ORDINANCE NO. ____
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTERVILLE AMENDING SERIES 200, SECTION 201.02 OF THE PORTERVILLE DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE REGARDING THE RESIDENTIAL ZONE DISTRICTS
WHEREAS: At a regular meeting on November 5, 2024 the City Council held a public hearing to consider amendment to the Porterville Development Ordinance; and WHEREAS: The purpose of the proposed amendment is to accommodate the expansion of existing development by allowing off-site parking for existing public, institutional, and medical uses; and
WHEREAS: Pursuant to State and local environmental regulations, the proposed modifications serve to provide an avenue for expansions of existing facilities, for the above identified uses. The proposed ordinance is an implementation measure of the policies, goals, and objectives of the Porterville General 2030 Plan. The Environmental Coordinator made a determination on the basis of substantial evidence that, since the amendment would not result in any physical change, it can be shown with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed text amendment could have a significant effect on the environment, and that further any implementation of the provisions of the amended text would be subject to site-specific review for potential environmental effects.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Porterville as follows:
SECTION 1: Table 201.02, Land Use Regulations – Residential Districts, of Section 201.02 of Series 200 of Chapter 21 of the Porterville Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
TABLE 201.02: LAND USE REGULATIONS—RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS Use Classification RS-1 RS-2 RM-1 RM-2 RM-3 Additional Regulations Residential Uses
Single Family Dwelling See sub-classifications below
Attached - P P P P
Detached P P P P P
Multi-Family Residential - - P P P Section 201.04(b)
Family Day Care Home See sub-classifications below
Small P P P P P
Large P P P P P Section 301.07 Family Day
Care Home, Large
Group Residential P(1) P(1) P(1) P P
Ordinance No. _______
TABLE 201.02: LAND USE REGULATIONS—RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS Use Classification RS-1 RS-2 RM-1 RM-2 RM-3 Additional Regulations Mobile Home Parks - - C(2) C(2) C(2) Section 301.10 Manufactured Homes; Section 301.11
Mobile Home Parks
Residential Care Facilities,
Limited
P P P P P
Public and Semi-Public Uses
Clubs and Lodges - - - C C Section 301.02 Alcoholic
Beverage Sales
Community Centers - - C C C
Cultural Institutions - - - C C
Elderly and Long-term
Care
- - - C P
Park and Recreation
Facilities, Public
P P P P P
Religious Facilities C C C C C
Residential Care Facilities,
General
- - C C C Section 301.15 Residential
Care Facilities, General
Schools, Public or Private P P P P P
Parking, Public or
Private C(4) C(4) C(4) C(4) C(4)
Section 304.05 Location of
Required Parking and
Section 304.10 Parking
Area Design and
Improvement Standards
Social Service Facilities - - - - C Section 301.19 Social Service Facilities
Commercial Uses
Eating, Drinking, and
Smoking Establishments
See sub-classifications below
Coffee Shops/Cafes - - - - M(3) Section 300.08 Outdoor
Seating
Restaurants - - - - C(3) Section 300.08 Outdoor
Seating; Section 301.02
Alcoholic Beverage Sales
Bed and Breakfasts - - - C C
Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Uses
Utilities, Minor P P P P P
Agricultural and Extractive Uses
Crop Cultivation,
Commercial
M M M M M Section 301.06 Crop
Cultivation
Ordinance No. _______
TABLE 201.02: LAND USE REGULATIONS—RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS Use Classification RS-1 RS-2 RM-1 RM-2 RM-3 Additional Regulations Crop Cultivation, NonCommercial
P P P P P
Other Applicable Types
Accessory Uses and
Structures
P P P P P Section 301.01 Accessory
Uses and Structures
Animal Keeping P P P P P Section 301.04 Animal
Keeping
Home Occupations P P P P P Section 301.09 Home
Occupations
Second Dwelling Unit P P P P P Section 301.16 Second
Dwelling Units
Nonconforming Use Chapter 307 Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots Temporary Use Section 301.21 Temporary Uses
Specific Limitations:
1. Limited to no more than two rooms in a dwelling rented to not more than a total of four persons and meals are not provided to more than four boarders.
2. Limited to sites with a minimum gross site area of 10 acres.
3. Limited to a restaurant or café/coffee shop accessory to a mobile home court or a private club or lodge when such use has no direct access off a public street and accommodates only residents, members, or their guests.
4. Permitted in conjunction with an existing public, institutional, or medical use. No existing residential structure or use shall be removed or modified to accommodate the parking use.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days from and after its publication and passage.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this ____ day of November, 2024. __________________________
Martha A. Flores, Mayor
ATTEST:
Patrice Hildreth, City Clerk
By: _________________________________
Fernando Gabriel-Moraga,
Acting Chief Deputy City Clerk
Item No. 28.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – NOVEMBER 5, 2024
SUBJECT: Authorization to Adopt the Parks Master Plan
SOURCE: Engineering and Project Management
COMMENT: At it's meeting on June 6, 2023, the City Council authorized the consultant services contract with QK, Inc. for the development of the Parks Master Plan (PMP) which included the preparation of a draft Parks Development Impact Fee and Quimby Act Study. The purpose of the PMP is to provide guidance and direction for the future design and development of facilities to meet the needs of the City's current and future residents over the next ten to fifteen (10-15) years.
The process for developing the draft PMP included; an inventory and walking audit of all existing park facilities, interviews with stakeholders, two community workshops with related surveys (8/17/2023 and 10/26/2023), review of the draft PMP by City Staff and the Parks & Leisure Services Commission (2/01/2024), and a presentation of the final draft PMP to the City Council (3/19/2024) before publishing it to receive public comment.
The thirty-day (30) window for public comment regarding the draft PMP was provided from March 20, 2024, through April 19, 2024. Some of the comments received related to the Tule River Parkway and the desire to see its expansion, more native gardens, and more park-like amenities, including a playground and bathroom. The "Implementation Policies" of the draft PMP under section PSCF-I-15 covers the need to continue to support the expansion and improvements to the Tule River Parkway.
Additional comments included concerns with how some of the different parks were classified and the inclusion of planned future improvements in the City's park space inventory. Staff reviewed these comments both independently and with the consultant and found the classifications of each of the parks was appropriate. During the review, they also found it was appropriate to include the planned future improvements as they all are grant funded projects making them a required deliverable and the PMP is a long-term document expected to provide guidance for up to fifteen (15) years for the City.
Staff respectfully request that the City Council approve the Parks Master Plan as proposed and adopt the associated resolution.
Item No. 28.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Approve the Parks Master Plan as proposed; and
2. Approve the draft resolution authorizing the adoption of the Parks Master Plan.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Porterville Parks Master Plan - Draft
2. Draft Resolution - Parks Master Plan
Appropriated/Funded:
Review By:
Department Director:
Javier Sanchez, Engineering & Project Management Director Final Approver: Patrice Hildreth, City Manager
PARKS MASTER PLAN
CITY OF PORTERVILLE
FEBRUARY 2024
PARKS MASTER PLAN
Prepared for:
City of Porterville
Parks and Leisure Services Department
291 North Main Street
Porterville, CA 93257
Contact Persons:
Sarah Weaver, Project Manager
Office (559) 791-7843
Donnie Moore, Parks and Leisure Services Director
Phone: (559) 782-7539
Consultant:
901 East Main Street
Visalia, CA 93292
Contact: Mike Ratajski
Phone: (559) 733-0440
February 2024
© Copyright by Quad Knopf, Inc.
Unauthorized use prohibited.
Project #230150
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................................ iv Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION 1 - Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.1 - Purpose .......................................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 - Plan Organization....................................................................................................................................1-1
1.3 - Location/Geographic Context............................................................................................................1-2
1.3.1 - City of Porterville ..................................................................................................................1-2 SECTION 2 - Community Profile and Demographics....................................................................... 2-1
2.1 - Population Forecast...............................................................................................................................2-1
2.2 - Age Distribution.......................................................................................................................................2-1
2.3 - Race/Ethnicity..........................................................................................................................................2-2
2.4 - Households ................................................................................................................................................2-3
2.5 - Socioeconomics........................................................................................................................................2-4
2.6 - Health and Related Factors .................................................................................................................2-5 SECTION 3 - Community and Stakeholder Input.............................................................................. 3-1
3.1 - Community Engagement Plan............................................................................................................3-1
3.1.1 - Porterville Parks Master Plan Public Outreach Plan...............................................3-1
3.2 - Community Vision and Goals..............................................................................................................3-2
3.2.1 - Vision/Mission .......................................................................................................................3-2
3.2.2 - Goals ...........................................................................................................................................3-2
3.3 - Outreach Summary.................................................................................................................................3-3
3.3.1 - Stakeholder Interviews.......................................................................................................3-3
3.3.2 - Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Parks Master Plan...................3-4
3.3.3 - Community Workshop #2: Renovations and New Improvements....................3-5
3.3.4 - Parks and Leisure Services Commission Meeting ....................................................3-6
3.3.5 - City Council Meeting ............................................................................................................3-6
3.3.6 - Summary of Surveys ............................................................................................................3-6 SECTION 4 - Trends ................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 - Local .............................................................................................................................................................4-1
4.2 - Regional ......................................................................................................................................................4-2
4.2.1 - Regional Trends in Park Ratios and Park Access......................................................4-2
4.2.2 - Regional Trends in Facilities.............................................................................................4-4
4.3 - National.......................................................................................................................................................4-6
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SECTION 5 - Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis ............................................................... 5-1
5.1 - Methodology .............................................................................................................................................5-1
5.2 - Parks and Facilities by Classification ..............................................................................................5-1
5.2.1 - Park Classifications ..............................................................................................................5-1
5.2.2 - Descriptions of Existing Parks .........................................................................................5-4
5.3 - Access to Parks and Facilities..........................................................................................................5-10
5.3.1 - Proximity/Street Access..................................................................................................5-10
5.3.2 - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)......................................................................5-11 SECTION 6 - Level of Service (LOS) Analysis .................................................................................... 6-1
6.1 - Guidelines Comparisons.......................................................................................................................6-2
6.1.1 - NRPA Guidelines....................................................................................................................6-2
6.1.2 - Current City of Porterville .................................................................................................6-2
6.1.3 - Regional Standards...............................................................................................................6-3
6.1.4 - Proposed City of Porterville Standards ........................................................................6-6
6.1.5 - Service Area Analysis...........................................................................................................6-6 SECTION 7 - Park Design and Development Guidelines ................................................................ 7-1
7.1 - Use of Guidelines.....................................................................................................................................7-1
7.2 - Park Characteristics ...............................................................................................................................7-1
7.2.1 - Miniparks .................................................................................................................................7-1
7.2.2 - Neighborhood Parks ............................................................................................................7-2
7.2.3 - Community Parks..................................................................................................................7-2
7.2.4 - Regional Parks........................................................................................................................7-3
7.2.5 - Specialty Parks .......................................................................................................................7-3
7.2.6 - Trailways..................................................................................................................................7-3
7.3 - Design Guidelines....................................................................................................................................7-3
7.3.1 - Guidelines for Amenities by Park Classification .......................................................7-4
7.3.2 - Guidelines for Type of Facility by Population............................................................7-8 SECTION 8 - Action Plan .......................................................................................................................... 8-1
8.1 - Goals and Policies....................................................................................................................................8-1
8.1.1 - Goals and Policies of the Porterville 2030 General Plan........................................8-1
8.2 - Opportunities: Renovations and New Facilities.......................................................................8-10
8.3 - Prioritization..........................................................................................................................................8-11
8.4 - Facility Needs Summary....................................................................................................................8-27
8.5 - Budget and Funding Analysis..........................................................................................................8-28
8.5.1 - Parkland Acquisition Guidelines ..................................................................................8-28
8.5.2 - Cost Projections ..................................................................................................................8-29
8.5.3 - Funding Opportunities.....................................................................................................8-29
8.5.4 - Staffing and Operating Expenses Guidelines...........................................................8-45
8.6 - CIP..............................................................................................................................................................8-46
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SECTION 9 - References ........................................................................................................................... 9-1
Appendices
Appendix A – Stakeholder Interview Results
Appendix B – Community Workshop #1 Survey Results
Appendix C – Community Workshop #2 Survey Results
Appendix D – Parks and Leisure Services Commission Meeting Notes List of Figures
Figure 1-1 City/Regional Map......................................................................................................................1-4 Figure 6-1 Current City Parks Map ............................................................................................................6-8 Figure 6-2 Existing City Parks Map – 4.45 Acres per 1,000 Residents.........................................6-9 Figure 6-3 2039 City Parks Map – 4.45 Acres per 1,000 Residents ...........................................6-10 List of Tables
Table 2-1 Population Projections ...............................................................................................................2-1 Table 2-2 Age Distribution in Porterville ................................................................................................2-2 Table 2-3 Race and Ethnicity........................................................................................................................2-3 Table 2-4 Housing Occupancy Rate ...........................................................................................................2-4 Table 2-5 Porterville Housing Values .......................................................................................................2-4 Table 2-6 Income and Benefits ....................................................................................................................2-5 Table 2-7 Education and Poverty Level for the Population 25 years and Over........................2-5 Table 4-1 Comparison of Park Demographics between Regions and Cities in California ....4-3 Table 4-2 2023 NRPA Park Facilities Review ........................................................................................4-7 Table 5-1 ADA Access Evaluation for Existing Facilities ................................................................5-12 Table 6-1 Regional Park Examples–Classifications and Standards...............................................6-4 Table 6-2 Comparison of Park Acreage Regional Standards by Classification .........................6-5 Table 6-3 Acres of Parkland per 1,000 Residents Comparison of 12 Central Valley Cities .6-5 Table 8-1 Projects for Existing Facilities ..............................................................................................8-12 Table 8-2 Cost Assumptions for New Park Development Project Cost/Unit..........................8-29 Table 8-3 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Staffing Needs by Population .......................................8-46 Table 8-4 Operating Expenses by Porterville Population Growth..............................................8-46 Table 8-5 Cost Guidelines per Park Classification.............................................................................8-47
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor: Martha A. Flores
Vice Mayor: Kellie Carrillo
Member: Donald Weyhrauch
Member: Raymond Beltran
Member: Greg Meister
PARKS AND LEISURE SERVICES COMMISSION
Kieran Daly
Phillip Duncan
Tom Fiormonti
Diane Graybehl
Jason Gurrola
Arlene Peña
Jason Pommier
Janet Uresti
CITY STAFF
Sarah Weaver, Engineering and Project Management
Donnie Moore, Parks and Leisure Services Director
Patrice Hildreth, City Manager
Jason Ridenour, Deputy City Manager
Special and grateful acknowledgments to the citizens of Porterville who participated in the public input process by answering surveys, participating in workshops, and providing feedback at public hearings.
Parks Master Plan Executive Summary
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Section 1: Introduction
Purpose. The new Porterville Parks Master Plan will guide the Parks and Leisure Services Department, Parks and Leisure Services Commission, and staff in allocating resources over the next 15 years or more, adapting to changing conditions and population needs. The Parks Master Plan has been informed by substantial community input, demographics and current trends analyses, assessment of parks and facilities, and existing and new policies. The Master Plan describes various types of parks and identifies park facilities and access improvements designed to maintain and improve Porterville’s quality of life for everyone.
Many California communities are interested in bringing a regional sports complex to their city. Out-of-town visitors can significantly impact a regional sports park since their spending introduces new money into the local economy. Porterville’s location along State Routes 65 and 190 and near State Route 99 provides easy access to the larger cities of Bakersfield, Visalia, and Fresno. The benefits of a regional facility in Porterville would go beyond the Porterville Parks and Leisure Services Department's financial stability and bring additional tourism to the area other than its gateway position to the area’s national parks. Residents and stakeholders are interested in making the Porterville Sports Complex a regional facility that would attract regional competition.
Section 2: Community Profile and Demographics
This section provides an overview of the demographics, housing, income, and education association with poverty levels for the City of Porterville. Porterville has experienced relatively slow population growth compared to the County of Tulare and the State of California. The analysis uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau (2019–2022) American Community Survey estimates and the ‘Economic Conditions and Trends Report’ developed by BAE Urban Economics, an economics and real estate advisory consultant, in coordination with PlaceWorks for the Porterville General Plan 2030. The Census data was taken in 2020, and the most recent American Community Survey data is from 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Population Forecast. Population growth is critical to increasing demand for parks and leisure facilities in most areas. Demographic characteristics can influence the level of service for parks in the City of Porterville. The current population for the City of Porterville is 62,558, according to 2023 data. The population projections in the following table represent an eight percent growth rate from 2023/24 to 2039 and an average annual growth rate of 0.53 percent.
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Parks Master Plan February 2024
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Population Projections
2023/24 2029 2034 2039 Total
Growth
Rate
Average
Annual
Growth
Rate
Porterville 62,558 64,216 65,874 67,532 8% 0.53%
Age Distribution. Age distribution is often used to determine a city’s need for park opportunities. It is understood that people in younger and older demographic groups utilize park facilities more often, while age groups 35–54 typically do not use parks as much. Recent trends show that senior activity levels have risen. Younger Porterville residents comprise 56 percent of the population, and seniors comprise nearly 21 percent.
Race/Ethnicity. Race/ethnicity plays a large part in the utilization of parks and the level of participation in various activities, which could help highlight areas of the City where a park might be better utilized. The City of Porterville has a culturally diverse population, similar to the San Joaquin Valley demographic trends. The population is largely Hispanic (76 percent) and white (21 percent).
Households. In 2022, there were 18,305 total housing units, according to the U.S. Census.
Owner-occupied households account for 53.1 percent of the number of occupied houses, and
46.9 percent are renter-occupied. Park utilization can be directly tied to household locations.
Typically, parks located in areas where the housing prices and income are lower will be better utilized compared to other neighborhoods. According to the Porterville average home price, there are approximately 6,200 owner-occupied homes below the Porterville average.
The City’s lower housing prices are located north of Tule River and east of SR 65, where community parks are abundant.
Socioeconomics. Trends in park planning illustrate that many low-income families take advantage of free or low-cost recreation opportunities, such as playing in parks and attending City-sponsored programs and events. However, low-income families may spend more time at work, leaving less time for recreational pursuits.
According to the Census, the median household income of the City of Porterville is $55,785 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022). The average California median income is $91,905. Eighty percent of California’s median income is $73,524. According to California Senate Bill 350, a disadvantaged community has a household median income below 80 percent of the State median income. Therefore, the City of Porterville is considered a disadvantaged community.
A significant number of households, roughly 70.3 percent, are living below the poverty line.
Health and Related Factors. Porterville has two major public health concerns: air quality and obesity. A Parks Master Plan can assist in reducing the effect of both these issues. Diseases that may be caused by or exacerbated by poor air quality include asthma and asthma attacks, Parks Master Plan Executive Summary
Parks Master Plan February 2024
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valley fever1, lung and heart disease, cancer, and more. Furthermore, parks promote a healthier lifestyle, which can reduce ailments that may be exacerbated by poor air quality.
Building and maintaining parks promotes a more beneficial and less sedentary lifestyle than the inverse. The County of Tulare has an approximate 36.3 percent adult obesity rate. There is a higher prevalence of obesity among people who are low-income and Latino than among people of high-income or people who are white.
Section 3: Public Outreach
Community Outreach Plan. QK prepared a
public outreach plan that was reviewed by
the City staff for their input and acceptance
before the outreach process began.
Stakeholder Interviews. QK staff members
interviewed local stakeholders on August 8,
2023, at Porterville City Hall and provided
stakeholders who were unable to attend the
opportunity to participate via a phone
survey. QK and Parks and Leisure staff
scheduled 30-minute meetings with each
stakeholder. Stakeholders included athletic
directors, community organizers, and
professionals directly affected by park
access (schools, the private sector,
commissioners, etc.). An overview of the
project was discussed, and questions were
asked to solicit comments, issues, problems,
successes, and preferences. The one-day
event included prearranged timeslots to
interview individuals and survey responses.
Interviewees also had the opportunity to
offer their input in addition to the prepared
questions.
The stakeholder survey questions were
based on input gathered from the site tours
with QK and Parks and Leisure staff. The
questions included key issues such as park improvements, frequency of use and popularity of certain parks, desired amenities, and future park types. The stakeholders indicated there is a need for more availability of sports fields. Stakeholders also indicated their concerns with existing facilities related to the use/camping of unhoused persons in the park and 1 Center for Disease Control (CDC) claims valley fever is endemic in the San Joaquin Valley. This fever is caused by fungus in the soil getting trapped in the air and inhaled by residents. It can cause pneumonia and is especially dangerous for seniors.
This flyer was distributed via emails and posted
on prominent sites throughout the City.
Parks Master Plan Executive Summary
Parks Master Plan February 2024
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concerns related to crime and personal safety. Stakeholders shared that their patrons and residents mainly visit Porterville parks for exercise (walking/jogging/biking) – 21 percent, picnicking/gathering at pavilions – 15 percent, and ball/court sports – 14 percent. Their preferences for the types of amenities for new parks were ranked below:
1. Splash Park
2. Trails
3. Court Games
4. Picnic Areas
Community Workshop #1: Introduction to the Parks
Master Plan. QK conducted Workshop #1 for two
hours on the evening of August 17, 2023, at
Porterville City Hall. The workshop included a
summary of the contents of the Parks Master Plan
and the planning process; a brief visual tour with
images of current City of Porterville parks; local,
regional, and national trends; and National
Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) guidelines.
The meeting was divided into three parts: exhibit
boards with voting dots, a PowerPoint presentation
with an opportunity to complete the community
survey, and a question-and- answer period/open
discussion by QK where participants individually
expressed their ideas and concerns.
Their preference for the types of amenities the
community would like to see in new and improved
parks were ranked below as follows:
1. Court Games
2. More Playground Structures and Creative
Playgrounds
3. More Trails and Trail Connections to
Neighborhoods
4. Restrooms/Concession Stands
5. Splash Park
Community Workshop #2: Renovations and New Improvements. On October 26, 2023, Workshop #2 was held at Porterville City Hall. The QK team prepared a PowerPoint presentation that included a recap summary of Survey #1 results, comments, and exhibit results received at the first workshop. Based on the data collected, Survey #2 was revealed and made available for the community to assist in prioritizing park improvements and the schedule for the remainder of the project/completion of the Master Plan. The workshop also included exhibits for park improvement standards/policy and prioritizing current and Workshop participants used ‘voting
dots’ to select recreational amenity
preferences, their favorite park, and
where they lived on a map of the City.
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future park improvements. The material was also included on the City’s website for public consumption and comments.
Some of the results of the workshops and online surveys included prioritizing renovating Porterville parks and certain improvements. Generally, the community was satisfied with the existing park infrastructure but would like to see Citywide quality park acreage proportionate to the City’s growth rate and improve quality park access for all residents.
Parks and Leisure Services Commission Meeting. SUMMARY TO BE ADDED HERE City Council Meeting. SUMMARY TO BE ADDED HERE
Community Vision and Goals. A review of past policies that still needed to be implemented entirely or policies that could be maintained were identified in the 2030 General Plan. Other goals and policies typical of new or updated Parks Master Plans were also identified. The community reviewed the goals, and they are included in the goals and policies listed in Section 8 of this document. The vision and seven initial goals are as follows:
Vision. The Parks and Leisure Services Department for the City of Porterville has a longstanding vision of “providing excellent customer service, enhancing the quality of life by providing opportunities for public enjoyment, inspiration, education, personal development and cultural enrichment, and providing clean, safe, well-designed parks and facilities. ” Goals. The seven initial goals are identified below. During the planning process and public outreach with the community and stakeholders, additional goals were identified, as well as a list of policies to pursue to meet those goals.
Section 4: Trends
Since the provision of public parks and leisure services can be influenced by demographic preferences, the Master Plan process identified local, regional, and national recreation trends that help define what Porterville residents may be seeking either now or as the City grows.
Resident demographics using local community input and research of relevant trends can
1. Identify the community’s needs and interests.
2. Increase capacity to meet future demand (population growth).
3. Create a master plan that will successfully compete with other communities for funding opportunities.
4. Develop a definitive program for the renovation of existing recreation facilities and the development of future facilities.
5. Address accessibility, including park visitors with disabilities.
6. Develop a 15+ year “vision” and roadmap for the future of parks and leisure.
7. Update park impact fees to fund the acquisition and development of land for park and recreation facilities and upgrade and improve existing parks pursuant to the General Plan.
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produce critical insights that help to plan for the future. This section reviews local, regional, and national recreation trends relative to Porterville’s demographic and identified interests.
Local Trends. The top trends that the consultant team heard from listening and from survey input included the following, in no particular order:
• More playgrounds or new equipment/expansion of existing playgrounds. • More trails, including expanding existing trails and loop trails in parks like the Sports Complex and Zalud Park.
• Splash parks, which are also a trend in many Central Valley communities due to the extreme summer heat conditions.
• More court games like pickleball, basketball, and volleyball throughout all community neighborhoods.
Recent new parks and renovations in nearby communities in Tulare County can also reflect the local trends. Examples of local trends in city parks in the Central Valley include an outdoor classroom, community gardens, convertible basketball and volleyball courts, a performance stage at a new neighborhood park in Earlimart, and an amphitheater and splash pad at Zumwalt Park in Tulare. Gateway Park in Corcoran installed a pump track for bicycling and a loop trail with exercise stations.
Regional Trends. Regional trends identify recreational facilities being proposed by cities throughout California, particularly in central California, southern California, and the Bay Area. Some common themes include a focus on walking and hiking, outdoor pools that emphasize swimming, and aquatic-based activities, including competition pools and team sports.
Pickleball, e-sports, and disc golf have all experienced an increase in participation in recent years. Soccer, as a year-round sport, can have an immense impact on natural turf fields.
Future recommendations suggest cities consider constructing a ratio of approximately one of every three sports fields as lighted, synthetic turf fields wherever sports complexes are being planned.
Other regional facility and program trends include:
• Themed special events, social recreation events, fitness enhancement classes, and health and wellness education were all identified as the top four most commonly provided program areas offered regionally.
• Teen Club/Community Center.
• Dog parks, including multiple small dog parks.
• Gymnasiums.
• Sports Complexes.
• Indoor and outdoor basketball courts.
• Greenways/paths/interconnected trailways for running, biking, and dog walking.
Fitness walking remained the most popular fitness activity.
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• Incorporate renewable energy opportunities where appropriate to reduce future operating costs.
• Incorporate new types of play elements and features when making playground improvements, such as:
o Music gardens.
o Nature play elements in existing parks.
o Destination play areas or themed playgrounds.
• Diversified recreation opportunities, adding facilities such as lawn bowling, a bike skills area/pump track, pickleball courts, exercise stations, and a climbing structure. • Outdoor event space for concerts and special events.
• Rental facilities at picnic areas.
Porterville is doing well at providing most of the regional trending facilities such as baseball/multi-purpose fields, tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts (lighted and unlighted), an outdoor swimming pool, splash play, skatepark, and playgrounds. The City does not have an outdoor amphitheater/stage, lawn bowling, or community gardens. The City has exercise stations along the Zalud Park pathway and more are planned along the Santa Fe Byway. The City has an outdoor gym at Fallen Heroes Park on the City’s southeast side. The City is currently expanding its greenways/trails for running, biking, and dog walking.
National Trends. Not a single set of standards for parks and recreation could encompass the uniqueness found in every community across the country. The NRPA provides the most comprehensive source of data benchmarks and insights for park and recreation agencies.
NRPA produces an annual report summarizing the benchmark data contributed by nearly 1,100 park and recreation agencies. According to the NRPA, the following are the national trends identified for 2023 and beyond.
• Combatting the Increasing Rate of Obesity. Combatting the increasing obesity rate by offering opportunities for better nutrition and availability of facilities where fitness activities are possible, such as parks and trails.
• Combatting Increased Opioid Use. Given the rise in opioid use nationwide, the design of parks is critical where drug use may take place. These design changes include improving sight lines near restrooms, adding dividers or removing benches, installing security cameras, and additional security lighting at critical locations. • Nationwide Fitness Activity Trends. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), high-impact intensity training (HIIT) and cross-training style workouts, or CrossFit, are two top trending aerobic activities. • Generational Changes. Activity participation varies based on age, but it also varies based on generational preferences. Regarding generational activity, according to the SFIA report, Millennials had the highest percentage of those who were “active to a healthy level.” Nearly 28 percent of Generation X were inactive, with one-third of Parks Master Plan Executive Summary
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Baby Boomers being inactive. Baby Boomers prefer low-impact fitness activities such as swimming and aquatic exercise, cycling, and walking. • Technology. Technology is having a greater impact on parks than ever before. Lower costs, technological simplification, and mass production make high-tech inexpensive and accessible to park and recreation agencies. Examples include beacon counters for park monitoring and drones for improving public security. • Electrification. One of the most far-reaching and essential trends affecting parks and leisure is the electrification of much of what we use to conduct the industry, such as buildings, vehicle fleets, lawnmowers, and landscape equipment. • eSports. In eSports, spectators sit and watch individuals or teams of players compete in a variety of electronic games, cheering for their favorite champions or teams.
Despite its sedentary nature, eSports is a form of recreation virtually guaranteed to draw crowds of young people into recreation facilities. eSports events and tournaments have excellent potential for revenue generation and facility utilization.
Public parks could convert this potential into promoting health, physical activity, and social cohesion for young people.
• Parks and Leisure as Anchor Institutions. Traditionally, most anchor institutions have been schools and medical centers. There is an increasingly strong case to include parks and leisure as a critical community support system. Parks and leisure can prove they are vital because they enable the members of communities to connect daily. • Dog Parks. Dog parks are one of the fastest-growing types of parks in the country. The nearly 90 million dogs in the United States must have a place to run, play, and socialize with other dogs. Larger dog parks have become destinations and can contribute significantly to agency revenues and tourism.
• Themed Playgrounds and Splash Parks. Themed playgrounds and themed splash parks continue to be a popular trend. Large, themed playgrounds should be components of flagship or larger neighborhood and community parks, such as the 14,000-square-foot playground at Inspiration Park in Fresno and its 4,400-squarefoot nearby splash pad. • Increase in Indoor Activities. Indoor commercial recreation experiences are replacing some traditional public park facilities. Some new indoor facilities include trampoline centers, climbing facilities, and multi-sports ‘bubbles’ that have turf-play areas for baseball, lacrosse, football, soccer, and other field sports. Most privatesector, for-profit facilities may supplant public park and recreation programs and facilities.
• Outdoor Yoga. Yoga is one of the fastest-growing wellness trends, and its popularity is expected to climb. Cities could look for a green space with beautiful flowers or trees nearby.
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• Pickleball. More than 4.8 million
people play pickleball in the
United States, which has grown by
more than 11.5 percent each year
over the past decade. One reason
for the sport’s popularity is that
many people are migrating from
tennis to pickleball. Tennis courts
can be easily striped for pickleball
players. Utilizing tennis and
pickleball courts for dual usage can
be highly effective and save costs.
• Connectivity. Parks have long
offered community-based walking programs. Building and connecting trails and greenways to parks and neighborhoods have become top priorities for regional planning boards and municipal agencies. The City of Porterville has succeeded with trails on abandoned rail lines along the Tule River Corridor and the Butterfield Historic Corridor. The City continues to develop more segments, including Class II and Class III bikeways. Some communities have greenways that connect to streets, neighborhoods, and parks.
Section 5: Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
The City of Porterville prides itself on providing its citizens with the highest quality parks and leisure. The parks and leisure facility inventory indicates a broad range of passive and active opportunities on 281.3 acres of land, well-dispersed throughout the City. The current park acreages are analyzed against a ratio of park or recreation facilities per 1,000 population. Local agencies can adopt their standards, but often, agencies tend to look toward national and regional standards. The current population of Porterville is 62,558, with an average size of 3.3 people per household, which averages out to 4.45 acres of parkland per 1,000 population. Unlike the cities of Hanford and Clovis, California, school recreation facilities are not included in the average per 1,000 population.
The Master Plan classifies the City’s parks into four categories: Miniparks, Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks, and Trailways. A fifth classification, Regional Parks, is identified as parks larger than 20 acres, service the region and nearby cities, and provide a range of activities, including passive and active recreation but primarily sports field games such as soccer, football, and baseball/softball. Porterville does not have a regional facility. The City’s General Plan identifies another category – Specialized Recreation, but this Master Plan includes specialized recreation facilities as a component of Neighborhood or Community Parks (i.e., the City’s skateboard park is a component of Veterans Park, and the City’s dog park is a component of the Sports Complex).
Minipark. Miniparks are often found in residential neighborhoods developed as an amenity to serve the immediate neighborhood and are generally located less than one-quarter mile Pickleball is a sport for all age groups.
