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Resolution Number 10-12-07-06
RESOLUTION NO. 10-1207-06 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN. WHEREAS, the City Council and the Open Space Committee have previously initiated a comprehensive update to the Open Space Master Plan, and directed staff to prepare appropriate amendments to the 1992 Open Space Master Plan; and, WHEREAS, the Planning Sub -committee of the Open Space Committee developed a working draft of the Open Space Master Plan subsequently reviewed by the Open Space Committee and the City Council who directed that public meetings be conducted on the Master Plan; and, WHEREAS, the Environmental Administrator reviewed the initial study prepared pursuant to Section 15063 and 15064 of the CEQA Guidelines; has issued a negative declaration pursuant to Section 15070 of those guidelines; has caused a Notice of Negative Declaration to be posted pursuant to Section 15072 of those guidelines, and has otherwise complied with all applicable provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (1970); and, WHEREAS, on October 18, 2010, the Parks, Recreation & Equestrian Commission conducted a public meeting to consider the Open Space Master Plan and determined that the Master Plan was in conformance with the General Plan. Parks & Recreation Element and the Conservation & Open Space Element; and recommended revisions which have been included in the Draft Master Plan under City Council review; and, WHEREAS, on October 26, 2010, the Planning Commission conducted a duly - noticed public hearing to consider the Open Space Master Plan and determined that the Master Plan was in conformance with all applicable provisions of the General Plan and recommended revisions which have been included in the Draft Master Plan under City Council review; and, WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a duly -noticed public meeting on December 7, 2010 to consider testimony on the proposed project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Juan Capistrano hereby makes the following findings. 1. The Open Space Master Plan has been reviewed pursuant to all applicable provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and will not result in a significant adverse impact to the environment; and, 2. The proposed Open Space Master Plan is consistent with the policies and objectives of the General Plan, specifically the Parks & Recreation Element and the Conservation & 12/7/2010 Open Space Element because the Master Plan establishes policies and implementation measures which further the objectives and recommendations of those General Plan Elements. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Juan Capistrano hereby adopts the Open Space Master Plan, attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 7th day of December 2010. SAM ALLEVATO, MAYOR COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss. CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO } STATE OF CALIFORNIA } I, MARIA MORRIS, appointed City Clerk of the City of San Juan Capistrano, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 10-12-07-06 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of San Juan Capistrano at a Regular meeting thereof, held the 7t" day of December 2010, by the following vote: AYES COUNCIL MEMBERS: Freese, Reeve, Taylor, Kramer and Mayor Allevato NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABASE COUNCIL MEMBERS: None S, CITX CLERK 2 12171201() r r 1 l ■r r. � �. San Juan Capistrano, California September 2010 Date Adopted: December 7, 2010 Resolution No.: 10-12-07-06 Table of Contents Introduction............. ........................ ..................................................... — — General Purpose of the Open Space Master Plan......... ............. ......................... OpenSpace Defined... . ....................... .......... .......................... .................. 4 Open Space Characteristics ....... ........................... ......... — ............................. 6 Open Space & Conservation Program Map ....................... --- ................... ........ 5 Open Space & Conservation Goals, Policies & Objectives... ... . ............................ — 7 Open Space & Conservation Categories... .... ........ ;... I ........... 111.1 ... — I ................ 9 Implementation Programs ....................................... ............. -- ............ ......... 18 Tables & Figures Table 1, Open Space Land Inventory. ....... .......... ................... ............ ....... 4 Figure 1, Open Space & Conservation Program Map ............................................. 6 Figure 2, Recreational Trails. ...... ..................................................... ........... - 11 Figure 3, Existing & Planned Public, Parks ................................................ ..... 14 1. Introduction The rich diversity of open space within San Juan Capistrano is exemplified by coastal hillsides with extensive habitat and recreational trails, stream corridors sheltering unique wildlife habitats and vegetation, and Homeowners Association -maintained open spaces. The role of the open space within the City is generally: • To preserve natural resources and more specifically, conserve natural areas, their habitats, and their indigenous processes. • To productively manage natural resources for groundwater replenishment and beneficial public use including the San Juan Creek, Trabuco Creek and Oso Creek Corridors. • To protect the public from hazardous areas or conditions such as floodplains, areas with unstable soil, and high fire hazards areas. • To provide areas for outdoor recreation and public benefit including parks, trails, scenic vistas, and areas of historic and/or cultural value. • To enhance the aesthetics of our community and the quality -of -life of residents through the conservation of both large and small areas of natural open space or green areas that preserve the rural and equestrian character of our town. • To support wildlife corridors and open space linkages that facilitate wildlife movement and genetic diversity among species, as well as public trail connectivity between open space areas. This Master Plan for the City of San Juan Capistrano is the successor to the Open Space Master Plan originally adopted by the City Council in June 1992. The preparation of this Master Plan is in compliance with the General Pian Conservation & Open Space Element as provided by State Government Code Sections 65560-66568, which requires that each city and county prepare and adopt an open space plan for the comprehensive and long-range preservation of open space land within its jurisdiction. I1. Prose The Open Space Master Plan contains the necessary goals, objectives, policies, and programs to promote the preservation and protection of resource areas and the protection of the public from potential hazards. The component also functions in a manner to shape the overall urban form in the context of the City's Open Space Resources. To that end, open space facilities such as greenbelts that buffer conflicting land uses or link recreation facilities along regional trails and water courses are desired, as well as areas set aside to preserve cultural -historic resources, significant wildlife habitats, and biotic resources such as oak groves, sycamore/riparian woodlands, and marshlands. Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano Se ternbpr 2010 DRAFT The development review process creates the opportunity for open space areas to be offered by landowners for dedication to the City to meet open space and recreation needs. The City evaluates public and private development proposals to insure that the goals, objectives, and policies of the Open Spaces Components are satisfied. Also, a legitimate role may exist for private conservation organizations (e.g. Trust for Public Land or The Nature Conservancy) and other non-profit corporate bodies to own and manage open space areas. An integral part of the Open Space Master Plan is the Open Space & Conservation Program Map which depicts an open space framework of City-wide significance. This framework includes areas of resource concentration such as existing and proposed community recreation facilities and a system of linkages such as trails and open space corridors. The implementation programs provide the mechanism by which the City can work toward creating an integrated open space network. III, State Government Code -_`"Opera Space" Open space is a valuable resource in any community or county experiencing urban or suburban growth. The value of open space includes shaping the overall urban form, providing outdoor recreation opportunities, enhancing and protecting scenic vistas, ensuring public health and safety, preserving valuable natural resources, retaining the City's rural and equestrian character and providing areas for the managed production of resources. California Government Code Section 65560 establishes an "open space" definition that further clarifies the role of open space defined as follows: `Any parcel or areas of land or water which is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use as defined (below). 1. The Preservation of Natural Resources, including but not limited to. a) Areas required for the preservation of plant and animal life, including natural habitat for fish and wildlife species; b) Habitat areas required for ecological and other scientific study purposes; c) Riparian resources including rivers, streams, bays and estuaries; and d) Riparian -associated areas including river and stream banks, and watershed lands. 2. The Managed Production of Resources, including but not limited to. - 2 o. 2 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 DRAFT a) Forest lands, rangeland, agricultural lands, and areas of economic importance for the production of food or fiber, b) Areas required for recharge of groundwater basin; c) Bays, estuaries, marshes, rivers, and streams which are important for the management of commercial fisheries; and d) Areas containing major mineral deposits, including those in short supply. 3. Outdoor. Recreation, including but not limited to: a) Areas of outstanding scenic, aesthetic, historic, and cultural values; b) Areas particularly suited for park and recreation purposes, including access to lakeshores, beaches, rivers, and streams; and c) Areas which serve as links between major recreation and open space reservations, including utility easements, banks of rivers and streams, trails and scenic highway corridors. 4. Public Health and Safety, including but not limited to: a) Areas which require special management or regulations because of hazardous or special conditions such as earthquake fault zones, unstable soil areas, floodplains, watersheds, high pressure fuel transmission lines and areas presenting high fire risk; b) Areas required for the protection of water quality and reservoirs; and c) Areas required for the protection and enhancement of air quality. Not all undeveloped land is to be considered as open space and possibly warranting protection. Certain undeveloped land may be appropriate for development as designated by the General Plan Land Use Element. The State Government Code definition of "open space" makes the State legislature's objective for local agencies rather apparent. Local agencies are to take necessary measures that preserve and protect open space and resource areas from incompatible development or use, and to protect the public from potential hazards resulting from development or use of resource areas. The City has conducted an inventory of open space lands, both public and private, throughout the City, including both passive, natural open space areas, and lands 3 Open Space Master Pian City of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 ©RAFT improved with active recreational features (e.g. soccer fields, softball fields, playgrounds, etc.). The inventory reveals that about 44.2% of the City's land area consists of open space or habitat conservation area. Table 1, Open Space Land Inventory - City of San Juan Capistrano Area Type Area (GSF) Acres % 1.0 Private, active open space land 20,100,045 461 5.2% j 2.0 Private, passive open space land 40,938,946 940 10.5% 3.0 Public, active open space [and 2,353,036 54 0.6% 4.0 Public, passive open space land 54,401,321 1,249 14.0% 5.0 Other open space land* 32,513,757 746 8.3% Sub -total; open space 3,451 38.6% 6.0 Habitat Conservation Area 21,822,883 501 5.6% Total open space & habitat conservation 3,952 44.2% City-wide Total 389,504,558 8,942 100.00 * "Other open space land" includes those properties where conservation easements and/or development rights have been dedicated to the City thereby precluding future development of these areas. The open space inventory is a descriptive resource that has been developed by the City using a combination of resources including those properties with General Plan open space land use designations, properties for which development rights have been dedicated to the City, properties which have been dedicated to the City for public open space purposes, properties for which conservation easements have been recorded and open space properties owned and/or managed by homeowners associations (HOA). IV. Characteristics of "Open Space" - Open ace" Open space areas may be large expanses, long corridors, or small parcels. Large open space areas preserve needed wildlife and habitat; conserve natural resources and acreage necessary for natural processes such as groundwater recharge, and also provide recreation opportunities. Open space corridors generally follow natural features such as stream courses or ridgelines. These features are valuable because they emphasize natural resource conservation, natural habitat preservation, scenic vistas enhancement, preservation of the City's rural and agricultural heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities. Open space corridors can link the larger open space areas into an integrated open space network. This network supports the migration of wildlife between habitat areas, preserves significant watershed areas, shapes the urban form, and benefits citizens 4 Open Space Master Plant City of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 DRAFT through recreation opportunities (including equestrian and hiking trails), scenic vistas enhancement, and cultural -historic resources preservation. Likewise, open space may be held in small parcels. These parcels are primarily held by individuals or homeowners' associations. This private acreage, although valuable for its scenic and recreation attributes, generally does not meet the open space size criteria with which the open space program is concerned. Open space areas, whether a large land area or a corridor, can be publicly or privately owned and maintained. Significant open space areas can also be owned and maintained by. private organizations. V. The "Open S ace & Conservation Program Map" The Open Space & Conservation Program Map is a prescriptive policy map intended to guide future open space management decisions and is not intended to designate parcel -specific land uses. Rather, it identifies broad open space areas and corridors with physical, cultural, or economic attributes that require consideration at