ParksRecTechRpt-Version3-VMedits-Jun30
Parks & Recreation Technical Report
Thurston Highlands
Master Planned Community
July 2007
Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect, PS
4405 7th Avenue SE, Suite 203
Lacey, WA 98503
360.456.3813
Fax 360.493.2063
Table of Contents
List of Tables ii
List of Figures ii
A. SUMMARY 1
B. FACILITIES PROGRAM AND INVENTORY 1
1. Land and Facilities 2
2. Recreation Programs and Services 9
3. Park and Recreation Budgets 10
4. Parks Maintenance 10
5. Existing Level of Service 12
C. NEEDS ASSESSMENT 12
1. Statistical Sources 13
2. Current Participation and Demand 13
3. Projected Needs and Priorities 16
D. PARK AND TRAIL DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS 20
1. Park Classification Models 20
2. Trails and Pathways 24
E. THURSTON HIGHLANDS PARK, RECREATION, OPEN SPACE AND
TRAILS PROPOSAL 25
1. Potential Construction Impacts 26
2. Potential Developed-Condition Impacts 27
3. Mitigation Measures 28
F. REFERENCES 30
APPENDIX A: Summary of Land Use Alternatives and Park Concept Philosophy
List of Tables
Table 1 City of Yelm parks – existing facilities, 2006 2
Table 2 City of Yelm schools – existing recreation facilities, 2006 5
Table 3 City of Yelm schools –
recreation facilities use by community sports groups, 2006 6
Table 4 City of Yelm schools and City parks and trails –
existing recreation facilities inventory, 2006 7
Table 5 City of Yelm parks expense budget summary – 2005/2006 10
Table 6 City of Yelm parks – maintenance requirements 11
Table 7 City of Yelm existing level of service – acres/1,000 ratio 12
Table 8 City of Yelm – community youth league sports groups
participation levels and needs, 2006 14
Table 9 City of Yelm/UGA park land needs, 2005-2030 16
Table 10 City of Yelm park land acquisition requirements, 2005-2030 16
Table 11 Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community
park land needs, Phase 1 (2008-2012) 17
Table 12 Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community park land needs –
project build-out, each development concept 17
Table 13 City of Yelm – projected recreation facility minimum
needs and recommended space requirements (acres) 18
Table 14 Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community – projected recreation
facility minimum needs and recommended space requirements (acres) 19
Table 15 Capital development projections, by park classification……………………………… 28
List of Figures
Figure 1 City of Yelm Parks and Trails 4
Figure 2 Mini Park / Pocket Park – Conceptual Site Plan A 21
Figure 3 Neighborhood Park – Conceptual Site Plan A 23
Figure 4 Special Use Park – Conceptual Site Plan A 24
Parks and Recreation
SUMMARY
Over the last 20 years (1986(2006), the needs and demands for varied leisure time activities have increased significantly throughout Thurston County and, particularly, in the City of
Yelm. Like many communities, the City recognizes the value of parks and recreation facilities for the overall health and well-being of its citizens. In its 1999 Parks & Recreation
Plan, the City determined that the needs and demands for recreation facilities far exceeded what was available in the area at the time. The response was to develop a six-year Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) to set goals and objectives, define needs and implement an action plan for providing a greater level of parks and recreation services. Specific goals included
upgrades to existing park and recreation facilities, as well as development of the Canal Road Park (now called Longmire Community Park), and an indoor recreation facility (with location
and funding yet to be determined).
Today, the on-going growth and aging of the local population continue to have an affect on the ability of the City of Yelm to provide an appropriate level of recreational facilities
and services. Despite meeting some of the goals set forth in the CIP, the City still faces the challenge of providing adequate services for its growing number of residents in need of
parks and recreation services. The impacts are being felt most by organized sports groups that must use existing Yelm Community Schools facilities (putting additional stress on those
facilities), private facilities (which are severely limited in the City), or travel to venues outside the Yelm area (creating additional impacts on schedules and on traffic).
This document serves a dual role of providing a park, recreation, open space and trails proposal for the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community, and updating and enhancing elements
of the City of Yelm 1999 Parks & Recreation Plan. The proposal addresses potential construction impacts, potential developed-condition impacts, and mitigation measures for four Thurston
Highlands development alternatives (Preferred, Traditional Development, Urban Village and No Action). Updated or enhanced elements include a program inventory of land and facilities,
recreation services, budgets, maintenance requirements, and determination of level of service; a needs assessment, including current needs and demands, and projected needs and priorities;
and parks and trails classifications and options. This information will be used by City decision makers while reviewing the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community proposal, to determine
park, recreation, and open space requirements to be developed concurrently with the mixed-use proposal.
FACILITIES AND PROGRAM INVENTORY
It is necessary to establish a benchmark for current parks, recreation facilities, recreation programs and level of service provided by, or in association with, the City of Yelm for
public recreation. The following identifies existing land, facilities, recreation programs, level of service, and current improvement activities for parks and recreation facilities
within the City of Yelm.
1. Land and Facilities
Parks
There are currently three parks – totaling 23.45 acres – in various states of use and/or improvement owned by the City of Yelm. Of this total, 10.08 acres are fully developed. Two
of these parks (Cochrane Memorial Park and Yelm City Park) have facilities that provide a range of features for mostly passive recreational use (e.g., picnic shelters and tables, barbeque
grills, trails, seating areas, performance stage, playground, water features, information kiosk, restrooms); some active recreational use (e.g., open play areas, skate court); and other
recreational opportunities (e.g., kitchen facility, vendor stalls, veterans’ memorial sites).
The third facility – Longmire Community Park – is currently under development predominantly as an active recreation facility, with the main phase of work to be completed by March 2008.
When constructed, this phase will include three Little League regulation-size baseball fields, one soccer/football field, a paved parking lot of 135+ spaces, and accent landscaping
around the parking lot. Sani-cans will be installed to serve the needs of park users. Picnic areas and a trail system are planned potentially to be phased-in over the next several
years.
In addition to its function as a facility for passive recreation, Cochrane Memorial Park serves as a water reclamation facility for the City of Yelm. Through an extensive treatment
process, wastewater generated by the City is converted to water clean enough for specific reuse applications, enabling the City to conserve water resources. Four of the nearly eight
park acres are comprised of wet cells that filter reuse water prior to its reentry into local aquifers.
Yelm City Park is located in the center of town – in a space roughly the size of one city block – and serves as the signature downtown park. Because of its central proximity and existing
features favorable to community-oriented activities, many special events are held throughout the year at this facility.
The following table describes existing parks currently in use or under development for recreational purposes in the City of Yelm.
Table 1. City of Yelm parks – existing facilities (2006).
Name
Acres
Facilities
Cochrane Memorial Park
(developed)
7.88
Water reclamation facility (cells, ponds and water channels), trails, picnic shelter and picnic areas, barbeque grills, seating areas, fishing pond, wildlife observation areas, waterfall
feature, fountain, wood observation deck, open space, paved parking lot (20 spaces), portable toilet, landscaping
Note: restrooms to be added at future date
Cochrane Memorial Park
(developed)
7.88
Water reclamation facility (cells, ponds and water channels), trails, picnic shelter and picnic areas, barbeque grills, seating areas, fishing pond, wildlife observation areas, waterfall
feature, fountain, wood observation deck, open space, paved parking lot (20 spaces), portable toilet, landscaping
Note: restrooms to be added at future date
Longmire Community Park
(under construction)
13.37
Open space, paved parking lot (130+ spaces), landscaping
Note: three Little League-sized baseball fields, one football/soccer field to be addedMarch, 2008; trails, picnic shelter and picnic tables possibly added at a future date
Yelm City Park
(developed)
2.2
Picnic shelter, picnic tables, barbeque grill, covered vendor stalls, enclosed park kitchen facility, open play areas, softball backstop (used for Little League t-ball only), skate
court, playground, covered concrete surface multi-purpose area, covered concrete surface performance stage, seating areas, commemorative stone plaques, flag pole, gravel parking lot
(40+ spaces), accessibility paved parking lot (7 spaces), perimeter landscaping
Gross Existing Park Acreage
23.45
Sources: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS
City of Yelm Public Works Department
Thurston County GeoData Center.
Trails
Yelm-Tenino Trail: This Thurston County trail, approximately 14.5 miles in length, extends east-west between Yelm, Rainier and Tenino, serving as a regional connector. Completed in
late 2004, the trail complements a regional trails system that intersects with the 22-mile long Chehalis-Western Trail, and provides a major link to the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater area.
The trail includes a 10-foot wide, paved surface for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized vehicle uses. The Yelm trailhead originates near City Hall, and includes parking,
benches and an information kiosk. Though the trail and trailhead are owned and managed by Thurston County, the trailhead is maintained mostly by the City of Yelm Public Works Department.
