I. GOAL: The Recreation Plan will serve as a basis for planning and development of parks and recreation facilities and programs.

A. POLICY- The recreation plan will serve as a 7 year plan of development from June 21, 1989 to June 20, 1996, and will provide guidelines for park planning. This plan ill update and replace the recreation component of the "Optimum Land Use Plan for Power County and American Falls".

IMPLEMENTATION: (objectives)

1. The plan will project community growth trends.

2. Set standards based on the "National Recreation and Parks Minimum Standards Guidelines" and the "Idaho Parks and Recreation assault and Area Minimum Standards Guidelines for-Local Communities".

3. Identify levels of service area (neighborhood, community, district, region, etc..).

4. Inventory existing facilities to identify voids in service and facilities.

5. Project growth trends to identify future needs for facilities and recreation programs.

6. Establish policies for meeting needs based on population and vulnerability of the land, etc.

7. Establish priorities for determining annual capital improvements budget.

II, GOAL: The American Falls Parks and Recreation department is charged with the responsibility of providing wholesome recreation and leisure time programs and facilities to meet the needs of the citizens of American Falls and the surrounding rural areas.

A. POLICY: Expand and further develop our existing facilities and develop new facilities for recreation use by the citizens of American Falls and the surrounding rural areas.

IMPLEMENTATION: (objectives)

1. Continue the Parks and Recreation Committee's functions of overseeing operations, assessing needs and making recommendations to the City Council.

2. Continue user fees to offset program costs and to maintain and upgrade facilities.

3. Develop the 23.4 acre property bordering Lee Street and the Highway 39 by-pass, which is dedicated for parks) as the need and financial resources dictate. Site plans and design specifications are on file at City Hall.

4. Develop a parking lot for Vard Meadows Park and eliminate the makeshift softball field as soon as possible after Lee St. Park is developed and is ready for recreational activities.

5. Continue to upgrade and replace worn out and antiquated playground equipment at City Park and Vard Meadows.

6. Utilize the market analysis plan for the Willow Bay" Recreation Area and continue to promote amusement park activities, water based recreational opportunities and camping. Continue also to pursue long range goals for site development as indicated on the land use plan for the Willow Bay Recreation Area. (formerly the American Falls Marina).

7. Coordinate pith Bureau of Reclamation, state parks, the Power County Waterways Committee, Power County and other federal, state, and local agencies for the construction of the second breakwater, as indicated on the land use plan for the Willow Bay Recreation Area.

8. Work toward establishing a recreation district within the boundaries of school district #381.

9. Continue long range planning for recreational facilities and services available for use by the public, including but not limited to, swimming, softball, soccer, baseball (expanded through high school ages), skating, tennis, golf, volleyball, gymnastics, martial arts, windsurfing, sailing, boating, fishing, trap shooting, track and field events rodeo and horseback riding.

10. Participate in public hearings for future recreation development on public lands.

11. Complete resurfacing of tennis courts. Completed Oct 1989.

12. Continue the replacement and automation of the golf course irrigation system and reforestation of the golf course.

B. POLICY: Protect existing and promote new open spaces for public recreation.

IMPLEMENTATION: (objectives)

1. Inventory, identify park voids, and work toward designating and reserving such areas for future public recreation according to Section III Land Acquisition, and Section IV Park Development Guidelines.

2. Participate in public meetings concerning the conversion of existing parks and open space areas, as well as creation of new open space areas for future public recreation.

3. Utilize the "National Recreation and Parks Association Minimum Standards Guidelines" as well as the "Idaho Parks and Recreation Facility and Area Minimum Standards Guidelines for Local Communities" to help insure future development and redevelopment of existing open space areas will meet design criteria to provide quality recreational facilities and open space areas to meet the needs of the recreational users.

4. Work towards completion of a bike path from the proposed Lee St. Park development to the beach at the Willow Bay Recreation Area. Currently under construction and scheduled for completion by August 1, 1992.

C. POLICY: Promote recreation and leisure services f6r the citizens of American Falls and the surrounding rural communities.

IMPLEMENTATION: (objectives)

1. Continue the adult community education programs provided in conjunction with Idaho State University, School District #381 and the Parks and Recreation department.

2. Continue to work with youth baseball and softball, adult softball, the men's and lady's golf associations, men's basketball league, social, service, sports and other public-spirited organizations to promote quality recreational and educational opportunities for the residents of American Falls and the surrounding rural communities.

