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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Recreation Master Plan 1958 r C/'/y O f Huntington beach a� �D 0 oQ a 1�arks and recreation 1958 MASTER PLAN OF PARKS AND RECREATION 1958 Hahn, Wise and Barber - Planning Consultants TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE I. GENERAL CONSIDERATION . . . • . , • . . 1° IT° PART ONE - PARKS ° A. GENERAL COMMENT . • • . . • ° ° . • • ° 1. B. TYPES OF RECREATION FACILITIES • • • ° • • • 3. 1. Play Areas 2. Parks 3. Parkways 4. Miscellaneous Active Facilities 5. Special Educational k C. SPACE REQUIREMENTS . ° . . . . . . . . . 4. D. THE STUDY • ° ° ° ° ° ° • ° ° ° ° ° ° 5. 1. Schools 2. Community Center 3. Parks and Playgrounds A. 14emorial 'Ilall 5. Library E. RECOMME1JDATI6NS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. Map of Parks,and Recreation . . . . . . ° ° 12. r PAGE III. PART TWO - SHORELINE RECREATION A. GENERAL COMMENT . . . . . . . . . . 13. B. TYPE OF RECREATION FACILITIES • • • • • • • • 14. 1. Passive Recreation 2. . Swimming 3. Play Areas 4. Fishing 5. Trailer Park C. SPACE REQUIREMENTS , . .. . . . . . . . 16. D. THE STUDY • • • • • • . • • . . . . . . 16. 1. . Bathing Area 2. Play Areas 3. Fishing 4. Beach Maintenance 5. Lifeguards 6. Facilities E. RECOMMENDATIONS • . • . . . . . . . . 19 . PARKS AND RE_CR.EATION PLAN I. GENERAL CONSIDERATION Webster defines recreation as a ".mode of diversion; refreshment of strength and spirits after toil; play." To define recreation and limit it to any one of its many phases would be falling far short of creating a well-rounded recreational program. There are as many types of recreation as there are types of people. In order to plan a recreation program for a community many types must be considered. Huntington Beach, as many beach towns, has a two fold program to consider. There are both the people within the city to plan recreation programs for- and the people within the county, the adjacent counties, as well as those from all over the state. This Plan divides recreation ir_to two parts. Part One considers recreation to accommodate people living in Huntington Beach. Part Two considers the Beach area which supplies recreation to transients as well as local people. II PART ONE - PARKS A. The City's need for recreational facilities becomes apparent as population density increases. These facilities become an asset to the community. Often the realization of the need for such facilities comes too late, and land values or lack of available land creates a hardship in the Acquisition Program. 1. The school system should play an important part in any recreation prograni, though there are some types of recreation that cannot be _ integrated into the school system. Community center rooms are common in many schools today 611d are used after school education functions are over. School playground equipment, gyms, outdoor courts, audi- toriums, swimming pools, etc. , are rightfully used by the community aftE!r school hours. Close coordination by the school authorities and the recreation officials leads to a distribution of facilities and super- vision, and a more efficient recreative system for the City without duplication of tax monies. To make necessary recreation facilities available, public funds must provide the open spaces, general facilities and the leadership needed for a wholesome, diversified program for the entire community. Service clubs, community chests, churches, private clubs and com- mercial places of amusement play an important part in providing facilities for the leisure time of all of the people. Recreation, whether active or passive, is essential to the full development of progress of everyone. Coordination of the many efforts made by local groups active in the recreation field would save costly duplication. Therefore, adoption of a coordinated plan by the City is mandatory. A recreation and park program must be on a scale that can be pro- perly maintained and operated within the community's financial ability. Acquisition of land that will lbe needed for a full program, prior to 2 . further raises in land values, or the nonavailability of such land, is C vital; economical. B. TYPES OF RECREATION The standard types of recreation facilities are listed below ac- cording to functions. It is realized that all of these facilities will not be needed in the City of Huntington Beach and that some of these now exist. The list indicates a balanced recreational program to meet the community's recent and future needs. 1. Play Areas a. Play lots for pre-school and kindergarten children. b. Playgrounds for elementary school children. c. Playfields for youths and adults . 2. Parks a. Small triangles, squares, scenic or historical sites, etc. b. Neighborhood parks. c. Large family parks and picnic areas. 