56 CHAPTER 4: INVENTORY
Community Parks
Community parks serve larger populations of the community and they provide broader amenities and facilities than neighborhood or mini parks. The amenities can include a mixture of those found in a neighborhood park and additional features, such as tennis courts, aquatic facilities, community centers, play fields, and other specific facilities as needed for the community. Community parks offer a diverse range of active and passive recreational opportunities and attract all age groups, from youth soccer players to adult bocce ball players.
They are larger than neighborhood parks and are typically 15 to 20 acres in size. If park land availability is limited, a community park can be smaller in size and can still classify as a community park, provided that the amenities and activities are appropriate and they align to the standards of a community park. Community parks are designed for a one-mile radius of service and generally serve multiple neighborhoods. They can be accessible by multiple modes of transportation, such as walking, biking, and driving. The City of Scotts Valley currently has two community parks, Siltanen Park and Skypark, totaling 30 acres.
Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood parks typically serve their immediate, local neighborhood and are at a smaller scale than community parks. Amenities at neighborhood parks may include playgrounds for different age groups, general playing fields, lighting, restrooms, and parking. They can provide concentrated recreation activities and provide both active and passive activities, but these may be designed within a limited amount of space.
They vary in size and are generally 2 to 6 acres. Like community parks, they should be easily accessible and serve residents of all ages. Because neighborhood parks are intended for residents within a neighborhood, they should be within a 10-minute walking distance or less. They are designed for a quarter- to half-mile radius of service. Parking on-site may still be available due to the scope of activities and size. There are two neighborhood parks, Shugart Park and MacDorsa Park, totaling 12.23 acres. Shugart Park has been partially developed on land donated to the City by Al Shugart. It is intended to be a dog park. Preliminary design was complete in 2008.
Mini Parks
Mini parks are the smallest type of parks and are designed for special purposes and include limited activities per site. They can also serve a concentrated population or a specific age group, but they can also serve the wider community in the immediate area. Mini parks are intended to be accessed by walking but can still allow parking facilities, depending on the type of specific purpose or activity offered. They are designed for quarter- and half-mile radius of service and are usually less than 1 acre in size. For parks between 1 and 2 acres, they can be designated as Mini Parks or Neighborhood Parks, depending on the types of amenities provided at the park.
There are four mini parks totaling 2.52 acres. These are Gateway North Park, Vern Hart Fishing Park, Polo Ranch Park, and Hocus Pocus Park.
Open Space, Trails, and Undeveloped Parks
This park classification provides the foundation of the Scotts Valley because these areas play an important role in the identity of the community. Open space, trails, and undeveloped parks make up over 80% of the City’s total park land acreage. They provide passive recreation opportunities, including scenic viewing, and specific active recreation opportunities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and biking. These areas also protect the hillside forests, which provide essential character of the valley as well as habitat communities for conservation of natural and scenic resources.
CHAPTER 4: INVENTORY 57
CHAPTER 4
Open spaces are primarily designed for the conservation and management of natural resources to preserve and protect resources. They include large parcels of undeveloped steep hillsides and riparian corridors. Trails and bicycle paths allow access and connections to unique parts of Scotts Valley. Though, access to hills remains limited due to steep slopes and protection of biological resources. There are currently two parks under this classification and total 209 acres in area.
The Glenwood Open Space Preserve is owned by the City of Scotts Valley and it is managed by the Land Trust of Santa Cruz. The 2023 General Plan indicates there are two federally listed species and several additional special status species that occur or are known to occur in Glenwood Open Space Preserve. This preserve also consists of different habitat communities, such as grasslands, riparian forests, and wetlands. Passive recreation use (trails) is limited in these areas.
Additional open space easements have been provided by recent housing developments. These include hillside, forested open space behind The Cove housing development located at Scotts Valley Drive and Dunslee Lane. There are also open space easements at the Polo Ranch development, including Polo Ranch Trail. These provide some opportunities for trail hiking, however, the land is not owned by the City and therefore are not included in the inventory at this time.
Community Facilities and Pool
The City owns three facilities and they include the main community center, a senior center, and a performing arts theater. The City also has a pool and a community garden. These recreational facilities provide recreational opportunities for the community of different age groups and interests.
The community center is a rentable 6,000-square-foot facility with a main hall, a full kitchen, a fireplace, and an outdoor, shaded patio with barbeque. The space is rented for church events and recreational classes.
The Senior Center is another rentable facility for special events that has a large, multi-purpose room for up to 100 people. The Senior Center is overseen by the Recreation Manger and has a recreation coordinator who supervises the day to day operations. The Senior Center Board advises the City Council on issues affecting the senior population of the City of Scotts Valley and provides an opportunity to persons 50 years of age or older to pursue their interests in educational, recreational, and craft activities and to promote the welfare of the senior citizenry of the City. The community garden has 53 plots available for rental.
The performing arts center and Siltanen Pool are two City-owned facilities that are currently operated and rented by different private companies. City staff do not manage operations at the theater or the pool. There are lease agreements with certain thresholds to maintain good standing with the rental agreement. At the time of writing this Parks Master Plan, Siltanen Pool reopened for recreational swim.
Outdoor picnic gazebos at Hocus Pocus Park, MacDorsa Park, Siltanen Park, and Skypark are available for rent. Fees to rent a facility or an outdoor gazebo vary for residents, non-residents, and nonprofit organizations.
There is an existing Recreation Department building with one room that is currently being used by Public Works staff. At the time of writing the Parks Master Plan, the Public Works staff is considering a new building for their department. Once this happens, it is anticipated that the Recreation building can be returned as a community center and recreation office. This can be considered the fourth community center for the future.
58 CHAPTER 4: INVENTORY
Bikeways and Bicycle Paths
The City’s park system features assets including bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian trails and paths linking parks and neighborhoods together. Trails located in undeveloped and natural wooded areas provide passive recreation and are designed for the conservation, preservation, and protection of natural resources. Bicycle paths and multi-use trails also provide connections to the City’s parks and facilities and provide both active and passive recreation opportunities that includes scenic hiking, road and mountain biking, and horseback riding. The existing Scotts Valley bicycle network consists of three types of bicycle facilities: Class I shared-use paths, Class II bicycle lanes, and Class III bicycle routes. There is a total of 17.64 miles of Class I shared-use paths and Class II bicycle lanes.5
Also, several of the City’s existing parks have shared-used paths and unpaved trails. Scotts Valley has 1.27 miles of shared-use paths located in Skypark, Siltanen Park, and around the perimeter of the Skypark neighborhood. Glenwood Open Space Trails includes 8 miles of unpaved trails that are open to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. Currently, there are limited bicycle parking at many of the key destinations in Scotts Valley and none located at the senior center, the community center, and several City parks.
Future Planned Parks & Facilities
There are also future parks planned, along with available open park space that the City is currently reviewing as potential future park sites.
TABLE 4.4 FUTURE PLANNED PARKS & POTENTIAL PARK SITES
PARK NAME PARK TYPE DEVELOPED/
UNDEVELOPED
PARK ACRES
TOWN CENTER GREEN TBD TBD 0.5
TOTAL POTENTIAL FUTURE PARK ACRES 0.5
Below shows an existing facility anticipated to be considered as a future community center with a rentable recreation room. The room is currently used as office space. It will be be available within the next year.
TABLE 4.5 FUTURE FACILITIES
FACILITY NAME AMENITIES
RECREATION BUILDING ONE RENTABLE ROOM
FOR RECREATIONAL
CLASSES, PROGRAMS, OR
ACTIVITIES
5 City of Scotts Valley, Active Transportation Plan, 2021, 12–13.
CHAPTER 4: INVENTORY 59
CHAPTER 4
RECREATION DIVISION
The City of Scotts Valley Recreation Division is a division within the Public Works Department.
The Recreation Division is responsible for providing recreational services, programs, and activities, while the Public Works Department is responsible for park and facility maintenance. The Recreation Division intends to provide high quality recreation programming that includes children and adult activities, ranging from sports to crafts, to music and aquatics.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, nearly all of the City’s recreation programs came to a halt due to restrictions requiring shutdown. A majority of the City’s full- and part-time recreation staff were also laid off. Understanding the need to restore recreational opportunities for their residents, the City engaged Management Partners, a consulting firm, to prepare a report on the necessary steps to reactivate the Recreation Division. At the time of the writing of this Parks Master Plan, the Recreation Division was in the process of organizational restructuring and restoring of recreational offerings to the community. As the Recreation Division continues to rebuild and transition from the impacts of the pandemic, this Parks Master Plan provides an opportunity to understand and prioritize the recreational needs and aspirations of the community it serves.
The Recreation Division has an Advisory Board within the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The Parks and Recreation Commission consists of five commissioners appointed by the City Council. It was established for the purpose of advising the City Council on matters concerning City parks, open space, recreation, arts, cultural activities, and/or other park and recreation services.
The future development of recreational programming will be tailored to the unique needs of the community, with consideration of the community outreach results. Recommendations of general park and recreational programming will guide the Recreation Division on the types of sports, classes, and services that the community aspires for.
Current Marketing Strategies
The Scotts Valley community has different ways to learn about recreational offerings provided by the City. The City distributes information across social media, including Facebook Groups, Instagram, and Nextdoor, on the website fliers and mailers, and physical copies at schools or events. The Scotts Valley community is highly engaged and appears generally aware of the park and recreational opportunities the City provides.
Current Rental Facilities & Fees
The Recreation Division allows the community to rent outdoor areas such as, BBQ spaces and gazebos, and two indoor facilities. Outdoor rental facilities and indoor recreation facilities can be rented by filling out an online application.
Indoor Recreation Facilities and Fees (as of September 2023) The entire community center and senior center can be rented on an hourly or daily basis and fees vary between residents, non-residents, and non-profit organizations. Additional fees apply to all rentals. Those interested in rentals can submittal an application by email or in person at the Skypark office. The current fee schedule can be found here.
60 CHAPTER 4: INVENTORY
TABLE 4.6 COMMUNITY CENTER RENTAL FEE SCHEDULE FY 2022–23
COMMUNITY CENTER RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT
HOURLY $109 $124
DAILY $1,085 $1,237
NON-PROFIT 75% RESIDENT 75% OF
NON-RESIDENT
ADDITIONAL FEES FOR ALL RENTALS
CLEANING FEE $250
TEAR-DOWN TABLES/
CHAIRS
$81
REFUNDABLE DAMAGE
DEPOSIT
$543
SPECIAL EVENT
INSURANCE ADMIN FEE
$16
TABLE 4.7 SILTANEN PARK POOL AND SENIOR CENTER RENTAL FEE SCHEDULE FY 2022–23
SILTANEN PARK POOL RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT
INCLUDES 2 LIFEGUARDS,
2 PICNIC TABLES, SMALL
BBQ, AND A LIMIT OF 38
PEOPLE MAX
$163 $173
SENIOR CENTER RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT
HOURLY $71 $84
DAILY $705 $835
NON-PROFIT 25% DISCOUNT 25% DISCOUNT
ADDITIONAL FEES FOR ALL RENTALS
CLEANING FEE $125
TEAR-DOWN TABLES/
CHAIRS
$81
REFUNDABLE DAMAGE
DEPOSIT
$543
SPECIAL EVENT
INSURANCE ADMIN FEE
$16
CHAPTER 4: INVENTORY 61
CHAPTER 4
TABLE 4.8 GAZEBOS AND RENTAL FEE SCHEDULE FY 2022–23
SILTANEN, SKYPARK,
HOCUS POCUS,
MACDORSA
RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT
UP TO 50
HOURLY $27 $37
DAILY $271 $369
UP TO 100
HOURLY $38 $50
DAILY $380 $449
UP TO 50
HOURLY $488 $662
DEPOSIT (ALL RENTALS) $362
UP TO 50
HOURLY $705 $835
DEPOSIT (ALL RENTALS) $362
UP TO 50
HOURLY $705 $835
DAILY 25% DISCOUNT 25% DISCOUNT
CURRENT PARK PROJECTS
The City has several current and upcoming park improvement projects for 2023 and 2024. This includes replacing some playground equipment at Skypark, as well as restroom repairs and replacement of basketball hoops and posts at Hocus Pocus Park.
Page Intentionally Left Blank
CHAPTER 5
NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS
CHAPTER 5
Page Intentionally Left Blank
CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS 65
CHAPTER 5
NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
Community outreach was gathered to help inform and guide the Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan and to better understand the public’s needs and aspirations related to parks and recreation.
Detailed results from the public outreach process are presented in “Appendix C: Public Outreach Results.” The public engagement process included a statistically valid survey with 899 responses, an open house style event, a pop-up booth event, and a stakeholder meeting.
PUBLIC INPUT METHODS
• STATISTICALLY VALID SURVEY
• POP-UP BOOTH EVENT
• STAKEHOLDER MEETING
• OPEN HOUSE MEETING
• INTERACTIVE BOARDS
• FLASHVOTE
• POSTCARDS
The outcome of the community engagement process provided key insight into the needs of the Scotts Valley community and this was informative in developing recommendations for improvement opportunities and priorities to focus on for the future.
Outreach Meetings
Three outreach meetings were held in April 2023, and they were intended to educate the community about the Parks Master Plan, encourage survey participation, and gather feedback from the community about the City’s park system and what programs they would like to see in the future. The meetings were held at different times and locations to add flexibility for attendees and to engage with many different members of the community.
The outreach meetings were heavily advertised across different platforms and information was distributed in multiple formats, including flyers, on the City’s website, social media, Mailchimp email blasts, and online groups. A physical postcard with five questions was distributed by Parks & Recreation Commissioners at park sites to gather additional feedback from the public. A city generated FlashVote was delivered to community members.
Eight outreach boards were created and displayed at the community meetings. Four boards provided background
information about the project, including the Parks Master Plan and process, imagery of the existing parks and
facilities, and a map showing the locations of the City’s parks and facilities. Four boards were interactive and asked general questions related to parks and recreation, which were different questions from the online survey. The public was able to use sticky dots and Post-it notes to provide feedback on these boards. The boards also helped guide
conversations between the project staff and the public. The project staff consisted of the City’s Recreation staff, Parks & Recreation Commissioners, and the consultant team.
66 CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS
The first meeting was an open house walk through at the City’s Community Center and was held on April 21, 2023. This informal, weekday meeting in the afternoon was geared toward stay-athome parents and seniors. This allowed community members the opportunity to engage and share feedback with the project staff and learn more about the Parks Master Plan project. The second meeting was a pop-up booth event at Skypark and was held on April 22, 2023. This event included the display of all eight interactive and informative boards and provided more visibility about the Parks Master Plan project. Park visitors had the opportunity to visit the booth and provide input through conversations with the project staff.
The third meeting was a focus group meeting where leaders from local Scotts Valley recreation groups and organizations were invited to present information about their needs and aspirations regarding parks and recreation in Scotts Valley. Groups and members of the public that provided feedback include:
• Little League
• Dog Park Advocate
• The Cove Resident
• Santa Cruz Pickleball
• Skypark Bocce Ball Club
• Soccer Club
• Bocce Ball Advocate
Statistically Valid Survey
An online survey was made available to the public from
April 14, 2023, to May 12, 2023, to understand the needs, concerns, and priorities regarding Scott Valley’s parks and recreation facilities. The online survey was heavily advertised on social media, flyers posted through the city and at city facilities and the City’s website. A promotional video was also created and posted on the City’s website.
Members from the Parks and Recreation Commission
went out at parks and trails to hand out postcards to the community throughout the survey period.
The community outreach had a successful outcome
due to a combination of spreading awareness, word of
mouth, and reaching out to the public and key leaders
using a variety of strategies. There was a total of 899 survey respondents that took the survey, leading to a
rate of 95% level of confidence.
OUTREACH MEETINGS
• FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023, FROM 1:30 PM TO 3:30 PM AT THE CITY’S COMMUNITY CENTER • SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023, FROM 2:00 PM TO 4:00 PM AT SKYPARK • SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2023, FROM 9:00 AM TO 11:00 AM AT THE CITY’S COMMUNITY CENTER
CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS 67
CHAPTER 5
ONLINE SURVEY
• GATHER BASIC DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS. • IDENTIFY CURRENT USAGE OF PARKS, FACILITIES, AND RECREATION PROGRAMS. • ASSESS IMPORTANCE OF AND USER SATISFACTION OF DIFFERENT ELEMENTS AND QUALITIES OF PARK FACILITIES AND RECREATION PROGRAMS.
• UNDERSTAND BARRIERS TO USER PARTICIPATION IN CITY’S PARKS AND RECREATION RESOURCES.
• ASSESS FUTURE NEEDS AND PRIORITIES FOR PARK FACILITIES AND RECREATION PROGRAMS.
The survey was meant to assess the public’s perception and experience regarding the City’s parks and recreation system. A small focus of the survey questions was to better understand the type of recreational programs the community would like to see more of, so as the Scotts Valley Recreation Division restructures and rebuilds, staff within the division can develop new recreational programs that meet these needs and interests. The survey used a variety of evaluation measurements to assess community sentiment, including multiple choice, free response, and importance/satisfaction ranking questions.
Community Engagement: Key Findings
Meeting Findings
The community had the opportunity to provide
feedback in person outside of the survey at three
separate community meetings. Residents from
Scotts Valley, along with several residents from
adjacent small towns who use the City’s parks,
participated in the meetings. Different members
of the community participated, including seniors,
families, children, young adults, longtime residents,
Parks & Recreation Commissioners, and City staff.
Attendees at the meetings were able provide
feedback on interactive boards with a mix of
multiple choices and free response questions that
asked the following:
• What classes/programs would you like to see?
• What additional amenities would you like to see?
• Which sport facilities would you like to see?
• What improvements would you like to see at the City’s parks and recreational facilities? The top three classes/programs attendees would like to see are swimming, soccer, and bocce ball. The top amenity was shade shelter and the top sport facility was bocce ball court. The last question was a free response question regarding what general improvements attendees would like to see at Scotts Valley parks. There were several recurring themes that emerged, including the desire to improve existing bocce ball courts and trails and to add a dog park and more parking for players.
68 CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS
At the third focus group meeting, several recurring themes and interests emerged from local recreational groups and organizations. Key leaders from the Little League and soccer club both wanted more lawn maintenance, including fixing gopher holes at the fields. Members from Santa Cruz Pickleball and a local bocce ball group shared the same sentiment of wanting shade over the courts and the addition of pickleball courts and bocce ball courts to meet increasing demand.
The desire for more shade was also expressed by another resident, along with additional site amenities, such as table tennis and inclusive play equipment at, city parks. Generally, the attendees appreciated what the City of Scotts Valley has done for their community and what they are doing to improve parks and recreation opportunities.
FlashVote Survey Findings
Five questions were sent through text to the Scotts Valley community using FlashVote to better understand parks and recreation needs and priorities from May 2, 2023, to May 4, 2023. This was another way to gather feedback from the general population and to gather input quickly and directly. A total of 193 people participated from an invite of 456 people, with a +/– 7% margin of error. It is important to note that while there were 193 participants, not all completed the survey.
The questions included multiple choice and free response. The questions asked were:
1. In the last 12 months, about how often have you used a City of Scotts Valley park or recreational facility?
2. Which do you think makes the most sense for the City to focus on for the next five years?
3. Which park amenities do you think we need more of in Scotts Valley parks, if any? (Select up to four.)
4. Look ahead 10 years in the future. Which additional recreational facilities do you think we will need most in Scotts Valley? (Select up to four.)
5. Any other comments or suggestions about improving parks and recreational facilities in Scotts Valley?
From the FlashVote responses, there were several key findings:
• 41.8% of survey respondents visit a Scotts Valley park or recreational facility more than once a week.
• 72.2% of survey respondents preferred the City to focus on fixing and improving existing recreational facilities and parks, rather than creating new parks and recreational amenities. • The top two park amenities desired were shade shelters (62.2%) and park benches/ seating (31.5%). The third park amenity was tied at 29.1% for both restrooms and open grass areas.
QUESTION 3 RESPONSES QUESTION 5 RESPONSES
FIGURE 5.0 FLASHVOTE SURVEY RESPONSES
CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS 69
KEY INSIGHTS FROM SURVEY
CHAPTER 5
• Over 75% of respondents were Scotts Valley residents and 25% were visitors. • A majority of respondents live near Skypark and about 20% live near Siltanen Park. • More than half of respondents visit Scotts Valley parks and recreational facilities more than two times a week.
