Ord. 857 - Parks CFP 12-20040
ORDINANCE NO. 857
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PARKS CAPITAL FACILITIES
PLAN FOR THE CITY OF RIDGEFIELD, WASHINGTON.
WHEREAS, the City of Ridgefield City Council previously adopted on January 26,
1995 the Ridgefield Urban Area Comprehensive Plan (RUACP) pursuant to the Growth
Management Act found in RCW 36.70A; which was subsequently revised beginning in 2000
and culminating in mid -2004 with said revisions adopted by the City of Ridgefield City
Council with the approval of Ordinance No. 843 on June 24, 2004; and,
WHEREAS, the RUACP contains a Parks Element that is consistent with the Land
Use Element of the RUACP and includes: land use assumptions; facilities and level of service
standards; identifies expansion needs; identifies financing; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Ridgefield previously undertook a review and reexamination
of all of the Capital Facilities Plans which are elements of the RUACP including
transportation, parks and schools; and,
• WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Ridgefield and the Council of
the City of Ridgefield have each held public hearings and public meetings concerning the
proposed Plans and revisions to the Plans; and,
WHEREAS, the RUACP contains as one of its elements a Parks Capital Facilities
Plan found in Volume II. Chapter 5 that was initially adopted on January 26, 1995 and
subsequently revised with said revisions adopted with the City Council's approval of
Ordinance No. 835 on April 22, 2004; and,
WHEREAS, the Clark County Board of Commissioners decided in a public hearing
format on September 7, 2004 to expand the Urban Growth Area (UGA) of the City of
Ridgefield and made this decision effective on September 22, 2004; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Ridgefield subsequent to the decision by the Clark County
Board of Commissioners analyzed and revised the City's Park Capital Facilities to be
consistent with the expansion of the City's UGA; and,
WHEREAS, the Ridgefield Community Development Department presented to the
Ridgefield City Council on October 28, 2004 at a regularly scheduled Council meting
regarding key revisions to the Parks Capital Facilities Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the Ridgefield Community Development Department issued a
Determination of Non -Significance on November 3, 2004 for revisions to the Comprehensive
• AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE PARKS CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN Page I of 3
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Plan text, the Parks Capital Facilities Plan and other Capital Facilities Plans to insure that
appropriate environmental review of Plan revisions had been conducted in accordance with
Chapter 18.810 (Environmental Standards) and WAC 197-11; and,
WHEREAS, the Ridgefield Community Development Department issued on
November 3, 2004 public notice of the City Council's November 18, 2004 public hearing for
the revisions to the previously adopted Park Capital Facilities Plan; and,
WHEREAS, The Ridgefield City Council conducted a public hearing on the revised
Parks Capital Facilities Plan on November 18, 2004; and,
WHEREAS, the Ridgefield City Council conducted the first ordinance reading on
November 18, 2004 and the second ordinance reading on December 16, 2004; and,
WHEREAS, the amendments to the Parks Capital Facilities Plan supersede the
previous Parks Capital Facilities Plan adopted through the City Council's approval of
Ordinance No. 666 on January 26, 1995 and applicable amendments thereafter to this Plan;
and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Ridgefield finds that the amendments
. proposed to the Parks Capital Facilities Plan are in the best interest of the public and general
welfare;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RIDGEFIELD, WASHINGTON, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Volume II -Capital Facilities Plan -Chapter 5 -Parks Element of the Capital Facilities
Plan of the Ridgefield Urban Area Comprehensive Plan (RUACP), a copy of which is
attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and by reference made a part hereof shall be and is hereby
adopted as an amendment to the Ridgefield Urban Area Comprehensive Plan Parks Element.
Section 2. Severability Clause. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or other
portion of this Ordinance, or its application to or any other person or circumstance is, for any
reason, held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision
shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council
hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, subsection or
portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more of the other portions be declared
invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 3. Effective Date. The effective date of this ordinance shall be five (5) calendar days
after passage by the Council and shall be published according to law.
• AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE PARKS CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN Page ora
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PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGEFIELD, WASHINGTON
THIS DAY OF Dk,2004.
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
W"I W U\—
Kay Kammer, FO/Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ban A Jjl-.e 1
Michael J. Wynne, City Attomey
First Reading:
Second Reading/Passage:
Date of Publication:
Effective Date:
I HQ T4
l 'LZ
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AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE PARKS CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN Page 3 of 3
• Parks and Recreation
5.1 Introduction
Purpose of the Plan
This document is the Parks Element of the Capital
Facilities Plan for the City of Ridgefield. It is the City's
blueprint for acquiring and developing parks, trails,
recreation facilities and open space.
The plan is designed to be used as an element of the
City's comprehensive land use plan, and as a resource
and planning guide for the City and its residents. This
edition updates and supersedes the former parks plan,
which was adopted as an element of the City's comprehensive plan
in January of 1995.
History of Park Planning in the Area
Ridgefield has a long history of providing parks and recreational opportunities for its
citizens. Equally important is the historic level of volunteerism and private dedication to
the public good. Each previous generation has met the call for public spirit. These traits are
• excellent building blocks for the continued development of local recreational facilities.
As early as 1909, far-sighted and generous citizens made personal contributions to the
parks and recreation system in Ridgefield. In that founding year, a member of the first
generation of Ridgefield citizens, Mr. D. K. Abrams, donated land for a school and a
park, which now bears his name. Nearly sixty years later, in 1968, Ridgefield more
than doubled the area of Abrams Park through the purchase of 20 additional acres
from Mr. N. J. Krause.
After World War II, during the "Baby Boom" era, the Ridgefield Garden Club donated
land to the City for park purposes. Davis Park, named in honor of J. W. Davis, was
born. Park improvements were made through volunteered time, effort and money of
a new generation of Ridgefield citizens, the members of the Garden Club, Ridgefield
Junior Women's Club and the Lions Club.
In the mid-1970s, times had changed in Ridgefield, prosperity was down and
unemployment was up, but that generation also answered the call to help provide
park and recreational opportunities for the City. A task force comprised of members
of the Ridgefield Park Advisory Board, the Town Council and the Clark County
Parks and Recreation Department cooperated in the development of the first
comprehensive study and park plan for Ridgefield. The report was appropriately
titled Parks for People.
The goals articulated by Ridgefield citizens 25 years ago are, in many ways, the
same goals shared by today's residents. They are based upon goal 7 (Open Space
and Greenways) and 15 (Parks) of the Goals and Policies: Ridgefield Urban Area
Comprehensive Plan, 2003.
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Vision Statement
The City of Ridgefield places a high priority on the acquisition, development
and maintenance of park and recreational facilities by,
1 enhancement of existing facilities,
1 acquisitions of new lands in a manner reflective of population needs and
future growth,
1 protection of environmental quality,
efficient use of land and equipment, and
1 creation of a network of open spaces and recreational opportunities.
5.2 Planning Area Description
Social, Physical and Economic Setting
Ridgefield, located in western Clark County, is a small rural town with a friendly
atmosphere. It is an attractive place to live, work and play. While the City's commercial
center continues to serve local farmers, its emphasis has changed to now also serving
nearby rural and urban residential areas. Ridgefield's cornmercial center is preparing
to meet the future substantial residential development and growth that is taking place
in and around the City limits.
• Population
Ridgefield has experienced moderate population growth since it's incorporation in
1909. By 2003, the City's population had reached 2,200 residents. Current projections
call for dramatically increased population growth over the next twenty years due to
greatly increased residential development. In the next twenty years, current estimates
call for Ridgefield's population to grow to twelve thousand residents. Now is the time
to continue to plan for the community's future recreational needs. This plan is
designed to plan for park and recreation facilities to service this new growth.
Population Baseline
Ridgeneld Population Prolectionl. Table Ull
Year
Ridgefield Population
2003
2,200
2010
__------
4,059
--
2013
7,155
2023
12,000
I Population estimates were obtained from the Ridgefield Comprehensive Plan.
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• 5.3 Existing Meas and Facill1las
•
•
Agency Inventory
A variety of public agencies and private vendors, within Clark County, manage
recreation areas and facilities, which serve Ridgefield area residents. They all provide
often used park and recreation space, and are therefore an important part of the parks
element of the Capital Facilities Plan for the City of Ridgefield. This section provides a
summary of the various agencies and vendors, which provide these facilities. The
inventory includes local, state, and federal agencies.