3. Parkways 4. Miscellaneous Active Recreational Facilities a. Swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, gymnasiums, etc. b. City camps, scout camps, etc. c. Beach, swim or play areas, boating. 5 . Special Educational - Recreation a. Outdoor theatres, bandstand, etc. 3. b. Community centers. C. Arboretums and botonical gardens. d. Aquariums, zoos, etc. e. Museums . C. SPACE RE. QU IREMENTS AND SERVICE AREAS Approximate measures for estimating the desirable areas for various types of recreation facilities and their service areas are as follows: Play A-reas: Playlots - 0.1 acre per 1, 000 population - 2, 000 sq. ft. minimum, 1/8 to 1/4 mile service radius. (note - because of supervision and maintenance involved, this type facility is usually provided in conjunction with playground, playfield or park.) Playgrounds - 1. 0 acre per 800 population - 2. 0 acre minimum, 1/2 mile service radius. Playfields - 1. 0 acre per 800 population- 10.0 ecre minimum, 1. 0 mile service radius. Community Parks - 1.0 acre per 1, 000 population - 2.0 acre minimum, 1.0 mile service radius . Others: Recreation Center Building - 1 per 20, 000 population Swimming pools - 1 per 20, 000 population 4. Football Fields - 1 per 20, 000 population Softball Fields 1 per 3, 000 population Hardball Fields - 1 per 6, 000 population Tennis Courts - 1 per 2, 000 population Basketball Courts - 1 per 3, 000 population Schools - as needed D. THE STUDY to Schools Recreation development in Huntington Beach, as in most cities, owes much of its success to the school departments. Much of the City's recreational activities and equipment is on school property. This coorporation between the school departments and the City's re- creation department is essential if duplication of costs are to be kept to a minimum, facilities are to be sued to their maximum capacity, and the advantages of dual purchasing power attained. Need for new schools, in newly created neighborhoods, par- ralles needs for recreation facilities within the same areas. If future school acquisition programs can be tied into recreation land needs both departments can benefit. School plans and recreation plans must meet an accellerated future growth. Population of the City doubled in the past year and the area increased almost five times. People who will inhabit this newly annexed area by 1970 will number three and a half (3 1/2) times as many 5. as those in the City today. By 1980, the. City is expected to increase five fold. These people will need schools and .recreation. 2., Community 'Center The City's.Community Center and Playground of two (2) acres located between 17th and 18th .Streets, Orange and Magnolia Avenues, is a definite asset to Huntington Beach. Those administering these facilities are to be complimented. This Center has been very popular .and has proved adequate for the pres.ent population. As the area in the north end of the City becomes more heavily populated, another community center with like facilities will be necessary. 3. Parks and Playgrounds Existing City parks and playgrounds have served the City (and its 5, 800 people) well. These parks and playgrounds, however, were designed for the City prior to its many annexations. Obviously, parks and playgrounds will be necessary for the north area. 4. Memorial Hall The Memorial Hall is used for civic and community functions and is serving the City adequately. It is believed that this fairly new building will serve the City's need for many years as a meeting place and playhouse. 5. Public Library The public library dedicated in 1951 is adequate for today's 6. population. As the City's population grows, branch libraries may be necessary in the north area. Locations for these can be determined _,-y- future population densities and the Land Use Plan. E :. -RECOMMENDATIONS The Master Plan of Parks and Recreation Map, found on page 12, sets. forth a comp rehenpive system of parks and recreation facilities t,­� serve the City of Huntington Beach. The plan shows existing and proposed facilities, including schools and the service areas of playgrounds and playfields. . Generally, elementary schools are Tow---°--.