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5. Environmental Analysis SEIR No. 339 City of Anaheim• Page 5.8-1 5.8 RECREATION 5.8.1 Environmental Setting Existing Conditions Parks and other recreational facilities provide a multitude of benefits to the community, such as open space, conservation of natural and significant resources, buffers between land uses, preservation of scenic views, trails, and other recreational uses. Citywide Recreational facilities in the Anaheim area include public and private parks, public trails, baseball/softball fields, recreation centers, nature centers, and private facilities such as golf courses, swimming pools, and tennis courts. Figure 5.8-1 shows the location of parks and trails in the City. To meet the recreational needs of the City, a hierarchy has been established that classifies parks based on park type, size, service area, use, and facilities. Park classifications include: • Mini-parks • Neighborhood parks • Community parks • Special Use Park Facilities • Additional Recreation Opportunities Mini-Parks Often called pocket parks, these are the smallest type of park and are typically less than five acres in size. They often consist of passive recreational uses (although basketball, children’s play areas, and other active uses can be included), provide little or no parking and only serve the immediate area. George Washington Park, Walnut Grove Park, and Little People’s Park are good examples of this type of park. The City of Anaheim owns or operates seven mini-parks, listed in Table 5.8-1. A 0.77-acre public mini-park has been recently constructed within the Platinum Triangle, north of Katella Avenue at Auburn Way and Wright Circle. The Magnolia Park is the first public park constructed in the Platinum Triangle. The construction of the park was required per the PTMU Overlay Zone and the Platinum Triangle Standard Development Agreement in conjunction with the adjacent residential development and is privately maintained by the property owner. Table 5.8-1 Mini-Park Facilities in the City of Anaheim Park Size (Acres) Location 1 Citrus 1.5 Central Anaheim 2 Colony 0.2 Central Anaheim 3 Little Peoples 1.0 Central Anaheim 4 George Washington 3.0 Central Anaheim 5 Julianna 0.1 Central Anaheim 6 Walnut Grove 3.0 Central Anaheim 7 Cottonwood 0.5 Central Anaheim ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis RECREATION Page 5.8-2 • The Planning Center August 2010 Neighborhood Parks This is the most common type of park in Anaheim. These are parks to which people walk or bike and are located within the neighborhood they serve. They are typically 5 to 15 acres in size and have a service radius of one-half mile. Neighborhood parks are located on separate properties and provide amenities determined through public participation, often including picnic areas, unlighted athletic fields, children’s play areas, open green space, restrooms, recreation and neighborhood center buildings, and off-street parking. If possible, these are located adjacent to elementary or middle schools to facilitate joint use with local school districts. The City of Anaheim owns or operates 22 neighborhood parks, listed in Table 5.8-2. In addition, the Colony Park is currently under construction at the intersection of Melrose Street and South Street in the historic Anaheim Colony Historic District. It would feature a small citrus grove of Valencia Orange trees, covered picnic areas, a playground for children, and would become the 25th attraction along the “Art in Public Places” art walk. Table 5.8-2 Neighborhood Parks in the City of Anaheim Neighborhood Park Size (Acres) Location 1 Barton 4.8 West Anaheim 2 Canyon Rim 5.5 East Anaheim 3 Chaparral 10.0 West Anaheim 4 Edison 7.5 Central Anaheim 5 Eucalyptus 10.0 East Anaheim 6 Hansen 7.0 West Anaheim 7 Imperial 7.4 East Anaheim 8 Juarez 9.5 Central Anaheim 9 Lincoln 5.1 Central Anaheim 10 Manzanita 7.5 Central Anaheim 11 Palm Lane 7.0 Central Anaheim 12 Peter Marshall 5.0 West Anaheim 13 Ponderosa 9.0 Central Anaheim 14 Rio Vista 12.8 Central Anaheim 15 Riverdale 8.5 East Anaheim 16 Ross 5.5 Central Anaheim 17 Sage 8.6 Central Anaheim 18 Schweitzer 11.5 West Anaheim 19 Stoddard 9.4 Central Anaheim 20 Sycamore 8.0 East Anaheim 21 Willow 8.8 Central Anaheim 22 Fairmont 11.8 East Anaheim ---PAGE BREAK--- Source: City of Anaheim General Plan 5. Environmental Analysis SEIR No. 339 The Planning Center • Figure 5.8-1 Location of Parks within the City of Anaheim Central Anaheim Park Facilities 