Regional Facilities
U.S. Forest Service. The U.S. Forest Service has no substantial land holdings in Clark
County. However, approximately 1,180 acres of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
are located within Clark County. The majority of the National Forest is located east
and north of Clark County and extends from the Columbia River to Mt. Rainier. It
contains 1,366,000 acres and includes the 110,000 acre Mt. St. Helens National Vol-
canic Monument. Forest Service Lands provide a variety of recreational opportunities
including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding.
National Park Service. The National Park Service operates
and maintains the 164 acre Fort Vancouver National His-
toric Site, which is located in Vancouver near the Colum-
bia River. The fort was established by the Hudson's Bay
Company in 1824 and was the earliest white settlement in
Clark County. A visitor's center has been built and portions
of the fort have been reconstructed. The National Park Ser-
vice also maintains parade grounds and a play area.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service manages the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge,
located on the Columbia River in northwest Clark County. The refuge covers 5,148
acres and is the largest wildlife preserve in the county. The refuge includes a wide
range of habitats, including emergent, scrub/shrub, and forested wetlands, and ripar-
ian and upland forests. Some parts of the refuge are leased for crop production and
managed to support wildlife species such as Canadian geese and sandhill cranes.
While some parts of the refuge are closed to public access, other areas provide a variety
of recreational opportunities. Some of these include wildlife observation, hiking, envi-
ronmental education, fishing and seasonal waterfowl hunting in designated areas. A
1.5 mile nature trail extends through the "Carty Unit" at the north end of the refuge.
Washington Siete Department of Fish and Wildlife. The mandate of the State Department
of Fish and Wildlife is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate wildlife and to provide
fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities compatible with healthy and
[Such essential state and regional facilities include, but are not limited to, airports, educational institu-
tions, correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and regional transportation facilities. During
the GMA planning process, the only such facilities identified within the Urban Growth Area (UGA) or
Urban Reserve Area (URA) were state and county road systems.
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• diverse wildlife populations. In Clark County, the Department manages four wildlife
and public hunting areas. These are Jenny Creek (,20 acres located 3/4 mile north of
La Center), Cedar Creek (127 acres located west of Amboy), Vancouver Lake (477
acres on La Frambois Road at the south end of Vancouver Lake), and Shillapoo (1,072
acres between Lower River Road and SR501 west of Vancouver Lake). In addition,
the department has developed boat launches and public access areas on many of the
county's lakes and rivers. These include, for example, Daybreak Boat Launch on the
East Fork of the Lewis River, which was developed through a partnership between
Clark County and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Washington State Department of Natural ROSOUMOL The Department of Natural Resources
is the largest public land owner in Clark County. The department's most extensive land
holdings, approximately 60,000 acres, are in the 73,000 acreYacolt Multiple Use
Area in east Clark County and Skamania County. Recreational opportunities include
fishing, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, off-road vehicle use and motorcycle riding.
DNR has developed eight camping and/or picnic areas within the Multiple Use Area,
six of which are located in Clark County.
DNR also manages Caterpillar Island and the Woodland Special Campground for the
handicapped. Caterpillar Island is located in the Columbia River northwest of
downtown Vancouver. Access is by boat only and facilities include four picnic sites.
The Woodland Special Campground is located three miles east of Woodland on
• county road 38. Facilities include ten camp sites, five picnic tables, trails and
playground equipment.
Washington Slate Parks and Recreation Department. The Washington State Parks and Rec-
reation Department owns and manages four park sites: Battle Ground Lake, Paradise
Point, Reed Island and Wormald. Property holdings in Clark County total 1,036 acres.
Battle Ground Lake State Park encompasses 280 acres with 4,100 feet of freshwater
shoreline surrounding 28 acre Battle Ground Lake. Approximately 40 acres of the
park have been developed. Facilities include 8 1/2 miles of hiking and horse trails, a
swimming beach and bath house, boat launch, 35 vehicle access overnight camp
sites, 15 walk-in camp sites, a group camp with four
Adirondacks, one large and two small group shelters,
89 picnic sites, children's play equipment and open
play meadow. Two full-time park rangers live on site. In
addition, a volunteer campground host lives at the park
ten months each year.
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Paradise Point State Park encompasses 88 acres and
6,180 feet of freshwater shoreline on the East Fork of the
Lewis River immediately east of Interstate 5. Facilities
include 70 drive -to camp sites, nine walk-in camp sites,
swimming beach, picnic tables, trails and a boat launch. Paradise Point State Park
borders Clark County's Lower Lewis River Greenway System which extends east to the
City of La Center and the 120 acre La Center Bottoms Wetland Stewardship site.
• Reed Island State Park is located 20 miles east of Vancouver in the Columbia River.
Reed Island encompasses 508 acres with approximately six miles of freshwater
shoreline. Facilities include five camp sites, five picnic tables, and a 112 mile hiking
trail. Reed Island supports one of the largest rookeries for great blue heron in the
Pacific Northwest.
Wormald State Park encompasses 160 acres. The park sits near the East Fork of the
Lewis River and is undeveloped. Wormald is surrounded by private property and
access is walk-in only.
Vancouver -Clark Parks and Recreation Department. In January 1997, Clark County and
the City of Vancouver consolidated park services into a single agency, the Vancou-
ver -Clark Parks and Recreation Department. The department manages approximately
5,200 acres of park and open space lands. These lands are divided into seven cat-
egories: regional parks, trails, conservation and greenway systems, special facilities,
community parks, neighborhood parks and urban open space. Within this system,
there are approximately 3,350 acres of park and open space land that provide county
wide services to all county residents. These facilities include ten regional parks le.g.
Lewisville), three special facilities (e.g. Daybreak) totaling 162 acres, and 1,390 acres
of conservation and greenway systems. The Vancouver -Clark Parks and Recreation
Department also provides support for recreation programming in satellite communi-
ties through joint funding of nine community education programs. These include
• Battle Ground, Camas, Clark College/Vancouver, Evergreen, Hockinson, La Center,
Ridgefield, Washougal and Woodland.
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Local Facilities
CRY of Ridgefield. Ridgefield manages three park sites. Park maintenance is provided for
as a line item category within the City budget. Park and recreation expenses are in the
aggregate and the cost of operating each of the three parks individually is not articu-
lated in the budget.
Park Maintenance Budget 2000-2003. Table 5.3.1
2000 2001 2002 2003
Appropriated $48,804 $56,975 $60,293 $59,216
Actual $48,028 $46,985 $57,493
Park impact fees are generated from homebuilders within the City's boundaries at
$1,400 per home built.z These fees are used for new park acquisition, development
or other approved expenses. The generated impact fees, which are not used after six
years from the time collected, are then defaulted back to the developer.
Y $1,400 Park Impact Fee (PIF) is as of 2003 and does not include the recommended PIF increase
outlined in section 5.7 of this plan.
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• Ridgefield separates their park sites into seven different categories:'
1 Community parks
1 Neighborhood parks
1 Family parks
1 Regional parks
(Trails
1 Urban open space
1 View areas
For purposes of park and recreation planning, Ridgefield's urban growth boundary
(UGB) will also serve as the park and recreation area boundary. The following section
identifies the various recreation sites, land and facilities that are located in the
Ridgefield service area. Each listing includes the facility name, park category, location,
size and managing agency.
Community Parks
Facility Name:
Abrams Park
Category:
Community Park
Location:
End of Fifth Ave.
•
Ridgefield, WA. 98642
Size:
37 acres
Managing Agency:
City of Ridgefield
•
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"The Jewel in the Crown" of Ridgefield parks, Abrams Park is located in the
commercial center of the City and acts as a meeting place for community events and
activities. Facilities include three softball fields, two soccer fields, one group picnic
shelter, one covered bandstand, a stream, 3/4 mile of pedestrian trails, restrooms,
and parking. Of the 37 acres, eight are developed and 29 are undeveloped.
Neighborhood Parks
Facility Name: Davis Park
Category: Neighborhood Park
Location: Between Main and Third Ave.
Size: 0.5 acre
Managing Agency: City of Ridgefield
The park is located in the historic core of Ridgefield. Facilities include picnic tables,
playground equipment, and open space.
