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Home My WebLink About12/06/2023 - Parks And Recreation Board - Agenda - Regular MeetingPage 1 Ken Christensen, Chair Park Shop Nick Armstrong, Co-Chair 413 South Bryan Avenue Mike Novell, Secretary Bob Kingsbury Marcia Richards Paul Baker Meghan Willis Josh Durand Fort Collins, Colorado Hybrid Meeting December 6th 5:30pm Participation for this hybrid Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting will be available in person, online, or by phone. Public Participation (In-person & online): Individuals who wish to address the Parks and Recreation Board via remote public participation can do so through zoom at: https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/92967039173?pwd=a2Z6cVBvcU5lYURnME1oZ29pczFlZz09 Meeting ID: 929 6703 9173 Passcode: ?jyJR^q2 Individuals participating in the Zoom session should also watch the meeting through the site. The virtual meeting will be available to join beginning at 5:30 pm on the scheduled date. If attending virtually, participants should try to sign in prior to the 5:30 pm start time, if possible. For public comments, the Chair will asl participants to “Raise Hand” button to indicate if you would like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Board or Commission. In order to participate: Public Participation (Phone): As listed above, if joining via phone the meeting will be available beginning at 5:30 pm. Please call in to the meeting prior to the 5:30 pm start time, if possible, using one of the numbers below. For public comments, the Chair will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to indicate you would like to speak a that time-phone participants will need to hit *9 to do this. Staff will be monitoring the zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Board or Commission. Once you join the meeting, please keep yourself on muted status. One tap mobile Parks and Recreation Advisory Board AGENDA Page 2 +17209289299,,92967039173# US (Denver) +13462487799,,92967039173# US (Houston) Dial by your location +1 720 928 9299 US (Denver) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 929 6703 9173 Find your local number: https://fcgov.zoom.us/u/abM0VUY5a0 Documents to Share: If residents with to share a document or presentation, the staff liaison needs to receive those materials via email by 24 hours before the meeting. Individuals uncomfortable attending in person or unable to access the Zoom platform or unable to participate by phone are encouraged to participate by emailing general public comments to mcalhoon@fcgov,com. The staff liaison will ensure the Boards or Commissions receives your comments. If you have specific comments on any of the discussion items scheduled, please make that clear in the subject line of the email and send 24 hours prior to the meeting. • CALL TO ORDER • ROLL CALL o Board Members Present  Ken Christensen – Chair  Nick Armstrong – Co-chair  Mike Novell – Secretary  Bob Kingsbury  Marcia Richards  Paul Baker  Meghan Willis  Josh Durand o Staff Members Present  LeAnn Williams – Director of Recreation  Mike Calhoon – Director of Parks  Jill Wuertz – Sr Manager, Park Planning & Development  Rachel Eich – Business Support III  Dave Kemp – Sr Trails Planner, Park Planning & Development  Greg Oakes – Landscape Architect, Park Planning & Development • INTRODUCTION • AGENDA REVIEW • CITIZEN PARTICIPATION (10 minutes) • APPROVAL OF MINUTES • UNFINISHED BUSINESS o Sustainable Funding Initiative o 2023 Annual Report Page 3 o Golf Responsibilities and Cadence • NEW BUSINESS o Capital Expansion Fees-Jill Wuertz o Trail Projects & STP Report -Dave Kemp & Greg Oakes • BOARD MEMBER REPORTS • RECREATOR ARTICLE SCHEDULE Summer 2024 article before end of January • OTHER BUSINESS (30 minutes) 1. RECREATION UPDATE – LeAnn Williams 2. PARK PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE – Jill Wuertz 3. PARKS UPDATE – Mike Calhoon 4. 6 MONTH PLANNING CALENDAR REVIEW . https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/files/six-month-planning-calendar.pdf?1677855905 • ADJOURNMENT Parks and Recreation Board Meeting October 25th 413 S Bryan 10/25/2023 – MINUTES Page 1 1. CALL TO ORDER Nick Armstrong called to order at 5:31pm 2. ROLL CALL • List of Board Members Present Nick Armstrong Mike Novell Bob Kingsbury Marcia Richards Meghan Willis Josh Durand • List of Board Members Absent Ken Christensen Paul Baker • List of Staff Members Present LeAnn Williams – Director, Recreation Jill Wuertz – Sr Manager, Park Planning & Development Rob Crabb – Sr Manager, Parks Rachel Eich – Business Support III • List of Guests Linda Pejchar – Pickleball Andy Weiss – Launch 3. AGENDA REVIEW • Rob Crabb was introduced as the staff representative for the Parks Department • No changes or additions to the agenda 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION • Linda Pejchar (Fort Collins for Pickleball) o Requested an update on potential new facilities/courts for pickleball that could be coming to Fort Collins. o Jill Wuertz, Sr Manager of Park Planning & Development, responded: ▪ PPD team is currently working with a group and is in the very beginning stages of discussing a pickleball complex. Parks and Recreation Board TYPE OF MEETING – Hybrid Meeting 10/25/2023 – MINUTES Page 2 ▪ New complex would be a 12 court