ATT 1 - Parks and Recreation Master Plan Final Draft - Part 1 of 2

2025

CITY OF MURRIETA

PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
DRAFT
DRAFT
City of Murrieta
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
2025
Prepared for:

Prepared by:

DRAFT
Acknowledgments
City Council
Cindy Warren, Mayor (District 5)
Jon Levell, Mayor Pro Tempore (District 1)
Ron Holliday, Council Member (District 2)
Lisa DeForest, Mayor (District 3)
Lori Stone, Council Member (District 4)
City Manager’s Office
Justin Clifton, City Manager
Kristen Crane, Assistant City Manager
Parks and Recreation Department
Brian Ambrose, Community Services Director
Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Services Manager
Brian Crawford, Senior Program Manager
Crystal Arora, Management Analyst
Development Services Department
David Chantarangsu, Development Services Director
Jarrett Ramaiya, Deputy Development Services Director
Carl Stiehl, City Planner
Public Works/Engineering Department
Bob Moehling, Director of Public Works
Joshua Havens, Parks Maintenance Supervisor
Administrative Services
John Anisko, Information Technology Analyst - GIS
Planning Team
Zachary Mueting, Principal Landscape Architect, RJM Design Group Inc.

Kristen Schnell, Project Manager, RJM Design Group Inc.

Courtney Hawkins, Landscape Designer, RJM Design Group Inc.

Amy Leos, GIS Analyst, RJM Design Group Inc.

David Molina, GIS Analyst, RJM Design Group Inc.

Ed Crofts, Senior Associate, RJM Design Group Inc.

Timothy McLarney, Survey Specialist, True North Research Special thank you to our stakeholders and community members who participated in the planning process.

Photo by City of Murrieta
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Photo by City of Murrieta

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT

3.1 Existing Conditions

Park Types

.............................................................................40

Recreation Facilities

............................................................44

Trail Connectivity

.................................................................45

3.2 Programs and Services ........................................................47

3.3 Acreage Analysis

.................................................................49

3.4 Park Service Area Gap Analysis
.........................................53

3.5 Local Trends Analysis

...........................................................59

3.6 Custom Park Standards Calculations
................................65

3.7 School Facilities

....................................................................71

3.8 Other Parks and Recreation Facilities
...............................73
Section FOUR: RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Key Strategies
.......................................................................76

4.2 Developer Parks and Dedication of Parkland

for Recreation Purposes
......................................................97

4.3 Park and Recreation Facility Funding
Recommendations
..............................................................99

4.4 Short, Mid, and Long-Term Costs .....................................103

4.5 Next Steps
...........................................................................104

4.6 Staffing

Recommendations
..............................................108

4.5 Maintenance Recommendations
...................................109
Section ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of Parks and Recreation Master Plan
...................4

1.2 Benefits

Parks

and

Recreation
.........................................5

1.3 Master Plan Process
...............................................................7

1.4 Regional Setting
...................................................................10

1.5 Local Setting
.........................................................................11

1.6 Related Studies

....................................................................13 Section TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE

2.1 Community

Profile
...............................................................18

2.2 Outreach and Engagement ..............................................21

2.3 Summarizing the Community Voice
..................................36
Executive Summary
...................................................................................1 DRAFT

LIST OF EXHIBITS
Section ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.3-1 Project Timeline .........................................................................................................7

1.4-1
Regional Setting
.....................................................................................................10

1.5-1
Local Setting ...........................................................................................................12

1.6-1
Construction Cost Forecasting
.............................................................................14

Section TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE

2.1-1 Tapestry LifeMode Map .........................................................................................17

2.1-2 Murrieta

Age

Profile

compared

Riverside

County
.........................................19

2.1-3 Community

Profile
..................................................................................................20

2.1-4
Residential Activity Map 2023
...............................................................................20

2.2-1
Multimodal Survey Distribution Map of Responses
.............................................25

2.2-2
Community Workshop #1 Survey Distribution Map of Responses ....................27

2.2-3
Community Workshop #2 Survey Distribution Map of Responses ....................29

2.2-4
Community Workshop #3 Survey Distribution Map of Responses ....................31

2.2-5
Feedback Survey Distribution Map of Responses
...............................................33

2.3-1
Program Priorities
....................................................................................................37

2.3-2
Facility Priorities

.......................................................................................................38 Section THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT

3.1-1 City Parks Map ........................................................................................................43

3.1-2
Recreation Facilities Map

......................................................................................44

3.1-3
Existing Trails Map
...................................................................................................45

3.3-1
Open Space Map
..................................................................................................52

3.4-1
Service Area Gap Analysis for City-Wide Parks ...................................................53

3.4-2
Service Area Gap Analysis for Community Parks
...............................................54

3.4-3
Service Area Gap Analysis for Neighborhood Parks
..........................................54

3.4-4
Service Area Gap Analysis for Neighborhood Play Areas .................................55

3.4-5
Service Area Gap Analysis for Special Use Parks
................................................55

3.4-6
Service Area Gap Analysis for Nature Parks
........................................................56

3.4-7
Park Service Area Gap Analysis Map ..................................................................57

3.5-1
Average Distance Traveled for City-Wide Parks
.................................................60

3.5-2
Average Distance Traveled for Community Parks
.............................................60

3.5-3
Average Distance Traveled for Neighborhood Parks
........................................61

3.5-4
Average Distance Traveled for Neighborhood Play Areas
...............................61

3.5-5
Average Distance Traveled for Special Use Parks
..............................................62

3.5-6
Average Distance Traveled for Nature Parks
......................................................62

3.5-7
Average Distance Traveled for All Parks
..............................................................64

3.6-1
CPSC Methodology for Sports Organizations
.....................................................66

3.6-2
Local Needs vs. NRPA Needs
................................................................................66

3.8-1
School Facilities Map

.............................................................................................71 Section FOUR: RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1-1 Add More Sports Fields Survey Results ..................................................................77

4.1-2
Dog Park Survey Results
.........................................................................................78

4.1-3
Pickleball Courts, Classes, or League Survey Results ..........................................79

4.1-4
Improve Cleanliness Survey Results
......................................................................81

4.1-5
Improve Safety Survey Results

...............................................................................82

4.1-6
Modernize and Upgrade Parks and Facilities Survey Results ............................83

4.1-7
Playground Improvements Survey Results
...........................................................84

4.1-8
Restroom Maintenance Survey Results
................................................................85

4.1-9
Bike Trails Survey Results

.........................................................................................87

4.1-10
Walking Paths and Hiking Trails Survey Results
....................................................88

4.1-11
Splash Pad or Water Park Survey Results
.............................................................89

4.1-12
Swimming Pools and Swimming Classes Survey Results

.....................................90

4.1-13
Engagement/Marketing of Programs Survey Results
.........................................91

4.1-14
Community Events Survey Results
.........................................................................92

4.1-15
Fitness and Exercise Classes Survey Results
.........................................................93

4.1-16
Senior Activities and Classes Survey Results
........................................................94

4.1-17
Teen and Youth Programs Survey Results
............................................................95

4.3-1
Recommended Parks and Recreation Facility Projects
..................................101

4.4-1
Short, Mid, and Long-Term Costs ........................................................................103 1 2
3 4
DRAFT
Photo by City of Murrieta

APPENDIX TABLE OF CONTENTS (SEPARATE DOCUMENT)
Tool 1: Meetings ..................................................................................................................................5 Tool 2: Existing Documentation
.......................................................................................................17 a.

Information Request Memo – Existing Document Resources ..........................................17 b.

Land Use Map
.......................................................................................................................20 c.

Existing Trails Map
..................................................................................................................21 Tool 3: Inventory of Recreation Facilities, Parks, & Programs .......................................................22 a.

Map of Existing Parks
............................................................................................................22 b.

Map of Existing Recreation Facilities
...................................................................................23 c.

Park Amenity Matrix ..............................................................................................................24 d.

Park

Profiles ............................................................................................................................25 e.

Schools Map
..........................................................................................................................78 f.

Program Inventory and Assessment ...................................................................................79 Tool 4: Demographic Assessment
.................................................................................................111 Tool 5: Local Trends Analysis .........................................................................................................120 Tool 6: Custom Park Standards Calculations (CPSCs) ................................................................135 Tool 7: Community Engagement
..................................................................................................139 a.

Project Website
...................................................................................................................139 b.

Feedback Comments Summary
.......................................................................................155 c.

Stakeholder Interview Summary ........................................................................................162 d.

Community Workshop #1 Summary .................................................................................169 e.

Community Workshop #2 Summary .................................................................................175 f.

Community Workshop #3 Summary .................................................................................180 g.

Statistically Valid Multimodal Survey Summary ...............................................................184 h.

Facility and Program Needs Summary Charts .................................................................244 Tool 8: Community Needs Assessment
........................................................................................246 a.

Facility and Program Needs Summary Prioritization .......................................................246 b.

Park Acreage Analysis ........................................................................................................248 c.

Service Gap Analysis ..........................................................................................................252 Tool 9: Recommendations & CIP ...................................................................................................258 Tool 10: Policy Review & Recommendations
...............................................................................261 Tool 11: Operations & Maintenance Plan .....................................................................................269 Tool 12: Financial Plan Review ......................................................................................................295 Tool 13: Final Presentation
.............................................................................................................320 DRAFT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Murrieta Parks and Recreation Master Plan will serve as a guide and implementation tool for the management and development of parks and recreation facilities throughout the City. This document represents a summary of the community outreach, research, and professional analysis conducted. The Master Plan recommendations are to serve the current population, as well as the projected population through 2033. The culminating result is a community inspired plan for the future of parks and recreation in the City of Murrieta.

