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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2008-06 adopt 2008 Update of Year 2002 Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master 16/11 .-----------~---- .. .----------- ------ REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Appropriation Agenda Date Requested: Ma Requested By: Stephen Barr ce of Funds: N/A Department: Parks & Recreation Department Acc't Number: N/A Report: _Resolution: X Ordinance: Amount Budgeted: Exhibits: A: 2008 Update of Year 2002 City of La Porte Parks, Trails, & Open Space Master Plan Exhibits: B: Proposed Resolution Amount Requested: Bud eted Item: YES NO SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION This Public Hearing is to review the major components of the proposed 2008 Update of the Year 2002 City of La Porte Parks, Trails, & Open Space Master Plan and to receive public input relative to the proposed Update. The City of La Porte recognizes the need to update the Year 2002 Parks and Open Space Master Plan ("the Plan") to assess progress of the 2002 Master Plan goals, assessments, standards, recommendations and strategies for implementation over the past six years, and for the next five year period in an effort to provide for and continually improve park and recreational facilities, rehabilitate existing parks, provide trail and linear park opportunities, and preserve open space in the City of La Porte. The original 2002 Master Plan and the 2008 Plan Update complies with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department grant guidelines which require parks and recreation needs to be prioritized and addressed in a action plan format. The City of La Porte has made good progress toward its goals as stated above. The plan update lists the new parks added to the system since 2002, the development of new parks and facilities that are ready to come on line, the assessment of standards for our parks & recreation system, and our activities toward reaching those goals. (discuss assessment and goals). Open Public Hearing Close Public Hearing Staff Recommendation Staff recommendation is for approval of the proposed Resolution as described, adopting the 2008 Update of the Year 2002 City of La Porte Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan. t Council A enda (iL1 J<& Date Exhibit A THE PROPOSED 2008 UPDATE OF THE YEAR 2002 PARKS, TRAILS, & OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS Exhibit B A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE PROPOSED 2008 UPDATE OF THE YEAR 2002 PARKS, TRAILS, & OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS Public Hearing on 2008 Update of the 2002 Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan May 19, 2008 City Council Chambers City of La Porte, Texas Transcript of Public Comments: Marlon Jackson, 10118 Roseberry Drive, La Porte, Texas, 77571. Hello City Council, my name is Marlon Jackson, 10118 Roseberry Drive, La Porte, Texas. I'm very supportive that y'all are going to re-Iook at this. Being involved with baseball, for ever since I was 18, playing until I was 25, umpiring the game. The lack of support that we're getting, it seems like, and that's coming from people out here at the ballpark every day this new complex "oh, we're going to be there next year, we're going to be there next year"; well, next year keeps coming around. Three years I was in contact with the AAYBA the American Amateur Youth Baseball Association. They were out of S1. Louis, Missouri, looking for a new host town for the World Series. Flower Mound, Texas now has that World Series. Just in my son's age bracket alone there are 56 teams going to the World Series this year. And, you average that about 4 people per family going to that, that's how much revenue the City's losing because we don't have a big complex. Because our little complex that we have now, which I have yet to see improvement on, other than being the support that we have as being volunteer based. The sprinkler system's down, we can't get the fields watered, we cannot keep the right moisture content in the clay, the kids are getting the strawberries, and the injuries there this year. And I think that the City Council needs to re-evaluate the complex deal with the City of Pasadena because the two people involved with the City of Pasadena, one of them that I have talked to intensely, says "It's not gonna' fly". So I really think City Council needs to re-Iook at this and maybe even look at Deer Park. Deer Park has money allotted for a complex, and whether they want to involve La Porte or not I don't know, but I do know also that, Barber's Hill is fixin' to build a major complex that's going to draw tournaments all away from here to other areas. Thank you. May 19. 2008 Public Hearing Page 1 of 3 Kathryn Aguilar, 3119 Fondren, La Porte, Texas, 77571. Hello Council, Kathryn Aguilar again, I did look at the City's plan for the parks and it was on the website; I think Gretchen told us about it on the 13th and I looked at it before our meeting on the 15th up here and in general its not all that specific about the parks, there's no drawing of, for example, Sylvan Beach Park, it's just got a general drawing, and you know the words (interjection by Mayor Porter "Sylvan Beach doesn't belong to us. That belongs to Harris County.") Right, so that's not going to be within it, right. It does mention Sylvan Beach Park though and it does talk about the Pavilion being an important community asset and being worthy of being preserved, I guess that which does mention that in the plan and I did wonder about I guess; this is not within the plan it says that "where there are opportunities Bay Front area should be acquired and the Bay Front area should be expanded in terms of parks. That speaks to Happy Harbor and to whether or not the City would be acquiring that land because it would be an extremely valuable addition as parkland and, you know, continuing on up the bay; I think that's one thing, and I also noticed, I guess I personally noticed, that there really was no emphasis on, you ,know, restroom facilities in the park, again that seems like just a normal thing to want to have there, permanent restroom facilities and it just doesn't seem to exist and certainly in Sylvan Beach Park and I'm not sure about the other La Porte parks, and just a general comment; you know as a park person I have been to many, many parks in the area and especially noticing the difference in building and investment in parks for example in Houston, Memorial and Hermann Park. I've taken my children to those parks as well as Sylvan Beach Park for at least 20 years you know and in that time I've noticed so much more going on in Houston in terms of the parks and the way they've been treated and valued and the amount of investment in them. Just for example in Hermann Park they've added, they've rebuilt Miller Outdoor Theater, they rebuilt the little train at the zoo, they rebuilt the reflection pond, near the... and they've built the Japanese Garden which is, all of it beautiful, millions and millions of dollars worth of projects. I realize that's Houston and not La Porte, but in that same time frame the only thing I've noticed Sylvan Beach Park changing is adding the skateboard park, which is good; I'm just saying, you know, there's just, I think we're not being aggressive May 19, 2008 Public Hearing Page 2 of 3 in the way that we fund recreation and make opportunities to really improve Sylvan Beach Park and that is going to be the thing that brings people to this area and make the biggest financial difference to La Porte. Thank you. Phillip Hoot, 929 Seabreeze, La Porte, Texas, 77571. Phillip Hoot again, I did read the Plan, I like the plan; I think there are some areas it could possibly be tweaked but I think, overall, it's a good plan. I'd like to see y'all pass it tonight, I hope you pass it tonight, and that's all I've got. Thank you. I certify that this is a true and accurate transcript of the public comments regarding the 2008 Update of the 2002 Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan for the City of La Porte. ~ il(t/;a,~LfL// Martha Gillett, City Secretary May 28, 2008 May 19, 2008 Public Hearing Page 3 of 3 RESOLUTION NO. 08- O~ A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2008 UPDATE OF THE YEAR 2002 PARKS, TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Porte recognizes the need to update the Year 2002 Parks and Open Space Master Plan ("the Plan") to assess progress of the 2002 Master Plan goals, assessments, standards, recommendations and strategies for implementation over the past six years, and for the next five year period in an effort to provide for and continually improve park and recreational facilities, provide trail and linear park opportunities, preserve open space in the City of La Porte; and rehabilitate existing parks, and WHEREAS, the primary objective of "the Plan and 2008 Update" is to provide recreational services desired by citizens of La Porte, acquire needed open spaces and preserve natural resources, and WHEREAS, in order to assess progress and address recreational needs in the future, the City of La Porte has sought input from the citizens of La Porte through surveys, meetings with key user groups, workshop meetings, a public hearing, and the Parks and Recreation staff; and that input has been incorporated into "the Plan"; and WHEREAS, "the Plan and 2008 Update" complies with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant guidelines which require parks and recreation needs to be prioritized and addressed in an action plan format; and WHEREAS, "the "Plan and 2008 Update" complies with guidelines of the Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Action Program; and WHEREAS, the City Council determines that "the Plan and 2008 Update" is reasonable, having taken into consideration the results of the initial studies conducted by Halff Associates for the City of La Porte, and subsequent progress assessments undertaken by Parks & Recreation staff in 2008; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS: I. That the Year 2008 Update of the Year 2002 Parks and Open Space Master Plan for the City of La Porte, Texas, is hereby officially adopted, attached hereto and incorporated herein for all intents and purposes. II. A multi-year Action Plan has been developed and progress assessments made in 2008 to prioritize implementation of the Year 2002 Parks and Open Space Master Plan, guide the rehabilitation of existing parks, provide guidance in the application of General Obligation Bond funding, and suggest alternative funding mechanisms. Adoption of the Year 2008 Update of the Year 2002 Parks and Open Space Master Plan shall not commit the City of La Porte to specific funding levels implementation strategies, but shall continue to provide a guidance plan for the City's vision for availability and growth of park and recreational services. PRESENTED AND PASSED on this theJ:tLkay of May 2008, by a vote Of~ yeas, and a regular meeting of the City Council o!the City of La Porte, Texas,~ L:?~ Alton E. Porter, Mayor, City of La Porte, Texas fA nays at ATTEST: . ~~j4;JJJJ Ma a iIIett, City Secretary ,Date: 5 -It:) /ol_ APPROVED AS TO FORM: ~r~,Dme: Clark 1. Askins, Assistant City Attorney .t;"-~-or3 City of La Porte 2008 Update of the PARKS TRAILS & OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN 2002 May 2002 III Halff Associates, Inc. ... LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS. ENGINEERS. PLANNERS. SURVEYORS r Raymond Turco and Associates t fA. .- .A I . ~ "- Citp of La Porte Parh. ac Open Space Master Plan ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following individuals are recognized for their significant contributions to the preparation of the Parks, Open Space and Trail Master Plan for the City of La Porte. The La Porte City Council Alton E. Porter, Mayor Georgia Malone Council At Large "A 11 Barry Beasley Council At Large "B" Mike Mosteit, Council District 1 Chuck Engelken, Jr., Council District 2 Howard R. Ebow, Council District 3 Tommy Moser, Council District 4 Louis Rigby, Council District 5 Mike Clausen, Council District 6 Ron Bottoms, City Manager John Joerns, Assistant City Manager La Porte Parks and Recreation Department Staff La Porte Independent School District La Porte Bay Area Heritage Society Main Street Coordinator, Debra Dye Special thanks to those interested citizens who participated in the public forum as it relates to this master plan process. Acbnowleclsements P.ge I Cit" .f La P.rte Parlu Ie Open Space Master Plan FAIIL_ 01' CONJ'_NJ'I Acl:lnowledgements Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION . Why are Parks Important? . What will this Master Plan do for La Porte? . Planning Area and Jurisdiction . The Master Planning Process . Plan Timeframe 2. LA PORTE TODAV . Introduction . A Brief History of La Porte · A Demographic Profile of La Porte . Land Use 3. EXISTING PARKS . Introduction . Park Classification · Size of the Park System in La Porte . Inventory of Public Parks in La Porte 4. GOALS & OBJECTIVES . Introduction . Goals 5. PUBLIC INPUT . Citizen Survey . Interviews · Public Meetings 6. NEEDS ASSESSMENT . Introduction · Methods of Assessing Park Needs · Standards Based Needs Tallie o' Content. P16ge I e.. j- ... ~ ~- Citp of La Porte Parlu Ai Open Space Master Plan . Park Acreage Standards NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CONT'D) . Park Facility Standards . Demand Based Needs . Distribution of Parks in La Porte . Resource Based Assessment . A Summary of Key Recreation Needs in La Porte 7. A CITV-WIDE TRAIL SYSTEM . Introduction . Existing Trails . Assessment of Trail Needs . Trail Corridor Opportunities . Trail Possibilities in La Porte . Criteria for Ranking Trail Corridors . Recommendations . other Issues . Ordinance Support for Trail System Development 8. MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS . Introduction . Providing of Needed Recreation Facilities . Acquisition of Additional Land for Parks . Develop New Trails . Beautification Issues . Special Use Facilities . Summary of Park Master Plan Recommendations 9. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN . Introduction . Short-term Priority Recommendations . Mid-term Priority Recommendations . Long-term Priority Recommendations . Operation & Maintenance . Funding Strategies for Recommendations . Policies & Ordinances . Plan Updates BIBLlOGRAPHV ApPENDICES Table o' Content. "age II -...... 4'. .. c::. ... - City of La Porte Parhs Anti Open Space Master Plan INTRODUCTION 1.1 Why are Parks Important? Recreation is an increasingly important part of the fabric of our lives today. A good parks system, in concert with timely and interesting recreational programs, contributes to the health of the residents of a city; provides an outlet for involvement by citizens of all ages; and gives us a place to gather on special occasions. Attractive parks and natural areas are often the first place that visitors view in our communities. Parks are one of the most visible elements of our city government at work, and can instill a strong sense of pride in the residents of a community. The City of La Porte has long recognized that parks are an important component of the city, the evidence of which is seen in the park ground$ throughout the city as well as the many citizens using those parks. ~ Pier at Seabreeze Parle La Porte is growing at a moderate pace, approaching a population of almost 32,000 in 2001, and is projected to grow to almost 43,000 over the next 20 years. In addition, La Porte serves certain recreational needs for several small communities within a 10 to 15 mile radius. These factors have lead to some overuse, e.g. of Little Cedar Bayou Park, Lomax Park, Sylvan Beach and Fairmont Park. Also, new forms of recreation and leisure time use which where not predicted 5 years ago are now becoming increasingly popular. In light of the significant increase in population, and the overuse of certain existing parks in the city, La Porte has chosen to take its 1996 Comprehensive Plan (updated in 1999) one step further with a new Year 2001 Parks and Open Space Master Plan to assess the current system and plan for the Mure. This document is the culmination of the planning process that evaluates and assesses the current and future park, open space and trail needs of La Porte. er I · Introduction P.ge 1 _'>. g-- ... ~ h_ City .f La P.rte Parhs And Open Space Master Plan 1.2 What will this Master Plan do for La Porte? A good parks master plan is critical in planning for a community's future. This master plan provides a "snapshot" of La Porte's park, open space and trail system in the year 2001. It helps the city and community leaders assess the park facilities in meeting the community's recreation needs. This plan also points out deficiencies in the system and recommends alternatives to address and correct those deficiencies. The plan looks to the future and assesses where additional facilities will be needed as the city grows, and what types of facilities are most needed. A key component of the Parks, Open Space and Trail Master Plan/Recovery Action Plan is the prioritization of improvements, so that the most significant deficiencies are addressed as quickly as possible. In this way, the master plan guides city leaders in detennining where funding may be aDocated over the next five to 10 years. View from Sylvan Beach Park overlooking Galveston Bay Chapter I .. Introduction Poge 2 fa eftl/ .f La P.rte Pari.. An" Open Space Master Plan 1.3 Planning Area and Jurisdiction This plan is intended to cover all of the city of La Porte. (See figure 1 .1) .:..\t' .-- .-- .-- IIARRIS cOC:'m,_~~i;-. PRECINCT TWO MAP'~" Regional Packs ct ~~~~!~f..:..\.~~_ ~.~~j~::..~ . . ~ ~ . . ~~ """.... City of La Porte Parks & Open Space Masterplan Figure 1.1 - City of La Porte - Harris County Precinct 2. (See end of Chapter 1 for bigger map.) 1.4 The Master Planning Process The Park Master Plan folloVtlS the general guidelines for local park master plans established by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). This document also is intended to meet the requirements of the Department of Interior for the Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program. The plan includes seven major steps shown on the following page. Chapter I · Introduction P.ge 3 ~ - City .f La P.rte Parlu And Open Space Matter Plan TbJe Master P.lanninR P.cocess The--Master PTannllrg process Inventory Exi~tin9 p......~ Qpen$pclCe & Tn"ils eu......ent Use Demog...aphics I Public: Involvement Parks Management Staff Citizen Survey p _____ _________________U___________ ___________ ~ Goals & Objectiv_ ~ -- --------------------------~---------------------- Needs Assessment Standa...ds Key Facility Needs II i Recommendations Concepts Cost Estimates : II Implementation Plan Prioritization Implementation Strategies TiJneline ! Plan A~:--Pt~~~-" Rgure 1.2 The Planning Process . Inventory - An inventory was completed of the existing parks, open space, paths and trails in and around La Porte, as well as other facilities that provide recreational opportunities for the citizens of La Porte. The plan also includes a general review of the current condition of each existing city park, and provides recommendations to address needed improvements. Many of the recommendations for existing parks result from significant use and the popularity of the major parks in the city. . Public Involvement - An extensive public input process was used to gather opinions and ideas for the Master Plan. The process included a City Council workshop, a citywide telephone survey, interviews with key citizens and sports groups, a city council hearing and a citywide public meeting. . Goals and Objectives - A series of key goals and major actions are included in the plan to help guide policy development and decision making over the next few years. In general, these state the key desires of the citizens of La Porte. Chapter I · Introduction P.ge 4 fi.........A :A._,O ~ o ~- City of La Porte Parh. And Open Space Ma$ler Plan . Needs Assessment. Facility needs were assessed using demand, usage, and resource-based methods. These needs include citywide land needs, facitity needs, and recommended improvements to existing facilities. . Master Plan Recommendations - Based on the inventory of existing facilities, public involvement and the needs assessment, a series of park, open space and trail recommendations were formulated. These include recommendations for modifications or improvements to existing parks, the development of new parks and trails, and the acquisition of land for future parks and trails. The plan also estimates the general cost of all recommended improvements. . Implementation Plan - The plan prioritizes all ofthe proposed improvements, based on the needs assessment and public involvement, and develops a sequence for addressing the current and projected recreation and trail facility needs of La Porte. This plan should be formally adopted by the City of La Porte City Council, and as such can become a guide for public policy as it relates to the parks, open space and recreational program needs of the city. 1.5 Plan Timeframe Shaded Picnic Area at Pine Bluff Park. at La Porte's Waterfront. The plan is formulated to address the time frame from the vear 2002 until the vear 2007. However, the need for a major Parks, Open Space and Trail Master Plan update should be reviewed after a two to five year period, or if any major developments occur which significantly alter the recreation needs of the city. An annual review workshop by the Parks and Recreation staff should be conducted to review progress over the last year, and bi-annual updates should also be prepared by the Parks and Recreation staff of La Porte, or on a more frequent basis if special needs or occurrences require modifications to the plan. In all cases, public involvement through citizen meetings, interviews, and workshops should be included in any updating process. 1.6 2008 Plan Update The 2008 La Porte Parks, Open Space, and Trail Master Plan Update will be conducted as follows and will be formatted as an addendum to the current plan as shown herein: Chapter I · Introduction Poge 5 _.~.. ;' ... ..- City of La Porte Par&. An" Open Space Naner Plan · Review and provide a status on proposed projects that were addressed in the 2002 plan, and attach to this document. · Review Park Standards as shown in the existing plan, and update relative to additional parkland added, amenities added, population changes, and other pertinent information that may have a bearing on the park service provision to the citizens of La Porte. · Review the plan revisions internally parks & recreation staff for any oversights or omissions in the progress of planned components of the 2002 Plan, and possible additions as shown in the 2008 Update. · Present the status report and proposed changes in the Plan for the next five year period, at a Public Hearing to be held at the May 19, 2008 City Council Meeting, after the internal review is completed. · Post the 2008 Park Master Plan Update on the city's website and solicit input from citizens at the city's website parksandrec@laportetx.Qov. · Gather citizen input from the Public Hearing, and adjust the proposed Master Plan Update accordingly and as is feasible, given budgetary and time constraints. · Present a Resolution for consideration by City Council approving the 2008 La Porte Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2008 Update. · Begin 2008 Plan Update implementation. Chapter I .. Introduction PlIg. 6 tit Regional Parle e State Parle . Neighborhood Parle .... /~I;;" <;,~ HARRIS COUNTY i:;: PRECINCT TWO MAP \~!..~~_~)i Regional Parks . HaUT .\.ssuda(cs l",Cll<llllFl" !"l"'M'lIlm. ..u1lO5~4''l.fl~H.G'h' 51Jk'.('OItI; ~~ 211 ili 5'1 (1. B, L5 " IR I~ S ,.-:\ h. (~j -.. ~ " 1I f'~ I,f)' IO~ ):\ 10 (~ ~. hit! '--' S..broOIc Spcwt/llComplex 1 -;-;__~ r_, " Armand Ba)lOU N.wrw c.n._ ~ ,,-) City of La Porte Parks & Open Space Masterplan o l' 4 . . -..-"'~--~~- SC~ IN MIlES NOVEMBER 2001 -'.-~.. ;; I ~ City of La Porte Paths &c Open Space Master Plan LA PORTE TODAY 2.1 Introduction In assessing the recreational needs of a community, it is essential to understand the current context of what shapes that community. This includes the history of the community, the local economy, the demographic and population aspects of the citizens of the community, and the physical characteristics of the community. Recreation is an integral part of the picture of the community, and as such is key to the success and health of the entire city. 2.2 A Brief History of La Porte In 1891, La Porte was founded as one of the fIrst cities in today's Harris County. First settlers in the area had started coming in the 1820s, and in 1891 , developer I. R. Holmes began promoting La Porte and its surroundings specifically. The name La Porte comes from the French word "door" and was meant to depict La Porte's function as CI ctoorway to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. La Porte was incorporated in 1892, and at that time, 22 acres of land were set aside to build a park that was later called Sylvan Beach. With the developers' investments and marketing strategies, the area became hugely popular in the late 18905 - and- property was even sold at the world Fair 1893 in Chicago. A population growth in the area occurred in that year as well, when the first excursion train started its trips to Pasadena, with wagon transport to Sylvan Beach. With the new transportation system, many Houstonians built their r 2 - La Porte Toelay Sylvan Beach, before a hurricane washed away 90 yards of shoreline in 1915 PGge 1 - City of La Porte Parh. &c Open Space Master Plan summer homes in La Porte, and soon there were several Hotels to accommodate the new visitors, including the Artesian and Sylvan Beach Hotel, which was sold later to the Catholic Church in 1901. The new city of La Porte was thriving on tourism and Sylvan Beach Park was the center of attention. The park had its first free fishing pier in 1895, and also offered picnic facilities, swimming, and dancing in an open-air pavilion. In 1896, La Porte received its own passenger engine, and from 1897 on, there were "Moonlight Excursions" from Houston to the Sylvan Beach Hotel for 50~ each, which were very popular and increased La Porte's The Syfvan Beach Hotel reputation as the "playground of the south". In 1898, the famous Houston Yacht Club was established, and the downtown area around "Five Points" started flourishing. By 1904, Sylvan Beach had its own Railroad Depot, and the tracks had been extended to Seabrook. Later, cars mostly replaced the trains, and Sylvan Beach had a big parking lot, comparable to the one today. La Porte had telephone, mail delivery service and had drawn settfers from all over, as far as Ohio, Kansas and Illinois, with the marketing strategy of being a citrus, fruit and fig growing area. There were strawberry plantations in Pasadena, fig orchards in Friendswood and a fig processing plant in Alvin. Telephone Switchboard at the Depot Museum In a special edition of the La Porte Chronicle in 1911, pictures of the houses of well-known (summer) residents, of lemon and peach groves, banana plantations and oil fields were supposed . to attract even more population. Parking at Sylvan Beach in the early 1900s Also in 1911, Ross Sterling founded Humble Oil and Refinery (Exxon), which brought many jobs to La Porte after the first big oil sbike on Goose Creek Field in 1916. Sterling also gave Baytown its name; his house can still be seen in Morgans Point today. Despite a big fire in downtown La Porte in 1915 and a hurricane that washed away 90 yards of width from Sylvan Beach in that same year, the tourism in La Porte continued to be very successful; in the 1920s, there were beauty contests, company picnics and dances held here, people could even rent bathing suits to swim. Famous orchestras and stars provided entertainment until World War II, when the tourism industry began to change. Chapter 2 - La Porte Today PGge 2 fA ~ Cit" of La Porte Parbs A: Open Space Master Plan During the war, La Porte had two big shipyards producing vessels with about 100,000 employees working shifts and keeping the local economy going. When steel shortages became common, the ships were built out of concrete and reinforcement bars; an example of this type of vessel can still be seen off of Seawolf Park in Galveston. Additionally, in 1943, another big hurricane destroyed the original Pavilion in Sylvan Beach, while in the same year the Tunnel between La Porte and Baytown was opened to traffic. ~ - The original Sylvan Beach Pavilion After this, things started changing in La Porte. After the war and the 1943 hurricane, there was not much money to rebuild the attractions on Sylvan Beach; with the tunnel opened to Baytown, people were more mobile and didn't rely on shops in downtown La Porte anymore; consequently, most of them closed, not being able to keep up with the competition from bigger chain stores outside the city. In 1956, the new Sylvan Beach pavilion finally opened, but it La Porte Chronicle from 1943 never regained its popularity again as it was before the war. Another big change for the whole area came with air conditioning in the 1960s; since many Houston residents no longer relied on the cool breeze of their beach houses and stayed home instead of coming to La Porte. The final change from a tourist to an industrial town took place with the opening of NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in 1961 and the vast expansion of chemical and petrochemical plants in the area around Bayto\Nl1 and La Porte for their vicinity to the Ship Channel. This led to a huge increase of population in the 1970s and 19805. All this led to La Porte partially losing its appeal for potential tourists and gave it a very industrial reputation, which should be changed and can be changed by giving La Porte some more regionally interesting recreation facilities, some beautification in the downtown area and advertising for the already existing parks. Chapter 2. - La Porte Tocla" Page 3 - City of La Porte Parh. Ie Open Space Master Plan 2.3 A Demographic Profile of La Porte A key part of the master planning process is understanding the size and the characteristics of the population to be served. La Porte's parks, trails and open spaces provide recreation facilities for the citizens of the city, and along with Seabrook, Pasadena and Deer Park, for a significant number of persons living in nearby communities in Harris County. Projections and demographic characteristics contained in this section are derived from estimates prepared by Wilbur Smith Associates in the 1998 La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update. Base data is derived from the 2000 Census and the 1998 American Community Survey. Population Growth - La Porte's growth over the past 10 years can be characterized as being moderate and steady (about 14% from 1990 to 2000). The city's high pace of growth from the 19705 and 1980s has not continued over the past decade - yet it has resulted in a better parks system than most Texas cities along the Gulf Coast. The rate of growth is lower than in Harris County (20.7%), Houston Metropolitan Area (25.2%) or Texas as a whole (22.8%), but has nevertheless resulted in greatly increased demand for recreation facilities, which will continue over the next two decades. Table 2.1 below illustrates the current and projected growth of La Porte and Harris County over the next 20 years. The population projections are derived from the 1998 La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update, and assume an intermediate rate of growth. Table 2.1 Population Projections for La Porte 2000 to 2020 2000 - 31,880 (Census 2000) Future Growth Projections -2005 - 35,213+/- (10.4% change from 2000) / Harris County 3,521,250 "2020 - 42,684+/- (21.2% change from 2005) / Harris County 4,268,350 "Note: 2005 and 2020 Population projections derived from 1998 La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update It seems likely from the current land use that much of the growth in La Porte over the next few years will be in the northern and western areas of the city, around the airport up to Hwy 225; some redevelopment is planned for the older parts of town around Main Street; another possible development zone is in the corridor between Hwy 146 and the railroad in the southern part of town. Improvements of access to these areas for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as the availability of undeveloped land are factors to be considered for the future residential development. This development should continue for the next five to ten years. Chapter 2 - La Porte Toelay PGge 4 a, ~ City .f La P.rte Parh. Ie Open Space Master Plan Demographic Characteristics Key characteristics include age and sex, race and origin, income and educational attainment. . Age and Sex - Table 2.2, illustrates the age characteristics of the population in La Porte as derived from the 1998 American Community Survey. Table 2.3 below shows the 2000 characteristics of the State of Texas as a whole in comparison to the City of La Porte. According to the 1998 American Community Survey in La Porte, 49.1 % of the population was male, and 50.9% were female. Table 2.2 - Population inla Porte 1998 Age 0 - 4 years 5 - 9 years 10-14 years 15-19 years 20-24 years 25-34 years 35-44 years 45-54 years 55-64 years 65-74 years 75 and older Number of persons per household average: Compiled from 1998 American Community Survey data. 2,658 2,367 2,867 2,830 1,509 4,416 6,963 4,123 2,006 1,131 569 2.9 Persons 8.5% 7.6% 9.1% 9.0% 4.8% 14.0% 22.1% 13.1% 6.4% 3.6% 1.8% In the 2000 Census, 49.6% ofthe overall Texas population was male, and 50.4% were female. Table 2.3 - Population in Texas 2000 Age 0 - 4 years 5 - 9 years 10-14 years 15-19 years 20-24 years 25-34 years 35-44 years 45-54 years 55-64 years 65-74 years 75 and older Number of persons per household average: Compiled from Census 2000 data. 1,624,628 1,654,184 1,631,192 1,636,232 1,539,404 3,162,083 3,322,238 2,611,137 1,598,190 1,142,608 929,924 2.74 Persons 7.8% 7.9% 7.8% 7.8% 7.4% 15.2% 15.9% 12.5% 7.7% 5.5% 4.4% Chapter 2 - La Porte Today Page 5 --. . .. . .