3 See section 5.4 for definitions of each park type.
•
Facility Name:
Ridgefield Community Park
Category:
Neighborhood Park
Location:
On Main and Simmons
Size:
0.3 acre
Managing Agency:
City of Ridgefield
The park is a small open space area tucked in behind City Hall and the fire station.
Park facilities include one basketball court, 4 park benches, one gazebo and one
fountain. Skate park facilities include one quarter pipe, one wedge, one spine, one
launch ramp, one box, one pyramid and four different sizes of rails.
Regional Parks
Facility Name: Lake River Public Dock
Category: Regional Park -River Access
Location: One block west of Mill and Division Street
Ridgefield, WA. 98642
Size: 1 acre
Managing Agency: Port of Ridgefield
This heavily used park provides boat launch access to
Lake River, the Columbia River and their associated
bottomlands. Facilities include a two-lane cement
• public boat launch, a boaters in -transit clay -use dock, a
graveled parking lot for approximately 30 truck/trailer
combinations and 20-30 additional single vehicles, and
restroom facilities. The Port is planning additional
lighting and a picnic area.
Urban Open Space
Facility Name: Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Category: Urban Open Space
Location: 301 N. Third Ave.
Ridgefield, WA. 98642
Size: 5,148 acres
Managing Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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• Located between Lake River and the Columbia River, the area is the largest wildlife
refuge in the county. The refuge includes a wide range of habitats, including emergent,
scrub/shrub, and forested wetlands, and riparian and upland forests. Some parts of the
refuge are leased for crop production and managed to support wildlife species such as
Canadian geese and sandhill cranes. While some parts of the refuge are closed to
public access, other areas provide a variety of recreational opportunities. Some of
these include wildlife observation, hiking, environmental education, fishing and
seasonal waterfowl hunting in designated areas. Inventories include:
Carty Unit
Existing facilities:
1 A 1.5 mile nature trail extends through the "Carty Unit' at the north end of the unit.
1 Public fishing area.
1 Archaeological Site - Cathlapode Indian Village. -
1 State Listed Historical Basalt Quarry Site.
1 Location for outdoor environmental education activities.
1 Restroom facilities and parking lot.
Planned/Proposed facilities:
• 1 Replica Cathlapotle Chinook Plankhouse and Accouterments.
1 Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Cultural and Natural Resource Heritage Center.
1 Improved and expanded parking lot and pedestrian bridge.
1 Approximately 1 mile trail to Wapato Portage.
1 Interpretative panels for trails and Lewis and Clark Centennial in parking lot.
River S Unit
Existing faciIities:
•
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1 4.2 mile auto tour route.
1 1.5 mile Kiwa walking trail.
1 Public waterfowl hunting area.
1 Visitor contact station.
1 Restroom facilities and parking lot.
1 Public fishing access.
Planned/Proposed facilities:
1 Interpretative kiosk and panels in parking lot.
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•
Public School Facilities:
The comprehensive plan and the capital facilities plan encourage the City to form an
inter -agency agreement with the Ridgefield School District to formalize the existing
practice of the school district allowing the community at large to make use of school
district recreational facilities and property.
The majority of the sport play fields within the urban growth area are owned and
operated by the Ridgefield School District. These facilities are generally open for
public recreational use at no charge. However, the school district does charge a small
fee for use of the play fields by profit making ventures. In turn, the school district often
uses the larger soccer field at Abrams Park for league scheduled home games. The
following is a list of the facilities that exist in the Ridgefield School District:
School Name: Ridgefield High School
Location: 2630 S. Hillhurst Rd.
Ridgefield, WA 98642
Facilities include: Four tennis courts, one baseball field, one all weather track*4, one
football field*, one soccer field*, one grandstand*, and one practice area, which is
used for soccer and football. A multi -use trail to Gee Creek is planned for 2003.
School Name: View Ridge Middle School
Location: 5th and Pioneer.
Ridgefield, WA 98642
Facilities include: One baseball field, one soccer field*, one sport court, six half -court
basketball hoops, and one sand volleyball court.
School Name: Union Ridge Elementary School
Location: 33 N. 51h
Ridgefield, WA 98642
Facilities include: Two basketball courts, playground sets.
4 * Indicates a lighted facility.
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•
Existing facilities in Ridgefield Matrix : Table 5.3.2
Picnic Athletic Trails Restrooms
Playground Parking
Tables Fields
Equipment
Abrams Park x x z z
x x
Davis Park x
x
Ridgefield
Community Park
Lake River
Public Dock x
x
Ridgefield
Wildlife Refuge x x
Ridgefield
High School x
x
View Ridge
Middle School x
z
Union Ridge
Elementary School x x
• 5.4 Definitions and Standards
•
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There are seven basic park, recreation and open space facilities types in Ridgefield:
community parks, neighborhood parks, family parks, regional parks, trails, urban open
space and view areas. The following park types standards were derived through
evaluation of local needs and conditions, in combination with standards identified by
Clark County.
City Owned:
Community Parks
These parks serve groups of neighborhoods within a one to five mile radius of the park
site. The minimum desirable size is twenty (20) acres, although smaller sites may also
exist because of their unique location or historic significance. Sites will not normally
exceed 100 acres. Park services at the community level are provided in several ways.
Junior and senior high schools meet an important part of the community recreational
need. Community parks compliment and expand on the services provided by school
grounds. Access to community parks may be by car, bicycle or on foot. The range of
facilities provided will be greater than in neighborhood parks and will generally
appeal to more diverse user groups. Development typically includes landscaping,
irrigation, picnic shelters and tables, tennis courts, covered activity areas, soccer and
baseball fields, bike and pedestrian trails, restrooms and parking lots. An example in
Ridgefield is Abrams Parks
5 See section 5.3 for park inventories.
• Neighborhood Parks
These parks are intended to serve residential areas
within walking distances (1/3 to 1/2 mile radius) of the
park site. The minimum desirable size for a
neighborhood park is three (3) to five (5) acres in order
to comfortably accommodate typical facilities and
activities. When physical or other conditions do not
allow sites to meet the minimum size, neighborhood
parks smaller than three (3) acres may be necessary.
Park services at the neighborhood level are provided in
several ways. School facilities meet an important part of
the neighborhood recreational need. Neighborhood
parks complement and expand on the services provided by schools. Access is mostly
pedestrian, and park sites should be located so that persons living within the service
area will not have to cross a major arterial street to get to the site. Children between
the ages of five and twelve constitute the primary user group. However, facilities for
teenagers and adults may also be provided. Development typically includes
landscaping, irrigation, play fields, pedestrian paths and trails, picnic tables, play
equipment, sport courts and three (3) to five (5) parking spaces. Examples in
Ridgefield are Ridgefield Community Park and Davis Park.
• Privately Owned:
Family Parks
Family parks serve a limited, isolated or unique recreational need. They are located in
residential or mixed-use areas and generally serve an area within 1/4 mile of the park
site. Access is typically by walking or bicycle, however one ADA compliant parking
space shall be provided, or sidewalks shall be in compliance with ADA standards.
User groups are diverse and vary with the recreational amenities provided. These
parks are constructed by developers and operated and maintained by homeowner
associations, they are not intended to be financed by the City. Because family parks
are private in nature they are generally not placed on the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP)
and are not Park Impact Fee (PIF) eligible. Additional detail on this type of park can be
found in RDC 18.401 Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Mixed Ownership:
Regional Parks
A regional park is an area with natural or man-made qualities for outdoor recreation,
such as picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, camping or trail uses, or with unique
qualities or historical significance. Regional parks typically serve several communities
within a one hour drive time, although closeness to population centers is desired.
They typically range from one hundred (100) to more than three hundred twenty five
(325) acres in size. The desirable size is two hundred (200) acres or greater, although
• no minimum is recommended. Regional parks are provided by Clark County, the State
of Washington and the National Parks Service. An example in Ridgefield is Lake River
Public Dock.
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• Trails.
A trail is defined as any "path, route, way, right-of-way, or corridor posted, signed, or
designated as open for (non -motorized) travel or passage by the general public." Five
different trail types can be identified: regional multi -use
trails which provide the major access networks across
the county; local multi -use trails which provide access
from neighborhoods to regional multi -use trails; rustic
trails which are smaller in scale than the local trail and
are intended to provide access to natural features and
to provide loop trail opportunities; semi -primitive trails
which are intended for rural or forest settings; and bike
lanes and pedestrian walkways which are located on
City, county and state road rights-of-way. Trails may be
developed in conjunction with various recreational
activities, such as jogging, biking equestrian activities, nature study and historic
observation. They may be a separate facility, such as a fitness trail, or an element of a
larger facility such as a greenway trail. Surfaces will vary with location and use.