The process began with a review of pertinent planning documents, existing park resources, and recreation opportunities. Following the initial inventory, a community outreach campaign was developed. In-person workshops, online video presentations, one-on-one stakeholder interviews, a statistically-valid multimodal survey, public online surveys, and direct website feedback surveys were conducted to analyze the community recreation demand in the City. Throughout the process, project updates and summary results were posted to the project website. This website enabled community members to review updates and provide immediate feedback at any point during the project. This resource allowed anyone in the community to have a voice in the process regardless of when and where meetings were held.

The Master Plan includes capital improvements of $65,468,074 ($12,698,790 in planned funded projects, $12,819,934 in planned unfunded projects, and with a balance of $39,949,350 of additional Master Plan recommended funding). Based
on

the

findings,

this

Master

Plan

outlines

key

park

and

facility

improvements

well

staffing

and

maintenance

recommendations

identified

Section

Four,

detailed

reports

these analysis are available in the appendix. The following are key strategies developed to balance the available inventory with the community’s recreational desires.

Each of the following recommended key strategies are designed to balance the equation of where existing recreation resources exist and how they relate to the needs of the community.

Through

this

analysis,

recreation

can

flourish

and

continue

support

thriving

outdoor community.

Key Strategy #1: Prioritiz
e multi-use facility development to meet the diverse recreational demands.

Goal 1.1:

The
City
should
increase
sports
fields,
addressing
facility
deficits
by
utilizing
alternative

fields,
expanding
the
Los
Alamos
Hills
Sports
Park,
improving
California
Oaks
Sports
Park,
and

collaborating with the school district.

Goal

1.2: The City should continue to develop a new dog park at Glen Arbor Park with modern amenities, while also equipping parks with dog waste dispensers to support the dog community.

Goal 1.3: The City should support the community’s strong desire for enhanced pickleball facilities, including courts, leagues, lessons, and tournaments. 1 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
Photo by City of Murrieta
Key Strategy #2: Implement a comprehensive maintenance and upgrade plan to continue Murrieta’s high standards of quality and user satisfaction.

Goal 2.1: The City should improve the cleanliness of parks, facilities, and trails by establishing an “Adopt-A-Park” program, organizing park clean-up days, and continuing support for the Adopt-A-Trail Program.

Goal 2.2: The City should improve safety by enhancing lighting, waste removal, security measures, and incorporating Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) features in park projects.

Goal 2.3: The City should modernize and upgrade all parks and facilities by assessing demand before replacing worn elements and implementing a life cycle analysis for major park components to better forecast future costs.

Goal 2.4: The City should enhance playgrounds by implementing a renovation schedule based on equipment lifespan and incorporating all-inclusive, universal design standards in new playgrounds for equitable play.

Goal 2.5: The City should increase restroom maintenance by increasing cleaning operations during peak usage times in parks with high visitation.

Key Strategy #3: Create an integrated trail network that promotes active transportation and enhances outdoor recreation opportunities as recommended in the Trails Master Plan.

Goal 3.1: The City should improve bike trails by implementing the Murrieta Trails Master Plan, focusing on visibility, speed reduction, crossings, connections, and signage.

Goal 3.2: The City should support the community’s desire for natural walking and hiking paths by improving park trail loops, enhancing connections, and developing a Special Needs Interactive Trail System.

Key Strategy #4: Design an aquatic facility that caters to diverse age groups and skill levels that promotes water safety.

Goal 4.1: The City should develop splash pads integrated into park infrastructure, starting with
smaller,
cost-effective
water
features
that
do
not
significantly
impact
park
usability
or

maintenance efforts.

Goal 4.2:

The City should expand aquatic programming, including swim classes and aerobics, by partnering locally during pool renovations and prioritizing the renovations at California Oaks Sports Park pool based on City Council guidance.

Key Strategy #5: Develop an outreach campaign that leverages local partnerships and personalized communication to promote a diverse range of community events and programs.

Goal 5.1: The City should strengthen community engagement and marketing of programs by enhancing multi-channel communication efforts based on community feedback.

Goal 5.2:

The
City
should
improve
community
events
by
increasing
staffing
to
collaborate
with

local organizations
and businesses, focusing on inclusive cultural celebrations, and reporting the economic impact of these events to the City Council.

Goal 5.3:

The
City
should
develop
diverse
fitness
programs,
including
park-based
boot
camps,

mobile
fitness
vans,
and
digital
fitness
integration
with
apps
and
QR
codes
for
accessible,

structured, and unstructured exercise options.

Goal 5.4:

The
City
should
expand
senior
activities
by
developing
low-impact
fitness
programs,

marketing
balanced exercises, partnering with organizations for additional programs, and continuing lifelong learning opportunities.

Goal 5.5: The City should expand teen and youth programs by enhancing after-school offerings through partnerships, ensuring adequate facilities, and targeting a range of activities for teens, youth, young adults, and families.

City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 2 DRAFT
Photo by the City of Murrieta Facebook
3 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
1 SECTION ONE:

INTRODUCTION
Purpose of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan
In alignment with the City of Murrieta’s mission to provide superior services that enhance community well-being, the Master Plan has been crafted to govern and manage the City’s abundant parks and recreation opportunities. These parks and recreation facilities serve as spaces for residents to participate in sports, exercise, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors, reinforcing the City’s commitment to the overall quality of life in the community.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Murrieta Parks and Recreation Department is to provide safe, clean, beautiful, and accessible facilities, parks and open spaces as well as offer a variety of leisure activities for all people in the areas of recreation, education, and culture.

-Murrieta Parks and Recreation Department Mission Statement The community outreach process provides a clear understanding of the community’s desires and needs for parks and recreation. Having this understanding enables strategic expenditures and improvements within the recreation system and maximizes the community impact. This report was developed in part to ensure the resources dedicated to sustaining recreation in Murrieta are continuously in line with community expectations and desires.

The

Master

Plan

presented

here

intended

flexible

and

should

evaluated

and/or

modified

every

five

(5)

ten

(10)

years

the

City

responds

unforeseen

opportunities and constraints, as well as changes in residents’ needs and demands in the context of other City priorities.

1.1 Senior Luncheon
Photo by the City of Murrieta
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 4 DRAFT
Benefits of Parks and Recreation
The California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) Vision Insight and Planning Project - Creating

Community

the

21st

Century

identifies

the

mission

California’s

park

and

recreation agencies:
“To create community through people, parks and programs.” The CPRS VISION also identifies benefits of park and recreation services including:
• Foster Human Development. Parks and recreation services foster social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development.
• Promote Health and Wellness. Participation in recreation improves physical and emotional health.
• Increase Cultural Unity. Parks and recreation increase cultural unity through experiences that promote cultural understanding and celebrate diversity. • Facilitate Community Problem-Solving. Park and recreation professionals have skills in facilitation and leadership that can be applied to resolve community problems and issues.
• Protect Natural Resources. By acquiring and protecting valuable resources as open space, such as rivers, streams, greenways, viewsheds, forests, and other habitat areas, natural resources are protected and habitat required for the survival of diverse species is preserved.
• Strengthen Safety and Security. Park and recreation professionals provide safe environments

for

recreation

and

design

programs

and

services

specifically

reduce

criminal activity.
• Strengthen Community Image and Sense of Place. Parks, recreation facilities, programs, and community events are key factors in strengthening community image and creating a sense of place.
• Support Economic Development. Recreation programs and facilities attract and retain businesses and residents, as well as attract tourists. Parks and recreation provide jobs and generate income for the community and for local businesses.

1.2 Murrieta Youth Advisory Committee
Photo by the City of Murrieta
SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION
5 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
1 Photo by the City of Murrieta
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 6 DRAFT
Master Plan Process1.3
As illustrated in exhibit 1.3-1, the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan process began in
September of 2023 and included over a
year of research, community outreach,
and reporting. Critical to the process
was the development of the community
voice. Through the lens of the community,
program and facility priorities are set,
leading to the recommendations that will
assist in the future development of parks
and recreation in Murrieta.

Over
a five-month period (January-May)
focused community outreach methods
were used to collect data from various
segments of the community. Stakeholder
interviews, community workshops, online
surveys, direct feedback surveys, and a
statistically valid multimodal community
survey were each conducted to gather
insight into the community’s views and
desires for park amenities, facilities, and
services.

Multi-Modal
Community
Survey
Workshop
ONE
Stakeholder
Interviews
Kick Off Meeting
Project Website
Launched to
Public
Inventory of Parks,
Recreation Facilities,
and Programs
Demographic
Assessment Existing
Documentation
Review
2023 | 2024
Public Outreach Task
Consultant Task
SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION
Exhibit 1.3-1:

Project Timeline
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG.-DEC. JAN.-APRIL 7 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
1 2024 | 2025
A project website was developed
that outlined the Master Plan purpose,
process,

and

identified

schedule

dates on how residents can get involved
in the outreach opportunities. As each
segment of the community outreach was
completed, the results were published on
the website for the community to view
and provide feedback. This component
extended the ability for anyone to review
the information collected and provide
feedback at any time.

After the outreach process was
completed, the data was synthesized
into a prioritized programs and facilities
matrix clearly portraying the voice of
the community. This list of priorities was
then compared against the inventory
of existing facilities collected. The results
of the comparison formed the basis for
the recommendations presented in this
report. In Fall/Winter 2024, this report
and subsequent public presentations
were developed to clearly illustrate
what facilities exist, what the community
priorities are, and how the two can align
today and in the future.