Yelm Rails-with-Trails Project: Ultimately an extension of the Yelm-Tenino Trail, this on-going project involves a City-owned rail corridor approximately 1.6 miles long, extending in
a northeasterly direction from the Yelm-Tenino Trail trailhead behind City Hall, through the heart of downtown, along N.P. Road SE and rail line, to its endpoint at the existing Centralia
Power Canal. The trail will have the same features (10-foot width asphalt and carousels) and uses (non-motorized only) as the Yelm-Tenino Trail. One segment of approximately 0.4 mile–
between the Power Canal and Canal Road SE – has been completed, as part of open space requirements for an adjacent 50+ home subdivision.
Figure 1. City of Yelm Parks and Trails.
Source: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
Indoor Facilities
The City of Yelm does not own or operate any indoor recreation facilities at this time. The only indoor recreational facilities in the community are within local schools (listed in Table
2 below).
Schools
The school district currently serves more than 5,000 students in ten separate facilities: six elementary schools (Fort Stevens, Lackamas, McKenna, Mill Pond, Prairie and Southworth),
two middle schools (Ridgeline and Yelm), one high school (Yelm HS) and one supportive education facility (Yelm Extension School). With the passage of a City construction bond in 2003,
Lackamas Elementary School opened in 2005 and Ridgeline Middle School opened in the fall of 2006. Expansions were recently completed at McKenna Elementary and Yelm High School, with
follow-up site construction continuing at the High School.
Due to a significant shortage of City recreational facilities and fields, Yelm Community Schools serve as the primary venue for Yelm area community sports organizations. Typically,
a limited number of school facility fields are available at any given time, with priority always given to school programs. Some facilities have even greater limitations (for example,
only making available practice areas – not playing fields – for use by community sports groups). Sports organizations reserve available space with the School District, and subsequently
arrange their schedules with other local sports groups to meet their needs. Due to the limitations of school facilities, some sports organizations are required to travel outside of the
Yelm area (e.g., to Lacey and Olympia) to find available field space.
The following table describes existing school recreation facilities, most of which currently serve the needs of local community sports organizations.
Table 2. Yelm Community Schools – existing recreation facilities (2006).
Name
Facilities
Fort Stevens Elementary School
Two Little League size baseball fields, one open play field (used for soccer), one dirt surface walking track, one playground with multiple play apparatus and swing sets, one full-sized
gymnasium with vinyl composition tile (VCT) flooring.
Lackamas Elementary School
One open play field (used for PE classes and soccer practice), one covered asphalt surface play area, one playground with play apparatus, one half-sized gymnasium with wood flooring
Note: one swing set to be added in 2007.
McKenna Elementary School
One playground with play apparatus, one separate swing set (to be relocated to playground), one full-sized gymnasium (no bleachers) with Mondo (soft rubber) flooring.
Note: one Little League baseball field to be added at future date.
Mill Pond Elementary School
Two fast pitch softball fields (to be shared with Ridgeline Middle School users), one playground with multiple play apparatus, one asphalt surface basketball court area with four hoops,
one full-sized gymnasium (no bleachers) with rubberized flooring.
Prairie Elementary School
One large play field (used for football and soccer), one 4 to 5-ft wide asphalt surface walking track, two fast pitch softball fields, one open play field (used for young age-group
soccer), two playgrounds (both with play apparatus and one with swings), one covered asphalt surface play area, one asphalt surface basketball court area with two hoops, one full-sized
gym with wood flooring.
Southworth Elementary School
One open play field (used for young age-group soccer), one baseball field (non-regulation size), one playground with multiple play apparatus and swing sets, one asphalt surface play
court, one covered asphalt surface play area, one full-sized gymnasium with rubberized flooring (no bleachers).
Ridgeline Middle School
One full-sized main gymnasium with wood flooring, one full-sized gymnasium (no bleachers), with Mondo flooring sharing of two fast pitch softball fields with Mill Pond Elementary School
(see above), one weight room.
Note: one soccer field, one combination football/soccer field and one running track to be added at future date.
Yelm Middle School
Two fast pitch softball fields, one open play field (used for soccer), one soccer field surrounded by an engineered surface running track, four asphalt surface basketball courts with
six hoops (at three out of four courts), one football field, one baseball field, one full-sized gymnasium with wood flooring, one weight room.
Yelm High School
One combination football/soccer stadium with bleachers and lighting, one rubber surface running track in stadium, one fast pitch softball field, one varsity baseball field, one open
play field (used for football practice), one junior varsity soccer field, one ‘events’ field (used for soccer or football and for field events such as javelin throw and shot put), six
asphalt surface tennis courts, two full-sized gymnasiums with wood flooring, one weight room.
Yelm High School
One combination football/soccer stadium with bleachers and lighting, one rubber surface running track in stadium, one fast pitch softball field, one varsity baseball field, one open
play field (used for football practice), one junior varsity soccer field, one ‘events’ field (used for soccer or football and for field events such as javelin throw and shot put), six
asphalt surface tennis courts, two full-sized gymnasiums with wood flooring, one weight room.
Yelm Extension School
No recreation facilities on-site.
Source: Yelm Community Schools (Facilities)
Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
Community sports groups also use certain non-recreational spaces creatively to help meet their athletic needs. For example, a grassy open space inside the paved bus loop at Southworth
Elementary School is used as a practice area for soccer and t-ball, as well as a playing field for U-5 (early age group) soccer games.
The following table describes user groups, limiting factors and other uses of recreation facilities and spaces at Yelm Community Schools.
Table 3. Yelm Community Schools – recreation facilities use by community sports groups (2006).
Facility
Community Group Uses
Limiting Factors
Specific/Other Uses
Fort Stevens Elementary School
Baseball, soccer practice, walking, indoor basketball and other activities
Availability of fields and gym space; one field not lined or irrigated.
Dirt track used for exercise; field used for soccer practice, sometimes for baseball.
Lackamas Elementary School
Soccer practice
Small site with little space available for organized sports; gym use for school only; field not lined for games or irrigated.
Open field used occasionally for soccer practice only (no games).
McKenna Elementary School
Indoor basketball and other activities
Availability of gym space; baseball field not yet built.
Mill Pond Elementary School
Soccer, softball
Availability; softball fields shared with adjacent middle school.
Bus parking lot used for special events (e.g. pit stop for Seattle-to-Portland Bike Tour).
Prairie Elementary School
Football, soccer, softball, walking/
running, basketball
Availability of fields and gym space.
Large field used for both youth football and soccer games.
Southworth Elementary School
Baseball, soccer,
t-ball
Fields not lined for games or irrigated.
Grassy area inside bus loop used for youth age soccer and t-ball; bus loop used for charity walking events.
Ridgeline Middle School
Indoor basketball and other activities
Availability of gym space and weight room; softball fields shared with adjacent elementary school; football/soccer fields and track not yet built.
Yelm Middle School
Baseball, football, soccer, softball
Availability of fields, gym space and weight room: football and baseball fields closed Nov to Mar.
All fields used extensively by community groups.
Yelm High School
Football, soccer, softball, track, indoor basketball and other activities
Availability of fields, gym space and weight room; several facilities strictly for school use only or closed to community Nov to Apr.
Stadium field used for semi-pro football (South Sound Shockers) and regional events (sports jamborees); track used for charitable events.
Source: Yelm Community Schools (Facilities)
Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
A breakdown of recreational facilities used by the public at City of Yelm parks/trails, Yelm Community Schools, and other locations is shown in the following table.
Table 4. Yelm Community Schools and City parks and trails – existing recreation facilities inventory (2006).
Facility
School
Park/Trail
Total
Barbeque Grill
0
5
5
Baseball Field, Little League or Other
5
0
5
Basketball Court, Outdoor
6
1
7
Bench/Seating
0
13
13
Covered Play Area
2
1
3
Football Field, Youth
1
0
1
Football/Soccer Field, Illuminated
1
0
1
Gymnasium
8
0
8
Information Kiosk
0
2
2
Kitchen/Concessions Facility
0
1
1
Open Play Field
6
2
8
Parking, Accessible
?
5
5
Parking, Standard
?
63+
63+
Performance Stage
0
1
1
Picnic Shelter w/ Tables
0
1
1
Picnic Tables, Individual
0
10
10
Playground
8
1
9
Restroom/Portable Toilet
0
2
2
Running Track
2
0
2
Running Track, Illuminated
1
0
1
Soccer Field, High School Age
2
0
2
Soccer Field, Youth Age
2
0
2
Softball Field
7
0
7
Skate Court
0
1
1
Tennis Court
6
0
6
Vendor Stall
0
16
16
Source: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
Other Recreational Facilities
Baseball: An important facility used by community sports groups in the City of Yelm is Sam Brewer Field, a Little League-sized baseball field on the VFW Nisqually Valley Veterans Building
property (SE corner of Grove Road SE and 103rd Avenue SE). Two community sports groups – Nisqually Basin Little League and Nisqually Basin Cal Ripken (a subsidiary of Babe Ruth League)
share this facility and maintain the field on a regular basis during spring, summer and fall months.
Another facility used by the Nisqually Basin Little League is a makeshift ball field located at the Deschutes Grange (SW corner of Vail Road SE and 143rd Avenue SE). This facility was
used for games by 7-8 year age groups in 2006, and is being slowly improved by volunteers from the League.
