Provide an accessible curb ramp at the southwest corner.

Irrigation System Improvements – $9,200
• Replace the existing controller with a new Hunter controller. • Need a master valve.
• Need a flow sensor.
• Need a moisture sensor.
• Replace existing valves (4) with new valves and wiring. • Replace existing valve boxes with a new locking lid to withstand a vehicle’s weight.

Electrical – $0
Signage and Amenities – $30,000
• Tables and benches have lots of tagging. The arbor is structurally deficient. • Demo structure and concrete pads, and fill the area with turf. • Remove the park bench and repair the concrete around the bench mounts.

Landscaping – $0

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Recommendations for Renovation

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 7-25

PLANTER PARK
Total Improvement Costs
(Includes 20% Contingency)
$43,800

Park Access and Hardscape – $12,500
• Install ADA-accessible curb ramps in the northwest corner of the park. • Provide a perimeter or internal accessible route (sidewalk or internal walks).

Irrigation System Improvements – $5,500
• Replace the existing node controller with a solar controller. • Need a master valve.
• Need a flow sensor.
• Need a moisture sensor.
• Replace existing valves with new valves and wiring.
• Replace existing valve boxes with a new locking lid to withstand a vehicle’s weight.

Electrical – $5,000
• Run electrical to operate a sprinkler timer.

Signage and Amenities – $7,500
• Add benches/seating area to enjoy the garden/passive park.

Landscaping – $6,000
• Reduce turf and add hardscaping.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Park Development Recommendations

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 8-1
SECTION 8 - PARK DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

8.1 - New Park Development Recommendations
This section recommends strategies for developing more parks to help the City meet the stated General Plan goals. The City will need to identify locations to develop and acquire parcels as opportunities arise. Although the current climate is to ensure the existing parks are brought to standard and are able to be maintained prior to the construction of new parks, there will come a day, likely within the lifespan of this plan, where a new or the expansion of a park will need to be constructed by the City. The following is a list of recommended park options:

8.1.1 - STORM DRAIN BASIN CONVERSIONS
The example of Unger Park being used as a
neighborhood park is an excellent example
of opportunity land that has been able to
provide use compatible with a much-needed
park. The City should consider the feasibility
of converting portions of future City-owned
storm drainage basins into usable park
space. Each basin will need to be analyzed
individually to determine suitability. Based
on existing basin configurations, certain
basins may only be available for installing
walking paths around the perimeter of the
basin. The walking paths would include
benches and trash cans. The security fence
around the basin could be relocated down
the slope of the basin a few feet (see images
to the right) to make the trail more
aesthetically pleasing and to be able to better
see the trail from a distance. This could
provide a quiet place to walk, jog, or walk
dogs.

8.1.2 - REGIONAL PARK
Dobson Field is the closest park Exeter has to a regional park. In future years, it’s possible that the land surrounding the park will be acquired by the City, expanding the size of Dobson Field. A regional park is classified as the establishment of a large 30- to 100-acre active or passive recreation area. If developed, the facility can include both a complex with sports fields and possibly a gymnasium/community center, and it can also allow the opportunity for passive open space. The City should determine which is most feasible and allocate resources to make the space a reality when the timing and budget allow. The increase in soccer and baseball field capacity would alleviate much of the overcrowding and lack of July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

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available space currently experienced in Exeter during peak recreation season. Creating a regional park in Exeter may open the door to many opportunities for greater community use, both locally and regionally.

8.1.3 - TRAILWAYS
The City has a prime opportunity to connect parks and destination points throughout Exeter.

In the City’s Active Transportation Plan, pedestrian and bicycle facilities are evaluated and prioritized. The Active Transportation Plan calls for the establishment of a connected bicycle network throughout the City. In addition to on-street bicycle improvements and sidewalk improvements, the City has an opportunity to create a trailway corridor along the continuous off-road land, like canals, adjacent to rail lines, and along Rocky Hill Drive. Funding has been secured for Class I bicycle and pedestrian improvements with lighting, landscaping, and shade trees at Dobson Field. The trail would run the perimeter of the park, and at full build out, have rest areas, mile markers, and connect with other local facilities. The Belmont trail project provided for the undergrounding of the irrigation canal, creating a north/south connection at the west end of town. It has also allowed the momentum for the City to begin implementing the recommended trail and bicycle/pedestrian improvements spelled out in the Active Transportation Plan. The City should plan to extend the trail ends to ultimately encircle the City with connected facilities, creating a unique aesthetic to the City of Exeter.

There are multiple opportunities to
create connective paths throughout the
community by utilizing the existing canal
and railroad corridors as trails and
walkways. Paths are also recommended
to be incorporated into existing and
future parks where feasible. With Exeter
being directly adjacent to Rocky Hill, a
notable number of bicyclists visit Exeter
and spend many hours riding. Including
bicycle facilities and rest areas will offer a
unique way of linking varying parts of the
communities that would otherwise be
separated by our natural tendencies to
create mental boundaries and barriers.

8.2 - New Specialty Facilities Suggestions
The development of existing and new parks is critical for the purpose of meeting the General Plan standards, but the development of other community facilities is also important for serving the needs of the community. Some of these can be constructed in conjunction with or in lieu of park acreage development but should demand the same amount of attention as park development. Suggested facilities that appear to draw broad interest should be studied to see if they are feasible and desired across the community.

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Community Center/Youth Center—Consider
the development of a community center in
the City that can provide a variety of spaces
and amenities to meet ‘indoor park’ needs.

One potential site identified is Dobson Field,
or another future park location. There can be
programmable spaces for youth, adult, and
senior activities, community events, and
educational and meeting rooms that the
community needs as it grows. When feasible, the center should preferably be located near a neighborhood park, community park, or trailway, near public transportation stops, and in locations that are easily accessible to the largest user group possible. Not all community centers have to be gymnasiums or multi-million-dollar structures. The neighboring community of Lindsay, for example, has converted a former fruit packing warehouse into the McDermont X, a recreation center the community enjoys. Sometimes, just a presence in the community of a small multi-use venue can be just as effective. Having a community/youth center will allow the opportunity for the City’s recreation program to offer more unique classes like line dancing, senior exercise classes, or hosting basketball leagues. Much of the feedback received from teens during the public outreach process for this plan indicated that the City lacks facilities for teenagers, so this could address that deficiency.

