Document Eagle_doc_3de42e77f7

Prepared by : The Land Group, Inc. CITY OF EAGLE 2016 CITYWIDE PARK MASTER PLAN DRAFT 04.01.16 This Document was not adopted by the City but is provided as a reference ---PAGE BREAK--- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS CITY OF EAGLE - CITY COUNCIL Stan Ridgeway - Mayor Jeff Kunz - Council President Stan Bastian Naomi Preston Craig Soelberg PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Mike Aho - Director PARKS & PATHWAYS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Lynn Moser - Chairman Charles Baun - Vice Chairman Don Stockton Dan Friend Marc Grubert Scott Marshall Mike Huffaker ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. CONSULTANTS The Land Group, Inc. Planet Dynamic, LLC Lynda Friesz Public Relations, Inc. Idaho Economics ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ---PAGE BREAK--- TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY page 1 MISSION STATEMENT & VISION page 5 GOALS & OBJECTIVES page 9 DEMOGRAPHIC REVIEW & ANALYSIS page 17 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. NEEDS ASSESSMENT page 27 INVENTORY, LEVEL OF SERVICE & FUTURE NEEDS page 39 FUNDING & IMPLEMENTATION page 55 APPENDICES supplemental document TABLE OF CONTENTS ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 CITYWIDE PARK MASTER PLAN Overview T he City of Eagle is a small community of just over 20,000 people that operates under a mayor and council form of government. The community’s agricultural roots have trended towards medium- to large-lot single family residential growth with supporting commercial development. The local population’s emphasis on the value of open spaces and amenities is expressed in the typical housing products found in Eagle. Home values and the average size of residential lots are generally higher and larger in the City of Eagle than adjacent communities throughout the Treasure Valley. Developments with medium- to large-lot sizes and community amenities such as pools, water features, pasturage, dedicated open spaces, and/or trails for residents are in high demand. As such, these areas are typically appraised at higher per acre values relative to the value of subdivisions that offer smaller lot sizes and little, if any, common area or direct access to parks, open space, or trails. Among those eligible for the workforce (age 18-65), 15% of residents work or telecommute from home while 25% are not employed. These demographics therefore provide extensive opportunities for recreation throughout the course of a typical weekday. This characteristic creates high expectations for recreational opportunities which include convenient access to open spaces and trails for the sole purpose of enjoying the area’s social opportunities, keeping fit, enjoying scenic views, and wildlife. Eagle’s growth trends and policies encourage annexation ahead of development, providing opportunities to secure agreements for long-range facility needs such as parklands, trails, public safety, public health, and education or other necessary lands/facilities. This approach may also be used to establish a basis for providing fiscally sound and timely local government services as growth occurs. Where no annexation agreements have been made, the City may have to take steps in short–term financial planning efforts to identify, fund, and secure any strategic parcels needed to adequately provide services to existing and future residents. Prior to 2013 the City had been reasonably successful in providing for needed open space and parklands. This was accomplished with guidance from its comprehensive land use plans and oversight by the Parks and Pathways Development Commission, the City Planning and Zoning Commission, Mayors, and City Councils. This resulted in the City owning a number of developed parks, trails, and trailheads; in addition to ensuring maintenance obligations on a range of public lands such as treed boulevards, drainage and irrigation features, utility corridors, and other open spaces. City ownership of this public infrastructure created responsibilities to provide and maintain service levels, while limiting the City’s liability exposure. In 2013/14, as a result of the growing demands for service within the parks system, the City hired its first Parks and Recreation Department Director and staff. Additionally, City leadership set in motion development of the City’s first Comprehensive Citywide Park Master Plan to guide both short- and long-term growth, as well as provide for proper expenditures and guidance of staff efforts. Executive Summary : OVERVIEW EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 2 STATEMENT OF INTENT This plan is intended to be adopted as an element of the City’s 2011 Comprehensive Plan and the Future Land Use Designation Map. The 2016 Citywide Park Master Plan complements and expands upon the goals, objectives, and implementation strategies reflected in the 2011 Comprehensive Plan. This plan considers the adopted land use plan, demographic projections, existing Eagle Park System, and a variety of agency and public infrastructure plans relevant to the City and its Area of Impact. As such, the plan considers and comports with the requirements of the State of Idaho’s Land Use Enabling Statutes. This plan is further intended to be a recommending document to assist the Eagle City Council, Parks and Pathways Development Commission, and Parks and Recreation Director with decisions relevant to the Parks and Recreation Department. To that end, a Trails and Pathways Mater Plan will succeed and expand upon the relevant trails information presented in this plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 Executive Summary : OVERVIEW FIGURE TITLE Figure Caption... INTEGRATION WITH EXISTING ADOPTED PLANS The following adopted plans were reviewed and considered throughout the process of developing the 2016 Citywide Park Master Plan: • 2011 City of Eagle Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Map • Communities in Motion 2040 (Current Regional Transportation Plan) • Ridge To Rivers Plan • 2007 Ada County Comprehensive Plan (adopted Land Use Plan) Furthermore, this document supports and furthers the goals, objectives, policies, and recommendations found in Chapter 9: Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces of the 2011 Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Map. Specifically, the following adopted City of Eagle Comprehensive Plan statements serve as major goals for this plan: The City of Eagle should seek to: • Promote a high quality of life and livability in the community (by) planning for anticipated populations and households that the community can support with adequate services and amenities. • Establish a significant regional open space network in order to formalize the existing recreational uses, environmentally sensitive area and connections between them through creative design, voluntary dedications, incentive and governmental acquisition or exchange. • Ensure open space areas are designed as part of the larger continuous foothills area and regional open space network. Where possible open space should be located to be contiguous to public lands and existing open space areas. • Development within the Eagle Foothills will be in a series of small hamlets providing areas of urbanized development nestled into the natural environment; establishing development areas that are unique and spatially separated by larger natural areas ---PAGE BREAK--- and open spaces. To create clusters of great living/urbanized that are connected to and contribute to a larger interconnected regional open space network. • Improve areas north of the Boise River with pathways and other amenities to encourage active recreation and passive enjoyment of the river and riparian area. 4 City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Lifetime Sports Eagle Resident’s Interests in Recreational Activities Outdoor Recreation Educational Classes Youth Sports Social Activities Adult Sports Arts & Crafts Family Activities Youth After School Programs Other 0.0% 0.5% 1.0% 1.5% 2.0% 2.5% 3.0% Non-verbal assistance (Braille) What Type of Accommodation is Needed to Serve the People with Disabilities in Your Family? Adaptive Equipment Sign Language Interpretations Other FIGURE TITLE Figure Caption... CHALLENGES The Eagle 2016 Citywide Park Master Plan considers and addresses a variety of challenges that may affect the City and community’s ability to implement and advance aspects of this plan. These include: • A community that is generally reserved about tax increases. • A steady to rapid growth and development rate. • The existing transportation network and its expansion. • Competing priorities for recreational, parks, trails, and open space needs. • Greatest needs in western planning areas of Eagle where opportunities to acquire parkland are limited. ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER ONE CITYWIDE PARK MASTER PLAN Mission & Vision Statement Chapter One : MISSION & VISION STATEMENT 5 ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. EAGLE PARKS & RECREATION MISSION & VISION STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL APPROVED, MARCH 2015 ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter One : MISSION & VISION STATEMENT 7 EAGLE PARKS & RECREATION’S MISSION IS: To provide and create exceptional opportunities for play which improve the livability and quality of life for people while fostering respect for the natural and cultural environments of Eagle. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 8 EAGLE PARKS & RECREATION WILL: …strive to provide quality in all that we do. …embrace Eagle citizens’ input and participation in all we do. …understand the high value that Eagle citizens place on open space, including the foothills and Boise River. …employ and encourage people who are passionate about their jobs. …be recognized as a leader in the parks and recreation field. …foster a sense of community in our services. …seek out innovative methods to provide services, partnerships and funding. …manage and maintain clean, safe facilities. …operate with efficiency while optimizing the use of resources. ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER TWO CITYWIDE PARK MASTER PLAN Goals & Objectives Chapter Two : GOALS & OBJECTIVES 9 LAND ACQUISITION & BUDGETING • Fund & Acquire Multi-Purpose Parklands. Priorities should be lands with river/water access, space for active recreation uses, and those that provide connectivity to public trails, parks and open spaces. a. Explore opportunities for a large-acreage (20 - 40 acres) multi-sports park complex for lacrosse, baseball, soccer, softball, ultimate frisbee, football, and disc golf activities to serve current and future Eagle residents. b. Continue to seek new trail accesses and open space connections along the Boise River, Eagle Foothills, and between major parks. c. Seek to acquire neighborhood parklands where needed to serve new and current residents. Parklands should be large enough (4 - 20 acres) to provide an open play area, parking, picnic shelter, playground, trees, trail connectivity, and other recreational amenities as needed/ requested by surrounding residents. d. Contract for professional real estate broker services through a public RFP process. An annually renewable term contract may be used to establish land priorities, cost of services, and client objectives. • Promote a level of service for public parks and trails which ensures provision of facilities to serve current and future population levels: Current Parkland per 1,000 residents = 3.4 acres Current Non-motorized Trail Miles per 1,000 residents = 0.27 miles • Consider trails and open space planning when negotiating terms for City operation of public utility easements such as storm water basins, electricity transmission corridors, and water/sewer lines. • Review the City’s impact fee ordinance every two years and update as required to ensure that funding may be available as required to meet the adopted parkland and trail standards. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 10 LAND ACQUISITION Priorities should be lands with river/water access, space for active recreation uses, and those that provide connectivity to public trails, parks, and open spaces. • Seek funding for needed parkland and trail acquisitions through the City’s annual Capital Improvement Planning process. a. Seek to acquire parklands and trails in the areas depicted in the Proposed Parks, Trails, and Open Space System Map (see Figure 6.1, Page 64). b. Develop a long-range Capital Improvement Plan that identifies priorities and funding for parkland and trails acquisition, park improvements, recreation facilities, staffing, and operating costs. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Two : GOALS & OBJECTIVES 11 • Adopt policies that ensure maintenance and operation of park and recreation facilities, both existing and proposed, are fully funded for on-going and cyclical maintenance needs. a. Seek to improve developed parkland maintenance funding and staffing to maximize longevity of existing improvements for the community. b. A Parks System Maintenance and Replacement Plan should be developed to identify system-wide cyclical maintenance needs and schedule facility/feature lifecycle replacement. • Consider a range of optional funding sources for meeting the community’s parks and recreation needs, including but not limited to: a. Special Purpose Bond Measure or Parks Levy b. Local Improvement District (LID) or Business Improvement District (BID) c. Local Option Tax (LOT) d. User Fees e. Grants f. Partnerships and Joint Use Agreements g. Creation of a “Friends of Eagle Parks” 501-c3 Foundation PROGRAMMING • Expand Eagle Parks & Recreation Web Presence a. Use social media sites to notify residents and customers of program offerings, important updates, determine interest in proposed new programs, and to engage citizens. b. Ensure the Parks Department utilizes scheduling software and financial software so that customers can register, pay, or receive refunds for programs, rentals, and facility reservations. c. Establish a budget for staffing, operations, and support of marketing and social media efforts. • Approximately every three years, utilize web-based survey tools to informally poll residents to ensure park and recreation services are relevant to the needs of the community. a. Identify emerging trends b. Gauge Eagle Parks System user satisfaction c. Prioritize funding needs • Establish cost recovery goals for adult and youth programs. a. The City’s demographics suggest it would be reasonable to recover 100% or more of the direct costs to provide services to adults. b. Some level of subsidy, approximately 40%, may be necessary for youth programs and low income families. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 12 SUPPORT ADULT ACTIVITIES Promote individual lifetime sports. PROMOTE ADULT ACTIVITIES Support activities that build upon the strong sense of community. TARGET SERVICES TO YOUTH Offer seasonal recreational programming. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Two : GOALS & OBJECTIVES 13 UNDERSTAND COMMUNITY NEEDS Review city demographics to understand how community needs are evolving. • Ensure staffing for programs and events is aligned with applicable service standards and state/local codes. a. Offer seasonal recreational programming that targets services to youth. After-school programs, lifetime sports/activities, and the arts may be priority needs. b. Promote adult activities that build on the sense of community and are offered at convenient times. Volunteering, adult leagues, individual lifetime sports, arts, and social events may be priority needs. • Explore potential partnership opportunities to promote equal access to programs for all residents. a. Pursue a variety of grants, scholarships, donations, and public-private partnerships for purchase of recreation equipment and to offset program participation costs. MANAGEMENT • Review City demographics a minimum of every years in an effort to understand how community needs are evolving. • Update the Citywide Park Master Plan every five years or as necessary to address population change, area growth, services and facilities expansion needs, mapping, and current economic conditions. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 14 • Continue to support, maintain and expand the Boise River Greenbelt through the Eagle Area of Impact Boundary. Cooperate with adjacent jurisdictions and partners to ensure a consistent quality and theme for the greenbelt corridor. Strive to meet American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards for major travel corridors. • Provide, protect, and conserve public access and trails which connect existing public parklands and residential areas including Eagle Island State Park and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in the foothills. a. Advance the 2009 Request for Acquisition from the BLM to ensure that public access to foothills BLM lands remains in perpetuity. b. Work with BLM, land owners, developers, and user groups to establish and maintain an interconnected trail system in the Eagle Foothills. c. Model the Ridge to River’s Trails Program to connect trail systems at, and across, jurisdictional boundaries. d. Annually review and update the citywide inventory of existing sidewalks, bike lanes, and multi-modal pathways to identify connectivity deficiencies throughout the City. e. Refine the Proposed Parks, Trails, and Open Space System Map to identify feasible route alignments and prioritize acquisitions. THE GREENBELT Continue to coordinate, support, maintain, and expand the Boise River Greenbelt through the Eagle Area of Impact. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Two : GOALS & OBJECTIVES 15 • Continue to develop Eagle Parks and Recreation Brand. a. Develop system-wide facility and trail signage standards to increase user identification and navigation of the Eagle Parks System. b. Confirm/develop site furnishings plan for Eagle Parks System or individual parks as desired by Parks Director and Parks & Pathways Development Commission. c. Ensure appropriate facility use rules are adopted and posted at each major access. d. Ensure a site address is posted with an emergency number at each park or trailhead. • Inventory existing City parklands and trails to identify current condition, levels of use, and costs to sustain all improvements for maximum longevity and future replacement or renovation. • Ensure provisions for quality indoor and outdoor recreation programs and facilities are equally available and open for participation by any person who requires an accommodation: a. Customer support staff should be knowledgeable and able to support existing quality adaptive recreation programs available in adjacent jurisdictions (Boise, Meridian, Star, etc.) if help is requested by a City resident. b. Prepare a short- and long-range action plan to identify, fund, and provide staff resources to advance Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance for equal access to the City’s parks, open spaces, trails, programs, and recreational facilities. PUBLIC ACCESS TO TRAILS Protect and conserve public trail access in an effort to connect existing public parklands and residential areas. STANDARDIZE SIGNAGE Develop system-wide facility and trail signage standards to improve system identification and navigation. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 16 SAFETY AND SECURITY FOR ALL. Ensure ADA compliance and seek a stable, regular funding source for annual ADA site improvements. SAFETY & SECURITY • Seek a stable, regular funding source of $10K per year for annual ADA compliance projects to keep the Eagle Parks System current as ADA standards and requirements are updated. • Work cooperatively with law enforcement agencies to monitor and patrol public trails, parks, and open spaces. Ensure that additional law enforcement resources are available as the population and number of facilities increase. a. Citizens should be encouraged to call the local law enforcement agency to respond to incidents of vandalism, illegal camping, illegal dumping, pet issues, wildlife concerns, improper access, and threats to persons or property that occur in City-managed parks, trails, and open spaces. b. Train all parks and recreation staff on security issues within the parks system. Ensure that qualified personnel are available to resolve complaints and address illegal activities and property damage. Restitution should be sought anytime there is damage to public property and the perpetrator is caught. c. Design, build, and maintain public recreation facilities in accordance with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. Refer to the International CPTED Association (www.cpted. net) and National Crime Prevention Council (www.ncpc.org) for more information. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Three : DEMOGRAPHIC REVIEW & ANALYSIS 17 S hort- and long-range comprehensive planning requires a thorough understanding of local demographics. This plan includes a detailed analysis of the current demographics for the City of Eagle utilizing data from the 2000 and 2010 US Census, as well as population projections provided by the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS). The analysis focused on three specific areas: Age Distribution, Household Characteristics, and Population Growth. AGE DISTRIBUTION A clear understanding of the City’s age distribution among the current and projected populations provides a strategic advantage in the development of recreation programs targeted at various age groups within the impact areas. The following age categories are used to identify the various user groups: Under 5 years: This group represents users of preschool programs and facilities. As trails and open space users, this age group is often in strollers. These individuals are the future participants in youth activities. 5 to 14 years: This group represents current youth program participants. 15 to 24 years: This group represents young adult program participants moving out of youth programs into adult programs. Members of this age group are often seasonal employment seekers. 25 to 34 years: This group represents potential adult program participants. Included in this group is the “Millennial Generation” of young adults coming of age. Many in this age group are beginning long- term relationships and establishing families. 35 to 54 years: This group represents users of a wide range of adult programming and park facilities. Their characteristics extend from having preschool-age children and youth program participants to becoming empty nesters. 55 to 64 years: This group represents users of older adult programming exhibiting the characteristics of approaching retirement (or already retired) and typically enjoying grandchildren. This group may also be caring for older parents. 65 years plus: Nationally, this group is increasing at a dramatic rate. Pew Research reports that in 2030, 15% of the population will be 65 or older as the last wave of Baby Boomers reach this age. Recreation centers, senior centers, and senior programs have a significant link to the health and wellbeing of this age category. This group ranges from very healthy, active seniors to those which require assistance for day to day living. This analysis compared the age distribution between the City of Eagle, Ada County, CITYWIDE PARK MASTER PLAN Demographic Review & Analysis CHAPTER THREE ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 18 FIGURE 3.1: 2010 CENSUS: POPULATION BREAKDOWN BY AGE GROUP The median age for the City of Eagle is 39.2 years. The City of Eagle has the highest percentage of its population in the 35-54 and 5-14 age cohorts. 65+ YRS 55-64 YRS AGE DISTRIBUTION Understanding the City of Eagle’s population age distribution can help strategically target programs and services toward the needs of various age groups. 0- YRS 5-14 YRS 15-24 YRS 25-34 YRS 35-54 YRS 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 0-5 Years 5-14 Years 15-24 Years 25-34 Years 35-54 Years 55-64 Years 65+ Years USA Idaho Ada County City of Eagle ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Three : DEMOGRAPHIC REVIEW & ANALYSIS FIGURE 3.2: 2010 CENSUS: HOUSEHOLDS BY AGE OF HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD The City of Eagle has the highest percentage of its households headed by persons in the 45-54 age cohort (an average of 36.5% at the 2010 Census). 19 the State of Idaho, and the nation as a whole. As shown in Figure 3.1, the City of Eagle has the highest percentage of its population in the 35-54 age cohort (an average of 32.3%), 5-14 55-64 (12.3%) and the 65+ (11.7%) age cohorts. The median age for the City of Eagle is 39.2 years, 11.0% higher than Ada County (34.8 years) and the State of Idaho (34.6 years). As shown in Figure 3.2, the City of Eagle has the highest percentage of its households headed by persons in the 45- 54 age cohort (an average of 36.5%) with the 35-44 age cohort being the second largest heading households The average age of head of household in the City of Eagle (51.7 years) is significantly higher than it is in Ada County (47.9 years) and moderately higher than it was in the State of Idaho (50.0 years). The aging of existing households at the 2000 Census cannot account for the notable increase in the age of head of households in Eagle at the 2010 Census. There are two likely reasons for this phenomenon: First, the average value of new and existing homes in Eagle is higher than that found in Ada County as a whole, the effect of which is the in-migration of 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Under 25 Years 25-34 Years 35-44 Years 45-54 Years 55-64 Years 65+ Years USA Idaho Ada County City of Eagle ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 20 new households into Eagle that are more financially established. Secondly, the availability of multi-family housing units in Eagle is notably less (5.3% of total housing units in Eagle) than in Ada County (17.4% of total housing units) or the State of Idaho (15.0% of total housing units). The lack of multifamily housing may tend to preclude the establishment of newer (younger) households in the City of Eagle. HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS The observation that the households in the City of Eagle tend to be more financially established is supported by the 2010 Census statistics (see Table 3.1). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3.3, the average household income in Eagle of $106,400 at the 2010 Census was 40.0% higher than the average household income in Ada County ($76,160) and 55.0% higher than the average household income in the State of Idaho ($68,800). Households reporting making less than $25,000 annually comprise 12.6% of Eagle’s households. Additionally, the 2010 Census indicates the City of Eagle had a total of 7,550 housing units, of which 7,065 were occupied. The City’s average household size at the 2010 Census stood at 2.82 individuals. Household size data shows that 49.2% of Eagle’s households are multi- occupant (see Figure 3.5 and Figure 3.6), compared to 34.8% that are two-member households and 18.2% that are one-member households. As Figure 3.7 shows, many of Eagle’s households are comprised of two adults in their mid-forties to mid-fifties with one or two preteen or teenage children. These demographic characteristics indicate the City’s residents enjoy an above average income and are often near being empty nesters. Household data, when viewed in context to age population data, further indicates a characteristic that the typical City of Eagle family have upgraded their quality of housing within the last decade. Further, educational attainment of Eagle residents that were 25+ years of age at the 2010 Census was higher than the average in the nation, the State of Idaho, and Ada County. In total, these few characteristics paint a picture of an educated, family oriented, financially stable, and relatively affluent community. TABLE 3.1: 2010 CENSUS COMPARISON OF HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS This chart compares additional household characteristics from the 2010 Census for the nation, the State of Idaho, Ada County, and the City of Eagle. United States State of Idaho Ada County City of Eagle, ID Household Characteristics: Average Household Size 2.58 2.66 2.58 2.82 Family Households 66.4% 69.6% 66.9% 78.2% Married Couple Families 48.4% 55.3% 52.4% 66.7% Non-Family Households 33.6% 30.4% 33.1% 21.8% Average Household Income: $76,188 $63,753 $76,163 $106,399 Occupancy Characteristics - As a Percent of All Housing Units: Owner Occupied Housing Units 57.7% 60.6% 63.7% 75.9% Renter Occupied Housing Units 30.9% 26.1% 29.4% 17.8% Vacant Housing Units 11.4% 13.2% 6.9% 6.4% Educational Attainment - 25+ Years: Less than High School 14.3% 11.4% 6.8% 4.5% High School Graduate 28.3% 27.9% 21.8% 14.8% Some College - No Diploma 21.2% 27.3% 27.7% 22.9% Associates Degree 7.7% 8.7% 8.5% 9.3% Bachelors Degree 17.9% 17.0% 23.6% 33.8% Masters/Prof/Doctorate 10.7% 7.8% 11.7% 14.7% Percent with Associates Degree or Higher 36.2% 33.4% 43.7% 57.8% ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Three : DEMOGRAPHIC REVIEW & ANALYSIS FIGURE 3.3: 2010 CENSUS: HOUSEHOLDS INCOME AS A PERCENT OF ALL HOUSEHOLDS At the 2010 Census the average household income in Eagle ($106,400) was higher than the averages in Ada County and the State of Idaho. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Less than $24,999 $25K - $49,999 $50K - $74,999 $75K - $99,999 $100K - $149,999 $150K + 21 USA Idaho Ada County City of Eagle POPULATION GROWTH The majority of Southwest Idaho’s population growth between 2000 and 2010 was in great part driven by the Treasure Valley’s strong economic forces and housing market conditions that favored single family residential growth. The City’s municipal boundary was, as a result, expanded to provide services needed by new and future residents and the businesses to serve them (see Table 3.2). Between 2000 and 2010, the City of Eagle nearly tripled its corporate boundaries (from 8.5 square miles, to 28.9 SQ. Mi.) and increased its total population by 60% (from 12,400 to over 19,900 people). However, it should be noted that the community’s total population density decreased, likely as a result of annexing many 2-10 acre parcels often used for equestrian and agricultural estates. Furthermore, between the 2000 Census and 2010 Census the number of households in the City of Eagle increased by 63.6% (2,747 households). The average household size in Eagle stayed constant during this period (2.83 persons in 2000 and 2.82 persons in 2010). ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. PROJECTED FUTURE POPULATION GROWTH Table 3.4 and Table 3.5 detail the COMPASS Communities in Motion 2040 forecasts of population and households, respectively, in 5-year increments for Ada County, and Areas of Impact for the Cities of Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Kuna, Meridian, and Star. From these projections it can be seen that population and the number of households in Eagle’s Area of Impact is expected to double in size between the years 2010 and 2040, increasing at annual average rates of 2.3% and 2.44% per year, respectively, over that period. SUMMARY The community’s demographic data suggest that parks and recreation services may need to focus on quality, convenience, and affordability when designing and delivering public facilities and services. The recreational needs associated with serving active adults will likely be a priority to establish and maintain branding and customer satisfaction. To maintain a healthy, active outdoor community culture adult 22 TABLE 3.2: 2010 CENSUS COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHIC FACTS FOR THE CITY OF EAGLE Between 2000 and 2010, the City of Eagle nearly tripled its corporate boundaries (from 8.5 square miles to 28.9 square miles) and increased its total population by 60% (from 12,400 to over 19,900 people). HISTORIC POPULATION GROWTH Table 3.3 details the estimated annual population in the State of Idaho, Ada County, and the Cities of Boise, Eagle, Kuna, Meridian, and Star for the years 1990 through 2014. Over the past 24 years population growth in the City of Eagle has increased at an annual average rate of 8.3% per year. Obviously, these gains are largely the result of three dynamics: 1) the immigration of persons into Eagle; 2) the expansion of the City’s boundaries bringing persons who were residents of unincorporated Ada County into the City, and to a lesser extent; 3) the dynamic of natural population growth (births minus deaths) in the existing resident population. Over the same period of time, population in the State of Idaho increased at an annual average rate of 2% per year while the population in Ada County increased at an annual average rate of 3.1% per year. In 1990 the population of the City of Eagle represented 1.6% of Ada County’s total population. By 2014, Eagle’s population accounted for 5.3% of the county. 2000 City of Eagle 2010 City of Eagle Absolute Change 2000-2010 Percent Change 2000-2010 Description: Square Miles 8.5 28.9 20.5 241.9% Population Density: Persons per Sq. Mile 1,310.4 1,248.2 62.2 -4.7% Population By Year : Population (4.1.1990) 4,763 4,803 Population (4.1.2000) 11,085 12,418 7,615 158.5% Population (4.1.2010) 19,908 7,490 60.3% General Family Characteristics: Family Population 10,173 18,053 7,880 77.5% Non-Family Population 902 1,849 974 105.0% Families 3,145 5,528 2,383 75.8% - as a Percent of Total Households 80.5% 78.2% -2.3% -2.8% Census Demographics : ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Three : DEMOGRAPHIC REVIEW & ANALYSIS FIGURE 3.6: HOUSEHOLD BY SIZE AS A % OF THE TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS 23 FIGURE 3.5: 2010 CENSUS: CITY OF EA- GLE HOUSEHOLD SIZE DISTRIBUTION FIGURE 3.7: 2010 CENSUS: CITY OF EA- GLE AGE OF POPULATION DISTRIBUTION FIGURE 3.8: CITY OF EAGLE HOUSE- HOLDS BY INCOME 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Person 6 Person 7+ Person 7+ Person 6 Person 5 Person 4 Person (17.5%) 3 Person (15.7%) 2 Person (34.8%) 1 Person (18.2%) 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 0-5 Years 6-11 Years 12-17 Years 18-24 Years 25-34 Years 35-44 Years 45-54 Years 55-64 Years 65-74 Years 75-84 Years 85+ Years 0 300 [PHONE REDACTED] 1500 Less than $15,000 $15,000-$24,999 $25,000-$34,999 $35,000-$49,999 $50,000-$74,999 $75,000-$99,999 $100,000-$124,999 $125,000-$149,999 $150,000-$199,999 $200,000+ ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. alternative funding sources. The creation of a trust for Eagle parks (“Friends of Eagle Parks” 501-c3) could play a key role in land acquisition strategy for the Parks and Recreation Department. • Ensure the long-term safety, quality, and value of park and recreation facilities through development and sustained lifecycle maintenance. A city’s recreation and park needs are primarily driven by housing and population characteristics. Household size, resident age distribution, and household economic status provide important data that establishes a baseline of the community’s parks, trails, and recreational needs. The data and analysis above is useful for anticipating needs and can be confirmed using statistically valid survey methods. 24 lifetime sports such as pickleball, bocce ball, tennis, softball, hiking, and biking opportunities may need to be managed as an important city service. Services to youth, primarily preschool and school-age children, may be needed to fill demands or gaps in services not provided by private or other public entities. The City’s relatively rapid population growth combined with significant expansion of the City’s corporate boundaries suggest the City may need to focus on several critical long-range parks and recreation needs if it is to maintain a strong regional position in maintaining quality of life for its citizens. On-going priorities should be: • Trail system development. • Establish and develop brand identity and customer loyalty with convenient, quality affordable recreation programs and facilities. • Land acquisition for current and future needs. • Developing partnerships and TABLE 3.3: 1990-2014 ANNUAL POPULATION AND ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE This table details estimated annual population in the State of Idaho, Ada County, and the Cities of Boise, Eagle, Kuna, Meridian, and Star. % Chg. 1990 1991 3.4% 1992 2.9% 1993 3.5% Year State of Idaho 1,006,734 1,041,316 1,071,685 1,108,768 % Chg. 5.4% 3.9% 5.0% Ada County 205,775 216,798 225,266 236,477 % Chg. 12.6% 3.1% 3.7% Boise 125,738 141,556 145,921 151,255 % Chg. 44.1% 4.0% 8.7% Eagle 3,327 4,794 4,986 5,421 1994 3.3% 1,145,140 4.5% 247,225 2.8% 155,495 12.5% 6,098 1995 2.8% 1,177,322 3.9% 256,860 2.4% 159,258 11.1% 6,777 1996 2.2% 1,203,083 3.7% 266,290 1.8% 162,103 13.0% 7,655 % Chg. 12.3% 3.4% 3.9% Kuna 1,955 2,196 2,271 2,360 1.9% 2,405 5.8% 2,545 14.0% 2,901 % Chg. 14.1% 8.6% 13.6% Meridian 9,596 10,952 11,891 13,513 16.0% 15,671 14.3% 17,907 15.3% 20,642 % Chg. -10.2% 3.1% 4.8% Star 648 582 600 629 3.8% 653 2.1% 667 2.2% 682 1997 2.1% 1998 1.9% 1999 1.9% 1,228,520 1,252,330 1,275,674 3.0% 3.9% 3.3% 274,325 284,946 294,292 1.1% 1.7% 1.0% 163,907 166,704 168,370 6.8% 8.4% 10.0% 8,173 8,863 9,746 2000 1.4% 1,293,953 2.2% 300,904 10.3% 185,787 13.7% 11,085 2001 2.0% 1,319,962 4.3% 313,896 6.4% 197,735 18.9% 13,179 2002 1.5% 1,340,372 2.5% 321,616 0.1% 197,845 5.4% 13,892 13.1% 15.7% 17.2% 3,282 3,797 4,449 21.0% 5,382 36.9% 7,370 11.7% 8,233 12.4% 10.3% 8.3% 23,192 25,572 27,690 26.1% 34,919 18.1% 41,255 8.9% 44,943 2.5% 3.3% 3.5% 699 722 747 140.3% 1,795 36.9% 2,457 15.1% 2,827 2003 1.7% 2004 2.1% 2005 2.6% 1,363,380 1,391,802 1,428,241 1.8% 2.3% 4.1% 327,393 334,926 348,755 -0.5% 0.1% 1.9% 196,856 196,960 200,728 4.5% 4.8% 6.5% 14,523 15,225 16,209 2006 2.8% 1,468,669 4.2% 363,498 2.1% 204,937 6.5% 17,261 2007 2.5% 1,505,105 3.3% 375,368 1.2% 207,379 5.2% 18,166 2008 2.0% 1,534,520 1.9% 382,618 0.0% 207,317 3.9% 18,872 9.8% 9.4% 10.5% 9,043 9,890 10,925 10.0% 12,017 8.3% 13,015 6.6% 13,871 7.6% 7.5% 8.9% 48,347 51,967 56,570 8.6% 61,435 7.1% 65,812 5.5% 69,460 12.4% 11.4% 12.1% 3,178 3,541 3,971 11.4% 4,424 9.5% 4,845 7.6% 5,212 2009 1.3% 2010 0.9% 2011 1.0% 1,554,439 1,567,652 1,583,780 1.6% 1.0% 2.2% 388,577 392,365 401,100 -0.4% -0.4% 1.7% 206,527 205,671 209,258 3.2% 2.2% 2.6% 19,475 19,908 20,424 2012 0.7% 1,595,590 1.9% 408,891 1.4% 212,244 2.9% 21,009 2013 1.1% 1,612,843 1.9% 416,556 0.9% 214,234 3.1% 21,651 2014 1.3% 1,634,464 2.3% 426,236 1.0% 216,282 3.9% 22,502 5.6% 3.9% 4.2% 14,646 15,210 15,846 2.2% 16,191 2.1% 16,532 2.8% 16,999 4.7% 3.2% 3.7% 72,732 75,092 77,867 3.2% 80,369 3.9% 83,515 5.1% 87,743 6.5% 4.4% 3.7% 5,549 5,793 6,006 3.4% 6,208 6.8% 6,628 10.1% 7,295 ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Three : DEMOGRAPHIC REVIEW & ANALYSIS 25 TABLE 3.5: FORECAST HOUSEHOLDS FOR THE YEARS 2010 - 2040 This table details estimated households in Ada County, and the Areas of Impact for the Cities of Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Kuna, Meridian and Star. TABLE 3.4: FORECAST POPULATION FOR THE YEARS 2010 - 2040 This table details estimated population for Ada County, and the Areas of Impact for the Cities of Boise, Eagle, Garden City, Kuna, Meridian and Star. % Chg. 2010 2015 9.5% 2020 6.8% 2025 10.0% Year Ada County 383,491 419,911 448,271 493,221 % Chg. 4.3% 1.0% 6.5% City of Boise 235,384 245,565 247,957 264,019 % Chg. 12.3% 14.7% 12.1% City of Eagle 21,299 23,918 27,428 30,740 % Chg. 2.3% 1.1% 10.4% City of Garden City 11,057 11,315 11,445 12,630 2030 11.3% 549,121 8.0% 285,013 11.0% 34,136 12.0% 14,140 2035 13.3% 621,990 9.7% 312,530 12.1% 38,269 14.1% 16,137 2040 8.4% 674,144 5.0% 328,292 11.6% 42,715 8.9% 17,575 % Chg. 2010 2015 13.8% 2020 10.3% 2025 28.6% Year City of Kuna 17,850 20,311 22,397 28,792 % Chg. 14.6% 15.3% 9.1% City of Meridian 82,250 94,289 108,701 118,600 % Chg. 21.3% 27.0% 26.6% City of Star 6,222 7,546 9,581 12,134 % Chg. 79.9% 22.4% 26.7% Unincorp. County 9,429 16,967 20,762 26,306 2030 24.9% 35,961 9.2% 129,469 24.5% 15,103 34.2% 35,299 2035 28.1% 46,079 10.9% 143,570 25.4% 18,937 31.6% 46,468 2040 10.7% 50,992 5.2% 151,081 28.0% 24,243 27.5% 59,246 % Chg. 2010 2015 6.5% 2020 8.5% 2025 10.0% Year Ada County 148,062 157,657 171,008 188,132 % Chg. 2.8% 3.2% 6.7% City of Boise 96,905 99,630 102,800 109,709 % Chg. 12.2% 15.8% 11.7% City of Eagle 7,582 8,510 9,852 11,000 % Chg. 2.3% 4.1% 10.5% City of Garden City 4,923 5,036 5,242 5,793 2030 11.5% 209,799 8.3% 118,859 10.9% 12,195 12.3% 6,504 2035 13.5% 238,126 10.1% 130,891 12.0% 13,658 14.4% 7,443 2040 14.5% 272,724 11.1% 145,465 14.7% 15,666 15.4% 8,590 % Chg. 2010 2015 13.5% 2020 17.1% 2025 26.3% Year City of Kuna 5,657 6,419 7,515 9,489 % Chg. 13.6% 17.1% 9.4% City of Meridian 27,775 31,555 36,941 40,412 % Chg. 21.3% 28.5% 27.2% City of Star 2,090 2,536 3,260 4,147 % Chg. 26.9% 35.9% 40.5% Unincorp. County 3,130 3,971 5,398 7,582 2030 28.0% 12,147 9.7% 44,324 25.3% 5,197 39.4% 10,573 2035 28.6% 15,618 11.5% 49,406 26.2% 6,560 37.6% 14,550 2040 26.9% 19,812 12.6% 55,632 25.7% 8,249 32.7% 19,310 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 26 ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Four : NEEDS ASSESSMENT 27 D emographic information identifies and frames local demand for parks and recreation facilities and services within a community. However, demographics alone do not provide the full picture. The attitudes and percieved needs of the local citizenry are another critical component of short- and long-range comprehensive planning. STATISTICALLY VALID SURVEY OF CITY RESIDENTS A statistically valid survey seeking input on the long-term recreational facilities and programs needed was administered. 3,000 households were randomly selected within Eagle’s Area of Impact to take part in the survey. The randomly selected households were mailed a postcard inviting them to take part in the survey using a web link to a single survey instrument. To incentivize the survey, survey participants were entered to win a bicycle. The goal of this endeavor was to gather a minimum of 400 responses which would have provided a 99% confidence level. A total of 295 responses were received, resulting in a confidence level of approximately 92%. The survey responses, when compared as percentages, are representative of the whole community. In other words, a need that represents 1% of survey respondents is representative of 200 citizens and/or 77 dwelling units. A 50% need identified by survey respondents is representative of half the City’s population: about 10,000 individuals or 3,500 dwelling units (in round numbers). An important observation is that the household age cohort data collected by the survey compares favorably to the 2010 Census data on age of population. Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2 aid confidence in, and validity of, the survey. The maximum variation between the same Census and household survey data groups is four percentage points This comparison supports the statistical method and sustains the level of confidence that the data is reflective of the community. SURVEY FINDINGS Baseline use of the park system is reflected in the fact that 52% of the households surveyed use parks, trails and open spaces found in and around the City of Eagle. In contrast, 48% of the households surveyed report not using the City’s recreation programs, parks, open spaces, or trails. This separates users from non-users by approximately The survey suggests support for public policy which seeks to provide a range of parks and recreation services that meet community needs over time. Strategies that may be effective could include: 1) develop recognition and branding; 2) provide user education and programming; 3) expand capacity to meet population growth and demand; 4) create partnerships for economic diversification. Residents have a strong preference in the parks and open spaces they use. Survey data suggests more than 500,000 trips per summer month are for the purpose of visiting a public or private park or open space (see Figure 4.3 and Table 4.1). Popularity wise, Eagle residents are avid Boise River Greenbelt users. 