Camping: Located to southeast of downtown Yelm is the non-profit Cascades Camp and Conference Center, a private summer horse camp and retreat center on more than 500 acres, open on a
seasonal basis for public use.
Golf: Just west of the center of town is the Tahoma Terra Golf & Country Club. The 75-acre site includes an 18-hole regulation, par 72 course, 6,007 yards in length. The Cascade Mini
Golf facility is located near the center of the City, on one-half acre of land. Both facilities are privately-owned and open to the general public on a seasonal basis.
Gymnastics/Fitness: Several privately-owned fitness facilities open to the public are found in downtown Yelm, including Yelm Fitness Center, Pace Fitness Center (for women), Reflections
Women’s Gym and Yelm Martial Arts Fitness Center. Also downtown is the Rainier Gymnastics Academy, a privately-owned business that serves the public. East of downtown towards McKenna
is the privately-owned coed Firehouse Fitness Center that is open for public use. Yelm Community Services UCBO near downtown has a small gymnasium available to the public on a limited
basis.
Other: Prairie Lanes of Yelm is a small, privately-owned bowling alley in downtown Yelm, available for public use.
Thurston County is currently developing Deschutes Falls Park, a hilly 155-acre property located approximately 15 miles southeast of downtown Yelm, off Bald Hills Road SE. Purchased
in part as a nature preserve retreat, the site will feature mostly passive recreation facilities (e.g., trails, seating, picnic areas, wildlife observation, overlooks). The County is
in
negotiation to purchase an adjacent 12-acre parcel for possible development of informal open play areas and playgrounds. The park is not yet open to the public.
2. Recreation Programs & Services
The primary recreation service provider for activities taking place on City park property is the Parks Advisory Committee, a seven-member volunteer group created to advise the Yelm City
Council on matters related to City parks. Recreation activities offered by the City, or which generally take place in Yelm City parks, are described as follows:
Car shows (May)
Christmas in the Park (December)
Circus event (every three years)
Nisqually Basin Little League (t-ball, spring)
Patriot Day (September)
Prairie Days (June)
Prairie Street Rod Association Car Show (August)
Yelm Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt (March or April).
A number of non-profit and for-profit organizations also provide recreation services to the citizens of Yelm and residents of surrounding communities. Some of these organizations serve
a specific age group; others serve all segments of the population. Most of these organizations have space needs that currently can only be accommodated at Yelm Community Schools facilities.
The following is representative of private recreation service providers.
Black Hills Football Club
Nisqually Basin Cal Ripken League (subsidiary of Babe Ruth League)
Nisqually Basin Little League
Prairie Soccer Club (subsidiary of Thurston County Youth Soccer)
South Puget Sound Youth Softball Association
South Sound Baseball
Thurston County Fast Pitch Association
Thurston County Youth Football League
YMCA Basketball League (Yelm)
Yelm Lions Club.
Each of these recreation providers contributes to the numerous activities that comprise the recreational resources available to the citizens of Yelm. It is important to recognize that
these private organizations depend on public facilities such as parks, schools or other publicly-owned venues for facilitating their recreation activities. Of any public venue, it is
the recreation facilities of the Yelm Community Schools that these organizations rely on most (or exclusively, in some cases) for recreation resources.
3. Park and Recreation Budgets
As there is no Parks and Recreation Department in the City of Yelm at the present time, administration of park planning, park maintenance and facility improvements are performed by the
Public Works Department. The Department’s budget activity for parks is structured along functional lines of salaries/wages, personnel benefits, supplies, services/other charges and
maintenance. In addition, capital outlay budgeting for Parks and Recreation in 2006 included $150,000 to complete the next phase of Longmire Park: two of the four fields planned for
this facility.
The following table lists actual City of Yelm parks costs for 2005 and proposed expenditures for 2006. With the opening of Longmire Park additional equipment will be needed to tend
to the athletic fields; therefore, future maintenance budgets are likely to increase significantly.
Table 5. City of Yelm Parks expense budget summary: 2005/2006.
Description Budget Amount
2005 (actual) 2006 (projected)
Salaries/Wages $ 76,665 $ 90,980
Personnel Benefits $ 25,169 $ 30,356
Supplies $ 6,907 $ 5,700
Services/Other Charges $ 16,061 $ 13,000
Maintenance $ 9,946 $ 32,600
Total $ 118,687 $ 172,636
Source: City of Yelm Public Works Department.
4. Parks Maintenance
As there is no Parks and Recreation Department in the City of Yelm at the present time, maintenance of City parks is managed by the Public Works Department. Currently, there are three
full-time employees responsible for maintenance at Cochrane Memorial Park, Yelm City Park and approximately 85%-90% of the maintenance required at the Yelm-Tenino Trail trailhead next
to City Hall. A fourth employee will be hired at a future date to take part in additional responsibilities brought about with the opening of Longmire Community Park in the Spring of
2008. One employee provides daily maintenance at Cochrane Memorial Park, with hours varying on a seasonal basis. Labor hours required at Yelm City Park vary by season and by extent
of use (e.g., set-up and clean-up requirements for special events).
The following table lists maintenance requirements for Cochrane Memorial Park, Longmire Community Park, Yelm City Park and the Yelm-Tenino Trail trailhead.
Table 6. City of Yelm parks – maintenance requirements
Cochrane Memorial Park
Activity Frequency
Aerator Maintenance twice per year
Clean Tables and Grills once per week
Garbage Removal daily
Graffiti/Vandalism Repair as necessary
Litter Pick-Up (including in ponds) 2-3 days per week
Mowing (seasonal) daily
Mulch replacement (including mixing and hauling) once per year
Parking Lot Maintenance weekly
Pruning (seasonal) monthly
Trail Maintenance and Repair monthly, or as necessary
Weeding, including wet cells (seasonal) weekly
Yelm City Park
Activity Frequency
Building Maintenance monthly, or as necessary
Clean Tables and Grills once per week
Garbage Removal daily
Graffiti/Vandalism Repair as necessary
Litter Pick-Up 2-3 days per week
Mowing (seasonal) daily
Parking Lot Maintenance monthly
Playground Equipment Maintenance & Check daily, with written report
Pressure Washing (concrete surfaces) monthly, or as necessary
Pruning (seasonal) annually
Restrooms Maintenance twice daily
Weeding bi-monthly
Yelm-Tenino Trail Trailhead
Activity Frequency
Garbage Removal daily
Graffiti/Vandalism Repair as necessary
Irrigation Maintenance and Repair weekly
Kiosk Maintenance weekly
Litter Pick-Up as necessary
Mowing (seasonal) weekly
Parking Lot Maintenance monthly
Longmire Community Park
Activity Frequency (estimated)
Aeration (sports fields only) every 6 weeks
Fertilization (sports fields only) every 6 weeks
Garbage Removal daily
Graffiti/Vandalism Repair as necessary
Irrigation Maintenance and Repair weekly
Litter Pick-Up daily
Mowing (seasonal) 2-3 days per week, peak season
Mulch replacement (including mixing and hauling) once per year
Parking Lot Maintenance weekly
Pruning (seasonal) twice per year
Top Dressing (sports field only) every 6 weeks
Turf Management (seasonal) 2-3 days per week, peak season
Weeding bi-monthly
Note: As Longmire Community Park was not yet open at the time this information was obtained, maintenance requirements for this park were estimated.
Source: City of Yelm Public Works Department.
5. Existing Level of Service
Level of service standards (LOS) for parks and recreation is generally described by the National Recreation & Parks Association (NRPA) on the basis of acres of parkland per a fixed number
of residents, within a specified jurisdiction or service area. These standards were developed based on recommendations and experiences of park/recreation professionals (as opposed to
systematic research), and thus have essentially remained over the years reliable, with little variation. In general NRPA suggests that communities should provide anywhere from 6.25
to 10.5 acres of developed parkland open space for every 1,000 residents. The 2005 population for the City of Yelm and its surrounding Urban Growth Area (UGA) was 5,590 residents (4,455
within the City limits; 1,135 within the UGA). At the time of this writing, the City of Yelm owned a total of 23.45 acres dedicated to parks, with 10.08 of those acres developed for
park use.
Using the rather broad NRPA standard and assuming the minimum standards for developed parkland (6.25) per 1,000 residents, the current level of service for the City of Yelm and surrounding
UGA population is 1.8 acres per 1,000 residents – far short of minimum NRPA standards. The level of service increases to 4.19 acres per 1,000 residents if all parkland (developed or
undeveloped) is included (see Table 7, below).
Table 7. City of Yelm existing level of service – in acres per 1,000 population.
Park Acreage
Acres/1,000 Ratio
Developed Parkland
10.08
1.80 Acres/1,000 Residents
Total Parkland
23.45
4.19 Acres/1,000 Residents
Source: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
C. NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Meeting public needs for parks, trails and recreation services is largely influenced by community values, availability of funds, priorities, and administrative capacity for maintaining
healthy parks and recreation facilities. The identification, measurement and projection of recreation demand are the key factors for establishing recreation policy and determining allocations
of funding for acquisition of needed park land and development of recreation facilities.