Learning and Technology Centers—These centers offer training and education on using and developing new technologies in the job market.

Community Gardens—Community gardens offer
inexpensive ways to supplement people’s diets with fresh fruits and vegetables that they can grow in centralized garden areas. It also provides for social interaction and sharing of techniques and experiences not found with
individual backyard gardening. Offering the option of local community gardens provides a highly visible, valuable,
and practical service to the people in the community who may not have ready access to healthy food. It allows them the opportunity to take pride in growing their own food while interacting with other community members and
getting exercise all at the same time. Often, medical
professionals or agricultural companies will sponsor
construction or maintenance.

Sharing of School Facilities—The City can work with Exeter Unified School District to develop a plan for the public use of school playgrounds and facilities when school is not in session. Hours, supervision, access, and maintenance issues would need to be agreed upon and ideally commemorated in a formal agreement. Sharing of school facilities can look a number of ways, from using one field at a time to using most of the schools’ greenspace. It is recommended that the Exeter City Council and School District Board meet once a mutual relationship is formed with the administrative staff. This strategy could be very helpful in July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

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providing a location for youth sports teams to practice but would not positively increase the City’s park/open space acreage so long as it would remain school-owned and maintained.

Other Facilities Development Options—Several other options for specialty facilities were suggested during the public outreach process. Other communities have successfully added similar facilities because of very strong support (including monetary support) from special interest community groups. For example, when a group of families in Lemoore wanted a local BMX track, they worked with the City of Lemoore to lease space on City-owned land at little or no cost, while the families funded the construction of the track. The following list provides a sampling of facility options.
• Food truck events
• Picnic/barbecue areas that can be reserved
• Skate park
• Chess tables/bocce
• Splash park/water play
• Kid’s obstacle course
• Dog training stations
• Outdoor exercise equipment
• Community gardens
• Movies in the park
• Educational/themed play areas

8.3 - Summary of Future Park Land Acreage
The acreage of potential new parks is tentative as of today, as development plans are still in process. New parkland will provide an opportunity for the City to grow its park network, getting it closer to what would be needed to reach the goal of 5.0 acres per 1,000 persons by 2040. While the goal of catching up and providing parks at the ratio desired in the General Plan seems daunting because the City is currently behind in acres, planning for and establishing a sustainable park maintenance strategy will help the City be able to confidently expand the park network and bring the City in line with the park acreage goal for the population in 2040.

The implementation of new park facilities will increase local access to parks from homes by reducing the walking distance to the nearest park. Infill-focused parks in sections of the City with limited park access should become a priority to implement when feasible. Ensuring the continued development of the transportation network connecting segments of the community with one another is the key to making parks feel accessible and welcoming to the community.

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SECTION 9 - MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS

9.1 - Design Guidelines for Parks Maintenance
Below is a list of landscape design techniques that can help reduce maintenance time and increase efficiency. These techniques can be incorporated into park modifications and new park designs. One goal of modifications to existing parks should be to reduce the overall amount of underutilized turf areas that have to be watered regularly and mowed weekly, and to find ways to make overall maintenance more efficient with the staff and materials they already possess.
 Convert underutilized turf areas into parking lots, plazas, access drives, and other paved-use areas.
 Widen walkways or improve connections to City sidewalks.  Add secure storage sheds to reduce maintenance and travel times.  Use mountable mow curbs and hard edges to reduce string trimming.  Consolidate planting areas and use bark mulch to reduce maintenance.  Replace bark mulch with cobble or gravel mulch in high-loss locations.  Develop contiguous turf areas with sweeping curves for efficient mowing.  Replace high-water landscaping with drought-tolerant plant species and varieties.  Continue to develop a tree replacement program with improved complementary watering systems.
 Implement wider spacings, clustering, and cobble/rock mulch.  Develop larger planting areas with tree clustering for naturalized areas.
 Make doggy waste bags and trash receptacles available at parks where dogs are permitted.
 Utilize topography to separate areas and add interest while maintaining visual sight lines.
 Add security and pedestrian accent lighting.
 Clearly post the parks’ hours and rules for being safe.

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9.2 - Irrigation Efficiencies
Irrigation repairs and upgrades can seriously strain limited budgets and often don’t get implemented or implemented correctly. Deferred maintenance is often a key indicator that a department is underfunded or has staffing issues. Unfortunately, it is rare that a ‘magic bullet’ comes along and solves all the funding and staff issues in one fell swoop. The solution usually requires recognition that a problem exists and then the development of a long-term program for resolution.

The idea of upgrading and improving all existing irrigation systems to newer, more efficient, automated controllers is good, but also very costly. New technology can be linked via a wireless connection to a central control station with remote access capabilities so that systems can be monitored by a single person, who can better manage work prioritization and repair schedules. Rather than an entire team rushing to the scene unprepared, the system can, ideally, be remotely shut down, analyzed, assessed, and scheduled for repair at the optimum time.

Part of the development and assessment plan could involve the utilization of professional irrigation system designers to evaluate and assess the existing systems and recommend a strategy and budget for the unification of all park and/or public irrigation into a single comprehensive system with desired controllers, monitoring stations, and system upgrades.

A review of the master valve, flow sensors, line connection sizes, pumps, and pressure boost or regulation systems is recommended by a certified irrigation professional. The installation of moisture sensing stations, rain shut-off devices, automated flow shut-off valves, and evapotranspiration (ET) monitoring equipment can often increase system water conservation. Upgrading over time to two-wire systems where possible should become a priority for any proposed development areas and be implemented whenever established areas are renovated, repaired, or upgraded.

9.3 - Landscape Plantings
An often-overlooked method to achieve efficiency is new and replacement landscape plantings. With continuing decreases in water allotments for Central Valley cities, we are moving toward more drought-tolerant and water-wise planting schemes, in addition to reducing the number of turf areas by eliminating marginal use areas and consolidating prime resource areas. The use of rock and other less porous materials like mulch helps reduce the need to refill the mulch beds after mowing and blowing. The installation of water-conserving varieties of plants and trees reduces the demand for municipal water systems, which will become increasingly important. Planting in clusters by selecting self-maintaining plant varieties and grouping them properly, the amount of pruning, raking, leaf removal, and clean-up can be reduced.