Provisions for parking, consistent signage and interpretative markers may also be
included in trail development.
The following trail engineering standards are found in the City of Ridgefield
Engineering Standards for Public Works Construction Only 27, 1995. Volume 1:Design
and Planning). The City should refer to the most updated informati6n available
regarding these standards.
Vol I, 2.18: Concrete Sidewalks
W Width:
4. Designated Bikeways: Ten feet (10') when there is insufficient roadway
width for bicycle lanes. Bicycle lanes shall be five feet (5') in width.
Vol I, 2.20 Multi -Use Trail
Design requirements:
a) Multi -use trails shall be a minimum of six feet (6') wide.
h) Materials shall be per the requirements of section 2.32
C) Multi -use trails shall be a minimum of four feet (4') from the edge of the
vehicular travel way unless no practicable alternative exists and when
approved by the Engineer.
d) Maximum grade is fifteen percent (151%). Minimum curve radius is ten feet
(10')
e) Access easement termination (Type Ip shall be installed as directed by the
City Engineer.
q Multi -use trails may be used as a substitute for concrete sidewalks in
planned unit developments where the City Engineer deems that non-
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motorized transportation goals of the City are being met.
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• Vol I, 2.21 Bikeways/Bike lanes
a) Bikeway construction is required in conjunction with commercial
development, plat or short plat approval, when the need for such a bikeway
is established by the Planning Director.
b) Separated bikeways (bicycles only) shall be a minimum of five feet (5') wide
for one way and ten feet (10') wide for two (2) way flow.
W Where joint vehicular and bicycle facilities (bike lanes) are constructed, the
curb lane shall be fourteen feet (14') wide and use eighteen inch (18") wide
Type A curb and gutter.
d) Surfacing requirements for separated bikeways shall be as specified
in Section 2.32.
e) Maximum grade for separated bikeways shall be ten percent (10%).
Minimum curve radius is one -hundred feet (100'). Curves should be
minimized.
Vol I, 2.32 Surfacing Requirements
All materials and workmanship shall be in accordance with the Standard
Specifications, these standards, and as approved by the Engineer.
a) Minimum Structural Section
• 1. Multi -Use Trail 6" Crushed Rock 1/4" Minus or cinders.
2. Bikeway: 2-1/2" Class B Asphalt over 4" Crushed Rock Base.
Urban Open Space
Urban open space provides visual and psychological relief from man-made
development within the urban area. Public access to the areas is important to provide
passive recreational opportunities where it is compatible with resource protection.
When open space areas can be connected along stream
corridors, they provide valuable wildlife habitat and
other ecological benefits. Urban open space sites may
or may not be improved, but can include trails,
greenway corridors, community gardens, farmed areas,
buffers between land uses of differing intensities, such
as residential and commercial or industrial activity, and
areas within community or neighborhood parks, which
are left in their natural state. Ownership of these areas
is not defined in Goal 7 of the Goals and Policies:
Ridgefield Urban Area Comprehensive Plan, January 2003 or in the Ridgefield
Development Code; therefore, it can be public or private.
Yew Areas
View areas provide a small vantage point from which the public can view points of
interest. The facility provides passive recreation viewing. Amenities might include a
• sitting bench, waste baskets, view finder, and interpretive signing. View points, if
possible, should be connected to the community trail system or sidewalks.
83
• 5.5 Goals and Objectives
The goals and objectives included in this plan build a community-based vision for the
City's park and recreation system. Together with the plan's park definitions and
standards, they guide the determination of demand and
need and set the community's priorities for
implementing the plan.
The parks and open space and greenways
comprehensive plan goals, which can be found in the
Ridgefield Parks and Open Space and Greenways
elements (Goals 7 and '1 S) of the Goals and Policies -
Ridgefield Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2003, are
listed first followed by a list of proposed Goals. The
objectives that achieve those goals then follow. Objectives are organized by the
various park categories used in this plan (e.g. neighborhood parks, community parks
etc.) and one additional category titled "other."
Existing Goals:
Goal 15 (Parks Goal)
The City of Ridgefield shall ensure that park land is acquired, developed and
. maintained in an economically efficient way to meet the needs of Ridgefield and
County residents.
Goal 7 (Urban Open space and Greenways)
To provide attractive parks and open space areas throughout the Ridgefield Urban
Growth Area (RUGA), and to separate and define the Ridgefield UGA's developing
neighborhoods, and to protect fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas in the
context of an expanding urban landscape.
Oblectives
Community Parks
11 The City shall develop a master plan for Abrams Park. As funds are available, the
City shall carry out the plan to further define and improve the recreational
opportunities found therein.
2) The City shall coordinate with Clark County the acquisition of community park
sites within the urban growth boundary and near future residential development.
3) The Welcome Center/Lewis and Clark Park shall be a high priority local park for
the City. Grants should be sought in order to help pay for the acquisition and
development of this park site.
84
• 4) Public surveys demonstrate6 that athletic fields, including but not limited to
basketball, football and soccer fields, shall have a high priority for the allocation
of park funds. Grants shall be sough to help finance the acquisition and
development of these areas.
L
Neighborhood Parks
1) The City of Ridgefield places high priority of the acquisition of neighborhood
park sites to ensure that opportunities for providing these sites are not lost. These
sites shall be held for future park development.
2) The City should provide neighborhood parks for all City residents. These sites
should be located within a one third (1/3) to one half (1/2) mile walking distance
and shall be located to provide safe and convenient access.
3) The City shall make every reasonable effort to meet minimum size standards for
neighborhood parks of three to five acres.
Regional Parks
1) The City shall support Clark County, the State Department of Parks and Recreation
and other agencies in providing regional park and recreation opportunities.
Trails
1) The City places a high priority on acquiring and developing an interconnected
system of trails that link schools, parks, and other public facilities with residential
and mixed-use areas.
2) The City shall adopt a more detailed trail plan within the City and UGA that
catalogs existing trails and proposes new trails.
3) The City shall coordinate with Clark County to provide regional trail access and
encourage the continuity of trail corridors within and outside the UGA.
4) Planning for urban parks shall address internal trail systems for walking, biking,
equestrian activities and other recreational uses.
Urban Open Spaces
1) The City of Ridgefield places a high priority on the preservation of open space.
Open spaces include wildlife habitat, wetlands, drainage, water quality, trails
and other educational and recreational uses.
2) Open space needs shall be met by adherence to performance standards adopted
within the zoning, PUD and sub -division development regulation.
6 See Technical Volume, RUACP.
85
• View Areas
t) The City shall incorporate view areas into the City parks plan with special
emphasis on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Gee Creek and the
nearby mountains.
Other
it The City shall evaluate existing facilities for possible modification to comply with
ADA guidelines. In addition, the City shall continue to design all new facilities
within appropriate ADA guideline standards.
2) The City shall continue to seek public input and evaluate the needs and
suggestions of City residents and those living within the UGA in further parks
L
96
and recreation development.
3) The City shall maintain park facilities in a manner
that promotes safety and cleanliness.
4) The City shall promote the use of volunteers,
neighborhood, and community organizations in
maintaining park facilities. When considering the use
of these groups and individuals, the City shall assess
their knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to the
tasks to be preformed. Safety, risk, and liability shall
also be considered.
r...ate property owners who would be interested in donating
a portion of their land, with an emphasis on environmentally sensitive areas, to
the formation of an improved trail system.
6) Remain eligible and proactively seek park funds and grants.
7) Identify optimum park and recreation areas for future and existing parks.
9) Preserve environmental conditions around and increase access to natural and
resource lands and water.
9) Encourage the cooperation and coordination between public jurisdictions
and private enterprise in the provision of recreational services and level of
service standards.
• 5.6 Demand and Need Analysis
FJ
This section quantifies the community's need for park facilities using the plan's
definitions, standards, goals, and objectives. The analysis of demand is divided into six
facility types: Community Parks, Neighborhood Parks, Trails, Regional Parks, Open
Space, and View Areas.