1. Statistical Sources
In late 1998/early 1999, a community Parks and Recreation survey was conducted in Yelm, followed by public meetings in late winter and spring of 1999, to help identify demand and needs
for additional public recreation facilities in the City. The results of this survey and information gathered from the public meetings were incorporated into the City of Yelm Parks &
Recreation Plan. Results of the survey indicated the following key factors:
A strong majority of survey respondents felt the City does not have adequate recreation facilities for children (71%), for teens (85%) for adults (83%) or for seniors (75%).
Youth baseball/softball (46% of responses), playgrounds (45%), walking trails (45%), youth basketball (42%) and youth football and soccer (35%) were considered the most important outdoor
recreation activities/facilities.
A youth center (63% of responses), swimming pool/spa (60%), youth basketball (45%), community center (39%), senior center (38%) and youth soccer (38%) were considered the most important
indoor recreation activities/facilities.
Ninety-one percent of survey respondents felt the City of Yelm should make efforts to acquire additional land for park and recreation development (in addition to existing park lands).
Eighty-four percent of survey respondents live anywhere from 2 to 10 miles outside the Yelm City limits.
Progress has been made since 1999 to address public concerns for needed recreational facilities. Walking trails have been added at Cochrane Memorial Park, and four new athletic fields
will be open to the public in March of 2008, at Longmire Community Park.
Current Participation and Demand
Park Land
The current developed and useable parkland available for recreation activities in the City of Yelm is 10.08 acres in three separate park locations, which amounts to 1.8 acre per 1,000
population level of service (based on the City of Yelm and UGA 2005 population of 5,590). This existing level is – at a minimum – 4.45 acres less than National Recreational Park Association
standards, which strongly suggests the need for additional parkland just for current population levels. Based on a minimum ratio of 6.25 acres per 1,000 residents, the recommended standard
of parkland required for meeting current City parks and recreation needs is 35 acres.
It should be noted that this standard of 6.25 acres per 1,000 residents addresses broad categories of park acreage, and does not usually include specific recreation facilities, multi-jurisdictional
recreation assets, private recreation service providers, or recreation participation rates. The City of Yelm may wish at any time to increase or decrease the level of service to a higher
or lower ratio. This may be done on the merits of community values and sustainable public support for recreation services and benefits offered by City parks.
Active Facilities
Among Yelm community sports groups the highest demand for recreation facilities is outdoor athletic fields (baseball, football, soccer and softball). City parks do not yet provide any
of these facilities, although Longmire Community Park is scheduled to open three Little League-sized baseball fields and one soccer/football field for public use in March of 2008. Currently,
the demand for these facilities is met primarily through use of fields at local public schools and, secondarily, through use of two privately owned fields (for baseball).
Indoor athletic activity (youth basketball) currently meets the needs of the program through use of Yelm Community Schools gymnasiums, and does not experience any challenges with scheduling
space for games or practices. Adequate outdoor basketball facilities, however, are limited on school grounds, and exist at only one City park (half court at Yelm City Park). Use of
gymnasiums for basketball activity is thus dependent on whether schools are open for use by the public.
Frequency or limitation of use of these facilities by community sports groups is influenced by a number of important factors:
Number of participants in each community sports organization
Number and size of facilities
Condition and/or availability of facilities
Level of use of recreation facilities by a particular school/private entity (i.e. priority user)
Game/practice schedule and length of season for each activity
Convenience of location.
The following is a list of Yelm community youth league sports groups participation levels, and estimated facilities required to meet recreational needs.
Table 8. City of Yelm – community youth league sports groups participation levels and needs (2006).
Activity
Age Group
# of Participants in Yelm Area
Season Schedule (includes practice)
Facility Needs at One Time (est.)
Baseball
6 yrs-14 yrs
700-800
Mar-Aug
4 min.
Basketball
6 yrs-15 yrs
100-110
Dec-Feb
2-3
Football
6 yrs-14 yrs
200+/-
Aug-Oct
3-4
Soccer
4 yrs-19 yrs
600+/-
Apr-Oct
5 (can have two half fields)
Softball
8 yrs-16 yrs
75+/-
Mar-Jun
2
Source: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
Common challenges among groups participating in outdoor recreation activities on athletic fields accentuate the demand for more of these types of facilities. These challenges include:
Overlapping of common use of fields between different sports groups (e.g., soccer and football or baseball and softball competing for the same fields)
Overlapping of different leagues within a certain sports group (e.g., Little League and Cal Ripken League competing for use of the same baseball fields)
Condition of facilities reducing effectiveness of play (e.g., tearing up of field surface by football teams, subsequently unsuitable for soccer games or other football games)
Lack of availability of facilities for team practices once season begins (i.e., fields occupied more often for games)
Individual select teams (not part of any league) competing for game and practice space
Inability of specific sports groups to host major events such as tournaments (lost opportunity for exposure, fundraising)
Certain school fields closed to community groups and/or field use taken up by school team schedules for practices and games (i.e., community groups’ schedules squeezed by priority users).
Passive Facilities
As indicated in the survey results, as well as by frequent inquiries made at the Yelm Chamber of Commerce and with the Yelm Parks Advisory Board, a strong interest appears to exist for
both passive and indoor recreation facilities. Following is a list of these facilities:
Playgrounds (only one playground currently exists in the City – at Yelm City Park, which is frequently used)
Trails (found at one park – Cochrane Memorial Park – and at the trailhead of the Yelm-Tenino Trail; perimeter trail planned for Longmire Community Park)
Swimming pool (closest facility is at the YMCA Briggs Community Branch, approximately 15 miles to the west)
Community center to accommodate all age groups (closest facility is located in Olympia, approximately 20 miles to the west).
3. Projected Needs and Priorities
Park Land – City of Yelm and Surrounding Urban Growth Area (UGA)
As described previously, National Recreation & Park Association standards broadly recommend 6.25 acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents, which translates to 35 acres needed to meet
the 2005 population level for the City of Yelm and its surrounding UGA.
The following table indicates parkland requirements for the present population (2005 level) and for projected populations (5-year increments) for the City and its Urban Growth Area.
Table 9. City of Yelm/UGA park land needs: 2005 – 2030.
Year
Population
Total Acres Needed
2005
5,590
35.0
2010
6,590
41.0
2015
7,690
48.0
2020
9,100
57.0
2025
10,330
65.0
2030
11,480
72.0
Source: Thurston Regional Planning Council
Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
The following table identifies the amount of park land to be secured for development within the time frames indicated in Table 9, above. Acres required or developed for each timeframe
beyond 2005 assume the City has achieved its acquisition/development objective for the previous time period.
Table 10. City of Yelm park land acquisition requirements: 2005–2030.
Year
Existing Acres
Acres Needed
Acres to be Acquired
or Developed
2005
23.45
35.0
11.55 (12.0)
2010
35.0
41.0
6.0
2015
41.0
48.0
7.0
2020
48.0
57.0
9.0
2025
57.0
65.0
8.0
2030
65.0
72.0
7.0
Total Acres to be Acquired or Developed: 49.0
Note: For the year 2005, the acres to be acquired may be rounded up to 12.0 acres.
Source: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
Park Land – Thurston Highlands Community
Using the broad National Recreation & Park Association minimum standards of 6.25 acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents, the following table indicates parkland requirements
for the projected Phase 1 Thurston Highlands community population projections (1-year increments), through the year 2012.
Table 11. Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community park land needs, Phase 1 (2008–2012).
Year
Population
Total Acres Needed
2008
0
0
2009
773
4.8
2010
1,546
9.7
2011
2,319
14.5
2012
3,093
19.3
Total Acres to be Acquired or Developed by 2012: approximately 20
Source: City of Yelm Community Development Department
Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
Using the same NRPA standards, the following table indicates parkland requirements for the projected Thurston Highlands community population projections at project build-out, for each
of the conceptual land use alternatives.
Table 12. Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community park land needs – project build-out, each conceptual land use alternative.
Population
Total Park Acres Needed
Preferred Alternative
12,548
78.4
Traditional Neighborhood Alternative
13,859
86.6
Urban Village Alternative
10,998
68.7
No Action Alternative
0
0
Source: City of Yelm, November 9, 2006, and
Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
Under any of the build alternatives, a substantial amount of land would be set aside for park and/or recreation facility development and would satisfy NRPA standards for both the Thurston
Highlands Master Planned Community and the City of Yelm. Careful planning would be required to address resident needs: active versus passive recreational use of land; access to/from
park site(s); aesthetics; and budgeting for maintenance, repairs and potential upgrades to any facility. Under the No Action Alternative, no park land would be acquired/developed,
as there would be no resident population of the site.