subsequent, more detailed levels of planning decision-making including the entitlement process. These open space areas and corridors are community -wide in nature and are intended to benefit and be enjoyed by the general public. They may also enhance or augment regional recreation facilities. The Program Map is not intended to identify small-scale, local and neighborhood open space areas and corridors. The scope of these areas is intended primarily for the enjoyment, use, and benefit of neighborhoods. These areas enhance or augment local recreation facilities and are identified in the development plans for those neighborhoods in which they are located. The Program Map is consistent with other elements of the General Plan and supports the Land Use Element, Circulation Element, Parks & Recreation Element, the City's Bikeways Master Plan, the Community Design Element, the Open Space & Conservation Element, the Floodplain Element, and the Cultural Resources Element. The Program Map depicts open space areas for a variety of potential functions and purposes including: • community recreation • greenbelts • wildlife and plant habitats • major water courses • agriculture • major watershed and water recharge areas • stream valleys • scenic and conservation corridors • preservation of City's rural and equestrian heritage; and, • areas of cultural -historic importance. Conservation and open space areas are delineated at a conceptual level on the Open Space & Conservation Program Map (Figure 1). 67 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano September 2090 DRAFT ffi-} n Viejo F. a... Point Oreng®Ca. (RaaeNo W.'1— Vivre} City of San Jaun Capistrano OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN FIGURE 1 Open Space & Conservation Program i The Program Map depicts open space areas for community recreation, greenbelts, wildlife and vegetation habitats, major water souses,' agriculture, major watershed and water recharge areas, stream valleys, scenic and conservation corridors, reservation of the city's rural and equestrian heritage and areas of cultural -historic Importance. n. 4+ ?`. r orange Co. son c�mnma : - 7 a 1.500 3,0ao N 9,000 g,000 Feet. Open Space Conservation ccneervat!on Open apace PuUm Conse[v.tinnOpan apace Private Wemrc Guhural Public Historic CHuml Pr!vate Natural Open Spat. Public Natural Open Sp.- P,�to Recrcauco Ogen Space Ru6iic R---i—Open Spas. Private g. i.aguna N:ga1 y. a... Point Oreng®Ca. (RaaeNo W.'1— Vivre} City of San Jaun Capistrano OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN FIGURE 1 Open Space & Conservation Program i The Program Map depicts open space areas for community recreation, greenbelts, wildlife and vegetation habitats, major water souses,' agriculture, major watershed and water recharge areas, stream valleys, scenic and conservation corridors, reservation of the city's rural and equestrian heritage and areas of cultural -historic Importance. n. 4+ ?`. r orange Co. son c�mnma : - 7 a 1.500 3,0ao N 9,000 g,000 Feet. Open Space Conservation ccneervat!on Open apace PuUm Conse[v.tinnOpan apace Private Wemrc Guhural Public Historic CHuml Pr!vate Natural Open Spat. Public Natural Open Sp.- P,�to Recrcauco Ogen Space Ru6iic R---i—Open Spas. Private Open Space Master Plan CitV of San Juan Capistrano September 2090 DRAFT Open Space & Conservation Goals Policies & Objectives Goal 1: Retain the character and natural beauty of the environment through the preservation, conservation, enhancement and maintenance of open space. Objective 1.1 To designate open space areas that preserve, conserve, maintain, and enhance the significant natural resources and physical features. Policies 1.1 To guide and regulate development to ensure that the character and natural beauty of the City is retained. 1.2 To implement the Open Space through a program organization capable of conducting multiple projects at priority locations throughout the City with sufficient resources, authority, and responsibility to effectively manage the aWIi _ _ 1.3 To identify, evaluate, and take advantage of unique opportunities to obtain open space as these opportunities become available, especially open space that meets or helps .meet established open space goals and objectives. 1.4 To assume a leadership role in establishing and supporting an open space program. 1.5 To work with the County of Orange, Caltrans and adjacent municipalities whose actions may affect City open space to ensure that City open space goals are maintained. 1.6 To eradicate invasive species and, when appropriate, to actively or passively restore natural habitat in order to enhance natural resources, sensitive species and public viewsheds. Goal 2: Promote the health and safety of residents and visitors through the regulations and maintenance of open space lands. • Objective 2.1 To protect life and property by regulating land use in areas subject to flooding, landslides, noise, high fire hazard, and high earthquake potential; and to set aside land for human refuge in times of natural disaster. • Policy 3 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano Se tem,ber 2010 ©RAFT 2.1 To ensure the health and safety of residents by identifying, planning, and managing open space areas subject to flooding, landslides, noise, high fire hazards, high pressure fuel transmission lines and earthquake potential. Goal 3: Conserve open space lands needed for the preservation of natural processes. • Objective 3.1 To preserve open space land that prevents erosion, siltation, flood, and drought. • Policies 3.1 To encourage the conservation of open space lands which prevent erosion, siltation, flood, and drought, and to discourage the early conversion of open space to some other land use. 3.2 To ensure the wise use of City resources by identifying, planning or assisting in the planning for and assuming management responsibility when appropriate for open space areas used in the managed production of resources including, but not limited to rangeland, agricultural lands and areas of economic importance for the production. of food or fiber; areas. required for recharge of groundwater basins; creeks and streams which are important for the management of commercial fisheries and for beach sand replenishment; 3.3 To prohibit livestock grazing on open space lands that support California native habitat (note: targeted grazing of non-native and/or invasive vegetation on open space lands may be deemed appropriate for suppressing such vegetation). 3.4 To preserve and enhance open space lands which serve as important habitat, especially to State and Federally -protected flora and fauna. Goal. 4; Conserve open space lands needed for recreation, education and scientific activities, as well as cultural -historic preservation. Objectives 4.1 To plan for the acquisition, development, maintenance, operation, and financing of open space lands which provide recreational, scenic, aesthetic, scientific, cultural/historic, Native American and educational opportunities. 4 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano September 2090 DRAFT 4.2 To significantly expand the City's community and neighborhood park system through the acquisition of open space lands. Goal 6: Preserve and enhance the rural, agricultural and equestrian character of the City to retain the open feeling of the City. • Objectives 5.1 To expand the land area comprising the City's public and private open space areas through all available mechanisms so as to maintain the rural, agricultural, and equestrian character. 5.2 To implement an integrated, multi-purpose trails network to provide recreation user and maintenance access to City open space lands. 