complex, fully fundraised through CityGive. ▪ New Landscape Architect is working through conceptual design and planning now; tying to different funding targets, goals, and other initiatives happening in the City. • Would likely be a $2.5/$3 million project, tentatively to be completed in mid/late 2025. ▪ Citizen asked what locations were being considered. • PPD team is looking at all community parks with a goal to have a public process to determine the top 3 sites. ▪ Board expressed interest in having City Give Director, Nina Bodenhamer, attend the January or February meeting to give presentation on status of City Give and pickleball funding. • Andy Weiss (Launch Skateboard) o Inquiring about the process for making improvements to the skatepark at Spring Canyon Community Park. o Seeking opportunities for the nonprofit to partner with the City (PPD/City Give) to fundraise and make improvements to the skatepark. o Jill Wuertz expressed that this project would fall within the Infrastructure Replacement Program and would be able to provide more details after the election. o Jill to set up a meeting with Andy (Launch) and Nina after the November 7th election to discuss potential partnership opportunities in more detail. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Marcia Richards made corrections to the board member reports. o Corrected Transportation Board to Bicycle Advisory Committee regarding the referenced memo. • Bob Kingsbury moved to approve the minutes as edited at 5:56pm, Marcia Richards seconded, all members approved. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS • Finalize 2024 Work Plan & Approve o Board members completed a review of the 2024 Work Plan and made final edits and additions to the draft. o Mike Novell motioned to approve the Work Plan as edited at 7:34pm, Bob Kingsbury seconded the motion, all members in favor. 7. NEW BUSINESS • Walk and Talks with City Council and PARD Field Trips Parks and Recreation Board TYPE OF MEETING – Hybrid Meeting 10/25/2023 – MINUTES Page 3 o Board discussed the idea of getting the Parks and Recreation Board out to the community with City Council to highlight new amenities or amenities in need of repair or replacement. o The Board would arrange regular walk and talks with City Council members in their corresponding district. o Goal is to build awareness of the status of Parks and Recreation facilities and amenities in the community. o Goal would be to occur once a quarter o Board would coordinate with staff to create topics for discussion: operations, maintenance, challenges, etc. o The board requested to have staff create a list of topics and facilities for potential future walk and talks and board meetings. • PARD Meeting Rotation Discussion o Expressed desire to rotate the location for future Parks and Recreation Board meetings. 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS • FC Moves/Bicycle Advisory Committee Report (Marcia Richards) o The Bicycle Advisory Committee will become the Active Modes board at the end of the year. o BAC is working on drafting an Active Modes Board Work Plan for the new year. ▪ Goal to focus on supporting recreational facilities and infrastructure for active modes, particularly for youth and historically underserved groups. • Mike Novell Report o Kudos to the staff at EPIC for coordinating and managing a busy day at EPIC with multiple events. • Junior Ranger Program Update (Nick Armstrong) o Followed up with Nick Peterson (PSD Community & Business Development Coordinator) to identify 5 schools likely to participate in a pilot program: ▪ Fossil Ridge High School, Zach Elementary, Traut Elementary, Preston Middle School, & Kinard Middle School o Request to scope out projects and maintenance work that would be done through the program. o Nick will discuss with Science and PSD Futures coordinators to identify next steps and potential job pathways. 9. RECREATOR ARTICLE SCHEDULE • Article will release in the Summer Recreator Parks and Recreation Board TYPE OF MEETING – Hybrid Meeting 10/25/2023 – MINUTES Page 4 o Deadline for article: end of January o Request to staff to update the list of Recreator topics. 10. OTHER BUSINESS • Recreation Update – LeAnn Williams o ARO special Olympics flag football teams to compete at the state championships. o Celebrating the SE Community Center partnership ▪ Will be building adjacent to Fossil Ridge High School o Small team traveled to Avon, CO to present for a $5 million grant opportunity for the SE Community Center facility. o Department is now fully staffed: ▪ Sr Supervisor, Ice added ▪ Onboarding Sr Supervisor, Facilities and Sr Coordinator, Aquatics o Treatsylvania sold out o Department is discussing timelines for the new software program (program should go live Q2) o ARO stats: ▪ 603 requests for planning inclusion ▪ 34% of ARO participants are reduced fee ▪ 36% of childcare participants are reduced fee • Park Planning & Development Update – Jill Wuertz o Award received for sustainability and environmental planning from the Colorado APA for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan o Onboarding 2 new staff members (Landscape Architect & Technical Project Manager) o Strategic Trails Plan RFP is set to go out. o Pre-construction meeting took place for the 9/11 Memorial at Spring Park – planning to break