8. PRSR 04-14-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to the Park and Recreation CommissionlWoodland Hllls April 14, 2004 Page 2 Neighborhood Playground The Commission has long-identified the need for a neighborhood playground to serve the subdivisions of Windsor Oak Hill, Nordic Woods/Hills, and this development. Commission discussion regarding the Nordic Hills development specifically opted for park dedication funds because the Commission preferred land in the Woodland Hills development for a neighborhood park to serve the area. Although recent discussion by the Commission has focused on the 200 foot buffer, unless the Commisslon has reversed its long-standing position to establish a neighborhood park in this area. Playground equipment and possible other amenities are still part of the plans for this site. The ideal distance for a neighborhood park is between 1/8 and 1/4 of a mile to the service area. Some discussion has occurred regarding utilization of the playground at Meadowvale Elementary School. There are several barriers to this option: a. Distance to the school from the core neighborhood area. The school is separated from the neighborhood by the presence of a large wetland complex. Access to the school would have to be either via the railroad grade or via County Road 1. b. Relationship between the City and the School District. Several years ago, the City and School District separated use and maintenance of athletic facilities and the City attempts to limit its use of District facilities due to cost. Without a conversation by the leadership, it is unsafe to assume that the neighborhood would be able to use the playground. c. Fencing. The school property is fenced, making it less than welcoming and forcing a longer walk to the facility. The current version of the development has a wide area adjacent to the public street, one of the key criteria in determining if land is suitable for park dedication purposes. It is in this area that staff suggests an area be carved out for a playground. The Commission should discuss what other components would be appropriate for this neighborhood park. Cost of Recommendation The Commission is asked to consider the cost of the recommendation to negotiate or condemn land for the additiona153' of buffer. Cost can be calculated in terms of dollars, integrity, and long-term commitments. In addition, has this site been evaluated in light of the priority list of sites that the Commission has identified for acquisition to the park system (gun club, Houlton properly, Gruys property, other yet to be identified parcels that maybe revealed as a result of the NRI study)? Currently, there is $1.5 million in the park dedication fund, with approximately $230,000 in expenditures planned for 2004. Staff is aware that the developer is paying in excess of $50,000 per acre for the raw land. This number will be the m;n;mum amount per acre for the 1.89 acres that is needed to meet the desired buffer area ($94,500). If terms cannot be negotiated and condemnation proceedings occur, costs will be added for appraisals and attorneys. The cost for condemnation could reach $300,000. The City paid around $235,000 for 11 acres of land when it purchased Royal Valley Parkin 2001/02. S:\PLANNING\Case Fdes\2004\P 04-02 Woodland Hills\4 14 04 P & R Memo.doc