• sidered as supplying play area's and equipment equivalent to a neighborhood playground. The High School and junior High -School are used as playfields insofar as this does not conflict with school programs. It will bi noted that playfield and playground locations give maximum coverage to the City., Requirements for ball fields and tennis courts can be met by developing these playfield and play- ground sites. These sites are placed in general locations and are ire accord with planning by school authorities. They are in areas that will build up as residential neighborhoods. The school sites service radius is set at approximately one- quarter mile by school authorities. The schools are designed for from 500 to 800 children. These are rather large plants, ,but .no doubt more economical than a larger number of smaller ones. 7. Each school will be able to care for approximately 500 to 800 homes, this will mean a population of 2,500 people per neighborhood area. The City should consider a park installation for each of the proposed school sites, thus planning recreation on a neighborhood basis for a population of ,50,000 people within the present city limits. Although the latest population growth estimates are for a population of from 50, 000 to 60, 000 by 1980, it is believed that this planning will be adequate due to proposed beach recreation facilities. Each K-6 school site should be joined with a minimum 3 acre playground. Each 7-8 and High School site should be joined with a minimum 10 acre playfield. The City Recreation Commission and the school boards should form an agreement for land acquisitions, development and maintenance. We are suggesting a minimum development plan for each school site, based on standard recognized requirements and from facilities shown under SPACE REQUIREMENTS, i Play Areas. It is recommended that part of the improvement be paid for by the school and part by the City. By the Ci ty Barbecue or picnic spots Play lot and benches for mothers Park area for free play 8. By School Normal play equipment for school needs The equipment above will supply recreation to the following groups: Children in pre-school ages through 13-;4 years old Elderly persons and family groups Community Recreation Intermediate schools should be improved by the City and school to provide the following development: By City Older persons" recreation Park area Night lighting of s-6me of the active sports courts By Schools Sport areas, including football, softball and baseball fields; tennis courts Thiswill provide recreation for ages 13-15, older persons. C:VtY Wide Facilities Football, baseball and softball fields tennis courts Gym Night .lighting 9 . Facilities to be paid for by both City and School Swimming pool Park Older persons' recreation An additional community center with similar facilities to the existing center should be built in the northern part of the city where population growth and demand presents itself. An inland park of Regional nature could be located on and around an existing fresh water lake on the lands of Mr. Slater, near the West City limits, just below Talbert Avenue. This area lends itself to exceptional regional park development and could be an asset to the City of Huntington Beach. The development of Bolsa Slough as a small craft harbor has great potentiality. This may be large enough to necessitate City, County, State and Federal participation. . Regardless of the manner in which this project is accomplished, it will mean a great deal to recreation in the Huntington Beach area. To secure objectives set forth in the Master Plan, the following recommendations are made: A. That this Plan be studied by the City Recreation.Com- mission and School Authorities. 10. B. That the Recreation Commission make changes which they deem necessary and send such recommended changes to the Planning Commission. C. That the Planning Commission hold public hearings on the plan, and refer a Master Plan to the City Council for adoption. D. That the Planning Commission and the Recreation Com- mission jointly review the Master Plan yearly. 11. S P lo.a ><s S P se ! h � JI • AY PJu� L Ivrxur D� - Re S P ax. S P sae. S P RE I R-f M[/L AY[NU( rr LrN/rI A711� r 10[/ «<e S P sae. ;rs; Y/NI(RJIURI IYfNY( C W e S Pax. Jx.P S Ra surrR xur �717�q f1 i� �7� �t �t �f �I Il�Q lSU J��l�GS� i�LS L1\l U�L2 JJa JJa 1Ja � ,'IA/sA1 Port P S g.- ❑ i� ru/a InNur D = EXISTING — FACILITIES COYYUN/Jr CEN/fR 1 AND PLAYGROUND CDUIaf ' DI I� PARKS.SEACM ADws 1 OTHER fACILMES ® mmm V ® CIRCLE PARR PLAYGROUND r!ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS \ m 0 LIRE PARR C/rr PLAYGROUND Now SCHOOLS ccus n0-tusf CITY REAL ESTArLr ® tl I rr PARR rycem/or.q mm c/rY PARR PLAYGROUND \ O com /NO/INAm.' IY(Nu[ "PROPOSED FACIL I TIES// ®fie ��m m n PROPOSED SCHOOL LOCATLONS Q �w ' I PR/v<rc rcuxoe BEACH TO SE OfAROPEO %••• OCEAx NER ®e Pueuc LISAARI MARO PARKS ® ll YfYOR/AL MALL AOW NC PARK a BOAT NARSOR AVE-9 PROPOSEO PLAY AREAS O PAVALOM -MASTER - PLANOF I RAN/Lr- A. PARKS AND RECREATION CITY OF ORANGE— % C'0TJNTYe CALIF. 