• Skypark was the most visited by respondents. Siltanen Park was the second most visited and Glenwood Open Space ranked third. • About 98% of respondents generally regard providing opportunities to enjoy nature/the outdoors as very or somewhat important. • The top three concerns when visiting City’s parks were amenities were outdated, lack of amenities, and lack of programs and events that interest me. • 81% of respondents regard restrooms as very important. • Hiking, walking, and swimming are top activities respondents enjoy. • The top three improvements respondents would like the City to prioritize are to improve existing parks in general, improve existing fields, and improve bike/pedestrian circulation between neighborhoods and parks. • The top three classes/programs respondents would like offered were swimming, art, and fitness/exercise/training.
• A majority of respondents would like to see additional programs for adults and teens/tweens. • A majority of respondents wanted an indoor recreational facility (60.8%). The second top choice was more specialty courts such as pickleball, bocce, and tennis (48.8%).
A common sentiment expressed by survey respondents was the need for a swimming pool or a water feature. Another shared sentiment was additional bike trails and paths, as well as accessible plan equipment, and/or improvements to old play equipment.
Online Survey Findings
In addition to gathering feedback from community meetings and FlashVote, input from the survey highlighted key interests, perspective, and needs from the greater community. There was a total of 899 survey respondents, indicating that the participation rate leads to a 95% level of confidence. This means that the sample size is representative of the Scotts Valley population, and opinions from this sample size can be useful in determining overall perceptions and aspirations regarding Scotts Valley’s parks and recreation. The survey included questions pertaining to demographic data, frequency of visits and participation at parks and programs, areas of concern, areas of priority, recreational programming interests, and levels of importance and satisfaction.
It is important to note that while there were 899 total survey respondents, some questions were skipped or unanswered.
Importance versus satisfaction questions help determine areas of need that are adequately met and areas of opportunity for improvement. One of the questions asked participants to rank importance from a list of park features and amenities and how satisfied they were with the same park features and amenities. Correlating the results can help guide on what improvements to prioritize at parks. An analysis of the survey findings can be found in the Needs Assessment section of this chapter.
70 CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS
TOP 5 RECREATIONAL CLASSES/
PROGRAMS RESPONDENTS WOULD LIKE
1. SWIMMING
2. ART
3. FITNESS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
4. SOCCER
5. SEWING/MAKERS/CRAFTS
TOP 5 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES/
SPORT RESPONDENTS ENJOY
1. HIKING
2. WALKING
3. SWIMMING
4. BIKING
5. RUNNING
90%
OF RESPONDENTS REGARD
OPPORTUNITIES TO ENJOY
NATURE/THE OUTDOORS
AS VERY IMPORTANT.
94% OF RESPONDENTS DRIVE TO
VISIT PARKS OR FACILITIES.
ABOUT 51% WALK.
PUBLIC SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS
37%
OF RESPONDENTS ARE IN
THE 35–44 AGE GROUP. 35%
OF RESPONDENTS ARE IN
THE 45–54 AGE GROUP.
FIGURE 5.1 PUBLIC SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Improvements Respondents Would Like the City to Prioritize Incorporate inclusive play areas for children of all
abilities
Improvements to bike/pedestrian circulation
between neighborhoods and parks
Provide additional and updated tables or benches
Improve existing parks in general
Improve existing picnic faciltiies
Improve existing athletic fields
Improve existing playgrounds
Re-landscape areas to include more native or low
water use plants
Provide more passive recreation opportunities
(walking trails, seating areas, game tables, etc.)
Include fitness equipment at parks
Develop space for performing arts and theater
events
Incorporate artistic elements
CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS 71
CHAPTER 5
IMPORTANCE VS SATISFACTION: UNDERSTANDING THE DATA
The public survey included a series of importance and satisfaction questions that asked participants to rank importance of a list of values associated with City parks and recreation programs and then to rank their satisfaction with the same items. A direct comparison of these two question types reveal areas of opportunity for items that are ranked high on the importance scale but low on the satisfaction scale. The combine results show areas where the City may have already adequately fulfilled the needs of the community and areas where there is opportunity of improvement. These opportunity areas are intended to be a tool to help guide the City’s prioritization of funding. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Concerns Regarding Visiting City's Parks
Lack of amenities
Amenities are outdated
Safety
Loitering people
Lack of programs and events that interest me
Lack of accessibility for all people
No safe route to the park via alternate transportation
Other
UNDERSTANDING THE DATA
Figures 5.2 and 5.3 display data compiled from
survey participants regarding their satisfaction
and importance levels of certain park and
recreation program elements. Importance
and satisfaction scores are weighted out of
10 and plotted onto an X-Y axis to determine
an opportunity score. This opportunity score
falls within one of four categories to help
identify community priorities.
LEVEL OF OPPORTUNITY
>15 = extreme opportunity
12–14 = high opportunity
10–11 = solid opportunity
<10 = feature appropriately
served or overserved
72 CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS
FIGURE 5.2 IMPORTANCE VS SATISFACTION: BENEFITS OF PARKS & OPEN SPACE Provide opportunities to enjoy nature/the outdoors
Provide opportunities for fitness, health, & wellness
Enhances neighborhood and community quality of life
Provide spaces to exercise pets
Protect our natural environment
Provide recreation opportunities for people of all abilities Provide spaces for special events and social opportunities Provide opportunities to learn about nature
Make Scotts Valley a more desirable place to live
10.3 10.8
10.8 6.4
9.8 11.4
8.9 7.3
8.8 BENEFITS OF PARKS & OPEN SPACE OPPORTUNITY
SCORE
CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS 73
CHAPTER 5
FIGURE 5.3 IMPORTANCE VS SATISFACTION: FEATURES & AMENITIES Multi-use paved trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play areas promoting play for children of all abilities Shade structures
Picnic areas/BBQ
Open space to enjoy nature
Off-leash dog area
Bike Racks
Parking
Water features (splash pad, decorative fountains, etc.) Skating and scooter
Bike trail
Bike pump track
Equestrian trails
Hiking trails
Fitness equipment
Indoor facilities (gym, dance, recreation rooms, etc.)
9.8 13.2
11.2 12.9
8.1 9.7
5.1 7.1
10.4 8.7
6.2 7.8
5.9 2.3
9.6 4.9
7.3 FEATURES AND AMENITIES OPPORTUNITY
SCORE
74 CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS
NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS
The community outreach process provided insightful and meaningful input from the Scotts Valley community and visitors from the surrounding area. The amount of data collected helped provide a better understanding about the community’s perception regarding the City’s parks and recreational facilities.
With the statistically valid survey, the large sample size from the survey indicates that the views provided are representative of the Scotts Valley population, based on a 95% level of confidence in the accuracy of data. In addition, the comprehensive input from the community through meetings, interactive boards, and FlashVote contributed to developing a strong needs assessment and analysis with opinions expressed by respondents, identifying several opportunities for improvements. Assessment and analysis in this section will help guide recommendations and park priority scoring in the next chapter.
Overall Park Improvements
Many of the existing city parks are favored and treasured by the Scotts Valley community and visitors. People regularly visit city parks and recreation facilities including many local recreational teams and groups that frequently use existing fields and courts. Based on feedback received from the community, people generally would like to see improvements at the existing parks.
The top two improvements the community expressed for the City to prioritize was to improve existing parks in general and improve existing athletic fields. While city parks and facilities are generally clean and in fair condition, many respondents expressed the need for maintenance of existing parks and trails. Improving existing athletic fields was the second most common sentiment, likely due to frequent use by soccer, baseball, and softball players.
Improving bike/pedestrian circulation between neighborhoods and parks was the third common sentiment shared by respondents. Improving existing playgrounds and incorporating inclusive play areas for children of all abilities was also regarded as a high priority.
Modernizing site furnishings was also a desired improvement by respondents. Many park users utilize the park for passive recreation, including bringing their kids to play areas and using tables and benches to watch or socialize. While many of the existing site furnishings are in fair condition, site furnishings are worn-out and respondents would like to see site furnishings that can meet the unique needs of the community. This may mean a providing a variety of passive recreation opportunities, including modern outdoor fitness equipment, accessible tables, or game tables.
Incorporate Water Play or Features
A strong sentiment from most respondents was the need for a pool facility, along with water play and features. At the time of writing the Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Siltanen Pool had been renovated and re-opened in Summer 2023, meeting the need for a pool facility within Scotts Valley. Of note, there is a strong demand for pools and this will likely continue, even with the opening of Siltanen Pool, due to anticipated population growth in the next decade.
There are currently no water play features, such as splash pads, at any of the City’s parks. The community strongly expressed the need for water play areas outside of a pool facility, especially during the summer months.
CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS 75
CHAPTER 5
Park Programming
Currently, the City’s parks and recreational facilities support many of the recreational programmed activities in Scotts Valley. The City provides a diverse range of active and passive recreational opportunities, including sport courts, athletic fields, playground areas, trails, and nature viewing activities. However, respondents cited outdated amenities, lack of amenities, and lack of programs and events of interest, as top three concerns when visiting City’s parks.
Respondents indicated that their top activities they enjoy were hiking, walking, biking, and running. A majority of respondents value opportunities to enjoy nature and providing amenities that enhance quality of life as very important. Protecting the natural environment was the third most important value by respondents.
While City parks are enjoyed by many, there are several needs and priorities indicated by respondents. Generally, this includes not only repairing existing park amenities, but also diversifying them to meet community interests. This includes multi-generational equipment and activities and dedicated spaces for special events and large gatherings.
Below is a summarized list of amenities commonly expressed by respondents:
• Shade over playgrounds, courts, and other gathering spaces • Increase parking spaces or areas
• Provide spaces for outdoor special events and indoor winter activities • Increase quantity of specialty courts (e.g., bocce ball courts) to meet demand • Increase quantity of site furnishings
• Need for a dog park in different parts of the City, along with dog park amenities Respondents preferred a solid surfacing type, such as rubber surfacing or artificial turf, at the playgrounds rather than engineered wood fiber (EWF).
Recreation Programs
The top five recreational programs respondents would like to see offered are swim programs, art classes, fitness/exercise/training programs, soccer programs, and workshops to learn about sewing and crafts.
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
Traditional Sports Respondents Would Like
to See Offered
FIGURE 5.4 PREFERRED RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS BY SURVEY RESPONDENTS
76 CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS
• Top three traditional sports respondents would like to see offered are swim programs/ classes, soccer programs, and basketball programs.
• Top two non-traditional sports respondents would like to see offered are pickleball programs and biking/mountain biking programs. Rock climbing and bocce ball programs were tied in third place.
• Top two general programs respondents would like to see offered are art programs and fitness/exercise/training programs. Cooking and sewing/makers/crafts were tied in third place.
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
Other Programs Respondents Would Like to
See Offered
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
Non-Traditional Sports Respondents Would
Like to See Offered
CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS 77
CHAPTER 5
Skypark
As the largest community park in Scotts Valley, Skypark is a popular destination of local residents and visitors alike. Many park users visit Skypark, due to a wide and popular variety of recreational opportunities and park amenities, such as the existing athletic fields, dog park, skate park, pump track, pickleball/tennis courts, picnic areas, playground, bocce ball courts, and linear trails. The vicinity of Skypark next to the Senior Center and Community Center contributes to the park’s popularity. This is also supported by the survey results where a majority of respondents have visited Skypark. Common sentiments expressed by respondents regarding improvements for Skypark are outlined below:
• Repair and regular maintenance of existing turf/athletic fields for field sports • To accommodate large crowds during weekends and summer months, consider increasing parking spaces or provide space for overflow parking
• Update outdated play equipment
• Add more pickleball courts
• Add shade over bocce ball court
• Replace outdated site furnishings with modern site furnishings Siltanen Park
Siltanen Park is the second most visited park in Scotts Valley by respondents. This will likely remain a popular destination for the Scotts Valley community because of the community pool, sports field, group picnic area and playground. Also, Shugart Park is located west of Siltanen Park and provides open space and parking.
Below are a list of improvements for Siltanen Park expressed by respondents:
• Repair and regular maintenance of existing turf/athletic fields for field sports • Replace outdated site furnishings such as bleachers
• Increase quantity, diversify, and modernize site furnishings • Update outdated play equipment
PARK DISTRIBUTION AND GAPS IN SERVICE
City parks are generally well distributed, despite tight zoning restrictions and limited land availability. However, park amenities and recreational opportunities are not evenly distributed throughout Scotts Valley, particularly between the north and south ends, as well as the east and west sides of Highway 17.
• Most courts are located on the south side of Scotts Valley, including pickleball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, and bocce ball courts. Soccer fields, along with both the community center and senior center, are also located on the south side. • Most fields are located on the north side of Scotts Valley, including baseball fields and softball fields.
• There is a lack of a dog park on the north side.
• There is only one developed mini park located on the east side of Highway 17. • There are no splash pads, competition site or lap pools, or large plazas for gatherings at any of the Scotts Valley parks.
Generally, Scotts Valley parks are in fair condition. There are existing play equipment and site furnishings that are becoming worn-out and would likely need to be replaced. With the exception of Polo Ranch Park and ongoing renovations to play equipment at Skypark, existing play equipment are reaching at the end of their lifespan and could be replaced with new, modern play equipment.
There are also fields and open space trails that require additional maintenance and upkeep due to high use and natural erosion.
78 CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS
LEGEND
City Limit
Sphere of Influence
Parks
Half-Mile
Service
Planning Area Streams
SCOTTS VALLEY DR
MT HERMON RD
BEAN CREEK RD
GRANITE CREEK RD
GLENWOOD DR
GLEN CANYON RD
WHISPERING PINES RD
HIGHWAY 17
CARBONERA
CREEK
FIGURE 5.5 EXISTING PARKS HALF-MILE SERVICE MAP
Map source: This map was created based on GIS data from Santa Cruz County.
CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS 79
CHAPTER 5
FIGURE 5.6 EXISTING DEVELOPED PARKS HALF-MILE SERVICE MAP LEGEND
City Limit
Sphere of Influence
Developed Parks
Half-Mile
Service
Planning Area Streams
SCOTTS VALLEY DR
MT HERMON RD
BEAN CREEK RD
GRANITE CREEK RD
GLENWOOD DR
GLEN CANYON RD
WHISPERING PINES RD
HIGHWAY 17
CARBONERA
CREEK
Map source: This map was created based on GIS data from Santa Cruz County.
80 CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS
Park distribution maps are useful in guiding future planning of park development in neighborhoods that lack a park within a 10-minute walk. Map analysis can provide visual insight on where the City of Scotts Valley can target and develop new parks, along with an understanding of the current spatial distribution of existing parks.
Figure 5.5 shows the half-mile service of existing Scotts Valley parks, both developed and undeveloped. The half-mile service indicates an approximately 10-minute walk to a park and the likelihood people would travel to access a park. There is a deficiency of park space at the central west and east sides of Scotts Valley, as well as deficiency of parks along small areas at the outer limits.
Figure 5.6 shows the half-mile service of existing developed Scotts Valley parks only. This is to help identify gaps of developed park space since Level of Service goals only include developed park spaces. There is a deficiency of developed park space located centrally in Scotts Valley on both the east and west sides of Highway 17. The outer areas on the most northern and southern ends of Scotts Valley are also lacking in developed park space.
A further overlay of existing parks and the existing half-mile service area with topographic information and zoning can be useful in understanding where the gaps lie in relation to physical conditions. Figure 5.7 shows the half-mile service of existing developed Scotts Valley parks with terrain and contours. About half of the central portion of Scotts Valley is bounded by steep terrain and a majority of the gaps on the north and south sides of Scotts Valley have steep areas.
Understanding existing zoning can identify constraints along with potential areas for new parks.
Figure 5.8 shows the half-mile service of existing developed Scotts Valley parks with current zoning. Within the gap in the central area of Scotts Valley, there are generally commercial, industrial, and residential zoning. Due to existing zoning, there is limited space to allow for future park development in this area. To help fill the gaps, the City can seek other alternatives, which will be provided in “Chapter 6: Recommendations.”
Gaps in Recreation Programs and Facilities
Currently, the Recreation Division offers facility rentals at Scotts Valley Community Center and outdoor gazebos at City parks. Several recreational classes and after school camps are offered through partnerships with local organizations and community members. The types of programs and classes vary seasonally and remain limited due to the restructuring process of the Recreation Division.
Based on feedback from community meetings, FlashVote results, and the online survey, a strong sentiment from the public regarding recreation programming was the desire for a swim program.
The recent renovation and re-opening of Siltanen Pool will satisfy a much needed, core amenity for the community.
Other highly rated recreational programs and/or classes the community would like offered are soccer, art, and fitness/exercise/training. The top non-traditional sport programs the community would like to see offered are pickleball, mountain biking, bocce ball, and rock climbing. As the Recreation Division rebuilds their programs, it is important to consider implementing fees for program participation and to offer programming for different age groups, as discussed in “Chapter 3: Best Practices.” Offering a diverse set of programs can also attract different user groups.
CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS 81
CHAPTER 5
LEGEND
City Limit
Sphere of Influence
Developed Parks
Half-Mile
Service
Planning Area Streams
SCOTTS VALLEY DR
MT HERMON RD
BEAN CREEK RD
GRANITE CREEK RD
GLENWOOD DR
GLEN CANYON RD
WHISPERING PINES RD
HIGHWAY 17
CARBONERA
CREEK
FIGURE 5.7 EXISTING DEVELOPED PARKS HALF-MILE SERVICE OVER TOPOGRAPHY MAP Map source: This map was created based on GIS data from Santa Cruz County and topographic information from U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS).
82 CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS
LEGEND
City Limit
Sphere of Influence
Commercial
Half-Mile
Service
Planning Area
Streams
Zoning
Residential
Industrial
Private
Developed Parks
Undeveloped Parks
Open Space
Public Schools
City-owned Land Federal, State, or
County Land
SCOTTS VALLEY DR
MT HERMON RD
BEAN CREEK RD
GRANITE CREEK RD
GLENWOOD DR
GLEN CANYON RD
WHISPERING PINES RD
HIGHWAY 17
CARBONERA
CREEK
FIGURE 5.8 EXISTING DEVELOPED PARKS HALF-MILE SERVICE OVER ZONING MAP Map source: This map was created from GIS assessor parcel data from Santa Cruz County and was modified for simplicity based on the zoning map from the Scotts Valley General Plan.
CHAPTER 5: NEEDS ASSESSMENT & ANALYSIS 83
CHAPTER 5
Indoor recreational facilities are also an important amenity to the community. While the Recreation Division has a community center, there are no indoor sport courts or multi-purpose rooms in this facility. The Senior Center currently does have a commercial kitchen, a main hall with a small stage, and a library/meeting room. There is also a Performing Arts Center with a main theater.
Recommendations to help the City fill gaps in recreational programming and facilities are provided in “Chapter 6: Recommendations.”
SUMMARY OF NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The needs assessment from this chapter is based on community feedback and analysis maps, which will help inform recommendations and park scoring in the next chapter. A recreational programming analysis was not performed because the Recreation Division was in the process of restructuring their department, as well as recreation programs, during the writing of this Parks Master Plan. Once the Recreation Division restructures their programs, the City can consider producing a future report that can be added as an appendix to this Parks Master Plan.
Overall, many Scotts Valley residents value City parks, like to engage in diverse recreation activities, and frequent parks that provide their favorite amenities or activities. A common sentiment among respondents are to improve existing parks in general and to provide additional maintenance or repairs at high-use areas, such as fields. Increasing quantity of courts, along with, adding site specific improvements, such as shade, were also expressed by respondents. This indicates that the Scotts Valley parks and amenities are heavily visited and used for both active and passive recreation. This trend will likely continue as the population continues to grow in the coming decades, so it is important for the City of Scotts Valley to incorporate and prioritize park improvements to meet current and anticipated demand.
Based on the park distribution analysis maps, there are notable gaps where neighborhoods lack a developed park space within a 10-minute walk. Due to current zoning and limited land availability, filling in these gaps will be a major challenge. The City can consider other alternatives to help fill the gaps. “Chapter 6: Recommendations” will provide a thorough review and recommendations on how the City can work toward filling those gaps.
Page Intentionally Left Blank
CHAPTER 6
RECOMMENDATIONS
CHAPTER 6
Page Intentionally Left Blank
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 87
CHAPTER 6
RECOMMENDATIONS
PARK AND FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS
Best practices and national trends findings, site inventory observations, community outreach results, needs assessment, and analysis maps will guide the recommendations for how the City can prioritize park improvements. These will also inform the categories for a park scoring system that uses metrics tailored to the unique makeup and needs of the community. While ADA specific recommendations are not provided, general recommendations were provided based on visual assessments during site inventory of non-compliant features, along with assessments from the 2016 Access Audit and Transition Plan. For a more thorough investigation, the City can pursue a full ADA compliance audit for each park. Individual park recommendations are presented later in this chapter.