5.3 To assure that proposed private or public development, adjacent to any open space lands, occurs in a manner that is compatible with and complimentary to the open space character of such land. Goal 6: Educate the citizens on the need for and benefit of open space conservation, preservation and resource management. • Objectives 6.1 To build broad community support for programs and efforts that result in the conservation of open space resources and build on the City's past successes conserving and preserving open space resources. 6.2 To establish successful partnerships with non-profit, educational, governmental, and volunteer organizations that can assist and enhance the City's open space education and outreach efforts. 6.3 To identify new opportunities, sites and programs by which to expand and improve the City's open space education efforts. 6.4 To promote the regional and State-wide importance of the City's open space, wildlife corridors, trails, and sensitive species to key agencies, elected officials, organizations and stakeholders so as to establish broader institutional support for City open space and its ongoing preservation efforts. 5 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Ca istrano September 2010 DRAFT Open Space & Conservation Categories This section establishes and describes the open space categories depicted on the Open Space & Conservation Program Map. The descriptions provide insight into the physical, recreational, cultural, and economic attributes of community -wide open space areas within.the City. 1. OPEN SPACE, CONSERVATION, WILDLIFE AND SCENIC CORRIDORS Corridors are linear open space features that may satisfy one or more open space objectives such as: • shaping urban form; • preserving cultural -historic resources • providing recreation linkage between open space nodes; • preserving natural processes; • protecting watershed areas; preserving natural ridgelines and distinctive topography establishing a visual sense of community identity; and, • conserving natural resources and habitat areas. ensuring . genetic diversity among native species populations, especially Federally or State -designated threatened or endangered species. Open space corridors may also act as buffers between incompatible land uses or as separation from noise or visual intrusion. Open space corridors may involve a chain of regional recreation facilities such as along Oso, Trabuco, and San Juan Creeks, a stream valley, a series of ridgelines, linear expanse of agricultural land, a scenic highway corridor or series of multi -use (non -motorized) trails or off-road bikeways (Class I). The city's existing and planned recreation trails are depicted in Figure 2. These corridors provide valuable conservation and protection for wildlife and vegetation habitat, agriculture, groundwater recharge, and promote recreation. Also, open space corridors may include private recreation facilities such as golf course corridors. 2. OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION NODES Open space and conservation nodes are large tracts of land serving as open space cores, often linked by open space corridors. These core areas contain resource concentrations, existing and proposed community parrs and undeveloped areas with significant scenic, recreation, or ecological values (e.g. Glendale Federal Open Space). These nodes are often a focus for multi -use (non -motorized) trails and critical wildlife and vegetation habitat. These areas also provide a focus for natural resource preservation, conservation, and protection functions, recreation opportunities, and promote community identity through the shaping of the urban form. 0 Open Space Master Plan Cit of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 DRAFT Open space nodes may include community parks thus connecting the Master Plan to the Genera[ Plan Parks and Recreation Element. A community park is an area of land which offers recreation or scenic attraction of city-wide significance, generally not available in local parks (e.g. Historic Town Center Park, Kinoshita Sports Park, Los Rios Community Park). They are of sufficient size to offer recreation facilities and opportunities that benefit the City's residents. The City's existing and proposed community parks are City-wide open space areas that are owned and maintained by the City for the purpose of meeting open space and recreation objectives. As acquisition opportunities present themselves, these important areas can be better integrated into the community's recreation network. 7 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano September 2090 ©RAFT" City of San,jaunCapistrano '. ' ts�,ian VFeJo OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN FIGURE 2 Recreational Trails Map l - IRnncha (Existing &. Planned) k Y 'YF w Y�g 1 H Y u Fy S V I Y- } �� f 1 fM C m � 1 b u Open Space Master Plan CitV of San Juan Capistrano Se tember 20170 DRAFT 3. SIGNIFICANT OPEN SPACE AREAS Significant open space areas preserve important natural features and natural wildlife and plant habitat, provide significant outdoor recreation opportunities, conserve valuable resources (i.e. agricultural, watershed, and cultural -historic features), shape urban form, and protect public health and safety. Generally, all existing and proposed open space areas depicted on the Open Space & Conservation Program Map possess important open space value to the City. Several important open space areas within the City merit attention and implementation efforts necessary to achieve the City's open space objectives, and possess some or all of the following characteristics. a) The open space area is subject to or is affected. by other public works programs such as existing and proposed multi -use (non -motorized) trails, off-road bikeways, scenic highways. b) The presence of unique or special physical features such as wetlands, perennial streams, and protected habitat that warrant conservation. b) The open space area has broad-based support from diverse organizations such as citizen advocacy groups, conservation bodies, State and/or Federal resource agencies, and/or private landowners. c) The open space area enhances or buffers an existing open space resource of significance. These significant open space areas (conservation areas and recreation areas) identified through the aforementioned criteria are described below. Plans for these areas have, in some cases, been implemented with some remaining opportunities for further refinement or expansion. In terms of recreation, the location of all City -maintained parks is depicted in Figure 3, Existing & Planned Public Parks. Natural habitat areas or open space areas which could be managed in a manner to improve their natural habitat conservation value are also significant open space areas. Natural habitat areas are depicted in the appendix (Open Space Resources -Existing and Potential Natural Habitat Areas Map), SJC Sports Parks and Kinoshita Farm (1990 Open Space Bond) Kinoshita Farm, a 56 acre parcel, has been developed as a community park .and operating farm. Centrally located within the residential areas on the west side of the City, the park is adjacent to Marco Forster Middle, Del Obispo Elementary, and Kinoshita Elementary Schools and provides exceptional opportunity for making recreational facilities available to the community. The historic agricultural use is also important to the cultural identity of the City. The Sports Park and Kinoshita Farm serve the City as a significant active recreation resource, visual resource, open space resource, agricultural resource, and historic resource. Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 DRAFT Of the approximately 56 acres, 46 acres were acquired for open space use. The City acquired the entire 56 acre site through the $21 million Measure D effort and Redevelopment Agency funding. The ten acres acquired through Redevelopment Agency funding was subsequently sola to Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) for the development of Kinoshita Elementary School. The City developed and implemented a coordinated development plan (Alternative 613), for both the Sports Park and Marco Forster Middle School. With the coordinated plan, the existing number of ball fields was retained and development of an additional lighted baseball field, two lighted softball -little league fields, and three lighted soccer fields was made possible. The plan also provided for development of the two, un -lighted softball/little league fields and three practice soccer fields adjacent to Camino Del Avion. The Plan also featured a Community Center Complex at the southwest corner of the park and adjacent to the sports fields. The Community Center serves a variety of recreational and community service needs, and contain a gymnasium, senior center, kitchen facilities, crafts, and multi-purpose game/meeting rooms. The Community Center complex also includes the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley. The Club provides youth recreational and educational programs, athletic programs, mentoring, and counseling to grade school children and teenagers. The Agricultural Preserve encompasses 31 acres of the 56 acre site and incorporates a Community Garden, a future potential Farmer's Market, a roadside vegetable and fruit stand, farm equipment and storage buildings. The farm grows a variety of row crops, berries, pumpkins, melons, and similar produce. The Joel Congdon house, a historically significant structure, has been restored and rehabilitated to serve as a museum. 10 Open Space Master Plan CitV of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 CRAFT City of San Jaun Capistrano ` OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Mlxalnn Ylalu FIGURE 3 Public Parks Map (Existing & Punned) r N i A w" E e X28' ;;e iyr�5 e r t r r w r l 25 ` 1 qgp " ka .13.16 31 1 4 IS s ✓c ; 4 s F 24.� y 27 - 9�4s?` 7 ti 12 r 98 r� a �q 20' a 17 .- ya r' rf Rani S - SEE x� ,�t 3fai . N, q ggp i=YjnE ` f 29 .^aTY dQUs�Ohm' f F ja � 3Al 5'FE S � v,� e IXiYlp`Lgs•iimw�'s�.tis «eEwnv '.. Sxn C3rmante' � 1 inch ='3,000 feet 0 t,000 2,000 4,040 6,000 Few Name size Location Amenities 11 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 ©RAFT Name Size Location Amenities 1. Acu Canyon Park 4.7 Camino Las Rambias and Automatic irrigation, grassy area, multi-purpose fields. Avenida Pescador. 2. Arce Park 0.2 Northwest corner ofAlipaz and Irrigated turf area and signage. Del Obispo. 3. Arroyo Park 3.6 West of Via Parra and east of Equestrian trail and irrigated turf area. Sundance. 4. Bonita Park 0.6 West side of Via Del Rey across Children's play area and turf area with automatic irrigation. from Via Lorado. 5. Buchheim Field 17.7 North of Spring Street & east of Food concessions, unlighted Little League and softball EI Camino Real. fieids, unli hted soccer fields and parkin2. 6. Cook Park 9.0 East side of Calle Arroyo BBQ and fire rings, bike paths, equestrian/hiking trails, (Cordova) between Via Entradero and Via multi-purpose fields, grassy area, parking, restrooms, Solana softball and soccer fields and scenic views. 7, Cook Park (Dei 1.5 Calle Arroyo and Del Campo Bike paths, children's play area, equestrian/hiking trails, Campo) grassy area, and scenic views. 8.Cook Park (La 6.5 South of Calle Arroyo and west BBQs and fire rings, basketball courts, bike paths, children's Novia) of La Novia. play area, drinking fountains, trails, multi-purpose fields, parkin ,picnic areas, restrooms & volleyball courts. 9. De La Vista Park 0.3 West of Avenida Del La Vista & Picnic areas and tables. below Oso Road. 10. Descanso Park 1.0 At the terminus of Paseo BBQs and fire rings, paths, playground, drinking fountains, Adelanto horseshoe pits, parking, picnic area, & restrooms. 11. EI Camino Real 4.5 Camino Capistrano from La Bike paths, drinking -fountains, grassy area, picnic area, Park Zana to Calle Chueca restrooms. 12. Four Oaks Park 2.54 East side of Via Madonna near Bike paths, grassy area, picnic area and volley ball courts. Calle Santa Ynez 13, Shea Riding 5.3 West of Camino Capistrano & Equestrian Facility Center (Oso Park) south of Oso Road 14. Good Neighbors 0.2 West of Trabuco Creek near Biking, equestrian/hiking trail, grassy area, picnic area and Park between Calle Lucana restrooms. 15. Helicopter Hill 1.0 East of the terminus of Paseo Scenic Views Cardero 16, Junipero Serra 3.75 Terminus of San Felipe Circle Automatic irrigation, bike paths, children's play area, Park drinkin2 fountains, and grassy area. 17. La Ronda Park 0.5 On Camino La Ronda near Via Benches and children's play area. Montura 18, Los Rios Historic 8.0 East of Paseo Adelanto and Bike paths, Montanez adobe, historical sites, and parking, Park south Ramos Street. hitching posts, picnic area, restrooms. 19, Marco Forster 10.0 Corner of Del Obispo and Baseball & softball fields & basketball courts; bike paths; M.S. Camino Del Avion play ground; multi-purpose fields; parking; racquetball courts; running track; soccer fields; tennis courts & volleyball courts. 20. Mini Park 0.3 East side of Camino Capistrano Benches, gravel paths and container garden. at Yorba Street 21. Mission Bell Park 2.8 West side of Alipaz Street north Bike paths, children's play area, grassy area, ocean views of Calle Jardin and scenic views. 22. Mission Trails Eq. 8.0 Between Calle Arroyo and San Equestrian Facility Ctr. Juan Creek 23. Old Capistrano 4.3 Camino Capistrano south of La Unlighted basketball courts, unlighted soccer fields and Union H.S. Site Zana unfi kited tennis courts. 24. Ofd Fire Station 1.3 EI Homo Street and La Matanza City Community Services Department, recreation classes, senior center and restrooms. 25, Rio Oso Park 5.3 South of Oso Road & west of Benches and biking trail Camino Ca istrano 26. SJC Sports Park 56.0 Camino Del Avion Bike path, gymnasium, multi-purpose fields, community center, Kinoshita Farm & community gardens. 27. San Juan Creek 4.7 North of San Juan Creek Road at Children's play area and benches. Park Camino Lacoua ue 28. Northwest Open 62.0 East side of Camino Capistrano Planned uses include community gardens, group picnic Space north of Trabuco Creek. area, Swanner House historic orchards, trails, etc. 29. Pacifica San Juan 3.0 North of Camino las Ramblas & To be determined. east of 1-5 30. Regional Park 500 Southeast corner of the City To be determined by County of Orange, 31. SJC Riding Park 128 South of Ortega at east City Iimit. I Equestrian -related uses, multi -use trails. 