1. Downtown Community Center (Acres N/A) 2. Boysen (24.6 Acres) 3. Citrus (1.5 Acres) 4. Colony (0.2 Acres) 5. Cottonwood (0.5 Acres) 6. Edison (7.5 Acres) 7. Juarez (9.5 Acres) 8. Julianna (1.0 Acres) 9. La Palma (21.0 Acres) 10. Lincoln (5.1 Acres) 11. Little Peoples (1.0 Acres) 12. Manzanita (7.5 Acres) 13. Palm Lane (7.0 Acres) 14. Pearson (19.0 Acres) 15. Pioneer (15.8 Acres) 16. Ponderosa (9.0 Acres) 17. Rio Vista (12.8 Acres) 18. Ross Park (9.5 Acres) 19. Sage (8.6 Acres) 20. Stoddard (9.4 Acres) 21. Walnut Grove (3.0 Acres) 22. George Washington (3.0 Acres) 23. Willow (8.8 Acres) East Anaheim Park Facilities 1. Anaheim Wetlands (5.0 Acres) 2. Canyon Rim (5.5 Acres) 3. Deer Canyon (130.0 Acres) 4. Eucalyptus (10.0 Acres) 5. Fairmont (11.8 Acres Undeveloped) 6. Imperial (7.5 Acres) 7. Nohl Ranch (4.5 Acres) 8. Oak (4.0 Acres) 9. Oak Canyon Nature Center (58.0 Acres) 10. Olive Hills (10.7 Acres) 11. Pelanconi (27.0 Acres) 12. Peralta Canyon (21.4 Acres) 13. Riverdale (8.5 Acres) 14. Sycamore (8.0 Acres) 15. Toyon (16.0 Acres) 16. Walnut Canyon (3.0 Acres) 17. Yorba Ballfields (16.0 Acres) West Anaheim Area Park Facilities 1. Barton (4.8 Acres) 2. Brookhurst (27.0 Acres) 3. Chaparral (10.0 Acres) 4. Delphi (2.0 Acres) 5. Hansen (7.0 Acres) 6. John Marshall (15.0 Acres) 7. Maxwell (16.2 Acres) 8. Modjeska (23.5 Acres) 9. Peter Marshall (5.0 Acres) 10. Reid (27.2 Acres) 11. Schweitzer (11.5 Acres) Specialized Recreation Mini-Park City Boundary Nature Center Sphere-of-Influence Neighborhood Park Community Park Knott Ave Western Ave Beach Blvd Dale St Magnolia Ave Gilbert St Brookhurst St Muller St La Palma Ave Crescent Ave Lincoln Ave Broadway Orange Ave Ball Rd Cerritos Ave Katella Ave Orangewood Ave Chapman Ave Euclid S t Nutwood St 9th St Walnut St Disneyland Dr Harbor Blvd Douglass Rd S Haster St Disney Way Gene Autry Way West St Harbor Blvd Anaheim Blvd Olive St East St South St Vermont Ave Santa Ana St Broa way Lincoln Ave Sycamore St North St Ball Rd Wagner Ave South St La Palma Ave Romneya Dr Orangethorpe Ave Euclid S t Lemon St Raymond Ave Harbor Blvd Acacia Ave State College Blvd Placentia Ave Sunkist St Rio Vista St Crowther Ave Orangethorpe Ave Miraloma Ave La Palma Ave Red Gum St Kraemer Blvd Miller St T u s tin A v e Van Buren St N Lakeview A ve Kellogg Dr Esp eran z a R d Orangethorpe Ave La Palma Ave Imperial Hwy Santi a g o B l Meat s A ve Impe r ia l Hwy N o h l Ra nc h R d Santa Ana Canyon Rd Fairmont B lvd Ca ny on R i m Rd S e r r a n o A ve Weir C any o n Rd O a k Ca ny o n D r Metrolink Blue Gu m S t Cerrito s A ve 1 2 3 6 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 15 17 19 11 2 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 13 1 2 3 5 7 8 13 9 16 10 11 20 4 18 1 23 5 7 3 Loara St Romneya Dr An ah ei m H i lls R d Lewis St State College Blvd 241 91 91 55 57 90 5 22 4 d 21 The Platinum Triangle NOT TO SCALE ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis RECREATION Page 5.8-4 • The Planning Center August 2010 This page intentionally left blank. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis RECREATION SEIR No. 339 City of Anaheim• Page 5.8-5 Community Parks Community parks are located near major arterial streets and serve several neighborhoods within a one- to two-mile radius. Their sizes range from 15 to 30 acres. Park amenities generally include lighted ball fields, tennis courts, and community centers or recreation buildings. Community parks are also designed for vehicular as well as pedestrian access. They are located adjacent to middle or high schools, when possible, in an attempt to facilitate joint use with local school districts. Table 5.8-3 shows the Community Parks located within the City of Anaheim. Table 5.8-3 Community Parks in the City of Anaheim Community Park Size (Acres) Location 1 Boysen 24.6 Central Anaheim 2 Brookhurst 27.0 West Anaheim 3 John Marshall 15.0 West Anaheim 4 La Palma 21.0 Central Anaheim 5 Maxwell 18.5 West Anaheim 6 Modjeska 23.5 West Anaheim 7 Pearson 19.0 Central Anaheim 8 Peralta Canyon 21.4 East Anaheim 9 Pioneer 15.8 Central Anaheim 10 Toyon 16.0 East Anaheim 11 Twila Reid 27.2 West Anaheim Special Use Park Facilities These facilities serve a specialized, citywide need and tend to focus on one particular activity, such as an educational/nature center or natural area, tennis, or golf complex. Some special use facilities include meeting/conference areas intended to generate revenue for the City through the rental of rooms for conferences or special