- City of La Porte Parlu Ie Open Space Master Plan . Racial Characteristics - Table 2.4 shows that racial composition in La Porte has stayed quite stable in the past 10 years, except for the rising percentage of citizens with Hispanic origin. This trend is expected to last or become even stronger in the next 10 years (according to the 1990-1996 Migration Scenario shown by Wilbur Smith & Associates, 1998 La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update). Table 2.4 - Racial Composition of La Porte White Black American Indian I Alaskan Asian Hawaiian I Pacific Islander Some Otherl 2 or more races 1990 85.7% 7.0% 0.6% 1.0% 5.7% 2000 81.4% 6.3% 0.5% 1.1% 0.1% 8.5% Of Hispanic Origin Of Hispanic Origin (Texas) Compiled from Census 1990,2000 data. 14% 25.5% 20.5% 32.0% . Family Size - The average household size in La Porte was approximately 2.9 residents per household in 1998; the average household size in 1990 was 3.1 persons. In 1998, 50% of all households were with children, that is an increase of 2% compared to 1990 (48%). In comparison: The average Texas household size in 2000 was 2.7 persons, 41 % of the households were with children (Census 2000). . Educational Attainment - Table 2.5 shows education levels in La Porte in 1998; about a third of the population has a high school degree or equivalent, and about a quarter has some college education: Table 2.5 - Educational Attainment in La Porte 1998 Less than 9th grade completed 9th to 12th grade completed (no degree) High School degree Some College (no degree) Vocational I Technical I Business Degree Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Graduate f Professional 5% 10% 32.7% 25.8% 7% 6.3% 9.7% 3.5% Compiled from 1998 American Community Survey data. Chapter 2 - La Porte foclay Page 6 " City of La Porte Parh. Ie Open Space Master Plan . Income and Poverty Levels - The median annual per capita incomes for the State of Texas were $19,830 in 1999 (Census 2000), as compared to $19,101 in La Porte for 1998 (1998 American Community Survey). 15.3% of the population in Texas lived below the poverty level, but in La Porte the poverty rate was only 8.5%: 3.4% under 18 years of age, and 5.1 % 18 and older. The poverty rate has slightly decreased since 1989 (8.8%, see Census 1990). Summary of Population and Demographic Information The population growth over the next five years is estimated to be around 10.4%, which on average results in about 650 to 700 additional residents in the city every year. Park facilities must be developed on a cycle that addresses this increased demand every year. The population of La Porte is characterized by a higher percentage (49%) of residents ages 25-54 years (compared to 43.6% in overall Texas), and a lower percentage (11.8%) of senior citizens 55 years and older (in Texas; 17.6%). This is likely to change in the next 10 years, because up to three new complexes for senior living in La Porte are being discussed for the near future. Special programs and facilities that accommodate senior citizens should be monitored and expanded throughout the community. The baby boom generation is also growing older, and over the next decade will begin retiring, further increasing demand for facilities for older but active residents. The percentage of residents under 18 in La Porte is similar to Texas as a whole (around 31 %), but the amount of recreational activity in this age group is very large here; youth activities in La Porte are not only attended by local children, but also by residents from neighboring communities, which increases the demand for suitable facilities and programs. While the median per capita income will increase as increased economic activity comes to the Houston Metropolitan area, the many companies with lower-wage positions that provide services to the surrounding petrochemical industry will continue the desire for local and affordable recreation services. Chapter 2 - La Porte Tocla" P#6ge 7 - City of La Porte Parh. Ie Open Space Mader Plan 2.4 Land Use La Porte's future land use projection, prepared by Wilbur Smith and Associates in 1998 for the La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update, indicates that much of the anticipated growth in La Porte will be medium and low density single family residential, and some industrial expansion. Most of the still available residential zoning can be found around the airport going west and north towards Hwy 225. Since La Porte is somewhat restricted in its annexing possibilities because of the close neighborhood of Deer Park, Pasadena, Shoreacres, Morgans Point and the Battleground and Bayport Industrial Districts, much emphasis is put on future in-fill development in existing, deteriorated neighborhoods with high vacancy rates or underused lots. These are some areas of "Old La Porte", east of Hwy 146 towards Galveston Bay. In the 1998 Comprehensive Plan Update it is strongly suggested that the City of La Porte should monitor industrial expansion around the Bayport Channel on the southeastern boundary of La Porte, as well as the industrial port at Barbour's Cut channel at the northeastern side of town. This is also an important factor for the Parks and Open Space Master Plan, because the waterfront property can be considered very valuable for recreation and open space preservation efforts in the future; the importance of developing and enhancing attractiveness of the waterfront is also documented in La Porte's 1993 Bayfront Master Plan. 2.5 2008 Plan Update Table 2.5-1 below illustrates the updated current and projected growth of La Porte and Harris County over the next 20 years. The population projections are derived from United States Census data and City-data.com (see table). The assumption is made here that the population growth will continue at approximately the same level of the actual growth shown between 2000 and 2006, at 1.05% annually for the City of La Porte, and 2.05% for Harris County. The actual growth of the City of La Porte and Harris County is about one-half of the projected growth level that was cited in the original Park Master Plan. That information was derived from the 1998 La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update (see Table 2.1 above). This assumption may prove to be higher than actual future growth of the city because of the recent recessionary trends in the U.S. economy, the uncertainty of future energy and other economic forces. The effect of these forces on the future growth of La Porte and Harris County cannot be forecast with any certainty at this time. Chapter 2 - La Porte locla" Po.e 8 - Citp of La Porte Parhs A Open Space Master Plan Table 2.1-U Population Updated Projections for La Porte 2008 to 2020 2000 - 31,880 2007 - 33,886 - La Porte Pop.lHarris County pop. 3,400,578 (Census 2000) +6.3% estimated change from 2000/Harris County 3,876,306 (est. annual population growth of 1.05% for La Porte) (est. annual population growth of 2.05% for Harris County) Projected at 2006 rate of growth at continued 1.05% annually. 2008 - 34,597 Future Growth Projections .2013- 36,413+1- (13.65% LP change from 2000) 1 Harris County 4,432,555 (at current growth levels) .2020 -39,223+1- (15.75% LP change from 2006) 1 Harris County 5,068,626 (at current growth levels) 2000 2007 Number of persons per household average: 2.9 Persons 2.89 persons Note: 2006 Population and 2008. 2012 & 2020 projections derived from hllo://W\^IW.citvdata.com/cilv/La-Porte- Texas.html Harris County population and projections derived from hllp://W\^IW.census.oov/popesllcountiesJCo-EST2007-01.html Speculation regarding the potential areas for future growth for the City of La Porte are unchanged from the initial Park Master Plan. The specific demographics for racial population have changed since 2000 as shown in Table 2.4-2 below: Table 2.4-U - Racial Composition of La Porte 1990 2000 2006 White 85.7% 81.4% 70.7% Black 7.0% 6.3% 9.0% American Indian 1 Alaskan 0.6% 0.5% 1.0% Asian 1.0% 1.1% 1.1% Hawaiian 1 Pacific Islander 0.1% 0.1% Some Otherl 2 or more races 5.7% 8.5% 8.5% Of Hispanic Origin Of Hispanic Origin (Texas) Original compiled from U.S. Census 1990, 2000 data 2006 data from hllo:/IW\^IW.cilvdata com/cilv/La-Porte- Texas.html 2006 Texas Hispanic pop. Est from: hllo:/Iouickfacts.census.aov/afd/slatesl48oo0.html 2006 population of Black and Hispanics for La Porte derived from: hllD:lIW\^IW.tea slate.tx.uslcurriculumlbilina/DLlLaPorteISD.odf Tables may exceed 100% due to double counting of Hispanics. 14% 25.5% 20.5% 32.0% 25.0% 35.7% The major change is the increase in Hispanic population in La Porte. Although not as high as the overall Hispanic population of Texas at 35.7%, La Porte's Hispanic population has increased by 5% to approximately 25% over the past six years. This trend is expected to continue into the future both in La Porte and in Texas as a whole. This change will have an impact on the types of use that the City of La Porte Parks see, as Hispanics tend to be highly family-oriented, with extended families, and a high level of social gathering both at home and in public parks. Chapter 2 - La Porte locla" P..e 9 _e City .f La P.rte ParllS A Open Space Master Plan Table 2.5-U - Educational Attainment in La Porte 1998 & 2007 1998 2007 Less than 9th grade completed 9th to 12th grade completed (no degree) High School degree Some College (no degree) Vocational! Technical! Business Degree Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Graduate! Professional 5% 10% 32.7% 25.8% 7% 6.3% 9.7% 3.5% 4.45% 11.55% 33.2% 30.68% 7% 6.9% 9.68% 3.55% Compiled from 1998 American Community SUlVey data. 2007 data from Claritas, Inc. see: http://wtffl.clrsearch.com/RSS/demoaraph ics/EducationLevelProfile .isp?tvpe=residentiaJ&lips state=48&lips countv=20 1 &lios citv=4144O&ziocode=77571 There have been some changes in the level of educational attainment since 1998. Citizens with college degrees, or some college with no degree, have increased by 7.5% over the past nine years. Essentially, this change does not have a major impact on park use. Chapter 2 - La Porte Toclay PlIIge 1 0 " Cit" of La Porte Parlu Ie Open Space Master Plan EXISTING PARKS 3.1 Introduction The City of La Porte has an existing system of 18 public parks spread throughout the city that currently provide outdoor recreation facirrties. These parks range in size from small neighborhood parks that are less than one acre in size to large community parks totaling over 40 acres in ~i~~, The total ~.~ ~ existing parks in the La Porte parks system equals about 115 acres. A key part park process is developing an of the planning understanding of what park and open space facilities are currently available. By comparing the available facilities with the number of people that the parks system serves, as well as the most frequent types of uses, the need for new or improved recreational facilities oan be determined. Components of the Existing Parks Inventory - This "inventory" of existing parks reviews several aspects of each park in the La Porte system. These are: . Classification: What is the purpose of a given park? Is it intended to serve a local neighborhood around it, giving children and young adults a place to play? Is it intended to serve a much larger population, providing fields for organized league play? The answer to these questions determine whether a park should be classified as a neighborhood park, a community park, a special purpose park, or a linkage park. Location: Where is the park located in relation to the population that it serves? Is it accessible? Service Area: What are the limits of the area served by each park? Are there any major thoroughfares or physical features that create barriers to accessing the park? Size of the Park: How big is the park? Is it large enough to ade uatel accom lish its intended u ose? Chapter S - Exitlin. Parlu Page 1 -. 4 ~ " . -~- ~ Cit~ of La Porte Parhs A Open Space Master Plan . Facilities in each park: What does the park contain? Are the facilities appropriate for the type of park? For example, a ballfield complex requiring a large amount of parking should not be contained in a neighborhood park, where the noise, traffic and night time lighting create a nuisance for residents of that neighborhood. . Layout: Is the arrangement of facilities in each park appropriate? . Condition of the Park: What is the general condition of the facilities in each park? . Special considerations: Does the park provide facilities for the physically challenged that meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act? Each of these issues is reviewed for each of the existing parks currently in the La Porte parks system. 3.2 Park Classification National and state guidelines identify three broad categories of parks, which are: Local Close to Home Space, usually located within the community served by the facility, which includes mini parks, neighborhood parks and community parks; Regional Space, usually located within an hour or two driving distance. Parks in this category serve a number of communities, and include regional mf:!trQPQlitan parks and regional park reserves; and Unique Space, which may be either local or regional in nature. These parks can be defined as areas that are unique in some way, whether because of physical features or because of the types of facilities provided. Parks in this category may include linear parks, special use parks, or land conservancies. Close to home parks are the most important category and of greatest immediate concern to the City of La Porte. However, given the city's setting along Galveston Bay, special attention should be given to the Unique Space category. Close to home parks address day to day facilities for all ages and activities, and are usually within walking or driving distance from where we live. The five close to home park types currently existing in la Porte are: . Neighborhood parks Chapter a - Existing Pari.. PfIIge 2 84'- . I i "- ca" of La Porte Parlu " Open Space Master Plan . Community parks . Special use parks . Linear parks . Pocket parks A description of each general type of park included in the La Porte system follows: Neighborhood Parks Neighborhood parks provide the foundation for recreation in the Local Close to Home park system. Ideally, they provide facilities and recreation space for the entire family, but are within easy walking or bicycling distance of the people they serve. The neighborhood park typically serves one large or several smaller neighborhoods. The ideal neighborhood park in La Porte, generally 4 to 8 acres in size, should serve no more than 3,000 to 5,000 residents per park. Tom Brown Park, located in the central core area of La Porte, and Seabreeze Park on Galveston Bay, are good examples of neighborhood parks. Tom Brown Park, located along South Lobit Avenue in northeast La Porte · Ideally, neighborhood parks should be accessible to residents who live within a one-half mile radius of the park. · Neighborhood parks can be located adjacent to elementary schools, so as to share acquisition and development costs with the school district. · Neighborhood parks are generally located away from major arterial streets and provide easy access for the users that surround it. A neighborhood park should be accessible without having to cross major arterial streets. · Pfeiffer Park in central La Porte is a typical example of a neighborhood park. It is close to schooJand home and provides pJayground equipment as well as picnic areas. Size - The size of a neighborhood park may vary considerably due to physical locations around the park. An ideal size for neighborhood parks in La Porte should be around five acres. Parks may range in size from a minimum of two acres to a maximum of 10 acres. In general, the size of the existing neighborhood parks in La Chapter. - Exbting Parlu Page 3 ~ ~ City of La Porte Parhs A Open Space Master Plan Porte is on the lower end of the desired range ofsizes, but the even spread of many little parks makes up for the small size of the individual parks. Location - If possible, neighborhood parks should be centrally located in neighborhoods that they serve. A favorable location, for example, is adjacent to an elementary school; that way facilities can be shared for dual purposes. The park should be accessible to pedestrian traffic from all parts of the area served, and should be located adjacent to local or minor collector streets which do not allow high-speed traffic. Facilities - Facilities generally located in neighborhood parks include the following: . Playground equipment on a safety fall surface . Unlighted practice fields for baseball, soccer, football . Unlighted tennis courts . Unlighted multi-purpose courts . Active areas for unorganized play . Picnic areas with benches, picnic tables and cooking grills . Shaded pavilions and gazebos . Jogging exercise trails . Security lighting Parking - Should vary based on the size of the park and facilities provided. A minimum of eight spaces per new neighborhood park is recommended with an additional two handicapped parking spaces per neighborhood park. The exact amount of parking needed will vary based on the size of the park, the facilities it contains, and the number of users. In La Porte, a lot of the neighborhood parks have no onsite parking because of their small size; existing parking lots at Northwest, Fairmont, Sea breeze and Brookglen Parks are in front of the park entrance, so pedestrians have to cross the parking area to get into the park. r----- I i Figure 3.1 on the following page illustrates a typical neighborhood park and some of the elements that the park might contain. Note that this is simply a typical arrangement, and each neighborhood park should be designed as a unique part of the neighborhood that surrounds it. Chapter J - Existing Parlu PIII"e 4 __ eit, of La Perte Par", ... Open Space Ma;ter Plan --.-J \. \( I Figure 3.1 Typical Neighborhood Park Chapter a - Existing Parbs PGge 5 -.. . I . _.r_ City of La Porte Parhs Ie Open Space Master Plan Community Parks Community parks are larger parks that serve a group of neighborhoods or a portion of a city. Community parks are usually reached by automobile, although residents adjacent to the park and trail users may walk or bicycle to it. A variety of recreational facilities are provided, including in some cases, lighted playing fields for organized sports, hikelbike trails and sufficient parking to accommodate participants, spectators, and other park users. Little Cedar Bayou Park is an example of an ideal community park. At close to 35 acres it is large enough to provide a variety of facilities for active and passive recreation, and has an almost ideal location for serving most of the residents of the city. However, its wave pool, which is a big regional attraction, and the two leagues (girl's softball and soccer), sometimes being active here simultaneously, contribute to increasing overuse of Little Cedar Bayou Park. A variety of recreation facilities are available in Uttle Cedar Bayou Parle. Size - The typical community park should be larQe enouah so it can provide a variety of faciHties while stiU leavina open space for unstructured recreation and natural areas. The park should also have room for expansion as new facilities are required. A typical community park varies in size from 15 acres to over 50 acres. Location - Community parks should be located near a major thoroughfare to provide easy access from different parts of the city. Because of the potential for noise and bright lights at night, community parks should be buffered from adjacent residential areas. Chapter a - Exitting Parllt ".ge 6 - eft" of La Porte Parlu Ie Open Space Master Plan Facilities. Facilities generally located in community parks may include: . Play equipment . Active free play areas . Picnic areas and pavilion(s) . Restrooms . Jogging, bicycle or nature trails . Lighted ball fields, suitable for organized competitive events . Recreation center (if appropriate) . Sufficient off-street parking based on facilities provided and size of park . Security lighting . Other facilities as needed which can take advantage of the unique characteristics of the site, such as nature trails or fishing adjacent to ponds, swimming pools, amphitheaters etc. Parking - This varies based on the facilities provided and the size of parle The NRPA recommends a minimum of five spaces per acre, plus additional parking for specific facilities within the park such as pools or ballfields. Chapter S - Exbting Parlu Pege 7 fj'-. I . ~ .... City of La Porte Parlu &c Open Space Master Plan , , I I .- ---..-- /' ['. . II . l-'~ - ' . layground i Practicet I _ i . \, Football/Soccer i r ,*. . '~i Practice l\'1 _ r F ~iemld.fr A!S'rm' :u ~1.il Footba~l/.Soccer ~~~L..:.. Field Rgure 3.2 Typical Community Park Chapter J - Existing ParllS PfIIge 8 " I - Citp of La Porte ParllS " Open Space Master Plan Linear Parks Linear parks are open park areas that generally follow some natural or man-made feature that is linear in nature, such as creeks and streams, abandoned railroad rights-of-way or overhead power line easements. In the case of La Porte, these types of parks could follow all three. Properly developed to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle travel, these parks can serve to link or connect other parks in the local system, as well as schools, libraries, and other major destinations. No specific standards apply to linear/linkage parks other than that they are large enough to adequately accommodate the resources they follow. They can also serve as linear greenbelts, which preserve open space, as is the case with Little Cedar Bayou, as it crosses diagonally through La Porte. Boardwalk along tittle Cedar Bayou. Special Purpose Parks Special purpose parks are designed to accommodate specialized recreational activities. Because the facility needs for each activity type are different, each special purpose park usually provides for one or a few activities. Examples of special purpose parks include: . Golf courses . Athletic fields or complexes . Nature centers or large natural preserves . Swimming pool centers . Tennis complexes Athletic complexes and golf courses are the most common types of special purpose parks. Athletic complexes seek to provide fields for organized play in a location that can accommodate the traffic and noise that a large number of users can generate. Athletic complexes should include sufficient fields so that leagues can congregate at one facility and not have to spread out in different locations. A special purpose park in La Porte area is the Bay Forest Golf Course; other regional special purpose parks are San Jacinto Battleground State Park northwest of La Porte and Armand Bayou Park and Nature Center about four miles southwest of the city. Chapter S - Existin, Parlu P.ge 9 840- 0 1- ..- eft" of La Porte Parlu Ie Open Space Master Plan Pocket Parks Pocket parks are small green gathering spaces ranging from 1/8 acre to 1 acre. Due to the size of this type of park, parking is typically not provided. Therefore, pocket parks are accessed by pedestrian and bicycle means. Benches, fountains, landscaping, and other focal features are common items found in these parks. Size is not the key factor of the typic~1 Pine Bluff Park located on waterfront property. pocket park, but rather the quality of ' the landscaping and features that go into the park. Small green areas planned for the downtown area are examples of pocket parks. A very nice pocket park in La Porte is Pine Bluff Park, located right on Galveston Bay, tucked in between residential properties. 3.3 Size 01 the Pam System In La Porte The local parks system in La Porte includes 18 city-owned developed parks 'Nith approximately 115 acres of developed park, plus 187 acres at Bay Forest Golf Course, excluding the privately built and restricted neighborhood parks like Fairmont Park East, Shady River Park, Shady Lane Park, Fairmont Park West and Bayside Terrace Park. Fairmont Park East Entrance marlcer to UttJe Cedar Bayou Park e City of La Porte Parlu Ie Open Space Master Plan Shady River Park Shady River Park Pool Shady Lane Park Fairmont Park West Bayslde Terrace Park Fairmont Park West - Playground Figure 3.3 shows all La Porte parks and Table 3.4 (see inserts next pages) summarizes the existing recreation facilities contained in the parks in La Porte. Chapter S - Exhting Partl. P..e 11 I~ ~ Cit" of La Porte Parhs & Open Space Master Plan 3.4 Inventory of Public Parks in La Po"'. La Porte has an extensive number of close-to-home type parks dispersed throughout the city. There are 12 neighborhood parks, seven of which are in the eastern section of the city (14th Street, Central, Pete Gilliam, Tom Brown, Ohio, Pfeiffer and Seabreeze), two in the south (Pine Bluff and Bay Oaks), two in the northwest (Creekmont and Glen Meadows), and one in the far west (Brookglen). The five community parks are distributed as follows: two in the far northwest part of town (Northwest and Lomax), one south of the airport (Fairmont), and two in the eastern half (Uttle Cedar Bayou and Northside). The only definite regional park inside La Porte city limits is Sylvan Beach Park; Little Cedar Bayou Park is considered a community park, but the wave pool is a regionally known and used facility. A description of each of these parks with its inventory is shown below. Also listed in the inventory are the Fitness Center and Special Programs Center, and the future west side park site, since there are several concepts already existing for its future development. 3.5 2008 Plan Update New Parks In the past 6 years, La Porte has added two parks; Spenwick Park, a .5 acre neighborhood park in the western portion of the city, and an as yet un-named 8.3 acre community park in the near western part of the city known as "Pond to Park': Two phases of three planned development phases have been completed which will ultimately convert this former detention basin into a City park with a perimeter jogging trail, picnic area, a permanent lake with waterfall, nature viewing station, and lighting for nighttime use. Joint Venture Sports Complex The joint venture sports complex that is planned with the City of Pasadena will be located on 99 acres of property owned by Pasadena, but within the City of La Porte's extra-territorial jurisdiction. The City of La Porte has entered into an Interlocal Agreement with Pasadena for design of this project and is fully expecting Pasadena to honor its agreement. Once the design has been completed, the two cities will enter into a second Interlocal Agreement for construction and operation of the proposed complex. Preliminary conceptual layouts show eight baseball fields and two shared fields for La Porte, with fourteen fields and two shared fields for Pasadena. The project is currently on hold while the City of Pasadena conducts an internal review of the project. When completed, this project, as was anticipated in the Master Plan, will Chapter J - Existing Parb. Page 12 - City of La Porte Parhs &c Open Space Master Plan relieve the pressure on Fairmont Park caused by noise and light pollution and overcrowded parking for the baseball fields. It is planned for some of those fields to remain as practice fields for the La Porte Boy's Baseball Association. West Side Park Property The 33 acre West side park property design is substantially complete. The City of La Porte is in the process of pre-qualifying potential contractors for this new regional park. The new park, located on Canada Road between Spencer and Fairmont Parkway will be developed with amenities that are projected to serve the entire City of La Porte. The park design will feature a lake that can be used for canoes, kayaks, miniature radio controlled boats, fishing, and other water-based activities, although swimming will not be allowed. The park will also feature a small outdoor amphitheater for summer performances of local talent, church groups, dog shows, etc. The amphitheater will double as a picnic pavilion that is available for family reunions, church socials, and other group activities. There will be individual picnic areas in the park for small family groups to gather. The park will also feature a bicycle-pedestrian path around the perimeter to allow for exercise and access to the passive recreation activities and scenic vistas of the park. The park construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2008. Summary With the addition of two new parks and another on the way, the park inventory will have increased by 14% in six years by the end of 2008. Park acreage will have increased from 143.74 acres to 177.24 acres; an increase of 19%. Completion of the joint venture sports complex will add an additional 33 acres to the inventory, plus have the added benefit of substantially increasing the usability of Fairmont Park. Chapter S - Exitting Pari,. Peg. 13 ElATn.EGROUND INDUaTRIAL DISTRICT DEER PARK .