HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-19; Parks & Recreation Commission; 1107-10; Update on Citizen Concerns Hidden Canyon ParkPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL
AB# 1107-10
MTG. DATE: | 11/19/07
STAFF: | SWENCK
UPDATE ON CITIZEN CONCERNS REGARDING
HIDDEN CANYON PARK
INFO
ACTION
RECOMMENDED ACTION :
Receive staff report regarding citizen concerns at Hidden Canyon Park and, if the Commission
concurs, enact staff's recommendations.
ITEM EXPLANATION :
In August 2007, City staff received a letter from a group of residents living adjacent to Hidden
Canyon Community Park regarding their concerns involving certain activities at the park. The
residents requested that staff present their concerns at an upcoming meeting of the Parks and
Recreation Commission, and ultimately recommend eliminating the use of inflatable party jumps
in the park entirely.
The Residents' concerns included, (1) the use of inflatable party jumps and the noise and safety
issues associated with the gasoline powered generators required to operate them, (2) the
location and placement of a designated picnic area for rentals, (3) the size and frequency of
rentals, and (4) the parking and traffic problems along Vancouver Street specifically associated
with picnic rentals and inflatable party jumps. In addition, staff has received unrelated complaints
regarding skateboarding in the park, and activity in the park before and after posted park
operating hours.
On September 17, 2007, staff presented the Hidden Canyon residents' concerns to the
Commission. Several of the residents spoke to the Commission and reiterated their concerns
that were outlined in their August 2007 letter. Staff was instructed to return to Commission with a
full report in two months.
On October 16, staff met with six Hidden Canyon Park residents at the Harding Community
Center to discuss their concerns and propose possible solutions.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
After meeting with Hidden Canyon residents staff has formulated the following recommendations:
1. Organize a meeting with Hidden Canyon residents, a representative from the Carlsbad Police
Department and the Traffic Engineering Department to discuss the residents' concerns pertaining
to parking, traffic safety, and activity in the park before and after posted operating hours.
2. Encourage proactive resident monitoring and reporting of park use. Inconsistent or illegal
activities should be immediately reported to Recreation Department staff or the Carlsbad Police
Department as appropriate so accurate records may be kept;
3. Post signs in conspicuous locations; which clearly list park rules and regulations.
AB# 1107-10
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4. Increase routine staff patrols of the park. Make sure that staff is present to check in and check
out all park rentals and that any equipment (tables, chairs, inflatable party jump, etc.) is placed in
the designated rental location;
5. Emphasize passive park uses, discourage organized sporting activities and practices;
6. Immediately eliminate the use of gasoline powered generators throughout the park. The use of
an inflatable party jump will still be permitted as part of an approved Park Use Permit, and an
electrical outlet will be provided to power the blower;
7. Continue to pursue and enact changes to Council Policy 28 and the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
Proposed changes may include limiting the size and placement of inflatable party jumps, and
addition of special event and permit triggers.
8. Staff should return to provide a final update and report to the Commission at their April 21,
2008 meeting.
CONCLUSION:
At our October 16, 2007 meeting, staff requested that the Hidden Canyon residents allow a
minimum of six months for staff to pursue and enact the proposed recommendations, and to
monitor and document the results.
The six residents in attendance agreed with our recommendations and suggested that we
proceed and closely observe what happens as a result. In the meantime, staff will continue to
maintain an open dialog with the residents to make sure that we are satisfactorily addressing
their concerns and that the park rules and regulations are being followed. Staff feels strongly that
enacting the recommendations above will greatly improve the existing concerns and issues, and
eliminate the need for any further action.
FISCAL IMPACT;
None
EXHIBITS:
None