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from the furthest residence. Miniparks are usually less than one acre and typically include a playground, picnic tables, barbecues, benches, and shade. Lighting is generally available from the adjacent streets. Larger pocket parks (one-half to one acre) may provide basketball and/or volleyball.
Neighborhood Park. Neighborhood parks are designed to meet local neighborhood needs and are intended to be within walking or bicycling distance of less than a one-half-mile radius. Neighborhood parks usually emphasize child- and family-oriented activities. They can range in size from one acre to eight acres and sometimes larger when they are a component of a storm basin.
Community Park. Community parks are designed to serve the City as a whole and a group of neighborhoods. While community parks may include neighborhood park amenities and can act as neighborhood parks, the focus of a community park is often on meeting communitybased recreation, athletics, and open space needs. Typically, the service area ranges from one mile to as much as a three-mile radius. The acreage ranges in size from eight to 20.
Community park facilities are often oriented towards family and adult activities, such as tennis courts, community centers, swimming pools or splash pads, skateparks, sports fields, walking paths, picnic areas and/or picnic shelters, off-street parking, and night lighting.
Restrooms should be included with a community park.
Trailways. For this Master Plan, trails are linear paths, usually along a watercourse or canal, an old railroad right of way, or an easement that provides access to canal trails or rail trails.
Trail easements can vary in width from 30 to 100 feet. The paths are usually a paved or DG (decomposed granite) surface from eight to 10 feet wide. Shade trees, benches, and trash containers are preferred, but more amenities could be added.
Descriptions of Existing Parks. Each of the parks or facilities in Porterville has been classified into the following four categories: Miniparks, Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks, and Trailways. For a thorough description of parks by classification, see Section 5. The City park acreage by classification is as follows:
Miniparks: 1.4 acres
• Centennial Park
• Lime Street Park
• Lions Park
• North Park
Neighborhood Parks: 20.5 acres
• Burton Ballfields
• Fallen Heroes Park
• Hayes Field
• Henry Street Park
Community Parks: 173.7 acres
• Fourth Street Park and Community Center
• Murry Park and Pool
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• Porterville Sports Complex
• Santa Fe Sportsplex
• Veterans Park
• Zalud Park
Trailways: 85.7acres
• Butterfield Historic Corridor
• Santa Fe Byway
• Tule River Parkway
Total: 281.3 acres.
Descriptions of Existing Parks. The QK team toured every park in the City with the Parks and Leisure staff and digitally recorded images of the parks, facilities, landscaping, parking lots, and areas where repair or maintenance was needed. Detailed descriptions of each park are located in Section 5 of this Master Plan document. Overall, each park’s needs are as follows.
Some parks need ADA ramps to playgrounds or nearby public sidewalks, park ID signage, and park rules signage. Each park should target playground replacement every 15–20 years or as needed. Playground wood chips or engineered Fibar are the preferred surfacing, but pour-in-place surfaces could be pursued in conjunction with a splash pad or as part of a larger park facility. Benches, trash cans, and picnic tables should be replaced and maintained.
Lighting should be provided where possible, particularly solar lighting. Some restrooms needed renovations. Parking lots should be sealed and striped every two to five years, and handicapped parking should be identified with striping and signage. Detailed park needs and renovations can be found in Section 8 of this Master Plan document.
ADA Access Facility Evaluation. The California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 mandates that all publicly funded buildings, structures, and related facilities shall be accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. These regulations pertain to Porterville’s public buildings, parks, and facilities that were constructed using State, City, or municipal funds or that are owned, leased, rented, contracted, or sublet by the City. This Master Plan identifies the necessary modification of playgrounds and public sidewalks adjacent to parks to ensure accessibility. Only five parks need ADA access ramps into the playgrounds, and four require ADA access ramps from the adjacent street or streets. A detailed summary of ADA access needs by each facility can be found in Section 5 of this document.
Section 6: Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
While it is unlikely that the City will need substantial new parkland except as it grows and to meet the residents' desire for certain amenities at existing parks, areas within the City’s parks need improvements. To serve the community better, meet new trends, and provide the types of facilities that residents want, the City should reexamine existing park amenities.
Level of service (LOS) standards are guidelines that define service areas based on population that support a city’s investment decisions related to parks, facilities, and amenities. LOS standards for the City of Porterville were evaluated using a combination of local, regional, and national resources, including:
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• General Plan Policy Document.
• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2023 guidelines. • Other standards from Parks Master Plans from communities in the region. • Community stakeholder and City staff input and general observations. This allows standards to be customized specifically for the City of Porterville park system.
Current Porterville Standards. The City currently has a population of 62,558 and 281.3 acres of parkland. This translates into a ratio of 4.45 park acres per 1,000 population. With this current ratio of 4.45 per 1,000 residents, the City has maintained a favorable proportion of parks within a comfortable walking or biking distance to many residents. The park acreage needs to increase to 300.5 acres by 2039, an increase of 1.28 acres per year, to maintain its current ratio of 4.45.
This Master Plan recommends that the City maintain its current ratio of 4.45 acres per 1,000 residents since it works for the community. This ratio is equal to or better than other California cities of comparable population and land area, with parks that are a comfortable walking or biking distance from most people.
Extension of trailways and the City’s requirement for private development to build parks in the communities they develop would likely help the City of Porterville achieve its preferred park acreage goals.
Current acreage per 1,000 population by classification:
• Miniparks and Neighborhood Parks: 0.34 acres per 1,000 residents. • Community Parks: 2.69 acres per 1,000 residents.
• Trailways: 1.32 acres per 1,000 residents.
• Regional Parks: No standard available.
The average consensus of the four parks for the cities of Manteca, Madera, Tulare, and Los Banos with similar populations and areas to Porterville (where detailed park information was available) and a comparison to current Porterville standards is as follows in the table below.
Comparison of Park Acreage Regional Standards by Classification
Classification
Current Porterville
Standards
Average Standards of Four
Regional Cities Identified
Miniparks and Neighborhood Parks 0.34/1,000 1.68/1,000
Community Parks 2.69/1,000 1.0/1,000
Trailways 1.32/1,000 0.4/1,000
Regional Parks No Available Standard No Available Standard Conclusion: The City’s current standards suggest a need for more miniparks and neighborhood parks when compared to the regional standards of other Central Valley cities.
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To compare the ratios of parkland per 1,000 residents, the Central Valley has a variety of examples of cities with a comparable population. Not all cities have information readily available, but the following 11 cities depict variances of 1.72 (Delano) to 6.3 acres per 1,000 residents (Los Banos). The table below indicates that the City of Porterville is better than the average of the cities identified at 4.45 acres per 1,000 residents.
Acres of Parkland per 1,000 Residents
Comparison of 11 Central Valley Cities
Central Valley City # Acres of Parkland
per 1,000 Residents
Delano 1.72
Arvin 2.70
Hanford 3.08
Tulare 3.3.5
Atwater 3.37
Average 3.94
Porterville 4.45
Madera 4.56
Reedley 4.56
Manteca 4.92
Lodi 6.21
Los Banos 6.30
•
Size and distance requirements by classification:
• Miniparks should have a minimum area of 5,000 square feet and a general service area of a one-quarter-mile radius.
• Neighborhood Parks typically range in size from one to eight acres and have a general service area of a one-half-mile radius.
• Community Parks typically range in size from eight to 20 acres and have a general service area of a one- to two-mile radius; a three-mile radius is acceptable but not encouraged.
• A Regional Park typically averages between 20 and 100 acres and serves the city and surrounding communities.
Service Area Analysis. What is a Service Area? Service area distance radii are generated with the park location as the central radius point. When areas zoned for residential use fall outside graphic service area designations, that area may be underserved by existing parks.
The service area analysis demonstrates that there appears to be nearly adequate coverage across the City’s residential areas with the current parks provided in the community park classification. During public outreach workshops with residents of Porterville, they preferred to see new parks primarily in the northwest area and secondarily in the southwest.
For purposes of the workshops, the City was divided into quadrants—State Route 65 and Olive Avenue served as the dividing lines for the four quadrants. Locations along trailways Parks Master Plan Executive Summary
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and areas for planned trailways were identified as preferred locations for neighborhood parks. Fallen Heroes Park is a good example of a park along a trailway. • Neighborhood and Minipark Service Area. New residential development shall install new miniparks and neighborhood parks based on a walkable service radius of a quarter mile for miniparks and a half mile for neighborhood parks. To service some existing residents in the northwest and southwest, minipark(s) and neighborhood park(s) should be considered. Future neighborhood parks and miniparks will be developed as new subdivisions are approved and constructed. • Community Park Service Area. When we view the service area of community parks, Porterville parks are accessible to most residents who live within a two- to threemile radius of the City’s community parks. Currently, community parks meet and exceed the needs of the City’s population.
The following figure represents the acceptable level of future parks based on community needs and the 2039 population. Proposed neighborhood park locations, as shown, are meant to be approximate only and subject to the City’s future growth pattern.
Section 7 Park Design and Development Guidelines
Design guidelines support consistency and quality in planning, building, and maintaining new and updated parks and facilities. The guidelines support the Master Plan vision and goals and provide greater detail on plan recommendations for builders and developers. The guidelines also allow for flexibility and creativity to respond to different conditions. Current Parks Master Plan Executive Summary
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and future Porterville parks and leisure facilities have unique conditions, circumstances, and design challenges. The guidelines encourage best practices in park design that are customtailored to the geography and climate of Porterville.
Miniparks. Miniparks are no more than one acre and can be linear parks that separate the ends of cul-de-sacs and greenways connecting adjacent streets. In addition to landscaping, miniparks may include a small playground (tot lot), picnic tables, barbeque(s), benches, and shade. Lighting is usually available from the adjacent streets. Other elements may be implemented to encourage active use of the public open space.
Neighborhood Parks. Neighborhood park sites should typically range from one to eight acres in size. The site should be reasonably central to the neighborhood it is intended to serve.
Access to the site should be provided primarily via local streets with sidewalks (not an arterial) and non-motorized trails. Access routes should minimize physical barriers, such as steep slopes and major arterials. In addition to landscaping, neighborhood parks may include playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball, volleyball, bocce, walking paths, and sometimes tennis/pickleball courts and splash pad. Some larger neighborhood parks could include restrooms if a splash pad is included, i.e., Fallen Heroes Park.
Community Parks. The park focuses on community-based recreation, athletics, and open space. Typical sizes for community parks can range from eight to 20 acres. The park will service an area ranging from one mile to as much as a two- to three-mile radius. Residents will typically drive to community parks, so off-street parking will need to be addressed.
Community park facilities are often oriented toward family and adult activities, such as tennis courts, community centers, swimming pools or splash pads, multiple sports fields, walking paths, picnic areas, picnic shelters, and light fixtures. Playgrounds for pre-teens and tots and restrooms are preferred. Restrooms are required when a splash pad is included.
Access to the site should be provided via collector or arterial streets with sidewalks and bicycle lanes. A community park should front an accessible public street. Porterville Sports Complex is an example of a community park.
Trailways. Trails provide a linear path, usually parallel to a feature such as a watercourse, derelict railroad, or an easement that allows access to canal/railroad trails. Trail easements can vary in width up to 50 feet wide and sometimes wider. Trailways in Porterville serve as linear parks, often with amenities such as shade trees and other landscaping, benches, trash containers, picnic tables, dog waste stations, and sometimes exercise stations and drinking fountains. Neighborhood and community parks should be located along or near the City’s trailways where possible.
Regional Parks. Porterville does not have a regional park. Stakeholders and residents have expressed an interest in having a park where regional sports organizations can compete and bring more revenue into the City. Porterville Sports Complex could eventually become a regional sports facility due to its proximity to State Routes 65, 190, and 99, which provide access to Bakersfield, Visalia, and Fresno. Regional parks can range in size from 20 to 100 acres and more. Because of their large service area, regional parks require support facilities Parks Master Plan Executive Summary
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like parking, restrooms, and concession stands. A regional park should be designed to serve those within a 30-minute drive, usually between 50,000 to 100,000 people.
For a more detailed list of types of facilities and amenities, both recommended and optional, refer to Section 7 of this Master Plan document.
Guidelines for Amenities by Classification. The popularity of pickleball among the residents of Porterville is evident. One pickleball court for every 13,870 is the NRPA standard, which translates to five pickleball courts. The City currently has 11 existing and planned pickleball courts, which exceeds the national average. Based on NRPA standards, Porterville may want to consider including the following amenities based on their current and future population in their 2039 plan:
• One medium-sized dog park.
• One-and-one-half community gardens.
• One lighted synthetic turf soccer field.
• Nine new playgrounds.
• Up to three additional miles of trails in addition to existing and planned trails. Note:
The City Parks and Leisure Services Department plans on constructing up to approximately one mile of trail in Veterans Park.
Section 8: Action Plan
Goals and Policies. Developing goals and policies is an important part of the Parks Master Plan process. The goals and policies provide overall guidance and vision for the future of parks and leisure within the community. They are based on the current inventory and population data, previous General Plan policies, and public input collected throughout the planning process. The goals and policies of the Parks and Leisure Master Plan are presented in two sections: Compliance with the Porterville 2030 General Plan Goals and Policies and Policies Derived from the Master Plan Process.
Porterville 2030 General Plan and Goals and Policies. The City of Porterville 2030 General Plan Chapter 5: Parks, Schools and Community Facilities Element and Chapter 6: Open Space and Conservation Element identify numerous Guiding Policies and Implementation Policies for parks and leisure facilities in Porterville. This section includes how the Master Plan complies with the policies of the General Plan Elements. Thirty-one policies were identified.
A few of those policies include:
• Prepare, adopt, and implement a Parks and Leisure Master Plan. • Use the open space system to meet multiple needs, including bike and trail linkages, stormwater drainage and treatment, wildlife habitat, and active and passive recreation.
• Update park impact fees to fund the acquisition and development of land for park and recreation facilities, according to the General Plan.
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• Establish additional funding for acquiring and developing specialized park and recreation facilities to serve existing and future residents. Conduct community surveys as needed to identify unmet demand for park and recreation services. • Develop a safe and efficient trail network linking parks and other key destinations throughout the City.
Policies Derived from the Master Plan Process. Fifty-six goals and policies were developed throughout the Master Plan process from input from the City Parks and Leisure staff, the community, stakeholders, and recommendations identified in the NRPA 2023 Agency Performance Review. A few of the primary goals include:
• Identify the community’s needs and interests.
• Increase capacity to meet future demand (population growth). • Create a Master Plan to successfully compete with other communities for funding opportunities.
• Develop a definitive program for the renovation of existing recreation facilities and the development of future facilities.
• Address accessibility, including park visitors with disabilities. • Develop a 15+ year “vision” and roadmap for the future of parks and leisure in the City.
Prioritization. Prioritization of installation and maintenance of all City parks, trailways, and facilities is based on the following factors:
• Urgency of repair/replacement (Is it likely to cause serious injury or harm?). • Frequency of public access (What is the pressure to return to service?). • Availability for repair/replacement (Can or should it be replaced immediately?). • Cost of repair/replacement (Can the costs be absorbed or postponed?). • Input from City Parks and Leisure Services Commission and staff. • Input from the community.
Parks requiring renovations and improvements are ranked from high priority to low priority. Section 8 identifies an estimated cost for the renovations and improvements for each park project in the column on the right. The City may consider, at any time, that any park or any specific renovation/improvement may need to take priority over another park based on several factors such as timing for a grant, concerns and changing needs by City residents, and available funding.
The City’s parks were prioritized for renovations and new improvements in the following order:
1. Porterville Sports Complex 7. Centennial Park
2. Veterans Park and Skatepark 8. Hayes Field
3. Henry Street Park 9. Lions Minipark
4. Murry Park and Pool 10. Lime Street Minipark
5. Zalud Park 11. North Park
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6. Fallen Heroes Park 12. Burton Ballfields
Facility Needs Summary from Community Input. This section is a key portion of the Master Plan that distills information from various public and staff input and other relevant studies and analyses. It distills them into a broader overall picture in the form of recreation facilities that can support the needs of the residents of Porterville to achieve the community vision, goals, and policies of the Master Plan. Input is derived from community surveys and community workshops. Since the needs identification tools are directly or indirectly based on input from community residents, it is fair to assume that all the identified needs are significant to some or most of the community. It is also helpful to determine which needs have the highest priority as perceived by the information collected.
The Facility Needs Summary establishes relative priorities; the more input on a particular need identified by the public, the higher the ranking. From this list, the facility needs as identified by the community are (in order of highest priority):
1. Court Games
2. More Playground Structures and Creative Playgrounds
3. More Trails and Trail Connections to Neighborhoods
4. Restrooms/Concession Stands
5. Splash Park
6. Indoor Sports Facilities
7. Community Gardens
8. Picnic Areas/Pavilions
9. Volleyball Courts (Indoors and Outdoors)
10. and 11. Tie: Dog Parks and Outdoor Amphitheater
12. Outdoor Exercise Equipment (Stations or Outdoor Rooms)
13. More Senior Activities such as Chess, Bocce, etc.
When asked to identify their preference
for a new amenity at the Sports Complex,
the community ranked their preferences
in the following order.
1. Outdoor Pool or Splash Pad
2. More Picnic Areas/Pavilions
3. Gardens
4. Trails with Exercise Stations
5. Court Games
6. Outdoor Amphitheater
Facility Needs Summary from Stakeholder
Input. The community and the
stakeholders vary in their preferences for
the types of most desired park and leisure
amenities. The Facility Needs Summary establishes relative priorities; the more input on a Example: Lowell Community Garden, Fresno,
California.
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particular need identified by the stakeholders, the higher the ranking. From this list, the facility needs as identified by the stakeholders are (in order of highest priority):
1. Splash Park
2. Trails
3. Court Games
4. Picnic Areas
When asked to identify their preference for a new amenity at the Sports Complex, the stakeholders ranked their preferences in the following order:
1. Outdoor Amphitheater
2. Trails with Exercise Stations
3. Tie for 3rd: More Ballfields and Pool/Splash Pad
Budget and Funding Analysis. The opinion of probable project construction costs provided herein has been made based on reasonable practice experience and represents the best judgment as design professionals familiar with the construction industry. The Opinion of Probable Improvement Cost (OPIC) is subject to change based on revised quantities or changes in cost data. The estimate does not guarantee that construction costs, bids, or other costs will not vary from the OPIC contained herein. Prices may also vary depending on whether work is done by in-house staff or a hired contractor. A detailed estimate of the probable cost for each park renovation or new improvement is located in Section 8: Action Plan. The maintenance and operating costs summary are found on the next page.
Cost Assumptions for New Park Development Project Cost/Unit* Project Cost per Unit
Land Acquisition $60,000/acre
Planning and Design
• Neighborhood or Pocket Park $25,000
• Community Park $50,000
Park Development
• Neighborhood Park $375,000–$550,000/acre
• Community Park $200,000–$300,000/acre
• Regional Park $200,000–$250,000/acre
• Trail System $150,000–$300,000/mile
Additional Costs
• Administration Fees 6% of development costs
• Architecture/Engineering 12% of development costs
• Contingency 15% of development costs
Source: Various. Notes: Should assume 4% annual inflation Funding Opportunities. To continue to build and maintain a vibrant parks and leisure system, a sound and strategic funding strategy must be developed to fulfill the capital improvement and operational cost considerations of this Master Plan. Fiscally sustainable Parks Master Plan Executive Summary
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and realistic funding sources are essential to implementing a capital improvement plan.
Significant funding sources to fund the capital improvement and operational costs are available. These sources include public sector grants, fees and tax measures, assessment districts, non-traditional methodologies, and a wide range of private and corporate foundation sources. The extensive list of funding opportunities can be found in Section 8 of this Master Plan document.
Parks Maintenance and Operations. Maintaining and improving the parks and facilities at the expected high level for residents is costly. Currently, there is no reliable source of funding to pay for all of it. The Parks and Leisure Services Commission makes recommendations to the City Council for some upkeep and capital repairs every year, but the need for greater funding still exists.
One of the needs identified by the community was the need for clean and well-maintained parks and facilities. Safety and vandalism are connected to this maintenance issue as the better-maintained and well-used parks and facilities are typically less likely to experience vandalism and crime. Without adequate staffing and funding, these needs cannot be met.
The City has many aging (or have aged) parks that need regular maintenance as well as replacement and improvements to overall amenities and park elements. Some of the work may be able to be funded through general funding, but many of the smaller items, like the replacement of water fountains, new trash receptacles, and bench or picnic table replacement, are generally not. The City has stated that 95 percent of the funding required for parks and leisure facilities comes from the City’s general fund. The need to identify new sources of funding to offset the use of general funds is apparent. The City should consider increasing development impact fees to fund future development of parks. The Parks and Leisure Services Department will need to closely monitor resources to ensure that the assets of the park system reach the anticipated lifecycles. It is recommended that the Parks and Leisure Services Department's maintenance funding grow to accommodate new park development in the future. As the system grows, the following cost guidelines should be utilized to identify the annual operational funding required to maintain additional park acreage.
Maintenance and Operations Costs by Park Classifications Classification Costs
Minipark $18,000 - $21,000 per acre
Neighborhood Parks $16,000 - $21,000 per acre
Community Parks $12,000 - $16,000 per acre
Regional Sports Parks and Athletic Field Parks
Per Rectangular Field • 15,000 - $20,000 per rectangular field Per Diamond Field • $29,000–$25,000 per diamond field
Other Facilities • $7,000 per acre
Specialty Parks Costs vary depending on amenities
Trailways $10,000–$15,000 per acre
Note: Maintenance costs typically increase 2-3% annually to as much as 6% during a highly robust economy.
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Staffing Needs. The typical park and recreation agency has 3.6 FTEs2 on staff for every 10,000 residents living in the jurisdiction served by the agency. A typical park and recreation agency with a population similar to Porterville’s current population of 62,558 and a 2039 population of 67,532 is staffed with 14 full-time equivalent staff (FTEs) and 15, respectively, that include a mix of full-time and part-time staff. The following tables suggest the FTEs that may be considered for staffing the City of Porterville Parks and Leisure Services Department.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Staffing Needs by Population Year 2023/2024 2029 2034 2039
Population 62,558 64,511 66,022 67,532
3.6 FTE’s/10,000 residents 14 14.33 14.67 15
Operating Expenses. According to the 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review, the typical park and recreation agency similar in population to the City of Porterville has annual operating expenses per capita of $99.75. The typical park and recreation agency with a population similar to Porterville’s current population should have annual operating expenditures of $6,895,625. The typical park and recreation agency spends $115,803 in annual operating expenditures for each employee. At the typical park and recreation agency, staffing costs account for 55 percent of the operating budget. The typical park and recreation agency dedicates 38 percent of its operating budget to park management and maintenance and 41 percent to recreation.
Operating Expenses by Porterville Population Growth
Year 2023/2024 2029 2034 2039
Population 62,558 64,200 65,900 67,532
$99.75 per capita $6,895,625 $7,031,430 $7,217,620 $7,396,140 The typical target distribution of capital for parks typically is as follows:
CIP. Several sound and strategic funding options were identified to continue to build and maintain the parks and leisure system for the capital improvement projects presented in this Master Plan. A significant number of funding opportunities are available to help some of the capital improvement plan items identified in the Master Plan.
Analysis indicates that some current expenditures may not be in alignment with best practice costs as recommended in the 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review. The table below addresses the City of Porterville’s Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) operating and employee expenses budget compared with the recommendations of NRPA for communities with a population similar to Porterville’s.
2 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review
Parks Master Plan Executive Summary
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 22
Comparison of NRPA Standards with Porterville Standards Standard Porterville NRPA
Average # residents per park 3,680 residents per park 2,287 residents per park Operating expenditures per capita N/A $99.75 per capita Parkland per 1,000 residents 4.45 acres 10.8 acres
Typical agency operating expenses
(62,558 pop.)
$3,094,348 $6,895,625
Operating budget per acre (park
management and maintenance)
$11,000 $9,893
Average FTE per agency (based on
park acreage maintained)
10 FTEs 14 FTEs
Operating expenses per employee N/A $115,803
Percent of operating budget for staff
expenses
55% 55%
Percent of budget for management
and maintenance
38% 38%
Median five-year CIP budget $3.702 million X 5 $2.825 million X 5 Percent of CIP designated for
renovation
45% 55%
Percent of CIP designated for new
development
48% 31%
Percent of CIP designated for
acquisition
4% 8%
Percent of budget from General Fund 95% 61%
Note: The standards contained here are approximate and based on the most recent available information as provided by the Parks and Leisure Services Department.
Parks Master Plan Introduction
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 1-1
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
On June 10, 2023, the City of Porterville began preparing a City of Porterville 2039 Parks and Leisure Master Plan. Currently, the City’s 2030 General Plan has goals and policies for Open Space and Parks, but a comprehensive master plan has not been prepared. The goals and policies of the General Plan did not focus on general specific needs such as capital expenditure, acquisition and development, maintenance and personnel, standards and guidelines, existing inventory, improvements and renovations, and park impact fees. This Master Plan will help direct the Parks and Leisure Services Department with a plan prepared with input and support from the public, staff, Parks and Leisure Services Commission, and City Council officials.
1.1 - Purpose
The new Porterville Parks Master Plan will guide the Parks and Leisure Services Department, Parks and Leisure Services Commission, and staff in allocating resources over the next 15 years or more, adapting to changing conditions and population needs. The Parks Master Plan has been informed by substantial community input, demographics and current trends analyses, assessment of parks and facilities, and existing and new policies. The Master Plan describes various types of parks and identifies park facilities and access improvements designed to maintain and improve Porterville’s quality of life for everyone.
1.2 - Plan Organization
The Master Plan is organized by the following sections:
Executive Summary. The Executive Summary provides a brief description of key components of the overall Master Plan.
Section 1: Introduction. The Introduction describes the purpose of the Master Plan and how it is organized, and it describes the location of the City of Porterville in a regional context.
Section 2: Community Profile and Demographics. This section details the demographics of the City, including population forecast, age distribution, race/ethnicity, households, socioeconomics, and health and related issues.
Section 3: Community and Stakeholder Input. This section includes a description of the community engagement plan, a description of the meetings, the community’s vision, and main goals. A summary of the survey results for the stakeholders and the community is located in the appendices.
Section 4: Trends. Local, regional, and national park and recreation trends are examined.
Section 5: Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis. Each park in the City is arranged by its classification. This section organizes City parks by miniparks, neighborhood parks, community parks, and trailways. The existing conditions of each park based on individual Parks Master Plan Introduction
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 1-2
site visits to each park by the consultant team with input from staff are identified in this section.
Section 6: Level of Service (LOS) Analysis. Level of service (LOS) standards are guidelines that define service areas based on population and distance that support a city’s investment decisions related to parks, facilities, and amenities. This section includes a look at recommended standards by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), similar regional standards, City current standards, and a summary of key findings.
Section 7: Park Design and Development Guidelines. This section identifies the characteristics of each park classification (i.e., size and distance from residents) and recommends the types of facilities for each park classification and a list of additional optional facilities.
Section 8: Action Plan. The Action Plan to implement the Master Plan includes sections on goals and policies developed from the Master Plan process, compliance with the City of Porterville 2030 General Plan Goals and Policies, opportunities for renovations to existing facilities and their costs, new facilities and their costs, and prioritization of parks based on community needs. This section also includes a budget and funding analysis.
Appendices. Appendices are supporting materials for some of the information contained in each section.
1.3 - Location/Geographic Context
1.3.1 - CITY OF PORTERVILLE
The City of Porterville is situated in the southwest region of Tulare County, in the southern portion of the San Joaquin Valley. Porterville is located in the center of California, at the junction of California State Routes (SR) 65 and 190, approximately 48 miles north of Bakersfield and 30 miles southeast of Visalia. Porterville is roughly 15 miles east of California State Route 99 and 57 miles east of Interstate 5. Porterville serves as a gateway to Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Kings Canyon National Park.
Porterville is within proximity of the communities of East Porterville, Terra Bella, Strathmore, Woodville, Ducor, Earlimart, and Tipton. Porterville is surrounded primarily by agriculture and the Sierra Nevada foothills. The campus of Porterville College is located on the City’s southeast side and has served community college students since 1967.
Regional Location
Many California communities are interested in bringing a regional sports complex to their city. Out-of-town visitors can significantly impact a regional sports park since their spending introduces new money into the local economy. Porterville’s location along State Routes 65 and 190 and near State Route 99 provides easy access to the larger cities of Bakersfield, Visalia, and Fresno. The benefits of a regional facility in Porterville would also go beyond the Parks Master Plan Introduction
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 1-3
Porterville Parks and Leisure Services Department's financial stability and bring additional tourism to the area other than its gateway position to the area’s national parks.
Planning Area Boundary
The Planning Area Boundary is considered an area where the City can plan for growth and, in anticipation, it could allow for the annexation of land within the boundaries. Based on 2005 data from the City’s General Plan, the current Planning Area is approximately 21,270 acres.
City Limits
The city limit boundary encompasses the land over which Porterville has jurisdictional authority. The current city limit covers approximately 17.7 square miles in an irregular shape, expanding north and south along SR 65 and east to west along SR 190.
Parks Master Plan Introduction
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 1-4
Figure 1-1
City/Regional Map
Parks Master Plan Community Profile and Demographics
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 2-1
SECTION 2 - COMMUNITY PROFILE AND DEMOGRAPHICS
This section provides an overview of the demographics, housing, income, and education association with poverty levels for the City of Porterville. Porterville has experienced relatively slow population growth compared to the County of Tulare and the State of California. The analysis uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau (2019–2022) American Community Survey estimates and the ‘Economic Conditions and Trends Report’ developed by BAE Urban Economics, an economics and real estate advisory consultant, in coordination with PlaceWorks for the Porterville General Plan 2030. The Census data was taken in 2020, and the most recent American Community Survey data is from 2019, 2021, and 2022.
2.1 - Population Forecast
Population growth is critical to increasing demand for parks and leisure facilities in most areas. Demographic characteristics can influence the level of service for parks in the City of Porterville. For example, age and income affect an individual’s ability to pursue and utilize facilities. To a lesser extent, employment, education, and ethnicity can also play a role. A demographic overview is presented here to determine park and recreation demands. As mentioned previously, the City of Porterville utilizes the U.S. Census Bureau and BAE Urban Economic ‘Conditions and Trends Report’; most of the data is from the U.S. Census.
The current population for the City of Porterville is 62,558, according to 2023 data from the California Department of Finance. The population projections in Table 2-1 below represent an 8 percent growth rate from 2023/24 to 2039. Although the approximately 0.53 percent average annual growth rate has been on the low end of growth rates, it is similar to the average growth rate of Tulare County (1.7 percent). The population of Porterville is projected to resume its growth in the coming years. According to a population forecast from Tulare County Association of Governments, the population of Porterville is projected to increase from 59,240 (2015) to 64,524 (2030), or an approximately eight percent increase.
Table 2-1
Population Projections
2023/24 2029 2034 2039 Total
Growth Rate
Average
Annual
Growth Rate
Porterville 62,558 64,216 65,874 67,532 8% 0.53%3
2.2 - Age Distribution
Age distribution is often used to determine a city’s need for park opportunities. It is understood that people in younger and older demographic groups utilize park facilities more 3 Tulare County Association of Government
Parks Master Plan Community Profile and Demographics
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 2-2
often, while age groups 35–54 typically do not use parks as much. Recent trends show that senior activity levels have risen. Younger Porterville residents comprise 56 percent of the population, and seniors comprise nearly 21 percent.
Table 2-2 depicts age distribution in the City of Porterville. Residents based on each age group comprise the overall population from 2019 to 2022. Comparatively, the largest age groups are 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, and 55–65, with 47.6 percent of the population. This population group is understood to underutilize parks compared to the senior and younger age groups (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022).
Table 2-2
Age Distribution in Porterville
Age Group Year
2019 2022
Under 18 26.9% 30.0%
18–24 7.3% 12.1%
25–34 11.5% 13.7%
35–44 15.2% 11.2%
45–54 13.0% 12.2%
55–65 10.6% 10.5%
65 and older 15.5% 10.3%
Source: 2019 and 2022 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey Demographics and Housing Estimates, Table K200104
2.3 - Race/Ethnicity
Race/ethnicity plays a large part in the utilization of parks and the level of participation in various activities, which could help highlight areas of the City where a park might be better utilized. The City of Porterville has a culturally diverse population, similar to the San Joaquin Valley demographic trends. The population is largely Hispanic (76 percent) and white (21 percent) (Table 2-3). The City contains a below-average amount of other prominent ethnic groups (Asian, Black/African American, Native Hawaiian, and American Indian). Often, languages that reflect the heritage of the residents are spoken. Since the population is predominately Hispanic, there may be challenges with overall communication with patrons, municipal officials, or employers. In some cases, the younger segment of the population is likely the first generation to be English-speaking (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022).
