Title
a. Receive an update on development of the San Lorenzo Park Management Plan;
b. Provide direction to staff.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Parks Commission and Park Committee:
a. Receive an update on development of the San Lorenzo Park Management Plan;
b. Provide direction to staff.
SUMMARY:
Staff began work on a Master Plan for San Lorenzo Park as the first Plan because of the existing opportunities already in place. The intent of the San Lorenzo Park Master Plan (SLPMP) is to help reveal the highest and best use of the park and implement the park’s mission of providing leisure-time opportunities for the general public. A presentation on the current activities associated with the development of the SLPMP will be presented at the meeting. A preliminary draft SLPMP is attached for discussion purposes (Attachment A).
Staff is seeking direction from the Committee-Commission a draft Park Master Plan for San Lorenzo County Park. Based on that direction, staff will complete a draft Master Plan for San Lorenzo Park for consideration by the Board of Supervisors. The SLPMP will be used as a template for other County Parks.
DISCUSSION:
In 2015, the Board of Supervisors accepted a Strategic Plan for the County Parks Department, which recommended that Management Plans be developed for the various parks in the system. The Management Plans are to include six (6) primary guiding principles to be considered with the goal of improving the quality and sustainability of the parks:
1. Financial Sustainability
2. Park Assets and Infrastructure
3. Partnerships
4. Marketing
5. Operational and Staff Effectiveness
6. Individual Park Master Plans
Management Plan(s) will be specific to each park to reflect the need and conditions of that facility. It will require different approaches to the planning, design and development of the varied natural, cultural and recreational resources within each park. RMA established teams of in house staff to represent each of the guiding principles.
One of the first tasks was to establish baseline information. For San Lorenzo Park, this includes a park map, inventory of existing site elements, infrastructure, utilities, building and facilities including historic structures, an assessment of RV/trailer and tent camping areas, active and passive recreation areas, open spaces, the adjacent Salinas River, inventory and assessment of the established trees and other relevant site amenities and features within and adjacent to the park. Coupled with this is the identification of all compliance mandates (deeds restrictions, requirements related to the Salinas River, existing agreements such as our partnering MOU with the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum (MCARLM), a compilation of all the current and future projects already committed to, as well as other specific obligations or stipulations that are a part of existing grants. There are existing programs in place with stakeholder interest, which should be expanded on in order to strengthen and further develop our park partnerships.
In addition to the compliance items, the identification of opportunities, issues and constraints associated with San Lorenzo Park is also deemed an important first step in order to better determine and understand the priorities that need addressed, the existing successes that need to be continued and perhaps revitalized and to consider and create new, possible interests and uses deemed appropriate. The park already has a unique theme primarily focusing on the agricultural history of the Salinas Valley. The Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum (MCARLM) celebrates the past, present and future of Salinas Valley agriculture and rural life by interpreting authentic objects, providing exceptional programs and building community connections at San Lorenzo Park for the past 35 years. Other opportunities that have been identified as items to consider expanding upon include the interface between the park and the adjacent Salinas River, preservation of historic structures and artifacts, enhancement of the camping areas and renovation of the Avenue of Honor plaques that are located along the main entry road into the park to commemorate South County military personnel who were killed in action in foreign wars.
In short, San Lorenzo Park was established for the enjoyment and recreational use for all persons of all ages in Monterey County and shall not be used for any other governmental or private purposes. Careful consideration is given to the enhancement and preservation of the existing resources, maintaining the existing character of the park, and not intensifying existing uses resulting from increased improvements or development within park that can’t be sustained, in addition to revenue generating proposals. The ultimate goal of developing new or improved methods of increasing revenue and recovering costs is important to realizing the opportunities that will be considered.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Development of Park Master Plans is being done in house with available staff resources from RMA-Parks, along with support from MCARLM, Resource Conservation District, City of King City, the King City Lions Club, King City Chamber of Commerce and other willing local groups.
FINANCING:
Development of the plans has been done with existing staff. Master Plans include immediate needs related to repairs, renovations or required improvements for mandatory compliance or public health, safety and welfare items. This could have a potential impact to the General Fund. Staff will seek available grants where available.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This project represents planning efforts to improve the quality and sustainability of San Lorenzo Park. This project reflects the following Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
__ Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: John Akeman, Parks Planning Manager
Reviewed by: Shawnee Ellerbee, Deputy Director RMA
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, Resources Management Agency Director
Attachments:
A. Preliminary Draft SLPMP
cc: MCARLM