Limited water resources are dictating a shift away from the traditional landscape species and varieties and toward a new palette of water-conserving plants and trees. Table 9-1 provides an introduction to the types of low-water use and drought-tolerant plants currently gaining popularity in Central Valley communities.

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Table 9-1
Sample Plant List for Water-Efficient Replacement Planting Botanical Name Common Name
WUCOLS
Rank
Agave Americana Century Plant L
Anigozathos ‘Kanga Red’ ‘Kanga Red’ Kangaroo Paw L
Baccharis pilularis Coyote Brush VL
Callistemon viminalis ‘Little John’ Bottlebrush L
Lantana x ‘New Gold’ ‘New Gold’ Lantana L
Lomandra longifolia ‘Breeze’ Dwarf Mat Rush L
Pennisetum spathiolaturis Slender Velt Grass L
Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Tuscan Blue’ ‘Tuscan Blue’ Rosemary L Salvia greggii ‘Furmans Red’ ‘Furmans Red’ Salvia L
Source: WUCOLS IV Manual for Landscape Species. Revised 4.1.1994 This is not an all-inclusive list of acceptable species. For a more extensive listing of species and their relative water consumption rankings, refer to the WUCOLS IV (Water Use Classification Of Landscape Species) plant list and user guide located here:
https://ucanr.edu/sites/oc/files/132534.pdf. This list will aid in identifying species of plants that are water-use compatible and can be planted together in groupings for more efficient, effective, and evocative landscapes. Each species is ranked by its water use (high, medium, low, or very low) in its local zone. Zone 2 is recommended for Exeter.

It is recommended that, until someone on the City maintenance staff becomes trained or proficient in planting design and selection, the City hire landscape architects or designers to work with City staff to develop park/landscape design guidelines that best fit the City’s needs.

Many of these new kinds of plants are not necessarily appropriate to just replace existing plants in a one-for-one ratio because of size, maintenance habits, and significant variation in irrigation and water application. Many of these plants often grow best in clusters and groups and should be installed accordingly. A landscape architect can develop design standards and guidelines for the City that can help better guide the improvement of landscaping in Exeter as improvements are made.

9.4 - Staff Procedures and Efficiencies
Evaluation of Exeter Parks staffing via the Public Works Department, which oversees operations and maintenance, and the recreation team, which oversees operations, indicates that there is some room for improvement to increase efficiency. Discussions with Public Works staff indicate that facility maintenance is challenging and only a portion of their job.

It does not seem that there is a general understanding of better practices that can increase operational efficiencies. Having a small staff lends itself to easy communication, but also can result in a quick spread of defeat or burnout. The City should consider estimating the July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

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maintenance needs for all of the City over a two- to five-year span to determine the need for staffing levels of maintenance staff.

Having a smaller staff can also be seen as a good thing for Exeter because it also means that the City can easily modify its current maintenance procedures and processes. This includes diversifying staff training techniques. The community indicated throughout the public outreach process that they were aware of the limited resources available to the City for park maintenance, but there was a strong indication that more could be done. In recent years, the City has started contracting out various maintenance duties (landscaping for parks, for example). The following list offers best practices that could be employed to achieve a high level of maintenance with limited staff.

Standardized Procedures
 Develop maintenance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each task.  Create checklists and review procedures to ensure accuracy and consistency.  Establish standards of care for grass, trees, and shrubs.  Establish a system for tracking and evaluating job completion and performance.  Establish a work order system for staff external to maintenance to request work while easily allowing maintenance staff to prioritize requests and emergencies.  Establish a process for conducting visual inspections of playgrounds and park equipment to ensure there is no need for repair or replacement of broken items.

Staff Training and Education
 Develop training programs that encourage personal growth and departmental benefits. An example may include allowing staff to become certified welders. Once certified, they can become welders who build park benches, arbors, barbecue pits, etc., and are able to easily make facility repairs without having to outsource, saving expenses in the long run. The more qualified staff are to perform duties, the higher quality of work is produced for the community.
 Offer rewards and incentives for participation and completion of training programs.

Topics may include personal and equipment safety, CPR and first aid, equipment and vehicle maintenance and operations, and specialized training (e.g., pipe “glue school” and irrigation repair).
 Consider a training program to be able to bring contracted landscaping services inhouse when financially feasible for the City. Considerations such as prevailing wage, public employee benefits, and in-house maintenance may not be feasible for some time. The amount of time to be allocated to determine the number of full-time July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

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employees for in-house landscaping services should be estimated appropriately, utilizing standardized procedures discussed within this section.

Employee Retention and Culture
 Foster a department culture of camaraderie and respect for individuals.  Implement reward and incentive programs.
 Publicly recognize employee achievements.
 Encourage friendly competitions and team-building activities.  Discover and meet the needs of employees to reduce turnover and improve employee retention.

Emergency Response Team
 Develop a team to train individuals and crews in emergency repairs and operations.  Specialize in areas such as irrigation and storm damage repair, vandalism repair, tree maintenance/removal, and flooding and fire response.

Maintenance Scheduling and Planning
 Develop regular maintenance schedules for each park and amenity.  Take inventory of trash cans and establish a cleaning schedule for each park/trash pick-up.
 Create redundancies in equipment and operations.
 Plan and prepare for daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks.  Establish a system for tracking and evaluating maintenance activities.  Establish a work order tracking system—Computer Managed Maintenance System (CMMS)—to help keep track of work orders and requests for repairs.  Evaluate maintenance activities and challenges no less than annually prior to budget creation.
 Consider establishing partnerships with the City of Woodlake and Exeter School District to possibly exchange specialized services or share equipment.

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Inventory Management and Equipment Maintenance
 Develop an inventory of trash cans and establish a cleaning schedule for each park/trash pickup.
 Develop an inventory of equipment and provide regular maintenance schedules.  Keep often-used parts and supplies in stock.
 Create a database of suppliers and contact information.  Establish standing accounts with suppliers and vendors.