events. The City of Anaheim owns and/or operates nine special use parks, listed in Table 5.8-4. Table 5.8-4 Special Use Park Facilities in the City of Anaheim Community Park Size (Acres) Location Delphi 2.0 West Anaheim Downtown Community Center N/A Central Anaheim Anaheim Wetlands 5.0 East Anaheim Deer Canyon 130.0 East Anaheim Oak Canyon Nature Center 58.0 East Anaheim Oak 4.0 East Anaheim Olive Hills 10.7 East Anaheim Pelanconi 27.0 East Anaheim Walnut Canyon 3.0 East Anaheim Yorba Regional Park 13.0 East Anaheim Hill Site #1 4.3 (Undeveloped) East Anaheim ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis RECREATION Page 5.8-6 • The Planning Center August 2010 5.8.2 Thresholds of Significance According to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project would normally have a significant effect on the environment if the project: R-1 Would increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. R-2 Includes recreational facilities or requires the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. 5.8.3 Environmental Impacts IMPACT 5.8-1: THE PROPOSED PROJECT WOULD INCREASE DEMANDS ON EXISTING PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. [THRESHOLDS R-1 AND R-2] Impact Analysis: The Proposed Project would result in substantial population increase in the area. An increase of an additional 8,643 units in the PTMU Overlay Zone would require approximately 26 acres of park land, assuming an average of 1.5 persons per dwelling unit, based upon the City’s goal of providing two acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. Development of up to 10,266 units, as currently permitted, requires approximately 31 acres of park area. According to the City of Anaheim Parks Division, the existing parks facilities are already impacted with overuse and additional demand created by the Proposed Project would further exacerbate the current deficiency. Existing users of the parks and recreational facilities are being turned away from joining a sports group or making a picnic reservation due to lack of availability. Therefore, any added demand will cause the recreational facilities to be reserved above capacity without resting the fields or allowing adequate time for renovation and repair. Additional population would also accelerate the normal wear and tear process and increase the likelihood of graffiti and vandalism. Anaheim Municipal Code, Section 18.20.110.010, establishes the requirements for recreational spaces for development within the PTMU Overlay Zone. A developer of a project that includes over 325 residential units on a parcel that is eight acres or larger, is required to construct an on-site, privately maintained public park. This requirement ensures that small parks are distributed throughout the residentially developed portions of the Platinum Triangle. These mini-parks are required to be a minimum size of 44 square feet per each dwelling unit. In addition, developers of residential units are required to pay a park-in-lieu fee that is higher than the fee paid for development in other areas of the City. This fee is used to provide the funding necessary for the development of future parks and is based upon the land value of property located within the Platinum Triangle. For developers that include a public park as part of their development, the value of the parkland dedication is credited against the overall park-in-lieu fees paid for the project. This credit is given for park land dedication only and does not include improvements to the park. Every developer is also required to provide 200 square feet of recreational-leisure area for each dwelling unit within private and/or common areas. Recreational facilities developed in association with the Platinum Triangle would primarily be mini urban parks, and therefore would not alleviate the need for larger neighborhood parks or community parks with recreational amenities such as turf ball fields. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis The Planning Center • Figure 5.8-2 Existing Green Plan SEIR No. 339 Source: City of Anaheim Lewis St State College Blvd Douglass Rd Gene Autry Way Cerritos Ave Katella Ave Orangewood Ave 5 57 Sunkist St Howell Ave Dupont Dr Rampart St Towne Centre Pl Santa Cruz St 0 500 1,000 250 Feet *Residential areas outside half-mile radius of Neighborhood or Community Park or quarter- mile radius of a Mini Park. Public Parks Open Space Water Uses City Boundary Park Deficiency Areas* Platinum Triangle Boundary Riding/Hiking, Pedestrian and Mountain Bike Trail 0 1,600 Scale (Feet) 5 57 ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis RECREATION Page 5.8-8 • The Planning Center August 2010 This page intentionally left blank. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis The Planning Center • Figure 5.8-3 Proposed Green Plan SEIR No. 339 Source: City of Anaheim 0 500 1,000 250 Feet *Residential areas outside half-mile radius of Neighborhood or Community Park or quarter- mile radius of a Mini Park. Public Parks Open Space Water Uses City Boundary Park Deficiency Areas* Platinum Triangle Boundary Riding/Hiking, Pedestrian and Mountain Bike Trail 0 2,000 Scale (Feet) Lewis St State College Blvd Douglass Rd S Haster St Disney Way Gene Autry Way Cerritos Ave Orangewood Ave Katella Ave 5 57 Sunkist St Howell Ave Dupont Dr Rampart St Towne Centre Pl Santa Cruz St 0 500 1,000 250 Feet 5 57 ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis RECREATION Page 5.8-10 • The Planning Center August 2010 This page intentionally left blank. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis RECREATION SEIR No. 339 City of Anaheim• Page 5.8-11 The Proposed Project includes revisions to the General Plan’s Green Plan as indicated in Figures 5.8-2 Existing Green Plan and 5.8-3 Proposed Green Plan. The Proposed Green Plan reflects the recently constructed Magnolia Park, located north of Katella Avenue, and several additional parks that are required to be constructed as a part of approved development agreements. The areas that are shown as park deficient reflect portions of the Platinum Triangle that are designated for mixed use development and are not within a specified distance of an existing or proposed park site. With the proposed amendments to the Green Plan and the proposed expansion of mixed use development within the Platinum Triangle, properties on the eastern portion of the Platinum Triangle are shown as park deficient on the Proposed Green Plan. These areas do not include any proposed or approved development projects with residential units. The areas that are not shown as park deficient include all of the areas with approved residential development projects; the parks within these areas are a result of compliance with the requirements of the PTMU Overlay Zone and the Platinum Triangle Standard Development Agreement. The dedication of property to the City for park and recreation facilities, development and maintenance of pocket parks by the developer or homeowners’ associations, and the payment of enhanced park-in-lieu fees as required under the City of Anaheim Municipal Code, Section 18.20.110, would reduce impacts to park facilities. IMPACT 5.8-2: DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WOULD NOT HAVE ADVERSE PHYSICAL EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. [THRESHOLD R-2] Impact Analysis: Some of major physical impacts relating to development and operation of recreational facilities include light and glare, noise, and traffic. The current Standardized Development Agreement stipulates that developers of parcels eight or more acres with residential development totaling more than 325 dwelling units shall construct an on-site public park at a minimum size of 44 square feet per unit. If the number of residential development totals 325 units or less, then construction of a park is not required and payment of park-in-lieu fees is required. Every developer is also required to provide 200 square feet of recreational-leisure area for each dwelling unit within private and/or common areas. These mini parks would be less than 5 acres in size and would provide passive recreational uses (although basketball, children’s play areas, and other active uses can be included) with little or no parking and only serve the immediate area. As shown in Figure 5.8-3, Proposed Green Plan, there are eight mini and neighborhood public parks constructed or planned within the Platinum Triangle. Neighborhood parks and mini-parks do not typically include nighttime lighting fixtures that may create adverse nighttime light and glare impacts or bleachers for hosting spectator sporting events that could generate loud cheering noise. Although an offsite parking maybe provided, the majority of a neighborhood park users are anticipated to either walk or bike; therefore, no adverse traffic impacts would result from development of a neighborhood park. Development and operation of a mini-park or a neighborhood park in the project would not result in significant physical