HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-02; City Council; 16704; La Costa Canyon Park ImprovementsCITY OF CARLSBAD -AGENDA BILL
,E# 1b,70q TITLE:
LA COSTA CANYON PARK
MTG. 4/2/02 IMPROVEMENTS
)EPT. PW/GS
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
I CITY MGR ZS
Adopt Resolution No. -2- I approving the improvements at La Costa Canyon Park
and appropriating funds to the General Fund Parks Maintenance Operating Budget.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
Last year, the City settled a lawsuit involving the unauthorized cutting and removal of over 60
Eucalyptus trees in La Costa Canyon Park. The City received $170,300 from the settlement.
The City Council designated the settlement proceeds for the park.
Recently, the City began replenishing the tree stock at La Costa Canyon Park by planting
nearly 200 five-gallon trees. The type of species that were planted included California
Pepper, Coastal Live Oak, Holly Oak, Brisbane Box, Deodar Cedar, Sumac and Brachychiton
trees. In addition, the City removed the Eucalyptus tree stumps and installed new irrigation
equipment for the five-gallon trees. The total cost for these improvements was $10,400. The
City has a balance of $159,900 to perform additional improvements at this park site
Staff is recommending the expenditure of this balance on various improvements at the 20+
year old La Costa Canyon Park. A brief description of the recommended improvements and
the estimated costs is provided below.
Tot Lot Improvements -This project requires the removal of tot lot equipment and a
swing set because they do not comply with safety and Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) standards. A new swing set (6 place with 4 belt and 2 full bucket) and tot lot
structure, along with rubberized surfacing for accessibility will be installed. The total
cost for this project is $56,000.
Stairwell Improvements -The stairwell leading to the tennis courts is made of wood
wooden stairwell with concrete steps. The design is currently underway and the cost
and is a safety hazard because of aging and vandalism. This project will replace the
is estimated at $20,000.
Restroom Improvements - Improvements for this facility include roof replacement,
ADA modifications, improved ventilation and various exteriorhterior improvements.
The cost for this project is estimated at $40,000.
On-going Maintenance -Additional maintenance cost will be attributed to the 200
planted trees and new irrigation system. Additional funds are needed for water,
pruning, cultivating, weed abatement, irrigation repair, etc. Staff estimates that
$15,300 will be sufficient enough to maintain the new trees and irrigation system.
After completing the improvements mentioned above, the City will have a balance of $28,600.
Other improvements can include, but not limited to new picnic tables, barbeques, benches, a
gazebo, etc. Recently, staff solicited customer opinion surveys regarding proposed
improvements to park users. Tot lot improvements received the most favorable rating of 59%.
Other favorable improvements included additional picnic facilities and restroom
improvements. Attached, as Exhibit 2 is a copy of the survey results. You will notice in the
comments section that many users indicated the tennis courts at La Costa Canyon Park need
improvements, as well as repairing the drinking fountain. On March 14, 2002, staff received,
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PAGE 2 OF AGENDA BILL NO. I(, ,70Y
opened and witnessed bids to resurface the tennis courts at La Costa Canyon and at other
park sites. This project should be completed by May 2002. In addition, the drinking fountains
at La Costa Canyon Park have been repaired. Both projects were funded from existing
appropriations in the Parks Maintenance Operating Budget.
On February 21, 2002, staff presented the proposed improvements and expenditure plan to
the Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration and approval. The Commission
approved the improvements and expenditure plan, but also suggested planting larger trees
(15-gallon) in the park and landscaping the small open space area (10,000 square feet)
located north of the tennis courts. While staff agrees with the Commission that the suggested
improvements are a good idea, staff does not recommend these improvements at this time.
After reviewing the maintenance history of La Costa Canyon Park, staff discovered that a
the past, sprinkler heads have been broken, which has caused the area to flood, picnic tables
considerable amount of vandalism occurs at the open space area when it is landscaped. In
have graffiti, etched or been broken, barbeques have been vandalized, etc. In addition, staff
does not recommend planting 15-gallon trees at this park site because of its slow growth
patterns and high mortality rate. Based on staffs experience, 5-gallon trees will grow faster
and adapt to the environment better than 15-gallon trees. The 5-gallon trees will also save
the City money for replacing 15-gallon trees that do not survive in their new environment.
In conclusion, staff is recommending that Council approve the recommended improvements
and expenditure plan for La Costa Canyon Park and direct staff to implement said
improvements.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project has been determined to be exempt from environmental review per CEQA- Class 1 (c), Minor alteration of existing park facility.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff is requesting an appropriation of $170,300 (the amount received from the monetaty
settlement) from the General Fund balance to the Parks Maintenance Operating budget for
the tree replacements and the other specified improvements to La Costa Canyon Park.
EXHIBITS:
1. Adopt Resolution No. dOOa- \a approving the improvements at La Costa
Canyon Park and appropriating funds to the General Fund Parks Maintenance
Operating Budget.
