02-20-2003 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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City of La Porte Interoffice Memorandum March 20, 2003 To: Doug Kneupper, Director of Planning Department From:. Stephen L. Barr, Director of Parks &Recreation ��.� Residential Development — Area of Wharton Weems & SH 146 I have reviewed the proposed residential development referenced above and have the following comments. The only park areas identified on the proposed plan are for passive park areas, buffer areas between the proposed development and SH 146, and between the proposed development and the golf course. There is no indication of any neighborhood park sites as a part of the development. The City of La Porte Parks Master Plan Recommended Standard for Neighborhood Parks (Chapter 6, p. 4) is for 1.5 to 2 acres of designated neighborhood parkland per 1,000 residents. With a proposed unit development of approximately 400 units, this area would be home to +/- 1,000 residents, and, to meet our Master Plan standards, would need to include at least one large, and possibly 2 smaller neighborhood park areas. From a Resource Based Assessment of Needs (Chapter 6, p. 17) the highest priorities for citizen expressed desires is for playgrounds and picnic facilities. In addition, the Master Plan (Chapter 8, p. 4) identifies the need for neighborhood parks in the far southeastern and southern parts of the City, which includes this area. Neighborhood parks should be centrally located in the communities they serve; they should be equipped with the following standard levels: ■ Playground equipment ■ Park Service equipment (i.e. picnic tables, park benches, trash receptacles, barbeque pits, etc. • Basketball and/or baseball practice backstop The benefits of inclusion of neighborhood parks in this planned community are enormous. New families moving to La Porte are attracted to communities that provide recreational amenities for their residents. Nominal costs for the equipment in each park suggested above (+/- $25,000 for equipment), will pay dividends when the property is marketed. The Glen Meadows Model, where the contractor provided park amenities, was built -out relatively quickly compared to other residential areas that did not include amenities. It is my recommendation that these issues be given strong consideration by the developer as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission, prior to approval of the proposed development. If you have questions or if I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your usual prompt attention. c: John E. Joems, Assistant City Manager