Parks Master Plan Community Profile and Demographics
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 2-3
Table 2-3
Race and Ethnicity
Race/Ethnicity Group 2021
Hispanic/Latino (of any race) 76.1%
Not Hispanic/Latino 30.0%
White alone 21.5%
Black/African American alone 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.5%
Asian alone 5.0%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific 0.2%
Other 0.2%
Two or More Races 18.9%
Source: 2021 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey Demographics and Housing Estimates, Table DP05
Specifically, the Hispanic population group is the predominant ethnic group within Porterville and continues with an incremental growth trend. The non-Hispanic ethnic groups are the next largest ethnic group (combining white, Black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific ethnicities), exhibiting a slight declining trend.
The following language breakdown is calculated by including the population age group of five years and over. According to the U.S. Census, there is a large population of English-only speakers at 47.4 percent; 52.6 percent are considered bilingual, and 31.5 percent speak English less than very well (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022).
2.4 - Households
The percentage of residents owning their households is similar to renter-occupied households. Owner-occupied households account for 53.1 percent of the occupied houses, and 46.9 percent are renter-occupied. The percentage of renter-occupied housing in Porterville is slightly higher than the national average of 43.3 percent. Furthermore, family households comprising two or more members related by birth, marriage, or adoption account for 76 percent. Of the 76 percent, 52 percent are married couple families. Not all households contain families since a household may include groups of unrelated people living together or a single person living alone. One-person households account for 20 percent of the total occupied households. See Tables 2-4 and 2-5.
Parks Master Plan Community Profile and Demographics
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 2-4
Table 2-4
Housing Occupancy Rate
Housing Type Year
2019 2022
Occupied housing units 20,347 18,925
Vacant housing units 552 1,012
Total housing units 20,889 19,937
Source: 2019 and 2022 U.S. Census Bureau American
Community Survey Occupancy Characteristics, Table K202501 Table 2-5
Porterville Housing Values
Income Category Year
2019 2022
Less than $50,000 1,180 575
$50,000 to $99,999 577 203
$100,000 to $149,999 502 277
$150,000 to $199,999 2,931 526
$200,000 to $299,999 5,560 4,641
$300,000 to $499,999 1,155 3,952
$500,000 to $999,999 471 502
$1,000,000 or more 0 0
Total Owner-Occupied units 12,376 10,676
Source: 2019 and 2022 Census Bureau American Community
Survey Selected Housing Characteristics, Table K202509
Park utilization can be directly tied to locations. Typically, parks located in areas where the housing prices and income are lower will be better utilized compared to other neighborhoods. The median price for a home in Porterville in 2022 was $299,749 (U.S.
Census Bureau, 2022). Comparatively, the approximate median home price in Tulare County is $357,000 (Tulare County Level Economic Forecast, 2022). According to the Porterville average home price, there are approximately 6,200 owner-occupied homes below the Porterville average. The City’s lower housing prices are located north of Tule River and east of SR 65, where community parks are abundant.
2.5 - Socioeconomics
Trends in park planning illustrate that many low-income families take advantage of free or low-cost recreation opportunities, such as playing in parks and attending City-sponsored programs and events. However, low-income families may spend more time at work, leaving less time for recreational pursuits.
According to the Census, the median household income of the City of Porterville is $55,785 (Table 2-6) (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022). The average California median income is $91,905.
Eighty percent of California’s median income is $73,524. According to California Senate Bill Parks Master Plan Community Profile and Demographics
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 2-5
350, a disadvantaged community has a household median income below 80 percent of the State median income. Therefore, the City of Porterville is considered a disadvantaged community. A significant number of households, 70.3 percent, are living below the poverty line (Table 2-7).
Table 2-6
Income and Benefits
Income and Benefits 2019 2022
Total Households 17,227 18,925
Less than $10,000 1,330 1,096
$10,000 to $14,999 1,663 718
$15,000 to $24,999 2,478 1,664
$25,000 to $34,999 1,648 2,384
$35,000 to $49,999 2,618 2,530
$50,000 to $74,999 2,653 3,765
$75,000 to $99,999 1,669 2,213
$100,000 to $149,999 2,092 2,876
$150,000 to $199,999 646 1,020
$200,000 or more 430 661
Median household income $48,823 $55,785
Mean household income $60,972 $72,468
Source: 2019 and 2022 Census Bureau American Community Survey Selected Economic, Table DP05
Table 2-7
Education and Poverty Level for the Population 25 years and Over Poverty Rate with Education 2019 2021
Less than a high school graduate 29.9% 30.3%
High school graduate (includes equivalency) 27.2% 25.7% Some college or associate degree 31.4% 30.7%
Bachelor’s degree or higher 11.5% 13.3%
Source: 2019 and 2021 Census Bureau American Community Survey Educational Attainment, Table S1501
2.6 - Health and Related Factors
Porterville has two major public health concerns: air quality and obesity. A Parks Master Plan can assist in reducing the effect of both these issues.
Hemmed in by mountains and rarely strong winds, air pollution, mainly from diesel- and gasoline-fueled vehicles and agricultural operations, is a major issue in the San Joaquin Valley. The San Joaquin Valley has been deemed an “extreme non-attainment zone” by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for select pollutants. Although the inclusion of parks does not directly affect the air quality in Porterville or the San Joaquin Valley, the installation of trees can sequester carbon in the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen in a Parks Master Plan Community Profile and Demographics
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 2-6
process called photosynthesis. Diseases that may be caused by or exacerbated by poor air quality include asthma and asthma attacks, valley fever4, lung and heart disease, cancer, and more. Furthermore, improving and adding more parks promotes a healthier lifestyle, which can reduce ailments that may be exacerbated by poor air quality.
Building and maintaining parks promotes a healthier and less sedentary lifestyle than the inverse. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation5 produces health rankings for states and counties. The foundation explores many aspects of health, including quality of life, healthy behaviors, access to clinical care, socioeconomic factors, and environmental factors.
According to the data compiled by this foundation in 2018, the County of Tulare has an approximate 36.3 percent adult obesity rate, even though 63.7 percent of residents have access to available exercise opportunities (Tulare County, 2018). This is roughly similar to a study prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention referencing the California Department of Public Health, which estimates a 27.6 percent obesity rate (System, 2021).
Furthermore, there is a higher prevalence of obesity among people who are low-income and Latino than among people of high-income or people who are white.
One of the purposes of preparing this Parks Master Plan is to identify and maximize the resources available to the City of Porterville and to better serve its constituents. With the information contained within these sections, decision-makers can make a more educated determination.
4 Center for Disease Control (CDC) claims valley fever is endemic in the San Joaquin Valley. This fever is caused by fungus in the soil getting trapped in the air and inhaled by residents. It can cause pneumonia and is especially dangerous for seniors.
5 The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is the United States' largest philanthropy focused solely on health. The foundation's goal, through the use of grants, is "to improve the health and health care of all Americans." RWJF makes for a range of health issues, including access to care, childhood obesity, and training for doctors and nurses. Other topics of interest to the foundation include social and economic factors that can impact health, including quality of housing, violence, poverty, and access to fresh food.
Parks Master Plan Community and Stakeholder Input
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 3-1
SECTION 3 - COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER INPUT
3.1 - Community Engagement Plan
QK prepared a public outreach plan that was reviewed by the City staff for their input and acceptance before the outreach process began.
3.1.1 - PORTERVILLE PARKS MASTER PLAN PUBLIC OUTREACH PLAN Public Outreach Plan
The two workshops identified in the outreach plan provided a variety of methods for participants to interact, learn, and engage in meaningful and comfortable ways (by providing a range of written and verbal input options). QK facilitators helped guide the community through the workshops to ensure all voices were heard and acknowledged.
All workshops were held in the Council
Chambers at City Hall and were noticed
with posters at a few of the larger and
more popular park sites and City Hall, on
the City’s website, Porterville Recorder,
electronic message board on Prospect
Street, social media, and in the Parks and
Leisure Services office. A recognizable
logo was created for the Parks and
Leisure Master Plan process that was
included in all exhibits and notices. QK
prepared posters for the community
workshops. QK maintained a list of
participants as provided by the Parks
and Leisure Services Department and
also collected by QK from the public
workshops. Participants were noticed
via email for future Parks and Leisure
Master Plan public events.
QK was responsible for providing
meeting minutes for all public meetings
related to the Master Plan process. A
Spanish translator was available at
public meetings by the City and QK.
During the project, QK’s main contacts
with the City were the Parks and Leisure
Services Director and the Engineering
and Project Management’s Project
This flyer was distributed via emails and posted
on prominent sites throughout the City.
Parks Master Plan Community and Stakeholder Input
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 3-2
Manager. The City’s Parks and Leisure Services Director brought additional parks staff into the project for discussion as needed, i.e., site visits.
QK prepared a parks and leisure survey for each community workshop and presented it to City staff for review and comment. The survey was based on input from the site tours with the Parks and Leisure Services Director and the Engineering and Project Management’s Project Manager. It included questions about critical issues such as the Porterville Sports Complex, neighborhood and community parks, and trailways. Some of the questions were geared towards gathering both the stakeholders' and community’s responses to the following additional issues:
• Demographics of participants.
• Community attitudes/biggest issues facing Porterville. • Recreation behavior/frequency of use.
• Facility use/perceived barriers to participation at parks and leisure facilities. • Satisfaction towards facilities and programs.
• Desired improvements.
The participants also accessed the survey via a phone app that they could download from a QR code on the PowerPoint presentation during the public workshops. QK summarized the findings of the survey and reviewed it with City staff. QK team members also provided stakeholders who could not attend the interview the opportunity to participate via an electronic survey. The survey results are included in the appendices of this Master Plan.
Agendas and Minutes
QK was responsible for providing agendas for all public meetings related to the Master Plan process. QK reviewed the agendas with City staff prior to the public meetings. QK was responsible for providing meeting summaries and survey results for all public meetings related to the Master Plan process.
3.2 - Community Vision and Goals
3.2.1 - VISION/MISSION
The City of Porterville’s Park and Leisure Services Department has a long-standing mission of “providing excellent customer service, enhancing the quality of life by providing opportunities for public enjoyment, inspiration, education, personal development and cultural enrichment- and providing clean, safe, well-designed parks and facilities.” The mission appears on the City’s Parks and Leisure Services Department’s website.
3.2.2 - GOALS
Prior to the kick-off of the Parks Master Plan with the City of Porterville and the consultant team, QK identified at least seven goals during the start of this project. During the planning process and public outreach with the community and stakeholders, additional goals were Parks Master Plan Community and Stakeholder Input
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 3-3
identified, and a list of policies to pursue to meet those goals. A review of past policies that still needed to be implemented entirely or policies that could be maintained were identified in the 2030 General Plan. The seven initial goals are as follows:
GOAL #1: Identify the community’s needs and interests.
GOAL #2: Increase capacity to meet future demand (population growth).
GOAL #3: Create a master plan that will successfully compete with other communities for funding opportunities.
GOAL #4: Develop a definitive program for the renovation of existing recreation facilities and the development of future facilities.
GOAL #5: Address accessibility, including park visitors with disabilities.
GOAL #6: Develop a 15+ year “vision” and roadmap for the future of parks and leisure in the City.
GOAL #7: Update park impact fees to fund the acquisition and development of land for park and recreation facilities and upgrade and improve existing parks according to the General Plan.
3.3 - Outreach Summary
3.3.1 - STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS
QK met with members of the Parks and Leisure Services Commission, the Parks and Leisure Services Director, the Engineering and Project Management’s Project Manager, key sports organizations, educators, and other key stakeholders as identified by the City Parks & Leisure Director to discuss the project and solicit comments, issues, problems, and preferences. QK interviewed the stakeholders at the Porterville City Hall on August 8, 2023.
The one-day event (approximately six hours) included prearranged timeslots to interview individuals and solicit responses. Interviewees also had the opportunity to offer their input regardless of the list of prepared questions.
The scheduled interviews with the stakeholders gave the interviewers a beneficial perspective on the issues, concerns, needs, and desires of groups like sports organizations, law enforcement, builders, educators, and the Parks and Leisure Services Commission.
Below is a summary of their responses.
The most often used source for information about events and activities in the City was, by far, social media. Emails and announcements at City Council meetings came in second and third, respectively. The most often used facilities by the participants in the City included, in this order, Veterans Park; Tie: Sports Complex and Murry Park and Pool; and Zalud Park.
Parks Master Plan Community and Stakeholder Input
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 3-4
The most popular activities were walking, jogging, biking, picnicking, gathering at pavilions, and pickleball and tennis.
The stakeholders identified the types of amenities that they would like to see added to the City’s parks. They were ranked in this order:
1. Splash Park
2. Trails
3. Court Games
4. Picnic Tables and Picnic Pavilions
When asked what amenity the stakeholders would most like to see added to the Sports Complex, they responded in this order:
1. Amphitheater
2. Trails with Exercise Stations
Tie for 3rd: More Ballfields and Pool/Splash Pad
When asked where they felt more parks are needed, 40 percent said north of Olive Avenue and west of SR 65. Forty percent said south of Olive Avenue and west of SR 65.
The stakeholders’ greatest concerns included, in this order, homelessness, crime/personal safety, and the need for road improvements. No specific streets were identified.
3.3.2 - COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #1: INTRODUCTION TO THE PARKS MASTER PLAN The QK team and City of Porterville staff are grateful for the numerous comments we received from the community outreach participants, both verbal and written. All information was gathered, analyzed, and compiled for use in this Master Plan.
QK prepared for and conducted Workshop #1, which included an overview of the Parks Master Plan and the planning process; a brief tour with images of current City of Porterville parks; local, regional, and national trends; and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) guidelines. This meeting was held in the evening over an approximately two-hour period on August 17, 2023. The meeting was divided into three parts—exhibit boards with voting dots; a PowerPoint presentation with a survey accessed via their phone and a QR code; and a question and answer period/open discussion by the consultant whereby participants expressed their opinions, ideas, and concerns individually.
Exhibit boards with images of City parks were available for review at the entrance as participants walked in, and they were able to write comments and ideas on Post-it Notes and attach them to any of the exhibit boards. Participants were able to view the boards before and after the event as well as during the break. Participants were asked to locate their neighborhood and the park they frequented most often using voting dots on maps. They were also asked to use voting dots to select their preferred type of facility. The list of facilities included: teen club; indoor and outdoor pool; an increase in trailways; outdoor basketball Parks Master Plan Community and Stakeholder Input
Parks Master Plan February 2024
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courts; skatepark; more playgrounds; tennis courts; dog park; splash park; more baseball fields; more soccer fields; outdoor volleyball (grass or sand); outdoor exercise equipment; disc golf course; community gardens; outdoor amphitheater/bandshell; and, a mix of pickleball courts, chess/checker tables, and bocce.
Their preference for the types of amenities the community would like to see in new and improved parks were ranked below as follows:
1. Court Games
2. More Playground Structures and
Creative Playgrounds
3. More Trailways and Trail
Connections to Neighborhoods
4. Restrooms/Concession Stands
5. Splash Park
6. Indoor Sports Facilities
7. Community Gardens
8. Picnic Areas/Pavilions
9. Volleyball Courts (Indoors and
Outdoors)
10. and 11. Tie: Dog Parks and Outdoor
Amphitheater
12. Outdoor Exercise Equipment
(Stations or Outdoor Rooms)
13. More Senior Activities such as
Chess, Bocce, etc.
Workshop participants were able to access a survey by scanning the QR code shown on the presentation screen. The survey allowed participants to respond to specific questions, including answers to a multiple-choice selection, and select a preference or range of preferences posed to them. The survey was also available on the City’s Parks and Leisure Services Department’s website, where many residents participated. For a list of the survey questions and the responses, please refer to the appendices.
3.3.3 - COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #2: RENOVATIONS AND NEW IMPROVEMENTS On October 26, Workshop #2 was held at Porterville City Hall Council Chambers. The QK team prepared a PowerPoint presentation that included a recap summary of Survey #1 results as well as comments and exhibit results received at the first workshop. Based on the data collected, Survey #2 was revealed and made available for the community to assist in prioritizing park renovations and improvements. The schedule for the remainder of the project/completion of the Master Plan was also identified. The workshop included exhibits for park improvements and prioritizing current and future park improvements. The material was also provided for inclusion on the City’s website for public consumption and comments.
Example: Lowell Community Garden, Fresno,
California. Gardens can be a place where all ages
can participate and learn.
Parks Master Plan Community and Stakeholder Input
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 3-6
Some of the results of the workshops and online surveys hosted by the City included prioritizing improving Porterville parks. Generally, the community was satisfied with the existing park infrastructure but would like to see Citywide quality park acreage proportionate to the City’s growth rate and improve park access for all residents.
The survey results were as follows. The residents’ preferences are shown below, and additional survey results can be found in the appendices of this Master Plan. • The participants selected the Porterville Sports Complex as their first choice for renovations and improvements.
• They chose the Sports Complex as their preference for a new splash park. They would like to see community gardens located at one of the new future neighborhood parks rather than other park locations.
• They chose a light and sound performance stage as their first choice for improvements at Veterans Park.
• They wanted to see the pool and deck improved first over other renovations and new improvements at Murry Park and Pool.
• They preferred new lighting along the sidewalks and other areas at Zalud Park over other site improvements.
3.3.4 - PARKS AND LEISURE SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING
On Date, 2024, a virtual presentation was held with the City Parks and Leisure Services Commission to present a summary of the draft Parks Master Plan and gather any input they might have after reviewing the document and the summary presentation. At the end of the meeting, the commissioners voted to recommend the Master Plan to the City Council for approval.
3.3.5 - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
On Date, 2024, a presentation was held with the City Council to present a summary of the draft Parks Master Plan and gather any input they might have after reviewing the document and the summary presentation.
3.3.6 - SUMMARY OF SURVEYS
A summary of the survey results of the community input and stakeholder interviews can be found in the appendices of this document.
Parks Master Plan Trends
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 4-1
SECTION 4 - TRENDS
Since the provision of public parks and leisure services can be influenced by demographic preferences, the Master Plan process identified local, regional, and national recreation trends that help define what Porterville residents may be seeking either now or as the City grows.
Resident demographics using local community input and research of relevant trends can produce critical insights that help to plan for the future. This section reviews local, regional, and national recreation trends relative to Porterville’s demographic and identified interests.
A city can adapt its park requirement planning and development focus by learning from new shifts in participation in indoor and outdoor recreation, sports, and cultural programs.
4.1 - Local
Local trends are identified by listening to the residents of Porterville to determine their interests and desires for recreation amenities in the City. A preference by the community is not necessarily a trend, but a preference may result because it is a trend. The top trends that the consultant team heard from listening and from survey input included the following, in no particular order:
• More playgrounds or new
equipment/expansion of existing playgrounds.
• More trails, including expanding existing trails
and loop trails in parks like the Sports
Complex, Veterans Park, and Zalud Park.
• Splash parks are already a trend in many
Central Valley communities due to the extreme
summer heat conditions.
• More court games like pickleball, basketball,
and volleyball available throughout all
community neighborhoods.
Recent park renovations in nearby communities in
Tulare County can also reflect the trends occurring
locally. Examples of local trends in city parks in the
Central Valley include:
Lindsay. Lindsay, 11 miles north of Porterville, is
celebrating food trucks and local cuisine by providing
space and advertising at their recreation facility and
yoga classes at the wellness center. This information
can be located on their website. Recreation, Wellness,
& Aquatic Center | Lindsay California; Food Truck
Takeover | Lindsay California Splash Park at Inspiration Park in Fresno, California.
Parks Master Plan Trends
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City of Porterville Page 4-2
Earlimart. A new award-winning park in Earlimart, 18 miles southwest of Porterville, has an outdoor classroom, a community garden, and a performance stage. The 8.46-acre park features an aesthetically pleasing system of infiltration swales and gabion site features to direct and filter stormwater runoff. Local high school students were involved in the design of artwork displayed on the shade structure. They also designed cartoon tiles that represented life in their community.
Tulare. Zumwalt Park, an existing three-acre park in Tulare, 19 miles northwest of Porterville, is being renovated, and new improvements will include an amphitheater with stage and tiered seating, lighting and landscaping improvements, playground, splash pad, fencing, and restroom building.
Corcoran. In December 2021, the City of Corcoran broke ground on Gateway Park. It will greet people entering Corcoran and include a pump track for bicycling, which will be the largest track for the sport in North America. Other amenities include pre-fabricated restroom facilities, a shaded inclusive playground, a multi-use athletic field, a walking/jogging loop trail, and exercise equipment stations.
4.2 - Regional
This section looks at two approaches to regional trends. First, it identifies cities within three California regions and how each may have reached or is not reaching their park acreage ratios per 1,000 residents as identified in their General Plans and/or Parks Master Plans.
Second, it looks at the recreational facility trends in cities throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
4.2.1 - REGIONAL TRENDS IN PARK RATIOS AND PARK ACCESS
Within Tulare County and much of the Central Valley, many communities have much less park and open space designated acreage per 1,000 residents than more densely populated areas of the State. Furthermore, Tulare and neighboring counties have higher rates of disadvantaged populations than other regions of the State. Disadvantaged communities typically include areas that have lower overall income levels but can also include deficiencies in local facilities, such as parks and leisure spaces.
Within Tulare County, just 45 percent of the County’s residents live within half a mile of a park or public elementary school, a factor that is linked to higher rates of certain illnesses as well as poverty. Fifty-five percent of Tulare County residents live in areas with less than three acres of park and open space per 1,000 residents. Direct impacts associated with living further from parks and open space include decreased physical activity, which leads to increased poor health issues and health costs overall. With the region being disadvantaged in terms of income, reducing any ancillary costs, such as health care through the promotion of exercise at parks or trailways, would be beneficial.
Three cities with similar populations to Porterville include Tulare, Madera, and Lodi.
Tulare’s General Plan and current ratio of park acres per 1,000 residents are 3.0 and 3.35, respectively. Madera’s General Plan and current ratio of park acres per 1,000 residents are Parks Master Plan Trends
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City of Porterville Page 4-3
3.0 and 4.56, respectively. Lodi’s General Plan and current ratio of park acres per 1,000 residents are 5.0 and 6.21, respectively. It should also be noted that cities like Hanford have General Plan policies that include a portion of the recreational facility acreage of school sites and joint-use agreements to meet their park requirements. Table 4-1 compares cities in the Central Valley, Bay Area, and Southern California with the City of Porterville for five factors based on population, park acreages, and income.
Table 4-1
Comparison of Park Demographics between Regions and Cities in California Comparable
City (County)
Percent of
Residents
further
than a half
mile from a
park
Percent of
residents
living with
less than 3
acres of parks
or open space
per 1,000
residents
Median
Income per
Household
General
Plan
Policy of
Acres per
1,000
residents
Current
Ratio of
Acres per
1,000
residents
CENTRAL VALLEY
Porterville (Tulare) 42% 44% $48,955 5.0 4.45
Atwater (Tulare) 16% 53% $41,619 3.0 3.37
Madera (Madera) 54% 78% $42,027 3.0 4.56
Reedley (Fresno) 10% 13% $46,002 4.0 2.63
Manteca (San Joaquin) 29% 17% $82,538 5.0 4.56
Hanford (Kings) 49% 65% $53,543 3.0 3.08
Los Banos (Merced) 7% 0% $45,665 10 6.30
Delano (Kern) 50% 58% $36,244 3.0 1.89
Tulare (Tulare) 42% 81% $36,244 3.0 3.35
Lodi (San Joaquin) 17% 43% $48,662 5.0 6.21
Arvin (Kern) 43% 64% $42,961 3.0 2.70
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Gilroy (Santa Clara) 30% 37% $107,729 5.0 2.34
Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz) 0% 26% $67,714 4.5 3.63
Newark (Alameda) 2% 48% $127,619 3.0 3.11
Watsonville (Santa Cruz) 4% 73% $67,007 3.0 3.11
Danville (Contra Costa) 42% 26% $239,310 6.5 6.6
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Redlands (Riverside) 22% 20% $87,184 5.0 6.0
Arcadia (Los Angeles) 13% 78% $99,588 2.43 2.38
Montebello (Los Angeles) 9% 84% $66,584 5.0 5.37
Lynwood (Los Angeles) 13% 93% $61,612 5.0 7.3
San Jacinto (Riverside) 34% 25% $62,144 7.5 13.0
Imperial Beach (San Diego) 5% 68% $68,917 5.0 3.0
Source: Parks for All Californians: Community FactFinder (parksforcalifornia.org) Parks Master Plan Trends
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 4-4
Although California has seen recent trends in attempts to increase parks and leisure facilities through the implementation of acquisition provisions, such as the Quimby Act or the Mitigation Fee Act, on a Statewide level, State-operated park space has severely leveled off.
In the 1970s, the total acreage acquired by California for State parks was almost 180,000 acres. Since 2010, the State has acquired only 37,811 acres. In 2017 and 2018, no new acreage was added to the State park system for the first time in almost 50 years.
There is limited space within the State to acquire land for such uses; however, the steep decline could be an indication that the State is nearing the end of acquiring new State lands and transitioning the responsibility of providing parks and open space to more local agencies, such as cities or special districts. With the increases anticipated in population growth and perhaps migration from other areas of the State, State park facilities are expected to be more impacted by overcrowding, resulting in diminished quality of park facilities if measures are not taken in the form of funding or proper maintenance (Rogers, 2019).
4.2.2 - REGIONAL TRENDS IN FACILITIES
Regional trends identify recreational facilities being proposed by cities throughout California, particularly in Central California, Southern California, and the Bay Area. Some common themes include a focus on walking and hiking, outdoor swimming pools, and aquatic-based activities, including competition pools and team sports.
To minimize annual operational costs, the trend in aquatics development has been to create a combination of multi-purpose recreational pools, water slides, water play/splash play areas, and shallow areas for swimming lessons all in one facility. The facility should be located in a central part of town accessible to all residents. Zalud Park, though not in the center of the City, has an approximate three-mile radius/distance from most City residents.
Parks Master Plan Trends
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 4-5
Pickleball, e-sports, and disc golf have all experienced an increase in participation in recent years. Tackle football and fast-pitch softball have seen a significant decline in recent years.
Recent trends related to concerns over concussions resulting from football have sparked a new interest in touch football programs.
Soccer, as a year-round sport, can have an immense impact on natural turf fields. Future recommendations suggest cities consider constructing a ratio of approximately one of every three sports fields as lighted, synthetic turf fields wherever sports complexes are being planned to obtain maximum usefulness of the investment. The long-term water and maintenance cost savings will benefit the sustainability of City operations. Synthetic turf can also be used for other sports, including baseball, touch football, lawn bowling, and more.
Other regional facility and program trends include themed special events, social recreation events, fitness enhancement classes, and health and wellness education. These were all identified as the top four most commonly provided regional program areas. Other regional trends include, in no particular order:
• Themed special events, social recreation events, fitness enhancement classes, and health and wellness education were all identified as the top four most commonly provided program areas offered regionally.
• Teen Club/Community Center.
• Dog parks, including multiple small dog parks.
• Gymnasiums.
• Sports Complexes.
• Indoor and outdoor basketball courts.
• Greenways/paths/interconnected trailways for running, biking, and dog walking.
Fitness walking remained the most popular fitness activity. • Incorporate renewable energy opportunities where appropriate to reduce future operating costs.
• Incorporate new types of play elements and features when making playground improvements, such as:
o Music gardens.
o Nature play elements in existing parks.
o Destination play areas or themed playgrounds.
• Diversified recreation opportunities, adding facilities such as lawn bowling, a bike skills area/pump track, pickleball courts, exercise stations, and a climbing structure. • Outdoor events space for concerts and events.
• Rental facilities at picnic areas.
Porterville is doing well at providing most of the regional trending facilities such as baseball/multi-purpose fields, tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts (lighted and unlighted), an outdoor swimming pool, splash play, skatepark, and playgrounds. The City does not have an outdoor amphitheater/stage, lawn bowling, or community gardens.
Exercise stations (par course) exist along Zalud Park paths and are planned along the Santa Fe Byway. The City does have an outdoor gym at Fallen Heroes Park on the City’s southeast Parks Master Plan Trends
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 4-6
side. The City is currently expanding its greenways/trails for running, biking, and dog walking.
4.3 - National
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) provides the most comprehensive source of data benchmarks and insights for park and recreation agencies, which produces an annual report summarizing the benchmark data contributed by nearly 1,100 park and recreation agencies. According to the 2023 NRPA Performance Review:
• There are typically 10.8 acres of park per 1,000 residents, with a lower quartile of 5.2 acres per 1,000 and an upper quartile of 17.1 acres per 1,000 residents. • There is typically one park for every 2,287 residents, with a lower quartile of 1,260 per park and an upper quartile of 4,298 residents per park. • The typical park and recreation agency has:
o One playground for every 3,759 residents.
o One basketball court for every 7,404 residents.
o One outdoor tennis court for every 5,860 residents.
o One dog park for every 43,532 residents.
• 84 percent of park and recreation agencies have trails, greenways, and/or blueways as part of their outdoor infrastructure. The typical park and recreation agency that manages or maintains trails for walking, hiking, running, and/or biking has an average of 15 miles of trails in its network.
Throughout the United States, facilities may vary depending on locale and local resources.
Table 4-2 is a breakdown of the percentage of each type of facility present at parks and the number of residents per type of equipment/facility by public agency.
Depending on demographics and climate, the need and availability to use certain facilities will vary. However, this provides a glimpse of what types of facilities are most common throughout the United States and what the average residential population needs to fully utilize each specific facility. For instance, the likelihood of an ice rink being utilized within the City of Porterville is extremely low, given the climate as well as the type of sports that are played. However, that does not eliminate the fact that a rink utilized for roller rather than ice hockey could be acceptable in the City. The following national trends may influence park facilities and programs for the next 15 years.
Parks Master Plan Trends
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 4-7
Table 4-2
2023 NRPA Park Facilities Review
Rank Park Equipment/Facility Type
Percentage
Present at Parks
Resident
Per Facility
Type
1 Playgrounds 95% 3,759
2 Basketball Courts 86% 7,404
3 Tennis courts (outdoor only) 76% 5,860
4 Diamond fields: baseball - youth 79% 6,608
5 Diamond fields: softball – adult 63% 15,345
6 Rectangular fields: multi-purpose 50% 7,228
7 Diamond fields: softball – youth 63% 11,384
8 Dog parks 68% 43,532
9 Diamond fields: baseball – adult (1) 54.7% 20,412
10 Swimming pools (outdoor only) 51% 38,685
11 Tot Lots 48% 11,649
12 Rectangular fields: soccer field – youth 50% 7,228
13 Community Gardens 52% 31,395
14 Multi-use courts: basketball, volleyball 27% 15,948
15 Rectangular fields: soccer field – adult 42% 13,692
16 Skatepark 41% 53,144
17 Multipurpose synthetic field 25% 36,884
18 Ice rink (outdoor only) 18% 17,741
19 Rectangular field: lacrosse field 11% 26,411
20 Rectangular field: cricket field 14% 139,248
21 Overlay field 9% 14,763
22 Rectangular field: field hockey 4% 20,909
23 Community Gardens 52% 31,395
24 Outdoor Pickleball 31% 13,922
Source: 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review – Park Facilities Combatting the Increasing Rate of Obesity. Combatting the increasing rate of obesity has become a national trend. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OCED), the United States has had an obesity rate that has risen at rates far greater than other developed countries worldwide. The rate was 14 percent in the mid1970s but has grown to 40 percent in the 2010s to 41.9 percent in 2023 with no sign of leveling off. It is estimated that the obesity rate in the United States will reach almost 50 percent by 2030 without significant policy changes regarding health-related sectors, such as nutrition, but also the availability of facilities where fitness activities are possible, such as parks and trails.
Combatting Increased Opioid Use. Given the rise in opioid use nationwide, the design of parks, where much drug use may take place after normal operating hours, is an important factor that could help stem the progression of opioid use. This trend has led agencies to Parks Master Plan Trends
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City of Porterville Page 4-8
revisit their designs of park facilities to promote better visibility of employees, passing-by law enforcement, and surrounding neighbors to discourage this type of behavior. These design changes include but are not limited to improving sightlines near restrooms and changing their placement, reducing the number of benches or removing benches altogether, installing security cameras, and adding security lighting at critical locations.
Nationwide Fitness Activity Trends. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), high-impact intensity training (HIIT) and cross-training style workouts, or CrossFit, are two top trending aerobic activities. These workouts combine elements of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing, and other sports to create a varied fitness regime.
Regarding individual sports, off-road triathlons have seen a seven percent average annual growth for the last five years. These races, such as XTERRAs, consist of a competitive combination of swimming, mountain biking, and trail running. Pickleball, a paddle sport mixing badminton, tennis, and table tennis, is still trending, gaining an average of 11.5 percent growth each year. Cardio tennis is growing at a rate of 9.1 percent. Cardio tennis is a fitness program that combines a full-body workout with elements of tennis.