Ridgefield currently has approximately 13.8 acres of developed parkland' and 0.92
acres of developed trails. These parks and trails are dispersed throughout the City and
provide suitable outdoor activities to current residents. The current park holdings in
Ridgefield are defined and used solely as community and neighborhood parks. The
City currently has no parkland holdings defined as urban open space, regional parks
or view areas.
Population Baseline. Ridgefield Population Projection. Table 5.6.1
Year Ridgefield Population
2003 2,200
2010 4,059
2013 7.155
2023 12,000
The City of Ridgefield, following Clark County's lead, has adopted a Level of Service
(LOS) requirement for the City. This (LOS) is based upon minimum levels of service for
all park types and is set at 6.5 acres of park and trails lands per 1,000 people. This
overall ratio is greater than the standard proposed by the National Parks and Recreation
Association and the standard adopted by Clark County in its 1994 comprehensive plan
(see 3.2.4.4). This is a substantial dedication to recreation and open space and reflects
Ridgefield's community value of providing recreational needs for all citizens.
Level of Service (LOS) Ridgefield Parks and hails. Table 5.6.2
Type
Acres/1000 Standard
Community Park
5.0 acres/1,000
Neighborhood Park
1.5 acres/1,000
Developed Trails
0.50 acres/1,000
Total
7.0 acres/1,000
By the year 2023, Ridgefield will require a total of 84 acres of developed parkland,
based upon a LOS of 7 acres developed parkland per 1,000 persons". The City
currently has an inventory of 13.8 acres of developed park. Therefore, to meet its LOS,
• the City will need to add 70.2 acres of developed parkland by the year 2023.
7 Abrams Park currently has eight acres of developed parkland.
"This 84 acre projected need is based upon the population reaching its estimate of
12,000 residents by 2023. 97
• By the year 2023, Ridgefield will require a total of 6 acres of developed trails based
upon a LOS of 0.50 acres/1000 residents. The City currently has an inventory of 0.92
acres of developed trails all within Abrams Park and (he Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge.
Therefore, in order to meet its LOS, the City will need to add an additional 5.08 acres
of developed trails by the ,year 2023.
Current and Future Projected Inventory
Surplus/Deficit of Park and Trail Lands. Table 5.6.3
Type 2003 2003 2003 2010 2013 2023
Need Actual Surplus/Deficit Need Need Need
Community Park 11.0 acres 8.0 acres (3.0 acres) 20.3 acres 35.9 acres 60 acres
Neighborhood Park 3.3 acres 5.8 acres 2.5 acres 6.0 acres 10.8 acres 18 acres
Sub -Total 14.3 acres 13.8 acres (0.5 acres) 26.3 acres 44.7 acres 78 acres
Developed Trails 1.1 acres 0.92 acres (0.18 acres) 2.0 acres 3.6 acres 6.0 acres
•
•
88
Table 5.6.3 illustrates the City's needs to acquire and develop community and
neighborhood parks, as well as trail sites within the Ridgefield Urban Growth area
(UGA) in order to meet current LOS requirements for its projected population.
• 5.7 Capital Facility Priorities
During the next six-year Capital Facilities Plan period, Ridgefield should pursue a
balanced plan of acquisition and development to meet its current and projected
deficit of trail sites and community and neighborhood parks. Land must be acquired
before it becomes scarce, but the needs of the current generation toaake part in the
facilities the park and recreation system offers should not be sacrificed to a simple
land -banking program.
Typical Park Costs:
Expenses for land acquisition costs were derived through compiling data received
from local real estate agents and developers. A base price per acre of $35,000 per
acre is an average price. Figures could be significantly higher or lower depending on
such factors as size, location, zoning, and availability of public services, such as
sewer and water.
Expenses for development costs, such as irrigation, grading, landscaping and plantings
are variables, which are dependant upon the location of the facility and the scope of
the project. Some sites may require less expensive drainage but acquisition costs may
be higher. The City may elect to develop certain parks in several phases so as to not
finish the entire development for ten or fifteen years, however, impact fees must be
expended within six years of receipt or they must be refunded with interest
• to the developer. There is flexibility in calculating development costs.
The following tables reflect basic costs for park acquisition and development:
Average Projected Land Prices
Ridgefield/per acre. Table 5.7.1
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
$35,000 $40,250 $46,288 $53,231 $61,216 $70,398 $80,958 $93,102
Based on a 15% increase per year
•
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I•
•
•
90
Baseline Park Acquisition & Development Costs.
Ridgefield/2003. Table 5.7.2
Type of expense
Cost
Acquisition
$35,000/acre
Develaprnent/acre:
Irrigation
$21,000
Grading/Drainage
$8,625
Seeding
$9,750
Landscaping
$7,500
Subtotal
$46,875/acre
Amenities:
Parking
$75,000
Restroom
$120,000
Play Equipment
$45,000
Sport Field
$97,500
Site Furniture
$8,250
Signs
$3,750
Subtolal
5349,500
Walkslfrails
$9.00-$22.50/1. ft.
Shrubs & Beds
$6.00/sq. ft.
Overhead:
Engineering & Design
10.00%
Sales Tax
7.80%
•
Park Acquisition & Development Estimate: Cost Comparison.
Ridgefield/2003. Table 5.7.3
Neighborhood Park Community Park
Item Cost 5 Acres 20 Acres
Acquisition $175,000 $700,000
Development $234,375 $937,500
Amenities $349,500 $349,500
1,000 paved trail $22,500 $22,500
10,000 sq. ft. shrubs& beds $60,000 $60,000
Subtotal $641,375 $2,069,500
10% Engineering & Design $84,138 $206,950
Subtotal $925,513 $2,276,450
7.8 % Sales Tax $72,190 $177,563
Total $997,703 $2,454,013
The following is a proposed Financing Plan for comnnulity and neighborhood
•
parks in Ridgefield. The plan uses expected population growth for the City and
current (LOS) standards. It is broken down into six, ten and twenty year increments.
The plan only looks at expected needed revenue to finance the acquisition and
development of the parks'.
Level of Service (LOS) Standards. Table 5.7.4
Type Acres/1000 Standard
Community Park 5.0 Acres/1,000
Neighborhood Park 1.5 Acres/1,000
Trails 0.5 Acres/1,000
Total 7.0 Acres/1,000
Neighborhood and Community Parks.
Average cost/per acre10 (see table 5.7.3). Table 5.7.5
Community Park $122,701
Neighborhood Park $199,541
•
° Maintenance and policing of the parks is typically not included in capital facilities plans.
70 Average cost per acre is derived by taking total cost of park acquisition and development
and dividing by number of acres. This average cost per acre number may by artificially inflated
due to economies of scale.
91
• Expected Acreage need multiplied by per acre costtl. Table 5.7.6
•
92
Trails:
The Ridgefield Parks Advisory Board and the lune 2003 Ridgefield survey have
expressed a strong inclination towards the acquisition and development of the City's
trail system. Expenses for acquisition and development of the trail system will vary
widely depending upon location and type of trail desired. If possible, trails should be
located on sewer easements. This will dramatically reduce acquisition costs, as the
easements are already owned by the City of Ridgefield. Any of the five types of trails
can be located along the sewer easements as they are twenty feet (20') wide.
Further, a strong desire has been expressed by members of the Ridgefield Parks and
Recreation Board to establish a foundation for accepting donated private land for trail
use. This donated land shall be used to enlarge the trail system in Ridgefield.
Trails currently exist within the City of Ridgefield in Abrams Park and the Ridgefield
Wildlife Refuge. These trails are approximately 0.92 acres in size assuming that these
trails average 10 feet in width12.
11 See Table 5.6.3 for expected park acreage needs.
12 This 10 -foot width is assumed for all trails, whether proposed or currently built within Ridgefield.
Community Park
Expected Community Park Costs
2010
Expected Need (-) Existing Acreage = 12.3 acres
$1,509,222
2013
Expected Need (-) Existing Acreage = 27.9 acres
$3,423,358
2023
Expected Need (-) Existing Acreage = 52 acres
$6,380,452
Expected
Acreage need multiplied by per acre CosL Table 5.7.7
Neighborhood Park
Expected Neighborhood Park Costs
2010
Expected Need (-) Existing Acreage = 0.2 acres
$39,908
2013
Expected Need (-) Existing Acreage = 5.0 acres
$997,705
2023
Expected Need (•) Existing Acreage = 12.2 acres
$2,434,400
Total Cost for Community and Neighborhood Parks. Table 5.7.8
2010
$1,549,130
2013
$4,421,063
• 2023
$8,814,852
•
92
Trails:
The Ridgefield Parks Advisory Board and the lune 2003 Ridgefield survey have
expressed a strong inclination towards the acquisition and development of the City's
trail system. Expenses for acquisition and development of the trail system will vary
widely depending upon location and type of trail desired. If possible, trails should be
located on sewer easements. This will dramatically reduce acquisition costs, as the
easements are already owned by the City of Ridgefield. Any of the five types of trails
can be located along the sewer easements as they are twenty feet (20') wide.