12 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 DRAFT Northwest Park Site (1990 Open Space Bond) The Northwest Park Site consisting of 69.9 acres has been designated as a combination active and passive community park. The site is located along the west side of Camino Capistrano, between that street and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) railroad to the west and north of Trabuco Creek. The park will reflect the natural rural appearance which exists today and will appear to have farm and ranch like qualities. However, the area will function as a community park that provides the opportunity for a variety of passive and some active recreation use, nature study, equestrian use, historic interpretation, picnicking, and a flexible, multi- purpose open gathering area for community events/festivals. In 2009, the City Council approved conceptual plans for the development of Phase 1 of the Northwest Open Space comprising about 13 acres of the 65± acre site and including the following planned features: • Community Gardens (about 2.5 acres with about 200 garden plots). • Enhanced Swanner property citrus grove (about 2.0 acres with pathways and presentationfeducation area). • Group picnic area (about 4.0 acres with 22 to 24 picnic areas with barbeque grills and picnic tables, and limited recreation including a softball backstop for "pick- up" games, two volleyball courts, and three horseshoe pits). • Accessory improvements including park entry with signage, access drives, parking area, restrooms, and similar improvements. Planning for Phase 2 of the Northwest Open Space is envisioned to include areas that would accommodate equestrian use, natural/cultural uses, future recreation improvements, and habitat restoration and protection along Trabuco Creek. Glendale Federal Conservation Open Space On November 1, 1981, the City Council approved the Glendale Federal Planned Community and adopted a Comprehensive Development Plan for the 1,377 acre planning area. Of the total planning area, the City succeeded in securing a commitment by the developer to dedicate 812 acres of open space to the City and designate an additional 137 acres for private open space. The community is located along the north and south sides of La Novia Avenue extending south-westerly from San Juan Creek Road to the crest of the ridge. The Glendale Federal open space lands are a significant open space resource to the community in terms of their scenic value, habitat and natural resource value, and recreation value through their trails system. The trails provide limited access and assure a balance between the natural habitat value of this important open space resource, and the recreation use provided by the trails. The "north public lands" is the most prominent open space area in the Glenfed planned community and because it lies in close proximity to the residential development parcels, 13 Open Space Master Pian CitV of San Juan Ca istrano September 2010 DRAFT the City has maintained a natural open space designation on the property. Uses have been limited to water reservoir facilities, multi -use (non -motorized) trails, and habitat restoration efforts. Every year, the City expends resources to eradicate cardoon (artichoke thistle) from these open space lands and surrounding areas to improve the overall quality of the natural habitat. The "south public lands" have also been preserved as natural open space. While the General Plan designation may allow animal grazing, farming, parks and similar land uses, the use of these open space lands are further restricted by a settlement agreement executed between the City and Glenfed Development, the original developer. The lands have also been largely preserved in their natural state with the exception of multi -use trails and water reservoir improvements consistent with the executed settlement agreement. The north and south public lands were dedicated to the City pursuant to the Agreement for Conveyance of Land between the City and Glendale Federal executed on December 21, 1978. Whispering Hills Conservation Open Space The Whispering Hills Planned Community is located on 356 acres in the southeastern area of the City. Of the total land area, 304 acres have been designated for residential development and private open space, and 52 acres have been purchased by Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) for San Juan Hills High School which opened in September 2007. The northeast corner of the site is traversed by an underground, 16 -inch, high- pressure jet fuel pipeline which transports fuel from Los Angeles to San Diego. There are two general types of private open space within the project, natural open space and landscaped open space. As part of the development plan, a 169 -acre "Conservation Easement" area was conveyed to the California Department of Fish and Game and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Whispering Hills open space lands are an important open space resource to the community in terms of their scenic value and habitat/natural resource value. In addition, the open space provides recreation value through trails. There are two prominent ridgelines running from the northwest to southeast through the middle of the property. These ridgelines, which join and become one near the southern edge of VTTM 16634, are designated in the General Plan as "Major Ridgelines." Colinas Ridge Conservation Open Space The Colinas Ridge open space consists of approximately 112 acres of privately -owned, Homeowners Association -maintained land maintained in its natural condition and located along the northwestern edge of the City. The Colinas Ridge serves as a visual resource, a recreational resource (i.e. multi -use trails), and a natural resource (i.e. natural habitat) to the community. During the 1980's, the City worked pro -actively to preserve the character of the community established by the coastal hills bordering and within the City. At that time, the County of Orange was processing development plan for the Laguna Niguel Master Planned Community which included significant grading of the natural ridgelines which form the western edge of the City. As a result of negotiations with the developer and the 14 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Ca istrano September 2010 ©RAFT County of Orange, the City succeeded in securing the long-term protection of the northern end of the Colinas Ridge. The ridge and slopes below the ridge were designated as open space, and conveyed to Homeowners Associations for maintenance (i.e. Laguna Heights HOA). Prima Deshecha Canada Landfill (future County regional _park Prima Deshecha Canada Landfill occupies almost 1,530 acres with the westerly 500+ acres situated within the City of San Juan Capistrano. The General Plan Conservation & Open Space Element provides that the City will coordinate with the County of Orange on the development of regional park improvements at a future date to assure that park improvements are compatible and integrated with the City's open space lands to the north and west. The landfill remains active and the General Development Plan (GDP) provides for the phasing of regional park improvements following the closure of Zone 1, a 185 acre active landfill operation area located within the City of San Juan Capistrano. Trabuco Creek Wildlife Corridor The Trabuco Creek Wildlife Corridor does not represent a single open space acquisition. Rather the wildlife corridor represents an important open space habitat area which provides a critical wildlife connection between the Cleveland National Forest and the Central/Coastal Orange County Natural Communities Conservation Program (NCCP) planning area. The corridor assures a means for wildlife populations to more easily travel between these large habitat areas thus assuring species diversity and survival. The City has completed a significant riparian habitat restoration project along Trabuco Creek to the north of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) railroad crossing, has secured a $200,000 Habitat Conservation Fuad Program grant for Lower Trabuco Creek, and is exploring a cooperative agreement with Caltrans to complete an additional $150,000 in riparian habitat restoration. 