Generational Changes. Activity participation varies based on age, but it also varies based on generational preferences. Regarding generational activity, according to the SFIA report, Millennials had the highest percentage of those who were “active to a healthy level,” but a quarter also remained sedentary. Nearly 28 percent of Generation X were inactive, with onethird of Baby Boomers inactive. Baby Boomers prefer low-impact fitness activities such as swimming, cycling, aquatic exercise, and walking. At least 65 percent of Generation Z were casually active in 2017, according to the 2018 SFIA report. This mix of age groups suggests that cities like Porterville should strive to create parks that offer a variety of multigenerational activities. According to the Pew Research Center’s 2023 report, the generational age groups in the City of Porterville and nationally are as follows:
• Generation Z, ages 11–26: 20.88 percent.
• Millennials, ages 27–42: 21.67 percent.
• Generation X, ages 43–58: 19.61 percent.
• Baby Boomers, ages 59–77: 20.58 percent.
• The Silent Generation, 78+ years old: six percent.
Technology. Technology is having a greater impact on parks than ever before. Lower costs, technological simplification, and mass production make high-tech inexpensive and accessible to park and recreation agencies. In the near or perhaps distant future, park and recreation agencies may embrace the use of more and more technology for a variety of purposes, including monitoring of park visitors, biometric identification at entrances to public facilities and programs, and scientific uses, such as surveying fire-prone landscapes and charting the spread of invasive species. Facial recognition software may be coming to parks and leisure sooner than we think, as it already has for transportation, retail businesses, and law enforcement.
• Electrification. One of the most far-reaching and essential trends affecting parks and leisure is the electrification of much of what we use to conduct the industry, such as Parks Master Plan Trends
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City of Porterville Page 4-9
buildings, vehicle fleets, lawnmowers, and landscape equipment. The changeover from fossil-fueled to electric power will be far quicker than anticipated.
The implementation of a program to loan off-road, tracked, powered wheelchairs to persons with disabilities in parks is a remarkable step forward for visitors experiencing mobility challenges.
• Beacon Counters. The most tantalizing technology developments for 2023 are monitoring systems, such as beacon counters and geofencing, that can be used in parks. Beacon counters are simple, relatively inexpensive Bluetooth-enabled devices that can be mounted in various locations, interior and exterior, that detect a person’s presence through their cellphone signal and relay that information to a central location. Geofences utilize RFID or GPS technology to locate people within larger areas. Brian Albright, Director of San Diego County Parks and Recreation, says, “Many of our parks are free without staff, so we have no way of monitoring and counting how many people are using the parks, what the most popular areas are, times of day, etc. The beacon counters attach to light poles, fencing, and signs and power themselves through photovoltaic cells. We can collect and monitor the data remotely from our headquarters office at any time.”
• Drones. Recreational drones are becoming increasingly accepted in park settings.
With advances in technology, reduced prices due to mass production, and greater public acceptance, drones are becoming just another type of tech recreation.
However, fears of some park managers concerning privacy intrusions and safety violations persist. Likewise, the proximity of some parks to a local airport could also create a problem. In parks, the promise of drones in assisting in public safety missions and improving public security continues to make this specific type of technology more enticing. The future of drone use in Porterville may be a distant opportunity. Drones are currently being used for pollination and other agricultural tasks.
eSports. With revenue topping a half-billion dollars annually and a global audience of 400 million annually, eSports are more than a fad. In eSports, spectators sit and watch individuals or teams of players compete in a variety of electronic games, cheering ardently for their favorite champions or teams.
With slick marketing, intensive promotion, and exciting competition for participants and audiences alike, this sedentary recreational activity poses a conundrum for parks and leisure. It is problematic in combatting childhood obesity, getting kids on their feet, and being physically active.
Despite its sedentary nature, eSports is a form of recreation virtually guaranteed to draw crowds of young people into recreation facilities and venues. eSports events and tournaments have excellent potential for revenue generation and facility utilization. Is it possible for public parks and leisure to convert this enormous potential into a means of promoting health, physical activity, and social cohesion for young people? Parks Master Plan Trends
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City of Porterville Page 4-10
Several park and recreation agencies will likely sponsor eSports tournaments in 2024, combining digital gaming with supplemental events and physical activity challenges. For participants, this will offer maximum fun in combination with heart-healthy physical activities, gaining the best of what can be an outstanding opportunity for parks and leisure agencies to attract and engage youth.
Parks and Leisure as Anchor Institutions. Anchor institutions are enduring nonprofit organizations that create strong social, economic, and healthy bonds within communities.
Traditionally, most anchor institutions have been “eds and meds” (schools and medical centers), that is universities and hospitals. Park and recreation systems have not often been regarded as anchor institutions. Still, there is an increasingly strong case to include parks and leisure as a critical community support system in the top ranks of anchor institutions.
Positioning parks and leisure in this way will help shape a new narrative of the value of parks and leisure to communities, i.e., “community wellness hub.” Parks and leisure can prove they are vital because they enable community members to connect daily in a way that transcends the ways that schools and medical centers do. Could the City’s new community center at the Santa Fe Byway be its new “anchor institution”?
Dog Parks. Dog parks are one of the fastest-growing types of parks in the country. The nearly 90 million dogs in the United States must have a place to run, play, and socialize with other dogs. Larger dog parks have become destinations and can contribute significantly to agency revenues and tourism. Increasingly, for many, dogs are regarded not just as part of the family but as children. A typical guideline for dog parks is that a community should have a minimum of one facility for every 43,000 to 50,000 residents, as identified by Statista’s “Sports and Recreation Parks and Outdoors 2018” and 2023 NRPA Parks Facilities Review. A typical dog park ranges from one-half to one acre. The 1.7-acre dog park at the Porterville Sports Complex should serve the community well. However, the City should still consider installing additional dog parks in targeted residential areas throughout the City that would encourage walking and more local interaction while reducing vehicle miles traveled.
Themed Playgrounds and Splash Parks. Themed playgrounds and themed splash parks continue to be a popular trend. A splash park, also referred to as an aquatic playground, spray ground, splash pad, or waterplay, is a recreational area designed specifically for interactive water play. Unlike swimming, wading, or paddling pools, splash parks have no standing water. Splash parks improve public space and provide an ideal setting for family recreation. Another reason for their popularity is that splash parks are less expensive than pools and require less maintenance and oversight. Whether they echo a medieval castle, pirate ship, or outer space, these themed play spaces break the mold of traditional playgrounds to battle ever-shrinking attention spans. For example, Morgan’s Wonderland Inspiration Island Splash Park in San Antonio, Texas, which carries a pirate theme, allows children of all abilities to pretend to set sail on a pirate ship or search for buried treasure as they keep cool while playing in the sun. Large, themed playgrounds should be components of flagship or larger neighborhood and community parks. Sizes can range from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet and larger, such as the nearly 14,000-square-foot playground at Inspiration Park in Fresno and its 4,400-square-foot nearby splash pad.
Parks Master Plan Trends
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 4-11
Increase in Indoor Activities. Indoor commercial recreation experiences are replacing some traditional public park facilities. Some new indoor facilities that are growing by leaps and bounds include trampoline centers, climbing facilities, and multi-sports ‘bubbles’ that have turf-play areas for baseball, lacrosse, football, soccer, and other field sports.
Most private-sector, for-profit facilities may supplant public park and recreation programs and facilities. With outdoor temperatures rising due to climate change and some areas of the country experiencing extreme heat in the summer months, there is a growing market for such indoor pay-to-play recreation, which, in many cases, is overtaking the capacity of public parks and leisure to offer these recreation amenities but leaving such experiences out of reach for those who cannot afford it.
Outdoor Yoga. Yoga is one of the fastest-growing wellness trends, and its popularity is only expected to climb. Thirty-six million Americans currently practice yoga. Nearly one-third of yoga enthusiasts practice the activity outdoors. The number of yoga practitioners over 50 has tripled in the last three years. The number of men practicing yoga went from four million to 10 million between 2012 and 2016, an increase of 150 percent. 2019 statistics list yoga as one of the top 10 fitness trends in the world. A park can add an outdoor yoga space in a serene location away from noise, cultivating a sense of calmness and peace. Cities could look for a green space with beautiful flowers or trees nearby. Outdoor yoga spaces require little room and are usually located in an isolated area or next to a playground for parents who wish to practice yoga and watch their children. A 50-foot by 50-foot area is adequate and could serve up to 40 yoga enthusiasts or more.
Pickleball. More than 4.8 million players
play pickleball in the United States.
Many Americans play tennis,
but pickleball is a lot easier on the body.
Pickleball is a sport that anyone can
enjoy. The 14.8 percent growth from
2020 to 2021 follows the 21.3 percent
growth the previous year and
contributes to an 11.5 percent average
annual growth rate over the past five
years. Sixty percent of the total
participants are men, and 40 percent are
women, with a slightly faster growth
rate among women. The average age for
all players continues to drop, to 38.1 years old in 2021, a decrease of 2.9 years from 2020.
The average age of core players is 47.9, and casual players are 34.3 years old. Fifty-two percent of core players are 55 or older, while 79 percent of casual players are 54 or younger.
Growth of total participants from 2020 to 2021 was the fastest among players under 24 years of age (21 percent). Another reason for the sport’s popularity is that many people are migrating from tennis to pickleball. Tennis courts can be easily striped for pickleball players.
Utilizing tennis and pickleball courts for dual usage can be a cost-saving approach for two Pickleball is a sport for all age groups.
Parks Master Plan Trends
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sports on one court. The popularity of pickleball tournaments continues to grow; they can be local, regional, or national events.
Connectivity. Parks have long offered community-based walking programs. Building and connecting trails and greenways to parks and neighborhoods have become top priorities for regional planning boards and municipal agencies. The City of Porterville has succeeded with trails on abandoned rail lines along the Tule River Corridor and the Butterfield Historic Corridor. The City continues to develop more segments. Some communities have greenways that connect to streets, neighborhoods, and parks. One of the trends, both past and future, has been for many public agencies to provide this connectivity throughout their community.
The cities of Davis and Chico are examples of California communities well-connected by greenbelts and trails.
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-1
SECTION 5 - INVENTORY AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS
This section of the Master Plan provides an overview of existing parks, trails, and recreation facilities within the City of Porterville. An understanding of existing resources is essential to beginning the needs evaluation process. A diverse combination of community parks, neighborhood parks, miniparks, and trailways provides opportunities for many community and personal activities for recreation, health, education, and cultural enrichment within the City.
5.1 - Methodology
The QK team toured each of the City’s parks and trailways with Parks and Leisure Services staff members, digitally photographed the facilities, and listened to staff members regarding their issues, concerns, and likes and dislikes about each property.
5.2 - Parks and Facilities by Classification
The City of Porterville prides itself on providing its citizens with the highest quality parks and leisure. The parks and leisure facility inventory indicates a broad range of passive and active opportunities on 281.3 acres of land, well-dispersed throughout the City. The current park acreages are analyzed against a ratio of park or recreation facilities per 1,000 population. Local agencies can adopt their standards, but often, agencies tend to look toward national and regional standards. The current population of Porterville is 62,558, with an average household size of 3.3 residents, which averages out to 4.45 acres of parkland per 1,000 population. Unlike the cities of Hanford and Clovis, California, school recreation facilities are not included in the average per 1,000 population.
5.2.1 - PARK CLASSIFICATIONS
The Master Plan suggests the classification of parks into four categories: Minipark, Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks, and Trailways. A fifth classification, Regional Parks, is identified as parks larger than 25 acres, service the region and nearby cities, and provide a range of activities, including passive and active recreation but primarily sports field games such as soccer, football, and baseball/softball. Porterville does not have a regional facility.
Another classification, Specialty Parks, previously included the dog park at Porterville Sports Complex and the skatepark at Veterans Park, but for this study, they have been moved into the Community Park classification with their larger namesake.
Minipark
For this Master Plan, miniparks in the City of Porterville are most often found in residential neighborhoods developed as an amenity to serve the immediate neighborhood. They can be reached by foot in around five minutes or less and are generally located less than one-quarter mile from the furthest residence. Miniparks are usually less than one acre and can be linear parks that separate the ends of cul-de-sacs or greenways that connect adjacent streets. At a minimum, miniparks include a playground, picnic tables, barbecues, benches, and shade.
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
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Lighting is usually available from the adjacent streets. Larger miniparks (between one half to one acre) may provide basketball and/or volleyball. Following are the Porterville miniparks and their sizes:
• Centennial Park (0.4 acres)
• Lime Street Park (0.5 acres)
• Lions Minipark (0.3 acres)
• North Park (0.2 acres)
• TOTAL: 1.4 acres
Neighborhood Park
For this Master Plan, neighborhood parks in the City of Porterville are designed to meet local neighborhood needs. They are intended to be within walking or bicycling distance of less than a one-half-mile radius. Neighborhood parks usually emphasize child-oriented and family-oriented activities. They typically range in size from one acre to eight acres, and the size can generally be as much as 25 acres when attached to a storm basin. The storm basins are generally used for open play, sports field games, and perimeter walking/jogging trails.
Off-street and on-street parking are permitted. Following are the Porterville neighborhood parks:
• Fallen Heroes Park (2.3 acres)
• Henry Street Park (5.4 acres)
• Burton Ballfields (5.3 acres)
• Hayes Field (7.5 acres)
• TOTAL: 20.5 acres
Community Park
For this Master Plan, community parks in the City of Porterville are designed to serve both the City as a whole and a group of neighborhoods. While community parks may include neighborhood park amenities and act as neighborhood parks as well, the focus of a community park is often on meeting community-based recreation, athletics, and open space needs. Two examples would be Veterans Park and Murry Park. Typically, the service area ranges from one mile to as much as a three-mile radius. Parkgoers typically drive to community parks, so off-street parking is required. The acreage ranges in size from seven to twenty. Community park facilities are most often oriented towards family and adult activities, such as tennis courts, community centers, swimming pools or splash pads, sports fields, walking paths, picnic areas and/or picnic shelters, and night lighting. In some cases, a park with a single athletic field or two athletic fields providing a venue for community athletic organizations may fall into this category regardless of its size. Community parks should be reachable from the City’s arterial roadways so that traffic can be avoided from travel through residential neighborhoods. Following are the Porterville community parks:
• Fourth Street Park (11.8 acres)
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-3
• Murry Park (36.1 acres)
• Porterville Sports Complex (72.7 acres)
• Santa Fe Sportsplex (12.0 acres)
• Veterans Park (26.5 acres)
• Zalud Park (14.6 acres)
• TOTAL: 173.7 acres
Trailways
For this Master Plan, trailways are linear paths, usually along a canal, watercourse, or old railroad right of way or an easement that provides access to canal trails or rail trails. Trail easements can vary in width up to 100 feet. The paths are usually a paved or DG surface from eight to 10 feet wide. Shade trees, bench seating, and trash containers are preferred.
Following are the Porterville Trailways:
• Butterfield Historic Trail (23.1 acres)
• Santa Fe Byway (14.3 acres)
• Tule River Parkway (48.3 acres)
• TOTAL: 85.7 acres
Specialty Park or Facility
Specialty Parks or Specialized Recreation, as identified in the 2023 Porterville General Plan, previously included the dog park at Porterville Sports Complex and the skatepark at Veterans Park, but for this study, they have been moved into the community park classification with their larger namesake.
Park Needs Consistent Throughout the City
Overall, each park’s needs are as follows. Most parks need ADA ramps to playgrounds or nearby public sidewalks, park ID signage, and rules signage. Each park should target playground replacement every 15–20 years or as needed. Playground wood chips or engineered Fibar are the preferred surfacing, but pour-in-place surfaces could be pursued in conjunction with a splash pad or as part of a larger park facility. Benches, trash cans, and picnic tables should be replaced and maintained. Lighting should be provided where possible, particularly solar lighting. Parking lots should be sealed and striped every two to five years. See Section 8 for a more detailed list of needed park improvements and renovations.
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-4
5.2.2 - DESCRIPTIONS OF EXISTING PARKS
Miniparks
CENTENNIAL PARK – 296 NORTH MAIN STREET
Centennial Park is a 0.4-acre site located directly
across from City Hall at the corner of Cleveland
Avenue and Main Street. This site is commonly
used for events at the center of the City. The park
features benches, a gazebo, a “Time Marches On”
post clock, a large mural, and landscaping. The
park is mostly grass that needs reseeding or
sodding in several areas. Synthetic turf should be
considered as a replacement for the existing lawn.
The area in front of the gazebo is used for bands
to set up and perform and needs to be increased
in size for both the performers and residents who
want to “get up and dance.”
LIME STREET MINIPARK – SW CORNER LIME STREET
AND BRIGHTWOOD COURT
This half-acre park is located on the
southwest corner of North Lime Street
and Brightwood Court. This park is a
stormwater detention basin that is
mostly grass with a few trees on the
upper banks of the basin. Two benches
within the park are located at the
northwest and southeast corners. The
park is fenced-in with one gated
entrance at the northeast corner.
LIONS MINIPARK – 191 WEST ORANGE
AVENUE
Lions Minipark is located just east of
the Orange Avenue and F Street intersection. This 0.3-acre site has open grass space and a playground with a wood chip play surface. The park has a children’s play structure and two non-ADA-accessible picnic tables without shade. The park space also has an existing wellsite building on the southeast corner. There is one entrance on Orange Street and a second one in the alley on the site's east side, used for maintenance vehicles.
There are plenty of spaces to sit,
including the lawn area to watch special
events at Centennial Park.
The upper slopes of the storm basin at Lime Street
Minipark are an opportunity for trails and benches.
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-5
NORTH PARK – 756 NORTH MAIN STREET
North Park is located on the southwest
corner of West Henderson Avenue and
North Main Street. This 0.2-acre site
consists of an open grass space with
several shade trees, a statue, and a picnic
table. The park is located east of Zalud
Park.
Neighborhood Parks
BURTON BALLFIELDS – 2375 WEST
MORTON AVENUE
Burton Ballfields is an example of a jointuse facility in the City of Porterville. The Burton Ballfields are located at Burton
Elementary School at the southeast
corner of West Morton Avenue and
North Westwood Street. The Burton School District maintains the two baseball fields located at the school. The 5.3-acre ballfield area consists of two baseball diamonds, bleachers, and field lighting.
FALLEN HEROES PARK – 356
E. CHASE AVENUE
Fallen Heroes Park is located
215 feet west of the Chase
Avenue and South Plano
Street intersection. The park
is 2.3 acres, consisting of an
open play area and play
structures. The site includes
restrooms, a splash park, tot
and pre-teen playgrounds, a
half basketball court,
concrete cornhole games,
shade structures over the
play equipment, and two
picnic pavilions. The field
area has a small, fenced backstop that allows parkgoers to play baseball, softball, or other field games. A nearly 1,000-foot walking trail and trailheads that join the Tule River Parkway encircles the site, allowing access to all the park’s amenities. A fitness equipment area was added to the eastern portion of the site and would benefit from new signage and shade sails.
The splash park and playgrounds at Fallen Heroes Park are a popular destination for all residents of Porterville.
This monument in North Park welcomes visitors
to the City of Porterville.
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-6
HAYES FIELD – 945 W. MULBERRY AVENUE
Hayes Field, a 7.5-acre park, is located south of the intersection of Mulberry Avenue and Stonegate Cove Drive and 650 feet west of Indiana Street. State Route 65 forms the western boundary, and the Porterville Town Center shopping mall is located on the south side. A duplex residential development is located to the east of the subject property. Hayes Field offers three softball diamonds with sports field lighting. A restroom and concession stand are located in the park. The site is mainly used for local softball leagues. Hayes Field has offstreet parking that could use improvements in restriping and lighting.
HENRY STREET PARK (PROPOSED) – NORTHEAST CORNER HENRY STREET AND PUTNAM AVENUE Henry Street Park is an
undeveloped park site north of
Murry Park on the northeast
corner of North Henry Street
and East Putnam Avenue. The
5.4-acre site contains a pond
area with an island in the
center. The City is considering a
variety of new uses for the site,
such as two picnic shelters with
two picnic tables for each
shelter, four trash containers,
90-degree parking for 20
vehicles off Henry Street, and
four to five disc golf holes.
Community Parks
MURRY PARK – 500 E. PUTNAM AVENUE
The 36.1-acre park is Porterville’s first City park. The park has undergone a considerable transformation over its nearly 120 years of existence. Early features no longer exist, but many newer recreational amenities have replaced them, such as four covered picnic pavilions and a picnic area without a covered shade structure, two children’s play areas, restrooms, and the 5,590-square-foot municipal swimming pool with restrooms/changing rooms and lifeguard office. The pool includes a zero-depth entry design with play equipment and a waterslide. The pool features a lap swim space, a diving board, and a dive tank.
Henry Street Park could be used for special events and
activities.
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-7
The Porterville Municipal Golf
Course forms the park’s eastern
boundary, and single-family
residential development is on
the south and west sides. A
segment of the historic Pioneer
Ditch still passes through the
park and is embellished with a
stone waterfall and rock
bridge. The centerpiece of
Murry Park remains the unique
pond surrounding an island that
attracts human visitors and wild
ducks and geese. The pond has
been restocked with fish every
year since the 1940s. A nine-hole
disc golf course is one of the
park’s popular features.
PORTERVILLE SPORTS COMPLEX – 2701 W. SCRANTON AVENUE
The 72.7-acre Porterville Sports Complex functions as a community park, drawing league competition from the surrounding communities. The Porterville Municipal Airport is located immediately east of the park. Scranton Avenue is on the north side, West Street is on the west side of the site, and a 3.2-acre solar farm facility is located south of the park. The facility features three playgrounds, 11 soccer fields, three football fields, two softball fields, a 1.7- acre dog park, a concession stand, restroom facilities, and off-street parking for over 300 vehicles. A new baseball field with sports lighting, backstop, and bleachers is currently in design.
VETERANS PARK AND SKATEPARK – 1501 W. HENDERSON AVENUE
The 26.5-acre Veterans Park includes a one and two-thirds-mile walking/jogging trail. The three covered picnic pavilions are often reserved for special events. The shelter nearest Henderson Avenue is named for the Porterville Breakfast Lions in appreciation of their efforts to help rebuild it. The shelter on the Newcomb Street side was sponsored by VFW Post 2001 and constructed by Boy Scout Troop 134 as a part of an Eagle Scout Project spearheaded by Venture Scout Jacob Gwilliam.
The duck pond is one of the most visited sites at
Murry Park.
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-8
An important landmark of the City
is the Porterville Area Vietnam War
Memorial located inside the
park. The design features a
polished granite panel that sits in
front of a UH1 "Huey"
helicopter. The memorial contains
a dedication and the names of 40
Porterville area men who lost their
lives in the Vietnam War. The
selection of a medivac helicopter
for the monument, rather than a
soldier or fighter jet statue, was
intentional. In addition to the
memorial, banners from the
Military Banner Program line the
lighted trail inside the park, honoring individuals who were killed in action.
The 15,000-square-foot fenced
skatepark is located on the west
side of the park. Features consist of
a six-foot half pipe, a nine-foot
combi-bowl, two sets of four stairs
with handrails, eight stairs with
handrails, eight stairs with Hubba
ledge, and a manual pad and step up.
A drinking fountain and shaded
spectator seating are located
around the skatepark's edges. The
skatepark would benefit from the
installation of four benches, 10 solar
night lights, and a separate
restroom.
Other park amenities include a children’s gated and shaded playground, a teq-ball table, and a nearby restroom facility. The City is planning a 1.72-mile connected ‘scenic loop’ trail around the interior of Veterans Park. The trailway at Veterans Park is significantly more than a sidewalk. It will be a dedicated, eight-foot-wide walking trail for jogging and strolling that will include benches, shade trees, and places to stop and enjoy the wildlife and scenery. The trail will include a bridge across the Porter Slough and connect to a new restroom facility, picnic shelters, and potentially a second playground area. The trail will have multiple points of access, including Henderson Avenue, Newcomb Street, and Grand Avenue, as well as from within Veterans Park.
The Huey Medivac Helicopter is a central feature of
Veterans Park.
The skatepark at Veterans Park could benefit from
additional design elements, benches, and shade.
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-9
ZALUD PARK – 700 N. EL GRANITO STREET
Zalud Park is a 14.6-acre park located
on the south side of West Henderson
Avenue between G Street and Main
Street. Zalud Park has two covered
pavilions, four picnic areas, and a
restroom. Zalud Park has many
different areas for activities, including
two softball diamonds, two lighted
tennis courts, a nine-hole disc golf
course, ping pong table, cornhole sets,
lighted basketball courts, a volleyball
area, and pickleball courts.
Zalud Park would benefit from an
additional 1,670 linear feet of five-footwide sidewalks connecting amenities and parking lots in the northern portion of the site to the southern portion.
Trailways and Parkways
BUTTERFIELD HISTORIC CORRIDOR TRAIL
The 23.1-acre Butterfield Historic Trail will run north and south through the City along the historic route of the Butterfield Stage Coach Line. The facility will utilize roughly seven miles of former Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) right-of-way now owned by the City between Tea Pot Dome Avenue/Avenue 128 to the south and the City’s northern city limits. The trail will extend further north to Avenue 196 in Strathmore. The facility will consist of a Class 1 nonmotorized multi-use path with amenities such as solar lighting, drought-tolerant landscaping, drinking water stations, refuse receptacles, benches, wayfinding, and controlled lighted crossings. The trail will consist of a 12-foot paved path meandering through the width of the ROW. It will provide connections to downtown, Zalud Park, Lime Street Park, Lion’s Minipark, Centennial Park, the Tule River Parkway, and Porterville College.
SANTA FE BYWAY/RAILS-TO-TRAILS TRAILWAY
The 14.3-acre Santa Fe Byway, previously known as Rails to Trails, is a converted right of way of the Santa Fe Railroad that runs north and south through the center of town from the Santa Fe School on Orange Avenue to Henderson Avenue at Fourth Street. The approximately one mile of trail will connect Santa Fe School and the proposed Sportsplex in the south to the new Community Center in the north. The existing trail will soon be upgraded to include more bench seating areas, water refill stations, lighted crosswalks with audible warnings, and new lighting and landscaping along the length of the trail to enhance the route. Parking is available at several downtown public lots. The route provides a safe and convenient opportunity for walking, jogging, or biking.
Bench seating at Zalud Park.
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-10
The new library will be located just south of the South County Justice Center and a recreation center/park at Henderson and Fourth Street.
The new Sportsplex will include lighted soccer fields, multi-use lighted arenas, pickleball courts, a picnic shelter, and a restroom.
The Santa Fe Byway and overall trail system would benefit from the installation of a 0.6-mile connection from its current terminus at Orange Avenue to the Tule River Parkway just to the south.
TULE RIVER PARKWAY
The Tule River Parkway is a signature 2.2-mile walking and bike trail that currently extends from SR 65 on the west to Main Street on the east, with planned phases for future expansion to both the east and west. The trail is accessible at Indiana Street, Jaye Street, Main Street, and along West Parkway Drive. Tule River Parkway provides access along the river from adjacent residential communities and will eventually connect to Fallen Heroes Park near Plano Avenue. Amenities that would benefit the users of Tule River Parkway include exercise stations, benches, dog waste stations, solar lighting, and landscaping. A review of ADA accessibility needs would include new walkway connections to future parks and residential communities and ramps where the existing grade requires it. The Tule River Parkway has the potential to eventually link with the existing Santa Fe Byway as well as the proposed Butterfield Stage Route Corridor, creating an interlinked system of trails throughout the City.
5.3 - Access to Parks and Facilities
Access to recreation facilities, including parks and playgrounds, trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities, is addressed in the ADA standards. This section also addresses each park classification's desired proximity and access to parks and leisure facilities.
5.3.1 - PROXIMITY/STREET ACCESS
Community parks should have access from major or secondary arterial roadways.
Neighborhood parks should have access from local streets or collector roadways. Miniparks may be accessed from local streets or cul-de-sacs. Park sites shall also be located to provide maximum accessibility from the areas to be served, meaning that they shall not be inaccessible to adjacent neighborhoods by development patterns, street layouts, block walls, or other obstructions to accessibility.
Mostly, trails (or Class I bikeways) in Porterville are either rail trails or located adjacent to the Tule River. Trails typically provide access to regional and community parks. Access to neighborhood parks and miniparks from the City’s trail system is acceptable.
Community members should be able to walk to a park within one-quarter to one-half mile of their residence. The exhibit, Figure 6-2, is a map of the City of Porterville with all the current park facilities, including the Fourth Street Park and Community Center, with a quarter to Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-11
half-mile walking radius identified around the center of each pocket or neighborhood park.
Other parks on the map include community parks. The map illustrates that for most residents in the City, access is available to some classification of park. SR 65 may be considered a barrier to walking, but the City still has sufficient access to parks on either side of the major thoroughfare. The City has provided the residents of Porterville with a series of trails along the Tule River and the abandoned rail lines.
5.3.2 - AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
Mandates
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that mandates equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. The ADA prohibits discrimination in access to jobs, public accommodations, government services, public transportation, and telecommunications.
This section will guide the planning and implementation of necessary park facility modifications over the next 15 or more years. The ADA evaluation is significant in establishing the City’s ongoing commitment to developing and maintaining policies, programs, and facilities that include all its citizenry.
The California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2 mandates that all publicly funded buildings, structures, and related facilities shall be accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. These regulations pertain to Porterville’s public buildings, parks, and facilities that were constructed using State, City, or municipal funds or that are owned, leased, rented, contracted, or sublet by the City. This section only identifies playgrounds and streets adjacent to a City park that need ADA access. The City has currently undertaken an ADA Transition Plan that will also evaluate ADA access to parks.
ADA Policies
Ensure that parks and leisure facilities are accessible to all citizens. Incorporate all design features required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which improves access to parks and park facilities for disabled citizens. Where necessary, retrofit existing park facilities so that they comply with the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act, affecting parking and access. To the extent practical, provide playground equipment that provides recreational opportunities to disabled children within Porterville parks and provide features such as trails and signs for visually impaired persons and park structures that accommodate persons who use wheelchairs. Where appropriate, provide park facilities that meet the recreational needs of senior residents.
To the extent feasible, ensure that trails are accessible to all residents. Incorporate design features, including suitable trail surface materials, which provide access to trails by disabled citizens.
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-12
Facility Evaluation
This Master Plan describes the process to complete the evaluation of Porterville’s parks and facilities and identifies the necessary modifications of playgrounds and adjacent streets to ensure accessibility. Evaluations were conducted with QK staff and the Parks and Leisure Services staff at each park site using digital photography to record both the availability of ADA access or lack of ADA access, as well as field notes. Table 5-1 summarizes the ADA access evaluation for existing park facilities.
Table 5-1
ADA Access Evaluation for Existing Facilities
Park or Trailway Name
Needs Ramp
Access from
Nearby
Street(s)
Needs Access to
Playground
Notes
PARKS
Centennial Park OK OK No playgrounds
Burton Ballfields OK N/A No playgrounds
Fallen Heroes Park OK OK Multiple play areas
Fourth Street Park N/A N/A Under development
Hayes Field OK N/A No playgrounds
Henry Street Park N/A N/A Under development
Lime Street Park OK N/A No playgrounds
No current ADA access
to open play space at
the bottom of the
storm basin
Lions Minipark X X One play area
Murry Park X X Three play areas
North Park OK N/A No playgrounds
No access is needed
from nearby streets
Porterville Sports Complex OK X Three play areas
Santa Fe Sportsplex N/A N/A Under development
Veterans Park X X One play area
Zalud Park X X One play area
TRAILWAYS
Butterfield Historic Corridor Trail N/A N/A Under development Santa Fe Byway OK N/A No playgrounds
Tule River Parkway OK N/A No playgrounds
KEY: X Requires ADA ramp(s); OK No ramps needed; N/A Not applicable \\\
Parks Master Plan Inventory and Needs Assessment Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 5-13
Recommendations Common to All Parks and Leisure Services Facilities • Ensure that all renovated and new development of parks and leisure facilities are ADA-compliant.
• Ensure that all parking lots meet the minimum standards for the number of ADAcompliant parking spaces and that connectivity from parking spaces has access to the adjacent path(s) of travel.
• Furnish and install ADA-compliant ramps and pathways to all playgrounds. • Furnish and install ADA-compliant picnic tables and drinking fountains in all new park facilities, replace picnic tables and drinking fountains where needed in existing parks, and ensure ADA access.
• Furnish and install replacement fixtures in restrooms to assure ADA compliance and furnish and install connecting walkways from the existing restroom area to other internal circulation walkways where needed.