ground in the next two weeks. o Team will receive bids for the construction of Poudre River Trail at I-25 on October 27th o PPD team participating in numerous trainings and conferences. ▪ NRPA ▪ ADA Training ▪ ASLA Conference • Parks Update – Rob Crabb o Irrigation system blow outs in progress (5-6 week process) o Mulching and supplemental fertilizing work at sports fields and some newer parks o Security camera pole installed at Crescent Park ▪ Will be working with PPD team in the future to include those in Parks and Recreation Board TYPE OF MEETING – Hybrid Meeting 10/25/2023 – MINUTES Page 5 future park plans. o Working on staffing for newly vacant Technician positions o Presented recent numbers and data for Forestry and Cemeteries Divisions • 6-month Planning Calendar https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/files/six-month-planning-calendar.pdf?1677855905 11. ADJOURNMENT Marcia Richards moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:22pm, Nick Armstrong seconded ANNUAL REPORT City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Advisory Board 2023 Annual Report The City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Advisory board held 11 regular meetings in 2023 at 413 S Bryan Avenue through hybrid in-person/virtual zoom meetings. The 2023 board members were Ken Christensen, Nick Armstrong, Bob Kingsbury, Meghan Willis, Marcia Richards, Mike Novell, Paul Baker, Josh Durand, and Jon Corley. The Board elects its officers annually in February. Ken Christensen was elected as Board Chair, with Nick Armstrong elected as Vice-Chair and Mike Novell elected as Secretary. Jon Corley submitted his formal resignation from the Board in August. Jeni Arndt was appointed as the City Council Liaison to the Board for 2023. The Parks Director, Mike Calhoon, and Recreation Director, LeAnn Williams, served as Staff Liaisons to the Board. Jen Scott, Business Support II, and Rachel Eich, Business Support III, served as staff support. 1. Parks a. Address sustainable funding initiatives to address infrastructure replacement for Parks and Recreation that lack long term funding and encourage continued discussion of ways to diversify the revenue base and find new revenue sources to support both new and aging infrastructure. i. January 2023: Received update on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. ii. February 2023: Received update on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. iii. March 2023: Viewed presentation on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from Sr Project Manager, Ginny Sawyer. iv. April 2023: Reviewed and discussed drafting a letter to the Finance Committee regarding the Sustainable Funding Initiative. v. May 2023: Motioned to support the proposed language prepared in the Sustainable Funding letter to the Finance Committee. vi. June 2023: Received update on Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. vii. July 2023: Viewed presentation on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from Sr Project Manager, Ginny Sawyer; discussed board response and motioned to prepare a letter response to City Council regarding the changes made to the ballot initiative. viii. August 2023: Received update and discussed status of the Sustainable Funding Initiative - *Initiative was referred to the ballot on July 25th. b. Advocate for matters related to the Infrastructure Replacement strategy. i. Various monthly discussions of the Sustainable Funding Initiative’s inclusion of asset management and replacement plans. ii. May 2023: Received update on the Parks Infrastructure Replacement Program Management Plan iii. October 2023: Discussed plans for establishing regular walk and talk events with City Council members to bring awareness to Parks and Recreation infrastructure needing replaced or refreshed. c. Review matters associated with Parks Operation & Maintenance i. Monthly reports from Parks staff on various operations and maintenance aspects. d. Promote environmental stewardship practices that conserve natural resources i. February 2023: Viewed presentation from Forestry staff on the Land Use Code updates for tree protection, preservation, and canopy enhancement. ii. June 2023: Received update from City staff regarding the completed water quality project for the Sprig Cayon Community Park dog park. iii. August 2023: Viewed presentation from City staff on the Land Use Code Updates for soil amendments, xeriscape standards, water conservation, and forestry standards. iv. August 2023: Motioned to approve the Land Use Code updates for Xeriscaping, Soil Amendments, and Urban Forestry as presented by City staff. v. August 2023: Received update from staff on the completion of the 3rd year of EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) treatment for impacted ash trees in the City. vi. August 2023: Nick Armstrong presented the Junior Park Ranger program - *Motioned to fully support the concept of a Fort Collins Junior Ranger program. e. Continue to review matters related to the development for new parks. i. Monthly reports from Park Planning & Development staff on current Park development projects. ii. January 2023: Viewed presentation from Sr. Policy & Project Manager, Sylvia Taman-Burruss, on the status of the Hughes Stadium site. Board discussed the importance of tying into the