12 TII P"A.RT . TWO SIHOREL.INE- RE- CR-E.A. TION A. General Comment The .City',s three and a half miles of beach area has attracted visitors from all over the state for many years. Attendance on the City beach has more than .doubled in the past ten years, reaching over four million,annually for. the past two years. Approximately 5% of this attendance is from the. ,City of Huntington Beach. More than 70•% is from Los. Angel.qs County,-. and 10% is from the rest of Orange County, The County.of Orange has had a larger population increase, percentage wise than any County in the area and it is evident that this. increase will continue. The beach attendance will no doubt increase comparatively: The beach season has been. expanding from a three month midsummer duration, to a seven month period of heavy attendance. It promises. to become a year around source of recreation on weekends and -holidays. The. State Beach to the southeast and the proposed State Beach to the northwest have a magnetic effect in attracting beach crowds.to this area. The City finds. itself in a position 'of-playing host to this visiting population, and must carry the responsibility that such a resort,.entails. Beach maintenance✓ lifeguards, police-protection, adequate parking facilities, play areas and equipment, are some of the costly expenditures. the City must budget for the operation.of the beach. 13. The City derives a certain amount of revenue from this visiting pop- ulation which is not always easy to compute, however, the potential income is very large and should assist in defraying expenses. A con- tinuing study y0th a statistical analysis of the costs and possible income.Sy should be made from time to time to see that the City°s beach income and expenses maintains a favorable balance. B. TYPE OF RE,CRE.ATION FACILITIES 1. Passive Recreation The view along the. beach from the Cliffs is an ever changing panorama and can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Beachcombing is popular and not too strenuous a form of recreation. . For these pursuits benches are available along the cliffs at certain locations, and access to the beach have been provided. An 1821 foot concrete pier is used by many for strolls out over the water. Sunbathing on the sand is the predominant occupation of beach users. a. Swimming Huntington Beach has three and a half miles .of excellent safe surf area. Swimming, surf boarding, paddle boarding and wading are at their best.' Trained lifeguards are doing an exceptional job protecting life and property and.their organization is to be complimented. 14. Dressing,rooms and showers are housed below the Pavilion. 3. Play Areas Playground facilities are available for children. The ocean waters, of coursed are a main.attraction for children and adults, alike. The Pavilion is used as a dance hall and roller .skating rink and there is a plunge of warm salt water that is open from 10.,a.m. to 10 p.m, during the summer, season. 4. Fishing Many fishermen line the concrete pier where excellent fishing is to be had; grunion are caught at the water°s edge during seasons. Fishing barges and charter boats are available at the pier, 5. Tr.ail.er Park A municipal trailer part at the edge of the beach contains about 277 trailers. These are privately owned and retained as summer habitation. There are fire rings and beach area for ,swimming on the ocean side of the trailers. The park is governed according to a strict set of rules and the management is to be complimented on the type of .operation. The park. has been an economic asset to the. City and though a time will be reached when this area will be needed for future beach crowds, it is believed these facilities should be duplicated or moved to another location to _serve the trailer people and help beach revenue. 15. C. SPACE R.EQUI,,REME, NTS The rate of population increase and the indicated continued growth for the State of California, Los Angeles County, ,©range. County and the City of Huntington Beach,leads us to believe that all available beach areas will be pressed into service. There is no reason.to. believe the beaches are ever going to become less populara and as freeways are built so that people with ever increasing leisure time can reach these areas there cannot hel p be a time in the very near future where .space at the beaches will not be available for everyone wanting to use the sands. The acquisition and pl4nned development of every foot of beach will not even .supply all. the beach needed for the expected future population. It will soon become necessary to.limit beach areas and facilities in some manner to assure that all who wish to use the beaches may have an opportunity to do so. Many beaches have reached the .space limit of an area 10' x 10' per person over their.entire area.. This surely .should be a minimum allotment. M. THE STUDY l,e Bathing Area The City's owned portion of the beach from the west end of the Huntington .Beach .State Beach to.the west ,side of the pier: consists. of bathing area on the ocean side .of the trailer park for about 3, 600 feet 16. and for another 1, 500 feet to the west side of the pier- This