Workshop
TWO
Community Needs
AssessmentWorkshop
THREE
Recommendations
and CIP
Custom Park
Standards
Calculation
General Plan and
Policy Review
Financial Review
Operations and
Maintenance
Plan
Report
Development
Public Meetings
& Presentations
Local Trends
Analysis
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUG.-DEC. JAN.-APRIL City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 8 DRAFT
Photo by the City of Murrieta
SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION
9 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
1 Murrieta

1.4 Regional Setting
Murrieta is located in the Inland Empire region
of Southern California in Riverside County. It has
a total area of 35.5 square miles situated in the
southwestern part of Riverside County. Murrieta is
approximately 80 miles southeast of Los Angeles
and approximately 70 miles north of San Diego.

Murrieta is bordered by the City of Temecula to
the south, the cities of Menifee and Wildomar
Copyright © 1995–2024 Esri.

All rights reserved.
to the north, and the unincorporated community of
French Valley to the east. Murrieta sits below the Santa Rosa Plateau of the Santa Ana Mountains.

Murrieta is known for its suburban and residential character and its proximity to popular Southern California attractions.

The region around Murrieta is well known for its vineyards and wineries. The Temecula Valley Wine Country, which includes parts of Murrieta, is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. The City’s location in Southern California means it experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Exhibit 1.4-1:

Regional Setting
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 10 DRAFT
Local Setting
The local setting of Murrieta is characterized by its suburban, family-oriented, and community-focused environment with an emphasis on providing a comfortable and quality lifestyle for its residents. Murrieta’s growth continues with new residential developments in the planning or construction phases. As the medical hub of Southwest Riverside County, Murrieta offers professional jobs that support residents and their quality of life. Loma Linda University Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Medical Campus, Rancho Springs Medical Center, and Rady Children’s Hospital are all located in Murrieta. As the only City in

the

region

with

its

own

police

and

fire

departments,

the

City

Murrieta

has

shown

its

commitment to public safety. Murrieta was recently recognized as the 3rd safest city in the United

States

based

cost

crime

per

capita

(according

financial

website,

24/7

Wall

Street)
and the 16th safest city in California based on violent crime (according to SafeWise).

Within

the

Murrieta

city

boundaries,

there

are

several

significant

man-made

and

natural

features which help shape neighborhoods and provide both opportunities and constraints with respect to parks, recreation, transportation, and community life. These include:
1 – Interstate 15 (I-15) and Interstate 215 (I-215)
2 – Private golf courses including Bear Creek Golf & Country Club, The Golf Club at Rancho California, and The Colony Golf Course.
3 – Hogbacks Ridge
4 – Murrieta Creek and Warm Springs Creek

1.5 Major Freeways
(Interstate 15 and Interstate 215)
Hogbacks Ridge
Private Golf Courses
Murrieta Creek
Photo by Google Maps
Photo by wikipedia.org
Photo by httpswww.i-golfing.com-
course-info
Photo by wikipedia.org
SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION
11 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
1 Copyright © 1995–2024 Esri.

Exhibit 1.5-1:

Local Setting
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 12 DRAFT
Related Studies
There are existing documents and reports that relate to the planning of parks and recreation

and

influence

the

Master

Plan

recommendations.

These

documents

and

their relationship to the planning process include:

Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2009)
https://www.murrietaca.gov/590/Plans-Improvements-Resources The 2009 Parks and Recreation Master Plan was an update to the 1999 Master Plan. The Master Plan update included three main components: (1) a needs assessment and gap analysis,

(2)

recommended

modifications

parks

and

facilities

meet

current

and

future

needs,

and

(3)

financial

implementation

plan.

The

community

expressed

need

for

additional

facilities

such

tennis

courts,

BMX,

equestrian

amenities,

sports

fields,

and

aquatics. Just as important, the plan offered recommendations on trail connectivity and park enhancements, which are highly valued by Murrieta residents. The following table includes the 2009 Master Plan recommendations, along with a 2024 update:

1.6 SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION
2009 Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2024 Update

POPULATION
100,173 119,182

NUMBER OF CITY PARKS
48 Parks
+ Copper Canyon Recreation Facility
(2001)
+New Community Center (2009)
+New Senior Center (2005)
53 Parks
+New Recreation Center at Alderwood Park (2020)
+New Youth Center (2013)

MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
Provision of quantities of swimming pools
appropriate to the current and future
population.

In 2023, the existing public swimming pool at California Oaks Sports Park became inoperable. The City has successfully negotiated an agreement with the MVUSD to offer residents pool time at Vista Murrieta High School as a temporary solution until funding to renovate the City pool is secured. Development of a pool would take

five

years

once

funds

are

available
Development of an effective, connected,
multi-use trail system for walking, jogging,
hiking, biking, and equestrian uses.

The City has continued to develop, expand, and connect the trail network. The 2024 Trails Master Plan will assist the City in achieving this 2009 recommendation.

Provision of quantities of sports facilities
appropriate to the current and future
population.

The

City

has

continued

prioritize

the

addition

sports

fields/
courts, as opportunities become available and has maintained the sports facilities for baseball, soccer, softball, and tennis.

Additionally, the City has added (4) pickleball courts and several outdoor

basketball

courts

since

2009.

Due

the

significant

dependence on school facilities, the City should look to develop more

sports

fields

alleviate

increasing

competition

for

resources.

Provision of community centers in
appropriate locations.

Since 2009, the City has added the recreation center (Clubhouse) at Alderwood Park, as well as the addition of the Murrieta Youth Center.

Addition of at least two (2) off leash dog
areas, distributed in the City.

City has added (3) off leash dog areas at Alderwood, Glen Arbor, and Torrey Pines Parks.

Provision of gymnasiums in appropriate
locations.

The City has developed plans for Phase 2 of the Youth Center to provide for an indoor, multi-use court or gymnasium.

Provision of parkland acreage quantities
consistent with the City standard of 5 acres
per 1,000, with appropriate distribution.

In 2024, the City provides 4.22 acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents. As the population grows, it is important to enforce park development agreements to include parks and recreation opportunities for the new population.
13 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
1 Murrieta General Plan 2035
https://www.murrietaca.gov/303/General-
Plan-2035
The City of Murrieta’s General Plan 2035
is a document required by California
law that provides a foundation for City
policies and actions. It guides both the
physical development of Murrieta and
the provision of public infrastructure and
services.

The General Plan 2035 was adopted in
2009 and places particular emphasis
on economic development and keeps
Murrieta in front of current policy topics,
including sustainability and health. Some
key points from the General Plan include:
•
The City of Murrieta’s General
Plan 2035 is a comprehensive
blueprint for the City’s growth and
development.
•
The plan aims to serve an
estimated build-out population
of 133,452 within the City’s 33.61
square miles.
•
It includes state-mandated
elements such as Housing,
Air

Quality,

Circulation,

Conservation, Land Use, Noise,
Safety, Recreation, and Open
Space. Additionally, it has
optional elements like Economic
Development and Healthy
Community.
•
A Climate Action Plan is part of the
General Plan, focusing on reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
•
The guiding principles include
creating a cultural and
government center, an attractive
downtown, preserving historic
character, promoting sustainable
development, and offering diverse
housing options.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2009) -
continued
In a review of construction pricing (cost
per acre) since the 2009 Master Plan, a
15-year period, the average increase
in pricing has continuously risen without
any

significant

decline

(exhibit

1.6-1).

This trend suggests that future project
costs are likely to continue increasing
due

factors

such

inflation,

material

costs, and expanded project scopes,
emphasizing the need for accurate
budgeting and forecasting in future
developments. In comparison, the facility
deficit

Murrieta

had

2009

16 youth

soccer

fields

would

have

estimated

cost of $16M vs building them in 2024 at
an

estimated

cost

$18M

for

deficit

13 soccer

fields.

Planning

for

near

term

construction projects has a reduced
overall dollar amount.

Exhibit 1.6-1:

Construction Cost Forecasting
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 14 DRAFT
Downtown Murrieta Specific Plan
https://murrietaeconomicdevelopment.com/
downtown-plan/
The Downtown Murrieta Specific Plan
(SP 8) is a plan for the City’s downtown
area that includes mixed-use projects,
a cultural and government center, and
pedestrian activity. The plan is based
on several guiding principles, including:
sustainable development, open space
preservation, mobility choices, and
diverse housing options. The plan
divides downtown Murrieta into four
neighborhoods, each with its own design
guidelines and development standards.

The plan also includes a public outreach
program. The plan’s vision is to create
a beautiful downtown area with a
variety of mixed-use projects, including
retail, entertainment, and residential
development along Washington Avenue.

The Civic Center, which includes the
police station, City Hall, and Murrieta
Public Library, will anchor the downtown
area. The plan could potentially add
1,151 dwelling units and 1.229 million
square feet of non-residential uses to the
study area.

SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION
Recreation and Open Space Element
As part of the City’s General Plan, the
Recreation and Open Space Element
incorporates

the

findings

the

Parks

and Recreation Master Plan, detailing
various parks, their acreages, and
amenities, including passive and active
facilities.

It emphasizes the importance
of providing recreational programs for
all ages, protecting open spaces, and
meeting the City’s parkland standards.

The plan includes recommendations
for current and future recreation facility
needs, addressing a variety of amenities
and facilities across different parks
in Murrieta.

Additionally, it discusses
strategies for acquiring new sites,
partnering with schools, and enhancing
community facilities to cater to
changing demographics and recreation
preferences. The Element should be
updated

reflect

the

2024

Master

Plan

park inventory and data.