Inclusion and Accessibility at Parks
There is an increasing sentiment across the nation for inclusion in public spaces and making spaces accessible and welcoming for all, regardless of age, background, ability, or gender. The Scotts Valley community shares this sentiment, since 75% of respondents regarded providing recreation opportunities for all abilities as “very important.” Also, respondents regarded inclusive play areas for children of all abilities as “very important.” When there are opportunities to improve existing parks, the City of Scotts Valley should consider incorporating inclusive site furnishings, accessible pathways, and inclusive play elements into these improvements. Many vendors are also integrating inclusivity in their products so there will be greater opportunities to include costeffective, inclusive features as they are becoming more mainstream and prevalent. This also aligns with the Access Audit and Transition Plan Recommendations 2016 and the City’s ongoing implementation to include ADA improvements in their Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects scheduled and budgeted for the next several years, as discussed in “Chapter 2: Context.” Park amenities, such as picnic tables, benches, and drinking fountains, should meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Parking spaces and accessible pathways to ADAcompliant park amenities should also be considered in the park design. At a minimum, there should be an accessible path of travel to each of the following features: ADA picnic table, ADA bench, bi-level drinking fountain, trash and recycling receptacles, a restroom, and any on-site building that is open to the public. While the minimum acceptable width of an accessible path is 4 feet, it is ideal for the path to be 6 feet or wider, to accommodate two-way pedestrian traffic and allow more room for access.
Inclusion is not only limited to ability, but also age groups. Multi-generational play activities that involve all generations, including an adult, a senior, or a caregiver, are also increasing in popularity. Play does not have to be limited to children but can also extend to the whole family and different generations. This may include fitness equipment, musical equipment, play equipment, and recreational games, such as foosball, game tables, and table tennis. Low impact sports that include pickleball courts and bocce ball courts can also be considered. This reinforces the concept that everyone has the opportunity to play together and to engage in activities that allow for group socialization and bonding with one another.
When playgrounds are inclusive, there are more opportunities for children and families to play and interact with kids of normal abilities. Beyond meeting the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is imperative for cities, including Scotts Valley, to create spaces and
88 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
provide recreation activities that exceed ADA requirements, paving the way for inclusion and accessibility at parks. Tailoring play equipment that not only supports child development, but also accommodates children with different developmental needs can benefit overall community health and minds. There are many factors to consider when discussing inclusion in play spaces.
Refer to the Playgrounds and Equipment section for recommendations pertaining to inclusivity in playgrounds.
Playgrounds and Equipment
Playgrounds are important pieces of any park, whether it be a mini park, a neighborhood park, or a community park, so the City should prioritize upgrades and continued maintenance efforts at its playgrounds. About half of City parks have play equipment, but most are worn-out and outdated, with the exception of the newly installed play equipment at Polo Ranch Park and ongoing play equipment upgrades at Skypark. Several existing play structures have shaded roofs covering a small area and a majority of older parks have engineered wood fiber (EWF) playground safety surfacing. Most of the play equipment is nearing the end of its lifespan and may not meet the latest Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) or ASTM standards. There are also limited inclusive features at the existing playgrounds.
As discussed in the previous section, inclusivity at playgrounds must also be incorporated into the design decisions. About one third of respondents would like improvements to existing playgrounds and 22% would like to incorporate inclusive play areas for children of all abilities. Upgrading play equipment with more modern and inclusive features can provide enhanced play value and can encourage imaginative play, exploration, and social interaction among kids of all abilities.
Playgrounds should incorporate inclusive play elements if possible and maximize the number of inclusive play elements if budget and space allows.
A truly inclusive play area does not only mean to be accessible but also age and developmentally appropriate and stimulating to the senses. The City should ensure play equipment addresses different levels of difficulty and engage in diverse
sensory skills as much as possible. The eight
senses are sight, smell, touch, sound, taste,
interoception, vestibular, and proprioception.
Because play is critical for a child’s development
and social skills, it is also important to provide
both easy and challenging components that
allows children to independently choose an
activity. In addition, separation between age
groups and providing age appropriate play
equipment in designated spaces are key to
ensuring kids are playing with equipment that
are appropriate for their age.
While EWF playground safety surfacing is ADA compliant, using solid playground surfacing such as pour-in-place rubber surfacing or synthetic turf is much more accessible and wheel-friendly.
Rubberized safety surfacing tends to be more durable and lower maintenance. When possible and funding is available, it is ideal to use solid playground surfacing over EWF surfacing.
Providing site amenities at playgrounds is also important to consider. Adequate seating, preferably under shade, for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and chaperones will encourage park users to stay longer at playgrounds. It is also a best practice and development standard to provide shade over play equipment because they provide refuge during hot periods. Shade at play structures
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 89
CHAPTER 6
can not only reduce UV exposure, but also lower
playground maintenance and repair costs as well
as reduce the heat of the play equipment.
Amenities
Amenities in Scotts Valley parks currently serve the
community sufficiently, but some of these amenities
are outdated and not tailored to the current desires
of the community. As funding is available and
where needed, it is recommended for the City to
continue to modernize and update site furnishings,
including benches, picnic tables, drinking fountains,
and trash and recycling receptacles. The City can
also consider adding different site furnishings such
as bike racks. This also extends to playground equipment, where possible, in order to ensure playground areas are safe and up to code. It is important for the City to consider these upgrades, beyond the typical repairs, in order to improve long-term maintenance efficiency. Meaningful, user-friendly upgrades will also reinforce community identity and provide an opportunity to add play value to an existing playground. It may also provide an opportunity to add play value to the playground through design.
Many survey respondents felt that the community is missing programs, events, and specialty recreation spaces. For example, there is no dedicated space for large outdoor gatherings or special events, and the community lacks a splash pad. A large gathering space would be appropriate at a park with existing parking onsite which can accommodate event crowds, such as MacDorsa Park.
The City can consider performing a detailed study to determine a large event space at an existing City park, including noise assessment, parking availability, and traffic.
Popular recreation amenities, such as sports field and courts, are currently concentrated in two main City park locations. There are also other popular amenities, such as pickleball courts and swimming pool, located at one park. One recommendation is for the City to provide additional amenities that meet popular demand, ideally in areas of Scotts Valley that do not have them. In regards to pickleball court locations, the City can consider converting the existing basketball court with pickleball court striping at Hocus Pocus Park or create new pickleball courts at Vern Hart Park.
For mini parks with limited amenities, such as Gateway North Park and Vern Hart Park, the City can explore options to add new amenities or re-purpose the space, where feasible. The City can consider converting the existing lawn to low-maintenance plantings at Gateway North Park. This effort can reduce water use and maintenance costs. The City can also consider creating new pickleball courts at Vern Hart Park. Identifying local community needs and interests will be key to the park improvement process.
Diversifying amenities that can tailor to the evolving interests of the community encourages people to recreate and stay active. As indicated from the 2023 NRPA’s Agency Performance Review report, reasons for visiting parks vary greatly, showing the importance of customizing parks and recreational opportunities to meet the needs and aspirations of the community. Where feasible, the City can evaluate opportunities to provide unique amenities and programs, such as community gardens, fitness courses, or pump tracks. A further, in-depth survey can help understand and identify the specific type of parks amenities the community is interested in.
90 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
Improvements to existing amenities remain important, as this is the top concern expressed by survey respondents. This means prioritizing specific and needed park improvements, such as regular maintenance of turf fields, or adding a new amenity, such as shade in parks as appropriate at playground areas, picnic and seating areas, and courts, where needed. Prioritizing park improvements for heavily used parks can be the first step to ensuring long-term recreational use and having well-maintained, modern amenities can encourage new users to participate later on.
Park Maintenance Standards
A best practice shared in Chapter 3 was for a park and recreation agency to adopt park maintenance standards. It is recommended that the City of Scotts Valley develop parks maintenance standards to ensure parks are properly maintained. This will allow for consistent park maintenance practices and standards while minimizing subjectivity. The City can also consider an outcome-based maintenance standard that involves assessments of park conditions that can be documented and measured over time.
PARK SCORING
The quality of a park system should be considered when analyzing parks on a holistic level. While parks may be categorized based on typology, each park offers different amenities, hosts different recreation classes, serves different demographics, and accommodates different communities.
These factors affect the quality and value of a park. By understanding a park’s current value and opportunities for improvement, planners can better prioritize funds for improvements and maintenance to maximize park usage and resources.
To better understand and develop a method for prioritization based on park value and opportunity, this Parks Master Plan utilizes a scoring system that analyzes different metrics. The community’s unique demographics, public input results, observations from site investigations, and spatial mapping analysis were factored into the creation of these metrics.
Figure 6.0 explains the seven different metrics that were used in the park scoring calculations.
Each metric is assigned a maximum number of points that can be received. Point values are determined based on the amount of value or recreation opportunity the category can bring to a park. Categories such as quantity of amenities, usability, and code infractions carry greater weight in identifying the amount of improvement opportunities are present and is assigned higher point values.
In general, each park is evaluated based on the seven metrics. Each metric’s total point value is added, then averaged to determine each park’s individual park score. See “Appendix B: Park Scoring” for a detailed park scoring table and in-depth explanation of each metric.
Park Scoring Evaluation
Once implementation occurs, the value of these metrics can change at a higher rate than others as time passes. Upgrades, improvements, or additions to a park may reduce the number of code infractions or increase the number of amenities at a park. These changes will affect the overall park score and may move a park’s score up or down. The Implementation section in this chapter further discusses ways the City can use Park Scoring to evaluate where to prioritize park planning efforts.
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 91
CHAPTER 6
PROGRAMMING QUANTITY OF
AMENITIES*
LACK OF
USABILITY*
CODE
INFRACTIONS*
COMMUNITY
ACTIVATION
REVENUE
GENERATORS
FIGURE 6.0
SEVEN SCORING METRICS
10 pts
10 pts
10 pts
5 pts
10 pts
3 pts = use fees
6 pts = entry fees
10 pts =
Programming measures the number of
programmed elements at a park that draw groups
of people together. This includes recreational
programs held at a park, rentable sport fields/
courts for recreational play, and event spaces
for public gatherings. Parks that accommodate
more programs attract more people and tend to
be highly used.
This metric quantifies the number of park amenities.
Amenities include benches, tables, barbeques,
drinking fountains, play equipment, shade shelters,
and bike racks. Parks with fewer amenities indicate
a greater need and prioritization for improvements.
Understanding the condition of park amenities
is useful in determining the likelihood of people
frequenting a park. Outdated, broken, or worn-out
amenities are often associated with lack of care
and crime and may drive users to other parks.
Usability qualifies the condition of amenities and
places parks that have park amenities in poor
and unusable conditions to a higher priority for
improvements. Parks that have amenities in good
or fair condition are less prioritized.
Code infractions measure the number of local or
federal code violations. Code infractions were
determined based on visual assessments in the
site inventory visits and the 2016 Access Audit
and Transition Plan. Corrections to playgrounds,
ramps, and park sites are only counted. Exterior
routes, shade shelters, and parking are not
included. Parks with more code infractions would
have a higher priority for improvements.
Parks capable of hosting larger social/community
events are highly valuable. These events foster
community identity and social connections. Parks
that hold community events such as festivals,
concerts, or celebrations are given 5 points. tournament/ competitive fees
CONNECTIVITY
The connectivity metric looks at social spaces
within a half-mile radius that may attract users to
a park. These would include schools, churches,
multi-use spaces, shopping malls, etc. Parks
located in areas with more social opportunities
tend to have a greater number of users utilizing
amenities and features.
5 pts *Quantity of amenities, usability, and code
infractions carry greater weight and is assigned
higher point values.
See “Appendix B: Park Scoring” for a detailed
park scoring table with a numeric score for
each metric. An in-depth explanation of each
metric is also provided.
92 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
Park Prioritization Scoring Results
TABLE 6.0 PARK SCORES FOR EXISTING PARKS *
SCORE PARK NAME TYPOLOGY
5.3 SILTANEN PARK COMMUNITY
5.1 SKYPARK COMMUNITY
3.8 MACDORSA PARK NEIGHBORHOOD
2.7 HOCUS POCUS PARK MINI PARK
2 VERN HART FISHING PARK MINI PARK
1.9 SHUGART PARK NEIGHBORHOOD
1.9 LODATO PARK TRAIL
1.8 GATEWAY NORTH PARK MINI PARK
0.9 GLENWOOD OPEN SPACE TRAILS TRAIL
0.8 POLO RANCH PARK MINI PARK
* It is important to note that a higher score means greater needs of improvements.
Strategies for Closing the Gaps
It is apparent that many Scotts Valley residents value City parks, like to engage in diverse recreation activities, and frequent parks that provide their favorite amenities or activities. The community outreach process revealed a common sentiment to improve existing parks in general and to provide additional maintenance or repairs at high-use areas, such as fields. Respondents expressed the desire to increase the quantity of sports courts, along with adding site specific improvements, such as shade features. It is recommended for the City to improve existing parks and to prioritize park improvements based on the park scoring results.
The analysis maps indicated the limitations of building new park space due to steep slopes and existing zoning. Additionally, available space for parking, circulation, and general access will need to be considered. It is recommended for the City to pursue dedication of new park land, where possible, with new residential development, to align with the 2023 General Plan policy. This will help increase City-owned developed park land and move toward meeting Level of Service (LOS) goals. The City can also expand recreational offerings through joint-use agreements, as discussed in the next section.
Opportunities for Expanding Recreational Offerings Through Joint-Use Agreements Due to the limitations of zoning, limited development space, and steep topography, it is recommended for the City of Scotts Valley to pursue joint-use agreements with school districts, including Scotts Valley Unified School District, to expand recreational offerings to their community.
The California Civic Center Act (Education Code Section 38130 et. seq.) requires that every public school structure and facility built with public dollars is accessible to the public for uses beyond schooling. The management, direction, and control over the use of school facilities lies with the governing board of a school district. They are responsible for ensuring the use of school facilities is consistent with the use of the school facilities for school purposes and does not interfere with the regular conduct of school work.
The Act also allows the governing board of a school district to charge an amount, not to exceed its direct costs for use of its school facilities or grounds. A governing board that levies these charges shall first adopt a policy specifying which activities shall be charged an amount not to exceed direct costs.
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 93
CHAPTER 6
As most park and recreation agencies, whether a city, county, or special district, are looking for use of additional facilities, it is natural for the agency to establish a formal working relationship with local school districts. This is an especially valuable relationship as the majority of use by a park and recreation agency is after hours, which is the exact time school districts have facilities available for use.
Facility use agreements (or sometimes called Joint-Use Facility agreements) are important, both for the protection of the school district and the park and recreation agency and to allow the school district to ensure that use complies with State law. An agreement may contain:
• Terms of use of school facilities
• Hours of permitted use/type of permitted use
• Insurance requirements of users
• Policies and regulations for use of facilities including set up and clean up requirements • Any health and safety protocols required by the State and/or school district • Schedule of fees for use
• Supervision responsibilities for use
• Cancellation and change of schedule process
• Description of capital replacement funds, if any, which are to be provided to the school district
When a park and recreation agency enters into an agreement for use of school facilities, the park and recreation agency might want to offer the school district use of park and recreation agency facilities in the form of an exchange of facilities agreement. This type of agreement can allow a school district access to facilities that might not normally be available to a school district, and may also help offset the costs for the agency to use school facilities.
Formal adoption of any agreement is required by both agencies, and should be intended to be a long-term agreement so both parties understand their working relationships moving forward. The agreement should also include renewable options to spell out how the agreement is renewed and/ or amended in the future.
Facility use agreements need a commitment from both sides to work together to make adjustments and changes that are needed over time as use of any facility does not happen without issues.
Additionally, a written agreement is necessary to document the conditions and agreements that is intended to last longer than the current staff from the school district and the park and recreation agency. As personalities of staff can change over time, and can be beneficial or harmful, written agreements are important to represent the positive working relationships as intended by the original boards when the agreement was approved.
It is recommended for the City to pursue joint-use agreements with Scotts Valley Unified School District (SVUFD). SVUFD has four schools, including two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Recreational facilities include pickleball courts and tennis courts at Scotts Valley High School and an amphitheater at Vine Hill Elementary School.
Scotts Valley Areas of Focus
In addition to implementing joint-use agreements with local school districts, the City can consider pursuing partnerships with State parks, Santa Cruz County, and local districts such as Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District, to expand recreational offerings. Partnerships with private schools can also be considered. These partnerships can help close gaps in neighborhoods that lack a park within a half mile, especially in central Scotts Valley. Figure 6.1 shows the potential
94 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
LEGEND
City Limit
Sphere of Influence
Developed Parks
Half-Mile
Service of
Existing City
Developed
Parks, Joint-Use
Schools and
County Park
Planning Area
Streams
Open Space
Undeveloped Parks
State Park Public Schools
County Park
SCOTTS VALLEY DR
MT HERMON RD
BEAN CREEK RD
GRANITE CREEK RD
GLENWOOD DR
GLEN CANYON RD
WHISPERING PINES RD
HIGHWAY 17
CARBONERA
CREEK
FIGURE 6.1 RECOMMENDED AREAS OF FOCUS TO CLOSE GAPS
Map source: This map was created based on GIS data from Santa Cruz County and zoning information from the Scotts Valley General Plan. The Open Space areas are identified from the Scotts Valley General Plan. Undeveloped parks and developed parks are terminology used to distinguish to different parks owned by City of Scotts Valley.
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 95
CHAPTER 6
FIGURE 6.2 RECOMMENDED AREAS OF FOCUS TO CLOSE GAPS ENLARGEMENT LEGEND
City Limit
Sphere of Influence
Developed Parks
Half-Mile
Service of
Existing City
Developed
Parks, Joint-Use
Schools and
County Park
Planning Area
Streams
Open Space
Undeveloped Parks Public Schools
SCOTTS VALLEY DR
GRANITE CREEK RD
GLENWOOD DR
HIGHWAY 17
Map source: This map was created based on GIS data from Santa Cruz County and zoning information from the Scotts Valley General Plan. The Open Space areas are identified from the Scotts Valley General Plan. Undeveloped parks and developed parks are terminology used to distinguish to different parks owned by City of Scotts Valley.
96 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
outcome of filling the gaps based on partnerships with Santa Cruz County, school districts, and private schools. While this will still leave remaining gaps, the City can review other opportunities in the park planning process, such as acquisition of private land and new residential development areas, and identify areas to place smaller parks to help fill the gaps. Figure 6.2 shows an enlargement of areas that do remain deficient in parks even with joint-use agreements.
RECREATIONAL PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS
As the Scott’s Valley Recreation Division continues to establish recreation programs, it is recommended for the Recreation Division to focus on providing core recreation programs where attendance has been known to be high and the community has actively participated in the past.
Several of the recreation services were outlined from the 2021 Scotts Valley Recreation Services Assessment and Restoration Report:
• Aquatics
• Instructional Classes
• School Age Recreation (Childcare) and Summer Camps
• Sports Programs
• Facility Rentals
• Senior Center Programs
• Special Events
TABLE 6.1 PARKS MASTER PLAN
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
RECOMMENDATIONS
ART
FITNESS
SOCCER
CRAFTS / MAKERS
TEEN AND ADULT SPORTS
It is recommended the Recreation kick start and build core programs. This will provide momentum for the Recreation Division to continue to build partnerships with regional providers to operate facilities or programs, as well as contracted instructors to host classes that are tailored to the interests of the community. This includes the recent renovation and re-opening of Siltanen pool in Summer 2023. Aquatics was the top recreational program respondents would like to see and the re-opening of Siltanen Pool will satisfy a much needed, core amenity for the community.
Other top programs respondents would like to see were art, fitness/exercise/training, soccer, and sewing/makers/crafts. Classes now offered include yoga, gymnastics, dog training, and arts and crafts. Special events such as a Paint Night, a Halloween event and a Cooking Demo event were also listed. These new classes and events are setting the foundation for the Recreation Division to provide unique and tailored recreational programs and opportunities for the Scotts Valley community. This Master Plan recommends the Recreation Division continue to build partnerships with regional providers to operate facilities and programs, and with contracted instructors to host classes that are tailored to the interests of the community.
A recurring theme from survey results indicated that respondents would like to see different recreation programs and services for teens and adults. Diversifying recreational programs that would appeal to different age groups can expand recreational opportunities to more members
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 97
CHAPTER 6
of the community, building stronger connections and encourage social interaction among likeminded peers. While there are youth sport programs and senior programs currently offered by the Recreation Division, it is important to consider adult sport programs, along with other recreation programs and opportunities that the community are interested in participating.
It is recommended for the Recreation Division to start collecting program registration data and to track performance metrics of their programs. Collecting basic attendee demographic data and identifying popular programs through participation numbers are useful ways to analyze the performance of City programs. It is also recommended for staff to perform a yearly assessment to track program success rates. The Recreation Division may consider having program participants complete a short survey at the end of the program or class for constructive feedback on how to improve their program or what was executed well.