Facilities
National Recreation and Park standards for recreation activities/facilities have been devised as a guide and address minimum – not maximum – goals to be achieved. Standards should be
carefully interpreted according to the area(s) in which they are applied and to specific demands of the community. When determining current needs for athletic facilities in urban areas,
for example, NRPA standards recommend a minimum of one Little League-sized
baseball field per 5,000 residents. The same holds true for a softball field. Under current (2005) population levels in the City of Yelm and its surrounding Urban Growth Area, this
translates into one to two baseball fields to serve area participants. However, an assessment of the current needs of 700-800 youth baseball participants in two different leagues competing
for both game times and practices indicates that this number of fields would definitely not be sufficient to meet the current demand. The same would hold true for soccer fields, for
which the NRPA standard of one field per 10,000 population would not be adequate to serve 600+ members spanning 4 years to 19 years in age, over three different seasons. Demand for
softball fields is different, due to a much smaller number of participants in the Yelm area. However, one or two field(s) is likely not sufficient, when taking into account future population
projections of both the Yelm/UGA area and the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community.
The following table identifies the number of recreation facilities and associated approximate number of acres needed to meet levels of service for the City of Yelm and surrounding UGA,
based on NRPA standards for facility needs in urban areas. As stated above, this table should be used only as a guide in determining demands for each type of facility, and should be
considered – for most facilities listed – the absolute minimum.
Table 13. City of Yelm – projected recreation facility minimum needs and recommended space requirements (in acres).
2005 Pop.:
# of Facilities and Acres Req’d
2010 Pop.:
# of Facilities and Acres Req’d
2015 Pop.:
# of Facilities and Acres Req’d
2020 Pop.:
# of Facilities and Acres Req’d
2025 Pop.:
# of Facilities and Acres Req’d
2030 Pop.:
# of Facilities and Acres Req’d
Baseball
(1 per 5,000)
2
3.5 ac
2
3.5 ac
2
3.5 ac
2
3.5 ac
3
5.25 ac
3
5.25. ac
Basketball
(1 per 5,000)
2
0.2 ac
2
0.2 ac
2
0.2 ac
2
0.2 ac
3
0.3 ac
3
0.3 ac
Football
(1 per 10,000)
1
1.5 ac
1
1.5 ac
1
1.5 ac
1
1.5 ac
2
3.0 ac
2
3.0 ac
Picnic Shelter
(1 per 2,000)
2
0.06 ac
3
0.09 ac
3
0.09 ac
4
0.12 ac
5
0.15 ac
5
0.15 ac
Playground
(1 per 1,000)
5
0.55 ac
6
0.66 ac
7
0.77 ac
9
0.99 ac
10
1.1 ac
11
1.21 ac
Soccer
(1 per 10,000)
1
1.7 ac
1
1.7 ac
1
1.7 ac
1
1.7 ac
2
3.4 ac
2
3.4 ac
Softball
(1 per 5,000)
2
3.0 ac
2
3.0 ac
2
3.0 ac
2
3.0 ac
3
4.5 ac
3
4.5 ac
Tennis
(1 per 2,000)
3
0.51 ac
4
0.68 ac
4
0.68 ac
5
0.85 ac
6
1.02 ac
6
1.02 ac
Trail, Bike – 8ft
(1 mile per 2,600)
2 mi.
1.9 ac
2.5 mi.
2.4 ac
3 mi.
2.9 ac
3.5 mi.
3.4 ac
4 mi.
3.8 ac
4.4 mi.
4.3 ac
Trail, Bike – 8ft
(1 mile per 2,600)
2 mi.
1.9 ac
2.5 mi.
2.4 ac
3 mi.
2.9 ac
3.5 mi.
3.4 ac
4 mi.
3.8 ac
4.4 mi.
4.3 ac
Trail, Walking – 4ft (1 mile per 2,000)
2.8 mi.
1.4 ac
3.3 mi.
1.6 ac
3.8 mi.
1.8 ac
4.6 mi.
2.2 ac
5.2 mi.
2.5 ac
5.7 mi.
2.8 ac
Volleyball
(1 per 5,000)
2
0.1 ac
2
0.2 ac
2
0.2 ac
2
0.2 ac
3
0.3 ac
3
0.3 ac
Total Acres Req’d 14.45 15.55 16.35 17.70 25.35 26.25
Source: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
The following table identifies the number of recreation facilities and associated approximate number of acres needed to meet levels of service for the Thurston Highlands Master Planned
Community, based on NRPA standards for facility needs in urban areas. As previously stated, this table should be used only as a guide in determining demands for each facility, and should
be considered – for most facilities listed – the absolute minimum.
Table 14. Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community – projected recreation facility minimum needs and recommended space requirements (in acres).
Preferred Alternative
# of Facilities and
Acres Req’d
Traditional Development Alternative
# of Facilities and
Acres Req’d
UrbanVillage Alternative
# of Facilities and
Acres Req’d
Baseball
(1 per 5,000)
3
5.25 ac
3
5.25 ac
3
5.25 ac
Basketball
(1 per 5,000)
3
0.3 ac
3
0.3 ac
3
0.3 ac
Football
(1 per 10,000)
2
3.0 ac
2
3.0 ac
2
3.0 ac
Picnic Shelter
(1 per 2,000)
6
0.18 ac
7
0.21 ac
5
0.15 ac
Playground
(1 per 1,000)
12
1.32 ac
14
1.54 ac
11
1.21 ac
Soccer
(1 per 10,000)
2
3.4 ac
2
3.4 ac
2
3.4 ac
Softball
(1 per 5,000)
3
4.5 ac
3
4.5 ac
3
4.5 ac
Tennis
(1 per 2,000)
7
1.19 ac
7
1.19 ac
6
1.02 ac
Trail, Bike
(1 mile per 2,600)
4.8 mi.
4.7 ac
5.3 mi.
5.1 ac
4.2 mi.
4.1 ac
Trail, Walking
(1 mi. per 2,000)
6.3 mi.
3.1 ac
6.7 mi.
3.3 ac
5.5 mi.
2.8 ac
Volleyball
(1 per 5,000)
3
0.3 ac
3
0.3 ac
3
0.3 ac
Total Acres Req’d 27.25 28.10 26.05
Source: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
D. PARK AND TRAIL DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS
Park Classification Models
The intent of park and recreation classifications is to aid in making acquisition and design decisions for park sites, facilities and the organization of recreation space, which is responsive
to public needs, creates quality recreational experiences and facilities that can be effectively maintained.
Park classifications are based on standards that aid in making design decisions when considering property size. The following are classifications used that can adequately respond to
various recreation needs and available space of the City of Yelm and the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community.
Mini Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Special Use Parks
Trails and Pathways
Each classification has certain site design and physical development guidelines and is described in the following text. Several factors must be considered in connection with park classification
and planning decisions. These include:
Determination of specific needs in neighborhood service areas or community settings.
Relationship of need, design criteria, service capability and suitability of a specific site to support the defined recreation service need.
Probability of school/park interrelationship in terms of school site development and facility use for public recreation purposes.
Probability of creating public/private partnerships for special use parks or in combination with a traditional public neighborhood or community park.
Operational, maintenance and program service requirements for the population to be served by a particular park unit that is being considered.
Park classifications establish several essential elements for parkland requirements based on population ratios and the types of recreational uses and services to be provided. These
elements include a) orientation, b) function and c) space, design and service areas. A particular park may be oriented to the needs of a single local neighborhood, a service area, or
the community. The physical improvements in a park should respond to the preferences or needs of residents who will use the park. The amount of park land, design and location within
a service area, is also influenced by accessibility and amenities to be provided.
Park classifications for the City of Yelm are described below. Conceptual site plans for each type of park follow the narrative descriptions.
Mini Parks
Definition Summary: A play lot or playground that provides space for parental-supervised recreation of toddlers and young children within a neighborhood, or as part of larger neighborhood
park (see Figures 2 and __).
Size Objective: one-half acre to 1.5 acres.
Service Area Objectives: Generally within a neighborhood of a one-half mile radius or population of 2,000 to 3,000; however, playgrounds may be included in parks that serve a larger
population or service area.
Location Objectives: Located in protected areas with separation from street traffic, yet in areas with high visibility; serving local neighborhoods and adjoining schools, libraries or
police and fire facilities.
Orientation: Small geographic areas, sub-neighborhood or neighborhoods, when combined with a larger park unit; serves youth in ages ranging from toddlers to 12 years, with adult supervision.
Function: Provides outdoor play experiences for the young, under parental supervision; generates neighborhood communication and provides opportunity for diversion from work and/or home
chores; promotes neighborhood solidarity.
Space, Design and Service Area: Size of play lot or playground may range from as small as 2,500 square feet to 1.5 acres; amenities are generally sand play areas, play apparatus, play
equipment and other special child-oriented features; service radius in terms of distance from population served is limited to less than one-quarter mile.
Figure 2. Mini Park / Pocket Park – Conceptual Site Plan A.
Source: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
[Alan to add a second set of conceptual site plans for each park type, to show options.]
Neighborhood Parks
Definition Summary: A neighborhood park by size, program and location provides space and recreation activities for the immediate neighborhood in which it is located; it is
considered an extension of neighborhood residents’ “out-of-yard” and outdoor use area (see Figures 3and __).
Size Objective: 2 acres to 5 acres.