47% of residents report use of the greenbelt system. In fact, open spaces with trails are regularly used by 67% of the City’s park system users (see Table 4.1 and Figure 4.4). CITYWIDE PARK MASTER PLAN Needs Assessment CHAPTER FOUR ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 28 FIGURE 4.1: PERCENT OF RESIDENTS IN EACH AGE GROUP FIGURE 4.2: 2010 CENSUS: AGE DISTRIBUTION AS A PERCENT OF CITY POPULATION 65+ Years (10%) 55-64 Years (14%) 45-54 Years (21%) 35-44 Years (11%) 25-34 Years 18-24 Years 15-17 Years (10%) 10-14 Years (12%) 6-10 Years 0-5 Years 85+ Years 75-84 Years 65-74 Years 55-64 Years (12%) 45-54 Years (17%) 35-44 Years (15%) 25-34 Years 18-24 Years 12-17 Years (12%) 6-11 Years (11%) 0-5 Years ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Four : NEEDS ASSESSMENT 29 The City’s developed parks round out visitation and usage, with the larger parks (Ada/Eagle Sports Complex, Merrill Park, and Guerber Park) recieving the most visitation. This visitation data provides key insights concerning the community’s parkland use, needs, and a potential means to prioritize funding. The survey also provides a snapshot of City residents’ use preferences and their desires for recreational programming. Given the City’s short history of providing services, it is not surprising that over 70% of residents are not aware of what programs are offered. “No Interest” in offerings was the second most noted reason for not participating followed by inconvenience of times programs were being offered Interestingly, nearly 7.6% of residents indicate some price sensitivity in current program offerings. This conflicts somewhat with the 2010 Census data indicating 12% of the City’s households report income of $25K or less per year. The types of recreation programs of most interest to Eagle households are shown in Table 4.2. The results indicate strong interest across many types of recreational programming except youth after school programs. Of special note is that over 50% of all the City’s households report interest in lifetime sports as well as outdoor recreation activities. The data suggests the City may consider offering a wide range of recreational programming limited only by available facilities and equipment, cost to participate, and customer convenience. The statistically valid survey also provides insight on some common barriers which inhibit participation for some members of the community (see Figure 4.5), along with potential accommodations that are likely needed to overcome these barriers. The data indicates 6.3% of the community has a form of disability. Of those, the survey indicates half need adaptive equipment, as Figure 4.6 shows. The City should strive to conduct an ADA compliance review for its existing park facilities. Subsequently, the review should be utilized to establish a policy and plan FIGURE 4.3: HOUSEHOLD USE OF OPEN SPACES (DURING ANY 30-DAY PERIOD IN SUMMER) 1-5 times (33%) None (48%) 21+ times 11-20 times 6-10 times ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 30 # Visits Boise River Greenbelt Open Space Areas or Trails An HOA (Home Owners Assoc.) park in my area Ada/Eagle Sports Complex Merrill Park Guerber Park Heritage Park Friendship Park & Tennis Court Orval Krasen Park Arboretum Park None 37 62 124 122 59 141 144 229 256 245 1 - 5 times 112 129 85 110 181 105 125 57 36 49 6 - 10 times 72 50 30 30 37 34 14 7 3 2 11 - 20 times 50 29 30 21 13 11 8 1 0 0 21+ times 25 26 27 13 6 5 5 2 1 0 Projected Minimum # of Visits 238,237 96,375 60,052 41,963 32,053 24,894 7,622 561 57 49 Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How many times in a given 30-day period during the summer did members of your household visit the following park or recreation facilities in Eagle? TABLE 4.1: PARK AND OPEN SPACE USAGE & PROJECTED TOTAL VISITS FIGURE 4.4: RESIDENT PARK AND OPEN SPACE USAGE BY PERCENT OF ALL USE Heritage Park Guerber Park Merrill Park Eagle Sports Complex HOA Park (12%) Open Space Areas & Trails (19%) Boise River Greenbelt (47%) Ada/ ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Four : NEEDS ASSESSMENT 31 which identifies compliance deficiencies and funds renovations to public lands and facilities. The plan’s purpose would be to identify, document, then provide for eliminating barriers to equal access to public lands and facilities. The plan should include an estimate of costs and a method for prioritizing projects which promote compliance with current rules and requirements as dictated by public law. The survey data also indicates a small percentage of need for adaptive recreation offerings. The size and varied nature of the community’s current ADA population is relatively small. However, the benefits of equal access are obvious when it becomes clear that such access could potentially be needed by us all during some time in life. Only frequency and duration vary. ADA compliance is a desirable goal that helps improve quality of life of all. Limited staff and facilities make it difficult for the City currently to provide the entire range of services identified by residents as “desired”. However, the survey data indicates residents place top priority on serving youth, teens, and family ahead of adults, seniors, and preschool age residents (see Figure 4.7). Parkland and facility priorities represent a broad range of interests. Trails top the list of needs, followed by river and gravel FIGURE 4.5: BARRIERS THAT WOULD KEEP YOU FROM PARTICIPATING IN RECREATIONAL PRO- GRAMS SPONSORED BY THE EAGLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Do not know what programs are offered Do not offer activities I’m interested in Classes offered at inconvienient times Other Programs are too expensive Poor equipment or facilities Safety and security are concerns Need child care Need transportation ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 32 pond access, a swimming pool, dog off- leash areas, and lacrosse sports fields. Interestingly, combining all sports field needs (highlighted, Table 4.2) indicates over 12% of the community feels athletic field space is needed in Eagle. In contrast, residents were also asked what are the five most important park facilities needed (see Figure 4.8). Not surprisingly, the survey shows that 18% of residents support expanding and developing the greenbelt and trail systems. Acquiring more land for future parks ranked second to trail needs, followed by upgrading existing facilities, then developing a multi- purpose indoor recreation space. 18% of survey respondents feel the most needed parklands in Eagle are along the Boise River (see Figure 4.9). Acquisition of multipurpose parklands, especially those with river/water access, space for active recreation areas, and connectivity for trails would likely be well received given existing City Comprehensive Plan goals and resident’s attitudes towards parkland needs. Interestingly, acquiring land to FIGURE 4.6: WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION IS NEEDED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN YOUR FAMILY? FIGURE 4.7: WHERE SHOULD PRIORITY FOR PARKS & RECREATION SERVICES BE PLACED? (Average rank, lower is better) TABLE 4.2: RANKING OF RECREATION FACILITIES MOST NEEDED IN EAGLE Type of Facility Needed Percent Paved walking and biking paths 11% Unpaved trails for walking or jogging/biking 10% River/pond access to boat, fish, or swim 8% Swimming Pool 8% Dog Park 7% Lacrosse 5% Recreation Centers 5% Playgrounds 4% Covered Group Picnic Shelters 3% Soccer Fields 3% Tennis Courts 3% Open Play Turf Areas 3% Ice Rink 3% Shooting Range 3% Baseball/Softball Fields 3% Water Park/Spray Park 3% Climbing Wall 2% Disc Golf Courses 2% Bird watching/wildlife observation sites 2% Basketball Courts 2% Volleyball Courts 2% Ski Park 1% Sledding Hill 1% Equestrian Areas 1% Other 1% Skateboarding Areas 1% Football Fields 1% BMX/Freestyle Biking 1% 2.5 2.7 2.9 3.1 3.3 3.5 Youth Teens Families Adults Seniors Pre-school 0.0% 0.5% 1.0% 1.5% 2.0% 2.5% 3.0% Non-verbal assistance (Braille) Adaptive Equipment Sign Language Interpretations Other ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Four : NEEDS ASSESSMENT 33 serve existing neighborhoods is not as significant a need. FUNDING FOR FACILITIES Residents appear to be generally receptive to paying more for parklands and improvements. Survey findings indicate 56% of residents would support a bond measure that assessed $50 per residents for parks. Interestingly, 66% of residents would support using bonding to fund trails. However, 24% of residents surveyed indicate they oppose such an approach to trail funding. STAKEHOLDER ROUNDTABLE MEETINGS A series of stakeholder meetings were offered to local and area non- profit organizations, local businesses, and groups/agencies that influence Eagle’s parks and recreation needs. The discussions were facilitated to focus on broad and relevant themes utilizing a Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. The dialogue provided insight regarding the issues affecting service delivery, as well as the range of choice(s) for providing efficient and sustainable services to residents. Stakeholder roundtables were conducted FIGURE 4.8: WHAT ARE THE FIVE MOST NEEDED PARK FACILITIES? 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20% Expand & develop the Greenbelt & trails Acquire more land for future parks Upgrade existing parks & recreation facilities Develop multi-purpose indoor recreation Build aquatic facilities Develop more sports fields Develop more dog off-leash parks Create dog off-leash trails Concentrate on maintaining existing parks Other Acquire & protect land for natural open space Develop a public golf course ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 34 in five sessions. Summaries of each meeting are provided in the appendices of this document. Regional, Economics, Recreation & Health, and Community were identified as topic themes to direct stakeholder dialogue. Participants at each stakeholder meeting were asked to participate in a S.W.O.T. analysis of the Eagle Parks & Recreation Department from each of the four topic themes. REGIONAL TOPIC THEME When viewed from a regional perspective, participants noted that Eagle benefits from a multi-jurisdictional focus concerning protection and preservation of the Boise River corridor. This focus promotes many benefits: at the forefront are flood protection, open space preservation, trail access, and wildlife habitat. Eagle’s other successes have been balanced by providing for a range of needs such as strategic trailheads and pedestrian linkages. A key weakness in Eagle’s regional park provisions appears to be the lack of adequate biking facilities. The participants clearly felt there are opportunities to improve in this area. Primary recommendations were to focus on planning and implementation of bike routes and new trail connections, especially those that can link residents to the Boise River, public parks, and trails. To accomplish such goals, the City should consider the implementation of policies which focus on citywide connectivity and alternative transportation options. Additionally, a short- and long-range plan for facilitating and funding land acquisitions should be considered. Some ideas include cooperative endeavors with developers and adjacent jurisdictions through the planning and zoning processes as well as with the Ada County Highway District (ACHD). The City may wish to establish its own public agency for partnerships with entities that manage trails and public land. Some agencies to collaborate with include the Ridge to Rivers Program, the Foundation for Ada-Canyon County Trails (FACTS), the Bureau of Land Management, and potentially the US Forest Service. Important trail connection desires include the Ada/Eagle Sports Complex, foothills, FIGURE 4.9: WHAT TYPE OF PARK LAND IS MOST NEEDED IN EAGLE? Park land in neighborhoods Lands around gravel pits for swimming, fishing, wildlife Buffers along canals for trails and wildlife (10%) Park land for sports fields (15%) Large natural open space reserves (16%) Large multi-use parks of 100 acres or more (18%) Park land along the Boise River (29%) ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Four : NEEDS ASSESSMENT 35 Eagle Island State Park, and continued development of the Boise River Greenbelt. Given the City of Eagle does not yet have a staffed Public Works Department, it will be important for existing senior managers to coordinate activities involving City- owned public infrastructure with agencies such as ACHD, Idaho Power, and other utilities in regards to trail projects and land acquisition in the city. A long-range plan of desired project improvements, priorities, and potential funding sources should be developed, adopted, maintained, and provided to agencies for coordination. ECONOMICS TOPIC THEME Workshop participants discussed their ideas on sustaining and further developing quality of life, economic diversity, service value, and sustainable design. Contributors indicated that regional growth and quality of life factors such as trails, open space, and the community’s outdoor lifestyle are likely to continue to attract new residents to live and work in Eagle. The principle concern is growth management which ensures the City is fiscally sustainable and that the ‘small town atmosphere’ and quality of life are not only maintained but enhanced. The extensive pattern of large lots within the City is part of the fabric of open space valued by residents. However, it is recognized that this pattern of development is not efficient in terms of access, funding for development, or maintenance of public infrastructure. It is also desirable that Eagle Parks and Recreation establish an identifiable brand to foster a loyal customer base which improves support for continued taxation and alternative funding for operations. The City should strive to market its services to both residents and non-residents who live nearby in an effort to fill and fund its recreation programs. To maintain current quality of life, the City may need to utilize a range of tools and work with landowners, developers, and user groups to fund parkland acquisition and facility development. Regardless of funding constraints, the Parks and Recreation Department is already responsible for the care of some highly valued public facilities, parklands, and trails. REGIONAL FOCUS ON PROTECTING THE BOISE RIVER CORRIDOR Eagle benefits from a regional focus on protecting the Boise River corridor for flood protection, open space preservation, trail access, and wildlife habitat. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 36 HEALTH & RECREATION TOPIC THEME Recreation and health dialogues focused on identifying existing and emerging trends within the community and how to best serve Eagle’s long-term health and recreation needs. The City’s recent establishment of a Parks and Recreation Department in response to public needs and demands is seen as a symbol of the City’s dedication to parks and recreation. Additionally, to date the City’s adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan has provided good guidance on securing and protecting trails, parks, and open spaces. Some challenges identified during discussion include a lack of facilities throughout several areas of the City due to a “late start” with park development. Safety is another challenge with focus on community policing and safe park development. Communication is also an important challenge which requires the establishment of a strong web presence that actively engages citizens through social media. By keeping this presence current, personnel can easily provide quality parks and recreation services, ensuring programs are relevant and responsive to the ebb and flow of public perception and trends. Quality, diversity, and convenience of recreational program offerings should be responsive to the ever changing health and recreation needs of the citizenry. Participants also indicated a desire for the City to explore working with local schools and the health community to promote quality of life and health of residents. Afterschool programs and prescription use of parks and trails are two areas that the City could explore in an effort to impact a significant segment of the population through the enhancement of health- promoting programming. COMMUNITY TOPIC THEME Stakeholder discussions also gathered opinions and input on how to build and maintain community, provide services to residents and non-residents, and ensure coordination across City departments and other government agencies within Eagle. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Four : NEEDS ASSESSMENT 37 Stakeholder sessions indicate the City’s include its residents, the biking community, access to open space and trails, and utilization of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan to work with developers to secure and protect needed lands and services. Again, the City’s relevant proximity to public open space lands in the foothills and along the Boise River were identified as having high community value. Weaknesses included the lack of enforcement to deal with user conflicts and inappropriate activities. An emerging concern is increasing urban development encroaching on the river corridor and the conflict with activities such as hunting, trapping and fishing. Other challenges included protection of open space, need for trail standards, and securing funding for maintenance of existing facilities as well as expansion. Another observation is that Eagle residents are fiscally conservative and want to ensure new development is paying its fair share. However, currently Eagle has limited park impact fees and limited budget to maintain, renovate, or expand existing facilities and services. To address weaknesses and potential threats, the City may need to work with agency partners, elected officials, residents, local businesses, and developers to fund the parks and recreation program desired by residents. PROXIMITY TO OPEN SPACE LANDS Eagle’s proximity to public open space lands in the foothills and along the Boise River were identified as having high community value. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 38 ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Five : INVENTORY, LEVEL OF SERVICE & FUTURE NEEDS Mileage 12.1 4.77 4.1 20.97 Trails Name Parks Trails Boise River Greenbelt Ridge to Rivers Trails 39 TABLE 5.1: OPEN SPACE OWNERSHIP WITHIN EAGLE’S CITY LIMITS & AREA OF IMPACT O ver 2,754 acres of parklands, trails, and public land are key components which make Eagle such a livable city. Current ownership of public lands used in whole or part as public parks, open space, trails or outdoor recreation activities are divided among five main entities: City of Eagle, Ada County, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR), and West Ada School District. Acreages for each public open space landowner are shown in Table 5.1. In total, the City limits and Area of Impact contain 2,754 acres of public or semi- public lands that are managed in part or whole for outdoor recreation and open space activities. The City’s current parkland ownership interests and maintenance responsibilities come to 81 acres and 6.28 miles of trails (see Tables 5.1 - 5.3). Citywide Park Features: Feature Count Permanent Restrooms 9 (3 mens I 3 womens I2 unisex) Picnic Shelters 5 Playgrounds 3 Splash Decks 2 Tennis Courts 2 Volleyball Courts 2 Parking Lots 7 Public Art Installations 2 CITYWIDE PARK MASTER PLAN Inventory, Level of Service & Future Needs CHAPTER FIVE TABLE 5.2: TRAIL MILEAGE INVENTORY WITHIN EAGLE’S CITY LIMITS & AREA OF IMPACT Acreage % of Total 1,922 69.79% 545 19.79% 81 2.94% Ada County 64 2.32% 132 4.79% 10 0.36% Total 2,754 100.00% BLM Lands Eagle Island State Park City of Eagle Public Schools Land Trust of the Treasure Valley Parks, Public Schools, Open Spaces & Conservation Lands Name ---PAGE BREAK--- k k k k k k k 6WDWH (DJOH /LQGHU :LOORZ&UHHN 3ROODUG 3DOPHU 6WDWH 3ROODUG 0DS'DWH 0DS$XWKRU 7KH/DQG*URXS,QF 'DWD6RXUFHV &LW\RI(DJOH   0LOHV %/0/DQGV  $FUHV (DJOH,VODQG 6WDWH3DUN $FUHV $GD(DJOH6SRUWV &RPSOH[ $FUHV $FUHV 2UYDO.UDVHQ3DUN $FUHV $UERUHWXP3DUN $FUHV $FUHV *XHUEHU3DUN $FUHV 0HUULOO3DUN $FUHV (DJOH3DUNV $GD&RXQW\3DUNV (DJOH,VODQG6WDWH3DUN %/0/DQGV k /RFDO6FKRROV 2WKHU&LW\3DUNV 2WKHU6FKRROV 0DMRU5RDGV 6WUHHWV %RLVH5LYHU 2SHQ6SDFH &LW\ZLGH3DUN0DVWHU3ODQ  April 40 FIGURE 5.1: PARKS & OPEN SPACE IN EAGLE’S CITY LIMITS & AREA OF IMPACT ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Five : INVENTORY, LEVEL OF SERVICE & FUTURE NEEDS Park # Name Address Total Acreage Amenities Recreation Amenities 1 Arboretum Park Senior Center) 312 E. State St. 1.3 Arboretum w/37 Tree Species Benches & Picnic Tables Trails 2 Ada/Eagle Sports Complex Ada County: 63 acres City of Eagle: 52 acres Horseshoe Bend Rd. 114.77 Restrooms Picnic Shelter Basketball Court Skateboard Park Trails BMX Track 3 Friendship Park Ranch Dr. & Stierman Way 1.3 Temporary (Summer) Restrooms Covered Picnic Shelter 1/2 Playground Lighted Tennis Courts Basketball Half‐Courts 4 Heritage Park & Gazebo 185 E. State St. 0.48 Restrooms Benches & Picnic Tables Gazebo Hardscape Gathering Place Splash Pad Community Information Kiosk 5 Orval Krasen Park Stierman Way 2.4 Restrooms Covered Picnic Shelter Benches 6 Reid W. Merrill Sr. Community Park 637 E. Shore Dr. 8.9 Restrooms Gazebo Covered 6‐Table Picnic Shelter & Picnic Areas Wetland/Riparian Areas Trails & Paved Walking Trails Splash Deck Play Field Full Playground Sand Volleyball Court Basketball Half‐Courts 7 Stephen C. Guerber Park 2200 Hill Rd. 14.8 Restrooms Covered 6‐Table Picnic Shelters & Picnic Areas Amphitheater Splash Deck Horseshoe Pits Play Field Full Playground Sand Volleyball Court Basketball Hoops Little League Facilities & Soccer Fields Eagle Parks and Recreation Facilities Inventory 41 The following observations were made concerning existing park conditions, current park needs, and future opportunities. ARBORETUM PARK SENIOR CENTER) Arboretum Park is a small greenspace near the Downtown core which is predominantly utilized as the grounds of the Senior Center. Connectivity to Downtown Eagle, Heritage Square, and City Hall/Library is very good via downtown’s sidewalk network. The site offers a short walking path with footbridge, small plaza/gathering area, and approximately 37 tree species. In general the site is in well-maintained condition, however some facilities are nearing the end of their lifecycle and require maintenance. TABLE 5.3: CITY OF EAGLE 2015 PARK INVENTORY ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 42 • Grounds (i.e. turf, shrub beds, and trees): Generally in good condition. Some tree maintenance could be performed to improve appearance and overall tree health. • Hardscape: o South Parking Lot (on State St.): Curbing is deteriorating and needs maintenance; needs restriping. o Arboretum Plaza: Pavers need some leveling and re-set, some cracking concrete should be monitored. Footbridge treads need replacement. ARBORETUM PARK Bridge and Fencing ARBORETUM PARK Bench ARBORETUM PARK Bridge and Drain Pipe ARBORETUM PARK Pavers ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Five : INVENTORY, LEVEL OF SERVICE & FUTURE NEEDS 43 ADA/EAGLE SPORTS COMPLEX The Ada/Eagle Sports Complex is perhaps Eagle’s most well known park. The park’s facilities include a BMX track, skate park, roller hockey rink, mountain biking trails, basketball court, restrooms, and concession facilities. Additional amenities include a Firewise Demonstration Garden and a seasonal snow park operated privately by Gateway Parks. This park is well used by a variety of age groups, from young skateboarders to cyclists of all ages. Park facilities are well- maintained, however lifecycle replacement cost of facilities remain a concern. • Grounds (i.e. turf, shrub beds, and trees): Generally in good condition. Firewise Demonstration Garden in very good condition. • Hardscape: o South Parking Lot: Good condition. Needs restriping. o North Parking Lot: Some minor patching/maintenance required. Parking lot needs restriping. o Basketball Court & Sports Court: Good condition with some minor cracking. Basketball standards show signs of weathering; otherwise in good condition. o Picnic Shelter: Concrete is cracking. o Sidewalks and Curbs: Good condition with some minor cracking. o Skatepark: Generally good condition. Some features nearing renovation due to high use. • Trails: Bike trails are well used and generally well maintained. Erosion is a concern and should be addressed with long-term management plan. • Restrooms & Concession: Facility shows some signs of general age/ weathering. ADA/EAGLE SPORTS COMPLEX Firewise Garden ADA/EAGLE SPORTS COMPLEX BMX Track ADA/EAGLE SPORTS COMPLEX Skate Park ADA/EAGLE SPORTS COMPLEX Restrooms ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 44 FRIENDSHIP PARK Friendship Park is a neighborhood park centrally located in Eagle. The primary facilities in the park include a lighted tennis court/sport court, covered picnic shelter, and playground. The park grounds are clean and well maintained. However, the sport court surface is deteriorating and in need of replacement. Use of the court has been extended by the application of sport court tiles, however this is only a temporary solution. • Grounds (i.e. turf, shrub beds, and trees): Generally in good condition. • Hardscape: Pavers and retaining walls are generally in good condition. • Sports Court (Tennis & Basketball): Concrete court is deteriorated and needs replacement. Sportcourt tiles have extended the useful life of the court, however replacement should be considered. Court fencing likewise needs maintenance/ replacement. Confirm anticipated lifecycle and replacement of court lighting. • Playground: New equipment recently installed. Additional equipment appears to have been removed and needs replacement. • Picnic Shelter: Some maintenance required, including painting and addressing water/drainage issues associated with berm to the north. FRIENDSHIP PARK Entry Sign FRIENDSHIP PARK Basketball Hoop FRIENDSHIP PARK Play Structure FRIENDSHIP PARK Landscaping FRIENDSHIP PARK Tennis Courts ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Five : INVENTORY, LEVEL OF SERVICE & FUTURE NEEDS 45 HERITAGE PARK & GAZEBO (HERITAGE SQUARE) Heritage Square is an activity hub in Downtown Eagle. The park is well maintained and well used for a variety of activities, from summertime fountain play to special events. The gazebo and splash pad have been well maintained. The restroom facilities are in usable condition, but aging, which warrants some attention for replacement through future capital improvements. • Grounds (i.e. turf, shrub beds, and trees): Generally in good condition. • Hardscape: o Parking Lot: Needs restriping and some asphalt patching. o Pavers and concrete walks are generally in good condition. • Splash Pad: Generally in good condition. Further evaluation required (pumps, plumbing, etc.) to project anticipated lifecycle replacement/major repairs. • Site Furnishings: Minor maintenance (touch-up paint, etc.) required on some elements. Elements show signs of general weathering/use. • Restroom: Aging out. Needs general maintenance (painting, etc). HERITAGE SQUARE Sign and Fountain HERITAGE SQUARE Site Furnishings HERITAGE SQUARE Landscaping HERITAGE SQUARE Gazebo ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 46 ORVAL KRASEN PARK Orval Krasen Park is a neighborhood park featuring multiple pieces of playground equipment, a picnic shelter, and restrooms. The park grounds, including its variety of shade trees, have been well cared for over the years. The playground equipment is of varying ages and should be monitored for replacement as individual components age out/are no longer in compliance with current safety and ADA requirements. The restroom facilities are likewise in well- maintained condition. • Grounds (i.e. turf, shrub beds, and trees): Generally in good condition. Surface rooting on trees needs to be addressed to remove potential trip hazards. • Playground: Equipment generally in good condition, with some signs of weathering. Recommend monitoring use to evaulate potential to implement new, innovative components that attract new users. • Picnic Shelter: Some maintenance required, including painting. • Restroom: Aging out. Needs general maintenance (painting, etc). ORVAL KRASEN PARK Amenities ORVAL KRASEN PARK Restroom ORVAL KRASEN PARK Picnic Shelter ORVAL KRASEN PARK Play Equipment ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Five : INVENTORY, LEVEL OF SERVICE & FUTURE NEEDS 47 REID W. MERRILL SR. COMMUNITY PARK Merrill Park is located along the North Channel of the Boise River with direct access to the Greenbelt. As one of Eagle’s newest parks, the grounds, facilities, and amenities are in very good condition. The park features a large playground with splash pad, a large picnic shelter, restroom facilities, and a large playfield/ soccer field. The park’s natural areas blend nicely with the Boise River corridor. Daily maintenance and upkeep at the park are excellent. As with Eagle’s other existing parks, the primary maintenance concern remain lifecycle replacement costs. • Grounds (i.e. turf, shrub beds, and trees): Generally in very good condition. • Hardscape: o Parking Lot: Generally good condition. Needs restriping in the next few years. o Basketball Court: Generally good condition with some minor, superficial cracking. o Picnic Shelter/Restroom Plaza: Generally good condition o Asphalt Walking Path: Root