Murrieta Equestrian Center Conceptual
Master Plan
Murrieta City Council conducted a
workshop on the conceptual design
for the Equestrian Park in 2017. The
City Council tasked staff to reform the
Equestrian Ad-Hoc Committee and
suggest improvements allowing for the
greatest and widest possible use of the
Equestrian Park. In addition, City Council
directed the Ad Hoc committee to work
with a consultant to ensure usability
across the various equestrian disciplines
and that would serve as a guide to
future development of the park. The
2017 conceptual plan was approved by
City Council. The following link is to the
approved conceptual plan:
https://www.
murrietaca.gov/601/Equestrian-Park-Preferred-
Concept-Plan. Funding has not been
secured.

Photo by MyValleyNews.com
15 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
1 Murrieta Hills Specific Plan
https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/
View/626/Murrieta-Hills-Specific-Plan-Number-
SPM-4-PDF
In November 2021, the City unanimously
approved the approximately 972-acre
Murrieta Hills Project, which includes
the annexation of land into the City.

The project is located west of the 215
Freeway, south of Keller Road, and north
of Greer Ranch, bordering Wildomar
to the east and Menifee to the north.

The new development will include: 750
homes, including 522 single-family houses
and 228 townhomes and apartments ,
commercial space with retail and offices,
and over 600 acres of natural preserved
open space. The development plan also
includes neighborhood parks, a multi-
purpose greenbelt, and recreational
open space. The project will be built in
phases, starting in 2025 and is estimated
to be completed in 2031.

Triangle Specific Plan
https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/
View/13815/Triangle-Specific-Plan-Amendment-
No-2
The 2013 Triangle Specific Plan is a 64.3-
acre proposal for a large vacant lot in
the City at the confluence of Interstates
15 and 215. The property is privately
owned, and the location is optimal for
the planned mixed-use development
that incorporates offices, shopping, hotel,
entertainment and restaurant spaces
as part of an integrated commercial
and business complex. Adjacent to the
Triangle Specific Plan area, there are
many multi-family housing developments
planned or in construction. There should
be a focus on increasing recreational
amenities in this area provided by either
the City or as part of development
agreement.

Vineyard Specific Plan
https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/
View/615/The-Vineyard-Specific-Plan-
Environmental-Impact-Report-Substantial-
Conformance-Number-4-PDF
The 1999 Vineyard Specific Plan is a
521-acre plan in the western part of the
City, west of Murrieta Creek and next
to the City’s western limit. The Vineyard
Specific Plan revises and replaces a 520-
acre portion of the Bear Creek-Joaquin
Ranch Specific Plan. The tentative tract
map for the project was approved in
1999. Most of the development has
been implemented. As of February 2023,
the City was processing a Specific Plan
Amendment for the undeveloped part of
the Vineyard Specific Plan area, west of
Interstate 15.

Development Impact Fee Study Update
(2024)
https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/
View/11743/2024-Final-Nexus-Study
This report outlines objectives to ensure
that new development pays for the
capital costs associated with growth,
enabling the City to expand its public
facilities inventory. Three approaches
are used to calculate facility standards
and allocate costs: existing inventory,
planned facilities, and system plan.

Impact fee revenue must be spent on
new or expanded facilities to serve new
development, including land acquisition,
construction, and equipment. The fee
schedule summary provides a detailed
fee schedule for various land use types,
ensuring fees are proportional to the
impact of new development.

City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 16 DRAFT
Tapestry Map
City of Murrieta - California0 1 20.5
Miles
Murrieta Tapestry
10A Southern Satellites
11B Young and Restless
11C Metro Fusion
15A Unclassified
1A Top Tier
1B Professional Pride
1C Boomburbs
1D Savvy Suburbanites
1E Exurbanites
2B Pleasantville
2D Enterprising Professionals
4A Workday Drive
4B Home Improvement
4C Middleburg
7A Up and Coming Families
8C Bright Young Professionals
9B Golden Years
9C The Elders
Copyright © 1995–2024 Esri.

Tapestry LifeMode Map
17 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
2 SECTION TWO:

COMMUNITY VOICE
A Community Profile
Who is Murrieta?
Understanding the demographic context of a community can create a valuable perspective for understanding current parks and recreation facility and program requirements and, moreover, for anticipating parks and recreation facility and program needs in the future. This information provides a deeper understanding of “who” the community is and “where” they are geographically and economically.

Households in Murrieta fall into one of seven Tapestry LifeMode groups:

2.1 2
8 4A, 4B, 4C
% of Murrieta HH: 18.29%
Average Age:

36.9 Average Income:
$74K
2B, 2D
% of Murrieta HH: 7.71%
Average Age:

38.9 Average Income:
$90K
Typically prosperous married couples living in
older suburban neighborhoods or townhomes.

Majority are homeowners. Many with older
children. Generally interested in active
recreation

and

fitness.

Mix of single/married, renters/homeowners, and
middle/working class. Majority attended college.

Internet savvy. Commonly interested in night life
and outdoor activities.
1 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E
% of Murrieta HH: 36.95%
Average Age:

43.6 Average Income:
$127K
Typically married couples with children ranging
from grade school to college. Most are
educated homeowners with established wealth.

Participate actively in communities. Active in
sports and enthusiastic travelers.
7A, 7B
% of Murrieta HH: 16.72%
Average Age:

32.7 Average Income:
$67K
7 8C
% of Murrieta HH: 4.77%
Average Age:
33 Average Income:
$54K
Typically young married couples with children
and grandparents who are multi-generational
and multilingual. Focus on children activities.

Generally interested in sports and water/theme
parks. Comfortable with technology.
9 9B, 9C
% of Murrieta HH: 10.6%
Average Age:

62.3 Average Income:
$57.5K
Married empty nesters or singles living alone.

Homes are single family, retirement communities,
or high-rise apartments. Have cell phones and
land lines. Tend to have regular exercise routine
and are health-conscious.
11 11B, 11C
% of Murrieta HH: 4.96%
Average Age:

29.6 Average Income:
$38K
4 Typically successful young families in their first
homes, residing in suburban or semirural areas.

Typically two workers in the family. Sports
enthusiasts and enjoy family outings.

Typically millennials on the move, single, living
in urban areas. Work in service and unskilled
positions, usually close to home. Embrace the
internet, music, and television.

City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 18 DRAFT
How old are Murrieta residents?
The

City

Murrieta’s

Age

Profile

illustrated

Exhibit

2.1-2,

shows

37%

the

population

classified

the

35-64

category.

The

under

19 years

age

segment

(28%) is comparable to the Riverside County population (27%). The 65 and over category is only 14%, which is slightly lower than the Riverside County average of

15.8%.

The

City

Murrieta’s

Age

Profile

shows

high

proportion

residents

the

35-64 age range.
28% 22% 37% 14%
Pop ≤19 Pop 20-34 Pop 35-64 Pop 65+
Exhibit 2.1-2: Murrieta Age Profile
Compared to Riverside County
SECTION TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE
19 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
2 Exhibit 2.1-4:

Residential Activity Map 2023
In addition to the tapestry segmentation
and

the

age

profile,

the

demographic

analysis examined population growth,
housing unit growth, and household
size for the current and future resident
population. Highlights of these
demographic trends include:
•
The Esri forecast data set* predicts an
increase in the population with a total
population of 124,327 in 2028. The
five-year

growth

from

2023

2028

4.3% is above the County’s average
growth rate of 2.4% from 2023 to 2028.

The forecasted population for the
City of Murrieta in 2033 is 132,437.

This
increase in population is projected
from the planned new residential
developments as illustrated in exhibit

2.1-4.
•
Housing unit growth in the City during
the 2010 to 2023 time frame occurred
at a 5.7% rate with approximately 155
new housing units documented each
year on average. The City housing
unit growth during the 2010-2023
time frame was below the rate in the
County which was at 8.8%.
•
Average household size in the City of
Murrieta slightly declined from 3.14
persons per household in 2010 to 3.09
persons per household in 2023. This is
slightly lower than the County average
of 3.12 persons per household
in 2023.

Exhibit 2.1-3:

Community Profile
Source: TheRetailCoach and Esri 2023 Demographic
Data
119,182
2023 Population

3.1 Average
Household Size
$103,081
Median
Household
Income

35.4 Median Age
* Esri forecast data set starts with the
demographics data from the 2020
Census, American Community Survey
(most recent published estimates are
for 2023) then employs a time series of
county-to-county migration data from
the IRS, building permits, and residential
postal delivery counts.

City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 20 DRAFT
1 2
3 2.2 Outreach and Engagement
The community outreach campaign developed for this Master Plan utilized multiple methods of information sharing and data collection including in-person presentations, online video presentations, one-on-one stakeholder interviews, public online surveys, a statistically valid multimodal survey, and online website feedback surveys.

Throughout the process, project updates and summary results were posted to the project website. This website enabled community members to review updates and provide immediate feedback at any point in time. This resource enabled anyone in the community to have a voice in the process regardless of when and where meetings were held.

The purpose of gathering community input through a variety of methods is to ensure

that

the

Master

Plan

inclusive

possible

and

that

reflects

the

views,

preferences, and recreation patterns of Murrieta residents. Within this section, community feedback has been recorded in three (3) separate modes:

Mode One: One-on-One Stakeholder Interviews
Direct,

one-on-one

interviews

with

key

stakeholders

and

elected

officials

were conducted in a format where participants discussed key issues and opinions on facility and program needs that should be considered in the Master Plan.