Further, a strong desire has been expressed by members of the Ridgefield Parks and
Recreation Board to establish a foundation for accepting donated private land for trail
use. This donated land shall be used to enlarge the trail system in Ridgefield.
Trails currently exist within the City of Ridgefield in Abrams Park and the Ridgefield
Wildlife Refuge. These trails are approximately 0.92 acres in size assuming that these
trails average 10 feet in width12.
11 See Table 5.6.3 for expected park acreage needs.
12 This 10 -foot width is assumed for all trails, whether proposed or currently built within Ridgefield.
0
Two new trails have been proposed for Ridgefield: the Gee Creek and Lake River
Trails. These trails will provide for inter -city access between subdivisions, parks and
local schools. Expenses for acquisition and development of this proposed trail system
will vary widely depending upon the exact location and type of trail desired.
The following tables reflect basic costs for trail acquisition and development,
according to trail types.
Estimated Costs for Different Types of Trail Development.
Ridgefield/2003. Table 5.7.9
Type of Trail
Acres
Cost
Type 1
RegionaUMulti•Use
Lake River 14,520
3.33
12 ft. wide path, paved with asphalt
$51.00/1. ft.
Type 2
Local Trail
3.1
$110,250
10 ft. wide path, paved with asphalt
$43.50/1. ft.
Type 3
On Road/Bike Lane
$226,800
$783,882
5 fl. wide path, paved with asphalt
$22.50/1. ft.
Type 4
Rustic
4 ft. wide path, rock
$9.00/1. ft.
Type 5
Semi -Primitive
2 ft. wide path, dirt path
$4.50/1. ft.
Proposed Walls Acquisition and Development Costs.
RidgeOeldf2OD3. Table 5.7.10
Location Linear Feet
Acres
Acquisition
Cost
Average
Development
Cost
Total Cost
Lake River 14,520
3.33
$116,550
$402,930
$519,480
Gee Creek 13,728
3.1
$110,250
$380,952
$491,202
Total
6.48
$226,800
$783,882
$1,010,682
The City currently has 0.92 acres of developed trails and will need to have 6.0 acres
of trails by 2023.13 This leaves the City needing to develop 5.08 acres of trails for the
20 -year planning period. At an average cost of $35.78 per linear foot, for acquisition
and development, the 5.08 acres (22,129 linear feet at 10 feet wide) the City needs
to develop will cost $791,776.
13 See Table 5.6.3.
93
• Total Costs
Total costs of meeting the City LOS standard of 7.0 per 1,000 residents would bring
a total cost to the City of $9,606,628. ($8,814,852 for community and neighborhood
parks and $791,776 for trails).
Impact fees are charges paid by new development to reimhurse local government
for the capital cost of public facilities needed to serve that new development and
the people who use or occupy that development. Impact fees may not be used for
operating or maintenance expenses, nor can they be used to pay the cost of reducing
an existing deficiency in parkland or facilities.
Impact fees are used for "system improvements" (improvements designed to provide
services to the community at large) and are not used for "project improvements"
(improvements provided by the developer on or near the site of the development and
designed to serve the residents of the development). The types of public park facilities
actions,, which can benefit from impact fees include: planning, acquisition, site
improvements, necessary off-site improvements, construction, engineering,
architectural permitting, financing, administration, and capital equipment pertaining
to parks.
Using the current Park Impact Fee (PIF) of $1,400 to pay for this Parks plan the City
would need to have 7,521 new hornes built within the City Limits by the year 202374.
Using the Clark County average for home occupancy of 2.69, 20,231 new residents
• would need to move into the Citv Limits by the year 202315. This population number
far exceeds the City's projected total population of 12,000 by the year 2023.
Therefore, in order to pay for the new parks plan the PIF would need to be raised in
order to meet the need for the acquisition and development of new parks and trails.
Park Impact Fees cannot, by law, pay for the acquisition and development of City
parks by themselves; other sources of funding shall be sought to help finance them.
These sources should include general City funds dedicated for parks and grants and
loans provided by federal, state, county and private agencies.
Ridgefield uses a standard formula to determine the PIF cost that is passed onto
developers. This formula is
PIF=CxS xtl-A
P
PIF - Park Impact Fee
C -The average cost per acre for land acquisition, development and other associated
costs for developing the land to adequate standards.
S -The park standard in acres per thousand residents for the parks and trails.
The standard that is established in this plan is 7.0 acres of developed parkland
per 1,000 residents.
• 14 $10,528,708 (cost of the plan)/$1,400 (PIF) equals 7,521.
Is when added to the current population of 2,200, the additional 20,231 residents would give the City
a total population of 22,431.
94
• P - New population that is being projected to be added to the City by the year 2023.
For Ridgefield this number is 9,800. (12,000 - 2,200).
U - The average number of occupants per dwelling or 29 for single-family dwellings
and 2.3 for multi -family dwellings.
A - Adjustments include dedications, fees in lieu of, and the discount factor of 32"%
that accounts for the public share of CFP costs.
For one new single-family residence, the PIF is calculated as follows:
PIF = $9,606,628 / 9,800 = $980.27 x 2.9 = $2,842.78 minus 32% _ $1,933.09.
For one new multi -family residence, the PIF is calculated as follows:
PIF = $9,606,628 / 9,800 = $980.27 x 2.3 = $2,254.62 minus 321% _ $1,533.14.
Therefore, the single-family Park Impact Fee shall be $1,933.09 and the multi -family Park Impact
Fee shall be $1,533.14.
High Priority Park and Trail Acquisition and Development Projects:
The following table represents capital improvement/facility projects that are of a high
interest to the City of Ridgefield and its citizens. Approximate costs for these projects
shall be obtained as soon as possible after outside funding sources are sought.
Table 5.7.10
Project
Type of
Development
Year of
Implementation
Funding Source
1. welcome Center/
Local Park
2004
City Funds/IAC Grant/
Lewis & Clark Park
(Acquisition &
private donations
Development)
2. Trail System
Local Trail System
2006
City Funds/IAC Grant
(Acquisition &
Development)
•
95
n
U
11
•
5.8 Action Program
The following actions shall take place by the planning agencies responsible for them.
Some of the actions are programmatic in nature while others tie closely in with the
Acquisition and Development goals found in the Capital facilities Priorities.
Community Parks
1 Create a master plan for park planning for the entire Urban Growth Area.
1 Use the master plan for planning purposes in developing Abrams Park.
1 Acquire and develop the Welcome Center/Lewis and Clark Park. Seek IAC grants
and other funds for help in acquiring and developing the park area.
1 Acquire and develop 40 new acres of community park land by 2023.
Neighborhood Parks
1 Acquire 24.2 acres of new neighborhood land parks around new residential
development by 2023.
1 Develop these new parks with playground equipment, open space, athletic courts,
picnic tales and other applicable facilities.
Regional Parks
Locate one new Regional Park in Ridgefield's UGA
that is a minimum of 11 acres by the year 2023. This
land should be used for passive purposes and ideally
be located in an area of natural and scenic beauty.
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• Trails
1 Develop a master plan for a trail system encompassing all types of trails
within the RUGA.
Develop Abrams Park as a central meeting point for most trails within
the trail system.
Implement a transportation bike lane plan, in
conjunction with the overall trail plan that facilitates
increased bike usage within and connecting high use
residential, mixed-use and industrial zones.
Urban Open Space
Maintain and enhance the relationship with the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, which is the managing
agency of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
View Areas
Locate areas of scenic beauty unique to the Ridgefield area and maintain view
corridors in these areas. If possible, locate these areas along the current and
proposed trail system and construct benches for viewing.
• General
1 Keep detailed records reflecting the parks budget for each year and where the
money was spent. Use these records to identify waste and plan for succeeding
park budgets.