Service Area Objectives: Generally a one mile radius, but actually defined by collector street patterns, which form the limits of the neighborhood or recreation service area; population
served may range from 2,000 to 5,000.
Location Objectives: Centrally located for equitable pedestrian access within a definable neighborhood service area; adjacent to an elementary school, middle school, high school, fire
station or library, if possible.
Orientation: Serves all age groups with an emphasis on youth and families in neighborhood settings.
Program Objectives: Compatible with the neighborhood setting and park site constraints; generally including the following elements (which may be determined with public input as to use
and activities):
10 to 20 parking spaces
restrooms
tot lot/ children’s play area
family event/group picnic facility
informal family picnic area with benches and tables
unstructured turf grass play area/play or practice field for children, young adults and families
sports facilities – compatible with neighborhood setting and park site constraints.
Function: Provides a combination of active recreation and passive activities, both outdoor and indoor facilities (if possible), and special features as required or needed.
Space, Design and Service Area: A minimum size of 2 to 5 acres, with amenities that include sports facilities, picnic areas, cultural activities, arts and crafts, and individual passive
activities; service radius in terms of distance from population served may vary depending on development pattern, zoning and densities in the respective neighborhoods being served.
Figure 3. Neighborhood Park – Conceptual Site Plan A.
Source: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
Special Use Parks
Definition Summary: A special use park is often considered a revenue-generating enterprise created to satisfy the demand for a particular sport, recreational event or special event;
special use parks may include publicly-developed and administered facilities operated by the private sector with local agency participation (see Figures 4and __).
Size Objective: Actual size is determined by market demand and special uses, or recreation programs being facilitated to serve market and program production needs.
Service Area Objectives: Community or area-wide, determined by the type or recreation, special events or use activity being facilitated.
Location Objectives: Determined by the property opportunity, service area and size objectives.
Orientation: Provides special event attractions and activities to all age groups within a given market/user area for which the special use park is focused.
Program Objectives: Special use parks require facility programming that is market-driven and based on community planning objectives for establishing public/private partnerships for recreation;
examples of special use facilities may include:
water play park
amphitheater
festival/farmers’ market
sports complex
family fitness/entertainment center
skateboard/in-line hockey park.
Function: special events, fairs, festivals, expositions, symposiums, sports, community gatherings, ethnic/cultural celebrations, plays and numerous other activities that draw spectator
and participants to a specific location.
Space, Design and Service Area: The minimum size for special parks varies depending on the intent of use and programming; accommodates major parking space, audiences, performance areas
and multi-use areas; serves populations within a 1-hour+ drive zone.
Figure 4. Special Use Park – Conceptual Site Plan A.
Source: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
Trails & Pathways
Trails and pathways vary in purpose, design and use depending on the location of the trails and its linkage to other use areas or destinations.
Users: The typical users are pedestrians and bicyclists; other users of trails or bike lanes and walkways in urban areas include in-line skaters, skate boarders, people in wheelchairs
and others who may have specialized trail or pathway needs. In more rural areas trails may be used for equestrian recreation as well. A major distinction between users is: those who
use trails and pathways as commuters, compared to recreational users.
Accessibility: Multi-use trail systems are designed to be accessible to a predetermined class of users. Access points to and from neighborhoods, to parks, civic centers and roadways
are important elements in trail access and design.
Types of Trails: Bicycle trails have a set of classifications that determine use and design considerations such as hard surfaces, widths, signage and lane configurations:
Class I Trail (Shared-Use Path): Regional trail facility with exclusive rights-of-ways for the principal use of pedestrians and human-powered wheeled vehicles; typically physically separated
from roads and streets and have their own physical corridor of use.
Class II Trail (Bicycle Lane, One Side): A two-way striped bike lane on one side of the road within the paved area of the road for the preferential use of bicyclist. Lane widths vary
from 5 feet to 8 feet.
Class IIA Trail (Bicycle Lane, Both Sides): A one-way striped bike lane on both sides of the road with the direction of travel being the same as the motorist. Lane width should be 5
feet minimum.
Class III Trail (Shared Roadway): Occur on public rights-of-way and share the roadway with motorized vehicles. Bike routes are established along routes not served by bike paths or bike
lanes. Bike routes are established by placing bike route signage along the public street/highway
Class IV Trail (Pedestrian): A natural pedestrian trail is a 4- to 6-foot wide, unpaved trail (boardwalk, crushed rock, wood chips, bar mulch, etc.), designed for low use/low impact
in natural areas.
Equestrian Trails: Often are constructed outside City limits and outside of existing rights-of-ways. May require easement acquisition and private landowner cooperation. An equestrian
trail system, if designed, should accommodate property owners raising and stabling horses on the perimeter the City. Horses should not be permitted in developed parks. However, access
points to parks with hitching facilities including horse-trailer parking and trailheads may be possible as part of the design and planning of facilities. Implementation of an equestrian
trail system may require right-of-way acquisition by fee-simple purchase or through granting access or easements on private property.
E. THURSTON HIGHLANDS PARK, RECREATION, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS PROPOSAL
During development of the conceptual master site plan, Thurston Highlands, L.L.C. identified a goal to develop the master planned community around a recreational theme. Several concepts
were considered, including a golf course, fishing lakes and a regional sports complex. With input from City staff and the public, it became apparent that what is really needed – and
what would have immediate benefits in the community – would be a Regional Sports Complex, oriented predominantly toward youth sports programs, with diverse activities for adults, as
well. With this input, a large area of the site (approximately 87 acres) was identified to accommodate a wide range of outdoor and indoor facilities, including baseball, softball, soccer,
swimming and general fitness. This recreational theme is an element of all three conceptual land use alternatives being evaluated in the EIS.
The three primary locational criteria considered for placement of the Regional Sports Complex include: direct access from Tahoma Boulevard; proximity to other neighborhoods in Yelm,
such as Tahoma Terra and the northwest and northeast quadrants of the City; and relatively level terrain suitable for constructing athletic fields. The northern portion of Thurston
Highlands meets these criteria.
Phase 1. The Phase 1 conceptual site plan includes approximately __ acres of open space and habitat area to be preserved, and the 87-acre Regional Sports Complex. The
Regional Sports Complex would be constructed at a later stage of development, to be determined during the Final Master Site Plan review and Development Agreement process.
[Alan: Please request the acreage number from KPFF for the highlighted blank above. Vicki: I still need to get this number.]
Preferred Alternative. Open space would exceed 400 acres (approximately 34 percent of the site) in the Preferred Alternative. Critical areas (like wetlands, buffers, steep slopes)
would be preserved in open space tracts suitable for passive or light active recreational activities, such as walking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and play toy areas.
Traditional Development Alternative. As with the Preferred Alternative, open space would be preserved and enhanced in a variety of forms in the Traditional Development Alternative,
from small pocket parks to serve very localized blocks within neighborhoods, to community parks serving several neighborhoods or Yelm residents in general, and natural open space areas
associated with wetlands and steep slopes. Total open space acreage would be approximately 315 acres (approximately 25 percent of the site) in the Traditional Development Alternative.
Urban Village Alternative. The Urban Village Alternative would provide an opportunity for a larger percentage of the site to be set aside in natural open space. Vertical construction
that would increase commercial and residential density near the center of the development would preserve more land in an undisturbed condition around the perimeter to create a more extensive
network of natural areas, perhaps as much as 400 to 500 acres (approximately 30 to 40 percent of the site).
No Action Alternative. It is assumed that under the No Action Alternative, the property would temporarily remain undeveloped; therefore, no park or recreational development would occur
on the property and there would be no resident population associated with the site to exert a demand on existing City of Yelm or Thurston County facilities. The undeveloped condition
of the site would temporarily preserve its open space character, though due to private ownership, the property would not technically be available for public use.
Potential Construction Impacts
Build Alternatives. Implementation of the conceptual master plan proposal under any of the build alternatives would make sites ranging in size from one-half acre to 5 acres available
for new park and trail construction in and around neighborhoods within the development. Depending on the timing between park construction and neighborhood development around these park
and trail locations, there may or may not be construction-related impacts to park or trail users. More than likely, it will be residents of newly-established neighborhoods that would
experience impacts associated with new park and trail construction. This would occur in the form of noise from large vehicles and machinery, dust from project construction and construction
trips (e.g., large trucks delivering or removing materials). Most likely, there would also be visual impacts typically associated with construction at a specific park or trail site.
These impacts would include temporary chain link perimeter fencing, plastic erosion control or tree protection fencing; construction debris; large piles of material (such as rock, soil
or debris); dirt on roadways; and machinery, vehicles or temporary field office facilities often associated with a construction staging area.
[Alan (6/30/07): Please confirm whether the NRPA standard would suggestthat a “community park” is needed within Thurston Highlands, in addition to the Regional Sports Complex and proposed
neighborhood parks.]