lifting and cracking in proximity to large trees. • Playground: Equipment in very good condition, with little signs of weathering. • Community Picnic Shelter: Very good condition. Roof shows some signs of weathering. • Small Picnic Shelter: Very good condition. Needs some basic upkeep (i.e. cleaning). • Restrooms: Very good condition. • Playfield/Soccer Fields: Good condition. Green and lush. MERRILL PARK Amenities MERRILL PARK Entry Sign ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 48 STEPHEN C. GUERBER PARK Guerber Park is Eagle’s second-largest park and features a variety of amenities. Facilities include a large playground, splash pad, two large picnic shelters, and soccer/little league facilities. As a whole, the park is in very good condition. The primary maintenance concern related to this park lies in the existing facilities aging- out at once, creating a funding burden related to facility replacement costs. Additionally, park use may increase as a result of recent improvements to Hill Road improving access. • Grounds (i.e. turf, shrub beds, and trees): Generally good condition. • Hardscape: o Parking Lot: Generally good condition. o Pavers and concrete walks are likewise generally in good condition. • Sports Fields: o Soccer Fields: Turf in improving condition due to revitalization efforts during the summer of 2015. Will need continued maintenance to maintain playing surface, in particular during season. o Little League: Infield needs maintenance to address outfield drainage issue to first-base line. Facility is underused. Consider relocating to another park/removal. • Playground: Good condition. On- going lifecycle maintenance needs. • Splash Pad: Good condition. Consider expanding splash pad by removing under-utilized playground equipment. • Picnic Shelters: Very good condition. • Restroom: Very good condition. • Horseshoe Pits: Backstops need replacement. • Volleyball Court: Recommend new sand. Consider relocating. GUERBER PARK Amenities GUERBER PARK Play Equipment GUERBER PARK Recreation Facilities GUERBER PARK Entry Sign GUERBER PARK Shelter and Restrooms ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Five : INVENTORY, LEVEL OF SERVICE & FUTURE NEEDS Population 2010 2015 2020 2030 Year 21,999 23,918 27,428 34,136 115.2 100.4 80.7 City of Eagle Developed Parklands 3.7 3.4 2.9 2.4 City of Eagle Trails 0.30 0.27 0.24 0.19 All Public Lands in A of I 125.2 Public Trail Miles per 1,000 Residents: Public Land Acres per 1,000 Residents: 49 TABLE 5.4: FORECASTED POPULATION FOR THE YEARS 2010 - 2040 TABLE 5.5: CURRENT AND PROJECTED LEVEL OF SERVICE FOR DEVELOPED PARKS, PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) The City’s current and projected population estimates (see Table 5.4) combined with the inventory of public parklands, trails and open spaces provides a means to assess and establish the level of service afforded current City residents and project future needs. The data, calculations, and analysis are used to establish a baseline for determining if the City has enough parkland to meet current needs as identified through public survey and public involvement processes. It also may be used to establish standards for public policy development such as increasing park impact fees, requirements for new development, funding, as well as to guide use of public funds for land acquisition and development of parks, recreation facilities, trails, and trailheads. The City’s current Level of Service (LOS) for parklands and trails can be calculated and projected using parkland inventory and demographic data. The City currently provides 3.4 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents based on its 2015 inventory of 81 acres. The City provides 0.27 miles of trail per resident based on the 6.53 miles of existing Boise River Greenbelt trails it maintains (see Table 5.5). If the City wishes to provide 2030 residents % Chg. 2010 2015 9.5% 2020 6.8% 2025 10.0% Year Ada County 383,491 419,911 448,271 493,221 % Chg. 4.3% 1.0% 6.5% City of Boise 235,384 245,565 247,957 264,019 % Chg. 12.3% 14.7% 12.1% City of Eagle 21,299 23,918 27,428 30,740 % Chg. 2.3% 1.1% 10.4% City of Garden City 11,057 11,315 11,445 12,630 2030 11.3% 549,121 8.0% 285,013 11.0% 34,136 12.0% 14,140 2035 13.3% 621,990 9.7% 312,530 12.1% 38,269 14.1% 16,137 2040 8.4% 674,144 5.0% 328,292 11.6% 42,715 8.9% 17,575 % Chg. 2010 2015 13.8% 2020 10.3% 2025 28.6% Year City of Kuna 17,850 20,311 22,397 28,792 % Chg. 14.6% 15.3% 9.1% City of Meridian 82,250 94,289 108,701 118,600 % Chg. 21.3% 27.0% 26.6% City of Star 6,222 7,546 9,581 12,134 % Chg. 79.9% 22.4% 26.7% Unincorp. County 9,429 16,967 20,762 26,306 2030 24.9% 35,961 9.2% 129,469 24.5% 15,103 34.2% 35,299 2035 28.1% 46,079 10.9% 143,570 25.4% 18,937 31.6% 46,468 2040 10.7% 50,992 5.2% 151,081 28.0% 24,243 27.5% 59,246 ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. Developed Parks Assuming 6.0 Acres/1,000 Pop. 2015 2020 2030 Year - 11.93 22.78 Public Open Space Assuming 115.2 Acres/1,000 Pop. - 404.19 772.45 - 0.96 1.83 Public, Non-Motorized Trails Assuming 0.27 Miles/1,000 Pop. Projected Needs: Total Need By 2030: 34.71 1,176.64 2.79 50 TABLE 5.6: PROJECTED PARKLAND AND TRAIL NEEDS DUE TO GROWTH the same level of service as current residents (3.4 acres/1,000 pop.) enjoy today, it will need to acquire and develop an additional 34.71 acres of parkland for active uses and 2.79 miles of trail. The table also indicates public open space landholdings would need to be increased by nearly 1,200 acres. If no new parklands or trails are purchased and developed, the City’s projected 2030 population would experience a 30% reduction in the level of service currently provided by City and all other public lands (see Table 5.6). It is not likely the existing park system would be able to absorb a 30% increase in use without requiring improvements in park infrastructure and maintenance practices. In addition, residents would be required to do more driving to access and use local parks. This side effect has the potential to add congestion to local streets, increase air pollution, and potentially decrease overall community satisfaction with quality of life. Through zoning laws, the City may have some opportunities to protect some undevelopable private lands as permanent open space. Private foothills land in particular may be preserved as open space but challenges may occur if public management and access is the desire. Some lands may even be protected as managed public open space. In either case, the City will need to work with foothills landowners, developers, and other agencies to protect contiguous blocks of land for multiple benefits. These include flood protection, watershed preservation, maintenance of rare plant habitat, preservation of steep slopes, protection of wildlife habitat and travel corridors, and (where appropriate) the implementation of new trails and trailheads. Each development project along the Boise River and in the Eagle foothills may need to be evaluated carefully to determine if public ownership of any resulting open space is necessary or desired. PARK SERVICE ZONES: DISTANCE FROM A PARK Parks are often gathering and meeting spaces for residents. As such, a park can serve many functions to enhance the sense of community and place. Proximity to a park also influences home values and is a factor that contributes to how walkable or bike friendly a city is. A 1/2-mile service radius is a common standard utilized by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and other organizations when evaluating park accessibility. Figure 5.2 shows a 1/2-mile service radius for existing developed City parks. Despite a 1/2-mile being the desired service radius, only 13% of the City’s annexed lands are within a 1/2-mile of an existing City park. In addition, Eagle’s parks are concentrated on the eastern half of the City and as such, a 1/2-mile park service zone produces some coverage overlap in the area. The western half of the City is underserved by existing developed parks. However this area has numerous undeveloped large ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Five : INVENTORY, LEVEL OF SERVICE & FUTURE NEEDS 51 TABLE 5.7: BENCHMARK DATA OF SELECTED COMPARABLE CITIES General Features Eagle, ID (FY13/14) Post Falls, ID Twin Falls, ID* Meridian, ID Bozeman, MT Est. 2010 Population 19,908 27,574 44,125 75,127 37,280 Est 2015/2013 Population 23,918 29,357 45,981 83,596 39,860 Land Area (Square Miles) 28.92 14.07 18.1 26.79 19.12 Total Developed Park Acreage 81 168 295 240 465 Total Parkland Acreage 81 456 1,416 [PHONE REDACTED] Dev. Parkland Acreage/1000 Population 3.4 5.7 6.4 2.9 11.7 2015 City Parks & Open Space Acreage/1000 Population 3.4 15.5 30.8 4.6 15.3 2015 % Parkland Acreage/City Land Area 0.01 5.06% 12.22% 2.22% 4.97% Financial Information (2014 CAFR) Total General Fund Operating Budget $7,054,909 $16,110,205 $20,466,518 $35,138,550 $26,897,001 Total Parks & Recreation General Fund Operating Budget $1,339,177 $2,151,710 $1,319,307 $4,568,012 $3,052,105 Parks & Rec GF Operating Budget as % of Total Operating Budget 19% 13% 6% 13% 11% Total GF Revenues from Park Maintenance Districts ‐ $638,312.67 ‐ ‐ ‐ Total General Fund Parks Maintenance Budget $439,984 $1,031,412 $1,319,307 $1,840,564 $1,498,418 Total Maintenance Budget as % of Total Parks & Rec Operating Budget 32.85% 47.93% 100.00% 40.29% 49.09% Staffing Information (2014 CAFR/Agency Reported Data) # of Full‐Time Park Maintenance Staff 4 (2 contracted) 12 11 11 7 # of Seasonal Park Maintenance Staff 2 14 15 22 15 Acres of Developed Parkland Maintained per Full‐Time Employee 20.3 14.0 26.8 21.8 66.4 Developed Park Acres Maintained per Maintenance Staff Position 13.5 6.5 11.4 7.3 21.1 Avg. Cost of Maintenance per Park Acre $5,432 $2,262 $932 $4,831 $2,465 Avg. Cost of Maintenance per Developed Park Acre $5,432 $4,605 $4,470 $7,669 $3,222 Notes: Cities population & area: quickfacts.census.gov *Sources: Maintenance Funding & Staffing Benchmarks for Select Comparable Cities Eagle Parks & Recreation Eagle Parks Budget inludes faclities (no Public Works Dept. in Eagle) Meridian Maintenance Personnel = $1,193,700 Twin Falls budget figures for Parks Dept only Bozeman: City of Bozeman Parks 2014 Annual Report; Bozeman City staff Post Falls: Post Falls City staff Meridian: meridiancity.org/finance; Meridian Parks 2014 Annual Newsletter; Meridian City staff Twin Falls: Twin Falls City staff parcels of land which could be considered for expansion opportunities; the City currently does not have ownership of any strategic parcels. Larger parks with provisions for regional uses such as team sports and large events can provide for service areas of up to one mile (1.0 mi). The City may need two such parks to improve resident access to nearby parks. The City should strive to maintain a Level of Service standard which complies with Idaho’s adopted impact fee statutes. This may ensure that impact fees can be utilized for expansion needs as the population continues to expand. Futhermore, the City should seek to protect public access to existing public lands such as Eagle Island State Park and BLM lands in the foothills. Doing so protects and advances public health, environmental quality, economic strength, recreation opportunities, and open space values for public landholdings in the Eagle foothills. TRAILS The community has indicated a strong interest in trail development and connectivity with a focus on greenbelt access for areas north of SH-44, a strong thoroughfare through town to Eagle Island State Park, and access to the BLM lands north of town. ---PAGE BREAK--- 6WDWH (DJOH /LQGHU 3DOPHU :LOORZ&UHHN 6WDWH 0DS'DWH 0DS$XWKRU 7KH/DQG*URXS,QF 'DWD6RXUFHV &LW\RI(DJOH   0LOHV k 3DUNV7UDLOV %RLVH5LYHU*UHHQEHOW 5LGJHWR5LYHUV7UDLOV (DJOH3DUNV (DJOH3DUNV0LOH6HUYLFH$UHD $GD&RXQW\3DUNV (DJOH,VODQG6WDWH3DUN %/0/DQGV /RFDO6FKRROV 2WKHU&LW\3DUNV 2WKHU6FKRROV 0DMRU5RDGV 6WUHHWV %RLVH5LYHU 7UDLOV &LW\ZLGH3DUN0DVWHU3ODQ April6 FIGURE 5.2: EXISTING PARKS 52 ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Five : INVENTORY, LEVEL OF SERVICE & FUTURE NEEDS 53 As discussed, approximately 47% of residents visit the Boise River Greenbelt system and another 19% report using local trails and open spaces, both public and private. Of the five most needed park and recreation facilities in Eagle, 21% of survey respondents indicated a need for more trails and connections – the top need identified in survey responses. At present, the City maintains 6.53 miles of non-motorized public trails for residents; providing a Level of Service standard of 0.27 miles of trails per resident. Extending the Boise River Greenbelt is clearly a top priority. Securing easements for all other identified core trails and trailheads will require additional study and funding to determine feasibility. Long term, the Dry Creek corridor through town is yet another trail/pathway possibility. However with the amount of existing development in proximity to this corridor, negiotiating easements and access is surely a long- term goal. The City’s trail plans should be refined to identify feasible route alignments and prioritize acquisition methods and funding options. The refined trail plan should help to direct staff and financial resources in securing critical public recreational trail easements through existing private lands and new developments. BENCHMARK COMPARISON TO PEER CITIES Benchmark analysis provides a means to identify key operating facts about a department. It demonstrates basic service characteristics and compares the data to those characteristics of peer cities. Benchmark data for other cities is necessarily generalized because most provide for parks and recreation services that are unique to the geography, governing structure, policies, and socio-economic values of their respective community. Data for peer cities is gathered from one or more required financial documents, including the respective agency’s most recently published Consolidated Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and the most recently posted Annual Budget. The reports allow comparison of data specific to budgeting, funding and personnel related to parks and recreation services. Benchmark data also provides for comparison of parks & recreation systems based on personal observations and comparisons. These observations may include variety and quality of facilities and programs; park maintenance, condition of playgrounds, courts, turf, etc. For the purposes of this plan, the cities of Post Falls, ID; Twin Falls, ID; Meridian, ID; and Bozeman, MT were chosen as peer comparable cities. Table 5.7 compares these cities against the City of Eagle in relevant parks and recreation metrics. As noted in the Level of Service discussion Eagle currently provides 3.4 