Agenda - 11-09-2005-3 - Laserfiche WebLink

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' a}~~~` ~faFi~ t E ::.> Orange County Recreation & Parks NORTHERN PARK OPERATIONS The Recreation and Parks Department's operations resources will directly impact the health and the economic development of the Orange County community. As parks are developed and facilities built, the condition in which they are maintained and the programs provided have the potential to increase the real and perceived value of surrounding properties and businesses. In every survey measuring the desirability of a community, open space and recreation and parks appear at or neaz the top of the scale of criteria along with quality schools. Businesses are attracted to communities with a strong commitment in these areas. Families look for communities with safe and beautiful parks nearby. They look for places to live where programs and activities for themselves and their children are plentiful. Use and participation in Recreation and Pazks programs and facilities can impact obesity, general health and combat the sedentary lifestyles which seem to be so prevalent, even increasing, in American families, The level of funding for personnel and operations at Northern Park will determine what the park looks like and how it is used on a daily basis. Whether or not trash is picked up daily, restrooms are cleaned daily, playing fields have grass on them, children's playgrounds are inspected and safe, and whether the park is an asset to the community will to a great degree be predicated on the monetary commitment made to the park in operating funds. The Recreation and Parks Department hopes to achieve a service level in pazk operations that is reasonable for our community and its citizens. Cost projections have been developed to provide economic efficiency, reduced liability, improved public image and environmental stewardship, Little River Park, with 15 acres of developed park area, along with 387 acres of preserve, has a staff of two full time employees and three temporary positions. While certain projects and trail work take staff into the preserve areas, by far the majority of staff time is spent in the front 15 acres. This area includes a playgrowid, two picnic shelters, parking and grassy areas. No playing field or court is present at this park, The current staffing level is spartan, It is at times, difficult to meet expectations. Interpretive programs have not yet been developed, the park management plan has not been completed, additional signage, benches and kiosks need to be constructed and repaired. The azmual operating budget for Little River Park is --$184,000, with $58,000 additional spent on start-up capital in the last two years, Northem Pazk will have 48 acres with two lighted athletic fields, courts, playgrounds, a paved walking track, trails, a shelter with restrooms and parking in Phase I. This active park will have operational requirements, which are substantially different from those at Little River Park.