As discussed in “Chapter 5: Needs Assessment,” there is a lack of indoor recreational facilities and multi-purpose rooms available for to the general public. Similar to program offerings, it is recommended for the Recreation Division to partner with schools through joint-use agreements to use their facilities, both indoor and outdoor spaces. Opportunities for expanding recreational offerings through joint-use agreements was presented earlier in this chapter.
As the Recreation Division is in the process of restructuring, marketing efforts of recreational programs and services has been improving. A designated Public Outreach staff in the Recreation Division has been able to perform direct outreach and marketing of the City’s recreational programs and activities. It is recommended for the Recreation Division to continue to use digital platforms, such as social media, for marketing because this can reach a wide audience. It is also recommended for City staff to use partnerships with community leaders and organizations to expand public outreach of recreational programs and help spread the word. This can include local media, local sport groups and organizations, health-care clinics, childcare centers, and schools (counselors, nurses, and health coordinators). Implementing a strategic, ongoing marketing plan can improve awareness of the City’s recreational programs.
FISCAL CONTEXT
The City Council has established nine priorities for fiscal year 2023–24, five of which relate to park improvements and recreation programming and associated operational and maintenance costs:
• Identify additional revenue sources to support a thriving City. • Explore new ways to connect and partner with local businesses to explore Scotts Valley’s brand and competitive advantage.
• Re-establish recreation programming that support the diverse interests of our community. • Invest in improvements to bike and pedestrian safety. • Support cultural events, art, and projects that celebrate Scotts Valley.
Although the need for park and recreational improvements is apparent and desired, the City currently has a structural budget deficit that will require drawing down $5 million in General Fund and $3 million in designated Capital Improvement Program reserve funds in the current fiscal year. The structural budget gap is attributed to pre-planned one-time expenses as well as rising operating and capital costs. A structural deficit will persist absent corrective action.
98 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
FUNDING MECHANISMS
The Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan is a strategic planning document to guide future park improvements in a systematic way that anticipates the growing and diverse needs of the community.
To achieve this goal effectively and sustainably, funding sources beyond those currently employed must be established.
Existing Funding Sources
The City currently uses five funding sources for park improvements, as described below.
General Capital Improvement Fund
The City’s General Capital Improvement Fund is mainly funded by transfers from the General Fund. The primary revenue sources for the General Fund include the Sales Tax, Property Tax, and the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
Lennar Funds
The Lennar Fund was created as the result of a development agreement between the City and Lennar Homes of California for residential construction of the property formerly known as Polo Ranch. A condition of approval required Lennar Homes to pay the City $1 million for park and recreational opportunities. Lennar funds have been used to fund a variety of park-related infrastructure projects. However, with an approximate fund balance of $600,000, this funding source will run its course as annual funding for park improvements is programmed.
Park and Recreation Facilities Funds
The Park and Recreational Facilities fund is a Special Revenue Fund consisting of development impact fees collected through the approval process and assessed at the time a construction permit is issued. The impact fee is charged to residential developers based on the number of housing units to be constructed. The fee revenue helps fund planned park improvements to meet the needs that new developments have on community resources.
The estimated fund balance as of July 1, 2023, is approximately $1.6 million, and the City expects to receive $257,000 in fee revenue in the current fiscal year. Although the fund balance for this revenue source has increased from approximately $925,000 in 2019 to nearly $1.6 million in 2023, (a cumulative increase of 71.8%), the increase is mainly associated with larger development projects approved within this timeframe that generated substantial fee revenue. It is anticipated that the funding will be used for near-term park improvements.
Federal Funding
When available, federal funding can be used for park improvements. The City has secured $1.4 million in Community Project Funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to replace the childcare building at Vine Hill Elementary School. Approximately $760,000 in Community Project Funding through HUD will be used for play structure improvements at Skypark.
Proposition 68 Parks Grant
California voters approved Proposition 68 in 2018, which authorized $4 billion in state general obligation bonds to fund various state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, and flood protection projects. Funds are available through an annual grant application process based on various eligibility requirements.
The City is using Proposition 68 funding in the amount of $178,000 to help fund tot lot improvements at Skypark.
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 99
CHAPTER 6
Five-Year Capital Improvement Program
The City’s current five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) identifies 18 park projects totaling approximately $4 million. Identified funding sources are itemized in Table 6.2.
TABLE 6.2 FUNDING SOURCES FOR CURRENT PARK PROJECTS
FUNDING SOURCE PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL FUNDING
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND 22%
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES 14%
LENNAR FUNDS 6%
PROPOSITION 68 FUNDING 4%
FEDERAL FUNDING 54%
TOTAL 100%
As Table 6.2 reflects, the current CIP relies on one-time funding sources (Lennar Funds, Proposition 68 Funding, and Federal Funding) for nearly two-thirds of its planned capital projects, with the remaining one-third funded by general tax revenues and development impact fees. As the City plans for future park infrastructure improvements, it will be important to reduce the reliance on one-time revenue sources and general tax revenues, the latter of which is required to subsidize parks and recreation operating expenses.1
Potential Funding Sources and Strategies
The City’s current funding sources for park improvements are limited to General Fund revenues, Lennar Funds, development impact fees, and grant funding when available. Funding sources beyond those currently used will be needed for future sustainable improvements. This section discusses potential funding sources and strategies and their relative suitability to Scotts Valley.
There are pros and cons to each funding source/strategy, and a thorough analysis is necessary to determine what methods make best sense for the City to pursue and what the resource constraints may be. Additionally, the funding sources and strategies discussed below are not exhaustive.
Park Dedication/In-Lieu (Quimby Act) Fees
California Government Code Section 66475 et. seq. allows cities to establish requirements for new residential subdivisions to dedicate land, or pay an in-lieu fee, for parks and open space.
Use of the fee revenue is restricted to the development of new parks or to make improvements to existing parks and not for ongoing maintenance.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: Chapter 16.35 of the municipal code establishes the ability to assess a park dedication in-lieu fee. Collecting a park dedication/in-lieu fee would efficiently add an ongoing revenue source associated with certain new residential developments. City should ensure it is charging for all eligible fees, such as the Park Dedication/In-Lieu (Quimby Act) Fees.
Corporate and Community Partnerships
Many local governments adopt policies to facilitate corporate and community partnerships to raise funds for park and recreational community programs, events, and facilities. Such policies may include the establishment of special revenue funds to account for donations. Key examples of such partnerships are briefly described below.
1 The Parks and Recreation Division required a 70% General Fund subsidy in fiscal year 2022–23 in the amount of $215,000. The fiscal year 2023–24 budget eliminates the Recreation enterprise fund, with all revenues and expenses moved to the General Fund.
100 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
Donor Campaigns
Both residents and the business community recognize how park and recreational facilities and programs impact a community’s vibrancy and quality of life and are often willing to help fund such efforts. Donor campaigns can be used to seek such support whether it pertains to large/ high-profile projects of citywide import that require major corporate funding or location specific amenities where community members may be willing to conduct fundraising or donate their time to provide or maintain an amenity in their neighborhood.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: The City has a donation and gift policy that establishes conditions and criteria for accepting donations of money, goods, or services for specific acquisitions or projects.
Additionally, advocacy groups such as the newly formed Community Advocates of Scotts Valley sponsor events to raise funds for recreational projects. As future park amenities are planned, the City can collaborate with community advocacy partners to conduct donor campaigns.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is an internet-based resource that allows a large number of people to contribute funds to a specific project or program via an online platform.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: This funding mechanism represents an opportunity for the City to evaluate on a pilot basis for supporting small projects, although some jurisdictions are evaluating the application of crowdfunding to large infrastructure projects. Examples of crowdfunding aggregators include Indiegogo, Mightycause, and Infrashares (specific to large scale infrastructure).
Public-Private Partnership
Public-private partnerships (PPP or P3) involve collaboration between a government entity and a private company to finance, build, and operate infrastructure projects. Funding a project in this fashion can facilitate its efficient completion or make it possible in the first place. For parks and recreation, PPPs can also involve outsourcing. The National Recreation and Park Association is a good resource for information on P3 models.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: Park projects that may benefit from corporate sponsorships or publicprivate partnerships include pickleball courts currently under discussion.
Corporate Sponsorships
Some cities seek corporate partnerships to sponsor park and recreational programs, events, and facilities. For example, the City currently uses sponsorships for its Independence Day Parade, and such sponsorships help fund events like the Art and Wine Festive presented by the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce. A common type of sponsorship used to help fund public facilities includes the purchase of naming rights for a defined period such as the life of an asset and the City has a naming rights policy in place to evaluate opportunities as they may arise.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: To be determined.
Other Partnerships
Partnerships with other government or nonprofit organizations can be considered to jointly fund park projects. For example, the City is considering joint-use agreement(s) with the District to share facilities.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: The City’s geographic location in proximity to Santa Cruz and as a major gateway to the San Lorenzo Valley and Big Basin area provide opportunities for local government and recreation district partnerships that sync with multi-use trailway and bikeways goals established in the General Plan and Active Transportation Plan.
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 101
CHAPTER 6
Private Foundation/Gifts
Some government entities pursue planned giving strategies to raise funds from tax exempt, nonprofit organizations established with private donations associated with specific activities or causes.
Currently, the City is party to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County for the preservation of approximately 170 acres divided into nine parcels owned by the City (with a portion of one parcel owned by the Scotts Valley Water District). An endowment fund of approximately $1 million was established for the long-term management of the preserved land.
Additionally, a recently formed nonprofit advocacy groups, the Community Advocates of Scotts Valley (CASV), is looking to raise funds to augment the City’s capital project for upgrades to the small children’s playground at Skypark.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: The City can consider evaluating and expanded partnership with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County for financing park projects. To further this strategy, the City can conduct best practices research on foundations throughout the country. The National Association of Park Foundations is a resource for this purpose.
Private Trusts
Private trusts are typically set up with high net-worth individuals who wish to leave a portion of their wealth particular park and recreation amenities, facilities or programs in a city. Private trusts helped to fund the construction of Scotts Valley’s Glenwood Open Space Preserve and Al Shugart Park.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: This strategy is interrelated with establishing a park foundation. Given the City’s proximity to Silicon Valley and the number of high net-worth families in the area, pursuing this strategy for future park construction can and should be considered.
Additional Grant Funding
Scotts Valley currently receives limited grant funding for park improvements. The Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) of the California Department of Parks and Recreation provides information on funding opportunities. In addition to Proposition 68 funding, OGALS administers annual Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) funds from the National Parks Service, the Habitat Conservation Fund, and the Recreational Trails Program.
In addition to state and federal sources, private foundations, large corporations, and nonprofit organizations offer funding opportunities for specific park projects.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: The City recently hired a grant writing firm to assist in identifying and applying for grants. However, in general grant funds are limited and usually allocated on a competitive basis or in small annual amounts, which presents challenges for capital improvement planning. Grant award often come with reporting requirements, which also must be considered when applying. As an additional step, the City could subscribe to GrantStation to monitor grant opportunities.
Additional Revenue and Land-Based Financing Options
As the City plans for future park improvements, other funding options specifically tied to new developments or related to residents and residential/commercial property owners such as new or increased taxes and fees can be considered. These options are briefly discussed.
102 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
Community Benefits Program
More cities are considering community benefits programs as an alternative regulatory mechanism to entitle development projects. These programs offer development bonuses in exchange for contributions to community facilities such as park improvements.2 An important aspect of these
programs includes allowing higher development densities/intensities (for residential as well as commercial projects) to create financial incentives for developers, which requires evaluation in context with overall regulatory framework for city development and land use policies.
Such programs can be negotiated in development agreements on a case-by-case basis and/or codified in policy so that community benefits can be incorporated in project approvals without the necessity of an agreement.
Community benefits programs vary widely in terms of how they are implemented and are affected by local market conditions and community desires. Effective programs require constructive collaboration and communication between city leaders, developers, residents, and community groups.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: Currently, the City considers incorporating park improvements as a condition of approval for discrete residential development projects. Evaluating the establishment of a broader community-based program could be an effective tool for future land use decisions that strategically incorporate park improvements.
Special Districts
Special districts are public agencies established to provide a specific service or services to a community. Examples of such services include water, sewer, parks, and fire protection. In California, special districts can be “dependent” or “independent.” Dependent districts typically appoint elected officials from a city or county to serve as decision-makers, while independent districts operate under a locally elected board of directors. Special districts are funded through property taxes, special assessments, and fees for service.
An important distinction between cities and special districts is that the latter may cross city and county boundaries to provide services on a regional basis.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: Cities in Santa Cruz County are generally not well-funded for park and recreational amenities. As a longer-term strategy, the City may wish to discuss opportunities with neighboring jurisdictions (including county unincorporated areas) for regional collaboration through the creation of a special district.3
New or Expanded City Taxes
General Tax Revenue
In California, all local tax revenue is designated as either general or special taxes. The City’s largest General Fund revenue sources (Sales Tax, Property Tax, and TOT) are general taxes.
Increasing existing or establishing new general taxes requires local ballot measure approval by majority vote (50%, plus one).
Suitability to Scotts Valley: The City is evaluating additional revenue that could eliminate the City’s structural budget deficit and could potentially free up general revenues for park improvements. 2 Community benefits are broadly defined and may include improvements ranging from transportation to housing to particular community facilities. 3 Given that Scotts Valley is bordered by unincorporated county areas, the potential exists for collaboration with the state to establish a regional park district.
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 103
CHAPTER 6
Special Tax Revenue
A special tax is any tax imposed for a specific purpose such as Parcel Taxes, Benefit Assessments, and Community Facilities Taxes. With the exception of benefit assessments4 , the voter approval
threshold requirement to adopt a special tax is a two-thirds majority (66.8%), which is much higher than the simple majority required for general taxes and therefore more challenging to pass. Table
6.3 provides brief descriptions of special taxes.
TABLE 6.3 EXAMPLES OF SPECIAL TAXES
PARCEL TAXES
A parcel tax is a tax levied on parcels of property that can be used for any purpose.
Use of revenue generated is restricted to services specified on the ballot measure.
Ordinances adopting parcel taxes commonly identify them as an excise tax based on the availability or use of municipal services and/or facilities.
BENEFIT ASSESSMENTS
Benefit assessments are charges levied on real property to pay for public improvements or services in a defined district (which can encompass the entire boundary of a city) according to the special benefit each parcel receives. Benefit assessments are imposed as pay-as-you-go financing or to provide bonded indebtedness for large capital construction projects. Examples include districts for landscaping or street lighting and major street/sidewalk improvements. Within the district boundary, only the defined special benefits are assessable.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES TAX5
Adoption of a community facilities tax enables the establishment of a community facilities district (CFD) to debt finance the purchase, construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation of public capital facilities and related services. Authorized facilities include park, recreation and open space; school sites and buildings; libraries; childcare; street improvements; and parking. Authorized services include public safety-related programs; recreation programs; library; and operation/maintenance of parks, open space, museum and other cultural programs.
Suitability to Scotts Valley: Currently, the City has one benefit assessment associated with parks for maintaining a linear park and greenbelt areas adjacent to Skypark (which is the responsibility of 190 proximate parcel owners). The City has other assessment districts and a community facilities district not directly related to parks. The City may wish to consider establishing other benefit assessments related to parks and park improvements in the future.
Operational Cost Recovery
Although cities in California charge recreation program (user) fees, the revenue collected is not sufficient to cover the full cost of providing all recreational programs and services.6 As such, the
operational costs of administering recreation programs must be subsidized by other revenue sources, typically with tax revenue provided by an agency’s General Fund. In fiscal year 2023–24, the City anticipates that a $600,000 General Fund subsidy will be required to cover the operational costs of the Parks and Recreation Division (PRD), which is approximately 70% of the division’s operating budget.
4 Benefit Assessments do not require a two-thirds majority vote. Rather, establishment of a Benefit Assessment District requires a majority vote of property owners within the defined area. 5 Debt financing associated with community facilities districts or other instruments such as general obligation bonds must be evaluated in accordance with the City’s debt management policy which limits long-term borrowing to instances where existing reserves or other one-time resources are not available. 6 The California State Constitution, including successive amendments resulting from statewide ballot measures, establishes requirements for governmental service fees that impact how user fees can be used to cover the costs associated with service provision.
104 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
A user fee study is currently underway that will evaluate the City’s level of subsidy to help determine if additional cost recovery efforts/increased fees are warranted that can reduce the ongoing impact to the General Fund.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEVELOPING PUBLIC
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
The City may choose to propose ordinances to the current Municipal Code that would require earlier review and approval of developer-proposed parks and open space. This would allow the City to participate in a pre-approval discussion with developers about any proposed open space and clarify parkland dedication, ownership, and maintenance responsibilities at an early point in the subdivision approval process.
Specifically, it may be appropriate to add specific verbiage to the Title 16 - Subdivisions section, within the Tentative Map and Final Map sections (16.08 and 16.10, respectively) of the City’s Municipal Code. The following verbiage is quoted from the City of Ceres Municipal Code and demonstrates the level of detail recommended:
17.03.320 – Open space ownership and maintenance
Areas within a subdivision designated or planned as open space or for use for park and recreation purposes shall be shown as part of the general plan and any applicable specific plan and shall be at a location within the subdivision acceptable to the approving authority. Areas shall be either:
A. Designated as a separate parcel(s) and offered for dedication to the City for park and recreation purposes.
B. Designated as a separate parcel(s) and maintained as common open space.
C. Contained within the various lots of the subdivision and maintained by the owners of such lots.
Moreover, the City may choose to consider an ordinance to the same section of the Municipal Code, which would encourage developers to propose public versus private open space within a proposed subdivision. The City currently allows a 50% credit against the total required acreage of parkland within a proposed development for proposed private parks. Lowering this fraction to 25% may further incentivize the development of public open spaces within new developments.
Additional Facilities: In addition, it is recommended that parks and recreation staff continue to explore leasing opportunities with existing vacant building owners. There may be additional programming space available for indoor sports and group activities.
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 105
CHAPTER 6
PRELIMINARY PARK RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on community feedback, a strong sentiment from respondents was the desire to improve existing parks. It is recommended for the City to focus on continuously improving existing parks since many respondents shared that they value recreating at City parks. Pursuing joint-use agreements and funding opportunities can also work in conjunction with this effort. A holistic park planning approach can help support the City in providing quality parks and recreation for the community long-term.
Figure 6.3 provides three different categories for each City park: existing conditions based on site observations, general park recommendations, and considerations for community needs. General park recommendations include maintenance and small park improvements. Considerations for community needs are based on community feedback from the public outreach process. Additional suggestions are listed in this category to help fill in amenities or programs that the community desires.
It is recommended for the City to consider additional or more diverse park amenities, as this was a common sentiment from the community during the public outreach process. Top community needs are listed below:
• Stage/amphitheater
• Pickleball courts
• Dog park
• Splash pad/pool
• Full-size basketball courts
• Pumptrack
106 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
FIGURE 6.3 INDIVIDUAL PARK RECOMMENDATIONS
SKYPARK
COMMUNITY PARK 22.5 ACRES
Condition:
• Generally in good condition with some areas in
decline
• New tot playground has recently been installed
and the renovations at the main playground are
in the early stages of planning
• Shade structures at bocce ball courts have been
refinished and repainted
Recommendations:
• Skate park—provide shade over entire skate area
• Replace worn signage
• Repair skate park fence
• Provide more seating or picnic tables under
shade canopy
• Repair turf fields
• Clean, sand and refinish wood structures
• Common areas surrounding picnic—clear
vegetation and provide rock mulch as a temporary
adjustment. Long term, create pathways through
native vegetation to provide nature experience
through gardens.
• Pickleball/Tennis courts—repair surface, nets
and screening on fence
Recommendations (Continued)
• Pickleball/Tennis courts - provide restroom
building
• Linear trail—paint utility boxes and fitness
equipment to avoid rust
• Repair / replace basketball court surfacing
• Install additional pickleball courts
Considerations for Community Needs:
• Relocate and improve the off-leash dog area
• Provide shade shelter over the bocce ball
courts
Considerations for Community Needs:
• Master plan Siltanen Park for renovation
to meet current and future needs of the
community
• Consider an aquatic center for this park
SILTANEN PARK
COMMUNITY PARK 7.5 ACRES
Condition:
• Older facility in fair condition. Field has been
reported to be in poor condition by the community.
Recommendations:
• Remove horseshoe components—area is used
for storage
• Reduce the amount of turf in areas that are not
for active recreation, such as areas that border
the fields and bleachers. Replace with drought
tolerant species and irrigation, to save water, a
precious resource
• Repair, aerate, re-seed, and fertilize turf areas.