• For areas where sidewalks are installed from existing or proposed parking areas to building entrances such as Murry Park, ensure that access is ADA-compliant. Ensure that sidewalk grades meet ADA standards. Ensure that marked crosswalks and curb cuts are installed when crossing public streets and main access drives. • Refer to Subsection 8.3 - Priorities for a list of renovations and new improvements that identify additional ADA access needs for existing facilities.
The City is currently preparing an ADA Transition Plan that should document access to ADA pedestrian needs throughout the City, including parks and leisure facilities.
Parks Master Plan Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 6-1
SECTION 6 - LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) ANALYSIS
Overall, the level of service (LOS), accessibility to parks, quality of facilities, and type of facilities available are excellent. While it is unlikely that the City will need substantial new parkland except as it grows and to meet the residents' desire for certain amenities at existing parks, areas within the City’s parks need improvements. There is also the need to revisit the existing park facilities and amenities to serve the community better, meet new trends, and provide the types of facilities that residents want.
Level of service (LOS) standards are guidelines that define service areas based on population that support a city’s investment decisions related to parks, facilities, and amenities. LOS standards can and will change over time. As the population increases, the need to acquire additional land and develop parks increases, as will the costs.
LOS standards for the City of Porterville were evaluated using a combination of local, regional, and national resources, including:
• 2030 General Plan Policy Document (Open Space and Conservation and Parks, Schools, and Community Facilities Elements).
• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2023 guidelines. • Other standards from Parks Master Plans from communities in the region. • Community stakeholder and City staff input and general observations. This allows standards to be customized specifically for the City of Porterville park system.
Several inputs are required to understand what the community needs to effectively determine the City of Porterville’s needs for park acreages and facilities. The following are the areas evaluated in this section.
• The collection of available information provided by the City Parks and Leisure Services Department and additional research such as community profile and demographics.
• Site visits and recordation of each visit using digital photography and field notes of all City parks and facilities with Park and Leisure staff. • Data analysis to determine inventory and condition of current facilities. • Evaluating local interests, regional and national trends, and determining what Porterville can extract from nearby communities.
• Determination of supply and demand within the community, including acres of parks per resident.
• Community input using stakeholder and community participation and community surveys.
• Developing recommendations for meeting the community's needs through an analysis of facilities.
• A review of national and regional guidelines and standards to help determine a suitable and comparable approach to meet the needs of Porterville residents.
Parks Master Plan Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 6-2
6.1 - Guidelines Comparisons
6.1.1 - NRPA GUIDELINES
According to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review, the typical park and recreation agency offers one park for every 2,287 residents served, with 10.8 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. However, park and recreation agencies are as diverse as their communities, and what works well for one agency may not be best for every agency. Historically, NRPA has created a hierarchy of park classifications and a set of acreage standards for different park classifications. For years, nationally accepted standards called for 10.8 acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents. But by the 1990s, the NRPA relaxed that, suggesting that each city establish its standard based on its growth patterns. Regional standards information for cities within California is shown in Subsection 6.1.3 – Regional Standards that follow.
6.1.2 - CURRENT CITY OF PORTERVILLE
The Porterville General Plan had established a goal of providing a minimum of five acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents within the city limits. The City currently has a population of 62,558 and 281.3 acres of parkland. This translates into a ratio of 4.45 park acres per 1,000 population. With this current ratio of 4.45 per 1,000 residents, the City has maintained a favorable proportion of parks within a comfortable walking or biking distance to many residents. The park acreage needs to increase by 19.2 acres to 300.5 acres by 2039, an increase of 1.28 acres per year or 6.4 acres every five-year interval, to maintain its current ratio of 4.45.
This Master Plan recommends that the City maintain its current ratio of 4.45 acres per 1,000 residents since it currently works for the community. This ratio is equal to or better than other California cities of comparable population and land area, with parks that are a comfortable walking or biking distance from most of the people who live there.
Extension of trailways and the City’s requirement for a private development to build parks in the communities they develop would likely help the City of Porterville achieve or exceed its preferred park acreage goals.
Park Acreage by Classification Summary:
Neighborhood and Minipark
• Porterville has eight neighborhood and miniparks containing 21.9 acres, resulting in
0.34 acres per 1,000 residents.
• The City needs more neighborhood and miniparks. At the City’s projected 2039 population, the City should include, at a minimum, an additional 1.28 acres of neighborhood and miniparks each year (or 6.4 acres every five years) to continue to meet this level of service standard. Neighborhood and miniparks should be within walking distance of one-quarter to one-half mile of most residents in new residential communities/neighborhoods.
Parks Master Plan Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 6-3
Community Parks
• Porterville has six community parks containing a total of 173.7 acres, resulting in 2.69 acres per 1,000 residents.
• At the City’s projected 2039 population, no new community parks will be needed. • The City should continue to add new amenities, improve parking lots, and install lighting at the Porterville Sports Complex.
Trailways
• Porterville has three trailways containing a total of 85.7 acres or approximately 12.5 linear miles of existing and planned trails, resulting in 1.32 acres or .19 miles of trail per 1,000 residents.
• The City of Porterville far exceeds the regional average for trailways per 1,000 residents. The regional average is 0.4 acres of trailways per 1,000 residents. • The popularity of Porterville’s trailways and the interest of many residents to walk, jog, and bike was evident at the public workshops. To meet the City’s standard of 4.45 parks per 1,000 residents, the City might consider substituting some of the 2039 goals of providing 19.2 acres of neighborhood and miniparks to expand the trailways system instead. However, that acreage should be within one-half mile of residents who live nearby. Trailways may also include eight-foot interior walking paths around natural features and amenities at Veterans Park. The City is planning a 1.72-mile connected ‘scenic loop’ trail around the interior of Veterans Park. The trailway at Veterans Park is significantly more than a sidewalk. It will be a dedicated, eight-footwide walking trail for jogging and strolling that will include benches, shade trees, and places to stop and enjoy the wildlife and scenery. The trail will include a bridge across the Porter Slough and connect to a new restroom facility, picnic shelters, and potentially a second playground area. The trail will have multiple points of access, including Henderson Avenue, Newcomb Street, and Grand Avenue, as well as from within Veterans Park.
Regional Parks.
• The City currently has no regional park or regional park standards. Still, it may consider using the Porterville Sports Complex for regional tournaments, which has the potential to share funding with surrounding communities.
6.1.3 - REGIONAL STANDARDS
Specific cities were selected to establish a consensus of what the average level of service for each park classification is due to their similarities to the City of Porterville. Similar criteria used to choose these cities were demographics, population, and size. The cities include Manteca, Madera, Tulare, and Los Banos (Table 6-1).
Parks Master Plan Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 6-4
Table 6-1
Regional Park Examples–Classifications and Standards
City Population
Number
of Parks
Total
Acres
Acres per
1,000
Residents
Porterville 62,558
Minipark and Neighborhood
Park
8 21.9 0.34
Community Park 6 173.7 2.69
Trails/Parkways 3 85.7 1.32
281.3 4.45
Manteca 85,792
Minipark 49 212.73 2.48
Neighborhood Park 3 11.33 0.13
Community Park 1 15.11 0.18
Specialized Recreation Park 8 152.96 1.78
Trails/Parkways 1 30.25 0.35
422.4 4.92
Madera 67,944
Minipark 4 3.42 0.05
Neighborhood Park 5 5.62 0.08
Community Park 3 99.3 1.46
Specialized Recreation Park 8 184.61 2.72
Trails/Parkways 7 20.57 0.30
313.5 4.56
Tulare 70,733
Minipark 3 3.16 0.04
Neighborhood Park 10 78.67 1.11
Community Park 4 85.4 1.21
Specialized Recreation Park 1 2.47 0.03
Trails/Parkways 1 60.61 0.86
Regional Park 1 10 0.14
240.3 3.35
Los Banos 47,044
Minipark and Neighborhood
Park
37 140.61 3.35
Community Park 3 75.79 1.80
Specialty Parks and Trails 5 47.95 1.15
Regional Parks N/A N/A N/A
264.4 6.3
Each city may have different classifications for park spaces. Nonetheless, most cities share the same designations. The park designations of neighborhood, community, regional, and special use parks contain specific amenities particular to each park type. Typically, a local agency that provides municipal services, including parks and leisure, would have a Parks Master Plan. The Master Plan would help establish goals and policies specific to that community to manage an adequate level of service as the demand increases (population growth). This allows the City to establish a new level of service criteria, if needed, for park facilities. Many factors can be attributed to a municipality’s level of service for parks and Parks Master Plan Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 6-5
leisure activities. The average consensus of the four parks with populations and areas similar to Porterville and a comparison to current Porterville standards is noted in the table below.
Table 6-2
Comparison of Park Acreage Regional Standards by Classification
Classification
Current Porterville
Standards
Average Standards of Four
Regional Cities Identified
Mini- and Neighborhood Parks 0.34/1,000 1.68/1,000
Community Parks 2.69/1,000 1.0/1,000
Trailways 1.32/1,000 0.4/1,000
Regional Parks No Available Standard No Available Standard Conclusion: The City’s current standards are equal to or better than the regional standards of comparable cities.
The Central Valley has a variety of examples of the ratio of acres of parkland per 1,000 residents in cities with comparable populations. Not all cities have information readily available, but the following 11 cities depict variances of 1.72 park acres per 1,000 residents (Delano) to as much as 6.3 acres per 1,000 residents (Los Banos). Table 6-3 below indicates that the City of Porterville is roughly better than the average of the cities identified at 4.45 acres per 1,000 residents.
Table 6-3
Acres of Parkland per 1,000 Residents
Comparison of 12 Central Valley Cities
Central Valley City # Acres of Parkland
per 1,000 Residents
Delano 1.72
Arvin 2.7
Hanford 3.08
Tulare 3.3.5
Atwater 3.37
Average 3.94
Porterville 4.45
Madera 4.56
Reedley 4.56
Manteca 4.92
Lodi 6.21
Los Banos 6.3
Parks Master Plan Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 6-6
6.1.4 - PROPOSED CITY OF PORTERVILLE STANDARDS
Park Acreage Standards and Distance Requirements by Classification • Neighborhood and Miniparks: 0.34 acres per 1,000 residents. • Community Parks: 2.69 acres per 1,000 residents.
• Trailways: 1.32 acres per 1,000 residents.
• Regional Parks: Typically, one per region based on 2.5 acres per 1,000 population of the region, although the standard can vary from region to region. The population of communities, both incorporated and unincorporated, within a 20-mile radius (30- minute drive) of Porterville is approximately 195,000 (East Porterville, Tulare, Exeter, Richgrove, Earlimart, Pixley, Terra Bella, Ducor, Woodville, Springville, Tipton, Matheny, Strathmore, Lindsay, Poplar-Cotton Center, and Porterville). A regional park could ultimately help service the City of Porterville and surrounding communities. The City of Tulare has a 12-acre Youth Sports Complex. A larger regional facility in Porterville could also serve the City of Tulare and neighboring communities.
Size and Distance Requirements by Classification
• Miniparks should have a minimum area of 5,000 square feet and a general service area of a one-quarter-mile radius.
• Neighborhood Parks should have a minimum size of one to eight acres and a one-halfmile radius general service area. • Community Parks should have a minimum size of eight to 20 acres and a general service area of a one- to two-mile radius; a three-mile radius is acceptable but not encouraged.
• A Regional Park typically averages between 25 and 100 acres and serves the city and surrounding communities.
6.1.5 - SERVICE AREA ANALYSIS
What is a Service Area? Service area distance radii are generated with the park location as the central radius point. When areas zoned for residential use fall outside graphic service area designations, that area may be underserved by existing parks. The service area analysis demonstrates that there appears to be nearly adequate coverage across the City’s residential areas with the current parks provided in the community park classification. During public outreach workshops with residents of Porterville, they preferred to see new parks primarily in the northwest area and secondarily in the southwest. For purposes of the workshops, the City was divided into quadrants. State Route 65 and Olive Avenue served as the dividing lines for the four quadrants.
Minipark and neighborhood park service radius coverage indicates that in the future, the northeast quadrant of the City should be considered for additional miniparks and neighborhood parks as the City continues to grow in that direction. The City should also Parks Master Plan Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 6-7
consider miniparks and neighborhood parks in the southeast quadrant, particularly if the City grows in that direction.
In addition to providing appropriate quantities and types of recreation facilities, the City strives to provide them in useful and appropriate locations. A Level of Service Area Analysis was conducted concerning all parks in the City. Proximity to parks is more than a convenience issue. It helps to establish an excellent Citywide park system by providing improved air quality, circulation, opportunities for social engagement, community identification, and health benefits. Proximity to parkland is one of the elements identified as predicting healthy levels of physical activity in the community. A survey of U.S. adults finds that people with access to neighborhood parks were nearly twice as likely to be physically active as those without access to parks.
Neighborhood and Miniparks Service Area Analysis
When we view the service areas of neighborhood and miniparks, Porterville parks are largely accessible to existing neighborhoods in the northeast and northwest quadrant (Figure 6-2). New residential development shall install new miniparks and neighborhood parks based on a walkable service radius of a quarter mile for miniparks and a half mile for a neighborhood park. To service some existing residents in the northwest and southwest, minipark(s) and neighborhood park(s) should be considered. A quarter-mile radius typically represents a five-minute walk, whereas a half-mile radius represents a 10-minute walk. Future neighborhood parks and miniparks will be developed as new subdivisions are approved and constructed. Figure 6-1 identifies the City’s current park and trailways locations. Figure 6-2 identifies the location of the current neighborhood, miniparks, and service radii. Figure 6-3 identifies suggested locations for neighborhood parks to meet the 2039 population growth for Porterville. Other locations could be considered.
Community Parks Service Area Analysis
When we view the service area of community parks, Porterville parks are accessible to most residents who live within a two-mile radius of the City’s community parks (Figure 6-2). A community park may be a future need if the population of the City expands primarily to the south and southeast. Figure 6-2 identifies current community park locations and their service area radii.
Parks Master Plan Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 6-8
Figure 6-1
Current City Parks Map
Parks Master Plan Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 6-9
Figure 6-2
Existing City Parks Map – 4.45 Acres per 1,000 Residents Parks Master Plan Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 6-10
Figure 6-3
2039 City Parks Map – 4.45 Acres per 1,000 Residents
Parks Master Plan Park Design and Development Guidelines
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 7-1
SECTION 7 - PARK DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
Design guidelines support consistency and quality in planning, building, and maintaining new and updated parks and facilities. The guidelines support the Master Plan vision and goals and provide greater detail on plan recommendations for builders and developers. The guidelines also allow for flexibility and creativity to respond to different conditions. Current and future Porterville parks and leisure facilities have unique situations, circumstances, and design challenges. The guidelines encourage best practices in park design that are customtailored to the geography and climate of Porterville.
7.1 - Use of Guidelines
The design guidelines should be used to discuss, review, and approve all new development or improvements to the park system. Porterville should use the guidelines to measure all projects for conformance with the intent and direction of the Master Plan. Developers and builders, designers and planners, decision-makers, staff, and members of the community should all use these guidelines when considering the following overarching questions. • Does the project exemplify the type of improvement or outcomes envisioned by the community as stated through the Master Plan vision, goals, and policies? • Will the project meet the intent of the respective park classification, with improvements that are compatible with the specific park type?
7.2 - Park Characteristics
7.2.1 - MINIPARKS
The smallest classified park in Porterville, the minipark, is defined as a small open space area serving the immediate neighborhood and can be reached by foot in approximately five minutes or less. Miniparks are located typically in small areas/parcels, usually considered outlots that would not otherwise be adequate for a neighborhood park. Miniparks are no more than one acre and can also be linear parks that separate the ends of cul-de-sacs or greenways connecting adjacent streets.
• Since miniparks are intended to serve the immediate community, they will vary in size and configuration depending on the availability of land. • Miniparks are not intended to service an entire community in the same way as a neighborhood park. Each should be created with the specific interests and needs of the immediate neighborhood.
• In addition to landscaping, miniparks may include a small playground (tot lot), picnic tables, barbeque(s), benches, and shade. Lighting is usually available from the adjacent streets. Other elements may be implemented to encourage active use of the public open space.
Parks Master Plan Park Design and Development Guidelines
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 7-2
7.2.2 - NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Neighborhood parks are small parks designed primarily for child-oriented and familyoriented activities. The parks serve people living within an approximately one-half-mile radius of the park and are within walking and bicycling distance of most users.
Neighborhood parks provide access to basic recreation opportunities for nearby residents, enhance neighborhood identity, and preserve open space. Neighborhood parks are generally parks that provide both passive and limited active recreation. • Neighborhood park sites should typically range from one to eight acres in size, and in some cases, the size can be as much as 20 acres when developed with the intention of the park having a dual use (storm drainage basin/park). For that specific instance, please see Section 8 for specific policies for dual-use parks. • The site should be reasonably central to the neighborhood it is intended to serve. • Access to the site should be provided primarily via local streets with sidewalks (not an arterial) and by non-motorized trails.
• Access routes should minimize physical barriers, such as steep slopes and major arterials.
• In addition to landscaping, neighborhood parks may include playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball (half or full court), volleyball, bocce, walking paths, and sometimes tennis/pickleball courts, and splash pad.
7.2.3 - COMMUNITY PARKS
Community parks provide active and passive recreational opportunities for a larger and more diverse user group. They will serve the City as a whole or a group of neighborhoods.
The park focuses on community-based recreation, athletics, and open space. Typical sizes for community parks can range from eight to 20 acres. The park will service an area ranging from one mile to as much as a two- to three-mile radius. Residents will typically drive to community parks, so off-street parking will need to be addressed. Community park facilities are most often oriented towards family and adult activities, such as tennis courts, community centers, swimming pools or splash pads, sports fields, walking paths, picnic areas, picnic shelters, and light fixtures. Playgrounds for pre-teens and tots and restrooms are preferred.
Restrooms are required when a splash pad is included. Parks that offer athletic field(s) and provide a venue for community athletic organizations may fall into this category regardless of size.
• Access to the site should be provided via collector or arterial streets with sidewalks and bicycle lanes.
• The site should front a public street.
• Access via bicycle lanes, bicycle routes, or paths should be included.
Parks Master Plan Park Design and Development Guidelines
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 7-3
7.2.4 - REGIONAL PARKS
Regional parks provide a focal point and gathering place for a broader community. As larger parks in size, regional parks are used by all community sectors, serving residents community-wide. Regional parks often include recreation facilities for organized sports and community activities and passive recreation space. Regional park sites should typically range from 20 to 100 acres in size. Some regional parks can be up to 250 acres depending on area growth, community needs, and preserved open space. Because of their large service area, regional parks require support facilities like parking and restrooms. A regional park should be designed to serve those within a 30-minute drive, usually between 50,000 to 100,000 people.
Access to the site should be provided via collector or arterial streets with sidewalks and bicycle lanes.
7.2.5 - SPECIALTY PARKS
A specialty park or facility covers a broad range of specialized park and recreation facilities, such as golf courses, historical sites, veterans’ memorials, community centers, water parks, tennis clubs, skateparks, dog parks, community gardens, disc golf courses, and other specialuse facilities. These parks may also include amenities shared with neighborhood or community parks and sometimes have regional appeal, such as a skatepark with competitive events. Special use sites may vary in size based on intended use. The site should accommodate the special use and necessary support facilities. Access should be provided via trails and collector or local streets.
The dog park at the Sports Complex and the skatepark at Veterans Park are classified as specialized recreation in the City’s 2030 General Plan, but this Master Plan includes them with the Community Parks classification since they are located within the acreage of those facilities.
7.2.6 - TRAILWAYS
Trails provide a linear path, usually parallel to a feature such as a watercourse, derelict railroad, or an easement that allows access to canal/railroad trails. Trail easements can vary in width up to 50 feet and sometimes wider. Trailways in Porterville serve as linear parks, often with amenities such as shade trees and other landscaping, benches, trash containers, picnic tables, dog waste stations, and sometimes exercise stations and drinking fountains.
Neighborhood and community parks should be located along or near the City’s trailways where possible.
7.3 - Design Guidelines
The following park classification guidelines are recommended to ensure that future parks in Porterville are the proper size and contain the appropriate amenities for their intended purpose. These classifications include recommended and optional amenities for each park Parks Master Plan Park Design and Development Guidelines
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 7-4
classification identified below. These are guidelines and are not meant to serve as requirements. Other amenities may be more appropriate and desired by the community that may not be identified here.
7.3.1 - GUIDELINES FOR AMENITIES BY PARK CLASSIFICATION Miniparks (5,000 square feet to one acre)
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
• Irrigated small turf and landscaped area, including shade trees near benches and picnic tables.
• Walking access via the local neighborhood.
• Signage to identify park name and park rules sign necessary for use. • Seating benches or seat wall.
• Children’s playground for ages 0–5 (minimum 1,500 square feet) with shade structure providing shade for the play equipment.
• Trash receptacles (minimum one per half acre).
• Minimum of two picnic tables.
• Other amenities as may be required by the Parks and Leisure Services Department.
OPTIONAL AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
• Family picnic area.
• Bicycle racks on a concrete slab.
• Drinking fountain.
• Barbecue.
Neighborhood Parks (one acre to eight acres)
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
• Perimeter walking paths with security lighting (solar-powered preferred). • Open turf area at least 125 feet by 200 feet or 180 feet by 300 feet for active recreation activities and youth/teen soccer for parks 3.0 to 5.0 acres. Minimum two open turf areas at least 125 feet by 200 feet or 180 feet by 300 feet each for parks larger than
5.0 acres or as determined by the Parks and Leisure Services Department. • Irrigated landscaped areas, including shade trees near benches and picnic tables or shade structure(s).
• Signage for park identification and posting of park use regulations. • Park benches and/or seat walls.
• Two children’s play areas, one for 0–5 years (minimum 2,000 square feet) and one for 5–12 years (minimum 3,500 square feet), with a shade structure providing shade for the play equipment.
Parks Master Plan Park Design and Development Guidelines
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 7-5
• One large or two small family picnic areas; minimum of two picnic tables plus a minimum of one table for each additional acre over one acre. • Basketball court (one court for every four acres and no more than two). • Sand or grass volleyball court.
• Trash receptacles (one per half acre).
• Bicycle racks on a concrete slab.
• Drinking fountain(s) Note: At least
one fountain shall have a bottle-filler
station and a pet-friendly fountain.
• Security lighting.
• Other amenities as may be required by
the Parks and Leisure Services
Department.
OPTIONAL AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
• Off-street parking, including ADA
stalls.
• Tennis courts with striping for
pickleball.
• Horseshoe pits and bocce ball courts.
• Group picnic shelter for larger parties.
• Chess/checker tables.
• Splash pad for parks greater than 5.0 acres (restrooms required).
Community Parks (eight to 20 acres)
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
Currently, the City has more than enough community parks to meet its current and future needs. The recommendations below are meant to provide the City with guidelines on whether they should provide the residents with another community park. These guidelines can also be used beyond the 15-year horizon of this Master Plan. • Lighted sports fields. Install a minimum of four athletic tournament fields: softball, little league, soccer, or football tournament or as directed by the Parks and Leisure Services Department in parks less than 18 acres. Install five athletic tournament fields: softball, little league, soccer, or football tournament or as directed by the Parks and Leisure Services Department in parks greater than 18 acres and less than 20 acres.
• Basketball courts (two courts for every four acres up to six courts). • Tennis courts with striping for pickleball (two courts for every four acres up to six courts).
• Perimeter and interior walking paths (five feet minimum width, eight feet preferred). • Open turf areas for active recreation activities.
Example of an outdoor exercise area, Fallen
Heroes Park.
Parks Master Plan Park Design and Development Guidelines
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 7-6
• Irrigated landscaped areas with shade trees near benches and picnic tables. • Signage for park identification and posting of use regulations. • Park benches and/or seat walls.
• Two children’s play areas, one for 0–5 years (minimum 3,000 square feet) and one for 5–12 years (minimum 5,000 square feet), with a shade structure providing shade for the play equipment.
• Minimum of three individual small family picnic areas. • Minimum two group picnic shelters.
• Sand or grass volleyball court.
• Restrooms.
• Trash receptacles.
• Bicycle racks on a concrete slab.
• Drinking fountain(s). Note: At least two fountains shall have bottle-filler stations and a pet-friendly fountain.
• Off-street parking, including ADA stalls to be determined by the City of Porterville. • Pet station(s) along the perimeter path.
• Lighting along sidewalks and court games, solar-powered preferred. • Other amenities as may be required by the Parks and Leisure Services Department.
OPTIONAL AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
• Shaded patio (minimum 1,500 square feet) with benches for gathering. • Horseshoe pits and bocce court(s).
• Community center.
• Splash pad.
• Skatepark.
• Dog park.
• Community garden.
• Disc golf.
• Outdoor stage/amphitheater.
• Outdoor exercise equipment area/exercise par course.
Regional Parks (20 to 100 acres, some may be larger depending on open space preservation or number of sports fields and amenities)
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
• Walking and hiking trails (minimum eight-feet width). • League soccer, football, and baseball fields to be determined by the Parks and Leisure Services Department.
• Two children’s play areas, one for 0–5 years (minimum 3,000 square feet) and one for 5–12 years (minimum 5,000 square feet), with a shade structure providing shade for the play equipment.
• Basketball courts (one court for every six acres up to 10 courts).
Parks Master Plan Park Design and Development Guidelines
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 7-7
• Tennis courts with striping for pickleball (one court for every six acres up to 10 courts).
• Off-street parking, including
ADA stalls, to be determined
by the City of Porterville.
• Trash receptacles.
• Restrooms.
• Concession stands.
• Drinking fountains. Note: At
least three fountains shall
have a bottle-filler station
and a pet-friendly fountain.
• Lighting for sports fields and
parking lots.
• Landscaped areas.
• Signage for park
identification and posting of
use regulations.
• Park benches and/or seat walls.
• Minimum two group picnic shelters.
• Minimum three individual small family picnic areas.
• Bicycle racks on a concrete pad.
• Other amenities as may be required by the Parks and Leisure Services Department.
OPTIONAL AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
• Nature or activity center.
• Outdoor stage/amphitheater.
• Volleyball (grass or sand), preferably near picnic areas. • Splash pad.
• Skatepark.
• Off-leash dog park.
• Open space preserves.
Specialty Parks (typically one-use parks)
• The primary use (only one use such as a dog park, a skateboard park, or a community gardens).
• Hardscape or turf area or both.
• Landscape areas.
• Signage for identification and park rules.
• Any resource or use that supports the primary use.
• Other amenities as may be required by the Parks and Leisure Services Department.
Example of shade sail structure over play equipment.
Parks Master Plan Park Design and Development Guidelines
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 7-8
Trailways (30-feet to 100-feet width)
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
• Signage/trailhead marker for trail identification
and posting of use regulations.
• Benches or seat walls placed at each major
entrance or major street crossing and located no
less than 1,000 feet apart.
• Shade trees spaced 25 feet to 40 feet.
• Bike racks on a concrete slab.
• Trash receptacles.
• Dog waste stations.
• Drinking fountain(s) (one at every trailhead
marker). Note: Fountains shall have a bottlefiller station and a pet-friendly fountain. • Concrete or steel bollards at street entrances.
• Asphalt or concrete paving.
• Other amenities as may be required by the Parks and Leisure Services Department.
OPTIONAL AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
• Portable toilets at main entrances/major streets.
• Off-street parking near the trailhead.
• Solar-powered lighting.
• Interpretive signage.
• Mileage/distance markers for walkers and runners.
• Exercise equipment/par course equipment.
• Pedestrian connection to nearby restaurants or retailers (i.e., bike shops, sporting goods, etc.).
7.3.2 - GUIDELINES FOR TYPE OF FACILITY BY POPULATION
The most preferred resident needs for City parks in the future include the expansion of amenities at the Porterville Sports Complex and meeting the needs for neighborhood and miniparks as the City grows. Typical guidelines for similar communities according to 2023 NRPA guidelines are as follows. These are recommended guidelines only and will ultimately depend on the community’s needs or interests.
• Playgrounds: one playground per 3,779 persons.
• Picnic Shelters: one picnic shelter per 5,000 persons. • Skateparks: one skatepark per 62,927 persons.
• Basketball: one court per 8,790 persons.
• Pickleball: one court per 13,870 persons.
• Tennis: one court per 16,556 persons.
Example of a dog waste station.
Parks Master Plan Park Design and Development Guidelines
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 7-9
• Diamond Fields: one field per 12,716 persons.
• Soccer Fields: one field per 7,207 persons.
• Synthetic Turf Multi-Purpose Field: one per 34,814 persons. • Restrooms: At least one restroom per 6,000 persons.
• Aquatic Center: one pool per 43,100 persons.
• Community/Recreation Center: one center per 30,000 persons. • Dog Park (off-leash): one per 54,119 residents.
• Trailways: 1.0 mile per 4,000 residents.
• Community Gardens: one per 52,906 residents6.
The popularity of pickleball among the residents of Porterville is evident. One pickleball court for every 13,870 is the NRPA standard, which translates to five pickleball courts. The City exceeds the NRPA standards for pickleball courts. Based on NRPA standards, Porterville may want to consider including the following amenities based on their current and future population in their 2039 plan:
• One medium-sized dog park.
• One and one-half community gardens.
• One lighted synthetic turf soccer field.
• Nine new playgrounds.
• Install additional trails and trail connections in addition to existing and planned trails (up to four miles suggested).
6 www.statista.com/statistics. Statista. Sports and Recreation Parks and Outdoors 2018 and https://www.nrpa.org/2023- agency-performance-review.pdf
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-1
SECTION 8 - ACTION PLAN
8.1 - Goals and Policies
Developing goals and policies is an important part of the Parks Master Plan process. The goals and policies provide overall guidance and vision for the future of parks and leisure within the community. They are based on the current inventory and population data, General Plan policies, and public input collected throughout the planning process. These goals and the following policies are not presented in any prioritized order. The goals and policies of the Parks and Leisure Master Plan are presented in two sections: Compliance with the Porterville 2030 General Plan and Goals and Policies Derived from the Master Plan Process.
8.1.1 - GOALS AND POLICIES OF THE PORTERVILLE 2030 GENERAL PLAN The City of Porterville General Plan states that following the adoption of the General Plan, a new Porterville Parks and Leisure Master Plan will be prepared as a guiding blueprint for the City Council, the Parks and Leisure Services Commission, and the public. In conjunction with the General Plan, this Master Plan will ensure the cohesive development of a parks and open space system that upholds the standards and goals outlined in the General Plan. In addition, the Master Plan will include a range of programs for all ages and interests. The following identifies the Master Plan’s compliance with the guiding and implementation policies contained in the General Plan.
Open Space
GUIDING POLICIES
OSC-G-1. Protect the Tule River Corridor… as significant open space resources.
Compliance: The Tule River Corridor includes an easement for trailways.
OSC-G-2. Use the open space system to meet multiple needs, including bike and trail linkages, stormwater drainage and treatment, wildlife habitat, and active and passive recreation.
Compliance: The open space in the City of Porterville includes bike and trail linkages, stormwater drainage and treatment, wildlife habitat, and active and passive recreation.
OSC-G-3. Design public open spaces as sustainable systems.
Compliance: Public open spaces shall be designed as sustainable systems.
IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
OSC-I-4. Establish standards for the management and maintenance of open space within subdivisions and require formation of open space acquisition and maintenance districts where necessary and appropriate, to protect open space resources.
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-2
Compliance: The Parks and Leisure Master Plan includes provisions for updates to the City’s Park Impact Fee Program.
OSC-I-7. Use native vegetation, drought-tolerant plants, recycled water irrigation, other water-saving devices, drainage swales, water percolation systems, and recycled building materials in public open spaces for ease of maintenance and environmental sustainability.
Compliance: The Master Plan includes policies for sustainability.
OSC-I-8. Provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities through improvements to open space and parks, construction of facilities, and sponsoring of programs that stimulate active resident participation.
Compliance: The Master Plan includes opportunities for renovations of existing parks and standards and guidelines for new parks that provide for various outdoor recreation opportunities and resident participation.
OSC-I-10. Work with property owners, law enforcement officials, and the public to protect open space resources. These efforts will include, but are not limited to:
• Soliciting volunteers to remove invasive vegetation.
• Removing abandoned items and trash.
• Ensuring no illegal encampments occur in open space areas.
Compliance: The Parks and Leisure Master Plan includes a policy for volunteerism.
Removing abandoned items and trash and ensuring no illegal impactments is an ongoing policy of both Parks and Leisure and local law enforcement.
OSC-I-11. Support regional and subregional efforts to acquire, develop, and maintain open space lands.
Compliance: The City of Porterville will continue to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions for open space acquisition, development, and maintenance of open space.
OSC-I-12. Establish priorities for open space preservation and acquisition based on an evaluation of:
• Significant natural areas that are historically, ecologically, or scientifically unique or are outstanding, important, or threatened.
