La Palma Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Master Plan
In 2009, the City Council contracted with MIG, Inc. to develop the La Palma Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will establish a vision for the future, while taking into account the existing condition of facilities and the total parks, recreation, and cultural arts desires of the community.
During the development of the document, numerous public outreach efforts occurred, such as a phone survey, onsite surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews. The results have identified both recreational needs for facilities and the types of programs desired by La Palma residents that would meet their expectations for a successful park and recreation system for the next 20 years and beyond.
Based on these findings, a Conceptual Site Plan for Central Park was developed to incorporate items considered most important given space constraints. The proposed Site Plan provides for several new amenities, including: group picnic shelters, a children’s water plaza, reflection/meditation garden, walking/exercise trail, and improved park entryways. The Site Plan also addresses a number of space conflict issues, such as the relocation of the existing children’s play area from next to the basketball courts to a more user friendly and expanded area; relocation of the softball field to maximize field space and field orientation; and relocation of the park restroom to serve both park and greenbelt users. In addition to Central Park, other parks, schools, and the Edison right-of-way were identified for possible future improvements. The Conceptual Site Plan was reviewed by the City Council in January.
In addition to facility needs, programming was also reviewed and addressed. The Master Plan needs assessment concluded that La Palma residents enjoy a variety of recreation activities, programs, and services. The Master Plan recommends that leisure service programs offered by the City continue to be developed, designed, and delivered so that they provide the following benefits: unique sense of place, sense of belonging, healthy lifestyles, advance lifelong learning, personal growth, safety and security, youth development, strong family units, cultural expression, enjoyable senior years, fun, and celebration.
In early 2010 the City applied for a grant from the California State Parks Department to fund the improvements antcipated in the Master Plan. The Master Plan document is available for viewing online (12.3MB), at City Hall, and at the La Palma Community Center.
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Recommendations -
The 12 Goals for Success
- Pursue implementation of the Concept Site Plan for development of Central Park
- Pursue development of school sites for sport complexes and family recreation
- Pursue recreation programs that provide leisure service benefits Recognize Park Maintenance as a budget priority
- Increase recreation and social programs for teens
- Expand indoor and outdoor programs for seniors
- Continue negotiations with Southern California Edison (SCE) for greenbelt improvements
- Provide community events for celebration and socialization that identify La Palma
- Address the need for aquatic activities and swim lessons
- Use park resources as assets to generate new revenue to deliver desired services
- Address SCE greenbelt access and restrooms at El Rancho Verde Park
- Continue park landscape standards that include “Sustainable Design Elements"
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Additionally, the City Council authorized funding for consultant MIG, Inc. to develop the design drawings and construction documents for the improvements noted above. At the July 20th meeting, the City Council is expected to receive the design drawings for review and comment.
Revised Conceptual Plan
On Tuesday, July 20, 2010, the La Palma City Council reviewed the Conceptual Site plan for Central Park as adopted in conjunction the Comprehensive Parks & Recreation System Master Plan. Staff and consultants from MIG presented photographs of both design elements and equipment recommended to be included in the final design. An optional Art in Public Spaces component was also presented for consideration.
During public comment, several residents expressed concern regarding the proposed relocation of the softball field. A former City Councilmember also shared his concern with the removal of the volunteer-built gazebo which commemorated the United States Bicentennial celebration. Additional comments suggested that the final design incorporate elements which remind residents of La Palma’s dairy farm roots.
After discussion and further public input, the City Council directed staff to leave the softball field in its current location and to further refine the design. This revised design will be presented to the City Council at their September 7, 2010 meeting. Additionally, staff will bring the public art component back to the City Council for consideration at a future meeting.
If you have questions about the Central Park Conceptual Plan or wish to be notified when the City Council meets on this item, please contact (714) 690-3350.
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Central Park - First Conceptual Site Plan
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