2C Ranch (J. F. Shea property) Open Space acquisition In February 2008, the City Council approved an agreement to purchase 109.2 acres in the northwest area of flown from the J.F. Shea Company. The acquisition, which added a significant property to the City's open space lands, reflected the efforts of the City's Open Space Committee to preserve the natural beauty, history and character of the community. The land, purchased for $2.1 million, marks a huge step in the City's efforts to preserve open space and protect the northwest area from future development and traffic impacts. A portion of the Shea property was designated for "PC" (Planned Community) development under the City's General Plan Land Use Element. San Juan Capistrano Riding Park at RMV acquisition 15 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 DRAFT On January 20, 2010, the City acquired 132 acres of land from Rancho Mission Viejo, LLC, the land being a portion of the 23,000 -acre Rancho Mission Viejo cattle ranch in southeast Orange County. The addition of this property to San Juan Capistrano creates a new eastern gateway into the City and complements City's equestrian lifestyle and expanding open space portfolio. The City acquired this entitled but undeveloped land on the easterly City limit for $27.5 million with the purchase funded from the open space bond approved by voters in November 2008. The acquisition includes the area commonly known as "the ranch field offices/lemon grove area" south of Ortega Highway and the "rodeolpolo grounds" south of San Juan Creek and benefits the community by providing more equestrian, recreational and agricultural areas and preserving 42 acres of open space/creek habitat. The 132 -acre area is forever restricted to these uses and also provides for the continuation of the annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo. 16 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Ca istrano September 2090 DRAFT Open Space & Conservation Implementation The City's Open Space Program was initiated in the 1970s and an Open Space Master Plan formally adopted in June 1992. The program resulted in the acquisition of two major open space areas. Progress toward the implementation of the program has been quite successful and the following program accomplishments have occurred to date. • Conserved and acquired fee title to approximately 920 acres of natural open space as part of the Glendale Federal development. • Conserved and acquired fee title to about 120 acres of natural open space as part of the Lacouague Ranch development. • Passed Measure D authorizing the City to issue $20 million in bonds for the acquisition and improvement of open space. • Acquired title to the Northwest Open Space and Kinoshita Farm comprising about 120 acres for the development of active and passive recreation purposes. Developed the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park providing active recreation baseball, softball, and soccer leagues to support organized youth sports. • Constructed the SJC Community Center providing support for various recreation and educational programs, and the Boys & Girls Clubs. • Conserved about 67 acres of natural habitat consisting primarily of "coastal sage scrub" habitat as part of the Ocean Point development. • Established a centralized and expanded Senior Center program. • Implemented a management contract with South Coast Farm for the continued operation of the Kinoshita Farm agricultural operation. Completed the rehabilitation of the historic Congdon House. Acquired and improved the Historic Town Center (HTC) Park. • Implemented a maintenance program for the historic Swanner House. • Conserved about 170 acres of natural open space including the provision of a habitat restoration area to create additional "coastal sage scrub" habitat. • Completed design plans for the proposed Los Rios Park. • Constructed various multi -use trail connections and upgraded several existing trails. • Passed Measures X and Y authorizing the City to issue $30 million in bonds for the acquisition and improvement of open space and requiring that any proposed amendment to the General Plan Land Use Element to change an open space land use designation to a non -open space designation, be subject to the vote of residents. • Awarded a Habitat Conservation Fund Program Grant by the State of California for $200, 000 for completing riparian habitat improvements to a portion of Trabuco Creek located to the south of Oso Road. • Applied for numerous additional State Proposition 84 Park Grants, State Proposition 84 Nature Education Facilities (NEF)Grants, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Measure M Funding, and continues to investigate other grant/funding programs for potential funds. 17 Open Space Master Plan Cit of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 DRAFT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM 1. ©PEN SPACE ACQUISITION PROGRAM Description: The Acquisition Program implements the City's open space program, and assists in the implementation of the goals, objectives, and policies of the General Plan Conservation & Open Space Element and the Parks & Recreation Element. Program implementation occurs either through the negotiation of irrevocable fee or easement dedication of open space followed by actual acquisition of open space lands (either fee acquisition, or conservation/open space easement acquisition). The Acquisition program should focus on important open space resources; in particular, those with a concentration of open space and conservation features or those large-scale open space areas with the following characteristics: • major open space and/or community recreation facility, • critical wildlife or vegetative habitat, • major watershed area or other important natural resource • important agricultural land area. Open space areas with these characteristics should be an acquisition priority because the urban development process tends to focus development pressure on these lands. Actions: Negotiate the location, shape, size, configuration, treatment, improvements (including landscaping and habitat restoration), buffering, and quality of title for open space dedications. • Direct the offer and acceptance of open space dedication as follows: •;• Historic easements, resource/preservation easements, and scenic preservation easements without City maintenance responsibility are to be irrevocably dedicated and accepted, when required as part of the discretionary review process. Dedication will be required not later than the final subdivision map for residential projects or building permits for non-residential projects. •e• When parks or open spaces are proposed to mitigate projects impacts, the irrevocable offer of dedication shall be made concurrent with the approval of the project or at such. later time as approved by the Planning Commission or when the project is 18 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 DRAFT approved by that body. The boundaries of such offers may be refined through the tentative map subdivision process. ❖ All other irrevocable offers of dedication, required as part of the discretionary review process, shall be made no later than recordation of a final subdivision map, or application for building permits when subdivision is not required or proposed. A separate recorded instrument will be required to irrevocably offer the dedication if no final map is required. Pee dedication and recreation easements, requiring City maintenance are to be accepted based upon financial capability of the grantee (City or its designee). ❖ All offers of dedications shall be irrevocable and recorded. Open space purchase opportunities are to be accomplished as follows: • Potential open space purchase opportunities are identified in the 7 -Year Capital Improvement Program (note: the CIP identifies all potential funding sources). • Open Space, Trails and