Repair field turf
• Clean or repaint Little League Standings board
• Clean, sand and repaint worn bleachers
• Repairs steps and provide code-compliant
handrail
• Provide accessible drinking fountain
• Remove weeds and vegetation from seating area
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 107
CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 6
1 ACRE
HOCUS POCUS PARK
MINI PARK
Condition:
• Turf is uneven
• Play equipment needs repair / replacement
• Basketball court surface is dilapidated and uneven
Recommendations:
• Repair, aerate, re-seed, and fertilize turf areas
• Replenish engineered wood fiber (EWF) safety
surfacing
• Replace basketball court surface
• Replace benches that are worn
• Verify lighting is functional
MACDORSA PARK
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK 5 ACRES
Condition:
• Lawn is patchy
• Picnic tables have been added near playground
• One piece of play equipment with the red curved
poles is installed too high and cannot be reached
• Concrete pad for picnic tables have had tables
removed
• Service table at large BBQ station is not ADA
compliant
• Gazebo and wood seating is worn
Recommendations:
• Provide concrete pad at bicycle racks for parking
• Renovate playground with equipment for all ages
and abilities and replace with a playground that
has a modern play equipment and swings
• Verify that the service table at large BBQ station
is ADA compliant, and, if not, renovate
• Reduce the amount of turf in areas that are not for
active recreation, such as the narrow landscape
strip between the parking lot and playground and
at picnic areas, and replace with drought tolerant
species and irrigation, to save water, a precious
resource
• Repair, aerate, re-seed, and fertilize turf areas
• Refurbish or replace wooden structures
Recommendations (Continued):
• Replace worn picnic tables and add new
picnic tables on existing concrete pad
• Add shade trees or shade shelter over picnic
tables to provide shade
• Provide an accessible ramp entry to the
gazebo
Considerations for Community Needs:
• Develop a stage and amphitheater for
outdoor improvements
• Extend parking lot to the west, if additional
parking is needed
• Renovate park to include a larger inclusive
playground for 2–5 and 5–12 age groups,
with adjacent picnic and bench seating
Considerations for Community Needs:
• Renovate basketball half courts to full size
courts
• Add a fenced, off-leash dog area
108 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
VERN HART PARK
MINI PARK 0.5 ACRES
Condition:
• Stocking of fish has been eliminated over the
years; consider renovation and re-design of this
park
• Area clean and bark mulch provide in landscape
areas
• Boardwalk is uneven and wood is worn
Recommendations:
• Consider incorporating additional amenities or
revitalizing the park with new park amenities
• Replace picnic table or bench seating at existing
concrete slab
• Re-stripe parking space designations
• Remove existing concrete slabs with no apparent
use, replace with native vegetation
• Add pertinent information in kiosk
Considerations for Community Needs:
• Re-imagining the park for current and future
community needs
• Consider a pickleball court or an off-leash
dog park
• Utilize current parking areas for active use
• Consider natural passive area such as
a California Native Plant demonstration
garden
SHUGART PARK
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK 7.23 ACRES
Condition:
• Generally in good condition
• This park has planned improvements that have
not been installed.
Recommendations:
• Repair cracked areas of asphalt walkway
• Continue maintenance of planting areas and bark
mulch
• Install a permanent restroom building
• Complete development of the park, specifically
dog park area Considerations for Community Needs:
• Add off-leash dog park for all
• Add pickleball / tennis courts
• Add bocce ball court
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 109
CHAPTER 6
LODATO PARK
TRAIL
Condition:
• Trail is uneven, brush extends over path
• Entry area has recently been fixed due to storm
damage
Recommendations:
• Upgrade first portion of the trail to be accessible
• Continue to maintain trails by removing
overgrown brush, repairing uneven trail surface,
and removing trash
• Remove broken asphalt surface and repair trail
• Expand partnership with Land Trust of Santa
Cruz County for trail management
49 ACRES
0.32 ACRE
Considerations for Community Needs:
• Convert portions of existing turf to native,
low-maintenance plantings
• Add a welcome mural on the existing block
wall
GATEWAY NORTH PARK
MINI PARK
Condition:
• Unhealthy trees need to be removed / replaced
• Sidewalk needs repair / replacement
• Turf is uneven
Recommendations:
• Repair, aerate, re-seed, and fertilize turf areas
• Repair cracked sidewalk surface
• Remove unhealthy trees
• Reduce the amount of turf in areas that are not
for active recreation and replace with drought
tolerant species and irrigation, to save water, a
precious resource
110 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
POLO RANCH PARK
MINI PARK 0.72 ACRES
Condition:
• Newly opened, all new equipment, surfacing, site
furniture, restroom
• Restroom is currently managed by the HOA of the
housing development
Recommendations:
• None
GLENWOOD OPEN SPACE
TRAIL 160 ACRES
Condition:
• Generally in good condition
• Restoration of native vegetation is in progress
• Currently managed by the Land Trust of Santa
Cruz County
Recommendations:
• Continue to maintain trails by removing
overgrown brush, repairing uneven trail surface,
and removing trash
• Add bench seating at key locations
• Provide accessible path to trailhead from an
accessible parking stall to the entrance
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 111
CHAPTER 6
IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
This implementation framework presents a park evaluation strategy and an implementation table that features specific improvements ranked by priority for each park. The evaluation for each park includes not only the park scoring metrics, but also consideration of each neighborhood, the park location within Scotts Valley, current user groups, needs assessment, inventory and potential for filling service gaps. Project types are defined as those easily achieved through Operations and Maintenance, or small project, where a consultant might be hired to design and manage the project. Large projects may consider community outreach specific to each park, to allow the residents to express preferences and needs for specific amenities. These projects may take months or years to complete.
This implementation outlines a strategic, sustainable approach for the City to upgrade parks and expand recreational offerings. As the City implements actions, the City can perform an annual or bi-annual assessment of the park planning progress and outcomes. The City can also consider keeping the Parks Master Plan up to date with these reports in supplemental appendices. This is meant to track progress of park improvements as they are being implemented, so the Parks Master Plan can continuously be referred to and updated in real time.
It is important to note that conditions may change over the next 10 years, and it may necessitate modifications to the implementation actions. Changes in demographics, development patterns, economics, population, and recreational interests can alter needs and priorities. To stay committed in providing quality recreational opportunities, the City can improve and refine implementation approaches. The implementation actions are flexible in nature and can be adjusted and improved upon based on current conditions.
Annual Park Scoring Evaluation
The park scoring table in the Parks Master Plan captures the current state of park priorities for improvements based on seven metrics. Park scoring is not intended to rank the parks, but to better understand the current value of existing parks and where there may be opportunities to improve both on an individual park level and as a whole system. Using the park scoring table, the City can re-evaluate the scores on an annual basis and update the metric data as the community changes and improvement projects are completed throughout the year that may alter the way a park scores. A more detailed breakdown of the current park scoring table showing each metric with a score is in “Appendix B: Park Scoring.” In-depth descriptions of each metric are also presented in Park Scoring on page 88.
As implementation proceeds, the numeric value for each metric may change, which will impact the overall park score for an individual park. As the City makes upgrades, improvements, or additions to a park, this will change a park’s score and the park’s ranking will shift down. For instance, if the City starts to prioritize park improvements at Siltanen Park and implemented changes, the park score will change and it will shift down in ranking. Based on budget, current priorities, and other factors, the City can then decide to continue park improvements at Siltanen Park or to prioritize park improvements at other parks that have a higher park score.
Implementation Table
To ensure the success of the Parks Master Plan, an implementation table of specific improvements and recommendations have been identified for each park, organized by their park score. Cost ranges, priority rankings, and types of project are also displayed. The lower the number, the higher the priority. Table 6.4 is intended to serve as a guide where the City can make park planning decisions based on available funding, priority, and type of project.
112 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
TABLE 6.4 IMPLEMENTATION TABLE
PARK
SCORE
1=High
2=Medium (start within 1–2
years)
3=Low (start within 5 years)
PROJECT
TYPE
$=Less than 100k
$$=$100k to $500k
$$$=500k to $2 mil
$$$$=$2 mil+
No. Project type Priority Category Cost
1 General Operations and Maintenance
1.1 Throughout all parks, continue maintenance. Repair, replace, repaint existing site amenities. Consider a
dedicated funding source on an annual basis.
1 O & M ongoing
2 Siltanen Park 5.3
2.1 Consider a park specific master plan for renovation to meet current and future needs of the community.
Consider an aquatic center or splash pad for this park. 1 Large project $$
2.2 Turf Fields - repair. 1 O & M $
2.3 Wood bleacher seating at all areas - clean, sand, and repaint. Remove weeds to allow for full use of seating. 1 O & M $
2.4 Accessible path of travel - provide code compliant
walkways at bleachers, barbeque shelter, etc. 1 Large project $$–$$$
2.5 Playground - replenish EWF. 1 O & M $
2.6 Horseshoe area - remove horseshoe game elements
that are not used. Consider bleacher seating facing the ball field.
2 O & M $
2.7 Little League Standings board at Fitz Memorial -
refurbish. 2 O & M $
2.8 Playground - replace playground equipment with
inclusive, ADA compliant and modern equipment
incorporating sustainable durable materials.
2 Small project $$
2.9 Parking lot on Vine Hill Road - replenish plant material.
Install trees for shade. Re-install signage that is
damaged.
2 Small project $
2.10 Landscaping - reduce the amount of turf in areas that are not for active recreation, such as areas that border the fields and bleachers. Replace with drought tolerant species and irrigation, to save water and reduce
maintenance costs.
3 Small project $$
2.11 Playground - drinking fountain - replace with an
accessible drinking fountain with pet bowl and bottle
filler.
3 Small project $
3 Skypark 5.1
3.1 Consider preparation of a park specific master plan for a permanent stage to align with the Town Center Specific
Plan, renovation that utilizes the space efficiently,
creating opportunity to improve for current and future
trends including possible relocation of the dog park and pump track.
1 Large project $$
3.2 Skate park - replace worn signage, repair and paint fence. 1 O & M $
3.3 Landscaping - renovate common areas located outside of active play zones, to include drought tolerant, low
water-use planting and irrigation. Consider installing
connecting pathways through the garden areas.
1 Small project $$
3.4 Playground - replace 5–12 age playground equipment
with inclusive, ADA compliant and modern equipment
incorporating sustainable durable materials.
1 Small project $$
3.5 Skate Park - provide picnic and bench seating under shade shelter. 2 O & M $
3.6 Signage - repair or replace throughout the park. 2 O & M $ PARK
O&M = Operations and Maintenance
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 113
CHAPTER 6
PARK
SCORE
1=High
2=Medium (start within 1–2
years)
3=Low (start within 5 years)
PROJECT
TYPE
$=Less than 100k
$$=$100k to $500k
$$$=500k to $2 mil
$$$$=$2 mil+
PARK
3.7 Turf Fields - repair. 2 O & M $
3.8 Basketball court - replace surfacing. 2 Small project $$
3.9 Bocce Ball courts - install shade shelter over full courts and picnic areas. 2 Small project $$
3.10 Pickleball/Tennis courts - repair walkways, wood
retaining walls, court surfaces, nets and screening on
fence.
2 O & M $
3.11 Pickleball/Tennis courts - provide restroom building. 2 Large project $$–$$$
3.12 Pickleball/Tennis courts - install shade shelters with seating outside of the court areas. 2 Small project $$
3.13 Linear trail - paint utility boxes and fitness equipment to avoid rust. 2 O & M $
3.14 Dog off-leash park - relocate prior to Town Center construction. 3 Large project $$$
3.15 Pump-track - relocate prior to Town Center
construction. 3 Large project $$$
4 MacDorsa Park 3.8
4.1 Consider a park specific master plan for renovation to meet current and future needs of the community.
Consider revitalizing the playground and amphitheater.
1 Small project $$
4.2 Playground renovations - pursue either #1 or #2 option depending on available funding.
#1 Option - renovate the existing playground with
equipment for all ages and abilities. Remove and
replace the unused piece of equipment.
#2 Option - renovate to include a larger inclusive
playground for 2–5 and 5–12 age groups, with adjacent
picnic and bench seating.
#1 option-1
#2 option-2
#1 option -
Small project
#2 option -
Large project
#1 option-$$
#2 option-$$$
4.3 Accessbile Path of Travel - provide code compliant
walkways to the gazebo and the Scott House entry. 2 Small project $
4.4 Bicycle parking - provide a concrete pad at existing bicycle racks. 2 Small project $
4.5 Site furniture - replace worn picnic tables and add new picnic tables on existing concrete pad. 2 O & M $
4.6 BBQ area - renovate the amenities in this area to meet ADA requirements, including fixtures, and counters. 2 Small project $$
4.7 Landscaping - reduce the amount of turf in areas that are not for active recreation, such as the narrow
landscape strip between the parking lot and playground
and at picnic areas, and replace with drought tolerant
species and low water-use irrigation, to save water.
3 Small project $$
4.8 Turf areas - repair. 3 O & M $
4.9 Picnic tables - add shade trees or a shade shelter over picnic tables. 3 Small project $
5 Hocus Pocus Park 2.7
5.1 Turf areas - repair and replenish. 1 O & M
5.2 Playground safety surfacing - replenish engineered
wood fiber (EWF) safety surfacing to a minimum depth
of 12" in all areas. Verify that rubber safety surfacing is code compliant and not past its lifespan.
1 O & M $
5.3 Basketball - replace surfacing. 1 Small project $
5.4 Lighting - verify functionality for nighttime safety. 1 O & M $ O&M = Operations and Maintenance
114 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
PARK
SCORE
1=High
2=Medium (start within 1–2
years)
3=Low (start within 5 years)
PROJECT
TYPE
$=Less than 100k
$$=$100k to $500k
$$$=500k to $2 mil
$$$$=$2 mil+
PARK
5.5 Landscaping - Reduce the amount of turf in areas that are not for active recreation, such as areas that border the street sidewalk, and small interior planting areas.
Replace with drought tolerant species and irrigation, to save water and reduce maintenance costs.
2 Small project $$
5.6 Site furniture - replace worn benches, tables, and
barbecues. 2 O & M $
5.7 Consider installation of a small off-leash dog area in this park. 2 Large project $$$
5.8 Basketball - consider renovation of the two half-courts to one full size court. 3 Large project $$
6 Vern Hart Fishing Pak 2
6.1 Consider a park specific master plan for renovation that utilizes the space efficiently, creating opportunity to improve for current and future trends, including
accessible access to the creek, and additional
recreational amenities.
1 Small project $$
6.2 Maintenance - remove existing concrete slabs with no apparent use, replace with native vegetation or add new picnic tables over existing concrete slabs.
1 O & M $
6.3 Site furniture - add picnic table or bench seating where possible. Repaint trash receptacles. 2 O & M $
6.4 Parking - restripe existing parking areas. 2 O & M $
6.5 Kiosk - utilize this space for City notices and marketing. 2 O & M $
6.6 Landscaping - consider California native plantings with signage enhancing this riparian zone. 3 Small project $ 7 Shugart Park 1.9
7.1 Park improvements - review the current design of the park, verify that it meets current community needs, and develop the improvements.
1 Large project $$$$
7.2 Pathways - repair cracked areas of asphalt walkway. 2 O & M $
7.3 Landscaping - continue maintenance of planting areas. 2 O & M $
7.4 Provide a permanent restroom building. 2 Large project $$–$$$ 8 Lodato Park 1.9
8.1 Trailhead - renovate the trailhead with accessible path of travel and bench seating. 1 Small project $
8.2 Trail - continue to maintain trails by removing overgrown brush, repairing uneven trail surface, and removing
trash.
2 O & M $
8.3 Bike rack - repair or replace. 2 O & M $
9 Gateway North Park 1.8
9.1 Landscaping - reduce the amount of turf in areas that are not for active recreation, and replace with drought tolerant plants and low water-use irrigation, saving water and reducing maintenance costs.
1 Small project $$
9.2 Arbor - verify structural integrity of the arbor to ensure safety. 1 O & M $
9.3 Wall - consider installing a colorful mural on the wall. 2 Small project $
9.4 Trees - remove unhealthy trees. 2 O & M $
O&M = Operations and Maintenance
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 115
CHAPTER 6
PARK
SCORE
1=High
2=Medium (start within 1–2
years)
3=Low (start within 5 years)
PROJECT
TYPE
$=Less than 100k
$$=$100k to $500k
$$$=500k to $2 mil
$$$$=$2 mil+
PARK
9.5 Pathways - replace broken concrete. 3 Small project $ 10 Glenwood Open Space (Managed by The Land Trust
of Santa Cruz County) 0.9
10.1 Trails - continue to maintain trails by removing
overgrown brush, repairing uneven trail surfaces, and
removing trash.
2 O & M $
10.2 Trail head(s) - consider developing an accessible
pathway from the accessible parking stall, and provide a seating area.
2 Small project $$
11 Polo Ranch Park 0.8
11.1 None.
O&M = Operations and Maintenance
CONCLUSION
Providing safe, accessible, and equitable recreational opportunities can help encourage healthy lifestyles for everyone. Scotts Valley has a highly used parks system that offers a diverse array of active and passive recreational opportunities for its community. Many people value recreating at City parks, so it is important for the City to strategically manage this asset for the next decade and beyond. While population growth will be modest, it is key for the City to provide improved recreational experiences and expand recreational offerings through partnerships as the Recreation Division continues to restructure and rebuild their recreational services. This will help fill in gaps, from park amenities to recreational programs, that the community aspires for.
Guided by the implementation framework, the City can create unique recreational opportunities to keep members of the community engaged with the City’s park and recreation system in the next 10 years. It is important for the City to perform an ongoing evaluation and update the Parks Master Plan with supplemental appendices and park scoring updates as improvements occur.
Staff may provide a yearly report that is attached as an Appendix citing recommendations that have been addressed, improvements made during the year, and updates on new developments, such as the Town Center.
116 CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS
REFERENCES
American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ acs/data/data-tables.html
City of Capitola. (2014). Capitola General Plan. https://www.cityofcapitola.org/sites/default/files/ fileattachments/page//general_plan_-_update_2019.pdf
City of Capitola and Capitola Successor Agency. (2023). Adopted Budget Fiscal Year 2022–
23. https://www.cityofcapitola.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/finance/page/2415/2023_ adopted_budget.pdf
City of Half Moon Bay and BluePoint Planning. (2019). Parks Master Plan. https://www.half-moonbay.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/2161/Final-Master-Plan_12419v6 City of Half Moon Bay. (2023). Fiscal Year 2022–23 Adopted Operating Budget. https://www. half-moon-bay.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/4978/FY-2022-23-City-of-Half-Moon-Bay-AnnualBudget---Adopted---Online-Secured City of Pacific Grove. (1994). General Plan. https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/our_city/ departments/community_development/programs___projects/general_plan.php#outer-269 City of Pacific Grove. (2023). Adopted Budget Fiscal Year 2022/2023. https://files.cityofpacificgrove. org/Document_Center/Departments/Administrative%20Services/Annual%20Budget%20&%20 Financial%20Reports/Budget/2022-23/Budget%20Adopted%20by%20Council%20FY%202022- 2023.pdf
City of Scotts Valley. (2007). Community Profile. https://www.scottsvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/719/City-Profile-and-History-PDF
City of Scotts Valley and RRM Design Group. (2008). Scotts Valley Town Center Specific Plan. https://www.scottsvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/935/Scotts-Valley-Town-Center-SpecificPlan-December-2008-PDF City of Scotts Valley and Parks and Recreation Commission. (2012). Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan. https://www.scottsvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3222/Scotts-Valley-Parks-MasterPlan-DRAFT-May2012__NotAdopted City of Scotts Valley and Management Partners. (2016). City of Scotts Valley Recreation Services Assessment and Restoration Plan.
https://www.scottsvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3224/Scotts-Valley_Recreation-ServicesAssessment_2021-Report_Management-Partners City of Scotts Valley and Recreation Accessibility Consultants. (2016). Access Audit and Transition Plan Recommendations. https://www.scottsvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/602/Conclusionsand-Recommendations-for-All-Sites-PDF City of Scotts Valley. (2019). Final FY 2018–19 Annual Budget and Five- and Ten-Year Financial Plan. https://www.scottsvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1329/FY-2018---2019-Final-AnnualBudget-PDF
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS 117
CHAPTER 6
City of Scotts Valley. (2021). Active Transportation Plan. https://www.scottsvalley.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/2800/SV-Active-Transportation-Plan
City of Scotts Valley. (2022). Final FY 2021–22 Annual Budget and Five- and Ten-Year Financial Plan. https://www.scottsvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2817/FY-2021-2022-Final-AnnualBudget-PDF City of Scotts Valley. (2023). Final Proposed Budget Fiscal Year 2022–23. https://www.scottsvalley. gov/DocumentCenter/View/3148/FY-2022-2023-Final-Annual-Budget-PDF City of Scotts Valley. (2023). General Plan. https://www.scottsvalley.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/4668/Scotts-Valley-General-Plan---Adopted-November-2023 National Recreation and Park Association. (2022). Engagement with Parks Report. https://www. nrpa.org/contentassets/257fe28053c6420786927fcffc2f9996/2022engagementreport.pdf National Recreation and Park Association. (2022). NRPA Agency Performance Review. https:// www.nrpa.org/contentassets/3ae6ba685dbf47a1b537af2f15c615d9/2023-agency-performancereview.pdf Outdoor Foundation. (2022). Outdoor Participation Trends Report Executive Summary. https:// outdoorindustry.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2022-Outdoor-Participation-Trends-Report-1. pdf
Santa Cruz County. (1994). General Plan and Local Coastal Program.