-COUECU=: PARt< ~I i PASADENA BAYPORT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT . ~i<NJARVSCHOOL . JUNIOR HIGH SCI-lOOl . HIGH SC~iOOl 9AlTERNATNE SC"'OO, '9Cm.LEGE Existing Parks IIHalrr ,'~~ociatc~ (f) o % Y, --- ---....; .,,- 2 City of La Porte Parks & Open Space Masterplan SCALE IN MILES FIg. 3.3 - Existing Parks NOVEM~R :.!OO1 Table 3 1 La Porte Parks ,1nd Opoen Space Master Pldn Existing Park Facilities " 1 C).i3 t t2 a 1 0 0 8 0 0 0.88 10 3 0 0 Active Facilities 3 0.50 10 " :2 0.50 :2 1 . 9 3 IS :2 :2 5 1 8 2 2 4 0 2 Active Facilities 7 2 " 2 F*.~ItW. Shady Lane &hldyl'llvet 1 5 0 8 2 4 2 o 14 0 12 0 14 7 3 o o 0 o 2 0 0 5 o Cllj\'Me Tot,,1 4894 13 4 16 12 7 4 188 29 ' 17 1 IS 9 11 1 2 10 98 18 1 3 13 1,111 58 {AI RCU0,ll1CIl II ~ lCllltlP~J Bay Ocdts Par" General Info · Neighborhood Park · Located at 254 Dwire Drive -------.---------.. i I · Size 1.2 acres · Parking: 8 spaces · Barriers: Dwire (very little traffic), close to Hwy 146, rope fences ___________----1 Amenities ,- \ I · 1 pavilion, accessible (new) I II · 1 sign, 2 picnic tables, 2 trash rec., 4 benches, 1 drinking fountain, all new I · 250ft walking trail, accessible I · about 75% of the park can be used as free play areas (grass, ditch) .J Landscapin. J-= some existing medium-sized shade trees, mostly Chinese Tallow, good condition l .t'~ · shrubs around pavilion, irrigation, condition very poor I ,! · turf i~ good condition, except for yellow spots in sp~~yed area=--________________J Notes I Comments I - - ----------1 · used to be a trailer park, was newly dedicated in 2000 · the trail serves as connection between Bayshore East Elementary School and residential : areas behind the park I · Ditch going through the park and some flat areas around the pavilion might hold water J- after a strong rain ---------- --- c I Broobglen Parb ,) General Info I I I '''~ ---.-.---'--""; .1"-", Brookglen ~;;;(~ ''''''';''. ..... ~~I Center :. Palll1 " RpCfllBnO,., ' f~ .... -- - "'c-ql1l..~ ',-~ ,~=-":;'=~~~ Hxn ~../ .Community Park · Located at 3324 Somerton Rd · Size 2 acres, rectangular layout · Parking: 25 unmarked + 2 Accessible . Barriers: Somerton Rd (light traffic), drainage ditch (fenced L off) \<-.- ... r." I . ~ - ~:~j F,~, f~:- f~- ;.".. Amenities , ' , " f\, ~ amenities at north end of park · 2 baseball practice fields at south end · 1 sand volleyball court (poor condition) · 2 buildings with restrooms (1 community center, 1 pool building) · 1 climbing tower with slides, double swing set · 4 picnic tables, 2 trash rec., 1 sign, security lighting (all fair condition) · 1 pool, 60,000 gallons, 1 baby pool (in need of repair) I · about 60% o. f the park can be used aSJ free play areas (grass) l,( --- Notes I Comments · there is a gate to get down to the ditch to retrieve lost balls, but ball fence next to volleyball field needs to be higher, volleyball is not functional · wooden planks around plant bed (community center) need to be repairedl replaced · nice shade structure at pool, need more shade for the playground l I I J !IIi <. ~ >Q- Central Parlll Evelyn Kennedy Civic Center General Info · Community Park · Located at 618 San Jacinto -, I I · Size 4.6 acres, long rectangular layout · Parking: about 77 + 4 Accessible, 25 more possible off-site · Barriers: San Jacinto (moderate traffic), G street Amenities · 1 building (7800sf) with restrooms, accessible, 1 bathhouse · inside the building: games and adult supervision · Playground equipment: combination I tower with climbing and slides (fairly I new), double swing (older, slightly rusty) · Park. equipment: 4 picnic tables, 1 trash rec., 2 signs, 1 drinking fountain, security lighting (all fair condition) i' · 1 basketball field, lighted · 1 skating rink, lighted · 1 pool, 70,000 gallons, closed for remodeling · about 50% of the park. CCin be used as free play areas (grass, mound) · playground at high school --.-.J d ~ >., I 1 i .. l I r .< \. -0- I Central Pam I Evelyn Kennedy Civic Center P I!. Landscap."ng i 'I I' I..',': ! I I.' t.i L. ~_. ..-- I . · some small to medium trees, mostly short lived kinds ! · Crape Myrtles in poor condition, turf in good to very good condition - . - - · nice Oak and some new landscaping in front of civic center, but Cedars there look dead I · partial irrigation around the building Notes I Comments · Safety: electrical pole next to pool fence will be moved further out; fall surface under swings is inadequate; grass is growing into the sandbox · Drainage: water pools around the building · Maintenance: building needs repairs; skating rink (is currently under construction) will get Ii new pavement and better side protection · high school grounds are not fenced off, some of its amenities add to the amount of J' useable space and equipment for the park -@l- dli L Creehmont Parh General Info · Neighborhood Park · Located at 700 Willow Creek · Size 3.5 acres, somewhat triangular layout · Parking: 8 + 1 Accessible · Barriers: Willow Creek is dead-ended, very light traffic; I surrounded by residential area ~ ~? t:] './-- f-' . r:/ '),~ .,,~" '" !,'" r";. ,)",~ ~'"'" , Amenities i= new (1999) play structure with slide l I · Pavilion and picnic amenities to be I added in 2001 · walking trail, accessible, % mile (to be II [finished 2001) f-. . 1 Basketball court, lighted, accessible j · 1 Baseball practice field - - LanmjaPing ... · some small existing trees on north end of park -~ · 9 Crape Myrtles, 4 Chinese Tallows, more trees to be put in 2001 · irrigation will be put in 2001 · turf condition good ~-, ~"" '~.... Notes I Comments ~ ___________________________--.l ~;",'~, ~urrently being refurbished .drainage under playground needs to be repaired · fence is currently a tripping hazard · nice trail, needs some shade l I I I ...J ...-' Fairmont Parlt Gen.al Ire · Community I Regional Park · Located at 3540 Farrington Blvd. --------1 I · Size 17.7 acres, somewhat rectangular layout · Parking: 74 + 5 Accessible (Collingswood), 152 + 5 Accessible (Farrington) · Barriers: Farrington Blvd., Collingswood Dr. (moderate traffic), drainage ditch (fenced off); dense residential neighborhood 4 Amenities · 2 buildings with restrooms (1 concession, 1 recreation building), accessible · Park equipment: 10 picnic tables, 12 trash rec., 2 sighs, 2 drinking fountains, 1 bike rack (all in good condition) · Playground equipment: new climbing structure with slides, double swing · % mile concrete walking trail, accessible (some erosion on the sides) · 7 boy's baseball fields, lighted, with bleachers I · 3 youth soccer fields (2 lighted), with ~J .~. b~a~ers ~. I · % basketball court I · 1 swimming pool, 110,000 gallO~S I (poor condition) - ------.- -0- &," l Fairmont Parh Landscaping ~ome existing trees and shade around the park and at the playground area, m-;stly Pine~ Md~~ ! I I I ~ " .S ~"j.l:-J E: t:;i)'i~ f"J 1.,/ {J · hedges on Farrington instead of ball stops (have gaps), planting around Farrington sign (poor condition) · turf condition fair, some dry spots in soccer fields "on. *$ .~" ;,,) ; ~"',J C: i.4' (. ~."" "'~' ~ ,.', i""o-_' c ""'.. .j~ .,' :1 c" Notes I Comments I I I · wooden sign on Farrington is illegible I · nicely shaded around picnic and playground area. bleachers need more shade L: old fire station across the street is bein~ used as ~tora_~e · Park has been home for the Little League since 1976 .Safety: swings need more sand, tripping hazard at eroded trail · hedge as ball stop doesn't work I I I I f " I J -~- I I .. -l Glen Meadows Parll I I · Size 8.13 acres. linear layout I · Parking: none, off-site is possible I I · Barriers: Valley Brook, speeding traffic around comer I Ltumble strips); residential area ~ General Inl;o, · Neighborhood Park · Located at 801 Valley Brook Dr. E T .~'-ol Amenities · Playground equipment~~limb a~d -1 slide combo (1998), double swing set · Park equipment: 4 picnic tables. 5 trash rec.. 1 sign, 7 benches, 2 BBQ grills (all new) · jogging trail % mile, with exercise equipment · 4 baseball practice fields (back stops) · new security lighting (recent vandalism) a ct Landscaping ------------------------------, · no existing vegetation, some new trees along the trail, no irrigation · landscaping was put in with volunteers. funds were matched with the Homeowners' IA~~~~ 1 I L · plant and turf condition is good Notes I C().......-s-_ · Safety: very nice and effective fence; all fall zones around play e~uipment sho~ldb~1 larger; the steep entry to the park is dangerous and not accessible; concrete storm inlets in I the practice fields are tripping hazards · Park is somewhat unattractive for children for lack of shade - needs trees or tarps for picnic and playground areas J · Jogging trail needs drinking fountain ____ ->. ~ ~.< ~ .'" .. ;I;. .. ! i Little Cedar Bayou Parlt General Info · Community I Regional Park -l · Located at 600 Little Cedar Bayou Drive . Size 34.7 acres; softball fields grouped, soccer spread out · Parking: 248 + 9 Accessible · Neighborhood Facilities: Cemetery, residential area, Bay Forest Golf Course, Little Cedar Bayou Nature Trail (Barrier: Hwy 146, heavy traffic) rip "f';;.. "" 1-- i ~~ l_ ~ .. Anteoities E;. I · 2 Buildings with restrooms (Softball l \" Concession, Wave pool Concession, I both in good condition, accessible) I ,j · Playground equipment: 1 climbing "I combo next to the pool, fair condition I · Park equipment: 12 picnic tables (+ 4 I at pool), 13 trash rec. (+2 at pool), 2 signs, 1 bench at playground, 1 drinking I fountain, 6 shaded picnic areas at pool, 2 bike racks I I · 2 soccer fields (1 lighted), with I benches or bleachers I · 4 girls' softball fields, lighted, with bleachers and press booth · 2 tennis courts, unlighted · 1 wave pool, 350,000 gallons, accessible; wave interval: 10 minutes · 1 sand volleyball court at pool · horseshoe pits at playground I -~ '!Il -0- UttIe eecb'~ ~~' .. Landscaping r'" · many existing big trees surrounding the park and in the park · nice planted Live Oaks along the parking areas, some palm trees in front of the pool, all planting in good condition, no irrigation · turf in good condition (some dry spots), except around playground &- II>< r Ll " i ;0...... Notes I Comments · park is well laid out and functional · at the pool, lounge chairs, sound equipment and tubes are provided free of charge ~POOI has about 1100 visitors per day, fee $3; revenues generated provide funding for operation of this and other pools in the city system · Drainage: Problems with one soccer field I I I I J -[@- ~~, j !~"'_. ! ~ . ~ ~ Little Cedar Bayou Trail "..o,-.e_,,", "...."'...- General Info I . Neighborhood / linear Park · Located at Old Hwy 146, across from Little Cedar Bayou Park -~ · Size 14 acres · Parking: 8 spaces · Barriers: Hwy 146 (heavy traffic), little Cedar Bayou, wooded areas around the trail Amenities Landscaping · Nature trail with boardwalks · small grassed area at ditch, useable for free. play I I I I -.-J -----, I I ~ · dense, jungle-like existing vegetation, no landscaping needed · turf condition good at ditch '''"".,~. Notes I Comments ~.~ - r-: beautiful water view and possibilities for bird watching .. . . , ~i · park is hard to access from across the street, underpass is not user-friendly, trail I, I entrance is hard to find I" · boardwalk is partially broken I _____~_.___________3 I I L-_ Lomax Parh '\,." ~ \: Landscaping · a few existing trees · no landscaping, no irrigation · turf in good condition 1'-- , General Info · Special Purpose I Regional Park · Located at 1508 Lomax School Rd. ~ I I I I · Size 10 acres · Parking: 56 + 3 Accessible, trailer parking behind arena · Barriers: Lomax School Rd., P Street; close to Northwest Park J ~-----------'-------_.~--"-"- . lj. "'."""'. , A Ameniti45 I · covered Rodeo Arena, 84,OOOsf I .S .NA 'i ~;..,. I .1 recreation center with restrooms, 1 storage hut · Park equipment: 2 picnic tables, 9 trash rec., 2 signs, 1 drinking fountain · about 30% of the park can be used as I free play areas (grass, former softball l!i=~~_ J I I I --________J ~'-~ Notes I Commentt;:Ji · Park is home to the~a Porte Livestock Show and R~d-;~As~~ci~tion------l · Recreation center also used by the five La Porte Youth Sports Associations for meetings I · non-regulatory storage shed next to the driveway J ,,~; ~ -J!; ; ~ I L ~ North 14th Street Parh General Info · Neighborhood Park · Located at 500 North 14th Street · Size 2.4 acres, amenities on south side of park · Parking: none, off-site is possible · Barriers: North 14th Street, light traffic (residential and small business area) -r , ,~ " f L, i <41 Amenities I" playground equipment: 1 wood I metal climbing structure, 1 buck-about, 1 swing set (old and partly rusty) · park equipment: 2 picnic tables, 1 trash rec., 1 sign, 1 drinking fountain, 1 i bench, 2 BBQ grills (fair condition, / bench moldy) ~ Landsc:ilpitl!J · Park is largely undeveloped, lots of existing trees, many post oaks, strongly wooded area I behind ditch on west side of park, good condition I I · no landscaping, no irrigation l · turf in good condition___" ~ .~"!... Notes I Comments I i · Safety: Playground equipment is o,ut-o,fdate and partially unsafe, swi,ng 100 cia';' 10_ ] climbing structure; no rail at ditch , · the park is attractive for its water feature and natural looks, but not used a lot ~ *",,,,'3 'j;..,j," l'f"._ Northside Parlll Jenny Riley Community Cente~ General Info · Community Park · Located at 322 N. 4th Street -------1 I · Size 2.7 acres · Parking: 35 + 1 Accessible, mostly across the street · Barriers: 4th, Tyler St., fencing around the property J Amenities I · 2 buildings (4400sf I 2700sf) with I restrooms, accessible "ell . , Ij . · new play structure across the street (climbing, slide, double swing) · inside the building: billiard tables, computers, table tennis, air hockey, ( table soccer, kitchen, party room, weight room (only under supervision) · 1 covered basketball pavilion, lighted ~ fi I'" · 1 youth baseball field, lighted l · 1 sign, 1 picnic table, 4 trash rec. J.'Y 7' . Landscaping I I -_.--____J · some shade trees and dens shrubs behind new play equipment, nothing on south half · no landscaping around the building, no irrigation · turf in good condition Notes I Comments -------, Il I I · densely populated neighborhood, De Walton School across the street · park annex including playground area nearing completion · children 17 and under need to be supervised by an adult (attendant on duty) · building can be rented l L Northwest Parh General Info · Community I Regional Park · Located at 2002 North P Street · Size 35 acres, 10 of these are undeveloped · Parking: 145 + 5 Accessible, undeveloped portion currently used for overflow parking I · Barriers: P Street, Big Island Slough divides park; big J properties and ranches in the neighborhood, close to Lomax Park ---- ~A "fl- . ('"k 1 I , Al'tn!iitties . !=2buildings with restrooms, accessiblelr i (1 concession, 1 pool bldg.), both in good condition · Playground equipment: wood I metal climbing tower (old, fair condition) · Park equipment: 8 picnic tables (+2 at pool), 15 trash rec. (=2 at pool), 2 signs, 1 drinking fountain, 2 BBa grills, 1 bike rack; shade tarp at pool · 2 Baseball practice fields · 2 multipurpose courts, lighted · 6 Soccer fields, lighted, with bleachers · 1 pool, 65,000 gallons, zero depth, accessible · about 40% of the park can be used as j free play areas (grass) ------- -0- Northwest Pam Landscaping . some existing trees, mostly Tallows, some wooded area along ditch . some landscaping at the pool, no irrigation · plant and turf condition good ~ --1 Notes I Comments · Park is home of the La Porte Soccer Club . new concession building is joint venture of the City and the Soccer club .Drainage: water might pool behind concession building . Safety: no fall surface under play equipment I · playground is nicely tucked in under trees ~eed shade for bleachers and picnic '1"; ~. " ~~.. &) Sl!'_ r'ft"" Ohio Street Parll Amenities r · 1 metal climbing structure, 1 double "1 swing set (both rusty) '~, · 1 picni~ table (old, crusty), 1 trash '..~. rec., 1 sign J' I General Info · Neighborhood Park · Located at 300 S. Ohio St. (very hard to find) · Size 0.93 acres · Parking: none, off-site is possible · Barriers: Ohio St. (dead-ended, almost no traffic), divided J by drainage ditch I i '!~;r h~. I r( .AI . '!~ l l 1&- "" iill"OIifJ ~. .!Ill Laftdsmp1hg I · many mature trees, some old, mostly Water Oaks, well shaded; grasses growing in dit~1 I · no landscaping, no irrigation I L:. turf in mostly good condition, some trees need pruning. ----____.--J rtPtfS t~...ts · nice meditative park, quiet and shady · Safety: several protruding concrete structures are tripping hazards; no rail at the ditch; no r fall surface under play equipment ' If '" ,~ ;~, };.~ = Pete GiUiam Par" General Info · Neighborhood Park · Located at 200 North Holmes . Size 1.2 acres, amenities on north side of park · Parking: none, off.site is possible · Barriers: North Holmes, E. Madison Street (very light traffic), wooded area to the west " Landscaping I I _______1 I . f-~ r~ IL "IL Amenities I · 2 picnic tables, 1 trash rec., 1 sign, 1 l I bench (old but functional I I · 1 baseball practice field I · 1 double swing, 1 slide (old) I · about 60% of the park can be used as l free play areas (grass) J >> :f ":11.:~ ;\'" .:: ~;"'.., ------, · Existing trees along the road, some Chinese Tallows, densely wooded area behind the I backstop I I I I J I I I . Landscaping around the picnic area - Palm Trees, Flower beds; Hibiscus, some new I Live Oaks, no irrigation; condition very good .~ - Turf in very good condition - 'fc. f" "1'1, 1" ~, ,'r "i,_ :'""R- ; '"'j~ fIcat.:,~~ " . I' "I..'" -Safety: some concrete tubes stick out at the ditch, play equipment has no fall surface - Park named after its first caretaker, his wife still tends the flower beds - very well kept and pretty neighborhood park -,-. --~ PleiHer Parb General Info · Nei.ghborhood Park · Located at 900 South Virginia -I I · Size 1.2 acres, shape somewhat triangular · Parking: none, off-site is possible · Barriers: residential roads all around the park (light traffic), no fencing '. ....~- 'I~~~; .~~; " , ."l. ~ ",... .' .".' \. .. i~. ~~ ..' !:;.. ..;;;tA'" . "",'" !j..-;,.:p,.~~ ",;; ",' ~ ~ f, ~~11I;" ~ I ~:?~. '~.t t~", " ......:..c/,.... ,I .1 .~.. ! 1 . ,-L'_~; ~;-"'"""' ~- <~~.::-~ Amenities "h__ . · Playground equipment: triple swing, 1 climbing structure, 1 slide (old, but all in fair condition) 1t " · Park equipment: 4 shaded picnic areas, 1 picnic table, 1 trash receptacle, 2 signs (good condition) · % basketball field .- ..""""'-..,~'>-....~ '~ Ill" '.. 'r ".. <:li;' ",.. , '~ ! . .a:' r--- I J Pine Bluff Par" General Info I . Pocket Park --------.----1 I · Size 0.11 acres, square layout ! I · Parking: 1 + 1 Accessible I · Barriers: Bayshore Drive, Galveston Bay, neighbors on I --~ · Located at One Bayshore Drive Amenities · 1 Gazebo with 1 picnic table, accessible, 1 trash rec., 1 sign, 1 bench, 1 drinking fountain (all new) I · Water connection · concrete walkway L- landscaping.... " ~. " " " {. 1 planted palm, in poor condition, no irrigation .l · trees and ornamentals from the neighbors add to the park's appearance ,f l · turf in good condition (except around the drinking fount~in) I I I .._____________J Notes I Comments ~ew park with beautiful view of the water, but not safely accessible; only view of I Galveston Bay left in the area I" · park is somewhat hard to find if you don't know where to look · rail is not very sturdy , ---I I Seabreeze Parb General Info · Neighborhood Park · Located at 1300 Bayshore Drive · Size 3.8 acres f --I ! I I I i I ------.J · Parking: 52 + 3 Accessible · Layout: somewhat square, downhill · Barriers: Bayshore Drive, Gulf of Mexico, Cemetery on south side Amenities :II""""" ~ l' ~"--'-'..~ · 1 large Pavilion with Restrooms (accessible) and 12 picnic tables, electrical outlets · playground equipment: climbing combo with slide (accessible), age 5-12 · park equipment: 6 shaded picnic areas with BBQ grills (accessible), 7 trash rec., 2 signs, 1/8 mile concrete walkway connecting picnic areas, 1 drinking fountain · fishing pier, not lighted · metal sculpture · full-time park attendant Landscaping 1..,,.- i ". I I I I -----l I g ""\~ "'*' · cluster of existing trees at picnic area, some trees, hackberries and lots of bamboo on -----./ north end · some landscaping on south border: Fountain Grass and Crape Myrtles, manually watered I by park attendant, turf and plants in very good condition I ~~ .:-_,.J.~ t ,: I ! Notes I Comments e&" ... , · very wetl maintained, new park (opened fall 1999), great view of the water ------l · for La Porte residents and their guests only, fishing pier is free of charge, daytime only I · pavilion can be reserved free of charge for parties, picnics and family reunions ~' · safety: full-time park attendant, gates and fence (park opens at 6:00 am for fishing) -- -- . ~,,~,;i . c Sylvan Beach Parh Amenities North part (County park) ~ · Playground equipment: preschool I climbing combo, accessible; 1 double I :;:~ ~q:~::::n~ ::~;:: 2 ~ tables, 30 picnic tables (some lif accessible), 56 trash rec., 1 sign, 6 BBQ grills (grills and some tables are I rus~) I .Securi~ lighting I ! · about 500ft of concrete walkways I · 1 tennis court, lighted I · fishing pier, Y4 mi. long (fee $1.50- $3)J ".'~...,.. General Info r · Communi~ ! County Park · Located at One Sylvan Beach Drive · Size 43 acres, 5 acres around Pavilion leased by the Ci~ · Layout long rectangular, divided in several separate areas · Parking: about 490 + 19 Accessible spaces total · Barriers: Gulf of Mexico, Bayshore Drive (heavy traffic on J' weekends) - i< ll. '-----1 I I ,II:. Amenities South part (Pavilion) · Playground equipment: 1 climbing combo with 5 swings, one climbing combo with slide (fair condition) .Park equipment: 1 gazebo with table, 23 picnic tables, 22 trash rec., 1 sign, 2 granite benches at entry, 1 flagpole (all in good condition) · nice rope fence at entry, entrance _I drive newly landscaped · Security lighting L · Public boat launch l I I -0- ,------ I I Sylvan Beach Parh Landscaping . several medium to tall trees in south part provide visual barrier.to ro-~d and shade fo~---ll some picnic areas, most in good condition; some shrubs behind south gazebo, no landscaping, no irrigation J . some medium-sized trees, no landscaping and no irrigation in the north part . turf in both areas in good to very good condition =" '* ~,.:: ,.......,l! t Notes I COmments ~l,J'~ r:- . great view of the Gulf, but no safe access possible without boats I . tripping hazard at two concrete slabs in south picnic area I I . lease for the pavilion runs to 2027, one of few premises for rent that allows alcohol I . ongoing repair and maintenance issues on the building (air conditioning, roof, supports...) I · site for annual 4th of July fireworks j -~- --l I l Tom Brown Parh General Info l I I · Neighborhood Park i I · Located at 300 South Lobit J ~ f I · Size 0.57 acres, pocket park. between housing · Parking: none, off-site is possible · Barriers: Lobit Road (very little traffic), in strictly residential neighborhood I -----------~ ~! t~\.i~iIes I · playground equipment: 1 buck-about I (old), 1 climbing structure (old), 1 I double swing set, 1 new modular play structure age 5-12 (accessible) I .2 picnic tables (1 accessible), 1 trash I rec., 1 sign, 2 benches · about 50% of the park can be used as free play areas (grass) --, LandSCitping ),.,J i i <I j ~.. I,~: -'~~1 · lots of existing trees and shade, m~;tiy short lived varieties I'~ I · no landscaping, no irrigation I l. · turf in good condition, except for ugly yellow spots in spr~yed areas (some leakage) _______J I ____J Notes I Comments , ----; I · Refurbished as "Park. of the year 2000" i I · Safety: buck-about is too close to the walk, no fall surface under climbing structure, dead I 'I tree in free play area needs to be removed, curbs around play equipment might become tripping hazard downhill, gap between walkway and turf . · nice and serene park with lots of shade and nice crossing bridges over ditch I - __-.-J ~p~ If..'" { ~:ji "b~~* Westside future Parb Site General Info I · undeveloped, City~owned land I · Located at Canada Rd. · Size 33 acres l I I j ~ · Neighborhood facilities! boundaries: trailer park at north I end, Canada Rd, Fainnont Blvd. ,.."'~ ."fi,"'~ Amenities l · none yet I I /:"f~ , landscaping · dense vegetation: Pecan trees, shrubs, meadows (unmowed) 'I E ~"- . ~ ~ . -; t'l I Notes I Comments · rather large piece of property with nice existing vegetation l · several possibilities for development: big trail! natural habitat potential, recreational park, I new baseball complex, expansion for fitness and SPC facilities - - ________---l ~} :'~:..; I 1 La. Porte Recreation mid Fitness Center I Special Programs Center General Info r?-\j~ · Indoor facilities · Located at 1302 and 1322 South Broadway, nextto each other LC Amenities I Fitness Center: · Lap pool (45,000 gallons), used by SPC as well · Gym with weight room, aerobic room , t'. and cardio room · Sauna · Basketball court · 2 Racquetball courts SPC: .1>.1 · Basketball court with adjustable goals 1_:;KitChen for life skills instruction J · craft room · motor skills area r J ) Landscaping F · the Fitness Center has some landscaping at the entrance, but the SPC needs to be I beautified (there is still asphalt under the sod here) ___________.________________~ Notes I Comments · various programs are offered at both facilities, using all am~nities to their f~-"~xtent;-ilil of the adult and senior programs run here I · parking is tight I · facilities are at their limits of capacities, with the growing senior community they will need L:xpansion J C"~f ''O;,:~ 'i-:' C'-~; IF";:,' '.~ .^~,- L_ 'Ill $!P <QLJIIlIll X III ~$!PLJ8G tfl.-lI.oee ~-X'o · Neighborhood Park · Located at 1300 Bayshore Drive · Size 3.8 acres · Parking: 52 + 3 Accessible · Layout: somewhat square, downhill · Barriers: Bayshore Drive, Gulf of Mexico, Cemetery on south side · 1 large Pavilion with Restrooms (accessible) and 12 picnic tables, electrical outlets · playground equipment: climbing combo with slide (accessible), age 5-12 · park equipment: 6 shaded picnic areas with BBQ grills (accessible), 7 trash rec., 2 signs, 1/8 mile concrete walkway connecting picnic areas, 1 drinking fountain · fishing pier, not lighted · metal sculpture · full-time park attendant 8e_a..ea*_-.p I · cluster of existing trees at picnic area, some trees, hackberries and lots of bamboo onl oo~e~ I I · some landscaping on south border: Fountain Grass and Crape Myrtles, manually watered I by park attendant, turf and plants in very good condition J 10+11.. ~ ~OOO.._t~r " . ..::.." i: i ! --- ...." " ~ , .. /" very well maintained, new pal1< (opened 10111999), great view of the water l , · for La Porte residents and their guests only, fishing pier is free of charge, daytime only I Ii · pavilion can be reserved free of charge for parties, picnics and family reunions I L. safety: full-tim.e park attendant, gates and fence (park opens at 6:00 am for ~shingL~ ..l,,~% ", '0,-*+*11.. ~-'"~-; ~_ iI ~ ;;'''''.. f- ilii I --.J ... ( - eit, of La Porte Parhs &: Open Space Master Plan GOALS & OBJECTIVES 4.1 Introduction The following goals and objectives have been established for the La Porte Parks System. They were derived from La Porte's Comprehensive Plan, updated in 1998 and the previously prepared preliminary parks master plan, and have been updated based on input from meetings with the citizens of La Porte, the Parks and Recreation staff and the La Porte City Council. Definitions - The terms "policies", goals, and objectives, as used in this report, follow the definitions shown below. PolloI..: Planning Policies consist of the Parks and Open Space Trail Plan itself and all of the statements within the plan that guide the development of the parks system. GoIII/II: Goals are general statements concerning an aspect of the city's desired ultimate physical, social and economic environment. Goals address the desire<i quality of life. Objectivetl: Objectives express the actions or approach that is necessary to achieve the stated goals, or portions of those goals, without assigning responsibility to any specific actions. Objectives are often expressed as actions that can be measured. Chapter J - Go.1t A Objective. PIIge 1 - City of La Porte Parbs Ie Open Space Master Plan 4.2 Goals 1. Create and maintain an accessible parks and recreation system for enjoyment by residents and visitors alike. 1.1 Implement a long-range program for expansion and development for La Porte's parks system based upon the City of La Porte Parks and Open Space Master Plan and the La Porte Comprehensive Plan. 1 .2 Establish parks and open space standards and incentives for new development for inclusion in the City of La Porte Development Ordinance; 1.3 Provide adequate funding and resources to perform necessary maintenance and repairs and to construct needed improvements at the City's existing and future parks and recreation facilities. 1.4 Encourage and provide opportunities for citizens to participate in planning, development, maintenance, and operation of the City's parks and open space system. 1.5 Periodically update the long-range plan and standards to reflect changing conditions in the city, as well as additional citizen input. 2. Provide a diversity of parks and recreation activities at appropriate locations throughout the city. 2.1 Encourage and promote sports and recreation activities, cultural activities, community activities, and special events to enhance tourism and visitation within the area; 2.2 Develop the recreational resources and opportunities which are inherent in the landscape and outdoor environment of Galveston Bay, including water recreation, bird watching, golfing, fishing, and natural areas; 2.3 Actively promote and participate in the development of facir.ties and programs for Sylvan Beach Pavilion and other locations in the city along Uttle Cedar Bayou and Galveston Bay. 2.4 The City of La Porte should take an active role in supporting enhancement and visitation at San Jacinto Battleground State Park and Armand Bayou Nature Center; 2.5 Expand facilities for a wide range of active and passive recreational activities including baseball, softball, soccer, football, basketball, tennis, swimming, biking, in-line skating, shuffleboard, fishing, picnicking, hiking, bird watching, and other popular activities. 3. Preserve and protect unique natural open spaces and important habitat areas for threatened and endangered species of plants and wildlife. Chapter .I - Goa" &c Objectives PIIIge 2 ~ ~ Cit" of La Porie Parlu A Open Space Master Plan 3.1 Enhance and preserve the environmental quality of Galveston Bay by protecting and improving its importance for open space, drainage, water quality, habitat for plants and wildlife, outdoor recreation, scenic landscape amenities, and natural areas for the City of La Porte and the entire Bay Area; 3.2 Establish and maintain bird sanctuary areas that will enhance and maintain birdtife, promote birding activity, and develop eco-tourism; 3.3 Acquire and maintain sufficient unique natural areas and significant open spaces for public use, with special attention to high quality natural or open space areas that are likely to be developed with incompatible uses in the near future. 