Cross-Training and Crew Management
 Crosstrain crews across all Public Works platforms.
 Keep records of crew/individual performance expectations and operations.  Share the City calendar of special events across departments and establish set-up and tear-down crews.
 Allow/encourage lateral promotion of staff to other departments.

Technology and Monitoring
 Implement electronic monitoring of devices, equipment, and systems.  Use data to optimize maintenance activities and improve efficiency.  Conduct annual inventory of assets and anticipate upcoming needs.  Establish a process for conducting visual inspections of playgrounds and park equipment to ensure there is no need for repair or replacement of broken items.

By implementing these strategies, the City of Exeter Public Works Department can improve maintenance efficiency, reduce employee turnover, improve the quality of employees, and foster a culture of excellence and collaboration. The City of Exeter has the ability to create a well-maintained, sustainable, and enjoyable park system that benefits residents and visitors alike.

9.5 - Operational Improvement Action Items for Exeter Parks The following recommendations would improve operational imperfections and help elevate the Park systems in Exeter. Most of these recommendations encompass buy-in from the community at the City Council level, are community-driven, or are implementable by the City Administration. It is recommended that the City execute one or two recommended improvement actions immediately to show the community there is effort and interest in July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

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improving and promoting parks in Exeter. An example may include approving a liability waiver that the City can let people start signing to start volunteering at City-organized or coordinated events. A second immediate action would be establishing a policy in which it is clear to the community and service groups that hardscape and physical improvements must be formally approved by the City prior to implementation, and help them understand that within this plan is a menu of improvements needed at each park. This will ensure any improvements made are in line with the City’s plans for the future of that park.  Establish/update park user fees.
 Establish a liability waiver. A sample liability waiver is provided in Appendix F.  Consider establishing a relationship with the Police Department that encourages officers to visit and patrol City parks at peak times and as they are able. Police presence can increase the perception/reality of safety.  A formal agreement is to be entered into between the City and the service organization.
 All hardscape/physical improvements must be formally approved by the City prior to implementation.
 Facility use agreements with nonprofits.
 Name Fields at Dobson Field.

9.6 - Comprehensive Park Evaluation Checklist
The following is a list of maintenance procedures. Based on their knowledge and experience, the maintenance team should develop checklists for each task to help ensure that each park is appropriately equipped and maintained and provides an enjoyable experience for users.

These procedures can then be used to train new staff.
 Turf care and maintenance.
 Tree, shrub, groundcover, and planting area care and maintenance.  Bark mulch installation and maintenance.
 Broken/lifted curb or pavement repairs and replacements.  Irrigation system repairs.
 Graffiti/vandalism cleanup.
 Excess trash and debris cleanup.
 Storm damage assessment, repair, and cleanup.

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 Gopher/squirrel hole damage repair.
 Site structure, equipment, and amenity repair.
 Playground component upgrades, repairs, and replacements.  Restroom cleaning.
 Safety/security lighting installation and maintenance.  Fence/wall repair and replacement.
 Equipment and vehicle maintenance.

9.7 - Prioritization of Renovations
Potential for any park renovation and major improvement should be ranked annually from high priority to low priority. An estimated cost for the renovations and improvements for each park project should be identified prior to budget development. At any time, the City may consider that any one park or any specific renovation/improvement may need to take priority over another park based on several factors such as timing for a grant, availability of funding for a specific project, concerns and changing needs of residents, and available funding uses.

Prioritization of installation and maintenance of all City parks and facilities is based on the following factors:
• Urgency of repair/replacement. Is it likely to cause serious injury or harm? • Frequency of public access. Is there pressure to return to service quickly? • Availability for repair/replacement. Can it be replaced immediately, or should it be? • Cost of repair/replacement. Can the costs be absorbed or postponed? • Input from the City Parks and Recreation staff/league leaders. • Input from the City Public Works staff.
• Input from the community.
• Input from the City Council.

Feedback received from Community Workshop #2 indicates that the following priorities should be considered when the City is deciding which projects are implemented next. • Prioritize access needs and existing hazards.
• Prioritize daily maintenance operations.
• High visibility needs should be addressed so the community can see that improvements are happening.
• Formal agreements with park users to clarify roles and responsibilities. • Prioritize improvements to the most-used amenities at the higher traffic parks.

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• Hardscape and irrigation improvements should be installed to align with full buildout. • Landscaping improvements.
• New park development.

9.8 - Strategies to Keep Everyone Engaged
Typically, there is much excitement and positive feelings when a new plan is adopted, or a new park or playground is constructed. Besides talking about and marketing the benefits of parks and recreation, which is very important, here are some strategies to keep the momentum for parks moving during times when it may appear that not much progress is occurring.

Execute One to Two Recommended Operational Improvement Action items in the first six months of this plan’s adoption. The items listed under that section are the most prominent opportunities for improving the operations and community-facing park needs.

Implementing any of those items would indicate that the City is ready to start improving parks and will begin to positively shift the community’s perspective. Evaluate no less than annually where these action items stand and determine if modifications are needed. Ideally, the Public Works Department is evaluating adding one to two operational improvements every few months.

Market the Benefits of Parks and Recreation—
Develop fact-based presentations highlighting the
positive return on investment for allocating financial
resources to parks and facilities maintenance. Utilize
data and feedback to demonstrate efficiency and
economy in program operations. Emphasize the
importance of continuous small improvements and
systematic methods for identifying problems, needs,
and challenges. Market the benefits at City-sponsored
events to the community. Consider establishing a
Parks and Recreation Commission to assist with
providing regular ideas and sharing information
among the community.

Incorporate Plan Recommendations into the City’s
CIP—Develop and maintain a CIP that demonstrates a
commitment to the continual improvement of parks.

Identify projects that are most critical for the CIP,
based upon improvement priorities (Appendix E). If
opportunities arise, the City should plan to reorganize priorities based on available funding for needed improvements. Example: Have an alternate list of projects of varying costs, “shovel-ready” for when budget surpluses or grant opportunities occur.