Santa Cruz County GIS. Geographic Information Services. https://gis.santacruzcounty.us/ Sports and Fitness Industry Association. (2022). State of the Industry Report.
Sports and Fitness Industry Association. (2022). U.S. Trends in Team Sports Report.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2017). Economic Census. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ economic-census/year/2017/economic-census-2017/data.html U.S. Census Bureau. https://data.census.gov/
U.S. Geologic Survey. The National Geologic Map Database - Topographic Map. https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/topoview/viewer/#4/40.01/-100.06
Page Intentionally Left Blank
APPENDIX A
PARK SITES & FACILITIES MATRIX
Page Intentionally Left Blank
APPENDIX A: INVENTORY 121
APPENDIX A
PARK SITES AND FACILITIES
PARK
SITES AND
FACILITIES
TypeSize (Acres)AmphitheaterAuditorium/StageBarbecue FacilitiesBaseball FieldBasketball CourtBike RacksBocce Ball CourtChildren's Play EquipmentChildren's SwingsConcessions or KitchenFitness EquipmentHorseshoe AreaIndoor ActivitiesMeeting RoomsNature PreserveOff-leash Dog SitePickleball CourtsPicnic AreaRestroomsShade ShelterSoccer FieldSoftball FieldSwimming PoolTennis CourtsTrail AccessPlaza AreaParking (Excludes Street Parking) Community
Center CC
2 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Performing Arts
Center CC
5 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Senior Center CC 1 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Siltanen Park CP 7.5 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Skypark CP ϮϮ͘ϱ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
MacDorsa Park NP ϱ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Shugart Park NP 7.23 ▪ ▪
Hocus Pocus
Park MP 1 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Polo Ranch Park MP 0.72 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Vern Hart
Fishing Park MP 0.5 ▪ ▪ ▪
Gateway North
Park MP 0.32 ▪
Glenwood Open
Space Trails T 160 ▪ ▪
Lodato Park T ϰϵ ▪ ▪ ▪
T = Trails
CC = Community Center
CP = Community Park
NP = Neighborhood Park
MP = Mini Park
ϭ Page 338 of 390
122 APPENDIX A: INVENTORY
APPENDIX B
PARK SCORING
Page Intentionally Left Blank
APPENDIX B: PARK SCORING 125
PARK SCORING TABLE
PARK SCORE
Typology
Ranking
Park Name
ProgrammingProgramming
Points (10)
Quantity of
Amenities
Weighted Score
Quantity
Points (10)
Lack of UsabilityLack of Usability
Points (10)
Code Infraction Code Infraction
Points (10)
Community
Activation
Community
Activation
Points (5)
Revenue
Generators
Revenue
Generators
Points
Connectivity Connectivity
TOTAL
CP 1 Siltanen Park 5 7 27 8 3 6 10 14 10 Y 5 Y 13 Y 5 5.3 CP 2 Skypark Park 8 10 36 10 1 6 10 9 7 Y 5 Y 13 Y 5 5.1 NP 3 MacDorsa Park 2 3 18 5 6 4 7 12 9 Y 5 Y 3 Y 5 3.8
MP 4 Hocus Pocus Park 1 2 20 6 5 3 5 9 7 Y 5 Y 3 N 0 2.7 MP 5 Vern Hart Fishing Park 0 0 2 1 10 4 7 4 3 N 0 N 0 N 0 2 NP 6 Shugart Park 0 0 1 1 10 2 4 0 0 N 0 N 0 Y 5 1.9
T 7 Lodato Park 0 0 2 1 10 4 7 2 2 N 0 N 0 N 0 1.9
MP 8 Gateway North Park 0 0 3 1 10 1 2 1 1 N 0 N 0 Y 5 1.8 T 9 Glenwood Open Space Trails 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 N 0 N 0 Y 5 0.9 MP 10 Polo Ranch Park 0 0 10 3 8 0 0 0 0 N 0 N 0 N 0 0.8 MAXIMUM VALUE 8 36 6 14
SCOTTS VALLEY PARK SCORING
PARK SITE METRIC #1 METRIC #2 METRIC #3 METRIC #4 METRIC #5 METRIC #6 METRIC #7
126 APPENDIX B: PARK SCORING
PARK SCORING METRICS
1. PROGRAMMING (10-POINT SCALE)
The programming metric measures the number of programmed elements at a park that draw groups of people together. This includes different recreational programs held at a park, rent-able sport fields/courts for competitive play, and park event spaces for City gatherings. Programs include bike maintenance class and skateboarding class at Skypark and rentable gazebos at MacDorsa Park. Each type of program is given one point. Then, the maximum number of total programs at a park is used to develop a weighted score. The scores are re-calculated into a 10-point scale. Parks that can accommodate more programming attract more users, therefore holding a higher number of programming points.
2. QUANTITIES OF AMENITIES (10-POINT SCALE)
This metric captures the quantity of common park amenities at each park. These include benches, tables, barbecues, drinking fountains, play equipment, shade shelters, pet waste stations, and bike racks. Restrooms/ concessions, sports courts, sports fields, amphitheaters, pools, and gazebos are excluded. These features are excluded because they are not typical features of a park. Also, only counting typical park amenities will prevent scoring from skewing to parks with a variety of park amenities, but do not have core park site features.
At a minimum, a park should have some core park amenities, such as benches and tables.
Data compiled from the site inventory was used to calculate the number of amenities at each park. Each amenity counts as a point and totaled for each park. Then, the maximum number of total amenities at a park is used to develop a weighted score. The scores are re-calculated into a 10-point scale. The final score is reversed numerically, so a park with a few amenities indicate a greater need, prioritizing this park for improvements. In this park scoring table, the maximum number of amenities at a park is 17 and was averaged to create a weighted score. Parks with a greater number of amenities indicates less priority for improvements.
3. LACK OF USABILITY (10-POINT SCALE)
Regardless of the quantity of amenities of a park, the condition of its amenities will greatly impact user experience and attendance to a park. Some residents may travel further to enjoy a park with modern amenities and is located in a safer neighborhood over a run-down neighborhood park. This could result in underutilized parks that have outdated, broken, or worn-out amenities.
This usability metric measures the conditions of park amenities, placing higher priority on parks with greater points, indicating a higher lack of usability. A point is given to an existing amenity that is outdated, broken, or worn-out. For instance, one point is given for the worn-out benches at Gateway North Park and three points given for the outdated play equipment, uneven basketball court, and worn-out benches at Hocus Pocus Park.
Based on the maximum number of usability points, a final weighted score is developed into a 10-point scale.
APPENDIX B: PARK SCORING 127
4. CODE INFRACTIONS (10-POINT SCALE)
Code infractions touches upon general safety concerns that violate local or federal code. Code infractions were determined from a visual assessment during site inventory visits and the 2016 Access Audit and Transit Plan. Corrections to playgrounds, ramps, and park sites are only included in this metric. Exterior routes, shade shelters, and parking are not included. Playgrounds assessment at Skypark are excluded because both playground sites were being renovated or planned for renovation at the time of writing this Parks Master Plan.
Each item is counted as one point. As these pertain to the safety, health and well-being of the public, parks that receive a higher code infraction score should hold a higher priority for improvements than those with a lower score. Based on the maximum number of code infraction points, a final weighted score is developed into a 10-point scale.
5. COMMUNITY ACTIVATION (YES=5 POINTS, NO=0 POINTS)
Parks are social places. It is important that parks continue to be a place for people to gather and encourage social connections with each other. The community activation category aims to measure an existing park’s ability to do this by assigning priority points for parks that hold community events, such as festivals, concerts, or celebrations.
6. REVENUE GENERATORS
(NONE= 0 POINTS, USE FEES=3 POINTS, ENTRY FEES=6 POINTS, TOURNAMENT/ COMPETITIVE SPORT FEES=10 POINTS)
The programming metric measures the number of programmed elements at a park that draw groups of people together. This includes different recreational programs held at a park, rent-able sport fields/courts for competitive play, and park event spaces for City gatherings. Each type of program is given one point. Parks that can accommodate more programming attract more users, therefore holding greater park value.
7. CONNECTIVITY (YES=5 POINTS, NO=0 POINTS)
The connectivity metric looks at social places within a park’s half-mile vicinity that would attract users to the park. These would include schools, churches, multi-use spaces, shopping malls, etc. Parks located in areas with more social opportunities tend to have a higher number of users. While it is important to continuously maintain parks, parks with higher number of users generally lead to more worn amenities due to increase usage.
Page Intentionally Left Blank
APPENDIX C
PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Page Intentionally Left Blank
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 131
Scotts Valley Parks Community Survey Results Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey 1 / 42
77.54% 694
22.46% 201
Q1 Do you live in Scotts Valley or are you a visitor ?
Answered: 895 Skipped: 4
TOTAL 895
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
I live in
Scotts Valley
I am a
visitor.
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
I live in Scotts Valley
I am a visitor.
Q1 Do you live in Scotts Valley or are you a visitor?
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
Skypark Vern Hart
Park
Hocus
Pocus Park
Polo Ranch
Park
Mac Dorsa
Park
Siltanen
Park
Glenwood
Open
Space
Preserve
Shugart
Park
Lodato
Park
132 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
3 / 42
63.55% 570
20.40% 183
10.37% 93
5.57% 50
0.11% 1
Q3 How often do you visit Scotts Valley parks or facilities? Answered: 897 Skipped: 2
TOTAL 897
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
More than two
times per week
Once a week
One or two
times a month
A few times a
year
Never
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
More than two times per week
Once a week
One or two times a month
A few times a year
Never
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
3 / 42
63.55% 570
20.40% 183
10.37% 93
5.57% 50
0.11% 1
Q3 How often do you visit Scotts Valley parks or facilities? Answered: 897 Skipped: 2
TOTAL 897
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
More than two
times per week
Once a week
One or two
times a month
A few times a
year
Never
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
More than two times per week
Once a week
One or two times a month
A few times a year
Never Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
Q4 If you answered “Never” to Question #3, what are the reasons you don’t visit Scotts Valley parks or facilities? (Please select all that apply) Answered: 0 Skipped: 899
Total Respondents: 0
! No matching responses.
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Lack of features/amenities
Too far from home
Lack of restrooms
Safety
Lack of accessible features
Lack of transportation
Lack of safe routes for alternate transportation (biking, walking, etc.) Use parks and facilities in other areas. (Please specify where in the "Other" section) Other (please specify)
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
0.00% 0
Q4 If you answered “Never” to Question #3, what are the reasons you don’t visit Scotts Valley parks or facilities? (Please select all that apply) Answered: 0 Skipped: 899
Total Respondents: 0
! No matching responses.
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Lack of features/amenities
Too far from home
Lack of restrooms
Safety
Lack of accessible features
Lack of transportation
Lack of safe routes for alternate transportation (biking, walking, etc.) Use parks and facilities in other areas. (Please specify where in the "Other" section) Other (please specify)
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 133
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
5 / 42
Q5 Which parks or facilities have you visited? (Select all that apply) Answered: 871 Skipped: 28
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Hocus Pocus
Park
Lodato Park
Trail
Mac Dorsa Park
Siltanen Park
Skypark
Skypark Dog
Park
Skypark Skate
Park
Skypark
Pumptrack
Skypark
Pickleball/T...
Skypark Linear
Trail
Vern Hart
Fishing Park
Glenwood Open
Space
Shugart
Park/Glenwoo...
Community
Garden
Community
Center
Senior Center
Scotts Valley
Performing A...
Skypark
Pickleball/Tennis
Shugart Park/Glenwood
Parking Lot
Scotts Valley
Performing Arts Center
134 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
6 / 42
61.88% 539
43.74% 381
45.92% 400
79.79% 695
95.98% 836
45.35% 395
34.67% 302
42.37% 369
35.82% 312
64.06% 558
12.86% 112
68.08% 593
33.41% 291
9.87% 86
28.01% 244
23.19% 202
21.01% 183
Total Respondents: 871
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Hocus Pocus Park
Lodato Park Trail
Mac Dorsa Park
Siltanen Park
Skypark
Skypark Dog Park
Skypark Skate Park
Skypark Pumptrack
Skypark Pickleball/Tennis
Skypark Linear Trail
Vern Hart Fishing Park
Glenwood Open Space
Shugart Park/Glenwood Parking Lot
Community Garden
Community Center
Senior Center
Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 135
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
7 / 42
Q6 To start, how IMPORTANT are each of the following to you? Answered: 807 Skipped: 92
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
natural...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
7 / 42
Q6 To start, how IMPORTANT are each of the following to you? Answered: 807 Skipped: 92
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
natural...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
8 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very Import… Somewhat I… Less Impor… Not Import…
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
8 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very Import… Somewhat I… Less Impor… Not Import…
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
8 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very Import… Somewhat I… Less Impor… Not Import…
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
8 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very Import… Somewhat I… Less Impor… Not Import…
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
7 / 42
Q6 To start, how IMPORTANT are each of the following to you? Answered: 807 Skipped: 92
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
natural...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
7 / 42
Q6 To start, how IMPORTANT are each of the following to you? Answered: 807 Skipped: 92
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
natural...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
7 / 42
Q6 To start, how IMPORTANT are each of the following to you? Answered: 807 Skipped: 92
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
natural...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
7 / 42
Q6 To start, how IMPORTANT are each of the following to you? Answered: 807 Skipped: 92
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
natural...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Less Important
Not Important
Provide opportunities to enjoy nature/the
outdoors
Provide opportunities for fitness, health, &
wellness
Enhance neighborhood and community
quality of life
Provide spaces to exercise pets
Protect our natural environment
Provide recreation opportunities for
people of all abilities
Provide spaces for special events and
social opportunities
Provide opportunities to learn about
nature
Make Scotts Valley a more desirable
place to live
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
136 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
9 / 42
90.68%
730
7.83%
63 1.24%
10 0.25%
2 805 3.89
74.06%
588
20.03%
159
5.04%
40 0.88%
7 794 3.67
83.25%
666
14.37%
115
2.00%
16 0.38%
3 800 3.81
35.07%
269
29.20%
224
20.86%
160
14.86%
114 767 2.84
71.12%
554
23.49%
183
4.75%
37 0.64%
5 779 3.65
74.66%
598
20.35%
163
4.37%
35 0.62%
5 801 3.69
55.64%
444
33.33%
266
9.40%
75 1.63%
13 798 3.43
32.08%
255
41.26%
328
22.52%
179
4.15%
33 795 3.01
61.31%
488
25.75%
205
10.43%
83 2.51%
20 796 3.46
VERY
IMPORTANT
SOMEWHAT
IMPORTANT
LESS
IMPORTANT
NOT
IMPORTANT
TOTAL WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
Provide opportunities to enjoy
nature/the outdoors.
Provide opportunities for fitness, health
& wellness.
Enhances neighborhood and
community quality of life.
Provide spaces to exercise pets.
Protect our natural environment.
Provide recreation opportunities for
people of all abilities.
Provide spaces for special events and
social opportunities.
Provide opportunities to learn about
nature.
Make Scotts Valley a more desirable
place to live.
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 137
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
10 / 42
Q7 Great! Now we want to know how SATISFIED you are with the following. For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 799 Skipped: 100
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
10 / 42
Q7 Great! Now we want to know how SATISFIED you are with the following. For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 799 Skipped: 100
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
8 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very Import… Somewhat I… Less Impor… Not Import…
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
10 / 42
Q7 Great! Now we want to know how SATISFIED you are with the following. For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 799 Skipped: 100
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
10 / 42
Q7 Great! Now we want to know how SATISFIED you are with the following. For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 799 Skipped: 100
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
10 / 42
Q7 Great! Now we want to know how SATISFIED you are with the following. For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 799 Skipped: 100
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
10 / 42
Q7 Great! Now we want to know how SATISFIED you are with the following. For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 799 Skipped: 100
Provide
opportunitie...
Provide
opportunitie...
Enhances
neighborhood...
Provide spaces
to exercise...
Protect our
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide opportunities to enjoy nature/the
outdoors
Provide opportunities for fitness, health, &
wellness
Enhances neighborhood and community
quality of life
Provide spaces to exercise pets
Protect our natural environment
Completely Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Provide recreation opportunities for
people of all abilities
Provide spaces for special events and
social opportunities
Provide opportunities to learn about
nature
Make Scotts Valley a more desirable
place to live
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
138 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
12 / 42
36.48%
290
57.86%
460
5.28%
42 0.38%
3 795 3.30
25.35%
201
54.85%
435
16.52%
131
3.28%
26 793 3.02
25.41%
201
62.20%
492
10.75%
85 1.64%
13 791 3.11
41.32%
312
40.00%
302
12.72%
96 5.96%
45 755 3.17
33.12%
258
58.28%
454
7.83%
61 0.77%
6 779 3.24
22.05%
172
53.85%
420
17.05%
133
7.05%
55 780 2.91
38.91%
307
49.81%
393
9.51%
75 1.77%
14 789 3.26
25.19%
194
57.27%
441
15.45%
119
2.08%
16 770 3.06
29.74%
232
56.15%
438
10.38%
81 3.72%
29 780 3.12
COMPLETELY
SATISFIED
SOMEWHAT
SATISFIED
SOMEWHAT
DISSATISFIED
DISSATISFIED TOTAL WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
Provide opportunities to enjoy
nature/the outdoors.
Provide opportunities for
fitness, health & wellness.
Enhances neighborhood and
community quality of life.
Provide spaces to exercise
pets.
Protect our natural
environment.
Provide recreation
opportunities for people of all
abilities.
Provide spaces for special
events and social
opportunities.
Provide opportunities to learn
about nature.
Make Scotts Valley a more
desirable place to live.
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 139
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
13 / 42
53.77% 435
66.50% 538
21.76% 176
11.99% 97
30.78% 249
14.96% 121
12.61% 102
38.32% 310
Q8 What are your top 3 concerns regarding visiting the City's parks? Select your top 3.
Answered: 809 Skipped: 90
Total Respondents: 809
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Lack of
amenities
Amenities are
outdated
Safety
Loitering
people
Lack of
programs and...
Lack of
accessibilit...
No safe route
to the park ...
Other (please
specify)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Lack of amenities
Amenities are outdated
Safety
Loitering people
Lack of programs and events that interest me
Lack of accessibility for all people
No safe route to the park via alternate transportation
Other (please specify)
No safe route to the park
via alternate transportation
Lack of programs and
events that interest me
Lack accessibility for all
people
140 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
14 / 42
Q9 Now how IMPORTANT is it to have the following features and amenities at parks or facilities?
Answered: 773 Skipped: 126
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
14 / 42
Q9 Now how IMPORTANT is it to have the following features and amenities at parks or facilities?
Answered: 773 Skipped: 126
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
15 / 42
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features
(splash pad,...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
15 / 42
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features
(splash pad,...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
15 / 42
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features
(splash pad,...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
15 / 42
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features
(splash pad,...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
15 / 42
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features
(splash pad,...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
14 / 42
Q9 Now how IMPORTANT is it to have the following features and amenities at parks or facilities?
Answered: 773 Skipped: 126
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
14 / 42
Q9 Now how IMPORTANT is it to have the following features and amenities at parks or facilities?
Answered: 773 Skipped: 126
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
14 / 42
Q9 Now how IMPORTANT is it to have the following features and amenities at parks or facilities?
Answered: 773 Skipped: 126
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
14 / 42
Q9 Now how IMPORTANT is it to have the following features and amenities at parks or facilities?
Answered: 773 Skipped: 126
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
Skating and
scooter
Bike trail
Multi-use trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play areas for children of all
abilities
Shade shelters
Picnic areas/BBQ
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Less Important
Not Important
Open space to enjoy nature
Off-leash dog area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features (splash pad, decorative
fountains, etc.)