Parks Master Plan gaps, as well as community desires. iii. July 2023: Received initial update on the tentative kickoff for the new Bacon Park pre development work. iv. August 2023: Received update from staff on internal meetings taking place to kick off the new Bacon Park development. f. Encourage continued dialogue and awareness of public safety concerns in Parks. i. January 2023: Update from staff on recurring meetings to address unhoused encampment concerns. ii. February 2023: Update from staff on plans for hiring a 3rd Park Ranger. iii. May 2023: Update from staff on added camera at Crescent Park to monitor vandalism concerns. iv. July 2023: Update from staff on the successful hiring of a new Park Ranger. v. August 2023: Nick Armstrong presented on the addition of a Junior Park Ranger program to help promote encouraged dialogue of public safety concerns - *motioned to fully support the concept of a Fort Collins Junior Ranger program. vi. August 2023: Update from staff on the successful hiring of a 4th new Park Ranger. vii. October 2023: Nick Armstrong provided an update on the Junior Park Ranger program concept. viii. October 2023: Update from staff on the installation of a security pole and camera at Crescent Park. 2. Recreation a. Periodically review and offer suggestions for the Recreation Operational Plan action items. i. Monthly reports from Recreation staff on various operations aspects of the Recreation Department. b. Advocate for matters related to the Recreational capital funding strategy and long-term consistent funding. i. January 2023: Received update on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. ii. February 2023: Received update on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. iii. March 2023: Viewed presentation on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from Sr Project Manager, Ginny Sawyer. iv. April 2023: Reviewed and discussed drafting a letter to the Finance Committee regarding the Sustainable Funding Initiative. v. May 2023: Motioned to support the proposed language prepared in the Sustainable Funding letter to the Finance Committee. vi. June 2023: Received update on Sustainable Funding Initiative from staff. vii. July 2023: Viewed presentation on the Sustainable Funding Initiative from Sr Project Manager, Ginny Sawyer; discussed board response and motioned to prepare a letter response to City Council regarding the changes made to the ballot initiative. viii. August 2023: Received update and discussed status of the Sustainable Funding Initiative - *Initiative was referred to the ballot on July 25th. c. Work with staff to support their community relations and marketing efforts. i. February 2023: Two articles submitted for the Recreator ii. August 2023: Update from staff on the marketing push for the downtown horticulture program. iii. September 2023: Completed Recreator article discussing engagement opportunities with the Urban Forest Strategic Plan and upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. d. Encourage and review efforts to improve access to, and participation in, City programs and facilities for historically under-served populations. i. February 2023: Update from staff on changes to the date/time for Recreation activity registration. ii. March 2023: Board member report on the PSD State of Our Youth, focusing on identifying critical spaces of awareness and spaces of belonging for under-served youth. iii. June 2023: Discussed the new Recreation software and requested information on DEI indicators for potential disproportionate impacts in the community. iv. July 2023: Discussed updates on any information regarding disproportionate impacts on the community related to the new Recreation software program. e. Encourage continued dialogue, support, and awareness of public safety and security concerns in recreation facilities. i. January 2023: Update from staff on approved funding for renovations at Northside Aztlan Community Center. ii. March 2023: Update from staff on reported car break-ins at Rolland Moore. iii. June 2023: Update from staff on challenges with the childcare center project at the Northside Aztlan Community Center – project will increase safety at the Northside center by creating a secure entry and outdoor play space. iv. July 2023: Update from staff on the progress of construction for the childcare and safety renovations. v. July 2023: Update from staff on current discussions with Operation Services for potential ADA and safety projects. vi. September 2023: Update from staff on the scheduled completion of the Northside Aztlan Community Center childcare and security project. vii. September 2023: Update from staff on various projects at EPIC related to chemical and safety storage, ADA access, diving boards, and pool deck drainage. f. Support Infrastructure Replacement for Recreation assets i. Various monthly discussions of the Sustainable Funding Initiative’s inclusion of asset management and replacement plans. ii. May 2023: Update from staff on EPIC project to update men’s locker rooms and work on the pool deck. g. Provide feedback and support on upcoming projects in Recreation like the Southeast Community Center, Software for the registration process, and the CAPRA re-accreditation. i. January 2023: Update from staff on the timeline for the Recreation software RFP (Request