3.4 Plan, coordinate, acquire, and maintain public open space based upon consideration of scenic and unique natural characteristics and important natural functions that the land performs; 3.5 Utilize and enforce sound floodplain management to maintain the water carrying capacity of drainage ways, channels and floodplain areas; and, 3.6 Encourage educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to acquire, manage, and operate natural and open space conservation areas. 4. Develop a network of pedestrian and bicycle ways for hiking, jogging, and cycling throughout the La Porte area, including an interconnected system of paths, trails, lanes, and routes that are multipurpose, accessible, convenient and connect to residential neighborhoods, parks, schools, workplaces, shopping, major open spaces, and other destinations 4.1 Create and preserve green belt linkages of parks, open spaces, drainage ways, irrigation canals, bikeways, paths, and natural areas throughout the City; and, 4.2 Coordinate with Harris County, the City of Baytown, City of Pasadena and other municipalities, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, International Boundary and Waterway Council, and other Federal, State and local governmental entities in efforts to preserve and enhance the waterways, green spaces, and natural areas within the La Porte area. 5. Continue to upgrade existing parks in the city as a high priority, both to meet changing regulations and safety codes, and to improve the recreational qualities of each park. 5.1 Provide city parks staff with the manpower and funding resources to properly maintain all park lands and facilities. 5.2 Develop renovation/improvement master plans for each park, as well as a tentative schedule for phasing in improvements. 5.3 Address key safety and accessibility needs as quickly as possible. 5.4 Provide adequate maintenance resources so that parks can be maintained in a superior manner. Chapter .I - Goah " Objective. PGge 3 " Cit!' of La Porte Parhs Ie Open Space Master Plan 5.5 Promote the use of native plant materials and xeriscape to reduce maintenance and irrigation costs in parks and on city properties. 6. Establish proper funding to insure appropriate levels of staffing and maintenance to protect the recreational investment of the residents of La Porte. 6.1 Encourage Council member, city employee and citizen involvement in public finance strategies and in improving, expanding and maintaining the park, recreation and open space system; 6.2 Use linear parks and greenbelts to create low maintenance additions to the park system; 6.3 Use low-maintenance design plans for future park properties. 7. Maximize public I private partnerships to assist in recreational development in La Porte. 7.1 Utilize partnerships with homeownerships, La Porte ISO or others to help develop and maintain recreational facilities; 7.2 Continue to encourage sharing of facilities with Harris County, La Porte ISO, other public agencies, and private institutions and organizations such as homeownerships. 4.3 2008 Update The goals and objectives of the 2002 Master Plan are still very much in line with the needs and desires of the citizens of and visitors to La Porte. The City of La Porte is continuing its program for expansion and development of its park system with the addition of two additional parks and a third to be added by the end of 2008. An explanation of our park activities toward the goals established in the Year 2002 Plan in the past six years, are set out below, with the appropriate goal in parentheses: Amended Development Ordinance (Goal 1) The City's Development Ordinance was updated in 2006 to raise the level of contribution for new housing starts, from $175 per unit to $808 per dwelling unit, or opt for other options as shown below: 1. Developer meets land dedication requirements (1 acre per 93 dwelling units), and cash ($318 per dwelling unit) for park development. The City takes the revenues generated and use to develop the park, and accepts the cost of future maintenance and improvements as needed. 2. Developer meets land dedication requirements (1 acre per 63 dwelling units), and constructs the neighborhood park per City Chapter S - Goals Ie Olajectives PIIge 4 - Cit" of La Porte Parlu A Open Space Master Plan standards) in lieu of a park development fee. In this case, the City receives no revenue and accepts the future maintenance costs of the property as City property. 3. Developer provides cash for acquisition ($490 per dwelling unit) and development ($318 per dwelling unit), for a total of $808 per dwelling unit. This additional revenue can be used to purchase parkland within a Park Zone, or to upgrade existing parks within the zone. Included in the development fee, is infill property that is not a part of a newly platted subdivision. The City has included in its budget, funds for playground replacement on a regular basis, one park per year closely matches the life expectancy of the play equipment. Because of the close proximity to Galveston Bay and the salt air, we have begun to experience some failure in play equipment that has been installed for a number of years. Staff is actively addressing those issues. The City of La Porte has conducted a number of park and facility renovations over the past six years. The following is a summary list by year of those improvements: 2000 .. The City partnered with Lyondell to do a beautification project at the Centennial Statue at Heritage Park. (Goal 7) 2001 .. Began renovation of the west portion of the Special Program Center to accommodate the park maintenance division, moving them out of the Public Works complex on 23rd Street and allowing better provision of maintenance services. (Goal 6) ... Sold existing land (2nd St. Park) to LPISD for construction of DeWalt School; acquired additional land adjacent to Northside Park, and installed new play equipment for that park. (Goal 2, 7) 2002 .. Refurbish San Jacinto Swimming Pool - the existing pool was completely removed and then rebuilt with a zero entrance, new water toys, a sprayground, and a deep area for adult swimming. The bathhouse was completely renovated and new pumping systems installed. (Goal 2, 5) .. Removed old equipment and installed new play equipment at Creekmont Park. (Goal 5) ... The City participated in a parking lot overlay at Sylvan Beach in accordance with our agreement with Harris County. (Goal 7) ... Sylvan Beach Pavilion walkway and landscaping was refurbished. (Goal 5, 7) 2003 ... Joint venture with the La Porte Soccer Club to build a storage facility for their materials at Northwest Park. (Goal 6, 7) .. Joint venture with La Porte Boy's Baseball Association to build batting cages at Fairmont Park, (Goal 6, 7) Chapter a - Goah A Objedive. Pa.tI 5 tj City of La Porte Parh. A Open Space Matter Plan .... Received grant from Texas Department of Transportation to beautify SH225 @ Sens Road as an entryway into La Porte. (Goal 7) .... Removed old equipment and installed new play equipment at Lomax Park. (Goal 5) .... City Council approved the La Porte Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan for La Porte. (Goal 4) .. Repaired Sylvan Beach steel deck supports and concrete spalling. (Goal 5, 7) ... Converted the tennis courts at Central Park into a roller hockey rink. (Goal 2, 5) 2004 ... Joint venture with La Porte Girl's Softball Association to cover bleacher areas for Fields 1-2 (Y2). (Goal 6, 7) .. Received grant from Harris County Community Development Block Grant, to build a new playground at Little Cedar Bayou Park. (Goal 5, 7) ... Received grant from Harris County Community Development Block Grant, to build a bridge across Little Cedar Bayou, connecting Little Cedar Bayou Park to the La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center. (Goal 5, 7) .... Joint venture with Harris County to build a skateboard park at Sylvan Beach Park (City provided new fencing for the project). (Goal 5, 7) .... Refurbished the La Porte Recreation & Fitness Center, re-plastered the swimming pool and replaced the coping, replaced the HVAC system, and carpeting in the public areas. (Goal 5) ... Expanded use of the rodeo arena for 4-H activities at no charge. (Goal 2) 2005 .. Joint venture with La Porte Girl's Softball Association to cover bleacher areas for Fields 3-4 (second Y2). (Goal 6, 7) .... Upgraded electrical service at the Lomax Arena. (Goal 5, 7) .... Removed old equipment and installed new play equipment at 14th Street Park. (Goal 5) .. Installed new pool filters at the Little Cedar Bayou Wave Pool. (Goal 5) .. The City partnered with the La Porte Rotary Club to build the Rotary Clock on Fairmont Parkway in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Rotary, and a memorial to Mayor Norman L. Malone. (Goal 5, 7) .. The City received a grant from Kaneka Texas Corporation to purchase the tract of land at the north end of Heritage Park, place an ornamental fence around the park to enclose the Sylvan Beach Depot, Original Library Building, build internal sidewalks for the park and additional landscaping. (Though it began in 2006, this project was recently completed in 2008). (Goal 5, 7) . The City partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation to construct a Safe Routes to School project, an eight foot concrete bicycle-pedestrian pathway running 2.1 miles from Bayshore Elementary, to Fairmont Parkway. This pathway also serves as our South Side Trail, a major component in the 2003 Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Implementation Plan. (Goal 4, 5, 7) .... Worked with the La Porte Main Street Association to implement the Fall Back Festival held on Main Street in La Porte, this festival celebrates La Porte's history as the "Coney Island of the South", and has grown in attendance every year since its inception, bringing people into the La Porte Downtown as a recreation and entertainment destination.(Goa/2, 7) Chapter S - Goals Ie Objective. P.ge 6 - eit" of La Porte Parhs " Open Space Master Plan 2006 .. Renovated equipment at the Little Cedar Bayou Wave Pool by installing new wave generators, new air compressor, and new computer wave controller to replace the existing 20 year old system. (GoalS) .. Implemented Father/Daughter Dance, Best Doggone Dog Contest, and other recreational programs and activities. (Goal 2) .. Implemented the San Jacinto Triathlon, a combination 1,500 meter swim, 25 k bicycle ride, and 10k run beginning at Sylvan Beach Park and ending at the San Jacinto Battleground State Park. There were over 150 participants the first year, and by the 2008 event, it has grown to over 250 participants. The proceeds benefit the San Jacinto Battleground Museum operated by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. (Goal 2, 7) 2007 ... Constructed new entrance signs for 5 sites entering the City of La Porte; SH 225 east of Underwood, SH225 @ SH146, SH 146 north of Shoreacres Blvd., West Main (Spencer) @ Luella, and Fairmont Parkway east of Luella. (GoalS) ... Joint venture with Glen Meadows HOA for a picnic table shelter at Glen Meadows Park. (GoalS, 7) ... Joint venture with the La Porte Girls' Softball Association to build a utility building at Little Cedar Bayou Park (completed in 2008). (GoalS, 7) ... Pond to Park Phase I was completed; partnership with Fairmont Park East Homeowner's Association to develop a new 8 acre city park on Driftwood Street between Spencer and Fairmont Parkway. (GoalS, 7) .. Play equipment replaced at Ohio St. Park. (GoalS) ... Began design of West Side Park project. (GoalS) ... Interlocal Agreement with the City of Pasadena for design of the proposed joint venture boy's baseball complex (this project has since stalled and no progress has been made toward design). (GoalS, 7) ... The City purchased a portable stage that can be used for special events in the city. (GoalS, 7) 2008 to Date .. Joint venture with Glen Meadows HOA for a second picnic table shelter at Glen Meadows Park. (GoalS, 7) .. Pond to Park Phase II completed (see above). Phase III will be starting shortly. (GoalS, 7) ..... The City of La Porte received a grant from the Texas General Land Office, with matching funding by the City and Harris County in the amount of $2.5 to construct the Sylvan Beach Shoreline Protection and Beach Nourishment Project. This project, when complete, will provide shoreline protection, a concrete walkway for approximately 1,700 linear feet of shoreline at Sylvan Beach, and also construct two pocket beaches, one on each side of the fishing pier, for use by Harris County residents. (GoalS, 7) Chapter a - Goa" A: Objectives Page 7 -.-... I . -- Citp .f La P.,te Pa,h, Ie Open Space Master Plan ... The City of La Porte and La Porte Bay Area Heritage Society negotiated and entered into a new agreement that deeded ownership of the Sylvan Beach Depot, the Original Library Building and the Union Pacific caboose to the City of La Porte. The land already belonged to the City of La Porte. Now the entire tract and buildings are the property of the city. (Goal 5, 7) .... The City of La Porte and the City of Shoreacres are working toward a joint venture park on boundary of the two cities at Taylor Bayou. When completed, the park will be kept in its natural state and will allow access to Taylor Bayou. (Goal 5,7) .... The City of La Porte is preparing to enter into a contract for design of the second major bicycle-pedestrian trail segment, the approximately five mile Pasadena Connector trail that, when constructed along the south side of Fairmont Parkway, will connect the Pasadena Convention Center with the central business district of La Porte. (Goal 4, 5, 7) .. The City of La Porte is working with a private developer regarding the possibility of acquiring an approximately eighty acre wetlands tract on the south side of La Porte for a possible natural park. (Goal 3) 2008 Update Summary The City of La Porte has made substantial strides toward meeting its stated goals and objectives under the 2002 Parks, Trails. and Open Space Master Plan. Based on public input received, with some minor adjustments, the major goals and objectives remain the same in 2008 as they were in 2002 (see public input, Chapter 5). There is still much work to be done to get the La Porte parks, trails, and open space in line with the present and future needs of our community. Chapter a - Goa" Ie Objectives P.ge 8 a eft" of La Porte Parhs &. Open Space Master Plan PUBLIC INPUT La Porte Parks Master Plan Citizen input is key to determining what recreation facilities are most needed. Several methods were used to gain citizen input. These included an extensive city-wide telephone survey, in which attempts were made to contact. many of the residential homes in la Porte, and which resulted in a total of surveys; interviews ~JJi":j" '".J' "'''^ ",ri., "". (4'f"",'rJric' 'l''''.'' conducted with key recreation providers and citizens in la Porte, a city-wide public meeting and meeting with City Council members. ~ IVt,h....,.,..'" .."..'l'<mr""'.., ~. 118 4QO-completed Residents voice their opinion on cards at a public meeting. Loa Porte Park~ Ma'lter Plan , _,..!.L--,"~ 5.1 Citizen Survey - Key Findings One of the objectives of the parks and recreation plan is to allow for maximum citizen input in development of the update. As a component of the citizen involvement strategies, Raymond Turco & Associates conducted a scientifically valid sampling of residents in the community to generate an analysis of their attitudes and how they relate to recreation in the city. The survey was designed to examine residents' participation in recreational activities, as well as to assess recreational needs in the community. The information that is gathered in this report will allow elected officials and city staff to better understand the recreational needs and desires of its citizenry. The entire telephone survey analysis is contained in the appendix of this report. The telephone survey included the responses of 400 individuals. Below are listed the highlights from the analysis of the survey: La Porte Recreation Usage Patterns Chapter 5 - Public Input P.ge 1 - City of La Porte Parlu A: Open Space Matter Plan Satisfaction level: 64% of La Porte residents indicated that thev were satisfied. an additional 21 % were Very satisfied with the Quality of parks and recreation: . 7% were dissatisfied, . 3% were very dissatisfied, . 5% had no opinion. Park usage: More than three out of four respondents answered that they had visited a city park or park facility in the past 12 months. The highest rates of response were for these activities: . 49% visited a city pool, . 37% visited or used a city athletic field, . 29% visited a nature park or nature trail, . 24% participated in a youth athletic league, . 19% visited the senior citizen center, . 17% participated in a class or program offered by La Porte Parks and Recreation. These were the activities with the least participation: . 5% participated in an adult athletic league . 7% did in-line skating or played in-line hockey, . 9% used a city tennis court, . 14% used a city jogging trail. Favorite parks: As parks that are generally visited, Svlvan Beach Park was mentioned more than twice as often as anv other park - 58% of La Porte citizens use it. Other favorites are the foHowing parks: . 28% - Fairmont Park, . 22% - Little Cedar Bayou Park, . 19% Seabreeze Park. Popular activities: To the question which activities the respondents generaHy participated in when going to a park, the most common responses were: . 67% take their kids to play, . 64% appreciate the view, Chapter S - Public Input P..e 2 - eft, of La Porte Parlu A Open Space Master Plan . 55% picnic, . 55% walk or hike. Not quite as popular, but still common, were the following activities: . 33% participate in non-organized sports, . 25% walk their pets, . 25% bike, . 23% participate in organized sports. Assessment of Current Parks and Recreation Facilities Quality of city parks: From a list of Qeneral recreation statements. more than two out of three respondents rated the overall Quality of city parks as good (55%) or excellent (17%). Other items that achieved high good and excellent ratings: . 74% - maintenance of city parks, . 69% - overall safety of city parks, . 67% - having parks conveniently located for people in all areas, . 65% - maintenance of community centers, . 65% - number of parks in the city, . 64% - maintenance of athletic fields, . 63% - overall quality of athletic fields, . 63% - overall quality of city swimming pools. In contrast to the good and excellent ratings, people rated especially the following items as poor (still, all items had a bigger percentage of rates in the positive range than in the fair and poor range combined): · 12% having recreation centers conveniently located for people in all areas, . 10% - number of practice fields, · 10% - having practice fields conveniently located for people in all areas, . 10% - variety of recreational facilities within parks. Value of recreation services: Chapter S - Public Input "_gtl 3 - City of La Porte Parh. A Open Space Master Plan Almost three out of five respondents considered the trade-off of money paid versus services provided either a great (12%) or a good (47%) value, compared to the 29% who rated it fair, 9% who found it poor and 3% without opinion. Information sources: To gather information about recreational activities in La Porte, citizens most often utilize word of mouth (79%) and the local summer recreation brochure (62%). Other information sources were: · 38% - Parks and Recreations office, . 36% - school flyers, . 28% - television, . 26% - radio, . 20% - cable television, . 15% - Internet homepage. Park safety: Nine out of ten questioned La Porte residents rated the level of safety when using a city park either somewhat safe (48%) or very safe (42%). By comparison, 6% considered themselves somewhat unsafe, only 1% felt very unsafe. Future Recreational Needs Recommendations for additional facilities: When asked about the importance of different new or additional facilities, more than three out of five respondents considered the following as important: . 85% - p/avarounds. . 85% - picnic tables. · 82% - joaaina and bikinq trails. · 76% - natural habitat / nature areas. · 74% - renla/picnic / reunion pavilions. . 70% - senior center, · 68% - basketball courts, · 67% - swimming pools, . 65% - an amphitheater, Chapter 5 - Public Input P16g_ 4 - City of La Porte Parlu A Open Space Matter Plan . 64% - youth softball fields, . 63% - soccer fields, . 63% - gymnasiums, . 62% - exercise stations along trails, . 61 % - baseball fields. In a follow-up open-ended question, these items from the above list were found the most important to be constructed: . 20% - playgrounds, . 18% - jogging I biking trails, . 8% - baseball fields, . 7% - natural habitat! nature areas. Preferred new park facilities: In an open-ended format, residents were asked to define which facilities they would like most for a new park built in their neighborhood for their specific interests. These were the most common answers: . 41 % - playgrounds. . 39% - iogging I biking trails. . 19% - picnic tables. . 17% - swimming pools. Potential improvements: From a list of potential future capital improvements, the following were supported or strongly supported by over four out of five respondents: . 95% - renovate and upgrade citv parks. . 91 % - develop neiahborhood parks. · 89% - develop greenbelts and help preserve natural habitat throughout the ~ . 88% - plant more trees in the city. · 87% -additional hike and bike trails. · 85% - median and entryway beautification throughout the city, · 85% - construction of additional picnic areas, · 82% - purchase of land for new parks. Chapter 5 - Public Input P.ge 5 - City of La Porte Parhs Ai Open Space Master Plan In general, support was stronger for most items than opposition; the only project that had a higher opposition (55%) than support (38%), was the construction of a municipal golf course. Two more projects with relatively strong opposition were: . Construction of an in-line skate facility - 32% were opposed! strongly opposed; but that is still low compared to the 62% of the citizens who would support! strongly support this issue; . Construction of an amphitheater had a similar situation - 26% were opposedl strongly opposed, but nevertheless 68% would support! strongly support such a project. This shows that in general, the majority of La Porte citizens will support most potential improvements and seemingly has a positive attitude even towards controversial items in the parks and recreational sector. Trail system: From a general list regarding a trail system in La Porte, the following two aspects had the highest priority in the citizens' opinion: . 30% - that it allows for recreational walking or hiking, . 21 % - that it connects to nearby schools. In comparison to that, the least feedback came for these points: . 4% - opposed to trails in La Porte, . 6% - that it allows for horseback riding, . 6% - that I can get to work or a store by using a hike or bike trail. When asked if they had any trails close to where they lived, more than two out of three respondents disagreed (47%) or strongly disagreed (21%); To the statement "the trails are wide enough to handle multiple activities", more than half also disagreed (41 %) or strongly disagreed (12%); Almost half disagreed (35%) or strongly disagreed (11%) to the statement "there are trails that connect to places I or my family want to go". Responding to a list of certain trail types, they most often supported or strongly supported the following types: . 93% - recreational walking or hiking, . 92% - recreational bicycling, . 91 % - nature trail, . 87% - connections to nearby schools. Chapter 5 - Puhlic Input P,.ge 6 fj" ;; . ~... Citp of La Porte Parlu A Open Space Master Plan Support for alt types of trails was always stronger than opposition; the ones with higher rates for "oppose or "strongly oppose" were: . 32% - in-line skating, . 31% - horseback riding, . 29% - mountain biking. Bond election: More than three out of four respondents would strongly support (22%) or support (56%) a bond election to finance park and recreation improvements. Comparatively, 10% would oppose, and 4% would strongly oppose such an election. The remaining 9% had no opinion on this topic. Developers: Four out of five questioned citizens, or 80%, would strongly support (20%) or support (60%) if the city was working with developers to provide recreational opportunities along the bay front area. 11 % would oppose, 3% would strongly oppose such cooperation; about 7% had no opinion. 5.2 Interviews Interviews were conducted with elected public officials, key city staff members, and other key community leaders. In addition, each person interviewed was given a copy of the telephone survey to respond to. In general, the responses of community leaders tracked those opinions expressed in the telephone survey. A questionnaire was sent out to the sport associations in La Porte; the contents of the ones that were returned will be discussed in chapter 8 - Master Plan Recommendations. 5.3 Public Meeting A major community wide public meeting was held on Wednesday, September 12th 2001 at Sylvan Beach Pavilion. Approximately 50 residents of the city attended the meeting. After a presentation regarding the general issues of a parks master plan, the citizens voiced their opinions about issues that were important to them. They showed their interest and support for the parks system in La Porte throughout the meeting, and had several opportunities to make suggestions in verbal or written form: Chapter 5 - P....lic Inp..' P.ge 7 8M - . - -.,,;;;;-- City of La Porte Parlu &I Open Space Master Plan Directly after the presentation, they were asked to fill in green and red cards that had been given to them upon entry; up to three of each were possible. The green cards showed the statement: "Things I like or that work well in the La Porte Parks System", the red ones said "Things I would like to improve in the La Porte Parks System". Many people filled in all six; the main gathered information from this is described below: Green Cards (things [like or that work well in the La Porte Parks System): The citizens returned 78 valid cards; these were the things they mentioned as positive most often: . Maintenance as being very good(10), . Waterfront parks, piers, boat ramps (6), . Activities offered (especially youth programs) (6), . Variety of facilities (5). The citizens also expressed satisfaction with other items, such as the swimming pools, lighting in parks, that the parks are being used, the communication with the Parks and Recreation Department, the locations and spread of existing parks, and the number of existing parks. Red Cards (things to improve or add to the La Porte Parks system): 89 valid cards were returned; the citizens most often asked for these items to be improved or increased: . Trails (26), . Maintenance as needing improvement (6) . Pavilions I picnic areas, barbecues (6), . Parking (6), . Additional Neighborhood Parks (5), . A real beach (4). People were also asking for more baseball I softball fields, more soccer fields, a community internet network, more lighted parks, pool upgrades, basketball facilities, skate facilities, volleyball tournaments, more open restrooms, more teamwork of the city with developers, longer access to the fishing piers, more youth programs, and a marina for La Porte. Dots After submitting their cards, the citizens were asked to each place three dots on a board with facilities that are commonly found in parks, marking the ones they generally found most important - but only one dot per item was allowed. Chapter 5 - Public Input ".ge 8 a. - . '0 ~- City .f La P.rte Parlu A: Open Space Master Plan Participation in this activity was high with 98 valid placements. The most favorite items were: . Pavilions' picnic areas (18 dots), . Hiking I biking trails (17 dots), . Softball' baseball fields (12 dots), . Natural habitats (11 dots), . Jogging , fitness trails (9 dots), . Nature I bird watching trails (9 dots). The following were also chosen: . Skate facilities (5 dots), . Fitness center I gymnasium (5 dots), . Playgrounds (4 dots), . Senior center (3 dots), . Horseback riding (3 dots), . Aquatic center I pool (2 dots), . Tennis (2 dots), . Horseshoe pit (1 dot). Question and Answer: There were quite a few verbal comments and questions from the citizens, which closely reflect the same tendencies as the phone survey, the cards and the dots: Most had questions about trails, wanted to express their satisfaction with the La Porte Parks System, or were pointing out more specialized problems, such as the need for more baseball fields, maintenance problems at Lomax park and the interest in a citywide internet network. Comment sheets for single paries: Participation with these was somewhat low, since most people had voiced their opinions on their cards and on the questionnaire they were given at the beginning of the workshop (see below). Questionnaire: With their initial package, the citizens were handed a comment sheet with two questions: "What additional park facilities do you think are most needed in La Porte?" and "Please feel free to add any comments regarding the existing parks in La Porte or ideas for the proposed Park Master Plan". Attendees were also asked to tell how they found out about the meeting. Chapter S - Public Input Page 9 - Cit" of La Porte Parbs It. Open Space Master Plan 33 Sheets were returned, of which 27 had at least one of the two questions answered; the typical responses were very similar to the trend shown in the chapters above: There were 28 requests for different types of trails or trail systems, some positive remarks about the parks or the maintenance - some negative remarks about maintenance, as well-, and several requests for different types of facilities, such as soccer fields, more neighborhood parks, baseball fields, a skate park, more basketball facilities, pavilions, picnic areas, an amphitheatre, shuffleboard etc. One citizen didn't want a hotel being directly across from the local high school, one asked for a park for large model airplanes, and one brought up the point that quality should come before quantity when thinking of purchasing more land or building new parks. 5.4 2008 Update The citizens of La Porte are and have been consulted at great length to prepare the Park Master Plan 2002. As discussed above, a telephone survey was accomplished that gave insight as to the opinions, needs of our citizens and a public meeting was held that further reinforced the findings of the telephone survey. The public has been kept aware of progress and had a voice in the progress toward the goals of the Master Plan via public forums such as City Council meetings, public hearings, budget hearing processes, all of which are open to the public. Staff makes quarterly reports to Council and the public on capital improvement programs and other changes in parks and recreation matters. Staff has met with homeowner's association representatives regarding specific needs, presented departmental updates to service groups such as the Rotary Club, and met changing needs for our customers in many other ways. A good example is the Tobacco Use Ordinance, passed in 2006, prohibiting the use of tobacco in any form at youth sporting events and practices. The Park Master Plan 2008 Update will be placed on the City's Website beginning May 13th where it will be available for comment. There will be announcements on (Channel 16) directing citizens to the website, with a comment forum through the City's email at parks&rectmlaportetx.Qov. Finally, there will be a Public Hearing, set for the May 19, 2008 City Council Meeting, to allow additional citizen input into the process. All Citizen comments received, will be incorporated here. (ADD CITIZEN COMMENTS HERE) Chapter 5 - Public Input PlfIge 10 .