97
0 5.9 Financing Programs
Federal and State Funding Programs
Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account -Public Access Program
Department of Natural Resources
This program provides matching grants to state and local agencies to enhance public
access on and the recreational use of aquatic lands. Projects must be located on
navigable waterways. Funds for this program are derived from the leasing of state
owned aquatic lands and from the sale of aquatic land resources such as sand, gravel,
and shellfish. Grants are available in three categories: acquisition, development, and
interpretation.
Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account -Wetland
Stewardship Program
Department of Natural Resources
This program provides grant monies to state and local agencies to acquire wetland
sites, which shall be committed to long-term educational and research uses. Sites
must be on, or associated with, navigable waterways. Funds for this program are
derived from the leasing of slate owned aquatic lands and from the sale of aquatic
land resources, such as sand, gravel, and shellfish.
• Trust lands Transfer Program
Department of Natural Resources
•
98
This program provides a mechanism to protect DNR managed properties with
significant natural, park, or recreational attributes while infusing money into the
public school construction fund. The program has been into effect since 1989. The
program identifies "common school trust lands" with significant park, recreation, and
natural features, which are difficult to manage for income production and transfers
them to ownership that is more appropriate. The legislature appropriates funds to "buy
out" these properties from the school trust program.
Grant Programs
Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation
The interagency committee for outdoor recreation was created in 1964 as part of
the Marine Recreation Land Act (Initiative 215). The IAC grants money to state and
local agencies, generally on a matching basis, to acquire and develop conservation
and outdoor recreation properties. Some money is also distributed for planning grants.
IAC grant programs utilize funds from various sources. Historically, these have
included the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, state bonds, Initiative
215 monies, off-road vehicle funds, and, more recently, Washington Wildlife and
Recreation Coalition funds.
• Washington Wildlile and Recreation Program
Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation
The IAC is a state office, which allocates funds to local and state agencies for the
acquisition and development of wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation properties.
Funds for local agencies are awarded on a matching basis. Grant applications are
evaluated once each year. The WWRP program specifically targets urban wildlife
habitat, trails, local parks and water access. The state Legislature approves the IAC
funding recommendations.
Washington State Upland Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative
The Department of Wildlife
The Washington Department of Wildlife will purchase important upland wildlife
habitat, or provide technical and/or financial assistance to protect, restore, or enhance
such habitat on private property. Private landowners who volunteer for this program
must sign written agreements that outline protection and maintenance programs.
Washington Slate Wetlands and Riparian Initiative
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USFW will provide technical and/or financial assistance to protect, restore, enhance
or create wetland and riparian habitat on private property. Private landowners who
• volunteer for this program must sign written agreements that outline protection and
maintenance programs. Landowners must agree to a project term of at least ten years.
The longer the term of the project, the higher priority of the project for USFE, with
those providing protection in perpetuity having the highest priority.
Community Development Block Grant
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Clark County receives funds each year from the federal Community Block Grant
Program. These funds are intended to develop viable urban communities by providing
decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic
Opportunities, principally for low and moderate -income persons. Funds received by
Clark County are administered by an Urban County Policy Board whose membership
is made up of the mayor or a designated representative from each town and city in the
county and one county commissioner. Agencies and jurisdictions submit projects for
consideration during an annual review process. Funds are awarded on a competitive
basis with a maximum project request for CDBG funds of $300,000. Policy divides
project allocations evenly between infrastructure and social service projects.
•
99
• Local Funding Programs
Property Tax -Lill Lid
Chapter 84.52 of the Revised Code of Washington authorizes counties and cities to
impose ad valorem taxes upon real and personal property. A county's maximum levy
rate for general county purposes is $1.80 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. A city's
maximum levy rate for general purposes is $3.375 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
If a city is annexed to either a library or fire district, the city levy may not exceed
$3.60 per $1,000 of assessed valuation less any regular levy made by the library of
fire district. The city's general property tax is collected only within the city. The
county's general property tax is collected countywide.
Property Tax -Conservation Futures
Chapter 84.34 of the Revised Code of Washington authorizes counties to impose by
resolution a property tax up to six and one-quarter cents per thousand dollars of
assessed value for acquiring interest in open space, farm, and timberlands. Known as
Conservation Futures, these funds may be used for acquisition purposes only. Funds
may be used to acquire mineral rights, and leaseback agreements are permitted. The
statute prohibits the use of eminent domain to acquire property. Clark County adopted
the Conservation Futures levy in October 1985. Clark County allows all eligible
jurisdictions, including cities, to apply for funding from the Conservation Futures fund.
• Property Tax -Excess Levy
•
100
Chapter 84.52 of the Revised Code of Washington authorizes cities and counties,
along with other specified junior taxing districts, to levy property taxes in excess of
limitations imposed by statute when authorized by voters. Levy approval requires 60
percent majority vote at a general or special election held in the year in which the
levy is made.
Property Tax -General Obligation Bonds
Chapters 35A.40, 39.36 and 84.52 of the Revised Code of Washington authorize
cities, with voter approval, to borrow money by selling bonds. Voter -approved general
obligation bonds may be sold only after receiving a 60 percent majority vote at a
general or special election. If approved, an excess property tax is levied each year for
the life of the bond to pay both principal and interest. Cities have a maximum debt
limit for voter -approved bonds of two and one-half percent of the value of the taxable
property in the city (any outstanding councilmanic bonds must be subtracted from this
limit). With voter approval, cities have an additional two and one-half percent for
municipal water, sewer and lighting facilities, and an additional two and one-half
percent for acquisition and development of open space and park facilities.
• , Councilmanic Bonds
Chapters 35A.40 and 35.41 of the Revised Code of Washington authorize cities to
borrow money by selling bonds. Councilmanic bonds are bonds sold by cities without
public vote. The bonds, both principal and interest, are retired with payments from
existing city revenue or new general tax revenue, such as additional sales tax or real
estate excise tax. Cities have a maximum debt limit for councilmanic bonds of one
and one-half percent of the value of taxable property in the city.
Revenue Bonds
Chapters 35A.40 and 35.41 of the Revised Code of Washington authorize cities to
borrow money by selling revenue bonds. Revenue bonds are sold with the intent of
paying principal and interest from revenue generated by the improvement, such as
fees and charges. For example, revenue bonds might be sold to fund a public water
system that will generate revenue through utility charges to customers. Other funds
may be dedicated to assist with repayment; however, it is desirable to have
improvements generate adequate revenue to all bond costs. Limits on the use and
amount of revenue bonds are generally market driven through investor faith in the
adequacy of the revenue stream to support bond payments.
Business and Occupation Tax
. Chapters 35A.82 and 35.21 of the Revised Code of Washington authorize cities to
impose a tax on business activity -measured by the gross receipts or gross income from
sales -at a rate not exceeding 2/10 of 1 %. Rates may differ among business classes -
such as manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing and service -but must remain the same
within each class. Rates above the maximum require majority voter approval. Cities
first imposing or raising the rate must provide for a referendum procedure as specified
in the statute.
Utility Tax
Chapters 35A.82, 35.27, 32.24, 35.23 and 35.21 of the Revised Code of Washington
authorize cities to levy a tax on the gross revenue generated from public and private
utility operations within the city. Taxable utilities include electricity, telephone, natural
gas, steam energy, water, sewer, solid waste, stormwater and cable TV. Tax rates on
electricity, telephone, natural gas and steam energy are limited to six percent, unless a
higher rate is approved by a majority vote. Water, sewer, solid waste and stormwater
have no tax rate limitation.
W
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Sales Tax
Chapter 82.14 of the Revised Code of Washington authorize governing bodies of
cities and counties to impose sales and use taxes at a rate set by the statute to help
"carry out essential county and municipal purposes." The authority is divided up
into two parts.
Cities and Counties may impose by resolution or ordinance a sales and use tax at a
rate of five -tenths of one percent on any "taxable event" within their jurisdictions.
These funds may be used for general governmental purposes.
Cities and Counties may also impose an additional sales tax at a rate "up to" five -
tenths of one percent on any taxable event within the city or county. In this case, the
statute provides an electoral process for repealing the tax or altering the rate. These
funds may also be used for general governmental purposes.
Additional taxing authority is granted for special and limited uses, such as juvenile
detention facilities and criminal justice purposes.