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Invest in Existing Staff—Develop incentives for maintenance crews and staff to submit ideas that will make their work more efficient and cost-effective. Utilize saved funds to enhance employee training and education programs, leading to additional benefits.

Be Agile and Flexible—Recognize that the program and plan will evolve as budgets and funding sources change. Ensure that the plan becomes an integral part of the overall goal of continual City improvement, adaptable to administrative and priority shifts.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

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SECTION 10 - FUNDING, PARTNERSHIP, AND ACQUISITION

10.1 - Parkland Acquisition Guidelines
When the City is looking to acquire
additional parkland, it is important that
they consider a variety of factors, many of
which have already been discussed in this
plan, like budget and funding availability,
public interest, assessing existing park
inventory, and aiming to fill existing gaps.

Additional considerations can also include
demographics and accessibility: consider
the demographics of the area (e.g., age,
income, special needs) to ensure the park
design is inclusive and accessible; zoning
and land use: ensuring the land can be
zoned for public use or re-zoned for park purposes; title and ownership: the City will want to ensure it has clear and legal ownership of the land with limited easements and restrictions on the land; environmental regulations: ensure compliance with environmental regulations prior to designation at a potential park site.

The City may also acquire parkland through the dedication of land from local developers.

The City will want to work with developers to ensure proposed parks are in line with the City’s planned park inventory. The City will want to ensure the location is easily accessible on foot, by bike, and by vehicle. Proximity to residential areas, schools, or community attractors is ideal. The location should be centrally located to serve the largest number of people possible for the intended use. This includes ensuring it is helping fill any gaps in park access.

Pocket parks and neighborhood parks should be centrally located within the neighborhood they serve. Vehicular access should be provided through local neighborhood streets or residential collectors. When feasible, citizens should be able to walk to neighborhood parks without crossing a major arterial street.

The quality of the available land for the uses anticipated should play a defining role in locating potential community park sites. They should be located adjacent to a major arterial or collector street to provide easy vehicle, pedestrian, and other multi-modal access. The proximity of other park types should also be considered, as the types of activities found in a community park may overlap with other park functions. The service area for these other park classifications may be used partly as justification for or against a community park in a specific area.

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10.2 - Funding Opportunities
Several sound and strategic funding options were identified to continue to build and maintain the parks system for the Capital Improvement Plans presented in this Master Plan.

Fiscally sustainable and realistic funding sources are essential to implementing a CIP, and there are existing funding source opportunities that can be used to fund the capital improvement and operational costs. These sources include public sector grants, fees and tax measures, assessment districts, non-traditional methodologies, and a wide range of private and corporate foundation sources. The following is a comprehensive overview of those potential sources and funding mechanisms.

10.2.1 - STATE OF CALIFORNIA GRANT PROGRAMS
The State of California offers a wide range of grant opportunities designed to fund municipal parks and leisure needs. Many are directed only toward parks and related activity needs. At the same time, some have a primary goal of other community needs, such as water conservation, but can be leveraged to support a park’s needs. Some are funded through bond issues passed by the legislature or electorate, some through general fund revenue, and others as a pass-through of federal funding programs.

Proposition 4—Approved in November 2024, the proposed California Climate Resiliency Bond Act (Proposition 4) will provide a wide range of funding alternatives, including the creation of parks and greenspaces for their vital role in combating the effects of climate change. The Proposition notes that 40 percent of the funding must benefit disadvantaged communities and 10 percent must go to severely disadvantaged communities. A Fund allocation of $700 million will become available for creating and enhancing parks and outdoor access programs. No Match required.

Statewide Park Program (SPP) – Four Cycles from Propositions 86 and 68—This competitive program created new parks and recreation opportunities in underserved communities across California. Assembly Bill 31, which created the SPP, was signed into law on September 30, 2008. Funding for the grant program was first made available through Proposition 86. Prop. 84 funded two rounds. Under the two Prop. 84 rounds, $2.9 billion was requested for $368 million in funding. Over 100 new parks were created, and 20 existing parks were improved. Subsequently, Prop 68, passed in 2018, has facilitated four rounds. A fifth round is expected to be funded in early 2025 before funding is exhausted.

Future funding will depend on the approval of future State bond issues. May require a 0-20 percent match.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/1008/files/Final_Prop._68_SPP_Application_Guide_1.22.2019.pdf Per Capita Program: $185,000,000 – From Prop 68—Funds were available for local park rehabilitation, creation, and improvement grants to local governments per capita. Grant recipients were encouraged to utilize awards to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and to address deficiencies in neighborhoods lacking access to the outdoors. The funds are made available for per capita grants to cities and districts in urbanized counties (counties with a population of 500,000 or more) providing park and recreation services within jurisdictions July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

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with populations of 200,000 or less. Applications were due in December 2024. It is unknown whether another call for projects will be made available. Requires a 20 percent match. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30095
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)—The LWCF Program gives matching grants to states and local governments to acquire and develop public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The program’s intent is to create and maintain a legacy of high-quality recreational areas and facilities and to stimulate non-federal investments to protect and maintain recreational resources across the United States. A new round of funding is expected in early 2025, with $225 million in federal funds, with a maximum request of $6 million per agency project on a 50 percent match. The application period is open through August 5, 2025. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21360
Outdoor Equity Grant Program—The Outdoor Equity Grants Program (OEP) improves the health and wellness of Californians through new educational and recreational activities, service learning, career pathways, and leadership opportunities that strengthen a connection to the natural world. OEP intends to increase the ability of residents in underserved communities to participate in outdoor experiences within their community, at State parks, and on other public lands.

Round two of OEP provides funding for California’s underserved communities, which will continue to advance the goals of the “Outdoor Access for All“ initiative championed by Governor Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and the Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All“ initiative. Future funding will be dependent on State budget considerations and bond issuances. No match required.

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program—The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program was established in 2014 and is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. ORLP is a nationally competitive program targeting grant assistance to help economically disadvantaged urban communities with no or almost no access to publicly available, close-by, outdoor recreation. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or to substantially renovate, obsolete, public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces. Funds are available for agencies with populations of 25,000 or more and tribal governments. Funding was available, and applications were accepted in March 2025. A 50 percent match is required.