- cap of L. Perte P..... .. Open Space M.ster P"n NEEDS ASSESSMENT Introduction A Needs Assessment is a critical component of a master planning effort. An assessment of what deficiencies exist in the parks system is vital so that planning can occur to address those deficiencies. It is also important to determine what future needs might be so as to plan to meet those future needs. In essence, a needs assessment is an analytical way of assessing what facilities are most needed and desired by the citizens of La Porte,and determining which needs are the most critical. Additional Picnic facilities are one of the major pari< system needs in La Porte A plan which provides funds to renovate one park per year and building of some new park facilities has helped to keep La Porte's park system in good condition; however, maintenance and upgrading of existing facilities should still be one of the major concerns in the next 5 to 1 0 years (see Chapter 9), because some parks have safety and drainage issues (see Chapter 3) that should be addressed as soon as possible. Chapter 6 - Neech A..e..ment Page 1 - eit" of La Porte Parlu &c Open Space Matter Plan strategy of developing additional facilities, especially neighborhood parks, that help alleviate the intense usage of the existing community parks, and redistribution of existing facilities to put less user groups in the same park at the same time. Another issue that should not be underestimated is the need for beautification in La Porte, especially in the historic downtown area. Planting more trees in the city and providing median and entrvwav beautification throughout the city rank among the top ten priorities in the citizens' telephone survey. which will make the availability of funds for landscaping and beautification measures necessary in the very near future. 6.2 Methods of Assessing Park Needs Three techniques were used in evaluating the City of la Porte's current and future park needs. These techniques follow general methodologies accepted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for local park master plans and by the Department of the Interior for local park system Recovery Action Plans (RAP). 1. Standard-Based Approach - uses standards established for the City of la Porte to determine the quantity of park facilities required to meet the city's needs at a given population. Standards usually are expressed as the quantity of park facilities needed to adequately serve every 1000 citizens ofthe city. Standards are established to provide the level of service that the particular jurisdiction believes is most responsive to the amount of use and the interests of its citizens. This plan establishes individual standards for the City of La Porte. 2. Demand-Based Approach - uses participation rates, league usage data, and surveys to determine how much the population uses and desires certain types of recreation facilities. 3. Resource-Based Approach - is based on the usefulness of available physical resources to provide recreation opportunities. For example, Little Cedar Bayou and Galveston Bay may provide opportunities for water access and nature trails. Utility and transportation corridors may also provide opportunities for linear parks. All three methods are important in their own way, but individually do not represent the entire story. This assessment, and the recommendations resulting from it, uses findings from all three methods to determine what types of recreation facilities are needed in La Porte. Chapter G - Need. A..eument "..e 2 - City of La Porte Parlu &c Open Space Matter Plan 6.3 Standards Based Needs National guidelines and standards are based on demographic trends rather than specific local desires, requiring that they be fine-tuned to meet local conditions. It is important to recognize that national standards are simply guidelines, which are intended to serve as a starting point for park planning. Each city and town has its own unique geographic, demographic, and socio-economic composition, and as such, the arbitrary application of national standards, as is often done, would not necessarily meet the needs of that particular community. Local needs and desires are used as the guiding criteria to mold these guidelines to meet the expectations of the citizens of La Porte in a realistic manner. Three types of park standards were used to analyze the parks needs of the City of La Porte. These include: . spatial or parle acreage standards - these define the acres of park land needed, and are usually expressed as a ratio of park acreage to population; . facility standards, which define the number of facilities recommended to serve each particular recreation need. Facility standards are usually expressed as a ratio of units of a particular facility per population size. For example, a facility standard for tennis might be one court for every 2,000 inhabitants of a city; and . development standards, which define the exact spatial and dimensional requirements for a specific recreation area of facility. A summary of the recommendations for each type of standard follows. 6.4 Park Acreage Standards Spatial standards for parks and recreational areas are established so that sufficient area is available to allow for all the outdoor recreation needs of a community. These Close to Home Parks . Neighborhood Parks - Recommended Standard - 1.5 to 2 acres per 1,000 population . Community Parks - Recommended Standard - 5.0 to 8.0 acres per 1,000 population Total Recommended Close to Home Parks Standards - 6.5 to 10acres per 1000 population - 3 - City .f La P.rte Parhs Ie Open Space Master Plan standards will allow La Porte to plan ahead~ so that parkland can be targeted and acquired before it is developed. These spatial standards are expressed as the number of acres of park land per 1,000 inhabitants. Other City Wide Parks . Regional Parks - Suggest standard 5 acres per 1000 populations . Special Purpose Parks - Variable standard, none established . Linear ParkslLinkage Parks - Variable standard . Open Space Preserves - Variable standard, recommended goal of 5 to 10 acres per 1000 population Total Recommended Standards for Other Parks- 10 to 15 acres per 1000 population The recommended spatial standards for the current City of La Porte 1999 population, as well as for the projected 2005 and 2015 population are shown in Table6.1. r.l4 6.1 J.... p_~ tI.-.4i......t T...:./. UA~ Pt... {;ity-~'ide Vark. 4.creaue ~eeds ""1)'-"'" G." lnet. LPISDI MO" ..tea ACe 14..2 AcJ1." S7. to 87. Ac. -7'.1 t. -'...1 Ac:. 12. to '72Ac. .13".... ...,... Ac. . Lit.... cu.....,.... T.....$ IItClVdecllftNalUre Are... " City of La Porte Parlu A Open Space Master Plan Comparison of Recommended Spatial Standards to Existing Conditions in La Porte The recommended spatial standards for La Porte were compared to the actual number of park acres in La Porte. Neighborhood Parks The standard of 1.5 to 2 acres of neighborhood parks for every 1000 residents is higher than many other cities in the Bay Area, but reflects the importance of close to home recreational space. On a citywide basis, the city currentlv has a ratio of O. 9 acres per 1.000 population. which represents a moderate deficit. By the year 2005, an additional 18 acres, or up to 4 additional neighborhood parks could be needed. Table 6.2 below summarizes the current neighborhood park acreage in La Porte today. However, on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, the large number of smatler neighborhood parks makes up for some ofthe need of additional park acreage. In addition, school park sites can also be added to greatly improve the distribution of neighborhood parks throughout the city. Still, several residential areas around the city are not adequately served by the existing supply of neighborhood parks. These include: . The area north of P Street, which currently has no neighborhood parks and is served mainly by Northwest Park, a major community park; . The western area of the city, which currently is served only by the Brookglen Park, and which has no existing neighborhood parks; . The portion of the city south of the airport and west of the railroad, which currently has no neighborhood parks except for the private Homeowners' Association parks; this area is solely served by Fairmont Park, which is a community park; and . The far southeastern part of the city, where Bay Oaks Park is the only Neighborhood Park, which has few facilities and no playground. Chapter <<; - Meech A..eument P.ge 5 fj. .. \- - City of La Porte Pari,. Ie Open Space Master Plan Table 6.2 - NeiGhborhood Parks .Current Acres - 29.64 Acres +/- (38.13 Acres incl. HOA Parks) .Recommended Standard -1.5 -2.0 acres per 1.000 POD. .Current 2001 condition with 31,880 population - 0.9 Acres of Neighborhood park per 1000 residents -Requires 48 to 64 acres (deficit of 18 to 35 acres) - -Existing acres are 46 to 60% of total currently reauired (60-80% incl. HOA Parks) .Year 2005 Needs with 35,213 projected population - 54 to 72 acres -Need to add 24 to 42 acres of neighborhood parks .Year 2020 Needs with 42,684 projected population - 65 to 86 acres -Need to add 36 to 77 acres of neighborhood parks Community parlcs At present La Porte is not meeting its community park needs, unless the La Porte Independent School District Facilities are counted. The city's SUDDlv of 90. 1 acres of community Darks consists of a ratio of 2.8 acres per 1.000 DODu/ation. However, by the year 2005 a minimum of an additional 70 acres should be acquired to meet needs in newly developing sectors of the city. Developing the existing west side park site, which is already city property, can eliminate part of this deficit. The existing community park system in the city is very well distributed, and as a result most of the major community parks are highly utilized. However, since these parks also serve as de facto neighborhood parks for the areas around them, they are heavily used and partially suffer from visible overcrowding. Table 6.3 Community Parks .Current Acres - 90.1 Acres .R~ded Standard - 5.0 to 8.0 acres oer 1.000 OOD. -Current 2001 Condition with 31,880 population - 2.8 Acres of Community parks per 1000 residents -160 to 256 acres required (deficit of 70 to 166 acres) - -Existing acres are 35 to 56% of total currentlv reauired .Year 2005 Needs with 35,213 projected population -180 to 288 acres -Need to add 90 to 198 acres of community parks .Year 2020 Needs with 42,684 projected population - 215 to 344 acres -Need to add 125 to 254 acres of community parks - Ch I--- 6 -. . '0 ~- eit, o' La Porte Pa,hs c!c Open Space Master Plan Areas with potential community park needs are . The far western sector of the city west of Underwood Rd., and . The mid-sections of the city, southeast and east of the airport and between Hwy 146 and the railroad; these are currently predominantly industrial in nature and thus offer a good location for facilities that require extensive lighting or that will generate heavy vehicular traffic, such as athletic complexes. Other Community Park Issues - An additional 30+ acres of city-owned land are currently available at the West side park site to be developed as a community park, a bond issue for which is currently in the works. Still, the city should continue to look for opportunities to acquire key tracts of land for community parks, especially in the portions of the city mentioned above. A portion of Sylvan Beach park is leased from Harris County by the City of La Porte, but it should be considered to redevelop it in a joint effort with Harris County to once again turn it into the major city park that used to attract many tourists during the first half of the 20th century with its beach and special entertainment offerings. Other types of Parks Other types of parks that respond to specific physical conditions in the city, or to specific needs are also part of the park system. These include special purpose parks, such as golf courses, linear or linkage parks, regional parks, and open space or natural preserves. Recommended acreage standards for each of these other types of park areas are shown in Table 6.7 below, and described in the section below. Table 6.4 - Other Twes of Parks . Regional Parks -Standard of 5 acres per 1,000 population . Special Purpose Parks - VariabJe standard . Linear Parks/Linkage Corridors - Variable standard, suggest target goal of 1 to 2 acres per 1,000 population . Open Space Preserves - Variable standard, suggest target goal of 5 to 10 acres per 1,000 population . Total Recommended Standards for Other Parks- 10 to 15 acres per 1000 population Special purpose parks - The city currently has two special purpose parks; the Bay Forest Golf Course, " City of La Porte Parlu " Open Space Matter Plan and Lomax Parle No specific standards are recommended for special purpose parks; however, specific facilities should be provided as necessary. Lomax Pari<, the city's Rodeo arena Linear parks - La Porte has a lot of opportunities for linear parks or trail corridors because of Little Cedar Bayou and its drainage ditches. These ditches spread throughout the city offer a unique opportunity for linear or linkage parks. These parks can connect other parks and key areas of the city, and are relatively inexpensive to develop. These parks can also begin to address much of the deficiencies in neighborhood parks. These corridors and other preserves can be used for traits and to address the need for undeveloped open space preserves in the city. All of these corridors are controlled by non- park entities, and as such will require cooperation with other entities, such as developers and private owners. Existing boardwalk along Uttle Cedar Bayou . In particular, many of the existing drainage ditches that cross the city could be used as trail corridors and linear parks. The existing banks are generally wide enough for trails, and are scenic, as well. . Overhead power lines, such as the existing corridor along Sens Road also offer opportunities for linear parks and trail corridors. . Railroad rights of way - if appropriately guarded from rail traffic, leftover lands along railroad corridors can be used to create connections between parks and neighborhoods. The plan recommends a goal of one to two acres of linear parks or corridors per 1,000 population. This ratio equates to approximately 32 to 64 acres of tinear parkllinkage corridors in La Porte. With Little Cedar Bayou Park, the city currently has only one such park, but developing some or all of the corridors noted above could easily attain this goal. Open Space - La Porte has only one significant nature preserve, which is the portion of Little Cedar Bayou Park east of Old Hwy 146. The west park site is currently the only bigger piece of land owned by the city that is not yet developed; it also has Pecan tree cover worth preserving. A portion of Northwest Park is also undeveloped, but is mostly used for overflow parking for soccer events. The Parks and Open Space Master Plan has established a target goal of five to ten acres of open space for every 1,000 residents of the city. The existina undeveloped Chapter G - Neech Aueument P,.ge 8 ~ ~ Cit" of La Porte Parlu A Open Space Master Plan properties result in a ratio of about 1.8 acres of open space per everv 1.000 residents of the city. And that is only a valid deduction ifthe two mentioned properties were to be kept in a generally natural state instead of being developed into athletic facilities, as is the current proposition. Not countina west park and Northwest. the ratio would drop to 0.43 acres per 1000 residents. ACQuisition of ooen soace should be a oriority over the next 5 to 10 vears. so as to oreserve areas with the most valuable natural resources and orovide ooen soace for the citizens of La Porte. As noted previously, this open space should be in areas vvith significant natural features worth preserving, such as drainage corridors vvith mature tree cover worth preserving, especially along the Bayous. Land adjacent to Galveston Bay should also be given an extremely high priority for acquisition and preservation as open space, wildlife preserves, wildlife viewing areas, and where appropriate, for access to the water. Active play may be encouraged in areas with major disturbance, such as previously developed properties aJong the bay. Summary of Spatial standards Needs from a citywide perspective Close to Home parks - La Porte currently ranks as having one of the higher parks to population ratios in the Galveston Bay area, at 3.7 acres of parklands per 1,000 residents of the city, or 7;5 acres counting LPISD and HOA facilities, respectively. However, this existing ratio is still weB below the suggested standard of 10.5 acres of close to home parklands per 1000 population, and ranks relatively low from a statewide perspective. Development of further Neighborhood parks is desirable. Other Parks - In terms of other types of parks, the city's current ratio is 7 acres per 1,000 population, Which is only about half of the desired goal. To improve this ratio, the city should focus on the acquisition or permanent preservation of valuable resources like Galveston Bay and the Bayou system. For citywide park acreage needs, see Table 6.1 above. 6.5 Park Facility Standards Chapter 6 - Neech Aue..ment Page 9 e City of La Porte Parlu Ie Open Space Master Plan Facility standards define the number of facilities recommended to serve each particular type of recreation. They are expressed as the number of facilities per population size. The standards shown are based on comparisons with other similar cities in Texas and particular1y in the Galveston Bay Area, as well the actual number of facilities in La Porte and the amount of use each facility receives. A review of each type of facility follows. Major Athletic Facilities A specific review of each major type of outdoor facilities, the locally adopted standard for each facltity and key issues associated with each type of facility follows. Baseball -Current Number of Fields: 8 fields -city - 8 (7 at Fairmont Park) -Schools - 5 -Standard: 1 field per 5000 population -Current 2001 Need: 7 fields (no current deficit, but support facilities are in poor condition) -Year 2005 Need: 7 fields -Issue - Fairmont Park is small and better used as a neighborhood park for the western side of the city. Renovate and expand facilities at Fairmont, or begin investment in a new complex with expandability? Chapter.. - Neech A..e....ent P.ge 10 " 1IJ . ~ Citp of La Porte Parlu &I Open Space Master Plan Softball .Current Number of Fields: 4 fields -City - 4 -Standard: 1 field per 5000 population -Current 2001 Need: 6 fields -Year 2005 Need: 7 fields -tSm.l~ - Construct a new 2 to 4 field complex? If so, where? Or is current complex adequate? Basketball (Outdoor) -Current Number of Courts: 16 courts -City - 5 courts -School -11 courts -Standard: 1 court per 2000 population -Current 2001 Need: 16 courts · Year 2005 Need: 18 courts -Issue - Add new courts as new parks are built, and consider adding new facilities at Fairmont Park Soccer -Current Number of Fields: 15 fields -City - 8 (6 at Northwest Park, 2 at Little Cedar Park) -Schools - 7 -Standard: 1 field per 4000 population -Current 2001 Need: 8 fields -Year 2005 Need: 9 fields -Issue - Remove fields from Fairmont and Little Cedar? - Is there need to expand Northwest park in the long run? Chapter 6 - Need. Attettment P_ge 11 rn ~ ~"".....'..... v."......'............... ,\...:. .. .:..::.:' , - City of La Porte Parlu &: Open Space Matter Plan Tennis -Current Number of Courts: 17 courts -City - 4 (2 at Uttle Cedar Park, 2 at Northwest Park) -Schools - 13 -Standard~ 1 court per 2000 population -Current 2001 Need: 17 courts -Year 2005 Need: 18 courts -Issue - School supply is probably adequate if readily available and well maintained. Goff Courses -Current Number of Holes: 36 holes -City - 18 at Bay Forest Golf Course -Private - 18 at Bay Oaks Country Club -Standard: 18 holes per 30,000 population -Current 2001 Need: 18 holes -Year 2005 Need: 18 holes -Issue - Currently none Large Reunion Pavilions -Current Number of Pavilions: 1 -City - 1 large pavilion -Others - 0 pavilions .Standard: 1 pavilion per 5,000 population -Current 2001 Need: 7 pavilions -Year 2005 Need: 7 pavilions -Issue - Could be signature features in some parks, and could "brand" La Porte Parks. .Distribution Issues - Fairmont Park, Lomax Park or Northwest Park, Central Park, bigger Pavilion at Sylvan Beach Park, new west side park site (total of 5 to 6 new large Pavilions) Chapter G - Need. Assessment P.ge 12 fj' . (. - .....00_ II ~.................;:"..... \. '., . ... '. I ..... .......\., ~ eftp of La Porte Parlu A Open Space Master Plan Outdoor Swimming Pools -Current Number of Pools: 6 -City - 6 Pools -School - 1 -Private - 1 -Standard by Area: 3% of population x 5 sq. yds. per occupant -Current 2001 Need: +/- 4800sf - supply is adequate -Year 2005 Need: supply is adequate, consider distribution of pool facilities -Distribution Issues - Need larger pool or additional pool at the fitness center, accessible if possible. Recreation Centers -Current Number of Facilities: One existing (La Porte Fitness / Special Programs Center) -Standard: 1 Center per 25,000 to 30,000 population -Current 2001 Need: No current need -Year 2005 Need: No current need -Issue - where should expansion I a new facility be located? Paved Trails -Current Number of Trails: 1.875 miles +/- -Little Cedar Bayou Park - 0.5 miles (approx.) -Fairmont Park - 0.5 mites -Glen Meadows Park - 0.5 miles -Creekmont Park - 0.25 mires (to be finished 2002) -Seabreeze Park - 0.125 miles -Standard: 1 to 2 miles per 10,000 population -Current 2001 Need: 3 to 6 miles -Year 2005 Need: 4 to 8 miles -Distribution Issues - Northwest park, connection from Lomax to Fairmont Pkwy, longer trail at Little Cedar Bayou Park, new West side Park site, trail along shoreline; (Additional citywide network to be recommended) Chapter 6 - Neech A..eument Pt6ge 13 Cft" of La Porte Pari,. " Open Space Matter Plan Playgrounds -Current Number of Playgrounds: 24 -City - 15 playgrounds (public) -School - 9 playgrounds -Standard: 1 playground per 2000 population -Current 2001 Need: 17 playgrounds -Year 2005 Need: 18 playgrounds -Issue -Current supply is adequate, but distribution may be an issue. major central playground facility Consider Practice Facilities Soccer Practice Fields · Current supply - fields at Fairmont Park, and at many elementary schools. During soccer seasons most open field areas are used, and competitive fields are used to supplement needed space. · Recommended standard - One practice field per 5,000 population - Deficit or Surplus for current population - Current supply is sufficient - Recommendation - Provide open areas in new neighborhood and community parks which can be used for soccer practice. Provide new goal posts for schools. DlsasebalVSOftball Practice Diamonds . - Current supply - 10 backstops in city parks, and several elementary schools .I ! have backstops as welt. - Recommended standard - 1 practice field per 4,000 population · Deficit or Surplus for current population - Current supply is sufficient. - Recommendation - Provide practice backstops in all new parks. Other Recreation Facilities Volleyball -Current Number of Courts: 9 -City - 2 -Schools - 7 -Standard: 1 court per 5,000 population -Current 2001 Need: 7 courts, no deficit -Year 2005 Need: 7 courts -Issue - not a pressing need, create new courts near picnic facilities that are kept in working order Chapter <<; - Neech A..e..ment II.ge 14 " City of La Porte Parlu &c Open Space Marier Plan 6.6 Demand Based Needs Demand for parks was also used to determine what additional facilities are needed in La Porte. Demand is based both on actual participation in organized activities and in use of the parks, as well as by the level of use and preferences expressed by citizens through Parks Board workshops, the citizen telephone survey and pub6c meetings. Use of Existing Facilities- The soccer, football, baseball and softball leagues are popular in La Porte. A list of the La Porte organizations and data on their needs is shown in the Appendices. Some of the Leagues responded to a Questionnaire about their needs; the improvements they asked for, were the foHowing: The La Porte Soccer Club expressed the need for more fields and more parking facilities; the La Porte Oilers I Derrick Darlings asked for another or cheaper practice field and a facility to practice in bad weather; the La Porte Boys Baseball League would like more regulation fields, batting cages, and more parking, bathroom and concession facilities. The La Porte Men's Basketball Association has no current requests. The Girls' Softball Association, the Livestock Association, the Dogfish Swim Team, and the La Porte Cowboys I Cowgirls were also contacted, but did not respond to the questionnaire or several follow-ups. By Citizen use and expressed need - (See Chapter 5) Respondents to the citizen telephone survey were asked to indicate their favorite recreation activities, as well as which facilities they thought were most needed in the city. According to the citizens, the most highly needed facilities were as follows: Table 6.5 Citizen Responses by Rank from Citizen Telephone Survey 1. RENOVATE AND UPGRADE CITY PARKS, 2. DEVELOP NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, 3. DEVELOP GREENBELTS AND HELP PRESERVE NATURAL HABITAT THROUGHOUT THE CITY, 4. PLANT MORE TREES IN THE CITY, 5. ADDITIONAL HIKE AND BIKE TRAilS, 6. MEDIAN AND ENTRYWAY BEAUTIFICATION THROUGHOUT THE CITY, 7. CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL PICNIC AREAS, 8. PURCHASE OF LAND FOR NEW PARKS, 9. CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL SVVlMMING POOLS, 10. CONSTRUCTION OF RENTAL PICNIC J REUNION PAVILIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY, 11. CONSTRUCTION OF AN AMPHITHEATER, 12. CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL ATHLETIC FACilITIES, .... ".............. ...".. "",r a. I.' . ..........., ........"""... II .~ Chapter <<; - Neecl. Aueument P..II 15 - eit" of La Porte Parbs " Open Space Master Plan The public meeting held in La Porte showed a similar trend: The items the citizens wanted to be improved with high priority were trails, maintenance, pavilions I picnic I barbecue facilities, and parking. They also asked for more Neighborhood parks, natural habitats, more athletic fields of all types and a beach. 6.7 Distribution of Parhs in La Porte Figure 6.6 inustrates the location of all the existing parks highlighting the area that they service in La Porte. The neighborhood parks are shown with a one-half mile service area, and the community parks are shown with a one and one-half mile service area. The extension of the radius circles shows some areas that have no current coverage: west of Underwood, east and northeast of the airport up to Hwy 225, and south of McCabe Road. It is preferable to try and locate new parks in these areas with no coverage first, and in the meantime expand or renovate existing facilities in the other areas. ....".-.. BAV>'OMT fNDUSlRlAl.. DISTRICT .-.-...._.~ ..~._.~. i.-"..,,- C<<.L'~' ~ Existing Parks ~l ~~:~'t,'...:.~~.:;.~} ~~~:..~ /f"" '-LJ ~--~~~~ BeAU .IllII.!"a City of La Porte Parks & Open Space Masterplan Figure 6.6 - Park Distribution (See end of Chapter 6 for larger maps.) Chapter 6 - Needs Assessment Ptlge 16 - City of La Porte Parlu A Open Space Master Plan 6.8 Resource Based Assessment The City of La Porte has three unique features that should be preserved and adapted for limited recreational use where feasible. These are Galveston Bay with its unique type of vegetation along the coast, the local bayou system including Little Cedar Bayou and the numerous utility and transportation corridors that cross the city. Little Cedar Bayou - as noted previously, the bayous should be preserved for public use and as a wildlife corridor throughout the length of the city. The upper banks of the bayou and the properties adjacent to it are most often privately controlled, which limits acce.s.s by much of the general publi.c to the bayous. Policies should be adopted that require donation of the upper banks of affected bayous as development occurs, and that also promote the construction of trails along them (set back so as not to unduly disturb wildlife within the corridor). The actual width of the corridor should be considered to be wider than just upper bank to upper bank, but should also include a minimum of a 50 to 100' setback along the top of the bank on either side. This type of setback not only allows a trail system to develop, but also gives ample room for drainage. Galveston Bay - The Comprehensive Plan update shows that there are properties along the Bay that are underused or have empty housing complexes on them. Lots like these could be acquired by the City to be redeveloped into open space preserves, scenic overlooks like the one in Pine Bluff Park or neighborhood parks such as the very popular Seabreeze Park. These properties also could be used for expansion of bird watching tourism and generate revenues at a later date. For now, the most important action is to acquire as many of these properties as possible to keep them from being redeveloped into residential or commercial areas and to grow the potential acreage for future natural habitats. Utility and transportation corridors - the many utility and transportation corridors throughout the city provide opportunities for walking, jogging and bicycle riding. There are various owners of these, such as Harris County Flood Control, Harris County Precinct 2, Reliant Energy and TxDOT, and any use of areas alongside the corridors must have the approval of the owners. Issues to be addressed in using the corridors include: . The need to continue using the upper banks of the utility and transportation corridors for ongoing regular maintenance. . The need to prevent users from falling into collected waters and suffering injury or drowning because they are not able to get out ofthe water. Chapter 6 - Neech Aueument Poge 17 " City of La Porte Parbs Ie Open Space Master Plan . Types of trail materials that can withstand occasional use by maintenance vehicles. The bayous and utility and transportation corridors are currently generally open and accessible to the public, though they are usually signed to prevent access. In general, the flat upper bank areas are sufficiently wide for trail use. Hard packed crushed rock trail surfaces are recommended in some parts, since they are less expensive and would be easy to repair if damaged by canal maintenance vehicles. Pedestrian bridges will be required at regular intervals to allow users to access the trail on only one side of the corridor. The opposite side can be limited to maintenance equipment. Fences should be provided to protect young users from falling into collected water, and should look attractive so as to enhance the quality of the drainage corridors. The two pictures below illustrate the attractive nature and possibilities of the existing ./ .. corridors in La Porte. 