Mode Two: Statistically Valid Surveys
Direct survey responses were collected through a statistically valid, multimodal survey. This survey was conducted via telephone (land lines and cell numbers), text, and email to ensure the entire population demographic was represented. Additionally, an analysis of sports organizations that utilize City

facilities

was

conducted

evaluate

surplus

deficit

sports

facilities.

Mode Three: Community at Large Public Workshops and Surveys Public community consensus-building workshops were held via in-person and online meetings. Meetings were open to the public where community members could learn about past survey results, ask questions of the design team, and participate in surveys. A feedback survey was available on the project website throughout the duration of the project.

SECTION TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE
21 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
2 Total Combined Participants Reached:
1,905
Total Website Views
132
Total Social
Media Likes
154
Total YouTube Video
Views
14 Stakeholder Interviews
39 Total Website Feedback
Comments
1,525
Residents Represented in
Multimodal Survey of
492
Households
494
Total Surveys Completed
6,658
Residents
Represented by
8 Sports Organizations
Surveyed
All participation numbers as of 7/15/24.

City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 22 DRAFT
Mode One - Stakeholder Interviews:

The following summarizes the results of the fourteen (14) stakeholder interviews.

Stakeholder

and

elected

official

input

often

differs

from

that

the

public,

who

may

more regularly attend events, visit parks, and register for programs. These interviews ensure

the

updated

Master

Plan

reflects

diverse

perspectives

while

addressing

the

community’s needs. The interviews were held between January 22, 2024 through March 8, 2024
. Stakeholders were interviewed in a one-on-one environment over a secure online virtual meeting. Over a series of seven (7) questions, various topics were discussed to identify important recreation issues, programs, facilities, as well as areas the Community Services Department could improve upon. The following charts illustrate the frequency of similar responses.

What are the most important issues in Murrieta related to the parks, recreation facilities, programs, and services currently provided? Modernize and Upgrade Facilities
Maintenance
Programming
Restrooms
Bike Trails
More Events
1st
2nd (tied)
2nd (tied)
3rd (tied)
3rd (tied)
3rd (tied)
What are the most important parks, recreation facilities, programs, and services for residents in the future?
Trails
More parks
Swimming pool
Sports fields
Expand programming
Park and facility maintenance
1st (tied)
1st (tied)
2nd (tied)
2nd (tied)
3rd (tied)
3rd (tied)
SECTION TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE
23 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
2 What is the one program, class, or activity
you would most like to see added or
improved in Murrieta to meet the needs of
the community?

PROGRAMS
What is the one park feature or recreation
facility you would most like to see added
or improved in Murrieta to meet the needs
of the community?

FACILITIES
Additional details that were discussed are available in the Appendix document. • Add More Parks
•
Bike Trails
•
Community Center Improvements (more
gathering spaces)
•
Equestrian Center
•
Improve Cleanliness
•
Modernize/Upgrade Parks and Facilities
•
Pickleball Courts
•
Pump Track
•
Restroom Maintenance
•
Soccer Fields
•
Sports Fields
•
Swimming Pool
• Community Events
•
Cultural Events/Programs
•
Historical Events/Museum
•
Partnerships with Local Schools and
Sports Leagues
•
Pickleball Classes
•
Promotion of Events & Classes Offered
•
Swimming Classes
Mommy and Me Program
Photo by the City of Murrieta
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 24 DRAFT
Mode Two - Statistically Valid Multimodal Survey
A total of 492 residents were surveyed between March 11, 2024 and March 18, 2024. A survey

this

size

yields

margin

error

+/-4.4%,

with

confidence

level

95%.

The

survey followed a mixed-method design that employed multiple recruiting methods (email, text, and telephone) and multiple data collection methods (telephone and online). Administered in English (95%) and Spanish (5%) languages, the average interview lasted 15 minutes.

Security measures precluded individuals from completing the survey more than once and allowed only the designated respondents to complete the survey. Online respondents were able to use their computer, tablet, or smart phone to participate.

Our

sample

used

stratified

random

sampling

methodology

ensure

that

the

demographic proportions of survey respondents match the demographic composition of City of Murrieta residents.

Critical in the data collected is the geolocation of the participants. Exhibit 2.2-1 indicates that there was an equal geographic distribution of participants across the City. This not only
validates the statistically valid component of
the survey, but also indicates there is not a
geographic bias in the data being recorded
from only one end of the community and
not the other.

Exhibit 2.2-1: Multimodal Survey
Distribution Map of Responses
SECTION TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE
25 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
2 Subjects explored in the context of the multimodal survey included:
47%
Are Satisfied with City Recreation
Programs, Classes, Activities, or Services
19%
Listed Los Alamos Hills Sports Park as the
Most Often Used Park/Recreation Facility
76%
Are Satisfied with the Maintenance of
Parks and Recreation Facilities
What Park Amenity or Recreation Facility
Residents Would Most
Like to See Added or Improved
78%
Are Satisfied with Parks and
Recreation Facilities
62%
Visit a Park or Open Space Area in
Murrieta at Least Monthly
44%
Get Information from the
City Website
What Recreation Program, Class, or
Activity Residents Would Most
Like to See Added or Improved
17%
13%
10%
8%
7%
6%
5%
4%
3%
3%
3%
3%
10%
10%
10%
9%
9%
8%
8%
7%
7%
5%
5%
4%
4%
4%
3%
3%
3%
3%
3%
Teens or Kids Activities / Classes
Enrichment Courses for Adults
Seniors Activities / Classes
Swimming Classes
Improve Communication
Yoga / Meditation / Pilates
Tennis and Pickleball Classes
Fitness Classes
Dance classes
Music classes
Dog Training Class
Karate / Tai Chi Classes
Improve Playgrounds
Community Pool
Improve Parks, in general
Dog Parks
Restroom Maintenance
Splash Pad / Water Park
Pickleball Courts
Walking / Hiking Trails
Sports Field Improvements
Bike Trails
Landscape Improvements
Improve Safety
Picnic

Areas

BBQ

Shade
Lighting
Tennis Courts
Improve Cleanliness of Parks
Drinking Fountains
Add More Sports Fields
Basketball Courts
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 26 DRAFT
Mode Three - Community Workshop #1
Residents of the City of Murrieta were
invited to the community workshop to
learn about the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan process, and to participate
in

the

first

survey.

Workshop

commenced on March 19, 2024 from
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Alderwood
Clubhouse. The workshop was in person
and the presentation was made
available on the project website for those
who could not attend.

The workshop #1 survey was open for
over two weeks until April 5, 2024. The
workshop #1 survey was available online
and paper copies were available at the
City’s recreation facilities. The workshop
#1 survey was advertised on the City’s
social media, City website, A-frame signs,
postcards,

and

flyers

were

distributed

the City’s parks and recreation facilities.

total

one

hundred,

fifty-two

(152)

surveys were completed. Survey results
are illustrated in exhibit 2.2-2.

Day after the in person
meeting, Commencement
Video posted on RJM’s You
Tube Channel and made
available to the public via
City’s social media and
project website. Online
survey opens for 2 weeks*.

Online survey
results collected
Survey results
posted on
project website
Summary report
developed
Community Workshop Process
In person presentation
and discussion. Individual
and group consensus
building activities.
*paper copies of surveys made available at City
recreation facilities.

Exhibit 2.2-2: Community Workshop #1
Survey Distribution Map of Responses
Copyright © 1995–2024 Esri.

SECTION TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE
27 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
2 What are the most important community characteristics that make the City of Murrieta a great place to live, work and play? What are the issues or trends that may be negatively impacting those important community characteristics and should be considered in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan?
What role can the City of Murrieta play in addressing those issues and support the community characteristics that make the City of Murrieta a great place to live, work and play?
1st
1st
1st
2nd
2nd
2nd
3rd
3rd
3rd
4th
4th
4th
5th
5th
5th
Safety & Security
Traffic and Urban Planning
Urban Planning and Development
Community Engagement & Events
Homelessness and Social Issues
Community Safety and Public Safety
Recreational Spaces & Outdoor Activities
Park Maintenance and Upgrades
Community Engagement and Events
Educational Excellence & Resources
Recreational Facilities and Spaces
Park Maintenance and Amenities
Family-Friendly Environment
Community Engagement and Activities
Sports and Recreation Facilities
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 28 DRAFT
Mode Three - Community Workshop #2
Residents of the City of Murrieta were
invited to the community workshop to
learn about the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan process, and to participate
in the second survey. Workshop #2
commenced on April 17, 2024, from 6:00
PM to 8:00 PM at the Murrieta Senior
Center. The workshop was in person and
the presentation was made available on
the project website for those who could
not attend.

The survey was open for over two weeks
until May 1, 2024. The workshop #2 survey
was available online and paper copies
were available at the City’s recreation
facilities. The workshop #2 survey was
advertised on the City’s social media,
City website, A-frame signs, postcards,
and

flyers

were

distributed

the

City’s

parks and recreation facilities. A total of
one

hundred

and

five

(105)

surveys

were

completed.

Community Workshop 2 on April 17, 2024
Photo by the City of Murrieta
Exhibit 2.2-3: Community Workshop #2
Survey Distribution Map of Responses
Copyright © 1995–2024 Esri.

SECTION TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE
29 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
2 Exhibit 2.2-3: Community Workshop #2
Survey Distribution Map of Responses
What is the name of the park or recreation facility in Murrieta that members of your household visit the most?
Why do you visit this park the most often?