area. is well supplied with lifeguard stations and the beach is very well maintained. Complete public facilities including rest rooms, drinking water, a clothe change house, food and beach equipment rental on the beach. These facilities are adequate for the number of persons that can use the immediate beach area. The beach area west of the municipal pier to the east side of the southern extension of 9th Street is owned by the Huntington Beach .Company. This area is used by the general public and has the same lifeguard protection and other conditions as exists on the. City owned beach. To the rear of the beach there are concessions, and a saltwater plunge, and in all respects is identical to the City owned beach. The area west of 9th Street to the west city limits is owned by the Huntington Beach.Company and the Pacific Electric Land:Company. - This area is used by the general public and has lifeguard protection though no improvements have been made here. This part of the beach has grown in popularity in the past few years, and is in need of public facilities. 2. Play Areas There is a small play area on the City owned portion of the beach. This area has playground facilities. There are no other play areas of this type to be found on the remainder of the beach. General play on the beach is governed by the density of the crowds. 1? 3< Fishing Most of the fishing activity is concentrated at the pier. Here one can fish directly from the pier or charter boats for more extended trips S urf fishing from some of the beach area is also popular and grunion are caught on the sands each season. 4. Beach Maintenance Huntington Beach is one of the cleanest kept beaches on the entire coast. Beach cleaning equipment is modern and trash is removed frequently. The rest rooms are kept clean and.orderly. More rest rooms, year around maintenance and the extention of maintenance will be necessary as more beach area is taken over by the public. 5. Lifeguards Huntington Beach takes pride in its lifeguards. They are a well trained and well equipped organization. Increased crowds that frequent the beach are forcing expansion of the lifeguard personnel,. thus making necessary more expenditures for.this. service. 6. . Facilities The facilities on the City .owned beach will be adequate pro- viding the yearly improvements recommended by the. Chief lifeguard are carried out. Increase in the use of the beach year after year and possible expansion of public beach lands, will necessitate many more.beach facilities. 18. E. RECOMMEYDAT. I0NS ` From the attendance records of the past six years, the pop- • ulation growth of Southern California, Los Angeles and Orange. Counti es , and the future growth of this area as expected, no one can expect less usage of the City°s beaches. Means must be, considered for increased facilities, maintenance, lifeguard protection and all other needs that go with, the operation of a public beach. These beaches are being used by a larger percentage of non- residents of the. City than those living in the. City.. Costs of operating=: beach activities must be scrutinized and means found to offset operating expenses.. It is recommended that a Beach Development Commission be established to advise the. City Council on the best means of acquiring, developing and operating the entire beach area. The Commission should consider these items. 1. How much of the beach lands in the City should be owned, and/or operated by the.City. 2. Exactly what facilities will be provided on the beaches and where they are to be located. 3. . Extent of police protection, lifeguard and maintenance that will be furnished. 4. Mainrtenance of a cost analysis of beach operation. 5. Methods of-obtaining income to offset operation costs. 19 . The following recommendations are offered as a guide for future beach development. 1. The beach lands within the.City limits should be controlled and operated. by the public. . The City should acquire that area of the beach west. of the pier to the West City Limits, with adequate ingress and. egress. 2. This extension of City owned beach should be improved to operating conditions of the presently owned city beach. Picnic facilities at the base of the bluffs, fire rings on the beach, rest rooms and service roads are suggested basic improvements. Increased lifeguard facilities and beach maintenance will be needed on a year round basis w in the near future in this area. 3. A cost study should be made of the present beach operation and for any future acquisitions of beach lands, developments and operations. Revenue possibilities could include additional parking lots on the bluffs, revaluation of concession leases to assure their re- numerations are in line with present day costs; new concessions or small entrance charges to the beach. 20.