6.9 A Summary of Key Recreation Needs in La Porte The following statements summarize the key findings of the City of La Porte's park system needs assessment. . The highest priority for facilities, based on facility usage and standards, is for a) trails, with the city lacking 3 to 5 miles of hard surface trail, b) nature viewing facilities, of which the city has only few, c) pavilions, which are in extremely high demand, and with the possibility of an additional six being needed, d) soccer fields, with at least two new fields being needed, e) a new baseball complex with 10 fields, and f) the addition of new baseball and football practice areas throughout the city. . Based on citizen-expressed desires, the highest priorities are for playgwYRds (l.Ipdate8 to pliilygrol.lRda already iR pn~gr9$8 by c:ity parka Chapter G - Neech Aueument P"ge 18 e. I_ t - ~..... eft, of La Porte Parlu " Open Space Matter Plan staff), picnicking facilities, jogging and hiking trails, natural habitats, new large pavilions and an expanded senior center. . Many existing parks require some upgrades to parking areas, playgrounds, pavilions, site furnishings and other facilities. Much of these improvements to existing parks are already in progress through pro-active efforts of the parks department and as funded by bond initiatives by the citizens of La Porte. . In particular, continued attention should be given to playground safety, especially in light of rapidly changing regulations by the recreation industry and by federal and state regulators. Fall zones should be carefully reviewed and maintained, and adequate safety surfaces should be placed and maintained under and around every playground structure. . The two most popular community parks, Little Cedar Bayou Park and Fairmont Park, suffer from overuse. Both parks, but especially Fairmont Park, have too many facilities crowded into too little area. . The steadily growing popularity of boys' baseball has resulted in the continued addition of baseball fields at Fairmont Park, resulting in very little free unstructured play space at this facility and too little parking possibilities for events. . Other parks, such as Northwest Park and Lomax Park, are used, but not nearly as much as Little Cedar and Fairmont. Facilities must be transferred from the two most used parks to the two lesser-used parks to encourage citizens to go to the other parks for certain activities. . Ball fields at Fairmont and Northwest require improvements to bleachers, scorekeeper's area; in Fairmont there are issues concerning concession buildings, storage buildings, and drainage. . The renovation of existina Darks is a hiah need accordina to citizen feedback. Some of the renovation and improvements to existina parks wilf reauire placina overcrowded facilities in other or new parks in the lona run. such as a new and laraer baseball complex. . A trail system along the bayous and utility and transportation corridors needs to be developed to link existing parks I schools, preserving as much of a corridor as possible. . The preservation of lands along the bayou system, at Galveston Bay and in undeveloped portions of the city is a key ongoing need. Policies must be developed quickly to encourage the donation I acquisition of potential lands for natural habitats, wetland areas and linear parks I trails. . The city has a significant acreage shortage of neighborhood parks, but this is partially made up by the higher number of smaller parks, the availability of community parks with neighborhood park facilities and after-hour usage of school facilities throughout the city. A long-term agreement with LPISD for this usage should be considered. . The city needs to develop existing parcels or acquire land for at least four new neighborhood parks, amounting to about 20 acres, over the next 10 years. Some or aU of these can be acquired jointly with the La Porte Independent School District. Chapter G - Need. A..eument Pog. 19 -. :0 ... - City of La Porte Parlu 8c Open Space Matter Plan . The city does not need to acquire land for new community parks immediately, but may choose to do so in the mid- to southeastern sectors of the city so as to purchase land at a lower cost in mostly industrial areas; this could be beneficial for the plans for a new athletic complex in the future. Again, this land could be purchased jointly with the La Porte Independent School District. . The aCQuisition of land and the develooment of new oarks in the western sector of the city. west of Underwood Road. is a orioritv. The existing city property at the west side park site could be developed into a naturalistic community park that provides residents with open space and serene recreational facilities. Future west side park - potential site for a naturalistic community park. 6.10 2008 Update The evaluation of our 2002 Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan is important in that it shows areas of deficiencies, areas of good progress, and additional areas that need to be addressed. From a Standards-based assessment, our population growth has been minimal, considerably less than those projected by the City's 1998 Comprehensive Plan Update that was used as a basis for development of this Parks Master Plan (see Chapter 2). Therefore there has been very little, if any, change in the Standards-based Needs Assessment for this 2008 Update. The areas we were short in; we're still short; the areas where we met the needs based on population standards; we still meet the needs; and the areas we exceeded standards, we still exceed standards. Chapter G - Need. Auessment Peg. 20 - City of La Porte Parlu &I Open Space Malter Plan However, we have made good strides in the areas of Demand Based Needs, and Resource-based Needs. A discussion of the substantial progress we have made toward the goals and objectives of this plan, as outlined above and in Chapter 4, can be found in the Chapter 4 Goals, 2008 Update material. Chapter 6 - Neech A..eument P..s 21 ~ :0;- m' i:l ~ I . . :1 l' ,-......il" '- ' , , SCALE IN FEn ... ::: Halff Associates ENGINEERS . ARCHITECTS . SCIENTISTS, PLANNERS' SURVEYORS Westside Park m, CONCEPT A IiI!iI ... === Halff Associates [NGIN[f RS . AHCHIH-CT'S. SCiENTISTS. ?l ANNFHS' SURV[ 'r'OR$ Westside ParkI'D CONCEPT A iI!iI DEER PARK ~eCJE PARK PASADENA Community Parks III Halff ,\......odate... {1tG;NU~j; . P.t.JlH..tRS . 'UlOS~"''l "''';:.>lIlle '0 . SUH'>l'O>l" BATTlE:GROUND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT \ \ ,1 I BAYPORT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT .. ELEfI.4ENTARY SCHOOL . JUNIOR t-tICH SCHOOl . HIGH SCHOOL '9 ALTERNATNE SCHOOL '9C0l1.t;.Gl (f) City of La Porte Parks & Open Space Masterplan 0_ ...J-.:!: 1 SCALE IN MILES 2 Fig. 6.6.1 - Community Paries NOVEW,ER 2001 BATTLEGROUND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT DEER PARK ~LEGE: PARK ,I i PASADENA BAYPORT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT -. ELEMf:.NTARY SCHOOL . JlJNIOR "'lOt-! SCHQot I'.. '''UH S">lOOl '_ ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL COll.EGE:. SCALE IN MILES City of La Porte Parks & Open Space Masterplan Neighborhood Parks . UaltT .\ '\'\ociatc'\ t"GlJilLHIS' I'I."'""'lH5. l.oUtl.l$CIIlPlAr.l;;HIllG111' Sul\"v~HJI.lli ct) o Y4 YI -....-- .....- Fig. 6.6 - Neighborhood Parles NOVEMBER 2001 "J1 'li: '" n ~ ~ ~ .. ~ ! I.- n & 5" I!. a t 5' t !il 8- E ~ I!. a .. i i~ ~~ c il ;:~ ~. ;!o ~ Z ... ~ ; X ; = ... ; :: = If !:l ;:; ;:; - ... ... '" <> .. - ~ 00 ~PMJ. f~ I~"'" -.:J Parkervllle Park 27.0 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 y y Wllterford Ollks Park 5.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 N N Lorch Park 82.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 y y Dallas Nature Center 500.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 y y Mt. Lebanon Baptist Camp 503.0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 6 2 1 Y y Camp EJlowl 60.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 - 1 0 Y Y Northwood Unlversitv 352.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 Y y 1~29.2 ~........ -.:J ICedar Hili State Park 1825.011 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N N Subtotal 3354.2 Pig. 2 Table 1 La Porte Parks and Trails Master Plan City-wide Park Acreage Needs Faciltly Type Subtotal. Other Parks & Open Space EXisting La Porte Park Acres Current 222.9 Ac. 7 Ac.l1000 I 342.6 Ac. 10.7 Ac./1000 455.6Ac. 14.2 Ac./1000 Acres Required Surplus or 2000 Population DefiCiency 2000.31,880+/. Requrred fOI Surplus 01 2005 Population Deflcl!,n,:y 2005.35,213+/. .138.4 to -444.4Ac. - Citp of La Porte Parlu &c Open Space Malter Plan A CITY-WIDE TRAIL SYSTEM 7.1 Introduction La Porte has internal paths in some of its parks, however no trails currently exist which provide access between neighborhoods or to La Porte's parks and schools. There is a significant amount of interest in trails in the city, both for recreation and as an alternative means of transportation. This long range Trails Plan identifies a citywide network of trails, including additional park trails, connection trails, hike & bike trails, equestrian trails and nature trails. On-street connectors, consisting of sidewalks, and - where warranted - wide outside lanes to accommodate bicycle traffic, will be the only choice in a few cases to provide Possible trail corridor along Uttle Cedar Creek system continuity. The overridina aoal of a citywide Trails Plan is to enhance the auality of lite for La Porte citizens by providina the opportunity for non-motorized travel from home to recreation. school. shoppina. work or visitina friends. These trails may either be paved (hard surface) or natural (soft surface), and may accommodate a single or several user groups, including pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line skaters, equestrians, and people with disabilities. Many trails can initially be developed as soft surface trails, using such treatments as crushed rock to provide the trail's tread. In the citizen survey conducted as part ofthe plannina effort. 93% of La Porte residents supported or stronaly supported the construction of wdestrian and bicycle trails. while only 3% opposed or stronaly opposed f1.. (See Chapter 5 - Public Input). When asked about the activities that Chapter 7 - A Cit,,-Wiele Trail S"ttem Poge 1 --. ,- . i '- City of La Porte Parbs Ie Open Space Master Plan they participated in while at city parks, walking and hiking was third only to taking the kids to play and picnicking among the highest ranked activities, with 55% of all respondents saying they engaged in this activity. When residents were asked to Dick the most imDortant recreation facility to construct. trails were the second most reauested facilitv. behind Dlavarounds and picnic tables. 7.2 Existing Trails La Porte currently has internal paths in few of its parks. Most of these paths range from 6 feet to 8 feet wide and are relatively short in length and serve primarily as walking facilities within each park. The exception is the nature trail in Little Cedar Bayou Park, which can be connected to a Mure trail system in La Porte. Existing trails are shown in Chapter 6, and also listed below: -Little Cedar Bayou Park - 0.5 miles (approx.) -Fairmont Park - 0.5 miles ~Ien Meadows Park - 0.5 miles -Creekmont Park - 0.25 miles (to be finished 2002) -Seabreeze Park - 0.125 miles 7.3 Assessment of Trail Needs La Porte's 2005 population is estimated to be 35,200, and projected to be over 42,600 by the year 2020. Key population characteristics that impact trails are as follows (also see Chapter 2 - La Porte Today): . La Porte's population is relatively young by statewide standards, and trails and pedestrian connections are especially important as a means of providing safe routes to area schools, parks and recreation facilities. . The climate in La Porte favors year round walking in the late afternoon, and for many of the adult residents of the city, walking or hiking is their preferred form of recreation. . La Porte's population also includes a significant number of older residents and visitors who live in or near the city during the winter months. These visitors are highly interested in walking as a means of recreation and staying fit, and are also active bicycle riders if provided with a safe place to ride bicycles. The needs assessment in Chapter 6 establishes a goal of 1 to 2 miles of trail for every 10,000 residents of the city. This standard results in a current need for 3 to 6 miles of trail. Currently, the city has less than 2 miles of existing trails, which are all within parks and don't serve to link destinations. Therefore, a new trail system connecting various features of the city is a high priority need. Chapter 7 - A Cit,,-Wicle Trail S"stem Page 2 - CitSi' of La Porte Parh. &: Open Space Mader Plan 7.4 Trail Corridor Opportunities The city of La Porte has a very unique opportunity for a city of its size. La Porte could create a citywide trail Joop system that connects both the east and west sides of town, while the hike and bike system could be almost completely separated from other traffic. At the same time, the eastern and western halves of La Porte will move closer together for the citizens, because they become more safely accessible by walking or cycling. Possible Corridors and future trail sections are discussed below and in Chapter 7.5: Drainage Channels - the existing canal infrastructure in the city has very good opportunities for trail corridors in La Porte today. The channels provide a wide upper bank area for users, have few street crossings, are well distributed throughout the city, and pass by many major features such as schools, parks, retail establishments and many neighborhoods. These channels are currently off limits for most users, but couJd well be used as pedestrian and bicycle routes. The same is true for bayous and easements for underground utilities. The key issue to be resolved with using channels as trail corridors is liability. Currently, some ofthe channels are built on private property, and access is prohibited. However, the length ofthe corridors makes them impossible to seal off completely, and so all channels can be accessed illegally today. The channels are not designed with shallow safety zones for children or non-swimmers, and the deeper ones are often difficult to get out of once one falls in. If easements are granted to allow the canal rights of way to be used as trail corridors, some liability may have to be assumed by the City. This plan recommends that fences with a minimum height of 30 inches be placed along the public access side of all channels to be used for walking in order to comply with TPWD requirements, and that soft surface trails or hard packed maintenance roads be used as the riding or walking surface. Landscaping along the fence could be used to soften its impact. Railroad Corridors - spine trails may be possible in the Reliant easement along the Union Pacific railroad corridor. Again, fencing will be required to define the limits of travel for trail users, and signage will be required to keep users away from the rail tracks. Power lines at Sens Road Overhead power line transmission easements - major power line corridors in the city provide excellent opportunities for trails. Agreements with the owners of the rights of way are required, and the utility provider must be able to properly maintain the corridor. Right of way easement~ Major thoroughfares like F airmont Parkway can be used for important parts of connecting trails throughout La Porte. TxDOT has to agree to the use of the right of way areas, and it has to be made certain that they are wide poollgh to ;Jccnmmnn;Jtp thp p~~poti;J1 tr;Jil wirffh Chapter" - A City-Wiele Trail Sydem P.ge 3 -"''''- (0 i "- eftp .f La Porte Parbt Ie Open Space Matter Plan 7.5 Trail Possibilities in La Porte There are several existing corridors that could be used for creating a trail system in La Porte, with different possibilities for usage, which are described below: Big Island Slough (3.8 miles) - There exist previous plans for a hike and bike trail with rest stops along this large drainage canal. It can serve as a connector trail for residential areas, schools and parks in the western part of La Porte. A part ofthis trail could also follow the drainage easements around Fairmont Park and connect to Fairmont Park East and Rizzuto Elementary School. There are possibilities for equestrian use north of "L" street. West Connector (2.8 miles) - Between the west side site and Creekmont parks is an underground utility easement, that could become a very convenient park and neighborhood connector in the future, allowing for a shortcut that avoids Fairmont Parkway. Pasadena Connector (5.2 miles) - Along Fairmont Parkway, the right of way is wide enough to accommodate Sidewalks and bike trails. This corridor is one of the most important west-east connections in La Porte. It will tie into several trails in central La Porte, and will connect these to Uttle Cedar Bayou. Outside city limits, it should continue to San Jacinto College, the Convention Center in Pasadena and to Red BluffRd, since future plans for hike and bike trails have connections to Armand Bayou Nature Center along Red Bluff Road. Northwest Trail (1.8 miles)- This trail segment would lead from Northwest Park to Sens Road, and would be suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It is strongly recommended to keep the equestrian trail separate from the others and to provide a soft surface for them, such as dirt or mulch. The trail segment is important asa connector from the parks in this area and for riders to get from Lomax arena to the equestrian Union Pacific Trail described below. Reliant Trail (2.6 miles) - Running parallel to the railroad tracks, this trail connects to Northwest Trail and the Pasadena Connector and is intended as a soft surface trail for horseback riding and off-track biking. Bay Area Trail (2.9 miles) - This trail could become the most important north-south connector for La Porte residents, because it not only connects L Street, Spencer Highway and Fairmont Parkway, but because it also can be extended to Armand Bayou Nature Park, and the Clear Lake area with the University of Houston. Bay Area Trail, Northwest Trail, the Pasadena Connector and Big Island Slough provide a great opportunity for a loop trail that covers a big portion of the city, and if a connector segment is added on Spencer Highway, there are two possibilities from this trail to cross over the railroad tracks and Hwy 146 to get to the eastern half of La Porte and Little Cedar Bayou. Chapter 7 - A Citp..Wicle Trail S,,"em Page 4 - City of La, POl'te Pal'hs " Open Space Mastel' Plan Upper Little Cedar Trail (1.4 miles)- The portion of Little Cedar Bayou between North 14th Street Park and Fairmont Parkway should become a nature hike trail with soft surfaces or boardwalks, in order not to disturb the natural habitat wherever possible. It would be strictly for pedestrians, with a good opportunity for an interpretive exhibit or bird watching facilities. Eastside Trails (5.1 miles)- These trails will connect historic downtown La Porte and its parks and schools for hiking and biking. Most will be added in existing right of ways, and one piece, from Seabreeze Park to E. Main Street, wi" run along an existing drainage corridor. Bayside Trail (1.3 miles) - Trail Opportunity at Ohio Parle This trail is a scenic route for hiking and biking, and also an important connector from Little Cedar Park to Sylvan Beach Park and Seabreeze Park. It also connects the western part of the trail system with the Eastside Trails and therefore adds another access possibility besides crossing Hwy 146 at W. Main. Little Cedar Connector (1.2 miles) - The intersection of Hwy 146 and F airmont Parkway is an important meeting point both for traffic and for trails. Little Cedar Bayou Park, the Fitness Center and Sylvan Beach Park are often accessed from this intersection. In order to provide a safe crossing for Hwy 146 and to connect the eastern and western parts of La Porte in this area, it is strongly suggested to provide a trail section along UttIe Cedar Bayou that is accessible for bikes as well as pedestrians. It should tie into Little Cedar Bayou Park and Lower Cedar Bayou Nature trail (existing), and into a connector to the Fitness Center. There are plans for a pedestrian crossing over Old Hwy 146 here, which could be used to tie into Bayside Trail. Southside Trail (2.6 miles) - Public demand for a hike and bike trail along Old Hwy 146 is very high. Since plans to widen portions of this road into a boulevard within the next eight years make it somewhat unfeasible to provide a concrete or asphalt trail here in the near future, it is advisable to provide a trail through the far-eastern part of Bay Forest golf course along this part instead. This trail would then become an important connector for residents of the southern parts of La Porte, some of which are even south of Shoreacres, to reach schools and parks on the way downtown safely. Additional Connector Trails (mileage added in above) - The Trails Master Plan identifies connector trails, which use drainage and utility easements to connect the larger trails to schools and parks. The importance of these trails should not be underestimated, since this way several individual trails become an effective closed trail system. Chapter 7 - A Cit"..Wicle Trail S"stem P,.,e 5 ..4-~ \ . .- City of La Porte Parhs " Open Space Master Plan 7.6 Criteria for Ranking Trail Corridors In developing the criteria to establish prioritization of trail system segments, the following factors were considered: Access to School and Parks. Primary emphasis is on connecting residential areas to parks and schools, as well as adjacent neighborhoods. Secondary consideration includes access to commercial areas and public buildings. Potential Trail Connections. Emphasis is given to trails which offer a high potential for connecting to other trails in the citywide trail network. Percent of Public Ownership or Potential for Partnerships. Corridors with public or semi-public land ownership are much easier to develop as trails, and do not require funding for property acquisition. In undeveloped areas, potential for partnerships with developers is considered to be high, as these pathway systems can be planned into new subdivision developments Scenic Quality. This is a subjective evaluation of a corridor's scenic beauty due to vistas, adjacency to features such as channels or the arroyo, potential for undisturbed natural surroundings, and ability to provide a high quality recreational experience. Table 7 1 La Porte Pal ks and Trails Master Plan ~ .~ ~ when prioritizing the trail segments listed " go > below. '0 ! ... ... 2 i: j " ! ... !; 0 ~ 1i .. a: .!! ;I 1$ .., 0 " '" 01 " .. ~ .:1 0 " c i 0 0. " " i :; I : ~ 3< j ~ if. :. r Trail Segments -Connectors , ., ..... 13IO..Il(t~ .' ;.. .. .. >; .... I.... \ West Connector . . Pasadena Connector .. ... .- . Northwest Trail . . . . Union Paciflc flail . . Bay Area Tratl . . . UpperUlte CederT~ .'. .. .. . Easlside Trails . . . . . ~y&iderlllil . . . .. . ittle Cedar Connector . . . . 1soU\tt$ide Tlail . . . . . . Population Growth. Some areas will have more potential growth, especially in the residential sector, than others in La Porte during the next ten years (see Chapter 2, La Porte Today). These areas should be considered first Chapter 7 - A City-Wiele Trail System PGge 6 ~ ~ CitSl' of La Porte Parlu Ie Open Space Master Plan 7.7 Recommendations The proposed Trail master plan (Fig. 7.2) is shown on the following page. Note that different trail corridor types are color coded for ease of reading. It is anticipated that the entire trail system might take 15 to 20 years to fully implement, and every opportunity to obtain trail grants should be explored. 7.8 Other Issues Trail Design Compatible with Setting Trails should fit within their environmental and social setting. Trails may initially serve specific neighborhood needs, eventually connecting to each other as this plan is implemented. It is recognized that trails will seldom literally lead from door to door, but residents should be able to access trails from their homes via pedestrian and bicycle friendly streets with sidewalks and adequate width on-street to accommodate bike traffic. Since people will, on the average walk about % - Yz mile to a destination such as trail access, and bicycle 3 to 5 miles to a destination, trails would ideally be between 1 and 3 miles apart. While the initial trail system can be implemented either as a network of soft surface or hard surface trails, hard surface trails will accommodate a wider variety of users and require far less maintenance in the long run. As decisions are made on surface type and user group type, it will be important to recognize the need for trail continuity to logical destinations. In creating networks for different user groups, consideration should be given to the importance of access from a multiple-use trail and if deemed important, the development of the trail should be timed to coincide with development of the multiple-use facility. Many trails within the plan will stand alone on their own merit. Soft surface trails, such as those constructed of compacted crushed rock, can even be suitable for many people who require Americans with Disabitities Act (ADA) type accessibility. However, nature trails for pedestrians along Uttle Cedar Bayou frequently may not lend themselves to ADA access due to environmental constraints. Trails in sensitive areas must be carefully designed to avoid impacting surrounding terrain and can serve to define where to go in a natural area, guiding people away from areas with environmental or archeological sensitivity. Equestrians need longer trails than pedestrians. Equestrian and mountain bicycling trails must be closed when too wet in order to minimize erosion problems. In-line skating is becoming increasingly popular and users require more trail width to accommodate their skating motion back and forth across the trail. Trail design must reflect the needs of its intended users. Two publications produced by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, a statewide leader in trail planning and design, can provide essential information for the design and management of La Porte trails: Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Planning and Design Guidelines and the Trinity Trails Management Guide. The former focuses Chapter 7 - A City-Wiele Trail SSI'$tem Page 7 - City of La Porte Parhs &c Open Space Master Plan predominately on transportation oriented facilities, while the latter is aimed at recreational faci6ties. Responding to Safety Concerns Safety is a frequent concern of residents near a potential trail. Concerns usually center on trail user safety as well as the security of personal property. In recognition of trail user safety concerns, the Rails-to- Trails Conservancy and the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program have issued a 1998 report, Rail-Trails and Safe Communities, showing that an individual's chances of being the victim of an assault, burglary or rape are two to three times higher when on the street or in a parking facility than in a park or on a trail. The report also states that while the national rate of suburban burglary is 820 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, only one suburban trail reported a break-in to adjacent property in 1996. Trails that are used frequently help ensure trail safety. Two key ways to minimize the potential for crime are through good trail design and volunteer or professional trail patrols. Removing overgrown vegetation and tall shrubs near the trail to eliminate potential hiding places and to maintain long sight lines for users is an important element in creating a sense of safety. Posting trail rules at trailheads with reminders along the trail lets people know what is expected. Strategic lighting, especially at trailheads and in parking lots, may be needed. The need for emergency call boxes and emergency access should also be considered during trail design. The survey found that 67% of suburban rail-trails are patrolled in some way. Trail patrols range from informal clean-up and maintenance volunteers to daily police patrols. Integrating Trails with the Roadway System Where on-road trail connections are noted, special considerations will need to be given to on-road segments to ensure sidewalk and bike route continuity with the trail system. These on~street connectors ideally have low traffic speeds, low traffic volumes, wide outside lanes if needed, few stop signs or signal lights, few curb cuts or driveways, and minimal interference from turning traffic. It will also be important to provide special attention to the design of trail intersections with the roadway system. Examples of such design can be found in Houston-Galveston Area Council's 1996 Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Many useful design treatments can also be found in the 1997 Guidelines for Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities in Texas by the Texas Transportation Institute or the current US DOT Transportation Planning Handbook, Chapter 16 - Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities. Chapter 7 - A Cit,,-Wicle Trail S"ttem "age 8 - City of La Porte Parlu & Open Space Maller Plan 7.9 Ordinance Support for Trail System Development Trail development will require at least 2.42 acres per mile, allowing for a minimum 20-foot corridor for the trail. A Park Land Dedication ordinance, if implemented, would require dedication of at least one acre of land per 100 dwelling units and would provide some land for trail development. Additionally, it should be possible to acquire trail construction funds covering some or all of the cost by requiring payment of money in lieu of land for part of a proposed development. Since much of the dedicated parkland must be primarily located above the 100-year floodplain and the slope and topography must be usable for organized recreational activities, year round trails should be achievable. Sidewalks Sidewalks provide excellent opportunities for pedestrians and encourage walking, but too often the prevailing attitude is that if people really want to walk, let them walk in the street. Along major pedestrian corridors linking key areas such as neighborhoods to schools, nearby retail areas or parks, sidewalks should be added as development occurs. The H-GAC's Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan establishes a regional policy of constructing sidewalks that meet or exceed Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and could be used as a guide for La Porte as well as the Houston Bikeway Program that is currently being implemented by the City of Houston with several partner agencies. The recommended urban sidewalk width is 1 .5 meters (5 feet) in continuous width with a minimum 1-meter (3 foot) wide buffer between the edge of the street pavement and edge ofthe sidewalk. At least 1 meter of the walkway should be clear of obstructions to allow ADA access. In order for two people to walk side-by-side, a minimum of 5 feet is needed, if adjacent to the curb 6 feet is needed. Sidewalks. especially those that connect neiahborhoods to schools and parks. should be wide enouah to allow two people to walk side bv side. Students 'Nill tend not to use sidewalks where they cannot walk side by side and will often migrate into the street. It is recommended that the current ordinance be modified to reflect regional guidelines. This will create an environment more conducive to walking and serve as the on-street pedestrian element of the trail system. Street Alignments and Trails An urban design approach that has proven to be of value in both land conservation, real estate marketing, and eventually for trail planning, is the use of single-loaded streets, a technical term describing streets having houses on only one side. This concept is discussed at some length in Arendt's Conservation Design for Subdivisions. Arendt suggests that lots be trimmed down in 'Nidth throughout the development without increasing average house lot to street length ratios, in order to Chapter 7 - A City-Wiele Trail Sy-'em Page 9 --~ \ i -- eitp of La Porte Parb. A Open Space Matter Plan reserve street lengths along greenways. Sales records in such subdivisions show that houses along these single-loaded streets sell faster and at a premium, while providing all subdivision residents views ofthe greenway as they drive, bike, or walk along it, thus increasing everyone's quality of life and property values. When houses are built alona both sides of the street. the areenwav is freauentlv Dlaced behind houses and hidden from view. By creating trails between the street and un-developable land parcels, a sense of security for trail users will be enhanced, by placing them in view of residents and street users. It also enhances back yard privacy. Keeping this concept in mind for urban design projects can greatly improve the development of La Porte's trail system as well as the creation of successful subdivisions. It is therefore recommended that La Porte encourage developers to utilize opportunities to develop single-loaded streets along trail greenway corridors. Creating Partnerships Development ofthe trail plan will be facilitated by developing partnerships to this end with adjacent cities as well as the owners of key rights of way throughout La Porte. Entities to develop trail partnership relationships with include the local irrigation districts, the local electric utility provider, and railroad companies, such as Union Pacific, whose rail corridors cross the city. Drainage Ditch at North 14th Street ParI< Partnerships with school districts are also encouraged so as to provide sidewalk connections at all school sites as well as places to park bicycles. The city will also want to develop partnerships with both land developers and local citizens in order to create a cooperative atmosphere for trail development. One strategy would be to establish overlay districts in areas where development is anticipated. Both should be more enthusiastic about trails when they become aware of the many benefits trails have to offer them and the community at large. While this plan has provided a network of trails, specific alignments should be viewed as flexible and adjusted as needed to achieve objectives of both developers, residents and businesses, while remembering that the intent is to provide citywide recreational opportunities and transportation choices that will make La Porte a more attractive place to live, work and visit. 