Page 100 - parks-master-plan

101

There has been some discussion of pursing the idea of instituting impact fees on new

residential development as an additional means of funding park development. Impact fees by design would be proportional to the actual effect created by the new development. The fee would be a one-time assessment and would be used to fund new or expanded park

developments. Currently, information related to capital investment in existing City parks is being compiled and will be presented to City Council for review and consideration of impact fees.

At the time that a public land mass is slated for development staff solicits input into the design process. Public involvement in the design development process of Dublin parks is essential in providing the type and character of public lands that best serve residents. Main user groups, such as residents within a subdivision in which a neighborhood park is being developed, provide the necessary input to assure that the park design conforms to the needs.

While it is essential that main user groups have significant input into design, the overall needs of the community as a whole must be always taken into consideration. A vocal minority can sway decisions to a point of causing inappropriate designs to be implemented.

The Division of Recreation Services has not played a measurable role in park design in recent years. This may have caused missed opportunities for designs that could have provided additional recreational amenities. Park designs that allow for organized activities, such as summer camps, provide greater flexibility in meeting the rising demands due to population increases and popularity of recreation programming.

Typically, park developments are zoned as planned unit developments (PUD) and must be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z). One exception is public properties that lie within Dublin’s historic district, which are reviewed by the Architectural Review Board (ARB). Staff incorporates the conditions into the final construction documents before letting the plans for quoting or bidding.

A similar process is followed when the City partners with other agencies and entities on a development project. Staff typically meets with the partners throughout the process for review and input. When the City assumes the lead roll in a partnership project, staff coordinates public input, case review and construction observation on behalf of the partnership.

At times developers of residential

neighborhoods have wanted to construct the