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants Program - Land and Water Conservation Fund (U.S.

National Park Service) (nps.gov)
CA Rural Recreation and Tourism Program—A new program funded under Proposition 68, competitive grants will create new recreation opportunities supporting economic and health-related goals in rural communities. Projects must be located in non-urbanized counties with less than 500,000 people and low population densities per square mile, as determined by the Department. A 20 percent match is required. https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/1008/files/Rural_Recreation_and_Tourism_Program_Application _Guide_7.1.2019_Draft.pdf
July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Funding, Partnership, and Acquisition

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 10-4
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF)—The GGRF provides new State revenues created from the cap-and-trade auction for the purchase of allowances to emit GHGs. Revenues from the cap-and-trade auctions are deposited into the State’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which is appropriated on an annual basis. In previous years, two bills worked together to enact the $1.5 billion GGRF expenditure plan. Together, they appropriated funding for many priorities, including the new air quality program enacted by AB 617, healthy forests and fire protection, vehicle replacement programs, the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program, transit capital, and operations. As new GGRF funding becomes available, a number of these programs can be leveraged to include parks-related infrastructure. A 25 percent match is required.
http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov/about-cci

10.2.2 - FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAMS
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership—The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program has consistently remained one of the Interior Department’s most impactful programs, investing in urban and disadvantaged communities. Over the past 10 years, it has continued to provide grant funding to communities across the nation, bolstering existing parks and recreation opportunities and creating new ones for millions of people to enjoy. A 50 percent match is required.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/lwcf/outdoor-recreation-legacy-partnership-grants-program.htm Community Development Block Grants (HUD CDBG)—The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. Beginning in 1974, the CDBG Program is one of HUD’s longest continuously run programs. The CDBG Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to 1209 general units of local government and states. A match can be required at 0-25 percent, depending on program rules. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/ National Park Service - Outdoor Recreation - Acquisition, Development, and Planning Grant—Provides financial assistance to the states and their political subdivisions for the preparation of Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORPs) and acquisition and development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities for the general public to meet current and future needs. A 50 percent match is required. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/orlp-grants-2019.htm
Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program (RTP)—This program was created to fund the construction and rehabilitation of trails for both motor and nonmotorized usage. Although the program does not typically fund fitness equipment by itself, this can be included as a component of the overall project. There is a matching fund component to the grant, which can vary by state. The Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 (BIL) reauthorized the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) from Federal Fiscal Years (FFY) 2022 through FFY 2026 as a set-aside from the Transportation Alternatives SetAside under the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG). Increased funding is expected due to the Infrastructure Act’s boost in support. A 20 percent match is required.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Funding, Partnership, and Acquisition

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 10-5
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/ Federal Lands-To-Parks Program (FLP)—The National Park Service’s Federal Lands to Parks Program assists communities in creating new parks and recreation areas. They accomplish this by transferring surplus federal land to state and local governments. The program helps to ensure public access to properties and stewardship of those properties’ natural, cultural, and recreational resources. The Federal Lands to Parks Program assists communities in acquiring land from the federal government. They advocate on behalf of each community, ensuring they acquire the appropriate land and making certain of its permanent public recreational use. No match required.
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1508/index.htm
Federal-aid Highway Program—National Highway System funds may be used to construct bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways on land adjacent to any highway on the National Highway System, including interstate highways. Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds may be used for either the construction of bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways or non-construction projects (such as maps, brochures, and public service announcements) related to safe bicycle use and walking. A 20 percent match is required.

A Guide to Federal-Aid Programs and Projects - Federal-Aid Program Administration - Federal Highway Administration (dot.gov)
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)—The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act authorized the Transportation Alternatives Program to fund programs and projects defined as transportation alternatives. This would include on- and off-road facilities, community improvement activities, and recreational trails programs. A 20 percent match is required.
https://www.adaptationclearinghouse.org/resources/fhwa-transportation-alternativesprogram.html

10.2.3 - BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
Cities may establish assessment districts for the purpose of financing all or a portion of the cost of certain public improvements and services, such as parks and related facilities. Each property within an assessment district is assessed an amount sufficient to cover the proportional cost of the special benefit that it receives from the improvements or services that are paid for by the assessment. The following are some examples of assessment districts and their specific provisions.

Community Facilities Districts—The Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 permits cities to establish a Mello-Roos Community Facilities District (CFD), which allows for financing of public improvements and services. The services and improvements that CFDs can finance include streets, sewer systems and other basic infrastructure, police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, schools, parks, libraries, museums, and other cultural facilities.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Funding, Partnership, and Acquisition

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 10-6
CFDs are created by a sponsoring local government agency. The proposed district will include all properties that will benefit from the construction improvements or the services provided. A CFD cannot be formed without a two-thirds majority vote of landowners if there are fewer than 12 residents, or two-thirds of registered voters if there are more than 12 residents within the proposed boundaries. In most cases, CFDs are established while the land is still undeveloped by a single owner who is the land developer. If the CFD issues bonds, special taxes will be charged annually until the bonds are paid off in full. Often, after bonds are paid off, a CFD will continue to charge a reduced fee to maintain the improvements.

Landscape and Lighting Act Districts—Some property improvement districts are formed with a limited purpose. Landscape and Lighting Districts are one such type of district.

Landscape and Lighting Districts place an assessment on property owners in a commercial or residential area. The local government collects the assessment, but unlike property taxes, the local government cannot use the assessment money for general purposes; instead, it must be used for the maintenance of landscaped areas and for lighting. The maintenance of pocket parks can be included in Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts.

Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts—Designed to replace some of the uses of the old Redevelopment Act, Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFD) provide broad authority for local agencies to use tax increments to finance a wide variety of projects, including parks and open space facilities, as well as traditional infrastructure projects. The EIFD provides broad flexibility in what it can fund. No public vote is required to establish an authority, and though a 55 percent vote is required to issue bonds, other financing alternatives exist.