7.10 2008 Update With the increasing cost of fuel and transportation costs, the La Porte Trail System has become increasingly important. In 2003 the City Council adopted the La Porte Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail Implementation Plan for the City. Building on the Chapter 7 - A Cit,,-Wicle Trail S"stem P#lge 10 - Cft" of La Porte Parbs &c Open Space Master Plan information gathered through the Master Plan process, the Trail Plan developed specific goals and objectives for the development of a trail system for La Porte. Progress to Date: 1. The City of La Porte has partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation to construct a Safe Routes to Schoo/ project, an eight foot concrete bicycle-pedestrian pathway running 2.1 miles from Bayshore Elementary, to Fairmont Parkway. This pathway also serves as our South Side Trail, a major component in the 2003 Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Implementation Plan. 2. The City of La Porte is preparing to enter into a contract for design of the second major bicycle-pedestrian trail segment, the approximately five mile Pasadena Connector trail that, when constructed along the south side of Fairmont Parkway, will connect the Pasadena Convention Center with the central business district of La Porte. 3. The City of La Porte has started a dialogue with the Harris County Flood Control District regarding possible joint use of a number of waterways throughout the city. Possible HCFCD locations targeted for inclusion are: . F10110cated in northwest part of La Porte; targeted for soft surface equestrian as well as hard surface bicycle pedestrian trail. "j,. F216 (Little Cedar Bayou) located from NW to SE La Porte; hard and soft segments depending on particular siting requirements. "j,. F212 (Deer Creek) located in East La Porte; soft segment trail. ... 8109 (Spring Gulley) located in West La Porte; soft segment trail. "j,. 8112 (Willow Spring Gulley) located in West La Porte; soft segment trail. .. A104 (Taylor Bayou) located in South La Porte; soft and hard surface segments. ... 8106 (Big Island Slough) located in North Central La Porte; soft and hard surface segments. While we have made progress toward our goal, there is much work to be done to get our trail system in place. Funding is in place for design of the Pasadena Connector. Funding for construction (or the first phase of construction) for this important segment will be included in the FY2008-2009 budget for the City of La Porte. Additional segments, including those HCFCD segments and additional connections to two subdivisions (Summer Winds & Pecan Crossing), will also be funded upon approval of an agreement with the Harris County Flood Control District for joint use. Chapter 7 - A Cit,,-Wicle Trail S,,"em Poge 11 UJ C o c: ._ ~.... 't (J 2 C ~ ::s ;LL .... .~ .... ~~ C ~ 't:l Q) ..c c: ('t$('t$ E ~ l/l .::t: ~ en 0.. Q) ~(/) 0.._ ~ .- ...J as l- I- 3JflOH :>!U3:>S . . 3^!J3JdJ3IUI f 3JOJeN 6U!P!H '1:>eqasJOH . . .... ...... . . . . SlOoq:>S l!! i S'IJed ~ o (J poOqJoq1l6!3N 5 '0 i....! :;..-j ~ 8 I-"O~. i 8 .I :! tQ I r~l. := ! .... := ... ! -I I- ~ U> 'm 0 'm U ~ ~ -- ... ~l';~~ 11111 '- o U <U c: c: o - i~~ t-~-8 Gl <U ._ '0. 0 :S l~& .If!I'. ""O~EO HORIEaACK, HIKE + BIKE TAAtt. ~ EXl8TINO NATURE TRAIL. ,z- "ROPOaeo HIKe AND BiKe TMU,. . ~TFtAiL lHTeFt8ECTIONS . ElEMENTARY SCHOOl t :=:: ;; WLL."" BATT1..EGROUND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT DEER PARK . COLLEGE PARK ,/ i PASADENA BAYPORT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT Trails (f) 'L~:-_ 'L- 1 SCALE IN MILES 2 City of La Porte Parks & Open Space Masterplan . HalH .h~Ol'iall'~ Fig. 7.2 - rnall Master Plan OO\IeMBER 2001 l>iGlN~l".s . r>!.1iNNlk6 . '-"'I.l~t;.A"l ...F-l:;.jtlli,; >" . lilJk'i[YO'llo --.. '0 . h", City of La Porte Parbs A Open Space Master Plan MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDA TIONS B.1 Introduction Based on the needs assessment, which was developed in chapter 6 with information sources described in chapters 1 through 5, a series of park and trail improvements are recommended for La Porte. These recommendations address general improvements to existing parks, such as providing needed facilities: construction of additional pavilions and picnic areas, redistribution and construction of additional soccer fields into a single park, the construction of a new baseball complex, etc.. Also included in the recommendations chapter are these issues: acquisition of land for additional neighborhood parks, for more nature Undeveloped portion of Northwest Park habitats, and for the development of new trails; the beautification of the city, and the needs of Special Use Facilities. Within their group, needs are listed according to their priority. High- Priority needs should be targeted within one to five years, and Medium- Priority needs should be pursued within five to ten years. These recommendations should be implemented over the general life of this master plan, which covers the next 5 to 10 years. Other longer- range recommendations, such as the acquisition of land for future parks as well as trails to be developed in the future are also part of this master plan. Chapler 8 - Mastel' Plan Recommendations ".ge 1 8 City of La Porte Paths A Open Space Master Plan Recommended items in this chapter will be prioritized in Chapter 9, The Implementation Plan. 8.2 Providing Needed Recreation Facilities The master plan includes recommendations for specific types of recreation facilities, and new parks to address those facility needs. As stated above, these facilities can be accommodated in existing parks as well as future parks to be developed. The needs assessment indicates an immediate need for the following facilities. . Continued Renovation I Improvement of existing parks . Development of trails . Development of baseball fields . Development of additional Pavilions and picnic areas . Development of Natural Habitats and Greenbelts . Redistribution of existing athletic facilities Recommendations to address the facility needs illustrated above are as follows. High Priorities . Develop trails throughout the city - The City of La Porte has many opportunities for trail development as new facilities are built. Every new facility over the next five years should include a trail component, so as to lay the foundation for a citywide network of trails. . Develop baseball fields - With Fairmont Park being crowded as it is with no possibility for enlargement, a new complex in a different, less residential neighborhood will become necessary if the numbers of users continue to increase at their present rate. Acquisition of land in areas with light industry would be advisable to lessen the impact of noise, traffic and lighting on adjacent residents. Also see section 8.3. Once the new baseball complex has opened, Fairmont Park can be redeveloped into a real community park; amenities such as a large pavilion, some more trails, picnic facilities, a covered basketball pavilion, volleyball and practice fields are recommended for the new park. The freed space in Little Cedar Bayou Park should be used for open play, picnic areas, play structures, and partially for later expansion of the existing girls' softball facilities. Chapter 8 - Master Plan Recommenclations Page 2 - Cft, of La Porte Parhs A Open Space Master Plan . Add more pavilions and picnic areas - Having more large reunion pavilions and possibilities for picnics is one of the highest priorities in public demand; at least five pavilions are needed within the parks system. Pavilions should be added in new facilities such as The westside park site or in the proposed baseball complex. Existing parks where these could be added are Central Park, Lomax Park or Northwest Park, Sylvan Beach Park and The west side park site. With the redistribution of facilities mentioned previously, Little Cedar Bayou Park and Fairmont Park should become further possible sites. . Preserve Natural Habitats and Greenbelts - La Porte has the opportunity to conserve sites along Galveston Bay and Little Cedar Bayou, adding more access to the Bay for residents and visitors by preventing these properties from being developed. Land for these purposes can be bought in joint venture with Harris County Flood Control and other entities; along the bayous, it should be encouraged that privately owned right-of-ways could be donated or traded for other pieces of land by the owners. A goal of a total of 50+ acres of natural open space should be preserved over the next 5 years. . Add additional soccer fields - As mentioned in chapter 6, Fairmont and Little Cedar Bayou Park are overcrowded due to a variety of many different fields, events and activities in each park. Consider moving the three soccer fields from Little Cedar to the currently undeveloped section of Northwest Park; additional adjacent land should be acquired for further expansion for the long term. Remove the two soccer fields at Fairmont Park to Northwest Park, creating a new regional soccer complex. Currently, the La Porte school system has enough practice soccer fields, so distribution of practice facilities should not be an issue. Add another baseball field to Fairmont Park to alleviate the situation until a new complex can be built. Medium Priorities . Add nature viewing facilities - Add facilities for bird watching or other forms of nature tourism along trails and in existing or future parks. Good possibilities for interpretive trails, e.g., exist in several parks with natural tree cover or water and in new and yet undeveloped sites. This creates new possibilities for future revenues for the City of La Porte. . Develop a new pool- At the moment there is no demand for a new pool, however the existing pool at the fitness center is at the limit of its capacities with a variety of programs. The demand continues to increase and the fitness center will need to expand with the possible creation of two currently planned new senior resident complexes; there will be a need for an additional large pool, possibly accessible. . Develop an amphitheater - Public demand for an amphitheater is quite strong; possible locations for this facility are Central Park (possibly as a joint Chapter 8 - Master Plan Recommendations PfIIge 3 e Citp of La Porte Parlu A Open Space Master Plan venture with LPISD), Fairmont Park after remodeling, Northwest Park or Sylvan Beach Park (joint venture with Harris County). 8.3 Acquisition of Additional Land for Parks The needs assessment addressed in chapter 6 indicates that specific neighborhoods require additional acreage for close-to-home parks. In particular, the north and west sectors of the city have the greatest deficiencies, with no existing neighborhood parks. A summary of the immediate acreage needs in La Porte is as follows, based on a minimum of 1.5 acres per 1000 for neighborhood parks, and a minimum of 5.0 acres per 1000 population for community parks): Neighborhood Parks High Priority . Acquire land in the north segment of the city for a neighborhood parle - There are no neighborhood parks in the north em sector of the city. Consider developing Lomax Park and parks on school properties in the area if feasible. Acquire up to five acres for a new neighborhood parks in this area as soon as possible. . Acquire 5 acres in west sector for a neighborhood park - The area west of Underwood Road does not currently have any neighborhood parks, and has only Brookglen Park to provide close by recreation space. Growth in this area will continue over the next 5 to 10 years, and acquisition of land for a park should be a high priority over the next year. If The west side park site is developed into a naturalistic Community park and Fairmont Park is redeveloped, this item moves down to a medium priority; however, even then there will be no neighborhood park in a rapidly developing part of town, so the need will arise again in the near future. Medium Priority . Acquire land for two neighborhood parks in the far southeastern and southern sectors of the city - Overuse of Fairmont and Uttle Cedar Bayou parks and lack of neighborhood park facilities should be met by acquisition of about 10 acres of land for 2 additional parks in these areas. land for parks in this area should be acquired in conjunction with the La Porte Independent School District. . Acquire and develop unused sites on Galveston Bay for two new neighborhood parks - Lack of access to the waterfront in La Porte and the need for new Neighborhood I Natural Habitat Parks should be improved by acquiring new or redeveloping existing sites along the bay that e.g. have unused housing complexes on them. Roughly 10 acres for two new sites should be developed. Chapter S - Mastel' Plan Recommendation. Page 4 --"- '. i - City of La Porte Parlu &c Open Space Master Plan Note: Possibilities for new parks on existing city-owned property have been looked at, and few were found that could currently be of use for creating neighborhood parks in the areas mentioned above. There is one 2-acre parcel at Sens Road north of Plainbrook that could be a possibility (HCAD Account # 0231370000371) in the north. The availability of this or other parcels needs to be verified by the City of La Porte, and reviewed on a regular basis as more land becomes available for acquisition. Community Parks High Priority . Acquire land for a new baseball complex - Fairmont Park is overutilized and overcrowded with no real possibilities for expansion of facilities or parking. LPBBA is currently encouraging their program to recruit even more players, which will soon result in the projected future need for 10 fields in a new and bigger complex; preferably on one site, but possibly also on two. A 50 to 60 acre tract of land should be purchased for eventual development of such a facility in a less densely populated area of town or parts that are not to be residential developments in the future, e.g. in the more industrial districts where light and traffic won't impact neighbors. Tracts with unique natural features should also be avoided. As already mentioned above, a more central area would also be advisable to bring revenues to the City of La Porte. The property chosen should have possibilities for later expansion. . Develop the west side park site into a new community park with expansive natural areas for the west side of town - The City of La Porte has passed a bond election to improve the existing west side park site and build new baseball facilities. But since the west side park site alone is too small to accommodate a baseball complex with ten full-size fields, plans are for some full-size and some smaller fields. On the long run, this will cause problems similar to the ones existing in Fairmont Park - no room to expand and insufficient parking and amenity space. Therefore it would be advisable to consider additional adjacent land to accommodate all needed fields without compromising space for natural areas, or, if feasible, move the complex to a larger space at a more central destination in La Porte instead of the far west. This could generate more revenue for downtown La Porte and prevent overuse of the park by too many groups from surrounding communities. The west side park site would make a good opportunity for a naturalistic park on the west side of town; the east side of La Porte has Little Cedar Bayou, but there are no such facilities in the west. That way the need for a close-to-home park in this area could be met, the existing pecan tree vegetation could partially be saved and the need for more natural habitat acreage would be affordably met at least in part. Medium Priority: . Develop a long-term agreement with LPISD - La Porte Independent School District has many facilities that are already being used after hours by some of the leagues, but there still is no formal agreement with the City. - Chapter 8 - Master Plan Recommendation. Page 5 - Cit" of La Porte Parlu A Open Space Matter Plan Adding the acreage of the school facilities to the available ones and using them for more different programs will greatly improve La Porte's ratio of officially available recreation space for its residents. These recommendations, if fully implemented, can add approximately 100 to 120 acres of additional park land throughout La Porte - plus officially over 100 more with an agreement with LPISD -, and will address both immediate and long range park needs through the year 2010. It is important to remember that recommendations for future needs are based on population projections derived by current growth patterns. If these projections change, the future needs should be adjusted appropriately. 8.4 Develop New Trails Hike & Bike Trails - The need for trails in La Porte was expressed strongly by the citizens as a high priority (see Chapter 5). La Porte currently has a total of about 2 miles of trail. N.least 3-6+ miles of additional trails are recommended during the life of this plan, as has been established in the Needs Assessment in Chapter 6. The citywide network will serve both recreation and transportation needs as described in Chapter 7 - A City-Wide Trail System. Other trails should be developed opportunistically as land is developed. New paths should be added to all existing park entries, if possible. These pedestrian paths should be approximately 6' to 8' in width and should plan for future connections to the entire trail network as it is developed. 8.5 Beautification Issues Both the public meeting and citizen telephone survey (See Chapters 5 - Public Input and 6 - Needs Assessment) indicated the request for beautification efforts in the City of La Porte. The majority of these responses identified three primary areas of focus for beautification. These areas are: . Restoring the downtown historic district, . Beautification of the main entries into the city and the . Enhancement of medians within the city. These same issues were already identified in the 1998 La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update. The Comprehensive Plan Update dedicates an entire chapter to the topic of beautification. The plan uses one method to solving these issues by setting goals and objectives, and identifying policies and actions to solve these issues. Figures 8.1 and 8.2 within this section illustrate graphical responses to these issues. However, beautification and enhancements of medians and entries are items that require solutions on a site-by-site basis. A different view on the rejuvenation of a Chapter 8 - Me..ter Plan Recommendation. P<<ge 6 - Cit" of La Porte Parb. Ie Open Space Master Plan downtown can be gathered from Roberta Brandes Gratz. Cities: Back from the Edae. New Ute tor Downtown. The author recommends conversion of the downtown area using modest public investment, catalytic creative citizens and positive changes, which evolve slowly over time. The common thread for the success of much downtown rejuvenation is attributed to innovation. The innovation comes from looking at innovative transportation opportunities, innovation of shopping venues (i.e. farmers markets, bakeries, etc.), innovation of programs encouraging new entrepreneurs or innovative use of existing resources. The beautification of La Porte should be a slowly evolving process, but deliberate and planned. Rg. 8.1 - Possible beautification for Falrmont Parkway by adding sidewalks / bike paths and landscaping Fig. B.1 - Possible beautlficatlpnfor Falrmont Park.way, before and after Chapter. - Master Plan Recommendation. P.ge 7 ,,-"'- i'" . - City of La Porte Parlu Ie Open Space Master Plan 1~;~ -,-i~~=f~-~E t~",~~t~::t~~;----' I-Ig. fI.~ - Special pavement and 8.6 Special Use landscaping provides beautification for Main Street Facilities Fitness Center- The La Porte Recreation and Fitness Center was put into service in 1992. Currently, the facilities meet the demands of the citizens of La Porte, but in the foreseeable future there might be a need to expand. Especially the pool is at its limit of capacities with different user groups preferring different temperatures for their activities. If this demand grows stronger in the future, a location for the expansion facilities should be contemplated and suitable lands, preferably in the near vicinity, acquired for that purpose. Special Programs - The Center was completed in 1997 and should continue to meet user demands for the future. However, there is demand for an outdoor accessible playground. Acquisition of Land for this purpose should be considered within the next 5 years. Senior Citizens Center - The La Porte Senior Citizen Center offers several different types of activities, such as games, sport programs, field trips etc; they also serve hot meals during the week. Current status indicates that the center will meet future demands. There is some demand for an outdoor walking facility, which should be taken into consideration when implementing the trail system for the city. Also, Parks and Recreations Department would like to offer an accessible gardening program as a joint venture between SPC and the Senior Center. These facilities, the accessible playground and the Fitness center expansion mentioned above, could share the same property and make a new community park in the long run. Sylvan Beach Pavilion - The Pavilion is used for many municipal activities, and can also be rented privately when not in use. Considering the history of the original Chapter 8 - Master Plan Recommendations P.ge 8 - City of La Porte Parlu " Open Space Master Plan pavilion and Sylvan Beach Park as a whole, it should be considered as a high priority to keep the pavilion and Sylvan Beach Park in good shape and possibly enhance its importance for tourism in La Porte. Joint efforts with Harris County should be made to keep things going even after the city's contract with the county expires in 2027. 8.7 Summary of Park Master Plan Recommendations Figure 8.3 illustrates the recommendations for the Parks, Open Space and Trail Master Plan recommended above providing a comprehensive look at future parks and how they relate with the core trail system. 8.8 2008 Update The Park Master Plan Recommendations are specifically identified in Chapter 4. Each of the specific goals listed above are addressed in Chapter 4 with the exception of the Special Use Facilities which are addressed here: Fitness Center - The La Porte Recreation and Fitness Center was put into service in 1992. Currently, the facilities meet the demands of the citizens of La Porte, but in the foreseeable future there might be a need to expand. Especially the pool is at its limit of capacities with different user groups preferring different temperatures for their activities. If this demand grows stronger in the future, a location for the expansion facilities should be contemplated and suitable lands, preferably in the near vicinity, acquired for that purpose. The Recreation & Fitness Center membership has remained stable over the past six years. There has not been the expected influx of new members as population growth has not met the expected levels. The City of La Porte has completed a renovation of the facility, resurfacing the swimming pool, installing Kool Deck, installing new carpet in the common areas, replacing and refurbishing equipment, etc. Plans for the upcoming fiscal year include re-tiling bathrooms and new flooring for office area. Special Programs - The Center was completed in 1997 and should continue to meet user demands for the future. However, there is demand for an outdoor accessible playground. Acquisition of Land for this purpose should be considered within the next 5 years. The outdoor accessible playground and walking trail was completed through a grant from Harris County Community Development Block Grant funds. The City of La Chapter 8 - Master Plan Recommendations Page 9 -~- \ :\ - City of La Porte Parhs Ie Open Space Master Plan Porte continues to acquire land in the vicinity of this facility to provide room for future expansion and additional amenities if needed. The Center is currently meeting needs and is expected to do so for the next several years. One new program has been implemented in conjunction with the Harris County HEADSTART Program for pre-kindergarten children from low-income families in the area. This program provides recreational opportunities for these children that they would not have access to otherwise. Senior Ci6zens Center- The La Porte Senior Citizen Center offers several different types of activities, such as games, sport programs, field trips etc; they also serve hot meals during the week. Current status indicates that the center will meet future demands. There is some demand for an outdoor walking facility, which should be taken into consideration when implementing the trail system for the city. As stated above, the walking trail has been completed and is available for use by both seniors and special needs children. The City of La Porte continues to acquire land that can be used for special amenities such as a garden project, in the future. Sylvan Beach Pavilion - The Pavilion is used for many municipal activities, and can also be rented privately when not in use. Considering the history of the original pavilion and Sylvan Beach Park as a whole, it should be considered as a high priority to keep the pavilion and Sylvan Beach Park in good shape and possibly enhance its importance for tourism in La Porte. Joint efforts with Harris County should be made to keep things going even after the city's contract with the county expires in 2027. The City of La Porte, with the permission of Harris County, has begun exploration of a proposal to replace the Sylvan Beach Pavilion. The Sylvan Beach Pavilion was built in 1954 by Harris County, to replace the original building that was reported to be heavily damaged in a 1949 hurricane. In 1983, when Hurricane Alicia flooded and damaged the building, Harris County Precinct 2 planned to demolish it because of the high cost of restoration and the increasing cost of operating expenses for the structure. The City agreed to take over the operations and make the necessary renovations, which was in excess of $250, 000. The City entered into an agreement with Harris County to lease the Sylvan Beach Convention Center for a term of forty (40) years, beginning January 1, 1986 and ending December 31, 2025. Although there have been extensive expenditures totaling approximately $400k since 1999, the building is in need of additional remodeling and repairs valued at approximately $600k. When the evaluation is completed, a determination will be made as to the fate of the Pavilion. If it is retained; through its lease with Harris County the City will begin the budgeting process to implement the needed repairs and renovations of this building. See discussion of Sylvan Beach Park in Chapter 9, Implementation, regarding the current and future plans for Sylvan Beach Park. Chapter 8 - Master Plan Recommendation. P.ge 10 . ~p nIIl.... V_I",,~' .Wlld. ..... hike .nol bike . faotHtl.. .... trail oorndot' 810nl Falnnont Parkway BATT\..EQROUND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT DEER PARK '" N.._IPn. Dev.Iop Into. ",_1 . _"'pin with 3 addltlONI .... _._fr..... LllIloC_ hyow P.rte . '" COllEGE PARK We...ld. Park . DevelOp Into. H.,ural Habitat A,.. fat WntaW. CIUMn_ willi HmItod Commwnlty Am..._ Develop Hike and ..ke TnU. lor Uppor L.- CocI.r. ..yslClo .net ...lal... Tralllogmonla .nltanG. Sylvan ".oh Park In Joint ventuN with Harr" County to acid n.. .".nitiM 'ai_nth"'. __ olllallnO _ball fie.... .""ron_.... Into a OCImmwnlty 1>llrk PASADENA BAYPORT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT '" HIGH Pf'tlORITY ftECQMMENDATIOMIl . MEDIUM PftlOIllTV REC~ENDATIONIl Ii: LONG-TERM Pf'tlORITY RECOMMENDATIONS .". JI'fIlOPOft.O HOMIlE.5"Ct(, HIKE + liKE TMtL DU8TING NATUF\E TRAIL .~ I'IItOPO.O HIKE "NO liKe TMtL. ... MoIWOA: TMIL INTERBECTIONI _ F,1,eMENTARY SCHOOt. __ JUNtOR I-UGH SCHOOl !. ::::.:: SC"OOl . COCLO"" '" L_ CocIor 1Ia,.... _ . "-et110ve ........nl .............. ..d ..10_ to No...._ Pa Ranov." .. needed. '" Acquire ap'trOll. 10080 110'" I. a contral city 1_.... .nol devolop 1nlo new 10110'01 u..ball oomp.... :~UFF. New P.... . . Acqu.... 