for Proposals). ii. January 2023: Update from staff on the current CAPRA re-accreditation ongoing process. iii. March 2023: Update from staff on the status of the Recreation software RFP. iv. April 2023: Update from staff on the status of the Recreation software RFP. v. June 2023: Report from staff on the status of interviews for the Recreation software. vi. June 2023: Update from staff on the status of the new Southeast pool/community center. vii. July 2023: Update from staff on the status of the Southeast pool/community center and any potential partnerships. viii. September 2023: Update from staff on the new Recreation software contract and creation of an implementation schedule. ix. October 2023: Update from staff on the new Southeast Community Center partnership and potential grant opportunity. 3. Trails a. Continue to partner with Parks and Natural Areas to develop, fund and maintain an interconnected, safe trail system within Natural Areas and Parks. i. January 2023: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects. ii. February 202: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects and related grant funding. iii. March 2023: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects. iv. April 2023: Viewed presentation from staff on the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan and introduction of new Sr. Trails Planner for Park Planning & Development. v. May 2023: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects. vi. June 2023: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects. vii. July 2023: Update from staff on the Northeast trails progress plan and map. viii. August 2023: Update from staff on the status of various trail projects. ix. September 2023: Update from staff on the upcoming construction for various trail projects. x. December 2023: Viewed presentation from staff on the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan and status of 4 main projects in the trails system. b. Continue to collaborate with FC Moves for an integrated, regional and local transportation network of parks, trails, bike facilities, pedestrian walkways and accessible recreational facilities. i. January 2023: Update from board member on the approval of the Active Modes Policy Plan. ii. February 2023: Update from board member on the Vision Zero program and upcoming bike and pedestrian trail work near CSU and the Gardens at Spring Creek. iii. April 2023: Update from board member on the Think Bikes Workshop for safe route to school bike lane. iv. May 2023: Update from board member on upcoming trail project near CSU. v. June 2023: Update from board member on two upcoming projects to be completed (Mulberry/City Park Avenue intersection and Laurel Street, East of College). vi. October 2023: Update from staff on the status of a newly formed Active Modes Board with a goal to support recreational facilities and infrastructure for active modes. c. Support the Comprehensive Trails Master Plan. i. April 2023: Update from staff on the Strategic Trails Plan timeline, community engagement efforts, accessibility, safety, and funding. ii. July 2023: Update from staff on relevant trails projects to be included in the Strategic Trails Plan. iii. September 2023: Completed Recreator article discussing engagement opportunities for the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. iv. October 2023: Update from staff on the RFP for the Strategic Trails Plan. v. December 2023: Viewed presentation from staff on the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. 4. Communication/Collaboration a. Deepen the understanding and collaboration with the indigenous populations of the region. i. January 2023: Viewed presentation on the Hughes Stadium site and discussed the importance of fully engaging and advocating for the Indigenous People in their interest of the space. b. Work with staff to promote awareness and stewardship of the City’s Parks, Trails, and Recreation facilities as part of a holistic public space network. i. April 2023: Board member planned a volunteer work day at Crescent Park to take place on May 13th. ii. April 2023: Board member update on PSD Global Academy field trip to EPIC to learn about the Pool and Ice facilities in Fort Collins. iii. August 2023: Board member presented the Junior Park Ranger Program as a way to promote stewardship and ownership of the Parks system. iv. September 2023: Update from board member on the status of the Junior Park Ranger Program. v. October 2023: Approved the 2024 Parks and Recreation Board Work Plan that will continue to focus on areas that promote the City’s Parks, Trails, and Recreation Facilities. vi. October 2023: Discussed the plan for implementing Parks and Recreation Walk and Talk events with City Council members. vii. October 2023: Update from board member on the status of the Junior Park Ranger Program. c. Implement ways to regularly share the story of Parks and Recreation in the community. i. February 2023: Two articles completed for the Recreator. ii. August 2023: Board member presented the Junior Park Ranger Program as a way to promote the story of the Parks system with PSD students. iii. September 2023: Completed Recreator article discussing the Urban Forest Strategic Plan and upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. iv. September 2023: Update from