User Fees
Chapters 35.21 and 35A.67 of the Revised Code of Washington authorize cities and
towns to charge fees for public or private use of publicly owned park and recreation
facilities. Typically, fees are set at a level that recovers all direct and indirect costs.
• Fees may be set at lower levels based on public policy or market factors. Some
facilities are not suited for user fees, such as neighborhood parks where the cost
of collection would exceed revenue.
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Development Impact Fees
Chapter 82.02 of the Revised Code of Washington authorizes counties, cities and
towns planning under RCW 36.70A.040 to impose impact fees on commercial and
residential development activity to partially finance public facilities to serve new
growth and development. Public facilities funded with impact fees must be part of an
adopted capital facilities plan, and may include parks, open space, and recreation
facilities. Public facility needs not created by new growth and development must be
met from other sources of public funds within a reasonable period of time.
Surplus Land Sale
Chapters 35A.11, 32A.79, 35.22, 35.23 and 35.27 of the Revised Code of Washington
authorize cities to purchase, hold, manage and dispose of real property. Land surplus
may be sold to fund capital projects or other authorized city functions. Expenditure of
sale proceeds may be governed or restricted by law, policy or contract. For example,
lands purchased with IAC grant funds may not be liquidated. If sold, they must be
replaced with similar land of equal or greater value.
• Local Incentive Programs
Current Use Taxation
Chapter 84.34 of the Revised Code of Washington establishes criteria for tax
deferments for agriculture and timberlands, and authorizes counties to establish
criteria for tax deferments for open space land. Owners of such lands may apply to be
taxed according to current use, rather than true market value, in return for maintaining
their land in farm, timber or open space use. When the property is removed from
the program, the tax savings realized by the landowners for the current year and a
period dating back further that seven years may not be collected. If the removal of
classification or change of use occurs in less than ten years or if the owner fails
to provide two years advance notification of withdrawal, an additional 20 percent
penalty is imposed.
Density Bonuses
Density bonuses are a planning tool used to encourage a variety of public land use
objectives, unusually in urban areas. They offer the incentive of being able to develop
at densities beyond current regulations in one area, in return for concessions in
another. Density bonuses are applied to a single parcel or development. An example
is allowing developers of multi -family units to build at higher densities if they provide
a certain number of low income -units. For density bonuses to work, market forces
• must support densities at a higher level than current regulations allow.
Transfer of Development Rights
The transfer of Development Rights (TDR) is an incentive -based planning tool, which
allows land owners to trade the right to develop property to its fullest extent in one
area for the right to develop beyond existing regulations in another area. Local
governments may establish the specific areas in which development may be limited or
restricted and the areas in which development beyond regulation may be allowed.
Usually, but not always, the "sending" and "receiving" property are under common
ownership. Some programs allow for different ownership, which, in effect, establishes
a market for development rights to be bought and sold.
Regulatory Programs
A variety of regulatory measures are available to state and local agencies and
jurisdictions. Programs available to state and local agencies include: Forest Practices -
Conversion of Timber Lands, Washington Department of Natural Resources,
Shorelines Management Program, local jurisdictions; State Environmental Policy
Act (SEPA), local jurisdictions; wetlands protections ordinances, local jurisdictions;
Hydraulic Code, Washington State Department of Wildlife; environmental combining
districts, local jurisdictions; and floor plain combining districts, Federal Emergency
Management Agency and local jurisdictions.
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• Other Methods and Funding Programs
Private Grants, Donations and Gifts
Many trusts and private foundations provide funding for park, recreation and open
space projects. Grants from these sources are typically allocated through a
competitive application process, and vary dramatically in size based on the financial
resources and funding criteria of the organization. Philanthropic giving is another
source of project funding. Efforts in this area may involve cash gifts and include
donations through other mechanisms such as wills or insurance policies. Community -
fund raising efforts can also support park, recreation or open space facilities
and projects.
Public/Private Utility Corridors
Public and private utility providers maintain corridors of land for delivering services,
such as electricity, gas, oil and rail travel. These corridors can be managed to
maximize the protection and enhancement of open space. Habitat management,
landscaping and allowing park development in utility corridors are examples.
Park and Recreation Districts
Chapter 36.69 of the Revised Code of Washington authorizes the formation of park
and recreation districts for the purposes of providing leisure -time activities and
• recreation facilities. They must be initiated by petition, and may include any
unincorporated area, all or part of a city or town with city or town approval, or more
than one county. Formation requires majority voter approval. Park and recreation
districts are governed by five elected commissioners. They may issue regular and
voter -approved general obligation bonds and propose annual and six year special
levies. Revenue bonds and local improvement districts are also authorized.
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Park and Recreation Service Area
Chapter 36.68 of the Revised Code of Washington authorizes counties to form park
and recreation service areas to finance, acquire, construct, improve, maintain or
operate and recreation facilities. They may be initiated by resolution adopted by the
county legislative authority or by petition, and may include any unincorporated area
and all or part of a city or town with city or town approval. Formation requires
majority voter approval. Members of the county legislative authority, acting ex officio
and independently, compose the governing body of any park and service area created
within their county. Park and recreation service areas that include towns or cities or
multi -county park and recreation service areas may and shall be governed by inter-
local agreement, respectively. They may issue regular and voter -approved general
obligation bonds and propose annual and six-year special levies.
0 5.10 Public Involvement
Ridgefield Parks Survey:
Results and Comments
A survey was mailed out to Ridgefield residents on May 25, 2003 asking for remarks
and opinions regarding the park and recreation system in Ridgefield. This survey was
further distributed to interested citizens at the open house, which was held in the
Ridgefield Community Center on May 29, 2003. The following are some of the results
which were tabulated from the responses of that survey. This information will be used
by the City of Ridgefield as one of the main sources of information concerning the
opinions of the City's residents concerning park needs.
Number of responses received: 83
Please Indicate how Important each of the following types of park facilities are
to you and your family:
(Note: Some people did not respond to all items)
(Note: if a respondent checked more than one selection for an item, it was not counted at all.)
(Note: If a respondent checked in the area between two selections, it was counted as the
"lower" selection.)
• Table 5.10.1
Park Facilities
Not at all Important
Unsure
Very Important
Number of Responses
Neighborhood parks, less than 5 acres in size,
6
9
66
within walking distance of residences
Community parks, about 20 acres in size,
10
17
55
that serve groups of neighborhoods
Open spaces within city limits with
10
16
52
little or no development
Regional parks, about 100 acres in size,
21
23
37
that serve large geographic areas
Trails for walkin& hiking, and biking
3
5
74
Sports complexes with facilities for soccer,
21
16
42
baseball, and other activities
Indoor recreation facilities, such as
28
16
39
swimming pools and basketball courts
School facilities and play fields
6
14
60
when available for public use
0
105
106
Prioritize each item from 1 (least impor(antl to 5 (most importamj on what improvements/
additions Vou would like to see in Ridgefield's parks:
(Note: Some people did not respond to all items)
(Note: I ra respondent entered "0", it was counted as "1 ". If a respondent entered a number higher
than "5" it was counted as "5".)
(Note: One household entered tw6 columns of numbers, one for "her' and one for "him". For this
survey form, only one column of numbers was entered.)
Table 5.10.2
1 2 3 4 5
Number of Responses
Open spaces 8 6 14 10 31
Fitness / jogging / walking trails 9
2
7
18
36
Treed areas 2
6
14
10
38
Quiet family park 2
5
16
14
30
Bike [rails 8
7
16
12
25
Covered picnic / BBQ areas 6
7
17
16
23
Drinking fountain 10
7
15
13
22
•
Playground equipment 6
2
17
18
23
Soccer fields 12
10
14
13
16
Little League / ball diamonds 15
7
12
16
17
Basketball courts 16
11
14
14
10
Sports center 25
8 -
12
9
13
Swimming pool 27
4
11
5
22
Skateboarding 23
6
11
16
10
Tennis courts 20
10
15
10
7
Parking 7
5
22
13
19
Restrooms 1
6
14
13
33
Horse trails 41
10
8
4
2
Dog walk (supervised) 26
11
15
8
9
Paint ball / lazer lag 49
5
6
3
6
Wildlife viewing 5
8
12
18
23
Radio control (RC) park 41
5
11
3
5
BMX bike facility 42
8
9
4
4
106