10.2.4 - LOCAL SALES TAX MEASURES
Local transaction and use taxes, known as sales taxes, are used by local governments to increase revenue and are always in addition to the State-imposed sales tax rate of 7.25 percent. The City of Woodlake currently has access to a local sales tax measure, Measure R funding, which is a local measure passed in 2017 to supplement emergency response, police patrols, streets and roads repairs, support of senior and youth services, city parks, recreation facilities, and programs. Tax measures designed to deposit revenue into the local jurisdiction’s general fund require a simple majority (50 percent + one vote) for approval.

Communities have used this method to fund the long-term costs of park development and operational needs. The benefit of having a measure like this in Exeter is that surrounding communities would also pay taxes on their purchases when they visit Exeter, increasing the tax base. Exeter is encouraged to pursue this option as it has brought success to many neighboring communities, including Woodlake and Clovis. Those community sales tax initiatives are developed in a way that supplements a number of other locally funded accounts, such as emergency services and the general fund, to better provide financial assistance for core municipal services. A champion to support such a measure should be established, with an expenditure plan that matches community sentiment, the financial benefits for Exeter would help alleviate a number of financial shortfalls the City currently faces.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Funding, Partnership, and Acquisition

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 10-7

10.2.5 - IMPACT FEES AND DEDICATIONS
Development Impact Fees—Development impact fees are one of many infrastructure financing tools available to cities to provide a funding mechanism for new public infrastructure and facilities required to serve new development in California communities.

Development impact fees are not to be used to fund existing infrastructure deficiencies and are not intended to fund the reconstruction of existing infrastructure currently serving existing development. Impact fees, before implementation, must be evaluated to demonstrate that the required fee is roughly proportional to the impact caused by the development. Impact fees can help to reduce the economic burden on the local jurisdiction that will see population growth as a result of a new development.

Quimby Act Dedications—Parkland dedications (or fees in lieu thereof) can be imposed by a charter city pursuant to Government Code section 66477 (“the Quimby Act”). The Quimby Act is part of the Subdivision Map Act. To utilize this authority, the following conditions must be met: (1) the city’s general plan or community plan must contain policies and standards for park and recreation facilities; (2) the requirement for dedication or fees in lieu must be imposed on new residential subdivisions by ordinance; and (3) the dedication or fees in lieu must be imposed as a condition to the approval of a tentative map to offset the impacts of new residential development.

The ordinance adopted by the City states the amount of parkland by acreage that must be dedicated to the City. By having a Quimby Act ordinance, the City is assured that some of its new parklands will be embedded within new residential subdivisions. Although there are some exceptions, typically, the maximum acreage that can be required through the Quimby Act is three acres per 1,000 residents of the new subdivision. It is recommended that the City develop a Quimby Act ordinance with the most recent available persons per household.

10.2.6 - NON-TRADITIONAL AND OTHER FUNDING SOURCES
There is a wide range of non-traditional revenue streams that can help fund improvements and operational costs of park development and maintenance. In Exeter’s tight-knit community, some of these options are very feasible with the right champion behind them.

Keeping the community involved early and often is the best method to increase momentum for improving community assets such as parks. This is an extensive list with a brief explanation for each one.

Business Sponsorships—This revenue source allows businesses to invest in the development or enhancement of new or existing facilities in park systems. Sponsorships are also highly used for programs, events, and seasonal naming of amenities or fields.

Community Organizations—The City may craft agreements with various community organizations (clubs, HOAs, and others) for park improvements and sometimes operations and maintenance. Many parks agencies have worked with organizations that have developed facilities such as dog parks, disc golf courses, bicycle skills courses, and conservation projects such as native plant restoration.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft Funding, Partnership, and Acquisition

Parks Master Plan July 2025
City of Exeter Page 10-8
Community Volunteer Groups—Many cities create and support community outreach efforts to develop friend groups that sponsor an individual facility, solicit private donations for park programs and facilities, and provide volunteer efforts for a wide range of activities. With Exeter’s strong presence of interest from local service clubs, the City should consider partnering with the Chamber of Commerce or hiring a part-time community volunteer coordinator to assist in organizing volunteers, managing volunteer agreements, clean-up days, and other park improvement/enhancement events, including organization donations.

Specialty Agreements—Many communities solicit agreements to grant special benefits to businesses seeking opportunities tied to parks or facilities. These can include naming rights to facilities, pouring rights to facilities providing food-related services, dedicated user fees for access to certain facilities, concession management for food and drink-related facilities, ticket sales, and reservation fees.

Private and Corporate Foundations—There are tens of thousands of private and corporate foundations established solely to grant resources and funding for a wide-reaching universe of causes. Within that wide universe are many who will grant funding for parks and recreation-related programs and facilities. These grants can be highly competitive and have different criteria, geographic areas served, and other qualifying guidelines. An example of a foundation that offers grant funding is the Tony Hawk Foundation. https://tonyhawkfoundation.org/skatepark-grants/
Park Sponsorship Programs—Locally, organizations like Tulare County and Woodlake have been successful in formalizing park sponsorship programs. Creating resources with information and providing links/the ability to make simple monetary donations to Parks.

Getting creative with the type of sponsorship, things like arbors, benches, and trees can be donated by anyone who is willing to do so. Creating a specific webpage with the information in one easy-to-find location is helpful. An example of such a program is Tulare County’s Support the Parks: https://tularecountyparks.org/support-the-parks/.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Draft References

Parks Master Plan January 2025
City of Exeter Page 11-1
SECTION 11 - REFERENCES
Countyhealthrankings.org. (2024). Healthrankings. Retrieved from Health Impact Assessment: https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/healthdata/california/fresno?year=2024#health-outcomes U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). American Fact Finder. Retrieved from Community Facts:
https://data.census.gov/cedsci/
July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

APPENDIX A

COMMUNITY OUTREACH DOT POSTERS
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APPENDIX B

COMMUNITY SURVEY SUMMARY
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APPENDIX C

STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEW SUMMARY
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APPENDIX D

PARK IMPROVEMENT COSTS
July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Improvement Costs
Acreage
Cost for
Improvements
Dobson Field $8,773,317
ADA Access
17 $3,364,548
Irrigation System Improvements $1,422,000
Electrical Improvements $1,000,000
Signage and Amenities $1,107,800
Landscaping $416,750
Schroth Park $1,581,960
ADA Access
5 $165,800
Irrigation System Improvements $389,500
Electrical Improvements $285,000
Signage and Amenities $467,000
Landscaping $11,000
Unger Park $ 517,482
ADA Access