PROGRAM DESIRES

FACILITY DESIRES
• Playground Improvements
•
Swimming Pool
•
Pickleball Courts
•
Walking Paths / Hiking Trails
•
Dog Park
• Aquatic Programs
•
Pickleball Classes or League
•
Youth and Family Programs
•
Fitness and Wellness Programs
•
Senior Activities and Programs
A full list of responses is available in the appendix document. 1st
1st
2nd
2nd
3rd
3rd
California Oaks Sports Park
Recreation Activity like Walking, Picnicking,
Nature Viewing, or Dog Walking
Los Alamos Hills Sports Park
Playground Play
Alderwood Park
Self-led (no instructor) Sports or
Recreation Activities
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 30 DRAFT
Mode Three - Community Workshop #3
Residents of the City of Murrieta were
invited to the community workshop to
participate

the

third

and

final

survey.

Workshop #3 commenced on May 16,
2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the
Murrieta Community Center. The workshop
was in person and available online for
those who could not attend. RJM shared
an overview of the Master Plan process,
City demographics, and existing resources,
and a summary of the community
outreach results. The Workshop #3 Survey
included two lists: one of program, class,
and activity needs and one of park feature
and facility needs from the community
outreach efforts to date. The survey asked
participants

choose

their

top

five

(5)

choices.

The Workshop #3 Survey was open for
over three weeks until June 10, 2024. The
workshop #3 survey was advertised on the
City’s social media, City website, A-frame
signs,

postcards,

and

flyers

were

distributed

at the City’s parks and recreation facilities.

A total of two hundred thirty-seven (237)
surveys were completed.

Community Workshop 3 on May 16, 2024
Photo by RJM Design Group
Exhibit 2.2-4: Community Workshop #3
Survey Distribution Map of Responses
Copyright © 1995–2024 Esri.

SECTION TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE
31 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
2 Exhibit 2.2-4: Community Workshop #3
Survey Distribution Map of Responses
Please choose your top 5 park features and/or recreation facilities you would most like to see added or improved in Murrieta.

Please choose your top 5 programs, classes, or activities you would most like to see added or improved in Murrieta.
1stBaseball / Softball Field Improvements
Restroom Maintenance
Add More Sports Fields
Improve Cleanliness of Parks,
Facilities, and Trails
Modernize and Upgrade All Parks & Facilities
Sports Program for All Ages
Partnerships with Schools and Sports Leagues
Community Events
Teen or Kids Activities / Classes
Swimming Classes
1st
2nd
2nd
3rd
3rd
4th
4th
5th
5th
Additional responses: Improve Safety, Splash Pad / Water Park, Playground Improvements, Preserve Green Space / No Over-Development, Dog Park, Pickleball Courts.

Additional responses: Art Classes, Dog Training Class, Pickleball Classes or League, Performing Arts / Theater, Communication & Promotion of Events / Classes Offered.

City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 32 DRAFT
Mode Three - Project Website and
Feedback Survey
A project website was developed to
keep the community informed all day,
everyday. The website launched to the
public on February 29, 2024. Throughout
the project, updates were published and
surveys made available on the project
website. Website views totaled 1,905,
averaging 5 views per day.

A total of 39 feedback comments were
received throughout the project. The
feedback survey option was available
on the project website and opened with
the website launch in February 2024 and
remained open for the duration of the
project.

SECTION TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE
33 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
2 • ADA / Accessible Parks and
Facilities
•
Add More Sports Fields
•
Baseball / Softball Field
Improvements
•
Bike Path
•
Educational / Interpretive Signage
•
Landscape Improvements
•
Playground Improvements
•
Restroom Maintenance
•
Running Track
•
Splash Pad / Water Park
•
Walking Paths / Hiking Trails
• Community Engagement and
Visibility
•
Environmental Education and
Conservation Programs
•
Inclusive and Accessible
Community Spaces
•
Outdoor Fitness and Recreation
Programs
•
Youth Sports Programs Support
The full summary report and additional details that were discussed are available in the Appendix document.

FACILITIESPROGRAMS
St. Patrick’s Day
Photo by the City of Murrieta
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 34 DRAFT
Photo by the City of Murrieta
SECTION TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE
35 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
2 Summarizing the Community Voice
Throughout the process, numerous needs have been identified and recorded across three modes of outreach (individual interviews, statistically-valid surveys, and community at large workshops and surveys). The community voice is developed through synthesizing all the data into a single summary, representing both program and facility needs. It is generally helpful to attempt to determine which needs have the highest
priority
as
perceived
by
the
largest
number
of
residents
(identified
as
the
area
of

maximum community impact).

To achieve this analysis, each response recorded from the community is cataloged in a matrix. As an individual program or facility need is mentioned, it is recorded for frequency

the

specific

outreach

mode

which

was

received.

Needs

that

have

been

identified

all

the

three

modes

have

higher

impact

across

the

community

than

needs

that

were

identified

only

one

these

outreach

modes.

Exhibits

2.3-1

and

2.3-2

illustrate

the

classification

these

needs

grouping

them

into

categories

–

Frequent

modes),

Apparent

modes),

and

Identified

mode).

The

number of times the need was listed across all modes outlines an area of maximum community impact. For example, swimming pool (4) is ranked higher than dog park (3) because

was

identified

each

the

three

outreach

modes.

The

recommendations

illustrate where improvements will have the maximum impact across the entire community.

2.3 FACILITIES
Frequent:
•
Add More Sports Fields
•
Bike Trails
•
Improve Cleanliness of Parks,
Facilities, and Trails
•
Modernize and Upgrade All Parks &
Facilities
•
Pickleball Courts
•
Restroom Maintenance
•
Swimming Pool
•
Walking Paths / Hiking Trails
Apparent:
•
Dog park
•
Improve Safety
•
Playground Improvements
•
Splash Pad / Water Park

PROGRAMS
Frequent:
•
Communication Engagement/
Marketing of Programs Offered
•
Pickleball Classes or League
•
Swimming Classes
Apparent:
•
Community Events
•
Fitness and Exercise Classes
•
Seniors Activities / Classes
•
Teen and Youth Programs
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 36 DRAFT

MURRIETA PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Program Needs Prioritization Summary
3 3
3 4
4 5
5 Statistically Valid Surveys
Multimodal Community Survey
NOTE: Programs are encompassing of multiple “similar” community comments. Individual comments are identified in the recommendations and appendix.

Stakeholder
Stakeholder Interviews
Community at Large Public Surveys
Workshop 1 / Workshop 2 /
Workshop 3 /
Feedback Comments
Area of
maximum
community
impact

FREQUENT

APPARENT
/gid00042/gid00037/gid00038/gid00047/gid00053/gid00042/gid00039/gid00042/gid00038/gid00037

Stakeholder
Stakeholder Interviews
Community at Large Public Surveys
Workshop 1 / Workshop 2 /
Workshop 3 /
Feedback Comments
Area of
maximum
community
impact

FREQUENT

APPARENT
/gid00042/gid00037/gid00038/gid00047/gid00053/gid00042/gid00039/gid00042/gid00038/gid00037 Exhibit 2.3-1: Program Priorities
Program Priorities
SECTION TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE
37 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
2 MURRIETA PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Facility Needs Prioritization Summary
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 6
5 3
3 3
Statistically Valid Surveys
Multimodal Community Survey
CPSC’s
NOTE: Facilities are encompassing of multiple “similar” community comments. Individual comments are identified in the recommendations and appendix.

Stakeholder
Stakeholder Interviews
Community at Large Public Surveys
Workshop 1 / Workshop 2 /
Workshop 3 /
Feedback Comments
Area of
maximum
community
impact

FREQUENT

APPARENT
/gid00042/gid00037/gid00038/gid00047/gid00053/gid00042/gid00039/gid00042/gid00038/gid00037

MURRIETA PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Facility Needs Prioritization Summary
4 4
4 4
4 4
4 6
5 3
3 3
Statistically Valid Surveys
Multimodal Community Survey
CPSC’s
NOTE: Facilities are encompassing of multiple “similar” community comments. Individual comments are identified in the recommendations and appendix.

Stakeholder
Stakeholder Interviews
Community at Large Public Surveys
Workshop 1 / Workshop 2 /
Workshop 3 /
Feedback Comments
Area of
maximum
community
impact

FREQUENT

APPARENT
/gid00042/gid00037/gid00038/gid00047/gid00053/gid00042/gid00039/gid00042/gid00038/gid00037 Exhibit 2.3-2: Facility Priorities
Facility Priorities
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 38 DRAFT
Photo by the City of Murrieta
39 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
3 Existing Conditions
What parks exist and where are they?
The process for evaluating the community
needs relies heavily on what parks and
recreation facilities exist today and how
they may or may not meet the needs of
the community. Carefully balancing the
inventory with the community needs and
desires will allow resources to be directed
to critical areas and ultimately maximize
the
community benefit.

Park Types
Parks
can be classified by type based
primarily on their size, function, and
character. The categorization of parks
is important in understanding City-wide
acreage needs and in communicating
what type of parks are needed in the
future. The Master Plan describes the
following
park type classifications:

City-Wide Parks:

Over 50 acres of
Parkland. City-wide parks serve larger
community populations and provide
recreation facilities or open space in
significant
numbers or sizes. Los Alamos
Hills Sports Park is currently the only City-
wide Park.

Community Parks: Up to 50 acres of
Parkland. Community Parks can provide
a broad range of both passive and
active recreational opportunities, but
their primary purpose is to provide active
recreational opportunities for use by a
larger segment of the population than
neighborhood parks. Community Parks
are generally considered to serve several
neighborhoods within a three-mile radius.

3.1 Recreation centers are important
features in some community parks.

These are building facilities that may
contain features such as gymnasiums,
multipurpose rooms, classrooms, and
offices
for recreation staff. Other facilities
often found at Community Parks might
include
sports fields, sports courts,
amphitheaters, skate park, off-leash
dog areas, and group picnic areas.