board member on the status of the Junior Park Ranger Program. v. October 2023: Discussed the plan for implementing Parks and Recreation Walk and Talk events with City Council members to bring awareness to the City Parks and Recreation systems. vi. October 2023: Update from board member on the status of the Junior Park Ranger Program. d. Focus on improving communication with other Boards to achieve common goals. i. May 2023: Board members attended super meeting. ii. May 2023: Updates from staff on changes occurring due to the “Reimagining of Boards and Commissions” including the possible dissolving of the Golf Board to become a part of the Parks and Recreation Board. iii. August 2023: Update from staff on the merging of the Golf Board with the Parks and Recreation Board. iv. October 2023: Board member sat in on the Bicycle Advisory Committees drafting of an Active Modes Board Work Plan. e. Support collaboration between various departments to better align their master plans such as Parks, Recreation, Trails, Active Modes, and Transportation. i. February 2023: Viewed presentation from staff on Urban Forest Strategic Plan. ii. April 2023: Update from staff on the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. iii. December 2023: Viewed presentation from staff on the status of the upcoming Strategic Trails Plan. f. Gather information relating to Parks, Recreation, and Trails to share with the board. i. February 2023: Board members attended the East Mulberry Annexation Super Issue meeting. ii. March 2023: Board member attended the PSD State of Our Youth event and discussed Parks as spaces of belonging and programming for youth. iii. August 2023: Board member presented the Junior Park Ranger program. iv. September 2023: Update from board member on the status of the Junior Park Ranger Program. v. October 2023: Update from board member on the Junior Park Ranger Program. Parks Department – Park Planning and Development 215 North Mason Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-416-2062 jwuertz@fcgov.com MEMORANDUM Date: November 8, 2023 To: Mayor and City Councilmembers Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager Dean Klingner, Community Services Director Mike Calhoon, Parks Director From: Jill Wuertz, Senior Manager Park Planning and Development Subject: Council Park Fee Questions The purpose of this memo is to provide information following questions from Councilmember Peel relating to Park fees and park buildout. • What are we collecting for Park Development Fees and how does the process work? • How many parks remain to be developed? Bottom Line: The City of Fort Collins provides public park facilities for the benefit of residents. The expansion of this park system is paid for by community and neighborhood park capital expansion fees. The current Parks and Recreation Plan, ReCreate 2021, outlines future parkland to be built. There are 14 future neighborhood parks and 2 community parks remaining. Over the past five years (2018 – 2022) the fees collected by the City have averaged approximately $2.5 million per year for Community Parks and $1.9 million per year for Neighborhood Parks. The capital expansion fees, as well as utility impact fees, were discussed at the October 5, 2023 Council Finance Committee (CFC) meeting and are scheduled for further discussion at the upcoming December 14, 2023 CFC meeting. DocuSign Envelope ID: A577A399-5B6C-44A1-BAB6-E6D54751A894 Capital Expansion Fee Context and History: The City’s capital expansion fees are impact fees that assess new developments for the proportionate share of the cost of new capital facilities required to serve them at the same level of service provided to existing developments. Fees and charges are designed to defer the costs of current services that benefit the recipient or off-set burdens of regulation. The City regularly reviews charges and fees as a legislative or budgetary process. City Code Section 7.5-16 outlines the intent for capital expansion fees and states that said fees “shall not be used to collect more than is necessary to fund such capital improvements.” Capital expansion fees (CEFs) are collected for Fire, Police, General Government facilities, Neighborhood Parks (implemented in 1968) and Community Parks (implemented in 1996). Additionally, the City also has a similar but separate transportation capital expansion fee (TCEF) designed to recoup transportation infrastructure costs. This concept of growth paying for the impact of growth is a policy decision that past City Councils have made. In 2012 and then again in 2016/17, the City of Fort Collins contracted with consultant Duncan Associates to analyze the methodology and update the capital expansion fees. The legal framework for impact fees is explained in detail in the 2017 Capital Expansion Fee Study on pages 5-10 and it utilizes the standards-based methodology which ensures the fees are proportional to the demand that new development places on the park system. The demand for City park facilities is generated by people. However, in practice, it is preferable to base the service unit on housing units, since the number of housing units can be more easily determined than the number of people, which is affected by highly variable occupancy rates over time for a specific housing unit. The current fee assumes a