impact. While development and operation of a mini-park or a neighborhood park would result in less than significant physical effects, development of a community park may result in potentially significant impacts to sensitive receptors. Community parks are located near major arterial streets and serve several neighborhoods, and generally include lighted ball fields, tennis courts, and community centers or recreation buildings. A conceptual community park location is proposed beyond the limits of the Platinum Triangle boundaries, at the confluence of the Platinum Triangle and I-5. The proposed community park is adjoined by properties designated by the General Plan for Industrial and General Commercial land uses. Therefore, potential impacts from lighting, noise, parking, and traffic would be minimal, since there would be no sensitive receptors nearby. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis RECREATION Page 5.8-12 • The Planning Center August 2010 5.8.4 Cumulative Impacts Recreational needs of future residents of the Proposed Project and other cumulative development in accordance with the Adopted MLUP would add to citywide and regional demand for parks and recreation opportunities. However, the Proposed Project creates development opportunities in an under- utilized industrial area, thereby alleviating development pressures in other open space areas that could be developed for parks or other recreational purposes. In addition, each project within the Platinum Triangle would be required to satisfy the City’s park dedication standards and conditions. The Proposed Project’s impacts on parks and recreational opportunities would be cumulatively considerable but not adverse. 5.8.5 Existing Regulations and Standard Conditions Anaheim Municipal Code, Section 18.20.110.010. Authorized by the Quimby Act, the City of Anaheim requires new development to pay a fee or dedicate land for park and recreation facilities. Developers of parcels eight acres or larger with more than 325 residential units shall provide and construct an on-site public park at a minimum size of 44 square feet per unit. Said park shall be bounded on at least one side by a public street with on-street parking. This requirement is in addition to the payment of park-in-lieu fees; however, the value of the parkland dedication will be credited against overall park-in-lieu fees paid for the project. This credit will be given for park land dedication only. No credit will be given for improvements to the park or for required recreational-leisure areas. Parcels less than eight acres in size shall pay park-in-lieu fees. If the number of residential development totals 325 units or less, that construction of a park is not required. Park Fees. All residential dwelling unit development within the PTMU Overlay Zone requires payment of the Platinum Triangle Park In Lieu Fees as adopted by the City Council and as amended from time to time. If the property is eight or more acres in size, the property owner will dedicate, develop and maintain a mini-park substantially in conformance with an approved final site plan for the project. 5.8.6 Level of Significance Before Mitigation Upon implementation of regulatory requirements and standard conditions of approval, Impact 5.8-2 would be less than significant. Without mitigation, the following impact would be potentially significant: • Impact 5.8-1 The Proposed Project would result in substantial increase in park facilities demand. 5.8.7 Mitigation Measures Impact 5.8-1 8-1 Ongoing during project implementation, the City shall continue to seek property acquisition opportunities for parkland in and adjacent to the project area. 8-2 Ongoing during project implementation, the City shall continue to work with developers to seek alternative means of providing recreational amenities. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis RECREATION SEIR No. 339 City of Anaheim• Page 5.8-13 8-3 Ongoing during project implementation, the City shall continue fostering partnerships with other public entities and private organizations to seek alternative means of providing various types of recreational opportunities. 5.8.8 Level of Significance After Mitigation Upon implementation of mitigation measures and existing regulations would ensure that adequate recreation facilities are provided. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5. Environmental Analysis RECREATION Page 5.8-14 • The Planning Center August 2010 This page intentionally left blank.