• Wildlife habitats and fragile ecosystems in need of protection. • Watersheds or significant water recharge areas.
• Lands suitable for recreation such as biking, photography, or nature study. • Land suitable for agricultural production.
Compliance: Parks and Leisure Services will evaluate and establish priorities for new park sites.
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-3
OSC-I-14. Establish incentives to preserve open space in very low-density residential areas.
One option will be to allow the clustering of housing units on smaller lots in return for the preservation of common area open space.
Compliance: This will need to be addressed in the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance.
OSC-I-15. Preserve open space designated for public safety to minimize damage to people and property resulting from potential hazards. Such hazards include but are not limited to quaking, slope collapse, liquefaction, fire, earth sliding, flooding, erosion and siltation, soil compression, lateral spreading, and subsidence. An easement can be used to restrict development near safety hazards, travel networks such as bike or pedestrian paths, as well as near natural resources such as streams that require buffers for water quality protection.
The easement does not require the transfer of ownership of property but rather reduces the development potential of the land in order that it may continue to serve the necessary open space purpose.
Compliance: Some areas adjacent to existing water courses will include easements for trailways.
Parks
GUIDING POLICIES
PSCF-G-1. Establish and maintain a high-quality, enjoyable, and attractive public park system for the entire community.
Compliance: This has been and will continue to be an ongoing guiding policy for parks in the City of Porterville. The entire community includes all ages, incomes, abilities, and ethnicities.
PSCF-G-2. Provide park and recreation facilities within close proximity to residents they are intended to serve.
Compliance: The Parks and Leisure Master Plan includes policies for the proximity of miniparks, neighborhood parks, and community parks to the residents they serve.
PSCF-G-3. Ensure adequate funding for park and recreation facilities acquisition, development, operations, maintenance, and enforcement of park rules.
Compliance: The Park Impact Fee Program (in a separate document) will address the acquisition, development, operations, maintenance, and enforcement of park rules for park and recreation facilities.
IMPLEMENTATION POLICIES
PSCF-I-1 Prepare, adopt, and implement a Parks and Leisure Master Plan, including:
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• Plans for the development and acquisition of parks, recreation facilities, trails, and open space.
• Specific facility standards and guidelines for landscaping, lighting, signage, parking, and recreational equipment design.
• Performance guidelines to minimize water, energy, and chemical use and preserve wildlife.
• Recommended programs for parks and leisure.
• Programs for enforcement of park rules.
A comprehensive Master Plan will ensure that planned park, amenities, and recreational programs will serve the needs of all residents regardless of income or ability, including the physically disabled, and that recreational equipment meets passive (picnicking, walking, etc.) and active needs (sports and team activities) of the population. The Master Plan also shows how existing parks and leisure facilities will be improved to reduce maintenance costs and water use, along with improving safety and aesthetics.
Compliance: The Porterville Parks and Leisure Master Plan will meet the policies identified in the General Plan.
PSCF-I-2. Update park impact fees to fund the acquisition and development of land for park and recreation facilities, pursuant to the General Plan.
Compliance: The Parks and Leisure Master Plan includes policies for the updates to the Park Impact Fee Program in a separate document.
PSCF-I-3. Amend the Subdivision Ordinance to require that residential developers provide a minimum of five acres of neighborhood and community parks per 1,000 residents or pay inlieu fees. In-lieu fees can be used for any capacity-building park and recreation facility improvements.
Compliance: The Subdivision Ordinance will need to be updated in conjunction with the new policies and procedures of the park impact fee study contained in a separate document with this Master Plan.
PSCF-I-4 Establish additional funding for the acquisition and development of specialized park and recreation facilities to serve existing and future residents.
Compliance: The Parks and Leisure Master Plan will include policies for additional funding for the acquisition and development of specialized park and recreation facilities in the updated Park Impact Fee Program, applying for available park and open space grants, and other methods for funding.
PSCF-I-5. Require developers for new neighborhoods to agree to the establishment of, or annexation into, a park maintenance district in new neighborhoods.
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City of Porterville Page 8-5
Compliance: The City will require developers to build new parks in their neighborhoods and may be required to form a park maintenance district.
PSCF-I-6. Establish a program for contributions to the City’s park system by nonresidential developers based on their proportional share of needs generated and use of facilities.
Compliance: Nonresidential developers will also be required to provide a proportional share of park impact fees for new parkland in the City.
PSCF-I-7. Establish dedication and reservation requirements in the Subdivision Ordinance for open space, parkways, and trail systems in new residential developments.
Compliance: The dedication and reservation requirements for open space parkways and trail systems in new residential developments will be the responsibility of the City’s updates to the Subdivision Ordinance.
PSCF-I-8. Provide lighted facilities for active community recreation areas in order to extend usability whenever possible. Address compatibility with surrounding uses and use energyefficient lighting design with limited glare and spillover.
Compliance: Lighting will be required for all new neighborhood, community, specialty, regional, and trailways in parks and leisure facilities and will be installed where needed at existing parks and leisure facilities. Miniparks located near street lighting will not be required to install park lighting. Solar lighting is the preferred lighting for all new and renovated facilities.
PSCF-I-9. Design park and recreation facilities to be as flexible as possible so that they may adapt to changes in the population served and in the recreation programs offered. Changing neighborhood demographics can lead to different user requirements over the life of a park.
By having flexible park facilities, this will enable the park to adapt to the changing needs of the adjacent neighborhood.
Compliance: The Parks and Leisure Master Plan includes a section on current local, regional, and national trends in park and recreation facilities and a section on the City’s demographics.
The Master Plan process included public outreach to the City’s residents of all age groups and organizations to gather input on their interests and needs.
PSCF-I-10. Place neighborhood and community parks at the core of new neighborhoods and co-locate parks and school sites where possible, as depicted on the General Plan Land Use Diagram.
Compliance: The Parks and Leisure Master Plan states that all neighborhood parks should be located within a 10-minute walk (half-mile radius) from residents in the neighborhood, and community parks shall be located within a two-mile radius from the residents living there.
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PSCF-I-11. Combine use of park, recreation, and open space lands with drainage facilities and school facilities, where feasible.
Compliance: The policy will remain in effect for the extent of both the Porterville General Plan and the Parks and Leisure Master Plan.
PSCF-I-12. Evaluate the feasibility and benefit derived from relocating the existing Sports Complex to a more accessible location that can accommodate lighted fields.
Compliance: The Sports Complex is located in the southwest quadrant of the City along primary roadways and is less than two miles from State Route 65.
PSCF-I-13. Conduct community surveys as needed to identify unmet demand for park and recreation services. The Parks and Leisure Services Commission will take the lead in conducting and evaluating the survey.
Compliance: The Porterville Parks and Leisure Master Plan had two public workshops that included surveying the participants to identify needs and preferences. The survey was also posted on the City’s website for additional input. A survey also included interviewing local stakeholders for their input.
PSCF-I-14. Develop a safe and efficient trail network throughout the City that links parks and other key City destinations.
Compliance: The Butterfield Historic Trail, the Rails to Trails project, and the Tule River Trailway provide an efficient and safe way to link parks and key destinations to the residents and visitors in the City of Porterville. Trailways in the City of Porterville are an ongoing program.
PSCF-I-15. Continue to support the development of the Tule River Parkway bicycle and pedestrian path and the Rails to Trails project.
Compliance: The City of Porterville continues to expand on the trailways and install amenities along the paths.
PSCF-I-16 Work with the appropriate government agencies and local businesses to produce a bicycle map that shows touring and commuting bicycle routes, mountain bike trails, and school commute routes.
Compliance: The bicycle map is a future project once the trailways system has been completed.
PSCF-I-17. Involve citizens, especially the youth, in maintaining park areas through participation in park watches, citizen-based graffiti watches, and cleanup and repair.
Compliance: The Parks and Leisure Master Plan encourages volunteerism.
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Parks Master Plan February 2024
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GOALS AND POLICIES DEVELOPED FROM THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS.
GOAL. Increase capacity to meet future demand (population growth).
POLICY. Provide a range of park and recreational facilities to serve the needs of all residents.
POLICY. Establish and maintain a high-quality public park system for Porterville.
POLICY. Identify the community’s needs and interests through a public participation process.
POLICY. Integrate and provide for the addition of facilities and amenities as identified in this Parks and Leisure Master Plan.
POLICY. Maintain and improve existing facilities, parks, and trails as identified in this Parks and Leisure Master Plan.
POLICY. Develop criteria for incorporating restrooms in new and renovated community parks.
POLICY. Look at improving park user satisfaction in Porterville by increasing shade for picnic areas and playgrounds, making security enhancements, increasing maintenance staff, adding restrooms at specific locations, installing lighting where needed and appropriate, and developing other amenities.
POLICY. Integrate multigenerational activities, amenities, and events into new parks and existing parks where feasible.
POLICY. Implement area standards for dual-use parks. For parks utilizing storm basins to meet the park acreage requirements, basin depth, slope, and size shall be reviewed and approved by the City of Porterville Engineer.
POLICY. Develop new parks with high-quality park facilities that are durable and require low maintenance, wherever possible.
POLICY. The City should develop a policy for the use of inflatable amusement devices or bounce houses in City parks that require a reservation that limits the bounce house location, prohibits bounce houses that use water, and provides for the safety of its users.
GOAL. Provide a system of park classifications and amenity requirements for future parks that serve their intended purpose.
POLICY. Continue to maintain an even distribution of parks throughout the City based on the preferred service area criteria contained in this Master Plan.
POLICY. Adopt a long-term strategy to acquire and develop neighborhood and community parks as defined by the distance radii of a one-half-mile to two-mile service areas, Parks Master Plan Action Plan
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respectively, to maintain the Parks Master Plan goal of a minimum of 4.45 acres per 1,000 population.
POLICY. Pursue new improvements of the Porterville Sports Complex community park containing the types of amenities and facilities as outlined in this Master Plan to meet the future demand for recreation in Porterville.
POLICY. Pursue the development of the Porterville Sports Complex to ultimately serve as a regional park.
GOAL Develop a definitive program for the renovation of existing recreation facilities and the development of future facilities.
POLICY. The future of parks and leisure for the City of Porterville for the next 15+ years shall be determined by the goals, policies, and guidelines set forth in this Master Plan.
POLICY. Renovation of existing parks shall be accomplished according to the timing of available funding and prioritized set forth in this document.
POLICY. Design park facilities to be as flexible as possible to adapt to changes in the population served and the recreation programs offered.
POLICY. Retrofit existing parks, as appropriate, to reduce maintenance costs and water use and to improve safety and aesthetics.
POLICY. To improve the quality of life and health of our residents, consider a ban on the use of tobacco products at most, if not all, City parks and leisure facilities.
POLICY. Establish a plan for playground replacement and addition of new equipment where space is available at each park location where needed. Start with the highest priority first.
GOAL. Improve connectivity to parks.
POLICY. Continue to expand on the City’s trailways.
POLICY. Identify and fill in gaps in pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to parks, recreational facilities, and trails.
POLICY. Treat all trailways as linear parks with at least three or more amenities: shade trees, benches, trash containers, exercise stations, dog waste stations, drinking fountains, distance markers, and picnic tables.
POLICY. Include trailways as acreage when determining park acreage per 1,000 residents and update the General Plan accordingly.
POLICY. Pursue a system of solar-powered night lighting along the City’s trails.
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POLICY. Continue to provide a unified and consistently marked trail system throughout the City, including bikeways, pathways, sidewalks, and other trails that link key destinations in the City, including parks and leisure facilities, community facilities, public schools, Porterville College, and downtown Porterville.
POLICY. Include funding for trail acquisition and trail improvements in the Park Impact Fee Program.
GOAL. Work at achieving sustainable landscapes, parks, and facilities.
POLICY. Pursue the conservation of water in parks and facilities by updating irrigation systems; installing water-saving elements in buildings such as restrooms, concession stands, and community centers; and replacing high-water use landscaping such as lawn areas with drought tolerant and low-water use planting and hardscape materials where appropriate.
POLICY. Pursue development of green infrastructure by incorporating pervious surfaces and bio-retention features to recharge and cleanse stormwater runoff where feasible.
POLICY. Pursue the incorporation of energy-efficient features in parks and facilities, such as solar lighting, integrating solar-powered lighting and solar panels on rooftops and covered parking, and use of LED technology.
POLICY. Increase shade and the number of trees within the park system.
GOAL. Improve signage and wayfinding for parks in the City of Porterville.
POLICY. Seek to provide all new and unnamed existing parks with a park identification sign and method to name them, i.e., community involvement, park naming contests, etc.
POLICY. Seek to provide park rules signage at all City parks.
POLICY. Pursue the development of a wayfinding system for all community park(s) in the City.
GOAL. Expand financial opportunities.
POLICY. Acquire and develop parks and open spaces, consistent with the ability of the City to finance acquisition and operation to reach a functional goal of 4.45 acres per 1,000 residents.
POLICY. Develop a 15-year capital infrastructure and equipment plan that responsibly plans and guides park needs. A five-year capital plan for parks and leisure shall be formally adopted.
POLICY. Continue to track and pursue grant and funding opportunities.
POLICY. Investigate opportunities for donations, sponsorships, fees, and naming rights.
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POLICY. Create a master plan that will successfully compete with other communities for funding opportunities.
POLICY. Determine methods for increasing park revenues, such as fees to reserve picnic pavilions for family events and other large gatherings.
POLICY. Where feasible and beneficial to the City of Porterville, the City should advance partnerships with other providers or organizations, such as local and regional sports and recreation organizations, to help meet community needs.
POLICY. Encourage volunteerism and community-built projects, such as community gardens, dog parks, and bicycle skill courses.
POLICY. Pursue Landscape and Lighting Districts (LLDs) for operational funding to provide a dedicated funding source for park development and maintenance.
GOAL. Address accessibility, including park visitors with disabilities.
POLICY. Identify ADA access needs within and to City parks and make necessary improvements. Note: The City has hired a consultant who is working on an ADA Transition Plan for the City that includes ADA access needs for parks and leisure facilities.
POLICY. Ensure that miniparks and neighborhood parks have access from local streets and residential collectors and community parks have access from arterial roadways or major collectors.
POLICY. Pursue service area standards based on the following distance criteria for each park classification:
• Minipark: one-quarter mile radius.
• Neighborhood Park: one-half mile radius.
• Community Park: one- to two-mile radius preferred, up to three-mile radius acceptable.
8.2 - Opportunities: Renovations and New Facilities
The City is currently responsible for the maintenance of 281.3 acres of existing parks, trailways, and recreational facilities. Many of them have equipment and materials in need of renovation, repair, or replacement. Upgrades are constantly being made at all the parks and facilities, and with the development of a Capital Improvements Plan and a prioritized budget for repair and replacement, they can be better scheduled and better funded.
Items the parks need include playground equipment, picnic tables, bench replacements, parking lot improvements, park identification and rules signage, landscape replacement, and turf and irrigation management. Better access/sidewalks are needed in other parks, and safety features such as lighting or fencing may be required. These renovations and improvements are identified in Table 8-1. Needed improvements were identified on a site tour with City staff, discussions with stakeholders, and input from the community.
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8.3 - Prioritization
Prioritization of installation and maintenance of all City parks, trailways, and facilities is based on the following factors:
• Urgency of repair/replacement. (Is it likely to cause serious injury or harm?) • Frequency of public access. (What is the pressure to return to service?) • Availability for repair/replacement. (Can it or should it be replaced immediately?) • Cost of repair/replacement. (Can the costs be absorbed or postponed?) • Input from the City Parks and Leisure Services Commission and staff. • Input from the City Public Works staff (if needed).
• Input from the community.
• Input from the City Council.
Table 8-1 identifies a listing of park renovations and improvements and their estimated costs. Parks requiring renovations and improvements are ranked from high priority to low priority. An estimated cost for the renovations and improvements for each park project is identified in the column on the right. At any time, the City may consider that any one park or any specific renovation/improvement may need to take priority over another park based on several factors such as timing for a grant, concerns and changing needs by City residents, available funding, and so on.
The City’s parks were prioritized for renovations and new improvements in the following order:
1. Sports Complex
2. Veterans Park and Skatepark
3. Henry Street Park
4. Murry Park and Pool
5. Zalud Park
6. Fallen Heroes Park
7. Centennial Park
8. Hayes Field
9. Lions Minipark
10. Lime Street Minipark
11. North Park
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Table 8-1
Projects for Existing Facilities
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes PORTERVILLE SPORTS COMPLEX, 2701 W. SCRANTON AVENUE, 72.0 ACRES Phase 1 (0–5 years)
NOTE: The City should contract with a Landscape Architect/Engineer for the development of a comprehensive Master Plan that optimizes the new design parameters with the overall function of the existing park spaces, playing fields, programmed elements, and parking lots.
1 LS $12,500.00 $12,500.00
NOTE: Consider a re-design and revised layout to the parking area that maximizes the use of space and access prior to beginning paving.
Engineering is required.
1 EA $3,500.00 $3,500.00
1. Furnish and install 950 LF of bollard and chain system at the perimeter of parking lots to define the edge and restrict vehicle access to fields (south and west sides).
950 LF $41.10 $39,045.00
2. Furnish and install 14 new solar security lights for the northside parking lot.14 EA $7,000.00 $98,000.00
3. Furnish and install approximately 8,000 LF of 8-foot-wide asphalt trail around the perimeter of the park.
64,000 SF $8.00 $512,000.00
4. Install 1,500 LF of 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalk connecting restrooms and picnic shelters to trail and parking lots. 7,500 SF $8.00 $60,000.00
5. Furnish and install 200 new 24-inch box shade trees along the trail and furnish and install irrigation.
200 EA $500.00 $100,000.00 225 plus install
6. Furnish and install eight new benches with integrated shade cover and a trash receptacle at approximately 1,000-foot intervals along the proposed trail and connector walks. Trash receptacles should be located near proposed benches or
exercise stations.
8 EA $3,250.00 $26,000.00
7. Furnish and install eight new, exercise stations along the trail. 8 EA $18,000.00 $144,000.00
8. Furnish and install three new pet stations along the proposed trail.
3 EA $900.00 $2,700.00
9. Furnish and install new asphalt pavement, striping, and ADAcompliant connections for the 44,700 SF northwest parking area near the dog park.
44,700 SF $8.00 $357,600.00
10. Furnish and install 210 LF of chain on existing bollards. 210 LF $1.15 $242.00
11. Furnish and install two new east-facing, softball fields on the northwest side of the site, adjacent to existing fields. 2 LS $375,000.00 $750,000.00
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City of Porterville Page 8-13
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes
12. Furnish and install 10 new, solar security lights places for the northwest (dog park) parking lot.
10 EA $7,000.00 $70,000.00
13. Furnish and install 250 new 24-inch box shade trees in/around parking lots.
250 EA $500.00 $125,000.00 225 plus install
14. Furnish and install 150 SF chain-link sallyport and concrete pad at the entrance to dog parks.
150 LF $45.00 $6,750.00
15. Furnish and install an 800 SF paw (wading) pool’ near the dog park entrance area to cool and clean pets after play and before loading.
1 LS $7,800.00 $7,800.00
16. Furnish and install 50 new 24-inch box shade trees in the northwest (dog park) parking lot.
50 EA $500.00 $25,000.00
17. Furnish and install one baseball field with sports lighting, backstop, and bleachers.
1 EA $850,000.00 $850,000.00
Subtotal $3,190,137
Phase 2 (5–10 years)
NOTE: Consider a re-designed and revised layout that maximizes the use of space and access prior to beginning paving. Engineering is required. 1 EA $7,800.00 $7,800.00
1. Furnish and install one prefabricated ADA-compliant restroom unit at the southeast end of the park between the proposed soccer/baseball fields and the parking area.
1 LS $260,000.00 $26,000.00
2. Furnish and install a new ADA-compliant amphitheater space with a sound stage similar to the Woodlake CA amphitheater and sound/performance stage.
1 EA $3,500,000.00 $3,500,000.00
3. Furnish and install a 1,000 SF ADA-compliant concrete dance floor area in front of the amphitheater stage (do not reduce existing turf play area).
1,000 SF $6.50 $6,500.00
4. Furnish and install five new ADA-compliant picnic shelters (approximately 20-foot x 30-foot) on concrete pads
(approximately 1,200 SF) with up to six new ADA-compliant tables in each. Include 110V electrical access security lighting and potable water and connector walks at each.
5 EA $44,500.00 $222,500.00
5. Furnish and install 10 new trash receptacles at/or near proposed picnic pavilions.
10 EA $2,850.00 $28,500.00
6. Furnish and install five new BBQ units and concrete access pad – one at each pavilion.
5 EA $1,200.00 $6,000.00
7. Furnish and install new asphalt pavement, striping, and ADAcompliant connections for the 70,000 SF West Street parking lot.
70,000 SF $15.00 $1,050,000.00
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City of Porterville Page 8-14
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes
8. Furnish and install 12 solar security lights for the west-side parking lot.
12 EA $7,000.00 $84,000.00
9. Furnish and install two fully outfitted competition sand volleyball courts.
2 EA $15,000.00 $30,000.00
10. Furnish and install new ADA-compliant bleacher seating and pad for 50 spectators on one side of the proposed sand
volleyball courts.
1 EA $16,725.00 $16,725.00
11. Furnish and install two new 15,000 SF tot play structure areas (2-5 years old) and two new pre-teen play structure areas (5- 12 years old).
4 EA $225,000.00 $900,000.00
Subtotal $6,104,225.00
Phase 3 (10–15+ years)
NOTE: Consider a re-designed and revised layout for the parking area that maximizes the use of space and access prior to beginning paving.
Engineering is required.
1 LS $3,500.00 $3,500.00
NOTE: Consider the reuse of solar lights from Veterans Park if/when they become available.
12 EA $1,000.00 $12,000.00
NOTE: Existing OHV/BMX park to be relocated by City (not in current budget).
1 LS $65,000.00 $65,000.00 12 acres
1. Furnish and install new asphalt pavement, striping, and ADAcompliant connections for the 368,000 SF east parking lot.368,000 SF $15.00 $5,520,000.00
2. Furnish and install 375 new shade trees (15 gal.) at the east parking lot including irrigation.
375 EA $200.00 $75,000.00
3. Furnish and install 20 solar security lights for the east-side parking lot.
20 EA $7,000.00 $140,000.00
Subtotal $5,735,000.00
OPTION: Furnish and install solar / shade structures in available parking areas to provide additional electric power for park facilities and shade for vehicles.
62,500 SF $25.00 $1,562,500.00 1,250-foot by 50-
foot wide
OPTION: Furnish and install 7,400 SF of poured-in-place surfacing at the playground to reduce maintenance of fiber levels.
7,400 SF $20.00 $148,000.00
OPTION: Installation of performance stage with enhanced lighting and sound systems.
1 EA $365,000.00 $365,000.00 Poured concrete
stage/steps with
metal cover,
lighting, and
sound.
OPTION: Iraq War Memorial, location, design, and installation by others. 1 EA $1,000,000.00 $1,000,000.00 Parks Master Plan Action Plan
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Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes VETERANS PARK AND SKATEPARK, 1501 W. HENDERSON AVENUE, 26.0 ACRES
1. Furnish and install two new ADA-compliant picnic shelters (20- foot x 26-foot) with ADA-compliant tables, trash containers, security lighting, 110V power, and potable water at each. Locate in the ‘loop’ in the trail at the southeast corner of the park, between the existing walkway and the parking lot.
2 EA $42,000.00 $85,000.00
2. Furnish and install new wireless security cameras at the skatepark.
4 EA $1,100.00 $4,400.00
3. Slurry seal and restripe 12,500 SF Newcomb Street parking lot. 12,500 SF $2.75 $34,375.00
4. Furnish and install four new shade structures over existing picnic tables.
4 EA $2,500.00 $10,000.00 Belson STS765S
5. Furnish and install two park monument ID signs (one at/near each parking lot).
2 EA $12,000.00 $24,000.00
6. Furnish and install a new climbing wall/structure in the playground area.
1 EA $18,500.00 $18,500.00
7. Furnish and install three new ADA-compliant three-way (hi/low/bottle-fill) drinking fountains.
3 EA $7,000.00 $21,000.00
8. Furnish and install seven new 36-inch box shade trees at the parking lot and provide irrigation for each.
7 EA $900.00 $6,300.00
9. Furnish and install 15 new ADA-compliant trash receptacles to replace existing and missing.
15 EA $2,850.00 $42,750.00
10. Furnish and install two new pet stations along the walking trail. 2 EA $900.00 $1,800.00
11. Furnish and install four new shade structures over existing benches.
4 EA $1,650.00 $6,600.00 Belson STS765BA
12. Furnish and install seven new park rules signs at select locations. (Playground entry (2), skatepark (1), picnic shelters (2), and parking (2).)
7 EA $500.00 $3,500.00
13. Furnish and install 7,400 SF of replacement, engineered wood fiber in the existing play area. (Restore to recommended ‘safe’ levels.)
7,400 SF $2.35 $17,390.00
14. Replace 15 existing solar lights with new fixtures within 5-10 years. Reuse fixtures at other location(s).
15 EA $7,000.00 $105,000.00
15. Install a 30,000 SF dog park near the southeast portion of the park. (Locate away from picnic pavilions.)
30,000 SF $25.00 $750,000.00 30,000 SF
Subtotal $1,130,615.00
OPTION: Furnish and install 7,400 SF of poured-in-place surfacing at the playground to reduce maintenance of fiber levels.
7,400 SF $20.00 $148,000.00
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Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes OPTION: Installation of performance stage with enhanced lighting and sound systems.
1 EA $365,000.00 $365,000.00 Poured concrete
stage/steps with
metal cover,
lighting, and
sound.
OPTION: Iraq War Memorial, location, design, and installation by others. 1 EA $1,000,000.00 $1,000,000.00 HENRY STREET PARK, 5.4 ACRES – NEW INSTALLATION
NOTE: The City should contract with a Landscape Architect/Engineer for the development of a comprehensive Master Plan that optimizes park layout and design. The square footage and costs identified below are estimates only and subject to a final design and engineered site plan.
1. Furnish and install site grading per the engineered grading plan.
1 LS $5,800.00 $5,800.00
2. Furnish and install a new irrigation system for the entire (164,000 SF) site (Can be developed in phases).
164,000 SF $1.75 $287,000.00
3. Furnish and install 90,000 SF of hydroseed in proposed turf areas.
90,000 SF $0.70 $63,000.00
4. Furnish and install prefabricated four-stall restroom facility. (accommodate utilities and infrastructure).
1 LS $260,000.00 $260,000.00
5. Furnish and install 20 spaces of 90-degree internal parking along the Henry Street side of the site (4,800 SF).
4,800 SF $15.00 $72,000.00
6. Furnish and install two new 16-foot by 20-foot picnic shelters with 800 SF concrete pads.
2 EA $36,250.00 $72,500.00
7. Furnish and install two new ADA-compliant 8-foot, picnic tables for each (16-foot x 20-foot) shelter.
4 EA $1,850.00 $7,400.00
8. Furnish and install four new trash containers on concrete pads at or near proposed picnic shelters.
4 EA $1,280.00 $5,120.00
9. Furnish and install six new ADA-compliant park benches with concrete pads.
6 EA $1,650.00 $9,900.00
10. Furnish and install 1,500 LF of 5-foot wide concrete sidewalks connecting the parking area to the bridge, picnic areas, and other internal circulation walkways.
7,500 LF $8.00 $60,000.00
11. Furnish and install a lighted pedestrian crossing at the intersection of E. Putnam Avenue at its intersection with the western Murry Park entrance (Park Street) and Henry Street. (Incorporate traffic calming devices such as bulb-outs, markings, speed reduction paving, signage, and enforcement along this portion of E. Putnam.)
1 LS $45,000.00 $45,000.00
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Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes
12. Furnish and install 10 new solar security lights on 16-foot poles.
10 EA $7,000.00 $70,000.00
13. Furnish and install 24 new (36-inch box) shade trees along the perimeter.
24 EA $900.00 $21,600.00
14. Furnish and install 45,000 SF of landscaping along walkways and edges.
45,000 SF $2.25 $101,250.00
15. Furnish and install five new, disc golf holes on the site. (Make playable with holes at Murry Park.)
5 EA $1,000.00 $5,000.00
16. Clear the entire site of trash and unwanted vegetation, including the pond area and island.
1 LS $1,500.00 $1,500.00
17. Furnish and Install 8,000 SF landscaping (shrubs and ornamental grasses) on the pond island.
8,000 SF $2.25.00 $18,000.00
18. Furnish and install a 75-foot by 8-foot-wide pedestrian bridge from the internal walkway system to the island in the pond area.
1 LS $60,000.00 $60,000.00
Subtotal $1,165,070.00
OPTION: When improvements to Cleveland Avenue at the north of the park are completed, install 20 additional 90-degree pull-in parking spaces (4,000 SF asphalt paving with curbing and striping).
4,000 SF $15.00 $60,000.00
MURRY PARK AND POOL, 500 E. PUTNAM AVENUE, 36.1 ACRES
NOTE: City to contract with a Landscape Architect for design proposals for the establishment of a sustainable and naturalized solution to pond edge management. (Incorporate the use of bio-sensitive, permeable, vegetative edges along the perimeter of the pond that still maintain water access through a combination of concrete and natural edge solutions.) 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00
BY OTHERS: Pool and Restrooms/Administrative Building 1 LS $465,000.00 $465,000.00
1. Furnish and install 23,000 SF of new parking lot pavement, striping, and solar/security lighting in the new ‘upper’ parking lot across from the pool entry area.
23,000 SF $18.00 $414,000.00
2. Furnish and install a 35-foot-long by 8-foot-wide marked and signed crosswalk between the new upper parking area and the existing pool entry/exit area. An engineered plan is required. 1 LS $30,000.00 $30,000.00
3. Repair and replace 1,200 LF of new concrete embankment around the edge of the duck pond.
9,600 SF $12.00 $115,200.00
4. Furnish and install one new 30-foot x 50-foot covered picnic/event pavilion over the existing central picnic area pad. 1 LS $68,000.00 $68,000.00
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-18
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes
5. Furnish and install 250 LF of 5-foot-wide ADA-compliant concrete sidewalk from the existing pool entry/exit area to the lower parking area along Park Street. An engineered grading plan will be required.
1,250 SF $8.00 $10,000.00
6. Furnish and install 275 LF of 5-foot-wide ADA-compliant concrete sidewalk from Park Street access drive at the south end of the south parking lot to the existing sidewalk at N.
Corona Drive. (Connect to the 475 LF segment along the
parking lot.) An engineered grading plan will be required. 1,375 SF $8.00 $11,000.00
7. Furnish and install 475 LF of 5-foot-wide ADA-compliant concrete sidewalk along the interior side of the south parking lot to Park Street access drive. (Connect to 250 LF segment from the pool.) An engineered grading plan will be required. 2,375 SF $8.00 $19,000.00
8. Furnish and install three ADA-compliant concrete access ramps (with truncated domes) connecting ADA-parking stalls to internal circulation walkways and picnic areas. An engineered grading plan is required.
3 EA $4,200.00 $12,600.00
9. Furnish and install 640 LF of 5-foot-wide ADA-compliant concrete sidewalk along E. Putnam Avenue from N. Park Street to N. Park Drive. An engineered grading plan will be required. 3,200 SF $8.00 $25,600.00
10. Furnish and install 605 LF of 5-foot-wide ADA-compliant concrete sidewalk along E. Putnam Avenue from N. Park Drive to N. Leggett Street. An engineered grading plan will be required.
3,025 SF $8.00 $24,200.00
11. Furnish and install an additional 58,000 SF of slurry seal on Park Drive from the north-side parking lot to the south end of the south-side parking lot at the access drive (14,500 x 28). 58,000 SF $2.75 $159,500.00
12. Furnish and install 50,000 SF of slurry seal and striping to the northeast entry drive and parking areas.
50,000 SF $2.75 $137,500.00
13. Furnish and install 1,200 LF of the new 5-foot concrete walkway around the existing pond to allow access to the perimeter walk.
6,000 SF $8.00 $48,000.00
14. Furnish and install 1,230 LF of 5-foot-wide concrete over the existing gravel pathway connecting picnic areas.
6,150 SF $8.00 $49,200.00
15. Furnish and install a new restroom building near the north-end picnic areas.
1 LS $260,000.00 $260,000.00
Subtotal $1,858,800.00
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-19
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes ZALUD PARK, 700 N. EL GRANITO STREET, 14.6 ACRES
NOTE: Review course layout for the possibility of additional disc golf ‘holes.’
1 LS $1,500.00 $1,500.00
1. Furnish and install concrete paving over the existing DG trail from the southeast corner of the El Granito parking lot curving eastward to meet with the existing north-south trail.