household size based on census data and estimates of existing housing inventory. By dividing various housing types based on square footage by the average household size of a single-family unit, a proportionate household size is created for different housing sizes. Fees are assessed by land use type and paid upon application of a building permit by a builder/developer. The capital expansion fees are currently undergoing a study update performed by Economic & Planning Systems (EPS). Draft output from this study update was shared with the Council Finance Committee on October 5, 2023. The distribution of the full written draft report is still pending. DocuSign Envelope ID: A577A399-5B6C-44A1-BAB6-E6D54751A894 Allowable Uses for Park Fees: The fees are restricted to direct and associated costs of building and expanding parks (land and water acquisition, design, construction and project and program administration). They cannot be used for on- going maintenance or end-of-life equipment and asset replacement. We have historically restricted the use of these fees to construction of new parks. As the City experiences more in-fill development we are exploring the possibility of using the fees for expansion of existing parks. City Code Section 8-95 established the “community parkland capital expansion fee account” which is an account for the “acquisition, construction and development of capital improvements related to the provision of the community parklands.” Likewise, City Code Section 7.5-28(a) states that the fees related to this fund are imposed for the purpose of “funding capital improvements related to the provision of community parks.” The general allowable uses for fees collected for capital improvements are detailed in City Code Section 7.5-22. The City of Fort Collins has a robust, distributed public space system that seeks to provide residents with convenient access to amenities and services. The 2021 Parks and Recreation Plan defines both population-based and access standards by amenity to ensure our level of service is maintained. You may observe differences in the condition of amenities, and the era of code, based on when the park was built. Standards change over time and increase building requirements. For instance, after 1990 you will see large differences in design due to codes related to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), playground safety standards established in 1993, International Building Codes adopted after 2000 and even water conservation policies like hydrozoning. To maintain standards over time and bring amenities up to current codes and guidelines, a sustainable funding source is necessary. The November sales tax ballot issue is one such proposal to fill that gap. DocuSign Envelope ID: A577A399-5B6C-44A1-BAB6-E6D54751A894 Current Capital Expansion Fees: Over the past five years (2018 – 2022), the fees collected by the City have averaged approximately $2.5 million per year for Community Parks and $1.9 million per year for Neighborhood Parks. The detail for all capital expansion fees collected by the city over this timeframe is summarized below: The existing capital expansion fee rate schedule is highlighted below: This schedule and more information related to capital expansion fees is available online at https://www.fcgov.com/finance/capitalexpansion. DocuSign Envelope ID: A577A399-5B6C-44A1-BAB6-E6D54751A894 Remaining Parks to be Built: The current Parks and Recreation Plan, ReCreate 2021, outlines future parkland to be built. Not including Dovetail Park (formerly called Bucking Horse Park), which was opened at the end of September 2023, there are 14 future neighborhood parks and 2 community parks remaining including: • Bacon Neighborhood Park (land acquired, funded in BFO 23-24) • Eastridge/Mosaic Neighborhood Park (land and water acquisition funded in BFO 23-24) • East Community Park (land acquired) • Richard’s Lake Neighborhood Park (land acquired) • Ironhorse Neighborhood Park (land being acquired via Dedication of land in lieu of fee) • Interstate Neighborhood Park • Fossil Lake Neighborhood Park • Northeast Community Park & Maintenance Facility • Sunflower Neighborhood Park • Poudre Plains Neighborhood Park • Old Town Neighborhood Park • Elizabeth Street Neighborhood Park • Parkwood Neighborhood Park • Wheaton Neighborhood Park • Morningside Neighborhood Park • Shields Neighborhood Park • Heron Neighborhood Park Sequencing of park construction is determined by several factors, including available funding from park impact fee revenues, the level of completed development around the park site, neighborhood park needs/prioritization city wide, raw water availability/agreements, and opportunities for partnership/efficiencies with other City projects. For this reason, it is difficult to script an exact timeframe for development of parks outside of the BFO budgeting process. DocuSign Envelope ID: A577A399-5B6C-44A1-BAB6-E6D54751A894 H O R S E T O O T H R E S E V O I R F O S S I L L A K E T a f t H i l l R d T i m b e r l i n e R d L e m a y A v e I - 2 5 I - 2 5 C o l l e g e A v e Mulberry St Vine Dr Harmony Rd Horsetooth Rd Trilby Rd Drake Rd Prospect Rd H O R S E T O O T H R E S E V O I R F O S S I L L A K E T a f t H i l l R d T i m b e r l i n e R d L e m a y A v e I - 2 5 I - 2 5 C o l l e g e A v e Mulberry St