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 141
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
16 / 42
Skating and
scooter
Bike trail
Bike pump
track
Equestrian
trails
Hiking trails
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
16 / 42
Skating and
scooter
Bike trail
Bike pump
track
Equestrian
trails
Hiking trails
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
16 / 42
Skating and
scooter
Bike trail
Bike pump
track
Equestrian
trails
Hiking trails
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
16 / 42
Skating and
scooter
Bike trail
Bike pump
track
Equestrian
trails
Hiking trails
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
16 / 42
Skating and
scooter
Bike trail
Bike pump
track
Equestrian
trails
Hiking trails
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
17 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very Import… Somewhat I… Less Impor… Not Import…
Fitness
equipment
Indoor
facilities...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
17 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very Import… Somewhat I… Less Impor… Not Import…
Fitness
equipment
Indoor
facilities...
Skating and scooter
Bikes trail
Bike pump track
Equestrian trails
Hiking trails
Fitness equipment
Indoor facilities (gyms, dance studios,
recreation rooms, etc.)
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Less Important
Not Important
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
14 / 42
Q9 Now how IMPORTANT is it to have the following features and amenities at parks or facilities?
Answered: 773 Skipped: 126
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
142 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
18 / 42
62.65%
473
30.33%
229
6.09%
46 0.93%
7 755 3.55
81.94%
626
16.36%
125
1.44%
11 0.26%
2 764 3.80
62.16%
473
29.30%
223
6.31%
48 2.23%
17 761 3.51
65.57%
497
27.70%
210
5.54%
42 1.19%
9 758 3.58
36.05%
270
45.26%
339
15.75%
118
2.94%
22 749 3.14
68.97%
518
25.97%
195
4.66%
35 0.40%
3 751 3.64
26.99%
200
23.89%
177
22.67%
168
26.45%
196 741 2.51
29.27%
221
41.72%
315
22.38%
169
6.62%
50 755 2.94
55.06%
419
36.14%
275
7.23%
55 1.58%
12 761 3.45
33.38%
253
31.53%
239
22.82%
173
12.27%
93 758 2.86
23.48%
174
38.73%
287
26.59%
197
11.20%
83 741 2.74
39.87%
303
37.63%
286
17.89%
136
4.61%
35 760 3.13
26.38%
196
33.11%
246
27.59%
205
12.92%
96 743 2.73
5.35%
40 17.25%
129
36.10%
270
41.31%
309 748 1.87
66.27%
505
26.38%
201
5.25%
40 2.10%
16 762 3.57
13.98%
105
34.89%
262
35.29%
265
15.85%
119 751 2.47
31.93%
242
35.22%
267
24.01%
182
8.84%
67 758 2.90
VERY
IMPORTANT
SOMEWHAT
IMPORTANT
LESS
IMPORTANT
NOT
IMPORTANT
TOTAL WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
Multi-use trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play areas for children of all
abilities
Shade shelters
Picnic areas/BBQ
Open space to enjoy nature
Off-leash dog area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features (splash pad, decorative
fountains, etc.)
Skating and scooter
Bike trail
Bike pump track
Equestrian trails
Hiking trails
Fitness equipment
Indoor facilities (gyms, dance studios,
recreation rooms, etc.)
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 143
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
19 / 42
Q10 Of those same features and amenities, how SATISFIED are you with them? For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 752 Skipped: 147
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
19 / 42
Q10 Of those same features and amenities, how SATISFIED are you with them? For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 752 Skipped: 147
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
20 / 42
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features
(splash pad,...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
20 / 42
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features
(splash pad,...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
20 / 42
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features
(splash pad,...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
20 / 42
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features
(splash pad,...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
20 / 42
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features
(splash pad,...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
19 / 42
Q10 Of those same features and amenities, how SATISFIED are you with them? For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 752 Skipped: 147
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
19 / 42
Q10 Of those same features and amenities, how SATISFIED are you with them? For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 752 Skipped: 147
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
14 / 42
Q9 Now how IMPORTANT is it to have the following features and amenities at parks or facilities?
Answered: 773 Skipped: 126
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
19 / 42
Q10 Of those same features and amenities, how SATISFIED are you with them? For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 752 Skipped: 147
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
Picnic
areas/BBQ
Open space to
enjoy nature
Off-leash dog
area
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
Skating and
scooter park
Bike trails
Multi-use trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play areas for children of all
abilities
Shade shelters
Picnic areas/BBQ
Completely Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Open space to enjoy nature
Off-leash dog area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features (splash pad, decorative
fountains, etc.)
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
144 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Completely Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
21 / 42
Skating and
scooter park
Bike trails
Bike pump
track
Equestrian
trails
Hiking trails
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
21 / 42
Skating and
scooter park
Bike trails
Bike pump
track
Equestrian
trails
Hiking trails
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
21 / 42
Skating and
scooter park
Bike trails
Bike pump
track
Equestrian
trails
Hiking trails
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
21 / 42
Skating and
scooter park
Bike trails
Bike pump
track
Equestrian
trails
Hiking trails
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
21 / 42
Skating and
scooter park
Bike trails
Bike pump
track
Equestrian
trails
Hiking trails
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
22 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Fitness
equipment
Indoor
facilities...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
22 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Fitness
equipment
Indoor
facilities...
Skating and scooter
Bikes trail
Bike pump track
Equestrian trails
Hiking trails
Fitness equipment
Indoor facilities (gyms, dance studios,
recreation rooms, etc.)
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11 / 42
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Completely… Somewhat … Somewhat … Dissatisfied
Protect our
natural...
Provide
recreation...
Provide spaces
for special...
Provide
opportunitie...
Make Scotts
Valley a mor...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
19 / 42
Q10 Of those same features and amenities, how SATISFIED are you with them? For additional responses select other at the bottom.
Answered: 752 Skipped: 147
Multi-use
trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play
areas for...
Shade shelters
Picnic
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 145
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
18 / 42
62.65%
473
30.33%
229
6.09%
46 0.93%
7 755 3.55
81.94%
626
16.36%
125
1.44%
11 0.26%
2 764 3.80
62.16%
473
29.30%
223
6.31%
48 2.23%
17 761 3.51
65.57%
497
27.70%
210
5.54%
42 1.19%
9 758 3.58
36.05%
270
45.26%
339
15.75%
118
2.94%
22 749 3.14
68.97%
518
25.97%
195
4.66%
35 0.40%
3 751 3.64
26.99%
200
23.89%
177
22.67%
168
26.45%
196 741 2.51
29.27%
221
41.72%
315
22.38%
169
6.62%
50 755 2.94
55.06%
419
36.14%
275
7.23%
55 1.58%
12 761 3.45
33.38%
253
31.53%
239
22.82%
173
12.27%
93 758 2.86
23.48%
174
38.73%
287
26.59%
197
11.20%
83 741 2.74
39.87%
303
37.63%
286
17.89%
136
4.61%
35 760 3.13
26.38%
196
33.11%
246
27.59%
205
12.92%
96 743 2.73
5.35%
40 17.25%
129
36.10%
270
41.31%
309 748 1.87
66.27%
505
26.38%
201
5.25%
40 2.10%
16 762 3.57
13.98%
105
34.89%
262
35.29%
265
15.85%
119 751 2.47
31.93%
242
35.22%
267
24.01%
182
8.84%
67 758 2.90
VERY
IMPORTANT
SOMEWHAT
IMPORTANT
LESS
IMPORTANT
NOT
IMPORTANT
TOTAL WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
Multi-use trails
Restrooms
Inclusive play areas for children of all
abilities
Shade shelters
Picnic areas/BBQ
Open space to enjoy nature
Off-leash dog area
Bike racks
Parking
Water features (splash pad, decorative
fountains, etc.)
Skating and scooter
Bike trail
Bike pump track
Equestrian trails
Hiking trails
Fitness equipment
Indoor facilities (gyms, dance studios,
recreation rooms, etc.)
146 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
24 / 42
Q11 Let us know which outdoor activity/sport you enjoy! Answered: 751 Skipped: 148
Baseball
Basketball
Biking
Bocce Ball
Disc Golf
Equestrian
Riding
Fishing
Hiking
Golf
Lacrosse
Pickleball
Running
Rock climbing
Skateboarding
Softball
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Walking
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
24 / 42
Q11 Let us know which outdoor activity/sport you enjoy! Answered: 751 Skipped: 148
Baseball
Basketball
Biking
Bocce Ball
Disc Golf
Equestrian
Riding
Fishing
Hiking
Golf
Lacrosse
Pickleball
Running
Rock climbing
Skateboarding
Softball
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Walking
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
25.83% 194
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Walking
Other (please
specify)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Baseball
Baseball
Basketball
Biking
Bocce Ball
Disc Golf
Equestrian Riding
Fishing
Hiking
Golf
Lacrosse
Pickleball
Running
Rock Climbing
Skateboarding
Softball
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Walking
Other (please specify)
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 147
25 / 42
25.83% 194
29.16% 219
54.46% 409
29.56% 222
15.85% 119
5.99% 45
17.84% 134
79.36% 596
19.71% 148
1.60% 12
26.50% 199
36.09% 271
20.51% 154
15.58% 117
23.04% 173
48.07% 361
60.85% 457
26.76% 201
78.16% 587
11.05% 83
Total Respondents: 751
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
specify)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Baseball
Basketball
Biking
Bocce Ball
Disc Golf
Equestrian Riding
Fishing
Hiking
Golf
Lacrosse
Pickleball
Running
Rock climbing
Skateboarding
Softball
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Walking
Other (please specify)
148 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
26 / 42
Q12 How can we make our parks even better? Let us know by selecting the top 3 improvements you would like the City to prioritize! Answered: 756 Skipped: 143
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Incorporate
inclusive pl...
Improvements
to...
Provide
additional a...
Improve
existing par...
Improve
existing pic...
Improve
existing...
Improve
existing...
Re-landscape
areas to...
Provide more
passive...
Include
fitness...
Develop space
for performi...
Incorporate
artistic...
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
22.22% 168
34.26% 259
15.08% 114
58.86% 445
10.05% 76
39.55% 299
33.47% 253
15.61% 118
25.79% 195
9.66% 73
7.28% 55
5.29% 40
Total Respondents: 756
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Incorporate inclusive play areas for children of all abilities Improvements to bike/pedestrian circulation between neighborhoods and parks Provide additional and updated tables or benches
Improve existing parks in general
Improve existing picnic facilities
Improve existing athletic fields
Improve existing playgrounds
Re-landscape areas to include more native or low water use plants Provide more passive recreation opportunities (walking trails, seating areas, game tables, etc.) Include fitness equipment at parks
Develop space for performing arts and theatre events
Incorporate artistic elements
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
26 / 42
Q12 How can we make our parks even better? Let us know by selecting the top 3 improvements you would like the City to prioritize! Answered: 756 Skipped: 143
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Incorporate
inclusive pl...
Improvements
to...
Provide
additional a...
Improve
existing par...
Improve
existing pic...
Improve
existing...
Improve
existing...
Re-landscape
areas to...
Provide more
passive...
Include
fitness...
Develop space
for performi...
Incorporate
artistic...
Incorporate inclusive play areas for children
of all abilities
Provide additional and updated tables or
benches
Improve existing parks in general
Improve existing picnic facilities
Improve existing athletic fields
Improve existing playgrounds
Improvements to bike/pedestrian circulation
between neighborhoods and parks
Re-landscape areas to include more native
or low water use plants
Include fitness equipment at parks
Develop space for performing arts and
theater events
Incorporate artistic elements
Provide more passive recreation
opportunities (walking trails, seating areas,
game tables, etc.)
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 149
150 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
29 / 42
Q14 How do you want to stay up to date with what’s going on in Recreation?
Answered: 709 Skipped: 190
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Physical
Recreation...
Online
Recreation...
City Website
Email/eblasts
from the City
Materials
(flyers,...
Facebook
Instagram
Conversations
with recreat...
Flyers from
schools
Other (please
specify)
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
11.28% 80
30.32% 215
11.42% 81
17.49% 124
3.39% 24
14.67% 104
5.92% 42
0.28% 2
2.26% 16
2.96% 21
TOTAL 709
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Physical Recreation Guide
Online Recreation Guide
City Website
Email/eblasts from the City
Materials (flyers, banners, or posters) at parks and facilities Facebook
Instagram
Conversations with recreation staff
Flyers from schools
Other (please specify)
Physical Recreation Guide
Online Recreation Guide
City Website
Email/eblasts from the City
Materials (flyers, banners, or
posters) at parks and facilities
Facebook
Instagram
Conversations with recreation
staff
Flyers from schools
Other (please specify)
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 151
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
31 / 42
24.37% 175
20.89% 150
31.34% 225
11.00% 79
4.74% 34
7.66% 55
Q15 How often would you participate in programs provided by Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation Department?
Answered: 718 Skipped: 181
TOTAL 718
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
More than once
a week
Three or four
times a month
Once or twice
a month
Once a year
Never
Other (please
specify)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
More than once a week
Three or four times a month
Once or twice a month
Once a year
Never
Other (please specify)
152 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
32 / 42
30.03% 200
52.55% 350
51.50% 343
31.98% 213
42.19% 281
Q16 I would like to see classes/programs for these age groups offered.
Answered: 666 Skipped: 233
Total Respondents: 666
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Senior
Activities
Adult
Teen/Tween
Programs
Toddler
Programs
Multi-generatio
nal
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Senior Activities
Adult
Teen/Tween Programs
Toddler Programs
Multi-generational
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 153
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
33 / 42
Q17 I would like to see these classes/programs offered.
Answered: 674 Skipped: 225
Art
Theater
Childcare
Baseball
Basketball
Biking-mountain
bike
Biking-BMX
Bocce Ball
Cooking
Disc Golf
Fishing
Fitness/Exercis
e/Training
Hiking
Golf
Lacrosse
Music
Pickleball
Rock Climbing
Skateboarding
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
33 / 42
Q17 I would like to see these classes/programs offered.
Answered: 674 Skipped: 225
Art
Theater
Childcare
Baseball
Basketball
Biking-mountain
bike
Biking-BMX
Bocce Ball
Cooking
Disc Golf
Fishing
Fitness/Exercis
e/Training
Hiking
Golf
Lacrosse
Music
Pickleball
Rock Climbing
Skateboarding
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Skateboarding
Softball
Soccer
Swimming
Tech/Coding
Tennis
Gaming
STEM
Dog Training
Sewing/Makers/C
rafts
Art
Theater
Childcare
Baseball
Basketball
Biking-mountain Bike
Biking-BMX
Bocce Ball
Cooking
Disc Golf
Fishing
Fitness/Exercise/Training
Hiking
Golf
Lacrosse
Music
Pickleball
Rock Climbing
Skateboarding
Softball
Soccer
Swimming
Tech/Coding
Tennis
Gaming
STEM
Dog Training
Sewing/Makers/Crafts
154 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
35 / 42
49.41% 333
28.93% 195
25.07% 169
19.14% 129
23.44% 158
25.96% 175
9.50% 64
22.40% 151
35.01% 236
13.06% 88
12.46% 84
38.87% 262
31.60% 213
15.58% 105
5.04% 34
30.56% 206
27.00% 182
22.70% 153
15.73% 106
18.10% 122
34.87% 235
51.78% 349
17.66% 119
20.77% 140
10.39% 70
28.34% 191
28.04% 189
34.42% 232
Total Respondents: 674
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Art
Theater
Childcare
Baseball
Basketball
Biking-mountain bike
Biking-BMX
Bocce Ball
Cooking
Disc Golf
Fishing
Fitness/Exercise/Training
Hiking
Golf
Lacrosse
Music
Pickleball
Rock Climbing
Skateboarding
Softball
Soccer
Swimming
Tech/Coding
Tennis
Gaming
STEM
Dog Training
Sewing/Makers/Crafts
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 155
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
36 / 42
Q18 What kind of community events would you like to see? Answered: 686 Skipped: 213
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Movie Nights
Holiday
Celebrations
Art Festivals
Music Festival
Blood Drives
Block Party
Day of
Community...
Dance Nights
Food Events
Hands-on
workshops/demos
Walk/Run races
Dog Events
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
65.45% 449
54.66% 375
64.29% 441
68.37% 469
25.07% 172
38.19% 262
42.57% 292
26.24% 180
68.08% 467
37.32% 256
40.82% 280
26.97% 185
Total Respondents: 686
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Movie Nights
Holiday Celebrations
Art Festivals
Music Festival
Blood Drives
Block Party
Day of Community Service
Dance Nights
Food Events
Hands-on workshops/demos
Walk/Run races
Dog Events
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
36 / 42
Q18 What kind of community events would you like to see? Answered: 686 Skipped: 213
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Movie Nights
Holiday
Celebrations
Art Festivals
Music Festival
Blood Drives
Block Party
Day of
Community...
Dance Nights
Food Events
Hands-on
workshops/demos
Walk/Run races
Dog Events
Day of Community
Service
Movie Nights
Holiday
Celebrations
Art Festivals
Music Festivals
Blood Drives
Block Party
Dance Nights
Food Events
Hands-on
Workshops/Demos
Walk/Run Races
Dog Events
156 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
38 / 42
45.45% 330
47.66% 346
6.89% 50
Q19 Below is a list of rentable facilities in Scotts Valley. Have you rented any of these in the past?Skypark ClassroomGazebos (Hocus Park, MacDorsa Park, Siltanen Park, Skypark) Siltanen PoolSenior CenterCommunity Center
Answered: 726 Skipped: 173
TOTAL 726
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Yes, I have.
No, I have
not.
No, I have
not, but I p...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes, I have.
No, I have not.
No, I have not, but I plan to.
Q19 Below is a list of rentable facilities in Scotts
Valley. Have you rented any of these in the past?
• Skypark Classroom
• Gazebos (Hocus Pocus Park, MacDorsa
Park, Siltanen Park, Skypark)
• Siltanen Pool
• Senior Center Community Center
No, I have not,
but I plan to.
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 157
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
39 / 42
17.77% 59
86.75% 288
31.63% 105
8.13% 27
13.86% 46
Q20 If you answered "yes", that's AWESOME! Which facilities have you rented?
Answered: 332 Skipped: 567
Total Respondents: 332
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Skypark
Classroom
Gazebos (Hocus
Pocus Park,...
Siltanen Pool
Senior Center
Community
Center
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Skypark Classroom
Gazebos (Hocus Pocus Park, MacDorsa Park, Siltanen Park, Skypark) Siltanen Pool
Senior Center
Community Center
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
39 / 42
17.77% 59
86.75% 288
31.63% 105
8.13% 27
13.86% 46
Q20 If you answered "yes", that's AWESOME! Which facilities have you rented?
Answered: 332 Skipped: 567
Total Respondents: 332
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Skypark
Classroom
Gazebos (Hocus
Pocus Park,...
Siltanen Pool
Senior Center
Community
Center
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Skypark Classroom
Gazebos (Hocus Pocus Park, MacDorsa Park, Siltanen Park, Skypark) Siltanen Pool
Senior Center
Community Center
39 / 42
17.77% 59
86.75% 288
31.63% 105
8.13% 27
13.86% 46
Q20 If you answered "yes", that's AWESOME! Which facilities have you rented?
Answered: 332 Skipped: 567
Total Respondents: 332
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Skypark
Classroom
Gazebos (Hocus
Pocus Park,...
Siltanen Pool
Senior Center
Community
Center
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Skypark Classroom
Gazebos (Hocus Pocus Park, MacDorsa Park, Siltanen Park, Skypark) Siltanen Pool
Senior Center
Community Center
Skypark Classroom
Gazebos (Hocus Pocus Park, MacDorsa
Park, Siltanen Park, Skypark)
Siltanen Pool
Senior Center
Community Center
Q20 If you answered “yes,” that’s AWESOME!
Which facilities have you rented?
158 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
40 / 42
6.92% 27
76.92% 300
6.41% 25
9.74% 38
10.00% 39
5.90% 23
Q21 If not, what are some reasons why? Select all that apply.
Answered: 390 Skipped: 509
Total Respondents: 390
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Overall costs
Haven't had a
need
COVID-19
The facilities
don't match ...
Facilities are
outdated or ...
Other (please
specify)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Overall costs
Haven't had a need
COVID-19
The facilities don't match my needs
Facilities are outdated or in poor condition
Other (please specify)
Overall costs
Haven’t had a need
COVID-19
The facilities don’t match
my needs
Facilities are outdated or
in poor condition
Other (please specify)
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 159
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
41 / 42
50.48% 368
32.24% 235
94.24% 687
1.10% 8
1.23% 9
Q22 Which mode of transportation do you take to visit parks or facilities? (Select all that apply).