Equestrian Commission undertakes the necessary steps to initiate the open space acquisition study process. • Commission reports to the City Council (CC) with recommended action. • City Council takes action. Open space donation opportunities are accomplished as follows: • Prospective donor offers to dedicate fee or easement land not associated with any discretionary development entitlements. • Open Space, Trails and Equestrian Commission undertakes the necessary steps to initiate the open space acquisition study process. • OSC reports to the City Council with recommended action. • The City Council takes an action. Implementation Schedule: On-going Res onsible A encies: • City of San Juan Capistrano • Others Source of Funds: • 7 -Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) • General Fund • Developer Endowments • Gifts 19 Open Space Master Flan City of San Juan! Capistrano September 2090 DRAFT • Grants • Bonds, State or Local • Certificates of Participation • Taxes 2. ©PEN SPACE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Descri tsc tion. Open space development can consist of activities to conserve or improve natural habitat areas, or can consist of the development of park improvements. The Development Program provides for orderly improvement of recreation easement and fee open space lands through design and construction of recreation facilities to enhance their public use and enjoyment. Equally important, the Program provides for open space conservation through design implementation of habitat restoration projects. Limited public access is anticipated in natural resource/habitat preservation areas or scenic easement areas. Therefore, development programs in these areas would typically focus on re -vegetation and fuel modification programs. The emphasis of this program is to preserve open space lands largely in their natural state by limiting construction of improvements to trails, overlooks, and staging areas. This approach improves the habitat conservation value of such lands, and avoids more costly operations and maintenance associated with parks. Design and construction of open space improvements are undertaken in one of two ways: a) Negotiation with developers to provide open space improvements and landscaping/habitat restoration as conditions of approval (e.g. the Whispering Hills 169 acre conservation easement area with habitat restoration). In this context, developers design and Construct improvements and landscaping to City specification and approval and dedicate them to the City along with the open space. b) City provides open space improvements with public funds or coordinating donations of the same (e.g. San Juan Capistrano Sports Park). In this context, design of construction and landscaping projects may be prioritized and scheduled in the City's 7 -Year Capital Improvement Program. Actions: In the case of developer -provided improvements and landscaping/habitat restoration, the City must secure necessary agreements from developers for the design and construction of open space improvements and landscape/habitat restoration and secure bonding to guarantee the installation of such improvements. 20 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 DRAFT Implementation Schedule: Ongoing Annually update the 7 -Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Responsible Agencies; Public Works Department Community Services Department Source of Funds: varies (refer to No. 4, Financing Program). 3. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) PROGRAM Description: Consistent with limited development of facilities or structures on open space lands, the O&M Program recognizes that many open space parcels are endowed with natural biotic and topographic resources that are largely self -maintaining. Since these natural resources possess significant aesthetic appeal and constitute the principle open space attractions in and themselves, the O&M Program emphasizes a large degree of passive maintenance allowing these resources to experience natural processes and to evolve through time with minimum interference, domestication, and construction of man-made attractions, This approach will minimize perpetual O&M costs per acre allowing actual expenditures to be focused largely on maintenance of trails and related facilities when landscaping or habitat restoration programs are undertaken. However, maintenance and monitoring are required. The acceptance of fee and easement open space dedication will need to be closely matched to the City's ability to mance perpetual O&M costs. For this reason, revenue projections must be completed with an update of the 7 -Year Capital Plan, Community Services or Public Works operation and maintenance budgets (including capital depreciation) and the annual operating budgets. Revenue projections will indicate the availability of future O&M funding for existing and new facilities. Capital depreciation recognizes increased operation and maintenance costs associated with an aging infrastructure. Depreciation of operation and maintenance costs will be factored into the operation. Revenues projected above and beyond current O&M needs indicate opportunities to acquire new open space lands which will need to be maintained in perpetuity. Since the O&M Program emphasizes minimal disturbance and maintenance of open space, and since amenities are limited to trail, staging areas, overlooks and 21 Open Space Master Plan City of San Juan Capistrano September 2090 DRAFT related facilities or landscaping/habitat restoration, City costs are minimized thereby allowing funds for the development of community parks. . Actions: • Operate and maintain open space facilities with minimal disturbance of natural resources by developing limited amenities and improvements. • Annually update O&M financing requirements and revenue projections. Excess revenues above current O&M needs will indicate opportunities for the City to accept open space dedications (irrevocably offered). Assume new O&M responsibilities of public open space, when possible, based on excess revenues, if any. Implementation Schedule: • Ongoing. • Annually update the 7 -Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). + Annually review the operation and maintenance cost requirements and revenues. Responsible Agencies. Public Works Department. • Community Services Department. Source of Funds: • Gifts. • Grants. 4. FINANCING PROGRAM Description; The Financing Program provides the financial planning basis for the acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of open space lands, including open space corridors, parks, multi -use (non -motorized) trails, and Class I off-road bikeways. This program includes an annually updated 7 -Year Capital Plan and an analysis of annual operation and maintenance requirements both updated annually. This plan identifies the fiscal capacity to acquire, develop, operate, and maintain new regional open space lands and facilities compared to available financing. 22 Open Space Master Pan Cit of San Juan Capistrano September 2010 DRAFT Action: • Annually update the 7 -Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). • Annually review the operation and maintenance financing requirements. • Coordinate with the Public Works Department on the acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of open space and/or open space improvements. Implementation Schedule: Ongoing Responsible Departments: • Public Works Department • Community Services Department Source of Funds. • User Fees • Concession income • Grant Revenues • General Fund • Developer Endowments • Gifts • Bonds (State or Local) • Certificates of Participation • Taxes 23