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents. The benchmark data indicates this compares favorably with two peer cities (Meridian and Post Falls) which average 4.3 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 residents. This information reinforces the probability that this figure is appropriate to use as Eagle’s adopted Level of Service standard for developed parklands. The benchmark data also shows that Eagle’s total parkland holdings, however, fall short of what is reported by all peer cities. The data emphasizes that Eagle is not prepared with the parkland inventory required to serve future growth. This is eye-opening considering the most important fact relative to City resident’s desires for park and trail facilities. The lack of undeveloped parklands for future growth means the City should put a focus on funding and securing needed active- use parklands to ensure service for future residents. This is especially important given the rate of consumption of lands suitable for development within the City and its Area of Impact. The City may not have much time to acquire needed parklands for active uses in the areas and sizes needed given the rate of development. It is important to note that the benchmark data does not include the acreage managed by Ada County at the Ada/Eagle Sports Complex. Nor does it reflect that Eagle’s Area of Impact contains Eagle Island State Park and significant BLM lands, all of which current and future residents clearly value and use. Because of their impact ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 54 BOISE RIVER GREENBELT and value to recreational opportunities in Eagle, the City should continue to support public management and enhancement of these public lands. If Ada County, IDPR, or BLM look to reduce operations or dispose of lands within Eagle’s Area of Impact, the City should seek to object or take over operations to ensure their benefit for current and future residents. Compared to the identified peer cities, Eagle is spending moderately on maintaining its park system. Eagle’s system continues to be generally well maintained – restrooms and shelters are clean, trash is being removed, turf is being mowed, and trees are healthy. Routine maintenance needs appear to be sufficient at current levels. Thus survey respondents express general satisfaction with the park and recreation system. However challenges do exist if the City feels it should maintain funding and staffing at current levels. The benchmark data indicates Eagle has unfunded maintenance needs for its existing park facilities. Meridian, the most comparable peer city by developed park acreage, spends $7,669/acre compared to Eagle’s $5,432. The data also indicates a very low staffing rate. Current full-time and seasonal staffing appears to be sufficient to ensure the City’s parks are green and clean during peak season (roughly from March 15 to November 15). It is apparent, however, that Eagle should increase funding and/or staffing to ensure cyclical maintenance needs are being addressed as required to maximize park quality and facility lifecycles. Eagle currently provides 1 maintenance staff position for every 13.5 acres it maintains. The average for peer cities was 1 maintenance staff per 11.6 acres. Use of contractors for activities such as mowing may be an efficient means to provide routine services. However, contractor performances need to be monitored in addition to all other normal maintenance. The City should monitor user satisfaction with its parks and recreation services. The result of growth plus underfunded park maintenance and staffing levels is usually decreased user satisfaction with park services. In addition, the City may likely face increased maintenance costs as features age, followed by early closure, and then the challenge of funding facility replacements. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Six : FUNDING & IMPLEMENTATION 55 C urrent funding for capital improvements within Eagle’s Parks and Recreation System are insufficient. In order to continue to serve the existing and growing demand for parks and recreation facilities, substantial funding mechanisms need to be explored and established. While the current City budget focuses on annual administrative, operational, and maintenance costs for existing park and recreation facilities, there is currently no line item for capital improvements. As parks and recreation needs are balanced against the needs of other departments, it is important to establish funding mechanisms which provide funds for capital improvements, land acquisitions, and maintenance to maintain and/or improve level of service standards. THE CURRENT PARKS BUDGET In the fiscal year 2013/2014 the Parks and Recreation Department’s operating budget was nearly $1.34 million, representing 19% of the City’s general fund operating budget. When compared to the peer cities of Meridian, Post Falls, Twin Falls, and Bozeman, MT, Eagle allocates a significantly larger share of its general fund operating budget to the Parks and Recreation Department than the peer cities. However, a few adjustments are warranted. First, the City of Eagle budget does not include the costs associated with fire protection. Meridian, Twin Falls, and Bozeman include fire protection services in their city budgets. Additionally Post Falls, Twin Falls, and Bozeman include city street maintenance in their budgets. Furthermore, Twin Falls includes one-half of the annual operating cost of the Magic Valley Regional Airport within the city budget. If the operating budget of the Eagle Fire District is included (to make the Eagle City general fund operating budget comparable to its peer cities) and if the street maintenance expenses are subtracted from the city budgets of Post Falls, Twin Falls, and Bozeman, Eagle’s parks budget as a share of a comparable city general fund operating budget falls to 9.8%. Furthermore, this correction shows increases to the parks and recreation operating budget as a share of the general operating budget to 14.9% in Post Falls, 10.2% in Twin Falls, and 11.8% in Bozeman. Population growth in the City of Eagle’s Area of Impact is projected to increase from an estimated 2015 figure of 23,918 to a projected 2030 population of 34,136. As previously discussed, if the City of Eagle wants to maintain current service levels in 2030, Eagle will need to fund an additional 34.7 acres of parkland and 2.79 additional miles of trails. In the initial phases of budget increases it is common for the increased budget to focus on maintenance. Once maintenance funding is adequately in place, funding should then be directed towards land acquisition, development of newly acquired parkland, and ongoing maintenance and operation of new park facilities. Recent statistics of residential housing additions in Eagle indicate that housing and population growth has recovered from the 2008–2010 economic recession. The City of Eagle has issued building permits CITYWIDE PARK MASTER PLAN Funding & Implementation CHAPTER SIX ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 56 TABLE 6.1: CITY OF EAGLE NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS & THE ASSESSED VALUE OF NEW RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES 2001-2014 for 918 new residential housing units in the most recent three years (2012-2014). This is a strong turnaround from the 276 residential permits issued in the previous three-year period (2009-2011). This local economic recovery creates challenges in acquiring future parks sites due to increased land values. Without an existing supply of undeveloped parkland under the City’s control, it is prudent for the City to immediately undertake a strategy to acquire new parklands to meet future growth needs. The recent recovery of household and population growth in the City’s Area of Impact may, in the near term, make potential park sites scarcer and more costly to acquire. ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM THE CITY’S BUDGET The most expedient spending solution for enhancing the City’s existing parks and recreation system may be to increase the Department’s allocation from the City’s general fund. Potentially, this could be achieved without cutting into other areas of the general fund. With all other City functions unchanged, an increase in the Parks & Recreation Department’s budget would increase the City’s general fund budget and may not require an increase in the City’s property tax levy rate. In 2008 the taxable value of all property in the City of Eagle reached a high point of $3,447.5 million. Thereafter, property values fell to a total taxable value of $2,376.4 million in December 2010 - a decline of 31.1%. And in spite of a 22.4% increase in the City’s property tax levy rate between 2008 and 2010, the decline in property values put immense pressure on the City’s budget. Since December 2010 there has been a general recovery in property values and resumption of new construction in Eagle. The December 2013 taxable value of all property in the City had increased to $2,677.4 million - a gain of 12.2% from the December 2010 low. At the same time, the City’s property tax rate decreased by 15.4% from a 2010 rate of $1.001 per $1,000 of taxable value to a 2014 rate of $0.8588 per $1,000 of taxable value. A continuation of this tax strategy would keep property tax revenues at recession levels. 2014 2013 2012 2011 Year # of New Home Permits* 398 292 228 140 Annual Percent Change 36.3% 28.1% 62.9% 35.9% Assessed* Value of Structures (w/o lot) $151,449,829 107,388,014 82,894,878 54,303,706 Average Assessed Value of Structures (w/o lot) $380,527 367,767 363,574 387,884 2010 103 212.1% 39,405,619 382,579 2009 33 -63.3% 12,209,493 369,985 2008 90 3.4% 29,574,894 328,610 2007 2006 2005 2004 87 232 512 489 -62.5% 54.7% 4.7% 14.5% 40,017,255 88,969,725 178,581,727 157,646,175 459,968 383,490 348,792 322,385 2003 427 23.1% 132,548,491 310,418 2002 347 -1.7% 100,196,636 288,751 2001 353 - 93,268,845 264,218 *Source: City of Eagle Building Department ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Six : FUNDING & IMPLEMENTATION 57 The recession of 2008-2010 is over. Taxable property values are increasing and according to the City‘s Building Department, the value of new residential construction in the City (not counting the value of the residential land) increased by $107.4 million in 2013 and by $151.5 million in 2014. The City is allowed to increase the total revenues it receives from the property tax by 3.0% per year without considering the effects of new construction or new properties annexed into the City. Now is an appropriate time to allow the property tax to fund some of the future needs that may be necessary due to growth. To that end, on August 18, 2015 the City adopted a budget for fical year 2015/2016 which increases revenues from property by the allowable full 3.0% annual increase and assessed property taxes on 2014 new construction in the City. In addition, the City took all of the foregone property tax increases from the past three years. The total effect of these decisions will be to increase the total property tax revenues to the City by nearly $390,000 over fiscal year 2014/2015 levels. As residential growth continues in the Eagle Area of Impact, land available for future park development may become scarce and more expensive. A sampling of four local medium- to large-parcels of undeveloped residential land for sale in the Eagle Area of Impact indicated asking prices between $54,300 and $75,100 per acre (a weighted average price of $59,600 per acre). While property values and development costs can vary widely due to location and site-specific characteristics, property is without a doubt a valuable commodity in high demand in Eagle. DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS: LAND DEDICATION, PARK DEVELOPMENT, & PARK IMPACT FEES As it relates to new development, all potential methods of development mitigation should be evaluated, including parkland dedication, park development, fees in lieu of land, and park impact fees. The methods deemed appropriate should then be adopted and implemented. The level of revenue generated from any of these sources will depend on the program structure. For example, there are a number of formulas for calculating park impact fees. Park impact fees are designed to maintain the level and quality of service in order to benefit both existing and new residents. As discussed, impact fees offer an approach to having new development “pay its way” as opposed to being financed by the existing resident tax base. Typically, park impact fees are applied to all new residential developments including multifamily and resort projects and are paid by the developer. Park impact fees can be used to acquire land and to pay for facilities, but cannot be used to pay salaries or other operating costs. Idaho law requires the formation of an impact fees advisory committee and a Capital Improvement Plan. The plan provides documentation of the Level of Service that the community finds satisfactory. This can be described in many ways but generally is acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. Below is one methodology for calculating park development impact fees. Cost of Land/per Acre + Park Improvement Costs/Acre = Amount of Funding Needed per Acre Park Needs Per Person = .0156 acres x Person per Household (2.6 - using average persons per household in Eagle = 0.0405 acres = Total Parks Needed Per Household Amount of Funding Needed per Acre x .0405 = IMPACT FEE This is just one of several different methods that could be used to calculate impact fees. It is recommended that the City of Eagle do further financial analysis on the potential revenue from the various impact fee approaches and determine the most appropriate methodology for Eagle. Following this analysis, the City should consider moving forward immediately to implement the selected methodology. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 58 OTHER POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES Additional funding alternatives include, but may not be limited to, the following. Municipal Funding Mechanisms and Bonds Cities are taxing districts governed by several sections of Idaho State Code. New legislation is continually being drafted to amend the methods by which taxes may be levied. Bond regulations remain the most constant. It is recommended that the City review the most recent laws and investigate the various potential options for funding parks and recreation improvements through municipal funding structures such as bonds, levies and/or development of special taxing districts. A general obligation bond is borrowed money, usually through a taxing district like the City. Bonds have to be approved by a 67% vote in favor and can be used for various types of capital improvements. Parks Levy Levies represent the ratio between property tax budget and current market value. There are limits on the amount of revenue that can be generated by levies. A bond debt can be established against potential levy revenues over a period of years. This method enables the borrowing of large amounts of capital to fund needed improvements. Idaho State legislation enables cities that meet a certain debt-to- property market value ratio to collect a levy for capital improvements. A Parks Levy could be an option in Eagle and may be one of the best options for generating the level of capital funding needed in the near term for park acquisition and improvements. Local Improvement District (LID) or Business Improvement Districts (BID) The City of Eagle has the authority to impose a Local Improvement District (LID) or Business Improvement District (BID) as a taxing mechanism. The City can identify district(s) and impose a tax on TABLE 6.2: CITY OF EAGLE ANNUAL YEAR END TOTAL TAXABLE PROPERTY VALUE, ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX LEVY RATE, AND AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL HOME VALUE 2002-2015 Annual % Chg. 2015 2014 15.2% 2013 11.2% 2012 1.6% Year City of Eagle December Total Property Taxable Value $3,337,433,135 3,085,330,910 2,677,375,909 2,407,055,388 Annual % Chg. 0.1% -14.9% -0.3% City of Eagle Annual Property Tax Levy Rate - 0.000858815 0.000858057 0.001008010 Annual % Chg. 13.4% 10.1% 0.7% City of Eagle Average Residential Home Value $350,869 330,212 291,250 264,566 2011 -0.3% 2,369,153,795 -0.4% 0.001010796 -5.7% 262,764 2010 -22.3% 2,376,366,439 1.3% 0.001014465 -19.1% 278,504 2009 -11.3% 3,056,905,348 20.9% 0.001001407 -12.7% 344,078 2008 2.4% 2007 23.3% 2006 39.2% 3,447,528,152 3,366,120,242 2,729,689,374 5.7% -8.4% -15.1% 0.000828432 0.000783755 0.000855955 -3.5% 15.6% 29.5% 394,198 408,297 353,102 2005 18.5% 1,961,461,346 -5.3% 0.001008173 9.2% 272,661 2004 12.8% 1,655,876,613 -0.4% 0.001064222 7.0% 249,651 2003 24.0% 1,467,810,896 -6.5% 0.001068467 13.5% 233,404 8.2% - 6.3% 2002 16.8% 1,184,175,878 -9.1% 0.001142271 7.4% 205,568 Source: Idaho State tax Commission: City Revenue Sharing Reports,* Est. from Ada County Assessor’s Total Market Value; Annual Property Tax Levy Rate: Ada County Assessor; Average Residential Home Values: Ada County Assessor ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Six : FUNDING & IMPLEMENTATION 59 property owners within the district(s). The tax is based on property square footage or proximity to the improvement, not on property valuation. The LID or BID does not require a public vote. 55% of the affected property owners in the district must sign a petition in favor of the proposal and then City Council is required to enact the LID or BID. Funds would then be collected by the City to pay for projects or maintenance costs. Local Option Tax (LOT) Currently the City of Eagle does not have local option taxing authority. However, the Idaho Legislature has made the LOT available to communities as a means to offset the increased infrastructure needed to accommodate tourism. This tax is collected on retail sales, lodging, and liquor by the drink. While it is unlikely that the City of Eagle would be able to present a case to assess a LOT to accommodate tourism, it could consider partnering with other cities in the state to lobby the Idaho Legislature to allow communities more flexibility in applying local option taxing authority (i.e. not only to accommodate tourism). Recreation and Culture Tax Cities in Idaho are empowered to initiate assessments for the creation, purchase, operation, and/or maintenance of recreation and cultural facilities. This amounts to a $.003/$1,000 of assessed property value. Annexation Fees When an area is annexed into city limits, the city can charge an annexation fee to the property owners. This fee could help offset costs for public improvements including park and recreation facilities. The money collected can be used only for capital improvements, not operations. REGIONAL FOCUS ON PROTECTING THE BOISE RIVER CORRIDOR Eagle benefits from a regional focus on protecting the Boise River corridor for flood protection, open space, trails, and wildlife. ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 60 User Fees Imposing new user fees or raising existing user fees is another option for increasing parks and recreation funding. User fees are common as a program cost-recovery tool. Fees for recreational activities such as softball, baseball, soccer, and other sports are the most common. Shelters and special event rental spaces provide additional opportunities for user fee programs. Grants There are a number of federal, state, and local grants available to fund park and recreation facilities. The majority of grants require a matching fund, requiring the City to use another funding mechanism (levy, bond, LID, LOT, etc.) to fund larger park and recreation facilities. Below is a list of some of the most common grant sources for parks and recreation projects. Land & Water Conservation Fund This federal grant program, administered by IDPR, has been responsible for the acquisition, development, and improvement of over $60 million in outdoor recreation sites and facilities in Idaho since 1965. Most of that money has been spent on city and county parks. In 2004, $97 million was distributed to state, county, and local jurisdictions to acquire recreation lands and to develop and improve recreation facilities. The program typically requires a 50% match. Urban and Community Forestry Grant This grant is administered through the Idaho Department of Lands, Forest Service, and Idaho Community Forestry Council. A total of $30,000 is available on an annual basis with the maximum request capped at $4,000. This program’s goal is to improve a sustainable urban forestry program. Grant money must be used for tree maintenance, purchase, planting programs, and planning efforts related to tree activity (inventory, planting plan, management, etc.) Community Transportation Enhancement Grant This grant is administered through the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), the Idaho Transportation Department, and the Idaho Community Forestry Council. The maximum grant request is $15,000 and a minimum 10% cash match is required. Eligible projects include gateway landscaping, planting along “main streets”, and planting along trail corridors. Transportation Enhancement Program The Enhancement Program was created originally by the Inter-modal Surface Efficiency Act and recently carried forward by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA). The City can apply for enhancement funds for various projects including bike paths and non-motorized trails. Enhancement grants are very competitive and Eagle would be competing against comparable projects throughout the State. Enhancement projects require a local match. Recreational Trails Program This federal program allocates funds to states for recreational trails and trail- related projects. The IDPR provides some of this funding to local jurisdictions in the form of grants. Eligible projects include maintenance of existing trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities, trail linkages, and construction of new trails. Scenic Byways Program Eagle is located on the Payette River National Scenic Byway (State Highway 55), therefore certain types of projects in the City may be eligible to receive scenic byway funds. This is a beautification program which is part of SAFETEA. Funds are available specifically for projects located along or near the scenic byway. This program requires a 20% local match and is a “reimbursement” program; meaning funds must first be expended before reimbursement occurs ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Six : FUNDING & IMPLEMENTATION 61 Fundraising, Private Donations, & Contributions The community of Eagle benefits from an impressive level of donations and contributions from private benefactors. Forming a “Friends of Eagle Parks” Foundation (as a 501-c3 corporation with its own Board of Directors) would provide a means for donors to give to Eagle’s park needs. The “Friends” group could potentially be an extension of the existing Parks & Pathways Development Commission membership. Additionally, Eagle should continue to seek support from volunteer and philanthropic organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, Rotary, and other organizations as well as corporations, private individuals, and families. PARTNERSHIPS Fostering of partnerships between the City of Eagle and other agencies and organizations could help further the City’s mission of meeting the growing demand for parks, recreation, and trail facilities. The City of Eagle and its boards, commissions, and committees should strive to develop strong partnerships with community and regional organizations such as the: Ada County Ada County Highway District (ACHD) Cities of Boise, Garden City, Meridian, & Star. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Idaho State Parks West Ada School District Western Ada Recreation District Regional Chambers of Commerce Idaho Department of Transportation Idaho Department of Lands Idaho Department of Commerce Foundation for Ada-Canyon Trails Systems (FACTS) Land Trust of the Treasure Valley YMCA Local & Youth Sports Leagues And others, including most importantly the community-at large. In addition to partnerships, entering into Joint-Use Agreements with allied organizations can be a mutually beneficial method for organizations to share resources (land, facilities, funding, etc.). ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Eagle : Citywide Park Master Plan. 2016. 62 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES AND OPPORTUNITIES The City of Eagle may not be able to fund all park and recreation facility improvements at once. A phased approach to implementation likely will be required. The following recommended strategies are meant to capture the highlights of this plan and summarize important actions that need to be implemented. Parks and Recreation Funding Strategies • Adopt the Citywide Park Master Plan and incorporate the recommendations into the next update of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. • Work with the Park & Pathways Development Commission to prioritize a project list, funding needs, and develop a funding action plan which identifies funding options. • Allow City property tax revenues to increase at the allowable maximum increase of 3.0% per year over the next 3-5 years. Dedicate a sizable portion of the additional revenue to the near- term acquisition of parkland for future use. • Examine the feasibility to increase the City’s Parks and Recreation Dept. budget through maintaining the current property tax levy, as the taxable value of existing properties in the City increase and as new construction continues to add to the City’s property tax base. • Establish mitigation requirements for new development specific to parks and recreation, including a review of existing development impact fees. • Explore the feasibility of municipal funding mechanisms (levy, bond, etc.). • Continue to seek a range of funding opportunities, apply for various grants, and seek matching fund contributions. • Consider establishing a “Friends of Eagle Parks” 501-c3 Foundation. • Seek donations, gifts, and volunteer resources. • Establish and build partnerships with neighborhoods, school districts, sources of private support and in-kind donations. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter Six : FUNDING & IMPLEMENTATION 63 • Establish voter support for future funding needs. • Market Eagle’s community and park assets to help leverage funding for future park acquisition and development. • Work with IDPR, BLM, Idaho Dept. of Lands, and other agencies to ensure land around Eagle is preserved and managed in the interest of Eagle residents and visitors. • Every two years evaluate impact fees and adjust as needed to respond to population growth. • Evaluate opportunities to connect local and regional parks and facilities through greenbelts and greenways. • Evaluate the need to preserve greenways, investigate conservation funding sources and partnership opportunities. Value Added for Increasing Parkland Increased Property Values More than thirty studies have shown that parks have a positive impact on nearby residential property values. Other things being equal, most people are willing to pay more for a home close to a nice park. Economists call this phenomenon “hedonic value.” (Hedonic value also comes into play with other amenities such as schools, libraries, police stations, and transit stops). These hedonic values are affected primarily by two factors: distance from the park and the quality of the park itself. While proximate value (“nearby-ness”) can be measured up to 2,000 feet from a large park, most of the value is within the first 500 feet. Moreover, people’s desire to live near a park depends on characteristics of the park. Beautiful open space parks with trails, meadows, and/or other amenities are markedly valuable. Other parks with excellent recreation facilities are also desirable. Less attractive or poorly maintained parks are only marginally valuable. And parks with frightening or dangerous aspects can reduce nearby property values by up to In contrast, the preponderance of studies have revealed that excellent parks tend to add 15% to the value of a nearby dwelling. Increased Economic Activity There are the notable parks that become a tourist attraction in their own right. These are not just parks serving the local population, but have become a destination for area visitors. Examples include Balboa Park in San Diego, Grant Park in Chicago, and Central Park in New York. While in the short-term it is unrealistic to imagine a park in Eagle, Idaho reaching those levels of recognition, it is not unrealistic that Eagle’s parks contribute to the economic vitality of the City. Closer to home, one only has to observe the impact of Boise’s Simplot Sports Complex attracting statewide and regional soccer tournaments that provide an economic boost to the area. With leadership and vision, the Ada/Eagle Sports Complex or a new Sports Field Complex in the western part of town could one day be a regional draw, providing an economic boost to Eagle as a whole. ---PAGE BREAK--- h h h h h h 6WDWH (DJOH /LQGHU :LOORZ&UHHN 3ROODUG 3DOPHU 6WDWH 3ROODUG h 3DUNV7UDLOV %RLVH5LYHU*UHHQEHOW 5LGJHWR5LYHUV7UDLOV (DJOH3DUNV $GD&RXQW\3DUNV (DJOH,VODQG6WDWH3DUN %/0/DQGV k /RFDO6FKRROV 2WKHU6FKRROV 0DMRU5RDGV 6WUHHWV %RLVH5LYHU 2SHQ6SDFH6\VWHP0DS &LW\ZLGH3DUN0DVWHU3ODQ April6 0DS'DWH 0DS$XWKRU 7KH/DQG*URXS,QF 'DWD6RXUFHV &LW\RI(DJOH   0LOHV 64 ---PAGE BREAK---