3. Work toward the development of a comprehensive tennis program.

D. POLICY: Limitations

1. Work within budgetary constraints and allocated tax dollars.

2. Seek various federal, state, and private grants, foundations and endowments to supplement the allocated tax dollars.

3. All acquisition and development projects are to be determined for the year and submitted for budget approval by the City Council.

 

Table A-1 - Recreation Facilities Demand and Supply in American Falls

American Falls 1990 Population - 3,757

III, LAND ACQUISITION PROCEDURE:

A. Park Void Identified in Master Plan

B. Available space determined- via aerial photos,maps, site inspection

C. Site Evaluated for: Size Character Access

1. Size
2. Character
3. Access
4. Utilities
5. Topography etc. suited to proposed facilities
6. Soils
7. Climate
8. Proximity to users, adjacent homeowners, etc.
9. Zoning, land use controls
10. Appraisal
11. Surrounding features and uses (existing and future)
12. Vegetation
13. Etc.

D. Best site selected and approved by necessary agencies

E. Applications for federal funds filed if appropriate.

IV, PARK DEVELOPMENT:

A. Master plan identifies priorities for development submitted in budget, establish formula for facilities for a given service area

B. Public meeting to find wants, concerns of public

C. Preliminary Master Plan based on:

1. Coordination with other agencies for base information special requirements, joint facilities, etc.

a. Flood control

h. Surveyors (city and county)

c. Utility companies

d. Consultants

e. Model cities

f. City and county planning and zoning

g. Recreation committee

h. City council

i. County commission

j. School district

k. Others for special information: Historical Society, Soil Conservation Service,Fish & Wildlife, Corps of Engineers, etc.

2. Site Analysis

a. Geological: stability of indigenous formations, properties of disturbed or filled areas, soil characteristics (testing if necessary) b. Geographical: aerial and ground photos, water bodies -- high and low water elevations, water table

c. Climatology: frost pockets, temperature, humidity, precipitation, sun diagram, prevailing winds, microclimates, smog, odors, etc.

d. Utilities (proposed and existing): water, culinary, irrigation, sanitary sewer, drainage, storm drains, gas, electrical (overhead and buried), telephone (overhead and buried)

e. Topography and surface drainage: undrained and swampy areas, spot elevations, benchmarks

f. Vegetation: size and character, age and condition

g. Structures: walks, drives, buildings, foundations,, fences, etc.

h. Historical features and or significance

i. Physical: property access, property lines and description, on-site views (good or bad), off-site views (good or bad), identify views to be screened, zoning ordinances and restrictions, rights-of- way, setbacks, north orientation

3. Design Analysis

a. Identify and list all proposed uses and functions with any special requirements, space needs, etc.

b. Analyze uses to determine their primary function, circulation, service, and how they relate to one another

c. Schematic diagram to show relationships and interfunctioning uses

4. Design Synthesis

a. Superimpose schematic diagram on site analysis sheet to arrive at design.(achieved by reversal, rotation, shifting,warping, stretching, elevation etc. of schematic drawings)

b. Recreation committee approval

c. Public meeting for citizen input and approval

d. city planning and zoning approval

e. Other involved agencies

f. City council approval

g. Master Plan finalized and resubmitted to any of the above

h. Apply for federal funds if possible

i. Make sure funds have been budgeted for project and actual amount

j. Prepare contract documents

k. Working drawings: site design, layout, grading and surface drainage, sprinkling, utilities, on-site parking, walks, curbs and gutters, game areas and plantings

1. Consultants: surveyors - curb and gutter, sidewalks, boundaries, architects buildings, restrooms, pavilions, etc., engineers - water and sewer, electrical, etc., sprinkling system, specifications, bidding documents, instructions to bidders, bidding schedule, bonding agreement m. Approval of contract documents, drawing and specifications by planning and zoning and city council, bidding documents by city council

m. Contract bidding, by city council

n. Award of contracts by city council

o. Preconstruction meeting with city council, contractors, consultants, committee chairman etc.

p. Notice to proceed from city council

q. Inspection of construction

r. Final approval and acceptance

s. Parks and recreation director applies for matching grant funds from granting agencies, if applicable.

[return to Master Plan Process]

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