Large special events such as concerts
and festivals might also be held in larger
Community Parks. There are nine (9)
Community Parks in Murrieta: Alderwood
Park, Alta Murrieta Sports Park, California
Oaks Sports Park, Copper Canyon Park
(Upper & Lower), Glen Arbor Park, Hunt
Park, Mira Mosa Park, Pond Park, and
Torrey Pines Park.

Neighborhood Parks: Up to 15 acres
of Parkland. Neighborhood Parks are
intended to serve City residents who live
in close proximity; however, they also
contribute to the overall park system
available to the entire community.

Neighborhood Parks should address
daily recreation needs of the surrounding
neighborhood; features of neighborhood
parks might include playgrounds, multi-
purpose open turf areas, disc golf course,
practice
sports fields, picnic tables and/or
picnic shelters, walking paths, attractive
landscaping, and recreation features
such as basketball courts. There are ten
(10) Neighborhood Parks in Murrieta:

Barratt
Park, Firefighters Park, Mapleton
Park, Mountain Pride Park, Northstar
Park, Pioneer Park, Rancho Acacia Park,
Shady Maple Park, Valley Vista Park, and
Vintage Reserve Park.

SECTION THREE:

NEEDS ASSESSMENT
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 40 DRAFT
Neighborhood Play Area: Up to 5 acres
of Parkland. Neighborhood Play Areas
are intended to serve City residents who
live in close proximity; however, they also
contribute to the overall park system
available to the entire community.

Neighborhood Play Areas should address
daily recreation needs of the surrounding
neighborhood; features of neighborhood
parks might include playgrounds, vista
points, multi-purpose open turf areas,
picnic tables and/or picnic shelters,
walking paths, attractive landscaping,
and recreation features such as
basketball courts. There are twenty-three
(23) Neighborhood Play Areas distributed
throughout the City.

Special Use Parks: Special Use Parks
generally possess a unique character
or function focused on a single type
of activity. An equestrian facility, BMX
course, museum, amphitheater, vista
points, or community buildings (without
an associated park) might be considered
Special Use Facilities. There are four (4)
Special Use Parks in Murrieta: B Street
Station Park, Murrieta Equestrian Park,
Sykes Ranch Park, and Town Square Park.

Nature Parks: Nature Parks are those in
which most of the park is undeveloped,
and the undeveloped portions contain
vegetation, topography, or features
which are important to retain in their
natural states. Physical public access
to natural areas via trails should be
encouraged where feasible and
appropriate. For the purposes of
defining

this

park

type,

“natural”

refers

to vegetation and landforms indigenous
to the area; turf, irrigated manufactured
slopes, detention basins, weedy
disturbed areas, and areas landscaped
with ornamental vegetation would be
considered part of the developed portion
of a Nature Park. There are six (6) Nature
Parks in Murrieta: Bear Valley Park 1, Bear
Valley Park 2, Cole Canyon Park, Falcon’s
View Park, Oak Mesa Park, and Warm
Springs Park.

SECTION THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT
41 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
3 Photo by the City of Murrieta
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 42 DRAFT
City Parks
The City owns, controls, and maintains fifty-
three (53) parks encompassing 503.42 acres
of developed and undeveloped parks.

SECTION THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Exhibit 3.1-1:

Bear Creek
43 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
3 Recreation Facilities
There

are

five

(5)

recreation

facilities

operated

and

programmed

by the Parks and Recreation Department. Multipurpose rooms are available for rental for residents to book for their
family gatherings or special events.
•
Alderwood Park Clubhouse
: This recreation
building includes a multipurpose room, and
storage. Restrooms are adjacent to the
recreation room in the park.
•
Community Center: Located in Hunt Park,
at the corner of Adams Avenue and
Juniper Street, this
building includes
a multipurpose
room, kitchen,
theatrical
stage, staff
offices,

and restrooms.

Also, adjacent
to the Community
Center, is the Murrieta
Museum that houses the
Murrieta Valley Historical
Society. In addition, a recreation
annex portable building is used for
programming at this site.
•
Copper Canyon Recreation Room
: This
recreation building includes a multi-purpose
room, classroom, and restrooms.
•
Senior Center: The senior center provides services to those 50 years and older. This building includes a lounge area, multi-purpose room, classrooms, computer lab, billiard room, restrooms,

and

fitness

room

available

for

small

fee.

The

senior meal lunch program is provided by the County of
Riverside and is available to those over 60 years of age and requires registration. •
Youth Center
: The Youth Center is a facility dedicated to the youth in Murrieta. Daily after school activities are currently geared toward youth in grades 6 through 9. The center is open weekdays after school hours and hosts camps during school break periods.

Exhibit 3.1-2:

Recreation Facilities Map
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 44 DRAFT
SECTION THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Photo by the City of Murrieta
Trail Connectivity
The 2024 City of Murrieta’s Trails Master Plan (MTMP) is a visionary document that sets the stage for a more connected, accessible, and enjoyable trail network. The MTMP’s objective is to support the City’s commitment to fostering outdoor recreational opportunities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring accessible and well- maintained trails for all residents and visitors. The development process for the MTMP included evaluating existing plans and studies related to trail planning in the City, engaging with community members, and conducting a robust assessment of existing conditions to identify actionable recommendations for enhancing and expanding the City of Murrieta Trail Network (Trail Network). By prioritizing key recommendations, fostering community engagement, and securing diverse funding sources, Murrieta can ensure its trails continue to provide access to nature and recreation for people of all ages and abilities.
45 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
3 Copyright © 1995–2024 Esri.

Exhibit 3.1-3:

Existing Trails Map
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 46 DRAFT
Programs and Services
In addition to providing open spaces,
parks, and recreation facilities, the City
of Murrieta provides a wide range of
services and programs through the
Community Services Department,
which are geared towards meeting the
recreation needs and interests of various
age levels. The City’s service and activity
programs include:

Sports & Fitness Activities
The City of Murrieta provides a variety
of

sports

and

fitness

activities

for

the

community through its Parks and
Recreation Department. Activities are
available for all age groups from toddlers
to seniors, including activities in archery,
cheerleading, gymnastics, martial arts,
basketball, football, soccer, tennis, and
golf, to name a few. In addition to the
programs offered by the City, a number
of local youth sports organizations are
active in City park in the afternoons
offering youth leagues for baseball,
softball, lacrosse, soccer, and football.

The City also offers a number of adult
and

senior

sports

and

fitness

programs

including archery, fencing, karate, and
stick

fighting,

and

sports

leagues

adult

softball, kickball, soccer and senior
softball.

Senior

fitness

classes

are

also

available at the Murrieta Senior Center,
including senior chair exercise and
yoga, in addition to programs for karate,
longevity stick, and Tai Chi.

Recreation Classes and Activities
In addition to sports leagues and
sport/fitness
classes, Murrieta offers an
assortment of music and dance classes
including its music pups, jazz, ballet,
hip hop, and tap to name a few. A
number of special interest classes are
provided including the activities at the
Murrieta Youth Center. Programs are
offered in computer programming, web
and video game design, Ranger Rap,
and other STEM programs. A number
of child care programs and camps are
available for kids when school is not in
session, including culinary and baking
camps, archery and fencing camps,
Skyhawks, horse camp, and Little Ones.

The kids aren’t the only ones having fun in
Murrieta as the City offers dance classes
for adults and a large assortment of
classes at the Murrieta Senior Center. The
Parks and Recreation Department also
provides an assortment of fun recreation
programs within its Alternative Recreation
Program.

Art Class
Photo by the City of Murrieta
SECTION THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT

3.2 47 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
3 Fall Festival
Community Programs
Beyond recreation programs, the
City has a number of social services
and resources available to support
its community including resources to
support the Homeless in Murrieta. The
City’s Responsible Compassion Program is
committed to improving the quality of life
and providing an assortment of resources
for those experiencing homelessness in
Murrieta.

The City’s webpage provides a Disability
Resource Center and links for additional
support from organizations such as
Immanuel House, the Arc of Riverside
County, the International Dyslexia
Association, and Diverse PossAbilities of
Loma Linda University Health. The City of
Murrieta provides information and links to
a number of social service programs for
the community on its website under Get
Connected. Resources are highlighted
for people with disabilities, veterans,
and the homeless, in addition to links to
resources for mental health.

Special Events
The Parks and Recreation Department
celebrates its community with several
special events throughout the year,
including its Spring Eggstravaganza, Tour
De Murrieta, Jazz & Blues Fest, Father’s
Day Car Show, Murrieta Birthday Bash,
Murrieta Rod Run and its Holiday Magic
Events.

47%
Are Satisfied with City Recreation
Programs, Classes, Activities, or Services
46%
Participate in City Recreation Programs,
Classes, or Activities
Photo by the City of Murrieta
Participation
While the pandemic challenged cities
and staff with the closure of parks and
programs, the City of Murrieta’s 2023
registrations exceed those of pre-
pandemic numbers in many program
areas. Registrations increased by more
than 3,500 participants in seniors from
2020 to 2023. Registrations increased for
sports

and

fitness

358

percent,

and

numbers in dance and performing arts
classes increased by 370 percent in that
same time frame.

A detailed
analysis of the City’s recreation
programs, services, and special events
is provided in the Appendix, with
recommendations. This update of the
Parks & Recreation Master Plan also
provides interests and suggestions from
the community for expanded and new
program offerings for the future.