4,360 SF $8.00 $34,880.00 545’ LF x 8’ W
2. Furnish and install one new ADA-compliant picnic pavilion (30- foot x 60-foot) with a concrete pad, just east of the El Granito cul-de-sac. Provide 110V electrical access, security lighting, and potable water supply.
1 LS $72,500.00 $72,500.00
3. Furnish and install 12 new ADA-compliant picnic tables in the proposed picnic pavilion.
12 EA $2,850.00 $34,200.00
4. Furnish and install 440 LF of 5-foot-wide ADA-compliant, graded walkway from the apex of El Granito cul-de-sac to the new proposed ADA-access ramp at Henderson Avenue parking lot.
2,200 SF $8.00 $17,600.00
5. Furnish and install 380 LF of the 8-foot-wide new concrete trail from the future Butterfield connection plaza to the dead-end sidewalk at the northeast end of the El Granito parking lot near the pump enclosure.
3,040 SF $8.00 $24,320.00
6. Furnish and install 120 LF of 6-foot-wide new ADA-compliant concrete access ramp from Henderson Ave parking lot to lower ballfield area and internal circulation path. (integrate with proposed amphitheater seating design).
720 SF $8.00 $5,760.00
7. Furnish and install an ADA-compliant curb ramp on the north side of the El Granito parking lot to access the existing and proposed internal circulation on the north side of the park. 1 EA $3,800.00 $3,800.00
8. Repair and resurface two existing basketball courts. 2 EA 3,250.00 $6,000.00
9. Furnish and install 10 new butterfly bushes around the north bioretention basin.
10 EA $60.00 $600.00
10. Furnish and install two new ADA-compliant benches on accessible pads at the north-side bioretention basin.
2 EA $2,850.00 $5,700.00
11. Furnish and install 70 LF of a 5-foot-wide concrete walkway to connect benches at the north-side bioretention basin to internal circulation paths.
350 SF $8.00 $2,800.00
12. Furnish and install four flora and fauna interpretive signs at the north-side bioretention basin.
4 EA $800.00 $3,200.00
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-20
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes
13. Furnish and install five new parking lot security lights at the El Granito Street parking lot.
5 EA $7,000.00 $35,000.00
14. Furnish and install 350 LF of 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalk along the east side of El Granito Street from the north parking lot entrance to the apex of the cul-de-sac.
1,750 SF $8.00 $14,000.00
15. Furnish and install 800 SF concrete amphitheater-style seating into the existing slope north of the existing north ballfield (utilize four-foot grade difference) (possibly incorporate proposed ADAaccess ramp from the parking lot to lower playing field surface). 1 LS $36,000.00 $36,000.00
AND/OR
16. Furnish and install two new bleacher sets (30-person with ADAcutout) on the home and visitor sides of the north ballfield.2 EA $12,500.00 $25,000.00
17. Demolish and dispose of 2,200 SF of existing concrete flatwork behind the northern baseball field backstop area and install new irrigated groundcover.
1 LS $2,580.00 $2,580.00
18. Furnish and install six 36-inch box-sized shade trees behind the northern baseball diamond. (Incorporate amphitheater and totlot areas.) 6 EA $900.00 $5,400.00
19. Furnish and install two new ADA-compliant shade structures over existing dugouts at the north ballfield.
2 EA $17,000.00 $34,000.00 Beacon Athletics
30 x 10 painted
steel cover
$13,000 and add
fence surround
and installation
20. Furnish and install three new ADA-compliant picnic table stations with concrete pads and trash receptacles at each. 3 EA $5,700.00 $17,100.00
21. Furnish and install eight new security lights in the existing Henderson Avenue parking lot.
8 EA $7,000.00 $56,000.00
22. Repair/replace four damaged, existing, disc golf baskets. 4 EA $500.00 $2,000.00
23. Slurry seal and restripe 22,300 SF El Granito Street parking lot. 22,300 SF $2.75 $61,325.00
24. Slurry seal and restripe 21,500 SF Henderson Avenue parking lot.
21,500 SF $2.75 $59,125.00
25. Furnish and install 130 LF of 5-foot-wide ADA-compliant graded walkway from pump station to baseball diamond landing area. 650 SF $8.00 $5,200.00
26. Furnish and install 100 LF of 5-foot-wide new concrete over the existing walkway along the west side of the existing basketball courts.
500 SF $8.00 $4,000.00
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-21
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes
27. Furnish and install universal access tot-lot play area/structure above the proposed amphitheater seating area. (Locate at the top of the existing slope and between the edge of the existing Henderson Avenue parking lot and the proposed Butterfield Trail Corridor to the east.)
1 EA $75,000.00 $75,000.00
28. Furnish and install one new ADA-compliant three-way (hi/low/bottle-fill) drinking fountain station just north of the north field backstop. Repair and utilize existing connection and location if possible.
1 EA $7,100.00 $7,100.00
29. Furnish and install 250 LF of 4-foot-tall wrought iron fencing around the proposed tot-lot play area/structure.
250 LF $60.00 $15,000.00
30. Furnish and install 12 new ADA-compliant trash receptacles on concrete pads.
12 EA $2,850.00 $34,200.00
31. Regrade and repair two existing baseball in-fields and furnish and install 57,000 SF hydroseed in outfields.
57,000 LF $1.00 $57,000.00
32. Furnish and install new sports lighting for both existing baseball fields.
1 LS $68,000.00 $68,000.00
33. Furnish and install two new disc golf holes. 2 EA $1,000.00 $2,000.00 Subtotal $826,890.00
FALLEN HEROES PARK, 356 E. CHASE AVENUE, 2.3 ACRES
1. Furnish and install approximately 7,000 SF of new rubberized playground tiles within five years (replace existing).
7,000 SF $22.50.00 $157,500.00 4,500 tiles (2.5-
inch thick and 20-
inch square) $30
each, plus
installation.
2. Repair and/or replace any broken or damaged fixtures in restrooms.
1 LS $6,200.00 $6,200.00
3. Furnish and install new letters/numbers where they are missing on existing trailhead pilasters within five years (two pillars).
1 LS $1,850.00 $1,850.00
4. Furnish and install shade sails (30 feet x 40 feet) over exercise equipment area. (1,200 SF)
1,200 SF $27.00 $32,400.00 $15,000 (1,200
SF, four sails, five
posts, Shadetec
320).
5. Maintain existing 4,000 SF river rock ‘bio-swale’ and central drainage channel but work with Landscape Architect and/or Civil Engineer on design to reduce/limit future vandalism. 1 LS $5,600.00 $5,600.00
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-22
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes
6. Repair/replace concrete ‘corn hole’ structures within three years.
4 EA $1,450.00 $5,800.00 Four units @
$1,450 EA.
7. Furnish and install 10 new shade sails over the existing play structure and water play area within five years (replace existing).
1 LS $25,200.00 $25,200.00 $1,200 per
triangle (7) and
$1,400 (3) for
rectangle, plus
installation.
8. Furnish and install two new water spray guns in the splash park area (replace existing).
2 EA $3,600.00 $7,200.00
9. Furnish and install new paint in all restroom interior areas. 1 LS $3,600.00 $3,600.00
10. Furnish and install new shade sails over the bench seating area between restrooms and play areas (800 SF).
800 SF $27.00 $21,600.00 $10,000 (800 SF,
three sails, five
posts, Shadetec
320).
11. Add four new ‘no-touch’ hand dryers in restrooms. 4 EA $1,200.00 $4,800.00 Includes installation and
any electrical
upgrades.
12. Review site and amenities for any potential ADA accessibility issues. Upgrade walkways and ramps as needed.
1 EA $3,500.00 $3,500.00 Site Review and
Report.
13. Furnish and install new fitness zone signage within two years. 1 EA $800.00 $800.00 Subtotal $276,050.00
CENTENNIAL PARK, 296 N. MAIN STREET, 0.4 ACRES
1. Furnish and install eight new remote and/or wireless speakers that can be operated from a centralized ‘tech hub’. (Optional mount on poles, on building, or roll-in-place) (store inside the adjacent building for security purposes).
1 LS $32,500.00 $32,500.00 To be designed
and installed by
others.
2. Furnish and install a new sound system for the gazebo stage area.
1 LS $5,400.00 $5,400.00 To be designed
and installed by
others.
3. Furnish and install new electrical USB and HDMI ports and outlets at or near the gazebo stage per design.
1 LS $3,600.00 $3,600.00 To be designed
and installed by
others.
4. Furnish and install three new overhead solar lights on the mural wall to increase night-time visibility.
3 EA $1,250.00 $3,750.00 Includes fixtures,
wiring, and
conduit
installation.
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-23
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes
5. Furnish and install approximately 88 LF of eave lighting on the existing gazebo.
1 LS $600.00 $600.00 Includes fixtures,
wiring, and
conduit
installation.
6. Furnish and install one new ADA-compliant three-way water bottle-fill drinking fountain.
1 EA $6,700.00 $6,700.00 Includes fixture,
installation,
concrete pad, and
connection to a
potable water
source.
7. Aerate and install grass seed (overseed) on 11,250 SF of existing lawn area.
11,250 SF $0.55 $6,188.00
8. Furnish and install eight new sconce lights on the existing gazebo.
8 EA $280.00 $2,240.00 Includes fixtures,
wiring, and
conduit
installation.
9. Install up to 1,000 SF of new concrete pad (dance floor) for the stage/performance venue.
1,000 SF $6.50 $6,500.00
Subtotal $67,478.00
OPTION: Furnish and install 11,250 SF of new ADA-compliant synthetic turf.
11,250 SF $5.45 $61,313.00 Includes site
demolition,
preparation, and
new installation.
HAYES FIELD, 945 W. MULBERRY AVENUE, 7.5 ACRES
1. Furnish and install ADA-compliant concrete amphitheater-style seating on the slope east of the restroom/concession (40 LF with 40 LF of metal handrail).
1 LS $32,500.00 $32,500.00
2. Furnish and install one 24-foot long by 22-foot wide shade arbor at the east end of the restroom/concession structure. 1 LS $26,500.00 $26,500.00
3. Furnish and install security cameras at the
restroom/concession building.
4 EA $1,100.00 $4,400.00
4. Furnish and install eight exterior security lights at/near the existing restroom facility.
8 EA $7,000.00 $56,000.00
5. Repair/replace broken or missing fixtures in existing restrooms with new ADA-compliant fixtures.
1 LS $6,800.00 $6,800.00
6. Install approximately 500 LF x 6-foot high CMU wall along the eastern property line.
500 LF $285.00 $142,500.00
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-24
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes
7. Furnish and install 15 solar security lights on 16-foot poles in the existing parking area.
15 EA $7,000.00 $105,000.00
8. Paint the interior of all existing restroom/concession areas after repairs.
1 LS $3,600.00 $3,600.00
9. Paint the exterior of the restroom/concession structure (approximately 800 SF).
1 LS $3,800.00 $3,800.00
10. Repair/replace approximately 600 SF concrete patio flatwork around the restroom/concession building.
600 SF $10.00 $6,000.00
11. Furnish and install 110 LF of ADA-compliant metal handrail on the south side of the restroom building at the outside edge of the concrete walkway.
110 LF $50.00 $5,500.00
12. Furnish and install 135 LF of ADA-compliant metal handrail on the north side of the restroom building at the outside edge of the adjacent concrete walkway.
135 LF $50.00 $6,750.00
13. Slurry seal and restripe 42,200 SF of existing asphalt parking lot.
42,240 SF $2.75 $116,160.00 $2 SF for slurry
seal. $1 LF
striping @ .75 SF.
14. Furnish and install two ADA-compliant access ramps (with truncated domes).
2 EA $3,800.00 $7,600.00
15. Furnish and install two ADA-compliant gates from ADA-parking spaces to internal circulation walks (one to the north of the concession area and one to the south.)
2 EA $850.00 $1,700.00
16. Regrade, aerate, and over-seed the outfield turf areas of three baseball/softball fields (80,000 SF).
80,000 SF $0.65 $52,000.00
Subtotal $576,810.00
LIONS MINIPARK, 191 ORANGE AVENUE, 0.25 ACRES
1. Furnish and install approximately 3,900 SF of new concrete sidewalk from the entry gate to the existing playground area. 3,900 SF $6.50 $25,350.00
2. Furnish and install one ADA-compliant access ramp from the walkway into the existing playground area.
1 LS $3,800.00 $3,800.00 Concrete with
truncated domes.
3. Make structural and cosmetic repairs to the existing 500 SF pump house structure on the southeast corner of the site.
Repair/replace ‘dry-rot’ on exposed wooden eaves and fascia.
Repaint the building exterior and repair eaves. Repair/replace the existing roof as needed. Review the security of building locks and non-entry measures. Install security lighting on the structure. Add landscaping and irrigation at the front and sides 1 LS $10,500.00 $10,500.00
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-25
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes of the building. Paint ‘faux’ windows and doorways on existing openings. Generally, improve curb appeal.
4. Furnish and install a minimum of two security lights on 16-foot poles for lighting entry locations and amenities.
2 LS $7,000.00 $14,000.00
5. Furnish and install one new ADA-compliant 75-foot long zipline play equipment piece in the playground area to the north and east of the existing play structure.
1 LS $52,000.00 $52,000.00 28,500 plus
install.
6. Furnish and install a new 20-foot by 40-foot shade structure to protect the play structure area.
1 LS $42,800.00 $42,800.00
7. Furnish and install one ADA-compliant access ramp from the existing street to the existing sidewalk. (Locate near the entry gate and walk.)
1 LS $3,800.00 $3,800.00
8. Remove and dispose of approximately 285 LF of existing chainlink fencing materials surrounding the existing park area (east, north, and west).
1 LS $1,800.00 $1,800.00
9. Furnish and install 285 LF of new 4-foot black powder-coated chain-link fence around the east, north, and west sides of the existing park area.
285 LF $35.00 $9,975.00
10. Furnish and install one new maintenance access opening with two properly mounted, 4-foot tall by 6-foot wide, black powdercoated chain-link, swing gates with locking devices. Locate on the west side alley at/near the same location as the current opening with no gate.
1 LS $1,800.00 $1,800.00
11. Remove and dispose of 95 LF of existing chain-link fencing along Olive Avenue frontage.
1 LS $600.00 $600.00
12. Furnish and install 95 LF of new wrought iron fencing along Olive Avenue frontage with one, 4-foot-wide, self-latching, main gate at the same location as existing.
95 LF $60.00 $5,700.00
13. Furnish and install one new ADA-compliant drinking fountain with a bottle-fill station within the park boundaries.
1 LS $7,800.00 $7,800.00
14. Remove and replace two existing picnic tables and furnish and install two new ADA-compliant picnic tables with integrated overhead shade on existing pads.
1 LS $8,200.00 $8,200.00
15. Furnish and install two new ADA-compliant trash receptacles on 30 SF concrete pads at or near each picnic shelter.
2 LS $2,800.00 $5,600.00
16. Furnish and install two new ADA-compliant spring rider play equipment pieces in the existing play area (replace existing or missing).
2 LS $1,400.00 $2,800.00
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-26
Renovations and Improvements List QTY Unit Unit Cost Total Notes
17. Furnish and install one park monument ID sign. 1 LS $12,000.00 $12,000.00
18. Furnish and install one park rules and hours of operation sign. 1 LS $500.00 $500.00
19. Furnish and install 900 CF of new engineered wood fiber play materials in the existing playground containment area.
900 CF $5.00 $4,500.00
20. Repair and replace existing irrigation system, as needed, for existing 7,000 SF lawn area.
7,000 SF $0.70 $4,900.00
Subtotal $218,925.00
LIME STREET MINIPARK, SW CORNER OF LIME STREET AND BRIGHTWOOD COURT, 0.5 ACRES
1. Furnish and install 575 feet of ADA-compliant sidewalk around the top of the embankment to connect proposed bench
locations and create a walking path.
2,300 SF $8.00 $18,400.00
2. Furnish and install four new solar security lights on 16-foot poles.
4 EA $7,000.00 $28,000.00
3. Furnish and install four new ADA-compliant benches on 5-foot by 10-foot concrete pads around the top of the basin
embankment.
4 LS $1,650.00 $6,600.00
4. Remove and dispose of 350 LF existing chain-link fencing along Lime Street and Brightwood Court frontages. (South and west side chain-link to remain in place.)
1 LS $3,500.00 $3,500.00
5. Furnish and install approximately 350 LF of new wrought iron fencing along Lime Street and Brightwood Court frontages. 350 LF $60.00 $21,000.00
6. Furnish and install a park ID sign. 1 EA $8,400.00 $8,400.00
7. Furnish and install one new park rules and hours of operation sign.
1 EA $500.00 $500.00
Subtotal $86,400.00
NORTH PARK, 756 N. MAIN STREET, 0.2 ACRES
1. Furnish and install one new ADA-compliant picnic table on a 120 SF concrete pad.
1 EA $3,150.00 $3,150.00
2. Furnish and install one new ADA-compliant trash receptacle on a 30 SF concrete pad
1 EA $2,100.00 $2,100.00
Subtotal $5,250.00
BURTON BALLFIELDS, 2375 W. MORTON AVENUE, 5.3 ACRES
1. Furnish and install programmable lighting system in
coordination with school use needs.
1 LS $5,400.00 $5,400.00
Subtotal $5,400.00
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-27
8.4 - Facility Needs Summary
Facility Needs Summary from Community Input. This section is a key portion of the Master Plan that distills information from various public and staff input and other relevant studies and analyses. It distills them into a broader overall picture of parks and leisure in the form of facilities that can support the needs of the residents of Porterville to achieve the community vision, goals, and policies of the Master Plan. Since all the needs identification tools are directly or indirectly based on input from community residents, it is fair to assume that all the identified needs are significant to some, if not all, of the community. However, it is helpful to determine which needs have the highest priority level as perceived by the information collected. Input is derived from community surveys and community workshops.
The Facility Needs Summary establishes relative priorities; the more input on a particular need identified by the public, the higher the ranking. From this list, the facility needs as identified by the community are (in order of highest priority):
1. Court Games
2. More Playground Structures and
Creative Playgrounds
3. More Trails and Trail Connections
to Neighborhoods
4. Restrooms/Concession Stands
5. Splash Park
6. Indoor Sports Facilities
7. Community Gardens
8. Picnic Areas/Pavilions
9. Volleyball Courts (Indoors and
Outdoors)
10. and 11. Tie: Dog Parks and Outdoor
Amphitheater
12. Outdoor Exercise Equipment
(Stations or Outdoor Rooms)
13. More Senior Activities such as
Chess, Bocce, etc.
When asked to identify their preference for a new amenity at the Sports Complex, the community ranked their preferences in the following order.
1. Outdoor Pool or Splash Pad
2. More Picnic Areas/Pavilions
3. Gardens
4. Trails with Exercise Stations
5. Court Games
6. Outdoor Amphitheater
Example: Lowell Community Garden, Fresno,
California. Gardens can be a place where all ages
can participate and learn.
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-28
Facility Needs Summary from Stakeholder Input. The community and the stakeholders vary in their preferences for the types of most desired park and leisure amenities. The Facility Needs Summary establishes relative priorities; the more input on a particular need identified by the stakeholders, the higher the ranking. From this list, the facility needs as identified by the stakeholders are (in order of highest priority):
1. Splash Park
2. Trails
3. Court Games
4. Picnic Areas
When asked to identify their preference for a new amenity at the Sports Complex, the stakeholders ranked their preferences in the following order:
1. Outdoor Amphitheater
2. Trails with Exercise Stations
3. Tie for 3rd: More ballfields and Pool/Splash Pad
8.5 - Budget and Funding Analysis
8.5.1 - PARKLAND ACQUISITION GUIDELINES
Neighborhood parks should be centrally located within the neighborhood they serve.
Vehicular access should be provided through local neighborhood streets or residential collectors. Citizens should be able to walk to neighborhood parks without crossing a major arterial street.
The quality of the available land for the uses anticipated should play a defining role in locating potential community park sites. They should be located adjacent to a major arterial or collector street to provide easy vehicular, pedestrian, and other multi-modal access. The proximity of other park types should also be considered, as the types of activities found in a community park may overlap with other park functions. The service area for these other park classifications may be used partly as justification for or against a community park in a specific area.
Regional park facilities, because they may span several jurisdictions, should be acquired jointly with other agency support when feasible, such as the County of Tulare or other adjacent jurisdictions. The quality of the available land for the uses anticipated should play a defining role in locating potential regional park sites. They should be situated so that needed infrastructure, including major arterials, buses, and other transit capabilities, can be developed to support many visitors. They should also have access to multi-modal connections and be close to state routes and major arterials without forcing traffic through residential neighborhoods.
Parkland that exhibits quality natural site features, mature tree cover, water features, and other natural amenities could be considered for acquisition and preservation.
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-29
8.5.2 - COST PROJECTIONS
Cost projections for each of the park improvements are identified in Table 8-1. Cost data may vary based on the cost of labor, time of construction, materials, equipment, various contractor methods of determining prices, the competitive bidding environment, and market conditions. The opinion of probable project construction costs provided herein has been made based on reasonable practice experience and represents the best judgment as design professionals familiar with the construction industry. The Opinion of Probable Improvement Cost (OPIC) is subject to change based on revised quantities or changes in cost data and final engineering design. The estimate does not guarantee that construction costs, bids, or other costs will not vary from the OPIC contained herein. Prices may also vary depending on whether work is done by in-house staff or a hired contractor. See the table below.
Table 8-2
Cost Assumptions for New Park Development Project Cost/Unit Project Cost per Unit
Land Acquisition $60,000/acre
Planning and Design
• Neighborhood or Pocket Park $25,000
• Community Park $50,000
Park Development
• Neighborhood Park $375,000–$550,000/acre
• Community Park $200,000–$300,000/acre
• Regional Park $200,000–$250,000/acre
• Trail System $150,000–$300,000/mile
Additional Costs
• Administration Fees 6% of development costs
• Architecture/Engineering 12% of development costs
• Contingency 15% of development costs
Source: Various. Notes: Should assume 4% annual inflation
8.5.3 - FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Several sound and strategic funding options were identified to continue to build and maintain the parks and leisure system for the capital improvement projects presented in this Master Plan. Fiscally sustainable and realistic funding sources are essential to implementing a capital improvement plan, and there are significant existing funding sources to fund the capital improvement and operational costs. These sources include public sector grants, fees and tax measures, assessment districts, non-traditional methodologies, and a wide range of private and corporate foundation sources. The following is a comprehensive overview of those potential sources and funding mechanisms.
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-30
State of California Grant Programs
The State of California offers a wide range of grant opportunities designed to fund municipal parks and leisure needs. Many are directed only toward parks and related activity needs. At the same time, some have a primary goal of other community needs, such as water conservation, but can be leveraged to support a park’s needs. Some are funded through bond issues passed by the legislature or electorate, some through general fund revenue, and others as a pass-through of federal funding programs.
A major future development for 2024 is the expected California Climate Resiliency Bond Act (SB867), which would provide a wide range of funding alternatives, including the creation of parks and greenspace for their vital role in combating the effects of climate change. In March of 2024, California voters will vote on whether the State will issue a $15.5 billion general obligation “Climate Resiliency Bond.” The bond proposal needs to be approved by both houses and signed by the Governor to appear on the ballot in 2024. The proposal has already passed in the Senate with bipartisan support. The proposed bill notes that a majority of the funding must benefit ‘disadvantaged communities’ – defined by the bill to be communities “with a median household income of less than 80 percent of the area average.” Parks and greenspace development would secure a multiyear commitment of State funding for numerous grant programs benefiting local communities such as the City of Porterville.
The following is a brief synopsis of those programs, their current funding where available, and their websites to obtain more information:
STATEWIDE PARK PROGRAM (SPP) – FOUR CYCLES FROM PROPOSITIONS 86 AND 68 https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/1008/files/Final_Prop._68_SPP_Application_Guide_1.22.2019.pdf This competitive program created new parks and recreation opportunities in underserved communities across California. Assembly Bill 31, which created the SPP, was signed into law on September 30, 2008. Funding for the grant program was first made available through Proposition 86. Prop. 84 funded two rounds. Under the two Prop. 84 rounds, $2.9 billion was requested for $368 million in funding. Over 100 new parks were created, and 20 existing parks were improved. Subsequently, Prop 68, passed in 2018, has facilitated four rounds.
Future funding for projects that did not receive funding in Round 4 is expected to be funded up to $42 million in early 2024, and a fifth round is expected to be funded in early 2025 before funding is exhausted. Future funding will depend on the approval of future State bond issues.
OUTDOOR EQUITY GRANT PROGRAM – SECOND CYCLE IN 2024
The Outdoor Equity Grants Program (OEP) improves the health and wellness of Californians through new educational and recreational activities, service learning, career pathways, and leadership opportunities that strengthen a connection to the natural world. OEP intends to Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-31
increase the ability of residents in underserved communities to participate in outdoor experiences within their community, at State parks, and on other public lands.
Round two of OEP provides funding for California’s underserved communities, which will continue to advance the goals of the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative. Fifty million is expected to be awarded in 2024, with future funding dependent on State budget considerations and future bond issuances.
OUTDOOR RECREATION LEGACY PARTNERSHIP (ORLP) PROGRAM
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants Program - Land and Water Conservation Fund (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
grants.gov/search-results-detail/350903
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program was established in 2014 and is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. ORLP is a nationally competitive program targeting grant assistance to help economically disadvantaged urban communities with no, or almost no, access to publicly available, close-by, outdoor recreation. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or to substantially renovate obsolete, public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces. This program's funding for round seven will be available in early 2024.
PER CAPITA PROGRAM: $185,000,000 - FROM PROP 68
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30095
Funds were available for local park rehabilitation, creation, and improvement grants to local governments on a per capita basis. Grant recipients were encouraged to utilize awards to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and to address deficiencies in neighborhoods lacking access to the outdoors. The funds are made available for per capita grants to cities and districts in urbanized counties (counties with a population of 500,000 or more) providing park and recreation services within jurisdictions with populations of 200,000 or less. The last round of funding was in 2022, and future rounds are dependent on the passage of a future State parks bond issue.
RECREATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE REVENUE ENHANCEMENT (RIRE) PROGRAM - FROM PROP 68 https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30162
Funds were originally available for local governmental agencies that obtained voter approval between November 1, 2012, and November 30, 2018, for revenue enhancement measures to improve and enhance local or regional park infrastructure. Funds were awarded in several rounds, proportionally based on population, with a minimum award of $250,000. Current funding is limited, and future funding will depend on the passage of a future State parks bond issue.
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-32
REGIONAL PARK PROGRAM – PAST FUNDING FROM PROP 68
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29940
Competitive grants will create, expand, or improve regional parks and regional park facilities. Eligible projects include the acquisition of new or enhanced public access and use and development to create or renovate trails, with preference given to multi-use trails over single-use trails, regional sports complexes, visitor and interpretive facilities, and other types of recreation and support facilities in regional parks. Future funding will depend on the passage of a future State parks bond issue.
CA RURAL RECREATION AND TOURISM PROGRAM – CA PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/1008/files/Rural_Recreation_and_Tourism_Program_Application _Guide_7.1.2019_Draft.pdf
A new program funded under Proposition 68, competitive grants will create new recreation opportunities supporting economic and health-related goals in rural communities. Projects must be located in nonurbanized counties with less than 500,000 people and low population densities per square mile, as determined by the Department.
GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION FUND (GGRF)
http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov/about-cci
The GGRF provides new State revenues created from the cap-and-trade auction for the purchase of allowances to emit GHGs. Revenues from the cap-and-trade auctions are deposited into the State’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which is appropriated on an annual basis.
In previous years, two bills worked together to enact the $1.5 billion GGRF expenditure plan.
Together, they appropriated funding for many priorities, including the new air quality program enacted by AB 617, healthy forests and fire protection, vehicle replacement programs, Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program, transit capital, and operations. As new GGRF funding becomes available, a number of these programs can be leveraged to include parks-related infrastructure.
Federal Grant Programs
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS – HUD CDBG
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/ The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. Beginning in 1974, the CDBG Program is one of HUD's longest continuously run programs. The CDBG Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to 1209 general units of local government and states.
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-33
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE -OUTDOOR RECREATION- ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT, AND PLANNING GRANT
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/orlp-grants-2019.htm
Provides financial assistance to the states and their political subdivisions for the preparation of Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORPs) and acquisition and development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities for the general public to meet current and future needs.
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM – RTP https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/ This program was created to fund the construction and rehabilitation of trails for both motor and non-motorized usage. Although the program does not typically fund fitness equipment by itself, this can be included as a component of the overall project. There is a matching fund component to the grant, which can vary by state. The Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 (BIL) reauthorized the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) from Federal Fiscal Years (FFY) 2022 through FFY 2026 as a set-aside from the Transportation Alternatives SetAside under the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG). Increased funding is expected due to the Infrastructure Act's boost in support.
FEDERAL LANDS-TO-PARKS PROGRAM (FLP)
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1508/index.htm
The National Park Service’s Federal Lands to Parks Program assists communities in creating new parks and recreation areas. They accomplish this by transferring surplus federal land to state and local governments. The program helps to ensure public access to properties and stewardship of those properties’ natural, cultural, and recreational resources. The Federal Lands to Parks Program assists communities in acquiring land from the federal government.
They advocate on behalf of each community by ensuring they acquire the appropriate land and making certain of its permanent public recreational use.
FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY PROGRAM (NATIONAL)
A Guide to Federal-Aid Programs and Projects - Federal-aid Program Administration - Federal Highway Administration (dot.gov)
National Highway System funds may be used to construct bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways on land adjacent to any highway on the National Highway System, including interstate highways. Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds may be used for either the construction of bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways or nonconstruction projects (such as maps, brochures, and public service announcements) related to safe bicycle use and walking.
Programs | Federal Highway Administration (dot.gov) Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program funds may be used to construct bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways or non-construction projects (such as maps, brochures, and public Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-34
service announcements) related to safe bicycle use. Recreational Trails Program funds may be used for all kinds of trail projects.
LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND
https://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/lwcf/contact_list.html The LWCF Program gives matching grants to states and local governments to acquire and develop public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The program’s intent is to create and maintain a legacy of high-quality recreational areas and facilities and to stimulate nonfederal investments to protect and maintain recreational resources across the United States.
A new round of funding is expected in early 2025 with $225 million in federal funds with a maximum request of $6 million per agency project on a 50 percent match.
TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP)
https://www.adaptationclearinghouse.org/resources/fhwa-transportation-alternativesprogram.html The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act authorized the Transportation Alternatives Program to fund programs and projects defined as transportation alternatives.
This would include on- and off-road facilities, community improvement activities, and recreational trails programs.
Benefit Assessment Districts
Assessment districts have been in use in California for the past 150 years. Local agencies, including cities, counties, and special districts, may establish assessment districts for the purposes of financing all or a portion of the cost of certain public improvements and services, such as parks and related facilities. Each property within an assessment district is assessed an amount sufficient to cover the proportional cost of the special benefit that it receives from the improvements or services that are paid for by the assessment. The following are some examples of assessment districts and their specific provisions.
MELLO-ROOS COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICTS
The Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 permits cities to establish a Mello-Roos Community Facilities District (a “CFD”), which allows for financing of public improvements and services. The services and improvements that Mello-Roos CFDs can finance include streets, sewer systems and other basic infrastructure, police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, schools, parks, libraries, museums, and other cultural facilities.
CFDs are created by a sponsoring local government agency. The proposed district will include all properties that will benefit from the construction improvements or the services provided. A CFD cannot be formed without a two-thirds majority vote of residents living within the proposed boundaries. Or, if there are fewer than 12 residents, the vote is instead conducted by current landowners. In many cases, that may be a single owner or developer.
If the CFD issues bonds, special taxes will be charged annually until the bonds are paid off in Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-35
full. Often, after bonds are paid off, a CFD will continue to charge a reduced fee to maintain the improvements.
PROPERTY AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
More than 100 property and business improvement districts have been formed in California alone. These districts are found in downtowns, industrial areas, commercial corridors, and shopping destinations. Property districts place an assessment on property owners within a distinct downtown or commercial area. The local government collects the assessment, but unlike property taxes, the local government cannot use the assessment money for general purposes; instead, it must be used for specific services and improvements desired by the property owners.
The city or county will propose a new district by adopting a resolution of intention to form a BID. Types of improvements and activities to be financed are specified at this time. Then, public notice must be provided, and a public hearing will be held. If not protested by a majority of eligible businesses, the BID is established, and an advisory board is appointed.
Formation of the 1994 Act BID has stricter requirements, including the mailing of individual notices to all business owners who would be affected, in addition to public notices published in local newspapers. Once formed, the BID is limited to those types of improvements or activities that were specified during formation.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT
In some cities, property and business improvement districts go by the name of community benefit district. Typically, local rather than state legislation creates a community benefit district. Like property and business improvement districts, community benefit districts place an assessment on property owners that is used to fund ongoing services and improvements and must be periodically renewed with property owner approval.
LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT / MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT Some property improvement districts are formed with a limited purpose. Landscape and Lighting Districts are one such type of district. Landscape and Lighting Districts place an assessment on property owners in a commercial or residential area. The local government collects the assessment, but unlike property taxes, the local government cannot use the assessment money for general purposes; instead, it must be used for specific services and improvements desired by the property owners.
MULTI-FAMILY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
The multi-family improvement district is another specialized property district. Based closely on property and business improvement districts, multi-family improvement districts focus on providing services to apartments, condominiums, mobile home parks, and similar highdensity residential facilities. The district places an assessment on these properties – and any Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-36
intermingled commercial properties – to fund security, maintenance, tenant attraction, marketing, and improvements.
Tax Increment Financing
Designed to replace some of the uses of the old Redevelopment Act, Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFD) provide broad authority for local agencies to use tax increments to finance a wide variety of projects, including parks and open space facilities, as well as traditional infrastructure projects. The EIFD provides broad flexibility in what it can fund.
No public vote is required to establish an authority, and though a 55 percent vote is required to issue bonds, other financing alternatives exist.
COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION AND INVESTMENT AUTHORITY (CRIA) The CRIA law authorizes tax increments to be used in combination with the powers of former redevelopment agencies. CRIA focuses on assisting with the revitalization of poorer neighborhoods and former military bases. Similar in structure and function to redevelopment, a CRIA is more streamlined. Accountability measures are included to ensure that the use of the CRIA remains consistent with community priorities, and a 25 percent setaside is included for affordable housing.
ANNEXATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN (ADP)
ADP authorizes tax-increment financing to be adopted by consenting local agencies (a city and/or a county or special district) to improve or upgrade structures, roads, sewer or water facilities, or other infrastructure as part of annexing a disadvantaged unincorporated community. An ADP can be implemented by a special district either formed for this purpose or incorporated into the duties of an existing special district.
Local Sales Tax Measures
Local transaction and use taxes, known as sales taxes, are used by local governments to increase revenue and are always in addition to the State-imposed sales tax rate of 7.25 percent. California State law requires a two-thirds (66.67 percent) supermajority vote for approval of tax measures with revenue legally dedicated to a specific purpose. Tax measures designed to deposit revenue into the local jurisdiction’s general fund require a simple majority (50% + one vote) for approval. Communities have used this method to fund the long-term costs of park development and operational needs.
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT (IMPACT) FEES
Development and impact fees are one of many infrastructure financing tools available to cities to provide a funding mechanism for new public infrastructure and facilities required to serve new development in California communities. Development impact fees are not to be used to fund existing infrastructure deficiencies and are not intended to fund the reconstruction of existing infrastructure currently serving existing development.
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-37
Under the current law, a development impact fee is a monetary exaction other than a tax or special assessment that is charged by a local governmental agency to an applicant in connection with the approval of a development project for the purpose of defraying all or a portion of the cost of public facilities related to the development project. A development impact fee is not a tax or special assessment; by its definition, a fee is voluntary and must be reasonably related to the cost of the service provided by the local agency.
Parkland dedications (or fees in lieu thereof) can be imposed by a charter city pursuant to Government Code section 66477 ("the Quimby Act"). The Quimby Act is part of the Subdivision Map Act. To utilize this authority, the following conditions must be met: (1) the city's general plan or community plan must contain policies and standards for park and recreation facilities; (2) the requirement for dedication or fees in lieu must be imposed on new residential subdivisions by ordinance; and (3) the dedication or fees in lieu must be imposed as a condition to the approval of a tentative map to offset the impacts of new residential development.
The ordinance adopted by the City states the amount of parkland by acreage that must be dedicated to the City. By having a Quimby Act ordinance, the City is assured that some of its new parkland will be embedded within new residential subdivisions. Although there are some exceptions, typically the maximum acreage that can be required through the Quimby Act is three acres per 1,000 residents of the new subdivision.
Non-traditional and Other Funding Sources
There is a wide range of non-traditional revenue streams that can help fund a range of improvement and operational costs of park development and maintenance. This is an extensive list with a brief explanation for each one.
Business Sponsorships – This revenue source allows businesses to invest in the development or enhancement of new or existing facilities in park systems. Sponsorships are also highly used for programs and events.
Partnerships – Partnerships are joint development funding sources or operational funding sources between two separate agencies, such as two government entities, a nonprofit and a city department, or a private business and a city agency. Two partners jointly develop revenue-producing park and recreation facilities and share risk, operational costs, responsibilities, and asset management based on the strengths and weaknesses of each partner.
Community Groups – Many cities create and support community outreach efforts to develop friend groups that sponsor an individual facility, solicit private donations for park programs and facilities, and provide volunteer efforts for a wide range of activities.
Specialty Agreements – Many communities solicit agreements to grant special benefits to businesses seeking opportunities tied to parks or facilities. These can include naming rights to facilities, pouring rights to facilities providing food-related services, dedicated user fees Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-38
for access to certain facilities, concession management for food and drink-related facilities, ticket sales, and reservation fees.
Joint Powers Agreements – The City should consider involving school districts, special assessment districts, or the County of Tulare to share the costs of construction for the maintenance of recreation facilities such as a regional park. Revenue sources can be a combination of existing tax sources or new sources established on an individual basis.
Bonds – Includes Taxable Municipal, General Obligation (GO), and Limited Obligation bonds for funding or possible funding of improvements. For example, GO bonds give cities a tool to raise funds for capital improvement projects that are otherwise not funded by City revenue, such as bikeways, trails, and parks. As a result, GO bonds are typically used to fund capital improvement projects that will serve the community. If voters approve a bond proposition on an election ballot, the City is authorized to sell bonds up to the amount indicated in the proposition language to fund capital improvement projects that meet the public purpose of that bond proposition. Most bonds for parks are usually issued through the assessment districts that have been created.
Supplier Grants and Contributions
Many suppliers of park and playground equipment have long-standing programs designed to assist municipalities with the costs of park and playground development and equipment replacement. The actual list of suppliers who participate is lengthy and constantly changing; the following are some prominent ones who have historically assisted California communities:
American Parks Co.
https://www.americanparkscompany.com/blog/get-grant-money-for-your-playground/ Baseball Tomorrow
https://www.mlb.com/mlbcommunity/?content=programsandprogram=baseball_tomorrow_fund Fiskars Green Thumb
https://www.fiskars.com/en-us/special-feature/project-orange-thumb Good Sports
https://www.goodsports.org/frequently-asked-questions/
Grant Watch Search Engine
https://www.grantwatch.com/
Kaboom
https://kaboom.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjwpqv0BRABEiwA-TySwY5-
MMm7qBaifd9MXCSfxXroMxVi2dRKAGdtEZi8CjMJ7yQk4MptUBoCPAAQAvD_BwE Korkat Resource Guide
https://korkat.com/playground-grants/
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-39
Landscape Structures Inc.
https://www.playlsi.com/en/playground-planning-tools/playground-funding/online-grantresources/grant-resources-request-form/ Lowes Community
https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/ao_survey.form?x_gm_id=3659andx_section_id=1 437240andx_quiz_survey_id=47594
National Fitness Campaign
Fitnesscourt.com/2020-campaign
Noah’s Play
https://noahsplay.com/park-and-playground-grants/
Playworld Playgrounds
https://playworld.com/grant-guide
Shade Structures
https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/shade-structure-grants Private and Corporate Foundations
There are tens of thousands of private and corporate foundations established solely to grant resources and funding for a wide-reaching universe of causes. Within that wide universe are many who will grant funding for parks and recreation-related programs and facilities. These grants can be highly competitive and have different criteria, geographic areas served, and other qualifying guidelines.
Private foundations are usually established through the bequest of a large source of funds by an individual and family and are designed to make grants with annual proceeds from their core funding. Corporate foundations are established by operating businesses to provide funding for worthy causes in the areas and communities where they may have business operations or a customer base.
Each foundation must be independently researched, but the following list includes many who fund parks or outdoor facilities and programs, fund projects within California, and have a significant endowment upon which they draw.
An example of a foundation that offers grant funding is the Tony Hawk Foundation. Others listed below can be assessed at the websites identified.
The Tony Hawk Foundation
https://tonyhawkfoundation.org/skatepark-grants/
The Tony Hawk Foundation seeks to foster lasting improvements in society, with an emphasis on supporting and empowering youth in disadvantaged communities. In the U.S., the Tony Hawk Foundation supports the creation of public skateboard parks that promote healthy, active lifestyles. The principal focus of foundation grants will be to encourage and facilitate the design, development, and construction of new quality skateboard parks and Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-40
facilities located in underprivileged communities in the United States. International organizations or those seeking to fund anything other than the construction of a skateboard park in the U.S. may not apply for a Tony Hawk Foundation grant. Grants may range from $1,000 to $25,000 and are based on a one-time, single-year award, although they may be paid over more than one year if appropriate. The foundation may offer technical assistance on design and construction, promotional materials, and other information. The foundation may also facilitate support from vendors, suppliers, and community leaders. Tony Hawk Foundation offers grants twice a year. Grants are made available approximately every six months, and the grant application will be available approximately six weeks prior to each deadline.
ACHIEVE Healthy Communities (National)
http://www.achievecommunities.org/
Aegon Transamerica Foundation (National)
http://www.transamerica.com/individual/what-we-do/about-us/aegon-transamericafoundation AETNA Foundation (National)
http://news.aetnafoundation.org/press-release/foundation/aetna-foundation-opens-calllocal-nonprofits-cultivate-healthier-communities Aetna Foundation Obesity Prevention Grant Program (National) http://www.aetna-foundation.org/foundation/index.html
Albertson Foundation (National)
https://www.jkaf.org/about/
Allstate (National)
http://www.allstatefoundation.org/foundation_agency_owner.html American Express (National)
http://about.americanexpress.com/csr/comm_serv.aspx
American Trails (National)
http://www.americantrails.org/resources/fedfund/index.html Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation (National)
http://www.schmuckalfoundation.org/application
Bank of America (National)
http://www.bankofamerica.com/foundation
Better Bicycling Community Grants (National)
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Content_10052_10551_-1_CommunityGrants Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-41
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (National)
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/
BNSF Railway Foundation (National)
http://www.bnsffoundation.org/how-to-apply/
Challenge Cost Share Programs (National)
http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/ccsp/index.htm
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation - Quality of Life Grants (National) http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4435149/k.A6F7/Program_Over view.htm
CSX Beyond Our Rails – Giving Gateway (National)
http://www.beyondourrails.org/index.cfm/community/giving-gateway/ CVS Caremark Community Grant (National)
https://www.cvshealth.com/social-responsibility/our-giving/foundationgiving/community- health-grants Darden Restaurants Foundation Grants (National)
https://www.darden.com/citizenship/people/community-involvement Dog Park Fund – My Darling Theo (National)
http://www.mydarlingtheo.org/dpfhowitworks
Doris Day Animal Foundation (National)
http://www.dorisdayanimalfoundation.org/grants
Dorothy Patterson Foundation/Age Friendly Sarasota (National) https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/age-friendly-sarasota.html Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (National)
http://www.kauffman.org/
Ford Foundation (National)
http://www.fordfoundation.org/grants/organizations-seeking-grants Funding Factory (National)
http://www.fundingfactory.com
Home Depot – Building Healthy Communities Grant Program (National) https://corporate.homedepot.com/grants/community-impact-grants KaBoom! Community Partnership Grants (National)
http://kaboom.org/grants
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-42
Kaiser Permanente (National)
http://share.kaiserpermanente.org/group/grants/
Lilly Endowment Fund/GIFT (National)
https://lillyendowment.org/
LL Bean Charitable Giving Fund (National)
http://www.llbean.com/customerService/aboutLLBean/charitable_giving.html Lockheed Martin (National)
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/who-we-are/community/philanthropy.html M. Edward Morris Foundation Grants (National)
http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/about-maf/history.html Make an Impact (National)
https://makeanimpactnow.org/
Mattel Children’s Foundation (National)
http://corporate.mattel.com/about-us/philanthropy/childrenfoundation.aspx May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust (National)
http://www.adminitrustllc.com/may-and-stanley-smith-charitable-trust/ MetLife (National)
https://www.metlife.com/metlife-foundation/index.html
Muscle Milk Recovery Grant (National)
http://www.musclemilkrecoverygrant.com/
NRPA "Meet me at the Park" (National)
http://www.nrpa.org/disney
People for Bikes (National)
http://www.peopleforbikes.org/pages/grant-guidelines
Randolph Health Fund (National)
https://www.randolphhealth.org/foundation/grant-funding/ SD Bechtel Foundation (National)
http://sdbjrfoundation.org/the-foundation/
Shane’s Inspiration (National)
http://www.shanesinspiration.org
SRAM Cycling Fund (National)
http://sramcyclingfund.com/process.html
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-43
Surdna Foundation (National)
http://www.surdna.org/grants/how-to-apply.html
The Annie E. Casey Foundation (National)
http://www.aecf.org/
The Coca-Cola Foundation (National)
http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/community-requests-guidelines-application The David and Lucile Packard Foundation (National)
http://www.packard.org/
The Finish Line Youth Foundation (National)
http://www.finishline.com/store/youthfoundation/guidelines.jsp The McCormick Communities Program (National)
http://www.mccormickfoundation.org/grants.aspx
The Nutro Company ROOM TO RUN Dog Park Appreciation Project (National) http://www.nutro.com/about-us/nutro-community-initiatives.aspx The Rite Aid Foundation (National)
https://www.riteaid.com/about-us/rite-aid-foundation
W.K. Kellogg Foundation (National)
http://www.wkkf.org/what-we-do/overview
Zanvyl and Isabelle Krieger Fund (National)
http://kriegerfund.org/
Citigroup Foundation Grants - Global (Global)
http://www.citigroup.com/citi/foundation
USGA Golf
https://www.accessgolf.org/grants/
Miscellaneous Support Sources
Additional opportunities exist within Tulare County to garner support through nonprofit agencies, homeowner associations, colleges and universities, medical centers and hospitals, neighboring community facilities, and private facilities. These groups develop, manage, and maintain a variety of programs and sites through independent, collaborative, and joint-use initiatives. As a result, Porterville residents may enjoy greatly expanded and enhanced parks and leisure experiences by leveraging these sources of support.
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-44
Private Entities
The City should evaluate opportunities to partner with private entities for public use of indoor programming space and gyms. For example, it may be possible to partner with private indoor gyms or sporting facilities to make amenities accessible to the public during certain days or periods. In return, the City could help fund maintenance and/or upgrades/enhancements to the private facilities if they help meet the City’s recreational needs.
Interagency Partnerships
Partnerships between agencies such as Tulare County Parks may be useful both in terms of providing increased facility access and programming.
Volunteers
Volunteers can increase the quality and quantity of public services at a minimal cost and provide an opportunity for citizens to contribute to the betterment of their community.
Some studies suggest that for every $1 invested in volunteers, a city can realize as much as $10 in benefits. With limited budgets, more local governments are expanding volunteer programs. Volunteer programs include individuals or groups who agree to take on specific tasks or perform certain services, such as maintenance, restoration, programming, capital development, and special event support. Volunteers may provide direct and indirect support to the park system. For example, a volunteer cleanup crew directly saves on paid maintenance tasks. Volunteer safety patrols (community groups) may indirectly reduce facility damage and vandalism, protecting City assets.
Community Organizations
The Parks and Leisure Services Department may craft agreements with various community organizations (clubs, HOAs, and others) for park improvements and sometimes operations and maintenance. Many parks agencies have worked with organizations that have developed facilities such as dog parks, disc golf courses, bicycle skills courses, and conservation projects such as native plant restoration. Community gardens are another type of facility often built or operated by community organizations. In some communities, neighborhood groups fund projects such as new playgrounds, and sports organizations help fund sports field improvements or, in some cases, provide some maintenance.
Parks Maintenance and Operations
Parks Maintenance and Operations. Maintaining and improving the parks and facilities at the expected high level for residents is costly. Currently, there is no reliable source of funding to pay for all of it. Landscape and Lighting Districts (LLDs) can provide funding for some parks and leisure facilities. The Parks and Leisure Services Commission makes recommendations to the City Council for some upkeep and capital repairs every year, but the need for greater funding still exists.
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-45
One of the needs identified by the community was the need for clean and well-maintained parks and facilities. Safety and vandalism issues are connected to this maintenance issue as the better-maintained and well-used parks and facilities are typically less likely to experience vandalism and crime. Without adequate staffing and funding, these needs cannot be met.
The City has many aging (or have aged) parks that need regular maintenance as well as replacement and improvements to overall amenities and park elements. Some of the work may be able to be funded through general funding, but many of the smaller items, like replacement of water fountains, new trash receptacles, and bench or picnic table replacement, are generally not.
The Parks and Leisure Services Department will need to closely monitor resources to ensure that the assets of the park system reach the anticipated lifecycles. It is recommended that the Parks and Leisure Services Department's maintenance funding grow to accommodate new park development in the future. As the system grows, the following guidelines should be utilized to identify the annual operational funding required to maintain additional park acreage:
• Athletic Field Parks:
o $12,000 - $15,000 per rectangular field
o $18,000 - $20,000 per diamond field
o $5,000 per acre
• Community Parks: $12,000 - $16,000 per acre
• Neighborhood Parks: $16,000 - $21,000 per acre
• Minipark: $18,000 - $25,000 per acre
• Trailways: $10,000-$15,000 per acre
• Specialty Parks: Costs vary depending on amenities
Note: Maintenance costs typically increase two to three percent annually to as much as six percent during a highly robust economy.
8.5.4 - STAFFING AND OPERATING EXPENSES GUIDELINES
Staffing Needs
The typical park and recreation agency has 3.6 FTEs7 on staff for every 10,000 residents living in the jurisdiction served by the agency. One way to view agency staffing is to measure it relative to the population of the area that the agency serves. A typical park and recreation agency with a population similar to Porterville’s current population of 62,558 and a 2039 population of 67,532 is staffed with 14 full-time equivalent staff (FTEs) and 15, respectively, that include a mix of full-time and part-time staff (Table 8-3). The following tables suggest 7 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-46
the FTEs that may be considered for staffing the City of Porterville Parks and LeisureServices Department.
Table 8-3
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Staffing Needs by Population Year 2023/24 2029 2034 2039
Population 62,558 64,511 66,022 67,532
3.6 FTE’s/10,000 residents 14 14.33 14.67 15
Operating Expenses
According to the 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review,
the typical park and recreation agency similar in population to the City of Porterville has annual operating expenses per capita of $99.75 (Table 8-4). The typical park and recreation agency with a population similar to Porterville’s current population should have annual operating expenditures of $6,895,625. The typical park and recreation agency spends $115,803 in annual operating expenditures for each
employee. At the typical park and recreation agency,
staffing costs account for 55 percent of the operating
budget. The typical park and recreation agency dedicates 38 percent of its operating budget to park management and
maintenance and 41 percent to recreation.
Table 8-4
Operating Expenses by Porterville Population Growth
Year 2023/24 2029 2034 2039
Population 62,558 64,200 65,900 67,532
$99.75 per capita $6,895,625 $7,031,430 $7,217,620 $7,396,140 How does this money get spent? What is the typical target for capital expenditures? The typical distribution of capital for parks is typically as follows:
• 55% for renovation
• 31% for new development
• 8% for acquisition
• 6% for other
8.6 - CIP
To continue building and maintaining the parks and leisure system, several sound and strategic funding options were identified for the capital improvement projects presented in The typical distribution of
annual operating
expenses is as follows:
• 55% on personnel
• 31% on operating
expenses
• 8% on capital expense
not in the CIP
• 6% for other
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-47
this Master Plan. Fiscally sustainable and realistic funding sources are essential to implementing a capital improvement plan. Many funding opportunities are available to help some of the capital improvement plan items identified in the Master Plan. The following describes an approach to identify and allocate funding resources for a capital improvement plan.
What park maintenance costs should be included in a CIP budget, and how much should be budgeted for it? Here are cost guidelines that the City of Porterville might use to identify ongoing maintenance costs associated with park facilities.
The Parks and Leisure Services Department will need to closely monitor resources to ensure that the assets of the park system reach the anticipated lifecycles. It is recommended that the Parks Division maintenance funding grow to accommodate new park development. As the system grows, the following cost guidelines should be utilized to identify the annual operational funding required to maintain park facilities. The following table represents the costs typically associated with the maintenance of park acreage by classification for similar Central Valley cities.
Table 8-5
Cost Guidelines per Park Classification
Classification Costs
Minipark $18,999 - $21,000 per acre
Neighborhood Parks $16,000 - $21,000 per acre
Community Parks $12,000 - $16,000 per acre
Regional Sports Parks and Athletic Field Parks
Per Rectangular Field • 15,000 - $20,000 per rectangular field Per Diamond Field • $29,000–$25,000 per diamond field
Other Facilities • $7,000 per acre
Specialty Parks Costs vary depending on amenities
Trailways $10,000–$15,000 per acre
Note: Maintenance costs typically increase 3-4% annually and as high as 6% during a robust economy.
Analysis indicates that current expenditures may not align with best practice costs as recommended in the 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review. The table below addresses the City of Porterville’s Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget compared with the recommendations of NRPA for communities with a population similar to Porterville's.
Table 8-6
Comparison of NRPA Standards with Porterville Standards Standard Porterville NRPA
Average # residents per park 3,706 residents per park 2,287 residents per park Operating expenditures per capita N/A $99.75 per capita Parkland per 1,000 residents 4.45 acres 10.8 acres
Typical agency operating expenses
(62,558 pop.)
$3,094,348 $6,895,625
Parks Master Plan Action Plan
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 8-48
Standard Porterville NRPA
Operating budget per acre (park
management and maintenance)
$11,000 $9,893
Average FTE per agency (based on
park acreage maintained)
10 FTEs 14 FTEs
Operating expenses per employee N/A $115,803
Percent of operating budget for staff
expenses
55% 55%
Percent of budget for management and
maintenance
38% 38%
Median five-year CIP budget $3.702 million X 5 $2.825 million X 5 Percent of CIP designated for
renovation
45% 55%
Percent of CIP designated for new
development
48% 31%
Percent of CIP designated for
acquisition
4% 8%
Percent of budget from General Fund 95% 61%
Note: The standards contained here are approximate and based on the most recent available information as provided by the Parks and Leisure Services Department.
Parks Master Plan References
Parks Master Plan February 2024
City of Porterville Page 9-1
SECTION 9 - REFERENCES
Rogers, P. (2019, May 12). State parks standstill: Why California hasn’t opened a new state park in 10 years. The Mercury News.
System, B. R. (2021). Americas Health Ranking United Health Foundation. Retrieved from Americas Health Ranking United Health Foundation:
https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/Obesity/CA Tulare County. (2018). Tulare County. Retrieved from Health Impact Assessment:
https://tularecog.org/tcag/planning/rtp/rtp-20181/health-impact-assessment/ U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). American Fact Finder. Retrieved from Community Facts:
https://data.census.gov/cedsci/
U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). Financial Characteristics. Retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau:
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/portervillecitycalifornia/HSG49522 1#HSG495221
U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). Selected Economic Characteristics. Retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau: https://data.census.gov/table?q=DP03
APPENDIX A
STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEW RESULTS
20+ years
76%
6-10 years
12%
16-20 years
8%
11-15 years
4%
H ousehold M embers Age Groups
2 33.3%
3 14.8%
4 14.8%
5 14.8%
1 11.1%
6+
11.1%
Sta keholder Survey
Demographics: Residency
28 (0-18 yo) (19-64 yo) (65+ yo)
53 7
Number of Residents Per Household
0 5 10 15 20 25
None
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
Several times/year
Park Usage and Transportation Mode
Usage in Past Year
How do you get to the park?
Number of Responses
85%
0%
15 %
0%
Park Use
Number of Users Per Park
N one
L ime S t. P ark
H ay es Field
S anta Fe B y way
Tule R iver P kwy
C entennial P ark
Fallen H eroes P ark
Zalud P ark/M useum
M urry P ark/Pool
S ports C omplex/Dog P ark/OH V P ark
V eterans P ark/S katepark
15 Number of Responses 10
5 0
No users:
4th St. Park & Community Center
Henry St. Park
Lions Minipark
North Park
B urton B all elds
C entennial Park
What K eeps P eople from U sing P arks?
Nothing (36 %)
Distance (4%)
Inc omplete Trails/Sidewalks (0 %)
P oor Intersec tions/Crossings (7%)
General Barriers/Access Issues (4%)
Inadequate P arking (14%)
ADA Issues (0 %)
Safety/Security/Crime (36%)
Participation in Park Activities
Participation in Park Activities in the Past Year
Walk/ Jog/ Bike
20 .9%
Picnic/ Outdoor Gathering
16.3%
Tennis/ Pickleball
14%
Other
11.6% Youth Soccer League
9.3%
Youth Baseball League
7%
Youth Football League
7%
Softball League
7%
Swimming
7%
Most Requested Facilities
Teen C lub
S kate/R oll P ark
Volley ball (Indoor/Outdoor
C ommunity Gardens
P laygrounds
S enior Ac tivities
Outdoor E xerc ise E quipment
R estrooms/C onc essions
B allfields
Disc Golf
Indoor P ool
Dog P arks
Trails
P ic nic /B B Q Areas
C ourt Games
S plash P ark
Other
25 Number of Responses
20 15
10 5
0 New Programs & Facilities
Playgrounds
Big Dog Park
Court Games
Soccer Fields
Outdoor Pool/Splashpad
Ball elds
Picnic Areas/Shelters
Trail with Exercise Stations
Outdoor Amphitheater
Other
30 Number of Responses 20
10 0
Porterville Sports Complex
Areas Where Parks Are Needed
Areas Where Parks Are Needed
W. of 65th, N. of Olive
38.9%
W. of 65th, S. of Olive
38.9%
E. of 65th, S. of Olive
16 .7%
E. of 65th, N. of Olive
5.6%
Sports Complex Most Requested Facilities
Communication/Messaging
Social Media
4 7.1%
Friends/N eighbors/Family
14 .7%
City Website
14 .7%
E-Mail
11.8%
C ity C ounc il M eetings
9%
Park Displays
2.9%
How the Community Learns about Programs & Activities
Public Opinion
Somewhat Satisfied
42.9%
Very Satisfied
38.1%
Not Very Satisfied
9.5%
Not at All Satisfied
9.5%
Satisfaction with Parks & Rec Facilities
Areas of Greatest Concern
Homelessness
C rime/S afety
R oads/S treets
Gangs/Graffiti
S ubstanc e Abuse
PAdequate arks/R ec
S tores/S ervic es
E duc ation
Other
None
20 Number of Responses 15
10 5
0 Stakeholder Comments
Add dog parks at the animal shelter and Veterans Park
Shade/shade structures
Sand volleyball courts
Quiet Garden yoga spaces
Murry Park: Fix pond edge, add sidewalks, add parking
Sports elds and Court Game Lighting
Homelessness dominates most parks, making them unusable More pocket parks
Add lighting/solar lighting at parks
Add designated vendor parking spaces
Add shade trees
Increase access to parks and trails
Add equestrian activity areas along the Tule River Corridor Provide public transportation to all parks and City venues Increase ADA access and provide dedicated transportation for seniors
Add jogging/walking path around the Sports Complex
More Indoor/Outdoor Sports Facilities and Programs
More Neighborhood and Dog Parks
Stakeholder Comments (Continued)
M ore C ity -sponsored swimming programs
Shade areas at parks, pools, and other parks/rec places Shaded poolside seating
Art installations
More and better-connected trails
Improve restroom maintenance
Explore open space opportunities around the airport
Too much heavy traffic at Sports Complex
C
Add security lighting and cameras
More large group/family pavilions
More adventure playgrounds/creative play areas/natural playgrounds/splash parks Safe bike routes to parks and bike security
Covered roller skating rink and performance venue with movie screen and sound system
reate a legacy plan with bric k pavers and dedic ation benc hes
APPENDIX B
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #1 SURVEY RESULTS
(0-18 yo) (19-64 yo) (65+ yo)
Number of Responses
74.9 1.5 5.2 %
18.4 Most Frequented Park
80 0
20 Lions Minipark
Number of Responses
Murry Park/Pool/Disc Golf
40 60
16.4%
12.7%
14.2%
5.2%
3.0%
6.0%
ADA Issues/Accessibility 3.0%
Santa Fe Byway
39.5%
Indoor/Outdoor
Basketball
5% Soccer
9.4%
6.7%
Participation in Park Activities in the Past Year
Participation in Park Activities
Number of Responses
Most Requested Facilities
Number of Responses
Areas Where Parks Are Needed
Sports Complex Most Desired Additional Amenities
Communication/Messaging
Social Media
35.7 %
Other
2.3%
City Council
Meetings
2.6 %
Materials on
Display at Parks
4.7 %
24.5 %
19.2 %
8.6 %
5.3 %
Number of Responses
Availability
Adequate
that you’re not in sports, and you’re left out as a teen.
Sprouts
time
at
of
Zalud
Zalud
it’s hot to get a court or late at night. Seeing more courts in the city would be great.
In & Out, and Chick-fil-A
APPENDIX C
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #2 SURVEY RESULTS
Public Opinion
Renovate and Improve
Renovate and Improve
Renovate and Improve
existing pool and deck
33.1%
access trail and promenades
21.8%
Install new restroom facility
20.3%
Install new shade structure
15.8%
existing parking lots
9%
I
sound & light system
nstall new performance venue and
35.3%
Install additional play equipment
24.8%
Install upgrades and extensions to existing trail
17.3%
Install a medium-sized dog park
12.8%
Install an Iraq War Memorial
9.8%
Improvements Ranked for Murry Park
Improvements Ranked for Veterans Park
Public Opinion
Install lighting along existing sidewalks and other areas
33.1%
Extend walking trail to north
2 6.8%
1.8%
e
Renovate and improvements
Improve and upgrade and
add holes to disc golf course
xisting baseball fields
20 .3%
Improve parking lot lighting on both lots
18%
New Location (TBD)
25%
Veterans Park
23.4%
Zalud Park
21.9%
Murry Park
15.6%
Sports Complex
14.1%
Improvements Ranked for Zalud Park
Which Park Should Have a Community Garden, Flower
Garden, Interpretive and Educational Gardens?
At the Sports Complex
41.2%
New Location (TBD)
23.5%
At Zalud Park
21.6%
At Murry Park
7.8%
Existing Splash Park at Heroes is enough
5.9%
The Best Location for a New Splash Park
Public Opinion
What’s the Community’s Priority?
Po
Percent of Response
rterville Sports Complex
Murry Park and Pool
Veterans Park
Zalud Park
Develop new parks
0 5
10 15
20 25
Community Comments
Primary concerns and impediments to park usage is the lack of adequate security lighting causing a feeling of insecurity in the mornings and evenings.
City is planning for additional / new Pickleball Courts.
A brief explanation of Park Impact Fees and revelation of the plan to increase fees for new developments.
There was an inquiry regarding the level of maintenance funding for existing parks and if there was an opportunity to increase it so turf and other amenities could be repaired and/ or upgraded? The comment was responded to by referring to the previous comments made regarding the Impact Fees and their ability to increase maintenance funding.
A comment was made regarding the perceived level of deficient weed control and turf maintenance in Parks, playfields, and the Golf Course in particular. Parks and Leisure Services Director responded by explaining that the lack of water due to extreme drought conditions over the last ten years has made turf maintenance and weed abatement a particularly challenging issue. The City properties are not allowed to water any more often than the rest of the citizens. The hope is that there will be an increase in available water supplies and that increased watering programs will begin to resolve some of the stated issues.
The comment was made that maintaining or increasing the current level of programming in the Parks keeps them active and busy and serves to deter itinerant residents.
A question from one of the high school aged attendees regarding working for the City to attain Community Service hours was directed to the City Staff. Staff responded enthusiastically, indicating that they are always eager to find ways to get student-aged residents involved in any of the multiple volunteer programs. Students can check the City’s website for a list of relevant opportunities.
An attendee also mentioned the fact that a local organization that plants and maintains native plantings along segments of the Tule River Parkway and also provides community service hours.
Problem with Parks: Is there anything this plan can address? Response from City: ‘Safety and homelessness is not in the purview / scope of this plan’.
Can we provide the City with a cost / recommended maintenance budget for Parks operation (staff and facilities)?
Provide for more community events at Parks.
Improve Maintenance to allow higher use rates.
Golf Course Suggestion: Take a day for each hole; shut down one hole at a time and aerate ground, remove weeds. and improve turf greens.
APPENDIX D
PARKS AND LEISURE SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING NOTES