2. Results from the Customer Opinion Survey for La Costa Canyon Park,
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RESOLUTION NO. 2002-100
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA. APPROVING THE IMPROVEMENT PLAN AT LA COSTA
CANYON~~PARK AND^ APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO THE PARKS
MAINTENANCE OPERATING BUDGET
WHEREAS, in 2001, the City received $170,300 in settlement proceeds for damage done
to over 60 Eucalyptus and other trees; and
WHEREAS, in accepting the settlement the City Council designated the settlement
proceeds for the park; and
WHEREAS, the cost of replacing the damaged trees with 200 five-gallon trees is $10,400;
and
WHEREAS, the City has a balance of $159,900 to perform additional improvements at this
park site; and
WHEREAS, staff has prepared and staff and the City's Parks and Recreation Commission
are recommending the La Costa Canyon Park 2002 Improvement Plan, attached as Exhibit "A
and incorporated here by reference; and
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds it necessaly, desirable and in the public interest
to appropriate the total funds received to pay for tree replacement costs and perform the
improvements as described in the Improvement Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad as
follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That Council authorizes an appropriation of $170,300 from the General Fund balance
to the Parks Maintenance Operating Budget.
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3. That Council approves the use of the funds to implement the 2002 improvement Pian
x La Costa Canyon Park.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City
If Carisbad held on the 2nd day of April , 2002 by the following vote, to
{it:
AYES: Council Members Lewis, Kulchin, Finnila, and Hall.
NOES: None.
/'I
TTESY)
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Page 2 of 2 of Resolution No. 2002-100
Exhibit "A"
of RESOLUTION NO. 2002-100
LA COSTA CANYON PARK
2002 IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Imurovements ComDleted
Tree Replacement - Plant nearly 200 five-gallon trees.
Approximate Cost: $6,000
Stump Removal - Remove 60 tree stumps
Approximate Cost: $3,000
Irrigation Installation - Purchase irrigation supplies and installed new
irrigation equipment for the five-gallon trees.
Approximate Cost: $1,400
Sub-Total: $10,400
Prouosed Improvements
Tot Lot Improvements - Remove existing tot lot equipment to comply
with safety and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Install a
new swing set and tot lot structure, along with rubberized surfacing for
accessibility.
Estimated Cost: $56,000
Stairway Improvements - Replace the wooden stairs leading to the
tennis courts with concrete steps.
Estimated Cost: $20,000
Restroom Improvements - Improvements will include but not limited to
roof replacement, ADA modifications, improved ventilation and various
exteriodinterior improvements.
Estimated Cost $40,000
Picnic Facilities - Miscellaneous picnic table, barbeques and benches
will be installed at various locations.
Estimated Cost $8,600
Wind Screen at Tennis Courts - Remove and replace tennis court
windscreens.
Estimated Cost: $5,000
Shaded Structure - Construct a gazebo or provide a shaded structure for
picnics.
Estimated Cost: $15,000
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Exhibit "A"
(Continued)
LA COSTA CANYON PARK
2002 IMPROVEMENT PLAN
On-Going Maintenance -Additional maintenance cost will be attributed
to the planted trees and new irrigation system. Additional maintenance
activities will include but not limited to water, pruning, cultivating, weed
abatement, irrigation repairs, etc.
Estimated Cost $15,300
Sub-Total: $159,900
TOTAL: $170,300
Page 2 of 2 of Exhibit A to Resolution No. 2002-100
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EXHIBIT 2
Customer Opinion Survey
La Costa Canyon Park Improvements
o Should be more toddler age equipment. Separate playground into age categories.
o More babyhoddler swings.
o More people would use the park if better playground equipment existed.
o We go to Stagecoach because this park has inadequate equipment and facilities.
o Tennis courts need refurnishing
o Drinking fountain at tennis courts does not work. Please fix
o I have 4 kids (all ages) that play at the park every day. The playground is old much variety. Please improve!!
o Your staff is doing a great job maintaining this park! Keep up the good work!
o We love the Park! It is well maintained and City personnel are very professional. As new parents our most
pressing issue is public safety. We would like to see more police patroling in the area and perhaps more lighting.
A suggestion for the bathroom improvements is a “family“ bathroom with a changing table, so either parent can
take care of the diaper changing and feel safe.
o Need dispensers with dog-scooping baggies in the upper area. Need more trees - larger ones!
o Courts need to be resurfaced. Drinking fountains may have to be replaced. Bathroom sinks are broke.
o Thanks for planting the new trees. The park looks beautiful. The hawks are back!
0 Inside the fenced are things are fine. Outside and at the front of the park is very neglected and over run.
There’s garbage in the undergrowth from older kids who invade the park at night. The area in front (entrance)
area in Carlsbad!
is tended by neighbors to keep it from getting too out of hand. People in the area joke that it‘s the worst cared
o How about more “dog friendly’ park facilities.
o Add a tricycle path around the tot lot and shaded benches. Put stepping stones in the sand as building platform.
o Tennis courts need resurfacing. Water fountain at tennis courts need tobe put in service. Access stairs need maintenance.
o This park has needed a lot of attention for years. I hope these improvements go forward.
Put in a 3 hole putting green. Paint hopscotch patterns.
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