A Regional Sports Complex, approximately 87 acres in size in the northern portion of the Master Planned Community, would have the most significant potential for construction impacts
associated with park and recreational facilities. Similar impacts to those described above for neighborhood parks and trails would occur during construction of the Regional Sports Complex,
but on a larger scale and for a longer period of time. Construction impacts (primarily aesthetic impacts) associated with the Regional Sports Complex would be visible to passers-by traveling
on the boulevard through Thurston Highlands, and to rural residential properties north of the site, in addition to residents of Thurston Highlands. Depending on the timing of uses developed
on the proposed public service sites adjoining the Regional Sports Complex (e.g., one or more schools), these uses could also be exposed to the temporary construction impacts of the
Regional Sports Complex.
No Action Alternative. Under the No Action Alternative, the Thurston Highlands site would temporarily remain undeveloped. Therefore, no construction impacts would be anticipated if
this alternative were selected.
Potential Developed-Condition Impacts
Population projections for the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community have been developed for Phase 1 (Preferred Alternative) and for full project build-out for each of the conceptual
land use plans (see Tables 11 and 12). Any of the land use alternatives would consist of a mixed-use community with a diversity of housing types (single-family, townhome, multi-family),
increasing the likelihood that there would be a mix of age groups using parks, trails and recreation facilities. Using the NRPA standard of 6.25 acres per 1,000 population level of
service, the amount of park land needed can be determined for each land use alternative at project build-out.
Phase 1. The projected population of the conceptual Phase 1 development proposal is 2,527 residents, for which roughly 20 acres of park land would be needed.
Preferred Alternative. The Preferred Alternative has a projected population at project build-out of 12,548. Approximately 80 acres of park land would be needed to serve this resident
population.
Traditional Development Alternative. The Traditional Neighborhood Alternative has a projected population at project build-out of 13,859. Approximately 90 acres of park land would be
needed to serve this resident population.
Urban Village Alternative. The Urban Village Alternative has a projected population at project build-out of 10,998, for which approximately 70 acres of park land would be needed.
No Action Alternative. Under the No Action Alternative, the Thurston Highlands site would temporarily remain undeveloped. Therefore, there would be no resident population, parks,
trails, or recreation facilities on the site.
Fiscal Analysis.
The following table identifies the estimated costs of park and recreation facilities, by park classification, as well as estimates of annual maintenance costs. This table should be
used only as a guide in determining costs for each facility.
Table 15. Capital development projections, by park classification.
Park Classification
Cost/Acre (in 000’s)
Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost/Acre (in 000’s)
Mini Parks
$ 70 - $ 125
$ 6 - $ 8
Neighborhood Parks
$ 95 - $ 140
$ 6 - $ 12
Special Use Parks (e.g. Regional Sports Complex)
$ 150 - $ 180
Varies, depending on programs
Trails & Pathways
$ 20 - $ 40 per LF
Varies, depending on type of trail
Source: Robert W. Droll, Landscape Architect, PS.
Mitigation Measures
Incorporated Plan Features. It is anticipated that Thurston Highlands, L.L.C. would deed to the City of Yelm neighborhood parks and a community park, for City ownership and maintenance.
Mini parks would be owned and maintained by the homeowners’ association. The Regional Sports Complex would also be deeded to the City, with a joint public/private partnership for operations.
Under a new City of Yelm Parks and Recreation Department, the City would control use of the athletic fields, parking and outdoor amenities (like landscaping). Commercial recreation facilities
(like a YMCA, batting cages, anything for-profit) would remain private enterprise.
Mini parks would be incorporated as an open space requirement of the neighborhood or subdivision that the park will serve. Most likely, the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs)
of each neighborhood development would impose measures to maintain mini parks, as well as to minimize the impacts of park construction, upgrades or repairs on existing homes and residents
within the neighborhood the park would serve.
Wetlands and wetland buffers preserved in various locations of the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community would provide additional passive open space for specific neighborhoods,
or in certain areas along the perimeter of the site.
[Waiting for clarification of a note from Grant here: Clarification re: the relationship between the open space proposal and the NRPA park land “quota.” Park land will be required in
addition to the open space commitment, which is passive open space. Yes, other uses (e.g., the farmer’s market and Village Square) have been included in the open space acreage estimated
for each conceptual land use alternative.]
Applicable Regulations and Commitments.
The City of Yelm is currently studying alternatives for the financial support of new park construction, as well as maintenance and upgrades to existing parks and recreation facilities.
The Fiscal Analysis technical report provides additional information on this subject.
Other Recommended Mitigation Measures.
The City of Yelm intends to maintain close coordination between development approvals for lot applications within the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community and the amount of park
land needed (as determined by population level of service dictated by the NRPA standard).
REFERENCES
Beck, Grant. Director, City of Yelm Community Development, Yelm, WA. March and May, 2007. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect, PS, re: mitigation
measures for Thurston Highlands potential developed-condition impacts, and re: ownership/operational responsibilities for the future Regional Sports Complex.
City of Yelm. 1999. Parks & Recreation Plan, Appendix A. City of Yelm, WA.
City of Yelm Community Schools. Schools facts and information sheet, at http://www.ycs.wednet.edu/templates/Container.aspx?ID=1.
Cordova, Skeeter. Coordinator, Thurston County Youth Football League, Thurston County, WA. January 3, 2007. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect,
PS, re: assessment of athletic field needs for youth football in the City of Yelm.
Crader, Janet. Coordinator, Thurston County Fast Pitch Association, Thurston County, WA. January 3, 2007. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect,
PS, re: assessment of athletic field needs for youth softball in the City of Yelm.
Daniel, Beth. Coordinator, YMCA Downtown Olympia Branch, Olympia, WA. January 3, 2007. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect, PS, re: assessment
of facility needs for youth basketball in the City of Yelm.
Hansen, Chris. Maintenance/Grounds Supervisor, Yelm Community Schools District No. 2, Yelm, WA. November 20, 2006. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect,
PS, re: inventory and uses of athletic facilities and fields at Yelm public schools.
Jenkins, Cecelia. President, Yelm Chamber of Commerce, and Chair, Yelm Parks Advisory Committee, Yelm, WA. January 4, 2007. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape
Architect, PS, re: recreation programs and services in Yelm City Park and recreation services in the City of Yelm.
Lancaster, R.A., editor. 1990. Recreation, park and open space standards and guidelines. National Recreation and Park Association, Ashburn, VA.
Matthews, Deb. Coordinator, Prairie Soccer Club (subsidiary of Thurston County Youth Soccer), Yelm, WA. November 9, 2006. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape
Architect, PS, re: assessment of athletic field needs for youth soccer in the City of Yelm.
Merriman, Tami. Associate Planner, City of Yelm Community Development, Yelm, WA. March 19, 2007. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect, PS, re:
City of Yelm Rails-with-Trails project.
Municipal Research & Services Center of Washington. 1994. Level of service standards – measures for maintaining the quality of community life. Report No. 31.
Peterson, Tim. Public Works Director, City of Yelm, WA. November, 2006 and April, 2007. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect, PS, re: City of Yelm
parks maintenance, parks and recreation budgets.
Shipe, Julie. Vice President/Treasurer, Nisqually Basin Little League, Yelm, WA. January 3, 2007. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect, PS, re:
assessment of athletic field needs for Little League baseball in the City of Yelm.
Spivey, Dana. Staff, City of Yelm, Yelm, WA. January 4, 2007. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect, PS, re: recreation programs and services in
Yelm City Park.
Thompson, Janine. Coordinator, South Puget Sound Youth Softball Association, Thurston County, WA. January 3, 2007. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect,
PS, re: assessment of athletic field needs for youth softball in the City of Yelm.
Thurston County GeoData Center. City of Yelm park land identity and mapping, at http://www.geodata.org/online.htm.
Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC). City of Yelm population forecasts, at http://www.trpc.org/programs/estimates+and+forecasts/demographics/poempforecast.htm.
Welter, Michael. Director, Thurston County Community Development, Olympia, WA. January 10, 2007. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect, PS, re:
County parks in proximity to the City of Yelm.
Westfall, Michael. Coordinator, Black Hills Football Club, Thurston County, WA. November 22, 2006. Personal communication with Alan Rice, Robert W. Droll Landscape Architect, PS, re:
assessment of athletic field needs for youth football in the City of Yelm.