Answered: 729 Skipped: 170
Total Respondents: 729
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Walking
Biking
Driving a car
Taking the bus
Other (please
specify)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Walking
Biking
Driving a car
Taking the bus
Other (please specify)
160 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan Community Survey
42 / 42
0.41% 3
0.55% 4
9.02% 66
36.61% 268
25.00% 183
10.93% 80
15.98% 117
1.50% 11
Q23 Which age group do you identify with?
Answered: 732 Skipped: 167
TOTAL 732
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Under 18
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Prefer not to
say
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Under 18
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Prefer not to say
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 161
FlashVote Survey Results
y
Survey Info - This survey was sent on behalf of the City of Scotts Valley to the FlashVote community for Scotts Valley, CA.
These FlashVote results are shared with local officials 193
Total
Participants
188 of 456 initially invited (41%)
5 others
Margin of error: ± 7%
Applied Filter:
Locals only
Participants for
filter:
134
Started:
May 2, 2023 11:26am PDT
Ended:
May 4, 2023 11:26am PDT
Target Participants:
All Scotts Valley
Q1 In the last 12 months, about how often have you used a City of Scotts Valley park or recreational facility?
(134 responses by )
Q2 Which do you think makes the most sense for the City to focus on for the next 5 years? (133 responses by )
Response Time (hours)
1 3 5 7 9 1113151719212325272931333537394143454749
Locals
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
More than once a week
Once a week to once a
month
Every few months to once in
the last...
I haven’t used them in the
last 12...
Not Sure
41.8%
29.1%
17.2%
10.4%
1.5%
Percent
Options Locals (134)
More than once a week 41.8% (56)
Once a week to once a month 29.1% (39)
Every few months to once in the last 12 months 17.2% (23) I haven’t used them in the last 12 months 10.4% (14)
Not Sure 1.5% (2)
Options Locals (133)
Create additional recreational facilities and park amenities 22.6% (30) Fix and improve existing recreational facilities and parks 72.2% (96) Not Sure 5.3% (7)
162 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Q3 Which park amenities do you think we need more of in Scotts Valley parks, if any? (You can choose up to FOUR)
(127 responses by )
Locals
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Create additional
recreational...
Fix and improve existing
recreational...
Not Sure
22.6%
72.2%
5.3%
Percent
Locals
0% 20% 40% 60%
Restrooms
Park benches/seating
Shade structures
Parking
Picnic tables/BBQs
Open grass areas
Playground equipment
None of these
Other:
29.1%
31.5%
62.2%
11.8%
39.4%
29.1%
26.0%
6.3%
39.4%
Percent
Options Locals (127)
Restrooms 29.1% (37)
Park benches/seating 31.5% (40)
Shade structures 62.2% (79)
Parking 11.8% (15)
Picnic tables/BBQs 39.4% (50)
Open grass areas 29.1% (37)
Playground equipment 26.0% (33)
None of these 6.3% (8)
Other: 39.4% (50)
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 163
SWIMMING POOL!!!
Local History Museum
Could use an update is kids structures and more shade and tables at sky park and hocus pocus All weather fields
Performance areas (outdoor amphitheater)
More picke ball courts without taking the tennis courts to create them Better grass in the actual park. Too many holes and ruts. It’s dangerous Running/biking paths
Another Dog Park, return recreation programs adult & youth Bike Trails and Bike Racks.
Swimming Pool for lap swimming, we have a great climate for it More Pickle ball courts
Swimming pool
Larger pool or kiddie water park
Swimming pools - a public pool at Skypark. Or a new swim center.
Updated restrooms, maintenance across the board, and a new park where the Golf Course was.
If playgrounds are updated, they MUST have swings and slides and things to climb. NOT like macdorsa Dog park
Dog park at Siltanen
Drinking fountains or water bottle fillers
Other fixed recreational/game areas like horseshoes, sand pit volleyball, etc.
Bocce Courts, need stationary work out opportunities like bikes, bars, etc. and a kid’s zip line.
Full sized swimming pool or splash pad for kids
In Scottsdale Arizona, they have really cool shade structures (“sails”) OVER the play structures. trails, mtb, walking
Pool
pool trail swim
dogpark
courts
like
walk
water
bike
kid field
playground
recreation
hiking
improve
lap
etc
adult
community
use
update
pickleball
tennis
track
siltanen
fix
new
splash
pad
area
skypark
open
youth
better
bocce
structures work need
shade
pump
course play
ball
turf
SWIMMING POOL!!!
Local History Museum
Could use an update is kids structures and more shade and tables at sky park and hocus pocus All weather fields
Performance areas (outdoor amphitheater)
More picke ball courts without taking the tennis courts to create them Better grass in the actual park. Too many holes and ruts. It’s dangerous Running/biking paths
Another Dog Park, return recreation programs adult & youth Bike Trails and Bike Racks.
Swimming Pool for lap swimming, we have a great climate for it More Pickle ball courts
Swimming pool
Larger pool or kiddie water park
Swimming pools - a public pool at Skypark. Or a new swim center.
Updated restrooms, maintenance across the board, and a new park where the Golf Course was.
If playgrounds are updated, they MUST have swings and slides and things to climb. NOT like macdorsa Dog park
Dog park at Siltanen
Drinking fountains or water bottle fillers
Other fixed recreational/game areas like horseshoes, sand pit volleyball, etc.
Bocce Courts, need stationary work out opportunities like bikes, bars, etc. and a kid’s zip line.
Full sized swimming pool or splash pad for kids
In Scottsdale Arizona, they have really cool shade structures (“sails”) OVER the play structures. trails, mtb, walking
Pool
pool trail swim
dogpark
courts
like
walk
water
bike
playground
hiking
improve
lap
adult
community
use
pickleball
tennis
track
siltanen
fix
new
splash
pad
area
skypark
youth
better
bocce
structures work need
shade
pump
ball
turf
164 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Full sized swimming pool or splash pad for kids
In Scottsdale Arizona, they have really cool shade structures (“sails”) OVER the play structures. trails, mtb, walking
Pool
Swimming pool and trails that allow dogs
community pool!
keeping what we have in good shape is the most important Additional pickleball courts
Dog Parks, Pump Track, RC Plane Field, Basketball Courts Pool, fence around the skypark playground, artificial turf field more hiking trails, and make them dog friendly
Pickleball courts, bike racks
Water play/pool
Open the pool
Gopher abatement
MAINTAIN THE GOOD THINGS WE HAVE
Dedicated Pickleball courts and let us have our tennis courts back! trails for walking/hiking
Fix existing pathway lighting
Community pool
Pool
Accessible playground equipment
Bike trails
Bowling
Build a bigger community swimming pool.
Recreational swimming pool & playground for older kids at Siltanen Park Recreation classes
Ping pong tables
Q4 Look ahead 10 years into the future. Which additional recreational facilities do you think we will need most in Scotts Valley? (You can choose up to FOUR, if any) (125 responses by )
Options Locals (125)
More fields (soccer, baseball/softball) 24.0% (30)
More playgrounds for younger kids (2 to 5 year olds) 10.4% (13) More playgrounds for older kids (6 years old and up) 16.8% (21) More inclusive playground equipment (all ages and abilities) 27.2% (34) An indoor recreational facility 60.8% (76)
More specialty courts (pickleballboccetennis) 488% (61)
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 165
Recreation classes
Ping pong tables
Q4 Look ahead 10 years into the future. Which additional recreational facilities do you think we will need most in Scotts Valley? (You can choose up to FOUR, if any) (125 responses by )
Options Locals (125)
More fields (soccer, baseball/softball) 24.0% (30)
More playgrounds for younger kids (2 to 5 year olds) 10.4% (13) More playgrounds for older kids (6 years old and up) 16.8% (21) More inclusive playground equipment (all ages and abilities) 27.2% (34) An indoor recreational facility 60.8% (76)
More specialty courts (pickleball, bocce, tennis) 48.8% (61) A dog park 24.8% (31)
More basketball courts 12.0% (15)
Other: 40.0% (50)
Locals
0% 20% 40% 60%
More fields (soccer, baseball/
softball)
More playgrounds for
younger kids (2...
More playgrounds for older
kids (6...
More inclusive playground
equipment...
An indoor recreational
facility
More specialty courts
(pickleball,...
A dog park
More basketball courts
Other:
24.0%
10.4%
16.8%
27.2%
60.8%
48.8%
24.8%
12.0%
40.0%
Percent
pool
swim courts
trails
lap
community bike
area
public hiking
golf
use
venue real water
park
walking
place
bowling
grass course paths hours
center
activity
slides
indoor
large
outdoor
splash
pad
siltanen facility
Locals
0% 20% 40% 60%
More fields (soccer, baseball/
softball)
More playgrounds for
younger kids (2...
More playgrounds for older
kids (6...
More inclusive playground
equipment...
An indoor recreational
facility
More specialty courts
(pickleball,...
A dog park
More basketball courts
Other:
24.0%
10.4%
16.8%
27.2%
60.8%
48.8%
24.8%
12.0%
40.0%
Percent
pool
swim courts
trails
lap
community bike
area
public hiking
golf
use
venue real water
park
walking
place
bowling
grass course paths hours
center
activity
slides
indoor
large
outdoor
splash
pad
siltanen facility
166 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
SWIMMING POOL!!
Local History Museum
Don't take away any grass or dirt, to put the space to other use. Keep it as it is. more hiking trails
cultural events & venues for same
Expand senior center hours and activities
Lap Swimming pool
Living here about 40 yrs, needs safe interesting venues for teenage kids.
Roller Hockey rink
Splash pad
Bike Trails. Mountain Biking is one of the fastest growing hobbies, especially in this area.
Swimming Pool for lap swimming, we have a great climate for it Public Swimming pool
I would love to see the city acquire and reopen the golf course. 1st activity to reopen durig Swimming pool
Community pool
handball / racketball courts, both indoor and outdoor
Indoor Raquatball Courts
Water park / real pool
Public swimming pool
More parking and courts for Pickleball!!
Inclusive playgrounds with swings and slides and traditional equipment. Leo’s Haven is good example Improved bike lanes
Public lap pool and sports complex that the high school can use.
Bike Paths
Bocce Courts To capitalize on the tourists visiting the Boardwalk - have things that will never mI’ Swimming pool
Pool
swimming pool
Pool
A place for teens to go that they enjoy. Bowling alley, arcade, go carts, swimming community pool
Swim center
Enhanced RC Place Field Area
rock climbing walls
Water park
Water feature
a community pool!!! Not a pool like Siltanen. A large pool that could host a community swim team.
Large Swimming pool
hiking trails
Pool
Swim facility!!!! A real poolnot the wading pool at Siltanan
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 167
Partner with the school district and put in a pool!
Could we "monetize" the demands of pickleballers for example for more for them to use? Charge them something for what they use now, and let the amount collected guide how much we should spend on more of that in future? I would love a simple outdoor performance venue!
Have the senior center open more hours s d offer more serves like before Covid park need
pool
field
skypark
city
dog
maintain
community
use
siltanen
exists
playground
bring
open area improve
kids
like
back
better
great
facilities
walk
play
court
maintenance swim
sport
soccer
place
make valley
scott please
full
path
classes
good
build
see
rock climbing walls
Water park
Water feature
a community pool!!! Not a pool like Siltanen. A large pool that could host a community swim team.
Large Swimming pool
hiking trails
Pool
Swim facility!!!! A real pool, not the wading pool at Siltanan Community pool for 6+ yr olds, not Siltanen
Pool
Pool
Bowling
Pool
Swimming pool & slides for recreational swimming.
Real swimming pool
workout stations, and ping pong tables.
Q5 Any other comments or suggestions about improving parks and recreational facilities in Scotts Valley?
(50 responses by )
168 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Partner with the school district and put in a pool!
Could we "monetize" the demands of pickleballers for example for more for them to use? Charge them something for what they use now, and let the amount collected guide how much we should spend on more of that in future? I would love a simple outdoor performance venue!
Have the senior center open more hours s d offer more serves like before Covid Scott’s Valley needs their own swimming pool.
Definitely needs more venues indoor or outdoor …whatever would promote growth and safety … For those unpredictable teenage years. My kids are now 42 and 38 and grew up since 2 yrs old here. I know looking back what could of been a huge asset for this city.
Please keep maintaining the foxtails in the parks so our dogs don’t ingest them, we really appreciate it! We need to repair & update current parks and equipment and bring back recreational programs available prior to the pandemic.
Its hard to use bikes as a means of transport. This is because there are very few places to lock up a bike. There are also very few places to cool down in the summer heat, a splash pad or something similar would help with that immensely.
Lights at the skatepark Fix/Expand swimming pool
The city needs to do a better job of maintaining the existing park areas before spending on new facilities.
Build a swim center
Definitely shade for existing parks, maybe even an amphitheater for community events and a pool/water feature for the community!
I'd rather have lower property taxes than more parks
No
I love what we have
Repair of the existing parks would be a great start! They are starting to get a bit run down. Broken play structures.
As said before, improved playgrounds need to be good for all kids, like Leo’s Haven for example, and NOT like macdorsa or parks elsewhere that do not have “traditional” equipment. Modern ropes and rocks and such are ok IF there are also swings and slides and such. The playground at Vista Del Lago is also a good design.
Existing parks need better ongoing maintenance. For a city that is deemed affluent, everything looks pretty rundown.
Will submit separately with my suggestions and photographs.
Hold fitness, strength and training classes for ppl over 40.
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS 169
Final Community Meeting Results
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan
Community Meeting Input Results
What improvements would you like to see at the City's parks and/or recreational facilities?
CATEGORY COMMENTS
Need updates in baseball field
more lights need
Improvements to Bocce Ball courts
Bocce is the most inclusive sport in the world. Blind can play, wheel chair bound… More improved bocce courts. All ages and abilities. More lights need to play at night.
Improvements to current bocce courts- shade and artificial surface(less maintenance).
Add two new bocce courts to increase access to more players. Game accessible to both men and women- no age limits.
Shade Shelter for Bocce courts at Sky park
Maintenance Brush cleanings at Ladato Park. Ask to community for Volunteer.
Create a dog park at Shugart Park
Fence at the dog park need to be fixed. There's break in the fence and sometimes dog get through them.
Facilities More restrooms need near the courts, need water near courts Parking lots like the transit center or like Seymour Science Center that let the water through the ground More parkings for players
Pickleball More pickleball courts
Outdoor ping pong tables
Need more ping pong tables
Playground Accessible playgrounds
Soccer Dedicated Soccer complex
Please keep linear trail at skypark with dogs on leash to keep things safe for bites and running sign needs to be replaced at the end near tennis courts.
Trail enhancements-Please keep some of the path with dirt or gravel for lower impact on knees for runners and walkers.
Fitness Want a Ninja training course at Sky Park
Trail
Community meeting participants were given the opportunity to provide some feedback regarding what general improvements they would like to see at Scotts Valley parks. Below are common categories mentioned and corresponding comments regarding those categories.
Baseball
Bocce Ball
Dog park
Parking lots
Ping Pong
M
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan
Community Meeting Input Results
What improvements would you like to see at the City's parks and/or recreational facilities?
CATEGORY COMMENTS
Need updates in baseball field
more lights need
Improvements to Bocce Ball courts
Bocce is the most inclusive sport in the world. Blind can play, wheel chair bound… More improved bocce courts. All ages and abilities. More lights need to play at night.
Improvements to current bocce courts- shade and artificial surface(less maintenance).
Add two new bocce courts to increase access to more players. Game accessible to both men and women- no age limits.
Shade Shelter for Bocce courts at Sky park
Maintenance Brush cleanings at Ladato Park. Ask to community for Volunteer.
Create a dog park at Shugart Park
Fence at the dog park need to be fixed. There's break in the fence and sometimes dog get through them.
Facilities More restrooms need near the courts, need water near courts Parking lots like the transit center or like Seymour Science Center that let the water through the ground More parkings for players
Pickleball More pickleball courts
Outdoor ping pong tables
Need more ping pong tables
Playground Accessible playgrounds
Soccer Dedicated Soccer complex
Please keep linear trail at skypark with dogs on leash to keep things safe for bites and running sign needs to be replaced at the end near tennis courts.
Trail enhancements-Please keep some of the path with dirt or gravel for lower impact on knees for runners and walkers.
Fitness Want a Ninja training course at Sky Park
Trail
Community meeting participants were given the opportunity to provide some feedback regarding what general improvements they would like to see at Scotts Valley parks. Below are common categories mentioned and corresponding comments regarding those categories.
Baseball
Bocce Ball
Dog park
Parking lots
Ping Pong
M
170 APPENDIX C: PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan
Community Meeting Input Results
What classes/programs would you like to see?
Classes/Programs # of Votes Amenity # of Votes
Art 1 Picnic Area 0
Baseball 1 Dog Park 2
Basketball 0 Public Art 0
Biking 4 Bike Trails 1
Bocce Ball 5 Skate Park 0
Cooking 1 Fitness Equipment 3
Disc Golf 3 Equestrian Trails 3
Dog Training 5 Bike Pump Track 0
Fishing 3 Restroom 2
Fitness/Exercise/Training 1 Inclusive Features 2
Gaming 1 Shade Shelter 4
Golf 0 Water Features 3
Hiking 4 Parking 1
Lacrosse 0 Hiking Trails 2
Music 0 Indoor Facilities 1
Pickleball 3
Rock Climbing 2
Skateboarding 0
Soccer 7
Softball 2
STEM 2
Sewing/Makers/Crafts 0
Swimming 8
Tennis 0
Theater 5
Sport Facility # of votes
Soccer Field 1
Baseball Field 1
Softball Field 2
Disc Golf 2
Multi-Purpose Court 1
Basketball Court 0
Tennis Court 0
Bocceball Court 7
Golf Course 1
Swimming Pool 2
Pickleball Court 2
Lacrosse Field 1
What additional amenities would you like to see?
Which sport facilities would you like to see?
RESOLUTION NO. 2050
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCOTTS VALLEY APPPROVING THE 2024 SCOTTS VALLEY PARKS MASTER PLAN
WHEREAS, the City approved a Parks Master Plan in 1996; and WHEREAS, the City desires to adopt a new Parks Master Plan to systematically manage the parks system and recreational programming to prepare for future demands, ensuring alignment with the updated 2023 General Plan, city policy and other documents; and
WHEREAS, the 2024 Parks Master Plan aims to provide safe, accessible, and equitable recreational opportunities to promote healthy lifestyles; and WHEREAS, the City’s park system consists of 253.75 acres, including developed and undeveloped parkland,10 parks, 2 community centers, 1 community pool, 1 performing arts center and 1 community garden. The 2024 Parks Master Plan is intended to improve the existing park resources rather than add additional resources; and
WHEREAS, the development of the 2024 Parks Master Plan included a robust community engagement program, site visits, community meetings, and surveys.
Outreach included three community meetings and an online survey in both English and Spanish, garnering 899 responses; and
WHEREAS, through that engagement, there was consistent feedback for improved parks and recreational programs in the City; and WHEREAS, improvement will be achieved in part through partnerships, joint-use agreements and other funding opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the 2024 Parks Master Plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines under Article 18 – Statutory Exemptions, Section 15262 - Feasibility and Planning Studies. Section 15262 states: “A project involving only feasibility or planning studies for possible future actions which the agency, board, or commission has not approved, adopted, or funded does not require the preparation of an EIR or negative declaration but does require consideration of environmental factors. This section does not apply to the adoption of a plan that will have a legally binding effect on later activities.” The Master Plan will function as a planning tool and guideline for the City to follow for the future development and improvement of parks and recreation programming. Parkland is dedicated as a result of development planning through the entitlement process. All CEQA evaluation is done during the development planning process, prior to park dedication to the City.
Furthermore, the Master Plan functions as a feasibility study and is not legally binding on the City or other agencies. In the alternative, this action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061 (b )(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This action is to approve and adopt the 2024 Parks Master Plan and there is no possibility that this action will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, no environmental analysis is required.
Any future actions to approve the projects identified in the 2024 Parks Master Plan will go through the appropriate CEQA review process.
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council met in May 2024 during a joint session to review the 90% draft of the 2024 Parks Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, on August 15, 2024, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended approval of the 2024 Parks Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to approve the 2024 Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan.
NOW THEREFORE be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Scotts Valley as follows:
1. The City Council finds and determines that each of the findings set forth above are true and correct.
2. The attached 2024 Scotts Valley Parks Master Plan (Exhibit “A”) is hereby approved.
This resolution was passed and adopted on the 21st day of August, 2024, at a duly held regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Scotts Valley by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Approved:________________________
Randy Johnson, Mayor
Attest: ____________________________
Cathie Simonovich, City Clerk