Vine Dr Harmony Rd Horsetooth Rd Trilby Rd Drake Rd Prospect Rd 194 / Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Master Plan Guidelines for Parks and Facilities / 195 RProposed Park, Land Acquired Focus Area Overlay 01/212 Miles The map above is an overlay of the new amenity focus areas from both the walking and driving access standards maps. By overlaying these focus areas, several patterns emerge. First, the location of the proposed community parks in both the northeast and east parts of the city are appropriately located and will provide amenities to parts of the city that will grow significantly over the next twenty years. The other pattern that emerges is that a need for a new park or parks exists in the southern part of the city. Based on the level of service analysis and the focus area overlay the Parks and Recreation Master Plan recommends building 12 new parks and completing 7 of the parks that are currently planned. The recommended parks fill in gaps in the service areas and provide amenities to residents who currently have to travel to reach them. The recommended parks should be built and classified based on their surroundings and amenities. Recommended Future Park/Facility Sites 0 1 2 Miles Proposed ParksProposed Park, Land Not Acquired Recommended Community/Neighborhood Centers 0 1 2 Miles Eastridge Park NE Community Park Fossil Lake Park R R R Elizabeth Street Park Poudre Plains Park Old Town Park Shields Park Sunflower Park Morningside Park Heron Park Wheaton Park Parkwood Park Interstate Park Richards Lake ParkRichards Lake Park Bucking Horse ParkBucking Horse Park E Community ParkE Community Park Trailhead ParkTrailhead ParkIronhorse ParkIronhorse ParkLegacy ParkLegacy Park Bacon ParkBacon Park DocuSign Envelope ID: A577A399-5B6C-44A1-BAB6-E6D54751A894 Headline Copy Goes Here Landscape Architect Greg Oakes Current Trail Projects & Strategic Trails Plan Status Update December 6, 2023 Parks and Recreation Board Dave “DK” Kemp Senior Trails Planner Park Planning & Development Division Parks Department Headline Copy Goes Here 2 Current Trail Projects –Location Map Northeast Trails Development Phemister Trail Poudre River Trail Phases I-III Power Trail Harmony Underpass Mail Creek Trail Headline Copy Goes Here 3 Current Trail Projects – Poudre River Trail (Final Sections) •Phase I – Arapahoe Bend Natural Area to Timnath •CDOT I-25 underpass complete •Construction – early spring 2024 •Phase II – Environmental Learning Center to Railroad •Alignment finalized •Floodplain •ELC needs •Precise surveying •Easement purchase & construction plans •PUC application – R/R crossing improvement •Construction – late spring 2024 •Phase III – County Rd. 9 to Rigdon Reservoir •Investigating feasibility of trail alignment on railroad property to connect to future park land •Construction – fall 2024 – early spring 2025 Headline Copy Goes Here 4 Current Trail Projects – Power Trail - Harmony Underpass •Design phase - 30% •100% by June of 2024 •Total cost for underpass and trail - $11.2M •Recent CMAQ award for $3.2M fully funds project •Tentative schedule: •Trail construction - fall 2024 •Underpass construction spring 2025 •Trail and underpass complete and operational- spring 2026 Headline Copy Goes Here 5 Current Trail Projects – Mail Creek Trail •Two Discreet Projects •West of Timberline (led by Engineering) •Siphon Overpass (anticipated 2024) •Trail complete •Timberline Underpass complete •No HOA connection (by preference) •Willow Springs •East of Timberline (led by Park Planning) •.5-mile trail east of underpass to Kinard Middle School •Includes HOA connection •Kechter Farms •Relocate section of New Mercer Ditch •Project is out to bid •Anticipated construction - January 2024 •Completion - April 2024 Headline Copy Goes Here 6 Current Trail Project – Northeast Trails Development Coordination Active Transportation & Recreation Headline Copy Goes Here 7 Current Trail Projects – Phemister Trail •CSU led project •12’ paved trail - connect CSU to Prospect Underpass to Spring Creek Trail •Provide direct, safe connectivity •Alternative to Centre Ave & flooded underpass •Includes pedestrian bridge over Spring Creek •Site Plan Advisory Review (SPAR) •Approved by Planning & Zoning Board •November 16 •Remaining voluntary items for condition of approval •Landscaping •Public access easement required •Maintained by CSU •Funded privately & by state grant •Phemister family •Multimodal Transportation and Mitigation Options Fund (MMOF) grant •Anticipated construction - 2024 Headline Copy Goes Here 8 Strategic Trails Plan •Request for Proposals •Issued: November 3 •Proposals received: x# •Consultant on board: mid-January •Primary Objectives •Comprehensive, equity-focused community engagement approach •Community Working Group •Request representative from Parks and Recreation Board •Existing conditions and plan congruence •Trail gap & future trail analysis •Funding and implementation strategy •Trail design and construction standards •Irrigation ditch compatibility •Safety and accessibility •Development Review improvements •Plan production •Illustrative, public facing document Headline Copy Goes Here 9 Strategic Trails Plan – Draft Plan Timeline Headline Copy Goes Here 10 Questions? Dave “DK” Kemp Senior Trails Planner Park Planning & Development Parks Department dk@fcgov.com