Source: 2024 Multimodal Survey
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 48 DRAFT
Acreage Analysis
How Much Park Acreage is Needed for Murrieta?
The

City

Murrieta

currently

has

fifty-three

(53)

parks

which

encompass

503.42

acres

of developed parkland.

3.3 SECTION THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT

PARK NAME PARK TYPE ACRES
Los Alamos Hills Sports Park City-Wide Park 45.00
Alderwood Park Community Park 9.00
Alta Murrieta Sports Park Community Park 9.76
California Oaks Sports Park Community Park 19.99
Copper Canyon Park (Upper and Lower) Community Park 20.94 Glen Arbor Park Community Park 18.92
Hunt Park Community Park 4.65
Mira Mosa Park Community Park 8.10
Pond Park Community Park 14.59
Torrey Pines Park Community Park 8.00
Barratt Park Neighborhood Park 8.30
Firefighters

Park Neighborhood Park 3.21
Mapleton Park Neighborhood Park 9.30
Mountain Pride Park Neighborhood Park 9.64
Northstar Park Neighborhood Park 14.00
Pioneer Park Neighborhood Park 0.36
Rancho Acacia Park Neighborhood Park 10.11
Shady Maple Park Neighborhood Park 4.79
Valley Vista Park Neighborhood Park 6.50
Vintage Reserve Park Neighborhood Park 3.83
Antelope Hills Park Neighborhood Play Area 5.31
Antigua Park Neighborhood Play Area 2.26
Blackmore Ranch Park Neighborhood Play Area 1.14
Calle Cipres Park Neighborhood Play Area 1.80
Calle Estancia Park Neighborhood Play Area 2.83
Carson Park Neighborhood Play Area 0.69
Century Park Neighborhood Play Area 3.90
Creekside Village Green Park Neighborhood Play Area 4.00 Crystal Aire Park Neighborhood Play Area 1.11
Eastgate Park Neighborhood Play Area 1.50
Echo Canyon Park Neighborhood Play Area 3.07
Grizzly Ridge Park Neighborhood Play Area 0.44
49 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
3 PARK NAME PARK TYPE ACRES
Meadowridge Park Neighborhood Play Area 4.29
Montafino

Park Neighborhood Play Area 0.76
Monte Vista Park Neighborhood Play Area 1.06
Oak Terrace Park Neighborhood Play Area 0.20
Oak Tree Park Neighborhood Play Area 0.32
Palomar Park Neighborhood Play Area 1.75
Rosewood Park Neighborhood Play Area 0.41
Springbrook Park Neighborhood Play Area 0.29
Sycamore Park Neighborhood Play Area 2.66
Toulon Park Neighborhood Play Area 0.21
Whitewood Park Neighborhood Play Area 1.84
B Street Station Park Special Use Park 0.50
Murrieta Equestrian Park Special Use Park 22.00
Sykes Ranch Park Special Use Park 2.61
Town Square Park Special Use Park 4.22
Bear Valley Park 1 Nature Park 20.14
Bear Valley Park 2 Nature Park 3.97
Cole Canyon Park Nature Park 140.00
Falcon’s View Park Nature Park 9.37
Oak Mesa Park Nature Park 5.98
Warm Springs Park Nature Park 23.80
TOTAL ACREAGE: 503.42
Based on 503.42 acres of parkland identified above and the City’s 2023 population of 119,182 the City currently has:

4.22 acres of developed and undeveloped parkland per 1,000 residents The City has adopted a standard of 5 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. Currently, the

City

has

deficit

92 acres

parkland

according

this

standard.

This

deficit

will

grow as the total population increases.

Nature Parks contain undeveloped land and trails, the developed acres in these parks include Bear Valley Park 1 (8.43 acres), Bear Valley Park 2 (0.59 acres), Cole Canyon Park (0 acres), Falcon’s View Park (0 acres), Oak Mesa Park (0 acres), and Warm Springs Park (1.1 acres). Considering only the developed portions of the Nature Parks, the City currently has 310.28 acres of developed parkland, or:

2.60 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 50 DRAFT
Future Parks
There are opportunities to increase parkland acreage through park expansions at Los Alamos Hills Sports Park (55 acres) and Pioneer Park (8.45 acres).

There are several planned residential developments that will include new parks as part of the development agreement with the City of Murrieta. For example, Murrieta Hills

Specific

Plan

includes

22.5 acres

for

neighborhood

parks,

11.9 acres

for

multi-
purpose greenbelt, and 27.2 acres of recreational open space.

Open Space Land
Per the City’s General Plan 2035:
“Lands set aside for protection and conservation of natural resources are designated as open space [land]. This may include steep hillsides with a slope of at least 50 percent,

significant

habitat

areas,

and

creeks.

Additionally,

within

Specific

Plan

areas,

open space may be set aside to serve as buffer areas and drainage areas. Some open space is found in conjunction with parkland, especially in Nature Parks. Nature Parks are distinguished from open space because they provide public access via trails.

Up to 10 percent of a Nature Park can be improved for active recreation. However, most of the park is undeveloped and contains vegetation, topography, or features that are important to retain in their natural states.”
See exhibit 3.3-1 for the location of the City’s open space. There is approximately 3,600 acres of open space. Some open space is adjacent to City parks, including but not limited to:
•
Alta Murrieta Sports Park
•
Antelope Hills Park
•
Century Park
•
Pond Park
•
Rancho Acacia Park
•
Sykes Ranch Park
In some cases, such as with Mountain Pride Park, the adjacent open space has been modified

include

recreation

elements

(disc

golf

course)

since

the

2009

Master

Plan

and is now included in the park acreage.

SECTION THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT
51 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
3 Additional Private Recreation Facilities
The three (3) private golf courses are not included in the parkland acreage since the facility is a pay-to-play and not open to the general public; however, these golf courses contribute to the park and recreation opportunities available to Murrieta residents.

In addition, joint use agreements are not included in this acreage analysis. The City currently

has

joint

use

agreement

with

the

Murrieta

Valley

Unified

School

District

utilize

some

their

sports

fields

and

all

school

site

classrooms

for

programming.

In summary, although the General Plan parkland acreage goals are not being met, there are additional lands not included that contribute to the City’s overall park and open space available for recreation. The City is encouraged to preserve the current open space, parks, and recreation facility inventory and continue to renovate and expand current recreation facilities and amenities to best serve the community needs.

Exhibit 3.3-1:

City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 52 DRAFT
Park Service Area Gap Analysis
In addition to providing appropriate
quantities and types of recreation
facilities, the City of Murrieta strives to
provide them in useful and appropriate
locations. The service area gap analysis
examines how parks are distributed
throughout residential areas in the City.

City-Wide Parks
5 Min
Walk
10 Min
Walk
15 Min
Walk

0.2% of
population

0.7% of
population

1.5% of
population
198
people
840
people
1,798
people
“Everyone deserves a park
within walking distance of their
home.”
-NRPA (National Recreation and Parks
Association)
Proximity to parks is more than a
convenience issue. It helps to establish
an excellent park system by providing
improved air quality, circulation, and
overall improved community health
and wellness. One-half (.5) mile is
approximately a 10-15-minute walk for
most people. Most residences should be
within one-half mile of a neighborhood
park or amenity that satisfy common
recreation needs.

The 5-10-15 minute walk map outlines the
service availability around the existing
parks that are available to Murrieta
residents. The service area boundaries
also

reflect

the

physical

obstructions

pedestrian travel created by arterial
roadways, freeways, etc. which limit
easy

access

parks

and

are

reflected

by truncated shapes in the service areas
shown on the following exhibits.

3.4 City-Wide Parks Walking Radius
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
SECTION THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Exhibit 3.4-1: Service Area Gap
Analysis for City-Wide Parks
Exhibit 3.4-2: Service Area Gap
Analysis for Community Parks
53 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT
3 Copyright © 1995–2024 Esri.

Community Parks
5 Min
Walk
10 Min
Walk
15 Min
Walk

3.4% of
population

11.7% of
population

25.3% of
population
4,015
people
13,984
people

30,130
people
Neighborhood Parks
5 Min
Walk
10 Min
Walk
15 Min
Walk

4.5% of
population

16.3% of
population

33.7% of
population
5,386
people
19,451
people
40,199
people
Community Parks Walking RadiusNeighborhood Parks Walking Radius 5 Minutes5 Minutes
10 Minutes10 Minutes
15 Minutes15 Minutes
Exhibit 3.4-2: Service Area Gap
Analysis for Community Parks
Exhibit 3.4-3: Service Area Gap
Analysis for Neighborhood Parks
City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan | 54 DRAFT
Copyright © 1995–2024 Esri.

Neighborhood Play Areas
5 Min
Walk
10 Min
Walk
15 Min
Walk

10.5% of
population

25.5% of
population

43.2% of
population
12,501
people
30,432
people
51,500
people
Special Use Parks
5 Min
Walk
10 Min
Walk
15 Min
Walk

0.3% of
population

2.5% of
population

4.7% of
population
375
people
2,925
people
5,580
people
Special Use Parks Walking RadiusNeighborhood Play Areas Walking Radius 5 Minutes5 Minutes
10 Minutes10 Minutes
15 Minutes15 Minutes
SECTION THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Exhibit 3.4-5: Service Area Gap
Analysis for Special Use Parks
Exhibit 3.4-4: Service Area Gap
Analysis for Neighborhood Play Areas
Exhibit 3.4-6: Service Area Gap
Analysis for Nature Parks
55 | City of Murrieta • Parks and Recreation Master Plan DRAFT

Murrieta City CouncilJune 3, 2025

Murrieta City Council
June 3, 2025