Appendix A
Thurston Highlands Land Use Alternatives
Alternatives:
Preferred Alternative
Traditional Development
Urban Village
No Action
Elements Common to all Conceptual Land Use Alternatives:
Approximately 5,000 residential units
Commercial development: 630,000 to 1.5 million sf of retail and professional office
315-500 acres permanent open space
Public services addressed (e.g. schools, fire, police)
Tahoma Boulevard extended to SR 507
60-acre Regional Sports Complex
Preferred Alternative– Summary of Key Elements
Variety of residential neighborhoods
Density would range from 4 units per acre to up to 12 units per acre
Combination of single family homes, apartments, town homes, condominiums
Commercial area focused around village square
Contains some areas for neighborhood-convenient commercial establishments to serve surrounding neighborhoods
Full mix and range of commercial activities
Village square to have same character, function as in Urban Village Alternative
Vehicular traffic less important for commercial viability
Open space:
Development of community around recreational theme
Regional Sports Complex, oriented toward mostly youth programs
Outdoor and indoor activity possibilities: baseball, softball, soccer, football, swimming, general fitness
Other formal parks and natural open space to provide for both active and passive forms of recreation (passive: walking trails, wildlife viewing areas, play areas)
Natural open space areas (to protect wetlands, steep slopes)
Total open space: exceeds 400 acres (32% of site, minimum)
Traditional Development – Summary of Key Elements
Curvi-linear, gridded street pattern
Emphasis on single family residential units
Lot sizes: 5,000-7,000 square feet
Average density of 4 units per acre
Small scale neighborhood commercial establishments
Single-story, strip mall design approach
Local communities, neighborhoods are oriented more to the automobile, less to the pedestrian
Limited professional office space
Open space:
Small pocket parks (serving localized blocks within neighborhoods)
Neighborhood parks (serving several neighborhoods and Yelm residents in general)
Trails (connecting to spaces within community and to greater community)
Natural open space areas (to protect wetlands, steep slopes)
Total open space: 350-400 acres (28%-32% of site)
Urban Village Alternative – Summary of Key Elements
Compact areas of high-density residential, mixed with commercial establishments
Predominant land use: town homes, apartments, condos oriented around focal point (e.g. park, plaza, school), single family dwellings
Lot sizes: smaller than Traditional Development (smaller yards)
Average density of 5-7 units per acre
Traditional single family residential density in northeast (adjacent Tahoma Terra)
Larger scale commercial establishments than Traditional Development
Two- and three-story buildings in mixed use environment
Emphasis on creating year-round day/evening space for residents, shoppers, visitors
Village square at core
Focal point, center of character and activity
Characterized by plazas, hardscape features
Designed to incorporate outdoor urban activities such as gathering areas, café seating, street vendors, performance spaces
Reduced reliance on automobile use; more pedestrian-oriented
Open space:
More emphasis on village square concept (plazas, hardscape, outdoor urban activities)
Larger percentage of site set aside for open space
More preserved land, natural areas - especially around perimeter of planned community
Total open space: 400-500 acres (32%-40% of site)
Park Concept Philosophy
Preferred Alternative
78 developed acres of park to meet projected population needs (12,548) of this alternative, using minimum acreage of National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) guidelines (6.25 acres
of developed park per 1,000 residents).
Trails system should be incorporated throughout the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community, to connect neighborhoods (if possible) and connect to other trail systems in greater
Yelm area (e.g. Yelm-Tenino Trail).
Develop a minimum 60-acre Regional Sports Complex in north area of development (as shown on the Preferred Alternative conceptual land use plan) that would focus on youth sports.
Designed to serve both Thurston Highlands and greater Yelm community (should be reflected in transportation routes).
Athletic facilities should include youth soccer (U5 to U19 play), youth football, baseball (Little League, Cal Ripken), softball (slow and fast pitch), basketball.
Secondary facilities/activities could include open spaces/fields, tennis, volleyball, horseshoes, skate court, playgrounds, connecting trails.
Other amenities could include restrooms, concession stands/buildings, group or individual picnic areas, seating areas.
Possible addition: an indoor, privately-operated facility that incorporates YMCA-type elements (swimming pool, gymnasium, general fitness, general recreation activities) to accommodate
all age groups (children, teens, adults, seniors).
Incorporate mini parks and neighborhood parks into other open space areas, in appropriate locations throughout the Thurston Highlands site.
Neighborhood Park:
Centrally located and adjacent to a school, if possible.
Parking spaces (upwards to 20) for visitors from the immediate vicinity, as well as other neighborhoods and areas.
Size of park to be anywhere from 2 to 5 acres.
Service area: up to a one-mile radius, serving anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000.
Small neighborhood center (if possible), with restrooms.
Active uses: one or two baseball field(s), basketball court, open play fields.
Passive uses: picnic areas, open space, connecting trails, seating areas, playgrounds.
Examples of similar: Pioneer Park, Yauger Park, Friendly Grove Park (all in Olympia).
Mini Park:
Reflects reduced reliance on vehicular traffic, i.e. parking of only several spaces, to accommodate limited population of immediate neighborhood and surroundings.
Size of park to be anywhere from one-half acre to 1.5 acres.
Mostly passive uses: perimeter trail, picnic areas, open space, seating areas, playground, restrooms (if possible); focus on playground or play lot for youth, toddlers to age 12.
Active uses (if any): basketball or volleyball court.
Examples of similar: Bigelow Park & Harry Fain’s Park (Olympia), Huntamer Park (Lacey).
Trails & Pathways
Design and use dependent on location of trails and linkage of trails to other use areas or destinations.
Easy accessibility to and from neighborhoods, parks, civic centers and roadways.
Main user groups would be pedestrians (walkers, joggers) and bicyclists; could also include in-line skaters, skateboarders.
Pathways could also accommodate equestrian riders, but need to be separate from other trails and not permitted in parks.
Park aesthetics: Create a sense of place, proper fit with surroundings, by use of similar design elements found in adjacent neighborhoods.
Mix of formal streetscape plantings with more natural, native landscape treatments.
Building construction similar to surrounding neighborhood structures.
Similar scale of streetscape(s).
Similar use of paving material, vegetation.
Efficient and appropriate transition between parks and surroundings, through proper design and orientation of trail connectors, vehicular access (if any), gateways, signage.
Follow City of Yelm guidelines for streetscapes, buffers, vegetative uses, etc.
Light glare:
Regional Sports Complex – lighting will be necessary for maximum use of the Regional Sports Complex. Light design to take into account surrounding neighborhoods through type of lighting;
specific, focused lighting layout, use of vegetative buffers and topographic variances, if possible, to shield effects of lighting.
Neighborhood and mini parks – will be day-use parks only. Any lighting incorporated will be for security and safety only (low level). Lighting to be designed to avoid intrusion into
surrounding neighborhoods.
Traditional Development
87 developed acres of park to meet projected population needs (13,859) of this alternative, using minimum acreage of NRPA guidelines (6.25 acres of developed park per 1,000 residents).
Larger percentage of site allocated to low-density housing.
As with the Preferred Alternative, trails system should be incorporated throughout the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community.
As with Preferred Alternative, incorporate into design scheme a minimum 60-acre Regional Sports Complex in the north area of development, focusing on youth sports.
The Regional Sports Complex would incorporate more fields and open spaces than that of Preferred Alternative:
Athletic facilities should include increased number of fields than the Preferred Alternative; open fields and playgrounds should reflect the higher projected population growth.
Secondary activities/facilities could be similar to or the same as the Preferred Alternative.
Other amenities could include the same amenities as the Preferred Alternative, but with more group or individual picnic and seating areas.
As with the Preferred Alternative, a possible addition could be an indoor, privately operated recreation facility.
As with the Preferred Alternative, incorporate mini parks and neighborhood parks in appropriate locations throughout the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community.
Parks to have similar or same elements as those of the Preferred Alternative.
Park aesthetics: as with the Preferred Alternative, should create sense of place, proper fit with surroundings, by use of similar design elements found in adjacent neighborhoods
More emphasis on formal landscape treatments and streetscapes than in the Preferred Alternative.
Light glare:
Regional Sports Complex – same as the Preferred Alternative.
Community, neighborhood, mini parks – same as the Preferred Alternative.
Urban Village Alternative
69 developed acres of park to meet projected population needs (10,998) of this alternative, using minimum acreage of NRPA guidelines (6.25 acres of developed park per 1,000 residents).
Larger percentage of the site would be set aside for open space (compared to the Preferred Alternative), with more undisturbed land around perimeter of the site to create more extensive
network of natural areas.
As with Preferred Alternative, trails system should be incorporated throughout the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community.
Trails system should be implemented to take advantage of more natural areas around perimeter of the site.
As with the Preferred Alternative, incorporate into the design scheme a minimum 60-acre Regional Sports Complex in north area of development, focusing on youth sports.
The Regional Sports Complex would consist of fields and open spaces similar to that of the Preferred Alternative:
Playgrounds more concentrated in space than in the Preferred Alternative or Traditional Development Alternative.
As with the Preferred Alternative, a possible addition could be an indoor, privately operated recreation facility.
Trails and picnic areas could be more widespread in buffer areas, to take advantage of less-developed perimeters.
The Regional Sports Complex layout should follow characteristics of the Urban Village Alternative concept, with a high-density complex ‘core’ surrounded by natural/open space (similar
to The Evergreen State College campus in Olympia, which provides a 190-acre core surrounded by 800 acres of wooded preserve).
As with the Preferred Alternative, incorporate pocket mini parks and neighborhood parks in select locations throughout the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community. Parks to have
similar or same elements as those of the Preferred Alternative.
Park aesthetics: as with the Preferred Alternative, should create a sense of place, proper fit with surroundings, by use of similar design elements found in adjacent neighborhoods.
More urban elements should be incorporated (plazas, focal points, gateways).
Light glare:
Regional Sports Complex – same as the Preferred Alternative.
Neighborhood, mini parks – same as the Preferred Alternative.