'anellor _Iopmont or_ 0>01"'_ paN on _1..n .'Y . Aoqu.... lanetlor _ n"""bor. hood paN In __-.._net ......... ._ of _ oily -- Parks Master Planet) - II Halff A~~udatl'~ ~~J -~ ~_1- SCALf; IN MILJ;S 2 City of La Porte Parks & Open Space Masterplan (.",)iNlUll> .1'l.A""'Ut~. t......l:I~,:;..''l...R~J[;;;'l>. Il.l..!R'ilfOR& Fig- 8.3 - Summary of Recommendations NOVEMBER 2001 ~ ~ eit" of La Porte Parlu Ie Open Space Master Plan IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Introduction In previous chapters, the importance of a parks, open space and trail master plan is described in detail. This chapter, one of the most crucial in this master plan, prioritizes the recommendations outlined in Chapters 7 and 8 and gives sources of funding for the implementation of these recommendations. The prioritization is based on information received from public input, which is summarized in Chapter 5, as well as from the needs assessment formed from facility and acreage standards shown in Chapter 6. Recommendations were ranked in one of the two categories listed below. High priority - List of top priority items to be addressed in one to five years. Medium priority - List of recommendations to be pursued in five to ten years. There also exist long- term priorities for La Porte, New playground at Northslde Park such as the connections of the trail system, which are to be targeted in seven to ten years or longer. See Chapters 7 - Trails, and Chapter 8 - Recommendations for details on recommended priorities; shown on the following page is a summarized list: Chapter' - Implementation Plan Page 1 - Cftp of La Porte Parhs A Open Space Master Plan High Priority Recommendations: . Renovate and improve existing parks . Redistribute existing athletic facilities . Add more pavilions and picnic areas . Acquire land in tire north and west segments of the city for two neighborhood parks . Acquire land for a new baseball complex; Develop anew baseball complex . Develop The west side park site into a new Community Park with natural areas for the west side of town; Develop Natural Habitats and Greenbelts . Develop Pasadena Connector and Uttle Cedar Connector Trail Segments Medium Priority Recommendations: . Add nature viewing facilities . Develop a new pool for Fitness Center facilities . Develop an amphitheater . Acquire land and unused sites on Galveston Bay and in the far southeastern and southemsectorsof the city for two to four new neighborhood parks . Develop a long-term agreement with LPlSD . Develop Big Island Slough, Bay Area, Reliant, Northwest and Southside Trail Segments . Acquire land for and develop walking facility, accessible playground and accessible gardening project for Special Programs Center . Design and build La Porte Gateway entries and landscape the city's major corridors, begin historic downtown rejuvenation Long-term Priority Recommendations: . Develop Upper Uttle Cedar, Bayside and Eastside Trail Segments and Connector Trails for existing Trail System . Enhance Sylvan Beach Park in joint venture with Harris County to create additional facilities for the park Table 9.1 on the next page illustrates the recommendations listed above and provides an action plan for the implementation with a comprehensive list of funding sources, which are outlined later in this chapter. Chapter 9 - Implementation Plan Poge 2 - City of La Porte Parlu A: Open Space Master Plan Operation & Maintenance With the recommendations of additional parks, open space, trails, park facilities and a new baseball complex, it should be recognized that additional manpower will be needed for the required maintenance of these various projects. The number of additional staff needed to attend to these proposed facilities will vary depending on the use of these facilities. Pool at Broohglen Parh However, positive support and the provision of adequate staffing must be included as each facility is developed, or the facility should not be built. Funding Strategies for Recommendations Different parks and pathways will require different funding strategies. While improvements to existing parks and most sidewalks can be built with local funds, other park, open space and trail projects may be able to contend for federal and state funds. This section provides brief descriptions of these funding implementation assistance opportunities. General Fund Expenditures are primarily used for improvements to existing parks and facilities. CDC revenues are another source for funds to purchase land or develop parcels for parks. Bond Funds are primarily targeted for new facilities. Harris County is an alternate source for these funds. Partnering with Developers and Private Land Owners is frequently possible as land is developed in La Porte through the Park Land Dedication ordinance. This ordinance provides a vehicle for development of parks, open space and trails as land is developed in La Porte. This plan's corridor alignments for trails in currently undeveloped areas should be viewed as flexible. The City should work together with the developer to create non-motorized corridors, which will connect the new neighborhood to adjacent or future neighborhoods, schools and other key destinations and be beneficial to both the developer and the citizens of La Porte. TPWD - Texas Recreation and Parks Account (TRPA) is the primary source for park grants in Texas and in addition provides funding for recreational trails. Up to a 50 percent match can be obtained, up to $500,000, for new park and trail facilities, as well as for indoor facilities. Grant applications that stress joint funding and support from two or more local entities may have a greater chance in contending for Chapter' - Implementation Plan PIIge 3 City of La Porte Parbs A: Open Space Master Plan the TRPA grants. The city should take a leadership role in pursuing public cooperation. National Park Service (NPS) Programs include the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act (UPARR), which provide funds for parks and recreation. Congress appropriates both funds. For the last several years there has been little or no stateside LWCF or UPARR funding, however, there are currently several bills which provide substantially more funding through these programs. Typically, the funding sources have supported traditional parks rather than linear systems. Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) was passed in 1998 to provide the funding mechanism for federal transportation programs for the next 6 years. It is the sequel to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). According to the U.S. Department of Transportation under TEA-21 bicycle and pedestrian projects (Title 23-Section 217) are broadly eligible for all of the major funding programs where they compete with other transportation projects for available funding at the State level or at the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) level. Bicycle and pedestrian projects are eligible funding under the following programs: NHS - National Highway System STP - Surface Transportation Program, including Railway-Highway Crossing Program (Section 130) and Hazard Elimination Program (Section 152) safety funds CMAQ - Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Federal Lands Scenic Byways Recreational Trails. Two popular programs under ISTEA have been carried forward into TEA-21 , including the STP Enhancements program and the Recreational Trails program, reviewed below. New to TEA-21 is NHS funding for pedestrian walkways [1202(a)(1 )J; use of Hazard Elimination funds for bicycle infrastructure improvements and some traffic calming measures [1401]. The new law calls for bicycle and pedestrian projects to be considered in conjunction with all new construction and reconstruction of transportation facilities. Transportation plans and projects must also consider the need for pedestrian and bicyclist safety and contiguous routes. It calls for Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to develop guidance on accommodating bicycle and pedestrian travel, and to make recommendations on amending and updating AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) design standards for streets and highways. This guidance is anticipated at approximately the beginning of year 2000. Chapter' - Implementation Plan P.ge 4 Citp of La Porte Parh. Ie Open Space Master Plan The permissibility of using motorized wheelchairs on non-motorized trails is clarified in TEA-21. It allows the use of electric bicycles on these facilities where State or local regulations permit. Electric bicycles are defined as any bicycle or tricycle with a low-powered electric motor weighing less than 100 pounds, with a top motor- powered speed of 20 miles per hour. The local matches for various TEA-21 programs vary. The Hazard Elimination Program (Section 152) provides for 90% of a project, while STEP projects and most others provide 80% of project cost. ExacUy what may be counted toward credit for the local match varies by program. Transportation Enhancements is a sub-program of the broad Surface Transportation Program (STP), administered by TxDOT as the Statewide Transportation Enhancements Program (STEP). It is a cost reimbursement program. A project application must currently be nominated by the local MPO who submits it to TxDOT. Recreational Trails Program (RTP) reauthorization is incorporated into TEA-21. The RTP replaces the Symms National Recreational Trails Fund Act. The six year program will distribute a total of $270 million nationwide during the life of the program. Thirty per cent of the program funds must be spent on non-motorized trails, 30% on motorized, with 40% being spent on either. These funds can be spent to construct new recreational trails, improve/maintain existing trails, developlimprove trailheads or trailside facilities, and acquire trail corridorl easements. It is a cost reimbursement program. Projects may range in total cost between $5,000 and $100,000. Federal guidelines now allow RTP funded trails to receive up to an 80% funding match, and other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management can bring the total federal share up to 95%. Allowable costs for the sponsor's match can include appraised value of donated land or easement, service contracts, volunteer labor, donated materials, rental equipment, or money. Funding eligibility depends on a number of factors, including the following: Trails can be on public or private lands. To receive funding for trails on private lands, the sponsor must obtain a legally binding easement, lease, or license satisfactory to TPWD, and keep the trail open to the public for a minimum of twenty (20) years. Trails on private lands cannot be managed as a commercial enterprise. Development of urban trail linkages near homes and workplaces, including trail linkages to schools, parks and existing trails is eligible, but must have a recreational purpose. A trailless than .5 miles long is eligible only if interpretation or disabled access is its recreation purpose. Trails whose purpose is to connect facilities within a park and sidewalks are not eligible. Trail restoration or rehabilitation includes rerouting or repair of areas damaged by trail use, flooding, or erosion. Chapter' - Implementation Plan Pllge 5 " eft" of La Porte Parlu &c Open Space Master Plan Eligible trailhead or trailside facUities include signs and displays, restrooms, parking areas, drinking water, horse-watering facirities, hitching posts/corrals, bike racks, benches, fencing and bollards. Ineligible items include facilities that support other recreation activities, landscaping, or buildings. The program is limited to spending on construction, maintenance, or acquisition. It can include some site planning, design and engineering specifications, which lead to a built trail. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) administers this program, and authorizes funding for selected projects based on the recommendations of the Texas Trails Advisory Board. Typically one call is conducted for projects each year. Environmental Protection Agency can provide funding for projects with money collected in pollution settlements. Foundation and Company Grants exist, which assist in direct funding for trail projects, while others exist to help citizen efforts get established with small seed funds or technical and publicity assistance. Before applying for any grant, it is crucial to review The Foundation Directory and The Foundation Grants Index published by the Foundation Center to learn if a particular project fits the requirements of the foundation. These publications are issued electronically and printed forms may be found in the city library. Grants for Greenways is a national listing that provides descriptions of a broad spectrum of both general and specific groups who provide technical and financial support for greenway interests. Partnering with Volunteer Groups can be helpful when constructing nature, bike and equestrian trails. Their efforts can be used as part of the required match for the Recreational Trails program. There are a variety of sources for volunteers including user groups, local residents, corporate community service initiatives, and business and civic support groups. Outreach efforts with local neighborhood groups are most important for la Porte. Business and civic groups with an interest in the economic health and livability of la Porte can be enlisted for projects of business or community importance. Trail development volunteer support can be anticipated to grow as the community becomes aware of the pathways initiative, and the many benefits trails offer. Electric Utility Partnerships can be established for the proposed utility easement trails. Chapter' - Implementation Plan PlIge 6 - Policies & Ordinances City of La Porte Parhs Ie Open Space Master Plan Update Park Dedication Ordinance - La Porte already has a park dedication ordinance, which provides land or cash for the development of park facilities throughout the city. However, there are recent examples such as the Cities of Cedar Hill, Denton or College Station, who also require a park development fee in addition to the dedication of park land. This fee was established to pay for the amenities for newly dedicated park land, and takes the financial responsibility for building those parks from the city and applies it to the developers. The city should consider revising the existing dedication ordinance accordingly. Worksheets for this concept for the example of Cedar Hill can be found in the Appendix. Ordinance Support for Trail System Development - Utilize Park Land Dedication Ordinance to achieve trail system implementation. Land for trail development should be abatable given suitable platting of the land. It should also be possible to attribute some portion of payment in lieu of land to trail construction cost. Modification of Sidewalk Ordinance - Sidewalks should be a minimum of 5 feet in order for two people to walk side by side, therefore it is recommended that the ordinance state a minimum of 5 feet for sidewalks and a minimum of 6 feet when adjacent to the curb. Joint Planning with Harris County - Continue joint planning efforts with Harris County Parks and Open Space to provide additional options to address recreation needs in La Porte. Joint Planning with LPlSD - Establish joint planning review sessions with LPISD to allow for coordination of facilities and possible pooling of resources for a partnership in acquiring land for schools and parks. Plan Updates The 2002 La Porte Parks & Open Space Master Plan is a guide to be used by the Parks and Recreation Staff to develop the existing system for future needs over the next 10 years. There will be changes that occur during the time frame of this plan. Population may increase more rapidly than projected; the community may indicate a special need for a facility not listed in the recommendations; development of recommendations will occur. A review and update of this master plan by city staff should be conducted every two years or when a significant change does occur. These updates can be published in short report format and attached to this master plan for easy use. Three key areas for focus of these periodic reviews is as follows: Facility Inventory - An inventory of new facilities should be recorded as well as any significant improvements to LPISD, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Harris County Parks and Open Space, and surrounding municipality facilities. Chapter 9 - Implementation Plan P.ge 7 - eft" of La Porte Parlu Ie Open Space Master Plan Public Involvement - As mentioned previously, this master plan reflects current population and attitudes as expressed by the citizens of La Porte. However, over time those attitudes and interests may change as the city changes. Periodic surveys are recommended to provide a current account of the attitudes of the citizens and to provide additional direction from the public on issues that may arise. In order to make an accurate comparison of the changes in attitudes and interests, it is recommended that future surveys follow the general format of the citizen survey conducted in this master plan. Facility Use - Facility use is a key factor in determining the need for renovation of additional facilities. Updates on league participation of sports facilities should be updated each season with data from each association. Changes in participation of those outside the city limits as well as the citizens of La Porte should also be recorded. Action Plan - As items from the action plan, shown in Figure 9.1, are implemented, updates should be made to this prioritized list to provide a current schedule for city staff. 2008 Master Plan Update As a part of the process of evaluating the progress of the City of La Porte towards the goals and objectives established in the 2002 La Porte Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan, as outlined above. High Priority Recommendations: "'" Renovate and improve existing parks Good progress has been made toward upgrading our facilities, installing new play equipment at five parks and upgrading three of our six swimming pools, adding maintenance capabilities with a new facility and yard, new maintenance and storage facilities for youth soccer and girl's softball. ... Redistribute existing athletic facilities This priority deals primarily with boy's baseball; see below. As LPISD expands, there may be a need for a new youth football and drill team practice facility, as yet undetermined. ... Add more pavilions and picnic areas The City of La Porte has added two new parks (Spenwick Park & the yet unnamed park known as "Pond to Park", both with new picnic areas. The upcoming West Side Park will have a pavilion/amphitheater, with additional picnic facilities throughout the park. .. Acquire land in the north and west segments of the city for two neighborhood parks The City of La Porte has added two neighborhood parks, one in the west (Spenwick Park) and one in the north (Pond to Park). The City of La Porte also worked with the Spencer Landing Homeowner's Association to provide a neighborhood park on property owned by the Association. ... Acquire land for a new baseball complex; Chapter' - Implementation Plan Page 8 -~.- . I ~ J ..- City of La Porte Parlu Ie Open Space Matter Plan Develop a new baseball comp/ex The City of La Porte entered into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Pasadena to provide a new youth baseball complex on property owned by the City of Pasadena but located in the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the City of La Porte. To date this project is stalled while Pasadena continues to work through issues related to their participation in this project. ~ Develop The west side park site into a new Community Park with natural areas for the west side of town; Develop Natural Habitats and Greenbelts The plans and specifications are complete for the new West Side Park, and the project is scheduled for letting by mid-June 2008. When completed, the new 33 acre park will be a huge investment by the City of La Porte in its recreational amenities and quality of life for its citizens. .... Develop Pasadena Connector and Little Cedar Connector Trail Segments The City of La Porte has completed the South Trail (see Chapter 4) and is ready to let a contract for design of the Pasadena Connector. Funding for design is in place: funding for construction of this project (or a Phase) will be included in the FY 08-09 Budget for the city. The Little Cedar Connector Trail is on hold. Its construction is contingent upon Harris County Flood Control District completion of drainage improvements along its F216 floodway (Little Cedar Bayou) which is also the site of the Little Cedar Connector. This project is in need of funding. Medium Priority Recommendations: .... Add nature viewing facilities The City of La Porte has added a bird watching stand on its Little Cedar Bayou Nature Trail at the mouth of Little Cedar Bayou. As stated in Chapter 4, we are very close to an agreement with the City of Shoreacres on a joint venture, all natural park (approximately 2 acres) on Taylor Bayou that will provide additional opportunities for passive recreation and natural access to the Taylor Bayou ecosystem. ... Develop a new pool for Fitness Center facilities The anticipated growth that would make this project viable, has not materialized. .. Develop an amphitheater The new West Side Park will have an amphitheater (scheduled completion December 2008) that will be available for entertainment and recreational activites, doubling as a picnic pavilion for large family reunions, etc. .. Acquire land and unused sites on Galveston Bay and in the far southeastern and southern sectors of the city for two to four new neighborhood parks Again, the joint venture park with Shoreacres will meet that need although it is on Taylor Bayou rather than Galveston Bay. The City of La Porte is also working with a private developer for an eighty acre wetlands tract off McCabe Road, also on Taylor Bayou, that, if obtained, will also be developed as a natural park setting. The City is also working on a long-term project, obtaining additional property adjacent to the Recreation & Fitness Center for recreational purposes. ... Develop a long-term agreement with LPlSD Although there has been work toward this goal, it has not been formalized. The City of La Porte and the La Porte Independent School District has a very good working Chapter' - Implementation Plan P.ge 9 ~ - City of La Porte Parbs A Open Space Master Plan relationship, with a partnership at Baker 6th Grade Campus for youth football and drill team programs. .... Develop Big Island Slough, Bay Area, Reliant, Northwest and Southside Trail Segments The Southside Trail Segment is complete (see Chapter 4). The City of La Porte is working with Harris County Flood Controd District on possible partnerships for these trails (except the Reliant Trail segment). .... Acquire land for and develop walking facility, accessible playground and accessible gardening project for Special Programs Center The walking facility (trail) and accessible playground for the special populations served by the Special Programs Center is complete (see Chapter 4). The "j,.. Design and build La Porte Gateway entries and landscape the city's major corridors, begin historic downtown rejuvenation The La Porte Entrance Signage is complete and landscaping is almost complete for the five entrance signs. They are located: 1. On SH225 just east of Underwood, 2. At the intersection of SH225 & SH146, 3. On Fairmont Parkway just east of Luella Rd, 4. On SH146 just north of Shoreacres Boulevard, and 5. At the intersection of Luella Rd. and Spencer Highway. Once the irrigation has been finished, this project will be complete. The City of La Porte has completed the joint venture project with the Texas Department of Transportation for beautification of Sens Road @ SH225. The Date Palms, Oleanders, and Bald Cypress have really improved the appearance of this section of SH225. The City of La Porte is working with the Texas Department of Transportation on an additional beautification effort in the approximately 3.5 mile long area along SH146 between SH225 and Wharton Weems Boulevard. This project is scheduled to begin in June 2008 and be completed by October 2008. The City of La Porte partnered with Lyondell, Kaneka Texas Corporation, and the La Porte Rotary Club on various landscaping and beautification projects along Fairmont Parkway, including the Sylvan Beach Depot, the Centennial Statue, and the Norman L. Malone Memorial Clock. The City of La Porte was chosen as a Texas Main Street City in 2006. There has been much progress made in determining the future look and feel of our Main Street as the program has evolved. A Main Street Development District has been established and progress is being made toward architectural standards and land use for the District. We are working with the Main Street Association to provide direction and funding through our 4B La Porte Development Board for economic development of the area, recreational amenities, with a proposed enhancement of the Five Points area of Main St. The City has purchased two buildings as a part of the economic development program, and, as a part of the beautification effort, is partnering with the Economic Alliance, Houston Port Region to provide artwork at the intersection of SH146 and Main St. This project is expected to be completed in this fiscal year. Long-term Priority Recommendations: .... Develop Upper Little Cedar, Bayside and Eastside Trail Segments and Connector Trails for existing Trail System Chapter' - Implementation Plan /loge 10 -~.- . 1- ~ Y. ..- Citp of La Porte Parlu A Open Space Matter Plan Work will begin on these segments after completion of the Pasadena Connector project. The joint effort that has been proposed with Harris County Flood Control will contribute significantly to these trail segments. .... Enhance Sylvan Beach Park in joint venture with Harris County to create additional facilities for the park The City of La Porte has partnered with Harris County Precinct 2 and The Texas General Land Office in a CEPRA grant to provide shoreline protection and beach restoration at Sylvan Beach Park. Although this is not a City of La Porte park, it is the focal point of our city, both from a recreational standpoint as well as historic one. It was very important to the City of La Porte that Sylvan Beach Park be preserved and enhanced. Therefore we became the Project Partner with the Texas General Land Office for this project with Harris County providing funding for one- half the matching local funding and the City of La Porte the remaining half. This $2.8M project is scheduled for completion in late 2008, early 2009. Harris County has recently announced and unveiled its Master Plan for Sylvan Beach Park. The park will be renovated by Harris County and additional amenities provided for the recreation needs and enjoyment of the citizens of La Porte and Harris County. See discussion of Sylvan Beach Pavilion in Chapter 8, Recommendations, regarding the current and future plans for Sylvan Beach Pavilion. Summary: The City of La Porte has made excellent progress toward the goals and objectives indentified through public input, City Council input, and other stakeholders in the process. By following our 2002 Parks, Trails and Open Space Master Plan, we have moved the city forward, adding parks, increasing our maintenance capacities, preparing for the future by providing for funding for future parks through the amended Development Ordinance, upgrading facilities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, adding picnic facilities, and embarking on an extensive trail system throughout the City to serve our citizens and visitors. We are very proud of our parks & recreation facilities and programming and we will continue to move the City of La Porte forward toward these goals and objectives. We've come a long way, but there is much work to be done. A special thanks to our City Council of La Porte, the Executive Staff and our employees who have helped us achieve a substantial number of our goals and objectives through this plan. We especially want to thank the citizens of La Porte who understand the role and function of parks and recreation as a quality of life issue that is not only important to them but to the future of their children and the future of the City as a whole. Chapter' - Implementation Plan P,.ge 11 Table 9.1 City of La Porte Parks & Open Space Master Plan Action Plan 2002 - 2015 Priority Action Estimated Cost Range Low High Funding Sources , Time Frame I _=I(eI=.~:-.J[.]f"'.._ 1 Renovate and improve existing parks - keep $500,000 $1,000,000 Bonds, TPWD Grants, 2002-2006 current program that upgrades one park per Donations, Local Runds year 2 Develop a new baseball complex - mOVe $200,000 $750,000 Park Dedication Fund, 2002-2004 baseball facilnies from Fairmont into new Bonds, Donations, baseball complex TPWD Outdoor Recreation Grants 3 Add more pavilions and picnic areas - Large $200,000 $500,000 Bonds, TPWD Grants, 2002-2004 reunion pavilions for Central, Lomax I Trail Fund Grants, TEA 21, Northwest, Sylvan Beach, Westside Parks Park Dedication Fund. Donations 4 Redistribute existing athletic facilities - move $200,000 $750,000 Park Dedication Fund, 2002-2004 soocer fields to Northwest Park, add basketball Bonds, Donations, to Fairmont Park TPWD Outdoor Recreation Grants 5 Develop Trails - Pasadena Connector and $1,500,000 $2,000,000 Bonds, TPWD Grants, 2002.2006 Little Cedar Connector Segments Donations, RTP 6 Develop Natural Habnats and Greenbelts - $1,000,000 $2,000,000 Bonds, TPWD Grants, 2002-2006 acquire and conserve land along Lntle Cedar Park Dedication Fund, Donations Bayou and Galveston Bay CDBG Funds 7 Acquire land for and develop two new $600,000 $1,000,000 Bonds, CDBG Funds, cny Owned Property 2002-2006 neighborhood parks in the north and the west Park Dedication Fund, Donations part of La Porte Joint development with school dist. Summary High Priority Actions $4,200,000 $8,000,000 2002-2006 _~I::I.J"I~."f"I[.)b...._ Develop a long-term agreement with LP1SD . 8 $100,000 $150,000 Park Dedication Fund, 2004-2009 make school acreage and facilities available Bonds, TPWD Grants, after hours Donations 9 Acquire land and unused sites for two to four $800,000 $1,100,000 Park Dedication Fund, 2005-2010 neighborhood parks in south and southeast La Bonds, Donations, TPWD Indoor Rec. Grant Porte and along Galveston Bay and develop Other local governmental entnies. parks and add nature viewing facilities Page 1 Table 9.1 City of La Porte Parks & Open Space Master Plan Action Plan 2002 - 2015 Priority 10 Action Estimated Cost Range Low High Fundmg Sou rces Time Frame $200,000 $400,000 Park Dedication Fund, Bonds, TPWD Grants, Donations Downtown Improvement District 2005-2010 Design and build La Porte Gateway entries and landscape the city's major ocrridors, begin historic downtown rejuvenation 11 2005-2010 12 13 Develop Trails - Big Island Slough, Bay Area, Reliant, Northwest and Southside Segments AcqUire land for and develop playground, walking facility and accessible garden for special Programs Center Develop a new pool I Enlarge Fttness Center Facilities 2005-2010 2008-2010 14 1..]~(~.::I~I..-.;j.i"r4l.J~I..-- 15 16 Build an amphitheater. possible locations: Central, Fairmont, Northwest or Sylvan Beach arks Summary lum Range Actions 2004-2010 Develop Trails - Upper Little Cedar, Bayside, Eastside nail Segments and Connector Trails Enhance Sylvan Beach Park as joint venture with Harris County - concerts, entry portal, creation of a real beach selling etc. Summary \.ong Range Actions 2007-2015 2007-2015 2007-2015 and beyond Total Potential ExpenclltlJf(' Range $18 GOO.OOO $312'50000 For 2002 to 2015 Plannlrlg Time/fame Note: Costs shown are at a pre-deSign level, ~nd Will wry ~s more detailed design occurs. List Is for guidance In planning. ~nd not all ttems m~y be Implemented. All coats shown includs an inflation factor of 3% per annum to the midpoint of each term. Coats shOWn are for total estimated cost of each Item, including design, 20% contingencies, and escalation through the midpoint of each term. Grants and don~tions may reduce the cost of e~ch Item sjgn~lcantly. Page 2