4.7 $105,400
Irrigation System Improvements $304,835
Electrical Improvements $5,000
Signage and Amenities $6,000
Landscaping $10,000
City Park $3,416,880
ADA Access

2.53 $498,848
Irrigation System Improvements $645,945
Electrical Improvements $45,000
Signage and Amenities $1,520,000
Landscaping $137,608
Brickhouse Park $342,000
ADA Access

0.97 $54,000
Irrigation System Improvements $5,000
Electrical Improvements $38,000
Signage and Amenities $187,500
Landscaping $500
Joyner Park $209,400
ADA Access

0.5 $67,000
Irrigation System Improvements $8,500
Electrical Improvements $49,500
Signage and Amenities $48,000
Landscaping $1,500
Exeter Bark Park $113,160
ADA Access

0.34 $21,600
Irrigation System Improvements $9,200
Electrical Improvements $ -
Signage and Amenities $59,000
Landscaping $4,500
July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

Acreage
Cost for
Improvements
Water Tower Park $61,080
ADA Access

0.25 $20,500
Irrigation System Improvements $7,900
Electrical Improvements $ -
Signage and Amenities $22,500
Landscaping $ -
Rose Garden Park $41,820
ADA Access

0.22 $26,250
Irrigation System Improvements $8,600
Electrical Improvements $5,000
Signage and Amenities $ -
Landscaping $ -
Mixter Park $30,240
ADA Access

0.11 $12,000
Irrigation System Improvements $7,200
Electrical Improvements $2,000
Signage and Amenities $4,000
Landscaping $ -
Schelling Park $69,240
ADA Access

0.01 $18,500
Irrigation System Improvements $9,200
Electrical Improvements $ -
Signage and Amenities $30,000
Landscaping $ -
Planter Park $43,800
ADA Access

0.01 $12,500
Irrigation System Improvements $5,500
Electrical Improvements $5,000
Signage and Amenities $7,500
Landscaping $6,000
Total Park Improvement Costs + 20% contingency

$15,426,699
ADA Access

31.64 $4,366,945
Irrigation System Improvements $2,823,380
Electrical Improvements $1,434,500
Signage and Amenities $3,459,300
Landscaping $87,858
July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

APPENDIX E

PRIORITIZATION OF IMPROVEMENTS
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APPENDIX F

SAMPLE LIABILITY WAIVER
July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

CITY OF EXETER

EMERGENCY RESPONSE VOLUNTEER LIABILITY WAIVER
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION (Please print clearly)
Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Phone no.: _____________________________________________________________________ This Release and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) executed on this _______day of _____________, 20______ by _____________________________________(the “Volunteer”), in favor of the City of Exeter (City).

The Volunteer desires to work as a volunteer for the City and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer (the “Activities”). The Volunteer Understands that the Activities may include registering community members, directing community members, and working at special events.

Volunteer understands that the scope of Volunteer’s relationship with the City is limited to a volunteer position and that no compensation is expected in return for services provided by Volunteer, and that the City will not provide any benefits traditionally associated with employment to Volunteer.

The Volunteer hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress executes this Release under the following terms:

1. Release and Waiver. Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless the City and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind of nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from Volunteer’s Activities with the City.

Volunteer understands that this Release discharges the City from any liability or claim that the Volunteer may have against the City with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from Volunteer’s Activities with the City, whether caused by the negligence of the City or its officers, directors, employees, or agents or otherwise. Volunteer also understands that the City does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness.

2. Assumption of the Risk. Volunteer understands that the Activities include work that may be hazardous to the Volunteer, including, but not limited to loading and unloading, registering community members, greeting community members, and directing traffic. Volunteer hereby expressly and specifically assumes the risk of injury or harm in the Activities and releases the City from all liability for injury, illness, death or property damage resulting from the Activities. Volunteer represents that, to my knowledge, I am in good health and suffer no physical impairment that would or should prevent my participation in Volunteer Activities.

3. Medical Treatment. Volunteer hereby consents to receive medical treatment which may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident, and/or illness during this activity. Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge the City from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Volunteer’s Activities with the City.

July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council

4. Insurance. I understand that, except as otherwise agreed to by the Released Parties in writing, the Released Parties are under no obligation to provide, carry or maintain health, medical, travel, disability or other insurance coverage for any Volunteer.

Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own health, medical, travel, disability or other insurance coverage.

5. Photographic Release. Volunteer does hereby grant and convey unto the City all right, title and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by the City during the Volunteer’s Activities with the City, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings.

6. Other. Volunteer expressly agrees that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of California and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Volunteer agrees that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release which shall continue to be enforceable.

7. Confidentiality. As I Volunteer, I may have access to sensitive or confidential information. This information includes, but is not limited to, identity, address, contact information, and medical information. At all times during and after my participation, I agree to hold in confidence and not disclose or use any such confidential information except as required in my City volunteer activities.

8. Conduct. I understand that during my time as a Volunteer I will interact with other volunteers, staff, and members of the public, and I agree to conduct myself in a professional manner at all times. I understand that harassment, discrimination, or discourteous behavior of any kind will not be tolerated, and I will be immediately removed from my volunteer assignment should I engage in such conduct.

8. Termination. I understand that my Volunteer assignment may be terminated at any time by either party to this agreement.

9. Attestation. I represent that I do not currently exhibit, and have not exhibited at any point in the last 72 hours, any of the symptoms of COVID-19, which, pursuant to CDC guidelines, include (but may not be limited to), fever, chills, cough, loss of taste or smell, or shortness of breath. I agree that if I begin to develop any of these symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, I will immediately advise the City and will immediately cease all volunteer work.

10. Attestation. I understand and do hereby further attest that this information is true, accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and I understand that any falsification, omission, or concealment of material fact may subject me to civil or criminal liability.

Volunteer Signature __________________________________ Date: ____________________________________ July 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Exeter City Council